JOE STUMP’S TOWER OF BABEL, the hard rock quintet who brings the finest European ingredients to their no-nonsense rock ‘n’ roll, are pleased unveil their high-octane video for “Rules Of Silence.” The track is taken from the new album Days Of Thunder, set for release Friday, July 4th on Silver Lining Music.
‘“Rules Of Silence’ feels to me like one of those old up-tempo Rainbow songs, such as ‘Lost In Hollywood’ or ‘Fire Dance,’” explains Stump. “It’s one those ‘driving’ tracks, and it’s one of my favourite riffs on the record. I love the balls of something that rocks like that, it’s got a lot more vibe and it’s fun to play.”
Watch JOE STUMP’S TOWER OF BABEL’s “Rules Of Silence” video, directed by David Amore and Esther W. Pink, HERE.
Watch the band’s previously released “Days Of Thunder” video, by Very Metal Art, HERE.
Joe Stump’s supreme six-string shredding skills are known throughout the rock and metal scenes, both as the lead guitarist of Alcatrazz and as the shred specialist associate Professor at the Berklee College Of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and having torn new earholes with their 2017 debut Lake Of Fire, Stump and company take it a step further and higher with ten glorious slices of riff-driven, Rainbow/Deep Purple-styled anthems on Days Of Thunder.
Along with the soaring vocals of Jo Amore, the tight-fist-drumming of Mark Cross, the multi-dimensional Mistheria (aka The Maestro) on keyboards, and Nic Angileri nailing down the rhythms on bass guitar, Stump has once again prevailed in bringing heavy, energetic, yet gloriously melodic music to the table with a style and panache rarely seen in 2025.
Days Of Thunder was produced by Mark Cross, mixed by George Aspiotis and Mark Cross at Studio Aspiotis in Greece and mastered by Ade Emsley at Table Of Tone Mastering in the UK.
Italian hard rock powerhouse Chris Catena’s Rock City Tribe are back with a brand-new EP titled No Gods, No Masters, Just Riffs, available now across all digital platforms.
This explosive new release includes four tracks:
The EP includes: “Radio”, the successfully powerful and emotionally charged rock ballad written by the late Ryan Whyte Maloney and mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Brian Vibberts. “Welcome to Intencity”, the official anthem of Intencity Festival 2025 (Romania), where the band will perform live on June 28.
The festival will take place from June 26 to 29 in Craiova. “Bang Bang”, a daring and energetic cover of the pop hit by Jessie J and Ariana Grande, featuring guest appearances from US rapper Toni Marino and singer Shari. “Bang Bang (Funky Horns Take)”, a groovy, funk-infused reimagining of the same track, adding a whole new flavor to the original reinterpretation.
CHRIS CATENA’S ROCK CITY TRIBE are: Chris Catena – Vocals Massimo Canfora – Guitar Valerio Axl Amoroso – Guitar, resonator and vocals Giorgio Gallo – Drums Marco Fiormonti – Bass and vocals
The single “Welcome to Intencity” is mixed by Glen Robinson, already known for his work on the band’s acclaimed track “Freight Train”. The two versions of “Bang Bang” were mixed by Daniel Salcido (Sevendust, Disturbed, Airbourne, Pop Evil) together with Glen Robinson, delivering a powerful blend of contemporary rock edge and studio excellence.
The EP marks a new chapter for the band, expanding their musical boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in the spirit of hard rock, funk, and powerful melodies.
To support the release, Chris Catena’s Rock City Tribe will perform at the Intencity Festival 2025 in Romania on June 26 and will embark on a Japan tour in October 2025 with the following confirmed dates:
October 21 – Kobe
October 23 – Kyoto
October 24 – Osaka
Chris Catena’s Rock City Tribe will perform at the Intencity Festival 2025 on June 28, sharing the stage with major international acts in front of over 60,000 people at the city’s main stadium in Craiova, Romania. Intencity is one of Eastern Europe’s largest open-air music festivals, known for its spectacular staging, diverse lineup, and powerful atmosphere.
BulletBoys, Mick Box and Bob Daisley have collaborated on covering the Classic Rock gem “Takin’ It To The Streets”. This cover song has been newly released via Cleopatra. Originally recorded and released by The Doobie Brothers back in 1976, “Takin It To The Streets” is the title track from The Doobie Brothers’ sixth studio album.
My love for Classic Rock knows no boundaries and once I discovered this cover version on Spotify I was all ears and grinning. Take into account my deep respect and loyalty to guitarist Mick Box and bassist Bob Daisley and I’m instantly transported into a 1970s and 80s Rockin’ daze!
BulletBoys vocalist Marq Torien shows off hissmooth and soulful vocals brilliantly on this cover; a contrast from his patented Hard Rock and Heavy Metal pipes he’s famously known for. Just hearing these music legends jamming on “Takin’ It To The Streets” has me yearning (hopefully) for more surprises to come from them!
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Michael McDonald wrote and originally sung the hit single “Takin It To The Streets”.
Mick Box is world famous as the lead guitarist and songwriter of Uriah Heep, going back to their founding.
Bob Daisley is a legendary bassist and songwriter. He has been a member of Rainbow, Ozzy Osbourne’s Blizzard Of Ozz, and Uriah Heep, to name a few.
