Iconic guitarist, Steve Hackett, releases his new acoustic album, Under A Mediterranean Sky, on January 22 as a Limited CD Digipak, Gatefold 2LP + CD + LP-booklet and Digital Album via InsideOut Music. Under A Mediterranean Sky is Steve Hackett’s first acoustic solo album since Tribute in 2008 and takes inspiration from Steve’s extensive travels around the Mediterranean with his wife Jo.
Today he has launched the first single from the album, titled "Andalusian Heart", and you can watch the video below.
Steve comments: “The beauty of Andalusia with its Moorish and Gypsy magic and the strains of distant guitars echoing through its ornate archways has to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. So many of the things that have inspired me about Spain are embodied in this romantic track, featuring Roger King’s orchestral arrangement, Franck Avril on oboe, Christine Townsend on violin and viola, and myself on classical guitar.”
The album is now available to pre-order as Limited CD Digipak, Gatefold 2LP + CD + LP-booklet and Digital Album, here.
Working closely with long-time musical partner Roger King, Hackett has used his time during 2020’s lockdown to take us on an extraordinary musical journey around the Mediterranean, painting vivid images of stunning landscapes and celebrating the diverse cultures of the region. Famed for his rock roots with Genesis, and through his extensive solo catalogue, Hackett demonstrates the exquisite beauty of the nylon guitar at times venturing into the exotic ethnic and often supported by dazzling orchestral arrangements.
“A lot of acoustic ideas had been forming over the years, and it felt like the perfect time to create this album,” notes Hackett, “a time to contemplate the places we’ve visited around the Mediterranean with the kind of music which evolved from the world of imagination.
“Because we can’t really travel, substantially at the moment, I hope that the album will take people on that journey. Whether you sit down and listen to it or drift off to it with a glass of wine…”
Tracklisting:
"Mdina - The Walled City" (Steve Hackett / Roger King)
"Adriatic Blue" (Steve Hackett)
"Sirocco" (Steve Hackett / Jo Hackett / Roger King)
"Joie de Vivre" (Steve Hackett / Jo Hackett)
"The Memory Of Myth" (Steve Hackett / Jo Hackett / Roger King
"Scarlatti Sonata" (Domenico Scarlatti)
"Casa del Fauno" (Steve Hackett / Roger King)
"The Dervish And The Djin" (Steve Hackett / Jo Hackett / Roger King)
"Lorato" (Steve Hackett)
"Andalusian Heart" (Steve Hackett / Jo Hackett / Roger King)
"The Call Of The Sea" (Steve Hackett)
"Andalusian Heart" video:
Our journey around the Med begins on the island of Malta, in Mdina - The Walled City. It’s imposing strength is portrayed by Roger King’s dramatic orchestration while Hackett’s guitar weaves through the atmospheric streets describing the creativity, love and strength that held Malta together between all the waves of conflict.
With Hackett’s delicate guitar work, Adriatic Blue paints an enchanting view of stunning scenery as tall cliffs of forested mountains plunge into the deep blue sea along the Croatian coastline. Sirocco is altogether more atmospheric, inspired by the winds playing through the imposing structures of Egypt.
The lively Joie de Vivre expresses the unique sense of joy the French have through their wine, food and folk music, with paintings reflecting family gatherings, spectacular vistas and the vibrant colours of their cities. The art of dreaming is embodied in their sensual love of life.
“At first hand, I’ve marvelled at the mystical whirling Dervishes,” says Hackett. Along with otherworldly beings such as the Djin (Genie) they sprang from Persia’s dreaming past. The Dervish And The Djin captures the extraordinary atmosphere of this most exotic of civilisations with the help of Hackett’s touring band regular - Rob Townsend’s soprano sax, the tar of Malik Mansurov (from Azerbaijan) and Armenian Arsen Petrosyan’s duduk. “Of course, those countries are virtually at war with each other,” Hackett adds, “and there has been something like a thousand casualties (at the time of writing) on both sides. Again, it’s a case of music being able to do things that politicians fail to do - something constructive.”
The Memory of Myth embodies the deep and rich history of Greece and features the violin of Christine Townsend (no relation) while Lorato - ‘love’ in the language of the African Tswana tribe - is a pretty folk tune. Love is the force that heals and links all disparate peoples of the Mediterranean.
Hackett and his wife Jo were enchanted by the little Faun statue in the House of the Faun, Pompeii. “The villas there seemed to come back to life as we walked through those wonderful atriums and gardens,” inspiring Casa del Fauno and featuring the light and airy flute of Hackett’s brother John and Rob Townsend on flute.
The only non-original piece is Domenico Scarlatti’s Sonata. This embodies the Baroque music of Italy, a sensitive interpretation embellished with cross-string trills, a technique introduced to Hackett by the fine classical guitarist, the late Theo Cheng.
