Dokken, formed in Los Angeles in 1978, had several hit singles which charted on the Billboard Hot 100, such as “Alone Again”, “In My Dreams”, and “Burning Like a Flame”, and has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide. The classic Dokken line-up consisted of founder Don Dokken on vocals, George Lynch on lead guitar, Mick Brown on drums, and Jeff Pilson on bass.
Released in 1999, Erase the Slate marked a fresh chapter for Dokken, introducing Reb Beach (best known for Winger and later Whitesnake) as the band’s lead guitarist. Erase the Slate blends Dokken’s classic melodic metal roots with a more modern, late-’90s hard rock edge. Reb Beach brought a technically sharp yet fluid guitar style that differed from the flashier, more aggressive approach of former guitarist George Lynch. His playing added a polished, groove-oriented feel while still delivering strong solos and riffs.
The album is available through Deko Entertainment for the first time in the United States on 180g vinyl. Completely remastered, repackaged, and limited to only 500 copies of each variation, including a beautiful Green Smoke and classic Black. Erase the Slate includes standout tracks “Erase The Slate”, “Change the World”, as well as a cover of the Harry Nilsson song “One” made popular by Three Dog Night. This is a must-have for any Dokken fan!
Pre-order Erase the Slate while supplies last, shipping in July 2026 at this location.
Swedish progressive metal masterminds Evergrey have shared another single from their new album, Architects Of A New Weave, out June 5, 2026, via Napalm Records.
Full of regret, “The World Is On Fire” stages personal emotions as global pain, the apology reverberating, resonating. Enormous, cinematic melodies pull the listener upward, driven by riffs with genuine weight and bite, while vocals dripping with raw, unflinching truth give voice to a deep, aching sense of longing.
That longing finds its most intimate expression in the dead of night – when you pull your loved one close, just to feel them breathe – and are confronted with a devastating realization: the promise of a safe tomorrow is a lie you can no longer keep.
“The World Is On Fire” comes with an official music video and also marks the official introduction of guitarist Stephen Platt (Scar Symmetry), who had already been touring with Evergreyas a live guitarist in 2025. He now officially joins as a full-time band member.
Evergrey comment: “We played a lot of shows with Stephen Platt already, he’s an incredibly lovely human being on top of being a brilliant guitar player, we couldn’t be happier to have him join us for real!”
Stephen Platt reflects: “I’m so happy to become the new guitarist of Evergrey. I’ve been a fan of the band for a long time now and am extremely honored to have been asked by this group of incredible musicians and people. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds!”
Tom S. Englund about the new single ‘The World Is On Fire’: “‘The World Is On Fire’ was one of those rare songs that reached inside me and articulated feelings I hadn’t even fully recognized yet. Once again, our timing, just as with the song ‘Save Us’ is both haunting and profound. To me, this isn’t just a lament—it’s an uprising. It’s a defiant stand against the forces that thrive on chaos, fear, and silence. They want us scared, quiet, and compliant. But all we want is to raise free-spirited, free-thinking, and independent children who can help build a better world—for us, for them, and for everyone. The devastating lack of compassion and humanity is at the root of everything we see around us. This song isn’t passive acceptance or mere description of our broken reality. It’s us boldly painting a picture of the world we refuse to accept.”
Album Artwork
Architects Of A New Weave, will be released just days before the band takes the stage as special guest to the undisputed kings of heavy metal, Iron Maiden, for two shows on their Run For Your Lives World Tour. This is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed: A plunge into thinning air, burning worlds, and lingering guilt—only to break free with fierce momentum. The album refuses to wallow. It ascends—fast, heavy, and cinematic. But it refuses to hide in the dark. It rises: Quick, fierce, and utterly transformative.
