Foo Fighters have spent much of the summer on a stadium tour with Queens Of The Stone Age and Mannequin Pussy, but over the weekend they made their way to the Southern California for something different. Saturday night, the band headlined the Hollywood Bowl backed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and they broke out some rarities for the occasion.
The post Foo Fighters Play Live Rarities With The Los Angeles Philharmonic appeared first on Stereogum.
Body Count are starting work on their ninth album, and it has a title: Death Wish. Ice-T confirmed it speaking to Metalshop, with the caveat that it’s a working title and the record is at least a year away ā they’re starting from scratch, with the band building riffs before anything becomes a song. But the most revealing thing he said wasn’t about the music. It was about a meeting, and the rule he laid down in it.
STREAM THE METAL BREAKDOWN DAILY NOW:Scott Penfold digs into the Body Count news on today’s Metal Breakdown Daily ā the title, the timeline, the rule Ice-T gave his own band, and the streaming decision nobody else is talking about. Download the free Loaded Radio App on Apple iOS and Google Play and get it every weekday morning.
Here’s the part that should be the headline everywhere and mostly isn’t.
Ice-T says the band had a meeting, and he told them all together: if they can’t make an album better than Merciless, they shouldn’t make another record. The object, as he puts it, is always to outdo the last album.
Read that again in the context of a band thirty-six years into their existence.
Merciless came out in November 2024 via Century Media, produced by Ice-T alongside Vincent Price and Will Putney, with guests including Corpsegrinder, Howard Jones, Joe Badolato and Max Cavalera. It was, by any reasonable measure, excellent ā and it followed a Grammy win for Best Metal Performance for “Bum-Rush” off 2020’s Carnivore.
So the floor he’s just set is genuinely high. That’s not a band protecting a legacy. That’s a band saying the legacy isn’t worth protecting if the next record is worse.
Most acts at this stage don’t operate that way. Most acts at this stage put out a record because the touring cycle needs one.
LIVE & LOUD: Stream the World’s Hardest Radio Station 24/7Ice-T also explained the band’s continued drift toward heavier territory, and the answer is refreshingly unromantic.
Competition. He says when you’re out at festivals playing alongside harder bands, you want to compete. You see which way the music’s going, everybody gets influenced by everything else, and you listen to a band and think ā I wish we’d made that song. Then you take that into the studio with you.
That’s how scenes actually function. Not mystique, not vision statements. Just standing at the side of a stage, watching somebody flatten a crowd, and going home irritated about it.
For a band who played Jimmy Fallon in December 2024 and turn up on the biggest festival bills of 2026, that competitive instinct is presumably getting fed constantly.
Buried in the same interview is something with much bigger implications than an album title.
Ice-T has finished a solo rap album called Criminal Migraine ā and he’s not putting it on streaming. At all. It’s going out strictly through IceT.com.
His framing is the part that matters: that’s how they’re getting ready to sell all their records. They’re stopping the streaming.
That’s a Grammy-winning artist with a global platform walking away from the entire distribution model that the modern music business is built on. Whether that extends to Body Count releases isn’t spelled out, but “all our records” is a broad phrase and he chose it deliberately.
If it works, other people will notice. If it doesn’t, at least somebody with the leverage to try actually tried.
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Given that this is the band who recorded “Cop Killer,” which got denounced from the White House podium in 1992, and that Ice-T has never been shy about his views, the obvious question was whether Death Wish would be a political record.
His answer: he writes the lyrics, and he’s personally stayed away from politics.
The reasoning is sharper than a simple no. He points to “Fuck What You Heard” on the last album, with its line about both wings being on the same bird, and says that at the end of the day it’s government regardless of which side you’re on. And on the current state of things, his position is that it’s so obvious to the world already that singing about it would be redundant. Everyone knows. So he’d rather write about things that are a bit more abstract.
Which is, in fairness, an argument. Protest music works when it tells people something. When the thing is already on every screen every day, a song about it is just another voice in the noise.
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Some context on where Death Wish would land.
Body Count formed in Los Angeles in 1990, out of a friendship between Ice-T and guitarist Ernie C that goes back to Crenshaw High School. The first shot fired was the track “Body Count” on Ice-T’s 1991 record O.G. Original Gangster. The self-titled debut followed in 1992 and detonated ā “Cop Killer” drew condemnation from President George H. W. Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle, and the ensuing pressure got the song pulled from the album.
Eight studio albums since, through Born Dead, Violent Demise, Murder 4 Hire, Manslaughter, Bloodlust, Carnivore and Merciless. A Grammy in 2021. And a run of three consecutive records with Will Putney that Ice-T once described by calling Putney the Dr. Dre of metal ā a producer who makes different bands sound like themselves, only better.
That Merciless cycle was a genuine high point, from “Psychopath” with Joe Badolato through to a cover of “Comfortably Numb” featuring David Gilmour himself, which is not a guest spot most metal bands can arrange.
