Hall Aflame, the rock band which features Metal Church founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, will release their long-awaited sophomore album “Amplifire” on May 3, 2024 via Rat Pak Records. Originally formed in 1989, the band garnered commercial success with their debut album “Guaranteed Forever”, which was well received by fans and industry peers alike and quickly found themselves opening for ZZ Top on their 1991 “Recycler” tour for a number of dates. As with many bands from that era, facing a decline in interest for AOR rock due to the onslaught of the “grunge” scene, the band went on a lengthy hiatus and reunited again in late 2023 to begin working on a handful of songs.
Amplifier offers 12 new studio tracks and reunites Kurdt with original bassist Brian Smith, along with drummer Bill Raymond and front-man Scott Nutter. Regarding the album, Kurdt Vanderhoof comments, “This album came about as a project to document all the songs that we had written for the second album that never came to be. We revisited the songs and realized they had to be recorded properly. Then it blossomed into something much better than we had even hoped! So that led us into reforming the band instead of just having it be a project.”
Bassist Brian Smith adds, “I think anyone that is a fan of “Guaranteed Forever” will see this record as a new and improved “Part II” of Hall Aflame. Great songs, great production and we had a ton of fun putting this together!” Scott Nutter adds, “A good hard rock album should lift you, make you want to sing along and rock out! That’s what this album does for me!”
From the driving album opener “Helltown” to the powerhouse outro track “Keeping Them All Away”, Hall Aflame shines with their signature brand of rock-n-roll. Tracks like “Ripcord”, “In The Same Gutter”, “It Ain’t Enough” and “Gunnin’” are filled with memorable hooks and melodies, while songs like “Pullin Me Apart” and “1974” showcase their unique, classic rock songwriting abilities. With influences that range from Bad Company to Thin Lizzy, “Amplifire” is best described as the perfect blend of classic rock with a modern-day edge!
Track listing: 01 Helltown 02 Ripcord 03 1974 04 This Ain’t Love 05 The Same Gutter 06 It Ain’t Enough 07 Gunnin’ 08 Pullin’ Me Apart 09 Long Way Down 10 Keeping Them All Away 11 Cowboy (bonus track) [CD & Digital] 12 Paradise on Ice (bonus track) [CD & Digital]
Legendary UK metal giants Orange Goblin are back with details of their long awaited new studio album Science, Not Fiction. Set for release on July 19th, Science, Not Fiction will be the band’s first release on the iconic Peaceville label (Darkthrone, Autopsy, Candlemass).
To accompany the announcement, the band have shared their new single “(Not) Rocket Science” – a matter of fact observation on the human tendency to over-complicate life – alongside a swirling animated lyric video by Matthew Vickerstaff (https://www.instagram.com/matthew_vickerstaff)
Speaking on the track, frontman and lyricist Ben Ward says “It’s basically saying that life can be pretty simple and straightforward if you just stop wasting your time and make each day count. Be prepared to work hard, don’t expect any hand outs and basically enjoy yourself along the way.When Chris came up with the music he said it needed something that could be delivered in a Bon Scott / Lemmy style and I think it came out really well”.
Science, Not Fiction was recorded at Woodworm Studios UK in late 2023, with production and mixing duties carried out by Grammy winning producer Mike Exeter (most notable for his work with Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Tony Iommi) and mastering conducted by the esteemed Peter Hewitt-Dutton at The Bakery in LA.
From the explosive death-boogie of opener “The Fire At The Centre Of The Earth Is Mine” onwards, the band’s tenth album crackles with energy and belligerence. Following the departure of long serving bassist MartynMillard in 2020, Orange Goblin welcomed close friend Harry Armstrong (formerly Hangnail) into the fray, making Science, Not Fiction his first studio outing with the band.
With the new line-up fizzing with chemistry, the hard rocking likes of “(Not) Rocket Science”, “The Fury Of A Patient Man” and “The Justice Knife” breathe new life into some classic Orange Goblin tropes. Meanwhile, twisted prog-doom detours like “False Hope Diet” and “Cemetary Rats” take the Londoners into epic new territory, with everything from skull-shattering punk ‘n’ roll to transcendent space rock hurled into the swirling brew.
“It is a continuation of what we’ve been doing, and that’s because when we write, it’s a big mixing bowl of all of our influences and favourite artists, and we try and create the perfect band that we always wanted to hear,” Ben states. “This album, it’s just more accomplished and mature, I guess. None of us are spring chickens anymore and we’ve got ten albums under our belts now. I feel like we’re more professional in the recording studio, I feel like we’re better musicians and writers, and now with me looking after myself, I feel like my performance is better as well. It’s all moving in the right direction.”
For the last 30 years, Orange Goblin, London-based hard rock lifers, have tirelessly flown the flag for balls-out heavy metal and maximum rock ‘n’ roll. Driven by passion, persistence and heartfelt love for metal’s dark magic, Orange Goblin have always been a vital force and a risk-free bet. While some may be content to trade on past glories, Orange Goblin view heavy metal as a lifelong pursuit. In 2024, they open a new chapter in their heroic saga, marking it with the release of their tenth studio album: Science, Not Fiction.
“People have funny ideas about what heavy metal is. But to me, it’s an attitude, it’s a lifestyle, it’s not something you decide to dip into. You either are or you’re not. And it’s for life.” Ben Ward, Orange Goblin
Orange Goblin – Science, Not Fiction track-list:
The Fire At The Centre Of The Earth Is Mine
(Not) Rocket Science
Ascend The Negative
False Hope Diet
Cemetary Rats
The Fury Of A Patient Man
Gemini (Twins Of Evil)
The Justice Knife
End Of Transmission
Bonus track on CD Deluxe & LP: 10. Eye Of The Minotaur
Orange Goblin are: Ben Ward – vocals Joe Hoare – guitar Chris Turner – drums Harry Armstrong – bass
The band will be supporting the release of Science, Not Fiction with a full live campaign starting on April 6thwith a tour in April, of Japan, Australia and New Zealand, more shows and festivals are due to be announced very soon.
Staff contributor and photographer Tanis Enos has presented this exemplary concert photo gallery of Geoff Tate and his band; taken from the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia, on March 28, 2024.
See also below, the concert photo gallery of opening band Fire & Water. Click on any photo in this gallery to enlarge and enjoy!
May 17 — Gelsenkirchen, Germany @ Veltins Arena May 21 — Gelsenkirchen, Germany @ Veltins Arena May 25 — Reggio Emilia, Italy @ RCF Arena May 29 — Seville, Spain @ La Cartuja Stadium June 05 — Amsterdam, the Netherlands @ Johan Cruyff Arena June 09 — Munich, Germany @ Olympic Stadium June 12 — Munich, Germany @ Olympic Stadium June 16 — Dresden, German @ Messe June 23 — Vienna, Austria @ Ernst Happel Stadium June 26 — Vienna, Austria @ Ernst Happel Stadium June 29 — Zurich, Switzerland @ Letzigrund Stadium July 03 — London, England @ Wembley Stadium July 07 — London, England @ Wembley Stadium July 13 — Hockenheim, Germany @ Ring July 17 — Stuttgart, Germany @ Wasen July 21 — Bratislava, Slovakia @ Old Airport July 27 — Nuremberg, Germany @ Zeppelinfeld July 21 — Hannover, Germany @ Messe Aug. 09 — Dessel, Belgium @ Festivalpark Stenehei Aug. 13 — Paris, France @ Hippodrome Paris Longchamp Aug. 17 — Dublin, Ireland @ Croke Park
Who is ready for some big city nights in Las Vegas?!! Scorpions: Love at First Sting Las Vegas residency launches on April 11th at the Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, NV.
The brand new headlining residency show will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Love at First Sting album, performing the album plus all of the biggest hits from April 11th to May 3rd, 2024.
Join us for some Big City Nights – Sin City style! Get your tickets now at Ticketmaster.com
Thursday, April 11 Saturday, April 13 Thursday, April 18 Saturday, April 20 Wednesday, April 24 Friday, April 26 Sunday, April 28 Wednesday, May 1 Friday, May 3
LOVE AT FIRST STING TOUR – UK/Europe:
Rock Believers of UK and Europe, we are very excited to be coming your way! Following the Las Vegas residency we will be bringing the Love at First Sting Tour across the world continuing our celebration of this legendary album. Get your tickets now and we’ll see you this Summer!
Australian Hard Rockers Tarot have released “Leshy’sWarning,” the second single from forthcoming album, Glimpse of the Dawn. Check it out on the Cruz Del Sur Music YouTube Channel: youtu.be/2D-n14FZQAU
Glimpse of the Dawn, the band’s first album for Cruz Del Sur Music, will be released April 12 on CD, vinyl, and digital formats! The long-awaited sophomore album re-imagines heavy, Hammond B3 organ hard rock for a new generation!
Eight years have passed since Tarot’s first full-length, Reflections, to their new long-player, Glimpse of the Dawn. It was like a lifetime for the 1970s-rock-tinged Australians. The band embarked on its first-ever live shows after Reflections, essentially coming together as a unit while on stage.
Live activity then opened the door for increased collaboration between all members of the band. Now operating as a cohesive, free-flowing outfit, Tarot amassed a lively, spacious album in the form of Glimpse of the Dawn that earnestly pays tribute to their core influences of Uriah Heep, Rainbow and Deep Purple while blazing an identity of its own.
