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	MEGADETH's DAVE MUSTAINE: 'I Don't Think Peop... 33
	SEPULTURA's DERRICK GREEN On ELOY CASAGRANDE's �... 31
	JASON NEWSTED Doesn't Believe METALLICA's 'Ju... 29
	APOCALYPTICA's EICCA TOPPINEN Defends METALLICA's ... 25
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MIKE PORTNOY Blasts AEROSMITH For Refusing To Allow JOEY KRAMER To Perform At GRAMMY AWARDS: 'Where's The Loyalty?'

Mike Portnoy has blasted AEROSMITH for not allowing drummer Joey Kramer to perform with the band at this weekend's Grammy Awards.

Earlier this week, Kramer sued his bandmates, claiming he is being blocked from playing at the Grammys.

An original member of the legendary rock group, Kramer last performed with AEROSMITH in April 2019 before suffering what was described at the time as a "shoulder injury." Other reports have indicated that he also injured an ankle.

For the past eight months, AEROSMITH has been performing with a stand-in drummer, Kramer's drum tech John Douglas.

Portnoy weighed in on the AEROSMITH drummer situation during an appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation" on Tuesday (January 21).

"I think it's ridiculous — ridiculous," the former DREAM THEATER and current SONS OF APOLLO drummer said. "Where's the loyalty? You've seen 'em recently. Joey seemed — maybe he's not the way he was when he was in his 20s and 30s, but he seemed like he was pulling his weight.

"We've seen this with Bill Ward not being allowed to do the [BLACK] SABBATH tour and Peter Criss not being able to do a KISS tour," he continued. "So, yeah, there's something to be said if somebody physically can't do it, but I think Joey's saying that he can. That's all AEROSMITH is gonna do if they have a big event — they're gonna do 'Walk This Way' or 'Dream On' or whatever. You mean to tell me Joey can't play that? There's gotta be loyalty. I think there's something to be said for loyalty to an original member."

After celebrity gossip site TMZ reported on Tuesday that Kramer had filed a lawsuit against his bandmates claiming they are refusing to allow him to perform with them when they appear on Sunday night's Grammy Awards telecast, the drummer issued a statement, saying that being "removed" from his "rightful place on stage to celebrate" AEROSMITH's success "is just plain wrong."

AEROSMITH members Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass) and Brad Whitford (guitar) later responded to Kramer's suit in a statement to People, saying Joey "has not been emotionally and physically able to perform with the band, by his own admission, for the last 6 months. We have missed him and have encouraged him to rejoin us to play many times but apparently he has not felt ready to do so. Joey has now waited until the last moment to accept our invitation, when we unfortunately have no time for necessary rehearsals during Grammys week. We would be doing a disservice to him, to ourselves and to our fans to have him play without adequate time to prepare and rehearse."

A source close to the band confirmed to People that Kramer had to "test" for AEROSMITH's performances this week, but says it was a result of the drummer failing to attend multiple planned rehearsals.

"They had been inviting him to come back for the last six months since he's been away for whatever medical situation he's been dealing with," the source says. "He said, 'Yes, I'll come and rehearse' and kept not showing up. On the eve of the Grammys and MusiCares, he wanted to be back."

According to the source, the band felt Kramer "wasn't capable" of performing at a level their fans were used to after listening to his demo.

AEROSMITH will perform at the 2020 Grammy Awards on January 26 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. AEROSMITH will also be honored as the 2020 MusiCares Person Of The Year. The tribute will take place during the 30th-anniversary MusiCares benefit gala, two nights prior to the 62nd annual Grammy Awards telecast.

AEROSMITH recently extended its "Deuces Are Wild" Las Vegas residency with 15 more dates in early 2020 due to "extraordinary demand."

Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER more than 30 years ago, abruptly quit the band in September 2010 while on tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD. He has since been replaced by Mike Mangini (ANNIHILATOR, EXTREME, JAMES LABRIE, STEVE VAI).

AEROSMITH Responds To JOEY KRAMER's Lawsuit: 'He Has Not Been Emotionally And Physically Able To Perform' With The Band

AEROSMITH members Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass) and Brad Whitford (guitar) have issued a statement in response to the lawsuit filed by the group's drummer Joey Kramer, who claims he is being blocked from performing with his bandmates at the Grammys.

An original member of the legendary rock group, Kramer last performed with AEROSMITH in April 2019 before suffering what was described at the tume as a "shoulder injury." Other reports have indicated that he also injured an ankle.

For the past eight months, AEROSMITH has been performing with a stand-in drummer, Kramer's drum tech John Douglas.

After celebrity gossip site TMZ reported earlier today that Kramer had filed a lawsuit against his bandmates claiming they are refusing to allow him to perform with them when they appear on Sunday night's Grammy Awards telecast, the drummer issued a statement, saying that being "removed from his "rightful place on stage to celebrate" AEROSMITH's success "is just plain wrong."

Tyler, Perry, Whitford and Hamilton responded to Kramer's suit in a statement to People, saying: "Joey Kramer is our brother; his wellbeing is of paramount importance to us. However he has not been emotionally and physically able to perform with the band, by his own admission, for the last 6 months. We have missed him and have encouraged him to rejoin us to play many times but apparently he has not felt ready to do so."

The statement continues: "Joey has now waited until the last moment to accept our invitation, when we unfortunately have no time for necessary rehearsals during Grammys week. We would be doing a disservice to him, to ourselves and to our fans to have him play without adequate time to prepare and rehearse. Compounding this, he chose to file a lawsuit on the Friday night of the holiday weekend preceding the Grammys with total disregard for what is our limited window to prepare to perform these important events. Given his decisions he is unfortunately unable to perform but of course we have invited him to be with us for both the Grammys and our MusiCares honor. We are bonded together by much more than our time on stage."

A source close to the band confirmed to People that Kramer had to "test" for AEROSMITH's performances this week, but says it was a result of the drummer failing to attend multiple planned rehearsals.

"They had been inviting him to come back for the last six months since he's been away for whatever medical situation he's been dealing with," the source says. "He said, 'Yes, I'll come and rehearse' and kept not showing up. On the eve of the Grammys and MusiCares, he wanted to be back."

According to the source, the band felt Kramer "wasn't capable" of performing at a level their fans were used to after listening to his demo.

Last year was not the first time AEROSMITH performed without Kramer. Back in August 2014, AEROSMITH canceled a California concert because Kramer was dealing with "heart complications" that required immediate surgery. The musician later revealed that he had an angioplasty, explaining that it was "just strictly a hereditary thing. There's a family history, and I was the victim. But no more." Kramer missed a week's worth of AEROSMITH shows after his 2014 surgery — his son Jesse filled in on drums — before getting back to work.

AEROSMITH is among the artists that will perform at the 2020 Grammy Awards on January 26 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. AEROSMITH will also be honored as the 2020 MusiCares Person Of The Year. The tribute will take place during the 30th-anniversary MusiCares benefit gala, two nights prior to the 62nd annual Grammy Awards telecast.

AEROSMITH recently extended its "Deuces Are Wild" Las Vegas residency with 15 more dates in early 2020 due to "extraordinary demand."

JOEY KRAMER Explains Decision To Sue His AEROSMITH Bandmates: 'This Is Not About Money'

Joey Kramer, AEROSMITH's drummer for 50 years, has released a statement explaining his decision to sue the band for preventing him from returning to the stage.

An original member of the legendary rock group, Kramer last performed with AEROSMITH in April 2019 before suffering what was described at the tume as a "shoulder injury." Other reports have indicated that he also injured an ankle.

For the past eight months, AEROSMITH has been performing with a stand-in drummer, Kramer's drum tech John Douglas.

After celebrity gossip site TMZ reported earlier today that Kramer had filed a lawsuit against his bandmates claiming they are refusing to allow him to perform with them when they appear on Sunday night's Grammy Awards telecast, the drummer issued a statement, saying that being "removed from his "rightful place on stage to celebrate" AEROSMITH's success "is just plain wrong."

Kramer's statement in full:

"Ever since I was 14 years old, I had a set of drumsticks in my hand and a passion to create music. Being prohibited from playing with a band that I have given 50 years of my life to supporting, is beyond devastating.

"This is not about money. I am being deprived of the opportunity to be recognized along with my peers, for our collective, lifetime contributions to the music industry. Neither the MusiCares' Person of the Year Award nor the Grammys' Lifetime Achievement honors can ever be repeated.

