Author: Editorial Team

Legendary rock icons and 2025 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame nominees The Black Crowes today announce the release date of their highly anticipated new studio album, A Pound Of Feathers, due out March 13 via Silver Arrow Records.

Produced by Jay Joyce, the new album pushes The Black Crowes‘ iconic blend of blues, soul, and rock into electrifying new terrain. With a career spanning four decades, the band’s upcoming release stands as a towering testament to their enduring artistic fire and significance in rock and roll.

The first two singles from the album, “Profane Prophecy” and “Pharmacy Chronicles”, can be heard below.

“We made this record in eight to ten days,” says The Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson. “Bringing the high and inspiration from Happiness Bastards into this album, it was a natural progression. We experimented more, we wrote on instinct, and how we were feeling in the moment. Rich brought a spontaneity to the record that I can’t describe, but it’s the best shit he’s ever done.”

Rich adds, “This album feels transformative to us. Going back to our roots, we felt that spark in the studio and how we work together. Lighting a fire that hits harder, more jagged, but is still true to our musical essence.”

Pre-order the album here.

A Pound Of Feathers marks a bold creative evolution — marrying the rugged swagger of their early classics with fresh perspectives and dynamic, hard-hitting rhythmic textures. Recorded in Nashville with Grammy-winning producer Jay Joyce and curated with visionary energy and deep musical empathy, the record showcases a fearless band operating at the height of their powers.

Drawing from a legacy of emotive songwriting, formidable musicianship, and true rock ‘n’ roll grit, the project — solely written by the brothers — moves effortlessly between the weightless beauty of A Pound Of Feathers and the heavy truth of “a pound of lead,” infusing all 11 tracks with an ambivalent depth and honest purity.

Released today, the spiked opener “Profane Prophecy” sets the trajectory for the whole album, packing the track with cheeky, fun, and funky lyricism only Chris and Rich could bring to life, while the cynical slow-burning “Pharmacy Chronicles” sings of reckoning rather than retreat, urging people to face their vices, as freedom comes with recognition.

Affirming The Black Crowes as one of today’s most compelling and influential rock bands ever, A Pound Of Feathers follows their critically acclaimed 2024 effort Happiness Bastards, which was nominated for “Best Rock Album” at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

The post THE BLACK CROWES Announce New Studio Album, “A Pound Of Feathers,” Stream First Two New Singles appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Gibson Films has a new docuseries lined up for 2026, and it puts the spotlight where it belongs: on Tony Iommi, the riff writer who set heavy metal’s DNA in motion. The series is titled “Tony Iommi: The Godfather Of Heavy Metal,” and it’s set to stream exclusively on Gibson TV throughout 2026, starting with the worldwide premiere of Volume One, which you can watch below.

The angle here is origin and impact. The story runs from Birmingham’s factory-town grit to arenas and festival stages, following Tony Iommi from his early years into the moment Black Sabbath became the template. Volume One also leans into the aspect that matters to players: how his tone, tuning choices, and riff-first writing style became the blueprint that countless bands built upon.

Interviews are a big part of the hook. Volume One features Tony Iommi alongside a heavy lineup of guitar heroes and scene lifers: Brian May, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Yungblud, Scott Ian, John 5, Philip Anselmo, and Blackie Lawless. There are also appearances by Tom Morello and Troy Van Leeuwen, as well as a firsthand perspective from notable Birmingham names, including Rob Halford and Justin Broadrick.

Tony Iommi summed up his side of it without overplaying the moment: “I’m very grateful to Gibson for this new documentary series and for honoring my role in the story of heavy metal”. He also added, “Hearing the kind words from so many incredible artists is really humbling. Thank you all for telling the story with such heart—and to the fans who’ve kept it alive. Long may it continue!”

