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12 дек 2024
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12 дек 2024
LAST IN LINE/Ex-OZZY OSBOURNE Bassist PHIL SOUSSAN: How 'The Structure For Monetizing Music Has Changed'
 In a new interview with Sean P McKenna, host of "Rimshots With Sean" on Barstools And Bandtalk, bassist Phil Soussan, who played on Ozzy Osbourne's "The Ultimate Sin" album and was credited with co-writing one of Ozzy's biggest hits, "Shot In The Dark", spoke about the way artists collect revenue from new, non-traditional sources. He said in part (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I think that the structure for monetizing music has changed. So, at one time, I think, we used to give you a, 'Here, have a free lighter,' 'Have a free headband,' 'Have a free baseball cap,' 'Here's a cheap concert ticket. Come to our gig, and then please go buy the record.' Now, what we do is we give you the record and say, 'Here, come to our show. Buy a baseball cap. Buy a lighter. Buy a t-shirt. Buy an expensive concert ticket.' So, we've really changed the monetization for it. And the music has become effectively a loss leader. You're not really expecting to make that money from the music directly; you're gonna make it from merchandise, you're gonna make it from concert tickets. In a way, that might be more pure, because you cannot duplicate or replicate a live concert experience. You can't bootleg it. You have to go. And that's what it's brought the focus back to, is to the live show."
Asked if he thinks there will ever be a point where it's going to come back around and musicians will be able to earn more money from their music, Soussan said: "I don't know. If it does come around, it'll come around before we even know it. But I can't see how it will come back to selling music because at this point now people have new music… You go to South America. In South America, nobody buys any music anymore — it's all Spotify, it's all streaming services. Once people have access to the music they want to hear, there's no real need to buy it. The only exception is from a collector's standpoint. So vinyl or autographed CDs as collector's items and stuff like that. We do a terrific amount of business with both of those things, for obvious reasons… So you get that kind of stuff, that kind of activity. I don't know that it's going to all go back to something like that again. I would hope that they manage to figure, 'cause I'm not involved with the Recording Academy anymore, but that somebody manages to take the battle on that can allow us to have a little bit of extra revenue."
Phil continued: "When I see the CEOs of Spotify raising rates, raising subscription rates, taking huge amounts of compensation, and then their stock price actually soaring as well on top of it. I think that they've got sufficient funds to be able to sort of pay us a little bit more.
"When all of this started, the debate was, 'Look, we're starting this new kind of conceptual business, but we need a reduced rate in order that we could get off ourselves off the ground.' And the music community is always willing to help someone else. [It] cut them a great deal. Well, you know what? It never went back. It was never readdressed. In fact, the discussions afterwards were, 'We're paying you too much.' … So, I would like to see a little bit more consideration and assistance from that community towards us, towards us as musicians."
Soussan joined LAST IN LINE in 2016 following the passing of the band's original bassist, Jimmy Bain.
Phil made his live debut with LAST IN LINE in April 2016 at Count's Vamp'd Rock Bar & Grill in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Prior to Soussan joining LAST IN LINE, he and singer Andrew Freeman had played together in the acclaimed Las Vegas rock and roll production "Raiding The Rock Vault". In addition, Phil and LAST IN LINE drummer Vinny Appice had done a number of shows together as members of the all-star jam band BIG NOIZE.
Named by Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records "the most underrated bass player in the rock/blues world," Soussan he has played with a who's who of artists including Jimmy Page, BEGGARS & THIEVES, Johnny Hallyday, Steve Lukather and Edgar Winter. As a songwriter, he wrote music for Vince Neil's first solo album "Exposed" and Lukatherʼs "Luke" solo album, then followed it up by writing and arranging "After You're Gone", the opening track on TOTO's "Mindfields" album, which was later nominated for a Grammy.
In 2006, Soussan released his first solo album, "Vibrate", and followed up in 2011 with his second solo album, "No Protection". | +1 | |
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11 дек 2024
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11 дек 2024
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11 дек 2024
ROB ZOMBIE: Official Coloring Book Now Available
 Neck Bolt Publishing has released the official Rob Zombie coloring book. Loaded with more than 30 coloring pages, cut-out crafts, masks, paper dolls, and other spooky swag, it's the perfect activity for any Rob Zombie fan. The book was illustrated by Pete Bregman, with cover art by Suspiria Vilchez.
Critically acclaimed leading publisher of music books and animation Fantoons had previously released other hard rock- and metal-inspired coloring books, including those dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne, IRON MAIDEN, RUSH, Johnny Ramone and MÖTORHEAD. There have also been Where's Wally-style books devoted to late MÖTORHEAD frontman Lemmy (Where Is Lemmy?),Alice Cooper (Where Is Alice Cooper?) and RUSH (the upcoming "Where's Geddy, Alex, And Neil?).
Back in 2017, artist and designer Laura Marr stated about the growing interest in adult coloring books: "Growing up with the ability to draw, people have often told me 'I wish I could do that.' People want to create art, but there are many reasons why they don't. Whether it's a lack of time or not feeling confident in their skills, the popularity of coloring books over the last few years is a testament to how people enjoy creative expression, for stress relief, relaxation, social interaction and more."
Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper recently completed the 2024 leg of their "Freaks On Parade" tour. The trek marked Zombie's first live appearances with bassist Rob "Blasko" Nicholson in 18 years.
Blasko's return to Rob Zombie was announced in January.
Nicholson rejoined the group just hours after the shock rocker's longtime bassist Matt "Piggy D." Montgomery revealed that he was exiting the band after 18 years.
"After 18 years I am thrilled to announce that Blasko has returned," Zombie wrote on Instagram on January 30. "The original four-string Zombie monster is back. Get ready for a crazy summer of mayhem."
Blasko was a member of Rob Zombie's band from 1997 through 2006, playing bass on the first three Zombie albums: "Hellbilly Deluxe", "The Sinister Urge" and "Educated Horses".
Nicholson left ZOMBIE in May 2006 in order to join Ozzy Osbourne's recording/touring band.
Montgomery's debut performance with ROB ZOMBIE came on May 24, 2006 during an appearance on CBS's "Late Night Show with David Letterman".
Montgomery played bass on the Rob Zombie studio albums "Hellbilly Deluxe 2" (2010),"Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor" (2013),"The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser" (2016) and "The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy" (2021).
In the fall of 2022, John 5 left ROB ZOMBIE to join MÖTLEY CRÜE as the replacement for that band's co-founding guitarist Mick Mars. John 5 has since been replaced in Zombie's band by returning guitarist Mike Riggs.
Rob Zombie's current band consists of Zombie, Riggs, Blasko and drummer Ginger Fish, who has played with Rob since 2011.
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11 дек 2024
BRIAN 'HEAD' WELCH Says It Will 'Take A While' For KORN To Release New Music: 'It's Not Gonna Be Soon'
 In a new interview with Australia's "Everblack" podcast, KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch spoke about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the follow-up to the band's 2022 album "Requiem". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah, we got a lot of it [written]. We're still working."
He continued: "Dude, it's a trip 30 years later, man, to try to keep doing it. And we're very happy with what we got, but it's just gonna take a while. And I don't know how long — maybe next summer, maybe next year, the next winter, I don't know, but it's not gonna be soon."
Welch also talked about the fact that KORN changed the music world with the release of its self-titled debut album in 1994. It was a record that would pioneer a genre, and blur others-leading into a larger cultural movement. He said about KORN's mindset while creating the LP: "We were just in love with music. And we were in love with all kinds of genres — industrial, metal, like the PANTERAs, the METALLICAs, and then you had the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS and NINE INCH NAILS and FAITH NO MORE and PRONG and BIOHAZARD and all of these artists that we just… I think about kids that have Spotify, and it's an endless search. Back then, we could have like a collection of maybe 15 or 20 and be done. But we loved music so much that we wanted to include a lot of it in our band. We didn't wanna just pick one style. And we had bands like ANTHRAX who did it with PUBLIC ENEMY. I think they were the first ones to do [a mix of] metal [and rap], so I give props to them for opening that door. Not that we were hip-hop, but we have hip-hop undertones with the drums and the bass and whatnot."
Brian added: "Nu metal is sometimes associated with rap-rock or whatever, but what I love is [KORN singer] Jonathan Davis. Because you throw that freaky, unique, strange, amazing voice and character into what we're doing and he makes it KORN. He helps make KORN unique. We all make KORN — obviously, our instruments, the KORN sound and all that — but having him, he never rapped once. He does a scat thing. He likes to do things that no one's doing… There was just something special about him and how he got so vulnerable and open to share his emotions. On that first album and stuff, you could feel his soul. And I don't know of… Who was doing that before him to that level? People obviously opened the door, like Layne [Staley of ALICE IN CHAINS] and maybe Trent Reznor [of NINE INCH NAILS] — I don't know — but to do it in a way that was just so emotional… That was before bands like LINKIN PARK. And so I'm grateful for Jonathan Davis… He's the quarterback to our football team, if we use American football terms. He's the leader. And we're honored to be able to create a bed of music underneath what he's created over the years."
KORN's self-titled debut turned 30 years old on October 11. In celebration of the milestone, KORN played at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on October 5. This one-night-only performance featured special guests EVANESCENCE, GOJIRA, DARON MALAKIAN AND SCARS ON BROADWAY, SPIRITBOX and VENDED.
KORN kicked off its summer/fall 2024 North American tour on September 12 at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre in Tampa, Florida. The 25-date Live Nation-produced trek featuring special guests, Grammy-nominated band GOJIRA and Canadian heavy metal group SPIRITBOX, wrapped up in St. Paul, Minnesota at Xcel Energy Center on October 27.
KORN bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu announced in June 2021 that he would sit out the band's tour in order to "heal" after "falling back" on some of his "bad habits." He has since been replaced on the road by SUICIDAL TENDENCIES bassist Roberto "Ra" Díaz.
Released in February 2022, KORN's latest album, "Requiem", which was produced by Chris Collier and KORN, entered Billboard's Hard Rock Albums chart at No. 1. The band sold 23,000 equivalent album units in the February 4-10, 2022 tracking week, according to Billboard. Of that sum, 20,000 units were from album sales. "Requiem" also landed at No. 2 on the Top Rock Albums and Top Alternative Albums charts. On the all-format Billboard 200, it arrived at No. 14.
Despite the fact that he hasn't performed with his KORN bandmates for nearly four years, Fieldy did play on "Requiem".
Since forming, KORN has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammys, toured the world countless times, and set many records in the process that will likely never be surpassed. KORN has continued to push the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres, while remaining a pillar of influence for legions of fans, and generations of artists around the globe.
