GRAMMY Award winning bassist DAVID ELLEFSON has announced his BASS WARRIORTOUR in Europe for December 2026. The tour will feature Ellefson and his solo band performing select cuts from his well-known catalog of Mega hits, including the Megadeth Countdown to Extinction album in it’s entirety, solo material and other hard rock & metal favorites which inspired him during his 40-year music career.
Ellefson states, “We had such great fan request for Countdown to Extinction from earlier this year that we are going to wrap 2026 with some final shows across Europe which also includes some new cities and countries to celebrate the music from one of my all time favorite albums of my discography. The perfect holiday wrap up for the year!”
Ellefson launched his Bass Warrior tour in 2024, with musical director Andy Martongelli (Ellefson-Soto, Artemis) as a way to perform songs for fans across Europe from his 40+ years as a world renowned recording artist.
12/3 @ Kill Joy in Roma, Italy 12/4 @ Rock N Roll in Rho, Italy 12/5 @ Del Vino in Orchamps- Vennes, France 12/7 @ Music on the Hague in Den Haag, Netherlands 12/8 @ Metropool in Enschede, Netherlands 12/9 @ Iduna, Drachten, Netherlands 12/10 @ Burghof Huhnerstall in Frankfurt, Germany 12/12 @ Stary Dom in Domecko, Poland 12/13 @ The Barrel Venue in Drogheda, Ireland 12/15 @ JS Retro in Nitra, Slovakia 12/18 @ Fest Club in Belgrado, Serbia 12/19 @ Hard Place in Zagabria, Croatia
Support Life And Music has launched the second season of its acclaimed SLAM: Music Survival Guide series, featuring a new round of conversations from across the musical spectrum. The guests include superstars, influencers, industry VIPs, authors, and more! Each show features uplifting talks about mental health in the music life.
Support Life And Music (S.L.A.M.) was founded as a nonprofit in 2025 by veteran journalist, Jack Mangan, to fight back against music industry tragedies from substance misuse, depression, and suicide. S.L.A.M. is saving music lives through storytelling, media, research, expertise, and inspiration.
S.L.A.M. has made a powerful impact in its first 20 months:
Season 1 of the “SLAM: Music Survival Guide” podcast featured 55 episodes of conversations with musicians of all levels, music industry VIPs, authors, and more. Season 2 will be even more exciting, having launched on August 27th with the SLAM Awards episode!
In its first 20 months, S.L.A.M. published 43 articles, essays, reviews, and thinkpieces, including 7 D.R.E.A.M. (Data, Research, Education, Awareness, Music) reports.
S.L.A.M. has had official appearances at numerous in-person events, including Arizona Bike Week, Phoenix International Jazz Festival, MIM’s Celebrate Soul, and more.
Support Life And Music is here to improve musician mental health and seriously reduce music industry tragedies.
The slate of shows in season 2 includes, with more to come:
SLAM Awards
Roddy Bottum (Faith No More)
Jacob Givens (YouTube phenomenon), Alex Skolnick (Testament)
Edith Pageaud (Classical guitar sensation)
Steven Rosen (Author) and Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson) talk Jeff Beck
Alice Wallace (Country musician), Rebecca Downes (Blues musician)
Lips (Anvil)
Brad Cole (Backline)
Todd Michael Hall (Riot)
Jenn Czep, S.C. Mendes, Hal C.F. Astell (Horror/SF Authors)
Dr. Karlheinz Brandenburg (co-inventor of the MP3)
Rory Schmitt (author),Red O’Brien and Eric Laws (Blood Lovely) talk about New Orleans
Watch the Season 2 Trailer:
The SLAM: MSG second season opened with the 2026 SLAM Awards honoring the music industry’s mental health superheroes! This star-studded, blockbuster first-of-its-kind online event features music, presentations, acceptance speeches, and more, paying tribute to music industry stars and VIPs who’ve inspired mental health positivity through advocacy, action, social media, writing, music, and/or just through their own personal stories.
Hosted by superstar Cathy Rankin, the show features speeches from an incredible class of honorees. The full list includes:
Michael Alago (Legendary record label executive and artist. Subject of the acclaimed documentary: “Who the F**k is That Guy?”, author of “I Am Michael Alago.”)
