One of the biggest names in the glam metal/sleaze rock scene, CRASHDÏET, announce the release of their upcoming album, Automaton, available for pre-sale now on digital, CD and vinyl, through Crusader Records/Golden Robot Records. The digital and CD are set to drop on April 29, with limited edition coloured vinyl due for release on September 9.
To celebrate the pre-sale of Automaton, CRASHDÏET serve up another delicacy in the form of a new single and video, ‘Together Whatever’, which is available now on all digital platforms.
‘Together Whatever’ is a true party anthem! Exploding with raging guitars and scorching vocals, it’s a tribute to the decadent good old days and the band’s early roots.
Watch the new music video for ‘Together Whatever’ HERE or below:
Just like a gigantic robotic machine with pre-determined instructions, failure was never an option…
No matter what obstacles may have come their way in the past, CRASHDÏET have always marched forward, delivering their own style of Sleaze Metal they have become so well known for. Automaton contains 12 powerful sing-along anthems with massive drums, guitars, bass, and powering vocals (including a surprise special guest and a haunting voice from the past).
April 1, 2022 – DumbNumbers and the Melvins join forces for one of the season’s most unusual releases, a three-song single, dubbed the Broken Pipe EP (April 29, Joyful Noise Recordings), which arrives via a sawblade-shaped, limited-edition vinyl 12-inch.
The collection, which is not the first time the musicians have partnered together (see their 2015 JNR split series), also finds The Jesus Lizard’s David Yow lending his vocals to the track, “So-Called Solid Objects,” and longtime Melvins’ production partner, ToshiKasai, remixing the song “Harvel.”
“I’m severely honoured to work with Buzz and Dale on this release,” says Dumb Numbers’ Adam Harding. “I actually wrote one of the songs in 1997 after seeing the Melvins play in my hometown of Geelong, Australia. I never dreamed that 20 years later I would get to record it with them.”
Recently signed to Crusader Records / Golden Robot Records, South African sleaze rockers L.A. COBRA havereleased their first single for the label, ‘She’s My Prison’, which is available now on all digital platforms.
Formed in November 2005, L.A. COBRA is the only sleaze/glam/hair metal band on the African continent. They are the “sleaze rocking hair metal stars” from Pretoria (home of multi-platinum rock superstars SEETHER), flying the 80’s glam rock flag from the handlebars of their Harley’s whilst making a name for themselves internationally and locally.
‘She’s My Prison’, is an anthemic arena rock single that revolves around the restrictive nature of a failed relationship. The track features screaming guitars, thunderous drums and bass, and a sing-along chorus that fans will distinctly recognize as L.A. COBRA.
L.A. Cobra has been let loose to cause a rebellion amongst the youth with their revival of the 80’s glam era. Largely influenced by 80’s rock bands like Mötley Crüe, Guns & Roses, W.A.S.P. and Skid Row, L.A. COBRA is all about girls, Harley’s, big hair and a good time.
The band is: Don Cobra on vocals and guitar, Spade on lead guitar, Ewil on bass guitar and Callie ‘The Animal’ on drums, bringing back those memorable guitar solos and “balls to the wall” hard rock shows we’re all starved for. With a modern twist from their song-writing as we know them, these guys are the real deal, and live rock and roll!
L.A. Cobra and Crusader Records will have a slew of announcements in 2022 including new music, merchandise, tours and a whole lot more…stay tuned.
“Emergency” is the haunting opening track of MSG’s upcoming new studio album, Universal, set for release on May 27th via Atomic Fire Records.
The album’s first single comes along with an official music video, produced by Justin Griffiths. Comments MICHAEL SCHENKER, “‘Emergency’ is quite a complicated song with different rhythms but catchy at the same time. It’s fun to play and to listen to. Enjoy and keep on rocking.”
View MSG’s “Emergency” video at THIS LOCATION or below:
Universal will be available as a CD digipak (including two bonus tracks), Earbook (CD including two bonus tracks), on vinyl, and digitally. Find preordering options at THIS LOCATION.
Few rock guitarists on this planet have had such a lasting influence on so many renowned musicians as MICHAEL SCHENKER. With his outstandingly fluid style, inexhaustible wealth of ideas, and instinctive feel for hooks and melodies, MICHAEL SCHENKER is a living legend who, despite his longstanding and distinguished history, still impresses with his unflagging energy and drive. The blond stringsman from Sarstedt, Germany (near Hanover) began his international career in the early 1970s with the Scorpions, achieved worldwide fame after joining British rock group U.F.O., and then seamlessly continued his exceptional global success story under his own name, as well as with acts such as MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP (otherwise known as MSG), Temple Of Rock, and MICHAEL SCHENKER Fest. SCHENKER and his career, which has spanned more than five decades, are absolute exceptions in the otherwise short-lived music industry.
