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Shane Embury, the longest serving member of grindcore pioneers Napalm Death, has announced that he will release his first solo album, "Bridge To Resolution" this June. A statement from the musician reads as follows: "I’m happy to announce that my debut solo record, 'Bridge To Resolution,' will be released via Dissonance Productions on June 5th. … Read More/Discuss on Metal Underground.com

After announcing in February that he was suffering from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), news reaches us that Ross Friedman, formerly of The Dictators and Manowar, has died. The Metal Hall of Fame broke / confirmed the news with the following statement: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of legendary guitarist, our … Continue reading RIP Ross “The Boss” Friedman (1954 – 2026)

You can hear the opening track “Spasm Prayer”.

The post Shane Embury (Napalm Death, Etc.) Announces His “Bridge To Resolution” Solo Album appeared first on Theprp.com.

Ross Friedman, better known to fans of metal and punk rock as Ross The Boss, has sadly died at the age of seventy two. The guitarist announced last month that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and unfortunately succumbed to his illness yesterday. The news was broken by the Metal Hall Of Fame, who posted the following st… Read More/Discuss on Metal Underground.com

Ross “The Boss” Friedman, founding guitarist of both Manowar and The Dictators, has died at the age of 72. His passing comes just over a month after he publicly revealed he had been diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

The news was confirmed on 03/27 via a statement posted to the social media accounts of the Metal Hall Of Fame, of which Friedman was an inductee and honorary Global Metal Ambassador.

“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of legendary guitarist, our dear friend, and Metal Hall Of Fame inductee Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman,” the statement read. “Ross was a pioneering force in both punk and heavy metal, best known as a founding member of The Dictators and Manowar. His powerful playing, unmistakable tone, and uncompromising spirit helped shape generations of musicians and fans around the world.

“Earlier this year, Ross publicly shared his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, facing it with the same courage and honesty that defined his life and career. Ross’s impact on music is immeasurable. From the raw energy of early punk to the epic scale of heavy metal, his work left a lasting mark on the genre and on everyone who experienced it. Beyond his achievements on stage and in the studio, Ross was deeply respected by his peers and beloved by fans across continents. His legacy will live on through his music, his influence, and the countless lives he touched.”

When the diagnosis was first announced in early February, his publicist stated that the condition had followed months of seemingly unrelated symptoms — weakness in his hands and legs — with a series of minor strokes initially suspected as the cause. Changes in diet, exercise, and physical therapy failed to slow the progression.

At the time, Friedman addressed fans directly: “It’s difficult to know what lies ahead, and it crushes me not to be able to play guitar, but the outpouring of love has been so, so strong. I’m absolutely blown away by the love and support from family, friends and fans. I love you all.”

Friedman recorded six albums with Manowar before departing after 1988’s Kings Of Metal, a run that included foundational records in the band’s catalogue — 1982’s Battle Hymns, 1983’s Into Glory Ride, and 1984’s Hail To England.

His legacy stretched back further still. The Dictators’ debut, 1975’s Go Girl Crazy!, predated the Ramones’ self-titled record by a full year, and arrived two years ahead of debuts from both The Clash and the Sex Pistols — a fact that places Friedman among the earliest architects of punk rock. That era also produced Manifest Destiny (1977) and Bloodbrothers (1978).

By the end of the ‘80s he had reconnected with former Dictators bandmates in Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom, a project that bridged his dual loves of punk and metal, documented on their 1990 debut …And You?

Later collaborations included stints with The Hellacopters and The Spinatras, a partnership with former Blue Öyster Cult drummer Albert Bouchard in Brain Surgeons, and the launch of two metal-focused projects — Death Dealer and his own solo outfit, Ross The Boss.

The post ROSS “THE BOSS” FRIEDMAN, Founding MANOWAR & DICTATORS Guitarist, Dies At 72: “His Powerful Playing And Uncompromising Spirit Helped Shape Generations” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Part of a four-way split dubbed “In Trash We Trust”.

The post Dad Release New Track “Recovering A**hole” appeared first on Theprp.com.

Sad news dropped this afternoon when it was reported that Ross the Boss Friedman passed away after a battle with ALS. Ross rose to fame as the guitarist of the influential 70s punk rock act The Dictators, and later he joined Manowar, where his heroic guitar playing shaped the band’s sound on iconic albums like Hail to England, Into Glory Ride, and Kings of Metal.

After leaving Manowar following 1988s, Kings of Metal, Ross founded Ross the Boss, releasing 4 albums with his eponymous act, as well as playing on 4 albums by Death Dealer.

Back in February of this year, Ross announced he had been diagnosed wth ALS, and now so soon after, that awful disease has claimed his life. Because I was a huge Manowar fan growing up, I always idolized Ross and loved his style of playing. He had an epic flair that helped make Manowar the true metal champions they were, and no one sounded like him. I feel blessed I got to see him Manowar several times in the 80s, and more recently when he did a small tour playing a full set of Manowar classics with a few friends.

This feels like a huge loss to the metal community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Ride into glory, Ross. You won’t be forgotten.

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The post Ross the Boss of Manowar Fame Dead at 72 appeared first on Angry Metal Guy.

Like many bands of yesteryear, the Scottish rockers Big Country, makers of the 1983 hit “In A Big Country,” have splintered into various units on the touring circuit over the years. Also like many of those bands, they’re now fighting about who gets to use the band name.

The post Big Country Drummer Must Stop Touring As Big Country, Say Rest Of Big Country appeared first on Stereogum.

The legendary guitarist was diagnosed with ALS just last month. Continue reading…

Hart recently replaced lead vocalist Alissa White-Gluz after her 11-year tenure with the band. Continue reading…