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	TESTAMENT's ALEX SKOLNICK: 'It Would Be Great'... 28
	JOE LYNN TURNER Will Be Part Of International Jury At Russia... 27
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WARBRINGER Announces 'Wrath And Ruin' Album

Modern thrash titans WARBRINGER will release their new album, "Wrath And Ruin", on March 14, 2025 via Napalm Records.

With 20 years of history and millions of cross platform streams in their wake, "best of the year" nods from the likes of Loudwire and Consequence on 2020's "Weapons Of Tomorrow", and now gearing up for a massive European tour with DECAPITATED and CRYPTOPSY this spring, WARBRINGER is poised for their next global assault with their seventh full-length studio release.

On "Wrath And Ruin", WARBRINGER continues their furious assault against the powers that be with eight new explosive rippers lyrically focused on inspiring listeners to recognize strength in numbers and actualize their class power. The bonus CD, included with the 2CD and digital versions of the album, boasts 15 incendiary live versions of fan favorites recorded along their "Ravaging Europe 2023" tour. The album features pristine production by Mark Lewis, famous for his work with CANNIBAL CORPSE, TRIVIUM and THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, mastering by Justin Shturtz (TESTAMENT, SEPULTURA, MACHINE HEAD) and album art by the legendary Andreas Marschall (KREATOR, OBITUARY, IN FLAMES).

Alongside the album announcement, WARBRINGER has unleashed the breakneck speed metal ripper "A Better World", lambasting ignorant optimism with forked tongue. The track arrives with a high-octane official music video.

About the single and video, frontman John Kevill says: "When I was younger, I used to think the world would only get better during my life. I know now that isn't the case. We aren't going to fix the environment even though we know the consequences, because profits would decrease, so it's not considered possible. On top of that, our societies keep getting more unequal, with a few people owning most everything, and most people just trying to keep their heads above water. We still won't feed everyone, but we will fund development of weaponized autonomous drones. Etc etc.

"I was reading some social theory stuff (Mark Fisher) some years ago and feeling depressed about my own future in these conditions. I went to a therapist and they basically told me it was all real and legitimate, and that all they could do was give me drugs so I could pretend that I didn't know all this. I don't really have time to worry too much, because a bunch of bills are always due. I also stopped dreaming for a year or two, which I found scary. I tried to bottle this feeling into 'A Better World' — I don't think I'm the only one.

"The video was made by Juan Rodriguez, who we worked with on 'Crushed Beneath The Tracks', and shows WARBRINGER going hard — what we do best. The song has a melodic death-tinged riff penned by Adam Carroll, with arrangements by thrash maestro Carlos Cruz. To me, it gives the feeling of being stuck on some accelerated loop that won't slow down. Hope you guys enjoy the first taste of 'Wrath And Ruin', there's a lot more to come!"

"Wrath And Ruin"'s destructive opening duo of "The Sword And The Cross" and "A Better World" quickly kick the gates of cataclysm open with broodingly dark guitar work and virtuosic precision. Frontman John Kevill's passionate proclamations are as potent as ever, mocking those who scoffed at clear harbingers of societal collapse with their misguided optimism. "Neuromancer" rides low and steady with blast master Carlos Cruz putting some serious stank on an irresistible battle vest fist pumper. "The Jackhammer" sees the band explode into a frenzy with chaotic riffage and ear splitting pinch dives. "Through A Glass, Darkly" indulges in deliciously gothic chord work and melodic leads embellishing Kevill's already hellish vocal fry. "Strike From The Sky" is trademark thrash excellence quickly followed by the atmospheric, true cult epic "Cage Of Air", with its tensely ornate dueling guitars on full display. Album closer "The Last Of My Kind" continues this dark gothic path with syncopated octave runs dancing around tightly dueling melodeath riffage. "Wrath And Ruin" sees WARBRINGER indulging in the darker elements of their sound, for an uncompromising and unflinching exploration of life's most bitter pills.

"Wrath And Ruin" track listing:

CD1

01. The Sword And The Cross
02. A Better World
03. Neuromancer
04. The Jackhammer
05. Through A Glass, Darkly
06. Strike From The Sky
07. Cage Of Air
08. The Last of My Kind

CD 2

01. Firepower Kills (Live in Budapest, Hungary - April 7th, 2023)
02. The Black Hand Reaches Out (Live in Budapest, Hungary - April 7th, 2023)
03. Crushed Beneath The Tracks (Live in Nantes, France - April 20th, 2023)
04. Living Weapon (Live in Budapest, Hungary - April 7th, 2023)
05. Woe To The Vanquished (Live in Budapest, Hungary - April 7th, 2023)
06. Living In A Whirlwind (Live in Budapest, Hungary - April 7th, 2023)
07. Guitar Solo/ Outer Reaches (Live in Nantes, France - April 20th, 2023)
08. Shellfire (Live in Munich, Germany - April 5th, 2023
09. Descending Blade (Live in Krakow, Poland - April 4th, 2023)
10. Hunter-Seeker (Live in Krakow, Poland - April 4th, 2023)
11. Defiance Of Fate (Live in Budapest, Hungary - April 7th, 2023)
12. Silhouettes (Live in Nantes, France - April 20th, 2023)
13. Remain Violent (Live in Budapest, Hungary - April 7th, 2023)
14. Combat Shock (Live in Budapest, Hungary - April 7th, 2023)
15. Total War (Live in Budapest, Hungary - April 7th, 2023)

WARBRINGER is:

John Kevill - Vocals
Adam Carroll - Guitar
Carlos Cruz - Drums
Chase Becker - Gui
Chase Bryant - Bass

Photo credit: Alex Solca

1

CRUCIFIED BARBARA Frontwoman MIA 'COLDHEART' KARLSSON On Band's Reunion: It Feels 'Like Coming Home'

In a new interview with the Apex Lifestyles podcast, CRUCIFIED BARBARA vocalist/guitarist Mia "Coldheart" Karlsson spoke about the band's decision to reunite for its first live performances in 10 years. CRUCIFIED BARBARA's comeback will begin with an appearance at Sweden Rock Festival, taking place June 4-7, 2025.

Asked how the reunion transpired, Mia said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Actually we didn't talk for a couple of years after we split up, The break was mostly because of me; the other three [girls] kept playing in the band THE HEARD. And yeah, I just was hiding under a stone for a few years. And when I started to play again, I thought I was only gonna play the acoustic stuff because that's what I felt like. And then I was introduced to a process to come back to the stage and play first the guitar with DONNA CANNONE and then the bass with THE GEMS. And all of a sudden I found myself on these rock stages again. And then two years ago, we actually reached out and met, just had a beer and talked, and it felt really, really good to meet everybody. And it just was like a big relief to finally meet them again and talk. But we didn't talk about like playing or anything back then. We just wanted to hang out then. Now it was maybe [last] summer when I realized, like, I love playing music again, and there's nothing in the way. We felt like, why don't we just meet and rehearse and see how it feels and just play some songs together? And we did. And it just felt like coming home. Yeah. It was amazing."

She continued: "I love the girls and I missed them so much during these years. It's just been so much to process and now so much to work through. And, yeah, to get this chance was amazing. So we just felt like, yeah, why not do a reunion now when we all want to play together again? And I'm really happy. And people are surprised. [They ask], 'Are you the original lineup?' It's, like, yeah, of course. There is no other way to do CRUCIFIED BARBARA."

Regarding what CRUCIFIED BARBARA's plans are for the coming months, Mia said: "We wanna do shows and just have fun with it. And as long as it's fun, we're gonna keep playing."

CRUCIFIED BARBARA's 2025 lineup consists of Karlsson, guitarist Klara "Force" Rönnqvist Fors, bassist Ida "Evileye" Stenbacka and drummer Jannicke "Nicki Wicked" Lindström.

In addition to the Sweden Rock Festival, CRUCIFIED BARBARA will appear at this year's Resurrection Fest in Spain, Skogsröjet festival in Sweden and La Guerre Du Son festival in France.

From the release of their debut album "In Distortion We Trust" (2005) up until their split in 2016, CRUCIFIED BARBARA became known as one of Sweden's hardest-working hard rock bands, with countless touring miles across the globe. Whether playing in gritty rock clubs on four continents, under the spotlight of Melodifestivalen or on numerous festival stages, they consistently showed how hard rock should be done.

CRUCIFIED BARBARA is a band that has always walked its own path. A group unafraid of exploring both dark metal and heartfelt ballads, blending the soft and the heavy to create their own unique hard rock brew. Now, they're back to once again deliver that brew live, in a celebration showcasing the best from their four albums: "In Distortion We Trust" (2005),"'Til Death Do Us Party" (2009),"The Midnight Chase" (2012) and "In The Red" (2014).

In a January 2019 interview with France's Loud TV, Klara said that CRUCIFIED BARBARA's 2016 split had been a long time coming. "It had been kind of a hard time for a while, so it was time for us to move forward," she said. "It was just the next step in life — to quit the old and start fresh."

After CRUCIFIED BARBARA's breakup, Klara , Ida and Nicki joined forces with DEATHSTARS bassist Jonas "Skinny Disco" Kangur (on lead guitar) and burlesque performer, model and singer Pepper Potemkin in a new group, the aforementioned THE HEARD. THE HEARD's debut album, "The Island", was released in November 2018 via Despotz Records.

CRUCIFIED BARBARA announced its breakup in June 2016, two years after the release of the band's fourth album, "In The Red". The group explained at the time that "our lives have parted and we need to move on. The last years have taken its toll on all of us and the joy of playing together got lost somewhere along the way."

More recently, Karlsson has been the touring bassist for THE GEMS, the new band featuring former THUNDERMOTHER members Guernica Mancini, Emlee Johansson and Mona Lindgren. She has also pursued a solo career.

Photo: Damon Zurawski

Crucified Barbara

MARILYN MANSON: 'Unmasked' Three-Part Documentary To Air On U.K.'s CHANNEL 4 This Month

U.K.'s Channel 4 will air a three-part documentary series on Marilyn Manson later this month.

Originally announced in October 2023 under the working title "Marilyn Manson: Behind The Mask", "Marilyn Manson: Unmasked" charts the musician's rise to fame, significance and role as a counterculture icon. Delving deep into his rock persona, this series examines the recent accusations against Manson and his ability to court controversy all while exploring how high-profile sexual assault allegations play out in today's post-"Me Too" era.

From the moment Brian Warner launched his alter-ego, Marilyn Manson, in the early 1990s, he set out to shock. Over the next two decades his carefully cultivated, highly controversial persona became iconic around the world. His fans and liberal cultural commentators justified his shocking lyrics, behaviour and concerts, as a form of social or political satire.

Many placed Manson at the centre of a culture war, particularly following the Columbine school shootings, for which conservative commentators claimed he was partially responsible, an accusation he stridently denied. This had many people asking the question whether he should be cancelled as a performer for corrupting America's youth, or if his freedom should be defended as an artist.

In February 2021 several women accused Brian Warner of sexual assault and within 24 hours he was dropped by his manager, his agent and his record company.

Later the same year, an explosive Rolling Stone article laid bare a stream of allegations from multiple women. The allegations led to a police raid and criminal investigation into Manson. In total, five of his accusers launched civil lawsuits against him claiming sexual assault and other charges, with retractions and out of court settlements evidencing the complex and multi-faceted nature of this type of allegation. To date, no charges have been made but civil cases are pending.

"Marilyn Manson: Unmasked" delves deep into an extraordinary unfolding story, of which Rolling Stone's ongoing investigation is a part, and asks searing questions about this moment in the culture, where Marilyn Manson is fighting to defend himself against allegations from women who have recently accused him of abusive behavior that happened many years ago and which he and his lawyers argue were entirely consensual, or simply did not happen.

"Marilyn Manson: Unmasked" has access to several of the accusers, lifelong fans, industry insiders, lawyers, a former band mate and his childhood best friend. The series charts his rise to fame from a difficult childhood, through vilification and death threats to being championed as an advocate for those on the fringes of society and closely examines the fallout of the allegations for both the accusers and the accused.

It includes exclusive audio recordings of interviews with Rolling Stone alongside archive footage and never-before-seen photographs, to provide a first-hand portrait of one of the most controversial musicians of the twenty-first century.

Suzanne Lavery, SVP Unscripted, Lightbox, said: "'Marilyn Manson: Unmasked' tells the definitive story of the controversy surrounding the star, charting his career from its early days through to his being dropped by his manager, agent and record label as a result of the allegations made against him. In first hand testimony, we hear intimate accounts from his accusers, as well as those who robustly refute their allegations...

"The series asks timely questions about how the music industry draws the line between rock and roll excess and transgressive behavior and examines whether Manson's constructed persona reflects the reality of the human being behind the performer, and what the future holds for the freedom of expression and the right to shock."

Sacha Mirzoeff, Senior Commissioner Documentaries, Head of Bristol Hub, added: "Brian Warner, better known as Marilyn Manson, has made a lifetime career of stomping where others fear to tread. His transgressive rock persona was largely espoused until multiple questions about his private behavior emerged...

"This three-part series directed by Karen McGann examines his life, career and sets the recent abuse allegations into context of the times then and the times now through the voices of the accusers and Manson's allies. The result is a shocking portrayal of the different accounts of what went on and how much society, the world of music and celebrity has changed in the last generation."

Gus Wenner, CEO Rolling Stone, said: "Rolling Stone broke the story about Marilyn Manson's alleged abuse and this series takes a step back to explore those allegations in the wider context of Manson's career, his meteoric rise as the self-proclaimed 'Antichrist Superstar' and the controversy surrounding his recent fall from grace. We are proud to partner with Lightbox to tell this fascinating and complex story."

Travis Webb, SVP Sales, Americas, at Fifth Season, said: "Lightbox has an incredible track record in creating premium, award-winning documentaries that shine a light on high-profile musicians, such as 'Tina', 'Whitney' and 'Spector'. This latest addition is a captivating series that will appeal to audiences in the U.S. and around the world through its never-before-seen footage, exclusive interviews, and incredible access to the inner circle.

