Author: Editorial Team

Rock supergroup The Fell, featuring legendary bassist Billy Sheehan, multi-platinum producer Mike (K.) Krompass and Australian vocal powerhouse Toby Rand issued their debut EP, Killswitch, on October 24th. And on November 28th, the band will release a new single, the melodic yet rocking “Footprints.”

“Footprints perfectly blends everything I love about making records — a little bit of heavy, big pop-leaning melodies, and radio-ready hooks, all wrapped in a big, modern rock production,” Krompass explained. “Toby Rand and I poured ourselves into this one, and our collective personalities brought it to life.” 

“Footprints is that song where all the pieces fall into place — the energy of modern rock, the lift of a pop melody, and those undeniable radio hooks. One of my favs on the record. Toby Rand and I wanted to capture the sweet spot between modern rock intensity and hook-driven pop. It’s got riffs, melody, and a production that punches – it’s just us.” 

Sheehan also explained why the song remains so special to him: “‘Footprints’ is one of the very first songs I heard from Mike and Toby, and I was instantly hooked! I love this track! And it led to the formation of The Fell!”

Rand also offered his support for the track. “‘Footprints’ is about realizing that sometimes we wander down the wrong path and find ourselves searching for redemption. By retracing our footprints, we can see where we took the wrong turns – and where we found success. It’s a reminder to keep navigating and to keep finding our way in an ever-changing, chaotic world. ‘Footprints’ was also the first completed song we created as a band, and became the barometer for the style of music we were writing. Excited to share this remix with the world.”

Fusing soaring vocals, elite musicianship, and massive rock production, The Fell‘s sound is both cinematic and immediate, anchored in timeless rock energy but elevated by contemporary edge and sonic depth. Drawing immediate comparisons to the guitar-driven, hard rock crunch of Mammoth, the alt-rock edge of Alter Bridge, and the melodic drive of Velvet Revolver, The Fell carves out their own niche, delivering hard-hitting, emotionally charged anthems that connect with fans across generations.

Order the EP here.

The post Hard Rock Supergroup THE FELL (Featuring BILLY SHEEHAN) Share Music Video For New Single “Footprints” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Kings Of Thrash, the union of Megadeth alumni David Ellefson (bass) and Jeff Young (guitar), plus Chaz Leon (vocals, guitar) and Dead Groove/ex-Bulletboys drummer Fred Aching, has inked a deal with Cleopatra Records for the release of a new single. The upcoming song will be the follow-up to “Lockdown”, which was made available in May.

Setting the stage for the new track, the band says: “Get ready for an explosive track packed with killer riffs, electric solos, and nonstop headbanging moments. Stay tuned!!!”

“We wanted to get some material out, some original material here in 2025, ’cause we’ve got some tour dates coming up here in September and October,” Ellefson previously told The Rock N’ Roll & Coffee Show (via Blabbermouth). “So, actually, Chaz brought the song over. And I gave him some instructions. I said, ‘Dude, 1984, full-blown thrash metal.’ I said, ‘Just head for Nuclear Assault Game Over, Metallica Ride The Lightning. Just go right to the heart of the matter.”

It’s an approach that speaks both to nostalgia and to vitality. Leon, who also fronts the band live, brought a track that Ellefson saw as a solid foundation. “He’s got a real thrash heart. And plus, he’s our singer,” Ellefson said. “We’ve written quite a bit of material together, and we wanted something that really just kind of came out of the gate swinging.”

For Kings Of Thrash, the transition from a tribute project into a band producing original music was a natural progression. “It started out as sort of a ‘Let’s go honor thrash metal,’” Ellefson said. “We pulled in a little bit of Thin Lizzy and some Riot and some stuff that we grew up on as well. And then I think the next logical step to kind of legitimize yourself is to write your own tunes.”

While they’ve been leaning on material from their Megadeth days — songs they helped write and originally performed — Ellefson emphasized the importance of pushing ahead. “To move forward, it’s always good to sort of freshen it up a little bit and show everybody what you got.”

That forward motion started on the road with a track called “Bridges Burned”, which was conceived during the band’s 2023 tour. “Jeff and I had pretty much demoed it up in the studio the year before,” Ellefson explained. “But we collaborated on it as a group at soundcheck, tightened it up. Me and Chaz and Jeff sat down and wrote the lyrics in a hotel room while we were on the tour.”

When it came time to debut the song live, they faced internal resistance. “Our crew were, like, ‘Dude, you guys can’t play that on stage.’ I said, ‘Oh, really? Watch this.’ Like, why not? And who knows if we’ll ever even officially record that, but it sits out on the Internet now. It’s on YouTube… It’s, like, why not, man? It’s thrash metal, dude. This is the kick-ass, have-fun, get-in-the-pit-and-fricking punch-your-neighbor music.”

