<![CDATA[BLABBERMOUTH.NET RSS Feed]]> en-US Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:26:48 +0000 <![CDATA[CHARLOTTE WESSELS's THE OBSESSION Announces New Album, 'Mute Swan Empire']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/charlotte-wesselss-the-obsession-announces-new-album-mute-swan-empire
Dutch singer Charlotte Wessels and her new band, now dubbed THE OBSESSION, will release a new full-length studio album, "Mute Swan Empire", on February 5, 2027 via Napalm Records. It's a character-driven concept album in which each of its 15 tracks inhabits an archetype that emerges at the end of th...]]> Charlotte Wessels and her new band, now dubbed THE OBSESSION, will release a new full-length studio album, "Mute Swan Empire", on February 5, 2027 via Napalm Records. It's a character-driven concept album in which each of its 15 tracks inhabits an archetype that emerges at the end of the Anthropocene, exploring how different people respond to climate breakdown, social injustice, and the collapse of familiar futures. Through these different characters, the former DELAIN vocalist forms a fractured portrait of humanity, revealing the many ways we confront collapse — with denial, rage, faith, withdrawal, hope, vengeance, and everything in between — all woven into a sonic multiverse that defies genre-categorization. The album arrives just in time for Charlotte Wessels's first-ever headlining tour across Europe, kicking off on February 4, 2027, in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, one day prior to the album release. Charlotte comments: "I didn't set out to write a concept record from the start, but somewhere along the way, I began to realize that all the latest songs I'd written were connected. Each of them seemed to embody a different response to the world we're living in: Denial, complicity, withdrawal, blind obedience, selective empathy, but also hope and connection, and so on. I started to recognize these recurring themes and archetypes, and eventually realized they were all part of a much bigger story. I found myself wanting to follow this thread as far as it would take me, exploring the concept through the music first, and eventually through the artwork and imagery, too. That discovery became the foundation for 'Mute Swan Empire'." She continues: "What fascinates me is how easy it is to recognize these responses in others, and how much harder it can be to recognize them in ourselves. I didn't want an album that simply points fingers or offers easy answers. I wanted to explore the contradictions, the uncomfortable grey areas, and the possibility that we can change." Charlotte adds: "Musically, the same freedom to follow wherever a song leads has resulted in a record that moves between some of the heaviest music we've made and moments of vulnerability. Despite how varied the record is, I think we've never sounded more together like a band. Everyone brings something distinct to the music, and I'm really proud of what happens when all those elements come together." The title "Mute Swan Empire" draws on the myth of the swan song: The belief that a swan sings its most beautiful song just before death. Throughout history, individuals, cultures, and civilizations have had their own swan songs — final moments of beauty, meaning, or grandeur before fading away. On "Mute Swan Empire", Wessels asks: "What if we don't get one? What if we've pushed ourselves so close to ecological and social collapse that we've lost, or no longer deserve, that final act of grace? Will the swan remain silent?" Musically, the album continues the exploration of the space between heavy music and alternative influences, bringing together intricate arrangements, expansive atmospheres, powerful vocal performances and the band at its strongest. The musicians she first brought together for THE OBSESSION have since taken on its name, growing into a close-knit live band through the past years of touring. That shared experience, combined with a more intensive production process with Joost Van Den Broek at Sandlane Studios, and Timo Somers on top of his game joining in on the arrangements, has helped the band's collective identity takes centre stage, giving the album a more cohesive sound, without sacrificing its dynamic range, moving between powerful, hard-hitting passages, and moments of striking intimacy. "Mute Swan Empire" track listing: 01. Incubus 02. In Leta Via 03. Tempest 04. After Us The Flood 05. Good Girl (If You're Ready To Die) 06. The Hermit Song 07. Emergency Kit 08. One Day They Will Come For You 09. Weeping Madonna 10. This Is Not An Opinion 11. The Villain 12. Let The Music Decide 13. Incantations 14. Starling 15. Bells Of Lynn "Mute Swan Empire" is driven not only by the current state of the world but also by human responses to it and by how deeply entrenched some people can become in those. In addition, Charlotte drew inspiration from books, poetry, film, and literature, and the record incorporates words by two medieval mystics, Hildegard Von Bingen ("In Leta Via") and Julian Of Norwich ("The Hermit Song"), as well as text from the Dutch "Denk Vooruit" campaign on "Emergency Kit". "One Day They Will Come For You" is inspired by Martin Niemöller's post-war confessional prose piece "First They Came For The Communists", while "Bells Of Lynn" was inspired by and incorporates fragments of the poem of the same name by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Charlotte's work on "Mute Swan Empire" had already begun before she finished her previous record, "The Obsession" (2024). Since 2020, she has released a new song every month through her Patreon page, and her favorite tracks eventually make it onto her public albums. The earliest song to appear on "Mute Swan Empire" in a rearranged form is "Incantations", which was originally released on Patreon in March 2024. Compared to Charlotte Wessels's previous release, "Mute Swan Empire" features a more band-focused sound. The album was produced by Charlotte and Joost Van Den Broek at Sandlane Recording Facilities, where it was also mixed. In addition to Charlotte and THE OBSESSION, the album also features Elianne Anemaat on cello on several tracks, as well as orchestral and additional keyboard arrangements by Vikram Shankar. "Mute Swan Empire" is a work of art that serves as both a wake-up call and a dreamlike experience. With her truly unique artistic vision, Wessels has created the most remarkable music of her career to date, proving why she deserves to be recognized as one of the most outstanding artists in today's heavier music scene. In February 2027, Charlotte Wessels will take THE OBSESSION on its very first headline tour, spanning major cities across Europe, with Melissa Bonny, vocalist of modern metal outfit AD INFINITUM, joining as support. The tour will kick off on February 4, 2027 in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, and conclude on February 27, 2027 in Charlotte Wessels's hometown of Utrecht, the Netherlands. Before that, Charlotte Wessels and the obsession will head to Brazil and Argentina in December. Charlotte Wessels's THE OBSESSION is: Charlotte Wessels - Vocals, Keys Timo Somers - Guitars + Backing Vocals * Joey Marin De Boer - Drums Otto Schimmelpenninck Van Der Oije - Bass Guitarn* Nina Van Beelen - Keys + Backing Vocals * Note: on "Mute Swan Empire", bass guitar was performed by Timo Somers Photo credit: Tim Tronckoe + Collage: Nina Mathijsen
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/816046 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:26:48 +0000 <![CDATA[Netherworlds]]> https://blabbermouth.net/reviews/netherworlds
A remarkable achievement in itself, INSOMNIUM's chief selling point over the first 29 years of their existence has been a stoic and unwavering consistency. Certainly, since their recorded debut (demos aside) with first album "In the Halls of Awaiting", the Finns have singularly failed to release any...]]> INSOMNIUM's chief selling point over the first 29 years of their existence has been a stoic and unwavering consistency. Certainly, since their recorded debut (demos aside) with first album "In the Halls of Awaiting", the Finns have singularly failed to release anything other than strong and enduring pieces of work. They have done it all with little fuss and quiet class, but looking back at their nine albums to date, fans can have every confidence that the INSOMNIUM banner is an unequivocal promise of quality. From early classic "Above the Weeping World" (2006) to the remarkable trilogy of records that the band have unveiled over the last decade — "Winter's Gate", "Heart Like a Grave" and "Anno 1696" — their mastery of a refined and idiosyncratic strain of windswept, melodic death metal has been plain for all to hear. And on their tenth album, INSOMNIUM show no signs of loosening their grip on that unerring devotion to nailing it. This is a wonderful record. Ushered in by a plaintive and emotionally riveting version of 17th century English composer Henry Purcell's "The Cold Song", "Netherworlds" delivers everything that fans have come to expect from an INSOMNIUM album, while somehow expanding the band's atmospheric remit in a number of irresistible ways. New recruit Tom Laisto (guitar / vocals) has brought even more depth and dexterity to the overall sound, and the quintet's songwriting has grown and flourished as a result. Opening anthems "Shadowlife" and "Remembrance" perfectly encapsulate the evolutionary fervor that has inspired it all: exquisite melodies that reference the past without bowing to it, and layered and lavish guitar work that is as evocative and cinematic as any in the band's illustrious canon, all colliding in a shower of star sparks and moonlit wonderment. There are several moments that are so perfect that it almost seems like a trick. "Gleam in the Black" may be the catchiest and most addictive song that INSOMNIUM have ever recorded. Niilo Sevänen's harsh growls have seldom sounded so authoritative against a backdrop that is audaciously uplifting and yet still rooted in the glistening darkness of this band's gloomy outlook. In contrast, the epic and sumptuous "The Hour Grows Late" marries the expected icy grandeur with some of the sharpest melodies and sweetest chordal shifts ever to grace an INSOMNIUM album. Exhilarating and ferocious, but also wholly gorgeous and dramatic, its eight minutes represent the progressive apex of the Finns' grand ambitions, suitably augmented with the peerless vocals of AMORPHIS frontman Tomi Joutsen. Elsewhere, "Pathways of the Night" is another career best melodic extravaganza wherein each of the band's most revered traits is given room to thrive. The closing "Journey's End" is a sub-zero symphony that explores notions of love and mortality with the grace of angels and a beautiful arrangement that will almost certainly send shivers down every spine. But in truth, these highlights are all just part of a single, sensational musical statement from a band that have never lost sight of music's capacity to illuminate the darkness. Either "Netherworlds" is INSOMNIUM's finest album to date, or their standards are so high that it is impossible to make such a judgement. Excellent work, frosty dudes. ]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/816040 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:48:22 +0000 <![CDATA[JACKSON Unveils 'Legend' Series Signature Guitars For RANDY RHOADS, SCOTT IAN, DAVID ELLEFSON And MARTY FRIEDMAN]]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/jackson-unveils-legend-series-signature-guitars-for-randy-rhoads-scott-ian-david-ellefson-and-marty-friedman
Jackson pays tribute to the players who helped define heavy metal with four new signature models inspired by iconic instruments originally built for the artists: Limited Edition Legend Series Signature David Ellefson CB V Concert Bass, Limited Edition Legend Series Signature Marty Friedman Kelly KE-...]]> Jackson pays tribute to the players who helped define heavy metal with four new signature models inspired by iconic instruments originally built for the artists: Limited Edition Legend Series Signature David Ellefson CB V Concert Bass, Limited Edition Legend Series Signature Marty Friedman Kelly KE-1, Limited Edition Legend Series Randy Rhoads CD1 and Legend Series Limited Edition Signature Scott Ian Rhoads RR22. Faithfully recreated from iconic instruments originally built for each artist, these vintage-inspired designs are being offered as signature models, bringing four defining instruments from Jackson's history to players at a moment when the sound, style and influence of heavy music continue to reach across generations and genres. More than recreations, the collection celebrates the artists who helped establish Jackson as one of metal's defining guitar brands — and gives a new generation the opportunity to make these instruments their own. "My Jackson Concert basses have always been the sleek, high-octane version of what I consider to be a great bass," said David Ellefson. "Their slightly smaller body and fast action made them perfect for my aggressive playing style. My original 1987 Concert bass gave me the freedom to fully develop my playing without limitations from the instrument. Jackson basses have become an integral part of who I am and the music I'm known for." "The KE-1 represents living the dream to me," said Marty Friedman. "When I had the opportunity to create my own signature guitar, I went all out with Jackson to build the ultimate heavy metal guitar. No expense was spared, from the pickup and bridge to every detail and dimension. After thousands of concerts and countless recordings, the KE-1 remains a huge part of my journey and an iconic instrument that people associate with me." "The Rhoads family is so pleased to see this new Randy Rhoads CD1 model from Jackson," said Kathy Rhoads D'Argenzio, Randy Rhoads's sister. "Randy's historic legacy has remained in the spotlight for over 40 years. There is no doubt Randy would be so honored to know the impact he has had on Jackson Guitars and on the world of rock and metal guitar." "My Not Rhoads was such an important part of my journey," said Scott Ian. "I discovered my tone with it. It's been used on every ANTHRAX record — it was the main guitar on those first five albums in the '80s. It's the guitar that kind of made my life. I love that people connect with it." For over 45 years, Jackson has crafted instruments that have shaped the sound of heavy metal. Randy Rhoads, Scott Ian, David Ellefson and Marty Friedman brought that sound to life on their original Jackson guitars and basses. From Ozzy Osbourne and ANTHRAX to MEGADETH, these artists have pushed the boundaries of music and inspired generations of players who followed. Rhoads fused classical technique with hard rock fire and helped birth the pointy-guitar look itself; Ian's rhythm work became a blueprint for thrash riffing; Ellefson turned bass into a melodic lead voice and Friedman's exotic scales redefined what a metal solo could sound like. Together, their fingerprints are on nearly every riff, run and record that followed, cementing Jackson as the instrument of choice for the players who built metal from the ground up. Their influence extends well beyond the eras in which these instruments were first created. The sounds, techniques and visual language these artists helped establish continue to shape heavy music today. In 2025, heavy rock shows increased 14%, with metal accounting for 13% of all arena and stadium shows — momentum being driven by both a new generation of heavy artists and the legacy acts that helped build the genre. The Legend Series connects that history to what's happening now, putting defining instruments from Jackson's past into the hands of musicians shaping what comes next. "Randy, Scott, David and Marty didn't just play Jackson instruments — they helped define what Jackson became and pushed heavy music forward in the process," said Jon Romanowski, VP of product, Jackson. "You can hear and see their influence in heavy music today, across generations of artists and increasingly across genres. Making these instruments available to players isn't simply about recreating the past; it's about putting them into the hands of the players who will take that influence somewhere new." Signature key features include: * Limited Edition Legend Series Signature David Ellefson CB V Concert Bass: - Alder Body and Three-Piece Through-Body Quartersawn Maple Neck with Graphite Reinforcement Rods – The stable, reinforced maple neck lets David dig in hard without losing tuning, while the alder body keeps his bass lines clear through a heavy mix. - EMG 40DC and CS Pickups with 3-Band EQ – The pickups provide a noise-free signal that cuts through distorted guitars while 3-band EQ lets David shape his riffs on the fly without losing volume. - Jackson HiMass 5-String Bridge – For David's fast and percussive bass drive, this bridge adds extra mass which boosts sustain and tightens low end. - Open-Gear Hipshot Tuners – The precise tuning adjustments and strong stability let David's five string stay locked in through aggressive playing and touring. * Limited Edition Legend Series Signature Marty Friedman Kelly KE-1: - Alder Body with Three-Piece Maple Neck-Through Construction – For Marty's fast and technical leads, the body and construction provide balanced tone, stability and excellent sustain. - Seymour Duncan JB Pickup – Ideal for Marty's precise, melodic shred style, this pickup delivers a tight, articulate punch with enough output to drive lead tones clearly. - Kahler 7330 Fixed Bridge – Marty's aggressive picking and bends stay locked due to this bridge's rock-solid tuning stability. * Limited Edition Legend Series Randy Rhoads CD1: - Alder Body bound Ebony Fingerboard with 22 Jumbo Frets and 12"-16" Compound Radius – Suited to Rhoads's expressive bends and effortless soloing, the body and ebony fingerboard provide balanced tone while the compound radius keeps chords comfortable near the nut while flattening out. - Seymour Duncan JB/59' Humbuckers – For clean arpeggios to aggressive high-gain riffing, a hallmark of Randy's playing, the JB (bridge) delivers punchy high output drive for leads, while the '59 (neck) offers warmer, vintage-voiced cleans. - A Vintage-Accurate Six Saddle Tremolo – Classic to Rhoads's dive-bombs, this tremolo allows expressive pitch bends and vibrato while maintaining reliable tuning. * Legend Series Limited Edition Signature Scott Ian Rhoads RR22: - The Bold "Not" Body Graphics – This design was central to the band's 1980s recording and touring era image. - Neck-Through Construction – For Scott Ian's aggressive, fast rhythm playing, this construction maximizes sustain and resonance transfer since the neck and body are one continuous piece, giving heavy riffs and power chords a tight, sustained punch. Plus, the graphite reinforcement keeps the neck rock-stable. - Top-Mount Floyd Rose® 1000 Tremolo – Critical for ANTHRAX's high-intensity live sets, this tremolo locks the strings at both the nut and bridge, so even with hard strumming, dive bombs or pitch dips, the guitar snaps right back in tune. The Legend Series connects Jackson's history to the future of heavy music, honoring the artists and instruments that helped define the brand while giving today's players the tools to push that sound forward. From Rhoads's groundbreaking approach to guitar to the unmistakable styles of Ellefson, Friedman and Ian, these instruments represent more than moments in Jackson's past — they are part of a musical language that continues to evolve. Watch the guitar legends below in intimate interviews, set against the backdrop of Jackson's Japan showroom, as they reflect on the stories behind their iconic original instruments. The artists also come together to share the inspiration they've drawn from Randy Rhoads. For technical specs, additional information on new Jackson products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.jacksonguitars.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @OfficialJacksonGuitars on Instagram, Threads, X and @JacksonGuitarsUSA on YouTube and Facebook. Limited Edition Legend Series Signature David Ellefson CB V Concert Bass (MSRP: $2,499.99 USD, £1,899 GBP, €2,249 EUR, $4,499 AUD, ¥434,500 JPY) The Jackson Legend Series Limited Edition Signature David Ellefson Concert Bass CB V reproduces the first-ever Jackson five-string — built for the 1990 tour and the foundation of Ellefson's signature lineup. Alder body, three-piece through-body quartersawn maple neck with graphite reinforcement rods, 12"–16" compound radius ebony fingerboard, EMG 40DC and CS pickups with 3-band EQ, Jackson HiMass 5-string bridge, open-gear Hipshot tuners, pearloid sharkfin inlays, Gloss Black finish, all-black hardware, and Ellefson's signature on the truss rod cover and headstock. Limited Edition Legend Series Signature Marty Friedman Kelly KE-1 (MSRP: $2,299.99 USD, £1,849 GBP, €2,199 EUR, $4,299 AUD, ¥385,000 JPY) The Jackson Legend Series KE-1 Kelly is a faithful reproduction of Marty Friedman's iconic late-'90s signature — originally a limited, highly sought-after collector's piece, now accessible at an attainable price. Built from the original sample, it features an alder body with three-piece maple neck-through construction, ebony fingerboard with 12"–16" compound radius, 24 jumbo frets, and pearloid sharkfin inlays. The Seymour Duncan JB pickup delivers a tight, articulate punch, while the Kahler 7330 Fixed bridge ensures rock-solid stability. Every detail is intact — including Marty's signature white "1" body marking. Legend Series Limited Edition Signature Scott Ian Rhoads RR22 (MSRP: $2,199.99 USD, £1,849 GBP, €2,199 EUR, $4,399 AUD, ¥396,000 JPY) As ANTHRAX co-founder and rhythm guitarist, Scott Ian helped define thrash metal. His iconic "NOT" Rhoads — a custom Jackson built in the early 1980s — earned its name from the bold "NOT" body graphics and was central to the band's 1980s recording and touring era. The Jackson Legend Series Limited Edition Scott Ian Signature RR22 NOT faithfully recreates this legendary instrument with neck-through construction, an alder body for exceptional sustain and a three-piece maple neck with graphite reinforcement for fast, comfortable playability. Limited Edition Legend Series Randy Rhoads CD1 (MSRP: $2,499.99 USD, £1,899 GBP, €2,249 EUR, $4,499 AUD, ¥407,000 JPY) The Jackson Limited Edition Legend Series Randy Rhoads CD1 revives a classic V-shape previously exclusive to the custom shop. Finished in Ivory with black pinstripes and vintage-style gold hardware — including the iconic black headstock with gold lettering — it features an alder body, graphite-reinforced maple neck, and bound ebony fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets and 12"–16" compound radius. A pair of Seymour Duncan JB/59' humbuckers deliver balanced, flexible tone from clean to high-gain, backed by two volume and tone controls, three-way toggle, and a vintage-accurate six-saddle tremolo. Jackson was built for heavy music. Born in Southern California as a new generation of players pushed guitar playing faster, heavier and further, Jackson created high-performance instruments designed to keep up. With radical shapes, unmistakable style and uncompromising performance, Jackson helped define the sound and look of metal and became synonymous with shred. For more than four decades, the brand has worked alongside some of heavy music's most influential players, creating instruments that have evolved with the genre while continuing to push it forward. Today, as heavy music reaches new artists, audiences and generations, Jackson remains at the forefront — advancing high-performance guitar through bold design, innovation and a relentless commitment to players who refuse to stand still. Jackson is an owned brand of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). For more information, visit www.jacksonguitars.com. Fender has been at the center of music and culture since 1946. As the world's leading guitar, bass and amplifier brand, Fender has shaped the sound of modern music, creating instruments that have become part of defining moments in music and culture. Today, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) designs, manufactures and delivers instruments, amplifiers, effects, accessories, pro audio and digital products and experiences for players around the world. FMIC's portfolio of owned and licensed brands includes Fender, Squier, Fender Custom Shop, Fender Studio, Jackson, Gretsch guitars, EVH, Charvel, Bigsby and PreSonus. Guided by a player-centric approach, Fender continues to combine craftsmanship, innovation and technology to support musicians throughout their creative journey — from learning and playing to performing, recording and creating.
