The holiday special will be available on DVD and digital/streaming on November 11
Originally set for release in July of 2022, before the heartbreaking and untimely death of beloved frontman Trevor Strnad, The Black Dahlia Murder‘s Yule ‘Em All: A Holiday Variety Extravaganza will now be available on DVD Digipak and digital/streaming on November 11.
Check out a clip to Yule ‘Em All: A Holiday Variety Extravaganza here: metalblade.com/tbdm
On October 28th at Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit, Michigan’s The Black Dahlia Murder will be playing their first show since Trevor’s passing. The show will be a celebration of the life and legacy of Trevor Strnad who was lost to us all on May 11th this year. This show also marks the first performance with the band’s new/old lineup with founding member Brian Eschbach taking on lead vocals and the return of Ryan Knight on guitar along with long-time members Max Lavelle on bass, Alan Cassidy on drums, and Brandon Ellis on lead guitar and backing vocals. Support for the show will come from Darkest Hour and Plague Years.
About the release – originally released in December of 2020: Detroit’s Kings of the Underworld, The Black Dahlia Murder, present their Yule ‘Em All: A Holiday Variety Extravaganza program hosted by Neil Hamburger (Pick Of Destiny, Tim and Eric). This feel-good metal holiday special contains live performances of 16 beloved tracks from the band’s extensive catalog, original comedy skits featuring band members, and a special appearance by George “Corpsegrinder”Fisher (Cannibal Corpse)! The DVD version also comes with a special commentary track by band members and producers of the special. Raise your glass of eggnog and prepare to toast to the season’s finest offering of Yuletide joy and laughter.
Iron Maiden will be bringing a new tour to Europe in the Summer of 2023 including arena shows in the UK & Ireland. The Future Past Tour will feature previously unperformed songs from the band’s most recent studio album, Senjutsu along with a focus on 1986’s iconic Somewhere InTime record, plus other classic cuts.
The first shows to be announced are as follows:
June 2023 13 Tauron Arena, Krakow, POLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 19 Hallenstadion, Zurich, SWITZERLAND – (On sale Thu Oct 13) 24 3Arena, Dublin, IRELAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 26 Ovo Hydro, Glasgow, SCOTLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 28 First Direct Arena, Leeds, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 30 AO Arena, Manchester, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14)
July 2023 03 Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 04 Utilita Arena, Birmingham, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 07 O2 Arena, London, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 11 Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS – (On sale Thu Oct 13) 13 Sportpaleis, Antwerp, BELGIUM – (On sale Thu Oct 13) 15 The Return of the Gods Festival, Milan, ITALY – (On sale now)
Further European dates for The Future Past Tour will be announced later. Keep up to date here.
Fan Club Presales begin Tuesday 11th October. Details here. Support for The Future Past Tour will be announced at a later date. Trooper VIP will be available at selected UK and European dates.
Steve Harris says, “Following the release of our latest album, Senjutsu, we updated the current Legacy of the Beast Tour a little by opening the show with the first 3 songs from it, with the Japanese Palace stage set. As it doesn’t make a lot of sense to repeat this for a Senjutsu album tour, we thought about other options and we’ve decided to revisit Somewhere In Time as that tour didn’t feature in the various retrospective history tours we’ve played over the years. They were based on our 80’s concert videos and sadly we did not film that tour (blame the manager!!). We have had lots of requests from fans over the years for many tracks on it so we are now going to play them, plus of course a few others we know you will like! It will also be particularly satisfying to finally get to play some of the more epic tracks on Senjutsu, it’s been a long wait! 2023 is going to be an exciting time and we’re really looking forward to seeing everyone again in the UK, Ireland and around Europe”.
Manager, Rod Smallwood adds, “This combination of the two albums we feel is very exciting. We know fans want to hear those epic cuts on Senjutsu for the first time live and we think that by combining it with an iconic album like Somewhere In Time it will make for another really special tour for fans old and new! Of course, for a new album tour in Europe and the UK we will go back largely to the relative intimacy of arenas and we know fans will be very happy about that too!”
Ace Von Johnson is an accomplished rhythm guitarist and lends backing vocals for the acclaimed L.A. Guns. Ace is also a former member of Faster Pussycat. Recently, Ace was kind enough to take time from his schedule to do a video interview with our very own Tanis Enos. Kick back and enjoy the interview below!
Heavy metal/speed metal veterans will serve as special guests to Metallica during a special concert paying tribute to the lives of Jon and Marsha Zazula. The performance will take place Sunday, November 6th at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
As founders of Megaforce Records, the Zazulas are widely credited for discovering and launching the careers of many of heavy metal’s most ground-breaking, influential, and now legendary artists. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated in Jon and Marsha’s name to MusiCares, a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community offering preventive, emergency, and recovery programs to musicians and industry professionals.
RAVEN is currently amid their Wiped Out 40th anniversary tour, treating their fans by playing the iconic album in full during each show. Support is being provide by Riot Act, the band formed by former Riot guitarist Rick Ventura, performing a Riot repertoire from their classic 1977-1982 era. See all confirmed dates below.
Additionally, RAVEN are also finalizing their next studio album, which will be their first for SilverLining Music, with details to be unveiled in the months to come.
RAVEN Wiped Out – 40th Anniversary Tour w/ Riot Act [remaining dates]
10/04/2022 Dante’s – Portland, OR 10/05/2022 Wise Hall – Vancouver, BC 10/06/2022 Alma – Tacoma, WA 10/08/2022 Aces High – Salt Lake City, UT 10/09/2022 The Coast – Ft. Collins, CO 10/10/2022 Reverb Lounge – Omaha, NE 10/11/2022 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL 10/12/2022 Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI 10/13/2022 Photo City Music Hall – Rochester, NY 10/14/2022 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON 10/15/2022 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 10/17/2022 No Class – Cleveland, OH 10/18/2022 Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON 10/19/2022 Sonia – Boston, MA 10/20/2022 Geno’s – Portland, ME 10/21/2022 Market Hotel – Brooklyn, NY 10/22/2022 West York Inn – York, PA 10/23/2022 Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA 10/24/2022 Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern – Raleigh, NC 10/25/2022 The Pour House Music Hall – Wilmington, NC 10/26/2022 Tribbles – Piedmont, SC 10/27/2022 Brickyard – Knoxville, TN 10/28/2022 The Southgate House Revival – Newport, KY 10/30/2022 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ 10/31/2022 Westside Bowl – Youngstown, OH * RAVEN only 11/03/2022 Hi Tone Café – Memphis, TN 11/04/2022 Fractal Brewing Project – Huntsville, AL 11/05/2022 The Loft At Center Stage – Atlanta, GA 11/06/2022 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Atlanta, GA * RAVEN only w/ Metallica 11/07/2022 Nice Guys – Cape Coral, FL
RAVEN: John Gallagher – lead vocals, bass, 12-string bass Mark Gallagher – guitar, vocals Mike Heller – drums
Celebrating their 40th anniversary, icons of heavy metal, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, have announced a US headlining tour this Fall! The excursion kicks off on November 10th in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and runs through November 27th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Support will be provided by Spirit Adrift and The Native Howl. See all confirmed dates below and purchase tickets HERE.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY w/ Spirit Adrift, The Native Howl: 11/10/2022 Chelsea’s Live – Baton Rouge, LA 11/11/2022 Vinyl Music Hall – Pensacola, FL 11/12/2022 Snowblind Festival – Atlanta, GA 11/13/2022 Growlers – Memphis, TN 11/15/2022 Ace Of Cups – Columbus, OH 11/17/2022 Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC 11/18/2022 The Queen – Wilmington, DE 11/19/2022 Granite State Music Hall – Laconia, NH 11/20/2022 Reverb – Reading, PA 11/22/2022 The Machine Shop – Flint, MI 11/23/2022 The Forge – Joliet, IL 11/25/2022 Headliners Music Hall – Louisville, KY 11/26/2022 Mr. Small’s Theatre – Millvale, PA 11/27/2022 The Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI
Since forming in 1982, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY has woven their distinct riffs deep into the fabric of heavy metal for over four decades. Across ten landmark, critically acclaimed albums, the band has continued evolving. From the early days of thrash to their more recent, blues-infused metal, the band has managed to progress with each release keeping fans and critics alike guessing.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY’s most recent full-length, No Cross No Crown, was released in 2018 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. Recorded with longtime producer John Custer, the record marks the first studio recording with vocalist/guitarist Pepper Keenan in over a decade and, earning the #67 spot on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, #12 on the Billboard Top Current Albums Chart, and #3 on the Top Hard Music Albums Chart upon its first week of release, is the highest charting album of the band’s career.
Swedish Epic Heavy Metal duo Sordid Blade will release full-length debut album Every Battle HasIts Glory October 14 on CD, vinyl LP, and digital formats via Gates of Hell Records.
The album’s first single, “Hidden Enthronement,” is available to stream at: youtu.be/CWW4gOuwiFs
“I view heavy metal as an art form.” It is this simple but impactful summation that spills into the music of multi-instrumentalist and Sordid Blade figurehead Niklas Holm. Formed in 2021 out of his desire to create an epic heavy metal band in the vein of Hammerheart-era Bathory, Manilla Road and Warlord, Holm issued Sordid Blade’s two-song MMXXI demo in 2021. It was an early indicator of Holm’s ability to meld heroic proto-metal with the style and persuasion of his primary influences. After a brief period of soliciting prospective labels, Sordid Blade found its rightful place on Gates of Hell Records for the release of their first full-length, Every Battle Has Its Glory.
Every Battle Has Its Glory was tracked over the course of a year with engineer Kim Ekwall Lattik, with drum recording provided by Magnus Jonsson at Milk Studio, who also mixed the album. The album marks the first appearance of drummer Micael Zetterberg, who joined Sordid Blade after the release of MMXXI. Together, Holm and Zetterberg tap into the broad, illustrious field of true, mid-paced anthemic metal, harnessing stout riffing and choice melodies to form a sound that remains faithful to the style’s storied past.
Line-up:
Niklas Holm: Vocals, Guitar, and Bass
Micael Zetterberg – Drums
Holm’s lyrics deal with existential themes and how the individual can gain strength by focusing on what’s really important in the world. His lyrics are driven by metaphor, developing a sort of “code” for the listener to decipher. Once they do, they will find a wealth of songs with deep, emotional subject matter that adds another layer of depth and intrigue to Sordid Blade. Even the instrumental “Kiolsvarf” is topical — it is a Swedish term to describe a family drowning at sea.
The Carl Larsson (1853-1919)-created cover art was the last piece to the Every Battle Has Its Glory puzzle. Zetterberg found one of Larsson’s paintings in a book and shared it with Holm. Holm knew the creation was the perfect choice — its dark style reflected the overall theme of the album.
It is by which this thoughtful depth and exploratory nature that Sordid Blade sets itself apart. The epic metal field is growing increasingly crowded, but for those in search of something with an emotional and personal atmosphere, there is no better choice circa 2022 than Sordid Blade.
Italian heavy metal band Crying Steel have announced that they have signed to Underground Symphony Records for the release of their upcoming album.
The 5th studio album is scheduled to be released in January 2023 in deluxe digital format. Further information will be revealed soon.
Underground Symphony is also based in Italy and is known to have released material from bands such as Sabaton, Labyrinth, Manilla Road, White Skull among others.
The band commented: “We are honoured to be joining Underground Symphony’s roster and have a feeling we will have a fruitful relationship. After being stuck at home during the pandemic lockdowns, we can’t wait to show you the new music we cooked up. Stay Steel!”
Crying Steel was formed in 1982 and is considered to be one of the very first heavy metal acts to come out of Italy. The band’s discography includes: Crying Steel (1985), On the Prowl (1987), The Steel is Back! (2007), Time Stands Steel (2013), Stay Steel (2018) and Steel Alive (2019).
Crying Steel will be performing at Boyler Fest, Bologna (17th September), Sheratan Live Club, Carpi (24th September), Metropolis Live Club, Frosinone (7 October) and Let it Beer, Rome (8 October) with more dates to be announced soon.
Progressive/symphonic power metal quintet INDUCTION will release their sophomore full length, Born From Fire, on November 25th via Atomic Fire Records.
Notes guitarist and band mastermind Tim Kanoa Hansen. “We tried to deliver a good mix of big hits, great melodies, emotions, brutal anger, intricate riffs, and arrangements as well as making it a ton of fun while listening. We are sure this album will convince old and new fans alike of what INDUCTION means. We sincerely hope that everyone finds themselves in some of the songs.”
The record, which boasts twelve metal anthems in fifty-eight minutes, was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen and is graced by the cover artwork of Peter Sallai (Sabaton, Jinjer, Powerwolf).
Born From Fire will be available on CD, 2xLP vinyl, and digitally. Find special preorder bundles at THIS LOCATION.
BornFromFire – Track Listing:
Born From Fire
Scorched
Fallen Angel
Go To Hell
Embers
Order & Chaos
The Beauty Of Monstrance
Queen Of Light
I Am Alive
Ghost Of Silence
Eternal Silence
Sacrifice (Bonus Track)
Keep up with INDUCTION’s upcoming European live dates at their official website HERE and stream the band’s previously released songs on the streaming platform of your choice HERE.
Originally founded in 2014, INDUCTION left their first mark with first single, “The Outwitted Consecration,” in 2016 before completely entering the metal world by releasing their eponymous debut album in 2019. Its enormously positive reception even paved them the way to touring across Europe alongside Brazilian power metallers Armored Dawn in November of the same year. It was a notable career start for the quintet that was unfortunately halted by the pandemic leading to a break (at least on the live front) that wasn’t only used by the band to work on their sophomore album but also to renew their power.
Maryland-based Crossover Thrash Metal quintet NINTH REALM will release their debut full-length album AFateUnbroken November 4 on Mercenary Press. The album is a perfect blend of of crossover thrash and traditional heavy metal that represents the band’s refined vision. “Plea to the Heavens,” the album’s first single, is streaming now at:
“Plea to the Heavens” is also streaming on Spotify.
A Fate Unbroken is a nine-track album that takes the influence of the widest range of heavy metal, 80s-toned thrash, death thrash, and hardcore that the decisive genres have to offer. Not only do the riffs, consistent guitar solos, and blackened vocals take the listener through a whirlwind of Slayer/Demolition Hammer era thrash metal, but the lyricism and quintessential raw fantasy style of their art and themes harken back to a Frank Frazetta/Ralph Bakshi age of pure Sword & Sorcery. A Fate Unbroken, for all intents and purposes, is a Maryland band’s attempt to bring a reunion of heavy metal and hardcore punk back to its raw, old-school roots.
Basing their lyricism and overall theme around the original fantasy realm of Tythorin, NINTH REALM delivers an electrifying synthesis of traditional heavy metal and hardcore punk for fans of both respective genres to enjoy.
Line-Up:
Joey Burke – Drums Ben Hageage – Vocals Jared Henry – Bass Liam McMahon – Lead Guitar Charles House – Rhythm Guitar
Pulling from a range of influences that span everything between blackened thrash to old-school death metal, the music of NINTHREALM rips and tears with a ferocity and cadence that perfectly encapsulates the epic scale and grisly atmosphere of grim-dark fantasy. Between the use of aggressive thrash d-beat and viscerally direct song structure of classic metal acts such as Celtic Frost, combined with the melodic riffage of classic bands like Testament/Mercyful Fate, and an added twist of Cro-Mags/Leewaystyle crossover, NINTH REALM wields what is perhaps one of the most poignant new sounds to emerge from the metal underground in recent memory.
FFO: Power Trip, Eternal Champion, High Command, Iron Age
BIO: Sharing a bond for all things heavy metal and high fantasy, college classmates Joey Burke (drummer) and Liam McMahon (lead guitarist) joined forces in the fall of 2018, writing and practicing every week to produce the 2019 demo, Gates of Tythorin. Later adding Jared Henry (bassist) and Ben Hageage (vocalist) to the mix, Ninth Realm solidified their sound with their succeeding 2020 EP, All Hail Treachery. In 2022, to offer a glimpse at what is to come with their debut LP, Ninth Realm released Ondreis MMXXII, a promo tape featuring two songs that both share a track space on the debut full-length record.
Heavy metal icons MERCYFULFATE today announce their first North American headlining tour in over two decades! The journey will commence on October 25th in Dallas, Texas and weave its way through fourteen cities, closing on November 16th in Atlanta, Georgia. The tour follows the band’s stunning headlining performance at this year’s edition of Psycho Las Vegas.
Vocalist King Diamond comments, “These will be the first MERCYFULFATE concerts in North American theaters in over twenty years. Memories of a lifetime. Your special chance to see MERCYFUL FATE with the full European festival production, but up close and personal. You cannot miss this… I hereby respectfully invite you to Come To The Sabbath by which you may free your soul and feast with us in the dark Of Night. Witches and Demons, you may come as you are! Satanic Regards – King Diamond 666.”
Support for MERCYFUL FATE will be provided by Kreator and labelmates, Midnight. Various presales are available throughout the week:
Citi Presale: Tuesday, September 6th @ 11:00am ET | Password: Citi BINs Mercyful Fate Fan Club Presale: Tuesday, September 6th @ 12:00pm ET | Password: EVIL Ticketmaster Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am ET | Password: MELISSA Live Nation Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: VENUE Blabbermouth Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: SABBATH Knotfest.com Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: OATH
All presales end Thursday, September 8th at 10:00pm local time. General onsale date is Friday, September 9th at 10:00am local time at mercyfulfatecoven.com. These shows will sell out! Don’t miss it!
Additionally, multiple limited VIP packages will be available which will include Meet & Greets, photo opps, private Q&As, exclusive merch, and more starting Wednesday, September 7th at mercyfulfatecoven.com. Secure yours today.
MERCYFUL FATE w/ Kreator, Midnight: 10/25/2022 Dallas, TX – The Factory 10/27/2022 Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre 10/29/2022 Inglewood, CA – Youtube Theater 10/30/2022 Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live Sacramento 11/01/2022 Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium 11/03/2022 Gary, IN – Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana 11/04/2022 Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J. Brady Music Center 11/05/2022 Detroit, MI – Masonic 11/08/2022 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring 11/10/2022 Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theater 11/11/2022 Laval, QC – Place Bell 11/13/2022 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall At Fenway 11/14/2022 Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia 11/16/2022 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
MERCYFUL FATE is currently working on a new album and recently gave fans a taste of the new material when they debuted a song called “The Jackal Of Salzburg” in Germany this past June as well as at Psycho Las Vegas. The band’s current lineup is King Diamond on vocals, Hank Shermann and Mike Wead on guitars, Bjarne T. Holm on drums and Joey Vera on bass.
MERCYFUL FATE was formed in early 1981 in Copenhagen, Denmark by vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann. They were later joined by guitarist Michael Denner and bassist Timi Hansen, and soon thereafter drummer Kim Ruzz would join to complete the band lineup. The band recorded two demos in 1981 and later signed with Rave On Records in Holland for the recording of their successful self-titled EP, released in November of 1982. The Mercyful Fate EP was soon in heavy rotation around core metal radio stations, launching a new breed of heavy metal with their unique sound.
The band joined Roadrunner Records in 1983 and their debut full-length, Melissa, was recorded and released that same year. The following year, MERCYFUL FATE returned to the studio to record their now legendary Don’t BreakThe Oath full-length, released in September of 1984.
MERCYFUL FATE embarked upon a two month US tour in support of the record, which took them across the States several times sharing the stage with the likes of Motörhead and Exciter. The shows had created a brush fire within the metal community. The band reaped recognition globally, closing the year with a five-date tour in Germany with Motörhead, Girlschool, Helix, and Talon.
MERCYFUL FATE’s first concert of 1985 was in their hometown of Copenhagen at an old movie theater with a large capacity. The show sold out and their stage show exhibited a new level of distinction. The night was a huge victory and a new highlight for the band.
By April of 1985 however, MERCYFUL FATE decided to part ways for each to pursue new challenges. The King Diamond band was born and reaped critical acclaim the following years with five studio albums on Roadrunner Records. King Diamond has since signed with Metal Blade Records and is going stronger than ever before.
In the Summer of 1992, MERCYFULFATE decided to reunite and penned a new deal with Brian Slagel and his label, Metal Blade Records. In The Shadows was released in 1993 and was an instant triumph furthered by a sold out US tour.
MERCYFUL FATE has gone on to release another five studio albums and have toured Europe, the US, and South America multiple times. The highlight of 1999 was their critically acclaimed album 9 which was followed by a European tour with Metallica, where King Diamond and Hank Shermann joined the band onstage several times for the medley “Mercyful Fate” which Metallica had recorded on their Garage Inc. double tribute album the year prior. Tours in the US and in South America followed, marking the band’s last live performances for over a decade. MERCYFULFATE then went on hiatus, but made a brief appearance when members joined Metallica onstage in 2011 for their 30th anniversary show in San Francisco, California.
Autograph‘s new forthcoming release “Beyond”, was the last album to feature founding member and bassist Randy Rand. The album is due out on November 18, 2022 on Frontiers Music Srl, which the band has dedicated to Randy and in his memory.
“We tragically lost our brother, Randy Rand on April 26th 2022. His passing was untimely, as he had so much rockin’ left to do. We dedicate our upcoming album “Beyond” to our band mate and founding member of Autograph. His signature bass playing is a major part of the new record and his spirit is felt throughout.”
“The new album also serves as a catalyst for bringing Autograph into a new era of rock with it’s heavy-hitting and powerful sound. In the spirit of Randy’s love for the music, his excitement on the new release and eternal brotherhood, this one’s for you. Thank you Randy for keeping us connected, bringing people together from all walks of life and fueling the social bonds that music invites. Rest easy brother, we love you.”
Steve Unger from Metal Church has taken over the bass duties for the band as the legacy of Autograph continues on with a new album dedicated to Randy Rand and a busy schedule of touring.
Current Band Line Up: Simon Daniels – Lead vocals/guitar Jimi Bell – Lead guitar/vocals Marc Wieland – Drums Steve Unger – Bass/vocals
Shadow Kingdom Records announces the signing of Cruel Force. The first fruit of this union shall be the band’s highly anticipated third album, which will see release next year. Additionally, reissues of the band’s cult two albums, 2010’s The Rise of Satanic Might and 2011’s Under the Sign of the Moon, will follow on Shadow Kingdom on all formats.
Truest of the true, Germany’s Cruel Force burst onto the scene in 2008 with the Into the Crypts… demo. While many have tried to emulate the ancient German (black)thrash sound, Cruel Force brimmed with an authenticity that could not be denied, as well as songwriting that added to that noble tradition rather than lazily picking at its corpse. Their two successive albums, 2010’s The Rise of Satanic Might and 2011’s Under the Sign of the Moon, made Cruel Force a certifiably CULT name in the international metal underground. Sadly, the band fell into a hiatus following that second album, but now are reinvigorated with the comeback 7″ EP Across the Styx and are ready to make up for lost time with their imminent new album with Shadow Kingdom.
Check out their latest single to give you a taste of what’s to come with the new album:
CRUEL FORCE – “Across The Styx” (Official Video)
A statement from the band as follows: “Today, we would like to announce that we have signed a deal with Shadow Kingdom Records for the release of our third album and for the re-release of our first two records. Signing with an American label was the right choice for us since we know that a big part of our fanbase is situated on the other side of the Atlantic, and we know that it was always a problem for you to get a hold of our releases, now even more than ever with the increase of postage costs. This way, we hope that access will get easier and more affordable for you folks.”
Concluding, the band says, “As for Europe and Germany in particular, everything will also be readily available through Shadow Kingdom‘s extensive distribution network and through our own BigCartel shop. We feel that this is the best decision for the band and the fans, and we are looking forward to spread the metallic mayhem through Shadow Kingdom Records in the future!
Further news about Cruel Force‘s third album will be announced in time.
In a partnership that has been years in the making, GRAMMY® Award winning bassist David Ellefson and acclaimed metal vocalist Jeff Scott Soto have joined forces for an all-new collaboration, Ellefson-Soto. The band follows the tradition of successful individuals that joined forces to create memorable music: David Coverdale & Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi & Glenn Hughes, Tommy Shaw & Jack Blades, Michael Sweet & George Lynch to name a few examples. The metal duo is joined by Andy Martongelli on guitar and keys and Paulo Caridi on drums to unleash their debut album “VacationInTheUnderworld”. The album features eleven tracks and three bonus recordings that demonstrates why Ellefson-Soto are considered legends by many in the metal world.
