20TH AND 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR OF TO THE PAIN & STATEMENT
Nonpoint will be playing a handful of shows in January 2025, celebrating the 20th anniversary of To The Pain and the 25th anniversary of Statement. With special guests Crobot and Heartsick, this month-long run kicks off January 10th in Lakewood, Ohio. Tickets and VIP are now on sale at nonpoint.com!
1/10 – Lakewood, OH – The Roxy 1/11 – Pittsburgh, PA – Preserving Underground 1/12 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom 1/14 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819 1/15 – North Chattanooga, TN – Barrelhouse Ballroom 1/17 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live 1/18 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room 1/19 – Orlando, FL – The Beacham 1/21 – Greenville, SC – Radio Room 1/22 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27 1/23 – Fredericksburg, VA – Hard Times Cafe/Four Mile Fork 1/25 – Columbus, OH – The King of Clubs
Another hot contender for taking the longest time to release new music, Hamburg’s own progressive rock/metal outfit EDEN CIRCUS are back with their new single ‘Cynics of Life‘.
10 years have now passed since the last album “Marula” by the five-piece northern German post-prog rockers EDEN CIRCUS. Since then, events have accelerated. First the band has to say goodbye to both guitarists, because Andi is leaving the band and guitarist Nils is moving to the Krupps. Not only are two important driving forces lost, but also the previous songwriting process.
After Waik and Dennis joined the band, they finally played a few gigs again and worked on the new album. Even before Covid paralyzes the entire music landscape, numerous other events turn the band’s everyday life upside down: people move, build houses and 2 1/2 recording studios, start families and new bands. Sometimes the five of them don’t see each other for weeks. But there was never any talk about quitting.
Because the rare rehearsals always clearly show that the band can still deliver. In addition, the new record is finished and, despite all the new commitments, no one has lost the joy of presenting their songs to an audience that celebrates their music on sweaty, beer-soaked club evenings. So here’s to something new!
MARCH TREK PRECEDES MONUMENTAL “SAVAGE IMPERIAL DEATH MARCH PART II” TOUR WITH NAPALM DEATH
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16, 2024 – The Melvins, who only recently announced a staggering number of U.S. tour dates for 2025, have slated a March trek across the Golden State, with the Los Angeles-based outfit playing six shows across California, dubbed the “Spring Break” Tour.
Tickets for the newly announced dates are on-sale this Friday at 10 a.m. pacific time, with an artist pre-sale (code: SPRINGBREAK!) starting on Wednesday at 10 a.m. pacific. CNTS and Desslok open on all dates.
Buzz Osborne shared: “California! Here we go! There’s no better time to crisscross the state. Let’s do it!”
The Melvins, photo credit: Chris Casella
The trek sees the Melvins touring as a four-piece with Dale Crover returning after a medical emergency sidelined him in 2023. Joining Crover behind the kit is Big Business’ Coady Willis joining Crover for a rare double-drum extravaganza.
The Melvins’ previously announced “Savage Imperial Death March Part II” sees the addition of two dates: April 12 at Swan Dive in Las Vegas and May 11 at Globe Iron in Cleveland. Tickets for the full run of “Death March” dates are on-sale now. Openers include Weedeater (April 4-May 5), Titan To Tachyons featuring Mr. Bungle’s Trevor Dunn (May 7- 20), The Hard-Ons with Jerry A (May 22-June 7), and Shane Embury’s Dark Sky Burial, who will perform on all dates.
The Spring Break Tour:
March 1 Bakersfield, CA The Nile Theater March 2 Fresno, CA Strummer’s March 3 Sacramento, CA Goldfield Trading Post March 4 Santa Cruz, CA The Catalyst Atrium March 5 San Luis Obispo, CA SLO Brew Rock March 7 Pioneertown, CA Pappy & Harriet’s
Marking the 40th anniversary of ACCEPT’s iconic album, Balls To The Wall, founding member and former frontman Udo Dirkschneider is reinterpreting this classic with a fresh and star-studded twist. Far from a simple remake, this project was born out of countless conversations with prominent artists across the global rock and metal scene, who frequently asked: “Are you planning anything special for the 40th anniversary of Balls To The Wall?”
These discussions sparked the idea to re-record the album’s legendary tracks alongside a stellar lineup of guest musicians, transforming the project into a heartfelt tribute. For both Dirkschneider and the participating artists, this endeavor is more than a celebration – it’s a homage to one of heavy metal’s most groundbreaking albums.
