Rock duo Janet Gardner and Justin James have released “85”, the second song from their upcoming album, No Strings. True to its name, “85” conjures up memories of ‘80s rock anthems, featuring catchy guitar hooks and a driving rhythm that pair well with Gardner’s vocals.
Gardner and James have also released the video for “85”. Directed by Tyler Walter and filmed at the Vixen Theatre in McHenry, IL, this video showcases a dynamic performance that makes viewers feel as if they are in the crowd, seeing the rock duo perform live.
No Strings will be available through Pavement Entertainment on June 9 in North America. Fans can pre-order a special bundle, which features a CD, a hand signed photo from Gardner and James, and a limited edition t-shirt. Pre-order here.
Audiences outside of North America can pick up the album through Frontiers Music. Pre-save/pre-order the No Strings album here.
Known for being the lead vocalist of the legendary female rock band, Vixen, Janet Gardner’s powerful vocals propelled Vixen to the top of the Billboard charts with crossover hits “Edge Of A Broken Heart” and “Cryin'.” Justin James has worked as a guitarist/songwriter/producer with members of Staind, Collective Soul, and Tyketto. Together, Gardner and James have penned a collection of emotionally charged songs with gritty grooves, infectious hooks, and inspired lyrics that merge hard rock influences from the last four decades.
No Strings tracklisting:
"I’m Living Free"
"Turn The Page"
"85"
"No Strings"
"Don’t Turn Me Away"
"Set Me Free"
"Hold On To You"
"Into The Night"
"I’m Not Sorry"
"You’ll See"
"She Floats Away"
"Drink"
"Don't Turn Me Away":
Known for being the lead vocalist of the legendary female rock band, Vixen, Janet Gardner’s powerful vocals propelled Vixen to the top of the Billboard charts with crossover hits “Edge Of A Broken Heart” and “Cryin'.” Justin James has worked as a guitarist/songwriter/producer with members of Staind, Collective Soul, and Tyketto. Together, Gardner and James have penned a collection of emotionally charged songs with gritty grooves, infectious hooks, and inspired lyrics that merge hard rock influences from the last four decades.
No matter how much everything changes in culture and the world at large, heavy metal endures. It empowers, engages, and engenders strength, ultimately it outlasts fads. The same can be said for HammerFall.
Today, the band is proud to release their 20th anniversary edition of Crimson Thunder. The fourth studio album has been remixed and remastered by Fredrik Nordstrom, this definitive version includes previously unreleased pre-production tracks, a brand-new medley and live acoustic songs.
To celebrate the release, the band presents us with a brand-new video for the medley. Guitarist Oscar Dronjak comments: "The medley is a five minute celebration of the full album, with parts from well-known as well as never-before-played tracks, and is a highlight for both artist and audience every night."
Watch the medley video below:
Guitarist Oscar Dronjak previously stated: ”There is a lot to look forward to with this release even if you’re a die hard Templar with everything already in your collection: brand new album remix by Fredrik Nordström, never-before heard preproduction bonus tracks, exclusive acoustic live versions, this anniversary edition is packed with unique stuff that sees the light of day for the first time. This is our biggest anniversary edition yet!”
Crimson Thunder 20th Anniversary Edition comes in following formats:
CD 1
"Riders Of The Storm"
"Hearts On Fire"
"On The Edge of Honour"
"Crimson Thunder"
"Lore Of The Arcane"
"Trailblazers"
"Dreams Come True"
"Angel Of Mercy"
"The Unforgiving Blade"
"In Memoriam"
"Hero's Return"
"Riders of The Storm" (preproduction)
"On The Edge Of Honour" (preproduction)
"Trailblazers" (preproduction)
"Angel Of Mercy" (preproduction)
"The Unforgiving Blade" (preproduction)
"Hero’s Return" (preproduction)
"Hearts On Fire" (preproduction)
CD 2
"Lore Of The Arcane" (Live One Crimson Night)
"Riders Of The Storm" (Live One Crimson Night)
"Heeding The Call" (Live One Crimson Night)
"Stone Cold" (Live One Crimson Night)
"Hero's Return" (Live One Crimson Night)
"Legacy Of Kings" (Live One Crimson Night)
Bass Solo (Live One Crimson Night)
"At The End Of The Rainbow" (Live One Crimson Night)
"The Way Of The Warrior" (Live One Crimson Night)
"The Unforgiving Blade" (Live One Crimson Night)
"Glory To The Brave" (Live One Crimson Night)
Guitar Solo (Live One Crimson Night)
"Let The Hammer Fall" (Live One Crimson Night)
CD 3
"Renegade" (Live One Crimson Night)
"Steel Meets Steel" (Live One Crimson Night)
"Crimson Thunder" (Live One Crimson Night)
"Templars Of Steel" (Live One Crimson Night)
"Hearts On Fire" (Live One Crimson Night)
"Hammerfall" (Live One Crimson Night)
"The Dragon Lies" Bleeding (Bonus Track Live One Crimson Night)
"Stronger Than All" (Bonus Track Live One Crimson Night)
"A Legend Reborn" (Live One Crimson Night)
"Heeding The Call" (acoustic live version)
"Steel Meets Steel" (acoustic live version)
"Renegade" (acoustic live version)
"Crimson Thunder Medley" (Live)
"Riders Of The Storm" lyric video:
"Hearts On Fire" video:
HammerFall tour dates:
May
5 - Bochum, Germany - RuhrCongress *with Helloween
6 - Hamburg, Germany - Sporthalle *with Helloween
12 - Houston, TX - Wharehouse Live
13 - Dallas, TX - The Factory
