Belphegor’s North American Praise The Beast tour starts tomorrow, Thursday February 19. The gates open once more. Get your tickets here.
With the release of “Scarlet Beast – Leviathan,” Belphegor returns at their most menacing and deliberate, delivering a track that moves with the force of an advancing colossus. Built upon lumbering, monolithic riffs and a suffocating sense of inevitability, the single embodies a towering presence, vast, unrelenting, and absolute.
“Scarlet Beast – Leviathan” does not chase speed; it commands submission. Favoring tension, density, and sheer authority over velocity, the song fuses ritualistic black metal atmosphere with the crushing weight of death metal. The result is a sonic behemoth, oppressive, deliberate, and unstoppable, advancing through scorched terrain with death trailing in its wake.
The single arrives as Belphegor kicks off their North American “Praise The Beast” tour, carrying this new chapter directly onto the stage. The track’s immense weight and deliberate pacing translate into a live experience built on tension and command, setting the tone for a run that promises ritual intensity across the continent.
Accompanying the single is a stark and uncompromising music video that captures the essence of true darkness. Gritty and raw in execution, the visual counterpart strips away artifice and embraces ritualistic imagery, shadow, and decay. It is not spectacle, but invocation.
With “Scarlet Beast – Leviathan,” Belphegor once again prove their mastery of controlled devastation. The beast does not rush. It advances. And nothing stands in its path.
Shinedown has locked in a major new cycle for 2026, confirming its eighth studio album, Ei8ht, for 05/29 via Atlantic Records. At the same time, the band rolled out “Dance, Kid, Dance Act II,” a global run across 11 countries and 54 dates, with arena and festival stops in North America and Europe.
The latest preview from the record is “Safe And Sound,” which arrives with an official lyric video and sets the tone for what the band says is a hard push forward creatively. Check it out below.
Talking about the album, the tour, and working with producer and bandmate Eric Bass, Shinedown frontman Brent Smith said, “This album is over a year in the making. Without question, as a band, we pushed ourselves like never before. Especially when it comes to Eric. Myself, Zach and Barry are so honored to create and work with such an extraordinary producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter, musician, performer, and bandmate. We are so excited to finally announce our eighth studio album titled Ei8ht alongside our ‘Dance, Kid, Dance Act II’ world tour.”
He also described the new single directly: “‘Safe And Sound’ is about reminding the competition what they are dealing with one by one.”
Support across the world tour will rotate between Coheed And Cambria, Black Stone Cherry, From Ashes To New, Dj Rock Feed, and Those Damn Crows, depending on market and date.
Ticket timing is split by region:
North America public onsale: 02/20 at 10:00 AM local time
Europe public onsale: 02/27 at 10:00 AM local time
Additional presales are scheduled earlier that week in multiple territories
Beyond the world tour, Shinedown is also launching its first curated destination event, Shinedown’s Lunatic Ball Beach Weekend, set for 10/23 to 10/25 in Miramar Beach, Florida. The festival bill currently includes Shinedown (two different headlining sets), Bush, Hanson, Flyleaf (with Lacey Sturm), Living Colour, From Ashes To New, Guardians Of The Jukebox, Neon Mooners, and more to be announced.
