Cory Marks will release his second full-length album, "Sorry For Nothing", on October 11 via Better Noise Music. The LP offers an unapologetic double-barreled blast of 13 songs, equally divided between Marks's breakthrough blend of arena-rock and roots country alongside kindred spirits such as Eric Church, Zach Bryan, Hardy and Brantley Gilbert.
Marks has today (July 26) released the album's no-apologies track "(Make My) Country Rock". It notably includes features from Sully Erna of multi-platinum hard rock group GODSMACK, legendary guitarist Mick Mars (MÖTLEY CRÜE),and multi-platinum selling and award-winning country artist Travis Tritt. "(Make My) Country Rock" — produced by Andrew Baylis (Jelly Roll, Brantley Gilbert) — rallies together fans of both country and rock alike with the opening line "I've been known to piss some people off / From the Sunset Strip to small town honky tonks / I've been behind both kinds of bars", while its chorus proudly proclaims: "Ain't ever gonna stop/ I'm gonna make my country rock."
"What can I say… I'm country, I'm rock," shares Marks. "That's exactly what this song is and what I sing about. It may piss people off, but I know a lot more listeners out there are gonna be happier when they hear it. I can say that my friends and features on this track agree too! I'm gonna make my country rock!"
"Sorry For Nothing" is the follow-up to Marks's successful debut, "Who I Am". It generated the hit single "Outlaws & Outsiders", which charted at No. 1 in the U.S. on Billboard's Rock Digital Song Sales chart and No. 5 on iTunes Country Songs, while making history as the first-ever Top 10 rock radio-charting single from a Canadian country act.
Produced by longtime collaborator Kevin Churko (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, SHANIA TWAIN, PAPA ROACH),Kile Odell (NITA STRAUSS, DAVID DRAIMAN),and Andrew Baylis (JELLY ROLL, BRANTLEY GILBERT),"Sorry For Nothing"'s 13 songs range from Haggard-like country and virtual bluegrass to straight-up arena rock anthems, EAGLES-like acoustic country-folk and almost PANTERA-like hard metal.
"They're all Cory Marks," says Marks. "I'm very familiar with both genres. I try to mix country music with rock and a dash of metal, mash it all up and that's my sound. This album features the best songs I've written since COVID. It's a kick in the ass, the good, the bad and the ugly, the ups and downs of life, adding that little bit of fuel to the fire to keep you fighting, to keep your eye on the prize. There are songs for partying, songs to look back on life and have a good cry, love songs… something for everyone. Whether you're a rock fan, a metal fan or a country music fan, my mission is to reach anyone who feels a little different."
Marks will be headed to the U.S. this fall opening for multi-platinum rock THEORY OF A DEADMAN. The tour stretches from October 29 to November 23 and will see Marks performing an acoustic set featuring music from "Sorry For Nothing" alongside past hits. Marks has previously toured North America with a blend of artists including FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, ZZ TOP and Brantley Gilbert, while also having joined NICKELBACK on the main stage at the annual Boots And Hearts festival in Toronto in 2023.
"Sorry For Nothing" track listing:
01. (Make My) Country Rock (feat. Sully Erna, Travis Tritt and Mick Mars)
02. Guilty (feat. DL of BAD WOLVES)
03. Whiskey For Sale
04. Sorry For Nothing
05. Drunk When I'm High
06. 17
07. Fast As I Can
08. Tough To Be Strong
09. A Lot Like Me
10. 1949
11. Lit Up
12. Late Night Of Drinking Again
13. Learn To Fly
GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose joined Billy Joel on stage at the final show of Joel's run at Madison Square Garden in New York City Thursday night (July 25) to perform three songs: covers of WINGS' "Live And Let Die" and AC/DC's "Highway To Hell", as well as Joel's 1980 hit "You May Be Right". Fan-filmed video of Axl's appearance can be seen below.
Rose previously performed "Highway To Hell" with Joel at a 2017 concert at Los Angeles's Dodger Stadium.
Thursday night's concert marked Joel's 150th show at the iconic New York City venue.
In December 2013, Joel was named Madison Square Garden’s first-ever music franchise, joining the ranks of the storied venue's other original franchises — the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. The record-breaking residency began in January 2014 with Joel playing one show every month at the Garden for, as Joel said at the time, "as long as the demand continues."
Billy said: "When this franchise run at Madison Square Garden began in January 2014, I said I'd play one show a month 'as long as the demand continues.' I never imagined I'd still be playing one show a month 10 years later. It's a testament to my amazing fans, and the 1.6 million people from around the world who have already been part of this historic residency. Now, after ten incredible years, it feels right to conclude this journey with my 150th lifetime show at the Garden."
Billy first played at the Garden nearly 46 years ago.
Joel holds two performance-related records at MSG. He has set the record for the "Most Lifetime Performances By Any Artist," with a tally of 136 shows. Additionally, he holds the record for the "Most Consecutive Performances By Any Artist," having completed 90 shows in a row.
Infrared is back with a vengeance, releasing their classic thrash video for “Demon’s Blood” – premiered exclusively through BraveWords. This is the first single off their upcoming album Manifestation, which is slated for a September 6, 2024 release. Hailing from Ottawa, Canada they are a blast from the past with their genuine ‘80s sound.
The comment on what to expect from the track:
“This ripper of a song delves into the addict's life and mind and how every day is a rinse and repeat of self-abuse. Was one of the first songs written for the album and helped set the tone for the album’s intensity. We all have our demons and vices and this song captures just how harrowing and controlling it can be to be a victim to your own addiction.”
“Demon’s Blood” is a prime example of Infrared's ability to blend their classic thrash roots with contemporary themes. The band has matured and refined their sound, delivering high-energy, concise tracks that resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners. With their polished performance and engaging stage presence, Infrared remains a force to be reckoned with in the metal world. Be sure to check out the "Demon’s Blood" video and experience the raw power of Infrared.
Infrared has been together for a long time (10 years with the current lineup) and is very in sync with each other musically. This experience together gives the audience a polished and professional-sounding band. Audience participation is always a part of an Infrared show with the crowd singing along during the choruses. They are recommended for fans of Slayer, Metallica, and Testament.
One of the most instantly recognizable — and successful — rock bands of the '70s was THE SWEET, who scored a string of hit albums and singles due to their highly melodic and anthemic sound and glam look. And now, the group is proud to announce the July 25 release of their new hot single/video "Little Miracle" on Dark Star Records, via Sony/Orchard.
This pop rock funky love song is another example of THE SWEET's departure from the norm. Model Dominique Mercedes makes her stunning debut appearance in the video, and her innocent-yet-enticing beauty captures the essence of true love. Singer Patrick Alan Stone along with his band mates deliver the goods, with a catchy tune that has the legs to go all the way.
THE SWEET's classic '70s line-up was comprised of Brian Connolly on lead and backing vocals, Steve Priest on bass, backing and lead vocals, Mick Tucker on drums, backing and occasional lead vocals, and Andy Scott on guitar, keyboards, backing and lead vocals.
After the passing of Connelly (in 1997) and Tucker (in 2002),Priest wanted SWEET to carry on and for its line up to possess the talent, feel and high energy that THE SWEET had in its glory days. Priest's new lineup was an instant smash success, playing hundreds of concerts across the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, and many other countries around the world for well over a decade, until Priest's passing in 2020.
