GERMAN ROCK ICONS SCORPIONS RELEASE NEW SINGLE “PEACEMAKER”

19TH ALBUM “ROCK BELIEVER” OUT FEBRUARY 25, 2022

German rock icons SCORPIONS are set to release their brand-new single “Peacemaker” today, November 4, to whet their fans’ appetite for their upcoming album Rock Believer, scheduled to be released on February 25, 2022 — an amuse-gueule of the rock music variety straight from the metal quintet’s brand-hot kitchen.

Mind you, “Peacemaker” has turned into much more than simply a lead single. It’s a showcase number that has SCORPIONS celebrate their legendary tried and tested DNA in a fresh, tough sonic guise, a musical foretaste of their new album that promises to forge an arc between yesterday and tomorrow.

Listen to “Peacemaker” here.

Does a band whose musical career will span 50 years from the release of their first phenomenal album success Lonesome Crow to the arrival of Rock Believer in February 2022 still have the bite, the toughness, and the brute force that it takes to create and record one or two dozen brand new tracks? Aren’t their 18 studio albums to date, their platinum and double-platinum awards, garnered around the globe, enough for these relentless musicians? Is there still enough gas in the tank to keep going? One of their songs provides the answer to these questions: “Let’s play it louder play it hard / Laid back and a little dark / Give me a dirty riff my friend / There’s gotta be more gas in the tank.”

And indeed, “Peacemaker” sounds like it’s been freshly reimported from the heyday of a legendary hard rock band. “The first thing that came to my mind,” remembers SCORPIONS singer Klaus Meine, who wrote the lyrics to the song (music courtesy of Rudolf Schenker and Pawel Maciwoda) and produced the band with the support of Hans-Martin Buff, “was the hook line. ‘Peacemaker, peacemaker / Bury the undertaker.’ I was just playing around with those words. At a time when so many people have died and are still dying of COVID, from devastating wars and other senseless crimes, it makes you feel that the undertaker must be working overtime. In a peaceful world after the pandemic, it will be time for the peacemaker to rule… that’s an image that really appeals to me,” says Meine.

SCORPIONS are one of the world’s most important rock bands of recent decades, having sold more than 120 million records to date, played over 5,000 concerts, and created a timeless classic in their legendary single “Wind of Change,” which dominated the international charts and still is the best-selling single worldwide by a German artist. Countless awards, a star on the Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame, and more, hits such as “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Still Loving You,” among others, followed. Their success to date impressively underlines the influence that the SCORPIONS continue to have on the rock music scene. Their latest album Rock Believer will be out on Universal’s Spinefarm label in the U.S.

Rock Believer, the credo of their new album, will also be the moniker of their upcoming tour. In March and April 2022, the band is set to perform at the Planet Hollywood Resorts & Casino in Las Vegas as part of its residency, followed by a European tour scheduled to kick off with a number of shows in Germany in June 2022 — with more concerts on a global level in the pipeline.

Alt-Rock Icons COLD Release New Music Video for Standout Anthem “Quiet Now”

Watch the Haunting “Quiet Now” Music Video HERE
 
Impacting at Rock Radio Now
 
New COLD Album, The Things We Can’t Stop, Out Now | Order HERE

Music fans around the world all agree, it’s a little too “Quiet Now”. With bands losing their ability to bring live shows to fans, arts events coming to a complete standstill, and it feeling nearly silent as people remain safe inside their homes, now more than ever, it’s important for musicians to keep the music alive.
 
Gold-certified alt-rock icons COLD are doing just that with their heartfelt new track, “Quiet Now” – one of the standout anthems found on their latest Billboard-charting album and Napalm Records debut, The Things We Can’t Stop, out now. Coming at a time that loss is keenly felt and silence is at its most deafening, today, the band has revealed the haunting new visual for the track in the form of a brand new music video that will leave viewers with chills. 
 
As reflected in the video, vocalist Scooter Ward has stated that “Quiet Now” was initially inspired by the profound silence a person senses around them during or after a deep loss. The song was originally dedicated to a Cold Army member who had experienced such loss – but has taken on more meaning during these trying times.
 
Scooter Ward adds:
“I had written the song, “Quiet Now,” for a Cold Army member and dear friend, who had dealt with the loss of a family member during the recording of our new album. A photo was sent to me, of him and his father holding hands while his father was in the hospital… that photograph is what inspired the song. I knew the concept for the video needed to express the intense emotion of the song.
 
I contacted Patrick Huven from Ghost Motel and filmmaker Alex Schroer to direct and produce the video. I had previously watched their video for a song called “Hush” that they had created and loved the eeriness of it and their aesthetic. Patrick and I got together on the concept for the video being a mother mourning the loss of her child in solitude. We felt nothing could be more painful… the silence of it all. Not hearing the little sounds of a loved one who is no longer there.
 
However, the only problem was that he lives in Germany, and the distance would be an obstacle. We ended up shooting the story for the video in Germany and then my part here in the states. I reached out to our dear friend and amazing photographer, Dave Jackson, to film and direct my solo part. We filmed it in his studio in Wisconsin. The end result of the two merging together ended up being seamless and powerful.
 
With our world now being on lockdown and everyone experiencing their own levels of solitude, and a bit of silence, and with music being the conduit that holds us together, we felt now was the time to release the song. People are going through serious loss because of this on many levels, and music sometimes helps during these moments. Our hopes are that a song can maybe help people feel not so alone in it all. Our hopes are that with music, perseverance, and the determination that is within us to overcome, things can be somewhat back to normal again soon.
 
We love you all. Stay healthy and follow the guidelines to ensure your safety. Our hearts are with you.”
 
Cure the silence and watch the new music video
for “Quiet Now” HERE
While online, keep the music playing and check out Breaking Benjamin’s emotive new track, “Far Away”, featuring Scooter Ward. Breaking Benjamin vocalist Benjamin Burnley recently stated in an Instagram post that in his youth, he was inspired by Ward, who brought “Far Away” to what it needed to be. See for yourself and check out the “Far Away” music video HERE.
 
The past year has been transcendent for COLD – peaking with the successful release of The Things We Can’t Stop, subsequent singles “Shine”, “Without You”, “The Devil We Know” and “Run”, and a North American comeback tour boasting several sold out shows. Billboard said it best: “Cold is heating up for a new era…”
 
Stay tuned for more news in the world of COLD, coming soon!
 
Order COLD’s new album, The Things We Can’t StopHERE

BPMD: Supergroup of Heavy Metal Icons Signs Worldwide Contract with Napalm Records + Hints at New Album Details

Featuring Bobby Blitz, Mike Portnoy, Mark Menghi and Phil Demmel

They’ve been teasing their formation and the arrival of new music for months, and now the wait is nearly over! BPMD – the new heavy metal juggernaut featuring icons Bobby Blitz (Overkill) on vocals, drummer Mike Portnoy (The Winery Dogs, Sons of Apollo), bassist Mark Menghi (Metal Allegiance) and guitarist Phil Demmel (Vio-lence, ex-Machine Head) – is pleased to announce that they have signed a worldwide contract with Napalm Records, joining the label’s growing roster of premier talent. 

The members of BPMD first came together in the summer of 2019 with one goal in mind: to pay homage to some of their favorite classic rock tunes, give them their own heavy twist, and to have a blast doing it. We all could use a bit of fun, and that’s what BPMD is here to provide – a party on wax performed by some of the greatest musical talents in the world! 

BPMD will officially announce the release of this music – arriving in the form of their first full-length album – very soon. Stay tuned for more details and music, coming soon! 

BPMD bassist Mark Menghi says:“We’re super excited about our first BPMD record. Last summer, I was inspired and came up with this crazy idea and here we are, not even a year later, and it’ll see the light of day in these very trying times. The planet needs something to feel good about, and I 100% whole-heartedly believe these tunes will do the trick. Buckle up and make way for BPMD…” 

BPMD frontman Bobby Blitz drops a few more hints:“The BPMD sessions were very fun. They took us all back to our roots and even pre-roots. As it developed, we all realized it was something special, as did Napalm Records, with one listen!”  

BPMD will make their performance debut at Bulldozer Bash 5 in Old Bridge, NJ on Saturday, May 30! The event, which will take place at Old Bridge Elks Lodge, is a benefit show to raise funds for the Old Bridge Militia Foundation, a 100% non-profit 501 C3 charity foundation. Show details will be announced soon, but for now, visit https://oldbridgemilitia.org

Keep your eyes (and ears) at the ready – new music from BPMD is just around the corner. 