To celebrate his latest MSG album, Universal, scheduled for release on May 27th through Atomic Fire Records, as well as his 50th anniversary of recording, MSG will embark upon an extended US tour this Fall. The trek will run from September 27th through November 6th. See all confirmed dates below.
MSG US Tour 2022 w/ Eric Martin, Images Of Eden: 9/27/2022 The Coach House – San Juan Capistrano, CA 9/28/2022 Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA 9/29/2022 Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA 10/01/2022 Saban Theater – Los Angeles, CA 10/02/2022 Count’s Vamp’d – Las Vegas, NV 10/04/2022 Oriental Theater – Denver, CO 10/06/2022 Pop’s – Sauget, IL 10/07/2022 Des Plaines Theater – Des Plaines, IL 10/08/2022 Arcada Theater – St. Charles, IL 10/09/2022 Pabst Theater – Milwaukee, WI 10/11/2022 The Art Theater – Hobart, IN 10/12/2022 Piere’s – Ft. Wayne, IN 10/14/2022 The King Of Clubs – Columbus, OH 10/15/2022 Agora Theater – Cleveland, OH 10/16/2022 Harpo’s – Detroit, MI 10/17/2022 Jergels – Pittsburgh, PA 10/19/2022 The Vault – New Bedford, MA * MSG only 10/20/2022 Flying Monkey – Plymouth, NH 10/21/2022 Cabot Theater – Beverly, MA 10/22/2022 Sony Hall – New York, NY 10/23/2022 Newton Theater – Newton, NJ 10/25/2022 Keswick Theater – Glenside, PA 10/26/2022 Tally Ho – Leesburg, VA 10/27/2022 Sherman Theater – Stroudsburg, PA
w/ Damon Johnson & The Get Ready, Images Of Eden: 10/29/2022 Bogarts – Cincinnati, OH 10/30/2022 Brooklyn Bowl – Nashville, TN w/ W.A.S.P., Armored Saint: 11/02/2022 White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX 11/03/2022 Concrete Street Pavilion – Corpus Christi TX 11/04/2022 Eaton Arena – San Antonio, TX 11/05/2022 Amplified Live – Dallas, TX 11/06/2022 Tulsa Theater – Tulsa, OK
MSG – USTour2022Lineup: Michael Schenker – lead guitar Ronnie Romero – vocals Bodo Schopf – drums Steve Mann – keyboards, guitars BarendCourbois – bass
MSG’s Universal will feature all the strengths of this exceptional musician: first-rate songs with anthemic melodies, catchy guitar riffs, and inspiring solos. As fans have come to expect, SCHENKER has once again enlisted a number of prestigious fellow musicians for the recording of his new studio production, among them, as main vocalist, Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Vandenberg), who will also be MSG’s frontman on their upcoming tour, Michael Kiske (Helloween) and Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), keyboard player Steve Mann (Lionheart), drummers Simon Phillips (Toto, The Who), Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Foreigner), Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow), and Bodo Schopf (Eloy), as well as legendary bassists Bob Daisley (Black Sabbath), Barry Sparks (Yngwie Malmsteen, Dokken) and BarendCourbois (Blind Guardian, Zakk Wylde), with Tony Carey as a very special guest.
Heavy Metal pioneers ANVIL have announced the release of a brand new studio album, entitled ImpactIsImminent, due out on May 20, 2022 via AFM Records!
The Canadian trio belongs to one of the most distinctive bands of their genre, often cited as having influenced notable metal acts such as Slayer, MEGADETH, Metallica and Anthrax. After 40 years in the music industry, touring the world in sold-out venues, and garnering critically acclaim for Anvil! TheStory Of Anvil – the number 1 music documentary of every metalhead – the iconic band returns with their nineteenth album.
On ImpactIsImminent, ANVIL fires off merciless riff attacks, relentlessly driving drums and impressive bass grooves, complemented by vocal melodies and lyrics that inevitably drill themselves into the listener’s aural tract. As always, Kudlow and founding member and drummer Robb Reiner, are at the epicentre of this heavy metal extravaganza. For the past eight years, they have been supported by bassist Chris Robertson, who not only complements the ANVIL fold on a personal level, but also enhances the tracks with his powerful low frequency bass parts and backing vocals.
