Category: news

Legendary hard rock vocalist Graham Bonnet has shared new behind-the-scenes photos from a recent video shoot tied to a major upcoming collaboration. The singer, known for his work with Rainbow, Alcatrazz, and M.S.G., is preparing to release a duet with Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson.

The track, titled “The Fifth Force Of Nature,” will appear on the next studio album from Graham Bonnet Band, and Bonnet took to social media to describe the experience of filming the video.

“Hey all! Graham here! I just had a fantastic weekend that I’m still buzzing about. The band and I had the unique pleasure and privilege to shoot a video for the song ‘The Fifth Force Of Nature’ that Bruce Dickinson and I duetted on for the impending Graham Bonnet Band 4th studio album. It was a terrific experience from start to finish.

“Bruce is the consummate professional and has great intuition and skill as an actor. Director Leo Liberti was incredible and captured the essence of all of us.”

Bonnet also highlighted the musicians involved in the recording and the upcoming release, giving fans a clear look at the lineup behind the new material.

“The band line-up for the song/album consists of me, Graham Bonnet (of course), my partner in crime, bass player, executive producer of the album and band manager, Beth-Ami Heavenstone, guitar player, co-writer of this track and musical producer, Conrado Pesinato, incredible keyboard player Alessandro Bertoni and drummer extraordinaire Shane Gaalaas.”

He closed his message with thanks to everyone involved in making the shoot happen. “The band and I want to say a heart felt thank you to each and every one of the crew and cast for making this day something we will remember forever. We also want to extend a special thank you to Serafino, Mario and everyone at our record label, Frontier’s Music Srl for standing behind us for all these years.”

The news comes as Graham Bonnet Band continues building momentum. The group released a new live album, Lost In Hollywood Again, in December 2025 through Frontiers Music Srl. The performance was recorded on August 29, 2024, at the iconic Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles.

With a new studio album on the way and a high-profile duet featuring Bruce Dickinson, fans of classic metal and hard rock have plenty to watch for in the months ahead.

The post GRAHAM BONNET Shares Photos From “The Fifth Force Of Nature” Video With BRUCE DICKINSON appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Heavy metal veterans Manowar have issued a message of support following news that their founding guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman has been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Earlier this week, the band addressed the situation publicly through social media, sharing their reaction to the diagnosis: “We heard the terrible news about Ross’s diagnosis of ALS. We are deeply saddened and are sending him and his family lots of strength during this difficult time.”

The statement came after Friedman’s publicist confirmed that the 72-year-old musician received the diagnosis after dealing with symptoms over the course of several months. Beyond his legacy with Manowar, Friedman is also known as a founding member of New York punk-metal pioneers The Dictators.

Friedman spoke openly about the emotional weight of the situation in his own words: “It’s difficult to know what lies ahead, and it crushes me not to be able to play guitar. But the outpouring of love has been so, so strong.”

He followed with another message of gratitude to those supporting him: “I’m absolutely blown away by the love and support from family, friends and fans. I love you all.”

According to the official press release, Friedman first noticed weakness in both his hands and legs. Doctors initially believed the issue was tied to a series of “very minor strokes,” but efforts such as dietary adjustments, exercise, and physical therapy “did nothing to slow the progression or increase his strength.” Additional medical testing eventually confirmed ALS.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, it leads to muscle weakness, paralysis, and the loss of voluntary muscle control. At present, the condition has no cure.

Friedman’s place in metal history is firmly set. During his time with Manowar, he recorded six albums and helped shape the band’s early identity before leaving after Kings Of Metal in 1988. His playing remains a key part of the group’s foundation, especially across landmark records like Battle Hymns, Into Glory Ride, and Hail To England.

As support continues to come in from across the metal community, fans and fellow musicians are standing behind one of the genre’s most influential early guitar voices.