Glimpse of the Dawn was recorded across several studios in the band’s native Tasmania, starting with drum tracking by Joe Haley at Crawlspace Productions. From there, the band retreated to its own Heavy Chains Studio and Riff Cabin to complete tracking, yet it was the face-to-face sessions with Haley that gave the album its live and natural feel.
This approach, once an industry standard and now becoming a rarity, found Tarot simply cracking open a few beers, letting the tape roll and letting the results happen as they may. To that end, Tarot purposely left open spaces to allow for improvisation.
Photo Credit: Saint Bradshaw
Many of the album’s lead guitar sections were written on the fly in the studio and were subsequently kept, allowing forTarot to “catch lightning in a bottle.” This approach is perhaps best exemplified on the title track, which kicks off the album in grand fashion with rollicking Hammond keyboards and vocal trade-offs between founding member WillSpectre, guitarist FelixRussell and keyboardist Dave Harrington-George.
In fact, collaboration defines Glimpse of the Dawn. Whereas Spectre previously shouldered the songwriting load, the album features contributions from all members of Tarot. This communal, open vibe is yet another throwback to the bands Tarot has taken inspiration from.
The closeness of all five members allowed for a free exchange of ideas, thus sharpening every facet of the album. It helped further expand Tarot’s sound, which is often driven by the classic Hammond B3 organ, mellotron string and choir and various analog synths. The members of Tarotput an immense amount of thought into the interplay between Harrington-George’sparts and its guitar lines, ultimately producing an album with equal breadth and depth.
Glimpse of the Dawn is tailor-made for the live arena. Tarot already has plans to hit its Australian homeland and Europe throughout 2024, bringing its hard-rocking, anthemic songs to audiences deserving of a band that perfectly embodies the spirit of 1970s rock.
Single cover artwork • “Crack Cocaine“ (Written by Billy Morrison/ Ozzy Osbourne/Steve Stevens)
“The Morrison Project”OfficialAlbumrelease: April 19, 2024
Billy Morrison, the British guitarist, singer, and songwriter primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens, and for his previous role as bassist in The Cult, has assembled an electrifying 12 songs including guest performances by Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, DMC, Corey Taylor, Al Jourgensen, Steve Vai, Steve Stevens, Linda Perry, Tommy Clufetos, John5, and more!
I guess the way that your love makes me feel/Must mean I’m really addicted,” sings OZZY OSBOURNE on “Crack Cocaine”, the newly released track out on March 21st from BILLY MORRISON’s new solo album THE MORRISON PROJECT. This album is releasing on April 19th, via The Label Group’s partnership with TLG ZOID through Virgin Music Group.
Crack Cocaine” (04:01 min) Music video Premiere: March 21, 2024 YouTube Video by IVO RAZA
Official release on March 21, 2024 Label: TLG ZOID • Virgin Music
“Crack Cocaine” is the second single/video from THE MORRISON PROJECT and follows the single/video “Drowning”. Stream it HERE
This seismic collaboration also features STEVE STEVENS on guitar and was co-written by MORRISON, OSBOURNE, and STEVENS who all appear in the video with PARIS JACKSON playing the glamorous/romantic interest, with cameos from visual artist RISK and actor JEFF HILLIARD.
“Crack Cocaine” marks the first new song with OZZY on vocals since the 2022 release of his worldwide smash album Patient Number 9 which earned him two Grammy Awards (“Best Rock Album,” “Best Metal Performance”). “I was in the same room as Billy and Steve,” says OZZY about co-writing the song. “The lyrics just came out of the blue. It was written in about 20 minutes.”
BILLY MORRISON • 2024 📸 JaneStuartPhotos
BILLY, the British guitarist, singer and songwriter primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens, sheds more light on the song’s origins: “The music was a direct result of sitting in a room with Steve, both with de-tuned guitars, and writing what we felt was an ultimate Ozzy riff. From there, we brought Ozzy over and we all sat around working on the lyrics, but 90% of those came from Ozzy himself. He’s the one that suddenly stood up and sang “Like Crack Cocaine”! We looked at each other and knew we had the title!”
BILLY: “The song is 100% about how certain relationships can FEEL like an addiction. It’s nothing whatsoever to do with the drug! It’s a comparison. Ozzy is talking about being in that dysfunctional situation with a partner that feels so wrong, but you keep going back again and again. ‘Loving you is driving me insane. I put you down and pick you up again’ – it’s exactly like a drug addiction.”
Importantly, reveals STEVE, “First and foremost, Billy and I discussed what an Ozzy fan would really love to hear. We really zeroed in on the ‘90s-era Ozzy, the truly heavy stuff. We cast aside any rules both musically and lyrically. It was really a great team and Billy is just such a great motivator. Obviously as a guitarist, to contribute to an Ozzy song is like a kid in a candy store. He’s played with such an amazing array of guitarists that I tried my best to honor that tradition.”