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/816041 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:41:08 +0000 <![CDATA[SEVENTH WONDER Announces New Album 'VII', Shares 'Memories' Single]]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/seventh-wonder-announces-new-album-vii-shares-memories-single
Swedish progressive metal masters SEVENTH WONDER will release their new studio album, titled "VII", on January 29, 2027 via Frontiers Music Srl. To give a taste of the new record, the band has unveiled the single "Memories", along with an official video, available below. SEVENTH WONDER bassist Andre...]]> SEVENTH WONDER will release their new studio album, titled "VII", on January 29, 2027 via Frontiers Music Srl. To give a taste of the new record, the band has unveiled the single "Memories", along with an official video, available below. SEVENTH WONDER bassist Andreas Blomqvist commented: "This was oddly enough one of the last, if not the last song we wrote for the album. We were sweating a bit in that we didn't feel we had the best song to launch the new band with. Then Kyrt [keyboardist Andreas Söderin] did his magic and brought what would become 'Memories' to the studio. [Singer] Mattias [Olofsson] wrote the vocals and also took lead on writing the lyrics and we finished them off together. We feel this is the perfect song to showcase what SEVENTH WONDER of 2026/2027 sounds like and we really hope you like it too!" With "VII", SEVENTH WONDER return with one of the most inspired and accomplished albums of their career, reaffirming their position at the very top of the European progressive metal scene. The album marks the beginning of a new era for the band, introducing vocalist Mattias Olofsson following the departure of Tommy Karevik (now in KAMELOT). Far from simply filling a role, Mattias has seamlessly integrated into the SEVENTH WONDER sound, bringing his own personality and vocal character while fitting perfectly into the band's musical identity. The partnership works exceptionally well, as demonstrated by the powerful and emotionally charged "Memories". Andreas Blomqvist explained: "It was a daunting task to go out and find a new singer, as well as figure out who we were after the silence since 'The Testament'. I believe we managed to get all the diversity that we could in there in terms of atmospheres and vibes, but certainly not deviating from the well-known formula of what has become the cornerstone of our unique sound". "A new singer is a new face of the band which we hope will reinvigorate the listeners and bring something new and exciting to the table. At the same time long-time fans will probably feel right at home in the sonic landscape of solos, odd time signatures and instrumental endeavors that they'll be expecting", he added. "We are thrilled to finally get to share our seventh studio album with you all, and hope you enjoy 'VII' as much as we do!" Musically, "VII" is a remarkable display of songwriting maturity and sophistication. Intricate arrangements, carefully crafted details, stunning musicianship and an extraordinary sense of melody come together to create a record that feels both ambitious and remarkably natural. That confidence is rooted in more than two decades of musical evolution. Formed in 2000 by bassist Andreas Blomqvist, guitarist Johan Liefvendahl and drummer Johnny Sandin, with keyboardist Andreas "Kyrt" Söderin joining shortly afterwards, SEVENTH WONDER began establishing their distinctive approach to progressive metal with their 2005 debut, "Become". The arrival of Tommy Karevik that same year ushered in a defining period for the band. "Waiting In The Wings" followed in 2006, before "Mercy Falls" (2008) and "The Great Escape" (2010) further established SEVENTH WONDER as one of the standout names in modern progressive metal. Following the departure of founding drummer Johnny Sandin, Stefan Norgren joined the line-up, appearing on the live release "Welcome To Atlanta" (2016) and subsequent studio albums "Tiara" (2018) and "The Testament" (2022). When Karevik departed following the touring cycle for "The Testament", SEVENTH WONDER once again found themselves at a turning point. Rather than simply continuing where they had left off, the band used that transition as an opportunity to reassess their identity and look towards the future. The arrival of Mattias Olofsson provided the missing piece, opening the door to the next phase of their story. That journey can be heard throughout "VII", where SEVENTH WONDER now showcase a level of maturity and confidence that can only come from a band fully aware of its identity and capabilities. "VII" is the sound of SEVENTH WONDER at the top of their form: ambitious, melodic, technically brilliant and deeply inspired. With this album, the band not only opens an exciting new chapter, but once again confirms its place among the true leaders of the European progressive metal movement. "VII" track listing: 01. Memories 02. Riverside 03. The Villain And The Whisper 04. Evermore 05. Cry Wolf 06. The Storm 07. Silver Lining 08. Echoes 09. Ad Infinitum SEVENTH WONDER is: Johan Liefvendahl - guitar Andreas Blomqvist - bass Mattias Olofsson - vocals Andreas Söderin - keyboard Stefan Norgren - drums Photo credit: Johan Larsson
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/816037 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:18:32 +0000 <![CDATA[THE ROLLING STONES Announce 'Foreign Tongues, Loose Lips', Deluxe Edition Of 'Foreign Tongues']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/the-rolling-stones-announce-foreign-tongues-loose-lips-deluxe-edition-of-foreign-tongues
THE ROLLING STONES have announced "Foreign Tongues, Loose Lips", the deluxe edition of their acclaimed new studio album "Foreign Tongues", to be released on November 27, 2026 by Polydor/Universal Music. The new collection features five new recordings from the creative period surrounding "Foreign Ton...]]> THE ROLLING STONES have announced "Foreign Tongues, Loose Lips", the deluxe edition of their acclaimed new studio album "Foreign Tongues", to be released on November 27, 2026 by Polydor/Universal Music. The new collection features five new recordings from the creative period surrounding "Foreign Tongues", including "Where There's A Will", "Who You Callin' Crazy" featuring jazz saxophonist Courtney Pine, "Human Tide", "Bad Luck Hideaway", a duet vocal by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards featuring drums by Charlie Watts, and "She Still Comes Around". Together, the five songs capture the extraordinary creative momentum of the "Foreign Tongues" sessions, showcasing THE STONES' enduring chemistry and appetite for creating new music while drawing on the unmistakable sound that has defined the band for more than six decades. The five recordings on "Foreign Tongues, Loose Lips" are: * Where There's A Will * Who You Callin' Crazy * Human Tide * Bad Luck Hideaway * She Still Comes Around "Bad Luck Hideaway", previously released as a bonus track on the iTunes exclusive edition of "Foreign Tongues", was recently made available more widely on digital platforms as the B-side to a new streaming single release of "Mr. Charm". "Who You Callin' Crazy" will be digitally released on October 16, giving fans the first taste of the previously unreleased new material from "Foreign Tongues, Loose Lips". "Foreign Tongues, Loose Lips" will be available as a standalone vinyl edition, a deluxe 2CD edition, and across digital formats. The standalone vinyl edition features all five "Loose Lips" recordings on LP, alongside a CD of the original "Foreign Tongues" album. The 2CD edition includes the original 14-track "Foreign Tongues" album on CD1 and the five "Loose Lips" recordings on CD2. "Foreign Tongues, Loose Lips" follows the hugely successful release of "Foreign Tongues", THE ROLLING STONES' 14-track studio album released on July 10, 2026 via Polydor Records, topping the charts in 14 countries globally. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with The Times hailing it as "a career high" and awarding it five stars, while The Telegraph also awarded five stars, praising the record's "vitality, wit, richness, energy and joy". The 14-track collection follows less than three years after the band's universally acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning "Hackney Diamonds", which topped charts worldwide and achieved multi-platinum success. Physical Formats 1LP + "Foreign Tongues" CD insert The special vinyl edition features the five "Foreign Tongues, Loose Lips" recordings on heavyweight red vinyl, housed in a distinctive single sleeve with matt and spot-gloss finish and die-cut center hole on the front cover. The package also includes the original "Foreign Tongues" studio album on CD in a card wallet. "Foreign Tongues, Loose Lips" 1LP track listing Side A 01. Where There's A Will 02. Who You Callin' Crazy Side B 01. Human Tide 02. Bad Luck Hideaway 03. She Still Comes Around Plus: "Foreign Tongues" - original 14-track studio album on CD 2CD The deluxe 2CD edition presents the complete "Foreign Tongues" studio album on CD1, with the five new "Foreign Tongues, Loose Lips" recordings collected on CD2. Presented in a six-panel digisleeve with a 16-page booklet and gold foil detailing, the set offers the definitive expanded edition of THE STONES' acclaimed new studio album. CD1 – "Foreign Tongues" 01. Rough And Twisted 02. In The Stars 03. Jealous Lover 04. Mr. Charm 05. Divine Intervention 06. Ringing Hollow 07. Never Wanna Lose You 08. Hit Me In The Head 09. You Know I'm No Good 10. Some Of Us 11. Covered In You 12. Side Effects 13. Back In Your Life 14. Beautiful Delilah CD2 – "Loose Lips" 01. Where There's A Will 02. Who You Callin' Crazy 03. Human Tide 04. Bad Luck Hideaway 05. She Still Comes Around]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/816033 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:43:25 +0000 <![CDATA[New Demo Trailer Released For 'Voivod: The Nuclear Warrior' Officially Licensed Video Game Inspired By VOIVOD]]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/new-demo-trailer-released-for-voivod-the-nuclear-warrior-officially-licensed-video-game-inspired-by-voivod
Independent developer Chaosmonger Studio has revealed a brand-new demo trailer for "Voivod: The Nuclear Warrior", a narrative-driven, run-and-gun Metroidvania based on the music, artwork and dystopian science-fiction universe of legendary Canadian metal band VOIVOD. The game will participate in Stea...]]> Chaosmonger Studio has revealed a brand-new demo trailer for "Voivod: The Nuclear Warrior", a narrative-driven, run-and-gun Metroidvania based on the music, artwork and dystopian science-fiction universe of legendary Canadian metal band VOIVOD. The game will participate in Steam Next Fest, October 19-26, where players will be able to experience a free playable demo featuring two distinct gameplay modes. "Voivod: The Nuclear Warrior" is scheduled for release in early 2027 on PC and consoles. Set in a post-nuclear future where reality itself is falling apart, "Voivod: The Nuclear Warrior" blends fast-paced run-and-gun combat, Metroidvania exploration, atmospheric storytelling and gritty, handcrafted pixel art. Players take control of the Voivod, a constantly mutating warrior whose mind has been shattered. Guided by the mysterious Nothingface, he must journey through devastated landscapes, biomechanical nightmares and fractured dimensions to recover fragments of his lost memories. Along the way, players will battle grotesque mutants, discover bizarre creatures, unlock new weapons and abilities, and confront formidable bosses in a world inspired by the band's unmistakable artistic universe. Developed in close collaboration with VOIVOD, the game brings the band's mythology, music and visual identity into an interactive experience, combining its distinctive science-fiction themes with intense action and exploration. The Steam Next Fest demo offers two distinct gameplay experiences, giving players different ways to enter the Voivodian universe. Story Path lets players experience approximately the first hour of the full adventure, starting with its opening sequence and placing greater emphasis on narrative, exploration and the game's rich sci-fi lore. Players are gradually introduced to the world, its characters, weapons and abilities, following the natural progression designed for the complete game. Combat Trial delivers a more immediate, action-focused experience, giving players access to a wider selection of weapons and abilities as they battle through intense enemy encounters and face a challenging boss. Both modes showcase different sides of the game, from its strange atmosphere and unfolding narrative to its frantic combat and grotesque enemy designs. As development progresses toward the planned early 2027 release, Chaosmonger Studio continues to fine-tune combat, enemy behavior and gameplay balance, incorporating feedback from ongoing playtesting to further polish the experience. "Voivod: The Nuclear Warrior" is currently in development for PC (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Steam Deck) and consoles (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox), with a planned multi-platform release in early 2027. Chaosmonger Studio is an independent creative studio based in Tallinn, Estonia, founded by Italian filmmaker and game developer Nicola Piovesan. With more than 20 years of experience across film, animation and interactive entertainment, the studio has developed games including "ENCODYA" and "Clunky Hero". VOIVOD's latest album, "Symphonique", a special live collaboration with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra (Orchestre Symphonique De Québec),was made available on June 5, 2026 worldwide via Century Media Records. "Symphonique", which functions like an epic piece of cinema, showcases VOIVOD's pioneering futuristic metal with the strains of a symphony orchestra, and features a carefully curated VOIVOD best-of setlist composed of 12 songs across 73 minutes, recorded live on June 4, 2025, at the Grand Théâtre in Québec City, Canada. VOIVOD previously played two shows with the Orchestre Symphonique De Montréal on January 29, 2025 and January 30, 2025 at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletie in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. VOIVOD is a Canadian heavy metal band from Jonquière, Québec. Their musical style has changed several times since the band's origin in the early 1980s. Starting out as a speed metal band, VOIVOD have added a mix of progressive metal and thrash metal to create their own unique metal style, and are credited as one of the "big four" Canadian thrash metal bands, along with SACRIFICE, RAZOR and ANNIHILATOR. They are considered by many as one of the most influential metal bands from the '80s, influencing and gaining praise from multiple bands and across numerous genres. VOIVOD found mainstream success in the late 1980s with their fifth studio album, "Nothingface" (1989),which is the band's only album to enter The Billboard 200 chart, peaking at No. 114. VOIVOD's long-awaited official documentary, "We Are Connected", received its world premiere on July 29, 2024 at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, Quebec. Canada. "We Are Connected" dives deep into the 40-plus-year legacy of one of the most original and influential metal bands in history. From their explosive beginnings in Jonquière to their groundbreaking global journey, VOIVOD's story is one of unparalleled creativity, resilience, and evolution. The film covers VOIVOD's history from unlikely origins in northern Québec at the height of the Cold War to underground success to sharing tours and stages with IRON MAIDEN, RUSH and METALLICA. Included in the documentary are high and lows throughout those 40 years, from major-label support and Billboard recognition to seismic lineup changes and an event many critics claimed to be the end of VOIVOD: the death of co-founding guitarist and composer Dennis "Piggy" D'Amour. Directed by Felipe Belalcazar and produced with full access to the band's archives, this film features exclusive insights and appearances by metal icons like Tobias Forge (GHOST),Mikael Åkerfeldt (OPETH),Jason Newsted (METALLICA),Zach Blair (RISE AGAINST, GWAR),Tom G. Warrior (CELTIC FROST, TRIPTYKON) and Ivan Doroschuk (MEN WITHOUT HATS),among many others. VOIVOD has been touring in support of its latest album, 2023's "Morgöth Tales", which was released via Century Media, The Orchard and Sony Music. The band's 2022 release, "Synchro Anarchy", garnered significant acclaim, winning the 2023 Juno Award for "Best Hard Rock/Metal Album" in Canada. Once more recorded and mixed by Francis Perron at RadicArt Studio, mastered by Maor Appelbaum and produced by VOIVOD, "Morgöth Tales" includes fresh studio re-recordings by the band's current lineup of nine especially selected, not-so-obvious picks from the band's hyper-classy and extremely diverse back catalogue (between 1984 and 2003) as well as a brand-new song and the album's title track, "Morgöth Tales". Photo credit: Catherine Deslauriers
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/816030 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:57:44 +0000 <![CDATA[DEF LEPPARD's PHIL COLLEN On A.I. In Music: 'I Think You Have To Accept And Embrace Any New Technology']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/def-leppards-phil-collen-on-a-i-in-music-i-think-you-have-to-accept-and-embrace-any-new-technology
In a new interview with Argentina's Rock & Pop 95.9 FM radio station, DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen weighed in on a debate about people using an A.I. (artificial intelligence) music generator as a tool to create melodies, harmonies and rhymes based on artificial intelligence (A.I.) algorithm...]]> Rock & Pop 95.9 FM radio station, DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen weighed in on a debate about people using an A.I. (artificial intelligence) music generator as a tool to create melodies, harmonies and rhymes based on artificial intelligence (A.I.) algorithms and machine learning (M.L.) models. Asked for his opinion on the use of A.I. in music in general, Phil said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It's scary. It's not scary — it's disappointing, because you hear lots of... At the moment you can still tell if a song's A.I. I hear a lot of country bands and R&B, and you can hear something, you go, 'Okay, well that's definitely A.I.' But the stuff we do doesn't sound like that. It definitely sounds a different way. And the same with the live recordings or live performances. There's so many bands out there and artists that use samples and tapes and sequences and stuff like that. Yeah, we use loops on the drums and stuff like that, but all our vocals are really live. We actually really sing them, and you can tell the difference. There's a feeling, especially if we make mistakes, which happens every night, if you forget words or whatever. So I think there's something really cool about that." Collen continued: "One thing I will say, we don't have any speakers on our stage. We used to have monitors and that. Everyone's got in-ear monitors, so the singing has got so much better because before you would have, like, this noise — it'd be a rumble going down the microphones and coming in your ear. Now you can hear everything so clearly that it's just a lot more precise. So I love that; that's really cool. "So, yeah, I think you have to accept and embrace any new technology," Phil added. "Same with A.I. — everyone uses it. People [use it] and they don't even realize they're doing it. They Google something and A.I. will talk straight back at them. So, yeah, we all use it. I think you just have to be aware. At the moment, I love what we're doing and I love the fact that we're not too reliant on that stuff and that it hasn't taken over yet." Earlier this month, DEF LEPPARD announced the dates for an extensive 2027 North American arena tour featuring support from GOO GOO DOLLS and THE STRUTS. The 45-date run will kick off on March 2 at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania and include stops in Montreal, Detroit, Toronto, Boston, Nashville, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Houston, St. Louis, Tampa, Atlanta, Cleveland, New York and Philadelphia before winding down on July 2 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. DEF LEPPARD's story will be told in the upcoming feature-length documentary "Long Live Def Leppard", slated for release in theaters in early 2027. The film from director Jeff Feuerzeig chronicles the legendary rockers from their humble beginnings in Sheffield, England to global chart domination in the 1980s and 1990s. DEF LEPPARD is working on the follow-up to the "Diamond Star Halos" album, which came out in 2022. DEF LEPPARD's new LP will include the song "Rejoice", which was released in late January ahead of the band's return to Las Vegas for their "Def Leppard: Live at Caesars Palace The Las Vegas Residency". "Def Leppard: Live at Caesars Palace The Las Vegas Residency" ran through February 28, 2026 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. These new shows followed the band's sold-out residency successes in 2019 and 2013. In January 2025, DEF LEPPARD released a cover of Ben E. King's 1961 classic "Stand By Me". All proceeds from the song went to FireAid, which raises money for those impacted by the fires that swept through Los Angeles in January 2025. DEF LEPPARD's version of the song is featured in the Netflix film "Bank Of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger", which was released in January 2025. The band can be seen performing the track before the credits. DEF LEPPARD's "Just Like 73" single, featuring a guest guitar solo from RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello, was made available in June 2024. DEF LEPPARD's 12th studio album, "Diamond Star Halos", came out in 2022. A year later, the band followed it up with "Drastic Symphonies", a collection of reimagining of some of DEF LEPPARD's greatest hits with London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road. The album spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Current Classical chart. DEF LEPPARD was finally inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in March 2019 — 14 years after the British rockers first became eligible.