The level of KORN's reach transcends accolades and platinum certifications. They are "a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now," attests The Ringer. They represent a new archetype and radical innovation, their ability to transcend genre makes barriers seem irrelevant. | +4 | |
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11 дек 2024
BULLETBOYS Announce Return Of Bassist LONNIE VENCENT
 BULLETBOYS have announced the return of bassist Lonnie Vencent and addition of guitarist Jake Faun (David Lee Roth, WINGER) to the group's ranks.
Earlier today, BULLETBOYS frontman Marq Torien shared the following message via the band's social media: "BREAKING!!!! BULLETBOYS NEWS!!! 2025 Touring Dates!!! We are so excited about Next year's Dates and Lonnie Vencent being back in the game with us!!! Welcome back my brother!!! New Beginnings, New Dates, New Album, New Music, New Mgt, New Beginnings!!!
"Thank you to all of our Family, Friends and Fans Everywhere!!! We are embarking on a Magical New Venture!!! Ty to the amazing #georgereed for his stellar photography!! Love u brother!! Ty to #kencheneymgt for his undying love to BULLETBOYS! We Love u Ken!! Keep on Punchin and Rockin Yall!! See all yall very soon!!!"
BULLETBOYS' current lineup is rounded out by drummer Fred Aching (POWERFLO).
BULLETBOYS formed in 1988 at the very peak of the Los Angeles glam metal movement. As a collection of talented musicians, BULLETBOYS were able to quickly capture the attention of music fans around the world. Unlike other rockers of the day, the BULLETBOYS possessed more hard rock-blues fusion than pure hair metal. Thanks to comparisons to the likes of AEROSMITH and VAN HALEN, talent scouts came running and the band quickly received their first major label contract.
BULLETBOYS' self-titled debut was released in 1988 via Warner Bros. and peaked at number 34 on the Billboard 200. The album spawned two hit singles, a cover of the O'JAYS classic "For The Love Of Money" and "Smooth Up in Ya", both of which charted on the Mainstream Rock chart and saw regular airplay on MTV. BULLETBOYS went on to release two more albums, 1991's "Freakshow" and 1993's "Za-Za", before splitting up.
The original BULLETBOYS lineup — Torien, Vencent, guitarist Mick Sweda and drummer Jimmy D'Anda — reunited five years ago and made its live return in December 2019 with a sold-out performance at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California. Sweda and D'Anda exited the group again two years later, with Sweda saying in an interview that he would "never do anything with BULLETBOYS again."
BREAKING!!!! BULLETBOYS NEWS!!! 2025 Touring Dates!!! We are so excited about Next year's Dates and
Lonnie Vencent...
Posted by BULLETBOYS on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 | +1 | |
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11 дек 2024
Would BUSH's GAVIN ROSSDALE Ever Sell His Music Catalog? He Responds
 During an appearance on the latest episode of the "Let There Be Talk" podcast with rock and roll comedian Dean Delray, BUSH frontman Gavin Rossdale was asked whether he would ever sell the publishing rights to the songs he has written with his various projects over the past four decades. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET: "Yeah, I get offered it every couple of bit of time, I get offered. And so the other time, last time I suddenly was, like, all I kept on thinking was, if they wanna offer me that much money, what's the invisible bit that I'm not seeing? What's the subtext that also in brackets, ''Cause he's an idiot. Cause they're an idiot.' It's in brackets: ''Cause they're an idiot.' Because it's just a multiple of what you're gonna make, and then you don't make it, and then they continue to make it."
Gavin continued: "The funny thing about life is, here we are at this point in our lives, people are gonna have sold it and then get to the point where that year, they don't get anything from it, and a big corporation is getting it from that. And none of the beneficiaries, none of the people you're responsible for are gonna get it. It's just the end of that road. And so it's a psychologically weird thing. You've gotta really tap out. So I really made it easy. I actually found a house in Malibu I loved. I asked my manager, business manager, to do all the math, like property tax insurance, a good income, fucking 25 years I don't have to think about this house. What would that cost me? And he came back with a number. And so I went back to the company [that made the offer]. I was, like, 'Listen, I thank you for that. But actually I need about that much more. So I'd have to continue writing songs. If you can pay me that, I'm all in.' [Laughs] So, that's what I did. I was, like, 'Fuck it.'"
Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks and Neil Young are some of the iconic musicians who have recently sold off substantial rights to their music, whether it's just for publishing or the original recordings, known as masters. Investors, major music companies and private equity firms have poured billions of dollars into buying song catalogs, believing that the rise of streaming and growing music revenues will make song rights acquisitions highly lucrative in the long term as they can be exploited for up to 70 years after a musician's death.
When musicians sell their songwriting catalogs, they take a lump sum now, rather than counting on royalties from their music on whatever platform might be most popular in a few decades.
Three years ago, Dylan sold the rights to all of his recorded music since 1962 to Sony Music Entertainment for a reported $200 million. Dylan had previously sold the songwriting portion of his catalog — which include music and lyrics — to Universal Music Publishing Group for a reported $300 million. In 2021, Nicks sold her portion of publishing rights to her songs to Primary Wave for a reported $100 million. That same year, Springsteen reportedly sold his catalog to Sony for more than $500 million.
"A lot of the artists that are selling their catalogs are getting to a point in their lives where they are planning their estates, sort of planning for the future and they are at a point in their lives where it makes sense to sell their music to provide for their families," Hannah Karp, editorial director at Billboard, told CNN in January 2022.
This past April, it was announced that KISS had sold its catalog, brand name and IP to Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment Group in a deal estimated to be over $300 million.
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11 дек 2024
GREAT WHITE's AUDIE DESBROW On New Singer BRETT CARLISLE: 'He's Put A Great Fire Under Our A****'
 In a new interview with "Reckless" Rexx Ruger of Pod Scum, GREAT WHITE drummer Audie Desbrow was asked if it's "still pretty gratifying" to hear everyone in the audience at the band's shows singing along to all the tracks. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Absolutely. It's funny, though, 'cause I look over the backline right before we're getting ready to go on, I'm just checking out the crowd and stuff, and I'm going, 'God, there are a lot of gray-haired people and bald-headed guys.' I go, 'We're old.' But then again, thanks to [27-year-old singer] Brett [Carlisle, who was officially named GREAT WHITE's new vocalist in October 2022], he's brought in a whole new genre of kids that they're all into him. He's on fire right now. He goes out and meets all the people after the shows. And we just let him do his thing, 'cause he's put a great fire under our asses as far as going and doing it again. So it's a lot of fun, now that he can handle it. And he's young and he can take the grueling travel."
Asked if he thinks Carlisle is "in it for the long haul" with GREAT WHITE, Desbrow said: "Absolutely. Yeah. We definitely feel that way. I mean, he has other projects. He has this other side band that he's formed years ago that he plays [with] whenever we're not playing, which is not that often 'cause we're pretty busy. But, yeah, he's a great fit and he's totally into it. And I think we finally found the guy."
Regarding the possibility of making new GREAT WHITE music as a follow-up to 2017's "Full Circle" album, Audie said: "Well, that's the thing we always agree to never do, is just be the greatest-hits band, where you go see GREAT WHITE and you see the greatest hits and that's all you see. We like to throw in some stuff that's obscure and stuff that never was put on the radio or a B-side we'll try to put in. But we definitely are into doing new music. We actually got together about a month and a half ago with Brett at my house, working on a few ideas for some new music, because we get jaded and we don't wanna just be playing the same thing, like the greatest hits over and over. We mainly do new music for ourselves because you don't wanna bombard the crowd with a bunch of new music. 'Here's our new album. Listen to everything. You're not gonna hear any of the hits, but you're gonna hear everything we just wrote.' You can't do that. Every time we do a new album, we'll use maybe one or two songs out of the album and add it to the set. And if one goes better than the other, we just stick with that one. Like, with 'Full Circle', we were playing 'Big Time' and the first track, 'I'm Alright'. And we dropped 'I'm Alright' and kept the 'Big Time' song, which everybody seems to love. It's just an AC/DC-type song, real simple [and] big, and everybody likes that. So, yeah, we are gonna do new music. We're working on stuff. We actually have some time off right now, so who knows? I might get a call from the guys saying, 'Let's work on some more stuff.' But we definitely wanna get some new music out there with Brett. And it's just fresher for us when we do a show, we'll have new ones to put in there and we won't get jaded from playing 'Once Bitten, Twice Shy' every night."
This past April, GREAT WHITE guitarist Mark Kendall talked to George Dionne of KNAC.COM about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's next album. He said: "I've been having [Brett Carlisle] out recording new stuff. Because I want him to be inspired and just not singing our [old] songs perfect but put his name on some new stuff. So we've been recording. I got a friend, his studio is a little bit more upgraded than mine. This guy Tracy G [Grijalva], he's like a teenage friend of mine who was in DIO. He just has a better studio. So I go down there and lay down ideas and then I have Brett out and go, 'Check this out,' and we sit together. And it's coming out amazing."
Regarding how GREAT WHITE is planning to release its new music, Mark said: "We're not sure how we're gonna put it out, with this day and age. We're talking to a lot of people about it. 'Cause we don't want the music to kind of get lost, with this downloading world. It's not like when we were growing up, we'd buy a record and sit there and listen to [LED ZEPPELIN's] 'Physical Graffiti' all day. Now they just download a couple of songs from this [album], a couple of songs [from that record]. So we're thinking maybe the idea could be [to] just put two or three songs out, maybe a video, and just keep coming with three at a time or something. That way, the music isn't wasted; it actually gets to the people. That's all we're concerned about. We know it's gonna be free on the Internet immediately."
He continued: "Even in our heyday, I was always more interested in the feedback. I want people to tell me, 'Man, I really like this song' or, 'I hate it,' or whatever. I used to go straight to a friend of mine, as soon as we were done, before it was out or anything, because you've gotta wait about four months. So I'd ask him, I go, 'Man, please tell me I'm great. Tell me something good.' He would always pick the singles. And the guy can't — he can't hold a tune in a bucket. I mean, he's so tone deaf, it's insane. But he can listen and he could always pick the singles. I'm going, 'What are you judging by? Is it the beat?' He goes, 'I don't know.' So there's no answer there. But I always like to get the feedback 'cause I wanna know… You have to wait this waiting period after you finish a record to find out if you're good or not, or if people are gonna be accepting. So it is a frustrating time. So I always race all my friends and play it for 'em. So that's what I'm more interested in than the dollars, really, is what people think. And maybe we have a chance to create some more memories."
