Early September will see ZAKK SABBATH, the BLACK SABBATH tribute band featuring guitarist/vocalist Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne), bassist Blasko (Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie) and drummer Joey Castillo (Danzig, Queens of the Stone Age), release their spectacular tribute to the Birmingham four, a faithful yet supercharged rendition of BLACK SABBATH’s first album. Vertigo Records issued the iconic debut album on a Friday the 13th in 1970, and the world was never the same. Legendarily recorded in a single day in October 1969, the earth-moving self-titled set closed the book on hippie optimism with its dark magic and ushered in a brand new genre, setting the metal template for decades to come.
Exactly 50 years later, ZAKK SABBATH celebrate the first chapter in the Sabbath catalog with a reverently rendered tribute, simply titled “Vertigo“, which is slated for a release on September 4th, 2020, via Magnetic Eye Records. Faithfully recorded in the spirit of the original, live in the studio and with a film crew documenting the process, the session culminated in a new version of a landmark album that celebrates the greatest heavy metal band of all time and the record that started it all.
“We recorded a live EP and were wondering what we could do next as a cover band, so the 50th album anniversary came just at the right time”, explains Blasko regarding Zakk Sabbath’s decision to go studio. “Compared to ‘Paranoid’, which is almost like a best-of record, the bulk of the material on ‘Black Sabbath’ is deep-cut, really experimental stuff that was never thoroughly explored, so that was a challenge, not to forget that we wanted to meet our own high standards.“
Describing the DIY process as “very productive,” the three respectfully added their own flair to make for a slightly different flavor, also revisiting various live renditions and “extending a solo here or slowing things down because that’s what they tended to do on stage.”
Today, ZAKK SABBATH are sharing a first track taken from “Vertigo” exclusively with Rolling Stone Magazine. You can now stream their tribute version of the iconic anthem, Black Sabbath,HERE!
ZAKK SABBATH’s “Vertigo” won’t be available digitally, “to make the release feel authentic to the time when vinyl ruled the earth. It was such a cool time for those of us that grew up during that time. The fan experience with the physical product is irreplaceable with digital and streaming. We wanted to capture that authenticity.”
“Vertigo” will be available as:
Digipak CD
CD/DVD hardcover book with the album behind-the-scenes-interviews and making-of
limited edition yellow vinyl
Tracklisting: 1) Black Sabbath 2) The Wizard 3) Wasp / Behind the Wall of Sleep / N.I.B 4) Wicked World 5) A Bit of Finger / Sleeping Village / Warning
Set to be released on September 4th, the album pre-sale has just started at THIS LOCATION!
Today Myrkur‘s Amalie Bruun joins forces with renowned multi-instrumentalist Anna von Hausswolff to reimagine Björk‘s classic, “All Is Full of Love“. Bruun comments, “From our homes in Denmark and Sweden we decided to record a simple, fragile and raw version of Björk‘s “All Is Full of Love”. A song we consider to be one of the most beautiful and encouraging songs, that is a reminder to stay open to receive love even in times like these.”
Myrkur‘s latest album Folkesange saw its release earlier this year to high acclaim via Relapse. Just after newfound motherhood, Bruun set out on a journey into the very heart of the Scandinavian culture that marked her own childhood. The album relinquishes black metal for a refined yet far-reaching evocation of traditional folk, combining songs ancient and new to sublimely resonant effect. Through Bruun’s crystalline vocals, an array of traditional instruments and storytelling, Folkesange offers listeners an immersive, emotional and transcendent experience that resonates in today’s turbulent times.
ANTI-FLAG have announced their “Quarantine Sucks, Let’s Party” digital tour. The band will stream sets from festivals at which it has performed and chat live with fans.
Below is the band’s statement about the interactive online tour.
“At times of societal unrest, Anti-Flag have always looked to the punk rock community and work of our shows for solace. Because we can’t tour right now, we wanted to find a way to stay connected and share our collective stories. These shows travel across the globe, and throughout years. We look forward to watching them with you, and regaining the energy we get from the show to have the strength and optimism to keep fighting for a better, more just world!”
Fans can re-live classic sets alongside the band, as the members will be chatting live during the streams every day at 6pm ET (3pm PT/11pm BST/12am CEST) from this Friday, June 26 until Tuesday, June 30 at veeps.com.
Those who purchase the “All Access Package” will receive a BONUS stream on 7/1. It features the Live at Red Rocks 2018 show, a limited edition ‘Quarantine Sucks, Let’s Party’ t-shirt, and a tour laminate.
Today, Chicago bred trio The Lawrence Arms share “Last Last Words” off their forthcoming record Skeleton Coast out July 17 via Epitaph.
The track “is about coming to terms with your own obscurity – but like, in a pretty upbeat way,” says vocalist and guitarist Chris McCaughan. “It’s an escape dream to an edge of the world while being strangely content with some undergrown adulthood. It’s part undercover love song to the sometimes beautiful randomness of the universe and part offbeat, comical reminder to keep rewriting your unknown future. Like so much of the record, the song chases tiny flashes of light in the darkness.”
Skeleton Coast was recorded 30 miles east of El Paso, TX at Sonic Ranch Studios with longtime producer Matt Allison. The album contains the elements of the band’s sound that fans have come to love for the past two decades but recontextualizes them in a way that somehow sounds perfectly aligned with this strange time in our collective history. Although it was written and recorded before the Coronavirus upended the world, the band’s seventh studio album sounds eerily prescient as it imagines an apocalyptic future where coyotes croon and wolf packs roam free. “For a band who has been around as long as us, this is about as urgent of a record as we could make,” vocalist and bassist Brendan Kelly explains. “It may be kind of dark but it’s really about searching for light in the darkness and finding it, as small as those moments may seem. That’s sort of where we’re at: Collecting the scraps of things that could make for a bearable existence in dark times.”