Shortly after, it was decided that THE SWEET should continue onward, as Stevie and Richie were part of that line up and were asked to carry on by Steve. SWEET 2024 is comprised of frontman Patrick Alan Stone, guitarist Jimmy Burkard, keyboardist Dave Schulz, bassist Stevie Stewart and drummer Richie Onori.
The original SWEET band achieved massive commercial success around the globe in the '70s, including such hits as "Ballroom Blitz", "Fox On the Run", "Love Is Like Oxygen", "Little Willy", "Blockbuster", "Action", "Teenage Rampage" and "AC/DC", among many others.
"Little Miracle" is just the beginning of the group's ascension into a whole new demographic listening audience, with many new songs yet to come.
This new release with the aforementioned lineup demonstrates the same driving force and unpredictable musical quality that has always been the hallmark and essence of THE SWEET's iconic sound.
Upcoming live shows:
July 25 - Hollywood, CA - The Bourbon Room
August 23 - Regina, SK - Shake the Lake
August 24 - Toronto, ON - Sobey's Stadium
September 6 - St. Charles, IL - Arcade Theater
September 7 - Wisconsin Dells, WI - Crystal Grand Music Theatre
September 8 - Nashville, IN - Brown County Music Center
November 8 - Warren, MI - Andiamo Celebrity Showroom
SWEET 2024 is:
Vocals: Patrick Alan Stone
Guitar: Jimmy Burkard
Bass and backing vocals: Stevie Stewart
Keys and backing vocals: Dave Schulz
Drums: Richie Onori
This version of SWEET is not to be confused with the Scott-led version of SWEET which will release its new studio album, "Full Circle", on September 20, 2024 via Metalville Records. According to a press release, the LP will be SWEET's final studio album ever.
Andy Scott (guitars/vocals) is joined in his version of SWEET by Paul Manzi (lead vocals),Lee Small (bass guitar/vocals),Tom Cory (guitars/keys/vocals) and Adam Booth (drums/percussion).
Before he died, Priest had the right to use the SWEET name in the U.S. and Canada, whereas Scott toured a version of the group in the U.K. The pair were estranged for decades, but resumed contact in the 2010s.
Kobra And The Lotus vocalist Kobra Paige has checked in with the following update:
"'Like No Other' is out now, and guess what … this is the title track to my album, available on August 30th. No take backs, this is the real deal; save the date!
This song is the heartbeat of the album and the distillation of what, I believe to be, life’s journey. It speaks to the recognition of our mind, body, and spirit as the one 'home' we truly have in this lifetime. We are its sacred keeper and there’s no limit to the number of times we can rebuild or change its path.
As we move through this song, you will hear a sonic blend of worldliness and familiarity. This is to express the beautiful paradox of our individuality in this world while simultaneously being plugged into the tapestry of a collective. Life can often feel lonely, despite being surrounded by so many others.
I want to remind you of your resilience and brilliance. This song brings an important affirmation deeply rooted in 'enoughness' and truth.
'I Am Like No Other'.
You are the only one keeping you from yourself.
With great love."
KP xx
Like No Other was produced by Grammy Award winner Brian Howes (Skillet, Linkin Park, Simple Plan). It is mixed by Grammy Award winner Neal Avron (Machine Gun Kelly, Twenty One Pilots, Yungblud) and mastered by Grammy nominated Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound (Miley Cyrus, Muse, Drake).
Check out the previous singles "HOTT." and "Under One Sun" below.
Progressive alternative rockers Pure Reason Revolution return with their sixth studio album Coming Up To Consciousness, released on September 6, 2024 via InsideOutMusic. Betrayal, deception, fear, grief, mortality, and questions of sanity: heady and primordial themes animate the latest conceptual LP from Pure Reason Revolution.
Second single from the album, “Useless Animal”, is available below.
Jon Courtney comments of the track: “Very pleased to launch our next single, showing another side of ‘Coming up to Consciousness’. The song’s about how we don’t realise something’s worth until it’s gone.
Taking my dog to be put down & the emotional fallout, the unexpected impact. Grief is the price we pay for love. Written as a result of purposefully trying to avoid my usual repertoire of chords. This was the first track Guy Pratt played bass on, he did a wonderful job & his input spurred on further creativity.”
Coming Up To Consciousness is the third of its post-hiatus renaissance records that began with 2020's Eupnea and continued in 2022's Above Cirrus. Like those two predecessors, the new record is intensely personal. Its eight tracks are all between four and seven minutes long - concise by PRR standards - and they grapple with darkness of various kinds.
Courtney, who lives in Berlin, shared writing duties on several tracks with US-based Greg Jong. The pair formed Pure Reason Revolution together in the early 00s at the University of Westminster, creating breakout hit "The Bright Ambassadors of Morning" as their third year project. They reconnected during the creation of Eupnea and have continued the partnership since then both in the studio and on stage. Legendary session musician Guy Pratt, who has worked with Pink Floyd among myriad iconic acts, provided bass guitar on seven of the eight tracks, resulting in more ambitious bass lines than any of Pure Reason Revolution's previous records. Meanwhile, Ravi Kesavaram, of My Vitriol fame, returns to the drums on this record after touring with the band in 2022.
Another newcomer on this record is vocalist Annicke Shireen, known for her work with Shireen and Heilung, as well as her solo project. Shireen stepped in after original PRR member and fan favourite Chloe Alper was unavailable for recent live shows. With Alper's schedule remaining packed for the foreseeable future, she has been unable to rejoin the lineup. She and Courtney agreed it made more sense for Shireen to sing on the record if she was going to continue appearing in shows. Both Courtney and Jong have nothing but enthusiasm for working with her:
"They're impossible shoes to fill in a lot of ways," Greg Jong says. "But we were just blown away with how good she is. We were really excited by the fact that vocally she does have a similar tone to Chloe, and yet she definitely holds her own.”
The band was equally thrilled to work with multiple members of prog icon The Pineapple Thief; the record was mixed by Bruce Soord, mastered by Steve Kitch, and sees Jon Sykes playing bass on one track. Coming Up To Consciousness is also the third PRR album to feature cover art by Jill Tegan Doherty, who Courtney originally met in Berlin on a German language course.
The album will be available as a Limited CD+DVD Digipak (featuring 5.1 Surround Sound & High Resolution Stereo Mixes), Standard CD Jewelcase, as well as a Gatefold ReVinyl LP (Recycled Vinyl), and digitally in both stereo and Dolby Atmos.
"Prelude: Coming up to Consciousness"
"Dig Till You Die"
"Interlude 1"
"Betrayal"
"The Gallows"
"Interlude 2"
"Useless Animal"
"Interlude 3"
"Worship"
"Interlude 4"
"Bend the Earth"
"Lifeless Creature"
"Interlude 5"
"As We Disappear"
Triumpher will release Spirit Invictus on October 25 via No Remorse Records. Lyric video for “Arrival Of The Avenger” is available below.
Striking while the iron is still hot, Triumpher already started planning their sophomore album by the time their debut Storming The Walls was released in March 2023. Bringing their power on stages, Triumpher also performed at Up The Hammers and Keep It True Rising festivals, while they also supported Tom Gabriel Warrior's Triumph of Death and Primordial.