Shinedown “Dance, Kid, Dance Act II” World Tour Dates
05/13 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center *^% 05/15 – Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Festival (Headlining) 05/16 – Madison, WI – Kohl Center *^% 05/18 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center *^% 05/19 – Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena *^%% 05/22 – Austin, TX – Moody Center *^% 05/23 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center *^% 05/26 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena *^% 05/28 – Estero, FL – Hertz Center *^% 05/30 – Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena *^% 06/02 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum *^% 06/05 – Norfolk, VA – Chartway Arena *^% 06/06 – Hershey, PA – GIANT Center *^% 07/11 – Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle *#% 07/13 – Toronto, ON – Coca-Cola Coliseum *% 07/15 – Quebec City, QC – Centre Vidéotron *#% 07/17 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena *% 07/18 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena *#% 07/20 – Manchester, NH – SNHU Arena *% 07/21 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center *% 07/23 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena *% 07/25 – Knoxville, TN – Food City Center *#% 07/30 – Lubbock, TX – United Supermarkets Arena *#% 07/31 – Colorado Springs, CO – Weidner Field *% 08/02 – El Paso, TX – UTEP Don Haskins Center *#% 08/04 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Arena *#% 08/06 – Ontario, CA – Toyota Arena *% 08/07 – Las Vegas, NV – Michelob ULTRA Arena *#% 08/09 – Sparks, NV – Nugget Event Center *% 08/10 – Boise, ID – ExtraMile Arena *#% 08/12 – Billings, MT – First Interstate Arena at Metrapark *#% 08/14 – Spokane, WA – Numerica Veterans Arena *#% 08/15 – Vancouver, BC – PNE Pacific Coliseum *#% 08/17 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place *#% 08/20 – Fargo, ND – Fargodome *#% 08/21 – Welch, MN – Treasure Island Resort *% 08/23 – Springfield, IL – Illinois State Fair #% 09/04 – Dyersville, IA – Velocity Festival 09/10 – McHenry, IL – McHenry Music Festival 10/31 – Paris, FR – Zénith Paris – La Villette & 11/02 – Milan, IT – Alcatraz & 11/04 – Tilburg, NL – O13 & 11/06 – Prague, CZ – Forum Karlín & 11/08 – Copenhagen, DK – Falkonersalen & 11/09 – Stockholm, SE – Annexet & 11/11 – Berlin, DE – Columbiahalle & 11/12 – Düsseldorf, DE – Mitsubishi Electric Halle & 11/14 – Birmingham, UK – bp pulse LIVE *& 11/16 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro *& 11/17 – Nottingham, UK – Motorpoint Arena *& 11/19 – London, UK – OVO Arena Wembley *& 11/20 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena *& 11/22 – Dublin, IE – 3Olympia Theatre &
* with Coheed And Cambria ^ with Black Stone Cherry # with From Ashes To New & with Those Damn Crows % with DJ Rock Feed
Two major names in classic rock are hitting the road together in 2026. Santana and The Doobie Brothers have confirmed a co-headlining North American run under the banner of the Oneness Tour, bringing decades of hits and shared history to arenas and amphitheaters across the continent.
The tour is promoted by Live Nation, it will first be available starting with a Citi presale beginning Tuesday, February 17 at 10 a.m. PT, followed by an artist presale beginning Tuesday, February 17 at 2 p.m. PT. For complete presale details, visithere. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, February 20 at 10 a.m. PT here.
The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, a limited-edition lithograph, exclusive Santana merchandise, and more. VIP package contents vary based on the selected offer. For more information, visit here.
Onstage, the tour will highlight the full scope of Santana’s catalog, from the epic breakthrough of Abraxas to Woodstock to the global phenomenon of Supernatural and beyond.
For more than fifty years, Carlos Santana’s work has stood at the crossroads of rock, Latin rhythms, blues, and soul. His guitar, message, and music speak a universal language of rhythm and soul, uniting audiences worldwide.
The Doobie Brothers will appear on most of the tour dates, bringing their own long-running legacy to the bill. The legendary hitmakers (Tom Johnston, Pat Simmons, John McFee and MichaelMcDonald) will perform all the hits fans know and love as well as new music from their highly acclaimed new album, Walk This Road.”
Walk This Road, their 16th album, marks a notable moment in the band’s history, featuring key members together again in the studio.
Santana and The Doobie Brothers share a history of touring together — most notably in 2019, when The Doobie Brothers supported Santana on the “Supernatural Now” tour, celebrating major milestones in Santana‘s career, including the 20th anniversary of Supernatural and the 50th anniversary of Carlos Santana‘s iconic performance at Woodstock.
With both bands carrying massive catalogs and multi-generational fanbases, the Oneness Tour is shaping up as one of the biggest classic rock runs of the year.
An Eevening with Santana at Red Rocks (Not with The Doobie Brothers):
Wed, May 27 – Morrison, CO- Red Rocks Amphitheatre* Wed, May 28 – Morrison, CO- Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
Santana & The Doobie Brothers 2026 Tour Dates:
Sat, Jun 13 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Mon, Jun 15 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater Wed, Jun 17 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center Thu, Jun 18 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre Sat, Jun 20 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater Sun, Jun 21 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center Wed, Jun 24 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live Fri, Jun 26 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium Sat, Jun 27 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center Mon, Jun 29 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center Wed, Jul 1 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center Thu, Jul 2 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater Sat, Jul 4 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Sun, Jul 5 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre Wed, Jul 8 – Charlotte, NC – Truliant Amphitheater Thu, Jul 9 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Thu, Aug 6 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre Sat, Aug 8 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre Sun, Aug 9 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre Tue, Aug 11 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre Thu, Aug 13 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl Fri, Aug 14 – Phoenix, AZ – Mortgage Matchup Center Sun, Aug 16 – El Paso, TX – UTEP Don Haskins Center Tue, Aug 18 – Austin, TX – Moody Center Fri, Aug 21 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Sat, Aug 22 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center Wed, Aug 26 – Kansas City, MO – Morton Amphitheater Thu, Aug 27 – Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater
Twilight Force have officially entered a new era, signing a worldwide record deal with Austrian metal label Napalm Records. The agreement locks in a major next step for the Swedish symphonic power metal band as they move forward with new material and bigger plans.
