Iin the clip below, shot in downtown Toronto on July 8th, Famous Underground / ex-Slik Toxik singer Nicholas Walsh performs David Bowie's "Life On Mars" and Queen's "Love Of My Life."
"We do this to show our reverence for the Frontline Workers and our respect for the changing times. We also do this because we miss everyone!"
The peformance begins at the 8:00 minute mark.
Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin and based in Toronto, Classic Albums Live has become the ultimate destination for music lovers wanting to hear the greatest albums performed live without all the gimmickry and cheesy impersonations. Relying only on the music, using what Martin refers to as "the world's best musicians," Classic Albums Live has defined itself as a mainstay in Performing Arts Centres across North America.
Swedish metallers AVATAR have released the official music for a new song called "Colossus", which serves as the third single from their eighth full-length, "Hunter Gatherer", due out August 7 via Entertainment One (eOne). Unsettling electronic instrumentation sets the tone as Johannes Eckerström provides the introduction to the track, from which the band bursts into chugging guitar lines, eerie verses and soaring choruses — culminating in one of the most dynamic tracks on the album.
The "Colossus" clip mirrors the dystopian reincarnation of the band as it explores humanity's vicious and complex relationship with technology and control. "Colossus" serves as the dark counterpart to previously released singles from "Hunter Gatherer" — "God Of Sick Dreams" and "Silence In The Age Of Apes".
From the very first riff of the explosive lead single "Silence In The Age Of Apes", listeners will find a darker, futuristic, and entirely new version of AVATAR. Their bold manifesto, "Hunter Gatherer", is an unflinchingly ruthless study of a clueless humankind’s ever-increasing velocity into an uncertain future, furthering the reach of the band’s always expanding dark roots. The forthcoming album is the darkest, most sinister version of the band yet, with deep studies of cruelty, technology, disdain, and deprivation.
In 2019, AVATAR reunited with producer Jay Ruston (STONE SOUR, SLIPKNOT, ANTHRAX) at Sphere Studios in Los Angeles, California, where the foundation for each song on "Hunter Gatherer" was laid with the band performing altogether, as they'd done only once before, on "Hail The Apocalypse" (2014). The old-school method of playing as one in the studio, more akin to how they are on stage, captured the essence of AVATAR. Recorded entirely to two-inch tape, "Hunter Gatherer" exhibits everything that makes AVATAR standouts in the vast, rich landscape of heavy metal's past and present.
Track listing:
01. Silence In The Age Of Apes
02. Colossus
03. A Secret Door
04. God Of Sick Dreams
05. Scream Until You Wake
06. Child
07. Justice
08. Gun
09. When All But Force Has Failed
10. Wormhole
Late last year, AVATAR singer Johannes Eckerström told Loudwire about the lyrical themes covered on the upcoming album: "I'm trying to put across certain emotions that maybe, myself as a lyricist, maybe I wasn’t comfortable with in the past. Saying there’s something wrong over there is different than turning a finger and pointing it at yourself. It takes some maturity to start to do that and maybe revisit places I was at in the past and shine a more honest light upon it. It's full of those things that I have never done before, we have never done before, and thus it's completely different again."
He added: "There is no joking around with this, and it pulls us back into reality. It deals more with darkness, sadness, detachment, alienation and the anxiety of thinking of the world at large. It's all these things that don't necessarily fit into the 'let's write this love letter to heavy metal and share our inside joke that we call Jonas The King.'"
AVATAR's live album, "The King Live In Paris" , was released in May 2019 via eOne. The 11-track set was recorded at the 2018 Download Festival in Paris, France.
The group's most recent studio album, "Avatar Country" , came out in January 2018.
Last fall, AVATAR completed a North American tour as the support act for BABYMETAL.
Symphonic metal masters KAMELOT return with their newest offering, "I Am The Empire - Live From The 013", to be released on August 14 via Napalm Records.
The majestic live album, DVD and Blu-ray, recorded at the legendary 013 in Tilburg, Netherlands, consists of 21 songs that will tug on your heartstrings, make you want to bang your head and give you a taste of KAMELOT's grandness live on stage with more than 100 minutes of live music and multiple exclusive extras, including backstage interviews of all guests, bandmembers and fans.
Today, the band has released the powerful live video of the show's opening song, "Phantom Divine (Shadow Empire)". Accompanied by a pyro show, the intro kicks in and the listener can feel the heat in the completely sold-out 013, full of suspense. The stunning live performance features guest vocals by the furious Lauren Hart (ONCE HUMAN) who alternates between beautifully clean vocals and frightening growls.
KAMELOT guitarist/founder Thomas Youngblood on "Phantom Divine": "We are pleased to present 'Phantom Divine' as the second video from our upcoming DVD/Blu-ray. This song is from our most recent studio release 'The Shadow Theory' and features Lauren Hart. During the entire 'Shadow' tour, this was the night opener and always set the tone for the rest of the evening. Fans tell me this song encompasses a ton of what they feel is part of the KAMELOT trademark. We hope you all share in our joy for this release!"