Spirit Invictus consists of eight songs of unbound, furious and dramatic epic metal that will lay its mark on the scene of today and will lead the future.
Spirit Invictus was recorded, mixed and mastered by George Emmanuel at Pentagram Studio. Produced by George Emmanuel and Triumpher. Cover and inlay art by Mars Triumph. Graphic and layout design by Anastasia Ziazopoulou.
Available formats:
- 180gr LP gold, limited 100
- 180gr LP silver marbled, limited 200
- 180gr LP black
- CD
Tracklisting:
“Overture To Elysian”
“Arrival Of The Avenger”
“Athena (1st Chapter)”
“Spirit Invictus”
“Alexander”
“Shores Of Marathon”
“Triumpher”
“Hall Of A Thousand Storms”
US hard rockers, SteelCity, are excited to announce the release of their new studio album, Reverence, out September 20 via Frontiers Music Srl.
The first single and accompanying visualiser, “Walk Away” are out now. Watch the clip below, and pre-order the album here.
Bassist Jason Cornwell and guitarist Mike Floros describe the new single as “a song that will take you back to the late 80s. With its Whitesnake-ish verses and massive layers of harmonies, Walk Away is a song that will become a new favourite-all while giving you that nostalgic feeling of your favourite old school jams.”
“Thunder and Lightning: two words that can be used to describe the incendiary sound that is SteelCity. Thunder by way of a booming, monstrous rhythm section, lightning in the form of heavy, riff-driven guitars, soaring vocals, and lush harmonies” continue Jason and Mike.
This is hard rock music that truly mesmerizes the listener: brash yet sophisticated, unapologetic yet still heartwarming. SteelCity provides an unabashed homage to the golden age of hard rock.
Initially started as a solo project by founding member, principal songwriter, and guitarist Mike Floros, SteelCity evolved into the band that it is today. Their influences include such melodic and hard rock heavyweights as KISS, Europe, and Winger. The name SteelCity is derived from the hard-working, blue-collar, Mid-Western town of Youngstown, Ohio.
By carefully assembling the most skilled, talented rock musicians available, Mike molded a band that became a vaunted force in the melodic hard rock underground. Enter Roy Cathey, lead vocalist extraordinaire. As a member of the early-90s sensation Cold Sweat, his Herculean voice has been appreciated by audiences worldwide.
Holding down the bottom end is Jason Cornwell, an experienced studio and touring musician, “The Boston Bassman” has shared the stage with such luminaries as Eric Martin. Skilled drummer Anthony White, also of Cold Sweat fame, completes the rhythm section.
Rounding out the group is Tony Stahl, whose keyboards bring texture and depth to SteelCity’s songs, thus completing the shape of their sound.
“Reverence” Tracklist:
"I Ain’t Dreamin’ Bout You"
"Hammer’s Fallin’"
"No Angel"
"Dizzy"
"Walk Away"
"B.A.N.K."
"Midnight Dancer"
"Broken"
"Losing Control"
"Blinded"
"The Journey"
"Walk Away" visualizer:
Lineup:
Roy Cathey - Lead Vocals
Jason Cornwell - Bass
Anthony White - Drums
Tony Stahl - Keys
Mike Floros - Guitars
About Us, the hard rock sensation hailing from Nagaland, India, have released a visualizer for "EVH", featured on their sophomore album, Take A Piece, out now via Frontiers Music. Watch the clip below:
Following the success of their self-titled debut album in 2022, the six-piece rock powerhouse is set to captivate audiences once again with their infectious sound and undeniable musical prowess: "This album represents a fusion of the influences and experiences we encountered in our journey as both avid art enthusiasts and songwriters. Crafting our second album was not only a euphoric and enjoyable process, but it also involved pouring a significant amount of heart, soul, and love into every aspect. Our sincere aspiration is that this latest release brings immense joy and love to our listeners, particularly our devoted fans, just as it did for us during its creation."
India, known for its rich cuisine, diverse culture, and the vibrant Bollywood film industry, is now making waves in the hard rock scene. About Us stands at the forefront of this movement, alongside other notable bands such as Girish & The Chronicles, and Fifth Note (also from Nagaland). The band has already earned recognition, winning the Best Rock Band category at the MG Nagaland Music Awards (June 23, 2021) and the Music Awards of Nagaland (October 16, 2021).
Take A Piece features ten infectious rock songs that elevate the band's signature sound with more guitars and a heavier approach. The album seamlessly blends immediate and hummable melodies with an energetic and technical instrumental prowess, a testament to the band's collective experience of over 15 years in the local music scene.
Lead singer Sochan Kikon emerges as a standout vocalist with remarkable versatility and interpretative skills. His captivating voice has earned him recognition, including an invitation to appear on a Michael Bolton tribute by the prestigious Frontiers label last year.
About Us once again proves their musical mastery with Take A Piece, solidifying their status as one of the most outstanding new bands in the hard rock genre. The album is a must-have for fans of Steelheart, Winger, Journey, and Boston.
Take A Piece tracklisting:
"Come To You"
"Endure"
"Legion"
"Fire With Fire"
"EVH"
"Reels For Eternity"
"Far Away"
"Hope"
"Beautiful Misery"
"Fortitude"
Defiled have released a video for "Smoke And Mirrors", the opening track of their upcoming new album, Horror Beyond Horror. Watch the video below:
When it comes to Japanese death metal, there is no shrewder sensei than Defiled. Since they started their training in the world's most vulgar of art forms back in the early '90s, the band have toured everywhere from their native Tokyo to Milwaukee Metal Fest with the likes of Mayhem, Incantation, Morbid Angel and Cannibal Corpse.
Now, after 30 years of destroying the opposition at the highest level, these self-proclaimed samurai of death metal are back with their eighth album. Horror Beyond Horror is the kind of good ol' fashioned ass-kicking that only a true master can deliver.
Horror Beyond Horror is out September 20 via Season of Mist. Pre-save / pre-order your copy now at this location.
After they first took to the stage in 1995, Defiled needed nearly a decade before finally erupting with wrath on their debut album. But ever since the band's lineup solidified around original member Yusuke Sumita, they haven't stopped to look back and admire their war path. Horror Beyond Horror comes hot on the heels of the album they released just last year.
Anyone who took The Highest Level at face value will be pleasantly surprised to hear that Defiled have only added another grimy coat of blood to their blade. "To See Behind The Wall" is the final boss on Horror Beyond Horror, but the album's first single wastes no time charging into the fray behind a barrage of old-school death metal. Whether they're slicing, dicing or leaping into a furiously fast solo, the riffs take no prisoners.
"The path to your elimination", Shinichiro Hamada cries, digging in amidst a flurry of blast beats, before unleashing an ungodly war cry.
"What is behind the wall?", Defiled ask on their new single. "The truth that has been hidden? Our sanity as human beings? Are we, who are inside the wall, now in a world of deceit and madness?"
