March 29, 2023, LOS ANGELES – Dave Lombardo shares a second single from his debut solo album, Rites of Percussion (May 5 via Ipecac Recordings), with today’s release of “Separation from the Sacred” (https://youtu.be/9GiARhBaVds).
Lombardo is one of the busiest musicians working right now. Never one to rest on his laurels, the drumming pioneer recently released new albums with Dead Cross, and Venamoris, and announced Empire State Bastard, a new project with members of Biffy Clyro. He will also be hitting the road with Mr. Bungle and The Misfits in the coming months, with festival appearances with John Zorn (including Big Ears Fest in April).
The recording process for Rites of Percussion had a simple mantra: drums had to be drums. Mixed in early 2022 by Lombardo’s son, David A. Lombardo, the self-produced release features a large concert bass drum, a timpani, a grand piano, and a flock of shakers, maracas, Chinese and symphonic gongs, Native American drums, congas, timbales, bongos, batás, wood blocks, djembes, ibos, darbukas, octobans, cajóns, and cymbals.
Rites of Percussion tracklist:
Initiatory Madness
Separation from the Sacred
Inner Sanctum
Journey of the Host
Maunder in Liminality
Despojo
Interfearium
Blood Let
Warpath
Guerrero
Vicissitude
Omiero
Animismo
Album pre-orders, which include CD, digital, and three vinyl variants: standard cigar smoke, indie retail exclusive blood sacrifice, and Ipecac exclusive purple haze, are available now: https://davelombardo.lnk.to/ROP.
Photo credit: Ekaterina Gorbacheva
Dave Lombardo was born in Havana, Cuba, relocating to Los Angeles when he was a mere two-years-old. He began playing drums as a teenager, and co-founded Slayer (and created the band’s logo) in 1981.
Rolling Stone, in their list of the “100 Greatest Drummers of All Time,” dubbed him the “Cuban speed demon, “ Modern Drummerproclaimed him “The King,” and Drummer World gave him the title of “The Godfather of double bass.” Lombardo’s eye-popping resume includes over 100 studio albums/recordings and includes both recorded and live stints with Grip Inc., Fantômas, Suicidal Tendencies, Dead Cross, Mr. Bungle, The Misfits, DJ Spooky, John Zorn, Testament, and most recently creating the soulful duo Venamoris, with his wife Paula.
Respected vocalist and guitarist Mike Tramp has announced the upcoming release of “The Songs Of White Lion,” via Frontiers Music Srl on April14, 2023. As the title implies, the album sees Tramp re-imagining select cuts from his former band White Lion‘s catalog. Additionally, Tramp will be embarking on a ‘Songs of White Lion’ U.S. tour in May 2023. Dates can be seen below and on Tramp’s website. https://miketramp.dk/
“For me, the period of 1983-1991 was a once in a lifetime experience. Everything I did back then was for the first time, and even though it was beyond exciting and adventurous, when it came to an end, it was more than just the end of a band, it was also the end of a very specific time in my life that I had lived and been part of. Over the next 20 years, I would revisit that time in my life in small parts, but never felt 100% comfortable with it. I simply could not force myself to recreate what I once was,” says Tramp.
“Now, here I am again, the year is 2023 and I have recorded an album of the ‘big’ White Lion songs as close to the originals as possible, but exploring small new parts that today I feel should be that way. I am not 26 anymore, I don’t sing like I am 26, and I wouldn’t be doing justice to the songs or myself if I tried to sing like I am 26. Today, I sing the songs that I wrote with Vito Bratta over 40 years ago exactly the way I am today. This is the only way I can embrace them and feel at home and be honest to myself and the songs,” he concludes.
Tramp first came to prominence in the music world with White Lion, who formed in 1983. After signing to Atlantic Records, the band enjoyed great success with the release of their second album, “Pride” in 1987, which included the hits ‘Wait’ and ‘When the Children Cry’. The band’s third album, “Big Game” (1991) and fourth album, “Mane Attraction” (1992) continued the band’s winning streak, but ultimately White Lion disbanded in 1992.
After White Lion, Tramp formed the hard rock band Freak Of Nature, who had a decidedly darker and harder vibe than White Lion. Freak Of Nature would release three studio albums before disbanding in 1996.
In 1998, Tramp initially started his solo career. His debut solo album, “Capricorn” came out in 1998 and in 2002, his second solo album, “Recovering The Wasted Years” was released. Tramp would then take a break from his solo career from 2004-2008 to tour and record under the name Mike Tramp’s White Lion and eventually under the name White Lion, releasing the album “Return Of The Pride” in 2008.
