LISTENABLE is bloody chuffed signing UK thrash metal legends XENTRIX again for a new multi album deal.
Kristian Havard (Guitar) comments: “Xentrix are extremely excited to continue our relationship with Listenable records by signing with them once again. Listenable is a label that is run by people who are incredibly focused, knowledgeable and more importantly, massively passionate about metal music. And it’s these differences that made it a no brainer when it came time to for the band to choose a label for new music.”
Hailing from the North West of England, XENTRIX was formed in 1985 by guitar player Chris Astley. After numerous changes to the line up XENTRIX signed to Roadrunner records and entered the studio to record their first album ‘Shattered Existence’ with producer John Cuniberti (Vio-lence, Forbidden, Joe Satriani). XENTRIX have been one of the leading lights of the British thrash metal movement. They had music videos which all had regular air time on MTV’s Headbangers Ball.
Gaining global notoriety, XENTRIX had many high energy performances with audiences of thousands.
Mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap, XENTRIX ’s comeback album ‘Bury the Pain’ was released in 2019 on Listenable records, with production from Andy Sneap and Mastering by Russ Russell. This new recording showed the band sounding heavier than ever, while still retaining their signature sound.
Latest and 7th studio album “Seven Words” released in late 2022 remains a crushing compendium of all that has made this band what it is today.
BAND LINE UP: Jay Walsh – Vocals/Guitar Kristian Havard – Guitar Chris Shires – Bass Dennis Gasser – Drums
DISCOGRAPHY: Shattered existence (1989) Ghostbusters (1990) For Whose Advantage? (1990) Dilute to Taste (1991) The Order of Chaos (1992) Kin (1992 ) Scourge (1996) Bury the Pain (2019) Seven Words (2022)
After a successful return of Milwaukee Metal Festival in 2023, the iconic midwestern, multi-day event is now revealing the first wave of bands for what is already shaping up to be a diverse and hard hitting lineup!
MKE Fest co-organizer and Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta comments, “We’re extremely excited to have Milwaukee Metal Fest not only coming back for another insane year but this time around we have added power metal, more black metal, more doom and some other surprise elements that were not logistically possible last year. This is just the first of many announcements on the horizon and I can’t wait to see everyone in Milwaukee next May!”
Sound Talent Group’s Tim Borror adds, “Milwaukee Metal Fest 2023 was so awesome but more importantly, it’s a stake in the ground of how important and vital metal music is. Especially extreme metal! 2024 is going to be even more incredible. Come hang with us in May”
The current bands who will appear at next year’s edition are as follows:
MR. BUNGLE
BLIND GUARDIAN
SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL
IN FLAMES
HATEBREED
DEICIDE
KATATONIA
KAMELOT
MARDUK
POSSESSED
METAL CHURCH
INCANTATION
SKINLESS
THE RED CHORD
HEATHEN
INTERNAL BLEEDING
EMBRYONIC AUTOPSY
EYES OF THE LIVING
& MANY MORE!
The festivities will kick off with a pre-party on May 16while the main festival will run May 17 – 19 at The Rave/Eagles Club in Milwaukee, WI and is promised to have bigger headliners, more food, vendors, live podcasts and other surprises!
The festival returned to prominence in 2023 under the watchful eye of Hatebreed frontman and podcaster Jamey Jasta and Sound Talent Group’s Tim Borror, as well as the team at The Rave / Eagles Club, where so many of the original festivals took place.
Early bird tickets are on sale now and available for a limited time! 1, 2 & 3 day options zero interest payment plans available at Etix.com
Fans can visit the official Milwaukee Metal Fest site and sign up for the mailing list for first access to information and exclusive content HERE.
Hard rock power metal titans FIREWIND, who just recently announced their brand new studio offering, entitled Stand United, for a release on March 1, 2024 via AFM Records, have not only revealed a brand new single, but a US headlining tour kicking off in the Spring of 2024! Find all upcoming FIREWIND live dates listed below. Tickets are on sale now! More US dates TBA.
Following “Salvation Day”, the previously-released, first track taken off the band’s forthcoming offering, now, FIREWIND have shared a lyric video for their new, powerful singe “Come Undone”. Their new album,Stand United will be available as CD, LP Vinyl, digital formats and highly collectable bundles including an autographed card, a FIREWINDcat patch plus a ticket for the band’s upcoming European tour with MASTERPLAN. For every ticket bundle purchase, fans will also get the chance to win a Meet & Greet. The album pre-sale is available at: https://firewind.bfan.link/stand-united
The video clip for the new FIREWINDsingle, “Come Undone”, is now streaming HERE
Since more than twenty years, FIREWIND enthrall heavy music fans with their exciting blend of hard rock and power metal. Razor-sharp riffs by guitar legend Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil), big hooks and solos meet the incredible vocal skills of charismatic singer Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Radiant, Seventh Avenue, amongst others), who joined the band in 2019.
Stand United, features nine brand new songs produced with Dennis Ward (Magnum, Unisonic), as well as a cover of the 80s pop rock classic ‘Talking in Your Sleep’, originally recorded by The Romantics but giving it a metal twist in the style of FIREWIND. Their forthcoming, tenth studio album also bears testament to the band’s sheer enthusiasm and lyrical topics that could not be more relevant.
FIREWIND: Gus G. (guitars) Herbie Langhans (vocals) Petros Christo (bass) Jo Nunez (drums)
“I wouldn’t exactly call ‘Stand United’ a classic concept album, but the album title indicates what we’re about thematically,” explains Gus G, who has also contributed with more lyric ideas on this one than any album before. “This world seems to be getting more and more out of balance, what with environmental disasters, the pandemic, the wars currently raging all over the globe. In such times, it’s more important than ever for mankind to stand close together instead of fighting each other. That’s what ‘Stand United’ is about!”
In support of Stand United and among a European tour with MASTERPLAN early next year, FIREWIND have announced to tour the US in the Spring of 2024.
Says Gus G: “We’re proud and excited to bring our new album “Stand United” World Tour to America! In 2022 we made our comeback tour after a 9 year absence from American shores. We vowed to return as soon as possible. With a new album release ahead of us, we’re gonna do a full headline set for our American fans which will feature new songs and a best of setlist from our whole catalogue that’s been long overdue! We’re also very happy to have Edge of Paradise and Immortal Guardian with us. This is gonna be a Power Metal night to remember. We hope to see you all there!
FIREWIND – STAND UNITED IN AMERICA 2024 – Special guests: EDGE OF PARADISE and IMMORTAL GUARDIAN
04.12 MANCHESTER, NH – ANGERL CITY MUSIC HALL 04.13 READING, PA – REVERB 04.14 PITTSBURGH, PA – CRAFTHOUSE 04.16 WESTLAND, MI – TOKEN LOUNGE 04.17 HOBART, IN – HOBART ART THEATER 04.20 PEORIA, IL – REVIVAL MUSIC HALL 04.21 JOLIET, IL – THE FORGE 04.23 DENVER, CO – HQ 04.25 SAN DIEGO, CA – BRICK BY BRICK 04.26 ANAHEIM, CA – THE PARISH @ HOUSE OF BLUES 04.27 W. HOLLYWOOD – WHISKY A GO GO 04.28 SAN FRANCISCO – DNA LOUNGE 05.01 AUSTIN, TX – COME AND TAKE IT LIVE 05.02 DALLAS, TX – GRANADA THEATER (SUNDOWN ROOM) 05.03 SAN ANTONIO, TX – ROLLING OAKS EVENT CENTER 05.06 HOUSTON, TX – WAREHOUSE LIVE
MASTERS OF FIRE TOUR 2024 || FIREWIND & MASTERPLAN LIVE Tickets on sale at: https://bnds.us/663bll
29.02 🇩🇪 – Frankfurt, Das Bett 01.03 🇩🇪 – Bochum, Matrix 02.03 🇳🇱 – Uden, De Pul 03.03 🇫🇷 – Savigny Le Temple, L’Empreinte 06.03 🇪🇸 – Barcelona, Sala Wolf 07.03 🇪🇸– Madrid, Shoko 08.03 🇪🇸 – Pamplona, Totem 11.03 🇩🇪 – Munich, Backstage Halle 12.03 🇦🇹 – Wien, Szene 13.03 🇸🇰 – Bratislava, Randal Club 14.03 🇨🇿 – Zlin, Masters of Rock Cafe 15.03 🇵🇱 – Lublin, Studio im. Budki Suflera 16.03 🇵🇱 – Zabrze – CK Wiatrak 17.03 🇩🇪 – Leipzig – Hellraiser 20.03 🇳🇴 – Oslo, John Dee 21.03 🇸🇪 – Malmö, Plan B 22.03 🇸🇪 – Gothenburg, Surr Arena 23.03 🇸🇪 – Gävle, Gasklockorna 24.03 🇸🇪 – Stockholm, Biblioteket Live
Faroe Islands-based folk metal collective TÝR will return to North American stages next Spring. The Battle Ballads headlining tour, named in honor of their upcoming new full-length of the same name, begins March 28th in Baltimore, Maryland and makes its way through over two dozen cities, coming to a close on April 26th in Greensboro, North Carolina. Support will be provided by Trollfest, ÆtherRealm, and The Dread CrewOf Oddwood. The tour marks TÝR’s first North American run since 2019.
Comments the band, “It is with great joy that we announce our return to the US and Canada. It’s been too long, and we have missed the people, the cities, and the vast landscapes dearly. It warms our heathen hearts to think that we will soon see all your familiar faces again, and probably, hopefully, a few people we have not seen before. We will bring our lighthearted neighbors, Trollfest from Norway, with us, as well as your metal compatriots, Æther Realm, and The Dread Crew Of Oddwood. See you soon!”
Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 24th, at 12:00pm EST/9:00am PST. See all confirmed dates below.
More info on TÝR’s Battle Balladsalbum, set for release in the Spring of 2024, will be unveiled in the weeks to come. In the meantime, view the cover art by Gyula Havancsak.
TÝR w/ Trollfest, Æther Realm, The Dread Crew Of Oddwood: 3/28/2024 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 3/29/2024 Gramercy Theater – New York, NY 3/30/2024 Middle East Downstairs – Boston, MA 3/31/2024 La Source De La Martinière – Quebec City, QC 4/01/2024 Studio TD – Montreal, QC 4/02/2024 Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON 4/03/2024 Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON 4/04/2024 The Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 4/05/2024 Reggies – Chicago, IL 4/06/2024 Skyway Theater – Minneapolis, MN 4/07/2024 Park Theater – Winnipeg. MB 4/08/2024 The Exchange – Regina, SK 4/09/2024 Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB 4/10/2024 Dickens – Calgary, AB 4/12/2024 The Rickshaw – Vancouver, BC 4/13/2024 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 4/14/2024 Bossanova Ballroom – Portland, OR 4/15/2024 Cornerstone – Berkeley, CA 4/16/2024 1720 – Los Angeles, CA 4/17/2024 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 4/18/2024 Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ 4/19/2024 TBC 4/20/2024 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 4/21/2024 The Granada – Dallas, TX 4/22/2024 White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX 4/24/2024 Conduit – Orlando, FL 4/25/2024 The Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA 4/26/2024 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC
Last March, TÝR released A Night At The Nordic House (With The Symphony Orchestra Of The Faroe Islands), a special event recorded in February of 2020. “Working with the Symphony Orchestra was without a doubt one of the highlights of our careers,” noted vocalist Heri Joensen. “The feeling of sheer sophisticated power behind us was extraordinarily uplifting. We were awed by how well the songs worked in a symphonic setting. We are very excited to finally release a live [double] DVD, CD and LP, and even with the incredible new artwork by Gyula Havancsák, that excellently captures the epic atmosphere of the event.”
Brace yourselves, metalheads! In a seismic announcement that has sent shockwaves throughout the metal community, two of Sweden’s most iconic metal bands, ARCHENEMY and IN FLAMES, team up for a European co-headline tour titled the “Rising From The North”, with special guest SOILWORK, this promises an unforgettable night of Swedish metal mayhem!
Michael Amott (ARCH ENEMY) comments as follows: “What an insane Swedish Metal extravaganza across Europe in 2024! We share a lot of history with IN FLAMES and SOILWORK, going all the way back to the very early days of ARCH ENEMY. We’re extremely stoked to be doing this special tour with our Swedish comrades – let’s go!!!”
Anders Fridén (IN FLAMES) continues: “Couldn’t be more excited to announce this tour. It’s been a long time coming and we are finally back together again on stage with our friends in ARCH ENEMY and SOILWORK. We plan to bring you an unforgettable night of melody and mayhem! This is some of Sweden’s finest – a tour you simply should not miss!!!”
Björn Strid (SOILWORK) further adds: “Finally we can release the great news of one of the greatest tour line ups to hit the streets in at least a decade! We are super excited and we are pretty damn sure that this is a tour that a lot of people have been longing for. We go way back with both ARCH ENEMY and IN FLAMES, so prepare yourself for an absolute legendary Swedish melodic metal assault!”
The “Rising From The North” tour is a celebration of Swedish metal. ARCH ENEMY, IN FLAMES and SOILWORK represent the past, present, and future of the genre!
Ticket pre-sale starts Wednesday, November 22nd at 10am CET.
OFFICIAL TOUR DATES: 3-Oct-2024: UK – Glasgow, O2 Academy 4-Oct-2024: UK – Manchester, Manchester Academy 5-Oct-2024: UK – Birmingham, O2 Academy 6-Oct-2024: UK – London, Hammersmith Apollo 8-Oct-2024: France – Paris, Olympia 9-Oct-2024: Luxembourg – Esch-sur-Alzette, Rockhal 11-Oct-2024: Germany – Hamburg, Sporthalle 12-Oct-2024: Germany – Düsseldorf, Mitsubishi Electric Hall 13-Oct-2024: Netherlands – Den Bosch, Mainstage 15-Oct-2024: Switzerland – Zurich, The Hall 16-Oct-2024: Italy – Milan, Alcatraz 18-Oct-2024: Germany – Stuttgart, Schleyer-Halle 19-Oct-2024: Germany – Frankfurt am Main, Jahrhunderthalle 20-Oct-2024: Germany – Munich, Zenith 22-Oct-2024: Austria – Vienna, Gasometer 23-Oct-2024: Hungary – Budapest, Barba Negra 25-Oct-2024: Czech Republic – Prague, Sportovni Hala Fortuna 26-Oct-2024: Germany – Dresden, Messe 27-Oct-2024: Germany – Berlin, Columbiahalle 29-Oct-2024: Norway – Oslo, Spektrum 31-Oct-2024: Sweden – Malmö, Malmö Arena 1-Nov-2024: Sweden – Gothenburg, Scandinavium 2-Nov-2024: Sweden – Stockholm, Hovet 3-Nov-2024: Sweden – Sundsvall, Nordichallen 5-Nov-2024: Finland – Helsinki, Ice Hall
Nov. 14, 2023, LOS ANGELES – Tool make their highly-anticipated return to Europe this Spring, with a month of dates slated for the 2024 trek, including outings at London’s The O2 Arena, Stockholm’s Tele2 Arena and Paris’ Accor Arena, as well as festival outings at Graspop Metal Meeting, Tons of Rock and CopenHell.
News of the band’s European tour follows a particularly busy time for the Los Angeles-based band, with the foursome featuring Danny Carey, Justin Chancellor, Adam Jones and Maynard James Keenan, currently in the midst of a North American tour that extends into February. Over the last five months, TOOL has headlined Aftershock, Welcome to Rockville, Louder Than Life and the Sonic Temple Arts & Music festivals, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime performance at Power Trip, which Metal Hammer described as “a mind-melting, triumphant showcase of just how singular their art is, a transcendental experience that surpasses genre boundaries.”
Tickets for all headlining dates are on-sale this Friday, Nov. 17 at 10 am local time. In advance of the forthcoming on-sale, TOOL Army has opened additional memberships, with pre-sale tickets available exclusively to members for a 24-hour window beginning today at 10 am local time. TOOL Army members will continue to have access to pre-sale tickets until the public on-sale begins on Friday. A limited number of VIP packages will also be initially available to TOOL Army members, with remaining options available to the general public as the on-sale begins on Nov. 17. Select packages include premium tickets, sound check access with group photo, exclusive merchandise and more. For more information, visit https://www.toolband.com/vipeuuk. All ticketing links are available via Toolband.com. Night Verses opens on all European, non-festival dates.
Photo credit: Travis Shinn
TOOL European tour dates:
25 May Hannover, DE ZAG Arena 27 May Amsterdam, NL Ziggo Dome 30 May Birmingham, UK Resorts World Arena 1 June Manchester, UK AO Arena 3 June London, UK The O2 Arena 5 June Paris, FR Accor Arena 8 June Berlin, DE Parkbühne Wuhlheide 10 June Wien, AT Wiener Stadthalle 11 June Kraków, PL Tauron Arena 13 June Budapest, HU BudapestAréna 18 June Köln, DE Lanxess Arena 20 June Dessel, BE Graspop Metal Meeting 22 June Copenhagen, DK CopenHell 25 June Stockholm, SE Tele2 Arena 27 June Oslo, NO Tons of Rock
TOOL North American tour dates:
15 November Boston, MA TD Garden 16 November Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center 19 November Montreal, QC Bell Center 20 November Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena 21 November Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
10 January Baltimore, MD CFG Bank Arena 12 January New York, NY Madison Square Garden 13 January New York, NY Madison Square Garden 18 January Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood 19 January Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood 21 January Charlotte, NC Spectrum Center 23 January Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena 24 January Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena 26 January Birmingham, AL The Legacy Arena at The BJCC 27 January Biloxi, MS Mississippi Coast Coliseum 30 January Corpus Christi, TX American Bank Center 31 January Austin, TX Moody Center 2 February Dallas, TX American Airlines Center 3 February Oklahoma City, OK Paycom Center 5 February Denver, CO Ball Arena 7 February El Paso, TX UTEP Don Haskins Center 9 February Phoenix, AZ Footprint Center 10 February Phoenix, AZ Footprint Center 12 February Fresno, CA Save Mart Center 14 February Los Angeles, CA Crypto.com Arena 15 February Los Angeles, CA Crypto.com Arena 17 February Ontario, CA Toyota Arena 18 February Las Vegas, NV T-Mobile Arena
Heavy metal icons PANTERA will return to the stage this February on the second leg of their North American headlining tour. The journey follows the band’s massively successful twenty-city run this past Summer, a tour which stood as one of the most anticipated tours of 2023, as well as their dates supporting Metallica. Featuring classic members, vocalist Philip H.Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, alongside guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante, the latest stretch of live dates continues the celebration of the lives of late founding members, drummer Vinnie Paul and guitarist Dimebag Darrell.
The trek, which will commence on February 3rd in Sunrise, Florida, runs through fourteen cities, coming to a close on February 27th in Quebec City, Quebec. The band will again be joined by special guest, acclaimed metal powerhouse Lamb Of God, with additional support acts to be announced in the weeks to come.
Comments Anselmo, “Looking forward to jamming with everybody! These shows mean a lot and we aim to kick ass! Love y’all!”
Adds Brown, “We’re really excited to announce new dates in 2024. Looking forward to bringing the show to some cities we missed in 2023. Come jam!”
