Author: Editorial Team

Legendary hard rock vocalist Graham Bonnet has shared new behind-the-scenes photos from a recent video shoot tied to a major upcoming collaboration. The singer, known for his work with Rainbow, Alcatrazz, and M.S.G., is preparing to release a duet with Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson.

The track, titled “The Fifth Force Of Nature,” will appear on the next studio album from Graham Bonnet Band, and Bonnet took to social media to describe the experience of filming the video.

“Hey all! Graham here! I just had a fantastic weekend that I’m still buzzing about. The band and I had the unique pleasure and privilege to shoot a video for the song ‘The Fifth Force Of Nature’ that Bruce Dickinson and I duetted on for the impending Graham Bonnet Band 4th studio album. It was a terrific experience from start to finish.

“Bruce is the consummate professional and has great intuition and skill as an actor. Director Leo Liberti was incredible and captured the essence of all of us.”

Bonnet also highlighted the musicians involved in the recording and the upcoming release, giving fans a clear look at the lineup behind the new material.

“The band line-up for the song/album consists of me, Graham Bonnet (of course), my partner in crime, bass player, executive producer of the album and band manager, Beth-Ami Heavenstone, guitar player, co-writer of this track and musical producer, Conrado Pesinato, incredible keyboard player Alessandro Bertoni and drummer extraordinaire Shane Gaalaas.”

He closed his message with thanks to everyone involved in making the shoot happen. “The band and I want to say a heart felt thank you to each and every one of the crew and cast for making this day something we will remember forever. We also want to extend a special thank you to Serafino, Mario and everyone at our record label, Frontier’s Music Srl for standing behind us for all these years.”

The news comes as Graham Bonnet Band continues building momentum. The group released a new live album, Lost In Hollywood Again, in December 2025 through Frontiers Music Srl. The performance was recorded on August 29, 2024, at the iconic Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles.

With a new studio album on the way and a high-profile duet featuring Bruce Dickinson, fans of classic metal and hard rock have plenty to watch for in the months ahead.

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Heavy metal veterans Manowar have issued a message of support following news that their founding guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman has been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Earlier this week, the band addressed the situation publicly through social media, sharing their reaction to the diagnosis: “We heard the terrible news about Ross’s diagnosis of ALS. We are deeply saddened and are sending him and his family lots of strength during this difficult time.”

The statement came after Friedman’s publicist confirmed that the 72-year-old musician received the diagnosis after dealing with symptoms over the course of several months. Beyond his legacy with Manowar, Friedman is also known as a founding member of New York punk-metal pioneers The Dictators.

Friedman spoke openly about the emotional weight of the situation in his own words: “It’s difficult to know what lies ahead, and it crushes me not to be able to play guitar. But the outpouring of love has been so, so strong.”

He followed with another message of gratitude to those supporting him: “I’m absolutely blown away by the love and support from family, friends and fans. I love you all.”

According to the official press release, Friedman first noticed weakness in both his hands and legs. Doctors initially believed the issue was tied to a series of “very minor strokes,” but efforts such as dietary adjustments, exercise, and physical therapy “did nothing to slow the progression or increase his strength.” Additional medical testing eventually confirmed ALS.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, it leads to muscle weakness, paralysis, and the loss of voluntary muscle control. At present, the condition has no cure.

Friedman’s place in metal history is firmly set. During his time with Manowar, he recorded six albums and helped shape the band’s early identity before leaving after Kings Of Metal in 1988. His playing remains a key part of the group’s foundation, especially across landmark records like Battle Hymns, Into Glory Ride, and Hail To England.

As support continues to come in from across the metal community, fans and fellow musicians are standing behind one of the genre’s most influential early guitar voices.

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Polish extreme metal giants Behemoth have addressed the sudden cancellation of their planned concerts in Turkey, pointing to outside pressure and government intervention as the reason the dates were pulled.

