Brace yourselves for a full-throttle sonic onslaught from the newly reunited and souped-up horror punk hot rods, Mourning Noise! Founded and powered by legendary drummer Steve Zing, of Samhain and Danzig fame, Mourning Noise carried the torch of Misfits-styled gothic horrorcore in the early ‘80s before taking a somewhat less than brief hiatus in 1984. But now, 40 years later, the band is pulling itself out of the garage and revving its engine once again as original bassist Chris Morance and original lead guitarist Tommy Koprowski are joined by new guitarist/lead vocalist Robby Bloodshed for a brand new studio album set for release on June 7.
The band previewed its newly renovated model on 2022’s EP At The Seville, which showcased a much more muscular, high performance, super-charged sound that expanded on their early dark rock beginnings. For their first new full-length album in 40 years, entitled Screams / Dreams, Zing and the boys have put together an all-original album with go-for-the-throat guitar riffs, head smashing percussion frenzies, and dramatically dark lyrics that will have you screaming for more! Today the band releases the album’s high energy title track along with a stellar performance video filmed at the Prudential Center in Newark NJ to give listeners a small taste of what’s in store.
Stream / download the single here. Screams / Dreams the album will be released on all formats including CD, vinyl and cassette on June 7. Pre-order / pre-save the digital version at this location.
You can also catch Mourning Noise live on June 8 as they take the stage at the No Values Punk Festival in Pomona, California alongside iconic acts such as The Misfits, Iggy Pop, and Social Distortion.
Tracklisting:
"Black Cadillac"
"Screams / Dreams"
"We Want You Dead"
"Kiss Of Death"
"Frozen Fever"
"Sin"
"Island Of Unknown"
"Empty Streets"
"The Changeling"
"Stranger Hearts"
"Embalmed With Love"
"Angel Lounge"
Bonus Tracks:
"Misery Loves Me" (Remix)
"...At The Seville" (Remix)
"Book Of The Dead"
"Green"
Holy Mother have released a live video for "Jeremiah", featured on the band's new album, Rise, out on June 7 via Massacre Records.
Frontman Mike Tirelli comments: "Do you know when you hear a song name like 'Jeremiah'? You automatically think Jeremiah was a bullfrog. But I wrote a song about Jeremiah, a bad man! This song is really about a corrupt billionaire businessman, and the people that get fooled by his persuasiveness. The heavy groove and the riff of this song is what I like the best. And not to mention the heavily inspired Dio-ish vocal vibe that really puts this song over the top."
Pre-order Rise on CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats at this location.
Tracklisting:
"Fire"
"The Elevator"
"Jeremiah"
"Power"
"Rise"
"Down"
"Interventionist"
"Hex"
"Live To Die"
"Rain"
This summer, on June 14, 2024, Paris-based alternative rock and metal unit ONLAP will release their brand new, much-awaited studio album "Waves" via AFM Records! The pre-sale is available at https://onlap.bfan.link/waves, a music video for the band's latest single, "Ghosts" featuring US rockers LANSDOWNE, is now premiering below!
Following a series of previously-released album tracks including "Never Too Late", featuring a guest appearance by Billboard-charting singer and songwriter KIIARA, the French five-piece is writing about their new single:
“Ghosts” is a special release on several counts. Firstly, it's our last single release before the full album “WAVES”. Secondly, it's also a collaboration with our old brothers LANSDOWNE, whom we'd like to thank for agreeing to be on this track. Finally, it's a song about the loss of loved ones and the life that goes on despite everything, with and without them, at the same time. This song exudes a special emotion, and we can't wait to unveil it."
July 5, 2024 sees India's heavy metal powerhouse KRYPTOS strike back with their furious, new studio album Decimator via AFM Records. The album pre-sale is available at https://kryptos.bfan.link/decimator, watch the band's latest music video for their new single "Electrify" now premiering below!
Decimator continues where the band left of with their critically-acclaimed, 2021-album ‘Force Of Danger’, and sees them combine crushing riffs, barbwire vocals and powerful songwriting that grabs the 80s by the throat and drags it kicking and screaming into the modern age. If you’re a fan of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept and Kreator, this album will snap your neck in half and have you raging into the night like you’ve never raged before! In support of their upcoming record release, KRYPTOS have announced an extensive touring schedule for 2024, including a first-ever headlining tour in Australia. Find all upcoming dates of the band listed below!
About their new single the band suggests: "Feel the power of the 80s surge through your veins with the crackling new Kryptos single ELECTRIFY off the upcoming album DECIMATOR!"
GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan is celebrating the fifth anniversary of his acclaimed second solo album, "Tenderness", with "Tenderness Live From Los Angeles", a brand new double-live collection arriving everywhere on Friday, May 31.
Recorded June 13, 2019 at Los Angeles' historic El Rey Theatre just days following "Tenderness"'s May 2019 release, "Tenderness Live From Los Angeles" sees McKagan taking an intimate journey through his own canon of songs along with a few deeply personal cover versions, backed by three-time Grammy Award-winning "Tenderness" producer Shooter Jennings and his band. "Tenderness Live From Los Angeles" is heralded by today's premiere of an electrifying rendition of "River Of Deceit", originally performed by McKagan's close friends, Seattle supergroup MAD SEASON — comprised of guitarist Mike McCready (PEARL JAM),drummer Barrett Martin (SCREAMING TREES) and the late Layne Staley (ALICE IN CHAINS) and bassist John Baker Saunders (THE WALKABOUTS) — and available everywhere now.
