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  • Former ELO members reunite to present band’s silver electric cello donated to Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

    Former Electric Light Orchestra members Melvyn Gale, Bev Bevan and Mik Kaminski appeared at Birmingham City University to honour former ELO keyboard player Richard Tandy
  • Former ELO members reunite to present band’s silver electric cello donated to Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

    Former Electric Light Orchestra members Melvyn Gale, Bev Bevan and Mik Kaminski appeared at Birmingham City University to honour former ELO keyboard player Richard Tandy
  • EddFest Makes 2 Lineup Additions Connected to iron Maiden History

    EddFest's two additions with historical connections to Iron Maiden. Continue reading…
  • The Black Crowes Albums Ranked Worst to Best

    From their lightning-bolt debut to their reunion LP more than three decades later, they've rarely strayed from form. Continue reading…
  • A Announce UK In-Store Appearances

    A are gearing up for the release of their first new album in 21 years, and are making sure that everyone has a chance to celebrate with them.


    The album in question is ‘PRANG’ and will be released on May 22 via Cooking Vinyl. You can grab a copy of the record in a variety of different exclusive formats from Rock Sound. Pick it up on purple cassette, hand-signed CD or exclusive signed vinyl from SHOP.ROCKSOUND.TV


    The shows the band will be playing will be a mix of signings and acoustic sets, all taking place in some of the record stores across the country that keep the independent spirit alive.

    Alright everyone, we’ve read your comments… we’re going to be taking PRANG on the road this May, playing some shows at some of the best record stores in the UK. We’ll be playing a set filled with songs, new and old, followed by a session meeting all of you, signing your records and taking photos… how ace is that? Honestly, the fact you’ve stuck with us and waited 21 years for a new record… means more than we can put into words. So it feels really important to get out there, do this properly, and thank you in person.”

    Here are the dates.

    MAY

    22 – SOUTHAMPTON Vinilo Records (1:00 pm) (Stripped Back Show + Signing)
    22 – KINGSTON Kingston College (7:30 pm) (Album Release Show)
    25 – BURY Wax & Beans (7:00 pm) (live show + signing) (live show + signing)
    26 – LEEDS Vinyl Whistle (1:00 pm) (Stripped Back Show + Signing)
    26 – LIVERPOOL Jacaranda (7:00 pm) (live show + signing)
    27 – BIRMINGHAM HMV Vault (1:00 pm) (live show + signing)
    27 – OXFORD Truck Music (7:00 pm) (Stripped Back Show + Signing)
    28 – LONDON Rough Trade East (7:00 pm) (live show + signing)


    And to get you in the mood, here is latest single ‘Walkover’:

    The post A Announce UK In-Store Appearances appeared first on Rock Sound.

  • Ashen Sun and Under Exile Featured in Metal Injection’s Weekly Injection of New Releases – @thebeast

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Metal Devastation PR Clients Ashen Sun and Under Exile Featured in Metal Injection’s Weekly Injection of New Releases
    March 31, 2026 – Metal Devastation PR is proud to announce that two of its standout clients, Ashen Sun and Under Exile, have been featured in the latest Weekly Injection of New Releases by Metal Injection , placing them alongside some of the biggest names in heavy music today.
    Ashen Sun’s latest release, Velarium (Desert Plain Records), continues the project’s evolution into a dark and cinematic force. Spearheaded by Johnny Hagel , known for his work with Tiamat and Sundown , the project blends the melancholic essence of classic gothic rock with modern cold-wave textures. With themes rooted in isolation, decay, and post-human longing, Ashen Sun builds on a foundation inspired by acts like The Sisters of Mercy , Fields of the Nephilim , and Type O Negative , while pushing the genre into new territory.
    Also featured is Under Exile’s Ephemera (Self-Released), a crushing display of modern metalcore intensity. Hailing from Shiprock, New Mexico on the Navajo Nation, Under Exile has built a reputation for relentless live performances and a powerful blend of precision, aggression, and raw emotion. Since forming in 2015, the band has shared the stage with heavyweights such as Fear Factory , In Flames , Whitechapel , and Killswitch Engage , further cementing their place in the modern metal landscape.
    Both releases were highlighted alongside major acts including Black Label Society and Party Cannon , showcasing the strength and growing global reach of independent artists in today’s metal scene.
    This recognition from Metal Injection underscores the rising momentum behind both Ashen Sun and Under Exile, as well as Metal Devastation PR’s continued mission to amplify powerful voices across the underground and beyond.
    For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com
    Check out the feature here: https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/heavy-new-releases/the-weekly-injection-new-releases-from-black-label-society-party-cannon-more-out-this-week-3-27

    More details on the bands here at these links: 
    https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28363/ashen-sun-haunts-the-gothic-shadows-with-debut-single-faiths-funeral
    https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/26892/under-exile-announces-new-single-the-lament-out-february-28-2025
  • An Interview With Matt Starr, Formerly Of The Ace Frehley Band & Mr. Big

    An Interview with Matt Starr, formerly of The Ace Frehley Band & Mr. Big By Andrew Daly As one of the hardest-hitting—and hardest-working—drummers in the rock and metal business, Matt Starr has played with Ace Frehley, Mr. Big, Kix, Black Swan, and more. Be that as it may, come the summer of 2026, Starr will be fronting iconic new wave group, The Knack. “I’m going to be singing for The Knack, which I’m very excited about,” Starr tells ClassicRockHistory.com. He explains, “I’ve known Prescott Niles and his family for about 15 years; we met through producer Mike Chapman. We’re playing

    The post An Interview With Matt Starr, Formerly Of The Ace Frehley Band & Mr. Big appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

  • Judas Priest Sad Wings Of Destiny Celebrates 50 Years With Anniversary Editions

    Judas Priest - Sad Wings Of Destiny

    The landmark Judas Priest album Sad Wings Of Destiny is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with new definitive editions from Exciter Records. The band have also confirmed a London show for 21 September 2026.

