As it often seems modern rock music has lost its sense of palpable danger and mystique, Finnish dark occult rock act Cvlt Ov The Svn marks its return in full force with their grim, addictive first full length, We Are The Dragon.
Slated for release on May 7 via Napalm Records, Cvlt Ov The Svn’s debut embodies a reverberating sense of eeriness, danger and fear, enriched with a pinch of gothic romanticism and pitch-black seduction. Finally, there’s a cvlt worth joining: Cvlt Ov The Svn’s sound feels dangerously unsettling, lacing its churning heaviness with catchy melodies that travel right through your ears to your central nervous system!
With the unveiling of previously-released goth-boppers like “Twilight”, “The Pit”, “Whore Of Babylon”, “Luna In The Sky Forever” and just recently, “My Venom”, Cvlt Ov The Svn have already proven how to successfully merge seething heaviness and sweet pop melodies. Now, the mysterious visionary behind the cvlt, who actually started out as a black metal drummer, has unleashed a brand new lyric video for the heavy dark rock anthem “Hellbound”, setting free his casket full of morbid horror theatrics!
This occult new wave and rock n’ roll symbiosis draws you right in with an unforgettable hook that’ll seep its way right into your brain in no time – like an invitation through the gates of hell to party with the devil himself!
Watch the new lyric video for "Hellbound":
The anonymous visionary behind Cvlt Ov The Svn says: “Every one of us faces periods in life when all seems to be lost. My response to those kind of situations is to put the pedal to the floor and dive deep into the dark corners of my psyche.”
Inspired by movies like The Exorcist and the all devouring darkness itself, Cvlt Ov The Svn draws inspiration not only from the heavy rock genre and greats like Type O Negative and Turbonegro, but the nostalgic influences of mainstream artists like Roxette as well. Conceptually conveying a variety of extreme emotions, each of the album’s twelve enthralling tracks cut through the noise of society like a razorblade, leaving a long-lasting impression on the listener that’ll have them clamoring for more.
In addition to the macabre thrills of their music, there’s the character he takes on stage, twisting the dagger of perception even further like your favorite horror flick and making for a combined experience that cuts deep and close to the bone.
Cvlt Ov The Svn's innovative persona continues: “It’s easier to tell those grim stories through another identity, another character. Black cloaks just go with it, obviously. I’m a big fan of suspense and this kind of content is all about the surprises. I find it is an intriguing realm to explore. Whatever lies ahead, Cvlt Ov The Svn will adapt and thrive.”
"We Are The Dragon"
"My Venom"
"Don’t Be Tender Love Me Cruel"
"Hellbound"
"Dancing With The Devil"
"Twilight"
"I’m Gonna Find Out"
"Luna In The Sky Forever"
"The Murderer"
"Whore Of Babylon"
"The Pit"
"Another Infinity"
Las Vegas metalcore veterans, Distinguisher, have released a music video for their emotionally charged new single, “We All Suffer”. A direct follow up to their well received track "Nothing Is Real" - released in March - the song sees the group showcasing their full dynamic range and melodic abilities.
The group elaborated on the thought process behind "We All Suffer" saying, "'We All Suffer' directly follows up a track we released 3 weeks ago titled 'Nothing Is Real'. The idea of making two songs with accompanying music videos that tie in together was something we've talked about doing for a very long time. The goal of this release I think stemmed from wanting to showcase the contrast of the band. We want people to know that we will continue to push the extremes of our sound, whether it's heavy, more melodic, or even more nu-metal influenced. Both titles were meant to be blunt and painfully inevitable. While 'Nothing Is Real' touches on the perception of life and the anxieties that come with it, 'We All Suffer' simply states the inevitable in that we will all one day be gone, and that's something I've continued to struggle with the older I get. 'We All Suffer' lyrically is filled mainly with questions that I personally feel never get answered in life, and the song's overwhelming sense of emotion was very much centered around the chorus. I'll never forget the night Josh and I locked in what would be the main vocal melody, the rest of the song came together so naturally from there. We're all incredibly proud of the music we continue to make, but we all individually stand by this being our favorite Distinguisher song to date, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do."
“We All Suffer” is part of Distinguisher's 2-track release "Nothing Is Real" / "We All Suffer" which sees the group deftly alternating between raw, punishing aggression, soaring choruses, and mosh pit inducing groove while never straying from their highly emotional and fearlessly honest lyrical content. The effort leaves listeners in no doubt that Distinguisher are at the very forefront of metalcore's new crop of bands that are pushing the genre further than ever before.
Two Minutes To Late Night has released the two new videos below, one in which Every Time I Die covers "Youth Overrided" by Cave In from their major-label debut, Antenna, the other in which Cave In covers "Moor" by Every Time I Die from their Kurt Ballou-produced album, From Parts Unknown.