The band was scheduled to perform in Istanbul and Ankara, but local authorities made the final call to shut the events down. In a statement to fans, Behemoth made it clear they pushed hard to keep the shows alive: “To our fans in Istanbul and Ankara, we are deeply disappointed to confirm that our scheduled performances in Turkey have been cancelled. Despite exhausting every possible avenue throughout the day and engaging in extensive discussions, the decision from the local authorities remains final. There is simply nothing further we can do to overturn it.”

According to the group, the cancellations followed complaints from religious factions who labeled their work as unacceptable: “The cancellations come after pressure from religious groups who have characterized our art as satanic propaganda and deemed it unacceptable. This is another example of ideology being used to suppress artistic expression and restrict cultural freedom. Behemoth has always stood for creative independence and the right of artists to express themselves without censorship. Music is not a threat, but silencing it should concern anyone who values freedom of expression.”

The band also offered an apology directly to supporters who were preparing to attend: “To those who planned to attend, who travelled, and who stood ready to share this night with us, we are truly sorry. We fought to make these shows happen and we share your frustration and disappointment. Turkey has some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the world and we hope the day will come when we can return to Istanbul and Ankara and perform for you without interference. Until then, thank you for your unwavering support.”

The Beşiktaş District Governor’s Office officially canceled the Istanbul and Ankara concerts, saying the events clashed with public sentiment after online backlash and accusations of satanism.

“The events were found to have caused public reaction due to their incompatibility with our societal values,” the governor’s office said in a statement.

The office also cited legal grounds for wider restrictions in the area: “Based on Law No. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations, all concerts, festivals, group and ticketed events, and similar activities within Zorlu PSM and Zorlu Center have been banned for two days,” the office said.

İstanbul governor Davut Gül backed the decision publicly, repeating the district’s stance that “no activity that corrupts society has ever been allowed in İstanbul, and none will be allowed in the future.”

Reports from Turkiye Today noted that the ruling affected more than just Behemoth, canceling “all concerts, festivals, and ticketed public events at Zorlu PSM and the wider Zorlu Center complex” for the same two-day window.

The controversy also spread beyond one band. A pro-government Islamist broadcaster recently targeted both Behemoth and Slaughter To Prevail, whose February 10 Istanbul concert was also canceled, accusing them of promoting satanism:

“Bands named Slaughter To Prevail, who preach satanism and steal the faith of young people, and Behemoth, who blatantly oppose religion with their satanic attire, are coming to Turkey,” the broadcaster remarked. “These two groups are banned in Russia. We call on the authorities to act urgently and cancel these events that poison our children and youth,” he said.

While Behemoth has faced controversy throughout its career, the band last played Istanbul back in 2019 at the Volkswagen Arena. For now, Turkish fans will have to wait and see if the group gets another chance to return without interference.

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John 5 is set to bring his guitar firepower back to Europe in May 2026, marking his first proper solo run across the region since a handful of appearances back in 2016. For fans of shred-heavy hard rock, this tour is shaping up to be a major moment.

With a career spanning more than three decades, John 5 has built a reputation as one of the most respected and versatile guitar players in the business. His resume includes time on stage and in the studio with names like Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, David Lee Roth, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Meat Loaf, and Dolly Parton, and he currently holds down guitar duties as part of Mötley Crüe.

The upcoming trek will feature 12 dates across the U.K., plus additional stops in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, and the Czech Republic, giving European fans plenty of chances to catch his solo performance up close.

John 5 shared his excitement in a statement: “I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a tour than this one coming up. I haven’t been there in so long and I can’t wait to say hello and have a great time with everyone. Super SUPER excited.”

Tickets and VIP meet-and-greets will officially go on sale Friday, February 13 at 10 a.m. GMT here.

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Swedish hard rock trio The Gems are back with new music and momentum, leading into the release of their second full-length album, Year Of The Snake, out March 13.

