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14 íîÿ 2024
TRIXTER's MARK 'GUS' SCOTT Is Ready To Apologize To His Bandmates: 'I Think It's Overdue'
 In a new interview with The Bay Ragni Show, TRIXTER drummer Mark "Gus" Scott was asked if it bothers him that his bandmates, TRIXTER guitarist Steve Brown and bassist P.J. Farley, have been performing acoustic TRIXTER shows, backed by Ben Hans on percussion, without him and TRIXTER singer Pete Loran. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "No, God bless 'em. They're carrying the flag, It bothers me they didn't wanna do more when we were all together. But otherwise, no. They're doing their thing. If they're happy… The only thing that does — I don't want to use the word 'bother' me, but I just don't know why they didn't have that attitude when we were all together instead of doing… They were in favor of doing less as opposed to doing more… And let me tell you something — even if we weren't getting fucking paid, I'd do it anyway. From day one, it wasn't about the paycheck… I wanted to rock. I wanted to beat the shit out of my drums and have a great goddamn time. And the bigger audiences we did, it was freaking, it was great. And when we put it back together in 2008, our first show back was Rocklahoma, 35,000 people. Woohoo! Second show back, 35,000 people opening for POISON and the band BOSTON. Woohoo! You don't wanna do that more? So I mean, now we did some club shows and theater stuff and smaller stuff and whatever, but, man, boy, did we have a fucking blast. And it was like we didn't miss a beat. When we put it back together? Oh my God."
When host Bay Ragni asked Scott if he feels he "did something wrong", apparently alluding to online rumors that Mark tried to trademark the TRIXTER name behind the other members' backs after Brown let it lapse a few years ago, Mark said: "It wasn't right, I'll be the first to admit it. Yep. It could have gone a lot more wrong, let's put it that way.
"Here's the weirdest part of all: for three, three and a half years, no one said a goddamn thing. Then out of nowhere one day, someone decided to light it up. Where the fuck did that come from? It's not like I launched an attack or something. It was very strange. But I think when I redid the [TRIXTER song] 'Give It To Me Good' [as a solo single], or the fact that I acknowledged the fact that it was the 30-year anniversary since TRIXTER released their first record and they did absolutely fucking nothing, which I felt was inexcusable… And I don't profess to be a better singer than Pete Loran. I don't profess to be a better guitar player than anybody in the world. But I wanted to do something as opposed to doing nothing. Not to mention, I also felt that 'Give It To Me Good', the song that was [one of our biggest singles], had a wider demographic footprint than what the song was exposed to. It has a cool country feel. I think that if a real country artist did it, it could really be something. So I said, 'Fuck it. I'm gonna give it a shot.' And I was very happy. It got a lot of attention, that's for sure… I had fun, and again, I did it to have fun and to do something I believe that was right to recognize it as opposed to when nobody else was recognizing anything. I'm, like, what are you fucking talking about? You're not doing anything?"
Circling back to the rumors that he tried to trademark the TRIXTER name, Mark said: "I understand why they were pissed. I'm not angry at them for that. And I was pissed at the time too. My actions were certainly prompted by other things. And I never really wanted to make it public, but I'm not gonna sit here and just be a fucking whipping boy. Those cocksuckers fucking act like a couple of assholes. And now things are okay and it's all right, but it's not like I just woke up one day and decided to be a fucking dick."
Asked if that means that he has spoken to Steve and P.J. and that they have buried the hatchet, Mark clarified: "I have not talked to P.J. or Steve. Pete and I talk all the time. He's the one that got me out to Arizona. He's neutral, and that's cool. And I don't hold anything towards anybody. I didn't hold anything towards anybody really at all until all the badmouthing in the press crap came out and all that stuff."
When Ragni suggested that Mark pick up the phone and get in touch with Steve and P.J. and admit that he "did something wrong" and attempt to repair the friendship, the drummer said: "I am not averse to that idea or taking action to create that scenario. I don't know how receptive they're gonna be. But I would be willing to do that. And honestly, I think it's overdue. If anything, I probably should have done something prior to this point, but then I start channeling my energies towards other areas. We'll see. And I hate to say the reason why I hesitate, it's not exactly the first thing on my priority list. You want honesty? I'll give you honesty. I've got 17 states to conquer," he added, referencing the fact that his American Premium Vodka has joined forces with distribution industry leader Johnson Brothers and currently serves four states. "And I've got some other crap that I have to deal with also. And again, I'll go back to what I said before: those guys are playing more shows now than they really ever have. And my biggest question is why didn't you wanna do that when we had the whole thing intact?"
Both Brown and Farley have been critical of Scott in recent interviews, with Steve saying that the drummer is on "the shit list beyond belief" with the rest of the group, while P.J. compared being in a band with Mark to owning a disobedient dog. "Sometimes you let the dog off a leash and he just goes running to the middle of the street — no good," he said.
Since reuniting in 2008, TRIXTER has released two studio albums via Frontiers Music Srl — 2012's "New Audio Machine" and 2015's "Human Era".
TRIXTER toured extensively in the United States, Canada and Japan in support of its five major label releases. They have performed live in arenas and amphitheaters with crowds up to 35,000 people, appearing with such rock superstars as KISS, SCORPIONS, POISON, TED NUGENT, NIGHT RANGER, CINDERELLA, TWISTED SISTER, DOKKEN, WARRANT, GREAT WHITE and FIREHOUSE.  | 0 |  |
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14 íîÿ 2024
THE DEAD DAISIES Recap Light 'Em Up European Tour - Week 2; Video
 The Dead Daisies have released a recap video for Week 2 of their Light 'Em Up European tour. Watch the clip below:
The Dead Daisies' tour dates are listed below. Get tickets here.
November
13 - Palac Akropolis - Prague, Czech Republic
15 - Barba Negra - Budapest, Hungary
16 - Simm City - Vienna, Austria
17 - Gibson - Frankfurt, Germany
The Dead Daisies' new album, Light 'Em Up, is out now and available to order here.
Light 'Em Up tracklisting:
"Light 'Em Up"
"Times Are Changing"
"I Wanna Be Your Bitch"
"I'm Gonna Ride"
"Back To Zero"
"Way Back Home"
"Take A Long Line"
"My Way And The Highway"
"Love That'll Never Be"
"Take My Soul"
"I'm Gonna Ride" (Revamped) video:
"I Wanna Be Your Bitch" video:
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14 íîÿ 2024
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14 íîÿ 2024
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14 íîÿ 2024
BEARTOOTH's CALEB SHOMO: 'I Am Not Being Driven By Insecurity Anymore'
 In a new interview with Germany's Rock Antenne, BEARTOOTH frontman Caleb Shomo addressed questions about whether the more poppy sound of the group recently released single "ATTN.", taken from the new deluxe edition of BEARTOOTH's album "The Surface", is indicative of the direction he and his bandmates plan to take with their next album. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I have no idea, to be completely honest with you. I think that it's a little more complicated than just, 'We like the heavy stuff. Play the heavy stuff.' It's, like, I am a human being that has grown and evolved, and I still love heavy metal, but I also still love pop music. And candidly, I think a lot of songs that I've written back in, however long ago, as much as they were genuine, they were written through the lens of a lot of fear and a lot of self-deprecation and a lot of — I don't know — insecurity. And I think another big part of 'ATTN.' is me kind of making a statement to people that I really am not being driven by insecurity anymore. And I'm not driven by things that I used to do. And that's why I chose to make the last song of this thing be most pop. I'm using synthesizers — things I've never really done so much in BEARTOOTH, things that I literally told myself 10 years ago I would never do, because I was ashamed of who I was and I was ashamed of the things I liked."
Caleb continued: "I was in a band prior called ATTACK ATTACK! that was a very polarizing band to a lot of people. A lot of people hated it. And I think I was very young and I was very embarrassed at the end of it. And I shied away from all these parts of my life that I really enjoyed — playing piano, playing synthesizers, making electronic music. And I just leaned into this heavy stuff because I was angry and that's what felt right at the time. But I'm not 19 anymore, I'm 31, and I've gone through a lot of life.
"I think to those who really care about following the whole story, 'ATTN.' probably will make sense if you really understand what's going on," Shomo explained. "And it also doesn't mean that I'm never making heavy music again — not at all — but it is very important for me to make the statement that I am secure with who I am and I am secure with who I used to be now. And that does mean the heavy stuff as well. But that also includes synth, and that also includes pop music, and that includes me not being swayed by people's opinion in my artistic expression.
"I think at the core, if you look at any good artist or any good, really just — I mean, if we're talking about BEARTOOTH, BEARTOOTH song — all the good songs are the songs that, at the core, were me explaining exactly what I was feeling and what I was going through in the most honest way possible," Caleb added. "And not trying to write songs from a place of, what does everybody else want me to make? Or what do I think people want me to make? Because that's not going to be authentic. And people can see that from a mile away. It's, like, the more that I ignore what other people tell me they want and I just trust my heart and I trust my compass, that's when the real stuff happens. And then, in turn, those are always the songs that people like the most because they can tell that I was being honest.
"I think a lot of people underestimate the listener and the intelligence of a fanbase and they try to manufacture these big radio songs or, all of a sudden, 'we're gonna go mainstream' and 'we're gonna do this.' But listeners are so much smarter than that. They can tell when you care about what you're saying and if it matters to you.
"So, yeah, in short, that is really what's at the forefront of my mind, is I just wanna make songs that are honest to me, because the more honest they are to me, the more honest they are to our fanbase. And I think our fanbase has earned that and deserves that. And if I try to write them some bullshit, it's just gonna be bullshit. And nobody wants that."
"The Surface (Deluxe Edition)" also includes new mixes of beloved album tracks and live cuts, the latter of which truly capture the band in its natural habitat — on stage and laying all of its cards face up on the table with and for their fans. The live renditions on the package were recorded at the Hard Rock in Sacramento, where they brought an unforgettable performance to a sold-out crowd.
"The Surface" was released in October 2023 on Red Bull Records. It has garnered 190 million streams to date, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Hard Rock Albums, Luminate Alternative Albums, and Luminate Record Label Independent Current Albums, as well as No. 5 on Billboard's Top Album Sales. The single "I Was Alive" landed at No. 1 on both the Billboard Mainstream Airplay chart and the U.S. Mediabase Active Rock radio chart. Just six months prior, the album's previous single, "Might Love Myself", also hit No. 1 and was the band's first-ever chat topper at the format. BEARTOOTH achieving back-to-back, chart-topping singles at radio was a huge testament to their decade of growth and the power of "The Surface".
Like its predecessors, "The Surface" was an intensely personal and powerful journey for Shomo, who has never shied away from sharing his demons in his music and with his fans. However, the frontman has turned a corner with a more optimistic outlook and demonstrates exceptional growth as both an artist and a human being through the songs that comprise the album.
Like NINE INCH NAILS, BEARTOOTH remains a one-person band in the studio.
