|
| |
 |
  |
8 ìàð 2020
DARK FOREST Return In April With Oak, Ash & Thorn Album; New Single Streaming
 Venerable British true metallers Dark Forest return with nine songs of epic metal heroics and monumental storytelling on Oak, Ash & Thorn. The album will be released on CD, Vinyl, and Digital formats April 24 on Cruz Del Sur Music. New song "The Midnight Folk" is streaming below. Preorders available on Bandcamp.
With their first studio offering in four years, Dark Forest marries traditional metal glory with tales from the heart of England’s long and storied past.
Dark Forest founding member, guitarist and songwriter Christian Horton was halfway through the creation of the band’s fifth studio album when he came across a copy of Rudyard Kipling’s 1906 fantasy, Puck of Pook’s Hill. The book is a powerful depiction of England’s history, told through the lens of the people who have helped shape the country through the ages. The book’s crucial element of magic and folklore made an instant connection with Horton — Dark Forest has long delved into such topics, and the leaves of the three sacred trees of England, Oak, Ash & Thorn, made it the ideal choice for the album’s title. The album, perhaps more so than any other Dark Forest studio effort, properly expresses the band’s deep connection to the past, as well as the theme of the perpetual outsider, reflecting the course the band has charted since their 2002 formation.
Recorded in August 2019 at Hellfire Studios near Burton Upon Trent, Oak, Ash & Thorn is Dark Forest’s most concise and solid offering to date, all without sacrificing the inherently epic nature of their songs. The band’s trademark flank of guitar melodies carries forth with renewed spirit and vigor, while vocalist Josh Winnard confidently sings emotive, passionate choruses capable of rousing the hearts of all who listen.
The album’s creation was labor-intensive — the members of Dark Forest (who is rounded out by second guitarist Patrick Jenkins and drummer Adam Sidaway) tackled the recording between two separate sessions, sometimes working 14-hour days where it wasn’t uncommon for the band to burn the creative midnight oil, only to start all over again the next day. And for the second consecutive album, Dark Forest teamed with legendary artist Duncan Storr for the album’s cover. The original idea for Oak, Ash & Thorn’s cover was to be focused on the idea of the hollow hill and the traditional dwelling places of the fairies, but after Horton shared the themes of Puck of Pook’s Hill with Storr, the cover reflected three main spirits reflecting three distinct eras of England’s history.
While this is the longest stretch between studio albums for Dark Forest, the amount of time and effort put into Oak, Ash & Thorn is undeniable — it is an undoubtedly robust and captivating listen from beginning to end, filled with tales from the heart of England’s long and storied history.
Tracklisting:
“Ælfscýne”
“Wayfarer’s Eve”
“The Midnight Folk”
“Relics”
“Avalon Rising”
“Oak, Ash, & Thorn”
“The Woodlander”
“Eadric’s Return”
“Heart Of The Rose”
“The Midnight Folk”:
(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();  | 0 |  |
|  |
8 ìàð 2020
PRIMORDIAL – Metal Blade To Reissue Imrama, A Journey’s End Albums On Vinyl
 Out of print for a while, two classic Primordial albums will be reissued on vinyl on April 10 1995's Imrama and 1998's A Journey's End.
Primordial vocalist A.A. Nemtheanga commentsed as follows: "We are happy to present a repress of our first two albums in their original and intended form on vinyl! Just the way they were intended, they will also be available throughout the Heathen Crusade tour we are doing in April. See you on the road!"
Reissue formats:
Imrama LP
--180g black vinyl
-- white/purple marbled vinyl (limited to 300 copies)
-- translucent violet vinyl (limited to 200 copies)
-- violet black & white splatter vinyl (MB Shop exclusive, limited to 100 copies)
A Journey's End
--180g black vinyl
-- auburn marbled vinyl (limited to 300 copies)
-- golden vinyl (limited to 200 copies)
-- orange black splatter vinyl (MB Shop exclusive, limited to 100 copies)
Preorders available here.
Primordial continue to promote their highly acclaimed latest studio album, Exile Amongst The Ruins, which was released worldwide via Metal Blade Records in 2018. The band will therefore be embarking on a next, third leg of the Heathen Crusade across Europe in April and have furthermore confirmed various international festival appearances for this year.
Dates:
April
18 – Bomal, Belgium – Durbuy Rock Festival
19 – Paris, France – La Machine du Moulin Rouge
20 – Pratteln, Switzerland – Z7
21 – Mannheim, Germany – MS Connexion Complex
22 – Berlin, Germany – Lido
23 – Bremen, Germany – Modernes
24 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Pumpehuset
25 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Valand
26 – Stockholm, Sweden – Slaktyrkan
(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})(); | 0 | |
| |
8 ìàð 2020
METALLICA - Watch "One" HQ Performance Video From Madrid
 Metallica have released this new "One" performance video, filmed at WiZink Center in Madrid, Spain on February 3, 2018.
Watch "Leper Messiah" from the same show:
Metallica's next performance is the sold out April 15 date at Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Chile. Find the band's tour itinerary here.
Metallica introduce The Metallica Vinyl Club with the following message...
"As huge music fans ourselves, it’s been super exciting to see the resurgence of vinyl and how much enjoyment we all get collecting, exploring and connecting with other fans mining for lost treasures. Those of us who love the look, feel and sonic warmth of vinyl are sorta in our little exclusive club, so with that in mind we thought it would be fun to start adding to our collections on a regular basis.
"The 2020 Vinyl Club Subscription will bring you rare cuts, demos & rough mixes, and live rarities; who knows what we’ll dig up! Obviously they’ll all be cuts that have never been released on vinyl before.
"Sign up before Tuesday, March 31st to be part of the inaugural club!"
Subscription Contains:
- Four vinyl records including rare cuts, demos & rough mixes, and live rarities; who knows what we’ll dig up!
- 33 ⅓ rpm (small hole) 7” vinyl
- Digital Download Card
- Personalized Membership Card
- Select releases (not all four) throughout the year will include additional collectibles; this could be anything from exclusive stickers to picks, or even posters
Join the club here.
(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();
| +2 | |
| |
![=]](/img/news-bord-shr.gif) |
|
  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 ìàð 2020
Double Talkin' Jive - Autobiography Of Former GUNS N' ROSES / VELVET REVOLVER Drummer MATT SORUM Pushed Back To July
 Drummer Matt Sorum was originally scheduled to release his autobiography, Double Talkin' Jive: True Rock 'N' Roll Stories From The Drummer Of Guns N' Roses, The Cult, And Velvet Revolver, on April 7th, 2020 via Chicago Review Press. That date has now been pushed back three months to July 7th, 2020. The official book description reads as follows:
Cocaine smuggling, shoot-outs, and never-ending decadent parties: Matt Sorum's 'Double Talkin' Jive' could almost be described as the autobiographical equivalent of the film, Blow. But rather than becoming a premier drug smugglers, Matt Sorum becomes a world-famous drummer in Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver and The Cult. Sorum drops out of high school to become a drummer, but turns to selling pot to support himself, and later smuggling large quantities of cocaine. When Sorum is given the chance to play in The Cult, he is finally able to make a living as a drummer. The very next year, Slash and Duff McKagan recruit Matt to join Guns N' Roses, and with that, Matt's life is transformed.
When Axl Rose starts turning up at the recording studio more and more sporadically, sometimes not at all, Matt recounts in keen detail how he and the band stagger toward their downfall. Matt and his Guns N' Roses bandmates Slash and Duff form Velvet Revolver with Dave Kushner and Scott Weiland. When Weiland suddenly leaves the band, Matt steps in as drummer for Motörhead during their U.S. tour, and then starts his own all-star band, Kings Of Chaos.
During his time as a professional drummer, Matt battles alcohol and coke addictions, but meeting his girlfriend, Ace Harper, helps him manage to go clean. Matt Sorum's autobiography, written with writer duo Leif Eriksson and Martin Svensson, avoids all the usual rock biography clichés.
The book will be released in four formats - Cloth, EPUB, Mobipocket, PDF Cloth - and can be pre-ordered here.
(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})(); | 0 | |
| |
8 ìàð 2020
Watch STAIND's AARON LEWIS Perform Acoustic Cover Of SKID ROW's 'I Remember You'
 STAIND frontman Aaron Lewis performed an acoustic cover version of the SKID ROW classic "I Remember You" during his February 20 solo concert at Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading, Pennsylvania. Fan-filmed video footage of his rendition can be seen below.
Lewis first dipped his toes into country music with his 2011 EP, "Town Line". His second full-length album, "Sinner", arrived in the fall of 2016 and was followed by a stand-alone single, "Folded Flag".