The partnership is being framed as a natural match built on shared respect, and it comes with fresh music right away. To mark the occasion, Twilight Force have released a new single, “Magic Of A New Dawn”, giving fans the first taste of what’s ahead.
“Magic Of A New Dawn” leans fully into the band’s trademark cinematic power metal sound, aiming for sweeping melodies, fantasy-driven themes, and a sense of forward momentum.
Twilight Force comments on the signing: “Brave knights, rejoice and revel! A new dawn is upon us! Twilight Force is proud and elated to announce that a new and mighty covenant has been sealed! Together with the indomitable Napalm Records, we shall brave new quests and journey into a bright and exhilarating tomorrow!”
Label representative Sebastian Münch also spoke on the signing, highlighting the band’s global reach and distinct style: “Napalm Records is thrilled to officially welcome Twilight Force to the label roster! Known for their epic symphonic power metal, rich fantasy worlds, and unique adventure metal style, Twilight Force have captured the hearts of metal fans around the globe. We’re excited to work together to bring their heroic sound and legendary stories to an even bigger audience.”
Band member Blackwald offered a deeper look into the meaning behind “Magic Of A New Dawn”: “Life is like a magic tome; filled with mystery, marvels, wisdom, and unforeseen events. Trials and tribulations sometimes appear when least expected, but whenever gloom and hardships arise in your path; remember that there is always hope and magic. Follow your destiny with persistence, steadfastness, and courage. The prophecies shall guide you to glory, and the Power of the Ancient Force will be with you, always!”
Over the years, Twilight Force have built a strong reputation as one of the defining names in modern symphonic power metal, known for combining high-level musicianship with full fantasy immersion.
The group’s origins trace back to 2007, formed with the goal of reviving the classic spirit of epic symphonic power metal while also carving out their own world. Since then, they’ve expanded far beyond that initial vision, growing into something unique within the genre.
Their approach remains rooted in sweeping orchestration, fast-paced performances, and storytelling that pulls listeners into their mythical universe.
With Napalm Records now behind them and “Magic Of A New Dawn” setting the stage, Twilight Force look ready to push their adventure metal vision even further.
Dethklok has confirmed a new batch of spring headline shows, bringing their full-scale live production to a handful of cities across the West Coast and Midwest. For fans who want the full Dethklok experience in a standalone setting, these dates offer a rare chance outside of the band’s upcoming co-headlining run with Amon Amarth.
The tour is being promoted by Live Nation and begins in April 26th. The opening night lands in Chicago at the Aragon Ballroom, with more major stops following before wrapping up on May 28th at Observatory North Park in San Diego, California.
Tickets will first be available starting with a Citi presale (more details here) beginning on Tuesday, February 17 at 10 a.m. PST, followed by an artist presale beginning Tuesday, February 17 at 11 a.m. PST here (code: BRUTAL). Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, February 20 at 10 a.m. local time here.
This spring run is shaping up as a must-see for metal fans looking to catch Dethklok at full force in a true headline environment.
Dethklok 2026 Solo Headline Tour Dates:
April 26 – Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom May 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium May 25 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre May 26 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater May 28 – San Diego, CA – Observatory North Park
Twice-Grammy-nominated artist Poppy has officially revealed plans for her upcoming “Constantly Nowhere” North American tour, bringing her latest era directly to metal and hard rock fans across the continent. The Live Nation-promoted run will feature support from French metalcore force Landmvrks and post-hardcore outfit Thousand Below.
Tickets are first available with a Citi presale beginning at 10:00 a.m. local time tomorrow, February 18. All presales end at 11:59 p.m. local time on Thursday, February 19. General on-sale tickets are available on Friday, February 20 at 10 a.m. local time. For complete presale details visit here.
The tour announcement arrives right after the buildup surrounding Poppy’s seventh studio record, Empty Hands. The album explores a wide sonic range, pulling from industrial textures, pop hooks, and the surreal edge that has become part of her signature.
