CO-HEADLINING TOUR WITH NAPALM DEATH BEGINS APRIL 4
March 19, 2025, LOS ANGELES – Melvins 1983 – the lineup featuring Buzz Osborne and original drummer Mike Dillard, offer a second preview of Thunderball (out April 18, Ipecac Recordings) with today’s release of “King of Rome” (https://youtu.be/vmwNEPGw1QE).
The charging track once again features contributions from avant-electronic artists Void Manes and Ni Maîtres, with Osborne saying of the song “The ‘King of Rome!! Hot Cross Buns! This song is a hot little punk rock number. I hope all of you enjoy it and tell your friends.” The band previously released the near-10 minute long song “Victory of the Pyramids,” which Consequence declared a “minor epic.”
Album pre-orders are available now (https://themelvins.lnk.to/Thunderball), with Thunderball available on trio of vinyl variants including an indie exclusive “Smoke Is A Color” variant and an Ipecac webstore-only “Special Mustard Gas.” The album will also be available on CD and all digital formats.
The band kicks off a massive nine-week nationwide co-headlining tour with Napalm Death on April 4. Dubbed the “Savage Imperial Death March Part II,” the trek reunites the two iconic following the first “Savage Imperial Death March” tour of 2016. The Melvins’ current touring line-up features Osborne, Dale Crover, Steven McDonald, and Coady Willis. Tickets are available now at Ipecac.com/tours.
In an explosive return to the music scene, the iconic yet notorious band COLD SLITHER has released their first single “Cold Slither,” off their much-anticipated album. This project marks a groundbreaking fusion of real-world music and fictional narrative, bringing to life the villainous charm of the Cobra organization from the classic 1980sG.I. JOEseries.
In a dynamic collaboration, Hasbro and Reigning PhoenixMusic have teamed up to release “Cold Slither.” This partnership breathes new life into COLD SLITHER, a band once crafted as part of a nefarious plot and now reborn with a sound that mixes nostalgia with cutting-edge rock prowess. Helmed by the mysterious Zartan and his band of Dreadnoks, (Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer), the single reintroduces their heavy metal ferocity combined with a sinister, anarchist energy that upends the conventional music scene.
Bringing COLD SLITHER to life through our partnership with RPM has been an absolute dream come true! As a child watching this fictional band on my TV screen, I never imagined I’d one day help transform them from animated rockstars into a tangible, sonic reality. From the meticulously crafted figures you can hold in your hand to the face-melting album we’ve created, G.I. JOE fans worldwide are about to experience something truly revolutionary this summer. This project bridges nostalgia with innovation in ways that will leave the community speechless—prepare for a musical assault that would make Cobra Commander proud!”Shares Ben”BMac” MacCrae — Associate Brand Manager, Global Brand Development & Marketing at Hasbro.
Reigning Phoenix Music General Manager and Co-founder Gerardo Martinez comments: “It is a dream come true to be able to work on this amazing collaboration with my favorite, and one that happens to be one of the most iconic brands in the world: G.I.JOE! It is also a pleasure to work on this amazing project alongside some of my friends from Hasbro and be able to bring Cold Slither into reality in the most Heavy Metal way! Many of us have waited 40 years for this to happen but the wait is finally over. And a special thanks to Michael Charles Hill for writing the original COLD SLITHER episode back in 1985.”
“It’s programs like these that make Hasbro’s goal of creating Magic Moments truly come to life! What started out as a cult-classic episode from the 1985 series G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero has culminated into a fan program for the ages – inclusive of toys, comics, and of course, music. It could not have been made possible without amazing licensees like Reigning Phoenix Music who put their passion, expertise, and fandom into everything they create. We’re extremely excited for everyone to rock out to this single and we plan to reveal even more as we move closer to San Diego Comic Con. So, as the single echos, we hope… “you’ll be joining us soon!””says Alyse D’Antuono — Hasbro’s VP of Global Franchise Strategy & Management for Action Brands.