"Marilyn Manson: Unmasked" airs January 14, January 15 and January 16 at 9 p.m. GMT on Channel 4.

Watch the trailer for "Marilyn Manson: Unmasked" below.

"Marilyn Manson: Unmasked" is a Lightbox and Rolling Stone Films production for Channel 4 in association with Fifth Season and Media Finance Capital. For Lightbox, the series director is Karen McGann, the series producer is Zoe Jewell, Nic Preston is line producer, Selina Ferguson is production executive, and the executive producers are Simon Chinn, Jonathan Chinn and Suzanne Lavery. Jason Fine and Gus Wenner are executive producers for Rolling Stone Films. It was commissioned by Sacha Mirzoeff at Channel 4. Fifth Season has worldwide distribution rights.

Photo credit: Perou (courtesy of Nuclear Blast)

2

Ex-KISS Guitarist BRUCE KULICK To Work On His Autobiography In 2025: 'It's Not Gonna Be A Salacious Slam Book'

In a new interview with Paul Salfen of AMFM Magazine, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick revealed that he is planning on working on his autobiography in 2025. He explained (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I amassed a lot of materials from [my] era [of KISS]. When I first started a book with a guy in the industry back in '99, there were a lot of interviews done, and I was able to get all those tapes digitized because that's important, to spark my memories and stuff. I have notes of subjects.

"It's certainly gonna be a really in-depth discussion of my life as a musician with, of course, hefty amounts on my KISS years, 'cause I know that the fans are gonna wanna get my thoughts on how it felt and what I did," he continued. "It's certainly not gonna be some salacious slam book. It's not me. But I do have a lot of stories that I never really discussed that I think are gonna be really fun for people to read about and fascinating for them to see.

"Everything was, in many ways, a very interesting journey, and there were many [instances] of where you fall in the ditch, but you've gotta pull yourself out — that kind of thing."

In a separate interview with Loaded Radio, Kulick was asked why he wasn't ever approached to rejoin KISS after Ace Frehley left for good back in 2001. He responded: "That's a great question. And not everyone's aware of some of the backstory. I would hear things about them having problems with Ace and Ace was getting erratic or difficult. And [later KISS guitarist] Tommy Thayer was actually tour managing with them; he was on the road with them. Because even during my era, he was involved with the band, helping with 'Kisstory' and doing things for the group. He wrote some songs with Gene [Simmons, KISS bassist/vocalist] and was always part of the inner circle, shall I say. So from what I understood, there was one or two things that KISS did — not a concert, even though once Ace was almost not gonna make it and they made Tommy get the outfit on. [He had a] similar build — tall and thin — and Ace made it to the show. But there were a couple of other things they needed to do. I believe 'That '70s Show', when they were taping, Ace didn't show up. 'Tommy, get the outfit on.' And then I think there was a private gig, too, that no one would really know about — one of those things where you go to an island and play for some rich people. And Ace wouldn't go. And KISS wasn't gonna say, 'All right, we're not gonna take the gig.' So if they ever had a thought of me, I think they would have known that that probably would have been a lot harder. Tommy was younger, there already, if you know what I mean, working with them. And Tommy, not everybody knows that he was in a tribute band for fun at times called COLD GIN as Ace Frehley."

Bruce continued: "So if they would have went to me, I can't say I absolutely would have said 'no.' I miss being in KISS. I do realize it would have kind of pooped on my era because then I'd have to kind of play the role of the 'Spaceman' and shoot rockets and play more like Ace. I was never given that direction from Gene and Paul [Stanley, KISS guitarist/vocalist], where Tommy knew that it actually was more comfortable with his natural style of guitar playing. He wasn't a Floyd Rose, play-some-flashy-riffs king of the mountain. So I never felt like they made the wrong choice — ever. I always felt that was the right way to go 'cause then Tommy could assume the role of the Spaceman in the group. Eric [Singer, KISS drummer] sometimes gets some criticism, like Tommy has, but Eric being behind the drums and having five years in the band without the makeup, maybe he gets a little less. Neither of them really deserve criticism because they're talented players doing a great job. And it was Gene and Paul's choice to say, 'And now you're the Catman,' 'And now you're the Spaceman.' It wasn't [Tommy and Eric] saying, 'Please, I wanna be the Spaceman.' And to new generations, Tommyis the Spaceman. Even though Eric has a lot of credibility from 'Revenge' and 'MTV Unplugged' and 'Carnival Of Souls' and all the work that we did together for those five years. So, I actually kind of lost the big gig on many levels for the right reasons though. And I was never fired the first time. It was simply, 'Well, we're making all this money. Now we're selling out from arenas to stadiums in makeup.' So my era ran its course."

In 1984, Bruce joined KISS, where he remained as their lead guitarist for twelve years, accompanying the band on the "Animalize" tour and continuing with the band until the 1996 reunion tour. Bruce is heavily featured on "Kissology – Vol. 2" and "Vol. 3", the band's DVDs spanning their historic 45-year career.

In an April 2020 interview with Sleaze Roxx, Kulick said that he was "relieved" he wasn't approached to rejoin the band after Frehley left for good back in 2001.

"When I had to leave in '96 after the success of the KISS 'Unplugged' performance, people were aware of the musicianship that existed in the band between Eric Singer [drums] and I, but after 20 years of people hearing about KISS in makeup, it was kind of like 'Star Wars' when it was rebooted people went to see what it was all about," he said. "I understood that it was the original guys, they put the makeup on and people were excited to either see it again or see it for the first time. That carried on, then it carried on and it carried on. [Laughs] It then reached a point where Gene [Simmons] and Paul [Stanley] couldn't continue with Peter [Criss] so they called on Eric Singer to step into the role and the makeup.

"Eric is such a tremendous drummer," he continued. "I was genuinely happy for him. I still am. Then when Ace started dropping the ball, it was seamless for them to go with Tommy Thayer who does such a fantastic job as the 'Spaceman.'

"If I had been asked to step into the 'Spaceman' role, it would have been really awkward for me. I get asked by the fans a lot, 'Well, why aren't you there?' I think Tommy stepping into the role was a lot more natural than Bruce Kulick becoming the 'Spaceman' and shooting rockets off of my guitar. I would have had to play the songs note for note like Ace. I don't think I could do that and remain happy in the band. Tommy does that to perfection. I was never required to learn the classic stuff note for note, but if you're going to be the 'Spaceman,' it would have to stay true to the way Ace plays it. That's not to say that I don't play the classic songs with respect. I play the GRAND FUNK RAILROAD songs with respect, while injecting my own style into them, like I did in my time in KISS. I would lose my 'liberties' if I stepped into the 'Spaceman' role.

"I'm friends with Tommy, Bruce added. "We've gotten closer over the years on the 'Kiss Kruise'. We've spoken a lot on the 'Kruise'. He once said to me, 'Hey, I never got into the Floyd Rose whammy bar thing. How do you play 'Crazy Nights'?' I said, 'Don't worry about it. Play it how you play it. It's what works for you. I don't take any offense and you don't need to copy how I do it.'

"Tommy's style is so much closer to Ace's than mine. I have a unique style to my approach you can hear it on 'Tears Are Falling', 'Who Wants To Be Lonely', 'Unholy' and even the acoustic solo on 'Forever'. I am proud of my body of work for that era of KISS. I'm embracing it. The fans are embracing it. It's all good."

Kulick went on to say that he is at peace with the fact that he will never be part of the makeup era of KISS.

"I was relieved [when they didn't ask me to step in after Ace left]," he said. "I think if I had been asked and done it, I think it would hurt. I know that Tommy and Eric avoid… I'm close to both but I'm closer with Eric. They avoid reading things online. Their best medicine is to just do a great job every night and not read that stuff. I'm shocked that sometimes someone will leave a snarky comment toward me. I'm, like, 'Really?' I don't get into that stuff and I don't like anything negative on social media and I never do or post anything negative. I won't allow anything negative. There's times I read something and I choose to ignore it. Everyone has a voice these days. They have a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone.

"I was relieved, but how could I not have 'entertained' the idea if I was asked? At the time when they swooped Tommy right in, I was already in GRAND FUNK RAILROAD and I was and still am pretty happy with my role in the band. Sure, it wasn't KISS, but it's a great gig. Now think of it from this angle. Let's say they made the right proposition and I took it, then Ace wanted back into the band. Where would that have left me? No KISS gig and no gig in GRAND FUNK."

In some of his recent interviews, Bruce once again confirmed that he wasn't asked to perform at KISS's final show and wasn't invited to attend the event, which was held in December 2023 at New York City's Madison Square Garden.

Greece's LLOTH Sign With Theogonia Records; New Album On The Way

Theogonia Records is proud to announce the signing of one of Greece's most legendary and revered forces in black metal, LLOTH.

Hailing from the rich, myth-laden soil of Hellenic metal, LLOTH's legacy is deeply etched into the black/death metal pantheon. Their upcoming second full-length album, Archees Legeones (Ancient Legions), will be released under the burning banner of Theogonia Records, summoning a new epoch of ferocity, grandeur, and reverence to the ancient spirit of black metal.

Founded in 1995 by the late and iconic Tristessa - a trailblazer in the Greek metal scene and founder of Astarte (the first ever all-female black metal band) - LLOTH rose as a beacon of unholy darkness and unyielding artistry. After transitioning into Astarte, LLOTH lay dormant for years, only to rise once more in 2013. Following Tristessa’s tragic passing, the remaining members, led by her husband Nicolas Maiis (Melanomorfos), vowed to carry her legacy forward, creating music that echoes her undying vision. Their 2017 release, Athanati (Immortal), was a monumental tribute, and now, LLOTH is poised to unleash their most powerful opus yet.

Archees Legeones (Ancient Legions) is a triumph of uncompromising sonic devastation. Recorded, mixed, and mastered at the acclaimed Pentagram Studio under the masterful hand of George Emmanuel (Lucifer's Child, ex-Rotting Christ), the album delivers a bludgeoning storm of relentless riffs, thunderous percussion, and soul-searing vocals. Accompanied by the darkly evocative, hand-painted artwork of Mars Triumph, the album takes listeners on a visceral journey through themes of ancient battles, Hellenic pride, and eternal resistance—a testament to LLOTH's roots in blackened chaos and profound emotional depth.

LLOTH's current lineup includes:

Nicolas Maiis (Melanomorfos) – Vocals
Chris Vaelor – Guitars
Thanos – Guitars
The Antipope – Bass
Nick “Ynvge” Samios – Drums

The band's unrelenting live presence has seen

DOCTOR BUTCHER - 30th Anniversary "Rock Opera" Collection Featuring SAVATAGE's CHRIS CAFFERY And JON OLIVA Streaming Via YouTube

Rock Duck Radio producer Mark Christopher Garrett has shared a 30th Anniversary collection of Doctor Butcher songs. Check it out below.

"Doctor Butcher, Chris Caffery's brain child and one of his earliest solo projects featuring Jon Oliva (notably of Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra fame). Chris Caffery also being a key figure in both Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO). He formed Doctor Butcher after convincing Jon Oliva over five bottles of Jack Daniels, then enlisted Jon Osborne on drums and Doctor Butcher was born. Demos were released in 1993, but the debut album was released in 1994 with a lot of the tracks cut. This was upsetting and confusing to early fans, as some of the tracks that were cut were already featured on a local radio station. Later, a demo album was released featuring some of those lost and missing tracks.

This Doctor Butcher 30th Anniversary Collection brings almost all the song to one place to listen to as intended. When assembled together they make up a rock opera about an inividual that has lost faith in religion and humanity and begins commiting crimes. This ultimately leads to his arrest, trial, and culminates with his execution. So now for the first time this Doctor Butcher rock opera can be listened to in its entirety.

Tracklist:

"Freaks"
"A Living Hell"
"Dismissal Of Faith"
"Born Of The Board"
"Bridges"
"The Altar"
"Don't Talk To Me"
"Season Of The Witch"
"Reach Out And Torment Someone"
"Chester The Molester"
"Help Police"
"Innocent Victim"
"The Pictures Wild"
"Lost In The Dark"
"I Hate You Hate We All Hate"
"All For One, None For All"
"Juice"
"The Chair"
"Bridges" (acoustic bonus track - Chris Caffery vocals)
"Live Die Kill" (demo)

The legendary Savatage (Johnny Lee Middleton - bass, Chris Caffery - guitars, Al Pitrelli - guitars, Jeff Plate - drums, and Zak Stevens - vocals) have announced tour dates across Europe for summer 2025, with a mix of festival appearances and headline shows.

Says Zak Stevens: "As you can imagine, there are so many special things about these shows that are racing through my mind. We get to play a series of headline shows for the first time in over twenty years that will put us right back in front of all of the unbelievable fans

VOLBEAT's Ninth Album Is 'Done'; 'A Lot Of Shows' Coming Up In 2025

Danish rock 'n' rollers VOLBEAT have completed recording their ninth album. The follow-up to 2021's "Servant Of The Mind" is due later in 2025.

Earlier today, VOLBEAT guitarist/vocalist Michael Poulsen shared an end-of-year video message in which he said in part: "Hello people out there. Michael Poulsen from VOLBEAT and ASINHELL here. Happy new year. I'm definitely looking forward for 2025.

"The new VOLBEAT record has been recorded. It's done. It will be out in 2025. You'll know more information about that early in 2025. Can't wait.

"There's a lot of shows being booked for '25 with VOLBEAT everywhere in the world. Can't wait to meet you all out there. Who knows? I might even start working on new songs for the next ASINHELL record, my second band. If you don't have the first record, check it out. Old-school death metal.