Merciless also took a while ā it was in the mixing stage back in July 2023 and didn’t land until November 2024. So when Ice-T says at least a year, factor in the usual.
Yes, though it’s early. Ice-T has confirmed the band are starting work on their ninth studio album under the working title Death Wish. He says they’re beginning from scratch and estimates the record is at least a year away. No label, release date or tracklist has been announced.
Death Wish, though Ice-T describes it as a working title. It would follow 2024’s Merciless, released via Century Media Records.
Ice-T says no. He writes the band’s lyrics and has said he personally stays away from politics, arguing that the current state of affairs is so obvious to everyone that writing songs about it would be redundant. He’d rather approach subjects more abstractly.
Merciless, released November 22, 2024 through Century Media Records. Produced by Ice-T, Vincent Price and Will Putney, it featured guest appearances from Corpsegrinder, Howard Jones, Joe Badolato and Max Cavalera, plus a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” featuring David Gilmour.
He’s said his solo rap album Criminal Migraine will not be streamed and will instead be sold directly through IceT.com, adding that this is how they’re preparing to sell all their records going forward. It isn’t yet clear whether that approach will extend to future Body Count releases.
Thirty-six years in and the frontman is telling his own band not to bother unless it beats the last one. More acts should work that way. Do you want a new Body Count record, or was Merciless the right place to stop? Tell us below. And keep it locked on the Loaded Radio stream ā follow Loaded Radio for daily rock and metal news.
The post Body Count Have Named Their Next Album, And Ice-T Set One Condition appeared first on Loaded Radio.
The song begins with a sly and hypnotic rhythm that hooks the listener. This inviting groove pulls them deep into the story. The guitar plays slightly trembling chords, opening up the musical space. The track has a ballad vibe that resonates deeply within the soul. The groove seems to pulsate in time with the listener’s heartbeat. It’s a rhythm that encourages head nodding along with the music, as this groove influences the body.
The melodies within this song evoke strong emotions. When focusing on the lyrics, a significant theme emerges. The song pays tribute to a friend who is no longer there, having made the tragic decision to take his own life. The pain of losing a friend transforms into a beautiful song that leaves a profound impact. This delicate yet intense piece somehow honors a friendship that has become eternal.
Musically, it instills a sense of hope. The track infuses universal energy and a deep love that transcends all barriers, even the metaphysical ones. The production is impeccable, with the guitar sometimes soloing under the vocals. This creates a vast musical atmosphere that enriches the experience.
Lyrically, the song communicates the struggles of grief and the longing for connection. The reflective quality of the lyrics resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced loss.Ā The artist’s ability to capture such raw feelings in their songs balances the sorrow of loss and the warmth of remembrance.
The song also highlights the journey through grief, outlining the stages of pain and acceptance. The narrative structure is effective, maintaining the listener’s engagement throughout its duration. It inspires a thoughtful introspection about life and the connections we forge. The emotions expressed are universal, making the song relatable to a wide audience.
The instrumental arrangement complements the themes flawlessly. The subtle layers of sound enhance the lyrical content without overshadowing it. The delicate balance achieved in the production allows the central message to shine through clearly. This showcases the artist’s remarkable capabilities in songwriting and composition.
The emotional weight carried by the music does not overpower its melodic beauty. The thoughtful arrangement accentuates moments of quiet reflection. Pacing within the track enables a gradual build-up, leading to impactful climaxes that echo the feelings evoked in the lyrics. This interplay between vocals and instrumental segments creates a moving experience.
Listeners are left contemplating their relationships and the fragility of life itself. The nuanced exploration of friendship and loss resonates deeply. It invites listeners to reflect on how they cope with grief and cherish fond memories. This song ultimately serves as a reminder to value connections while addressing the harsh realities of life.
In the end, Garrett Anthony Rice creates a powerful narrative through “Going Up (to see him).” The entire production reflects a delicate blend of emotion and artistry that honors a friend lost too soon.
With its profound message and artistic finesse, this song resonates not just as a ballad, but as a heartfelt connection to experiences shared universally. This track will likely leave an indelible mark on those who listen, lifting spirits even amidst sorrow.
Heartfelt
If you love this music: Discover MoreThe post Garrett Anthony Rice Going Up (to see him) Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.
Tomorrow marks a very special day in my podcasting career: episode 99 of the RIGHT NOW! The podcast will be released, and for those who struggle with math, that means we are but one episode away from reaching the milestone of 100. It may come as a surprise, but I wasnāt always the funny, confident, sex-Gob you see each week hosting the number one comedy podcast in the world, if you donāt fact-check that. Believe it or not, I used to be just your ordinary, everyday life-insurance salesman turned worst-selling author turned metal mascot turned front Gob of the premier goblin-metal band Nekrogoblikon, and my GOB, how time has flown. I remember episode 1 like it was just 687 days agoā¦ because it was. Now that Iām also on my way to becoming the #1 journalist in the overcrowded market of satirical-metal articles, I wanted to peel back the curtain and take a look backā¦ reviewā¦ reminisceā¦ reflectā¦ another r-wordā¦ and I wanted to do it RIGHT. NOW!