John Bambino (VP Artist Management for In De Goot Entertainment)
Dani Cutler (Scene Mom Says, ex-KWSS Radio DJ)
Rob Halford (Hall of Fame singer for Judas Priest, author of “Confess” and “Biblical”)
Amy Sciarretto (Trendsetting music publicist, founder of Atom Splitter PR)
Darryl “DMC” McDaniels (Rap/Hip-Hop pioneer, author of “Ten Ways to Not Commit Suicide”)
Pamela Parks (Headity Artist Management)
Jason McMaster (Iconic singer from Dangerous Toys, co-host of Talk Louder podcast)
Dr. George Musgrave (aka Context, a Rapper who’s worked with Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, others. He co-wrote a groundbreaking clinical paper on musician mental health)
Dr. Dorian Lamis (Psychologist, author, and professor who co-wrote the clinical paper, “Musicians, the music industry, and suicide: epidemiology, risk factors, and suggested prevention approaches,” with George Musgrave.)
Marc Lopes (Singer with Let Us Prey, ex-Metal Church)
Featuring music videos and performances from:
Chuck Tomasi – Technorama
Garrett James and the Wanderers – Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Center
Jack Mangan – S.L.A.M.
Cathy Rankin
And guest presentations from:
Jose Mangin – SiriusXM
Todd La Torre – Queensryche
Mark Pruett – The Whiskey Network
Michael Stackpole – Author
David Ellefson – Kings of Thrash, ex-Megadeth
Burton C. Bell – Solo artist, ex-Fear Factory
Dobber Beverly – Oceans of Slumber
Ben Wells – Black Stone Cherry
Monte Conner* – Nuclear Blast Records
Evo Terra – Simpler Media
Dr. Sheila Dee – Simpler Media
“Metal Dave” Glessner – Talk Louder
Jonathan Jacobs – Rawkstars
Ari Jacobson – Backline
Hilary Gleason – Backline
Debbie Watson – Nuci’s Place
Rob Dukes – Exodus
*Monte Conner’s testimonial read by Jack Mangan
The host segments were primarily filmed at Technorama Studios, engineered by Chuck Tomasi, with post-production by Vincent Desiderioscioli of YoVinny Productions. The 2026 SLAM Awards Show is sponsored by All Access VIP Adventures.
Watch the 2026 SLAM Awards:
Support Life And Music is here to improve musician mental health and seriously reduce music industry tragedies.
Danish death metal commando BAEST is now launching a brand new video for the song, “In Loathe And Love,” which is taken from their explosive fourth studio album, ‘Colossal,’ which was released last summer via Century Media Records! The clip can be found at THIS LOCATION.
The song is celebrating the completion of the band’s successful summer of live performances as well as the imminent start of their “colossal” next EU/UK tour, which kicks off this weekend! The full itinerary can be found below while tickets can be found HERE.
BAEST guitarist Svend Karlsson says, “One big summer for the books – check out our video for ‘In Loathe And Love,’ a special track from our latest album. We’ll be performing this gem among others on this upcoming tour, and as you see – the shows are mental. Cheers!”
Produced by Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studio (Heaven Shall Burn, The Black Dahlia Murder, The Haunted, etc.), the album contains nine tracks across 42 minutes, including the already released singles “Colossus” and “Imp Of The Perverse,” as well as an upcoming single with guest vocal features by Jesper Binzer of D-A-D on “King Of The Sun.”
‘Colossal’ is now available to order, stream, or download HERE.