Asked if he and his bandmates were "a little bit apprehensive" about the fact that Carlisle is only 27 years old while GREAT WHITE, as a group, has been in existence more than four decades, Mark said: "He's in his late 20s, but, believe it or not, he's kind of an old soul in a way. Nothing overwhelms the guy. He just goes out and just totally handles it every night, engages the crowd. He's real good with the interaction. He sings perfect all the time. And he's got really good song sense for a young man. I'm used to feeding people melody ideas when I write a song because that's the way I do it. Everybody has their own way to do it, but I always know that there's a lot of melody available, and he sometimes comes up with something way better than I had. So that's a good sign. And the way he delivers the new stuff, he really has a good handle on the music. And I don't know — I think he was born in the wrong time or something. In other words, we can stand together. It's not like he's standing next to his grandpa or something. It's not like we're CROSBY, STILLS & NASH, and, 'What's that 13-year-old doing there?' When we stand together, it just looks like a band. It doesn't look like we're with a little kid or anything. He's a little better-looking than us, but apart from that…"
Carlisle was officially named GREAT WHITE's new vocalist in October 2022. Brett joined the group as the replacement for Andrew Freeman (LAST IN LINE),who sang for GREAT WHITE for only five months.
Regarding what it has been like working with a singer who wasn't even born when some of GREAT WHITE's classic songs were written, Lardie told Robert Miguel of Uvalde Radio Rocks: "Well, I think he gets what we're trying to do. It's been a godsend to have someone with his youth, but at the same time he has what a lot of people would deem as an older soul. His parents did a great job bringing him up on '70s and '80s rock, so he's pretty well versed in that. And he comes from the South, so he's got a little bit of that blues and gospel edge to him."
Michael went on to say that he is "really looking forward" working on the new GREAT WHITE album with Carlisle. "In fact, before we were going on the other night, I was playing him a little bit of a thing that he and I are working on, and he's going, 'Oh, yeah, I got this idea,'" Lardie said. "So he's really psyched about working with us. And it's a joy to be onstage with him. He's turned into a great little performer, and when he's offstage, he's the most down-to-earth, righteous young man that I've come across in a while. And it's been a joy."
Michael added that Carlisle has the singing ability to handle anything from GREAT WHITE's catalog. "With his energy and his vocal range, we can do pretty much anything," he said. "If somebody throws out a tune, no matter how obscure it might be or how high it might be in terms of range, he's, like, 'Yeah, I can do that.' Like one of the songs we are doing from the very, very first record is 'Stick It'. And he hits every one of those notes spot-on every night. So it's awesome."
Regarding the musical direction of the new GREAT WHITE material, Lardie said: "It's hard to say. I would love the album to be kind of an amalgam of '...Twice Shy' [1989], 'Hooked' [1991] and 'Psycho City' [1992]. I mean, that, to me, would be a great combination of things."
In March, Kendall told The Logan Show about Carlisle: "Even though he's younger than us, he's kind of, like… Nothing overwhelms the guy. He's respectful and everything, but he's not, like, 'Oh, my god. Look at this. Oh, my god. [Look at] that.' He just goes out and just totally handles it every night. Yeah, he's younger than us and whatnot, and, like you said, he wasn't even born in our heyday or whatever, probably, but he just goes out, he really brings the crowd into the show. He's really good and natural at… He doesn't have a script when he goes out there; he just kind of whatever he's feeling, and he sings like perfect, no matter what. It's pretty incredible, really. We're looking forward to doing an album with him, I can tell you that much."
After interviewer Logan Crosland noted that "quite a few people online" have commented that Brett is "probably the closest-sounding singer to Jack Russell," GREAT WHITE's original vocalist, and asked if that was a criteria when hiring Brett to front the band, Mark said: "Not necessarily. What it was is he just sang the songs correctly and he has the range to sing 'em. I don't think his voice sounds that much like Jack, but he has the range of Jack in his heyday. And so we're able to play anything we want, and we really haven't been able to do that in the past. Like we're playing 'Stick It' off the first album, which is up in the astral planes with the vocal range, and he's hitting all those notes full power. I mean, it's not like a falsetto, weak high notes. He's like straight from the gut just like screaming these notes, like full power from A to Z. There's not a song in our catalog that he can't totally handle. And I've been writing with him."
Regarding whether he has any songs already completed, Mark said: "Oh, yeah. I probably have seven complete songs on tape right now. [They're] just absolutely killer. But we haven't collaborated. The way we do it is we get together and we sit in a circle and say, 'What do you got? Let's hear it. What do you got?' And if a riff kind of pokes out, we say, 'Let's work on that. That's badass, dude. That's killer.' And that way it's more of a group effort."
Carlisle made his live debut with GREAT WHITE on September 24, 2022 at the Cannery Casino Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
According to Brett, he felt welcomed by his new bandmates and the GREAT WHITE fans from the get-go.
"After meeting [the GREAT WHITE guys], they're all super-cool dudes," he told Kevin McKay of the 99 Rock WKSM FM radio station. "In Vegas, we had a rehearsal the day before, and I already knew half the songs well enough to be able to do it. So I wanted to do the best that I could on 'em. But after we hung out, everybody was cool and stuff. I mean, it's a big crowd. I love big crowds; they're fun."
Carlisle has been playing guitar and singing since the age of eight and counts bands like VAN HALEN, SKID ROW and METALLICA as his main influences.
In May 2022, GREAT WHITE announced that it had parted ways with singer Mitch Malloy and had replaced him with Freeman. Malloy had been in GREAT WHITE for nearly four years, having joined the group in 2018 following the departure of Terry Ilous.
Ilous, frontman of '80s L.A. hard rockers XYZ, joined GREAT WHITE in 2010 after stepping in for touring vocalist Jani Lane (WARRANT).
The Ilous-led GREAT WHITE released two albums, 2012's "Elation" and 2017's "Full Circle", before Terry was dismissed from the group.
This version of GREAT WHITE is not to be confused with JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE, which featured Russell.
In January 2023, Kendall told the "Mark 2.0" podcast that he was surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response to Carlisle's addition to GREAT WHITE. "It was world news," he said. "I'm seeing stuff on the Internet from Italy, Germany, the U.K. And even some of the more online dirt-seeking-type entities that normally are just huntin' for the headline to say, 'He said his singer sucks'. That's the article. That's the way it starts. These guys actually said good things and posted some of the [fan-filmed videos]. They're cellphone cameras, so the quality probably isn't… But you can hear it. You need to sing great."
In October 2022, Carlisle was asked in an interview with AL.com about his approach to singing GREAT WHITE's classic songs. He said: "I just want to do the songs justice, because that's what people expect to hear. They want to go to the shows and hear the songs the way they remember them, the way they know them. It's not about me and how many high notes I can hit or anything like that. I just want to do the give the people, and the band, what they want."
Brett went on to say that he is honored to be singing for a band whose songs — including "Save Your Love", "Rock Me" and "Lady Red Light" — he had previously covered with his other band ALL OR NOTHING.
"I just want to learn from them," Carlisle said of his new bandmates "It's just really cool to be included in what I've grown up listening to, like looking at the CDs and everything. And then now people are coming up after the shows asking me to sign like original GREAT WHITE cassettes and stuff. And I'm sitting here feeling like I'm not worthy. Because I didn't record that. But I'm like, I just sang with them, so, sure, if you want me to."
Jack Russell died in August 2024 at the age of 63.
The news of Jack's passing came less than a month after he announced that he was retiring from touring following a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia.
GREAT WHITE press photo courtesy of Jeff Klein / Atomic City PR | 0 | |
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11 дек 2024
BEHEMOTH Performs "Once Upon A Pale Horse" Live At Wacken Open Air 2024; Pro-Shot Video Released
 Polish extreme metal giants, Behemoth, performed their track, "Once Upon A Pale Horse", during their set at the 2024 edition of Germany's Wacken Open Air festival. Watch professionally-filmed video below:
Watch "Chant For Ezkaton 2000" from the same show:
Join Behemoth, Satyricon and Rotting Christ in Europe next year for "The Unholy Trinity". Behemoth recently released a video trailer for trek, which can be found below.
Says Behemoth: "Legions of Europe! It’s that time again… We are beyond thrilled to announce that we’ll be bringing together the blasphemous f | 0 | |
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11 дек 2024
KERRY KING Talks SLAYER's Future: 'Mark My Word: We're Never Gonna Make A Record Again; We're Never Gonna Tour Again'
 In a new interview with Australia's Metal Roos, Kerry King spoke about SLAYER's future plans, following the band's two festival appearances in September and October after a five-year hiatus. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We're never gonna tour again. We're never gonna make a record again. Mark my word: we're never gonna make a record again, we're never gonna tour again. Because that was the last thing. We said [back in 2018], 'This is our final tour.' It took five years for us to come and say, 'Hey, here's a couple of shows, five-year anniversary.'"
Elaborating on the significance of SLAYER's comeback live performances more than four decades after the band's formation, Kerry said: "I think it's really cool. A lot of fans are into it. There's gonna be haters who say, 'Oh, they retired.' Yeah. Whatever. This is all about celebration. Say a kid was 10 years old when we retired. Now he's 15, 16. [It's his] first opportunity to see us. I think that's important."
King also touched upon the fact that SLAYER's reunion shows were announced just a couple of weeks after he went public with the details of his new solo band and debut solo album. He said: "The [SLAYER] announcement timing was not my favorite, but my band was doing its thing. The festivals SLAYER agreed to play, they wanted to release [the information about us playing there], they wanted to announce [it]. So, the timing wasn't in my favor, but everything went [as it did], and here we are in Australia [with my new band] kicking ass."
Kerry reflected on SLAYER's two reunion performances earlier this fall — on September 22 at the Riot Fest in Chicago, Illinois and on October 10 at the Aftershock festival in Sacramento, California — during a recent interview with Brian Slagel, CEO of Metal Blade Records, for the recently launched "100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal" podcast. Regarding how he felt going into the Riot Fest gig, King said: "It's kind of like when we did the first 'Big Four' show, I said, 'This is gonna be really cool for the fans, and it'll be good to see the guys.' And that's about all I gave it. But then we actually played the show and a handful more shows, and I said, 'You know what? This is really cool for me.' And I didn't expect that. And I didn't expect that when we did the Chicago show [SLAYER at Riot Fest]. I went with the exact same idea. I'm, like, 'This is gonna be really cool for the fans, especially fans that were too young to see us.' And I hit the stage and I got goosebumps. I'm, like, 'This is way bigger than I ever gave it credit for.' … [And] we've got a lot of history in Chicago too, so for the reunion show to be there, it was pretty epic. And the response was over the top. It was way overwhelming."
At Riot Fest and Aftershock, SLAYER ran through a 20-song set that included opener "South Of Heaven", "Seasons In The Abyss", "Angel Of Death", "Hell Awaits", "Raining Blood" and the title track of SLAYER's final album, "Repentless".