"It was such a complete pleasure and honor to be able to work with Shooter Jennings and his stellar band for the recording of the songs that became the 'Tenderness' record," says Duff McKagan. "Having Aubrey and John playing fiddle and pedal steel guitar on the tracks, really led the music in a brand new direction for me. I strive for change and growth in life, and these guys ushered me into a brand new musical world. This relationship was made more special, when Shooter and the band agreed to tour 'Tenderness' with me. Remember, Ted Kemp, Jamie Douglas, Aubrey Richmond, John Scheffler and Shooter had been touring for years together. They are a tight-as-hell unit. I won the lottery!
"This live recording from the El Rey in Los Angeles showcases not only the songs on the record, but some cover songs we started to fold into the live set as we toured. We've highlighted a couple tracks from this show — 'Tenderness' being one, of course, and our version of the MAD SEASON song 'River Of Deceit'. Such a beautiful song written by guys from back home that I know now, and a couple who are no longer with us. It feels like a celebration to me. All of these live shows we did on that tour felt like a shedding, a prayer to better things, and a beautiful coming together of all you bad motherfuckers."
"One of the highlights of my life was making 'Tenderness' with Duff McKagan," says Shooter Jennings. "A thoughtful songwriter and even more thoughtful person. Touring with Duff checked another box of personal dreams come true! We had a blast out on the road. "I remember playing the El Rey. The crowd was packed. I remember leaving the stage feeling like we had done something really special.
"Getting to mix the album all these years later was such a treat. To be able to mix it on the 1976 Frank Demedio custom API console (the same console that Prince recorded and mixed 'Purple Rain' on) in legendary Sunset Sound Studio 3 (a.k.a. Snake Mountain),was like being able to distill a righteous memory through a flawless diamond. Sitting in that studio listening to the band play through those big speakers allowed for me to get lost in the music and let it guide me to bring this experience to record players everywhere!"
Newly mixed in the legendary Sunset Sound Studio 3 (a.k.a. Snake Mountain) by Jennings using the famed custom API console on which Prince recorded and mixed "Purple Rain", "Tenderness Live From Los Angeles" is further highlighted by powerful takes on THE CLASH's classic "Clampdown" and such GUNS N' ROSES fan favorites as "You Ain't The First", "Dust N' Bones" and "Dead Horse". But at its heart, the set casts a spotlight on McKagan's own striking songcraft, with live versions of tracks originally featured on "Tenderness", including the volatile rocker "Chip Away", which earned extraordinary praise from the maestro himself Bob Dylan, who recently declared the song a personal favorite.
Named by Loudwire as one of 2019's "50 Best Rock Albums," "Tenderness" marked a powerful new chapter for the ever-evolving McKagan, taking on societal ills and his own personal transgressions against a rich sonic backdrop of Americana-fueled arrangements. Fueled by such songs as the nuanced "It's Not Too Late" and the deeply hopeful title track, "Tenderness" was met by widespread acclaim from such outlets as Rolling Stone, which hailed it in a three-and-a-half (out of four)-starred rave as "an album full of beauty and heart…It's music of conscience, heavy songs with a light touch." "A superb set of roots-rock ruminations," declared Entertainment Weekly. "With Jennings's help, McKagan crafted a mix of rock and Americana evoking both the Glimmer Twins and the Gutter Twins." "McKagan takes a hard look at some of the most important issues facing our country right now...equal parts ROLLING STONES, Lou Reed and 'Lies'-era GUNS N' ROSES," wrote Consequence.
"Tenderness Live From Los Angeles" follows last year's release of McKagan's equally acclaimed third solo album, "Lighthouse", available everywhere now.
McKagan recently announced plans to celebrate "Lighthouse" with a major European tour. "Lighthouse '24" tour gets underway September 30 at Dublin, Ireland's The Academy, and then makes stops in Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, France, and Sweden through late October.
"Tenderness Live From Los Angeles" track listing:
01. You Ain't The First
02. Breaking Rocks
03. Tenderness
04. Chip Away
05. Feel
06. Wasted Heart
07. River Of Deceit
08. Dust N' Bones
09. Last September
10. It's Not Too Late
11. Falling Down
12. Cold Outside
13. Parkland
14. Clampdown
15. Dead Horse
16. Don't Look Behind You
17. Deepest Shade
The reactivated TERRORIZER played its first comeback show last Thursday (April 25) at the SWR Barroselas Metalfest in Barroselas, Portugal. Professionally filmed video of the entire concert can be seen below.
TERRORIZER's current lineup consists of Pete "Commando" Sandoval (MORBID ANGEL, I AM MORBID) on drums, David Vincent (MORBID ANGEL, I AM MORBID) on bass, Brian Werner (VITAL REMAINS) on vocals, and Richie Brown (EXMORTUS, THE ABSENCE, TRIVIUM, I AM MORBID) on guitar.
Werner, who left VITAL REMAINS in 2019 after a seven-year run with the group, announced his addition to TERRORIZER in a social media post last August. He wrote: "Been quiet about this for a little while, but now I got the thumbs up to announce that I will be singing for TERRORIZER with Pete and David...... time to get back to work. Super excited to also be jamming with my brother Richie Brown too.......get ready the world is about to fall".
Sandoval announced TERRORIZER's comeback a week earlier, confirming that he would be joined by his onetime MORBID ANGEL and current I AM MORBID bandmate Vincent.
Just seven months after saying that TERRORIZER was "over" due to his "busy schedule" with his personal life and I AM MORBID, Sandoval took to his social media to announce that TERRORIZER would perform on October 22, 2023 at the Maranhão Open Air 2023 in São Luís, Brazil. That performance was eventually canceled.
Before Sandoval recorded MORBID ANGEL's first album, 1989's "Altars Of Madness", he performed on two demos and a split album with his original band TERRORIZER. Today, the group's 1989 full-length debut "World Downfall" is still considered a pinnacle for death metal and grindcore, featuring impossibly fast blast-beats and double-bass drumming along with a blitzkrieg attack by late guitarist Jesse Pintado (NAPALM DEATH),and ex-vocalist Oscar Garcia (NAUSEA). The 1989 lineup was rounded out by Sandoval and Vincent on bass.
