(hennemusic) Wolfgang Van Halen is streaming his new Mammoth WVH album, "Mammoth II", in sync with its release on August 4. First introduced with the lead single, "Another Celebration At The End Of The World", the project marks Wolfgang's first album as part of a new deal with BMG.
Wolfgang recorded the project at the famed 5150 studios with producer Michael Baskette, as he did with the project's 2021 self-titled debut. "Mammoth WVH" topped a number of US Rock charts upon its release; it opened at No. 1 on the Top Rock Albums, Hard Rock Albums and Independent Albums charts, at No. 2 on the Top Album Sales and Current Album Sales lists, and at No. 12 on the Billboard 200. (continue)
On August 2nd, 2023, a giant tribute to Motorhead's Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister took place, featuring a parade, communal toasts, and the enshrinement of his ashes at Lemmy's Bar in the village of Wacken.
Despite wretched weather conditions, nothing could derail the thunderous celebrations, which saw band members Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee participate in an afternoon parade featuring several giant floats carrying hundreds of loud and raucous Motorhead fans. The proceedings started at the festival site and headed through the town of Wacken to Lemmy's Bar, where hordes of fans were waiting for the enshrinement ceremony, which saw Phil and Mikkey place Lemmy's ashes, which are contained in a smaller version of his custom urn, in a specially-prepared glass display next to his personal items including his hat, boots, bass guitar, and Marshall stack. Fans were also treated to a re-enacted version of Lemmy's Dressing Room, which contained all his favorite things such as books, newspapers, whiskey, of course, and even his beloved Kinder Eggs with a toy, and the building itself was adorned with various Motorhead-themed murals, including one of Lemmy himself. (continue)
Starcatcher, the new album from Grammy-winning rock band Greta Van Fleet, is out now to extensive critical acclaim on Lava/Republic Records. The record makes its debut at #8 on the Billboard 200 chart and is #1 on Top Rock Albums, Top Hard Rock Albums and Top Rock & Alternative Albums, plus it is charting internationally in Germany (#2), Switzerland (#2), Belgium (#4), Austria (#6), the Netherlands (#7), the UK (#8), Italy (#18) and Canada (#19). Starcatcher is the band's second top 10 album, following 2021's The Battle at Garden's Gate.
Of the new album, lead singer Josh Kiszka states, "Starcatcher is a dangerous and delightful expedition into a both violent and gentle dreamlike landscape. A purgatory of duality where brutality and beauty clash like a thunderstorm of stillness. Neither fact nor fiction inhabit the far reaches of this surrealist world. A storybook for the fighters and lovers alike Starcatcher captures a certain wonder on the fringe of mayhem." (continue)
Southern California's Robert Jon & The Wreck have released their eagerly anticipated seventh studio album, Ride Into The Light, out now via Joe Bonamassa's Journeyman Records.
Showcasing a refreshed production approach, Ride Into The Light is the impressive outcome of the band's collaboration with esteemed producers Don Was (John Mayer, Bonnie Raitt), Dave Cobb (Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton), and Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, The Black Crowes), along with guitar virtuosos Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith. (continue)
The String Cheese Incident is excited to share "Eventually" - the third song to be released from the forthcoming album Lend Me A Hand due out on Sept 8.
"'Eventually' is a song about the realization of my shortcomings and the journey to become the person I can be proud of," says Bill Nershi (guitar, vocals). The new song provides yet another moment of reflection within the collection of songs. "Our goal was to make sure nothing got in the way of the lyrics. Even though we're still a jam band at heart, all these songs can really stand on their own." (continue)
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Brian Setzer has released "Black Leather Jacket," another new track from his forthcoming The Devil Always Collects album out September 15 via Surfdog Records digitally, on CD and vinyl. The single follows "Girl On The Billboard," which Guitar World (7/28/23) praised as "pure roadside bar sleaze in the best way-with strutting Chuck Berry-by-way-of-the-gutter riffs, and even a Route 66 namecheck. You'll want to put the pedal to the metal with this coming through your speakers."
The iconic 3-time Grammy award-winner discusses his self-written "Black Leather Jacket," saying, "'Black Leather Jacket' is the story of my black leather jacket I bought when I was 18. It followed the guy through his whole life. He wore a black leather jacket when he met his girl and then got into a crash. Til the very end he had a black leather jacket. I like the idea of it. Black leather jackets are very personal things. They're something you keep. You don't get rid of those. So one of the first ones I bought was probably down at St. Mark's Place [in NYC]...But I still have one from England from the 80's. Surprisingly it's a little small," he adds jokingly. "It must have shrunk. But I still take it out for a ride." (continue)
Amon Amarth continue their domination with a brand new music video for their epic Valhalla feast track "Heidrun" off their chart-topping record "The Great Heathen Army".