Hackett also expresses his admiration for the flamenco guitarists of Andalucía who are celebrated on Andalusian Heart. “One of the flamenco guitarists was showing me the extraordinary things they are able to do,” Hackett explains. “Seeing the gypsies playing and dancing in caves there, you get the feeling that these people are dancing for their lives.”
Our journey comes to an end with The Call Of The Sea, a gentle and peaceful reflection of the vast body of water that unites the many civilisations both ancient and modern.
Under A Mediterranean Sky features Steve Hackett playing nylon, steel string and twelve string guitars, charango and Iraqi oud. Keyboards, programming and orchestral arrangements are by Roger King. Featured musicians are John Hackett and Rob Townsend, flute (Casa del Fauno); Malik Mansurov, tar and Arsen Petrosyan, duduk & Rob Townsend, Sax (The Dervish And The Djin); Christine Townsend, violin (The Memory of Myth and The Call Of The Sea). All tracks were produced by Steve Hackett and Roger King with all tracks recorded and mixed by Roger King at Siren.
“I had a great time doing this album, seeing it take shape, and I’m very pleased with the outcome. I’m very proud of it,” says Hackett. “The nylon guitar has a very individual sound but, within the compass of what the nylon-strung guitar can do, there are a lot of different tones. You can do the full-on attack, the kind of salvo that you expect from the flamenco players but, at the same time, it can also be very gentle, gentle as a harp. It’s shades of black and white. It’s also exciting to play alongside instruments from around the world, as well as a wide range of orchestral sounds.”
Kennedy Boulevard, the COVID supergroup featuring former members of Savatage, Graham Bonnet, Thor and Attacker, have released a video featuring a cover of the Deep Purple classic, "Perfect Strangers". Check it out below.
Kennedy Boulevard lineup:
Guitars: Jack Frost (ex-Savatage, Seven Witches, Lizzy Borden)
Keyboards: Eric Ragno (The Babys, Joe Lynn Turner, London, Graham Bonnet)
Bass: Scott Jackson (Steve Bello, Vick LeCar, Thor)
Drums: Mike Sabatini (Jersey Dogs, Attacker)
Vocals: Rich Galdieri (Zen Boy, Session extraordinaire)
What do four guys who grew up on the streets of Jersey City do during a COVID shutdown? They get a drummer from Hoboken and do a pandemic session.
About the guys: While Jack was touring with Savatage, Eric was recording his first Takara album with Jeff Scott Soto. While Scott was slaving away in NYC studios working with some of the top engineers and producers, Rich spent his days at Eddie Van Halen’s 5150 studio working on tracks for Zen Boy. All the while, Mike was powering through with Jersey Dogs & then Attacker.
Perfect Strangers: Over time, Eric played with Jack in Seven Witches, and Scott played with Richie at a few benefit shows. They have individually worked with groups whose sales total in the millions. They’ve performed multiple European & US tours with different artists, and with corporate bands at fancy hotels on tiny Caribbean Islands. They’ve played every dive bar/ juke joint you could think of. And they’ve each performed on the stage of the legendary Escapades club in Jersey City. And yet, they’ve never worked “together”.
These five guys left their hometown to explore musical adventures, achieving varying degrees of success. In this COVID lockdown, the time had come to do something with their hometown friends. Welcome to Kennedy Boulevard.
Kennedy Boulevard is the main artery that connects all of the neighbourhoods in their hometown of Jersey City, NJ. Kennedy Boulevard takes you where you need to go. Take a ride with us on Kennedy Boulevard.
Norwegian death metal beasts Insidious Disease, featuring current/former members from Dimmu Borgir, Morgoth, Nile, Susperia and Napalm Death, have released their new album, After Death, via Nuclear Blast.
Today, the band reveals a beautifully shot, ghastly new music video directed by Sandra Marschner for their song "Invisible War" which can be viewed below.
Says the band: "Today we are absolutely chuffed to announce the release of our 2nd album, After Death, with this new video-clip for the song 'Invisible War'. The video was shot in an old German World War 2 bunker near Berlin and captures the vibe of this song perfectly. It wasn't easy to realize the filming under the current circumstances, but we are pleased with the result and the whole filming and production. We really hope you will enjoy this clip and the album... It’s been a long time coming but it’s safe to say we’re excited to share our new art with you! Crank the volume!”
Order your copy of After Death in the format of your choice here.
After Death tracklisting:
"Soul Excavation"
"Betrayer"
"Divine Fire"
"Unguided Immortality"
"Invisible War"
"Born Into Bondage"
"Enforcers Of The Plague"
"An End Date For The World"
"Nefarious Atonement"
"Secret Sorcery"
"Betrayer" lyric video:
"Enforcers Of The Plague" visualizer:
Lineup:
Marc Grewe - Vocals
Silenoz - Guitar
Cyrus - Guitar
Shane Embury - Bass
Tony Laureano - Drums
Todd Kerns (Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators, Toque, The Age Of Electric) has issued an art film set to his previously unreleased track "Little Grace".
