Category: news

It’s been a while since I last saw Joe Bonamassa perform live. If I remember correctly, the iconic guitarist played five shows at the Carré Theatre in Amsterdam in March 2015, and it was a great experience. While tonight’s venue, Barclays Arena in Hamburg, certainly can’t compete with a location like the Royal Theatre Carre,… Continue Reading →

Plus members of Crown Magnetar, Ameonna, Cane Hill and more.

The post Darko Tap Hollywood Undead, Shadow Of Intent, Etc. Members For Their Guest-Filled New Album “Oni 2” appeared first on Theprp.com.

The Chicago-reared, Vermont-based folk singer-songwriter Hannah Frances released her stunning album Nested In Tangles last fall. Today she’s back with the deluxe edition, headlined by a new collaboration with harpist Mary Lattimore, who adds layers of beauty to the meditative instrumental “Beholden To The Birds Murmuring Above.” Also in the bonus tracks: an acoustic version…

The post Hannah Frances – “Beholden To The Birds Murmuring Above” (Feat. Mary Lattimore) appeared first on Stereogum.

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.

The post HEATHEN Release Reworked Version of Early ’90s PSYCHOSIS Track “Twist Of Faith” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

The Finnish dark metal band Horizon of Aeons are set to release their debut album,  Timeless Forms of Desolation, on 29 May 2026 via Inverse Records. The third and last single ‘Aedis Tenebrae’, is unleashed today and it’s available on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/horizon-of-aeons-aedis The band comments: “This song embraces the brightness of darkness. Evil spirits of our […]

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This must be fate or something. My New York Mets finally won a game after 12 grueling, faith-shattering losses and now heavy metal outfit Armored Saint dropped a new single called “Hit A Moonshot”. For those that aren’t familiar, a “moonshot” is baseball parlance that means to hit a baseball high and far for a homerun. Which isn’t something I’ve seen a lot of this year, but that’s beside the point….

With their new album Emotion Factory Reset set for release on May 22 via Metal Blade Records, this is that album’s second single. Perhaps frontman John Bush can elaborate a little further on the whole “moonshot” thing and how it pertains to the track:

“It’s like you knocked something out of the park. I use a lot of sports analogies because I love sports. Sports IS entertainment…’Hit A Moonshot’ is inspired by the people who keep landing on their feet. Like, no matter what the fuck this person does… Some people just get lucky. This applies to anyone. And landing on your feet is commendable. So, I’m busting balls, but I’m also giving accolades. Sometimes people can do that all the way to their grave. Then there are other people who are so good or talented or creative, and they struggle forever. I don’t think life is balanced all the time, and I don’t think it’s fair.

“It has a ferocious riff, cool tempo changes, scorching leads, huge chorus with lots of backing vocals. We love Queen and The Sweet! It’s a cool breakdown with an epic ending. Once again, it sounds just like Armored Saint.”

This is a heavy metal banger through and through. Lots of driving riffs, a shredder of a solo, and some kick ass rhythms serve as the backbone that makes you want to bang your head. I mean, at least that’s what it did to me. It also helps that the video’s full of action with some humor mixed in there for good measure. Who doesn’t love a metal concert with some bare knuckle beatdowns?

Bassist Joey Vera said the song’s intro riff is based on something he wrote when he was just a teenager, though it’s obviously morphed since then.

“The intro riff is an echo of a memory from age 17 when I was in a garage band in Los Angeles. After I came up with this new version, the familiarity of it revealed itself once I stood back and listened. The riff is very different from the original one but there’s no doubt the feel and vibe has stuck with me ever since then. I added a half-time feel to the chorus to steer the arrangement away from predictability. It feels like classic Saint to me.”

You can check out the track and accompanying video below. If you have plans to head to Europe (or you already live there — lucky), you can catch Armored Saint live at any of the dates listed below.

Emotion Factory Reset will be released on May 22 via Metal Blade Records, but you can preorder your copy today.

The post Armored Saint Knock One Out of the Park with “Hit A Moonshot” appeared first on MetalSucks.

They’ll be heading out with Demon Hunter & Convictions this weekend.

The post Cultist Debut Visualizer For New Song “Amen” appeared first on Theprp.com.

High-octane crossover thrash powerhouse EXTINCTION A.D. officially release their blistering new single, “Truth or Consequences”, out today via M-Theory Audio to all digital download and streaming platforms. The track features a guest appearance by Brian Audley, guitarist of hardcore band INCENDIARY, providing visceral backup vocals that amplify the song’s aggressive energy. Accompanied by a gritty new lyric […]

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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.

The post GWAR Co-Founder CHUCK VARGA Reveals Cancer Battle appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

  Colombian Speed/Heavy Metal band LOUDER hit the gas and unleash a new lyric video for “Speed Junkie”, the second advance single from their upcoming debut album “Devil’s Night”.      A straight shot of speed, attitude, and no-compromise Metal, setting the tone for what’s to come with this first full-length, scheduled for release on May 14th, 2026 through Fighter Records on […]

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