Author: Editorial Team

The Pretty Reckless have released the official music video for “Dear God”, directed by George Gallardo Kattah. The track serves as the title song from the band’s fifth studio album, Dear God, which arrived on June 26 through Fearless Records.

Musically, “Dear God” showcases a darker and emotionally charged side of the band. Driven by Taylor Momsen‘s vocal performance, the song centers on a desperate plea, with the chorus repeating, “Dear God, can you lift me up, can you take me higher / Dear God, can you lift me up, keep me from a fire.” As the track progresses, it builds toward an extended guitar solo that reinforces the album’s recurring themes of searching for something beyond pain and escape from “hell.”

Speaking about the song, Momsen said: “‘Dear God’ is desperation set to music. When life gets that physical, that brutal, you leave your body and start begging something bigger than yourself to pull you out. That space between heaven and hell isn’t a metaphor. It’s somewhere you actually live.”

The release comes as The Pretty Reckless prepares to launch its “Dear God” headlining tour. The run follows two years on the road supporting AC/DC during the “Power Up” tour, bringing the band back in front of audiences with a full headline production.

The group has also stayed busy over the past year. In 2026, Taylor Momsen performed at the MusiCares Person Of The Year Gala, paying tribute to Mariah Carey alongside Foo Fighters. Before that, she joined Soundgarden during the band’s induction performance at the 2025 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony.

The band also released the holiday EP Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas in 2025. The record featured a new version of “Where Are You Christmas?”, which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs chart.

Fronted by Taylor Momsen, The Pretty Reckless has established itself as one of modern hard rock’s most successful acts. Over the years, the band has toured with artists including AC/DC, The Rolling Stones and Soundgarden, while building a string of successful releases beginning with Light Me Up. Songs such as “Heaven Knows” helped cement their reputation, and the group became the first female-fronted band to earn eight No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart.

Their previous studio effort, Death By Rock And Roll, explored themes of loss, perseverance and rock ‘n’ roll, while Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas revisited one of Momsen’s best-known songs with a fresh take on “Where Are You Christmas?”.

The post THE PRETTY RECKLESS Premiere Video For “Dear God” Title Track appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

KK’s Priest — the outfit featuring former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing and ex-Priest vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens — has teased the live debut of at least two Judas Priest classics for its upcoming North American tour with W.A.S.P.

On June 28, the band’s social media shared a short video of Downing and guitarist A.J. Mills playing the main riffs of “Heading Out to the Highway” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” — neither of which has previously been performed by KK’s Priest — accompanied by the message: “Over 40 shows featuring some Judas Priest classics we’ve never played live before, and of course KK’s Priest cuts! So stand by for what will be a night of EPIC METAL.”

KK’s Priest will serve as the “very special guest” on W.A.S.P.’s “1984 to Headless” 2026 U.S. and Canada tour, which is scheduled to kick off Sept. 10 in California and run through October 31.

Owens shed light on KK’s Priest’s approach to deep-catalog Judas Priest material in a December 2024 interview with Australia’s Metal Mal. Asked whether the band performs Priest songs that Judas Priest itself has never played live, Owens said: “Oh, we did do, yeah. We did ‘Before the Dawn’. And Priest never played that, ever. Ken said he’s 100 percent [sure] they never played it live ever.” Owens also noted that earlier in the year the band had played “Beyond Realm of Death” and “Victim of Changes,” then later performed “Diamonds and Rust,” “Before the Dawn” and “Sinner.”

Owens acknowledged fan demand for more material from the albums he recorded with Judas Priest himself: “The biggest complaint we actually get is that we don’t do more of my era [of Priest]. We do one song, ‘Burn in Hell.’ So that’s actually what we get the most — how come we’re not doing more of the material I recorded with Priest?” He explained the logistical challenge: “We get together and we learn these songs. We have the screens that go to it in the background. You just can’t change your setlist and learn new songs while you’re on the road. Other bands can… But it’s a good setlist we have.” Owens joined Judas Priest in 1996 and recorded two studio albums with the band — Jugulator (1997) and Demolition (2001) — before the band reunited with Rob Halford in 2003.

KK’s Priest is rounded out by guitarist A.J. Mills (Hostile), bassist Tony Newton (Voodoo Six) and drummer Sean Elg (Deathriders, Cage). The band made its live debut on July 6, 2023 at Downing’s KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Its debut album, Sermons of the Sinner, was released in October 2021 via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records; the sophomore follow-up, The Sinner Rides Again, arrived in September 2023 via Napalm Records.

