Thomas Zwijsen has released the new video below, featuring an acoustic classical fingerstyle guitar cover of Iron Maiden's "Deja Vu", from the band's 1986-released album, Somewhere In Time.
"Maiden Voyage" is a new original composition by Zwijsen, performed on his signature acoustic guitar. This new original song song holds elements of classical music, baroque, impressionistic, flamenco and heavy metal. Tabs and video lessons of this song are available at this location.
Latvian hard rockers, Bloody Heels, have released a "live from the studio" video for "Ignitte The Sky", a track from their new album, Ignite The Sky, out now via Frontiers Music Srl. Watch the clip below, and order the album here.
Formed in 2012 in Riga, Latvia, Bloody Heels have a musical style that could be best described as a sort of missing link between Crashdïet and Crazy Lixx, with heavier elements like early W.A.S.P. and Kissin’ Dynamite. The band have already made a name for themselves with the EP Summer Nights (2014) and the album Through Mystery (2017). They’ve played shows all around Europe including Sweden, Finland, Norway, Germany, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, and the Baltic States.
Tracklisting:
"Ignite The Sky"
"Criminal Masterminds"
"No Matter"
"Sugar & Spice"
"Farewell To Yesterday"
"Black Swan"
"Stand Your Ground"
"Thin Line"
"Silhouette"
"Healing Waters"
"Streets Of Misery"
As the festive season approaches, Basement Torture Killings want to make sure that everyone has been keeping up with their lessons in murder. To that end they have employed the good people of Belgian animated art company, Shit Knuckles, to create a violent new visual education tool to accompany the track "Public Displays Of Aggression". This spirited endeavour will have you murdering away under the mistletoe in a frenzy of gory celebration!
Note that the video is age restricted due to extreme content, so will require a user sign-in to view.
The audio version of "Public Displays Of Aggression" can be found on the album Lessons In Murder, which BTK released through Bizarre Leprous Production in May 2020.
"2020 has been a nightmare," says UK rockers Collateral. "But through everything you guys have stood by us. Check out the alternative video for 'Can't Hold Me Down' with a few familiar faces. Keep playing, keep streaming via this link and we'll see you on the other side."
Collateral are back with a vengeance with their most powerfully uplifting and empowering single to date “Can’t Hold Me Down”. The new single, released by Roulette Media on November 26 is now available at this location.
The single was recorded and produced by Collateral and mixed by Grammy nominated producer and engineer Romesh Dodangoda (Bring Me The Horizon, Funeral For A Friend, Motorhead).
“Can’t Hold Me Down” is also the first piece of new material to feature Collateral’s expanded six-piece lineup which includes new members Robert Fenning (keyboards) and Louis Malagodi (guitar), alongside original members Angelo Tristan (lead vocals, guitar), Todd Winger (guitar), Jack Bentley-Smith (bass), and Ben Atkinson (drums).
The new single symbolises hope in a world that has seen industries, businesses and even families collapse in recent months due to the pandemic. "Can’t Hold Me Down"’s message inspires individuals to always be their best, no matter what the obstacles are, no matter what is thrown at them.
Says Collateral frontman Angelo Tristan, “Many bands were struck hard at the start of the year, with Collateral being struck half way through their debut album tour that reached Top 5 in the Official UK Rock Charts. So, there is no surprise that frustration would lead to an empowering full out rock song that would hopefully inspire people across the world to keep focus on the light at the end of the tunnel… and that is exactly what they have done.”
“Can’t Hold Me Down is a song that has many layers and stories that ultimately comes back to one thing, ‘I won’t be held down’,” continues Angelo. Starting with the lyric, “I used to be the one with my head in the clouds, chasing the dream to write the perfect rhyme,” to the monstrous multi-voice Queen style chorus with “You Can’t Hold Me Down.”
“We didn’t want to write a typical Covid song. What’s the point?” admits Angelo. “The 6 o’clock news is doing that for you day in day out. People don’t need that right now. Some people might see this as a rebellious track. Maybe it is. Our intention is only to try and inspire people to get through the other side of this with a track that brings comfort and a hard pounding beat.”
“Can’t Hold Me Down” is different from the other singles that we have released. It’s less angry than “Lullaby”, it’s more modern than “Mr Big Shot”, it has more balls than “Midnight Queen”, and it completely contradicts “Merry Go Round”. I think our fans are beginning to see a variation starting to appear in our sound and writing which is keeping everyone on their toes, including the band.”
In support of their upcoming livestream event, Trans-Siberian Orchestra are streaming "Queen Of The Winter Night" from The Lost Christmas Eve (2004). Listen below:
In August, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) was forced to make the heartbreaking announcement that, for the first time in more than 20 years, the group will not be able to tour during the holiday season. The multi-platinum, critically acclaimed, progressive rock group, is proud to make an exciting announcement today - to keep its rock holiday tradition alive, TSO will bring a performance right into fans' homes with the world premiere of its first-ever livestream event, Christmas Eve And Other Stories Live In Concert, on Friday, December 18.
TSO performing an all-new staging of its beloved album Christmas Eve And Other Stories, means that fans, despite missing so much in 2020, won't have to miss their favorite holiday tradition. This electrifying livestream will bring some much-needed rockin’ Christmas spirit to fans everywhere. In addition to the full album concert, fans will view special pre-show content including behind-the-scenes footage and classic interview segments.
General public sale is on now. Keeping the TSO tradition of offering huge entertainment value for a low ticket price, advance tickets for TSO’s “Christmas Eve and Other Stories Live In Concert'' will be offered as a family-friendly $30 all-in ticket. For fans unable to view the livestream’s debut on Fri., Dec. 18, TSO will make the performance available for streaming on demand through midnight on Sun., Dec. 20. In addition to purchasing the stream, fans will have the option to purchase gift packages, including T-shirts, ornaments, and masks, plus livestream tickets can be sent digitally to friends and family as presents. For more details and to purchase tickets and packages, visit trans-siberian.com.