“Cold Slither” features bone-crushing riffs and an anthemic chorus, perfectly capturing the rebellious spirit of the ’80s and leading the charge in COLD SLITHER‘s resurgence. The infamous track, which initially captivated audiences as part of Cobra’s mind-control plot, is now reimagined with a compelling melody and legendary backstory, showcased in a newly released lyric video, animated by the legendary Costin Chioreanu.
Cold Slither burst onto the scene with their now classic single, “Cold Slither”, setting the stage for an even darker campaign with their upcoming album, “Cold Slither.” Helmed by the enigmatic Zartan and supported by his ruthless Dreadnoks—Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer—this band blends heavy metal ferocity with a sinister, anarchistic energy that upends the conventional music scene. Their signature sound unleashes a torrent of guttural guitars, boisterous bass, venomous vocals, and thunderous percussion, casting shadows across the musical landscape.
Each concert is a spectacle of chaos and brute force, with Cold Slither captivating hearts and demolishing instruments worldwide. Their music transcends generational divides, championing a dark new world order with each pulse-pounding beat. This band doesn’t just chase gold and platinum records; they aim to capture the minds and souls of their audience.
Conceived by Cobra Commander, Zartan and his Dreadnoks were transformed into Cold Slither, a heavy metal behemoth designed to captivate and influence America’s youth. With their cunning lyrics and compelling stage presence, they harness their music as a powerful tool for mass destruction and control.
Anticipation for their forthcoming album “Cold Slither” is building, with fans eager for a new chapter of anthems that promise not just to challenge but to change the industry. Prepare for an auditory onslaught that will resonate long after the lights fade. With Cold Slither, the revolution is not just televised, it’s an all-encompassing, reverberating force. Brace yourself to join their ranks and be changed. Their music doesn’t merely entertain; it indoctrinates.
Aug. 28 – Louisville, KY @ Iroquois Amphitheater Aug. 30 – Eau Claire, WI @ The Sonnentag Sep. 01 – Paw Paw, MI @ Warner Vineyards Sep. 04 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre Sep. 05 – Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theater & Ballroom Sep. 06 – Rockford, IL @ Coronado Performing Arts Center Sep. 12 – Airway Heights, WA @ Spokane Live Sep. 13 – Idaho Falls, ID @ Mountain America Center Sep. 14 – Boise, ID @ Morrison Center Sep. 17 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Theater at Virgin Hotels Sep. 19 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre Sep. 20 – Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre Sep. 21 – Albuquerque, NM @ Revel Entertainment Center Oct. 03 – Carteret, NJ @ Carteret PAC Oct. 04 – Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater
Vocals, guitars, drums, and bass: The basic elements of all things rock is what DANKO JONES, one of Canada’s most successful hard ‘n’ heavy exports, has represented consistently since their foundation in 1996. Constant radio airplay in leading rock countries around the world, the most dedicated fan bases any band could ever ask for, both at festivals and their jam-packed club shows plus several award considerations – incl. five Juno Award nominations (the Canadian “Grammy”) – throughout their career have cemented their leading role in the rock ‘n’ roll world over and over again.
DANKO JONES manages to unite not only rockers but also music lovers of genres far beyond hard rock and punk, with their rich catalogue consisting of eleven successfully electrifying studio albums so far. Their last nine (!) full-length albums even entered the official German and Swiss album chart (along with multiple other countries).
Now signed to PERCEPTION, a division of Reigning Phoenix Music, one of the fastest growing rock labels in the world, DANKO JONES’ yet-to-be-announced 12th offering was just finished under the watchful eyes of Juno and Grammy Award winning producer Eric Ratz (BILLY TALENT, BIG SUGAR, CANCER BATS etc.), and is tentatively due out in autumn 2025. It was also Ratz who was already involved in the creation process of one of the group’s very early offerings, the EP My Love Is Bold in 1999, as well as some of their most successful studio albums over the years.
Photo credit: Jon Usual | L-R: Rich Knox (drums), Danko Jones (vocals, guitars), John Calabrese (bass)
As mentioned earlier, DANKO JONES has also built a reputation as one of the greatest live bands around. Today, Danko Jones (vocals & guitar), bassist John Calabrese, and drummer Rich Knox are pleased to announce a European tour guiding them across the pond in late 2025, where fans will have a chance to see the first live performances of some of their brand-new songs complementing the band’s already hit-packed set list. All official dates can be found below. More to come.
