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This must be fate or something. My New York Mets finally won a game after 12 grueling, faith-shattering losses and now heavy metal outfit Armored Saint dropped a new single called “Hit A Moonshot”. For those that aren’t familiar, a “moonshot” is baseball parlance that means to hit a baseball high and far for a homerun. Which isn’t something I’ve seen a lot of this year, but that’s beside the point….

With their new album Emotion Factory Reset set for release on May 22 via Metal Blade Records, this is that album’s second single. Perhaps frontman John Bush can elaborate a little further on the whole “moonshot” thing and how it pertains to the track:

“It’s like you knocked something out of the park. I use a lot of sports analogies because I love sports. Sports IS entertainment…’Hit A Moonshot’ is inspired by the people who keep landing on their feet. Like, no matter what the fuck this person does… Some people just get lucky. This applies to anyone. And landing on your feet is commendable. So, I’m busting balls, but I’m also giving accolades. Sometimes people can do that all the way to their grave. Then there are other people who are so good or talented or creative, and they struggle forever. I don’t think life is balanced all the time, and I don’t think it’s fair.

“It has a ferocious riff, cool tempo changes, scorching leads, huge chorus with lots of backing vocals. We love Queen and The Sweet! It’s a cool breakdown with an epic ending. Once again, it sounds just like Armored Saint.”

This is a heavy metal banger through and through. Lots of driving riffs, a shredder of a solo, and some kick ass rhythms serve as the backbone that makes you want to bang your head. I mean, at least that’s what it did to me. It also helps that the video’s full of action with some humor mixed in there for good measure. Who doesn’t love a metal concert with some bare knuckle beatdowns?

Bassist Joey Vera said the song’s intro riff is based on something he wrote when he was just a teenager, though it’s obviously morphed since then.

“The intro riff is an echo of a memory from age 17 when I was in a garage band in Los Angeles. After I came up with this new version, the familiarity of it revealed itself once I stood back and listened. The riff is very different from the original one but there’s no doubt the feel and vibe has stuck with me ever since then. I added a half-time feel to the chorus to steer the arrangement away from predictability. It feels like classic Saint to me.”

You can check out the track and accompanying video below. If you have plans to head to Europe (or you already live there — lucky), you can catch Armored Saint live at any of the dates listed below.

Emotion Factory Reset will be released on May 22 via Metal Blade Records, but you can preorder your copy today.

The post Armored Saint Knock One Out of the Park with “Hit A Moonshot” appeared first on MetalSucks.

They’ll be heading out with Demon Hunter & Convictions this weekend.

The post Cultist Debut Visualizer For New Song “Amen” appeared first on Theprp.com.

High-octane crossover thrash powerhouse EXTINCTION A.D. officially release their blistering new single, “Truth or Consequences”, out today via M-Theory Audio to all digital download and streaming platforms. The track features a guest appearance by Brian Audley, guitarist of hardcore band INCENDIARY, providing visceral backup vocals that amplify the song’s aggressive energy. Accompanied by a gritty new lyric […]

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The Gwar camp is rallying around one of its original members. Chuck Varga, known to fans as the Sexecutioner, is currently battling cancer, and in response, the band and its extended circle have launched a nationwide blood donation campaign in his name.

Supporters are being asked to visit a local blood bank and either register or donate blood in Varga’s honor. Those who take part will receive an exclusive T-shirt designed by Varga himself. Donate and get an exclusive t-shirt here.

The effort gives fans a direct way to contribute, tying the band’s long-running imagery of blood and spectacle to something with real-world impact. It also serves as a tribute to someone who played a key role in shaping the identity of Gwar.

As the Sexecutioner, Varga became a central figure in the band’s mythology. His role was described as “making sure the blood goes in all the right places.” Beyond performing, he contributed heavily to the band’s visual side, helping create many of the costumes that defined their stage presence. Reflecting on the physical side of performing, he once said, “I describe it as a full-body stunt mat. It gives me special powers. I have fallen off stage five feet onto a concrete floor and bounced like a Super Ball.”

Varga’s creative background stretches well beyond the stage. He has described himself as one part comic book illustrator, one part special effects designer, and two parts sculptor, all filtered through science fiction and a dark sense of humor. In 1985, he co-founded Slave Pit Studios and helped build Gwar into a theatrical force, contributing to eight major productions, more than 1,000 live shows, and two feature-length films. His work has been summed up as “eye popping, twisted and over the top, way over!”