The record reflects Poppy’s ability to shift between genres while keeping her sound unmistakably her own. The LP draws from eclectic influences, with industrial elements, pop sensibilities, and moments that call back to Poppy‘s surrealist roots with her signature uncanny, machine-like voice. The Constantly Nowhere tour brings the album to the stage for the first time.
Before hitting the U.S. and Canada, Poppy will first take the tour overseas, playing dates in Australia and Europe. Once the North American leg begins, fans can expect stops in some of the biggest markets on the map.
With Landmvrks and Thousand Below rounding out the bill, this run is shaping up to be one of the more stacked heavy tours of the season — and the first real chance to hear Empty Hands come alive in a full live setting.
Get ready for EddFest: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience what constitutes IronMaiden’s idea of a fun-filled 48 hours of entertainment, themed areas and bars, experiences, live music, and more. Inside EddFest, fans will be able to explore the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience, a walk-through display of stage props and relics, inspired by the Sunday Times Bestseller book Infinite Dreams. This is an unprecedented and completely unique opportunity to view Maiden relics up close and personal.
Fans will also encounter Maidenville, where you will find the greatest Eddie’s Dive Bar yet, a second stage for music and entertainment, the Unfair Funfair featuring rides and Eddie-themed Funfair Games, plus Eddie’s Emporium and much more to explore throughout the site.
Friday night campers will be able to gain early access to the site and experiences, including first access to the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience. There will also be a whole evening of entertainment planned on the Maidenville stage featuring a mix of special acts with a connection to Maiden. This is all topped off with the previously announced main stage on the Saturday, featuring an exceptional supporting line-up, ahead of Iron Maiden’s show-stopping Run For Your Lives performance.
Manager Rod Smallwood explains, “After the monumental shows in the UK last year, we knew that if we were going to play the UK in 2026, it had to be very different. So we chose Knebworth Park as it gives us the space required, which is just not available in stadiums, to put together something groundbreaking for our fans by creating a Maiden World for them. We are excited to now reveal the details of this one-off event to celebrate the band’s 50-year career, which we are now calling EddFest, because, as everyone knows, Eddie is the true star of the show!”
“We also know Maiden fans are basically a huge gang, and we want to give them a weekend to remember at Knebworth. For the last couple of tours, we have been arranging the Eddie Dive Bars for our fans, both pre- and post-show. Some of these took over the entire centres of towns with thousands of fans gathered there enjoying the fun, the music, and each other’s company. So EddFest is going to expand on that concept in a huge variety of ways, to create a truly unmissable Maiden World over the whole weekend!”
“There will be a whole host of great music, great beer (of course!), lots of exciting and varied fun things to do, great souvenirs and merch, some unique and fantastic photo opportunities to create unbeatable Maiden memories, and of course, the true camaraderie that comes from being a Maiden fan.”
Kilimanjaro promoters Stuart Galbraith and Alan Day, the creators of Sonisphere, add, “Maiden have a different view on how they want to do things for their fans than most bands. We previously worked with them at Sonisphere, and when they explained what they wanted to do for this show, we were hooked. It will be a unique event. A celebration of the Eddie-verse if you will: a curated Friday afternoon, night, and all day Saturday, finishing with the last UK show Maiden will play until at least 2028!”
“Creating something like that, which will include a once-in-a-lifetime Infinite Dreams museum experience, featuring a wide range of rarely-seen memorabilia from throughout their history, a Maiden-themed fun fair, the biggest Eddie’s Dive Bar ever with some extra special additions and surprises, plus the ability to camp, glamp or park a motorhome on site for the Friday and Saturday night show in a specially created ‘village’ space with Maiden Alumni, friends and our perfect partners, Planet Rock – well it was a chance not to be missed!”
The EddFest Festival starts from 2 pm on Friday, with camping included for both nights. Various parts of the Maidenville site will be open to weekend campers throughout Friday afternoon and into the early hours of Saturday morning, including the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience.
Friday Night at EddFest is all about fun before the big day. The campsite comes alive with direct access to the heart of Maidenville, and the entertainment is a blend of bands and artists with connections to Maiden – some obscure, some as clear as daylight, but they all have something in common and deserve to be a part of the opening night celebration.
Friday Night on the Maidenville second stage will feature full sets from:
Stray
Maiden United
Airforce
Tony Moore’s Awake
Hair Metal Glamageddon
Saturday sees the opening of the Main Arena, which includes Eddie’s Extended Emporium, the Trooper VIP area, and a range of interactive experiences. These will act as hors d’oeuvres for the curated Main Stage festival live bill, starting with back, better than ever British rockers The Almighty.
