Embrace the enigmatic allure of 70’s rock with OCCULT WITCHES‘ new single, “Faustian Bargain,” released today under the esteemed Black Throne Productions. This marks the second single from their upcoming album, Sorrows Pyre, due out July 26th via Black Throne Productions.
“Faustian Bargain” explores the dangers of an all too familiar type of deal. “This song is about almost making a deal with Satan and he ain’t fucking patient. Won’t be thanking him for this one,” reveals the band.
OCCULT WITCHES has quickly risen through the ranks, defining a unique space within the rock genre with their captivating blend of music and storytelling. Their songs, rich in narrative and emotion, draw on elements of darkness, witchcraft, and existential struggle, resonating with a wide range of listeners.
The band’s journey from Rimouski, QC, to Hamilton, ON, on their first tour last summer has only solidified their presence in the music scene. With plans for mini-tours this summer, OCCULT WITCHES is poised to reach new heights and captivate more audiences with their powerful performances and profound lyrical themes.
OCCULT WITCHES invites listeners to embark on this dark yet enlightening journey through their music. Stay tuned for more from OCCULT WITCHES as they continue to explore the depths of the human condition and the eternal dance between light and darkness.
Metal Blade Records is pleased to welcome CATEGORY 7, the new band featuring vocalist John Bush, guitarists Phil Demmel and Mike Orlando, bassist Jack Gibson and drummer Jason Bittner, to its legendary roster!
With veteran musicians from such legendary acts as Anthrax, Armored Saint, Adrenaline Mob, Machine Head, Overkill, Exodus, and Shadows Fall, it’s hard not to think of CATEGORY 7 as a supergroup. The origins of the band began with discussions between Demmel and Orlando of their mutual desire to form a twin lead guitar hard rock unit harkening back to bands of the ‘70s such as Thin Lizzy. Bittner was next to join the conversation followed by Gibson. After composing some early music, it was obvious that the only vocalist that would fit the concept would be Bush.
Notes Bush, “Mike Orlando’s and Phil Demmel’s awesome riffs made writing lyrics over the music a piece of cake. The rhythm tandem of Bittner and Gibson rounded out the sound and the connection felt like it was put together in the stars. Obviously, everyone being a veteran of the metal scene made it that much easier.”
Based on Demmel’s and Bush’s long-term relationships with Metal Blade Records, it seemed to be the perfect home for the band. The label agreed and a union was quickly forged.
Comments Metal Blade Records’ founder Brian Slagel of the signing, “Happy to welcome CATEGORY 7 into the Metal Blade family. Of course, some of them are already in! Seriously love working with this crew and it’s great stuff!”
As crushing and confrontational as an armed rebellion and as fiercely melodic as infectious riffs and aggressive vocals can be, CATEGORY 7 is a new breed of hard rock that lives up to the storied histories of its members. CATEGORY 7’s debut will see release this Summer with their first single to be unveiled on May 2nd. Stand by for details!
Single cover artwork • “Crack Cocaine“ (Written by Billy Morrison/ Ozzy Osbourne/Steve Stevens)
“The Morrison Project”OfficialAlbumrelease: April 19, 2024
Billy Morrison, the British guitarist, singer, and songwriter primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens, and for his previous role as bassist in The Cult, has assembled an electrifying 12 songs including guest performances by Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, DMC, Corey Taylor, Al Jourgensen, Steve Vai, Steve Stevens, Linda Perry, Tommy Clufetos, John5, and more!
I guess the way that your love makes me feel/Must mean I’m really addicted,” sings OZZY OSBOURNE on “Crack Cocaine”, the newly released track out on March 21st from BILLY MORRISON’s new solo album THE MORRISON PROJECT. This album is releasing on April 19th, via The Label Group’s partnership with TLG ZOID through Virgin Music Group.