Today, ANVIL shared a first single alongside a music video for the full pedal-to-the-metal anthem ‘Ghost Shadow’! Says charismatic frontman Lips: “Ghost Shadow is my 6th sense telling me I’m being watched! Could be internet trolls or paranormal phenomenon! Either way the song is heavy as fuck!!“
“None of our previous albums blends music and lyrics into as tight a unit as ‘Impact Is Imminent’,” enthuses Lips on the fourteen songs on the group’s new album. “Everything comes together homogeneously. As a result, the new material sounds monolithic, right down to the very last details, both in terms of rhythm and harmonies. In the past, our studio sessions were sometimes like a little like jumping in at the deep end, with us having to improvise a lot and making decisions at short notice. Working on ‘Impact Is Imminent’, not only was there plenty of time for the songwriting process in the run-up to the recordings, but I also had the leisure to put all my ideas to the acid test and work on them until they were perfect.”
Like its three predecessors ‘Anvil Is Anvil’ (2016), ‘Pounding The Pavement’ (2018) and ‘Legal At Last’ (2019), ‘Impact Is Imminent’ was produced by Martin ‘Mattes’ Pfeiffer (U.D.O., among others) and Jörg Uken at Uken’s Soundlodge studios, so the successful combination consisting of Anvil/Pfeiffer/Uken has struck again.
The album pre-sale of ImpactIsImminent, available as CD, Vinyl and Digital formats on May 20, 2022, has just started at THIS LOCATION!
Tracklist:
Take A Lesson
Ghost Shadow
Another Gun Fight
Fire Rain
Teabag
Don‘t Look Back
Someone To Hate
Bad Side Of Town
Wizard´s Wand
Lockdown
Explosive Energy
The Rabbit Hole
Shockwave
Gomez
ANVIL: Steve ‘Lips’ Kudlow – Vocals/Guitar Robb Reiner – Drums Chris Robertson – Bass/Vocals
This year’s Monsters of Rock Cruise was captained by none other than Alice Cooper. Due to the size, the amount of guests on the cruise and the size of the room in which Alice would be performing, the cruise decided to split guests into two groups. The red group would see Alice perform on the 12th while the blue group would see him on the 13th. The red group’s show started at 7:30 PM and the crowd packed in quickly.
The stage was hidden by a beautiful curtain that would rise revealing a scaled down, yet still highly decorated, version of Alice’s normal stage set up. The crowd roared as the intro of “Feed My Frankenstein” began. Members of the band walked on stage and began to play. Right after the first strum all sound in the house vanished. Fans began pointing at their ears trying to let the band know we could not here them. The band finished the song and they all exited the stage, Alice leaving with noticeable anger.
Ryan Roxie informed a group of fans, who attended an unannounced Rock N’ Roll Parking Lot (on a boat), what had happened that night. According to Roxie, Alice was the first band to use the curtain on this cruise. As the curtain lifted it pulled the main cable to the PA system out completely. The crew worked hard and fast to figure out the issue and sound was restored within five minutes. Roxie also let fans know that because everyone on stage was wearing a monitor and could hear what they were playing, they did not realize what was going on. It was not until the second verse of the song that they noticed something was wrong. Roxie said they all looked out trying to find the devoted fans and did not understand why everyone was not singing along.
Once the technical difficulty was fixed the show continued without a single problem. Even though the stage and set up were smaller than normal, that did not stop Alice from pulling out all the stops. Props were used as normal including crutches, knives, and canes. During “Billion Dollar Babies” a giant baby paraded on stage meeting Alice’s minions who brought out a giant confetti cannon that shot gold, silver, and green pieces of confetti, as well as fake money with Alice’s face on it into the audience.
The fun continued all through the show as Alice and his gang of ghouls wowed the audience with their fine-tuned sound and silly stage antics. During “Teenage Frankenstein” Alice chased his band around the stage with arms stretched out in frontof him and knees locked like Frankenstein. It did not stop there. As Alice and his band walked back on stage for the famous encore of “School’s Out” one extra musician joined them. Taime Downe of Faster Pussycat came out to sing and enjoy the pleasure of popping many confetti filled balloons over the crowd with one of Alice’s knives.
Alice has been performing for over 50 years and at the ripe age of 74, is still performing with as much heart and soul as he did when he first began. His voice has not changed and everything you have heard about Alice Cooper you get times 10.
There are few rock guitarists on this planet who’ve had such a lasting influence on so many renowned musicians as MICHAEL SCHENKER. With his outstandingly fluid style, inexhaustible wealth of ideas, and instinctive feel for hooks and melodies, MICHAEL SCHENKER is a living legend who, despite his longstanding and distinguished history, still impresses with his unflagging energy and drive.
The blond stringsman from Sarstedt, Germany began his international career in the early 1970s with the Scorpions, achieved worldwide fame after joining British rock group U.F.O., and then seamlessly continued his exceptional global success story under his own name, as well as with acts such as MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP (otherwise known as MSG), Temple Of Rock, and MICHAEL SCHENKER Fest. SCHENKER and his career, which has spanned more than five decades, are absolute exceptions in the otherwise short-lived music industry.