As for the possibility of a full album of new material, Ellefson didn’t rule it out, though he was clear about the hurdles involved. “It’s possible. I’m certainly not gonna say no to it. I tell you what, it was great to just do one song. Making a record is a lot of work, especially when you live in different cities and you’re trying to collaborate.”

That creative friction, however, is part of what gives Kings Of Thrash its character. “One of the things about Kings is we are not four of the same guy. We are four very different individuals, and so to sort of be agreeable on something, I’m not gonna lie, it’s a bit of a challenge. And quite honestly, it’s the diversity that makes Kings so cool.”

The post KINGS OF THRASH – Featuring Former MEGADETH Members – New Single Will Be “An Explosive Track Packed With Killer Riffs” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

In October 2026, two of the most influential forces in extreme metal will join forces for a monumental live assault: Behemoth and Dimmu Borgir will embark on the “In League With Satan” Co-Headline Tour, storming across Europe and the UK. As special guests, the Swedish black metal icons Dark Funeral will add even more ferocity to an already devastating lineup.

This unholy trinity represents some of the darkest, most powerful, and most visionary acts the genre has ever produced. Fans can expect colossal stage productions, blistering performances, and an atmosphere steeped in occult grandeur and sonic extremity. The “In League With Satan” tour promises to be one of the most anticipated extreme metal events of the decade.

Dimmu Borgir comments: “It’s been a few years since we’ve done a proper European tour, and what a great way to get back out there—teaming up with our brothers in Behemoth for this massive European run. We’ll be bringing a brand-new show with us, and we can’t wait to share our next chapter with both new and familiar faces.”

Nergal adds:“Legions of Europe! We decided to outdo ourselves and bring the biggest black metal package ever assembled. Behemoth, Dimmu Borgir, and Dark Funeral historic… biblical! Let’s get evil as fuck!”

Pre-sales will start on Monday, December 1 at 10:00 A.M. CET, while the general on-sale will launch on Wednesday, December 3, at 10:00 A.M. CET. Tickets will be made available here.

The post DIMMU BORGIR Joins Forces With BEHEMOTH For EU Co-Headlining Tour With Special Guests DARK FUNERAL appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Just ahead of their European co-headlining run with labelmates Warkings, the symphonic metal crew Visions Of Atlantis has revealed plans for a new release. Their upcoming album, Armada – An Orchestral Voyage, reimagines their successful 2024 record Pirates II – Armada, which climbed into the Top 5 charts in both Germany and Austria. This new interpretation highlights the depth of the original material by stripping it down and rebuilding it with an entirely fresh instrumental arrangement.

The album’s purpose is to give listeners another way to experience the band’s world, offering a soundtrack suited for reading, gaming, or simply getting lost in orchestral textures. Alongside the announcement, the group has unveiled a new version of “Ashes To The Sea”, described as a haunting and emotionally rich take on the original ballad.

Visions Of Atlantis vocalist Clémentine Delauney shares her thoughts on the project. She says:
“We are delighted to present another immersive work with Armada – An Orchestral Voyage. This very first track, “Ashes To The Sea”, is very dear to me because of the original message it carries. In this version, the words fall silent, leaving space for emotions and vibrations to envelop the listener, who is then free to imagine and feel along with the strings and the beautiful orchestral arrangements.”

Delauney also elaborates on the intention behind Armada – An Orchestral Voyage, explaining:
“With this new instrumental record, we truly wanted to enhance the core of Visions Of Atlantis‘s sound: symphonic music. When we released A Pirate Symphony, the feedback from our fans was enthusiastic. With An Orchestral Voyage, we didn’t limit ourselves to repeating a winning formula — we aimed to go even further and offer the epitome of a symphonic piece. Still rooted in an orchestral instrumental approach, all the lead melodies have been passionately and skillfully performed by real instruments such as violins, flutes, and even a duduk! This album turns our latest studio release Armada into the most epic journey — the ultimate symphonic soundtrack to any adventure. To be enjoyed on its own, or alongside your favorite book, outdoor hikes, or game nights!”

Across Armada – An Orchestral Voyage, the vocal lines from Pirates II – Armada are reinterpreted with a wide palette of orchestral sounds. The album features atmospheric flutes performed by Sandro Friedrich, striking violin parts by Fabio Polo of Elvenking, and unique textures from traditional instruments like the duduk. These elements create shifting soundscapes that evoke the rise and fall of cinematic ocean waves.

The tracklist guides listeners through a 12-song journey, beginning with the powerful opener “To Those Who Choose to Fight”, moving through standout moments like the new rendition of “Ashes To The Sea”, and concluding with the reflective finale “Where The Sky And Ocean Blend”.

The album was produced, mixed, and mastered by Visions Of Atlantis vocalist Michele Guaitoli. Visual artist Peter Sallai created the cover artwork, which mirrors the album’s expansive and cinematic tone.

