KINGS OF THRASH, featuring David Ellefson and Jeff Young, announced the first leg of their 2023 world tour that begins on February 16 in Joliet, Illinois at The Forge. The THRASHIN’ USA tour will cross the Midwest, East Coast, and southeastern part of the USA through March 15th. Kings of Thrash will be performing the Killing Is My Business…and Business Is Good and So Far, So Good…So What albums in their entirety. KINGS OF THRASH also feature Chaz Leon on vocals and guitar and Fred Aching on drums. Hatriot will be providing support for the tour.
In addition, the band has signed a worldwide deal with Cleopatra Records and will be releasing a live CD/DVD package called Best of the West…Live at the Whisky A Go Go on March 24. The 17-song set was recorded and filmed live during the band’s sold out show at the legendary Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, CA on October 15, 2022 and also features performances with Chris Poland. The DVD was directed by Michael Sarna for Inmotion Entertainment.
WATCH KINGS OF THRASH – THRASHIN’ U.S.A. TOUR PROMO VIDEO – Featuring “LOVED TO DETH” LIVE IN PHOENIX, AZ:
Get your ticketsHERE!VIP packages will be available on all shows. Go HERE for more info.
Kings of Thrash – Best Of The West… Live At The Whisky A Go Go (2 CD + DVD) Pre-Order Preview VideoHERE
Pre-Order Kings of Thrash – Best Of The West – Live At The Whisky A Go Go (2 CD + DVD)HERE
Collector’s Edition Kings of Thrash Best of the West Dark Roast CoffeeHERE Official Kings of Thrash merchandise can be foundHERE
KINGS OF THRASH ON TOUR: 2/16 — Joliet, IL — The Forge 2/17 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater 2/19 — Madison, WI — Majestic Theatre 2/20 — Indianapolis, IN — The Vogue 2/21 — Columbia, MO — Blue Note 2/22 — Columbus, OH — King Of Clubs 2/24 — Flint, MI — The Machine Shop 2/25 — Cincinnati, OH — Legends Bar And Venue 2/27 — Cleveland, OH — Beachland Ballroom And Tavern 2/28 — Warrendale, PA — Jergels 3/1 — Buffalo, NY — Town Ballroom 3/3 — Poughkeepsie, NY — The Chance 3/4 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom 3/5 — Harrisburg, PA — Midtown Arts Center 3/7 — Ardmore, PA — Ardmore Music Hall 3/8 — New York, NY — Gramercy Theatre 3/10 — Charlottesville, VA — Jefferson Theatre 3/11 — Greensboro, NC — Hangar 1819 3/12 — Asheville, NC — The Orange Peel 3/14 — Charleston, SC — Music Farm 3/15 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade (Hell)
LIV KRISTINE will release her new studio album “River Of Diamonds” on April 21st via Metalville Records.
„River Of Diamonds”, the sixth solo album by the queen of Scandinavian Gothic Metal, continues on the path set by the EP “Have Courage Dear Heart” ( 2021), which received great international acclaim.
All tracks on the new album were composed by Liv’s long-time friend Tommy Olsson (Theatre of Tragedy, Long Night) at his Black Rider Records studio in Tau, near Liv Kristine’s birthplace of Stavanger in Norway.
Carefully spending time with the compositions that kept coming out of Tommy’s studio in 2021 and 2022 felt just right, like a yin-yang experience: music & pre-mix (Tommy O.), own lyrics and melodies, the finishing touches (mix & master by Eroc) and visuals (photos by M. Rohbach) merged into exactly the album Liv Kristine had passionately longed for.
“Our Immortal Day” is a duet with the incomparable singer Østen Bergøy (Long Night, Tristania). “I just love that Sisters of Mercy feeling” (Liv about the song).
Fernando (Moonspell) lifted the title track “River of Diamonds” to a new, magical level. Liv Kristine’s sister Carmen Elise Espenæs (Savn, Midnattsol) appears as an exceptional duet partner on the faster track “Love Me High”. In addition, Liv’s husband, Michael Espenæs is the voice behind the highly emotional male vocals on Jon Lord’s masterpiece “Pictured Within”. Another cover, “True Colours” (Cindy Lauper), was beautifully re-recorded by Ecor (Rocco Cogliati) with keyboards and piano.
“Each song follows a path of strong authenticity and unbound creativity, which is my innermost and first criterion since “Theatre Of Tragedy” (1995), “Deus Ex Machina” (1998) and “Lovelorn” (Leaves’ Eyes). The lifeline that flows through all twelve compositions unveils a heart-based personal path, a sense of deeper truth and a soul vision of pure bliss consciousness – an eternal river of diamonds.” (Liv Kristine)
TRACK LISTING
Our immortal Day
No Makeup
Maligna
Gravity
In Your Blue Eyes
River of Diamonds
Pictured Within
Shaolin Me
Love Me High
Serenity
If I am Dreaming
True Colours
LINE UP All instruments (except Pictured Within & True Colours): Tommy Olsson Vocals: Liv Kristine Espenæs
BYRON return from hibernation with a new single “Sometimes Dead Is Better”. The Finnish heavy metal band, which mixes its eclectic sound from NWOBHM to doom metal and back again to occult rock and doom, was formed in 2019 and consists of long-term, competent musicians whose history lies in doom and black metal, as in hard rock and other styles of metal.
