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  • David Ellefson Discusses Kings of Thrash, Back to the Beginning

    David Ellefson chats about Kings of Thrash, Metal Church, performing at Back to the Beginning and more in this exclusive interview. Continue reading…
  • Bloodstock Reveals 2027 Headliners

    Bloodstock Reveals 2027 Headliners

    With BLOODSTOCK 2026 underway and on target for another record-breaking year, festival HQ have just revealed the first bands for 2027, unveiling them at the Ronnie James Dio stage right after Municipal Waste’s face-melting set.

    Mark your calendar now and start planning for August 5th – 8th, 2027.

    On Friday night, your Ronnie James Dio main stage headliners are MERCYFUL FATE – the Danish legends who helped invent heavy metal theatrics, King Diamond’s falsetto still as unholy as ever. Corpse paint, inverted crosses, and a stage show soaked in occult drama…pay your respects, this is where a lot of extreme metal’s DNA actually comes from. King Diamond has a little update for you, declaring, “Mercyful Fate is honored and looking extremely forward to playing BLOODSTOCK again, last time was awesome, and this time with a brand new album out, FINALLY!!!”

    Saturday night parties hard in a totally different fashion, though with no less chaos, as ELECTRIC CALLBOY headline BLOODSTOCK for the very first time. German metalcore collides with EDM and full-blown comedy for one of the wildest and most fun live shows in modern metal. Expect Catton Park jumping in unison like it’s a rave that wandered into a mosh pit. The band say, “Our first ever Bloodstock. Heavy music, questionable outfits, and thousands of metalheads? Sounds like a Perfect fit to us. We’re in. See you there!”

    Sunday night closes out with another brand new headliner for BLOODSTOCK, gothic-industrial metalcore giants MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, delivering eye-poppin’ theatrical spectacle two decades in. Chris Motionless leads the charge, turning every note into the catchiest horror movie you can mosh to. Having caught their dazzling last tour, the band go from strength to strength and we can only imagine what plans are afoot for this headline set. Chris Motionless states, “Bloodstock! We were told that we are one of the most requested bands to perform at your legendary festival, so it is with great honor to announce that we are answering the call and will be seeing you next year for our first ever European festival headlining show, and only U.K. show of 2027! Thank you so much! Let the countdown begin.”

    Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, Thursday headliners MADBALL are set to pulverize your opening night with 35+ years of pure New York hardcore under their belt. Freddy Cricien’s crew still hits as hard as they did back in ’89, no gimmicks. Friday’s closing slot goes to the mysterious GAEREA, black metal that’s grown more cinematic and crushing with every record. KANONENFIEBER march into Saturday’s top spot: Noise’s German war machine turning WWI diaries into blackened death metal, think trench warfare rendered in sound. And to close it out, as the very final band of the festival, DETHKLOK – born from the animated series Metalocalypse, now a real band tearing through brutally serious, melodic death metal live. They may have had cartoon origins but they bring dead-serious riffs you won’t want to miss.

    Here’s a few more you can look forward to seeing on the Ronnie James Dio stage over the festival…

    Friday special guests ACID BATH crawl from the Louisiana bayou, sludge metal pioneers blending doom, blues, and southern gothic dread. Saturday special guests GREEN LUNG conjure folk-horror occult rock, all Hammer-film atmosphere and fuzzed-out riffs… witchy, heavy, and a little unhinged. Sunday special guests CHILDREN OF BODOM return to honor the legacy of the late Alexi Laiho, celebrating the melodic death metal sound that made them Finnish icons.

    The patient are rewarded… DEVILDRIVER finally return, their dark, groove-laden California metal led by Dez Fafara’s signature growl and perfect for record numbers of circle pits. The legendary CORROSION OF CONFORMITY roll in, over 40 years deep into a sound that fuses hardcore punk roots with Sabbath-soaked southern metal. IMMINENCE bring Swedish alternative metalcore, all soaring choruses wrapped around crushing breakdowns. A booking set to delight many – WIND ROSE, Italian folk-power metal built for fantasy battles and beer-hall singalongs. SYLOSIS wield UK thrash-meets-melodic-death precision, courtesy of Josh Middleton’s relentless riffing. DECAPITATED offer up Polish technical death metal with riffs sharp enough to earn respect from the genre’s toughest critics. WITCH CLUB SATAN could be your new favourites, an all-female Norwegian black metal coven turning theatre training into confrontational, ritualistic chaos. HAMMERFALL bring the true steel – Swedish power metal at its most anthemic. Fellow Swedes, death metal originators HYPOCRISY are still delivering a masterclass three decades in. You can also see THE HALO EFFECT, ex-In Flames members returning to the classic Gothenburg melodic death metal sound that built the genre. Former BLOODSTOCK stage breakers (yes, we remember) TORTURED DEMON are set to give it another go with their pedigree thrash. Are you ready for GUTALAX? Czech goregrind degenerates who’ve built a career on toilet humor and blast beats. HUMANITY’S LAST BREATH also join the bill, Swedish deathcore architects of the crushing, low-tuned “thall” sound. And Liverpool’s self-proclaimed masters of “caveman battle doom” CONAN intend to heft riffs so heavy they practically have their own gravitational pull.