"It’s actually an old demo from the Static In Stereo days... beautiful little moody piece," says Kerns. "Little Grace" is available now on all streaming platforms, including iTunes and Spotify.
Thy Art Is Murder's earth-scorching fifth record, Human Target, was released unto the world on July 26, 2019 via Nuclear Blast (ROW) and Human Warfare (AU/NZ). The band has issued a drum playthrough from Jesse Beahler for "Atonement".
Jesse Beahler comments, "From the first time I heard the demo, I knew 'Atonement' was going to be one of my favorite tracks from the new record. I loved the dark vibes and the heavy breakdown that closes the song. The playthrough version we have recorded here has a bit more extreme double bass 16th notes to increase the intensity drum wise. Often I will have an idea in the studio while recording but, to better serve the song, vocals, or the riff, we will often change drum parts around. Recording a drum playthrough gave me an opportunity to redo some parts with the drums as the focus. I’m happy to present one of the most challenging and rewarding tracks I’ve ever worked on."
Former CRO-MAGS guitarist and songwriter Parris Mayhew has returned with a new instrumental hardcore/metal band, AGGROS, and a brand-new single, "Chaos Magic".
Fans who are accustomed to a big rock production sound from Mayhew's guitar sound and production will find that "Chaos Magic" is more streamlined and raw. The track was recorded live in one afternoon with little or no punches and feels alive and human, without today's modern digital stiffness, just a balls-out rocker.
"I believe that a song should be a journey; there should be a clear introduction to set up the listener for the ride, and a ceremonious feeling of arrival at a destination to be experienced and a few musical surprises along the way," Mayhew says. "And, of course, all great songs should have a feeling that the journey is complete, the catharsis, a lesson I learned from both MOTÖRHEAD and RUSH. MOTÖRHEAD, particularly, in that within their deceptively simple approach there always comes a thoughtful, surprising and very musical ending, songs should have great endings."
The video for "Chaos Magic", directed by Mayhew, can be seen below.
"I have been cultivating the idea for the 'Chaos Magic' video for a very long time and planned it in increments, saving up ideas for when it was time to make it," Mayhew explains. "I've been riding my bike over the Williamsburg Bridge all my life. It is unchanged from the first time I went up there, a perpetual NYC experience, above the skyline. It's a front row seat to the sprawling cityscape of Manhattan for the outer borough resident or a startling look back for the Manhattan resident who forgets the wonder of where they live, but the bridge is more than a vantage point for the view, it is a place of awe in its own right, and an enduring piece of the NYC of my youth."
Every time Mayhew road across the bridge, he would envision how he could shoot a video there someday, planning shots, angles and mentally collecting the puzzle pieces to complete the picture in his head and the representation of his music.
"Because I am a native New Yorker and my music and I are both a product of my life here, I wanted the video to represent that regional imprint," he says. "This bridge is very different than, say, the Brooklyn Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge says NYC to the world, but the Williamsburg Bridge says NYC to New Yorkers."
Mayhew used the COVID-19 NYC lockdown and empty streets of Manhattan to his advantage, making nightly excursions to film anywhere from two to six hours a night. He shot close ups one night, guitar shots another and bike shots another. With clear ideas in his head, he knew exactly how he would make the video. But doing it with a crew of one became challenging and exhausting so Mayhew took his time.
"I'd love to say something mythical like 'The video was shot over one long summer night somewhere between Brooklyn and Manhattan under a full moon with a crew of 50 film professionals who came together to make the video a big Hollywood production,'" says Mayhew. "But it was an altogether different experience." He shot at night and didn't see people for hours, and often shooting until sunrise. The bridge was his, he would trek up the bridge night after night for 22 nights with a camera, tripod, lights, three guitars, stands, sandbags and wardrobe changes. Mayhew would set up the shots with his lone assistant — a young electrician named Scott, whom Mayhew had mentored into the film business — holding a guitar while Mayhew lit him, then two would change places, essentially making the video an elaborate selfie.
The video is peppered with nods and impressions to tell people who Mayhew is as a person and artist. He played roles, versions of himself, at different stages of his life over the years. He plays his trademark red B.C. Rich Bich guitar, wearing a leather jacket, high top Adidas sneakers, with tied his hair up and shoved it in a baseball cap to look like he did when he started the CRO-MAGS leading up "The Age Of Quarrel" era. Another character is with his hair out, playing the White G&L guitar, like his "Best Wishes" or "Revenge" stage in life. Then there is Mayhew of the present, on his bike, continuing to ride across the bridge, watching the video he envisioned unfold just as he saw it in his head as he rides past himself, but now he's also in the video.
AGGROS will release music in a true DIY hardcore style — no label, self-releasing one song at a time, accompanied by a video for each. The music will sound and feel familiar to anyone who knows Mayhew's previous three albums, as AGGROS is simply a continuation of his musical exploration.