Dive into Architects Of A New Weave’s standout tracks like “The World is on Fire”, “Leaving The Emptiness”, “Heaven”, and “The Prophecy”, and the breathtaking title anthem “Architects Of The New Weave”. Their choruses break through like sunlight piercing storm clouds: enormous, cinematic melodies that pull you upward, riffs with genuine weight and bite, and vocals dripping with raw, unflinching truth. In one breath, you’re shouldering buried longing; in the next, you’re weightless, fearless, endless. Scars transform into badges of survival, fractures fuel reinvention. In the second half of the album, fellow Gothenburg icon Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity, TheHalo Effect, Grand Cadaver, Cemetery Skyline) joins Tom S. Englund in vocal duties for “A Burning Flame”, the voices of the two scene legends intertwined compellingly. Architects Of A New Weave was produced by Tom S. Englund and Vikram Shankar, with a stellar mix by Adam “Nolly” Getgood.
Among other exclusive formats, Architects Of A New Weave comes with a bonus album, containing bonus tracks “Heights” and “One Heart”, as well as an album mix of the previously released standalone single “Oxygen!” (2025). Additionally, it features a demo version of “Longing”, instrumental tracks of “Leaving The Emptiness”, both new songs, as well as a live version of “Falling From The Sun”, the hit single off the previous record, Theories of Emptiness (2024) and continuation of “Ominous” off of A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament) (2022).
Architects Of A New Weave is available for pre-order here, and will be available in the following formats:
Lord Of The Lost show their emotional side and present the final video of the OPVS Noir trilogy with the music video for their single “The Days Of Our Lives”. With the release of OPVS Noir Vol. 3 this Friday, April 10, the band concludes the album trilogy that began in the summer of 2025. “The Days Of Our Lives” is a soulful and seemingly hopeless ballad, situated somewhere between a soundtrack and cold electronica, and, as the closing track, serves as the curtain call for the entire work.
The most out-of-the-box of the full album trilogy, OPVS NoirVol. 3, the third and final chapter of Lord Of The Lost‘s latest journey, sees the six-piece close this era on a fulminant high note, intertwining heavy guitars and dark electronica with compassionate messages and cinematic orchestrations. It continues to push the band’s unpredictable path without settling for the familiar. Rounding off this impressive work, the album takes listeners by the hand and guides them through their darkest paths.
Following the captivating Blood & Glitter, which brought them to the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 and a #1 chart entry in their native Germany to go along with it, Lord Of The Lost once again demonstrate their unmatched diversity on OPVS Noir Vol. 3. Initiated by beautiful cello melodies, “Kill The Lights” is an overture like no other, setting a dark mood, but also unafraid to switch it up to make room for catchy and reassuring “I’m A Diamond.” Stomping “I Hate People” invites horror punk icon Wednesday 13 to an industrial duet about equality, after which gentle “The Shadows Within” hits twice as hard with its symphonic arrangement.
Next, Chris Harms and parting Kissin’ Dynamite frontman Hannes Braun deliver “La Vie Est Hell,” before going back to “Square One.” “When Did The Love Break?” is a heartfelt song of lost love – the addition of whimsical vocals by Ambre Vourvahis of Xandria drives the emotions of this universal topic right home. After “Your Love Is Colder Than Death,” Lord Of The Lost team up with Damien Edwards of British glam rock band Cats In Space for the captivating duet “Take Me Far Away”, before the album closes with a ballad, “The Days Of Our Lives” – the sweeping track simultaneously being the closest Lord Of The Lost have ever been to a cinematic soundtrack. The happy ending is skipped, almost making it sound like a goodbye…
OPVS Noir Vol. 3 will be available in the following formats:
1-LP Liquid Vinyl PURPLE-BLACK with 12-page booklet – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited) – SOLD OUT!
1-LP Gatefold SPLATTERED SILVER/BLACK with 12-page booklet – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited)
1-CD in paper sleeve for everyone that already own a OPVS NOIR Collectors Edition (= Earbook or Wooden Box Set)
1-CD 6-page Digisleeve with 16-page booklet
Music Cassette Noir with silver print – Napalm Records Mailorder & LORDSHOP exclusive (strictly limited) – SOLD OUT!