Since 2009, Tramp has been writing and recording as a solo artist releasing nine studio albums, including his most recent, 2022’s “For Første Gang”. He has also been a consistent presence on the road, both as an acoustic solo artist and with a backing band, with no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
Produced by: Soren Andersen & Mike Tramp
Keep an eye out for news about the release of “The Songs Of White Lion” and upcoming tour dates by following Tramp’s social media at the links below.
Line-Up: Mike Tramp – Vocals Marcus Nand – Guitars Claus Langeskov – Bass Alan Tschicaja – Drums Sebastian Groset – Keyboard Christoffer Stjerne – Harmonies
“Songs Of White Lion” tracklisting:
Lady Of The Valley Little Fighter Broken Heart Love Don’t Come Easy Hungry Cry For Freedom Going Home Tonight Wait All The Fallen Men Living On The Edge Tell Me When The Children Cry
Clear the manège, let the ultimate LORDI show begin! Screem Writers Guild, the new beast of an album by the beloved Finnish hard rock monster squad, is out TODAY on Atomic Fire Records!
In celebration of the release, the group has launched a cinematic music video for the record’s opening track “Dead Again Jayne,” once again scripted, directed, and edited by Mr. Lordi himself. Dealing with a patched-up lady who suddenly isn’t that dead anymore, the song is dominated by a morbid, Frankenstein-ish atmosphere.
Watch LORDI’s “Dead Again Jayne” video at THIS LOCATION.
View LORDI’s previously released video for “Lucyfer Prime Evil” HERE and “Thing In The Cage” HERE.
Screem Writers Guild was produced by Mr. Lordi with Mana and Janne Halmkrona as executive producers. Ilkka Herkman took care of mixing and Pauli Saastamoinen mastered the record. The artwork was also designed by Mr. Lordi himself who has made a name as director for the band’s vision since the early ’90s. The record’s title — a “LORDIfied” play on words — is a reference to the “Screen Writers Guild,” an association of Hollywood screenplay writers (1920s to 1950s), yet there is no doubt that LORDI‘s musical version is much louder and fiercer. “The record itself isn’t a real concept album, but it obviously plays with the overall cinematic theme,” says Mr. Lordi.
Screem Writers Guild is available in the following formats:
Limited Collector’s Box Set – Includes alternative cover artwork, CD-digipak, 2xLP in gatefold, exclusive Live At Masters Of Rock DVD featuring five live songs, five band member portrait art prints plus LORDI notebook.
The box set will be available in three color variants: – Red/Black Splatter vinyl @ Atomic Fire Records Mailorder – Green Marbled vinyl @ EMP – Purple/Black Marbled vinyl @ Atomic Fire Records US Mailorder, Nuclear Blast, and Levykauppa Äx
Other configurations: – CD-digipak – 2xLP gatefold (Transparent/Blue Marbled) – 2xLP gatefold (Red/Black Splatter; only available in Europe) – 2xLP gatefold (Green Marbled; only available @ EMP) – 2xLP gatefold (Purple/Black Marbled; only available @ Atomic Fire Records US Mailorder, Nuclear Blast, and Levykauppa Äx) – digital
Order Screem Writers Guild in the physical format of your choice, stream it, or get it digitally now at THIS LOCATION.
Tonight, LORDI will kick off another touring cycle at Aria Complex (San Gwann, MT) where they’ll premiere their new musical play on stage for the first time. The performance serves as a warm-up for Mr. Lordi and his crew as it will be followed by a massive European arena tour alongside Sabaton and Babymetal in April/May as well as select summer festival gigs and a few Austrian shows in the Fall. See all confirmed dates below.
LORDI: 3/31/2023 Rock ‘N Malta @ Aria Complex – San Gwann, MT w/ Sabaton, Babymetal: 4/14/2023 First Direct Arena – Leeds, UK 4/15/2023 OVO Arena Wembley – London, UK 4/16/2023 Motorpoint Arena – Cardiff, UK 4/18/2023 OVO Hydro – Glasgow, UK 4/21/2023 Zénith (La Villette) – Paris, FR Sold Out 4/22/2023 Festhalle – Frankfurt, DE 4/24/2023 Barclays Arena – Hamburg, DR 4/25/2023 Rockhal – Esch-sur-Alzette, LU 4/28/2023 Avicii Arena – Stockholm, SE 4/29/2023 Spektrum – Oslo, NO Sold Out 4/30/2023 Royal Arena – Copenhagen, DK 5/01/2023 3-Majówka – Wroclaw,PL *LORDI only 5/02/2023 ZAG Arena – Hanover, DE 5/03/2023 Ziggo Dome – Amsterdam, NL 5/05/2023 Mercedes-Benz Arena – Berlin, DE 5/06/2023 Quarterback Immobilien Arena – Leipzig, DE 5/07/2023 Stadthalle – Vienna, AT 5/09/2023 Atlas Arena – Łódź, PL 5/10/2023 Ostravar Aréna – Ostrava, CZ 5/12/2023 Lanxess Arena – Cologne, DE 5/13/2023 Sportpaleis – Antwerp, BE 5/15/2023 Olympiahalle – Munich, DE 5/18/2023 Saku Suurhall – Tallinn, EE 5/19/2023 Helsingin Jäähalli – Helsinki, FI 5/20/2023 Kuopio-halli – Kuopio, FI End Tour 6/08/2023 Rockfest – Hyvinkää, FI 6/16/2023 Tuhdimmat Tahdit – Tampere, FI *New* 6/25/2023 Rock Imperium Festival – Cartagena, ES 7/29/2023 Rock Of Ages – Rottenburg-Seebronn, DE New 10/14/2023 Wildstyle & Tattoo @ Stadthalle – Kapfenberg, AT 10/21/2023 Wildstyle & Tattoo @ Tabakfabrik – Linz, AT 10/28/2023 Wildstyle & Tattoo @ Messezentrum
Founded in 1992 by singer, songwriter, and designer Mr. Lordi, LORDI are one of the major Finnish rock/heavy metal acts of our time. Originally rooted in Rovaniemi (Northern Lapland, Finland), the band achieved their international breakthrough after winning the Eurovision Song Contest with their hit song “Hard Rock Hallelujah” in 2006.