"So much of what I've bottled up for years comes out in this song and video," the guitarist says. "For me, the song and video are inseparable. This video serves as a signal flare. It feels like my first record. The fire to make it was unconscious and natural and it wasn't on a timetable or for any other reason than that it was time."
No Life On Earth is a metal band that started during the COVID-19 quarantine with the collaboration of guitarist Alan Wallace (Eminence) and drummer Jay Arriaga (Scattered Storm). From there, bassist PJ (Jota Quest) joined, as did vocalist Andre Acosta (Hereafter The Wave). Together, they decided to write an EP called, Into Fire We Burn. Each of the four songs features a guest solo.
The artwork for Into Fire We Burn, created by Marco Pimentel, and tracklisting are as follows.
"Into Fire We Burn" – (featuring Hector Camarena of Hereafter The Wave)
"The Gravity" – (featuring Andreas Kisser of Sepultura)
"Nothing Is Real" – (featuring Cesar Soto of Ministry)
"Time Is Blind" – (featuring Tue Madsen of Antfarm Studios)
Quarantine videos for "The Gravity", featuring Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser, and "Nothing Is Real", featuring Ministry guitarist Cesar Soto, have been filmed and can be seen below.
For further details, visit No Life On Earth on Facebook.
Scour - the extreme metal supergroup featuring Philip H. Anselmo (Pantera, Down, En Minor, et al), John Jarvis (Agoraphobic Nosebleed), Derek Engemann (Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals), Mark Kloeppel (Misery Index), and Adam Jarvis (Pig Destroyer, Lock Up) - will release their long-anticipated The Black EP on Black Friday, November 27. A music video for the song "Propaganda" can be found below.
Forged in 2015, Scour made its debut with the ferocious single "Dispatched". The Grey EP, released via Anselmo's Housecore label, dropped in 2016, followed by The Red EP in 2017. Faster and tighter than ever before, this year's The Black EP serves as the final release of the EP trilogy and is inarguably the band's most ferocious effort to date. Mixed and mastered by Ryan Vincent at Apollo Audio Alternative with vocals and drums engineered by Stephen "Big Fella" Berrigan (Down, Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, Eyehategod), The Black EP includes guest appearances from Erik Rutan of Hate Eternal, Pat O'Brien of Cannibal Corpse, and actor Jason Momoa (Dune, Game Of Thrones, Aquaman, et al).
"The latest Scour is the best Scour," proclaims Anselmo. Adds Engemann, "This is our most fierce and ripping album to date. Completing the EP trilogy, The Black EP brings a more mature musical approach without comprising the utter relentless brutality. We've got a few special gems as well that I'm stoked for people to hear."
The Black EP will be released on CD, LP, cassette, and digital formats via Housecore Records (North America) and Nuclear Blast Entertainment (internationally). Find pre-order options at the Scour Bandcamp page at this location, the Housecore Store here, and Nuclear Blast here.
Finnish symphonic extreme metal band Plaguebreeder have released their Annihilation EP via Inverse Records. A music video for "The Root Of Extinction" can be viewed below.
The band comments: "The song on 'The Root Of Extinction' music video is an epic one, filled with ripping rage. We filmed the video with harsh approach because we wanted to assault the viewer with the raw aggression of our music. The Root of Extinction is an ode to nuclear devastation."
The Annihilation EP combines crushing blastbeats, fast guitars and brutal vocals with the doomsday atmosphere of a symphonic orchestra. In addition to the intro, video tracks "The Root Of Extinction" and "I Believe In Misanthropy" there is an older war themed track, "Children Of War", which is extremely fast and brutal. The last track on the EP is the longest and most epic Plaguebreeder track to date, "The Arrival Of Fire". In "The Arrival of Fire" there is, alongside with the aggressive stodge, melancholic melodies and a Finnish chorus. The track is about the end of the world caused by eco catastrophe.
Tracklist:
"Dawn Of The Thermonuclear Era" (Intro)
"The Root Of Extinction"
"I Believe In Misanthropy"
"Children Of War"
"The Arrival Of Fire"
Bay Area natives, Aenimus, have released a guitar playthrough video for "Caretaker", a track from the band's most recent offering, Dreamcatcher. Watch below:
"Before The Eons"
"Eternal"
"The Ritual"
"My Becoming"
"The Dark Triad"
"Between Iron And Silver"
"The Overlook"
"Caretaker"
"Second Sight"
"Day Zero"
"Dreamcatcher"
PUSCIFER, which recently released the critically acclaimed album "Existential Reckoning", has premiered a music video for "Fake Affront". The clip features performance footage from the band's recent record-breaking livestream event, "Existential Reckoning: Live At Arcosanti". The outing, which debuted on October 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."
The "Fake Affront" video arrives as PUSCIFER has enjoyed its most heralded album to date, with "Existential Reckoning" described by Stereogum as "funky" and "darkly playful," Billboard dubbed it "slinky," Consequence Of Sound saying the collection is "comparable to early '80s new wavers, as well as modern acts like RADIOHEAD," and SPIN said its "infectious enough to make you want to dance the blight away and ponderous enough to make your mind work up a sweat while doing so."
