Category: news

Stryper has released the official lyric video for “Ashes To Roses”, the latest single from the band’s upcoming studio album, Throne Of Thorns. The record, Stryper‘s 18th full-length effort, is scheduled for release on September 25 through Frontiers Music Srl.

Speaking about the new song, Stryper vocalist and guitarist Michael Sweet said: “”Ashes To Roses” is definitely a little different for us. It’s got a little bit more of a throwback/classic rock vibe, yet it’s got everything you would expect from Stryper. It’s going to appeal to all the people out there who have been wanting a good melodic rock ballad from the band. You asked, we listened!”

More than four decades into its career, Stryper continues to build on its legacy while staying true to the melodic metal sound that established the band. Throne Of Thorns adds another chapter to that history with a collection of new material aimed at both longtime followers and newer listeners.

Drummer Robert Sweet shared his thoughts on the upcoming release, saying: “Soon our new Stryper record will be out, and can you believe it? It’s album number 18! I really believe you’re all going to love it. Michael worked incredibly hard writing these songs and bringing everything together. Oz [Fox, Stryper guitarist], Perry [Richardson, Stryper bassist] and I also worked hard to make this what I feel is our best record yet. I’m confident that once you hear it, you’ll agree. Thank you all for your incredible loyalty and for continuing to support what we do.”

Throne Of Thorns follows a productive period for the band. In November 2025, Stryper issued its Christmas album, The Greatest Gift Of All, through Frontiers Music Srl. Michael Sweet also released his latest solo effort, The Master Plan, in April 2026.

Formed 43 years ago, Stryper took its name from Isaiah 53:5, which states: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Over the years, Stryper has built its catalog with releases including To Hell With The Devil, Second Coming, No More Hell To Pay, Fallen, God Damn Evil, Even The Devil Believes and The Final Battle.

The post STRYPER Shares Lyric Video For “Ashes To Roses” From Upcoming Album “Throne Of Thorns” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

That 8-date run will commence in late November.

The post King Parrot Announce Extensive ‘Off The Beaten Track’ Australian Tour appeared first on Theprp.com.

The former Eagles guitarist talks about the 'intense concentration' it takes to perform the song properly. Continue reading…

Seems like an appropriate day to re-share this gem from Texas virtuoso David Garza. Honest words are like August thirdsThey just both come maybe once in a year

Album Review: Mephistofeles – Live In Europe

Reviewed by Matthew Williams

If you were one of the lucky people to see Argentinian trio Mephistofeles live last year in Europe, then I congratulate you. The most unassuming and humble of bands, who couldn’t quite believe the love and affection that was being shown to them on their first ever UK/European tour. The frontman mentioned that they were genuinely enjoying themselves whilst playing to a whole new audience and what this live release highlights is the talent of the band in it’s all glory as they mix their sets up with an amazing array of songs.

Most nights would have started with the epic that is “Satan Sex Ceremonies” and it gives you an insight into what they are all about and would have fired up the crowds watching as the trio exploded into life. From there on in, it was a case of either being mesmerised by the guitar skills of Rivers or the rumbling bass of Ismael Dimenza who combined effortlessly with drummer Luca Frizza, to create awesome rhythms that propelled the songs to insane levels.

What the shows demonstrated were a collection of songs that are good enough to grace any stage, listen to “Buried in Worms” or “Profanation” and you get a filthy guitar sound, huge bass notes and sleazy psychedelic doom that are a thing of beauty. I remember “Black Sunday” being a notable song that dark evening in Manchester, and they warmed the crowd when they hit that intro to “The Meaning of All Evil” which is a hugely impressive song to have in their repertoire.

They have that wonderful expansive sound in their armoury as well and get slow and low on “Curse of the Evil” and when I hear “Evil Beauty” once again, it reminds me of how they brought the heavy to a venue that has seen its fair share of heavy over the years. Their mix of tempos was one of the lasting impressions I had, whether it’s the fuzzed our craziness of “Frustrated” or the guitar wizardry and psychedelic passion of “Trash Lord” that engulfs you, they were ready to conquer and conquer they did.

