Category: news

Godsmack has recruited former Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini to complete the remainder of the band’s “The Rise of Rock” tour, following the abrupt departure of Wade Murff. Mangini made his live debut with the band June 12 at the Morton Amphitheater in Riverside, Missouri, joining vocalist/guitarist Sully Erna, bassist Robbie Merrill, and guitarist Sam Koltun.

In an Instagram post following the show, Mangini wrote: “Taking this all in today with show 1 done. And just like that, I finally get to play these dream venues in the USA with my Boston brothers in Godsmack. I need to thank a lot of people for putting this together so quickly. I can’t even express how grateful I am to Sully, Robbie, Sam, and the entire organization for trusting me with no rehearsal.”

Murff had joined Godsmack this past spring, playing more than a dozen shows from May 8 at the Welcome to Rockville festival in Daytona Beach, FL, through May 30 in Houston. On June 6, it was announced that Murff would fill in for Black Veil Brides drummer Christian “CC” Coma for the remainder of that band’s 2026 European tour due to what was described as “an unfortunate personal and private matter.” Hours before his last show with Godsmack, Murff had written on social media: “What a great start to the tour! Thank you to everyone who came out and saw ‘The Rise of Rock’ show.” He played his first show with Black Veil Brides on June 10 in Munich, Germany.

Mike Mangini was dismissed from Dream Theater in October 2023 after 13 years to make way for the return of the group’s original drummer, Mike Portnoy. Mangini had joined Dream Theater in late 2010 following a widely publicized open audition in which he bested six other candidates — Marco Minnemann, Virgil Donati, Aquiles Priester, Thomas Lang, Peter Wildoer, and Derek Roddy — a process documented in the reality series “The Spirit Carries On.”

Prior to Dream Theater, Mangini played with Extreme in the mid-1990s and joined Steve Vai’s band in 1996. He later became a full-time instructor at Berklee College of Music. His solo debut, Invisible Signs, arrived in November 2023; in February 2025, he launched a new band, Monolith, with Hernán “Motley” Rodríguez (bass/vocals) and Andy Barrow (guitar).

The post Former DREAM THEATER Drummer MIKE MANGINI Joins GODSMACK, Following Departure of WADE MURFF appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Murff had recently been named Godsmack’s latest touring drummer….

The post Godsmack Enlist Ex-Dream Theater Drummer Mike Mangini In Light Of Wade Murff Filling In With Black Veil Brides appeared first on Theprp.com.

Booked around their upcoming Inkcarceration.

The post Heavy//Hitter Announce Summer U.S. Tour With Chain Gang & Torn Open appeared first on Theprp.com.

Covenant of None makes a powerful statement with their latest release, “Sun of the Dark”.

A gripping rock record that seamlessly blends modern metal, gothic rock, and cinematic elements into an unforgettable listening experience. The track establishes a dark, intense, and immersive atmosphere, pulling listeners into a world filled with intensity, emotion, and sonic depth.

The band’s ability to balance crushing instrumentation with haunting melodic passages gives the song a dynamic quality that keeps the energy flowing from start to finish. Rich textures and dramatic arrangements create a cinematic feel, while the commanding vocal performance adds another layer of character to the production. Every element works together to build a sound that feels both expansive and deeply personal to make a true connection.

“Sun of the Dark” showcases Covenant of None’s creative vision and musical craftsmanship, delivering a bold and captivating release that fans of modern rock and metal will not want to miss.

Check out Covenant of None “Sun of the Dark” below and follow them on Instagram. Stay Global my Friends!

The post Covenant of None – Sun of the Dark appeared first on .

Ouch.

The post Snot’s Andy Knapp Suffered A “Significant Leg Injury” In A Stage Dive Mishap This Week appeared first on Theprp.com.

They collaborated on Bowness’ 2017 album Lost In The Ghost Light, but his appreciation for the rock flute icon goes back to Tull’s early trilogies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SHINY NEW TOYZ, DEVIL IN DISGUISE, CREEPER, BLACK REUSS, BRIAN MOODY, VICK LECAR FEATURED IN LATEST POWERPLAY ROCK AND METAL MAGAZINE ISSUE WITH SAMANTHA FISH ON THE COVER

Metal Devastation PR is proud to announce that multiple MDPR roster artists have been reviewed in the latest issue of Powerplay Rock and Metal Magazine , featuring blues powerhouse Samantha Fish on the cover.
This issue continues Powerplay’s long standing tradition of showcasing both underground and established artists with detailed reviews spanning the full spectrum of rock and metal.


SHINY NEW TOYZ – “LORE”

Shiny New Toyz’ three track EP Lore is highlighted for its experimental alt metal direction and unpredictable songwriting. The review praises chunky riff work, shifting time signatures, and vocals that move between punk attitude, harsh screams, and ethereal chant-like passages. The band is described as unique and uncompromising, offering a challenging but rewarding listen that stands apart from the mainstream.


DEVIL IN DISGUISE – “NEVER MEANT”

Devil In Disguise return after a lengthy hiatus with Never Meant , tied to their earlier single Purge . The review focuses on their comeback narrative and solid hard rock foundation, drawing comparisons to Bullet For My Valentine style influence. While the musicianship is strong and the title track stands out, the critique notes a lack of distinct identity and vocal edge, resulting in an enjoyable but somewhat forgettable release overall.


CREEPER – “CRUSHING”

Creeper deliver a crushing blend of thrash and groove metal on Crushing . The review highlights Slayer inspired aggression, Pantera flavored groove sections, and consistent high impact heaviness throughout. Tracks are praised for their tight execution, crushing riffs, and old school intensity, making this a strong recommendation for fans of classic groove and thrash metal.


BLACK REUSS – “DEATH”

Black Reuss continue their conceptual gothic metal journey with Death . The review praises its atmospheric density, orchestral layering, and emotional weight, balancing haunting melodic passages with oppressive heaviness. The album is described as immersive and powerful, standing as a strong example of modern gothic doom done with vision and depth.


BRIAN MOODY – “BRIAN’S BRAIN”

Brian Moody’s Brian’s Brain earns top marks for its ambitious and expansive songwriting. Drawing comparisons to Devin Townsend styled sonic complexity, the album is praised for its riff driven structure, emotional scope, and standout tracks like Driftwood and Dead West . The review calls it a fully realized and highly rewarding listen with strong replay value.


VICK LECAR – “THE GOLD RECORD”

Vick LeCar delivers a diverse blues rock record rooted in classic influences and raw performance energy. Featuring Paul Manzi on early standout tracks, the album blends Deep Purple funk grooves, Zeppelin inspired grit, Santana flavored guitar work, and classic rock ballad elements. While slightly long, the release is praised for its authenticity, musicianship, and live feel.


Metal Devastation PR congratulates all featured artists on securing international print coverage in one of rock and metal’s most respected publications.
More press. More noise. No compromise.
Stay loud.
Grab a copy here: https://powerplaymagazine.co.uk/

That would be a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

The post Black Sabbath Guitarist Tony Iommi Has Been Awarded An MBE: “What An Unbelievable Honour” appeared first on Theprp.com.

https://www.metalourgio.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WEHMUT-logo-official-image-768×450.jpg

Maverick .

The post Maverick to release their first ever song co-written with outside writers on June 26th first appeared on Sleaze Roxx.