Lewis released his third full-length country album, "State I'm In", in April 2019 via Big Machine imprint Valory Music.
STAIND played its first full live show in five years last September at the Louder Than Life music festival in Louisville, Kentucky.
STAIND will support DISTUBED on "The Sickness 20th Anniversary Tour" throughout North America this summer. The amphitheater trek will run from mid-July through mid-September, with stops in such cities as Tampa, Toronto, Cincinnati, Phoenix and Irvine.
Prior to Louder Than Life, the last time STAIND performed was back in August 2017 at the "Aaron Lewis And Friends" benefit concert in Northampton, Massachusetts. | +1 | |
| |
8 ìàð 2020
DISTURBED Releases Music Video For Live Version Of 'Hold On To Memories'
 DISTURBED has released the official music video for "Hold On To Memories (Live)", a live version of the band's latest single off "Evolution", which is currently Top 15 at Active Rock Radio.
Tomorrow, DISTURBED will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its debut album "The Sickness". To commemorate the two-decade mark, the band will release a special vinyl edition of the album. This limited edition of "The Sickness" will be pressed on "Black Cloud"-colored vinyl and available on July 10, a few days before the first U.S. date on the band's "The Sickness 20th Anniversary Tour".
DISTURBED singer David Draiman told Consequence Of Sound about the making of "The Sickness" album: "That was the first period of really putting our creations through that level of recording, and to finally hear those songs we had been playing on the South Side of Chicago for a couple years — to finally get the chance to spread them as a recording and use them as a marketing tool, that's what I really look back on. That was the exciting part. That first period of creation for those songs was really unique."
"The Sickness 20th Anniversary Tour" kicks off on July 15 in Maryland Heights, Missouri, hitting amphitheaters before wrapping up on September 12 in Auburn, Washington. STAIND and BAD WOLVES will serve as special guests on the tour.
In 2010, DISTURBED celebrated the tenth anniversary of the release of "The Sickness" by reissuing it with exclusive b-sides and expanded artwork, as well as a first-time-ever vinyl edition.
Released on March 7, 2000, "The Sickness" is DISTURBED's best-selling album to date, thanks to such hit singles as "Stupify", "Voices" and "Down With The Sickness".
Last September, DISTURBED's "No More" landed at position No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Songs airplay chart. The track, which was the third single from the band's 2018 album "Evolution", marked DISTURBED's seventh straight No. 1 on the chart.
Each of DISTURBED's last seven singles has reached No. 1 on Mainstream Rock Songs, a feat unmatched by any artist.
DISTURBED has a total of 10 Mainstream Rock Songs No. 1s. THREE DAYS GRACE holds the record with 15 No. 1s, followed by SHINEDOWN at 14 and VAN HALEN with 13. | +2 | |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 ìàð 2020
DRAGONFORCE Plays First Show With Drummer AQUILES PRIESTER (Video)
 DRAGONFORCE played its first show with drummer Aquiles Priester (ANGRA, TONY MACALPINE, W.A.S.P.) last night (Thursday, March 5) in Mesa, Arizona. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.
Priester is filling in for regular DRAGONFORCE drummer Gee Anzalone. who is forced to miss the band's current U.S. tour due to health issues.
Anzalone's absence from the trek was announced ion March 2 via DRAGONFORCE's social media.
The band wrote: "DRAGONFORCE are sad to announce that drummer Gee Anzalone will not be performing on the upcoming US tour. Gee has been hospitalised for Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. Virtuoso drummer Aquiles Priester will perform on the upcoming DRAGONFORCE US Tour while Gee recovers."
Guitarist Herman Li added in a statement: "We will miss our brother Gee on the upcoming U.S. tour, but health is most important. We wish Gee a speedy recovery and we know he will be back on tour with us soon. We want to thank our friend Aquiles for stepping up and helping us out on short notice."
DRAGONFORCE's U.S. tour will end on March 21 in Brooklyn, New York. Support on the trek is coming from UNLEASH THE ARCHERS and VISIONS OF ATLANTIS.
DRAGONFORCE's recent European tour marked the band's first with new bassist and backing vocalist Alicia Vigil (VIGIL OF WAR), who joined DRAGONFORCE in January.
Last August, DRAGONFORCE parted ways with longtime bassist Frédéric Leclercq. Playing bass for the group at some its shows late last year was Damien Rainaud, who produced DRAGONFORCE's eighth full-length album, "Extreme Power Metal".
"Extreme Power Metal" came out in September.
Dragonforce - Remembrance Day.
Video # 4 - Dragonforce - Remembrance Day.
Posted by Scott Thomson on Friday, March 6, 2020 | +1 | |
| |
8 ìàð 2020
TESTAMENT Performs New Song 'Children Of The Next Level' Live For First Time (Video)
 San Francisco Bay Area metallers TESTAMENT performed their new song "Children Of The Next Level" live for the first time last night (Friday, March 6) at the Kentish Town Forum in London England. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.
"Children Of The Next Level" is taken from TESTAMENT's upcoming album, "Titans Of Creation", which will be released on April 3 via Nuclear Blast. The long-awaited follow-up to 2016 album "Brotherhood Of The Snake" was produced by singer Chuck Billy and guitarist Eric Peterson while Juan Urteaga of Trident Studios handled co-producing, recording and engineering. Andy Sneap was responsible for the mixing and mastering of the album. Eliran Kantor stepped up once again to create a new masterpiece of artwork for the cover of this release.
Billy comments: "It has been months since the final mixing of 'Titans Of Creation' and we are eager for fans to hear it. We feel that we put a lot into this record and at the end of the day it is a TESTAMENT record that stands on its own. We are very proud of 'Titans Of Creation'."
In a recent interview with Heavy New York, Billy was asked if the band's new disc is a musical continuation of "Brotherhood Of The Snake". He responded: "You're always trying to top your last record, and I thought 'Brotherhood', up to that point, was a pretty strong record. This one, it definitely stands on its own — all the songs have their own identity. Eric [Peterson, guitar] somehow came up with a way to make it be TESTAMENT but feel fresh and new still TESTAMENT, so that's pretty awesome."
He continued: "It was a quicker process than the last time, but I think at the end, the mix is awesome, the songs came out awesome, and the process wasn't as painful as it was the last time. So, it's a good record. I can't wait for everybody to hear it."
Asked if he waits for music for new TESTAMENT songs to be completed first before he starts working on lyrical ideas or if he has lyrics in mind before even hearing a note of music, Chuck said: "I have some concepts before I hear music and apply 'em to what I feel when I feel the song. So usually, a lot of it, the riff is first — it's a riff; it's not even a song yet, so it's usually just a riff. And then, from there, I just kind of feel it out and just kind of find my way through it.
"On this record, we didn't get to work and do any demos, so a lot of it was a lot of riffs going into the studio with ideas and then fine-tuning it, which I think put the pressure on ourselves," he explained. "Sometimes when you're under pressure, I think you work a little harder and you give it a little more. So I think, again, us forcing ourselves in the studio — 'Let's go. We're gonna record this record now' — it paid off, 'cause the record came out great. Everybody's performance — Steve [DiGiorgio, bass] and Gene [Hoglan, drums] just killed it on this record. It's an awesome record. TESTAMENT fans, I think, are gonna dig it."
Last year, Billy told the WSOU radio station that the new TESTAMENT album would "definitely" contain "some different elements. I think Eric definitely stepped back into little of his — I don't know — maybe, MERCYFUL FATE shoes," he said. "There's a lot of MERCYFUL FATE kind of stuff. Eric does some black metal stuff. There's some blast beats, which he's kind of mixed in there, which that's not the norm for us. So it's a little different again. I think all the songs definitely have their own identity and stand on their own."
Chuck said that he is using his "melodic tone of a voice and less of a death metal voice" on the new TESTAMENT LP. "It's just kind of where the songs took it," he said. "There's a song on here that was kind of one of the last ones that came around — it's one of the slower-tempo songs. And I kind of was shying away from it 'cause the pace of the rest of the record was pretty quick, so I wasn't sure it was the right fit. But in the end, once we wrote it and finished it, it turned out to be a great song. But I'm doing some stuff on there — I've never sang a three-part harmony on a TESTAMENT song ever. And on this one, there's a situation where I tried it and did it, and it sounds really cool for the song. So it was just something different — challenging again that was different notes to use and different challenges, and I kind of dug it. And it actually was cool, and it actually made the experience on those songs, of creation, just kind of fun."