Ticket presales and VIP upgrades begin Tuesday, November 14th at 10:00am local time. General on sale date is Friday, November 17th at 10:00am local time at Pantera.com.
PANTERA was recently confirmed to play the 2024 edition of Download Festival. The performance will mark the band’s first UK appearance in three decades! Additionally, fans can catch PANTERA supporting Metallica on the remaining dates of their North American stadium tour this August. See all confirmed dates below.
PANTERA w/ Special Guest Lamb Of God: 2/03/2024 Amerant Bank Arena – Sunrise, FL 2/05/2024 Amalie Arena – Tampa, FL 2/07/2024 Rupp Arena – Lexington, KY 2/09/2024 Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN 2/10/2024 FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN 2/13/2024 T-Mobile Center – Kansas City, MO 2/14/2024 Pinnacle Bank Arena – Lincoln, NE 2/16/2024 Canada Life Centre – Winnipeg, MB 2/18/2024 Resch Center – Green Bay, WI 2/20/2024 Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI 2/22/2024 Madison Square Garden – New York, NY 2/24/2024 CFG Bank Arena – Baltimore, MD 2/26/2024 Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON 2/27/2024 Centre Vidéotron – Québec City, QC End Tour 6/14-16/2024 Download Fest @ Donington Park – Derby, UK #festival 8/02/2024 Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, MA ** 8/09/2024 Soldier Field – Chicago, IL ** 8/16/2024 US Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN ** 8/23/2024 Commonwealth Stadium – Edmonton, AB ** 8/30/2024 Lumen Field – Seattle, WA **
** PANTERA supporting Metallica
Creators of the “power groove,” PANTERA got their start in Arlington, Texas with its best-known lineup, consisting of founding members and brothers, drummer Vinnie Paul and guitarist Dimebag Darrell, with bassist Rex Brown and vocalist Philip H. Anselmo. The group would become one the most successful and influential bands in heavy metal history. To date, PANTERA has sold 20 million records worldwide and has received four Grammy nominations along with sold out arena tours across the globe.
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.
Today, US thrash metal legends SACRED REICH release MC re-issues of their classic albums “Surf Nicaragua” (1988) and “The American Way” (1990) via Time To Kill Records. Order your copies now at:
SACRED REICH is an American thrash metal band based in Phoenix, Arizona, that was formed in 1985. The band split in 2000, but reunited in 2006. They have been credited, along with Testament, Destruction, Death Angel and Dark Angel, for leading the second wave of thrash metal in the late 1980s.
In 2019, SACRED REICHreleased their first record in twenty-three years: “Awakening”. Showcasing everything a fan would expect and hope for from the Phoenix, Arizona unit, “Awakening” is a timeless collection comprised of blistering thrash, crushing grooves, meticulous solos, and socially conscious lyrics. The return of Dave McClain, who manned the drum throne from 1991 to 1997, and the addition of twenty-two-year old guitarist Joey Radziwill, alongside original members guitarist Wiley Arnett and vocalist/bassist Phil Rind, are integral facets of the record.
“Awakening” was produced by Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Cavalera Conspiracy), engineered by John Aquilino, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Halford, Armored Saint).
German heavy metal veterans U.D.O. who were recently forced to postpone their planned 2023 North American tour, are pleased to reveal the rescheduled dates for Fall 2024. The journey will commence on September 6th in Frenchtown, New Jersey and makes its way through two dozen cities, closing on October 12th in Manchester, New Hampshire. Tickets, as well as VIP upgrades which include a meet and greet with U.D.O., a photo-op, autographs, and more are available at: national-acts.com/UDO.
Tickets purchased for the previous 2023 shows will be honored on their respective rescheduled dates. See all confirmed dates below.
U.D.O. Touchdown US/Canada Tour: 9/06/2024 Artie’s – Frenchtown, NJ 9/07/2024 The Vault – New Bedford, MA 9/08/2024 Reverb – Reading, PA 9/11/2024 Southport Music Hall – Jefferson, LA 9/12/2024 Rise Rooftop – Houston, TX 9/14/2024 Rolling Oaks Event – San Antonio, TX 9/15/2024 Trees – Dallas, TX 9/17/2024 Rockhouse – El Paso, TX 9/18/2024 The 44 – Glendale, AZ 9/20/2024 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA 9/21/2024 Stages – Santa Ana, CA 9/22/2024 Whisky A Go Go – West Hollywood, CA 9/23/2024 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 9/25/2024 Rickhouse – Denver, CA 9/27/2024 The Vixen – Mchenry, IL 9/28/2024 The Forge – Joliet, IL 10/01/2024 Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON 10/02/2024 Foufounes Electriques – Montreal, QC 10/03/2024 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON 10/04/2024 Token Lounge – Westland, MI 10/05/2024 Q & Z Expo – Ringle, WI 10/06/2024 Shank Hall – Milwaukee, WI 10/09/2024 Blue Note – Harrison, OH 10/12/2024 Angel City Music Hall – Manchester, NH
U.D.O. released their latest studio album, Touchdown, in August via Atomic Fire Records. The record, which marks the musical reunion of singer Udo Dirkschneider and bassist Peter Baltes (ex-Accept) who joined the U.D.O. ranks earlier this year, continues to reap critical accolades globally and entered the official German album charts at #4 upon its first week of release marking the highest charting result in their homeland in their long-running career!
