Visit Donner at NAMM 2023-Donner will Exhibit More Than 20 New Products at NAMM 2023

Donner will Exhibit More Than 20 New Products at NAMM 2023

The NAMM Show
BOOTH 4324
April 13–15, 2023 Convention Center, Anaheim, California

 

Donner, a leading manufacturer of innovative and feature-rich musical instruments with an extensive range of products that covers guitars, e-drums, digital pianos, and audio equipment, is set to introduce its latest musical instruments and audio equipment at the highly anticipated 2023 NAMM Show to be held from April 13-15 in Anaheim, California, USA.

At Booth 4324, Donner will unveil new additions to its lineups of HUSH Series headless guitars, Seeker Series electric guitars, and carbon fiber guitars, providing exclusive new experiences and possibilities to both beginner and advanced guitarists.

Donner will join the media preview day on April 12 with its latest innovation – the REVO Smart Guitar.

For keys and percussion, visitors will see Donner’s latest flagship electronic drum sets, the DED-500P, and D1 Drum Machine from the Essential Series synthesizers, and the ungraded model of the DDP-80 Digital Piano, DDP-80 Plus.

In the pro-audio and consumer electronics industry, Donner will also make a splash in the market with its feature-rich products, including the integrated all-in-one workstation and portable podcast interfaces, as well as the compact soundbar packed with Dolby Atmos, marking Donner’s bold attempt in the CE market.

Besides new products, Donner is bringing new ideas and plans to its dealers and partners. To build more connections with dealer guests, Donner will host a sales event in Marriott Anaheim on the Friday night of April 14th, allowing the authorized dealers and potential partners a convenient place to conduct business.

For more information, please visit the Donner’s booth at the NAMM Show 2023 in the Anaheim Convention Center, April 13 to 15, 2023, or visit Donner NAMM website.

METALLICA: M72 WORLD TOUR LIVE FROM ARLINGTON, TX – A TWO NIGHT EVENT COMING TO CINEMAS

METALLICA: M72 WORLD TOUR LIVE FROM ARLINGTON, TX – A TWO NIGHT EVENT COMING TO CINEMAS WORLDWIDE AUGUST 18 & 20

METALLICA & TRAFALGAR RELEASING TO LIVE* BROADCAST TWO CONCERTS FROM TEXAS’ AT&T STADIUM

Major Metallica news from Down Under! Metallica: 72 Seasons – Global Premiere has just screened in cinemas in New Zealand and moviegoers there were the first to learn that Metallica’s M72 World Tour is set to burst onto the big screen, live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, in cinemas worldwide on Friday, August 18 and Sunday, August 20.

Titled Metallica: M72 World Tour Live From Arlington, TX – A Two Night Event, this unprecedented global theatrical event will see the band playing two nights with two completely different setlists, with songs spanning the group’s 40+ year career, from 1983’s classic Kill ‘Em All to 2023’s long-awaited 72 Seasons. The band won’t play a single song twice, making for a total of more than 30 songs across both nights.

The M72 tour will feature a bold new in-the-round stage design that relocates the famed Metallica Snake Pit to center stage, while giving fans a complete 360-degree view from every seat in the house. With a state-of-the-art multi-camera set up, fans will be right in the middle of the action, no matter where they are in the world. For more information, visit metallica.film.

Metallica: 72 Seasons – Global Premiere, the worldwide listening party for Metallica’s forthcoming 12th studio album, 72 Seasons, continues to launch across the globe over the next 20 hours. Tickets are still available for this tonight-only event at metallica.film. At the event, 72 Seasons will be played in full in pummeling surround sound, exclusively for cinema audiences worldwide—with every one of the new songs featuring its own music video and exclusive commentary from the band. The result will offer fans an unforgettable night as they experience 72 Seasons first and fully on the eve of its April 14 release date.

“We feel like we are a part of the Metallica family now that we are doing our third release together (Metallica: M72 World Tour Live From Arlington, TX – A Two Night Event, 72 Seasons Global Premiere, and S&M²),” said Kymberli Frueh, SVP Programming and Content Acquisitions, Trafalgar Releasing. “Since Metallica is touring in very limited markets this year, we are so happy that we can extend that tour into cinemas across the globe. The cinemas create a virtual tour stop for fans in thousands of locations where Metallica isn’t touring this year. What better way to create a VIP experience with every seat in the cinema feeling as if you are in the front row of the concert.”

Hailed as “some of the deepest, hardest-hitting music of their career” (Rolling Stone), Metallica’s 72 Seasons will be released April 14 via the band’s own Blackened Recordings. Produced by Greg Fidelman with Hetfield and Ulrich, and clocking in at over 77 minutes, the 12-track 72 Seasons is Metallica’s first full length collection of new material since 2016’s Hardwired…To Self-Destruct. For a full listing of configurations, pre-orders and further information, go to https://www.metallica.com/store/72-seasons/.

The ticket on-sale date for Metallica: M72 World Tour Live From Arlington, TX – A Two Night Event will be announced later. Visit metallica.film for the most updated information.

* Screenings in some countries/territories will be time-shifted to best suit local time zones.

About Metallica

Formed in 1981 by vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, Metallica has become one of the most influential and successful rock bands in history, selling nearly 120 million albums worldwide and generating more than 15 billion streams while playing to millions of fans on all seven continents. Metallica’s catalog of multi-platinum studio albums includes Kill ‘Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, … And Justice for All, Metallica (commonly referred to as The Black Album), Load, Reload, St. Anger, Death Magnetic, Hardwired…to Self-Destruct, and the forthcoming 72 Seasons, out April 14, 2023, on the band’s own Blackened Recordings label. Metallica’s awards and accolades include nine Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, multiple MTV Video Music Awards, a 2009 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and Sweden’s Polar Music Prize. In 2017, Metallica established the All Within My Hands Foundation to give back to communities that have supported the band. To date, All Within My Hands’ collective efforts have raised nearly $12 million – providing $5.9 million in grants to career and technical education programs, over $2.5 million to combat food insecurity, and more than $3.3 million to disaster relief efforts.

Public Image Ltd. Announce New Album ‘End of the World’ To Be Released On August 11th; New Song “Penge,” Out Today

PUBLIC IMAGE LTD.
ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM END OF WORLD
RELEASED ON AUGUST 11th 2023
DEDICATED TO JOHN’S NORA WHO SADLY PASSED AWAY ON 5TH APRIL

PUBLIC IMAGE LTD. (PIL) WILL TOUR THE U.K. IN SEPTEMBER

HEAR NEW SINGLE PENGE

Credit: Andres Poveda Photography.

Public Image Ltd. (PiL) have decided to continue plans to announce their 11th studio album and first album in 8 years, End of World, today, following the sad passing of John’s wife of more than 4 decades, Nora Forster, on 5th April. End of World will be released on 11th August 2023 on PiL Official via Cargo UK Distribution, followed by a 38-date UK and European Tour.

Earlier this year, PiL released “Hawaii,” the most personal piece of songwriting and accompanying artwork that John Lydon has ever shared. The song is a love letter to John’s wife Nora, who sadly passed away from Alzheimer’s on Wednesday 5th April. A pensive, personal yet universal love song that has resonated with many since its release in January, the song sees John reflecting on their lifetime well spent and in particular one of their happiest moments together in Hawaii. John said, “Nora loved the album, she wouldn’t have wanted us to postpone it or change any of our plans.” Previously he has said of “Hawaii,” “It is dedicated to everyone going through tough times on the journey of life, with the person they care for the most.”