Billy went on to discuss two of the tracks that will appear on TESTAMENT's new disc, saying: "On this record, there's a song called 'Children Of The Next Level', and that's one that really came together, musically, and came together lyrically. There's another one on the record that, actually, the first time I heard the song, I kind of mimicked the vocal pattern and actually we wrote it the next day. So that was a song that was, like, 'Wow!' I got inspired and laid down the first gut feeling of what it felt like. And it ended up being a keeper, and we ended up molding it right into a killer song. And lyrically, the timing, the melody, the lyrics — everything just really kind of fell into place."
TESTAMENT has teamed up with EXODUS and DEATH ANGEL for "The Bay Strikes Back 2020" European tour. The trek kicked off on February 6 in Copenhagen, Denmark and is hitting 25 cities before concluding on March 11 in Hannover, Germany. | +3 | |
| |
8 ìàð 2020
ANTHRAX Singer JOEY BELLADONNA's JOURNEY Tribute Band Plays First Show (Video)
 ANTHRAX singer Joey Belladonna's newly launched JOURNEY tribute band, JOURNEY BEYOND, played its first concert ever last night (Friday, March 6) at The Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, Virginia. Fan-filmed video footage of the entire show can be seen below (courtesy of YouTube user "Dennis Justus").
The setlist was as follows:
01. Intro/Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
02. I'll Be Alright Without You
03. Girl Can't Help It
04. Who's Crying Now
05. Wheel In The Sky
06. Open Arms
07. Only The Young
08. Lights
09. Ask The Lonely
10. Any Way You Want It
11. Send Her My Love
12. Still They Ride
13. Be Good To Yourself
14. Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'
15. Oh Sherrie
16. Don't Stop Believin'
17. Stone In Love
18. Faithfully
Belladonna announced JOURNEY BEYOND's formation in a social media post on March 2. He wrote: "I am happy to announce the debut of JOURNEY BEYOND, a tribute to the legendary band JOURNEY. It is my pleasure to welcome my new band out of Nashville and we are very excited to hit the stage together.
"Our first show is coming up this Friday, March 6 in Hopeville [sic], VA at The Beacon Theatre. We are excited to be performing a night of JOURNEY's timeless hits and we look forward to seeing some new fans in the crowd!"
Joining Belladonna in JOURNEY BEYOND are keyboardist Doug Carter, bassist Paul Arntz, guitarist Matt Basford and drummer Justin Ward.
When he is not busy touring and recording with ANTHRAX, Belladonna has been spending time playing drums and singing for a classic-rock covers band called CHIEF BIG WAY. The upstate New York-based group, which also features Dave Mickelson on bass, Joe Precourt on guitar and John Goodwin on keyboards, plays versions of songs from JOURNEY, AC/DC, ZZ TOP, BOSTON, CHEAP TRICK, FOREIGNER, PINK FLOYD, VAN HALEN, COLLECTIVE SOUL, THE WHO, THE DOORS, SHINEDOWN and BON JOVI, among others.
In a 2005 interview with MusicDish, Belladonna was asked about the rumor that he came to the table with a JOURNEY tune during his 1985 audition for ANTHRAX. "Actually, what happened was I went into the room and they said, 'Just go on in,' and they hadn't heard me sing," he said. "They'd heard of me and they asked me to come in, but we were going in to start tracking and stuff, to get the mic set up and all that and they said, 'Let's get you in there and get you warmed up.' I hit the mic and belted out some JOURNEY… I think it was [the song] 'Lights'. I didn't know what the hell I was getting into in the first place. I just wanted to lay some vocals or something. Just to kinda give an idea and that's what happened. It wasn't really anything more than that. I just kinda belched it out. I think I did 'Oh Sherrie' [written by JOURNEY singer Steve Perry], too, or something. I dunno why, but I just did. It was something off the top of my head I could do a cappella and it was kinda challenging. I thought maybe in range or something that would be kind of intriguing. It was definitely one they weren't expecting."
ANTHRAX's 2013 EP "Anthems" EP included the band's cover version of JOURNEY's "Keep On Runnin'" alongside classics by RUSH, THIN LIZZY, AC/DC, CHEAP TRICK and BOSTON. | +3 | |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 ìàð 2020
APOCALYPTICA Teams Up With SABATON's JOAKIM BRODÉN For 'Live Or Die' Single/Video
 Finnish cello rockers APOCALYPTICA have released a brand-new track and music video, "Live Or Die", featuring guest vocals from SABATON's Joakim Brodén.
The song boasts an undeniably dynamic liaison in heavy metal — the spellbinding music of APOCALYPTICA and the potent vocals of Brodén coming together to create a fierce battle cry focused on the desecration of our planet. Released via Silver Lining Music, "Live Or Die" was composed by APOCALYPTICA and recorded in Finland with APOCALYPTICA and Martin Hansen (SCORPIONS) producing. The video, directed by Ville Juurikkala and filmed in Berlin, is a fiery performance piece that features Brodén on vocals.
APOCALYPTICA and SABATON have a new but notable history of collaboration. Most recently, the two bands recorded a version of the 2010 SABATON track "Angels Calling", released in November 2019, with a companion music video. In addition, APOCALYPTICA was special guest on SABATON's just-concluded, critically acclaimed 15-country European tour, that included APOCALYPTICA joining SABATON onstage every night for a half dozen songs. As one U.K. reviewer wrote: "The chemistry between the two bands was absolutely incredible. APOCALYPTICA were throwing around their cellos just as hard as SABATON were throwing around their guitars."
In support of their current studio album release, the all-instrumental "Cell-0", APOCALYPTICA — cellists Eicca Toppinen, Perttu Kivilaakso, Paavo Lötjönen and drummer Mikko Sirén — will kick off the first leg of their 2020 North American tour on May 3 in Orlando, Florida. The band will bring their moving and live performances to 20 cities over a three-week period wrapping up on May 26 in Boston, Massachusetts. With a setlist that will vary night to night, APOCALYPTICA's performances will be comprised of new songs from "Cell-0" as well as from the band's rich catalog. LACUNA COIL will support on all North American dates.
While Europe will enjoy one of the most engaging, exciting and "Apocalyepic" events of the year this coming autumn 2020, when the cello metal giants APOCALYPTICA unite with EPICA to entertain audiences all over the continent, from Budapest to Barcelona, on the "Epic Apocalypse Tour". The two will co-headline, showing both a refreshing camaraderie and lack of ego, and will be joined by the exciting, progressive metal band WHEEL, who will open each night with their engaging time-defying grooves and deep social exploration. | +3 | |
| |
8 ìàð 2020
IN FLAMES Releases Arcade Version Of 'I, The Mask' Album
 Swedish metallers IN FLAMES have just released an 8-Bit version of their latest album, titled "I, The Mask", via Better Noise Music to mark the LP's first anniversary.
The original 12-track album features a range of the band's signature sound starting with the first track, "Voices", setting the tone with prominent guitar riffs and loud vocals that reflect their heavy roots on singles "I, The Mask" and "I Am Above". Amassing over 21 million streams in its first year, "I The Mask" turned heads, charting at No. 1 in Sweden and Austria, and No. 2 in Germany while simultaneously topping both iTunes metal and rock charts around the world.
In other news, IN FLAMES has announced a limited-edition Jesterhead figurine, available March 20. The figurine features the band's longtime mascot and highlight of the album's artwork, the Jesterhead.
"I, The Mask" reunited IN FLAMES with Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson (MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, MOTÖRHEAD) who also produced 2016's "Battles". Additionally, the album was mixed by Grammy Award winner Chris Lord-Alge (CHEAP TRICK, LINKIN PARK) and mastered by Grammy-winning mastering engeneer Ted Jensen (PANTERA, EAGLES, GUNS N' ROSES).
IN FLAMES guitarist Niclas Engelin has been sitting out the band's tour dates to focus on "personal matters." Filling in for him is former MEGADETH and current ACT OF DEFIANCE guitarist Chris Broderick.
IN FLAMES recruited American drummer Tanner Wayne, best known for his work with UNDERMINDED, SCARY KIDS SCARING KIDS and CHIODOS, to sit behind the kit for the band for its 2018, 2019 and 2020 live appearances.
Wayne stepped into IN FLAMES following the departure of Joe Rickard, who played on "I, The Mask" and "Battles".
Tanner made his live debut with IN FLAMES in July 2018 in Brno, Czech Republic.
Longtime IN FLAMES drummer Daniel Svensson announced in 2015 that he was leaving the band to focus on his family life.