DANKO comments: “We are excited to be on PERCEPTION. Counting down the days for everyone to listen to our 12th album, and to start playing the new tunes live. In the meantime, enjoy the first single – ‘What You Need’!”
Managing director Jochen Richert states: “Ever since the release of Born A Lion in 2001, DANKO JONES, his management and I have been on this journey together. Wow, nearly 25 years – almost half a lifetime. And yet, DANKO JONES still sounds as fresh and exciting as on day one. But this wild ride is far from being over, and therefore I’m incredibly proud to welcome DANKO JONES to PERCEPTION. I can say with the utmost conviction that the new songs are among the best this unique artist has ever written.”
Aptly titled “What You Need,” DANKO JONES’ PERCEPTION debut single will become available on all streaming platforms on April 4 – just in time for the outfit to kick-off their 2025 festival season at Paaspop (NL). The empowering track can be pre-saved here: https://dankojones.rpm.link/whatuneedPR
Vienna, Austria-based glam metal act Mädhouse has announced their brand new studio album, entitledPlead The Fifth, for a release on July 11, 2025 via ROAR! A music video for a first album harbinger, the band’s latest smashing single “Shotgun Rider”, is now premiering below.
“Plead The Fifth“will be available on CD, limited Vinyl (incl.signed photocard) and in Digital formats, the album pre-sale has just started at:
About their first single release “Shotgun Rider”, guitarist and songwriter Mikky Stixxsays: “There are friends. There are good friends. And there are friends who will stick with you through thick and thin. No matter what happens. Even if you end up in jail. – The devil may care, we run riot lock, stock and barrel!”
Mädhouse was formed in 2017 by Mikky Stixx. Their origins trace back to a spontaneous Hard N’ Heavy show, where 18 rock musicians gathered, leading to the band’s creation. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts like Mötley Crüe, Skid Row, and Ratt, Mädhouse blends the raw energy of classic glam metal with a modern hard rock edge. Their sound is unmistakable. Gritty riffs, anthemic choruses, and an unapologetic attitude that demand attention. Since their debut, the band has continuously evolved while staying true to their wild, rebellious spirit.
Their first album Money Talks Bullshit Walks (2019), introduced their high-energy style, followed by Bad Habits (2021), a more polished and aggressive follow-up. They further refined their sound with Down ‘N’ Dirty (2022), and now, their latest release, Plead The Fifth, slated for a release on July 11th through ROAR, pushes the boundaries even further with heavier riffs, bolder lyrics, and an electrifying presence!
Known for their explosive live performances and larger-than-life stage presence, Mädhouse continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The current line-up features Tommy Lovelace on vocals, Mikky Stixx and Thommy Black on guitars and backing vocals, Rickey Dee on bass, and Bobby B Bastard on drums. Together, they keep the spirit of glam metal alive, delivering high-octane rock that never backs down. With “Plead The Fifth”, they prove once again that glam metal is far from dead — it’s louder, bolder, and wilder than ever. Turn up the volume, join the madness, and let rock ‘n’ roll reign!
Plead The Fifth – Tracklist: 01 – Midnite Fever 02 – We Run Riot 03 – Bring On The Night 04 – Shotgun Rider 05 – Wicked Hearts 06 – Get A Grip 07 – Live And Tease 08 – It’s A Monster In My Head 09 – I’ll See You In My Dreams 10 – Mad To The Bone 11 – Loveplace 12 – I Die Alone 13 – You Got The Tail Down
Watch MISS LAVA’s lyric video for “Under A Black Sun” HERE.
Like distant moons spitting fire, Lisbon, Portugal-based rock unit MISSLAVA forged their new album Under A Black Sun. Carrying a darker and heavier emotional weight than their previous outings, the band’s fifth album is set to be released through Small Stone Recordings on April 25th, today unveiling the record’s first single and preorders.
“It’s a pretty intense record,” says singer Johnny Lee. “Our life experiences over the past years have made us delve into a darker matter. We explored new territories and had a blast creating this album.”