"The fact that I would be asked to audition for my own job, demonstrate that I can play at 'an appropriate level' and play better than my temporary fill-in with a moving target of made-up standards is both insulting and upsetting. Other band members and their lawyers will likely attempt to disparage my playing and claim that I am unable to play the drums right now. Nothing could be further from the truth. I did everything they asked — jumped through hoops and made both a recording of playing along solo to a recent live recording of the band — one I had never heard before, and that process was videotaped. But I did it, and I did it well. In AEROSMITH's 50-year history, no other band member has ever been subjected to this scrutiny let alone be asked to audition for his own job!

"I hope our fans can understand that all I'm trying to do is get back to playing with the band that they love — and that's AEROSMITH with all five original members. The greatest magic and success of AEROSMITH happens when all the band’s founding members are together in the house. To be removed from my rightful place on stage to celebrate our success — a success that acknowledges my own life's work, is just plain wrong."

Last year was not the first time AEROSMITH performed without Kramer. Back in August 2014, AEROSMITH canceled a California concert because Kramer was dealing with "heart complications" that required immediate surgery. The musician later revealed that he had an angioplasty, explaining that it was "just strictly a hereditary thing. There's a family history, and I was the victim. But no more." Kramer missed a week's worth of AEROSMITH shows after his 2014 surgery — his son Jesse filled in on drums — before getting back to work.

AEROSMITH is among the artists that will perform at the 2020 Grammy Awards on January 26 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. AEROSMITH will also be honored as the 2020 MusiCares Person Of The Year. The tribute will take place during the 30th-anniversary MusiCares benefit gala, two nights prior to the 62nd annual Grammy Awards telecast.

AEROSMITH recently extended its "Deuces Are Wild" Las Vegas residency with 15 more dates in early 2020 due to "extraordinary demand."

KIRK HAMMETT: DAVE MUSTAINE 'Found Some Closure' By Performing With METALLICA At 30th-Anniversary Concerts

Kirk Hammett says that METALLICA's relationship with Dave Mustaine "totally changed" after they performed together on several occasions during "Big Four" shows and at METALLICA's 30th-anniversary concerts in 2011.

Mustaine was a member of METALLICA for less than two years, from 1981 to 1983, before being dismissed and replaced by Hammett. Mustaine went on to form MEGADETH and achieve worldwide success on his own.

Mustaine feuded with the members of METALLICA for more than two decades before finally patching things up over the last few years.

Hammett reflected on the 30th-anniversary shows during a recent appearance on Dean Delray's "Let There Be Talk" podcast. He said (hear audio below): "It was a very, very, very cool thing. It's probably one of our best experiences as far as celebrating time that has passed, for sure.

"It's weird. When we brought [original METALLICA bassist] Ron McGovney and Dave Mustaine on to play those shows, something happened and it really just improved our relationship with those guys tremendously — especially with Dave. After those shows, Dave's whole attitude toward us just fucking turned around. … Something happened and our relationship with him just completely totally changed and got much, much better.

"I think what had happened was he actually found some closure by coming up on stage and playing with us," Kirk continued. "And I remember, my attitude was, 'Dave, play whatever you want, man. If you wanna take all the fucking solos, I'll play rhythm guitar. It's no big deal to me.' And I remember him looking at me, going… He was just, like, looking at me, going, 'Okay.' But I can tell that was not what he was expecting to hear from me.

"When we actually played, I remember standing next to him, going up to him, he's ripping a solo while I'm playing, it was a moment for the both of us," he added. "And all of a sudden, all that shit, all that fucking bad vibes, all that schism, all that shit talking didn't even fucking matter anymore — it didn't fucking matter anymore. And as a result of it, we're all friends still. From that point on, we went on to do the 'Big Four' [shows featuring METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER and ANTHRAX], and that was a great thing as far as all of us just kind of bonding. And it really fucking established and really vindicated all of us as just people who just love this fucking music and had a passion for playing it and took that passion everywhere we went."

Back in 2016, Hammett told the "Word Of Wheeler" podcast that he understood Mustaine's continued resentment toward his former bandmates over the way he was dismissed from the group. "I've always seen Dave as someone who was just really, really sad, really angry, really frustrated about his situation with METALLICA, and he never could let that go," he said. "And, you know, I've always shown a lot of empathy for him, understanding that he was just pissed off. It's the equivalent of the woman of your life leaving you. I mean, really. When your band kicks you out… I've never been kicked out, but I can imagine it's a horrible experience, especially if it's a band that you feel really passionately about. So I can understand Dave's plight over all these years. But I will also say that when we did these 30th-anniversary shows at the Fillmore [in San Francisco], and we invited Dave to play on all those 'Kill 'Em All' songs, man, it felt so good to have him playing on stage. It felt perfectly fine for me to, while Dave was playing the guitar solos, for me to go over to James [Hetfield, METALLICA frontman] and play the rhythm parts with James, and it wasn't a big deal at all. And I could see from the look on Dave's face and just from his whole attitude that it was super-cathartic for him. And I could see how it was helping him. And so I just took it all in stride. And it's interesting, because since then, I think, Dave's relationship with us is a little bit better now. I'd like to think that that whole thing just kind of healed some scars that needed to be healed."

After Hammett's comments about Mustaine were reported by BLABBERMOUTH.NET and other music sites, Dave took to his Twitter to respond. He wrote: "I have tremendous respect for @KirkHammett and I appreciate his take on this. he is almost 100% accurate...almost. I wish him the best."

In a September 2011 interview with Artisan News, Mustaine appeared to concur that his onstage reunion with METALLICA went a long way toward healing the wounds from the way his tenure in the band ended. Dave said: "When we [played a cover of DIAMOND HEAD's] 'Helpless' [as part of a 'Big Four' jam] one night, I walked over to say hello to Kirk on the stage and he said, 'Do you wanna take the solo?" and I said, 'Yeah.' [Laughs] But we forgot to tell anybody on the stage or [running] the sound out front that I was gonna do the solo so The song's playing along and Kirk's playing rhythm full blast, and I'm sitting there going you can't hear what I'm doing. At least we knew what had happened. It was kind of a symbolic passing of the torch back to me and it was a nice gesture. I think that that helped Kirk and my relationship improve a bit."

In a September 2004 interview, Mustaine famously stated, "I really don't care about Kirk — he stole my job, but at least I got to bang his girlfriend before he took my job. How do I taste, Kirk?"

Mustaine did not play on any METALLICA albums and did not attend their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2009.

Drummer Lars Ulrich later explained to The Plain Dealer that Mustaine was not included because "you've got to kind of cap it somewhere. Dave Mustaine never played on any METALLICA records. No disrespect to him. But there [were] half a dozen other people that were in the lineup in the early days. We thought . . . the fair thing to do would be to include anybody that played on a METALLICA record." He added: "Dave Mustaine was in the band for 11 months, predominantly in 1982... I'm not trying to play it down. I have nothing but respect and admiration for his accomplishments since."

AEROSMITH Drummer JOEY KRAMER Files Lawsuit Against Bandmates, Claims He Isn't Being Allowed To Return

According to TMZ, founding AEROSMITH drummer Joey Kramer has filed a lawsuit against his bandmates, claiming that they are not allowing him to return to the group after a temporary disability.

Kramer says he suffered minor injuries in the spring of 2019 but was ready to return for the fall leg of the band's Las Vegas residency shows. But instead of being welcomed back as expected, Kramer claims he was subjected to a brand new band policy he did not approve of, where he would have to audition to prove he was "able to play at an appropriate level" in order to regain his drummer role.

According to Kramer, the band asked him to perform a series of solo rehearsals against a "click track" as his audition, after which they would listen to the recordings to decide whether he would be allowed to come back to the group. In the meantime, Kramer has covered the cost of a replacement drummer at a rate of $20,000 a week for performances and $10,000 a week for rehearsals. (According to Rolling Stone, AEROSMITH's contract states that all members are entitled to their full share of live performance income even if they're sidelined, although the replacement’s pay comes out of absent member's cut.)

Kramer says he finally and begrudgingly auditioned with the "click track" in early January, but was prohibited from rejoining because, as he was told, he "did not have enough energy" in the recordings.

He wants the court to order him back in the band to avoid "irreparable harm" to him.

Last year was not the first time AEROSMITH performed without Kramer. Back in August 2014, AEROSMITH canceled a California concert because Kramer was dealing with "heart complications" that required immediate surgery. The musician later revealed that he had an angioplasty, explaining that it was "just strictly a hereditary thing. There's a family history, and I was the victim. But no more."

Kramer missed a week's worth of AEROSMITH shows after his 2014 surgery — his son Jesse filled in on drums — before getting back to work.