Rolling Stone heralded BEARTOOTH as one of 10 Artists You Need to Know. The rabid response to Shomo's music demonstrated how many people related to his struggle for self-acceptance. "Below" (2021) topped the Rock and Alternative charts and several Best Rock/Metal Albums Of The Year lists. As of 2024, the BEARTOOTH catalog boasts more than one billion streams across all platforms.
Photo credit: Jamie Waters
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14 íîÿ 2024
SHINEDOWN's ERIC BASS Announces 'I Had A Name' Solo Album
 Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Eric Bass (SHINEDOWN) has announced his debut solo album, "Eric Bass Presents: I Had A Name". A concept album set within a sprawling new world, "I Had A Name" was written, recorded, and produced entirely by Bass. The record will be released on February 28, 2025 and is available for pre-save/pre-order now at this location. Fans check out lead single and music video "Mind Control" below.
"We live in a world right now where music gets homogenized and maybe everything sounds and feels the same. I wanted to create something different and I hope listeners hear that," Bass shares. "Lyrically and emotionally I hope it empowers them and they can see themselves in the characters and stories I sing about."
He continues: "We all go through dark times and hardships, but there's always a way out. I think that's what being a human being is about. I feel like Earth is a test and we're here to prove ourselves, go through things and come out better on the other side."
On the new single, he adds: "'Mind Control' is part of a larger story than I'm telling on this record and in the graphic novel that goes along with it. We're following this character Devaren as he's talking about his disdain for the population and how he can't stand them, but at the end of the song he has this reflective moment where he actually regrets everything he's been doing. The interesting thing about the characters in this story is that they represent a different part of my neurodivergence and mental health journey. In 'Mind Control' Devaren represents the depression that has crept into my life over the years that I didn't see coming. I just had to personify that in a character so in 'Mind Control' it has taken over, but ultimately in our story it will be defeated."
Fans can look forward to more new music in the coming months.
Bass is best known as the co-songwriter, producer, and bassist for multiplatinum rock institution SHINEDOWN, which holds the record for most No. 1 singles on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.
"Eric Bass Presents: I Had A Name" is an immersive, expansive, and richly thematic work. As well versed in KISS and VAN HALEN as PEARL JAM and SOUNDGARDEN, Bass poured passion and creativity into "I Had A Name".
The initial storytelling spark behind "I Had A Name" ignited in a hotel room in Milan, Italy, as SHINEDOWN toured behind 2018's "Attention Attention". "I sat on the bed with a pen and paper and wrote for two hours," Eric explains. "It turned into a synopsis for a prequel to the story I'm telling on the album. When I started writing music, I thought about these characters. The album doesn't chronologically tell the story, but it depicts various scenes from it — bits and pieces that happen throughout it."
As with much of "Attention Attention" and "Planet Zero" (SHINEDOWN's first No. 1 on Billboard's Album Sales chart),"I Had A Name" looks both outward at society and inward, as darker emotions seep out from within the more significant metaphors and storylines on the surface.
"I've spoken about my struggles with depression and neurodivergent issues before," Bass points out. "When I finished writing this record, I looked back at these characters I've created and realized I'd written the most autobiographical record of my life, which wasn't conscious as I was writing it.
"The album is an epic odyssey. I don't want mental health to be an 'angle' that obscures that," he adds. "But I don't mind talking about it. Anytime I talk about it, I hope it's helpful to someone else."
With his SHINEDOWN bandmates' full support and encouragement, Eric challenged himself to write every lyric, compose every song, perform every instrument, and produce and mix the entire affair.
Ultimately, as with every endeavor of the South Carolina native's career, "Eric Bass Presents: I Had A Name" is about authenticity. "I'm always about honesty in art," he says. "When I listen to something, I want to hear that the person dug into the dirt and bled for it to happen. The truth always prevails."
"Eric Bass Presents: I Had A Name" track listing:
01. A World Unseen
02. The New Gods Of War
03. Azalia
04. We Can't Go Home
05. Goodnight Goodnight
06. Mind Control
07. New Graves
08. All Good Children - Our Guts
09. Modenhardt
10. Dead Inside
11. The Churches Of The Dead
12. Wanna Go To Hell
Photo credit: Sanjay Parikh | 0 | |
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14 íîÿ 2024
Exclusive: AD INFINITUM Vocalist MELISSA BONNY - "We've Done The Work For The Next Three Records"
 Swiss / German modern metal frontrunners, Ad Infinitum, have come into their own only over the last year or two, but they have released a whopping four albums since 2020. Vocalist / founder Melissa Bonny spoke with BraveWords about the band's new record, Abyss, and revealed they are playing the long game when it comes to their music.
"We've done the albums Chapter I: Monarchy, II: Legacy, and III: Downfall, which were connected in that they were all influenced by history. We wanted to step away from that but still offer a new trilogy, so we decided to go more personal on Abyss by basing the songs on personal experiences and emotions. We sorted those ideas out into three albums, and Abyss is the darkest of them. The fears, the demons, stuff like that."
Meaning fans should expect another trilogy....
"Yes, but it not just planned out in our heads (laughs). We've done the work for the next three records; not all the songs are written, but we've been working on the visuals for the artwork and the videos. If you wantch the videos you will see that there are easter eggs that connect the songs. The goal is to have this connection through the whole trilogy. It's the same for the artwork, so we had to inform everyone of what are going to do for the next three records (laughs)."
Watch for the complete story, coming soon.
Ad Infinitum recently released their new single, "Follow Me Down," from their new album, Abyss, available via Napalm Records. The track showcases gripping riffs that highlight the band's technical prowess and memorable refrains. Founded in 2018, Ad Infinitum has released three acclaimed studio albums, building a dedicated fanbase with their expansive and bombastic songwriting. On Abyss, Ad Infinitum takes their sound to the next level, evolving into one of the most exciting new modern metal bands.
On the new album Abyss, gripping, rhythmic riffs, infectious choruses, heavy breakdowns and singer Melissa Bonny’s inimitable and increasingly versatile vocal approach present the band at the very top of their game - proving that these hard-working, ever-rising stars never fail in surprising their fans and critics alike. Ad Infinitum is Melissa Bonny (vocals), Adrian Thessenvitz (guitars), Korbinian Benedict (bass) and Niklas Müller (drums).
Ad Infinitum on Abyss: “Welcome to a new page of the Ad Infinitum story, where a new era begins. A journey connecting three albums, starting in the ominous darkness of Abyss, out on October 11th. The journey will continue through the hope and empowerment found at the surface, and end in the freeing and energizing dreamscapes of Elysium. We are extremely impatient to present this new record, as well as not only the beautiful artworks and videos depicting its universe, but the captivating visual storyline connecting each video to the next. This is our most elaborate, intimate and unapologetic work yet.”
Abyss soars as a modern metal masterpiece. After the opener “My Halo”, the intensity continues with “Follow me Down”, driven by entrancing riffs that solidify the band's technical prowess. “Aftermath” highlights Ad Infinitum's energetic and experimental side, delivering potent growls and innovative compositions. “Euphoria” transports listeners to ethereal soundscapes, seamlessly blending genres from catchy pop to visceral alt metal, creating a unique and captivating experience. The mystic “The one you'll hold on to” follows with its powerful guitar riffs and haunting melodies, leading into the infectious “Parasite”. This track spotlights Melissa Bonny's remarkable vocal abilities while giving ample space for impressive guitar work. The album culminates with “Dead End”, a gripping, catchy finale that leaves a lasting impression. Abyss is an unmatched, skilled tour de force showcasing Ad Infinitum’s vast creativity and variety of inspirations.
With their spellbinding releases, Ad Infinitum have reached millions of fans on streaming and video platforms worldwide, with over 4.2M views for their hit “Unstoppable” alone. Furthermore, frontwoman Melissa Bonny is consistently drawn to exciting musical collaborations, demonstrating her matchless talent as featured guest for bands like Kamelot, Feuerschwanz and dArtagnan. 2024 has been a landmark year for the four-piece, highlighted by their US tour with symphonic metal masters Kamelot and power metal veterans HammerFall. In early 2025, and following the release of Abyss, they are set to embark on a European tour with folk metal pioneers Eluveitie and label-mates Infected Rain. This latest chapter marks a turn in their ascendant journey, with Abyss promising to leave a lasting impression on the modern metal scene.
Abyss will be available in the following formats:
- 1LP Recycled Colored Vinyl (inlc. 12'' Booklet, Slipmat) - ltd. to 300 copies worldwide
- 1LP Recycled Black Vinyl
- 36 page Earbook - ltd. to 300 copies worldwide
- 1CD-Digisleeve + Abyss Pendant Bundle - ltd. to 200 copies worldwide
- 1CD Digisleeve + T-Shirt Bundle
- 1CD Digisleeve
- Digital Album
- Abyss Pendant
- Cover Artwork T-Shirt
Pre-order here.
Abyss tracklisting:
"My Halo"
"Follow Me Down"
"Outer Space"
"Aftermath"
"Euphoria"
"Surrender"
"Anthem For The Broken"
"The One You'll Hold On To"
"Parasite"
"Dead End"
"My Halo" (Orchestral Version)*
* Earbook only
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14 íîÿ 2024
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14 íîÿ 2024
MICHAEL SCHENKER Says GUNS N' ROSES' AXL ROSE Recorded Three Songs For My Years With UFO Album - "They All Sounded Great"; Audio
 Michael Schenker recently spoke with Eddie Trunk on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation. During their conversation, Michael shares why he made a new record, My Years With UFO, and talks about doing a final show. He also talks about Axl Rose singing “Love To Love” and how that came about.
SiriusXM's Trunk Nation, hosted by Eddie Trunk, airs daily at 3 PM, ET on SiriusXM’s Faction Talk. Audio clips and transcription below, courtesy of SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation.
On why he made the new record, My Years With UFO:
Michael Schenker: "Obviously because it's 50 years and that's the reason. I didn't do much UFO stuff in all these years since then. And so it's 50 years and I guess it's also, you know, celebrating, basically it's celebrating the songs I wrote for UFO in that period of time, between 1972 and 1978. Strangers In The Night came out, which was the best of UFO and basically those were most of the songs I wrote on that album, which was, you know, basically the best of UFO. And also in the past, I've noticed that we masters, were coming out without any information, no information of who was the songwriter. It was just UFO in the song. And so people are listening to the song and don't even know where it comes from.
"It's a long time, 50 years. And so I want to use, I thought it would be a great idea to let people know, you know, like newcomers, especially where those songs are coming from. Give some information, some additional information. I think a lot of information got lost over the years. I mean, I was born fifty five, fifty years before I was born. I have no clue what happened then. So it is a long time. So basically that's the idea. And then on top of that, I wanted to celebrate this with musicians and singers, you know, from like bands that were influenced or inspired by UFO, and myself, that made it big. And there are lots of them, Guns N’ Roses, Dee Snider, et cetera, et cetera. And so I got so much fun out of this."
