Sci-Fi alt-metallers, Sick N' Beautiful, are set to make a triumphant comeback with their latest single, "My Wounds" out today via Frontiers Records. The band's new single, accompanied by an electrifying video, coincides with the start of an extensive European tour, igniting the stage alongside Cradle Of Filth and Wednesday 13.
Lead singer Herma, distinguished by her striking green dreadlocks, shares her anticipation for the upcoming tour, declaring, "The buzz surrounding this tour is beyond measure! With a multitude of cities lined up and sharing the spotlight with two legendary metal acts, it's no wonder that tickets are flying off the shelves! Snatch yours before it's too late!"
"My Wounds" serves as a prelude to Sick N' Beautiful's impending album, Horror Vacui. Drummer Evey sheds light on the album's title, explaining, "Derived from an ancient Latin expression signifying 'fear of emptiness' or 'fear of the void,' it aptly encapsulates the darker trajectory our sound and live performances have embarked upon. Audiences can anticipate a palpable transformation across both auditory and visual realms."
Remaining steadfast in its DIY guerrilla ethos, Sick N' Beautiful continues to take charge of all facets internally. Enigmatic guitarist Nemes asserts, "We're staunch advocates of keeping operations in-house. Herma oversees costume design, directs our videos, and conceptualizes all visual elements for the band - including our merchandise! Our music production is a collaborative endeavor, meticulously crafted with the live experience in mind. We answer to only our loyal fans and the voices resonating within!"
Catch Sick N' Beautiful live this winter in shows throughout Europe with Cradle Of Filth and Wednesday 13.
Blacktop Mojo has released the official music video for "Red Enough", the first single from their fifth studio album Pollen, due out April 5, 2024. The song is available to stream / download now at this location.
The cover art for Pollen can be seen below. Pre-orders can be placed here.
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
Southern California staples ALIEN ANT FARM have released the official music video for their new song called "So Cold". The track's title is fitting after the band's musical hibernation. It calls to the fans who have been around since the beginning, with classic ALIEN ANT FARM guitar riffs leading fans into a blistering chorus. The track is taken from ALIEN ANT FARM's upcoming album, "~mAntras~", to be released April 26, 2024.
"~mAntras~" is a record that will not only challenge your preconceptions of the band, but will also firmly reassert their place in the world. The band's sixth full-length, it was shaped by personal change and growth, and it represents as close to a new beginning as a band first formed in 1996 can get. At the same time, it's not a record that dismisses and disregards the past. Far from it. A record of deep contemplation, "~mAntras~" was born out of various trials and tribulations — its songs don't just take the listener on a musical journey, but, as its title suggests, also on a personal and spiritual one.
ALIEN ANT FARM have encountered a lot of adversity since blowing up in 2001 with two iconic songs — first their own composition "Movies" and then their classic, generation-defining cover of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" — but none more so between the release of "Always And Forever" and this record. It's no surprise, then, that a lot of it has been captured on the 11 tracks that make up "~mAntras~". As guitarist Terry Corso puts it: "Growing up, divorce, children, family, death, band break-ups, surgeries, illness, health—everything is in this record. It's literally a product of all the fucking shit, good and bad, that we went through."
All of it, though, was channeled into crafting the most confident and self-assured album of the band's career ("The manure makes the flower grow," quips vocalist Dryden Mitchell). And despite the false start, when ALIEN ANT FARM felt they could pick things up again in terms of making new music, they did just that. What's more, they found themselves thoroughly reinvigorated and re-inspired. Older and wiser and no longer as eager to please the music industry, the band really leaned into what it meant to be themselves on this album.
"~mAntras~" track listing
01. The Wrong Things
02. Last dAntz
03. Fade
04. No. 1
05. Storms Over
06. So Cold
07. What Am I Doing
08. Prosperous Futures
09. Glasses
10. Everything She wAnts
11. ~mAntras~
"~mAntras~" comes after a nearly decade-long hiatus and finds ALIEN ANT FARM re-energized and ready to take on the world. As the band says in a joint statement: "The new album might not be for the faint of heart, but it might be for the heart broken…"
The newest installment of songs flexes moments of intricate metal, to haunting acoustic ballads that might make Ray Lamontagne shiver. The band continues: "If you're an ALIEN ANT FARM fan true and true, you won't be disappointed, and if you're just a visitor from another planet, we hope you enjoyed your extra terrestrial visit."
ALIEN ANT FARM is confirmed to perform at Welcome To Rockville 2024 with the likes of FOO FIGHTERS, EVANESCENCE, DISTURBED, SLIPKNOT, FLYLEAF and more. The band will also perform in Ashland, Kentucky on June 8 at Paramount Arts Center.
ALIEN ANT FARM formed in 1996 with the raging singer/songwriter Dryden Mitchell, guitarist Terry Corso, bassist Tye Zamora, and drummer Mike Cosgrove. All were bored with their day jobs and sought something else to break them from corporate norms. Music allowed them to freely express themselves, and a friendship was born. They independently released their quirky debut, "Greatest Hits", toward the end of the '90s and soon enough noise surrounded the band. It won the award for Best Independent Album at the 1999 L.A. Music Awards.
Two years later they made their major-label introduction with "ANThology", issued in March 2001. Debut single "Smooth Criminal" was a funky metal mix of Michael Jackson's original song, and pop kids of the "TRL" generation loved it. The song hit number one on the modern rock charts, and the album eventually went platinum. The song was recently profiled with the Los Angeles Times as it went viral again in 2022.
ALIEN ANT FARM is vocalist Dryden Mitchell, guitarist Terry M. Corso, drummer Mike Cosgrove and bassist Timmy Pee. They have released five studio albums, and have sold over five million units worldwide.
Finnish cello metal band, Apocalyptica, have shared a new video of "On The Rooftop With Quasimodo" from their performance at St. John’s Church in Helsinki 2021. Check it out below.
"Deathzone" from the same show can also be viewed below.
"On The Rooftop With Quasimodo" is taken from Apocalyptica's 2010 album, 7th Symphony.