The band describes their new track “Gravity” as a straight-up throwback anthem with a modern edge: “’Gravity’ is an 80s-inspired rock anthem about chasing your dreams without compromise – with big hooks, soaring vocals and that timeless rock energy. Featuring Tommy Johansson, two powerful voices unite in defiance and freedom.”

With Year Of The Snake, The Gems continue building on the buzz they earned from their debut. Their first single, “Like A Phoenix”, climbed to #2 on the German Rock Radio Airplay Charts, while their 2024 debut album Phoenix helped establish them as one of the more exciting newer names in the scene.

The band also shared what the album represents thematically: “Year Of The Snake is about facing previous hardships in your life, letting go and moving forward to a brighter chapter. It’s packed with strong and empowering themes, just like a snake shedding its skin and now standing strong in its own power!”

They also framed the record as something written with the stage in mind, built for fans who show up loud: “Year Of The Snake is a homage to our fans at our live shows. We wrote the songs envisioning an excited festival crowd; from our loyal diamonds in the front row, knowing all lyrics by heart – to the crazy headbangers in the back.”

Musically, the band leans hard into classic influences while keeping things current: “The album is packed with Van Halen and Europe-inspired hard-hitting grooves and riffs that will take you back to the 80s. Yet, the production is modern and fresh.”

And they made their approach clear in a world that often feels overly manufactured: “In an increasingly artificial world, we want to stay true to our roots – solid musicianship and songwriting from the heart. Our aim is to always create a great sounding album with the live show in mind.”

The band also delivered a statement that sums up their direction going forward: “The future is live and heavy glam rock is here to stay!”

Across 14 tracks, Year Of The Snake keeps the energy moving fast. The album opens with “Walls”, where the message comes through immediately: “The time to change is now!”

The title track follows with a spotlight on frontwoman Guernica Mancini’s vocals, Mona Lindgren’s heavy riffing, and Emlee Johansson’s driving drums.

“Gravity” stands out as a key moment on the record thanks to the added vocal power of Tommy Johansson (from Majestica and formerly of Sabaton), pushing the 80s-inspired sound even further.

Other tracks explore different corners of the band’s style. “Diamond In The Rough” brings a bluesy strength, while “Live And Let Go” aims straight for radio-ready hard rock hooks. Songs like “Clout Chaser” and “Hot Bait” keep things upbeat before the band shifts into the ballad “Forgive And Forget”.

Later cuts like “Go Along To Get Along”, “Math Ain’t Mathing”, “Firebird”, and “Stars” keep the pace strong, with “Buckle Up” and “Happy Water” closing the album with big grooves and a high finish.

In only a few short years, The Gems have moved quickly from new band to serious modern hard rock contender. With Year Of The Snake on the way, they’re clearly aiming to keep heavy glam-inspired rock alive, loud, and built for the stage.

Year Of The Snake can be pre-order here and will be available in the following formats:

• 1 LP Gatefold Vinyl Purple/Black Splatter Deluxe Edition (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive) (strictly limited to 250)
• 1 LP Gatefold Vinyl Deluxe Edition (The Gems store exclusive) (strictly limited to 250)
• 1 LP Gatefold Vinyl Black
• 1 CD Digisleeve
• Digital Album

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Robin Trower’s reputation as one of rock’s most expressive guitar voices started back in the ’60s, first with The Paramounts, then with Procol Harum. But his signature mix of blues, funk, and hard rock fully took shape once he launched his solo career.

After leaving Procol Harum, he formed the Robin Trower Band, releasing Twice Removed From Yesterday in 1973. The breakthrough came a year later with Bridge Of Sighs, an album that cemented his standing as a major guitar force and reached No. 7 on the U.S. Billboard chart. Over the next stretch, the band earned four straight gold albums and built a live reputation that still holds weight with rock fans today.

Now, Trower is marking the 50th anniversary of another key release: Live!, arriving April 3 in a newly expanded edition.