    Originally released in 1976, the album is widely regarded as one of the most influential records in Heavy Metal history, helping define the genre’s sound with its twin-guitar attack, soaring vocals and ambitious songwriting.

    “Sad Wings Of Destiny was a defining moment for us as a band,” Judas Priest said. “It’s where we really began to shape the sound and identity that would carry through everything we’ve done since. To see it recognised 50 years on, and to have it presented in new editions, is incredibly meaningful.”

    Judas Priest - Sad Wings Of Destiny 50th Anniversary Edition
    Judas Priest – Sad Wings Of Destiny 50th Anniversary Edition

    The anniversary editions will be developed from the original multitrack and master tapes, delivering enhanced clarity and depth while preserving the album’s iconic sound. Exciter Records, in partnership with Judas Priest, have acquired the master rights and will release remixed, remastered and audiophile-quality versions of the album.

    Exciter Records President Michael Closter added, “We’ve returned to the original master tapes for Sad Wings of Destiny—untouched for decades—and we’re excited and honoured to bring these definitive editions to fans worldwide.”

    Given the treatment given to the Rocka Rolla 50th Anniversary Edition, this news should be met with excitement, given the quality of the work of Tom Allom.

    “Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, K. K. Downing, Ian Hill and John Hinch were on to something special in 1974,” MetalTalk said in their review. “I’m sure they realised this then. It is only now that we can recognise how special those late-night sessions were. Finally, Rocka Rolla has been brought to life.

    Fifty years on, Sad Wings of Destiny remains a defining moment in Heavy Metal, continuing to inspire generations of fans and musicians worldwide.

    21sep7:00 pm11:00 pmJudas Priest – LondonEventim Apollo

    Judas Priest 2026 Eventim Apollo Poster
    Judas Priest 2026 Eventim Apollo Poster
    The post Judas Priest Sad Wings Of Destiny Celebrates 50 Years With Anniversary Editions first appeared on MetalTalk – Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews.
  • Iron Maiden Announce Blaze Bayley As EDDFEST Friday Headliner

    Blaze Bayley - Maid Of Stone Festival 2024

    Iron Maiden have announced Blaze Bayley as the Friday night headline act for EDDFEST at Knebworth, marking a major moment in the band’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

    Bayley, who fronted Iron Maiden between 1994 and 1999, will perform a special set featuring songs from his era, including material from The X Factor and Virtual XI. “I’m so excited to be invited to headline Friday night at EDDFEST, celebrating 50 years of Iron Maiden,” says Blaze.

    “I am so proud of my two albums with the band, and I’m really looking forward to playing some of the songs that we recorded together. Can’t wait to see you all at the hallowed grounds of Knebworth!”

    Gypsy's Kiss - Cart & Horses - 27 April 2024. Photo: Steve Ritchie/MetalTalk
    Gypsy’s Kiss – Cart & Horses – 27 April 2024. Photo: Steve Ritchie/MetalTalk

    Steve Harris personally curated the Maidenville stage, bringing together key moments from his musical journey. The line-up also includes Gypsy’s Kiss, Harris’s first band, making the event a unique retrospective of Iron Maiden’s roots.

    “Having the opportunity to put together our very own festival at Knebworth, and celebrate 50 years of Iron Maiden, has given me a chance to bring together friends past and present and create a really special weekend for the fans,” Steve Harris said.”
     
    “I’m very pleased that Blaze is able to join us and perform some of the songs we wrote and recorded in the ’90s. He has been a big part of Iron Maiden’s career, and I know the fans will be really excited to see him on stage at EDDFEST.

    “It’s also great to have Gypsy’s Kiss playing with us at Knebworth, too. They were a big part of my musical heritage, and it’s really exciting to have them play at the Maidenville stage.”

    11jul10:00 am11:00 pmIron Maiden / Run For Your Lives – Knebworth HouseKnebworth House

    EDDFEST promises a full weekend experience, including the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience, themed bars, live entertainment and immersive fan activities, culminating in Iron Maiden’s headline performance on Saturday.

    The event takes place at Knebworth on 10 and 11 July 2026 and is expected to be a landmark moment for Heavy Metal fans.

    Iron Maiden headline Knebworth Park on 11 July 2026 with Run For Your Lives, joined by The Darkness, The Hu & more.
    Iron Maiden headline Knebworth Park on 11 July 2026 with Run For Your Lives, joined by The Darkness, The Hu & more.
    The post Iron Maiden Announce Blaze Bayley As EDDFEST Friday Headliner first appeared on MetalTalk – Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews.