Legendary rock pianist/keyboardist and longtime Guns N’ Roses member Dizzy F’n Reed has just dropped his brand-new single, “Earn It 2 Burn It,” via 50q records. The track is the third single off his upcoming full length solo album Rock ‘N’ Roll Chose Me, which will see its physical vinyl release on August 22, 2025, with the digital full-length album release following on September 5, 2025.
Dizzy shares, “The song is about working our asses off and never actually seeing any money at all. And starting off our lives with incomprehensible debt from the cost of our education to do something else altogether while being pummeled with information about what we should like, want and need. The music was born from my love of metal and my hero John Lord. Thank you Johnny Kelly, Mike Duda and Jason for making it like it needed to be.”
Dizzy Reed and Pittsburgh based 50q records are proud to present his second solo album Rock ‘N’ Roll Chose Me, a personal and socially reflective 10-song album exploring themes of letting go, mental health struggles, the American Dream, and the unifying power of music, all viewed through a lens of perseverance, connection, and the human cost of chasing meaning in a divided society.
Written and produced by Dizzy Reed, the album is a gritty, emotionally charged journey. It was produced by Jason Achilles Mezilis, mixed by Evan Rodaniche and mastered by Gentry Studer.
Dizzy Reed continues to balance his legacy as a rock icon with his ever-evolving role as a songwriter, storyteller, and solo artist.
For fans of hard rock with heart and authenticity, Rock ‘N’ Roll Chose Meis the next chapter in Dizzy Reed’s musical journey.
Dizzy Reed is a US-born musician and composer who is best known as the keyboardist and backing vocalist for the rock band Guns N’ Roses. A touring musician since the age of 12, Dizzy joined Guns N’ Roses in 1990, helping transform the band’s sound with his blues, funk and classic rock stylings on the keyboards, most notably on the Use Your Illusion I & II albums. He was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Fame in 2012 as a member of G N’ R, and fronts side project Hookers and Blow on lead vocals and keys.
The wait is finally over: VIOLATOR are ready to break their silence with the release of “Chapel of the Sick”, the first single from their long-awaited comeback album “Unholy Retribution”, due out September 5th, 2025 via Kill Again Records.
A furious onslaught of razor-sharp riffs and venomous intent, the track sets the tone for what promises to be one of the most uncompromising thrash records of the year.
Elaborating on the new single, the band shared:
“We have crossed beyond fear…”
Part of the chorus of “Chapel of the Sick,” the first single and music video from Violator’s new album, reveals a fundamental and inescapable theme of the album: the desire for revenge after emerging from dark times. In a way, it applies to the pandemic context, the neo-fascist nightmare that has ravaged Brazil, and even the band itself, which has been silent for several years. However, as the lyrics unfold, we soon realize that the theme is much more specific: a clear metaphor for Palestinian resistance. And that the “chapel of the sick” is the State of Israel itself, in its most bloodthirsty form. Musically, it is also one of the most incisive tracks. The guitars pile up riffs of typical Slayer lineage, both in form and tone, with cutting picking, power chords that provide the bridge its dynamics – like “Chemical Warfare” — and total fury after the chorus. At the the “mosh” part, when the riff summons the drums, they emulate cruel Zionist bombardments (watch the video!), and then what we hear is one of the most charming double-pedal grooves in thrash metal in recent memory. The drums sound, in fact, is one of the high points of “Unholy Retribution” as a whole. Like a letter of intent, “Chapel of the Sick” is Violator making it clear that they haven’t cooled off. That certain things are non-negotiable, among them the irrevocable commitment to thrash. The reaffirmation of the pact, before revealing other possibilities in an album full of them.
True to their roots yet revitalized by a long and intense creative process, “Unholy Retribution” captures VIOLATOR at their most inspired and ferocious. The band delivers a powerful and uncompromising collection of songs that revisit their trademark thrash metal with renewed energy and purpose. This is not a reinvention, it’s a reaffirmation of everything that made VIOLATOR a cult force in the global underground.
From the raw aggression of their breakout EP “Violent Mosh” (2004) and the now-classic debut full-length “Chemical Assault” (2006), VIOLATOR made their mark with a youthful urgency that took no prisoners. That same intensity is alive and well on “Unholy Retribution”, but now it comes sharpened by experience and delivered through more dynamic, tightly constructed compositions. The fire hasn’t dimmed, it’s evolved.