Downing formed KK’s Priest after Judas Priest declined his request to rejoin the band for their 50th-anniversary tour. He left Priest in 2011 amid reported band conflict and management issues and was replaced by Richie Faulkner. Downing was briefly reunited with his former bandmates at Judas Priest’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in November 2022 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. He later said that an angry second resignation letter he had sent upon departing in 2011 was likely “a key reason” he was not invited back when founding guitarist Glenn Tipton stepped back from touring due to Parkinson’s disease.

The post K.K. DOWNING on KK’S PRIEST’s Upcoming W.A.S.P. Tour: “Over 40 Shows Featuring Some JUDAS PRIEST Classics We’ve Never Played Live Before” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Bad Wolves have announced Sara “Killboy” Skinner as their new vocalist and released her debut single with the band, “Paint It Red,” out now via Better Noise Music. It is the Nashville-based band’s first release of 2026 and marks the opening of a new chapter following a period of transition.

Founder, drummer and songwriter John Boecklin said of the search that led to Skinner: “When we started looking for the next voice of Bad Wolves, we weren’t looking for someone to fill a spot; we were looking for someone who could help push this band into its next chapter. The first time I heard Sara sing, I knew she was different. She has an incredible voice, undeniable presence, and the kind of versatility that allows us to take our songwriting to places we’ve never gone before. Beyond the talent, she’s brought a renewed energy and excitement into this band. Sara isn’t here to recreate the past; she’s here to help us build the future.”

Skinner described the song’s themes: “‘Paint It Red’ is about being unafraid to tear everything down and start over — again and again if that’s what it takes. To live authentically and follow your heart, you have to be willing to rebuild when something no longer serves who you are. Sometimes growth means letting go of what you’ve built so you can create something even better. ‘Paint It Red’ is about having the courage to burn away what’s holding you back and the strength to begin again.” Boecklin added that the track is a metaphor for moments when diplomacy no longer serves: “There comes a point when it’s time to stop asking for permission and start making decisions for yourself. Burn it down. Tear it apart. There’s something freeing about reaching that point. ‘Paint It Red’ is about taking control, owning your choices, and refusing to let anyone else dictate your path.”

Propelled by pummeling drums and a polyrhythmic riff, the track pairs Skinner’s dynamic vocal range with the crushing sonic architecture Bad Wolves have built their reputation on, culminating in a chorus that chants: “And watch the blood flow down like a river from my mouth… ‘Cause they won’t miss you when you’re dead, so paint it red.”

Bad Wolves was founded by Boecklin in 2018 and has since accumulated a three-times-platinum single, two gold singles, six No. 1 entries at radio and billions of streams. The band has toured alongside Papa Roach, Volbeat and Hollywood Undead, and has collaborated with both Daughtry and Ice Nine Kills. The current lineup consists of Boecklin (drums), Sara “Killboy” Skinner (vocals), AJ Rebollo (guitar) and Derek Bolman (bass).

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All Within My Hands (AWMH), the charitable foundation established by the members and management of Metallica, has announced the eighth year of its Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI), committing its biggest investment so far with more than $3.3 million in funding.

This year’s expansion brings 18 additional schools in the United States into the program. Fifteen institutions will each receive $75,000 to strengthen their career and technical education programs, while three schools will receive $50,000 grants for new equipment. Beyond the U.S., AWMH is also taking the initiative overseas for the first time, awarding $250,000 (£186,000) to launch the Metallica Scholars Initiative in the United Kingdom through a partnership with Capital City College Group.

Metallica frontman James Hetfield reflected on how far the program has come: “This thing started as a dream. Now our program is changing lives. To expand our impact on a global scale and support even more students is so rewarding. We’re so proud of all the Metallica Scholars who have come through it and all the ones who will participate in it. It’s humbling to know we’ve been part of the journey of thousands of trade professionals doing good, hard work in the world.”

Since launching in 2019, the Metallica Scholars Initiative has partnered with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) to help students enter skilled trades. While the program initially focused on careers such as welding, plumbing, and electrical work, it has steadily broadened its reach to include industries facing growing workforce demand.

The eighth year of the initiative supports students training in nursing and healthcare, optical systems technology, automotive repair, maritime manufacturing, firefighting and EMT programs, pipefitting and agricultural careers, among other vocational fields.

Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard, president and CEO of AACC, highlighted the program’s continued growth: “The continued growth of the Metallica Scholars Initiative is a powerful testament to what’s possible when visionary philanthropy and community colleges come together around a shared mission. Through this partnership, 13,000 community college students have already been supported across the country, earning the skills needed for in-demand careers with family-sustaining wages. This latest, generous investment by Metallica‘s foundation will reach more learners while strengthening the workforce pipelines that power local economies. We are proud to partner with All Within My Hands to scale this impact, ensuring even more students have access to life-changing opportunities in the skilled trades and beyond.”

With demand for skilled trades extending well beyond the United States and Metallica‘s worldwide audience, the foundation has worked toward bringing the initiative to other countries. The first international program will launch this fall in partnership with Capital City College Group, a London-based institution with roots dating back to 1828 and more than 30,000 students across 12 campuses. The program will support students preparing for careers through vocational education.

Peter Delgrosso, executive director of AWMH, said the expansion marks a major step forward: “Metallica Scholars Year 8 will see our largest-scale growth yet, as we anticipate supporting close to 4,000 new students in the United States and more than 1,000 learners in the U.K. for a total of 5,000 across the program! This represents an approximate 40% increase in our student body, something we are incredibly excited about. Supporting people of all ages entering and ascending through trades is the right thing to do, not just domestically, but also abroad. Our Metallica Scholars have demonstrated resilience and a strong determination to succeed, which in turn motivates us to match their ambition.”

Year eight also renews partnerships with Carhartt, Wolverine, CNH Construction and Upstaging, Inc., while welcoming ServiceTitan as a new corporate partner. Together with AWMH’s leadership and the extended Metallica family, these organizations continue to support the foundation’s workforce education efforts.

Founded in 2017, All Within My Hands focuses on workforce education, hunger relief and community support. Because Metallica covers all of the foundation’s operating expenses, every donation goes directly toward supported programs. To date, AWMH has distributed $19 million through the Metallica Scholars Initiative, $8.8 million to fight food insecurity, and $6.2 million for disaster relief and other community services around the world.

The American Association of Community Colleges, based in Washington, D.C., represents community colleges serving more than 10 million students. The organization works to expand educational opportunities, strengthen career pathways and advocate for the resources needed to help students build long-term careers.

Newly added Metallica Scholar colleges:

Barton Community College – Great Bend, KS
Berkshire Community College – Pittsfield, MA
Central Maine Community College – Auburn, ME
Delaware County Community College – Media, PA
Dutchess Community College – Poughkeepsie, NY
Fletcher Technical Community College – Schriever, LA
Lake Region State College – Devils Lake, ND
Metropolitan Community College – Kansas City, MO
Monroe Community College – Rochester, NY
Moraine Valley Community College – Palos Hills, IL
North Central State College – Mansfield, OH
Northeast State Community College – Blountville, TN
Northwest Mississippi Community College – Senatobia, MS
Raritan Valley Community College – Branchburg, NJ
Riverside City College – Riverside, CA
South Texas College – McAllen, TX
Trident Technical College – North Charleston, SC
William Rainey Harper College – Palatine, IL

For a complete list of all 93 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit here.

The post METALLICA’s “All Within My Hands” Expands “Metallica Scholars Initiative” With $3.3 Million Investment appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Chuck Varga, one of the founding members of Gwar and the performer behind The Sexecutioner from 1985 through 2022, is fighting cancer. As he undergoes treatment, Chuck and his wife, Bambi, are dealing with significant medical expenses along with the personal and financial strain that comes with his illness.

To help ease that burden, Gwar has launched a fundraising campaign to assist with the growing costs of Chuck’s care. Donations will go toward cancer treatments, hospice care, specialized medical equipment, and additional nursing support. The fundraiser will also help cover the expenses of keeping the couple’s Brooklyn apartment while Bambi remains away from work to care for Chuck full-time.

According to the band, the campaign is intended to help Chuck receive the care and comfort he needs while also providing financial relief for Bambi as she continues to support him through the challenges ahead.

Supporters can also purchase exclusive Chuck Varga merchandise produced specifically for the fundraiser. Among the items available is a new T-shirt featuring artwork created by Chuck himself, giving fans a chance to own a unique piece connected to his legacy with Gwar while contributing to the campaign.

