Grammy-nominated extreme power metal legends DRAGONFORCE have unleashed a standalone single, titled "Doomsday Party" The '80s-rock-influenced track is spiced up with hypnotizing retro video game soundscapes and epic guitar solos in true DRAGONFORCE manner.
Formed in 1999, the London, U.K.-based unit is known for its epic compositions, and the world's fastest band's signature lies in their masterful and lightning-fast guitar solos and inspiration drawn from a myriad of heavy metal styles and fantasy realms, blending '80s rock influences with infectious sing-along choruses and uplifting melodies.
DRAGONFORCE guitarist Herman Li comments on "Doomsday Party": "We're super excited to unveil a brand-new DRAGONFORCE song after a wait of over four years! It was a tough decision to choose which of our new tracks to release first, but we decided on this one because it showcases a different facet of our music while still retaining the unmistakable DRAGONFORCE sound.
"The filming process for this video was a blast, and we had the opportunity to bring our vision to life in the city of Los Angeles, California. Our hope is that metal fans from all walks of the genre spectrum will find something to enjoy in it. We can't wait to play this live during our upcoming tour!"
In an interview with EMP conducted at last month's Summer Breeze festival in Dinkelsbühl, Germany, Li spoke about DRAGONFORCE's recent announcement that it had signed a new record deal with Napalm Records. Regarding how DRAGONFORCE ended up partnering with the Austrian label, Herman said: "We took the band VISIONS OF ATLANTIS on tour with us, and the guy from VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, the drummer [Thomas Caser], actually works at Napalm Records. And he saw how cool we were, and he thought, 'We've gotta sign DRAGONFORCE.' I ignored for him for, like, almost two years, like, 'Ah, whatever. I don't care. I don't need a record label.' And then it ended up these guys are pretty fucking awesome. So I said, 'You know what? Let's do it together.' Yeah."
Li also addressed DRAGONFORCE singer Marc Hudson's recent revelation that the band's follow-up to 2019's "Extreme Power Metal" album was "basically finished." Herman said: "Don't listen to the rumors, man. Here's the truth: it's not finished. And even if it's finished, I can't tell you because then we don't have a press release to say it's finished."
Last month, Hudson told Heavy Debriefings about the status of DRAGONFORCE's next LP: "I'm actually going into the studio probably tonight to finish off some stuff. But, yeah, we've been working on an album for a while now and, obviously, trying to play some shows in between. We've got a few festivals. We just did one last weekend, and then we've got one this weekend. Then obviously the big tour [in the fall]. So, yeah, we need to basically finish all that up. We've basically finished everything. It's just a case of like polishing the final product and then hopefully playing some of the songs — well, we definitely will be playing the songs on the next tour, so [we'll be] learning a new setlist and all that stuff."
Formed in 1999, the London, U.K.-based unit has captivated audiences worldwide with its highly successful records and iconic singles, including the platinum-selling anthem "Through The Fire And Flames". Renowned for their epic compositions, DRAGONFORCE's signature lies in their masterful and lightning-fast guitar solos, brilliantly crafted by the virtuosic duo of Li and Sam Totman. Comprising Hudson, bassist Alicia Vigil, and drummer Gee Anzalone, the five-piece ensemble draws inspiration from a myriad of heavy metal styles, fantasy realms, and video games, blending 1980s rock influences with infectious sing-along choruses and uplifting melodies.
Last month, DRAGONFORCE announced the North American headline leg of a world tour. Featuring special guests AMARANTHE with additional support from Napalm Records labelmates NANOWAR OF STEEL, as well as EDGE OF PARADISE, the tour will begin on October 20 in Mesa, Arizona. After visiting many major cities across the U.S. and Canada, the tour will culminate in a grand finale in Los Angeles, California on November 19.
Last November, DRAGONFORCE released a music video for the song "The Last Dragonborn". The track is taken from "Extreme Power Metal", which came out in September 2019. Produced in Los Angeles, California by Damien Rainaud at Mix Unlimited, the LP was also recorded, in part, on Li's livestream channel on Twitch with participation from the fans.
"The Last Dragonborn" was the first DRAGONFORCE music video to feature Vigil, who first joined the band as a touring member in January 2020.
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
Manowar have shared the pro-shot video of "Manowar" performed live at the Riverside Festival in Aarburg, Switzerland on August 27th along with the following message:
"Being on stage and feeling the passion and electricity coming at us from the crowd is an incredible experience. Every.Single.Time! This song is dedicated to all who are facing adversity and struggle."
Manowar bassist Joey De Maio is taking to the stage with his Words Of Power Spoken Word Tour 2023. A gifted storyteller, De Maio delivers thought-provoking, honest and fun entertainment, always with a motivational takeaway for his audience.
Following Manowar’s celebrated and sold-out Crushing The Enemies Of Metal 2023 arena tour the Words Of Power Spoken Word Tour 2023 is a unique opportunity to experience a different side of De Maio. Known for his thunderous bass playing and epic songwriting, De Maio will share stories and insights from his life and career, not only as the chieftain of one of the most indelible heavy metal bands of all time, and writer, bassist, and producer of iconic anthems such as “Warriors Of The World United”, “Battle Hymn” and “Kings Of Metal”. He will also share experiences from his life as an entrepreneur and studio owner, and how he rose from modest beginnings to the top; remaining successful in the cutthroat world of the music business for over 40 years. A frank look behind-the-scenes of a life fully devoted to music; reliving the glorious highs and often bitter lows that come with the territory. Anecdotes that provide inspiration not only to metal fans.
“I’ve received amazing feedback on my first Spoken Word Tour, and my Words Of Power podcast. I am humbled and honored,” said De Maio. “Words are a powerful tool. Some use them to put you down. I am hoping that through my Words Of Power, I can inspire others to find strength and motivation to go through life, empowered to accomplish their dreams and achieve greatness."
Ten shows have been confirmed for Germany, with stops in other countries to be added. Each event will be an intimate and interactive experience, with De Maio taking questions from the audience and engaging them with lively storytelling.
Joey De Maio – Words Of Power Spoken Word Tour 2023:
Always the most controversial album in Motörhead’s catalogue, Another Perfect Day was up against it from the start. After former Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson replaced Fast Eddie Clarke, the band’s sixth studio album presented what Lemmy called a more “musical” approach, the classic line-up’s full-tilt ferocity harnessed to more traditional guitar rock tropes enhanced by carefully crafted production.
In 1983, it was initially startling to hear Lemmy and Phil’s patent hell-bound express draped in Robbo’s effects-laden multi-storey guitar overdubs instead of getting hot-wired by Eddie’s deceptively complex thermonuclear blues riffs and embellishments. Following the likewise lambasted Iron Fist and its reappraisal, Another Perfect Day stands before us forty years on from the turbulent time that spawned it as an inevitably divisive one-off chapter in Motörhead’s chaotic early history.
