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  • (Playlist) BEST SONGS OF 2025

    The Mighty Decibel’s fave tracks from 2025!!
  • Fashion Romance is Books Of Moods’ Single Out Now

    Good Day Noir Family,
    There are songs that try to impress you, and then there are songs that simply pull you into their own universe without asking permission.

    Fashion Romance is Books Of Moods’ Single Out Now

    “Fashion Romance,” the new single by Books Of Moods, sits firmly in the latter category.

    Hugo Sailer and his band navigate a musical language that refuses to copy trends, creating instead a sonic identity that is bold, surreal, and emotionally rich. It feels less like listening to a track and more like stepping into a dream where everything around you begins to shift, shimmer, and breathe.

    While the arrangement is built on contemporary foundations, there is a sense of nostalgia that appears in small details. The vocal blend — male and female voices moving in parallel — becomes the emotional compass of the song. Their tones intertwine with elegance, and although the structure remains simple, the delivery adds color and movement. Furthermore, the guitar lines demonstrate intention and precision, sliding between chords that flirt with jazz, art-rock, and psychedelic pop. Because of this, every section invites curiosity, slowly expanding the emotional palette of the track.

    In addition, the band plays with atmosphere in a way that feels cinematic. Reverbs and filtered textures stretch the space like elastic walls, while subtle synth accents add a futuristic layer. However, nothing feels excessive. Instead, there is balance — like walking through an art exhibit where every frame has a story to offer. The music calls to mind names such as Bowie or Radiohead, yet never falls into imitation.

    Lyrically, “Fashion Romance” leans into abstraction. The words suggest a relationship that exists somewhere beyond reality, a love shaped more by imagination than by logic. The track resonates with anyone who has ever felt suspended in that emotional limbo where nothing is fully certain, yet everything feels possible.

    The song feels almost like the sonic counterpart to La Belle Verte — a piece that refuses the rules of the modern world and instead invites you into an alternate emotional ecosystem, where simplicity, human connection, and a return to essence are the only currency.

    “Fashion Romance” feels like a trip halfway between Paris at dusk and a neon-lit street in a cyber-city that doesn’t exist yet. It is mysterious, emotional, and deeply original — a song that invites you to close your eyes and surrender.

    Fashion Romance is Books Of Moods’ Single Out Now!


    Dreamlike!


    Fashion Romance is Books Of Moods’ Single Out Now

    Books Of Moods, an indie art-rock sensation helmed by Hugo Sailer, encapsulates the vibrant musical spirit of Paris. This innovative project melts the essence of rock, indie, art rock, and pop into a harmonious blend that transports listeners through time and space.




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    The post Fashion Romance is Books Of Moods’ Single Out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

  • Wasp on My Nose is Grey & Purple Songbook’s Single Out Now

    Good Day Noir Family,
    Grey & Purple Songbook arrive with a track that does not waste time. “Wasp on My Nose” hits with a burst of groove that feels immediate, confident, and joyful.

    Wasp on My Nose is Grey & Purple Songbook’s Single Out Now

    Yet it also carries a level of sophistication that reveals itself layer by layer. Although the energy is high, there is nothing rushed about it.

    The song moves like a living organism, shifting and bouncing through funk rhythms that demand attention.

    A slick bassline acts as the backbone. It slides, skips, and punches with a finesse that instantly recalls the golden age of groove-driven music. The production is crisp and modern, and the clarity of each instrument gives the track a fresh, glossy shine that places it firmly in today’s sphere. Verses are taut and rhythmic, while the chorus expands, opening the floor for dance-inducing movement.

    The band leans clearly into a lineage of retro-inspired funk, yet they avoid sounding derivative. Instead, their aesthetic takes influence and reshapes it into something intentionally modern. Bruno Mars and Jamiroquai echo in the DNA of the piece.

    The vocals deserve a spotlight. The delivery is playful yet controlled, offering a charisma that fuels the track. Moreover, there is a notable theatrical tint in how the melody unfolds, almost as if the storyteller is winking through the lyrics. That flamboyant edge adds color and personality, giving listeners something more than a simple groove track. Although the instrumentation is clean, the emotionality in the voice keeps it human and warm.