The reimagined Balls To The Wall features an impressive roster of talent, breathing new life into each track:
01. Balls To The Wall [feat. Joakim Brodén of SABATON] 02. London Leatherboys [feat. Biff Byford of SAXON] 03. Fight It Back [feat. Mille Petrozza of KREATOR] 04. Head Over Heels [feat. Nils Molin of DYNAZTY/AMARANTHE] 05. Losing More Than You’ve Ever Had [feat. Michael Kiske of HELLOWEEN] 06. Love Child [feat. Ylva Eriksson of BROTHERS OF METAL] 07. Turn Me On [feat. Danko Jones] 08. Losers And Winners [feat. Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER] 09. Guardian Of The Night [feat. Tim “Ripper” Owens, formerly of JUDAS PRIEST] 10. Winter Dreams [feat. Doro Pesch]
This ambitious reinterpretation not only revitalises the original tracks but also underscores their timeless impact on the metal genre. More than a revival, this project serves as a celebration of the album’s enduring legacy, enriched by the enthusiasm and contributions of some of metal’s most influential voices.
“Re-recording “Balls To The Wall” was a big challenge for me. The album is a milestone of my career, of course, that’s why it was even more important to me to make the original songs shine in a new light without losing their initial essence. All guests have put their individual stamps on these classic tracks, and collaborating with such outstanding vocalists has moved them into a fresh and exciting dimension. The result is a powerful homage to all fans but also an invitation to the next generation to experience the songs not minorly passionate than I was when I recorded them back in the day. It’s a never-ending personal journey for me – “Balls To The Wall” will always be a part of me,” states Udo.
RPM managing director Jochen Richert expresses his excitement: “This masterpiece has accompanied me for almost my entire life. When Udo first told me about his idea, my initial thought was, ‘Can this really work?’ But as soon as he mentioned the first guest singers, I knew it would be great. When I finally got to hear the tracks, I was blown away. My nostalgic side cautioned me, ‘No, you can’t like this better than the original.’ But there’s no use denying it, I have to admit it’s at least as good as the 1983 recordings – if not better! Accordingly, it’s an incredible honour to be able to contribute to this opus.”
This reimagined Balls To The Wall is a fitting tribute to heavy metal history, proving that its power and influence remain as potent today as they were four decades ago. Don’t miss your chance to own this extraordinary celebration of a true classic. Pre-order here: https://dirkschneider.rpm.link/bttwrPR
We can’t wait to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ‘Balls to the Wall’ together with you in 2025! This will be a historic and electrifying event so make sure to grab your tickets now before they are gone!
“Balls To The Wall” – 40th Anniversary Tour w/ CROWNSHIFT, ALL FOR METAL Presented by Contra Promotion & Metal Hammer 25.02.2025 HR Zagreb – Boogaloo * NEW 26.02.2025 AT Vienna – SiMM City 27.02.2025 DE Munich – Backstage LOW TICKETS 28.02.2025 DE Leipzig – Haus Auensee LOW TICKETS 01.03.2025 CZ Prague – SaSaZu 02.03.2025 HU Budapest – Barba Negra 04.03.2025 RO Bucharest – Quantic Club 06.03.2025 PL Kraków – Klub Studio 07.03.2025 PL Warsaw – Progresja 08.03.2025 LT Vilnius – Kablys 09.03.2025 EE Tallinn – Helitehas NEW 10.03.2025 FI Helsinki – Kulttuuritalo 11.03.2025 FI Tampere – Tavara-asema 13.03.2025 NO Oslo – Rockefeller 14.03.2025 SE Gothenburg – Trädgår’n 16.03.2025 DE Berlin – Huxleys Neue Welt 17.03.2025 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 18.03.2025 BE Antwerp – Trix 19.03.2025 FR Paris – Le Trabendo 21.03.2025 ES Pamplona – Sala Totem 22.03.2025 ES Madrid – Mon MOVED 23.03.2025 ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 2 25.03.2025 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7 26.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn SOLD OUT 27.03.2025 DE Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle 28.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Große Freiheit 36 29.03.2025 DE Geiselwind – Eventhalle LOW TICKETS 30.03.2025 DE Geiselwind – Eventhalle NEW 08.04.2025 GR Athens – Fuzz Live Music Club * NEW 09.04.2025 GR Thessaloniki – Principal Club Theater * NEW 11.04.2025 TR Istanbul – IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş * NEW 12.04.2025 BG Sofia – Hristo Botev Hall * NEW
DIRKSCHNEIDER only
30.07. – 02.08.2025 DE Wacken – Wacken Open Air SOLD OUTNEW
Faroe Islands-based folk metal collective TÝR will return to North American stages this Winter on the second leg of the Battle Ballads tour! The journey will commence on February 13th in Brooklyn, New York and close on March 5th in Joliet, Illinois. Additional support will be provided again by Æther Realm.