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/816025 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:39:13 +0000 <![CDATA[MARTY FRIEDMAN: 'I Have Been Writing New Music For The Next Album']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/marty-friedman-i-have-been-writing-new-music-for-the-next-album
In a recent interview with U.K. radio veteran Paul Stephenson of VRP Rocks, former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman was asked if there are plans for him to release new music as a follow-up to his latest solo album, "Drama", which came out in May 2024 via Frontiers Music Srl. Friedman said (as trans...]]> Paul Stephenson of VRP Rocks, former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman was asked if there are plans for him to release new music as a follow-up to his latest solo album, "Drama", which came out in May 2024 via Frontiers Music Srl. Friedman said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "'Drama' is by far the album that I feel the most personal connection to. Of course, I've said that on every single album that I've made since like around 2006. But, man, I kill myself on these albums, man. I really go all in, and every time I finish... I mean, listen to [2014's] 'Inferno'. When I finished that, I'm, like, 'How am I gonna possibly top this?' And I can't release another album until I do. Topping it doesn't mean sales or good songs or just... Topping it means something that I could possibly be more satisfied with, more pleased with, and I always kill myself on it. And 'Drama' is, man — it's really my favorite piece of work right now. And I toured a lot for 'Drama'. I'm still doing some more touring for 'Drama' right now. Soon I will be announcing more places that I'm touring for 'Drama'. But I have been writing new music for the next album, and it is sort of in that vein, as of now. I kind of have a plan of attack, which is more than I could say than six, eight months ago, and it's coming along really nice. So if you like 'Drama', I think you gotta help me feel like I can do better. I think I can, but it's gonna take some time." Marty's presence in the world of music, the world of guitar and Japanese pop culture is mystifying, bizarre, and nothing short of inspiring. His first major impact in music was in the game-changing guitar duo CACOPHONY, which he founded with equally enigmatic and now-legendary guitarist Jason Becker. He then spent 10 years as lead guitarist in the genre-defining thrash metal act MEGADETH before moving to Tokyo due to his love for Japanese music, language, and culture. Following his move, he landed a starring role for a new TV comedy "Hebimeta-san" ("Mr. Heavy Metal") and its spinoff, "Rock Fujiyama", which ran for six seasons and propelled him into the living rooms of Japan's mainstream. He has since appeared in over 800 TV shows, movies and commercials, including a two-year campaign with Coca-Cola for Fanta, authored two best-selling novels and was the first-ever foreigner to be appointed as an ambassador of Japan heritage and perform at the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Marathon. At the same time, Marty has continued his career in music with several solo albums in addition to writing and performing with the top artists in Japanese music, racking up countless chart hits, including a No. 1 with SMAP, two No. 2 songs with MOMOIRO CLOVER, a No. 2 with SOUND HORIZON — just to name a few. Friedman's autobiography, "Dreaming Japanese", arrived on December 3, 2024 via Permuted Press. In an October 2023 interview with Chris Akin Presents, Marty was asked what challenges and motivates him to keep pushing forward with his music. He said at the time: "I'm not really so much into trying something that I haven't done for the sake of trying something I haven't done. I'm trying to impress me with something that I've never done before. It's not like I'm gonna suddenly wake up one day and say, 'Okay, I'm gonna be a rapper' or something. I do what I do and I have my musical vision and sound. I just try to do deeper things with it. I try to make more complex emotions, deeper emotions in the music, more interesting, melodic twists and turns, more adventurous things, things that I wasn't deep enough to do last year or two years ago, or five years ago, things that I couldn't hear back then, things that I can only hear because life has given me more experiences since then, and, of course, more musical experiences, and just to consciously be aware of stuff that I've already done and not repeat it. It's a natural challenge that I've been doing forever, and the hardest part is that blank sheet when I just start from zero. It's, like, 'How am I going to top that last thing that I just did? I worked my ass off. I'm completely done. I have nothing left. I've got zero.' And so that's the challenge."]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/816020 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:08:07 +0000 <![CDATA[STAIND Releases New Single 'Ghosts']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/staind-releases-new-single-ghosts
In the midst of a major moment sparked by a massive sold-out amphitheater tour, nearing half a million tickets sold, and unprecedented TikTok and social media virality, Grammy Award-nominated, multiplatinum, and iconic Massachusetts rock band STAIND returns with a hard-hitting and customarily haunti...]]> TikTok and social media virality, Grammy Award-nominated, multiplatinum, and iconic Massachusetts rock band STAIND returns with a hard-hitting and customarily haunting new single "Ghosts" out now via Alchemy Recordings/BMG. Watch the video below. "Ghosts" marks STAIND's first new music drop since 2023's chart-topping "Confessions Of The Fallen" album. Once again, the quartet — Aaron Lewis (vocals, guitar), Mike Mushok (lead guitar), Johnny April (bass, backing vocals) and Sal Giancarelli (drums) — teamed up with producer Erik Ron (GODSMACK, BAD OMENS, PAPA ROACH) in the studio. "Ghosts" opens with a chugging detuned riff punctuated by Mushok's signature harmonics. This deluge slips into the undertow of a stark verse pinned to April's ominous bass line and a head-nodding beat courtesy of Giancarelli. The groove quakes beneath Lewis's instantly recognizable vocals. Distortion boosts an unshakable refrain, and the frontman laments, "Fading and failing…Ghosts that I've never found." Veering from one extreme to the next, the track alternates between a beautiful bridge and a bludgeoning last gasp powered by his guttural scream. You could say "Ghosts" conjures the past, present, and future eras of STAIND all into one concentrated and cathartic burst of emotion and energy. "We went down to Nashville for a writing trip with Erik," recalls Mushok. "We had gotten together, and I came up with the riff on the spot. From there, Erik and I put the track together in just one day and finished it up. Aaron listened to it a little later and did this really great vocal over it. 'Ghosts' ended up being a very dynamic song." "It seemed like everybody had gravitated towards 'Ghosts'," adds Lewis. "It's a little different, and it surprised all of us. It's got some heavy elements, but it's certainly melodic too. It's definitely STAIND." It also just heralds a whole lot more to come from STAIND very soon. After selling out nearly every date of the first leg of the North American "Break The Cycle" 25th-anniversary tour, STAIND will return to the road for round two in 2027. Of course, they're celebrating 25 years of their breakout 2001 opus "Break The Cycle", which just picked up a seven-times-platinum certification, logged three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in the summer of its release, and spawned generational hits like "It's Been A While" and "Warm Safe Place". Thanks to a groundswell of fan support, the latter exploded on TikTok as 2026's most unexpected viral phenomenon, bringing the quartet's streams past the one-billion mark this year. STAIND has also sold out most of the vinyl variations of its live record, "Break The Cycle (25th Anniversary Live)". Produced by Live Nation, the 27-city date trek will feature special guests SEETHER and HOOBASTANK, joined by HINDER on all dates except Cleveland. The tour kicks off on March 6 at SNHU Arena in Manchester making stops in Pittsburgh, Dallas, Seattle and more before wrapping up in Cleveland at Rocket Arena on April 16. STAIND is an American rock band from Springfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1995. The original lineup consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist and backing vocalist Johnny April, and drummer Jon Wysocki. From day one, STAIND's sound was alternately crushing and comforting. They absorbed the teeth-kicking intensity of groove metal, the melodic grit of grunge, and the diaristic approach of dyed-in-the-wool singer-songwriters into a signature style. They have sold over 15 million records worldwide fueled by the double platinum "Dysfunction" (1999),seven-times platinum "Break The Cycle" (2001),platinum "14 Shades Of Grey" (2003) and platinum "Chapter V" (2005). Along the way, they earned five straight Top 5 debuts on the Billboard 200, including three consecutive No. 1 entries. "It's Been A While" logged a staggering 20 weeks at No. 1 on airwaves, making it one of the most-played songs in modern rock radio history. In 2023, they sent "Confessions Of The Fallen" to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Active Rock Albums chart and notched Active Rock Radio No. 1 hits "Lowest In Me" and "Here And Now". 2026 saw the beginning of a renaissance when the "Break The Cycle" deep cut "Warm Safe Place" surged on TikTok, giving the band its biggest year yet with over one billion annual streams. Forever pushing forward, STAIND celebrated a seminal moment with 2026's "Break the Cycle (Live)" (Alchemy Recordings/BMG) and the "Break The Cycle 25th Anniversary Tour".
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/816017 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:29:32 +0000 <![CDATA[SHARON OSBOURNE: 'We Really, Really Wanted MEGADETH' To Play At 'Back To The Beginning' Concert]]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/sharon-osbourne-we-really-really-wanted-megadeth-to-play-at-back-to-the-beginning-concert
Sharon Osbourne has confirmed that the organizers of last year's "Back To The Beginning" charity concert in Birmingham, United Kingdom "really, really wanted MEGADETH" to take part in the event, which marked Ozzy Osbourne and BLACK SABBATH's final performance. Ozzy's wife and manager brought up the...]]> Sharon Osbourne has confirmed that the organizers of last year's "Back To The Beginning" charity concert in Birmingham, United Kingdom "really, really wanted MEGADETH" to take part in the event, which marked Ozzy Osbourne and BLACK SABBATH's final performance. Ozzy's wife and manager brought up the Dave Mustaine-fronted outfit while discussing the "Ozzy & Black Sabbath: Back To The Beginning" concert film, which will hit theaters beginning on October 28. Produced by Mercury Studios, the movie chronicles the farewell show by Osbourne and his SABBATH bandmates, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward, in Osbourne's original hometown at Aston Villa football club's home stadium at Villa Park on July 5, 2025. The concert featured both solo sets from Osbourne and a reunion of the original SABBATH lineup for the first time in more than two decades, along with a long list of performers influenced by Ozzy and the rest of SABBATH. Hosted by actor Jason Momoa and overseen by musical director, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello, the concert featured sets from ALICE IN CHAINS, ANTHRAX, GUNS N' ROSES, LAMB OF GOD, MASTODON, METALLICA, PANTERA, SLAYER and TOOL, as well as special guests SMASHING PUMPKINS leader Billy Corgan, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith, Sammy Hagar, AEROSMITH singer Steven Tyler, Yungblud, BLINK-182 drummer Travis Barker and many more. Asked in a new interview with Rolling Stone magazine which tribute performances impressed her, Sharon said: "Oh my God, there so many great, great performances. It was just overwhelming. Even down to when the drummers were up there, Travis and Chad and [TOOL's] Danny [Carey]. Everything was just great that day. Without Tom Morello, without [Live Nation promoter] Andy Copping, it would never have happened. "Tom Morello was an absolute saint and he is incredible," she continued. "His sense of music and of what's right and what's not right, he's just an incredible person. He needs a sainthood. He is the saint of metal. He's so wise and knows what he's talking about on so many different levels. "Andy Copping, who has been in our lives forever too, from Live Nation, he is just an incredible music man," Sharon added. "There's not one band on that show that wasn't a friend of Andy's. Even though he works for Live Nation, a huge corporation, everybody adores Andy Copping. He's one of the most famous promoters in the world. He's just the best." After Rolling Stone writer Kory Grow noted that "they put together a great lineup", Sharon revealed: "We really, really wanted MEGADETH. There was no time, we couldn't fit everybody in on one day. There were so many bands that were due to play that we just couldn't because there was not enough time." A couple of weeks after "Back To The Beginning" took place, MEGADETH bassist James LoMenzo said that the Dave Mustaine-fronted outfit was not invited to take part in the event. In a post in the Back To The Beginning - Black Sabbath's Final Concert Facebook group, Charrie Foglio, who spent a decade under the tutelage of Doc McGhee (BON JOVI, KISS) as part of the McGhee Entertainment artist management company, shared a portion of the interview she conducted with LoMenzo on July 9, 2025 for Japan's BURRN! magazine. After Foglio noted that three out of the so-called "Big Four" of 1980s thrash metal played at the event — a reference to METALLICA, SLAYER and ANTHRAX — but not MEGADETH, LoMenzo said: "Charrie, I'm going to let the cat out of the bag. The truth of the matter is, I don't believe that anybody asked us, which was fine. Not everybody gets invited to every party. But at the same time, when we were in Europe last week, David said that he was reaching out to everybody and telling them that we were in the neighborhood and that we were close enough to come. And if they wanted us to, we could stay over for a few days and work it out... If they wanted us to. I don't know what our manager had accomplished with that, but it didn't get accomplished, so we just came home." He continued: "So I know what you're saying [about one 'Big Four' band missing from the event]. Even before all of this started, everyone was saying, 'Well, what about MEGADETH?' It was really funny to read because there was no invite and there was no talking to people, there was actually nothing to do with any of it. It was this exciting situation where we're celebrating Ozzy [Osbourne] in his retirement... Anyway, the show was amazing! I would have loved to have been there. I knew about the show months and months ago. "I've been recording with [original BLACK SABBATH drummer] Bill Ward," LoMenzo revealed. "He's been doing his [new solo] record, and every now and then I'll get this wonderful phone call from his assistant Walter saying that 'Bill would love to have you come down and do a song with him.' And you don't know what that sounds like to my brain. It frazzles me, but I've been working with him for a while. And he intimated about the show. I would ask him if he had spoken to any of the guys in BLACK SABBATH, and he said that he spoke to Ozzy every day because Ozzy wasn't feeling very well at that time, so I was curious. He said, 'By the way, it looks we may do this final show.' So he knew about it, obviously, before they announced it. So I was excited when it came to fruition because I knew that it meant a lot to all the guys in BLACK SABBATH to have Bill up there." Circling back to MEGADETH's absence from the event, James added: "I don't see it as controversy or anything. I do know that conspicuously we were missing, but nobody was invited." Former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson, who was fired from the band in May 2021, appeared at "Back To The Beginning", taking part in the first of two hastily assembled supergroups which performed at the event. Ellefson played "The Ultimate Sin" (with Lzzy Hale, Nuno Bettencourt, Jake E. Lee, Mike Bordin and Adam Wakeman),"Shot In The Dark" (with David Draiman, Jake E. Lee, Mike Bordin and Adam Wakeman) and "Sweet Leaf" (with David Draiman, Nuno Bettencourt, Scott Ian, Mike Bordin and Adam Wakeman) at the sold-out show, which was attended by 42,000 fans, with more than five million more streaming the event via VOD. Last year, Sharon told Billboard that she was forced to remove one big name from the lineup of "Back To The Beginning" because the artist in question "wanted to make a profit" from the event. "And it's not the time to make a profit," she added. "After the show, I'll let everybody know who it was. I think people will be shocked." In June 2025, Sharon revealed to Metal Hammer magazine that she got into a dispute with the manager of one of the bands who were originally slated to take part in "Back To The Beginning". "I had a huge, huge to-do with a manager over this celebration for Ozzy and SABBATH," she told Metal Hammer. "And it was probably the worst way I've felt in years. And I don't care what this person says about me, thinks about it, because he doesn't know me. And he's now going around making up bullshit lies because I threw his band off the bill." Sharon did not specify which band she had booted, though she did say that it wasn't IRON MAIDEN. Two decades ago, IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson was involved in a verbal battle with Ozzy's wife and manager when his band was pelted with eggs, lighters and ice during the final performance of its headlining performance on the 2005 Ozzfest tour. Since "Back To The Beginning" was announced in February 2025, no bands or artists had been removed from the bill, except for Wolfgang Van Halen, who was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. It is therefore believed that the mystery band was ousted before the lineup announcement. Ozzy and Sharon's daughter Kelly Osbourne denied that MEGADETH was the band which was removed from the "Back To The Beginning" lineup, writing "Nope! Not him!" below an Instagram post speculating that the Mustaine-fronted outfit was the one Sharon was referring to in her Metal Hammer interview. Tickets for the concert sold out in less than 16 minutes in February 2025, with more than 150,000 people reportedly in the virtual queue.]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/816012 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 11:39:30 +0000 <![CDATA[Space 1993: Wrath Of Kor-Virliath]]> https://blabbermouth.net/reviews/space-1993-wrath-of-kor-virliath
