The Quill has revealed their new video, "Wheel Of Illusion". The track is the first to be revealed from the band's 11th album, Wheel Of Illusion, set for international release on March 29th via Metalville Records.
"This song is a real testament of what the new album is all about. You want heavy? You want groove? You want strong melodies? The Quill got you covered!"
The Swedish hard rock band unveils their musical prowess on their 11th album, Wheel Of Illusion. With a storied history dating back to the early '90s, The Quill has consistently pushed boundaries, blending powerful riffs and soulful melodies.
States bassist Roger Nilsson, "Making new music is always hard work - but by now, we all know what we need to make a great album. The writing process is really where we gel as a band. We've always loved banging out ideas together in rehearsals - it's always been a team effort with everyone pitching in trying to make every song the best possible."
Wheel Of Illusion promises to be a sonic journey, showcasing the band's evolution while staying true to their hard rock roots. From the thunderous drumbeats to the searing guitar solos, each track is a testament to The Quill's enduring commitment to delivering a raw and authentic sound.
Says guitarist Christian Carlsson, "Even though we have a well-defined sound by now, firmly rooted in the classic rock of the '70s, we always try to find new ways of adding sounds and influences to our music. This time, we found hints of early British NWOBHM creeping in. We also used some old vintage keyboards, which added a bit of a different flavor to keep things fresh."
The album explores themes of introspection, resilience, and the enigmatic nature of reality. With lyrics that resonate and music that captivates, Wheel Of Illusion is poised to become a defining chapter in The Quill's musical legacy.
Adds drummer Jolle Atlagic, "We were extremely well rehearsed before entering the studio - which is not always the case. For Earthrise, we started with sketches in the studio. This time, it was the opposite - we worked really hard arranging the songs in rehearsals, so once we entered the studio, the process was quick and to the point."
As the band continues to carve their niche in the international rock scene, this album reaffirms their status as pioneers of the Swedish hard rock movement. Wheel of Illusion is not just an album; it's a testament to The Quill's unwavering passion for creating music that transcends time and resonates with fans worldwide.
Concludes vocalist Magnus Ekwall, "Wheel Of Illusion is by far the most consistent and well-conceived album we've ever made. Every note on the album is there for a reason, and there’s no excess luggage at all. I'm really proud of what we've achieved - it's classic The Quill even though you'll find surprises along the way!" Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
"Wheel Of Illusion"
"We Burn"
"Rainmaker"
"Elephant Head"
"Hawks & Hounds"
"Liber"
"Sweet Mass Confusion"
"The Last Thing"
"Wild Mustang"
The Quill lineup:
Magnus Ekwall - vocals (Ayreon, Mountain Of Power)
Christian Carlsson - guitar (Cirkus Prütz)
Roger Nilsson - bass (Spiritual Beggars, Arch Enemy, Firebird)
Jolle Atlagic - drums (Hanoi Rocks, Electric Boys, Firebird)
Blacktop Mojo has released the official music video for "Like Wild Horses", the second single from their fifth studio album Pollen, due out April 5, 2024. The song is available to stream / download now at this location.
According to Blacktop Mojo, "Our media guy Josh Lankford took the photo that we used as the single art for 'Like Wild Horses'." Here's his story behind it:
"I took this photo in the midst of the pandemic. Tired of being cooped up, I drove three hours to the Onaqui Mountains hoping to see the last wild mustangs of the West. What I witnessed was truly unbelievable. Hundreds of wild horses in a herd, grazing the high desert. But off all alone roamed this old white mustang, scarred from years of battle. Known by many as 'Old Man', he's one of the oldest mustangs and a true spirit of the American West."
The cover art for Pollen can be seen below. Pre-orders can be placed here.
The official music video for "Red Enough", the first single from Pollen, can be enjoyed below.
In live news, Clutch have announced their upcoming New World Samurai Tour 2024, with support from Blacktop Mojo and The Native Howl. The trek kicks off on April 26 in Richmond, VA, and concludes on May 19 in Columbus, OH.
Dates and a video trailer can be found below.