Forty years on, Another Perfect Day holds its own as this most surreal detour in Motörhead’s early roller coaster, deserving its reappraisal away from the heat of the moment when the classic lineup dissolved and Robbo joined the band.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of this sixth record in the Motörhead album arsenal, it is being presented in new deluxe editions. There will be hardback book-packs in two CD and triple LP formats, featuring an amplifier blowing remaster of the original album, previously unreleased demo bonus tracks and a previously unreleased, full concert recorded at Hull City Hall on 22nd June 1983, plus the story of the album and many previously unseen photos. There’s also a limited edition, blue and black swirl of the original standalone album.
See below for full details of the Another Perfect Day releases and be sure to visit iMotorhead.com for news and updates.
Due for release on October 27, you can pre-order the title in various formats here. A video for a previously unreleased demo version of "Climber" (aka "Shine") can be found below.
Tracklisting:
Original Another Perfect Day Album:
"Back At The Funny Farm"
"Shine"
"Dancing On Your Grave"
"Rock It"
"One Track Mind"
"Another Perfect Day"
"Off To War"
"I Got Mine"
"Tales Of Glory"
"Die You Bastard"
Live At Hull City Hall, June 22,1983 (Previously Unreleased):
"Back At The Funny Farm"
"Heart Of Stone"
"Shoot You In The Back"
"Marching Off To War"
"Iron Horse / Born To Lose"
"Another Perfect Day"
"Hoochie Coochie Man"
"(Don't Need) Religion"
"One Track Mind"
"Go To Hell"
"America"
"Shine"
"Dancing On Your Grave"
"Rock It"
"Bite The Bullet"
"The Chase Is Better Than The Catch"
Celebrating the album's imminent release at London, U'’s "The Gallery" at Tileyard, TesseracT fans were treated to an exclusive 5.1 Dolby Atmos playback, intimate Q&A hosted by Alyx Holcombe (BBC Radio 1) and able to experience the "War Of Being" game in VR. After which there was a worldwide exclusive first look at the spell-binding video for third single, "Legion", the set of which was available for guests to interact with.
Now, following the immensely successful unveiling of their new album War Of Being, today the band have made this magnificent cinematic experience available for the world over. Watch the video for the track below.
"Legion" is proof that despite being able to create songs that are larger than life, TesseracT ensure that the human element of a genre so often devoid of emotion remains strong. Musically it showcases the versatility and ability of Daniel Tompkins' effortless range and power.
Tompkins said, "Conceptually, 'Legion' sets the scene by introducing 'Fear' and its various cunning forms. Fear binds and restricts us from unlocking truth and obscures the paths that lay ahead in a deliberate attempt to skew our vision. From the perspective of our two main characters (Ex and El), 'Legion' sees 'Fear' tearing the fabric of their lives apart, as they experience their world crumble whilst dealing with the chaos and confusion surrounding them. The music video focusses on Ex's experience of the same chaos, taking hold of The Dream as it crashes on 'The Strangeland' — the introduction to the story of the War Of Being."
The video, directed by Richard Oakes (Dark Fable Media), depicts the opening scene for the concept behind the War Of Being, written by Amos Williams. Ex (played by Tompkins) gives an intense and emotional performance as things start to go wrong aboard 'The Dream', before crashing on 'The Strangeland'.
TesseracT marked their return with their statement of intent that was the 11-minute "War Of Being," a world tour announcement, and the unveiling of the world's first ever VR concept album experience in "The Grey," bringing fans directly into the world of {The Strangeland." Now, the band now plot their course for the heart on the emotive "Legion" as we hurtle towards the release of their magnificent fifth album.
War Of Being was recorded at Middle Farm Studios in the United Kingdom with Peter Miles (Architects/Sylosis/Dodie) co-producing with the band alongside Katherine Marsh of Choir Noir (Bring Me The Horizon/Architects/Marillion). Assisting with additional programming and production, the band were joined by Randy Slaugh (Periphery, Architects, Devin Townsend). With additional engineering by Forrester Savell (Karnivool). The artwork, which features characters 'ex' and 'el' was created in collaboration between AI and human as a means to extend the concept into its presentation.
The album will be available in the following formats:
- Deluxe version - "The Strangeland" – a limited edition collector's 3 Disc, 68 page Hardback Book Edition containing the War Of Being audio CD/a DVD/a Blu-Ray that features "The Journey of Being" 40-minute documentary on the making of War Of Being, "The Strangeland," an in-depth view of the characters of War Of Being, the 1- minute feature length video and album in 5.1 Surround - strictly limited to 1,500 copies worldwide.
- CD Digipack with 24-page booklet
- Digital (+ in Dolby Atmos)
- Gatefold 2LP 'The Scribe" – Black and Gold Corona (TesseracT EU Store exclusive limited to 1000)
- Gatefold 2LP "Fear" – Red and Black Marble (TesseracT US/AUS Store exclusive limited to 1000)
- Gatefold 2LP – Red Vinyl (Revolver.com exclusive limited to 500)
- Gatefold 2LP – Clear Vinyl (Amazon.co.uk + Euro indie stores exclusive limited to 1000)
- Gatefold 2LP – Yellow Vinyl (Kscope Store + EMP Germany Exclusive limited to 500)
- Gatefold 2LP – Black Vinyl
- Blu-Ray (5.1 Surround/"War Of Being" 11-minute feature length video / "The Strangeland" and "The Journey of Being")
"Natural Disaster"
"Echoes"
"The Grey"
"Legion"
"Tender"
"War Of Being"
"Sirens"
"Burden"
"Sacrifice"
"The Grey" visualizer:
"War Of Being" video:
Alongside the brand new album, the band will be embarking on a worldwide tour that will begin in 2023 running through to 2024 performing shows in throughout the US, Europe, the UK, Asia and Australia, with support from Intervals, Unprocessed, Alluvial, and The Callous Daoboys.
Duff McKagan has shared "Longfeather", the new single from his eagerly awaited third solo album, "Lighthouse", arriving everywhere on Friday, October 20. The song's official music video, directed by Connor Ellmann, Kuj Durollari and Arben Durollari, can be seen below.
"'Today is a good day to die' refers not to a macabre yearning for death," says McKagan, "but rather a lust for life and the learned habits of a good and honest daily striving. Longfeather was protecting his home. He couldn't hold up ALL of the Western wave….but he did his everything to keep his family safe. O Longfeather is gone. And O, Longfeather is home. I see you. I see you. Thank you Longfeather for giving me hope and a solid place to stand."
"Lighthouse" will be available in several variations, including CD, deluxe CD with fold-out photo print, cassette, standard black vinyl, and deluxe vinyl in a host of colors, each with lithographs, booklet, sticker, and guitar pick. Signed versions and exclusive store versions will be available as well.
For more than 40 years, McKagan has been an unstoppable creative force, spanning a multitude of bands, tours, collaborations, and writings. Now, with his long-awaited new solo album, "Lighthouse", the veteran musician proves to be, at his heart, a gifted singer-songwriter with a distinctive knack for authenticity and introspection.