Comments TÝR vocalist/guitarist Heri Joensen, “If it were only up to us, the band, we’d play for you all, everywhere, in a heartbeat, if only we could. On our last North American run, we got a lot of requests about playing in this and that city that was not on our route. We’re very happy that this time we get to do a second round visiting a lot of those cities that our dear fans requested. Get your tickets early. It would be a shame if we miss you. And since the VIP upgrade experience went down well last time, we decided to do it again, so we can hang out together and play an acoustic show for you.”
TÝR w/ Æther Realm: 2/13/2025 Brooklyn Monarch – Brooklyn, NY 2/14/2025 Broken Goblet – Bensalem, PA 2/15/2025 Hooligans – Jacksonville, NC 2/16/2025 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL 2/18/2025 Southport Hall – New Orleans, LA 2/19/2025 House Of Rock – Corpus Christi, TX 2/20/2025 89th Street Collective – Oklahoma City, OK 2/21/2025 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM 2/22/2025 The Marquis – Denver, CO 2/26/2025 Constellation Room – Santa Ana, CA 2/27/2025 Whisky-A-Go-Go – West Hollywood, CA 2/28/2025 Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA 3/01/2025 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT 3/02/2025 The Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO 3/03/2025 The Granada – Lawrence, KS 3/04/2025 Amsterdam Bar & Hall – St. Paul, MN 3/05/2025 The Forge – Joliet, IL
Battle Ballads, TÝR’s outstanding ninth full-length studio album, was released earlier this year on Metal Blade Records.
A crushing, soaring, batch of classical embellished songs that conjure images of galloping steeds, clashing swords, and hard-fought victories, with Battle Ballads, TÝR has composed an album that resounds with their trademark Viking metal sound. At the same time, the band has experimented with new writing styles and musical techniques and created songs that are structurally simpler, yet musically more variegated. There’s no escaping the masterfully meticulous blend of melody and savagery on Battle Ballads.
TÝR: Heri Joensen – vocal, guitar Hans Hammer – guitar Gunnar Helmer “Gunz” Thomsen – bass Tadeusz “Tad” Rieckmann – drums
Finnish hard rock and metal legends LORDI are set to release their highly anticipated 19th studio album, Limited Deadition, on March 21, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The album is spearheaded by the electrifying lead single, “Syntax Terror,” a track that thrusts listeners into a game-like world with spacy melodies, thunderous riffs, and irresistibly catchy hooks.
Mr Lordi comments: “The writing of this song started out with its main keyboard riff. I played around with those mono sounds, trying to come up with something with a very 80s action movie opening score feel. ‘Syntax Terror’ actually almost became the album title, but then it was discovered that other people have had the same idea way before I did. On the verses I was thinking of JUDAS PRIEST, on the chorus of MANOWAR and – as icing on the cake – Udo Dirkschneider-type of screams to belch out the title. Don’t ask what the lyrics are about. ‘Syntax Terror’ is a very 80s heavy metal style song, painting abstract pictures with every line!”
Already generating excitement among fans, the single promises to be a highlight in LORDI‘s monstrous catalog. Pre-orders are available here: https://lordi.rpm.link/limiteddeaditionPR
Known for their theatrical style and unique blend of 80s-inspired rock and heavy metal, LORDI‘s latest creation is a nostalgic celebration of retro 80s toys, infused with a fresh and powerful energy. Building on the success of their 2023 album Screem Writers Guild,Limited Deadition ventures into heavier riffs and faster tempos, creating a soundscape that is both familiar and invigorating.
Recorded at IluSound Studio and Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Limited Deaditionwas produced by Mr Lordi, mixed by Ilkka Herkman, and mastered by Pauli Saastamoinen. As always, Mr Lordi took charge of the album’s striking artwork and layout, channeling his passion for 80s memorabilia into every detail. “It’s some kind of sibling album to its predecessor,” Mr Lordi explains. “We’re still walking the path of AOR-inspired music, but this time, with a more metal touch in terms of riffs and tempo. We’ve always written what felt right and natural, and this album is no exception.”
The thematic heart of Limited Deadition lies in Mr Lordi’s lifelong obsession with collecting, inspired by the action figures and toys of his childhood. “The album topic of 80s toys is actually just a loose theme, but it’s been accompanying me since I was little. I’ve always been a collector of various stuff, and I’m even some kind of a hoarder. I can’t even remember which my first own toy was, but my obsession basically started with “Muppet Show” dolls, followed by “Star Wars” and “E.T.” figures, with the latter actually being my favourite movie of all time.”
The album opens with “SCG XIX The Hexecutioners,” setting the stage for an exciting blend of cinematic and melodic heavy rock. Tracks like “Legends Are Made Of Clichés” and “Skelephant In The Room” highlight LORDI‘s knack for creating larger-than-life anthems. Meanwhile, the poignant ballad “Collectable” reflects on the fleeting value of physical objects in a digital world, while the title track, Limited Deadition, makes a bold statement celebrating collectors and their passion.