From the fiery guitar lead of the album opener “Vacation In The Underworld” to the prog-metal fury of closer “Rise To Win,” Ellefson-Soto have created a debut that is sure to capture metal fans from all over the globe. Combining different styles of metal, songs like “Sharpen The Sword,” “The Revolution” and “Live To Die Another Day” showcase the various influences Ellefson-Soto have picked up over their four decades in music. Jade Etro from the Italian power metal band Frozen Crown makes a guest appearance on “The Day Before Tomorrow.” Steve Conley and Ken Mary from FlotsamandJetsam perform on the title track “Vacation In The Underworld.” “Vacation In The Underworld” ignites an inimitable hybrid of thrash firepower, rock swagger, and anthemic arena-ready thunder. Official Worldwide Release Date is Friday, October7, 2022.
TRACK LISTING:
Vacation In The Underworld
Like A Bullet
Sharpen The Sword
The Reason
S.T.N.
The Revolution
Celebrity Trash
Live To Die Another Day
The Day Before Tomorrow
Hercules
Rise To Win BONUS TRACKS [CD, Digital & Download Card]
On August 20, 1976 – KISS performed at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. An estimated 42,000 fans were in attendance. Ted Nugent, Montrose and Bob SegerAndTheSilverBulletBand opened. Source: Kissonline.com
KISS were touring in support of their fourth studio album Destroyer.
Tankcrimes is pleased to unveil a limited edition vinyl reissue of WingsOfChains, the debut full-length from Richmond, Virginia speed metal cult, BAT.
BAT‘s esteemed membership on WingsOfChains is well known featuring vocalist/bassist RyanWaste (Municipal Waste, Volture), guitarist Nick Poulos (Volture,) and drummer Felix Griffin (D.R.I.) and their collective experience bleeds through every gnarled note of the record.
Initially released in 2016 via Hells Headbangers, the twelve-track production is an unapologetic firestorm of filth and fury. But more than that, such hard-charging and immediately headbanging speed metal can only come from total diehards who intimately know the secret of steel. From the opening “Bloodhounds” on down to the band’s titular theme song, the trio barrels forth like filth hounds of Hades, pounding metal with violence and force, leaving “Total Wreckage” in their wake.
BAT’s Wings Of Chains is available in three color variants – Splatter, Black “DJ Variant,” and Purple. Secure your copy before they’re gone at the Tankcrimes webshop HERE.
Los Angeles-born guitar-driven heavy metal icons ALCATRAZZ have unleashed a video for the track “House Of Lies,” taken from the band’s V full-length released last October via SilverLiningMusic. The video comes in anticipation of the band’s upcoming European/UK tour dates.
From the irresistible bluesy-chug of Joe Stump’s guitar to DoogieWhite’s infectious vocals, “House Of Lies” is a classic slice of foot-stomping heavy metal goodness and ALCATRAZZ take no prisoners in their mission to deliver the dynamite that is V.
Founding member Jimmy Waldo comments, “We are excited to present the new lineup and new music to our fans in Europe. The band is sounding better than ever and we will be performing songs from across the entire ALCATRAZZ catalog. As a taster, check out our new video ‘House Of Lies’ which features on-the-road concert footage, plus Doogie showing us around his home of Edinburgh, Scotland!”
View ALCATRAZZ’s “House Of Lies” video at THIS LOCATION and below:
After a successful UK co-headlining tour, ALCATRAZZ and Girlschool will hit Europe for yet another run together with both bands, providing an in-your-face evening of full volume heavy metal! Kicking off at the Golden Ages Festival in Belgium, it’s no rest for the wicked with the two bands set to bring their electrifying show to the UK in February 2023.
With neo-classical “shred lord” Joe Stump on guitar, founding members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea, plus the addition of DoogieWhite, ALCATRAZZ are offering a high energy metal show covering the ALCATRAZZ classics plus White’s own work as a member of the Michael Schenker Fest and Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow. Newly joined by drummer Larry Paterson, formerly of the Blaze Bayley band, ALCATRAZZ are a metal supergroup in the true sense of the word.