Apocalyptica recently released a new single and music video for “What We’re Up Against” featuring Amaranthe singer Elize Ryd.
Smoking Snakes, the electrifying sleaze metallers hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden, have issued their debut album, Danger Zone via Frontiers. Order the album here, and watch a video for the new single, "Run For Your Life":
Smoking Snakes are known for their high-energy performances and a sound that pays homage to the golden era of rock while infusing a contemporary edge. With their upcoming debut album, Danger Zone, the band aims to solidify their place in the sleaze metal genre and captivate audiences around the globe.
The band states: "It's our aim to start writing a new chapter for the music we love. We aren't trying to reinvent the wheel, but at the same time, we are using our own experiences and passion for the sleaze genre and are committed to keeping it alive"
Produced by Jakob Herrmann, known for his work with acclaimed acts such as Anthrax, In Flames, and Machine Head, Danger Zone promises to be a sleaze metal masterpiece. Herrmann, who honed his skills with Hardcore Superstar, lends his signature touch to the album.
In 2022, Smoking Snakes made a thunderous entrance onto the music scene, grabbing attention with a self-released demo that cranked up the volume to 11. Their distinctive blend of powerful old-school rock with a modern edge garnered acclaim, drawing inspiration from iconic artists such as W.A.S.P., Ratt, Dokken, and KISS. Recognizing their potential, Frontiers Music eagerly welcomed Smoking Snakes onto their roster.
With a perfect blend of raw energy, infectious melodies, and a commitment to the essence of sleaze, Smoking Snakes are poised to make a significant impact on the global music scene with Danger Zone.
Tracklisting:
"Angels Calling"
"Sole Survivors"
"Run For Your Life"
"Lady Lucky"
"Excited"
"Restless And Wild"
"Sorrow, Death And Pain"
"There Is No Tomorrow"
"Who Am I"
"We Are Alive"
"Rocking To The Morning Light"
"Angels Calling":
"Sole Survivors" video:
Smoking Snakes are:
Brett Martin - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Andy Delarge - bass, backing vocals
Stan Ricci - drums, backing vocals
Leo Razor - lead guitar, backing vocals
Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, THE WINERY DOGS), Frank Bello (ANTHRAX), Jason Bittner (SHADOWS FALL, OVERKILL), Jon Dinklage ("Clockwork Angels" string ensemble), Joe Bergamini (drum instructor, author), John Wesley (PORCUPINE TREE) and Seven Antonopoulos (OPIATE FOR THE MASSES) are among the guests who performed with YYNOT, considered one of the premier RUSH tribute bands, at this year's "Bubba Bash 2024", a charity concert in celebration of RUSH's late drummer Neil Peart on the fourth anniversary of his passing. Proceeds from the show, which was held on January 6 at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, Pennsylvania, will go to benefit Cedars Sinai Hospital in memory of Neil.
Professionally filmed video of the concert can be seen below (courtesy of YYNOT).
The progressive rock band YYNOT was the coming together of award-winning guitarist/songwriter/producer Billy Alexander and Florida-based virtuoso bassist Tim Starace. In 2015, after seeing Tim post videos of his mind-blowing and accurate RUSH bass covers, Alexander approached him about forming an online collaboration. With the addition of drummer Mike Hetzel and vocalist Adi Argelazi, YYNOT delivers a well-deserved "throat punch" in both their live shows and recorded material with their original progressive rock and "note-for-note" vintage RUSH covers while adding their own swagger to the mix. Their debut album and latest release, "Resonance", have garnered praise from the rock world including Prog magazine and Classic Rock. The records have continued to sell in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Brazil and more. YYNOT has accumulated devoted fans all over the U.S. and abroad.
Three and a half years ago, Portnoy spoke to World Prog-Nation about how Peart influenced him on a musical and personal level. He said: "I spent 20, 30 years idolizing him and being his biggest fan. And all those years, it was mainly the drum kit — the drum kit was such a fascination for me. He always built such amazing kits and put so much thought into it. I'd always get the tour programs where he'd write about the kit and what the new things were on it, and I would just look at those photos. Most other kids were looking at Playboy centerfolds; I was looking at Neil Peart drum kits. And then, obviously, his playing — it goes without saying. I learned how to really develop parts and orchestrate drum parts to build and change and develop within the song. So that was the biggest stuff for me as a fan. And then later on, once I got to know him, I was so inspired by what a gracious person he was."
Mike added: "He had this reputation that he was sort of quiet and isolated and private, and he was, and it was very important for him to guard that. But once you were somehow allowed into that inner cicle, he was always so sweet and kind and generous. He'd always send me holiday e-mails and he would always send me his new books and stuff like that. It was a relationship that I'll always cherish and I was honored to have."
During an October 2021 interview with TWISTED SISTER bassist Mark "The Animal" Mendoza's Internet show "22 Now", Portnoy once again spoke about a hypothetical scenario in which he would be chosen to tour with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson as the replacement for Peart. Asked if he would be interested in taking that gig, Portnoy said: "Of course. That would be a dream to play with those guys. But I don't wanna see the Blabbermouth headline right now, me thinking that I deserve the gig. I'm not saying that. You're asking me a question. Hypothetically, of course, it would be a dream come true. Neil was my hero, and always will be, and Geddy and Alex are as well.
"I don't think in a million years they'll play [as RUSH] without him; I really don't," he continued. "But in a hypothetical dream scenario, I mean, come on — of course. But I don't think in a zillion years it will happen. But it's a nice dream to hypothetically wonder about. But I honestly don't think it would ever happen. But who knows? You never know.
"As much as hypothetically it would be fun, it would be amazing, it would also be an impossible role to fill," Portnoy added. "It's a no-win situation. Really, it would be impossible, 'cause his fans are as obsessive as they get — and count me amongst them. So, yeah, that would be a tough one."
Mike also talked about RUSH's final tour which concluded at the Forum in Los Angeles on August 1, 2015. Peart indicated at the time that he wanted to retire while he was still able to play well, along with a desire to spend more time at home with his young daughter.
