"Two Minutes To Late Night", which bills itself as the world's only heavy metal-themed talk show, has uploaded a cover version of the PANTERA song "Mouth For War" recorded in quarantine by members of HALESTORM, CODE ORANGE, BARONESS and CONVERGE.
Featured musicians:
* Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM)
* Gina Gleason (BARONESS)
* Reba Meyers (CODE ORANGE)
* Madi Watkins (YEAR OF THE KNIFE)
* Ben Koller (MUTOID MAN, CONVERGE, ALL PIGS MUST DIE, KILLER BE KILLED)
* Jordan Olds (a.k.a. Gwarsenio Hall)
Says "Two Minutes To Late Night": "Gina wanted to cover PANTERA so we covered the crap out of PANTERA! All of the artists involved with this video will be donating their payment to Dallas Hope Charities Transitional Living Center.
"This is our 36th bedroom cover made with the support of Patreon. With so many musicians stuck at home with no outlets, we're going to keep producing these style videos and use the Patreon to give some money to everyone who has a part in them. Please support our friends by donating to our newly redone Patreon."
Australian heavy outlaw sleaze rock band, Snake Bite Whisky, has released the first single and video from their second album, Black Candy, which is being released globally by Sliptrick Records on March 30th.
"Hammered" is a riotous throwback to '70s punk rock mixed with screeching sleaze metal. A lyrical journey that traverses a typical night of debauchery in the world of Snake Bite Whisky. "Hammered" is set to become a new rock 'n roll party anthem with its in your face, non politically correct lyrics and infectious sing-along chorus.
The video was directed by Kyle Golly of the No.One Network who has directed the band's previous videos for "Down In The Dirt" and "Last Man Standing". The clip was filmed on location in Brisbane, Australia and features a cameo appearance by their original drummer, Nick Dysart, who left the band in 2018. The video is dedicated to bass guitarist Stacii Blake’s dog Cooper, who passed away last year.
Pre-order Black Candy, the new album from Snake Bite Whisky now at this location.
Black Candy was recorded at Lush Studios in Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia. Produced and mixed by Bernie Wedrat, Black Candy features ten tracks of uncompromising heavy sleaze rock with elements of punk, outlaw country and heavy metal. This is Snake Bite Whisky's follow-up to their debut album, This Side Of Hell, and displays an even wider range of musical influence.
Black Candy is also the first recording featuring the talents of new members Danny Sharkz on drums and Laggy on guitars, who joined after the previous drummer and guitarist unceremoniously quit on the eve of the 2019 UK tour. Together with original members, vocalist / lyricist Jay R and bass guitarist, Stacii Blake they have crafted ten tracks born out of the filthy underbelly of heavy rock.
The band has gained a reputation for not caring about trends and doing whatever they want musically, regardless of consequence. And they continue that trend on Black Candy. From the high octane Southern-metal influenced opener "Thunderbird", to the pulsating sleaze of "Choke", to the Iggy Pop-esque ode to partying, "Hammered", the album never lets up. Not even on "Bones In The Fire", a heavy metal soaked, outlaw country dirge.
Explosive lead guitar work from Laggy peppers the album with his trademark screaming solos and huge, catchy riffs, adding to the signature Snake Bite Whisky sound. Stacii Blake once again brings his dirty bass riffs, notably on "Creep Show" (an anthem for the outcasts of society), with murderous intent on the driving rhythm of "Reload, Aim And Kill", and with lots of fuzz and groove on the aforementioned, "Hammered". Danny Sharkz brings a massive drum sound to the mix with tight rhythms and thunderous fills highlighted in tracks such as "Raised In Hell", "Sweet Cocaine" and "Dead By Dawn". Jay R once again draws from life experiences to paint a lyrical picture of the band’s debauched life. Everything from sex, revenge, drinking and hard living are covered across the ten tracks, at times delving into dark themes such as drug addiction on the epic album closer, "End Of The Line" and a man’s place in today’s politically correct society on "Bones In The Fire".
So take a shot of Snake Bite Whisky in the form of Black Candy. This party is just getting started!
TESTAMENT guitarist Alex Skolnick has teamed up with ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Bentante, along with singer Jennifer Cella (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA), rhythm guitarist Randy McStine (MCSTINE/MINNEMANN), bassist Mark Menghi (METAL ALLEGIANCE, BPMD) and keyboardist Harry Waters to record a quarantine cover of Stevie Nicks's "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around".
Alex uploaded the video to his YouTube channel and wrote in an accompanying message: "Just in time for #internationwomensday, a classic song that's quite relevant today in which a woman tells it like it is (sometimes we need to just stfu & listen, amirite?). Originally by Stevie Nicks from her 1981 debut solo album 'Bella Donna', where she was joined by all of TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS (except for the great session bassist Donald 'Duck' Dunn who played bass just on this one track). Here we have our same band that did 'Rhiannon' (see vid a few months back), which was so fun to do and well received that we thought we'd continue. As before, Stevie's part is channeled by the one & only Jen Cella, with Randy chiming in as Tom Petty (the late great, may he RIP) and the lineup augmented with Hammond B3 played by McNally Waters keyboardist Harry Waters, also a veteran of recent tours with his father (whom you may have heard of, his name's Roger).
"I tried a few guitars, including my LPs, SGs, but this AS sig ESP lemonburst just captured the right tone & sustain in this case. Original guitarist Mike Campbell (currently playing with Stevie in FLEETWOOD MAC) is someone not always as appreciated as he should be in guitar scenes, as his playing is not technically complicated, but it's nonetheless brilliant. I tried to capture the spirit of his original licks and, add a little bit of my own flavor but not deviate from the original too much (what Mike C did was perfect for the song, as usual).