These videos were made for Two Minutes To Late Night's new reoccurring livestream series, Splitsville, where two bands cover each other's songs.
Boston-raised and Los Angeles-based Mexican-Italian-American siren, Diamante, has announced a May 7 release date for her upcoming independent album, American Dream. Pre-save it here, and watch a video for the female empowerment-themed first single, "Ghost Myself", below.
Diamante spent her teenage years cutting her teeth at local gigs on the Sunset Strip to become the powerhouse performer she is today. A disciple of both P!nk and Guns N' Roses who doesn't fall into rockstar excess tropes or even sport tattoos, she devoted every waking minute to honing a signature "hard rock sound with a modern alternative edge."
Her unique and undeniable approach caught the attention of Better Noise Music, which signed her in 2015. She hit the studio with super producer Howard Benson [My Chemical Romance, Halestorm, Kelly Clarkson] to record what would become her full-length debut, Coming In Hot. With the release of her first album, Diamante undeniably stormed the scene in 2018 with a #1 song at rock radio (her collaboration "Hear Me Now" with Bad Wolves), along with a Top 15 song with her own single "Haunted."
Now three years later, and after extensive touring with bands like Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Chevelle, and Shinedown, Diamante is back in full force and shining brighter than ever before.
In 2019, Diamante parted ways with Better Noise and re-teamed with Howard Benson and Neil Sanderson of Judge & Jury as an independent artist to make her sophomore album American Dream. Diamante capitalized on her newfound and ultimate creative freedom and independence by being her own CEO throughout every facet of the album process. On working with Benson and Sanderson, Diamante praises that they were instrumental in "bringing my stories to life and pushing me to embrace my vulnerabilities."
American Dream shows exponential growth from Coming In Hot - both sonically and with its raw authenticity, proving now more than ever that Diamante's fearlessness to bare her soul in her music is what truly sets her apart.
"With American Dream, I was given the ultimate artistic freedom to express my most personal moments, stories, confessions, flaws, fears, hopes, mistakes, desires, vices, heartaches, and redemption in a way I have never been able to in the past," Diamante shares. "Every word on this album is my personal diary screaming in your face. This album has no limitations, restrictions, or filter, really. That's why the music video for 'Ghost Myself' had to be equally raw and purposely gritty; it's a song about being at war with myself. I knew there would be no better way to show this internal battle than through an underground fight club scene between me, myself, and I."
Tracklisting:
"American Dream"
"Ghost Myself"
"Serves You Right"
"Obvious"
"Unlovable "
"Wake Up Call"
"Unfuck You"
"I Love Myself for Hating You"
"Iris"
"Hopeless"
"Obvious" (Acoustic)
"This is another live video from the archives to keep you busy during these strange days," states a message from Nightwish. Watch the band perform the Imaginaerum album track, "Last Ride Of The Day", live at Masters of Rock 2015.
The interactive An Evening With Nightwish In A Virtual World concert experiences that will kick off the Human. :II: Nature. World Tour were rescheduled from March to May due to changes in the band’s touring schedule. The new dates are Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29. Tickets purchased for the original dates are automatically valid for the new dates.
Nightwish will perform in a tavern called The Islanders Arms built in a virtual world for two nights in May. On both nights, the fans will experience an unforgettable 1.5-hour performance, hearing songs live off the latest album, Human. :II: Nature. for the first time ever. These two nights will have their own, slightly different setlists.
- Friday, May 28: Europe: 8 PM, CET / 7 PM, GMT, duration approx. 90min
- Saturday, May 29: North and South America: 8 PM, ET (UTC-5) / 5 PM, PT (UTC -8) / 10 PM, BRT (UTC-3) / 7 PM, CST (UTC -6), duration approx. 90min
The live events to be experienced at Burst.fi. A recording of the concert will be available for 48 hours after the event for all the ticket holders. More details and tickets at Nightwish.com.
The world’s favourite Pirate Metal Drinking Crew, Alestorm, are taking you on a wild, wet ride across the seven seas with their new live album/DVD/BluRay, Live In Tilburg, out May 28 via Napalm Records.
Tilburg’s hyped up crowd loses its mind when Alestorm kicks off the live version of the unofficial pirate’s anthem “Keelhauled”. The crazy live version of one of their most successful singles to date - with about 25 million streams on both Spotify and YouTube – marks a highlight at each Alestorm show, while every crowd on the planet shouts the lyrics out loud.
Lead singer & keytarist Christopher Bowes about “Keelhauled" (Live In Tilburg): “Oh wow! We're all really excited for the physical release of our live DVD "Live in Tilburg". In case you haven't watched it on YouTube yet, here's a clip featuring the first song so you don't have to sit through the entire miserable 90 minutes!”
