PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 23, 2025  

It was more than just a concert. It was a full-blown sonic and visual experience as Metallica stormed Lincoln Financial Field Friday night on the first of two dates in their much-hyped “M72 World Tour.” With over 50,000 multi-generational fans in attendance, the night was a blistering showcase of the band’s enduring power and their willingness to evolve even four decades into their career. 

Three-story-high, cutting-edge LED screens transformed the entire stadium. Suddenly, every seat was the best seat in the house. These visuals didn’t just support the performance—they became part of the story. 

Metallica kicked off the evening with “Creeping Death,” a Biblical tale turned metal classic that hit like a thunderbolt. From there, the setlist traveled through time, covering all eras of their discography. Staples like “Harvester of Sorrow,” “Fuel,” and “Sad but True” kept the old-school faithful happy, but it was the inclusion of newer tracks like “If Darkness Had a Son” and the title track “72 Seasons” that added freshness to the show’s familiar formula. 

The 2023 album 72 Seasons served as both a thematic and sonic backbone of the concert. As front man James Hetfield has explained, the title refers to the first 18 years of life—72 seasons of formative experiences. The maturity and introspection of this theme could be felt throughout the night, especially in darker, emotionally heavier songs like “The Day That Never Comes” and “Orion,” the latter an instrumental tribute to late bassist Cliff Burton that remains hauntingly beautiful. 

The emotional peak of the night may well have been “Seek and Destroy.” All four members—Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo—clustered together in the Snake Pit, recreating the gritty intimacy of their garage days. The moment was raw, real, and exhilarating. For fans close enough to reach out and touch Hetfield, it was unforgettable. 

The musicianship was flawless. Hetfield’s voice is still a thunderous growl, Ulrich’s drumming sharp and relentless, Hammett’s solos blistering, and Trujillo a force of nature on bass. Pulling off a production of this size night after night isn’t just about the band—it takes a massive effort from a tight-knit touring and local crew, and Metallica made sure to tip their hats to them. 

While the show leaned heavily into the darkness that has always defined the band’s aesthetic, the atmosphere was anything but depressing. There’s a strange kind of joy that pulses through a Metallica crowd—a intense sense of unity forged through shared struggles and triumphs. When Metallica launched into ‘Nothing Else Matters,’ the stadium was transformed. Tens of thousands of cell phone lights flickered to life, dancing like a sea of fireflies in the dark, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the crowd. It was a moment of collective stillness, as if time paused and 50,000 hearts beat to the same melody. 

If the first night of Metallica’s Philly takeover was any indication, this isn’t a nostalgia act on autopilot—it’s a living, breathing, headbanging beast of a band that still has a lot to say. And on this night in South Philly, they said it loud and clear. 

Photo credit by: Aaylan Zapotoczny 

Walter Zapotoczny is an author, historian, and local music fan. He can be reached at mail@wzaponline.com. 

NEW DOCUMENTARY ‘THE BALLAD OF JUDAS PRIEST’ IN PRODUCTION FROM SONY MUSIC VISION

Film Co-Directed by Sam Dunn and Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello

Produced by Emmy and Peabody-Winning Banger Films

Photo Credit: Andy ‘Elvis’ McGovern

Sony Music Vision, in association with Sony Music Entertainment UK and Epic Records, today announced the production of The Ballad of Judas Priest, a new documentary about legendary GRAMMY-winning English heavy metal band Judas Priest and their epic journey to the top of rock and roll.

Co-directed by documentary filmmaker Sam Dunn and Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello in his directorial debut, the documentary will celebrate the legendary band’s lasting impact on music and culture with their influence reaching far beyond metal. Featuring unforgettable anthems and pop culture staples like “Breaking the Law” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming,” The Ballad of Judas Priest will capture the passion, resilience and enduring legacy of a band whose music and story continue to inspire generations.

Rising from humble, working-class roots in Birmingham, UK, to become global rock legends, Judas Priest didn’t just help shape heavy metal culture – they forged it. Widely credited as being one of the pioneers of the Heavy Metal genre in the 1970s, Judas Priest has sold more than 50 million records and released 19 studio albums for their legion of dedicated fans around the world. In 2022, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With their 2024 album “Invincible Shield,” the band became the first heavy metal band to release studio albums 50 years apart. The album drew widespread acclaim, receiving a GRAMMY nomination for Best Metal Performance. This fall, they will be joined by Alice Cooper for a co-headlining tour across 22 North American cities.

Judas Priest said, “We have lived and breathed metal for over five decades, and finally in this documentary we are summoning our congregation to officially witness our lives uncensored, in a never-before-seen way…the cassock comes off, revealing Priest in all its metal glory!”

“While some may know Judas Priest for their huge hits that have shaped the heavy metal genre, there is so much more to their story,” co-directors Morello and Dunn said. “Tracing their incredible 50-year journey, this film will capture how Judas Priest both defined the sound and look of metal, but also made it a more inclusive place along the way. We are grateful to the band for allowing us such intimate, unfiltered access to their lives and look forward to bringing this film to the metal masses around the world.”

The documentary is a production of Banger Films and directed by Sam Dunn and Tom Morello. Producers include Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn. It is executive produced by Tom Morello, Rick Krim, Sheila Stepanek, and Jayne Andrews. Tom Mackay, Krista Wegener and Abby Davis serve as executive producers for Sony Music Vision. Sylvia Rhone is executive producer for Epic Records. The film is presented and distributed by Sony Music Vision.

GWAR & Mischief Toys
Unleash Limited-Edition “Minion Gastley” Toy
Order HERE

New Multimedia Release ‘The Return of Gor Gor’
Out July 25th via Pit Records

📸: Shawn Stanley

Pre-Order from Pit Records HERE

On Tour Now!

Mischief Toys and GWAR have formed an unholy alliance that blends heavy metal mayhem with cult collectible culture. At the center of this twisted partnership is Mischief Toys’ beloved hellion, Gastley—now transformed by the Scumdogs into Minion Gastley, a mutated servant oozing with grotesque charm and unmistakable hints of Balsac the Jaws of Death himself.

This limited-edition crossover celebrates the fusion of music and mischief, offering fans multiple colorways of Minion Gastley along with matching merch. Whether you’re a designer toy collector, a GWAR maniac, or both, this drop delivers the chaos you crave.