SKELETON COAST TRACK LISTING 1. Quiet Storm 2. PTA 3. Belly Of The Whale 4. Dead Man’s Coat 5. Pigeons and Spies 6. Last Last Words 7. Demon 8. Ghostwriter 9. How To Rot 10. Under Paris 11. Goblin Fox Hunt 12. Lose Control 13. Don’t Look At Me 14. Coyote Crown
The Lawrence Arms have never had any agenda apart from just having fun and making good music. Since forming in Chicago in 1999—the trio of bassist/vocalist Brendan Kelly, guitarist/vocalist Chris McCaughan and drummer Neil Hennessy—have made albums that continually challenge the boundaries of their sound. In the process they’ve carved out a distinctive identity in the punk community that’s simultaneously gritty, beautiful, melodic and mutinous
“One of the most intensely joyful experiences we’ve ever had as a band.” – Rhett Miller
Watch the Video for First Single “Turn Off The TV” HERE
Photo credit: Alysse Gafkjen
“Terse, wry, and supremely catchy roots-rock.” – THE ATLANTIC
“A well-loved pioneering force in the alt-country movement… [they’ve] still got the same raucous, sweaty energy that’s made [them] so beloved all this time.” – NPR
“Blistered, blasted, and brilliant.” – NEW YORKER
Old 97’s, the iconic alt-country outfit fronted by Rhett Miller, is returning with their twelfth album, the aptly titled Twelfth, to be released on August 21 on ATO Records. Twenty-seven years in, Old 97’s still features its original lineup – Miller, guitarist Ken Bethea, bassist Murry Hammond, and drummer Philip Peeples – and Twelfth is a testament to the band’s staying power. The album’s cover image of former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach is both an homage to Miller’s childhood hero and a recognition that, in making their livings as musicians, the 97’s themselves have achieved their lifelong dreams.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Miller talks about how his five-year sobriety influenced the new album, saying, “Going back in, I thought, ‘What if I don’t bring anything to the table? What if I’m like Samson and the whiskey was my long hair and I cut it off and can’t write songs anymore?’… But [Twelfth] was the first record where, top to bottom, I felt I was back in the driver’s seat, found my voice, and came out the other side. It feels good.”
The band shares Twelfth’s first single “Turn Off The TV” today alongside a video directed by Liam Lynch that features Puddles the Clown as well as footage of the band throughout their career. Watch the video below and pre-order TwelfthHERE.
Old 97’s – TwelfthAugust 21, 2020 – ATO Records
1. The Dropouts
2. This House Got Ghosts
3. Turn Off The TV
4. I Like You Better
5. Happy Hour
6. Belmont Hotel
7. Confessional Boxing
8. Diamonds on Neptune
9. Our Year
10. Bottle Rocket Baby
11. Absence (What We’ve Got)
12. Why Don’t We Ever Say We’re Sorry
MORE ON TWELFTH:
“Somehow what we’ve got never breaks down,” Rhett Miller sings on Old 97’s exhilarating new album, Twelfth. At first, the line comes off as a boast, as a declaration of invincibility from a band that’s managed to survive three decades of rock and roll debauchery, but as the phrase repeats over and over again, it slowly transforms into something more incredulous, something more vulnerable, something deeply human.
“We experienced some close calls over the last few years,” says Miller, “and I think that led us to this dawning realization of the fragility of it all. At the same time, it also led us to this increased gratitude for the music and the brotherhood we’ve been so lucky to share. I think all of that combined to make recording this album one of the most intensely joyful experiences we’ve ever had as a band.”
That joy is utterly palpable on Twelfth. Loose and raw, the record is an ecstatic celebration of survival, a resounding ode to endurance and resilience from a veteran group that refuses to rest on their considerable laurels. Working out of Sputnik Sound in Nashville, Miller and his longtime bandmates—bassist Murry Hammond, guitarist Ken Bethea, and drummer Philip Peeples—teamed up once again with GRAMMY-winning producer Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton, Jack White), and while the resulting album boasts all the hallmarks of a classic Old 97’s record (sex and booze, laughter and tears, poetry and blasphemy), it also showcases a newfound perspective in its writing and craftsmanship, a maturity and appreciation that can only come with age and experience. Perhaps the band is growing up; maybe they’re just getting started. Either way, Old 97’s have never been happier to be alive.
“You have to take pride in the unlikeliness of it all,” says Miller. “It’s mind boggling to think that we’ve been able to last this long, that we’ve been able to support ourselves and our families on our own terms for almost thirty years. Twelve is a lot of records.”
Formed in Dallas, Texas, Old 97’s first emerged in the early ’90s with an adrenaline pumping blend of rock and roll swagger, punk snarl, and old-school twang that quickly brought them into the national spotlight. Conventional wisdom places the band at the forefront of a musical movement that would come to be known as “alternative country,” but, as the New York Times so succinctly put it, their sound always “leaned more toward the Clash than the Carter Family.” Fueled by breakneck tempos, distorted guitars, and wry storytelling, the foursome built a reputation for high-energy albums and even higher energy shows, earning themselves performances everywhere from Conan and Letterman to Bonnaroo and Lollapaloozaalongside countless rave reviews. NPR lauded the group as a “pioneering force,” while Rolling Stone hailed their music’s “whiskey-wrecked nihilism and slow-burn heartbreak,” and The New Yorker praised their songwriting as “blistered, blasted, and brilliant.” On top of his prodigious output with Old 97’s, Miller simultaneously established himself as a prolific solo artist, as well, releasing eight studio albums under his own name that garnered similarly wide-ranging acclaim and landed in a slew of prominent film and television soundtracks. A gifted writer beyond his music, Miller also contributed essays and short stories to The Atlantic, Salon, McSweeney’s, and Sports Illustrated among others, and in 2019, he released his debut book, a collection of poetry for children, via Little, Brown and Company.