    The guitar chops nod toward disco sparkle and indie strut. Meanwhile, the percussion section hits with a precision that recalls studio greats, yet it maintains enough looseness to feel organic. Because of these contrasts, the song finds balance—tight enough to stay sharp, loose enough to breathe.

    The experience has a cinematic quality. In some moments, it almost feels like the soundtrack to a neon dance floor scene from a cult French film. The sense of playful surrealism echoes the artistic spirit of movies where everyday objects transform into symbols. That lens gives the song nuance. It is not just about dancing; it is about entering a tiny universe where life zooms in on the little things, like a wasp landing on one’s nose, and suddenly the ordinary becomes electric.

    “Wasp on My Nose” is a confident, infectious piece of modern funk that shows Grey & Purple Songbook are not afraid to mix swagger with soul. It is the sort of track that could make even the most reserved listener tap their foot, nod their head, and give in.

    Wasp on My Nose is Grey & Purple Songbook’s Single Out Now!


    Effervescent!


    Wasp on My Nose is Grey & Purple Songbook’s Single Out Now

    Grey & Purple Songbook, hailing from Oslo, Norway, is a musical project under the label Grey & Purple Inc., known for producing harmonious and thought-provoking text-based music stories across various genres. With a blend of captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics, Grey & Purple Songbook’s music resonates with both the mind and the heart, promising a soulful experience that transcends boundaries.




    Find Grey & Purple Songbook Here:

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    The post Wasp on My Nose is Grey & Purple Songbook’s Single Out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

  • Clockmasters Grief is Astral Nocturna’s Single Out Now

    Good Day Noir Family,
    “Clockmasters Grief” by Astral Nocturna arrives with an opening that immediately hooks you: the singer creates the ticking pulse of a clock, almost whispering the rhythm of passing time.

    Clockmasters Grief is Astral Nocturna’s Single Out Now

    It’s an evocative idea, and as the ticking merges into the first instrumental swell, the song shifts into a world that feels fantasy-driven and emotionally charged.

    Moreover, the track presents a dramatic sense of scale without ever losing clarity.

    Soon, the arrangement expands, and the guitars introduce a blend of cinematic tension and controlled heaviness. The result is a hybrid between hard rock and melodic metal, although it never leans too far into one side. The band clearly enjoys building atmospheric tension, and the song’s structure effectively utilizes dynamics. Each new section feels like another page of a story unfolding in front of you.

    The vocalist is where Astral Nocturna truly shines. Her delivery is ethereal yet anchored by a confident presence. She glides through high notes with a clear emotional tone, then shifts into grounded, expressive phrases that give the music its narrative strength. Additionally, these contrasts help the track move between fragile introspection and powerful release. In several passages, the tonal palette recalls bands such as Evanescence; however, Astral Nocturna pushes the concept into a more futuristic direction, especially through the production choices.

    The chord progression supports this sense of forward motion, creating melodic lines that feel carefully shaped. Even when the arrangement becomes dense, the mix remains defined. Although artificial intelligence is used in the production, the band manages it in a way that feels thoughtful and controlled. Nothing sounds synthetic for the sake of novelty; instead, AI functions as a subtle expansion of the creative toolbox. Because of this, the track retains credibility, energy, and emotional weight.

    As the final section arrives, the guitars swell with intensity while the voice breaks through with a soaring tone that could easily belong to the soundtrack of a sci-fi universe or a fantasy-driven video game. Yet, the song never loses its identity. It balances modern experimentation with classic rock energy, creating a result that is memorable.

    “Clockmasters Grief” stands as a strong example of what happens when imagination, technology, and musicianship work in harmony. It is an immersive and cinematic journey that invites listeners to step into another reality—one filled with ticking clocks, swirling emotions, and a sense of epic grandeur.

    Clockmasters Grief is Astral Nocturna’s Single Out Now!


    Majestic!


    Astral Nocturna, hailing from Würzburg, Germany, is a symphonic metal project led by Lyriana Nocturne, the narrative voice and emotional core of the band. Collaborating with musicians Kael Morian, Arden Vale, and Riven Thale, Astral Nocturna aims to blend dramatic storytelling with powerful symphonic metal to create a cinematic sound that captivates listeners. Each member contributes their unique talents to tracks like “Clockmaster’s Grief,” enhancing the epic, tragic soundscape that delves into themes of loss, time, and the relentless struggle against fate.