TSO’s Music Director & lead guitarist Al Pitrelli said, “So many things have changed in 2020. Masks, social distancing, home schooling, and of course live entertainment. What will not change is all of us being able to celebrate the holidays together. It will just be in a different way. For 21 years we’ve had the privilege of bringing our tours, including Christmas Eve And Other Stories, to hundreds of cities and millions of people. This year we will bring this timeless story to your living rooms. We will miss seeing all of you in person, but like Paul O’Neill always said, ‘adapt, overcome, and improvise.’ That’s exactly what we are going to do. This will be an opportunity to see your favorite holiday story up close and personal. We can’t wait to share this with all of you. In the meantime... Stay safe. Stay healthy. We’re on our way!”
This special event will bring together members of both the East and West bands for the first time since 2000 when TSO first began touring with two full groups. For the livestream, Bryan Hicks will narrate and Al Pitrelli (guitar) and Derek Wieland (keyboards) will serve as musical directors. The band will feature Chris Caffery (guitar), Mee Eun Kim (keyboards), Johnny Lee Middleton (bass), Asha Mevlana (violin), and Jeff Plate (drums). Vocalists will be Russell Allen, Nate Amor, John Brink, Erika Jerry, Chloe Lowery, Georgia Napolitano, and Jeff Scott Soto.
A product of the vision and imagination of TSO’s late founder, composer, and lyricist Paul O’Neill, Christmas Eve And Other Stories gave birth to the unique format O’Neill called “Rock Theater.” The story is set on Christmas Eve when a young angel is sent to Earth to bring back what is best representative of humanity. Following favorite TSO themes of “strangers helping strangers” and “the kindness of others,” “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” takes listeners all over the world to help reunite a young girl with her distraught father. The album features such fan-favorites as both of which have not been performed live in recent years. The rock opera also features such TSO classics as "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24," "O’ Come All Ye Faithful," "Good King Joy," "Promises To Keep," "This Christmas Day," “Ornament,” and the epic “Old City Bar.”
The debut studio album of Christmas Eve And Other Stories is available as a part of "The Christmas Trilogy," a three-album collection that also includes definitive TSO albums The Christmas Attic and The Lost Christmas Eve. "The Trilogy," which has been out of print for several years, will be available on November 20, and is available for pre-order now.
Since its historic touring debut, TSO has played approximately 2,100 concert dates for more than 17 million fans and has sold in excess of 12 million albums and DVDs.
Better Noise Music recording artist, and critically acclaimed rapper/singer, Hyro The Hero has released his new single and music video for "Fight", featuring Chad Gray, lead singer of metal band HELLYEAH.
Hyro's dramatic and powerful single "We Believe" was released earlier this year and features DISTURBED frontman David Draiman. "Fight" is the perfect next step.
The incendiary song is an aggressive combination of metal and rap, two styles of music that Hyro has made his reputation on. Gray is featured and he and Hyro create a powerfully charged call-and-response vibe that never lets up.
The song kicks off with a distorted heavy lead guitar, followed by drums along with Gray's belted vocals providing an energetic backdrop for Hyro's infectious style of rapping. The combination feels otherworldly when they sing, "All we need is a miracle, these conditions are livable, before I turn criminal, the situation is critical." The feeling is pure energy which feels like a cry to the heavens for change. The song slows a bit as it gears up for the next vocal assault.
Hyro talks about the inspiration for this song: "'Fight' is all about motivation. That extra kick in the ass you need when the going gets tough. I wanted to be that voice that lifts you up when you are feeling down. That's what 'Fight' represents."
Chad says: "I had such a blast getting in the studio recording this song with Hyro. The verses he wrote were so compelling to me. I knew right when I heard it, that this is the track I wanted to be a part of. I'm so proud of Hyro and this track. And it's always nice when the melody and lyrics write themselves. That's always the sign of a great song."
Hyro is equally passionate about Chad being featured on the song. "Being able to share this amazing track with Chad just makes the song even more epic," he says. "He has always been a huge supporter and a great homie ever since we met in England years ago. Once he got a hold of this track, he did not hesitate to record it. He felt it, got on the mic, and killed it."
The video for this powerful track adds to the motivational aspect of the song. Hyro and Chad stalk the boxing gym, trading lines alongside the band's energetic live performance. This rap/metal tour de force song and video can be seen across all DSPs, YouTube and other platforms.
In addition to acclaim from Kerrang!, BBC, Revolver and Afropunk, Alternative Press retrospectively praised Hyro among "19 Underrated Bands From The 2010s Who Deserve Another Listen" and claimed, "You know that band who other groups flock to so they can watch from the side of the stage? That's Hyro."
After non-stop touring in support of his last album, Hyro dove right into the studio with producer Matt Good (ASKING ALEXANDRIA, HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, FROM FIRST TO LAST). Under a flurry of inspiration, they recorded an entire album over the course of just two weeks. In the process, he expanded his sound dramatically.
"You can see and hear the growth in this album," he says. "I had to go through everything that brought me to this point and I've really learned how to focus on storylines and approach records structurally and lyrically. All of my experience built up respect to work with some of my heroes on the new material." He grins and says: "I want to have my name in this game for a lifetime."
SEPULTURA drummer Eloy Casagrande has uploaded a video of him playing along to the classic METALLICA song "Battery". Check it out below.
In a statement accompanying the YouTube release of the video, Eloy wrote: "I played my way!!! No audio editing, no samples, no triggers. Audio recorded with the EAD10 plugged straight to my phone (using the device's camera to record the video). I believe the original song was recorded without a click track, which means that the tempo is volatile."
This past February, SEPULTURA singer Derrick Green told Australia's Everblack Media that Casagrande has had "a tremendous impact" on the group since he joined in 2011. "It's undeniable because he's such a strong force," he said. "He loves playing metal music. He's one of the most talented drummers I've ever seen, honestly. That power is consistent from beginning to the end. It really has rubbed off on all of us to really push ourselves further. He's such a perfect match for the band. He really is always influencing us in so many ways to really go beyond — above and beyond."