Since then, the unconventional troop has rocked their way into the spotlight of Europe with charm, unforgettable tunes, and elaborate monster costumes, and have become an integral part of the lineups of globally recognized festivals such as Wacken Open Air (DE) and Masters of Rock (CZ) among others.
LORDI: Mr. Lordi – vocals Kone – guitars Hiisi – bass Hella – keyboard Mana – drums
KISS – Detroit, Michigan – Nashville, Tennessee – St. Louis, Missouri and Ft. Worth, Texas have been added for October 2023! Check out the dates and complete tour schedule below!
KISS Army and VIP Package presale begins April 3rd at 10am local time.
4/12/23 Manaus, Brazil 4/15/23 Bogota, Colombia 4/18/23 Brasília, Brazil 4/20/23 Belo Horizonte 4/22/23 São Paulo, Brazil 4/25/23 Florianópolis, Brazil 4/28/23 Buenos Aires, Argentina 4/30/23 Santiago, Chile 5/4/23 San Salvador, El Salvador 5/27/23 Columbus, OH 6/3/23 Plymouth, UK 6/5/23 Birmingham, UK 6/6/23 Newcastle, UK 6/10/23 Prague, Czech Republic 6/12/23 Amsterdam, Netherlands 6/13/23 Belgium, Brussels 6/15/23 Clisson, France 6/17/23 Munich, Germany 6/19/23 Kraków, Poland 6/21/23 Dresden, Germany 6/22/23 Berlin, Germany 6/25/23 Cartagena, Spain 6/27/23 Lyon, France 6/29/22 Tuscany, Italy 7/1/23 Manheim, Germany 7/2/23 Cologne, Germany 7/7/23 Manchester, UK 7/8/23 Glasgow, UK 7/5/23 London, UK 7/12/23 Rättvik, Sweden 7/13/23 Rättvik, Sweden 7/15/23 Tonsberg, Norway 10/20/23 Detroit, MI (JUST ADDED) 10/23/23 Nashville, TN (JUST ADDED) 10/25/23 St. Louis, MO (JUST ADDED) 10/27/23 Ft. Worth, TX (JUST ADDED) 10/29/23 Austin, TX 11/1/23 Palm Desert, CA 11/3/23 Los Angeles, CA 11/6/23 Seattle, WA 11/8/23 Vancouver, BC 11/10/23 Edmonton, AB 11/12/23 Calgary, AB 11/13/23 Saskatoon, SK 11/15/23 Winnipeg, MB 11/18/23 Montreal, QC 11/19/23 Quebec, QC 11/21/23 Kanata, ON 11/22/23 Toronto, ON 11/24/23 Knoxville, TN 11/25/23 Indianapolis, IN 11/27/23 Rosemont, IL 11/29/23 Baltimore, MD 12/1/23 New York, NY 12/2/23 New York, NY
L.A. Guns have announced the upcoming release of their latest studio album, “Black Diamonds”. Produced by founding member and guitarist Tracii Guns, “Black Diamonds” is a tour-de-force of rock ‘n roll that fans have come to expect from the long-running hard rockers.
Written and recorded over the course of 2022, “Black Diamonds” sees Tracii Guns, Phil Lewis, and company continuing on the same successful and inspiring sonic journey that they’ve been taking on their most recent albums, “Checkered Past”, “The Devil You Know”, and “The Missing Peace”.