Many of you, even the die-hard loyalists in the Gob Squad, probably donāt know that Andrew Santino was not supposed to be the first guest. It was actually scheduled to be Joe Rogan. I know. My thought was, before I become the host of the most popular podcast in the world, perhaps I should invite the host of the current most-watched podcast, in order to inform him of his future demise. I think Joe realized two things very quickly: LA is kinda a far drive from Austin, TX, and, two, that despite smoking weed every day, he was actually quite scared of a talking green thing. I knew I had to pivot to the 2nd-most-popular podcastā¦ but those Smartless guys were all booked up. So if you go far enough down the list of āmost popular podcasts,ā you will eventually arrive at the Bad Friends podcast. Having the checkered history I do with Bobby Lee, I mean the guy broke my set and tried to fight me on my own show! I decided to make the first episode Christmas themed, RED & GREEN! Santino Episode Here
Andrew was a sweet boy, pale as all get-out, but a sweet boy nonetheless. Needless to say, that episode broke the internets, and soon comedians, being the poor, desperate, attention-seekers they are, began coming out of the woodwork: āCan I be on your podcast?ā āI want to go Goblin Mode!ā āI just need a place to crash, man, Iām down bad.ā Now I canāt highlight every guest, so I thought I would give you my personal highs, and even the low. Yeah, itās singular, just one; his name is Adam Pally. I would link his episode, but I like you.
Hand to Gob, these are some of my favorite momentsā¦
First one that comes to mind is having on the dang Super Troopers! Not only did I make out with one of em, I came to find out they were going to make a Super Troopers 3 (which is out in theaters RIGHT NOW), but it was at that moment that I realized they had made a Super Troopers 2! My first scoop! In the following episode, I got to debut my Fred Durst impression, which critics hailed as the greatest impression since Sarah Palin pretended to be an unlikable Tina Fey! I remember them telling me that Fred had been so inspired by impression oh him that he wanted to witness it in person. Fred Durst wanted to do the podcast? YEAH!!! I was FREAKING OUT; I was ready to Break Stuff and stick the cookie up my yeah! Sadly, Fred did not arrive for the podcast and still hasnāt done it. āWouldnāt this be filed under the low points, Johnny?ā NOT A CHANCE! Because who did arrive in Fredās place was a gift from GOB. Gary The Teabag Artist will go down as one of my all-time favorite guests, humans, and definitely my all-time favorite artist specializing in the tea-arts or TARTS, as I believe they call it in France. After this episode aired, you would have thought we peaked, but we were just getting started!
I think what I love most about my podcast is that, as a giant COC (Creature Of Color), I did not gatekeep; I had an open claw policy and was able to shed light on humans and creatures from all walks of life! I had men, women, gay, straight, Gianmarco Soresiā¦whites, blacks, purples, green geckos, Trailer Trash, Cholos, Vampires, Puppets, Apes, whatever Howie Mandel is, comedians, actors, directors, musicians, pro-wrestlers, and I am most proud to say, NO TROLLS. Never. Not one! Alongside too many wild moments to name: too many laughs, too many riffs, too many Johannes ruining the vibeā¦ but if you asked me my absolute favorite part of making this podcastā¦ maybe itās the friends I made along the way.?
I feel almost completely fulfilledā¦ almost. There perhaps is still one void, one glaring hole in the show; no, itās not my incompetent Italian producer Johannes- good guess, though. Itās that on Episode 2, Pete Holmes, unsolicited, brought up my idol, my future mentor, jack of all trades and master at freakin all of them, Wayne Brady! For 99 episodes, I have tried to get him on the podcast and failed. For 99 episodes, I have tried to learn all there is to know about improv comedy in hopes that when we do meet, Iād finally get to say, āHey Wayne, wanna dance?ā and heād smile and say, āYesā¦ AND!ā But alas, I have not been able to get Wayne Brady on the RIGHT NOW Podcastā¦ wellā¦ maybe thatās because, having Wayne on any single or double-digit episode doth not make a lick of sense. This man deserves TRIPLE-DIGITS! There can ONLY be one guest for Episode 100, and that man is WAYNE BRADY B*TCH!
Make sure to watch all 99 episodes before so youāre all caught up, donāt be the person turning to your partner going, āWait, heās a goblin?!? What episode did they reveal this? Iām so lost!ā Cause next week: EPISODE 100. JOHN GOBLIKON. WAYNE BRADY. OHā¦.MYā¦GOB.
The post MONDAYSUCKS With JOHN GOBLIKON:Ā I Got 99 Episodes but a Troll Aināt One! appeared first on MetalSucks.