Casagrande joined SEPULTURA as the replacement for Jean Dolabella.
Last month, METALLICA's Lars Ulrich said that he is no longer bothered by people's criticism of his drumming abilities. Speaking to METALLICA's So What! fan-club magazine, the Danish-born musician said: "I've got to tell you, 20 years later, 30 years later, it just doesn't register anymore. I am so comfortable with who I am, I'm so comfortable with who METALLICA is, I'm so comfortable with our place in all of it. I've got an incredible wife, three great kids, my dad and [his partner] Molly, incredible friends, and lots of cool acquaintances. It's all good. I've got nothing left to prove, so it just doesn't register anymore."
Back in 2016, Ulrich, who has gotten a lot of flak over the years from people who accused him of being a poor drummer, told the "Talk Is Jericho" podcast that he went through a period in the mid-1980s "that probably culminated in the '…[And] Justice [For All]' album where I felt sort of compelled to try to show ability."
According to Lars, part of the reason for him feeling insecure about his abilities was the increased competition from some of his peers.
"Listen, when you've got Dave Lombardo and Charlie Benante breathing down your back, it was, like, 'Okay, I've gotta…' I tried to step it up a little bit and tried to do my own thing and do all this crazy shit," he said. "I was trying really hard to push the drums kind of into the foreground. And then, after like a year or two of that, I was, like, 'Okay. Seriously? Just do your thing. Chill out. Support the riffs. Do what's best for the song.' So since around I guess the late '80s — so I guess it's been, like, 25 years now — the only thing that's really interested me is just doing the best thing for the song."
Asked in a 2008 interview with U.K.'s Rhythm magazine if he was troubled by the fact that he's gotten a lot of flak over the years from people who accused him of being a poor drummer, Lars said: "It used to, back in the day — and I spent a lot of time overcompensating for that on the early records. But then you wake up one day and you're like, whatever. It hasn't bothered me for [many] years. I'm no Joey Jordison, I'm no Mike Portnoy, and I have nothing but love and respect and admiration for all those guys. When I hear some of the young dudes, they blow my mind with what they can do with their feet and stuff — but it's not something that makes me go, 'I need to feel better about myself so I'm gonna learn how to do what they do with my feet.' I'm not a particularly accomplished drummer but I am very, very, very good at understanding the role of the drums next to James Hetfield's rhythm guitar. I guarantee you I'm the best guy in the world for that, and that's enough for me!"
Ulrich stated about his playing ability in a 2012 interview with DRUM! magazine: "I usually feel like I've regressed. [Laughs] I'm like, 'Why can't I do that anymore?'" He continued: "I can't say that I necessarily sit down to practice, like, 'I'm going to play and practice so I can get better.' What happens is that I just sit down and kind of play to just more stay in shape."
Ulrich added: "You know, METALLICA was up to two or three months off [in 2011], and I would sit down, I have an iPod next to my drums so I can play along to all kind of crazy stuff, and try to see if I can land in the same zip code of some of that stuff occasionally. But I can't say that I sit down to necessarily practice to sort of get better. For most of my stuff, it's about listening and about interpreting stuff that I'm listening to. So all the kind of sitting down and, you know, 'Now I'm going to do thirty-second-note paradiddles standing on my head — you know what I mean? I don't do that kind of stuff so much. For me it's more about the regimen of staying in shape, running every day, eating healthy, you know, being on top of that side of it."
Blind Guardian release the special 25th anniversary edition of their Imaginations From The Other Side album today (December 11th). This edition contains live recordings and other special versions of the Blind Guardian classics featured on the album.
"A brilliant album celebrates its 25th anniversary and it is great to celebrate this in such a bombastic manner. Luckily we filmed our 2016 show in Oberhausen when we performed the entire album live. This is the perfect moment for us to present this masterpiece in so many different ways. An ideal resurrection of precious memories long gone, but not forgotten. This album is made for eternity… I hope. Enjoy", says vocalist Hansi Kürsch.
Today, the band reveals a new live clip for their song "Another Holy War".
Hansi Kürsch comments: "There are songs that carry albums and others that are seen more as a filler. At least that’s the case for most bands, so they say. But there are always exceptions to the rule; one of which is Blind Guardian and Imaginations From The Other Side is the ultimate exception. It is all killer, no filler. The thing I can say about ‚Another Holy War‘ can be said for all of the songs on the album, which is that the song is awesome. Period.
It’s funny how during the recording of Imaginations …, every band member underestimated the song in terms of its complexity - severely underestimated! We thought of 'Another Holy War' as a rather simple song, which was a typical error of judgement. At the same time, we thought of ourselves as flawless. That too was an error of judgement, at least in some parts. The price we had to pay for our juvenile arrogance was blisters on our hands, strained fingers and worn-out vocal cords. Still, we pulled it together in the end, and its thanks to Flemming Rasmussen you can’t hear our issues in the final result. I’m repeating myself here, but 'Another Holy War' is awesome. Seriously. The song isn’t only challenging because of its speed, and 25 years later not much has changed about that. But you grow with your challenges. Give us another 25 years and we’ll master it just perfectly. I promise."
Imaginations From The Other Side 25th anniversary edition will be available in the following formats:
- Earbook (40p Earbook LiveCD, RemixedCD, original instrumental/demos CD, Blu-ray - limited to 2000)
- CD-Boxset (Box incl. 40p Earbook (LiveCD, RemixedCD, original instrumental/demos CD, Blu-ray) + puzzle - limited to 1000)
- 2LP Black Vinyl
- 2LP Picture Vinyl (limited to 1000)
- 2LP Burgundy Vinyl (limited to 500)
- 2LP Pearl White Vinyl (limited to 500)
- 2LP Bronze Vinyl - Band Exclusive (limited to 300)
Levara and Mascot Records present “Chameleon,” the second song to be revealed from the band’s debut studio album coming in 2021. View the accompanying music video below.
