I went to see the mighty and legendary Queensrÿche back on April 6th of this year in Columbus Ohio at the Newport Music Hall. Man, what a show!! The place was jam packed with with a legion of fans! My wife and 2 good friends went with me, making for a good times night of memories.
I’ll add that the one song that made the crowd go absolutely bananas was their classic Jet CityWoman. I was thrilled. The band even played my all-time favorite of theirs: Queen of the Reich. This was my third time seeing Queensrÿche, dating back to the late 80’s. This era of the band I’m just as proud of as any. I hope you enjoy the photos I took, I tried my best not being up close as I’d like to have been.
Trauma was the opening band. Plus the great Marty Friedman and his band opened as well!! Metal be thy name! – Stone
Michael WiltonTodd La TorreL: Mike Stone R: Michael WiltonMike StoneTodd La TorreL: Mike Stone R: Michael Wilton Mike StoneOpening band: TraumaL: Mike Stone & R: Michael WiltonMarty FriedmanMarty FriedmanMarqueeNewport Music Hall – Columbus Ohio
The melodic metal band Justice Theory from Finland releases a new song “Fireborn“. 2012 founded thrash metal band has evolved towards a more melodic sound.
Guitar player and vocalist Valtteri Saharinen backgrounds the single: “‘Fireborn’ is an anthem for all individuals who have been oppressed or pulled down by nonbelievers. They want You to believe that You are nothing and all Your attempts to succeed in Life Will ultimately fail. That’s not true…
I wanted to tell You By this Song that no matter what They say it’s YOU in The end WHO decides what You can achieve in Your Life. No One can tame The Flame inside You – that makes You Fireborn.”
SINGLE U.S. PERFORMANCE SEES THE BAND EXPLORE THEIR POST-PUNK ORIGINS WITH A SETLIST THAT SPANS THE THREE INCARNATIONS OF THE SEMINAL BAND
Aug. 14, 2023 – Death Cult returns. The storied post-punk progenitor to The Cult returns for a sole U.S. performance on Oct. 23 at The Theatre at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles.
The evening, while centered around Death Cult and their eponymous EPs, will boast a setlist that spans the three phases of the band, from Southern Death Cult, to Death Cult, and The Cult’s first two albums: Dreamtime (1984) and Love (1985).
Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy follow the Los Angeles outing with a U.K. trek featuring the same, remarkable celebration of The Cult’s origins:
October 23 Los Angeles, CA The Theatre at The Ace Hotel November 6 Belfast, UK Telegraph November 7 Dublin, IE 3Olympia November 9 Sheffield, UK Foundry November 10 Liverpool, UK Guild of Students November 12 Glasgow, UK Barrowland November 13 Nottingham, UK Rock City November 14 Birmingham, UK O2 Institute November 16 Bournemouth, UK O2 Academy November 17 Norwich, UK UEA November 18 Manchester, UK Albert Hall November 20 London, UK Brixton Electric November 21 London, UK Brixton Electric
Tickets for all dates are on-sale this Friday, Aug. 18 at 10 am local time. Check for local pre-sale options.
Southern Death Cult formed in 1981, releasing their sole, self-titled album posthumously in 1983. That same year, Death Cult formed, with Astbury joining forces with Duffy for a musical partnership that has endured for 40-plus years. The band released two 12-inches that same year, one being the Death Cult EP, which were subsequently combined and released as a CD. Death Cult is a vital transmission from the generation of Shamanic post-punk gothic futurists.
Death Cult became The Cult in 1984. Releasing Dreamtime that same year and going on to experience a career that has seen the release of 11 full-length albums, as well as numerous international and U.S. gold and platinum certifications.
The band previously announced a series of traditional performances, spanning The Cult’s discography:
October 5 Sacramento, CA Aftershock Festival October 6 Reno, NV Grand Sierra Resort & Casino – Grand Theatre * October 8 Eugene, OR Hult Center for the Performing Arts – Soreng Theatre * October 11 Spokane, WA Northern Quest Resort & Casino October 12 Boise, ID Revolution Concert House * October 14 Shelton, WA Little Creek Casino Resort – Skookum Event Center October 15 Portland, OR Roseland Theatre * October 17 Saratoga, CA The Mountain Winery October 19 San Diego, CA Humphreys Concerts by the Bay * October 20 San Diego, CA Humphreys Concerts by the Bay * October 21 Rancho Mirage, CA Aqua Caliente Rancho Mirage – The Show October 26 Chandler, AZ Gila River Hotels & Casino – The Showroom at Wild Horse Pass October 27 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl * October 28 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl *
I’m so exceedingly exhausted of the thousands of lists I see on social media ranking who the greatest guitarists of all-time are. I won’t name the very popular publication that “ranked” Brian May as #1 aka “the greatest ever”. That ranking alone was enough for me to vomit and luckily I didn’t. My point is these clickbait lists are completely biased, whether compiled by a single person or group of people.
I’m not saying Brian May is a terrible guitarist; in fact he would probably be in mypersonal list of 100 greatest guitarists somewhere. Just not at #1 for the love of God. The only good that these lists generate are debate and discussion, I suppose many would say. End of my opinion. To conclude, without posting a nonessential list, the guitarist that is my #1 all-time is Jimi Hendrix and that resonates more historical than picking Brian May.
Guitar legend George Lynch will release his sophomore instrumental album “Guitars at TheEnd of the World” via Rat Pak Records on September 08, 2023, an album which features 10 all new studio tracks along with 3 new bonus tracks. The album is the highly anticipated follow up to his 2021 opus “Seamless”, which fans of the shred-master embraced with open arms. Guitars at The End of the World features pro drumming legend Curt “Kirkee B.” Bisquera, who has worked with such greats as Elton John, Mick Jagger and Tom Petty, and also features renowned bassist Tony Franklin, who is known for his work with The Firm, Jimmy Page and Kenny Wayne Sheperd. Also appearing is Lynch Mob drummer Jimmy D’Anda on the track “The Crucible”.
Regarding George’s approach to instrumental albums, the virtuoso states, “I always focus on creating guitar-driven music that delivers something outside the realm of what most people would expect, coming from a semi-redeemed 80’s hair shredder. I want my instrumental records to be challenging, but not exhausting; personal, without being belligerently self-indulgent, include a fair amount of guitar histrionics, and pay tribute to the masters without making it sound like I’m competing to be the end-all summation of all guitar legacies that preceded me. I also wanted the underlying music to be more than vehicles for solos, I want the compositions to stand on their own”, explains Lynch. Fueled with driving guitar tracks like “Psycho Beta” and “The Crucible”, to the haunting outro of album closer “Contraflow”, it is clear there is no slowing down George’s creativity and Guitars at The End of the World is sure to be a fan favorite!
TRACK LISTING:
The Knowing
Psycho Beta
The Crucible
The Passage
Borracho Boogie Delux
Shadow of the Needle
The Wolf
Serpentarium
The Ritual
Contraflow BONUS TRACKS (CD & Digital versions only)
An all-new King Kobra with We Are Warriors, the band’s hard-hitting 7th studio album. KK founder Carmine Appice is joined once again by longtime bassist Johnny Rod, and vocalist Paul Shortino who welcome to the den the newest vipers, Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazo and former DIO guitarist Rowan Robertson. Check out the first single, the supercharged title track, which was released earlier this week on all digital platforms.
The band even recorded a captivating performance music video that proves these veteran rockers still have what it takes to bring the rock! We Are Warriors releases on August 11th.
We Are Warriors – Track List:
01. Music Is A Piece Of Art 02. Turn Up The Music 03. Secrets And Lies 04. Drownin’ 05. One More Night 06. Love Hurts 07. Dance 08. Darkness 09. We Are Warriors 10. Drive Like Lightning 11. Trouble (Bonus Track) 12. Side By Side (Bonus Track)
Sources: Cleopatra Records newsletter cleorecs.com
Swedish hard rock powerhouse BÜRNER have announced the upcoming release of their sophomore album, “Hittin’ The Target”, on September 15th, 2023 via Time To Kill Records. The first video from the album,“Beer Before Glory”, is out today. Watch it HERE.