The post MANOWAR’s ROSS “THE BOSS” FRIEDMAN Has Been Diagnosed With ALS appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

IATT Unleashes First Single “Drift Away” From Upcoming Album and Film Etheric Realms of the Night
Philadelphia’s extreme metal innovators IATT are back, and they’re pulling listeners into a cinematic nightmare with the first taste of their forthcoming full-length, Etheric Realms of the Night , due May 8 via Black Lion Records.
The new single, “Drift Away” , serves as the entry point into IATT’s ambitious fusion of extreme metal and narrative film. Each track of the upcoming album acts as a chapter in this immersive experience, exploring dreams, sleep, and the liminal space between consciousness and the subconscious.
With Drift Away , IATT sets the tone for the journey ahead. The track moves with deliberate restraint and emotional weight, capturing the uneasy calm of falling asleep—where comfort and fear intertwine. The accompanying visuals deepen this sense of foreboding, drawing inspiration from Greek tragedy and mythos to craft a visceral, cinematic landscape.
This is not just a song, it’s a chapter in a larger story. Etheric Realms of the Night is IATT’s fourth full-length album, designed as a cohesive film where music and storytelling blur into a singular, immersive experience.


Tracklist for Etheric Realms of the Night
01. Drift Away
02. To Lie Beneath
03. Somniphobia
04. Pavor Nocturnus
05. Quietus
06. Walk Amongst
07. Hypnos
IATT continues to push the boundaries of progressive and extreme metal, creating a world where music, narrative, and the subconscious merge into a symphony of shadows.
Etheric Realms of the Night drops May 8 via Black Lion Records and is available for pre-order https://merchbooth.net/iatt/.

For more info visit:
https://www.instagram.com/iatt_official/ 
https://www.facebook.com/iamthetrireme/ 
https://iamthetrireme.bandcamp.com 
https://www.facebook.com/blacklionrecordsswe 
https://www.instagram.com/blacklionrecordsswe 
https://blacklion.nu/ 

Robert Trujillo says it was Cliff Burton who changed the trajectory of the song. Continue reading…

The post VOID: Louisiana Thrash Outfit Signs To Metal Blade Records; Limited-Edition “Signed In Blood” Merch Available appeared first on INFRARED MAGAZINE.

The post SUBMASQ: Video Of Rammstein Cover, “Mutter,” Now Playing At MetalSucks; Oedipus EP To See Release This Friday appeared first on INFRARED MAGAZINE.

– February 11th, 2026 –

Photo by Justin Hammer

Limited-Edition “Signed In Blood” Merch Available at Band’s Store

Metal Blade Records is proud to announce the addition of Lafayette, Louisiana thrashers, VOID, to their prestigious roster.

“Metal Blade has been a cornerstone for heavy metal for decades,” the band comments, “so joining the roster is an absolute honor and we feel right at home. We are sharpening the fangs for our most vicious material yet. It’s about to get bloody.”

To commemorate the signing, the band has released a limited-edition Metal Blade “Signed In Blood” Merch drop, available HERE. Each order comes with a signed 8×10 print, while supplies last.

Forged in 2019 by vocalist Jackson Davenport, VOID is a haunted, technically sharp thrash/heavy metal force. Blending razor-edged aggression with eerie atmosphere and narrative ambition, VOID stands at the crossroads of classic thrash intensity and dark, theatrical heavy metal.

The band made its first major statement with their debut album Horrors Of Reality in early 2023. The record introduced VOID‘s uncompromising sound – fast, intricate riffing, commanding vocals, and a sinister edge – and was followed by a relentless stretch of touring that hardened the band on the road and built a growing underground following.

That momentum led to VOID signing with Shadow Kingdom Records in the Summer of 2024. Throughout late 2024 and 2025, the band focused their efforts on crafting their most ambitious work to date, Forbidden Morals, a full-length concept album centered on a lost traveler’s descent into the castle of Vlad The Impaler. Dark, cinematic, and technically ferocious, the album marked a turning point for the band placing VOID firmly on the map and opening the door to larger tours and wider recognition.

Following the release of Forbidden Morals, VOID became a sought-after presence on the road, sharing stages with genre legends and earning their place alongside some of thrash metal’s most respected names, including Dark Angel, Forbidden, Sacred Reich, and Exhorder as well as appearing at Hell’s Heroes, Blade Of Steel, and the Keep It True Festival. With a lineup locked in and a sound that balances precision, menace, and storytelling, VOID continues to carve their path as one of the most compelling new voices in modern traditional metal.