Over the next twenty-three years, Sandoval took time between MORBID ANGEL albums to continue working with TERRORIZER, recording two more cataclysmic full-lengths, 2006's "Darker Days Ahead" and 2012's "Hordes Of Zombies". Six years down the burning highway, TERRORIZER released 2018's "Caustic Attack", described at the time as "their heaviest and most eclectic album to date."
Back in 2021, it was announced that TERRORIZER had signed a worldwide deal with Earache Records. At that time, the band's lineup had consisted of Sandoval, Lee Harrison on guitar, and Sam Molina on bass/vocals.
In the fall of 2022, I AM MORBID parted ways with guitarist Kelly McLauchlin (POSSESSED, DIABOLIC, UNHOLY GHOST) and replaced him with Brown. Brown made his live debut with I AM MORBID, which also includes guitarist Bill Hudson (NORTHTALE, DORO),on October 16, 2022 at the Grita Fest in Colombia.
I AM MORBID's spring 2022 European tour marked the first time Sandoval and Vincent played together in 12 years.
Sandoval, who now lives his life as a born-again Christian, was forced to leave MORBID ANGEL in 2010 after undergoing surgery for a prolapsed disc.
Vincent told Invisible Oranges in a December 2013 interview that Pete had "found Jesus," which meant that Sandoval and MORBID ANGEL were no longer "compatible."
A decade ago, Vincent spoke to told Capital Chaos TV about his guest appearance on TERRORIZER's 2012 album "Hordes Of Zombies". He said: "It was a lot of fun [laying down the bass tracks on the CD]. He asked me if I'd be willing to play on the record, and of course I said yes. It's a good record. It's obviously a different style to MORBID ANGEL, and that's okay. We like all kinds of music."
First ever TERRORIZER reunion show is happening tonight at SWR Barroselas !
Come to celebrate 35th anniversary of World Downfall with us
Behemoth performed at Philharmonie de Paris in Paris, France last night (Tuesday, April 30), and ARTE Concert has posted professionally-filmed footage of the band's full set. Watch below.
Setlist:
"Once Upon A Pale Horse" (First time as the show opener)
"Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer"
"Demigod" (First time in front of a live audience since 2019)
"Conquer All"
"Ov Fire And The Void"
"From The Pagan Vastlands" (First time in front of a live audience since 2009)
"Cursed Angel Of Doom"
"Lasy Pomorza" (First time in front of a live audience since 2017)
"Chwała mordercom Wojciecha (997-1997 dziesięć wieków hańby)"
"Messe Noire" (First time since 2018)
"No Sympathy For Fools"
"Bartzabel"
"Decade Of Therion"
"Versvs Christvs"
"Christians To The Lions"
"At The Left Hand Ov God"
"Chant for Eschaton 2000"
Norwegian gothic metal veterans Trail Of Tears continue their triumphant return with a captivating lyric video for their new single, "Blood Red Halo". The track follows the release of the title track, "Winds Of Disdain", from their forthcoming EP of the same name, arriving on May 24, 2024 via The Circle Music.
"Blood Red Halo" delves deeper into the emotional landscape explored on "Winds Of Disdain." A haunting melody intertwines with Ailyn Giménez García's (ex-Sirenia) soaring vocals and Ronny Thorsen's signature growls, weaving a tale of loss and resilience. The lyric video perfectly complements the song's atmosphere, with stark visuals that capture the essence of Trail of Tears' signature gothic aesthetic.
"We're thrilled to share 'Blood Red Halo' with our fans," says Ronny Thorsen. "This song represents another facet of the emotions we're pouring into our new music. The lyric video adds another layer of depth to the story, and we can't wait for everyone to experience the full EP."
"Blood Red Halo" further cements Trail of Tears' return to form. Fans can expect a powerful and dynamic exploration of the band's signature sound on the upcoming Winds Of Disdain EP.
Winds Of Disdain marks the band's first release in over 10 years and signifies a new chapter for Trail Of Tears. They have signed a multifaceted deal with The Circle Music, which will see the release of the Winds Of Disdain EP, a full-length album, and vinyl reissues of all seven of their previous albums, starting with their iconic 1998 debut Disclosure in Red.
“We are finally ready to share the results of our work since first announcing our return back in 2020,” says Ronny Thorsen, Trail Of Tears founder and vocalist. “We're excited to share our first new single and lyric video with you - and hopefully seeing you out there in concert, soon!”
Formed in 1997, Norwegian gothic metallers Trail Of Tears quickly gained acclaim with their debut album Disclosure in Red and relentless touring alongside bands like Tristania and Cradle of Filth. Over the next decade, they released a string of successful albums, each showcasing their blend of dark melodies, soaring vocals, and heavy riffs. The band also saw lineup changes, with founding member Ronny Thorsen remaining a constant.
Despite critical and commercial success, Trail Of Tears went on hiatus in 2013. However, 2020 saw a resurgence for the band. Thorsen spearheaded a reformation, bringing together both original members and long-time collaborators, completed by Ailyn Giménez García (Sirenia).
Pre-order Winds Of Disdain EP here. Digital pre-saves here
Tracklisting:
"Winds Of Disdain"
"Take These Tears"
"No Colours Left"
"Blood Red Halo"
"Blood Red Halo" video:
"Winds Of Disdain" lyric video:
Lineup:
Ronny Thorsen - vocals
Ailyn Giménez García - vocals
Runar Hansen - guitars
Nicolay Jørni Johnsen - guitars and programming
Endre Moe - bass
Canadian heavy rock/metal band Thunderor has released their new video/single “Get ‘Em Counted” starring pro wrestling champ Clash Kincade. The video is out now and the single will be available on digital platforms on May 3.
