Video of California rockers PAPA ROACH performing the song "Revenge" as part of their second live streaming experience iteration called "Infest In-Studio" can be seen below. The program was a special virtually ticketed, live HD broadcast, which took place June 20 from Sacramento, and it featured PAPA ROACH performing its multi-platinum, classic album "Infest", live in its entirety to celebrate the LP's 20th anniversary, along with exclusive discussions and reflections in a unique studio environment.
"We couldn't take not performing any longer," said frontman Jacoby Shaddix. "Having performed the 'Infest' album in full as a surprise one time before (during the band's sold-out 2015 gig at London's Roundhouse on the album's 15th anniversary), we decided to open this infestation to every living-room in the world to celebrate the 20th anniversary with us!"
PAPA ROACH's first live streaming event, "Infest In-Conversation", broadcast on the 20th anniversary of "Infest"'s release (April 25, 2020), drew 1.8 million live viewers on five platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Twitch, YouTube and VK. That program featured the band showing rare videos and photos and reminiscing with each other for nearly four hours along with members of DEFTONES, LINKIN PARK, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, KORN, as well as with Dave Buckner (the band's original drummer and founding member) and director Marcos Siega (Grammy-nominated director of the "Last Resort" and "Broken Home" music videos).
"Infest In-Studio" was co-produced by Papa Roach Productions and 10th Street Entertainment and directed by Push. It is available for streaming exclusively via VierLive.com.
"Infest" peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart and has been certified triple platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) for sales in excess of three million copies in the U.S. alone. The album featured the iconic hits "Last Resort" and "Broken Home" plus fan favorites "Blood Brothers" and "Between Angels & Insects".
This past February, Shaddix said that plans were afoot for PAPA ROACH to mark the LP's two-decade milestone.
"We've done some really cool things in the studio around some of the previous recordings, and we have some awesome stuff to release here throughout the year, so we're going to celebrate this album for sure — one hundred percent, definitely," the singer said.
Shaddix also spoke about the enduring popularity of "Infest"'s rap-rock anthem "Last Resort", which recently passed 100 million views on YouTube.
"That's our classic," he said. "That thing, it's given us such a relevance, even in pop culture. People are making memes — 'Cut my life into pizza.' I love that. 'Cause now I don't take it all too seriously, because it's embedded itself into pop culture, but then also the reality is that it's spoken to a lot of people's hearts that have been in that darkness, and going, 'Hey, man, there's some hope. You can come out of this. You don't have to stay in there.'"
Earlier in the year, PAPA ROACH completed a European tour with ICE NINE KILLS and HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD.
**July 11 UPDATE**: Earlier tonight, GREAT WHITE released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET via the band's publicist: "GREAT WHITE would like to address our Thursday, July 9, at First On First Dickinson Summer Nights concert in North Dakota.
"We understand that there are some people who are upset that we performed this show, during this trying time. We assure you that we worked with the Promoter. North Dakota's government recommends masks be worn, however, we are not in a position to enforce the laws.
"We have had the luxury of hindsight and we would like to apologize to those who disagree with our decision to fulfill our contractual agreement.
"The Promoter and staff were nothing but professional and assured us of the safety precautions.
"Our intent was simply to perform our gig, outside, in a welcoming, small town.
"We value the health and safety of each and every one of our fans, as well as our American and global community.
"We are far from perfect."
The original article follows below.
GREAT WHITE played an outdoor show this past Thursday night (July 9) in Dickinson, North Dakota as part of "First On First: Dickinson Summer Nights". Video footage of the concert is available below. More video, shot from a different location, can be found here.
While numerous events have been imposing restrictions, such as wearing masks and social distancing, "First On First" has no such rules in place.
"We do not have restrictions, believe it or not, we don't have any," April Getz, an event coordinator for Odd Fellows, which organizes, runs and comes up with the funding for the events, told The Dickinson Press. "It's one of those things where if people feel comfortable coming down and mixing and mingling, that's their personal choice. We're leaving it up to everybody that chooses to attend."
As of Saturday (July 11), there have been a total of 4,243 confirmed coronavirus cases in North Dakota. A total of 87 people have died so far in the state as a result of COVID-19. 83 percent of those who have tested positive for COVID-19 in North Dakota to date have recovered from the virus.
An average of around 3,700 tests are being conducted daily in North Dakota, where the positivity rate has remained relatively low. 4,327 tests were conducted Friday, yielding a 2% positivity rate.
North Dakota's pandemic-high number of active cases came May 21, when 670 residents were infected.
In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of concerts and festivals have either been postponed or canceled, as social distancing and self-quarantining make performing live music and attending live shows all but impossible.
Earlier in the month, former GREAT WHITE and current JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE singer Jack Russell blasted people who refuse to wear a mask in public spaces to protect others from possible infection.
Russell addressed the hot-button issue as lawmakers push harder for their constituents to wear face masks to limit the spread of coronavirus. President Donald Trump has been loath to wear a mask, despite the advice of public health experts.
Asked in an interview with Austria's Mulatschag if he goes out often while in quarantine, Russell — who lives on a 45-foot yacht in Redondo Beach, California — said: "No. I go to the store when I have to. There's no need to be out [in public places]. People don't take it seriously — they don't take the virus seriously. It's sad.