On doing a final show with UFO:
Schenker: "You know, the thing is what meant to be will be, that's all I can say. I'm not the writer of, you know, I'm not the master of the universe. So what will be, will be. It's like I am not saying anything, I just do what needs to be done in the moment now, you know. Going into a hypothetical future that may happen, may not, it's not where I want to put my energy. So if somebody knocks me, you know, taps me on the shoulder and asks me like a now question, then I will answer it. But hypothetical, I'm not really interested in talking about something, you know, this is what I'm doing right now, My Years With UFO. So whatever everybody else is contemplating or trying to figure out, you know, what they can do or et cetera, et cetera, it's not, it's like fantasy land. What is really happening is when it happens in the now. And so that's what I'm interested in, you know, so that's what I say is, whatever is meant to be will happen."
On Axl Rose singing "Love To Love":
Eddie Trunk: "'Love To Love" is like the ultimate song for most of us. So tell me how Axl, who doesn't do a lot of things like this, how did he end up recording this with you?
Schenker: "I mean, again, it's just another funny story. You know, that there's so many, everything happened in so many different ways and there are so many great artists and singers on this album. That's why I only, I didn't even get to Axl, you know, I mean, it's just another story. It's like Slash came to the studio in Frankfurt. I guess they were touring Germany at the time, and Slash came down and the first thing he said, he came to me, hugged me and said, 'Hey, Michael, I told Axl you know that I was going to do this here today with you and he said, ‘Oh, well, I wanna sing something too.’' I said, 'That's fantastic. Please ask him what he wants to sing.' And so that's how it came about. And so Axl actually, he decided to sing 'Only You Can Rock Me', 'Too Hot To Handle' and 'Love To Love'. And he recorded all three songs. He sang all three songs. I got all three songs to listen to approve, and they all sounded great."
My Years With UFO is out worldwide via earMUSIC.
Schenker's new album is a tribute to the golden years that saw British hard rock band UFO rise from an underground phenomenon to rock legends. Produced by Michael Schenker and Michael Voss, the new album marks the 50th anniversary of Schenker's era with UFO, spanning from 1972 to 1978. The "German Wunderkind" was asked to join UFO at just 17 years old. Touring the globe as a teenager, Schenker became a driving force behind some of UFO's most loved tracks, including "Doctor Doctor," "Rock Bottom," "Lights Out," "Love To Love" and many more.
Although Michael Schenker's era with UFO spanned only six years, his influence as a young songwriter and exceptional guitarist had already left a lasting mark on rock. During these meteoric years, the UFO albums Phenomenon, Force It, No Heavy Petting, Lights Out, Obsession, and the seminal live album Strangers In The Night were recorded, each contributing significantly to the genre. Strangers In The Night particularly stands out as one of the most influential live rock albums of all time and is still regarded as a cornerstone in any rock enthusiast's collection.
In this celebratory album, Michael Schenker presents 11 of UFO's greatest hits from this magical era with an impressive lineup of guest stars. Joining Schenker on this journey are Derek Sherinian on keys' Brian Tichy on drums' and Barry Sparks on bass.
The stellar roster of guest artists includes Axl Rose, Slash, Kai Hansen, Roger Glover, Joey Tempest, Biff Byford, Jeff Scott Soto, John Norum, Dee Snider, Joel Hoekstra, Joe Lynn Turner, Carmine Appice, Adrian Vandenberg, Michael Voss, Stephen Pearcy, and Erik Grönwall.
This new album is the introduction to an upcoming trilogy, as Michael Schenker has signed an exclusive three-album deal with earMUSIC, with additional albums to follow in 2025 and 2026.
Order My Years With UFO here.
Tracklisting:
"Natural Thing" (Feat. Dee Snider + Joel Hoekstra)
"Only You Can Rock Me" (Feat. Joey Tempest + Roger Glover)
"Doctor Doctor" (Feat. Joe Lynn Turner + Carmine Appice)
"Mother Mary" (Feat. Slash + Erik Grönwall)
"This Kids" (Feat. Biff Byford)
"Love to Love" (Feat. Axl Rose)
"Lights Out" (Feat. Jeff Scott Soto + John Norum)
"Rock Bottom" (Feat. Kai Hansen)
"Too Hot Too Handle" (Feat. Joe Lynn Turner, Adrian Vandenberg, + Carmen Appice)
"Let It Roll" (Feat. Michael Voss)
"Shoot Shoot" (Feat. Stephen Pearcy)
"Love to Love" (Feat. Axl Rose):
"Only You Can Rock Me" visualizer:
"Rock Bottom":
"Mother Mary" visualizer:
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14 íîÿ 2024
PROPHETS OF ADDICTION Debut "Let's Get High" Music Video
 West Coast-based glam, punk 'n' rollers, Prophets Of Addiction, have released the new music video for the track "Let's Get High", from their new album, Face The Music, available via BraveWords Records.
Lead singer Lesli Sanders shares the story of the song and video, "We are all looking for a "high,” although the term is often associated with drug use; in reality, it is most often not the case. In this case, the topic of the song as I was penning the lyrics was a reflection back into time of the excitement that surrounded a new release from a favorite band of mine. It was the effort put into not only purchasing the record, saving up money doing odd jobs, or whatever, as money was never handed to me; it had to be earned. Then I knew I had to be at the record store in a timely fashion as it could sell out real quickly; maybe the particular mom and pop record store only would have 6 copies? I would get there by any means necessary, which usually meant my bicycle. Then the race was on, and after purchasing that record, I would hightail it home to throw that thing on the turntable with an excitement rarely found in this now world of instant gratification. I mean, this was an accumulation of weeks, if not months, of preparation. Once that music was blasting, shaking the house much to my mom’s dismay, it was time to double-task, as I would listen to every nuance all the while scouring the artwork, credits, and photos. It was a time of great excitement and a good "HIGH.""
The album, Face The Music, can be streamed / purchased here.
The praise for the band has been incredible!
"Prophets Of Addiction is a modern day Hanoi Rocks meets The 69 Eyes with plenty of pop hooks and Whisky drenched vocals." - Metal Sludge
"These lads have an American smash hit in their laps... I've always enjoyed Lesli's songwriting he's truly a expressive spirit." - J.B. Frank, Kingdom Come
"So if, like me, you are a huge fan of the Dogs D’Amour / Erotics / Quireboys style of sleazy story-telling, then you will find this fine selection of songs from the underbelly of life, absolutely essential." - Sleaze Roxx
"Pound-for-pound, front-to-back, it contains more high quality riffage in one space." - Sentinel Daily
"It's 70s glam/punk music with a modern spin, both production-wise and talent-wise, raw guitars, bouncing rhythms and lyrics that often actually mean something." - Rough Edge
"A record that will appeal to many guitar rock purists." - Mayhem Rockstar Magazine
Face The Music tracklisting:
"Flavor Of The Danger"
"Let's Get High"
"Slippin' Away"
"Walk The World"
"Maggie May"
"Superhero"
"I Want You To Know"
"Hollywood"
"Wasted Tears"
"Last One In The Bar"
"Take Me To Your Leader"
"Superhero" video:
The Players:
Lesli Sanders: Lead Vocals, Guitars
Phil Soussan: Bass, Piano, Mandolin,Percussion, Backing Vocals
Wayne Stokely: Drums,Backing Vocals
Tchad Drats: Guitar, Ebow, Backing Vocals
G.G. Guitar, Backing Vocals
Terry Bratsch, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Steel, Backing Vocals
About BraveWords Records:
There is a serious void which desperately needs to be filled, hard-working and creative bands that have yet to find a partnership and a mutual vision with a professional team. The music-fuelled minds behind BraveWords Records, Brian Adams, Giles Lavery, Tim Henderson and Michael Brandvold, have built the ultimate home for an artist that will take you where you want to be. Collectively, with nearly 100 years of music industry experience under our belts, the BraveWords Records team will take care of all the crucial aspects of your project from global distribution (digital and physical), publicity and media coverage (web, radio, visual), social media blanketing and streaming opportunities (such as Streaming For Vengeance). Where most labels have forgotten the concept of actually marketing a release sensibly, BraveWords Records will construct a viable and comprehensive marketing plan, including visibility at BraveWords.com, which attracts a million visitors monthly. BraveWords Records has all senses on high alert as the music industry continues its never-ending transitioning, so the artist will always be aware of new opportunities to build their brand and strive for world domination. BraveWords will also have a focus on licensing film and TV content, both contemporary and retrospective across many genres. A | 0 | |
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13 íîÿ 2024
TESTAMENT's CHUCK BILLY Says His Number One Ambition Is To One Day Tour With METALLICA
 In a new interview with Andrew McKaysmith of the Scars And Guitars podcast, TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy was asked what goals and ambitions he still has after having toured and recorded with his bandmates for nearly four decades. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I think my number one on my checklist is to be able to go on tour with METALLICA, a band that grew up in our scene, our area, paved the way for this kind of music. We've never had that opportunity to perform a tour with them. We might have played a couple of shows and festivals over the time, but never got to tour. There's a lot of history there that I really don't know the answer why we never have, and maybe you could pose that question to them one day — why not? — and maybe I'll get my answer someday what the reason is. But that would be my number one, because I always look up to James [Hetfield, METALLICA frontman] as a vocalist, his style, whenever I write music. Even to this day, my go-to is, 'What would James do on this song? What would he do for this?' So they're a big inspiration for me. I'm glad that they're forging forward, putting in the time and not giving up either after this many years."
When McKaysmith noted that he "connects" with TESTAMENT's music more than he does to METALLICA's, Chuck said: "Well, it depends how old you are. I connect [with METALLICA's music] just because I know what they started from and what they've grown into. And, yeah, you're right — [METALLICA] is a supernova, and you can't slow it down and you can't look back. You've gotta kind of keep doing what you do. But I give them props for continuing on and not just going, 'You know what? I'm rich enough. I'm done.' And having the balls to play [the] music [they want] to make no matter what anybody has to say about it. As long as you're getting in that rehearsal room and it still gives you a chub, hey, more power to you."
Billy previously talked about his desire to tour with METALLICA in an August 2021 interview with "The Jasta Show". Lamenting the fact that TESTAMENT has yet to do a proper tour with METALLICA even though the two groups have known each other for more than three decades, Chuck said: "Whenever I'm asked, 'What is the one band you wish you can play with?', it's always METALLICA. It's, like, we grew up with these guys [in] the same era, but we never went on tour [with them]. I think a few years ago, we did three shows in Germany [with them] on a festival. It was funny, 'cause our band walked in and their band was walking, and we all kind of met in this hallway. And [we were], like, 'Hey, what's going on?' It was a like old friends seeing each other. I think it was James or Lars [Ulrich], they said, 'Oh my God. Look at you guys. You guys all still got your hair. You guys are big.' 'Cause Steve [DiGiorgio, TESTAMENT bassist] and Gene [Hoglan, TESTAMENT drummer] are all six-[foot]-two, six-[foot]-three. But it was great seeing 'em."