April
26 - Richmond, VA - The National
27 - Wilmington, DE - The Queen
29 - Bloomington, IL - The Castle Theatre
May
1 - Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep
2 - Estes Park, CO - Stanley Hotel
3 - Estes Park, CO - Stanley Hotel
4 - Aspen, CO - Belly Up Aspen
5 - Grand Junction, CO - Mesa Theater
7 - Lubbock, TX - The Garden
9 - Pelham, TN - The Caverns
10 - Columbia, SC - The Senate
11 - Daytona, FL - Welcome To Rockville
12 - Pensacola, FL - Vinyl Music Hall
14 - Columbia, MO - The Blue Note
15 - Fayetteville, AR - JJ's Live
17 - Sioux City, IA - Anthem at Hard Rock
18 - Belvidere - IL - The Apollo Theatre
19 - Columbus, OH - Sonic Temple
Today, blues-infused Southern rock band Parker Barrow, led by Megan Kane (vocals) and Dylan Turner (drums), supported by the formidable Alex Bender (guitar) and Michael Beckhart (bassist) — unveil the official music video for “Back To Birmingham” — which can be seen below. The track is from their debut album, Jukebox Gypsies, which was released in August 2023.
“From the moment we penned it, we sensed that this song deserved more,” Turner explains. “It was the initial song we crafted together after a few weeks on the road back in 2019. We approached it from Megan’s perspective, drawing from my own experiences of being away from home during that period. During the recording, I unexpectedly lost my grandmother. Then, just a week before shooting the music video, while performing at a dive bar in Missouri, we received the news that Megan’s grandmother had lost her battle to breast cancer. Suddenly, a song written four years ago came to life, a bit too literally, in just a matter of months.”
“Fast forward 4 years, it’s crazy how one song, even after sitting on the shelf for a while, can come back around and mean so much more now than it even did back then,” Kane and Turner reflect. “So, the vision for the music video honestly wrote itself, as a dedication and a memorial to those we had lost while out on the road trying to make our dreams come true. It was truly a way for us to heal, which isn’t that what music is all about anyway?”
Forged from an immediate connection, the band finds inspiration in the infamous duo of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Kane and Turner aim to infuse their music with the iconic energy of a dynamic duo, portraying a narrative where, instead of evading the law, they are a dynamic pair in pursuit of their rock ‘n’ roll dreams.
Drawing significant inspiration from The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Whiskey Myers, Parker Barrow seamlessly incorporates blues into each arrangement. The band’s true brilliance emerges in their live performances, marked by lively flights and a showcase of their grounded charisma. Turner and Kane, bound by a shared vision, genuine passion, and a love for life on the road, hold their relationship in high esteem through music and faith. As kindred spirits, they eagerly anticipate continuing to create and perform together in this next chapter of life. Whether in intimate acoustic sets or impactful full-band shows, it’s clear that the couple is precisely where they should be.
Tracklisting:
“Peace, Love, Rock N’ Rollin’”
“Count Your Dollars”
“Back To Birmingham”
“Throwin’ Stones”
“Partners In Crime”
“Good Times Gone Away”
“Long Black Train”
“Desire”
“Sunshine Of Your Love” (Cream cover)
“Where The Bluebird Goes”
Catch Parker Barrow live at the following shows:
February
29 - Tiger Town Tavern - Clemson, SC
March
1 - Reckless Shepherd Brewing Co. - Columbia, MD
7 - Tiger Town Tavern - Clemson, SC
23 - Hot Fish Club - Murrells Inlet, SC
May
4 - Plaza Azteca - Waynesboro, VA
24 - Tiki Bar - Solomons, MD
For further details, visit Parker Barrow on Facebook.
INFINITY'S ASHES, the new project featuring QUEENSRŸCHE/ex-KAMELOT drummer Casey Grillo, guitar virtuoso Angel Vivaldi and singer Roman Grey, has released the official music video for its second single, "To Live In What Exists". The track comes seven months after the arrival of INFINITY'S ASHES' debut single, "The Perfect Flaw".
Grey states: "For those that feel undeserved of love's warmth, that have been betrayed by their own heart, and have had their trust violated by those closest to them — this song is for you. At our absolute lowest, in the darkest crevices of our souls, fear and anger consume us. Choose to overcome or 'To Live In What Exists'."
INFINITY'S ASHES' current lineup is rounded out by bassist Matt Ezra.
Angel and Casey began collaborating on music in 2013 but didn't release the first INFINITY'S ASHES song until a decade later.
When INFINITY'S ASHES was first announced last July, Angel said in a statement: "Like most projects, this band has been in the oven for quite a number of years. To finally let the world see and hear this incredible collaboration feels magical. I'm proud of the work each of us put into these songs. Excited to see what's on the horizon for us."
Casey stated: "I am absolutely thrilled to be part of this project that Angel and I embarked on several years ago. Countless hours of dedication and meticulous planning have been poured into it, and I'm eagerly anticipating the fans' reactions to our creation. Get ready to enjoy what we've accomplished!"