"We had a great tour [of Europe with ASINHELL last summer]. We were talking to a lot of new fans and old-school fans. And, yeah, a lot of fans actually ask what we were inspired by, but I'll get back to that in another video where I've been talking about all the old-school death metal that I like so much and old fresh metal and old classic heavy metal from the '80s, early '90s. But that's another video. Right now I just wanna recommend some good new bands that I bought lately or I just bought within a couple of years. There's so many of them. There's not room for every vinyl in this video, but I will make a second video so all the bands get the credit that they truly deserve. I think there's so many good youngsters out there doing amazing job, and actually also some old timers as well."

VOLBEAT returned to the live stage for the first time in 16 months on December 6 as the support act for IRON MAIDEN at Allianz Parque, São Paulo, Brazil.

In October 2023, Poulsen underwent a throat surgery. A month earlier, he told "Paltrocast" host Darren Paltrowitz about the procedure: "It's an operation I've been through before. This one is just a little bit bigger and it's gonna take some time to get back in vocal shape. So, VOLBEAT is not playing [in 2024]. I'll use a lot of time to get my voice back after the operation. But at the same time, I will actually be writing a new VOLBEAT album. So hopefully later [in 2024], I can put down the vocals for the next VOLBEAT album. But in the meantime, I will go out and play shows with ASINHELL."

Asked if this means that he might have to change his singing approach to where he will start doing the vocal warmdowns after each show, Michael said: "I do warm up before a show, but there's no way I'm gonna use my voice after a show. I'm very optimistic about the whole thing. As I said, I tried before and I got good people around me. I've got a great coach in Melissa Cross who has been helping out a lot of singers. She will help me out again to get my voice back in shape after the operation. So I like to stay positive, and I'm pretty sure everything's going to be all right."

Back in January 2021, Poulsen told Denmark's BT.dk that he underwent an operation during the coronavirus pandemic to remove a large polyp. He added: "I have managed to retrain my voice so much that there has been time to record a new album," referencing "Servant Of The Mind", which came out in December 2021.

VOLBEAT parted ways with longtime guitarist Rob Caggiano in June 2023 and replaced him for the band's latest tour with Flemming C. Lund of the Danish extreme metal outfit THE ARCANE ORDER.

VOLBEAT played its first concert with Lund on June 10, 2023 at the Rockfest festival in Hyvinkää, Finland.

Just five days earlier, VOLBEAT announced that it had officially parted ways with Caggiano. No reason was given for the split, but the remaining bandmembers said that they wished their "brother Rob all the best with everything he does in the future." They went on to thank Rob "for ten amazing years."

Caggiano played on VOLBEAT's last four studio albums: 2013's "Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies", 2016's "Seal the Deal & Let's Boogie", 2019's "Rewind, Replay, Rebound" and "Servant Of The Mind".

ASINHELL's debut album, "Impii Hora" (Latin for "Ungodly Hour"),arrived in September 2023 via Metal Blade. Poulsen is joined in the project by ex-MORGOTH singer Marc Grewe (also of INSIDIOUS DISEASE) and RAUNCHY drummer Morten Toft Hansen.

Photo credit: Ross Halfin (courtesy of Q Prime)

As we head into the New Year, Michael checking in with Volbeat & Asinhell updates plus some of his favorite records of 2024 🤘🤘

As we head into the New Year, Michael checking in with Volbeat & Asinhell updates plus some of his favorite records of 2024 🤘🤘

Paying homage to show & record shop fliers to spread the word, here's "Michael's Fliers" - check out Repuked, Plague, Fulci, Gutless, OSSUARY, Intolerance, Stress Angel, Severe Torture, Outre-Tombe, Molder, Black Curse, Darkened, Strychnos, Thorium, Coffin Storm, Darkthrone & Infern!

What have been some of your favorite records of 2024? 👇

Posted by Volbeat on Tuesday, December 31, 2024

MEGADETH's JAMES LOMENZO: 'DAVID ELLEFSON Defined The Sound Of This Band With His Bass Playing'

In a recent interview with 518Scene.com, MEGADETH bassist James LoMenzo was asked how he would compare playing with guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari and drummer Dirk Verbeuren in the band's current lineup to his experience of sharing the stage with previous MEGADETH musicians. He responded: "Well, you know I've been in an awful lot of bands, as anybody who's ever tracked my career knows. Everybody plays different. Everybody has a certain thing that they uniquely do. Dave [Mustaine, MEGADETH guitarist/vocalist] is always going to sound like Dave. As a matter of fact, I always say as soon as he lifts up his guitar and puts it on, it really doesn't matter who's playing in the band, because that's the stamp; that's the familiar sound. That said though, everybody is really completely reverent to the past in a very important way. We try to make the music as authentic as we possibly can. You can't play it exactly — I will not be able to play exactly like [former MEGADETH bassist] David Ellefson, and Teemu will not be able to play exactly like the 20 guitar players before him, but we try and get the essence of it and try and get those parts sewn up really tight, so they come at the right time and they fire at the right time."

James continued: "Dirk is just a fantastic drummer. I've played with tons of great drummers, but Dirk is really special in the context of this band. He plays reverently to the music, but he has a certain kind of concussion to his playing that's immediate and very powerful and very strong and right on the money. As a matter of fact, when I rejoined the band, he was the first guy I played with before anybody else showed up. Just out of motor memory we went through a bunch of songs, without any guitars or vocals. I was prepared with the music and he had been playing it for a while, and man it was just astounding how tight we were immediately. That's a testimony to him, maybe not as much as myself, because my job throughout my career has been to get into a band and get on board real quick and play the music well. But it seemed to me that when I started playing the stuff with him, it almost made me sound like I was playing it better, so I'm a big Dirk Verbeuren fan."

Asked to elaborate on how his playing approach is different to that of Ellefson, James said: "As far as rock and roll and metal bands go, I'm an originalist; I love the original band. So as much of an honor and how great it is to be part of this, I still have that little thing, that little fan guy thing, going with the real band. But we are very different in our trajectory. In my estimation, David Ellefson has defined the sound of this band with his bass playing as much as everybody else who's been in the band, so I try to be very respectful and reverent to that."

Last fall, LoMenzo, who joined MEGADETH in 2006 and appeared on two of the group's studio albums, 2007's "United Abominations" and 2009's "Endgame", told Yamaha Guitars' "Artist Breakthrough Stories" series that he "felt a bit like a fish out of water" after he first hooked up with the Mustaine-led outfit. "I understood the music, I could play it, but I was, like, 'How do you deliver this? What do you do with it?'" he admitted.

"The challenge of this music is to be able to perform it in such a way that it looks to the audience the same way that they feel when they listen to it.

"In MEGADETH, I have spaces to make grander gestures. I can pump that fist to the guy who's pumping his fist to me at the right time and look him in the eye and let him know that I see you and I know you love this and I love it too. There's something that is so transformative about that in the moment, which makes metal really work. And I think that's metal's best thing. It's like building that community, building that church instantaneously with the audience, and vice versa.

"The community of metal is unwavering. The audience has broadened since the last time I was here."

LoMenzo was MEGADETH's bass player in the mid-2000s but was fired from the band in 2010 and replaced with returning original MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson. After Ellefson was kicked out of MEGADETH in May 2021, LoMenzo stepped back in as a touring member for the 2021 leg of "The Metal Tour Of The Year". In May 2022, it was announced that Lomenzo was officially rejoining the MEGADETH family.

In November 2022, LoMenzo reflected on his initial departure from MEGADETH in an interview with Ashdown Engineering. He said at the time: "After three or four years in MEGADETH, David Ellefson returned. And I, like you, was pretty excited about that, because I had always been a fan of MEGADETH anyway. I'm one of those crazy guys that's, like, I want it to be the original band. I always want it to be the original band; it's kind of the way I grew up. But in lieu of that, I had to take the charge of the bass spot when he couldn't be there. So when he came back, I was fine with it. I've done two great albums — 'United Abominations' and 'Endgame'; we've done two world tours, been all over the place. And so at that point, I was kind of excited to maybe try something new. And so I went back home. I started a video production company. I started doing these local jams where all my famous friends would come by and jam with me. It was great. And eventually I ended up in [rock legend] John Fogerty's band."

On the topic of how he rejoined MEGADETH, James said: "How do I end up back in MEGADETH? It's like that 'Godfather' movie — 'Just when I thought I got out, they pull me back in again.' No… But anyway… When they needed a bass player — it became apparent — I thought to myself, 'They'll probably call me up.' But I also thought to myself, 'It's been a while since I played that kind of music, so maybe it'll be great. It'll be all right. Maybe not.' Sure enough, the phone rings, and Dave [Mustaine] is, like, 'We've gotta do this 'Metal Tour Of The Year'. James, I know you're the guy who can do it. I would love to have you here. If you would just commit to just doing this tour, that would be great.' And I thought, 'Well, that's kind of weird. He doesn't want me to rejoin the band.' But then I thought about it. He knew I had another band, and he was telling me, 'I don't want you to screw up whatever you've got going.' I was being loyal to John. So we went out on the tour, and gosh, it was just the best time. I was so enamored with the band that he put together that I was blown away. And Dave, gosh, he's just delivering the goods every day. The great thing about Dave is he's been through a lot. He recovered from cancer. He's had problems with his back. Over the years, he's had more things than most professional wrestlers would have, and he shows no sign of it — he just gets up there and plays and just gives it his all. So after that tour, I was sitting there going, 'Man, I think I might like to stay here for a while.' And so, luckily, as luck would have it, not too long after that, Dave calls me up at home and he goes, 'You know, we would love to have you be part of the band officially if you wanna stay.' And I thought, 'That's exactly what I was thinking, man. Let's do it.'

In addition to MEGADETH and Fogerty, LoMenzo has played with Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde and WHITE LION.

LoMenzo played his first show with MEGADETH in nearly 12 years in August 2021 in Austin, Texas. The concert took place three months following Ellefson's dismissal from MEGADETH after sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving him were posted on Twitter.

CARLOS SANTANA Postpones Las Vegas Residency After Breaking Finger In Accidental Fall

Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana has postponed the next run of his Las Vegas residency shows because of a "accidental fall" at his home in Hawaii.

Santana was slated to kick off his residency at the House of Blues At Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino on January 22. He was scheduled to play eight shows at the venue through February 2.

Earlier today, Michael Vrionis, president of Universal Tone Management, said in a statement: "I am sorry to say that Carlos was out taking a walk at his vacation home in Kauai. He took a hard fall, and he broke his little finger on his left hand. He had to have pins inserted in the finger. Unfortunately, he won't be able to play guitar for approximately six weeks. Doctors do say that he will recuperate fully."

"Carlos is doing well and is anxious to be back on stage soon. He just needs to heal," Vrionis added. "Santana profoundly regrets these postponements of his upcoming performances, but accidents happen, and his health is our number one concern. He is looking forward to seeing all of his fans very soon."

For more than five decades — from Santana's earliest days as a groundbreaking Afro-Latin-blues-rock fusion outfit in San Francisco — Carlos Santana has been the visionary force behind artistry that transcends musical genres and generational, cultural, and geographical boundaries. To date, Santana has won ten Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy Awards, with a record-tying nine Grammy Awards for a single project for 1999's "Supernatural" (including "Album Of The Year" and "Record Of The Year" for "Smooth"). He has received the Billboard Century Award (1996),was ushered into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame (1998),received the Billboard Latin Music Awards' Lifetime Achievement honor (2009),and was the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors Award (2013). Among many other distinctions, Carlos Santana has been cited by Rolling Stone as No. 11 on their list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time"; and has joined THE ROLLING STONES as one of only two bands to have an album reach the Top 10 in every decade since the 1960s. In 2018, he released his first "MasterClass", and celebrated two epic milestones, the 50th anniversary of his legendary performance at Woodstock, and the 50th anniversary of his masterpiece "Abraxas".

In 2024, Santana celebrated the 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking album "Supernatural". Santana's most recent release, "Let The Guitar Play" (feat. Darryl "DMC" McDaniels),followed on the heels of his powerful, energy-infused "Blessings And Miracles" (2021) that featured collaborations with Rob Thomas, Chris Stapleton, Steve Winwood and many others. The epic feature documentary "Carlos", produced by Sony Music Entertainment and Imagine Documentaries, is a celebration of Carlos Santana's life and career. It had its world premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival and is now available to stream worldwide. Santana has been in residency in Las Vegas for over 15 years.

From Team Santana: Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana has postponed the next run of residency shows this month beginning...

Posted by Carlos Santana on Friday, January 3, 2025

IAN HILL Says RICHIE FAULKNER Is Reason JUDAS PRIEST Is Still Active 13 Years After Completion Of 'Farewell' Tour

In a new interview with Shaggy of 94.9 and 104.5 The Pick, JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill said that the addition of guitarist Richie Faulkner to the band's lineup largely contributed to PRIEST's decision to stay on the road nearly a decade and a half after the legendary British heavy metal group announced its "farewell" tour. Asked what has kept PRIEST going strong and not calling it quits, as was the original plan, Hill said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Richie Faulkner. [Laughs] Yeah, he came, he replaced Ken [original PRIEST guitarist Kenneth 'K.K.' Downing], who went off to do his own thing .Of course, the whole idea was to slow down a little bit and to take the workload down a notch. But Richie came along with boundless enthusiasm and all this energy, and he just sort of rubbed off on the rest of us. And here we are three albums, three tours, four tours later — well, five tours later, if you count the [2011-2012] 'Epitaph' ['farewell'] tour — and we're still going strong. I mean, we're motoring. We're loving it. We really are."

When Shaggy noted that PRIEST last two albums, 2024's "Invincible Shield" and 2018's "Firepower", are some of the stronger LPs in the PRIEST catalog, Ian said: "I [feel the same way], yes. I do, very much so. It's something we always try and do, is try and take a step forward with each album. I mean, you're learning stuff all the time, and whatever we learn, we try and put it into the next project. And we've done that right from the very start, right from way back in early '70s. And it's important that you do it, because it keeps you modern and it keeps you relevant. And you can sort of make that connection with the younger fans, which is important. I mean, the original fans are all our age, and they're all sort of expiring. But we've been able to make that connection with the younger people. And you look down from stage, and you see people in late teens, early twenties, what have you. And they're loving it, and it's not just the new stuff that they're loving — they're singing along to the older stuff, 20, 30 years old, what have you. So you've got them interested in that and they've gone back into the heritage of the band and started to look at some of the earlier material. And it's great news — not just for us, but it's great news for metal in general, that these people are still getting interested into it."