"They went out on such a high," Portnoy said. "Their last tour was a farewell tour. I don't think anybody expected Neil to pass, but they wanted to stop touring, so they really went out with such an amazing tour. That tour was just so well done, so perfectly executed, and they went out with all three of them still at the top of their game. So I give them all the credit in the world for that. It's just sad that Neil didn't get many years to enjoy the retirement before he got sick. That saddens me."
In February 2020, Bello commented on Peart's passing, telling the "Come To Where I'm From" podcast: "I didn't expect that. I didn't see this coming at all. That's one of my guys. And as a bass player, too, I'll say that. That's the guy I try to lock in bass with… Just think about these crazy things that he did outside the box and experiment and made it look easy. I mean, think about it.
"I'm so sorry I didn't see that last [RUSH] tour. I wasn't home. That last tour, I was never home when they were [near my hometown], and I regret that.
"Man, talk about a loss," he added. "It just breaks my heart. You just want more. 'Cause I don't think there are people like that around. There's never gonna be another RUSH. That came organically.
"Growing up in the Bronx, I'd come home from school, [go over] to my Uncle Joe's deli, worked till eight o'clock. Eight o'clock, eight thirty, I'd grab something to eat, go right to my room and learn a RUSH song."
RUSH announced Peart's passing on January 10, 2020, setting off shockwaves and an outpouring of grief from fans and musicians all over the world.
This is happening TONIGHT!!! A tribute to our hero, the late great Neil Peart, and the music of Rush…The show is already...
Symphonic metal titans, Epica, have shared their Latin America 2024 aftermovie, available for streaming below.
Says the band: "It's not a secret, that Latin America has some of Epica's favourite crowds and of course they could not wait to return in January and February of 2024, to visit Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia and 70,000 Tons of Metal. Come along on this adventurous trip with us and take a look behind the scenes in this Latin America Aftermovie."
Recorded in early 2023 at the band’s biggest Dutch headline show to date, Live At The AFAS Live captures the electrifying stage energy of Epica with some of their biggest hits.
Recently released on all digital platforms, this will be the final sign of life before the band returns to the studio to write their new album. Stream the full EP on all platforms now, here.
You can watch the live video for "Code Of Life" (Live At The AFAS Live) below.
Guitarist Isaac Delahaye comments: “It’s always a pleasure to play this fan-favorite track, and to take the crowd with us while we build up to the massive groove and have a headbang party together. Enjoy listening & watching 'Code Of Life' as performed earlier this year in Amsterdam!”
Watch "Beyond The Matrix" from the same show, below:
Kings Of Thrash, featuring former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and guitarist Jeff Young, performed at the historic Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California on December 14.
Video of the band performing Megadeth's "Black Friday" joins previously posted footage for "Looking Down The Cross". Watch both below:
During a recent interview with Metal Express Radio, Jeff Young revealed he and David Ellefson are gearing up to release an album of all original material.
Young: "Everyone's saying Kings Of Thrash is coming out with an original album, and it's not Kings Of Thrash. Chaz (Leon) is our singer for doing the Megadeth stuff, but for the original stuff, Ellefson and I have been writing for over a year. We've been working on some (new) songs. We're using this guy from Brazil that's gonna blow you guys away. He sounds kind of like Dio meets Chris Cornell meets Rob Halford. He's got perfect pitch, so he never hits a bad note. It's crazy."
Revolution Saints, the band led by Journey vocalist/drummer Deen Castronovo, have released "Fall On My Knees", the third single off their new full-length album, Against The Winds. The track is accompanied by a music video.
Joined by fellow rockers bassist Jeff Pilson (known for his work with Foreigner and formerly of Dokken) and guitarist Joel Hoekstra (of Whitesnake and Night Ranger) the new iteration - Revolution Saints MKII - is here to rekindle the fervor for melodic rock.
Against The Winds, primarily produced and composed by Alessandro Del Vecchio (who also contributes on keyboards and background vocals), delivers what you would expect: captivating vocals, enchanting melodies, and hooks that will linger in your mind for days.
With this album, Revolution Saints exhibits a heightened sense of cohesion, energy, and emotion. They solidify their status as giants in the genre, and this album unquestionably reaffirms why they belong at the pinnacle once again.
Watch the video for "Fall On My Knees" below:
Revolution Saints was initially conceived by Serafino Perugino, the President and Head of A&R at Frontiers Records, to showcase the remarkable vocal talents of Deen Castronovo. While Castronovo had always been respected as a drummer, those who took notice of his background vocals and witnessed his lead vocal performances during Journey shows, soon recognized his exceptional singing prowess.
Revolution Saints was and continues to be, a platform to spotlight Deen's incredible vocal abilities. Order Against The Winds here.
Tracklisting:
"Against The Winds"
"Changing My Mind"
"Fall On My Knees"
"Can't End It Right Now"
"Lost In Damnation"
"Will I See You Again"
"Show Me Your Light"
"Save All That Remains"
"Been Said And Done"
"Diving Wings"
"No Turning Back"
Skid Row frontman, Erik Grönwall, has shared the new video below, featuring a performance of the Baywatch theme, "I'm Aways Here", originally performed by Survivor vocalist, Jimi Jamison, who died of a heart attack at the age of 63 on September 1, 2014.
Grönwall previously shared videos featuring performances of "Rising Force" written by Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Lynn Turner, Whitesnake's "Still Of The Night", and Mötley Crüe's "Kickstart My Heart". See below:
Melodic hard rockers, Lionheart, have released a lyric video for "Little Ships", the third and final single from their upcoming new album, The Grace Of A Dragonfly, out via Metalville on February 23. Pre-order the album here, and watch the new clip below.
"Little Ships", with its upbeat verses and memorable chorus hooks, tells the story of “Operation Dynamo” when, between 26th May and 4th June 1940, hundreds of thousands of allied soldiers were evacuated from Dunkirk with the aid of hundreds of “little ships” ranging from merchant fishing boats to yachts. The song’s anthemic choruses embody the miraculous success of the operation.