THE RODS are a storied heavy metal band that rocked their way through the ‘80s with a powerful, raw energy that had fans and critics alike calling them “The American Motörhead.” Once the go-to opening act for some of the biggest metal bands in the world, THE RODS toured throughout the ‘80s with the likes of Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, and Iron Maiden, among others. Along with contemporaries like Anvil and Raven, THE RODS are an integral part of what is commonly recognized today as Heavy Metal’s “golden age,” and emerged during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
Following their latest, much acclaimed 2019-album Brotherhood of Metal, now, THE RODS have announced their signing with Massacre Records,and are currently gearing up for the release of their forthcoming studio offering, entitled “Rattle The Cage”! The album will be available as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats on January 12, 2024, the pre-sale has just started at: https://therods.bfan.link/rattlethecage
Drummer Carl Canedy comments: “THE RODS are thrilled to have signed with Massacre Records! The staff and the label’s commitment to Metal is second to none. We feel our new album, “Rattle The Cage”, is one of our best ever. We’re looking forward to working with everyone at Massacre to help make this album as successful as it deserves to be. The Rods have always been about bringing their music to the fans. We will be doing just that in 2024! “
To share a first appetizer, today, THE RODS are presenting their upcoming album title track! “Rattle The Cage”is now available on all digital streaming services at THIS LOCATION, a music video is now premiering HERE!
“In preparation for this new album, I received a message from Carl stating that he had an idea for a new song,“ vocalist and guitarist, David “Rock” Feinstein, reveals.“He sent me the title, and some lyric ideas, and of course I thought the title and concept he formed was great. He then left it to me and my imagination to add more lyric ideas, and complete the musical work. The song is about the everyday person who feels trapped at what they might be doing in their life. No matter what the job may be, the need for relief was in need. It’s also about freedom, and about standing up for what you feel is right, and not being taken advantage of. Rattle the cage, and be heard. Let your feelings be known, and stand up for your rights. It really applies to everyone’s life.“
Heavy, dark, deep, insightful, and maybe even a bit more inciteful than ever before: “Rattle The Cage”is THE RODS at their incendiary best! Lyrically, they’ve taken a cue from David “Rock” Feinstein’s cousin, Ronnie James Dio, providing the listener with a similar sense of hope and resiliency in the face of an ever-changing world. Musically, the band is tighter than ever! Founding members David “Rock”Feinstein and Carl Canedy are joined by new bassist Freddy Villano (Quiet Riot, Widowmaker), and the results are simply sublime: The songs are rhythmically tighter, yet more musically unbound, the grooves heavier, and the melodies more dynamic.
Mixed and mastered by Chris Collier, “Rattle The Cage” benefits from his masterful, modern touch, with the kind of sound that will simultaneously appeal to core fans as well as new generations of listeners! THE RODS epitomize the term power-trio, and the word “power” has never been more evident in their music than it is now. 2024 will markTHE RODS’ 45th anniversary, in support, they will be playing many special dates and performances to commemorate 45 years together. With such an impressive history firmly notched in their collective belt, THE RODS are still firing on all cylinders, and as eager as ever to crank it up, louder than loud!
Rattle The Cage” track listing:
Now And Forever
Wolves At The Door
Cry Out Loud
Rattle The Cage
Can’t Slow Down
Metal Highways
Hell Or High Water
Play It Loud
Shockwave
Hearts Of Steel
THE RODS: David “Rock” Feinstein – Guitar, Lead Vocals Freddy Villano – Bass, Vocals Carl Canedy – Drums, Vocals
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.
BERZERKER LEGION was founded in 2016 by guitarists Tomas Elofsson (Hypocrisy) and Alwin Zuur (Asphyx) with a vision to create death metal of the most belligerent quality, they recruited a line-up of solid well-known musicians consisting of James Stewart (Vader) on drums, Jonny Pettersson (Wombbath) on vocals and Fredrik Isaksson (Dark Funeral) on bass to complete the Legion.
Alwin Zuur (guitars/songwriter) comments: “During the recent years Tomas and I met each other at shows and festivals regularly. Much of our conversations were about music and styles. During these meetings we found out that we really had a lot of common musical interests .
Music wise our debut album ‘Obliterate the Weak’ displays the perfect balance between brutality, melody and harmony. Being a fan of the early 90’s Swedish Gothenburg style, with bands like At The Gates, Eucharist, A Canorous Quintet, as well as being a die-hard fan of brutal old school death metal style with bands like Bolt Thrower, Obituary, I have always wanted to write songs showing a mix of such different death metal genres.