Grillo added: "This will not change my involvement with QUEENSRŸCHE. I simply wanted to explore a different aspect of my drumming."
For nearly seven years, Grillo has been filling in for original QUEENSRŸCHE drummer Scott Rockenfield, who stepped away from the band's touring activities in early 2017 to spend time with his young son.
Almost a year after playing his first show with QUEENSRŸCHE, Casey announced his exit from his previous band KAMELOT in order to pursue "other musical endeavors" as well as tend to his "rapidly growing" drumhead company DrumStatic.
Einar Solberg – frontman of Norwegian rock mavericks Leprous – released his debut solo album ‘16’ last summer. But back at the beginning of 2022, he took on an entirely different solo endeavour. For a special live streamed performance, he reinterpreted the Leprous album The Congregation in full, just piano and voice. Now that performance sees an official audio release as The Congregation Acoustic, out today.
To celebrate, a video for the track “Red” has been launched.
Einar comments on the release of The Congregation Acoustic: “I'm both super excited but also kind of terrified for me to release this live version of The Congregation. It's raw and unedited and exactly how I did it on my livestream. Usually all musicians these days (myself included) are used to fixIng stuff in post-production, but on this one we've done nothing! I think it's cool sometimes to dare to show a more fragile and less "perfect" side of yourself. The Congregation is probably the least suitable album we've ever done to make an acoustic version of, but I think it turned out surprisingly OK!"
The Congregation Acoustic is available as a limited CD Digipak, Limited Gatefold 180g Black 2LP, and as Digital Album. The cover artwork was shot by Elena Sihida. Order here.
Tracklisting:
"The Price" (Live)
"Third Law" (Live)
"Rewind" (Live)
"The Flood" (Live)
"Triumphant" (Live)
"Within My Fence" (Live)
"Red" (Live)
"Slave" (Live)
"Moon" (Live)
"Down" (Live)
"Lower" (Live)
Swedish heavy metal band Lion’s Share has made a new song, 'Live Forever', available on streaming services and digital service providers.
Lion’s Share singer Nils Patrik Johansson commented: "This song is truly about how you can stand up for yourself while still being someone who cares for others. It's something we should all think about in this crazy world."
Lion’s Share guitarist Lars Chriss adds: "Classic Lion’s Share heavy metal, blending bone-crushing riffs, powerful vocals, blistering solos, and an anthemic chorus. The song is crafted with endless love for classic heavy metal. Just the way we like it!"
In late 2018, Lion’s Share released a new five-track EP, plus its complete catalog - remastered with new artwork - on streaming services and digital service providers for the first time. The band have since released several more digital singles, some of which will and some of which won't end up on the forthcoming full-length album.
Both Johansson and Chriss remark that they have always worked very well together, and at this point it feels the most natural to keep Lion’s Share as a duo, with friends helping out wherever needed.
The Lion's Share catalog features appearances by members and ex-members of KISS, Megadeth, King Diamond, Hammerfall, Symphony X, Chimaira, Therion, Yngwie Malmsteen, Candlemass, etc. Mixers include top engineers such as Jens Bogren (Arch Enemy, Opeth, Symphony X, Amon Amarth), Niklas Flyckt (one-time Grammy Award winner and four-time nominee), and Ronny Lahti (Roxette, Europe, Glenn Hughes).
Lion's Share has toured with bands like Motörhead, Manowar, Dio, Saxon, Iced Earth, Nevermore, U.D.O., Dee Snider, and has played many of the major rock and metal festivals.
Credits:
Nils Patrik Johansson – vocals
Lars Chriss – guitar
Andy Loos – bass
Nils Fredrik Johansson – drums
Anuviel – keyboard
Heavy metal outfit Out Of Darkness has released the new single “Terraform” together with an official video. The song, taken from the upcoming self-titled album out on February 23, is an absolute banger for those who love bands like Iced Earth, Nevermore, and Symphony X.
"Terraform" shows not only the great songwriting skills of the Florida-based quartet, but also how heavy metal can be powerful and fresh nowadays. Supported by a riff full of groove and an alternative flavour, the song finds its climax in the chorus dominated by Eric Barrios, whose voice expertly mixes the power of Tim "Ripper" Owens and the expressiveness of the late Warrel Dane.
Out Of Darkness will feature 11 tracks for over 48 minutes of playing time. The album demonstrates the evolution of the band, showcasing a wide variety of styles and dynamics within the metal realm. While playing homage to bands like Iced Earth, Nevermore and Symphony X, the band also forged its own sound. The lyrical content can at times be personal and dark, though the overall message of the band is intended to be positive and uplifting. The intended audience would range from lovers of classic American progressive/power metal to fans of modern metal. The band has put their influences and growth thoroughly on display in their second release.
