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New York’s Total Bummer is a brand new festival that’s dedicated to different generations of bleary guitar music, and it’s coming to the Knockdown Center in Queens on Memorial Day weekend. Dinosaur Jr. and the Jesus And Mary Chain, two of the greatest and most influential alt-rock bands of the ’80s and ’90s, will headline the two days, and a bunch of other great bands are also on the bill.

The post Total Bummer Fest Has Dinosaur Jr., Jesus And Mary Chain, Lots Of Guitar Music appeared first on Stereogum.

"I've written this book to track Alice's 'evilution', and how I've tamed him at last," the shock rock legend says. Continue reading…

Long-embattled and controversial shock rocker Marilyn Manson’s had a lot to celebrate lately, what with recent decisions in court and his apparent attempt at revitalizing his once deeply jeopardized career. But one special event — the 30th anniversary of Antichrist Superstar — will see him playing two special concerts in Los Angeles later this year.

Naturally, the first night will take place on Halloween (October 31), while the second show will take place the following night. Both shows will be hosted by The Wiltern. With the announcement made earlier today, Manson issued a statement via social media about the shows.

“I’m celebrating 30 years of Antichrist Superstar at The Wiltern with a set that dives deep into this defining record and spans the milestones that followed. It’s a tribute to where I began – and everything I have become.”

As he said in his statement, Manson’s plan for those shows is to play tracks from the album, as well as a number of songs that mark key moments in his long and again, controversial, career.

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The post Marilyn Manson to Mark ‘Antichrist Superstar’ Anniversary with Two Los Angeles Shows appeared first on MetalSucks.

What Is Alice Cooper’s New Memoir Devil On My Shoulder About?

Devil On My Shoulder is Alice Cooper’s long-awaited autobiography exploring the dual identity between the man born Vincent Furnier and the infamous shock-rock character that defined his legendary career.

TL;DR:

Alice Cooper has announced the release of his definitive memoir, Devil On My Shoulder, arriving October 8, 2026 via Ebury Spotlight. The book promises to dive deep into Cooper’s six-decade career, revealing stories behind the shock rock persona that terrified parents in the 1970s and the real man behind the makeup — a sober pastor’s son who has remained married for over 50 years. Cooper will also support the book with a rare eight-date U.K. speaking tour featuring moderated conversations and fan Q&A sessions.

Alice Cooper Is Finally Telling The Whole Story

Few careers in rock history are as bizarre, theatrical, and influential as Alice Cooper’s.

For more than sixty years, the shock rock pioneer has blurred the line between performer and character — something he openly admits nearly destroyed him at one point. That tension sits at the center of Devil On My Shoulder, a memoir Cooper describes as the most honest account of his life yet.

The book explores the strange relationship between two identities:
Vincent Damon Furnier, the preacher’s son from Detroit… and Alice Cooper, the theatrical villain who brought guillotines, snakes, and horror theatrics to rock stages around the world.

Over the decades, the two personas became deeply intertwined.

And according to Cooper, that collision between the man and the character is where the real story lives.

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The Two Sides Of Alice Cooper

Cooper has always understood something many rock stars never fully grasp: the power of a character.

In the early years of the band Alice Cooper during the late 1960s and early 1970s, the name originally referred to the entire group. But as frontman Vincent Furnier developed his infamous stage persona, the identity of Alice Cooper gradually became inseparable from him personally.

Eventually, Furnier legally changed his name to Alice Cooper.

That transformation helped create one of the most recognizable figures in rock history — but it also blurred the boundaries between reality and performance.

As Cooper reflects in the memoir, the darker persona sometimes threatened to swallow the man behind it.

Rock History Through Cooper’s Eyes

Part of what makes Devil On My Shoulder intriguing is the sheer scope of Cooper’s life in music.

Few artists have intersected with as many cultural icons.

Throughout the book, Cooper recounts encounters with an astonishing list of figures including:

• Salvador Dalí
• John Lennon
• Groucho Marx
• Vincent Price
• Frank Sinatra
• Jimi Hendrix
• Andy Warhol
• Bette Davis

The memoir also explores the chaotic reality of early shock rock — from surreal stage theatrics and infamous chicken incidents to the darker realities of addiction, burnout, and near self-destruction.

Through it all, Cooper frames the story as a strange internal dialogue between two versions of himself: the angel and the devil sitting on opposite shoulders.