"I don't know what everybody else out there is thinking — they may think I'm full of it — but I take this very seriously.
"It's no small wonder that when you open all these places up, 'Gee, the numbers [of coronavirus cases] rose up.' It's, like, what did you think was gonna happen? It's, like, 'I took my mask off and I got COVID.' Well, what a big surprise that is.
"People just don't think. They come down to the beach down here and they wanna pretend like [the virus] doesn't exist. Well, that's fine. If you wanna get sick, that's great. But put your mask on for me, because I've got my mask on.
"The numbers, the way it works out, if I just wear [my mask], I'm not that safe. If you put yours on too, I'm 70 percent safe as opposed to being zero-point-something [safe]. It's amazing the amount that it changes.
"It's, like, if you don't wanna help yourself, help everybody else. 'Well, it's my right. It's my human right.' Well, look, dude, you've gotta pay for your car to get smogged, you've gotta have a seat belt, you have a driver's license, you have to have a license to be born, you have to have a marriage license. I mean, so you have to wear a mask for a while so you don't die. What's the problem?"
Russell and guitarist Mark Kendall founded GREAT WHITE in 1982. Both musicians were present at the 2003 show in Rhode Island where a fire caused by a pyrotechnic display claimed 100 lives. At the time of the incident, the group that was on the road was called JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE. Kendall said he was asked to join Russell and his solo band on the tour to help boost attendance. Kendall later explained that the name GREAT WHITE was displayed on the marquee outside The Station nightclub because the owner of the venue wanted to "sell more tickets."
Earlier this year, Kendall told Rockbandreviews.com that he and his GREAT WHITE bandmates have "been going crazy lately" working on material for their next album. The effort will mark GREAT WHITE's first collection of new songs with singer Mitch Malloy, who joined the group in 2018 following the departure of Terry Ilous.
Mitch Malloy and Great White... First on First!!!!!!!
Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX), Scott Ian (ANTHRAX) and Dan Lilker (NUCLEAR ASSAULT, ex-ANTHRAX) have teamed up with FEAR frontman Lee Ving to record a quarantine cover version of the FEAR classic "I Don't Care About You".
Benante uploaded a video of the performance to his YouTube channel, writing in an accompanying message: "How the hell did you guys hook up with Lee Ving??? He's a fucking legend! We will surely be asked that question too many times to answer over the rest of our lives so… He DM'd Scott on Instagram. Yep, sometimes social media is awesome.
"First off, the fact that Lee was even paying attention to our Instajams blows my mind. And then he hit Scott up and asked if we could do something together. Could we? Holy shit yes we can! Scott couldn't text Me and Danny fast enough and we felt the same as He did. We are all such huge fans of Lee and FEAR. The Record, FEAR's debut album was such a direct influence on S.O.D. They were hard as hell and twice as tight. I used to watch their performances in Decline of the Western Civilization over and over, marveling in their ability to not give a fuck.
"When Scott started drawing the S.O.D. comic strips in 1984 Sgt. D was basically a zombie Lee. For us they were inspiration and our aspiration. We even covered I Love Livin' In The City live to fill out our set (S.E.O.D. was only 28 minutes long).
"I replied, 'I Don't Care About You' to Scott's query about doing a track with Lee and Danny and I were in. Lee was just as excited about doing this as we were. Turns out he's a Fan!
"Have fun watching/listening my friends, we did!
"Thank you Lee! Thank you to Andy Lagis and Dima Levanchuk for the mix and Vid edit"
Benante has been using his coronavirus downtime to connect virtually with other metal musicians and share videos of them covering various pop, rock and metal tracks, including those by RUSH, IRON MAIDEN, Billie Eilish and Tom Petty.
ANTHRAX has spent most of the last four years touring in support of its latest album, "For All Kings", which was released in February 2016. A follow-up effort is expected in 2021.
DEVIL CITY ANGELS, the band featuring drummer Rikki Rockett (POISON) and vocalist Brandon Gibbs, has released a new single, "Testify". The official music video for the track can be seen below.
DEVIL CITY ANGELS was originally formed by Rockett, Gibbs, guitarist Tracii Guns (L.A GUNS) and bassist Eric Brittingham (CINDERELLA). The band released its self-titled debut album in September 2015. Following the recording of "Devil City Angels", Brittingham decided not to continue with the project and his spot was taken by Rudy Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE). Around a year later, Rockett, Gibbs and Brittingham joined forces with guitarist Joel Kosche (ex-COLLECTIVE SOUL) to form the LORDS OF DEVIL CITY. Within a few months, Rockett, Gibbs and Brittingham relaunched DEVIL CITY ANGELS, only for Eric to exit the project in the summer of 2017 and be replaced by Topher Nelson.
"Five or six years ago, I started a band with Tracii Guns called DEVIL CITY ANGELS," Rockett said. "We added a singer named Brandon Gibbs, and Eric Brittingham who had been a long-time friend. We made a record, we did a small tour. We started to get some pretty good traction. We had some problems with management, we brought Rudy Sarzo in for a short time; then I got sick.