Out Of Darkness was formed in 2020 by Brent E. Smedley (former Iced Earth drummer and percussionist) and Eric Barrios, vocals and guitar. They released the debut EP Seize The Day that same year to much critical acclaim and began to grow their following. Playing live shows first in their home state of Florida, then followed up by doing three tours up the East Coast as far as New Jersey and even reaching as far West as Las Vegas. The song "Think Again" reached #23 on The Billboard Rock Indicator chart, #8 on the Foundations Rock Chart Top 10 Greatest Gainers and received substantial airplay on many FM radio stations throughout the United States.
The band received over 100,000 views for the "I Surrender" video and has over 16,000 followers on Facebook. This epic metal masterpiece seeks to redefine their sound and broaden the spectrum of true heavy metal. This album features powerfully crafted songs with crushing riffs, catchy vocal melodies, thought provoking lyrics, and powerful rhythms that take the listener on an audio journey through dynamic and colorful musical soundscapes. It is Out Of Darkness's intention to become a legendary metal band like no other.
Out Of Darkness was produced by Stan Martell and Bill Staley. Mixed and mastered by Stan Martell at Martell AVP. Artwork and band photos by Bill Staley. Band logo by David Parrish.
Preorder the album via the band’s official website, here.
Tracklisting:
“Cosmic Conclusion”
“CREEPER”
“Terraform”
“Out Of Darkness”
“Prelude To Eternity”
“Entity”
“Open Wound”
“Soul Dreams”
“Breathing Fire”
“Via Dolorosa”
“In A Dream”
“Terraform” video:
“Via Dolorosa” video:
Out Of Darkness is:
Brent Smedley - Drums
Eric Barrios - Vocals, Guitar
Bill Staley - Guitar
Dan Callahan - Bass
Former Sodom guitarist Andy Brings, who now fronts Double Crush Syndrome, has released a new Andy Brings & Band single, "Nicht Mein Zirkus". Check out the official video below.
"Nicht Mein Zirkus" and the previous single, "Das Herz Und Die Seele", are the follow-up to the Andy Brings & Band album, Süden, released in June 2022.
Tracklist:
"Armee der Mädchen"
"Rette Mir"
"Schlaflos"
"Tik Tak"
"Tut Mir Leid"
"Anker"
"Monster"
"Lass Das Licht Noch An"
"Wildes Mädchen"
"Raumschiff Nach Hawaii"
"Rock 'n' Roll"
Los Angeles provocateurs Classless Act had a special gift for all the music lovers this Valentine’s Day—a cover of “Toxic”, Britney Spears’ classic heart stomper.
Says the band of the song: "We grew up listening to the original tune as a punk song. And 20 years later we’re honoring ‘Toxic’ with our knives out. It’s how she would’ve wanted it. Admit it: We all love giving into our toxic traits. It’s what makes us human and weird. And we ain’t here to celebrate any toxic behavior, we’re just here to own up to it through Spears."
Produced and mixed by the band's bassist, and songwriter, Franco Gravante, the new track comes after a whirlwind two years for Classless Act beginning with their debut album Welcome To The Show, released in the summer of 2022 that kicked off a huge breakthrough cycle for the five-piece, racking up millions of streams and logging more than 100 live shows, playing the blockbuster Stadium Tour opening for Motley Crue and Def Leppard, supporting Dorothy and Giovannie and the Hired Guns, as well as an appearance at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert where Classless Act frontman Derek Day joined Dave Grohl and members of the Foo Fighters.
Classless Act is currently in the studio working on new material that will follow up Welcome To The Show, with more details to be announced soon.
Classless Act returns to the road beginning February 29, on a series of dates that include headline shows and supporting guitarist John 5, as well as rock act Adelitas Way. The band has been hailed as “a live show that “sets the air ablaze” (BraveWords). Confirmed venues are as follows:
February
29 - Mesa, Arizona - The Nile
March
1 - Oklahoma City, OK - 89th St
2 - Overland Park, KS - Vivo Live Music
3 - Joliet, IL - The Forge
4 - Columbus, OH Rumba Cafe
7 - Flint, MI - Machine Shop
8 - Lakewood, OH - The Winchester
9 - Pittsburgh, PA - Hard Rock Cafe
10 - Syracuse, NY - The Song & Dance
12 - Clifton, NJ - Dingbatz
14 - Mechanicsburg, PA - Lovedraft's
15 - Winchester, VA - Blue Fox Billiards
16 - Knoxville, TN - The Concourse
17 - Destin, FL - Club LA
18 - Dallas, TX - The Sundown at Granada
20 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar
21 - Lubbock, TX - Jake's Sports Cafe
22 - Roswell, NM - The Liberty
23 - Colorado Springs, CO - Sunshine Studios Live
24 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theater
For further details, visit Classless Act on Facebook.