As soon as the previous album, The Reality Of Miracles, hit the shelves in 2020, Lionheart knuckled down to record the next one, deciding early on that this time they would produce a concept album. The record centres around WW2, but the band very much wanted to make this an anti-war album, while at the same time remembering those who fought for our freedom.
The songs on The Grace Of A Dragonfly are sensational, with Lee Small’s emotional lyrics reflecting not only the pain and grief inflicted by war on ordinary, innocent people in every conflict zone, but also their strength, resilience, and determination. Supported by Lionheart’s superb songwriting, soaring backing vocals, beautiful twin-guitar harmonies, and atmospheric keyboards, Lionheart’s sheer power shines brightly from every one of the eleven songs, culminating in a heartfelt prayer for peace in the world.
Tracklist:
"Declaration"
"Flight 19"
"V Is For Victory"
"This Is A Woman's War"
"The Longest Night"
"The Eagle's Nest"
"Little Ships"
"Just A Man"
"UXB"
"The Grace Of A Dragonfly"
"Remembrance, Praying For World Peace"
"V Is For Victory" video:
"Flight 19" lyric video:
Lionheart lineup:
Lee Small (The Sweet, ex-Shy) - lead vocals
Dennis Stratton (ex-Iron Maiden) - lead guitar/backing vocals
Steve Mann (MSG, ex-Liar) - lead guitar/backing vocals
Rocky Newton (Grand Slam, ex-MSG) - bass guitar/backing vocals
Clive Edwards (ex-Pat Travers, Uli Jon Roth & Wild Horses) - drums, percussion
British guitar sensation Sophie Lloyd has shared a music video for her latest single "Let It Hurt (Feat. Chris Robertson)". As well as writing the emotional lyrics for the song, the BLACK STONE CHERRY frontman Chris Robertson contributes some wailing, bluesy licks to complement Sophie's own rip-roaring solo.
"'Let It Hurt' is one of my favorite songs on the album," declared Sophie. "I had the main riff for this song written a couple years before the album just saved on my computer somewhere. Then when we started writing I was looking through my old archives and re-discovered this and we (Chris Painter and myself) wrote the rest of the instrumental in one day.
"We knew we wanted a really powerful blues/rock vocalist on this song and Chris Robertson just seemed perfect," she added. "He has one of the most incredible voices and sings with so much soul and feeling, I'm so honored to have him transform this song into something amazing."
Chris said: "When Sophie reached out about a collaboration, I was admittedly nervous. I had never written a song with someone I had never met in person before. What came to be was a track that I think we can all be proud of, a passionate, intense guitar-filled anthem about moving forward in times of darkness. I couldn't be more proud to be invited to be a part of Sophie's journey."
Filmed in Nashville, Tennessee, the video also includes a guest appearance from fellow Kiesel artist Cole Rolland, who takes up bass duties in the video.
"The video tells a story of connections you have with people around you and how the experiences you share have such an impact." continued Sophie. "It follows the story of a girl and her father driving and fixing up this car, making great, happy memories together. Then as the years go on and the girl gets older the father has passed on and is no longer with them, but she can still feel that connection and is reminiscing about all the good times they had together. I hope people can watch this video and get a sense of comfort that if they have ever lost someone, know they are always with them."
Released in November last year, Sophie's first full-length album "Imposter Syndrome" sees the guitar virtuoso teaming up with some of rock's biggest names and her own personal heroes to create a stunning collection of work spanning a variety of genres from the rock and metal world. Released totally independently via her own Autumn Records, the album debuted at No. 3 in the rock charts and 11 in the Indie charts, and received rave reviews in the press.
"Let It Hurt" follows blazing singles and guest collaborations like "Judge And Jury" (featuring THEORY OF A DEADMAN's Tyler Connolly),"Fall Of Man" (featuring TRIVIUM's Matt Heafy),"Do Or Die" (featuring Nathan James),"Lost" (featuring Cole Rolland),"Runaway" (featuring STEEL PANTHER's Michael Starr),"Hanging On" (featuring Lauren Babic)" and "Imposter Syndrome" (featuring HALESTORM's Lzzy Hale).
The 28-year-old Lloyd told Guitar World about the LP: "I always said this album was going to be me paying homage to my 15-year-old self. This is an album I wrote for that girl.
"I'm so fortunate to work with all of the amazing singers on the record, and I can honestly say I've been listening to them for years.
"I can't tell you how gratifying it's been — I'd write the songs, and then we'd send them off and hear back from the singers. They were, like, 'Yeah, I really dig this. I'm up for it.' It's all turned out better than I could have imagined."
Regarding the album title, Sophie said: "Well, the imposter syndrome is a thing. It's a phenomenon a lot of people experience in any field; not just music, but you basically feel like you're an imposter. You don't deserve to be where you are, and at any moment people will uncover you for what you are. I feel like I've broken out of that now. I proved to myself, like, 'Yeah, you're here for a reason. You're good enough.'"
Asked if she is thinking of forming a band with one dedicated singer, Sophie said: "That's what we're trying to think about: 'How do we tour this?' We've got a few ideas. We're not sure whether we want to get a full-time vocalist — well, maybe. I guess it's just about finding a vocalist that fits you and inspires you. We might try something where we have big screens and we get vocalists to record a performance. The violinist Lindsey Stirling does that. Visually, it's pretty amazing.”
"Imposter Syndrome" track listing:
01. Do Or Die (feat. Nathan James)
02. Pressure (feat. Brandon Saller)
03. Imposter Syndrome (feat. Lzzy Hale)
04. Let It Hurt (feat. Chris Robertson)
05. Runaway (feat. Michael Starr)
06. Fall Of Man (feat. Matthew K. Heafy)
07. Lost (feat. Cole Rolland)
08. Hanging On (feat. Lauren Babic)
09. Avalanche (feat. Trevor McNevan)
10. Won't You Come (feat. Marisa Rodriguez)
11. Judge And Jury (feat. Tyler Connolly)
Toronto, Canada's Jupiter Hollow takes music to a whole new level. Led by the fearless Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry, this powerhouse duo and live quartet featuring John Ryan Godfrey and Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh have been making waves in Canada since 2015 with their unique brand of progressive rock/metal.