Multiple editions of Armada – An Orchestral Voyage will be offered, including special bundles featuring a Visions Of Atlantis tabletop adventure game, D20 dice, a game manual created for Aureus Aestus by Wyrd Edizioni, and A5 character artwork illustrated by Mirco Paganessi.

The post VISIONS OF ATLANTIS Shares Orchestral Version Of “Ashes To The Sea” From Upcoming Album “Armada – An Orchestral Voyage” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Uli Jon Roth, the legendary guitarist who helped shape the early sound of Scorpions, will mark the 50th anniversary of the band’s Virgin Killer album with a special performance at next year’s Wacken Open Air festival. The exclusive anniversary show will take place between July 29 and August 1, 2026, in Wacken, Germany, and Roth, now 70, is expected to be joined by “special guests” for the occasion.

Virgin Killer was the first of four studio albums that truly defined Scorpions and their influential, high-energy metallic edge. Released in 1976, it became the band’s first record to gain attention beyond Europe and marked a shift from their psychedelic roots toward a more hard-rock-driven sound. It was also the first time the lineup stayed consistent, featuring Klaus Meine on vocals, Uli Jon Roth on lead guitar, Rudolf Schenker on rhythm guitar, Francis Buchholz on bass, and Rudy Lenners on drums. The album’s nine tracks were recorded with producer Dieter Dierks.

The album is remembered for its heavy riffs, fast arrangements, and the innovative guitar work that Roth brought to the forefront. The record’s standout moments include the powerful grooves and thunderous riffs in Uli’s “Polar Nights” solo, which remains one of the album’s defining highlights. The comparisons to Jimi Hendrix have followed Roth throughout his career, and Virgin Killer is a prime example of why.

Regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Roth pioneered a distinct style that blended technical mastery with strong melodic expression. From the beginning, he carved out a reputation as a fearless musical innovator. He became the first rock guitarist to integrate complex melodic arpeggio sequences into his playing, a contribution that many believe helped reshape modern guitar technique. While his work with Scorpions laid the foundation, Roth’s boundary-pushing creativity continued even more boldly during his Electric Sun years.

The post ULI JON ROTH Will Bring “Virgin Killer” Back To Life For Its 50th Anniversary At Wacken 2026 appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

A one-of-a-kind Gibson CEO4 guitar, custom-built and played by Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett during the “Back To The Beginning” concert — an event tied to Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance in Birmingham this past July — has fetched an impressive $76,800 at auction. The instrument had originally been projected to sell for only around $6,000.

Hammett not only used the guitar live during Metallica’s rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Hole In The Sky,” but also added his signature to the instrument. The CEO4 model features a 24.75-inch scale mahogany neck, a bound 22-fret ebony fretboard with Supreme-style split block mother-of-pearl inlays, and a bound open-book Gibson headstock with custom model inlays. It also includes a truss rod cover engraved with “CEO-4,” paired with a mahogany body topped with flame maple finished in Ghost Burst. The package came with a hardshell case, Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian’s “Back To The Beginning” backstage pass signed by him, and a custom-made DES strap fitted with strap locks.

The guitar was sold through Julien’s Auctions as part of its annual “Played, Worn & Torn” event, which highlights more than 800 pieces of music history. This particular SG was included in the Gibson Gives Guitar Collection, a curated selection benefiting the Gibson Gives charity.

The Kirk Hammett Collection presented a rare chance for collectors and historians to explore more than 150 guitars, awards, and stage-played pieces connected to the evolution of heavy music.

Reflecting on his long-running passion for collecting, Hammett said: “I’ve had the collectors bug ever since I can remember. There’s a whole troop of guitars that I’ve just accumulated over the years. Some are touring guitars and then there’s a whole batch of rare weird stuff. It drives me crazy to see the whole bunch of guitars not being played, and that’s my hope that people buy these and play them, record with them tour with them.”

While Hammett is most widely known for four decades of work with Metallica, he also played a foundational role in Exodus, performing with the band for three years in its early days. Exodus even opened for Metallica in late 1982 and 1983, helping set the stage for his eventual move to the group. His career has earned him numerous awards, including recognition in Rolling Stone’s list of “The Top 100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time.” Though Hammett owns an extensive guitar collection, he is particularly associated with his long-running partnership with ESP, which has produced several signature models carrying his name.

The post KIRK HAMMETT’s Rare GIBSON Guitar Shatters Expectations With a Stunning Auction Price appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Sylosis has revealed the first details of their seventh studio album, titled The New Flesh, slated to drop on February 20th, 2026, via Nuclear Blast Records.

The colossal tetrad featuring Josh Middleton (guitar/lead vocals), Ali Richardson (drums), Conor Marshall (guitar), and Ben Thomas (bass), has also unleashed a god-tier single, the album title track “The New Flesh”.

