Author: Editorial Team

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.

The post ERIC FORREST Returns to VOIVOD for Summer 2026 European Tour as SNAKE Takes Family Leave appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Nightwish vocalist Floor Jansen has unveiled the official lyric video for her latest solo single, “Run”. The song marks the first new solo material from the Dutch singer since the release of her debut album, Paragon, in March 2023.

While Paragon leaned into melodic rock, pop influences and emotional ballads, “Run” points toward a heavier and more direct direction without leaving behind the melodic style that has become one of Jansen‘s trademarks.

Speaking about the new track, Jansen said: “To me, ‘Run’ is about no longer making yourself smaller to fit into a shape that was never yours. It’s about taking off the mask, trusting your own movement, and daring to be seen that way. Musically, it feels like the start of something new. A little heavier, a little more direct, but still honest, still melodic, still completely me.”

Born in the Netherlands, Jansen joined After Forever at just 16 years old. The pioneering symphonic metal band released five studio albums between 2000 and 2007 before ending its run in 2009.

She later formed Revamp, releasing two albums in 2010 and 2013 before becoming a permanent member of Nightwish. Her first studio album with the Finnish symphonic metal band was Endless Forms Most Beautiful, released in 2015, followed by the internationally successful Human. :II: Nature. in 2020.

Alongside those studio releases, Jansen also appeared on Nightwish‘s live albums Showtime, Storytime, Vehicle Of Spiritand Decades: Live In Buenos Aires while touring extensively with the band.

Outside of Nightwish, Jansen reached a broader audience in 2019 through the Dutch television series Beste Zangers. Her performance of “Phantom Of The Opera” alongside Henk Poort became a major hit, and she received the prestigious Dutch Popprijs award in recognition of her contributions to Dutch music. That same year, tickets for her first solo tour sold out in less than 24 hours.

Jansen first took the stage with Nightwish on October 1, 2012, at Showbox Sodo in Seattle, Washington, after the departure of longtime vocalist Anette Olzon. She officially became a full-time member of the band in 2013.

The post FLOOR JANSEN Releases Lyric Video For Single “Run” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Progressive rock veterans Steve Hackett (Genesis) and Steve Rothery (Marillion) have officially announced their long-awaited collaborative instrumental album, The Roaring Waves. After years of anticipation, the record is set for release on August 28, 2026, through InsideOut Music.

Developed over nearly a decade, The Roaring Waves features seven instrumental compositions that blend cinematic soundscapes with more intimate passages. According to Hackett, the project grew into something that stands apart from the typical guitar collaboration.

“It’s not the kind of album that guitarists normally make together.”

Recording sessions took place intermittently at Racket Club and the pair’s home studios, with the music taking shape through improvisation, jam sessions and the exchange of ideas. That process allowed both musicians to build an album driven by chemistry and a shared musical vision.

The songs throughout The Roaring Waves lean into rich atmospheres and visual storytelling, encouraging listeners to create their own images as the music unfolds.

“You’re trying to create an atmosphere… like painting a picture,” says Rothery. “Taking people on a journey.”

The announcement also brings the release of the album’s first single, “The Black Sea”. The accompanying music video features Hackett and Rothery performing alongside collaborator Riccardo Romano, who co-wrote the album while also handling keyboards, bass and mixing duties, as well as drummer Leon Parr. The video was directed by Tim Sidwell.

Discussing the track, Rothery said: “I think ‘The Black Sea’ is the perfect introduction to the sonic world we’ve created between us. We have a very special chemistry.”

Hackett added: “For ‘The Black Sea’, our joint guitar sounds with the keys created a strong vibe of intrigue along with a sense of a musical dark sea adventure…”

Fans will be able to pre-order The Roaring Waves in several formats, including a limited CD/Blu-ray mediabook featuring Andy Bradfield‘s Dolby Atmos and high-resolution stereo mixes. The album will also be available as a standard CD and a gatefold 180-gram vinyl edition, cut at half speed at Abbey Road Studios by Miles Showell. Artwork and layout design for all editions were created by Simon Ward.

The post STEVE HACKETT & STEVE ROTHERY Share First Track “The Black Sea” From Upcoming Album “The Roaring Waves” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Platinum-certified metalcore outfit I Prevail has returned with a new single, “Paradise”, featuring Los Angeles-based nu-metal and alternative rock artist Amira Elfeky.

The collaboration pairs I Prevail‘s modern metalcore sound with Elfeky‘s dark, atmospheric style, resulting in a track that expands the band’s evolving approach while staying rooted in heavy music.

Speaking about how the collaboration developed, I Prevail said: “We’ve been fans of Amira for a while. She has such a distinct sound and style. The opportunity to write together came up super organically and we instantly connected on this crazy concept for a song. We all saw the vision for it almost right away. That’s a rare and beautiful thing when it happens. We still don’t think we know exactly what we made. We never had to stop to think about it. We just made it.”

The official video for “Paradise” was directed by Orie McGinness, whose previous work includes videos for Bad Omensand Poppy. The clip is available now alongside the single.

The post I PREVAIL Shares Latest Single “Paradise” Featuring AMIRA ELFEKY appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Rock icon Ann Wilson has teamed up with psych-rock outfit Tripsitter for a new album, Consecrated Ground, due out August 14. Alongside the announcement, the group has shared the record’s lead single, “I Will Not Be Coming Back”, which is now available across streaming platforms.

The new release brings together heavy rock, blues, psychedelia and deeply personal songwriting, with Wilson continuing to explore new creative ground. Backed by Tripsitter, the singer’s unmistakable voice sits at the center of a collection that expands on the style that has defined her career while introducing fresh musical ideas.

The album arrives during a busy chapter for Wilson. Earlier this year, she returned to the stage with Heart‘s Royal Flushtour after recovering from cancer, marking another milestone in a career that has stretched across more than five decades. Away from live performances, she recently launched the podcast After Dinner Thinks, where she speaks with artists and cultural figures including Chappell Roan, Lucy Dacus, Billy Bob Thornton, and others. She is also the focus of the upcoming documentary In My Voice, which explores her life, music and resilience.

“I Will Not Be Coming Back” offers fans an early look at what Consecrated Ground has to offer. Built around Wilson‘s commanding vocal performance and Tripsitter‘s expansive musicianship, the track explores themes of freedom, transformation and self-determination while setting the tone for the rest of the album.

As the voice and one of the principal songwriters behind Heart, Wilson helped shape rock music with songs such as “Barracuda”, “Crazy On You”, “Magic Man”, “Alone” and “These Dreams”. Over the years, Heart has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide, earned multiple chart hits, and entered the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2013. Wilson remains widely respected as one of rock’s defining vocalists, with an influence that continues to reach new generations.

With Consecrated Ground, Ann Wilson continues to embrace new musical partnerships and fresh creative challenges. More than 50 years into her career, she remains committed to pushing forward, showing that artistic evolution is still a driving force behind everything she creates.

The post ANN WILSON and TRIPSITTER Reveal New Studio Album “Consecrated Ground” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.