Now his latest MSG album is about to be unleashed, scheduled for release on Atomic Fire Records on May 27th under the programmatic moniker of Universal. His latest offering will feature all the strengths of this exceptional musician: first-rate songs with anthemic melodies, catchy guitar riffs, and inspiring solos.
As we have come to expect from him, SCHENKER has once again enlisted a number of prestigious fellow musicians for the recording of his new studio production, among them, as main vocalist, Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Vandenberg), who will also be MSG’s frontman on their upcoming tour, Michael Kiske (Helloween), and Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), keyboard player Steve Mann (Lionheart), drummers Simon Phillips (Toto, The Who), Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Foreigner), Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow), and Bodo Schopf (Eloy), as well as legendary bassists Bob Daisley (Black Sabbath), Barry Sparks (Yngwie Malmsteen, Dokken), and BarendCourbois (Blind Guardian, Zakk Wylde), with Tony Carey as a very special guest. But more about that later.
First, let’s talk about the basic parameters of the new recording: Like its predecessor Immortal (2021) and the MICHAELSCHENKERFest albums Resurrection (2018) and Revelation (2019), Universal was produced by MICHAEL SCHENKER and Michael Voss (Lessmann/Voss, Mad Max) at Voss’s Kidroom Studio, which has become something of a creative home-away-from-home for SCHENKER. “Michael Voss is happy to wait until I have worked out an idea and takes the time to really get to know the song, simultaneously developing ideas for the vocals,” SCHENKER describes of the fruitful collaboration which has one cog intermesh with the other. “Then we work out the drums, bass, and some keyboard parts together. He always has plenty of great ideas up his sleeve.” Compositional highlights abound on Universal, from the haunting opener “Emergency” and the subsequent “Under Attack” with its casually driving groove to “The Universe,” featuring an atmospheric duet by Ronnie Romero and Gary Barden, “Wrecking Ball,” performed as brilliantly as ever by Ralf Scheepers, and “London Calling” with its homage to the British capital’s musical spirit.
The rock anthem “A King Has Gone” and its intro “Calling Baal” both have a special significance: The track, sung by Helloween frontman Michael Kiske, is a tribute to the immortal Ronnie James Dio, in particular to his performance on the 1976 hard rock classic RainbowRising. For this reason, SCHENKER has brought together an original Rainbow rhythm section consisting of Bobby Rondinelli and Bob Daisley, additionally enlisting keyboardist Tony Carey, who also played on Rainbow Rising, for a terrific Moog synth intro – a direct reference to the iconic intro of the 1976 album opener “Tarot Woman.” The impressive result “Calling Baal / A King Has Gone” is already considered to be one of the most important and successful songs in SCHENKER’s career to date, both musically and lyrically.
In line with all these highlights, the spectacular MSG album cover designed by ZsofiaDankova (Powerwolf, among others) features SCHENKER in a futuristic spaceship, floating high up in orbit. The artwork is based on the guitarist’s own visions, “I had the original idea for the album cover a few years ago, but only now does it seem to fit perfectly. So, I sent some older sketches to my label Atomic Fire Records and based on this the final artwork and album title were created.”
No doubt about it: The title, artwork, and new songs suit MSG as perfectly as his characteristic Flying V suits MICHAEL SCHENKER! Stand by for more from MSG in the weeks to come.
MNRVA venture further into the descending darkness with their debut full-length, Hollow which will be released on may 20th via BlackDoombaRecords. Conjuring gloomy atmospheres with funeral doom and fuzz tones, the heavy trio are unafraid to unveil what’s lurking in the shadows.
Forming in 2018, MNRVA made their debut with the EP Black Sky giving fans a tantalizing taste of their unconventional sludge fueled doom sound. Hollow builds further on their exploration of heavy music with groove-laden riffs, mid-slow tempo tracks and vocals which range between soaring melodies and those of guttural demons.
“Not the One” introduces the new album with ludicrously overdriven instruments, impactful percussion and vocals that appear to be reaching out of the abyss. The title track falls further into the gloom evoking an intense dark mood. Melodic motifs and riffs punctuate the black with an experimental twist, adding something extra to the sound without breaking the nightmarish illusion. “The Way” concludes the album with the wrath of the void, fusing the sinister and sombre.
Hollow is a melting pot of sludge drawing upon the guitar grind of MELVINS, the vocal interplay of MASTODON, and the post-doom heaviness of Wisconsin’s BEREFT. Embracing their influences while cultivating their own distinctive edge, MNRVA manipulate these dynamic musical elements to manifest an enticing atmosphere.