ALCATRAZZ: Jimmy Waldo – keyboards Gary Shea – bass Doogie White – lead vocals Joe Stump – guitar Larry Paterson – drums
ALCATRAZZ w/ Girlschool Co-Headlining EU/UK Tour: 8/21/2022 Golden Age Festival – Liège, BE 8/24/2022 Musigburg – Aarburg, CH 8/25/2022 Charity Biker Rally – Bergamo, IT 8/26/2022 Cresheim Festival – Halbergmoos, DE 8/27/2022 Lido – Berlin, DE 8/28/2022 Bambi Galore – Hamburg, DE 8/29/2022 Matrix – Bochum, DE 8/30/2022 Musicon – The Hague, NL 9/01/2022 Le Forum Vaureal – Paris, FR 9/02/2022 Secret Place – Montpellier, FR 9/03/2022 La Textil – Barcelona, ES 9/04/2022 Sala Lopez – Zaragoza, ES 9/05/2022 Acapulco – Gijon, ES 9/06/2022 RCA Club – Lisbon, PT 9/07/2022 Shoko – Madrid, ES 9/09/2022 Atelier de Moles – Montbéliard, FR 9/10/2022 Altes Kino – Landeck, AT 2/03/2023 Tivoli Venue – Buckley, UK 2/04/2023 Waterloo – Blackpool, UK 2/05/2023 Bannermans – Edinburgh, UK 2/07/2023 Nightrain – Bradford, UK 2/08/2023 Trillians – Newcastle, UK 2/09/2023 Eleven – Stoke, UK 2/10/2023 The Robin 2 – Wolverhampton, UK 2/11/2023 Camden Underworld – London, UK* *Rescheduled 2022 show; original tickets still valid
Witherfall has absolutely nothing to do with this tour cancellation. We found out during rehearsals that the tour had been pulled, one week before the band were set to fly out to pick up our bus. Witherfall had every last production detail on our end completely solidified. Airline tickets, Bus, Trailer, Driver, Tour manager, Shipping of Tour merchandise (which has dates printed on them that no longer exist!!!) Rehearsals, Witherfall Beer at venues and countless other expenses that will not be reimbursed. Needless to say, we are devastated by this news. Each one of the aforementioned pieces took months of planning and every detail was carefully managed making this endeavor very time consuming and VERY expensive.
The reality of the math is Witherfall will need to eat the upfront costs of over $12K not including what our crew, and band members will lose because they turned down other work. None of these expenses will be recouped. We apologize to our fans that has had plans that were affected. We had every intention of bearing the cost to put the band out on the road. Again, we had everything planned and were ready and excited to get to play and meet the fans coming out.
We are extremely upset by this last minute rug pull. Even the best case scenario the band would still be operating at a loss but that is the price of bringing our music to you all. If you’d like to purchase a souvenir of tour and support the band (Tour Funeral Expenses) you can get one of these packages or a shirt here:
Taken from their upcoming album “Symbol Of Eternity” German Heavy Metal legends GRAVE DIGGER release their third single + matching video next week Friday, August 19th, 2022, check out the teaser here or below: https://youtu.be/HxmpXcBrRhk
While on the SonicSlamTour, LAGuns and Faster Pussycat broke away from the Keifer Band to perform a sold out show of their own. Fans of all ages lined up outside Amos’ Southend in Charlotte North Carolina to witness their own piece of 80’s metal history. Members of Faster Pussycat graciously greeted fans as they walked to the connected restaurant for some preshow refreshments.
Doors opened at 7:00pm and fans filed in filling in both levels to max capacity. First to take the stage was Carolina natives LAMaybe. This 5-piece rock n roll band was the perfect way to open the show. These young musicians perfectly captured the old school style of rock that both LA Guns and Faster Pussycat bring to the table. Right out of the gate they had the whole venue pumped and ready to go, playing all original music. Midway through the show, guitarist Driz let fans know that he had rocked so hard he chipped a tooth. As their set came to an end lead singer, Goliath Furr, began to talk about how the band was trying to gain a spot on the upcoming KISS Kruise. Furr turned his attention to drummer, Ryan Fosnow, who was holding up a sign that said “Show me your boobies.” Once he turned the sign over it instructed fans to vote for them on Lamaybe.com/vote. They ended their show encouraging fans to sing along to their original song “Oh Sugar”. After the show the band mingled with fans to watch the rest of the performers.
Faster Pussycat took the stage next and were welcomed by thunderous applause and cheers. Opening the show with “Jack the Bastard” it was immediately clear that lead singer, Taime Downe, still had the vocal strength that made Faster Pussycat just as fierce in the 80’s. Downe stands center stage with such pride and confidence and has an amazing band to back him up. The talents of bass player Danny Nordahl, best known as Slim Tender, and drummer Chad Stewart combine to create an exceptional rhythm section and truly shine in songs like “Bathroom Wall”. The guitar duo of Ronnie Simmons and Sam Bam Koltun really bring the sleaze. Before he even plays a note, you can already tell that Simmons is a true rockstar. His style, both in the way he plays and how he dresses can easily be seen as having inspiration from the Ramones to AC/DC. The punk flair that Simmons provides adds a little extra something to the Pussycat set. The true star of the show, however, was in fact Sam Bam Koltun. He truly is a guitar virtuoso at such a young age. He makes every strum and pluck look so easy and it is safe to say that being on stage and performing truly comes natural to him. Even though there is only one original member left, each musician plays like they were there the day the song was written.
Fans were given a special treat when former Faster Pussycat and current LA Guns guitarist, Ace Von Johnson joined the band to perform “Bathroom Wall”. The fun did not end there, though. Downe took to side stage as Slim Tender had his turn on vocals. The band welcomed LA Guns bass player, Johnny Martin to the stage and Tender sang “Pretty Fucked Up”. This certainly got the crowd even more pumped. Faster Pussycat ended their show with “Babylon” and left fans scratching for more.