“This is a really fun tune about pro wrestling and stars my brother Remy aka Clash Kincade. We had a blast shooting this and I’m happy to say that the song really doesn’t sound like anything else out there that I can think of haha, I hope people enjoy it as much as we do.” comments vocalist and drummer JJ Tartaglia.
Formed in 2020 by Skull Fist band members JJ Tartaglia and Jonny Nesta, Thunderor delivers hook-driven anthems to the caliber that has come to be expected by a Canadian power trio. Since 2019, drummer JJ Tartaglia has felt a calling, one which grew stronger each day. Being a member of several prominent metal bands over the last decade, the time had come to take his quest even further. He would share a vision, a feeling… a message he could deliver only with his voice.
Fueled by his passion for adventure, JJ began to work on drum arrangements and piano pieces that would become the skeletons of the Thunderor songs. Fall of 2021, would see the release of the 1st single "How We Roll", immediately garnering a worldwide audience. The debut album "Fire It Up" was released in 2022 via Boonsdale Records, charting at #1 on Earshot’s National Loud Chart in Canada. The band has already toured throughout Canada, Europe, Mexico, and South America supporting major acts such as Airbourne, Enforcer, Night Demon, and more.
European dates:
May
1 – Natz-Schabs, Italy – Putzer Bikerfest
2 – Stuttgart, Germany – Schwarzer Keiler
3 – Bilzen, Belgium – South Of Heaven
4 – Gladbeck Metal Open Air, Germany
5 – Breda, Netherlands – Sound Dog
6 – Hamburg, Germany – Logo
7 – Berlin, Germany – Reset Club
8 – Leipzig, Germany – Black Label
9 – Lichtenfels, Germany – Paunchy Cats
10 – Vienna, Austria – Escape
11 – Maribor, Slovenia - Gustaf Pekarna
12 – Caneva, Italy – Meskio Bar
Former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman has released the official music video for "Dead Of Winter", the second single from his upcoming solo album, "Drama", due on May 17 via Frontiers Music Srl. The track features vocals by Chris Brooks from LIKE A STORM and marks Marty's first solo release featuring a vocalist.
The clip for "Dead Of Winter" stars Skylar Erna, Internet personality and daughter of Sully Erna from GODSMACK, and is available below.
About the track, Marty had this to say: "The lyrics of 'Dead Of Winter' as well as the story in the video, both sum up the way I would like people to feel about my music in general-- something that will be there to uplift you when the times are hardest and give you a tangible jolt of positivity to last until life inevitably smooths out."
Recorded in Italy, "Drama" showcases Marty's unique touch, for the first time using both vintage and modern guitars, delivering a pure delight for lovers of music everywhere. From the captivating first single "Illumination", which can be streamed below, to the album's breathtaking "Mirage" and 10 other emotionally charged mini-symphonies, Marty paints atmospheric elements with a modern and exotic flair, promising an unforgettable musical experience.
Skylar and Sully Erna represent The Scars Foundation, a charity devoted to starting conversations about mental health to raise awareness about the issues facing so many people in our communities today.
With the rise of suicides, bullying, addiction, abuse, and so many other challenges, The Scars Foundation is dedicated to providing resources and tools to educate and empower people on a global level who struggle with these burdens.
"Drama" track listing:
01. Illumination
02. Song For An Eternal Child
03. Triumph (Official Version)
04. Thrill City
05. Deep End
06. Dead Of Winter
07. Mirage
08. A Prayer
09. Acapella
10. Tearful Confession
11. Icicles
12. 2 Rebeldes (Dead Of Winter) (Spanish version)
12. Mirage (Guitar Karaoke Version) (bonus track Japan)
Vocals on "Dead Of Winter": Chris Brooks (LIKE A STORM)
Vocals on "2 Rebeldes": Steven Baquero Vargas
Bass on "Mirage": Or Lubianiker
Rhythm guitar on "Thrill City": Naoki Morioka
Keys and synth on "Sanctuary": Takuro Iga
Drums on "Thrill City": Chargeeeeee
During the question-and-answer portion of last November's Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp's "Metalmania III" in Los Angeles, Friedman spoke about his upcoming solo album. He said: "I've got 15 solo albums now, and each time I try to do something new and something I've never done before. I don't want ever to be heard as one of those guys, 'Ah, his early albums were great.' You know what I mean? I used to say that about my favorite guitarists — sadly — and I never wanted that to be said about me. So I'm always challenging myself on new stuff. On this new album that I'm about 70 percent done with, the closest thing I can relate it to is an album I had called 'Scenes' [1992], which I released quite a while ago. It was very dramatic and orchestral, and there was a lot of other type of instruments — violins, cellos and all that type of stuff. So it's more of a dramatic, orchestral concept. But everything that I've learned since that 'Scenes' album has just exponentially grown, so it's a much bigger scale. So if you like that 'Scenes' album at all, I think this one will be right up your alley."
Marty previously talked about his next solo LP in October 2023 in an interview with Chris Akin Presents. At the time, he said: "I've been recording my upcoming album for almost a year now. And it's gonna be finished by the end of the year, and it's gonna come out in the spring of 2024. And boy, it's an ambitious one. But, of course, I say that every time. But every time I have to top the one that was before it, so the task keeps getting more and more insane."