Digital Album
DEEP DIVE Edition, containing OPVS Noir Vol. 3 Digisleeve with 16-page booklet, USB Stick incl. 8 so called “audio stems” per song, so you can deep dive into listening to the vocals only, the guitars only, the drums only, and so on. Also perfect for musicians to create your own playthrough versions or for audio engineers to create remixes. CD and USB stick bundled in a cloth bag – Napalm Records Mailorder Europe & LORDSHOP exclusive
A new official Pink Floyd compilation titled 8-Tracks is set for release on June 5 through SonyMusic. The collection pulls together eight key songs from the band’s 1971–1979 period and will be available on vinyl, CD, and digital formats.
The tracklist brings together some of the band’s most recognizable material, including “Money,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2,” “Time” and “Comfortably Numb.” It also digs deeper with “One Of These Days” and “Wot’s… Uh The Deal,” along with a full version of “Pigs On The Wing” that was previously only issued on the 1977 Animals 8-track cartridge. The sequence has been reworked by Steven Wilson, who used sound effects from the original multitracks to create a seamless, continuous listening experience.
8-Tracks captures a defining stretch in Pink Floyd’s career, covering the years when the band moved into its most commercially and creatively dominant phase. The compilation draws from Meddle (1971), Obscured By Clouds (1972), The Dark Side Of The Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and The Wall (1979). These records mark the period where Pink Floyd moved beyond their early psychedelic beginnings and established themselves as a global force in rock.
This release works both as an entry point for new listeners and as a focused collection for longtime fans who want a concise look at that era.
The announcement follows a strong year for Pink Floyd. The 50th anniversary edition of Wish You Were Here reached the Top 10 worldwide and returned the band to the #1 spot in the UK, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland—five decades after its original release. Earlier in the year, the theatrical release of Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII performed strongly at the box office, while its soundtrack gave the band their first UK #1 album since The Endless River, their final studio release.
London-based Split Watches are proud to announce the global release of the official Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Watch: “The Ozzy” exclusively available Thursday, May 14 at Split Watches. This 50-piece limited-edition run celebrates Ozzy’s enduring cultural legacy and is priced at $2,960 (U.S.) with 100% of the proceeds being donated to MusiCares, the nonprofit partner of the Recording Academy and leading charity supporting the health and well-being of the music community.
“This watch represents something very meaningful–Ozzy always said, ‘Time is the most precious thing in the world. Be very careful not to waste it’”, Sharon Osbourne says. “We’re delighted that Split Watches created such a thoughtful piece that truly captures Ozzy’s spirit. The fact that they’re donating the proceeds to MusiCares, an organization that my husband and I have admired and supported for many years, is just fantastic. The money raised is a great way for us to continue to support MusiCares and the music community.”
The Ozzy is a tribute to a legend—Ozzy’s groundbreaking work via his solo career and as a member of Black Sabbath shaped hard rock for generations. For the Split founders, both lifelong fans of Sabbath and Ozzy, his impact goes far beyond the music.
“What Ozzy stood for is deeply ingrained in what we stand for and evident in every expression of the brand – he never pretended to be anything other than who he was” says Split co-founder EdMargulies. “He was raw and human. No borrowed playbook, no ego, he pushed boundaries.”
For Split co-founder and former musician Dara Amjadi, Ozzy’s influence is deeply personal. “These were the posters on my wall growing up,” Dara says. “The records that shaped what I wanted to do with my life. Music like that stays with you. It’s part of who you become.”
The team adds, “Ozzy stepped into the wider public eye through The Osbournes and what he revealed went far beyond reality TV. He showed that firstly he was a great family man, and also that vulnerability isn’t a weight meant to hold people down—it’s a force that can set everyone free. By owning every flaw, every struggle, and every unfiltered moment, he gave people permission to do the same.
“That’s the spirit we want in everything we make. The watch is an expression of what Ozzy and his music represented to us. In that honesty, he forged something rare—an unspoken, unbreakable bond with people across the world. Split is for those who value authenticity over ego.”