"Enjoy the tune and for goodness sake, people (I'm not gonna tell you again): STOP DRAGGIN' MY HEART AROUND!!!"
CANDLEBOX will release its seventh album, "Wolves", on September 17 via Pavement Entertainment. It is the follow-up to 2016's "Disappearing In Airports", which had a fresh modernity, a vibe that is amplified and broadened on "Wolves". Lead singer Kevin Martin says: "It comes from where we are as humans right now, and what we’ve become. Yes, there's beauty in these wolves, but there's the pack mentality, and that lone wolf mentality on the other side."
The disc's first single, "My Weakness", can be streamed below. Martin says: "The song is kind of guttural and like 'The Summer Of '69' and Bruce Springsteen tunes; it's one of those love songs where you can feel the band just wants to take off with you the whole time."
"Wolves" is rife with brutal lyrical honesty and songs that run the gamut from dirty rock stompers to timeless, radio-ready pop-rock tunes. The album was produced by Dean Dichoso in Los Angeles's legendary Henson Studios.
In August of 2020, CANDLEBOX released the energized song "Let Me Down Easy", an aggro, blues-based rocker with a booming bass and edgy guitar riffing. The song was co-written with old Seattle pal Peter Cornell, Chris Cornell's older brother, and is also available on "Wolves".
"Wolves" track listing:
01. All Down Hill From Here
02. Let Me Down Easy
03. Riptide
04. Sunshine
05. My Weakness
06. We
07. Nothing Left To Lose
08. Lost Angeline
09. Trip
10. Don't Count Me Out
11. Criminals
"Disappearing In Airports" delivered the chart-topping single "Vexatious", and found the band touring for over two years in support of the release.
Former MACHINE HEAD and current VIO-LENCE guitarist Phil Demmel has teamed up with singer Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X, ADRENALINE MOB, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA), drummer Stix Zadinia (STEEL PANTHER) and bassist David Ellefson (MEGADETH) to record a "quarantine" cover version of the DOKKEN song "Tooth And Nail" as part of Phil's series "Collab-A-Jam".
Phil uploaded the video to his YouTube channel, writing in an accompanying message: "Me and Stix has been wanting to jam on something for awhile and finally had the opportunity on one of my favorite tunes from this era.
"STEEL PANTHER took over the [MACHINE HEAD] practice gear in Germany after our sets at the Rock Am Park Festival in 2012 and were slaying a bunch of DOKKEN covers. This had to be one we did.
"I had realized that Dave hadn't guested on a ['Collab-A-Jam'] yet so he was a no-brainer. Dave and I have the same mind-set as things go and he's one of my favorites in the business. Always quick with the tracks and loves to get things done.
"Russell was the final piece and came through big. Such a huge talent and gave the song all the sprinkles.
"Paul Fig has been such a rad connection through all of this and beefed up our mix while Wayne Marsala is always on point with the vid edits.
"Thanks to George, Don, Mick and Jeff for creating such a ROKKEN tune and to all who had a part in bringing this cover to life."
German melodic death metal band Burn Down Eden has released the official music video for "Sadomasochists From Beyond the Grave".
With "Sadomasochists From Beyond The Grave", the band is opening their third album in typical Burn Down Eden style. Fast melodic leads and brutal riffs combined with angry growls and rapid blast beats. This is what they love, this is what they do. The band gives credit to the Hellraiser movies, a beloved genre for lead guitarist William.
With their self-titled third album, Burn Down Eden pick up where they left off with their second album, Liberticidal, and even put a shovel on it again. The band continues to focus on the catchy choruses and melodies, brute, fiddly riffs and modulations, as well as rapid solos and classical elements. Nevertheless, all in all the third album seems to be more mature. And yet they also like to leave the genre and play happily with all elements from black to prog metal.
With Burn Down Eden, the guys make it crystal clear, that they are THE next big thing in the matter of melo-death from Germany. Kernkraftritter Records is convinced, "We will welcome Burn Down Eden to lots of festival stages in the post-corona times."
Burn Down Eden artwork and tracklisting:
"Sadomasochists From Beyond The Grave"
"A Prepper's Prophecy"
"Bizarre Circus"
"A Bloody Pool Of Angels"
"Witch's Scorn"
"Abducted Reality"
"Hurricane Of Greed"
"Law Enforcement Ubermensch"
"The Five Horsemen"
"Encounters Of The Unkind"
"A Prepper's Prophecy":
"The Five Horsemen":
Pre-order your copy of Burn Down Eden now at this location.
Depths Of Hatred have released "Pulsating Rhythm", the fourth single from their upcoming new album, Inheritance, due out on March 19. "Pulsating Rhythm" showcases the Canadian quintet's signature blistering modern death metal sound, alongside their newfound penchant for memorable chorus hooks, as William Arseneau's vocal acrobatics crisply alternate between anger and melody.
Talking on "Pulsating Rhythm"'s themes, the band comment, "'Pulsating Rhythm' describes the night where our protagonist's view on life is forever altered. Witnessing an unforgivable act, he learns to replicate what he thinks is affection."
Keeping production duties in house and allowing themselves to work at their own pace has resulted in a polished, mature sounding collection of songs, which was then mixed and mastered at The Grid Studio by Christian Donaldson (Beneath The Massacre, Shadow Of Intent).
A progressive slant to their rejuvenated sound means that they have stayed true to their definitive death metal roots, yet allowed themselves the opportunity to open up and explore metalcore and beyond. With ambitions to take their new material on the road as soon as they are able to do so, Depths Of Hatred have every intention of making this fresh start really count.