Back in 2014, PRIEST guitarist Glenn Tipton was asked during an appearance on "Rockline" if people may have misconstrued what he and his bandmates said in late 2010 about not wanting to do any more extensive touring ever again. Glenn responded at the time: "We, uh, lied. [Laughs] The statement we made was we're gonna do no more world tours. As we said before, it takes a massive chunk out of your life. It's pretty arduous out there — almost two years, the last one, playing two and a half hours every night, four or five shows a week. But we enjoyed every second of it. And we said that at the end of it, we weren't gonna do any more world tours, but we didn't rule out any dates. And we just got so enthused with the new album and everything that we put some dates in."

Asked by "Rockline" host Bob Coburn if it's fair to say retirement didn't work out for the band at all, Tipton replied: "We lied. We lied. We didn't mean to." Singer Rob Halford added: "Actually, it's Richie Faulkner's fault; let's blame Richie. We can't overemphasize the importance of having Richie with us at this point in our career."

He continued: "When Richie joined us for the 'Epitaph' tour, extraordinary things were happening night after night after night. And that, accompanied with some of the things that Richie was doing backstage before the show, laying down licks with his little portable recording gear, it was just this energy that was just out of control. So, naturally, when you come off a tour like that and you digest everything, you're just raring to go and we couldn't wait to get into the writing mode and start making music for [the then-new JUDAS PRIEST album] 'Redeemer Of Souls' together."

JASON BONHAM Joins BILLY JOEL For 'Whole Lotta Love' Performance In Elmont, New York

Jason Bonham, son of legendary LED ZEPPELIN drummer John Bonham, joined Billy Joel onstage New Year's Eve (December 31) at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York to perform a cover version of the ZEPPELIN classic "Whole Lotta Love". Fan-filmed video of his appearance can be seen below.

"We're going to bring a guest onstage and do this next song," Joel told the audience. "We have fun playing this, especially with this guy. Please welcome Jason Bonham. You all know this song. It's not a piano song."

JASON BONHAM‘S LED ZEPPELIN EVENING was the opening act for Joel at last night's concert.

Jason Bonham spent nearly a decade touring as JASON BONHAM'S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE before changing the band's name to JASON BONHAM'S LED ZEPPELIN EVENING. Bonham later explained that the switch was prompted by a request from the LED ZEPPELIN camp, who wanted to use the "Experience" name for a project involving the archive of ZEP live recordings.

JASON BONHAM'S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE was formed in 2009 to pay tribute to Bonham's father, who died in 1980 at the age of 32. "It was meant to be part of my way of expressing my love for music and expressing myself with a tip of the hat to my father," Jason told Mixdown in a 2017 interview. "Soon after doing the 28 shows that we did with an orchestra, everyone said, 'You're not going to stop now, are you? You haven't been here, you haven't played there…' And so I said, 'As long as you guys want me to do it, I'll do it.' It's really fan-based. It's not us and them; it's about love for LED ZEPPELIN, and that's how it's grown, as a very honest, natural, fan-based show. You guys all knew him as Bonzo; I knew him as dad, and there's a great interaction."

Jason launched JASON BONHAM'S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE two years after taking part in LED ZEPPELIN's one-off performance at London's O2 Arena tribute concert for friend and Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. The rare live set, which saw Jason behind the drums in place of his late father, was released in 2012 as "Celebration Day".

He told the Chicago Tribune about JASON BONHAM'S LED ZEPPELIN EVENING: "We're not LED ZEPPELIN. We are fans. We love the music. We give it 150 percent energy and time to make it as good as we can make it to give people that feeling and make people go back to their youth.

"I never wanted it to be we are just playing music. It had to be personal with stories to tell people what Dad was like at home. It's nice to know that so many people love hearing that music played in a live environment."

The performance includes LED ZEPPELIN favorites as well as deep cuts. For this year's tour, JASON BONHAM'S LED ZEPPELIN EVENING has worked up a number of fresh inclusions on the setlist, such as "Friends", "Achilles Last Stand" and the arrangement of "Dazed And Confused" from "The Song Remains The Same" concert movie.

"The hardest thing is picking the songs," Bonham told the Chicago Tribune. " "There's more deeper songs — 'In The Light', 'Friends', 'Four Sticks' — songs that never got played live and never made it to a ZEPPELIN show. The list could go on for the more obscure ones that fans like to hear. Of course we still do 'Kashmir', 'Stairway To Heaven' and 'What Is And What Should Never Be'. We started doing 'Dancing Days', 'Houses Of The Holy' and 'That's The Way'. This show is one of the most fun things to do because I get to play all this great music in front of people that really appreciate it."

Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience

SICK OF IT ALL's LOU KOLLER To Start His Last Round Of Chemotherapy This Week

Vocalist Lou Koller of New York hardcore legends SICK OF IT ALL, who has been undergoing chemotherapy after recently being diagnosed with an esophageal tumor, has shared a year-end video message in which he said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "What's up, everybody?! Here we are the end of 2024. Wild year for us. Started out great. We got to go back to Japan, Australia, New Zealand. Amazing tour, a lot of fun, met a lot of cool people. Can't wait to go back again. We also did a small European run in the spring time where we ended in England, and the last show was in London. To see all of our friends, and that was another great one. Thank you so much for that. Then, of course, I got my diagnosis when I got home, that I had cancer. But it didn't really ruin the year. It actually was kind of a blessing in the way that it showed us how great a community we're in, how all of you stepped up — fans, bands, friends — went out of your way to make not just me, but the whole band feel welcome and cared for and really showed how our music has touched people. And thank you very much for that."

He continued: "As for me, I'm doing all right. Recovery is a slow process. I had some bumps along the way, but I'm doing good now. And I start my last round of chemo on January 2nd.

"So happy new year to everybody. And I hope 2025 is gonna be a way better year for all of us. And thank you again. And watch out for each other and take care of each other. We'll see you on the road."

A benefit concert supporting Koller's ongoing battle with esophageal cancer was held on November 23 at Irving Plaza in New York City. The "I'm In The Fight With Lou" event featured performances by VISION OF DISORDER, LIFE OF AGONY and MUNICIPAL WASTE, as well as veteran New York hardcore acts KILLING TIME and CROWN OF THORNZ. Notably, it marked VISION OF DISORDER's first live appearance since 2018. It was also LIFE OF AGONY's first show since the band's transgender singer Mina Caputo — once known as Keith Caputo — announced that she had "cured" her gender dysphoria and was planning to "physically completely detransition" in 2025 before changing her name back to Keith Caputo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Former BUTCHER BABIES Singer CARLA HARVEY Joins LORDS OF ACID

Former BUTCHER BABIES singer Carla Harvey has joined LORDS OF ACID.

LORDS OF ACID's manager Marc Jordan has confirmed that "Carla is set to begin recording vocals for the band's new album this winter and will be joining the band on a 27-date U.S. tour in June."

Says Harvey: "I had three favorite bands in high school: GUNS N' ROSES, PANTERA and LORDS OF ACID. Each one shaped me and uniquely influenced me as an artist. LOA had me hooked from the moment I heard 'I Sit On Acid' as a teenager dancing the night away at Detroit's goth Industrial Haven City Club. My obsession with LOA only grew after I saw Coop's artwork on the cover of 'Voodoo U'. Now I get to record an album and go on tour with my industrial heroes! Pinch 16-year-old me! She'll be the one in the vocal booth. While my new band THE VIOLENT HOUR is set to release its first single in February, I'm adding a bucket list item to my resume: Reigning 'Acid Queen'. Praise the Lords!"

During an appearance on an October 2024 episode of The Ward Bond Show, Harvey, who works as a grief counselor and an end-of-life specialist, spoke about her decision to leave BUTCHER BABIES after a 15-year run. Reflecting on BUTCHER BABIES' formation and her eventual departure, she said: "It's quite interesting because [prior to BUTCHER BABIES] I had come to a point living in L.A., you get opportunities and they're snatched away from you. You make money, then you lose your money. And I was so tired of the entertainment business. And I was, like, 'I don't wanna do this anymore. I don't wanna play music anymore. I don't wanna act anymore. It's too much. Nothing is ever gonna happen with it.' So that's when I went to mortuary school and I was committed to only working in funeral service from then on out. Well, after a couple years of working, I got my dream job at a very big mortuary in L.A. And at the same time, I got an opportunity to start my band and go on tour for the first time in my life. So I had to make a choice in that moment. I've committed myself to this death-care career. Do I drop it all, everything that I've worked so hard for in school, and go on tour with this band and just see what happens one final time, or do I just stick on my path? And I chose music in that moment, and that was 2009 that I really committed back to music, and 2012 we went on our — we were touring non-stop, so there was no way I could work in funeral service anymore. Well, it ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me because our career just exploded, and so I got the best of both worlds. I had gotten my education. I had gotten a taste of working in death care, and then I could still live out my dream, and I am so grateful for that. The last 15 years of my life have been spent on stage, entertaining people in a capacity that I never dreamed I would have, especially after so much disappointment in my early years in L.A. So I got to do that. I got to be a rock star. I got to do all the things. And then 15 years later, my mind kind of changed again. [Laughs]"

Elaborating on her decision to leave BUTCHER BABIES and return to the death-care industry, Carla said: "So there's so much that goes into being in a band, especially as you get older and your life changes, you have relationships, you have a partner. I have a stepdaughter, and the idea, all of a sudden, of being on the road 10, 12 months out of the year became just a lot to handle. And in a band there's five people, and half of those people may feel like they want to be on the road constantly all the time and then some people are, like, 'Maybe it's halftime.' So it doesn't always work out for the greater good of everybody."

She continued: "My dad said something to me once years ago, when we had started the band, and he meant it in jest. He said, 'I saw you singing on the Internet. Don't quit your day job.' And at the time I was, like, 'That's the nastiest thing you could say.' But I'm glad I never quit my day job. In fact, all the while, the last 15 years, while I've been on tour, I've been getting more education and getting more certification so that I could continue on because I always had that need to still be in death care in some aspect. I founded my grief coaching company so that I could still be of service to people who need me in that capacity. It was very important to me. And then last year, I was on this major summer tour. We were playing sheds, the outdoor amphitheaters and it was wonderful and every day you're up on stage singing your heart out, but, man, I saw this post about [innovative solidified remains company] Parting Stone looking for a partner success manager. And I thought, 'Man, I wanna apply for this. I wanna see what happens if I can take this job.'"

Harvey added: "There's just so many moments in life where you really have to assess what's best for you. Life changes. And also another thing about the entertainment industry and the music industry, it's not the same as it was for musicians 20 years ago, 10 years ago. My future husband's [ANTHRAX and PANTERA drummer Charlie Benante] in a legacy band. They never have to worry about having a real job — ever. But bands my size? You're not breaking the bank. You're not really earning a livable wage unless you're on the road 12 months out of the year. You can't support yourself. So I've always had other jobs, whether I'm painting pictures for people or doing my grief coaching on the side. That's a day job that I've been able to maintain throughout my career with music. It was a necessity as well as a passion, because otherwise I'd be couch surfing somewhere. [Laughs] I have nothing. So it's really hard to live passionately and just follow your dreams without something to fall back on or something to assist you. And I tell this to a lot of people, and some people are, like, 'No, man. I don't want a backup plan. This is the only thing I'm ever gonna do.'

"I always thought about, 'Okay, this is awesome right now. What about when I'm 60? What am I gonna do then?'" Carla said. "Because my mom is 72 and she's working all the time still. She loves working. We're not 70-year-olds that are gonna be sitting on a couch or 60-year-olds that aren't gonna be out doing something. Life is different. We're still gonna be working. We have to do something, and I'd rather have that be a career rather than a job that I'm forced to have to sustain myself in the [later] years."

In September 2024, Carla announced that she was launching a new project called THE VIOLENT HOUR. At least some of the early recording sessions for the project have been overseen by producer Jay Ruston, who has previously worked with ANTHRAX, STEEL PANTHER and URIAH HEEP, among many others.

Harvey shared the news of THE VIOLENT HOUR's launch in a social media post on September 21. She wrote: "It's coming. I've put my heart and soul into my new project THE VIOLENT HOUR over the last 6 months. I can't wait for you to hear it. Keep your eyes peeled for updates. This is a slower process than I'd like...but...I'm pumped!"

BUTCHER BABIES announced their split with Harvey in July 2024, saying in a statement that "Carla has been an integral part of our journey, bringing her unique talent, passion, and energy to the band," and wishing "her all the best in her future endeavors."

Carla, who co-founded BUTCHER BABIES in 2010 with fellow vocalist Heidi Shepherd, confirmed her exit from the band in a separate post, saying that she was "super proud" of her work with BUTCHER BABIES and adding that she was "not done making music and performing."

In the fall of 2023, BUTCHER BABIES completed a European tour without Carla, who sat out the trek in order to undergo emergency surgery on her left eye.

In January 2024, Harvey and Benante announced that they were officially engaged.

BUTCHER BABIES released a double album "Eye For An Eye..." and "…'Til The World's Blind", in July 2023. The double album celebrated the tenth anniversary of BUTCHER BABIES' critically acclaimed debut, "Goliath", released on July 9, 2013 via Century Media Records.

Smitten with tales of the Sunset Strip, Harvey made the pilgrimage to Los Angeles from her Native Detroit to play a little rock and roll…and instead found herself the entertainment report for a groundbreaking cable TV news program. After hosting two series and acting in a variety of television programs, movies and commercials, Harvey took a break from showbiz to earn her degree in mortuary science. She embarked on a successful career in embalming and funeral directing before going back to her first love: music.