Crack Cocaine” (04:01 min) Music video Premiere: March 21, 2024 YouTube Video by IVO RAZA
Official release on March 21, 2024 Label: TLG ZOID • Virgin Music
“Crack Cocaine” is the second single/video from THE MORRISON PROJECT and follows the single/video “Drowning”. Stream it HERE
This seismic collaboration also features STEVE STEVENS on guitar and was co-written by MORRISON, OSBOURNE, and STEVENS who all appear in the video with PARIS JACKSON playing the glamorous/romantic interest, with cameos from visual artist RISK and actor JEFF HILLIARD.
“Crack Cocaine” marks the first new song with OZZY on vocals since the 2022 release of his worldwide smash album Patient Number 9 which earned him two Grammy Awards (“Best Rock Album,” “Best Metal Performance”). “I was in the same room as Billy and Steve,” says OZZY about co-writing the song. “The lyrics just came out of the blue. It was written in about 20 minutes.”
BILLY MORRISON • 2024 📸 JaneStuartPhotos
BILLY, the British guitarist, singer and songwriter primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens, sheds more light on the song’s origins: “The music was a direct result of sitting in a room with Steve, both with de-tuned guitars, and writing what we felt was an ultimate Ozzy riff. From there, we brought Ozzy over and we all sat around working on the lyrics, but 90% of those came from Ozzy himself. He’s the one that suddenly stood up and sang “Like Crack Cocaine”! We looked at each other and knew we had the title!”
BILLY: “The song is 100% about how certain relationships can FEEL like an addiction. It’s nothing whatsoever to do with the drug! It’s a comparison. Ozzy is talking about being in that dysfunctional situation with a partner that feels so wrong, but you keep going back again and again. ‘Loving you is driving me insane. I put you down and pick you up again’ – it’s exactly like a drug addiction.”
Importantly, reveals STEVE, “First and foremost, Billy and I discussed what an Ozzy fan would really love to hear. We really zeroed in on the ‘90s-era Ozzy, the truly heavy stuff. We cast aside any rules both musically and lyrically. It was really a great team and Billy is just such a great motivator. Obviously as a guitarist, to contribute to an Ozzy song is like a kid in a candy store. He’s played with such an amazing array of guitarists that I tried my best to honor that tradition.”
Adds STEVE: “I think the fact that Billy and I have spent the better part of 16 years working together in Billy Idol means we are almost telepathic in how we arrange guitars, etc. Billy and Ozzy have such an amazing friendship that it was easy to feel inspired and want to help them achieve any idea I could assist with. As we worked in my home studio, I tried to make the actual recording process almost invisible. Forget any technical aspects and really have some fun. To Ozzy’s credit, he was totally focused; and man the first time I heard him sing in what was essentially my living room, fucking chills ran down my spine.”
Line-Up: Ozzy Osbourne • Vocals Billy Morrison • Rhythm guitar Steve Stevens • Lead guitar Tommy Clufetos • Drums
“Crack Cocaine” is the second single/video from THE MORRISON PROJECT and follows the single/video “Drowning”. Stream it HERE
💿 DISCOGRAPHY: 2008 • Stimulator • Full-length 2015 • The God Shaped Hole • Full-length 2024 • The Morrison Project • Full-length
Exhumed guitarist/vocalist MATT HARVEY has unveiled an ambient new full-length entitled Toward The Cold Light. The perfect soundtrack for cold, misty Winter mornings, the melodies found across the record’s five tracks ebb and flow through orchestrated soundscapes that are often bleak and lonely, at times warm and nostalgic, but always compelling.
Elaborates HARVEY, “This EP is something I’ve had rattling around for a while, melodies and compositions inspired by walking my dogs through the fog on chilly Winter mornings. It’s more contemplative than anything I’ve done before; more reflective of both the natural world and the internal world that we experience alone with our thoughts in quiet moments. It’s been a rewarding journey working on music as a composer and engineer, rather than a guitar player or vocalist, and I hope coming along that journey with me through these tunes is also meaningful to anyone who listens.”