While part of Old 97’s charm has always been the air of playful invulnerability they exude onstage every night, reality began catching up with the band in 2017. The night before a television appearance in support of the group’s most recent album, Graveyard Whistling, Peeples collapsed in a hotel parking lot, falling backwards and cracking his skull on a concrete abutment. He spent weeks in the ICU and was forced to miss the first leg of tour. Bethea, meanwhile, began to notice a loss of feeling in the fingers of his right hand. As his condition continued to deteriorate on the road, the numbness spread to his leg, and he was eventually forced to undergo spinal surgery in order to regain full motor control. Miller, for his part, found himself at more of an existential crossroads, questioning attitudes and behaviors he’d long taken for granted. Yes, he was a rock and roll star (whatever that means nowadays), but he was also a father and a husband, and he decided it was long since time to get sober.
“Back when we were in our 20’s, we put ourselves through these terrible trials because we thought we could survive anything,” says Miller. “But over the last few years, it started becoming clear that we’re human.”
Rather than slow things down, the band decided to embrace their mortality as all the more reason to seize the day. Life is short—a lesson that was hammered home on the group’s first day of recording in Nashville, when a series of deadly tornadoes ripped through town—and Twelfth is the sound of Old 97’s recommitting themselves to making the most of every moment they’ve got left. Addictive opener “The Dropouts” sets the stage, taking stock of the band’s journey from its very first days, when they cut their teeth playing the bars of Deep Ellum in exchange for pitchers of beer and pizza. Like much of the record to come, it’s a nostalgic look back on simpler times, but it smartly avoids looking at the past through rose-colored glasses, instead recognizing that change is neither inherently good nor bad, only inevitable.
“There’s a line about sleeping on hardwood floors in that song,” says Miller, “and that’s what we did in the early days. But that image of hardwood floors keeps coming back and building on itself in different songs throughout the album, and over time it begins to mean different things as we grow up and start families and own homes.”
Miller has a knack for capturing those sorts of little details that tell a larger story, for crafting richly cinematic scenes that transform seemingly mundane moments into metaphors for life itself. The driving lead single “Turn Off The TV,” for instance, spins a free cable hookup into a celebration of the visceral pleasures of living in the present, while the larger-than-life “Diamonds On Neptune” turns an astronomical phenomenon into a meditation on what really matters, and the waltzing “Belmont Hotel” finds emotional symbolism in the restoration of a Dallas landmark.
“‘Belmont Hotel’ is a microcosm of the album, and of our band,” says Miller. “When we first started out, the Belmont was in absolute ruins, and we even did a photoshoot in the empty parking lot. Now, though, it’s more beautiful than it was in its glory days, and that got me thinking about the way we approach our relationships. Whether it’s a friendship or a marriage or a band, it’s inevitable that you’re going to go through ups and downs, but if you’re willing to put in the work and stick out the hard times, you can wind up with something that’s better than it ever was before.”
While Miller collaborated with writers like Butch Walker and Nicole Atkins on Graveyard Whistling, he penned everything on Twelfth himself (outside of the Spaghetti Western-esque “Happy Hour” and hypnotic album closer “Why Don’t We Ever Say We’re Sorry,” which were both written and sung by Hammond). It’s a return to form he credits in part to his increasing comfort with sobriety, a comfort that finds him effortlessly running the gamut from playful romance (the dreamy “I Like You Better”) and brash bravado (the blistering “Confessional Boxing”) to supernatural fantasy (the Kinks-ian “This House Got Ghosts”) and old-school twang (the rollicking “Bottle Rocket Baby”). It’s perhaps the jaunty “Absence (What We’ve Got)” that captures this particular moment in Old 97’s history best, though, as Miller marvels at the way things change while staying the same. “The wine turns into whiskey / And the whiskey turns to tears / It’s been this way for years,” he sings, later summing the whole magic act up with a deceptively simple confession: “This is what I do.”
Old 97’s may be human, but somehow what they’ve got never breaks down.
Following the Friday releaseof their new self-titled album, LAMB OF GOD is connecting with fans through daily online activities today through Thursday, beginning with a “live quarantine video” today at 12 noon EDT/9 a.m. PDT on YouTube.
An Instagram Live and Reddit AMA with vocalist Randy Blythe are planned for later in the week.
Stay tuned for more activity announcements and details!
In addition to the release of the album, on Friday LAMB OF GOD premiered a video for Lamb Of God’s fourth single, “Gears,” and lyric videos for five of the album’s tracks. Watch the lyric videos at https://lambofgod.lnk.to/LOG/youtube. The highly anticipated album from metal’s reigning kings immediately made waves with press radio and sales, debuting at number one on Overall, Rock and Metal iTunes charts, and number one on Spotify’s Kickass Metal playlist.
The fact that the band’s eighth studio effort would warrant ‘self-titled’ status is a testament to the band’s pride and satisfaction with these songs and this period in their creativity.
A true collaboration between all members of the band, LAMB OF GOD’s eighth studio album is an amalgam of each individual’s contributions, blended to create a singular style. Guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler fuel the album with a mountain of riffs, taking what Lamb of God are known for, and unbelievably, upping the ante to new levels. The rhythm section of John Campbell, looming large as a rhythmic shadow, and drummer Art Cruz, who makes his studio debut with LAMB OF GOD here on this record, underpin the proceedings with passion, sweat and expansive dynamics. Vocalist D. Randall Blythe is as angry, insightful, and informed as ever. Never one to shrink from facing the darker aspects of our nature head-on, Blythe delivers with no punches pulled, and as only he and Lamb of God can in 2020.