Tracklisting:
"Smoke And Mirrors"
"Horror Beyond Horror"
"Syndicate"
"The Alchemy"
"Demagogue"
"The Terminal Phase"
"Trojan Horse"
"Spectrum Of Fear"
"The Crook And Flail"
"Replicator Dynamics"
"Equinox"
"The Chains"
"Psychopomp"
"To See Behind The Wall"
"To See Behind The Wall" video:
From the depths of Tokyo's darkest alleys, Defiled have emerged once again, claws sharpened, eyes bloodshot, ready to unleash a fresh dose of unadulterated savagery with their latest full-length studio album, Horror Beyond Horror. Marrying the grotesque with technical prowess, these samurais of sickness are poised to carve another notch into the archives of death metal's sordid history.
Since crawling from the primordial soup of the underground scene in the early '90s, Defiled have forged a path littered with broken souls. Their journey of destruction first sank its teeth into the international jugular with Erupted Wrath, mixed by the masterful Jim Morris in Tampa, Florida. This brutal assault opened gates to a global bloodletting, from leveling stages in South Korea to crushing skulls at the Milwaukee Metalfest, and not even the November to Dismember fest could foresee the carnage they'd bring.
Commandeering the technical tightrope between anarchy and precision, Defiled evolved, much like an aberrant spawn isolated on the Galapagos, grotesque yet ultimately superior. Their subsequent onslaughts — Ugliness Revealed, Divination, and the sheer violence of In Crisis — built a monument to atrocity that ascends to new heights with Horror Beyond Horror.
Taking no prisoners in their three-decades-long campaign of terror, Defiled have become the indestructible behemoth of Asia's death metal scene, powered by the relentless engine of their old school roots and the twisted wreckage of technical thrash and progressive rock innovation.
But enough with the history lesson, you came here for the carnage, didn't you? Horror Beyond Horror is a 14-track massacre, riddled with riffs sharp enough to slit your throat and a rhythmic onslaught that'll pulverize your pathetic bones. Each track, from the visceral "Smoke And Mirrors" to the haunting "To See Behind The Wall", is a calculated strike, precision-engineered to leave no survivors. Let's not forget the eponymous "Horror Beyond Horror", a track that cements Defiled's legacy as harbingers of the apocalypse.
With a sound as raw as exposed nerve endings and as unrefined as a mass grave, Defiled stands defiantly apart from the polished poseurs and shameless sellouts. They don’t peddle in cheap gimmickry or nostalgia; they deal in the currency of pure, unfiltered destruction. As they look out upon the charred landscape of the genre they’ve helped to define, Defiled is not content to rest on their laurels. Horror Beyond Horror sees them, once again, ascending to the blood-soaked throne of death metal sovereignty.
Mexican Ape-Lord have released a video for "Highway 88", a track from the band’s third full-length album, Blunt Instrument, available via Unable Music Group’s new label imprint, 10-31 Records.
Order the album here, and watch the new video below:
From the impact crater of its opening chords to the final subterranean refrain, Blunt Instrument is an exercise in mayhem and madness. The record features the original lineup, with producer Peter Rutcho once again at the controls.
Check out the tracklisting with commentary below:
“Blunt Instrument”: “Evolution, extinction… and sleep paralysis.”
“Kentucky Meat Shower”: “A maniac, inspired by the real Kentucky meat shower of 1876, plans an explosion.”
“Highway 88”: “Alien abduction, the Pig Man, and a demonic hearse.”
“Worm Moon”: “New England settlers bury their winter dead.”
“Down The Mine”: “Desperate men in a hostile landscape.”
“Day Of The Hunt”: “Wild hogs and moonshine in the Smoky Mountains.”
“The Shovel”: “The homicidal caretaker of an abandoned insane asylum is having a bad day.”
“Faraday Cage”: “Havana syndrome meets Theremin's infamous listening device “The Thing.” It ends with a guy guarding a frozen head deep underground because ROCK.”
"Worm Moon" lyric video:
"Kentucky Meat Shower":
"Blunt Instrument":
In 2012 Meliah Rage guitarist/songwriter Anthony Nichols and The Bags vocalist/bassist Jon Hardy teamed up with drummer Steve Fry and lead guitarist Dan Dykes to form Mexican Ape-Lord. The band’s debut album, The Late Heavy Bombardment (Unable Records, 2014) made a slew of top ten lists. BraveWords called it “a balls-out metal album” and True Metal Lives declared “It proudly stands up and gives genre labeling the big middle finger.”
Friends since high school, Nichols and Hardy found success in different branches of the Boston rock scene in the late eighties. After signing to Epic Records in 1988, Meliah Rage went on to release nine albums and built a loyal following over the course of numerous international tours. The Bags won the Boston Rock ’n’ Roll Rumble in 1989, released six albums, and had their song “Cavemen Rejoice” featured on the PlayStation 2 game Guitar Hero.
Just days after completing work on The Late Heavy Bombardment, Nichols suffered a brutal wrist injury and was told he would never play guitar again. After multiple surgeries and years of rehab he returned to writing music and gradually worked his way back into top form. That material became the basis for Mexican Ape-Lord’s second album, Survival Cannibalism (Unable Records, 2020).
The songs on Survival Cannibalism were inspired by a true story of shipwreck and cannibalism that took place on Boon Island, Maine in 1710. “I wanted to get inside the heads of these tormented guys, whose suffering drove them to do the unthinkable,” says Hardy. “It’s an grim subject, obviously, but a great one for Tony, Dan, and Steve, because they are masterful at covering the full range, musically – from utter darkness to the thrill of cheating Death.”
In 2022 the band released Burn Pit (Unable Records), a four song EP exploring some classic Mexican Ape-Lord themes: inner demons, dangerous work, ritualistic bloodshed, and apex predators. “We weren’t about to stop making music just because the world was coming to an end,” says Nichols.
The collective of renowned musicians from Norway's west coast henceforth known as Whispering Void is releasing their first ever video single “Vi finnes” (“We Exist”) taken from their forthcoming debut full-length At The Sound Of The Heart. The album has been slated for release on October 18, 2024 via Prophecy Productions. Preorder here.
"The main lyrics in this song are in Norwegian, more specifically in an Eastern dialect of Norwegian, and this creates a slippery and almost untrustworthy character", vocalist Kristian Espedal writes. "The title, 'Vi finnes' means 'we exist', but the lyrics are about us never existing. The words are about the morning, which is an opportunity, and about the hours, which are the repetition of everything that happens all the time but is never the same. There is much hopefulness in this song, and at the end even a bit of suffering. When the lyrics move into English, they steer into a different direction. Ferrucio came up with the idea for the video. The lady in this film is observing life from the past. I like the very subtle connection to the lyrics."
Lindy-Fay Hella adds: "I love the vibe of the video", the vocalist enthuses. "I like that there is a connection with the song's lyrics, but it also adds a new dimension to it. The haunted house in this video is situated in my neighbourhood and the lady in the video is one of my best friends. She really fits this song. I feel somewhat reminded of the fairy tale 'Goldielocks and the Three Bears'."
It was well known in Nordic traditions that the voice holds magical power. With their debut album At The Sound Of The Heart, a collective of renowned musicians from the west coast of Norway explores and embodies these ancient ways. Guided by music created by guitarist Ronny Stavestrand, each of its members have brought a part of their own background to Whispering Void.