“At MusiCares, we exist to support the people who make music possible, through every triumph and every hardship.” said Theresa Wolters, Executive Director of MusiCares. “Ozzy’s impact on music and culture is immeasurable, and just as important is how he cared for people who make music possible. We’re deeply grateful to Sharon Osbourne and Split Watches for honoring Ozzy’s legacy in such a beautiful and fitting way. Together, we ensure that music people have the help they need, to keep the music playing for all of us.”
The Ozzy is based on Split’s MC collection that features a revolutionary Seiko family automatic chronograph. Using the most advanced modern materials, the watch is intentionally designed to be unpolished and stripped back. The Ozzy features the rock legend’s iconic purple tinted glasses on the sub dials and his cross at 12 o’clock. Each piece is meticulously hand painted and Ozzy’s logo can be seen on the rotor through Split’s exhibition case back.
“We want our watches to start conversations that matter.” Dara says, “the conversations we rarely make time for.”
“Our collaboration with MusiCares started the way the best things often do, with a conversation,” the Split Team says. “One of our earliest clients, who worked in the music, spoke highly of MusiCares and introduced us. He wasn’t wrong. What we discovered wasn’t just a charity, but a much-needed support system for those in the industry. It only took a couple of conversations with Wynnie Wynn, to realize our shared values, love of music and a belief that it’s essential to create a safe space for people in the community to talk. From that point on, it became clear that we needed to do something together, something with intent and purpose. All proceeds from The Ozzy will support MusiCares, which provides critical health services, financial assistance, and mental health support to music professionals. MusiCares helps the humans behind the music because music gives so much to the world. The collaboration reflects a belief that objects we choose should carry meaning.”
The brand was founded by Ed and Dara after a dinner between two lifelong friends, discussing the need for a modern watch with greater meaning. Ed, a third-generation watchmaker trained in Switzerland, spent decades working with some of the most respected names in horology, including Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin and Dara, is a former musician. Split brings together people who feel deeply and wear their feelings proudly. They don’t need to blend in or follow inherited rules.
Offering preventive, emergency, and recovery programs, MusiCares is a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community. Founded by the Recording Academy in 1989 as a U.S. based 501(c)(3) charity, MusiCares safeguards the well-being of all music people through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts. For more information please visit MusicCares website.
Rock and metal icon Rob Zombie has unveiled the music video for his latest single, “The Black Scorpion,” taken from his acclaimed new album, The Great Satan. Bathed in eerie green light, Zombie and his crew rip through the blistering punk-metal track, which clocks in at under two minutes.
“The Black Scorpion,” along with recent standouts “F.T.W. 84,” “(I’m a) Rock ’N’ Roller,” “Heathen Days,” and “Punks And Demons,” marks Rob Zombie’s returns to the forefront of heavy music, further solidifying his already legendary status.
Across more than four decades, Zombie has cemented himself as a singular cultural force. Fusing avant-garde aesthetics with monstrous, groove-driven rock, his work has consistently defied convention. With The Great Satan, Zombie extends that legacy, delivering one of the boldest and most fully realized records of his career.
Swedish gothic doom metal entity Draconian reveal their new single, “Misantrophe River”, the second offering cut from their upcoming full-length, In Somnolent Ruin, to be released on May 8 via Napalm Records.
“Misantrophe River” confronts listeners in true Draconian fashion with life’s hardest questions, exploring feelings of alienation when swimming against the stream, and the search for direction in unfamiliar territory.