The band doesn’t shy away from flexing their hard rock influences as they always have, but also incorporates more introspective acoustic tracks reflective of their classic rock influences from the ’70s. This makes for a potent and highly listenable cocktail of an album in “Black Diamonds”. Since their self-titled debut in 1988 to their widely praised recent suite of “comeback” albums, L.A. GUNS, led by Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis, have always delivered solid rock ‘n roll to their fans. Since core members Tracii and Phil reunited under the banner of L.A. Guns in 2017, a rekindling of the band’s creative energy has been continuing unabated over the course of, now, four studio albums.
Black Diamonds” shows no signs of this renaissance slowing down… L.A. Guns never looked like the pretty poster boys that so many of their peers did, but more the band that you would be terrified to bump into in an alley as they would likely be carrying switchblades and ready for a fight.
But despite having many songs to back up that image, the band could also write powerful ballads (see the smash hit, “The Ballad Of Jayne” for Exhibit A of this argument) that showed there were some serious songwriting chops in the band.
The story of how we got from the band’s powerful early years to a fourth new studio album in the relatively short time that Guns and Lewis have reunited has already been well documented, so no need to rehash it. What’s important to know and understand is that the driving force of all those classic L.A. Guns songs was Tracii and Phil. Feeling inspired and excited like they did when they first started out, but with many years of wisdom and experience under their belts, and most importantly, a renewed and stronger creative and personal relationship, Guns, Lewis, and L.A. Guns as a whole are at a creative peak.
“Black Diamonds” – Track Listing:
You Betray Wrong About You Diamonds Babylon Shame Shattered Glass Gonna Lose Got It Wrong Lowlife Crying Like A Drug
Time: 0.41.14
Line-Up: Phil Lewis – Vocals Tracii Guns – Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Mellotron
Ace Von Johnson – Electric Guitars Johnny Martin – Bass, Electric Guitars Shawn Duncan – Drums (live) Adam Hamilton – Drums (studio) & Strings
Calgary’s The Electric Highway Festival has wrapped up for 2023 and it was a resounding success according to festival organizers. The event took place from March 23, 24, and 25, 2023 at Dickens, with 3 days of music from Canadian bands trekking from across Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba along with American headliners, Los Angeles’ Sasquatch.
The 2024 edition of The Electric Highway will take place April 4, 5, and 6, 2024 once again at Dickens in Calgary. Band submissions for the event open on April 1 and run until June 30, 2023. Bands can fill out the form on the website.
Fans of The Electric Highway will also have the opportunity to buy very limited Ultra Early Bird Passes for the 2024 festival starting at noon MST on April 1, 2023. Only 20 passes for $60 each will be available in the Festival Store.
About: Buckle up for The Electric Highway Festival! The 2023 edition of the festival focused on Desert Rock and Metal, Doom, Sludge, and Heavy Psych and had expanded to include some punk and hardcore bands as well.
The festival featured Californian headliners Sasquatch, one of the festival’s past favorites, laying down their brand of fuzzy, kick-ass Desert Rock & Heavy Psych with direct support from Vancouver’s La Chinga who returned for their 4th appearance on Saturday night. Black Mastiff returned to headline Friday night with Calgary’s Gone Cosmic and HypnoPilot headlined the Thursday show with support from Citizen Rage. These are just a few of the wicked bands that played at The Electric Highway.
The Electric Highway is a fully immersive festival experience and offers much more than just music. The festival also featured an art & vendor exposition during all three days at Dickens, March 23 – 25, 2023.
Check www.TheElectricHighway.ca for more festival information. We look forward to bringing this festival to you, and can’t wait to see everyone in 2024!
The Electric Highway 2023 Official Nightly Lineups:
Thursday, March 23: HypnoPilot (Lethbridge, AB) – Daily Headliner Citizen Rage (Calgary, AB) Musing (Calgary, AB) No More Moments (Siksika, AB) Father Moon (Calgary, AB) Destroy My Brains (Lloydminster, AB).
Friday, March 24: Black Mastiff (Edmonton, AB/Vancouver, BC) – Daily Headliner Gone Cosmic (Calgary, AB) Set & Stoned (Crossfield, AB) Hombre (Calgary, AB) Empress (Vancouver, BC) Molten Lava (Vancouver, BC) Space Queen (Vancouver, BC) Owls & Eagles (Calgary, AB)
Saturday, March 25: Sasquatch (Los Angeles, CA) – Festival Headliner La Chinga (Vancouver, BC) Buffalo Bud Buster (Calgary, AB) Brown Dwarf (Red Deer, AB) The Astral Prophets (Calgary, AB) Iron Tusk (Siksika, AB) The Sleeping Legion (Winnipeg, MB) Tebby & the Heavy (Edmonton, AB) Garuda (Cranbrook, BC).
Swiss hard rock act SHAKRA has finally revealed more details about their upcoming, new album. Invinciblewill be released this summer, on June 9, 2023 via AFM Records! The album pre-sale is now available at THIS LOCATION!