In addition to writing and recording, Carla has a passion for drawing and penning comic books. Her love affair with the genre started when she discovered the Incredible Hulk at four years old. She spent the majority of her teenage years holed up in her room listening to PANTERA and developing an affinity for drawing her own scantily clad comic book characters. Dubbed a "comic book master-mind" by Hustler magazine, Harvey's first published comic book "Butcher Babies" (a fantasy, horror concept surrounding her now-former band),premiered and sold out at its Comic-Con San Diego debut, leaving fans chomping at the bit for her next comic, "Soul Sucka". Shortly after, she released her first full-length novel, "Death And Other Dances", to rave reviews. Carla's art has been featured in Famous Monsters magazine and has graced the cover of iconic Heavy Metal magazine.

Photo courtesy of TAG Publicity

1

The Violent Hour

See Pro-Shot Video Of HATEBREED's Entire Performance At 2024 BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR

Professionally filmed video of HATEBREED's entire August 9, 2024 performance at the Bloodstock Open Air festival in Catton Park, Derbyshire, United Kingdom can be seen below.

Five months ago, HATEBREED frontman Jamey Jasta was asked by Bloodstock TV's Oran O'Beirne if fans can expect to hear new music from the band in 2025. He responded: "Yeah, I hope so. Yeah, we're actually free agents right now. So we're talking to everybody, seeing what the options are. And I've been doing my own label… So people said, 'Stop producing all these records and do your own damn record.' It's time, yeah."

Asked if that means that the songs are done and "ready to go," and he and his bandmates are just looking for a home for them, Jamey clarified: "I have songs, and I have lyrics, and I thought about who would produce this record. Obviously, we always love Zeuss [Chris Harris] and go with Zeuss, but we're open. You know, we're saying we're, like, we're open to everything, but we're attached to nothing. So if Rick Rubin came out of the woodwork and said, 'Hey, you wanna do something?' people would say, 'Well, that's a pretty lofty goal.' But it's been done before — a little band from nowhere ends up getting a second wind in their career. And we've seen it with so many great bands that — not that we even had too much of a valley on the last one, but it did come out during a worldwide pandemic. So it's always peaks and valleys. And right now we're just headed towards the next peak."

HATEBREED celebrated its 30th anniversary with a North American tour this past fall. The trek kicked off on September 26 in Portland, Maine and will concluded on October 27 in Norfolk, Virginia. Support on the tour came from CARCASS, HARMS WAY and CRYPTA.

With dozens of pit-stirring anthems across their eight catalog albums, HATEBREED celebrated three decades of ruthless breakdowns and consistently sold-out shows the world over. Over the course of their career, the band has gone from playing basements and backyards to being a featured, must-see attraction on countless festivals like Graspop Metal Meeting, Ozzfest, Warped and Download alongside massive high-profile tours.

Recently described by Forbes as "more relevant than ever in the metal and hardcore community," HATEBREED remains one of the most definitive live acts in music today and recently celebrated a milestone with their track "Looking Down The Barrel Of Today", which surpassed 75 million global streams on Spotify alone while generating over 600,000 global equivalents across all digital service providers, making it their single biggest career streaming track of the modern era. To date, HATEBREED has sold over 1.5 million albums in North America alone.

HATEBREED is:

Jamey Jasta - Vocals
Chris Beattie - Bass
Wayne Lozinak - Guitar
Frank Novinec - Guitar
Matt Byrne - Drums

SEPULTURA's ANDREAS KISSER: 'We Were Very Surprised' By ELOY CASAGRANDE's Decision To Leave The Band

In a new interview with Overdrive.ie's Oran O'Beirne, SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser was asked if drummer Eloy Casagrande's decision to leave the band and join SLIPKNOT was influenced by the fact that SEPULTURA was about to embark on a farewell tour. Kisser responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I have no idea, man. You have to ask him. Because we were very surprised by his decision. We were working on [the SEPULTURA farewell tour] for two years — with him — and three weeks before the first show, he decided to leave out of nowhere. It was really weird. And he decided three weeks before the first date that we were working for two years to happen, with his approval and everything — we were discussing setlist and all the effects and everything — but he decided to go at that moment and he left, and [current SEPULTURA drummer] Greyson [Nekrutman] came up to my mind right away, 'cause we were following him. My son, Yohan, showed me his videos, Derrick [Green, SEPULTURA singer] saw him playing with SUICIDAL [TENDENCIES] in L.A. And he came to my mind right away. And I called him, and 48 hours [later], we were together. [Laughs]"

Referencing the fact that former SLIPKNOT drummer Jay Weinberg is now playing with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES while Nekrutman is in SEPULTURA and Casagrande is in SLIPKNOT, Andreas said: "For us, it's great. I guess for Eloy, SLIPKNOT is great as well. And for Jay — maybe it was better for everyone.

"Yeah, we had to rebuild or to rehearse with Greyson," Kisser added. "He did an amazing, amazing job. Every time it's better. Every time we got connected, playing, touring more and [getting] to know each other better. And it's fantastic."

In an interview for the cover story of the January 2025 issue of Modern Drummer magazine, Casagrande was asked for his opinion of Nekrutman, who joined SEPULTURA at around the same time in his life as Eloy did in 2011. The Brazilian musician responded: "Yes, and when I see him playing, I can remember myself in the same spot. When I joined SEPULTURA, I was his age. That's quite interesting. He's a very good drummer. I used to watch him playing videos he posted on social media when he was playing more jazz and drum solos. He's a brilliant player and I wish him and the rest of the band all the best. I have a lot of respect for him. I wish I could talk to him more one day. Maybe we could bring all the SEPULTURA drummers together.

"Greyson came to my studio in São Paulo when he joined the band to do some rehearsals, and we had a very good talk," Eloy added. "He had just two or three weeks to learn all the songs, so I gave him some advice like, 'We used to play that song faster. Be careful with this song because we used to play it slower.' I wasn't teaching him how to play the songs because he can play anything he wants to play. He's an incredible drummer."

Asked what it was like getting the call from SLIPKNOT and how he got the gig, Eloy said: "Everything happened at the end of 2023 when I got a call from SLIPKNOT's manager asking me if I was interested in doing an audition for SLIPKNOT. That year, SEPULTURA decided to stop playing, so it was a very natural decision for me to keep playing with someone else instead of just retiring. At the end of [2023] and the beginning of [2024], I wasn't supposed to talk to anyone about that. The audition was a big secret. Nobody could know about it. SEPULTURA didn't even know, it was just something between me and the guys from SLIPKNOT. It was my decision to do the audition. I said, 'Okay, I'm interested in doing an audition because SEPULTURA is going to stop. I have one and a half years left of working with them and I'm going to be done.'

"Through the years, I have played many times with SLIPKNOT," he continued. "We shared stages when I was playing SEPULTURA, and that was the place that I always wanted to be. I grew up listening to their music, so I wanted to have the experience playing live with SLIPKNOT with a mask on my face. In my first show with the band I was thinking, 'Oh, this is really happening. Oh my god. I can't believe it.'"

During an appearance on an August 2024 episode of the "One Life One Chance With Toby Morse" podcast, Derrick reflected on Eloy's departure in February 2024, less than a month prior to the start of SEPULTURA's "Celebrating Life Through Death" farewell tour. Derrick said: "We had already announced that we're going to do a farewell tour. It was in December that we announced it. And so then I think it was February, we started playing shows. And so it was, like, Andreas calls me was, like, 'Yeah, we're gonna do rehearsals. It's all set. Everybody's in line. You'll come down to Brazil and then we'll rehearse a few days and then we'll start the tour.' And I was, like, 'Great.' [I was] literally waking up, packing my shit. I think I was flying out literally the next day to start rehearsals. Andreas [gets in touch with me and he] is, like, 'Yo…' I was, like, 'What's going on?' He's, like, 'He's out.' I was, like, 'What do you mean? What are you talking about? Who's out?' And then he was just, like, 'Yeah, Eloy's out.' And I was just kind of like falling in a black hole, like, 'What are you talking about?' It was totally surreal. It was like literally in slow motion. I was just trying to get my breath. And he explained everything. [Eloy] wanted a meeting with everybody in the band and with the managers and everything, and I wasn't there. But he came in and it was just, like, 'I'm doing this gig. I signed a contract. And I'm out.' And I was just trying to get my head around it, because it'd been 13 years playing with this guy. And I was just really in shock. I was, like, 'Dude, what are we gonna do?' And we've been in this position where it's just, like, so crazy changes. I'm sure when Max [Cavalera] left [SEPULTURA], [Andreas] was in that position, like, 'What are we gonna do?' And then when Jean [Dolabella] left and Igor [Cavalera] left, like different people: 'What are we gonna do?' It wouldn't be the first time of total chaos… I'm on the phone with [Andreas]. He's, like, 'My son showed me a video of Greyson.' I was, like, 'Greyson, he's in SUICIDAL. Yeah. I just saw the show.' And he's, like, 'I was thinking of maybe calling him.' I was like, yeah. 'Call him up. Call him up and see what's up with him.' I was, like, 'You should call him immediately.' He's, like, 'I am. I'm gonna get his number. I'm gonna call him up, see what's up. Just to see what's up.' I was, like, 'He's playing with SUICIDAL. Maybe he has some off dates.' And we're just, like panicking because we had no clue what to do. We weren't expecting this at all."

Regarding how he got involved with SEPULTURA, Greyson, who turned 22 in June 2024, told "One Life One Chance With Toby Morse": "I'm home, and I get a text from Chloe Trujillo, Robert's [Trujillo, METALLICA bassist] wife, and she says, 'Hey, can Paulo [Xisto Pinto Jr.] from SEPULTURA have your number?' And I said, 'Absolutely.' About five hours after that, I get a DM from Andreas, and it's very nice, and it's very straightforward, and he says, 'Hey, man, I love your stuff,' yada yada. 'Can I call you? I have something I would like to talk to you about.' And I said, 'Hey, man. Absolutely. Here's my WhatsApp.' So I tell my parents. My parents are, like, 'Well, what the hell's going on?' My parents think I'm joking. So then I'm also not getting ahead of myself. 'Cause I'm, like, 'I don't know what it could be,' whatever. So this is where it gets funny. And I actually never told Derrick this… So Andreas says, 'We're gonna talk at 2 o'clock Eastern Standard Time. So I wake up, I go to the gym, I'm at the gym and Andreas texts me. He says, 'Hey, man. My meeting at noon got canceled. Can I call you at noon?' So in my head, I'm, like, 'Damn, it's almost like, like an aggressive girlfriend.' So I was, like, 'Shit.' Like, 'All right.' So I was, like, 'Sure.' So he calls me. And I'm in my room. And he just tells me, he says, 'Hey, man, I love your stuff.' He said it exactly like this. He says, 'I'm kind of in a situation.' That's the exact words he said. And I said, 'What's up?' And he says, 'Eloy quit yesterday. And we have this tour planned out for a long time and it starts very soon. And I have the dates.' And I remember sitting in my room, literally, like… It was the weirdest feeling… It was a feeling of, like, 'Oh, no,' but not a bad or not a good. It was like — you know when you're learning to drive and you're on the highway and you know you have to do this. You have to, because you've got 50 years left to live, 90 years left to live, whatever it is. But it's, like, you have to. You have no choice. But, like, 'Damn, I'm gonna really have to do this?' So I was, like, 'Okay.' And again, I still had no clue. I had no clue what he meant, though. I thought he meant maybe do like a show. Because then Andreas was, like, 'I think [Eloy is] going to SLIPKNOT,' kind of thing. He's, like, ''Cause I don't know why else [he would leave on such short notice].' I was, 'Okay.' So I go on my phone, and I remember looked up SLIPKNOT dates while I'm on the phone, and I realized they started in April. So I said, 'Okay, maybe then I'll start doing the [SEPULTURA] shows that are in April, May.' So I was kind of chilling. And he's like, 'If you're interested, let me know.' I was, like, 'Dude, I am interested.' And I said — this is so funny — I said… I think Andreas laughs every time we talk about it. He's, like, 'So you can do it?' I said, 'Yes, I'm gonna do it, but I've gotta go tell my parents.' [Laughs] And Andreas is, like, 'Okay.' [Laughs]"

After parting ways with Jay Weinberg in November 2023, SLIPKNOT teased fans with a hint about a new drummer 10 months ago, posting a photo of a single broken drumstick online with the caption "Rehearsal."

The band explained in a statement that the split with Weinberg was a creative decision. Jay followed up with a statement of his own, saying that he was "heartbroken and blindsided" by his dismissal.

Casagrande joined SEPULTURA more than 13 years ago as the replacement for Jean Dolabella.

4

DREAM EVIL - Five Camera Mix Of Entire Marrickville, Australia Show Streaming

Sweden's Dream Evil performed at the Marrickville Bowling Club in Marrickville, Australia on November 2nd. A five camera mix of the entire show, courtesy of Bobmetallicafreak Productions can be viewed below.

Setlist:

"Metal Gods"
"In Flames You Burn"
"Crusader's Anthem"
"Masters of Arms"
"Immortal"
"Blind Evil"
"Chosen Force"
"Fight in the Night"
"Made of Metal"
"The Prophecy"
"Children of the Night"
"Into the Moonlight"
"The Chosen Ones"

Encore:
"Chasing the Dragon"
"The Book of Heavy Metal"

Dream Evil recently released a video for "Fight In The Night", the third single from their seventh studio album, Metal Gods, which was released via longtime label Century Media Records worldwide on July 26, 2024.

Dream Evil comment on the track: “We had a blast writing 'Fight In The Night' all together in the studio as well as coming up with the lyrics together while the riff ideas came flying from here and there. Making the video for this song with Patric Ullaeus was a non-stop laughing experience. Check it out!”