September 14, 2018 marked one of the highlights of KAMELOT's very successful career. The band, known for its high-class collaborations, invited the creme de la creme of the symphonic metal scene to celebrate that evening in Tilburg. Featured guest musicians like Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY), Elize Ryd (AMARANTHE), Charlotte Wessels (DELAIN) and Lauren Hart — just to name a few — made this evening in Tilburg an unforgettable night to remember for every fan and musician in attendance.
This concert setlist features KAMELOT in prime shape — with a hand-picked mixture of KAMELOT classics and live premieres, rounded off by stunning production and mixed and mastered by Sascha Paeth (AVANTASIA, EPICA).
Youngblood comments: "We are pleased beyond words to present our new live album/DVD/Blu-ray 'I Am The Empire - Live From The 013'. After multiple sold-out events in The Netherlands, it was only fitting to film this event at Tilburg's famed 013 venue. The icing on the cake was having all the special guests attend this historic night. It was truly divine."
White-Gluz says: "It was a magical evening that night. It was so much fun to play such a nice long set with a packed house of fans who knew every word to every song alongside my KAM fam and girlfriends!"
Ryd comments: "It was an historical moment for me to take part in this KAMELOT live DVD recording. Let's not forget that it was with KAMELOT I began my touring life, and we toured a lot. I am so happy to finally be able to perpetuate the era of hard work and friendship with such great quality. A huge thanks to the entire KAMELOT family for embracing my presence on this very special evening."
Wessels adds: "It was an absolute delight performing 'Under Grey Skies' with KAMELOT live in 013 during their special night. It felt like a big family gathering. Thank you for including me. I am sure that this DVD will be a wonderful memento for Kamfans worldwide!"
Hart says: "What a MASTERPIECE!! It was a huge honor to share the stage with so many legends and witness this beautiful piece of KAMELOT history!"
Warkings Warriors... prepare yourself for the next true heavy metal attack. The mighty Tribune raises his war chants to tell the story of the legendary Roman general and liberator of all Gladiators, “Maximus”.
Shouting fanfares, driving drums and galloping riffs pave the golden way for the greatest freedom fighter of the Roman Empire, who gave his life for his allies and the suppressed people of ancient Rome. The Warkings take you back to the time when the mythical arenas were filled with roaring crowds, deciding on death or glory and brave, lost souls are fighting for one moment of honor. At the latest, when the catchy chorus of this warrior hymn drops in, you can see yourself standing right in the Colosseum, shouting for “Maximus” and joining his fight against Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his own son Commodus.
The Tribune on “Maximus”: “The burning sand, the crowd stomping their feet on the ground, you hear them chanting you name. The calm before the deadly strike. This is Maximus. Morituri te salutant.”
Let the battle begin and join the Warkings in their new video for “Maximus”:
A new crusade arises with the mighty Warkings and their new album Revenge, to be released via Napalm Records on July 31.The band enters the battleground and faces ghoulish demons with the formidable weapon made of pure heavy metal. The four ancient kings, a roman Tribune, a wild Viking, a noble Crusader and a martial Spartan, gathered in the halls of Valhalla, escape from the realms of obscurity and steal their souls from the Lord of the Abyss. In a bloodthirsty furor, the demons seek revenge on the Warkings but Odin’s legates are more than ready to vanquish the Monarchs of the dusk with their hard-hitting anthems. Folklore-like elements like the opener “Freedom”, the death angel’s chant “Azrael” or the epic hymn “Warriors” prove the Warkings’ uncompromising vigor.
In order to sweeten the wait for Revenge, the Warkings present their first single, “Warriors”, today. This battle hymn is made of pure heavy metal: straight forward riffs, sing-along lyrics and attacking drums pay tribute to the Order of the Dragon, including their most known member Vlad “Dracula” Tepes! Accompanied by a fast-paced official video, featuring a beautiful scenery and the epic story of a battle well-fought, this track will sweep you off your feet.
The Tribune on “Warriors”: “Hell wants revenge... so we will fight fire with fire. We forged an alliance with the order of the dragon and the infamous Vlad Tepes.”
Watch the official video for “Warriors” below.
Warkings - Revenge: Once, there were four ancient kings who gathered in the golden halls of Valhalla, a roman Tribune, a wild Viking, a noble Crusader and a martial Spartan. They were sent back to the living by the allfather himself to tell the stories of the epic battles they fought. It turned out to be a great time for the Warkings, striking the world with their battle hymns. Keen of new adventures they made their way through the land of the living. But as the fame of the four kings rose, the envy and hate of the Underworld grew. When the four kings escaped from the realms of darkness, they stole their souls from the lords of the Underworld. In rage, bloodthirsty demons and warriors swarmed out to retrieve what belonged to them, seeking for revenge on those who betrayed them. But the kings strike back. Leading the constantly growing legion of their Warkings Warriors, they will enter the eternal fight against the darkness. Armed with new hymns and with a mighty battle cry, they will put themselves against the forces of the underworld. Hell wants revenge...and the Warkings are ready for battle.