Originally released in 1976, Live! was recorded at Stockholm Concert Hall on February 3, 1975, capturing the Robin Trower Band lineup of Robin Trower, James Dewar onbass and vocals, and drummer Bill Lordan at full power. The original vinyl pressing only included seven tracks due to format limits, leaving much of the performance unheard for decades.

This new deluxe extended release finally presents the complete concert, newly remixed and restored from the original multi-track tapes. The 50th Anniversary Edition adds five previously unreleased tracks from the Stockholm show, delivering the full setlist as it was played that night.

The expanded performance includes live versions of staples like “Too Rolling Stoned,” “Bridge of Sighs,” “Day of the Eagle,” “Rock Me Baby,” “Lady Love,” “Alethea,” and more, with upgraded sound that highlights the chemistry between Trower, Dewar, and Lordan — a lineup often regarded as one of the strongest live power trios of the era.

The release will be available on 2CD, 2LP, and digital formats. It includes both the new 2026 remix and the original 1975 mix, giving fans the option to hear the show in multiple versions.

Remixed by Richard Whittaker and approved by Robin Trower himself, the set also features new liner notes by David Sinclair, including interviews with Trower and Bill Lordan, plus rare and previously unseen photos.

Five decades later, Live! still captures the raw intensity that made Robin Trower a defining guitarist for generations of hard rock and blues-rock players — and this anniversary edition finally opens up the full Stockholm night in its clearest form yet.

Pre-order Live! 50 Anniversary Edition here.

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The Songwriters Hall Of Fame announced today that John Fogerty will receive the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award in 2026. The honor will be presented during the induction and awards gala on Thursday, June 11, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

The Johnny Mercer Award stands as the highest recognition the organization can give, reserved for previously inducted songwriters whose catalogs have left a lasting mark on music history. Fogerty, inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 2005, now joins the select list of artists recognized at this level.

Songwriters Hall Of Fame chairman Nile Rodgers shared a personal statement on Fogerty’s impact: “The first time I heard Creedence Clearwater Revival, I was a mere highschooler. It was also the first time I heard John Fogerty‘s voice, one of the most distinctive ever. To this day I’ve never heard anyone else sound like him. His unique songwriting ability is another quality. He’s one of those rare talents who is unmistakably himself. His style of composition is rock and roll mastery. It’s what I’ve always personally believed in, something I call ‘the art of complex simplicity.’ He’s done what I believe all great songwriters do. He makes us feel. He deserves this award as much as anyone who’s ever received it, or will receive it, in the future. I send my congratulations to John Fogerty.”

Fogerty’s reputation was built through his work as the songwriter, singer, lead guitarist, arranger, and producer for Creedence Clearwater Revival, crafting some of the most recognizable anthems in American rock.

His catalog includes songs like “Proud Mary”, “Fortunate Son”, “Born On The Bayou”, “Bad Moon Rising”, and “Have You Ever Seen The Rain”. Several of these tracks — including “Fortunate Son”, “Bad Moon Rising”, and “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” — have each passed one billion streams, earning Fogerty a place in Spotify’s Billions Club and keeping his music present on charts even decades later.

Beyond Creedence Clearwater Revival, Fogerty built an extensive solo career, releasing 11 studio albums. These include Centerfield, Blue Moon Swamp, The Blue Ridge Rangers, Revival, and The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again.

In 2021, he returned with his first original song in eight years, “Weeping In The Promised Land”, described as a gospel-leaning reflection on the social and political climate.

A major turning point came in 2023, when Fogerty regained the publishing rights to his songs after a fight that stretched over half a century. That victory was celebrated in 2025 with the release of Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years, a 20-track collection featuring newly recorded versions of his most iconic material. Produced alongside his son Shane, with executive production by his wife Julie, the album debuted in the top 10 across multiple charts and drew strong praise from major outlets.