SLAYER was also scheduled to play at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky on September 27, but that performance was canceled due to severe weather.
The lineup for SLAYER's comeback was the same as the one which last toured in 2019: King and drummer Paul Bostaph, along with bassist/vocalist Tom Araya and guitarist Gary Holt.
King's debut solo album, "From Hell I Rise", came out in May via Reigning Phoenix Music. All material for the LP was written by the 60-year-old SLAYER guitarist, who was accompanied during the recording sessions by the rest of his solo band, consisting of Bostaph, bassist Kyle Sanders (HELLYEAH),guitarist Phil Demmel (formerly of MACHINE HEAD) and Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL) on vocals. Helming the sessions at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles last year was producer Josh Wilbur, who has previously worked with KORN, LAMB OF GOD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD and BAD RELIGION, among others.
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11 дек 2024
DEEP PURPLE's IAN GILLAN Announces February Release Of GILLAN: 1978 - 1982 7CD Boxset
 Deep Purple frontman, Ian Gillan, has announced the February 14 release of the 7CD boxset, Gillan: 1978 - 1982. The set includes studio recordings, a live album and a wealth of B-sides and bonus material.
Limited editions, including a print signed by Ian, are available while stocks last. Pre-order here, and watch a video message from Gillan below.
The new Gillan 7CD box set offers a comprehensive collection of the band's work during the years from 1978 to 1982, when they rose to prominence in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene.
The set includes seven albums from this era, featuring studio recordings, a live album, and a wealth of B-sides and bonus material. The albums featured in this set are as follows: Gillan (The Japanese Album) – Originally released in September 1978, this was the debut of the band formed by Ian Gillan after leaving the Ian Gillan Band. It marked a shift away from jazz fusion to a heavier rock sound. Mr. Universe – Released in 1979, this was a key album that solidified their success, featuring a mix of hard rock and NWOBHM influences. Glory Road – A 1980 release, this album is considered the height of the band’s success, both commercially and musically. Future Shock – Released in 1981, this album continued the band’s momentum, but guitarist Bernie Tormé left shortly afterward. Double Trouble – A double album from 1981 that combined studio tracks and live performances and marked Janick Gers' debut as guitarist. Magic – Released in 1982, this was the band's final studio album before they disbanded after their last performance at Wembley Arena in December 1982. Live From Reading '80 – A live album capturing the band’s powerful live performances at the Reading Festival in 1980.
The collection includes a new interview with Ian Gillan conducted by Rich Davenport, providing deeper insights into the band's history and the albums. The audio has been remastered from the original tapes where possible, ensuring high-quality sound. The packaging is designed in a 7” x 7” format, with 32-page booklet, offering a unique visual presentation for collectors. This set is a valuable offering for fans of Gillan and collectors of rock history, especially from the era of NWOBHM, showcasing the evolution of a band led by one of rock’s iconic vocalists.
Tracklisting:
Disc One: The Japanese Album
"Street Theatre" (Instrumental)
"Secret Of the Dance"
"I'm Your Man"
"Dead Of Night"
"Fighting Man"
"Message In a Bottle"
"Not Weird Enough"
"Bringing Joanna Back"
"Abbey Of Thelema"
"Back In the Game"
"Vengeance"
"Move With the Times"
"Sleeping On the Job"
"Roller"
Disc Two: Mr Universe
"Second Sight"
"Secret Of the Dance"
"She Tears Me Down"
"Roller"
"Mr. Universe"
"Vengeance"
"Puget Sound"
"Dead Of Night"
"Message In a Bottle"
"Fighting Man"
"Smoke On the Water" - Live at Kingsway Studio
"Parliament Square" - Mr Universe Out Take
Disc Three: Glory Road
"Unchain Your Brain"
"Are You Sure?"
"Time And Again"
"No Easy Way"
"Sleeping On the Job"
"On The Rocks"
"If You Believe Me"
"Running, White Face, City Boy"
"Nervous"
"Handles On Her Hips" - B-side of "No Easy Way"
"I Might as Well Go Home (Mystic)" - B-side of "No Easy Way"
"Higher And Higher" - For Gillan Fans Only
"Your Mother Was Right" - For Gillan Fans Only
Disc Four: Future Shock
"Future Shock"
"Night Ride Out of Phoenix"
"(The Ballad Of) The Lusitania Express"
"No Laughing in Heaven"
"Sacre Bleu"
"New Orleans"
"Bite The Bullet"
"If I Sing Softly"
"Don’t Want the Truth"
"For Your Dreams"
"Trouble" - A-side
"Your Sister’s on My List" - B-side of "Trouble"
"Mutually Assured Destruction" - A-side
"The Maelstrom" - B-side of "Mutually Assured Destruction"
"Take A Hold of Yourself" - B-side of "New Orleans"
"One For the Road" - B-side of "No Laughing in Heaven"
"Lucille" - B-side of "No Laughing in Heaven"
"Bad News" - B-side of "No Laughing in Heaven"
Disc Five: Double Trouble
"I’ll Rip Your Spine Out"
"Restless"
"Men Of War"
"Sunbeam"
"Nightmare"
"HadelyBop Bop"
"Life Goes On"
"Born To Kill"
"Spanish Guitar" - Flexipop magazine Dec 81
Disc Six: Double Trouble (Reading 29.8.81)
"No Laughing In Heaven"
"No Easy Way"
"Trouble"
"Mutually Assured Destruction"
"If You Believe Me"
"New Orleans"
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11 дек 2024
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11 дек 2024
ANDREAS KISSER On SEPULTURA's Farewell Tour: 'It's Great To See Our Faithful Fans' At The Shows
 During an appearance on a recent episode of the "One Life One Chance With Toby Morse" podcast, SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser spoke about the band's ongoing farewell tour, which launched in March and is expected to last through 2026. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It's [going] amazing. This tour was organized to be this way, to celebrate 40 years. It's an amazing history, very unique history in metal. And we are going through our best momentum. We had a great album, we survived the lockdown. We made an album during the lockdown, which was amazing. It kept the band alive and working and busy during a very difficult time. And the business now, it's just booming. You see how many tours are going on in the States at the same time, at the same places. And we are very happy that we have our crowd, man. It's great to see our faithful fans wanted to be there to celebrate together with us. Very emotional, because they remember the first show, the first shirt, the first song, the lyrics that helped them through difficult times. People that got married because they met at a SEPULTURA concert. [Laughs] It's great. People that bring their families, their kids and stuff. After all, it's 40 years of history. And we're doing our biggest shows in Brazil, for instance, with a big production, two hours of set time, which is unheard of for SEPULTURA. And it feels great. It feels so great to play our history."
He continued: "A lot of people complain that we miss some albums, some side Bs and side Cs, and then we are incorporating that to the setlist and bringing the fans to play together with us on stage, percussion, which is a very highlight of the show, I guess, because people get so happy. Can you imagine you go to a show and your idol calls you to be on stage with you, man? It's fucking great. So it's, it's fantastic, man. We are having a great time."
Kisser also talked about SEPULTURA's plans to put together a live album commemorating its last run of shows. The band is recording 40 songs in 40 different cities for what will be a "massive compilation of our best, most energetic moments on stage," according to a statement released by SEPULTURA last December. Asked if the fact that SEPULTURA is recording every show on the current tour puts "any kind of extra pressure" on the band, Andreas said: "Not at all. We don't even remember [that we are recording the shows while we are playing them]. Because we're doing every show, so it's very spontaneous. Because when you go, 'We're gonna have a live project,' a specific show or two or three, whatever. But in one place, and all the attention is there, you have the cameras, you have whatever extra people working, which are not usually on the road, so you feel a little more pressure. And doing it this way, we don't even remember we are recording, which is awesome."
Last month, Andreas told Kati Rausch of Music Interview Corner about SEPULTURA's plans to release the live album: "We're gonna put it out in parts digitally — maybe six, eight songs, every part, every block. And then at the end, when we have the 40 songs chosen and released digitally, we're gonna put out a box set — vinyl, double vinyl, with a lot of pictures and photos. It'll be amazing, like old-school live stuff."
Earlier last month, Kisser, whose wife Patricia Perissinoto Kisser passed away in July 2022 after a battle with colon cancer, admitted to France's Loud TV that the experience of losing his longtime partner accelerated the decision for SEPULTURA to embark on a farewell tour.
Patricia had just turned 52 years old one day before her death.
Andreas and the couple's three children, Giulia, Yohan and Enzo, announced Patricia's death in a social media post. They wrote: "It is with deep sadness that we have to share that Patricia Perissinoto Kisser passed away this morning. She will remain in our memories forever."
Andreas and Patricia had been together for 32 years after first getting together in 1990. They married in 1994.
In June 2022, Andreas left SEPULTURA's European tour due to what was described at the time as a "family emergency." He was temporarily replaced on the road by Jean Patton of fellow São Paulo, Brazil-based heavy metal act PROJECT46.
SEPULTURA's current lineup comprises Kisser, vocalist Derrick Green, bassist Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr. and drummer Greyson Nekrutman.
SEPULTURA kicked off its farewell tour on March 1, 2024 at Arena Hall in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The sold-out show marked the band's debut performance with Nekrutman, who previously played with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES.
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11 дек 2024
THE DARKNESS Shares New Single 'I Hate Myself' From Upcoming 'Dreams On Toast' Album
 Following its premiere with Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2 last night, British rockers THE DARKNESS have released their explosive new single "I Hate Myself". It's the second track to be taken from their forthcoming eighth studio album, "Dreams On Toast", which is out on March 28 via Cooking Vinyl.
The punk rock glam stomp of "I Hate Myself" features Justin Hawkins in self-deprecating mode, as he chronicles the breakdown of a relationship while pointing the finger squarely at himself. Falsetto soars, riffs swagger, choruses trumpet and solos ignite as though you've walked into an end-of-year party where STATUS QUO, SLADE, CHEAP TRICK and MOTÖRHEAD have all come on the jukebox… at the same time! It's quite simply magnificent.
Regarding the single, Justin Hawkins says: "At last, a joyous, raucous celebration of self-loathing. I think without regrets we stand to learn less from our experiences — to deny them and compartmentalize them is to deny ourselves an opportunity to grow. So, it's time for us to sing this uplifting ode to remorse in the hope that we don't make the same mistakes again and history does not repeat itself."
Fans will be treated to an exclusive live performance of "I Hate Myself" today during the first two of six sold-out Rough Trade in-stores happening this week in London, Nottingham and Liverpool. THE DARKNESS will perform songs from the forthcoming "Dreams On Toast" live for the very first time including the recent poptacular single "The Longest Kiss".