15 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
16 - St Petersburg, FL - Jannus Live
18 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore
19 - Philadelphia, PA - Underground Arts
20 - New York City, NY - Terminal 5
21 - Worcester, MA - Palladium
22 - Montreal, QC - Théâtre Fairmount
23 - Toronto, ON - History
24 - Royal Oak, MI - Music Theatre
25 - Columbus, OH - The King of Clubs
26 - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre
27 - Minneapolis, MN - Fillmore
28 - Lawrence, KS - The Granada
30 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre
31 - Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Music Hall
June
1 - Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl
2 - Inglewood, CA - YouTube Theater
3 - San Francisco, CA - The Warfield
4 - Roseville, CA - Goldfield Trading Post
24 - Oslo, Norway - Tons Of Rock
July
15 - Leoben, Austria - Area 53 Festival
August
12 - Villena, Spain - Leyendas Del Rock
16-19 - Dinkelsbuehl, Germany - SummerBreeze
17-19 - Moravsky Krumlov, Czech Republic - Castle Garden, Rock Castle
Current HammerFall lineup:
Joacim Cans - vocals
Oscar Dronjak - guitar
Fredrik Larsson - bass
Pontus Norgen - guitar
David Wallin - drums
METALLICA kicked off its "M72" world tour earlier tonight (Thursday, April 27) at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The trek sees the band playing two nights in every city it visits — with each "No Repeat Weekend" featuring two completely different setlists and support lineups. The "M72" tour features a bold new in-the-round stage design that relocates the famed METALLICA Snake Pit to center stage, as well as the "I Disappear" full-tour pass and the debut of discounted tickets for fans under 16 years of age.
METALLICA launched the 16-song set in Amsterdam with "Orion", marking the first time that song has opened a METALLICA concert since December 2011. The group also performed two new songs from the "72 Seasons" album live for the first time: "Screaming Suicide" and "Sleepwalk My Life Away". Other "72 Seasons" tracks that were played in Amsterdam — "Lux Aeterna" and "If Darkness Had A Son" — were previously performed by METALLICA earlier this month in front of a studio audience as part of their four-night residency on late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!""Lux Aeterna" was also played during the band's All Within My Hands benefit concert last December.
METALLICA's setlist for the April 27 concert at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands was as follows:
01. Orion (first time as opener since December 10, 2011)
02. For Whom The Bell Tolls
03. Holier Than Thou
04. King Nothing
05. Lux Aeterna
06. Screaming Suicide (live debut)
07. Fade To Black
08. Sleepwalk My Life Away (live debut)
09. Nothing Else Matters
10. Sad But True
11. The Day That Never Comes
12. Ride The Lightning
13. Battery
14. Fuel
15. Seek & Destroy
16. Master Of Puppets
METALLICA is visiting a total of 22 different cities around the world and playing two nights in each city.
Opening acts include FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, ICE NINE KILLS, MAMMOTH WVH, PANTERA, ARCHITECTS, GRETA VAN FLEET and VOLBEAT.
METALLICA promises fans who purchase a two-day ticket that they won't see the same song twice for a total of over 30 songs spanning the band's 40-plus-year career.
Each weekend offers a variety of "Enhanced Experiences", ranging from access to a meet-and-greet, production and stage tour, food and beverage in the "Black Box" lounge to early entry into the venue and the Snake Pit. The very popular "Black Laminate" is back, now known as the "I Disappear Ticket", and is the ultimate pass for the fan who wants to run away with METALLICA for multiple weekends.
A single "I Disappear" ticket purchase gives you access to as many of METALLICA's 46 headlining tour dates across Europe and North America in 2023 and 2024 as you choose. You decide how many shows you'd like to attend around the world, and for how long, and METALLICA will make it as easy as possible.
During an appearance on comedian Bill Maher's "Club Random" podcast, Lars Ulrich opened up about how a child custody arrangement with one of his ex-wives led to METALLICA embracing a touring schedule that involved playing shows for no more than two weeks at a time. The METALLICA drummer said: "Maybe in the last 10, 15 years, we came around — and this is no disrespect to our managers — but we came around the other side and basically said, 'Listen, we need to start putting some boundaries and some parameters around what we're willing to do,' because back in the day we would do three [or] four in a row and then have one day off and then three in a row and then one day off, and then have a week off between going to Europe and America. And finally, like I said, maybe around 15 [years ago], maybe around the [release of the] 'Some Kind Of Monster' [documentary], we took charge and said, 'We're willing to go out for this long, for this long,' and blah blah blah. And at one point, when I was fighting a child custody case between maybe '08 to '10, maybe, give or take, we did a whole world tour for two years around not being on the road for more than two weeks at a time. We would play in Europe for two weeks, then come home, play two weeks and then come home. We did an American tour a week at a time."