All music on Toward The Cold Light was composed, produced, and engineered by MATT HARVEY and mastered by Leon del Muerte at Beastman Audio. Artwork comes courtesy of Jacob Speis.
Stream/download MATT HARVEY’s Toward The Cold Light at Bandcamp at THIS LOCATION. The record is also streaming at YouTube HERE.
Toward The Cold Light Track Listing:
Toward The Cold Light
Silence At The Edge Of Memory
Lights In The Mist
Parted Hearts
Vanishing Point
MATT HARVEY is best known for his work in death grind outfit Exhumed, as well as his other projects like the thrashtastic Dekapitator and Scarecrow, Death-deifying homage act Gruesome, and his traditional metal outfit Pounder, as well as playing with extreme metal legacy groups like Death-revival act LeftTo Die and Repulsion.
In recent years, he’s turned his attention towards composing outside of the metal realm, first with 2021’s synth-y sci-fi instrumental album Last Son Of Krypton, inspired by his lifetime love of comic books. Toward The Cold Light shows his continued journey as a composer and engineer and takes its inspiration instead from the natural world and quiet introspection.
MINISTRY’S ROY MAYORGA AND WE ARE THE ASTEROID’S GARY CHESTER CONTRIBUTE TO THE RECORD
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An album so magical, I helped create it without knowing it was happening. It’s definitely the weirdest album I’ve ever been a part of.” – Steven McDonald
Feb. 6, 2024, LOS ANGELES – The Melvins latest opus, Tarantula Heart (April 19, Ipecac Recordings), is quite possibly the band’s most unconventional, catchiest and imaginative work yet, continuing a legacy celebrated for its eccentric and extraordinary output.
A preview of the five-song, 39-minute collection arrives with the release of “Working The Ditch” (https://themelvins.lnk.to/wtd), and the accompanying Jesse Nieminen-created video. Nieminen previously directed the band’s short film, “A Walk With Love and Death.”
“The way we approached Tarantula Heart was different than any other Melvins’ album,” explains Buzz Osborne. “I had Dale and Roy Mayorga come in and play along with Steven and I to some riffs, then I took those sessions and figured out what parts would work and wrote new music to fit. This isn’t a studio approach we’ve ever taken. Usually we have the songs written BEFORE we start recording!”
“The majority of Tarantula Heart has dual drum parts,” adds long-time Melvins drummer Dale Crover. “Roy is an amazing drummer. We would discuss what we would do pattern wise, then we’d just go for it. Improvising riffs and trading off on drum fills.”
Tarantula Heart cover, artwork by Mackie Osborne
Tarantula Heart track list:
Pain Equals Funny
Working the Ditch
She’s Got Weird Arms
Allergic to Food
Smiler
In actuality nothing appeared out of thin air. Buzz spent hours and hours with the drum tracks by himself writing songs to what he was hearing drum wise. “When the rest of the band heard these songs I’d created from the sessions, they were blown away,” Buzz shares. “These were fully developed new songs that they’d never heard before that had seemingly appeared out of thin air. Presto!”
Recorded, mixed and co-produced by longtime Melvins’ collaborator Toshi Kasai, the album also features We Are The Asteroid guitar player Gary Chester. Gary and the Melvins’ history goes back to their days on Boner Records, with the guitar player formerly having been a part of the legendary band, Ed Hall.
Tarantula Heart pre-orders (https://themelvins.lnk.to/tarantula) are available now, with the album available on a trio of vinyl variants (black, indie exclusive Silver Streak and Ipecac Recordings’ 25th Anniversary Puke Green), featuring a 12-page booklet, as well as on CD and digitally.
Next month sees the Melvins head overseas, playing in Japan for the first time since 2019 following a stint where they join current labelmates, Mr. Bungle, for a trek across Australia and New Zealand. Buzz and Bungle bass player Trevor Dunn team up later this year for the “King Dunn Tour,” a 45-date excursion that sees the pair play songs from the King Buzzo releases: This Machine Kills Artists and Gift of Sacrifice. The full list of dates can be found via Ipecac.com/tours.
