Comic Book Review: “Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind”

“Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind”

Various Authors
Z2 Comics
Hardcover: 141 pages

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

40 years have passed since the release of IRON MAIDEN’s groundbreaking fourth studio album, PIECE OF MIND. Released in 1983, “Piece Of Mind” was the band’s first album to enter the U.S. Billboard Top 20, peaking at #14, achieving RIAA platinum certification in the U.S. To celebrate this classic album Iron Maiden have partnered with award-winning publisher Z2, to bring the multi-platinum album Piece of Mind to book form. “IRON MAIDEN: PIECE OF MIND”, is a love letter to fans from one of the most celebrated metal bands in music history.

Just like the album itself “Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind” the graphic novel wastes no time transporting readers into the world of all things Eddie and Iron Maiden. Starting off with an introduction titled “Piece of Mind at 40” by long time manager Rod Smallwood, the commemorative book is packed with vibrant art, testimonials from acclaimed writers, artists, actors and musicians along with newly written interpretations of each of the albums 9 signature tracks.

No matter if you are new to Iron Maiden or a long time listener the latest offering from the British metallers and Z2 comics puts a whole new spin on one of the bands most legendary release. Though there is not one seamless story line tying the book together readers instead get 9 different stories all by different writers and based on their interpretation of one specific song. To go along with each story is a bevy of new artwork which only further adds to the books overall appeal. I really enjoyed the writing of Steven Grant “Where Eagles Dare”, Sacha Gervasi “Die With Your Boots On” and Brian Posehn “Quest for Fire” along with the artwork by artists Damien Worm “Revelations” and Staz Johnson “The Trooper” but what I think I enjoyed most about the book is that it provides a nice balance of text and pictorials. Across the heavy weight, glossy 141 pages there was never too much or too little of each as page after page provided was equally enjoyable. To top things off  Maiden’s very own frontman Bruce Dickenson pens the story for “Revelations” which is very cool addition in my opinion.

If you are looking for something a little different apart from the standard remaster of an album or a brief retrospective article then “Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind” is something you will definitely want to grab. The books unique written and visual presentation adds a whole new level to the “Piece of Mind” mythos in a way unlike no other making it a great companion to the audio release.

Wolfgang Van Halen and EVH® Gear Announce the Launch of the New SA-126

EVH® ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF NEW SA-126 AVAILABLE IN MAY

EVH® is proud to announce the debut of the SA-126 model.

The SA-126, Wolfgang Van Halen’s signature guitar is the result of a 3-year collaborative development process between Wolfgang, Matt Bruck, and EVH’s Masterbuilder Chip Ellis. With this release, Wolfgang and EVH® carry forward the more than 30-year brand legacy of innovation and top-quality standards into the future with a unique hybrid of classic and

high-performance design and features. The end result is a guitar that is unique in its vision and tonal fingerprint.

“The SA-126 was born out of necessity for finding my own sound,” said Wolfgang Van Halen. “ I wanted to do my own thing and that’s how I gravitated towards semi-hollow bodies and how it became my core sound. The goal was to put together a guitar that didn’t exist yet, which merged the beauty and wonderful warm tones of a classic semi-hollow guitar but with the performance style and neck that EVH gear is known for.”

Crash-tested for over 2 years by Wolfgang on tour with his band Mammoth WVH, this hot rodded semi-hollow instrument projects a beautiful and detailed aesthetic while producing a super wide spectrum of tones from articulate cleans, to burning leads to brutal chugging chordal rhythms. It creates a new categorization for electric guitar and is characterized by its limitless nature.

Featuring a set of custom wound bridge and neck pickups – meticulously crafted exclusively by Fender’s resident and legendary pickup designer, Tim Shaw, in collaboration with the EVH® team – the development was exhaustive. What came from that attention to detail is the perfect, unique voicing the instrument needed to provide such a wide range of versatility and tones.

The SA-126 also features a Mahogany body with a basswood centerblock for tone, along with a capped maple top on solid finishes and quilt maple top on translucent finishes with 5-ply body binding. The mahogany neck features a 22-fret 12″- 16″ compound Ebony fingerboard, jumbo frets and triple block inlays, providing a modern-classic feel that is both familiar and comfortable. Its 24 and three-quarters scale length adds to the overall playability. To facilitate easy adjustments on the fly, a spoke wheel truss rod adjustment is conveniently located at the butt end of the neck.

“Unveiling the SA-126 on this significant day is a testament to the future we’re forging at EVH Gear,” said Jon Romanowski, VP Category Management, EVH® Gear. “I’m incredibly proud of Wolfgang and the team for their dedication to pushing boundaries and shaping the brand’s next chapter with innovation and artistry.”

Introducing the All-New EVH SA-126 Demo Video HERE.

Players and fans can sign up at evhgear.com/sa-126 to be notified when the SA-126 hits their EVH® Authorized Dealer.

For technical specs, additional information on new EVH products and to find a retail partner near players, visit www.evhgear.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @EVHGear on Instagram and YouTube.
# # #

SA-126 Special ($1,799.99 USD, £1,449.00 GBP, €1,649.00 EUR, $2,999.00 AUD, ¥319,000 JPY) Featuring a chambered Mahogany body, with a basswood Centerblock added for stability and tone. Capped with a maple top on solid finishes and flame maple top on translucent finishes w/ 5 ply body binding, this thing emits “TONE”. The neck is a 22 fret 12”-16” compound Ebony fingerboard with jumbo frets and triple block inlays on a graphite reinforced mahogany neck. With a scale length of 24 and three quarters, this feels like a modern – classic that is familiar and comfortable. Finally, a spoke wheel truss rod adjustment at the butt end of the neck for easy adjustments, on the fly. Introducing the EVH® SA-126 bridge and neck pickups created by Fender’s resident pickup designer Tim Shaw and the EVH® team, they can handle just about anything you feed them. From the elegant sound of cascading-glassy cleans to a heavy bath of Overdrive to “Burn” that will satisfy the most discerning “gainiac”. Three-way toggle at the upper horn to switch between bridge, bridge and neck, and neck pickups as well as two volumes and two tones to control each. Other features include a Harmonica bridge and stop bar tailpiece, oversized strap buttons, and keystone tuning pegs. The SA-126 is offered in Matte Army Drab and Stealth Black

FEATURED SPECS:
● Chambered mahogany body with a basswood centerblock
● Bolt-on Mahogany neck with scarf joint, EVH® Modified “C” Neck Shape
● Ebony, 12”-16” Compound Radius 22 Jumbo fret fingerboard
● NEW EVH® SA-126 Humbucking Pickups (Bridge and Neck)
● SA-126 Hardshell case wrapped in Ivory vinyl with a blue crushed velvet interior