Billy went on to express his hope that TESTAMENT could still properly share the stage with METALLICA. "It would be great," he said. "And who knows? Maybe one day. Even the [San Francisco] Bay Area shows, when they do those special shows, EXODUS played, DEATH ANGEL played — a lot of people got to play. I don't know. I do know, because Eric [Peterson, TESTAMENT guitarist] — I don't know if you know the story — Eric actually married Kirk's [Hammett, METALLICA guitarist] ex when they split up. So I don't know if that has something [to do with it] — [a] deep down underlying reason. That's the only thing [we can think of]. We're, like, 'What is it, Eric? What'd you do to us? Why did you date her? Now we can't play with METALLICA.' [Laughs]"
Back in 2017, Hetfield was asked in an interview with Elliott Fullam of Little Punk People to name his favorite thrash bands that are not part of the so-called "Big Four" of 1980s thrash metal (METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX). James said: "Oh, my God! There's tons of them. Well, EXODUS for sure. We grew up with those guys in the [San Francisco] Bay Area. Oh, and we stole their guitar player; that too. [Laughs] But, yeah, I think they're great. TESTAMENT… A lot of bands in the Bay Area, a lot of thrash stuff."
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13 íîÿ 2024
LUMINARE CHRISTMAS! Shares New Single And Music Video "The Light That Shines"
 Luminare Christmas!, the acclaimed holiday music sensation known for their innovative take on Christmas classics, unveil their new single and accompanying video, “The Light That Shines”, from their forthcoming debut album Mistletoe Madness, out on November 22 via Frontiers Music Srl. Watch the official music video for “The Light That Shines” below:
Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience, led by former Mannheim Steamroller keyboardist and longtime musical director for Dennis DeYoung of Styx. Luminare Christmas! brings a fusion of reimagined holiday classics, high energy symphonic rock and cinematic magic.
Their sound can be described as a blend of Mannheim Steamroller’s holiday classic vibes, the high-energy rock of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and the cinematic atmosphere of Hans Zimmer. The result is a musical fusion that’s sure to leave you breathless and wanting more.
With a phenomenal lighting show and a heartwarming story woven throughout the performance, Luminare Christmas! creates a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for all ages. You’ll feel the holiday spirit and be swept away by the passionate and sonically lush vocal and instrumental musical performances.
Unleash your festive side and experience the exhilarating energy of a high-octane holiday rock concert with Luminare Christmas!, the ultimate celebration!
Pre-order Mistletoe Madness here.
Tracklisting:
“The Light That Shines”
“Mistletoe Madness”
“Oh Holy Knight”
“Carol Of The Bells”
“Toy Soldiers”
“Like A Child”
“A Ray Of Hope”
“Winter”
“His Majesty”
“You Look Like Christmas”
"Like A Child":
"Carol Of The Bells":
“Oh Holy Night” video:
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13 íîÿ 2024
AS I LAY DYING Shares Another New Single 'The Void Within' From Upcoming 'Through Storms Ahead' Album
 Grammy-nominated metalcore pioneers AS I LAY DYING have shared "The Void Within", the latest single from their upcoming eighth full-length studio album, "Through Storms Ahead", which will drop on November 15, 2024 via Napalm Records. Check out the track below.
"The Void Within"'s arrival comes a little over a week after AS I LAY DYING frontman Tim Lambesis addressed the recent departures of guitarist Ken Susi, drummer Nick Pierce, bassist Ryan Neff and longtime guitarist Phil Sgrosso. In a statement posted to social media, Lambesis said he supports "each of the guys' decisions to leave," adding that he agrees that "at this time it is best for everyone."
Lambesis, who is currently the sole remaining member of AS I LAY DYING, added: "I needed some time to process all that has happened recently with AILD. As I reflect, I certainly agree that there was an unhealthy environment that made leaving for a new tour with the previous lineup unrealistic. It had become difficult to figure out even the smallest details, and I admit I can stick strong to my vision for the future of AILD even when others think it should go another direction."
He continued: "It saddens me to think about the behaviors, communication, and patterns of interaction that led up to the tour cancellation. Phil and I no longer saw eye to personally, creatively, or financially. Discussions during this time prompted his decision to depart first, with each of the touring members deciding to leave shortly after, as they were not interested in going on without him. Unfortunately, that wasn't the order in which everything was made public, as some statements were rushed out during a chaotic time in response to rumors."
Lambesis also addressed AS I LAY DYING's future, saying that he looks "forward to building a new team, and creating an atmosphere that is supportive, positive, and fosters a creative environment."
When he announced his departure from AS I LAY DYING, Sgrosso wrote: "Simply put, recent actions have shown that AS I LAY DYING no longer offers a healthy or safe environment for anyone involved — whether creatively, personally, or professionally. After witnessing some concerning patterns of behavior, I've realized that I can no longer, in good conscience, enable further actions that could negatively affect anyone working within this space."
He added: "Over time, AS I LAY DYING has been held back by dysfunction, and I feel that it's no longer my responsibility to bear that burden."
"Through Storms Ahead" track listing:
01. Permanence
02. A Broken Reflection
03. Burden
04. We Are The Dead (feat. Alex Terrible, Tom Barber)
05. Whitewashed Tomb
06. Through Storms Ahead
07. The Void Within
08. Strength To Survive
09. Gears That Never Stop
10. The Cave We Fear To Enter
11. Taken From Nothing
In June 2022, drummer Jordan Mancino announced that he would sit out AS I LAY DYING's tour due to "a number of ongoing internal issues" that "have not yet been resolved."
Mancino's announcement came less than a month after bassist/vocalist Josh Gilbert revealed that he was leaving the band. In a statement, the remaining members of AS I LAY DYING said that Gilbert "decided to exit" the group "to pursue other musical opportunities."
Josh was the second AS I LAY DYING member to leave the band in less than a year. In August 2021, guitarist Nick Hipa confirmed his exit from AS I LAY DYING, explaining that he could no longer justify being part of "a superficial pursuit" of the "story and meaning" that the band's 2018 reunion was built upon.
Lambesis was famously convicted in 2014 for his role in a murder-for-hire plot against his estranged wife.
In May 2014, Lambesis was sentenced to six years in jail after pleading guilty to paying a San Diego police officer posing as a hitman $1,000 to kill his wife. Approximately two and a half years later — on December 17, 2016 — he was discharged from a California detention facility and was transferred to the Division of Adult Parole Operations.
In June 2018, AS I LAY DYING played its first show with Lambesis in five years and released a new single. Lambesis also owned up to his crimes in a long apology on the band's Facebook page after his release.
The return of AS I LAY DYING raised some questions, particularly since Hipa categorically denounced the band's disgraced frontman as a "sociopathic narcissist in definite need of rehabilitation" in a social-media post back in 2014.
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13 íîÿ 2024
CATEGORY 7 Feat. EXODUS, ARMORED SAINT, Ex-MACHINE HEAD And Ex-OVERKILL Members: 'Land I Used To Love' Music Video
 CATEGORY 7, the new band featuring former MACHINE HEAD and current KERRY KING guitarist Phil Demmel, ex-ADRENALINE MOB guitarist Mike Orlando, ARMORED SAINT/ex-ANTHRAX singer John Bush, SHADOWS FALL/ex-OVERKILL drummer Jason Bittner and EXODUS bassist Jack Gibson, has released the music video for the song "Land I Used To Love".
The track comes by way of CATEGORY 7's eponymous debut album, out now on Metal Blade Records, and serves as the fifth video from the record. As with the previous four videos, the clip was directed by Tom Flynn and shot in Long Island, New York.
Last month, CATEGORY 7 announced its first-ever tour in support of its self-titled debut album. The 14-show trek commences on March 6 in Baltimore, Maryland and runs through March 23 in Atlanta, Georgia. Direct support on all shows will be provided by EXHORDER (except Milwaukee). Additional support will come from HAND OF THE TRIBE on all dates, as well as DEAD BY WEDNESDAY on the first four dates, and ENGINEERED SOCIETY PROJECT on the remainder of the tour, starting in Warrendale.
Bush comments: "Looking forward to CATEGORY 7 blowing off the roofs of some venues on the East Coast and Midwest in March of 2025. This will be the first time the band will be playing live so come and check out some killer musicianship. Playing songs from the debut record should be fun. See ya there!"
Demmel adds: "Batten down your hatches because the C7 tempest is about to touch ground in the U.S. this March! We all are so thrilled to launch this band and bring our show through the states! See you in the eye of the storm!"
CATEGORY 7's self-titled debut album was released on July 26 via Metal Blade Records.
With veteran musicians from so many legendary bands, it's hard not to think of CATEGORY 7 as a supergroup.
"I think we're pretty super," jokes Demmel, who has also earned mega-metal cred over the decades as a member of VIO-LENCE and has played as a fill-in road guitarist for SLAYER, LAMB OF GOD, OVERKILL and others. "Really, I feel like this is a band, not a side project. And I feel like we have written this incredible piece of music, and we're not done. I'm so proud of the way this came together and the people who were involved. And I think we all feel super positive about this and what else we can do with it going forward."
The songs on the band's self-titled debut speak for themselves. As crushing and confrontational as an armed rebellion, as rhythmically thunderous as a storm of golf ball-sized hail, and as fiercely melodic as infectious riffs and aggressive vocals can be, CATEGORY 7 is a new breed of metal that lives up to the storied histories of its members. They're as heavy as a battleship, yet the songs are meticulously structured, skillfully balancing thrash beats, New Wave Of British Heavy Metal rhythms, punk metal attitude, blistering and ferocious dual guitar work, and scar-inflicting vocals.
"It's all about big verses and big songs, and it has a lot of the elements we've explored in our other bands," explains guitarist and main songwriter Mike Orlando (ADRENALINE MOB, SONIC UNIVERSE, NOTURNALL).
Take the upbeat album opener "In Stitches", which starts with piledriving double-bass drums, a feral thrash passage, and a fiery lead before toning down just enough for the distinctive vocals to stand out.
"It gets heavy, it's thrashy at times, but it opens up in the verses, and then the double-bass drums come in and knock you off your chair, but in a great way," Orlando says.
Bush further elaborates, "I read an article on an unhoused pregnant woman named Stitches who resided in Los Angeles obviously living a very difficult life that was compounded by mental illness and drug abuse. The encampment situation in my beloved city drives me bats. I balance between serious empathy and complete anger. The combination of imagining her life as well as my own internal turmoil led me to an almost humorous insanity state while writing this scathing album opener."
"Land I Used To Love" is slightly slower and more melodic, with guitar chords that complement the harmonized vocals and a searing guitar fill over the chorus that ups the temperature on the molten riffage. Then there's the propulsive, piledriver "Exhausted", which features blazing guitar licks, a punchy riff, and hammering thrash beats that climax with another unforgettable chorus.
The album closes with the explosive eight-minute instrumental, "Etter Stormen", in which Orlando and Demmel engage in a contest of dueling guitar leads over volleys of battering beats and riffs that see-saw between pounding metal and whiplash-inducing thrash.