Many different musical strands have been woven into a sonic entity that is both new and greater than the sum of its parts. The distinctive voices of Wardruna vocalist Lindy-Fay Hella and her male counterpart Kristian "Gaahl" Espedal spellbind the listener with an enormous range of techniques and sounds. Ronny Stavestrand and Enslaved drummer Iver Sandøy combine ambient, psychedelic prog, and rock with notes of dark folk and metal on "At the Sound of the Heart" into something essentially Nordic but extending beyond already explored dimensions.
The ancestry of Whispering Void obviously goes back to the Norwegian metal scene that has been highly productive ever since the so-called second wave of black metal began its triumphant victory march around the globe in the early nineties. Over the following decades, this groundbreaking genre saw several bands rising from underground obscurity to headlining positions at festivals.
The creative spark that lit the fire of Whispering Void burning came from a long time of creating new music by Ronny Stavestrand. The guitarist had shared many years in the legendary underground black metal act Trelldom with outstanding vocalist Kristian "Gaahl" Espedal, who rose to fame with Gorgoroth and has meanwhile also established Gaahls Wyrd as a channel for his creativity. Therefore, it was only natural that Stavestrand asked Espedal to contribute to Whispering Void – to which the latter chose to agree.
While exploring new musical territories together, the need for a female voice arose. Having been part of Wardruna in the early years, Espedal was quick to note that vocal powerhouse Lindy-Fay Hella with her characteristic voice and unique contributions, which she has also shared in her own projects, was the perfect match for Whispering Void. Hella was duly invited and luckily heeded the call.
The quartet was completed by Iver Sandøy on battery and bass, who had put his impeccable musical sensitivity and timing into the service of Enslaved some years back but already made himself a name with the progressive outfit Emmerhoff & The Melancholy Babies.
Tracklisting:
“Vinden vier”
“Vi finnes”
“Whispering Void”
“At The Sound Of The Heart”
“Lauvvind”
“We Are Here”
“Flower”
Guest musicians
Ole André Farstad – guzheng, Indian slide guitar on “Vinden Vier”,”Lauvvind”
Matias Monsen – cello on “Whispering Void”, “At The Sound Of The Heart”, “We Are Here”
Silje Solberg – Hardanger fiddle on “Vi finnes”, “The Vines”
Tony Iommi and Xerjoff launch the second chapter of the Xerjoff Blends venture, with the release of Deified, the brand new perfume, accompanied by a new track of the same name written by Tony Iommi together with a mind-blowing music video, directed by Donato Sansone.
Xerjoff's founder and CEO Sergio Momo worked alongside BLACK SABBATH's Tony Iommi in the second experiment between sound, scent and sight on the creation of a new scent to enter the Xerjoff Blends collection, while Tony Iommi wrote the new song, produced by Iommi and Mike Exeter, with Sergio Momo also playing on the track which can be seen in the mostly animated music video.
Iommi says: "Here we go again, another collaboration with my dear friend Sergio Momo (Xerjoff) with a new perfume called Deified. I'm really excited about our new perfume and after the success of our last one (Monkey Special) I hope that you'll like Deified as much as I do. We've gone through the same process of trying different samples of perfume over the last year until we came up with this one and I really like it."
Momo adds: "Everything has its own cycle. A riff, a melody, a perfume. In the '70s, playing a vinyl backwards was a phenomenon that became a popular way to hide subliminal messages. The palindromic nature of a riff and backmasking became the catalyst for the creation of this journey with Tony."
Mystery possesses the mind in a dark and decadent experience that casts subliminal shadows on the wearer.
"Deify: to worship or regard as a god." A forceful combination of multisensory elements that play on the palindromic nature of sound, scent and sensorial sequences see the theme of back and forth in the music, scent and video. Tony Iommi Deified is the second perfume to be created by the duo after a huge success with the first Xerjoff Blends perfume created together, Monkey Special.
Created on a duality of leather and spice, Deified perfume plays in a loop with no beginning and no end, its notes hitting emotions in the same way a music track uses notes to hypnotise and mystify the senses. Authentic and warm accents of saffron meet powdery and leathery facets that dance with the delicate touch of gourmand freshness. Cinnamon exalts spicier notes, complemented by gentle rose at the heart. The woody base of papyrus and patchouli leaves the senses longing for more in a rhythmic exchange of back and forth.
The scent can be purchased on Xerjoff.com and in Xerjoff boutiques worldwide. After the crystal collector's edition, Deified Tony Iommi Signed Edition, sold out, Deified was released in a dark and gothic flacon following the limited edition of the signed flacons.
Especially for the release of the music video on July 26, another 25 Tony Iommi Signed Edition Crystal flacons will be available to purchase on Xerjoff.com.
"Deified", the new track written by Tony Iommi and produced by Iommi and Mike Exeter, is a heavy and mysterious masterpiece that, like the scent, possesses the mind in a dark and decadent vortex of mystery and wonder.
Iommi says: "'Deified' is a heavier, more medieval track than 'Scent Of Dark'. We've added voices and beefed up the overall sound."
With a heavy and hard riff throughout the track, Iommi sparks incredible heights with the intricate and mystifying bridge which leads to haunting voices, drawing the whole composition to a climatic close.
"Deified" music and video credits:
Guitar, producer - Tony Iommi
Keyboards, producer - Mike Exeter
Drums - Karl Brazil
Bass - Laurence Cottle
Orchestration - Ben Andrew
Animation director - Donato Sansone
Production and art direction - Sergio Momo, Xerjoff Group CEO
Recorded at Tone Hall and Pig Music Studios
In an animated music video starring Tony Iommi and Sergio Momo, directed and animated by Donato Sansone, "Deified"'s concept is given strength and delivers a powerful message that implies a theme that continually repeats itself throughout history.
The video's foundation is that of the entire project, the way man destroys itself is witnessed through a child's eyes. The story unfolds only for the child to want to go back to the beginning. The concept for the music video was created by Donato Sansone and Sergio Momo.
Sansone says: "The 'Deified' music video born from the Xerjoff and Tony Iommi collaboration is a strong and powerful experience that I had the opportunity to personally experience as director of the project. The meeting with Sergio Momo, a brilliant scent artist with whom I have been collaborating for some time, led us to develop a video concept that was the visual and narrative extension of a truly powerful perfume and musical track. When I listened to the piece, I had the feeling of being faced with something threatening and fascinating at the same time and in the little brainstorming session we had with Sergio we felt the need to tell something "dramatic" and emotionally strong without losing hope towards the future. Thus a story is born that somehow tells of a disastrous event, like that of the wars that infest our world, with notes of positivity and optimism towards the future. Deified is a palindrome word that can be read in both directions and the idea of the video lies precisely in this mirror game whereby it ends as it began, with the idea of being able to start rewriting a human story that seems to have a continuous decline towards the abyss."
Iommi and Momo recently chatted about "Deified" — the new track, perfume and music video — with Julian Marszalek and Suzy Nightingale. Check out the discussion below.
Regarding how the "Deified" song came together, Iommi said: "Well, it's the same way as I've done most stuff, really. I come up with a riff, and then [my engineer] Mike Exeter, I'd put the riff down, and he'd put a programmed-drum thing to it. And he'd play bass or keyboards or something, just to make it something to present, really. And then, in our case, then it would go to Sergio and see if he likes it, and then he'd do his part. And then we'd go in the studio with the drummer, and he'd put the drums on and bass. So we do it that sort of way, really."