SA-126 Special, Quilted Maple ($1,899.99 USD, £1,499.00 GBP, €1,699.00 EUR, $3,199.00 AUD, ¥341,000 JPY) Featuring a chambered Mahogany body, with a basswood Centerblock added for stability and tone. Capped with a quilt maple top w/ 5 ply body binding, this thing emits “TONE”. The neck is a 22 fret 12”-16” compound Ebony fingerboard with jumbo frets and triple block inlays on a graphite reinforced mahogany neck. With a scale length of 24 and three quarters, this feels like a modern – classic that is familiar and comfortable. Finally, a spoke wheel truss rod adjustment at the butt end of the neck for easy adjustments, on the fly. Introducing the EVH® SA-126 bridge and neck pickups created by Fender’s resident pickup designer Tim Shaw and the EVH® team, they can handle just about anything you feed them. From the elegant sound of cascading-glassy cleans to a heavy bath of Overdrive to “Burn” that will satisfy the most discerning “gainiac”. Three-way toggle at the upper horn to switch between bridge, bridge and neck, and neck pickups as well as two volumes and two tones to control each. Other features include a Harmonica bridge and stop bar tailpiece, oversized strap buttons, and keystone tuning pegs. The SA-126 Quilted Maple is offered in Transparent Purple and Tobacco Sunburst.

FEATURED SPECS:
● Chambered mahogany body with a basswood centerblock
● Bolt-on Mahogany neck with scarf joint, EVH® Modified “C” Neck Shape
● Ebony, 12”-16” Compound Radius 22 Jumbo fret fingerboard
● NEW EVH® SA-126 Humbucking Pickups (Bridge and Neck)
● SA-126 Hardshell case wrapped in Ivory vinyl with a blue crushed velvet interior

ABOUT EVH®:
Two of the most important and recognizable names in rock ‘n’ roll joined forces in 2005 to develop the EVH® brand of guitars, amplifiers and musical products. Guitar icon and virtuoso Eddie Van Halen combined his unparalleled instinct and innovation in instrument and amp design with the expertise of the craftsmen and engineers at Fender to create a line of high quality, durable instruments that epitomize the sound of rock ‘n’ roll. The result is an arsenal of super powerful guitars and amps that remain unmatched in sound and form and guitars that embody speed, style and emotion. Today, Fender honor’s the legacy of the legendary guitarist through exceptional offerings that embody the spirit of innovation and musical excellence that defined his illustrious career. Guided by Eddie’s son, Wolfgang Van Halen, the brand is embarking on a bold direction that seamlessly merges tradition and forward-looking innovation, paying tribute to his father’s influence while forging a path of its own. EVH® is a licensed brand under Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) and their work together has provided musicians everywhere with the foundation to emulate one of the world’s best guitarists while also recruiting some of the biggest names in music whose inventive playing styles honor the legacy of Eddie Van Halen. For more information, visit www.evhgear.com. Join the conversation on social media by @EVHGear on Instagram and YouTube.

ALKALINE TRIO: 10th Studio Album, BLOOD, HAIR, AND EYEBALLS Out Today

ALKALINE TRIO
BLOOD, HAIR, AND EYEBALLS
10th Studio Album Out Today on Rise Records
Watch the New Video for “Break” HERE
See the Band’s JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! Appearance HERE

“Offers their signature sinister sensibility, with a fresh, albeit eerie, feeling of groundedness… It’s grim, and it’s great. True to form.” —ALTERNATIVE PRESS

“The band’s signature sound is obviously intact on Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs, but the songs are rendered with such immediacy and melodic intensity” —UNDER THE RADAR

The agonizing wait for the new Alkaline Trio album is over at last: Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs, the band’s 10th studio album, is out today, January 26, on Rise Records.

Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs’ arrival is heralded by the latest video from the album, this time for standout track “Break.” Premiering yesterday on rollingstone.com, “Break” captures the dark, alluring energy of a classic Alkaline Trio performance in stark and vivid black and white, the song’s infectious hooks and melodies offset — or possibly enhanced — by its backdrop of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles.

“You ever see someone having such a horrible nervous breakdown that it looks like they’re dancing?” asks Alkaline Trio guitarist/vocalist Matt Skiba. “Me neither. But this song is sorta’ about that.”

Alkaline Trio dropped in at another hallowed L.A. theater earlier this week, taking the stage at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre as music guest for Tuesday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! — To watch Skiba, bassist/vocalist Dan Andriano and new drummer Atom Willard knock out a captivating “Bad Time,” go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0hQLVroxWo

Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs was recorded by Skiba, Andriano and since-departed drummer Derek Grant with GRAMMY winner Cameron Webb producing at Studio 606 in Northridge CA, and is the first Alkaline Trio album to be released via the band’s new label home, Rise Records. The album will be supported by an extensive North American tour—see below for dates—featuring Drug Church as support.

ALKALINE TRIO
Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs
North American Tour 2024
(DRUG CHURCH supports on all dates)

Thu — Feb 22, 2024 — Anaheim, CA — HOB Anaheim
Fri — Feb 23, 2024 — San Diego, CA — SOMA
Sat — Feb 24, 2024 — Phoenix, AZ — Van Buren
Mon — Feb 26, 2024 — Dallas, TX — HOB Dallas
Tue — Feb 27, 2024 — Austin, TX — Stubbs
Wed — Feb 28, 2024 — Houston, TX — HOB Houston
Fri — Mar 1, 2024 — Atlanta, GA — Tabernacle
Sat — Mar 2, 2024 — Orlando, FL — HOB Orlando
Sun — Mar 3, 2024 — Charlotte, NC — Fillmore
Tue — Mar 5, 2024 — Washington D.C. — Fillmore Silver Spring
Wed — Mar 6, 2024 — Philadelphia, PA — Fillmore Philadelphia
Fri — Mar 8, 2024 — Cleveland, OH — Agora Theater and Ballroom
Sat — Mar 9, 2024 — Queens, NY — Knockdown Center
Sun — Mar 10, 2024 — Boston, MA — HOB Boston
Tue — Mar 12, 2024 — Toronto, ON — History
Wed — Mar 13, 2024 — Montreal, QC — Beanfield
Fri — Mar 15, 2024 — Royal Oak, MI — Royal Oak Music Theatre
Sat — Mar 16, 2024 — Chicago, IL — Aragon Ballroom
Sun — Mar 17, 2024 — St. Louis, MO — The Pageant
Mon — Mar 18, 2024 — Minneapolis, MN — Fillmore Minneapolis
Wed — Mar 20, 2024 — Denver, CO — Fillmore Auditorium
Thu — Mar 21, 2024 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Complex
Sat — Mar 23, 2024 — Seattle, WA — Showbox SoDo
Sun — Mar 24, 2024 — Vancouver, BC — Vogue Theatre
Mon — Mar 25, 2024 — Portland, OR — Crystal Ballroom
Wed — Mar 27, 2024 — San Francisco, CA — The Masonic
Fri — Mar 29, 2024 — Los Angeles, CA — Novo
Sat — Mar 30, 2024 — Las Vegas, NV — Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas

Kirk Hammett of Metallica and Gibson Unveil the 1989 Les Paul Custom, An Artfully Recreated Version of the Icon’s Versatile Guitar, Available Worldwide

Gibson Custom Shop:

Kirk Hammett 1989 Les Paul Custom

An Artfully Recreated and Murphy Lab Aged Version of the Metallica Icon’s Versatile Les Paul Custom,
Available Worldwide on Gibson.com

Gibson Custom Shop is the pinnacle of craftsmanship, quality, and sound excellence. Each instrument celebrates Gibson’s legacy through accuracy, authenticity, and attention to detail.

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 Custom Shop is proud to unveil its next global release in partnership with Kirk Hammett, legendary guitarist of the multi-platinum-selling and GRAMMY® Award-winning band, Metallica. The Gibson 1989 Kirk Hammett Les Paul Custom is available worldwide at authorized, premium Gibson Custom Shop dealers and on www.gibson.com.

“This black 1989 Les Paul Custom is actually the first Les Paul I ever played live on stage and on tour,” says Kirk Hammett. “I got it when we were on the …And Justice For All tour, specifically for “Fade To Black” because I really wanted that big, fat, creamy Les Paul sound for the intro. I loved how fast the neck was and after my tech modified a bunch of the hardware, making it ‘none more black,’ it ended up being a great live metal guitar. It’s a very dependable and reliable guitar, and I’ve used it for decades. I hope you all will enjoy it as much as I did!”

Above: the Kirk Hammett 1989 Les Paul Custom.

To fans of metal, Kirk Hammett needs no introduction. Longtime fans will also no doubt be familiar with his “blacked-out” 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom, which he has used on numerous Metallica albums and tours. Now the Gibson Custom Shop has recreated this renowned guitar in exquisite detail. Like the original, the Kirk Hammett 1989 Les Paul Custom features all-black hardware, and per Kirk’s wishes, it comes equipped with uncovered-Type pickups, along with a Fishman Powerbridge piezo bridge pickup system with a Fishman Powership preamp and volume control that bring simulated full-bodied acoustic tone to this versatile Les Paul Custom. Artfully aged by the Murphy Lab to match the look and feel of Kirk’s original 1989 Les Paul Custom, it is a fitting tribute to a metal guitar master and one of his favorite instruments.

Explore the Gibson Kirk Hammett 1989 Les Paul Custom HERE.

One of the most iconic rock guitarists of our generation, Kirk Hammett has been the lead guitarist and a contributing songwriter for Metallica since 1983. Before joining Metallica, he formed and named the metal band Exodus. For a deep dive into his music influences, the early days in the San Francisco metal scene, and his 37 years as the lead guitarist of Metallica, watch Gibson TV’s “Icons” series interview with Kirk Hammett. This episode of “Icons” features archival and never-before-seen photos of Metallica, with Kirk talking about touring history and personal stories about recording the group’s pivotal albums, including Kill’em All, Ride The Lightning, Master of Puppets, …And Justice For All, and The Black Album; watch and share Gibson TV’s “Icons” featuring Kirk Hammett, HERE.

SCOTT STAPP Announces US Tour Dates to Launch New Album, “Higher Power”

SCOTT STAPP Announces US Tour Dates to Launch
New Album, Higher Power, out March 15 via Napalm Records

Pre-Order Higher Power HERE

New Single “Higher Power” at #17 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart

[photo credit: Sebastian Smith]Grammy winning songwriter, platinum solo artist, and voice of Creed, SCOTT STAPP, has announced the first leg of the Higher Power Tour, a run of intimate theater dates to celebrate the release of his fourth solo album, Higher Power (out March 15, 2024 via Napalm Records). The first dates to be announced will take place a month before Creed reunites for the first time in over a decade.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 19 at 10:00am local time and can be found HERE. See below for all current tour dates!

Currently, the upcoming album’s title track, “Higher Power”, is at #17 on Mediabase’s Active Rock Chart and climbing as it “rides in on a riff packed with so much thunder and lightning you’ll be seeking shelter before (Stapp) reaches the chorus” (Louder Sound).

Higher Power Tour Dates:
3/10/24 – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL @ Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
3/12/24 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Music Hall
3/14/24 – Chattanooga, TN @ The Signal
3/15/24 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
3/18/24 – Nashville, IN @ Brown County Music Center
3/19/24 – Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom
3/21/24 – Omaha, NE @ Steelhouse Omaha
3/22/24 – Clear Lake, IA @ Surf Ballroom

On Higher Power, Stapp is “primed for a big decade, sounding just as powerful as he did at half his age with a sense of newfound heaviness resting beneath his iconic voice” (Loudwire). The album describes a metamorphosis forged by loss, frustration, betrayal and near defeat. It features stand-out performances by Dorothy, guitar god Yiannis Papadopoulos, and a co-writing appearance by multi-Grammy winning songwriter and musician Steve McEwan. The album was produced by Marti Frederiksen and Scott Stevens and follows Stapp’s 2019 The Space Between the Shadows, which debuted at #3 on the US Current Rock Albums chart, the US Current Hard Music Albums chart, and the UK Official Rock & Metal Chart.

Pre-Order Higher Power HERE:

Higher Power track listing:
1. Higher Power
2. Deadman’s Trigger
3. When Love Is Not Enough
4. What I Deserve (feat. Yiannis Papadopoulos)
5. If These Walls Could Talk (feat. Dorothy)
6. Black Butterfly
7. Quicksand (feat. Yiannis Papadopoulos)
8. You’re Not Alone
9. Dancing in the Rain (feat. Yiannis Papadopoulos)
10. Weight of the World

Higher Power will be available in the following formats:
-Digital Album
-CD Digisleeve
-Solid Viola Gatefold Vinyl LP
-Black/Red Splatter Gatefold LP – Die Hard Edition w/ Slipmat & Record Butler (Napalm Mail Order Only, Limited to 300)

Rex Brown Thunderbird Bass, Acclaimed Multi-instrumentalist, Solo-Artist, and Member of Pantera Partners with Epiphone for a Signature Thunderbird

Epiphone: Rex Brown Thunderbird Bass,
Available Worldwide on Epiphone.com

Acclaimed Multi-instrumentalist, Solo-Artist, and Member of Pantera Partners with Epiphone for Signature Thunderbird Bass

Above: Rex Brown performing with his Epiphone Thunderbird Bass.