Once again featuring recording/mixing duties by Dream Evil guitarist Fredrik Nordström at his legendary

THE DARKNESS Shares Music Video For Latest Single 'I Hate Myself'

British rockers THE DARKNESS have released the video for their new single "I Hate Myself", the latest song to be taken from their forthcoming eighth studio album, "Dreams On Toast", which will be made available on March 28 via Cooking Vinyl.

Directed by Simon Emmett, the "I Hate Myself" video has been captured in one take, unedited, and portrays frontman Justin Hawkins as he has never been seen before. Playing with gender roles, and channeling the spirit of a world-weary, chain-smoking diva with immaculate makeup and long flowing hair, the singer is in self-reflective mode as he chronicles the breakdown of a relationship, while pointing the finger squarely at himself.

Regarding the video, Justin says: "I love working with Simon Emmett. Everything we have collaborated on has turned out great so far. This is no exception. The concept is related to the self-loathing that the song itself lyrically explores. And I feel like the visual accompaniment has taken this song to the next level, and it was already my favorite DARKNESS song ever. I can't wait for everybody to see it — it means a lot to me… and I'm here for the conversation. I love you all. I just hate myself."

The video for the self-deprecating glam punk rock song premiered last night on Justin's widely popular Justin Hawkins Rides Again YouTube channel, where he was joined in the first-look viewing party by his brother and guitarist Dan Hawkins.

Today THE DARKNESS also reveal the track listing for "Dreams On Toast", a 10-song magnum opus destined to continue to cement the four-piece, completed by bassist Frankie Poullain and drummer Rufus "Tiger" Taylor, as one of Britain's most important rock bands. Continuing to push boundaries over two decades deep into their multi-platinum, award-winning career, offering up unexpected surprises to bedazzle and amaze fans with this new record in 2025.

Produced by Dan Hawkins, "Dreams On Toast" flawlessly captures THE DARKNESS in their finest form, celebrating their influences, strengthening their sound, while also embarking on avenues never heard from the band before in a grand display from a passionate, hungry and inspired collective.

From the likes of the jaunty '70s pop genius of lead single "The Longest Kiss", searing hard rock of "Rock And Roll Party Cowboy", heartfelt '60s pop balladry of "Hot On My Tail", huge swaggering anthems such as "Mortal Dread" and "Walking Through Fire", while even creating a country classic with "Cold Hearted Woman", "Dreams On Toast" brings all of the wildest fantasies of THE DARKNESS to life.

When "Dreams On Toast" was first announced in September, Justin said in a statement: "You know that thing when God's breath tickles your soul and tells you to create? Yeah, makes me giggle too. But you can't resist. God might not be the power she once was, but say what you like about her, she knows damn well that what the world needs now, is rock sweet rock. And who are we, mere mortals of extraordinary ability, to argue with the divine?

"So we knuckled down and thought really hard about the best of the best, the elite songs, the life-changing music of the ages. Then we popped out a dozen bangers before lunch. And these bangers we present to you here, wallowing in an aromatic aural ragu, served atop the charred remains of our envious contemporaries… ladies and gentlemen, I give you 'Dreams On Toast'!"

"Dreams On Toast" track listing:

01. Rock And Roll Party Cowboy
02. I Hate Myself
03. Hot On My Tail
04. Mortal Dread
05. Don't Need Sunshine
06. The Longest Kiss
07. The Battle For Gadget Land
08. Cold Hearted Woman
09. Walking Through Fire
10. Weekend In Rome

"Dreams On Toast" album artwork was designed by Grammy-nominated artist Perry Shall.

THE DARKNESS closed 2024 with a special treat for fans at a series of six intimate Rough Trade in stores across the U.K. where they performed songs from "Dreams On Toast" live for the very first time. The band will now hit the road in 2025 on a much larger scale and the "Dreams On Toast" U.K. headline tour will see them play 18 shows across the country, finishing at London's OVO Wembley Arena on March 29. Support comes from Northern Irish indie-rock heroes ASH, who first supported THE DARKNESS on their legendary "Permission To Land" tour over 20 years ago.

Photo credit: Simon Emmett

THE CROWN Shares Re-Recording Of “Hunger”

"1997 melodeath just came knocking on your door," proclaims Marko Tervonen, guitarist for The Crown.

"To thank you all for your support during 2024, we would like to share the re-recording of the track 'Hunger', originally featured on the 1997 sophomore album Eternal Death," reads a statement from the band.

"Hunger" 2024 was recorded and engineered by Marko Tervonen at N3 Studio and MT Studio in April 2024. It was mixed and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren at Black Lounge Studio. Until now, the song was only available on the Japanese version of Crown Of Thorns.

The Crown's twelfth studio album, Crown Of Thorns, is out now via Metal Blade Records.

Crown Of Thorns serves as the band's dynamic follow-up to 2021's Royal Destroyer and the record's musical dynamics are on a new level due in no small part to the 2022 addition of drummer Mikael Norén and bassist Mattias Rasmussen as well as the return of lead guitarist Marcus Sunesson, rejoining longtime members Tervonen and vocalist Johan Lindstrand.

"With Mikael, we managed to bring back a bit more of that crazy 'Janne Saarenpää' feel to the drumming, so that was a really cool energy boost. Mattias comes more from a punk/crust background, and he wrote 'I Hunt With The Devil' and 'Mind Collapse,' which turned out great. This is definitely a step up in many ways, changing the way we worked on the CSV and RD albums."

It's very few bands who have a revered and established career - The Crown celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2020 (their first eight years spent as Crown Of Thorns) - yet up the ante continually. With 2018's Cobra Speed Venom the band reached the same lofty heights as their 2002 landmark release, Crowned In Terror. And with the barbaric Royal Destroyer, and now, 2024's powerful and unique Crown Of Thorns, the metal vets rage with a rekindled fire and ferocity while honoring their roots. As Tervonen concludes, noting of Crown Of Thorns, "I guess every band needs to do a self-titled album at some point. So now we did it, our way."

Crown Of Thorns was recorded by Marko Tervonen (Studio-MT), mixed and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren (Black Lounge Studios), and is available on jewel case CD (US), limited digipak CD with three additional studio songs (EU), and digital formats, as well vinyl in the following color variants:

- Black + White Split (US)
- 180g Black (EU)
- White Black Marbled (EU)
- White Black Dust (EU - Ltd. 300)
- Iron-Grey Marble (EU - LP + bonus 7", slip mat, patch - Ltd. 500)

Order here.

Crown Of Thorns tracklisting:

"I Hunt With The Devil"
"Churchburner"
"Martyrian"
"Gone To Hell"
"Howling At The Warfield"
"The Night Is Now"
"God-King"
"The Agitator"
"Where Nightmares Belong"
"The Storm That Comes"
"Eternally Infernal" (Bonus Track)
"No Fuel For Godv (Bonus Track)
"Mind Collapse" (Bonus Track)

"Howling At The Warfield":

ROBERT FRIPP & TOYAH Share Cover Of A BILLY IDOL Classic For Sunday Lunch (Video)

King Crimson founder Robert Fripp and his wife, Toyah Willcox, kick off 2025 with a kitchen performance of the Billy Idol classic, "Rebel Yell".

In 2024, Billy Idol and Steve Stevens performed "Rebel Yell" live from the secret balcony on the 103rd Floor of the Empire State Building in New York City to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the iconic Rebel Yell album. Watch the video below:

Billy Idol celebrated the 40th anniversary of his landmark album, Rebel Yell, with a deluxe expanded edition, out now via Capitol/UMe.

Available to order here, the reissue includes a selection of previously unreleased songs and demos, the Poolside remix of Idols smash hit "Eyes Without A Face", and the never-before-heard Billy Idol/Steve Stevens original "Best Way Out Of Here" from the original sessions.

Originally released in November 1983, Rebel Yell is the twice-platinum follow-up to Idols self-titled debut. The album features the iconic singles "Eyes Without A Face", "Flesh For Fantasy", "Rebel Yell", and "Catch My Fall". The reissue is available in 2xLP, 2xCD, and digital formats. See below for complete tracklistings.

Rebel Yell (Expanded Edition) tracklistings:

2xLP:

Disc 1, Side A
"Rebel Yell"
"Daytime Drama"
"Eyes Without A Face"
"Blue Highway"

Disc 1, Side B
"Flesh For Fantasy"
"Catch My Fall"
"Crank Call"
"(Do Not) Stand In The Shadows"
"The Dead Next Door"

Disc 2, Side A
"Best Way Out Of Here"
"Love Don't Live Here Anymore"
"Daytime Drama" (Demo)
"Flesh For Fantasy" (Demo)

Disc 2, Side B
"Catch My Fall" (Early Version)
"Crank Call" (Demo)
"(Do Not) Stand In The Shadows" (Demo)
"Eyes Without A Face" (Poolside remix)

2xCD/Digital Album:

Disc 1
"Rebel Yell"
"Daytime Drama"
"Eyes Without A Face"
"Blue Highway"
"Flesh For Fantasy"
"Ca

Robert Fripp & Toyah

IRON SAVIOR Part Ways With Bassist JAN-S. ECKERT; Replacement Announced

Iron Savior frontman / founder Piet Sielck has checked in with the following update:

"It is with great regret that we have to inform you that Jan-S. Eckert has left Iron Savior. This was at his own request, which we ultimately had to accept. We thank Jan for his commitment over all these years and wish him all the best from the bottom of our hearts.

After Jan was already substituted by Patrick Opitz during his previous Sabbath break, he will now take over the bass duties permanently. We are therefore looking forward to an awesome year in 2025!"

Following the release of their latest studio album, Firestar, Iron Savior, has unleashed a furious, new single entitled "Raising Hell".

Firestar features a wide range of influences from hard rock to pop, all calibrated to heavy metal trademark the band is known and loved for. But sometimes pure coincidence or seemingly inconspicuous little details can turn a very good album into an outstanding release. In the case of Firestar, it has come as a real surprise even for Sielck that the new songs surpass the material of the impressive 2020-album Skycrest. In fact, the cornerstones of the current offering were already set and pointed to a successful production within the tried and tested framework, when all of a sudden everything turned out rather differently: “Just before the recordings were finalised, I was inspired by the muse, totally of the blue. I wrote two more songs out of nowhere and changed a third one on the spur of the moment. And suddenly, ‘Firestar’ turned into an even better record,” Sielck recently said, admitting that this unexpected creative surge “triggered great emotions” in him.

Iron Savior have again come up with an exceptional studio album in Firestar, enhanced by Felipe Machado Franco’s impressive cover artwork. The cherry on the cake is the powerful production courtesy of Hamburg’s Powerhouse Studio, including intelligently positioned keyboard parts and the anthemic background choirs, supported by Sielck’s 17-year-old daughter Frida and her boyfriend. Without any doubt, Firestar turned into a bonfire in many respects - Happy Release Day!

Order Firestar here.

Tracklisting:

“The Titan”
“Curse Of The Machinery”
“In The Realm Of Heavy Metal”
“Demise Of The Tyrant”
“Firestar”
“Through The Fires Of Hell”
“Mask, Cloak And Sword”
“Across The Wastelands”
“Rising From Ashes”
“Nothing Is Forever”
“Together As One”

"

2

HEAVY LOAD's RAGNE WAHLQUIST, Godfather Of Swedish Heavy Metal, Dead At 69

Ragne Wahlquist, guitarist and vocalist for HEAVY LOAD, which is widely regarded as the first Swedish heavy metal band and the first Viking metal act, has died at the age of 69.

According to SVT, Ragne and his younger brother Styrbjörn were in the middle of recording HEAVY LOAD's fifth album at the time of Ragne's death. The intention is to complete the album and to carry the band forward.

It is generally believed that HEAVY LOAD was the band that started the Swedish wave of heavy metal in the middle of the 1970s — their first album was released in 1978. They are also considered to be the first Viking metal band in the world.

HEAVY LOAD was established in Stockholm during the grim winter of 1974-1975 by the two brothers Ragne (vocals, guitars and keyboards) and Styrbjörn (vocals and drums). The vision and the passion of the Wahlquist brothers was always the kernel of the band's audacious drive; its drive to venture out on musical journeys and to spread their music to the world. The Viking heritage has been an important source of inspiration ever since their childhood. The brothers' emotional connection to people of a remote past, people with whom they share everlasting human challenges, was destined to find an outlet in their music. As a consequence, the brothers merged 1970s hard rock with Viking settings and sentiments, resulting in the band's distinctive style of music and lyrics: Viking metal — a style which came to inspire later bands in Sweden and elsewhere.

HEAVY LOAD released its first album, "Full Speed At High Level", during an era when the Swedish media and record industry claimed that hard rock was dead and that the band was doomed to fail. The Wahlquist brothers' vision has always been the core of what HEAVY LOAD was all about. So after expanding the band with a second guitarist, they founded their own recording facility, the famous Thunderload Studios, along with their own label, Thunderload Records. On their own label, they released timeless classics such as "Metal Conquest" (1981),"Death Or Glory" (1982) and "Stronger Than Evil" (1983) by HEAVY LOAD.

In 2023, HEAVY LOAD released a 40th-anniversary comeback album, "Riders Of The Ancient Storm". "Stronger Than Evil" was also made available to stream on Spotify for the first time, including six bonus tracks from the 2018 album reissue.

At their Thunderload recording facility, the Wahlquist brothers recorded CANDLEMASS's legendary debut album "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus", along with LPs from HAMMERFALL and Yngwie Malmsteen.

1

CARMINE APPICE Is A PAPA ROACH Fan: They Are 'Awesome'

In a 2024 interview with "Dayna's Diner With Dayna Steele", legendary drummer Carmine Appice spoke about how musicians have gotten better at the focus and dexterity required to play rock music. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): " Some of the musicians today, the drummers today are like machines. They're unbelievable. They've taken what we laid the foundation of and just taken it to the extremes. I see drummers on Instagram and everything, they're just unbelievable. Nobody knows who they are. They're just amazing players.