In 2019, McKagan opened his own recording studio, allowing him a long-hoped-for opportunity to "finally explore songs that I may have written the night before or some of those old riffs from years ago. This is a big deal for me." He spent much of the next two years working with longtime producer/collaborator Martin Feveyear (Mark Lanegan, Brandi Carlile),chipping away at a series of intensely personal new songs.
"Lighthouse" now marks the first full-length collection born in McKagan's studio. Songs like "Hope" (featuring veteran Paul McCartney drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. and melodic lead guitar from Slash) and the philosophical "I Just Don't Know" (featuring contributions from McKagan's longtime friend, Jerry Cantrell of ALICE IN CHAINS) see McKagan baring more of his artistic spirit than ever before, fusing acoustic elements with hard-edged rock 'n' roll to land at the sweet spot between soul-searching reflection and pure energy. The 11-song collection is further highlighted by an additional take on the title track, "Lighthouse (Reprise)", joined by the one and only Iggy Pop.
McKagan first unveiled his new music earlier this year with "This Is The Song", a three-song EP honoring Mental Health Awareness Month alongside a call to action on Propeller. The EP — which was met by critical applause in Rolling Stone, Consequence Of Sound, Loudwire and American Songwriter, to name just a few — includes the deeply moving title track, "This Is The Song", joined by an official companion video streaming now on YouTube.
Starting at just 15, McKagan has been a part of such diverse and influential bands as THE VAINS (1979),THE FASTBACKS (1980),THE LIVING (1982),THE FARTZ (1982),10 MINUTE WARNING (1983) and LOADED (1998),along, of course, with his historic role as founding member of both GUNS N' ROSES and VELVET REVOLVER. Produced by three-time Grammy Award winner Shooter Jennings, McKagan's 2019 second solo album, "Tenderness", marked a powerful new chapter for the ever-evolving artist, taking on societal ills and his own personal transgressions against a rich sonic backdrop of Americana-fueled arrangements. Named by Loudwire as one of that year's "50 Best Rock Albums" and hailed by Rolling Stone in a three-and-a-half (out of four)-starred rave as "an album full of beauty and heart…It's music of conscience, heavy songs with a light touch," the album includes the volatile rocker "Chip Away", which earned extraordinary praise from the maestro himself, Bob Dylan, who recently declared the song a personal favorite.
"There's a Duff McKagan song called 'Chip Away' that has profound meaning for me," Dylan told The Wall Street Journal. "It's a graphic song. Chip away, chip away, like Michelangelo, breaking up solid marble stone to discover the form of King David inside. He didn't build him from the ground up, he chipped away the stone until he discovered the king. It's like my own songwriting, I overwrite something, then I chip away lines and phrases until I get to the real thing."
Along with his prolific musical efforts, McKagan is The New York Times best-selling author of 2011's "It's So Easy: And Other Lies" and 2015's "How To Be A Man: (And Other Illusions)", and the co-host (with Susan Holmes McKagan) of SiriusXM's popular "Three Chords & The Truth" radio show on Ozzy's Boneyard (Ch. 38). McKagan currently serves as a core member of a modern-day "Wrecking Crew" alongside Grammy Award-winning musician/producer Andrew Watt and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' Chad Smith, recording and co-writing on such recent albums as Ozzy Osbourne's "Ordinary Man" (2020) and two-time Grammy Award-winning "Patient No. 9" (2022) and Iggy Pop's acclaimed "Every Loser" (2023). What's more, McKagan — with Watt, Smith, and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' Josh Klinghoffer — is part of the recently unveiled IGGY POP & THE LOSERS lineup, who made a high-profile televised debut earlier this year with an electrifying performance of the feverish "Frenzy" on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
"Lighthouse" track listing:
01. Lighthouse
02. Longfeather
03. Holy Water
04. I Saw God On 10th St
05. Fallen
06. Forgiveness
07. Just Another Shakedown
08. Fallen Ones
09. Hope (feat. Slash)
10. I Just Don't Know (feat. Jerry Cantrell)
11. Lighthouse (Reprise) (feat. Iggy Pop)
STAIND has released the official music video for its new single, "Here And Now". The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Confessions Of The Fallen", which will arrive on September 15 via Alchemy Recordings/BMG. STAIND's first new LP album since 2011 was produced by Erik Ron (GODSMACK, PANIC! AT THE DISCO, BLACK VEIL BRIDES).
"Here And Now" is classic STAIND — a powerful, emotionally charged ballad that touches deep in the soul. The video directed by Bradley Golowin, perfectly captures the sentiment of the song, exploring the joy and pain of real-life moments that shape us all. The intimate performance footage of the band further amplifies the intensity of the song.
"Here And Now" is the fourth track released from the new album, following "In This Condition", "Cycle Of Hurting" and debut single, "Lowest In Me", which reached No. 1 for two consecutive weeks at Active Rock and Billboard Mainstream Rock charts.
"Confessions Of The Fallen" track listing:
01. Lowest In Me
02. Was Any Of It Real?
03. In This Condition
04. Here And Now
05. Out Of Time
06. Cycle Of Hurting
07. The Fray
08. Better Days
09. Hate Me Too
10. Confessions Of The Fallen
Asked in a recent interview with Cutter's Rockcast if "Lowest In Me", is a good representation of the entire "Confessions Of The Fallen" LP, STAIND guitarist Mike Mushok said: "Listen, there's a couple of songs that kind of go to, I think, what we're actually really known for — that 'It's Been Awhile', 'Outside' type of thing. But a lot of it has the heavy [edge to it]. And there's something — there's an electronic element that there wasn't in any of our stuff before; it's in this. There's a couple of songs that have a little bit more [of it than others]. And that was something that Aaron [Lewis, STAIND frontman] spoke of for a long time, that he wanted to do. And I really think that Erik, the producer, was really helpful in bringing that element to what we do. 'Cause I remember, in our preliminary talks of it, I was, like, 'I don't know how to write a record like that, 'cause that's not what I do.' And it was something as simple as taking a guitar riff that I wrote and playing it on a synthesizer or breaking it up and making some cool sounds out of it."
Mushok went on to say that he is "real happy with the way that it turned out. It was definitely a little — I just wasn't sure," he explained. "But as I heard it, I was, like, 'Oh.' Actually, I really liked it… I can't wait for people to hear it, 'cause I really feel like it worked. I feel like it's STAIND 2023, I guess. It's kind of… It's a little more modern version, I think, of what we've always done."
In June, Mushok spoke to the Z93 radio station in Saginaw, Michigan about why it took STAIND so long to make a new studio album. He said: "I always hoped that [we would get around to working on new music]. Aaron wanted to pursue his country career and kind of felt like doing STAIND was something that would be detrimental to what that would be. He had to show the country people, 'I'm a country guy.' And I was able to go off and do a few other things, which was great — play with some really great people, musicians. Thankfully I was able to do that. That being said, I'm very thankful that we're back together and doing this. Because this is really kind of what I started with Aaron — over 28 years ago, whatever, or 27 years ago; whatever it was. So it's great to be able to be back making music again. And I'm looking forward to going out and doing these shows."