IN FLAMES' current lineup features American bassist Bryce Paul, who has been playing most of the shows with the group since longtime bassist Peter Iwers's November 2016 exit.
| +12 | |
| |
8 ìàð 2020
POISON's BRET MICHAELS On His Recent Skin Cancer Surgery: 'It Got A Little Scary For A Moment'
 During an appearance earlier today (Monday, March 2) on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation", POISON frontman Bret Michaels spoke about his recent surgery to have a patch of skin cancer removed. Asked if everything is "good with that," Bret responded: "At the moment, absolutely. What happened was… I'm a guy, I admit it, I like being out in the sun, I like having a great time. I usually do the right thing and spray and protect, but sometimes it's not gonna stop it. And it happened, and we thought we got it, and then when it came back, it took it to another level. It got a little scary for a moment, but all is great.
"The thing is, and I say this all the time, I'm one of those guys — I'm hands-on, I'm living it, I'm doing it, and with it just comes all the years, again, as we've talked a zillion times, about being a diabetic," he continued. "As best as you take care of your health, things are just gonna happen. You just keep on keeping on and rocking. I'm here to have another great tour and another great year."
Michaels survived one of his most difficult health years to date in 2010 when he faced an emergency appendectomy, a brain hemorrhage and heart surgery.
"I dealt with a lot of health issues during that year, and by the grace of God and a lot of hard work and therapy, I'm still on the good side of the dirt and having a good time," he told People in December.
The 56-year-old rocker, who is a father to two daughters, is a lifelong Type 1 juvenile diabetic who continues to raise funds and awareness for not only diabetic causes, but St. Jude Children's Hospital, PetSmart charities and more.
This summer, POISON will embark on "The Stadium Tour" with MÖTLEY CRÜE, DEF LEPPARD and JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS.
| +1 | |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 ìàð 2020
BURNING WITCHES Release Music Video For 'Six Feet Underground'
 Swiss heavy metal band BURNING WITCHES has released the official music video for the song "Six Feet Underground". The track is taken from the group's third studio album, "Dance With The Devil", which was released on March 6 via Nuclear Blast.
BURNING WITCHES state: "'Six Feet Underground' was the last song we wrote for the new album and it came together just a week before we entered the studio. It's very melodic and catchy — if you hear it, you can't help but sing along!"
"Dance With The Devil" was recorded at Little Creek Studio and produced once again by V.O. Pulver and German thrash titan Schmier (DESTRUCTION). The magnificent cover artwork was created by Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák (BLIND GUARDIAN, TWILIGHT ORCHESTRA, ACCEPT, POWERWOLF, STRATOVARIUS) and DESTRUCTION guitarist Damir Eskic.
"Dance With The Devil" track listing:
01. The Incantation
02. Lucid Nightmare
03. Dance With The Devil
04. Wings Of Steel
05. Six Feet Underground
06. Black Magic
07. Sea Of Lies
08. The Sisters Of Fate
09. Necronomicon
10. The Final Fight
11. Threefold Return
12. Battle Hymn (feat. Ross The Boss and Michael Lepond)
Bonus CD (digipack only)
01. Mansion In Darkness (also available on the 2LP version)
02. Black Magic (acoustic) (also available on the 2LP version)
03. Executed (live)
04. Open Your Mind (live)
05. Hexenhammer (live)
This past December, BURNING WITCHES released an EP, "Wings Of Steel", featuring the brand new title track alongside three songs that were recorded during the band's appearance at last year's Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany. The EP was made available on black and colored vinyl.
BURNING WITCHES' first live performance with new singer Laura Guldemond took place in June 2019 at the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden.
The vocalist of the Dutch symphonic metal band SHADOWRISE, Guldemond was recruited by BURNING WITCHES following the departure of Seraina Telli.
In a statement, Seraina said that she was leaving BURNING WITCHES "for personal reasons," vowing to "fully dedicate" herself to her band DEAD VENUS.
Formed in 2015, BURNING WITCHES has released two full-length studio albums, 2017's "Burning Witches" and 2018's "Hexenhammer". | +2 | |
| |
8 ìàð 2020
ACHERONTAS Release New Single "The Offering Of Hemlock"; Lyric Video Streaming
 Greek occult black metallers with retro rock influences, Acherontas, have released the first single, "The Offering Of Hemlock", from their eighth studio album, Psychic Death - The Shattering Of Perceptions. The album is slated for an April 24 release via Agonia Records. Pre-order the album in various formats here, and watch a lyric video for the single below.
Mysticism, magic, occult arts and rituals, all of which are driving factors behind Acherontas, are also the most adequate words that can be used to describe the band's image, sound and lyrics. The band is considered as one of the leading representatives of the New Wave of Greek Black Metal, heavily influenced by the original Hellenic metal scene, retro rock (especially the 70's rock) and eastern philosophy.
Acherontas was brought to life in 1996 by V.Priest and was ever since true to its internal tenets and traditions, which deemed the band as a "Magical Coven, dedicated to the Ancient Summerian Mysteries of Drakonian Blood". According to the band, "many traditions embracee these ancient sources as footprints and take form in our Void as Astral Vampirism, Hermeticism, Kabbalah, Dream Workings and Luciferian Magic". V. Priest continues, "true sorcery is not an art, it's science... in order to dare, we must know; in order to will, we must dare. We must will to possess empire and to reign we must be silent. We are real to those with eyes to see.”
Psychic Death - The Shattering Of Perceptions was recorded in Grecce, Germany and UK, at the band's own studios (the "Coven’s Corridors of Wilderness"). The album was produced, mixed and mastered at Pentagram Studio by George Emmanuel (Lucifer's Child, ex-Rotting Christ). Cover artwork was prepared by Chris Undirheimar of Blood and Fire Ritual Art studio.
Acherontas commented on the new album: "Two years after the release of Faustian Ethos the coven of Acherontas returns with a monumental album, delivering the most mature, potent and diverse offering throughout a vibrant discography of 23 years up to date, fulfilling the promises left abound with closure of the triptych Psychic Death. The shattering of Perceptions and the unfolding of the Psyche. A manifest of sound, spirit and matter, blending across the ancient routes of divination. Across all the cardinal directions, the core elements of the Psychic structure detonate and flourish, risen and aflame as a newborn supernova, embedding axioms and attributes on the vital points of existence, on the ethers as in the depths. The uncharted map of man’s subtle anatomy becomes flooded with the governing universal force of Vitae, the arrows of Life, the nectars of Death and the flames of Rebirth. The crystal halls of the Psyche reverberate, once more, with a monumental milestone to glorify the Ascension to Godhood, the Devil and the Inner Demon. Expect a fierce return deep into the roots of the 90s that we had grown up and evolved through the Black Arts... No more words... Actions define Men and the Brave Spirits".
On top of that, Agonia Records label manager commented: "It's definitely a milestone album in Acherontas' career."
Tracklisting:
"Paradigms Of Nyx"
"Κiss The Blood"
"The Brazen Experimentalist"
"Psychic Death (The Shattering Of Perceptions)"
"Coiled Splendor"
"The Offering of Hemlock"
"Sermons Of The Psyche"
"Μαγεια των καθρεφτων (Magick Of Mirrors)"
"The Offering Of Hemlock" lyric video:
Trailer:
Lineup:
Acherontas V.Priest - vocals, guitars
Saevus H. - guitars
Hierophant - bass
Indra - guitars
Dothur - drums
(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})(); | +1 | |
| |
6 ìàð 2020
NIGHTWISH: Lyric Video For New Single 'Harvest'
 Finnish/British/Dutch symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH have released the official lyric video for "Harvest", the second single from their forthcoming ninth studio album, "Human. :II: Nature." . Due on April 10 via Nuclear Blast, the long-awaited follow-up to 2015's "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" will be a double album containing nine tracks on the main CD and one long track, divided into eight chapters on CD 2.
Speaking to Germany's Rock Bottom, NIGHTWISH keyboardist and main songwriter Tuomas Holopainen said about "Human. :II: Nature.": "The original idea was not to do a double album. We thought we can fit all the material on one album, but since a CD only takes about 78 minutes of material and the album is 83 minutes long, or something like that, we had to split it into two discs. Which ended up being a brilliant decision, because now it even makes more sense when you think about the dynamics of the album. It's 'Human. :II: Nature.'. And the first nine songs are all about humans telling stories about humanity, human nature, about other humans, with a human voice. Then, after that, you flip the disc and go into the nature for half an hour for some instrumental escapism. So that's the 'nature' part of the album."