Inheritance artwork and tracklisting:
"Enslaved Through Lineage"
"Sadistic Trials"
"Pulsating Rhythm"
"Fastidious Imitation"
"Drop Of Red"
"Illusive Obsession"
"The Gift Of Consciousness"
"Shivers"
"Inheritance"
"The End Of Ourselves"
"Emerging As One"
Pre-order your copy of Inheritance now at this location.
Rising power metal force Adamantis has issued the official video for "Voron (The Ravensong)", a track from the band's Far Flung Realm debut album. The clip was directed by Yelena Kamenetskaya and Evgeny Gromovoy.
Cruz Del Sur Music will re-release Far Flung Realm on a limited edition Compact Disc and Vinyl (Gatefold LP + 7’’) on March 19.
Spawned by Helloween in the mid-1980s, then carried throughout the ensuing decade by the likes of Angra, Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray and Stratovarius, European power metal is a style few can master. Essential ingredients include a soaring vocalist, dueling guitars, a battering ram of a rhythm section and, most importantly, songs that both engage and inspire. It is rare when a young band displays such mastery of these skills, which is why Cruz Del Sur Music quickly swooped in and signed Massachusetts’ Adamantis barely a month after the self-release of their Far Flung Realm debut full-length for proper release in 2021.
Adamantis formed in 2016 when drummer Evgeny Gromovoy and guitarist Javier Estrada moved to Boston for work. They soon met guitarist Jeff Taft and former singer Ashley Caval via an Internet post calling for musicians sharing similar influences to start a band. The band played across New England and culminated their run with the release of the Thundermark EP. Soon after its 2018 release, Caval and original bassist Liz Cleary left and the trio continued working on new material, eventually adding bassist Cody Pelchat and vocalist Jeff Stark to complete the lineup.
Produced, mixed and mastered by Christian “Moschus” Moos of Spacelab Mixing, Far Flung Realm is the culmination of Adamantis’ democratic writing process — each member contributed to the album’s 11 tracks. Lyrically, Far Flung Realm tackles a wide range of themes: “Misbegotten Dream” is about Elric of Melnibone from Michael Moorcock’s Eternal Champion novels; “Puppeteer’s Bane'' is about a character from Steven Erikson’s Gardens Of The Moon. Songs such as “Journey’s End” and “Voron” tackle themes of facing death and mortality, “The Siege Of Arkona” details historical events, while fantastical themes are covered on “Unbound Souls.” Far Flung Realm also features a guest appearance from former Dark Moor singer Elisa C. Martin on “The Oracle’s Prophecy”.
Former QUEENSRŸCHE singer Geoff Tate will release the second album from his SWEET OBLIVION project, "Relentless", on April 9 via Frontiers Music Srl. The official music video for the disc's second single, "Another Change", can be seen below.
The self-titled SWEET OBLIVION debut album caused quite a stir in the international hard rock and metal scene since it brought Tate back to a musical landscape akin to the sound of the stone cold classic metal albums he released with QUEENSRŸCHE during the 1980s. But what made the album work so well was that instead of being a simple throwback, other different musical influences were thrown into the mix, allowing fans to hear Tate in a simultaneously familiar and new musical setting.
While the production and main songwriting on the previous record were handled by Simone Mularoni of DGM, this time the production was instead handled by his fellow Italian metal maestro Aldo Lonobile (SECRET SPHERE, TIMO TOLKKI'S AVALON, ARCHON ANGEL).
Not only does Aldo produce and handle the songwriting, he is also featured on guitar. Other musicians appearing on the album include Michele Sanna on drums, Luigi Andreone on bass and Antonio Agate on keyboards.
This time around, Tate was more involved in the songwriting and asked Aldo to draft a very special song for him, which he would ultimately sing in Italian. The song also features guitars from Walter Cianciusi and Dario Parente, who are now also in the OPERATION: MINDCRIME live band.
Musically, this album showcases the great songwriting and performing talents of Lonobile and his cast of musicians and also marks a very welcomed return for Tate to a style that he made famous along with his former band.
"Relentless" track listing:
01. Once Again One Sin
02. Strong Pressure
03. Let It Be
04. Another Change
05. Wake Up Call
06. Remember Me
07. Anybody Out There
08. Aria
09. I'll Be the One
10. Fly Angel Fly
"Relentless" recording lineup:
Geoff Tate - Vocals
Aldo Lonobile - Guitars
Luigi Andreone - Bass
Antonio Agate - Keys
Michele Sanna - Drums
Last month, Tate announced around a dozen U.S. dates in late summer and fall as part of a tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of QUEENSRŸCHE's "Empire" and "Rage For Order" albums.
For more information, including ticket links and links for meet-and-greet passes for purchase to meet Geoff and his band after the live shows, visit www.geofftate.com.
Early last year, Tate was forced to postone a number of his tour dates due to the coronavirus pandemic that is spreading across the globe.
Tate spent the first two months of 2020 performing the QUEENSRŸCHE albums "Rage For Order" and "Empire" in their entirety on the "Empire 30th Anniversary Tour", which kicked off in January in Norway. Prior to that, Geoff celebrated the 30th anniversary of QUEENSRŸCHE's "Operation: Mindcrime" album on European and U.S. tours.
Tate's post-QUEENSRŸCHE band OPERATION: MINDCRIME released three albums over three years as part of a trilogy: "The Key" (September 2015), "Resurrection" (September 2016) and "The New Reality" (December 2017).
