AFTERLIFE was hands down our favorite record to make. It is our ninth album so at this point, we have legions of loyal fans, and our signature sound is more than established. It became its own island, our ground zero we operate from and we can always come back to. So when we started this record, there was an excitement of impending musical adventures, we knew we could step away as far as we wanted to, there was a freedom of truly “anything goes.”
This resulted in an album that is way more diverse than our previous ones, while it feels more unified, because there is a framework of overarching stories in Ivan’s lyrics and interconnecting musical motifs between songs. It was not planned in as a concept album, but we were so hyper-focused on painting a complete picture, it somehow feels like one…
We are very proud of it and are just as impatient as the fans waiting for the release, can’t wait to share it.
Promo pic by Sami Hinkkanen. (From left to right: Rasmus Raassina, Harri Annala, Marko Loukamaa, Miika Erkkilä, Ari Lempinen, Esa Lempinen
Finnish progressive metal band Sum of Seven released a new music video TheEnemy. Famous Finnish model, dancer & singer Joalin Loukamaa, known from global Pop band Now United is featured on the video. The track is released in collaboration with Inverse Records.
“We wanted to create a video that has a nice balance of story and the band playing. Originally we planned this to be purely the band playing the song but the place we found for the shoot inspired us to add a story element. Joalin Loukamaa did an excellent job in our last video and we asked if she would join the project. Fortunately she said yes and did an amazing job again. We got Saku Suominen from Sakuvisuals to direct and work his magic behind the camera and we had an absolute blast filming this. We feel that the atmosphere of the video and the song complement each other in just the right way and the finished product definitely makes us proud.
The Enemy is a song that starts out fast and aggressive and really carries that momentum from start to finish. It is one of the heaviest songs that we have made so far. When that intro explodes you know that we’re going somewhere fast. But at the same time when the vocal melodies kick in they steer the song into a different direction than you might expect, still carrying the aggressive momentum. That element of surprise is really what crowns the song for me. The Enemy has one of the best melodies we have written in my opinion and Marko’s delivery is just absolutely breathtaking. The lyrics talk about freedom, victory and survival, but they also have connotations to the questionable interpretations of those subjects. The message can be interpreted as positively empowering, but also as a disturbingly delusional illusion.”
Single cover by Aki Niemi
The Enemy (single 2022) – Composed by Ari Lempinen – Lyrics by Ari Lempinen, Esa Lempinen & Marko Loukamaa
Line-up: Ari Lempinen: Guitar, backing vocals EsaLempinen: Keyborads RasmusRaassina: Drums Harri Annala: Guitar MiikaErkkilä: Bass MarkoLoukamaa: Vocals
HELLOWEEN will release a special vinyl single titled “Best Time” via AtomicFire on May 20th. The single features a 2022 remix of its title track on side A as well as an exclusive alternative vocal remix of the song on side B.
Purchase the band’s 2021 self-titled full-length in various formats as well as other records and merchandise at the Atomic Fire Records webshop HERE.
HELLOWEEN’s “Best Time” single comes in celebration of the band’s awaited United Forces European tour with HammerFall, set to begin this Wednesday, May 4th, at Manchester Academy in the UK. The band’s full upcoming itinerary can be found below.