“You are invincible — You can achieve anything, not if you believe in it, but if you know it…and that makes you invincible!” That’s the core message of the band’s forthcoming offering. And after previously-released, first album singles “The Way It Is” or the album title track, SHAKRA proves why they are not only invincible but belong to one of the most enthralling, powerful acts the hard and heavy rock scene has to offer!
In the new single “Tell Her That I’m Sorry”, SHAKRA explore the emotional rollercoaster ride of a failed relationship and reflect on missed opportunities and unrequited love. Mark’s powerful guitar sound and haunting voice perfectly capture heartache and the burden of responsibility. “The song is not only a call for reconciliation, but also a powerful testimony to the universal experience of love and loss.” The band comments. “«Tell Her That I’m Sorry» is a must for all fans of straight rock and for anyone who wants to experience the depths of the human heart and the power of music.“
Guitarist June Stacy comments: “Writing and recording the EP was a little bit troublesome and slow because of the covid. We recorded the demos and then the EP versions of the songs little by little when ever we could. Then over a year ago when it was already mixed and mastered Izzy (our guitar player) decided to pursue other things in life and quit the band. We didn’t wanna release anything or shoot music videos before we found someone to replace him. So it took another half a year to find Vasco. But finally here it is: ’Resolute’. The EP that updates the sound of Judith Alice for 2023! Enjoy”
BIOGRAPHY: Judith Alice was formed in Helsinki, Finland by old friends June Stacy and Stan Ford (Skeeter Hazy) in 2016. The nowadays five piece band has been creating a reputation as a wild live performer and a party maker since. The first single, “I Only Go Out When It’s Dark” was released in 2017. The second single “Drug Festival” was released in December 2018 and as a third single they recorded a cover for an old danish hit “I WIll Stay”, it was released January 2020. Yeah, the one Hurriganes made famous in Finland back in the day. Recordings of the first album began in 2017, and after all the setbacks and struggle it was finally released on August 13th 2020. When the world closed because of the pandemic, Judith Alice used the time to write and record new music! 2023 starts with a brand new single/video ”Tonite’s Alright (feat. Diison)” followed by an EP called ”Resolute”!
EP Picture by Aaro Tuisku, EP cover by Jussi Aaltonen
Judith Alice – Resolute (EP 2023) – Track list:
Tonite’s Alright (feat. Diison)
Person That I Hate
Watch Out!
Blind Leadin’ The Blind
Close To The Sun
Single picture by Jukka Aaltonen, cover by Jussi Aaltonen
BIG RED FIRE TRUCK have released their new single “Trouble in Paradise”. The title track from their upcoming EP, the new song kicks off with high-energy guitar riffs, driving rhythms and dynamic drums. It’s a modern take on a classic hard rock sound filled with vocal harmonies and it packs a punch with heavy momentum.
Australian hard rock outfit BIG RED FIRE TRUCK are gearing up to unleash their new EP Trouble inParadiseon August 4th, 2023. This guitar driven release is a collection of high-spirited, magnetic tracks showcasing classic rock and metal styles through a contemporary sound.
Digby comments: “We’re making this music because there’s not enough of this style in the mainstream and I miss bands like VAN HALEN, BON JOVI & AEROSMITH releasing new music. I wanted to write upbeat and melodic heavy rock music to listen to. We want to keep that alive while ripping off your car speakers.”
Track Listing:
Neon Sunsets
Trouble In Paradise
Love Bite
Psychotropic Thunder
Miami Skies
Hot Summer Nights
About BIG RED FIRE TRUCK: BIG RED FIRE TRUCK began in 2016 as a project by Digby to write some fun heavy metal and hard rock songs and fulfil his need to hear new music in the style of his beloved bands. Taking inspiration from the likes of VAN HALEN, RECKLESS LOVE, THE DARKNESS, AEROSMITH, SUM 41, and CRAZY LIXX, the quartet pay homage to previous generations of hard rock while delivering their own distinctive character.
BIG RED FIRE TRUCK Are: Digby (Guitar and Lead Vocals) Ben Frank (Guitar) Pete Grant (Drums and Vocals) Nick Frazier (Bass)
Finnish Helsinki-based metalheads Wishing Well have released today their fourth album “SIN AND SHAME” (Inverse Records). Together with the album the band also released a single and a video for the opening track “In The Line Of Fire”. It’s the third single and video off the new album. The song is about ordinary hard-working people trying to manage in a busy, more and more complicated and competitive world with ever-growing pressure and expectations from left and right. This goes with bands and musicians as well. The video was filmed by Toni Pasanen and edited by Sami Timonen.