The First Epiphone Signature Guitar From Legendary Bassist Rex Brown.

For over 150 years, Epiphone has been a leading innovator in instrument design. By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the future, Epiphone has set the stage for the next era of sound for present and future generations. Epiphone is proud to unveil the latest addition to its collection of bass guitars and its first collaboration with Rex Brown, the Epiphone Rex Brown Thunderbird Bass. The acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, solo-artist, and member of Pantera and Down, Rex worked closely with Epiphone luthiers to create the Thunderbird bass that can fulfill any level of a player’s ability. A striking new Bass model in Ebony with Gold accents, the Epiphone Rex Brown Thunderbird Bass is available now at select global dealers and on www.epiphone.com.

“Sometimes, it’s not about the price, but the quality, and Epiphone has some of the coolest bass designs ever made, IMO,” says Rex Brown. “I’ve had Thunderbird’s as long as I can remember! There is nothing cooler looking than a TBird… All my favorite bass players growing up have played them!! From Tom Hamilton to Pete Way, these fckr’s Rule, you fool…” Rex adds, “I worked really hard with the Epiphone guys, to design something that has never been done before! The pick-ups were made by Richard Aker, who has been with Gibson for 40+ years. We put the same thumpers that were in the ‘76 Anniversary T-Birds, passive & deadly!”

Multi-instrumentalist Rex Brown is famous for his work with legendary metal bands Pantera and Down and his hard-rocking solo album, Smoke on This… Epiphone is proud to release the first Epiphone Rex Brown signature guitar in partnership with the legendary musician. The Epiphone Rex Brown Thunderbird Bass features a 9-ply neck-through-body mahogany and walnut neck with a C-shape profile, mahogany body wings, and a standard 34” scale length. It is powered by a pair of Epiphone ProBucker™ 760 bass pickups, which feature nickel covers that complement the otherwise all-gold hardware. The passive electronics have two volume controls and a master tone control that feature smooth CTS® potentiometers. The gold pickguard bears the famous Thunderbird logo with Rex’s signature reproduced on the back of the headstock and a Rex Brown logo doodle on the rear control cover. A hardshell guitar case is also included.

Above: Rex Brown performing with his Epiphone Thunderbird Bass.

Plenty of folks who’ve accomplished a lot less are content to rest on past achievements, but Rex Brown is forever charging forward. Renowned worldwide, Brown and his Texas brethren forged a blueprint with PANTERA that’s been studied by nearly every metal act that followed. Late lead guitar player Darrell “Dimebag” Abbott is rightly immortalized as a good-natured, guitar-shredding legend. The rhythmic punch forged by Rex and PANTERA’s drummer, the late Vinnie Paul Abbott, has yet to be outdone. Along with singer Philip H. Anselmo, hailed as one of the greatest frontmen of all time, the self-described Cowboys from Hell, PANTERA, sparked a movement that reinvigorated heavy metal, inspired countless bands, and is memorialized in tattooed skin around the world, representing the band’s five groundbreaking multi-platinum albums unleashed between 1990 to 2000 with billions of music streams annually. Rex and singer Philip H. Anselmo partnered once again in the group Down, crafting their doomy, smoke-enhanced Southern dirges that helped shine a light on a whole other subculture in heavy music.

With the addition of Zakk Wylde (guitars) and Charlie Benante (drums), PANTERA began touring worldwide in late 2022 and will return to the stage February 2024 on the second leg of their North American headlining tour. The journey follows the band’s massively successful twenty-city run this past Summer, a tour which stood as one of the most anticipated tours of 2023, as well as their dates supporting Metallica. The 2024 trek will commence on February 3rd, in Sunrise, FL, and the band will be joined by special guest, acclaimed metal powerhouse Lamb Of God, with additional support acts to be announced in the weeks to come. For all Pantera touring news, visit: https://pantera.com/tour.

For an intimate look into his music legacy, Rex Brown’s episode of Gibson TV’s “ICONS” takes a deep dive into his influences from John Paul Jones, to Pino Palladino, Jaco Pastorius, Tom Hamilton, Pete Way, and Geddy Lee. Rex shares personal stories about his childhood, through his entire career, and lets viewers in to explore rare photos, stories, and footage from his legendary life, the enduring legacy of PANTERA, and more. Watch the Gibson TV “ICONS” episode featuring Rex Brown, HERE.

Above: the Epiphone Rex Brown Thunderbird Bass.

Video Alert – Ace Frehley “10,000 Volts: Behind The Scenes”

Ace Frehley Releases
10,000 Volts: Behind The Scenes Video

10,000 Volts Album Out on February 23, 2024

Grammy-nominated R&RHOF inductee and guitar legend ACE FREHLEY offers a sneak peek into the making of his new album, 10,000 Volts, and the title track with a new Behind the Scenes video. The thunderous, riff-tastic, 11-track album was produced by Ace and Steve Brown (Trixter) and will be released on February 23, 2024.

Preorder “10,000 Volts” HERE

Ace released the single “10,000 Volts” on November 28th. The track has already amassed over 1.6M streams and 800k video views.

Watch the video HERE

Rock ‘n’ roll and heavy metal simply wouldn’t sound, look, or feel the same without Ace Frehley. Among hundreds of accolades, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® inducted him in 2014 as a Co-founder and the original lead guitarist of Kiss. Guitar World named him in the Top 15 of its “100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time” and plugged the lead from “Shock Me” on the “50 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time.” Magnifying the imprint of his catalog as a solo artist, Foo Fighters cut a fan favorite cover of “Ozone,” and he even jammed out “New York Groove” alongside The Roots on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The late Dimebag Darrell of Pantera proudly sported a tattoo of Frehley on his chest, while Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine celebrated him on X/Twitter as “My first guitar hero.”