"Some Assembly Required" is a collaboration project conceptualized by ALICE COOPER guitarist Nita Strauss and her fiancé, manager and drummer Josh Villalta, combining some of the top guitarists in the world to do something incredibly special in tribute to this once-in-a-lifetime musician — Jason Becker.
Utilizing an unreleased demo of Becker's, Strauss, along with Zakk Wylde, Steve Vai, Chris Broderick, Phil Demmel, Jennifer Batten and many more, came together, lending their hearts and souls into what's become an unforgettable, unmissable display of guitar mastery.
"Some Assembly Required" has quickly turned into a powerful display that is equal parts a six-string love-story and a call for action for us all to take a closer look at what can be done to help others suffering from the same degenerative disease that took hold of Becker.
"The original idea Josh put forward was to work together on a song for my own album," Strauss shares. "We poured through lots of Jason's demos until we landed on this track, which was originally recorded with Gregg and Matt Bissonette. However, as the idea materialized, we realized this could be a much bigger project and more importantly, have a bigger impact to help Jason raise awareness and funds. From there, it took on a life of its own. The incredible Billy Sheehan came down to the studio and played bass, and we reached out to tons of Jason's friends and peers, from all genres and eras, and amassed an army of friends to trade solos on this track. We left Jason's original demo solo where it was, where it shines to this day alongside so many of the players that love and look up to him. We were able to send this video to Jason on Christmas Day and bring some holiday cheer to him and his family! He loved it and christened it with the name we have today — 'Some Assembly Required'."
Jason says: "So, I wrote this song in early 1990, hoping that David Lee Roth would want to use it. I went to Matt and Gregg Bissonette's place and recorded it with them. It was a lot of fun. Dave passed on it. Cool, because now all these fantastic players get to jam on it.
"A few years ago, Nita and Josh came over to go through some of my unreleased music to see if they wanted to do some kind of collaboration. This Christmas they surprised me with this beautiful video. Man, what a gift! Not only from them, but from everyone involved. I am such a big fan of you all! Thank you all so very much."
For an insider's look on how Becker's guitar family came together for this harrowing tribute, allow Strauss to explain in the exclusive short below.
For those who may not know of Jason Becker's legacy, we'd have to travel back to 1985 when 16-year-old guitarist Becker partnered up with Marty Friedman as the duo CACOPHONY. His success at such an early age was no coincidence, his metal mastery becoming a talking point amongst his peers, going on to support some of the biggest names in rock including David Lee Roth and create some huge guitar moments as a solo artist.
As Becker's career began to blossom, Jason was diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) in 1989 — at just 20 years old. As the disease progressed, Jason no longer could hold on to the instrument, but the urge to continue pushed on as he, amazingly, engineered his own way of writing music, a technique using "eye geometry" and chin movements, described further in the documentary on Becker's journey.
A trailer for the film "Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet", a compilation of interviews, live footage, and more on the unbreakable spirit and the ingenious songwriting ability of the guitarist that influenced so many can be seen below.
The guitar community has spoken and is asking for all of us to stand up and be an ally to Jason Becker and his family as he continues fighting this battle. There is an ongoing struggle to find a full-time caregiver, making proper help seem a hugely daunting challenge. Already saddled with the daily task of staying alive against all odds, there comes additional stress and worry for Jason and his family for all of the many out-of-pocket medical fees.
Keeping positive and consistently creating is essential for Becker, so we invite you to keep up with his latest creations through his web site, www.JasonBecker.com, where you can also donate to the Jason Becker Special Needs Trust.
A full list of guitarists and friends included in the creation of "Some Assembly Required":
Chris Broderick
Joe Bonamassa
Gus G
Paul Gilbert
Angel Vivaldi
Steve Vai
Steve Stevens
Rob Scallon
Jennifer Batten
Nili Brosh
Richie Kotzen
Marc Rizzo
Lari Basilio
Zakk Wylde
Alex Skolnick
Phil Demmel
Nita Strauss
Jason Becker
Marty Friedman
Herman Li
Steve Lukather
Jared Dines
Former IRON MAIDEN singer Blaze Bayley will release his new solo album, "Circle Of Stone", on February 23. The official music video for the LP's third single, "Mind Reader", can be seen below.