In addition, a special blue-spattered variant—exclusive to GWAR.net—will be limited to just 150 pieces for the most diehard Scumdogs.

In true GWAR fashion, Minion Gastley’s suffering doesn’t end there. The poor beast has been condemned to clean toilets, mop blood, and tend to the wreckage as the band lays waste to the galaxy on tour.

Available Now at MischiefToys.com:

With each purchase, fans will receive one, randomly selected variant:
=> Minion Gastley – Classic “Unscathed” Version (320 pieces) – $55
=> Blacklight-Reactive Green Spatter Gastley (100 pieces) – $55
=> Red Spatter Gastley (50 pieces) – $55

Available for direct purchase:

=> Signed Classic Unscathed Gastley (30 pieces) – $85
(Signed by Blothar, Jizmak Da Gusha, Grodius Maximus, Balsac the Jaws of Death,
Bonesnapper, Sawborg Destructo, and Beefcake the Mighty)
=> Matching Merch: enamel pins, 11×17 blacklight poster, t-shirt, snapback hat, dad hat

Christopher Gast, founder of Mischief Toys comments:

“This collaboration brings together two of the things we love most: GWAR—the most gloriously chaotic band in the universe—and Gastley, our beloved little hellion from the Netherworld. We’re thrilled for fans of both to revel in the madness together.”

PROGRESSIVE MUSIC ICONS DREAM THEATER ANNOUNCE THE PARASOMNIA 2025 TOUR ACROSS THE UNITED STATES SCHEDULED TO KICK OFF ON SEPTEMBER 5th

Latest Run is an Evening With the Iconic Lineup of James LaBrie, John Myung, John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy and Jordan Rudess to Celebrate the Band’s Chart-Topping 16th Studio Album Parasomnia

Information on all tickets and VIP Packages can be found at https://dreamtheater.net/tour/

On the heels of their successful 2025 40th Anniversary sold-out North American tour that wrapped at Radio City Music Hall in March, GRAMMY®-winning, progressive music titans Dream Theater are announcing another run of dates in the United States. As referenced nightly from the stage on the last run, the upcoming tour will be An Evening With Dream Theater that will celebrate the band’s recent chart-topping 16th studio album, Parasomnia. The tour is scheduled for 30 cities across the United States and kicks off September 5th in Reading, PA and runs through October 25th where it wraps in Long Island, NY. The tour will make stops in Orlando, FL; Detroit, MI; Kansas City, MO and Providence, RI among others. Dream Theater will be performing their latest album in its entirety as well as classics and fan favorites from their catalog in what promises to be an unforgettable evening of music. More information on all tickets and VIP packages can be found at https://dreamtheater.net/tour/.

An Evening With Dream Theater Parasomnia 2025 Tour

September 5 – Reading, PA – Santander PAC
September 6 – Baltimore, MD – The Lyric
September 9 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston PAC
September 10 – Clearwater, FL – The BayCare Sound Amphitheater
September 12 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live
September 13 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
September 14 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy (40th Anniversary Tour Rescheduled Date)
September 16 – Charlotte, NC – Owens Auditorium
September 18 – Pittsburgh, PA – Benedum Center
September 19 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life (Festival)
September 21 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
September 22 – Peoria, IL – Prairie Home Alliance Theater
September 24 – Milwaukee, WI – Miller High Life Theatre
September 25 – Minneapolis, MN – Orpheum Theatre
September 27 – Des Moines, IA – Vibrant Music Hall
September 29 – Colorado Springs, CO – Pikes Peak Center
October 3 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock (Festival)
October 4 – Oceanside, CA – Frontwave Arena
October 5 – Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Terrace Theater
October 7 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Arts Center – Ikeda Theater
October 8 – El Paso, TX – Abraham Chavez Theatre
October 11 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater
October 13 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland
October 14 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory
October 17 – Hammond, IN – The Venue at Horseshoe Hammond
October 18 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre
October 20 – Syracuse, NY – Landmark Theatre
October 22 – Providence, RI – Veterans Memorial Auditorium
October 23 – Schenectady, NY – Proctor’s Theatre
October 25 – Long Island, NY – Nassau Coliseum

An album that was fifteen years in the making, Dream Theater released their sixteenth studio album, Parasomnia on February 7, 2025, via their longtime label home, Inside Out Music/Sony Music. From the opening track “In The Arms Of Morpheus” to the closer of “The Shadow Man Incident,” Dream Theater returned with a collection of songs that showcased what has earned the band a loyal following for four decades. Clocking in at 71 minutes, Parasomnia debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums, the Hard Music Albums and Current Rock Albums chart selling over 18,000 combined units the first week. It also debuted at #41 on the Billboard 200 which is notable for a progressive metal band and shows the bands devout fanbase. Parasomnia is a term for disruptive, sleep-related disturbances including sleepwalking, sleep paralysis, and night terrors. The album was produced by Petrucci, engineered by James ‘Jimmy T’ Meslin, and mixed by Andy Sneap. Hugh Syme returns once again to lend his creative vision to the cover art. More information can be found at: www.dreamtheater.net.

The track listing for Parasomnia is:

1) In The Arms Of Morpheus (5:22)
2) Night Terror (9:55)
3) A Broken Man (8:30)
4) Dead Asleep (11:06)
5) Midnight Messiah (7:58)
6) Are We Dreaming? (1:28)
7) Bend The Clock (7:24)
8) The Shadow Man Incident (19:32)

In a pre-concert interview ahead of Brit Floyd’s performance at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on May 9, 2025, bassist and lead vocalist Ian Cattell shared insights into the band’s “Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary World Tour.” Cattell, a founding member of Brit Floyd and a Syracuse native, discussed the tour’s significance in celebrating Pink Floyd’s iconic 1975 album. He emphasized the band’s commitment to delivering an authentic and immersive experience, complete with elaborate visuals, including a stunning laser and light show, iconic circular screen, inflatables, and theatrics.

HERSHEY, PA – May 9, 2025
Under the glow of lasers and the pulse of perfectly synced sound, Brit Floyd returned to the Hershey Pennsylvania at the Giant Center on Friday night treating a crowd of 3,500 to a mesmerizing celebration of Pink Floyd’s legacy. The evening marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic Wish You Were Here album, and the band delivered a show as ambitious as the music it honored.