For more information on BPMD, please visit:

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

BPMD WEBSTORE

Alt-Rock Icons COLD Announce “A Different Kind of Tour” Dates

Stripped Down USA Tour Begins April 2
 
New COLD Album, The Things We Can’t Stop, Out Now | Order HERE

Alt-rock trailblazers COLD have announced that they will hit the road on “A Different Kind of Tour” this spring, presenting themselves in an all new, intimate element that recent followers and long-time fans alike cannot miss! Each show will feature a very special full-length stripped down set of new songs and fan favorites – from “Stupid Girl” to “Shine”.

The run will begin on April 2 in Laconia, NH and wrap on May 30 in Flint, MI. A complete list of dates can be found below, and for more information, visit www.coldarmy.com.  Tickets for all shows go on sale this Thursday, March 5. 

COLD’s “A Different Kind of Tour” Dates:
4/2: Laconia, NH @ Granite St Music Hall
4/3: Albany, NY @ Hollows
4/4: Norwalk, CT @ Wall Street Theater
4/5: Providence, RI @ Fete Music Hall
4/9: Ft. Meyers, FL @ Buddha Rock Club
4/10: Destin, FL @ Destin Rocks
4/12: Greer, SC @ The Spinning Jenny
4/14: Charlotte, NC @ Underground
4/15: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Purgatory)
4/17: Louisville, KY @ Diamond Pub Concert Hall
4/18: Asheville, NC @ Thomas Wolf Auditorium
4/19: Easton, PA @ One Center Square
4/23: Boston, MA @ City Winery
4/24: Harrisburg, PA @ Midtown Arts Center
4/25: Hopewell, VA @ Beacon Theatre
4/26: Teaneck, NJ @ Debonair Music Hall
4/29: Lakewood, OH @ The Winchester
4/30: Pittsburgh, PA @ Crafthouse
5/1: Harrison, OH @ Blue Note
5/2: Lombard, IL @ Brauer House
5/4: Milwaukee, WI @ Shank
5/6: Minneapolis, MN @ Turf
5/7: Des Moines, IA @ Lefty’s
5/8: Omaha, NE @ Sokol Auditorium
5/9: Denver, CO @ Marquis
5/13: Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
5/15: Austin, TX @ Come and Take it Live
5/20: Scottsdale, AZ @ Pub Rock
5/22: Amarillo, TX @ Hoots
5/23: Dallas, TX @ Trees
5/24: San Antonio, TX @ Rock Box
5/27: St. Louis, MO @ Red Flag
5/28: Bloomington, IL @ Castle Theatre
5/29: Indianapolis, IN @ HiFi
5/30: Flint, MI @ Machine Shop

COLD experienced a transcendent 2019 – peaking with the successful release of their Billboard-charting Napalm Records debut, The Things We Can’t Stop, subsequent singles “Shine”, “Without You”, “The Devil We Know” and “Run”, and a North American tour boasting several sold out shows. Now, COLD have their sights set on a bright 2020. 

Stay tuned for more news in the world of COLD, coming soon!

About COLD Discography:
At the turn of the century, COLD unveiled the seminal 13 Ways To Bleed On Stage, which went Gold and yielded hits such as “Just Got Wicked”, “No One”, and “End of the World”. Their 2003 follow-up, Year of the Spider, marked their highest chart position, bowing at #3 on the Billboard Top 200, receiving a Gold certification, and spawning the smash “Stupid Girl” accompanied by Rivers Cuomo of Weezer. 2005’s A Different Kind of Pain illuminated melodic strides to the tune of 37,000-plus copies sold first-week and a Top 30 debut. Meanwhile, 2011’s Superfiction continued this streak, crashing the Top 10 of the Top Rock Albums Chart upon arrival and extending a growing legacy.

Icons and Legends of Hollywood on View in NYC

This week New York film fans and prospective collectors have a unique opportunity to check out an array of props and costumes from Profiles in History’s upcoming ‘Icons & Legends of Hollywood’ auction. The auction, set to take place in Los Angeles June 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th, features over 2000 pieces dating all the way back to the silent era.