Blaze states: "I wish to thank the guys at Lion Island Media for their brilliant work shooting & editing the video, & thanks also to Paul at the fantastic Priory Park Boxing Club for allowing me to use the gym as the perfect location for shooting this video & for the guidance given whilst shooting."
"Circle Of Stone" track listing:
01. Mind Reader
02. Tears In Rain
03. Rage
04. The Year Beyond This Year
05. Ghost In The Bottle
06. The Broken Man
07. The Call Of The Ancestors
08. Circle Of Stone (feat. Niklas Stålvind)
09. Absence
10. A Day Of Reckoning
11. The Path Of The Righteous Man
12. Until We Meet Again
The official music video for the LP's second single, "Rage", was released late last month. "Rage" tells the story, from Welsh folklore, of Gelert the faithful hound and his unfortunate demise at the hands of his beloved owner Prince Llewelyn. The animation for the video was developed by Hot Frog Animations. The song features violinist Anne Bakker who also worked with Blaze during the "Infinite Entanglement" trilogy (2016-2018).
Also available is the official music video for the LP's title track, "Circle Of Stone", featuring a guest appearance by Niklas Stålvind of the Swedish metal band WOLF. Bayley said about that song: "I wish to thank especially Niklas Stålvind of Swedish band WOLF for his wonderful performance adding vocals to this song, the guys at Lion Island Media for their brilliant work shooting & editing the video, & my backing band ABSOLVA for their dedication & talent, including my co-producer Christopher Appleton. Thanks also to Paul Hume (owner) & Dean Cowan (sound engineer) from Eleven (Stoke-on-Trent, England) who were kind enough to let us shoot the video at their fine venue."
The 60-year-old Bayley fronted IRON MAIDEN from 1994 until 1999. The two MAIDEN albums he appeared on, "The X Factor" and "Virtual XI", sold considerably less than the band's prior releases and were their lowest-charting titles in the group's home country since 1981's "Killers".
Since leaving IRON MAIDEN in 1999, Bayley has released a number of albums, including several under the moniker BLAZE and more than a handful under his own name. He also appeared on 2012's "Wolfsbane Saves The World", the first album of new material by WOLFSBANE since the group's self-titled 1994 effort, and a follow-up LP, 2022's "Genius".
Blaze's latest studio album, "War Within Me", came out in April 2021. The LP was recorded during 2020 with work split between Blaze's studio at home in the West Midlands and Christopher Appleton's studio in Greater Manchester.
Last March, Blaze underwent a quadruple bypass surgery following a heart attack. He later shared details of the massive outpouring of well-wishes he received after his heart attack, including messages from his former MAIDEN bandmates.
"The thing I feel most lucky about is the incredible support I've had from my fans," he told BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "All over the world. My WOLFSBANE, Blaze Bayley, the MAIDEN fans. Everybody bought a t-shirt for a tour that was postponed. They still bought it to support me. I'm just incredibly lucky. And the letters people wrote to me. Hundreds of cards from all over the place. It's very humbling."
Blaze continued: "I've always put my whole life into music. It is my life. When people get in touch with you and say, 'I wish you well because your music has gotten me through tough times,' 'Your music meant this to me,' 'I first saw you way back when and it's been the soundtrack to my life,' it's incredible. I got a massive card from the MAIDEN fan club. The [MAIDEN] guys all sent me a message. I'm always in touch with Steve Harris [MAIDEN bassist] anyway, but everyone sent messages of support."
A heart bypass surgery, or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, is used to improve blood flow to the heart. A surgeon uses blood vessels taken from another area of the body to bypass the damaged arteries.
The term quadruple bypass refers to the number of coronary arteries bypassed in the procedure. In other words, a quadruple bypass means four coronary arteries are bypassed.
THE END MACHINE, the collaborative project featuring former DOKKEN members, guitarist George Lynch and bassist Jeff Pilson, has shared a new single, "Killer Of The Night". The track is taken from THE END MACHINE's new album, "The Quantum Phase", which will arrive on March 8 via Frontiers Music Srl.
Pilson comments: "'Killer Of The Night' is a great example of the melodic-but-heavy sound THE END MACHINE is going for. Heavy grooves with memorable, catchy melodies, otherworldly guitar playing, and positively amazing vocals! It's our sweet spot. Can't wait for everyone to hear this!!!!"