The band began writing and recording End of World in 2018, during their 40th anniversary tour. After The Great Pause, the band regrouped in the studio and “there was just this massive explosion of ideas,” Lydon says. The result finds PiL set to release 13 of the best tracks they have ever written.

The announcement comes with the release of new single “Penge,” which John has described as, “something of a mediaeval Viking epic.”

Click hear to listen to the new Public Image Ltd. single “Penge,”

Celebrating their 40-year anniversary in 2018, the band is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential bands of all time.

PiL’s music and vision has earned them 5 U.K. Top 20 singles and 5 U.K. Top 20 albums. With a shifting line-up and unique sound – fusing rock, dance, folk, pop and dub – Lydon guided the band from their debut album First Issue in 1978 through to 1992’s That What Is Not, before a 17-year hiatus. Lydon reactivated PiL in 2009, touring extensively worldwide and releasing two critically acclaimed albums This is PiL in 2012 followed by their 10th studio album What The World Needs Now… in 2015, which peaked at #29 in the official U.K. album charts and picked up fantastic acclaim from both press and public. (The album also peaked at number 3 in the official UK indie charts and #4 in the official U.K. vinyl charts). What The World Needs Now… was self-funded by PiL and released on their own label ‘PiL Official’ via Cargo UK Distribution. In 2018 PiL celebrated their 40th anniversary with a career-spanning box set and documentary film, both called ‘The Public Image Is Rotten’, and a 32-date U.K./Europe tour, plus dates in Japan.

John Lydon, Lu Edmonds, Scott Firth and Bruce Smith continue as PiL. They are the longest stable line-up in the band’s history and continue to challenge and thrive.

PiL will be touring the U.K. and Europe in September and October 2023 – dates below.

Press quotes for lead single “Hawaii’, which was released in January:

“A beauteous and touching love song” – Mojo

“Uncharacteristically soul-bearing” – Pitchfork

“an understated and emotional ballad” – Rolling Stone

“a swooning, poignant ballad awash with memories of happier times… He’s remarkably tender as he croons: “Don’t fly too soon / No need to cry, in pain / You are loved.” It’s the vulnerability that is most striking. Lydon’s love for his wife shines through like sunrays breaking through clouds, casting everything in a golden light: “I remember you,” he reassures her. He’s backed by harmonising chants of “aloha”, the Hawaii term that is both a greeting and a farewell. It’s a message from the heart, overflowing with spirit and compassion. What better word for what Lydon is trying to convey here?” – The Independent

“a beautiful and rueful ballad written by Lydon to his wife Nora, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. It’s a peach of a track: both pensive and personal, it reflects on one of their happiest times together in Hawaii. “Remember me / I remember you… You are loved,” not-so-Rotten sings over a lush soundscape of gently twanging guitars vaguely reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s Albatross.” – The Telegraph

Track listing for End of the World:

1.) “Penge”
2.) “End Of The World”
3.) “Car Chase”
4.) “Being Stupid Again”
5.) “Walls”
6.) “Pretty Awful”
7.) “Strange”
8.) “Down On The Clown”
9.) “Dirty Murky Delight”
10.) “The Do That”
11.) “L F C F”
12.) “North West Passage”
13.) “Hawaii”

Public Image Ltd. current global tour dates:

NATIONAL TOUR KICKS OFF RETURN OF ADULT SWIM’S “METALOCALYPSE”

NATIONAL TOUR KICKS OFF RETURN OF ADULT SWIM’S “METALOCALYPSE,”
ALL-NEW FILM, SOUNDTRACK, AND “DETHALBUM IV” RELEASES FORTHCOMING

The long-awaited return of Adult Swim’s favorite heavy metal adventure “Metalocalypse” arrives with a nationwide tour of the series’ on-screen band DETHKLOK. A full-length original film, written and directed by Brendon Small, “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar”, a companion soundtrack and “Dethalbum IV” will also arrive this year.

DETHKLOK will kick off their twenty-nine date national tour on August 30 with Japanese kawaii metal pioneers BABYMETAL as co-headliners and virtuoso guitarist Jason Richardson as support.

“It’s very surreal having so much new ‘Metalocalypse’ & DETHKLOK this year with the trifecta of the tour, movie and album,” said Small. “I’m so excited to get on the road with the powerful BABYMETAL, and to celebrate all the hard work that team ‘Metalocalypse’ & DETHKLOK put in over the last two years and beyond!”

The “BABYKLOK” tour will also include appearances at Blue Ridge Rock Festival in Alton, VA (Sep 10), Louder Than Life in Louisville, KY (Sep 23) and Aftershock in Sacramento, CA (Oct 7).

Wed-Aug-30-23 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
Thu-Aug-31-23 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom
Sat-Sep-02-23 – Orlando, FL – Orlando Amphitheater
Sun-Sep-03-23 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
Tue-Sep-05-23 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Municipal Auditorium
Wed-Sep-06-23 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre
Fri-Sep-08-23 – Pittsburgh, PA – UPMC Events Center
Sat-Sep-09-23 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Sun-Sep-10-23 – Alton, VA – Blue Ridge Rock Festival
Tue-Sep-12-23 – Philadelphia, PA – The Mann Center
Thu-Sep-14-23 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Fri-Sep-15-23 – New York, NY – Hammerstein Ballroom
Sun-Sep-17-23 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
Mon-Sep-18-23 – Toronto, ONT – RBC Echo Beach
Wed-Sep-20-23 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Thu-Sep-21-23 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Sat-Sep-23-23 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life Festival
Sun-Sep-24-23 – Milwaukee, MN – The Rave/Eagles Club
Mon-Sep-25-23 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore
Wed-Sep-27-23 – St. Louis, MO – Saint Louis Music Park
Thu-Sep-28-23 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha
Sat-Sep-30-23 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
Sun-Oct-01-23 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
Tue-Oct-03-23 – Vancouver, BC – PNE Forum
Wed-Oct-04-23 – Seattle, WA – WaMu Theater
Sat-Oct-07-23 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock Festival
Sun-Oct-08-23 – Las Vegas, NV – Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort
Tue-Oct-10-23 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theater
Wed-Oct-11-23 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater

Ticket information and VIP packages can be found at thebabykloktour.com.

Also coming later in 2023 is “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar,” an original full-length movie written and directed by Brendon Small (“Metalocalypse”) and produced by Titmouse, Adult Swim and Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment. The film stars Small, Tommy Blacha, Victor Brandt (“Metalocalypse”), Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner (Grammy® Award Winning Musician), King Diamond (KING DIAMOND; MERCYFUL FATE), Mark Hamill (“Batman: The Animated Series”; “The Machine”), Kirk Hammett (METALLICA), Jon Hamm (“Confess. Fletch”; “Top Gun: Maverick”), Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Amy Lee (EVANESCENCE), Malcolm McDowell (“A Clockwork Orange”), Juliet Mills (“Passions”), Laraine Newman (“Saturday Night Live”), Raya Yarbrough (“Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem – a Klok Opera”), and Livia Zita (2022 Winner – Society of Voice Arts and Sciences Award).