The recording features a special contribution from Steve Perry on background and group vocals, while the accompanying music video presents more than forty friends of the band appearing singing the song simply expressing themselves in a natural sense. Amongst those appearing are tastemaker Matt Pinfield, boxer Victor Ortiz, multiple band members of Toto, alongside many others sharing a common humanity driven by the power of song.
Singer Jules Galli offers, “The metaphor of being a chameleon in our human society is something we can all relate to in our own way. The chameleon learns to blend in as a means of survival... he’s got to stay invisible to predators while preying on his next meal. To me, the song is so deep that the meaning of the song keeps evolving through time. Within our authenticity lies our real power. Break free from this mode of survival and let yourself be seen, heard and accepted.” Drummer Josh Devine shares, “Chameleon is one of my personal favorites on our debut record. The meaning to me personally speaks to the idea that I don’t want to just be another chameleon, blending in to fit in with the worlds agenda to be liked or loved for someone I am not. It may be the path of least resistance, but at what cost? Stand out and be YOU! Loud and proud. I’d rather be hated for who I really am, then loved for who I’m not!”
Guitarist Trev Lukather reveals, “Chameleon was one of the last songs we wrote and laid down in the studio. Originally it was supposed to be a deluxe track but we knew as we were writing and starting to build it, that it was an undeniable anthem that moved its way up as a serious contender on the album. My long-time friend Steve Perry who was a huge presence on this record brought a lot to the table on this track. He brought his legendary power house vocals on the BGVs and group vocals. He and I built the epic bridge solo together. He even sang on top of the guitar solo melody. It was a spiritual experience making this song and it has such a spiritual meaning to it.”
The music video was produced and directed by Jake Hays and Olivia DeLaurentis. Trev Lukather offers, “The video we made for Chameleon shows how we all blend together. We all have our unique qualities and they are beautiful, we are beautiful. Truly showing we are one race, the human race. We had our close friends from all different backgrounds come by and sing a pass through the song. No direction other than sing along and be you. The song brought nothing but connection, happiness and love out of everyone that took the time to be a part of it. You can clearly see that in the video. Everyone shines. We all do and that’s the truth. Let’s love together, enough with the pointless hate.”
Josh Devine echoes these thoughts stating, “The video really captures the notion that we are all different and beautiful, and we should be celebrating that! I’m excited for the world to hear this!” Jules Galli adds, “I am so grateful for everyone involved in this video and thankful for Steve Perry in lending us his genius on this very special song.”
SOEN, the progressive heavy rock group featuring world-renowned drummer Martin Lopez (formerly of AMON AMARTH and OPETH), will release its fifth album, "Imperial", on January 29, 2021 via Silver Lining Music. The official music video for the latest single, "Monarch", can be seen below.
"'Monarch' is an epic, dynamic song about the traditional attributes of mankind. The belief that showing compassion and kindness is a sign of weakness," explains Lopez. "The lack of direction and guidance in society is turning younger generations into violent and destructive creatures," adds vocalist Joel Ekelöf, "because they are living in an age where bullies are kings and the rest are prey."
On the making of the video, Lopez comments: "Making videos is a difficult task because it means that you need to hand over the control of your music to someone on the outside. You want to make a video that not only represents the lyrical content but that also captures the atmosphere and emotion of the song and for that you need to find a producer that has the capability of understanding and transforming all these words and notes into images and I think we found the right person in Daniele Berretta… It was a pleasure to work with him and we're very happy with how the video turned out."
"Imperial" continues SOEN's unique journey through the psyche of our species and the conundrum of our times. Founding members Ekelöf and Lopez, along with Lars Enok Åhlund (keyboards and guitar), Oleksii "Zlatoyar" Kobel (bass) and Cody Ford (lead guitar) have never shied away from challenging perceptions of life and humanity and have conjured eight crisp and supremely constructed songs spanning themes of frustration, reflection and hope. "Imperial" is the most fierce and dynamic release of SOEN's journey, one which continues to be deeply therapeutic for both the group's dedicated followers and the band themselves.
Lopez states: "In my life, I try to be as real as possible, but I think that the music, and nature, of SOEN are the only place that I really, really feel I can be myself. When you're home, doing music, writing lyrics, that is where you really get to express yourself without any judgement and with total freedom."
Produced by Iñaki Marconi and the band, "Imperial" was mixed and mastered by Kane Churko, who has worked with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne and Bob Dylan, giving songs such as "Illusion", "Modesty" and the epic closer "Fortune" a dimension and richness which will reach yet more ears and minds. The power and poetry of SOEN's dynamics are honed more now than ever, something which is perversely a product of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It has obviously been a crazy, terrible thing for everyone, and for us as a band it has been really frustrating not being able to play shows," says Martin, "but also it has given us a clear window of opportunity to realize this album completely. We were able to spend 12 hours a day for many months bringing 'Imperial' to the place we truly wanted, mainly working on the groove and flow of the album."
Lead single "Antagonist" storms through the gates with a massive heavy riff of intent, followed by an epic blend of strength, beauty and defiance of all the world's darkest power mongers, captured in the lyrics "Dependency dampens the wild / Inequity weighs down the motion of progress / Life isn't just to survive."
"We will always be a band that has the old will to fight for freedom and all the important things in life, the people, the underdog," says Lopez. "You have to take on the big question marks such as what the fuck are we doing with our lives and where's the empathy. Why do we keep on testing and crushing ourselves as a species?"
"Imperial" track listing:
01. Lumerian
02. Deceiver
03. Monarch
04. Illusion
05. Antagonist
06. Modesty
07. Dissident
08. Fortune
"Imperial" is an album which will engage the listener immediately and sustain long after this crazy time has passed, its rich details destined to make it a classic metal album of this era.