Asked if "Human. :II: Nature." is a concept album, Tuomas said: "I wouldn't use the term 'concept album,' but there is a little theme that's running through all the songs, so in a way, it is a thematic album. At some point through the songwriting process, I realized that the word 'human' appears in all the songs, and these are all somehow connected. Then I kind of realized that, 'Okay, this song is about the power of human imagination,' 'This song is about the power of human empathy,' 'This song is all about music descending on mankind,' 'This song is about human versus technology.' So, 'Okay, let's call this album 'Human'.' But that doesn't sound quite right, so the last song, it's all about the beauty of planet Earth. The last song is kind of like NIGHTWISH's love letter to planet Earth. So that's nature — human nature. That's how we came up with the title of the album."
"Human. :II: Nature." was recorded from August to October 2019 at Röskö campsite, Petrax Studios and Troykington castle, as well as Finnvox Studios, by Tero Kinnunen, Mikko Karmila and Troy Donockley. The mixing was done by Mikko Karmila at Finnvox, with Tuomas Holopainen and Tero Kinnunen. Mastering was done by Mika Jussila at Finnvox.
The track listing is as follows:
Disc 1:
01. Music
02. Noise
03. Shoemaker
04. Harvest
05. Pan
06. How's The Heart?
07. Procession
08. Tribal
09. Endlessness
Disc 2:
01. All The Works Of Nature Which Adorn The World - Vista
02. All The Works Of Nature Which Adorn The World - The Blue
03. All The Works Of Nature Which Adorn The World - The Green
04. All The Works Of Nature Which Adorn The World - Moors
05. All The Works Of Nature Which Adorn The World - Aurorae
06. All The Works Of Nature Which Adorn The World - Quiet As The Snow
07. All The Works Of Nature Which Adorn The World - Anthropocene (incl. "Hurrian Hymn To Nikkal")
08. All The Works Of Nature Which Adorn The World - Ad Astra
NIGHTWISH frontwoman Floor Jansen recently told FaceCulture that she was "very, very happy" with how the new disc turned out. "Already with the first notes, I [was, like], 'Oh, yeah. There we go,'" she said. "It's as much NIGHTWISH thing you might expect from us as, 'Wow! What's this now? What's happening?'"
She continued: "I can't really say too much about it, because there are a couple of things that are the same, a couple of things that are different. But all I can say is I'm very happy with it and I'm very excited about it. And I think people that already knew NIGHTWISH will really enjoy this."
NIGHTWISH's new album will mark the band's second full-length effort with the Dutch singer, who has been touring with the group since 2012.
NIGHTWISH's latest release was the "Decades: Live In Buenos Aires" set, which came out on December 6 as a Blu-ray digibook, 2CD digipak, Blu-ray+2CD earbook and 3LP via Nuclear Blast. The effort was recorded on September 30, 2018 at Estadio Malvinas in Buenos Aires, Argentina during the "Decades" tour in support of the band's compilation album of the same name.
| +12 | |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 ìàð 2020
TOOL Fan Who Tested Positive For Coronavirus Attended Band's Concert In Auckland
 According to the New Zealand Herald, a man infected with coronavirus attended the TOOL concert in Auckland on February 28. He may have been infectious at the time. He was in the general admission standing area in the front left-hand quadrant at Spark Arena.
The man, the partner of the woman announced as positive on Wednesday, has been in self-isolation since yesterday. The couple returned from northern Italy last week.
Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield told media: "We encourage all people in the area of the concert to be aware of the symptoms and contact the Healthline if concerned. The advice is that the risk is very low for all others who attended this concert.
"There was no way of tracking the people who were in that area of the concert. They are classed as causal contacts and the advice to them is to call Healthline if they have any symptoms."
As of Thursday, more than 97,800 people have been infected with coronavirus worldwide, with at least 3,300 deaths. In the United States, there are around 200 confirmed cases.
According to the Centers For Disease Control And Protection (CDC), coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person — between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet), and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
The agency is recommending that people avoid "close contact" with anyone showing flu-like symptoms.
As the disease officially called COVID-19 continues to spread, concert organizers have been canceling or postponing events across the globe.
Preliminary estimates suggest that the death rate associated with COVID-19 is between one and two percent, which is higher than the average death rate associated with seasonal flu strains, at around 0.1 percent.
| 0 | |
| |
6 ìàð 2020
Listen To New TESTAMENT Song 'Children Of The Next Level'
"Children Of The Next Level", a brand new song from San Francisco Bay Area metallers TESTAMENT, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Titans Of Creation", which will be released on April 3 via Nuclear Blast. The long-awaited follow-up to 2016 album "Brotherhood Of The Snake" was produced by singer Chuck Billy and guitarist Eric Peterson while Juan Urteaga of Trident Studios handled co-producing, recording and engineering. Andy Sneap was responsible for the mixing and mastering of the album. Eliran Kantor stepped up once again to create a new masterpiece of artwork for the cover of this release.
Billy comments: "It has been months since the final mixing of 'Titans Of Creation' and we are eager for fans to hear it. We feel that we put a lot into this record and at the end of the day it is a TESTAMENT record that stands on its own. We are very proud of 'Titans Of Creation'."
"Titans Of Creation" track listing:
01. Children Of The Next Level
02. WWII
03. Dream Deceiver
04. Night Of The Witch
05. City Of Angels
06. Ishtars Gate
07. Symptoms
08. False Prophet
09. The Healers
10. Code Of Hammurabi
11. Curse Of Osiris
12. Catacombs
In a recent interview with Heavy New York, Billy was asked if the band's new disc is a musical continuation of "Brotherhood Of The Snake". He responded: "You're always trying to top your last record, and I thought 'Brotherhood', up to that point, was a pretty strong record. This one, it definitely stands on its own — all the songs have their own identity. Eric [Peterson, guitar] somehow came up with a way to make it be TESTAMENT but feel fresh and new still TESTAMENT, so that's pretty awesome."
He continued: "It was a quicker process than the last time, but I think at the end, the mix is awesome, the songs came out awesome, and the process wasn't as painful as it was the last time. So, it's a good record. I can't wait for everybody to hear it."
Asked if he waits for music for new TESTAMENT songs to be completed first before he starts working on lyrical ideas or if he has lyrics in mind before even hearing a note of music, Chuck said: "I have some concepts before I hear music and apply 'em to what I feel when I feel the song. So usually, a lot of it, the riff is first — it's a riff; it's not even a song yet, so it's usually just a riff. And then, from there, I just kind of feel it out and just kind of find my way through it.
"On this record, we didn't get to work and do any demos, so a lot of it was a lot of riffs going into the studio with ideas and then fine-tuning it, which I think put the pressure on ourselves," he explained. "Sometimes when you're under pressure, I think you work a little harder and you give it a little more. So I think, again, us forcing ourselves in the studio — 'Let's go. We're gonna record this record now' — it paid off, 'cause the record came out great. Everybody's performance — Steve [DiGiorgio, bass] and Gene [Hoglan, drums] just killed it on this record. It's an awesome record. TESTAMENT fans, I think, are gonna dig it."
Last year, Billy told the WSOU radio station that the new TESTAMENT album would "definitely" contain "some different elements. I think Eric definitely stepped back into little of his — I don't know — maybe, MERCYFUL FATE shoes," he said. "There's a lot of MERCYFUL FATE kind of stuff. Eric does some black metal stuff. There's some blast beats, which he's kind of mixed in there, which that's not the norm for us. So it's a little different again. I think all the songs definitely have their own identity and stand on their own."
Chuck said that he is using his "melodic tone of a voice and less of a death metal voice" on the new TESTAMENT LP. "It's just kind of where the songs took it," he said. "There's a song on here that was kind of one of the last ones that came around — it's one of the slower-tempo songs. And I kind of was shying away from it 'cause the pace of the rest of the record was pretty quick, so I wasn't sure it was the right fit. But in the end, once we wrote it and finished it, it turned out to be a great song. But I'm doing some stuff on there — I've never sang a three-part harmony on a TESTAMENT song ever. And on this one, there's a situation where I tried it and did it, and it sounds really cool for the song. So it was just something different — challenging again that was different notes to use and different challenges, and I kind of dug it. And it actually was cool, and it actually made the experience on those songs, of creation, just kind of fun."
Billy went on to discuss two of the tracks that will appear on TESTAMENT's new disc, saying: "On this record, there's a song called 'Children Of The Next Level', and that's one that really came together, musically, and came together lyrically. There's another one on the record that, actually, the first time I heard the song, I kind of mimicked the vocal pattern and actually we wrote it the next day. So that was a song that was, like, 'Wow!' I got inspired and laid down the first gut feeling of what it felt like. And it ended up being a keeper, and we ended up molding it right into a killer song. And lyrically, the timing, the melody, the lyrics — everything just really kind of fell into place."