Thank you for reading this post and stay safe out there! – Stone
In support of their latest, critically-acclaimed studio album Glory Or Nothing (released in March 2025 via ROAR at THIS LOCATION!),French hard ‘n’ heavy rockers OVERDRIVERS are premiering a brand new music video for the aptly self-titled, high-voltage track “Overdrivers”!
The band comments: “Overdrivers – the true story of small-town guys trying to conquer the world with their Rock ‘n’ Roll!”
Watch the new “OVERDRIVERS” clip, directed and edited by Julien Metternich, now premiering HERE
Since 2015, OVERDRIVERS have been tearing through the Northern Lands like a runaway freight train. Born from nowhere and fueled by pure rock rebellion, these four hard-hitting rockers bring the kind of thunder only cranked-up Marshall amps can deliver. With their amps on blast, they claimed every stage in their path, quickly earning a reputation for leaving chaos and converted fans behind them.
Once they’d conquered every inch of their homeland, the band set their sights on broader horizons, unleashing their electric storm on Spain and beyond. With relentless shows, OVERDRIVERS brought their raw, headbanging energy to rock lovers everywhere, proving that in the face of their All-Powerful Rock’N’Roll, resistance is futile!
Armed with a series of explosive releases, Rockin’ Hell (2016), She’s On Her Period (2018) and the Rock Out! EP, the band rallied thousands of followers and forged an unbreakable army of die-hard fans, while they have just unleashed their most powerful weapon yet: Glory Or Nothing! Their latest masterpiece dropped like a bombshell, reigniting their worldwide crusade and solidifying their place as a force in modern rock. Brace yourself and get ready to rock: OVERDRIVERS are here. Louder, fiercer, and more unstoppable than ever!
Glory Or Nothing – track listing: 01 – Kings of the Road 02 – Overdrivers 03 – Glory Or Nothing 04 – My Girlfriend Is a Pornstar 05 – Cobra Kai 06 – Guitar Playboy 07 – Bad Breath Girl 08 – Meet the Monsters 09 – Ready for the Rodeo 10 – We Are One 11 – Perfection Is My Name 12 – In Fear, Blood and Fire
OVERDRIVERS are: Adrien Desquirez – Lead vocals, rhythm guitar Anthony Clay – Lead guitar, backing vocals Florian Morgano – Drums, backing vocals Lion Das Neves – Bass
Powerhouse Group Features Chris Adler, Myrone and Girish Pradhan
Today hard rock and heavy metal powerhouse FIRSTBORNE return with “Again” – the second single from the group’s awaited album. There’s an accompanying lyric video for the track viewable HERE:
“It’s an inner battle… choosing between sinking to their level or rising above the noise. When someone insults you without knowing who you are, it hurts. But the real strength lies in rising above the pettiness and channeling that energy into something greater… growth, purpose, and peace,” explains singer Girish Pradhan.
“Again” will be serviced to commercial/active rock radio and is the first cut off FIRSTBORNE’s new album, Lucky. It follows “Wake Up” which was a welcome introduction to the group’s penchant for infectious hard rock with a humorous and relatable twist, found especially entertaining by the first music video HERE: https://youtu.be/-vgQE4NKgds
The full-length, produced by the renown producer Machine (Clutch, King Crimson, Crobot) will be released on M-Theory Audio on August 8th. It will be available from all digital outlets, as well as on CD and limited-edition (300) amber wave colored vinyl. Pre-order now HERE: https://lnk.to/firstborne
FIRSTBORNE features legendary drummer Chris Adler (Lamb of God, Megadeth), virtuoso guitarist Myrone (known by some as the originator of soft shred), and electrifying vocalist Girish Pradhan who just performed last night on America’s Got Talent with his other band Girish and the Chronicles: https://www.facebook.com/reel/717507967417196
Formed in 2019, FIRSTBORNE blend high-energy riffs, soaring vocals, and thunderous rhythms to create a modern yet timeless sound rooted in classic metal, hard rock, and shred guitar. The band first gained attention through a series of independently released singles and EPs between 2020 and 2023, showcasing their signature fusion of melody, technical precision, and relentless groove.
Guitarist Myrone explains how the album came together: “When Chris, Girish, and I got connected in 2019 I said my number one goal in life was to get us all in the same room to jam. Four years later not only did we get in the same room, we went to Machine’s barn in Texas for a month to create 10 piping hot metal jams for the whole world to enjoy. I had written around 150 song ideas before stepping in the studio, and we ended up using none of them. What you hear on the record was entirely written and recorded in Texas.”
With Adler’s iconic drumming, Myrone’s signature guitar work, and Pradhan’sdynamic, powerhouse vocals, FIRSTBORNE are a force to be reckoned with in the hard rock and metal scene; delivering high-energy anthems that bridge the gap between old-school metal and modern intensity.
Gothic sludge night stalker, BLOOD VULTURE, created by Jordan Olds (2 Minutes To Late Night), has revealed the 2nd single, “Grey Mourning” (Featuring Jade Puget of AFI), from the upcoming debut album, Die Close, that will be release June 27th via Pure Noise Records.