Audiences got a taste of the first new LAMB OF GOD music in nearly five years with “Checkmate” back in February, followed by “Memento Mori” and the most recent single, “New Colossal Hate.” All four songs will appear on Lamb Of God, the follow-up to VII: Sturm und Drang (2015). The album was once again produced by collaborator Josh Wilbur (Gojira, Korn, Megadeth, Trivium), fueled by a mountain of riffs and looming rhythmic shadows. It is also the band’s first record with Cruz, who sat behind the kit with LAMB OF GOD in 2018 and became an official member the following year. In addition to Chuck Billy, the new album features a guest appearance from Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed). Blythe sounds more driven and insightful than ever on Lamb Of God, offering up the angriest and most comprehensive diatribes, addressing modern life in the current landscape, of his storied career thus far.
LAMB OF GOD propelled heavy metal into the new millennium two decades ago with the prophetically titled New American Gospel. They followed with 2003’s As the Palaces Burn, which made the Rolling Stone list of the Top 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time. Ashes of the Wake (2004) was the first LAMB OF GOD album to be certified gold by the RIAA, followed by Sacrament (2006), which debuted in Billboard’s Top 10. Wrath (2009) earned the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hard Rock, Rock, and Tastemaker charts and was No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Those No. 1 positions were repeated with Resolution (2012). VII: Sturm und Drang (2015) debuted at No. 3 in North America and in the Top 5 in several countries. The single “512” from VII: Sturm und Drang received a Grammy nod for the “Best Metal Performance,” making it LAMB OF GOD’s fifth Grammy nomination.
In 2020, LAMB OF GOD is re-energized and unrelenting, ready to lay claim to the metal throne.
Public Enemy is back with a new song and video, “State of the Union (STFU),” a fiery return to the frontlines as they take on Donald Trump and his fascist regime. PE is giving away the track to fans for free at www.publicenemy.com starting today. It is also available to stream on all major DSPs worldwide. “State of the Union (STFU)” was produced by DJ Premier.
An unflinching statement about the destruction the current administration has unleashed on the country and its people, “State of the Union (STFU)” speaks truth to power while urging people to fight against racism, injustice and oppression with their vote.
It’s the latest in a string of powerful messages about Trump from PE frontman Chuck D, who has addressed Trump’s policies and rhetoric for the past several years through his work with Prophets of Rage and as a solo artist. “Our collective voices keep getting louder. The rest of the planet is on our side. But it’s not enough to talk about change. You have to show up and demand change,” says Chuck D. “Folks gotta vote like their lives depend on it, ‘cause it does.” “Public Enemy tells it like it is,” added Flavor Flav. “It’s time for him to GO.”
New York’s blackened, death metal juggernaut ALEKHINE’S GUN returns to the forefront of the underground metal scene with the release of an annihilating new single titled, “21,” which debuted yesterday at ConsequenceOfSound.net and is streaming now on YouTube. The song is the band’s first new material in six years, since the release of their 2014 heralded breakout EP, …And Kings Will Fall, and will be featured on a forthcoming EP, Year of the Lazerus, that’s due out at a future date. Details of the release are forthcoming.
Commenting on their long-awaited new single, guttural vocal powerhouse Jessica Pimentel states, “Inspired by the traditional Tibetan Buddhist prayer ‘Praises to the Twenty-One Taras,’ ‘21’ is a musical offering and an act of paying homage to the primordial power within by delving deeply into calling upon the forces of fierce compassion and the wrathful aspect of love and wisdom needed in times of fear and uncertainty in order to seek refuge and gain enlightenment. Reaching beyond time and space, the bond between us and the true nature of reality is unbreakable, unstoppable and eternal.”
ALEKHINE’S GUN blends elements of thrash, black metal and death metal with subtle undertones and nods to New York hardcore of the 90’s and all things extreme. In this unique combination they have unlocked a captivating sound and style and created a feel that is notable and recognizably their own.
In 2012, ALEKHINE’S GUN released a four-track EP entitled Meditations In Wrath with Jeff Martinez (Desolate) on guitar, Dan Martinez (King Hell) on bass and Jessica Pimentel “The Crusher” (Everybody Gets Hurt/Desolate) on Vocals and guitar. This NYC veteran lineup delivered a greatly received, high-energy sonic assault with their debut release. Their music is laced with a barrage of head-banging riffs and groove, colored with dark harmony and accented by relentless, technical drumming. Adding to all of this are fierce, in your face vocals and lyrics steeped in the profound wisdom of ancient Buddhist texts, vibrant imagery, and raw emotional honesty. ALEKHINE’S GUN brings you a primal, transcendent, electric energy. This fury is not only felt in recordings but wherever they go as they have been marked as being stand out, vigorous, dynamic performers who hold their own in any live venue alongside world renowned bands. In 2014 with the sophomore release entitled …And Kings Will Fall still proved ALEKHINE’S GUN is a force to be reckoned with. They bring to you heart and passion; Insight and meditation; Wrath and spirit.
“We are Alekhine’s Gun from Brooklyn, New York. This is who we are. This is what we do.”
In light of current events, Body Count announces the release of their radio single “No Lives Matter” today via Century Media Records. Watch the music video for “No Lives Matter”, which is off their 2017 full-length album Bloodlust HERE.