Social Distortion Announce Co-Headline Tour With Bad Religion

SOCIAL DISTORTION ANNOUNCE US
CO-HEADLINE TOUR WITH BAD RELIGION
RE-SCHEDULED DATES WITH THE BELLRAYS BEGIN SEPTEMBER 13

Southern California punk legends Social Distortion announce an epic co-headlining tour across the US with fellow Epitaph label mates Bad Religion that kicks off in Bakersfield, California on April 9th 2024. With additional support from The Lovebombs, the two iconic bands will join forces to bring their signature sounds and beloved catalogs to stages across the continent, showcasing their enduring legacy and influence on the punk rock movement.
Social Distortion frontman Mike Ness comments, “It gives me great pleasure to announce that in April we will be going on a nationwide co- headlining tour with our friends in Bad Religion. Yes, we are back in action and can’t wait for this tour!! We did this with them in Australia in 2022 and the shows were amazing!”

He continues, “We have also decided in celebration of the 40-year anniversary and re-release of ‘Mommy’s Little Monster’ that we will be playing the album in its entirety. This should be a very special tour and we are all looking forward to it.”

“Bad Religion and Social Distortion first played together in 1980,” Bad Religion singer Greg Graffin adds. “Though we evolved in different directions, we both carried the torch of Southern California punk all along the way. Now we’re so excited to be on the same stage again.”

Formed as rebellious teenage punks in the working-class suburb of Fullerton, California, Social Distortion survived their tumultuous youth to pioneer an undeniably honest and fiery brand of rock ‘n’ roll that would incorporate outlaw country, classic seventies punk and primal blues. Seven studio albums and countless electrifying live shows have earned the band a dedicated worldwide fanbase and catalog of timeless anthems including “Story Of My Life,” ”Ball And Chain,” “Prison Bound” and more. The band’s last release, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes entered the Billboard 200 at #4 and in 2019 they celebrated 40 years as a band.

Social Distortion also share rescheduled dates for their previously postponed tour with follow SoCal rockers, The Bellrays. Ness enthuses, “I am also happy to announce the tour with “The Bellrays” from last summer will now be happening in September & October 2024. I’d like thank the fans who bought tickets for their patience while we worked on the rescheduled dates. Words can’t describe how happy I am to be back onstage doing what I love. See you all soon.”

Artist Pre-sale tickets are live today at 12 noon local time with codes: BALLANDCHAIN or SUFFER

The general on-sale will be December 15th, 10 AM local time.
All tickets will be available HERE

SOCIAL DISTORTION TOUR DATES
W/ Bad Religion
April 9 – Bakersfield, CA – Mechanics Bank Theater
April 10 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl
April 11 – San Diego, CA – PETCO Park
April 13 – Las Vegas, NV – Virgin Hotels Las Vegas – The Theater
April 14 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Amphitheater
April 16 – Lubbock, TX – Lonestar Amphitheater
April 18 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
April 19 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port
April 20 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Greenway
April 22 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
April 23 – New Orleans, LA – The Filmore Harrah’s New Orleans
April 26 – St. Augustine, FL – The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre
April 27 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Revolution Live
April 28 – Clearwater, FL – Coachman Park – The Sound
April 30 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre
May 1 – North Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery Lawn
May 3 – Oxon Hill, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor
May 4 – New York, NY – Pier 17 The Rooftop
May 5 – Philadelphia, PA – The Filmore Philadelphia
May 7 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
May 10 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
May 11 – Detroit, MI – The Masonic Temple Theatre
May 12 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center
May 14 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave/Eagles Club – Eagles Ballroom
May 15 – West Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom
May 17 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater
May 18 – Chicago, IL – Salt Shed – Indoors
May 19 – Columbus, OH – Historic Crew Stadium

w/ The Bellrays
Sept. 13 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
Sept. 14 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
Sept. 15 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
Sept. 18 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
Sept. 19 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
Sept. 21 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall
Sept. 22 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall
Sept. 23 – Calgary, AB – Macewan Hall
Sept. 25 – Winnipeg, MB – Buron Cummings Theatre
Oct. 1 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
Oct. 2 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
Oct. 4 – Guelph, ON – Guelph Concert Theatre
Oct. 5 – Toronto, ON – History
Oct. 6 – Montreal, QC – M Telus
Oct. 8 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall
Oct. 9 – Hampton Beach, NH – Casino Ballroom
Oct. 11 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount
Oct. 12 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater
Oct. 13 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
Oct. 15 – Norfolk, VA – The Norva
Oct. 16 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
Oct. 17 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
Oct. 19 – Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall
Oct. 20 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom
Oct. 22 – Albuquerque, NM – Rio Rancho Event Center
Oct. 23 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre

GWAR Announces “Age of Befuddlement” Tour

GWAR
Announces “Age of Befuddlement” Tour

US & Canadian Dates to Kick off March 3rd!

Support from Cancer Bats
plus X-Cops & Fuming Mouth on Select Dates!

Human scum!

!nfamous Lords and Masters of Shock Rock, GWAR, return to the road in March of 2024 for the “Age of Befuddlement” Tour! Featuring support from Cancer Bats, and select dates with X-Cops and Fuming Mouth, the tour starts March 3rd in Norfolk, VA and runs through the end of the month on March 30th in Baltimore, MD.

A complete list of dates and supporting act information can be found below. Pre-sales begin tomorrow and the general on-sale date is Friday, December 8th at 10:00 AM local time.

Lead singer, The Berserker Blothar, had this to say about the impending trek:

“The Invasion of Canada is nigh. We will start our campaign to bring befuddlement to the masses in the cultured and forward thinking American South, and from there, we will launch a coast-to-coast attack on the Great White North, leaving a swath of destruction not seen since the War of 1812. Stopping only to get high in the Pacific Northwest, we will dive directly into the gaping hole of the donut, the American Midwest, before gracing the Dirty South and ending again on the filthy streets of Baltimore! I wonder if we can score crack in the “City that Reads.” Are You Not Befuddled?”

Age of Befuddlement Tour
w/ Cancer Bats (🦇)
Select Dates with X-Cops (X) & Fuming Mouth (FM)

03/03 Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa 🦇 X
03/04 Charlottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theatre 🦇 X
03/06 Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom 🦇 X
03/07 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium 🦇 X
03/08 Ottawa, ON @ Bronson Centre Theatre 🦇 X
03/09 Montréal, QC @ Beanfield Theatre 🦇 X
03/10 Quebec City, QC @ Théâtre Capitole 🦇 X
03/12 London, ON @ London Music Hall 🦇 X
03/13 Grand Rapids, MI @ Intersection 🦇 X
03/15 Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theatre 🦇 FM
03/16 Saskatoon, SK @ Coors Event Centre 🦇 FM
03/17 Edmonton, AB @ Midway Music Hall 🦇 FM
03/18 Calgary, AB @ The Back Alley 🦇 FM
03/20 Vancouver, BC @ The Vogue Theatre 🦇 FM
03/21 Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory 🦇 FM
03/24 Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theater 🦇 FM
03/26 Davenport, IA @ The Capitol Theater 🦇 FM
03/27 Pontiac, MI @ The Crofoot 🦇 FM
03/28 Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall 🦇 FM
03/29 Charlotte, NC @ The Underground 🦇 FM
03/30 Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage 🦇 FM

GWAR recently released a tenth anniversary Edition of their “Battle Maximus” album via Pit Records. This new version is completely remixed and remastered, and features the final recorded vocal performance of Oderus Urungus on the previously unreleased and never-before heard song “Tammy, Queen of Dirt.”