"As we continue, we find inspiration in the sad fact that the world is getting more and more polarized, that it's more complex and it's not consensus or people getting along" says Ekelöf. "We continue to try and understand why and how that will affect us all."
Signum Regis are releasing a new EP, Flag Of Hope, together with a video for the title track.
"For this song, we invited our good friends, singers, who are all somehow connected to Signum Regis," begins a statement from the band. "Göran Edman was the lead singer in the early days and recorded the first and second albums with us. Mayo Petranin (Castaway, Symphonity) was our lead singer from 2014 to 2018, Matt Smith (Theocracy) and Samuel Nyman (Manimal) were our special guests on the Exodus album (2013), David Åkesson has been working with us externally since our 2019 release, The Seal Of A New World. Of course, our current lead singer, Jota Fortinho, is there too!"
"We are very happy that this little reunion took place and that we were able to make some music together again. It brought back a lot of good memories. On top of that all, we have André Hernandes (Andre Matos band) playing tasty additional lead guitar."
It's quite clear already, that the year 2020 has not been a great one, we all know that. That's why we believe a song about hope and not giving up is exactly what we all need to hear."
An amazing meeting took place on August 31, 1996. That's when Eddie Van Halen spent the day with a guy who had followed in his footsteps playing alongside David Lee Roth — Jason Becker. Jason had been diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, and was not in good shape. Van Halen came to Jason's house to give love and support — as well as a guitar — to his friend and to film an ALS awareness promotional video. During that time, Eddie told stories, talked about his creative process, and played amazing music, instantly sounding exactly like Eddie Van Halen even when playing Jason's guitar through a small practice amp.
The never-before-seen footage below shows a side of Eddie Van Halen that goes far beyond his brilliant musicianship: a sweet, caring, generous personality, devoid of the trappings of fame or rock stardom. The video also documents the incredible strength of Jason Becker, who had been deprived of his shot at fame as well as his genius guitar skills, but still found the courage and the will to battle a debilitating disease.
"Eddie was such a beautiful person," says Becker. "He was incredibly kind to me and my family. Not only was he my biggest influence, he had such a huge heart. He honestly saved my life."
This video is a must-see piece of history, not just for guitarists but for everyone. It truly shows the magic of kindness, and a depth of emotion that we can all use more of.
Becker's story is one of brilliance, talent, determination, adversity, and, ultimately, triumph. A child prodigy on guitar, Jason rose to prominence as a teenager when he was one half of the technical guitar duo CACOPHONY, with his great friend Marty Friedman. In 1989, at only 19 years old and after wowing audiences all over the world, the young virtuoso became the guitarist for David Lee Roth, following in the huge footsteps of Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. He wrote and recorded on Roth's third solo album, "A Little Ain't Enough", and was poised for superstardom when a nagging pain in his leg was diagnosed as Motor Neurone Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's Disease, the same condition Stephen Hawking lived with for over five decades. It is a fatal condition with a life expectancy of maybe five years. Maybe.
That was 30 years ago. He lost the ability to play guitar, walk, talk, and breathe on his own. But never lost his will to live or his desire to create music. Communicating through a series of eye movements with a system developed by his father, Jason spells out words as well as musical notes and chords. He imparts his musical vision to his team who then can input the notes into a computer, edit the parts to his exacting standards, and then generate charts for session musicians. His inspiring music and life story have been the subject of countless news articles and magazine cover stories.
Becker's latest album, "Triumphant Hearts", was released in December 2018 via Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Label Group. The disc features guest appearances by a who's who of six-string gods, including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert and Joe Bonamassa.
Tomorrow, December 11th, British rockers Lionheart will release the 7" single "Mary Did You Know" as strictly limited edition white vinyl. The video for the song can be seen below.
The single is not only a high quality collector's item for all melodic rock fans: 100% of the proceeds will go to the children's hospice Little Havens.
Little Havens Hospice offers palliative care and supportive care for babies, children, and teenagers with complex or incurable diseases. The hospice also offers overnight accommodation, emergency stays, symptom management, and loving care at the end of a child's life.
Little Havens must raise over £81,000 each week to help these children. Any gift, no matter how big or small, means a lot to the families Little Havens cares for. More info can be found here.
In addition to the vinyl single, the song will also be released digitally. Both versions can be ordered at this location.
Lionheart lineup:
Dennis Stratton (formerly guitarist with Iron Maiden)
Steve Mann (currently guitarist and keyboardist with Michael Schenker)
Rocky Newton (formerly bass player and backing vocalist with McAuley Schenker Group)
Clive Edwards (formerly drummer with UFO, Wild Horses, and Uli Roth)
Lee Small (formerly lead vocalist with Shy and Phenomena)
After the first retrospective The Chronicles Of Eden (2007), Edenbridge, one of the most unique bands in their genre, deliver their second "Best Of" album, right on time to their 20th anniversary. The Chronicles Of Eden Part 2 is the quintessence of the studio albums 5-10 and again it was up to the fans to vote for their favourite tracks of each album.
Creative mastermind/multi-instrumentalist Lanvall: "The voting was not a major surprise and is more or less identical to the songs, we would also have chosen. Therefore 4 tracks of each album could be covered along with some older all out of print bonus tracks."
As a surprise, there are two new recorded acoustic versions of the hits "Higher" (over 4 million views on YouTube) and "Paramount" featured, among the Easter Version 2020 of the song "Dynamind", re-recorded by Sabine Edelsbacher.
Lanvall: "It was extremely fun to turn 'Higher' into a nearly jazzy piano/vocal version showing a different side of us, formerly unknown. 'Paramount' was one of the absolute fan favourites and so it was near to transform that song too and let it shine in a new light."
The 150 minutes of the double album cover the big range of the symphonic metal sound and the compositional substance and consistency, Edenbridge has been standing for 20 years. Atmospherically dense compositions, directed mainly by Lanvall and vocalist Sabine Edelsbacher, which combine melodies and grooves, toughness and sensitivity, emotions and intellect, spirit and the subconscious mind in a unique way.