From the Gibson camp, the praise is loud and specific. Cesar Gueikian – President and CEO of Gibson – put it in plain terms: “Tony Iommi is the godfather of heavy metal — the creator, the sonic architect, the rifflord who started it all. El Padrino, as I like to call him”. He followed that with: “It’s an incredible honor for all of us at Gibson to pay tribute to Tony with this epic Gibson Films release.”

The Director of Brand Experience at Gibson, Mark Agnesi, pointed to a familiar pattern anyone in metal journalism has seen up close: “No matter what regional metal scene or sub genre we explored, every artist we interviewed always pointed the finger back to Tony,” and then drove the point home with, “He is the Riff Lord!!!!”

Producer Todd Harapiak framed the series as both tribute and lineage tracking: “Tony Iommi remains the undisputed godfather of heavy metal. Through his iconic riffs and uncompromising vision, he gave birth to a sound that was rooted in darkness and became the foundation for generations of musicians.” Then he added, “It’s been truly remarkable to have so many artists unite for this series and hear how Black Sabbath changed the course of their musical lives. The Godfather Of Heavy Metal not only celebrates the journey of Lord Iommi and Sabbath but also shines a light on the stories of the countless bands who carried their torch forward.”

There’s also a forward-looking note for anyone waiting on new music. In a year-end video message, Tony Iommi said he will “definitely, definitely” release his new solo album in 2026. He kept it simple after that: “I’m really looking forward to that,” and “I’m enjoying doing it, and it’s been great fun, and I really hope you enjoy it.”

The post Watch First Part Of GIBSON Video Series “TONY IOMMI: The Godfather Of Heavy Metal” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

There’s one thing that most people readily agree on: Live concerts are the icing on the cake for musicians and fans alike. Every show is a very special experience and sometimes even creates an almost magical performance. Such moments are beyond explanation; you just have to be there to believe it or, in a best-case scenario, have them recorded for posterity — as American Metal act Prong have done with their latest live album. 

It is exactly what guitarist/vocalist Tommy Victor and bandmates Christopher Dean (bass) and Tyler Joseph (drums) have achieved on Live And Uncleansed.

 Recorded over seven nights in July and August 2025, they are now ready to present 11 powerful live songs, plus three live bonus tracks, all pure and unadulterated, authentic and honest, which is the reason why the result is so incredibly captivating.

 “We were really well rehearsed, this is truly a live (!) record, everything is as it is,” explains Victor, proudly adding: “You can hear some of the little mistakes here and there, but that makes it cool!”

Live And Uncleansed will be out on March 6 and will be available on Steamhammer as CD, LP, stream, and for digital download here.

The post Heavy Metal Icons PRONG to Release New Live Album “Live And Uncleansed” This March appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

During a recent appearance on the Mohr Stories podcast with host Jay Mohr, ZZ Top legend Billy Gibbons confirmed a story fans have heard for years: Gillette (the razor company) came calling with serious money, hoping to get the band’s signature beards on camera, without the beards.

“It’s true,” said Billy Gibbons (via Blabbermouth). “[Gillette] deny it. It was a million dollars per man. But we called Mr. Merlis [music industry veteran Bob Merlis]. I said, ‘Bob, we got this offer.’ ‘What?’ I said, ‘We’ve been offered a million dollars each to shave on TV.’ He said, ‘Well,’ he said, ‘The money’s good.’ He said, ‘You might as well consider doing it, but I’m not so sure you guys — any of you guys — know what’s under there.’ So we passed. We passed, and our fans loved it. Word got out.”

The offer dates back to 1984. Adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly $3.1 million in today’s money per person.

Back in 2012, Gibbons summed up his position the same way he does now. “No dice. Even adjusted for inflation, this isn’t going to fly. The prospect of seeing oneself in the mirror, clean-shaven, is too close to a Vincent Price film — a prospect not to be contemplated, no matter the compensation.”

He also joked elsewhere about why the beards stayed put: “We’re too ugly. We don’t even know what’s under here. Not at this point.”