“After the release of ‘Baptized in Gasoline’ we continued to write new songs as always. Soon there was enough material for a second album and recording began. We always do everything with a smile and our sick sense of humor. The inspiration it comes from anything really, there are so many bands that have inspired us over the years. Janne came up with the idea for the cover and title and work moved on. We are really happy with the result and our fans will be in for a nice surprise. ‘Hittin’ The Target’ will be our second release and once again it will be filled with hard rock’n roll riffs. The perfect soundtrack for gulping cold beer!”.
“Hittin’ The Target” tracklist:
Beer Before Glory
Burnerator
Haulin’ Ass
Bring Me The Fire
Warrior
Baptized In Gasoline
Soulmate Killer
Come Blow The Horn
Bloodstorm
Up Shit Creek
Line-up: Björn Ohlson – Guitars/Vocals Mats Thuresson – Bass Jan Andersson – Drums
BÜRNER call their music gasoline-fuelled rock with no brakes and with this expression they hit the nail. The three guys from Sweden don’t play stale guitar rock, but groove into R’n’R paradise. Motörhead, AC/DC, Saxon? Admittedly very big names. But you just can’t avoid mentioning those bands while describing BÜRNER. Their music sounds like a spontaneous casual jam, bursting with energy. Their sound is loud and heavy, vibrant and always catchy.
The Metal world every few years needs a deserving kick-in-the-ass, to rid the status quo that try’s to rear its ugly head. Step in, StitchedUp Heart. This band’s new studio album, To TheWolves, is a guaranteed modern Metal can’t miss. It releases on September 1st, via Century Media. Not a dull moment on this new offering. Not one.
Stitched Up Heart explodes with grooves, hooks, their brand of heaviness, and of course, Mixi’s versatile and incredible vocals. Mixi can vocally deliver both smooth and hard as nails, while her intensity for the lyrics is heard in stunning integrity. Mixi also plays rhythm guitar, rounding out her essential qualities.
The Architect is one of my favorite songs on this album, which only clocks in at 2:50. Regardless, it’s the crunchy and aggressive small package that makes this song so tasty. The title track, To The Wolves, is immensely memorable for me and I’m flat-out addicted to it.
Randy Mathias on bass is heard markedly and gives this album its contagious grooves. Lead guitarist Merritt Goodwin, once again, has delivered a solid performance on this album, in my opinion. Drummer James Decker also casts a presence on each song. All aces on the backing vocals too, which gives this album that elevated vibe.
Annually, ten or so new Metal album releases reinvigorates my Metal soul. To The Wolves is such an album. Buy this new Stitched Up Heart album; this band has elevated their game and it’s their heaviest and best release yet. ‘Nuff said. -Stone
To The Wolves Track List: To The Wolves Thunder The Hunting Possess Me Immortal Taste For Blood Conquer and Divide Dead Inside The Architect Part of Me The End
Doom-tinged trad metal band Oxblood Forge has released their new EP Cult of Oblivion on digital, CD, and cassette formats. Stream and/or purchase the EP at the following locations:
1) Cult of Oblivion 2) Upon the Altar 3) Cleanse With Fire 4) Mask Of Satan [Video]
Cult of Oblivion was engineered and mixed by James Gazerro at The Red Room in Attleboro, MA. Mastering by Brad Boatright of AudioSiege.
Oxblood Forge:
Kenneth MacKay: Vocals Robb Lioy: Lead Guitar Greg Delleria: Bass Erik Fraunfelter: Drums Steve Nelson: Rhythm Guitar
Hailing from the outskirts of Boston, Massachusetts, Oxblood Forge brings a penchant for roundhouse kicking the listener in the face with their own special sauce of heavy metal with a generous helping of classic rock, doom, and blues. The band aims for big hooks, destructive vocals, and heavy guitars.
Oxblood Forge recently completed a successful east coast tour with Spiral Grave and Mourn the Light, playing shows recently with Anvil, Manilla Road, and Magic Circle, and keeping the flame alive for heavy metal.
