With a musical heritage that spans the globe and several generations, Fancy Weapon is a new heavy rock unit out of Melbourne.
Featuring musicians who have spent time with Mudhoney, GOD, Hoss, Kim Salmon, The Dirty Three, Lubricated Goat and many more, Fancy Weapon – Mick Turner, Joel Silbersher, Claire Birchall and Guy Maddison – are releasing their debut album in June. First single Squid is out now; order the album here.
Band contest for final slots to be announced shortly
Szczecin, Poland; 27 March 2026: Hells Bells Festival has revealed the final two bands for its debut edition, which will take place on 26-27 June 2026.
Leading the final announcement is Pro-Pain: a cornerstone of the NYHC scene for over three decades and synonymous with uncompromising, groove-laden aggression. Since their early 90s debut, Foul Taste of Freedom, they have remained one of the most consistent forces in the crossover scene, bridging the gap between thrash metal and New York hardcore with a discography packed with anthems. Their performance on the opening Friday will celebrate the band’s 35th anniversary and is set to be a definitive moment for fans of the metal-hardcore crossover.
Joining them are the local heroes, The Analogs. Formed in Szczecin in 1995, they have grown to become the most recognisable and influential street punk band in Poland, boasting a substantial following abroad as well. Over three decades, their music has served as a raw and honest chronicle of gritty realities and social struggles. For this homecoming show, the band will perform a special, curated set consisting exclusively of classics from their earliest, most iconic albums, offering the Szczecin crowd a high-octane trip through the foundations of the Polish underground.
Beyond the established billing, the festival will soon launch a dedicated band contest, offering a unique opportunity for emerging acts to join the 2026 lineup and showcase their music on the Szczecin waterfront.
Pro-Pain and The Analogs join a line-up that covers heavy metal, punk, rock and extreme metal. Across three stages, the festival will deliver everything from the traditional heavy metal legends of Dirkschneider and Grave Digger to the extreme of Possessed, Vader, NunSlaughter, and Dead Congregation. The thrash metal contingent is bolstered by the technical assault of Gama Bomb and the legendary Frank Blackfire, while the fuzz-drenched riffage of Belzebong provides a stoner-doom counterpoint.
The punk and hardcore legacy of Discharge, UK Subs, Cockney Rejects, The Last Resort, and local icons The Analogs and Dezerter stands alongside the horrorcore energy of Słoń and the avant-garde darkness of Furia and Dola. Furthermore, the festival remains a vital platform for the new generation, showcasing the rising power of The Materia, The Stubs, Owls Woods Graves, Hamulec, My Own Abyss, Seks W Czasach Wojny, Pretensje, Drowned In Silver and Diving Stove.
As previously announced, the festival has entered its next pricing tier. This pool of tickets will be available only until 31 May 2026 (or until sold out): Full Weekend Pass (PLN 409), Friday Ticket (PLN 199), Saturday Ticket (PLN 229). The festival also continues to offer the discounted Youth Pass (ages 13-18) and Family Pass (adult with child under 13).
Secure your entry now: https://hellsbells.pl/
Hells Bells online
FB: https://www.facebook.com/hellsbellsfestival
FB Event: https://fb.me/e/7cujCjrCo
IG: https://www.instagram.com/hellsbellsfestival
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hellsbellsfestival
Official teaser: https://youtu.be/TybhrrUbNF4?si=s5V9NNRZ4t1JV499
Source: 3nation
Cherry Glazerr’s last album was 2023’s explosive I Don’t Want You Anymore. Around that time, Clementine Creevy did an interview with WERS 88.9FM and said her favorite song at the moment was Ween’s “Tried And True.” “That’s a song that I’ve been coming back to recently and remembering that I loved Ween in middle school,”…
The post Cherry Glazerr – “Baby Bitch” (Ween Cover) appeared first on Stereogum.
Melbourne metal machine Frankenbok have been busy working on their next album, with a release scheduled for later this year through XMusic. Titled The Arriba War Honkle, Frankenbok have promised more face melting riffs and an abundance of fun on the album. Catch the Bok live on April 11 at the Wheat, Wine & Whisky […]Due to the unfortunate rescheduling of Vader’s tour until November, promoter Hardline Media has announced three replacement shows full of local acts.
With venues already locked in for the tour, these shows will step straight into the gap. Tickets for each show will be just $10, will Vader ticket holders receiving a discount voucher making entry $6. There will be giveaways and Vader tunes throughout.
APRIL 16: Crowbar, Sydney – Pyrefly, Durty Triix, Heathenspawn, Acid. TICKETS
APRIL 17: Crowbar, Brisbane – 308, Zagtar, Aeon Nexus, Nuclearsaurus Rex, Stench Pit. TICKETS
APRIL 18: Croxton, Melbourne – In Malices Wake, Writhing, OTS. TICKETS
For the past few days, KATSEYE have been teasing a new song called “Pinky Up” (along with an excessively detailed rollout plan), which had a bumpy start after fans complained about the seemingly AI-generated visuals. Then a 15-second teaser failed to include the member Manon, and fans also noticed that she took the girl group’s name out of her Instagram bio. Now, the singer shared a statement.
The post Manon Removes KATSEYE From Instagram Bio, Releases Statement appeared first on Stereogum.
Extreme metal pioneers The Amenta are returning to the stage this month as they tour Australia and NZ.