Australia’s festival-ready Airbourne follows, before the thrilling Mongolian metal of The Hu rings out across Knebworth’s hallowed park. As we move into the evening, The Darkness will take to the stage for a barnstorming set before Iron Maiden deliver a historic performance – the ultimate communal experience between the band and their fans set in the heart of this one-off Maiden World.
EddFest is going to be a truly exceptional weekend for each and every Maiden fan in attendance – an unforgettable chance to be part of a fully themed Festival experience, celebrating Iron Maiden’s spectacular fifty-year career… and the last chance to see them in the UK until at least 2028.
For further details, to purchase tickets and to stay updated on all things to do with Iron Maiden at Knebworth, including FAQs & timing,s make sure you check out the dedicated sitehere
Camping tickets are separate from event tickets and can be purchased in parallel.
Bloodstock “New Blood” alumni HeKz are delighted to be raising the bar for progressive metal with the announcement of Qisma – their fifth studio album, set to redefine what’s possible in the genre.
Qisma – an evocative Arabic word meaning fate, destiny, or divine will – captures HeKz at their most fearless and inventive. Visionary bandleader and multi-instrumentalist Matt Young has created what he calls his “boldest artistic statement to date”, an album designed to captivate prog devotees and welcome newcomers alike into HeKz’s richly textured sonic landscape.
To mark the announcement of Qisma, HeKz has released the album’s first single, “The Future Is Here.” The track acts as the opening chapter of the wider Qisma narrative and sets the thematic and musical tone for what follows.
“The Future Is Here is the perfect introduction to Qisma,” says Young. “It sums up exactly what HeKz is about. Music and lyrics working together to tell a story, with no boundaries on where that story can go.”
He continues, “Qisma takes everything fans love about HeKz: soaring melodies, compelling storytelling, theatrical grandeur – and amplifies it beyond recognition. We’re exploring exciting new sounds and textures that even surprised us in the studio!”
HeKz have long been recognised for their unconventional, electrifying use of the violin. Qisma elevates this signature element to new heights. “We’ve never treated the violin as a backing instrument – it’s a lead voice in our music,” Young explains. “On this album, the interplay between violin and lead guitar is genuinely groundbreaking. We’re charting new territory.”
True to its name, Qisma weaves a gripping narrative thread throughout its 12 tracks. It’s a tale of self-discovery in a world that demands conformity, where modern systems prioritise control over creativity and compliance over courage. Yet the album’s message blazes with hope: with passion, belief, and unwavering commitment, we can forge our own destiny and illuminate the path for others.
“It’s an allegory for the moment we’re living through,” Young reflects. “With everything happening in our world right now, we must hold on to hope. We must find the light in the darkness. Don’t let anyone convince you there’s only one way forward – there isn’t!”
Presented as a double album, Qisma features guest contributions from prog rock royalty:
Adam Holzman (Steven Wilson, Trifecta, Jane Getter) on keyboards
Mark Bogert (Knight Area, Magoria) on guitar
Moyano el Buffalo (King Lizard, Diamond Black) on percussion
John Mitchell (Frost*, Asia, Lonely Robot, Arena) on vocals, co-production, mixing, and mastering
Qisma stands as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of independent artistry. HeKz have consistently resisted the gravitational pull of the mainstream industry, forging their own path with integrity and vision.
Young concludes with palpable pride, “This album is a celebration of the power of doing things your own way. There’s simply no chance we could have made an album like this as part of someone else’s system. We’ve made Qisma on our own terms, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with the world. Long may independent music thrive!”
A new documentary, The Ballad Of Judas Priest, has made its world premiere at the 76th Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival, running 02/12–02/22. The film is co-directed by filmmaker Sam Dunn and Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello, and it focuses on Judas Priest’s rise and long-term influence inside and outside metal culture.
The documentary includes key tracks in the band’s catalog, including “Breaking The Law” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” and frames Judas Priest as a band whose impact goes beyond genre labels.
At the film’s 02/15 Berlinale press conference, Tom Morello directly addressed the political angle in both the movie and the band’s legacy: “What a time to be alive, where you can both make a documentary about one of your favorite bands and fight fascism at the same time. But one of the things that, while the lyrical content — maybe ‘Breaking The Law’ and a few songs — are explicitly political in Judas Priest, the band’s existence is very political.”