Commenting on the song, Olds states:
“When I was in middle school, AFI was my gateway to punk, hardcore, and goth. Jade Puget specifically was probably the biggest influence on my guitar playing and songwriting in that very formative time in my life. He’s such a melodic and unique player, and “Grey Mourning” is just a barrage of chromatic death metal riffs, so I thought it would be a really fun juxtaposition to set him loose in that kind of space and see what he came up with. I was honored that he agreed to do it, and his solo is so cool and unpredictable. It was exactly what I wanted.
In my freshman year of highschool, I snagged a black Les Paul studio because I saw him playing one in the Leaving Song Pt. II video and that’s actually the same guitar that I used to mimic his solo for the video. So this whole thing has been a wild full circle moment for me. Oh yeah, and the song is about vampires.“
The the impending debut Die Close, BLOOD VULTURE lures listeners in with a mesmerizing melding of gothic romanticism, lush metallic vibes and brutal reckoning. The record features luminary guests Jade Puget (AFI), Kristin Hayter (Lingua Ignota) and Brian Fair (Shadows Fall).
1. Die Close – Overature 2. An Embrace In The Flood 3. A Dream About Starving To Death 4. Grey Mourning (Feat. Jade Puget) 5. Entwined (Feat. Kristin Hayter) 6. Die Close – Interlude 7. Burn For It (Feat. Brian Fair) 8. The Silence of God 9. Abomination 10. Die Close – Finale
BLOOD VULTURE will perform in Brooklyn, NY on June 1st at The Meadows with Pallbearer and Cinder Well.
AboutBLOOD VULTURE:
This is the story of a vampire known as “The Blood Vulture.” A once-insatiable bloodthirsty abomination of a creature, he is now a recluse long locked away as he grapples with what it means to live forever in a world of impermanence. His tales of regret and grief and terror will be told from hereon through songs that meld the emotive vocal stylings of grunge’s golden era with death metal, goth rock, and doom metal.
L- R – Aidan Desmarais – Lead vocals, Guitars – Chris LoNigro – Guitars – Hunter Raymond – Drums, Vocals – Jacob Chase – Bass | Photo Credit: Hunter Raymond (self-timer)
+ Limited Edition Cassette For EP “Fatal Attraction” Out June 2025
High intensity, no filler rockers, Calgary’s LOVER announces they will be performing at this year’s Armstrong Metal Fest (July 11/12), one of Canada’s loudest mountain moshpits nestled in the beautiful backdrop of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
The band is playing in support of their latest EPFatal Attraction, which the thrashback metallers will be releasing on limited edition cassette on June 20th, 2025. “Fatal Attraction” is fast, it’s real, and it’s meant to kick you in the face! Even though the EP is only two tracks, this is a sampler of more to come.
The opening title track is an energetic rush of sound that captures the ups and downs of being overwhelmed by desire. The lyrics feed this feeling by talking about lust and substance abuse. Track 2. “Bad Love” lyrically is a tough and mean reality check. It’s based on a true story of love gone wrong. It has aggressive riffs, mean solos, and is meant to capture the strain of a mind in love and turmoil.
“For real though, we used our real-life experiences of love, hardship, and lust to tell a story, and it just happens to be set to the tune of high-energy rock n roll,” adds the band.
Recommended for fans of Scorpions, Riot City, Wasp, Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Thin Lizzy, listen to “Fatal Attraction” at the following links:
FEATURING A LIVE PERFORMANCE WITH CANTRELL, GUNS N’ ROSES’ DUFF MCKAGAN, AND FAITH NO MORE’S MIKE BORDIN
U.S. TOUR DATES ON-SALE NOW
May 22, 2025 – The title track from Jerry Cantrell’s recently released album, I Want Blood, comes to life in the newly unveiled video for the song, featuring a live performance from Cantrell with Guns N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan and Faith No More’s Mike Bordin.
Director Bill Yukich shares: “’I Want Blood’ explores our struggle against time, a force we can’t escape and the only thing we truly possess… until we don’t. Watching Jerry, Duff, and Bordin bring this song to life on set was unforgettable – raw, real, and absolutely legendary.”
The video arrives as tickets for a new round of U.S. tour dates are on-sale now. VIP and upgraded ticket bundles are also available via jerrycantrell.com/tour.
I Want Blood showcases the legendary guitarist and vocalist at his most raw and resolute, blending brooding melodies with searing guitar work and introspective lyricism. The album has received widespread acclaim, with Kerrang! calling it a “thunderous solo album that you can file alongside his best work.” Revolver, in their cover story on the iconic musician, saying the collection “delivers weighty, slippery riffs and the kind of memorable rock hooks he’s been creating since the earliest days of Alice in Chains.”
The album is available on CD, digitally, and in multiple 2LP vinyl variants: https://bio.to/JerryCantrell. A deluxe spoken-word edition featuring narration by Cantrell and contributions from producer Joe Barresi, engineer Maxwell Urasky, Greg Puciato, Roy Mayorga, Gil Sharone, Rani Sharone, George Adrian, Vincent Jones, and Michael Rozon is also available both on vinyl and digital platforms. An accompanying animated video series by Boy Tillekens can be viewed here.
Watch JOE STUMP’S TOWER OF BABEL’s “Days Of Thunder” video by Very Metal Art HERE.
