Author: Editorial Team

As Coal Chamber gets ready to hit the stage as part of the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas, on Saturday, April 25, Coal Chamber drummer Mikey “Bug” Cox is today making his own personal revelation that he has been fighting–and winning—a battle with cancer. As a result of his recovery, he is proud to announce his partnership with Fxck Cancer to hold a special auction of a custom one-of-a-kind drum kit from ddrum with proceeds going to cancer support and research.

Here’s a statement from Mikey “Bug” Cox: “GRATITUDE. It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot, but it hits differently for me these days. On April 1, 2025, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. I’m not unique. It feels like a lot of us are dealing with this or know someone who is. It’s dark, it’s scary, and it changes the lives of everyone in its orbit.

The first thing I said to my wife was that I was going to fight with everything I had for my family! There were a lot of days I couldn’t make it out of bed, but I didn’t want cancer to define me. So, I finished building the house I was working on with my Bash Construction Group company, and I wrote some of the best music of my life! After a yearlong battle and absolutely brutal rounds of radiation, chemotherapy, and eventually surgery, I’m so grateful to be able to say I made it to CANCER FREE.

The second thing I said to myself was that I wanted to create something positive out of this situation, and that’s where we are today. I hope you’ll join me as I partner with Fxck Cancer to auction off a custom, one-of-a-kind drum kit from ddrum, Scorpion Percussion, TRX Cymbals, and Gator Cases with proceeds to bring awareness, support and resources to those who may find themselves in this unpredictable and unwanted community of warriors.

I’ll have so many people to thank and share my story with in the coming days, and I will be highlighting some of the amazing people and organizations that are working with us to make this goal of mine a reality.

Today I celebrate life, healing, and the strength it takes to survive. I cannot wait to get back on stage post-cancer. These upcoming shows are going to be something truly special.

I chose to partner with Fxck Cancer, because of its bold, direct approach to a disease. Their work breaks stigma, encourages honest conversations, and promotes early detection in a way that resonates—especially with younger audiences and the music community. Its unapologetic voice makes the message feel urgent, relatable and empowering, helping people face cancer head-on instead of avoiding it.”

Please click this link for more information or to donate: Coal Chamber drum kit giveaway for charity | Fxck Cancer.

Coal Chamber is a pioneering American nu metal band formed in Los Angeles, CA that was formed in 1993. Known for their dark, groove-driven sound and gothic aesthetic, the band became a defining force in the late ’90s heavy music scene alongside acts that helped shape the nu metal movement. Fronted by Dez Fafara, Coal Chamber broke through with their Gold-certified self-titled debut album in 1997, followed by the critically recognized albums Chamber Music (1999) and Dark Days (2002). After disbanding in 2003, the group reunited in 2011, returning to the stage and releasing Rivals (2015), their first studio album in over a decade. With a legacy rooted in heavy riffs, haunting atmospheres, and a fiercely loyal fanbase, Coal Chamber remains an influential name in alternative metal and nu metal history.

Fxck Cancer’s mission is to fight cancer by raising awareness with an emphasis on early detection. We aim to eliminate late-stage diagnoses and improve outcomes for those affected. Through our Dyin 2 Live Dreams program, we seek to uplift and inspire individuals battling cancer by offering unique and inspiring VIP experiences that bring hope, strength, and resilience.

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Fifty years ago, on April 23, 1976, Ramones dropped their debut Ramones and set off a shift that still runs through punk and hard rock. Built on speed, volume, and stripped-down songwriting, the record cut through the excess of the time with a direct approach. The lineup — Joey Ramone, Johnny Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone and Tommy Ramone — delivered short, sharp tracks like “Blitzkrieg Bop” and “Judy Is A Punk” that reshaped the sound and attitude of rock.

Reflecting on the album’s impact, Rolling Stone wrote: “Punk rock started in 1976 on New York’s Bowery, when four cretins from Queens came up with a mutant strain of blitzkrieg bubblegum,” when naming Ramones the No. 1 “Greatest Punk Album Of All Time” (later naming it the No. 1 “Best Debut Album Of All Time”). “But even if punk rock began as a kind of negation — a call to stark, brutal simplicity — its musical variety and transforming emotional power was immediate and remains staggering.”

Decades later, the record still carries weight. As The New York Times put it: “the album’s influence has been incalculable”, and the reach of Ramones continues to expand. To mark the anniversary, the band’s camp has teamed up with Rhino Entertainment to roll out a year-long series of events focused on the album’s legacy and the wider impact of punk.

One of the key pieces is an official exhibition organized by The Punk Foundation alongside Linda Ramone and Ramones Productions Inc. The exhibit will debut at The Punk Rock Museum on July 4, 2026, bringing together music, memorabilia, and the broader cultural footprint of the band. The program will include live performances, artist talks, interactive elements, guided tours, and workshops tied to the band’s influence across music, art, and design. The museum will also host a 4th of July bash featuring the Ramones tribute band Mama’s Boy.

Additional releases and tribute events are planned through the end of 2026. A set of remastered and upgraded videos is already available, covering tracks like “I Wanna Be Sedated”, “Psycho Therapy”, “Rock N Roll High School”, “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker”, “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)”, “We Want The Airwaves”, “Time Has Come Today”, “I Wanna Live”, “Something To Believe In”, “Howling At The Moon” and “Do You Remember Rock And Roll Radio?”.

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A dispute over early recordings connected to Black Sabbath has been settled, with the band now back in control of the material. Sharon Osbourne confirmed, on the latest episode of The Osbournes podcast, that ownership of the demos has returned to the original lineup.

The issue centered on plans from former manager Jim Simpson to release a set of 1969 recordings tracked before the band adopted the Black Sabbath name. At the time, they were still performing as Earth, and the material was lined up for release under the title Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes. Legal action led by Osbourne stopped that from moving forward.

Speaking on The Osbournes podcast, Sharon said the situation has now been resolved: “We settled with Jim Simpson and the band now have their demos back. And all four of them [the original members of Black Sabbath] own it, which is where it should be. All of that stuff should be theirs. So it all ended well. So, yeah, they own them. We’re gonna talk about what everybody wants to do with it, and we’ll go from there.”

The recordings capture the original lineup — Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward — at an early stage, before the band’s defining shift into heavy metal.

Sharon pointed out that the material reflects a different side of the group compared to what followed: “I just think it’s historically important – for music lovers of that genre. And then we got [the rights to] the pictures that were taken at that time too. So, that is all so important.

“I mean, listen, you [Jack] want those pictures. Everybody in the band’s kids and grandkids would love to see [them]… It’s special. And I’m just happy that it’s where it should be – with the band, and [they can decide] what they wanna do as a band, what they’re gonna do with it. So that’s great.”

Along with the demos, rights to photos from the same period have also been returned. These items document a key moment in the band’s early development and carry weight both for fans and for those close to the group.

Simpson, who originally backed the sessions in 1969 and later worked on restoring the tapes, had maintained that the recordings held historical value. He also said he had approached the band about being part of a release, though that offer was turned down.

Despite the earlier dispute, Sharon acknowledged how things concluded: “He did the right thing at the end of the day. He did the right thing for the band.”

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Finnish folk metal mainstays Ensiferum are heading back to North America this fall with the Winter Storm Over North America 2026 tour, kicking off in September. Joining them on the run is Firewind, led by guitarist Gus G, widely recognized for his time playing with Ozzy Osbourne.

The tour kicks off on September 9 at ProgPower USA XXV and wraps up a few weeks later on September 27 at the El Corazon in Seattle, WA. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 24 at 10 a.m. local time.

The tour continues the push behind Winter Storm, released in October 2024 via Metal Blade Records. The album took shape during the COVID lockdown, when founding guitarist Markus Toivonen focused on expanding his songwriting approach. He handled nearly all the material, with bassist Sami Hinkka contributing the track “Fatherland”.

Vocalist and keyboardist Pekka Montin continues to play a key role in the band’s evolving sound. After making an impression on Thalassic, his range is more fully integrated on Winter Storm, which follows a fantasy-driven concept written by Hinkka. The record leans into a more expansive and melodic direction without losing the band’s core edge.

Production on Winter Storm was handled by Janne Joutsenniemi, with mixing and mastering by Jens Bogren. The album also features guest spots from Lassi Logrén on nyckelharpa and violin, Mikko Mustonen on orchestration, and Eleine vocalist Madeleine Liljestam, who appears on “Scars In My Heart”.

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Los Angeles hard rock outfit Stitched Up Heart is set to release its next full-length record, Medusa, on June 12 through Judge & Jury Records, the label launched by producer Howard Benson and Three Days Grace drummer Neil Sanderson.

The band has also rolled out a lyric video for the latest single, “Beast”, which features Nonpoint frontman Elias Soriano. The track leans into the group’s established mix of heavy guitar work and hook-driven songwriting, with an added vocal contrast from Soriano.

Founded in 2010 by vocalist Alecia Demner, better known as Mixi, Stitched Up Heart has built its identity around a balance of aggressive instrumentation, strong melodic structure, and lyrics that focus on personal themes.