CATEGORY 7, named after the numerical designation for the most powerful wind storms, came together from a batch of musicians who strived to play music they loved and weren't hearing elsewhere, and wanted to do so with bandmates they enjoyed being with. Orlando and Demmel became friends after taking part in a batch of tributes to the late OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist Randy Rhoads. The seeds of CATEGORY 7 were then cemented one night a couple years later when Orlando went to hang out at the Clifton, New Jersey metal club Dingbatz as Demmel was filling in on lead guitar for OVERKILL, which also featured SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner.
"We were hanging out and tearing it up, and between beers we were like, 'Hey, we need to do something,'" recalls Demmel. "We need to write some new music. We've got three-fifths of a band here. Let's get together and do some songs."
Since OVERKILL was practicing in New Jersey for a couple days before launching a tour, Demmel and Bittner were hanging out in the area. So, the day after the Dingbatz conversation, the guitarist got back in touch with Orlando, and the two decided to get together after the show and jam to see if their playing styles meshed.
"We just started throwing around some riffs, and it was pretty incredible, but different," Orlando says. "We immediately clicked together as writers. And to me, it was such a joy because the bands I have been in have always been just one guitar player. I never had a partner. So, to have a dude I liked, who plays really well, to bounce ideas around with was freaking awesome."
"Mike had this idea of doing stuff that was a little more mainstream than the heavier stuff that I've done. But we didn't want anything to sound contrived," adds Demmel. "So, the first thing we did had all these different parts and crazy tempos and it kind of sounded like RACER X-meets-PANTERA. But we liked it and had fun doing it, so it was a great start."
Adds Bittner: "The funniest part about that was me and Phil were rehearsing for OVERKILL in New Jersey, and I had no idea I was two rooms over from you writing this song. So, after we practiced for five hours you guys worked on a song for another two hours. I couldn't believe that. And I went, 'Okay, next time you guys do something, count me in.'"
As a staple of the Bay Area thrash scene, EXODUS bassist Jack Gibson was the natural choice to expand CATEGORY 7, and he was intrigued by the idea of stepping into a new pair of shoes. "When I first heard the song they did, I really liked that it was heavy and melodic, which is very different than the stuff I play with EXODUS, which is very rhythmic and chromatic."
By far, the greatest challenge for CATEGORY 7 was finding the right singer. Not that the members couldn't agree on who they wanted. They all wanted ARMORED SAINT and ex-ANTHRAX vocalist John Bush; there wasn't even a second option. But getting him to agree to join the band was an exercise in patience and persuasion. When he was invited to join CATEGORY 7, Bush wanted to hear the band's music. But the only song they had recorded was the RACER X-meets-PANTERA-style instrumental, which they feared wasn't going to vibe with Bush's interest or ability. So, they put a couple more demos together, which were far more melodic, and they sent them to Bush, then waited on tenterhooks for him to get back to them.
"I listened to the music they sent me, and I was like, "Wow, this is pretty scathing stuff,'" Bush recalls. "It's awesome, but the question was, what could I do with it vocally that would fit? As Jason said, 'These guys are riff maniacs.' So, I wasn't totally sure right away that I was the right guy for it. But I started tinkering around with it and writing, and, to my satisfaction, everything came out relatively easy."
With Bush onboard, CATEGORY 7 went into overdrive. Now that they had a vocalist locked in, they were able to structure the songs to work with his melodic vocal style. Orlando worked separately and then together, assembling dynamic riffs and rhythms that peaked in complexity and heaviness during the intros, midsections and outros, and settled into a sparser, more melodic pocket for the verses and choruses.
"There was a cognizant effort to give the verses some space and to let John create his vocal melodies for them and the choruses," Demmel says. "Because he's the 'Bush hooks man.'"
CATEGORY 7 quickly realized the best way for Orlando and Demmel to combine their considerable talents as songwriters was for Orlando to write the skeletons for the tunes and have Demmel contribute fills, middle eight sections and leads. For Orlando, writing for the band became far easier once he had a vocalist in mind for his songs.
"When John Bush entered the picture, I knew who I was writing for and that helped me immensely," he says. "I wasn't just writing for the sake of writing; I was writing parts specifically for John Bush to sing. That was great for me not only because gave me a goal to strive for, but because, as a fan of John Bush's vocals for decades in ARMORED SAINT and ANTHRAX, it was exciting to know he was gonna be on these songs."
Even though CATEGORY 7 purposely wrote songs that gave Bush the room he needed to make the material shine, they stopped short of writing together anything that sounded like the bands Bush was best known for. That left Bush filtering through the complex rhythms and sometimes unconventional melodies to find the right spots in which to sing and the tone for those passages. While the work was sometimes challenging, it was equally rewarding and imbued songs like "Land I Used to Love", "Exhausted" and "Through Pink Eyes", with urgency and immediacy.
"Working on these songs opened up a big part of my brain to just be real creative," Bush says. "It all came out sounding very fresh and new. And it was really liberating for me because I was able to open up a whole new door for myself. Because working with these guys was just different than what I've done before because they're different people and the way they write, the way they create, and the way they play is new for me. And that compelled me to gravitate to what they were doing, which created this fresh sound that's unlike anything I've done or heard."
Bush also entered new territory with his lyrics. While he has addressed current events and the downfall of society in the past, with CATEGORY 7 he wrote about the desperation that pervades society and the destructive divide that has evolved and separated people for decades but is now worse than ever. As much as anything, Bush wanted songs like "White Flags & Bayonets", "In Stitches" and "Land I Used To Love" to inspire thought while being open to interpretation.
"I just say it's social commentary, man," Bush says "There's a slew of information there to choose from and it's all in there. Obviously, every single day you could wake up and check out the news and have conversations with people and friends and feel a lot of the way I did when I was writing these songs. So, I just ran with that. But there's a certain ambiguity to some of the lyrics because I don't want to spell out exactly what these songs are about because they could be about a lot of things. And I want people to use their imagination. I want to touch on all these particular topics and scenarios that feel very current without telling people what they need to think."
CATEGORY 7 started working together on March 2023. During the months that followed, Orlando and Demmel wrote on a regular basis, and during the pre-production stage, Bittner recorded drums to the tracks at his home studio. When he sent them back to the guitarists, they would send him the next batch of songs to work on. Not only did Bittner bring on the kind of technical drum skills he has exhibited in SHADOWS FALL and OVERKILL, he went above and beyond, injecting a tumbling, barreling feel into the variegated songs.
"Jason is not only technically incredible, his parts are musical, and his feel is musical," Orlando says. "He's the ideal drummer for this band because he exudes this fire and passion which I love because that's the only way I play guitar."
Bush started recording his vocals after Orlando, Bittner and Gibson laid down all their tracks at Orlando's recording facility, Sonic Stomp Studios, where he produced, engineered, mixed and mastered the album. With the songs in their final form, it was just a matter of fine-tuning a mix here or overdubbing a part there. And Orlando had almost as much fun finishing the album as he did writing it.
"One thing I love to do is to be able to take the guitar player hat off and become the producer and studio guy," he says. "And it was easy with these guys because we all had the same vision, and we were so prepared. But it took a little bit of tinkering because I wanted this album to sound big - not in the sense of overly produced but big in a way that it knocks you out of your shoes and off your feet. And we all wanted the same thing, so there was no conflict whatsoever."
In the end, CATEGORY 7 have created an album that is fresh and familiar. The mixture of NWOBHM, thrash, punk-metal and traditional metal is cohesive and sonically rewarding, establishing an eclectic musical backdrop for Bush's instantly identifiable vocals. At the same time, the diversity of styles creates its own template that's ideal for headbanging, moshing, and voluble sing-alongs.
"I think the sound of this band really comes down to the odd connection that all of us have," Bittner says. "We've known each other for years as friends and peers. And we've all looked up to each other and know that one day we'd have to work together. It's taken almost two decades for that to happen, but lo-and-behold, once it did there was no stopping us."
"Category 7" features art and layout by Carlos Fides at Artside Studio (ANGRA, EVERGREY, KAMELOT). The record is available on CD and digital formats as well as several vinyl color variants.
"Category 7" track listing:
01. In Stitches
02. Land I Used To Love
03. Apple Of Discord
04. Exhausted
05. Runaway Truck
06. White Flags & Bayonets
07. Mousetrap
08. Waver At The Breaking Point
09. Through Pink Eyes
10. Etter Stormen
Demmel spoke about CATEGORY 7 in an August 2023 interview with former EXHORDER and PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS guitarist Marzi Montazeri. Regarding how the musicians first came together, Demmel said: "I [was] doing a one-off [show], [filling in as the guitar player for] OVERKILL, and this is just right after things are opening up. It's in Jersey, so we go up to Dingbatz, or what's… there's the bar and then there's the venue. So whatever the bar is, we go to the bar. And Orlando comes and meets us, and it's Corey Pierce from GOD FORBID. And so we're there all getting loaded. And at a certain point, it was just, like, 'Man, we got the band right here, man. Why don't we do something? Why don't we write music together?' And we're all, 'Yeah, let's do.' And then the next day, we're kind of hung over, going, 'Hey, man, did we mean it? Did we mean that? Yeah, let's see can happen.' And I came back [to the East Coast]. I forget what I was doing when I came back. And me and Orlando got together and we just got in the room and started throwing riffs at each other and came up with, like, a dozen or so riffs that he took back. And you know Mikey O — he's got his own studio, and he gets behind something. And he's got such a great ear. He's a phenomenal guitar player. And he's got a great ear for music and melody. So he starts putting the shit together. And we're, like, Damn, this is fucking cool.' … And then so we're thinking, it's, like, all right, well, bass player and vocalists. Vocalists, who would you guys want? Let's make our list. Start at the top.' And then bang, bang, bang. All at the top was 'John Bush', 'John Bush', 'John Bush'. We're, like, 'Hmm.' I said I know him from [playing together in] METAL ALLEGIANCE. We broed down a little bit — we talked sports and stuff — so I said, I know him enough to call him up and ask him. So I did. And he was super… We were in the friend zone for a while — you know, non-committal. And it's been bit by bit by bit."
Phil went on to describe the new band's musical direction as "heavier than the early VAN HALEN and the early PANTERA stuff that's on the — you know, the shuffle beat. It's on the upbeat; a lot of it's on the upbeat, not on the down. So it's the head-bobbing type of type of BPMs, you know? So it's different. Nobody's really doing that now."
Orlando was the guitarist/founding member of the hard rock group ADRENALINE MOB. As owner of his own recording studio, Sonic Stomp Studios, he handles everything from engineering, producing, mixing and mastering.
Demmel left MACHINE HEAD at the end of the band's fall 2018 North American tour. He was in MACHINE HEAD for nearly 16 years, during which time he played on five of the group's studio albums: "Through The Ashes Of Empires" (2003),"The Blackening" (2007),"Unto The Locust" (2011),"Bloodstone & Diamonds" (2014) and "Catharsis" (2018).
Widely known as the drummer from American metal band SHADOWS FALL, Bittner has won numerous awards, including Modern Drummer magazine's No. 1 Metal Drummer in 2005 and 2006, No. 1 Up-And-Coming Drummer in 2004 and 2005, and No. 2 Clinician for DRUM! magazine in 2011. In 2014, Bittner hooked up with the thrash metal band FLOTSAM AND JETSAM and later joined OVERKILL.