Alice Cooper’s U.K. Book Tour

To celebrate the release of Devil On My Shoulder, Cooper will embark on an intimate U.K. speaking tour in October 2026.

Unlike traditional concerts, these evenings will feature:

• a moderated conversation
• behind-the-scenes stories
• fan Q&A sessions

The eight-date tour gives fans a rare opportunity to hear Cooper reflect on his career outside the usual stage theatrics.

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Alice Cooper 2026 U.K. Book Tour Dates

Oct. 11 — Cardiff, New Theatre
Oct. 12 — Cambridge, Corn Exchange
Oct. 13 — London, Palladium
Oct. 14 — Brighton, Dome
Oct. 16 — Manchester, Opera House
Oct. 17 — Stockton, Globe
Oct. 19 — Glasgow, Pavilion Theatre
Oct. 20 — Wolverhampton, Civic Hall

Fans interested in attending the book tour events can find Alice Cooper tickets here.

Why Alice Cooper’s Story Still Matters

It’s easy to forget just how radical Alice Cooper once was.

In the early 1970s, his theatrical stage shows — complete with guillotines, snakes, horror props, and elaborate storytelling — helped invent the blueprint for modern shock rock.

The influence stretches across generations of artists, from metal icons to theatrical performers and alternative rock acts.

And yet Cooper’s personal journey might be even more remarkable than the stage spectacle.

After battling addiction in the late 1970s, he rebuilt his life, remained sober, maintained a long marriage, and continued touring relentlessly well into his seventies.

That contrast between chaos and redemption is exactly what Devil On My Shoulder promises to explore.

A Career That Refuses To Slow Down

Even as he approaches six decades in music, Cooper shows no signs of stepping away from the stage.

With more than 50 million albums sold worldwide, a Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction, and a touring schedule that still spans hundreds of shows, Cooper remains one of rock’s most durable performers.

He also continues to pop up in unexpected corners of pop culture — from classic film appearances like Wayne’s World to collaborations with artists across multiple genres.

In other words, Alice Cooper’s story isn’t just about the past.

It’s about the strange longevity of a character who was never supposed to survive this long.

And now, for the first time, the man behind that character is finally telling the full story.

FAQ

When Does Alice Cooper’s Memoir Devil On My Shoulder Release?
The book will be released October 8, 2026.

Will Alice Cooper Tour For The Book?
Yes. Cooper has announced an eight-date U.K. speaking tour in October 2026.

What Is Devil On My Shoulder About?
The memoir explores Cooper’s six-decade career and the complex relationship between Vincent Furnier and his stage persona Alice Cooper.

Is Alice Cooper Still Touring?
Yes. Cooper continues to tour globally and remains one of the most active veteran performers in rock music.

Alice Cooper Band Bio

Alice Cooper is an American rock artist widely credited as the godfather of shock rock. Emerging in the late 1960s with the band Alice Cooper, frontman Vincent Damon Furnier pioneered theatrical live performances featuring horror imagery, elaborate stage props, and dark storytelling. Classic albums such as Love It To Death (1971), Killer (1971), School’s Out (1972), Billion Dollar Babies (1973), and Welcome To My Nightmare (1975) established Cooper as one of rock’s most influential performers. Across a career spanning more than six decades and over 50 million records sold, Cooper’s impact on metal, hard rock, and theatrical stage production remains enormous.

The post Alice Cooper Is Finally Telling The Whole Story In New Memoir ‘Devil On My Shoulder’ appeared first on Loaded Radio.

Whitechapel is pleased to announce their return to European shores in January 2027. Sylosis, labelmates 200 Stab Wounds, and Tribal Gaze will join them.

Comments Whitechapel‘s guitarist, Alex Wade. “We are excited to announce the Burn Forever European Tour 2027. This will mark a long-overdue full European headlining run featuring some of the sickest names in modern metal. On the mainland Europe dates, we will be headlining, while all of the UK dates we will be coheadlining with Sylosis, with them closing. We look forward to seeing everyone out there, new fans and old, don’t miss it!”

Later this month, Whitechapel will join Slaughter To Prevail for a month-long North American tour with several one-off headlining shows scattered throughout. In May, the band will appear at Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple festivals before playing a trio of headlining dates with support from labelmates Entheos, Tracheotomy, and Mauled. See all confirmed dates below.

In conjunction with the European tour announcement, Whitechapel today unveils their new video for “Nothing Is Coming For Any Of Us,” from their critically lauded Hymns In Dissonance full-length.