Melvins tour dates:
March 3 Auckland, NZ Auckland Town Hall March 6 Melbourne, AUS Festival Hall March 7 Adelaide, AUS Hindley Street Music Hall March 9 Sydney, AUS Hordern Pavilion March 10 Brisbane, AUS Fortitude Music Hall March 12 Perth, AUS Metro City March 17 Osaka, JP Music Club Janus March 19 Tokyo, JP Shibuya WWW X March 20 Tokyo, JP Shibuya WWW X
LISTEN TO NEW SONG: “THE POST-ATOMIC HORROR” – U.S./CANADIAN TOUR ANNOUNCED
Jan. 23, 2024 – Zombi, the electro-prog duo featuring Steve Moore and AE Paterra that Pitchfork described as evoking “the murky synth ambience of the 1970s while also infusing their music with a decidedly modern aura,” and Decibel dubbed “exceptional,” return with their eagerly-awaited new album, Direct Inject (March 22, Relapse Records).
A preview of the nine-song collection is available now, with the track “The Post-Atomic Horror” (https://orcd.co/zombi-directinject) streaming now. “’The Post-Atomic Horror’ is a very fun song for us to play,” says Paterra. “No trappings from our machines, just bass and drums, as stripped down as we can be. Definitely one for us to lean into on stage – a few minutes of riffs and wide open drums.”
Direct Inject, which was self-produced by Moore and Paterra, also features guest percussionist Jeff Gretz (Zao/From Autumn To Ashes), and guitar player Phil Manley (Trans Am).
Photo credit: Shawn Brackbill
“In 2022, after our tour with The Sword, we posted up in our friend’s studio in Clearfield, PA for a week of diner breakfasts and gas station BBQ,” shares Moore. “We would record every day and improvise until we found ideas we liked. We then took these ideas back home to Albany and Chicago to give them structure. A few months later, after our tour with Om, AEP went back to Clearfield to record final drum tracks. Everything else was recorded at my home studio. The only exceptions are ‘Sessuale I’ and “Sessuale II,” which were both written in the early ‘00s but never officially released.”
Zombi has simultaneously announced their first tour dates in support of Direct Inject, with a U.S./Canadian trek coming this April. Tickets are on-sale this Friday at 10 am local time. Overcalc opens on all dates.
Zombi – tour dates:
April 4 Louisville, KY Whirling Tiger April 5 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern April 6 Detroit, MI Sanctuary Detroit April 7 Toronto, ON The Velvet Underground April 8 Montreal, QC La Sotterenea April 9 Boston, MA The Middle East Upstairs April 10 Brooklyn, NY Saint Vitus April 11 Philadelphia, PA Underground Arts April 12 Baltimore, MD Metro Gallery April 13 Pittsburgh, PA Certain Death II
Zombi is Steve Moore (synth/bass/guitar) and AE Paterra (drums/percussion/electronics). Formed in 2001, the Pittsburgh-founded, instrumental duo have released seven full-length albums.
Hard rock power metal titans FIREWIND, who are currently gearing up for an extensive European and US tour, among new live shows added in the UK and Japan (find all dates and infos listed below!), will release their much-awaited, tenth studio album, entitled Stand United, on March 1, 2024 via AFM Records.
Stand United will be available as CD, LP Vinyl, digital formats and highly collectable bundles including an autographed card, a FIREWIND cat patch plus a ticket for the band’s upcoming European tour withMASTERPLAN!For every ticket bundle purchase, fans will also get the chance to win a Meet & Greet, album pre-orders are up at: https://firewind.bfan.link/stand-united
Following previously-released, first album singles such as “Salvation Day”or the powerful anthem “Come Undone”, today, the iconic band formed by guitar legend Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil) has shared a music video for their latest single “Fallen Angel”! Gus G reveals:
“Fallen Angel” is a song about the eternal battle between good and evil, a song about the temptations of life. There’s been so many interpretations of all this. Working again with director Rainer “ZIPP” Franze, we gave a biblical touch on the visuals and there’s even some choreography going on, for your viewing pleasure. Musically, I feel there’s a good balance of modern and classic Metal elements which is where Firewind should be in 2024.”