Asked what challenges and motivates him to keep pushing forward with his music, Marty said: "I'm not really so much into trying something that I haven't done for the sake of trying something I haven't done. I'm trying to impress me with something that I've never done before. It's not like I'm gonna suddenly wake up one day and say, 'Okay, I'm gonna be a rapper' or something. I do what I do and I have my musical vision and sound. I just try to do deeper things with it. I try to make more complex emotions, deeper emotions in the music, more interesting, melodic twists and turns, more adventurous things, things that I wasn't deep enough to do last year or two years ago, or five years ago, things that I couldn't hear back then, things that I can only hear because life has given me more experiences since then, and, of course, more musical experiences, and just to consciously be aware of stuff that I've already done and not repeat it. It's a natural challenge that I've been doing forever, and the hardest part is that blank sheet when I just start from zero. It's, like, 'How am I going to top that last thing that I just did? I worked my ass off. I'm completely done. I have nothing left. I've got zero.' And so that's the challenge. But now that I'm about 70, 80 percent done with this new record, I'm pretty confident with it. And I really am looking forward to letting everybody hear it."
In April 2023, Friedman told Justin Hunt of The Entertainment Outlet he "recorded about half" of his upcoming album in the summer of 2022. "I went over to Italy and I recorded about half of an album."
Regarding what fans can expect from his upcoming LP, Marty said: "I think it's gonna please a lot of people who liked my album 'Scenes', one of my earlier albums. It's kind of in that vein, but much more modern. And it's got all the things that I've added to my musical — I don't know how to say it — palette, or what I'm trying to do musically. It's basically a grown-up version of 'Scenes', really, so far. But I haven't finished it. It's taking a long time, but, you know, tender love and care. And it's coming along great."
Friedman went on to say that his early 2023 U.S. tour as the support act for QUEENSRŸCHE was a "perfect" way to inspire him to complete his new album. He explained: "This tour I'm playing really my most aggressive music with my most aggressive band. And that is perfect for my mentality for writing stuff like 'Scenes'. That's how 'Scenes' happened in the first place, because I was touring with MEGADETH like a maniac, and I was playing all this really, really heavy stuff every single night, and now I'm doing the exact same thing with my band. And so what I write is the complete opposite. So it's kind of like a really good creative time. And things are moving along really nice."
Marty's latest album, "Tokyo Jukebox 3", came out in April 2021 via The Players Club/Mascot Label Group. The record, which was made available in Japan in October 2020, is the third in a series that began with "Tokyo Jukebox" in 2009, and then "Tokyo Jukebox 2" following in 2011. The trilogy presents Friedman's inspired performances to Japanese repertoire he's chosen to cover.
Marty's presence in the world of music, the world of guitar and Japanese pop culture is mystifying, bizarre, and nothing short of inspiring. His first major impact in music was in the game-changing guitar duo CACOPHONY, which he founded with equally enigmatic and now-legendary guitarist Jason Becker. He then spent 10 years as lead guitarist in the genre-defining thrash metal act MEGADETH before moving to Tokyo due to his love for Japanese music, language, and culture.
Following his move, he landed a starring role for a new TV comedy "Hebimeta-san" ("Mr. Heavy Metal") and its spinoff, "Rock Fujiyama", which ran for six seasons and propelled him into the living rooms of Japan's mainstream. He has since appeared in over 800 TV shows, movies and commercials, including a two-year campaign with Coca-Cola for Fanta, authored two best-selling novels and was the first-ever foreigner to be appointed as an ambassador of Japan heritage and perform at the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Marathon in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022.
At the same time, Marty has continued his career in music with several solo albums in addition to writing and performing with the top artists in Japanese music, racking up countless chart hits, including a No. 1 with SMAP, two No. 2 songs with MOMOIRO CLOVER, a No. 2 with SOUND HORIZON — just to name a few.
Fan-filmed video of ARCH ENEMY's April 24 concert at Musinsa Garage in Seoul, South Korea can be seen below. The show was the first of ARCH ENEMY's 2024 Asian tour and marked the band's first live appearance in eight months.
Featured songs in video below:
00:00 Deceiver, Deceiver
03:59 The World Is Yours
09:07 Ravenous
12:53 War Eternal
15:22 House Of Mirrors
16:37 My Apocalypse
18:15 The Watcher
19:40 The Eagle Flies Alone
21:36 Handshake With Hell
23:59 Sunset Over The Empire
27:45 As The Pages Burn
32:00 We Will Rise
36:48 Enemy Within
40:23 Burning Angel
44:36 Snow Bound
47:04 Nemesis
51:09 Fields Of Desolation
Last December, ARCH ENEMY announced that it had "amicably" parted ways with longtime guitarist Jeff Loomis.
ARCH ENEMY founder and chief songwriter Michael Amott said in a statement: "It's been a joy having Jeff play with ARCH ENEMY for close to a decade, we truly had a blast touring around the world together! We were friends long before we played music together and we remain even closer buddies now, which feels great. We respect that he's in a place and time in life where he needs to step out of ARCH ENEMY and we all wish him nothing but the best moving forward.
"The only constant is change, and this is one of those moments where things had to change a little to move forward in a satisfactory way for everyone involved. With all that said, we are extremely pleased to announce that we have recruited Joey Concepcion as our new guitarist! Joey's a phenomenal talent and has been a friend of the band for a long time, he even filled in for Jeff on a couple of European festival shows back in 2018.
"We have touring and a myriad of other exciting things coming up on the horizon with ARCH ENEMY for 2024 and beyond and are thrilled to move forward, creating the next chapter and keeping the metal flowing!"
Loomis commented: "My time in ARCH ENEMY has come to an end. I have had a great time (9 years!) of playing and touring with them, but now it's time to enter a new chapter in my life. I wish Alissa, Michael, Sharlee and Daniel the very best and consider them all lifelong friends. I'd also like to thank the crew that have always been nothing but kind to me. Their hard work and dedication towards the band is incredible, and we wouldn't be able to put on the great shows without them. Thank you again for all your support over the years and Happy New Year."