Asked if it was the initial plan to write new material when STAIND reunited for its first full live show in five years in September 2019 at the Louder Than Life music festival in Louisville, Kentucky, Mike said: "There was always talk of doing music. Even when we were off, it was funny — I remember Aaron would call me randomly, and I would always be at the same place, this indoor soccer place at my son's soccer game. And I would be, like, 'Oh, it's Aaron.' And we would kind of talk about ultimately [writing new music]. We knew it was in the future. We never had any plans. Then it finally started to come together. I wanna say 2018, I think, we started talking about it. And, honestly, that KORN tour [in 2021] was really where a lot of the record got put together, was on that. I was working every day, and I was able to demo a lot of the songs on that tour and able to get Aaron in a room and say, 'Listen to some of the music,' and get some direction from him of where he wanted it to go and some changes that he wanted to make and what he liked and what he didn't like. So a lot was done on that, and it really gave me the foundation and kind of a roadmap of where things should go. So it was actually really productive and a really good time."
STAIND recently released the DJay Brawner-directed music video for "Lowest In Me".
In May, Mushok told Lou Brutus of HardDrive Radio about the songwriting process for "Confessions Of The Fallen": "I had a lot of songs, and they were all demoed. So it was basically just instrumental songs. I would take something that I liked, and I would just play it for him. Aaron would listen. And [he would say], 'Oh, I like that verse. Maybe we could try this. Maybe change the chorus a little.' So it was just really kind of getting ideas of where he was at, what music that I had that he was wanting to sing over and really kind of taking those notes, going back and reconstructing the songs, if need be, changing parts, rewriting stuff. And finally when we decided we were gonna do it, and I kind of had a pretty good group of what I thought would make up the record, and Erik ended up being the producer, Erik and I kind of went back and did the same process through the music. Kind of refining the songs, demoing them. And he'd take it to Aaron and they would work on the melody and the lyrics."
In an interview with Billboard, Lewis said that it took him "a long time to be ready to do another STAIND record. I got really burnt out on digging into the dark corners of my psyche every night to deliver those very deep, dark songs in a manner that was believable and authentic," he explained. "I needed to step away from it for awhile and do something different. It just came back together naturally."
Regarding the lyrical inspiration for "Lowest In Me", Aaron told Billboard: "Everybody has got people in their lives that don't bring out the good in somebody. Just with what's going on in the world right now, there's so many things, so many people that are like, 'You bring out the lowest in me.' There's a lot of factors out there that could fall under the 'you' category."
When "Confessions Of The Fallen" was announced in April, Lewis stated about the LP's musical direction: "I did want to modernize the sound and bring us up to date. You can certainly recognize the band but at the same time you can hear that we've been paying attention and understand what kind of sounds and approaches we can use that maybe weren't around the last time we did this."
STAIND has released seven albums since 1995, the latest being 2011's self-titled effort. The band has had a number of hit songs during its first two decades, including the Top 10 smash "It's Been Awhile" from the No. 1 album "Break The Cycle". Follow-up LPs "14 Shades Of Grey" and "Chapter V" also topped the Billboard chart.
STAIND released its first album in nine years, "Live: It's Been Awhile", in May 2021 via Yap'em/Alchemy Recordings. The "Live: It's Been Awhile" album was accompanied by "The Return Of Staind", a two-part global streaming series in partnership with Danny Wimmer Presents.
STAIND and GODSMACK recently completed a 25-city co-headlining 2023 tour, produced by Live Nation. The trek launched on July 18 at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St. Louis, Missouri, with stops across the U.S. before wrapping up in Austin, Texas at Germania Insurance Amphitheatre on August 31.
Former RAINBOW and DEEP PURPLE singer Joe Lynn Turner has just kicked off a six-date tour of Bulgaria with the the Bulgarian rock band AXAT. Dubbed "Rock & Roll Forever", each stop on the trek sees Turner perform a set of RAINBOW and DEEP PURPLE classics with the musicians from AXAT to close out the night.
Video of the September 11 concert in Ruse, Bulgaria can be seen below (courtesy of the Facebook page of Krasimir Todorov).
Joe performed without his trademark wig live for the first time this past June at the Rock Orchestra Fest at Dinamo National Olympic Stadium in Minsk, the capital and the largest city of Belarus.
The singer, who turned 72 last month, said in 2022 that now was the right time to finally drop the hairpiece he has worn since the age of 14 after being diagnosed with alopecia at three years old.
Turner went public with his new look in August 2022 in a series publicity images released to promote his latest solo album, "Belly Of The Beast". In a press release for the LP, Joe said that he started wearing the wig to deal with "emotional and psychological damage from cruel bullying in school."
"In a way, it's a blessing and a curse," Joe admitted. "I have nothing to prove, and I can wear a wig — or not. I am free to do what I want. I'm a grown man, and I'm getting to be an older man.
"Many men in this business eventually come to the decision to continue to 'wear hair' or shave their head which is very fashionable today. Either way, it takes a lot of personal courage. Assholes in high school trying to kick me around made me stronger and gave me the necessary motivation and strength to rise above the rest. Anger and pain are a great tool. If applied correctly, it could develop you to become the best version of yourself. Instead of running away, I was 'hiding in plain sight.'"
In a recent interview with Barbara Caserta of Italy's Linea Rock, Joe spoke about what it has been like finally ditching the wig after all these years. He said: "Well, first of all, I don't think I was ready. And with the love, support, understanding of my family and close friends, especially my wife, who thinks I'm much sexier without it, I just said, 'You know, I'm 71 years old. I'm not trying to hide it from anyone. What the hell is the difference?' So with the change, with the transformation of my music, I made a transformation physically. And I said, 'Okay, here we go.' It's not a big deal to me — it never was.
"But also, I think the industry wasn't ready. I think back then [in the 1980s], everything was about the hair and you had to fit in with the uniform. Everybody wears a uniform; everyone wears a costume in life.
"So I think now is the time. Just like a good wine, you can't make the wine come before its time; it needs to ferment. And I needed to ferment. I needed to be more strong emotionally, more strong psychologically, more mature, and I think I've reached that point.
"And the upshot of that whole thing is, which is really unique, is that if I want to play a show like the old Joe Lynn Turner, I just put the hair back on. And if I play 'Belly Of The Beast', I take the hair off. Now, that is a costume. And you know what? Bands like KISS, bands like SLIPKNOT, GHOST, they have the makeup, they have the masks, they have the hair, they have everything. There's no big deal with this. This is show business. So what's the big deal?"
Turner previously discussed his decision to drop the wig in an interview in September 2022 with the "Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen And Shane McEachern" podcast. At the time, he said: "It's absolutely liberating. First of all, I'll give a little background. It was an open secret. It wasn't like I was trying to fool people or ever denied it or anything. In fact, I never thought it was that important, but certain, shall we say haters, or whatever, these bigots, these bullies, they would always take a shot at me, which I always thought they were just pretty jealous, really, to be honest with you. And then it said more about them than it does me. That's not my kind of people. What about the music? That's what's important."