BAEST live 2026:
18.09.2026 Copenhagen / Amager Bio (Denmark) – Copenhagen Metal Fest
BAEST + DEADNATE – “Colossal” European and UK Tour:
19.09.2026 Rostock (Germany) – M.A.U. Club 20.09.2026 Berlin (Germany) – Urban Spree 21.09.2026 Dresden (Germany) – HD – Die Rock & Metal Bar 23.09.2026 Prague (Czech Republic) – Modra Vopice 24.09.2026 Budapest (Hungary) – Durer Kert 25.09.2026 Vienna (Austria) – Escape 26.09.2026 Pilsting (Germany) – Metalheadz Village Festival * 27.09.2026 Aarau (Switzerland) – KIFF 29.09.2026 Southampton (UK) – Joiners 30.09.2026 Leeds (UK) – The Key Club 01.10.2026 Glasgow (UK) – The Garage Attic / low tickets 02.10.2026 Belfast (UK) – Ulster Sports Club 03.10.2026 Dublin (Ireland) – Sound House 05.10.2026 Nottingham (UK) – Rough Trade 06.10.2026 Manchester (UK) – Star & Garter 07.10.2026 Birmingham (UK) – The Flapper 08.10.2026 Bristol (UK) – The Croft / low tickets 09.10.2026 London (UK) – Downstairs at the Dome 10.10.2026 Leiden (The Netherlands) – Metal Experience Fest * 11.10.2026 Tilburg (The Netherlands) – Hall of Fame 12.10.2026 Wiesbaden (Germany) – Schlachthof 13.10.2026 Kassel (Germany) – Goldgrube 14.10.2026 Cologne (Germany) – Helios 37 16.10.2026 Kortrijk (Belgium) – DVG Club 17.10.2026 Hamburg (Germany) – Betty
Depraved World (06:04) [WATCH] Total running time: 00:42:27
Are you ready to rock? Something colossal is coming…
Baest are back, with a new sound and a badass attitude. Over the last decade, the Danish quintet have become one of the most celebrated and respected death metal bands in Europe. Their reign of terror began with debut album Danse Macabre, which emerged to great acclaim in 2019. Since then, the Danes have been relentless. Subsequent albums Venenum (2019) and Necro Sapiens (2021) cemented their reputation as extreme metal mavericks with an ear for lethal hooks, while their passionate dedication to playing live enabled them to spread the word at shows and festivals around the world.
But things are slightly changing with album number 4: Colossal. Pieced together in the aftermath of Covid lockdowns, and fine-tuned over the last couple of years, the new Baest album is an absolute monster. The new songs are still rooted in the belligerent death metal that informed previous records, but Colossal represents a wholesale transformation. Inspired by and infused with old school, classic metal riffs and a giant helping of rock ‘n’ roll bombast, Baest have written an album that delights in the glory of heavy metal and the fine art of rocking out. Bursting at the seams with catchy riffs and classy melodies, with stylistic salutes to everyone from Ozzy Osbourne and Dokken, through to Iron Maiden and Whitesnake, this is the magnificent rock ‘n’ roll rebirth of Baest.
“We went on tour with the Krisiun guys a couple of years back, and every soundcheck they were playing ZZ Top songs,” says Baest guitarist Svend Karlsson. “Everyone in the venue was rocking out, you know? So let’s rock! As a band, you have to mature a little and figure out that you have to write songs for yourself, and that way of thinking has brought the best out of us. When we talked to Tue about it, we called it ‘Ozzy death metal’. It’s really exciting to see what people think. We’re looking forward to people hearing this album. We released two singles last year that were in a different direction, but the fans haven’t heard the Dokken stuff yet! [Laughs]”
From the explosive assault of the opening Stormbringer, the new Baest album is an electrifying dose of the good stuff. Produced by the legendary Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studio in Denmark, Colossal never bends to current trends. Instead, this is a thrilling celebration of heavy metal, played with extreme metal intensity. Vocalist Simon Olsen has evolved into a truly formidable frontman, with a vastly expanded array of shouts and growls, and his band mates – Karlsson, guitarist Lasse Revsbech, bassist Mattias Melchiorsen and drummer Sebastian Abildsten – have grown in power and stature. As Karlsson explains, this change of direction was simply about Baest being true to themselves.
“We began the process during Covid, and we found out that we needed to do something that everyone thought was fun,” he states. “Then we tried to zoom in on what makes different songs fun. On the first EP, before we signed to Century Media, there is a lot of melodic rock ‘n’ roll stuff. I think it’s there because we hadn’t learned yet to do more death metal riffs, so those were the riffs that Lasse and I had from our upbringing. This time, we turned back to all of those kinds of riffs, being influenced by Zakk Wylde and Jake E. Lee, Accept, Metallica and all that kind of stuff. We figured that if it’s fun and we enjoy playing it, then it’s going to fit! We finally had the guts to try it, and not to worry about what the death metal fans are going to think.”