On the live front, Stitched Up Heart closed out 2025 with a run alongside Eyes Set To Kill, Lauren Babic, and Lylvc. The band returned to touring earlier this spring, joining Sebastian Bach on the road.

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Theory Of A Deadman is back with a new single, “Barricade”, signaling a fresh phase for the band while sticking to the elements that built their following. The track leans into their familiar mix of heavy riffs, big hooks, and direct songwriting, but with a sharper edge.

“Barricade” runs on a tense, controlled build before opening into a wide, release-heavy chorus. The contrast between the verses and the payoff keeps the song grounded while still aiming for a live setting.

Frontman Tyler Connolly explains the meaning behind the track: “”Barricade” is about the frustration of a one-sided relationship with someone that just won’t let you in, is non-responsive and makes you want to rip your hair out.

“I loved the idea of using the word ‘barricade’ in a song since we stare at them at every show. It made so much sense.”

The single was produced by Chris Baseford and Tyler Connolly, with mixing handled by Baseford alongside Irene Genova at Lucky Dog Sound. Mastering was done by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound.

Over the years, Theory Of A Deadman has built a reputation for consistency and adaptability, balancing radio-ready songwriting with a more unfiltered tone. “Barricade” continues that trajectory and reinforces that the band is still actively pushing forward.

New tour dates are expected to be revealed in early May. Check for an updated list of events here.

With a catalog that includes tracks like “Santa Monica”, “All Or Nothing”, “Hate My Life”, “Bitch Came Back”, and “Not Meant To Be”, the band has maintained a steady presence on rock radio. They’ve notched twelve Top 10 hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, including four No. 1 singles: “Bad Girlfriend”, “Lowlife”, “History Of Violence” and “Rx (Medicate)”. The latter became their biggest hit and earned a nomination for “Rock Song Of The Year” at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Beyond singles, Theory Of A Deadman has secured two Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200 and four Top 5 entries on the Canadian Albums chart, along with multiple Juno Award nominations. Coverage from outlets like American Songwriter, Billboard, and Classic Rock magazine has followed their run, reflecting their staying power in modern rock.

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San Francisco Bay Area thrash veterans Heathen are continuing their run of deep cuts and archival rediscoveries with a new release tied to their recent signing with Napalm Records. The latest single, “Twist Of Faith”, reaches back to an earlier project and brings it into the band’s current sound.

Originally released in 1992 by Psychosis on the album Lifeforce, the track featured Heathen members Kragen Lum and Jason Mirza. In its updated form, it has been reworked and “HEATHEN-ized,” turning a lesser-known cut from the early ’90s into something aimed at both longtime followers and modern thrash listeners.

Heathen commented on the release: “Let’s keep things rolling with new music for 2026! “Twist Of Faith” is another early 1990s-era song that we gave the Heathen treatment. Demo collectors may have heard the original Psychosis recording of the song (with Kragen Lum on guitar and Jason Mirza on bass), but we’ve added some new elements and taken it to the next level!

“We have another 15 songs in various stages of production right now so enjoy the “Never A God” 12″ maxi single with “Twist Of Faith” and get ready for the new album (and more).”

The band has also released an official video for “Twist Of Faith”, continuing their recent push of revisiting and reshaping material from different points in their history.

Formed in 1984, Heathen came out of the same San Francisco scene that helped define Bay Area thrash. Early records like Breaking The Silence (1987) and Victims Of Deception (1991) remain key releases in West Coast metal. After a period of inactivity, the band returned in 2001 and has continued to evolve since.

Earlier this year, Heathen marked their deal with Napalm Records by releasing another deep-cut reinterpretation, “Never A God”, originally tied to Laughing Dead, a project featuring vocalist David White in the early 1990s.

Alongside bands like Exodus, Testament, Forbidden, Death Angel, and Vio-Lence, Heathen are often recognized as part of the core wave of Bay Area thrash. Despite lineup changes over the decades, the current foundation remains David White on vocals and Kragen Lum on guitar, with Lum also stepping in for Gary Holt in Exodus during periods when Holt has toured with Slayer.

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The Gwar camp is rallying around one of its original members. Chuck Varga, known to fans as the Sexecutioner, is currently battling cancer, and in response, the band and its extended circle have launched a nationwide blood donation campaign in his name.

Supporters are being asked to visit a local blood bank and either register or donate blood in Varga’s honor. Those who take part will receive an exclusive T-shirt designed by Varga himself. Donate and get an exclusive t-shirt here.

The effort gives fans a direct way to contribute, tying the band’s long-running imagery of blood and spectacle to something with real-world impact. It also serves as a tribute to someone who played a key role in shaping the identity of Gwar.