HELLOWEEN w/ HammerFall: 5/04/2022 Manchester Academy – Manchester, UK 5/05/2022 Brixton Academy – London, UK 6/23/2022 Hellfest – Clisson, FR* 6/28/2022 Papp László Sportaréna – Budapest, HU 6/29/2022 Gasometer – Vienna, AT 6/30/2022 O2 Arena – Prague, CZ 7/02/2022 Olympic Fields – Zvolenská Slatina, SK 7/16/2022 Metal Paradise – Fuengirola, ES * 8/27/2022 Ippodromo Snai San Siro – Milan, IT *
8/28/2022 Riverside Open Air – Aarburg, CH * 8/30/2022 L’Olympia – Paris, FR* 8/31/2022 Le Transbordeur – Lyon, FR* 9/08/2022 Verti Music Hall – Berlin, DE 9/09/2022 Donau-Arena – Regensburg, DE 9/10/2022 Brose Arena – Bamberg, DE 9/13/2022 013 – TilburgM NL 9/14/2022 Rockhal – Luxembourg, LU 9/16/2022 Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle – Stuttgart, DE 9/18/2022 MCK – Katowice, PL 9/22/2022 Centro de Eventos Pedregal – San José, CR 9/24/2022 Arena CDMX – Mexico City, MX 9/27/2022 Coliseo General Rumiñahui – Quito, EC 9/29/2022 Movistar Arena – Bogotá, CO
10/02/2022 Estadio Luna Park – Buenos Aires, AR 10/04/2022 Movistar Arena – Santiago de Chile, CL 10/06/2022 Arena Eurobike – Ribeirão Preto, BR 10/08/2022 Espaço das Américas – São Paulo, BR 10/09/2022 Espaço das Américas – São Paulo, BR 10/13/2022 Arena Armeec – Sofia, BG 12/09/2022 Jahrhunderthalle – Frankfurt, DE 12/11/2022 bigBOX – Kempten, DE 12/13/2022 The Hall – Zurich, CH 2/03/2023 Sant Jordi Club – Barcelona, ES 2/04/2023 WiZink Center – Madrid, ES 4/28/2023 Sentrum Scene – Madrid, ES 4/29/2023 Partille Arena – Gothenburg, SE 5/01/2023 Black Box – Helsinki, FI 5/02/2023 Noblessneri Valukoda – Tallinn, EE 5/05/2023 RuhrCongress – Bochum, DE 5/06/2023 Sporthalle – Hamburg, DE
No HammerFall
Visit/subscribe to HELLOWEEN’s official YouTube channel at THIS LOCATION and watch videos for “Out For The Glory,” “Skyfall [Single Edit],” “Fear Of The Fallen,” “Mass Pollution,” “Angels,” “Rise Without Chains,” “Indestructible,” “Robot King,” “Cyanide,” “Skyfall [Album Version]” and so much more!
Artwork by Eliran Kantor
HELLOWEEN: Michael Kiske – vocals AndiDeris – vocals Kai Hansen – guitar, vocals Michael Weikath – guitar SaschaGerstner – guitar Markus Grosskopf – bass Daniel Löble – drums
Blackment was founded 2014 in Hyvinkää and they are ready to release their debut album Plains of Oblivion on September 9th this year. As a sample from their upcoming album, they now present their strong new single, Maw of the Dread. Previously the band has released couple of small releases that gave a glimpse of the band’s sound that combines catchy melodies, striking riffs and a tight rhythm base, atmospheric synths, and a distinctive versatile vocal approach. The same elements are also present in the new single.
“Maw of the Dread is an energetic and heavy song that starts like a thunder”guitarist Allan Välimaa explains.”We’ve played this track on our rehearsal room since summer 2016 so this is one of our oldest tracks on the album. The structure of the song is still pretty much the same as back then, except for a couple of changes along the way.”
The vocals lead the listener through a heavy, somber, emotional, and melodic atmosphere. Lyrical theme has a twist of horror that deals with the subject of taking the easy way, in some sense with a hint of satire.
“It’s about people trying to manage things taking the easy way, usually with someone else’s expense. Writing lyrics is kind of a way to cheer myself up and most of the subjects has been created by my own challenges and mistakes in life. So basically, it’s also me looking myself in the mirror, even to this day” Allan Välimaa tells.
MinistryMinistryMinistryMinistryMinistryMinistryMinistry (sound check)Corrosion Of ConformityMelvinsMinistry Live at Madison Theater in Covington Kentucky – March 5, 2022Corrosion Of Conformity Live at Madison Theater in Covington Kentucky, March 5, 2022.
Back on March 5th, my good buddy Troy and I took a trek down to Covington Kentucky to see Ministry, Melvins and Corrosion Of Conformity at the historic Madison Theater. It was a stupendous evening of Metal and Hard Rock! We even had very nice Spring weather happening on this night with (gasp) no rain!
On a relevant side note: Back in February, I was diagnosed (by my surgeon) with severe arthritis and some bone-on-bone with my left knee. Yes, it’s extremely painful at times. I now walk with a cane, therefore, the balcony at Madison Theater proved to be not only spacious with comfortable seating it also gave myself and Troy a wide open view of the stage.