The band has released an official lyric video for "Tauerngold", taken from the album. Check it out below.
The atmospheric artwork for The Chronicles Of Eden Part 2 was inspired by a vision, singer Sabine had, linking the spiritual awakening to an Aurora Borealis.
Sabine: "After an own spiritual experience a couple of years ago and without an explainable reason, I felt a deep connection to the name Aurora. Subsequently I concerned myself with what the name stands for and relating it now to a heart quality, which might lead us to higher consciousness. Especially when there is a lot of negativity in the room, a possibility for transformation exists, through recognition and acceptance, respectively the self-responsibility for one's own feelings. Edenbridge always followed this path and especially now it is even more important to get into the own truthfulness."
The graphic direction of the cover artwork was again in the hands of drummer Johannes Jungreithmeier, who developed into the creative visual pole of the band since his entrance into the band in 2016. All tracks were produced by Lanvall and mixed by Threshold mastermind Karl Groom, with whom the band has been collaborating for 15 years now.
The Chronicles Of Eden Part 2 will be released worldwide through Steamhammer/SPV on January 15 as 2CD digipak version, download and stream. Pre-order here.
Tracklisting:
CD1
"Higher"
"On The Other Side"
"Shiantara"
"Alight A New Tomorrow"
"Until The End Of Time"
"Shadowplay"
"The Greatest Gift Of All"
"Dynamind (Easter 2020 Version) *Previously Unreleased
"Brothers On Diamir"
"Paramount (Acoustic Version 2020) *Previously Unreleased
"Tauerngold"
"The Bonding"
CD2
"Live And Let Go"
"Mystic River"
"Myearthdream Suite (For Guitar And Orchestra)"
"The Moment Is Now"
"Skyline's End (Solitaire)
"The Memory Hunter"
"Remember Me"
"Inward Passage"
"Paramount"
"Higher (Acoustic Version 2020)" *Previously Unreleased
Canadian rockers Storm Force - featuring Brighton Rock guitarist Greg Fraser - are streaming their cover of "Last Christmas".
Says the band: "We thought it might be fun to jam out a Christmas song to maybe help put a little positivity back in this world. Picking the song was the tough part. Our bass player Mike insisted it should be Wham's 'Last Christmas' because no one's really ever rocked that one up before. We literally banged this song out (drums, guitars, bass & vocals) in less than 2 hours. Our attitude was, "if it sucks, we won't release it!" We're quite happy with the results. So here it is, we hope you enjoy it & we wish you all a Merry Christmas!"
Puscifer, whose new album, Existential Reckoning (Alchemy Recordings/Puscifer Entertainment/BMG), arrives on physical formats (vinyl/CD/cassette) today, have released a video for “Bedlamite”.
“Sometimes wisdom can come to us from the most unexpected places,” says Maynard James Keenan. “Occasionally we find the simple reassuring words of the Buddha flowing through the mouth of a child or an old drunk uncle. Just gotta be ready to hear them. #wibble”
The clip features performance footage from the band’s recent record-breaking livestream event, Existential Reckoning: Live at Arcosanti. The outing, which debuted on Octoer 30 and was available for the following week, found Puscifer in the heart of the Arizona dessert, surrounded by the uniquely “utopian metropolis” that Architectural Digest described as looking like “the sublime set of a big-budget sci-fi movie.”
"Bread And Circus"
"Apocalyptical"
"The Underwhelming"
"Grey Area 5.1"
"Theorem"
"UPGrade"
"Bullet Train To Iowa"
"Personal Prometheus"
"A Singularity
"Postulous""
"Fake Affront"
"Bedlamite"
MSG have released an official music video for "After The Rain" (feat. Michael Voss), from the band's new album, Immortal, out January 8 via Nuclear Blast. Watch below.
"The song 'After The Rain' was coming out of the blue. I have never done a power ballad before. Michael Voss wrote some of the lyrics and vocal melodies, after I had put down my musical composition on backing track for this song. The next morning Michael Voss played me what he had sang to it and I said: 'This is so beautiful, only you can sing this song and it turned out amazing'," comments Michael Schenker.
"This is an outstanding mellow tuned power ballad with some unique Michael Schenker clean picking guitar style. When I first listened to Michaels rough sketches, I was singing a kinda ‚lala‘ melody that automatically drove me into the line 'say have you been lonely,...‘ - from there I felt it must deal about a sad loss and a departure of a big love... but there will be sun and light... after the rain," adds Michael Voss.
MSG is a legendary name. After two phenomenal records under the guise of Michael Schenker Fest, a true guitar hero is returning to his roots. By forming Michael Schenker Group (MSG) back in 1979, Michael Schenker laid the foundations for one of hard rock’s most glorious solo careers of all times. And while nobody expected anything less from a former guitarist for Scorpions and UFO, it’s close to impossible mentioning everything Michael has built over the past 50 years, or the countless people he influenced or played with. This, truly, is the stuff that hard rocking myths are made of.
“I never looked back,” is how Michael dryly sums up an extraordinary career. Due to this mindset, he only realised much later what a huge impact his playing had made on the world of metal and hard rock. Very few guitarists can be cited as a primary influence for the likes of James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Dave Mustaine, Dimebag Darrell, Slash or Kerry King. However, to understand Michael Schenker means to understand one primary thing: he’s not here to be worshipped or adored, he’s not here to get rich, he’s here to play. And at 65, he’s doing it with the same swagger, verve and dizzying artistry as always. “I’m still 16 in my head,” he laughs.
Right in time for his 40th anniversary as a solo artist and his 50th birthday as a musician, he resurrects the immortal Michael Schenker Group. Immortal is also the name of his new album, recorded by likely the strongest line-up in his long history. Its a lightning bolt of an album that sounds fresh, bloodthirsty and agile. Immortal showcases the gargantuan vocal talents of Chilean hard rock prodigy Ronnie Romero (Rainbow), backed by singers Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Joe Lynn Turner (ex-Deep Purple) as well as Schenker’s brother in arms, Michael Voss (Mad Max) who again produced the record alongside Michael Schenker – flawlessly, punchy and at full steam as if their very lives depended on it.