Following their short run of up-close-and-personal Rough Trade shows, THE DARKNESS will hit the road again in March on a much larger scale. 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.
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'!"
A lavish display of sonic delicacies, "Dreams On Toast" is a dynamic dish packed full of sure-to-be hits. This is no better demonstrated than with lead single "The Longest Kiss". An upbeat pop classic which tips its hat to the '70s pop genius of both QUEEN and Paul McCartney, it finds THE DARKNESS dance across jaunty piano keys and frolicking guitar licks in irresistible top form.
Justin explained: "Misty Orchards! That's not my porn name, that's the kind of scenery that I love. I awakened to such a vista in the delightful Scottish highland town of Nairn on the morning that inspiration for 'The Longest Kiss' lyric struck. I was bleary eyed and locked in an unending embrace with my (mid)life partner. Weird that I can still sing, but that's a testament to the resilience of humans, especially lead singers. The music itself is a piano-led composition, the chorus of which my brother and I came up with after he'd taken a long time to empty his bladder during some impressive pub endurance. The verses were transposed from a song I've been working on for decades as part of a musical about the collapse of the Lowestoft fishing industry, called 'The Collapse Of The Lowestoft Fishing Industry'. The musical isn't finished yet. But 'The Longest Kiss' is. The results are astounding. We're all very proud of this."
The "Dreams On Toast" album artwork was designed by Grammy-nominated artist Perry Shall.
More than 20 years after THE DARKNESS exploded with the big bang that changed the face of British rock music, their cheeky, spandex-clad anthems continue to capture hearts, and a new generation of fans, around the world. None more so than Taylor Swift who sparked yet another internet meltdown last week by singing along with the band's eternal mega-hit "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" at the U.S. Open. As a result, her legions of fans sent the track hurtling up charts across the world, including reaching No. 1 in the U.S. iTunes Rock Chart, 21 years after its release.
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11 дек 2024
SAVAGE LANDS Feat. MEGADETH Drummer DIRK VERBEUREN Team Up With LORD OF THE LOST And CHLOE TRUJILLO For New Single "Out Of Breath"; Music Video
 Punishing noise levels are a natural force among metal’s various habitats. But after hearing the roar of chainsaws tear through Costa Rica’s rain forest, two angry metalheads are banging their heads together to protect our ecosystems.
Savage Lands is co-operated by Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and musician-turned-activist Sylvain Demercastel. Since its founding in 2022, the U.S.-based 501 (c) (3) non-profit has preserved 100,000 square feet of Costa Rican forest using the money from their music. 100% of the royalties from the organization’s debut album, Army Of The Trees, support their ongoing preservation projects in Costa Rica and other countries.
Debut album, Army Of The Trees, comes out February 15 via Season of Mist. Pre-order/pre-save the album here.
As Savage Lands warn on their crushing new single with Lord Of The Lost and Chloe Trujillo, if we don’t act fast and protect our ecosystems, then pretty soon, we won’t just be out of time. We’ll be out of breath. Watch the "Out Of Breath" music video below:
Like the trees of the rain forest, Savage Lands are supported by many different branches.
On the ground, the organization partners with scientists, forest engineers, ecological parks, private businesses and other local non-profits. Their Green Alliance has led to more than 11,000 trees being planted in deforested areas along the Costa Rican coastline thanks to the help of 1,200 volunteers. They also partner with global conservation leaders like the Jane Goodall Institute.
“Nature is music. Trees are music”, said the world famous scientist, who is working together with the metal non-profit on preservation projects in Africa and France.
Collaboration also fuels Savage Lands’ creative drive. Army Of The Trees introduces several species of metalhead into the band’s natural environment. The album features Alissa White-Gluz, Lord Of The Lost and other movers and shakers from across the metal industry. While the title track boasts a wild ranging guest list, its anthemic energy comes from the organization’s earliest roots.
The foundation of Savage Lands was three decades in the making. Dirk and Sylvain first met in France during the late ’90s, when they both played in the socially conscious thrash metal band Artsonic. While Dirk went on to join Soilwork and Megadeth, the country has continued to support their joint conservation efforts. Hellfest pledged to donate 1 million Euro to Savage Lands after the band performed on the main stage at this year’s festival with familiar faces from Napalm Death, Biohazard, Body Count, The Gathering and their core members in French metalcore exploders Black Bomb A and Chicano crossover punks Loco Muerte.
“That’s one of the beautiful things about Savage Lands”, Sylvain says. “As a band, we’re not limited to just one genre. We can adapt to boost the strengths of whoever is joining us”.
Army Of The Trees packs more Francophone force. Eight pillars from the French metal scene join Savage Lands in the fight to protect the world’s ecosystems. Niko of Tagada Jones throws lyrical haymakers while Loco Muerte’s Steeven Corsini spins a blazing rap between drums that pound like the forces of the jungle. Auré Jäger (Akiavel), David Sidilarsen and the mighty Julien Truchan from Benighted flex their beastly growls. The ghostly video is a chilling reminder of what’s at stake, but the fiery guitar solos from Sylvain, Stéphane Buriez (Loudblast) and Viber (Sidilarsen) put more than enough bite behind Savage Lands’ fierce rallying cry. “Now is the time to take a stand“.
“Our goals are attainable,” Sylvain and Dirk say. “By converting the land that we purchase into nature sanctuaries, Savage Lands will help set a precedent for environmental activism. But we must work together and quickly. Ecosystems are still under attack. If we don’t, then there won’t be any wildlife left to save”.
Raise your horns and join the Army Of The Trees in support of the metal non-profit.
Learn more about Savage Lands | 0 | |
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11 дек 2024
See EXODUS's Entire Tour-Ending Concert In Los Angeles
 sexthrash69 has uploaded video of EXODUS's entire December 7 concert at The Regent in Los Angeles, California. Check out the footage below.
The band's setlist was as follows:
01. The Last Act Of Defiance
02. Blood In, Blood Out
03. Fabulous Disaster
04. And Then There Were None
05. Body Harvest
06. Prescribing Horror
07. The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale Improves)
08. Brain Dead
09. Deathamphetamine
10. Blacklist
11. Metal Command
12. War Is My Shepherd
13. The Toxic Waltz
14. Strike Of The Beast
EXODUS kicked off "The Battle Of '24" tour on November 2 in Tampa, Florida and thrashed its way across North America, ultimately concluding the trek on December 7 in Los Angeles. The tour marked EXODUS's first headlining run in many years.
In early November, EXODUS released its cover of the AC/DC classic "Beating Around The Bush". The track, which features a guest solo by former EXODUS guitarist Rick Hunolt, was originally recorded during the sessions for EXODUS's 2021 album "Persona Non Grata" but had not been released until now.
In a recent interview with The Metal Voice, EXODUS drummer Tom Hunting spoke about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's follow-up to 2021's "Persona Non Grata" album. He said: "The music is gonna come together really fast and it's really awesome. We worked last March, April and a little bit in May and got the nucleus for a bunch of songs, basically flip flopped some of the beats on some songs. That happens sometimes. And so I have a lot of material to work with. After this [fall 2024] tour, we're gonna woodshed. We'll probably get together in my studio here; I'm in Northern California. Yeah, we're probably gonna work through the end of December and then into January. So we'll have two months. And we already have the nucleus of a bunch of great songs."
Asked if he is going to be contributing musically and lyrically to the next EXODUS LP, Tom said: "I wrote the lyrics to one [track], 'The Years Of Death And Dying', on the last record, and it turned out to be a really great song. So, I think between that and the journey with the cancer and stuff, it awoke something in me. So I've got notepads with scribbles, like a whole bunch of stuff. I need to formulate them into songs [laughs], but I got a lot of words and stuff… I'm gonna try to write some [of the lyrics]. Yeah, it's really fun. And I really enjoy like lyric writing. It's great."
Regarding the overall sound of the new EXODUS material and whether some of it will "veer off into other directions", Tom said: "I really couldn't tell you. I mean, there could be some experimental stuff, and it all happens organically and kind of in the moment. I thought 'Blood In, Blood Out' was kind of like a good old thrash album. 'Persona Non Grata' was a little more —yeah, a little more meaty, a little more dark, goes to some dark places. All the music we made with [singer Rob] Dukes was a little more progressive and went to dark places, and I like that stuff too. So I think there'll be a little bit of everything. And we've got a bunch of covers in the bag too that we recorded in the last sessions for 'Persona Non Grata', and we'll probably do some of those too — just obscure B-side punk stuff. Fun stuff."
In October, EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about the band's next album: "I've got a dozen [songs] in the works right now, and Lee [Altus, EXODUS guitarist] has some stuff. Our plan is to hit the studio in February. We were gonna do it this summer, but we felt we were rushing it. And the last time was so well received and a landmark album for us, we can't shortchange ourselves and hurry into it. And [we have a] brand new record label with Napalm Records and we wanted to make sure the album's as good as it possibly can be. So, February and March we'll be in the studio and then back at it again after that. No rest for the wicked, for sure."
Holt previously discussed EXODUS's plans to hit the studio this past August in an interview with Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show. He said at the time: "Well, I'm writing the new record right now. We were going to go in the studio in a week, but we needed more time. We're not ready. And if we rushed it, that'd be a huge mistake. Unfortunately, due to touring commitments, our next gap to get in and do this proper, it's, like, the beginning of next year. So, we're pushing back, but it's gonna be worth it 'cause the songs are just coming along very well. I'm super pleased. Stuff's heavy."
He continued: "The last album we had all the time in the world due to the pandemic, and the results are apparent in the record, and to follow 'Persona Non Grata' with a rushed release would be the dumbest thing we could possibly do. But it's coming along — it's coming along really well. Actually, I've got 10 songs I'm working on. Lee's got some stuff, and we'll take it from there."
Asked if it looks like the next EXODUS album will be released in 2025, Gary replied: "Oh, yeah, for sure. It will be next year. It's just gonna be later next year than we hoped."
This past February, EXODUS frontman Steve "Zetro" Souza said on his Zetro's Toxic Vault YouTube channel about the musical direction of the band's new material: "I haven't heard anything that they're writing. It usually starts with Tom and Gary. So, it'll be music and then drums. And then when they have kind of stuff pasted together, then I'll hear bits and pieces of it. It kind of rolls like that, but within three or four weeks' time, what sounds like just riffs put together actually turn into full songs, with lyrics and everything. 'Persona Non Grata' went that way, for sure. And in the past we had done it like that. So that's what's actually happening as far as EXODUS is concerned right now."
Souza went on to say that Napalm Records, with whom EXODUS signed a new record deal last year, was anxious to start working with the band on promoting the upcoming LP.