Excellently produced and mixed by the renowned Lasse Lammert, who has already been involved in Alestorm’s studio albums Curse Of The Crystal Coconut, No Grave But The Sea, Sunset On The Golden Age and many more, Live In Tilburg features an amazing mix of Alestorm’s most beloved hits like “Drink“, “Mexico”, “Alestorm”, “Hangover”, “The Sunk’n Norwegian” and of course, “Fucked With An Anchor”.
The live album will be available in various colored vinyl formats, and the special edition of Live In Tilburg comes in a wooden box, along with a CD+DVD, a mediabook and a 7-inch vinyl featuring two new acoustic Alestorm cover songs. Live In Tilburg’s immersive experience is the true definition of what Alestorm is all about - an endless fountain of foot-stomping, riff-busting, piratical singalong fun. A must-have for all the filthy landlubbers out there.
Live In Tilburg will be available in the following formats:
- Deluxe Wooden Box: Mediabook, 7" Single (2 Acoustic Cover Songs), Lanyard + Pass, Alestorm Flag
- 2-LP Gatefold (Mint) + DVD
- 2-LP Gatefold (Yellow) + DVD, Slipmat & Patch
- 2-LP Gatefold Vinyl (Black) + DVD
- BluRay/DVD/CD Mediabook
- Digital Album
Intro
"Keelhauled"
"Alestorm"
"Magnetic North"
"Mexico"
"Over The Seas"
"The Sunk'n Norwegian"
"No Grave But The Sea"
"Nancy The Tavern Wench"
"Rumpelkombo"
"1741 (The Battle Of Cartagena)"
"Drunken Sailor"
"Hangover"
"Pegleg Potion"
"Bar ünd Imbiss"
"Captain Morgan's Revenge"
"Shipwrecked"
"Drink"
"Wolves Of The Sea"
"Fucked With An Anchor"
Lineup:
Christopher Bowes - vocals, keytar
Gareth Murdock - bass
Mate Bodor - guitar
Peter Alcorn - drums
Elliot Vernon - keyboard
The Mercy House, a fan favourite underground combo from the UK scene, has stepped out of its long-term hiatus to honour one of their fallen heroes on the 19th anniversary of his passing. The band has released a cover of the Alice In Chains classic "Dam That River" as a tribute to their late singer, Layne Staley.
The track was recorded across various locations during lockdown, then mixed by Jem at Renshaw Productions in Salford, Manchester and mastered by Graeme Lynch at Two Zero Nine Mastering in Liverpool.
The Mercy House erupted onto the London scene in 2009, releasing their critically acclaimed debut album, A Broken State Of Bliss, in 2012. Produced by the band itself under the moniker of The Picasso Brothers, the self-released effort was mixed by Donald Clark (Muse, Guns N’ Roses, Korn) and mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Mandy Parnell (Bjork, Depeche Mode, The Prodigy). It received rave reviews across specialist rock press, with the band touring the UK and Europe over the next two years and working its way up to the stages of Download Festival and Bloodstock Open Air, quickly earning a reputation for their fierce live shows. The lead single off the album, "Greed", was also made available as downloadable content for the video game Rock Band.
The band last played live at the now defunct Purple Turtle club in Camden, North London, in June 2015 before going on an indefinite hiatus later that year, while working on what would have become their sophomore album.
Speaking of their AIC tribute track, the band says: "Alice In Chains were a major influence on us as a new band, and we couldn’t think of a more fitting tribute to one of our heroes than to release this cover on the anniversary of his passing. Layne Staley was one of rock music’s most unique and iconic frontmen and we truly hope we’ve done the song justice. It is certainly something that we’re enormously proud of, and reminded us just how much we’ve missed making music as The Mercy House. It is also our small gift to the fans that followed us during our first outing and the new ones that have discovered us since. The fact that people continue to come across our music and reaching out via social media was definitely an encouragement for us to put this out there. And while we’ve all been busy with our own projects over the last six years, who knows… never say never!"
The Mercy House are:
Drew Davies - vocals
Dany Serrano - guitars & backing vocals
Dan Edwards - lead guitars
Nick Schlesinger - drums.
The band is joined on bass by guest Hugh Richardson for this recording.
RIOT V vocalist Todd Michael Hall will release his first-ever solo album, "Sonic Healing", on May 7 via Rat Pak Records. The official music video — filmed in Los Angeles — for the dics's debut single, "Overdrive", can be seen below.
Todd received national attention when he appeared on the 18th season of NBC's hit television show "The Voice". After being selected by judge Blake Shelton for his version of FOREIGNER's "Juke Box Hero", Todd explored the idea of making a solo album.