Songs on “Sin And Shame” vary from the fast power metal style opening track to classic hard rock ballad “Dancing Across The Stars” and prog-influenced instrumental “Flying Finn”. The title track deals with ancient religious themes of sin and punishment whereas “Dogs Bark But The Caravan Rolls On” is a classic hard rock shuffle with a catchy riff and a punchline that makes it clear to everybody that they mean business.
Wishing Well can handle all these styles with flying colours, sounding original and familiar at the same time. The band have updated their sound with some more synthesizers and keyboards, though their distinctive trademark Hammond organ is still there on most of the songs, giving the music a majestic touch.
“We are relieved to get this album finally off our hands and hopefully into the hands and ears of as many people as possible. We enjoyed writing, rehearsing and recording it but now we just want people to hear the songs, live if possible. The new songs are great fun to play together and we want to take our babies out to the world”, says Anssi Korkiakoski, the guitar player and prime mover of the band. “We take pride in our work and though our music certainly isn’t groundbreaking or revolutionary, it still represents us and shows the world who we are and where we come from. We’ve found our corner of the world and we want to share that corner with hard rock and metal fans all over the world. With our heads in the clouds and feet on the ground, seriously tongue-in-cheek”, he finishes.
Wishing Well – Sin and Shame
01. In The Line Of Fire 02. Soul Rider 03. Space Invaders 04. Mistress Of The Night 05. Lonely Road 06. Dogs Bark But The Caravan Rolls On 07. Sin And Shame 08. Heavenly Body 09. Dancing Across The Stars 10. The Golden Rule 11. Flying Finn
The album was recorded and mixed in various studios during 2022 by Henrik Sirelä, exclucing the title track, recorded and mixed by Marko Kataja.
The album is out on all major digital music services as well as on CD.
Hello friends! Jimmy here! As you all know, I’ve had some health issues in the last few months. I’ve been working hard to get back into playing shape, but unfortunately I’ve had a couple setbacks in the last few weeks. With the support of my wife Cathy, my KIX bandmates and crew, and all of our friends and fans, I will continue working to return to Rock Your Face Off to the best of my ability. But I’m not there yet.
I’ve come to the realization that I will not be able to return to the stage as soon as I was hoping. I’ve been discussing with my wife and bandmates all the different scenarios for KIX to get back to playing for our fans again. We’ve all thought long and hard about it and have decided it is best to go forward with someone to fill in for me until I can return. We are very fortunate to have found someone who I think is the best possible choice for us.
Please show your love and support to Matt Starr as we welcome him into the KIX camp. He is an amazing drummer/vocalist who has played with many top artists, notably Ace Frehley and Mr. Big. I am humbled and honored that he has agreed to help us out and I welcome him with open arms. As of now, Matt will be playing all the KIX shows until further notice. Please show your support of the band, and Matt, until I can make my return. See you soon! -Jimmy
COUNTDOWN: THE FINAL 50 SHOWS. After 50 years of Rock and Roll mayhem, the final 50 shows are here.
KISS ARMY Presale starts March 6th at 10am local time. Please check KISSOnline.com for your local presale time.
General Public Onsale for North America begins March 10th at 10am local time.*
Exclusive VIP experiences will be available. Details for each experience and territory vary so be sure to check your market.
4/12/23 Manaus, Brazil 4/15/23 Bogota, Colombia 4/18/23 Brasília, Brazil 4/20/23 Belo Horizonte 4/22/23 São Paulo, Brazil 4/25/23 Florianópolis, Brazil 4/28/23 Buenos Aires, Argentina 4/30/23 Santiago, Chile 5/4/23 San Salvador, El Salvador 5/27/23 Columbus, OH 6/3/23 Plymouth, UK 6/5/23 Birmingham, UK 6/6/23 Newcastle, UK 6/10/23 Prague, Czech Republic 6/12/23 Amsterdam, Netherlands 6/13/23 Belgium, Brussels 6/15/23 Clisson, France 6/17/23 Munich, Germany 6/19/23 Kraków, Poland 6/21/23 Dresden, Germany 6/22/23 Berlin, Germany 6/25/23 Cartagena, Spain 6/27/23 Lyon, France 6/29/22 Tuscany, Italy 7/1/23 Manheim, Germany 7/2/23 Cologne, Germany 7/5/23 London, UK 7/7/23 Manchester, UK 7/8/23 Glasgow, UK 7/12/23 Rättvik, Sweden 7/13/23 Rättvik, Sweden 7/15/23 Tonsberg, Norway 10/29/23 Austin, TX 11/1/23 Palm Desert, CA 11/3/23 Los Angeles, CA 11/6/23 Seattle, WA 11/8/23 Vancouver, BC 11/10/23 Edmonton, AB 11/12/23 Calgary, AB 11/13/23 Saskatoon, SK 11/15/23 Winnipeg, MB 11/18/23 Montreal, QC 11/19/23 Quebec, QC 11/21/23 Kanata, ON 11/22/23 Toronto, ON 11/24/23 Knoxville, TN 11/25/23 Indianapolis, IN 11/27/23 Rosemont, IL 11/29/23 Baltimore, MD 12/1/23 New York, NY 12/2/23 New York, NY
Do It Again is a previously unreleased track by UK rock band SKAM and is officially out now through X-Ray Records/Golden Robot Records.