LA Guns wrapped the night with a miraculous 16 song set that included songs from a very diverse set of albums. They opened with an explosion performing the first track off “CheckeredPast”, “Cannonball”. Lead vocalist, Phil Lewis, immediately had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. It does not take long to pick up on the fact that Lewis loves what he does. He is a front man that the younger generation will always be able to enjoy as his vocals have remained immaculate even after over 44 years of singing. While having Lewis on vocals is extremely important for their sound, you can’t have LA Guns without founding member and band namesake, TraciiGuns. Guns continues to amaze fans with his iconic technique and sound. Right before playing “Over the Edge”, Guns began to play his guitar with a violin bow. Long time fans of Tracii know that he is a very big Led Zeppelin fan and this is evident to be a tribute to Jimmy Page with a Tracii Guns twist. This was the first tour to feature Shawn Duncan on drums. Duncan, who also played in BulletBoys, melded so well with the rest of the band, you would have thought he had been with the band from the beginning. A ball of energy was personified in the form of Johnny Martin that night. Martin was in everyone’s face playing his absolute heart out on bass. It was quite the sight to see as he and Ace would bump into each other or play back to back throughout most of the set.
The fun did not stop there, as both Lewis and Guns stepped aside and welcomed Koltun back to the stage as guitarist Ace Von Johnson took over on vocals to sing a cover of “New Rose” by The Damned. Ace started the song with a small speech stating “Do something fucking nice man, this world is fucking numb as it is. There’s too much fucking negative shit man, do something cool”. As a well known animal advocate this type of thing is not out of character for Ace, and the speech was met with a very intense positive reaction. Though Ace is better known for his guitar work, his love for punk rock showed through in his vocals and wowed everyone. As the show came to an end the band took their final bow and, to lighten the mood, began to dance around the stage to a cover of “So Long, Farewell” By The Vandals. Fans cheered and screamed for more as the band excited the stage.
After the show 4 out of 5 members of Faster Pussycat made their way over to their merch table to take pictures with EVERYONE. Ace also made his way into the large crowd of fans to take pictures. Faster Pussycat and LA Guns are perfectly matched to tour together. The crowd’s energy was constant during both bands. Even though the Sonic Slam Tour has come to an end, it is safe to say that this is not going to be the last time we see Faster Pussycat and LAGuns together.
Philadelphia (PA) – Cruz Del Sur Music has announced a September 23 release date for Loud Arriver, the full-length debut album from Philadelphia rockers SONJA. The album will be available on CD, vinyl, and digital formats.
A passionate display of heavy rock and metal, LoudArriver pre-orders are available now at:
Melissa Moore was fired from Texas black metallers Absu in 2017. When she came out as transgender to her bandmates, she figured she would have their support in this most vulnerable moment of her life. Instead, every member of Absu but one shunned her. Moore was dismissed via text message under the claim she had “fired herself” with “her decision.”
Undeterred by the collapse of Absu, Moore and Absu touring drummer GrzesiekCzapla (the lone member of the band who supported her transition) set in motion to activate SONJA, a project they started in 2014. Bassist Ben Brand eventually joined the fold, cementing a three-piece lineup that eschews traditional subgenres for a nuanced, hook-laden, passionate and powerful display of heavy rock/metal on their first full-length and Cruz Del SurMusic debut, LoudArriver.
Loud Arriver was recorded in 2019 at Creep Recording Studio in Philadelphia with DanKishbaugh. Its vocals were tracked in 2020 at the same studio but with acclaimed producer Arthur Rizk (Cavalera Conspiracy, Enforced, Kreator). Loud Arriver marks the first time that Moore has released a full-length album in ten years and also marks her debut as lead vocalist. It is a cathartic event for Moore: A lot of the music she wrote in that period is now lost due to the adverse circumstances surrounding her gender, but SONJA forged ahead. The global pandemic exacerbated the wait to release Loud Arriver but allowed Moore and her bandmates to put additional energy into the album under the concept of “go big or go home.”
Photo Credit: Don Vincent Ortega
Indeed, Loud Arriver is stacked with big, anthemic songs fitting Moore’s impassioned vocal delivery and punctuating guitar work. Through the deft use of minor, melodic-minor and harmonic keys, Moore’s guitar-playing channels an atmosphere of urgency and abandon, reflecting the tumultuous period of her transition where hostility and fear greeted her at every corner. Moore’s lyrics delve further into these topics, addressing the period she lived her life in secret and self-suppression that led to sorrow and dissociation. And her lyrics also touch upon her desire to retaliate upon those who threaten her very existence for being transgender.
Loud Arriver is the result of the intense and demanding vision the members of SONJA had from the day they started. It is the embodiment of true metal and rock ‘n’ roll with nothing held back. It is only fitting, then, that Moore establishes SONJA’s mission statement: “We aren’t interlopers. We’ve been here all along. Now that we have passed step one, we are locked and loaded and have a massive kingdom to overthrow.”
Track Listing:
When the Candle Burns Low…
Nylon Nights
Pink Fog
Wanting Me Dead
Fuck, Then Die
Daughter of the Morning Star
Moans from the Chapel
Loud Arriver
Line-Up:
Melissa Moore – Guitar/Vocals BenBrand – Bass GrzesiekCzapla – Drums
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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