Ulrich went on to explain that because he "had 50-50 custody" of his kids, "there was no budging" on the amount of uninterrupted time each parent had with the children. "So literally I would take 'em to school Monday morning and we would fly and we would play five shows in America — Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday," he explained. "Sunday night we'd fly home. I would be with my kids from that Monday morning for a week. And the rest of the guys in the band — God bless them — were gracious enough and kind enough to work with that. And it was a whole world tour for two years. So we were never gone for more than two weeks at a time."
Extreme metal veterans CRADLE OF FILTH — led by frontman Dani Filth — have unleashed a thirst-quencher of epic proportions in the form of their first live album to be released in over 20 years, "Trouble And Their Double Lives", out today via Napalm Records.
In celebration of today's LP release, CRADLE OF FILTH has revealed a brand new live performance music video for one of the two new studio tracks cut from "Trouble And Their Double Lives", titled "Demon Prince Regent". The track slams in with a wall of sound and grim, blackened guitar leads before reaching a headbanging, bouncing chorus — proving itself to be a searing follow-up to the band's previous single, "She Is A Fire".
Dani says about the track and live album release: "The footage for the studio track 'Demon Prince Regent' was filmed on the road whilst recently undertaking the co-headline 'Double Trouble Live' tour with DEVILDRIVER in the U.S.
"The video is a logical visual bridge between airing the second studio track and the actual live album, wherein you also get the luxury of seeing our repugnant faces.
"As for the album itself, I hope everyone enjoys this cantankerous volley of s(hits) just as much as we enjoyed making them, with songs stolen from CRADLE shows from all across the world. And as cliche as it sounds, 'this album is totally for the fans... Let's see those f**king horns!!!'"
Recorded between 2014 and 2019 at different performances in the USA, Europe, Australia and beyond during their "Cryptoriana" world tour and dates following, the album serves as a time capsule of blisteringly intense live energy, and an astounding testament to CRADLE OF FILTH's renowned latest era.
Produced, mixed and mastered by Scott Atkins at Grindstone Studios in Suffolk, England with recording captured by Danny B, the brand new live onslaught not only features a slew of fan favorites encompassing the band's electrifying discography — such as "Nymphetamine (Fix)" , "Bathory Aria" and "Blackest Magick in Practice" — but also two bonus tracks and two entirely brand new songs, the aforementioned "She Is A Fire" and "Demon Prince Regent".
The two new studio tracks provide a hefty taste of what's to come on future CRADLE OF FILTH studio releases. "She Is A Fire" starts the album with a sinister riff, ominous atmosphere and spine-tingling keys. Dani Filth's renowned vocal delivery cascades in haunting screams and whispers atop hair-raising guitar leads and unrelenting drums.
Filth adds: "I would say a live record was long overdue, judging by the 20-odd-year gap between this and our previous offering! It also serves as a great accompaniment to the forthcoming co-headlining 'Double Trouble Live' tour(s) with DEVILDRIVER, and strangely enough is also a notable gap-filler whilst we prepare our debut album for Napalm Records, due for mass excretion in 2024."
"Trouble And Their Double Lives" track listing:
01. She Is A Fire (new studio track)
02. Heaven Torn Asunder
03. Blackest Magick In Practice
04. Honey And Sulphur
05. Nymphetamine (Fix)
06. Born In A Burial Gown
07. Desire In Violent Overture
08. Bathory Aria
09. The Death Of Love (bonus track)
10. Demon Prince Regent (new studio track)
11. Heartbreak And Seance
12. Right Wing Of The Garden Triptych
13. The Promise Of Fever
14. Haunted Shores
15. Gilded Cunt
16. Saffron's Curse
17. Lustmord And Wargasm (The Lick Of Carnivorous Winds)
18. You Will Know The Lion By His Claw (bonus track)
CRADLE OF FILTH and groove metal pioneers DEVILDRIVER are just a few weeks away from embarking on the first leg of their "Double Trouble Live" U.S. co-headlining tour. Support acts on the tour are BLACK SATELLITE and ONI.
Positioned firmly at the top of the extreme metal genre, CRADLE OF FILTH reign supreme as one of the most revered, formative and notorious names in the scene, and are undeniably responsible for breaking ground for many of today's top metal artists with their trademark mixture of grim blackened heaviness, macabre theatricality and scintillating gothic style. The rule of FILTH began in 1991, followed by the unleashing of 1994's "The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh" — humble beginnings that expanded into cinematic classics like "Cruelty And The Beast" and "Midian".
The band's unyielding international touring schedule has garnered them a massive following both in the cult underground and at the top of the mainstream, defying trends while staying true to their roots. More recent offerings such as 2015's "Hammer Of The Witches" and 2017's "Cryptoriana - The Seductiveness Of Decay" continued to bolster the unremitting legacy of FILTH, until the band, along with the rest of the universe, was abruptly halted by the global pandemic in 2020. But, as is evident by the staggering response from their devoted legion of followers, that time was put to good use, spurring the emergence of the band's latest, breathtakingly heavy offering, 2021's "Existence Is Futile". The album debuted at No. 20 on the Billboard 200 with Hard Rock Genre, on the Hard Music Albums charts at No. 4 in the U.S. and No. 5 in Canada, No. 9 on the German Album charts, No. 3 and No. 5 on the U.K. Rock & Metal Albums chart and U.K. Independent Albums chart respectively, No. 4 on the Finnish Albums chart and many more, proving that CRADLE OF FILTH continue to own the dark.