Although they may anticipate a backlash from death metal purists, Baest are confident that their evolution will be well received. With songs ranging from the anthemic ‘80s metal fury of the title track, and the brutal rock squall of King Of The Sun (featuring a cameo from D-A-D’s Jesper Binzer), to the progressive, true metal avalanche of epic closer Depraved World, Colossal takes Baest back to the essence of their craft.
“When we wrote Depraved World, that’s a riff from when Lasse was 14 years old,” says Karlsson. “He said, ‘I’ve got this riff!’ and we were like, ‘Let’s do an Iron Maiden death metal song!’ [Laughs] It’s so much fun, because it’s long and so different. The headline for the whole album is that it’s different, it’s catchy, and it’s rock ‘n’ roll. Rock ‘n’ roll vibes, but in the aggressive form of extreme metal. This is our first time working with Tue Madsen, and he’s a no-bullshit kind of guy. He’s been in the industry for so many records and with so many different bands, so he’s like, ‘Fuck what people think! Let’s do what seems fun and what sounds catchy!’”
2024 saw the release of two singles from Colossal: the viciously catchy Imp Of The Perverse, and the aforementioned Colossus. Both were rapturously received, and generated a lot of excitement about Baest’s next move. Now that they have the new music in the can, Svend Karlsson and his comrades are brimming with confidence and commitment to the heavy metal cause. Armed with songs that are guaranteed to send metal crowds into a joyous frenzy, Denmark’s smartest death metal band are perfectly placed to conquer the entire world.
“I think we needed to figure out that we were okay with being a heavy metal band,” Karlsson shrugs. “There are also a lot of progressive elements to the record, that we started developing on the Justitia EP. That’s when we realised that it works live, and people really like the Ozzy riffs! So let’s do some more! We played a new, unreleased song on the last tour. Nobody had heard it before, but instantly everyone started clapping along and jumping and having fun. Everybody wants to party, right?”
BAEST line-up: Svend Karlsson – Rhythm/Lead Guitar Simon Olsen – Vocals Lasse Revsbech – Rhythm/Lead Guitar Sebastian Abildsten – Drums & Percussion Mattias ‘Muddi’ Melchiorsen – Bass
Album Artwork: Solomacello
Production: Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studio
Special Guests: Jesper Binzer of D-A-D on “King Of The Sun” ORM on “Misfortunate Son”
The highly anticipated follow-up to their acclaimed Manual Manic Procedures, 200 STAB WOUNDS‘ eight-track Lowest Form full-length was produced, mixed, and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Cavalera), features artwork by James Bousema (Municipal Waste, Frozen Soul), and finds the band sharpening their signature blend of brutal death metal, massive riffs, and unforgettable hooks through more confident, dynamic songwriting. Rooted in the same old-school brutality that has defined them from the beginning, Lowest Form delivers leaner arrangements, stronger dynamics and a broader sense of atmosphere without sacrificing an ounce of intensity.
Since their arrival, 200 STAB WOUNDS has established themselves as one of the most exciting forces in modern death metal through relentless touring, a powerful live presence, and an unwavering dedication to crafting songs as memorable as they are punishing. With Lowest Form, Steve Buhl (vocals, guitars), Raymond Macdonald (guitars), Todd Thompson (bass), and Owen Pooley (drums) build upon that foundation with their strongest collection of songs yet, balancing relentless aggression with more dynamic pacing, memorable arrangements and a heightened sense of tension that rewards repeat listens.
While the foundation remains unmistakably 200 STAB WOUNDS, Lowest Form reveals a band growing more confident in every aspect of its songwriting. The riffs hit harder because they’re given room to breathe, the pacing shifts naturally between explosive violence and simmering tension and every song carries its own distinct identity while serving the momentum of the record as a whole. Atmospheric synth interludes add texture without overwhelming the guitars, while the spoken-word passage in “Symbolic In Glory” demonstrates the band’s willingness to expand its palette in service of the songs rather than novelty. The result is an album that feels unmistakably rooted in classic death metal while showcasing a band whose songwriting has reached a new level of focus and sophistication.