While the album was released on October 30, due to COVID-19-related manufacturing issues, the physical versions of the 12-song album will arrive on December 11.
A Record Store Day Black Friday-exclusive "Apocalyptical" seven-inch featuring "Rocket Man" as a b-side will be released is available via indie retail for the November 27 event. The release is limited to 2000 copies and available on cloud clear vinyl.
"Existential Reckoning" was produced by Mitchell and PUSCIFER. The album was recorded and mixed by Mitchell at Puscifer Studios in North Hollywood, California.
Born somewhere in the Arizona desert, PUSCIFER is an electro-rock band, multimedia experience, traveling circus, and alien abduction survivors. The group's catalog consists of three full-length studio albums — "'V' is for Vagina" (2007), "Conditions Of My Parole" (2011) and "Money Shot" (2015) — in addition to a series of EPs and remixes. Beyond the core trio of Keenan, Mitchell and Round, the group's ever-evolving ecosystem encompasses a cast of characters such as Billy D and his wife Hildy Berger, Major Douche, Special Agent Dick Merkin, and many more. Meanwhile, the moniker's origins can be traced to a 1995 episode of the HBO classic "Mr. Show" where Keenan first utilized the name "Puscifer." Entertainment Weekly christened them "exceptionally groovy" and Revolver fittingly described them as "indescribable." Renowned for an immersive live show, the group's performances blur the lines between concert and theater, traversing the dusty American Southwest with Billy D and Hildy or the sweaty squared circle with Luchadores. They've brought this to life everywhere from Coachella to Bonnaroo. On their 2020 debut for Alchemy Recordings/BMG, PUSCIFER track Billy D back to the desert and, just maybe, uncover the truth about aliens once and for all.
Ross Halfin and Rufus Publications have announced the publication of "Pete Way By Ross Halfin", a 240-page celebration of UFO's iconic bass player, containing classic and unseen images by music photographer Ross Halfin, and exclusive new interviews and with Phil Mogg (UFO), Andy Parker (UFO), Neil Carter (UFO), Ozzy Osbourne (BLACK SABBATH), Kirk Hammett (METALLICA), Geddy Lee (RUSH), Phil Collen (DEF LEPPARD), Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD), Rick Savage (DEF LEPPARD), Slash (GUNS N' ROSES), Steve Harris (IRON MAIDEN), Rick Neilsen (CHEAP TRICK), Michael Schenker (UFO), Phil Lewis (L.A> GUNS), Gerry Laffy and more, compiled by Mojo writer and author Mark Blake.
Halfin said: "Of all the people I've known over the years, Pete could be the funniest and also the most infuriating person. Of all the recent musicians to leave the stage, Pete's exit hit me the hardest, so I wanted to do this book in his honor with the people that really knew him also sharing their memories. The idea of this book is really to celebrate a friend of mine and for all his faults he was a very funny person and someone I always considered a true friend."
The Standard Edition: A 240-page book, A4 portrait, casebound with a choice of two printed, laminated covers. £59 plus delivery.
The Deluxe Edition: A 264-page book, A3 portrait, casebound with a recycled leather quarter bind and printed cover. Personally signed by Ross Halfin and complete with a limited-edition print. 150 numbered copies worldwide. £350 plus delivery.
The founder of UFO, WAYSTED and, more recently, THE PETE WAY BAND died on August 14 at the age of 69. He sustained life-threatening injuries in an accident three months ago but fought hard until finally succumbing to those injuries.
Pete had recently finished a solo album, "Walking On The Edge", with producer Mike Clink (GUNS N' ROSES' "Appetite For Destruction", among many more). He had a biography published, "A Fast Ride Out Of Here", in 2017, and an album, "Amphetamine", which is currently out on Cargo Records.
Way had dealt with a number of health issues in recent years. In 2016, he suffered a heart attack, two years after he was given the all-clear following a battle with prostate cancer with which he was diagnosed in 2013. Way was diagnosed during a routine check on his liver, which had been damaged over the years through hepatitis. The abdominal scan picked up the tumor on his prostate.
Pete is survived by two daughters, Zowie and Charlotte, and his younger brother, Neill.
10 time Juno nominee Lee Aaron has had a lengthy and musically adventurous career that spans rock classics, jazz, opera and more, but there’s one project she’s never taken on.
A Christmas Album. It’s an idea she has considered often but the timing was never right…until now. The first single from her Christmas album, Almost Christmas, is a cover of the Pet Shop Boys track, "It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas", premiered exclusively through BraveWords!
Lee and her band (Sean Kelly-guitar, Dave Reimer-bass, and John Cody-drums) had tossed around the notion of a Christmas album over the years, but there was always something – tours/recording/life etc. – that kept the project on the back burner. And that’s where it stayed…until 2020 brought a whole new reality. With all shows cancelled and studios shutting down, there was suddenly time available. Over the summer, they began creating a series of Rockin' From Home videos, which whetted the appetite for more, so when the Christmas idea came up again in mid-September, it was a definite go.