The Crusader on Revenge: “We are back to crush the armies of the underworld with steel and battle axe. Join us…we need you battle cry!!!”
Revenge will be available in the following formats:
- Digital album
- 1 CD Jewel Case
- Ltd Deluxe Box (incl. Jewel Case, Poster Flag, Patch, Pendant + WK Skull Emblem in every 10th Box) - strictly limited to 300 worldwide
- 1LP Gatefold Red Vinyl (limited first edition)
"Freedom "
"Maximus"
"Warriors"
"Fight in the Shade"
"Odin's Sons" (featuring The Queen Of The Damned)
"Banners High"
"Mirror, Mirror"
"Azrael"
"Battle of Marathon"
"Warking"
"Sparta" (bonus track featuring The Queen Of The Damned)
Belgian death metal band, Carnation, will be releasing their second full-length, Where Death Lies, on September 18 via Season Of Mist. Pre-order the album in various formats here.
In conjunction with this announcement, the band has shared the first single, "Sepulcher Of Alteration", along with an accompanying music video that can be seen below.
Frontman Simon Duson comments: "Finally, the gateway to the 'Sepulcher Of Alteration' has been opened. With great exhilaration, we encourage you all to venture forth and witness our newest creation of aural devastation. Like most tracks on the Where Death Lies album; 'Sepulcher Of Alteration' deals with the pursuit of physical reincarnation, the challenges laid forth in obtaining set goal, and the impending punishment for desiring it...
"With 'Sepulcher Of Alteration', we offer a first glimpse at a few new elements that are featured on Where Death Lies. The Carnation sound has truly witnessed a natural evolution during the songwriting process of this album; and we can't wait to show you more.
"Dreaming of what's to come... Freedom to rise beyond."
Where Death Lies was recorded from January to April 2020. The drums were recorded by Wojtek & Sławek Wieslawski at the Hertz Recording Studio in Białystok, Poland and the guitars, bass & vocals were recorded by Yarne Heylen at Project Zero Studio in Nijlen, Belgium.
The cover artwork for Where Death Lies, which is again created by the talented Juan Jose Castellano Rosado, can be found below along with the tracklisting.
Tracklisting:
"Iron Discipline"
"Sepulcher Of Alteration"
"Where Death Lies"
"Spirit Excision"
"Napalm Ascension"
"Serpent's Breath"
"Malformed Regrowth"
"Reincarnation"
"In Chasms Abysmal"
"Sepulcher Of Alteration" video:
Lineup:
Simon Duson - Vocals
Jonathan Verstrepen - Guitars
Bert Vervoort - Guitars
Yarne Heylen - Bass
Vincent Verstrepen - Drums
Guitarist Thomas Zwijsen has released an acoustic ukulele cover of Metallica's Kill 'Em All album classic, "Motorbreath". Watch the clip below.
Zwijsen's "Motorbreath" performance will be included on the Uke 'Em All album, which is a free bonus album for everybody who pre-orders the new Nylon Maiden CD at ThomasZwijsen.com.
"The thrash mania has just begun. Welcome to the Napalm family, Warfect!"
A thrash-avalanche is coming your way and its name is Warfect. Straight from the Swedish underground, it's time for this trio to unfold their full potential and start the metal machine they hid behind the curtain of being an insider tip in the scene.
Four years have passed since the trio based near Gothenburg released their last record Scavengers, and they won't hold back fire any longer. Warfect is ready to sweep the thrash-scene with a brand new album in 2020 that will hit you like an artillery strike.
The three-piece has supported the likes of Lich King, Vulcano or NunSlaughter in support of their albums Exoneration Denied (2013) and Scavengers (2016), and smashed stages at various festivals like SWR Barroselas, Obscene Extreme, In Flammen, Under the Black Sun and many more all over Europe.
Warfect comments: “We're absolutely thrilled to be joining the artillery of Napalm Records and Napalm Events and are looking forward to letting our thrash force spread through-out the world! Now we have a foundation to build our thrash machine upon and together with our friends at Napalm Records we will soon bring you our next piece of violence! The thrash metal future is looking bright and we’re really looking forward to exploring this brave new world and all the possibilities with it! Next up is shooting the first music video for the new album and hopefully the album will hit the market later this year. Booking-wise we’re looking ahead into 2021 and we’re sure we’ll hit a stage near you as soon as possible. Stay forsaken and keep a lookout for further news!”
Napalm Records A&R Sebastian Muench states: “The first contact with the Swedes Warfect was a classical A&R moment! A new to me, thrash metal band, sent us their new recording along with a brilliant album artwork. It was all it took to convince the entire Napalm Team, that here, a new thrash metal masterpiece was born! The band symbolizes everything that makes bands such as Kreator, Sodom or Legion Of The Damned legendary! If you need proof, have a listen to the 2016 album release Scavengers and expect even more for the new recording. Warfect, welcome to the Napalm family!"