The new FIREWIND music video is now premiering 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 Gus G, big hooks and solos meet the incredible vocal skills of charismatic singer Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Radiant, Seventh Avenue, amongst others).
FIREWIND: Gus G. (guitars) Herbie Langhans (vocals) Petros Christo (bass) Jo Nunez (drums)
“Stand United” – track listing:
Salvation Day
Stand United
Destiny is Calling
The Power Lies Within
Come Undone
Fallen Angel
Chains
Land of Chaos
Talking in Your Sleep
Days of Grace
In support of Stand United and among a European tour with MASTERPLAN kicking off in February, FIREWIND will not only return to the US and Canada this Spring, but have also announced new live dates for the UK and Japan! Make sure to see them live on tour, Tickets and VIP bundles are available at:https://bnds.us/663bll
MASTERS OF FIRE EUROPEAN TOUR 2024 FIREWIND & MASTERPLAN LIVE:
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
UK 30.03 🇬🇧 – London, Underworld (w/ special guests Fury)
FIREWIND – STAND UNITED IN AMERICA 2024 – with Special guests: EDGE OF PARADISE & IMMORTAL GUARDIAN:
04.11 🇺🇸 Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz 04.12 🇺🇸 Manchester, NH – Angel City Music Hall 04.13 🇺🇸 Reading, PA – Reverb 04.14 🇺🇸 Pittsburgh, PA – Crafthouse 04.15 🇨🇦 Toronto, ON – Ground Control 04.16 🇺🇸 Westland, MI – Token Lounge 04.17 🇺🇸 Hobart, IN – Hobart Art Theatre 04.19 🇺🇸 Springfield, IL – Danenberger Family Vineyards 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 – Parish @ House of Blues 04.27 🇺🇸 W. Hollywood – Whisky A GoGo 04.28 🇺🇸 San Francisco – DNA Lounge 05.01 🇺🇸 Austin, TX – Come and Take it Live 05.02 🇺🇸 Dallas, TX – Sundown @ Granada 05.03 🇺🇸 San Antonio, TX – Rolling Oaks Events Center 05.06 🇺🇸 Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
JAPAN 15.05 🇯🇵 Tokyo – Shibuya Club Quattro 16.05 🇯🇵 Osaka – Club Quattro
PALOOKA is big thick two-guitar rock the way God intended it. Hailing from Seattle, USA, singer Chuck Campbell belts out melody lines full of emotion and purpose with tenacity. Chris Quinn and Glen Logan trade flurries of devastating and searing guitar punches reminiscent of a barroom brawl. All of which sits on the rock-solid pounding foundation built on the talents of Howard Binner on bass and the percussive mauler Jason Reavis on drums.
This powerhouse of rock has been making waves since their debut album “What’s Wrong With Wanting Everything” in 2011. They have come a long way since then and their forthcoming 2024 EP “Save Yourself” promises to deliver the heavy dose of rock that you need. The first look at this EP is with the title track, which the band comments on:
“Save Yourself speaks to those moments in life where one comes to the realization that the way through a particular event or situation is purely up to us as individuals. The metaphoric cavalry isn’t coming, we are on our own and the only way forward is through.”
PALOOKA goes on to explain that as fans of a wide assortment of genres, they channeled their influences into an energy and intensity that is all their own. They made a point to push their boundaries and across the EP listeners can expect to hear elements of metal, blues, 70’s rock, grunge, alternative, and more.