Looking for a way to interact artistically during the COVID-19 lockdown last June, producer-songwriter LIBRA invited an impressive ensemble of metal artists, including members of Type O Negative, Paradise Lost, Apocalyptica, Within Temptation, My Dying Bride, Moonspell, Athanasia, Five Finger Death Punch and solo artist Anneke Van Giersbergen, to contribute to a stunning cover of “It Doesn’t Matter Two” by the legendary Depeche Mode.
Recorded individually at home by each artist, “It Doesn’t Matter Two (Lockdown Version)” features performances by Aaron Aedy (Paradise Lost), Aaron Stainthorpe (My Dying Bride), Anneke Van Giersbergen (solo artist, formerly of The Gathering), Caleb Bingham (Athanasia/formerly of Five Finger Death Punch), Don Aires Pereira (Moonspell), Eicca Toppinen (Apocalyptica), Kenny Hickey (Type O Negative), LIBRA (solo artist), Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation) and Shaun MacGowan (My Dying Bride). The track was produced, arranged and mixed by LIBRA at 13Eighteen Studio in Hollywood and mastered by the legendary engineer Ted Jensen (Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, David Bowie, Madonna), at Sterling Sound Studios in New York.
“Since I was a kid, Depeche Mode has been one of the biggest influences of my musical development,” Libra explains. “So I chose, and completely re-arranged, one of my favorite songs, called ‘It Doesn’t Matter Two’ from the album ‘Black Celebration.’ I only invited artists who I respect, admire, and even some of my personal heroes. I honestly felt I would be really lucky if only one of them agreed to be part of this project. So you can imagine how I felt when, one by one, almost everyone I invited replied saying yes (most of them without even knowing who I was), simply after hearing the demo I sent.”
“It Doesn’t Matter Two (Lockdown Version)” is available here.
“It Doesn’t Matter Two (Lockdown Version)” artists weigh in on the experience:
Anneke van Giersbergen: “Working with this group of amazing musicians on a song by one of my favorite bands has been truly amazing, especially in times like these.”
Apocalyptica’s Eicca Toppinen: “I immediately got very excited about this project when Libra contacted me. During this lockdown it felt so nice to get connected with cool artists around the world. All musicians are in the same situation during these weird times, no matter where you live. The original song is great and I loved Libra’s arrangement and the passionate way of working on this project. The song turned out great and it is wonderful how the video shows the way we were able to be together even with the distance. Music has power!”
Athanasia’s Caleb Bingham: “When Libra sent it to me, I was impressed by his ability to take a classic Depeche Mode song and completely reinvent it into something all his own. Now, with all of this top tier talent on top of what was already a killer song, I think we’ve created a monster!”
Moonspell’s Don Aires Pereira: “I really enjoyed participating in this collaboration and seeing guys I hadn't seen in a while, as well as getting to know even if virtually new faces. It was a good initiative in these lockdown times and it also served to imagine what it would be like to play in a band with such illustrious musicians. Thank you very much to Libra for the invitation. I really enjoyed recording the bass and video in a very relaxed way. Thanks to today's technology, we can always create or materialize what we visualize and make it real. A hug and greetings to all who participated, and I hope you enjoy the final result. Life is an alchemical process in which we visualize and then materialize using the well-known formula: ‘Solve et Coagula.’”
My Dying Bride’s Aaron Stainthorpe: “Believe it or not but I was actually a member of the Depeche Mode Fan Club way back when ‘Violator’ was released. I adored the band and was the only person wearing a Depeche Mode sweatshirt in the notorious rock bar The Frog & Toad in Bradford. My Dying Bride also used a piece of music by DM as an intro to their gigs on one of their tours but my age won't allow me to recall which piece. When Libra asked me if I'd be interested in taking part in this project, a 'yes' was inevitable and I thoroughly enjoyed my little moment when, just for a short time, I was actually in Depeche Mode."
My Dying Bride’s Shaun MacGowan: “I’d heard good things about Libra and his work, so it was a real pleasure when he invited me to join this project. I'm a Depeche Mode fan but never actually heard this particular song before, but instantly the potential to make something great was there. It's also hard to say no to being alongside a list of fantastic musicians from across the metal genre. Obviously, it would be nice to visit a studio but, due to COVID restrictions, my living room had to do! The end result is far beyond my expectations and it's been a real pleasure to be involved.”
Paradise Lost’s Aaron Aedy: “I got the initial contact from Libra last year, halfway through our first lock down of 2020 here in the UK. At the time, we in Paradise Lost, like our fellow musicians, were getting emails of constantly moving or cancelled shows and festivals. The prospect of doing a Depeche Mode cover (a band I've loved since buying the ‘People Are People’ single, aged 14) purely for the joy of making music, seemed like the perfect distraction during a time of seemingly mostly bad news. I agreed, then upon hearing the bare bones version, was pleasantly surprised how good it was, even at that very early stage.
“Having been a part of this project from early on and watching it grow as more artists were added with Libra's energy driving it all forward, made this an absolute joy to work on, a truly wonderful escape from everything that's been going on in the world. I'm thrilled with the outcome, the amazing contributions from all the artists involved have really elevated this it to another level.
“The fact that this was born out of the hopeful and fun lockdown idea of one person, which is now able to raise money for The International Association for Suicide Prevention, a charity whose work is even more important during a time when we're all becoming more acutely aware of the mental health issues experienced by so many, makes me feel even more proud and privileged to be involved. Listen, enjoy and escape with us for a few minutes! Thank you.”
Type O Negative’s Kenny Hickey: “It was fun doing this!!”