Ministry brought their Industrial Metal to Covington Kentucky and word has it there were earth tremors in the area while they were on stage. Okay, I exaggerated a touch. Al Jourgensen was enormous with his vocals and fronted his band as the true legend he is. Ministry had steel fencing around their stage, with a wicked light show. Their backdrop was loaded with changing photos that are relevant to the music; plus past band members that are now (sadly) deceased were commemorated in photos as well. Much respect.
Melvins were simply stunning! Melvins played their eclectic mix of music and I was amazed by their performance! Going in, I was agog thinking about seeing the Melvins. Hard Rock, Sludge, Metal and a slice of alternative was all thrown into the Melvins set. Long drum solos and flat-out jamming was highlighted as well. I wanna see Melvins 500 more times or more. Buzz Osborne for President, please.
I didn’t take a video of the Melvins due to my jaw being on the floor. Seriously though, I was like a kid in a Hot Wheels store watching this renowned band and now I crave having a video moment of them. As a remote tree hermit once told me: “son, there will be times when you just fuck up”. Onwards to the night’s opener Corrosion Of Conformity.
Corrosion Of Conformity were already 2 songs into their set when Troy and I entered Madison Theater. We bought some beers and made our way up to the balcony as quick as two 50 year olds with sore bones could. We both were happy to finally sit our asses down with cold brews while semi head banging to the thunder of COC. To have an opportunity to see these three bands together in one night was yet another Metal dream come true for me. Each band represents a different branch from the Metal family tree; yet each of these three bands were a genuine compliment to each other. Good times. Enormous memories. Metal be thy name. – Stone
A kinda relevant side story: Troy and I went to the White Castle drive-thru in Cincinnati, on the way home. We were hankering for sliders and cold pop after the show. Troy drove and I appreciate his doing so. I had to work the next day; thus I couldn’t go nuts on the beer. Old Metalheads like us (laughing) have learned our lessons the hard way.
April, 2022, LOS ANGELES – TheMelvins, who are wrapping up a sold out tour with Ministry, return to the road this Summer for a headlining trek dubbed “The Electric Roach Tour,” the hard-working band’s first headlining run since 2019.
“It’s nice to be able to tour!! We were wondering if it would even be possible again,” says Osborne of the outing. “It’s been years since we played these places. The amazing Ministry tour was a warmup for this!”
Tickets for the six-week tour are on-sale now. Helms Alee and Harsh Mellow open on all dates.
“The Electric Roach Tour” dates:
June 15 Long Beach, CA Alex’s Bar June 16 Pioneertown, CA Pappy & Harriet’s June 18 Tucson, AZ Club Congress June 21 New Orleans, LA One Eyed Jack’s June 22 Birmingham, AL Saturn June 23 Knoxville, TN Bijou Theatre June 24 Carrboro, NC Cat’s Cradle June 25 Richmond, VA The Broadberry June 27 Hamden, CT Space Ballroom June 28 Providence, RI Fete Music Hall June 29 Syracuse, NY The Westcott Theatre July 1 Bethlehem, PA Musikfest Café at the ArtsQuest Center July 2 Huntington, WV The Loud July 3 Detroit, MI El Club July 5 Madison, WI High Noon Saloon July 6 Davenport, IA Racoon Motel July 7 Des Moines, IA Wooly’s July 8 Minneapolis, MN Grumpy’s July 9 Fargo, ND The Hall at Fargo Brewing Company July 10 Sioux Falls, SD Icon Lounge July 12 Salt Lake City, UT The Metro Music Hall July 14 Bozeman, MT The ELM July 15 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory July 16 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre July 17 Eugene, OR Sessions Music Hall July 19 Roseville, CA Goldfield Trading Post July 20 Berkeley, CA Cornerstone Berkeley
Photo credit: Mackie Osborne
TheMelvins released two albums in 2021: Working With God, a newly recorded album featuring the band’s 1983 iteration (Osborne, Dale Crover and original drummer Mike Dillard), as well as the a 36-song acoustic collection, Five Legged Dog, which features a career-spanning collection of songs, from 1987’s Gluey Porch Treatments to 2017’s A Walk With Love & Death.