Next to Michael Schenker caressing his iconic black and white Dean Flying V, we hear bass player Barry Sparks (Dokken), keyboard player Steve Mann as well as the three drummers Bodo Schopf, Simon Phillips (ex-Toto) and Brian Tichy (ex-Whitesnake) pumping gallons of fresh blood through the tracks. And that’s not all, keyboard wizard extraordinaire Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Black Country Communion) gives the listener a baptism of fire in the blistering, heavy hitting opener “Drilled To Kill”, powered by Ralf Scheepers’ unbelievable vocal tornado.
Michael Schenker doesn’t live to play, he plays to live, and there’s no better way of summing up his relationship to his music than this – now for half a century and counting. The most emblematic representation of this relationship is the monumental closing track “In Search Of The Peace Of Mind”, a new recording of the very first song he ever wrote. “I composed this track in my mother’s kitchen back when I was 15,” he looks back half a century and smiles broadly: “The solo is just so perfect, I wouldn’t change a single note even today. This is the most important song of the last 50 years for me. It’s what started it all.”
When it finally got released in 1972 on the Scorpions’ debut Lonesome Crow, Schenker had already moved on to UFO. What followed were several decades of pure hard rock ecstasy on and off stage, featuring a rotating cast of stellar players, always pressing the pedal to the metal. Now, in 2020, he reaps what he sowed. Alongside many of his peers, friends and contemporaries, he is celebrating 50 years of hard rock – fittingly with an album that is something like a zeitgeisty reminiscence of everything he’s ever done. The massive midtempo smasher “Don’t Die On Me Now” sees Joe Lynn Turner going all in, Ronnie Romero works his magic in “Knight Of The Dead” while Michael Voss cuts a grand figure before the microphone as well as behind the mixing desk on the furious second single “After The Rain”.
Towering above them all, Michael Schenker and his guitar prove they’re truly and utterly invincible. The celebrated icon pulls out all the stops – including his legendary “howler”, the fabled magnet he’s used on his fingerboard for a while now. And here’s yet another thing that’s just so archetypically Schenker, when bringing up his fiery and dedicated performance on “Immortal” he nonchalantly shrugs it off: “I simply played from the heart, as always.” This, dear Michael, is the understatement of the year – all the more so for a record that is already one of the top contenders for hard rock/metal album of the year.
"Drilled To Kill" (feat Ralf Scheepers)
"Don’t Die On Me Now" (feat Joe Lynn Turner)
"Knight Of The Dead" (feat Ronnie Romero)
"After The Rain" (feat Michael Voss)
"Devil’s Daughter" (feat Ralf Scheepers)
"Sail The Darkness" (Feat Ronnie Romero)
"The Queen Of Thorns And Roses" (feat Michael Voss)
"Come On Over" (feat Ronnie Romero)
"Sangria Morte" (feat Joe Lynn Turner)
"In Search Of Peace Of Mind" (feat Ronnie Romero, Gary Barden,Doogie White, Robin McAuley)
Every new beginning holds its own magic: With today's release of their new single, "Beyond Reach", Devil Sold His Soul does not only announce their fourth studio album but also reveal the news that the band inked a deal with metal heavyweight Nuclear Blast Records. The first result of this collaboration, titled Loss, will see light on April 9. The album will be available in various formats. Pre-order here.
With the video for "Beyond Reach", the band showcases not only their charismatic performance skills but also gives a short glimpse on the earth-shattering riffs, huge soundscapes and soaring melodies awaiting you on Loss. Check out the video below.
Singer Paul Green states: "Our first single 'Beyond Reach' tells a story of the struggle and the impact that losing someone has, it speaks about the positive impact that individuals can have on us, and how loss can leave you unable to function. Despite the song coming from hard times, the track is positive, uplifting and carries plenty of energy. The message is far from sombre, instead it comes from a place of gratitude for having had that person in our life."
He continues about the eagerly awaited Devil Sold His Soul album: "We're incredibly excited to announce the release of our 4th album, Loss, through Nuclear Blast Records. Loss comes from a dark place for us, life was cruel in the years before and during we wrote this record, this was our fuel for the songs. Loss is an honest snapshot of that time in our lives, and it is our way of paying respect to those we loved and who are no longer with us. We couldn't be more proud of these 10 songs and where they have pushed our songwriting, and we hope they truly connect with the listener. I don't think any of us imagined when we were writing this album, that we would end up signing to the biggest metal label in the world. It's given us that added validation that we've created something special, and we now have the platform to push it to where it needs to be.The belief that the team at Nuclear Blast has shown in the record is truly humbling, we're extremely proud to be a part of this great label, and to be on a roster alongside so many bands we love and respect."
Nathan Barley Philips, Nuclear Blast A&R, adds: "When the underground kings of emotionally crushing cinematic post-metal sent me the album of their career, it was an absolute no-brainer. I just knew we had to be involved and that we had to share it with the world. This album is a true journey in every sense of the word; soaring highs that make you want to scream at the top of your lungs, and soul-shattering lows that will bring you close to tears. This is the kind of album you dream about working with. Dreams just became a reality."
Tracklisting:
"Ardour"
"Witness Marks"
"Burdened"
"Tateishi"
"The Narcissist"
"Beyond Reach"
"Signal Fire"
"Acrinomy"
"But Not Forgotten"
"Loss"
"Beyond Reach" video:
Devil Sold His Soul begin a new chapter in their highly-acclaimed career, signing to metal heavyweights Nuclear Blast Records. 2021 will see the band release their fourth studio album Loss, their first with the dual vocal attack of Ed Gibbs and Paul Green.