To support the release, LORDI will embark on a global Limited Deadition tour, beginning in Finland and expanding internationally. Fans can expect a monstrous spectacle, complete with new tricks and surprises.
Limited Deadition will be available on all major streaming platforms and in physical formats on March 21, 2025. Pre-orders for the album and tour tickets are now live. With the explosive single “Syntax Terror” already setting the tone, fans can prepare for an unforgettable addition to the LORDIverse.
Get ready to unleash the monster within – Limited Deadition is coming!
LORDI are: Mr Lordi | vocals Kone | guitars Hiisi | bass Hella | keyboard Mana | drums
LORDI live:
21.03.2025 FI Tampere – Tavara-asema 22.03.2025 FI Helsinki – Tavastia-klubi 25.03.2025 PL Warsaw – Progresja 26.03.2025 PL Gdansk – B90 28.03.2025 NL Amstelveen – P60 29.03.2025 NL Drachten – Poppoadium Iduna 30.03.2025 NL Sittard – Poppodium Volt 02.04.2025 UK Wolverhampton – Wulfrun Hall 03.04.2025 UK Newcastle – NX 05.04.2025 UK Manchester – Academy 2 06.04.2025 UK Glasgow – Galvanizers SWG3 08.04.2025 UK London – Islington Assembly Hall 09.04.2025 UK Bristol – SWX 11.04.2025 FR Savigny-le-Temple – L’Empreinte 12.04.2025 FR Saint-Lô – Le Normandy 13.04.2025 BE Sint-Niklaas – De Casino 15.04.2025 FR Lyon (Villeurbanne) – La Rayonne 16.04.2025 FR Strasbourg (Ostwald) – Le Point d’Eau 17.04.2025 FR Montbéliard – L’Axone
Anyone that viewed the opening ceremony for the Summer Olympics held in Paris, France knows that there was music performances. One of the featured performers was Frances’ very own Gojira, at the Conciergerie on the banks of the Seine river.
I was surprised as any other metalhead to see Gojira there as well. It’s an extremely rare moment for any Metal band to take the world stage. They did our genre proud. I only tuned in because of hearing via news outlets that Gojira was featured. “Ah! Ça Ira” (a song made prominent during the French Revolution) was what I later found to be the song.
The (now controversial) headless Queen Marie Antoinette theme that segued into Gojiras’ performance took me by surprise as well and its visual shock and special effects made it all the more, well, can I say… Metal. Once Gojira was finished, I turned off the Paris Summer Olympics opening ceremony and went back to my UFO documentaries.
I will add, I later viewed the performance from Celine Dion and she was fabulous. This opening ceremony originally aired on NBC on July 26th and is currently being streamed on Peacock.
Finland’s most legendary metal festival Nummirock will take place for the 38th time in Kauhajoki, Finland from 19-22 June 2024.
This year’s performers from abroad: Body Count (US), Kerry King (US), Thy Art Is Murder (AU), Suffocation (US), Eluveitie (CH), Blackbraid (US), The Halo Effect (SWE), Shadow of Intent (US), Rise of the Northstar (FRA), Mister Misery (SWE), Thrown (SWE), Party Cannon (UK)
The selected bands from the metal country of Finland, where there are more than 53 metal bands per 100,000 inhabitants, are as follows Insomnium, Ensiferum, Rytmihäiriö, Tarot, Huora, Warmen, Crownshift, Horna, Martti Servo ja Napander, Shade Empire, Deathchain, Kaunis Kuolematon, Fear of Domination, Inferia, Kallomäki, Marianas Rest, Nicole, Suotana, Kyy, Verikalpa, Swansong, Prestige, Satanic North, Horizon Ignited, As I May, Anima Hereticae, FM2000, Vaasa Palaa, St. Aurora, De La Rocka, Stereo Terror DJ’s, Poponjet, WikiRock, Enemies Everywhere, Grillijono K.O., Vehje & Nummirock Ensemble.
Promoter Mr. Tero Viertola comments: “We are very honoured to have Kerry King back on the Nummirock main stage after a 26-year hiatus. In 1998 Kerry visited our main stage with Slayer. In addition to a diverse line-up, we have the most spectacular and experiential festival camping area in the country, which takes on a life of its own throughout the festival week. Welcome to Nummirock.”
Single cover artwork • “Crack Cocaine“ (Written by Billy Morrison/ Ozzy Osbourne/Steve Stevens)
“The Morrison Project”OfficialAlbumrelease: April 19, 2024
Billy Morrison, the British guitarist, singer, and songwriter primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens, and for his previous role as bassist in The Cult, has assembled an electrifying 12 songs including guest performances by Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, DMC, Corey Taylor, Al Jourgensen, Steve Vai, Steve Stevens, Linda Perry, Tommy Clufetos, John5, and more!