The fundraiser also includes an auction for The Sexecutioner’s Axe, the signature weapon carried by Chuck’s iconic stage character for nearly 40 years. The one-of-a-kind prop will go to the highest bidder, with all proceeds benefiting Chuck and Bambi.

For more than four decades, Chuck Varga played a major role in shaping Gwar. As a performer, artist, creator and founding member, he helped build the band’s distinctive identity and contributed to its lasting place in heavy music. His artwork, imagination and commitment have influenced generations of fans and artists.

Gwar member Bob Gorman, better known as Bonesnapper, reflected on Chuck’s impact: “Chuck Varga‘s contributions to the Gwar and Slave Pit collective are enormous. The influence of his illustrations, character designs, performances, and artistic vision can still be felt throughout Gwar today. Chuck‘s over-the-top underground art aesthetic helped define an entire universe and inspired generations of artists and fans around the world. His legacy will remain with us forever, and we hope this fundraiser not only helps support Chuck and Bambi during this difficult time but also serves as a celebration of everything Chuck has given to Gwar and its community.”

The news comes more than a decade after Dave Brockie, who fronted Gwar as Oderus Urungus, died at his home in Richmond, Virginia, in March 2014. The Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the cause of death was acute heroin toxicity and ruled it accidental.

At the time of his passing, Brockie was the last remaining original member of Gwar. He was 50 years old.

Since forming more than four decades ago, Gwar has built a reputation through its outrageous stage productions, grotesque costumes, graphic live performances and satirical approach to heavy metal, performing as alien warriors bent on conquering and destroying humanity.

The post Founding GWAR Member CHUCK VARGA Battling Cancer As Band Launches Fundraiser appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

The L.I.F.E. Project, featuring Josh Rand (Stone Sour) and Casandra Carson (Paralandra, Casandra’s Crossing), has released its latest single, “You Can’t Bring Me Down”, through Frontiers Music Srl. The track is a new interpretation of the Suicidal Tendencies classic that first appeared on the band’s 1990 album Lights…Camera…Revolution!. An official visualizer has also been released alongside the single.

For Rand, choosing the song was an easy decision: “I can’t think of a better way to kick things back off after some downtime than with this track. Suicidal Tendencies‘ Lights…Camera…Revolution! is one of my top five all-time favorite records. The lyrics to this track are just as relevant today as they were the day it was released, making it timeless. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did recording it. Turn it up!!”

Carson also explained why the song stood out as the right choice for the duo: “This felt like the perfect song for Josh and me to cover for a lot of reasons. First off, it’s an absolute headbanger, and that’s reason enough, but beyond that, I resonate deeply with the lyrics and the message. It’s all about refusing to conform or compromise your beliefs and standards just to fit in with the crowd, and songs like that have always lit a fire in me.

“I’ve been in the music industry for over a decade now, and I’ve been criticized, doubted, and told ‘no’ more times than I can count, but I’ve never let that stop me from doing what I love or doing it my way, ‘regardless what the cost might be’,” she added. “That mindset is exactly why this song still resonates so strongly today, and why it felt like the right one for us to put our own spin on.”

The partnership behind The L.I.F.E. Project grew from a shared musical outlook and strong creative chemistry. Rand had wanted to build a female-fronted band for years, and the opportunity finally came together in 2020 after he was introduced to Carson through a mutual contact. What began as an experiment quickly developed into a full creative collaboration.

The project’s sound combines Rand’s heavy guitar work and melodic approach with Carson’s powerful vocal range. Pulling influences from classic metal, thrash, and progressive music, the duo blends aggressive riffs with memorable hooks while giving Carson room to expand into different vocal and musical territory.

That collaboration has gradually shaped a style that balances heaviness with accessibility. Rather than forcing ideas into a formula, the songwriting has developed naturally, allowing the material to evolve into its own identity.

Lyrically, The L.I.F.E. Project reaches beyond familiar hard rock themes. The songs draw inspiration from history, social issues and real-world conflicts, exploring subjects such as empowerment, resistance and broader societal struggles while matching that lyrical focus with a powerful musical foundation.

The post THE L.I.F.E. PROJECT Returns With Heavy Take On Suicidal Tendencies Classic “You Can’t Bring Me Down” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

True to their name, Temic are a dream come true for prog fans. The supergroup features current and former members of Devin Townsend, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress, Neal Morse Band, Haken, Shining and Maraton. In 2023, they quickly lived up to their billing when their debut album Terror Management Theory reached #15 on the iTunes Worldwide Metal chart.