Following their latest, self-titled studio album in 2020, hard rock power metal titans FIREWIND have announced the release of an upcoming live album/BluRay, titled “Still Raging”! The release, that comes as a special BluRay and 2CD edition, will be available on September 1, 2023 through AFM Records. The pre-sale has just started at THIS LOCATION!
Since more than twenty years, the iconic band founded by exceptional guitarist Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil) enthralls heavy music fans with their exciting blend of hard rock and power metal. Razor-sharp riffs, big hooks and solos meet the incredible vocal skills of charismatic singer Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Radiant, Seventh Avenue, amongst others), who joined the band in 2019.
“It’s hard to believe that a band like Firewind has been around for 2 decades,” Gus G comments. “In 2022 we had only planned a re-issue of our debut album, but with the pandemic slowly winding down, we were fortunate enough to start doing shows in America and Europe again. Come Fall of 2022 we played 2 headline shows in our homeland, Greece to celebrate our 20th anniversary.”
Gus continues: “Prior to the Greek shows, my friends from OTSE film crew asked me about filming our hometown gig in Thessaloniki. In a way, the stars aligned, as we returned to the same venue (Principal Club Theater), with the exact same crew that filmed our DVD back in 2008 (Live Premonition anyone?). With this opportunity in front of us, I started thinking about a cool way to put this onto our beloved fans homes as a special thank you for the support you’ve shown us over the years. Together with AFM Records, we bring you a special BluRay + 2CD package. So yeah… Firewind Still Raging, 20 years later and it’s all thanks to YOU! While we’re currently hard at work on some new music, we hope this commemorative Live release will keep you good company, till our new Metal anthems arrive!”
A stunning excerpt of FIREWIND‘s upcoming live record is now available online, the video clip for “Orbitual Sunrise” is premiering HERE
FIREWIND is: Gus G. (guitars) Herbie Langhans (vocals) Petros Christo (bass) Jo Nunez (drums)
FIREWIND Live: 14.07.23 DE Blizzard Rockfest 21.07.2023 FR Guitare en Scene 29.07.2023 CZ Ostrava v Plamenech 04.08.2023 DE Helmfest 05.08.2023 AT Innrock Reloaded
Tom Keifer brought his signature blues- rock sound back to the Star City on his new Live & Loud tour, but he did not come alone. The Tom Keifer Band performed at Dr Pepper Park in Roanoke Virginia on June 18th along with Winger and John Corabi.
John Corabi was the first to get the crowd pumped and ready to go. Corabi has quite the musical background as “both the former and current” lead singer of The Dead Daises and the brief period he sang for Motley Crue. He performed a 6 song acoustic set which included a song off of “Unplugged” called “If I Never Get to Say Goodbye”. The song was dedicated to two of his friends who were unfortunate victims of a tragic shooting. Corabi stated “If you have love ones at home make sure you always say you love them because you never know what the universe has in store.” He truly caught the crowd attention and participation by playing “Hooligans Holiday” joking that he is “the guy who ruined Motley Crue’s Career.”
John Corabi – photo credit: TBE Photography
All together Corabi’s gruff rock n roll voice and passion for the music paired perfectly with the overall feel of the rest of the night. He never skipped a beat and he never missed a note. After the show he met individually with fans to take pictures and sign autographs. Corabi was only the beginning of what continue to be a night filled with the sounds of the 80s.
Kip Winger – photo credit: TBE Photography
Winger took the stage next with their full original lineup featuring Kip Winger, Reb Beach, Rob Morgenstein, and Paul Taylor as well as Howie Simon. They started the show off with a song from their 2023 album “Seven” called “Stick the Knife in and Twist.” Every song from the new album that Winger played was received just as well as the hits from back in the day with fans singing back at them word for word. Kip still looks and sounds just like the heartthrob that stole the hearts of everyone when the band first began. Hits like “Miles Away”, “Madalaine”, and “Seventeen” basically sounded almost identical to the album but with an ever so slight change that comes with aging. Each member played with the grit and attitude of a true rockstar.