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    The post Clockmasters Grief is Astral Nocturna’s Single Out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

  • JORDAN RUDESS Says “It’s A Big Deal” To Be Able To Perform DREAM THEATER’s Complex Music “At A High Level”

    Dream Theater have been living on the road behind Parasomnia since the record landed in February 2025, and by Jordan Rudess’s count, the cycle has stretched into a full-on marathon. In a new chat with Costa Rica’s Backstage Magazine, the keyboardist framed the last stretch as the kind of run a band only gets a few times in a career — especially with a major lineup piece back in place.

    Rudess put it plainly (transcribed by Blabbermouth): “Well, it’s been a very exciting year. We’ve been on tour for over a year now… We’ve been having a great year. It’s been wonderful to have Mike Portnoy back in the band after so many years. He kind of came back home, if you will, which has just felt so good. So, the whole last — whatever it’s been — 15 months of running around the world and playing shows and putting out our Parasomnia album has been pretty, pretty awesome.”

    “It’s been a great time in a very long career. And I guess to kind of like top it off, ’cause when we see all of you [in Central and Latin America], it’ll be the last phase of the world tour, it’ll be a nice way to do it because we know the fans are really great and they’ll be excited. And I’m sure that’ll just be a great celebration for everybody,” he added.

    For anyone who’s followed Dream Theater through the years, that “back home” line hits the core of what longtime fans wanted: chemistry that feels natural, and a band that sounds locked in while still taking the same risks. Rudess makes it clear that the touring grind has felt rewarding rather than routine, and the final leg in Central and Latin America is being treated like the send-off lap.

    He also dug into what it’s like to stand in front of big crowds night after night playing music that leaves very little room to breathe. The band’s live headspace, as he describes it, is equal parts adrenaline and focus, and that balance is part of the job.

    “What we do is pretty interesting because when you think about people like us, bands or any entertainer, artist being in front of large audiences and getting the kind of love and emotion and energy from the audience, plus the emotions that we feel just in our internal world, just the band by being together and making music for this many years and all that, you can really get hit with a big wave of kind of intensity, and it can be very joyful. It can be really amazing.”

    That’s a solid way to describe the Dream Theater experience from both sides of the barricade: the room pushes, the band pushes back, and the songs demand full attention. Rudess took it further, talking about how that intensity becomes a life skill, especially for younger musicians learning how to perform under pressure without letting the moment take over.

    “It’s always been an interesting thing for me and something that I’ve tried to even share a lot with younger people, younger musicians or anybody who has to get in a situation where they have to be in front of the public and have to deal with emotions that are more than just sitting in their own home and just hanging out or being with a friend, because we all get kind of pushed into these situations where life can get kind of challenging and challenging not always in a bad way, but even in a way, like, something’s happening, and it’s a big emotion and you have to know how to kind of deal with it and keep thinking clearly and keep kind of being aware and, in our case, being able to play intricate music while there’s a lot of stuff going on, whether it’s the audiences cheering or there’s noises or we’re playing a really hard section of the music.”

    “So, for me, that kind of being able to focus and being able to absorb those emotions and still remain calm is probably one of the biggest life lessons. It’s allowed, I think, all of us in the band to kind of become the people who we are and to refine our craft in a way that we can get up there and we can play a complicated Dream Theater song. And I mean, we’re human beings — we make mistakes certainly — but just to be able to perform at a high level and to do it and to feel the joy and to put out the energy and to share that with everybody, it’s kind of a big deal,” he summed up.

    Next up, Dream Theater are taking that mindset into a spring 2026 Latin America run, continuing the “An Evening With Dream Theater” format. The plan celebrates Parasomnia by playing the album in full, and it also brings back a major centerpiece: the entire seven-movement “A Change Of Seasons,” being performed for the first time since Mike Portnoy returned, alongside other staples and fan favorites pulled from across the catalog.