Adds STEVE: “I think the fact that Billy and I have spent the better part of 16 years working together in Billy Idol means we are almost telepathic in how we arrange guitars, etc. Billy and Ozzy have such an amazing friendship that it was easy to feel inspired and want to help them achieve any idea I could assist with. As we worked in my home studio, I tried to make the actual recording process almost invisible. Forget any technical aspects and really have some fun. To Ozzy’s credit, he was totally focused; and man the first time I heard him sing in what was essentially my living room, fucking chills ran down my spine.”
Line-Up: Ozzy Osbourne • Vocals Billy Morrison • Rhythm guitar Steve Stevens • Lead guitar Tommy Clufetos • Drums
“Crack Cocaine” is the second single/video from THE MORRISON PROJECT and follows the single/video “Drowning”. Stream it HERE
💿 DISCOGRAPHY: 2008 • Stimulator • Full-length 2015 • The God Shaped Hole • Full-length 2024 • The Morrison Project • Full-length
Iconic heavy metallers ARMORED SAINT, who’ve been hard at work demoing tracks for their upcoming new full-length, will return to the stage later this month as direct support to Queensrÿche! The trek, which commences on March 27th in Anaheim, California, includes twelve ARMORED SAINT headlining shows scattered throughout.
Comments ARMORED SAINT bassist Joey Vera: We’re super stoked to be going back out on the road with our good friends Queensrÿche! We’ve done several tours in the past and we always have a great time being on the road with these great musicians and friends! We’re looking forward to playing some cities we’ve never played before and also, we’ll be playing some of these dates as headliners! We’ll be pulling out some deep cuts and playing an extended set so we hope to see you come out to all of these shows! We’ve been busy writing new music so keep your ears peeled in the near future for some new SAINT! Until then, we’ll see you up front!”
Tickets are on sale now with VIP upgrades available at THIS LOCATION. See all confirmed dates below.
ARMORED SAINT’s most recent studio album, Punching The Sky, was released in 2020. The critically lauded full-length hit worldwide record charts including #4 on Billboard’s Current Hard Music Albums chart, #6 on the Top New Artists chart, #16 on the Top Independent Albums chart, and #17 on the Current Rock Albums chart upon its first week of release.
We’re thrilled to announce an exclusive run of U.S. Tour dates kicking off in New York City on June 6th at Racket NYC. We’ll be hitting some of our favourite cities and venues across the country.
We’re going to give you a taste of some of our new music and will be releasing a single in support of the tour. So you’ll be hearing some new stuff as well as your favourites at these shows.
Keeping it in the family, John, Doug, David, and Michael look forward to welcoming heavy hitting Tommy Clufetos (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath) back to the line-up.
“We’re looking FORWARD to seeing all of our incredibly supportive friends, fans, and family out on the road, right here in the “Good Old U.S. of A” kicking off June 6th… Thank you, we love you!!!” – John Corabi
June 2024 U.S. Tour:
06 Racket NYC New York, NY 08 The Landis Theater Vineland, NJ 09 Mickey’s Black Box Lititz, PA 11 The Machine Shop Flint, MI 12 The Arcada Theatre St. Charles, IL US 14 The King Of Clubs Columbus, OH 15 Blue Note Harrison, OH 16 The Basement East Nashville, TN 19 House Of Blues San Diego, CA 20 Whiskey a Go Go Los Angeles, CA 22 Goldfield Trading Post Roseville, CA
Two big names of the 80s teamed up and took the Music City by its cowboy boots. Adrian Vandenberg, and Geoff Tate played the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville Tennessee on March 5th, to a very rock n roll hungry crowd.
Adrian’s band, properly named Vandenberg, took the stage first. The screams of excitement started right when the first member hit the stage. Vandenberg opened with “Hit the Ground Running” off their newest album, Sin, released in 2023. Not only was the album well received by fans all over the world but the song they did play was the perfect way to open the show. A few days prior to this show Adrian took to his social media accounts to express how much he enjoys having so many Whitesnake songs in the set as it was 12 years of his career. Vandenberg played 7 Whitesnake songs out of an 11 song set and the crowd devoured every song.
Vandenberg’s current lead singer, Mats Levén, has quite the resume, including working with Yngwie Malmsteen and touring with Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Levén has a very seductive voice that pairs very well with the overall sex appeal of almost every Whitesnake song. He stays nicely in a lower register which is perfect for songs like “Sailing Ships,” but when he needs to hit the high notes, like in “Still of the Night,” he hits them spot on. Ears perk up and bras come off. (Not literally but it wouldn’t be surprising). Adrian even stated he had vocal cords of steel.