German hard rock quartet and recent Atomic Fire Records signees SINNER have unveiled the artwork of their forthcoming studio album, Brotherhood, scheduled for release on July 15th, via Atomic Fire Records.
Notes vocalist/bassist MatSinner of the record’s title, “This band is held together by a tight friendship. Without this friendship, SINNER simply would not exist. We belong together and this album is meant to express that.”
Today, the group has also released the record’s track listing.
Brotherhood Track Listing:
Bulletproof
We Came To Rock
Reach Out
Brotherhood
Refuse To Surrender
The Last Generation
Gravity
The Man They Couldn’t Hang
The Rocker Rides Away
My Scars
40 Days 40 Nights
When You Were Young (The Killers Cover) ** ** Bonus Track (physical only)
Brotherhood was produced by Mat Sinner, co-produced by guitarist Tom Naumann, and recorded by Basi Roeder at Backyard Studios as well as Mitch Kunz at Apollo 13 Audio. Jacob Hansen mixed and mastered it at Hansen Studios, Denmark. Artwork was completed by 123RF GmbH / W. Cliff Knese (Terrafolio). Additionally, a variety of special guests will appear on SINNER‘s Brotherhood contributing different roles to this milestone in the band’s eventful career.
BrotherhoodSpecialGuests: Dave Ingram Erik Martensson Giorgia Colleluori Lisa Müller Mark Basile Neil Witchard Oliver Palotai Ralf Scheepers Ronnie Romero Sascha Krebs Stef E. Tom Englund
SINNER’s first single, “Bulletproof,” as well as preorders, will be launched on Friday, May 6th. Be ready!
SINNER: MatSinner – vocals, bass Tom Naumann – guitars AlexScholpp – guitars Markus Kullmann – drums
Dreamferno‘s new song is a reverence to songwriters’ close relative who passed away after a long struggle with terminal illness. Hagne is all about purity and virtue. One can only hope that everyone has at least one person in their life, who passes on the idea of good morals and kindness for the next generation.
The song starts off with a beautiful Disney -style intro wich transforms into a vibrant symphonic rock interpretation accompanied with vocals by Enni Rautiainen and Samuli Rimmi. Krzysztof Dobosiewicz is responsible for the exquisite arranging of the orchestrations. Composing and lyrics are from the pen of Samuli.
Save the link for DARSOMBRA’s 4/20 4:20 video premiere HERE.
Baltimore, Maryland psyche/prog duo DARSOMBRA will premiere the outlandishly otherworldly official video for “Call The Doctor” this Wednesday in celebration of 4/20.
Just in from the band: “DARSOMBRA’s new official music video to ‘Call The Doctor’ will be streaming LIVE in YOUR time zone on April 20th, 2022, at 4:20pm no matter where in the world you are!
Tune in to youtube.com/darsombra (direct link to livestream: https://youtu.be/zMce0VITr9c) to catch the brand new video (a meditation on the Earth origins of every science-fiction/fantasy narrative, and lovingly described as Star-Trek-meets-David-Attenborough), which will be playing on a loop at 20 minutes after the hour, every hour, on April 20th, from 12:20am EDT (UTC-4) through 11:20pm EDT
In other words, from 4:20pm at the International Date Line (UTC-12) to 4:20pm Kamchatka time (UTC +12)! Tell all your friends in Siberia! (and Belize! and Poland! and Micronesia! and Zimbabwe! and Secaucus!). It’ll be 4/20 all over the world… Happy 4/20!”
Having just performed at Grim Reefer Fest in their hometown with Heavy Temple, Cavern, Grave Bathers, Haze Mage, and more, DARSOMBRA’s five-week Spring tour also begins this week. Launching this Saturday, April 23rd, the band will cruise westward across the country and into Mexico through May 29th, with random roadside pop-up shows to be expected along the way. Follow the band’s social media points below for by-the-minute updates for these special, sporadic events.
The Call The Doctor/Nightgarden cassette maxi-single will also be in just in time for the tour, available in Gold, Silver, White, Blue, and Red versions. Catch the tape first at the band’s merch table on the tour dates, and then at their webshop post-tour after May 31st.