"The Quantum Phase" signals a notable change in personnel. Singer Robert Mason has officially parted ways with the group, paving the way for Girish Pradhan, the rising superstar vocalist known for his work under the moniker GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES and, more recently, with JOEL HOEKSTRA'S 13 and FIRSTBORNE. The addition of Pradhan to the band is a testament to the keen discernment of Serafino Perugino, president, and founder of Frontiers Music Srl. Perugino, who serves as the executive producer for THE END MACHINE, recognized the incredible talent and potential in Pradhan and brought him to the attention of the band.
Established in 2018, THE END MACHINE released its eponymous debut album, "The End Machine", in 2019, bringing early acclaim for not only contemporary production and a modern attitude, but also their perfectly crafted songs, paying homage to their roots and the music that they love. This attitude and talent was equally on display with their 2021 sophomore album, "Phase2".
In delivering 2024's "The Quantum Phase", THE END MACHINE has not only surpassed expectations but has penned the record of their lives. With each note and lyric, they have exceeded their own artistic aspirations, collectively crafting the album they always wished they had written. This monumental work stands as a testament to THE END MACHINE's evolution, showcasing not only their musical prowess but also their unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of their creative expression.
A little over a year ago, Lynch told MetalSucks about the upcoming THE END MACHINE album: "Girish Pradhan… is unbelievable. We loved Robert Mason [who sang on the first two THE END MACHINE albums], and he's an incredible singer, but we felt it was time for a little bit of a change. So, of all the records I'm working on — and there's a lot — I'm most excited about this next END MACHINE album. It's really powerful, and some of the tracks are downright scary good."
Asked what it is about the upcoming THE END MACHINE album that has him most excited, George said: "When me and Jeff get together, we're just a two-headed songwriting monster. It's crazy, but we finish each other's sentences and understand each other musically. I think that because we've been doing the same thing for so many decades, we know exactly what we're trying to do, but now we have a much better idea of how to get there than we used to. And when I work with other people — and I've worked with some great people — I don't have that connection with any other people like I do with Jeff. It's everything, from riffs, guitar sounds, and composition to putting that together. We're very attuned to each other, and our skill sets complement each other very well, so working on this record is an absolute joy, and it's got me very excited."
"The Quantum Phase" track listing:
01. Black Hole Extinction
02. Silent Winter
03. Killer Of The Night
04. Hell Or High Water
05. Stand Up
06. Burning Man
07. Shattered Glass Heart
08. Time
09. Hunted
10. Stranger In The Mirror
11. Into The Blazing Sun
Produced By: Jeff Pilson for Pilsound Music Inc.
Studio: Pilsound Studios, Santa Clarita, California
Recorded By: Jeff Pilson and Girish Pradhan
Additional engineering: Olivia Pilson
Mixed By: Alessandro Del Vecchio
Mastered By: Alessandro Del Vecchio
Band Members:
George Lynch - Guitar
Girish Pradhan - Vocals
Steve Brown - Drums
Jeff Pilson - Bass
The award-winning progressive rock band Big Big Train will release their 15th studio album The Likes Of Us on March 1, 2024. The album is the internationally-based group’s first full collection of songs since the unexpected passing of long-serving lead vocalist David Longdon in late 2021. Besides marking the debut of new frontman Alberto Bravin, a former member of the Italian band Premiata Forneria Marconi, it also heralds the beginning of a new relationship with InsideOutMusic, the group having self-released their music for almost two decades.
Today, on Valentine’s Day, the band are pleased to reveal the video for “Love Is The Light”, filmed in May 2023 during their time recording the album in Trieste, Italy. Watch the Tim Sidwell-directed video below.
Alberto Bravin comments: “This song recounts a difficult period in my life and how I got through it. In 2018 my daughter was born, I had a happy life and was travelling around the world playing a lot of gigs with PFM. But for no apparent reason I became deeply depressed. The most difficult challenge is not to heal, but to admit what’s happening. And you can do it only if you have real support from the people around you. My wife, Nicole, was always there for me and she helped me find the light. And she’s still doing it: with love.”
Gregory Spawton adds: “When Alberto submitted ‘Love Is The Light’ as a song to be considered for The Likes Of Us, we really required no discussion about whether to include it on the album or not – it was an absolute no brainer that we should record it. It’s a beautiful ballad that draws from Alberto’s personal experience but also has universal appeal. When we played Love Is The Light live on tour last year, it got a terrific response every night and I hope people will take the song to their hearts as we have.”