    The post JORDAN RUDESS Says “It’s A Big Deal” To Be Able To Perform DREAM THEATER’s Complex Music “At A High Level” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

  • MARTY FRIEDMAN Remembers Auditioning For OZZY OSBOURNE: “I Did A Good Job, But I Didn’t Match The Vibe Of The Band”

    Former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman recently came back to one of the biggest “what ifs” of his early career: the late-’80s audition for Ozzy Osbourne’s band. In a new interview with Argentina’s TCDG Guitar Lessons, he laid out the situation as he remembers it: down to the clothes, the scene, and the feeling that he walked into the wrong movie.

    “They actually called me when I lived in San Francisco. I was in Cacophony at the time and completely broke, almost homeless. But [Ozzy’s wife and manager] Sharon Osbourne called me up and said if I wanted to go to L.A., they’d fly me out to L.A. to audition. I’m, like, ‘Wow, that’s cool.’ So, I did the audition and played,” Friedman remembered (via Blabbermouth)

    “I thought I did a good job. But I didn’t really match the vibe of the band very much. They were full-on L.A.-metal type of guys with handcuffs in their belts and Jack Daniel’s t-shirts, and they were all decked out for rehearsal. And I understood doing that for a show, but at rehearsal, they wore cowboy hats and all kinds of necklaces and jewelry. And they were full-on Sunset Strip rock mode. And I came in a t-shirt and jeans. I looked like a regular guy waiting for a bus or something,” Friedman added.

    From his side, the playing part felt solid. He learned the material, ran through the set, and left thinking it sounded fine. The bigger issue came from everything around the notes: who fits, who hangs, who looks like they belong in that specific machine.

    “I played, and I thought it went well. And it did sound fine to me, and it was no problems. I learned, like, four songs, and we did ’em bam, bam, bam, and it was fine. But we were in this rehearsal hall. There were all kinds of envelopes with cassettes and resumes, and so they were probably trying hundreds of guys. And so I never heard back from them. And then finally Zakk Wylde got the job. And he was just perfect. He was so much better than I would’ve been for that gig. He was just right, and he plays really well. So I understood it, but at the time I thought, ‘Well, I did a good job, but I don’t think those guys are gonna [pick me].’ They probably went out drinking and partying right after rehearsal, and I was a real good-boy type of guy. Really boring.”

    That same story came up again when Friedman talked about it publicly at Rock ’N’ Roll Fantasy Camp’s Metalmania III event in November 2023 in Los Angeles. His takeaway stayed consistent: the performance side held up, but the image and chemistry carried more weight than most players want to admit: “I failed miserably. I think it was probably because of the way I looked.”

    “I was practically homeless at the time, living with my then-girlfriend and dealing with the rent and all that stuff, as California rock musicians do. And I was so happy to get the call. So I learned the music, went down to L.A. — they flew me down to L. A. to play with the band. And it was, I guess, the guys who were in the band at the time. And I thought I played everything absolutely just fine, and I thought it sounded great. Everybody was friendly enough. But our images were very different. It wasn’t like these three guys are gonna get together and jell, even though it sounded fine, I thought. I mean, I thought I played everything correctly.”

    For metal and hard rock fans, it’s an honest reminder of how many moving parts exist behind a “dream gig.” You can walk in prepared, nail the parts, and still miss because the band wants someone they instinctively click with. Friedman put it in blunt terms: vibe first, chops second.

    “Being in a band is so much more than playing. And, actually, the playing is kind of down on the list. If you have the same kind of vibe with the people, you can just kind of smell it: ‘This is the guy I wanna hang out with.’ And it was different on that level… They smelled like L.A., and I smelled like San Francisco, which was a different smell. Neither of us smelled very good. But they were cool. Everybody played everything great. They were auditioning thousands of guys. So I didn’t get it,” Friedman mused.

    “A band is just… It’s more about the personalities between the people. Because there are so many great players who can play every gig, you know what I mean? It’s really about who you wanna hang out with? I would have loved to have gotten the gig, but they were probably just getting ready to go back out drinking, and I’m not a very big drinker, so it wouldn’t have jelled so well. But at the time I was, like, ‘Oh, I played it perfectly. Why didn’t they call me back?’ But I get it [now].”