DARSOMBRA released the two-song Call The Doctor/Nightgarden EP in April 2021 as a bridge between their 2019-issued Transmission LP and its successor, a massive double-album, which is currently being completed. Watch for updates on the new record to post this Summer.
DARSOMBRATourDates: 4/23/2022 Black Forge II – McKees Rocks, PA 4/24/2022 Northside Tavern – Cincinnati, OH 4/25/2022 The I Fell – Bloomington, IN 4/26/2022 Lindberg’s – Springfield, MO 4/27/2022 Aces Of 8 – Oklahoma City, OK 4/29/2022 Cirque Du So Gay – Santa Fe, NM 4/30/2022 Guild Cinema – Albuquerque, NM 5/04/2022 Kickstand Kafe – Flagstaff, AZ 5/06/2022 Sci-Hop Brewing Co. – Tijuana, MX 5/07/2022 The Brown Building – San Diego, CA 5/08/2022 Planta Libre – Mexicali, MX 5/13/2022 The Offbeat – Los Angeles, CA 5/14/2022 Mee Heng Low – San Luis Obispo, CA 5/15/2022 Bottom Of The Hill – San Francisco, CA 5/24/2022 Fritzy’s – Colorado Springs, CO 5/25/2022 Skylark – Denver, CO 5/27/2022 Eighth St. Taproom – Lawrence, KS 5/28/2022 miniBar – Kansas City, MO 5/29/2022 Blind Bob’s – Dayton, OH
DARSOMBRA is also working on a remix project, collecting reimagined versions of their song “Call The Doctor.” Artists interested in taking part in the remix project are invited to contact the band through their website or social media channels.
Watch tons of official videos and live footage including roadside pop-up shows at DARSOMBRA’s YouTube channel HERE.
Find the band’s releases at Bandcamp HERE and their webshop HERE.
Swedish Skellefteå-based hard rockers Blister Brigade released a new stand-alone single and music video Carousel. Beside from being a groovy and heavy rock song, it is a homage to the fabulous ink studio CarouselTattoo.
The band comments: ” ”Carousel” is in its foundation a heavy rock song. But with this one we decided to also get a little experimental. Since this song was written partly as a tribute to a tattoo studio, we found inspiration in circuses, carnivals and of course, tattoos. With these keywords in mind we just had to go outside our comfort zone and get a little nutty. It’s also the first song we’ve written together from scratch and it’s safe to say that we think this jam ended up really awesome. “
BIOGRAPHY: BlisterBrigade was formed in 2010 by guitarist/vocalist Gustav Lund and drummer Jerker Avander. Joined by guitarist Cristoffer Strand and bassist Simon Lundström, the band started jamming on some ideas. With inspiration from bands like Motörhead and Skid RowBlister Brigade quickly developed a raw but yet a heavy and solid sound.
In 2013 the band released their debut album ”To Serve And Punish”. The album was well recieved and the gigs started rolling in. Blister Brigade’s second album ”The Executioner” was released in December 2016, and by that time drummer Jerker Avander had already left the band, leaving the drum chair to Rickard Lundmark (Zonaria, ex-Feral). Before the release of the E.P ”Pissed, Outraged And Outgunned” in 2018, Simon stepped down as the bands bass player. After a thrilling audition shortly after, bassist Anders Gustavsson joined Blister Brigade.
With the new line-up, the spark was lit again and after playing some gigs the band hit the studio once again to record their third full-length album. ”Slugfest Supreme” was released in February 2020 and with a harder, faster and heavier sound than before, BlisterBrigade got ready to hit the stages. As for so many other bands and artists, the pandemic ruined all plans. But the band didn’t give up and stayed intact throughout the recent bleak years. With the brand new single ”Carousel”, Blister Brigade is more alive and rock’n’roll fueled than ever.
Line-up: Gustav Lund: Lead and rythm guitar, vocals CristofferStrand: Lead and rhythm guitar Anders Gustavsson: Bass Rickard Lundmark: Drums
Blister Brigade – Carousel: Composed by Gustav Lund, Cristoffer Strand, .Anders Gustavsson & Rickard Lundmark. Lyrics by Gustav Lund
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Max Malmer at Malmer Productions in October 2021.