Watch Warfect’s music video for “Drone Wars” below:
After releasing two demos under a different banner, Warfect came into the world in 2008 and have delivered pure thrash metal ever since. In the past few years, the band toured and played multiple festivals all over Europe. Major music magazines compare Warfect’s style to genre-giants like Kreator, Slayer and Sodom.
Original KISS drummer Peter Criss has released a video of him singing the song "Don't You Let Me Down" from his 1978 self-titled solo record.
Criss uploaded the video to Vimeo, writing in an accompanying message: "My friend and a longtime fan Mark stopped by my house to help me out with a few things and while he was here. He asked if I would sing for him one of his favorite songs from my 1978 solo record ('Don't You Let Me Down'). So here I am singing live along with my solo record. He wanted to share his exciting moment with all of you other fans and asked if I could post it on my site for you to see. He was so excited he was shaking. Hope you all enjoy it as well. We did. It was fun!!!"
"Don't You Let Me Down" was originally written in 1971 for Criss's pre-KISS band LIPS.
"Peter Criss" was one of four solo albums released by the members of KISS on September 18, 1978. The LP was produced by Vini Poncia, who went on to helm the KISS albums "Dynasty" (1979) and "Unmasked" (1980).
Criss first left KISS in 1980. Since then he's worked with other bands and released solo albums. He teamed up with KISS again for a reunion tour in the 1990s and most recently in 2004. He was replaced by Eric Singer.
The four original members of KISS were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April 2014 by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello.
KISS did not perform — the Hall Of Fame wanted the original quartet only to play, while Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley insisted on the current lineup — which also includes guitarist Tommy Thayer — performing as well. In the end nobody won that battle.
Criss, who was known as "Catman," released his last solo CD, titled "One for All", in 2007. Peter produced the album himself for the first time, and was joined by guest musicians that included keyboardist Paul Shaffer and bassist Will Lee of "Late Night with David Letterman". The album featured a range of styles, from rock and jazz to blues and Broadway, and included covers of "What a Difference a Day Makes" and "Send in the Clowns".
Nightwish vocalist Floor Jansen has launched a new online series called Floor Finds, featuring conversation with a guest that does not necessarily center on music. Check out the first episode below.
Floor: "We kick off Floor Finds with our own Marko Hietala! We are no experts but we are intrigued by the possibility of life somewhere else in the universe."
During a conversation with Ultimate Guitar's Justin Beckner, Nightwish bassist Marco Hietala talked about the addition of singer Floor Jansen to the band, who joined the fold in 2013, while also touching on the ongoing lockdown, the band's former singer Anette Olzen, and more. Following is an excerpt from the interview.
UG: What made Floor the right choice as a singer for Nightwish?
Marco: "Well, in hindsight, I would say that we were able to get the best personal chemistry between the band and the vocalist. Now we can talk about that because it's the personal chemistry of a band. With Floor, the question was always that she was a fan of this hard music. She was always a fan of it. She wanted to be in bands and started doing it and got her feet under her in the process. So in that way, it's easier for her, therefore it's easier for all of us.
Vocally, all of the vocalists have been brilliant. But then there is this thing about who is best suited for this life on the road. The guys in the band, we're pretty much road horses. I mean, I am really hooked on doing shows - I really like to be an entertainer and I like to make music with the people that I like and when you get the big bubble going where you, your friends, and the audience are all going crazy with that same [energy], it's just brilliant. That's my life's biggest drug, so I'm happy to go on the road."
UG: We miss having you out on the road. Has there been any discussion about when and how you might be able to get back out there?
Marco: "All the festivals toppled over one by one like dominos and now they are pretty much closing the whole summer already. So we still have hope that there might be a medical breakthrough that could allow us to still do the European tour in November and December. But I cannot really be for sure about that either. The only thing I know from my personal experience is that when it happens, I will be ready to raise some goddamn serious hell."
Nightwish recently released their long-awaited ninth record, Human. :II: Nature., that has now conquered the charts worldwide, including #1 in their home-country Finland and Germany and #2 in Canada, Austria, Hungary and Switzerland. Further chart-entries below.
Digital:
Global: Amazon Music - Top Releases All Genres – Global - #7, Amazon Music - Rock – Global #3, Deezer – All Genres - Top 200 Global #4, Deezer – Rock - Top 200 Global #1
Finland – Apple Music All Genres #1
Sweden - Apple Music All Genres #7
Norway - Apple Music All Genres #2
Germany - Apple Music All Genres #12, Deezer Top 200 #3
Netherlands – Apple Music All Genres #4, Deezer Top 200 #3
Switzerland - Apple Music All Genres #10
Russia – Apple Music All Genres #2
Austria – Apple Music Rock #1
USA – iTunes All Genres #2, Deezer Top 200 #2
UK – Apple Music Rock #3, Deezer Top 200 #3
France – Apple Music Rock #1, Deezer Top 200 #2
Brasil – Deezer Top 200 #2
Mexico – Apple Music Rock #1, Deezer Top 200 #2
Several Top 20 entries on Apple Music, Deezer & Amazon Music in Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand and the US/CA.