"We all had to do what we had to do," he continued. "Tracii went back to L.A. GUNS, Eric is with Bret [Michaels], Rudy's doing a bunch of his stuff. That left Brandon and I. After I got better, we got Joel Kosche from COLLECTIVE SOUL. We put together this song, recorded it virtually. Topher Nolan played bass on it. We grabbed the club for a couple of hours and did a video; we just never released the song. With all this lockdown, we couldn't think of a better time to put it out. We hope you love it as much as we loved doing it."
A little over year ago, Gibbs and Rockett were embroiled in a public war of words after Gibbs indicated he was no longer involved with DEVIL CITY ANGELS due to the fact that the band was "inactive." Rikki responded that DEVIL CITY ANGELS "went inactive" because he was diagnosed with cancer and suggested possibly moving on without Brandon. This prompted Gibbs to fire back that he had "never seen someone complain about money, perception and 1st class tickets" as much as Rockett allegedly did, "to the point where it gets in the way of doing anything." The two appear to have since resolved their differences.
Back in 2015, Rockett told Sleaze Roxx about Gibbs: "The thing about Brandon is that he's a young guy but he sounds like he's from the '70s. That's what is so appealing for guys like us. That's the reason that I really wanted Brandon involved with us. Brandon doesn't have any baggage, which is good and he has a lot of experience. He's got a great pedigree."
More than five years ago, Rockett and Gibbs joined forces with Rikki's POISON bandmates Bobby Dall (bass) and C.C. DeVille (guitar) to play several shows as THE SPECIAL GUESTS in what was widely perceived as a not-so-subtle message to POISON singer Bret Michaels that they weren't willing to remain completely inactive while he pursued a solo career.
The Devil’s are back! Enjoy the new DCA video! We had a blast making it for you! Also, a very special shout out to our manager James Lucente for helping DCA shift gears and get our single out and @fredcoury for… https://t.co/PcgwYlO2IV
Critically acclaimed Mongolian rock group THE HU has released a deluxe edition of "The Gereg" on July 10, available in CD, double vinyl and digital formats. This new version includes three tracks re-made with special featured artists, including Jacoby Shaddix (PAPA ROACH), Danny Case (FROM ASHES TO NEW) and Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM).
Alongside the deluxe album THE HU has shared a special film, "The Hu: Road To The Gereg", looking back at the making of "The Gereg", features and accomplishments along the way, plus unseen behind-the-scenes footage from tour life, video sets and live performances. The special also includes narrative from the band and collaborators on their music, Mongolian culture and the evolution of THE HU's customized traditional instruments, symbolism and presentation.
There are also three acoustic tracks on the deluxe release: "Shoog Shoog", "Yuve Yuve Yu" and "Shireg Shireg". The enchanting video for "Shireg Shireg" dropped on July 2, showing behind-the-scenes clips of THE HU in the studio, offering fans a real insight into their recording process and a closer look at their gorgeous traditional instruments.
Last week, THE HU put on a televised charity concert, filmed in the White Rock Centre in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Through broadcast on Mongolian TV and their YouTube/Facebook pages, THE HU raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Mongolian COVID-19 relief. The concert was also the band's homecoming show after their sold-out world tour. THE HU was stuck in Australia for months when its world tour was cut short by the pandemic, but THE HU are a voice of courage, resilience and unity and they supported each other, even using their time in Australia to start working on their second album. Therefore, it was really important to them to give back, and have this concert to help those in Mongolia affected by the pandemic.
THE HU stands for the Mongolian root word for human being, inspiring the band's original style of music that it calls "Hunnu Rock." The group pulls inspiration from the Hunnu, an ancient Mongolian empire better known as The Huns in western culture. Their music is deeply embedded with their ancient culture, even integrating old Mongolian war cries and poetry into their lyrics.
The group was founded in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia by their producer Dashka, along with band members Gala, Jaya, Temka and Enkush. Together they create rock music with traditional Mongolian instrumentation such as the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), tumur khuur (jaw harp), guttural throat singing built around the pillars of heavy rock: distorted guitars, bombastic drums, and aggressive rhythms. All four members have earned Bachelor's or higher degrees in classical music and have gained several years of touring experience throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim.
LINKIN PARK's Mike Shinoda has just released a new solo record, "Dropped Frames, Vol. 1", via his Kenji Kobayashi Productions label. The LP features the first batch of instrumentals inspired by Shinoda's live Twitch streams from his home studio, with assistance from his fans.
"'Dropped Frames' is just as much about the live channel as it is about the 'album," Mike said in a statement. "The collection of songs is a highlight reel of the tracks I make on the channel, but a big part of the experience is the stream itself.
"When I start, I usually have very little idea of where it will go. What comes out is a product of the viewers' suggestions, my spur-of-the-moment ideas, and whatever inexplicable magic is floating in between."
The official music video for the first single from "Dropped Frames, Vol. 1", a song called "Open Door", can be seen below.
"Dropped Frames, Vol. 1" track listing:
01. Open Door
02. Super Galaxtica
03. Duckbot
04. Cupcake Cake
05. El Rey Demonio
06. Doodle Buzz
07. Channeling Pt. 1 (feat. Dan Mayo)
08. Osiris
09. Babble Bobble
10. Session McSessionface
11. Neon Crickets
12. Booty Down
Mike's full-length solo album called "Post Traumatic", came out last year. Some of the disc was inspired by the death mnearly three years ago of LINKIN PARK singer Chester Bennington. The latter was found dead in his Los Angeles-area home on July 20, 2017 after hanging himself. LINKIN PARK headlined an all-star tribute concert for Bennington in October 2017 in Los Angeles but has not announced any future plans for recording or touring.