The track’s message is more relevant than ever as Body Count frontman Ice-T states in the music video intro, “…when I say ‘Black Lives Matter’ and you say ‘All Lives Matter’, that’s like if I was to say ‘Gay Lives Matter’ and you say ‘All Lives Matter’. If I said, ‘Women’s Lives Matter’ and you say ‘All Lives Matter’. You’re diluting what I’m saying. You’re diluting the issue. The issue isn’t about everybody, it’s about black lives, at the moment.”
Century Media Records Director Philipp Schulte adds, “As a company we felt it was necessary to release this single as a way to actively participate in the change that is needed to combat police brutality and racism. It is a first step in doing our part to inspire unity and transformation.”
Headbang at Home with the “I Am The Hurricane” Live Music Video HERE
New Live Album & DVD/Blu-Ray, For The Love of Metal Live, out July 31, 2020 via Napalm Records | Pre-Order HERE
[Photo Credit: John Raptis]
Experience electrifying DEE SNIDER concert moments and more from your home!
Legendary heavy metal frontman, actor and radio personality DEE SNIDER recently announced the July 31, 2020 release of For The Love Of Metal Live, a larger than life live album and DVD/Blu-Ray set available via Napalm Records.
Music lovers around the world are craving the return of live concert experiences, and For The Love Of Metal Live isjust the thing to keep live music where it belongs – with the fans! Combined behind-the-scenes footage, various detailed interview clips, insightful personal commentary and electrifying live performances make this release an entertaining experience that every heavy metal fan needs in their collection.
Today, DEE SNIDER has revealed a new live video cut from For The Love Of Metal Live – featuring his energetic performance of “I Am The Hurricane”! The seductive, metallic first notes of the track combine with ominous guitar-driven atmosphere as DEE SNIDER dominates the powerful lyrics of the track – denying opposition at his every turn and leaving doubters in his wake. The track takes on a whole new level of confidence in its live setting, as it transforms into an even more heartfelt rallying cry to all to rise above hostility.
DEE SNIDERsays about “I Am The Hurricane” Live: “If there is ever a repeated message in my songs it’s this: Stand up, fight back, don’t take any sh*t from anybody, and f*ck anybody who gets in your way or tries to put you down. It’s a message that constantly needs to be reinforced in us all, myself included. “I Am the Hurricane” is that reinforcement!”
Watch the For The Love Of Metal Live version of “I Am The Hurricane”HERE
The For The Love Of Metal Live DVD/Blu-Ray and accompanying live album (available in various formats, see below) features audio captured from several DEE SNIDER festival performances worldwide – from the United States to Europe, Australia and beyond. In addition to tracks from Snider’s solo catalog like “I Am The Hurricane” and “For The Love Of Metal”, Twisted Sister favorites such as “I Wanna Rock” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It”, and even a cover of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell”, the audio portion of For The Love Of Metal Live also features a brand new original studio track, “Prove Me Wrong” – a thrashing, confident metal hit.
Check out the recently released lyric video for “Prove Me Wrong” HERE. Select audio editions and the DVD/Blu-Ray also feature additional bonus live material and personal footage, with the DVD/Blu-Ray including even more special bonus interview content. The interviews feature Snider himself discussing his famed PMRC hearing, opening for Motörhead and more. DEE SNIDER fanatics won’t want to miss For The Love Of Metal Live!
DEE SNIDERsays about the state of live music in 2020:
“While live entertainment has been curtailed for now, we cannot let the spirit of live entertainment die within us. Any music I’ve ever loved and listened to, I always imagine what it would be like live. When I was young and couldn’t go to shows, all I had was what I thought the bands would be like live. We must keep our desire to see and hear the great new music out there in concert, because that’s its true habitat. Bands on stage with fans cheering them on in the audience is the way the rock gods intended it to be.”
For The Love Of Metal LiveTrack Listings:
Digital Album 1. Lies Are a Business 2. Tomorrow’s No Concern 3. You Can’t Stop Rock ’N’ Roll 4. The Beast 5. American Made 6. Under the Blade 7. The Kids Are Back 8. Become the Storm 9. We’re Not Gonna Take It 10. I Am the Hurricane 11. Burn In Hell 12. I Wanna Rock 13. For the Love of Metal 14. Highway To Hell 15. Ready to Fall 16. The Fire Still Burns 17. Roll Over You 18. Prove Me Wrong
CD 1. Lies Are A Business 2. Tomorrow’s No Concern 3. You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll 4. The Beast Live 5. American Made 6. Under The Blade 7. The Kids Are Back 8. Become The Storm 9. We’re Not Gonna Take It 10. I Am The Hurricane 11. Burn In Hell 12. I Wanna Rock Live 13. For The Love Of Metal 14. Highway To Hell 15. Prove Me Wrong
DVD/Blu-Ray 1. Lies Are A Business 2. Pain of Traveling (Interview) 3. Tomorrow’s No Concern 4. You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll 5. New Record (Interview) 6. The Beast 7. American Made 8. Under The Blade 9. Song Writing (Interview) 10. The Kids Are Back Live 11. Become The Storm 12. We’re Not Gonna Take It 13. WNGTI (Interview) 14. I Am The Hurricane 15. Burn In Hell Live 16. Rock of Ages (Interview) 17. I Wanna Rock 18. For The Love Of Metal 19. AC/DC (Interview) 20. Highway To Hell 21. Credits 22. Ready To Fall (Bonus Track) 23. The Fire Still Burns (Bonus Track) 24. Roll Over You (Bonus Track) 25. Suzette (Interview) 26. Hearing (Interview) 27. Strangeland (Interview) 28. Lemmy (Interview)
For The Love Of Metal Live will be available in the following formats: -Deluxe Earbook Edition: CD, Bonus CD, DVD, Blu-Ray & 7″ Single with Lyric etching – Limited to 500 copies worldwide -Shirt & Deluxe Earbook Edition Bundle – USA Napalm Webstore Only -8 Page Digipack with Sleeve (CD, DVD, Blu Ray) -8 Page Digipack with Sleeve (CD, DVD, Blu Ray) & Shirt Bundle -2LP Black Gatefold & DVD -2LP Black Gatefold & DVD & Shirt Bundle – USA Napalm Webstore Only -2LP Silver Gatefold & DVD – Limited to 200 copies worldwide (Napalm Webstores Only) -2LP Silver Gatefold & DVD & Shirt Bundle – USA Napalm Webstore Only -Digital Full Length Album
Shirt & Deluxe Earbook Edition Bundle – USA Napalm Webstore Only
Albert and Joe Bouchard are best known as founding members of Blue Öyster Cult. The original line-up sold millions of albums for Columbia Records, with such classic songs as “Don’t Fear the Reaper” and the #1 hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart “Burning For You”. Both contributing to songwriting, and lead vocals on some of their greatest songs, such as Albert’s vocals on “Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll”, and Joe’s on “Hot Rails To Hell”.