Order the 10th Anniversary Edition of ‘Battle Maximus’ HERE

Concert Review: Baroness- Sweet Oblivion Tour 2023

Sweet Oblivion Tour 2023
Baroness, Soul Glo, Spotlights

Sunday, November 26th 2023
Town Ballroom Buffalo, NY

Media Mikes Score 3.5 out 5 stars

In support of their sixth studio “Stone” heavy metal group Baroness along with special guests Soul Glo and Spotlights made a stop at the quaint Town Ballroom which is located deep in the heart of Buffalo, NY. With both the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres being out of town on this post Thanksgiving weekend, the historic music venue was the place to be on an unseasonably snowless night.

Starting off the night with a thunderous dirge that shook the rafters of the vintage room was the three piece doom metal trio Spotlights. The group consisting of husband and wife duo Sarah Quintero (bass) and Mario Quintero (guitar/vocals) along with drummer Chris Enriquez performed a brief set which was a mixture of extremely down tuned instrumentation and multi layered sonic landscapes which gave listeners plenty to listen to despite numerous redundancies which could be easily identified from song to song.

Despite a majority of the crowd being huddled around the bar television due to the Bills/Eagles football game going into overtime the Philadelphia based punk/hardcore band Soul Glo would take the stage next. I found little to be impressed with as the bands sets was a chaotic mess of noise and sloppy musicianship. The group which appeared to be heavily influenced by legendary D.C. punk band Bad Brains did little to captivate the crowd which was evident in the minimal applause that was garnered at the end of the bands thirty plus minute set.

Headliner Baroness would take the stage next launching immediately into the song “Last Word” from the bands latest album “Stone” followed by “The Sweetest Curse” from the bands 2009 album “Blue”. Frontman John Baizley addressed the crowd briefly through out the bands fifteen song set taking time only to thank the fans and other bands on the bill and to ask for some leniency from the Bills fans in attendance due to the bands ties to Philadelphia. (The Buffalo Bills lost in overtime shortly before Baroness took the stage). Also gracing the setlist this evening were long time fan favorites such as “March to the Sea” and “Cocainium” along side more tracks from the new “Stone” album including “Beneath the Rose” and my personal favorite of the night “Anodyne”. Baizley and co-lead guitarist Gina Gleason worked flawlessly together replicating even the most minute detail and lick heard on the studio recordings. Bassist Nick Jost and drummer Sebastian Thomson added to the units tightness as each of their playing elevated the bands performance on multiple levels.

Before leaving the stage for the evening the band treated the crowd to a two song encore which was made up of the song “The Gnashing” and probably the bands most well know the song “Take My Bones Away”. Just like the thirteen previous songs these final two sounded just as good with the final number garnering a tremendous applause from Buffalo faithful. Though the tour only has a few more dates left on this leg we can only hope that 2024 will bring fourth a whole new slew of dates. If that ends up being the case we highly recommend getting out there to one of those shows as the level of musicality that Baroness bring to the stage is really enjoyable to experience in a live setting.

Baroness Setlist:

1.) Last Word
2.) The Sweetest Curse
3.) Isak
4.) A Horse Called Golgatha
5.) March to the Sea
6.) Cocainium
7.) Beneath the Rose
8.) Green Theme
9.) Anodyne
10.) Seasons
11.) If I Have to Wake Up (Would You Stop the Rain?) / Fugue
12.) Under the Wheel
13.) Shock Me

Encore:
14.) The Gnashing
15.) Take My Bones Away

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Baroness guitarist Gina Gleason here.

Godsmack Announce Stripped Down 2024 Tour

GODSMACK
ANNOUNCE STRIPPED DOWN
2024 NORTH AMERICA TOUR DATES

LIGHTING UP THE SKY OUT NOW

Press Photo by Chris Bradshaw

In continued support of their latest studio album Lighting Up The Sky, multi-platinum Grammy-nominated hard rock band GODSMACK is transforming their thunderous pyro-filled amphitheater rock show into a more intimate experience. The band is set to deliver a series of intimate evenings featuring acoustic/electric performances and untold stories in theatres across North America. The first leg is scheduled to begin on February 15 in Catoosa, OK, whole the second leg will kick off April 9 in Valley Center, CA.

Tickets will be available starting with an Artist presale beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, November 29 at 10am local time. Additional pre-sales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale starting Friday, December 1 at 10am local time. For tickets and more information, visit ​​https://www.godsmack.com/tour.

GODSMACK TOUR DATES
2/15/24 Catoosa, OK Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hard Rock Live
2/17/24 Shawnee, OK Grand Casino & Hotel Events Center
2/18/24 Thackerville, OK Winstar Casino – New Showroom
2/20/24 Lubbock, TX The Buddy Holly Hall – Helen DeVitt Jones Theater
2/22/24 Austin, TX Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater
2/23/24 San Antonio, TX Majestic Theatre
2/24/24 Lake Charles, LA L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
2/27/24 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
2/29/24 Huntsville, AL Mark C. Smith Concert Hall at the Von Braun Center
3/1/24 Knoxville, TN Tennessee Theatre
3/2/24 Louisville, KY The Louisville Palace
3/5/24 Charleston, WV Charleston Municipal Auditorium
3/6/24 Richmond, VA Altria Theater
3/8/24 Durham, NC DPAC – Durham Performing Arts Center
3/9/24 Greenville, SC Peace Center – Peace Concert Hall
3/10/24 Columbia, SC Township Auditorium
3/13/24 Orlando, FL Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – Walt Disney Theater
3/15/24 St Petersburg, FL Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater
3/16/24 Miami Beach, FL The Fillmore