Musically, the album bursts with blistering riffs, tight rhythmic precision and an unmistakable sense of urgency. Groove-laden catchiness and flashes of technical brilliance keep the tracklist flowing like a furious tide – unpredictable, violent and cathartic. The production matches this ferocity with a sonic identity that’s both organic and clear, yet unpolished in just the right way: a raw, analog-flavored mix that enhances every snare hit and guitar bite without sacrificing the band’s gritty edge. It’s a sound that feels live, alive, and undeniably VIOLATOR.
Lyrically, the band stays loyal to its mission: confronting injustice, exposing corruption and shining a harsh light on the rot festering beneath the surface of modern society. With “Unholy Retribution”, VIOLATOR continue to use their music as both weapon and warning.
This is the record that fans of early Vio-Lence, Kreator and Dark Angel have been waiting for – a no-holds-barred thrash assault, deeply rooted in tradition yet bursting with contemporary urgency.
The wait is over. The retribution is unholy. And it starts now.
Tracklist:
1. Hang The Merchants Of Illusion 2. Cult Of Death 3. Persecution Personality 4. Destroy The Altar 5. The Evil Order 6. Chapel Of The Sick 7. Rot In Hell 8. Vengeance Storm
Line-up:
Poney Ret Crucifier – Bass,Vocals Capaça Bloody Nightmare – Guitars Cambito Chains Killer – Guitars Batera Bone Crusher – Drums
Alternative metal’s breakout act ONI has released the second chapter of its latest opus, Genesis, today. Vocalist and musical mastermind Jake Oni has revealed the new EP, Genesis Pt. II, an anthemic, active rock/metal masterpiece that perfectly bookends his latest vision. Produced by writing partner and Spiritbox bassist Joshua Gilbert, the record solidifies ONI’s new direction, spearheaded by standout singles like “Float” and “What I’ve Become.”
Speaking about the new EP, Jake Oni says:
“I am really proud of the Genesis EP, and writing it was very cathartic. As I released the songs and the fan feedback got stronger and stronger, I felt like I hadn’t finished saying everything with the first e.p and still had all these amazing songs that truly felt like a continuation of my Genesis story. I hope the fans, find the message in these songs, and it helps them as much as it helped me.“
With the release, ONI has debuted a new video for the track “What I’ve Become.”
Oni adds about the new track and video:
“‘What I’ve Become’ is such a huge song! It was a song that just flowed when me and Josh started writing it. The song is about not loving a version of yourself! We shot the music video on tour in Charlotte NC, was a crazy day as we flew in, shot the music video and then played a show 3 hrs later. I know this will be a fan favorite as it’s been loved by everyone I have shown it too.“
Genesis Pt. I and Genesis Pt. II are now available as one album, Genesis, exclusively on CD. A limited edition Genesis merch collection will be available as well.
Stream Genesis Pt. II and Purchase Genesis on CD: oni.os.fan
Genesis Pt. II EP Tracklist:
1. What I’ve Become 2. Drug Me To Sleep 3. Reset 4. Illumination 5. Float 6. Retribution
Genesis Tracklist
1. Erase 2. Realign 3. Deja VU 4. Walk Away ft lil aaron 5. Control 6. What I’ve Become 7. Drug Me To Sleep 8. Reset 9. Illumination 10. Float 11. Retribution
*Complete album comprised of EPs, Genesis Pt. I and Genesis Pt. II available now on CD
About ONI: Formed in 2014 by vocalist Jake Oni, ONI quickly became one of Canada’s most promising metal artists with his distinct amalgam of experimental progressive songwriting, brute metalcore savagery and cathartic melody. ONI roared to life with the release of his 2016 debut album, Ironshore, which was produced by Josh Wilbur (Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Dillinger Escape Plan) and featured guest vocals by Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe on the song “The Only Cure.”
ONI followed up with a monstrous Alone EP in 2019, and returned with his critically lauded second full-length, Loathing Light in 2022, that boasted guests Iggy Pop and Blythe on the song “Secrets” and “Heart To Stone,” which was featured on Spotify’s Best of Kickass Metal 2022 playlist.