Tony Higbee and Tom Keifer – photo credit: TBE Photography
Tom Keifer and his band hadn’t even made it to the stage before they were met with the adoring screams of fans as they walked from the buses. Early on the fans were treated to Heartbreak Station, the title track of Cinderella’s third studio album. Keizer stated that it had been awhile since they had played it and jokingly asked that if he messed up that the crowd not be too upset. All one had to do was listen to know that he did not disappoint.
Tony Higbee – photo credit: TBE Photography
As the night progressed, the fans singing never let up nearly masking Keifer himself. This only fueled the passion inside not only him but the rest of the band. Each song played louder and stronger then the last. By the time the piano was rolled out so much emotion had been built up that it resulted in a very powerful and extremely well received version of “Don’t Know What You Got Till It’s Gone.”
Tony Higbee – photo credit: TBE Photography
Keifer truly lived up to the tours name, Live and Loud. It is highly apparent that the Tom Keifer Band is more than just 7 musicians on a stage, they are a family. The band currently consists of Tom Keifer, Savannah Keifer, Tony Higbee, Billy Mercer, Jarred Pope, Kory Myers, and Tanya Davis. The guitar pairing of Keifer and Higbee on guitar is immaculate. There is no one sounding better than the other. They both come together seamlessly creating that bluesy sound that everyone has come to love from Keifer’s music. However, having a guitarist as strong as Higbee allows Keifer to set the guitar down and really get into the vocals and interaction with the crowd. All the while Higbee is still able to keep up the Cinderella sound and have fun doing it.
Billy Mercer – photo credit: TBE Photography
As for Keifer’s voice, it is no secret that he has had multiple surgeries involving his throat but that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to sing every song like it was written. Keifer pushed the limits with his voice and reached for every high note showing that he’s still got it.
Alice Cooper revs up as loudly as ever on his latest solo album Road. Produced by longtime collaborator Bob Ezrin, it’s written, composed and recorded with his trusted, longtime bandmates – Ryan Roxie [guitar], Chuck Garric [bass], Tommy Henrikson [guitar], Glen Sobel [drums], and Nita Strauss [guitar]. “Road” channels the spirit of old school Alice with instantly recognizable grit and plenty of gusto. It’s everything you’d hope for from him and more.
“For Road, I wanted the band to be involved in the foundation of all the songs,” says Alice. “I only see these guys when we’re on the road. So, I wanted them to be as tight as they are for the show but on all new material. When you have a band this good, I believe in showing it off, and this is my way of doing so.”
The album opener and first single “I’m Alice” sets the tone for the album with its driving drumbeat as guitars wail in the distance. Alice’s instantly recognizable rasp takes hold, “I know you’re looking for a real good time. So, let me introduce you to a friend of mine. I’m Alice. I’m the Master of Madness; the Sultan of Surprise…so don’t be afraid, just look into my eyes.”
“Road” is going to be released on August 25th, 2023 on earMUSIC in a wide variety of formats and limited vinyl colors. Complementing the album’s theme, the bonus DVD/Blu-ray comes with Alice Cooper’s full live show at Hellfest 2022 and includes all the classics and rarely played gems.
Below info from: AliceCooper.com:
Album Features: Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), Wayne Kramer (MC5), Keith Nelson (Buckcherry) and Kane Roberts
Track listing (CD):
01. I’m Alice 02. Welcome To The Show 03. All Over The World 04. Dead Don’t Dance 05. Go Away 06. White Line Frankenstein 07. Big Boots 08. Rules Of The Road 09. The Big Goodbye 10. Road Rats Forever 11. Baby Please Don’t Go 12. 100 More Miles 13. Magic Bus
Tracklisting (DVD – Live at Hellfest 2022):
01. Feed My Frankenstein (Live at Hellfest) 02. No More Mr. Nice Guy (Live at Hellfest) 03. Bed Of Nails (Live at Hellfest) 04. Hey Stoopid (Live at Hellfest) 05. Fallen In Love (Live at Hellfest) 06. Go Man Go (Live at Hellfest) 07. Guitar Solo by Nita Strauss (Live at Hellfest) 08. Roses On White Lace (Live at Hellfest) 09. I’m Eighteen (Live at Hellfest) 10. Poison (Live at Hellfest) 11. Billion Dollar Babies (Live at Hellfest) 12. The Black Widow Jam (Live at Hellfest) 13. Steven (Live at Hellfest) 14. Dead Babies (Live at Hellfest) 15. I Love The Dead (Live at Hellfest) 16. Escape (Live at Hellfest) 17. School’s Out (Live at Hellfest)
Might as well start our UFO album covers off with the Sci-Fi legends of Metal themselves: VOIVOD. ‘Morgoth Tales’ is an album of re-recordings from the bands’ back catalogue of great albums and will be released on July 21st via Century Media Records.