The all-new animated movie begins after the heroic rescue of Toki Wartooth; DETHKLOK frontman Nathan Explosion finds himself traumatized in a BRUTAL professional and romantic flat-spin, all while he is tasked with fulfilling the prophecy and confronting the ultimate songwriting challenge to save the planet. Can Nathan Explosion look beyond his brutally damaged ego to save his band, stop the Metalocalypse, and finally face the ultimate evil: Salacia?

As a special highlight, fans can also anticipate the release of two full-length albums this year. WaterTower Music will release both the film soundtrack, “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” as well as “Dethalbum IV” around the launch of the film. Meanwhile, fans can summon DETHKLOK by streaming the Metalocalypse: Dethklok Complete Collection playlists.

“Metalocalypse” originally premiered in 2006 on Adult Swim and was created by Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha.

GHOST: FIVE-SONG COVERS EP, PHANTOMIME, OUT MAY 18

GHOST
PHANTOMIME
FIVE-SONG COVERS EP OUT MAY 18
“JESUS HE KNOWS ME” TRACK & VIDEO OUT NOW

New Webisode Chapter 17: Nap Time Live Now

Fresh off winning Best Rock Album of the Year at the iHeart Radio Music Awards, Ghost announces the coming of PHANTOMIME, a five-song covers EP intended from the start to follow last year’s international chart-topping opus IMPERA. A diverse and spellbinding sampling of the GRAMMY Award-winning band’s musical DNA, PHANTOMIME is comprised of covers of classics and deep cuts by Television, Genesis, The Stranglers, Iron Maiden and Tina Turner. PHANTOMIME pays tribute in equal measure to every one of these unlikely bedfellow, influences while stamping them all with Ghost’s undeniable sonic signature.

The announcement of PHANTOMIME’s impending release also solves the mystery of Ghost’s recent “Jesus Is Coming” campaign, as referenced in the Good Friday premiere of the newest installment of the band’s long-running webisode series, Chapter 17: Nap Time. PHANTOMIME’s May 18 release via Loma Vista Recordings is heralded by Ghost’s interpretation of Genesis’ 1992 satirical stab at televangelists “Jesus He Knows Me,” available now to stream and download, and as an instant grat track with pre-orders of the EP.

This second coming of “Jesus He Knows Me” is accompanied by an Alex Ross Perry-directed video that will surely make the case that one person’s beauty is another’s blasphemy. Culminating in a climactic ritual that must be seen to be believed, Ghost’s visual interpretation of “Jesus He Knows Me” rises to the occasion in unholy fashion — and then some. Viewer discretion is advised.

The Easter Sunday release of the “Jesus He Knows Me” track and video continues two established Ghost traditions: 1) Following up the release of a full length studio album with uniquely Ghost-ified cover versions, past efforts having included reinterpretations of favorites by Abba, The Beatles, Depeche Mode, Roky Erickson, Eurythmics, Metallica, Pet Shop Boys and many more; and 2) Challenging, confronting and upending societal conventions and authority figures, often taking on specific antagonists — in this case, Father Jim DeFroque, host of the evangelical radio show Jesus Talk with Father Jim DeFroque on KLAQ in El Paso TX — and also star of the “Jesus He Knows Me” video.

The complete track listing for PHANTOMIME is as follows:

“See No Evil” (Television)
“Jesus He Knows Me” (Genesis)
“Hanging Around” (The Stranglers)
“Phantom of the Opera” (Iron Maiden)
“We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” (Tina Turner)

PHANTOMIME’s release will coincide with Ghost’s first live dates of 2023, beginning with a May/June European run of festival and headline dates including appearances at Primavera Sound 2023 where the band will share a bill with Blur, Depeche Mode, Halsey and Kendrick Lamar, among others, and Sweden Rock Festival 2023, where Ghost will be one of four headliners alongside Def Leppard, Iron Maiden and Motley Crue. Ghost will then make its triumphant return to North America, for its RE-IMPERATOUR U.S.A. 2023 summer tour with special guest Amon Amarth. RE-IMPERATOUR U.S.A. 2023 kicks off August 2nd in Concord, CA, with stops in more than two dozen cities before its two-night finale the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on September 11th and — recently added by popular demand — September 12th.

Photo Credit: Jimmy Hubbard

Product Review: Donner DMK-25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller

Donner DMK-25 Pro USB Midi Keyboard Controller

Features

• 25 Keys, 8 touch Pads, Innovative Wheels, Personalized Touch bar w/ Light Scale
• High-Definition OLED Screen Display
• 4 Exquisite Velocity-Sensitive Curves
• Small and Lightweight
• Intelligent Dynamic Scale Mode
• Real-time Multi-Mode Control
• Compatible with a Variety of DAW
• 40 Free and Entertaining Keyboard-Teaching Courses

Our score 4.5 out of 5 stars

Since 2012 Donner Music has been making affordable, quality instruments for all level of musicians. New from the company is the Donner DMK-25 Pro USB Midi Keyboard controller. This compact USB powered unit features 25 keys, 4 sliders, 8 touch pads, 4 Innovation wheels, a Personalized Touch bar with light scale and to top it off a High-Definition OLED display screen. The unit is compatible with a variety of DAW’s and its simple plug and play operation will have you creating and arranging in no time.

Having been in the market for a new Midi controller I was quite anxious to check out the DMK-25 Pro from Donner. Packed with an overflowing number of features and control options the small yet formidable controller upon first look had me a little nervous to start however after simply plugging the unit into my computer with the included USB cable I was up and running in no time. Gone was the need to search for the appropriate driver downloads and operating software and the absence of another power supply cluttering my work area helped put me a little at ease before really diving in. I paired up the unit with Garage Band and after a couple quick settings changes, I was up and running. (The DMK-25 Pro is compatible with a number of DAW’s) Right away the OLED screen grabbed my attention as the High-Definition display proved to be quite helpful across the board when setting parameters as it allows user to pull up settings such as speed, arpeggio, and velocity all in real-time. The Touch Bar and innovation wheels are another nice addition to the controller as both features brought an added level of control to the product. The 25 velocity sensitive keys and 8 velocity sensitive pads seemed to offer the same feel as other models on the market but with a bit more response which was a welcomed surprised. Now this could be attributed to the product still being new so I am going to be curious to see if that feel will remain after several months of usage. Another feature worth noting is the Intelligent Dynamic Scale Mode. This feature allows you to play essential bass lines, melodies, and leads with ease and the 16-scale tones enable you to switch between a variety of sounds and genres and when enable you no longer have to worry about tuning issues while working on your arranging. That feature alone makes this unit worth every penny of its sub $100 price tag.

From its ease of use and wide array of features to its vast DAW compatibility Donner’s DMK-25 Pro Midi Controller is a near perfect unit for those looking for a Midi controller. The unit’s small footprint makes both travel and home set up a breeze and the simple USB-C power feature means one less cord to remember and no bulky power supply taking up valuable space. If that was not enough as a bonus each DMK-25 Pro comes with 40 free teaching courses which range from beginner to advanced so there is a little something for everyone here. If you are in the market for a new controller or getting ready to purchase your first unit, I highly recommend checking out the Donner DMK-25 Pro as you will not be disappointed.

