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
RWAKE will take to the stage this June on four special shows including a performance at this year’s edition of Mutants Of The Monster Fest on their home turf of Little Rock, Arkansas as well as a show supporting Acid Bath and Weedeater in St. Petersburg, Florida. More dates will be announced in the weeks to come.
RWAKE Live:
6/06/2025 Mutants Of The Monster Fest – Little Rock, AR [tickets]
6/26/2025 Saturn – Birmingham, AL w/ Hexxus, Hiraeth [tickets]
6/28/2025 Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL w/ Acid Bath, Weedeater [tickets]
6/29/2025 The Earl – Atlanta, GA w/ Canopy, Insomniac [tickets]
RWAKE released their long-awaited new full-length, The Return Of Magik, last month on Relapse Records.
Years have now fed into an album that reaches into a swirling, cosmic unknown –RWAKE has grown, and the perspective of the material has shifted accordingly. Overwhelming at its peak and haunting during moments of respite, The Return Of Magik is undeniably RWAKE.
Every movement feels like an emotionally engrossing journey. Arrangements carefully and thoughtfully built in layers over a period of years lend mystique and a feeling of building toward a cathartic release. There is no box into which the material might fit other than one with the band’s name on it.
Stream RWAKE’s The Return Of Magik HERE. Watch the band’s video for “The Return Of Magik” HERE.
The Return Of Magik is available on CD, LP, and digital formats. Find ordering options at Relapse.com HERE.
Recorded in early 2024 at East End Sounds in Hensley, Arkansas, The Return Of Magik introduces RWAKE’s guitarists John Judkins and Austin Sublett with a barrage of shredded solos suited to the angular, progressive metal riffing of the album’s most jaw-clenching moments, while presenting a through-line of molten, immersive ambience.
The opener “You Swore We’d Always Be Together,” already a fixture of live sets and the expansive sprawl of “Distant Constellations And The Psychedelic Incarceration” move with cruelty and grace alike. Foreboding, syncopated riffs sway against Moog-driven space and guttural bellows. The Return Of Magik’s songs stand alone as individualized post-metallic blends of genres.
RWAKE remains dually fronted: Chris Terry’s powerful vocals lay against Brittany Fugate’s visceral screams. Jeff Morgan returns to the drum kit, in addition to acoustic guitar and 12-string bass. Bassist/noisemaker Reid Raley, Sublett, and Judkins set an instrumental backdrop that is vast and engrossing in itself; quiet, contemplative passages often explode into gut-wrenching, doomed out distortions. The Return Of Magik, which features artwork by Loni Gillum of Minerva’s Menagerie and RWAKE, burns brighter and beyond the ferocity of the band’s already storied catalog.
Although the Magik may be bleak, the manner in which RWAKE revels in it can only be called a celebration.
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.”
Released back in 2015, this CD single from the iconic Motörhead includes the songs “Thunder & Lightning” and “Electricity”, both taken from their 23rd studio album Bad Magic.
Bad Magic and this CD single were both released via Motörhead Music / UDR. The Bad Magic studio album was released on August 28th, 2015. I bought this CD single at my nearest Best Buy back then. It was the only one they had left; therefore, I kept it sealed as a collectible for my personal collection. Plus I did buy the Bad Magic CD (earbook version) around the same time.
Pictured on this CD single cover is the late Lemmy Kilmister (center) with Mikkey Dee (left) and Phil Campbell (right). It’s too bad the large coupon sticker completely hides Phil Campbell. I decided long ago not to remove it, just to keep this sealed CD single as original as possible, regardless of the $2 rebate offer.
Back cover of CD single
This is the only Motörhead CD single I own. I do have other CD singles from other metal bands that I plan on posting about in the future. Thank you for visiting and checking this out. Metal be thy name – Stone.
On the heels of re-visiting Latin American stages and announcing a new album and tour for autumn 2025, Canadian high-octane rock three-piece DANKO JONES have released their anticipated single “What You Need“. The song represents the band’s first auditory glimpse from their new album and also marks their debut at their new label, PERCEPTION, while their partnership with Sonic Unyon Records in their home country remains unchanged.
While fans still have to be a little bit more patient until learning more about the forthcoming record, the new track comes straight to the point: “If you want it, you got it, we’re gonna give you WHAT YOU NEED!” Who would even dare to refuse such a teasing offer and say ‘no’ to this powerful new DANKO JONES tune?! Concise guitar riffing introduces the single before the rest of the band jumpstart “What You Need“ leading into its immersive chorus, making it an undeniable future live classic on top.
Danko adds: “‘What You Need’ is not only the first single off our new album, it’s also the opening cut to it. It’s loud, fast, and infectious. Turn this up until the volume knob breaks or your ceiling caves in!”