"It wasn't my time," Kramer said at the time. "It wasn't time for my ticket to be punched. And so I got fixed, and I'm back 150 percent, and everything is as good as it can possibly be."

Last fall AEROSMITH's drum tech John Douglas spoke to Rock Titan about how he landed the gig as Kramer's temporary replacement. He said: "I'm a working drum tech, so I am teching for AEROSMITH, who, for most of [2019], has been doing a [Las] Vegas residency at the Park MGM. And Joey Kramer, the drummer from AEROSMITH, who everybody knows, got injured, and so I got the call to jump in and play drums at the 11th hour. So I played a few shows with AEROSMITH, which is unexpected and exciting."

Asked if there was any reservation or reluctance on his part to take on the job when he was first approached about it, Douglas said: "Actually, I'm not even sure they even asked me — I think they told me. It's kind of a blur. It was a show day, and I was in the building. Obviously, the band doesn't do soundcheck typically, so the crew does — we do a crew soundcheck, a crew jam. So we had just started that when I got the phone call from Steven [Tyler, vocals], saying that Joey couldn't play. Yeah, I don't remember actually being asked. And I would have said 'yes.' Maybe I was [asked] — I don't know. I've done this before with other bands a couple of times, but it had been a while. And it's always, obviously, unexpected. So, it was just a matter of, 'Okay. Yeah.'"

As previously reported, AEROSMITH is among the artists that will perform at the 2020 Grammy Awards on January 26 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. AEROSMITH will also be honored as the 2020 MusiCares Person Of The Year. The tribute will take place during the 30th-anniversary MusiCares benefit gala, two nights prior to the 62nd annual Grammy Awards telecast.

AEROSMITH recently extended its "Deuces Are Wild" Las Vegas residency with 15 more dates in early 2020 due to "extraordinary demand."

7

DAVE MUSTAINE Is 'Back Better Than Ever' After Completing 'Tons' Of Chemotherapy And Radiation Treatments

MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine went through "tons" of chemotherapy and radiation treatments in his battle with throat cancer before returning "better than ever," says his daughter.

21-year-old Electra Mustaine addressed her father's health issues just hours after MEGADETH played its first show since Dave's cancer diagnosis. Monday night's (January 20) concert in Helsinki, Finland marked the band's first live appearance in 15 months.

"I am so proud of my father, @DaveMustaine, completing an astounding comeback tonight in Helsinki after battling cancer, tons of chemo/radiation, & a grim possibility of not being able to sing again," Electra tweeted. "It seems it's just as I predicted on the #Megacruise— he's back better than ever."

Mustaine and his bandmates played an 11-song set which included such favorites as "Hangar 18", "Peace Sells" and "Symphony Of Destruction".

MEGADETH's tour with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and BAD WOLVES will visit 13 more European countries before ending on February 20 at the Budapest Sportarena in Budapest, Hungary.

The 58-year-old MEGADETH leader revealed his cancer diagnosis last June on social media. Five months later, he gave an interview to Rolling Stone in which he said that he wasn't officially in remission but that he had finished the necessary treatment and had started rehabilitation. He also credited his faith for getting him through the ordeal.

"I've been praying for a long time, and when this whole thing went down, I prayed a lot," he said. "I don't force it on anybody; I never would do that. But I prayed about it, and I believe that that was the whole reason I got healed so fast. A lot of people's asses are probably going to grow together right now that I said this, but the truth of the matter is, everybody has their own things that they believe. And I believe that taking good care of myself and being physically fit, as well as spiritually fit, got me back to this point."

Mustaine said that his positive mindset also helped him through this most testing of journeys.

"I'm not letting the cancer get me down," he said. "I have to thank the fans and obviously my family and God but there was no way I was going to let this take me down. When [BLACK SABBATH guitarist] Tony Iommi got cancer, I thought, 'Oh, my God, he's gonna die.' And I actually cried. I wept, because they had said it was stage 4 cancer. And then, when I got it, I thought, 'Oh, my God. I'm gonna die.' Because I didn't know how bad it was. I thought of the fans and how sad everybody was gonna be. And I thought, 'I have to beat this.' No matter what, there's no way I'm gonna act like I can't do this. I can do anything if I set my mind to it."

I am so proud of my father, @DaveMustaine, completing an astounding comeback tonight in Helsinki after battling cancer, tons of chemo/radiation, & a grim possibility of not being able to sing again. It seems it’s just as I predicted on the #Megacruise— he’s back better than ever.

— ELECTRA (@electramustaine) January 20, 2020

4

Third Product Delivery In METALLICA-Inspired Collection From BILLABONG LAB Now Available

Billabong LAB has announced the latest product delivery in the Billabong x Metallica 2019-2020 collection of menswear. Titled "Ride The Lightning", the new selection of surf trunks, t-shirts, longsleeves, fleece hoodies, corduroy jackets and special edition wetsuits features the rock band's iconic album artwork in a limited release.

Hitting retailers and online channels globally today, the third drop is endorsed by Billabong athlete Italo Ferreira, who was crowned 2019 World Surf League (WSL) world champion at the coveted Billabong Pipe Masters in December of last year.

This premium design collaboration with METALLICA comes through Billabong LAB, a platform that supports artists, musicians, designers and photographers. The five-part collection, released between October 2019 and March 2020, features a unique blend of boardsports-engineered apparel from Billabong and iconic album artwork from Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees METALLICA.

Several pieces in the collection have already sold out due to high demand, including the AI Forever x Metallica short sleeve T-shirt in memory of surf champion Andy Irons, released as part of the December 2019 drop.

Available today, the third product drop takes inspiration from METALLICA's second studio album, "Ride The Lightning". Recorded in 1984 on a shoestring budget, the critically acclaimed album helped define METALLICA's unique sound while establishing a louder and faster musical genre via milestone tracks such as the incendiary "Fight Fire With Fire", the venerated commentary on the chaos of war, "For Whom The Bell Tolls", and one of the most anthemic songs of the band's storied career, "Creeping Death". "Ride The Lightning" has gone on to become certified six-times platinum in the United States and has sold over ten million copies globally.

With METALLICA's Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo being avid surfers, the album's rebellious spirit finds its natural counterpart in Billabong's engineered garments that are built to endure the harshest ocean conditions.

"The artwork on this third drop aligned with the raw energy of Italo's surfing couldn't be more fitting," said Evan Slater, VP of global marketing at Billabong. "Ferreira truly 'Rides The Lightning' whenever he stands up on a surfboard."

In marketing materials and promotional media, the Billabong x Metallica "Ride The Lightning" collection is endorsed by Billabong athlete Italo Ferreira. Hailing from Brazil, the 25-year-old recently claimed his first 2019 World Surf League championship tour title at Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Ferreira's no-holds-barred riding style and explosive aerial skills make him the perfect brand ambassador for the new drop.

As for the "Ride The Lightning" collection itself, the short-sleeved t-shirt made from ring-spun cotton displays the METALLICA logo in the electrified style of the band's genre-defining album. Rendered in stark white lightning bolts on dark background, Billabong's crested wave logo makes the collab official. Identical lightning artwork also features on the long-sleeved shirt — including extra art details on the sleeves — and on the hooded fleece top crafted from 70 percent cotton and 30 percent polyester.

Taking the collection into street style, the cotton corduroy jacket features "Ride The Lightning" album cover art — an electric chair in the midst of lightning bolts — as a back print. The premium jacket is finished in potassium stone wash with applique and embroidery details including a Billabong patch on the sleeve.

For those looking to jump in the water, a new surf trunk crafted from 90 percent recycled polyester and 10 percent elastane blends proven performance with "Ride The Lightning" artwork in a 19-inch athletic fit. And as the ultimate upgrade for metal-minded surfers, the third drop contains Billabong's high-end Revolution neoprene wetsuit with a full-body "Ride The Lightning" graphene sublimation print.

See all special products from the first three drops of the collection on the Billabong LAB x Metallica collection landing page.

"For myself, the exhilaration of heavy metal and the exhilaration of riding a wave are one and the same. The new collaboration reflects this incredible feeling," said Hammett.

Pieces in the Billabong x Metallica 2019-2020 collection feature artwork from METALLICA's most iconic albums — including original concept art by legendary artist Pushead — supplemented by premium design touches such as washes, pigment dyes, as well as applique and embroidery details. Key pieces include t-shirts and long sleeves crafted from 100% combed ring-spun cotton, boardshorts made from recycled plastics, hooded fleece, cotton corduroy jackets, and full graphic-print neoprene wetsuits.

