Uli Jon Roth, the legendary guitarist who helped shape the early sound of Scorpions, will mark the 50th anniversary of the band’s Virgin Killer album with a special performance at next year’s Wacken Open Air festival. The exclusive anniversary show will take place between July 29 and August 1, 2026, in Wacken, Germany, and Roth, now 70, is expected to be joined by “special guests” for the occasion.

Virgin Killer was the first of four studio albums that truly defined Scorpions and their influential, high-energy metallic edge. Released in 1976, it became the band’s first record to gain attention beyond Europe and marked a shift from their psychedelic roots toward a more hard-rock-driven sound. It was also the first time the lineup stayed consistent, featuring Klaus Meine on vocals, Uli Jon Roth on lead guitar, Rudolf Schenker on rhythm guitar, Francis Buchholz on bass, and Rudy Lenners on drums. The album’s nine tracks were recorded with producer Dieter Dierks.

The album is remembered for its heavy riffs, fast arrangements, and the innovative guitar work that Roth brought to the forefront. The record’s standout moments include the powerful grooves and thunderous riffs in Uli’s “Polar Nights” solo, which remains one of the album’s defining highlights. The comparisons to Jimi Hendrix have followed Roth throughout his career, and Virgin Killer is a prime example of why.

Regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Roth pioneered a distinct style that blended technical mastery with strong melodic expression. From the beginning, he carved out a reputation as a fearless musical innovator. He became the first rock guitarist to integrate complex melodic arpeggio sequences into his playing, a contribution that many believe helped reshape modern guitar technique. While his work with Scorpions laid the foundation, Roth’s boundary-pushing creativity continued even more boldly during his Electric Sun years.

The post ULI JON ROTH Will Bring “Virgin Killer” Back To Life For Its 50th Anniversary At Wacken 2026 appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

A one-of-a-kind Gibson CEO4 guitar, custom-built and played by Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett during the “Back To The Beginning” concert — an event tied to Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance in Birmingham this past July — has fetched an impressive $76,800 at auction. The instrument had originally been projected to sell for only around $6,000.

Hammett not only used the guitar live during Metallica’s rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Hole In The Sky,” but also added his signature to the instrument. The CEO4 model features a 24.75-inch scale mahogany neck, a bound 22-fret ebony fretboard with Supreme-style split block mother-of-pearl inlays, and a bound open-book Gibson headstock with custom model inlays. It also includes a truss rod cover engraved with “CEO-4,” paired with a mahogany body topped with flame maple finished in Ghost Burst. The package came with a hardshell case, Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian’s “Back To The Beginning” backstage pass signed by him, and a custom-made DES strap fitted with strap locks.

The guitar was sold through Julien’s Auctions as part of its annual “Played, Worn & Torn” event, which highlights more than 800 pieces of music history. This particular SG was included in the Gibson Gives Guitar Collection, a curated selection benefiting the Gibson Gives charity.

The Kirk Hammett Collection presented a rare chance for collectors and historians to explore more than 150 guitars, awards, and stage-played pieces connected to the evolution of heavy music.

Reflecting on his long-running passion for collecting, Hammett said: “I’ve had the collectors bug ever since I can remember. There’s a whole troop of guitars that I’ve just accumulated over the years. Some are touring guitars and then there’s a whole batch of rare weird stuff. It drives me crazy to see the whole bunch of guitars not being played, and that’s my hope that people buy these and play them, record with them tour with them.”

While Hammett is most widely known for four decades of work with Metallica, he also played a foundational role in Exodus, performing with the band for three years in its early days. Exodus even opened for Metallica in late 1982 and 1983, helping set the stage for his eventual move to the group. His career has earned him numerous awards, including recognition in Rolling Stone’s list of “The Top 100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time.” Though Hammett owns an extensive guitar collection, he is particularly associated with his long-running partnership with ESP, which has produced several signature models carrying his name.

The post KIRK HAMMETT’s Rare GIBSON Guitar Shatters Expectations With a Stunning Auction Price appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Sylosis has revealed the first details of their seventh studio album, titled The New Flesh, slated to drop on February 20th, 2026, via Nuclear Blast Records.

The colossal tetrad featuring Josh Middleton (guitar/lead vocals), Ali Richardson (drums), Conor Marshall (guitar), and Ben Thomas (bass), has also unleashed a god-tier single, the album title track “The New Flesh”.