Get the album in various formats here. Get it digitally here.
KK's Priest / ex-Judas Priest vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens recently answered a couple questions for YouTube user Vince Palamara via Cameo. In the clip below, Owens talks about working with guitar legend Yngwie Malmsteen and comments on his good fortune to be involved in so many different projects over the course of his career.
K.K Downing, founding member of Judas Priest, recently announced the name of his new band, KK’s Priest. This all new band features some very familiar faces. With Downing on guitar, KK’s Priest features ex-Judas Priest members Tim “Ripper” Owens on vocals, who fronted the band for eight years and recorded two studio albums, Jugulator, featuring the Grammy-nominted track “Bullet Train”, and Demolition, plus two live albums, and Les Binks who was the drummer on the studio albums Stained Class and Killing Machine and the live album Unleashed In The East. They are joined by Tony Newton (Voodoo Six) on bass, and A.J. Mills (Hostile) on guitar. With the lineup complete, KK’s Priest is hard at work in the studio creating the band’s debut album which will be released globally by Explorer1 Music Group as a part of the partnership with K.K Downing signed early 2020. More details to come.
On March 11th, Owens guested on SiriusXM's Trunk Nation and commented on the forthcoming album, saying "I got my vocals done. It sounds unbelievable; it's gonna be a really great record. Obviously, we can't talk too much about it right now, but it's really good. We have a really good time. I'm excited. The vocals came out great. It's a lot of high stuff, a lot of aggressive stuff, and a lot of classic-sounding metal. We're not shooting for mediocrity; we're shooting for the top. The biggest thing was getting this record done."
KK’s Priest is represented exclusively by Andy Gould for Explorer1, with Jim Morewood handling the band’s global bookings outside the US for the K2 Agency. Extensive touring and festival dates are already being planned with KK’s Priest taking to stages around the world to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Judas Priest and K.K Downing’s career as a founding member. The band will deliver everything that fans would expect of Downing and his ability to deliver up everything that is Priest including newly written metal masterpieces.
“Forging ahead with KK’s Priest was not only inevitable, but was essential for me to perform and deliver everything that is expected from me and KK’s Priest” says K.K. Downing. “Due to the massive demand and overwhelming support from fans around the world, I feel this is where I belong, and a set combining the true, classic songs and sound of Priest, together with great, newly forged metal tracks, is what fans can expect when KK’s Priest takes to stages around the world.”
Last summer K.K Downing made his first public appearance in almost 10 years, performing classic Judas Priest cuts at the Bloodstock Open Air Festival in the U.K. In November K.K Downing called on Tim “Ripper” Owens and Les Binks for a surprise, one-off performance, featuring Hostile’s A.J. Mills on guitar and David Ellefson from Megadeth on bass. The band performed a blistering set of classic Judas Priest songs as well as deep album cuts that have never been performed live. With an overwhelming response and the instant chemistry Downing, Owens and Binks shared on stage, KK’s Priest was born.
K.K Downing’s genre-defining guitar style helped establish Judas Priest‘s iconic sound and helped propelled them to one of the top heavy metal bands of all-time, earning numerous accolades including a Grammy in 2010 for “Best Metal Performance,” a total of five Grammy nominations and multi-platinum and gold releases.
Cathartic black metal outfit Gaerea has shared the third and final single from their upcoming album, Limbo. The new song, "Conspiranoia," can be found along with an accompanying music video below.
Speaking of the video, Gaerea comments, "Shot in the ancient Streets of Porto, Gaerea's birth city, 'Conspiranoia' is much more than just an agonizing and mesmerizing voyage into the Vortex's own Depths. Completely filled with small Easter Eggs throughout the clip which I know very few will be able to spot, the music video for the third and last 'Limbo' single crosses the line, the natural border between reality and the mere perception inside our memories, 'deja vus' and romanticizing adventures. This is Gaerea being trapped inside its own world. The Martyrs inside Limbo."
Rob "The Witch" Tremblay of Canadian blackened death metal masters Necronomicon has shared a guitar playthrough for the song "Vox Draconis." The track is taken from 2019's critically acclaimed UNUS.
Unus is a searing cacophony that blends blistering riffs, machine-like drums, and a symphonic ambience, culminating in a sound that calls to various metal icons such as Dimmu Borgir, Septicflesh, Behemoth, and Deicide. The record combines the furious elements of death metal with the symphonic prowess of black metal, creating the perfect synthesis of both genres.
Recorded at Sliver Wings studio, produced by Rob The Witch. Mixed and mastered at Darth Mader music studio by Logan Mader (Machine Head).
Artwork: Dragon caduceus design by Nestor Avalos, layout and artwork by Simon Bossert.