LIMITED-EDITION, 5X LP COLLECTION FEATURES NEW ARTWORK AND ETCHINGS
Feb 25, 2022, LOS ANGELES – The eagerly-awaited vinyl version of TOOL’s critically-acclaimed fifth album, FearInoculum, arrives on April 8 via RCA Records, with the GRAMMY®-Award winning release spread over 5 LPs and paired with new, extensive artwork.
Adam Jones reconceptualized the already impressive album packaging with each of the 180g vinyl discs emblazoned with a unique etching and accompanied by an elaborate pictorial booklet including never-before-seen artwork. The limited-edition set, which also features a new cover, is housed in a hard shell box
TOOL has consistently elevated the concept of album art, from the groundbreaking Fear Inoculum CD release fronted by a 4” HD rechargeable screen with exclusive video footage (“Recusant Ad Infinitum”) to 10,000 Days’ integrated stereoscopic lenses to Ænima’s lenticular jewel case, Jones has pushed the boundaries of what is possible. He has been twice nominated in the GRAMMY®-Awards Best Recording Package category, taking home the trophy in 2007 for 10,000 Days.
Quite possibly the era’s most highly-anticipated album, Fear Inoculum arrived in August of 2019. Debuting at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200, the album earned heaps of critical praise with NPR saying, “Fear Inoculum was worth the 13 year wait,” Revolver proclaiming the album “a masterpiece to be dissected for years to come” and Consequence saying the release finds “Tool in peak performance.”
Nearly three years since first setting foot in the studio, Austin, Texas stoner rocker frontrunners GREENBEARD will unveil their long-awaited new full-length, Variant, on April 1st via Sailor Records in the US and Kozmik Artifactz in Europe.
The serendipitously named album was subject to a long incubation period, due largely to Covid-related challenges, as well as lineup changes and industry-wide delays in vinyl production. Nevertheless, Variant emerges as a valiant tribute to new directions, creative experimentation, and engagement with the wider musical community. The album represents a departure in sound for the group, which has traditionally been situated squarely at the intersection of desert and stoner rock. Songs incorporate significant soul and R&B influences, with crooning vocal interludes and surprise instrumentation, while still tapping into their heavy stoner roots.
“Wanting to blend stoner rock and soul, we entered into the recording process with a collaborative mindset, leaving room for the process to unfold in the studio,” remarks GREENBEARD frontman, Chance Parker.
In advance of the record’s release, the band unveils, “Exodus,” the first in a trilogy of singles leading up to Variant’s drop date. Notes Parker, “We chose ‘Exodus’ as the first single because it works as a Trojan horse for all the weird stuff we are about to unload on this album.”
View GREENBEARD’s “Exodus” at THIS LOCATION or below:
Having begun production in 2018, GREENBEARD set forth wanting to depart from the stereotypical derivatives of stoner rock and chose to take elements of soul music with them into the studio. They broughtin layers of strings, slide guitar, horns, and sonorous melodies to realize this vision.
Suddenly Covid-19 struck. The band was unable to play live shows, and their support tour with Texas legends …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead was cancelled. Their former bassist departed, another was hired, then left to look for work in Hawaii. However, in the midst of all these changes, PatSeals (Flyleaf, Kimberly Dunn, Belle & The Dragon) joined the band, bringing signature energy to their stage performances. The band then brought on Joe Samson as second guitarist, rounding out their lineup. The new album represents an openness to change and a melding of minds.
Stand by for Variant artwork, preorders, and further info to be announced in the coming weeks.
Heavy psychedelic rockers DESERTCLOUDS are pleased to announce that they will release their album Planexit via MandroneRecords on March 25 2022.
The band comments:
“This new album is a journey throughout the inner side of the human being, represented by a nameless man who is trying to escape the surrounding environment that overwhelms him.”
Drawing inspiration from all genres and influences from the likes of SYD BARRETT to LED ZEPPELIN to NIRVANA and TOOL. Lyrically they explore the darker side of the human condition and draw on interests such as the Italian artistic movement Decadentism, along with existentialism. Opening the album is the dynamic title track “Planexit”, taking a humorous twist on Brexit delivers a theatrical and genre mixing experience. Classic, psychedelic rock styles fuse with overdriven guitars and progressive elements to create a distinctive soundscape. From the high-energy, fast-pace of “Mamarse” to the serene, atmospheric “Deceivers”, the new album delves into dystopian themes aptly explored through compelling composition.
Venture on a thrilling voyage with Planexit. Melodicriffs and hard hitting rhythms fuel the powerful impact of the music. DESERTCLOUDS‘ experimental sound produces colourful musicality enhanced with a heavy intensity.
Raised during the 80’s debauchery on the Sunset Strip and still going strong in 2022, JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE recently released their third single titled ‘Gonna Take You Higher’ on all digital platforms. ‘Gonna Take You Higher’ comes from the upcoming albumHELL, CA.which is available to pre-order/add/save now and out on March 11, 2022, through Golden Robot Records.