Albert’s infamous cowbell part in “Don’t Fear The Reaper” was the basis of the classic Will Ferrell skit on SNL, which also starred Christopher Walken. With “The Reaper,” an all-time classic on YouTube and every other digital platform, with zillions of views, the Bouchard brothers are forever cemented in pop culture.
Now they are ready to embark on their next venture together with RockHeart Records. With multiple albums being readied for release, the Bouchard’s manager, Jeff Keller, suggested the idea of forming a new imprint label that would be owned and operated by the Bouchards, with Keller’s assistance. Keller sought a partnership with a label that could assist with the new imprint label and the distribution, manufacturing, and marketing. “I had previously worked on a release with Deko Music and I was impressed with their team, experience, and the enthusiasm. Deko loved the idea of the imprint label and their team was excited to work with us,” said Keller. This led to the birth of RockHeart Records and a new partnership with Deko Music. Deko Entertainment president Bruce Pucciarello states, “Deko is thrilled to be partnering with RockHeart Records in releasing Joe and Albert’s new music. Having been fortunate enough to preview this material I can promise fans (because I am a big one) that they won’t be disappointed.”
Joe Bouchard will release his brand new solo album ‘Strange Legends’ on July 31st. The first single and lyric video “Forget About Love” will drop on June 19th, with the follow up “She’s A Legend” dropping on July 17th. Keep checking back at Deko Entertainment as Joe will continually take you on a special behind the scenes song by song look at ‘Strange Legends’.
For the last two years, Joe has worked tirelessly on his 6th and best solo album. For the production of this album he enlisted the help of Micky Curry, a drumming powerhouse, who has played with Hall and Oates, Alice Cooper and more. He is currently the drummer for Bryan Adams, playing on all of his big hits. He has over 40 gold records in his archives.
Several of the songs were written by Joe Bouchard and lyricist/sci-fi writer John Shirley. John Shirley is a long-time lyricist for Blue Öyster Cult, and has written dozens of sci-fi novels. He was the co-screenwriter for ‘The Crow,’ starring Brandon Lee. Other songs on the album were written by the late John Elwood Cook, a very prolific songwriter, who wrote many songs on Joe’s earlier solo albums. Joe’s album also includes a cover of Ray Davies and the Kinks’ “All Day and All of the Night.”
Joe says, “I really got to explore the production and mixing of this album like nothing I’ve ever done before. The guitar sounds are especially well produced. I play all the bass on this album, one thing that many of the Blue Öyster Cult fans miss on other projects, and wanted to hear more of. The vocals and guitars fit so well with Micky’s drums. It’s the best I’ve ever done.” There are limited edition bundles (while supplies last), which can be ordered via:
Product Includes: – One (1) Joe Bouchard – Strange Legends (Autographed) CD – One (1) Joe Bouchard – Signature Guitar Pick – One (1) Joe Bouchard – Strange Legend Poster – One (1) Joe Bouchard – Strange Legends Shirt
– Exclusive Early Download of “Forget About Love” Before Anyone Else
LOOK FOR ALBERT’S ALBUM RE IMAGINOS this fall. This is his own personal updated take on the Imaginos Album by Blue Öyster Cult from 1987.
Coming soon on RockHeart Records and Deko Entertainment.
“Strange Legends” Tracklist: 1.The African Queen 2. Forget About Love 3. Walk of Fame 4. Hit and Run 5. Racin’ Thru the Desert 6. She’s a Legend 7. All Day and all of the Night 8. Once Upon a Time at the Border 9. Bottom for the Bottomless 10.Strangely in Love 11.Winter
WATCH FOR MUSIC PREVIEWS, LYRIC VIDEOS, AND MORE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE.
Steel Panther’s Concert To Save The World Is A Global Success With Fans And Critics Alike – Future Livestreams Being Considered
People know the all too famous stories of ‘N Sync, Backstreet Boys, O-Town and countless others that rose to the top of the pop charts. The one band that got away from Lou Pearlman (the man behind their success) was the little-known boy band F.P.C. (Four Pump Chumps). The band was known for their infectious tracks that combined more rock sensibilities than the usual pop music of the more known boy bands of the day. The band started to get some notoriety with one of their early songs “Let’s Get High Tonight” that almost got them a meeting with Pearlman. The meeting never happened and Michael Starr, Satchel, Lexxi Foxx, and Stix Zadinia would eventually ditch the choreography for a return to spandex and hair spray as the now world-famous Steel Panther.