“We are very excited to finally release Lowest Form to the world,” the band says. “We’ve worked harder on this record than anything else in our lives. We’re really proud of this one, and we hope you guys enjoy it as much as we do. See you somewhere in the world. Here’s to a new chapter.“
That chapter begins with the opening track and lead single “Pangs Of Conscience,” a song that showcases the album’s balance of aggression and introspection. Driven by the band’s trademark ferocity while exploring themes of self-reflection, accountability and personal growth, the track captures the album’s broader songwriting approach, pairing the band’s trademark ferocity with greater dynamic contrast and more introspective lyrical themes. “This song is about entering a point in your life where you find yourself sometimes making mistakes that go against who you really are as a human, and having to find yourself again,” the band explains. “This song is one of the most dynamic musically and lyrically that we’ve done, and we’re really proud of it.”
Lowest Form Track Listing: 01. Pangs of Conscience 02. Wicked Butchery 03. Sweet Suicide 04. Methodically Slaughtered 05. Symbolic in Glory 06. Psychopomp 07. Taste of Betrayal…The Ultimate Consequence 08. Punishment Eternal
200 STAB WOUNDS Live: w/ Maul: 9/17/2026 The Stache – Grand Rapids, MI 9/18/2026 Frankies – Toledo, OH w/ Tribal Gaze, Maul: 9/19/2026 The 58 at Eastside Bowl – Nashville, TN 9/20/2026 Louder than Life – Louisville, KY * Festival Date 9/21/2026 Hoosier Dome – Indianapolis, IN 9/22/2026 Mad Malts Brewing – Huntsville, AL 9/23/2026 Mosey’s Downtown – Panama City, FL 9/24/2026 Masquerade Purgatory – Atlanta, GA 9/26/2026 Iron Horse Saloon – Daytona, FL * Nightshift Party Weekend 9/27/2026 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL 9/28/2026 The Radio Room – Greenville, SC 9/29/2026 Revival Asheville – Asheville, NC 9/30/2026 Ace of Cups – Columbus, OH
w/ Whitechapel, Sylosis, Tribal Gaze: 1/22/2027 Hellraiser – Leipzig, DE 1/23/2027 Batschkapp – Frankfurt am Main, DE 1/24/2027 Trix – Antwerp, BE 1/26/2027 The Academy – Dublin, IE 1/28/2027 SWG3 Galvanizers – Glasgow, GB 1/29/2027 Electric Ballroom – London, GB 1/30/2027 Manchester Academy 2 – Manchester, GB 1/31/2027 O2 Academy – Bristol, GB 2/01/2027 XOYO – Birmingham, GB 2/03/2027 Trabendo – Paris, FR 2/05/2027 Sala Mon Live – Madrid, ES 2/06/2027 Razzmatazz 2 – Barcelona, ES 2/07/2027 Rayonne – Lyon, FR 2/09/2027 Magazzini Generali – Milan, IT 2/10/2027 Z7 Konzertfabrik – Pratteln, CH 2/12/2027 Live Music Hall – Cologne, DE 2/13/2027 Große Freiheit 36 – Hamburg, DE 2/14/2027 Tivoli Vredenburg Ronda – Utrecht, NL 2/16/2027 Roxy – Prague, CZ 2/17/2027 Arena – Vienna, AT 2/19/2027 Backstage – Munich, DE 2/20/2027 Metropol – Berlin, DE 2/21/2027 Amager Bio – Copenhagen, DK 2/23/2027 Rockefeller – Oslo, NO 2/24/2027 Fallan – Stockholm, SE 2/26/2027 Tavara-asema – Tampere, FI 2/27/2027 Aeeniwalli – Helsinki, FI 2/28/2027 Helitehas – Tallinn, EE 3/01/2027 Spelet – Riga, LV 3/02/2027 Progresja – Warsaw, PL
200 STAB WOUNDS: Steve Buhl – vocals, guitars Raymond Macdonald – guitars Todd Thompson – bass Owen Pooley – drums
SEED release their new single “Illuso/Deluded” via Volcano Records, available from September 16, 2026 in two versions, Italian and English. More than a simple linguistic adaptation, the choice broadens the song’s perspective, using two different languages to convey the same sense of unease, alienation and search for identity.