If nothing else, GLORYHAMMER have always provided some light relief. An inherently ridiculous proposition from the start, the Anglo-American quintet built their reputation on being slightly more preposterous than everybody else, with albums that matched the giddy stupidity of their elaborate concept...]]> GLORYHAMMER have always provided some light relief. An inherently ridiculous proposition from the start, the Anglo-American quintet built their reputation on being slightly more preposterous than everybody else, with albums that matched the giddy stupidity of their elaborate concepts with music that was as formidably heavy and sumptuously symphonic as anything else in contemporary metal. One slightly humiliating incident involving a WhatsApp group chat and some casual racism aside, GLORYHAMMER have never tried to provide solutions to humanity's ills, but they have proudly cheered a lot of people up along the way. The band's second album since the recruitment of current frontman Angus McFife V (multi-octave Cypriot, Sozos Michael), "Space 1993: Wrath Of Kor-Virliath" is also the sequel to their second album, "Space 1992: Rise Of The Chaos Wizards": a certified fan favorite and, until this point, the best record they have put their names to. Anyone expecting a radical sidestep into progressive jazz rock or speaker-busting arena EDM is, to put it mildly, going to be disappointed. GLORYHAMMER are back with more of the absurd and extravagant same, and power metal fans would not accept anything else. First things first: this is another deranged concept piece, involving multiple galactic battles and a ludicrous storyline involving hordes of demons hurtling through Aberdeen, the subsequent arrival of the Legendary Space Knights of Crail, and a climactic and gargantuan mortal skirmish that will decide the fate of the galaxy. Or something along those lines. But fear not: paying too much attention to the album's detailed narrative is far from a necessity. Let's just assume that the whole thing is fucking berserk, while basking in the thunderous splendor of GLORYHAMMER's relentlessly upbeat and theatrical take on European power metal. Songs like "Ultimate Sacrifice" and "Die With A Sword In My Hand" are fiendishly catchy and deceptively sophisticated, as Angus McFife V's hearty charisma and fine voice turn every twist and turn into an endearingly daft plot device. The whole thing rattles along with such breathless abandon that it would be hard to keep up with the story anyway, but with lyrics in hand and enough caffeine flowing through your veins, it may just be possible. After a blizzard of immaculate and impressively demented songs have flown by at great speed, "Space 1993: Wrath Of Kor-Virliath" reaches an apex of goofy grandeur on its vast and overwhelming final track. "The Celestial Warhost Of The Dundonian Marches To Space Against The Dark Sorcerer: Final Assault On Battlemoon X-22" is a 13-minute colossus that may be the most ambitious piece that creative mastermind Christopher "Zargothrax" Bowes (ALESTORM / WIZARDTHRONE) has yet penned. Determinedly cinematic and resolutely over-the-top, it reaffirms that GLORYHAMMER, for all their cross-eyed lunacy, are an incredibly skilled and imaginative metal band, with levels of musicianship and compositional depths that may occasionally get lost in translation, but that are nonetheless immensely admirable and impressive. Change the lyrics to something sensible, and "The Celestial Warhost…" would still be fucking killer. But as it stands, these intergalactic idiots are still masters of much-needed levity and supreme silliness, and their fifth album is another unqualified success, unless you are a miserable prick with no sense of humor. Obviously. ]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/816010 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:52:28 +0000 <![CDATA[SLASH Says GUNS N' ROSES Will Take 2027 Off From Touring To Work On New Music: 'We Have So Much Material']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/slash-says-guns-n-roses-will-take-2027-off-from-touring-to-work-on-new-music-we-have-so-much-material
During an appearance on the October 12 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash spoke about the latest leg of the band's reunion tour, which informally began with a club show at the Troubadour in Los Angeles on April 1, 2016. The 14th leg of the tour broug...]]> SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash spoke about the latest leg of the band's reunion tour, which informally began with a club show at the Troubadour in Los Angeles on April 1, 2016. The 14th leg of the tour brought Slash and his bandmates to stadiums across North America throughout the summer. The guitarist said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "The last run that we just did, the one that we're sort of, like, on the tail end of, has been awesome. And as far as I'm concerned, the last U.S. run that we just finished was the best U.S. run that I feel like we'd done since it started. And the European run, the same. So this last year or so has been really fucking cool. Not to say that the years before that [weren't], but it just keeps getting better. So it's a blast, man." Regarding GUNS N' ROSES' plans for the coming months, Slash said: "We'll get done with [shows in India, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand in November and December], and next year basically GUNS is off. But I'm hoping that, because we have so much material that we need to sort of, like, put together and start getting into that whole phase, so I'm hoping that's what the next phase is gonna be." After "Trunk Nation" host Eddie Trunk asked if "the idea is" for GUNS N' ROSES to take a break from touring next year and try to come together with material, Slash said: "Exactly. We have so much material, and it's all over the place, and it needs to... That's one of the things that's been hard to do, is the amount of time and focus it takes to sort of get all that material together and start working on it." Slash went on to say that it's impossible for him and his GUNS N' ROSES bandmates to work on new music when they are touring. "It doesn't work on the road," he said. "Writing on the road for me is easy, and I'm the only one that seem, seems to like to sort of sit up all night and do that. But Duff [McKagan, GUNS N' ROSES bassist] does his own thing, and Axl [Rose, GUNS N' ROSES singer] does his own thing. And so we're all creating on the road just individually. But getting us together and trying to do that while you're touring is next to impossible." This past January, Slash talked to longtime radio host Abe Kanan of Audacy about GUNS N' ROSES' recently released two new songs called "Atlas" and "Nothin'". When they were made available in December 2025, the tracks marked the first new GN'R music since the 2023 singles "The General" and "Perhaps". Both "Atlas" and "Nothin'" were produced by Rose and Caram Costanzo (Janet Jackson, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE); Costanzo co-produced GUNS N' ROSES' latest album, 2008's "Chinese Democracy", alongside Rose. Asked if it's true that he and Duff were instrumental in reworking some of those songs which were originally written before they rejoined the band, Slash said: "Well, there was a conversation that we had at some point after we got back together. Axl had a bunch of unreleased material, and so we listened to it. We said, 'We could redo the bass and the guitars for this song and this song,' and 'this one would be cool.' And we ended up doing that over time. We did a couple songs to begin with. I think 'Hard Skool' and 'Absurd' were the first two that we did, and then a couple of more after that. And 'Nothin'' and 'Atlas' were the last two songs that we did; everything's been done, and these are the last two that were left over. And, yeah, it's been fun, because they're all really cool songs. And it's not like writing it from its inception, but I still have to write stuff to go over the changes and everything. So it's a fun kind of a project for me — and I think for Duff too, just to come up with new ideas for something that's been pre-recorded." Earlier in January, Slash told Sylvia Alvarado of the Las Vegas radio station KOMP 92.3 about "Atlas" and "Nothin'": "It's good to have a couple of songs that we're promoting and then a tour that's really a long tour. It's gonna go from the end of March until the end of December. And it's exciting, 'cause we're coming back to the U.S., which is the first time we've been in the U.S. in a while." Asked if releasing standalone singles is how GUNS N' ROSES plans to make new music available going forward or if there are still plans to release a new full-length album, Slash said: "I think in this instance it's what we're doing, because we only re-recorded those songs — like a couple of songs here, a couple of songs there. These were the last two that are left to do, and we actually did them not even back to back. 'Nothin'' was one, and 'Atlas' was at a different time, but they hadn't been released yet. So, we're releasing 'em now. And then there's really no more of that sort of old rehash stuff to release. But I think what we're gonna do, we're gonna take all those songs and put them on something and release that as a package. And then the next record that we're gonna do is gonna be all new original stuff, and that'll be an actual album." Slash added: "It's a really weird time for especially rock and roll and how it works in this industry and how it works for fans. I think most die-hard rock and roll fans would like to get an album and they love vinyl, but they would want a package of songs. But some of the younger kids who are sort of raised in this new fancy kind of digital era that we're in don't know about albums, really, being released as a whole. So it's a strange time. It's harder to navigate. But to me, it's a no-brainer. Make a record. You can do all the digital stuff in any configuration you want. But make sure that there's an album. Yeah." Regarding the fact that all the recently released GUNS N' ROSES songs had existed in the GUNS sphere in the past, with "Atlas" having once gone under the working title "Atlas Shrugged", Slash said: "Well, we took a bunch of material that Axl had, and we all sat down and listened to it. And so we sort of picked out all the different songs that we wanted to do and what Axl wanted to do. And we just sort of took all the guitars and the bass off and redid it. And it was fun. And it was the kind of thing where we did one song at a time. We did one or maybe two in the same week. But for the most part it was spread out over a long period of time. So it was just something fun to do and go, 'Okay, what's gonna be my approach for it?' So each one of 'em has been an interesting sort of little project." On the topic of what his approach was for recording "Atlas" and "Nothin'", Slash said: "'Atlas' has some really cool chord changes and time signatures, so that was interesting in itself. And then coming up with the right voicings for that. With 'Nothin'', it was a very spontaneous, very sort of simple, bare-bones approach. Not much thought went into it at all. It was just improvising." "Nothin'" and "Atlas" find GUNS N' ROSES showcasing two different sides of the band's personality. "Atlas" is GN'R in full surging rock mode, while "Nothin'" grows more introspective over floaty keys and an emotive guitar. GUNS N' ROSES released a four-song EP, "Hard Skool", in February 2022. The effort, which was exclusive to the GUNS N' ROSES' official store, contained the two new songs the band released in 2021 — the title track and "Absurd" — as well as live versions of "Don't Cry" and "You're Crazy". The legendary hard rock outfit has not released a full-length effort since "Chinese Democracy", which included only Rose from the band's classic lineup. Bassist Duff McKagan and Slash reunited with Axl in 2016 and have since released several standalone singles — "Absurd" (stylized as "ABSUЯD"),"Hard Skool", "Perhaps" and "The General" — but have not made any announcements about another LP. If and when it happens, the new GUNS N' ROSES studio album will be the first under the GUNS banner since "Chinese Democracy" and the first to feature Slash, Rose and bassist Duff McKagan since 1993. Written by Rose and co-produced by Rose and Caram Costanzo, "Hard Skool", which had the working title "Jackie Chan", was originally recorded during GN'R's "Chinese Democracy" era but was eventually omitted from that album. Short clips of the song were later posted online and a full version was leaked in August 2019. "Absurd" came out on August 6, 2021, three days after GUNS N' ROSES performed the tune live for the first time during its concert at Boston's Fenway Park. GUNS N' ROSES last performed "Silkworms", which was also reportedly written during the "Chinese Democracy" sessions, in 2001. "The General" was the B-side of GUNS N' ROSES' limited-edition seven-inch vinyl single titled "Perhaps", which was made available for pre-order in August 2023. Like "Perhaps", "Hard Skool" and "Absurd", "The General" was written during the sessions for the "Chinese Democracy" album. It was previously talked about by ex-GN'R drummer Bryan "Brain" Mantia, who reportedly wrote some of the song's music and gave it its title, and former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach. GUNS N' ROSES are Axl Rose (vocals, keyboards),Duff McKagan (bass),Slash (lead guitar),Dizzy Reed (keyboard),Richard Fortus (rhythm guitar),Isaac Carpenter (drums) and Melissa Reese (keyboard). Photo courtesy of GUNS N' ROSES]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/816005 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 20:56:13 +0000 <![CDATA[DREAM THEATER Begins Work On 17th Studio Album]]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-begins-work-on-17th-studio-album
Progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER have confirmed that they have started working on the follow-up to the "Parasomnia" album, which came out in February 2025. Earlier today, DREAM THEATER shared a photo of all five members of the band at their Ytse Jam Studios, and they included the following cap...]]> DREAM THEATER have confirmed that they have started working on the follow-up to the "Parasomnia" album, which came out in February 2025. Earlier today, DREAM THEATER shared a photo of all five members of the band at their Ytse Jam Studios, and they included the following caption: "#DT17 is underway…". This past May, DREAM THEATER singer James LaBrie was asked by Brazilian music journalist Igor Miranda if he and his bandmates had already started talking about working on a new LP. He responded: "Whenever we approach a new album, it's where we feel that we're all presently sitting in life, what is affecting us, what is inspiring us, and most importantly, what do we feel should be the next chapter in DREAM THEATER as far as another album, its music, what is it going to represent, and something we can stand behind 100%. So we usually slowly transition to that when we know that we're gonna go into the studio, when we know we're gonna be writing a new album. That's when we start having the conversations as, 'Hey, what do you guys think about maybe this kind of an album or...?' And then at the same time, even regardless of all the conversations we have, each guy will come in with seeds of ideas, and we throw that on the floor. 'Here we go, man.' It's there. Which do we feel is something that's really cool and something that we can build on, something that we feel is going in the direction that we've been discussing? And so it's kind of like that." James continued: "Right now the focus is we're on this world tour. We're gonna be on the world tour until — what? — mid-May. And that's the focus. Then we're gonna take a break for a little bit. And then probably late '26 or early '27 we'll get in to start writing and recording a new album. And then hopefully late '27 or early '28 we'll go back out with a new tour. And this is just — this is all not concrete. But this seems to be the idea at this point." Last December, DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy told Troy Culpan of Australia's May The Rock Be With You about a possible follow-up to "Parasomnia": "Well, we have to wait, 'cause it's been a long tour. We've been out for a year now at this point. We started in October of 2024. And here we are, a year later now, and by the time we get down to Australia [in February 2026] and wrap up the tour cycle a few months after that, it'll have been a year and a half on the road. So, that's the focus right now. But once the tour cycle wraps and concludes by next spring or so, we'll probably take the summer [of 2026] off, 'cause it's been a long road, and then start thinking about a new album after that." The progressive metal legends played their first concert with Portnoy in 14 years on October 20, 2024 at the O2 Arena in London, United Kingdom. The drummer, who co-founded DREAM THEATER, played on 10 of the band's albums over a 20-year period, from 1989's "When Dream And Day Unite" through 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings", before exiting the group in 2010. Portnoy returned to DREAM THEATER in October 2023 after being replaced by Mike Mangini, who played with DREAM THEATER across five studio albums and accompanying world tours. DREAM THEATER's "An Evening With Dream Theater" tour saw LaBrie, John Petrucci (guitar),John Myung (bass),Jordan Rudess (keyboards) and Portnoy perform "Parasomnia", in its entirety, as well as the entire seven-movement masterpiece "A Change Of Seasons", for the first time since Portnoy's return to the band in October 2023, in addition to other classics and fan favorites from DREAM THEATER's catalog. DREAM THEATER's April 22, 2026 concert at Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile was professionally recorded and filmed for an upcoming Blu-ray. Last November, DREAM THEATER released "Quarantième: Live À Paris" via the band's longtime label partner Inside Out Music/Sony Music. "Quarantième: Live À Paris" documented DREAM THEATER's November 23, 2024 concert at Adidas Arena in Paris, France during the band's 40th-anniversary headlining tour of Europe. The effort contained a setlist that spanned the band's entire career with classics like "Metropolis Pt. 1", "Panic Attack", "Octavarium" and "Pull Me Under" represented among other fan favorites. "Parasomnia" came out on February 7, 2025 via InsideOut Music. The LP was produced by Petrucci, engineered by James "Jimmy T" Meslin, and mixed by Andy Sneap. Hugh Syme returned once again to lend his creative vision to the cover art. "Parasomnia" is an eight-song, 71-minute set which was recorded at DREAM THEATER's DTHQ studio on Long Island, New York. It is the follow-up to 2021's "A View From The Top Of The World", which debuted at in the top 10 of Billboard's Top Hard Rock Albums, Top Rock Albums and Independent Albums charts. Six songs on "Parasomnia" are over seven minutes and the closing epic "The Shadow Man Incident" clocks in at nearly 20 minutes. Portnoy, Petrucci and Myung started DREAM THEATER as MAJESTY in 1985, after meeting at the Berklee College Of Music in Boston. LaBrie came on board in 1991, while Rudess joined in 1999. Prior to Portnoy's return to DREAM THEATER, the drummer and Petrucci worked together on the latter's 2020 solo album, "Terminal Velocity", and toured together. Portnoy and Petrucci also joined Rudess and bassist Tony Levin for a third studio album as LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT in 2021.