Adrian started Vandenberg when he was around 27 years young, watching him play on stage 43 years later he is still that lively young man who stole hearts with the power of his guitar in the 80s. Whether you understand how to play or not there is no questioning Adrian’s abilities. Every guitarist says they always have more to learn but watching and listening to him play it’s easy to say that every young guitarist could learn a lot from him.
The rhythm sections is currently made up of Randy Van derElsen on bass and Joey Marin on drums. 10 out of 10 and absolutely solid pair. Van der Elsen absolutely tears up the bass and his facial expressions show that he’s not just playing the notes but feeling the music as he goes. Marin destroys the drums with such speed yet such grace and happily holds up the thunderous sounds of Vandenberg and Whitesnake. Last but certainly not least, Len Van de Laak adds those finishing touches on the keyboard.
Vandenberg had a very good mix of high and low energy songs transitioning from the intensity of Vandenberg’s “Freight Train” to the slightly more subdued sound of Whitesnake’s “Sailing Ships.” The most intimate moment of their whole show was during “Here I go Again.” As the band began their final song every fan in the audience knew their role.
Levén let the crowd have their moment singing the chorus back at him, and even had the crowd repeat it back to him one extra time. Needless to say, Vandenberg set the crowd on fire and prepared them for who was to take the stage next.
Geoff Tate and his band closed out the night. The second the lights went out, the crowd was on their feet trying to get as close to the stage as a seated venue would allow. They opened the show with “Empire,” the title track off Queensryche’s fourth studio album. Tate and his band treated fans to at least one song off of six different Queensryche albums including Operation: Mindcrime, Rage for Order, and Promised Land.
Very little has changed with Tate’s vocal range since the release of the self titled EP Queensryche in 1983. Every vocalist who has been doing this for as long as he has should be aware of what notes they can and can’t hit. Tate smoothly transitioned over pieces that he may have felt weren’t going to come out like the album, but also added a little spice to those high notes he knew he could hold.
Sound is definitely very important when putting on a good show for obvious reasons but so is having good chemistry between band mates. The best way to describe the relationship between Tate and his band is a loving and encouraging father and his 6 sons. Tate has put together a nice blend of young international rockstars.
Tate had up to 4 guitarists raising hell behind him, including James Brown (Ireland), Dario Parente (Italy), AmauryAltmayer (France), and Cillian Plummer (Ireland). The fun didn’t stop with the guitarists. The fiery rhythm section was made up of Jack Ross (Scotland) on bass and Danny Laverde on Drums. As a group they play like they are the original line up of Queensryche!
Fans sang along to every song never missing a beat and it fed the energy of everyone on stage. Tate even conducted the crowd during “Operation: Mindcrime.” After singing “Screaming in Digital,” Tate explained how he loves singing that song because of how accurate it is in this day and age with AI and all the new technology that has come along since the song was released.
Tate is not only a wonderful musician but there is something oddly satisfying about his story telling. Right before going into “Silent Lucidity,” he tells a silly story of being recognized at a gas station but not for being Geoff Tate! As the show comes close to the end Tate asks what everyone would like to hear as the last song. Unanimously the crowd screams for “Queen of the Reich” and honestly it was the perfect way to close out the show.
Tate and Vandenberg came together to remind the crowd of what fun the 80s were or for those of us not alive then, to give us a little taste of what it was like. – Tanis Enos
March 6, 2024 – Baroness and Red Fang have announced five special co-headlining performances this May, bringing back-to-back sets from two of heavy music’s most beloved bands, for the first time ever.
“It will be great to get out and play some shows with our old friends in Red Fang,” Baroness collectively shared. “Surprisingly, we’ve never properly toured together, so we’re all excited to bring these shows to you this spring. Furthermore, it will be great to have another opportunity to support and perform songs from our latest record, STONE, with you!”
Red Fang’s Bryan Giles adds: “We’re stoked to be paying shows with Baroness this Spring! I’m pretty sure these shows are gonna go off!”
Baroness/Red Fang tour dates:
May 13 Winston Salem, NC The Ramkat May 14 Norfolk, VA Elevation 27 May 15 Baltimore, MD Ram’s Head Live May 16 Asbury Park, NJ The Stone Pony May 18 Harrisburg, PA HMAC
Tickets for the newly announced, non-festival dates are on-sale this Friday at 10 am local time. Ticketing links can be found on: YourBaroness.com.
Baroness – photo credit: Ebru Yildiz
About Baroness:
Founded in 2003, Baroness is John Baizley (vocals/guitar), Gina Gleason (guitar), Nick Jost (bass) and Sebastian Thomson (drums). The Philadelphia-meets-Brooklyn foursome have released six full-length albums to date: STONE(2023), Gold & Grey (2019), Purple (2015), Yellow & Green(2012), Blue Record (2009), and the Red Album (2007).