As the world shut down during the recent pandemic, Todd connected with METAL CHURCH guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof to write the tracks that would become "Sonic Healing". Vanderhoof also produced the album that is now available for pre-order.
Todd stated about "Overdrive": "When Kurdt first played the music for me, the undeniable, driving energy made me think of flying down the highway in a fast car. With that imagery in my head, the lyrics and melodies started pouring out and 'Overdrive' was born. That same visual was what we wanted to showcase in the video too."
From the infectious guitar riffs of the opening track "Overdrive" to the anthemic album finale of "Long Lost Rock & Rollers", Todd showcases his vocal range and passion for rock music. Songs like "Let Loose Tonight", "Running After You" and "Like No Other" are testaments to the magic that was created when Todd and Kurdt began to focus on their deep love of classic rock icons like BOSTON, RUSH, STYX, FOREIGNER and REO SPEEDWAGON. Todd's multi-octave voice and Kurdt's riff-writing capabilities create memorable songs that are reminiscent of the artists that inspired them to pursue a career in music. With thought-provoking lyrics and rock-solid guitar riffs, "Sonic Healing" delivers all the power and punch that one would expect from these high-level players.
"Music has a healing effect to get you up and running," Todd explained. "People use it to console themselves on a daily basis. It's such a weird time right now. So 'Sonic Healing' is meant to be good positive rock. We definitely paid homage to our favorite bands, but we added a new twist. There's a hunger for this music, and there aren't many artists trying to scratch the itch. We're here to scratch the itch and bring the energy."
SLAVES ON DOPE's Jason Rockman and Kevin Jardine, along with Bill Kelliher of MASTODON, are back with their project THE KINGS OF QUARANTINE, this time with a powerful rendition of PUBLIC ENEMY's "She Watch Channel Zero". The new video features musicians Billy Gould and Mike Bordin (FAITH NO MORE), Mix Master Mike (BEASTIE BOYS), SA (311), MC Serch (3RD BASS), Derrick Green (SEPULTURA), Sen Dog (CYPRESS HILL), Toby Morse (H2O) and a special appearance from legendary pop artist Ron English (POPAGANDA).
THE KINGS OF QUARANTINE came together in 2020 after a discussion between Jason and Bill about possibly collaborating on a cover song. "She Watch Channel Zero" is the third installment in a series of covers that will be released throughout 2021 in an effort to bring some joy and entertainment to music lovers worldwide.
"We hope to not only put a smile on people's faces, but also help the touring staff that have been severely affected by the pandemic," says Rockman. One hundred percent of the profits will be donated to Roadie Relief, a fundraising effort to aid qualifying roadies who have submitted an application for financial help.
THE KINGS OF QUARANTINE have no plans of slowing down, with more star-studded covers to be released in the near future.
'70s classic rock legends CACTUS have released their new album, "Tightrope", on all formats today. The band filmed a slick performance video for the title track, which offers one of the album's most killer and memorably groovy hooks.
Founding member and drum legend Carmine Appice had this to say about the song: "'Tightrope' is one of my favorite songs from the album. The drum and bass groove plus the cool guitar riff rock!! Cool melodies on top make this is a great classic heavy blues rock track. I love it!!!"
CACTUS came to be known as "the American LED ZEPPELIN," a moniker they owned by virtue of their explosive blues rock stylings, subdued yet undeniably brilliant musicianship, not to mention their energetic and vivacious stage presence which made them a staple of arena rock venues around the globe. Now the band has returned with a smashing new album called "Tightrope" that strikes a delicate balance between powerful, driving rockers and more complex, heady album tracks. Still led by Appice alongside longtime members Jimmy Kunes on vocals and Randy Pratt on harmonica, "Tightrope" is, according to Appice, "one of the best CACTUS albums we've ever done. From playing to production and songs, we really took a step up." They are joined by new lead guitarist/vocalist Paul Warren (ex-Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Joe Cocker) and James Caputo on bass. "Tightrope" will also give longtime CACTUS fans a reason to cheer as it includes special guest appearances from original CACTUS guitarist Jim McCarty and singer Phil Naro.
