Category: news

Another Saturday, another bit of sad news I have to share with you all because our world sucks. This time, it’s Manowar‘s founding guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman, who has unfortunately passed away at 72 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The Metal Hall of Fame announced his passing yesterday (Saturday, March 27) in a Facebook post that reads as follows:

“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of legendary guitarist, our dear friend, Metal Hall of Fame Inductee, and Global Metal Ambassador Ross “The Boss” Friedman.

“Ross was a pioneering force in both punk and heavy metal, best known as a founding member of The Dictators and Manowar. His powerful playing, unmistakable tone, and uncompromising spirit helped shape generations of musicians and fans around the world.

“Earlier this year, Ross publicly shared his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), facing it with the same courage and honesty that defined his life and career.

“Ross’s impact on music is immeasurable. From the raw energy of early punk to the epic scale of heavy metal, his work left a lasting mark on the genre and on everyone who experienced it.

“Beyond his achievements on stage and in the studio, Ross was deeply respected by his peers and beloved by fans across continents. His legacy will live on through his music, his influence, and the countless lives he touched.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, bandmates, and fans worldwide during this difficult time. Further details will be shared as they become available.”

We’ll miss you, boss man!

The post Former Manowar Guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman Passes Away at 72 appeared first on MetalSucks.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HELL-BORN Returns With Apocalyptic New Album “VII” and 30th Anniversary Re-Edition of Debut Mini Album
Poland – Odium Records proudly announces the seventh full-length from cult Polish black/death metal veterans Hell-Born , simply titled “VII” . Formed in 1996 by Baal (co-founder of Behemoth) and Les (former Behemoth and Damnation member), Hell-Born has spent decades refining their signature blend of ominous, old-school black/death metal.
“VII” represents the band’s most complex, apocalyptic work yet. Featuring seven tracks of blistering blackened death metal, the album combines the raw aggression Hell-Born is known for with haunting melodic undertones that have defined their sound throughout the years. Recording, mixing, and mastering took place at Creme de la Creme Studio , ensuring a sonic experience that’s as dense and foreboding as the band’s vision.
The album will be available in multiple collector-ready formats:
11-panel digipak shaped like an inverted cross
Gatefold heavy vinyl
Limited edition wooden box
In conjunction with this new release, Hell-Born will also re-issue their cult mini album “Hell-Born” from 1996, celebrating its 30th anniversary. This first-ever vinyl and CD edition features new mastering and a treasure trove of previously unseen archival photos, honoring the legacy of a record that laid the groundwork for the band’s dark journey.

Stay connected with Hell-Born:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialHellborn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellbornofficial
Find Odium Records here:
Website: https://www.odiumrex.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/odiumrex
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/odiumrecords
Bandcamp: https://www.odiumrecords.bandcamp.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/odiumrec

Prepare for VII. The darkness rises.

The former Beatle is gearing up to release a new album, 'The Boys of Dungeon Lane.' Continue reading…

Longtime Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde released a tribute to the late-frontman titled, “Ozzy’s Song.”

The post ZAKK WYLDE Releases Tribute Track For OZZY OSBOURNE On Latest BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Record appeared first on Metal Injection.

Ross “The Boss” Friedman, known for playing guitar in the Dictators and Manowar, has died. He passed away yesterday after a battle with ALS. He was 72.

The post Ross “The Boss” Friedman, Dictators And Manowar Guitarist, Dead At 72 appeared first on Stereogum.

Who Was Ross The Boss And Why Does His Death Hit So Hard?

Ross “The Boss” Friedman helped build the foundations of both punk and heavy metal, making his loss far bigger than a single band or era.

TL;DR

Ross “The Boss” Friedman, founding member of Manowar and The Dictators, has died at 72 after battling ALS. His influence spans two entire genres, with a legacy that still shapes how heavy music sounds today.

This Wasn’t Just Another Name From The Past

Strip it down and be honest—most players operate inside a sound.

Ross helped create one.

He wasn’t following a blueprint. He was part of the reason one exists in the first place.

This Loss Lands Right As Heavy Music Is Reclaiming Its Roots

There’s a clear shift happening right now—new bands are circling back to raw punk energy and classic metal identity.

Ross sat at the intersection of both.

That’s why this loss hits harder in 2026 than it would have a decade ago.

ALS Took Away The One Thing That Defined Him

The Cruel Reality Behind The Final Months

Friedman was diagnosed with ALS earlier this year after experiencing weakness in his hands and legs.

For a guitarist, that’s not just illness—it’s identity being stripped away in real time.

He said himself the hardest part was not being able to play.

That tells you everything.

The Manowar Era Still Echoes Today

The Records That Locked In His Place

Ross recorded six albums with Manowar, including Battle Hymns, Into Glory Ride, and Hail To England.