Whitechapel w/ Slaughter To Prevail, Attila:

• 3/21/2026 The Pinnacle – Nashville, TN
• 3/22/2026 The Pageant – St. Louis, MO
• 3/23/2026 The Midland Theatre – Kansas City, MO
• 3/25/2026 The Fillmore Auditorium – Denver, CO
• 3/27/2026 The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT
• 3/28/2026 Revolution Concert House – Boise, ID
• 3/29/2026 Paramount Theatre – Seattle, WA
• 3/30/2026 Roseland Theater – Portland, OR ** Off-date w/ I Declare War, Misery Whip, Eartheater
• 4/01/2026 Channel 24 – Sacramento, CA
• 4/02/2026 Hollywood Palladium – Los Angeles, CA
• 4/03/2026 SOMA – San Diego, CA **Off-date w/ Carnifex, Rev3rent
• 4/04/2026 Brooklyn Bowl – Las Vegas, NV
• 4/06/2026 Tulsa Theater – Tulsa, OK
• 4/08/2026 The Coca Cola Roxy – Atlanta, GA
• 4/09/2026 The NorVa – Norfolk, VA **Off-date w/ Inter Arma, Üga Büga
• 4/10/2026 Franklin Music Hall – Philadelphia, PA
• 4/11/2026 The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD
• 4/12/2026 Roxian Theatre – Pittsburgh, PA
• 4/14/2026 Hammerstein Ballroom – New York, NY
• 4/15/2026 The Palladium – Worcester, MA
• 4/16/2026 Wally’s – Hampton, NH **Off-date w/ Blood Tithe, Iron Gate
• 4/17/2026 L’Olympia – Montréal, QC
• 4/18/2026 HISTORY – Toronto, ON
• 4/20/2026 Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom – Chicago, IL
• 4/21/2026 Vibrant Music Hall – Waukee, IA
• 4/22/2026 Myth Live – Minneapolis, MN
• 5/10/2026 Welcome To Rockville – Daytona Beach, FL *festival date
• 5/14/2026 Sonic Temple – Columbus, OH *festival date

Whitechapel w/ Entheos, Tracheotomy, Mauled:

• 5/11/2026 Club LA – Destin, FL
• 5/12/2026 2 Minglewood Hall – Memphis, TN
• 5/13/2026 Headliners Music Hall – Louisville, KY

Whitechapel w/ Sylosis, 200 Stab Wounds, Tribal Gaze:

• 1/22/2027 Hellraiser – Leipzig, DE
• 1/23/2027 Batschkapp – Frankfurt am Main, DE
• 1/24/2027 Trix – Antwerp, BE
• 1/26/2027 The Academy – Dublin, IE *
• 1/28/2027 SWG3 Galvanizers – Glasgow, UK *
• 1/29/2027 Electric Ballroom – London, UK *
• 1/30/2027 Manchester Academy 2 – Manchester, UK *
• 1/31/2027 O2 Academy – Bristol, UK *
• 2/01/2027 XOYO – Birmingham, UK *
• 2/03/2027 Trabendo – Paris, FR
• 2/05/2027 Sala Lab/Wagon – Madrid, ES
• 2/06/2027 Razzmatazz 2 – Barcelona, ES
• 2/07/2027 Rayonne – Lyon, FR
• 2/09/2027 Magazzini Generali – Milan, IT
• 2/10/2027 Z7 Konzertfabrik – Pratteln, CH
• 2/12/2027 Live Music Hall – Cologne, DE
• 2/13/2027 Große Freiheit 36 – Hamburg, DE
• 2/14/2027 Tivoli Vredenburg – Ronda – Utrecht, NL
• 2/16/2027 Roxy – Prague, CZ
• 2/17/2027 Arena – Vienna, AT
• 2/19/2027 Backstage – Munich, DE
• 2/20/2027 Metropol – Berlin, DE
• 2/21/2027 Amager Bio – Copenhagen, DK
• 2/23/2027 Rockefeller – Oslo, NO
• 2/24/2027 Fallan – Stockholm, SE
• 2/26/2027 Tavara-asema – Tampere, FI
• 2/27/2027 Aeeniwalli – Helsinki, FI
• 2/28/2027 Helitehas – Tallinn, EE
• 3/01/2027 Spelet – Riga, LV
• 3/02/2027 Progresja – Warsaw, PL

*Coheadlining with Sylosis

The post WHITECHAPEL Announce European Headlining Tour For Early 2027, Share New Video For “Nothing Is Coming For Any Of Us”  appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Mixing and mastering remain.