    The Sophie stage will be just as varied. Here’s three more treats you can expect in the big tent!

    DOOL slink in, in a haze of candlelight and doom, weaving in dark rock and post-rock into something hypnotic straight out of Rotterdam plus they’ve just finished writing a new album. Things get ugly (in the best way) with PIG DESTROYER, Virginia grindcore legends who’ll turn your skull inside out with blast beats and JR Hayes’ nightmarish lyrics. And if you haven’t discovered them yet, you soon will – FULCI rise from the grave with old-school death metal soaked in zombie-flick gore, every album a tribute to horror icon Lucio Fulci.

    And about 100 more bands yet to be announced…

    RUN DON’T WALK to get your ticket!

    Early bird standard weekend tickets are available at the main entrance box office throughout the festival, priced £210.00 with no booking fee. Once they’re gone (and there’s a high chance these will sell out on site), the price rises to £235 plus booking fee, with general on-sale kicking off on Monday 10th August at 9am – so grabbing your early bird at the festival could save you a cool £34 per ticket.

    Wednesday early access is also available for 2027 for some campsites, as are child tickets, and children under 4 can attend for free! The instalment scheme, allowing you to spread your purchase of some ticket types over several payments, will also return, going on sale on Wednesday 12th August. Coach packages will be available from Monday 10th August.

    VIP and Campervan tickets will go on sale on Wednesday 12th August at 9am. New for 2027! There are now two luxury VIP areas at BLOODSTOCK! You can choose to pitch your tent in the Serpent’s Lair VIP campsite (or book a pre-erected tent), or you can book a range of deluxe pod pads in the brand new Serpent’s Lair VIP Sanctuary! Set within a series of picturesque glades just a short 5-minute stroll from the Serpent’s Lair VIP campsite and the main arena, the Sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat from the mayhem of the festival without ever being far from the action. Wake up surrounded by nature before heading back into the heart of BLOODSTOCK whenever you are ready!

    Visit the official website for all the latest information including all ticket packages and options.

    BLOODSTOCK 2027 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 5th – 8th August, 2027.

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

    The post Bloodstock Reveals 2027 Headliners appeared first on The Razor's Edge.

  • Peter Katsis, Manager for Smashing Pumpkins + Korn, Dead at 69

    Katsis, who also worked with Limp Bizkit, Jane's Addiction, Audioslave, Bush and many others, died Thursday (Aug. 6) from congestive heart failure. Continue reading…
  • 32 ’90s Rock + Metal Songs That Debuted in Films

    Here are 32 '90s rock and metal songs that made their debut on movie soundtracks. Some later appeared on other albums and some didn't. Continue reading…
  • 7 New Rock + Metal Tours Announced This Past Week

    Get details on a Drowning Pool-Saliva co-headlner, BEAT's latest celebrations of King Crimson's music and more Eagles residency dates. Continue reading…
  • Blues Rock Weekly – August 7, 2026

    Blues Rock Weekly highlights new music from Robin Trower, Bruce Cockburn, and Cole Allen.

    The post Blues Rock Weekly – August 7, 2026 appeared first on Blues Rock Review.

  • 311 Comes Home: Omaha Icons Deliver a Triumphant Headlining Performance at Stir Cove

    DEAN BIRKHEIMER | Go Venue Magazine

    Some concerts are memorable because of the music. Others because of the atmosphere. Tuesday August 5, 2026, at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs offered both, as 311 returned to their hometown region to headline the “So Glad You Made It Tour” before a packed crowd.