The song has found a new life on the band’s latest release Heavy Metal Rules and the F.P.C. (Four Pump Chumps) version can be seen here: https://youtu.be/W2FQM2j8Lss.
The new video release comes on the heels of the band’s first ever live stream concert they played on June 7th. The virtual Concert To Save The World was a global success amongst critics and fans alike. The concert aired from The Drum Channel Studio at Drum Workshop in California that featured full stage production, multiple cameras, crowd noise and special guest appearances by Rudy Sarzo and Rob Riggle. Tickets cost just $15.00 with proceeds going to benefit Heavenly Pets Animal Rescue (the location that hosted the band’s recently announced All Day Kitty Cam) and Live Nation’s Crew Nation Fund (benefitting all touring personnel affected by the Covid-19 pandemic). Journalists from Loudwire, Ultimate-Guitar, The Oakland Press and numerous others checked out the stream live, and spoke favorably of the 105-minute concert event. Steel Panther is currently in deep internal discussions and planning to figure out a time for another livestream and more information will be made public as soon as it is available.
Steel Panther recently announced their newest guitar pedal – The Butthole Burner. Made in the USA, the latest distortion pedal from the collective brain trust features the exact same circuit as the now infamous Pussy Melter pedal. The limited production run Butthole Burner will retail for $199.99. Not immune to the effects of the current Covid-19 pandemic as their partying has come to a stop because drug dealers are not classified as essential personnel, Steel Panther has set up an interest free 4-month payment plan for all self-quarantined musicians that might want to purchase The Butthole Burner. Also, anyone that purchased the original Melter or last year’s Poontang Boomerang delay pedal will receive 10% off their purchase. Fans must be logged in to their Panther store account and use the code “Melter10” to receive the discount.
Anyone who orders TheButthole Burner will be entered for a chance to win a limited number of “Golden Tickets” thatcomes with Penis Chili Pepper seeds (so purchasers can grow their own butthole burner peppers at home) and a $50 gift certificate to the band’s merch store.
Steel Panther are currently sitting home practicing social distancing and self-gratification thanks to the Coronavirus. The band is planning to return to the road during some month that will kick off in some city with some other bands once the world returns to normal. More information for all things Steel Panther can be found at www.steelpantherrocks.com.
ABOUT STEEL PANTHER: For the uninitiated, Steel Panther was formed in 2000 and is comprised of Michael Starr (lead singer), Satchel (guitarist), Lexxi Foxx (bass) and Stix Zadinia (drums). Hailing from Los Angeles, the epicenter for rock n’ roll in all its debauchery and glamour, Steel Panther has established themselves as the world’s premier party band, melding hard rock virtuosity with parody and criminally good looks. Steel Panther is a global phenomenon with four full-length albums, touring across the world, platinum-level You Tube status and high-profile television appearances such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, Larry King Now, and FOX NFL Sunday. Rolling Stone avowed, “There’s a reason Steel Panther have transcended their origins as a cover band playing the Sunset Strip,” while Metal Sucks declared, Steel Panther’s concept is genius…their songwriting is…preposterously snappy – and relatable.”
After a five year lapse veteran Virginia Metallers Lamb of God return with a brand new studio album simply titled “Lamb of God”. The ten track release which was produced by Josh Wilbur and is being released via Epic Records is the follow up to the bands critically acclaimed 2005 album “VII: Sturm und Drang”. “Lamb of God” is the first studio release to feature drummer Art Cruz who replaced Chris Adler after his departure from the group in 2019.
Lamb of God wastes no time getting to the point with their latest self titled studio offering. The albums opening track “Momento Mori” features a haunting spoken lyric passage courtesy of Lead singer Randy Blythes while an equally eerie rolling guitar riff plays in the back background moments before giving way to a full on bombastic assault of your senses. “Momento Mori” is also the longest track of on the album clocking in at just under six minutes giving you ample time to get comfortable for the remaining nine tracks all of which pack an equally aggressive punch. Tracks like “Check Mate”, “New Colossal Hate” and “Resurrection Man” feature impressive dueling guitar work by Willie Adler and Mark Morton. The two players really complement one another in their attack giving each track a killer mix of equal parts shredding and chugging. Drummer Art Cruz is equally impressive across the board as his playing fits in seamlessly with that of bassist John Campbell providing a thunderous attack of low end thunder. “Lamb of God” also features a couple guest spots courtesy of Hatebreed front-man Jamey Jasta on the song “Poison Dream” and Chuck Billy of Testament on “Routes”. I highly recommend checking out both of those tracks as each of the guest performers spots add a little something special to an already impressive canvas.
From front to back “Lamb of God” is a full on knock to your senses. Josh Wilbur hit it out of the park with the overall production of the album as it sounds great no matter if it’s played through ear buds or on large speakers. Each member’s performance seems to have been carefully crafted to insure it tied into the next without issue. Art Cruz undoubtedly had some big shoes to fill in his new full time role and he more than delivered as the band has never sounded tighter. Well worth the price of admission “Lamb of God” is a fitting soundtrack to this chaotic and uncertain time.
Track Listing:
1.) Momento Mori
2.) Check Mate
3.) Gears
4.) Reality Bath
5.) New Colossal Hate
6.) Resurrection Man
7.) Poison Dream (feat. Jamey Jasta)
8.) Routes (feat. Chuck Billy)
9.) Bloodshot Eyes
10.) On The Hook
Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Lamb of God Bassist John Campbell here
John Campbell is the bassist for the Grammy nominated heavy metal group Lamb of God. On June 19th the Richmond, VA based band will release their 8th studio album titled “Lamb of God”. This release is the follow up to the highly acclaimed 2015 album “VII: Sturm und Drang” and is the first to feature Art Cruz on drums. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with John recently about the albums creation, the bands lines up change and what it’s like being in a band during the current world pandemic.