He continued: "Doing the [recordings] live [in the studio], I haven't done [anything] where we all played live for a good many years. Well, the last album, '13', when we'd done that with SABBATH, was all live. But you tend to sort of, especially in our state, where Sergio's in Italy and we're here in England. It works just to send the ideas and see what he thinks. Or when he's come over, play him something. And he said, 'Oh, I like that.' As we did with [our first collaboration] 'Scent Of Dark'. We played a few things. And that's it. And he went away and came up with some bits."
In a November 2021 interview with Rolling Stone, Iommi stated about his interest in cologne: "Ever since [BLACK SABBATH] went on tour to the States, really, I started getting more and more into it. I'd go to the mall or stores, and I'd buy some different perfumes and scents until I'd find one that I really like. And then I'd stick to one for a while. Then I'd change, from Cartier to Tom Ford, or whatever. I've been doing that for years. Now I've got my own custom ones — an abundance of them now."
Asked which aromas he liked best when he first started working with Sergio, Tony said: "Oh, God. I think some of them threw him because a couple of the samples were horrible. But others were great. I like the smell of when you get in a new car, the leather smell, and obviously coffee and just stuff like that. Patchouli is the main ingredient in this perfume, which just goes back to the '60s. I knew the smell of patchouli in them days; they used to use it to mask the smell of people smoking dope. [Laughs]"
More than just a perfume collection, Xerjoff Blends is a journey which transports the wearer into universe that plays with all the senses, creating a space for sensory projects that break ordinary social patterns. Part of Xerjoff's uniqueness lies in the exploration and creation of multisensory experiences through blending perfumes with various forms of art, including; music, cuisine, art, automotive and much more, each perfume containing its own unique chapter in the Xerjoff story told through multisensory experiences to embrace in their totality.
Founded in Turin in 2007, Xerjoff was launched by Sergio Momo and Dominique Salvo with the aim of blending the most luxurious raw materials to complement the most affluent global lifestyles through the combination of old world craftsmanship, the finest raw ingredients and a contemporary artistic sensibility resulting in a collection of some of the most exquisite, unique scents available in the world today.
SYSTEM OF A DOWN frontman Serj Tankian has released the official music video for his new solo single "Justice Will Shine On". The track is taken from Tankian's upcoming solo EP, "Foundations", which is due on September 27 via Gibson Records.
The 56-year-old Lebanese-born Armenian-American musician and songwriter, who spent the last few months promoting his autobiography "Down With The System", told Metal Hammer magazine about the EP: "It's five songs. We just shot five videos for it with members of the FCC, my back-up band, which was really fun, and we're going to put it out in September."
He added: "The reason I'm putting it out is that archival nature of writing a book made me look into songs from different periods of time. So one of the songs is from early SYSTEM days, for example, that I've never put out, that I'd never worked with SYSTEM on. A couple of the songs are from my early 2007-2008 solo record period, but didn't fit the record ['Elect The Dead', released in October 2007].
"It's an interesting retrospective of rock music that I've never released from different times, and it's called 'Foundations' basically because it's the founding of my musical life," Serj added. "They're very interesting songs, very different from each other: one is really heavy, one is like, really progressive, there's just different elements to each of them. But I think they work in tandem."
The first single from "Foundations" , a song called "A.F. Day", was made available on May 17 digitally everywhere via Gibson Records.
"Down With The System" was released on May 14 via Hachette Books.
Tankian is best known as the lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning rock band SYSTEM OF A DOWN, but he is also a solo artist, composer, activist, painter, poet, and filmmaker. Since launching on to the rock scene in 1993, he's performed for millions of fans and sold more than 42 million albums worldwide. He's also a proud Armenian-American and a dedicated activist; along with Tom Morello, Tankian co-founded the non-profit organization Axis Of Justice, which strived to bring together musicians, music fans, and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice. He has composed scores for many films and television series, had his paintings exhibited in galleries in the U.S. and New Zealand, and released two books of his own poetry. He has also been an executive producer on multiple documentaries, including "I Am Not Alone", which tells the story of Armenia's 2018 revolution and which won awards at the Toronto International Film Festival, DOC NYC, American Film Institute Festival, and the Palm Springs International Film Festival, among others. Tankian lives with his wife and his son, splitting their time between Los Angeles and New Zealand.
SYSTEM OF A DOWN has toured intermittently since ending its hiatus in 2011, but has only managed to record two songs in the last 19 years, "Protect The Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz". Released in November 2020, the tracks were motivated by the conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, with all proceeds supporting humanitarian efforts in SYSTEM OF A DOWN's ancestral homeland of Armenia. Along with other donations from fans on their social pages, they raised over $600,000.
SYSTEM OF A DOWN co-headlined the second installment of the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas on April 27.
The quartet will next co-headline a one-off concert with DEFTONES at the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California on August 17.
POWERWOLF has shared the official music video for the third single, "We Don't Wanna Be No Saints", from its new studio album, "Wake Up The Wicked", which is being released today (Friday, July 26) via Napalm Records.
POWERWOLF's cinematic new video showcases their iconic style, combining striking church visuals with sinful, sacral atmosphere, shot in the same monastery, where classic movie "The Name Of The Rose" was filmed. This high-quality production captivates the senses, perfectly complementing the release of "Wake Up The Wicked" and indulging in a taste for sin.
POWERWOLF guitarist Matthew Greywolf comments: "'Wake Up The Wicked' is not only the next POWERWOLF album, but also a chapter of the band where we focus even more on perfecting our trademarks, especially within the individual songs. The orchestral side of us is still omnipresent, but this time the heaviness of the album is given even more space. We've also tried out completely new elements, such as in 'We Don't Wanna Be No Saints', which features a children's choir for the first time and underlines the theme and atmosphere of the song in a completely new way. In general, there's a hell of a lot to discover on 'Wake Up The Wicked', so get ready for a wild listening experience!"
"Wake Up The Wicked" — the highly anticipated follow-up to the extremely successful "Call Of The Wild" (2021) — comes a little over a month before the launch of the award-winning band's first-ever full North American tour, starting in August 2024, followed by their biggest European headline tour to date, the "Wolfsnächte 2024".
"Wake Up The Wicked" was once again produced by Joost Van Den Broek at Sandlane Recording Facilities and marks a new benchmark and undisputed career highlight for the band. The new album is hard, surprising and full of variety. While staying true to their established, loved sound, POWERWOLF go one step further and showcase a different facet of their deft musical and technical skills. This is evident, for example, on the outstanding single "1589", which is based on a true story from the 16th century.
20 years after their formation in 2004, POWERWOLF are expanding their repertoire with the highest quality and adding many future live hits to their extraordinary discography. "Wake Up The Wicked" is yet another statement cementing the status of the band as a leading force in the world of heavy metal.
The first single from "Wake Up The Wicked", "1589" tells the story of Peter Stump, who lived near Cologne, Germany in the 16th century and is known today as the Werewolf Of Bedburg. After being defamed as a werewolf, the farmer confessed to several murders under torture and was cruelly executed on October 31, 1589. This morbid story has fascinated people all over the world ever since and has been picked up by National Geographic, among others.