    Mother Nature couldn’t have scripted a better Wednesday evening. A cool breeze drifted across the Missouri River and temperatures settled into the perfect range.

    ROME Ramirez got things rolling with a set that honored his years fronting Sublime with Rome while confidently standing on his own. Mixing familiar favorites with his signature laid-back charisma, he eased the crowd into the night with a coolness that was only matched by the glorious weather. We got what we needed from the band, a starter who grabbed our attention and gave us 5 solid innings.

    Australia’s Ocean Alley followed with a hypnotic performance that proved why they’ve become one of the most respected rising bands in the genre. Their blend of psychedelic rock, reggae rhythms, and surf-inspired sound translated beautifully to the live stage. Their cover of Players, “Baby Come Back”, might have been the song of the night. The band’s musicianship was flawless, and their atmospheric jams won over the fans. They kept the momentum going as middle relievers and as we wound down to the final bands, they maintained our interest and has us eager to see the shows outcome.

    By the time Dirty Heads took the stage, the energy had shifted into high gear. The California veterans delivered a nonstop party filled with singalongs, that included a Joe Walsh cover of “Life’s Been Good.” There was nothing but positive vibes as hit after hit filled the outdoor venue. Their chemistry with the audience was undeniable, turning Stir Cove into one giant summer celebration as hundreds sang every word back to the band. The stage filled up with talent when Rome came back out to join Dirty Heads for “Lay Me Down”.  The band finished with “Medusa” and like the lyrics say, it hit us “right in the kisser” A superb band that much like an 8th inning pitcher, set the show up perfectly for the closer.

    For Omaha natives 311, this wasn’t just another stop on the tour, it felt like a family reunion.  From the opening notes, the band’s connection with the crowd was unbreakable. Fans who have followed the group for decades sang every lyric as if they were performing alongside them, creating one massive chorus that must have echoed across the river into downtown Omaha. The band’s signature mix of rock, reggae, funk, and rap remains as fresh and energetic as ever. Classics like, “All Mixed Up,” “Beautiful Disaster,” and “Come Original” ignited wave after wave of cheers, while newer material blended seamlessly into the set. Nick Hexum’s smooth vocals, SA Martinez’s infectious charisma, Tim Mahoney’s unmistakable guitar work, P-Nut’s thunderous bass lines, and Chad Sexton’s powerhouse drumming reminded everyone why 311 has remained one of alternative rock’s most enduring live bands for more than three decades. What made the performance especially meaningful was the hometown pride flowing in both directions. Every mention of Omaha drew deafening applause, and every familiar riff seemed to carry a little extra emotion.  If there was lesson to be learned it was this, coming home never goes out of style. 311 closed out the show in a professional, no-nonsense manner and left no doubt why they were the ones chosen to end it.  I only wish we had extra innings.

    311

    [See image gallery at www.govenuemagazine.com]

    Dirty Heads

    [See image gallery at www.govenuemagazine.com]

    Ocean Alley

    [See image gallery at www.govenuemagazine.com]

    Rome

    [See image gallery at www.govenuemagazine.com] All images © Dean Birkheimer


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    The post 311 Comes Home: Omaha Icons Deliver a Triumphant Headlining Performance at Stir Cove appeared first on Go Venue Magazine.

  • Madonna Goes Meta

    Madonna’s “Danceteria,” from her new album “Confessions II,” is packed with self-referential nostalgia, in both the dance floor production and the name-drop lyricism. Our critic Jon Caramanica explores how Madonna uses her own history as a creative engine for hope.
  • Mercyful Fate, Electric Callboy and Motionless In White announced as Bloodstock 2027 headliners

    The 25th anniversary edition of Bloodstock Open Air Festival kicked off this week and tonight organisers announced Mercyful Fate, Electric Callboy and Motionless In White as main stage headliners for next year’s 26th year of the event.

    With Lamb of God, Saxon, Slaughter To Prevail and Judas Priest headlining at Catton Park in Derbyshire, England, this weekend, fans who had just watched Municipal Waste’s set on Friday were told who will be the big hitters on the Ronnie James Dio Main Stage in 2027.

    In a statement announcing the 2027 lineup, Friday’s headliners Mercyful Fate say: “Mercyful Fate is honoured and looking extremely forward to playing Bloodstock again. Last time was awesome, and this time with a brand new album out, finally!”