The release of Under A Black Sun will celebrate the band’s longevity, marking their 20th anniversary. It’s sonic flame with many cosmic swirls that urges to be unleashed live. “It has been a hell of a ride since we started rehearsing in a small studio in Lisbon back in 2005,” confirms guitarist K. Raffah. “Having this record come out twenty years later with a partner like Small Stone is the best thing we could wish for. Now we just need to get out there and play these songs live everywhere we can!”
This mystical rite of creation was the first record with drummer Pedro Gonçalves, bringing a heavier vibe to the band. Under A Black Sun was recorded and engineered once again with Miguel “Veg” Marques, who handled the band’s previous record, Doom Machine, produced by MISS LAVA and Marques, mixed by Steve Lehane, and mastered by Chris Goosman.
In advance of the record’s release, today the band unveils, Under A Black Sun’s title track. Comments Lee, “This song is about falling under a dark influence and the duality of this situation. For some, it’s total absence of light, but others manage to orbit around it.”
Watch MISS LAVA’s lyric video for “Under A Black Sun” HERE.
Under A Black Sun includes guest keys on “Blue Sky On Mars,” “Dark Tomb Nebula,” “Elara,” “Evil Eye Of The Witch,” and “Woe Warrior” by Miguel “Veg” Marques, guest vocals on “Elara” by Alexandra Quintas “Bebé,” and artwork by João Filipe.
The record will be released on CD and digital formats as well as limited vinyl. Find all preorders on the official Small Stone Recordings Bandcamp page HERE.
Under A Black Sun – Track Listing:
1. Dark Tomb Nebula
2. Neon Gods
3. Evil Eye Of A Witch
4. Chaos Strain
5. Woe Warrior
6. The Bends
7. Fear In Overdrive
8. I Drown
9. Blue Sky On Mars (Bonus Track – CD/Digi)
10. Elara
11. Under A Black Sun
MISS LAVA: Johnny Lee – vocals K. Raffah – guitars P. Gonçalves – drums Ricardo Ferreira – bass Hugo Jacinto – guitars
Over the years, the band has played live in clubs and festivals in the UK, Spain, Germany, and of course Portugal. MISS LAVA even made a one-off appearance at the legendary Whisky a Go-Go in Los Angeles. The band has shared stages with the likes Of Queens Of The Stone Age, Slash, Graveyard, Ufomammut, Greenleaf, Kyuss Lives!, Fu Manchu, Valient Thorr, Entombed, Truckfighters, and many more. The band, now a five-piece with two guitar players, has confirmed shows throughout the Spring and Summer months with more to be announced in the weeks to come.
MISS LAVA Live: 4/26/2025 Lav – Lisboa, PT w/ Graveyard 4/30/2025 A Cofradia – Vilanova De Arousa, ES 5/01/2025 Grc Amigos De Seixas – Seixas, PT 5/02/2025 Pub Transylvania – Vigo, ES 5/03/2025 O Bar Queiro – Mañón, ES 6/06/2025 Bafo De Baco – Loulé, PT 6/07/2025 TBA – Oliveira De Frades, PT 6/26/2025 Wurlitzer – Madrid, ES 6/28/2025 Chatnoir – Badajoz, ES 7/02/2025 Antwerp Music City – Antwerp, BE 7/03/2025 Pitchers – Düsseldorf, DE 7/04/2025 Rare Guitar – Münster, DE 7/05/2025 Ostpol – Dresden, DE 7/06/2025 Dirty & Dancing – Osnabrück, DE
Artwork • “The Predator“ Jimmy Lindbergh / Mother Misery
Swedish Melodic Heavy Rockers MOTHER MISERY release their brand new single” The Predator” today, March 7th!
The band informs about the new single “The Predator“: “‘The Predator’ was recorded in the same session as our last album ‘From Shadow To Ghost’. We felt the track had a different vibe to the rest of the songs and decided to keep it for a special release. When we invited David ‘DaKe’ Isberg, known for Blood Of Jupiter and as a founding member of Opeth, to add some of his deep growl to the song, it felt complete and even more special. The song has a driving riff, a mellow verse and a melodic chorus, along with a nice breakdown in the middle.”