For the video for "1589", POWERWOLF traveled to England to stage Stump's fate in the dark woods in a cinematic way. With carefully selected locations, countless actors and crew members, and impressive special effects, it marks the most elaborate music video production in the band's history to date.
"Wake Up The Wicked" track listing:
01. Bless 'Em With The Blade
02. Sinners Of The Seven Seas
03. Kyrie Klitorem
04. Heretic Hunters
05. 1589
06. Viva Vulgata
07. Wake Up The Wicked
08. Joan Of Arc
09. Thunderpriest
10. We Don't Wanna Be No Saints
11. Vargamor
POWERWOLF are undoubtedly one of the most celebrated and successful heavy metal bands of the last decade. Multiple No. 1 album chart entries, gold and platinum records, huge sold-out arena shows, as well as headline slots at the biggest festivals have paved their way. In less than 20 years of band history, POWERWOLF has made it to the very highest league of heavy metal.
POWERWOLF has conquered countless stages at the world's biggest summer festivals, and their last "Wolfsnächte" headline tours (2019, 2022),as well as their aforementioned North American debut in early 2023, were almost completely sold out — resulting in a massive triumph. They have performed headlining sets at Wacken Open Air and Summer Breeze, as well as held premium slots at genre festival giants such as Hellfest, Graspop Metal Meeting, Masters Of Rock and many more, captivating enormous audiences. No other German metal band has been able to write a success story even remotely comparable in recent years.
Following their onslaught of North America, POWERWOLF will embark on their most impressive European tour yet in celebration of their highly anticipated 2024 studio album. Amid 16 shows in total, the tour will visit colossal venues in Munich, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Hamburg and Antwerp. POWERWOLF will be accompanied by Swedish heavy metal legends HAMMERFALL as special guests, with support from viral rising stars, dwarven metallers WIND ROSE.
The story of the frontrunners of today's German metal scene, POWERWOLF, began in 2004 and only knows one direction: ever upwards. Their trajectory may seem like something out of a fairytale, but it is the result of the band embodying the highest quality of heavy metal in the universe. Outstanding album production, bombastic live shows and a tireless drive for perfection on and behind the stage are what this exceptional band is known for around the world.
Over the course of their career, the band has not only fascinated metal fans, but has also won over international press and critics. Countless cover stories in the most important magazines, critics' awards such as the Metal Hammer Award, and effusive album and concert reviews underpin POWERWOLF's outstanding international status.
POWERWOLF is:
Attila Dorn - vocals
Falk Maria Schlegel - organ
Charles Greywolf - guitar
Matthew Greywolf - guitar
Roel van Helden - drums
GHOST has released an animated music video for a new song called "The Future Is A Foreign Land".
The Swedish band's "newly uncovered 1969-era" track is featured on the soundtrack to GHOST's debut film, "Rite Here Rite Now".
According to GHOST, "The Future Is A Foreign Land" was penned by the fictional character Papa Nihil, who also "wrote" previously released GHOST songs "Mary On A Cross" and "Kiss The Go-Goat" but the track but had never been made available — until now.
While its wicked twangy guitar figures and portentous lyrics of an impending 1984 render the song instantly recognizable as an artifact of the era, "The Future Is A Foreign Land" is suffused with presciently modern signatures of the contemporary GHOST sound. Ending with an optimistic nod to 2024, "The Future Is A Foreign Land" was revealed to the children of the world during the end credits of "Rite Here Rite Now"'s world premiere, and is the sole previously unreleased studio track to be included on the movie's original soundtrack.
"The Future Is A Foreign Land", like the animated video for "Mary On a Cross", was directed by animator Sean Donnelly.
"Rite Here Rite Now" premiered globally in cinemas on June 20 through 23, with additional screenings added due to insatiable fan demand. It's an unforgettable, immersive event that combines narrative storytelling with live performances from the sold-out two-night finale of the band's "Re-Imperatour" U.S.A. 2023 at Los Angeles's iconic Kia Forum.
A phantasmagorical blend of live performance and cutaway sequences that immerses viewers in the technicolor melodrama of GHOST's vaunted live rituals, the film picks up plot threads from the band's long-running Chapters webisode series. It captures flesh and bone renditions of fan favorites from all five of GHOST's albums, as well as the RIAA platinum-certified "Mary On A Cross", interwoven with the silver screen debuts of familiar faces — all interacting behind the scenes with GHOST's Papa Emeritus IV, as his future and fate lay in the hands of the Ministry.
Whether a devoted disciple reliving treasured memories of the GHOST live spectacle or a curious newcomer, "Rite Here Rite Now" transports viewers into the heart of the performance. The film captures the essence of living in the moment, with a shadow of uncertainty looming, leaving the audience completely spellbound and enthralled by this bombastic yet intimate cinematic portrait of GHOST.
For its theatrical run, which was distributed by Trafalgar (Taylor Swift's "Eras" tour and Beyoncé's "Renaissance"),"Rite Here Rite Now" entered the Top 10 of the North America box office with a cumulative total gross of $2.65 million, making it the highest-grossing hard rock cinema event ever in North America. After its opening weekend, it entered the worldwide Top 10 box office at No. 9 with a total gross of $5.04 million worldwide. Regional highlights also included U.K. and Ireland with a $606,000 gross and No. 5 at the box office, Germany with a $332,000 gross and No. 3 at the box office, Mexico with a $326,000 gross and a No. 5 box office position for the weekend, and Australia with a $178,000 gross and No. 6 at the box office. The film has captivated audiences, receiving a stellar 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
"Rite Here Rite Now: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack", mixed by Rich Costey, will be released worldwide on July 26 via Loma Vista Recordings. A fitting 18-song complement to GHOST's debut feature film, the band's first ever original soundtrack will be available on all formats (digital, CD, 2xLP). Pre-orders are live now, and include the brand new studio recording "The Future Is A Foreign Land", revealed to the world during the film's opening night, and the live version of "Absolution" as instant-grat tracks.
Last October, GHOST mastermind Tobias Forge confirmed that footage from the band's September 2023 two shows at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California would be used as part of the film.
"When I first started putting it together, I was, like, 'Oh my god, I'm going to faint because there's so much to think about,'" Forge told Metal Hammer magazine. "Then it was, like, 'No, no, just don't think about it at all.'"
Both GHOST shows at the Forum were device-free experiences. Use of phones and smart watches was not permitted in the performance space. Upon arrival at the venue, devices were secured in individual Yondr pouches that were opened at the end of the event.
"I have never seen a crowd interact the way that they did since I was in a club band," Forge said. "They were the best shows I've ever done with GHOST, just because I didn't have to see those fucking mobile phones."
At the Forum shows, GHOST performed the song "Twenties" live for the very first time live. They also played their cover of Roky Erikson's "If You Have Ghosts", which was originally reimagined by GHOST for their 2013 EP "If You Have Ghost". The band's version of the track at the Forum featured two cellists with a piano playing, and it was performed on a separate stage from the rest of the set.
Professionally filmed video of AC/DC performing the song "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)" on July 21 at Old Airport Vajnory in Bratislava, Slovakia can be seen below.