Bush continues to record and tour with ARMORED SAINT, which he co-founded in 1982.
John fronted ANTHRAX between 1992 and 2005 but was sidelined when the group reunited with Joey Belladonna for a 20th-anniversary tour. When that collapsed, and relationships disintegrated with next frontman Dan Nelson, Bush returned for a time before Belladonna took the job back in 2010.
In 1996, eight albums into EXODUS's career, Gibson joined the band and has remained with the group ever since. In addition to his work EXODUS, he has fathered a bluegrass brainchild, COFFIN HUNTER, a band that combines Gibson's love for Nashville music and for playing banjo, giving off a vibe of true Americana like a mix of C.W. McCall, Jerry Reed and Sergio Leone.
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13 íîÿ 2024
English-Language Version Of Ex-SKID ROW Singer ERIK GRÖNWALL's Autobiography Now Due In December
 The release date of the English version of former SKID ROW and H.E.A.T. singer Erik Grönwall's autobiography, "Power - Music, Death, Life" has been pushed back to December 6 from the previously announced November 21 via HarperCollins.
Earlier today (Tuesday, November 12),Erik shared the following message via his social media: "Ladies and Gentlemen, I have some good news and some not-so-good news. Which would you like first? Alright, let's start with the not-so-good news… The release of the English version of my book, 'Power', has been delayed by about two weeks. Originally scheduled to ship on November 21, the new date is now December 6.
"When I received the initial translation and read through it, I realized that certain nuances and expressions needed some fine-tuning to truly reflect my voice and intent. The original translator did an excellent job capturing the core ideas, but to make sure it really feels like my words, I've taken some extra time for final adjustments. Thank you for your patience, and I apologize for any inconvenience this delay may cause.
"Now for the good news! You'll be receiving a more polished version of 'Power' — shipping on December 6 — and I'm excited to announce that I've also recorded an audiobook in English, narrated by me, which will be available around the same time. While the Swedish and English print editions are professionally managed by @harpercollins_sverige — the English audiobook is a more independent project. I've never done anything quite like this before, and it's a bit outside my comfort zone, so thank you for bearing with me!
"For those interested in a signed copy, you can still order both the Swedish and English versions here: erik.merchants.se. I'll be signing all English pre-orders on Monday, December 2. Please note that pre-orders for the English version will close on November 28.
"Thank you all for your understanding and support. I'm excited to share this version with you and can't wait for you to experience 'Power' in English."
Grönwall shot to stardom overnight after winning the Swedish edition of Idol. In "Power – Music, Death, Life", we follow Erik's journey from his upbringing to the present day: his struggles to make it as an artist, his devastating leukemia diagnosis at the height of the pandemic and his miraculous recovery. The book also delves into how he became the lead singer of the legendary metal band SKID ROW, his time with the band, and the reasons behind his decision to later part ways.
This is not just a story about life in the limelight and being a rockstar — it's about staying true to your values, holding onto your dreams, and standing your ground, even when you're not the obvious choice.
"I never thought I would write an autobiography, let alone at the age of 36," Erik said. "But sometimes it feels like I've lived two lifetimes in just a fraction of one. I believe I have something to share that might give hope and inspiration to others who are struggling. Life after illness can actually turn out to be better than ever."
Erik went from auditioning for the competition show "Swedish Idol" back in 2009 by singing a cover of SKID ROW's "18 And Life" to fronting the band 13 years later.
Grönwall announced his decision to leave SKID ROW on March 27, 2024, saying that he wanted to "prioritize [his] health and full recovery."
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SKID ROW's longtime friend Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM) handled lead vocals for the band's four concerts in late May and early June.
The SKID ROW members said in a statement that they are "proud of what they have created and accomplished with Erik over the past two years" and "wish nothing but the best to him and his health."
Grönwall, who was a member of the Swedish hard rock band H.E.A.T. for nearly a decade before exiting the group in October 2020, announced in September 2021 that he was cancer free after receiving a bone marrow transplant one month earlier.
Grönwall sang on four H.E.A.T. studio albums — "Address The Nation" (2012),"Tearing Down The Walls" (2014),"Into The Great Unknown" (2017) and "H.E.A.T II" (2020).
In September 2021, just four months before joining SKID ROW, Grönwall released his new cover version of "18 And Life" via all streaming platforms.
In 2018, Grönwall debuted in the U.S. for 10 million viewers in NBC's live broadcast of Andrew Lloyd Webber's and Tim Rice's musical "Jesus Christ Superstar". Along with John Legend, Alice Cooper, Sara Bareilles and others, Erik played the key role of Simon Zealotes.
In late March 2022, SKID ROW released its first single with Grönwall, "The Gang's All Here". The song is the title track of the band's latest album, which arrived in October 2022 via earMUSIC.
SKID ROW played its first show with Grönwall on March 26, 2022 at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada as the support act on the rescheduled dates for SCORPIONS' "Sin City Nights" residency.
Grönwall lives in Knivsta, a city in Uppsala County in east central Sweden, with his wife and their five-year-old son.
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13 íîÿ 2024
THE OLD DEAD TREE Release Official Music Video For "The Lightest Straw"
 French dark progressive metal band, The Old Dead Tree, have released a music video for "The Lightest Straw", the latest single from the upcoming album, Second Thoughts, available on December 6 via Season Of Mist. Watch the video below.
The Old Dead Tree stands tall amidst the ruins of fleeting trends and hollow promises. Forged in the fires of pain and perseverance, their music weaves tales of agony and resilience with a dark elegance few can rival.
Their new album, Second Thoughts, dives deep into the brooding abyss of human experience. Each track captures the raw pain of existence and the bittersweet taste of fleeting joy. From the haunting introspection of "Unpredictable" to the merciless pounding of "The Trap", every note is a visceral reminder of life’s unpredictable twists.
As you journey through the melodies and lyrics, you’ll find yourself confronting your own demons, only to emerge stronger, reborn. It’s an unflinching exploration of love, loss, and the burning desire to overcome the shadows that hunt us all.
Pre-order here.
Tracklisting:
“Unpredictable”
“Don’t Waste Your Time”
“The Lightest Straw”
“Better Off Dead”
“Without A Second Thought”
“Luke”
“Story Of My Life”
“Fresh Start”
“I Wish I Could”
“The Trap”
“Solastalgia”
“OK”
“The Worst Is Yet To Come”
"The Lightest Straw" video:
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13 íîÿ 2024
AVANTASIA Signs With NAPALM RECORDS
 Rock and metal flagship AVANTASIA has inked a record deal with Napalm Records. Led by vocalist Tobias Sammet, AVANTASIA's celebrated sound has been perfected throughout more than 25 years of existence, and the band's success story has so far featured No. 1 chart entries, gold awards, hundreds of millions of streams, worldwide sold-out arena tours as well as headline shows at all major metal festivals.
Having cemented the band's standing as a leading force in the metal scene over the years, AVANTASIA is not showing any signs of slowing down. The band has an extensive European arena tour scheduled for spring 2025, promising to deliver fans an immersive experience through their biggest and most epic production ever. Stay tuned for information about AVANTASIA's Napalm Records debut coming soon and get your tickets for the "Here Be Dragons" tour now.
Sammet comments: "AVANTASIA is back, and with the biggest show we've ever put on during this year's festival season, we've already given you a taste of what's to come. Fueled by the incredible spirit and energy of our tour, we headed back to the studio to channel that momentum into creating our most powerful album yet: 'Here Be Dragons'.
"We're also thrilled to announce our new partnership with Napalm Records. Their passion, commitment, and deep love for the world of AVANTASIA have been truly inspiring and they're just as enthusiastic as we are to bring this new chapter to life. I couldn't be more excited about the future. AVANTASIA is back, bigger and stronger than ever!"
Thomas Caser, Napalm Records managing director, adds: "Tobias Sammet is one of the most influential and prolific artists this genre has ever produced. With his boundless creativity and unwavering dedication, he has created one of the most spectacular bands in the world with AVANTASIA. We are thrilled to set another milestone in the band's history together and are ready to push the upcoming AVANTASIA album worldwide at full throttle! Welcome, Tobi!"
Catch AVANTASIA live on tour:
March 14 - DE - Hamburg / Sporthalle
March 15 - BE - Brussels / AB Box
March 16 - FR - Paris / Olympia
March 18 - LU - Esch-sur-Alzette / Rockhal
March 20 - DE - Berlin / Columbiahalle
March 21 - DE - Bamberg / Brose Arena
March 22 - DE - Bochum / RuhrCongress
March 24 - UK - London / The Roundhouse
March 26 - NL - Tilburg / O13
March 28 - DE - Stuttgart / Schleyerhalle
March 29 - CZ - Prague / Forum Karlin
April 01 - HU - Budapest / Barba Negra
April 02 - AT - Vienna / Gasometer
April 04 - DE - Munich / Zenith
April 05 - DE - Frankfurt am Main / Jahrhunderthalle
April 06 - DE - Cologne / Palladium
April 08 - IT - Milan / Alcatraz
April 09 - CH - Zurich / The Hall
April 11 - ES - Barcelona / Razzmatazz
April 12 - ES - Madrid / Vistalegre
AVANTASIA's ninth album, "A Paranormal Evening With The Moonflower Society", was released in October 2022 via Nuclear Blast. The disc was the follow-up to "Moonglow", which came out in 2019.
"A Paranormal Evening With The Moonflower Society" was produced by Sammet with AVANTASIA guitar player Sascha Paeth. The cover artwork was created by Swedish illustrator Alexander Jansson.
Since its beginnings in 1999, AVANTASIA's past releases have featured international stars such as Alice Cooper, Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker (SCORPIONS), Sharon Den Adel (WITHIN TEMPTATION), Bruce Kulick and Eric Singer (KISS), Eric Martin (MR. BIG), SAXON's Biff Byford, TWISTED SISTER frontman Dee Snider and many more.
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13 íîÿ 2024
SAVAGE LANDS, Co-Founded By MEGADETH Drummer DIRK VERBEUREN, Release "Army Of The Trees" Single And Video; Debut Album Due In February
 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. Watch the video for the album’s anthemic title track, which features stars from across the French metal scene, below. Pre-order/pre-save the album here.
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.
Just listening to “Army Of The Trees” helps support Savage Lands. 100% of the song’s royalties fund the musician-run non-profit’s preservation efforts in Costa Rica.
Learn more about Savage Lands here. Donate here.
Tracklisting:
"Black Rock Heart"
"Ruling Queen"
"The Last Howl"
"No Remedy"
"Out Of Breath"
"Better Man"
"Never Be Up"
"Army Of The Trees"
"Visions of Life"
"Addicted"
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13 íîÿ 2024
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS Launch Digital Live Series Armada Live Over Europe; Live Videos Available Every Week, Starting With "To Those Who Choose To Fight" And "The Land Of The Free", Streaming Now
 Pirates never rest, nor do the raging seas! Immediately after touring all over Europe and the UK, Visions Of Atlantis surprises their devotees with another stunner and announces the upcoming digital live series, Armada Live Over Europe.