Sylosis stated: “Introducing The New Flesh. This is us solidifying the lineup of the band and moving forward with a new sense of purpose and aggression. After having spent so much of the last 2 years on the road, ‘The New Flesh’, and the songs that will follow from the album, have been written with the live environment in mind. There is an energy running through these songs that we’ve never felt on a Sylosis album, until now. We’ll see you all in 2026 – Josh, Ali, Ben, Conor.“

The New Flesh is available to pre-order in the following physical formats:

• CD Jewelcase
• Solid Red Vinyl (All Retail)
• Sky Blue with Black Splatter Vinyl (NB/Band Variant)
• Red and Sky Blue Corona with Vinyl (Band Exclusive)

Pre-order it here.

The post SYLOSIS Announce New Album “The New Flesh”, Share Music Video For Colossal Album’s Title Track appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Good Day Noir Family,
Wild Horse’s “Magpies” lands with a breeze of sun-washed rhythm and a laid-back pulse that instantly paints motion—open windows, dusk driving, and miles of golden road ahead.

Magpies is Wild Horse’s Single Out Now

The groove clicks in immediately, warm and steady, and there’s an effortless looseness to the performance that feels retro-tinged and modern in delivery.

There’s a clear ‘70s flavor in the track’s DNA, yet it never leans into nostalgia as a crutch. Instead, Wild Horse treat that influence as a foundation, layering it with indie spirit and a distinctly fresh melodic instinct. Subtle Police-like rhythmic phrasing shows up in the guitar’s bounce, while touches of reggae influence peek through the vocal cadence. That blend gives the song its unique swagger—cool, breezy, and quietly infectious.

The rhythm section is tight. Bass and drums lock into a pocket that feels organic and human, never stiff or over-produced. As a result, the listener settles into a slow sway almost unconsciously. Meanwhile, funk-kissed guitar licks decorate the groove, adding texture without overwhelming the space. Each element breathes, and the arrangement thrives because it trusts simplicity when simplicity serves best.

Vocally, the delivery is relaxed but expressive. There’s character in every line, and the slight falsetto moments add lift, giving the hook more sparkle. Furthermore, the chorus doesn’t rely on explosive dynamics—its strength lies in groove, flow, and tone. It’s the type of refrain that sneaks into your head rather than barging in.

“Magpies” succeeds by being understated yet rich in feeling. It’s atmospheric in a gentle way, not through layers of studio gloss but through mood and performance chemistry. You can almost see sunset shadows stretching across the pavement, almost smell warm summer air, almost feel that instinct to move—slow dancing, head-nodding, or simply letting your foot tap to the beat.

Wild Horse prove once again that groove and sincerity make a powerful pair. This single invites you to exhale, to drift, to lose track of time for a moment. It’s a soft-lit joy ride with soul and style—smooth, soulful, and subtly magnetic.

Magpies is Wild Horse’s Single Out Now!

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Breezy!

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Magpies is Wild Horse’s Single Out Now

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In 1986, Swedish rock icons Europe released their landmark third album, The Final Countdown. The record propelled the band onto the world stage, with its title track becoming a global hit and reaching No. 1 in 25 different countries. The album went multi-platinum, delivered four Top 40 singles, and remained on the American Billboard chart for more than 60 weeks.

The song has continued to thrive in the digital era. In 2022, YouTube recognized the band for becoming the first Swedish group to earn one billion views for a single track. That number has only grown, and as of now, the video is approaching 1.4 billion views.

The The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary tour is set to visit 12 countries, including the U.K., Netherlands, France, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. The run will feature 19 shows, each built around a career-spanning setlist that ends with a full live performance of The Final Countdown from start to finish.

Since releasing The Final Countdown, Europe has continued to tour extensively and has added eight more studio albums to their catalog. Along the way, they have earned honors such as a Classic Rock Award and a Swedish Grammis. The band also remains one of the rare groups to still feature their classic lineup. September 2026 will bring the arrival of their twelfth studio album, recorded in October 2025 at RMV Studios in Stockholm with producer Tom Dalgety, known for his work with Ghost, The Pixies, Royal Blood, and Opeth.

Frontman Joey Tempest shares his excitement about the upcoming shows. He says: “In a blink of an eye, 40 years have passed and we’re about to perform The Final Countdown in full for only the second time in our career, together with other hits and our favorite songs from our upcoming album. This will be amazing. We’re working on making the production and show match this very special occasion.”

Serving as special guests for the entire tour will be Canadian rockers The Damn Truth, whose praised self-titled fourth album was produced by Bob Rock, known for his work with Metallica, Bon Jovi, and Mötley Crüe. Scottish legends Gun will also appear as very special guests for all U.K. dates.

Tickets go on sale Friday, November 28, at 10 a.m. local time, with presales in the U.K. beginning Wednesday, November 26, at 10 a.m.