"It's been 20 years or even more than we were on Nuclear Blast," Zetro said. "I mean, the first record on Nuclear Blast was 'Tempo Of The Damned', and so [it was] in 2003, 2002, I think, when we actually signed to them. And then everything that [former EXODUS singer] Rob Dukes did with them was on there. And then when I came back, [we did] 'Blood In Blood Out' and 'Persona' [with Nuclear Blast].
"[Napalm] seem very excited, and that's always a good thing," he continued. "We had such a great relationship with Nuclear Blast and they were really good to us. I think sometimes change is good and a breath of fresh air comes. And I think that we were due for that. So, it's worked out good. We've got, obviously, Napalm, their deal for us was really, really good and it's a three-album deal, so there's at least three more EXODUS records on the books there. So we just have number one that will start this year at some point." | +2 | |
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11 дек 2024
BURNING WITCHES Release Spellbinding Anthem "Mirror, Mirror"; Official Lyric Video Streaming
 Burning Witches bring back the vibe of 80s heavy metal and update their powerful force with renewed sonic clarity on their new maxi-single, The Spell Of The Skull, out today via Napalm Records. With screaming guitars, the Swiss band is back for a heavy metal blast session in the snow.
With The Spell Of The Skull, they curse audiences with two new songs from their latest conjuring of witchcraft. Witchqueen Romana Kalkuhl hypnotizes your mind with her melodic riffs, while diabolic priestess Laura Guldemond conquers your soul with crowd pleasing shouts.
Today, the stunning single “Mirror, Mirror” has been released alongside an official lyric video. The track opens with a virtuous intro that shows the band’s true witchcraft, especially when it comes to creating catchy and hypnotizing guitar riffs. Laura Guldemond, on the other hand, impresses with her incredible vocal range and distinctive style of singing. This new onslaught satisfies all supporters of the fast and unholy forces.
Only a few years after their foundation, these five witches had already performed at fully attended shows at the biggest and most important festivals of the entire metal universe, like Wacken, Summer Breeze and Rock Harz Open Air in Germany. After five attention-grabbing albums, Burning Witches prepare for another attack in 2025.
Watch the lyric video for “Mirror, Mirror” below.
The Spell Of The Skull is available in the following formats:
- 1LP Slipcase Solid Gold (strictly limited) (Sold Out)
- 1LP Slipcase Solid Red (strictly limited) (Sold Out)
- 1LP Slipcase Marbled Orange Red Black (strictly limited)
- Digital Single
Order your copy here.
The Spell Of The Skull trackliisting:
"The Spe | 0 | |
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11 дек 2024
ROBIN MCAULEY To Release Soulbound Album In February; "'Til I Die" Single And Music Video Out Now
 Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the upcoming release of legendary rock vocalist Robin McAuley's new solo album, Soulbound. This new album sees McAuley's voice continuing to defy time, sounding as inspired and powerful as ever. The new album is definitively more guitar-driven straight hard rock compared to his previous albums and is still wonderfully melodic, infectious, and fist-in-the-air uplifting.
McAuley comments on Soulbound: "I can't wait to share Record #3 with you all from Frontiers Music SRL. Soulbound is a much edgier, harder guitar-driven record than my previous two for the label. In addition, I'm working with a new producer from the Frontiers label, Aldo Lonobile, who brought these songs to life with his Kick-Ass production. PLAY IT LOUD !!!!! I think you're gonna Luv It!!!!"
Soulbound showcases the respected Irish rock singer's desire to make a strong musical statement in what is proving to be his most creative period. To kick the announcement off, McAuley is also sharing the album's first track, "'Til I Die", alongside a music video, available below.
About the single, McAuley shared this: "We had so much fun shooting this mini-movie with the great production team of Enzo Mazzeo and Eric Boadello. ''Til I Die' comes at you right out the gate with heavy drums and biting guitars as I race across the Western wasteland to escape the unknown demons and images haunting me and determined to track me down. It's a race for survival at all costs. Come join me and escape together!!!!"
After reemerging on the recording side of the music industry with guest spots on Michael Schenker Fest albums and tours in addition to fronting the hard rock supergroup Black Swan, McAuley was (and still is) feeling invigorated and ready to explore even more creative output to let the world see that his voice is still as powerful as ever.
Work for Soulbound began in early 2024, following an intense musical period in between tour dates and studio work. With a slightly different production approach compared to the previous album, Robin’s vocal performance here is simply outstanding. Truly an iconic voice of the genre, 'Soulbound' solidly delivers the more hard and heavy aspects of this respected artist.
Robin's backing band includes some of the previous artists who appeared with him on previous efforts, including guitarist Andrea Seveso, as well as some new talent such as guitarist Alessandro Mammola and drummer Alfonso Mocerino.
Soulbound is produced by Aldo Lonobile. Pre-order here.
Soulbound tracklisting:
"‘Til I Die"
"Soulbound"
"The Best Of Me"
"Crazy"
"Let It Go"
"Wonders Of The World"
"One Good Reason"
"Bloody Bruised And Beautiful"
"Paradise"
"Born To Die"
"There Was A Man"
"Crazy" (Alternative Mix) Bonus Track Japan
"‘Til I Die" video:
Credits:
Produced By: Aldo Lonobile
Studio: TMH Studio, Institute Of Noise LA | 0 | |
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11 дек 2024
ACCUSER Release Official Video For "Violent Vanity"
 German thrash metal pioneers, Accuser, released their 13th studio album, Rebirthless, on November 21st via MDD Records. They have unleashed an official video for album opener, "Violent Vanity", which can be viewed below.
The band states that Rebirthless perfectly realizes the band's musical vision, thanks to powerful melodies, aggressive rhythms and profound lyrics that captivate listeners and make them think. The complete tracklist can be found below. | +3 | |
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11 дек 2024
Watch I AM MORBID Drummer PETE SANDOVAL's Devastation On The Nation Tour Brooklyn Performance; Drum Cam Video
 Sick Drummer has shared drum cam video of I Am Morbid's Pete Sandoval performing on December 8th in Brooklyn, NY on the Devastation On The Nation Tour. Check it out below.
On Friday, November 15th at The Orpheum in Tampa, Florida, I Am Morbid headlined the inaugural Devastation On The Nation date, alongside Suffocation, UADA, Mortiferum, Fulci, and Knoll.
Fronted by David Vincent, the original Morbid Angel vocalist and bassist, I Am Morbid includes Morbid Angel’s original and legendary drummer Pete Sandoval, and guitarists Bill Hudson (Doro, Northtale) and Richie Brown (Terrorizer, ex-Trivium). Their setlist was comprised of the following 11 songs:
"Immortal Rites"
"Fall From Grace"
"Visions Fr | +1 | |
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11 дек 2024
SOULS OF STEEL Presents "No Man's Land" Music Video
 Souls Of Steel has shared the official music video for "No Man's Land", a track taken from the band's debut album, Songs Of Steel, released August 16, 2024 via WormHoleDeath.
"No Man's Land" is a powerful metaphor for humanity's internal and collective struggle against lies and the constraints imposed by society. It speaks of a world where people are trapped in a monotonous and deceptive existence, constantly judged while desperately seeking to break free from an invisible prison.
"We chose this track for the video because it captures our vision and essence — a combination of intense music and a narrative that invites reflection," said the band. "The lyrics and music reflect our own experiences, frustrations, and hopes, resonating with anyone who feels stuck in a metaphorical no man's land."
"The creative process was intense and highly collaborative. From the very first idea, we aimed to create a track with both emotional and sonic impact. The song's struct | 0 | |
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11 дек 2024
Austria's MONUMENT OF MISANTHROPY Sign To Listenable Records
 Listenable Records and Monument Of Misanthropy have just joined forces though a multi-album deal.
Austria's Monument Of Misanthropy was originally founded as a solo project by singer Georg Wilfinger (ex-Miasma) in 2010. In 2012, the project evolved into a studio band with drummer Romain Goulon (ex-Necrophagist) and guitarist Jean-Pierre Battesti, releasing the demo, Bandroom Misanthropy.
The trio then decided to record and self release their debut album, Anger Mismanagement. Due to the level of awareness of the founding members, especially Romain Goulon whose band Necrophagist was on a hiatus at the time and still is, the teasers for the album found their way into the scene media attention and brutal death metal aficionados.
Having honed their frenzy and viciously blasting death metal with great dexterity, surgical precision at numerous occasions during European tours with Belphegor, Vader, Immolation, Suffocation among many others, Monument Of Misanthropy released their third and strongest studio album, Vile Postmortem Irrumatio, in 2024 . The album cover was featured in the third and final edition of the famous Aesthetics Of Sickness III - Dark Morbid Obsessions book trilogy.
Always hungry for new insane musical patterns, Monument Of Misanthropy is now ready to start working on their forthcoming audio slaughter for Listenable. Get ready for a furious dose | 0 | |
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11 дек 2024
TURBULENCE Debut "Ternary" Music Video
 Lebanese prog metal band, Turbulence, are excited to share their new video for “Ternary”, taken from their latest studio album, Binary Dream, released back in March via Frontiers Music Srl.
Keyboardist Mood Yassin describes the track by saying: "'Ternary' is the closing number of a 5-track epic song, a pivotal piece in a concept album that explores the fusion of human consciousness with artificial intelligence. The song offers a profound exploration of the threefold nature of human consciousness - of mind, of heart, and of soul - conveyed with evocative lyrics and immersive instrumentation. Each section represents a unique facet of existence: the mind's search for the rational and disillusionment, the heart's struggle with pride and vulnerability, and the soul's silent, transcendent essence, expressed throughout a haunting instrumental.”
“By weaving these elements together, 'Ternary' not only reflects the complexity of the human experience through the lens of a robot awakening, but also resonates with anyone seeking harmony within themselves. It's more than a song - it's an introspective journey that challenges you to connect with your deepest self”, he adds.
Binary Dream can be ordered here.
Tracklisting:
“Static Mind”
“Theta | 0 | |
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11 дек 2024
CHRIS JERICHO Says NICKO MCBRAIN Has 'Earned His Right To Step Down' From Touring With IRON MAIDEN
 During an appearance on the December 9 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", FOZZY frontman and wrestling superstar Chris Jericho weighed in on IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain's announcement over the weekend that he was retiring from playing live with the legendary heavy metal act. Chris said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We just saw Nicko in Minneapolis probably about a month ago or so. And I asked him, like, 'How are you doing?' He was having problems playing 16th notes, he said. But he's still Nicko — funniest guy, best guy. So it doesn't surprise me that he retired 'cause he told me before, 'I want the guys to go on when I'm ready to stop. And it's gonna be soon.'"