Within Temptation’s Ruud Jolie: “I must admit I have never been into Depeche Mode but when I heard Libra’s arrangement I got all excited. The demo sounded really good already. And it’s a no-brainer when you learn that a lot of great musicians have joined the project. The end result sounds great and I feel lucky to be a part of this.”
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Libra taught himself how to sing, play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and studied music production and audio engineering. In addition to being a former Sony Music artist, where he released his solo album Até que a morte não separe, LIBRA has been worked as a music producer for film, TV and theater for over 20 years. Always proud to be eclectic, Libra’s influences range from metal to pop, rock to electronic, and classical to country.
“Music has been my life since I can remember,” says Libra. “But somewhere around 2014, due to a stream of traumatic disappointments (professional and personal), I lost the will to write and play music altogether and decided to turn my back on the music business. I moved to the US, where I slowly had to rebuild myself from the ground up, and when the time was right, I decided to let music find its way back into my life. This project was literally the first track I produced, after more than six years of artistic hibernation. The whole experience of having such talented artists trusting my vision was a wake up call, and the final result of this collaboration was a testament to the fact that I did the right thing when I decided to make music again.”
Former ACCEPT guitarist Herman Frank has released an official lyric video for the song "Eye Of The Storm". The clip, which was created by Hard Media, can be viewed below.
"Eye Of The Storm" is taken from Frank's fifth solo album, "Two For A Lie", which is due on May 21 via AFM Records. The disc was once again mixed by Arne Neurand at Horus Sound Studio in Hannover, Germany, while mastering duties were handled by Robin Schmidt at 24-96 Mastering in Karlsruhe, Germany.
"Two For A Lie" track listing:
01. Teutonic Order
02. Venom
03. Hate
04. Eye Of The Storm
05. Liar
06. Hail The New Kings
07. Just A Second To Lose
08. Danger
09. Stand Up And Fight
10. Open Your Mind
Frank's band lineup is as follows:
Rick Altzi (MASTERPLAN, AT VANCE) - Vocals
Herman Frank (ex-ACCEPT, VICTORY) - Guitar
Mike Pesin (MAGISTARIUM, VICTORY) - Guitar
Michael Müller (JADED HEART) - Bass
Kevin Kott (AT VANCE, MASTERPLAN, HEAVEN'S TRAIL) - Drums
Herman joined ACCEPT in 1982 shortly before the release of the band's "Restless And Wild" album and exited the group for the first time after the arrival of 1983's "Balls To The Wall" LP.
When ACCEPT reunited for festival appearances in 2005, Herman handled second-guitar duties alongside founding axeman Wolf Hoffmann, with Stefan Schwarzmann sitting behind the kit.
Frank and Schwarzmann were involved in ACCEPT's comeback with Tornillo and appeared on the reunited group's first three studio albums: 2010's "Blood of the Nations", 2012's "Stalingrad" and 2014's "Blind Rage".
Frank's fourth solo album, "Fight The Fear", was released in February 2019 via AFM.
Two years ago, Herman told All That Shreds about his decision to exit ACCEPT in December 2014: "It was just time to leave the band. Let's put it this way: I wanted to do music the way I started to. I wanted to have my own band. I wanted my own music and just wanted to just play my own leads. Not to follow somebody's guitar. I was getting too old for it. It's fine to be a backup, but after a couple of years, it's time for a different thing."
Asked how it was different playing with current ACCEPT singer Mark Tornillo after performing with Udo Dirkschneider during the band's early years, Herman said: "Mark is a really nice guy and really promising. It's kind of a different voice and Mark really doubles Udo in his personal way. I prefer the style of Udo's singing. He is original ACCEPT. There is this voice sticking in your head. On the new songs, which Mark sings for the first time in ACCEPT, it's a different character, but it's very good. You can't compare them, really. They are a match for certain things, but they are quite different people. I do like them both. I couldn't have the decision which one I would prefer. It would have been great if they would put a couple of albums with Udo and Mark together. That would be awesome."
Dutch metal trio Cryptosis has released a new single and video for “Death Technology”.
The band have checked in with the following quote: "For decades, people have tried to store their deceased bodies using low-temperature freezing techniques. This song is about a person who wakes up from cryosleep in the year 2149 and realises he is being detained and used as a test subject in a secret lab. The lyrics describe a technology that is very advanced and complex seen through the eyes of the test subject. The music is a reflection of that intricate technology. The riffs are built in a technical and extremely fast paced style. Whereas the structure of the song is built in the opposite direction, resembling the old yet simple world that this person is coming from."
Cryptosis will release their debut album Bionic Swarm on March 26. The album will be available in the following formats and can be preordered here:
-CD Digipak – all outlets
-Gatefold black LP+CD – all outlets
-Gatefold dark green LP+CD – CM EU Onlineshop (200 LPs)
-Gatefold red LP+CD – Band Shop (200 LPs)
-Gatefold neon yellow LP+CD – District 19 Shop (200 LPs)
-Gatefold golden LP+CD – EMP & Nuclear Blast (100/100 LPs)
-Digital Album
To celebrate “Bionic Swarm”, Cryptosis play a live stream show at Metropool on April 24, starting at 20:30 PM CET. The stream will take place here.
Cover art by Eliran Kantor / Cryptosis logo by Christophe Szpajdel:
Tracklisting:
“Overture 2149”
“Decypher”
“Death Technology”
“Prospect Of Immortality”
“Transcendence”
“Perpetual Motion”
“Conjuring The Egoist”
“Game Of Souls”
“Mindscape”
“Flux Divergence”
Legendary rock band JEFFERSON STARSHIP released an EP, "Mother Of The Sun", via Golden Robot Records in August 2020 and now the band has shared the music video for the EP track "Setting Sun".