    The irony, of course, is that missing that audition never slowed him down. He helped shape shred guitar alongside Jason Becker in Cacophony, became a defining piece of Megadeth’s rise in the classic thrash era, and built a solo catalog that leans hard into his “Marty-esque” phrasing and the mix of Eastern and Western ideas; fifteen solo records and counting.

    The post MARTY FRIEDMAN Remembers Auditioning For OZZY OSBOURNE: “I Did A Good Job, But I Didn’t Match The Vibe Of The Band” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

  • Tequila at Dawn is JCCutter’s Single Out Now

    Good Day Noir Family,
    “Tequila at Dawn” by JCCutter arrives like the soundtrack to a sunrise over a dusty highway, where the taste of bourbon and memories still linger on the tongue.

    Tequila at Dawn is JCCutter’s Single Out Now

    The track wastes no time in diving into a country energy that feels refreshing, yet the first impression is only the doorway.

    As the guitar lines begin to shimmer beneath the vocal delivery, you sense a journey ahead—one driven by instinct rather than routine.

    The beat carries a forward-leaning drive, and the intoxication comes not from the alcohol implied in the title, but from the rhythmic pull that convinces you to move. Small instrumental details continue to appear, keeping the song alive as it unravels. One moment, the fiddle jumps in and adds warmth. A moment later, the electric guitar slices through with a tone that recalls classic Americana. This balance gives the single a steady pulse that mirrors a night out in Nashville, where the evening feels endless and dawn arrives before anyone is ready.

    Meanwhile, the vocals are delivered with grit and charm, staying true to modern country tradition. The lyrics suggest that salvation sometimes arrives in a glass and a whisper, and because of that, the track gains emotional depth without becoming heavy-handed. Furthermore, the gospel-style touches in the backing vocals introduce another layer, making the chorus feel communal. You can picture strangers locking arms and singing together as sunrise paints the sky.

    Although the track is grounded in country roots, it never sounds old. The production is sleek, punchy, and studied. AI has not been used as a crutch; instead, it appears employed as a subtle sharpening tool. The result is a mix that feels modern while preserving authenticity. Listeners who crave organic storytelling will find a home here, and listeners who seek energy will not be disappointed.

    It is easy to imagine this song blasting from car speakers as wheels roll across long desert roads. The freedom it offers is contagious. “Tequila at Dawn” is not just a song—it is a small cinematic escape, a drink shared between strangers, and a reminder that sunrise can sometimes start a new chapter rather than end one.

    Tequila at Dawn is JCCutter’s Single Out Now!


    Ferocious!


    JCCutter, hailing from New Mexico, United States, embarks on a musical journey that encapsulates resilience and perseverance. Influenced by years of global travels and facing a myriad of challenges, JCCutter’s music reflects personal hardships as well as the strength found within communities.




    Find JCCutter Here:

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    The post Tequila at Dawn is JCCutter’s Single Out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

  • Back and Forth is CAR287’s Single Out Now

    Good Day Noir Family,
    CAR287 return with unapologetic grit on their single “Back and Forth,” a track that wastes no time in announcing itself as a force.

    Back and Forth is CAR287’s Single Out Now

    The opening guitar riff charges forward with the weight of a runaway engine, instantly establishing that this is music designed to hit body and nerves.

    There is no hesitation in its identity: it is raw, it is loud, and it is here to move the listener.

    Although the song bursts in with intensity, it quickly shows there is more at play than brute strength. The vocals arrive with a tone that balances confidence and restraint, pushing the verses forward while still leaving room for tension to build. Then the band pulls energy back—allowing the chorus to strike with even more power. This dynamic control becomes one of the most memorable aspects of the track. Furthermore, the decision to let the drums cut the tempo in certain phrases adds a sense of acceleration, giving listeners the sensation of being caught inside shifting gears.

    Stylistically, “Back and Forth” lives where alternative rock meets punk grit. Yet, there is also a sliver of nostalgic melody that sits just beneath the aggression. It occasionally recalls bands like Bad Religion, especially in how the tune finds emotion through a hook that is simple but surprisingly effective. This contrast between toughness and emotional undertones is part of what keeps the song engaging from start to finish. Additionally, the recording carries a sense of authenticity that feels unfiltered—there is no glossy varnish here, just musicians who trust their instruments and instincts.