"Guys like [MR. BIG's] Billy Sheehan — an amazing bass player — listened to [VANILLA FUDGE's] Tim Bogert," he continued. "It goes down the line. Tim Bogert listened to James Jamerson. And it goes down the line. There's guys that listened to Billy Sheehan that are better than Billy Sheehan."

Asked if there are any new artists that he would pay to see in concert right now, Carmine said: "I like — what was the name of that band? Oh, come on… PAPA ROACH. I went to see them with… I have neighbors up the street here. The kids are [a guitarist] and a drummer, and I helped the drummer kid out. And they were going to see PAPA ROACH and SHINEDOWN. They had they had an extra ticket They said, 'You wanna go?' I said, 'Sure.' They were all raving about SHINEDOWN. For me, I thought PAPA ROACH was awesome. So I actually downloaded some of their songs on iTunes."

Appice is the original drummer of VANILLA FUDGE, with whom he still records and performs today. He has also played with CACTUS and BECK, BOGERT & APPICE, in addition to spending stints in the bands of Ozzy Osbourne and Rod Stewart, co-writing the latter's No. 1 hit "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?"Carmine was named the 28th greatest drummer of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.

Appice is widely considered to be one of the most accomplished showmen in rock and is the recipient of numerous awards, including dozens of gold- and platinum-selling records. Carmine has broken new ground in every aspect of his career as a performer, as a teacher, and as a writer, and he continues to inspire drummers and listeners throughout the world with his originality and his unwavering dedication to the art of drumming.

Carmine's autobiography, "Stick It!: My Life Of Sex, Drums, And Rock 'N' Roll", was released in May 2016 by Chicago Review Press.

Under the moniker APPICE, Carmine and his brother Vinny released "Sinister", their first joint studio album, in October 2017 through SPV/Steamhammer.

2

JERRY CANTRELL Says He Has Talked To JAMES HETFIELD About Possibly Writing Music Together

ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell says that he is open to collaborating on music with METALLICA frontman James Hetfield. Answering fan questions in the new issue of Metal Hammer, Cantrell was asked whether he would make an album with Hetfield. He responded: "James and I have talked about it, kind of. We never had a formal conversation but I've jammed with him at Kirk's [Hammett, METALLICA guitarist] place. I've even spent a night or two at his house, and we've ended up with guitars in the kitchen and on the porch. It's something I'd be really curious about, even to just write a song with him. As for whether it'd turn into something more than that, he's got a pretty demanding day job. Ha ha! So I'd understand if it never comes to be."

Back in 2020, Cantrell paid tribute to Hetfield, telling Metal Hammer: "What makes James such a great frontman is his physical presence. Nobody else commands the same kind of respect and attention without it being self-seeking or egocentric. He's all about the music; all about the fun and the celebration and the connection with the fans. And that, to me, is really inspiring. Especially because he's done this for so long, and he's been at the top of his game for so long and he continues to search for a deeper meaning. He took an underground thing and took it worldwide.

"METALLICA is a huge thing for me and for any hard rock or metal band," he added.

"Will he go down in history as a rock icon? He already has — he's the godfather, man."

Nearly two decades years ago, Hetfield joined ALICE IN CHAINS on stage twice to perform the song "Would?": at the Rock Am Ring festival in Nürburgring, Germany, and at the Warfield in San Francisco.

Asked by Revolver magazine if he had a close relationship with late ALICE IN CHAINS singer Layne Staley, Hetfield replied, "I wasn't really close with Layne, but I remember going to see ALICE IN CHAINS many times. I remember when we were down in L.A. [in 1991, making 'The Black Album'], I left the studio early to see them play on 'Clash Of The Titans' with SLAYER. I was driving like a madman in this rented van, going on the median and scaring the shit out of my friend — 'We gotta get there!' And we get there, and they'd just got off. I was like, 'Aw, man!' [Laughs] I hung with them a little bit, always just loved their music, and I'd say that Jerry and I share some life experiences, like getting a second chance at life and realizing how cool things can be. So we've got kind of a kinship that way. And seeing them play — I just love hearing those songs. Those songs are awesome and should be heard, you know? They were so unique, so ahead of their time. And out of all the Seattle stuff, that stuff is the most timeless. Unfortunately, Layne just loved the junk too much, man, and that was that. I just read in his lyrics his obsessiveness about it. And he knew where he was goin'! It's like, in the school of driving, look where you want to go — and that's what he was doing, it seems like."

5

Watch ACE FREHLEY Perform In Westland, Michigan‪‪‪

Fan-filmed video of Ace Frehley's December 27, 2024 concert at The Token Lounge in Westland, Michigan can be seen below.

The setlist for the show was as follows, according to Setlist.fm:

01. Shock Me (KISS song)
02. Deuce (KISS song)
03. Cherry Medicine
04. Rock Soldiers (FREHLEY’S COMET song)
05. Love Gun (KISS song)
06. Rocket Ride (KISS song)
07. Parasite (KISS song)
08. Detroit Rock City (KISS song)
09. Rip It Out
10. She (KISS song)
11. New York Groove (Russ Ballard cover)
12. Cold Gin (KISS song)
13. Ace Frehley Guitar Solo
14. Shout It Out Loud (KISS song)
15. Rock And Roll All Nite (KISS song)

Last month, Ace confirmed to Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station that he has commenced work on "Origins Vol. 3", the sequel to Frehley's 2016 and 2020 collections of cover songs that inspired the former KISS guitarist. "I'm working on 'Origins Vol. 3', 'cause that's the next record I'm putting out next year in 2025," he said. "So, we're starting to gear up for that and figuring out which songs [to include on the LP]. I have a long extensive list and we're slowly whittling it down to which ones we're gonna track."

Frehley went on to say that he is once again working with TRIXTER's Steve Brown, who produced and co-wrote all the material on Ace's latest solo album, "10,000 Volts", which was released in February via MNRK Music Group (formerly eOne Music).

"'Origins Vol. 3' will probably be out before the end of 2025," Ace revealed. "I usually put out a record every year, year and a half, two years now. I have two more albums on my record deal with MNRK Music. And everything's great."

Released in September 2020, "Origins Vol. 2" featured cover versions of THE BEATLES' "I'm Down", DEEP PURPLE's "Space Truckin'", LED ZEPPELIN's "Good Times Bad Times", THE ROLLING STONES' "Jumpin' Jack Flash", THE KINKS' "Lola" and THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE's "Manic Depression", among others. A cover of the 1975 KISS tune "She" also appeared as a bonus track. Guests on the set included CHEAP TRICK's Robin Zander, Lita Ford and former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick.

Released in April 2016, "Origins Vol. 1" debuted at No. 23 on The Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 16,000 equivalent album units. The CD featured KISS frontman Paul Stanley joining Ace on FREE's hit "Fire And Water", Slash trading leads on THIN LIZZY's classic "Emerald", Ford singing and playing lead on THE TROGGS staple "Wild Thing", then-ROB ZOMBIE guitarist John 5 playing guitar alongside Ace on the classic KISS composition "Parasite", and PEARL JAM's Mike McCready playing guitar with Ace on KISS's "Cold Gin".

In a 2016 interview with The Aquarian Weekly, Frehley admitted that doing the first covers album was "the record company's idea. To be honest with you, initially, I wasn't that excited about the project, because I had just come off the high of the success of 'Space Invader', which is all originals except for a cover of 'The Joker'," he said. "It was almost, like, 'Okay, I'm going to go through the motions and get this out of the way and then jump into the studio for my next real studio album.' But I've gotta tell ya, man, once I started the process and started remembering the groups that influenced me, narrowing down which songs I thought were going to be best for the record, and then started the recording process; I really started getting more excited about it."

The official music video for the "10,000 Volts" track — directed by Alex Kouvatsos from Black Wolf Imaging — was released in late November 2023. A clip for "Cherry Medicine", which was directed by Justin H. Reich of Three Thirty-Three Creative and produced by Reich and Steve Seabury, followed in February.

Ace's next all-original album will be the follow-up to "Spaceman", which was released in October 2018 via eOne.

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons co-wrote two tracks on "Spaceman", "Without You I'm Nothing" and "Your Wish Is My Command", the latter of which also features Gene's bass playing.

ACCEPT's MARK TORNILLO Isn't Thinking About Retirement: 'I Don't See Any Reason To Stop'

In a recent interview with Rapture Radio, ACCEPT singer Mark Tornillo was asked if there has been any talk of him retiring any time soon. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, the way I really feel about it is as long as I'm capable and there's people that wanna see us, I don't see any reason to stop. I mean, I'm not getting any younger, obviously. I turned 70 [in 2024]. I can't believe that. I meet people and they go, 'You're not 70.' I go, 'Yeah, I really am.'

"As long as I can continue to sing and not have to compromise it, not have to tune down and do whatever people do, run tracks — then I'm not going there, then it's time to step aside," he continued. "But if we can continue to play on the level we play and I can continue to sing, I don't see any reason not to keep going."

Asked if he does anything special to keep his voice in shape, Mark said: "I drink a lot of beer. [Laughs] I mean, really the only precautionary measures I take is I get a decent warm-up, because if you come out of the gate just screaming and growling like that, I'll get two songs and I'll be done. It's a muscle, man. But there are guys who don't. I've talked to Rob Halford [of JUDAS PRIEST]. He doesn't warm up. Ripper [ex-JUDAS PRIEST and current KK'S PRIEST singer Tim Owens] doesn't warm up. They just go out and go for it. Rob says, 'Yeah, I'll put two easy songs in the beginning just so I don't have to kill myself right out of the gate,' which is good, if you can do it. I don't think we have any easy songs — not for me. 'Cause I paint myself into a corner on every frickin' album. And [producer] Andy [Sneap] will go, 'Oh, well, you can sing that part higher, can't you?' 'Yeah, I could.' 'Well, just do it.' 'Okay.' 'We don't have to necessarily use it. Just do it.' Of course, he takes the highest, nastiest things and puts them on the record. And then I've gotta go out and sing it. It's what it is. But I love it, man. So, why not?"

On a recent episode of the "Talk Louder" podcast, hosted by veteran music journalist "Metal Dave" Glessner and lifelong hard rock/metal vocalist Jason McMaster (DANGEROUS TOYS),Tornillo was asked if he is able to maintain an exercise routine while he is on tour. "I try to," Mark responded. "We try to book hotel rooms that have gyms, but otherwise I'll be down here on the floor later before I go to the gig, man, stretching and doing core."

Tornillo went on to say that he "just turned 70 in June" and added that he wears his age "like a badge at this point."

As for his vocal warm-up routing prior to performing live, Mark revealed that he sings into a rolled-up towel. He explained: "The way this started for me was way back in early '80s, I used to just scream my ass off, drink two six-packs in the dressing room before we would go on. And we were playing at a club called Soap Factory in New Jersey, and the dressing room was right next to the owner's office. And I'm in there screaming, yelling, 'Argh. Arghh,' just trying to get loosened up. The guy comes in and goes, 'You shut the hell up. I'm on the telephone. I can't even think.' I'm, like, 'Well, I've gotta warm up.' 'Well, stick something in your face. I don't know.' 'Hey, here's an idea.' I rolled up a towel and put it [over my mouth], and I've never not done it since. So I just do my warm-up — I have a proper exercise [routine] — and I just do it in the towel, though.

"When I first joined ACCEPT, I had sang hard on a consistent basis for a long time," he continued. "I was in a few cover bands in the '90s and the 2000s. But we wouldn't play all the time. So I said, 'Well, if I'm gonna do this night after night after night, I'd better go get some help, maybe, just see what I can find out.' I went to a guy who was recommended to me. His name is Mark Baxter in New York. He's worked with Steven Tyler… Well, that says it all right there. That's the only thing you need to know. And he says, 'Look, I can't teach you how to sing. You know how to sing. I can hear it. I listened to your records. I can hear you sing.' I said, 'Yeah, all right. What do you got'? And it's just a series of — it's scales, but it's all different positions of your tongue and your jaw and the vowels. Because vowels mean everything. If you change to go from an 'E' to a 'U' or something like that, it feels like you're in a different throat… And nobody knows why."

ACCEPT will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025-2026. To mark this mammoth milestone, ACCEPT will ring in the band's golden birthday with a very unique anniversary tour at the end of 2025. An anniversary album will be released early 2026.

Over the past five decades, ACCEPT has sold millions of albums and inspired countless musicians. Their energetic live performances and iconic albums such as "Balls To The Wall", "Restless And Wild" and "Metal Heart" have left a lasting mark on the heavy metal genre. Hoffmann's guitar style and musical vision have made the band one of the most respected on the heavy metal scene.

After a hiatus in the band's career, Wolf was introduced to New Jersey singer Tornillo in 2009. The chemistry and fit between them was so remarkable, ACCEPT reformed and almost immediately rose to global success with chart-topping albums. ACCEPT continues to be celebrated for each of their new records with Mark, who is now the longest-reigning frontman of ACCEPT, placing the Hoffmann-Tornillo partnership firmly in the Metal Hall Of Fame.

For decades, ACCEPT has been recognized as a guarantee of high quality and each of their albums has reached the top of the charts, delivering energy, melodies, killer riffs and an impressively powerful stage presence for 50 years.

ACCEPT and KK'S PRIEST recently joined forces for a summer/fall 2024 North American tour. The run began on August 31 in Los Angeles, California, visiting a slew of major cities in the USA and Canada — such as Toronto, Montreal, New York and Nashville — before coming to an end in San Francisco, California on October 7.

Tornillo joined ACCEPT in 2009 as the replacement for Udo Dirkschneider, who was the band's original lead singer. Mark can be heard on ACCEPT's last six studio albums, "Blood Of The Nations" (2010),"Stalingrad" (2012),"Blind Rage" (2014),"The Rise Of Chaos" (2017),2021's "Too Mean To Die" and 2024's "Humanoid".