He continued: "I knew this was on my so-called bucket list before I was gonna leave this planet. And while we were making this record, I started to feel, 'Something has to happen.' And my partner, wife, co-manager — she's amazing — she just said, 'Now's the time, man.' And I said, 'You know, you're right.' Even though I was trepidatious about it — of course, she would know naturally I would be a little fearful, because you're putting your foot in an unknown territory — she said, 'You know what? Once you're yourself, people love you more.' And she was damn well right. Once you're yourself, people love you more, because you come out and say, 'This is me. I've got nothing to hide. I've got nothing to prove. Take your shots. Do what you've gotta do. And hey, by the way, here's the record. Now what?'"
Alopecia areata is a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss. Hair follicles are the structures in skin that form hair. While hair can be lost from any part of the body, alopecia areata usually affects the head and face. Hair typically falls out in small, round patches about the size of a quarter, but in some cases, hair loss is more extensive. Most people with the disease are healthy and have no other symptoms.
Alopecia became a topic of discussion in the mainstream media in March 2022 when actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars ceremony. Will's wife, the 50-year-old actress Jade Pinkett Smith, experienced hair loss due to alopecia and has always openly shared her struggle. The confrontation took place after Rock made a joke, calling Pinkett Smith "G.I. Jane" in reference to her bald head, which she has previously explained is due to alopecia. The shocking incident saw Will storm on stage to hit Chris following the offending comment before returning to his seat and yelling "keep my wife's name out of your fucking mouth" shortly before he collected his best actor gong for his role in "King Richard".
A few hours after Joe first posted his new photos on social media, fellow ex-RAINBOW singer Graham Bonnet took to his Facebook page to share one of the images and he wrote in an accompanying message: "Hi all. Graham here. I'm posting this photo of my friend Joe Lynn Turner because I was moved to tears today when I saw it.
"Joe exemplifies the meaning of rockstar. His bravery is staggering. This industry is ruthless (especially in our genre),particularly when it comes to hair. I still hear the tale about Ritchie Blackmore posting a guard at my hotel door to keep me from getting a haircut. BTW, that never happened, although he was so pissed when I did visit the barber.
"But I digress...... I don't know if Joe will see this but I want him to know how proud I am of him and how moved I was at his honesty.
"You have blazed a trail today, Joe. If you are reading this, I want you to know that I never realized what a beautiful man you were until I saw this photo."
Joe was the singer of RAINBOW between 1980 and 1984 and he sang on the album "Difficult To Cure", which featured the band's most successful U.K. single, "I Surrender".
During Turner's time with RAINBOW, the band had its first USA chart success and recorded songs that helped define the melodic rock genre.
1990 saw Turner reunited with RAINBOW leader Ritchie Blackmore in a reformed DEEP PURPLE for the "Slaves And Masters" album.
Joe Lynn Turner & AHAT - Death Alley Driver 11.09.23
Preparing for the release of their upcoming album, Seas of Oblivion, out September 20, Kill Devil Hill releases their new single, “Pharmaceutical Sunshine” - a song that speaks to the current opioid epidemic currently affecting countless families across the United States.
With Johnny Kelly on drums (Type O Negative), Mark Zavon on guitar, Dewey Bragg on vocals, and Matt Snell (ex-Five Finger Death Punch) on bass, Kill Devil Hill combines gut-punching guitar riffs and hard-hitting vocals to create a uniquely modern take on classic doom and metal. The group is best known for their ability to deliver thundering doom in their music, with strong spiritual messages behind the lyrics. This track in particular promises to be one that stops audiences in their tracks, as it covers topics that hit close to home for many around the country, not to mention, one that band members have experienced first-hand.
Kill Devil Hill members explained how this new track holds a special place in their hearts and reflected on a deeply personal journey that was ongoing at the time they recorded the song. Lead vocalist Dewey Bragg describes, “This song is a heartfelt reflection on the far-reaching impact of the opioid epidemic, not only on my own family but on countless families across America.” Several band members have felt the effects of this in their own families, triggering a heart-felt inspiration to use music as a tool to speak to the masses about this ongoing crisis in our country - and hopefully provide a beacon of hope for those in need of a helping hand, and a voice of understanding.
“We are in the middle of an unprecedented epidemic that is frequently swept under the rug but has now gotten so far out of control that it’s become impossible to ignore. Overdose deaths related to opioids and synthetic opioids like Fentanyl are skyrocketing, up over 30% in just one year. More than 130 people die of opioid-related overdoses every day. That’s like a Boeing 737 crashing daily, and yet the story barely makes the news. Addiction can cause deep depression, which intensifies the desire to use in order to escape, leading even further down that dark path. I’ve seen close friends and even a family member struggle with these issues, and it is truly heartbreaking to watch. It’s perfectly natural for someone who is constantly living under a cloud of depression and addiction to reach for a little “Pharmaceutical Sunshine” to lift them out of that dark place, but unfortunately, it only tightens the downward spiral. This song was written to shine a light on this massive issue, and hopefully, through raising awareness, can help some to avoid the terrible pitfalls of opioid addiction.” - Mark Zavon, guitarist, Kill Devil Hill
Not only does the song speak to the deeply troubling epidemic across America, but it reinvigorates fans by bringing them what KDH delivers best - bridging the gap between contemporary and classic metal with emotionally charged lyrics and vocals containing a powerful message at their core. In “Pharmaceutical Sunshine,” Kill Devil Hill showcases their ability to point their creativity at a worthy cause, calling attention to a sinister undercurrent which has claimed far too many victims.
KDH created “Pharmaceutical Sunshine” in hopes that audiences can connect with and relate to the painful experience conveyed through the lyrics and message of the song - and hopefully find some solace in the music in a time of intense emotional turmoil.
“Music has the power to transcend barriers and touch hearts. I firmly believe that this song can serve as a beacon of hope for those who are struggling with addiction or have been affected by it in some way. It is my sincere desire that the lyrics and melodies provide comfort, encouragement, and support to those who may be in the midst of their own battles.” - Dewey Bragg, lead vocals, Kill Devil Hill
With a style comparable to Soundgarden and Alice in Chains, KDH uses their addictive sound to pull in audiences to a new way of experiencing metal music. Not only does KDH deliver an unforgettable sound, but they convey deeply spiritual and meaningful messages behind each and every track they deliver. “Pharmaceutical Sunshine” is a perfect example of their ability to take something incredibly painful, and turn it into a deeply moving, anthemic representation of an emotional human journey many people can relate to. This song provides comfort, encouragement, and support to anyone who is in need - and inspires us to find a solution for this issue through understanding the true weight of the pain it has caused for so many of us.
Pre-save the upcoming Kill Devil Hill album, Seas Of Oblivion, here. Pre-order physical bundles here.