To purchase the DMK-25 Pro visit Donnermusic.com or the Donner Amazon Store.

Kirk Hammett: Gibson Partners with Metallica Guitarist To Recreate “Greeny,” His Iconic 1959 Les Paul Standard Burst Guitar

Gibson:
Celebrates Guitarist Kirk Hammett of Metallica
Recreates Iconic “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard Burst Guitar

Custom Shop (out Today), and Gibson Les Paul Standard (out April 11) via Gibson.com

Above: Kirk Hammett with Greeny, his 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard. Credit: Ross Halfin.

For 130 years, Gibson has shaped sound across generations and genres of music, becoming one of the most relevant, played, and loved guitar brands around the world. Gibson is proud to unveil its first official global release and partnership with Kirk Hammett, legendary guitarist of the multi-platinum selling and GRAMMY® Award-winning band, Metallica. No other guitar has earned legendary status like “Greeny,” the magical 1959 Les Paul Standard, now owned by Kirk Hammett. For the first time ever, Gibson has collaborated with Kirk to create “Greeny” for a worldwide audience to enjoy in both a Gibson Custom Shop version, out now, and next month a Les Paul Standard version from Gibson. The Kirk Hammett “Greeny” assortment is available through Premium Gibson dealers, and via Gibson.com.

“I am very honored and grateful for this opportunity with Gibson,” says Kirk Hammett. “To be able to share some of that mojo which ‘Greeny’ has means a lot to me. It’s exciting to know that anyone can experience some of that ‘Greeny’ magic. I truly think these models are just as inspiring as the original and hope you do too!”

“We are excited to continue the evolution of Greeny with the Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab Aged Kirk Hammett ‘Greeny’ 1959 Les Paul Standard, and on April 11 we’ll also be releasing the Gibson Kirk Hammett ‘Greeny’ Les Paul Standard,” adds Cesar Gueikian, Gibson Brand President. “Kirk has been inspiring musicians for decades, starting with his 1979 Gibson Flying V, and over the years expanding his collection across many Gibson guitars. Over the last 10 years since he became the custodian of Greeny, he has incorporated the Greeny sound into everything he does, making it a staple of his Metallica sound on records and on stages around the world. And as I said before, we’re just getting started!”

Above: Gibson Custom Shop Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard

The story of “Greeny” is shrouded in mystery, but few guitars are as illustrious. Greeny is one of the most iconic original Les Paul Standards ever made, with a unique sound as recognizable as the guitar itself. Originally owned by Peter Green, it was used throughout his time with Fleetwood Mac and later sold to Gary Moore, who used it for three decades with Thin Lizzy and as a solo artist. Now owned by Kirk Hammett, Greeny has passed through the hands of three legendary guitarists. Its distinctive sound is partly from the out-of-phase middle switch position due to the neck pickup’s reversed magnetic polarity.

The Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard from the Gibson Custom Shop is artfully aged to match the original by the Murphy Lab and was inspired by this legendary guitar. With its Indian Rosewood fretboard, the Custom Shop Greeny gives players around the world the opportunity to experience some of the magic of “Greeny” for themselves. The Gibson Custom Shop “Greeny” arrives with an exclusive Lifton reissue 5 latch hardshell case with brown leather exterior and pink interior.

Due out on April 11, 2023, the Kirk Hammett “Greeny” Les Paul Standard version was inspired by this legendary guitar and gives players around the world the opportunity to experience some of the magic of “Greeny” for themselves. The Gibson Kirk Hammett “Greeny” Les Paul Standard comes with an Original Series hardshell case.

Watch/share the new interview with Kirk Hammett: HERE.

Above: the Kirk Hammett “Greeny” Les Paul Standard

Wolfgang Van Halen’s MAMMOTH WVH To Release ‘MAMMOTH II’ On August 4th

WOLFGANG VAN HALEN’S MAMMOTH WVH SET TO RELEASE SOPHOMORE ALBUM MAMMOTH II
ON AUGUST 4th VIA BMG –
NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
https://MammothWVH.lnk.to/MammothIIPR

Photo Credit: Travis

Music Video For First Single
“Another Celebration At The End Of The World”
Can Be Seen Here:
https://youtu.be/yIQH0HcdQnE

Band Currently On Tour With Alter Bridge With Future Dates Alongside Metallica, Def Leppard/Motley Crüe and More Already Announced
https://www.mammothwvh.com

On the heels of a whirlwind debut that included a GRAMMY® Award nomination for his first-ever single, #1 debuts on multiple charts, television performances, and sold out shows over a two-year span, Mammoth WVH is back with its sophomore album Mammoth II. The 10-track record will be available worldwide on August 4th via the band’s new label, BMG. Recorded at the legendary 5150 studio, the album was produced by friend and collaborator Michael “Elvis” Baskette.

Mammoth II is available for pre-order in multiple configurations here: https://MammothWVH.lnk.to/MammothIIPR.

Continuing the tradition of writing all of the songs and performing all of the instrumentation and vocals himself, Wolfgang Van Halen set out to challenge himself to expand his sound beyond what people had already come to know him for. From the rocking opener “Right?” to Beatles-esque fade on closer “Better Than You” Mammoth II showcases the growth of Wolfgang as a songwriter, musician and especially vocalist. Songs like “Like A Pastime,” “Take A Bow” and “Waiting” are all sonically different from each other but unique to what mastermind Wolfgang Van Halen and Mammoth WVH is. The debut single from Mammoth II is the upbeat rocker “Another Celebration At The End Of The World.” The single is currently impacting radio and the music video for “Another Celebration At The End Of The World” is an 8:25 introduction to the Mammoth WVH live band. Picking up where the #1 single “Don’t Back Down” music video left off, the new video showcases a frustrated Wolfgang firing the other Wolfgang’s from that video and replacing them with his now notorious live band featuring Frank Sidoris (guitars), Jon Jourdan (guitars), Ronnie Ficarro (Bass) and Garrett Whitlock (drums). The video was directed by Gordy De St. Jeor and can be seen here: https://youtu.be/yIQH0HcdQnE.

“I knew that I wanted the new album to contain elements of what people heard on the debut, but also giving me a chance to branch out a bit. ‘Another Celebration At The End Of the World’ is definitely a song that showcases what people can expect from the new album. It is a high-energy rocker with some fun guitar moments on it. I also pushed myself vocally and it is a song I can’t wait to get out and play live. I can see it being a fixture in our live set moving forward,” explains Wolfgang Van Halen

The track listing for Mammoth II is:

1. Right?
2. Like A Pastime
3. Another Celebration At The End Of The World
4. Miles Above Me
5. Take A Bow
6. Optimist
7. I’m Alright
8. Erase Me
9. Waiting
10. Better Than You

Mammoth WVH is planning to tour around the globe in support of Mammoth II. The live band – comprised of Wolfgang Van Halen, Frank Sidoris, Jon Jourdan, Ronnie Ficarro and Garrett Whitlock – is currently on the second leg of the US tour supporting Alter Bridge before moving to another massive tour playing alongside Metallica. Mammoth WVH will also be making various festival appearances around the globe as well as headline stops going in to 2024. More dates will be announced in the near future tickets for all Mammoth WVH appearances can be found here: https://www.mammothwvh.com.