Red Fang – photo credit: James Rexroad
About Red Fang:
Red Fang is Aaron Beam (bass/vocals/guitar/keyboards), Bryan Giles (guitar/vocals), John Sherman (drums) and David Sullivan (guitars). The Portland, Oregon-based band have released five studio albums: Arrows (2021), Only Ghosts(2016), Whales and Leeches(2013), Murder the Mountains(2011), and Red Fang (2009)
Get ready to dive into the electrifying world of The Million Watts Tour as it returns for its highly anticipated second leg. Headlined by the unstoppable Nonpoint with special guests Hed Pe and The Dropout Kings. This tour is promising an unforgettable live show experience for metal fans everywhere! Get your tickets now. https://bnds.us/8cm0a9
My birthday is on January 26th. I don’t usually make a big fuss about it here; although I did a couple of times some years ago. As always, my Best Metal Buddy aka Scott Coverdale bestowed upon me some fabulous birthday vinyl; just in time for my big day last month. Thank you, Scott!
I’d like to share a look below to see the gifts Scott sent my way. I am very grateful! A fun way to start off my Metal New Year! Metal be thy name! – Stone
* The Motörhead Bomber vinyl was sold as a package deal that included a hand numbered (to 500) color photo of Lemmy Kilmister (circa 1970s). I didn’t post the photo due to copyrights.
* The late/iconic Eddie Van Halen was also born on January 26.
The time has come to enter the next chapter in the CRASHDÏET book of madness. After much soul-searching, Gabriel has decided to leave the band to focus on other things in life.
We are shaken by his decision, but we respectfully wish him all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for the years he worked with us and his contribution to the last two studio albums.
Taking over the vocal duties will be none other than John Elliot. A good friend and excellent singer from the band Confess! He has the drive and the hunger to lead us into a promising future.
We also welcome Martin’s brother, Michael, as the band’s permanent drummer! He has stepped in for Eric on countless shows since 2011 and is a natural fit for us. Now that Peter is back and full of energy, we can proudly announce the lineup of CRASHDÏET in 2024:
John Elliot Martin Sweet Peter London Michael Sweet
First Single “Silent Winter” Out Now + Music Video — Watch HERE
2024 launches with a bang thanks to the announcement of ‘The Quantum Phase’, the highly anticipated new record from supergroup THE END MACHINE. The announcement signals a notable change in personnel as well. Singer Robert Mason has officially parted ways with the group, paving the way for GirishPradhan, the rising superstar vocalist known for his work under the moniker Girish And The Chronicles and, more recently, with Joel Hoekstra’s 13.
The addition of Girish Pradhan to the band is a testament to the keen discernment of SerafinoPerugino, president, and founder of Frontiers Records. Perugino, who serves as the executive producer for THE END MACHINE, recognized the incredible talent and potential in Pradhan and brought him to the attention of the band.
To herald this fantastic change and new album, THE END MACHINE shares their first single off of ‘The Quantum Phase,’ entitled “Silent Winter.” The track is accompanied by a new music video.
Jeff Pilson comments on the new track: “‘Silent Winter’ is a song about the bleak prospects for humanity if we keep on our current trajectory. ‘Quantum Phase’ – the album – deals with what we must do to change course.”
Check Out the Music Video for “Silent Winter” HERE.
Established in 2018, THE END MACHINE released their eponymous debut album, ‘The End Machine,’ in 2019 bringing early acclaim for not only contemporary production and a modern attitude, but also their perfectly crafted songs, paying homage to their roots and the music that they love. This attitude and talent was equally on display with their 2021 sophomore album, ‘Phase2’.
In delivering 2024’s ‘The Quantum Phase,’ THE END MACHINE has not only surpassed expectations but has penned the record of their lives! With each note and lyric, they have exceeded their own artistic aspirations, collectively crafting the album they always wished they had written. This monumental work stands as a testament to THE END MACHINE’s evolution, showcasing not only their musical prowess but also their unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of their creative expression.
Band Members: George Lynch Girish Pradhan Steve Brown Jeff Pilson
Track-list:
1) Black Hole Extinction 2) Silent Winter 3) Killer of the Night 4) Hell or High Water 5) Stand Up 6) Burning Man 7) Shattered Glass Heart 8) Time 9) Hunted 10) Stranger in the Mirror 11) Into the Blazing Sun
Produced By: Jeff Pilson for Pilsound Music Inc Studio: Pilsound Studios, Santa Clarita CA Recorded By: Jeff Pilson and Girish Pradhan, additional engineering: Olivia Pilson Mixed By: Alessandro Del Vecchio Mastered By: Alessandro Del Vecchio
Following previously-released, new tracks “Root Of All Evil” and “Boogeyman Boogie”, today, Sweden’s MISTER MISERY are presenting their latest single “Hand Of Death”!