Seas Of Oblivion tracklisting:
"Blood In The Water"
"Before The Devil Knows"
"Playing With Fire"
"Undertow"
"Pharmaceutical Sunshine"
"Eye Of The Storm"
"Darkest Days"
"The Bitter End"
"The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea"
"Seize The Day"
"You Can’t Kill Me California"
"From The Ashes"
"Stranger Than Fiction"
"Seas Of Oblivion"
"Solitude" (Black Sabbath)
Four-time Grammy award-winning and diamond-certified rock legends, Aerosmith, kicked off their farewell tour, Peace Out, with special guest The Black Crowes on Saturday, September 2 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. Hi-res fan-filmed video of the entire show can be viewed below.
The setlist was as follows:
"Back in the Saddle"
"Love in an Elevator"
"Cryin'"
"Janie's Got a Gun"
"Adam's Apple" (first performance since 2018)
"Livin' on the Edge"
"No More No More"
"Rag Doll"
"Hangman Jury"
"Seasons of Wither"
"Movin' Out"
"Stop Messin' Around" (Fleetwood Mac)
"Rats in the Cellar"
"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing"
"Sweet Emotion"
"Toys in the Attic"
Encore:
"Dream On"
"Walk This Way"
After only three shows, Aerosmith's "Peace Out" Farewell Tour has temporarily ground to a halt. Earlier this evening, singer Steven Tyler issued the following statement:
“I’m heartbroken to say I have received strict doctor’s orders not to sing for the next thirty days. I sustained vocal cord damage during Saturday’s show that led to subsequent bleeding. We’ll need to postpone a few dates so that we can come back and give you the performance you deserve.”
Rescheduled Dates:
January 2024
29 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
February 2024
14 – Chicago, IL – United Center
17 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
21 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
26 – Raleigh. NC – PNC Arena
29 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled dates. Refunds will be available for those unable to attend. Fans with questions regarding refunds are asked to reach out to their point of purchase.
Currently, Aerosmith is expected to resume their "Peace Out" Farewell Tour, with special guests The Black Crowes, on October 11 in Tampa, Florida at Amalie Arena.
Four-time Grammy award-winning and diamond-certified rock legends, Aerosmith, kicked off their farewell tour, Peace Out, with special guest The Black Crowes on Saturday, September 2 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA.
The electrifying show, performed in an immersive 360° production, garnered rave reviews from critics. The Associated Press lauded it as "positively brilliant," while USA Today noted that “the band was in peak form for this victory lap." Echoing this sentiment, the Philadelphia Inquirer praised Aerosmith’s "ability to make such a grand-scale performance feel like a raw and raucous club date,” while PEOPLE described the show as “epic,” declaring that "Aerosmith is peacing out with a bang.”
Produced by Live Nation, this monumental 40-date North American tour includes stops at iconic arenas across the US and Canada, including Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, New York’s Madison Square Garden and Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, with a special stop in their hometown of Boston for New Year’s Eve 2023.
With THX’s Certified Live! high-fidelity experience, each arena is calibrated with leading-edge technology so fans don’t miss a beat of Aerosmith’s classic rock tunes in quality audio. For ticket information, visit ticketmaster.com. Information on VIP packages is available at aerosmith.com/vip.
Aerosmith's Peace Out tour dates are listed below.
September
12 - Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena - POSTPONED
15 - Chicago, IL - United Center - POSTPONED
18 - Detroit, MI - Little Caesars Arena - POSTPONED
21 - Cleveland, OH - Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse - POSTPONED
24 - Raleigh, NC - PNC Arena - POSTPONED
27 - Washington, DC - Capital One Arena - POSTPONED
October
11 - Tampa, FL - Amalie Arena
14 - Atlanta, GA - State Farm Arena
17 - Charlotte, NC - Spectrum Center
20 - Sunrise, FL - FLA Live Arena
23 - Austin, TX - Moody Center
26 - St Louis, MO - Enterprise Center
29 - Indianapolis, IN - Gainbridge Fieldhouse
November
1 - San Antonio, TX - AT&T Arena
4 - Tulsa, OK - BOK Center
7 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
10 - Omaha, NE - CHI Health Center
13 - St Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center
16 - Kansas City, MO - T-Mobile Center
19 - Denver, CO - Ball Arena
22 - Salt Lake City, UT - Vivint Arena
25 - Portland, OR - Moda Center
28 - Seattle, WA - Climate Pledge Arena
December
1 - San Francisco, CA - Chase Center
4 - San Jose, CA - SAP Center
7 - Los Angeles, CA - The Kia Forum
10 - Phoenix, AZ - Footprint Center
28 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Center
31 - Boston, MA - TD Garden
January 2024
4 - Cincinnati, OH - Heritage Bank Arena
7 - Louisville, KY - KFC Yum! Center
10 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena
13 - Knoxville, TN - Thompson-Boling Arena
16 - Buffalo, NY - KeyBank Center
19 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
23 - Columbus, OH - Schottenstein Center
26 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre
29 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
February 2024
14 – Chicago, IL – United Center
17 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
21 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
26 – Raleigh. NC – PNC Arena
29 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
New progressive metal quartet Nospūn have announced a performance at next year's heralded Prog Power USA festival. The band will open Day 2, on September 5, 2024 joining a stellar lineup which includes Dark Tranquility, Leprous, Twilight Force, Scar Symmetry, and Northtale.
The band had this to say: "We've been dreaming about playing ProgPower since we were teenagers, so it's almost surreal to have gotten the invite to play there next year! Not only that, but we get to share the stage with bands whose music we enjoy, so it really is a dream come true. It may be a year away, but we're already mentally preparing and getting psyched up to perform music from Opus for a dedicated crowd of prog noggins!"
To celebrate the announcement, the band are also sharing a new play-through video for the track "Dance With Me" featuring bassist Cole Millward.
Hailing from North Carolina's music scene, Nospūn recently released their stunning debut album, Opus, a sonic journey that combines intricate melodies and powerful rhythms, creating something utterly breathtaking.
Opus was recorded, mixed, and mastered by bassist Cole Millward at Giant Spoon Productions. Buy/stream here.
"Earwyrm" video:
Nospūn are:
Phillip Rich - Vocals
James Nelson - Guitars
Cole Millward - Bass
Paul Wood - Drums
Unleashing their latest album Live To Regret in November 2022 via Exitus Stratagem Records, modern doomsters Aittala offered up an 11 track full-length that defied the limits of genre rules.
From their thrash-inspired track “Cannibals”, which confronts the tightening grip of governmental monitoring and control to their sludgy “Big Brother” about the devolution/zombification of the human race due to technology to the smoky stoner-infused “Never Forget”, which talks about dealing with a toxic person along with many more.
Today, the band shares their modern-day metal ballad "Saint" about the pleasure and pain of a destructive relationship with a new visualizer featuring scenes from the classic horror movie Carrie.
Vocalist/guitarist Eric Aittala adds:
“‘Saint’ is one of my favorite songs Aittala has released both musically and lyrically. We intended to shoot a video for it, but it just never materialized. I just happened to watch Carrie recently and was inspired to use scenes from the movie to tell the story of the song. The chilling scenes from the movie lend themselves perfectly to the dark tone and theme of Saint. We hope you agree!”