Tour Dates 2023
Mar 23 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre *
Mar 25 – Airway Heights, WA – Northern Quest Resort & Casino *
Mar 26 – Airway Heights, WA – Northern Quest Resort & Casino *
Mar 28 – Anaheim, CA – House Of Blues *
Mar 29 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre *
Mar 31 – Reno, NV – Silver Legacy Resort Casino *
Apr 1 – Highland, CA – Yaamava Theater *
Apr 27 – Amsterdam, NL – Johan Cruijff ArenA #
May 19 – Paris, FR – Stade de France #
May 26 – Hamburg, DE – Volksparkstadion #
May 29 – Berlin, DE – Hole44
May 30 – Frankfurt, DE – Das Bett
Jun 1 – Köln, DE – Gebäude 9
Jun 3 – Tilburg, NL – Poppodium 013 *
Jun 6 – Edinburgh, UK – O2 Academy Edinburgh *
Jun 8 – Castle Donington, Derby, UK – Download Festival
Jun 10 – Sölvesborg, SE – Sweden Rock Festival
Jun 13 – Stockholm, SE – Gröna Lund *
Jun 15 – Dessel, BE – Graspop Metal Meeting
Jun 16 – Göteborg, SE – Ullevi #
Jun 17 – Copenhagen, DK – Copenhell Festival 2023
Jun 20 – Ludwigsburg, DE – Mhp Arena
Jun 21 – Graz, AT – Kasematten – Schlossbergbühne
Jun 23 – Naz-sciaves – Natz-schabs, ITA – Aspen Flair 2023
Jun 24 – Grenchen, CH – Summerside Festival
Jun 26 – Villeurbanne, FR – Transbordeur *
Jun 28 – Lisboa, PT – Evil Live Festival
Jun 29 – Viveiro, ES – Resurrection Fest 2023
Jul 1 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium ^
Jul 4 – Rathfarnham, IE – Marlay Park ^
Jul 6 – Saltmarket, UK – Glasgow Green ^
Aug 4 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium #
Aug 11 – Montreal, CA – Olympic Stadium #
Aug 16 – Springfield, IL – Illinois State Fair 2023 *
Aug 18 – Arlington, TX – AT&T Stadium #
Aug 25 – Inglewood, CA – SoFi Stadium #
Sep 1 – Glendale, AZ – State Farm Stadium #
Sep 3 – Pryor, Ok – Rocklahoma
Nov 3 – St. Louis, MO – The Dome at America’s Center #
Nov 10 – Detroit, MI – Ford Field #

* Supporting Alter Bridge
# Supporting Metallica
^ Supporting Def Leppard/Motley Crüe

Tour Dates 2024

May 24 – München, DE – Olympiastadion München #
Jun 7 – Helsinki, FI – Helsinki Olympic Stadium #
Jun 14 – Copenhagen, DK – Telia Parken #
Jul 5 – Warszawa, PL – PGE Narodowy #
Jul 12 – Madrid, ES – Cívitas Metropolitano #
Aug 2 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium #
Aug 9 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field #
Aug 16 – Minneapolis, MN – US Bank Stadium #
Aug 23 – Edmonton, CA- Commonwealth Stadium #
Aug 30 – Seattle, WA – Lumen Field Event Center #
Sep 20 – Mexico – Foro Sol #
Sep 27 – Mexico – Foro Sol #

# Supporting Metallica

Cancel Your Summer Vacation Plans! GWAR Announces Summer Dates Alongside Mudvayne, and more on the “The Psychotherapy Sessions” Tour

Cancel Your Summer Vacation Plans!
GWAR
Announces Summer Dates Alongside
Mudvayne & more on the
“The Psychotherapy Sessions” Tour

Attention Humans!

Your Lords and Masters GWAR are currently hibernating deep within their Antarctic fortress, but the Alien Overlords will soon awaken to embark on the next leg of their ongoing mission for intergalactic domination.

Having destroyed North American clubs last fall, GWAR are set to return to the road to spray steaming hot shock-rock-n-roll on throngs of fans in amphitheaters across the country alongside Mudvayne, Coal Chamber, Nonpoint and Butcher Babies. There’s no better way to stay cool in the summer than getting hosed down with GWAR’s refreshing spew!

The “The Psychotherapy Sessions” tour kicks off July 20th in West Palm Beach, FL and runs through August 26th in Salt Lake City, UT. A complete list of dates can be found below. Tickets go on sale this Friday!

Lead singer Blóthar the Berserker is excited to get back out on the road.

“I’ve been roller skating to get in shape for this. I’ve packed my thong bikini and water wing arm floaties. We are going to tear the US a new Grand Canyon this summer! What a bill this is! The real Monsters of Rock are hitting the road!”

The band will be on tour in support of their latest release ‘The New Dark Ages’ which chronicles GWAR’s adventures in an alternate universe. If you haven’t heard this record, it is GWAR’s most conceptual and hardest rocking album in ages and features the solid scorcher “Berserker Mode”, the metal blast of “The Cutter”, and speedrock classic “Ratcatcher”, just to name a few highlights. Buy it HERE!

And, watch GWAR’s latest video for “The Cutter” HERE

“The Psychotherapy Sessions” Tour:

7/20: West Palm Beach, FL @ iTHINK Financial Amphitheater
7/21: Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater
7/23: Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
7/25: Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
7/26: Scranton, PA @ The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
7/28: Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
7/29: Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavillion
7/30: Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center
8/1: Syracuse, NY @ St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
8/2: Burgettstown, PA @ The Pavilion at Star Lake
8/4: Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center
8/5: Tinley Park, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
8/6: Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theater
8/8: Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
8/9: Peoria, IL @ Peoria Civic Center
8/12: Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavillion
8/13: The Woodlands, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
8/15: Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater
8/16: Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater
8/17: Irvine, CA @ FivePoint Amphitheater
8/19: Concord, CA @ Concord Pavilion
8/20: Reno, NV @ Grand Theater at the Grand Sierra Resort
8/22: Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheater
8/23: Ridgefield, WA @ RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
8/25: Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheater
8/26: Englewood, CO @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater

GWAR Festival and European Dates:

6/9: Donnington, UK – Download Festival
6/11: Southend, UK @ Chinnerys
6/13: Southampton, UK @ Engine Rooms
6/14: London, UK @ 02 Academy Islington
6/16: Vitoria, SP – Azkena Rock Festival
7/15: Cadott, WI – Rockfest
7/16: Mansfield, OH – Inkcarceration @ Ohio State Reformatory
10/31 – 11/4: Lamb of God’s Headbangers Boat – SOLD OUT

Product Review: Von Frankenstein Monster Gear Guitar & Bass Strings

Von Frankenstein Monster Gear Instrument Strings

Our score 4.5 out of 5 stars

Von Frankenstein Monster Gear guitar and bass strings are the brainchild of Doyle/Misfits guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein. Produced in conjunction with Sheptone all strings are made in the U.S using the best-available, domestically sourced, raw materials. Each string is made by hand, one at a time, with nickel-plated steel that is wrapped over a treated hex steel core. Von Frankenstein avoids rushed mass production which helps ensures quality, feel and durability from every string produced.