I guess the way that your love makes me feel/Must mean I’m really addicted,” sings OZZY OSBOURNE on “Crack Cocaine”, the newly released track out on March 21st from BILLY MORRISON’s new solo album THE MORRISON PROJECT. This album is releasing on April 19th, via The Label Group’s partnership with TLG ZOID through Virgin Music Group.
Crack Cocaine” (04:01 min) Music video Premiere: March 21, 2024 YouTube Video by IVO RAZA
Official release on March 21, 2024 Label: TLG ZOID • Virgin Music
“Crack Cocaine” is the second single/video from THE MORRISON PROJECT and follows the single/video “Drowning”. Stream it HERE
This seismic collaboration also features STEVE STEVENS on guitar and was co-written by MORRISON, OSBOURNE, and STEVENS who all appear in the video with PARIS JACKSON playing the glamorous/romantic interest, with cameos from visual artist RISK and actor JEFF HILLIARD.
“Crack Cocaine” marks the first new song with OZZY on vocals since the 2022 release of his worldwide smash album Patient Number 9 which earned him two Grammy Awards (“Best Rock Album,” “Best Metal Performance”). “I was in the same room as Billy and Steve,” says OZZY about co-writing the song. “The lyrics just came out of the blue. It was written in about 20 minutes.”
BILLY MORRISON • 2024 📸 JaneStuartPhotos
BILLY, the British guitarist, singer and songwriter primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens, sheds more light on the song’s origins: “The music was a direct result of sitting in a room with Steve, both with de-tuned guitars, and writing what we felt was an ultimate Ozzy riff. From there, we brought Ozzy over and we all sat around working on the lyrics, but 90% of those came from Ozzy himself. He’s the one that suddenly stood up and sang “Like Crack Cocaine”! We looked at each other and knew we had the title!”
BILLY: “The song is 100% about how certain relationships can FEEL like an addiction. It’s nothing whatsoever to do with the drug! It’s a comparison. Ozzy is talking about being in that dysfunctional situation with a partner that feels so wrong, but you keep going back again and again. ‘Loving you is driving me insane. I put you down and pick you up again’ – it’s exactly like a drug addiction.”
Importantly, reveals STEVE, “First and foremost, Billy and I discussed what an Ozzy fan would really love to hear. We really zeroed in on the ‘90s-era Ozzy, the truly heavy stuff. We cast aside any rules both musically and lyrically. It was really a great team and Billy is just such a great motivator. Obviously as a guitarist, to contribute to an Ozzy song is like a kid in a candy store. He’s played with such an amazing array of guitarists that I tried my best to honor that tradition.”
Adds STEVE: “I think the fact that Billy and I have spent the better part of 16 years working together in Billy Idol means we are almost telepathic in how we arrange guitars, etc. Billy and Ozzy have such an amazing friendship that it was easy to feel inspired and want to help them achieve any idea I could assist with. As we worked in my home studio, I tried to make the actual recording process almost invisible. Forget any technical aspects and really have some fun. To Ozzy’s credit, he was totally focused; and man the first time I heard him sing in what was essentially my living room, fucking chills ran down my spine.”
Line-Up: Ozzy Osbourne • Vocals Billy Morrison • Rhythm guitar Steve Stevens • Lead guitar Tommy Clufetos • Drums
“Crack Cocaine” is the second single/video from THE MORRISON PROJECT and follows the single/video “Drowning”. Stream it HERE
💿 DISCOGRAPHY: 2008 • Stimulator • Full-length 2015 • The God Shaped Hole • Full-length 2024 • The Morrison Project • Full-length
CROWBAR has announced their latest round of US headlining dates, confirming a two-week Spring run from March 30th through April 14th, with support from Morbid Visionz. The tour will see CROWBAR performing a special set of songs from their Crowbar and Odd Fellows Rest albums as part of the annual Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest in Philadelphia on April 12th. On April 13th, the band will play a Rocks Off Concert Cruise at Skyport Marina in New York City. Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
CROWBAR w/ Morbid Visionz: 3/30/2024 Southport Hall – New Orleans, LA 4/01/2024 Chelsea’s Live – Baton, Rouge, LA 4/02/2024 Growlers – Memphis, TN 4/03/2024 Granada Theater – Dallas, TX 4/04/2024 RecordBar – Kansas City, MO 4/05/2024 X-Ray Arcade – Milwaukee, WI 4/06/2024 Stan’s Room at Piere’s – Fort Wayne, IN 4/07/2024 Blind Pig – Ann Arbor, MI 4/08/2024 The Forge – Joliet, IL 4/09/2024 Black Circle Brewing – Indianapolis, IN 4/10/2024 Skully’s – Columbus, OH 4/11/2024 The Loud – Huntington, WV 4/12/2024 Decibel Metal And Beer Fest – Philadelphia, PA [tickets] * 4/13/2024 Rocks Off Concert Cruise @ Skyport Marina – New York, NY [tickets] * 4/14/2024 Elevation 27 – Virginia Beach, VA
CROWBAR only
CROWBAR released their most recent studio offering, the critically lauded Zero And Below, on MNRK Heavy in April 2022. Produced, mixed, and mastered by Duane Simoneaux at OCD Recording And Production in Metairie, Louisiana, Zero And Below is the band’s most unforgivably doom-driven record since their 1998 landmark effort, Odd Fellows Rest. Led by riff lord and vocalist Kirk Windstein, with guitarist Matt Brunson, bassist Shane Wesley, and drummer Tommy Buckley, songs like “Chemical Godz,” “It’s Always Worth The Gain,” and “Bleeding From Every Hole” are unapologetic emotional outpourings, with a bare-knuckle resolve alongside its soul-searching vulnerability, reliably delivered with crushing heaviness.