Track listing:
01. Tightrope
02. Papa Was A Rolling Stone
03. All Shook Up
04. Poison In Paradise
05. Third Time Gone
06. Shake That Thing
07. Primitive Touch
08. Preaching Woman Man Blues
09. Elevation
10. Suite 1 & 2: Everlong, All The Madmen
11. Headed For A Fall
12. Wear It Out
CACTUS has had a long and turbulent history. Formed in 1970 from the ashes of VANILLA FUDGE by Carmine Appice and Tim Bogert, the initial lineup also featured McCarty and vocalist Rusty Day. (Appice and Bogert had originally planned a new band with Jeff Beck which was put off until 1973, because of Beck's near-fatal car crash in 1969.) Jim McCarty had come from MITCH RYDER & THE DETROIT WHEELS and was playing with THE BUDDY MILES EXPRESS. Tim and Carmine also found vocalist Day in THE AMBOY DUKES with Ted Nugent. Together, the four musicians formed CACTUS, named after the peyote cactus, which provided a key ingredient in mind-altering drugs.
While CACTUS saw success from the start and soon built a loyal fan base, by early 1973, the band had collapsed mainly due to lack of real support from its label, and the fact that Beck was now ready play with Carmine and Tim. It would not be until 2006, three decades after the tragic death of Rusty Day, that the group reformed with Pratt and Kunes. When Tim Bogert was forced into retirement after a serious motorcycle accident, Pete Bremy jumped in both in CACTUS and VANILLA FUDGE.
Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX), Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT), Roberto "Ra" Diaz (SUICIDAL TENDENCIES), Brandon Yeagley (CROBOT) and Mee Eun Kim (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA) have shared their version of another classic RUSH song, "Subdivisions", recorded with each member separated in his or her own home.
Benante uploaded a video of the performance to his YouTube channel, writing in an accompanying message: "One year ago I had this idea to make a video while in quarantine. I was feeling pretty down about the passing of Neil Peart and about the Pandemic...I needed to be creative and play! I contacted Alex and Ra about doing a RUSH song and video and they both liked the idea. I felt that they were probably feeling the same way I was, and that this would be a great way of jamming and entertaining while we were stuck home. The response to the initial video was overwhelming! It really made us feel good during a bad time. A whole year ago...I cant believe it! It ended up being a year of making music and videos after all; I now have a record that's coming out May 14 with most of the Jams.
"The RUSH songs will be out on a special EP on Record store day in November. This song will be included on that. 'Subdivisions' is probably in every RUSH fan's top 10 songs, definitely one of their best. The keyboards dominate this tune and Neil's sound on it is so unique! His drum fills are so precise and powerful...like little hooks throughout the song, an air drummer's dream! The lyrics tell a tale of life in the burbs and being shunned when you don't meet a certain standard.
"Subdivisions
In the high school halls
In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out!
"@alexskolnik @ra @brandon bring it big time - Alex captures Lifeson's vibe so well, Ra kills Geddy's bass parts and Brandon brings his amazing voice. We'd like to welcome @meeeun ,(Thanks to Alex for the suggestion), she is an awesome musician and kills the keyboard parts on this.
"I hope you enjoy this one, It may be one of the last ones for a bit...unless Alex wants to do that EMERSON LAKE AND PALMER tune ( hahahahaha)".
Benante will release a new album, "Silver Linings", on May 14 via Megaforce Records. The 14-track effort features an all-star cast of "who's who" in the thrash, metal, and rock worlds, with all cuts culled from Benante's acclaimed "quarantine jam" video series.
Throughout the quarantine video series, Benante collaborated on jams with fellow ANTHRAX bandmates Frank Bello, Scott Ian and Jon Donais, his girlfriend Carla Harvey (BUTCHER BABIES), Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT), Ra Diaz (SUICIDAL TENDENCIES), Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL), John 5 (ROB ZOMBIE) and Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT), among many more. Some of Charlie's favorite songs by RUSH, Tom Petty, BEASTIE BOYS, STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH, KING'S X, RUN-DMC, MASSIVE ATTACK, U2, FUGAZI, CHEMICAL BROTHERS and Billie Eilish were covered.
For the album's cover art, Charlie recruited his friend, artist Brian Ewing, whose art he's always loved.
"Silver Linings" track listing:
* "City of Blinding Lights" (U2)
Frank Bello
Mark Osegueda
Charlie Benante
* "Chloe Dancer / Crown of Horns" (MOTHER LOVE BONE)
RED FANG, the beloved Portland-based "riff-heavy" (NPR) rock band, will release a new album, "Arrows", on June 4 via Relapse Records.
"It was so gratifying to put these songs on tape with Funk!" says guitarist/vocalist Bryan Giles of the album that was produced by longtime collaborator Chris Funk. "It felt very comfortable with a loose schedule. We didn't take it one song at a time, but added guitars, vocals, or general weirdness whenever an idea sprang to mind. We busted out a hurdy gurdy! It was that fun."