Getting ready for sound check, musical director Damian Darlington was on stage making some last-minute adjustments to the lighting rig. “I am a perfectionist,” he said underscoring what sets Brit Floyd apart: a deep, almost obsessive commitment to accuracy and atmosphere.

From the first note, it was clear—this wasn’t just a tribute; it was a resurrection. Brit Floyd’s signature production values were on full display, from the award-winning laser and light show to the massive circular screen projecting original Pink Floyd visuals. Every beam of light, every ripple of color, was intricately programmed and timed to match the music, making for a completely immersive experience.
The band launched into Wish You Were Here, including “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” “Have a Cigar,” “Welcome to the Machine,” and of course, the hauntingly emotional title track. The audience was spellbound, erupting into applause and standing ovations throughout the night.

Bass player Ian Cattell anchored the sound with his signature blend of finesse and power, switching seamlessly between his new headless Washburn Status and his classic Fender Precision. Cattell also handled lead vocals on several tracks, channeling the spirit of the original performances with both reverence and originality. Damian Darlington, switching effortlessly between lead guitar and lap steel, delivered soaring solos that drew waves of applause and cheers from the crowd. Edo Scordo added his own guitar wizardry, while Ryan Saranich’s saxophone solos soared—each note delivered with expressive nuance and impeccable control, adding depth and emotion that resonated throughout the arena.

The show’s emotional peak came during “The Great Gig in the Sky.” Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila, joined by former Pink Floyd backing vocalist Machan Taylor, stunned the crowd with a vocal performance that built from delicate to explosive. Their harmonies brought the house to its feet, a truly magical moment in a night full of them

Keyboardist Matt Riddle and drummer Arran Ahmun laid down a flawless rhythmic foundation, faithfully channeling the spirit of Pink Floyd’s Richard Wright and Nick Mason. The backing vocalists Eva, Machan, and Genevieve Little enriched the soundscape with lush harmonies. Together, the ensemble embodied what Rolling Stone has dubbed “the world’s premiere Pink Floyd experience.”

At the end of the show, Damian’s guitar solo of “Comfortably Numb” had the crowd on their feet asking for more. If the roar of the Hershey audience was any indication, that legacy is alive and well. And for one unforgettable night, Brit Floyd made sure no one forgot what made Pink Floyd’s music so transcendent in the first place.

Photo credit by: Aaylan Zapotoczny

Walter Zapotoczny is an author, historian, and local Pink Floyd fan. He can be reached at mail@wzaponline.com.

Donner Acoustic Guitar “APL” Multi Effects Pedal

Features:

• 6 IR Body Simulations: Quickly switch between classic acoustic tones.
• 8 Effects Mod: Enhance your sound with a variety of effects.
• OTG Outputs: Capture high-fidelity audio directly to your device.
• Loop Recording: 8-minute loop for creative layering.
• Auto Notch: Prevent feedback with automatic frequency sweep.
• Tuner: Accurate tuning with Bypass or Mute options.

Our Score: 4 out of 5 Stars

From the bedroom to the stage Donner’s “APL Multi Effects Pedal” has everything you need to elevate your acoustic instrumentation to the next level. At first glance the “APL” looks like just another compact all in one floor unit however, after further inspection we found that underneath the brightly colored heavy duty housing was a smorgasbord of options that other pedals in this price range don’t even come close to offering.

Effects wise you get 8 classic effects including chorus, tremolo, phase, overdrive, echo, hall reverb, plate reverb and delay & reverb. Each effect has its own set of parameters which users can adjust to their individual liking via an easy to use multi-knob. Also available are 8 dedicated parameters knobs which control bass, mid, treble, compression, gain, mix, impact and range. Having these dedicated knobs certain made dialing in sounds a breeze however it did take a minute or two to figure out that the impact and range knobs actually work in conjunction with the effects select knob allowing you to control your effects levels via those two knobs. Users also have access to onboard tuner by simply holding down the left toggle switch.

If you have ever played an acoustic instrument in an amplified setting then you know how difficult it can be to control feedback. Thanks to the APL’s Automatic notch & Anti-howling feature you can quickly eliminate or reduce specific frequencies helping you have a more stable performance with just the push of a button. Even at lower volumes where feedback wasn’t as much of an issue this was a welcomed addition to the unit.

The “APL” right toggle button controls the looper which is capable of 8-minutes of recording time along with an infinite amount of overlay tracks and thanks to the units USB connectivity loops can be easily exported to a computer via USB for secondary editing and creation. I really enjoyed this feature as it made the recording and transferring of riffs quick and easy and eliminated the need for additional equipment. The “APL” has a variety of interfaces, including TRS, AUX, OTG, PHONE, which can be connected to mobile devices, speakers, headphones, etc furthering the units versatility.

If all that wasn’t enough Donner also chose to include IR Modeler. This was probably my favorite feature of this whole things as the modeler allows you to replicate practically any guitar body out there. All the favorites are from Taylor, Martin and Gibson come pre-programmed and many others can be downloaded and emulated giving your guitar even more tonal capabilities.

If you have been looking for an all in one multi-unit and interface then look no further than the Donner “APL”. From its sturdy build quality and bright led display screen to its robust tonal features and a multitude of connectivity options you will be hard pressed to find another unit of this quality. With an MSRP of just $218.99 you get a lot of bang for your buck. Though I would have liked to have seen a few more controllable effects and parameters the units overall ease of use and build quality far out weighed this minute short coming.

To order your own Donner APL Multi Effect Unit click here.

98° BRINGS THEIR LEGACY ‘FULL CIRCLE’ WITH NEW ALBUM FEATURING RE-RECORDINGS, NEW SONGS, AND TOTAL CREATIVE CONTROL

Photo credit: Trevor Paul

LISTEN TO ‘FULL CIRCLE’ HERE!

For decades, the music industry thrived on contracts that kept artists from owning their own work, but those days are over. 98°, the multi-platinum, chart-dominating vocal group that soundtracked an era, is reclaiming their catalog and their career with their new album, ‘Full Circle’, out TODAY, May 9, 2025, through XOXO Entertainment Corp. A bold blend of past and present, the record features five brand-new tracks alongside re- recordings of their biggest hits, giving the group full ownership of the songs that helped define late ‘90s and early 2000s pop.