Hop into the passenger’s seat and let Helsinki’s longest serving gothic rock vampires THE69EYES take you on a wild ride through a sweltering Summer night in the city! With twelve albums under their belts and several number one chart positions in Finland, THE69EYES are back with a catchy new single — the first of several new tracks to be released in the coming months. Remaining true to their credo “Goth ‘n’ roll will never die!,” the band is currently in the studio recording their lucky thirteenth offering to be released in 2023. But fans need not wait any longer to hear new sounds from the crypt…
Comments guitarist Bazie of “Drive,” “The inspiration came from the same pool of music I have always liked, mostly from the ‘80s. I never plan anything; I just grab my guitar and see what comes up. We jammed a lot more as a band this time and came up with song ideas from all the guys. ‘Drive’ started from one little riff, which I had for a long time. It took a while, but it was worth it. It still sounds exiting and that was the goal.”
Adds singer Jyrki 69, “Bazie delivered this music and I was blown away by how fresh it felt again. It sounded like some rock radio stuff! Our songs are on daily rotation on the rock channels here in Finland, but they are the ones that we did fifteen years ago. So, I thought that we could have some fresh options now; let’s take the airwaves! ‘Drive’ is a traditional 69 EYES sounding, fast rocker with a Sunset Strip slap on it!”
“Drive” was directed by Vicente Cordero and is viewable at THIS LOCATION. Stream or download the single at THIS LOCATION.
Additionally, THE69EYES recently announced tours in Europe in November and December 2022, with industrial pioneers Ministry and horror rockers Wednesday13. Stay up to date with the band’s upcoming live dates HERE.
THE69EYES: Jyrki 69 – vocals Bazie – guitars Timo Timo – guitars Archzie – bass Jussi69 – drums
Building upon the success of 2017’s release Ignite My Insanity, rock and metal supergroup Projected today announces Hypoxia, the band’s third studio album out on June 24th via RatPakRecords. The upcoming album features 13 brand new songs from the heralded quartet consisting of Sevendust guitarist John Connolly, Alter Bridge/Creed drummer Scott Phillips, Sevendust bassist Vince Hornsby and Tremonti guitarist Eric “E–ROCK” Friedman.
Guitarist and singer John Connolly says, “To me, personally, it feels like the most cohesive work we’ve done especially considering it’s the first time we all went in the studio together. That in itself had a huge impact on the songwriting process. And it’s taken some time to finally get released but it feels like we’ve matured quite a bit as a band.”
Hypoxia shows a band building on its established foundation while incorporating new and exciting elements. Following the brooding album intro “Consequences,” listeners are then greeted to the crushing guitar riffs of John Connolly to open the galloping track “Dead Weight,” setting the stage for the rest of the album’s journey. Projected shows great range on this latest offering, establishing hooky and singable moments in songs like “Stain,” “Take Aim,” and “Scars” while expertly crafting classic nu-metal styles in “The Thing That’s Real,” and “Hypoxia.” Songs like “Dark” and “Death Is Mostly Permanent” showcase the band’s ability to slow things down while still keeping a foot-stomping pulse. Fans will be sure to be headbanging in no time to the latest offering by these rock and metal stalwarts. Official release date is Friday June 24, 2022.
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.”
Skid Row and earMUSIC join forces to announce the release of the mightily anticipated new studio album “The Gang’s All Here” on October 14th, 2022. This announcement coincides with the launch of the iconic hard rock band’s Las Vegas Residency (as the Scorpions’ special guests), as well as the debut of their brand-new single, the title track “The Gang’s All Here”.
“The Gang’s All Here” is an oath of triumph, exploding with powerful energy that makes us hunger for more. It is the logical next-generation leap of the band’s trademark sound that stomps out new ground – with singer Erik Grönwall (formerly of H.E.A.T, one of the best frontmen of this or any hard rock era) joining the family.
Produced by Grammy Award Winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Alice In Chains, Halestorm, Evanescence) and long-time fan, Skid Row are ablaze. They are re-energized, kicking their sound way up to modern Hard Rock Royalty.
Further details are to be revealed soon.
“We are beyond excited to release this record. It has been a long time in the making and a lot of hard work has been put into it by the band and our producer Nick Raskulinecz. And the addition of Erik has lifted the songs to new heights. Add all this to the fact that we start our world tour in Las Vegas with the Scorpions residency at Zappos Theater makes it easy to say that Skid Row is going to have a great year.”