‘Gonna Take You Higher’ was preceded by two absolutely cracking singles ‘Wanna Be Somebody’ and ‘Soul Mama’ which both show Jizzy in fine form and gives a strong indication as to what to expect from Hell, CA.
HELL, CA. is a collection of 10 hard-hitting rock anthems, all with that distinctive Love/Hate style, with Jizzy Pearl’s trademark vocals taking the songs up and beyond and the heavy guitars doing the rest.
JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE has been a staple on the rock scene since their first record BLACK OUT IN THE RED ROOM earned them “Best Record of the Year 1990” from Kerrang! and Metal Hammer magazines.
LOVE/HATE has been a fixture on the Hollywood Sunset Strip since they released their debut album on Columbia Records BLACKOUT IN THE REDROOM in 1990. BLACKOUT IN THE RED ROOM received much critical acclaim and was awarded “Best Record of the Year” from both Kerrang! and Metal Hammer magazines. The original LOVE/HATE released five records in the 1990’s and toured with such bands as Skid Row, Dio, Ozzy Osbourne & AC/DC.
Since that time, singer Jizzy Pearl has kept the band alive with his own version, JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE, and at the same time played, recorded and toured with such platinum artists as RATT, L.A. Guns, Steven Adler and currently Quiet Riot. Jizzy Pearl has released five solo records as well, including 2018’s Frontiers record ALL YOU NEED IS SOUL.
OPETH will return to the stage this Spring on the second leg of their North American co-headlining tour with Mastodon. The journey will commence April 21st in Montreal, Quebec and make its way through sixteen US and Canadian cities, coming to a close on May 11th in Riverside, California. See all confirmed dates below.
Comments OPETH mainman MikaelÅkerfeldt, “We’re excited to come back to North America for the second leg of shows together with our ‘brothers from other mothers’ in Mastodon. And… hello, Canada! It’s been too long, we know! We’ll soon dust off the ole guitars etc. and get in shape for this run. The last tour was quite splendid; the only downside being the restrictions. We don’t know for sure how it’s going to pan out this time around, but we’re hoping for a bit more freedom to move around. Crossing fingers here. See you semi-soon! Signing off from a rainy, gloomy Stockholm, Mikael (on behalf of OPETH).”
Blabbermouth and Knotfest.com ticket presales will be available Tuesday, February 8th at 10:00am EST through Thursday, February 10th at 10:00pm local time. General on sale date is Friday, February 11th at 10:00am local time. Visit the band’s official tour page HERE for tickets!
Exciting news! We are pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new studio album w/ Frontiers Music. We are looking forward to introducing our newest collection of hard rock music across the globe. A very special thank you to Serafino, Mario & the entire Frontiers Family!
From Frontiers Music srl Twitter timeline:
Autograph has signed to Frontiers and is currently working on a new album! Autograph features vocalist Simon Daniels, guitarist Jimi Bell, bassist Randy Rand, and drummer Marc Wieland. Stay tuned for more news as we have it!
We’re thrilled drummer extraordinaire Brian Tichy has returned to the Daisies fold.
“Well, what a nice way to start off 2022. I’m excited to get behind the drum kit and do some powerful, groovy rocking with my good friends Doug Aldrich, Glenn Hughes, and David Lowy in The Dead Daisies! Looking forward to seeing you all out on tour this year!”- Brian Tichy
Can’t wait to get out and play some showstogether!
Heavy metallers SPIRITSOFFIRE – Feat. Chris Caffery, Steve Di Giorgio, Mark Zonder, and new vocalist Fabio Lione – have unveiled the title track of their upcoming album “Embrace The Unknown”, coming out February 18th on CD/LP/Digital, via FrontiersMusic. (Please note, due to ongoing worldwide vinyl manufacturing delays, the LP release date is March 18, 2022.). Pre-order/save HERE: https://orcd.co/embrace
Heavy metal supergroup SPIRITS OF FIRE first formed in 2017, released their first single in late 2018, and unleashed their debut album in February 2019. Originally formed by Chris Caffery (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Steve DiGiorgio (Testament, Death, etc.), Mark Zonder (ex-Fates Warning, Warlord) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (ex-Judas Priest), the band’s self-titled debut was met with fan and critical praise upon its release.
As it approaches two years since the release of their debut, Spirits of Fire are now set to return with a new album, ” Embrace The Unknown ” that sees renowned Italian metal vocalist Fabio Lione taking over frontman duties for the band. Production this time comes courtesy of Aldo Lonobile, whose recent work on releases by Archon Angel featuring Zak Stevens, Sweet Oblivion featuring Geoff Tate, and his own band, Secret Sphere, makes him the perfect fit for the band.