Lastly, Joey Concepcion had the following to say about joining the ARCH ENEMY fold: "It's an honor and a privilege to be working with ARCH ENEMY and I'm very much looking forward to shredding stages across the globe together, playing for and meeting all the fans!"
Jeff, who was the main songwriter in his previous group, NEVERMORE, joined ARCH ENEMY in late 2014, but was not involved in the writing for the latter act's last two albums, 2017's "Will To Power" and 2022's "Deceivers".
In a 2018 interview with All That Shreds, Jeff said that he had "a lot of musical ideas" that he was hoping to contribute to ARCH ENEMY in the future. "I did write three or four songs for ['Will To Power'], but they didn't make it, only because it wasn't in the style that they were looking for," he said. "Fortunately enough, I was able to play guitar solos on the latest album, so that makes me happy."
Seven years ago, Amott said that Loomis is "a strong songwriter" in his own right, "but not in the style of ARCH ENEMY, I feel. He's always writing and recording with his own stuff," he explained. "He has a project called CONQUERING DYSTOPIA, he has his solo stuff, [and] he obviously wrote most of the NEVERMORE stuff. I've always respected him, and continue to respect him, as a guitar player — he's amazing and an amazing human being; he fits in perfectly. [There's] a great chemistry [between us]. But, you know, I've always written most of the music, so it's difficult to… I don't really wanna change the sound of the band too much. The band sort of started around my songwriting and my ideas, and those continue to be the most dominant ones, I guess. But, you know, who knows [what can happen] in the future?"
Loomis's second and latest solo album, 2012's "Plains Of Oblivion" was produced by Aaron Smith (7 HORNS 7 EYES) and featured cover artwork by Colin Marks of Rain Song Design, who had previously worked with ALL SHALL PERISH, THE END and XERATH.
Cream classic "Sunshine Of Your Love" has been given the bluegrass treatment by Postmodern Jukebox vocalist Robyn Adele Anderson and her band. Check out this new rendition of the song below.
Robyn: "This was my first time having three horns on a video and it took everything to a whole other level! So happy to have my bestie, Emily Pecoraro, on saxophone to help turn this ‘60s groovy tune into a Latin dance number."
"Sunshine Of Your Love" is taken from Cream's best-selling second album, Disraeli Gears, released in November 1967.
Cream legend Jack Bruce's Smiles And Grins, Broadcast Sessions 1970-2001 was released on March 29 in a 4CD/2Blu-Ray Video remastered box set.
The set features all the surviving BBC radio and television appearances made by Jack between 1970 and 2001, along with a wonderful un-broadcast session recorded for the German TV show Beat Club by Lifetime (also featuring Tony Williams, John McLaughlin and Larry Young) filmed around the time of the album “Turn it Over”.
The BBC material includes two legendary In Concert recordings. The first concert dates from 1971 (with friends Chris Spedding, Graham Bond, John Marshall and Art Themen) and is included in its entirety with the full 18-minute version of “Powerhouse Sod” presented on CD for the first time, the second concert dates from 1977 and features the band Jack assembled for the “How’s Tricks” album. Also featured are both audio and video recordings of the 1975 Old Grey Whistle Test special concert with Jack’s band featuring Carla Bley, Mick Taylor, Ronnie Leahy and Bruce Gary. The set also includes a concert from 1981 recorded for The Old Grey Whistle Test, a TV appearance from 1982 and the complete Jazz in Britain sessions from 1971 and 1978 featuring Jack Bruce, Jon Hiseman and John Surman, along with a session for Later with Jools Holland from 2001.
Smiles & Grins is the most comprehensive collection of Jack’s broadcast sessions ever released and it includes an illustrated booklet and essay – a fitting celebration of the musical legacy of Jack Bruce, a much-missed master of his craft.
BBC Sessions 1971, In Concert August 1971
"You Burned the Tables on Me"
"Smiles and Grins"
"Folk Song"
"A Letter of Thanks"
"We’re Going Wrong"
"The Clearout"
"Have You Ever Loved a Woman?"
"Powerhouse Sod"
"You Sure Look Good to Me"
Disc Two:
Sounds Of The 70s – July 1971
"Theme for an Imaginary Western"
"You Burned the Tables on Me"
"Folk Song"
"A Letter of Thanks"
"The Clearout"
Jazz in Britain – 10th August 1971 – Jack Bruce, Jon Hiseman & John Surman
"Baru"
"Powerhouse Sod"
"Oom Bham She Bam Bom"
"Jack’s Gone"
"Clearway"
"Walkabout"
Disc Three:
Old Grey Whistle Test Concert – 6th June 1975
"Can You Follow"
"Morning Story"
"Keep it Down"
"Pieces of Mind"
"One"
"Spirit"
"Without a Word"
"Smiles and Grins"
Jazz in Britain – 4th September 1978 Jack Bruce, Jon Hiseman & John Surman
"Fifteen Minutes Past Three"
"Ten to Four"
Disc Four:
BBC Radio 1 In Concert – 30th April 1977
"Madhouse"
"Without a Word"
"Times"
"Baby Jane"
"Born Under a Bad Sign"
"Lost Inside a Song"
"Something to Live For"
"How’s Tricks"
"Spirit"
"Out into the Fields"
"You Burned the Tables on Me"
Jazz in Britain – 4th September 1978 Jack Bruce, Jon Hiseman & John Surman
"Twenty Past Four"
Disc Five:
Lifetime – Beat Club, Bremen un-broadcast performance – 24 November 1970
"Smiles & Grins"
i Devotion
ii Smiles & Grins (reprise)
iii Dance of Maya 2 One Word
The Old Grey Whistle Test Concert – 6th June 1975
"Can You Follow"
"Morning Story"
"Keep it Down"
"Pieces of Mind"
"One"
"Spirit"
"Without a Word"
"Smiles and Grins"
Disc Six:
The Old Grey Whistle Test Jack Bruce & Friends in concert – University of Surrey, Guildford – 9 June 1981
"White Room"
"Hit and Run"
"Soul Blues"
"Living Without Ja"
"Dancing on Air"
"In This Way"
"Theme for an Imaginary Western"
B.A. In Music – 30 August 1982
"Theme for an Imaginary Western"
Later With Jools Holland – October 2001
"52nd Street"
"Sunshine of Your Love"
Full Of Hell burst forth with incredible force from Ocean City, Maryland, 15 years ago. Over five full-lengths, five collaborative full-lengths, and countless splits, EPs, singles, and noise compilations, they’ve evolved at extraordinary speed, their music becoming more complicated and technical without ever slowing down or losing its soul. Everything on a Full Of Hell album feels like a blur: smears of guitar, harsh noise shaken like gravel in a bag, singer Dylan Walker’s snarl and bite carrying him into outer space or into the core of the earth. They’re coiled, interlocking, impossible to penetrate, and they move with alarming speed. They have now reached terminal velocity.