QUEEN's official YouTube channel's behind-the-scenes "Lockumentary" series "Roadies In Lockdown", which explores the roles of various QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT crew members on the road and catches up with them in lockdown continues its weekly outing with episode three.
Sam Augustus sheds light on his role as lighting BlackTrax engineer in the show production and in doing so helps us understand why he has earned the moniker of Harry Potter among the crew.
Conceived and produced by long-standing tour video director Steve Price, who is hardly ever seen on and off-show without a camera on his shoulder, the series captures illuminating insights into what it is like being a member of the "Rhapsody" road crew, no matter the weather conditions.
A limited series, "Roadies In Lockdown" continues to raise the stage drop on the people and complexities behind the huge production that is a QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT live show, with background and concert footage filmed at stops around the world.
QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT recently recorded a new version of "We Are The Champions" — retitled "You Are The Champions" — as a tribute to workers on the frontline fighting coronavirus.
All proceeds made from the song will go towards the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization.
Since Adam Lambert first shared the stage with QUEEN for the 2009 "American Idol" final, his dynamic performances have reinvigorated the band and delighted fans worldwide. Starting as they meant to go on, their first full show together in June 2012 thrilled a crowd of half a million strong in the Ukraine capital city of Kiev. Since then, May and Taylor's musical fireworks have been matched by Lambert's vocal prowess and stage presence, making for an explosive combination. Over 200 gigs later, the partnership has remained a commercial and critical triumph, playing to enraptured full houses in every corner of the world.
The official music video for Tommy Lee's remix of the song "Tommy Lee" from Tyla Yaweh can be seen below. The track, which also features Post Malone, is said to be an ode to the MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer and his lavish lifestyle.
Tommy told Army & Air Force Exchange Service's Facebook page about his involvement in "Tommy Lee": "They asked me to do a remix [of the song]. I don't know how much you know about remixes, but a lot of times, people will do a remix and you're, like, somebody changed a few beats here and a little bit of this and a little bit of that and called it a remix. Well, this is like a 'redo.' We put on heavy guitars, I smash drums on it, bass, there's some strings… It's crazy. It's like NIRVANA meets GREEN DAY meets THE BEATLES. It sounds like the same song, but it's like the next-level version. It's crazy. I cannot wait for everyone to hear it."
Malone says in the track: "Pull up wit a drum like I'm Tommy Lee/Yaweh got a stick came to rock with me. Living life like a rock star/Pulling up stretch limousines."
In a separate interview with SiriusXM's Debatable, Tommy said that Yaweh and Malone initially recorded the song with "demo drums" and sent it to Lee, who then recorded his contribution at his home studio while in quarantine.
Lee and Post Malone previously collaborated on the song "Over Now", which was featured on the rapper's 2018 album "Beerbongs & Bentleys".
Lee told Debatable about Malone: "I've known him for a while and that dude is a rock star, let me tell you. He's a freaking maniac."
Tyla told NME that "Tommy Lee" is about "living life and spreading positive energy." Explaining why he and Malone named the track after the MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer, he added: "Tommy Lee just doesn't give a fuck and I love that."
Last month, Lee released two new solo songs. "Knock Me Down" is a collaboration with Killvein, while "Tops" features South African rapper Push Push. Both tracks will appear on Tommy's new solo album, "Andro", which is due in October.
Gone In April, the symphonic melodic death metal ensemble have just released a new video featuring bass legend Steve Di Giorgio (Death, Testament, Gone in April) performing the song “Empire of Loss”, taken from their newest album Shards of Light. The clip was filmed by Shady Shades and edited and color-graded by Above the Sky
Studios.
Gone In April features musicians from Testament, Death, Quo Vadis, Märchenbilder and Vivaldi Metal Project and combines elements of symphonic, death, speed and folk metal in a compelling and aggressive blend sure to please a wide audience.
Enterprise Earth unveils another quarantine-filmed video clip, this time for their instrumental rendition of latest track, "Foundations Of Bones". The tune appears on the band's recently issued EP of the same name, out now on Entertainment One (eOne).
Featuring one new song, "Foundation Of Bones", two cover tunes - Necrophagist's "Fermented Offal Discharge" and Lamb Of God's "Now You've Got Something To Die For" - an acoustic version of "There Is No Tomorrow" from their Luciferous LP, and this instrumental edition of the title track, the surprise EP serves as a bridge piece from Luciferous into the work being laid down for their forthcoming LP. Foundation Of Bones also marks the band's first ever self-produced output.
Comments Enterprise Earth guitarist, Gabriel Mangold, "After deciding to do this impromptu EP we began sifting through current demos for our winner. The decision was made unanimously fairly quickly. After a short, mysterious, and unsettling intro it gets straight to the point by exploding into the first chorus and doesn't let up until it's over. This song also features new sounds that we have been developing in a condensed format, namely combining modern deathcore parts and structure with thrash and death metal influences. This sound will be expanded upon in our coming full length."