HYPOCRISY – ‘WORSHIP’ (2021)
Swedish Death Metal juggernaut HYPOCRISY really went all out on the Ancient Alien theory with this album cover for their thirteenth studio album: ‘WORSHIP’.
Crosby Stills & Nash – ‘Daylight Again’ (1982)
Yup. Even Crosby Stills & Nash couldn’t resist a UFO theme for an album cover.
BOSTON – ‘WALK ON’ (1994)
The iconic BOSTON spaceship has graced every one of their album covers. We’ve highlighted three other BOSTON album covers in our past UFO posts and ‘WALKON’ gets the nod this time around.
PARLIAMENT – ‘5 Classic Albums’ (2016)
The slipcase cover for this 5 CD set of classic albums from Parliament surely shows a UFO floating around! Then again it’s only fitting; for this band spread their Funk all over the Universe!
Thank you for checking out this crazy post! Keep your eyes to the sky! 👀
Following their much-acclaimed debut album, Ban The Light ( 2019, AFM Records ) and a series of live tracks, taken of their incredible show in support of JUDAS PRIEST “Live In Dalhalla”, Swedish hard rock act DEAF RAT has suprised their fanbase with a brand new song!
The music video for the high-voltage banger “Schizophrenic Part Of Me” is showcasing actual studio footage of the band, who is currently working on a new EP to be released in the not so distant future! As DEAF RAT reveal: “Schizophrenic Part Of Me is a kick ass rock n roll track, a party starter as energetic, straight forward and deadly as it can get. Be prepared to get grabbed by your neck by this venomous guitar riff, the sound and the vibe of Deaf Rat 2.0!”
The new DEAF RAT video for “Schizophrenic Part Of Me” is now premiering HERE
DEAF RAT hails from Dalarna in Sweden, a small region with long traditions of mining, steel industry, music and a healthy dose of DIY attitude. The broad sound of DEAF RATis built on a strong foundation of classic 70s, 80s and 90s rock packed with influences of the band members different personal favourites. With their massive guitar riffs and strong melodies, this is the band that fills up the cracks in the ageing concrete between old school and modern hard rock.
With their driving riffs, thundering drum beats, and electrifying presence, DEAF RAT prove that they are one of the most explosive and dynamic forces in the world of hard rock. Their latest album, Ban The Light is available at THIS LOCATION!. Ban The Light was released with great reviews from all over the world.
Metal Temple recommends “if you are a fan of eccentric and eclectic Hard Rock acts, DEAF RAT must find its place on your watch list for the years to come”, Sonic Perspectives lauded “Deaf Rat puts forth some quality hard rock”, while GBHBL featured the album as “an overly strong rock effort from these Swedish up and comers”! So better watch out for many more DEAF RAT news and songs to be revealed in the nearest future!
For those who love 80’s new wave and/or 80’s metal, stand in the light of the darkness, and testify… your time is at hand! Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to JAMES RIVERA’S METAL WAVE!
Fronted by the iconic Helstar singer James Rivera, the band will release their much-awaited album, entitled New Wave Gone Metal, on July 28, 2023 via Massacre Records. Get ready for the embrace of metallic, dark, epic and euphoric cover versions of songs by some of the greatest bands of the new wave/dark wave era!
