Blog
-
ARION Unleash Explosive New Single “Hurricane”!
A new chapter has begun: Finnish melodic metal force ARION return with a bang, launching the album cycle for their upcoming fifth studio album with the brand-new single “Hurricane”, released via RPM. The track is a fast-paced, modern melodic metal anthem that stands out with its theme of cathartic empowerment, a massive chorus hook, and the band’s signature infectious […] -
SEEN AND HEARD ON A SATURDAY: DIMMU BORGIR, SHADOWSPAWN, THORIUM, TERROR, VEIL OMEGA, IVOIRE, SLEEPBOMB, BLOOD GRAVE
(written by Islander) I took a break from NCS last weekend, a short vacation that led me to eastern Washington. That means I now have twice the usual number of new songs and videos sitting in front of me as I ponder what to feature today. But rather than try to go back and figure […]
The post SEEN AND HEARD ON A SATURDAY: DIMMU BORGIR, SHADOWSPAWN, THORIUM, TERROR, VEIL OMEGA, IVOIRE, SLEEPBOMB, BLOOD GRAVE appeared first on NO CLEAN SINGING.
-
Grand Union

Grand Union, circa 1966. Left to right: Paul Thorpe, Tom Maudlin, Dick Winters and Robert Thorpe. Photo: Tom Maudlin Rick Thorpe – lead guitar/vocals
Tom Maudlin – Bass/vocals
Dick Winters – Hammond organ/vocals
Paul Thorpe – Drums/lead vocals
This British band was formed around 1966/1967 and toured extensively before being chosen as the backing group for US soul artist Jimmy Johnson & The Bandwagon in late 1968 for their debut British tour.
Thanks to bass player Tom Maudlin for providing some more information about the group, the photo of the band and the posters below.

Gig on 19 May 1967 Before joining forces with The Bandwagon, they opened for Manfred Mann, Robert Plant & Band of Joy and Pink Floyd among many others.

1968 gig with Robert Plant & The Band of Joy 
1968 gig with Pink Floyd Significantly, they also signed to CBS in 1968 and recorded a lone 45 “Slowly but Surely”.
Dick Winters and Tom Maudlin left around August 1969. Former Magic Roundabout bass player/singer Roger Flavell and keyboard player Les Lambert replaced them.
The Thorpe brothers later played in the bands Moonstone, Life and Enough’s Enough together. Maudlin moved to Ontario and currently lives in Brampton.
We’d welcome any further information below in the comments about this group

1968 gig 
1968 gig 
1968 gig -
Review ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN “La Mort” – EP
It’s an exciting year for Dutch singer Anneke van Giersbergen, whose name remains inseparably linked with The Gathering. Although the band had already released two albums before she joined, her arrival marked a decisive turning point. With “Mandylion,” the progressive rock outfit took a major step toward broader recognition, establishing a sound that would resonate… Continue Reading → -
I’m a life-long Rush fan and I can’t believe there’s an 18% saving on the newly-released Grace Under Pressure super deluxe edition in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
It was only released this month, but that hasn’t stopped Amazon from slashing the price of the sprawling 5LP/Blu-ray Rush box set ahead of the band’s Fifty Something Tour -
Former Manowar Guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman Passes Away at 72
Another Saturday, another bit of sad news I have to share with you all because our world sucks. This time, it’s Manowar‘s founding guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman, who has unfortunately passed away at 72 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The Metal Hall of Fame announced his passing yesterday (Saturday, March 27) in a Facebook post that reads as follows:
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of legendary guitarist, our dear friend, Metal Hall of Fame Inductee, and Global Metal Ambassador Ross “The Boss” Friedman.
“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 (ALS), 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.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, bandmates, and fans worldwide during this difficult time. Further details will be shared as they become available.”
We’ll miss you, boss man!
The post Former Manowar Guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman Passes Away at 72 appeared first on MetalSucks.
-
HELL-BORN Returns With Apocalyptic New Album “VII” and 30th Anniversary Re-Edition of Debut Mini Album – @thebeast
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HELL-BORN Returns With Apocalyptic New Album “VII” and 30th Anniversary Re-Edition of Debut Mini Album
Poland – Odium Records proudly announces the seventh full-length from cult Polish black/death metal veterans Hell-Born , simply titled “VII” . Formed in 1996 by Baal (co-founder of Behemoth) and Les (former Behemoth and Damnation member), Hell-Born has spent decades refining their signature blend of ominous, old-school black/death metal.
“VII” represents the band’s most complex, apocalyptic work yet. Featuring seven tracks of blistering blackened death metal, the album combines the raw aggression Hell-Born is known for with haunting melodic undertones that have defined their sound throughout the years. Recording, mixing, and mastering took place at Creme de la Creme Studio , ensuring a sonic experience that’s as dense and foreboding as the band’s vision.
The album will be available in multiple collector-ready formats:
11-panel digipak shaped like an inverted cross
Gatefold heavy vinyl
Limited edition wooden box
In conjunction with this new release, Hell-Born will also re-issue their cult mini album “Hell-Born” from 1996, celebrating its 30th anniversary. This first-ever vinyl and CD edition features new mastering and a treasure trove of previously unseen archival photos, honoring the legacy of a record that laid the groundwork for the band’s dark journey.
Stay connected with Hell-Born:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialHellborn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellbornofficial
Find Odium Records here:
Website: https://www.odiumrex.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/odiumrex
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/odiumrecords
Bandcamp: https://www.odiumrecords.bandcamp.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/odiumrec
Prepare for VII. The darkness rises. -
Paul McCartney Plays First Concert of 2026: Set List + Video
The former Beatle is gearing up to release a new album, 'The Boys of Dungeon Lane.' Continue reading… -
ZAKK WYLDE Releases Tribute Track For OZZY OSBOURNE On Latest BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Record

Longtime Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde released a tribute to the late-frontman titled, “Ozzy’s Song.”
The post ZAKK WYLDE Releases Tribute Track For OZZY OSBOURNE On Latest BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Record appeared first on Metal Injection.
-
Ross “The Boss” Friedman, Dictators And Manowar Guitarist, Dead At 72
Ross “The Boss” Friedman, known for playing guitar in the Dictators and Manowar, has died. He passed away yesterday after a battle with ALS. He was 72.
The post Ross “The Boss” Friedman, Dictators And Manowar Guitarist, Dead At 72 appeared first on Stereogum.