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/816003 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:36:45 +0000 <![CDATA[Members Of GODSMACK, AEROSMITH, DISTURBED, EXTREME, STAIND And THREE DAYS GRACE To Perform At 'The Scars Foundation Celebrity Jam']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/members-of-godsmack-aerosmith-disturbed-extreme-staind-and-three-days-grace-to-perform-at-the-scars-foundation-celebrity-jam
GODSMACK founder and frontman Sully Erna will present The Scars Foundation Celebrity Jam, one-night-only benefit concert bringing together an extraordinary lineup of rock artists in support of mental health, suicide prevention and addiction awareness. The event will take place Thursday, December 10,...]]> GODSMACK founder and frontman Sully Erna will present The Scars Foundation Celebrity Jam, one-night-only benefit concert bringing together an extraordinary lineup of rock artists in support of mental health, suicide prevention and addiction awareness. The event will take place Thursday, December 10, 2026, at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in Hollywood, Florida. Tickets are on sale to the public today, Tuesday, October 13, at 12:00 p.m. ET, through Ticketmaster and Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Led by GODSMACK, the Celebrity Jam will feature special appearances by David Draiman of DISTURBED, Nuno Bettencourt of EXTREME, Brad Whitford of AEROSMITH, and members of STAIND and THREE DAYS GRACE. Additional artists and special guests will be announced. Created as a celebration of music's ability to connect, the concert will unite artists and fans around The Scars Foundation's "Music Heals" message, with special collaborations celebrating music's ability to connect, comfort and inspire. Proceeds will support the foundation's work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, help prevent suicide, address addiction and encourage people experiencing emotional pain to seek help without fear, judgment or shame. "The Scars Foundation was built around a simple truth: None of us should have to carry our pain alone," Erna said. "After losing many friends and fellow artists to addiction and suicide, I knew I had to use my platform to help. Music gives people a place to feel understood, even in their darkest moments. On December 10, we will stand together, share our stories and remind people that their lives and voices matter. Music heals, and when we use it to lift one another, it can help save lives." Fans unable to attend may support The Scars Foundation by donating at www.scarsfoundation.org. The Scars Foundation was established by GODSMACK founder and frontman Sully Erna, whose experiences losing fellow artists and friends to suicide had a profound impact on his life. Recognizing that mental health challenges, including depression, are at the center of a crisis affecting millions of people worldwide, Erna committed to using his voice and platform to help create meaningful change. The Scars Foundation works to change the perspective surrounding mental health and the many experiences that can cause profound emotional pain. Rather than focusing on a single issue, the Foundation serves the broader spectrum of mental health awareness and supports people facing struggles that may include abuse, mental illness, disability, bullying and addiction. The Foundation's message is rooted in Erna's belief that scars come in many forms, both physical and emotional. They can be painful and traumatizing, but they are not defects. They are part of each person's unique story. By encouraging people to own their experiences, speak openly and wear their scars proudly, The Scars Foundation seeks to empower individuals to become a voice for themselves and for others who may not yet be able to speak. We are all imperfectly perfect. For more than two decades, GODSMACK has stood as one of hard rock's most dominant and enduring forces. The Boston‑bred band has carved out a legacy defined by seismic riffs, anthemic songwriting, and a staggering run of chart achievements that few can rival. With 13 No. 1 singles at mainstream rock radio — including the massive hits "Bulletproof", "Unforgettable", "When Legends Rise" and "Under Your Scars" — the group continues to shape the sound of 21st‑century rock. Their catalog also boasts 27 Top 10 singles, the most of any artist at the format since 1999, along with four Grammy nominations and a Billboard Music Award for Rock Artist of the Year. Having sold over 20 million records worldwide, GODSMACK's discography spans seven powerhouse studio albums: "Godsmack" (1998), "Awake" (2000), "Faceless" (2003), "IV" (2006), "The Oracle" (2010), "1000hp" (2014) and "When Legends Rise" (2018). In 2023, the band entered a new chapter with their eighth studio album, "Lighting Up The Sky" — a triumphant, emotionally charged record that explores personal battles, fractured relationships, political division, resilience, and redemption. It stands as both a victory lap and a defining artistic statement. Recently, GODSMACK reissued their breakthrough major‑label album "Awake", and on May 1, the band unleashed their new offering "Live At Mohegan Sun" — a sweeping, career‑spanning live album capturing the raw power and evolution of their sound. Currently, the band is igniting stages across the globe with their "Rise Of Rock" world tour featuring DOROTHY. GODSMACK has also stormed major festivals worldwide including Welcome To Rockville, Sonic Temple, Rocklahoma and many more.]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815999 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:18:30 +0000 <![CDATA[BEARTOOTH's CALEB SHOMO On His Decision To Come Out As 'A Proudly Gay Man': It's 'Something That A Large Group Of People Just Don't Understand']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/beartooths-caleb-shomo-on-his-decision-to-come-out-as-a-proudly-gay-man-its-something-that-a-large-group-of-people-just-dont-understand
In a new interview with Christina Wenig of Germany's Diffus magazine, BEARTOOTH vocalist Caleb Shomo spoke about his decision to publicly come out as gay following online speculation surrounding his personal life. Shomo's announcement came in May 2026 after the singer temporarily stepped away from s...]]> Christina Wenig of Germany's Diffus magazine, BEARTOOTH vocalist Caleb Shomo spoke about his decision to publicly come out as gay following online speculation surrounding his personal life. Shomo's announcement came in May 2026 after the singer temporarily stepped away from social media amid backlash and homophobic comments related to his appearance in the music video that accompanied BEARTOOTH's "Free" single. Asked why "Free" was chosen to be released five months ago as the first taste of BEARTOOTH's latest album, "Pure Ecstasy", which followed in August, Caleb said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It just had to be that song, at least with everything that was going on in my life and where I was at. It's that fearlessness. It's, like, yeah, I could have chose something that's a little more down the line, classic BEARTOOTH, all the tricks, all the usual song structure and all that. But it just didn't feel as real. I just wanted to make a statement — to myself as well that, like, 'This is it, dude. There's no going back.' And that one was very, very scary because I had been out and open about who I was to friends and family for a while before that came out. And so, to me, it felt a lot more normal. And I'm wearing more makeup, wearing more outfits that I like that make me feel good, wearing nails, and I just wasn't even really thinking about it. I was just so deep in finishing the record when we shot that video and when it came out and was out in the middle of a tour, that when it came out, it almost reminded me. I was, like, 'Oh yeah. People are completely unaware of this.'" Regarding the feedback he received from the BEARTOOTH fans to the "Free" single, Caleb said: "The response was, um, a lot. Yeah, it was pretty intense. A lot of people had strong opinions. Some people were for it, some people were against it. I mean, that's just art. That's just life. But also, at that time, I had so much in my personal life that I was trying to deal with that I just decided to kind of, like, get away from the world and get off the Internet for a while when that came out. And I'm so thankful that we were on that tour [as the support act for] BAD OMENS because that tour really kept me going in so many ways. I have a lot of love for that band, for their team, the support that they gave me and gave us, and the space they provided for me to kind of deal with this remarkably stressful period of life was amazing. At that point, though, also it was just kind of like a real eye-opener to the reality of it, and that this is just going to be something that a large group of people just don't understand." Shomo added: "I know, for me in my heart, the only reason I do this is because I just wanna be as happy as I possibly can be while I'm doing that thing. So, shooting a music video, being on stage, making a record, these are the most precious moments of my life. These are the most important memories I will have on my deathbed. And at this point in my life, I had spent so long watering those experiences down out of fear, and to just finally say, 'Fuck it. Who cares? I'm just gonna do whatever I wanna do. If people get it, they get it. If they don't, they don't.' To kind of rip off that Band-Aid was so empowering. And it's just led to where I'm at now, where I am really just doing it for me. And I think a lot of people think it's a — I don't know — some sort of an act or some sort of like a mask I'm wearing, or I don't know, or I'm doing it for success. I'm, like, if I was trying to get more successful, this is the last thing I would have done. I'm just trying to be happy. It is so simple. That's all I've been trying to do in this band. And I will say now, we're six months removed from 'Free' coming out, and the record's out, and we're on the road and everything, I'm learning that there are a group of people who really do get it and do see me for me, and just see me as a very simple... I'm just simply a boy who loves music, who loves to rock and who just wants to have a really good time doing it. I mean, honestly, 'Free' is, like, one of the most important songs that I will ever have in my life, ever. And at this point, I am incredibly proud of it." Shomo came out as a gay man in an Instagram post, telling his social media followers: "There's been a lot of speculation surrounding my personal life as of late and I feel compelled to set the record straight before it affects those I love any further. "I am a proudly gay man. This is something I've been unpacking and reckoning with in my life for quite some time now. The 33-year-old musician said suppressing his sexual orientation had been "difficult to navigate" and that he was "embarrassed" for not allowing himself "to really dig up the roots for so long." Shortly after Caleb's original Instagram post, Fleur Shomo, his wife of 14 years, also wrote a statement on social media following her husband's coming out and encouraged BEARTOOTH fans to "continue to support Caleb." "I will always want to love, protect and support Caleb. I have cared more about his well-being over the years than anything else in the world," Fleur Shomo wrote. "To see the confusion and pain he went through and the highs and lows and wanting to help but now knowing how. You never want anything more for your person than for them to just be ok." She continued: "Our nearly 14 years of marriage was wonderful and full of so much fun, adventure & love. Nobody will know anything about our marriage like we do. And no one can ever truly know what depths of love exist between two people unless they are those people. I already miss it & my husband more than anything. Our story was a good one. And now it is done." Fleur and Caleb tied the knot in April 2012. They do not have any children together. "Pure Ecstasy" was released on August 28 via Fearless Records. The North American leg of BEARTOOTH's "Pure Ecstasy World Tour" will begin on November 11 in Boston and include stops at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom on November 12 and The Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on December 18. Special guests DON BROCO, MAGNOLIA PARK and WINDWAKER are the support for the U.S. dates.
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815993 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:00:06 +0000 <![CDATA[IAN HILL Opens Up About His Decision To Retire From JUDAS PRIEST: 'I Had No Choice, Really']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/ian-hill-opens-up-about-his-decision-to-retire-from-judas-priest-i-had-no-choice-really
In a new interview with Ukrainian metalhead Vladyslav Stadnyk, who goes by the name Metal Pilgrim, Ian Hill, the longest-serving member of JUDAS PRIEST, discussed his decision to retire from the band. Hill revealed his departure to fans in a lengthy statement on October 9, citing the "evil arthritis...]]> Vladyslav Stadnyk, who goes by the name Metal Pilgrim, Ian Hill, the longest-serving member of JUDAS PRIEST, discussed his decision to retire from the band. Hill revealed his departure to fans in a lengthy statement on October 9, citing the "evil arthritis" and other injuries as the reason for his exit. Regarding why now was the right time for him to leave PRIEST, Hill told Metal Pilgrim (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It is funny, because the last couple of tours have been a bit of a struggle, because this trouble is basically my shoulder and my thumb — [I've got a] great big lump on my thumb, which is all arthritis. I've been struggling with that for the past couple of tours or so. And it doesn't go away, unfortunately, and it's one of those things that just gets worse as time goes by. And I almost retired at the end of the last tour. "It's funny the way it came about," he continued. "IRON MAIDEN said, 'Do you fancy doing a four-week tour of America this year?' And I said, 'Well, yeah, that sounds okay, a four-week tour of America, quick four weeks.' Then they pulled out. In the meantime, we'd put in Bloodstock in Britain, which is the festival in Britain. So you can't tool up to do one show. So the next thing, 'Oh, we'll do one or two dates in Europe around Bloodstock.' And nine weeks later... And that's what did it. We did six shows in eight days. That was running up to Brussels, so that's when the tendon snapped. Because we were averaging maybe a day on, a day off, day on, day off, so the crew could get to the next gig and what have you. And, of course, it was recovering on the days off. Obviously, I wasn't doing anything, so it recovered. And then, of course, you go on stage and you aggravate it all over again. But then it was sort of, like I say, six shows in eight days, and I'd never had time to recover. And right before the encores on the Brussels show, I just felt a snap and a real sharp, searing pain, and I thought, 'That's it. That's the end of it.' And for the encores, I had to actually get my elbow and rest it on my stomach and pull the bass back so I could get down to the bottom of the neck. And it's easing off a lot now. I can sort of lift it and do things that I couldn't do immediately after that. I mean, I couldn't move it at all. From the elbow down, everything was fine. It worked a treat, but I just could not move my shoulder. And that's why I had to miss the London show. I physically could not play the bass.' The 74-year-old Hill said that while he was able to contribute bass lines to JUDAS PRIEST's upcoming album, there was concern whether he would be able to participate in the band's recent European tour, so the band enlisted URIAH HEEP's Davey Rimmer as an understudy. Rimmer stepped in for Hill during JUDAS PRIEST's September 21 concert at the Eventim Apollo in London, United Kingdom after Ian sustained what was described at the time as "a badly damaged tendon in his left arm." "There were some questions of whether I'd be able to make it through because of the troubles I'd had in the past," Ian explained. "So we did ask Davey to come, and he came over to Andy's [Sneap, PRIEST producer and touring guitarist] place in Derbyshire. And he learnt the set and went through it with the rest of the guys. I just sat out in the kitchen listening to him. And he did a fucking unbelievable job, really. So short, two days' notice. You're on stage. Wow. So, he's flying. He had to use all my equipment and everything. He just brought his basses with him, and he pulled off an incredible, incredible performance." Ian went on to say that he "was really, really gutted that I couldn't make that last show [in London]. I mean, it would've been the last one. But no. And then I've seen specialists since. In fact, I'm there tomorrow. He's got some kind of plan for me, whatever that entails. He doesn't wanna send me for surgery, which is good news all around. If I go for surgery, he said there's no guarantee it's, it's gonna work. So he's gonna try and avoid that if he can. "So I had no choice, really, than to knock it on the head," Hill explained. "I couldn't put the rest of the guys in jeopardy and go out on another tour, and it happen all over again in the middle of a tour. It's not fair on anybody — the fans, the rest of the guys, the people have put money into us to get us out to these places, and suddenly you're having to cancel shows and things. It's not fair. So I decided to call it a day, and I have. I've neglected family life. It's cost me two marriages over the years. So I decided to spend a bit of time with the folks." After Metal Pilgrim asked if it is correct to say that the London gig would have been Ian's last one with PRIEST either way, even if he hadn't suffered a snapped tendon at the Brussels show, Hill responded: "I think I'd have retired anyway because, like I say, we had to get Davey in at the start of this last tour, just in case something happened. And he did. A good job he did. And like I say, it ain't getting better. Arthritis doesn't get better. You either have to go and have your joints replaced and stuff like that. But it's just one of those old fart things that happen to you when you get of a certain age." Asked if he thinks PRIEST singer Rob Halford would have announced to the audience that the London gig was going to Hill's final performance with the band, Ian said: "I don't think so, no. I think it would've been... I don't know. I just didn't think it felt right doing that, saying, 'This is Ian's last show. This is the last chance to see Ian.' Then you've gotta go everywhere else and get the last chance to see Ian. That obviously wasn't on the cards. I couldn't do that." Hill added that he is confident Rimmer will do a great job with PRIEST going forward, even though "he's gonna get flack" from some of the band's fans. "I mean, the other [members of PRIEST who replaced other musicians] did. Richie [Faulkner, PRIEST guitarist] got it when he took over from Ken [K.K. Downing]. And Andy got it when he took over from Glenn [Tipton, PRIEST guitarist]. He's gonna get flack for the first year or so, until he's settled down and he builds up that confidence, if you know what I mean, which is what it's all about. It's always nerve-wracking when you're doing something totally different, which he will be doing, from URIAH HEEP. And, of course, we've known him for ages. And Richie knows him really well. I mean, he's known him for decades. So, we know what kind of character he is, and he's not bringing any baggage with him from a purely human point of view. He's a wonderful bloke. He really is. And a great bass player, so there's no reason why he shouldn't be able to get on with it. And I wish him all the best of luck." As for Ian's involvement with PRIEST in the future, he said: "I've managed to put bass down to the new album coming out next year. There's a bit more work to do. [But if] I hold the bass in the right position. I'll be able to complete it. So, at least I'll be on the record, if nothing else." Hill also didn't rule out select appearances at PRIEST concerts in the future. "I'm not gonna be a stranger," he explained. "Every now and again, I'll show up and just go stand on the sound desk and really see what it sounds like. I'll probably be knocked out, because everything's happening behind you. You can't see a thing. You're concentrating what you're playing and the audience, and then every now and then you turn around and see what's going on." Asked if there is a chance that he will show up for a song or two at the occasional PRIEST gig, Ian said: "Yeah, I've told the guys I'm wide open to stuff like that. If they need me for a special occasion or what have you, I'm more than happy to come up and do what I can. I won't be able to do more than I can now, for instance — not that I'm gonna push Davey out again — but I'll get up there and I'll do what Glenn did. Go and play an encore or two or whatever at one of the landmark shows. That's if the guys want me to do that. And whether Davey's gonna be happy for me to do that. He might claim his spot, and, 'This is mine now.' [Laughs]" Hill was the sole remaining original member of PRIEST, which formed in 1969. Halford joined the group in 1973 and Tipton signed on in 1974. Rob left PRIEST in the early 1990s to form his own band, then came back to PRIEST in 2003. Original guitarist Downing parted ways with the band in 2011, and was replaced by Faulkner. Born in Liverpool, Davey Rimmer began playing bass at the age of 11, immersing himself in the music of bands such as QUEEN, URIAH HEEP, LED ZEPPELIN and DEEP PURPLE. He developed his skills by playing along with vinyl records. Rimmer relocated to London in the 1990s, where he became active in the local rock scene. During this period, he toured and recorded two albums with ZODIAC MINDWARP & THE LOVE REACTION, "Rock Savage" (2005, Cosmodelic Records) and "We Are Volsung" (2010, SPV/Steamhammer). His bass influences include British rock bassists such as John Entwhistle, John Deacon, Trevor Bolder, Bob Daisley and Neil Murray. In the early 2000s, Rimmer was a regular member of METALWORKS, a rock covers band based in Camden Town. This group featured notable musicians such as Richie Faulkner (JUDAS PRIEST) and Les Binks (ex-JUDAS PRIEST),alongside other guest artists. In 2013, Rimmer joined URIAH HEEP, initially filling in for Trevor Bolder during his illness. After Bolder's passing, Rimmer became a permanent member, contributing to the album "Outsider" (2014) and subsequent releases. He has maintained a consistent presence in the band, which is recognized for its extensive touring schedule and commitment to both classic material and new music. In 2022, Rimmer expanded his musical involvement by joining forces with Richie Faulkner, Ronnie Romero and others in ELEGANT WEAPONS.