On June 9, 2023, Basque Country melodic death metallers Rise To Fall will release their new album The Fifth Dimension via Noble Demon. Today, the band releases the second single from the upcoming album, entitled "Hierophant". The track is accompanied by a brand new music video.
Rise To Fall comments: "‘Hierophant’ is a very Rise To Fall song, a fast, direct and very dynamic song, with rhythm changes, a lot of atmosphere and a memorable chorus. As always with a very melodic solo and a break full of synthesizers. ‘Hierophant’ has it all for Rise To Fall fans and for those who don't know us it's a very good way to know what Rise To Fall is all about."
Formed in 2006 in Bilbao (Basque Country) in northern Spain, Rise To Fall have established their well-deserved place within the metal scene over the past seventeen years. With a constant output and numerous live shows and festival appearances, Rise To Fall have become known for delivering music of the highest level and their devastating live shows. With the release of four studio albums, the band has kept raising the bar, leading not only to numerous tours across Europe, but also headlining tours in Japan and China, as well as touring alongside Soilwork.
A tour that should still unite both bands in the future - With the track "Intruder" Rise To Fall have now released the first single of the upcoming album, on which none other than Björn "Speed" Strid (Soilwork / The Night Flight Orchestra ) has taken over as a guest vocalist.
Tracklisting:
“Rising Sun”
“Hierophant”
“Intruder”
“Test Of Time”
“Empty Ward”
“Infinite Crossroad”
“What Lies Beneath”
“Heroes”
“The Great Chain”
“Beam Of Light”
“Black Ocean”
"Hierophant" video:
“Intruder”:
Rise To Fall are:
Alain “Dalay Tarda” Gutiérrez - Vocals
Hugo Markaida - Guitar
Dann Hoyos - Bass
Javier Martín - Bass
Xabier Del Val - Drums
Impressively, Saskatoon, Canada’s Despite The Reverence has been together writing and performing for over 10 years now with the same lineup and as of this year, has produced five full-length albums. The most recent addition to their catalog is Stress Of Evolution, a 12 track, neck-breaking monster of an album that builds on all of their previous work. The latest video out is “War Machine”, five minutes of thundering drums, wild solos, and groovy riffs.
The band details:
““War Machine” is another heavy rocker and packs a lot of energy. The song comes in with a roar and pounding guitars, bass, and drums. The verses quiet down but only for a moment and really to give more emphasis to the rest of the song. By the time the bridge hits in the middle, the song is full steam ahead. A ripping solo followed by a halftime but heavy-beaten ending wraps the song up. The lyrics are powerful and strong and the outro has a ring to it with the feeling of royalty.”
Despite The Reverence wanted the album to be dynamic from heavy to melodic and accomplished that with a mixture of tempos, styles, and instrumentation. They cite that variety is the spice of life and they tried to bring everything under one roof creating unique and interesting compositions which flow together under a common concept.
When playing live, they are very professional and love putting on a big live show including lights, smoke, and stage backdrops. They write the set to flow together and generally do not take a lot of pauses or chit-chat. They figure the fans are there to hear the music so they keep the songs flowing as they play with high energy and intensity. They are recommended listening for fans of Pantera, Tool, and Black Sabbath.
Loosegroove Records recording artists, Seattle-based band, BRAD, are proud to announce the release today of their new song and the title track from the upcoming LP, In The Moment That You’re Born. Listen here, watch a video below.
SPIN exclusively premiered the video with Jonathan Cohen who noted, "The title track is one of the heavier Brad songs ever, with Smith singing in a lower register than usual atop Gossard and Keith Lowe’s swirling guitar attack. Hagar says the song comes from a weekend recording session about five years ago and that Smith’s vocal offers almost a gospel vibe. Sonically, it harkens back to Smith and Hagar’s other project Satchel, which was often active in parallel with Brad in the ’90s."
The song is the first new music from BRAD in over a decade and is being released 30 years to the day since their critically acclaimed debut album Shame was released in 1993. Shame featured original music that stood as a counterpoint to the music that was coming out of Seattle during that time. To further mark the anniversary of that landmark LP, pre-orders have begun for limited-edition vinyl reissues of the music. The vinyl will be available in various packaging configurations and released on July 28. Pre-order here.
The new single perfectly encapsulates the band's ability to craft songs that skirt around the boundaries of genre creating a unique sound. The late Shawn Smith’s vocals, croon over impressive instrumentation from guitarist and Loosegroove Records founders Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam) and drummer Regan Hagar (BRAD, Satchel, Malfunkshun), along with bassist Keith Lowe.
The loss of Shawn in 2019 was a blow to the band and the musical community that he played such an intrinsic role in. This song and the subsequent release of the new LP stand as a celebration of Shawn’s immense talent.
Stone says, “Shawn's lyric from years ago about it never fails. ‘You always return to the scene of the crime.’ Well, BRAD has always been good at looking back and returning as well. Cherishing those times in the past, where we allowed ourselves to experience the magic of creation together, with all the sense of adventure, fear and fearlessness, insecurity and bravado.”