Additionally, Amon Amarth have unleashed a special 4-track digital single of "Heidrun" featuring a newly remixed version of the single plus two live bonus tracks and a "goat remix" version featuring actual goat vocals. (continue)
(hennemusic) Queen rock the classic show tune, "Big Spender", on the latest episode of the weekly series The Greatest Live.
Written for the 1966 Broadway musical Sweet Charity and originally recorded by Peggy Lee, the song and style was part of the mix of influences in Freddie Mercury's background although, as the episode's synopsis indicates, "it's more likely the song reached Mercury via the definitive rendition by legendary Welsh singer Dame Shirley Bassey, the three-time James Bond soundtrack theme song provider." (continue)
Meet Me @ The Altar have debuted their long-awaited cover of "Take Me Away" from the iconic 2000s movie, Freaky Friday. The track arrives alongside an official visualizer, which is streaming now on the official Fueled By Ramen Youtube channel. The group recently spoke on Freaky Friday and the influence of its fictional band Pink Slip in Teen Vogue's oral history of "The Coolest Fictional Rock Band of the 2000s." "Take Me Away" will appear on the digital deluxe version of the band's debut album Past // Present // Future, slated for arrival on September 29 via Fueled By Ramen.
The band commented on the cover, "Aside from it just being an absolutely iconic moment in pop culture, 'Take Me Away,' Pink Slip, and Freaky Friday as a whole had a lot of influence over us growing up. It's everything we love all meshed into one - female representation in punk music, and on screen! Being able to pay homage to such an endless well of inspiration to us was really gratifying. It really takes you back to an era that I think we all miss." (continue)
Chonna recently released her new single "Teach Me" from her forthcoming album. To celebrate, we asked her to tell us about the track. Here is the story:
My latest single "Teach Me" is like a rollercoaster ride through the different worlds we inhabit. I was the spontaneous, live-in-the-moment kind of gal, while he was more of a straight-laced, by-the-book kind of guy. We were a mismatched pair, but somehow it worked. (continue)
Trevor Rabin, the South African guitarist, singer, multi-musician, writer and producer, recently announced 'Rio', his first solo album of vocal material in 34 years, set for release on the 6th October 2023 worldwide. Today he is pleased to reveal the albums first single, 'Big Mistakes', alongside a brand new video.
Trevor comments: "'Big Mistakes' the first single on the album, is essentially about surviving my late teens/twenties, hence the lyric: 'We played in the fire, we danced in the rain. Up all night we made Big Mistakes'. I should have called the song 'I Can't Believe I'm Alive." (continue)
Saddle your ears as Brazilian progressive power metal legends Angra "Ride Into The Storm". After unveiling details and preorders for new album Cycles Of Pain, set for release on November 3rd via Atomic Fire Records, the band finally presents the first digital single off the record. "Ride Into The Storm" has also been captured visually by a team led by Leo Liberti.
The band comments, "'Ride Into The Storm' is a relentless and aggressive piece that captures the essence of ANGRA's style. With its fast-paced tempo and modern flair, the song retains the band's distinct DNA while delivering intricate and technically challenging passages; the fusion of traditional and progressive elements pushes the boundaries without sacrificing the band's signature style. 'Ride Into The Storm' is one more step in ANGRA's evolution, embodying aggression, speed, modernity, and ability in one cohesive and engaging package. The lyrics take us on a powerful and transformative journey, portraying the duality within us as we face both challenges and opportunities. Amidst division and adversity, we find the strength to evolve and grow. Guided by hope and a thirst for truth, we embark on a new crusade, united as warriors of change. With unwavering determination, we fearlessly confront the chaos, embracing transformation and forging our own destiny. The storm becomes our ally, propelling us forward as we ride towards a brighter future." (continue)
Brazilian band Armored Dawn released their newest single "Brand New Way", the title track for their forthcoming fourth album, which will be released in the second half of 2023.
Different from the heavy theme of the last singles, "S.O.S." and "Tides", "Brand New Way" brings a more optimistic view of life, of how we shouldn't let ourselves be overwhelmed by defeats or by those who want to bring us down, as there is always a new beginning and a new path to follow. (continue)
Legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, known to millions from his groundbreaking work with Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, and Spirit, as well as from countless smash hit recordings he's performed on as an in-demand, first-call studio musician, has announced a West Coast tour set to kick off August 6 at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA.