Those albums didn’t just succeed—they helped define what epic heavy metal became.

That sound is still being chased.

Loaded Radio Recommends – Judas Priest’s Enduring Legacy: 13 Fascinating Facts About The Heavy Metal Gods

He Was There Before Punk Exploded

Earlier Than The Timeline Most People Know

With The Dictators, Ross was already pushing punk forward before the genre’s biggest names broke through.

Go Girl Crazy! arrived before The Ramones’ debut—and ahead of both The Clash and Sex Pistols.

That’s not influence after the fact.

That’s influence at the starting line.

He Never Stayed In One Lane

Punk, Metal, And Everything Between

From Manowar to The Dictators to projects like Death Dealer and his solo work, Ross moved between styles without losing identity.

That range is part of why his impact reaches so far.

Respect Like That Doesn’t Happen By Accident

The Reputation Behind The Music

Tributes described him as a global ambassador for metal and a deeply respected figure among peers.

That kind of reputation builds over decades.

And it sticks.

The Real Legacy Isn’t In The Past

It’s Still Being Played Right Now

You hear Ross every time a band leans into raw punk urgency or full-scale metal power.

That influence didn’t end.

It’s still active.

Loaded Radio Recommends – 13 Perfect Metal Albums With Zero Skips

FAQ

What Did Ross The Boss Die From?

He died after battling ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a progressive neurodegenerative disease.

How Old Was Ross The Boss?

Ross “The Boss” Friedman was 72 years old.

What Bands Was He Known For?

He was a founding member of Manowar and The Dictators, along with multiple later projects.

Why Is Ross The Boss Important?

He helped shape both punk and heavy metal at their earliest stages, influencing generations of artists.

Ross The Boss Bio

Ross “The Boss” Friedman was a pioneering guitarist whose work helped define both punk rock and heavy metal. Emerging with The Dictators in the mid-1970s before co-founding Manowar, he contributed to some of the most influential albums in heavy music history. Across decades of projects and collaborations, his playing style and songwriting left a lasting imprint on multiple genres.

The post Ross The Boss Dead At 72 After ALS Battle And The Impact Runs Deeper Than Most Realize appeared first on Loaded Radio.

8 years after the release of their last full-length effort Eonian, Norwegian symphonic black metal formation Dimmu Borgir is now ready to release the follow-up- Entitled Grand Serpent Rising, it will be set free on May 22nd 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records. It was recorded in Gothenburg, Sweden with producer Fredrik Nordström. To taste a first piece of the new music, check out the “Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel” single/video.
Read more…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ROTTING EMPIRE Unleash Re-Recorded Classic “Images Of War” – New Single & Video Out March 29, 2026
Ingolstadt, Germany – After a quarter-century of relentless riff warfare, German death metal veterans Rotting Empire return with a crushing new chapter in their legacy. The band will release their re-recorded single and official music video, “Images Of War,” on March 29, 2026 , delivering a modernized, bone-crushing take on the track that started it all.
Originally released as part of their 2006 demo, “Images Of War” has been resurrected and reforged for 2026 with devastating clarity and power. The new version captures the raw spirit of the early days while hitting harder than ever thanks to updated production and the band’s decades of experience sharpening their sound.
For 25 years, Rotting Empire have stood as a cornerstone of the German underground, carving out a reputation for blending classic European death metal with groove-laden brutality. Their sound sits firmly in the lineage of bands like Illdisposed, Bolt Thrower, Evocation, and Unleashed, while also channeling the weight and grit of Florida death metal.
Since forming in 2000 near Ingolstadt, the band has played over 100 shows and shared stages with heavyweights including Kataklysm, Crowbar, Asphyx, Grave, Vader, Six Feet Under, Fleshcrawl, and Vomitory. From festival appearances at Braincrusher Festival and Mammut Festival to club-level destruction, Rotting Empire have proven their staying power the old-school way: by getting on stage and leveling rooms.
Their discography includes the debut full-length Sui Generis (2012) and Buried In The Past (2022), both released via Rebirth The Metal Productions. Now, the band comes full circle by revisiting their origins with a re-recorded version of their very first release.


“Rotting Empire celebrated its 25-year band anniversary in 2025. Brand-new in 2026, we will release the re-recording of our debut release. The official music video and single mark the beginning, with the full album to follow later this year.”


The upcoming full-length album, also titled Images Of War , is scheduled for release on October 4, 2026 , continuing the band’s legacy of unfiltered, war-driven death metal.
The new single was mixed and mastered by Tobias Schill, delivering a massive, modern sound while staying true to the band’s old-school roots.


