Author: Editorial Team

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Motorbooks has announced Rush And 2112: 50 Years (The Great Albums), a deluxe, slip-cased and heavily illustrated book celebrating the album that reshaped Rush and elevated the band from cult status to one of the most respected and influential names in rock music. The book is scheduled for release on March 10, 2026, arriving just weeks ahead of the 50th anniversary of 2112.

Originally released on April 1, 1976, 2112 landed at a turning point for the Toronto trio. After their second and third albums received mixed reactions, Rush—Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart—took a creative risk and delivered a record that went against commercial expectations. That gamble paid off, solidifying their place in rock history. As author and rock historian Daniel Bukszpan explains, this was the moment when the band found their voice, transcended their influences, and became something distinct. The album’s success opened the door to a string of influential releases and fueled the band’s continued musical and lyrical growth.

Rush And 2112: 50 Years traces the full story behind the album through an in-depth look at how 2112 was created and why it is still regarded as the band’s defining work. The book features a track-by-track breakdown, including detailed insight into the iconic 20-minute 2112 suite, along with historical context surrounding the state of rock music in the mid-1970s and Rush’s evolution in the decades that followed.

The volume also includes rarely seen photography, from live performances to candid offstage moments and archival images, as well as interviews and commentary that shed light on the band’s creative process and lasting influence.

With more than 40 million records sold worldwide and a devoted global following, Rush’s impact on rock music and popular culture remains undeniable. This book captures the skill, innovation, and mindset that helped define the band’s legacy and continues to inspire musicians and fans across generations.

Rush And 2112: 50 Years stands as a definitive tribute to an album that changed the course of the band’s career and left a permanent mark on rock history, making it essential reading for longtime listeners and newcomers alike.

For more information or to pre-order a copy go to this location.

About the Author:

Daniel Bukszpan has worked as a freelance writer for more than 25 years, contributing to outlets including Fortune, CNBC, and Condé Nast Traveler. He is the author of The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal, The Encyclopedia of New Wave, The Art of Brutal Legend, Woodstock: 50 Years of Peace and Music, Ozzy at 75, Iron Maiden at 50, and Rush at 50. He has also contributed to books such as AC/DC: High-Voltage Rock ’N’ Roll, Iron Maiden: The Ultimate Unauthorized History of the Beast, Metallica: The Complete Illustrated History, and Rush: The Illustrated History.

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With their self-titled eighth studio album set to arrive worldwide in just two days, Alter Bridge have returned with the final track to be released ahead of the record’s official debut. “Scales Are Falling” is the latest preview from the long-running quartet made up of Myles Kennedy on vocals and guitar, Mark Tremonti on guitar and vocals, Brian Marshall on bass, and Scott Phillips on drums. The song centers on the moment when deception is exposed and the emotional weight that follows once the truth becomes impossible to ignore.

Myles Kennedy explains: “It’s when you realize the reality of a situation where you’ve been deceived. You see the truth and how harsh it is”.

Mark Tremonti adds: “I was excited for this one. It has an atmospheric vibe with a lot of peaks, valleys, and moods. I solo over the bridge, and Myles plays the outro”.

“Scales Are Falling” is now available across all digital streaming platforms. A new visualizer, created by Marcin Pospiech, whose past work includes Nine Inch Nails and Tool, was also released today and accompanies the track.

Now more than 20 years into their career, Alter Bridge continues to move forward without relying on past momentum. Known for their heavy riffs, strong melodies, and layered guitar work, the band will release their self-titled eighth studio album on January 9 through Napalm Records.

The upcoming album contains 12 new tracks that stand among the most focused and confident material the band has written. Songs like “Rue the Day”, “Disregarded”, and “What Are You Waiting For” sit comfortably alongside longtime fan favorites. “Trust in Me” showcases the vocal partnership between Kennedy and Tremonti, with Myles handling the verses and Mark taking over the chorus, a structure they flip on the heavier “Tested and Able”. “Hang by a Thread” is built with live performances in mind, while the closing track “Slave to Master” delivers a sweeping finale and holds the distinction of being the longest song the band has ever recorded.

The album’s first single, “Silent Divide”, continues to climb at Active Rock radio and is nearing six million views on YouTube. Longtime collaborator Michael Elvis Baskette once again produced the record, which was tracked over a two-month period this spring at the iconic 5150 Studios in California as well as Baskette’s studio in Florida.

You can now pre-order the album here.

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Drumeo has recently shared a new studio video featuring drummer Matt Cameron, offering a detailed breakdown of “Spoonman”, the well-known track by Soundgarden. In the session, Cameron walks viewers through the rhythm and ideas behind the song, focusing on how the drum part came together and why it remains so recognizable decades later.

The track is widely seen as one of the singles that helped shape the grunge era. It was released in 1994 on Superunknown, an album that marked a major moment for the band. What many listeners may not realize is that the song’s signature groove did not start in a traditional rehearsal space, but was inspired by a real-life street performer whose unconventional approach left a lasting impression.

During the breakdown, Cameron explains how that raw, percussive influence informed the feel of the song. He discusses the creative decisions that went into crafting the drum part and reflects on why “Spoonman” continues to stand out as one of the most memorable grooves of the 90s, even years after its release.

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Organizers from the cruise festival have confirmed that Jag Panzer and Ad Infinitum are the newest acts added to the lineup for the 2026 edition of 70000 Tons Of Metal, The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise. The announcement brings the festival even closer to a full roster as anticipation continues to build for next year’s sailing.

With 53 of the 60 bands already revealed and tickets currently on sale, metal fans from more than 80 nations are expected to be part of the event. Attendees are encouraged to prepare early so they don’t miss what is being promoted as a once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard the massive floating festival in the Caribbean, where fans are invited to join what organizers call The United Nations Of Heavy Metal At Sea.

The currently announced lineup for the 2026 sailing includes Ad Infinitum, Amorphis, Anthrax, Arkona, Beast In Black, Bloodred Hourglass, Cemetery Skyline, Darkane, Dark Tranquillity, Dodheimsgard, Dragonland, Dust Bolt, Eluveitie, Ereb Altor, Firewind, Gama Bomb, Groza, Haggard, Harakiri For The Sky, Heathen, Hiraes, Hirax, Hour Of Penance, Ignea, Illdisposed, Illumishade, In Mourning, Insomnium, Izegrim, Jag Panzer, Kamelot, Kanonenfieber, Orden Ogan, Paradise Lost, Persefone, Rhapsody Of Fire, Royal Hunt, Satan, Saturnus, Seven Spires, Skeletal Remains, Skyclad, Soen, Soilwork, Suidakra, Tribulation, Tyr, Vader, VBO (Vice Business Only), Vio-Lence, Wind Rose, Wolf, and Xandria.

Seven additional acts are still set to be announced, leaving room for more surprises as the cruise approaches.

Tickets for the 70000 Tons Of Metal 2026 cruise, which features an international lineup of metal bands and exclusive onboard performances, are available now through the event’s official website.

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