Now, as they come closer to announcing their second album, a thunderous ode to grief and loss, ahead of a fall European tour with very special guest and Season of Mist labelmates Kingcrow, today, Temic are releasing a new single. Recorded live at Poppodium Boerderij in Zoetermeer, Netherlands, during their 2025 European co-headline tour, fan-favorite “Skeletons” gets the crowd’s blood pumping by putting the band’s extraordinary chemistry on full display.

“We love playing live. For us, each show is a real occasion where the music truly comes alive and the connection between the band and audience becomes something special”, Temic says. “This live performance of “Skeletons” is a snapshot of that moment. We can’t wait to get back on stage and share more nights like this with our audience. We’ll even have new music to share”.

Temic Autumnal Offerings 2026 European Tour with very special guests Kingcrow:

October 17 – Toulouse, FR @ Ready For Prog Festival
October 18 – Pratteln, CH @ Z7
October 19 – Munich, DE @ Backstage
October 20 – Maastricht, NL @ Muziekgieterij
October 21 – Paris, FR @ Backstage By The Mill
October 22 – Rüsselsheim, DE @ Das Rind
October 24 – Toruń, PL @ Art Rock Festival

More dates to be announced soon.

With its 7-minute runtime, “Skeletons” gives Temic the opportunity to stretch out and flex their well-trained muscles. Right from the jump, the band’s individual talents complement each other with impressive ease. Keyboardist Diego Tejeida and guitarist Eric Gillette exchange haunting melodies and heavy riffs. After crushing through the first chorus, drummer Simen Sandnes and bassist Miguel Pereira lock into an unexpectedly funky groove.

“We could have had it all”, vocalist Fredrik Bergersen Klemp belts in harmony with Gillette. As the stakes rise during the song’s fiery finale, it’s clear to the Boerderij’s packed crowd that Temic have everything a prog fan could want.

Terror Management Theory is out now on Season of Mist

The post TEMIC Releases Live Version of Fan Favorite Single “Skeletons” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Savatage are opening the vault to revisit one of the strongest periods of their career with the release of Madness Reigns From The Gutter (1990), an official live recording captured during the band’s celebrated Rulin’ Gutter tour. The previously unreleased performance arrives through earMUSIC on June 26, 2026.

To preview the release, Savatage have shared the official video for “Gutter Ballet (Live 1990).” Rather than presenting a straightforward concert clip, the video combines archival footage from the band’s 1990 performances, rare memorabilia and scenes from the original “Gutter Ballet” music video, creating a look back at one of the group’s defining eras.

Originally touring behind Gutter Ballet in 1990, Savatage were expanding their sound while building a reputation for intense live performances. The upcoming live release captures that period through 19 tracks restored from the original master tapes before being newly mixed and mastered.

Many longtime fans regard the 1990 lineup as one of the band’s strongest, featuring guitarist Chris Caffery, bassist Johnny Lee Middleton, drummer Steve “Doc” Wacholz, guitarist Criss Oliva, and vocalist and keyboardist Jon Oliva.

Looking back on those shows, Jon Oliva said: “The ‘Gutter’ tour was Savatage at its live show peak. It was six months where madness definitely reigned in the gutter. Enjoy it friends!”

While much of Florida’s metal scene was becoming increasingly extreme at the time, Savatage carved out its own path with Gutter Ballet, combining heavy riffs, melodic songwriting and piano-driven arrangements. Those elements became even more powerful on stage during the 1990 tour, and Madness Reigns From The Gutter (1990) captures that chemistry.

The album will be available in Europe on June 26 as a CD digipak and heavyweight black triple-LP gatefold edition, while digital formats will launch worldwide the same day. Fans in the United States can pick up physical copies beginning September 18.

The live release also arrives alongside Savatage‘s 2026 Prelude To Madness European tour, giving fans another chance to celebrate one of the most influential bands in American heavy metal while revisiting a landmark chapter in its history.

Madness Reigns From The Gutter (1990) is available here.

The post SAVATAGE Shares “Gutter Ballet (Live 1990)” Music Video From “Madness Reigns From The Gutter (1990)” Live Album appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

The Hu are preparing to release their third full-length album, Hun, on July 24 through Better Noise Music. Alongside the announcement, the Mongolian folk metal group has premiered the official video for the new single “Grey Hun,” offering another preview of the record’s blend of traditional instrumentation and heavy rock.