"Rehearsals of the new album are going great," says Swedish death metal outfit The Crown. "We begin to feel warm and ready for the studio. A lot of kickass tracks has been written and we can't wait to share the next chapter of The Crown with you all. Here's some cuts and pieces from yesterday. Cheers!"
The Crown is scheduled to enter Studio Fredman in October to record their as yet untitled eighth album.
In other news, guitarist Marko Tervonen says, "Four weeks of corona-vacation coming up! Me and Mateo were thinking of recording an EP of cover songs. Daddy on guitars and Mateo handling the drums + vokills. Driller Killer - 'Scream Suffer Die' has to be one of the tracks though, here’s our first attempt. Let us know your song suggestions."
At the beginning of June, Norwegian hard rock icons Vreid streamed a unique live performance that took place against the backdrop of the mountains in their hometown of Sogndal, Norway. The stream was an immense success with over 130,000 people viewers across the globe! Now, the band has partnered with Ghost Cult Magazine to release the video clip for the song "Milorg," which is the titled track from their WWII themed record of the same name. The video can be viewed below.
In addition to the video, Vreid will be reopening the concert scene in Oslo (NO) on August 15, 2020. The historic performance will take place at the legendary Rockefeller venue and will be the first metal show in the city since the Covid-19 closure. The show sold out immediately and due to the demand, a second show has been added.
On this night, Vreid will also launch their very own signature beer, which has been crafted by the band’s guitarist Stian “Strom” Bakketeig and Balder Brewery.
Moreover, the band has finished material for the follow up to 2018's Lifehunger! The new record will be released via Season of Mist during the first half of 2021. The band will enter the studio in early autumn and reports that the spirit in the band is stronger and darker than ever before. The Nordic flame burns stronger year by year.
The band comments: “It’s strange and weird times for everyone. For Vreid, we have done as we always do, march onwards. I have been working hard on new material for the last months. Started working new stuff last year, but in the last few months things have fallen into place, and we will go into studio soon. I have such a great feeling for the new material, expect an early 2021 release and expect a dark and raw brew.
Talking about brew, in August we launch our own Vreid Beer. It’s a cooperation with our local Balder Brewery, and its crafted by our own beer wizard Stian. We launch the beer when we do 2 shows at Rockefeller in Oslo on August 15. This will be the first metal show they do as part of their reopening, and we can’t wait to get back out that stage.
But already this week things are happening as we release a video from the streaming session we did at my mountain farm. The response was completely overwhelming, so we decided to release a video for the track ‘Milorg’ for you. During autumn and winter we will have plenty of new and old (::wink::) news for you all. Fingers crossed that we can return to touring in 2021 as well. Stay strong, act reasonable and enjoy metal.”
Lamb Of God have checked in from COVID-19 quaratine with three new live performance videos. Check them out below.
"New Colossal Hate"
"Laid To Rest"
"Checkmate"
Lamb Of God marked the release of their eponymous album with a video for the album’s fourth single, “Gears”. In addition to the “Gears” video, lyric videos for five of the album’s tracks are also available. See all below.
The fact that the band’s eighth studio effort would warrant ‘self-titled’ status is a testament to the band’s pride and satisfaction with these songs and this period in their creativity.
A true collaboration between all members of the band, Lamb Of God’s eighth studio album is an amalgam of each individual’s contributions, blended to create a singular style. Guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler fuel the album with a mountain of riffs, taking what Lamb Of God are known for, and unbelievably, upping the ante to new levels. The rhythm section of John Campbell, looming large as a rhythmic shadow, and drummer Art Cruz, who makes his studio debut with Lamb Of God here on this record, underpin the proceedings with passion, sweat and expansive dynamics. Vocalist D. Randall Blythe is as angry, insightful, and informed as ever. Never one to shrink from facing the darker aspects of our nature head-on, Blythe delivers with no punches pulled, and as only he and Lamb Of God can in 2020.
Audiences got a taste of the first new Lamb Of God music in nearly five years with “Checkmate” back in February, followed by “Memento Mori” and the most recent single, “New Colossal Hate.” All four songs will appear on Lamb Of God, the follow-up to VII: Sturm und Drang (2015). The album was once again produced by collaborator Josh Wilbur (Gojira, Korn, Megadeth, Trivium), fueled by a mountain of riffs and looming rhythmic shadows. It is also the band’s first record with Cruz, who sat behind the kit with Lamb Of God in 2018 and became an official member the following year. In addition to Chuck Billy, the new album features a guest appearance from Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed). Blythe sounds more driven and insightful than ever on Lamb Of God, offering up the angriest and most comprehensive diatribes, addressing modern life in the current landscape, of his storied career thus far.
Sweden’s HammerFall have returned with another episode of HammerFall TV (Episode 11). This time, guitarist Oscar Dronjak and vocalist Joacim Cans look back on their Legacy Of Kings album from 1998.
Theatrical metal band Raven Black has revealed a poignant new video for the song “Hear Me Cry,” from their upcoming third album, The Key.