VOID Live:
3/13/2026 Bay Area Hard Rock Fest – Tampa, FL
3/14/2026 Bay Area Hard Rock Fest – Tampa, FL
3/21/2026 Hell’s Heroes – Houston, TX
3/26/2026 Brass Mug – Tampa, FL *
3/27/2026 Conduit – Orlando, FL *
3/28/2026 Boggs Social – Atlanta, GA *
3/29/2026 East Room – Nashville, TN *
3/30/2026 Mag Bar – Louisville, KY *
3/31/2026 State St. Pub – Indianapolis, IN *
4/01/2026 Fubar – St Louis, MO *
4/02/2026 Renos Chop Shop – Dallas, TX *
4/04/2026 Feed N Seed – Lafayette, LA *
5/01/2026 Legions Of Metal Fest – Chicago, IL
5/16/2026 San Luis Metal Fest – Mexico City, MX
*w/ Phantom, Herakleion

VOID:
Aaron Landry – drums
Gabe LeJeune – guitars
Jackson Davenport – vocals
Blake Adams – bass
Chris Braune – guitars

https://linktr.ee/voidlafayette
https://www.instagram.com/void_lafayette

Covers can be fun. Covers can be interesting. Yet sometimes, covers can be unique, thought-provoking pieces that take the original subject material and make it their own. Such is the case for Israeli progressive/alt-metal outfit SUBMASQ, whose iteration of Rammstein’s “Mutter”, which takes the German industrial metal titans’ music and turns it into something else entirely.

Previously known as Subterranean Masquerade, SUBMASQ is releasing a covers EP titled Oedipus this Friday. In it, the band cover Danzig’s “Mother”, Genesis’ “Mama”, and the aforementioned Rammstein cover of “Mutter”. I’m sure you can gather what the band’s overarching theme is for this release…

“We love making covers. We wanted to make something special for our followers just before the official new album arrives. We know it takes time, but we want to do it right—so in the meantime, this EP, all rocking and rolling, is for you.”

As you can hear in the cover below, “Mutter” is transformed from a melancholy, yet epic song of loss and maternal betrayal to a more bizarre take on the song. Translated into Yiddish, the song somehow feels more downtrodden, more pained in its delivery. And while it definitely starts off slow and demure at first, there definitely comes a point where the more metal arrangement bursts in. It gets louder, more accusatory at times.

SUBMASQ vocalist Vidi Dolev said he worked with some outside help to translate “Mutter”.

“Together with a poet specializing in Yiddish, my grandmother’s tongue, we re-created the song as ‘Mame,’ exploring the space between the Yiddishkeit image of the ‘Jewish mother’ and a possible transgressive subtext. The result is a respectful, concept-driven reinterpretation rather than just a cover.

“We also produced a low-budget music video for the piece, which is included below. While modest in production, we hope it reflects a spirit and intensity inspired by Rammstein’s work.”

Oedipus will be released on all digital platforms this Friday, February 13, but you can preorder your copy today.

The post SUBMASQ Drops Unique Yiddish Cover of Rammstein’s “Mutter” appeared first on MetalSucks.

Polish extreme metal giants Behemoth have addressed the sudden cancellation of their planned concerts in Turkey, pointing to outside pressure and government intervention as the reason the dates were pulled.

The band was scheduled to perform in Istanbul and Ankara, but local authorities made the final call to shut the events down. In a statement to fans, Behemoth made it clear they pushed hard to keep the shows alive: “To our fans in Istanbul and Ankara, we are deeply disappointed to confirm that our scheduled performances in Turkey have been cancelled. Despite exhausting every possible avenue throughout the day and engaging in extensive discussions, the decision from the local authorities remains final. There is simply nothing further we can do to overturn it.”

According to the group, the cancellations followed complaints from religious factions who labeled their work as unacceptable: “The cancellations come after pressure from religious groups who have characterized our art as satanic propaganda and deemed it unacceptable. This is another example of ideology being used to suppress artistic expression and restrict cultural freedom. Behemoth has always stood for creative independence and the right of artists to express themselves without censorship. Music is not a threat, but silencing it should concern anyone who values freedom of expression.”

The band also offered an apology directly to supporters who were preparing to attend: “To those who planned to attend, who travelled, and who stood ready to share this night with us, we are truly sorry. We fought to make these shows happen and we share your frustration and disappointment. Turkey has some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the world and we hope the day will come when we can return to Istanbul and Ankara and perform for you without interference. Until then, thank you for your unwavering support.”