By releasing songs and respective live videos over the upcoming weeks, the international symphonic metal frontrunners keep the excitement at the highest level, starting the video series with “To Those Who Choose To Fight” and “The Land Of The Free”. The live video captures the explosive energy of a Visions Of Atlantis live show and allows listeners to relive the matchless spirit of the past tour at home.
Contemporarily on all digital platforms, the live album will take shape in five parts, starting today with the first two tracks. Follow the band’s socials to discover the release dates of all five chapters of this adventure.
Armada Live Over Europe contains a live version of each song cut from the tour’s setlist, with recordings from various shows and venues. “To Those Who Choose To Fight” and “The Land Of The Free” set the stage for this adventurous ride and were the first tracks the band performed at La Rayonne in Lyon, France on October 9. It’s also the opening track from Visions Of Atlantis’ latest full-length album, Pirates II – Armada, which marks the band’s most successful record to date, entering international charts at top positions, such as #5 on the German and Austrian Official Album Charts, #4 on the UK Rock & Metal Charts and #2 on the US Hard Music Album Charts, just to name a few.
Both live songs are now available on all streaming services worldwide and arrive alongside equally palpable live videos. Stay tuned, as there’s more to come already next week. Until then, enjoy the gripping live video below and make sure to get your tickets for the upcoming shows in Germany and the US.
Pirate Queen Clementine states: “This Armada tour has been the most exciting experience in Visions Of Atlantis’ history and we are delighted to keep it alive with this brand new live video series! Whether you’ve attended one of these shows or not, this will be a beautiful way to board the ship again and experience our Armada show from another perspective! Every video was recorded during the tour, in various cities, honoring our Sailors from all over Europe! Be a part of this digital adventure and mark the date down: every Tuesday, magic gates open and you can board our ship and gather with many other pirates! Together, we are the Armada!”
Armada Live Over Europe shows the gripping stage presence and artistic high-quality of Visions Of Atlantis. The pirate crew, fronted by vocalists Clémentine Delauney and Michele Guaitoli, have managed to create their very own inimitable universe with symphonic heaviness and stunning visuals, and encourages their listeners to join them into a world where spirits are free, hearts are true, and where light always rules over darkness, whatever the cost. Fans can expect a colorful range of songs, mostly taken from the band’s previous two records Pirates (2022) and Pirates II – Armada (2024).
Armada Live Over Europe tracklisting;
"To Those Who Choose To Fight"
"The Land Of The Free"
"Monsters"
"Heroes Of The Dawn"
"Where The Sky And Ocean Blend"
"Clocks"
"Legion Of The Seas"
"Tonight I’m Alive"
"Collide"
"Hellfire"
"The Dead Of The Sea"
"Clemi’s Speech"
"Underwater"
"Pirates Will Return"
"Melancholy Angel"
"Master The Hurricane"
"Armada"
"To Those Who Choose To Fight" / "The Land Of The Free" video:
Visions Of Atlantis have returned their sites to North America, announcing the "Armada Over North America" tour. The voyage begins April 2 in Mechanicsburg, PA and will plunder several major ports along the way including Baltimore, New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles before the closing celebration in Dallas, TX on April 29.
Clémentine Delauney proclaims: "We are delighted to finally announce that we’re bringing our wonderful Armada show over the Atlantic! Join this unique adventure, rich in colors and emotions, a massive pirate party! Come sing along your favorites tunes, jump, shout and row onboard our ship! We are so looking forward to many memorable moments with our North American Sailors and we can’t wait to sail over there
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13 íîÿ 2024
Watch CRYPTA Perform "Poisonous Apathy" At Bloodstock 2024; Pro-Shot Video
 Crypta, the Brazilian death metal powerhouse, delivered a thunderous performance on the Ronnie James Dio Main Stage at Bloodstock Open Air 2024 on August 10. Known for their ferocity and crushing sound, the band emerged as one of the festival’s standout acts. Led by the formidable bassist-vocalist Fernanda Lira and the relentless drummer Luana Dametto, Crypta has been rising rapidly in the metal scene since their formation in 2019.
Their music blends brutal death metal with old-school thrash, earning a loyal global following. At Bloodstock, they unleashed a crushing setlist featuring tracks from their debut album Echoes Of The Soul, alongside newer releases. A standout moment came with their performance of "Stronghold", a track embodying their intense and aggressive style. The crowd was captivated as Crypta delivered a flawless, high-energy show, further solidifying their status as a rising force in extreme metal.
This performance of "Poisonous Apathy" is a must-watch, showcasing the band's unmatched stage presence and precision.
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13 íîÿ 2024
Italy's ROSSOMETILE Release "Geminus" Music Video
 Italian symphonic metal band, Rossometile, are excited to share their new single and video "Geminus". The song is the third single from their last album, Gehenna, released back in May.
The band commented: "This track dives into the concept of "entanglement", the invisible connection between souls, echoing a harmony that unites us beyond the physical realm. Stripping away our fears and limitations, we can recognize the deep ties that shape our evolution and remind us we’re all connected in this vast universe. Through the other, we rediscover ourselves as a connected whole, where 1+1 is not simply 2, but an 11."
The song is available for streaming here, and you can find the video below. Order the album here, and/or here.
Gehenna tracklisting:
"Gehenna"
"Voci Dal Deserto"
"Magdalena"
"Pasionaria (Frida)"
"Sangue e Seduzione"
"La Rosa d’Inverno"
"Dat Melti Min Modir"
"Valhalla"
"Stella del Mattino"
"Geminus"
"Duet With Satan"
"The Dying Mermaid"
"Geminus" video:
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13 íîÿ 2024
DELAIN's MARTIJN WESTERHOLT On Possibility Of Working With CHARLOTTE WESSELS In The Future: 'I Don't See It Happening'
 In a recent interview with Scott Penfold of Loaded Radio, DELAIN keyboardist, founder and main songwriter Martijn Westerholt was asked about the circumstances that led to the 2021 breakup of the band's previous lineup, including the departure of longtime DELAIN frontwoman Charlotte Wessels. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, actually, in February '21 was only the result. And it kind of already started in the end of 2019. I got a burnout because in DELAIN, I basically took care of most what was going on, together with Charlotte, and the rest of the musicians, yeah, were kind of hired guns and didn't do much in those processes, and nor were they expected to. So, no blame there at all, but that was just how DELAIN functioned. At a certain point, when I got the burnout, I really had to take a step back and take some time, tour less. And then the three guys basically said, 'Well, but we want to change things, and things need to be different. And we kind of want to continue touring, and we don't even want you on tour anymore. And we'll do it like that.' But that's impossible, because DELAIN is also a normal company — it's my job and it was Charlotte's job as well. And it's also my responsibility. If they would go on tour without me and things go wrong, then then people are at my doorstep, not at theirs. And Charlotte said, 'Okay, you guys have to figure this out. Otherwise I'd rater quit because I don't want to continue with such a big change. Then I'd rather do my own thing.' And in the end, I offered them to take over: 'Okay. Then buy over DELAIN from me.' That might be a problem because they didn't write the vast majority of the music. That was me, together with my co-writer Guus [Eikens], and at a certain point also Charlotte, though Charlotte was in a majority only focusing on the lyrics at first. So I had some question marks there, but I thought, 'Okay, if they wanna take it over, it really pains me, but then they can, and then they simply have to buy it over and then I'll just do my own thing.' And so we started negotiating for that, but that didn't work out at all. And in hindsight, I'm relieved. I'm grateful it didn't work out because a lot of people told me, 'Hey, man, you shouldn't give that away like that. It's something you built up, and the sound of DELAIN will change so much. And that will be a problem.' And so eventually it didn't. And then I picked up the pieces and then I had to think of how to move next. And then we were at the point that I had to think, 'Okay, project, band, and we need to announce it.' And that's a bit how it went. And the funny thing is it all happened in COVID times. And that was kind of my salvation in a weirdly sad [way], but that really gave space and time to pick up the pieces and to figure out what to do."
Asked if he would ever be open to working with Charlotte again at some point in the future, if that opportunity arose, Martijn said: "Well, there's still some heartache, so to say, so right now, not really. And also if you listen to Charlotte's [post-DELAIN] music and you compare it to my music, it's completely different. She does a really good job in developing her own sound and her own music, but as you can hear, it's different. And I think that's a compliment towards her. But it also shows the difference in what we do. So I'm rather skeptical at it. But at the same time, like with everything in life, you never know how life goes and you should never say never, but right now I don't see it happening."
Last month, Wessels talked to Scott Penfold of Loaded Radio about the circumstances that led to her 2021 departure from the band. She said: "There was a conflict and we couldn't overcome it. That's a very short version of it. I've never really gone into detail about it, and I still don't really feel about going into detail about it. The thing that I will say is we spent a lot of time trying to work things out. We were already putting much energy in that before we kind of got to the conflict where it was hard to come back from. But, yeah, especially since the pandemic happened, we had no gigs. We had all the time in the world to think, like, 'Okay, what are we going to do? Will we be able to solve this?' And we took a very long time. And in the end, the answer was no. There was no solution that we could find where we would continue in that way. And a part of me — it's such a big part of my life, and I'm very happy, I'm very proud with what we did in that time. So it's frustrating to me that we couldn't work it out. The thing that kind of comforts me is the fact that we did take so much time to explore all the different possibilities, like, could we make this work? Yeah, I don't feel like there was really another option. So that's why."
Asked if she still keeps in touch with Martijn, Charlotte said: "I ran into him at one point, but there's been no contact otherwise. And I think right after it, there's been some contact here and there, but that was about it."
Back in September 2022, Wessels was asked by Spain's The Metal Circus TV how she feels about the fact that DELAIN made a comeback with a new lineup. A month earlier, DELAIN released a single, "The Quest And The Curse", featuring Westerholt alongside new singer Diana Leah, original guitarist Ronald Landa and original drummer Sander Zoer, plus bassist Ludovico Cioffi. Charlotte said: "I'm trying not to engage with it too much, honestly. I've seen positive responses about it, which I think is good. But I do try to keep some distance and just focus on what I'm doing rather than checking that out, because I still don't feel like that will make me happier per se."
In February 2021, Westerholt announced the dissolution of DELAIN's previous lineup. At the time, he explained: "For the last year or so, the collaboration within the band ceased to work as well as it once had. Some of us were no longer happy with the current roles in the band. We all tried very hard to find a solution for over a year, but sadly we were unable to find one. As a result, we will all be going our own ways and pursuing our own endeavors.
"I am very sad our cooperation has come to end, but at the same time I am very grateful for all the years we were able to work together. Together we toured the world, shared highs and lows, and met with many successes as well as times that pushed us to learn and grow. We all enjoyed meeting our fans and making new friends all over the globe."