With thought-provoking lyrics, unique vocal melodies, harmonies, powerful guitar riffs, unyielded songwriting, and the duo’s incessant desire to bring fans on a journey, there’s always something new to explore. Thus far they have two full-length albums under their belts: 2020’s Bereavement, and 2018’s AHDOMN, and have another one in the works. Planning to release singles over the coming months, Jupiter Hollow takes their time to ensure a polished, impressive offerings song by song. The band just wants nothing more than to make their art and share the experience with as many people as they can.
Presenting their latest single, "Cohesion", to follow their previous track "Distant Shadow", this new song represents the relationship between an artist who wants nothing more than to have the freedom and the ability to express, share, and grow, but is trapped by the demands of survival in an oversaturated society incapable of supporting the true diversity of each individual.
Musically, "Cohesion" is a complete 180 on level of aggressiveness, however still touches elements of beauty throughout the piece. Jupiter Hollow wanted to have a song that is heavy-hitting, while also having very melodic sections that break out into a sense of euphoria. The performance in the accompanied music video was meant to portray the different emotions and struggles a person may endure when dealing with mental health, having music as an emotional escape.
"Most of us are struggling out there in some way, and a lot of us are on the verge of giving up on everything because we don't have the life we dream of, constantly reminded everywhere we go by someone who is succeeding while we struggle to survive. So whether you're an artist, a mechanic, a doctor, or just a single mother or father with barely enough time for their family, let alone themselves, everyone deals with darkness in their life at some point. This song is a reminder that no matter what may get in the way, never lose focus on what makes you be yourself, and never give up on what gives you joy." adds vocalist Kenny Parry.
After the resounding success of their 50th-anniversary celebration, legendary rockers BLUE ÖYSTER CULT are eagerly gearing up for an exciting new chapter in their storied career with the upcoming release of "Ghost Stories". This highly anticipated album marks a fitting finale to the recording legacy of one of rock's most iconic fixtures from the past 50 years.
In a thrilling partnership with Frontiers Music Srl, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT is set to captivate fans with a collection of reimagined and completed songs that span from 1978-2016. These musical treasures, long considered the "lost gems" by BLUE ÖYSTER CULT enthusiasts, were originally recorded between 1978 and 1983, except for one track from 2016, "If I Fell". Also included is the only known recorded performance of their concert classic "Kick Out The Jams" (MC5 cover). Some of the material is from workshopping albums, some from performance rehearsals, and all were recorded once in the hopes that someday they'd see the light of day.
George Geranios, the band's original audio engineer and an integral part of the band's golden years, produced the tracks along with BÖC and all were originally recorded on reel-to-reel analog tape. He transferred them to digital audio which is when modern AI and magical musical talents meet and the collection of vintage multi-track recordings was de-mixed, re-mixed, and produced by Steve Schenck and Richie Castellano to become "Ghost Stories".
Work in the studio for the album was completed by Richie Castellano along with remaining original members Eric Bloom and Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser, and both Albert Bouchard and Rick Downey appear on drums with additional overdubs recorded by Joe Bouchard. All these original lineup members appearing on "Ghost Stories" create a musical journey that traverses decades and promises easter eggs for days.
To celebrate this exciting announcement, the band shares the single "So Supernatural" along with a new music video that has a super-cool blend of classic rock and modern AI.
As BLUE ÖYSTER CULT embraces its "classic rock" phenomenon status, the anticipation for this album is reaching a crescendo. Fans are eager to experience the culmination of the band's artistic vision and witness the completion of songs that have become part of their folklore. The band will also add some of the songs in their upcoming 2024 shows.
With a legacy spanning over five decades, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT continues to be a formidable force in the classic rock scene. The exciting partnership with Frontiers Music Srl and the visionary leadership of Serafino Perugino add an extra layer of anticipation to the release of "Ghost Stories". As the band bids farewell to their recording career, they do so with a flourish, offering fans a musical odyssey that is sure to leave a lasting imprint on rock history. Truly a remarkable journey.
"Ghost Stories" track listing:
01. Late Night Street Fight
02. Cherry
03. So Supernatural
04. We Gotta Get Out Of This Place
05. Soul Jive
06. Gun
07. Shot In The Dark
08. The Only Thing
09. Kick Out The Jams
10. Money Machine
11. Don't Come Running
12. If I Fell
13. Roadhouse Blues (bonus track Japan)
Bandmembers and credits:
Eric Bloom - Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Albert Bouchard - Drums, Vocals
Joe Bouchard - Bass, Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals
Allen Lanier - Guitar, Keyboards
Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser - Guitar, Vocals
Rick Downey – Drums (on 3 and 11)
Richie Castellano - Additional Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
"If I Fell" was recorded on April 18, 2016 at Red Studios, Hollywood, CA
Eric Bloom - Vocals
Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser - Guitar, Vocals
Richie Castellano - Guitar, Vocals
Kasim Sulton - Vocals
Jules Radino - Percussion
Original recordings produced by George Geranios and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT except "If I Fell" produced by Steve Schenck and Richie Castellano
De-mixed, remixed and produced by Steve Schenck and Richie Castellano
Engineered by Richie Castellano
"Gun" and "Money Machine" overdubs recorded by Joe Bouchard
Digital transfers by George Geranios
Mastered by Sam Stauff at Mercy College Studio, Dobbs Ferry, NY
From the far reaches of Rouyn-Noranda in Northern Quebec, Canada, the brutal death metallers of Backstabber are set to dominate the metal scene with their latest EP, Patterns Of Domination, to be released this coming March, to follow their 2019 debut album Conspiracy Theorist. The EP is loosely based on James Redfield's The Celestine Prophecy, and the theory of four patterns that serve as conduits for manipulating someone else's attention and energy. The heavy topic is matched by vicious blast beats, gritty gutturals, and groovy solos. The first single off this new offering, “Harvesting The Weak”, presented now in video format takes a look at The Intimidator, as the band explains:
“It is the most brutal pattern; Intimidation. It hits you right in the face while teabagging your knocked-out sack of bones in front of your friends. We’re talking death metal from old-school riffs to slamming brutal death.”