Ander Jacobsson comments about the new single: “‘Misanthrope River’ was the first song written for this album. The initial idea goes back to the early days of Under a Godless Veil, but it remained dormant until work on this record began. It’s an emotional gothic doom track- fairly minimalist, yet expansive in feel, with subtle touches that hint at post-metal and give the atmosphere a broader sense of depth. There’s a suggestion of something ancient and mysterious running through it. Although interactive, at its core, the song deals with separation and isolation in a world where the larger truth has been kept from you and how those feelings slowly turn into resentment. You’re pushing against the current wading upstream while doubting the way forward. In that struggle you’ll be grasping at straws for any sense of peace while unintentionally shutting out the one closest to you. Shot in the Faroe Islands, the video places its actors within vast, striking landscapes. It was directed by Gaui H., the same director behind “Cold Heavens””.
In Somnolent Ruin promises to be one of the most personal records in Draconian‘s discography, revealed through a dream-like journey across 9 tracks and the poetic lyricism of vocalist AndersJacobsson. The new album also marks the return of long-time vocalist Lisa Johansson — the band’s vocalist for their first five records.
The album captures the essence of a band that no longer needs to prove anything — and yet still does. Active since the mid-1990s and having released their debut album, Where Lovers Mourn, in 2003, Draconian have continuously demonstrated their unmatched ability to craft otherworldly doom melodies and searing heavy instrumentation, complemented by lyrics that read like poetry. Their art cuts deep, compelling listeners to confront their inner demons, wander through the darkest shadows, and even embrace emotional numbness, only to emerge with a sense of inner peace. This album confronts listeners with life’s hardest questions, exploring feelings of alienation and the search for direction in unfamiliar territory.
In Somnolent Ruin will be available in the following formats:
2 CD 36-page Earbook incl. In Somnolent Ruin & Bonus CD with 2 Tracks only available with this format (exclusively available via Napalm Records Mailorder)
2 LP Gatefold Picture Vinyl incl 24 pages 12″’ booklet (exclusively available via NapalmRecords Europe Mailorder)
2 LP Gatefold Splattered Black Smoke/White Orange Black Vinyl incl 24 pages 12″ booklet (exclusively available via Napalm Records Mailorder)
2 LP Gatefold Gold Vinyl incl lyric sheet (exclusively available via Napalm Records Mailorder)
2-LP Gatefold Black Vinyl incl lyric sheet
1 CD Digipak
Digital Album
Six years have passed since the band released its predecessor, Under a Godless Veil, Draconian‘s most successful record to date. Much has changed since then, yet everything feels familiar: After introducing new guitarist Niklas Nord (Myteri, DeathTrap, The Random Victims) in spring 2022, the band announced the return of vocalist Lisa Johansson, who now once again shares vocal duties with Anders Jacobsson, promising even more enigmatic music to come.
Johansson had been the band’s vocalist for their first five records before leaving Draconian in 2011 for personal reasons. In Somnolent Ruin marks her official comeback, following several live performances at festivals over the past years. The band’s renewed lineup is rounded out by DanielJohansson (Antikult, ex-Wormwood), who joined Draconian as a full member in 2025 following Jerry Torstennson’s departure. Prior to that, Johansson had served as the band’s session drummer since 2019. It’s the first album on which longtime member Daniel Arvidsson can be heard on bass, to which he switched from guitar in 2022.
In Somnolent Ruin’s journey begins with “I Welcome Thy Arrow,” which captivates from the very first seconds through haunting melodies and a vocal interplay that embodies fragility and strength alike. Tracks such as “The Monochrome Blade” and “The Face of God” introduce increased tempo and eruptive vocal dynamics. “Anima” features Swedish artist Daniel Änghede, adding layers of emotional depth and confronting listeners with their darker impulses, capturing the sense of being lost and questioning one’s place in the world. “Asteria Beneath the Tranquil Sea” serves as a transitional interlude between “I Gave You Wings” and “Cold Heavens”, the latter exploring the delicate balance between life and death and not finding relief in any of both, while delivering the album’s most intense vocal performance. “Misanthrope River” opens with an extended instrumental passage and narration by Simon Bibby, slowing the tempo but by no means reducing the emotional weight, reflecting life’s daily struggles and obstacles. The closing track, “Lethe,” references the river of forgetfulness in Greek mythology. Those who drank from it would lose all memory. “Oh, shooting star… Drown in me! Drink. Forget. Repeat,” mourns Jacobsson through devilish growls. And yet, In Somnolent Ruin remains a work of art one wishes not to forget — not a single blink of an eye.