James Rivera comments: “Make no mistake that to this day I still love each of these songs in the original forms but I have to admit now that we did them in our own metal way, it’s hard for me to listen to them as they were and I know once these new wave classics sink their teeth into you metal wave style, you’ll never listen to them the same either!”
Get a taste of what metal wave sounds like, today, JAMES RIVERA’S METAL WAVE has unleashed a music video for their first album single, a crushing heavy metal cover of the Depeche Mode classic “Black Celebration”! Watch the clip now premiering HERE
“As for “Black Celebration” it is a kind of a funny story as well as very memorable and the beginning for my passion of Dark Wave,” James reveals.
“Back in the late summer of 1985 when we had just finished recording “Remnants of War” with Helstar, we had an amusement park here in Houston called Astroworld/ Six Flags and they had free concerts. So if you bought a ticket to the park you could go to the concert afterwards.
Back then it was taboo, if you were a metal head, to listen to that kind of music and vice versa. You practically got your ass kicked by your gang of metal heads. So our whole point even more so now was go and terrorize the nerdy New Wavers, wearing our denim vests with the metal patches with the big one on the back being the Venom one “Welcome to Hell”!” He continues: “We enter the concert grounds and Larry Barragan turns to me and says “Wow dude! These people look more dead than we do!” And as I’m looking around, yep! Everyone is in black from head to toe and dead pale white!! If that wasn’t enough now, Depeche Mode is getting ready to the hit the stage. The stage is completely black, their intro starts, the fog is massive and there is this huge white sheet in front of the entire stage. (which now years later I found it’s called a kabuki drop and we use one when we can for our Metal Wave shows for the beginning). Then the red lights come on and all you see is 4 black silhouettes while they are playing the eerie beginning of “Black Celebration”. When the beat hits, the kabuki drops and then there is the band!! We were floored!!! It was like seeing a King Diamond show but a Dark Wave version of it! We ran up to the front as close as we could and flashed the metal horns to the band and I’ve been in love with this band ever since and the rest is history.
On top of it being the very first song we rearranged and recorded for Metal Wave, that is why it had to be our first more official video for the record and opening track for it!”
New Wave Gone Metal was mixed by Larry Barragan at the Hombre Malo Studio, and was mastered by Robert Colwell at Bombworks Sound Studio. Slated for a release as CD Digipak , Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats on July 28, 2023 through Massacre Records, the pre-sale has just started at THIS LOCATION!
New Wave Gone Metal – track listing:
Black Celebration
Love My Way
Lovesong
Shock The Monkey
Black Planet
Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Bela Lugosi’s Dead
The Killing Moon
Pet Sematary
Rain
Album Line-Up: James “Vampiro” Rivera – Vocals Larry Barragan – Guitars Maurice Eggenschwiler – Guitars Garrick Smith – Bass Rene Luna – Drums
Guest Musician: Jan Kimmel – Hammond Organ, Backing Vocals & Co-Lead Vocals on “Rain”
Back in 1981, I was a freshman in high school. My buddy Scott introduced me to the albums Blizzard Of Ozz and Mob Rules. Seriously, my life changed forever. For those that never lived this era, the feeling and vibe of these albums being newly released was nothing short of ecstasy.
I worry that younger generations of Metalheads will never fully understand the full magnitude of Blizzard O Ozz and Mobb Rules on the Metal spectrum back in 1981. Yes, Ozzy Osbourne is a mainstream figure today. Yes, Randy Rhoads will forever be an iconic Metal guitarist. What I want to scream out loud for the universe to here is that the rhythm section of Blizzard Of Ozz was a once in a lifetime duo of Bob Daisley on bass and the late Lee Kerslake on drums.
Bob Daisley wrote the songs AND lyrics for Blizzard Of Ozz. No debate. Fact. Please, just do the research to know the truth. Regardless, Ozzy was the singer that was so unique for its time and is still to this day. I believe each member of Blizzard Of Ozz were honestly dependent on each other; they were a group that will never again be matched. They’re vibe as a cohesive group is to be emulated. Forever.