Release Details:
Artist: Rotting Empire
Title: Images Of War (Single & Video)
Release Date: March 29, 2026
Genre: Death Metal
Label: Rebirth The Metal Productions


For Fans Of:
Illdisposed, Bolt Thrower, Evocation, Unleashed



Watch & Listen:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rottingempire
Bandcamp: https://rottingempire.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TJ5bzl9LPmJluIJYzvG9h

Follow Rotting Empire:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RottingEmpire
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rottingempire666
More: https://linktr.ee/rottingempire

Label:
Rebirth The Metal Productions
https://rebirththemetalproductions.bandcamp.com

Contact:
Josef Landauer
booking@rottingempire.de

Today, ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN unveils her brand new EP “La Mort”. Recorded together with an 8-piece band the Dutch singer and songwriter continues the intimate emotional journey she started with last year’s “La Vie” on four heartfelt new tracks. Both EPs are part of the ongoing project “La Vie, La Mort, L’Amour”. Listen to “La Mort” here.A special limited vinyl edition […]

Source

Sometimes a band name can be on the nose in the best way, and Power Paladin makes no effort to disguise their preferred music class. The mission of these Icelanders is no different than that of many power metal groups—to explore fantasy realms, vanquish foes, and have a blast while doing so. They already acquitted themselves with their debut album, With the Magic of Windfyre Steel, which Eldritch Elitist lauded with praise in the January 2022 filter. While I found it enjoyable at the time, it didn’t stick with me for very long. But now, on sophomore record Beyond the Reach of Enchantment, Power Paladin returns with sharper blades and brighter divine light to safeguard the ears of the innocent.

If you elect to ride with Power Paladin, the first rule of the road is to leave all self-seriousness at home. As with most Europower, Beyond the Reach of Enchantment requires a love (or at least a tolerance) of flamboyant frivolity and imaginative play. Expect big verses, bigger choruses, and lots of guitar shredding. While its predecessor was more devoted to the sleekness of Twilight Force or Rhapsody of Fire, Power Paladin now divides their allegiance more evenly with heavy metal and hard rock in Helloween fashion. This makes Beyond the Reach of Enchantment sound brawnier, further aided by a meaty bass tone that adds welcome crunch to this glorious charcuterie board. These Paladins occasionally succumb to their darker urges, embodied by Óskar Rúnarsson’s¹ death growls (“Glade Lords of Athel Loren,” “Valediction”), making them more endearing and relatable.

Beyond the Reach of Enchantment may be a bit derivative, but what sets Power Paladin apart is their sheer energy and charisma. Their music challenges one’s ability to sit still; not even my distracted five-year-old daughter could resist the urge to headbang the first time she heard the opening notes of “Glade Lords of Athel Loren.” No member of the body can remain limp or listless upon hearing the heavy metal anthem “Sword Vigor” or the stomping and romping of “The Royal Road.” Vocalist Atli Guðlaugsson frequently steals the show, his powerful falsettos weeding out the unsanctified eardrums. That said, it’s impressive how Power Paladin can write songs in such a way that such a commanding frontman doesn’t completely dominate the listener’s attention. Einar Karl Júlíusson is constantly changing up his double bass rhythms, and there are plenty of rapid-fire guitar and keyboard sections to keep the momentum going.

Yet, all this energy on Beyond the Reach of Enchantment can become slightly wearisome. The album art might feature a respite around a campfire, but the music is much closer to a battle scene. Rests tend to be momentary and sometimes sound out of character, like when “The Arcane Tower” abruptly dies down to a whisper midway through. I find myself missing the naturally occurring downtime in “Creatures of the Night” and “There Can Be Only One” from With the Magic of Windfyre Steel. It’s not until the 10-minute conclusion, “Valediction,” that Power Paladin takes a proper breather in the form of soft guitar plucks. The extra time also allows for more compositional experimentation, with smooth keyboard transitions during the extended bridge section, as well as a brief but lively duet with Sara Rut Fannarsdóttir² (more of her next time, please!). Everything is solidly written and performed, but still somewhat blends together until the end.

If you’re questing for fun with a hefty side of merriment, Power Paladin will happily serve as your guide. They sound even more confident and earnest than before, once again striking a great balance between silliness and substance. Beyond the Reach of Enchantment somehow overclocked the power of its predecessor, the gallant and galloping tunes courageously smiting the unholy. I do wish for a bit more dynamic pacing, but this may just be a “me” problem, and only when listening front to back. Gather your party and grab your dice—the next campaign awaits!

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Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 7 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Reigning Phoenix Music
Websites: powerpaladin.is | facebook.com/powerpaladinice
Releases Worldwide: March 27th, 2026

The post Power Paladin – Beyond the Reach of Enchantment Review appeared first on Angry Metal Guy.