    As the track moves forward, the guitars refuse to let go of control, but they do so without overshadowing the rhythm section. The bass and drums form a sturdy spine, reminding listeners that CAR287 are more than distortion and volume. They know how to pace, how to breathe, and how to let heaviness feel earned. Because of this balance, the chorus lands with an almost anthemic quality, the kind that begs to be shouted back in a crowded room.

    “Back and Forth” is a reminder of how visceral and honest rock can be when it is played by musicians who choose instinct before perfection.

    Back and Forth is CAR287’s Single Out Now!


    Intense!


    CAR287 are a Winnipeg-based rock band shaped by years of basement jams, bar gigs, and a deep love for guitar-driven music. Blending the spirit of ’70s rock with the energy of 2000s indie, their sound is built on big hooks, driving riffs, and honest songwriting.

    What began as an eclectic cover band evolved into a fully original project, powered by booming vocals, expressive guitars, solid rhythms, and a no-nonsense rock attitude. CAR287 deliver raw, confident rock that proves experience on stage can turn into a sound of their own.




    Find CAR287 Here:

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    The post Back and Forth is CAR287’s Single Out Now appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.

  • VALYEAR – Dirty

    Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, VALYEAR has quickly carved out a place as a relentless force in the alternative/metal scene. Their sound fuses the raw edge of Skid Row, the rebellious swagger of Mötley Crüe, and the heavy grit of Drowning Pool, yet remains unmistakably their own.

    Formed in 2014 by powerhouse vocalist Chad Valyear, the band truly came into focus with their 2017 self‑titled EP. Initially recorded with studio collaborators, that release set the foundation for the band’s definitive lineup: Geoff Wilson on guitar, Joe Petralia on bass, and Mane Ribeiro on drums.

    I love the riffs, the sound, and the band’s performance on the last single, Dirty. The song features vocals with some old Sebastian Bach vibes, creating a perfect blend of power, aggression, and melody, with a super catchy chorus. A very cool song, give it a go by clicking on the Spotify player below and follow VALYEAR on social media as well.

    https://www.facebook.com/valyearband/ 

  • JEFF SCOTT SOTO Says YNGWIE MALMSTEEN Recent Online Rant Wasn’t Directed At Him, Explains He Would Love To Reconnect: “Let’s Break Bread Again”

    In the hard rock and metal world, fallouts rarely stay private. One comment turns into a thread, a thread turns into a rumor, and soon fans argue like they were in the van back in ’84. That’s the backdrop for Jeff Scott Soto talking openly about wanting a clean reset with Yngwie Malmsteen, decades after their early run together on Rising Force (1984) and Marching Out (1985).

    During a recent interview with Artists On Record With Stefan Adika, the legendary singer explained how, when people keep asking about a broken relationship, silence becomes its own headline.

    “Well, you gotta pay a little more attention to Blabbermouth and all that stuff going on out there, because if you did, you’d know that there’s absolutely no relationship between Yngwie and I right now. I’m trying to change that,” Soto said (via Blabbermouth). “Even on your show, I’ve been trying to extend that olive branch and trying to fix and change it. And the thing is, everybody thinks I want something out of Malmsteen, that, ‘Oh, you’re just doing this ’cause you’re trying to get back with him. You wanna work with him.’ No. I just want peace. I want love and harmony between me and everybody else I’ve ever worked with in my career.”

    “And that’s why I keep extending, overextending that olive branch, because I’m 60 years old. Who knows how much longer I’ve got on this planet? I wanna walk away with no enemies, a clean slate. Everybody in my life, I just wanna have good relationships with them. And Malmsteen [and me], we have no speaking relationship. We don’t talk. I don’t go to his shows. He doesn’t come to mine. But hopefully one day we can change that,” Soto added.

    The recent noise came from Yngwie Malmsteen taking aim online at some former vocalists for “trying to capitalize from his brand”. Jeff Scott Soto says fans immediately assumed the post targeted him, and he had to put the fire out fast.