Photo credit: Jon Usual L-R: Rich Knox (drums), Danko Jones (vocals, guitars), John Calabrese (bass)
“What You Need” was crafted with long-time partners — Grammy and Juno award-winning producer/mixing engineer Eric Ratz (BILLY TALENT, BIG SUGAR, CANCER BATS etc.) and Grammy winning mastering expert Harry Hess (Hbomb Mastering) — and arrives in time for the trio’s first 2025 European show, which will see them take the Paaspop stage in Schijndel, Netherlands in two weeks. Adam Mallett, another well-known face in the DANKO JONES universe, contributed contemporary single artwork which is additionally displayed on the “Danko Jones Is What You Need” tour admat.
As previously mentioned, Danko Jones will promote their upcoming studio album in the traditional way, by embarking on a 15-date tour across Europe, visiting 10 different countries. Further stops might be added over the course of the year. Stay tuned & secure your tickets fromhttps://www.dankojones.com/tour.
DANKO JONES live:
18.04.2025 NL Schijndel – Paaspop 31.05.2025 BE Herenthout – Clamotte Rock 05.06.2025 NO Trondheim – Trondheim Rocks 06.06.2025 SE Sölvesborg – Sweden Rock Festival 14.06.2025 AT Nickelsdorf – Nova Rock 27./28.06.2025 EE Tallinn – Rock Festival 05.07.2025 DE Mainburg – Festival Holledau 17.07.2025 FI Seinäjoki – Vauhtiajot 25.07.2025 NO Fredrikstad – Månefestivalen 26.07.2025 DE Mönchengladbach – Bob! Fest 06. – 10.08.2025 DE Eschwege – Open Flair 15.08.2025 NO Alta – Alta Live 16.08.2025 NO Hardstad – Bakgården 17.08.2025 CH Cudrefin (VD) – Rock The Lakes 21. – 23.08.2025 DE Haddeby – Baltic Open Air
19.11.2025 FI Helsinki – Tavastia 22.11.2025 NO Oslo – Vulkan Arena 26.11.2025 DE Osnabrück – Rosenhof 27.11.2025 LU Luxembourg – Den Atelier 28.11.2025 NL Amsterdam – Melkweg 29.11.2025 UK London – The Underworld Camden 03.12.2025 BE Antwerp – Trix (Main Hall) 04.12.2025 FR Paris – Le Trabendo 06.12.2025 IT Milan – Legend Club 08.12.2025 DE Mannheim – Alte Feuerwache 09.12.2025 AT Salzburg – Rockhouse 10.12.2025 DE Munich – Backstage (Werk) 11.12.2025 DE Cologne – Carlswerk Victoria 12.12.2025 DE Berlin – Astra 13.12.2025 DE Hamburg – Docks
“The WHAT REMAINS North America tour starts NEXT WEEK. It’s been too long, and we can’t wait to hear you scream the lyrics right back at us. We’re hitting the road with Devour the Day, Return to Dust, and Oni, and this is your official warning: chaos is guaranteed.
A chance to lose yourself in the music and emerge changed. If you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, don’t wait. Some shows are already close to selling out. Lock yours in now!”
Tue, Apr 8 – TULSA, OK Thu, Apr 10 – DALLAS, TX Fri, Apr 11 – LITTLE ROCK, AR Sat, Apr 12 – COLUMBIA, MO Sun, Apr 13 – LINCOLN, NE Mon, Apr 14 – DENVER, CO Tue, Apr 15 – COLORADO SPRINGS, CO Thu, Apr 17 – LOS ANGELES, CA Sat, Apr 19 – PHOENIX, AZ Tue, Apr 22 – BOISE, ID Wed, Apr 23 – SEATTLE, WA Thu, Apr 24 – SPOKANE, WA Fri, Apr 25 – SALEM, OR Sat, Apr 26 – RENO, NV Tue, Apr 29 – VANCOUVER, BC Thu, May 1 – CALGARY, AB Fri, May 2 – EDMONTON, AB + Sat, May 3 – SASKATOON, SK Sun, May 4 – WINNIPEG, MB Tue, May 6 – CHICAGO, IL Wed, May 7 – GREEN BAY, WI Thu, May 8 – DES MOINES, IA * Fri, May 9 – GRAND RAPIDS, MI * Sat, May 10 – DETROIT, MI * Mon, May 12 – LITITZ, PA * Thu, May 15 – CHARLOTTE, NC * Fri, May 16 – MYRTLE BEACH, SC * Sat, May 17 – LOUISVILLE, KY * Sun, May 18 – BLOOMINGTON, IL *
Akron, Ohio-based sludge metal merchants in RADIAN have announced a run of tour dates across the Eastern US throughout the Spring months. The melee begins with a trio of April gigs, including a set at Legalize Lex Fest in Lexington, Kentucky. The bulk of the dates run from May 16th through May 27th with the band hitting a good portion of the mid-Atlantic and Southeast, followed by a one-off show in June. See all currently confirmed tour dates below, with more new shows expected to be announced throughout the months ahead.