LISTEN TO ‘FULL CIRCLE’ HERE

Managed by the legendary Johnny Wright and Joe Lilak at Wright Entertainment Group, 98° has sold over 15 million albums worldwide, earning eight Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, four Top 10 singles, and a No. 2 smash with “Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)” in 2000. Their signature harmonies and R&B-tinged ballads became anthems of an era, from “The Hardest Thing” (No. 5, Billboard Hot 100) to “Because of You” (No. 3, Billboard Hot 100, Platinum-certified), securing their status as one of the most successful vocal groups of their time.

“Everything about this album is intentional,” says Nick Lachey, “We wanted to revisit these songs not just because fans love them, but because they’re part of our story. We lived them, we built this career from them, and now, we own them. That’s what Full Circle is about.”

This isn’t just a nostalgia play—it’s a reclamation. In an era where legendary acts are rewriting the rules, Full Circle proves that 98° is not just reflecting on their past but actively shaping their future. The album’s five new tracks showcase their evolution while staying true to the R&B-infused harmonies and heartfelt storytelling that first captured audiences. Lead single “Got U” sets the tone, written by Nick Lachey, Soulshock & Karlin (Whitney Houston, Usher), and Alex Cantrell (JoJo, Fantasia), and produced by Anders Bagge (Janet Jackson, Celine Dion, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias). Other highlights include “Stranger Things (Have Happened),” produced by Noah Conrad (BTS, Niall Horan, Chappell Roan), and “Tremble,” crafted by Grammy-winning producer Dave Audé (Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, U2) and the album’s focus track, “Mona Lisa,” featuring international superstar Janine, and produced by Multi-Platinum hitmaker Adam H. Hurstfield (Ray J, Ne-Yo, Elise Estrada, BoA, Girls Generation, Super Junior, DJ Khaled, Loverboy).

“We’ve lived with these hit songs for so many years they feel almost like old friends.” says Justin Jeffre “I think we’ve grown as artists and singers through the years so it was exciting to revisit those hits and try to capture that same feeling that made them hits while trying to make them even better than the original recordings.”

Then come the re-recordings—massive pop and R&B hits that once ruled the Billboard charts and now belong fully to the band. “Because of You,” “The Hardest Thing,” “Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche),” and “I Do (Cherish You)” all return with a fresh yet faithful approach, reaffirming 98°’s legacy as one of the most enduring vocal groups of their generation. Fans can also expect an exclusive Taglish version of “I Do (Cherish You),” featuring powerhouse vocalist Katrina Velarde, bridging the group’s deep-rooted connection to their loyal Filipino fanbase.

“The old industry model was built to keep artists in the passenger seat of their own careers,” says Drew Lachey, “We’ve spent decades performing these songs, and now we finally own them. This isn’t just a win for us—it’s a message to every artist out there.”

Unlike their peers, 98° wasn’t manufactured by a label—they formed organically, built their fanbase from the ground up, and defied the pop industry’s formulaic mold. Their commitment to staying authentic and adaptable has kept them a force in music for decades. As they prepare to take Full Circle on the road, they are proving that longevity in pop music is about taking control of your own history.

98° will kick off their album release with a series of live events and in-person signings:

May 10, 2025 Barnes And Nobel In-Store Autograph Signing, NY
May 30, 2025 SM Mall Of Asia Arena, Philippines
May 31, 2025 SM Mall Of Asia Arena, Philippines
June 27, 2025 OLG Stage, Niagara Falls, ON
July 25, 2025 Grey Eagle Casino, Calgary, AB

“98° isn’t just a moment in time,” says Jeff Timmons, “This album is about more than nostalgia—it’s about legacy. We’re not just revisiting our history, we’re owning it.”

Full Circle is available today, May 9 on all digital streaming platforms, LP vinyl, and CD.

CANNIBAL CORPSE Announces North American Headlining Tour This Fall
Tickets On Sale Friday, May 9th!

Photo by Alex Morgan

Death metal icons CANNIBAL CORPSE are pleased to announce their North American headlining tour this Fall. The journey will commence on September 15th in Nashville, Tennessee and make its way through over two dozen cities, the tour drawing to a close on October 22nd in Charlotte, North Carolina. Support will be provided by Municipal Waste and Fulci. The tour follows the band’s recent North America run with Meshuggah.

Blabbermouth and Knotfest presales begin Wednesday, May 7th at 10:00am local time. Local/promoter presales begin Thursday, May 8th at 10:00am local time.

General on sale date is Friday, May 9th at 10:00am local time at cannibalcorpse.net. See all confirmed dates below.

CANNIBAL CORPSE w/ Municipal Waste, Fulci:

9/15/2025 Marathon Music Works – Nashville, TN
9/17/2025 The Mill & Mine – Knoxville, TN
9/18/2025 Louder Than Life – Louisville, KY
9/19/2025 The Roxian – Pittsburgh, PA
9/20/2025 NE Metal and Hardcore Fest – Worcester, MA
9/22/2025 Buffalo RiverWorks – Buffalo, NY
9/23/2025 The Agora – Cleveland, OH
9/24/2025 The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
9/26/2025 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
9/27/2025 Epic Event Center – Green Bay, WI
9/28/2025 First Ave – Minneapolis, MN
9/29/2025 The Truman – Kansas City, MO
9/30/2025 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK
10/02/2025 The Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ
10/03/2025 Ventura Theater – Ventura, CA
10/04/2025 House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA
10/05/2025 Soma – San Diego, CA
10/07/2025 Rialto Theater – Tucson, AZ
10/09/2025 The Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX
10/10/2025 House Of Blues – Houston, TX
10/11/2025 The Hall – Little Rock, AR
10/12/2025 Mars Music Hall – Huntsville, AL
10/14/2025 The Ritz – Raleigh, NC
10/15/2025 The National – Richmond, VA
10/17/2025 The Paramount – Huntington, NY
10/18/2025 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ
10/19/2025 The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD
10/21/2025 The Norva – Norfolk, VA
10/22/2025 The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC

CANNIBAL CORPSE released their critically adored Chaos Horrific full-length in 2023 via Metal Blade Records. Produced again by guitarist Erik Rutan, who has now produced six of the band’s albums, Chaos Horrific is, without question, a full-on, CANNIBAL-style death metal outing, straight down to the themes, which include zombie warfare, resetting the human race through mass mutilations, and the violent revenge of victims of human trafficking, and its cover art by longtime collaborator Vince Locke. Wrote Decibel Magazine upon its release, “Chaos Horrific manages to be easily digestible while also being honeycombed with nuance and is a nearly perfect record.” Revolver concurred noting, “They’re one of the hardest working bands in the game, their sound has never gotten a drop less brutal, and their coolness factor has never waned.” Added Metal Hammer, “This band is an imperious, tweaked-to-perfection wrecking machine at this point.”