JOE STUMP’S TOWER OF BABEL – the hard rock quintet who brings the finest European ingredients to their no-nonsense rock ‘n’ roll – will release Days Of Thunder July 4th on Silver Lining Music.
JOE STUMP’s supreme six-string shredding skills are known throughout the rock and metal scenes, both as the lead guitarist of Alcatrazz and as the shred specialist associate professor at the Berklee College Of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Having torn new earholes with their 2017 debut Lake Of Fire, STUMP and company take it a step further and higher with ten glorious slices of riff-driven, Rainbow/Deep Purple-styled anthems.
Along with the soaring vocals of Jo Amore, the tight-fist-drumming of Mark Cross, the multi-dimensional Mistheria (aka The Maestro) on keyboards, and Nic Angileri nailing down the rhythms on bass guitar, STUMP has once again prevailed in bringing heavy, energetic, yet gloriously melodic music to the table with a style and panache rarely seen in 2025.
“All of my influences are the classic European hard rock masters, whether it’s Ritchie Blackmore, Michael Schenker, or Gary Moore,” offers STUMP. “Naturally, the record gives a modern take on those classic sounds. I also love classical music of course, like Bach, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and I wear all those influences on my sleeve. I do have more of a metal background, and my touch is quite a bit more aggressive, but this Days Of Thunder record is more of a hard rock album than it is a metal record.”
The record’s title track and first single “Days Of Thunder” propels itself off with typically blistering STUMP riffs which shimmer with dazzling technique, Amore’s vocals helping to further evoke the classic era of ‘80s European rock. STUMP comments, “It’s a badass tune that has a Rainbow vibe to it but heavier and reminiscent of early ‘classic’ Dio, something you could hear on the Dream Evil or Holy Diver albums. The band just went for it and the track immediately took on a life of its own… Jo’s great vocals, Mark’s killer playing and of course The Maestro destroying on the keys; it all matches up perfectly!”
Watch JOE STUMP’S TOWER OF BABEL’s “Days Of Thunder” video by Very Metal Art HERE.
Days Of Thunder will be available on CD and digital formats. Find preorders HERE.
On Days Of Thunder, songs such as “Sacrifice” and “The Princess” dance at the edge of speed and classic fireball rocking, the latter allowing some outrageous solos to unfold from both Mistheria and, of course, STUMP, who proudly re-establishes his pedigree as one the world’s best axesmiths. The mysterious and hazy groove of hip-swinger “Alone In The Desert” is a smokey backbeat dragging you into its soulful swagger.
All in all, taking a ride with Days Of Thunder is a Jedi mind trick of vintage sounds with ultra-fresh and vibrant sensibilities that will transport you back to the Hammersmith Odeon and the days when unabashed hard rockin’ talent, power, color, and flare were celebrated and venerated.
Days Of Thunder Track Listing:
1. Dominum
2. Rules Of Silence
3. Days Of Thunder
4. Blind Are Your Eyes
5. Alone In The Desert
6. In The Heat Of The Night
7. Sacrifice
8. Black Knight’s Prelude
9. Trust Me
10. The Princess
Days Of Thunder was produced by Mark Cross, mixed by George Aspiotis and Mark Cross at Studio Aspiotis in Greece, and mastered by Ade Emsley at Table Of Tone Mastering in the UK.
May 19, 2025 – Jerry Cantrell, whose widely praised new album I Want Blood arrived late last year, has announced a new round of U.S. tour dates, kicking off on August 16 in San Diego.
Tickets for the four-week outing, which finds Cantrell joined once again by Filter, are on-sale this Thursday at 10 a.m. local time. VIP and upgraded ticket bundles will also be available via jerrycantrell.com/tour.
I Want Blood showcases the legendary guitarist and vocalist at his most raw and resolute, blending brooding melodies with searing guitar work and introspective lyricism. The album has received widespread acclaim with the Los Angeles Times praising its “heavy, nuanced songs,” while Kerrang! calling it a “thunderous solo album that you can file alongside his best work.” Revolver, in their cover story on the iconic musician, saying the collection “delivers weighty, slippery riff and the kind of memorable rock hooks he’s been creating since the earliest days of Alice in Chains.”
The album is available on CD, digitally, and in multiple 2LP vinyl variants: https://bio.to/JerryCantrell. A deluxe spoken-word edition featuring narration by Cantrell and contributions from producer Joe Barresi, engineer Maxwell Urasky, Greg Puciato, Roy Mayorga, Gil Sharone, Rani Sharone, George Adrian, Vincent Jones, and Michael Rozon is also available both on vinyl and digital platforms. An accompanying animated video series by Boy Tillekens can be viewed here.