During an interview with KLRU Public Television in Austin, Texas, Gibbons expanded on how ZZ-Top’s signature beards came to be: “We started ZZ Top in 1969. We carried on without a stop until the bicentennial year of ’76. And at that time, we were looking at an invitation to join the ranks of the Warner Brothers Group. And it was the decision by management to take a brief break after literally seven years of nonstop touring. Maybe a 90-day hiatus would give us a little breathing room, which turned into 120 days later. It was one year, and we all kind of scattered, keeping in touch only by telephone. Now it’s two years running, and all the machinations to join the ranks of Warner Brothers were still underway.”

“In the meantime, as I mentioned, the word ‘lazy’ came in. Now there’s one telltale photograph. Our first official release for Warner Brothers contained a photograph on the little sleeve inside the 12-inch long-playing album — actually, the only evidence of [ZZ Top drummer] Frank Beard with a beard is hiding inside that Degüello record. He quickly grabbed the razor and went to town. But Dusty and I — what started as a disguise turned into a trademark,” Gibbons added.

The post BILLY GIBBONS Confirms ZZ TOP Turned Down Offer Of $1 Million Per Member To Shave Their Beards For A TV Commercial appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

The all-star hard rock collective Black Swan — featuring Robin McAuley of McAuley Schenker Group, Reb Beach from Winger and Whitesnake, Jeff Pilson of Foreigner, The End Machine and formerly Dokken, alongside Matt Starr of Ace Frehley and Mr. Big — has announced the release of a new studio album, Paralyzed, arriving February 13 through Frontiers Music Srl. The official music video for the album’s title track has also been unveiled.

Robin McAuley explained the meaning behind the song, saying: “Nowadays it’s difficult not to become submerged in the news and negative comments presented to us through all media sources. That feeling of being numb and unsafe with an overpowering feeling of anxiety. Desperate for change, get back to the good old days when things seemed simpler. Craving to hear something positive and yet helpless and repeatedly overwhelmed by so much negative space, leaving us feeling paralyzed.”

Jeff Pilson expanded on that idea, adding: “”Paralyzed” is another Robin McAuley story that speaks to that anxiety most of us are feeling about the state of the world right now. It’s scary, overwhelming and seemingly never-ending! We need to find the positive in all the negativity and we need it soon! Plus — it rocks!!!!!”

Matt Starr emphasized the band’s signature sound when discussing the track. “”Paralyzed” kicks ass! This is one of the things that Black Swan does best… Hard-driving, high-energy rock ‘n’ roll with great melodies, tons of hooks, thought-provoking timely lyrics and exceptional musicianship. I’m really proud of this track.”

Reb Beach shared his inspiration for the song, stating: “With “Paralyzed” I was going for a Black Sabbath “Neon Nights” vibe when I started writing it, and then it blossomed into the title track when Jeff and Robin got their hands on it. It’s a very cool song guitar-wise, and I hope we get to play it live one day because it really rocks!”

Written collaboratively by McAuley, Pilson and Beach, and produced by Pilson, Paralyzed presents Black Swan at a creative peak. The album blends powerful vocals, sharp-edged guitar work and memorable melodies, highlighting the group’s chemistry and growth as a unit.

Recorded at Pilson’s Los Angeles studio, the album reflects the close working relationship among the musicians. McAuley’s vocals remain commanding, while the instrumental performances are delivered with focus and intensity. Like the band’s previous releases, the record showcases both individual skill and collective strength.

Musically, Paralyzed balances weight and melody, offering a cohesive listening experience that feels grounded in classic hard rock while sounding current. Building on the foundation established by the debut Shake The World, the band broadens its sonic approach without losing its core identity.

The album ultimately reinforces Black Swan’s position in today’s hard rock landscape. Longtime fans of ’80s-era rock and newer listeners alike are given a record that reflects experience, discipline and passion.