Chaos Horrific slaughtered Billboard charts upon its first week of release, earning the #7 position on the Billboard Album Sales chart, #2 on the Hard Music Albums chart, #3 on the Rock Albums chart, #5 on the Independent Label Albums chart, and more!

The record is available on digipak CD, cassette, and digital formats as well as vinyl in multiple limited color variants.

Secure your copy today at the CANNIBAL CORPSE store at: cannibalcorpse.store and Metal Blade at: metalblade.com/cannibalcorpse.

METALLICA
LOAD (REMASTERED)
LIMITED EDITION DELUXE BOX SET OUT JUNE 13

FEATURING PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED MATERIAL INCLUDING DEMOS, ROUGH MIXES, VIDEO, LIVE RECORDINGS & MORE

PRE-ORDERS LIVE NOW AT https://www.metallica.com/store/load-remastered/

“Until It Sleeps (Remastered)” Lyric Video Live Now

Metallica has announced the definitive re-release of the band’s 5x platinum sixth studio album Load, out June 13 via the band’s own Blackened Recordings.

Remastered by Reuben Cohen at Lurssen Mastering with Greg Fidelman overseeing, the Load Remastered Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set is available now for pre-order at https://www.metallica.com/store/load-remastered/ where full package details and track listings can be viewed. Pre-orders of the Deluxe Box will receive instant grat tracks “Until It Sleeps (Remastered),” “Until It Sleeps (Herman Melville Mix),” “F.O.B.D. (“Until It Sleeps” Rough Chorus Vocal Idea Mix),” and “Until It Sleeps (Live at Slim’s, San Francisco, CA – June 10th, 1996).”

Load (Remastered) will be released in formats including standard 180g 2LP, CD, cassette and digital (including a Spatial Audio mix using Atmos). Standard pre-orders receive “Until It Sleeps (Remastered)” IG, Expanded Edition pre-orders receive “Until It Sleeps (Remastered)” and “F.O.B.D. (“Until It Sleeps” Rough Chorus Vocal Idea Mix)” IGs. The 2LP, 3CD Expanded and Deluxe digital versions for the first time ever feature the extended version of “The Outlaw Torn,” originally edited for release due to time constraints of the CD format.

The Load Remastered Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set is an ambitious and comprehensive time capsule of 1995-97 era Metallica, jam-packed with exclusives including previously unreleased demos, rough mixes, live performances, on-air and television appearances, and much more. The one-time pressing will include the remastered Load album on 180g double vinyl, a “Mama Said” picture disc, and Loadapalooza ’96, a 140G triple album recorded live during Metallica’s Lollapalooza headlining run at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre on August 4, 1996. The set’s 15 CDs range from the remastered Load album to never-before-released collected riffs, demos and rough mixes, B-Sides and rarities, and a wealth of live material, while its 4 DVDs offer a plethora of behind the scenes, in-studio and live footage, on-air and television appearances, the band’s Polar Beach Party visit to Tuktoyaktuk, Canada, and more. Rounding out the box’s content are memorabilia including a pack of 14 Rorschach Test cards, a Pushead patch, an 11×17 Lollapalooza poster, an Rolling Stone cover reproduction, a 5-pack of guitar/bass picks, lyric sheets, two laminated tour passes and a deluxe 128-page book.

Originally released June 4, 1996, Load was the second Metallica album to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200, where it would remain for four straight weeks. The 1995 sessions at The Plant in Sausalito CA that resulted in Load (as well as 1997’s ReLoad) would find James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Jason Newsted creating yet another landmark of the Metallica catalog. Currently, two of Load’s four singles—“Until It Sleeps” and “King Nothing”—have been lighting up crowds the world over in regular rotation on the setlists of the band’s M72 World Tour.

GHOST
SKELETÁ
NEW ALBUM OUT NOW

“Peacefield” New Single Live Now

Following what seemed an interminable wait to its global legion of fans, GHOST’s excruciatingly anticipated new album, SKELETÁ, is at long last out today, April 25, via Loma Vista Recordings.

The lead up to SKELETÁ’s full release has been punctuated by a cavalcade of world-spanning events that have only elevated the fervor of the album’s exuberant welcome. This week alone witnessed the unveiling of the recorded version of “Peacefield,” the monolithic anthem opening both the new record and the sold-out arena performances comprising the first leg of the SKELETOUR WORLD TOUR 2025. The faithful also assembled in full regalia for SKELETÁ-Eve Midnight Sales celebrating the arrival of the band’s sixth psalm at close to 150 record stores around the globe. With demand for the midnight mass events far exceeding the number of suitable physical locations, GHOST’s added live-streamed SKELETÁ Rockin’ Eve event took the invocation of the new offering to devotees in all corners of the world, ensuring that not a single fan was left out of the festivities.

The coming of SKELETÁ was previously heralded by first single “Satanized”—dubbed a “catchy goth-rock epic” by VICE—and the rapturously received “Lachryma”—deemed “economical, vicious, and contemporary, but tinged by ‘80s rhapsody” by PASTE and “phantasmagoric” by REVOLVER. Both advance tracks have remained perched atop streaming music and video charts, thanks to GHOST’s singularly passionate following that includes more than 10 million combined Spotify monthly listeners and YouTube subscribers.

As if all of the above was not enough, GHOST’s blockbuster SKELETOUR WORLD TOUR 2025 opened to overwhelmingly ecstatic critical and popular reception from the moment the first notes of “Peacefield” filled the AO Arena in Manchester UK with deafening applause on the tour’s April 15 opening night. Featuring the flesh and bone debut of frontman Papa V Perpetua, the SKELETOUR WORLD TOUR 2025 is the most staggeringly ambitious incarnation of the GHOST live ritual to date. Having completed a string of sold out arena shows across the UK, the tour is currently making its way through the European territories, presaging a North American campaign that will begin July 9 in Baltimore and include GHOST’s historic first-ever headlining show at New York’s hallowed Madison Square Garden on July 22. With more shows to be announced soon, the SKELETOUR WORLD TOUR 2025 ritual experience promises to expand the GHOST community to attract its largest and most diverse audiences to date. From lifelong disciples to the curious uninitiated first-timers to the outcasts and others who find solace in the ritual, all are welcome to escape the travails of daily life and to become one with the enthralling spectacle hailed by KERRANG on opening night in Manchester as “bones and wings and sparkling and bedazzled macabre glory… f***ing brilliant.”