With our new album “Chaos Will Reign” we have further developed ourselves in our typical musical mix of melody and brutality. “Chaos Will Reign” sounds more professional, complete, massive and powerful thanks to Jonas Kjellgren’s production. It has become the logical successor, a huge step forward compared to our debut album “Obliterate the Weak”.
Saying the album songs transpire massively produced invigorating heavy death metal is an understatement. BERZERKER LEGION knock out with warlike triumphant, powerfully addictive harmonies that will turn them into an unstoppable beast in a live situation and on record.
Brace yourself, Austin! The city known for its vibrant music scene is about to get a new blitzkrieg of a bash. Announcing the first ever Austin Death Fest, a two-day death metal extravaganza set to reverberate through Austin on April 27th and 28th, 2024 at the Mohawk.
Today, the festival has announced WITCH VOMIT, MORTUOUS, MAUL, CIVEROUS, TORTURE RACK and LUNAR CHAMBER will be joining thepowerhouse lineup. Previously, headliners MORTIFERUM, OUTER HEAVEN, TOMB MOLD, and PHOBOPHILIC were announced.
The festival founder, Jason Dahlke, shares his vision: “The goal with Austin Death Fest is to showcase the best contemporary bands in the genre on one of the coolest stages Austin has to offer. So many of the bands on the lineup are churning out some of the best records in modern death metal and grinding it out in clubs or DIY venues, playing for the die hard fans of the culture. Paying homage to previous Austin festivals such as Chaos in Tejas, I wanted to bring back a festival that got people excited for what’s happening currently in the scene and hopefully inspire them to start up their own bands, start attending more local shows, and putting their passion into the scene to help it further grow.”
Austin Death Fest not only offers a platform to the greatest in contemporary death metal but also hopes to revive and grow the love for the genre within Austin’s eclectic community of music enthusiasts.
Mark your calendars, gather your crew, and prepare for a weekend of headbanging, electrifying riffs, and the raw energy that is the essence of death metal. Austin Death Fest is coming!
Currently, weekend passes are on sale at Early Bird pricing. Tickets can be purchased HERE. All Early Bird passes cover the entire weekend – two days of solid death metal! Single day passes will be made available at a later date.
About Austin Death Fest:
Founded by Jason Dahlke of LEFT TO ROT, Austin Death Fest is a new festival aiming to celebrate and grow the death metal community in Austin, Texas. With an inaugural lineup that promises a sensational experience, the festival seeks to be a cornerstone event for all death metal enthusiasts.
November 24, 2023 sees German death/thrash metal band BURDEN OF GRIEF release their much-awaited, eighth studio album, titled “Destination Dystopia”, via Masssacre Records. Coming as CD, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats, the pre-sale is available at: https://lnk.to/destinationdystopia
It’s the band’s first offering in more than five long years. Five years, in which so much has happened in the world that BURDEN OF GRIEF were forced to refer to it lyrically and musically. Reinforced by the two new members Dominik Hellmuth (guitars) and Manuel Lüke (drums), they now present the strongest, heaviest and most varied album in the almost 30-year band history.
Following a previously-released, first album appetizer “Fevered Dreams”, now, BURDEN OF GRIEF are premiering a music video for their new single “A Daydream Of Sorrow”!
“On each of our albums we have 2-3 songs that break out of our usual musical context, mostly by being significantly slower,” the band comments. “This is enormously important to keep the music as varied as possible. “A Daydream Of Sorrow” is one of those songs that is particularly catchy, not least because of the slowing down of the tempo, and also has an extended solo part. In the studio it has already turned out that this song clearly stands out from the overall material. But fans of our heavier stuff don’t have to worry, most of the other songs are much faster.”
Watch the new BURDEN OF GRIEF video now streaming HERE
On “Destination Dystopia”, BURDEN OF GRIEF accomplished to focus on their years of experience, to combine their strengths and to put them into 10 riff monsters that are bursting with energy, great melodies and pure heaviness. First and foremost, you’ll get the thrash and melodic death treatment, but you’ll also find a plethora of elements that go way beyond what these musical drawers are all about. Expect killer grooves, classic twin-guitar solos as well as the return of the old-school Hammond organ.
Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner and his assistant Daniel Claar took care of the drum recordings, mixing and mastering of the album at the Kohlekeller Studios (Hämatom, Powerwolf, Aborted, etc.), and they made sure that “Destination Dystopia” is the tightest and heaviest album BURDEN OF GRIEF has ever released!