LINE-UP: John Hermansen • Vocals, Guitar Emil Ström • Guitar, Lead-Guitar Stiff Hell • Bass Jimmy Lindbergh • Drums, Percussions
DISCOGRAPHY: 2004 • Grandiosity • Full-length 2006 • For The Crows • EP 2007 • All Eyes On You • Full-length 2010 • Standing Alone • Full-length 2015 • Deadication • EP 2018 • Megalodon • Full-length 2023 • From Shadow To Ghost • Full-length 2025 • The Predator • Single
Finland’s hard rocking Wishing Well have released new music for the first time after their Sin And Shame album, that came out in March 2023. “Boys Will Be Boys” is a simple good mood rocker, made seriously tongue-in-cheek and in good spirit to celebrate rock music and pure joy and camaraderie of playing in a band. This positive and cheerful song is a rare release from the band, who usually write more serious and complex songs. The song is released together with a music video, recorded at Magnusborg Studios in Porvoo, filmed and edited by Jussi Koskinen.
“Boys is an old song that goes way back but we wanted to release something in between albums and this song is perfect for that. First we thought it’s too simple and silly but when we worked on it and it took off like a rocket to the moon we decided to give it a go. Somebody then came up with the idea of asking previous Wishing Well vocalists to sing the gang vocals and when they agreed and even Graham Bonnet promised to join we knew it’ll work out great. We decided to shoot the video while in the studio and we had a great time. We’re pleased with the result and the song is also good fun to play live”, says Anssi Korkiakoski, guitar player and songwriter of the band.
“Things should not always be too serious, at the end of the day it’s all about doing what you love, together with your friends. We’re all old metalheads and hard rockers, we share the same thoughts and memories about music, from early years to ‘80s metal and beyond. It’s great that we can do our thing together and share it with each other and our audience as well. This song is a homage to all of us childlike rockers, music lovers and band musicians. There are many of us, naturally lots of girls and women too, despite the song title”, says Korkiakoski.
Composition & Lyrics by Anssi Korkiakoski
The song is released under Wishing Well & The Wheelers And Dealers, since the choir with its old school veterans plays an important role in the song.
At the moment the band is working on their fifth album, due to be released in the spring of 2026. Wishing Well will perform live at On The Rocks Club in Helsinki on the 27th of March. For more news updates visit their social media channels.
Wishing Well are: Pepe Tamminen – vocals Arto Teppo – Hammond-organ Matti Kotkavuori – bass Juha Kivikanto – drums Anssi Korkiakoski – guitar
Wheelers And Dealers choir are: Rick Becker Graham Bonnet Rafael Castillo Peter James Goodman
Progressive metal supergroup ICEFISH is thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated cover of Rush’s classic track “Animate”. Recorded live in Chorzów, Poland, this stunning performance honors the legacy of Rush while delivering ICEFISH’s signature technical brilliance and modern progressive edge.
Featuring a lineup of world-class musicians, Andrea Casali (vocals and bass), Alex Argento (Virgil Donati, Corrado Rustici, Zucchero) – keyboards, Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie, PFM) – guitar, Virgil Donati (Planet X, Asia, Steve Vai) – drums, ICEFISH bring unparalleled precision and passion to this iconic song. Their rendition seamlessly blends the spirit of the original with their unique creative style, offering fans a fresh perspective on one of Rush’s most beloved tracks.
The live video, captured during the band’s powerful performance in Chorzów, Poland, premiered on YouTube, providing fans with a visual experience that showcases ICEFISH’s electrifying stage presence and exceptional musicianship.
Following their highly-anticipated set at Levitation 2024, the legendary band has announced two additional dates, with more shows on the horizon: April 10 at the Granada Theater (Dallas) and April 11 at Paper Tiger (San Antonio). Tickets are on-sale this Friday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. local time.