The post ’68 Have Finished Recording Their Fifth Album appeared first on Theprp.com.

It’s been a long five years since we’ve had an album from this Norwegian foursome. Which is probably a good thing, considering their last few releases haven’t been their best by a long shot. Basically, since 2011’s V, the band has struggled to retain their days-of-yore sound while trying to expand on it and deliver something fresh. Having left Season of Mist and returned to Indie Recordings, now is the time to drop something new and exciting—especially if you’ve once again enlisted the mighty Mistur’s keyboard wizard, Espen Bakketeig, to lend a hand in the finished product. One spin in and Vreid fans will find a lot of what you’ve come to expect from the band, while also exploring some surprising new directions that are sure to drop your jaw. But, is that a good or bad thing for The Skies Turn Black?

As has become the norm for the band, we’re blessed with some killer guest appearances by the aforementioned Espen Bakketeig and Djerv’s Agnete Kjølsrud, a smart decision by Kampfar on the amazing Ofidians Manifest. While Bakketeig’s performance on 2021’s solid Wild North West, I felt he was underutilized when crafting his key atmospheres or lustful piano passages. Thankfully, that is not the case for The Skies Turn Black. Outside of the emotional piano interludes, you’ll find plenty of powerful, spacey, and quirky key atmospheres throughout. And Kjølsrud’s contributions to the almost gothy “Loving the Dead” make it one of the best songs the band has ever penned.¹

The album begins on a strong note with “From These Woods,” which is one of the longer and more epic tracks. After opening with some soothing clean and acoustic guitars, the black metal assault ensues. After passing through a dark alley of echoing clean-vocal support, the new riff change is nastier and heavier than ever. But the moment you get settled in, the song comes to a screeching halt, unloading beautiful piano, soaring guitars, and lush, clean vocals. When it concludes, you’re whiplashed with a vicious attack because the fucking song still has two minutes to go. Another track that has similarities is “Smile of Hate.” This one has a simple but headbangable riff in the vein of Amon Amarth, that marches along at one point and collapses into another impressive piano passage. This time, a little less ethereal and more like the piano and key work of Dimmu Borgir.

But, like all Vreid records in the last decade, there’s a point where things get real weird. Not in a negative way, like some previous material. On The Skies Turn Black, it begins with “Kraken.” It turns out this track is part of the soundtrack to this year’s Norwegian “blockbuster,” Kraken.² But being more synth-driven than guitar-driven, it has an eerie vibe that actually would work equally well in the movie Sorcerer.³ It’s not a standout track, but it’s the perfect introduction to “Loving the Dead” because it uses the same elements. As mentioned, this song stands way out because Kjølsrud dominates on vocals. This eight-minute epic takes you through so many emotions, from Kjølsrud’s vocals to the intertwined guitar work and the climactic finish. This special piece is definitely a Grier SotY contender.

There are plenty of other high moments on this record, which is hella nice to hear for a change. The track that really loses me, though, is “Echoes of Life.” It’s not a bad song, but it’s an odd duck of ’70s progness. While it’s smooth and clean, it’s too old-timey to fit with the rest of the album. Thankfully, the follow-up closer “The Earth Rumbles” reignites the fire before the album concludes. If “Echoes of Life” ended the record, I might be a bit more upset. But, I’m pleased to say The Skies Turn Black is Vreid’s best album since V. Which is wild to say considering there are four full-lengths in that time. The master is nicely done, letting everyone shine when it matters—especially the bass, which has always been a major staple to their sound. If the skies really are going to turn black, I’m here for it. After all, that’s better than the color they are these days.

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Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: Stream | Format Reviewed: Stream deez nutz
Label: Indie Recordings
Websites: vreid.bandcamp.com | vreid.no | facebook.com/vreidofficial
Releases Worldwide: March 6th, 2026

The post Vreid – The Skies Turn Black Review appeared first on Angry Metal Guy.

This show almost didn’t happen. A week ago, Badflower singer/songwriter Josh Katz had what he publicly called a “full-on breakdown” on stage in Salt Lake City as a result of vocal issues, and cancelled the show after only eight songs. He posted a heartfelt video on social media the next day, where he explained his vocal issues and the resulting anxiety they caused. He talked about the show the night before and said “I sort of announced to the crowd that I’m done with this tour”. An outpouring of support from fans and his peers convinced him to continue, and so the tour rolled on, eventually making its way to Southern California.