Fogerty’s career has already earned him induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, the American Music Honors, and multiple awards from BMI, along with NAMM’s “Music For Life” honor. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame back in 1998.

With the Johnny Mercer Award now ahead, Fogerty’s influence as a songwriter continues to stand as one of rock’s enduring foundations — the kind of legacy that still connects with fans across generations, including those in the hard rock and metal world who grew up on timeless riffs and unforgettable hooks.

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Japanese metal pioneers Loudness have confirmed a new run of live dates for the spring and summer, continuing their 45th-anniversary celebrations that began back in December. The upcoming shows will take the veteran group across the United States, Japan, and Europe.

Formed in 1981, Loudness quickly became one of the most important heavy metal exports from Japan. After touring North America and Europe in 1983, the band reached a historic milestone the next year by becoming the first Japanese act to sign with an international label, Atlantic Records.

Their legacy also includes major firsts, such as performing at Madison Square Garden and appearing as an opener at a Mötley Crüe concert.

The band’s first international breakthrough came with Thunder In The East in 1985, alongside the single “Crazy Nights”, which achieved chart success both at home and abroad, peaking at No. 4 in Japan and reaching No. 74 on the U.S. Billboard chart.

Over the decades, Loudness has seen several lineup changes, but the current version of the band includes three original members: vocalist Minoru Niihara, guitarist Akira Takasaki, and bassist Masayoshi Yamashita. They are joined by drummer Masayuki Suzuki, who became part of the group in 2009.

The band also continues to honor its history after the loss of original drummer Munetaka Higuchi, who passed away in 2008 following a year-long battle with liver cancer.

With their anniversary in full swing and a new slate of international shows ahead, Loudness remain a defining force in Japanese heavy metal, still carrying their legacy onto stages worldwide.

Loudness Confirmed Tour Dates:

March 19-21 – Hell’s Heroes 2026 – Houston, TX
March 22 – The Rock Box – San Antonio, TX
March 24 – Whisky A Go Go – W. Hollywood, CA
March 25 – Coach House – San Juan Capistrano, CA
April 12-17 – Monstors Of Rock Cruise Rock The Nations – Miami, FL
May 06 – Zepp Fukuoka – Fukuoka, Japan
May 08 – Zepp Namba – Osaka, Japan
May 10 – Kanazawa Eight Hall – Ishikawa, Japan
May 12 – Zepp Nagoya – Aichi, Japan
May 15 – Zepp Sapporo – Hokkaido, Japan
May 17 – Sendai Gigs – Miyagi, Japan
May 29 – Zepp Divercity Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan
July 3-5 – Barcelona Rock Fest – Barcelona, Spain
July 3-6 – Time To Rock – Knislinge, Sweden

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American heavy metal veterans Corrosion Of Conformity are finally set to release their long-awaited new double album, Good God / Baad Man, arriving on April 3 through Nuclear Blast.

A lot has changed in the world of Corrosion Of Conformity since their last studio release. Back in 2018, No Cross No Crown landed hard, powered by the long-running lineup of Pepper Keenan, Woody Weatherman, Reed Mullin, and Mike Dean — a group with roots stretching back to their early punk beginnings in Raleigh, North Carolina in the early ’80s.

The band’s early catalog helped shape generations of heavy music fans, from underground staples like Eye For An Eye and Animosity to later classics like Blind and Deliverance. By the time No Cross No Crown arrived decades later, Corrosion Of Conformity had already earned their place as legends across punk, metal, and hard rock.

Then, in January 2020, tragedy hit with the passing of drummer Reed Mullin.

The loss changed everything, and the band faced the question of how to move forward. Like so many others, they were soon stalled by the global shutdown. After that, Mike Dean stepped away, leaving Keenan and Weatherman to figure out what came next.

They regrouped at Keenan’s place in Mississippi, digging back into the music that shaped them — Discharge, Zz Top, Motörhead, Neil Young, Black Sabbath — and eventually started writing again.