"Setting Sun" features David Freiberg on lead vocals and is highlighted by slide guitar by Jude Gold. The bluesy rock anthem penned by Cathy Richardson and David Freiberg tells the story of a fugitive on the run.
JEFFERSON STARSHIP features founding singer/multi-instrumentalist David Freiberg (who was also in JEFFERSON AIRPLANE during the band's final year), longtime drummer Donny Baldwin (who joined JEFFERSON STARSHIP in 1982 and also played and sang on many hits of the band's STARSHIP era), lead singer Cathy Richardson (whom Kantner recruited in 2008), 25-year member Chris Smith on keyboards, and lead guitarist Jude Gold, who joined in 2012.
The current lineup of JEFFERSON STARSHIP is dedicated to breathing new life into this timeless music in their live shows. Massive hits such as "Jane", "Miracles", "White Rabbit", "Somebody To Love", "Volunteers", "We Built This City" and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" continue to reverberate in pop culture all over the world. Whether in the studio or on tour, the five members still enjoy pushing sonic boundaries, passionately trying to change the world, and staying true to the original spirit of all things JEFFERSON STARSHIP.
The seven tracks on "Mother Of The Sun" include two songs co-written by original JEFFERSON STARSHIP/JEFFERSON AIRPLANE members — "It's About Time", co-written with Grace Slick, and another co-written with Marty Balin. The collection also features the return of original JEFFERSON STARSHIP member Pete Sears, who plays bass on three tracks.
"Paul Kantner was our bandleader and the visionary who kept JEFFERSON STARSHIP going through so many eras," says Richardson. "He inspired so much about this record, from the messages in the lyrics to the title and album art to the collaborative process of creating music as a band with some of his original muses — Grace, Marty and Pete. 'Mother Of The Sun' is dedicated to PK."
British heavy metal legends SAXON will release a covers album, "Inspirations", on March 19 via Silver Lining Music. The 11-track effort contains some of the superb classic rock songs that influenced Biff Byford and the rest of the band. The LP's third single, a cover of "Paperback Writer" by THE BEATLES, can be streamed below.
"I saw THE BEATLES on TV for the first time in 1963," enthuses Byford. "It was a very inspirational moment for me to think maybe I could be in a band."
"Inspirations" was recorded at Brockfield Hall, near York in the U.K., which was built in 1804 and holds the largest collection of paintings by Yorkshire's impressionist artists — the Staithes Group. For Byford, recording "Inspirations" all together within such a rich historical environment was a major ingredient of the project. "The warmth and feel of 'Inspirations' had so much to do with being together in this magnificent place and doing it 'old-school' style," Byford explained. "This is how many bands back in the day —including some of the ones covered here — made such great albums, so it just felt really good to be able to do this somewhere like Brockfield Hall."
From the super-charged melodic romp of THE BEATLES' "Paperback Writer" to their freeway mad take on Jimi Hendrix's "Stone Free", SAXON show their love and appreciation with a series of faithful, raw and ready tributes. Maintaining a firm eye on the old-school way using Marshall cabs, Marshall amps, real drums and produced by Byford with Jacky Lehmann recording and mixing, SAXON approach the likes of MOTÖRHEAD's "Bomber" (with added whistle!), AC/DC's "Problem Child", BLACK SABBATH's "Evil Woman" and a raucous DEEP PURPLE's "Speed King" with refreshingly warm, unfiltered, "vintage"-sounding renditions.
"We wanted to do an album based on our influences, the songs and bands that inspired us to write what we did and still do," continued Byford, "and it was also interesting to see what my voice could do as I haven't sung many of these songs before."
Byford does, indeed, take on some new vocal challenges, which he duly smashes on the likes of THIN LIZZY's "The Rocker". The net result is that whether cranking up a heavyweight take on LED ZEPPELIN's "Immigrant Song" or throwing down AC/DC's "Problem Child", SAXON does a supreme job of entertaining both themselves and their audience throughout Inspirations.
"We didn't want to change any of the songs too much, just play them more like SAXON," concluded Byford, "and we also think it's very important to have — and share with the fans — some fun in these dark times."
You want even more proof of the validity behind that statement? Wrap your ears around their sparkling take on TOTO's "Hold The Line" and consider SAXON's "Inspirations" a mission accomplished.
"Inspirations" will be made available on vinyl, CD, digital formats and limited-edition D2C products.
After a string of chart hits and live triumphs, one of rock music's most exciting new bands DIRTY HONEY is keeping the momentum going with the April 23 release of their self-titled debut full-length. The Los Angeles quartet has dropped a new single, "California Dreamin'", with a news feature and video that premiered today via Rolling Stone.
A bold opener with towering chorus hooks and slipshod grooves, "California Dreamin'" features smoking guitar solos bookended by massive riffs and hooks. Lyrically, the single puts a different spin on the idea of California as the promised land: vocalist/lyricist Marc LaBelle drew on the tough times he faced after moving west in the early 2010s to craft a bittersweet cautionary tale that hints at personal and emotional turbulence.
"Lots of people come out to California, chasing a dream, and sometimes, people just don't make it," said LaBelle. "California isn't always the 'land of milk and honey,' dreams don't always come true here, and that's the perspective this song and video take. The video is a dream through California that showcases the good, the bad and the ugly."
DIRTY HONEY — LaBelle, guitarist John Notto, bassist Justin Smolian, and drummer Corey Coverstone — planned to record the album with producer Nick DiDia (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, PEARL JAM), who had produced the band's 2019 EP; but the day before the band was due to fly to Australia to track the album, Los Angeles entered lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and traveling was off the table. Still keen to work with DiDia, they came up with a Plan B: record the full-length at Henson Studios in Los Angeles studio with DiDia beamed into the proceedings via the magic of modern technology.