Journey were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017. At the ceremony, the band performed their all-time classic, "Don't Stop Believin'". Watch HQ video of the performance below:
The band also performed "Lights", with guitarist Neal Schon dedicating the performance to former Journey singer, Steve Perry:
Schon recently confirmed that Journey are working on a new album. Stay tuned for updates.
Hard rock band, The Lonely Ones, have premiered their reimagined version of Queen's song, "Flash". Even though it was originally recorded in 2019, the band decided that this was the opportune time to release their heroic cover inspired by one of the most relevant rock bands from past and present times.
The video can be seen below. Stream/download "Flash/ The Hero" here.
"We recorded 'Flash' in 2019 - a pretty dark year for the four of us on all fronts. Our original musical output reflected that darkness so recording a cartoonishly triumphant, heroic cover song seemed like a good counter-balance. Fast forward to spring 2020 and the impending COVID-19 Stay At Home order. With limited time and help from some fans we got our friends together to film a music video while we were still able. It's July now and, with the future more unclear than ever, it seems like the perfect time to release the most positive song we have. I hope you enjoy it. 'Flash/The Hero'. A Queen cover," says the band.
Formed in the summer of 2019, The Lonely Ones are a four piece vocal-oriented hard rock band with an ear for melody and a taste for success. No strangers to the hardships of the music industry, The Lonely Ones know what they want and know how to get it. The first singles "Eternal Sadness" and "The Lonely One" debuted in March of 2020.
October
15 - Mishawaka, IN - Smokestack Brew
16 - Janesville, WI - The Back Bar
17 - Ringle, WI - Q & Z Expo Center
30 - Battle Creek, MI - Music Factory
31 - Akron, OH - Empire
Society 1 have released a futuristic, sci-fi-inspired video for “Bleed You Away”, from their upcoming sixth album, Black Level Six. Watch the clip below.
As the head of his own production company, Lord Zane Productions, Society 1 vocalist Lord Zane has directed and produced videos for numerous artists, including Zakk Wylde, DMC (Run DMC), Static-X, John 5 and many more, but directing the video for “Bleed You Away” was a massive undertaking.
“This was one hell of a video project to put together but my production company, Lord Zane Productions, did one hell of a job,” Zane says. “I love sci-fi and always wanted to do some type of futuristic space theme. Luckily when you have your own video company you can do crazy projects like this. The track has some electronic elements, so it seemed like a good fit to finally explore my love of spaceships, holograms and lasers. I know it seems weird, but I just didn't want to do another video of a band in a warehouse or desert banging their heads.”
“Bleed You Away” can also be streamed now via Spotify.
Innovation, invention and intensity are all words that sum up Lord Zane. Through the peaks and valleys of Society 1’s career, Zane’s passion and staunch dedication to his art have never subsided. Society 1 has seen it all before and has a hunger riding within the seat of experience - still as dangerous but with focus and intensity matched only by wisdom.
Although the 13 tracks on Black Level Six is based on a conventional theme of recovering from heartbreak, Zane’s cutting-edge songwriting and lyrical mastery approaches the topic in the unconventional style for which Society 1 has garnered its reputation. Described as “very somber, but very delicate in a way - and sad and creepy all at the same time,” Black Level Six tackles not only pain and suffering but also the steps through recovery and the process of letting go.
Black Level Six was recorded at Pawnshop Studios, mixed by Greg Hetson, Shane Smith and Blake Harden, mastered by Mike Wells, and co-produced by Patrick Burkholder.
Lineup:
Lord Zane - Vocals
Jimmy Minj- Bass
Zhenya Pro- Drums
Johnny Pilz - Guitar
Austin, Texas-based melodic death-doom metal unit, Hinayana, have been turning heads in the metal scene since their formation in 2014, starting out as a one-man band spearheaded by frontman Casey Hurd. Now, after releasing their crushing 2018 full-length Order Divine and subsequently securing the attention of Napalm Records, Hinayana are poised to release their next musical offering - the crushing Death Of The Cosmic EP - set for release on August 28.
Today, Hinayana are introducing their new and improved sound to the world via the charging, melancholy crusher “Cold Conception”, featuring trailblazing late Tengger Cavalry frontman and multi-instrumentalist Nature Ganganbaigal on Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle). These expansive contributions melded with earth-shattering vocals, unrelenting mix-paced drums and searing guitar leads make “Cold Conception” and its grim, expansive official music video a must-listen/see.
Vocalist/guitarist Casey Hurd states about the track: “While writing 'Cold Conception', I wanted to create something more energetic than the other tracks on the EP while keeping the mid-paced, brooding/rhythmic sound that I enjoy writing the most. The song is about the aimless, cold, modern world man has created and somehow wandered into at the same time, and the accelerating journey to reach a point of no return where many civilizations have collapsed in the past. I’m honored to have been able to work with Nature Ganganbaigal of Tengger Cavalry on this track before he passed away, he was excited and enthusiastic about the project. The track features his horsehead fiddle playing, creating some of the most sorrowful and bittersweet moments the band has ever produced on this track alone, so much so that we all got goosebumps listening to his parts in the studio during the mixing process.”