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815988 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 17:50:33 +0000 <![CDATA[A PERFECT CIRCLE Releases 'Starless' Music Video]]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/a-perfect-circle-releases-starless-music-video
As "Starless" spends its second consecutive week at No. 1 on the Active Rock radio charts, A PERFECT CIRCLE has released a new video featuring the debut live performance of the track, filmed at their sold-out London show this summer. The clip was filmed by Jon Vulpine and Justin Jones, with editing...]]> "Starless" spends its second consecutive week at No. 1 on the Active Rock radio charts, A PERFECT CIRCLE has released a new video featuring the debut live performance of the track, filmed at their sold-out London show this summer. The clip was filmed by Jon Vulpine and Justin Jones, with editing from Jake Johnston. At the time of the single's release, A PERFECT CIRCLE frontman Maynard James Keenan shared: "Of course I'm excited to release the recordings, but our songs always take on an expanded personality once we start playing them live." Recorded at A PERFECT CIRCLE guitarist Billy Howerdel's Lankershim Ranch Studio in Studio City, California, "Starless" was produced by Howerdel, mixed by Matty Green (U2, FLORENCE + THE MACHINE, TV ON THE RADIO) and features longtime collaborator Josh Freese on drums. "Some songs get kicked around and massaged for years," Howerdel says. "But once in a while, one takes shape quickly, as if it had been there all along." A PERFECT CIRCLE also recently released a second song, "To Whom It May Concern", which offers a counterpoint to the more muscular "Starless", highlighting the nuanced songwriting that has made A PERFECT CIRCLE an enduring presence in modern rock. A PERFECT CIRCLE resumes its global tour on November 25, with dates across Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Hawaii. The band launch their North American leg on April 13 with PUSCIFER (April 13 to 25) and THE CULT (April 27 to June 13) joining them across the two-month outing. Tickets for all dates are available at aperfectcircle.com. Formed in 1999 by guitarist Billy Howerdel and vocalist Maynard James Keenan, A PERFECT CIRCLE released their debut album, "Mer De Noms", in 2000. The collection debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and became the highest-charting debut rock album of its time. Featuring fan favorites "Judith", "3 Libras" and "The Hollow", the platinum-selling release remains a defining album. Their catalog has continued to resonate, from "Thirteenth Step" (2003) and "eMOTIVe" (2004), to 2018's "Eat The Elephant", which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. A PERFECT CIRCLE have headlined festivals worldwide, sold out iconic venues including the Hollywood Bowl, Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and appeared on late night television shows, including "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and "The Tonight Show". Photo credit: Travis Shinn
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815983 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:44:48 +0000 <![CDATA[BUSH's GAVIN ROSSDALE Explains Why He Still Likes Making Full-Length Albums]]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/bushs-gavin-rossdale-explains-why-he-still-likes-making-full-length-albums
In a new interview with Sarah Grynberg, host of "A Life of Greatness", one of Australia's leading lifestyle podcasts, Gavin Rossdale, frontman of iconic rock band BUSH, spoke about how the advent of digital platforms and music streaming services has changed the way artists produce and distribute the...]]> Sarah Grynberg, host of "A Life of Greatness", one of Australia's leading lifestyle podcasts, Gavin Rossdale, frontman of iconic rock band BUSH, spoke about how the advent of digital platforms and music streaming services has changed the way artists produce and distribute their music, with many musicians focusing on releasing standalone singles than putting out full-length albums. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It doesn't really change the desire to make a body of work. I sort of think in a really simple way. If I like a band, when I like a band, if I like a song, it forces me, or I want to check out other things about them. So I wanna check out the record because I'm a musician. So, to me, it's that sort of people's statement, manifesto. The first song is the most important thing. Like, what do you want me to hear of your record that's gonna change my day? What is it? And then I get drawn into it. But yet, at the same time, I completely understand that with TikTok, with Instagram, people's attention spans are so diminished that the culture is that if you hear a song you like, you just like it, love it, and then you play another song you like from someone else. So there's just sort of various ways around it." Gavin continued: "I just think that for artists, the complete statement of expression is an exciting, lonely concept, possibly, but it's better than just having just singles. 'Cause I think there's sort of a beauty in it that when people can really dive into who you are. You sort of, like, idealize those people because that's what you want. And try to make every track good so people don't get bored — try to avoid the turkeys." Rossdale previously discussed the importance of releasing full-length albums in a 2025 interview with U.K.'s Kerrang! magazine. He said at the time: "I think a body of work is what it's about when it comes to being an artist. You need a body of work so that people can decide if they want to come and see you live. If you just have one song with four billion streams but no other songs, no one is going to have the confidence to come and see you." Gavin added: "It's ridiculous for me to try to be connected to what young bands are doing, though. For me, releasing albums is about maintaining quality and doing the best live show we can. Music continues to be an incredible journey of exploration, with each record allowing me to experiment with these wild sounds." After three decades, BUSH remain one of rock's most enduring and dynamic forces. With over 25 million records sold, a Grammy nomination, 1.1 billion streams, and 28 consecutive Top 40 hits (including eight No. 1s),the London-formed band continues to define modern rock. Their anthems "Glycerine", "Machinehead" and "Comedown" remain staples across radio and film, while their influence spans generations of fans. BUSH's tenth studio album, "I Beat Loneliness" (2025),has already amassed over 20 million streams and produced the band's eighth No. 1 single on U.S. Active Rock Radio, "The Land of Milk And Honey". Rolling Stone hailed it as "post-grunge at its best with a high nostalgia factor." BUSH carried that momentum into 2026 with a standout "Tiny Desk" performance, a hugely successful headline tour, first-time appearances at Stagecoach and BottleRock, and international dates across Germany, the U.K. and Australia. BUSH is: Gavin Rossdale (vocals, guitar),Chris Traynor (guitar),Corey Britz (bass) and Nik Hughes (drums). Photo credit: Chapman Baehler]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815978 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 15:42:22 +0000 <![CDATA[HEATHEN Announces New Album 'Lifetime In Hell', Shares 'Escapegoat' Single]]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/heathen-announces-new-album-lifetime-in-hell-shares-escapegoat-single
San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal veterans HEATHEN will release their new album, "Lifetime In Hell", on February 19, 2027 via Napalm Records. The official music video for the LP's first single, "Escapegoat", can be seen below. Opening with a classic "Let's go!" rallying cry, the track storms forwa...]]> HEATHEN will release their new album, "Lifetime In Hell", on February 19, 2027 via Napalm Records. The official music video for the LP's first single, "Escapegoat", can be seen below. Opening with a classic "Let's go!" rallying cry, the track storms forward with delicious two-stepping thrash excellence, before blossoming into a triumphant chorus. With roots firmly planted in the glory days of '80s thrash yet laced with modern flair, it's a horns-in-the-air riff fest that will have you banging your head so hard you'll need a neck brace afterward. HEATHEN vocalist David White comments: "'Escapegoat' is a song that has been a long time in the making. It takes you on a journey through intense riffing and heart-pounding drum rhythms and is the first piece of the puzzle we wanted you to experience as a glimpse into the intensity and bigger picture that we feel this album will bring. "Our goal was to make the greatest HEATHEN album to date, and we can't wait to hear your response! "As we embark on our final tour of 2026 with FORBIDDEN and VOID, we'll be taking this new music on the road in the USA. Then, in the new year, we'll begin a European tour as part of a triple revolving headlining tour with EXHORDER and Belgium's own EVIL INVADERS." Continuing about the accompanying video, HEATHEN guitarist Kragen Lum states: "We live in an increasingly superficial and plastic world, surrounded by artificial images, endless distractions, and expectations that can sometimes become too much to handle. We look for every opportunity to escape — to disappear into doom scrolling, binge watching, gaming, drugs, alcohol, and anything else that gives us a momentary release from the weight of reality. We build walls around ourselves. We bury ourselves in distractions. We convince ourselves that we can always escape the consequences. Until we can't. Just one more distraction. Just one more escape. Just one last mistake. We are the 'Escapegoat'." White adds about "Lifetime In Hell": "After touring extensively around the world in support of 'Empire Of The Blind', we've spent the last year or so recording whenever we could make it happen, and we're finally finished with this new album! We're very proud to announce 'Lifetime In Hell'. We want to thank Napalm Records for believing in us, Zeuss for producing the album, Jason Bittner for laying down the crushing drum tracks, and our families for their patience and support throughout this process. Most of all, we want to thank all of our fans for your enthusiasm and support over the years. We hope you wear this record out!" HEATHEN emerged from the depths back in 1984, leading the Bay Area thrash metal scene in their early years. "Breaking The Silence" (1987) and "Victims Of Deception" (1991) are staples of West Coast metal. After a few years of hiatus, they returned in 2001, their albums rare but heavy-hitting. "Lifetime In Hell", their first full-length since 2020's "Empire Of The Blind", mixes surgical precision with head-turning speed in the most glorious of ways. The album is a modern master class in thrash — one that reminds us why the band is considered iconic amongst its peers. Produced by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (known for his work with 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, MUNICIPAL WASTE, HATEBREED and SHADOWS FALL, among others) at Planet Z, it's a fresh and vital album. From the "Let's Go!" rallying cry of "Escapegoat" through the solos and unapologetic kinetic energy of the Jeff Loomis-assisted "Glass House" to the viscerally vicious title track, which erupts with a pouncing groove that grabs you by the throat and never loosens its grip, much less lets it go, "Lifetime In Hell" makes the listener feel like hell is a destination in which you willfully take up permanent residency. There's also "Goddess Of The Light", which will have headbangers whipping their hair around in circle-eight formation and sending them off to a chiropractor to realign their spines, while "The Bitter End" opens with ominous tones before evolving into a full-blown anthem that will detonate circle pits. "Sanity Charade" delivers a punch to the face so hard that it will have you questioning your own sanity. Dust off your patch-covered denim vest, your spit-and-beer-glazed leather jacket, and your white high-tops — HEATHEN are here to remind you of why thrash metal will never die. "Lifetime In Hell" track listing: 01. One Last Mistake 02. Escapegoat 03. Glass House (feat. Jeff Loomis) 04. Sanity Charade 05. Lifetime In Hell 06. Goddess Of The Light 07. Demons Making Trophies Of Men 08. The Bitter End 09. Darkness Bleeds 10. Respite For The Damned 11. Exit Strategy HEATHEN is: David White - Vocals Kragen Lum - Guitar Kyle Edissi - Guitar Jason Mirza - Bass Blake Anderson - Drums Photo credit: Ty Fox
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815975 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 14:42:05 +0000 <![CDATA[SLASH on Upcoming SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS Album 'Flying Blind': Most Of It 'Was Written Pretty Much On The Spot In Pre-Production']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/slash-on-upcoming-slash-featuring-myles-kennedy-the-conspirators-album-flying-blind-most-of-it-was-written-pretty-much-on-the-spot-in-pre-production
During an appearance on the October 12 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash spoke about the upcoming fifth album from SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS, "Flying Blind", which will arrive worldwide on February 26, 2027 via Gibson Reco...]]> SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash spoke about the upcoming fifth album from SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS, "Flying Blind", which will arrive worldwide on February 26, 2027 via Gibson Records. Recorded largely live with longtime producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette at Studio Barbarosa in Florida, the 12-track LP captures Slash on guitar and pedal steel, Myles Kennedy on vocals, Todd Kerns on bass, Brent Fitz on drums, and Frank Sidoris on rhythm guitar. When asked how "Flying Blind" came together, Slash said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Last year at some point, Brent and Todd came over and we started what you call pre-production, and we just rolled out a bunch of songs. And almost all of this record was written in the moment. There's only two songs that are what you call, like, old ideas that we never completed before that finally came to fruition on this record. The rest of it was written pretty much on the spot in pre-production, and that was sometime early last year. And then, I went back on the road with GUNS, and we came back, and there was another window, and we got together. I sent all the material to Myles, and he's written a bunch of stuff. And then we went to Florida and recorded all the rhythm guitars and bass and drums and just recorded the songs live. And so that was sometime — I wanna say it was, like, February or March when we did that. And then Myles, Todd and I went back there and did the vocals and the background vocals and all the guitar overdubs and the pedal steel stuff. And that was that. And then at some point right after that, we mixed it and then mastered it after that. So it's been one of those things that we would find a little window and we'd go in and work on it like that." Regarding what makes "Flying Blind" so special compared to SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS' previous efforts, Slash said: "Well, every record's been fun, and they're always the best we could do at the time. So, this is where we are at this moment. And I guess that's what happened with this one. But we had such a great time making it, and the way that we sort of... It's very sort of loosely put together and sort of done in the moment. We lived together at Elvis's when we did it, because he's got his studio in his house now. And so we just shacked up there and hung out for two weeks. Everybody had their own sort of bedroom set up, and we'd all hang out in the kitchen. And that was just in and of itself fun. But I think the material just is really cool, and we had a great time writing it. And the end result is something that I'm just very proud of. As far as 'this is us now', I think this us now is in a really good place." After "Trunk Nation" host Eddie Trunk noted that it must be tempting to want to make changes to an album once it has been recorded and it is sitting there on the shelf for months before it is eventually released, Slash concurred. "That's the kiss of death, when you make a record and then you have a lot of time to sit on it," he said. "So when you're making the record, and this is always the case with any record, when you're making the record, you do everything that you're gonna do for it in that session. However long that session takes, everything you're gonna do is gonna happen then. And so when it's finished, usually you put it out. But if you don't put it out, you don't listen to it, and I just didn't listen to it. After it was mixed and all that stuff, I haven't listened to it up until just recently. And in listening to it, I hear tiny little spots I might have done this different or I'd done that different, but because it was so long ago, I don't give a fuck. I'm not gonna sweat over it. But if you have a long time to sit on a record that hasn't been released yet, you can actually start going back in the studio and going, 'Hey, I wanna redo this.' And then once you open those flood gates, they don't stop." On the topic of the first single from "Flying Blind", the album's title track, which was released on October 2, Slash said: "It's a perfect example of how this record was made. There's no history to the song. It was made up on the spot, when Todd and Brent and I just went into my little studio, and I'd just come up with a riff just for us to get going… I made it up on the spot. And then we just sort of worked it up into an arrangement, and that was one of the first songs that we did on this record. There's a couple of songs that happened that way." Slash also confirmed that SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS' cover of "Feel Like Makin' Love", which originally appeared on the 2025 tribute album "Can't Get Enough: A Tribute To Bad Company", will be included on "Flying Blind". "Well, we recorded it at the same time, and it's completed, so we figured might as well just put it on there," Slash explained. "['Feel Like Makin' Love'] is something that we used to — somehow it got improvved into the set at some point. We were playing something, and it was in D, and it was wide open, and I started playing the [main riff], and then we all started jamming it, 'cause everybody knows that song, and it's sort of been around for a while. And then we got asked to contribute to the BAD COMPANY record, and we thought, 'Oh, we'll just do 'Feel Like Makin' Love'.' So it's nice that we actually recorded a version of it that we can play in its entirety live now." Slash also talked about SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS' touring plans and the challenges of booking a tour when the bandmembers all involved in various other projects, including GUNS N' ROSES, ALTER BRIDGE, TRIUMPH and MAMMOTH. "We learned our lesson when COVID happened, and everybody was sort of down for a second," Slash revealed. "And THE CONSPIRATORS, we went to Nashville and recorded a record, and then we booked a U.S. tour. And then all of a sudden, GUNS wanted to go on the road, and so that sort of came in between the U.S. tour and whatever international tour that CONSPIRATORS were gonna do. And we just hadn't planned ahead. And after that debacle, we were, like, 'Okay, never again.' So, now, it's, like, 'Okay, we're gonna do a record.' As soon as we went into the studio to start recording this stuff, we had planned out how it was gonna happen and made sure that everybody was aware, and if everything's cool, and schedules and all that kind of stuff had to be molded to make sure that everybody can do what we set out to do. And so, yeah, we got way in front of it." SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS' "Flying Blind" world tour 2027, an extensive international run, will launch in Latin America in April before reaching North America on April 23 and continuing through the United Kingdom and Europe. The North American tour includes two nights at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, as well as performances at New York City's Beacon Theatre, Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, Boston's Citizens House of Blues, Denver's Fillmore Auditorium, and other landmark venues. Baskette previously produced SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS' "World On Fire" album in 2014 and "Living The Dream" in 2018. The roots of SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS stretch back to Slash's star-studded, self-titled 2010 solo album, on which Kennedy appeared as one of several guest vocalists. The musical and personal connection that followed quickly developed into a permanent band.