BURDEN OF GRIEF: Mike Huhmann – Vocals Philipp Hanfland – Guitars Dominik Hellmuth – Guitars Florian Bauer – Bass Manuel Lüke – Drums
“Destination Dystopia” track listing:
World Under Attack
A Daydream Of Sorrow
Exposed To The Dark
Downfall
Fevered Dreams
The Devil’s Bride
Mass Murder Society
Destination Dystopia
Fall Into Oblivion
My Suicide
DISCOGRAPHY: 2000 – Haunting Requiems 2001 – On Darker Trails 2004 – Fields Of Salvation 2007 – Death End Road 2009 – Haunting Requiems (Re-Release) 2010 – Follow The Flames 2014 – Unchained 2018 – Eye Of The Storm 2023 – Destination Dystopia
The follow-up to 2021’s “Embrace the Unknown” (released by Germany’s Pure Steel Records), “Deception” features five tracks of prog-infused thrash highlighted by the band’s signature melodic vocals and hook-laden approach to songwriting.
Deception is set for release on November 10. Pre-order and pre-save the EP at linktr.ee/lower13official
Tracklist: 1) More Time 2) Your Love’s a Curse 3) The One to Blame 4) Holding on to Misery 5) You Just Left Her
LOWER 13 was formed in Parma, Ohio in March 2006 and is comprised of Eric Kruger (drums), Sean Balog (bass, vocals), and Patrick Capretta (guitars, vocals). Lower 13 strives to carve their own identity in the metal scene, blending styles and pulling from their various influences. They create their own brand of metal laced with crushing riffs, grooves, and dual vocal harmonies.
Iron Maiden will return to the USA, Canada & Chile with The Future Past Tour in 2024!
Oct 2024: 4 North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, San Diego, CA, USA 5 Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas, NV, USA 8 Kia Forum, Los Angeles, CA, USA 12 Aftershock Festival, Sacramento, CA, USA (on sale now) 14 MODA Center, Portland, OR, USA 16 Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA, USA 18 Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA 19 Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA 22 Xcel Energy Center, St Paul, MN, USA 24 Allstate Arena, Rosemont, IL, USA 26 Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON, CANADA 27 Videotron Centre, Quebec, QC, CANADA 30 Centre Bell, Montreal, QC, CANADA
Nov 2024: 1 Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA 2 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA 6 DCU Center, Worcester, MA, USA 8 PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 9 Prudential Center, Newark, NJ, USA 12 CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore, MD, USA 13 Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC, USA 16 Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX, USA 17 Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX, USA 27 Estadio Nacional, Santiago, CHILE
Tickets on sale: Chile – 2 Nov at 12pm (local) USA & Canada – 3 Nov at 10am (local)
IMFC Presales: Chile – 30 Oct USA & Canada – 31 Oct
Trooper VIP will be available for most shows in the USA & Canada.
Further dates for 2024 will be announced in due course.
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.
Tankcrimes is pleased to announce a special twentieth anniversary vinyl repress of Evil Never Dies, the debut full-length from TOXICHOLOCAUST, set for release on December 8th.
TOXIC HOLOCAUST began kicking out the corrosive jams in basements and bedrooms over twenty years ago, building a punishing legacy of mutant thrash and filthy street punk that’s outlasted the heydays of the genres that spawned them. Founder Joel Grind, whose dedication to the one-man-band ethos gives the late Quorthon a run for his money, melts down the greatest punk metal crossover riff collection imaginable into nuclear ooze. With each successive release, Grind repurposes the most visceral strengths of speed, thrash, and punk through his own unique vision, making for new metal anthems that consistently reignite a circle-pitting feeding frenzy in the scene.
Initially released in 2003 via Nuclear War Now Productions and Witches Brew Records, Evil Never Dies was Grind’s first official full-length. Wrote All Music of the release, “…Evil Never Dies may have originally been released in 2003, but it rocks and rages like it was plucked directly out of the metal underground circa 1983. The group’s leader — the appropriately named Joel Grind — managed to pack quite a wallop on this recording, which perfectly laid out the group’s subsequent releases.
In other words, you know exactly what to expect with each new TOXIC HOLOCAUST release — early Metallica/Slayer-styled thrash. Case in point, such eardrum bashers as ‘War Is Hell,’ ‘Enemy Of Jesus,’ ‘666,’ and the album closer, ‘Atomik Destruktor.
Comments Grind on the Tankcrimes reissue, “It’s hard to believe I recorded Evil Never Dies twenty years ago. It simultaneously feels like yesterday and forever ago. At the time, there was minimal info on recording a DIY solo record at home. I just kinda learned as I went through trial and error. After all these years, I’m still happy with the way it turned out. No computers, no fixing…bumps and bruises and all.
“People have been asking for this LP to be available again and I can’t think of anyone better to bring it back to life than Scotty Heath from Tankcrimes. There’s nothing better than getting to work with your friends.”
Tankcrimes will reissue Evil Never Diesas a one-time, vinyl-only pressing limited to 2000 copies in the following color variants: Toxic Radiation Splatter (500) and Yellow w/ Black And White Splatter (1500).
Find preorders at the Tankcrimes webshop at THIS LOCATION.
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"
You must be logged in to post a comment.