Baxter is touring in support of his debut solo album Speed of Heat, which was released in 2022 by BMG/Renew Records. The just-announced West Coast tour is a follow-up to his successful 2022 tour dates across the US. (continue)
Cavo released their new Covers Vol. 1 EP to all major platforms via TLG/INgrooves. In celebration of Covers Vol. 1, the band released a new music video for the song "Don't Dream It's Over."
When asked about "Don't Dream It's Over", Chris Hobbs says, "I've always loved this song! I remember hearing it in one the opening scenes of Stephen Kings The Stand tv series as kid and being captivated. It's beautiful sounding yet haunting and sad at the same time. I've always had it in my head to cover it. Not to change it up or do a different take of it. Wanted to keep to the feel I fell in love with all those years ago." (continue)
Nirvana is undeniably one of the most iconic bands of its generation. With their re-imagination of the classic "Smells Like Teen Spirit", French Rock/Metalcore newcomers Ashen pay homage to a song that shaped millions of teenagers and introduced them to a new world of music.
After playing with Motionless In White and While She Sleeps, the band showcases incredible creativity in this cover and lets us expecting great things for the future. (continue)
Downes Braide Association (DBA) announce the release of the second single and video "Keep On Moving" from their long-awaited new album Celestial Songs (released on 8th September).
Following their previous critically acclaimed studio albums, Celestial Songs will be the fifth DBA studio collaboration for Geoff Downes (keyboards) and multi award-winning songwriter Chris Braide (vocals). The album will be released in 3 formats: CD, 2LP and Box Set. (continue)
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High on Fire, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2023 and today releases a deluxe reissue of its long-out-of-print debut, 'The Art of Self Defense'. The GRAMMY Award-winning group, featuring bassist Jeff Matz, guitarist/vocalist Matt Pike, and new drummer Coady Willis (Big Business, Melvins, Murder City Devils) has also completed work on its new, untitled ninth studio album and successor to 2018's 'Electric Messiah'. Recorded in Salem, Massachusetts with longtime producer Kurt Ballou, the new album is the first to feature drummer Willis, who joined High on Fire in 2021.
Originally released in 2000 on the late Frank Kozik's now defunct Man's Ruin Records, 'The Art of Self Defense' introduced the world to the towering trio and modded the template for what constituted modern-day heavy music. The celebratory reissue is completely remixed by original producer, Billy Anderson, remastered by Justin Weis, and boasts a new alternative cover, expanded gatefold artwork, and the band's self-titled demo as bonus tracks. 'The Art of Self Defense' deluxe reissue, which is available on LP in a smorgasbord of colored vinyl variants, is available for purchase. (continue)
Stoner doom metal outfit Sun Below have released "Methuselah Star", from Inter Terra Solis, their upcoming split album with Earth Altar. The album will be released September 15, 2023 on vinyl via Black Throne Productions.
The band had this to say about the track, "We are super excited to begin to reveal hidden truths from the distant bellows of space with the release of "Methuselah Star". (continue)
Florida rockers Gears - Trip Sixx [vocals], Jimmy Wooten [drums], and Josh Rout [bass] release their new single/video "Thanks For The Misery", which is a powerful and introspective song that captures the layers of emotions through the strength found in the guitar work that bleeds heartbreak, but in the deliberate beat of drum work, you realize the moment of self-reflection.
Lyrically the words dive deep, there is a clear expression found even in the beat, melody, and rhythm. The enabling tone of the vocals mirrors the emotional journey of healing and finding strength through burdensome struggles. You will find the undeniable message of release. "Thanks for the Misery" serves unequivocally as a metaphor for emotions gushing forth like an unlocked damn - a full torrent ride, and a hard rock anthem that pushes forward. (continue)
Hard-hitting rock/metal band, Sekond Skyn has released their next single/video "SMALL". Taking a topic and creating memorable music that strikes the listener is what Sekond Skyn brings with "SMALL". A haunting and beautiful measure that will stay with you long after you've heard it. The lyrics are powerful and the melody is unforgettable. This is a song that will help you through your darkest times.
This New Jersey band melds the talents of Jesse Shar (Lead Vocals), Mark Monjoy (Guitar), Zack Miranowic (Guitar), Brian Jennings (Bass), and Tommy Spano (Drums/Backing Vocals). Striking that balance once again, Sekond Skyn creates a full sound and identifies a truth that is deep. (continue)
British Glam Rock act Tremendous just released their new single "Fingerprints". To celebrate, Mark Dudzinski tells us a little bit about the song. here is the story:
Well, I guess it's quintessentially British 70s-sounding with the overall theme orchestral parts. Unashamedly Hoople, Bowie. Lyrics sang earnesty. "Fingerprints all over me heart" "She breaks in daily" Bla Bla. (continue)
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