When it comes to guitar and bass strings the market seems to be constantly flooded with new string products boasting enhanced feature including everything from wider gauge options and special coatings to the use of new metals all of which are supposed to help aid or solve all together the age-old pursuit of tone. Every guitarist and bassist at one time or another will struggle with finding a tone that is all encompassing. This poses the question of, do all these newly marketed features, and advances really help players achieve that? Not always. From my experience what often happens is you might get say improved output, but the strings do not have a great feel, or the feel is good, but the tone is lacking. Finding a string that has everything a player needs is probably harder at times than actually learning the instrument so it can certainly be daunting.

What we found in the newly introduced Von Frankenstein Monster Gear guitar and bass strings are outside of a few edgy product names like “Decapitators”, “Collateral Damage”, “Toxic Rocks” and “Beast Mode” a solid US made string with no gimmicks. What you see is what you get with the Monster Gear strings which are made through a partnership between legendary Doyle/Misfits guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein and Sheptone (Sheptone has been producing instruments strings since 2007). We checked out the “Sentient-6” and “Von Frankenstein” guitar sets as well as a set of the “Beast Mode” bass strings and the first thing that jumped out at us was the unique packaging. Unlike a lot of bigger companies who package a majority of their strings all together Monster Gear individually packages each string in its own sealed bag. What is nice about this is it eliminates the possibility of strings rubbing together and/or creating an opportunity for corrosion and wear to occur even before being used. We checked every string as we installed them and found no flaws or trouble spots whatsoever.

From a playability standpoint both the guitar and bass strings all provided a smooth and balanced feel which made fretting chords comfortable and bending single notes almost effortless. The bass side of the strings provided plenty of low-end percussiveness that remained tight even in lower tunings while the treble strings rang out crisp and clear without being too bright or brittle. Even after playing on the strings for several sessions the tone has remained consistent as has the overall feel.

While boasting an artist roster which includes the brands namesake along with the likes of Exodus guitarist Gary Holt and Arch Enemy guitarist Jeff Loomis these strings are clearly aimed at players in the punk and metal genre however, we found that the tonal properties of the strings could be easily adapted to practically any style. If you are looking for a quality string that does not sacrifice tone or feel and, is hand made in the U.S. then look no further. Von Frankenstein Monster Gear strings are a quality product that guitarists and bassists from all genres and ability will surely enjoy.

To purchase Von Frankenstein Monster Gear strings visit www.vonfrankensteinmonstergear.com

DIETH – Featuring David Ellefson, Guilherme Miranda and Michał Łysejko – to Release New Album, ‘To Hell And Back’, on June 2

[photo credit: Maciej Pieloch]

DIETH:
New Death-Thrash Band of Metal Icons
David Ellefson, Guilherme Miranda and Michał Łysejko to Release New Album, ‘To Hell And Back’, on June 2

Watch the Official Music Video for Title Track, “To Hell And Back”,
HERE           

Death thrash force DIETH – featuring the iconic line-up of Grammy Award winning bassist David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth), Swedish Grammy nominated guitarist/vocalist Guilherme Miranda (ex-Entombed A.D.) and drummer Michał Łysejko (ex-Decapitated) – finally make their highly anticipated return with the upcoming release of their debut full-length via Napalm Records, entitled ‘To Hell And Back’, out June 2, 2023!

Produced by DIETH with mixing and mastering by Tomasz Zed Zalewski at Zed Studios in Chechło, Poland, the album represents new beginnings – musically, lyrically and for the band members themselves. Weaving a sinister thread of unrelenting tech-steeped death metal, rapid thrash bangers and even boasting the first ever lead vocal performance by David Ellefson on a track, the members of DIETH have pushed beyond the stereotypes of their former genres to create an unexpected yet charismatic and dynamic new sonic footprint.

Today, DIETH dominate with second single and title track “To Hell And Back” – marking the anticipated rebirth of these three metal greats. The track delivers a punishing death metal attack – with commanding vocals, tight, diverse percussion attacks, deep, grooving bass, inventive, technical riffs and a soaring solo. The high quality video shows the members pushing back against the dark forces around them, one by one, amid fiery performance footage.

Frontman Guilherme Miranda says about “To Hell And Back”:

“‘To Hell And Back’ is the song that best describes our individual and collective journeys as professional musicians. For an album to connect with the listener, it has to have deep meaning, and this wraps up this whole moment for us. We’ve been to Hell – and we’re Back!”

Watch the Music Video for “To Hell and Back” HERE

DIETH set the metalsphere ablaze when they dropped their debut single and now album track, “In The Hall of the Hanging Serpents”, in mid-2022. Met with acclaim from both fans and media alike, the surprise track marked the exciting resurgence of these three renowned musicians, coming together as a new musical force after years of silence.

Opening with an entrancing acoustic introduction, first track “To Hell And Back” quickly slams in with a punishing death metal attack. Tracks like “Dead Inside” and “Don’t Get Mad … Get Even!” showcase the thrash-infused side of DIETH, while death metal anthems such as “Wicked Disdain” and “The Mark of Cain” lean diabolical with hair-raising solos and breakneck paced rhythms backed by crushing walls of aggression. Standout “Free Us All” flirts with the record’s pace by blending winding passages and aggression with throwback bass-driven interludes with psychedelic production, followed by “Heavy Is The Crown” – a slow and low grinder featuring stoner metal groove, a swaying chorus and a blues-infused solo. Pensive, powerful ballad “Walk With Me Forever” showcases David Ellefson’s lead vocal performance debut, singing about the intense loss of a loved one and their memory providing the strength to carry on.

Ending with intensely beautiful “Severance”, ‘To Hell And Back’ proves that DIETH isn’t just another side project or “supergroup”, but rather the collective reincarnation of three renowned heavy metal forces who, by harnessing their own pain and conflict, have delivered an exciting next chapter no metal fan will want to miss!

Bassist/vocalist David Ellefson says about the new album:

“This album has been a terrific collaboration, building upon our past as we created a new sound together… we’re looking forward to unleashing the fury!”

Pre-Order ‘To Hell and Back’ HERE

‘To Hell And Back’ Track List:

1. To Hell And Back
2. Don’t Get Mad … Get Even!
3. Wicked Disdain
4. Free Us All
5. Heavy Is The Crown
6. Walk With Me Forever
7. Dead Inside
8. The Mark Of Cain
9. In The Hall Of The Hanging Serpents
10. Severance

‘To Hell And Back’ will be available in the following formats:

=> 1CD Digisleeve

=> 1LP Gatefold Black

=> Limited 1LP Die Hard Vinyl (Marbled Red/Black) w/ wristband, embroidered patch, signed autograph card – Napalm mail order only, limited to 300

=> Digital Album

[Limited 1LP Die Hard Vinyl (Marbled Red/Black) w/ wristband, embroidered patch, signed autograph card – Napalm mail order only, limited to 300]

DIETH Live:
15. – 18.06.2023 BE, Dessel / Graspop Metal Festival
06. – 08.07.2023 CZ, Velke Mezirici / Fajtfest
03. – 05.08.2023 PT, Vagos / Vagos Metal Fest
20.08.2023 FR, Carhaix / Motorcultor Festival

DIETH are:
Guilherme Miranda – Vocals, Guitar
David Ellefson – Vocals, Bass
Michał Łysejko – Drums

MESA/Boogie Announces A New Mark Icon, the Mark VII Series, Available Now

MARK VII
Available Now on www.mesaboogie.com
A New MARK Icon, MARK VII Series Offered in Head, 1×12 Combo, and Rackmount

 

Explore the new MESA/Boogie® MARK VII in the video above, HERE.