    “My phone was blowing up for two days [after Yngwie posted that]. Everybody thought he was talking about me again. And he wasn’t. He was talking about two other former singers who are going out and doing shows based on a tribute to Yngwie or a tribute to the time that they spent with Yngwie. And I guess that they were promoting that, and he caught wind of it, and that’s where that came from. Nothing to do with me,” Soto explained.

    He also drew a hard line between celebrating history and cashing in on it. That distinction matters in this scene, where “tribute” can mean respect or opportunism depending on who is telling the story.

    “I’m not doing anything where I’m going out doing Yngwie shows or trying to capitalize on his name or his legacy. Not at all. All I do is I post things online to celebrate — celebrate my involvement, celebrate the things I did with him, because I have a legacy too, in my own world, or however you want to call it. It’s part of my history too, so I celebrate that. I’m not trying to toe the line, I’m not trying to do anything, and try to get anything from him in those terms.”

    Then there’s the other part of Yngwie Malmsteen’s jab: asking what certain singers have “recorded” and “created [in] the last 30, 40 years”. Jeff Scott Soto answered that one like a working musician who keeps receipts.

    “You definitely can’t put that on me, because if you look at the past 30, 40 years, I’m on easily over a hundred records. Just my solo records alone, I’ve got eight solo records. Then you do the W.E.T., you’ve got Talisman. So I’ve been busy. You can’t ask, what have I done? I’ve done a lot,” he reflected.

    “Everybody thought he was referring to me,” “They’re sending virtual hugs: ‘Dude, we got you, man. We understand what you’re going through. We read this stuff, and it’s not fair.’ I say, ‘Hey, he wasn’t talking about me. It’s cool.”

    Whether you love his voice or not, that’s the reality: Jeff Scott Soto has stayed active. In metal, longevity is its own argument.

    The most interesting part is how practical this whole thing is. He says he has no direct line to Yngwie Malmsteen, so he uses interviews and public appearances as the only available “message in a bottle” approach. It sounds old-school, but it fits: most legacy feuds survive because nobody wants to make the first human move.

    “I wouldn’t know how. I don’t have any numbers, any contacts, or anything, so I wouldn’t know how to reach out to him. But there’s enough I put out there when I do interviews or do anything, even Cameos. I put it out there all the time that I would love to just bury the hatchet, whatever that hatchet is, and just walk away as friends again one day. I’d love to go to shows and be in the audience watching the show and not saying, ‘Oh, man, hopefully one day he’ll have me back.’ It’s not about that at all. I did my time with him. If someday, one day, he wanted to do something like that, I’d absolutely be open to it. But I’m not looking for that. I don’t need that in my life in terms of that’s the only thing I have going for me. I got a lot going for me. I just wanna be the guy’s friend again.”

    And when pushed to address Yngwie Malmsteen directly, he went straight to the point: shared history, respect for the work, and a request to clear the debris.

    “Hey, listen, Yngwie. We’ve got a lot of history, man. We go back over 41 years. We made some great music together. I got to sing on your two classic records that everybody loves, and somewhere along the way we’ve stumbled on some blocks, on some roadblocks, on some walls. Let’s put ’em aside. Let’s break bread again. Let’s be buddies. I don’t need anything from you. You don’t need anything from me, but I just wanna be your friend again. There’s my olive branch extended once again. I love you, I respect you, and I cherish and treasure everything I ever did with and for you. So if we can fix this someday, I’m all in.”

    Finally, he framed it as bigger than business; more like unfinished life stuff. That hits different in a genre built on pride, independence, and grudges that last longer than band lineups.

    “I know his wife. I never met his son, and that would be a nice thing. I’d love to meet the next generation of the Malmsteens, his son. He’s got a kid. I know his wife. Everything was cool. We had a great relationship. There were times when I was possibly coming back and singing with him back in the day. These things didn’t pan out — whatever. I don’t want or need that. I would like to just say, ‘Hey, let’s be buddies again.’”

    The post JEFF SCOTT SOTO Says YNGWIE MALMSTEEN Recent Online Rant Wasn’t Directed At Him, Explains He Would Love To Reconnect: “Let’s Break Bread Again” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.