Originally recorded during the sessions for Intravenous in 2021, the song is a love letter to the UK rock scene and the music that inspired the boys to pick up their instruments. Firmly inspired by the classic rock sound, the track uses this as a template while still having the stadium chorus and power riffs that fans have come to expect from the Leicester rockers.
Due to release March 3, Intravenous is the culmination of SKAM’s 2-part anthology, making up their 4th full length release. The album consists of both earlier released EPs –Intra and Venous, and has been re-mastered by Ade Emsley, known for his work mastering for Iron Maiden and other great bands.
The album is inspired by modern day struggles and each song focuses on a negative human trait but sends the message that in any situation, there is always hope. Having honed their craft, the lads have gone back to basics and put together a collection of hard-hitting tracks.
“Lyrically, the songs follow the same theme of human conditions and experiences. We have really tried to push the envelope of the SKAM sound on this one and there is something there for fans both old and new. You will hear hard hitting bangers typical of the sound SKAM are famous for, but also some curve balls in the form of a power ballad and a 90s style grunge track!” – Steve Hill (vocalist/guitarist)
The track listing will run in ‘album order’ as the band believes it should run when put together, and the release will include the previously unreleased track ‘Do It Again’
ABOUT SKAM: Formed in 2011, SKAM are a hard rock power trio band from the middle of England. They have a reputation for delivering no nonsense, gutsy, classic sounding British rock music. Over the last 9 years, the band have worked tirelessly to build a solid following in the UK. Now, they are considered to be at the forefront of the ‘New Wave of Classic Rock’ movement that is currently sweeping the nation.
To date, SKAM have independently released 3 albums, It’s Come to This (2011), Peacemaker (2014) and The Amazing Memoirs of Geoffrey Goddard (2017). With these releases, they established themselves as a live force to be reckoned with. The band have hit the road with The Answer, Airbourne, Skindred, The Quireboys, and GUN, to name just a few formidable live acts.
Their single ‘Take it Or Leave it’ was voted as ‘track of the week’ by Classic Rock Magazine and has since been included on Earache Records’ ‘New Wave of Rock N Roll’ compilation vinyl. Their recent EP Intra hit the UK Rock Chart at # 6!
SKAM don’t write songs to a formula, but as rock fans trying to capture what they would want to hear.
Text and photos from Marten Andersson Twitter timeline:
It’s official! The Lita Ford freight train is rolling into the @swedenrockfest on June 8! We couldn’t be more excited! I get to Rock for my hometown peeps. 🇸🇪
Lita Ford (vocals & guitar) ~ Marten Andersson (bass), BobbyRock (drums), Patrick Kennison (guitar)
Our very own Tanis Enos has treated us all, once again, to another fun and fact filled episode of “What Did You Just Ask Me?”. In episode 3, Tanis interviews the legendary RudySarzo. Thank you, Tanis! Enjoy the video interview below!
Among the Hard Rock, Classic Rock and Heavy Metal communities, the revered bassist Rudy Sarzo needs no introduction. However, with the ever growing generations of fans that cherish our 80’s genres, Rudy Sarzo is currently a member of the iconic Quiet Riot; the band he helped build the foundation blocks for, so many years ago.
Rudy Sarzos’ illustrious past includes being a key member of Ozzy Osbourne/Blizzard Of Oz, Whitesnake, Animetal USA and DIO. Oh there’s more and please do some research on Rudys’ historic musical career; It’ll inspire you for certain.
Do you live in Australia, New Zealand, or anywhere in the United States? GOOD NEWS! Stryper is putting together an impressive list of LIVE concert dates that will take them to Australia, New Zealand and cities across the United States (including the east and west coasts)!
L.A. Guns released the first single, ‘You Betray’, from their upcoming album ‘Black Diamonds’, on February 3rd. Tracii Guns took to twitter stating that music producer and session musician, Adam Hamilton had sent the drum tracks to him first.
Guns went on to tweet “…I wrote music to the drums and that’s a first for me. Has an obvious Immigrant Song rhythm which is a monster thing.” The strong ‘Immigrant Song’ influence is no surprise with Guns’ well known love for Led Zeppelin. Just like any experienced songwriter would be able to do, Guns perfectly melded the Viking like intensity of Immigrant Song with the signature LA Guns sleaze that seems to get heavier with each new album.