Having to switch gears delayed the start of recording slightly, although this extra time ended up being a boon. DIRTY HONEY rented a rehearsal space and demoed the album's songs in advance, meaning the tracks were in good shape when DiDia came onboard. "If we had gone when we were supposed to in March, we wouldn't have had as many songs," Smolian says. "We did a lot of rehearsing and got tighter as a band. Except for Marc's lyrics, everything was pretty much written by the time we got into the studio, there really wasn't a lot of, 'Let's try this, let's try that.' It was more about capturing takes."
Adds drummer Corey Coverstone: "Because of the pandemic, we had a lot more time to write and prepare, which was great. It meant that we were able to workshop the songs a lot more, and I think it really made a difference."
The DIRTY HONEY album does sound effortless and captures the lightning-in-a-bottle dynamics and energy of the band's live sound. The collection boasts airtight songwriting that plays up their strengths: sexy, bluesy, nasty rock 'n' roll. LaBelle reaffirms his status as one of contemporary rock's best vocalists on "The Wire", while the gospel-tinted "Another Last Time" is a midtempo, organ-fueled album-closer bursting with soul.
Although the pandemic has thrown some obstacles in the way, DIRTY HONEY knows that pushing through those tough times will only help them come out stronger on the other side. "When you finally come through on those moments, that's where the real magic comes in," Notto says. "What makes all of our songs fun to play and listen to is we don't allow ourselves to stop short of getting the best possible results out of each one of them."
In fact, if anything, all of the four band members are determined to better themselves going forward. "As a guitarist, I'm always inspired by the everlasting pursuit of the perfect riff," Notto adds. "I also wanted to extend the artistic statement that we've already made. We weren't looking to sound different, or prove our growth, necessarily. It was more about, 'Oh, you thought that was good? Hold my beer.'"
Hot on the heels of two highly acclaimed albums, Midnite City return in 2021 with their third album Itch You Can’t Scratch, on May 28th. With new label Roulette Media in tow, as well as new management and booking agent, the band are back looking and sounding better than ever with a new array of songs that will melt your face, so strap yourselves in for the ride of your life. It’s all about the good times!
“Atomic”, the second advance single from the forthcoming album Itch You Can't Scratch, is out today. Midnite City says: "'Atomic' sums up what this band is all about in under four minutes. It's a song about forgetting your problems, living for the minute and having a damn good time whilst you're at it! If ever the world needed some escapism and positivity, it's right now. So all aboard for the party of the year!"
"Crawlin' In The Dirt" was the first single taken from Midnite City's upcoming album, Itch You Can't Scratch, which is set for release on May 28th via Roulette Media Records.
Pre-order Itch You Can't Scratch now at this location.
For further details, visit Midnite City on Facebook.
Granny 4 Barrel continues to shock and rock with the brand new track, “The Art Of Deception”.
G4B’s first release since 2019, the song and its accompanying video prove once again that the “Matriarch of Metal” is without question one of the most incendiary artists on the scene today.
Despite all the obstacles presented during the Covid-19 pandemic, Granny (aka Terry LeRoi) managed to link up with longtime producer/collaborater David Bendeth and create a slew of new material, including a cover of Ronnie James Dio’s “Stand Up And Shout” under the name “LeRoi XIII”. The track featured performances by Will Hunt and Troy McLawhorn (Evanescence), Aaron Pauley (Of Mice & Men), and guitarist Sammy Boller. The cover was met with rave reviews and is currently generating hundreds of thousands of streams/views with all proceeds being donated to Dio's SUAS charity.
All of that wood shedding and hard work from 2020 has paid off with a forthcoming string of new singles throughout 2021, the first of which is “The Art Of Deception.” And while this powerful track most certainly rocks, it’s the music video that puts it over the top:
The video was shot in an old castle on the Hudson River called “Greystone Court.” Master videographers David Brodsky and Allison Woest from My Good Eye Visuals did a breathtaking job capturing the dark essence of the track. Brodsky explains “We shot filming in super-slow-motion, we were able to capture our stellar cast’s interpretive dances, bringing the song to life visually and expressively. It was a remarkably entertaining shoot and we’re all quite proud of the result.”
LeRoi explains, “The character of Granny is inspired by horror movies, villains and anti-heroes. If you take a closer look inside, there are psychological components to this alter ego that give it depth. It’s the perfect vehicle for me to express my disdain for stereotypes and intolerance. But it also gives me equal satisfaction on the theatrical and musical side.” Terry continued “Granny’s extended family (the fans)relate to not only the sheer visual insanity of G4B but in grand heavy metal fashion there’s an element of danger that says I really like this but I’m kind of afraid of it as well! (laughs) They embrace the idea of a surrogate witch-like metal Granny who kicks ass, loves them equally but doesn’t hesitate to dish out scathing proclamations against evil and injustice. Granny 4 Barrel succinctly delivers the message “Never judge a book by its cover!”
"Writing this track with David Bendeth was a great experience,” explains LeRoi. “We delved into darker waters and were able to explore and stretch out musically and vocally. I believe we hit upon a theme a lot of folks can relate to “The Art Of Deception” begs the question, ‘Who do you really trust?’ Your leaders…your friends? Beware infiltrators among us - they are wolves in sheep‘s clothing!’ It’s an honor to share this menacing track with all of the rock ‘n’ roll children!”