“‘Hear Me Cry’ is about the chaotic and deeply disturbing thoughts when I once attempted suicide,” Raven explains. “The inner battle of wanting to give up and yet wanting to fight and change your own life. The personal psychosis and finally calling out for help, which ultimately saved my life. This song hopefully inspires those who struggle with suicidal thoughts to speak up and seek help. Someone is always ready to help. Suicide is not the answer. You can change your life and you can survive.”
The Key, produced by Ulrich Wild (Static-X, White Zombie, Deftones), is scheduled for release this year via WurmGroup. Pre-orders for the album and an assortment of bundles are available via Raven Black’s webstore, here.
A new video for the track “Hear Me Cry” will be available soon. VIP packages for The In-Between Tour are also available at the webstore.
Prior to its cancellation due to COVID-19, Raven Black was slated to perform on the nearly two-month-long The In-Between Tour with In This Moment, Black Veil Brides and DED this spring.
Raven Black’s Dark Metal Carnival story began when a voodoo doctor, The Doctor, happened upon a lost and scared little girl named Raven. Using his magic, The Doctor attempted turned the girl into a doll. The Doctor’s attempt, however, was interrupted by the terrified girl’s screams, leaving her in a half-human, half-doll state. As Raven lived in the dark world of the Doctor, she secretly learned his magic and conjured up a demon named Muppet, whom she trapped inside of her heart and made her eternal protector. Together, The Doctor and Muppet created another character, Stitches, to help search for souls to join the Dark Metal Carnival in the 13th hour.
Together, the quartet has created a soundtrack to the Dark Metal Carnival, releasing the 2016 EP Seven Sins and the 2018 album 13. The band has toured extensively, perfecting a creepy live show that unifies the visual and aural aspects of Raven Black.
Raven Black is:
Raven - Vocals
Muppet - Drums/Vocals
The Doctor - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Stitches - Bass
Black Crown Initiate have released a third single off of their upcoming album Violent Portraits of Doomed Escape with the issue of video “Holy Silence”.
The video was directed and animated by David Brodsky for MyGoodEye with music visuals and illustrations by Chris Bishop.
The band jointly said of the video: "We are proud to present to you the animated video for 'Holy Silence.' The track itself is the culmination of the story that runs through the album, and Dave Brodsky did a fantastic job interpreting the music visually. Enjoy!"
Violent Portraits Of Doomed Escape comes out on August 7 and will be available as a limited CD Digipak, black LP+CD, three limited edition colored vinyl variants and on all digital platforms, and can be pre-ordered here.
Tracklisting:
“Invitation”
“Son Of War”
“Trauma Bonds”
“Years In Frigid Light”
“Bellow”
“Death Comes In Reverse”
“Sun Of War”
“Holy Silence”
“He Is The Path”
"Holy Silence" video:
“Sun Of War” lyric video:
Lineup:
Vocals – James Dorton
Guitars – Andy Thomas
Bass – Nick Shaw
Guitars – Ethan McKenna
“Dying On The Moon” is a beautiful ballad, perfectly performed by Chris Harms and Joy Frost, who’s voices complement each other perfectly in a bittersweet duet. Underlined by the classical The Lord Of The Lost Ensemble, the German dark metal maestros deliver a soulful and slightly desperate track that goes straight into the listeners heartstrings - an ode to trusting one’s soul’s decision and believing in yourself. The freshly released song is accompanied by a music video, inspired by technical achievements of the '60s and the moon landing, kept in black and white.
After teaming up on multiple songwriting and composing collaborations with Lord Of The Lost in the past on tracks such as “Voodoo Doll” or “Ribcages”, for the first time ever, the voice of U.S. American singer / songwriter Joy Frost appears on a song by the band. “Dying On The Moon” is the third single taken off the new classical ensemble album Swan Songs III, to be released on August 7.
Chris Harms on the collaboration with Joy Frost on “Dying On The Moon”: “After so many years of knowing each other and writing songs together, it was time to bring Joy in the spot light of the LOTL cosmos. I love her voice so much, I could listen to her all day. Whatever she sings, it sounds good. Anything.”
Joy Frost adds: "Chris and I have known each other since 2015. The summer when we first met, I was in the front row of his classroom as one of his audio engineering students. I remember dreaming about becoming a songwriter for his band during class, but at the time it was just a fantasy. Five years later, we’ve not only written several songs together but now he’s asked me to step out onto the stage with him as his duet partner. I feel sincerely thankful to have earned his trust in both music and friendship.”
Lord Of The Lost returns with their newest offering in their classic ensemble album series: Swan Songs III, the long-awaited successor to Swan Songs II, will be released via Napalm Records on August 7, 2020.
The standard version of Swan Songs III consists of new songs, all recorded with The Lord Of The Lost-Ensemble, and brand new versions of a hand-picked selection of Lord Of The Lost classics, including the standout 18-minute-long song “Letters To Home”.
For all dark metal connoisseurs, Swan Songs III comes with a high quality deluxe box, including the instrumental Swan Symphonies III-versions of all songs and previously unreleased demo versions of eight new songs. As a special bonus, there is a full live set, recorded at their 10th anniversary show in 2019 in their hometown of Hamburg. More than five hours of Lord Of The Lost in all facets on seven CDs.
Swan Songs III will be available in multiple formats, including a high-class Earbook, a box set and a 2LP Gatefold Vinyl. The album is a gift to all music fans and marks the next highlight in Lord Of The Lost's musical career. Preorders available here.