2/6/24 Scottsdale, AZ AZ Bike Week*

4/9/24 Valley Center, CA Harrah’s Resort Southern California – The Events Center
4/10/24 Inglewood, CA YouTube Theater
4/12/24 Indio, CA Fantasy Springs Resort Casino – Special Events Center
4/13/24 Las Vegas, NV The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
4/15/24 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
4/17/24 Kansas City, MO The Midland Theatre
4/19/24 Prior Lake, MN Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
4/20/24 Gary, IN Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana
4/22/24 Madison, WI Orpheum Theater
4/25/24 Niagara Falls, ON Fallsview Casino
4/26/24 Windsor, ON The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
4/27/24 Mount Pleasant, MI Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
4/30/24 Erie, PA Warner Theatre
5/1/24 Hershey, PA Hershey Theatre
5/3/24 Atlantic City, NJ Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort
5/4/24 Newark, NJ New Jersey Performing Arts Center
5/5/24 Oxon Hill, MD The Theatre at MGM National Harbor
*full electric

With over 20 years of chart-topping success, GODSMACK have cemented themselves as 21st-century hard rock titans. To date, they’ve accomplished a staggering 11 #1 singles at mainstream rock radio and have achieved 20 Top 10 hits at the format (the most of any act since February 1999). Additionally, they’ve enjoyed four Grammy nominations and were named Billboard Music Award’s Rock Artist of the Year in 2001. Selling over 20 million records worldwide, the band has released eight studio albums; Godsmack (1998), Awake (2000), Faceless (2003), IV (2006), The Oracle (2010), 1000hp (2014), When Legends Rise (2018), and Lighting Up the Sky (2023).

GODSMACK is Sully Erna (vocals, guitar), Tony Rombola (guitar), Robbie Merrill (bass), and Shannon Larkin (drums).

Ace Frehley Announces New Studio Album, 10,000 Volts

THE SPACEMAN IS BACK!

GUITAR LEGEND ACE FREHLEY TO RELEASE NEW SOLO ALBUM, 10,000 VOLTS, ON FEBRUARY 23, 2024

FIRST SINGLE AND TITLE TRACK OUT TODAY!

PREORDER ALBUM HERE

Stream / Get “10,000 Volts” Single Here

Grammy-nominated R&RHOF inductee and guitar legend ACE FREHLEY announces the release of his new studio album, 10,000 Volts, due out on February 23, 2024. Produced by Ace and Steve Brown (Trixter), the 11-track 10,000 Volts sees Ace perform electrifying, hard-hitting, riff-heavy rock’n’ roll.

Today, he releases the first single and title track. Written and produced by Ace and Steve Brown, the track kicks off with a surging riff, and Ace’s swaggering delivery takes hold and never lets go. It culminates on the chantable chorus, “She hit me like 10,000 volts, when I saw her face,” giving way to a fret-burning guitar solo.

The accompanying visual for the single was directed by Alex Kouvatsos from Black Wolf Imaging and shows Ace and his band performing the powerful, riff-heavy track live. Watch here:

Rock ‘n’ roll and heavy metal simply wouldn’t sound, look, or feel the same without Ace Frehley. Among hundreds of accolades, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® inducted him in 2014 as a Co-founder and the original lead guitarist of Kiss. Guitar World named him in the Top 15 of its “100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time” and plugged the lead from “Shock Me” on the “50 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time.” Magnifying the imprint of his catalog as a solo artist, Foo Fighters cut a fan favorite cover of “Ozone,” and he even jammed out “New York Groove” alongside The Roots on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The late Dimebag Darrell of Pantera proudly sported a tattoo of Frehley on his chest, while Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine celebrated him on X/Twitter as “My first guitar hero.”

10,000 Volts upholds an incredible legacy for Frehley, spanning 50-plus years in the limelight. Back in 1978, he delivered his solo debut, Ace Frehley. It reached platinum status and exploded as “the highest-selling of the four Kiss solo albums in the Soundscan era.” Pitchfork even retrospectively rated it a rare “8.5” score. In 1987, he dropped Frehley’s Comet. Following Anomaly in 2009, he went on to make history once again. His 2014 Space Invader LP captured #9 on the Billboard 200 and emerged as “The only solo album by a past or current Kiss member to reach the Top 10 on the chart.” 2016’s Origins Vol. 1, bowed at #1 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums Chart and in the Top 5 of the Billboard Top Rock Albums Chart. He notably maintained his momentum with Spaceman [2018].

Photo credit: Jayme Thornton

JUDAS PRIEST ANNOUNCES THE INVINCIBLE SHIELD TOUR!

JUDAS PRIEST ANNOUNCES THE INVINCIBLE SHIELD TOUR
Sabaton To Join Across All Shows

Tickets Available Starting Wednesday, November 15 with Artist Presale
General Onsale Begins on Friday, November 17 at 10AM Local on judaspriestinvincibleshield.com

Heavy metal titans Judas Priest have announced their Invincible Shield Tour with special guest Sabaton. The all-time greats will take over the U.S.A. this spring with 14 shows. Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off on April 18 at Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT making stops in Reading, PA; Boston, MA; Rosemont, IL; Washington, DC and more before wrapping up in Syracuse, NY at Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on May 22. Full ticketing and tour dates are available below. Metalheads are in for the show of a lifetime as few rock or metal acts remain as much of a must-see live attraction as Judas Priest!

Also, on Friday, November 17 JUDAS PRIEST will release ‘Trial By Fire’ the second song from their highly-anticipated new album Invincible Shield after the acclaimed lead single ‘Panic Attack’ – https://judaspriest.lnk.to/InvincibleShield

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale beginning on Wednesday, November 15. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, November 17 at 10am local time at judaspriestinvincibleshield.com.

JUDAS PRIEST: INVINCIBLE SHIELD TOUR DATES:

Thu Apr 18 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Fri Apr 19 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Sun Apr 21 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena
Wed Apr 24 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center
Thu Apr 25 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Sat Apr 27 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Center*
Sun Apr 28 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River
Wed May 01 – Rosemont, IL – Rosemont Theatre
Thu May 02 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory
Sat May 4 – Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center*
Sun May 05 – Maryland Heights, MO – St Louis Music Park
Tue May 07 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Propst Arena*
Thu May 09 – Daytona, FL – Welcome to Rockville^
Sat May 11 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Sun May 12 – Mobile, AL – Mobile Civic Center Arena*
Tue May 14 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Fri May 17 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center*
Sun May 19 – Washington, DC –The Theater at MGM National Harbor
Tue May 21 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena
Wed May 22 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
*Not a Live Nation Date
^Festival Performance

Z2 and Iron Maiden Present “Piece of Mind” Graphic Novel

IRON MAIDEN: PIECE OF MIND

A stunning love letter to fans from one of the most celebrated metal bands in music history!