The writing turned into something far bigger than expected: a full double album.

“As we went on, we had such a crazy plethora of songs, it was almost like two different directions,” Pepper says. “We knew we had to split it into two different albums. Then we came up with this concept.”

That concept became the title itself: Good God / Baad Man.

“Our producer, Warren Riker, kept calling it “Dark Side Of The Doom””, recalls Pepper. “In my head, it’s a weird love letter to all things rock ‘n’ roll. We used that for the freedom to go in different directions. Each album is its own tiny universe and has its own identity. “Good God” leans toward the heavier/pissed end of the spectrum. “Baad Man” is more on the throwdown rock scope. As we went along, it became clear which songs went on which album.”

To bring the new material to life, the band enlisted drummer Stanton Moore, who previously appeared on Corrosion Of Conformity’s 2005 record In The Arms Of God. They also brought in bassist Bobby “Rock” Landgraf, known for his time with Pepper in Down, alongside his own work with Honky.

“With a lot of these songs, we’re trying to make Reed Mullin proud,” Pepper says. “He was a badass, and a one-of-a-kind drummer. And the stakes were high.”

The first taste of this massive release arrives with the lead single “Gimme Some Moore”. The track features backing vocals from Ministry’s Al Jourgensen and Madonna guitarist Monte Pittman, and the hook hits with the line: “Struggle is worth the fight/Leather, chains and spikes.”

“Me and Woody wanted to write a song as if we were 17 years old again,” Pepper explains. “We even made a seven-inch for it.”

That seven-inch, released during their Mexico and South American run, carries an early ’80s punk feel, complete with a black-and-white collage design and a Fear cover on the flip side.

The video for “Gimme Some Moore” was filmed by Mike Holderbeast and directed by Pepper Keenan.

Produced by Grammy winner Warren Riker — known for work with the Fugees, Down, and Cathedral — Good God / Baad Man was recorded across multiple locations, including Blak Shak Studios in Mississippi, Dockside Studios in Louisiana, and even Bee Gees legend Barry Gibb’s home studio in Miami.

For metal and hard rock fans, this is shaping up as one of the biggest Corrosion Of Conformity releases in years — heavy, personal, and built with the kind of grit only decades in the underground can produce.

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German power metal veterans Masterplan have confirmed their return with a brand-new studio album, Metalmorphosis, due out June 26, 2026 through Frontiers Music Srl.

The record marks the band’s first full set of new material since Novum Initium in 2013, and it comes with the release of a new single and video, “Chase The Light”.

Guitarist Roland Grapow explained the meaning behind the track, calling it: “a dark and aggressive track about fear, control, and a world that feeds on pain. It shows how power rises while compassion fades, trapping people in silence and despair. The song pushes through chaos and suffering toward release — a call to break free, heal old wounds, and reclaim your strength”.

The new album represents a major moment for Masterplan, both musically and personally. Grapow spoke about what the title Metalmorphosis reflects for the band: “Metalmorphosis really captures what this album means to us: a transformation, but still true to the spirit of Masterplan”.

He added: “We’ve grown over the years, both as musicians and as people, and you can hear that in the new songs. Some ideas go back many years, and now they’ve finally come to life. It’s powerful, melodic, and emotional — classic Masterplan, but with a new energy”.

Formed in 2001 after Grapow and drummer Uli Kusch exited Helloween, Masterplan quickly became one of the most consistent names in German power metal, known for sharp musicianship, strong hooks, and a modern edge.

After years away from studio releases, the band has returned with a fresh deal through Frontiers Music Srl, setting the foundation for a new chapter.

Metalmorphosis is being positioned as both a continuation of their signature sound and a heavier step forward, combining aggression with the melodic style that has always defined Masterplan.

With decades of experience behind them and new momentum in place, Masterplan are set to deliver one of the most closely watched power metal releases of 2026.

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