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.
OPETH is peerless. Since 1990, the Swedes have eclipsed convention, defiantly crushed the odds, and most importantly, crafted thirteen stunningly beautiful, intrinsically intense albums to become one of the biggest progressive rock/metal bands on the planet… And they’re only getting better, even after selling more than two million records and hitting the #1 in the German album charts with their album Sorceress in 2016. Now readying for a North American tour with Mastodon in April and May of this year, the band around unmatched frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt announces the release of InCaudaVenenum (Extended Edition) for May 13th.
This release, available on digipak, contains the English and Swedish versions of OPETH’s latest album InCaudaVenenum with new illustrations by internationally renowned Travis Smith in the booklet as well as a third CD featuring three unreleased bonus tracks, both in English and Swedish:
“The Mob” / “Pöbeln” “Width Of A Circle” / “Cirkelns Riktning” “Freedom & Tyranny” / “Frihet & Tyranni”
InCaudaVenenum (Extended Edition) is now available for preorder. Additionally, the album’s limited Connoisseur Edition vinyl boxset which includes the same bonus tracks but remastered by Mikael Åkerfeldt specifically for vinyl, will be available in the North American retail stores for the first time on May 13th. Both album editions will also be available at the band’s merch table on the upcoming North American tour.
Stream unreleased track, “Width Of A Circle,” now available on all streaming platforms, at THIS LOCATION.
OPETH’s co-headlining tour with Mastodon 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. Support will be provided by special guests Khemmis. Get your tickets at www.opeth.com/tour-dates. See all confirmed dates below.
OPETH w/ Mastodon, Khemmis: 4/21/2022 Place Bell – Montreal, QC 4/22/2022 Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Toronto, ON 4/23/2022 The Agora Theater & Ballroom – Cleveland, OH 4/24/2022 Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA 4/26/2022 The Met – Philadelphia, PA 4/28/2022 Aragon Ballroom – Chicago, IL 4/29/2022 The Masonic Temple Theatre – Detroit 4/30/2022 The Rave/Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI 5/01/2022 Myth Live – St. Paul, MN 5/03/2022 TCU Place – Saskatoon, SK 5/04/2022 Grey Eagle Events Centre – Calgary, AB 5/05/2022 EDM Expo Centre – Edmonton, AB 5/07/2022 Thunderbird Sports Centre – Vancouver, BC 5/08/2022 Paramount Theater – Seattle, WA 5/09/2022 Keller Auditorium – Portland, OR 5/11/2022 Municipal Auditorium – Riverside, CA
“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.
For over 30 years, J.B.O. are the specialists for vociferous escapism at the highest stage. Gold albums, frenetically acclaimed live appearances and top ten chart positions pave their way. Their new album, PlanetPink, makes no exception. Especially in a world we are currently living in on planet earth, with pandemics, insane dictators, ecological disasters, surging prices for beer. Mankind’s only chance is escapism, so let’s enter the orbital glider and head for the stars when PlanetPink, the upcoming album by iconic J.B.O., starts to make its rounds on April 15, 2022 via the metal powerhouse mothership AFM Records!
After previously-released singles, “Metal Was My First Love”, the album title track and just recently, “Nicht Doof” (“Not Stupid“), today the charismatic German-based collective released a new, official music video for “Einhorn” (in engl: “unicorn”).
Escape to Planet Pink & watch J.B.O.‘s new music video for “Einhorn” HERE:
For obvious reasons, Planet Pink was created under very special circumstances. Usually the band bosses Vito C. and Hannes “G.Laber” Holzmann sit together on a couch and exchange ideas. This time they jammed through the phone. It worked out, because Vito and Hannes know each other better than identical twins.
Planet Pink was recorded with producer Christoph Beyerlein at Sound and Groove studio, Nuremberg. Beyerlein is part of the J.B.O. family since 1994 and the fifth band member in the studio. Supervised by the observing ears of Beyerlein, the rest of the crew sorted and refined a lot of demo recordings for only one reason: in the end there will be just one planet glow in the brassiest colours. “It’s Planet Pink”!
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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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