Aittala is currently working on new material to follow Live To Regret, which was produced by Eric Aittala and John E. Wooten IV, who also mixed the record along with mastering by Dave Harris at Studio B Mastering.
Aittala live:
September
23 – Raeford, NC – Castle Hoke (Benefit show for Lahaina, Maui fire victims)
29 – Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506
Austrian death metal powerhouse Fallen Utopia continues their relentless march towards the release of their third full-length album, Ruin, set to drop on November 11, 2023. As a tantalizing prelude to this sonic behemoth, Fallen Utopia presents their latest single and video, "What My Soul Recoils My Tongue Shall Tell".
This powerful track offers an enticing glimpse into the depth and intensity of Ruin. Fallen Utopia's mastery of the death metal genre with a modern twist is evident in every riff, every beat, and every lyric. "What My Soul Recoils My Tongue Shall Tell" carries the raw energy and thematic weight that fans can expect from the upcoming album.
As with Ruin, this single is a narrative chapter in itself. The lyrics explore themes of inner turmoil, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. Fallen Utopia courageously pushes the boundaries of their genre, creating a sonic journey that intertwines unrelenting aggression with profound introspection.
The album's cover artwork, a creation of Pierre-Alain D. of 3mmi Design, invites listeners to delve deeper into the impending darkness of Ruin, making the anticipation for the full album release all the more electrifying.
Tracklisting:
"What My Soul Recoils My Tongue Shall Tell"
"Artificial Life Creation"
"Regicide"
"Interlude"
"The Work Of Giants"
"The Curse Of Akkad"
"Entering Utopia"
"My Name Is Legion; For We Are Many"
"Meister Frantz, Executioner Of Nuremberg"
"The Drought"
For further details, visit Fallen Utopia on Facebook.
Pennsylvania based, dark melodic metal band, Reign Of Z, has released the official music video for their heartbreaking new single, "Nothing Gold Can Stay". Written by Roz, Justin Spauldin, and Steve Sopchack, with lyrics from front-woman Zosia West, the deeply moving new single poignantly expresses the life-shattering pain and trauma of loss and grief.
With an equally impactful music video directed by Tom Flynn and produced by the band, "Nothing Gold Can Stay" is both beautiful and desolate, with equally impactful and tear-inducing visuals, while ultimately reminding listeners that loss only hurts because of the beauty that precedes it.
"This is a song for those who’ve loved tremendously, unapologetically, and knew no bounds. This was one of the biggest heartbreaks and took the longest to write because she needed the perfect lyrics to encapsulate her memory. This isn’t for the faint of heart, this is for the ones who had to pick up the pieces caused by grief." - Zosia West
Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum singer-songwriter, actor, and New York Times best-selling author Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR) has shared the official visualizer for "We Are The Rest", the fourth new song off his soon-to-be-released sophomore solo studio album, "CMF2".
Due on September 15, Taylor's first album for BMG and the first on his own label imprint, Decibel Cooper Recordings, "CMF2" was produced by Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STEEL PANTHER, AMON AMARTH),who also helmed STONE SOUR's 2017 LP "Hydrograd" as well as 2020's "CMFT".
"Together we have great ideas, great energy, and are quick to try everything," Taylor says of his studio collaborator. "We're not afraid to tell each other if it's a good idea, or also a bad one; we have that kind of trust. It's rad."
Throughout "CMF2", Taylor sings, plays lead and rhythm guitar, piano, and mandolin.
The 13-track opus packs the energy, experimentation, and forthrightness that's defined a career which has seen him sell more than 12 million albums with his Grammy-winning band SLIPKNOT and several million with chart-toppers STONE SOUR.
"CMF2" track listing:
01. The Box
02. Post Traumatic Blues
03. Talk Sick
04. Breath Of Fresh Smoke
05. Beyond
06. We Are The Rest
07. Midnight
08. Starmate
09. Sorry Me
10. Punchline
11. Someday I'll Change Your Mind
12. All I Want Is Hate
13. Dead Flies
In a recent interview with Tommy Carroll of the WGRD 97.9 radio station, Taylor was asked to back up his previous claim that "CMF2" will be "the best rock album of this year and the next." He said: "Dude, this album's got everything, man. I mean, it doesn't sound like everything else, which apparently is contagious in this industry. It's not produced like everything else. It feels alive. The songs are incredible. The production, the performances… I mean, this album chews up the first album and spits it out. It's probably one of the best things that I've ever done, and I'm really, really proud of it, man. I'm proud of the work that me and [producer] Jay [Ruston] did. And people are going to… Even if it is a slow burner out of the gate, people are gonna remember this album."
Taylor began tracking the follow-up to 2020's "CMFT" LP in early January at The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada with Ruston. Joining Corey in the studio was the rest of his solo band — bassist Eliot Lorango, drummer Dustin Robert, along with guitarists Christian Martucci and Zach Throne.
Twenty-six songs were recorded for "CMF2", including "Beyond" and "Post Traumatic Blues".
The official video for "Beyond", as premiered by Rolling Stone, was shot at a remote location within California's Mojave Desert. Captured through the lens of director Dale "Rage" Resteghini (HATEBREED, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, TRIVIUM),the video finds Taylor trudging around the desert as a musing Uncle Sam intermingling with members of the band and the CHERRY BOMBS, the all-girl dance group featuring Taylor's wife Alicia Taylor, all the while being surrounded by different versions of himself from through the years — before culminating as a live performance for a mass of fans in the round.
The song "Beyond" harkens back to 2006 in some shape or form. Taylor knew the song was special, but never found the time to bring the tune to its potential.
"CMFT" featured the No. 1 Billboard mainstream rock single "Black Eyes Blue" and streaming sensation "CMFT Must Be Stopped" (feat. Tech N9ne and Kid Bookie). The LP hit No. 6 on Billboard's U.S. Top Rock Albums chart.
In support of his new album, Taylor recently embarked on his 2023 tour featuring special guests WARGASM, OXYMORRONS and LUNA AURA on select dates. Produced by Live Nation, the 28-city tour kicked off on August 25 at Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, making stops across the U.S in Detroit, Orlando, Dallas and more before the final headline show in Los Angeles at The Wiltern on October 5.
Californian rockers BUCKCHERRY have released the official music video for the song "Let's Get Wild" from their latest album "Vol. 10". The fourth video from the LP was directed and edited by Tom Flynn and Mike Watts, who did the previous three videos. "Let's Get Wild" was filmed on BUCKCHERRY's current tour at the Wisconsin Dells and other Midwest cities.
"Vol. 10" came out on June 2. The 11-song LP features 10 new BUCKCHERRY originals and, as a bonus track, a cover of the Bryan Adams classic "Summer Of 69". The album was produced by Marti Frederiksen and recorded at Sienna Studios in Nashville. The album was released in North America by Round Hill Records, in Japan by Sony Japan, and by Earache Records for the rest of the world.