"Each of us had upgraded our home studios, so we thought, why not? We only had a month to get it all done, but it became a fun mission - and it kept us all from going stir crazy during Covid!" says Aaron.
Almost Christmas containsten lovingly curated tunes - from the foot-stomping excitement of the feature track "It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas" (Pet Shop Boys) to the classic "Baby Please Come Home" to a sassy version of Louis Armstrong’s "Zat You Santa Claus?” - winding down with the introspective "All I Ever Get For Christmas is Blue" (Over The Rhine) and an acapella rendition of Joni Mitchell’s timeless “The Fiddle And The Drum." You've never heard Christmas done quite like this.
She also presents a brand new version of her 1991 hit “Peace On Earth” which likewise, is as relevant now as it was when it was first released.
Aaron explains, "There's a lot of passion and joy that went into these recordings. The album represented something really positive and hopeful that we could focus on during this unprecedented down-time. It was a gift that lifted our spirits and we hope it has the same effect on others."
Physical copies and fan packs available exclusively here.
Tracklisting:
“Everything's Gonna Be Cool This Christmas”
“Baby Please Come Home”
“Run, Run, Rudolph”
“It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas”
“Zat You Santa Claus?”
“Don't Believe in Christmas”
“Merry Christmas Everybody”
“Peace On Earth”
“All I Ever Get For Christmas is Blue”
“The Fiddle and The Drum”
BLACKMORE'S NIGHT has released has released the official lyric video for "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear". The song is taken from BLACKMORE'S NIGHT's upcoming EP "Here We Come A-Caroling", which will arrive on December 4 via earMUSIC, the global independent rock and contemporary music label of Edel Germany GmbH.
BLACKMORE'S NIGHT was founded in 1997 by Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night to stage their mutual love for traditional medieval and folk-rock music. Blackmore has shaped the hard rock scene for decades as one of the most influential and notorious guitarists ever, first with DEEP PURPLE and later with RAINBOW.
"Nature's Light", BLACKMORE'S NIGHT's eleventh studio album, will be released in the spring of 2021, followed by a reissue of the band's entire catalog later in the year.
To bridge the time while waiting for "Nature's Light" to be finally released, BLACKMORE'S NIGHT decided to record a new Christmas-themed EP and give their fans something special to celebrate the holy days with. "Here We Come A-Caroling" will become available on limited-edition 10-inch translucent green vinyl as well as a limited-edition CD digipak and digital.
"Nature's Light" is an honest declaration of love to the folk music of the Renaissance era, deeply inspired by myths and legends of times that are long gone and driven by the fiery relationship between the two married songwriters.
Max Vaccaro, general manager of earMUSIC, says: "We celebrate the 'homecoming' of a true music legend: BLACKMORE'S NIGHT started its wonderful musical journey with Edel in 1997. Today, decades later, it is a joyful occasion to welcome Ritchie and Candice back and to plan many years of exciting collaboration with them for their new music and a catalog that has reached the heart of millions of fans over the years."
Blackmore and Night add: "On June 2, 1997, we released our first Renaissance folk-rock debut album: 'Shadow Of The Moon'. With devotion and professionalism, our new record label, Edel, brought 'Shadow Of The Moon' to the top of the charts, where it remained for 17 weeks, earning us our first gold record as BLACKMORE'S NIGHT, a project close to our hearts and as untouched territory, a new genre for us to bring to the world.
"Our music is an escape from the stress and pressure of modern times. Journey back through time with us, to a simpler, magical time where music enters your heart and soul.
"We are honored to be 'back home again' with our friends and colleagues of Edel.
"BLACKMORE'S NIGHT has returned with our new CD, fans have been waiting for five years, and we are excited to be able to pair up again with Edel to bring it to them."
KILLER BE KILLED has just released its sophomore album, "Reluctant Hero", via Nuclear Blast. The animated video for the fourth single from the LP, "From A Crowded Wound", can be seen below.
The supergroup, which is comprised of Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, ex-SEPULTURA), Troy Sanders (MASTODON) Greg Puciato (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN), and drummer Ben Koller (CONVERGE, ALL PIGS MUST DIE, MUTOID MAN), previously released its self-titled debut album in 2014 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.
Koller said of the song: "'From A Crowded Wound' is the creeping punisher on this record, a lumbering steamroller laying a trail of sleek acid slime from beginning to end."
Costin Chioreanu, who has previously worked on videos for GHOST, NAPALM DEATH and CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, created the visually stunning clip.