Mostly written throughout the pandemic, the songs on “Save Yourself” were born from the unique environment of physical isolation, which not only left its mark on the personal themes of the songs but also played a pivotal role in the collaborative process. Interestingly, PALOOKA didn’t consciously decide on the track lineup. Instead, the songs, along with the circumstances that led to their creation, organically determined which songs found their place on “Save Yourself”. Loud, classic, and accessible PALOOKA is recommended for fans of Cheap Trick, Alice in Chains, and AC/DC.
Watch the music video for “Save Yourself” via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.
Today, Atomic Fire Records proudly welcomes St. Louis metal powerhouse VOIDGAZER to their label family.
Comments the band, “VOIDGAZER is beyond fired up to join the roster of Atomic Fire Records and stand shoulder to shoulder not only with bands that defined entire genres, but also other up and comers also out to prove something to the world. We think we are in the right place at the right time to help rewrite the rules the way our predecessors did. With their DNA pumping through our veins, and the global vision of Atomic Fire Records behind us, VOIDGAZER is ready to write our own chapter in heavy metal history.”
Founded in late 2015 by mastermind Manny Watts, extreme prog merchants VOIDGAZER released their debut EP, Years Of Exile, the following year. The band jammed around the Midwest over the next three years, naturally evolving the music and band until the current lineup. Although they first played together in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them put their live performances on ice as well as hit pause on the release of their second EP, Dance Of The Undesirables. They initially planned a large release campaign for the offering but ultimately only pressed enough copies to cover their last few scheduled live performances. It was during this down time that Atomic Fire Records took interest in VOIDGAZER‘s vision and offered them an international recording contract.
To seal the deal, Dance Of The Undesirables will be released early next year with additional new material. Stay tuned for details…
Following their latest, chart-topping album, Invincible (available HERE!), that entered a phenomenal #1 in the Swiss album charts, SHAKRA return with another musical encore! While Christmas time is approaching, the Swiss hard rockers are now premiering a video clip for their new single “Angels Landing“!
“Angels Landing” – a sonic odyssey at the threshold of longing and fulfillment.” The band states. “This song is a rock anthem for the rediscovery of lost hearts, inviting you to a rendezvous at a mythical place: where only angels dare to land. Are you ready for the landing?”
The new SHAKRA track “Angels Landing” is out now on all digital services at THIS LOCATION!
“You are invincible — You can achieve anything, not if you believe in it, but if you know it…and that makes you invincible!” That’s the core message of the band’s latest album offering, Invincible, that was lauded by both rock fans and critics alike. Released in June 2023 via AFM Records, SHAKRA have proved why they are not only invincible but belong to one of the most enthralling, powerful acts the hard and heavy rock scene has to offer!
Dec. 5, 2023 – The Cult, who celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2024, see their adventurous and highly-regarded debut album, Dreamtime, released as a special 40th anniversary vinyl variant on Feb. 23 via Beggars Banquet.
Originally released in 1984, following the band’s evolution from the Southern Death Cult, to Death Cult, and then simply The Cult, Dreamtime finds the outfit featuring Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy, pivoting from their goth and punk roots into something eclectic, aspirational, and adventurous. Rife with lyrical references to the indigenous cultures of the Americas and Australia, and set against a more bombastic and muscular musical backdrop, Dreamtime hints at what would envelop the band over the next four decades, a dedication to their wholly unique songwriting, both musically and thematically, and the frenzy that was soon to come with the release of Love only a year later.
“Spiritwalker,” the first single from the album, hit #1 on the U.K.’s independent chart.
A1. Horse Nation A2. Spiritwalker A3. 83rd Dream A4. Butterflied A5. Go West
B1. Gimmick B2. A Flower In the Desert B3. Dreamtime B4. Rider In the Snow B5. Bad Medicine Waltz
The Cult formed in 1984 England, with the seminal post-punk band going on to sell in excess of four million albums with numerous international and U.S. gold and platinum certifications. Ian Astbury (vocals) and Billy Duffy (guitar) have released 11 studio albums over The Cult’s 40-year career. The band, dubbed “Shamanic goths” by Classic Rock Magazine, found international renown with the 1985 album, Love, which featured the enduring rock anthem “She Sells Sanctuary,” as well as the oft-heard follow-up single “Rain.”