Having created their own context, Full of Hell are now able to walk around within it, to survey its terrain, to visit far corners and see who’s nearby. Their new album, Coagulated Bliss— out today on Closed Casket Activities— sounds like Full of Hell, but it’s nothing like any Full of Hell record that’s come before it. These songs are trimmer, less freighted with anxiety, more interested in opening up than speeding away. Its bile is sometimes funneled into traditional song structures. It never shies away from the extreme harsh noise, unrelenting spirit, and pitch-black sadness of previous Full of Hell records; if anything, the leanness of these songs makes them feel even heavier. Nevertheless, there are tracks here you might find yourself whistling hours after listening. It’s an extraordinary and unexpected evolution in sound for a band who made their name on rapid metamorphosis, and it’s the logical endpoint of everything Full Of Hell has covered so far.
For release day, the band has shared a music video for "Fractured Bonds To Mecca." The video's concept was co-written by Full of Hell multi-instrumentalist Sam DiGristine who says the video is "...about an endless cycle of struggle, trying to find your way in a familiar place yet still feeling lost. Alienated by your loved ones and giving it all for a chance at salvation. Inspired by films such as ' The Incredible Melting Man,' 'The Holy Mountain' and 'Altered States.' The journey never ends. The cycle continues."
Dylan Walker continues, “This song is about a genetic curse. Having to live through inherited flaws and bearing witness to your own familial destruction. Lyrically, it’s very inspired by Thee Silver Mt. Zion at their darkest and most honest moments, speaking about our own inhumanity.”
Coagulated Bliss can be ordered here. See Full Of Hell on the road in April + May with Dying Fetus (dates below) and look for more news soon.
Coagulated Bliss,cover art by Brian Montuori.
Coagulated Bliss tracklisting:
"Half Life Of Changelings"
"Doors To Mental Agony"
"Transmuting Chemical Burns"
"Fractures Bonds To Mecca"
"Coagulated Bliss"
"Bleeding Horizon"
"Vomiting Glass"
"Schizoid Rupture"
"Vacuous Dose"
"Gasping Dust"
"Gelding Of Men"
"Malformed Ligature"
"Coagulated Bliss" video:
"Doors To Mental Agony" video:
Full Of Hell is Spencer Hazard (guitar/electronics), David Bland (drums/vocals), Samuel DiGristine (bass/sax/vocals), and Dylan Walker (vocals/electronics/lyrics), with new guitarist Gabriel Solomon joining following the album’s completion.
Full Of Hell tour dates:
April
26 - Sayerville, NJ - Starland Ballroom ^
27 - Syracuse, NY - The Song & Dance ^
28 - Albany, NY - Empire Live ^
30 - Quebec City, QV - Theatre Capitole ^
May
1 - Montreal, QC - Beanfield Theatre ^
2 - Ottawa, ON - The Brass Monkey ^
3 - London, ON - London Music Hall ^
4 - Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theatre ^
5 - Buffalo, NY - Electric City ^
7 - Pontiac, MI - The Crofoot Ballroom ^
8 - Columbus, OH - The King of Clubs ^
9 - Joliet, IL - The Forge ^
10 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave ^
12 - Winnipeg, MB - Park Theatre ^
13 - Saskatoon, SK - Louis ^
14 - Edmonton, AB - The Starlite Room ^
15 - Calgary, AB - The Palace Theatre ^
17 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre ^
18 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon ^
19 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater ^
July
13 + 14 - Los Angeles, CA - Exposition Park (Sound & Fury)
On August 12th, 2023, Crowbar took the Ronnie James Dio Main Stage at Bloodstock Open Air 2023 and turned it into a seismic event. Their set was a masterclass in raw energy and heavy riffs, capturing the essence of what makes Crowbar a standout in the metal scene. Their performance at Bloodstock 2023 serves as a testament to their enduring appeal and ability to captivate audiences, whether you're a die-hard fan or discovering them for the first time.
Check out "To Build A Mountain" from Crowbar's set below.
Concrete Spew interviewed Kirk Windstein (Crowbar, Down, Eye Am, Kingdom Of Sorrow) a few hours ahead of Crowbar's April '24 US tour finale with Morbid Visionz in Virginia Beach, VA.
During the chat, Windstein offers an update on forthcoming new music from New Orleans' supergroup Down - which also features drummer Jimmy Bower (Eyehategod), vocalist Philip H. Anselmo (Pantera), guitarist Pepper Keenan (Corrosion Of Conformity) and bassist Pat Bruders (Goatwhore).