At the time, Wessels said about her departure: "I know that you might have questions about the 'why' in all of this. I fully understand and respect that. Simply put, it is the sad conclusion of more than a year of trying to find solutions to built-up grievances. Part of me feels like I'm letting all of you down, I'd like you to know that this decision was not taken lightly and I apologize to those of you who had high hopes of seeing all of us together live on stage again after lockdown. Until recently, I thought this might still be in the cards for us as well."
The new DELAIN lineup made its official live debut in August 2022 at the Riverside festival in Aarburg, Switzerland.
Wessels's new solo album, "The Obsession", came out in September via Napalm Records.
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13 íîÿ 2024
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13 íîÿ 2024
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13 íîÿ 2024
EXODUS - Fan-Filmed 4K Video Of Entire Dallas Show Streaming
 American thrash metal legends and genre originators, Exodus, performed in Dallas, Texas at The Granada Theater on November 8. Fan-filmed 4K video of the entire show can be viewed below.
Setlist:
"The Last Act of Defiance"
"Blood In, Blood Out"
"Fabulous Disaster"
"And Then There Were None"
"Body Harvest"
"Prescribing Horror"
"The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale Improves)"
"Brain Dead"
"Deathamphetamine"
"Blacklist"
"Metal Command"
"War Is My Shepherd"
"The Toxic Waltz"
"Strike of the Beast"
Exodus kicked off their "The Battle Of '24" tour on Saturday, November 2, in Tampa, FL, and will thrash across North America, ultimately concluding on December 7 in Los Angeles, CA.
Exodus guitarist Gary Holt expressed the band's excitement: "Exodus are super stoked to announce 'The Battle Of '24', our tour with Havok, Candy, and Dead Heat. This tour will be raging, and this is our first headlining tour in many years, so we're excited to dig out some deep cuts as well as play some more songs off of Persona Non Grata. Let the battle begin!"
"The Battle Of '24" tour promises to be a must-see event for metal fans, showcasing Exodus' legendary status in the thrash metal scene alongside some of the genre's most exciting current acts.
Tour dates:
November
13 - Des Moines, IA - Wooly's
14 - Joliet, IL - The Forge
15 - Columbus, OH - King of Clubs
16 - Baltimore, MD - Soundstage
17 - Bethlehem, PA - Wind Creek Event Center
18 - Montreal, QC - Beanfield Theatre
19 - Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theatre
21 - Worcester, MA - Palladium Upstairs
22 - Brooklyn, NY - Warsaw
23 - Pittsburgh, PA - Preserving
24 - Detroit, MI - Majestic Theatre
26 - Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theater
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13 íîÿ 2024
Vocalist MITCH MALLOY Shares VAN HALEN Demo "It's The Right Time" Via YouTube
 A song called "It's The Right Time" composed by Eddie Van Halen and vocalist Mitch Malloy has been uploaded to Malloy's official YouTube channel here.
Following is an introduction to the track:
Van Halen’s third singer was actually Mitch Malloy in 1996. Mitch asked the band to not disclose this. It was later discovered and incorrectly documented, and after more than a decade of silence forced Mitch into setting the record straight. This song was written by Mitch Malloy and Eddie Van Halen. It’s Mitch Malloy in Van Halen. It’s not an official release and it’s not for sale. It’s a gift, from Mitch.
Mitch Malloy commented on the track with the following:
"I should be able to benefit from the art I worked my entire life to perfect. What person doesn’t get promoted for their accomplishments? In America thats how it’s supposed to work. Instead of being celebrated as Van Halen’s first choice to replace Sam, I’m left with sticking up for myself. It’s not right and it’s not fair to me. And I’m kinda pissed. Anyone else would not have had handled this as well as I have. Ed told me that last time I saw him. I just wish in the end he’d told the pres
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13 íîÿ 2024
COAL CHAMBER's NADJA PEULEN 'Didn't Mind' Being Dubbed One Of The 'Hottest Women In Metal'
 During an appearance on the latest episode of Knotfest's "She's With The Band", the show hosted by Tori Kravitz aiming to amplify the voices of women on stage, backstage and in the business, COAL CHAMBER bassist Nadja Peulen spoke about how she felt about being dubbed one of the "hottest women in metal" in the late 1990s and early 2000s after she initially joined the Dez Fafara-fronted outfit as the replacement for Rayna Foss. She said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I didn't mind. [Laughs] Yeah, I mean, it's a compliment. I think as a woman, you kind of — how do I say this? — as women, most of the time we get a lot of attention anyway, and then being on stage, whether it's with music, acting, comedy, modeling, whatever, it just amplifies the whole thing. And sometimes it'd be a little embarrassing too. I remember I had to announce SLIPKNOT at the Kerrang! Awards, [in], I don't know, 2002 or something, and when they announced me to come on stage to introduce them, they did the whole 'hot woman' thing and it really — at that moment, I was, like, 'Oh, no. This is so embarrassing.' It's, like, 'Is this all I'm known for?' And so I had to go on stage and introduce them, and I lost my voice. I got really nervous and uncomfortable about it. But at the end of the day, it's a compliment. So I don't mind it at all."
Asked if she felt at the time that she was "a bit of a novelty, seen differently that way" because there weren't many female musicians playing in well-known metal bands, Nadja said: "Yeah, I don't know really what I was thinking at the time, to be honest. It's interesting, 'cause now people look differently at all that kind of stuff, and the whole sexist thing comes out. It's never really been — I don't know — it never really fazed me that much, to be honest. I never really had that many issues with any of that. People left me alone most of the time. I had really no issues. But it's also, like, I know how to stand up for myself. I think I also give off a certain energy of 'don't fuck with me.' … So, I guess, honestly, I never really had any problems. And, yeah, I took it as a compliment. It's nice. Sometimes it was a bit uncomfortable. It was, like, 'Okay.' But, nah, in general, I'm okay with it."
Nadja originally joined COAL CHAMBER in 2002 as the replacement for Foss, who left the band to focus on motherhood. In addition to her work with COAL CHAMBER, Peulen has recorded on additional projects such as "Roadrunner United - The All-Star Sessions". CYPRESS HILL featured Peulen on bass in their hit video "Rock Superstar" and "What's Your Number?" alongside Tim Armstrong (RANCID).
Born of German and Polish decent, Peulen grew up in the Netherlands. She came to America at the age of 18, landing in Los Angeles.
"I didn't come to L.A. to be anything like an actress or musician, but to party," she previously explained. "I fell in love with the city and decided to stay. The next thing I knew, I took drum lessons… then someone gave me a bass and the rest is history."
Peulen designed her signature bass with Schechter Guitars, which went public in 2023. Peulen also created CruelTees, a gothic apparel company that was carried exclusively by Hot Topic from 2002 to 2007.
Image credit: Arin Sarris
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13 íîÿ 2024
JAMES LOMENZO 'Felt A Bit Like A Fish Out Of Water' After Joining MEGADETH Nearly Two Decades Ago
 Yamaha Guitars has shared a mini-documentary on current MEGADETH bassist James LoMenzo.
In this episode of Yamaha Guitars' "Artist Breakthrough Stories" series, we hear about James's passions, how he got to where he is today, and his defining "breakthrough" story.
From his earliest memories of discovering bass guitar to his experiences as the bassist of legendary bands WHITE LION and MEGADETH, LoMenzo explores how his lifelong passion for music turned into a surreal career.
LoMenzo, who joined MEGADETH in 2006 and appeared on two of the group's studio albums, 2007's "United Abominations" and 2009's "Endgame", said in part (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "At first I felt a bit like a fish out of water. I understood the music, I could play it, but I was, like, 'How do you deliver this? What do you do with it?'
"The challenge of this music is to be able to perform it in such a way that it looks to the audience the same way that they feel when they listen to it.
"In MEGADETH, I have spaces to make grander gestures. I can pump that fist to the guy who's pumping his fist to me at the right time and look him in the eye and let him know that I see you and I know you love this and I love it too. There's something that is so transformative about that in the moment, which makes metal really work. And I think that's metal's best thing. It's like building that community, building that church instantaneously with the audience, and vice versa.
"The community of metal is unwavering. The audience has broadened since the last time I was here."
LoMenzo was MEGADETH's bass player in the mid-2000s but was fired from the band in 2010 and replaced with returning original MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson. After Ellefson was kicked out of MEGADETH in May 2021, LoMenzo stepped back in as a touring member for the 2021 leg of "The Metal Tour Of The Year". In May 2022, it was announced that Lomenzo was officially rejoining the MEGADETH family.
In November 2022, LoMenzo reflected on his initial departure from MEGADETH in an interview with Ashdown Engineering. He said at the time: "After three or four years in MEGADETH, David Ellefson returned. And I, like you, was pretty excited about that, because I had always been a fan of MEGADETH anyway. I'm one of those crazy guys that's, like, I want it to be the original band. I always want it to be the original band; it's kind of the way I grew up. But in lieu of that, I had to take the charge of the bass spot when he couldn't be there. So when he came back, I was fine with it. I've done two great albums — 'United Abominations' and 'Endgame'; we've done two world tours, been all over the place. And so at that point, I was kind of excited to maybe try something new. And so I went back home. I started a video production company. I started doing these local jams where all my famous friends would come by and jam with me. It was great. And eventually I ended up in [rock legend] John Fogerty's band."
On the topic of how he rejoined MEGADETH, James said: "How do I end up back in MEGADETH? It's like that 'Godfather' movie — 'Just when I thought I got out, they pull me back in again.' No… But anyway… When they needed a bass player — it became apparent — I thought to myself, 'They'll probably call me up.' But I also thought to myself, 'It's been a while since I played that kind of music, so maybe it'll be great. It'll be all right. Maybe not.' Sure enough, the phone rings, and Dave [Mustaine] is, like, 'We've gotta do this 'Metal Tour Of The Year'. James, I know you're the guy who can do it. I would love to have you here. If you would just commit to just doing this tour, that would be great.' And I thought, 'Well, that's kind of weird. He doesn't want me to rejoin the band.' But then I thought about it. He knew I had another band, and he was telling me, 'I don't want you to screw up whatever you've got going.' I was being loyal to John. So we went out on the tour, and gosh, it was just the best time. I was so enamored with the band that he put together that I was blown away. And Dave, gosh, he's just delivering the goods every day. The great thing about Dave is he's been through a lot. He recovered from cancer. He's had problems with his back. Over the years, he's had more things than most professional wrestlers would have, and he shows no sign of it — he just gets up there and plays and just gives it his all. So after that tour, I was sitting there going, 'Man, I think I might like to stay here for a while.' And so, luckily, as luck would have it, not too long after that, Dave calls me up at home and he goes, 'You know, we would love to have you be part of the band officially if you wanna stay.' And I thought, 'That's exactly what I was thinking, man. Let's do it.'
In addition to MEGADETH and Fogerty, LoMenzo has played with Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde and WHITE LION.
LoMenzo played his first show with MEGADETH in nearly 12 years in August 2021 in Austin, Texas. The concert took place three months following Ellefson's dismissal from MEGADETH after sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving him were posted on Twitter. | +3 | |
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Trixter