McAuley shared his excitement for the album’s release, saying: “Can’t wait for you guys to hear our new record. We feel we’ve taken our songwriting to another level on this one, with amazing guitar riffs that once again show the brilliance that is Reb Beach, pounding bass, as you’d expect, from Jeff, and Matt Starr leaving no doubt about where the thunder comes from. Soaring melodies with strong lyrics are what we do best, combine that with sheer heaviness and we have a record we think you the fans are going to love”.

Beach added his perspective on the band’s sound: “Black Swan is old-school ’80s rock that is all about good guitar riffs with badass vocals. No one is better than Robin at singing this kind of music. I think the combination of my riffs and his vocals are what makes the band stand out.”

Starr echoed that confidence, stating: “I think the fans are going to love our new record. It builds on the first two records taking the songwriting, playing and energy to another level. I’m so proud to be part of this great group of musicians and guys.”

Pilson concluded with his own thoughts: “We’re all very excited for the release of Black Swan‘s Paralyzed and can’t wait for all the fans to hear it. We wanted to come up with a real step forward in melodic heaviness, and I strongly believe we delivered. Enjoy!”

The formation of Black Swan began with a discussion between Jeff Pilson and Frontiers Music president and head of A&R Serafino Perugino, who envisioned a project that would highlight McAuley’s vocal strengths while being supported by a powerful musical foundation. From there, Pilson took the concept forward and assembled the lineup.

Black Swan released its debut album, Shake The World, on February 14, 2020. The follow-up, Generation Mind, arrived in 2022 and further defined the band’s sound, reinforcing the chemistry and individual strengths that continue to shape their latest release.

The post Hard Rock Supergroup BLACK SWAN Shares Latest Single And Titled Track “Paralyzed” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Former Megadeth guitarist and current Kings Of Thrash member Jeff Young has shared a fresh update on rEvolutions, an album project he says he has been quietly building for more than a decade.

Young says the plan from day one was open-ended, focused on letting the material develop at its own pace: “The process began with a specific intent but no conditions or time limit. The goal was to create a fresh sound, incorporating influences and skills garnered over the years… (rock, metal, world, classical, blues, etc).”

Rather than rushing a traditional lineup into place, he says he approached it like a long-term collaboration, bringing in players as the songs demanded: “I wasn’t seeking to ‘form a band’ but wanted to collaborate with the very best group of players I could find. On that note, I’d say, Lady Luck has been on my side. I keep telling my close friends and colleagues, ‘Put me on the back burner, just have a listen to all these creative souls, who lent their unique talents, helping me sculpt these songs into something… magical.’”

According to Young, the project is now deep into the final stretch, with recording and mixing close to done. He also points to the approach (patience, the right people, and old-school methods) as a big reason the record took the shape it did.

“We are close to finishing the recording and mixing portions of this ‘life’s work’ project. By beginning with the intent not to rush but to ‘allow’ the songs to write themselves. Waiting for the appropriate players to arrive and recording as much as possible, staying true to vintage analog recording methods — this album pretty much wrote itself. As a result, the songs reflect not only my journey as a musician, songwriter, and producer… the listener gets to meet the musicians and influences that have fortunately crossed my path along the way.”

He also notes how the changing landscape of recording technology became part of the story baked into the tracks: “Sonically speaking, the actual process of ‘recording’ music has changed so drastically from a decade ago. Each song on the record is like its own ‘time capsule’ or movie. Along the trip, the listener can hear exactly where I was in a given year, also where the audio technology medium was in that moment.”

On the release side, Young says labels have shown interest, but he’s weighing the best home for it: “I’ve talked with a couple of record labels so far that wanted to help us release this album, but I want to be sure it’s really the ‘right fit’ and we make the most of our creative efforts!”

Because sessions happened across different locations, he frames the album as a true cross-genre, cross-border project: “Songs were recorded in different studios, in different cities and countries, it truly is a ‘world music’ album — with elements of all the genres that have influenced my rEvolution.”