Regan Hagar, who is the drummer in the band as well as a founder and creative director for Loosegroove adds, “I’m moved by Shawn Smith once again. And Stone's guitar work on this track kills me every time I listen.”
The LP, In The Moment That You're Born features 10 new self-produced recordings with vocals recorded by Shawn Smith in recording sessions prior to his 2019 passing. The tracks include a new version of “Stars N’ You”; written by the late Seattle musician Andrew Wood (Mother Love Bone, Malfunkshun). The song was originally recorded for the 1986 “Deep Six” compilation by Malfunkshun and also featured BRAD drummer/Loosegroove co-founder Regan Hagar.
In The Moment That You're Born was recorded and mixed by Floyd Reitsma at Studio Litho in Seattle (except for the title track, which was mixed by Josh Evans). The artwork was created by Hagar and includes photos taken by famed Seattle photographer Lance Mercer.
Professionally-filmed footage of Guns N' Roses performing "Patience" live at The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, WA, on September 3, 2017 is available for streaming below. The show was part of the band's Not In This Lifetime tour.
Guns N' Roses are featured in Billboard's recently released recap of the 10 highest grossing tours in Billboard Boxscore's archives.
"Over nearly four decades, Billboard Boxscore has charted the biggest tours in the world. From Whitney Houston and Billy Joel in the ‘80s to SZA and Post Malone in 2023, artists have topped Boxscore charts in Vegas theaters, international stadiums, and everything in between."
The list of the 10 highest grossing tours in the Boxscore archives is ranked by total earnings, according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore. All 10 have grossed more than $400 million.
#9: AC/DC - Black Ice World Tour (2008-10)
Gross: $442 million
Attendance: 2.8 million
Shows: 107
"The Black Ice World Tour was something of a comeback for the hard rock legends. The tour and its namesake album were the first for the band in eight years. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and the time away worked, pushing AC/DC to an all-time high of $2.4 million and 26,000 tickets per show."
#4: Guns N' Roses - Not In This Lifetime... Tour (2016-19)
Gross: $584 million
Attendance: 5.4 million
Shows: 158
"The title of GnR’s comeback tour was apt, as the band shocked the world by reuniting most of its classic ‘80s lineup, getting Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan back together. The reinstated lineup paid dividends, first conquering the Americas in 2016, then Australia and Europe in 2017, and then all over again in 2018-19."
View the full list, and find out who lands on top, at Billboard.com.
Last year saw the release of The Arrival, the debut studio album from Swedish metal supergroup Dampf, which features members of Hammerfall, Crowne, and Dynasty. Propelled by singles like “The Other Side” and “Who Am I?”, the band performed at several festivals in Finland and Sweden on the strength of their first LP.
Now, Dampf are back with the first single off their yet-to-be-announced follow up to 'he Arrival. The new song, “No Angels Alive”, describes a world full of evil forces and adversity.
“It's finally time to write Chapter 2 in Dampf's history, and first up is ‘No Angels Alive’,” says Martin “E-Type” Erikson. “In reality, the work on the new album is just an extension of the first record. We simply continued to write, produce, and develop Dampf's sound and melodies, and suddenly, in that process, we were finished with our second album. What's new and exciting is that we are now a group with permanent members where everyone has been able to contribute and thereby put their own signature and expression on the songs. The expression ‘No Angels Alive’ means that evil survives in this world for no reason and the good die young.”
Watch the music vdeo for "No Angels Alive" below, stream the track here.
Dampf are:
Martin Eriksson - vocals
Jona Tee - keyboard
Love Magnussen- guitar
Pontus Edberg - bass
David Wallin - drums
Olivia Thorn - backing vocals
Björn Åkesson - vocals
Sam Söderlindh - guitar
With over 50,000 albums sold, 700,000+ monthly Spotify listeners, and more than 100 million streams, American hard rock experts, Throw The Fight, have already developed impressive numbers throughout their band history.
Three years after the release of their latest album, Settle Your Sins, the band marks their return with the upcoming full-length, Strangeworld, out June 30 via Long Branch Records. Produced by Josh Gilbert and Joseph McQueen (As I Lay Dying, Bad Wolves, Light The Torch, Upon A Burning Body), the record is a potent distillation of the strengths of their catalog and a huge step forward to the future.
Today, the band release their new single, "Obey", alongside a music video - marking the third track released off Strangeworld - following the singles "Cover Your Tracks" and "Hourglass".
Singer Kade Katz comments: "‘Obey‘ is about feeling like you are stagnating. It's the sense of being dissociated from life as it moves around you - the feeling of forced complacency.“
With a diehard audience earned the old-school way, and modern rock anthems suited for the digital age, Throw The Fight celebrates two decades of passion and perseverance. Mixing soaring melodicism and heavy bombast without ever sacrificing hooks, this Minnesota outfit was built to last.
Strangeworld will be released as LP Edition incl. transparent vinyl with blue streaks, CD Edition, Stream and Download. Exclusive T-Shirt+CD/LP Bundles are available for pre-order at the Long Branch Records Shop. Pre-order Strangeworld here:
Strangeworld tracklisting:
"Cover Your Tracks"
"Obey"
"Lost Without You"
"Sorry, Not Sorry"
"Hourglass"
"Shadow Self"
"Lost In The Lies"
"Snake Mountain"
"Wake Up!"