The setlist for the show was as follows, according to Setlist.fm:
01. If You Want Blood (You've Got It)
02. Back In Black
03. Demon Fire
04. Shot Down In Flames
05. Thunderstruck
06. Have A Drink On Me
07. Hells Bells
08. Shot In The Dark
09. Stiff Upper Lip
10. Shoot To Thrill
11. Sin City
12. Rock 'N' Roll Train
13. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
14. High Voltage
15. Riff Raff
16. You Shook Me All Night Long
17. Highway To Hell
18. Whole Lotta Rosie
19. Let There Be Rock
Encore:
20. T.N.T.
21. For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)
The "Power Up" European tour marks AC/DC's first with the band's new touring lineup consisting of singer Brian Johnson, guitarists Angus and Stevie Young, drummer Matt Laug and the latest addition to the group's touring lineup, bassist Chris Chaney.
The 24-date trek will run through August. The trek will move on to Germany, Belgium and Paris before winding down at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland. The European tour is the first run of gigs since AC/DC's return to the stage at last year's rock Power Trip festival in Indio, California.
AC/DC's last tour took place in 2015 and 2016 and had a $180 million gross, with 2,310,061 sold tickets reported to the Pollstar box office.
Laug is an American drummer who has played with many bands/artists such as Alanis Morissette, Alice Cooper, SLASH'S SNAKEPIT and Vasco Rossi. Matt moved to Los Angeles after graduating from South Florence High School in 1986 and after attending college in L.A., Matt became a sought-after studio drummer.
In 2001, Laug supported AC/DC as part of SLASH'S SNAKEPIT on the North American and European legs of the "Stiff Upper Lip" tour.
In its announcement about Laug's addition to the band's Power Trip lineup, AC/DC offered no explanation for the absence of the band's longtime drummer Phil Rudd, who rejoined AC/DC for the recording of the group's comeback album, "Power Up", which came out in November 2020.
Rudd was ousted from AC/DC when he was sentenced to eight months of home detention by a New Zealand court in 2015 after pleading guilty to charges of threatening to kill and drug possession. He was replaced on the band's "Rock Or Bust" tour by Chris Slade, who had previously served as AC/DC's drummer between 1989 and 1994, playing on the album "The Razor's Edge".
Rudd, who appeared on all but three of AC/DC's 18 previous studio albums, toured in support of his 2014 solo debut, "Head Job". It was the release of that album that led indirectly to Rudd's arrest, with the drummer allegedly so angry at a personal assistant over the way the record was promoted that he threatened to have the man and his daughter killed.
AC/DC postponed the last 10 dates of its spring 2016 North American trek after Johnson was advised to stop playing live or "risk total hearing loss." The band went on to complete the European and North American legs of its "Rock Or Bust" tour with GUNS N' ROSES frontman Axl Rose as a "guest vocalist." At the time, Johnson had been AC/DC's singer for 36 years, ever since replacing the late Bon Scott in 1980 and making his debut on the classic "Back In Black" album.
To enable him to perform live with AC/DC again, the now-76-year-old Johnson worked with audio expert Stephen Ambrose, who said he could help resolve the singer's hearing problems.
Ambrose, who invented the wireless in-ear monitors that are widely used by touring artists today, claimed to have invented a new type of ear-bud that would allow Johnson to perform without causing further damage to his eardrums. After three years of experimenting and "miniaturizing" the equipment, Johnson previously said the technology could allow him to tour again.
Chaney is best known as the bassist of JANE'S ADDICTION and as a member of Alanis Morissette's touring and recording band. Chaney was also a member of TAYLOR HAWKINS AND THE COATTAIL RIDERS and CAMP FREDDY, as well as being a prolific and versatile session musician, having played with artists including Joe Cocker, Shakira, Slash and Avril Lavigne to Sara Bareilles, Gavin Degraw, Cher, SHINEDOWN and Celine Dion. Chaney is also a founding member and partner in the all-star supergroup ROYAL MACHINES along with Dave Navarro (JANE'S ADDICTION),Mark McGrath (SUGAR RAY),Josh Freese (FOO FIGHTERS) and Billy Morrison (BILLY IDOL).
Bassist Cliff Williams announced his retirement at the end of AC/DC's 2015-2016 "Rock Or Bust" tour, which also saw Johnson leaving. However, Williams — and Johnson — took part in the recording sessions that resulted in "Power Up". Both of them were also part of the AC/DC lineup that performed at Power Trip.
During an October 2020 interview with Dean Delray's "Let There Be Talk" podcast, Cliff was asked if Johnson's departure from the road was what led to his desire to stop touring. Cliff responded: "It was before then. I spoke to Angus about it initially. I was at a point — and this is at the beginning of the 'Rock Or Bust' tour — that I just felt, for me, it was time to hang it up. I knew that I didn't wanna keep doing these two-year tours, and I didn't wanna hold them back, so I made them aware of the fact that this was gonna be my last go-round. It was a tough tour to finish. God bless Axl for coming in and helping us out, finish it up. He did a great job. And at the end of that, I was definitely — that was it for me. Done — just done. That compounded the whole thing."
According to Williams, he wanted to take part in the recording sessions for "Power Up" as a tribute to Angus's late brother, founding AC/DC rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, who died in 2017 from effects of dementia at age 64. Malcolm is credited as a writer on all 12 tracks on "Power Up".
"If 'Back In Black' has [late AC/DC singer] Bon Scott all over it, for me, 'Power Up' has got Malcolm Young," Cliff said. "This is for him. And it's the band that we played together with for 40-plus years. And I wanted to do that — I wanted to come back and do that.
"We did some rehearsals earlier [in 2020] before this darn COVID thing popped up, and we had great rehearsals," he continued. "The band was playing really well. So [they asked me], 'Do you wanna do a few shows? 'Sure'. A few shows. We were planning on doing that. Everyone goes home to their respective homes, and bang, we've been here ever since [because of the coronavirus-related shutdown]."
Cliff went on to confirm that his commitment to AC/DC was only for "a few" dates in support of "Power Up".
"For both [my mental and physical] health," he said. "I definitely have some physical issues, which I won't bore you with the details of. But, yeah, it's tough. I'm very grateful for everything. It's been fantastic. But I just don't wanna do that anymore."
Williams previously revealed that a "terrible" bout with vertigo contributed to his 2016 retirement. He also admitted the return of both Johnson and drummer Phil Rudd convinced him to rejoin the group. "It was like the old band back together," he told Rolling Stone. "It was not like starting over again, but as close to the band that's been together for 40-plus years as we can possibly make it. I didn't want to miss that."
The follow-up to 2014's "Rock Or Bust", "Power Up" was recorded over a six-week period in August and September 2018 at Warehouse Studios in Vancouver with producer Brendan O'Brien, who also worked 2008's "Black Ice" and "Rock Or Bust".
Killswitch Engage performed on the Faster Stage at the 2023 edition of Germany's Wacken Open Air festival. Professionally-filmed footage of the band performing "My Curse", "The End Of Heartache", and "My Last Serenade" can be viewed below:
Killswitch Engage will launch their Australia/New Zealand tour on September 1 in Perth, Australia. Find the band's tour itinerary here.
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