DAN LILKER Doesn't Regret Any Of S.O.D.'s Deliberately Offensive Lyrics: 'We Knew What We Were Doing'

In a recent interview with Screamer Magazine, former ANTHRAX bassist Dan Lilker spoke about his mid-'80s politically incorrect project STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH (S.O.D.) which also included ANTHRAX's Scott Ian (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums),and M.O.D.'s Billy Milano (vocals). Regarding the fact that S.O.D. garnered controversy even back in the day for the deliberately offensive lyrics of songs like "Speak English Or Die" and "Fuck The Middle East", Dan said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "There were some people that we did wanna piss off a little bit, but if you couldn't tell that we were kind of being just obnoxious and provocative… People weren't looking at the big picture. We also had a song on the record about being hung over and having no milk in the fridge. And you had to step out a little bit. And by the way, 'Fuck The Middle East' is still relevant. And we wrote a song about a guy in a movie with impossibly long fingers who would fucking slice your throat off with. So, sure, calling the record 'Speak English Or Die' — and we're not gonna get into the cancel culture conversation, by the way. I know that [the S.O.D. album] couldn't happen today, and we all know that. But let's just say that we knew what we were doing. I don't regret any of it. I know some people might've thought, 'That's over the line,' but then we weren't really like that. We were just being perhaps a tiny bit reckless, but S.O.D. was about the music. The lyrics were just kind of like — I was gonna say icing on the cake, but it's more like salt. I don't know."

STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH are commonly credited as being among the first bands to fuse hardcore punk with thrash metal into a style sometimes called "crossover thrash." The track "March Of The S.O.D." from the group's debut LP, "Speak English Or Die", was the "Headbangers Ball" intro song for many years.

STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH was formed shortly after Ian finished his guitar tracks on the ANTHRAX album "Spreading The Disease". He would draw pictures of the face of a character known as "Sargent D," and the pictures would be accompanied by slogans such as "I'm not racist; I hate everyone" and "Speak English Or Die." Ian would then wrote lyrics about this character. He decided to form a hardcore band based on Sargent D, so he recruited Benante, Lilker and Milano.

The 30th-anniversary edition of "Speak English Or Die" was made available in November 2015 via Megaforce. The set included the original album as well as the demo recordings from the pre-STROMTROOPERS OF DEATH project CRAB SOCIETY NORTH.

In a 2018 interview with the "Let There Be Talk" podcast, Ian defended the lyrics on "Speak English Or Die", saying: "You've gotta understand, this was a character — I was writing for a character. This isn't how I feel, as Scott Ian. I created a guy named Sargent D, who I was writing a comic book about and I wrote songs based on it. And if you don't get it, go fuck yourself. I will never apologize, because that's where it comes from."

Three years ago, Ian told Metal Hammer magazine about "Speak English Or Die": "If it had never existed in 1985 and we tried to put that out today, no matter how hard we tried to explain the joke or the humor, yes, certain sections of people would cancel it. It would have a much harder time now. We didn't have Internet back then.

"If people don't know, Sargent D is a character that I created, because I wanted to try and make a comic book," Ian further clarified. "I didn't know how to write a comic book, so I wrote songs about this character, who's dead. He's unliving, and therefore he hates anything alive. We explained it a few times in interviews back then, but either people want to hear it or they don't."

Lilker previously spoke about the rise of political correctness in the social media era in a September 2018 interview with Pierre Gutiérrez of Rock Talks. Asked for his opinion of the current state of "censorship," including the cancel culture, which is the idea that someone, usually a celebrity or a public figure, whose ideas or comments are considered offensive should be boycotted, Dan said: "Something like the S.O.D. record, yeah, I mean, sure, you could never do that now. Just trying to be obnoxious and just be a bit of an asshole and be provocative, you can't do that anymore because everyone thinks that you're completely serious and full of hatred.

"When NUCLEAR ASSAULT did a festival in Recife, Brazil, I was talking to a couple of young metalheads in the lobby of the hotel, and they said, 'On your first album [1986's 'Game Over'], you had an extra song on the cassette, and it was called 'Lesbians'. Why? Did you have a problem with lesbians?' And I'm, like, 'We wrote that song in 1985 before you were even fucking born.' The point being that no, of course, we don't [have a problem with lesbians]. But that's when it was okay… It was never okay, but it was a stupid song. And, of course, we didn't mean it. It was just being obnoxious and provocative. And you can't do that [anymore]."

He continued: "I would hope that people understand that just because you have a position in a song that's obviously funny or outlandish that you're not really like that every day.

"I don't care. I'm not ashamed of anything I've done. It's all been in fun when it was obnoxious, and I wouldn't take any of it back. I mean, 'Fuck The Middle East'," he said, referencing a song on the first S.O.D. album, "but it's still true.

"I think some people have made a whole industry out of being offended," Lilker added. "I think a lot of people try to impress their older friends: 'Oh, did you see what they said? Oh, that's horrible.' I think some people are using this stuff. MARDUK and INCANTATION [were] shut down from a show in Oakland because 25 years ago INCANTATION had a guy in the band who later — much, much later — got into some crappy 'white power' shit that all the other guys were, like, 'What the fuck happened to this guy?' But because of this ancient association, now they're on some list, and that, to me, is ridiculous."

Lilker's 2014 book, "Perpetual Conversion", recently saw its reprint, which includes a new foreword by Tomas Lindberg (AT THE GATES) as well as an all-new, full-color section containing previously unpublished photos, flyers, and ephemera. Author Dave Hofer describes the project as, "a zine-format biography dedicated to Lilker's ongoing, influential career."

1

LED ZEPPELIN Singer ROBERT PLANT's Royalty Payments Released

Celebrity Access is reporting that newly published accounts reveal that Robert Plant received £7 million in dividends from two of his UK music publishing companies in the financial year ending March 31, 2024. These businesses, Sons Of Einion and Trolcharm, are used by Plant to manage his music career and receive income from album sales.

According to accounts filed on December 17, Plant received £4 million from Sons Of Einion and £3 million from Trolcharm during the period. Based on previous filings, this is the first time either business has paid dividends. While Plant isn’t directly named as the recipient, both companies list the payments made to “the director,” a role he shares with his children, Logan, Jesse Lee (Jordan), and Carmen Jones.

Read the full report at Celebrity Access.

Piece of Magic Entertainment and Sony Pictures Classics have partnered to announce that Becoming Led Zeppelin will be released in European cinemas in February.

Becoming Led Zeppelin explores the origins of this iconic group and their meteoric rise in just one year against all the odds. Powered by awe-inspiring, psychedelic, never-before-seen footage, performances and music, Bernard MacMahon’s experiential cinematic odyssey explores Led Zeppelin’s creative, musical, and personal origin story. The film is told in Led Zeppelin’s own words and is the first officially sanctioned film on the group.

Fans of the iconic band will be able to see the documentary from February 26 in France, Belgium and Luxembourg, and February 27 in The Netherlands. Poland, Czech Republic & Slovakia will also release in February, with exact dates to follow.

The hybrid docu-concert film also unveils a huge amount of rare and unseen Led Zeppelin performance footage. The result is a visceral musical experience that will transport audiences into the concert halls of Led Zeppelin’s earliest tours, accompanied by intimate, exclusive commentary from the famously private band.

The exciting documentary will also be available in IMAX in certain territories. Director Bernard MacMahon said: “The cinematic power of IMAX paired with the film’s authentic sound creates an immersive and transportive viewing experience letting audiences feel like they are there, in the venues with the band.”

Becoming Led Zeppelin is a movie that almost didn’t come to fruition – the filmmakers were up against epic challenges, including the fact that hardly any footage from the band's early period existed. MacMahon and McGourty embarked on a global detective search for material to illustrate the band’s story.

“We spent five years flying back and forth across the Atlantic scouring attics and basements in pursuit of rare and unseen film footage, photographs and music recordings,” writer/producer Allison McGourty said. “Then we transferred each piece of media with custom techniques, so that

Watch SCORPIONS Perform "Peacemaker" Live At Hellfest 2022; Pro-Shot Video Streaming

German rock legends, Scorpions, have released video of their performance of "Peacemaker" from France's Hellfest 2022. The song originally appeared on the band's nineteenth studio album, Rock Believer, released in February 2022. Watch the video below:

More footage from the band's Hellfest 2022 appearance can be viewed below:

Earlier this week, Scorpions/ex-Motörhead drummer, Mikkey Dee, shared the following message via his official Facebook page:

"Just a quick statement about what has been happening to me these past three weeks:

"First I like to thank everyone for these heartwarming Christmas and New Years greetings, that I have not been able to respond to. I always try to do that every year.

"This holiday season, I have been hospitalized with a very serious blood infection (Sepsis). I was admitted for three weeks but now I am home fighting this bastard bacteria. Thankfully, I have received fantastic care at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, my hometown. So thanks a million to all the Doctors and Nurses that have been giving me the most excellent care. After several operations, I am now back home and the numbers are all going in the right direction. Still lots of recovery and rehab in front of me.

"Now I’m working a 100% to be back on the drum stool for the Residency that starts off in Las Vegas on February 27. We have a tremendous 2025 to look forward to, celebrating 60 years of Scorpions and many exciting giggs around the world.

"So, the Stinger is out and I can’t wait to see you all out there on the road and rock the hell out of you! I wish everybody a fantastic 2025 with good health and lots of Rock n’ Roll!" - Mikkey

Scorpions recently announced "60th Anniversary - Coming Home" a unique concert experience in their hometown, Hannover, Germany, on July 5, 2025. The show will include special guests, including Judas Priest.

Tickets are available via Eventim.

Scorpions are returning to the Las V

OSCAR DRONJAK Explains Why HAMMERFALL Isn't Interested In Representing Sweden In Eurovision Song Contest

In a new interview with Rassilon Records, HAMMERFALL guitarist Oscar Dronjak was asked about rumors from years ago about his band possibly representing Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest, an annual singing competition where over 30 countries compete against each other with a variety of different genres and languages. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "This has been going on for 20 years — more than 20 years, actually. It has not been so much the last 10 years, I would say, but in the 2000s, there was a lot of talks about that, a lot of, 'Well, we have this perfect song for you. Come in and do this.' Well, number one was, why the fuck would we wanna do this? Why would we wanna degrade ourselves to do that? Because at that point — this was a high point of our career; we were still going up. But also the Eurovision thing was not very big then, not like it is now. Now it's a big business thing, which is… you can [have] whatever thoughts you want about that.

"I never wanted to do it, but we always had a way out because they never wanted to let us write our own song," he explained. "So we always said, 'If we can write the song ourselves and present a HAMMERFALL show, then we might do it.' And they always said, 'No, we want to have this and this [person writing the music and] lyrics,' whatever. And so, 'Okay, fuck it. We're not gonna do it then.' It was an easy out for us, because they'd never let us do that. Nowadays it's different, of course, but back then it was very strict, very controlled. They wanted to have this lyricist, especially, that always wrote for every artist, they wanted to have them involved in everything, and we were, like, 'Fuck, no. They don't know anything about HAMMERFALL. We're never gonna do that.' And I'm glad we didn't."

Oscar added: "We grew up with [Eurovision], and so it was a big thing when we were kids, and it still means something, but you have to put — at least, this is our thinking 15, 20 years ago, HAMMERFALL heavy metal is something. These people are doing their own thing, and, for me, I don't wanna have metal music in a schlager competition. It should be Eurovision schlager songs. I don't wanna have hip-hop in there either — I don't wanna have anything other than that type of music that fits in this spectrum. But that's just what I think. I don't follow it anymore. And luckily, my son is not interested either, 'cause he's 10 now. He's in an age when everybody in school talks about it. But he knows what I do, too. He knows I don't like it. I don't know if that weighs in with [him], but he he's not really big on that yet, I have to say. You never know. But if everybody's talking about something in school, all the kids wanna be a part of it, I guess. But I'm happy I don't have to watch it anyways, what I'm saying, 'cause his mom loves it. So they can watch it together."

Back in November 2006, HAMMERFALL singer Joacim Cans spoke to Mark Carras of Rock My Monkey about the talk of HAMMERFALL possibly being involved in the Eurovision Song Contest. Joacim said at the time: "Thing is that this is something they wrote in some Swedish newspapers one or two weeks ago. They were claiming that HAMMERFALL or EUROPE would be in the Eurovision Song Contest. They got this joker, what they call the joker position, that we don't need to qualify. We will be more or less in the finals directly. And that we have been having discussions with the national television in Sweden for a couple of years, and this is not true. We have not had any discussions whatsoever in regards to this. So I sent letters to the newspaper denying everything. I said, 'No, this is not true.' We were approached by a label guy who said, 'Hey, you should be in the contest.' And we said no. First of all, we do not want to perform any other person's song. And we don't see this as something that would benefit the band. Probably the other way around. So there were no talks whatsoever to be part of this. No. But, of course, they turn this around, and the next day in the newspaper said, 'HAMMERFALL just said that they're turning down the offer,' blah, blah, blah. We didn't turn down the offer. We never got the offer."

HAMMERFALL's latest album, "Avenge The Fallen", was released in August via Nuclear Blast Records.

In December 2022, HAMMERFALL, which started its career in 1997 on Nuclear Blast with its debut album "Glory To The Brave", announced that it was returning to the long-running German label.

HAMMERFALL's entire Nuclear Blast catalog, from "Glory To The Brave" to the 2014 album "(r)Evolution" was certified with a diamond award for over 1.5 million worldwide sales.

Following on from "Renegade" (2000),"Crimson Thunder" (2002) and "No Sacrifice, No Victory" (2009),HAMMERFALL's fifth studio album, "Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken" from 2005, became the band's fourth album to go gold in Sweden, while "Crimson Thunder" even went platinum, surpassing 60,000 sales in the group's home country.

In April 2023, HAMMERFALL released a special platinum edition of "Crimson Thunder" with tons of bonus material.

Photo credit: Tallee Savage (courtesy of Nuclear Blast)

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