German heavy metal veterans Mob Rules have announced Stories From The Verdant Vale, set for release on August 21 via Roar– A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. To mark the announcement, the band unveil the first single, “Master of The Black Crow”, a high-energy track that pulls no punches.
Driven by a striking, Celtic-inspired guitar hook, the song stands out for its uncompromising compactness. In its direct approach and razor-sharp structure, the track recalls the raw energy of Black Sabbath’s classic Paranoid: not a single ounce of excess, no detours: the song gets straight to the point and unleashes its full impact in the shortest possible time.
With Stories From The Verdant Vale, Mob Rules return to the narrative world introduced with their latest album Rise Of The Ruler (2025), which was widely praised and marked a major milestone in the band’s career. The material originates from songs written during the final stages of those sessions, now presented as a special standalone release.
As vocalist Klaus Dirks explains: “During the final stages of completing the album, we discussed possible bonus material for the earbook edition with the label. We were reluctant to use demo versions or similar material. This motivated us to write a few new songs. We were well aware of what we were getting ourselves into, but we also wanted to challenge ourselves a little.”
The songs reveal a slightly more direct and compact approach compared to Rise Of The Ruler while staying true to the band’s signature blend of melodic power metal, atmosphere and storytelling. Expanding the original concept from a different perspective, the material forms a natural extension of Rise Of The Ruler, while each track also stands strong on its own.
Originally conceived in part as exclusive material, Stories From The Verdant Vale now receives a proper release on vinyl and digital platforms. The record was mixed by Markus Teske, with artwork created by Stan W. Decker.
Formed in Northern Germany in the early 1990s, Mob Rules have established themselves as a constant force in melodic power metal. Known for their concept-driven albums, strong melodies and atmospheric depth, the band has built a loyal international following over the decades.
With ten studio albums to date, including the critically acclaimed Rise Of The Ruler, Mob Rules have continuously refined their sound while staying true to their roots. Their blend of classic heavy metal influences and modern production has secured them a lasting place within the genre.
Mob Rules is:
Klaus Dirks: Vocals Sven Lüdke: Guitar Florian Dyszbalis: Guitar Markus Brinkmann: Bass Jan Christian Halfbrodt: Keys Sebastian Schmidt: Drums
On June 26, 2026, a long-lost chapter of Savatage history finally comes to light. earMUSIC is delighted to announce the release of Madness Reigns From The Gutter (1990), a previously unreleased official live recording capturing the band at the height of their legendary Rulin’ Gutter tour.
In 1990, Savatage stood at a turning point. Following the release of Gutter Ballet, the band embarked on a tour that would become one of the most explosive and defining runs of their career. Night after night, audiences were drawn into a powerful blend of crushing riffs, theatrical ambition, and emotional intensity. It was a band in transformation: heavier, broader, and more dramatic than ever before.
Now, more than three decades later, Madness Reigns From The Gutter (1990) documents that pivotal era in full force. Carefully restored from the original master tapes and newly mixed and mastered, the 19-track album presents Savatage at peak voltage: ferocious yet refined, balancing power metal muscle with the sweeping grandeur that would soon shape their next chapter.
Many fans consider the 1990 line-up to be “peak Savatage“, and listening to this performance, it’s hard to disagree. On stage, five distinct personalities ignited the night: the youthful and electrifying Chris Caffery; bassist Johnny Lee Middleton, matching Caffery‘s fire note for note; the hard-hitting and wildly animated Steve “Doc” Wacholz behind his gargantuan triple-bass kit; the virtuosic Criss Oliva, channelling precision and passion in equal measure; and at the center of it all, the charismatic ringmaster Jon Oliva in absolute prime form.