Lord Of The Lost on the album: "The Swan Songs project started as a musical infidelity, continued in a beloved carry-on and became like a second musical DNA. Meanwhile, we feel at home in our second musical facet, as well as in our classifying Lord Of The Lost sound / shell. Swan Songs III has a musical depth that even surprises ourselves with a certain distance to its finishing. It is by no means the last part of a trilogy, but so far our personal highlight of Lord Of The Lost’s classical-career.”
Swan Songs III CD1 tracklisting:
“A Splintered Mind”
“A One Ton Heart”
“Dying On The Moon” (feat. Joy Frost)
“Zunya”
“Unfeel”
“Deathless”
“Agape”
“Hurt Again”
“Amber”
“We Were Young” (feat. Heaven Can Wait Choir)
“4’33””
“Dying On The Moon” (Joyless Version)
“We Were Young” (feat. Heaven Can Wait Choir - ZDF Version)
Swan Songs III CD2 tracklisting:
“Loreley” (Swan Songs III Version)
“Morgana” (Swan Songs III Version)
“Black Halo” (Swan Songs III Version)
“Cut Me Out” (Swan Songs III Version)
“In Silence” (Swan Songs III Version)
“Seven Days of Anavrin” (Swan Songs III Version)
“My Heart Is Black” (Swan Songs III Version)
“Letters To Home” (Swan Songs III Version)
Swan Symphonies III CD1 tracklisting:
“A Splintered Mind” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“A One Ton Heart” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Dying On The Moon” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Zunya” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Unfeel” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Deathless” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Agape” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Hurt Again” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Amber” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“We Were Young” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
Swan Symphonies III CD2 tracklisting:
“Loreley (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Morgana” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Black Halo” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Cut Me Out” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“In Silence” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Seven Days of Anavrin” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“My Heart Is Black” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Letters To Home” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
Swan Songs Demos tracklisting:
“A Splintered Mind” (Demo)
“A One Ton Heart” (Demo)
“Dying On The Moon” (Demo)
“Zunya” (Demo)
“Unfeel” (Demo)
“Hurt Again” (Demo)
“Amber” (Demo)
“We Were Young” (Demo)
Opus X CD1 tracklisting:
“Lament For The Condemned” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Morgana” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Prison” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Sex On Legs” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“I.D.G.A.F.” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Die Tomorrow” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Black Lolita” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Dry The Rain” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“One Day Everything Will Be Okay” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Credo” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
Opus X CD2 tracklisting:
“Raining Stars” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Full Metal Whore” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Loreley” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Voodoo Doll” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Forevermore” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Blood For Blood” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Six Feet Underground” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“La Bomba” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Trisma” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Drag Me To Hell” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
The Lord Of The Lost Ensemble 2020:
Chris Harms: Vocals, Violoncello, Semi Acoustic Guitar
π: Acoustic Guitar
Bengt Jaeschke: Acoustic Guitar
Class Grenayde: Acoustic Bass
Gared Dirge: Grand Piano
Corvin Bahn: Organ, Harpsichord, Celeste
Maline Zickow: 1st Violin
Felicitas Fischbein: 2nd Violin
Ida Luzie Phlipp: Viola
Miriam Göbel: Violoncello
Julia C. Pfänder: Contrabass
Niklas Kahl: Percussions
Daniel Möhrke: Percussions
Henrik Petschull: Percussions
Dianthus is currently in the studio recording their brand new album Realms with producer Steve Evetts (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Symphony X, Butcher Babies), and they will be releasing a series of singles monthly leading up to the full release tentatively due in early 2021.
Jackie and Jessica had this to say about their first single “Realms”, “The idea and creation of our newest single, ‘Realms’, came from pure intuition and connectiveness to the music. We wanted to capture a variety of intense moods that resonate with the listener and cut into the dynamic dimensions of our sound. We feel that this song will speak to everyone in a unique way and mean something in a unique way. We hope ‘Realms’ casts a new sound to the rock and metal scene and is an echo of what else there is to come from the two of us in Dianthus.”
Since their formation, Dianthus has been regularly hitting the Los Angeles area making appearances at the NAMM show and sharing the stage with artist such as Crown the Empire, Dokken, Drowning Pool and Powerman-5000. Their appearances gained the likes of well-respected musicians Matt Sorum (Guns ‘N Roses/Velvet Revolver/Hollywood Vampires/The Cult) and Jeremy ‘Jinxx’ Ferguson (Black Veil Brides). ‘Jinxx’ produced their self-released album, which was recorded at Matt’s DRAC STUDIOS in Beverly Hills, CA.
In addition to teaming up of Deko Entertainment, they have also partnered with Jeff Keller at The Artery Foundation artist management. With the team in place, Dianthus is ready to bring forth their delicate, yet dominant voices to the metal scene.
Manager, Jeff Keller, states “I am incredibly excited to be working with Jessica and Jackie. Their talent is undeniable and ‘Realms’ is proof that there is nothing that will stop Dianthus from making a major impact.”
Deko Entertainment president Bruce Pucciarello had this to say about their first release for Deko, “Dianthus, Deko Entertainment's power flowers, deliver an amazing song while displaying top musical chops. I find myself wondering, ‘How can something so innocent rip the cover off a metal ball?’