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815971 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 14:14:50 +0000 <![CDATA[STEVE HACKETT Announces 2027 North American Tour Dates]]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/steve-hackett-announces-2027-north-american-tour-dates
After 13 years, Steve Hackett is bringing his classic GENESIS material back to North American stages with a brand-new show celebrating the very best of GENESIS alongside highlights from his extensive solo career. In 2013, Hackett's North American and U.K. tours culminated in an acclaimed performance...]]> Steve Hackett is bringing his classic GENESIS material back to North American stages with a brand-new show celebrating the very best of GENESIS alongside highlights from his extensive solo career. In 2013, Hackett's North American and U.K. tours culminated in an acclaimed performance at London's Royal Albert Hall, which was subsequently released as a live DVD. Since then, his timeless guitar work has continued to be heard throughout the classic GENESIS albums of the 1970s, while Hackett and his world-class band have revisited several of those landmark records in concert to widespread acclaim. Now, in 2027 and beyond, Hackett is taking the next step with a show featuring the very best GENESIS songs from throughout his career, including some of the band's biggest fan favorites, alongside a selection of classic material from his many solo albums. Joining Hackett on these dates will be his long-standing bandmates Lalle Larsson (keyboards), Nad Sylvan (vocals), Jonas Reingold (bass, guitar, backing vocals), Rob Townsend (saxophone, flutes, additional keyboards, backing vocals) and Felix Lehrmann (drums). Concerning the upcoming dates, Hackett said: "I'll be bringing this thrilling new show out in 2027 to celebrate the very best of GENESIS including the biggest fan favorites, as well as solo classics... To kick off, we'll hit the east coast to the Midwest in April. Get your tickets early... it will be a blast!" 2027 North American tour dates April 10 - Atlanta, GA - Center Stage Theater April 13 - Washington, DC - Warner Theatre April 15 - Collingswood, NJ - Scottish Rite Auditorium April 16 - Collingswood, NJ - Scottish Rite Auditorium April 17 - Lansdowne, PA - Lansdowne Theater April 19 - Ridgefield, CT - Ridgefield Playhouse April 20 - Ridgefield, CT - Ridgefield Playhouse April 21 - New York, NY - The Town Hall April 23 - Albany, NY - The Egg - Hart Theatre April 24 - Boston, MA - Berklee Performance Center April 27 - Akron, OH - Goodyear Theater April 28 - Buffalo, NY - UB Center for the Arts April 29 - Ithaca, NY - State Theatre of Ithaca May 1 - Toronto, ON - Massey Hall May 2 - Ottawa, ON - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa May 4 - Montréal, QC - Théâtre St-Denis May 6 - Québec, QC - Palais Montcalm For more information, visit hackettsongs.com. Hackett gained an international reputation as the guitarist in the classic GENESIS lineup between "Nursery Cryme" (1971) and "Wind And Wuthering" (1977) at a time when John Lennon praised GENESIS as "true sons of THE BEATLES". Recent tours have seen Hackett celebrate his time with GENESIS, together with some of the most-loved tracks from his solo career, including a spectacular 2018 tour in which Hackett realized a long-held ambition to perform the works of GENESIS live with his band and orchestra. A series of themed tours have since spotlighted many of the GENESIS albums upon which Hackett played such a key role, including a 50th-anniversary celebration of "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway".]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815966 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:23:55 +0000 <![CDATA[SAMMY HAGAR Praises BON SCOTT-Era AC/DC: 'That Early Stuff Is Just So Badass. That Is Rock And Roll.']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/sammy-hagar-praises-bon-scott-era-ac-dc-that-early-stuff-is-just-so-badass-that-is-rock-and-roll
In the video below, uploaded by the official Bon Scott YouTube channel, Sammy Hagar, The Red Rocker, shares his personal memories of legendary AC/DC singer Bon Scott, from hearing AC/DC's "Problem Child" for the first time to watching the band blow audiences away in the 1970s. Hagar reflects on shar...]]> Bon Scott YouTube channel, Sammy Hagar, The Red Rocker, shares his personal memories of legendary AC/DC singer Bon Scott, from hearing AC/DC's "Problem Child" for the first time to watching the band blow audiences away in the 1970s. Hagar reflects on sharing the stage with AC/DC, meeting Bon, the influence Bon had on his own singing and even Eddie Van Halen's admiration for the legendary frontman.  Hagar said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I heard AC/DC on the radio before I ever knew any of the guys, and I just remember hearing 'Problem Child'. And I just... That song, I just loved that song. I just thought it was just the coolest song. It was just so edgy and just the way he sang. I became an AC/DC fan instantly." Recalling his first time seeing AC/DC perform, Hagar said: "I just left a band called MONTROSE, which was this early '70s metal, hard rock band. And when I went solo, [MONTROSE leader] Ronnie Montrose went and did an instrumental thing. He broke up the hard rock band — we were like the American LED ZEPPELIN-type band — and he went out with the instrumental thing with a song called 'Town Without Pity', played on guitar, no singers, and AC/DC opened up for him in our hometown of San Jose, California. And I went to see AC/DC. Ronnie had fired me, so I was just trying to start a new band. And so this must have been, like, '75, '76 at the latest. And it was AC/DC's first time over here, I think, and they opened for Ronnie, and they killed it. I'm just going, 'Oh, my God.'" Sammy continued: "I went to see AC/DC, and, of course, I was talking to Ronnie, but Angus [Young, AC/DC guitarist] got on Bon's back, and he went through the audience. I mean, they just ruined it [for Ronnie]. It was a small place, about 2,000 people, and Ronnie was getting ready to go on. I said, 'Ronnie, you want me to come out and sing 'Bad Motor Scooter' or 'Rock Candy' or something with you? 'Cause, dude, you're gonna have a hard time.' And he just... It was horrible. I had to leave in the middle of his show. It was embarrassing. "AC/DC did that to everyone," Sammy added. "Anytime they opened for someone, you were in trouble. Later on in VAN HALEN, when everybody had already made it in big time, we used to get offered festivals with AC/DC, and they did it one time before I was in the band in Europe. And we always said, 'No, no, no. We don't even wanna be on a show with AC/DC. I'll pay money to go see AC/DC, but we don't wanna be before them. We don't wanna be after them.'" Speaking about Bon's abilities as a vocalist, Sammy said: "I was a Bon Scott fan. I mean, when I first heard his voice, like I said, as a singer, I'm going, 'This guy's cool. I like the way he sings. He's giving it all.' He was always on the edge of his voice cracking. It was just ready, just one more step, and he would lose it. It's like a car driving on the edge in a race and just almost losing it in every turn, and that's how you win a race. So, I really liked that about him." Drawing parallels between himself and AC/DC's current singer Brian Johnson, who replaced Bon in 1980 after Scott's death, Sammy said: "You can't mention AC/DC without talking about Brian. Like who I am, the second singer in VAN HALEN, the same kind of thing. There's always that stigma. And Brian was great. Brian, he pulled it off, the same way I pulled it off in VAN HALEN. Some people can pull it off in that thing. But you ask anyone, they're gonna say, 'Well, if Bon wouldn't have died…' He checked out too early, because he was AC/DC, man. That early stuff is just so badass. It's just so relentless. It's so just in the pocket, and he's just screaming his guts out, screaming his lungs out over the top of that. That is rock and roll." As for his favorite AC/DC album, Sammy said: "'Highway To Hell' was just... You gotta say it was their greatest record. I don't care who you are. You must know that that is a masterpiece of rock and roll. 'Highway To Hell', there's just no better fricking rock and roll song on the planet. That might be one of the greatest songs, greatest rock and roll songs, ever written — lyrically, musically, everything. That's what was so good about [Bon]. I mean, his lyrics fit so good with that music, because that music is rude and nasty and just relentless, and the lyrics have edge." Back in April 2020, in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, Sammy Hagar and his CIRCLE bandmates Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham and Vic Johnson teamed up via the Internet to record a cover of AC/DC's Bon Scott-era classic "Whole Lotta Rosie". Check out video of the performance below. Ronald Belford "Bon" Scott was born in Forfar, Scotland on July 9, 1946. He spent his childhood in nearby Kirriemuir, Scotland where the Scott family had a bakery, until 1952 when the family emigrated to Australia. Bon's earliest music experience was in the FREMANTLE PIPE BAND, playing the drums. In primary school he adopted the nickname "Bon" as a reference to Bonnie Scotland, and also because there was another Ronald in the class. His first band THE SPEKTORS, later THE VALENTINES, played mostly popular cover songs of the day with Bon sharing vocal duties with Vince Lovegrove. After THE VALENTINES disbanded, Bon joined FRATERNITY, a progressive-rock band that won Go-Set magazine's "Next Big Band" award, appeared on national TV and toured the U.K., eventually sharing a 1973 bill with GEORDIE, featuring Brian Johnson. After leaving FRATERNITY and suffering some personal setbacks, Bon was hired as the singer in up-and-coming Sydney band AC/DC. He immediately injected the swagger, voice and lyrics that the band was searching for and history was made over the course of six years and six studio albums (1974-1979). On February 19, 1980, Bon was found dead in a car outside of his home in London. In 2003, he was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as a member of AC/DC and in 2004 Classic Rock magazine named Bon the number one frontman of all time, beating out fellow luminaries like Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger and Robert Plant. Several landmarks have been established in the 21st century to honor Bon's music and legacy, including statues in Kirriemuir, Scotland and Fremantle, Western Australia, that are natural gathering spots for fans to pay their respects.
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815961 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:37:32 +0000 <![CDATA[Metal Keyboardists HARRISON YOUNG (DORO, U.D.O) And LAURA SCARBOROUGH (GHOST) Team Up For New Rock Musical]]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/metal-keyboardists-harrison-young-doro-u-d-o-and-laura-scarborough-ghost-team-up-for-new-rock-musical
You may know American multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and singer Harrison Young as the former keyboardist to European metal giants Doro Pesch and Udo Dirkschneider, or you may know him as the singer/bassist of THE CARDS, his decade-long project with original, founding SAXON guitarist Paul Quinn....]]> Harrison Young as the former keyboardist to European metal giants Doro Pesch and Udo Dirkschneider, or you may know him as the singer/bassist of THE CARDS, his decade-long project with original, founding SAXON guitarist Paul Quinn. This year, Young has added a new set of skills to his ever-growing list of credits — rock musical composer and actor. This week, he debuts a brand new (and extremely ambitious) project called "Garage Sale" in The Netherlands, with help from fellow metal keyboardist Laura Scarborough who has been the main touring keyboardist and "Keytar Ghoul" of GHOST since 2018. For the purposes of "Garage Sale", Scarborough takes on the role of musical and creative director, playing piano, controlling lights and video, and even acting out a small part in the show. With an original rock score reminiscent of NINE INCH NAILS, SLEEP TOKEN, and, of course GHOST, "Garage Sale" explores one of the most universal — and deeply human — experiences of all: letting go. It confronts the emotional weight of releasing the material and physical things we cling to for security, while forcing us to face everything those objects and memories represent. "This musical is for anyone who has gone through downsizing their own home or their parents' home," says Scarborough. "The tagline of the show is 'everybody's got their $@#%' and we all have $@#% that's gotta get rid of someday, so that's why garage sales happen, and that's what this show is about." It is indeed a deeply personal story inspired by a journey Harrison himself was forced to make following his parents' exodus from their home in the United States last year. While its story is relatively specific, its themes are profoundly universal. Whether we are children, parents, or family members, sooner or later, we are all faced with the necessity of letting go. "I'm a different person than the one I was when I began writing this show," Young says. The experiences which led me to write it were traumatic, but being able to put those feelings into words and music in this specific way and to be able to share this story with the world is a beautiful and cathartic experience. I especially hope to extend the boundary of musical theater to the rock community I've been performing to for decades. I think it's a valid art form which deserves to be shaken up a bit and shared with a rock and metal crowd. The subject matter of this show is heavier than any metal music I've ever made." "I've never been a big fan of musicals," interjects Scarborough. "But I am crazy about this piece of work that Harrison has written. The music is really powerful, the dialogue is really entertaining… this is something we all need to hear." Scarborough has also been busy with her own solo performance art piece, titled "Dollhouse Toybox", which she debuted at GhostCon UK earlier this year. "Garage Sale" will make its worldwide debut on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026, in Valkenburg, The Netherlands at Mystery House Valkenburg, with plans to bring the show to America sometime next year. In a first for this unique venue, the production transforms an old, abandoned cinema into an intimate and immersive setting, creating an experience as unique as the show itself. The last remaining tickets for this unique theatrical experience are on sale now at www.harrisonyoungmusic.com.
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815956 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 11:45:53 +0000 <![CDATA[MEMORIAM, Featuring Former Members BOLT THROWER And CEREBRAL FIX, To Release Final Album 'Endgame']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/memoriam-featuring-former-members-bolt-thrower-and-cerebral-fix-to-release-final-album-endgame
MEMORIAM, the Birmingham, United Kingdom-based death/grind metal band featuring Karl Willets (BOLT THROWER) on vocals, Frank Healy (BENEDICTION, CEREBRAL FIX) on bass, Scott Fairfax (CEREBRAL FIX) on guitar and Dirk Verbeuren (MEGADETH, SOILWORK) on drums, will unleash its sixth and final studio alb...]]> MEMORIAM, the Birmingham, United Kingdom-based death/grind metal band featuring Karl Willets (BOLT THROWER) on vocals, Frank Healy (BENEDICTION, CEREBRAL FIX) on bass, Scott Fairfax (CEREBRAL FIX) on guitar and Dirk Verbeuren (MEGADETH, SOILWORK) on drums, will unleash its sixth and final studio album, "Endgame", on January 29, 2027, via Reaper Entertainment. In advance of the record's release, MEMORIAM has unveiled lead single, "Nothing More To Say". The band makes its intentions clear from the very first note. Built around crushing riffs, an oppressive atmosphere, and Karl Willetts's unmistakable vocals, "Nothing More To Say" captures the essence of MEMORIAM while simultaneously showcasing the sheer force and intensity of the new album. Produced by longtime collaborator Russ Russell, the track combines the band's trademark British death metal heaviness with a particularly fierce performance from Dirk Verbeuren on drums, whose explosive blast beats add another dimension to the MEMORIAM sound. Willetts comments: "'Nothing More To Say' is the first single and opening track from our final album, 'Endgame'. "For me, there is something deeply poignant about that title. Knowing this is our final album gives those words a significance that goes beyond the song itself. It feels like the right place to begin this last chapter. "MEMORIAM has been an important part of our lives. It has given me a way to express anger, grief, frustration, and hope through music, and to share those feelings with people who understand them. As we approach the end of this journey, I feel enormous pride in what we have created together. "Releasing 'Nothing More To Say' is an emotional moment. It is the first step towards sharing an album that means a great deal to us, and towards saying farewell to this part of our lives. "To everyone who has supported us, bought our records, come to our shows and stood alongside us: thank you. Your support has made this journey possible. There is still something left to say. This is 'Endgame'." Watch MEMORIAM's lyric video for "Nothing More To Say" below. "Endgame" will be released on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl (standard and limited collector's editions). Formed in 2016 through friendship, remembrance, and a shared desire to create music again, MEMORIAM has established itself as one of the leading voices in modern British death metal. Across five studio albums, the band has developed an unmistakable identity built on crushing heaviness, intelligent lyricism, political awareness, and uncompromising artistic integrity. "Endgame" represents the culmination of that journey. Musically, the album brings together every aspect of the band's identity: monumental mid-paced riffs, crushing heaviness, and oppressive atmosphere meet moments of reflection and emotional depth. Lyrically, MEMORIAM once again confronts war, political manipulation, social division, environmental decline, and humanity's repeated failure to learn from history, while themes of mortality, reflection and finality give the record an additional dimension. Produced once again by Russ Russell and featuring artwork by legendary artist Dan Seagrave, "Endgame" brings two long-standing creative partnerships to their conclusion. The album also features Dirk Verbeuren on drums, whose powerful and dynamic playing brings fresh energy to MEMORIAM's unmistakable sound. Rather than looking back or indulging in nostalgia, MEMORIAM has approached their final studio album exactly as they approached everything that came before it: with conviction, honesty, and no compromises. "Endgame" track listing: 01. Nothing More To Say 02. The Trench 03. At The Point Of No Return 04. March Of Time 05. Another Battle Won 06. The Frontline 07. Close The Skies 08. The Final War 09. Endgame 10. Psychological Scars (digipak bonus track) 11. No Tyrants Survive (box set bonus track) 12. Damage Done (box set bonus track) "Endgame" recording lineup: Karl Willetts - vocals Frank Healy - bass Scott Fairfax - guitar Dirk Verbeuren - drums Frank Healy and Karl Willetts pictured (photo courtesy of Reaper Entertainment)
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815950 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 11:29:46 +0000 <![CDATA[BLUE ÖYSTER CULT Announces '55 Years On Tour - 1972 To 2027' U.K. Shows]]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/blue-oyster-cult-announces-55-years-on-tour-1972-to-2027-u-k-shows
Rock legends BLUE ÖYSTER CULT will return to the U.K. in April 2027 for two landmark shows, marking 60 years since the band first formed and 55 years since they took the name BLUE ÖYSTER CULT. The "55 Years On Tour - 1972 To 2027" dates follow the band's sold-out London Palladium show in 2025, and g...]]> BLUE ÖYSTER CULT will return to the U.K. in April 2027 for two landmark shows, marking 60 years since the band first formed and 55 years since they took the name BLUE ÖYSTER CULT. The "55 Years On Tour - 1972 To 2027" dates follow the band's sold-out London Palladium show in 2025, and give U.K. fans another chance to see one of the defining classic rock bands in full flight. Few bands in hard rock and heavy metal can match the Long Island, New York group's catalog. "(Don't Fear) The Reaper", "Godzilla" and "Burnin' for You" are among the best-known rock songs ever recorded, and they sit alongside favorites such as "Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll", "Veteran Of The Psychic Wars", "Astronomy", "Black Blade" and "Shooting Shark". The accolades match the reputation. "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" is certified six times platinum in the U.S. and platinum in the U.K., "Burnin' For You" is two-times platinum and "Godzilla" is platinum, while "Agents Of Fortune" and "Spectres" are certified platinum and gold in the U.S. BLUE ÖYSTER CULT are one of very few hard rock and heavy metal bands to win both mainstream critical acclaim and commercial success, are often cited as an influence by acts including METALLICA, and were named in VH1's countdown of the greatest hard rock bands of all time. The band is led by original core duo Eric Bloom (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (vocals, lead guitar), alongside Richie Castellano (guitar, keyboards), Danny Miranda (bass) and Jules Radino (drums). BLUE ÖYSTER CULT remain a working studio band. "The Symbol Remains" (2020) was their first new album in 19 years, and its follow-up, "Ghost Stories", arrived in 2024. BLUE ÖYSTER CULT will be joined by special guests, British melodic hard rock icons MAGNUM, at the Royal Albert Hall, and by award-winning husband-and-wife blues rock duo WHEN RIVERS MEET in Glasgow. BLUE ÖYSTER CULT "55 Years On Tour - 1972 To 2027" dates: Thursday, April 1, 2027 - Royal Albert Hall, London, with special guests MAGNUM Saturday, April 3, 2027 - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, with special guests WHEN RIVERS MEET Tickets will go on sale on Friday, October 16 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster. Photos courtesy of Stuart Bennett / Deacon Communications for BLUE ÖYSTER CULT
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815943 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 11:12:29 +0000 <![CDATA[BUTCHER BABIES' HEIDI SHEPHERD On Split With CARLA HARVEY: 'The Hardest Part About It All Was The Loss Of A Best Friend Of 20-Something Years']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/butcher-babies-heidi-shepherd-on-split-with-carla-harvey-the-hardest-part-about-it-all-was-the-loss-of-a-best-friend-of-20-something-years