RADIAN Spring Tour 2025: 4/06/2025 Westside Bowl – Youngstown, OH 4/18/2025 Brothers Lounge – Lakewood, OH 4/19/2025 Legalize Lex Fest @ Al’s Bar – Lexington, KY 5/16/2025 O’Sullivan’s – Fort Wayne, IN 5/17/2025 Southgate House – Newport, KY 5/18/2025 Blind Bobs – Dayton, OH 5/19/2025 Mag Bar – Louisville, KY 5/20/2025 Cherry St Tavern – Chattanooga, TN 5/21/2025 The Odd – Asheville, NC 5/22/2025 Snug Harbor – Charlotte, NC 5/23/2025 Tribble’s – Piedmont, SC 5/24/2025 Flicker Theatre – Athens, GA 5/25/2025 529 – Atlanta, GA 5/27/2025 Banditos – Richmond, VA 6/17/2025 Westside Bowl Youngstown, OH
RADIAN emerged in the winter of 2017, founded by guitarist Mike Burns (ex-Rue, Sofa King Killer). Their vision to merge groove with grime culminated in the roaring, sludgy assault of their independent debut LP, Chapters (2019), praised by The Obelisk as delivering, “that extra bit of aggression one finds underlying the most satisfying of sludge metals.” Fueled by a growing response from the heavy metal community, the dynamic four-piece embraced their DIY roots, building a steady following throughout the Midwest.
This momentum led to the writing and release of their punishing sophomore album, Discordian, on Burns’ own El Burno Records in December 2021. Relentless shows and touring in support of Discordian brought both growth and turbulence, with multiple lineup shifts along the way.
By Fall 2022, drummer DerekVaive (Ommnus) joined the ranks, followed by vocalist Corey Staley (A Damn Shame) solidifying the new lineup in Fall 2024. Now armed with fresh material and a renewed sense of purpose, RADIAN is set to hit the road again in Spring 2025, delivering their brand of sludgy doom with unrelenting force.
RADIAN is currently in the later stages of completing work on their third LP. Stand by for updates as the album is prepared for release in the months ahead.
KING WITCH are releasing their much awaited brand new full length album III on June 27, 2025. The album displays a phenomenal leap forward in terms of songwriting and a massive production.
Formed in late 2015 on the streets of old Edinburgh, King Witch play a lead-heavy brew of rock and doom that draws comparisons ranging from Black Sabbath and Candlemass to Soundgraden and Alice In Chains. The band quickly earned themselves a reputation as a formidable live act and have toured the UK and Europe extensively with the likes of Green Lung as well as playing festivals such as Sweden Rock, Desertfest and Bloodstock..
After self releasing their extremely well received Shoulder of Giants ep, the band were picked up by Listenable Records through which they released their debut album Under The Mountain in 2018 followed by Body Of Light in 2020.
2025 sees the band return with their third and most accomplished full length album, III, featuring Andrew Scott on drums. Produced and mixed by guitarist Jamie Gilchrist in his own studio, Nameless City Sound, III retains the doom and heavy rock elements that characterise their earlier releases while ramping up the energy and focusing on more concise songwriting. The album focuses on where the human race is right now, our apparent desire to destroy ourselves, and the mental struggle to deal with it and carry on living a positive life.
Debut single ‘Swarming Flies’ is scheduled for Friday the 2nd of May, 2025. Don’t miss out on this crushing new track!
Band photo by Simon Anger
King Witch are: Laura Donnelly – Vocals Jamie Gilchrist – Guitar Rory Lee – Bass Drums performed by Andrew Scott
Track-listing:
Suffer In Life 4:14
Deal With The Devil 5:49
Swarming Flies 4:49
Sea Of Lies 6:48
Behind The Veil 6:03
Diggin In The Dirt 4:25
Little Witch 3:24
Last Great Wilderness 8:00
Produced and mixed by Jamie Gilchrist at Nameless City Sound. Mastered by Grant Berry at Fader Mastering. Cover art by Blasted Heathen. Graphic design by Laura Donnelly.
ALIEN, the brand new album from Ecuador’s Anima Inside, is OUT NOW! – as of March 28th via Rockshots Records. A bold and genre-defying release from one of South America’s most dynamic and boundary-pushing rock bands. Fusing heavy rock, Afro-Latin influences, and emotional depth, ALIENis a striking statement of the band’s evolution. Intense, unique, and unmistakably Anima Inside.
Track Listing: 1. Prophet’s Word 2. Through the Glass 3. Alien 4. Survive 5. The Ride 6. Immortal 7. Broken Men 8. Battled Me 9. What’s Wrong With The World Today 10. Free Man
Pre-sale tickets for Korn Kanada 2025 are live now. Use Code: KANADA25 | http://kornofficial.com
9.17 – Ottawa, ON @ Canadian Tire Center 9.19 – Quebec City, QC @ Videotron Centre 9.20 – Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell 9.22 – London, ON @ Canada Life Place 9.25 – Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Life Centre 9.28 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome 9.29 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place 10.01 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
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"
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