This song also showcases the ever increasing and extremely impressive vocal range of lead singer Phil Lewis. Lewis has kept his voice pristine and after 35 years can still hit and hold the same notes he did on their debut album. The addition of audio effects throughout the song perfectly complements and even amplifies Lewis’ voice and adds to the emotion and power behind the song.
Black Diamonds is set to be released on April 14th and following the exceedingly well received release of ‘Checkered Past’ in 2022, the fans are chomping at the bit to see what L.A. Guns still has up their sleeve. The announcement of the track listing was enough to spark even more excitement in fans. Along with the album release date, L.A. Guns has also revealed their plans for a 2023 tour with dates to be announced.
– Tanis Enos
‘Black Diamonds’ Track Listing: 1 You Betray 2 Wrong About You 3 Diamonds 4 Babylon 5 Shame 6 Shattered Glass 7 Gonna Lose 8 Got It Wrong 9 Lowlife 10 Crying 11 Like A Drug
Not many bands can say they are releasing their third album thirty-five years after their debut, but not many bands have the history that California rockers Roxanne have. Originally formed in the late 80’s, Roxanne garnered commercial success with their 1988 self-titled debut album which was well received with two songs charting on rock radio; “Cherry Bay” and “Sweet Maria”, as well as a cover of Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music.”
The band is back with their first album of new material in five years and second for Rat Pak Records. Stereo Typical features ten brand new songs from the quartet comprised of Jamie Brown (Vocals, Guitar), John Butler (Guitar), Joe Infante (Bass) and Dave Landry (Drums). The new album also features guest appearance from Paul Gilbert of Mr. Big, dUg Pinnick of King’s X and Jeff Scott Soto. Stereo Typicalis scheduled for release worldwide on February 24th.
From the driving intro of album opener “Stereotypical” to the anthemic outro of “Without A Rope,” Roxanne is back with their signature sound of rock-n-roll that garnered them a legion of fans in the late 80’s and continue to support them today. Tracks like “Gotta Live,” “The Cost Of Living” and “Until They Do” are chock full of memorable hooks and melodies. Mr. Big guitarist Paul Gilbert adds a blistering solo to the piano ballad “Looks Like Rain.” King’s X frontman dUg Pinnick offers his vocal talents to the catchy “Only A Call Away” and Jeff Scott Soto shines on the first single “Keep On Keepin’ On.
TRACK LISTING: 01 Stereo Typical 02 Looks Like Rain (ft Paul Gilbert) 03 Gotta Live (explicit) 04 Only A Call Away (ft dUg Pinnick) 05 The Cost Of Living 06 Open Book 07 Waiting For Laura 08 Keep On Keepin’ On (ft Jeff Scott Soto) 09 Until They Do 10 Without A Rope 11 Nothing To Lose (bonus track)
Helsinki’s longest serving gothic rock vampires THE 69 EYES will return to Western US stages this Spring! The week-long Gotta Rock US Tour will commence on May 5th in Phoenix, Arizona at The Nile Theater and run through May 13th in Las Vegas, Nevada at Sick New World Fest. Support will be provided by Pretty Boy Floyd on select dates. Alongside some classics, fans can expect to hear tracks taken from THE 69 EYES’ long-awaited new album, to be released later this year via Atomic Fire Records. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 27th. See all confirmed dates below.
THE 69 EYES w/ Pretty Boy Floyd:
5/05/2023 The Nile Theater – Phoenix, AZ [tickets]
5/13/2023 Sick New World Fest – Las Vegas, NV [tickets] *
* No Pretty Boy Floyd
Recently, THE 69 EYES released the single “Gotta Rock” – a cover from the famous Finnish hard rock band Boycott that released the rock anthem in the late ‘80s. Stream or download THE 69 EYES’ rendition of Boycott’s “Gotta Rock” at THIS LOCATION.
Further info on the new album from THE 69 EYES will follow in the weeks to come. In the meantime, check out the band’s Drive EP HERE.
THE 69 EYES: Jyrki 69 – vocals Bazie – guitars Timo Timo – guitars Archzie – bass Jussi 69 – drums
“You are invincible— it happens in your brain.” That’s the core message of the single “Invincible” by Swiss hard rockers SHAKRA, who kick off 2023 with this new anthem featuring powerful walls of guitars and haunting melodies. “As simple as this statement may sound, it stands for the essential in everyone’s life, the ability to have an unbreakable will and thereby achieve or create great things. But not only that. It can also mean being able to pull oneself out of the deepest swamp and be perceived in this society as a person steeled with self-confidence.” SHAKRA’s new song is a source of power to strengthen exactly this will. You can achieve anything, not if you believe in it, but if you know it… and that makes you invincible!
After the five piece shared their latest single, “The Way It Is” by the end of last year, today, SHAKRA premiered a music video for their new song “Invincible”. Watch the clip HERE
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.