"WOW! We are SO EXCITED to finally release this record to the world! We finished the album way back in December 2019 and then… something happened that is not worth discussing…," adds vocalist/bassist Aaron Beam. "Making this record felt totally loose and easy. It felt like we were just doing whatever the fuck we wanted, and not overthinking anything. That attitude reminded me a lot of what it felt like to make 'Murder The Mountains'. The result doesn't sound anything like 'Murder The Mountains', but it has more of that vibe."
News of the eagerly awaited album, the band's first collection in five years, arrives with a new chapter in the band's unparalleled canon of Whitey McConnaughy-directed music videos as the foursome unveils a clip for "Arrows". "Arrows" finds RED FANG once again exploring creative ways to spend the label's music video budget in a subtle nod to the band's classic "Wires" video.
"His way of presenting us really works," says guitarist David Sullivan of the band's relationship with Whitey. "That first video he did for us for 'Prehistoric Dog' gave us a big jumpstart as far as the band getting popular. And we love working with him."
"Arrows" track listing:
01. Take It Back
02. Unreal Estate
03. Arrows
04. My Disaster
05. Two High
06. Anodyne
07. Interop-Mod
08. Fonzi Scheme
09. Days Collide
10. Rabbits In Hive
11. Why
12. Dr. Owl
13. Funeral Coach
Pre-orders for the 13-song album are live now, with "Arrows" available in a variety of formats, including standard versions of the LP, CD, cassette and digitally, as well as, a limited-edition liquid filled LP, deluxe CD (exclusive to Europe and Relapse.com), and two collectible bundles: LP with a limited "Arrows" blacklight poster and a Red Fang x Psycho Las Vegas limited-edition Texas Hold'em-themed box set. Dubbed the Fortune Hunter Gamblers Pack, the poker-themed package includes branded casino-quality playing cards, dice, collector's coin, custom boxing, and a card of authenticity (all featuring custom artwork by Ian Colazzo), as well as the LP, and t-shirt.
RED FANG is Aaron Beam (bass/vocals/guitar/keyboards), Bryan Giles (guitar/vocals), John Sherman (drums) and David Sullivan (guitars).
Former MOTÖRHEAD and current SCORPIONS drummer Mikkey Dee revisited his KING DIAMOND days by playing the intro to the song "Welcome Home" for a video posted to his official Facebook page. In introducing his performance, Dee stated about the song, which originally appeared on KING DIAMOND's 1988 album "Them": "I got so many requests, the whole time, about the intro to 'Welcome Home' with KING DIAMOND that we once upon a time did. I barely remember it, but it's a good one. And I'll play it for you. I get requests all the time. And it's really not a complicated one, but it fit that time for that song. So, here we go. I'll play it for you. Check it out."
Three months ago, Dee, who played drums for KING DIAMOND from 1985 until 1989, told Cassius Morris of "The Cassius Morris Show" in an interview that he would like to take part in a reunion tour featuring the surviving members of the band's original lineup. "Unfortunately, [original KING DIAMOND bassist] Timi Hansen is dead, but you could have Andy [LaRocque, guitar], Michael Denner [guitar], you could have Hal Patino [bass], Pete Blakk [guitar], myself, just for a tour, and only play the stuff that we did — from 'Fatal Portrait' to 'Conspiracy'," he said. "That could have been a really fun and successful tour."
Dee, who has been a member of SCORPIONS since 2016, went on to say that it's "totally up to" KING DIAMOND's namesake frontman and leader as to whether such a tour will ever take place. "Because he [also] does MERCYFUL FATE [on the side]," Mikkey said. "I don't see why not. If I'm off [and not doing anything] with SCORPIONS, then I could easily have done that. That would have been so much fun, I think, because we were a great bunch of guys. And I still talk to Andy and Pete and Hal and King as well."
The Swedish-born drummer, who also played with MOTÖRHEAD from 1991 until the band's dissolution in December 2015, previously reflected on his time with KING DIAMOND in a 2017 interview with "The Blairing Out With Eric Blair Show". He stated at the time: "We started as a bunch of kids, really, and we created something. To tell you the truth, we really didn't know what we did. Well, we knew what we did, but [we weren't aware of the fact] that we created a style. But we had so much fun, and [we were] a bunch of friends touring. It all came to an end, where I didn't feel very happy in the band anymore. We were going in a little bit different direction than I thought that we'd been working ourselves up to. And me as a drummer, I like to play everything. I play big band jazz, fusion, pop, blues, rock, heavy metal, speed metal… So, to me, it was a natural move. I wanted to play some more straight-ahead rock and roll, and I felt a little stressed in KING DIAMOND in the end, maybe."