As the Sexecutioner, Varga became a central figure in the band’s mythology. His role was described as “making sure the blood goes in all the right places.” Beyond performing, he contributed heavily to the band’s visual side, helping create many of the costumes that defined their stage presence. Reflecting on the physical side of performing, he once said, “I describe it as a full-body stunt mat. It gives me special powers. I have fallen off stage five feet onto a concrete floor and bounced like a Super Ball.”

Varga’s creative background stretches well beyond the stage. He has described himself as one part comic book illustrator, one part special effects designer, and two parts sculptor, all filtered through science fiction and a dark sense of humor. In 1985, he co-founded Slave Pit Studios and helped build Gwar into a theatrical force, contributing to eight major productions, more than 1,000 live shows, and two feature-length films. His work has been summed up as “eye popping, twisted and over the top, way over!”

In 1995, he teamed up with Don Drakulich to launch Hyperreal Productions, focusing on art effects, public sculptures and collectible figures. A few years later, he moved to New York, working in Broadway and film while still making occasional appearances with Gwar. He officially stepped away following the Halloween Scumdog Reunion in 2021.

Outside of music, Varga became involved in the New York art scene, connecting with artists like Joe Coleman and Robert Williams. He also met his wife, Bambi The Mermaid, at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. The two married there in 2017 and later combined their creative worlds, blending his theatrical style with her neo-burlesque performances. He became a regular presence at Coney Island USA, taking on the role of resident Neptune.

Today, Varga continues to work across fine art and underground theater, maintaining the mix of satire, spectacle and handcrafted visuals that defined his years with Gwar.

Now, with the current campaign underway, fans have a chance to give something back. Donate blood, support the cause, and keep the legacy moving forward.

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Black Veil Brides have shared the official visualizer for “Revenger”, the latest single from their upcoming album Vindicate, set for release on May 8 through Spinefarm. The track features a guest appearance from Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn and centers on the idea of vengeance viewed through a distorted lens—more fantasy than justice.

On this release, Black Veil Brides—Andy Biersack, Jake Pitts, Jinxx, Lonny Eagleton and Christian Coma—continue to expand their sound while keeping their core identity intact.

Biersack explains the concept behind the track: “I have always been interested in the sort of ethical dilemma that we have culturally of cheering for justice. I thought it would be an interesting exercise to write lyrics from the perspective of someone who is trying to seek out the ultimate form of justice.”

That perspective also influenced the decision to bring in another voice. “Because I was writing from someone else’s voice, this felt like the kind of song that would be best served by having someone else’s voice on the song. So, we brought in Robb Flynn of Machine Head. The reason he came to mind first was of course his voice, tonality and style I thought was perfect for this. He is also someone who was one of the first real defenders of Black Veil Brides. In the early days when we were getting absolutely shit on by every other metal band, Robb Flynn and Machine Head stood up for us and said positive things about us and has maintained that for years and years.”

Biersack adds: “I think it’s one of my favorite songs on the record.”

The “Revenger” concept also extends beyond music. A companion novel titled “Revenger”, written by Biersack and released through Simon & Schuster, is available now.

With Vindicate approaching, Black Veil Brides are building momentum through a series of singles. The record runs from the opening “Invocation To The Muse” to the closing “Eschaton”, covering a wide range of moods and arrangements. Tracks like “Bleeders”, “Hallelujah”, “Certainty” and “Vindicate” point to a band continuing to evolve while holding onto the theatrical edge that has defined their catalog.

Vindicate is available to pre-order here.

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Korn have released a new track, “Reward The Scars”, tying it to the upcoming Diablo IV: Lord Of Hatred expansion. The song is available now, with the expansion set to launch across platforms on April 28.

“Reward The Scars” is the first new material from Korn since Requiem arrived in February 2022. The album, produced by Chris Collier alongside the band, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Albums chart. It moved 23,000 equivalent units in its first tracking week, with 20,000 coming from pure sales. The record also reached No. 2 on both the Top Rock Albums and Top Alternative Albums charts, and landed at No. 14 on the Billboard 200.

In mid-2021, bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu stepped away from touring, explaining he needed time to “heal” after “falling back” on some of his “bad habits.” Since then, Suicidal Tendencies bassist Roberto “Ra” Díaz has handled bass duties on the road. Even with his absence from live shows over the past five years, Fieldy still performed on Requiem.

Over the course of their career, Korn have sold more than 40 million records worldwide, earned two Grammy Awards, and maintained a steady global touring presence. Their impact across metal, rock and alternative circles remains strong, influencing newer artists while continuing to evolve their own sound.

Their reach goes beyond sales and awards. As The Ringer put it, they are “a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now,” reflecting how their approach to genre and identity reshaped expectations within heavy music.

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