Saturday night’s show was at The Fonda Theatre in the heart of Hollywood, a cool old-school 1200 capacity theater that turns 100 years old this year. I’ve been a huge fan of Badflower since Sirius/XM’s Octane started playing several songs from their 2019 album OK, I’m Sick. Josh’s unabashedly introspective lyrics about mental health, addiction, abuse, and self-harm are raw and unfiltered – he can come across as fragile in real life, but he’s a fearless storyteller, and his fans are as diehard as they come. I’m 100% sure his music has helped countless people deal with their own heavy circumstances, and his poetic lyrics are like a lifeboat to those that need one, with his soul bare for all to see. Badflower’s concerts aren’t just another standard rock show with mosh pits and crowd surfers (although there’s plenty of that), but a cathartic and therapeutic release for their fans – a light in the darkness.

Badflower

The current tour is in support of 2025’s No Place Like Home album, and six of the new tracks made their way into the show, including an adrenalized version of “Swinging Hammer” featuring opening act singer AnDy Darling. Other highlights included crowd favorites “The Jester”, “Heroin”, and “Ghost”, but perhaps the most poignant moment was just before the band launched into “What’s the Point”, a slow burner off the new record. Josh talked from the stage about his recent vocal issues, and retold the story about wanting to cancel the tour, only to be told by fans via social media that they didn’t care if his voice cracked – they just wanted to hear him to play the songs. With that, he told the crowd that they might need to help him sing the next song, “What’s the Point” – a somewhat redundant statement, as much of the audience had been singing along from the start. With that, he launched into it, the crowd joined in, and the line between stage and audience blurred for a moment of euphoric symbiosis. For those contemplating seeing Badflower, but worry about his vocals based on recent statements – he sounded amazing in Los Angeles – pure, honest rock and roll.

While Josh is the obvious focal point, Badflower is a tight band. Guitar interplay between Josh and Joey Morrow is seamles,s and they feed off each other. The rhythm section features Alex Espiritu on bass and Anthony Sonetti on drums. While the band had time alone on stage mid-set to play a medley and show off what they could do minus Josh, they aren’t built to be flashy – these songs are important, and each member plays their role to service song, not to show off.

Point North

Prior to Badflower, three-piece Point North from Los Angeles hit the stage. Bathed in garish green light for much of their set, singer Jon Lundin guitarist Andy Hershey made the most of the large stage, moving with energy from side to side, as drummer Josh Parra was stuck in relative obscurity in the back, with zero light on him. From a photographer’s standpoint, this was a worst-case scenario. From the audience’s perspective, the band went over really well, with some of the biggest cheers of the night. All four bands put on a great show, and Point North’s performance complimented the night perfectly.

Olive Vox

The second act of the night was Olive Vox. These guys understood the assignment – they brought energy, and great songs, and completely won over the crowd from the get-go. Bassist Ben Reid couldn’t be contained, and was constantly jumping off his riser, knees raised high. He was complemented by Caden Shea on guitar, drummer Dayton Phillips, and vocalist Parker James. Parker was all over the place, sticking his face into every camera lens he saw, and playing it up for the audience. These guys are fun to see live, and their catalogue of songs is catchy and worth listening to, even if you’re only hearing them for the first time.

AnDy Darling

The evening started with Russian born AnDy Darling, complete with a brown fur ushanka with a large red star on the front. She was clearly the focus – the only white light on stage was pointed at her as she bounded from one side of the stage to the other, while her backing band was soaked in saturated red light, and relegated to wearing red Adidas sweatsuits and matching red ski masks. AnDy was captivating and frequently mugged for the cameras and fans. The thick accent heard during her between-song banter seamlessly disappeared when she started to sing, and her performance was the appropriate lightning rod to kick off an excellent night of live performances.

Badflower Setlist:

• 1) Number 1
• 2) Snuff
• 3) 30
• 4) Animal
• 5) Drop Dead
• 6) Heroin
• 7) Let The Band Play/Drum Solo
• 8) What's the Point
• 9) The Jester
• 10) Ghost

Encore:

• 11) No Place Like Home
• 12) London
• 13) Swinging Hammer (with AnDy Darling)

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German dark rock/metal visionaries Autumnblaze are back with a brand new single, “Polarlichter”. The latter serves as a first taste off their ninth studio album Glut of which details will be disclosed in near future.
Read more…

Posted on March 9th 2026, 4:48p.m.