Reflecting on that era, Jon Oliva recalls: “The ‘Gutter‘ tour was Savatage at its live show peak. It was six months where madness definitely reigned in the gutter. Enjoy it, friends!”
At a time when Florida’s metal scene was pushing toward ever greater extremity, Savatage chose evolution over imitation. With Gutter Ballet, they fused melody and menace, piano and power, vulnerability and velocity. On stage in 1990, those contrasts became combustible.
Madness Reigns From The Gutter (1990) will be released in Europe on June 26 as a CD digipak and heavyweight black 3LP gatefold edition. The digital release will be available worldwide on the same day, with the U.S. physical release following on September 18.
The release, which celebrates one of the band’s most defining eras, coincides with Savatage‘s highly anticipated 2026 Prelude To Madness tour, where SAVA-heads across Europe will once again reunite with the band to celebrate the unwavering passion of this extraordinary community together. All dates and further information can be found at this location.
Madness Reigns From The Gutter (1990) track listing:
City Beneath The Surface
White Witch
Of Rage And War
She’s In Love
Mentally Yours
24 Hrs. Ago
Legions
Strange Wings
Hounds
Temptation Revelation
When The Crowds Are Gone
The Dungeons Are Calling
Holocaust
Sirens
Power Of The Night
Hall Of The Mountain King
Gutter Ballet
Thorazine Shuffle
Devastation
Lineup: Jon Oliva (vocals, keyboards), Criss Oliva (guitar, vocals), Chris Caffery (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Johnny Lee Middleton (bass, vocals), Steve “Doc” Wacholz (drums).
“Mutilated Corpse In The Woods” is the newest single from American death metal legends Six Feet Under. The track appears on their forthcoming new full-length, Next To Die, set for release on April 24th via Metal Blade Records.
Comments guitarist Jack Owen, “This song started when my wife and I were in an antique store, and she found an amber quartz pendant that had lines through the whole thing. I asked her what it was, and she said it’s a Rutilated Quartz. Well, that’s all I needed for a title and some lyrical ideas. The chorus came easy. The verses were from a true crime show where a woman described being attacked by an assailant who tied her to a tree and slit her throat. She couldn’t speak or scream. In real life, she survived the attack, telling her story with a giant scar across her throat. In this song, unfortunately, she did not survive… My killer buried her where she will never be found. I wrote the music from scratch around the lyrical ideas.”
Next To Die marks a new creative high for Six Feet Under, its dozen songs marking the band’s fifteenth album since 1995’s Haunted. The record is essentially broken down into two different sides – Death and Groove – resulting in an aural masterwork that satisfies Six Feet Under as artists, while also offering something for every fan. To bring the songs to brutal life, vocalist Chris Barnes recorded his vocals at the legendary Criteria Recording Studios in Miami.
“I’ve recorded 90% of my vocals for Six Feet Under there with my longtime friend and engineer Chris Carroll,” says Barnes. “Criteria has a long and rich history of recording some of the most famous and important albums in the history of music. I feel very comfortable working there.”
Produced by Owen and Barnes and mixed and mastered by Mark Lewis of MRL Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, Next To Die follows 2024’s Killing For Revenge and is the third record that Barnes and Owens have created together since reuniting in 2017.
Barnes titled the record after the song “Next to Die,” as it “best represents what is contained within the ideas/storylines of the lyrics of each song. We don’t discuss lyrical themes, we each write what we’re feeling and find interesting.” The frontman urges close listening, saying, “that’s the great thing about music and art and reading. It takes you on an exploration into your own imagination, and that personal experience lets you discover what you think the meaning is. Having someone tell you what it means takes away that magic.”
Six Feet Under was initially formed as a side project for Barnes during his final years with the band that he co-founded, Cannibal Corpse. It became the frontman’s sole focus in 1995, coinciding with the release of their debut, Haunted. The current lineup of Barnes, Owen, lead guitarist Ray Suhy, bassist Jeff Hughell, and drummer Marco Pitruzzella makes for a devastating unit.