The Beşiktaş District Governor’s Office officially canceled the Istanbul and Ankara concerts, saying the events clashed with public sentiment after online backlash and accusations of satanism.

“The events were found to have caused public reaction due to their incompatibility with our societal values,” the governor’s office said in a statement.

The office also cited legal grounds for wider restrictions in the area: “Based on Law No. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations, all concerts, festivals, group and ticketed events, and similar activities within Zorlu PSM and Zorlu Center have been banned for two days,” the office said.

İstanbul governor Davut Gül backed the decision publicly, repeating the district’s stance that “no activity that corrupts society has ever been allowed in İstanbul, and none will be allowed in the future.”

Reports from Turkiye Today noted that the ruling affected more than just Behemoth, canceling “all concerts, festivals, and ticketed public events at Zorlu PSM and the wider Zorlu Center complex” for the same two-day window.

The controversy also spread beyond one band. A pro-government Islamist broadcaster recently targeted both Behemoth and Slaughter To Prevail, whose February 10 Istanbul concert was also canceled, accusing them of promoting satanism:

“Bands named Slaughter To Prevail, who preach satanism and steal the faith of young people, and Behemoth, who blatantly oppose religion with their satanic attire, are coming to Turkey,” the broadcaster remarked. “These two groups are banned in Russia. We call on the authorities to act urgently and cancel these events that poison our children and youth,” he said.

While Behemoth has faced controversy throughout its career, the band last played Istanbul back in 2019 at the Volkswagen Arena. For now, Turkish fans will have to wait and see if the group gets another chance to return without interference.

The post BEHEMOTH Criticizes Ban as Turkish Authorities Cancel Shows Under Religious Pressure appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

It’s been roughly four years since they last burst onto the scene with their debut album self-titled album, but London-based female-fronted hardcore/crossover band Cage Fight is back with some new music and the announcement of their sophomore offering Exuvia.

Released earlier today, the lead single off their forthcoming album is “Un Bon Souvenir”. And while I don’t know exactly what that means in French, vocalist Rachel Aspe explains what the track means for the band itself.

“Don’t bite the hand that feeds. This song is a reference to a previous experience in a band controlled by a toxic, manipulative person. It’s a reminder that bringing people down won’t elevate you. A challenging experience, but as he once said, it’s still a good memory, ça reste un bon souvenir.”

Promising 11 new tunes, Exuvia was recorded at by Sam Bloor at Lower Lane Studios and mixed by Jim Pinder, whose credits include Sleep Token and Malevolence. The band describes their forthcoming album as a piece that contains the band’s “raw, old school hardcore heart…vibrating with meaty grooves, pummeling rhythms, plus a wave of furious anger that feels like a punch to the gut.”

Exuvia will be released on May 1 via Spinefarm, but you can pre-save your copy today.

Exuvia Tracklist:

1. Confined
2. Oxygen
3. Pig
4. Pick Your Fighter
5. Un Bon Souvenir
6. Deathstalker
7. Le Déni
8. Exuvia
9. The Hammer Crush
10. IHYG (I Hate Your Guts)
11. Élégie

UK dates with Employed to Serve:-

20-Mar – Shipley @ Kirkgate Community Centre
21-Mar – Edinburgh @ Mash House
22-Mar – Newcastle @ ThinkTank
23-Mar – Sheffield @ Yellow Arch
24-Mar – Norwich @ The Waterfront Studio
25-Mar – Milton Keynes @ The Craufurd Arms
26-Mar – Wolverhampton @ KK’s Steel Mill
27-Mar – Southampton @ The Joiners
28-Mar – Cardiff @ Clwd Ifor Bach

Announced festivals:

02 May – Dark Reign, UK 
27 Jun – Basinfire Festival, CZ
26 Jul – Mozhell Open Air, FR
31 Jul – Radar Festival, UK
01 Aug – Xtreme Fest, FR
02 Aug – Sylak Festival, FR
14 Aug – Motocultor Festival, FR
21 Aug – Furiosfest, FR 

The post Cage Fight Announce New Album ‘Exuvia’, Single “Un Bon Souvenir” Out Now appeared first on MetalSucks.