TESTAMENT has teamed up with EXODUS and DEATH ANGEL for "The Bay Strikes Back 2020" European tour. The trek kicked off on February 6 in Copenhagen, Denmark and is hitting 25 cities before concluding on March 11 in Hannover, Germany.
| +22 | |
| |
6 ìàð 2020
CONCEPTION Feat. Ex-KAMELOT Singer ROY KHAN: 'Waywardly Broken' Lyric Video
 The official lyric video for "Waywardly Broken", the new single from reactivated Norwegian progressive metallers CONCEPTION, who feature in their ranks former KAMELOT singer Roy Khan, is available below. The song is taken from CONCEPTION's upcoming album, "State Of Deception". Due on April 3, the band's first full-length offering in over two decades follows on from 2018's successful EP "My Dark Symphony", and will once again be released via CONCEPTION's own Conception Sound Factory label. A full European tour will take place later in the year.
"State Of Deception" follows a 20-year interval during which bandmembers Khan, Tore Østby, Ingar Amlien and Arve Heimdal remained friends throughout, and the album release marks a full-circle evolution of the band.
Khan says: "The reception we've had from fans made recording a new album almost inevitable; they'd have rioted if we didn't get this out. But we're mightily proud of what we have put together here; I actually think it's the best thing I've ever been involved in. We can't wait to share it with everyone."
Reflecting CONCEPTION's desire for an entirely direct relationship with its fans, the album is wholly fan-funded. Moreover, "State Of Deception" was wholly produced by the bandmembers themselves, with mixing duties handled by Stefan Glaumann (RAMMSTEIN, WITHIN TEMPTATION, EUROPE). The nine-song effort perfectly captures the band's trademark breadth of progressive sound, from symphonic melodrama to rock riff utopia, and features a guest appearance by AMARANTHE vocalist Elize Ryd.
Guitarist Tore Østby explains: "Producing this new album has been an emotional and exciting process, digging deeper into the heart and soul of the band than ever before. The result is dynamic and intense, it really feels like we managed to capture the state of CONCEPTION 2020.
"We've always said that we have a need to do what we feel is right for our music. We couldn't limit the musical scope of CONCEPTION even if we wanted to.'
"If we didn't think we were capable of surpassing our previous work, we wouldn't be here. We're super proud of every single track on this album."
"State Of Deception" track listing:
01. In Deception
02. Of Raven And Pigs
03. Waywardly Broken
04. No Rewind
05. The Mansion (featuring Elize Ryd)
06. By The Blues
07. Anybody Out There
08. She Dragoon
09. Feather Moves (remastered)
Regarding the decision to release the new album through CONCEPTION's own label, Khan says: "We've worked with record companies in the past, and by definition, the artist sits at arms length from their fanbase. We felt that was an unacceptable compromise."
"For an artist to see the reaction from a fan the first time they hear a new song is an extraordinarily powerful experience," offers Østby. "Whatever happens, these are shared encounters that will never leave us, band member or fan alike."
"State Of Deception" is both a definitive album release statement, as it is also a career milestone, recognizing a lyrical depth that acknowledges the current social climate.
Says Khan: "The lyrics of the album revolve around human error and betrayal, hence the album title, but also touch upon everything from people's facade to climate change, religion and politics."
| +8 | |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 ìàð 2020
...AND OCEANS Streaming New Single "Vigilance And Atrophy"
 Symphonic black metal formation, ...And Oceans, will release Cosmic World Mother on May 8 via Season of Mist. This is the band's first album in nearly 18 years. Pre-order the album here, and listen to single, "Vigilance And Atrophy", below.
Vocalist Mathias comments: "'Vigilance And Atrophy' shows the melodic side of ...And Oceans. A song laden with guitar melodies and draped in spacious synths, it introduces you to the more epic soundscapes of Cosmic World Mother. While being a pretty up-beat song, the words were written during one of the darkest times in my life, in a place somewhere in between, in an insomnia fueled trance like state."
The cover artwork for Cosmic World Mother was created by Adrien Bousson.
Tracklisting:
"The Dissolution Of Mind And Matter"
"Vigilance And Atrophy"
"Five Of Swords"
"As The After Becomes The Before"
"Cosmic World Mother"
"Helminthiasis"
"Oscillator Epitaph"
"In Abhorrence Upon Meadows"
"Apokatastasis"
"One Of Light, One Of Soil"
"The Flickering Lights"
"Vigilance And Atrophy":
"The Dissolution Of Mind And Matter" lyric video:
Lineup:
Timo Kontio - Guitar
Mathias Lillmåns - Vocals
Teemu Saari - Guitar
Antti Simonen - Keys
Kauko Kuusisalo - Drums
Petri Seikkula - Bass
(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();
| +4 | |
| |
6 ìàð 2020
EARTH ROT Streaming Black Tides Of Obscurity Album Ahead Of Official Release
 Australian blackened death metal outfit, Earth Rot, will release their new album, Black Tides Of Obscurity, tomorrow, Friday, March 6, via Season Of Mist. Pre-order the album here, and find an advanced album stream below.
Tracklisting:
“Dread Rebirth”
“New Horns”
“Towards A Godless Shrine”
“Unparalleled Gateways To Higher Obliteration”
“Ancestral Vengeance”
“The Cape Of Storms”
“Serpent’s Ocean”
“Mind Killer”
“Unravelling Vapour Of Sanity”
“Out In The Cold”
Album stream:
“Mind Killer” video:
“Dread Rebirth” video:
Release shows:
March
6 - Perth, Australia - The Boston
7 - Brisbane, Australia - Crowbar
8 - Melbourne, Australia - Bendigo Hotel
9 - Adelaide, Australia - Jive Bar
(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})(); | +3 | |
| |
6 ìàð 2020
Watch DAVID LEE ROTH Perform In Lincoln
 VAN HALEN singer David Lee Roth played as the support act for KISS on February 25 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. His 11-song set consisted primarily of his old band's biggest hits, plus "Just Like Paradise", which was the lead single from Roth's second solo album, 1988's "Skyscraper", as well as a couple of covers.
David's setlist was as follows:
01. You Really Got Me (The Kinks cover)
02. Beautiful Girls (VAN HALEN song)
03. Unchained (VAN HALEN song)
04. Panama (VAN HALEN song)
05. Jamie's Cryin' (VAN HALEN song)
06. Tobacco Road (John D. Loudermilk cover)
07. Runnin' With The Devil (VAN HALEN song)
08. Just Like Paradise
09. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love (VAN HALEN song)
10. Just A Gigolo / I Ain't Got Nobody (Louis Prima cover)
11. Jump (VAN HALEN song)
Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below (courtesy of YouTube user " Harry Smith").
Roth told Van Halen News Desk that his band is recreating the sound of VAN HALEN's albums and his own solo work, not VAN HALEN's live performances.
"We do not sound like VAN HALEN live," he said. "You have not heard this. VAN HALEN live is lead guitar, bass, drums, sing. Here, we bring it the way a record brings it. To do that requires two or three guitars. We have five people hollerin'. It's a big rock sound. It's not [1985's] 'Just A Gigolo'. It's not brass band. That was a quickie vacation."
Roth's "Rocks Vegas" Las Vegas residency kicked off in early January and is scheduled to play six more dates in March at the House Of Blues. Backing the 65-year-old singer are lead guitarist Al Estrada from the VAN HALEN tribute band ERUPTION, rhythm guitarist Frankie Lindri, bassist Ryan Wheeler, keyboardist Danny Wagner and drummer Mike Mussleman.
This isn't the first time David has set up shop in Sin City. Back in 1995, Roth completed a Las Vegas engagement at Bally's Hotel and Casino and another short run at MGM Grand.
VAN HALEN has been inactive since it completed its U.S. tour in October 2015 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California.
Roth recently launched Ink The Original, a skin-care line specifically made to preserve, protect, and highlight tattoos and keep them from fading. | 0 | |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 ìàð 2020
BRET MICHAELS The Voice Behind 'The Masked Singer''s BANANA? Fans Sure Think So
 POISON fans are confident that Banana, one of the contestants on Fox's smash hit "The Masked Singer", is none other than Bret Michaels.
Based on an international hit, "The Masked Singer" features celebrities facing off against one another with one major twist: each singer is shrouded from head to toe in an elaborate costume, complete with full face mask to conceal his or her identity. Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke serve on the panel and play detective, alongside host Nick Cannon.