"Reluctant Hero" track listing:
01. Deconstructing Self-Destruction
02. Dream Gone Bad
03. Left Of Center
04. Inner Calm From Outer Storms
05. Filthy Vagabond
06. From A Crowded Wound
07. The Great Purge
08. Comfort From Nothing
09. Animus
10. Dead Limbs
11. Reluctant Hero
"This has been a long time coming. It feels great to be getting this out," said Puciato of the Josh Wilbur-produced (LAMB OF GOD, GOJIRA) album."
Two years ago, Max confirmed to Metal Underground that KILLER BE KILLED had begun the songwriting process for its second LP. "We already demoed for it; we got 10 songs out of it," he said at the time. "[It came out] fantastic. Troy is more involved, which is what I wanted from the beginning. So that's gonna be great."
Drummer Dave Elitch (ex-THE MARS VOLTA) played on KILLER BE KILLED's first CD but was unable to continue with the band due to scheduling conflicts with his other group, ANTEMASQUE.
For their live debut at the 2015 Soundwave festival in Australia, Cavalera, Sanders, Puciato and Koller were joined by Juan Montoya (MONSTRO, ex-TORCHE), who also performed on the KILLER BE KILLED debut album.
"Killer Be Killed" sold around 5,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 58 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released in May 2014, the CD was produced and mixed by Josh Wilbur, whose credits include work with GOJIRA, LAMB OF GOD, HATEBREED, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, ESCAPE THE FATE, P!NK and STEVE EARLE.
TRANSATLANTIC — the multinational progressive rock supergroup featuring vocalist/keyboardist Neal Morse (SPOCK'S BEARD, THE NEAL MORSE BAND), drummer Mike Portnoy (SONS OF APOLLO, DREAM THEATER), bassist Pete Trewavas (MARILLION) and guitarist Roine Stolt (THE FLOWER KINGS) — will release its fifth studio album, "The Absolute Universe", on February 5, 2021 via InsideOut Music. Representing the band's first new music since 2014's "Kaleidoscope", with "The Absolute Universe" the band has done something unique and created two versions of the record: "The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version)" and "The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version)".
TRANSATLANTIC has launched the video for "Overture / Reaching For The Sky", taken from "The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version)". Watch it below.
Portnoy comments: "'Reaching For The Sky' is the first single off TRANSATLANTIC's latest magnum opus 'The Absolute Universe'. It's a great introduction to this epic album as it sets the tone in traditional TRANSATLANTIC style: preceded on the album by an extended instrumental overture and then launching into this upbeat first song.
"I love that it features one of my favorite qualities of the band in the sharing of the lead vocals...in this case: Neal singing lead on Verse 1, myself singing lead on Verse 2, Pete and Neal sharing the chorus with myself and Roine on backups and Neal taking the glorious bridge... all leading to Roine's distinctive guitar solo. Also interesting is that this version exclusively appears on the Abridged 1CD Version of TA5 ('The Breath Of Life') while the Extended 2CD Version of TA5 ('Forevermore') opens with the alternate version 'Heart Like A Whirlwind' which has different lead vocals and lyrics."
Each album will be available on CD, LP and digitally. But there will also be what has been called "The Absolute Universe: The Ultimate Edition", which collects both versions together in one lavish package that includes 5LPs, 3CDs and a Blu-ray that contains a 5.1 Surround Sound mix with visuals and a behind-the-scenes documentary. All editions have unique artwork created by Thomas Ewerhard.
As Portnoy explains: "We've got two versions of this album. There is a two-CD presentation, which is 90 minutes long, and a single one — that's 60 minutes. However, the single CD is NOT merely an edited version of the double CD. They each contain alternate versions and even in some cases, new recordings. We wrote fresh lyrics and have different people singing on the single CD version tracks as compared to those on the double CD. Some of the songtitles have also been changed, while others might remain the same, but compositionally, what you'll hear has been altered.
"You must appreciate that what we have done is unique. We revamped the songs to make the two versions different."
Trewavas adds: "We did write some new music for the single CD. What's more, there are also differences in the instruments used on some of the tracks across the two records."
Initial tracking began in September 2019 when the band met up in Sweden to write and arrange the new material. As Portnoy explains: "Over a period of 10-14 days, we mapped out the songs. Then we all went back to our home studios and did the recording. That's the way we always do it. At one point, though, it was suggested that instead of doing what was by that time going to be a double album, we should just be content to do a single CD."
"What happened was that everything kept expanding and expanding," recalls Stolt. "Therefore we decided it made sense to make it a double album. It was Pete and Neal who then came out and said they felt this would be too long, and we should reduce it to one…But we were already recording, and it didn't seem feasible to cut it back. There were so many pieces that each of us loved in what we were planning and didn't want to lose. That's when we ended up in discussions over the best way forward."
This album also marks a return to the concept album for TRANSATLANTIC.
"Well, the idea of TRANSATLANTIC deciding to do a concept record this time around won't shock anyone, right?" laughs Portnoy. "What we have is essentially one giant composition, split into chapters. The storyline is about the struggles facing everyone in society today."