Cronise, in conversation with Revolver: (https://www.revolvermag.com/feature/the-sword-return-inside-texas-stoner-metal-bands-comeback/) shared his thoughts on the band’s reunion, the 15th anniversary of Warp Riders, and more: We know each other, we’re comfortable. It’s just kind of like putting on a comfortable pair of sneakers. Levitation was a great show… it went really well.”
Kyle Shutt adds, “I can’t tell you what it means to see everyone’s positive reception. It feels so good to see people out there almost more enthusiastic about the band than ever – it’s something we’ll never take for granted.”
Warp Riders is the Austin-based band’s third full-length album, which arrived in the summer of 2010. The 10-song collection, described as a psychedelic space opera, features the galloping, fuzzed out “Tres Brujas” and the southern rock-infused “Lawless Lands.” Warp Riders was met with widespread praise upon its release. Premier Guitar praised the album’s “distinctly Texas-flavored sense of groove and swing,” while SPIN called it “badass” and “innovative.” Consequence went even further, declaring it a “classic.”
The Sword is JD Cronise (vocals, guitar), Bryan Richie (bass, keyboards), Kyle Shutt (guitar, vocals), and Santiago Vela (drums). Following their 2003 inception, The Sword quickly became one of the most revered names in heavy music. With a blend of crushing riffs, intricate storytelling, and a sound that bridges classic metal and modern rock, The Sword has released six albums: Age of Winters (2006), Gods of the Earth (2008), Warp Riders (2010), Apocryphon (2012), High Country (2015) and Used Future (2018).
Above: Best of John Sykes -album cover – (2000) – Mercury Records Japan
Heavy Metal and Hard Rock guitarist, vocalist and songwriting legend John Sykes passed away on Monday, January 20th at the age of 65. Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, friends. fans and all past bandmates of John Sykes; God Bless him and may he rest in peace.
John Sykes’ illustrious career included being a former member of 1980’s bands Tygers of Pan Tang, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake and his very own Blue Murder, along with being a successful solo artist. John Sykes also toured Europe in 1983 with the late Phil Lynotts’ solo (live only) band named The Three Musketeers.
Above: Thin Lizzy – Thunder and Lightning – album cover – (1983) – Warner Bros.
Above: Whitesnake S/T – album cover – (1987) – Geffen Records
Above: BLUE MURDER S/T – album cover – (1989) – Geffen Records
John Sykes was born in Reading, England on July 29, 1959.
Swiss hard rock legends GOTTHARD have kicked off the new year with the release of their second single, “Thunder & Lightning,” from their upcoming 12-track studio album Stereo Crush. As the world remains blanketed in snow, this new track spreads spring fever with its uplifting leads and emotionally charged storyline about love, quickly capturing the hearts of fans and heightening anticipation for the band’s eagerly awaited new album.
Today, alongside the worldwide launch of pre-orders, GOTTHARD are also excited to reveal the cover artwork for Stereo Crush, set to hit the shelves on March 21, 2025 via RPM. The artwork, designed by Thomas Ewerhard, who has previously collaborated with the band, perfectly encapsulates the album’s themes of honesty, rawness, and a broad spectrum of emotions.
Freddy [Scherer; guitars] came to my house with the musical idea for this song. We started there and came up with the structure and the vocal melodies together and recorded the demo there. I then spent quite some time figuring out lyrics. The sound of the chorus riff somehow sounded electric to me, and I was thinking of words like ‘lightning’ and thunder’ etc…and then I thought of the concept of how lightning never strikes twice but in this case it does, using this as a metaphor for love. Also in French, which I’m fluent in, you can say that ‘love at first sight’ is like getting hit by a bolt of lightning,” singer Nic Maeder sheds light on the track’s creation.
After releasing two singles, there’s no real doubt that GOTTHARD are more than ready for the future with Stereo Crush! Decorated with a powerful and contemporary production, the album delivers a series of big anthems but also a few surprises which help the Swiss icons to improve their DNA fresh and to spice up the essence of their trademark sound in an exciting way. It’s clear like Swiss glacier water: 2025 belongs to GOTTHARD!