Asked how he felt about the Satanic overtones of the KING DIAMOND lyrics and image, Mikkey said: "It wasn't that bad at all. King believes in the occult — more Stephen King kind of stuff. And for the rest of the four of us, we were not so much into that. But it was great music, great camaraderie, great lyrics — great. Then King's personal belief was his deal. Just like I never got into Lemmy's personal vision. If you're a band, you're four or five or three people — whatever you are. Everybody has their own vision and their own belief in how life is or wherever you're gonna go. And the trick is to get that to work together without people getting angry or disagreeing. And luckily, with KING DIAMOND, we had great teamwork."
Dee played on the classic KING DIAMOND albums "Fatal Portrait", "Abigail" and "Them" until he left in 1988 to join Don Dokken. He returned a year later as a session player on KING DIAMOND's "Conspiracy".
KING DIAMOND's current drummer is Matt Thompson, who has been in the band since 2000.
KING DIAMOND received a Grammy nomination in the "Best Metal Performance" category for the track "Never Ending Hill" off the group's last album, 2007's "Give Me Your Soul … Please".
Japan's Serenity In Murder released their new album, entitled Reborn, on February 10th. They have posted a tab + playthrough video for track "The Glow Of Embers". Check it out below.
Tracklist:
"The Great Beyond"
"Anthem"
"Plead For Your Life"
"The Titans"
"Sea Of Stars"
"Rain Or Shine"
"Leaves Burned To Ashes"
"Beast In Human Shape"
"The Black Sun"
"The Glow Of Embers"
"The Four Seasons"
"Sea Of Stars"
"Plead For Your Life"
"The Glow Of Embers"
Physical copies of Reborn are now available via CD Japan here.
In his latest Twitch stream, DragonForce guitarist Herman Li hangs with Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Andy James for a live shred collab session. They also discuss James replacing Jason Hook in FFDP mid-tour. Check out a portion of the chat below, watch the full livestream on Li's channel here.
Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Andy James, who replaced Jason Hook in October 2020, recently unveiled his new AJ2 signature guitar from Kiesel. In the clip below, James and Jeff Kiesel introduce the new model.
From Music Radar: "The AJ2 is a more affordable version of Andy's previous Kiesel AJ signature with a bolt-on neck and flat alder top unlike the carved maple top and set neck AJ, but the exact spec elsewhere is up to you and there's far more options than with the original AJ; you can have an Evertune bridge or a Hipshot fixed bridge and a wide choice of finishes including solid colours, plus flamed and poplar tops."
Five Finger Death Punch confirms in late 2020 they had parted ways with guitarist Jason Hook back in February 2020, during the band's sold out European arena tour.
After his recovery from emergency gallbladder surgery at the end of last year, Jason Hook had to leave midway from the band’s tour of Europe to address further complications.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting so many of you in person. Thank you for the endless stories of how our music has touched your heart in some way! But the best part of being on tour the last 12 years, by far, has been playing my guitar and seeing the joy on your faces every night. I will miss that more than anything. As far the reason I’m leaving…well, there really isn’t just one. I’ve been in bands my entire life and I feel like I’ve done all the good that I can here. It’s time to pass the baton and move on to new challenges," says Jason Hook about his departure.
It was Jason’s suggestion, with all parties coming to a mutual agreement that it was best for him to step away from the band’s rigorous schedule. The band’s new lead guitarist has been confirmed as British virtuoso, Andy James. James featured on “Broken World,” one of the previously unreleased tracks on their recently released their greatest hits compilation, Decade of Destruction, Volume 2.
“Jason is an incredible guitar player so we had to find someone on the absolute top of their game. Someone like Andy James who was already a well-known virtuoso and had the chops to step into Jason’s shoes. Andy completed our European Tour with us back in February so he was already tried by fire. We instantly clicked both musically and personally so he was the obvious choice. We even have the same birthday… Some things are just meant to be,” explains guitarist Zoltan Bathory.
“I just congratulated Jason on his recent wedding, and I hope he finds peace and happiness. As for us, I’m really excited to keep working with Andy and I just can’t wait for this Covid madness to be over so we can go back out on the road," adds vocalist Ivan Moody.
Armed with bucket loads of flaming petrol, toxic smoke and angel wings whiter than snow. "Machine Ready" is a horror-punk industrial metal monster. There really is no other video like it.
Released on April 2nd, the new Syd.31 album Machine Ready is inspired by a book from school during the 1980's Satanic Panic. It creates a vision of apocalyptic fallen angels and dangerous rock stars it tried to warn about – their outrage over W.A.S.P., Misfits, Slayer, The Damned and Alice Cooper only served as introduction to these artists.
Syd.31 has taken these influences and merged them with Prodigy, KLF, Atari Teenage Riot and aggressive machine beats. "I just wanted to create the ultimate hellish punk soundscape with addictive pop hooks. Sounding like a one way ticket to Hell, with a grin on my face."