Sylosis stated: “Introducing The New Flesh. This is us solidifying the lineup of the band and moving forward with a new sense of purpose and aggression. After having spent so much of the last 2 years on the road, ‘The New Flesh’, and the songs that will follow from the album, have been written with the live environment in mind. There is an energy running through these songs that we’ve never felt on a Sylosis album, until now. We’ll see you all in 2026 – Josh, Ali, Ben, Conor.“

The New Flesh is available to pre-order in the following physical formats:

• CD Jewelcase
• Solid Red Vinyl (All Retail)
• Sky Blue with Black Splatter Vinyl (NB/Band Variant)
• Red and Sky Blue Corona with Vinyl (Band Exclusive)

Pre-order it here.

The post SYLOSIS Announce New Album “The New Flesh”, Share Music Video For Colossal Album’s Title Track appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

In 1986, Swedish rock icons Europe released their landmark third album, The Final Countdown. The record propelled the band onto the world stage, with its title track becoming a global hit and reaching No. 1 in 25 different countries. The album went multi-platinum, delivered four Top 40 singles, and remained on the American Billboard chart for more than 60 weeks.

The song has continued to thrive in the digital era. In 2022, YouTube recognized the band for becoming the first Swedish group to earn one billion views for a single track. That number has only grown, and as of now, the video is approaching 1.4 billion views.

The The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary tour is set to visit 12 countries, including the U.K., Netherlands, France, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. The run will feature 19 shows, each built around a career-spanning setlist that ends with a full live performance of The Final Countdown from start to finish.

Since releasing The Final Countdown, Europe has continued to tour extensively and has added eight more studio albums to their catalog. Along the way, they have earned honors such as a Classic Rock Award and a Swedish Grammis. The band also remains one of the rare groups to still feature their classic lineup. September 2026 will bring the arrival of their twelfth studio album, recorded in October 2025 at RMV Studios in Stockholm with producer Tom Dalgety, known for his work with Ghost, The Pixies, Royal Blood, and Opeth.

Frontman Joey Tempest shares his excitement about the upcoming shows. He says: “In a blink of an eye, 40 years have passed and we’re about to perform The Final Countdown in full for only the second time in our career, together with other hits and our favorite songs from our upcoming album. This will be amazing. We’re working on making the production and show match this very special occasion.”

Serving as special guests for the entire tour will be Canadian rockers The Damn Truth, whose praised self-titled fourth album was produced by Bob Rock, known for his work with Metallica, Bon Jovi, and Mötley Crüe. Scottish legends Gun will also appear as very special guests for all U.K. dates.

Tickets go on sale Friday, November 28, at 10 a.m. local time, with presales in the U.K. beginning Wednesday, November 26, at 10 a.m.

Europe 2026 “The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary Tour” Dates:

September 30 – UK – Glasgow, SEC Armadillo
October 02 – UK – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
October 03 – UK – London, Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith
October 05 – Netherlands – Arnhem, Musis
October 06 – France – Paris, Olympia
October 08 – Spain – Barcelona, Poble Espanyol
October 09 – Spain – Bilbao, Arena Miribilla
October 10 – Spain – Madrid, La Cubierta
October 12 – Switzerland – Lausanne, Salle Metropole
October 13 – Switzerland – Zurich, Volkshaus
October 14 – Italy – Milan, Alcatraz
October 16 – Germany – Stuttgart, Liederhalle
October 17 – Austria – Vienna, Gasometer
October 19 – Germany – Berlin, Admiralspalast
October 20 – Poland – Warsaw, Torwar
October 22 – Denmark – Copenhagen, Falconer
October 23 – Sweden – Gothenburg, Film Studios
October 24 – Sweden – Stockholm, BK
October 26 – Norway – Oslo, Sentrum Scene

The post EUROPE Announces “The Final Countdown” 40th Anniversary UK Tour appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Former Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe has confirmed the upcoming release of his new studio album, Outerstellar, arriving February 20, 2026, through Silver Lining Music. He has also shared the Leigh Brooks–directed video for the album’s second single, “Disconnected.”

The track reflects a concern that Monroe has often spoken about: the widening gap between people in an age that claims to keep them connected.

“Disconnected” speaks of something that Monroe feels passionately about: that live music is a rare and vital space for people to find each other in the moment.

Monroe explains: “Technology was supposed to bring people closer together, when, in fact, people are more disconnected than ever. They’re looking at their phones and their computers and downloading stuff.”

He continues: “And, you know, the Internet can’t take away the experience of being at a live show. You’re on stage, and you communicate with the audience who are there, in that moment. That’s where the magic really happens, and absolutely no program or device or computer can reproduce that.”

To support Outerstellar, Monroe and his band will launch a U.K. co-headlining tour with Buckcherry, beginning in Southampton on February 24, 2026.

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