Stereo Crush – Track Listing:
01. AI & I 02. Thunder & Lightning 03. Rusty Rose 04. Burning Bridges 05. Drive My Car 06. Boom Boom 07. Life 08. Liverpool 09. Shake Shake 10. Devil In The Moonlight 11. Dig A Little Deeper 12. These Are The Days
Photo credit: Manuel Schütz L-R: Freddy Scherer (guitars), Marc Lynn (bass), Nic Maeder (vocals), Flavio Mezzodi (drums), Leo Leoni (guitars)
Produced and mixed by long-time partner Charlie Bauerfeind, who’s known for his work with the likes of HELLOWEEN and BLIND GUARDIAN, alongside founding member Leo Leoni at Yellowhouse Studio, and mastered by Sascha “Busy” Bühren (TrueBusyness), with artwork once again provided by Thomas Ewerhard (AVANTASIA etc.), Stereo Crush promises to set new standards which will additionally come to shine on the band’s forthcoming touring cycle: GOTTHARD will be touring in May, accompanied by special guests Y&T, rounded off by select festival and headline dates during the course of the year. The band’s current live schedule and ticket info can be found below!
21.05.2025 DE Saarbücken – Garage (w/ ECLIPSE) NEW
Special Guests: Y&T Presented by Metal Hammer, Classic Rock, musix, Rock Antenne, powermetal.de & Bottom Row 23.05.2025 DE Bochum – RuhrCongress 24.05.2025 DE Geiselwind – Music Hall 25.05.2025 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 27.05.2025 DE Hamburg – Große Freiheit 36 29.05.2025 DE Munich – Circus Krone 30.05.2025 DE Filderstadt – FILharmonie 31.05.2025 AT Telfs – Rathaussaal
14.06.2025 ES Zamora – Z! Live Rock 27.06.2025 CH Basel – Summerstage (w/ KROKUS) 28.06.2025 DE Ehingen – Martkplatz (w/ KROKUS) NEW 20.07.2025 CH Locarno – Moon&Stars (“Steve Lee – The Show”) NEW 22.07.2025 DE Regensburg – Piazza im Gewerbepark 06.08.2025 CH Zofingen – Heitere (w/ Orchestra) NEW 10.08.2025 DE Tettnang – Schlossgarten (w/ KROKUS) NEW 19.12.2025 CH Bern – Festhalle (w/ KROKUS) 20.12.2025 CH Zurich – The Hall (w/ KROKUS)
Check it out! That’s my Ozzy Osbourne Funko POP! ROCKS mint-in-box! It’s also a Funko.com exclusive, whatever that means. Sounds important though. The date on the lower back cover is 2023. Thanks for visiting and looking, I appreciate it!
Back cover gives date at bottom, in teeny tiny type. Above: side panel
Photographer Credit – Lisa Thompson (Dark Moon Productions) L-R – Adam Hansen (Guitar), Dylan Gunnell (Vocals), Paulo Ferraz (Bass), Jer Renaud (Drums)
Sophomore EP “The Greatest Divide” Out April 2025
Marble Ghosts, the Canadian boundary pushing ensemble known for their distinctive blend of metal, grunge, and punk influences, has announced their highly anticipated second EP “The Greatest Divide” set for release on April 4, 2025. The band comments on the first, explosive single “Distance Between”:
“From the opening lyric of the EP, “Here we are in the greatest divide”, the songs explore the ever-growing rift between almost every part of modern-day society. From the rich and the shrinking middle class to widening gaps in political and religious ideologies, the EP was inspired by our reality.”
Musically, the single shows off its punk-metal roots, never relenting from beginning to end. The biting rapid-fire verses meet the band’s characteristic soaring choruses. The band shows off its guitar chops with a blistering solo that perfectly matches the song’s energy. The song crescendos with another feverish solo over top desperate screams.
The EP and the single are recommended for fans of Alter Bridge, Shinedown, and Saint Asonia.
Canadian heavy psychedelic rock ensemble AAWKS has announced the release of their latest single, “Death Trip (Naglfar)“, a preview of their eagerly anticipated album On Through The Sky Maze scheduled for release on March 21, 2025. This new track is available now for fans who appreciate a blend of intense rock dynamics and mystical lyrical themes.