Introducing the MESA/Boogie® MARK VII.

A new MARK, icon with nine amps all-in-one, and a simple design, that can be used anywhere.

From humble beginnings to worldwide recognition, MESA/Boogie® has remained the original boutique Home of Tone, hand-crafting amplifiers of uncompromising quality from the world’s finest materials in California, USA. Founder Randall Smith instilled basic principles into MESA such as passion, drive, integrity, and excellence, and his insistence on making the best amplifiers has guided half a century of breakthrough innovations, elevating the amplifier into an instrument in its own right–one with the power to shape and create musical genres. MESA/Boogie is proud to announce the new MARK VII series, available now at authorized MESA/Boogie dealers and on www.mesaboogie.com.

The MARK VII is the Magnum Opus, the flagship of Randall Smith’s 50+ year career in one visionary amp design. The new MARK VII takes the knowledge, history, innovation, and performance and distills it into the simplest, most versatile, and smallest 90-watt Mark series amplifier ever. The 3 Channel, 9 Model Preamp, coupled with our legendary Simul-Class Power section that offers three distinct characters across its three wattage ranges, creates a new MARK icon in terms of adaptability, soulful tube tone, and magic. Joined by iconic features that put Boogies at the top of every player’s dream list, such as on-board Graphic EQ, lush reverb, a seamless effects loop, and innovative power switching, the MARK VII features a CabClone IR™ DI Direct Interface. With identical features and great sounding IRs from our standalone Cab Clone IR, this built-in version allows individual assignment of 8 Rectifier Boogie Cabinets per channel for unmatched tunability of direct sounds.

The long-awaited “Simul-Seven,” aka the new MARK VII, leapfrogs its predecessor, the Mark Five, and the secret Mark Six prototype to arrive at the most power-packed Boogie Mark model ever created in terms of tone, flexibility, compact design, and interfacing. The MARK VII is a do it all tone machine that delivers legendary Mark performance and adds two new sounds. Within the MARK VII’s 3 channel, 9 mode preamp are the iconic circuits of the Mark IIB, Mark IIC+, and Mark IV, the legendary Mark Series Clean, Fat and Crunch modes, and a new modern high-gain Mode full of character and attitude (more shredding than previous Mark amps and more vocal than a Recto), aptly named MARK VII.

We have been working on the evolution of the Mark for several years. In fact, it started before Mesa Boogie joined the Gibson family,” says Cesar Gueikian, Gibson Brands President. “At one point in the process of testing, Second Gear (aka Randy Smith), James Aschow, Doug West, Tommy Waugh, Steve Mueller and I got together, and we all agreed this Mark blew our prototype Six away and is a massive leap forward for Mesa Boogie in function and design.”

“The Mark VII has been a goal of ours and discussed for years, well before joining Gibson, and part of our concentrated R&D efforts since 2016 although under the Mark VI moniker,” says Randall Smith, founder of Mesa/Boogie. “I finished the preliminary great sounding circuit board in 2018. Refinement continued from that moment on until late ’22 when release preparation began. It became obvious about halfway through the R&D we had a Mark amplifier worth skipping a generational number for. We had leapfrogged our beloved prototype Mark VI mule by such a large margin, it was truly fitting to rename it the Mark VII.

The VII is by far the best amplifier I’ve ever done in terms of good design and editing, our Design Team at MESA is great at that, and it’s created an amplifier that not only contains the best of our entire Boogie history, but also manages to do so with a purer signal path and 2 less preamp tubes than its predecessor the Mark Five! The first comment players we’ve shared the VII with have made throughout development, is how incredible the Tone is and how they ‘can’t believe an amp with this much going on can sound so pure and legit in all Modes’. The key to that is signal path optimization, the knowledge, and tricks I’ve accumulated over the last 55 years and near impossible to please cohorts here like Doug West, Steve Mueller and Jim Aschow, who’ve been doing this with me for four decades. I also have to say that Cesar Gueikian at Gibson’s steadfast belief in us and the Mark VII assured at every step it got the highest level of support and priority. At almost 77 now, I still love what I do, pursue it daily, and foresee doing it as long as I can, but I have to say …after the VII, I’ve been enjoying working on some easier projects, Ha!”

The MARK VII offers discerning players analog, all-tube sound, soul, and feel in a smaller more compact, yet more comprehensive package. With a focus on perfecting icons, bringing back beloved classics, and introducing new realms of modern high gain, all while improving the interface and the performance across all mediums, the MARK VII offers inspiration and freedom across all musical styles. The MESA/Boogie MARK VII is now available in Head, 1×12 Combo, and Rackmount Head formats.

Explore and shop the MESA/Boogie MARK VII series on www.mesaboogie.com and at all authorized MESA/Boogie dealers.

MARK VII HEAD

The MARK VII Head gives users all the benefits of the new MARK VII and can be paired with the user’s speaker cabinet(s) of choice. Use a MESA 1×12 cabinet for portability, or one (or two!) MESA 4×12 cabinets for maximum punch and projection. You can use different cabinets for each gig, depending on your preferences and needs – the choice is always yours.

MARK VII 1×12 COMBO

The MARK VII 1×12 Combo is the classic wolf in sheep’s clothing Boogie configuration. It delivers more power and Tone than you’ve ever heard coming from such a compact 1×12 platform. It can also be paired with external cabinets when even more punch and projection are desired. The MARK VII 1×12 Combo is the classic MARK configuration that made MESA/Boogie the world standard in professional amplification.

MARK VII RACKMOUNT HEAD

The MARK VII Rackmount Head has all the Tone, features, and power of both of its MARK VII stablemates, along with the cabinet-selection and pairing benefits of the MARK VII Head, but in a 19” wide rackmount configuration that is ideal for rackmounted rigs, including recording studio installations, as well as rack-based touring rigs.

Post-Punk Legends Fake Names Unveil New Album ‘Expendables’ Out Now

FAKE NAMES
RELEASE NEW ALBUM
‘EXPENDABLES’
OUT NOW VIA EPITAPH RECORDS

HEADLINING TOUR STARTS APRIL 13

“Every melodic, almost classically punk track contains elements that are immediately recognizable as each member’s contributions, yet none of them sound like a B-side from any of their previous bands.” – SPIN

“Incredibly well put together, played, and produced… it results in one hell of a fun listen.” – Ghost Cult Magazine

Today, post-hardcore dream team – Fake Names – share their second studio album ‘Expendables’ via Epitaph Records. The band is comprised of punk legends Brian Baker (Minor Threat, Bad Religion, Dag Nasty), Michael Hampton (S.O.A., Embrace), Dennis Lyxzén (Refused, INVSN, The [International] Noise Conspiracy), Johnny Temple (Girls Against Boys, Soulside) and newest addition Brendan Canty (Fugazi, Rites of Spring). It’s the latest exchange in a musical conversation that spans four decades, but instead of rehashing the past, ‘Expendables’ is a reinvention that sees the band dialing back the distortion and leaning into the melodies.