“Hand Of Death talks about how hard it can be to just get through the day sometimes.” The band comments. “It’s a reflection of what many of us feel quite often in life and how bad your thoughts can get when you suffer inside without talking about it to anyone.”
MISTER MISERY is an innovative, modern and ground-breaking metal band from Sweden. Blending clean and gritty vocals along with high-voltage riffs and anthemic choruses, they have developed a unique sound and style, and one that captures the essence of all the sub-genres in modern heavy music.
Since forming back in 2018, MISTER MISERY have released two critically acclaimed studio albums (Unalive and A Brighter Side Of Death) and several highly praised and top-playlisted singles to date. Paired with an obscene and theatrical appearance, they create an experience that speaks to all senses.
MISTER MISERY has become a force that crushes stages on the biggest festival the scene has to offer, such as Wacken Open Air, Master of Rock, Full Metal Cruise, Hills Of Rock to name just a few. MISTER MISERY has played as support of some of the most prestigious bands in metal, such as Nightwish and Dream Theater in front of over 15.000 people. One thing is for certain: They will leave NO survivors!
The band is currently gearing up for an exciting, new chapter of their career, and has just recently joined forces with AFM Records, who will proudly release their forthcoming album in 2024!
MISTER MISERY: Harley Vendetta – Vocals/Guitar Alex Nine – Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals Rizzy – Drums/Backup Vocals Alex Alister – Bass/Backup Vocals
MINISTRY’S ROY MAYORGA AND WE ARE THE ASTEROID’S GARY CHESTER CONTRIBUTE TO THE RECORD
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An album so magical, I helped create it without knowing it was happening. It’s definitely the weirdest album I’ve ever been a part of.” – Steven McDonald
Feb. 6, 2024, LOS ANGELES – The Melvins latest opus, Tarantula Heart (April 19, Ipecac Recordings), is quite possibly the band’s most unconventional, catchiest and imaginative work yet, continuing a legacy celebrated for its eccentric and extraordinary output.
A preview of the five-song, 39-minute collection arrives with the release of “Working The Ditch” (https://themelvins.lnk.to/wtd), and the accompanying Jesse Nieminen-created video. Nieminen previously directed the band’s short film, “A Walk With Love and Death.”
“The way we approached Tarantula Heart was different than any other Melvins’ album,” explains Buzz Osborne. “I had Dale and Roy Mayorga come in and play along with Steven and I to some riffs, then I took those sessions and figured out what parts would work and wrote new music to fit. This isn’t a studio approach we’ve ever taken. Usually we have the songs written BEFORE we start recording!”
“The majority of Tarantula Heart has dual drum parts,” adds long-time Melvins drummer Dale Crover. “Roy is an amazing drummer. We would discuss what we would do pattern wise, then we’d just go for it. Improvising riffs and trading off on drum fills.”
Tarantula Heart cover, artwork by Mackie Osborne
Tarantula Heart track list:
Pain Equals Funny
Working the Ditch
She’s Got Weird Arms
Allergic to Food
Smiler
In actuality nothing appeared out of thin air. Buzz spent hours and hours with the drum tracks by himself writing songs to what he was hearing drum wise. “When the rest of the band heard these songs I’d created from the sessions, they were blown away,” Buzz shares. “These were fully developed new songs that they’d never heard before that had seemingly appeared out of thin air. Presto!”
Recorded, mixed and co-produced by longtime Melvins’ collaborator Toshi Kasai, the album also features We Are The Asteroid guitar player Gary Chester. Gary and the Melvins’ history goes back to their days on Boner Records, with the guitar player formerly having been a part of the legendary band, Ed Hall.
Tarantula Heart pre-orders (https://themelvins.lnk.to/tarantula) are available now, with the album available on a trio of vinyl variants (black, indie exclusive Silver Streak and Ipecac Recordings’ 25th Anniversary Puke Green), featuring a 12-page booklet, as well as on CD and digitally.
Next month sees the Melvins head overseas, playing in Japan for the first time since 2019 following a stint where they join current labelmates, Mr. Bungle, for a trek across Australia and New Zealand. Buzz and Bungle bass player Trevor Dunn team up later this year for the “King Dunn Tour,” a 45-date excursion that sees the pair play songs from the King Buzzo releases: This Machine Kills Artists and Gift of Sacrifice. The full list of dates can be found via Ipecac.com/tours.
Melvins tour dates:
March 3 Auckland, NZ Auckland Town Hall March 6 Melbourne, AUS Festival Hall March 7 Adelaide, AUS Hindley Street Music Hall March 9 Sydney, AUS Hordern Pavilion March 10 Brisbane, AUS Fortitude Music Hall March 12 Perth, AUS Metro City March 17 Osaka, JP Music Club Janus March 19 Tokyo, JP Shibuya WWW X March 20 Tokyo, JP Shibuya WWW X
Indomitable Australian rockers The Neptune Power Federation have released the official video for “Lock & Key,” the second single from their forthcoming sixth album, Goodnight My Children.