First breaking onto the scene with the track “Freak Flag” G4B then toured extensively and received heavy rotation on terrestrial and satellite radio with the track "Nitro Sexy". Most of the singles were accompanied by outrageous videos, including “She Likes Guns" which was directed by the one and only Stormy Daniels. Now Granny 4 Barrel is ready to take 2021 full-on with hands down their best work yet– the first strike being a can't miss with “The Art Of Deception.”
Atlanta, GA hard rock heralders Pistols At Dawn has shared details of their forthcoming debut EP Nocturnal Youth which they’ll self-release on May 7.
The EP was recorded with producer Jeff Tomei (Smashing Pumpkins, Matchbox 20) and mastered by engineer Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More) and features four heavy-hitting electrified tracks that exemplify their uniquely powerful sound.
Tracklisting:
"Voices"
"Crown"
"Now Is The Time"
"Gone Black"
Pistols At Dawn has unveiled the instantly memorable melodic debut single “Voices” with an up-close-and-personal music video highlighting their intense live presence.
“‘Voices’ is a song about trying to quiet the voices in one’s head and the voices around us,” explains Pistols At Dawn in a joint statement. “We live in a world where everyone has a voice, and it can be hard to find the real truth. It's about focusing on self-reflection and drawing a line in the sand to weed out all the nonsense. The video for the song is all about intimacy--it’s meant to bring the listener up close so they can see and feel our emotion and expression as we expel the voices through our playing. Connection is everything to us, and we want our listeners to see and feel what we feel. Raw emotion and passion—that’s how we connect.”
Pistols At Dawn was originally formed in 2015 but disintegrated after the tragic passing of guitarist Mike Buffa in 2018. The band reformed in 2019 with founding members, drummer Adam Jaffe, guitarist Devin White and bassist Billy Sullivan while adding Tommy Richardson on guitars and VH1 Rockstar Supernova finalist Chris Pierson on vocals.
Taking inspiration from universal hard rock acts such as Godsmack, Breaking Benjamin and Disturbed, the quintet headed to Cock The Walk studio in their hometown of Atlanta with Tomei in early 2020 to record three new singles that displayed their heart-pumping, radio-ready sound which they released later that year.
For further details, visit Pistols At Dawn on Facebook.
Escape The Fate have dropped "Unbreakable" from their seventh studio album Chemical Warfare, due April 16 via Better Noise Music. Stream or download "Unbreakable" here.
With an infectious chorus about resilience, the track, accompanied by an epic animated lyric video from Toon53 Productions, continues the group's momentum of high-energy, empowering releases leading up to the full LP.
Like the rest of the songs on Chemical Warfare, "Unbreakable" was produced by John Feldmann (Blink-182, Panic! At the Disco, The Used) and co-produced by the band's lead guitarist Kevin "Thrasher" Gruft.
"'Unbreakable' is about finding power in your life rather than just trying to fight your way through circumstances," the band said. "There's a theme of triumph and being victorious over the things that used to control you in this upcoming album."
Chemical Warfare, the band's forthcoming, seventh studio album, slated for an April 16 release, was produced with John Feldmann (Panic! At The Disco, 5 Seconds Of Summer, The Used) and co-produced by the band's own Thrasher. It continues the showcase of the band's unique skill of redefining genre and blending it with their signature hard rock sound, delivering an arsenal of driving bangers and melodic ballads. The critical acclaim of newly released singles with Blink-182’s Travis Barker and violinist Lindsey Stirling are a testament that Chemical Warfare is the sound of a band at their most powerful, most resilient, and most comfortable in their own skin.
Tracklisting:
"Lightning Strike"
"Invincible" (feat. Lindsey Stirling)
"Unbreakable"
"Chemical Warfare"
"Erase You"
"Not My Problem" (feat. Travis Barker)
"Burn The Bridges"
"Demons"
"Hand Grenade"
"Ashes (Broken World)"
"My Gravity"
"Walk On"
WarCall stands for all the fights we are fighting on a daily basis. It represents the struggle in life, the challenges we have to rise to. We get called to war every day and it is up to us to step up and face our fears. The DIY Canadian quartet heeds this mantra, consistently pushing boundaries with their fast, dramatic metal music. Their forthcoming endeavour, the first of two EPs to be released in 2021, Dead End Pt. 1 embodies that drive.
The lead single and music video from this EP is “The Chase”, which follows the narrative of vengeance, a man becomes unhealthy and takes pleasure in making his neighbor suffer. He sinks into a bottomless abyss that leads to his own downfall. The band explains their experience creating the song:
“The Chase is straight up, in your face WarCall. It is the last song we wrote and recorded for the album. The video was really fun to shoot, in the few weeks of 2020 when we could have a social life and see each other. Epic day. We played the song live, in the barn, with a real PA and everything. Over the 12 takes, we were really sweaty and exhausted at the end! The actors and the director were really into their roles and the band was following along, beer-drinking and helping the best we could, but mostly, enjoying the day.”
Instead of waiting for a full length to be done, WarCall is releasing two EPs, the first as Dead End Pt. 1 making it the fifth release from the band, which will be followed up with Dead End pt. 2 later this year, both were written, performed, recorded, mixed and mastered entirely by the band. The first part is in-your-face, old-school-inspired metal, whereas the second part will be more progressive and atmospheric.
Totally authentic, with a wide range of influences ranging from old school death metal to classic rock, WarCall is recommended for fans of Motörhead, Metallica, and Dissection.
BraveWords is premiering the video for “The Chase”; check it out below:
Dead End Pt. 1 will only be released digitally on April 23, 2021 via Plan B Music.
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