‘EXPENDABLES’

LISTEN

Melding 70’s U.K. punk with power-pop and classic rock, the Fake Names’ self-titled debut (2020) was actually a demo that Epitaph founder and Brian Baker’s Bad Religion bandmate, Brett Gurewitz, wanted to release as is. After releasing a three-track EP in 2021, the band enlisted producer Adam “Atom” Greenspan (IDLES, Yeah Yeah Yeahs) who helmed a surprisingly cleaner sound for Expendables. Baker says, “The pop influences are a little more out front on this one and the production really helps it shine. It sounds more direct, more urgent.”

Formed in 2016, Fake Names is a “mutual admiration society,” according to Baker, saying that once the five members got in the same room together, it felt as if they had already been in the band together for years. “There’s this intangible energy, a clairvoyance that comes from our shared experience,” he explains. On ‘Expendables,’ the result pairs their unparalleled pedigree with a pop sensibility that’s slightly unexpected and wholly satisfying.

Speaking to lyrical themes, Baker discloses, “In general, Dennis writes about revolution, and Michael and I write pop songs. I’m amazed at how it works, but somehow it strikes the right balance of salty and sweet.” This imagery is paralleled in the 70’s dystopian album artwork featuring an eerie army of mannequins set against a cold urban backdrop. That dichotomy of lively music and bleak imagery is an important thematic element of Expendables because the album is more than just a collection of catchy songs: it’s an artistic statement about our own impermanence.

Fake Names will be on tour this Spring, starting off on April 13th in Asbury Park, and ending April 23rd in Los Angeles. Tickets are on sale HERE

FAKE NAMES TOUR DATES

4.13.23 Asbury Park, NJ House of Independents
4.14.23 Brooklyn, NY TV Eye
4.15.23 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda’s
4.16.23 Washington, DC The Black Cat
4.20.23 San Francisco, CA Rickshaw Stop
4.21.23 Oxnard, CA The Canyon @ Oxnard PAC
4.22.23 Long Beach, CA Alex’s Bar
4.23.23 Los Angeles, CA Zebulon

‘EXPENDABLES’ TRACK LISTING

1. Expendables
2. Delete Myself
3. Go
4. Don’t Blame Yourself
5. Can’t Take It
6. Damage Done
7. Madtown
8. Caught In Between
9. Too Little Too Late

Fake Names is Brian Baker (guitar/vocals), Michael Hampton (guitar/vocals), Dennis Lyxzén (vocals), and Johnny Temple (bass) and Brendan Canty (drums).

KISS Appear On Howard Stern Show To Announce Final “End of the Road” Shows

KISS Announces Final Two Shows of Their “End Of The Road” Tour.

KISS will play its last-ever shows on December 1 and December 2 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The dates for the concerts were announced earlier today (Wednesday, March 1) during an in-studio interview with “The Howard Stern Show”.

KISS launched its farewell trek in January 2019 but was forced to put it on hold in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“End Of The Road” was originally scheduled to conclude on July 17, 2021 in New York City but has since been extended to late 2023. The trek was announced in September 2018 following a KISS performance of the band’s classic song “Detroit Rock City” on “America’s Got Talent”.

Last month, KISS’s longtime manager Doc McGhee told “Podcast Rock City” that the band’s final show will definitely take place “this year.”

Asked about the possibility of KISS continuing without co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, Doc said: “There’s a lot of talk about everything. And nobody knows what’s gonna happen in the future. So what we’ve kind of put in our minds is let’s go through this like this is the end of KISS as we know it. And whatever comes our way, with technology and everything else, we’ll look at it. Will be Gene and Paul out there in makeup. No. I can tell you that. They’re hanging their hats up after the [final] show, which is gonna be very, very difficult and very emotional for them after 50 years of doing this. And they love it.

“A lot of my bands — most of my bands — [say], ‘I hate this. I don’t wanna be out there anymore. I don’t wanna do this. This is bullshit.’ That’s not [Paul and Gene],” Doc continued. “They love it. They thrive on it. We have a great time on the road, or an extremely good time on the road. So, it’s, like, ‘Why are we ending this?’ And we’re ending this because this is the time to end it. This is it, 50 years of KISS. And let them move on to their next phase of whatever they wanna do, whether it’s Gene in business or having a country named after him, the Gene Simmons World; we don’t know, however that works. And Paul’s got a family. He’s got three kids — he actually has four kids, but he’s got three kids in the house.

“For us, we’re just kind of open,” McGhee explained. “People are throwing ideas around to us, and then we’ll look at it. But, really, it has to be amazing. We don’t fall for gimmicks, as much as some people would think we’re a gimmick. But we don’t fall for ’em. We didn’t do NFTs, we didn’t do all that stuff, because we didn’t believe in it. We didn’t believe that people were gonna get anything out of it. And it wasn’t gonna be long-lasting.

“I like to think years and years ahead; I don’t like to think days ahead. So with that, we’re gonna go and finish this up and see what happens in the realm of the metaverse and the world of that type of things that can come back and people can experience things in different ways for KISS.

“To me, KISS is more like Marvel. There’s all kinds of things that can happen with KISS, and probably will. So it’s a whole new frontier out there starting in ’24.”

KISS’s current lineup consists of original members Stanley and Simmons, alongside later band additions, guitarist Tommy Thayer (since 2002) and drummer Eric Singer (on and off since 1991).

Formed in 1973 by Stanley, Simmons, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, KISS staged its first “farewell” tour in 2000, the last to feature the group’s original lineup.

Product Review: Donner DED-80 Electronic DrumSet

We unbox and review the Donner DED-80 Electronic Drum Set.

Donner DED-80 electronic drums offer authentic play and feel which essential to skill building. Designed for beginners the DED-80 features 180 Built-in sounds&15 drum kits, with 30 demo songs covering multiple music styles. The training and recording functions of kids drums will allow beginners to improve their playing skills and enjoy every note!

Donner has developed a new structure hi-hat pedal, which is a combination of comfort and durability. The new design is lightweight and avoids most of the noise, giving you the best experience . Double-layer mesh heads and a high-density structure, guaranteed the service life, and close to restoring the real drum hitting experience. Also, the 10″ cymbal provides a precise strike area.

Ideal for Apartment Home& Outdoor performers Donner has developed a more stable drum stand, the size is more suitable for teenagers Youth. Portable and foldable, suitable for home and outdoor performances! (Drum Set Expanded size: 39.37in*17.72in*43.31in)

DED-80 drum sets can be linked to DAW software through the USB MIDI interface, as a tool for your music creation, use our headphones for silent practice. Package includes: 7’’ drum pad x4, 10’’ cymbal padx3, kick pedal x1, hi-hat pedal x 1, audio cable x1, drum throne x 1, headphone x 1, drumstick x1.

40 Free and Entertaining electronic drums -Teaching Courses. We have carefully created drums for kids teaching courses for users ranging from beginner to advanced, which are ideal for zero-based players who want to try arranging music. 40 free and entertaining courses are sufficient to master all aspects of arrangement creation.

For more Information or to Purchase the DED-80 visit: https://www.donermusic.com/buy/ded-80

https://www.amazon.com/Donner-Electronic-Headphone-Christmas-DED-80/dp/B09ZXR98LJ?th=1