“Illuso/Deluded” is born from the inability to see oneself as part of a system that feels alien and does not belong to us, from the need to escape imposed models and from the desire to assert one’s own difference — a desire that inevitably collides with reality. Musically, the new single confirms SeeD’s identity, built on the impact of grunge and on the combination of the raw power of stoner rock with the intensity of the blues. It is a direct and essential formula, fully consistent with the band’s power-trio nature and with a sonic approach focused above all on immediacy and impact.
Formed in Grosseto in 2020 by guitarist Gabriele Lodovichi and vocalist/bassist Alessandro Rocchi, SeeD began their journey on the Tuscan live circuit, winning the Rock My Life contest in 2022 and reaching the finals of Sanremo Rock 2023 the following year, performing on the stage of the Ariston Theatre. Today, the line-up is completed by drummer Emanuele “Lele” Roma, with the band presenting itself in its most essential configuration: three musicians, few elements and a clearly defined sonic identity.
On September 3, 2026, SeeD officially joined the Volcano Records roster. “Illuso/Deluded” marks the first step in this new phase and opens a path that will include the release of three singles, all leading up to the band’s forthcoming album. With two versions of the same song and a message that retains its full strength regardless of language, “Illuso/Deluded” marks the beginning of a new chapter for SeeD: the same attitude, with an increasingly international outlook.
Last week friday, Swedish metal newcomers XION released their second album „When Stars Collide“ via Fireflash Records. XION’s fresh blend of speed and thrash metal sounds unique, and you can clearly sense the power, dedication, boundless energy and ambition of this young band.
Today, XION reveal a new music video clip for the neckbreaker “Burned Onto You“.
“”When Stars Collide” is a modernized thrash metal album with inspiration from traditional heavy metal. It’s been a tough and long journey to write and record these tracks which is reflected in the final product for the listener to acknowledge. It lyrically takes you to a dark place from top to bottom. As for the music itself, it ranges from high-pitched screams and thundering battery to melancholic melodies and effectful guitar playing”, comments the band.
“When Stars Collide” is available on a CD Jewelcase, phantom purple Vinyl (incl. 4-page insert & signed autograph card), digtal and via Bandcamp with various bundle options, incl. new merchandise.
The quintet was formed in 2022, when some of the members were still under 18, yet they were already playing with the same precision and energy as more established metal bands. Since then, the band from Falun has taken the world by storm. The combination of the members’ young age and their extremely precise and virtuosic musical skills has made XION one of the most interesting and promising newcomers on the Swedish metal scene in many years.
In January 2024, XION released their debut album “Between Shadows and Gods”, produced by Johan Reivén (RAM, HOSTILIA, among others). They performed as the support act for IN FLAMES and the GENE SIMMONS BAND at the legendary “Dalhalla Arena” and played at several festivals, including “Gefle Metal”, “Sweden Rock Festival” and the “Sabaton Cruise”. Their concerts have been highly praised. Sweden Rock Magazine rated one of their live performances 9/10, and their performance at the “Sweden Rock Festival” itself received a rating of 4/5. In 2023, the band also won the “Imagine Sweden” music competition.
In June 2025, XION released the single “Wasteland of Time”, produced by Jonas Arnberg (METHANE, DEMONICAL, among others), who is also producing the band’s upcoming studio album, “When Stars Collide”. This track also convinced Fireflash Records to offer them a record deal.
“When Stars Collide” takes things a step further and showcases the band at their very best. The entire record is packed with surprises and metal anthems that stick in your memory. “This upcoming album consists of tracks we’ve worked on for a very long time and put a lot of effort into,” reveals the band – and every serious metalhead should definitely check out these young, up-and-coming stars. XION is the future!
XION Is: Robin Björk – Vocals Erik Zetterström – Guitars Liam Rådman – Guitars Johan Berg – Bass Algot Brask – Drums
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