Canadian melodic death metal heavyweights KATAKLYSM will release their 14th full-length studio album, "Unconquered", on September 25 via Nuclear Blast Records. The official music video for the disc's first single, "The Killshot", can be seen below. The clip was directed by Scott Hansen of Digital Thunderdome.
KATAKLYSM frontman Maurizio Iacono said: "'The Killshot' is very Machiavellian at its base meaning. The song deals with revenge and planning it out, I wrote the song in an open interpretation because everyone has their own story that they can attach to it.
"In general, the album deals with pain or setbacks, overcoming them and fighting back especially in today's situation, the timing is on point.
"In February, we flew to Atlanta, Georgia and worked with director Scott Hansen. We saw some of his creations and wanted to try his style. The experience was awesome and we won't forget it anytime soon. Everything went great but it was there, sitting at the airport that we first started seeing on all the screens that COVID-19 was about to shut down the country."
"Unconquered" was recorded and engineered by the band's long-time producer and guitarist Jean-François Dagenais at JFD Studio in Dallas, Texas. KATAKLYSM enlisted legendary Colin Richardson, post retirement, to aid in the mixing of "Unconquered"'s weightier and modernized sound with additional help from Chris Clancy's technicality and precision. "Unconquered" stands among the best produced albums in the band's career.
The infamous heart beast, which also appeared on "In The Arms Of Devastation" (2006), "Prevail" (2008) and "Heaven's Venom" (2010), makes its return with a cover image created by artist Blake Armstrong.
"Dirty Like The City", the new music video from the hard-hitting, melodic heavy metal band ALCATRAZZ, can be seen below. The song is taken from the group's upcoming album, "Born Innocent", due on July 31 via Silver Lining Music.
Frontman Graham Bonnet comments: "Steve Vai sent us about 60 songs. Out of all of them, 'Dirty Like The City' was the one that stood out right away for me, and after a good listen, I just knew it had to be included in the album."
Keyboardist Jimmy Waldo adds: "I loved this piece when Steve Vai sent it to us, and knew right away that ALCATRAZZ would eat it alive. It was a perfect fit with all the other material on the album."
Alongside the unique vocal prowess and range of star frontman and founding member Bonnet, ALCATRAZZ's first studio venture since 1986's "Dangerous Games" features fellow founding members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea. And from the classic album art, featuring the mighty rock itself, "Born Innocent" is a journey into the sort of heavy, melodic and supremely articulated hard rock that is a cornerstone of the likes of RAINBOW and the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, territory ALCATRAZZ successfully strode in the 1980s before going on hiatus.
Debuting on "Born Innocent" is the latest of the illustrious ALCATRAZZ guitarists to bring their extreme six-string talents to the band, with Boston-based Berklee College Of Music assistant professor of guitar, and one-man metal impresario Joe Stump perhaps proving the finest of a list which includes the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai.
"The name ALCATRAZZ is a brand name," announces Bonnet. "People know what ALCATRAZZ delivers, and on this album you have the original ideas of ALCATRAZZ but played in a modern way with new inspiration."
Mixed and mastered by Andy Haller, "Born Innocent" also sees former stars from Bonnet's long career making guest appearances, from Chris Impellitteri, who wrote the music and played all guitars on the arpeggio-powered "Born Innocent" with Bonnet's vocals soaring to old-school heights, and Bob Kulick, who wrote and laid down guitar for "I Am The King". Virtuoso Japanese guitar maestro Nozomu Wakai — a new invitee to the party — similarly wrote and played guitars on the double-kick steel-plated Irish warrior ode "Finn McCool", while Vai wrote "Dirty Like The City". Meanwhile, "Something That I Am Missing" and "Warth Lane" were written by — and feature the guitar work of — Italian six-string hero Dario Mollo, with RIOT bassist Don Van Stavern playing bass on the title track, "Polar Bear", "Finn McCool", "London 1666", "Dirty Like The City" and "Paper Flags". Add D. Kendall Jones's writing and guitar work on "We Still Remember" and even a quick solo by another new invitee to the ALCATRAZZ mega-sound, ANNIHILATOR's Jeff Waters on "Paper Flags" (the second one, to be precise), and it's clear that studio ALCATRAZZ 2020 is one giant piece of rock for sure.
Besides the supreme musicianship, "Born Innocent" features genuine storyteller lyrics courtesy of Bonnet who revels in showing he loves the scent of an entertaining tale, proudly illustrated on the storming lead single "Polar Bear", which bristles with robust old-world adventure. "Take the song 'Polar Bear'," explains Bonnet, "I heard those words 'polar bear' and thought it's an intriguing title because it sounds all cuddly and nice, but it's not. It's a story of how when the Eskimo got too old, they would take their lives by sitting in snow, freezing to death and letting the polar bear take the body. The polar bear was very prominent in their lives as a God and also as a way of committing suicide, which is kind of awful. But when an Eskimo loses all his teeth and he could no longer eat, he would lose his strength obviously and then become a weak old man. He could no longer contribute to the tribe, he'd feel his life was useless and so he'd walk out into the snow and sacrifice himself to the bear."
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