Concrete Spew: "The other big news, couple months ago, you and the guys from Down reconvened to start fleshing out new material. Are you able to give any sort of an indication, even if vague, as to what some of those songs are sounding like?"
Kirk Windstein: "To me, it sounds more old-school Down and the reason I say that is, I think we got to a point where we, like, the Nola record is so simple and it just wrote itself; it was so simple and that's how this is coming about which is great. We're not overthinking it; we're not trying to make things too complex. Philip's not trying to write so many lyrics and things and we're not trying to have... You know, we just kind of got - I hate to say 'got away,' because anything we do is Down, but to me, we kind of got a little bit... like, we needed to go back and look at each other and just go, 'let's just get in the room and do it like we did from the beginning,' and that's what it feels like to me. It's very magical. The ideas and working together just bounce off of one another. It's a natural thing."
Drummer Jimmy Bower (Eyehategod) recently revealed that Down have seven new songs in the bag during an interview with Laughingmonkeymusic, which can be viewed below.
Said Bower: "We got together about a month or two ago, and we were practicing with just me, Pat, Kirk and Pepper. Phil lives on the other side of the lake, you know. We got together over at his house for a weekend, and we have seven songs, man. We're supposed to get together again in April, and then, you know, talk about recording, trying to get this thing out."
The official Rock Am Ring YouTube channel has shared pro-shot video of Bullet For My Valentine's entire show at the 2023 festival at the Nürburgrinf in Nürburg, Germany. Check it out below.
Setlist:
"Knives"
"Over It"
"Piece of Me"
"4 Words (to Choke Upon)"
"You Want a Battle? (Here's a War)"
"Shatter"
"All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me)"
"Scream Aim Fire"
"The Last Fight"
"Rainbow Veins"
"Don't Need You"
"Your Betrayal"
"Tears Don't Fall"
"Waking the Demon"
Bullet For My Valentine recently checked in with the following update:
"We are thrilled to announce that in 2025 we present to you The Poisoned Ascendancy UK Tour, alongside our brothers in Trivium. Both bands will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut albums by playing them in full. Get excited people, it's gonna be special and we can't wait to celebrate with you all."
Now, they have followed up with a message for their European fans:
"Europe, we didn’t forget about you. Excited to bring The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour to you next Feb. We’re also happy to be bringing Orbit Culture along for the ride. Your local pre-sales will start on April 24th, with a general sale at 10am CET next Friday!"
The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour dates are as follows:
January
26 - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
27 - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
28 - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
30 - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
31 - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
February
1 - London, UK - The O2
2 - Düsseldorf, Germany - Mitsubishi Electric Hall
4 - Stuttgart, Germany - Scheleyer-Hall
5 - Zurich, Switzerlamnd - The Hall
7 - Paris, France - Le Zenith
9 - Antwerp, belgium - Lotto Arena
10 - Hannover, Germany - Swiss Life Hall
11 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - AFAS Live
13 - Hamburg, Germany - Sporthalle
14 - Berlin, Germany - Max-Schmeling-Halle
15 - Frankfurt, Germany - Jahrhunderthalle
17 - Milan, Italy - Alcatraz
18 - Munich, Germany - Zenith
19 - Vienna, Austria - Stadthalle
21 - Gliwice, Poland - Arena
22 - Prague, Czech Republic - Forum Karlin
23 - Luxembourg - Rockhal
26 - Lisbon., Portugal - Campo Pequeno
27 - Madrid, Spain - Vistalegre
HALL AFLAME, the rock band led by METAL CHURCH founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, will release its sophomore album, "Amplifire", on May 3 via Rat Pak Records. The official music video for the LP's second single, "1974", can be seen below. The clip was filmed, produced and edited by Rick Moyer in Aberdeen, Washington.
Originally formed in 1989, HALL AFLAME garnered commercial success with its debut LP, "Guaranteed Forever", which was well received by fans and industry peers alike and quickly found themselves opening for ZZ TOP on their 1991 "Recycler" tour for a number of dates. As with many bands from that era, facing a decline in interest for AOR rock due to the onslaught of the "grunge" scene, the band went on a lengthy hiatus and reunited again in late 2023 to begin working on a handful of songs.
"Amplifire" offers 12 new studio tracks and reunites Kurdt with original bassist Brian Smith, along with drummer Bill Raymond and frontman Scott Nutter.
Vanderhoof comments: "This album came about as a project to document all the songs that we had written for the second album that never came to be. We revisited the songs and realized they had to be recorded properly. Then it blossomed into something much better than we had even hoped! So that led us into reforming the band instead of just having it be a project."
Smith adds: "I think anyone that is a fan of 'Guaranteed Forever' will see this record as a new and improved 'Part II' of HALL AFLAME. Great songs, great production and we had a ton of fun putting this together!"
Nutter says: "A good hard rock album should lift you, make you want to sing along and rock out! That's what this album does for me!"
From the driving album opener "Helltown" to the powerhouse outro track "Keeping Them All Away", HALL AFLAME shines with its signature brand of rock and roll. Tracks like "Ripcord", "In The Same Gutter", "It Ain't Enough" and "Gunnin'" are filled with memorable hooks and melodies, while songs like "Pullin Me Apart" and "1974" showcase their unique, classic rock songwriting abilities. With influences that range from BAD COMPANY to THIN LIZZY, "Amplifire" is best described as the perfect blend of classic rock with a modern-day edge.
Track listing:
01. Helltown
02. Ripcord
03. 1974
04. This Ain't Love
05. The Same Gutter
06. It Ain't Enough
07. Gunnin'
08. Pullin' Me Apart
09. Long Way Down
10. Keeping Them All Away
11. Cowboy (bonus track) (CD and digital)
12. Paradise On Ice (bonus track) (CD and digital)
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