Along his meteoric rise in the metal scene, ONI has shared the stage with acts like Megadeth, Gojira, Bullet for My Valentine, Starset, Children of Bodom, Rob Zombie, Death Angel and The Devin Townsend Project.
ONI released his third full-length album, The Silver Line, in 2023. The metal artist’s most dynamic yet cohesive album yet was produced, mixed, and mastered by the duo of Spiritbox bassist Josh Gilbert and Joe McQueen (As I Lay Dying, Light The Torch, Bad Wolves). “The Silver Line” is as ambitious as it is catchy and incisive. A quick perusal of the guests featured on ONI’s third album reveals the wide range of his appeal. “Silence In a Room of Lies” pairs ONI with YouTuber and musician Jared Dines. “Underneath My Skin” features Sleeping With Sirens frontman Kellin Quinn. “Aura” boasts Gilbert and ex-Killswitch Engage singer Howard Jones. Pop-punk-resurgence star Sueco lends his voice to “Spark.” “The Silver Line” uped the ante once more, adding another full-length chapter to ONI’s ever-expanding songbook.
With the prolific project in full gear, ONI reveals his latest work Genesis; a collection of massive singles, “Deja Vu,” “Walk Away,” “Control,” “Realign” and “Erase,” that further solidify his place among alternative metal’s best new acts.
BraveWords Records releases the re-record of “Jet To Jet” by Alcatrazz. The single is available today on all digital services.
“Jet To Jet” has been one of my favorite Alcatrazz songs all of my life, even if the riff is a little similar to Rainbow’s “Spotlight Kid”!… actually, it’s like “Spotlight Kid” on steroids!!! What a great song and so much fun to perform live… I hope everyone checks out and enjoys our new 2025 version of this Alcatrazz 1983 classic! – Giles Lavery.
In advance of their forthcoming 2026 studio album, Alcatrazz reveal a new release to land just in time for their extensive November/December European tour. PRIOR CONVICTIONS contains newly re-recorded versions of nine 1980s era Alcatrazz songs, all featuring new vocalist Giles Lavery. Plus two brand new band compositions “Transylvanian Requiem” and “Stand And Wait Your Turn”.
These new versions of classic Alcatrazz tunes (plus the pair of new songs) continue the powerful hard hitting metal direction Alcatrazz have demonstrated since reactivating in 2020! This is now their forth release this decade, and the band show no signs of winding down any time soon!
“Shredlord” Joe Stump delivers hi-octane intensity with his neo-classical approach to the guitar…
While founding members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea continue the Alcatrazz musical legacy they started in 1983! Giles Lavery (Warlord/Jack Starr/Dragonsclaw) honors that same muscial legacy of these classic metal anthems and proves that he is indeed the right choice to take the band forward into their next Heavy Metal chapter!
Alcatrazz hit the road in Europe later this year with Girlschool.
GIRLSCHOOL + ALCATRAZZ
13/Nov Se – Gothenburg | Skeppet 14/Nov Se – Sala | Rockland (Alcatrazz only) 15/Nov SE – Rock At Sea Cruise 18/Nov Fi – Turku | Nirvana 19/Nov Fi – Helsinki | On The Rocks 20/Nov Fi – Tampere | Tavara-Asema 21/Nov FI – Nakkila | Verstas 22/Nov Fi – Kuovola | House Of Rock 25/Nov Be – Kortrijk | DVG * 26/Nov NL – Tilburg | Little Devil * 27/Nov DE – Kassel | Goldgrube * 28/Nov DE – Passau | Zauberberg * 29/Nov AT – Steyr | Kulturverein Röda * 30/Nov At – Vienna | Escape Metal Corner * 02/Dec CZ – Olomouc | Bounty Rock Cafe * 03/Dec DE – Leipzig | Hellraiser * 04/Dec DE – Nürnberg | Hirsch * 05/Dec DE – Selb | Rockclub Nordbayern * 06/Dec DE – Mörlenbach | Live Music Hall * 07/Dec DE – Dortmund | Musiktheater Piano *
01 Transylvanian Requiem (New Song) 02 Stand And Wait Your Turn (New Song) 03 Jet To Jet (2025) 04 Starr Carr Lane (2025) 05 Hiroshima Mon Amour (2025) 06 Island In The Sun (2025) 07 Too Young To Die, Too Drunk To Live (2025) 08 God Blessed Video (2025) 09 Skyfire (2025) 10 General Hospital (2025) 11 Kree Nakoorie (2025)
Credits: Produced Jimmy Waldo Mixed & Mastered by Andy Haller All songs recorded 2025
Giles Lavery – Vocals Joe Stump – Guitars Jimmy Waldo – Keyboards Gary Shea – Bass Mark Benquechea – Drums
About ALCATRAZZ: Alcatrazz, formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, has been as well known for the legendary players and singers who have passed throughout the bands ranks as much as they have for their music.