In 1995, he teamed up with Don Drakulich to launch Hyperreal Productions, focusing on art effects, public sculptures and collectible figures. A few years later, he moved to New York, working in Broadway and film while still making occasional appearances with Gwar. He officially stepped away following the Halloween Scumdog Reunion in 2021.

Outside of music, Varga became involved in the New York art scene, connecting with artists like Joe Coleman and Robert Williams. He also met his wife, Bambi The Mermaid, at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. The two married there in 2017 and later combined their creative worlds, blending his theatrical style with her neo-burlesque performances. He became a regular presence at Coney Island USA, taking on the role of resident Neptune.

Today, Varga continues to work across fine art and underground theater, maintaining the mix of satire, spectacle and handcrafted visuals that defined his years with Gwar.

Now, with the current campaign underway, fans have a chance to give something back. Donate blood, support the cause, and keep the legacy moving forward.

The post GWAR Co-Founder CHUCK VARGA Reveals Cancer Battle appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

  Colombian Speed/Heavy Metal band LOUDER hit the gas and unleash a new lyric video for “Speed Junkie”, the second advance single from their upcoming debut album “Devil’s Night”.      A straight shot of speed, attitude, and no-compromise Metal, setting the tone for what’s to come with this first full-length, scheduled for release on May 14th, 2026 through Fighter Records on […]

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A new guitarist and and a returning member on bass were unveiled, along with some lineup shuffles.

The post Marilyn Manson’s Spring Tour Kickoff Featured An Overhauled Touring Lineup And A Setlist Rarity appeared first on Theprp.com.

Los Angeles extreme metal collective Ashen Horde continues their march toward the release of their fifth full‑length album, “The Harvest,” arriving May 1st, 2026. Following the crushing momentum of the first two singles, “Entropy and Ecstasy” and “Voids in the Ash”, the band now reveals their third offering, the blistering and atmospheric “Apparition.” The new track showcases the band’s signature fusion of death metal […]

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Black Veil Brides have shared the official visualizer for “Revenger”, the latest single from their upcoming album Vindicate, set for release on May 8 through Spinefarm. The track features a guest appearance from Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn and centers on the idea of vengeance viewed through a distorted lens—more fantasy than justice.

On this release, Black Veil Brides—Andy Biersack, Jake Pitts, Jinxx, Lonny Eagleton and Christian Coma—continue to expand their sound while keeping their core identity intact.

Biersack explains the concept behind the track: “I have always been interested in the sort of ethical dilemma that we have culturally of cheering for justice. I thought it would be an interesting exercise to write lyrics from the perspective of someone who is trying to seek out the ultimate form of justice.”

That perspective also influenced the decision to bring in another voice. “Because I was writing from someone else’s voice, this felt like the kind of song that would be best served by having someone else’s voice on the song. So, we brought in Robb Flynn of Machine Head. The reason he came to mind first was of course his voice, tonality and style I thought was perfect for this. He is also someone who was one of the first real defenders of Black Veil Brides. In the early days when we were getting absolutely shit on by every other metal band, Robb Flynn and Machine Head stood up for us and said positive things about us and has maintained that for years and years.”

Biersack adds: “I think it’s one of my favorite songs on the record.”

The “Revenger” concept also extends beyond music. A companion novel titled “Revenger”, written by Biersack and released through Simon & Schuster, is available now.

With Vindicate approaching, Black Veil Brides are building momentum through a series of singles. The record runs from the opening “Invocation To The Muse” to the closing “Eschaton”, covering a wide range of moods and arrangements. Tracks like “Bleeders”, “Hallelujah”, “Certainty” and “Vindicate” point to a band continuing to evolve while holding onto the theatrical edge that has defined their catalog.

Vindicate is available to pre-order here.

The post BLACK VEIL BRIDES Shares “Revenger” Featuring MACHINE HEAD’s ROBB FLYNN appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

German avantgarde death metal pioneers DARK MILLENNIUM unveil their second single and lyric video, “Witchcraft Island”, taken from the upcoming studio album “COME”, set for release on May 22nd, 2026 via Massacre Records. WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/5Nt6OSj2H28  PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE: https://massacre-records.com/drkmillennium_come_sale/ Following the previously released first single “Amber”, which introduced listeners to the album’s hypnotic and immersive atmosphere, “Witchcraft Island” […]

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