Zero And Below is available on CD, LP, cassette, and digitally. Preview and purchase the record at THIS LOCATION.
Watch the videos for “Chemical Godz” HERE and “Bleeding From Every Hole” HERE.
LISTEN TO NEW SONG: “THE POST-ATOMIC HORROR” – U.S./CANADIAN TOUR ANNOUNCED
Jan. 23, 2024 – Zombi, the electro-prog duo featuring Steve Moore and AE Paterra that Pitchfork described as evoking “the murky synth ambience of the 1970s while also infusing their music with a decidedly modern aura,” and Decibel dubbed “exceptional,” return with their eagerly-awaited new album, Direct Inject (March 22, Relapse Records).
A preview of the nine-song collection is available now, with the track “The Post-Atomic Horror” (https://orcd.co/zombi-directinject) streaming now. “’The Post-Atomic Horror’ is a very fun song for us to play,” says Paterra. “No trappings from our machines, just bass and drums, as stripped down as we can be. Definitely one for us to lean into on stage – a few minutes of riffs and wide open drums.”
Direct Inject, which was self-produced by Moore and Paterra, also features guest percussionist Jeff Gretz (Zao/From Autumn To Ashes), and guitar player Phil Manley (Trans Am).
Photo credit: Shawn Brackbill
“In 2022, after our tour with The Sword, we posted up in our friend’s studio in Clearfield, PA for a week of diner breakfasts and gas station BBQ,” shares Moore. “We would record every day and improvise until we found ideas we liked. We then took these ideas back home to Albany and Chicago to give them structure. A few months later, after our tour with Om, AEP went back to Clearfield to record final drum tracks. Everything else was recorded at my home studio. The only exceptions are ‘Sessuale I’ and “Sessuale II,” which were both written in the early ‘00s but never officially released.”
Zombi has simultaneously announced their first tour dates in support of Direct Inject, with a U.S./Canadian trek coming this April. Tickets are on-sale this Friday at 10 am local time. Overcalc opens on all dates.
Zombi – tour dates:
April 4 Louisville, KY Whirling Tiger April 5 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern April 6 Detroit, MI Sanctuary Detroit April 7 Toronto, ON The Velvet Underground April 8 Montreal, QC La Sotterenea April 9 Boston, MA The Middle East Upstairs April 10 Brooklyn, NY Saint Vitus April 11 Philadelphia, PA Underground Arts April 12 Baltimore, MD Metro Gallery April 13 Pittsburgh, PA Certain Death II
Zombi is Steve Moore (synth/bass/guitar) and AE Paterra (drums/percussion/electronics). Formed in 2001, the Pittsburgh-founded, instrumental duo have released seven full-length albums.
PALOOKA is big thick two-guitar rock the way God intended it. Hailing from Seattle, USA, singer Chuck Campbell belts out melody lines full of emotion and purpose with tenacity. Chris Quinn and Glen Logan trade flurries of devastating and searing guitar punches reminiscent of a barroom brawl. All of which sits on the rock-solid pounding foundation built on the talents of Howard Binner on bass and the percussive mauler Jason Reavis on drums.
This powerhouse of rock has been making waves since their debut album “What’s Wrong With Wanting Everything” in 2011. They have come a long way since then and their forthcoming 2024 EP “Save Yourself” promises to deliver the heavy dose of rock that you need. The first look at this EP is with the title track, which the band comments on:
“Save Yourself speaks to those moments in life where one comes to the realization that the way through a particular event or situation is purely up to us as individuals. The metaphoric cavalry isn’t coming, we are on our own and the only way forward is through.”