One thing is for certain though, is that Mephistopheles are a band that you can’t afford to miss as their talents are up there with the best in the business and this live album demonstrates that perfectly.

For all the latest news, reviews, interviews across the heavy metal spectrum follow THE RAZORS’S EDGE on facebook, twitter and instagram.

The post Album Review: Mephistofeles – Live In Europe appeared first on The Razor's Edge.

I think we’ve reached the point of exhaustion with artists talking about AI but not having anything novel or even coherent to say. In a recent interview with iHeartRadio at the Osheaga Festival, Empire Of The Sun’s Luke Steele was asked if he used AI, and he responded, “Of course!” Although his answer was enthusiastic, the conversation that followed quickly lost steam.

The post Empire Of The Sun Singer Says “Of Course” He Uses AI appeared first on Stereogum.

That performance was livestreamed this past weekend.

The post Pro-Shot Footage Of Turnstile’s 2026 Chicago, IL ‘Lollapalooza’ Set Available appeared first on Theprp.com.

Next to the Beatles and Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead may be one of the most covered bands of the 20th century. That’s because within the crazy world of jam-band psychedelia that encompasses the band, there’s gold in the fabled songbook. Be it the cosmic gems from Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, or the jam-athon gateways that grew out of the songs from Bob Weir and John Perry Barlow — or any combination thereof — there’s a wealth of material built for any variety of interpretations or styles. Case in point: Grateful Blues, a six-song EP from veteran guitarist, singer-songwriter and Deadhead J.P. Reali, simmers down a half-dozen classics over a blues-fused fire for a lesson in bona fide musicianship and “a real good time.”

The cool rumblings of “Easy Wind” quickly reels you in. Alongside Reali, the EP’s producer and drummer Jim Larson, keyboardist Rich Budesa and bassist Monty Cullum, come together to mold and shape the songs around loose and lively bluesy arrangements that truly sway and swing. Budesa’s boogie woogie piano is at the heart of “Loose Lucy,” while his electric piano turns on “West L.A Fadeaway” would have made Garcia blush with pride at what can be done on one of his more underappreciated compositions.

“I Need A Miracle,” the lone Weir-Barlow track on the EP, serves as an able-bodied tribute to Weir, who passed away earlier this year. Indeed, Reali transforms it into a sizzling Texas blues shuffle with a pair of galvanizing guitar solos and a swab of “Bertha” on the outro. Cut to “Mr. Charlie,” which famously featured the Dead’s resident bluesman Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, and revel at how Reali’s slide spins it on its proverbial ear, leaving a rather pleasant aftertaste.

A straightforward acoustic with a simple 4/4 from Larson gives “Tennessee Jed” an airy lift for Reali’s smooth and salty vocal to flutter its wings. After the record ends, you’re left with a more-than-satisfying feeling. Nothing too complicated about it; not much to read into it. Just as it should be. Released on Jerry Garcia’s 84th birthday, Grateful Blues is not an ordinary trip through the catalog, but rather a seasoned reimaging through a blues lens that successfully underscores the vast and timeless potency of Grateful Dead music.     

~ Shawn Perry

Purchase Grateful Blues

Here's the story of how the Rolling Stones legend played a part in convincing the new wave pioneers to not call it quits. Continue reading…

Jason Calhoun is a Philadelphia-based ambient artist and composer who’s getting ready to share revelations of divine love, his fifth release for Dear Life Records. So far he’s previewed the album with the meditative slices “tolstoy tatsoi,” “what we deserve,” and “at home,” and today he’s back with “enjoy losing,” a pleasant, cosmic blip inspired by playing chess on his phone.

The post Jason Calhoun – “enjoy losing” appeared first on Stereogum.