I Want Blood – U.S. tour dates:
August 16 San Diego, CA The Observatory North Park August 17 Anaheim, CA House of Blues August 19 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre August 20 Tucson, AZ Rialto Theatre August 22 Dallas, TX House of Blues August 23 Austin, TX Emo’s August 26 St. Petersburg, FL Jannus Live August 27 Orlando, FL House of Blues August 29 Columbia, SC The Senate August 30 Charleston, SC The Refinery September 2 Allentown, PA Archer Music Hall September 3 New Haven, CT Toad’s Place September 5 Cleveland, OH House of Blues September 6 Pittsburgh, PA Roxian Theatre September 7 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s September 9 Detroit, MI Saint Andrew’s Hall September 10 Davenport, IA Capitol Theatre September 12 Minneapolis, MN Uptown September 13 La Vista, NE The Astro (Indoor Theater) September 14 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theater
I Want Blood – European tour dates:
May 31 Padua, IT Hall June 1 Milan, IT Magazzini Generali June 4 Gdańsk, PL Gdańsk Shipyard June 6 Berlin, DE Columbia Theater June 7 Willingshausen, DE Rock Im Park June 8 Nürburg, DE Rock Am Ring June 10 Zagreb, HR Tvornica Kulture June 12 Nickelsdorf, AT Nova Rock June 13 Hradec Kálové, CZ Rock For People June 15 Derby, UK Download Festival June 17 London, UK O2 Forum Kentish Town June 19 Amsterdam, NL Melkweg June 20 Dessel, BE Graspop Metal Meeting June 22 Clisson, FR Hellfest June 24 Paris, FR La Machine du Moulin Rouge June 25 Nijmegen, NL Doornroosje June 26 Hamburg, DE Gruenspan June 28 Oslo, NO Tons of Rock
Photo credit: Nick Fancher
Jerry Cantrell is an iconic American troubadour, celebrated for his distinctive guitar playing, soulful vocals and profound songwriting. Known for his work in both Alice In Chains and as a solo artist, the GRAMMY-nominated musician has sold in excess of 30 million albums, has been named one of the greatest guitar players of all time by both Guitar World and Rolling Stone, and has been instrumental in shaping the sound of modern rock music.
Over his career, he has released six studio albums with Alice in Chains, four solo full-lengths, has had his music featured in films from Cameron Crowe, Judd Apatow and Ben Stiller and made cameos in “Deadwood” and “Jerry Maguire.”
The esteemed Melvins performed at one of my favorite large clubs in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, May 15th. Napalm Death was also a headline act! I took these photos with my iPhone, sitting up in the balcony. My bad knees and legs forbid my wanting to be on the floor and up-close, nowadays. I was accompanied by my Metal Buddy Troy. This was my second time seeing the Melvins, duringmy Metal life. I was pumped from start to finish!
Buzz Osborne was on top of his game! The legend never slowed down for a second! Entire band and crowd was lit! I didn’t want their set to end; yet it was comforting to know Napalm Death was at the ready! I hope you enjoy some of these photos; it was difficult with the lightingand distance. Regardless, I’m grateful I have these to share with you all. Thank you for stopping by and Metal be thy name!
Canadian hard rockers IN/VERTIGO return with brand new music, unleashing their explosive new single “Save Me”, now available on all digital platforms. The track is the first preview of their upcoming EP Prevail, set for release on July 18th, 2025, via Rockshots Records.
Formed in 2016 by seasoned Calgary musicians, IN/VERTIGO has made a name for themselves across Western Canada with their high-energy live shows and relentless touring. The band has shared stages with acts such as Buckcherry, Steel Panther, Bret Michaels, Bif Naked, Diamond Head, and Pop Evil, becoming a must-see name in the modern hard rock scene.
“Save Me” is a blistering anthem that shows IN/VERTIGO pushing their sound into even more aggressive territory. Fusing their rock ‘n’ roll backbone with punk and thrash influences, the track hits like a freight train; raw, fast, and unrelenting.
The single is paired with a chaotic and entertaining music video, loosely based on a true story. This marks the first release from the upcoming EPPrevail, which will be the band’s second release in collaboration with Rockshots Records.
With Prevail, IN/VERTIGO are poised to deliver their most refined and aggressive work to date, a Molotov cocktail of sharp riffs, infectious hooks, and full-throttle rock attitude.
LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2025 – The Melvins cap off 2025 with the “Stop Your Whining Tour,” a six-week outing with special guests Redd Kross for a double shot of underground rock royalty.
Known for their crushing riffs, genre-defying experiments, and off-kilter sense of humor, the Melvins continue to defy expectations four decades into their career. The band, currently featuring Buzz Osborne, Dale Crover, Steven McDonald (also of Redd Kross), and Coady Willis, remains one of the most influential and unpredictable forces in heavy music. Their recently released album, Thunderball (https://themelvins.lnk.to/Thunderball), delivers the “most irresistible, huge-sounding tunes” (Kerrang!) and as AllMusic said, is as “utterly uncompromised and full of swampy vigor” as ever.
Joining them for the full tour are L.A. icons Redd Kross, whose kaleidoscopic blend of punk, retro glam, and garage rock has earned them a cult following since the early ’80s. Redd Kross were recently the subject of both a book (Now You’re One Of Us: The Incredible Story of Redd Kross) and documentary (Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story).
Tickets are on-sale this Friday, May 16 at 10 a.m. local time, with an exclusive artist pre-sale beginning Wednesday, May 14 at 10 a.m. local time (code: VENUS). Tickets are available via Ipecac.com/tours.