PALOOKA goes on to explain that as fans of a wide assortment of genres, they channeled their influences into an energy and intensity that is all their own. They made a point to push their boundaries and across the EP listeners can expect to hear elements of metal, blues, 70’s rock, grunge, alternative, and more.
Mostly written throughout the pandemic, the songs on “Save Yourself” were born from the unique environment of physical isolation, which not only left its mark on the personal themes of the songs but also played a pivotal role in the collaborative process. Interestingly, PALOOKA didn’t consciously decide on the track lineup. Instead, the songs, along with the circumstances that led to their creation, organically determined which songs found their place on “Save Yourself”. Loud, classic, and accessible PALOOKA is recommended for fans of Cheap Trick, Alice in Chains, and AC/DC.
Watch the music video for “Save Yourself” via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.
On December 2nd, LIVE from Madison Square Garden, KISS will perform in concert for the final time ever, and you can watch LIVE on Pay-Per-View!
Stream this historic event worldwide, exclusively on PPV.COM; or watch on Pay-Per-View via your cable or satellite provider in the US & Canada.
This is your last chance ever to see America’s greatest rock band! Don’t miss out! KISS: END OF THE ROAD LIVE from Madison Square Garden Saturday, December 2nd at 8pm ET
This past week the news broke of Slipknot notifying drummer Jay Weinberg that his service was no longer needed. After 10 years with Slipknot, contributing to 3 studio albums and touring, the loyalty factor went dark on Jay Weinberg for obviously no sufficient reason. “Slipknot is intent on evolving” is basically an excuse taken out of the handbookof cheap excuses to fire someone. Please. Slipknot evolving? Into what? A folk band? Bluegrass ensemble? Whatever.
Below are the press releases as released by Slipknot and Jay Weinberg. Granted, I don’t know every detail behind the scenes here; however, if it quacks like a duck and looks like a duck… then it’s a duck. I wish nothing but the very best of Metal success for Jay Weinberg for he deserves to rise above this nonsense. -Stone
The band will make their triumphant return to Latin America for 10 shows, with the first stop in Lima, Peru on Saturday, April 6. In addition to Peru, upcoming stops include Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil and México. Presale tickets for Mexico will be available for Cyber Army members beginning Saturday, November 11 at 10AM local time. Presales for the rest of the tour dates are listed below and coming soon.
“April of 2024 Megadeth returns to South America to support our latest record, The Sick, The Dying, And The Dead!, and I always get excited because there is something truly different about South America. I don’t know what it is… but whatever IT is, they come by it naturally,” shared frontman Dave Mustaine. “We are also planning a really big surprise for where “Aguante Megadeth” all started in Buenos Aires, too! So… if you can, DO NOT MISS THAT SHOW!”
Ticket and VIP Package Presales begin Saturday, November 11, 2023 in select markets.
Metal Blade Records labelmates RIVERS OF NIHIL and ENTHEOS will support Lorna Shore’s trio of holiday shows this December. The short run, dubbed 3 Nights Of A Lorna Shore Christmas, will see the tour package playing Worcester, Long Island, and Sayreville December 20th, 21st, and 22nd. In addition to RIVERS OF NIHIL and ENTHEOS, additional support will be supplied by Currents and Varials.
RIVERS OF NIHIL guitarist Brody Uttley states, “We are stoked to be doing a few dates on the East Coast with our pals in Lorna Shore. These shows will undoubtedly crush, and we can’t wait to bring some old and new favorites to the stage to warm you all up for the holiday season.”
ENTHEOSvocalist Chaney Crabb adds, “We’re excited to be joining Lorna Shore’s Christmas shows this year alongside Currents, Rivers Of Nihil, and Varials. Each night will be one to remember and we’re looking forward to celebrating the holiday with three of the best crowds in the country. See you all soon.”
Tickets for all shows are available now. See all dates below.
3 Nights Of A Lorna Shore Christmas w/ Currents, Rivers Of Nihil, Varials, Entheos:
12/20/2023 The Palladium – Worcester, MA [tickets]
12/21/2023 The Paramount – Long Island, NY [tickets]
In March 2023, Reading, Pennsylvania-based RIVERS OF NIHIL wrapped up a recording session that saw the now four-piece band birth a considerable amount of new music featuring their previous bassist/backup vocalist Adam Biggs as the new lead vocalist/bassist. This recording session also marked the first appearance of new guitarist Andy Thomas (ex-Black Crown Initiate), whose vocals also play prominently in the music as a member of RIVERS OF NIHIL. These new singles are the first to showcase the band’s new lineup in full-on collaboration, and demonstrate that while this is a new, brave sound with tons of potential, it also carries the band’s classic energy.