In a new interview with SPIN.com, BUTCHER BABIES frontwoman Heidi Shepherd spoke about what it was like becoming the sole singer of the band following the 2024 departure of Carla Harvey. Although Harvey initially stepped away from BUTCHER BABIES to recover from a "serious eye injury", she later told...]]> SPIN.com, BUTCHER BABIES frontwoman Heidi Shepherd spoke about what it was like becoming the sole singer of the band following the 2024 departure of Carla Harvey. Although Harvey initially stepped away from BUTCHER BABIES to recover from a "serious eye injury", she later told AL.com that she felt "kind of squeezed out" of the band when "they went and did a tour without me." Harvey has since formed a new band called THE VIOLENT HOUR, in which she collaborates with her now-husband, ANTHRAX and PANTERA drummer Charlie Benante. "I think the hardest part about it all was really just the loss of a best friend of 20-something years, you know?" Heidi told SPIN.com. "I didn't know it was going to be so hard. "I had this link on my arm, a BFF right here with me for 20 years," she continued. "And now it's, like, where do I stand as an individual not attached to that? It's still something that I have to look at and think, will I ever get to that friendship again with someone else? Or is that friendship gone forever?" Referencing BUTCHER BABIES guitarist Henry Flury, with whom she has been in a relationship for more than a decade, and how the creative process has changed for the band's latest album, "Nightbloom", Heidi said: "Henry and I have been together for 15 years, we're each other's creative partner, so that part was the same. "When somebody decides that all the years and all the work and stuff that you put into something, that they're finished with it, that's fine," Shepherd explained. "And I have had to keep telling myself, that's okay. I respect it. But my journey is not done. Henry's journey is not done. And I feel like I have a duty, not just to myself, but to our fans, to our managers, to our agents, to our lawyer, people that have been with us for almost 20 years." Heidi added: "This is so much bigger than two people. This is so much bigger than five people. This is so much bigger than a band. I had to look at it and say, all right, we need to keep this going. And honestly, I feel stronger than ever." In October 2024, Harvey told "The Ward Bond Show" about her exit from BUTCHER BABIES: "So there's so much that goes into being in a band, especially as you get older and your life changes, you have relationships, you have a partner. I have a stepdaughter, and the idea, all of a sudden, of being on the road 10, 12 months out of the year became just a lot to handle. And in a band there's five people, and half of those people may feel like they want to be on the road constantly all the time and then some people are, like, 'Maybe it's halftime.' So it doesn't always work out for the greater good of everybody." BUTCHER BABIES played their first concert since the official departure of Harvey on July 27, 2024 at the Stonehenge festival in Steenwijk, The Netherlands. "Nightbloom" arrived on October 2 via Judge & Jury Records. The LP was produced by acclaimed hitmaker Howard Benson, whose extensive credits include some of the biggest names in modern rock and metal (MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, SKILLET, DAUGHTRY, HALESTORM, etc.). Joe Rickard, Neil Sanderson and Henry Flury served as co-producers, while Cameron Pierce Mizell and Evan McKeever provided additional production on "Songbird".]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815939 Mon, 12 Oct 2026 20:22:19 +0000 <![CDATA[MARTY FRIEDMAN On His 2023 Reunion With MEGADETH At Budokan: 'It Was A Night Of Miracles']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/marty-friedman-on-his-2023-reunion-with-megadeth-at-budokan-it-was-a-night-of-miracles
In a recent interview with U.K. radio veteran Paul Stephenson of VRP Rocks, former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman once again spoke about his exit from the band more than two decades ago. Asked if it was a difficult decision to leave the Dave Mustaine-fronted outfit, Friedman said (as transcribed...]]> Paul Stephenson of VRP Rocks, former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman once again spoke about his exit from the band more than two decades ago. Asked if it was a difficult decision to leave the Dave Mustaine-fronted outfit, Friedman said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "The decision was not difficult at all. It was not difficult at all. Actually carrying it out was very difficult. I knew that it was something I had to do, 'cause there was nothing left I could do in the band the way it was at that time. And I knew it was something I had to do, but the timing was not good because we were in the middle of a tour. And I won't go into this, but I was just not the coolest person at that point because it was very selfish of me. In my heart, I was done with it, so I wanted to just be done with it now, but I had a responsibility to the tour, and I tried my absolute best to carry it out. But a lot of things happened that I couldn't carry it out as long as I wanted to, and I regretted that for a long, long time. I made good with Mustaine and the band years after that. But there was a lot of things I'm not proud of at that end time because there was nothing else I could do. I couldn't really do the right thing." Marty continued: "It's so hard to explain. It took me forever to write it properly in the book [Friedman's 2024 autobiography, 'Dreaming Japanese'], so I think if you read it in the book, you'll get it. But I can't encapsulate it. It wasn't hard to decide. It was very hard to pull off and [there were] a lot of hurt feelings by the way I pulled it off. And it was not savory, but the band definitely recovered from it and did absolutely fantastic things in my absence. And I did the same, and did my own thing and did my own successful things very well. And so I think we both wound up winning. But at the time, I was not proud of my actions." Marty also talked about his onstage reunion with MEGADETH during the Mustaine-fronted outfit's first-ever gig at Tokyo, Japan's famed Budokan more than three and a half years ago. Friedman came up on stage for three songs toward the end of the main set on February 27, 2023: "Countdown To Extinction", "Tornado Of Souls" and "Symphony Of Destruction". Marty said: "It was wonderful. I think it was something that meant a lot to myself and Dave Mustaine because we both really, really wanted to do Budokan. We had sold it out on the 'Countdown To Extinction' tour, but things happened that prevented that [show from taking place]. And in my heart and in my gut, it created a lot of not good things and it took years for me to get over that, being in Japan, and I did. And Dave and I have always remained friends, and when he asked, he said, 'Dude, we're playing Budokan. You wanna join me?' First, I was just very, very pleased that MEGADETH was finally playing Budokan after we had it. It took a long time, and in my absence, they did a lot of great things so that they deserved to play Budokan. And so I was so happy about that, and equally as happy that Dave asked me to be there to play with them for that. And it was a night of miracles. People were crying in the audience, smiling ear to ear. It was not your typical concert. And I think a lot of bridges were mended. It's not like we had big broken bridges or anything like that, but a lot of really good will happened on that day. And it's just a great thing." Friedman added: "I had played Budokan eight times before then, before playing with MEGADETH, with various different things here in Japan, and there's always two thoughts that go in my head. 'I'm enjoying this.' The first thought is actually, 'I really wish that I'd been playing with my teenage band DEUCE,' because for some reason, that's always in my heart. I don't know why. Any time I'm playing a really cool gig, I think of those guys, 'cause that was the original dream. But also, I think — MEGADETH, I really, really need to do this with MEGADETH, and we did it, and so it was a very wonderful thing for myself, and I think for the fans as well." Marty also rejoined MEGADETH on stage in early August 2023 at the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany. At the 2023 Wacken Open Air, Marty performed four songs with MEGADETH: "Trust", "Tornado Of Souls", "Symphony Of Destruction" and "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due". Friedman and his solo band performed as the support act for MEGADETH on September 22, 2025 at Maçka Küçükçiftlik Park in Istanbul, Turkey. Marty did not take the stage with his former band at the show, but he took to his social media right after the gig and wrote: "My band and I had an incredible time playing in Istanbul! … After our show Naoki [Morioka, a member of Marty's Japanese touring band] and I watched as [current MEGADETH guitarist] Teemu [Mäntysaari] absolutely NAILED my solos with ease and MEGADETH tore up the place!" Friedman left MEGADETH in 2000 due to creative differences and pursued a solo career, having released his most recent album, "Drama", in 2024. Friedman first visited Japan in the late 1980s with CACOPHONY, and came to Japan regularly with MEGADETH, all the while studying the Japanese language. After he quit the Mustaine-fronted outfit, he moved to Tokyo. Written with veteran music journalist Jon Wiederhorn ("Louder Than Hell", "Raising Hell"), "Dreaming Japanese" debuted at No. 1 on Amazon's Heavy Metal Books chart and has received praise from major outlets including Rolling Stone, Guitar World, Decibel and Publishers Marketplace.
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815934 Mon, 12 Oct 2026 19:42:57 +0000 <![CDATA[THE USED Announces 'A Mid Summer Night's Symphony' Screening]]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/the-used-announces-a-mid-summer-nights-symphony-screening
THE USED has announced the world premiere of "A Mid Summer Night's Symphony", filmed at the world-famous Sydney Opera House. The screening will take place at the Landmark Nuart Theater in Los Angeles, California on October 28, featuring an intimate question-and-answer session with the band. Doors fo...]]> THE USED has announced the world premiere of "A Mid Summer Night's Symphony", filmed at the world-famous Sydney Opera House. The screening will take place at the Landmark Nuart Theater in Los Angeles, California on October 28, featuring an intimate question-and-answer session with the band. Doors for the screening open at 6 p.m., and tickets can be purchased here. "A Mid Summer Night's Symphony" sees THE USED reimagining their biggest songs with a full orchestra and choir, turning the fan favorites that have been screamed along to for years into something grand, cinematic, and unforgettable. The performance marked a monumental first for the band, who took the legendary stage for the first time in their 25-year career for this once-in-a-lifetime event in March. The screening follows what has been a strong live year for THE USED. In addition to the iconic Sydney show, they made appearances at Sonic Temple, Vans Warped Tour DC, Inkcarceration, Great South Bay and Vans Warped Tour Long Beach. In addition to the headline tour dates this fall, THE USED will continue the festival momentum with performances at Louder Than Life, Vans Warped Tour Orlando and Nowhere District. The band is currently on a West Coast tour, concluding with supporting MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE at the Hollywood Bowl on October 30. The band will close out the year with performances at Vans Warped Tour Orlando and Nowhere District in Thailand. THE USED helped define the sound of a generation with their chaotic and melodic cacophony. The band Billboard praised for its "knack for crafting brutal yet crowd-pleasing anthems" and The New York Times called "weird and catchy and unexpectedly funny" stood tall against the tests of time and trends, now 25 years into its journey stronger and more passionately purposeful than ever. "THE USED's colorfully unhinged post-hardcore became a vital part of the scene responsible for breaking bands like MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE [and] FALL OUT BOY," wrote Kerrang! Songs like "The Taste Of Ink", "Pretty Handsome Awkward", "The Bird And The Worm" and "I Caught Fire" incite massive singalongs in theaters and clubs, at Vans Warped Tour, and at huge festivals worldwide. Over 25 years, they've scored four Billboard 200 Top 10 debuts and ten Billboard Hot 100 singles. "The Used" (2002) and "In Love And Death" (2004) are certified platinum in the United States, and "Lies For The Liars" (2007) went gold. Each record was celebrated in 2025 on THE USED's massive 25th-anniversary tour, which featured each landmark album played in full across three nights in each city. Singer Bert McCracken and bassist Jeph Howard co-founded THE USED in Utah in 2000. Drummer Dan Whitesides joined nearly 20 years ago, and guitarist Joey Bradford has been with the band since 2018. The original incarnation of THE USED was born from the conservative isolation, myopic boredom, and restless angst of their crucial formative years spent some 45 miles from Salt Lake City in Orem, Utah.
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815928 Mon, 12 Oct 2026 18:41:41 +0000 <![CDATA[YNGWIE MALMSTEEN Recalls Being Offered Guitarist Gig In DAVID LEE ROTH's Solo Band: 'I Probably Should Have Done It']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/yngwie-malmsteen-recalls-being-offered-guitarist-gig-in-david-lee-roths-solo-band-i-probably-should-have-done-it
In a new interview with Eamon O'Neill of Eonmusic, legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen spoke about some of the offers he had received over the years to join established bands or collaborate with well-known musicians, including David Lee Roth's post-VAN HALEN solo band. Yngwie said: "What ha...]]> Eamon O'Neill of Eonmusic, legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen spoke about some of the offers he had received over the years to join established bands or collaborate with well-known musicians, including David Lee Roth's post-VAN HALEN solo band. Yngwie said: "What happened was that I was on tour with my solo band in 1985, and I had a band called TALAS as an opening act, and the bass player in TALAS was Billy Sheehan. Roth would come to the shows all the time, and he had just left VAN HALEN. And he wanted to get the hottest guitar player, I guess. So he told me he thought we could do a great thing together. And I think he's an awesome guy, and I really like the VAN HALEN albums with him; they're really good and everything. I probably should have done it, but I didn't. So I just basically said, 'Thanks, but no thanks. I'm honored, but I'm really on a roll now,' which I kind of was, but not really. [Laughs] So we're on a friendly basis. He would give me a lot of advice about how to deal with the press and shit. A very, very smart guy. And then he got Steve [Vai], which was great, so it all worked out." Last year, Malmsteen told Guitar Player contributor Jonathan Graham about the offer to join Roth's band: "What happened was that he was leaving, or left already, VAN HALEN, and I was doing a big American tour [with] AC/DC. And then right after that I did my own tour of America with a band called TALAS opening up, which was Billy Sheehan's band. And Dave would come to the shows all the time. Plus, we would hang out too, at the Troubadour and stuff, back in the party days. And it would've been a great thing, but I think that… I mean, he obviously asked Billy Sheehan too, so Billy took it. I mean, it wasn't officially on a paper like this or something like this, but it was very obvious what he was thinking about. And at the time, I was thinking, 'Oh, no. I'm doing great,' whatever." In a separate interview with Classic Rock magazine, Yngwie stated about Roth's VAN HALEN bandmate, iconic guitarist Eddie Van Halen: "I never said a bad word about him. I never will. Because I think he was amazing. But I used to know a guy that worked in the grocery store where Eddie would shop, and the guy would ask him: 'Hey, what do you think about Yngwie Malmsteen, the new Swedish kid?' And Eddie would say: 'I don't know who that is.' Meanwhile, Dave Roth told me that Eddie would have his ghetto blaster, playing my shit on it all day long." According to Yngwie, Eddie even ignored him when they both attended the Grammy Awards in 1986. At the time, Malmsteen was nominated in the "Best Rock Instrumental Performance" category for his album "Rising Force". "I go to the show — I had my tux on and everything — and I see Eddie there," Yngwie told Classic Rock. "I'm waving at him, trying to get his attention, and he sees me… and he runs away. He literally ran away." Malmsteen went on to suggest that Van Halen was so threatened by him that he pulled out of a scheduled VAN HALEN show in the Netherlands where the two guitarists would have finally shared the stage. "I was doing a concert festival in Holland, and VAN HALEN were headlining," Yngwie recalled. "I'm, like, 'Great. I finally get to meet Eddie and give him my concerto.' Because I'm proud of my concerto, you know?' But I find out they canceled the show. They said Alex Van Halen had broken his little finger or something. And then I hear that the promoter got a phone call from Eddie himself, who said: 'Just to let you know, if Yngwie Malmsteen is playing, I'm not playing. And I will never fucking play the same stage as Yngwie Malmsteen.' I'm, like, 'What?' He obviously felt threatened. Which is crazy to me. You're fucking Eddie Van Halen. No one could threaten you." Malmsteen will release his new studio album, "Hell Or High Water", on November 13 via Music Theories Recordings/Artone Label Group. After working with some of the top hard singers of the past four decades, Yngwie now handles much of the lead vocals himself in his own band, backed by a lineup that includes keyboardist Nick Marino, bassist Emilio Martinez and drummer Kevin Klingenschmid. Yngwie released a new live album, "Tokyo Live", in April 2025 via Music Theories Recordings. The concert was recorded at the Zepp DiverCity, Tokyo on May 11, 2024 as part of Yngwie's 40th-anniversary world tour.]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815923 Mon, 12 Oct 2026 18:09:44 +0000 <![CDATA[EVAN STANLEY And NICK SIMMONS Reject 'Nepotism' Label For Their STANLEY SIMMONS Project: 'This Is What We Would Do If Nobody Was Watching']]> https://blabbermouth.net/news/evan-stanley-and-nick-simmons-reject-nepotism-label-for-their-stanley-simmons-project-this-is-what-we-would-do-if-nobody-was-watching
In a new interview with the Preston & Steve show which is broadcast on Philadelphia's active rock radio station 93.3 WMMR, Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons — sons of Paul and Gene Simmons, respectively, from KISS — addressed accusations which have been leveled at them for supposedly leveraging thei...]]> Preston & Steve show which is broadcast on Philadelphia's active rock radio station 93.3 WMMR, Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons — sons of Paul and Gene Simmons, respectively, from KISS — addressed accusations which have been leveled at them for supposedly leveraging their famous parents to gain a head start in the music industry with their STANLEY SIMMONS collaboration. Evan said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "I think a lot of times, and look, I'm guilty of it myself. You hear someone's son or daughter of so-and-so, and you kind of write 'em off because I think often when you're raised a certain way, you get used to a lifestyle and you like that lifestyle more than you like the craft that provided it. And for us, we fell in love with music really early, and this is our everything. This is what we would do if nobody was watching. So for us, everything is secondary and the music comes first." Nick chimed in: "And we were doing it when nobody was watching." Evan continued: "That's the funniest thing. We'll see these comments online saying, 'Go pay your dues. You need to play shows to no one.' It's, like, 'Hey, man, what do you think I've been doing the last 14 years [with my other music projects]? You didn't know about it 'cause you weren't there.' Nobody was there." Regarding why they decided to call the band STANLEY SIMMONS, Evan said: "When this came about, it was supposed to be... Well, it wasn't supposed to be anything, and then it was, 'Maybe we'll do a song or two.' The whole thing was kind of, 'Let's just keep it natural. Let's be real.' And we figured, whether it was SIMON & GARFUNKEL, CROSBY, STILLS & NASH, HALL & OATES, a lot of our heroes just used their names. We weren't really trying to put anything forward except ourselves, so we thought STANLEY SIMMONS is great." Nick said: "The other projects had, we were trying to brand it and kind of be very... This one we were, like, 'All right, let's just play and relax,' and ironically, we named it STANLEY SIMMONS, and they go, 'Oh, look at them leaning into the last name.' I go, 'Well, that's my last name. I was thinking about CSNY.' And maybe I'm naïve. Maybe that's a silly thing not to realize." Evan continued: "We're learning you can never win on the Internet. No matter what you do, you cannot win. You're damned if you do and damned if you don't." Nick added: "Also, 99% of the time it's been very positive. So we're very lucky." Evan and Nick also talked about the advice and suggestions they received from their famous parents' regarding their musical output. Nick said: "They love a backhanded compliment, both of them. They love it. They have real... 'tact' is the word I would use to describe the man [Gene Simmons] most of the time. He was, like, 'You know, I liked what you were doing before. This blows that out of the water.' And I go, 'Oh, thanks. I worked really hard on that other thing. But thank you.'" Evan said: "I take this as a really good thing 'cause you gotta have people around you who are real. If they say what you do is great all the time, then you never know what's actually true, whether it's my mom, my dad or close friends, or Nick. I mean, I've brought plenty of stuff in where [Nick] goes, 'Yeah, mmm.' "I remember playing my dad a song once. This was years ago, and he goes, 'You're great. This is not,'" Stanley recalled. "And I was, like, 'All right. Fair.' But you need that. Because that means so much more. [My father] came out — we just did two sold-out shows in New York last night or the night before. And he came out and was really, like, 'No, seriously, this is really great.' So then you go, like, I believe that because you don't say everything is great, so when he says it, he really means it. And that means so much more. And my mom's the same way. My mom can be — she's very sweet, but under the sweetness she's pretty brutal on stuff." Nick added: "Compliments are a waste of time. It doesn't do anything. It's very nice, but it's not helpful." STANLEY SIMMONS's debut album, "Dancing While The World Is Ending", arrived on August 28. STANLEY SIMMONS's first-ever U.S. tour kicked off on September 14 in Dallas, Texas and will conclude on November 3 in West Hollywood, California. STANLEY SIMMONS made its live debut on May 4 at the House Of Blues Voodoo Room in San Diego, California. Though Evan and Nick have been close since childhood — raised on the road by their fathers — the idea of collaborating musically never crossed their minds. That changed in December 2024, when an impromptu Instagram reel brought them together in front of microphones for the first time. What began as a casual moment quickly evolved. By February 2025, Evan and Nick tried writing together — again, just for fun — and lightning struck twice. STANLEY SIMMONS was born. The pair soon realized they had stumbled into the project each had always hoped to make: a return to something expressive and organic, driven by musicianship, storytelling and emotion. Early bedroom demos caught the attention of legendary producer Rob Cavallo (GREEN DAY, FLEETWOOD MAC, PARAMORE, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, Dave Matthews),who immediately signed on to produce the duo's debut full-length record and stepped into the role of manager.
]]> ]]> https://blabbermouth.net/815919 Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:46:07 +0000