The Melvins, photo credit: Toshi Kasai
Stop Your Whining Tour:
September 9 Flagstaff, AZ Yucca North September 10 Santa Fe, NM Meow Wolf September 12 Boulder, CO Fox Theatre September 13 Fort Collins, CO Aggie Theatre September 15 Sioux Falls, SD Bigs Bar September 16 Moorhead, MN Harold’s On Main September 18 Madison, WI High Noon Saloon September 19 Davenport, IA The Raccoon Motel September 20 Indianapolis, IN The Vogue September 22 Columbus, OH A&R Music Bar September 23 Huntington, WV The Loud September 24 Morgantown, WV 123 Pleasant Street September 25 Toledo, OH Frankie’s September 26 Buffalo, NY Electric City September 27 Brooklyn, NY CBGB Festival September 29 Providence, RI Fete Music Hall September 30 Hamden, CT Space Ballroom October 1 Asbury Park, NJ The Stone Pony October 2 Bethlehem, PA Musikfest Café at the ArtsQuest October 3 Lancaster, PA Tellus 360 October 4 Washington, DC Black Cat October 6 Raleigh, NC Lincoln Theatre October 7 Asheville, NC The Orange Peel October 8 Knoxville, TN Bijou Theatre October 10 Pensacola, FL Vinyl Music Hall October 11 Jackson, MS Duling Hall October 12 Memphis, TN Minglewood Hall October 13 Little Rock, AR Revolution! Music Room October 14 Tulsa, OK Cain’s Ballroom October 15 Oklahoma City, OK Beer City Music Hall October 17 San Antonio, TX Paper Tiger October 19 Roswell, NM The Liberty October 21 Tucson, AZ Club Congress
A European leg precedes the U.S. dates with performances slated at the ArcTanGent, Rock Im Wald, and the Blue Moon Festival:
July 18 Brighton, UK Chalk July 20 Liege, BE Reflektor July 21 Frankfurt, DE Batschkapp July 23 Athens, GR Technopolis July 25 Michelau, DE Rock Im Wald July 26 Cottbus, DE Blue Moon Festival July 27 München, DE Technikum July 30 Rome, IT EUR Social Park July 31 Milan, IT Magnolia Estate August 1 Feldkirch, AT Poolbar Festival August 2 Bagnes, CH Palp Festival August 5 Lokeren, BE Lokerse Fessten August 6 Köln, DE Live Music Hall August 7 Berlin, DE Huxleys Neue Welt August 8 Hamburg, DE Große Freiheit 36 August 9 Utrecht, NL Tivoli/Vredenburg August 11 Norwich, UK Waterfront August 12 London, UK Electric Ballroom August 13 Manchester, UK Manchester Club Academy August 14 Bristol, UK ArcTanGent Festival August 15 Birmingham, UK XOYO August 16 Sheffield, UK Leadmill August 18 Dublin, IE Vicar Street
The Melvinsare currently on the road withNapalm Death, co-headlining the “Savage Imperial Death March II” tour:
May 13 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection May 15 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s May 16 Louisville, KY Mercury Ballroom May 17 Nashville, TN Brooklyn Bowl Nashville May 18 St. Louis, MO Red Flag May 19 Chicago, IL Metro May 20 Milwaukee, WI The Rave II May 22 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue – Main room May 23 Des Moines, IA Wooly’s May 24 Kansas City, MO Madrid Theatre May 25 Omaha, NE The Waiting Room May 27 Denver, CO Summit May 29 Salt Lake City, UT Metro Music Hall May 31 Bozeman, MT The ELM June 1 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory Spokane June 2 Seattle, WA The Showbox June 3 Portland, OR Revolution Hall June 4 Eugene, OR McDonald Theatre June 6 Reno, NV Virginia Street Brewhouse June 7 Berkeley, CA Cornerstone Berkeley
“To commemorate 50 years louder, we’re pleased to announce ‘The Manticore Tapes’ will be released on 27th June. This ‘lost’ album from 1976 marks the first-ever studio recordings of the ‘three amigos’ line-up and has never been heard before, until now! Watch the new video for ‘Motörhead’ and preorder with merch bundles now.”
Available on a classic black 1LP, CD and as a deluxe expanded 2LP bookpack, all formats include additional alternate takes and instrumentals for a unique insight into the birth of this legendary band.
Additionally the deluxe bookpack comes with an extra bonus LP – the classic bonus Live: Blitzkrieg on Birmingham ‘77 as well as a bonus 7” featuring two previously unreleased tracks live at Barbarellas Birmingham in 1977.
There’s also a 24 page booklet with liner notes from long-time collaborator Kris Needs.
Release date: June 27th, 2025
Track-list: LP1 1 INTRO (INSTRUMENTAL) 2 LEAVIN’ HERE 3 VIBRATOR 4 HELP KEEP US ON THE ROAD 5 THE WATCHER 6 MOTÖRHEAD 7 WITCH DOCTOR (INSTRUMENTAL) 8 IRON HORSE / BORN TO LOSE (INSTRUMENTAL) 9 LEAVIN’ HERE (ALTERNATE TAKE) 10 VIBRATOR (ALTERNATE TAKE) 11 THE WATCHER (ALTERNATE TAKE)
LP2 — Live: Blitzkreig on Birmingham ’77 1 MOTÖRHEAD 2 VIBRATOR 3 KEEP US ON THE ROAD 4 THE WATCHER 5 IRON HORSE 6 LEAVIN’ HERE 7 ON PAROLE 8 I’M YOUR WITCH DOCTOR 9 TRAIN KEPT A-ROLLIN’ 10 CITY KIDS 11 WHITE LINE FEVER
7″ — Live at Barbarella’s Birmingham ’77 1 MOTÖRHEAD 2 KEEP US ON THE ROAD
May 2, 2025 – Legendary post-punk outfit Death Cult have slated two intimate club shows later this month: May 14 at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, and May 16 at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles.