    Saturday’s main draw Electric Callboy will be headlining the festival for the first time. The German electro-metal party-starters are cover stars of the new issue of Metal Hammer magazine which is available with an exclusive cover and special art print.

    On being confirmed as Sunday headliners for 2027, Motionless In White frontman Chris Motionless says: “We were told that we are one of the most requested bands to perform at your legendary festival, so it is with great honour to announce that we are answering the call and will be seeing you next year for our first ever European festival headlining show, and only UK show of 2027! Thank you so much! Let the countdown begin.”

    The Sophie Lancaster stage in 2027 will be headlined by Madball, Gaerea, Kanonenfieber and Dethklok.

  • The Exiles Release Music Video For “Soul Woman”

     

     

     

     

    THE EXILES have released the music video for the track ‘Soul Woman’ from their album ‘Turning Time”, available now on Bad Reputation Records.

     

     

    “This is a song I had completely forgotten about and ‘rediscovered’ on the master tapes when they were kindly sent to me by Tom Whalley. Hearing it again after 20 years, I immediately felt it was a great track and was determined to take it from the demo it was—just scratch guitar, vocal, drums, and bass—and turn it into a fully produced song.

    The opening always reminded me of ‘Black Dog’ by Led Zeppelin, so I really wanted to build on that feel by adding more guitar layers and Hammond to do it justice. I ended up adding around three additional guitar tracks, including slide and a more ‘jangly’ 335 part for the Jimmy Page-style breakdown before the slide solo kicks in.

    I actually like the looseness—very Zeppelin—of the breakdown and middle section, as it plays nicely against the bigger, more traditional chorus. I also added backing vocals, and Jeff’s Hammond playing really brings the whole track together and finishes it off perfectly.“

    Purchase the CD: https://badreputation.fr/THE-EXILES-TURNING-TIME

    The digital album will be available on August 7th on all digital platforms. It can be pre-ordered now on Bandcamp a https://theexilesuk.bandcamp.com/

    ‘Turning Time’ track list:

    01. Turning Time

    02. Rainmaker

    03. Soul Woman

    04. Tearing Up A Storm

    05. Ain’t No Fool

    06. Travelling Blues

    07. Friend

    08. Feminine Side

    09. Richmond Castle Walk

    10. Woman Let It Shine

    11. Mission Bell

    12. Soul Has No Home

    13. I’m The One

    14. High Old Times

    15. Carry You Home

    Tracks 1, 4
    Vocal – Paul Rafferty
    All Guitars – Sean Manning
    Harmonica – Sean Manning
    Bass – Frank Linx
    Drums – Myron Grombacher
    Keys – Jeff Jacobs

    Tracks 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
    Vocal – Paul Rafferty
    All Guitars – Sean Manning
    Bass – Paul Andrew Stanley
    Drums – Terry Mascall
    Keys – Jeff Jacobs
    Drums – Alex Gerst (“Ain’t No Fool”)
    Harmonica – John Peyton (“T. Blues”)

    Tracks 14, 15
    Vocal – Paul Rafferty
    All Guitars & Bass – Sean Manning
    Drums – Dave Salinas
    Keys – Richard Baker & Jeff Jacobs

    Track 2
    Vocal – Paul Rafferty
    All Guitars – Sean Manning
    Bass – Paul Andrew Stanley
    Drums – Greg D’Angelo
    Keys – Jeff Jacobs

    Tracks 1 and 4 originally recorded by Neil Giraldo at Soul Kitchen in Malibu, CA. Additional guitar and keyboard tracks recorded by Alex Gerst ant Empire Sound in Dallas, TX.

    Tracks 3, 5–13 originally recorded by Ricky & Eddie Delana at Sunset Sound, Hollywood, CA, and Cornerstone Recording, Chatsworth, CA. Additional guitar and keyboard tracks recorded by Alex Gerst at Empire Sound in Dallas, TX.

    Tracks 14 and 15 originally recorded by Roger Sommers at Royaltone Studios, North Hollywood, CA. Additional guitar and keyboard tracks recorded by Alex Gerst at Empire Sound in Dallas, TX.

    Track 2 originally recorded by Greg D’Angelo at D’Angelo Studios, Studio City, CA. Additional guitar and keyboard tracks recorded by Alex Gerst at Empire Sound in Dallas, TX.

     

     

     

     

    The post The Exiles Release Music Video For “Soul Woman” appeared first on Mayhem Music Magazine.