The band’s current lineup features Galaa (morin khuur, throat singing), Jaya (tumur khuur, tsuur, throat singing), Enkush (morin khuur, throat singing), and Temka (tovshuur, throat singing). On Hun, The Hu continue developing their signature hunnu rock sound across 11 tracks inspired by Mongolian history and culture while maintaining a broad musical appeal.

Speaking about “Grey Hun,” Enkush explained the song’s origins and message: “”Grey Hun” is a song that encourages everyone to be comfortable with just being themselves. It started with composing the riff as I imagined a man riding his horse through a vast landscape,” states Enkush. “From there, it took a while for us to finish the song because we wanted to make sure to clearly communicate the positive message of the song”.

The new track follows “Lost Soul,” which features Nothing More vocalist Jonny Hawkins. The collaboration marked the first time the two bands worked together, and the single has continued gaining traction on active rock radio.

The band says the upcoming album has been years in the making, and they are already preparing for the next phase.

“We took our time to do this right, and we’re so glad that we’re almost ready to release what we have worked on these past few years,” the band says. “Now, we are also focusing on the performances and working out a brand-new setlist. We want to play bigger venues so we can do extensive production, and bring in some amazing elements of our culture, and play these ideas to our fans. And, as well as our third album, we have some amazing ideas for another album already!”

Following a recent North American headline tour, The Hu will return to the United States in August to support Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson before heading to Europe in September.

The band also recently appeared on “Pray To The Sun,” featuring Declan De Barra, from the Netflix Japanese manga series One Piece. Their music has previously reached gaming audiences through “Sugaan Essena,” which appeared in the video game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

The Hu continue to expand their international profile while introducing Mongolian music to a wider rock and metal audience. In November 2022, they became the first rock and metal band to receive UNESCO’s Artist For Peace designation during a ceremony in Paris presented by UNESCO director-general Audrey Azoulay. Combined with sold-out headline tours, collaborations with major rock artists and music featured in high-profile video games, the band has established itself as one of the most distinctive acts in modern heavy music.

The post THE HU Shares Music Video For Latest Single “Grey Hun” From Upcoming Album “Hun” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Voivod will head to Europe this summer with a different voice at the microphone after frontman Denis “Snake” Bélanger stepped away from the run to deal with a family matter. Filling in for him will be former Voivod vocalist and bassist Eric Forrest, who fronted the band during the mid-to-late ’90s and now leads E-Force.

The band shared the news through social media, confirming that the upcoming European dates will move forward with Forrest on vocals.

“Eric Forrest (aka E-Force) to the rescue as Denis Bélanger (aka Snake) needs to attend to a family matter this summer.

“E-Force from 1994 to 2000 was the lead singer and bass player for the formidable power trio years of Voivod. Upon return from a successful UK/Ireland tour with festivals in Iceland, Netherlands and Spain, Snake received news that weighed heavily on him and needed to make a very tough decision.

“The band unanimously agreed that family matters most and were set to cancel the upcoming run of summer European shows from July 10 to August 16, when Snake suggested perhaps the band could carry on if E-Force was available and interested. After all, Eric is part of the Voivod family and is actively performing, but dealing with his own health issues. Once reached, Eric was beyond flattered, and said he’d be able to clear his schedule and his health was in check.

“A set list has been worked out. Rocky, Chewy, and Away look forward to performing with E-Force and will be thinking of Snake. The show will go on and the Cosmic Voivod Multiverse keeps expanding.

“We are Connected!”

Forrest also shared his thoughts on returning to the band for the tour: “Greetings to all! I am honored and blessed to be asked to fill in for Snake this summer, to keep the Voivod fans, band, legacy in motion!! I’m very thrilled to be part of this tour. I never ever imagined this, but I’m happy and motivated to step in and take care of business…Can’t wait to see you all! Merci, santé!”

Forrest served as Voivod‘s singer and bassist between 1994 and 2000, appearing during one of the band’s heavier and more aggressive eras. While he continues to deal with his own health concerns, he has confirmed he is fit to perform and was able to adjust his schedule for the European dates.

Rather than canceling the run, Voivod decided to keep the tour on track with Forrest handling vocal duties while Snake focuses on his family. The remaining members—Rocky, Chewy, and Away—will continue the shows alongside their former bandmate until Snake is ready to return.

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