The tour’s kick-off also marked the world premiere of GTV, the new channel dedicated to exclusive coverage of all things GHOST and SKELETOUR. Join host Vanessa Warwick as she welcomes any and all to join the Ghoulbangers’ Ball for in-depth and behind the scenes coverage available only HERE

GHOST
SKELETOUR WORLD TOUR 2025
(More dates to come)

04/26/25 – Lyon, FR – LDLC Arena
04/27/25 – Toulouse, FR – Zénith Toulouse Métropole
04/29/25 – Lisbon, PT – MEO Arena
04/30/25 – Madrid, ES – Palacio Vistalegre
05/03/25 – Zürich, CH – Hallenstadion Zürich
05/04/25 – Milan, IT – Unipol Forum
05/07/25 – Berlin, DE – Uber Arena
05/08/25 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome
05/10/25 – Lodz, PL – Atlas Arena
05/11/25 – Prague, CZ – O2 Arena
05/13/25 – Paris, FR – Accor Arena
05/14/25 – Oberhausen, DE – Rudolf Weber-ARENA
05/15/25 – Hannover, DE – ZAG Arena
05/17/25 – Copenhagen, DK – Royal Arena
05/20/25 – Tampere, FI – Nokia Arena
05/22/25 – Linköping, SE – Saab Arena
05/23/25 – Sandviken, SE – Göransson Arena
05/24/25 – Oslo, NO – Oslo Spektrum
07/05/25 – Birmingham, UK – Back to the Beginning
07/09/25 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
07/11/25 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
07/12/25 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
07/13/25 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
07/15/25 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center
07/17/25 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Arena
07/18/25 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
07/19/25 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
07/21/25 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
07/22/25 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
07/24/25 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
07/25/25 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center
07/26/25 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
07/28/25 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
07/29/25 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum
07/30/25 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
08/01/25 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
08/02/25 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
08/03/25 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center
08/05/25 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
08/07/25 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
08/09/25 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
08/10/25 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
08/11/25 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
08/14/25 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
08/15/25 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
08/16/25 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
09/24/25 – Mexico City, MX – Palacio de los Deportes
09/25/25 – Mexico City, MX – Palacio de los Deportes

GWAR
Celebrates 40th Anniversary with New Multimedia Release
‘The Return of Gor Gor’
Out July 25th via Pit Records and Z2 Comics

Pre-Order from Pit Records HERE

Pre-Order from Z2 Comics HERE

New Single “Lot Lizard” Out Now
+ NSFW Music Video — Watch HERE

Shock rock legends GWAR are back to wreak havoc once again with their new Multimedia Release, ‘The Return of Gor Gor,’ due on July 25th, 2025, via Pit Records/Z2 Comics. This multi-format assault on the senses includes brand-new studio recordings, ferocious live performances, and an exclusive 32-page comic detailing the epic return of Gor Gor, GWAR’s long-lost, three-ton Tyrannosaurus Rex. This release is a collaboration between GWAR and Z2 Comics, ensuring fans get the ultimate immersive experience.

But where has Gor Gor been all these years? How do you misplace a three-ton Tyrannosaurus Rex? The answer lies in ‘The Return of Gor Gor,’ a multi-format experience that intertwines music and graphic storytelling. ‘The Return of Gor Gor’ follows the tale of an orphaned T-Rex cub, lost in a depraved world that is completely alien to him. Will he become an ally of the legendary Scumdogs of the Universe, or will their reunion unleash an apocalyptic battle? Only time will tell.

Kicking off the carnage, GWAR premieres the NSFW video for “Lot Lizard” today. Fans can also stream the track across all digital service providers (DSPs) and pre-order ‘The Return of Gor Gor’ now at Pit Records (where you can also get a Gor Gor Plush) and
Z2Comics.com.

About the new single, Blothar states:

“‘Lot Lizard’ is a blistering return to GWAR as a punk metal powerhouse with a sense of humor. What could be more charming than a song about a crack-addicted cross-dressing dinosaur prostitute that shreds weiners at truck stop pickle parks? Nuttin honey. That’s what. The song rocks. Listen ya mooks…”

Watch the NSFW Video for “Lot Lizard” HERE

‘The Return of Gor Gor’ features three brand new GWAR songs mixed by Kurt Ballou (Converge, GodCity Studios) and four live tracks captured at The Masquerade in Atlanta, GA during GWAR’s 2024 tour, mixed by Chris Ronan Murphy. All songs were produced by GWAR and mastered by Alan Douches. The release also includes a 32-page comic detailing Gor Gor’s return, which is included with all versions. Vinyl editions boast an animated etching of Gor Gor on Side A, with a Semi-Translucent Etched Deep Purple Vinyl available exclusively at GWAR.net and Semi-Translucent Etched Green vinyl at Z2Comics.com. A Deluxe Hardback edition is also available via Z2Comics.com.

40 years ago, the intergalactic warlords of GWAR emerged from their Antarctic tomb to conquer the Earth with their barbaric blend of metal and mayhem. Over the decades, their monstrous live shows and relentless discography have solidified them as the ultimate overlords of shock rock. Now, with BälSäc, Beefcake, JiZMak, and Blothar joined by the mighty shredder Grodius of the Maximus Clan, GWAR embarks on their latest quest—to reclaim their savage pet, Gor Gor, who mysteriously disappeared following the death of their former frontman, Oderus Urungus.

Blothar comments on ‘The Return of Gor Gor’:

“The last time I saw Gor Gor he was just a wee fart dragon. He had crawled on the hood of my Kia Soul and was holding on for dear life while I drove to the store to buy Clamato. I bathed him in wiper fluid and used my wipers to knock him off my sweet ride. Next thing I know, he’s a 20-foot tall trans-species prostitute working a pickle park. Apparently, he’s all grown up and looking for revenge. This record chronicles his struggles as a young Dino-American trying to make his way in a cruel world.”