Electric arrived in 1989, with Rolling Stone saying the collection of songs (particularly “Love Removal Machine,” “Wild Flower” and “Lil’ Devil”) “swaggers, crunches and howls.” Most recently, The Cult released Under the Midnight Sun. Mojo, in a review of the eight-song album, said “rock’s unquenchable melodramatists have the fire in their eyes still.”
In late 2023, Astbury and Duffy reformed Death Cult for a series of live performances including a sole U.S. date at The Theatre at The Ace Hotel and a limited run of U.K. dates including back-to-back sold out shows at the Brixton Electric.
Photo collage by Randy Caballero, Doug Julien, and Anthony Lopardo
US heavy metal titans RIOT (V) are finally back with a brand-new studio album titled MeanStreets, set for release February 16th, 2024 through Atomic Fire Records! The record features twelve tracks recorded and mixed by Bruno Ravel and mastered by Bart Gabriel. Artwork was provided by Gyula Havancsák (Accept, Stratovarius, Brainstorm) who captured the galloping style of the new material skillfully without missing the band’s signature seal. In advance of the release today the band unleashes the record’s first single, “High Noon.”
Bassist Donnie Van Stavern comments, “We are extremely excited to release our seventeenth RIOT record, Mean Streets, with the mighty Atomic Fire Records label! We went back to the roots a bit on this one with some hard rockers and of course power metal stylings. Our new pre-release lyric video ‘High Noon’ is a song I wrote with [late founding guitarist] Mark Reale in mind; he loved the Old West and wrote songs about it as well (‘Restless Breed,’ ‘Gunfighter’) and the music is a reminiscence of Thundersteel and The Privilege Of Power! Enjoy, metal warriors, more awesomeness is on the way!”
Adds vocalist Todd Michael Hall, “I’m really excited for the people to hear Mean Streets. We are evolving well with one foot rooted in the past and one foot pointing towards the future.”
Watch RIOT (V)’s “High Noon” videoHERE. Stream/purchase the track HERE.
Mean Streets will be available on digipak CD (EU), jewel case CD (US), vinyl in multiple color variants, and digitally.
Preorder the album in the physical format of your choice, pre-save it on your favorite DSP, or preorder it digitally to receive “High Noon” instantly now at: riotv.afr.link/meanstreetsPR.
Mean Streets – Track Listing:
Hail To The Warriors
Feel The Fire
Love Beyond The Grave
High Noon
Before This Time
Higher
Mean Streets
Open Road
Mortal Eyes
Lost Dreams
Lean Into It
No More
RIOT (V): Todd Michael Hall – vocals Mike Flyntz – guitars Nick Lee – guitars Don Van Stavern – bass Frank Gilchriest – drums
Subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube HERE and listen to “High Noon” as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
Polish heavy metal act CRYSTAL VIPER are releasing music video for “In The Haunted Chapel” single, which came out digitally earlier this year. It’s the first CRYSTAL VIPER video featuring Marta Gabriel on vocals and bass guitar (who played rhythm guitar between 2009 and 2022), and drummer Jakub Galwas, who joined CRYSTAL VIPER last year.
“The music video is one thing, but we have some other cool news to share as well” says CRYSTAL VIPER front woman and founder, Marta Gabriel. “We started to work on a new studio album, which will come out in the Summer of 2024 on Listenable Records. We’re very proud of what we achieved on our latest album, “The Cult”, so from one side you can expect its natural continuation – especially when it comes to lyrics, which once again are inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft – but from the other side, we prepared few surprises and we will explore some new territories. I think all CRYSTAL VIPER fans will be very happy, and I believe the album might be interesting for people who never listened to us” she adds.