"Hourglass" video:
"Cover Your Tracks" video:
Throw The Fight are:
Kade Kastelitz - Vocals
Ryan Baustert - Guitar/Vocals
Kris Weiser - Guitar
Jeff Baustert - Drums
Greek black metal legends, Rotting Christ, have released an official anniversary video for "The Opposite Bank", featured on their 1996 album, Triarchy Of The Lost Lovers. Watch below.
Says the band: "Triarchy Of The Lost Lovers becomes 27 years today and we celebrate this by creating this little video for you. Hope you will enjoy."
Rotting Christ performed at at The Gramercy Theatre in New York, NY on March 10 as part of their Under Our Black Cult tour. The band have released a recap video, directed by Guilherme Henriques. Watch below:
In late 2022, Rotting Christ dropped a surprise EP, The Apocryphal Spells Vol. I, via Century Media Records. This first volume of songs is a collection of studio and live bonus tracks that were previously only available on select physical products; now, fans can stream these rarities for the first time online here.
Sakis Tolis (vocals, guitars) commented: "My dear friends, I can proudly announce a compilation of rare Rotting Christ tracks that have never been released on digital platforms before. We have now the opportunity to release them via the first part of a compilation: The Apocryphal Spells. Thanks for your attention, and I hope you will enjoy them, as we also did, recording them back in the days. Spirit Up!"
The Apocryphal Spells Vol. I tracklisting:
"Astral Embodiment"
"Moonlight"
"Phobia"
"Tormentor" (Kreator cover)
"Flag Of Hate/Pleasure to Kill" (Kreator cover)
Rotting Christ was founded by Sakis Tolis (vocals, guitars) and his brother Themis Tolis (drums) in 1987. Starting out as death/grind, the Greeks embarked on a darker musical journey by the time their debut full-length, Thy Mighty Contract (1993), was released.
On the following seven albums [spanning a ten-year period from Non Serviam (1994) to Sanctus Diavolos (2004)], Rotting Christ steadily defined their own distinct style by experimenting with elements from death, heavy, and gothic metal without betraying their black roots. At the same time, the band went from underground heroes to headliner status.
With their highly acclaimed ninth album, Theogonia (2007), the Greek stalwarts added an unmistakable native element to their sound, which has remained with them as a signature trademark ever since.
Today, multi-platinum rap rock band Hollywood Undead share the music video for “House Of Mirrors” featuring multi-genre sensation Jelly Roll. Available exclusively on the digital version of Hotel Kalifornia Deluxe, the song is a story of self-reflection and was co-written with Jelly Roll in a studio session last year.
"I’ve been a fan of Hollywood Undead for a long time — it was surreal to get to work with them,” shares Jelly Roll. “Everything just clicked in the studio that day the record is a perfect representation of where we all were at that point in our lives."
“‘House Of Mirrors’ is a song of self-reflection and redemption,” Hollywood Undead’s Johnny 3 Tears shares. “No matter how far you run you can’t escape the person staring back at you in the mirror. One day we all have to face ourselves… and hopefully we can look back and not have to look away at what we see.”
Hollywood Undead will release the deluxe version of their eighth studio album Hotel Kalifornia on April 28 in both digital and vinyl formats.
Hotel Kalifornia, originally released in 2022, represents “a juxtaposition between the ‘haves’ and the ’have-nots,’ highlighting the ongoing homelessness and cost of living crisis that is affecting the band’s home state of California.” Hotel Kalifornia saw placements on genre playlists such as Spotify’s Rock Hard, Hard Rock & Rock Rotation, Apple Music’s Breaking Hard Rock & New in Rock, and Top 40 placement at US Rock & Active Rock Radio with the standout single “City Of The Dead.”
Hollywood Undead will make several festival appearances, co-headline appearances with Papa Roach, and headline throughout the spring and summer worldwide with Bamboozle Festival, and international festivals including Rock Im Park, Rock Am Ring, Nova Rock, Hellfest, and more. Find tickets and tour info at hollywoodundead.com.
Tracklisting:
“CHOAS”
“World War Me”
“Ruin My Life”
“Hourglass”
“Go To War”
“Alone At The Top”
“Wild In These Streets”
“Dangerous”
“Lion Eyes”
“Trap God”
“Happy When I Die”
“Reclaim”
“City Of The Dead”
“Alright”
“Evil”
“Salvation”
“First Class Suicide”
“Ransom”
“Break On Through”
“House Of Mirrors” (feat. Jelly Roll) (Digital Deluxe only)
Progressive rock legends YES, who are Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, Billy Sherwood and Jay Schellen, will release their new studio album, "Mirror To The Sky", on May 19 via InsideOut Music/Sony Music. The official music video for the LP's second single, "All Connected", can be seen below.