Jericho continued: "MAIDEN is so classic in that, if you think about this, they didn't give fans a chance to even think about it. They announced it on the morning. He plays his last show that night. They announced the new drummer the next day, and boom. It's, like, 'See you, guys.' It's, like, 'Whoa.' They didn't do, like, the Nicko farewell tour or anything like that. But, obviously, they've been planning it for a while. And Nicko, one of the most influential rock drummers ever, and more importantly, just a sweetheart of a guy. He's one of those guys, as you all know, no one ever says anything bad about Nicko McBrain — ever. He's just the friendliest, nicest, happiest, most encouraging guy. So, nothing but the best to him, man. And it's gonna be hard to replace Nicko McBrain. But he earned his right to step down. And he's just a classic drummer and a classic man."
Chris also addressed McBrain's statement that the drummer will remain closely connected to IRON MAIDEN and continue to be involved in "a variety of projects" with the band, while also focusing on personal ventures and his existing businesses. Asked if he thinks that it means McBrain could still play on future MAIDEN studio records, Jericho said: "It leaves the door open. And Nicko even said in his statement that he's still gonna be working on MAIDEN-related projects and he's still managed by [longtime MAIDEN managers Rod] Smallwood and Andy Taylor. So whether he plays on the album or not, I think they're leaving the door open for him. But, as you know, IRON MAIDEN songs are not easy to play, and recording a new record takes a while. So, maybe he'll play on it, but I think once you kind of step back from that daily playing or that tour life of playing, he might not wanna do it, or maybe he'll do a song or two. But I think it leaves the door open, but I wouldn't count on it anytime soon. And MAIDEN isn't doing a record anytime soon either. So…"
McBrain played his last-ever gig with MAIDEN this past weekend. The 72-year-old British musician, whose real name is Michael Henry McBrain, announced his retirement on Saturday, December 7 in a statement on MAIDEN's web site and social media. He also said that night's concert at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil would mark his final show with the legendary rock band.
On Sunday (December 8),IRON MAIDEN announced Simon Dawson as its new touring drummer. Dawson is a former session drummer and MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris's longtime bandmate in BRITISH LION.
Saturday's performance marked the the final show of IRON MAIDEN's "The Future Past" world tour, which began in May 2023.
MAIDEN will return to the road in 2025 for the "Run For Your Lives" world tour, which is scheduled to launch in May.
In January 2023, Nicko was at his home in Boca Raton when he suffered a stroke with partial paralysis.
When Nicko first went public with his stroke in August 2023, the drummer said in a statement that the episode left him "paralyzed" down one side of his body and "worried" that his career with the band was over.
Four years ago, McBrain was diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer and opened up about it in a single interview in 2021 but otherwise kept it mostly under wraps. The musician received his cancer diagnosis after undergoing an endoscopy at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University Of Miami Health System and the Miller School of Medicine. Within a week, McBrain's cancer was surgically removed and he now gets check-ups every few months to make sure the cancer hasn't returned.
Tapped to replace Clive Burr in 1982 after touring activities for "Number Of The Beast" concluded, McBrain brought a degree of finesse and technicality that was largely missing from IRON MAIDEN's early output. Whereas Burr was often lauded for his heavy-handed, punk-oriented style, McBrain was largely the opposite, playing with a degree of dexterity and flair that helped primary songwriter Steve Harris take MAIDEN down more adventurous paths. He eventually became the third longest-tenured member of MAIDEN, behind Harris and guitarist Dave Murray.
McBrain spent his early drumming years playing for the likes of Pat Travers and French rockers TRUST, eventually falling onto the radar of Harris and MAIDEN during the group's initial European tour.
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11 дек 2024
IRON MAIDEN Pays Tribute To NICKO MCBRAIN In New Video Recapping His Final Concert
 IRON MAIDEN has shared a new five-minute video tribute to the band's longtime drummer Nicko McBrain, featuring behind-the-scenes footage of his final gig with the British heavy metal legends, which took place this past weekend in São Paulo, Brazil.
The 72-year-old British musician, whose real name is Michael Henry McBrain, announced his retirement on Saturday, December 7 in a statement on MAIDEN's web site and social media. He also said that night's concert at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil would mark his final show with the legendary rock band.
IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson addressed McBrain's retirement before launching into the third song, "The Writing On The Wall", of MAIDEN's set at Allianz Parque. He said: "Tonight is a very special night, as some of you, I think probably all of you, will know, because this morning we announced, Nicko announced that he was stepping back for playing live drums with IRON MAIDEN.
"For 42 years Nicko's been in this band," Bruce continued. "He was a drummer before I was a singer, he was a pilot before I was a pilot, and now he's not leaving the band, but he's just not playing live with us anymore.
"So, we have a lot more music to get to tonight, and I want the rest of the night to be a celebration of Nick, a celebration of the joy that he's brought to everybody around the world, not just here in Brazil," Dickinson added. "All right? And with that, on we go!"
In his statement announcing his retirement, McBrain said: "After much consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy, I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle. I wish the band much success moving forward."
"What can I say? Touring with MAIDEN the last 42 years has been an incredible journey! To my devoted fan base, you made it all worthwhile and I love you!" McBrain added.
Despite the fact that he is stepping away from touring, McBrain said that he will remain closely connected to IRON MAIDEN and continue to be involved in "a variety of projects" with the band, while also focusing on personal ventures and his existing businesses.
"I look into the future with much excitement and great hope! I'll be seeing you soon, may God bless you all, and, of course, 'Up the Irons!'" he wrote.
MAIDEN's longtime manager Rod Smallwood of Phantom Music Management expressed his gratitude to McBrain, writing in a separate statement: "Thank you for being an irrepressible force behind the drum kit for MAIDEN for 42 years and my friend for even longer. I speak on behalf of all the band when I say we will miss you immensely!"
Smallwood also referenced MAIDEN's deep connection with Brazil, where they have been performing to massive crowds since appearing at the 1985 edition of the Rock In Rio festival. "To bow out of touring in front of 90,000 fans here in São Paulo over two nights is poetic," Rod continued. "Nicko is and will always be part of the MAIDEN family."
On Sunday (December 8),IRON MAIDEN announced Simon Dawson as its new touring drummer. Dawson is a former session drummer and MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris's longtime bandmate in BRITISH LION.
Saturday's performance marked the the final show of IRON MAIDEN's "The Future Past" world tour, which began in May 2023.
MAIDEN will return to the road in 2025 for the "Run For Your Lives" world tour, which is scheduled to launch in May.
In January 2023, Nicko was at his home in Boca Raton when he suffered a stroke with partial paralysis.
When Nicko first went public with his stroke in August 2023, the drummer said in a statement that the episode left him "paralyzed" down one side of his body and "worried" that his career with the band was over.
Four years ago, McBrain was diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer and opened up about it in a single interview in 2021 but otherwise kept it mostly under wraps. The musician received his cancer diagnosis after undergoing an endoscopy at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University Of Miami Health System and the Miller School of Medicine. Within a week, McBrain's cancer was surgically removed and he now gets check-ups every few months to make sure the cancer hasn't returned.
Tapped to replace Clive Burr in 1982 after touring activities for "Number Of The Beast" concluded, McBrain brought a degree of finesse and technicality that was largely missing from IRON MAIDEN's early output. Whereas Burr was often lauded for his heavy-handed, punk-oriented style, McBrain was largely the opposite, playing with a degree of dexterity and flair that helped primary songwriter Steve Harris take MAIDEN down more adventurous paths. He eventually became the third longest-tenured member of MAIDEN, behind Harris and guitarist Dave Murray.
McBrain spent his early drumming years playing for the likes of Pat Travers and French rockers TRUST, eventually falling onto the radar of Harris and MAIDEN during the group's initial European tour.
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11 дек 2024
ROB HALFORD Was 'Surprised And Shocked And Thrilled' By GOJIRA's Performance At Olympic Games Opening Ceremony
 JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford has weighed in on GOJIRA's performance at this year's Olympic Games opening ceremony.
GOJIRA performed a surprise rendition of "Ah! Ça Ira", a popular song during the French Revolution, alongside opera singer Marina Viotti as well as a number of beheaded figures representing the slain Queen Marie Antoinette.
Halford told Heavy Consequence about GOJIRA's appearance (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I was surprised and shocked and thrilled and delighted to see metal on the Olympics, because I'm an Olympics fan, like most people, because it's teamwork. All of these athletes get there by their own skill and endurance and perseverance, but there's a team around them. And any winner will say, 'Yeah, if it wasn't for my coach, if it wasn't for my family, da, da, da, da, da.' So, what I mean by that is, the GOJIRA band is a family, it's a metal family, it's a metal community. So, wow, that was just such a thrill. And shoutout to the French for doing something like this. Some countries would be a little bit hesitant, but this is the beauty of France. They are such a cosmopolitan place for all arts. It's not, like, 'Oh, you can't put metal in the Olympics.' 'You say that. It's GOJIRA.' It's great. And they deserve it."
Rob added: "I'd been rooting for GOJIRA. I love that band. I've been a GOJIRA fan since day one. So, yes, again, a big thrill for that band. And I hope to bump into the guys at the [2025] Grammy Awards [where GOJIRA and PRIEST are both nominated], on the red carpet or whatever."
GOJIRA made history as the first metal band to ever perform at the Olympic Games during the opening ceremony of the 2024 summer Olympics in Paris, France on July 26. Working alongside composer Victor Le Manse, the quartet injected their signature heavy riffs and punishing rhythms into "Ah! Ça Ira!" . Joined by French-Swiss mezzo-soprano Marina Viotti and nearly 300 classical musicians, GOJIRA performed from the windows of Paris's iconic Concierge amidst a grand spectacle of pyrotechnics. The performance made international headlines and was widely regarded as one of the most talked about moments from the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Speaking exclusively to Rolling Stone following the performance, GOJIRA frontman Joseph Duplantier commented: "We took it as an opportunity to represent the metal scene. So it was our task to really go for it and lay it down, not just be there and play a few notes to shock people. We decided to go full-on with double-kick drums, screaming, growling, epic moments, and a tempo breakdown at the end; we really wanted to show what metal is all about."
Asked by Heavy Consequence what it was like to be the first heavy metal band to ever perform at the Olympics, GOJIRA drummer Mario Duplantier said: "It's mind-blowing actually. We are still a bit high, I feel, in the band. We are still trying to understand what really happened in terms of the impact of the ceremony and the impact in the world of metal.
"We felt like the stars were aligned because we're a French band, the ceremony was in France and two of the four guys who were the creators of this ceremony were big GOJIRA fans and they called us," Mario explained. "So, we also felt very lucky.