"There's a lot of rage in metal, but it's a good rage," said Trujillo about the collaboration with Billabong LAB. "It's a great release, almost like surfing, out in the rhythm of the ocean."

A video featuring members of METALLICA and the Billabong surfing team sharing their take on the new collection can be viewed below.

The next two product deliveries in the Billabong x Metallica 2019-2020 collection will hit e-commerce and international retail between February and March 2020.

2

Former SCORPIONS Drummer JAMES KOTTAK Slams Leading Democratic Presidential Hopefuls As 'Hypocrites'

Former SCORPIONS and current KINGDOM COME drummer James Kottak has slammed several of the leading Democratic presidential hopefuls, saying that they are "hypocrites" who are doing their best to please African American voters.

On Monday (January 20), Kottak took to his Twitter to write: "[Bernie] Sanders, [Elizabeth] Warren, [Joe] Biden, and all are hypocrites ...pandering to the blacks. It has not worked unless you want everything for free...I work for a living and pay a fortune in taxes...any Q's?"

Last November, Kottak stirred up controversy when he said that blacks in American ads and commercials were way overrepresented relative to their population share. This was the second time Kottak publicly called out what he saw as disproportionate representation of certain races in advertising. Last October, he tweeted that he was "sick" of seeing commercials featuring "interracial couples," insisting that "this is not reality. It is Hollywood shoving it down our throat," he added. "I don't have one friend or friends who live in this category...just saying"

In recent months, Kottak has repeatedly used Twitter as a way to voice his controversial views. In early November, he opined that "all law enforcement should be men." In September, he raised eyebrows when he questioned whether climate change is real, writing in a series of since-deleted tweets: "Tell me when one time you have seen 'killed from climate change' or 'death from second hand smoke' appeared on a gravestone....and I am a total anti smoker... it's all b s"

Back in July, he angered some people on the social media platform when he wrote that "anyone against America is a socialist communist asshole." The unusual Independence Day greetings came after the musician wished his 18 thousand followers a happy holiday on Twitter.

"Happy Fourth.... Trump rules!" the 57-year-old musician wrote, adding in a separate tweet: "Any one against America is a socialist communist a hole ."

In June, Kottak, who calls himself a "news political junkie" on Twitter, made BLABBERMOUTH.NET headlines when he said that America should take care of its "homeless problem" before accepting any more "outsiders."

Kottak has spent much of the last year and a half touring with the reunited KINGDOM COME, also featuring guitarists Danny Stag and Rick Steier, bassist Johnny B. Frank and singer Keith St. John (formerly of MONTROSE and LYNCH MOB).

In September 2016, Kottak was dismissed from SCORPIONS during his well-publicized battle with alcoholism and was replaced by former MOTÖRHEAD member Mikkey Dee.

SCORPIONS guitarist Matthias Jabs later said that he and his bandmates "had to make" the decision to fire Kottak, explaining that they gave the drummer "all the chances" to get better. "We reached the point — or he reached the point — where it was just not worth it," Jabs said.

Sanders, Warren, Biden, and all are hypocrites ...pandering to the blacks. It has not worked unless you want everything for free...I work for a living and pay a fortune in taxes...any Q’s?

— James Kottak (@JKottak) January 21, 2020

6

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT: 'A Visual Biography' Due In May

Wymer Publishing has set a May 29 publication date for "Blue Öyster Cult: A Visual Biography" by Martin Popoff.

If any band deserves to have homage paid to them with a lavish, limited-edition photographic book, look no further than BLUE ÖYSTER CULT. With their origins going back to the late sixties, by 1972 with the first album release, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's journey really began. Five decades on and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT is still touring to its devoted following, both in North America and Europe. Incredibly no one has published a visual biography before, but now that has been rectified.

Drawing on several thousand images and items of memorabilia this large format 240-page book is a treasure trove for the CULT devotees — crammed full of live and off-stage shots that portray the band's journey through the decades. It also includes loads of super cool memorabilia, including backstage passes, gig posters, media adverts and much more, all reproduced on high quality art paper. This is one future collector's item that every self-respecting BÖC fan will want to own. Rounding it off, "Blue Öyster Cult: A Visual Biography" is topped and tailed with 15,000 words by CULT biographer and world-renowned rock author Martin Popoff.

With a new record deal and the first album of new material for two decades touted as being released in 2020, "Blue Öyster Cult: A Visual Biography" will prove to be the perfect companion and a valuable addition to any fan's collection.

Customers who order by March 1 can also have their names printed on a dedicated fan page.

Blue Öyster Cult

IRON MAIDEN - Symphonic Medley Of "Hallowed Be Thy Name" / "Aces High" / "The Trooper" Performed By Peru's EPIC SYMPHONIC ROCK Posted (Pro-Shot Video)

Epic Symphonic Rock has posted a new Iron Maiden medley performed by the Orquesta Sinfónica de Chancay, which was founded by its conductor Javier Fernandez Prada in the province of Chancay, close to Lima, Perú. The footage was recorded live from the Epic Symphonic Rock concert at the Teatro Municipal de Lima on Novermber 25th, 2018.

Guitarist Micky Tejada comments: "It is a wonderful example of how the new generations of classical musicians can be exposed to popular music, proving that well-written metal music such as Iron Maiden's will transcend its time and genre."

Line-up:

Orchestra - Orquesta Sinfónica de Chancay
Conductor - Javier Fernandez-Prada
Guitar - Micky Tejada.
Bass - Fabrizzio Huerta
Drums - Hans Menacho
Timpani - Rodrigo Nuñez-Melgar

Symphonic score arranged by Micky Tejada.

Check out the Epic Symphonic Orchestra Facebook page here.

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Listen To New IN THIS MOMENT Song 'The In-Between (Hell & Heaven)'

IN THIS MOMENT has released a new song called "The In-Between (Hell & Heaven)". The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Mother", which will be released on March 27 via Atlantic. The disc, which was once again recorded at The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada with producer Kevin Churko, features guest appearances by Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM), Taylor Momsen (THE PRETTY RECKLESS) and Joe Cotella (DED).

"Mother" track listing:

01. Fly Like An Eagle

02. The In-Between (Hell & Heaven)

03. Legacy

04. We Will Rock You (feat. Lzzy Hale, Taylor Momsen)

05. Mother

06. As Above, So Below

07. Born In Flames

08. God Is She

09. Holy Man

10. Hunting Grounds (feat. Joe Cotella)

11. Lay Me Down

12. Into Dust

Last fall, IN THIS MOMENT began playing another new song called "Legacy" during its concerts.

Guitarist Chris Howorth told the 99.7 The Blitz radio station about "Mother": "It's kind of an extension of [2017's] 'Ritual'. And the reason we thought of 'Mother'… It's a lot of different things, but a lot of the fans call Maria [Brink, IN THIS MOMENT singer] 'mom,' for one. They're always, like, 'Maria's my mom' and 'Mother Maria' and all this. That was always kind of there. We were actually even talking about it for the last album, but I felt like maybe we weren't ready for it yet. But it's also 'mother' in the sense of 'Mother Earth,' the creation of life — all these things that mother has such significance for. Mother is kind of connected to everything. So, in all that sense, it's really cool and it gives us a lot to pool from. And Maria's a mom; she was raised by her mom; everybody has a mom, in some sense. So, that whole concept is kind of what we were going for. With the extension of 'Ritual', the album before, and some of the imagery with that, the ritualistic, pagan kind of feel."

IN THIS MOMENT recently announced a spring 2020 headlining tour, dubbed "The In-Between Tour". Support on the trek will come from BLACK VEIL BRIDES, DED and RAVEN BLACK.

Originally formed by Brink and Howorth in 2005, IN THIS MOMENT released its debut album, "Beautiful Tragedy", in 2007. Their 2014 album "Black Widow" landed at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and No. 3 on the Hard Rock Albums chart.

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Italian Doom / Death Metallers TETHRA Unleash New Single / Video "Cold Blue Nebula"

Italy's Tethra will release their new album, Empire Of The Void, on March 20th, 2020 via Black Lion Records. The concept around this new work focuses on the duality between what is hidden inside the depths of the human soul and the vastness of sidereal space, both empires of the void. Check out their first single / video from the record, "Cold Blue Nebula", below.

Empire Of The Void was recorded and mixed from August to November 2019 at Elnor Studios by Matt Stancioiu and mastered at Priory Recordings Studios by Greg Chandler (Esoteric). View the artwork, created by Korvo, and tracklisting below:

"Cosmosgenesis"
"Cold Blue Nebula"
"Gravity Pt. I Ascension"
"Gravity Pt. II Aeons Adrift"
"Gravity Pt. III Ultimo Baluardo"
"Empire Of The Void"
"Space Oddity" (David Bowie cover - CD only)
"A Light Year Breath" feat. Gogo Melone
"Dying Signal"
"Ison"

For further details, visit Tethra on Facebook.