Formed originally by the trio of Jimmy Waldo, Gary Shea (both fresh from late 70’s hitmakers New England and the short lived band Warrior featuring a pre-Kiss Vinnie Vincent) along with vocalist Graham Bonnet (himself with impressive credentials having been a then recent member of Rainbow and the Michael Schenker Group) the band set about completing the line up with drummer Jan Uvena (formerly of Alice Cooper) and a then very young Yngwie Malmsteen, a guitarist who had quickly made a name for himself upon arriving in the USA in the early 80s. The band issued their now classic debut “No Parole From Rock N Roll” album (1983) which was met with universal critical acclaim. Yngwie was soon to depart in favor of Steve Vai just in time for the bands second album “Disturbing The Peace” (1985).
The bands mission has always been a not necessarily stable line-up, but of an evolving union of established performers all forming a “supergroup” of sorts, one with perhaps more guitar fire-power than many, but definitely also with the songs to back it up.
Vocalist Doogie White (himself also formerly of Rainbow and Michael Schenker) served a successful two album stint with the band, while the “shred-lord” himself…the acclaimed Joe Stump (also a very established solo artist and a Berklee college professor) has now been the bands longest serving guitarist, with this year now making his 6th continuing year as a member of the band.
Longtime Graham Bonnet and Alcatrazz collaborator, producer, songwriter and vocalist Giles Lavery is now the man behind the microphone, having proved he was an inspired choice on two recent U.S. tours — having worked with the band in numerous other creative capacities since 2017 the band feel it was a logical move, but also one chosen on merit. Giles can be heard on the recent BraveWords Records release, Jack Starr’s “Out Of The Darkness Part II” as well as his studio and live work with U.S. metal legends Warlord, a band who feature non-other than Mark Zonder on drums…himself a former member of the Graham Bonnet Band, Fates Warning, and worth noting here… as he is also currently leading the band A-Z who feature none other than Alcatrazz main man keyboardist Jimmy Waldo! confused yet? don’t be, as all of this proves that there is a firm but perhaps overlooked consistency and lineage to what on the surface may seem like an ever evolving band personnel.
Indeed Jimmy Waldo continues to be the heart and soul of Alcatrazz… as aside from being the bands talented keyboardist, he has been the one who would, over the bands career find himself at the centre of all band affairs and decision making, from booking the band in the early days, working closely with the bands various record labels, to making sure other members, at the height of 1980s rock n roll decadence were present and accounted for when it came time to get the work done…”i think i even drove the tour bus once or twice back then” says Waldo… in fact it was Jimmy himself who personally selected Steve Vai out of a number of other contenders for the guitarist position in 1984 when Yngwie Malmsteen chose to move on to his own distinguished solo career.. “alot of people have come and gone over the years” says Jimmy… “It’s kept it fresh and we are hardly the only band like that, we still have myself and Gary still holding down the frontline from that early era” Chris Impellitteri historically was one such player in line for the job, who may not have made it into the bands ranks back in 1984, but who in 2020 finally recorded with the band as a special guest on the successful “Born Innocent” album (co-produced by Giles and Jimmy).
Bassist Gary Shea, he who named the band and designed the bands logo no less… came up with the above-mentioned iconic album titles (lets also not forget “Live Sentence”) as noted above, has been flying the Alcatrazz flag with Jimmy for over 4 decades now and is looking forward to this next phase. Gary’s recently published book “No Bass, No Party” is also an essential read for those wanting to delve deeper into the Alcatrazz story!
The Warlocks return with their 14th studio album The Manic Excessive Sounds Of, released on August 1st via Cleopatra Records along with their scintillating new video “We Are All Lost.”