Pre-Order ‘The Return of Gor Gor’ HERE

‘The Return of Gor Gor’ Track List:
1. The Great Circus Train Disaster
2. Tyrant King
3. Lot Lizard
4. Crack In The Egg (Live)
5. The Founding Fathers (Live)
6. America Must Be Destroyed (Live)
7. Fishfuck (Live)

‘The Return of Gor Gor’ will be available in the following formats:
=> CD with 32-page comic booklet
=> LP with 32-page comic booklet and etched vinyl
=> Deluxe LP with hardcover 32-page comic and etched vinyl (D2C exclusive)
=> Standalone 32-page comic

GWAR will be on the road all year as part of their 40th Anniversary Celebration, about the excursion, Blothar says:

“This tour is gonna suck. Once again we will be onstage suffering through the attacks of a giant tyrant lizard just so humans can come to the gigs and get shitfaced on White Claws and show us their tits. Please, for the love of all that is holy, show us your tits.”

GWAR Live:
*w/ Toxic Holocaust; AEther Realm; Tracheotomy
May 11: Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple
May 15: Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville
May 16: Columbia, SC – The Senate*
May 17: Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall
May 18: Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee Metal Fest
May 19: Columbia, MO – The Blue Note*
May 20: Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall*
May 21: Baton Rouge, LA – Chelsea’s Live*
May 22: Austin, TX – RADIO/EAST*

GWAR w/Static-X, Dope & A Killers Confession
May 24: Albuquerque NM – Revel Entertainment Center
May 26: Wichita KS – The Cotilion Ballroom
May 27: Des Moines IA – Val Air Ballroom
May 29: St Louis MO – The Pageant
May 30: Minneapolis MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis
May 31: Davenport IA – Capitol Theatre
Jun 1: Grand Rapids MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Jun 3: Indianapolis IN – Egyptian Room @ Old National Centre
Jun 4: Ft Wayne IN – Clyde Theatre
Jun 5: Wheeling WV – Capitol Theater
Jun 7: Wallingford CT – The Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theater
Jun 8: Buffalo NY – Buffalo Riverworks
Jun 9: Toronto ON – History
Jun 10: Montreal QC – Mtelus
Jun 11: Hampton NH – Hampton Beach Casino
Jun 12: Allentown, PA – Archer Music Hall
Jun 14: Myrtle Beach SC – House Of Blues
Jun 15: Raleigh NC – The Ritz
Jun 17: Kansas City MO – Grinders
Jun 18: Oklahoma City OK – The Criterion

w/ Eyehategod; AEther Realm; Tracheotomy
Jun 20: Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall
Jun 21: Pelham, TN – The Caverns

Jul 24: Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheater
w/Lamb of God, Hatebreed

Oct 5: Sacramento, CA – Aftershock @ Discovery Park

JUDAS PRIEST AND ALICE COOPER UNITE FOR CO-HEADLINING FALL TOUR

Two Iconic Titans of Rock & Metal Join Forces for a Can’t-Miss North American Trek

Tickets Available Starting Wednesday, April 16 with Artist Presales

General On Sale Begins Friday, April 18 at 10AM Local on LiveNation.com

This fall, shock rock legend Alice Cooper and heavy metal trailblazers Judas Priest will share the stage for an epic co-headlining tour across North America. Produced by Live Nation, the 22-city run kicks off September 16 at Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, MS, and stops in Toronto, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping October 26 at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, TX.

Coming off the second leg of their Invincible Shield Tour and the release of their celebrated 19th studio album, Judas Priest remains a dominant force in metal. Meanwhile, Alice Cooper, the godfather of theatrical rock, wraps up his “Too Close For Comfort” tour this summer, promoting his most recent “Road” album, and will have an as-yet-unnamed all-new show for this tour. Corrosion of Conformity will join as support on select dates.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting Wednesday, April 16 at 10AM local time with Artist Presales. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, April 18 at 10AM local time at LiveNation.com.

TOUR DATES:

Tue Sep 16 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Thu Sep 18 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*
Sat Sep 20 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Sun Sep 21 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
Wed Sep 24 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Fri Sep 26 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
Sat Sep 27 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC
Mon Sep 29 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Wed Oct 01 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Thu Oct 02 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Sat Oct 04 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Sun Oct 05 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Fri Oct 10 – Colorado Springs, CO – Broadmoor World Arena
Sun Oct 12 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tue Oct 14 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Wed Oct 15 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
Sat Oct 18 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sun Oct 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Wed Oct 22 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Thu Oct 23 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Sat Oct 25 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Sun Oct 26 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

*Without support from Corrosion of Conformity

Propagandhi Drop Sardonic New Single “Cat Guy”
At Peace Out May 2nd Via Epitaph

From Manitoba, Canada, Propagandhi return with their new single “Cat Guy” ahead of their upcoming record ‘At Peace’ out on May 2nd. A blistering anthem dripping with sardonic wit and razor-sharp critique, the track finds the Canadian quartet as incisive as ever, wielding breakneck riffs and subversive lyricism with a smirk and a snarl.

A tribute to societal identity with a twist, “From my songwriting perspective, the two things I was thinking of was capturing a little bit of Judas Priest’s Firepower LP as if SNFU’s Chi-Pig was writing the lyrics,” laughs frontman Chris Hannah.

“Cat Guy”
WATCH | LISTEN

In true Propagandhi fashion, At Peace is smart music for dangerous times. The ever-evolving standard-bearers of politically charged punk have actively kicked against musical confines and bro-punk conservatism, promoting a message of anti-fascism since 1986. Distilling their DNA of breakneck riffs, hardcore ethos, and radical consciousness, their message remains as vital, and volatile, as ever.

“Everything I’m singing about is still coming from being the same person that wrote and sang our first record ‘How to Clean Everything’ in 1993,” Hannah recalls the band’s snarky skate-thrash origins. “But what we’re putting into the songs now, probably reflects more despair than 30 years ago when we had similar perspectives, but with strands of hope and naivete. Now it’s the existential dread of eking out a life worth living in this completely failed society.”