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Listen To New PEARL JAM Single 'Dance Of The Clairvoyants'

PEARL JAM has released a new single called "Dance Of The Clairvoyants". The track, which can be streamed below, is taken from the band's much-anticipated eleventh studio album, "Gigaton", which is due on March 27 via Monkeywrench Records/Republic Records in the U.S. Internationally, the album will be released and distributed by Universal Music Group. Produced by Josh Evans and PEARL JAM, "Gigaton" marks the band's first studio album since Grammy Award-winning "Lightning Bolt", which was released on October 15, 2013.

"Gigaton" track listing:

01. Who Ever Said

02. Superblood Wolfmoon

03. Dance Of The Clairvoyants

04. Quick Escape

05. Alright

06. Seven O'Clock

07. Never Destination

08. Take The Long Way

09. Buckle Up

10. Come Then Goes

11. Retrograde

12. River Cross

"Gigaton" is available for pre-order now at PearlJam.com.

"Making this record was a long journey," explains Mike McCready. "It was emotionally dark and confusing at times, but also an exciting and experimental road map to musical redemption. Collaborating with my bandmates on 'Gigaton' ultimately gave me greater love, awareness and knowledge of the need for human connection in these times."

"Gigaton"'s cover features Canadian photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist Paul Nicklen's photo "Ice Waterfall." Taken in Svalbard, Norway, this image features the Nordaustlandet ice cap gushing high volumes of meltwater.

In support of "Gigaton", PEARL JAM will embark on their first leg of North American tour dates in March and April. The 16-date tour kicks off on March 18 in Toronto, hits the "Fabulous" Forum on April 15 and April 16, and wraps with a two-date stint in Oakland April 18 and April 19.

PEARL JAM's North American tour is in addition to the band's previously announced European summer tour.

Australia’s WICKED SMILE Debut Single “We Fall”

Australian hard rock band Wicked Smile have released their debut single “We Fall” which can be streamed or downloaded via all digital platforms. The band features the powerhouse vocals of Danny Cecati (ex-Pegazus, Eyefear) and guitars by Stevie Janevski (ex-Black Majesty, Cyclone Tracy). The debut single was recorded and produced by Paul Laine (The Defiants) who also played bass and sang backing vocals.

Guitarist Stevie goes on to say, “I started the band with a vision to get back to a more heavy rock sound which focused on old school catchy anthemic songs. The single starts out with didgeridoo to set the mood and introduce our Australian heritage, followed by a heavy guitar riff with lyrics about society and the questionable decisions being made by our leaders in power/government.”

“When it was time to find a lead singer, Danny Cecati expressed interest right away. Danny is the package. Not only does he look the part, he has a voice to back it up. Danny is arguably one of the best hard rock/heavy metal vocalists in the country.”

Danny & Stevie have been friends for many years. It’s only fitting that they finally get to share the stage together in their own band. Danny states, “The initial feedback from the unmixed outro sample that we put out a few weeks back has been fantastic. All of the songs that we’ve recorded are sounding awesome!”

Wicked Smile are currently unsigned.

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GRINDPAD Featuring Former SINISTER Drummer Announce Full-Length Debut Violence

Dutch thrashers Grindpad (featuring ex-Sinister drummer Paul Beltman) will release their full-length debut album Violence through Iron Shield Records. Violence is an album full of “good friendly violent fun!”

With their new album, Grindpad once again proves to be the master of up-tempo songs that make you want to fight the neighbors, but also shows off some great mid-tempo thrashers that make you want to bang your head off.

With Jörg Uken from Soundlodge Studios behind the mixing table and legendary Ed Repka responsible for the cover art, Grindpad made an album that not only kills musically but also sounds like one of the best thrash records ever. Release is due for March 21.

New single, “Burn The Rapist” is streaming below:

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DYNAZTY Announce The Dark Delight Album; First Single Out January 30

Formed in Stockholm, Sweden in 2008, Dynazty has since released six albums in a mere 10 year window. Straying from their early days of ‘80s influenced hard rock, the band has developed and refined their sound into something that merges the modern metal scene with the past, crafting something wholly unique.

Today the band is comprised of highly respected and sought after musicians, active on the metal scene in more than one way. Bassist Jonathan Olsson can also be seen in both Lindemann and Pain, guitarist Love Magnusson and drummer Georg Härnsten Egg frequently tours with rock legends such as Dee Snider and Joe Lynn Turner. Guitarist Mikael Lavér has been featured with both Lindemann and Joe Lynn Turner, while singer Nils Molin can be heard and seen around the globe with the ever rising star of fellow Swedish band Amaranthe.

Dynazty are now on April 3, 2020 set to release their biggest and most engrossing album yet - The Dark Delight.

Singer Nils Molin says about the album: “We pulled out all the stops, pulled no punches and held nothing back on this one. The Dark Delight is the complete vision of what this band has always wanted to be.”

Spearheaded by the first single/music video “Presence Of Mind”, Dynazty enters the new decade with a bang. The single and music video will be released on all platforms on January 30.

“‘Presence Of Mind’ showcases the raw nature of our band and is just the kind of groovy and melodic onslaught of a song we always wanted to release as a first single.”

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BRANT BJORK To Release Self-Titled Album In April; Single Streaming

Brant Bjork, the legendary California-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and founding member of Kyuss, will release his thirteenth studio album, the self-titled 'Brant Bjork', on April 10 via Heavy Psych Sounds Records. The eponymously titled effort was recorded with Yosef Sanborn in Joshua Tree, CA and mastered by John McBain (Monster Magnet, Queens of the Stone Age). Bjork performed all instrumentation and vocals on the new album, stripping his unmistakable songwriting style to its core while bringing out the organic vibe that’s made him desert rock’s most crucial practitioner. Preorder the album at this location.

The first single from Brant Bjork is the snake-like "Jungle In The Sound", which slithers and glides seamlessly, showing off Bjork's flawless command of his craft.

"Artists are committed to finding authentic confidence in worlds of insecurity," says Bjork. "Once your artist's confidence is discovered, you've surrendered to what your true creative nature is. This new record is my true creative nature and the opening song, ‘Jungle In The Sound’, is a perfect example of that surrendering."

Tracklisting:

“Jungle In The Sound”
“Mary (You’re Such A Lady)”
“Jesus Was A Bluesman”
“Cleaning Out The Ashtray”
“Duke Of Dynamite”
“Shitkickin’ Now”
“Stardust & Diamond Eyes”
“Been So Long”

“Jungle In The Sound”:

(Photo by: Adam Cohen)

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JORN Premiers Lyric Video For RUSS BALLARD Cover "Winning"

Jorn's new covers album, Heavy Rock Radio II - Executing The Classics, will be released on January 24 via Frontiers Music Srl. Pre-order the album here, and watch a lyric video for the cover of the 1976 Russ Ballard song, "Winning", below. "Winning" was also covered by Santana in 1981.

Simply one of the greatest rock singers of our time, Jorn Lande returns with a second instalment of covers of classics from artists and bands that have meant something special to him and helped forge this talented man's own unique style.

Through Jorn's extensive career, which includes more than 40 albums of mostly original songs, he has recorded great versions of several rock classics from classic bands such as DIO, Thin Lizzy, UFO, Deep Purple, and many more.

Every song Jorn covers is treated with the utmost respect and "Jorn-ized" accordingly, just like the first Heavy Rock Radio album showed with amazing cover versions of evergreen songs such as "I Know There's Something Going On", "Hotel California", "You're The Voice," "Running Up That Hill," and several others. Fans showed a lot of enthusiasm and interest for those versions, so a follow-up covers album seemed a no-brainer.

This second album, Heavy Rock Radio II - Executing The Classics, is not an ordinary album of cover songs, it is truly a songbook of hits. Featured - among others - are great versions of Pages’ "I Do Believe In You," Foreigner's "Night Life", Don Henley's "New York Minute," Deep Purple's "Bad Attitude," a stunning metal version of Peter Gabriel's "The Rhythm Of The Heat," and of course an unmissable Dio cover, "Mystery".

More "jukebox" type of covers include "Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)" originally recorded by Bob Dylan, Bryan Adams' "Lonely Nights", Jackie DeShannon "Needles And Pins", and a very personal choice from the man himself, a Russ Ballard song, “Winning”.