Z2 Comics release, Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind features original stories for each of the nine album tracks including Where Eagles Dare – written by Steven Grant (The Punisher) illustrated by Carson Thorn (Batman the Barbarian), Revelations – fittingly crafted by Bruce Dickinson with Tony Lee (Doctor Who) and illustrated by Damien Worm (The October Faction); (“Revelations” being the first track in Maiden history to be solely-credited to Dickinson), Flight of Icarus by Eisner nominee Ivan Brandon (24Seven, Viking) illustrated by Francesco Dossena (Dylan Dog), Die With Your Boots On by Emmy-winning director and screenwriter Sacha Gervasi with art by Christian Rosado, The Trooper by Antony Johnston (Atomic Blonde) illustrated by Staz Johnson (Rogue Trooper), Still Life by Leah Moore & John Reppion (Conspiracy of Ravens) painted by John Pearson (Mindset), Quest for Fire from metal authority Brian Posehn (writer, comedian, actor) with art by Michael Avon Oeming (Powers), Sun and Steel by multiple World Fantasy Award-nominee Chris Roberson (iZombie) with art by Danijel Žeželj (Luna Park), and To Tame a Land, written and illustrated by Alison Sampson (Hit-Girl). In addition, between each story, the book is packed with original pieces of art by acclaimed illustrators, including Montos, Ghoulish Gary, Steve Chanks, Jan Meininghaus, Kyle Hotz, Jay Geldhof, Darin Hazmat, Travis Knight, Akirant, and Nat Jones.

With Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind, collectors will have five variants available to purchase, including The Trooper cover by multiple Eisner-nominee J.G. Jones (Y: The Last Man), Asylum Edition with cover by multiple Society of Illustrators-winner Jason Edmiston, Die With Your Boots On cover by UK Iron Maiden illustrator Dan Mumford, and The Flight of the Icarus cover by Eisner-nominee Martin Simmonds (The Department of Truth) with an additional The Trooper Cutaway cover by famed poster artist Travis Knight.

Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind will be available in hardcover via Z2 distributed by Simon & Schuster for a list price of $40 (ISBN: 978-1-95492-826-8) at comic shops on November 22.

Concert Review: More Than Meats the Eye Tour (Mac Sabbath, Cybertronic Spree, Playboy Man Baby)

More Than Meats the Eye U.S. Tour

Mac Sabbath, Cybertronic Spree, Playboy Man Baby

Friday, November 3rd, 2023
Town Ballroom
Buffalo, NY

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Mac Sabbath returned to Buffalo’s Town Ballroom on Nov. 3rd as part of their current “More Than Meats the Eye” U.S. Tour.  Joining the always entertaining Ronald Osbourne and company this time around is the Cybertronic Spree and Playboy Man Baby both of which bring their own unique mix of cheesy goodness to the tours bill.

Taking the stage first this evening were the Phoenix, AZ natives Playboy Manbaby. The quirky five piece band played a chaotic blend of devo-esque tunes which featured everything from single string guitar riffs, trumpet fills, and plenty of thick bass lines which were further accentuated by the bands singer Robbie Pfeffer whose unique attire was a site unto its own. The bands brief set started off a little slow but ended on a high note with an energetic dance party led by Pfeffer who by this point in the show had kept from the stage and was now in the middle of the floor commanding the audience like a possessed televangelist preacher as the band stormed through their closing number “Falafel Pantyhose”.

Next to take the intimate stage was the Cybertronic Spree. Hailing from the planet of Cybertron by way of Toronto, ON the members Hotrod, Arcee, Rumble, Unicron, Soundwave  and Shockwave rolled onto the stage ready to rock. From the opening chords of the “Transformers Theme Song” and on through songs like  the Weird Al classic “Dare to Be Stupid” the band sounded great and looked just as good as each member was clad in cartoon accurate robot attire that made the members look as though they had just been transported from the television. The later part of the bands ten song set included the Stan Bush song “The Touch”, and an original song titled “Wheels of Fire” from the groups recently released album “Ravage” before ending the set with a cover of Spectre General’s “Hunger”.

Closing out the evenings festivities was the fast food infused Mac Sabbath whose members consist of singer Ronald Osbourne, guitarist Slayer McCheeze, Grimalice and Dummer The Catburglar. The band would sizzle on to the stage flanked by giant demonic Ronald Osbourne heads which lit up and billowed smoke which caused an eerie haze to linger in the air. Bursting onto the stage clad in a mustard colored straight jacket was the evenings resident mad man Ronald Osbourne who after a brief moment freed himself from the binding jacket and took to center stage where he not only worked the mic in a foe British accent but also flipped burgers on a make shift grill complete with a variety of condiments. In between the Black Sabbath tinged songs “Organic Funeral”, “Sweet Beef” and “Frying Pan” the band also spread their foodie enriched wings with the songs such as “Grilled By Death”, “Love Buns” and “Bread”. The band took multiple stops in order to provide the crowd with a variety of food parody names and jokes that after awhile seemed to fall flatter then a fast food hamburger. After Mac Sabbaths initial ten song set the band now joined by two members of Cybertronic Spree returned to the stage for a sing along version of “Hallowiener Schnitzel” before closing out the evening with the song “Pair-a-Buns”.

The “More Than Meats the Eye” tour has a little something for everyone who may be looking for a night of fun music and entertaining stage antics. Yes, some of the jokes and gimmicks might come off hokey and get old pretty quickly however, the musicality of each of the bands makes up for any of the stage banter short comings making this a show worth checking out. With the tour running through mid November there are still a few opportunities to catch this show as you won’t want to pass up a good night of laughs and music.

 

Playboy Manbaby Setlist

1.) Chemical Reprieve
2.) Unknown
3.) Unknown
4.) Cadillac Car
5.) You Can Be a Fascist Too
6.) Falafel Pantyhose

Cybertronic Spree Setlist

1.) Run For Your Life
2.) The Transformers Theme
3.) True Survivor
4.) Dare to Be Stupid
5.) Instruments of Destruction
6.) Mortal Kombat (Techno-Syndrome 7″ Mix)
7.) The Touch
8.) Thunderstruck
9.) Wheels of Fire
10.) Hunger

Mac Sabbath Setlist

1.) Organic Funeral
2.) Sweet Beef
3.) The Lizard
4.) Grilled by Death
5.) Drive Thru the Void
6.) Bread
7.) Love Buns
8.) Supersize
9.) Chicken for the Slaves
10.) Frying Pan
Encore
11.) Hallowiener Schnitzel
12.) Pair-a-Buns