The Likes Of Us will be released on several different formats, including for the first time as Dolby Atmos mixed by The Pineapple Thief’s Bruce Soord, while the stereo mixes were undertaken by the band’s regular engineer Rob Aubrey together with Alberto Bravin. The Dolby Atmos mix will come as part of the Limited CD & Blu-ray Mediabook edition that also contains the album as 5.1 Surround Sound & 24-bit high-resolution stereo.
The album will also be available as a Gatefold 180g 2LP (available in black, sky blue, olive green and orange formats), Standard CD Jewelcase and Digital Album. The stunning artwork was created by the band’s longstanding collaborator Sarah Louise Ewing, with layouts by Steve Vantsis.
Big Big Train will perform for the first ever time in the USA in March 2024, including an appearance on Cruise To The Edge.
March
1 – Fort Wayne, IN – Sweetwater Performance Theatre
2 – Rutherford, NJ – Rivoli Theater at The Williams Center
3 – Rutherford, NJ – Rivoli Theater at The Williams Center
5 – Boston, MA – Regent Theatre
DRAGONFORCE has unveiled an official video for its Taylor Swift cover, "Wildest Dreams (Dragonforce's Version)", which is included as a bonus track on select editions of the band's upcoming album, "Warp Speed Warriors", due out on March 15 via Napalm Records. The Grammy-nominated unit has transformed the current reigning pop superstar's huge hit into a lightning-fast power metal anthem, featuring incredible guitar solos and sky-high vocals. DRAGONFORCE's version first caused a wave of buzz in the press and on social media after the band performed it live on their most recent North American tour.
ARCH ENEMY singer Alissa White-Gluz joined DRAGONFORCE on stage on November 5, 2023 at MTelus in Montreal, Quebec, Canada to perform "Wildest Dreams (Dragonforce's Version)".
"Warp Speed Warriors" was produced, mixed and mastered by Damien Rainaud at Mix Unlimited in Los Angeles, California with DRAGONFORCE guitarists Sam Totman and Herman Li.
On "Warp Speed Warriors", DRAGONFORCE — composed of of guitar virtuosos and founding members Herman Li and Sam Totman, singer Marc Hudson, bassist Alicia Vigil and drummer Gee Anzalone — explore a wider range of varying musical styles than ever before, evolving their sound throughout the exciting musical journey while still staying true to their roots.
Herman stated about "Warp Speed Warriors": "After four years of creative incubation, we are beyond excited to release what we believe to be our most ambitious and grandiose record yet. This album showcases multiple facets of our artistic abilities, and we invite metal aficionados from every corner of the genre to discover something captivating within its layers. We can't wait to share this chapter of our musical journey with you, it's going to be EPIC!"
"Power Of The Triforce" keeps the volume high before DRAGONFORCE temporarily slows it down for the ballad "Kingdom Of Steel". Rapid drum patterns and thrilling guitars carry the catchy "Burning Heart", while chanting "Space Marine Corp" features a strong and uplifting chorus. Electronic influences on grandiose power metal anthem "The Killer Queen" hypnotize, as singer Marc Hudson's vocals reach for the skies. On "Doomsday Party", 1980s rock influences meet captivating retro video game soundscapes and epic guitar solos in true DRAGONFORCE manner. The last original track on "Warp Speed Warriors", "Pixel Prison", is followed by DRAGONFORCE's unexpected yet brilliant cover of Taylor Swift's "Wildest Dreams (Taylor's Version)" as a bonus track that wraps up the epic adventure.
"Warp Speed Warriors" track listing:
01. Astro Warrior Anthem
02. Power Of The Triforce
03. Kingdom Of Steel
04. Burning Heart
05. Space Marine Corp
06. Doomsday Party
07. Prelude To Darkness
08. The Killer Queen
09. Pixel Prison
DRAGONFORCE's platinum-selling single "Through The Fire And Flames" brought the London-based Grammy-nominated extreme power metal group international acclaim and was featured as the most challenging song on "Guitar Hero III".
In March 2019, the "Through The Fire And Flames" music video reached a new milestone: it surpassed one hundred million views on YouTube — DRAGONFORCE's first music video to do so.
"Through The Fire And Flames" is the leadoff track from 2006's "Inhuman Rampage" album, which was officially certified gold in July 2017 by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for sales in excess of half a million copies.
In August 2019, DRAGONFORCE parted ways with longtime bassist Frédéric Leclercq. He has since joined German thrashers KREATOR.
DRAGONFORCE is:
Herman Li - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Sam Totman - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Marc Hudson - Vocals
Alicia Vigil - Bass, Backing Vocals
Gee Anzalone - Drums, Backing Vocals
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