Jorn says: "The most important thing was to treat these songs with respect towards the original versions, my goal was always to think that the original artist would be honoured and find my version relevant. At the same time my intention was never to try to compete with the original song and artist, but make it a strong alternative version to enjoy."

Jorn's catalogue is getting too long to include in brief press statements, and his innovative and creative skills have led to him selling millions of albums worldwide and being a frequent entry on sales charts around the world, including Billboard. Worth a mention is his years with German based Masterplan, whom he recorded three albums with. Jorn continues his rock crusade, and there are no signs of him slowing down yet.

Tracklisting:

"Lonely Nights"
"Winning"
"New York Minute"
"Needles And Pins"
"Love"
"I Do Believe In You"
"Nightlife"
"Bad Attitude"
"Quinn The Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)"
"Mystery"
"The Rhythm Of The Heat"
"Hotel California" (Remastered - Bonus Track)
"The Final Frontier" (Radio Edit - Bonus Track)
"Die Young" (Radio Edit - Bonus Track)
"Naked City" (Radio Edit - Bonus Track)
"Ride LIke The Wind" (Remastered - Bonus Track)

"Needles And Pins" video:

"Lonely Nights" video:

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TRIXTER’s PJ FARLEY Signs With HighVolMusic

The multi-talented and longtime musician PJ Farley (Trixter, RA), has signed a worldwide deal with HighVolMusic and HVM Entertainment for the release of his next solo project Accent The Change.

PJ's professional career as a musician began at the age of 16 as the bass player for Trixter. Trixter signed its first major label record deal with MCA Records in 1989. Trixter went on to sell well over 1 million records and had 3 #1 videos on MTV and toured with bands like KISS, Poison, Scorpions, Warrant and more. In 2002 P.J joined up with active rock chart toppers RA (Universal/Republic) in which he embarked on the second chapter of his recording and touring career. Sneaking into the modern/alternative hard rock genre and touring with bands like Staind, Seether, and Sevendust, PJ was able to remain relevant and creative in the music business. In 2009 PJ was asked to join up with Grammy nominated female artist Lita Ford and toured the world with Lita for four years. 2016 saw the solo release of 'Boutique Sound Frames' in which PJ wrote, produced and played all instruments himself. PJ also teamed up with Eric Martin (MR. BIG) in 2017 touring throughout the U.S. and Japan.

PJ Farley says; "I’m so stoked to become part of the HVM Family with my new solo record. Bill and Lori have been on an upward trajectory and I’m glad to hitch my wagon to them. It’s great to see them fearless and determined. It’s a breath of fresh air!! Look out spring 2020!!"

Label CEO Bill Chavis comments; "I've known PJ for several years now and of course a Trixter fan as well as RA both great bands. It is awesome to see artists change and maneuver their career to stay creative and relevant. PJ has done just that and more. He is an uber talented artist. His first solo project was so good but 'Accent the Change' is going to be absolutely amazing! When PJ called and asked me if I would be interested in listening to some of his new material I obliged. He sent me several songs to listen to, WOW! Really solid material. I'm honored to have PJ join the family, super nice guy, and very talented musician."

As of press time, PJ is currently rockin' the high seas on the Chris Jericho cruise and is slated to head back to the studio in February to finish recording the remaining tracks on Accent The Change. Release details will be forthcoming.

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SEVEN KINGDOMS Reveal “Monster” Music Video; Will Co-Headline Mad With Power Festival IV

Floridian power metallers, Seven Kingdoms, have dropped a new music video for their song “Monster” from the Empty Eyes EP. Empty Eyes features four original songs and a cover of Heart’s Ccassic, “Barracuda”. Each song on the EP has a music video with “Monster” being the final video for the EP.

Seven Kingdoms will also be headlining Day 1 of the Mad With Power Festival IV in Madison, WI on August 14.

Commented the band, “We are mad with excitement to bring the power to……. Mad With Power Fest! Ty puts on a great show and we are very much looking forward to delivering a killer set and maybe a few other cool things! We also drop the last music video for the EP today. We had a great time filming ‘Monster’ and are looking forward to doing this all over again on the next EP. We start work on that ASAP! Thanks again to all that supported this release. It was incredible to do this independently and to have the opportunity to create so much extra content!”

More info on the Mad With Power Fest here.

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NECROPSY's Exitus EP Out Now; Full Audio Stream Available

Finnish death metal band, Necropsy, have released their 4-song EP, Exitus, via Xtreem Music. Listen to the full album below.

Fans can purchase the CD here, and get the album digitally here. Listen via Spotify here.

Tracklisting:

"Meat Ceremony"
"Fucking Dead"
"206 Motives"
"Butcherado"

EP stream:

"206 Motives" lyric video:

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ROSS THE BOSS - Born Of Fire Album Details Revealed

Ross “The Boss” Friedman and his band, Ross The Boss, will release their new album, Born Of Fire, on March 6 via AFM Records.

One can’t talk about genre defining acts in the metal scene without mentioning one man: Ross “The Boss” Friedman has written music history as a founding member of Manowar and The Dictators. His influence in heavy metal and also punk is noticeable to this day.

Manowar’s first six masterpieces which saw him significantly involved in between 1982 and 1988 are immortal classics today, and that the band wasn’t able to deliver the same quality again after his departure speaks for the New York based guitarist and songwriter. Since 2006 Ross again is releasing traditional and raw epic metal which calls up memories of the Manowar masterpieces from the 80’s with its very own style.

The brand new album, Born Of Fire, is the fourth album from Friedman and his band, which arrives not even two years after their chart breaking 2018 effort, By Blood Sworn. While Ross The Boss used this time for extensive touring they built their latest epos which will excite fans worldwide seemingly effortless out of nothing.

Born Of Fire is pounding yet fresher and heavier out of the speakers than before, but isn’t lacking any of the typical Ross The Boss trademarks.

Tracklisting:

Glory To The Slain
Fight The Fight
Denied By The Cross
Maiden Of Shadows
I Am The Sword
Shotgun Evolution
Born Of Fire
Godkiller
The Blackest Heart
Demon Holiday
Undying
Waking The Moon

After the successful release of By Blood Sworn in 2018, a full European tour and glorious festival shows all over Europe, the Ross The Boss band returns to Europe in April 2020 to promote their upcoming new album. Tour dates, with special guests Burning Witches and Asomvel, are listed below.

Tour dates:

April
1 - Bochum, Germany - Matrix
2 - Siegburg, Germany - Kubana
3 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser
4 - Eisenhüttenstadt, Germany - Dock 18
5 - Hamburg, Germany - Knust (without Asomvel)
6 - Alvesta, Sweden - Bullet Club
7 - Oslo, Norway - John Dee
8 - Haugesund, Norway - Flytten
10 - Kolding, Denmark - Godset
11 - Flensburg, Germany - Roxy
12 - Nijverdal, Netherlands - Tattoofest Easter
13 - Tilburg, Netherlands - Little Devil
15 - Rotterdam, Netherlands - Baroeg
16 - Oldenburg, Germany - Amadeus
17 - Cham, Germany - L.A. Cham
18 - Mannheim, Germany - Delta METAL Meeting
19 - Würzburg, Germany - Posthalle
20 - Milan, Italy - Legend Club
21 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
23 - Barcelona, Spain - Bóveda
24 - Valencia, Spain - Paberse Club
25 - Pozal de Gallinas, Spain - Galia Metal Fest
26 - Lisbon, Portugal - RCA Club

(Photo - Scott Braun)

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TALLAH Featuring Drummer MAX PORTNOY Release Official Music Video For "Red Light"

Tallah, featuring drummer Max Portnoy (Next To None), have released a video for "Red Light", a track from the band's self-released No One Should Read This EP. Watch below.

Purchase the No One Should Read This EP here.

Tracklisting:

"Kungan"
"Placenta"
"We, The Sad"
"Cottonmouth"
"Red Light"

"Red Light" video:

"Kungan" guitar playthrough video:

"Cottonmouth" video:

"Placenta" video:

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ZZ TOP Release "Brown Sugar" Performance Video From That Little Ol' Band From Texas Documentary

ZZ Top’s big, brazen blues-rock, combined with a surrealist charisma that continues to intrigue fans, catapulted the band into worldwide stardom. Their history is deeply explored in ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, which will be released via Eagle Rock Entertainment on DVD, Blu-ray and digitally on February 28. The release is available along with exclusive That Little Ol’ Band merchandise bundles, here.