Frontman Bobby Hecksher says, ”Musically this song is inspired by some of my favorite 90s bands: The Feelies, The Vaselines, Television Personalities and 2000s Ezra Furman.I wanted to capture its East Coast urgency. Quick solos, semi lo fi acoustics and lyrically driven.
“The song is about relationships and making them work in our chaotic times. Our souls get hardened with age and this just amplifies everything. It’s not about me or my relationships, but collectively what I see all around me. Loved ones, friends, acquaintances going through the shit.”
Veteran purveyors of a relentless, hypnotic wall of sound that suggests a collision between classic psychedelia, Krautrock and The Velvet Underground, the LA band unleash their manic excessive sounds on what might be their wildest, weirdest offering yet!
A journey into the ether and outer limits, The Manic Excessive Sounds Of The Warlocks was written, says Hecksher, in a single day, hence its title.
A gear shifting, mind melting, twist and turn bending of genre and expectations, it is the sound of The Warlocks exploring our paranoid times through huge rock chords and choruses, delicious distortion through a modern psychedelia lens. The opener ‘Its A Fucked-Up World’ says it all!
But, Hecksher continues, “This album is a positive one, and it totally rocks in the best way, too. It’s about cherishing the things that matter – the ones around you, the people you love and dealing with those relationships that are oh so frail. Hopefully this album gives one inspiration, ammunition and hope to navigate the insane backdrop of our modern times.”
The Warlocks are certainly well placed to make such a promise. Having grown up in the swamps of Tampa Bay, FL, Bobby moved to L.A. at age 16. There he swiftly found kindred spirits, jamming with Beck on his Stereopathetic Soulmanure album and moonlighting in The Brian Jonestown Massacre.
The Warlocks’s debut album Rise & Fall, on the legendaryBomp label in 2000, set out their template, but it was the band’s signing to a worldwide deal with Mute and the release of Phoenix (2003) that truly kicked everything into gear.
Subsequent albums (including 2005’s Surgery, 2007’s Heavy Deavy Skull Lover, 2009’s The Mirror Explodes, and 2020’s The Chain) raised the temperature even higher, whilerelentless international touring and the sheer power of The Warlocks’ gigantic live sound has built a worldwide cult following for the band that has only grown and intensified.
But The Manic Excessive Sounds Of The Warlocks takes everything to an entirely new level. Backed by J.C. Rees (guitar), Earl V. Miller (guitar), Marlena Schwenck (bass), Oscar Ruvalcaba (drums), Rob Campanella (Organ) and Elina Yakubova (tambourine & percussion), Hecksher throws everything bar the kitchen sink into the seething sonic cauldron, emerging with what has to be one of the psych-freak albums of the era.
In other words, he’s completely off his rocker on this one. His mind has melted and his psyche, like Elvis, has left the building. But only in the best possible way. You have been warned.
South UK alternative metal outfit ONE LAST DAY have shared a planetary and anthemic new single titled “Still Breathing“, alongside a biting music video directed by Shaun Hodson (Loki Films). Produced by Meyrick De La Fuente (Exist Immortal, VEXED), “Still Breathing” is an air-tight and deeply emotive foray into alternative metal, with the band touching on its themes and stating:
“”Still Breathing” describes the fearful journey of talking about mental health issues. It centres around the self-doubt of convincing yourself that, if you do speak up, that no one really cares and that all you will hear are empty responses. Continually building yourself a prison of circular destructive thoughts and logic.
Further expanding on its themes, into breaking free of those same vicious patterns, they continue:
“As the song progresses, so does the journey, eventually moving to the realisation that there is a need to break yourself out of this cycle and that the time is now. You will have to push through and be brave; but you’ve come this far, breaking your silence will be the tool to release you from the cycle, and allow you to flourish.”
“Still Breathing“, through this, stands as an anthemic and emotive slice of modern alternative metal, baring its personal themes of personal struggle proudly and without shame, as there is, and always will be, a healthy way out of these darker moments.
The release of “Still Breathing” also follows the recent release of “Protect Me From Myself” in late 2024, as well as an appearance Brighton’s Hammerdown Festival this July. With the promise of more to come in the near future, 2025 is looking to only get bigger for the UK metallers.
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 