Now, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward countered with Mob Rules. With Ronnie James Dio recruited as the new lead singer of Black Sabbath, the evolution of Metal will forever be changed for the better, in my Metal opinion. Now, the Black Sabbath album Heaven And Hell was already released a year earlier and set the bar for the new era of Metal. Regardless, Mob Rules solidified the impact that this new era of Black Sabbath was about.
My main objective with this post is to remind seasoned Metalheads and/or let the younger generations of Metalheads that 1981 was a pulsar of Metal history due to Blizzard Of Ozz and Black Sabbath. These albums have stood the test of time. Heck, these albums are better than most Metal albums released since then.
Since Corvus Lore’s inception in 2015, their goal has been to write music that is memorable, inspiring, and possesses the perfect blend of the various styles of rock music that they grew up on — keeping original rock music alive today. And people in the music industry are taking note.
SoundwavesTV has referred to Corvus Lore as the Bay Area’s buzz-worthy band in 2023. Internet show host Chris Akin recently published his interview with the band stating, “Why Corvus Lore is the NEXT Velvet Revolver!” Inspiring and eye-catching videos such as “Boxing Ballerina” have won “Best Music Video” category at the 2022 Poppy Jasper International Film Festival. And their momentum keeps building — having shared the stage with notable rock legends like Tesla, Richie Kotzen, and Dizzy Reed from Guns n Roses, and Eric Martin. They have also made TV appearances on the KBFX morning show.
Their sophomore album, ‘Lucida,’ scheduled to be released in July 2023 on Valley of Fire Records, contains nine new songs that will take you on a ride and make you want to set the needle back again and again. Keep an eye out for their upcoming shows in 2023.
June 13, 2023 – The Cult have announced a slate of Western U.S. tour dates for this Fall, with the iconic rock band trekking across the region following their Aftershock Festival performance.
“We are thrilled to announce these shows,” Ian Astbury shares. “As we close the circle from ’83 to ’23, we are entering into this moment to celebrate with you all, what has been, and shall continue to be, The Cult’s continuing legacy.”
In addition, the band have also added a trio of July performances, including a July 14 slot at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival.
The Cult U.S. tour dates:
July 12 Northfield, OH Center Stage at MGM Northfield July 13 Peoria, IL Peoria Civic Center Theater July 14 Milwaukee, WI Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival
October 5 Sacramento, CA Aftershock Festival October 6 Reno, NV Grand Sierra Resort & Casino – Grand Theatre * October 8 Eugene, OR Hult Center for the Performing Arts – Soreng Theatre * October 11 Spokane, WA Northern Quest Resort & Casino October 12 Boise, ID Revolution Concert House * October 14 Shelton, WA Little Creek Casino Resort – Skookum Event Center October 15 Portland, OR Roseland Theatre * October 17 Saratoga, CA The Mountain Winery October 19 San Diego, CA Humphreys Concerts by the Bay * October 20 San Diego, CA Humphreys Concerts by the Bay * October 21 Rancho Mirage, CA Aqua Caliente Rancho Mirage – The Show October 26 Chandler, AZ Gila River Hotels & Casino – The Showroom at Wild Horse Pass October 27 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl * October 28 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl *
– Cold Cave opens
Tickets are on-sale this Friday at 10 am local time. VIP options, including deluxe seating, will be available simultaneously.
Photo credit: The Cult
The Cult formed in 1983 England, initially dubbed Death Cult, the seminal post-punk band have sold in excess of four million albums with numerous international and U.S. gold and platinum certifications. Ian Astbury (vocals) and Billy Duffy (guitar) have released 11 studio albums over The Cult’s 40-year career. The U.K. band, dubbed “Shamanic goths” by Classic Rock Magazine, found international renown with the 1985 album, Love, which featured the enduring rock anthem “She Sells Sanctuary,” as well as the oft-heard follow-up single “Rain.” Electricarrived in 1989, with Rolling Stonesaying the collection of songs (particularly “Love Removal Machine,” “Wild Flower” and “Lil’ Devil”) “swaggers, crunches and howls.” Most recently, The Cult released Under the Midnight Sun. Mojo, in a review of the eight-song album, said “rock’s unquenchable melodramatists have the fire in their eyes still.”
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