There’s no mistaking that on their first album in eight years, their frontline social activism has been supplanted by a deeper sense of reflection. Nearly a decade later, the members of Propagandhi have a lot on their minds. “We’re definitely not a band that responds well to someone telling us we need to put something out,” the frontman continues. “That happens when we have something to talk about – and now is definitely the time for that.”

Marking their first release since 2017’s Victory Lap, At Peace was forged during the ominous political climate in the months before “Emperor” Trump’s ascent to power. Penned shortly before the American oligarch’s suggestion that Propagandhi’s home country become the U.S.’s 51st State, it was then mixed by Jason Livermore (Rise Against, Hot Water Music) at Blasting Room Studios in December 2024. This collection of poetic and polemic songs captures the anxieties and turmoil of the band’s four members, offering a powerful and poignant portrait of uncertainty.

Though at its core, At Peace is Propagandhi’s plea for hope against hopelessness. “Twenty years ago, we had a sense that things are fucked but that there could be a mass mobilization of people against the oligarchy, the billionaire class,” says Chris. “I don’t think that exists much in our music anymore and I don’t believe that mobilization is forthcoming. I hope to be proven wrong.”

Propagandhi by Larson Decker

Propagandhi is
vocalist Chris Hannah, drummer Jord Samolesky, bassist/co-vocalist Todd Kowalski and guitarist Sulynn Hago.

“At Peace” Tracklisting

1.  At Peace
2.  Prismatic Spray (The Tinder Date)
3.  Rented P.A.
4.  Guiding Lights
5.  Cat Guy
6.  No Longer YounG
7.  Stargazing
8.  God of Avarice
9.  Benito’s Earlier Work
10.  VampireS Are Real

ANTHRAX JOINS LINE-UP FOR BLACK SABBATH’S “BACK TO THE BEGINNING” CONCERT

Anthrax Also Joins Slayer This Summer for Two UK Shows

ANTHRAX, L-R: Charlie Benante, Frank Bello, Scott ian, Joey Belladonna, Jonathan Donais Photo credit: Ignacio Galvez

For the first time in twenty years, Anthrax will share a stage with Black Sabbath when the band performs at Sabbath’s “Back to The Beginning” concert set to take place on Saturday, July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. Anthrax toured with Black Sabbath on the band’s 1986 “Seventh Star Tour,” which was also Anthrax’s first arena tour. The last time they were on the same bill as Sabbath was in 2005 at the Download Festival in the UK.

“I’m a huge Black Sabbath fan,” said Charlie Benante, “and Black Sabbath was so, so instrumental in the sound of Anthrax back in the day. Back in ’86, when we were working on our third album, we wanted to do a B-side of a Black Sabbath song. ’Sabbath Bloody Sabbath’ was the song that we chose. We did it as a B-side, we played it live, and it became a big thing for us. Growing up Catholic, in a Catholic household, my mom did not appreciate Black Sabbath. One day when I came home, my sister took me to the record store and I got one of those iron-on Black Sabbath t-shirts, it was the cover of ’Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath.’ I got it home, my mother saw it, she made my sister take me back to the store and return it. She would not have it in the house because it had the ‘666’ on it. I was still a Black Sabbath fan so I had to kind of keep it hidden from my mom.”

“I discovered Black Sabbath when I was about eight years old, sitting in my uncle’s room at my grandparents’ house,” said Scott Ian. “My uncle was 17 or 18, had a big vinyl collection and blacklight posters all over his walls, and I thought he was the coolest dude in the world. I would go through his albums, pull records out and he’d play them for me. I remember pulling out this record that said ‘Black Sabbath’ on it, the album cover was kind of scary, so I asked him ‘what’s Black Sabbath?’ And he said, ‘oh, they’re acid rock…” and I didn’t know what that meant…I thought maybe that was the terminology back then for a genre. And then he put the album on. Everyone knows how that record starts, with the sound effects and the rain and the bell, and then the band kicks in…there’s nothing like it. At that point in time, the scariest, heaviest thing I’d ever heard in my life. Maybe still to this day, when that song ‘Black Sabbath’ kicks in, there’s just nothing like it. I started playing guitar when I was about 10, and Tony was definitely an influence, so I’d try and figure out how to play ‘Iron Man’ or ‘Paranoid.’ Just listening to the records, Tony Iommi was essentially my guitar teacher.”

“I’m definitely a huge Sabbath fan,” said vocalist Joey Belladonna, “and over the years I have covered many Sabbath and Ozzy songs. We toured with Sabbath on the ’86 tour, and it was so electric. That was a huge tour for us, and we were just overwhelmed to be part of it. That Anthrax was asked to be part of Sabbath’s ‘Back To The Beginning’ concert is quite a big honor.”

“I heard about Sabbath through my friends at school,” remembers Anthrax’ Frank Bello, “who said the band was great. Plus, I thought the album cover was scary as hell. Although I love most Black Sabbath albums, that first one, Black Sabbath, is still my favorite because it was my introduction to them, and the songs are still amazing. I’m also a HUGE Geezer fan, I grew up on his playing, and I’m honored now to say he’s a friend. Geezer was and still is one of my main influences on bass. He always puts beautiful musicality & melody into everything he plays. His bass lines make you want to play bass. He is also an amazing person. “It’s an honor to be part of this show and I’m very grateful to Black Sabbath & Sharon Osbourne for asking us to be part of it.”

“I’m absolutely, 100% a Black Sabbath fan,” admitted Anthrax guitarist Jon Donais. “I was an Ozzy fan first because I grew up in the ‘80s, and of course, Ozzy was on MTV all the time, so he’s who I got into first. And then, my teen years were in the 90s, and I started getting into Black Sabbath. When I start to lean into a band, I usually get the band’s greatest hits or some kind of compilation. But my first Black Sabbath album was Sabotage, which is actually my favorite Sabbath record. Sabotage was a little darker than the others, and I would listen to it all the way through as soon as I put it on. A good friend of mine and I went to the same college, and we’d be up until three or four in the morning just listening to Sabotage and then having to get up for school the next day, and that sucked.”

Anthrax’s upcoming concert dates are as follows:

JULY
3 Blackweir Arboretum, Cardiff, Wales, UK
Line-Up: Slayer, with Special Guest Anthrax

5 Villa Park, Birmingham, UK •
Line-Up: Black Sabbath, “Back to the Beginning,” w/ Anthrax

6 Finsbury Park, London
Line Up: Slayer, with Special Guest Anthrax