With a focus on a four-track concept EP, each song represents a specific pattern within the set, providing a brutal and unrelenting journey into Backstabber's musical prowess. It showcases the patterns that collectively form an endless cycle of consumption, shattering victims from the inside out.
Tracklisting:
"Harvesting The Weak"
"Langues Sales"
"Crawling Through Your Bones"
"Snitches Get Stitches"
For further details, visit Backstabber on Facebook.
Good things take time - more so if you want to create something timeless. This undoubtedly applies to German black/death metallers, Painful. After an extended period of tinkering, the band, who are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, have announced the release date of their upcoming album Nefarious Monarchy - May 25.
The somber foursome have now come up with something special for their fans: On February 9 (Osnabrück, Bastard Club) and February 10 (Oberhausen, Helvete), the entire album will be performed live by the band for the first time as part of two "sneak pre-listening" shows, revealing the complete tracklisting on stage. A Nefarious Monarchy shirt, limited to 300 pieces, will also be available at the shows.
Anyone who is curious can now get an impression of what the ever evolving Painful - including their new singer Latura - will stand for in 2024 with the brand new video single, "Liberty (Dies)". A video for the track can be found below.
The song is the fastest track on Nefarious Monarchy, drawing heavily from the band's black metal roots, both musically and in terms of its lyrical content. Embedded in the dark - and also human - abysses of the French Revolution, "Liberty (Dies)" is the direct follow-up to the opener of the concept album and describes the crippling omnipotence of the church, of which Voltaire and other contemporaries tried to warn the royally ruled people in various ways. With the fury of a shackled animal, the song contributes to the backdrop that would later implode in blood and fire, giving way to a new age of enlightenment and grassroots power.
The band thus resolutely pursues its path, completely dispensing with (anti-)religiosity and fantasies, searching for the horrifying in the history of mankind and dragging it into the light under an incantatory mosh: from the Black Plague (Imagines Pestis) to the decade-long cultural firestorm at the end of the 18th century, to which we owe our liberal democracy.
Nefarious Monarchy will be available everywhere from May 25 and is now up for pre-order here.
Tracklisting:
"A World Of Kings"
"Liberty (Dies)"
"Growing Rage"
"Reign Of Terror"
"History Repeats"
"United In Blood"
"Heart Of Darkness"
"We Are Not Equal"
"Remaining Shadows"
"Fallen Hierarchies"
"Liberty (Dies)" video:
Ever since its formation in 2004 as a grimy-brutal bastard of black and death metal, the band has stood for raw, bloody pain, true to its own name. However, they soon began to turn the melancholy of the abyss into something entirely of their own, leading to the creation of powerful symphonies, which have earned Painful a steadily growing fan base at countless gigs – including performances with acts such as Belphegor, Behemoth, Atrocity and Amon Amarth, as well as many of their own headlining shows.
Three albums later, and with their fourth already in the oven, they have successfully crossed iconic festivals such as MetalDays, Metalfest and even the 70000 Tons Of Metal Cruise off their checklist. So it's no surprise that genre legend Alexander Krull took notice and produced a Painful album for the second time in a row.
Polish metal collective Shadohm - uniting current and former members of Vader, Decapitated, Hate, Antigama, Batushka, and more - presents the new video for “Blurred”, preceding their Through Darkness Towards Enlightenment debut, nearing March release on Selfmadegod Records.
Shadohm unites several experienced Polish metal scene veterans, founder and drummer Paweł Jaroszewicz, with vocalist Adrian Meissner, guitarist/vocalist Rafał Łyszczarz, guitarist Jakub Śliwowski, and bassist Błażej Kasprzak, who collectively deliver the pure, unadulterated darkness of black metal, energy of groove metal, and heavy melodies of doom metal through absurdly low-tuned notes. Their debut, Through Darkness Towards Enlightenment, is a modern combination of styles, citing acts like Architects, Lorna Shore, Meshuggah, Gojira, and Katatonia, shocking to the listener from start to finish with five tracks of melodic trance with amazing vocals that will take you to another dimension of modern metal, created by a conglomerate of experienced professionals.
The drums were recorded at Santa Studio (Behemoth, Obscure Sphinx) by Mikołaj Kiciak, Filip Hałucha, and Sebastian Has, the guitars and bass were recorded at Heinrich House Studio by Filip Hałucha, the vocals were recorded at Santa Studio by Sebastian Has, and the tracks were mixed and mastered by Has at Santa Studio. The cover art was created by vocalist Adrian Meissner and Michal “Xaay” Loranc (God Dethroned, Kamelot, Nile), and the photography was handled by Aleksandra "Kosa" Majak.
Jaroszewicz comments: "Through Darkness Towards Enlightenment is a commentary on how I perceive the surrounding reality and is inspired by everything that I encountered throughout the years. It is a form of releasing the pressure and frustration growing within for many years, a form of catharsis, a sort of therapy – coming to terms with my demons and finding the strength to pursue my goals against all odds."
The crushing new single from Shadohm’s Through Darkness Towards Enlightenment, “Blurred”, is delivered through a captivating video filmed and edited by Adrian Meissner with lighting by Mateusz Bulatewicz. Immerse yourself in Shadohm’s “Blurred” video:
Through Darkness Towards Enlightenment will be released on CD and all digital platforms through Selfmadegod Records on March 8. Watch for pre-orders to post alongside an official video and more over the weeks ahead.
The release of Through Darkness Towards Enlightenment will take place in direct conjunction with the launch of Shadohm’s first live venture, a tour across their native Poland supporting Batushka, with additional support from Baalzagoth on select dates. See the confirmed routing below.