I got a chance to take a tour of this exhibit which opened yesterday to the public and will be on view through Saturday, May 19th at The Society of Illustrators located at 128 East 63rd Street.

Besides showing costumes from stars of Hollywood’s golden era such as Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor and Groucho Marx in startlingly pristine condition, some of the props on view are among the most iconic in Sci-Fi history.

I was first shown Ripley’s spacesuit from the first Alien as well as a helmet worn by John Hurt. They were joined in this show by Ripley’s flamethrower from Aliens, apparently an actual flamethrower!

For children of the 80s and 90s however, I think the real highlights of this collection might well be Michael J Fox’s hoverboard from Back to the Future: Part II (a hole is in it of course because Marty ripped the handle bar off of it), Richard Attenborough’s amber-topped cane from Jurassic Park and a rather roughed up biker jacket from the Arnold Schwarzenegger’s arrival in The Terminator.

This show is truly just the tip of the ice berg for this massive auction which has memorabilia ranging from just a couple hundred dollars to those soaring with estimates over $100,000. However if you’re only looking to drop a couple bucks to take a look at these items up close but not take home, do not miss this show!

The exhibit will be open to the public:
On Tuesday, May 15th, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
On Wednesday, May 16th, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
On Thursday, May 17th, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
On Friday, May 18th, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
On Saturday, May 19th, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Located at The Society of Illustrators 128 East 63 Street New York, NY 10065.

More about Profiles in History: Icons & Legends of Hollywood

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Cortney Palm talks about working with horror icons in “Death House”

Cortney Palm has been making her mark in Hollywood and securing her role as a scream queen with roles in films like “Silent Night” (2012), “Zombeavers” and “The Dark Tapes”. She also co-starred in the film “Sushi Girl” alongside Mark Hamill in 2012. Recently she is starring in the film “Death House” alongside about a dozen of horror icons including Kane Hodder, Tony Todd and Dee Wallace. Cortney took out some time to chat with Media Mikes (again) to discuss the film and her love for the genre.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with the film “Death House”?
CP: I had received message from director Harrison Smith via Twitter saying that some things had developed and he was interested in sending me a script. The script was “Death House”, and after I read it I thought I HAD to be a part of it. My managers got involved and literally a few days later I flew out to Pennsylvania to film.

MG: You are no stranger to ensemble casts after working on films like “Sushi Girl”, but tell us what was it like working with so many horror icons?
CP: Each actor brought something unique to set. An embodiment of their work and who they are as people. It’s always a joy to work with actors who have had long careers because you can learn so much from them. Kane (Hodder) and I did some improv that added depth to our characters and Barbara (Crampton) was so great in that we would work the scene before we filmed, which helped a lot.

MG: What drew you to your character Agent Toria Boon?
CP: I love her character arc. She clearly has a distinct past and simultaneously a past that is unfamiliar to her. Was it a part of a scientific test? Or something she’s trying to bury? But throughout the film she begins to unravel and question reality and her mission. I’ve always been drawn to strong female characters and agent Toria Boon is a badass, so that helps.

MG: Give us a fun behind-the-scenes story from the production?
CP: There was this one room in the prison, it was the freezer room, that we had to film in. It felt like bad juju. the camera crew had burned incense and wore crystals, but for some reason that room really took a toll on a few of us actors. Was it supernatural play? Bad energy? Or something that wanted to drain us. Whatever it was, it was a very difficult room to film in.

MG: I can see “Death House” being a great franchise, what horror icon would you like to see on board for future films if they happened?
CP: Honestly, Jamie Lee Curtis or Sigourney Weaver.

MG: How does it feel to be earning the status of scream queen in the horror genre?
CP: Am I? *Blushes* Horror films are so much fun to make. They take a lot of work, more than what people think. Buy they’re some of my favorite movies to work on, so I appreciate the fans who like to watch my work!

MG: Do you have any other projects upcoming that you would like to shout out to?
CP: “Hooker Assassin”
“Your Own Road”
“Sunflower”
“Dead Ant”

James Furlong and I also are co-producing an action/drama called “Savvy Strong”, where I play an ex-marine out for vengeance. We having a production team on board and are looking to secure more financing.