Banana has performed three times on the hit competition singing show so far, making his debut on February 19 with his cover of the Elvis Presley signature song "A Little Less Conversation" and following it up with his rendition of the country classic "Achy Breaky Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus. For his third appearance, he sang "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers. Banana said he chose the song because his father, who was like his best friend, recently passed away. Bret's dad died last August days after suffering cardiac arrest.
Banana is one of the four remaining singers from Group B competing for the group's championship round. The final three will move on to the "Super Nine," and one singer will be going home.
With each performance, the host, panelists, audience, viewers and even the other contestants are left guessing who is singing behind the mask. The singers may attempt to throw the crowd off of their scent, while keen observers might pick up on tiny hints buried throughout the show. One singer is eliminated each week, ultimately revealing his or her true identity. It's not a "whodunit," it's a "whosungit!"
Produced by Endemol Shine North America, "The Masked Singer" was developed for the U.S. and is executive-produced by Craig Plestis ("Minute to Win It", "The Winner Is"). Izzie Pick Ibarra ("Dancing with the Stars", "Breaking Pointe") also serves as an executive producer, and Alex Rudzinski ("Dancing With The Stars", "Grease: Live") is directing. | +1 | |
| |
6 ìàð 2020
ANETTE OLZON Was 'Sad In Many Ways' About Her Split With NIGHTWISH
 Anette Olzon says that she is "sad in many ways" about her departure from NIGHTWISH, explaining that she and her former bandmates "had a nice thing going on for many years."
Olzon originally joined NIGHTWISH in 2007 and recorded two studio albums with the band before being dismissed in 2012 in the middle of the group's North American tour. She was replaced by former AFTER FOREVER singer Floor Jansen.
In a recent interview with Wayne Noon of "Rat Salad Review", Anette reflected on her time with NIGHTWISH, saying (see video below): "I don't wanna talk about how it ended, because every time I say something, their whole fanbase jumps on me, so I have to be very careful with what I say. But I was sad [about the split], because I felt we had kind of a nice thing going on for many years before it started to be a bit difficult between us. And we were also quite different how we wanted to work; I'm a Swede and they're Finns. So I'm sad in many ways, because it was fun — in the fun days. But I'm also very happy that I'm not there because of the touring schedule."
She continued: "It was very stressful for me to be away; I was almost never home. I was away six weeks, then I was home maybe one or two weeks, just unpacked my bags and then I went off for five weeks again. It's not a lifestyle I felt I wanted to continue for more than that. And actually, now I feel that I have a good life with music and a normal job, and I can decide myself what I wanna do and no one tells me what I have to do. So, I'm a free spirit more now than I was at that time."
Olzon also addressed the incessant criticism that was leveled at her for stepping into the shoes of original NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen, whose operatic vocals were far different from Anette's more pop-oriented approach.
"You don't know how people will be, but, of course, I was the one who got all the hate, and it was, of course, very hard for me to handle that situation," she admitted. "If I was the original singer, I wouldn't have all that kind of bad YouTube comments that I have. And they follow me around quite a lot. It has been better now — people have started to stop saying so many bad things. But, like I said, if I say anything in any interview, they twist and turn it. It's kind of sad that we can't be free of speech, so I'm a bit careful with what I say. But I'm happy about the years we had, and it's great that they still continue doing what they do. And if they're happy, I'm happy. And that's how it goes."
Not long after Olzon was fired from NIGHTWISH eight years ago, she claimed that an argument arose between her and NIGHTWISH when she asked for an Australian tour to be postponed during her pregnancy. Mainman Tuomas Holopainen suggested that Jansen should front the band on a temporary basis, but Olzon said no.
Anette explained in a 2014 interview: "I would have been too pregnant to go to Australia, so I wanted to push the dates back, but Tuomas didn't want that. Discussions about a substitute came up, and at first, I was, like, 'Yeah, well, okay.' But when they mentioned Floor, it was an automatic 'no' from me. I didn't think it was a good idea, because I knew what would happen — I knew the fans would love Floor, because she's a metal singer and I'm a pop singer, and I wanted to keep my job."
A year after NIGHTWISH fired Olzon, the band released a statement denying that she was dismissed because of pregnancy or illness. "We discovered her personality didn't fit this work community, and was even detrimental to it," the group said. NIGHTWISH went on to say that Anette was initially receptive to the idea of hiring a temporary replacement if she couldn't "manage everything," but that she later "took back her decision, and the difficulties really started. Fear of losing money and position seemed obvious." The band also insisted that "Anette and her company" were "paid a fifth of everything that was done during her time" with NIGHTWISH.
Since the end of her five-year stint with NIGHTWISHOlzon released a solo album, 2014's "Shine", and formed THE DARK ELEMENT with former SONATA ARCTICA guitarist Jani Liimatainen. The group's self-titled debut album was released in 2017; a follow-up, "Songs The Night Sings", came out last November.
Olzon and noted progressive metal vocalist Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X, ADRENALINE MOB) will release a collaborative album titled "Worlds Apart" on March 6 via Frontiers Music Srl. The project will be issued under the moniker ALLEN/OLZON.
| +4 | |
| |
6 ìàð 2020
JOURNEY's NEAL SCHON And JONATHAN CAIN File Lawsuit Against Dissident Band Members; Drummer STEVE SMITH And Bassist ROSS VALORY Fired
 Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain, the remaining principal members of Journey, filed a lawsuit yesterday to ensure that the band continues on its great success of more than 40 years. The lawsuit was filed after an attempted corporate coup d'état by the band’s former drummer Steven Smith and former bassist Ross Valory, who have been removed from the band as a result.
According to a press release, the Complaint, filed by Miller Barondess, LLP in California Superior Court, accuses defendants Smith and Valory of sowing discord among the band members by engaging in self-dealing and selfishly putting their interests ahead of the band’s.
The lawsuit seeks to enjoin a scheme by defendants to possess the rights to the Journey name and be paid without actually performing, and also seeks damages in excess of $10 million. If Smith and Valory had been successful it would have brought an end to a legendary band that has brought so much joy to millions of people all over the world. Given the circumstances Schon and Cain were left with no alternative but to take decisive action for themselves and Journey’s fans.
Journey, formed in 1973, is one of the most successful rock bands of all time, with ten platinum albums, eighteen Top 40 singles, and over 75 million albums sold worldwide.
Schon, the only remaining founding member, who has played at every performance since the inception of Journey, along with Cain and former lead singer Steve Perry, formed the core of Journey and were responsible for the band’s meteoric rise to prominence in the 1980’s. Together, they wrote several of the most well-known rock songs in the world - including “Don’t Stop Believin”, the best-selling digital track from the 20th century, with over 7 million copies sold in the United States, and the second most downloaded song of all time.
Read more at Business Wire.
(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();
| 0 | |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 ìàð 2020
British Pop Star ROBBIE WILLIAMS Claims He Turned Down Offer To Become QUEEN's Frontman
 Robbie Williams claims that he was once asked to join QUEEN as the replacement for late frontman Freddie Mercury.
The British pop star says that he was approached by guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor to step into Mercury's shoes after collaborating with them up on a 2001 re-recording of "We Are The Champions" for the movie "A Knight's Tale".
"It was amazing. It was absolutely amazing," Robbie stated about being in the studio with the QUEEN legends. "I'm in the recording booth with Roger and Brian from the band, and we re-recorded 'We Are The Champions'. And I got to do the backing vocals with them, and how intricate they were, those backing vocals, and how many parts it took to get that sound. And to be in the room with real history, like proper history, just felt absolutely incredible."
Asked if there was ever talk of him having a permanent role in QUEEN, Williams said: "Yeah, there was, yeah. They asked me to do it. And even though I'm very confident here on the microphone, I have suffered with incredibly low self-esteem. And I just thought I'd save them the audacity of me even trying to step on a stage and be in the same echelon as Freddie Mercury, 'cause he, to me, is angelic — he's God-like. It was just too scary."
In 2004, QUEEN recruited BAD COMPANY singer Paul Rodgers, with whom they completed two world tours and released an album, "The Cosmos Rocks", in 2008. They amicably parted ways a year later when Rodgers returned to BAD COMPANY. Since 2011, QUEEN has been fronted by former "American Idol" star Adam Lambert.
"Look, Adam Lambert, if he wasn't such a lovely person, which he is, I would just be terrified of him because of his pure talent," Robbie said. "His voice is absolutely incredible. And he's an incredible performer, and a lovely person to boot. I'm really pleased when I meet people that I'm just overawed by their talent — it gives me a talent hard-on — and then they're nice. It's much better than meeting people that give you a talent hard-on and they're assholes. You're just, like, 'Oh, I hate everything you've done now."
| +9 | |
| |
6 ìàð 2020
OZZY OSBOURNE: I Know I'll Be Remembered As 'The Man That Bit The Head Off The Bat'
 Ozzy Osbourne says that he will always be remembered for his infamous bat-biting incident.