“When I’ve seen Judas Priest over the course of the last decade or so in Los Angeles, the audience is maybe more than 50% Latino. It’s a lot of gay couples — nothing that has anything to do with the stereotypical… And yes, there are some older dudes like myself and leather jackets proudly bringing their kids to the show as well, but that community and the unity and the harmony that exists at a Judas Priest show is in some ways a model for how we might all do better,” Morello continued (transcribed by Blabbermouth).
Judas Priest singer Rob Halford was also at the press conference and explained how social and political realities have shaped his writing for years: “It’s been impossible for me as a lyricist to not avoid seeing things in the world that affect me, that get me pissed off and thinking, is there a way I can put this into a song?” Rob explained.
“And I’ve been doing that forever, whether it was ‘Raw Deal’ from Sin After Sin, which was a really explicit gay song, going to Fire Island and trying to hook up with somebody and the freedom that that gives you as a person to be with your own people, to a song called ‘Savage’, which is about climate change from the — what album was ‘Savage’ on? Stained Class? So that’s a ways back. The last album [2024’s Invincible Shield], I talk about — I’m not gonna say his name, but I talk about that person, and it’s a bit of a smokescreen, but if you understand, if you really listen, the message is there, the expression, the feeling is there. And it’s a very difficult tight rope to walk because I just wanna give people a good time,” he added.
Halford continued with a broader point about messaging and audience connection: “Rage Against The Machine gives people a great time. When you see everybody bouncing up and down, they’re lost. They’re in ecstasy, but the message isn’t lost on them. The message is probably more relevant when they’re home alone, lying in bed or sitting, having a coffee and listening to music. That’s a whole different experience in the way the message can reach you. So, I really have to temper myself, because as I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten angrier with the world. I’ve gotten angrier with the injustice, particularly for my own people who are still suffering and are not given the human rights that they absolutely deserve.”
“I’m not talking about Germany, — I’m talking about Saudi Arabia, Iran, other parts of the world where people like myself are just used and abused in horrible ways. So, I try my best to avoid that type of explicit message, but it’s there. It’s there. And that gives me some comfort that I’m not letting myself down consciously on subjects that mean a lot to me and piss me off.”
Co-director Sam Dunn also emphasized why “Breaking The Law” is a central moment in the film: “For me, going into the film, there were probably four or five main moments I knew we needed to hit in the story of this band. And one of them was the song ‘Breaking The Law’ and the brilliant and fun video for ‘Breaking The Law’. And the reason why that is is ’cause — this ties back to our first film, which is, I think, we’ve been on a journey to debunk stereotypes about heavy metal for over two decades now. And I think there still lingers that stereotype of heavy metal [that] it’s just about sex, drugs, and hedonism, and all of that. So a song like ‘Breaking The Law’ was very important to illustrate that Judas Priest, in 1980, had something very important and timely to say about the lives of working-class people in England at that time. And when I did the last interview with Rob and he said the line, ‘It’s a revolution song’ — thank you for delivering that line — that was a very important beat in the story for me.”
The first preview clip from The Ballad Of Judas Priest, featuring Rob Halford discussing the inspiration behind “Breaking The Law,” premiered through Rolling Stone. Check it out below.
In a new conversation with Spiral Out, Danny Carey said Tool is deep into new material for the album that follows Fear Inoculum.
“[We’re] working on a lot of new Tool songs right now,” he said, adding that “the goal” is to release the next Tool LP in 2027.”
When the interviewer called Tool “a very cinematic band,” especially in a live setting, Danny Carey agreed quickly.
“Yeah, we’re very much into that,” he said. “We’re hoping when we release the new record, maybe do a stint at the Sphere [in Las Vegas] ’cause I think we’re the perfect band for that. We’ve been talking to those guys.”
He also explained what comes with that ambition. According to Danny Carey, “the preparation” for a Sphere-level production “is pretty intense.”
“It’s a very expensive endeavor, and it takes a while to get into the black. I think [you have to play] quite a few shows before you make any money.”
Asked if he has attended a full Sphere show yet, he answered: “Yeah. Well, I just took a tour of it. I haven’t actually seen a full-on show, but they took [us around the venue] to show it off. It’s incredible, man. I almost got vertigo [just looking around it].”
There is another big metal name in the same conversation around Vegas. A January report said Metallica was “90 percent” done negotiating terms for a 2027 Sphere residency after the band’s “M72” world run wraps in 2026.
That makes the next phase clear: the Sphere is now a real target for arena-level metal acts, and both Tool and Metallica are being discussed as major players there.