Once again, the band worked on a set of songs that were primarily put together by Caffery, with Lione and Lonobile adding their own touches to Caffery’s stellar songs. The final result sees a killer musical output that continues in the vein of “classic Priest meets Savatage” sound that the band has pursued since their formation.
With Caffery’s renowned guitar playing, the undeniable power of the rhythm section of Di Giorgio and Zonder, and the world class vocals of Lione, “Embrace The Unknown ” sees SPIRITS OF FIRE pushing their sonic stamp further and further. From the biting riffage of the charging opener “Embrace The Unknown”, the band is firing on all cylinders and prepared to appease the heavy metal gods.
SPIRITS OF FIRE are built to deliver classic in-your-face heavy metal and they have accomplished that goal on every level on “Embrace The Unknown”. From Lione’s soaring vocals, to Caffery’s guitar pyrotechnics, to the propulsive and crushing rhythms of Di Giorgio and Zonder, the performances are stellar from beginning to end. There is no shortage of memorable, metal hymns to raise your fist and bang your head to on this all killer, no filler metal journey.
“Embrace The Unknown” Tracklist:
A Second Chance
Resurrection
Wildest Dreams
Into The Mirror
Embrace The Unknown
My Confession
Sea Of Change
Shapes Of A Fragile Mind
Hearts In The Sand
House Of Pain
Remember My Name
Out In The Rain
LINE-UP: Fabio Lione – Vocals Christopher Caffery – Guitars Steve Di Giorgio – Bass Mark Zonder – Drums
WILDSTREET had a huge 2021 and are set to follow suit in 2022. They released their stunning new album WildstreetIII via Golden Robot Records. The band spent most of 2021 on tour in the USA which included Rockfest WI, but they remarkably also toured in Europe performing at Swiss Rock Cruise in Switzerland, France and Belgium.
They are set to release 2 new singles on February 15th: One Tattoo’ and ‘Born to Be (RLK)’. Both tracks were originally released in 2014 under the name RAVE LA KILL and both will be released with accompanying lyric videos.
‘One Tattoo’ is an electronic love song which is slick and modern. On ‘Born To Be (RLK)’ the song structure is identical to the version on Wildstreet III. This version has a more modern and electronic vibe, with all the arena hooks one would expect from WILDSTREET. Both singles were mixed by Kyle Kelso and mastered by Howie Weinberg.
Watch the Wildstreet III album version of ‘Born to Be’ HERE
About Wildstreet: After WILDSTREET reportedly broke up in 2013, Eric Jayk and co-founder Jimmie Marlowe teamed up with New Jersey guitarist/vocalist Felix Skiver & using the pseudonym RAVE LA KILL. The project released two singles in 2014, ‘Born to Be’ & ‘One Tattoo.’‘Born to Be’ was later re-recorded and released as part of Wildstreet III, released in 2021. The album has 1.8 million streams on Spotify. They also released a cover of THE 69 EYES classic ‘Mrs.Sleazy.’ They have been added to editorial playlists by Apple Music and Spotify.
In 2022, WILDSTREET has festival dates confirmed in the USA, Mexico, Colombia, the UK and Europe. They will also begin work on a full-length follow up album III.
Connecticut-based hard rock juggernaut KINGSANDLIARS – featuring members of THE DEE SNIDER BAND, JASTA andENTIERRO have released the video for their newest single, “Conquering the Fear.” New Noise Magazine is hosting the exclusive premiere of “Conquering the Fear.” Watch the video now at this location.
Guitarist/vocalist Charlie Bellmore said this about the song, “This is an important song for me, it’s about not giving up when your entire life feels like it’s crumbling around you and fixing it all. It’s dedicated to anyone who’s ever been a victim of sexual assault.”
“Conquering the Fear” comes off the band’s forthcoming new album, Transition Animals, due out January 28 on Salt of the Earth Records.
Compared to previous releases, Transition Animals sees a more streamlined band returning to the spotlight as a three-piece, hell-bent on delivering some heavy as all hell, well-crafted, catchy songs.
The members of KINGS AND LIARS share international notoriety as members of some severely ass-kicking bands… Kingdom Of Sorrow, The Dee Snider Band, Jasta, Entierro, and Toxic Holocaust to name a few. Charlie and Nick Bellmore have also written and recorded material for the upcoming solo album by George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher (Cannibal Corpse).
Dummer NickBellmore is an uber-producer who has been at the helm of many many kick-ass releases. When great artists want to up the heavy, they call these guys.