On January 20, 1982, Ozzy bit the head off a live bat during a concert at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa. He later claimed he thought it was a toy thrown to him by an audience member.
Asked by the Los Angeles Daily News how he wants to be remembered, Ozzy said: "It's not the way I want to be remembered [but] I know I'll be the man that bit the head off the bat. That will be my epitaph. It won't be, 'Here lies Ozzy Osbourne … he did a bit of good …' It's going to be 'The bat-biting lunatic,' which … I don't care."
Osbourne in 2008 gave a definitive account of the bat-biting experience to Classic Rock magazine. "It must have been stunned by the lights or something because it just froze and I thought it was a toy," he said. "I just put it in my mouth. Then its wings started flapping and I got such a shock. I tried to pull it out too quickly and its head came off."
The verdict? "It tasted all crunchy and warm . . . like a Ronald McDonald's."
After the show, Osbourne reportedly went to Mercy Hospital Medical Center, and was referred to Broadlawns Medical Center because rabies vaccine was available there. He was given a tetanus shot and a rabies shot and took enough rabies vaccine with him to complete the series, according to the Des Moines Register.
Des Moines's then-mayor Pete Crivaro said he wanted to find out if Ozzy "violated an agreement on the use of animals in his act. We had been assured he wasn't going to, and I want to find out who is lying," Crivaro said.
Dave Palmitier, the manager of the auditorium, told the Des Moines Register that Osbourne "did let some doves loose, which he wasn't supposed to do. We found one dead that apparently had been killed in the audience," he said.
Des Moines's then-police lieutenant Derald Leaming said he had warned Osbourne's manager before the show that if an animal was harmed, he and Osbourne "were going to jail because it's against Iowa law.
"We had heard about Osbourne sticking birds in his mouth and warned them he would be arrested on the spot if he bit them," he said.
Ozzy's bat-biting incident was the focus of an episode of "Myths And Legends", a TV Land original television series in which celebrity and expert panelists discuss popular myths surrounding American television, music, and motion pictures, promise answers to these and other great and not-so-great Hollywood stories.
Nearly four decades later, the story of Osbourne's historic chomp still has teeth.
"Ozzy biting the head off a bat in Des Moines is pretty much a badge of honor," Corey Taylor, the Des Moines rock/metal singer who fronts the bands SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR, told the Des Moines Register. "It's still, to me, my favorite [rock incident]."
| +14 | |
| |
6 ìàð 2020
RUSH – Carton Brewing Honors Late Drummer NEIL PEART With Charity Craft Beer
 Carton Brewing of Atlantic Highlands, NJ has unveiled the lime-lighted Canadian lager Pronounced Pier-T, reports the Asbury Park Press.
At 5 percent ABV, the beer is available in Carton's East Washington Avenue tasting room at $21.12 per four-pack, with all of the proceeds to be donated in Peart's name to research into glioblastoma the type of brain cancer Peart had been diagnosed with.
“I get Rush. I love Rush. Those of you that know what I’m talking about, know what I’m talking about,” brewery co-founder Augie Carton said in a statement. “We lost Neil, and that made me really sad. I tried to find a way to make that feel better.”
Pronounced Pier-T combines Pilsner and Vienna malts with Motueka hops and lime puree for a beer that is playful, crisp and incredibly refreshing.
"I'm really proud of the product," said Carton lead brewer Mike Stark. "I think it came out really nice, and I'm proud I get to do it for a charity like that."
Stark began developing a lime-enhanced lager prior to Peart's death, but said he was listening to Rush as he brewed the final product to get a bit of inspiration.
Carton Brewing's tasting room, 6 East Washington Ave., Atlantic Highlands, is open 5 to 8 PM Wednesday and Thursday, 4 to 8 Friday, noon to 8 Saturday and noon to 5 Sunday. Pronounced Pier-T will be available in cans starting today. Harm said there will be some limited charitable draft events throughout New Jersey in the coming weeks.
"We like to drink off the beaten craft and do things off the beaten craft," he said, "and so we take a different look, a different approach at things when it comes to putting our recipes together, putting flavors together in a beer, much as Neil did with his time signatures and different drumming techniques and styles throughout his songs. We kind of echo that through our beers and our brewing process."
(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();
| +5 | |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 ìàð 2020
STONE SOUR Streaming Demo Version Of "Come What(ever) May"
 Stone Sour has released a demo version of "Come What(ever) May", which is available for streaming below.
Guitarist Josh Rand states: "Recorded in 2004, this was the 1st version of the song 'Come What(ever) May' (originally titled 'Drama Cyst'). I believe it was recorded in Corey's grandma's basement. James is not on this demo because he was finishing working on Slipknot's Vol 3 in L.A at the time. The song had a drastic make over once Roy played the drum tracks. This change to the music made Corey rewrite the lyrics."
(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();
| +5 | |
| |
6 ìàð 2020
MACHINE HEAD's ROBB FLYNN Has Five Songs 'Tracked And Done' For Upcoming Solo Album
 In a recent interview with Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show, MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn offered an update on his previously announced solo album, which will apparently be released under the ROBB FLYNN & FRIENDS banner.
He said (hear audio below): "For the last seven years now, for my birthday bash, I have a thing called 'Robb Flynn & Friends', and I get a bunch of my friends together and we just jam — it's, like, cover songs. I don't do MACHINE HEAD songs. It's '90s hip-hop, it's classic rock, it's some thrash — it's all the kind of stuff that we grew up with, and it's fun — it's just a blast. We have so much fun doing it every time. I probably have, like, 30 to 40 different musicians playing. The last one that we did just turned out really good, and I was, like, 'Let's just track this.' I own a recording studio now. I was, like, 'Let's go in and bang this out and see what happens.' So we did it live, and it was just super fun."
He continued: "I've got five songs tracked and done, and now I'm gonna go back and I'm gonna do — I'm think I'm gonna do the '90s hip-hop groups. We did some Snoop Dogg songs and some other stuff. It's pretty wild — it's a loose, greasy, sweaty good time. And it's just for fun. I don't know when that's gonna come out now. I know that [MACHINE HEAD's record label] Nuclear Blast is loving it, and they love the whole concept, so hopefully [it will be released] soon."
Last month, MACHINE HEAD released a new standalone single called "Circle The Drain". It was the first new MACHINE HEAD song since "Do Or Die", which came out last October and was described by some fans and media outlets as a "diss" track aimed at MACHINE HEAD's detractors, in particular those who have been critical of the band's last album, 2018's "Catharsis".
MACHINE HEAD has spent the last few months celebrating the 25th-anniversary of the band's debut album, "Burn My Eyes", on tours of Europe and North America. Each show on the trek consisted of two parts: part one saw Flynn and bassist Jared MacEachern performing alongside new recruits, Polish guitarist Wacław "Vogg" Kiełtyka (DECAPITATED) and British drummer Matt Alston (DEVILMENT, EASTERN FRONT); while part two featured "Burn My Eyes" played in its entirety for the first time ever, with original drummer Chris Kontos and guitarist Logan Mader joining in. | +4 | |
| |
6 ìàð 2020
METALLICA Introduce "The METALLICA Vinyl Club"; One Year, Four Records, Rare Cuts
 Metallica introduce The Metallica Vinyl Club with the following message...
"As huge music fans ourselves, it’s been super exciting to see the resurgence of vinyl and how much enjoyment we all get collecting, exploring and connecting with other fans mining for lost treasures. Those of us who love the look, feel and sonic warmth of vinyl are sorta in our little exclusive club, so with that in mind we thought it would be fun to start adding to our collections on a regular basis.
"The 2020 Vinyl Club Subscription will bring you rare cuts, demos & rough mixes, and live rarities; who knows what we’ll dig up! Obviously they’ll all be cuts that have never been released on vinyl before.
"Sign up before Tuesday, March 31st to be part of the inaugural club!"
Subscription Contains:
- Four vinyl records including rare cuts, demos & rough mixes, and live rarities; who knows what we’ll dig up!
- 33 ⅓ rpm (small hole) 7” vinyl
- Digital Download Card
- Personalized Membership Card
- Select releases (not all four) throughout the year will include additional collectibles; this could be anything from exclusive stickers to picks, or even posters
Join the club here.
(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})(); | +3 | |
| |
|
|
  |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dark Forest