And with the finish line in sight, he makes it clear he wants people to experience it as a full journey: “So, it won’t be much longer! We are so close to the finish line and so excited to get this music out to the world. We can’t wait to introduce you to these songs and take you all on a vocal and instrumental trip back in time and into the future…”

rEvolutions will be released under the Jeff Young Group banner and will feature the following track listing:

1. “Lightning Rising” featuring Mohini Dey – Bass / Jeff Tortora – Drums
2. “Gypsy Soul” featuring Dyna Shirasaki – Vocals / Ric Fierabracci – Bass / Shane Gaalaas – Drums
3. “Slow Burn” featuring Andrea Whitt – Pedal Steel / James LoMenzo – Bass / Jeff Bowders – Drums
4. “Monsoon” featuring Tina Guo – Cellos / Ric Fierabracci – Bass / Brian Tichy – Drums
5. “Prodigal Son” featuring Mark Morales – Vocals / Gabriel Connor – Bass / Fred Aching – Drums
6. “In The Flesh” featuring Ric Fierabracci – Bass / Jeff Tortora – Drums
7. “Always Remember Me” (for Jeff Buckley) featuring Sage Sansone – Vocals / Jake Wolf – Bass / Matt Chamberlain – Drums
8. “Lost In Tejas” featuring Mark Morales – Vocals
9. “Summerland” (King’s X live acoustic cover, bonus track) featuring Sass Jordan on vocals and Brian Tichy on guitar and vocals

The post Former MEGADETH Guitarist JEFF YOUNG Shares Update On Long-In-The-Works “rEvolutions” Album: “It’s A Life Project, And It’s Near The Finish Line” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

An exhibition celebrating the solo career and worldwide recognition of Ozzy Osbourne at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has been extended through September 2026 following sustained public interest.

Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero was officially opened by Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and longtime manager, on June 25, 2025. The opening aligned with the rock icon’s final appearance at the Back To The Beginning homecoming concert held at Villa Park.

The free exhibition, created in partnership with Central BID Birmingham, highlights Ozzy Osbourne’s most significant international honors. These include Grammy Awards, Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame recognition, MTV awards, Hollywood Walk Of Fame and Birmingham Walk Of Stars honors, along with a collection of platinum and gold discs. Photography and video content trace his rise from “a working-class kid from Aston” to one of the most recognizable figures in global rock music.

A tribute wall featuring 77 messages was added to the exhibition on December 3, marking what would have been Ozzy Osbourne’s 77th birthday. The messages were selected from more than 50,000 tributes left by fans in books of condolence hosted by the museum and other locations across the city following Ozzy’s death on July 22, 2025. Hundreds of additional messages appear in a film included in the exhibition, which also shows footage of the large crowds who lined Birmingham’s streets as the funeral cortege passed through the city center.

Since opening, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has welcomed more than 425,000 visitors. The exhibition was originally scheduled to close in September 2025, before being extended to January 18, 2026 due to high attendance. With continued backing from the Osbourne family, it will now remain open until September 27, 2026.

Sharon Osbourne commented: “We are so proud that Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery asked to extend ‘Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero‘, and that more fans will now have the opportunity to go through the exhibit.”

Sam Watson, chair of Central BID Birmingham, said: “Central BID is extremely proud to bring this exhibition to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery with the kind support of Sharon Osbourne.

“The demand to see the exhibition has been phenomenal and we are very grateful that Sharon and her family have allowed us to extend the exhibition until September 2026, which will give Ozzy’s fans from the UK and around the world an opportunity to celebrate his extraordinary life and achievements.”

Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “The public response to the exhibition continues to show the love and affection for Ozzy in Birmingham and beyond and we are very pleased to announce that it will now be on display until September 2026.

We would like to express our thanks to Sharon and the rest of the Osbourne family for allowing us to continue to display this exhibition as a fitting tribute to Ozzy’s life and legacy and to enable as many people as possible to come and see it.”

Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero is presented by Central BID Birmingham, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Sharon Osbourne Management. The exhibition is sponsored by Ocean Outdoor and supported by Birmingham City Council and Aston Villa FC.

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Late last year, Sylosis almost left a rift in the cosmos with the furious track “The New Flesh.” Now they’re back for blood, delivering devastating second single “Erased.”

“Erased” is taken from their upcoming seventh studio album, The New Flesh, slated to drop on February 20th via Nuclear Blast Records. The New Flesh is a towering testament to destructive riffing, incisive melody, and refined brute force.

Sylosis stated: “‘Erased’ was one of the last songs to be written for the album. As we were approaching the deadline to get everything submitted, there was pressure there that really helped shape this song into something special. There’s a massive chorus here and one of our favourite middle 8 sections that we’ve ever put together. We can’t wait to play this one live.”

Pre-order the album here.

Across January and February 2026, Sylosis will be tearing across the UK and Europe for their biggest ever tour. Check out all dates below.

The post SYLOSIS Drop Devastating Second Single “Erased” From Forthcoming Album “The New Flesh” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Kicking off the new year, Puscifer, the multi-dimensional project featuring Maynard James Keenan, Mat Mitchell, and Carina Round, have released “ImpetuoUs”, the third and final preview ahead of their upcoming album Normal Isn’t. The record is set to arrive on February 6 through Puscifer Entertainment, Alchemy Recordings, and BMG.

“I’m looking forward to hearing where this song takes people”, Maynard says. “As the writers, we forget that in a way, we are carpenters and that we’ve been with this song since it was a pile of lumber. Our perspective may differ from the final occupant of this space we’ve constructed. Shelter, Bridge or Gallows, Coffin? Curious to find out”.

Alongside the new track, the band has shared a visualizer that offers an early glimpse into the Puscifer comic book series Tales From The Pusciverse. The first issue centers on the character Bellendia Black, who was originally introduced in the Pendulum video. More information about the comic series, which will launch alongside Normal Isn’t, is expected to be revealed soon.

Before “ImpetuoUs”, Puscifer released two other songs from the 11-track album. “Self Evident” was described by Stereogum as gnarly, with the outlet noting that Keenan and Carina Round operatically growl throughout the four-minute track. “Pendulum” drew comparisons to the post-punk underground of the 1980s, with Consequence calling it the lovechild of Bauhaus and Sisters Of Mercy.

Written and recorded across Arizona, Los Angeles, and while on the road during last year’s Sessanta tour, Normal Isn’t blends the darker electronic elements and sharp humor the band is known for with a looser, more instinctive creative approach. “From the outset, we had discussed an element of rawness and edge, which guitar brings”, Mitchell, who co-produced the album, shares. “We got rid of the guard rails and made the music more aggressive”.

Normal Isn’t reflects this time we are living in, Keenan adds. “As storytellers and artists, our job is to observe, interpret, and report. We take in our environment and share what we see, and what we see around us does not appear normal. Not by a long shot”.

Normal Isn’t is currently available for pre-order and pre-save, with several limited-edition vinyl options including standard black, indie retail orange swirl, a Puscifer.com exclusive black ice and clear with black splatter, and a Queen B Vinyl Café fruit punch in tan with black and white splatter. The album will also be released on CD, cassette, and digital formats.

The post PUSCIFER Releases Final Album Teaser For “ImpetuoUs” From Their Upcoming Album “Normal Isn’t” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Sabaton has shared a new video trailer previewing their upcoming 31-date North American tour. The short clip offers fans an early look at what to expect from the band’s next stretch of live shows.

The tour is set to begin on February 9 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and will travel across the United States and Canada. Along the way, the schedule includes major stops in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston, before concluding on April 20 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Known for their commanding stage presence and their mix of historical themes with heavy metal, Sabaton are expected to bring a polished and high-energy performance to each stop on the tour, appealing to longtime followers as well as newer fans.

Tickets for all dates are available now here.

Sabaton Legends on Tour Dates:

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