Watch "Brown Sugar" (Live From Gruene Hall) from the upcoming release, below:

Produced by the award-winning Banger Films (Super Duper Alice Cooper; Peabody/ International Emmy award-winning Netflix series Hip-Hop Evolution), ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, presented through the unique Banger Films lens, delivers the story of this power trio in an artistic style that complements the distinctive ZZ Top vibe. Originally premiered at a sold-out showing at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood earlier this year, the film experienced a successful 10-week theatrical run via 150 screens nationally.

It unveils the story of three teenage blues musicians: guitarist Billy F Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard, as they went on to become international sensations. The film traces ZZ Top’s rich legacy, from their bar gig beginnings to their defining MTV era and meteoric rise to fame. In addition to interviews with the band members, the disc features conversations with such high-profile fans as Billy Bob Thornton and Joshua Homme (Queens Of the Stone Age), as well as never-before-seen archival footage. Shot exclusively for this film, an intimate ZZ Top performance at the historic Gruene Hall – the oldest dance hall in Texas – is intercut throughout the documentary.

Alongside the film, the DVD & Blu-ray also includes two live performance segments. 18 minutes of the Gruene Hall performance, along with the Ham Estate Archive, which spotlights rare pre-Eliminator ZZ Top concert footage from 1976 and 1981, complete the set.

Currently celebrating their half-century career with extensive tours of both Europe and North America, ZZ Top continues to inspire fans 50 years after their inception. That Little Ol’ Band From Texas takes a deep dive into the band’s history that’s truly an interesting ride.

Tracklisting:

Documentary (90 minutes)

Extras:

Gruene Hall Bonus Performances (18 minutes):
"Shuffle In C" / "Fannie Mae"
"La Grange"
"Brown Sugar"
"Blue Jean Blues"

Ham Estate Archives Bonus Performances (17 minutes):
"Thunderbird"
"Tush"
"Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers"
"I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide"
"Manic Mechanic"

ZZ Top, are bringing their Celebration With ZZ Top tour to Canada in late April/May 2020. Kicking off April 29 in Victoria, BC, the real Tres Hombres will play dates across BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Cheap Trick will join on the dates as special guest.

ZZ Top still maintains the most consistently stable lineup in the history of rock music: Billy F Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard. In 1969, BFG formed ZZ Top with drummer Beard and bass-guitarist Hill, both from the Dallas. Fifteen studio albums, 30 million record sales and 5 decades later, “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” is still going strong, playing timeless hits like “La Grange,” “Legs,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Tush” to audiences the world over.

Dates:

April
29 - Victoria, BC - Save On Foods Memorial Centre

May
1 - Abbotsford, BC - Abbotsford Centre
2 - Penticton, BC - South Okanagan Events Centre
3 - Kamloops, BC - Sandman Centre
5 - Cranbrook, BC - Western Financial Place
6 - Lethbridge, AB - Enmax Centre
9 - Saskatoon, SK - SaskTel Centre
10 - Moose Jaw, SK - Mosaic Place

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4

TEMPERANCE Debut Lyric Video For New Single "I Am The Fire"

Temperance will release their new album, Viridian, on January 24 via Napalm Records. Today, the band unleashes another single “I Am The Fire”. A lyric video can be found below.

“I Am The Fire” is about finding strength through life’s hardships and that anyone can overcome obstacles put in their way by believing in themselves and find the power within.

The protagonist of the song has been left by someone important to them and strives to get over said person, to rise from the broken shards of their heart and soul, and to become someone new, someone better. While the almost forlorn lyrics may make the listener a little thoughtful, the upbeat nature of the song, with its magnificent riffs and smashing drums, definitely delivers the message and will be stuck in their head all day long!

Marco Pastorino, singer and guitarist, comments: "Our paths have crossed at a lot of places and stories. 'I Am The Fire' is about motivation and a trigger that can help us to reach our goals. Through different colors, moods and situations, we can find a light on our journey. As always we blend our three different vocal styles in one of the most melodic tracks from Viridian. As a side note, we were not particularly thinking of seasonal wildfire or the horrible tragedy that is happening in Australia right now. The word 'fire' is recurrently used as an analogy to inner strength, and we believe that we can take it as a call to action for uniting and together, overcoming any obstacles we face individually as well as a society."

Temperance is calling you to action to help affected families in Australia here, and millions of animals here.

Pre-order Viridian here in the following formats:

- CD Digipack
- Digital Album - including exclusive bonus track
- Vinyl Gatefold in Black
- Vinyl Gatefold in Gold (strictly limited to 100 copies – only available via Napalm Records Store)

Tracklisting:

“Mission Impossible”
“I Am The Fire”
“Start Another Round”
“My Demons Can’t Sleep”
“Viridian”
“Let It Beat”
“Scent Of Dye”
“The Cult Of Mystery”
“Nanook”
“Gaia”
“Catch The Dream”

“My Demons Can’t Sleep” video:

“Mission Impossible” lyric video:

Track-By-Track, Part 1:

Track-By-Track, Part 2:

Temperance are:

Alessia Scolletti - Vocals
Michele Guaitoli - Vocals & Piano
Marco Pastorino - Guitar & Vocals
Luca Negro - Bass
Alfonso Mocerino - Drums

(Photo - Lisa Berg)

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Germany’s TORPËDO Reissuing Mechanic Tyrants On Limited Vinyl / CD

German speed metallers Torpëdo will reissue debut demo Mechanic Tyrants on limited edition CD and vinyl with new cover art February 21 on Gates Of Hell Records. Mechanic Tyrants is a six-song collection of brash, feisty speed metal from one of Germany’s best new up-and-coming bands. Find preorders here.

There is DIY, then there is DIY to the nth degree, something Nuremberg, Germany speed metal outfit Torpëdo knows a thing or two about. The band wrote, recorded, mixed and mastered their debut Mechanic Tyrants demo entirely in their basement. (One that was without a toilet, too.) They did it without a producer and engineer, relying solely on their young ears to ensure the best possible product. Released in June 2019, the reaction from the blossoming Metropolregion Nürnberg metal scene (which includes the cities of Nuremberg, Fürth and Erlangen) was swift: The first pressing of Mechanic Tyrants sold out immediately, prompting Gates of Hell Records to jump in to re-release it for the rest of the world.

Originally formed in November 2018 as a side-project with the goal of covering old-school metal songs while peppering in a few of their own compositions, the origins of Torpëdo lay with guitarist Alex Starbreaker, who first formed a band using the Torpëdo name several years ago. That particular band didn’t quite pan out, so when the collective of Flo Fait (vocals/guitars), Danny Keck (bass) and Phil Srešý (drums) met up, it was a no-brainer to brand themselves as Torpëdo. According to Keck, the name is “simple, easy to remember, made of metal, stuffed with explosives and brings destruction.”

Conceptually, the Mechanic Tyrants title is inspired by The Terminator movies starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, where the theme of man versus machine perfectly suits the band’s razor-sharp cross of vintage speed metal and NWOBHM, with a very strong Raven and Tank influence. Looking to strike while the creative irons were hot, the members of Torpëdo improvised the music and wrote the lyrics to several of Mechanic Tyrants’ songs while they were recording, only adding to its raw and natural feel.

The Gates of Hell Records version of Mechanic Tyrants also includes brand-new cover art created by Fait. With several new songs already in the works, it’s time to get acquainted with Torpëdo, one of the most exciting new German speed metal bands in recent memory.

Tracklisting:

“Maniac”
“Mechanic Tyrants”
“Victim Of Desire”
“Sons Of Evil”
“Wrath Of God”
“Idiocrasy”

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HAZZERD Streaming New Song "Sacrifice Them (In The Name Of God)"

Calgary-based thrash group, Hazzerd, will release their sophomore album, Delirium, on January 24 via M-Theory Audio. The record's breakneck opening track, “Sacrifice Them (In The Name Of God)”, is now streaming on Spotify, Bandcamp and other digital platforms now. You can listen to the song below.

Says drummer Dylan Westendorp, “'Sacrifice Them (In The Name Of God)' is about extreme religious cults that take things too far to please their so-called God. This song is not about religion as a whole, but those people who take the idea of faith to the extreme - people who hunt down and kill innocent people because their God told them to. Musically, this song is one of our favorites, as it incorporates heavy, fast, melodic and intricate sections. It's sure to please the thrashers out there!”

The album, which features cover artwork by Andrei Bouzikov (Municipal Waste, Skeletonwitch, Toxic Holocaust), was recorded at Calgary's MCC Recording Studio and mixed and mastered by Johnny Gasparic (Into Eternity).