Crystal Viper Discography: The Curse of Crystal Viper (Album – 2007) Metal Nation (Album – 2009) Legends (Album – 2010) Crimen Excepta (Album – 2012) Possession (Album – 2013) Queen of the Witches (Album – 2017) Tales of Fire and Ice (Album – 2019) The Cult (LISTENABLE Album – 2021) The Last Axeman (LISTENABLE Album- 2022)
Brooklyn power trio SANHEDRIN will close out the year with their first ever Texas shows! The trio of dates will run through Austin, San Antonio, and Houston with support provided by Temple Of Love.
Comments guitarist Jeremy Sosville, “In our nine years as a band, we have travelled many times across America and across the Atlantic. Somehow, we’ve never been able to make it to Texas… until now! This November 30th, December 1st, and 2nd as we finally make our way to the Lone Star state. We know that Texas has some of the most dedicated rock and metal fans in the world, and we are psyched to finally make this trek south. These shows will be the final shows of 2024 for us, as we will be hunkering down this winter to work on our next album. Speaking of, we will be sharing a few of these new songs for the first time ever during these shows. We look forward to seeing you there!”
Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
SANHEDRIN w/ Temple Of Love: 11/30/2023 The Lost Well – Austin, TX w/ Ungrieved, Monte Luna 12/01/2023 The Mix – San Antonio, TX w/ ManEaters Of Tsavo 12/02/2023 Black Magic Social Club – Houston, TX w/ Doomstress
SANHEDRIN does metal the old-school way, channeling the greats that preceded them to create something that is instantly familiar yet with a new, modern energy to it. The band released their Lights On full-length last year via Metal Blade Records.
Tracked, mixed, and co-produced by Colin Marston at his studio Menegroth, The Thousand Caves in Queens, New York, Lights On refers to the many events of the last few years that have exposed larger societal issues long hidden or ignored. Notes the band, “In a time where the world around you feels like it’s aflame, when our heavy metal heroes are beginning to disappear to failing health or changing social norms, we, stand here as a shining light through the dark. We are prepared to fly the flag of heavy metal in these trying and uncertain times and have only begun to show the world what we are capable of.”
Cruz Del Sur Music is honored to announce the release of TONNERRE debut album, La Nuit Sauvage, April 5, 2024 on vinyl, CD, and digital formats!
Based in rural Quebec and Ottawa, TONNERRE (meaning Thunder) features current or former members of Cauchemar, Durs Cœurs, Bastardator and ‘Scuse. Their mystical style of hard rock is solid and catchy in the tradition of Foghat, Blue Öyster Cult, Roky Erickson and AC/DC, but also poetic like the artists that defined the Quebec ‘70s underground scene (Offenbach, Aut’chose and Corbeau).
Recorded by Chany Pilote at No Man’s Land studio, La Nuit Sauvage (The Wild Night) tells the tale of a night spent with friends in the forest, surrounded by the mysteries of nature, from dusk to dawn. From the opener “La Nuit Sauvage” to the closing “L’Aurore,” every song highlights a moment of this wild gathering.
“Entranced by the dance of flames and sacred herbs, our stories become invocations…. until dawn came like a curse. It was a night we would never forget.”
Line-up:
Annick Giroux – Vocals Patrick Pageau – Guitar François Patry – Guitar Jeff Laflamme – Bass Arnaud Geoffroy – Drums
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)
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.”
On December 2nd, LIVE from Madison Square Garden, KISS will perform in concert for the final time ever, and you can watch LIVE on Pay-Per-View!
Stream this historic event worldwide, exclusively on PPV.COM; or watch on Pay-Per-View via your cable or satellite provider in the US & Canada.
This is your last chance ever to see America’s greatest rock band! Don’t miss out! KISS: END OF THE ROAD LIVE from Madison Square Garden Saturday, December 2nd at 8pm ET
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
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
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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