Europe 2026 “The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary Tour” Dates:

September 30 – UK – Glasgow, SEC Armadillo
October 02 – UK – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
October 03 – UK – London, Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith
October 05 – Netherlands – Arnhem, Musis
October 06 – France – Paris, Olympia
October 08 – Spain – Barcelona, Poble Espanyol
October 09 – Spain – Bilbao, Arena Miribilla
October 10 – Spain – Madrid, La Cubierta
October 12 – Switzerland – Lausanne, Salle Metropole
October 13 – Switzerland – Zurich, Volkshaus
October 14 – Italy – Milan, Alcatraz
October 16 – Germany – Stuttgart, Liederhalle
October 17 – Austria – Vienna, Gasometer
October 19 – Germany – Berlin, Admiralspalast
October 20 – Poland – Warsaw, Torwar
October 22 – Denmark – Copenhagen, Falconer
October 23 – Sweden – Gothenburg, Film Studios
October 24 – Sweden – Stockholm, BK
October 26 – Norway – Oslo, Sentrum Scene

The post EUROPE Announces “The Final Countdown” 40th Anniversary UK Tour appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Former Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe has confirmed the upcoming release of his new studio album, Outerstellar, arriving February 20, 2026, through Silver Lining Music. He has also shared the Leigh Brooks–directed video for the album’s second single, “Disconnected.”

The track reflects a concern that Monroe has often spoken about: the widening gap between people in an age that claims to keep them connected.

“Disconnected” speaks of something that Monroe feels passionately about: that live music is a rare and vital space for people to find each other in the moment.

Monroe explains: “Technology was supposed to bring people closer together, when, in fact, people are more disconnected than ever. They’re looking at their phones and their computers and downloading stuff.”

He continues: “And, you know, the Internet can’t take away the experience of being at a live show. You’re on stage, and you communicate with the audience who are there, in that moment. That’s where the magic really happens, and absolutely no program or device or computer can reproduce that.”

To support Outerstellar, Monroe and his band will launch a U.K. co-headlining tour with Buckcherry, beginning in Southampton on February 24, 2026.

The post MICHAEL MONROE Drops Music Video For Second Single “Disconnected” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Good Day Noir Family,
“I’m Not Yours” opens like a curtain lifting on a secret scene. Olivia Booth’s voice steps forward with quiet confidence, warm and steady, shaping the melody with a slow-burning elegance.

I’m Not Yours is Olivia Booth’s Single Out Now

 Although the delivery feels timeless, the narrative has a modern sharpness that immediately draws you in. Her tone carries a controlled intensity, anchoring the track with emotional clarity.

The instrumental arrangement strengthens that mood in clever ways. The verses move with a syncopated pulse, almost as if the music is holding its breath. Each rhythmic phrase sits slightly on edge, creating tension that mirrors the song’s themes of release, separation, and self-ownership. Additionally, subtle guitar textures and soft keys fill the spaces between Booth’s phrases, giving the track a cinematic touch that echoes the sophistication of classic Bond themes.

However, the chorus shifts everything. The restrained verses give way to a broader, more liberated melody. The rhythmic tension breaks open and the rock influence rises to the surface. The drums hit harder, the chords widen, and Booth’s voice leaps with striking force. As a result, the chorus delivers a sense of emotional freedom that contrasts beautifully with the verse sections.

Furthermore, Booth’s vocal control shines in the transitions. She moves between delicate phrasing and stronger lines without losing the song’s center. There’s flair, but there’s also discipline, and the combination allows the track to shine without ever feeling excessive. Even the production supports this balance, keeping the instrumentation spacious enough for the melody to breathe.

By the final moments, “I’m Not Yours” becomes reflective and bold. It’s a song built on contrast: soft versus strong, past versus present, restraint versus release. And because these elements work together so naturally, the track leaves a lingering sense of confidence and cinematic warmth.

I’m Not Yours is Olivia Booth’s Single Out Now!

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Elegant!

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I’m Not Yours is Olivia Booth’s Single Out Now

Olivia Booth is part of a new wave of UK indie artists blending raw emotional intensity with a bold, guitar-driven edge. Described as “part Blondie, part Amy Winehouse, part Courtney Love”, she’s been hailed by XS Manchester as “One to Watch 2025”.
Originally from Warrington and now based in Manchester, Olivia channels the spirit of Madchester and BritPop while forging a sound that’s unmistakably her own. Her haunting lyricism and powerhouse vocals have earned her a growing fanbase across generations.

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Good Day Noir Family,
Karen Salicath Jamali’s Wings of Gabriel is an instrumental album that seems designed to lift the listener into a higher emotional space, and it succeeds with remarkable grace.

Wings of Gabriel is Karen Salicath Jamali’s Album Out Now

 Each piece forms part of a larger spiritual narrative, yet every track also stands on its own as a distinct emotional chapter. The record thrives on subtlety, clarity, and an unwavering devotion to melody, creating a body of work that feels timeless.