This new album is a collection of feverish nighttime stories set to uproarious pure rock with a pop twist! Cruz Del Sur Music will release the album in the United States and Canada on April 5 (European release date is March 8).
Pure Australian rock glory meets the Sunset Strip on Goodnight My Children!
Love songs were on the mind of Australian psychedelic rock and roll brigade The Neptune Power Federation for their 2021 full-length, Le Demon De L’Amour. The album was the raucous re-imagination of a bygone era filtered through the lens of a band unafraid to blur genres. Fast-forward three years and children’s stories are on the brain for The Neptune Power Federation; with a decidedly early 1980s American sound on Goodnight My Children.
This new album finds The Neptune Power Federation leaning into the poppier side of their sound (think the Sunset Strip merging with late 1970s radio rock). The album’s eight cuts bang and mash with pure rock fervor, complete with roaring guitar solos and the always-memorable, convincing, enticing and mesmerizing “The Imperial Priestess,” otherwise known as Screamin’ Loz Sutch, on lead vocals.
Indeed, Goodnight My Children may be Sutch’s finest vocal performance to date. The recording process (which took place at bass player JayTanic Ritual’s The Pet Food Factory in Marrickville, Sydney, with mixing duties handled by Mo Mayhem), involved Sutch doing huge banks of layered backing vocals that followed her peculiar and idiosyncratic sensibilities. The sessions were organic and intuitive, allowing Sutch to expand upon the classic pop structures of the eight songs.
Sutch’s spellbinding vocal performance lent perfectly to the theme of Goodnight My Children, which symbolizes a collection of nighttime stories that, no matter how horrifying, leave the listener in the caring embrace of Sutch, the Imperial Priestess. And, as an added bonus, fans will be treated to an illustrated book of fairy tales that will accompany the release.
2024 will find The Neptune Power Federation making its long-awaited return to European shores for a round of tour dates. With the band approaching 15 years as a unit, milestones like a sixth studio album and international acclaim are not taken lightly by the band. While its origins as a casual studio project were simple, the emergence of Sutch and the notoriety for their sweaty, bombastic live shows has turned The Neptune Power Federation into a rock and roll cult that is impossible to ignore.
LISTEN TO NEW SONG: “THE POST-ATOMIC HORROR” – U.S./CANADIAN TOUR ANNOUNCED
Jan. 23, 2024 – Zombi, the electro-prog duo featuring Steve Moore and AE Paterra that Pitchfork described as evoking “the murky synth ambience of the 1970s while also infusing their music with a decidedly modern aura,” and Decibel dubbed “exceptional,” return with their eagerly-awaited new album, Direct Inject (March 22, Relapse Records).
A preview of the nine-song collection is available now, with the track “The Post-Atomic Horror” (https://orcd.co/zombi-directinject) streaming now. “’The Post-Atomic Horror’ is a very fun song for us to play,” says Paterra. “No trappings from our machines, just bass and drums, as stripped down as we can be. Definitely one for us to lean into on stage – a few minutes of riffs and wide open drums.”
Direct Inject, which was self-produced by Moore and Paterra, also features guest percussionist Jeff Gretz (Zao/From Autumn To Ashes), and guitar player Phil Manley (Trans Am).
Photo credit: Shawn Brackbill
“In 2022, after our tour with The Sword, we posted up in our friend’s studio in Clearfield, PA for a week of diner breakfasts and gas station BBQ,” shares Moore. “We would record every day and improvise until we found ideas we liked. We then took these ideas back home to Albany and Chicago to give them structure. A few months later, after our tour with Om, AEP went back to Clearfield to record final drum tracks. Everything else was recorded at my home studio. The only exceptions are ‘Sessuale I’ and “Sessuale II,” which were both written in the early ‘00s but never officially released.”
Zombi has simultaneously announced their first tour dates in support of Direct Inject, with a U.S./Canadian trek coming this April. Tickets are on-sale this Friday at 10 am local time. Overcalc opens on all dates.
Zombi – tour dates:
April 4 Louisville, KY Whirling Tiger April 5 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern April 6 Detroit, MI Sanctuary Detroit April 7 Toronto, ON The Velvet Underground April 8 Montreal, QC La Sotterenea April 9 Boston, MA The Middle East Upstairs April 10 Brooklyn, NY Saint Vitus April 11 Philadelphia, PA Underground Arts April 12 Baltimore, MD Metro Gallery April 13 Pittsburgh, PA Certain Death II
Zombi is Steve Moore (synth/bass/guitar) and AE Paterra (drums/percussion/electronics). Formed in 2001, the Pittsburgh-founded, instrumental duo have released seven full-length albums.
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