Watch the official music video for “Cold Conception” below.
Otherworldly and haunting while maintaining a crushing, colossal heaviness and peppered with undeniable groove, the Death Of The Cosmic EP emphasizes improved production and keen songwriting. Primarily self-produced by the band with mixing/drum recording from Kevin Butler and mastering by Swallow The Sun’s Juho Raiha, fans will also notice the new EP’s heightened concept in comparison to the band’s previous releases.
Opening title track “Death Of The Cosmic” sets off with optimistic ambience, quickly blasting into an ethereal universe of blazing leads and acoustic soundscapes capped by vocalist Casey Hurd’s deep, menacing growls. “Cold Conception” rushes in with melancholic energy before transforming into a dark, galloping anthem accented by the Morin Khuur stylings of late Tengger Cavalry mastermind Nature Ganganbaigal and a melting solo from Erik Shtaygrud. Mystic instrumental interlude “Yet Here I Wait Forever” showcases the dynamic, softer side of Hinayana before picking back up with the stunning down-tempo gripper “In Sacred Delusion”, featuring a guest appearance from Toni Toivonen (Hanging Garden). Death Of The Cosmic closes with the sorrowful 5-minute epilogue "Pitch Black Noise" - not only proving Hinayana's identifiable auditory trademark of melding tranquility and thunderous intensity, but also underlining the existential depth of their lyrical approach.
Casey Hurd adds about the EP: “Death Of The Cosmic is based on the severed connection between ourselves and the cosmic, spiritual force in the universe and the loss of hope for the cold, modern world man has created in nature’s place. Sonically, we wanted to make something that was beautiful but crushing at the same time, demonstrated in the title track of this EP, which in concept might be viewed as a microcosm of the whole EP itself. Something we tried to do was stray away from some of the more cliché elements of melodic death metal and instead focus on what is the very root/core of Hinayana and what gives the band its own sound.”
Death Of The Cosmic EP will be available in North America in the following formats:
- CD Digipak
- Digital EP
- 1 LP Gatefold Black
- 1 LP Gatefold Blue - Mailorder only
- CD + Shirt Bundle - Mailorder only
- Black LP + Shirt Bundle - North American Napalm Mailorder only
- Blue LP + Shirt Bundle - North American Napalm Mailorder only
"Death Of The Cosmic"
"Cold Conception" feat. Nature Ganganbaigal
"Yet Here I Wait Forever"
"In Sacred Delusion" feat. Toni Toivonen
"Pitch Black Noise"
"Cold Conception" video:
Lineup:
Casey Hurd - vocals / guitar
Erik Shtaygrud - guitar
Daniel Vieira - drums
Michael Anstice - keyboard
Matt Bius - bass
(Photo - Jackie Schutza, EP artwork - Travis Smith)
Paul Masvidal, who toured and recorded with DEATH between 1989 and 1992, has reflected on his time with the legendary death metal band.
On Sunday (July 5), Paul took to his Instagram to share a video of one of his performances with DEATH, as well as a band photo, and he included the following message: "I saw some photos recently that roused nostalgic thoughts around the years I played with Chuck [Schuldiner] and his band, DEATH. We met through a mutual friend in the underground tape trading scene in the 80's and connected around music, guitars, smoking grass and a mutual love of animals.
"In 1989, while I was still in high school, Chuck asked if I could perform dates with the group in Mexico City. I had about a week to learn over a dozen tunes, and off we went. Although I had already played numerous gigs with my other group CYNIC by then, flying to Mexico City and performing for a sea of insanely ravenous fans at a sold-out arena was mind-blowing for a teenager. On that trip, we did a record store signing and performed live on a Mexican TV show (this video is edited moments from that). Little did I know then that just a few years later, we'd be making the album 'Human' together, along with Sean Reinert and Steve DiGiorgio.
"In the song 'Pull The Plug', Chuck sings from the perspective of someone on their death bed being kept alive by a machine:
"'What has now been days, it seems like years; to stay like this is what I fear. Life ends so fast, so take your chance and make it last.'
"When I read those words, I'm reminded of the many people I've sat bedside with at the threshold of death, haunted by the fear that they did not live a meaningful life. How often have we been willing to stretch beyond our limits and change, finding the courage to heal our old wounds and become more authentically alive?
"Chuck died in 2001, and my lifelong friend and bandmate Sean Reinert died in 2020. Life lasts only a moment. Who we are is consciousness itself, in human form. The task is to keep one foot on the Earth and your head in the cosmos, to tread with a light and spacious heart, and to know that impermanence is part of this experience. I can enter into this world and care for it lovingly, and at the same time know that it is temporary and will disappear, as I will. Life becomes a precious and rare thing when I remember that."
Masvidal has worked as a volunteer with ailing and terminally ill populations for about 25 years.