The album opens with “Wings of Gabriel, Pt. 1,” a piano composition built around an arpeggio that carries a gentle sense of familiarity. There is something slightly reminiscent of Richard Clayderman in the elegance of the phrasing, though Jamali shapes the progression with her own refined delicacy. The melody surrounds you peacefully, inviting you into an atmosphere that feels almost suspended outside ordinary time. It’s easy to settle into the track as it floats forward with serenity.

The journey continues seamlessly with “Angel Gabriel’s Grace,” which introduces a brighter, more radiant mood. The piece almost paints the image of an angelic presence, as if the music itself were a beam of light. Because the melodic lines rise effortlessly, the track delivers a sense of elevation and calm that remains central throughout the album.

Later, “Angel Gabriel’s Refuge” shifts the emotional tone. Here, the melody becomes more mysterious, suggesting a moment of introspection rather than illumination. Jamali proves again that small changes in harmony, tempo, and phrasing can alter the entire emotional texture.

That evolution continues with “Angel Gabriel’s Glow,” a composition that carries a warm luminosity. The notes seem to embrace the listener gently, building a sense of inner quiet. The piano shines without force, and the track moves with the ease of soft breath. This is where the album’s meditative quality becomes especially clear.

One of the standout pieces is “Angel Gabriel’s Mystic.” The nostalgic undertones in the melody create a deeper emotional resonance, and several passages feel almost devotional. While the composition remains airy and celestial, a more complex longing arises beneath the surface. The result is a track that reaches toward something profound yet remains grounded in elegant simplicity.

Finally, “Angel Gabriel’s Tear” closes the album with tenderness. The piece feels like a gentle farewell, offering comfort rather than sadness. It evokes soft light, drifting clouds, and the quiet reassurance that something warm still surrounds you. As the final notes fade, the listener is left with a sense of hope—an impression that the heart has been lifted and held with care.

Karen Salicath Jamali has crafted a work that functions as a spiritual meditation and a beautifully structured piano collection. Because each track contributes to a unified emotional arc, Wings of Gabriel feels like a complete journey. The album is perfect for moments of reflection, calm, and renewal, especially during the soft glow of the holiday season. It is music meant to soothe and inspire.

Wings of Gabriel is Karen Salicath Jamali’s Album Out Now!

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Celestial!

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Karen Salicath Jamali is a Danish-American visual artist and composer whose work blends spirituality, energy, and contemporary classical music. A graduate of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art, she has exhibited internationally—including at the Louvre—and her sculptures and paintings appear in hundreds of private collections. After returning to music later in life, she now composes intuitive piano works inspired by the presence of angels that have guided her since childhood.

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Italian heavy metal trio Dune Aurora offer up their debut studio long-player, Ice Age Desert.

Dune Aurora is a heavy threesome from Italy, given to elements of fuzz and moments of grunge. The latest album, Ice Age Desert, follows the path first identified by the Lonely Town EP from 2022. The band is Ginny Wagon (vocals, guitar), Roberta Finiguerra (bass, backing vocals), and Serena Bodratto (drums, backing vocals).

The new record contains a set of nine songs, beginning with, appropriately, “Gateway.” The music is like someone opening a limo door for you and you have the sudden thought that a limo can also be a hearse. Heavy with a slow groove and enchanting vocals, this song is a portent. “Tundra” gives you an even stronger whiff of what will follow, shifting into a fuzzy chug with an implied “let’s go” tempered by the sweet voice that keeps returning. “Burning Waters” makes the riff the king, “Crocodile” comes at your hard, then “Trapdoor” comes along at radio length and pushes you straight into Wonderland.

I notice the guitars most in this music. The riffs and solos are inspired and sometimes dreamy. Next it is the singing, which will inveigle you if you are not careful. Every song is a treat, and you hate to hear it end except that there is another on the way so that’s OK. On the backside we have “Sunless Queen” and “Dune Chameleon,” which are dooming in the former and trippingly insistent in the latter. “Fire” is here too – the song was previously released as a single in 2024. The version on the album is an alternate take. It is low, heavy, and bluesy. Very nice. The final track is “Se Ponga El Sol.” It is a heavy psych indulgence that will have you rubbing your ears and your eyes. Then you will want to start all over again from the beginning. Recommended.

Ice Age Desert is out through Octopus Rising on Friday, November 21^st. Listen and buy at the links below.

Links.

Bandcamp, https://duneaurora.bandcamp.com/album/ice-age-desert

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/duneaurora21

Argonauta Records, https://www.argonautarecords.com/

© Wayne Edwards

John Fogerty – Legacy – The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years – (CD/LP) Es gibt im Rockzirkus-Blog bereits einen Beitrag zu CCR et al. Creedence Clearwater