"We didn't start out with the idea of this being conceptual," admits Stolt. "The way things work with us is that we have a load of ideas, and these are developed spontaneously when we meet up. Everything happens in the moment."
So, how does this new groundbreaking album compare to TRANSATLANTIC's previous four albums?
"I always try not to compare albums as much as possible," insists Morse. "It's very difficult when you're trying to be creative, because your natural instinct is to constantly compare. But in order to create you have to kind of step away from that. Having said that, I would say this would have more in common with 'The Whirlwind' album [the band's third, from 2009] than others that we've created."
For Trewavas, "The Absolute Universe" is a momentous project. "I think it is right up there with the very finest albums we've done," he says. "As the others have said, it compares very well to 'The Whirlwind', which I believe represents TRANSATLANTIC at our best. As on that album, we took our time to write and arrange everything, and that shines through. I am very excited for people to hear it."
TRANSATLANTIC formed in 1999 and released its debut album, "SMPT:e", the following year. Sophomore effort "Bridge Across Forever" followed in 2001, but the group went on an extended hiatus after Morse left SPOCK'S BEARD in 2002 to focus on his newly launched career in the Christian music industry.
The group reunited in 2009 and released third album "The Whirlwind", which consisted of a single 77-minute track, that same year. A fourth album, "Kaleidoscope", was recorded in 2013 and released the following year, when it debuted at No. 6 on the German top album charts. The band has also released several live albums and live videos, most recently 2014's "KaLIVEoscope".
Portnoy and Morse are frequent musical collaborators, having recorded more than a dozen albums together outside of TRANSATLANTIC, including three FLYING COLORS releases, three by THE NEAL MORSE BAND and seven Morse solo albums.
MSG have released a video for the new single, "Drilled To Kill", featured on the group's new album, Immortal, out January 8 via Nuclear Blast. Watch the video below, and pre-order the new album here.
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.
Tracklisting:
"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)
The Agonist vocalist Vicky Psarakis has recorded and shot another cover song. This time it's Amaranthe's "Boom!1", taken from the band's new album, Manifest. Check out the video below.
Check out Psarakis' cover of The Devin Townsend Band's "Vampira" below.
New York City’s avant-garde black metal outfit, Imperial Triumphant, have released their new music video for "Excelsior", directed by the band's very own Steve Blanco. Watch below.
"Many people flock to the big city with golden dreams in their eyes willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, like the ones they see at the top. It is the seal of approval; The medieval crest upon which the very fabric of humanity's elevation prevails. The failure and losing streak is a deceptive reality that slowly finds its way as diminishing returns, caught up in the illusory system. Ever upwards," states Imperial Triumphant bassist Steve Blanco about the music video.
"Excelsior" is lifted from the band's new album, Alphaville, available here.
Tracklisting:
"Rotted Futures"
"Excelsior"
"City Swine"
"Atomic Age"
"Transmission To Mercury"
"Alphaville"
"The Greater Good"
Bonus tracks:
"Experiment" (Voivod)
"Happy Home" (The Residents)
Sweaty circle pits. Screaming every lyric until your throat is raw. Jumping off a stage into a sea of strangers with whom you share such a strong, unspoken bond with that you know they've got your back. Remember live shows? Swedish metallers IN FLAMES are bringing us back to life before COVID-19 in their new video for "Stay With Me", the closing track on their 2019 album "I, The Mask" to remind us all that we must come together to support those behind the scenes in order to return to the pit. Teaming up with Save Our Stages (U.S.), Let The Music Play (U.K.), Save Live Events Now (U.S.), Stagehand (U.K.), Red Alert (DE) and more, the video brings you back to the energy a live show brings and the community each one creates. In a call to action to save live events, IN FLAMES believes that united we will mosh.
Fans can directly support IN FLAMES crew members by purchasing a limited #UnitedWeWillMosh t-shirt, which proceeds will go to the long time roadies, accompanied by new winter items available today at this location.
"I, The Mask" was released in March 2019 via Nuclear Blast (worldwide, excluding North America) and Eleven Seven Music (North America).
IN FLAMES recruited American drummer Tanner Wayne, best known for his work with UNDERMINDED, SCARY KIDS SCARING KIDS and CHIODOS, to sit behind the kit for the band for its 2018, 2019 and 2020 live appearances.
Wayne stepped into IN FLAMES following the departure of Joe Rickard, who played on "I, The Mask" and "Battles".
Tanner made his live debut with IN FLAMES in July 2018 in Brno, Czech Republic.
Longtime IN FLAMES drummer Daniel Svensson announced in 2015 that he was leaving the band to focus on his family life.
IN FLAMES' current lineup features American bassist Bryce Paul, who has been playing most of the shows with the group since longtime bassist Peter Iwers's November 2016 exit.
IN FLAMES guitarist Niclas Engelin has been sitting out the band's tour dates to focus on "personal matters." Filling in for him is former MEGADETH and current ACT OF DEFIANCE guitarist Chris Broderick.
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