Death Cult has performed in the U.S. only once before, and only a handful of times in Europe, making these appearances exceptionally rare. The dates come as Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy prepare for their inaugural outing at Cruel World Festival on May 17.
Southern Death Cult formed in 1981, releasing their self-titled debut posthumously in 1983. Death Cult followed that same year, forming a crucial bridge between the raw punk Astbury and Duffy cut their teeth on and the driving, psychedelia-laced rock that would follow. The band released two 12-inches that same year, one being the Death Cult EP, which were later combined and released as a CD. Death Cult is a vital transmission from the generation of Shamanic post-punk gothic futurists.
In 1984, Death Cult evolved into The Cult, releasing Dreamtime that same year and going on to release 11 full-length albums, earning numerous gold and platinum certifications worldwide.
April 30, 2025, AUSTIN – Following their much-anticipated reunion, The Sword has announced their first slate of U.S. tour dates. The legendary Austin band heads west this summer, performing the epic Warp Riders album in its entirety to mark the record’s 15th anniversary.
“This is probably the only chance people will have to see us perform the entire album, so don’t miss out!” says JD Cronise.
Tickets are on-sale this Friday at 10 a.m. local time via TheSwordOfficial.com. Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol and Pink Fuzz will support on all dates.
A special, limited-edition reissue of Warp Riders was released for Record Store Day. Remastered by J. Robbins, the “Sea of Pyres” vinyl variant features an embossed mirror board jacket and sold out within hours.
Upon its 2010 release, the 10-track Warp Riders was praised by the BBC for its “level of fantastical grandeur… on par with the bands who built the power metal subgenre,” while The Quietuscalled it “brilliant,” and Pitchforkdubbed it “Camaro-ready riff-rock.”
Warp Riders 15th Anniversary Tour:
August 17 Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom August 18 Albuquerque, NM Sister Bar August 19 Denver, CO Gothic Theatre August 20 Salt Lake City, UT Metro Music Hall August 22 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory August 23 Seattle, WA Neumo’s August 24 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theater August 25 Boise, ID Knitting Factory August 27 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall August 28 Pioneertown, CA Pappy & Harriet’s August 29 San Diego, CA Belly Up Tavern August 30 Los Angeles, CA The Bellwether
The Sword previously announced a run of European festival performances with headlining dates in the Netherlands and Sweden:
June 19 Copenhagen, DK Copenhell Festival June 21 Netphen, DE Freak Valley Festival June 22 Nijmegen, NL Doornroosje June 25 Gothenburg, SE Monument June 26 Stockholm, SE Slaktyrkan June 28 Oslo, NO Tons of Rock Festival
Photo credit: Dave Creaney The Sword is: JD Cronise (vocals, guitar), Bryan Richie (bass, keyboards), Kyle Shutt (guitar, vocals), and Santiago Vela (drums)
Following their 2003 inception, The Sword quickly became one of the most revered names in heavy music. With a blend of crushing riffs, intricate storytelling, and a sound that bridges classic metal and modern rock, The Sword has released six albums: Age of Winters (2006), Gods of the Earth (2008), Warp Riders (2010), Apocryphon (2012), High Country (2015) and Used Future (2018).
I bought this Ronnie James Dio Funko Pop! Rocks a couple of weeks ago, at a store called Petez Popz located in Kettering, Ohio. This store is amazing if you are a collector of Funko collectibles. They also have a fine website & online store here: https://petezpopz.com/
My love for Ronnie James Dio has been well documented, over the years here on Metal Odyssey. I’m shocked that it took me this long to finally get a Pop! Rocks of RJD! There are other variations of a RJD Funko out there, I’m certain; for that’s pretty much the standard with how Funko produces any of their characters from across the pop culture universe.
Above: back cover of box
My first introduction to the vocals of RJD were with his first two albums with Black Sabbath: Heaven And Hell (1980), Mob Rules (1981). I quickly learned of his albums with Rainbow and I was forever hooked by RJD. This was back in the days when I thought having my own rotary phone in my bedroom was a privilege. Rotary phone, imagine that.
I later gobbled up all of RJD’s solo albums on vinyl, then to the CD versions. My biggest thrill was being able to see the iconic RJD and his band DIO in concert, during a stop on his Dream Evil tour in New Haven, Connecticut. Megadeth and Savatage were the opening bands for DIO on that magical evening of December 29th, 1987. Incredible. That old New Haven coliseum where I saw DIO perform was torn down back in January of 2007; yet the Metal memories remain!
Thank you for reading this and visiting Metal Odyssey. Stay safe out there and Metal be thy name! – Stone
Back in January, UK heavy metal veterans Orange Goblin announced that 2025 would mark their final year, capping an extraordinary 30-year journey that has seen them evolve from backroom bar rockers to one of the most respected names in British metal.