BUCKCHERRY singer Josh Todd told Australia's Silver Tiger Media about the band's latest LP: "It's just a new body of work. It's where we're at today. The songs are really well written, and I think people are gonna really, really love it. There is no overall [lyrical] theme… You'll enjoy it."
Regarding BUCKCKERRY's songwriting approach this time around, Todd said: "The formula for us is to have no fillers — having a great record from beginning to end. That's what we want — we want to be able to have these unforgettable songs and melodies. And if they don't sound great, we just don't put 'em on records."
Frederiksen previously produced 2021's "Hellbound" as well as BUCKCHERRY's fourth album, "Black Butterfly", and co-wrote "Sorry", among other songs, with the band.
In the summer of 2020, BUCKCHERRY recruited JETBOY's Billy Rowe as its new guitarist. He joined the group as the replacement for Kevin Roentgen, who left BUCKCHERRY in July of that year.
In 2019, BUCKCHERRY enlisted Francis Ruiz as its new drummer. He joined the group as the replacement for Sean Winchester, who exited BUCKCHERRY after laying down the drum tracks on "Warpaint".
BUCKCHERRY burst on to the scene in 1999 with its now-classic self-titled debut album. Hit singles "Lit Up", "For The Movies", "Dead Again" and "Check Your Head" brought the celebration back to the party scene, recalling the gritty glam impact of MÖTLEY CRÜE but with a Gen X-demanded, modern self-awareness . Later albums continued to develop their reputation for volatile, mercurial themes and infectious hooks; such singles as "Crazy Bitch", "Everything", "Too Drunk" and "All Night Long" became screaming choruses for fans across the world. With their irreverent and bawdy lyrics, delivered with Todd's whisky weathered vocals, paired with filthy guitar riffs and high-energy, throbbing bass lines, BUCKCHERRY has sustained a hard-earned reputation as a not-to-be-missed live presence with regular touring schedules alongside such legends as MÖTLEY CRÜE and PAPA ROACH.
“No Gardens Grow Here” is the dismal new single from time-honored, Philadelphia-based black metal collective, Krieg. Delivered through a harrowing video, the song is the newest harbinger of the band’s long-awaited new LP, Ruiner, nearing October release on Profound Lore Records.
Krieg’s Ruiner is the first full-length from the long-running and iconic cult since 2014’s Transient and is a despondent expression that captures the classic band complexion which has solidified the band as a vanguard and pioneer of US black metal. Although Ruiner is the band’s first full-length album in nine years, Krieg has continued to remain active leading up to its long-awaited release through various splits, collaborations, and EPs. This all culminated in that moment for Ruiner to ultimately manifest itself.
Ruiner is unrepentant and remorseless black metal in the reflective manner Krieg and mastermind N. Jameson have always been known for. Most notably that of the savage and unhinged aura present in the triarchy of classic Krieg works, namely Destruction Ritual (2001), The Black House (2004), and Blue Miasma, (2006) while maintaining that harsh, sorrowful, and cold-blooded melancholic aura.
Merciless, despondent black metal psychosis destined to leave one desolate, Ruiner was recorded and mixed by guitarist A. Poole, mastered by Dan Lowndes (Resonance Sound), and completed with artwork by Rob Sheyder.
The new video for “No Gardens Grow Here” was created by Chariot Of Black Moth. N. Jameson writes with the song’s unveiling, “I was in the studio when Moonlight Butchery was recorded so that one tends to resonate more with me, which you can hear somewhat in the first bit of the song. It’s the cold void feeling when you realize everything is over, that you can do no more, that you’re just a ghost in your own life. These are the things I wanted to capture here.”
Ruiner will be released on LP, CD, and all digital platforms on October 13. Find pre-orders, pre-saves, merch, and more here.
Krieg is booking short runs of tour dates surrounding the release of Ruiner including Northeastern US shows hitting New York City, Providence, and Philadelphia November 10th through 12th. See the confirmed shows below and stand by for updates to post over the weeks ahead.
Ruiner tracklisting:
"Bulwark"
"Fragments Of Nothing"
"Red Rooms"
"Solitarily, A Future Renounced"
"Manifested Ritual Horror"
"No Gardens Grow Here"
"An Execution In The Kingdom Of Ideas"
"The Lantern And The Key"
"Solitarily, A Future Renounced":
Live dates:
November
10 - The Kingsland – Brooklyn, NY
11 - Dusk – Providence, RI
12 - Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA (with Bastard Cross, Cathedrals In The Night)
Krieg “Ruiner” personnel:
N. Jameson – vocals
A. Poole – guitar and leads
S. Riley – guitar
B. Durrant – bass
J. Dost – drums
North Carolina melodic death metal leaders, Aether Realm, will soon hit the road in the UK and Ireland with headliners Nekrogoblikon and fellow support artists Cage Fight. Today, in celebration of the upcoming tour, Aether Realm have dropped an entirely brand new single, entitled "Should I?", featuring none other than the iconic Björn "Speed" Strid (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra).
The introspective new single follows acclaimed albums Tarot (2017) and Redneck Vikings From Hell (2020, #16 US Top New Artist Albums), and is chock full of epic bombast and undeniable groove, uniquely mixing melodic soundscapes with southern-fried metal riffage.
Frontman Vincent "Jake" Jones offers: "'Should I?' is a song about doubt. Way back in 2020, right after we put out Redneck Vikings From Hell, Aether Realm experienced a surge of new fans. However, this was coupled with an increase in the number of "anti-fans" - people that aren't content to simply not enjoy our music, but feel a strong need to convince other people not to as well. You might call them "trolls" or "haters" or whatever. You know the type. We were also navigating the music industry for the first time - the world of labels and contracts and generally feeling like a small fish in a big pond.
I hadn't really figured out how to deal with this transition. Some of it was getting under my skin, and I found myself doubting my choices and abilities. At the same time, the skeleton for a new track was coming together. I had been listening to a lot of Soilwork, and I think that showed in the songwriting. I definitely wrote the vocals with Soilwork's vocalist Björn Strid in mind but in a vague 'wouldn't it be cool if' way. The lyrics spilled out naturally, taking the shape of the question I ask myself every time someone tells me I should be doing something different than what I'm doing. Heinrich and Donny laid down guitars for a working demo, and we picked it back up in 2023 and started polishing it up. Our boys in Wilderun had just done a tour with Soilwork, and a connection was made. I shot my shot with Björn, and a short time later he responded that he dug the track and would do it.
Tyler and I tracked drums, vocals, and bass with Kile Odell at Top Track Studios and No Heroes Studios respectively. I think it came out pretty great, but I'm sure I'll hear someone tell me that I should write a different way. I think from now on I'll probably get some catharsis out of just responding with 'Should I?'"
Stream/download the track here. Watch the visualizer below:
Aether Realm is:
Vincent "Jake" Jones - bass, vocals
Heinrich Arnold - guitar, vocals
Tyler Gresham - drums
Donny Burbage - guitar
Ìåæäóíàðîäíûé
DragonForce
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