“One of the distinguishing features of Shadohm is undeniably our custom guitars, built to order by our friend Kriz Ramirez from Mexico, at his company - K. Ramirez Guitars,” reveals Paweł Jaroszewicz. “Due to our preference for tuning low (even very low), we knew that Kriz would be the right person to make them, considering his years of experience as a luthier and as a musician."
He continues, “We opted for a shape that is a variation of the Iceman model produced by Ibanez. All three guitars are 9-string Spitfire models, equipped with custom-made Fishman Fluence pickups. The bridge was built from scratch specifically for us by Kriz's team based on the Hipshot bridge because they don't manufacture bridges for nine-string multiscale guitars as a standard. The scale is 30” for the lowest string and 28” for the highest, making them an ideal combination for comfort (it makes catching various peculiar chords a bit easier) and also allowing all tones, even the lowest ones, to resonate without detuning. We chose this setup because we tune down to F# on the thickest string (an octave lower than the classical F# on an eight-string guitar), and the conventional solutions available on the market were insufficient.
“As for the wood selection, following Kriz's advice, we settled on flamed maple, while the fretboard itself is made of exotic Granadillo wood, which performs excellently in low tunings. We aimed for an original look. All three guitars are in a beige shade, we swapped the classic potentiometers for knobs, and the logo on the 12th fret and the lumin laye shimmer in blue under UV light - associations with Dune are entirely accurate. You can see the details in the photos, and already in March, during the upcoming Black Pasha tour, you will be able to hear and see live how these instruments present themselves in all their splendor.”
Shadohm:
Adrian "Klama" Meissner – vocals
Paweł "Pavulon" Jaroszewicz – drums
Rafał "Tarlachan" Łyszczarz – guitars, vocals
Błażej Kasprzak – bass
Jakub "Szatan" Śliwowski – guitars
British death-doom legends MY DYING BRIDE will release their 15th studio album, "A Mortal Binding", on April 19 via Nuclear Blast Records. Today's news is accompanied by the release of tempestuous, heart-wrenching new single "Thornwyck Hymn". The track comes with a stunning video directed by Daniel Gray, depicting a maritime story of unfolding desire and tragedy.
MY DYING BRIDE's Aaron Stainthorpe commented: "Set upon the rugged coast of Yorkshire, Thornwyck village has spent an eternity being haunted by the chill waters that wash its shore — and the hidden folk who dwell in the salty depths. Woe betide anyone who fares into the briny sea, or even steels to close to its edge for they may never set foot back on mother earth."
"A Mortal Binding", the much-anticipated follow-up to 2019's "The Ghost Of Orion", finds the Yorkshire-based quintet delighting in anxiety, loss, and toil to resplendent effect. From the raw distress of "Her Dominion" and twisted horror of "Thornwyck Hymn" to the funerary violins of the 11-minute monolith "The Apocalyptist" and the classic-feeling "The 2nd Of Three Bells", "A Mortal Binding" is pinnacle MY DYING BRIDE. If "Songs Of Darkness, Words Of Light" (2004) elevated the band to new heights and "A Map Of All Our Failures" (2012) expanded upon the group's mid-tens grandeur, then "A Mortal Binding" stages MY DYING BRIDE's next exultant phase of elegiac misery.
"A Mortal Binding" track listing:
01. Her Dominion
02. Thornwyck Hymn
03. The 2nd Of Three Bells
04. Unthroned Creed
05. The Apocalyptist
06. A Starving Heart
07. Crushed Embers
MY DYING BRIDE hired "The Ghost Of Orion" studio wizard Mark Mynett to produce, mix, and master "A Mortal Binding". The group holed up at Mynett's Mynetaur Productions (PARADISE LOST, ROTTING CHRIST) in Manchester, U.K., where they tracked the album consecutively from July to September 2023.
For over three decades, MY DYING BRIDE has been the voice of the hopeless and broken, combining haunting sounds with crushing misery and melancholy. With their signature sound they've shaped the doom metal scene like barely any other act and integrated both soft violin melodies and violent death metal growls into their music, while always staying strictly loyal to themselves. And since the early Nineties, the band's masterminds and founding members Andrew Craighan and Aaron Stainthorpe forged beautiful grief into studio albums with songs of epic length. As MY DYING BRIDE edge past their 33rd year, they're aging gracefully, remaining as vital and heart-wrenching as ever.
MY DYING BRIDE is:
Aaron Stainthorpe - vocals
Andrew Craighan - guitars
Lena Abé - bass
Shaun MacGowan - keyboards, violin
Neil Blanchett - guitars
Dan Mullins - drums
Thrash and groove trailblazers EXHORDER will release their fourth full-length album, "Defectum Omnium", on March 8 via Nuclear Blast Records. The official music video for the LP's second single, "Forever And Beyond Despair", a ripping and gripping pit thrasher with massive riffs and blistering solos, can be seen below.
EXHORDER vocalist/guitarist Kyle Thomas states: "Our second single, 'Forever And Beyond Despair', embraces many of the punk rock ingredients that we grew up on. EXHORDER got its start on the punk rock scene of New Orleans, so it only made sense to dig back into this part of our roots. With aggressive angst and sarcastic themes, this song is absolutely a middle finger to the hypocrisies of the establishment."
Featuring 12 crushing tracks and ominous cover artwork by Travis Smith (KATATONIA, OPETH),"Defectum Omnium" follows the band's critically revered 2019 release "Mourn The Southern Skies".
Thomas previously stated about the new album: "It's been quite a journey for EXHORDER since the 2019 release of 'Mourn The Southern Skies'. Lineup changes as well as the 2020-2021 pandemic and lockdown presented hurdles that weren't easy to overcome. But we persevered, kept our heads down and went to work with intense focus and real goals. One of those goals was to bring our fourth full-length album to our fanbase.