KINGS AND LIARS will hit the road early this year in support of Transition Animals. They will be joined by ’70’s-style Hendrixian Motör Funk band LORDBISHOP. Dates are as follows:
1/28 – Pompano Beach, FL @ Pipers 1/29 – Orlando, FL @ Shovelhead 1/30 – Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero 2/01 – Murfreesboro, NC @ Zakk’s Coffeehouse 2/02 – Chesapeake, VA @ Riff House 2/03 – Baltimore, MD @ Zen West 2/04 – Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz 2/05 – Hamden, CT @ The Cellar on Treadwell (CD Release Party)
KINGS AND LIARS: Charlie Bellmore: vocals/guitars Nick Bellmore: drums/vocals Christopher Taylor Beaudette (vocals/bass)
Melodic hard rock supergroup OUTOFTHIS WORLD featuring legendary names such as Kee Marcello (Europe), Tommy Heart (Fair Warning), Ken Sandin (Alien), and Darby Todd (Devin Townsend, Gary Moore, The Darkness), have officially unveiled their self-titled debut full-length, out now on Atomic Fire Records!
In celebration of the record’s release, the band is pleased to deliver a video for the hugely epic “In A Million Years.” The track was originally written by Kee Marcello for Europe’s PrisonersInParadise and spent the past thirty years in his drawer. “But with this voice, it was just perfect,” Marcello raves of his vocal force Tommy Heart. “To me, it’s one of the highlights of the album.”
View OUT OF THIS WORLD’s “In A Million Years” video at THIS LOCATION and below:
View the band’s previously released video for “Hanging On” HERE.
Out Of This World is available now on CD, LP, and digital formats. Find ordering options at the Atomic Fire webshop HERE.
It’s no coincidence that Marcello’s latest endeavor bears the name of that legendary multi-platinum Europe album released back in 1988. “When I told people about my new project, someone suggested I call it something like Kee Marcelo’s Europe. But that’s terrible,” he laughs. “I hated it. Tommy suggested to call it OUT OF THIS WORLD, simple as that. Just as the Black Sabbath guys and Dio did with Heaven And Hell.”
The same vibe, the same ear for melody, the same hooks permeate an album that was brought to life with the vigor and passion you wouldn’t exactly expect in a rock star who’s seen it all and done it all in the past forty years. “I’ve always concentrated on music, and my passion for that never changed,” he says. “I’ve never changed style; I’ve never tried to do anything I’m not doing well.”
Out Of This World beams with a freewheeling and overflowing sense of fun, musicianship, and togetherness. It’s an effortless flux that’s just not normally found on a debut. “You have to remember that Darby, Ken, and I go way back,” the legendary axe-man notes of his rhythm section. “We did hundreds of gigs together and are as tight as a thumbscrew. Same thing goes for Tommy and I. We clicked instantly when working together for the first time a couple of years ago. We have this almost brotherly connection. We’re literally reading each other’s minds, man. There was no stumbling block, it was all a self-playing piano.”
It’s the same for vocalist Tommy Heart who’s been around in this game forever as well. “You meet, you play, and sparks begin to fly,” he describes the chemistry between the members. “We don’t even talk that much. We simply let the music speak. We touch our hearts when we play which is something that’s incredibly rare to find. Nobody has to explain himself; everybody is doing just what anybody else would do at that moment.” Heart was instantly hooked when he realized that OUT OF THIS WORLD was more than a one-off thing between bored musicians in lockdown. “I don’t like these temporary projects,” he muses. “This here is the real deal.”
“With OUT OF THIS WORLD, though, it never felt like a project,” says Marcello and he admits: “It felt like a band from day one. This is why the album turned out so well. It has a genuine band feel to it.” At their very first rehearsal session in Marcello’s hometown of Gothenburg, they sketched a couple of songs that would later wind up on their debut, namely “Twilight,” “Lighting Up My Dark,” and “In A Million Years.” “We actually found ourselves right in the middle of our first recording session without even knowing it,” he marvels. “Everything felt so natural and so good that writing the rest of the songs was a walk in the park.”
Graced by additional key wizardry courtesy of Deep Purple’s very own Don Airey and embellished by a Ron Nevison mix (Kiss, Bad Company, Ozzy Osbourne, Meat Loaf, Heart, Chicago, Damn Yankees, etc.) who reunited with Marcello for the first time since producing Europe’s Out Of This World a staggering thirty-three years ago, the songs masterfully transport the bygone era of melody driven, anthemic hard rock into the present. From uptempo rocking first single “Hanging On” via “In A Million Years,” originally written for Europe’s Prisoner In Paradise, to colossal anthem “Lighting Up My Dark,” and prog-rock playground “Staring At The Sun,” OUT OF THIS WORLD solitarily resurrect a genre we thought was lost long ago.
OUT OF THIS WORLD: Tommy Heart – vocals Kee Marcello – guitars, keyboards Ken Sandin – bass Darby Todd – drums
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