"There is not that many bands in France. Imagine if you have a ceremony in England, as an example, there is thousands of legendary bands. But in France, it's not really the case. You have a lot of bands who play outside of France, but the list is not that big. So, there [was] a good chance for us to be called. So we still feel very humble. It was such a great moment and a huge boost for our career."
Asked how long it was from the moment that it was mentioned to him and his GOJIRA bandmates that they would perform at the Olympics until the actual performance, Mario said: "We received the call back in November 2023, and the ceremony was in July 2024. So, a good couple of months. We had to keep it secret. We worked with the writer of the music of the ceremony, because we were not allowed to play our music. So at first we were, like, 'That's weird,' because we really thought if we could play a song, that would be amazing. But in fact, we really had to create something that fit with the theme of the revolution. So it was a big challenge, but a very fun challenge as well. And we worked together with Victor Le Manse, with the guy who writes the entire music of the entire ceremony. And, yeah, the relation was perfect — very chill. No drama, no tension, nothing. And Joe [GOJIRA frontman Joseph Duplantier] and I, because mainly we worked — Joe and I — on this project, we had a lot of things to say and we were very free to do almost whatever we wanted, as [long] as it fit with the theme and all that. So yeah, amazing."
Regarding how his life has changed in the several months since performing at the Olympics, Mario said: "It's really subtle. Because we've been a band for 30 years and we already had a career and we were touring worldwide. But, yeah, it's a plus, it's a bonus. You go to a store and some people are, like, 'I saw you at the Olympics.' But it's not like a crazy change. Also, it's a band that played; it's not like one person. We're a band and an entity, so it's not like one of us was the main guy with a name. It's really GOJIRA performing over there, but many people don't realize I'm playing in GOJIRA, as a band also. But, no, what we can tell it's the overall respect for the band now, since we did that. And, as I said, we, we were very lucky to be able to do it and having this fucking bonus."
GOJIRA's fiery appearance at the Olympics angered some Christians online, who quickly branded it "satanic". Even the controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate accused the West of "worshipping the devil".
Posting a clip of GOJIRA's performance, Tate wrote: "Satanists control the west and they show you that they worship the devil. It's not a conspiracy theory. They literally show you. Are you blind?"
Asked by Rolling Stone about Tate's criticism that GOJIRA's performance was "satanic", Joseph said: "It's none of that. It's French history. It's French charm, you know, beheaded people, red wine, and blood all over the place — it's romantic, it's normal. There's nothing satanic. [Laughs]
"France is a country that made a separation between the state and religion during the revolution. And it's something very important, very dear to the foundation of republican France. We call it laïcité. It's when the state is not religious anymore, so therefore it's free in terms of expression and symbolism. It's all about history and facts. We don't look too close closely at symbolism in terms of religion."
Regarding whether he and his GOJIRA bandmates thought much about the responsibility of representing metal on the world stage, Joseph said: "I try not to think too much about that because it continues to blow my mind. [Laughs] The Olympic Committee could have asked literally anybody to play. I'm thinking of bands like METALLICA or AC/DC that are household names and powerhouses in our genre that we all revere and are our heroes. We never considered ourselves the biggest band in the world that would be worthy to play the Olympics or anything like that. It's so weird.
"The way I think about it is it's a challenge in 2024 to give hope to people, to show something original. People have seen everything from landing on the moon to A.I. So it was a challenge for Paris and the Committee to express something fresh, new, and original [by booking us] and also show what France is all about.
"At least for our part, the fact that metal and opera had never been seen together on TV and in front of so many people before is a statement for the country of France. It's saying, 'Hey, look. We're still pushing the boundaries in the world.' So congrats to France for putting this together."
Regarding who picked the song "Ah! Ça Ira" for GOJIRA, Joseph said: "That wasn't us at all. That was the team of young people and composers and designers that decided the whole theme. We were in the dark when it came to the whole ceremony; we were just concentrating on that picture and that moment of Marie Antoinette. We didn't know how it was going to look or how it would fit in with a whole performance. I didn't know Lady Gaga or Celine Dion were going to be there. We were in [the Olympic Committee's] confidence, and we weren't allowed to tell our people that we were going to do this. We didn't know what was going to happen at all. We just went back and forth with the composer of the Olympic ceremony, Victor Le Manse. He threw us a tempo and a guideline. And then we did our thing."
GOJIRA is considered a standard-bearer for French rock and bringing French rock to an international audience. Metal Hammer declared GOJIRA "metal's most important band" in 2016.
GOJIRA has been nominated for a Grammy Award four times — twice in 2017, for "Best Metal Performance" and "Best Rock Album" ("Magma"),once in 2022 for "Best Metal Performance" and once in 2025 for "Best Metal Performance" for "Ah! Ça Ira". | +2 | |
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11 дек 2024
GOJIRA Release Official Video For Grammy-Nominated, Olympic Games Single "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)"
 Acclaimed French metal band, Gojira, have unveiled the official music video for their Grammy-nominated single, "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)", captured during their jaw-dropping performance at the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
“Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” is currently nominated for "Best Metal Performance" at the upcoming 67th Annual Grammy Awards, marking the band’s fourth Grammy nomination to date.
Gojira made history as the first metal band ever to perform a
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11 дек 2024
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11 дек 2024
JOE SATRIANI And STEVE VAI Launch SATCHVAI Band, Announce 'Surfing With The Hydra' European Tour
 For the first time in their nearly 50-year musical careers, legendary guitar icons Joe Satriani and Steve Vai have united to form the SATCHVAI band, with plans to ignite Europe with an electrifying summer tour.
Satriani and Vai, along with each of their respective bands, initially joined forces for their first-ever tour together, outside of the "G3" format, the past spring (2024) across select U.S. cities. They decided it was finally time to form a band together and bring that winning formula to the live stage, beginning in Europe.
Celebrating nearly five decades of musical friendship, Satriani and Vai made their first musical collaboration debut in March 2024. "The Sea Of Emotion, Pt. 1" highlights the unmatched synergy between these two legendary guitarists as they seamlessly trade solo sections throughout the six-minute opus. Their second collaboration is set to be released just before the European tour, adding even more anticipation for this epic run.
Satriani and Vai's musical careers have been intertwined since their very early days. Satriani served as Vai's guitar teacher during their teenage years on Long Island, New York. Their connection has continued to evolve over the years, even sharing record labels, starting at Relativity Records in the late 1980s, to both calling Sony/Epic Records home for a significant portion of the 1990s. Together, they have also frequently teamed up with a third guitarist on multiple occasions throughout the span of three decades, participating in the semi-annual "G3" tours, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Satriani says: "The SATCHVAI band tour is happening! I'm so looking forward to sharing the stage with Steve again. Every time we play together, it takes me back to when we were teenagers, eating and breathing music every second of the day, pushing, challenging, and helping each other to be the best we could be. I guess we've never stopped!"
Vai adds: "Touring with Joe is always a pleasure and an honor. He is my favorite guitarist to jam with, and now we have another opportunity to take it to the stage. I feel as though we are both at the top of our game, and the show will be a powerful celebration of the coolest instrument in the world, the electric guitar!"
Joe Satriani and Steve Vai's 2025 "Surfing With The Hydra" tour dates:
June 13 - York, UK @ Barbican
June 14 - London, UK @ Eventim Apollo
June 17 - Glasgow, SC @ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
June 18 - Wolverhampton, UK @ Civic Hall
June 19 - Manchester, UK @ O2 Apollo
June 21 - Clisson, FR @ Hellfest
June 22 - Paris, FR @ Palais Des Congres
June 23 - Antwerp, BE @ Lotto Arena
June 24 - Amsterdam, NL @ Amsterdam Afas
June 26 - Copenhagen, DK @ Amager Bio
June 29 - Helsinki, FI @ House of Culture
June 30 - Tampere, FI @ Tampere Hall
July 02 - Uppsala, SE @ Parksnackan
July 03 - Oslo, NO @ Sentrum Scene
July 05 - Warsaw, PL @ Torwar
July 08 - Munich, DE @ Tollwood Festival
July 10 - Dusseldorf, DE @ Mitsubishi Electric Hall
July 11 - Frankfurt, DE @ Jahrhunderthalle
July 12 - Zurich, CH @ Volkshaus Zürich
July 13 - Milan, IT @ Comfort Festival @ Villa Casati Stampa
July 15 - Pordenone, IT @ Parco San Valentino
July 16 - Perugia, IT @ Umbria Jazz
July 17 - Bologna, IT @ Sequoie Music Park
July 18 - Saint-Julien, FR @ Guitares en Scene Festival
July 20 - Prague, CZ @ Forum Karlin
July 22 - Sofia, BG @ National Palace of Culture
Satriani has had a packed schedule having recently concluded the Sammy Hagar-led "The Best of All Worlds" tour, which was met with much fanfare and critical acclaim. Vai, meanwhile, has been playing shows across the U.S. as part of the BEAT tour following the conclusion of the Satch/Vai tour earlier this year.
For over three decades, Satriani has travelled the world, playing to sold-out crowds as both a headliner and as founder of the all-star "G3" guitar extravaganza. Satriani's studio and live recordings have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide to date and of his many solo albums, two have gone platinum and four others went gold, with 15 Grammy nominations between them. He launched his annual "G4 Experience" in 2014 bringing aspiring guitarists together for four days of workshops, mentor sessions and live performances, providing an exclusive learning platform led by him and his accomplished peers. In 2021, he introduced the "Crystal Planet" comic series, a five-part opus interweaving the realms of music and art. The tour documentary "Beyond The Supernova", directed by ZZ Satriani and currently available for streaming, offers an intimate behind-the-scenes glimpse that intricately chronicles his life, illuminating the profound dedication that fuels his guitar mastery. His side project CHICKENFOOT, featuring former VAN HALEN frontman Sammy Hagar, former VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith, saw their debut album certified gold and their second studio album debuted at No. 9. Satriani released his 19th studio album, "The Elephants Of Mars", in April 2022. In 2024 Satriani embarked on Sammy Hagar's "The Best Of All Worlds" tour.
Vai is a virtuoso guitarist, composer, and producer, considered by many as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. In over 40 years in the industry, Vai has sold over 15 million records, received three Grammy Awards, and recorded with music legends like Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, WHITESNAKE and many more. Vai has also toured extensively and recorded live projects with "G3" (collaborating with different touring lineups, including Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Eric Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Lukather) and "Generation Axe", a supergroup Vai formed with Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Nuno Bettencourt and Tosin Abasi. Vai is the author of "Vaideology: Basic Music Theory For Guitar Players" (Hal Leonard),his inaugural music theory book designed to help both beginners and veteran guitar players. He toured North America in support of his most recent studio album "Inviolate" before embarking on the BEAT tour playing the music of 1980s KING CRIMSON.
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Oceans of Slumber