Watch/listen to RIVERS OF NIHIL’s new singles “Hellbirds” HERE and “The Sub-Orbital Blues” HERE.
ENTHEOS photo by Daniel Alvarado
Pushing progressive death metal in ever more imaginative directions, ENTHEOS continues to stand apart from the pack. Incorporating elements drawn from myriad genres – including death metal, groove, grunge, electronica, slam, gothic rock, jazz, prog and more – they have evolved with every release. Having stripped down to a two-piece in 2020 has helped to streamline the band and allow the core members to make the music they want to with no compromise, which is clearly to their betterment. Earlier this year the band released the diverse and exhilarating “Time Will Take Us All” full-length, and in recent weeks released a new single, the Drumcorps remix of the Time Will Take Us All song “The Interior Wilderness.”
Watch/listen to ENTHEOS’ Time Will Take Us All and the Drumcorps remix of “The Interior Wilderness”HERE.
Longtime Tesla guitarist Dave Rude will release his highly anticipated full-length album, “Through the Fire” on November 17, 2023, via Rat Pak Records. The album features 11 new studio tracks and was mixed by fellow Tesla band-mate Brian Wheat, at his studio J-Street Records in Sacramento, CA.
Regarding the recording process Dave states, “Through the Fire” was written all over the world – in dressing rooms, hotels and at soundchecks. “When I tour with Tesla, I usually have a mobile Pro-Tools recording rig with me so I can put down ideas during our downtime. Writing and recording in so many different places over a long stretch of time gave the songs a lot of variety and dynamics. I’m very happy with how it turned out and I’m excited to get this music out there!”
From the driving intro of album opener “Hell and Back”, to the melodic acoustic outro track “Ship Came In”, Dave Rude shines with his signature brand of rock-n-roll. Tracks like “Drink with the Devil”, “By the Blade”, “Eye for an Eye” and “Ain’t my Time” are chock full of memorable hooks and melodies, while songs like “Bron-yr-Rude” and “Gotta Pay” showcase his diverse and unique songwriting abilities. “Through the Fire” delivers all the power and punch that one would expect from this high-level guitarist!
Italian death metal quartet SPIRITUALDECEPTION has shared the official lyric video for “Thousand Lives Within,” the first single from the band’s upcoming new album, SemitaeMentis. The song features a guest appearance by NILE guitarist/vocalist Karl Sanders.
Semitae Mentis will be out on February 9, 2024. Amputated Vein Records will release the album on physical formats, with Earache Records handling digital distribution.
Check out the video for “Thousand Lives Within” at this location.
Following a series of EPs, Semitae Mentis bears the markings of a band that has reached a higher level of songmanship and technical prowess. The album features guest contributions by Karl Sanders (Nile) and Luc Lemay (Gorguts).
Track Listing:
The I Swells… (Decadence pt.I)
Atavic Future (Decadence pt.II)
The Days of Sleep (Decadence pt.III)
Beyond Perception and Matter
Dirac Sea (feat. Luc Lemay – Gorguts)
The Night opens
On the Edge of the Abyss
Thousand Lives Within (feat. Karl Sanders – Nile)
Individuality Dissolves
…To the Coldest Decline (Decadence pt.IV)
SPIRITUAL DECEPTION is an atmospheric death metal band, with hints of technical and brutal death metal, active since 2016.
The band has a deep connection with philosophy and owes its name to a theory from the Danish philosopher Søren Aabye Kierkegaard, which struck the composers’ minds: different human beings in the act of analyzing a particular circumstance, approach (inevitably) the situation with different points of view. Extending that fact to the ethics field hence that nothing can be defined as objective good or bad, true or false, as the judgment is deeply rooted in everyone’s own perspective. As a result, there is no objective truth, your soul is constantly deceived.
Line-Up: Mirko Frontini – Vocals and Guitar Riccardo Maccarana – Lead Guitar Billy Repalam – Bass Manuel Del Giudice – Drums
Since its birth, the band produced 3 EPs: Spiritual Deception (2018), Etemenanki(2019), and Oxymoron (2021), sharpening its sound towards a modern brand of death metal, with brutal guitar riffing and blasting drums, combined with melodic elements, which go from guitar harmonies to liturgical choirs and strings ensembles. The result of the combination of these elements is a sound that satisfies all kinds of listeners, from the brutal to the more sophisticated ones.
This formula is enriched by the lyrics which are all about philosophy, astronomy, history, and literature. The band wants to spark an interest in all these themes together with the passion for music into the listener and, in order to achieve its goal, wants to deliver a complete product, well-finished from all the points of view: from the music and lyrics to the artwork and media contents.
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!
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