Paul's former DEATH and CYNIC bandmate Sean Reinert died at his California home in January. The drummer was only 48 years old.
Sammy Hagar has paid tribute to country music and southern rock legend Charlie Daniels, who died Monday morning after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. He was 83.
Hagar took to his social media earlier today to share a a photo of him with Daniels, and wrote in an accompanying message: "Had the honor of spending a day talking and playing music together at his home outside Nashville for a Rock&RollRoadTrip. Charlie Daniels was the real deal–a great musician, singer-songwriter, and outlaw. Legend, innovator, and good person. RIP."
Daniels died at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
From his Dove Award-winning gospel albums to his genre-defining southern rock anthems and his CMA Award-winning country hits, few artists have left a more indelible mark on America's musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. An outspoken patriot, beloved mentor, and a true road warrior, Daniels parlayed his passion for music into a multi-platinum career and a platform to support the military, underprivileged children, and others in need. THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND has long populated radio with memorable hits and his signature song "The Devil Went Down To Georgia". Over the course of his career, Daniels received numerous accolades, including his induction into the Country Music Hall Of Fame, the Musicians Hall Of Fame and becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Daniels helped to shine the spotlight on the many causes that are close to his heart. He was a staunch supporter of the military and gave his time and talent to numerous charitable organizations, including The Journey Home Project, that he founded in 2014 with his manager, David Corlew, to help veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
Had the honor of spending a day talking and playing music together at his home outside Nashville for a Rock&RollRoadTrip. Charlie Daniels was the real deal–a great musician, singer-songwriter, and outlaw. Legend, innovator, and good person. RIP. pic.twitter.com/bwdTZLcgIB
METALLICA has posted another video as part of its new concert series, "#MetallicaMondays", where the band is streaming a complete live show for fans on the group's YouTube channel and on Facebook every week. The latest concert to be shared was recorded on on June 28, 2007 at Parque do Tejo in Lisbon, Portugal.
METALLICA has been largely out of the public eye since last fall when the band canceled an Australian tour and announced that frontman James Hetfield was returning to rehab for the first time since 2002 to battle his addictions.
Hetfield made his first major public appearance since entering rehab on January 30, when an exhibit featuring 10 of his classic custom cars opened at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
In March, METALLICA announced that its South American tour, which was originally planned for April, has been postponed until December. In addition, the band's appearances at four Danny Wimmer Presents-produced festivals in May and September have been canceled: Epicenter in Charlotte, Welcome To Rockville in Daytona, Sonic Temple in Columbus and Louder Than Life in Louisville.
Guitarist Kirk Hammett told The Pulse Of Radio not long ago that METALLICA has to be in better than average shape to play its music live. "There's a physicality to our music that we cannot ignore, so we just kind of have to keep ourselves in a certain sort of physical sort of state where that we can't let ourselves get to a point where we can't play these songs," he said. "That's just not allowed. When we write this music, we have to make sure that we can play it and play it when we need to play it."
The notorious Pirate Kings, Alestorm, hit the worldwide charts with their new long-player, Curse Of The Crystal Coconut. Now the time has come to unleash the fourth video off the album, “Shit Boat (No Fans)”. The animated masterpiece takes you straight onto the worst pirate ship you could possibly imagine - and Alestorm takes no prisoners!
“Shit Boat (No Fans)” is about 75 seconds of music that will be stuck in your head forever. It’s pure hedonism and unadulterated fun - a trademark Alestorm tune!
Alestorm on “Shit Boat (No Fans)”: "Oh wow, everyone knows that short songs are the best songs, so naturally we had to make a music video for the shortest song on our album. This animation was put together by the lovely people at RMIT University in Melbourne, and it features all the classic elements of an Alestorm video: Magical Girl transformations, giant Hungarian men dropping turds on your garden, rubber ducks, and crudely drawn cartoon penises. Enjoy!"
Producer Aaron McLoughlin on the video: “Yeah, the pandemic has been tough on everyone, but it's going to take a helluva lot more than that to stop RMIT Animation students from drawing pirates. The video took 17 weeks to complete and lecturer Simon Norton did an awesome job producing and directing it under quarantine. Each team member worked from home to create the most epic swashbuckling pirate adventure you're likely to see this year!”
"Treasure Chest Party Quest"
"Fannybaws"
"Chomp Chomp"
"Tortuga"
"Zombies Ate My Pirate Ship"
"Call Of The Waves"
"Pirate’s Scorn"
"Shit Boat (No Fans)"
"Pirate Metal Drinking Crew"
"Wooden Leg Pt. 2 (The Woodening)"
"Henry Martin"
“Pirate Metal Drinking Crew” video:
“Fannybaws” video:
“Tortuga” video:
“Treasure Chest Party Quest” video:
Alestorm are:
Christopher Bowes - vocals, keytar
Gareth Murdock - bass
Mate Bodor - guitar
Peter Alcorn - drums
Elliot Vernon - keyboard
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