Making their shows even more special, the band will be performing 2004’s masterwork Occasus in full. Yesterday the band also announced a change in line-up, with the return of vocalist Mark “Cessium 137” Bevan after 22 years and Werewolves/Abrameling guitarist Matt Wilcock replacing Dale Harrison.
The Australian leg of the tour starts on May 7 in Adelaide.
Carmine Appice resurrected his 1970s blues rock band Cactus and released the first album of new work in 34 years in 2006. The band was comprised of original members Appice (drums), Tim Bogert (bass guitar), Jim McCarty (lead guitar), and new member and ex-Savoy Brown lead singer Jimmy Kunes. By 2021, Carmine was the only original surviving member of Cactus. Temple of the Blues II is the follow-up to Cactus’ 2024 release Temple of the Blues and features a score of guest musicians on the eleven cuts, including a bonus track on the CD. Artists range from Eric Gales and Pat Travers to Dee Snider and Tracii Guns, with Carmine Appice leading the band on drums on all eleven tracks.
Cut #1 is Willie Dixon’s “Back Door Man 1 & 2,” which was originally recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1960 and later recorded by The Doors on their eponymous debut album The Doors in 1967. Nearly sixty years later, Appice and company updated it with their version, which was influenced by the original Howlin’ Wolf recording. Jeff Beck gave the album to Appice, which included that and other Howlin’ Wolf songs. The updated version features Eric Gales opening with a heavy guitar riff, followed by his raspy vocals growling out the lyrics, accompanied by his screaming guitar solos and Billy Sheehan’s lead bass runs in both slow and fast tempos.
“Hey, all you people that tryin’ to sleep
I’m out to make it with my midnight creep, yeah”
“300 Pounds of Joy” is a Howlin’ Wolf autobiographical composition. The track opens with Appice’s explosive drumming driving the song forward until King’s X lead guitarist Ty Tabor jumps in with flavorful slide guitar licks. Appice’s drumming continues to push the song ahead, with Ed Terry on vocals and the band harmonizing, while Artie Dillon provides bass. “Moanin’” features 1970s hard blues rocker Pat Travers on slide lead guitar, shredding his way through the song. Ed Terry’s soaring vocals kick things off on another Howlin’ Wolf-era tune with a primal beat. “Down to the Bottom” features King’s X bassist Dug Pinnick on vocals, with Phil Soussan on bass and Richard Fortus delivering multifaceted guitar work. Carmine’s explosive drumming once again drives the Howlin’ Wolf tune.
“Well, now meet me in the bottom,
Bring me my runnin’ shoes.”
Cut #5 features Ron Thal, better known as Bumblefoot, on fretless and lead guitar for “Token Chokin’.” The song is from Cactus’ third album Restrictions from 1971, but this version is a harder-rocking take, with stratospheric guitar peals replacing the dominant harmonizing of the original. Ed Terry provides vocals, joined by heavy metal bassist Johnny Rod from W.A.S.P. and Artie Dillon on driving rhythm guitar. “Bad Stuff” is a high-energy track that appeared on Cactus’ fourth and final album from their 1970s run. This version features an explosive performance with ex-Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse and vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, along with keyboardist Derek Sherinian and fretless bassist Tony Franklin.
“He hands out paper kisses
Blind man’s way to talk”
“Tail Dragger” is another Willie Dixon composition first recorded by Howlin’ Wolf. It features Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick delivering stellar licks, along with bassist Rudy Sarzo of Whitesnake and Ozzy Osbourne, while vocalist Ed Terry’s voice interplays with Rocking Jake on harmonica. “The Little Red Rooster” is another Willie Dixon song first recorded by Howlin’ Wolf, with Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider on vocals and Tracii Guns on lead guitar. Jazz bassist Jimmy Haslip provides the low end, while Appice’s relentless drumming supplies the backbeat.
“I have a little red rooster
Too lazy to crow ‘fore day”
“Purple Haze” is a stripped-down power trio plus one, with Melanie’s posthumously featured voice delivering the vocals on Jimi Hendrix’s composition. Coincidentally, Hendrix, Melanie, and Cactus all performed at the Isle of Wight Festival in August 1970, less than three weeks before Hendrix’s death. Artie Dillon’s stellar guitar work complements Melanie’s vocals. “Spoonful” is another Willie Dixon tune that Howlin’ Wolf recorded and was later re-recorded by Cream and many others. It remains a classic, with Ed Terry on vocals and Ted Nugent providing lead guitar. Appice’s powerful drumming, coupled with Australian veteran bassist Bob Daisley, drives the song with a throbbing beat.
“But a little spoon of your precious love
Good enough for me”
Cut #11, “Feel So Good,” is a bonus track available only on the CD. It features Vixen guitarist Britt Lightning and former KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer, with vocals by Rob Caudill. The song was co-written by Appice, Bogert, Day, and McCarty and originally appeared on Cactus’ debut album Cactus released in 1970.
Trying to choose the best songs on Temple of the Blues II is no easy task, with eleven unique cuts featuring different band combinations on each track. Every configuration is anchored by Carmine Appice, whose relentless drumming drives each performance. A wide range of guitarists deliver standout solos, paired with soulful, emotion-driven vocals from multiple singers. The end result is a blues rock album that should satisfy fans who appreciate powerful drumming and high-level guitar work.
The Review: 9/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Back Door Man
– Moanin’
– Little Red Rooster
– Purple Haze
– Spoonful
The Big Hit
– Little Red Rooster
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