Now, Orange Goblin have shared details of the End Of Transmission 1995-2025 Tour, their final seven shows across the UK and Ireland:
“We are delighted to finally announce that Orange Goblin will do one last tour of the UK and Ireland in December 2025 before we call it a day! It’s going to be bittersweet performing at these last 7 shows, seven of the biggest shows we will have ever played! Although there will be sadness at this being the end, we are very happy to be able to bring along two amazing bands that we took out on their first ever tours, old and new.”
“From Sweden, we have the almighty power of GRAND MAGUS, a band that we toured Europe with way back in 2002, and then again in 2004. We have always remained friends and know what an amazing live act they are, every time they take to the stage. Opening up each night will be one of the best UK bands of the past 10 years, URNE, who we took on their first UK tour back in 2021. We were blown away with their modern take on metal and the soundscapes they create, mixing subtlety and aggression! These promise to be very special shows and will be your very last chance to come and drink, headbang and raise some hell with Orange ‘Fuckin’ Goblin Baby!’ We will be playing songs from throughout our 30-year career, so whether you’re an old die-hard or a new fan, there should be something for everyone.”
“We’ve been announcing final shows all over the world this year and have been reading the fans’ comments about doing one last trek around the UK and Ireland, so we didn’t want to disappoint them and feel that it will be fitting to end our journey in our hometown of London! One last Orange Goblin Christmas knees-up anyone? You know it makes sense!” – BenWard, Orange Goblin 2025
ORANGE GOBLIN – THE END OF TRANSMISSION TOUR Special Guests: Grand Magus Opening Band: Urne
10.12: The Garage, Glasgow, UK 11.12: The Button factory, Dublin, IRE 12.12: KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton, UK 13.12: Academy 2, Manchester, UK 14.12: SWX, Bristol, UK 16.12: The 1865, Southampton, UK 17.12: o2 Kentish Town Forum, London, UK
A Legacy of Metal Formed in 1995, Orange Goblin have cemented their place in the annals of heavy metal with 10 acclaimed studio albums, most recently 2024’s Science, Not Fiction, earning accolades from fans and peers alike. Known for their relentless touring and ability to transcend genres, the band have garnered a global following, performing at legendary festivals and venues across the world.
“Science, Not Fiction finds Orange Goblin on their strongest, most strident form in over a decade. That’s a fact.” – KERRANG
“London’s stoner metal titans deliver a masterpiece” – METAL HAMMER
“Orange Goblin have created one of the year’s best albums, let alone one of the strongest in their already impressive discography” – 10/10 FISTFUL OF METAL
JUST ANNOUNCED: Judas Priest & Alice Cooper join forces for an epic tour across North America this fall. Presale starts tomorrow, April 16 at 10am local time. Use password PAINSHIELD to get tickets before the general onsale on Friday at 10am local time.
Charleston, West Virginia metal veterans BYZANTINE will release their long-awaited new full-length, Harbingers, on June 13th via Metal Blade Records.
Produced by Peter Wichers (Soilwork, All That Remains, Nevermore), Harbingers offers nine tracks totaling forty-five minutes of deep lyrical wisdom alongside equally hefty riffs delivered seamlessly by one of the most commanding and unsung lineups to emerge from the New Wave Of American Heavy Metal movement of the early 2000s.
Now a five-piece for the first time ever, featuring founding frontman Chris “OJ” Ojeda, alongside former guitarist Tony Rohrbough, bassist Ryan Postlethwait, along with veteran guitarist Brian Henderson, and drummer Matt Bowles, with Harbingers, BYZANTINE is a crown jewel in their impressive seven-album discography. Notes Ojeda, “After twenty-five years of riding the struggle bus, we’re ready to show the rock and metal world what we’re truly about.”
The album cover, designed by mixed-media artist Ashley Hoey, beautifully depicts Irene of Athens – the mother of Emperor Constantine and the first female empress of the Byzantine Empire. This focus on a maternal ruler eloquently ties into the album’s title, Harbingers, which means “ones who usher in great change.” The record’s first single, “Floating Chrysanthema,” envisions a bleak dystopian future where artificial intelligence becomes sentient and overpowers mankind, essentially enslaving us all. “Our bassist Ryan brought this song to the band,” says Ojeda, “and we thought it hit like a sledgehammer making it the perfect introduction to our new music. Peter Wichers had a big hand in helping craft this song into its final iteration.”
Watch BYZANTINE’s video for “Floating Chrysanthema” HERE.
Harbingers will be released on CD and digital formats. Find preorders at: metalblade.com/byzantine.
Harbingers – Track Listing:
Consequentia
A Place We Cannot Go
Floating Chrysanthema
The Clockmaker’s Intention
Riddance
Harbinger
The Unobtainable Sleep
Kobayashi Maru
Irene
In 2017, BYZANTINE made their Metal Blade debut with The Cicada Tree, faultlessly merging multiple genres into their progressive groove sound, a signature blend now synonymous with the band.
With Harbingers raising the stakes and a revitalized lineup in place, Ojeda confidently states, “If you’ve slept on BYZANTINE for the past twenty-five years, Harbingers will awaken you.”
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.