Jon Davison comments: "I, along with my YES bandmates are excited to announce that the second single from our new album, 'Mirror To The Sky', is out now. It's entitled 'All Connected' and it's a longer piece, clocking in at a challenging nine minutes. Steve added a beautifully poignant instrumental steel part which starts the journey. This section emotionally builds and crescendos into a glorious lead way for the vocals to begin telling their story. Billy composed complex and compelling musical themes which I helped to arrange, and we both composed vocals and lyrics, each of us singing our respective parts, making for a rich vocal tapestry."
Billy Sherwood adds: "The initial idea came from a musical sketch I'd created using the idea of our 'connectivity' in regards to communications in the modern age. It's very exciting to know YES are maintaining that edge and energy we all know and love. This track is firing on all cylinders. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did creating it."
"Mirror To The Sky" will be available on several formats, all featuring artwork by longtime YES artist and collaborator Roger Dean:
* Limited deluxe electric blue 2LP+2CD+Blu-ray artbook with poster
* Limited deluxe 2cd+Blu-ray artbook
* Limited 2CD digipak
* Standard CD jewel case
* Gatefold 2LP+LP-booklet
* Digital album
The Blu-ray editions include the album as Dolby Atmos, 5.1 Surround Sound, instrumental versions and hi-res stereo mixes.
"This is a very important album for the band," says Steve Howe, YES's longest-serving member, master guitarist, and producer of "Mirror To The Sky". "We kept the continuity in the approach we established on [2021's] 'The Quest', but we haven't repeated ourselves. That was the main thing. As YES did in the '70s from one album to another, we're growing and moving forward. In later years, YES often got going but then didn't do the next thing. This album is demonstrative of us growing and building again." For YES, that "next thing" is a collection of high-energy, intricate, lush and layered new studio songs for an album which adds to the band's much-heralded legacy, while charting a path to exciting future times ahead.
The track listing is as follows:
CD1:
01. Cut From The Stars 05:27
02. All Connected 09:02
03. Luminosity 09:04
04. Living Out Their Dream 04:45
05. Mirror To The Sky 13:53
06. Circles Of Time 04:59
CD2:
01. Unknown Place 08:15
02. One Second Is Enough 04:04
03. Magic Potion 04:08
As they were wrapping up "The Quest", YES found themselves with song sketches, structures, and ideas that were demanding attention. YES received unconditional support from InsideOut boss Thomas Waber, who encouraged them to keep going in the studio, months before "The Quest" would even be released. It was like throwing gasoline on their creative fire.
"When we delivered everything, and they were just getting the vinyl and everything into production for manufacturing, we were still very much in that creative zone," explains Steve Howe. "That belief that Thomas had in us really meant a lot," he says.
"We truly get along as people," says Jon Davison. "I feel like everyone's focused inward to the greater circle, concentric to the core of highest standards that define YES. It's a wonderful thing to witness and of which to play a part. I believe this reflects vibrantly in the music and the creative input that each one is willing to apply, not for the benefit of the individual, but for the greater whole that is YES."
"There was a lot of material floating around because the band hadn't done anything in the studio for so long. Ideas were just copious," says bassist Billy Sherwood. "The pace of it was fast. As soon as we were finished with 'The Quest', and the mix had come out, we took a couple of little breaks there to catch our breath. But there was still music flowing around in the loop. It was just constantly being looked at and worked on. As we were all home and in that mode, things started progressing quite swiftly. We just went one album into another without really announcing, ‘Hey, we're working on a second record right now.' We just continued to work on material. It came about pretty naturally, and then we refined it as the process went on. But the initial bursts — there was a lot of material around!"
Much to everyone's delight, including that of longtime fan Thomas Waber, YES have pushed into territory they practically invented — the prog rock epic — albeit in a thoroughly new and modern way.
"I always felt that it would be great to have stuff that's a little bit more epic," he says, although he resisted the temptation to push for something that would be too formatted and could come off as contrived. He just gave the band space to do what they do and let things develop. "They were so excited by 'The Quest' and the momentum they had that they went straight back into the studio. What they were writing, even early on, was obviously headed in that epic direction — what YES music really is to me. It is almost a genre onto itself. It is 'YES Music.' 'Mirror To The Sky' certainly is YES Music."
"Mirror To The Sky" features not one, but four tracks clocking in at over eight minutes, with the sweeping and cinematic title track coming in just shy of fourteen minutes. What's more, the tracks, like YES's best, take the listener on a wide dynamically ranging journey of soundscapes which also showcase Steve Howe's dazzling guitars, keyboard wizard Geoff Downes's impeccable sounds, exquisite melodies and fills, Jon Davison's angelic, crystalline vocals, Billy Sherwood's deftly dancing bass and Jay Schellen's masterfully controlled explosions on drums.
Schellen, who has been touring with the band since 2016, was hand-picked to step into his mentor and friend Alan White's role when White sadly passed away in 2022.
"I had done the 2016 'Topographic Drama' tour on my own for Alan," says Jay. "From late 2017 onwards, we had a partnership, and a beautiful partnership, I might add. I learned so much, and discovered so much about Alan's style, and why it was the way it was. It fit his personality so perfectly. This album has Alan's presence all over it. It is inside of us. So this is still, in my heart, Alan just being present and with us, and with me, in a big way."