Tracklisting:

"Sacrifice Them (In The Name Of God)"
"A Tormented Reality"
"Sanctuary For The Mad"
"Victim Of A Desperate Mind"
"Call Of The Void"
"Dead In The Shed"
"Illuminated Truth"
"Waking Nightmare"
"The Decline"
"The End" (Outro)

“Victim Of A Desperate Mind” lyric video:

"A Tormented Reality" lyric video:

Lineup (left to right in top photo):

Toryin Schadlich: Guitars
Dylan Westendorp: Drums/Lead Vocals
David Sprague: Bass
Brendan Malycky: Guitars

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NICKELBACK Announces 'All The Right Reasons' Summer 2020 Tour With STONE TEMPLE PILOTS

Multi-platinum, chart-topping rock band NICKELBACK is set to hit the road this summer, bringing some of its biggest hits to venues across North America on the band's 2020 headlining tour. NICKELBACK will celebrate the 15th anniversary of its diamond-certified No. 1 album "All The Right Reasons" by performing the album in its entirety, in addition to a slew of hits fans know and love. The album produced an astounding seven radio singles, five of which were Top 20 Hot 100 singles, including "Photograph", "Rockstar", "Far Away", "If Everyone Cared" and "Savin' Me". STONE TEMPLE PILOTS will join as special guest on all dates. TYLER BRYANT & THE SHAKEDOWN and SWITCHFOOT will support on select dates.

Kicking off June 19 in Raleigh, the tour will visit amphitheatres and arenas across the U.S. and Canada. Tickets go on sale this Thursday, January 23 at 10 a.m. local time at LiveNation.com. Lawn tickets are just $25.00 starting this Thursday for a limited time (plus applicable fees).

Upon release, "All The Right Reasons" debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and marked the bands third straight No. 1 debut in its native Canada. "All The Right Reasons" spent 110 weeks in the Top 30 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and received multiple gold and platinum certifications around the world. With over 19 million copies sold worldwide, the iconic record is one of the best-selling albums in North America.

Since forming in Alberta, Canada in 1995, globally celebrated NICKELBACK have cemented themselves as one of the most commercially viable and important acts of the past three decades. NICKELBACK's success includes worldwide sales of more than 50 million units, solidifying their status as one of the top-selling acts of all time.

Their inescapable and irresistible smash "How You Remind Me" was named Billboard's "Top Rock Song Of The Decade" and was No. 4 on the Top 10 songs of the 2000s list. "All The Right Reasons" was diamond certified (10 million+ copies sold) by the RIAA, in 2018, putting them on an elite shortlist of artists to ever accomplish this. Amongst all these accolades, they've also been named Billboard's "Top Rock Group of the Decade." And, along the way, they have received a staggering nine Grammy Award nominations, three American Music Awards, a World Music Award, a People's Choice Award, twelve JUNO Awards, seven MuchMusic Video Awards, and have been inducted into Canada's Walk Of Fame (2007).

With more than 23 chart-topping singles and fans spanning the globe, NICKELBACK boasts twelve consecutive sold-out world tours, playing to well over eight million diehard and adoring fans.

Tour dates:

Jun. 19 - Raleigh, NC* - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

Jun. 20 - Virginia Beach, VA* - Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach

Jun. 23 - Charlotte, NC* - PNC Music Pavilion

Jun. 26 - Noblesville, IN* - Ruoff Music Center

Jun. 27 - Cincinnati, OH* - Riverbend Music Center

Jun. 30 - Burgettstown, PA* - S&T Bank Music Park

Jul. 02 - Clarkston, MI* - DTE Energy Music Theatre

Jul. 03 - Darien Center, NY* - Darien Lake Amphitheater

Jul. 05 - Bethel, NY* - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Jul. 08 - Toronto, ON* - Budweiser Stage

Jul. 10 - Hartford, CT* - XFINITY Theatre

Jul. 11 - Hershey, PA* - Hersheypark Stadium

Jul. 17 - Bristow, VA* - Jiffy Lube Live

Jul. 19 - Camden, NJ* - BB&T Pavilion

Jul. 22 - Saratoga Springs, NY* - Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Jul. 25 - Bangor, ME* - Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion

Jul. 26 - Mansfield, MA* - Xfinity Center

Jul. 29 - Syracuse, NY* - St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview

Jul. 31 - Holmdel, NJ* - PNC Bank Arts Center

Aug. 01 - Wantagh, NY* - Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Aug. 04 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH* - Blossom Music Center

Aug. 06 - St. Paul, MN* - Xcel Energy Center

Aug. 08 - Rogers, AR* - Walmart AMP

Aug. 09 - Omaha, NE* - CHI Health Center Omaha

Aug. 15 - West Palm Beach, FL^ - iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre at the South Florida Fairground

Aug. 16 - Tampa, FL^ - MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds

Aug. 19 - Alpharetta, GA^ - Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

Aug. 21 - Nashville, TN^ - Bridgestone Arena

Aug. 22 - Maryland Heights, MO^ - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

Aug. 25 - Kansas City, MO^ - Sprint Center

Aug. 27 - Milwaukee, WI^ - American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Aug. 29 - Tinley Park, IL^ - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

Sep. 01 - Morrison, CO^ - Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Sep. 03 - Dallas, TX^ - Dos Equis Pavilion

Sep. 04 - Woodlands, TX^ - The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman

Sep. 11 - Auburn, WA^ - White River Amphitheatre

Sep. 12 - Ridgefield, WA^ - Sunlight Supply Amphitheater

Sep. 15 - Spokane, WA^ - Spokane Arena

Sep. 18 - Boise, ID^ - Ford Idaho Center Arena

Sep. 19 - West Valley City, UT^ - USANA Amphitheatre

Sep. 22 - Albuquerque, NM^ - Isleta Amphitheater

Sep. 25 - Irvine, CA^ - FivePoint Amphitheatre

Sep. 26 - Phoenix, AZ^ - Ak-Chin Pavilion

Sep. 29 - Chula Vista, CA^ - North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

Oct. 02 - Wheatland, CA^ - Toyota Amphitheatre

Oct. 03 - Mountain View, CA^ - Shoreline Amphitheatre

* STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and TYLER BRYANT & THE SHAKEDOWN

^ STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and SWITCHFOOT

15 years ago we released All The Right Reasons. It’s about time we celebrate. All The Right Reasons Tour. Playing the album from cover to cover and more. Featuring our friends @STPBand, @TheTylerBryant and @Switchfoot. Tickets on sale 1/23. https://t.co/C8SFhg2jmC #ATRR15 pic.twitter.com/PuYJWaLZzN

— Nickelback (@Nickelback) January 21, 2020

DEEP PURPLE's STEVE MORSE Performs Classical Guitar Live At NAMM 2020; Video

Ernie Ball artist Steve Morse - best known as the founder of the Dixie Dregs and as the lead guitarist of Deep Purple since 1994 - performed on classical guitar live on the Ernie Ball stage at NAMM 2020, held January 16 - 19 at Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Watch the video below:

Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big, Racer X) and Steve Morse performed Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog" live on the Ernie Ball stage at NAMM 2020. Watch below:

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Steve Morse Band

YES And ASIA Keyboardist GEOFFREY DOWNES Says British Monarchy Has Been 'Completely Destroyed' By Two Americans

ASIA and YES keyboardist Geoff Downes says it is "quite astonishing" that the British monarchy has been ruined by two Americans.

After the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to "step back" from their roles as senior members of the Royal family, questions have arisen about its continued relevance to modern day society.

Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle's exodus from the Royal family came a few months after Prince Andrew withdrew from Royal duties following his widely panned interview about his friendship with late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted pedophile who died in prison while facing further charges for sex trafficking.

Late Sunday night (January 19), Downes, who was born 67 years ago in Stockport, England, took to his Twitter to write: "Love [the United States Of America], but quite astonishing that 2 Americans, namely Epstein & Markle have completely destroyed the British Monarchy and brought it to its knees"

Earlier this month, Harry and Meghan announced plans to drastically reduce their royal roles and spend much of the year in Canada.

Prince Andrew was forced to step down from public duties last year after his disastrous "Newsnight" interview in which he failed to show empathy to Epstein's victims.

Downes first emerged as one half of THE BUGGLES, duo whose single "Video Killed The Radio Star" topped of the charts in 1979, before he joined prog rock giants YES. Downes and YES guitarist Steve Howe later hooked up with Carl Palmer and KING CRIMSON bassist/vocalist John Wetton to form the supergroup ASIA.

Love ??, but quite astonishing that 2 Americans, namely Epstein & Markle have completely destroyed the British Monarchy and brought it to its knees

— Geoffrey Downes (@asiageoff) January 20, 2020

$/\\$

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