"'Defectum Omnium' is a collaborative effort in songwriting, much as it was in the early days of EXHORDER. We produced it ourselves, as we felt no need or desire to bring in anyone from the outside based upon our shared vision. It was also important to us not only to continue the natural progression this band has been in since the early '90s, but to put a foot back into our roots. The influence punk and hardcore had on this band from getting our start in the New Orleans punk rock scene has a strong presence. We've also made sure to keep plenty of our thrash roots as well in our songwriting process. But we have also managed to keep our doom roots alive, which first surfaced on the song '(Cadence Of) The Dirge' back in 1992. In fact, on one new song we have guest appearances by Rick Wartell and Bruce Franklin from TROUBLE, and they absolutely killed it!
"From the time that we began pre-production until the actual release date, we can promise you that every bit of 'Defectum Omnium' was crafted with great care, and we are really excited about it! Our goal was to make an album that WE loved and gives the experience of a journey, or maybe even a rollercoaster ride effect. We can't wait to share it with the world!"
EXHORDER's previously released single "Year Of The Goat" set the neck-snapping pace for the record to come. The song's official music video, which was directed by Brian "Bone" Thorburn and produced by Threshold Studios, can be seen below.
Thomas added: "Our debut single 'Year Of The Goat' is a fast-paced, chugging piece in the spirit of the influence that MOTÖRHEAD had on punk rock bands like DISCHARGE, GBH and THE EXPLOITED. The lyrical approach is a throwback to early EXHORDER attitude, and we had a ton of fun filming the video at a free show that we performed in the greater Cincinnati area. 2024 is the year of the goat!!!"
"Defectum Omnium" track listing:
01. Wrath Of Prophecies
02. Under The Gaslight
03. Forever And Beyond Despair
04. The Tale Of Unsound Minds
05. Divide And Conquer
06. Year Of The Goat
07. Taken By Flames
08. Defectum Omnium / Stolen Hope
09. Three Stages Of Truth / Lacing The Well
10. Sedition
11. Desensitized
12. Your Six
Following the release of "Defectum Omnium" in April, EXHORDER will kick off a U.S. tour with Bay Area thrash legends VIO-LENCE, Virginian extreme metalheads DECEASED and L.A. death metal band MORTAL WOUND. The brutality starts April 5 in Cambridge, Massachusetts and will wrap up on April 13 in Chicago, Illinois.
EXHORDER's new LP was recorded in part at Fat Track Studio in Cincinnati, Ohio with engineer Rob Nadler. The follow-up to "Mourn The Southern Skies" will be the group's first with former CANNIBAL CORPSE guitarist Pat O'Brien, who made his live debut with EXHORDER at the 2022 Maryland Deathfest.
The Maryland Deathfest gig took place three months after guitarist Marzi Montazeri left EXHORDER, explaining at the time in a statement that he "decided to no longer be a part of it."
In a June 2022 interview with BLABBERMOUTH.NET, Thomas spoke about O'Brien's first appearance with EXHORDER and how the crowd reacted upon seeing the guitarist re-emerge on stage more than three years after his arrest for burglary and assaulting a police officer while his Florida home was in flames.
"He was as apprehensive about it as anybody," Kyle said. "Having not been onstage for a while, he wondered, 'Are these people going to want me around?' We were, like, 'Come on, Pat. You're Pat O'Brien. These people want to see you.' I can appreciate how he felt about it after all he had been through. I could imagine there was an intimidation factor about it. We got up there and he said, 'I think I'm going to lay low in the back, get up and play and be done.' As soon as we got onstage and people saw him, the place went nuts. I said to the crowd, 'Hey, look, you all know Pat, right? Show Pat some love.' And they went nuts. They adore this man. Who wouldn't? If you ever met him, he's one of the nicest people you'd ever meet. He's one of the greatest at what he does, too. Then he started taking pictures with people and talking [after the gig]. He had a big smile on his face. That was so worth it. Here was a guy who needed a good break in his life and we needed help from him to get the show done. It couldn't have been any more perfect."
O'Brien made headlines in December 2018 when he was arrested for burglary and assaulting a police officer while his Florida home was in flames. At the time of the arrest, deputies said he burglarized a house and charged at a deputy with a knife.
In March 2021, O'Brien was sentenced to time served and five years of probation and ordered to pay $23,793.45 in restitution. He was also ordered to get drug and alcohol evaluations and render 150 hours of community service. In addition, O'Brien was ordered to abstain from using alcohol and controlled substances and to be subject to random testing.
In early 2021, it was announced that O'Brien had been replaced in CANNIBAL CORPSE by Erik Rutan, one of the death metal's most acclaimed guitarists who is known for his time as part of MORBID ANGEL throughout the '90s and early 2000s, as well as handling vocals/guitars for HATE ETERNAL.
Shortly after the Houston-based Montazeri announced his departure from EXHORDER, the remaining members of the band — Thomas, bassist Jason VieBrooks and drummer Sasha Horn — said that they and Marzi had been "moving in different directions" and assured fans that they would "continue to thrive"
Thomas is now the sole remaining founding member of EXHORDER, which released its debut album, "Slaughter In The Vatican", way back in 1990. In February 2020, EXHORDER parted ways with its original guitarist Vinnie LaBella, who wrote much of the material on "Mourn The Southern Skies". The remaining members of the group later issued a statement saying that they would fulfill their "touring and recording obligations for 2020 and beyond."
In December 2021, Thomas confirmed to the "Brutally Delicious" podcast that he and his bandmates had spent much of the coronavirus downtime working on material for the follow-up to "Mourn The Southern Skies".
EXHORDER released two albums in the early 1990s through the Roadrunner label — the aforementioned "Slaughter In The Vatican" and 1992's "The Law" — before breaking up, with Kyle going on to form FLOODGATE and also briefly appearing live as the vocalist for TROUBLE, which he later joined on a full-time basis (and is still a member of).
EXHORDER, which is cited by many as the originator of the riff-heavy power-groove approach popularized by PANTERA, completed a U.S. headlining tour in late 2021 during which it performed "Slaughter In The Vatican" in its entirety.
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