Tracklisting:
"Intro (A Night Visitor)"
"Broken Blank"
"It Came To This"
"Imminent Failure"
"As They Let You Down"
"Collapsing New Stars"
"Demon Night"
"Imitating Art"
"Disassemble Me"
"Machine Ready"
"We Turned The Lights Out"
"Outro (A Visitor Departs)"
Order your copy of Machine Ready now at this location.
"King Of A Stellar War" initially appeared on Rotting Christ's third studio album, Triarchy Of The Lost Lovers, released in 1996 via Century Media. This live version was recorded on July 6th 2020 at Artworks Studios for the Mexico Metal Fest live stream. It was mixed and mastered by Callmelazy (aka Costas Gavakos) at Soundflakes Studio.
Audio of the original version of "King Of A Stellar War" can be heard below.
King Crimson founder Robert Fripp and his singer wife Toyah Willcox - accompanied by a mysterious stranger - are back with another episode in their "Toyah & Robert’s Sunday Lunch" series. This time they take on Iron Maiden's "Number Of The Beast". Watch below:
Watch Robert & Toyah's renditions of ZZ Top's "Gimme All Your Lovin'", Motörhead's "Ace Of Spades", Mötley Crüe's "Girls, Girls, Girls", the Black Sabbath classic “Paranoid”, Metallica's "Enter Sandman", and Alice Cooper's "Poison", below:
France's Pathfinders will be unveiling their debut album, Ares Vallis, via label Music-Records on April 16th. Pre-orders can be placed here.
Naming themselves after the NASA space probe "Mars Pathfinder", Pathfinders are embarking on an encounter of the metal kind. Fascinated with space exploration, especially following recent odysseys to the red planet, Ares Vallis (named after an outflow channel on Mars) is twelve tracks of progressive groove, blended with thrashy, djenty, and melodic tones.
Now, the band is sharing the music video for their second single "Impostors", an explosive moshpit crusher.
Fans of bands such as Lamb Of God, Periphery, Parkway Drive, and In Flames will be intrigued to enter the undiscovered metal terrain that Pathfinders are offering up.
Pathfinders was formed in 2018 and consists of the Gaucher brothers Jérémy (bass) and Romain (guitar) with Jérémy Barthélémy (drums), Benjamin Daguet (guitar), and Clément Levy (vocals).
Tracklisting:
“Landing”
“Impostors”
“Damned Earth”
“Evolution”
“Precious Star”
“Explode Inside”
“Annihilate Them All”
“The Light”
“Pressure”
“Ghosts Of Mars”
“Bad Guardians”
“Peste Noire”
French death metal up-and-comers Akiavel have unveiled the first single from their forthcoming opus, Væ Victis, due out April 23rd. The single is accompanied by a truly chilling video, depicting the historic and grizzly serial killers: Ivanova and Olga Tamarin.
Væ Victis is a concept album that explores the darkest and most depraved spaces of the human psyche. Further evolving their sound, Akiavel takes a radical approach to their musical assault, consuming the listener with dizzying maelstroms of chaos. Væ Victis embodies the word “death,” putting forth an intrusive battery of blistering guitars, pummeling drums, and scathing vocals that culminates in one of the most robust death metal records the genre has seen yet.
Vocalist Auré comments on the album: “My writing is quite a ritual! To write Akiavel's second album it only took a containment, a lot of frustrations, and reports on serial killers...
I'm fascinated by the brains of killers. I wanted to take a closer look at it and I read a lot of books around them. During the confinement the time passed quickly, because I was on the lookout for anything that could touch my subject. As for writing itself, it's part of my life. I've always read and written a lot. I studied literature. I love Molière's language so much.
When I compose a song, I like to be alone at home. I'm old school so I don't have a computer. Just a pencil and a white page. A lot of things happen in my head and in my feelings when I decide to write about a subject. For example, when I wrote 'Comrade', I was so focused on the horrors of Tchikatilo that as soon as I finished, I took my son in my arms, I hugged him very tightly, I kissed him a thousand times, I almost cried...
Depending on the subject, if it touches me too hard sometimes I need a little time before I dive back on another song.”
Væ Victis will be released on CD with limited edition signed and numbered vinyl pressings. Pre-orders available at this location.
Tracklisting:
"Frozen Beauties"
"Bind Torture Kill"
"Zombie"
"Needles From Hell"
"Comrade"
"Medium"
"The Lady Of Death"
"Pentagram Tattoo"
"Mommy I'm Capable"
"Matrimonial Advertisements"
Финляндия
Cvlt Ov the Svn
![=]](/img/news-bord-shr.gif){kind=small}
США
Великобритания
Канада
Дания
Япония
Международный
Греция
Франция