Adam Lawton: The bands previous albums have always contained lyrical themes and topics. Was this the case for the album?
John Campbell: We have always been mildly political and focused on darker, more unpleasant aspects of life. That certainly hasn’t change. I think what has changed is that some of the things we speak about on the record are coming to pass in ways you wouldn’t imagine. It’s an incredibly crazy time when things going on start to match the lyrics of a Lamb of God song.
AL: When you are coming up with lyrics and themes is that a process everyone is involved in?
JC: It is mostly Randy. Mark and Josh our producer have a hand in things as well and I have thrown my two cents in there also. Primarily though that is a Randy exercise.
AL: At what point in the five years since the bands previous album did things start coming together for the new album?
JC: We started quite a while ago actually. During that time we were approached by Slayer to be a part of their final tour. We figured we could put recording off for a summer and then go back to it. The run with Slayer ended up lasting a year and a half. As our part of that was winding down we knew we had to get off the road and focus on writing.
AL: Were you trying to work on the album at all while you were on the road or, is that not something the band typically does?
JC: That’s not something we generally do. I can’t speak for Randy because I know he does a good deal of writing regardless if it’s going to end up as lyrics or not. The same can be said for Mark and Willie as they are always writing riffs. Those guys have studios in their homes where they are tracking pretty frequently. For the most part there is a solid line of when we touring and when we are working on an album.
AL: With this being drummer Art Cruz’s first album with you guys where there any adjustments you had to make to incorporate his style and playing into the bands creative process?
JC: The adjustments I had to make were very minimal. Art being his own person has his own style, taste and licks. His drumming was heavily influenced by Lamb of God so he already spoke the language so to speak. There is an element of fell that comes with playing in a band for a long time and that literally only took a second for us to put together with Art. From a tone stand point there is always an adjustment with each record. I try to play of the other tones of the band and go with what fits in the frequency range. I am not too savvy when it comes to those types of things so I leave a lot of that to Josh Wilbur
AL: Prior to going in to the studio were there any reservations about recording with a new drummer given that it was going to be the first time working with Art in the studio?
JC: We actually met Art seven or eight years ago when he was playing in the band Wings of Plague. We got to know him as a person and became friends with him during that time. ON that tour he would actually come out and I think play the song “Black Label” with us to end the show. When it came time that we needed a fill in Art was available and willing. He just nailed it and after touring with him for awhile and the situation calling for it, it was a no brainer that he be in the band in every way possible.
AL: This was not your first time working with producer Josh Wilbur correct?
JC: Correct. I would have to look on the internet to see how long we have been working with him (Laughs) I want to say that he first started working with us on “Sacrament”. That was in 2006 and we have been working with him ever since.
AL: Do you ever worry that working with the same producer over a long period of time will cause a certain level of complacency?
JC: No, not at all! Josh Wilbur is an amazing person professionally and as a human. He is incredibly creative and very aware of things like this. He goes in to an album to try and create the best possible piece of art he can. Josh is great with suggestions and helping us along in the process. He understands the band and all of our personalities very well and that’s a god send.
AL: The pandemic has caused multiple problems around the word and within the music industry both from a release stand point and touring. How are you guys planning to work with that given you won’t be able to do the things bands traditionally do to support a new record?
JC: We are trying to make sure that everything we do or plan on doing is within the safety of the public and ourselves. We are all in this together. I am certainly not crying about releasing an album during a pandemic. This is just a very crazy time that the world is going through. Things are day by day and I really hope people will take that time to focus more on love and positivity instead of attaching to hate and negativity. We do have some things in the works for promoting the album but I don’t want to say anything just yet and jinx them. (Laughs) We are working on some things though.
Be sure to check out our review of “Lamb of God” here
Stream POWER TRIP’s Live In Seattle 05.28.18 HERE.
Texas metal quintet POWER TRIP surprises fans this week with a new release, issuing a crushing new live album. Live In Seattle 05.28.18 was issued overnight through Dark Operative and is now streaming in its entirety on all digital platforms.
Live In Seattle 05.28.18 was recorded at Neumos while POWER TRIP was on their extensive tour with Sheer Mag, Red Death, and Fury. It has since been mixed and mastered by the band’s front of house engineer, Zachary Rippy of Sound Signal Audio. Through their searing crossover delivery, POWER TRIP unloads some of the choice cuts from their discography including “Executioner’s Tax (Swing of the Axe),” “Conditioned To Death,” “Firing Squad,” “Manifest Decimation,” and more, with eleven pummeling tracks packed into an energetic forty-three-minute set.
Stream POWER TRIP’s Live In Seattle 05.28.18 at THIS LOCATION.
POWER TRIP offers this release as a way of saying thank you to all supporters, friends, and allies over the years.
To support the band directly and take some of the sting out of numerous tours and live appearances being cancelled amidst the COVID-19 worldwide epidemic, digital purchases of the set are available via POWER TRIP‘s official Bandcamp page HERE.
The set can be streamed now across all free and premium digital services. Find a comprehensive list of all the most popular music services for quick links HERE.
Live In Seattle 05.28.18 Track Listing:
1. Drown (Intro)
2. Divine Apprehension
3. Suffer No Fool
4. Soul Sacrifice
5. Executioner’s Tax (Swing Of The Axe)
6. Crucifixation
7. Heretic’s Fork
8. Conditioned To Death
9. Firing Squad
10. Manifest Decimation
11. Crossbreaker
Stand by for additional updates and news on POWER TRIP to post shortly.