“Death Trip (Naglfar)” sets a bold tone for the upcoming album with its powerful lyrics and immersive soundscapes. The single reflects AAWKS‘ continued evolution, incorporating heavier riffs, grooves, and a compelling narrative of otherworldly voyages and cosmic battles. The band encourages listeners to delve into the track, whether they think they’re cool or not, with a tongue-in-cheek nod to their laid-back ethos.
Lyrics from the single paint a vivid picture: “Beware of these towering sails, This death ship is heavy with nails. Now is the time of the storm, These angry spirits begin to transform.”
AAWKS continues to captivate with their unique blend of stoner, doom, fuzz rock, and sludge, all while exploring fantastical themes. The upcoming album On Through The Sky Maze promises to take listeners on a darker journey through themes of the occult, life and death, and demonology. With the addition of new bassist and vocalist Ryan “Grimepup” Mailman, the album showcases a heavier and more intense version of AAWKS, perfect for those late-night hours spent in the shadows of forests and swamps.
About AAWKS: Hailing from the mysterious foothills of Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie Ontario Canada, AAWKS make heavy-psych, stoner-doom music. They mix melodic songwriting with pummeling riffs and grooves and their music is as influenced by newer bands such as MEPHISTOFELES, MONOLORD, WINDHAND and the MELVINS as it is by classic rock bands like BLACK SABBATH, PINK FLOYD and DEEP PURPLE.
They explore fantastical themes of the occult and spin tales of mind expansion and spaced out exploration of the multiverse. AAWKS released their debut full length album (((((HEAVY ON THE COSMIC))))) in June of 2022 on Black Throne Productions which landed at #2 on the Doom Charts that month.
In support of our new record “Leopard Skin” we will be touring heavily next year. Here is the first leg of the tour dates. Album will be released in the beginning of April . Come and join us on The Lucky MF’r Tour!!!
Another hot contender for taking the longest time to release new music, Hamburg’s own progressive rock/metal outfit EDEN CIRCUS are back with their new single ‘Cynics of Life‘.
10 years have now passed since the last album “Marula” by the five-piece northern German post-prog rockers EDEN CIRCUS. Since then, events have accelerated. First the band has to say goodbye to both guitarists, because Andi is leaving the band and guitarist Nils is moving to the Krupps. Not only are two important driving forces lost, but also the previous songwriting process.
After Waik and Dennis joined the band, they finally played a few gigs again and worked on the new album. Even before Covid paralyzes the entire music landscape, numerous other events turn the band’s everyday life upside down: people move, build houses and 2 1/2 recording studios, start families and new bands. Sometimes the five of them don’t see each other for weeks. But there was never any talk about quitting.
Because the rare rehearsals always clearly show that the band can still deliver. In addition, the new record is finished and, despite all the new commitments, no one has lost the joy of presenting their songs to an audience that celebrates their music on sweaty, beer-soaked club evenings. So here’s to something new!
We are very pleased to give you our 2025 show schedule so far:
16 Apr // BR, Brasília // Arena of Rock 19 Apr // BR, São Paulo // Monsters of Rock 24 Apr // CL, Santiago // Masters of Rock 30 Apr // CO, Cota // Monsters of Rock
24 May // NO, Kopervik // Kopervik Festival 07 Jun // FR, Maxeville // Heavy Weekend 21 Jun // NO, Steinkjer // Steinkjer Festival 28 Jun // SE, Nyköping // Hamnplan 03 Jul // SE, Borlänge // Alive Festival 06 Jul // ES, Chiclana // Concert Music Festival 08 Jul // ES, Marbella // Starlite Festival 10 Jul // ES, Murcia // Plaza de Toros de Murcia 15 Jul // IT, Bologna // Sequioe Music Park 16 Jul // IT, Altidona // Wondergate Music Festival 25 Jul // SE, Vadstena // Vadstena Slott 26 July // NO, Tønsberg // Foynhagen Concert Series Honørbrygga 01 Aug // SE, Karlskrona // Karlskrona Skärgårdsfest 02 Aug // SE, Arvika // Hamnfest
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!
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