Devil Sold His Soul burst onto the UK underground metal and hardcore scene in 2004 growing a cult following from their first record, Darkness Prevails EP released through Visible Noise in 2005. Their debut album, A Fragile Hope, saw the band take their position as one of the most respected underground bands in the UK with their visceral and captivating live shows. Devil Sold His Soul’s sophomore album, Blessed And Cursed, elevated their sound and audience to new heights.
With Ed Gibbs departing the band early in the year, 2013 saw the first new material featuring singer Paul Green with single "Time", followed by 2014’s Belong Betray EP and 2016’s The Reckoning. After welcoming Gibbs back to sing on the 2017 A Fragile Hope anniversary tour, the band asked Gibbs to continue the dual vocals with Green for the remaining festivals and tours that year, with the lineup then becoming a permanent fixture.
2018 saw the band travel beyond Europe with their first touring in Asia, they also began to put the foundations down on what would become their new record Loss. Written about the struggles faced in recent years, Loss’treads familiar ground and explores exciting new territories for Devil Sold His Soul, including for the first time the dual vocals of Gibbs and Green on record. Recorded, engineered and mixed by guitarist Jonny Renshaw at his UK based Bandit Studios, Devil Sold His Soul have poured heart and sincerity into every atom of this their fourth album, with song writing elevated to new levels.
Devil Sold His Soul is:
Rick Chapple – Guitar, Piano
Jonny Renshaw - Guitar
Alex Wood - Drums
Jozef Norocky - Bass
Paul Green – Vocals
Ed Gibbs - Vocals
British/American metal trio, Raven, have released a new single and video for the song "Not So Easy". The song is taken from the new studio album, Metal City, which lands at #27 on BraveWords BravePicks 2020 list.
John Gallagher: “We actually shot this back in April 2019 in Los Angeles while we were doing some studio lunacy at Mike Heller's place... just a regular day at the office....lunatic style!”
The Metal City is available via SPV/Steamhammer on CD DigiPak, LP version, bundle version with shirt (only at the Steamhammer shop), download and stream. Order here.
Tracklisting:
"The Power"
"Top Of The Mountain"
"Human Race"
"Metal City"
"Battlescarred"
"Cybertron"
"Motorheadin'"
"Not So Easy"
"Break"
"When Worlds Collide"
Niji Entertainment and BMG announce the first two albums in the Dio Live Album Reissue Series with Evil Or Divine: Live In New York City and Holy Diver Live on February 12. Fans can get an early listen with two tracks launched today, a never before released, live version of “Lord Of The Last Day” and a live version of the classic “Holy Diver”. Watch a video for “Holy Diver” below.
Wendy Dio says, "I am very excited to be working with BMG, a label that still has a passion for rock music. They will be making the complete Dio catalogue available again with some interesting surprises."
Evil Or Divine: Live In New York City:
- Reissue of DIO’s long out of print 2005 live release
- Newly remastered & newly created cover art
- Limited edtion vinyl version includes lenticular 3D album sized art piece along with 3LP 180g black vinyl / triple gatefold
- Also Available in 2CD Deluxe Mediabook and 3LP 180g Black Vinyl / Triple Gatefold Standard Edition / Remastered Digital Version
- Features the complete live show experience as if you were there, including never before released version of “Lord Of The Last Day” and an amazing Simon Wright drum solo not on the original release!
- Both 3LP Vinyl Versions feature special mini 4 track bonus from the 1996-2004 studio albums featuring “This Is Your Life” (from Angry Machines), “Fever Dreams” (from Magica), “Push” (from Killing The Dragon), & “The Eyes” (from Master Of The Moon)
Lineup:
Vocals: Ronnie James Dio
Guitar: Doug Aldrich
Bass: Jimmy Bain
Drums: Simon Wright
Keyboards: Scott Warren
Tracklisting:
Side A
"Killing The Dragon"
"Egypt (The Chains Are On)"
"Push"
Side B
Drum Solo – Simon Wright
"Stand Up And Shout"
"Rock and Roll"
"Don’t Talk To Strangers"
Side C
"Man On The Silver Mountain"
Guitar Solo – Doug Aldrich
"Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll"
"Lord Of The Last Day"
Side D
"Fever Dreams"
"Holy Diver"
"Heaven And Hell"
Side E
"The Last In Line"
"Rainbow In The Dark"
"We Rock"
Side F – Bonus – Best of studio albums 1996-2004 (On LP Configurations ONLY)
"This Is Your Life" – from Angry Machines
"Fever Dreams" – from Magica
"Push" – from Killing The Dragon
"The Eyes" – from Master Of The Moon
- Reissue of DIO’s long out of print 2008 live release
- Newly remastered & newly created cover art
- Limited edtion vinyl version includes lenticular 3D album sized art piece along with 3LP 180g black vinyl / triple gatefold
- Also Available in 2CD Deluxe Mediabook and 3LP 180g Black Vinyl / Triple Gatefold Standard Edition / Remastered Digital Version
- Features the legendary DIO album HOLY DIVER performed live in its entirety plus DIO classics from across his career including Black Sabbath and Rainbow!
- Recorded Live at the London Astoria
Lineup:
Vocals: Ronnie James Dio
Guitar: Doug Aldrich
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Simon Wright
Keyboards: Scott Warren
Tracklisting:
Side A
Intro
"Stand Up And Shout"
"Holy Diver"
"Gypsy"
Drum Solo – Simon Wright
Side B
"Caught In The Middle"
"Don’t Talk To Strangers"
"Straight Through The Heart"
"Invisible"
Side C
"Rainbow In The Dark"
"Shame On The Night"
Guitar Solo – Doug Aldrich
"Holy Diver" (Reprise)
Side D
"Tarot Woman"
"Sign Of The Southern Cross"
"One Night In The City"
Side E
"Gates Of Babylon"
"Heaven And Hell"
Side F
"Man On The Silver Mountain"
"Catch The Rainbow"
"Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll"
"Call For Encore"
"We Rock"
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