The heavy metal 'n' roll, dark, madcap visionaries collectively known as Avatar - vocalist Johannes Eckerström, guitarists Jonas Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström, bassist Henrik Sandelin, and drummer John Alfredsson - released their magnum opus and ninth album, Dance Devil Dance, back in February via Black Waltz Records, distributed by Thirty Tigers. Order the album here.
Today, they have shared the animated hybrid video for "Chimp Mosh Pit."
"Choosing what songs to make videos out of from Dance Devil Dance was harder than ever, with some very strong candidates," says Eckerström. "Having battle tested 'Chimp Mosh Pit' on stage over and over makes me feel we made a very good choice. It's a fun ride. I like how it leans into the good rock 'n' roll times we like to mix with the destructive energy of the metal stuff. It feels like we are the only band who could've made this video."
Dance Devil Dance artwork, tracklisting and videos below.
"Dance Devil Dance"
"Chimp Mosh Pit"
"Valley Of Disease"
"On The Beach"
"Do You Feel In Control"
"Gotta Wanna Riot"
"The Dirt I'm Buried In"
"Clouds Dipped In Chrome"
"Hazmat Suit"
"Train"
"Violence No Matter What" (Duet with Lzzy Hale)
"Violence No Matter What":
"The Dirt I'm Buried In" video:
"Valley Of Disease" lyric video:
Avatar will return to the road this spring on a headline tour that kicks off April 28 in Omaha and runs through May 28 in Pittsburgh. Veil Of Maya and Orbit Culture will support. All dates are below.
April
28 - Omaha, NE - The Admiral
29 - Denver, CO - Ogden
30 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot
May
1 - Boise, ID - Revolution
3 - San Diego. CA - Observatory
4 - Los Angeles, CA - Belasco
5 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
6 - Las Vegas, NV - House Of Blues
7 - Phoenix, AZ - Van Buren
9 - Austin, TX - Emo's
10 - Dallas, TX - The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
12 - Minneapolis, MN - Skyway Theater
13 - Green Bay, WI - Epic Events Center
14 - Moline, IL - The Rust Belt
15 - Chicago, IL - House Of Blues
16 - Detroit, MI - Royal Oak Theatre
18 - Daytona Beach, FL - Welcome To Rockville
19 - St. Petersburg, FL - Jannus Live
20 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theater
21 - Lexington, KY - Manchester Music Hall
23 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
24 - Boston, MA - Paradise
25 - Silver Springs, MD - The Fillmore
26 - Philadelphia, PA - TLA
27 - Columbus, OH - Sonic Temple
28 - Pittsburgh, PA - Roxian Theater
Frontiers Music Srl recently announced the upcoming release of Swedish hard rock/traditional metal worshippers Vypera's second album, Race Of Time. Today, the band release a video for the new single, "Riding On The Wind", which can be viewed below.
Vypera, consisting of lead singer Andreas Wallström, guitarists Christoffer Thelin and Cederick Forsberg, bassist Andreas Andersson, and drummer Johan Pettersson, are hard rockers to the core. Emerging from the fruitful Swedish rock and metal scene, they are yet another high quality musical offering from, arguably, the new center of the rock n' roll universe. Their debut album, 2022's Eat Your Heart Out, was a headbanging, fist-raising salute to the great '80s metal/hard rock scene whose musical altar the band worships at.
Vypera, originally known as Madhouse, formed in Sandviken, Sweden in 2016 and soon set out on crafting original material to reflect the rock 'n roll and metal spirit that burned within the band. They began writing music that they felt traveled on the same good ol' road where their influences like Rainbow, Icon, King Kobra, London, Triumph, W.A.S.P., and the like had originally started. Their musical signature is that aforementioned classic hard rock/metal style played with immense pride... and joy.
"Hey You"
"Riding On The Wind"
"Mary Jane"
"Stormwind"
"Vicious"
"No Place For A Dreamer"
"Trying Hard To Run Away"
"Fool's Game"
"Speedin'"
"Daytona"
"Slave To Love"
"Riding On The Wind" video:
"Hey You" video:
Lineup:
Andreas Wallström - Vocals
Christoffer Thelin - Guitars
Cederick Forsberg - Lead Guitars
Andreas Andersson - Bass
Johan Pettersson - Drums
German symphonic metal band, Xandria, recently released their new studio album, The Wonders Still Awaiting. Today, the band share the official singthrough video for the single, “My Curse Is My Redemption”. Watch below:
"Two Worlds"
"Reborn"
"You Will Never Be Our God" (feat. Ralf Scheepers)
"The Wonders Still Awaiting"
"Ghosts"
"Your Stories I'll Remember"
"My Curse Is My Redemption"
"Illusion Is Their Name"
"Paradise"
"Mirror Of Time"
"Scars"
"The Maiden And The Child"
"Astèria"
“My Curse Is My Redemption” lyric video:
“Two Worlds” video:
"The Wonders Still Awaiting" video:
"Ghosts" video:
"You Will Never Be Our God" video:
"Reborn" video:
Xandria are out on a European tour with symphonic metal greats, Delain. Compelling the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, France and Germany in April and May, this package promises an unforgettable experience!
Xandria lineup:
Ambre Vourvahis - Vocals
Marco Heubaum - Guitar
Robert Klawonn - Guitar
Tim Schwarz - Bass
Dimitrios Gatsios - Drums
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