Once again moving thematically in Stephen King‘s realms, based on the “Pet Sematary” novel (or – to be precise – the 2019 movie remake), the band’s sound steps deeper in black waters of melodic doom, not forgetting the rolling Byronic metal.
“Grief. Loss. Insanity. Those were the themes I needed to deal in composing this song” Says Johannes Lahti “December 2nd 2022 marked the first anniversary of my father’s sudden death, and few days later, Dec 6th has been a year since Johanna’s father passed away. Both were unexpected deaths and we’ve had to deal some heavy personal feelings of losing someone very close.
Life is fragile, and sorrow of loss can make you question your sanity, as in the Stephen King’s novel. But in the end, it’s selfish to wish someone come back to life. Death finishes a lifespan and completes one’s story of life, growing into a loving memory at best. In this way, sometimes dead is better.”
Give ear to the new single out now, teasing the upcoming and highly anticipated full-length out during 2023 on The Goatmancer Records:
Eclectic hard rock band THE LUCID, which features vocalist Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge), actor/guitarist Drew Fortier, bassist David Ellefson, and drummer/producer Mike Heller have once again joined forces with legendary underground rap icon Violent J (Insane Clown Posse) for a re-imagining of Faith No More’s “Epic” titled “Sweet Toof”.
“Sweet Toof” is the band’s fourth and final single from their upcoming E.P., Saddle Up and Ride, due out digitally January 27th from SpoilerHead Records. CD, Vinyl, and signed copies are available via Limited Edition pre-order bundles that will ship at a later date.
Violent J states, “Man quit playin’! It’s been an absolute honor and a privilege working with The Lucid! Being included among such monster talented and unbelievably cool people has been easily one of the highlights of my career so far. That’s the absolute truth. Listen to it! Who the fuck can deny THE BEASTLY results? We KING KONG ’em!”
The Lucid guitarist Drew Fortier states, “It has been such a fun, creative, and organic journey getting to this point with The Lucid. We are all very proud of what we have created together, especially with it being a completely independent endeavor.”
Fortier continues, “We love the Faith No More guys and their body of work and knew the perfect way to cap off our E.P. was doing a re-imagining of ‘Epic’ along with Vinnie and Violent J’s twisted, and wonderful approach.”
From the ferocious vitriolic sonic assault of the title track, “Saddle Up and Ride”, to the epic off the wall and out of left field, “Sweet Toof”, Saddle Up and Ride showcases The Lucid feeding into their eccentric tastes spanning across Thrash, Country, Rap, Radio Rock, Metal, and Funk.
Violent J, one half of the legendary rap duo, Insane Clown Posse, is featured on the E.P.’s title track, “Saddle Up and Ride” as well as the album closer “Sweet Toof”. Violent J has a solo album titled Bloody Sunday due out in 2023.
Listen to the “Sweet Toof” single featuring Violent J right here:
The E.P. features artwork by Alex Sarabia and was produced by Mike Heller and mixed/mastered by Lasse Lammert.
Saddle Up and Ride track listing:
Deep Country
Saddle Up and Ride (Featuring Violent J)
Mumps
Risk Machine
Sweet Toof (Featuring Violent J)
The Lucid began in mid 2020 as an idea between frequent collaborators Drew Fortier and Mike Heller which led to David Ellefson (ex Megadeth) jumping on board on bass along with vocalist Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge) rounding out the lineup resulting in their debut self-titled album which featured 9 heavy hitting and emotionally charged tracks showcasing this eclectic quartet’s unique sonic approach. To promote the album, 3 music videos were released, the Fortier directed “Deaths of Despair”, “Maskronaut” directed by Michael Sarna, and “Hair” which was directed by Hannah Fierman and has gone on to win multiple awards from various film festivals.
America’s preeminent progressive rock band, KANSAS, will be touring 50 select North American cities to celebrate the band’s 50th Anniversary. KANSAS 50th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in the Road will showcase music spanning all 50 years of the band’s illustrious history. The tour will showcase two hours of hits, fan favorites, and deep cuts rarely performed live.
KANSAS 50th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in the Road is scheduled to premiere on June 2, 2023 in Pittsburgh, PA and conclude on January 28, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Tickets and KANSAS VIP Packages for most dates go on sale to the public Friday, January 27, 2023. Ticket information can be found at www.kansasband.com & https://bnds.us/7g0lja.
American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets in select markets before the general public beginning Tuesday, January 24 at 10am local time through Thursday, January 26 at 10pm local time.
KANSAS fan club followers can also purchase tickets before the general public beginning Tuesday, January 24 at 10am local time through Thursday, January 26 at 10pm local time.
In 1973, the “garage band” from Topeka was discovered by Wally Gold, signed by Don Kirshner, and released their debut album in 1974. KANSAS has gone on to compile a catalogue that includes sixteen studio albums and five live albums. KANSAS has produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-Platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point of Know Return, Best of KANSAS), one platinum live album (Two for the Show), one quadruple-Platinum single ‘Carry On Wayward Son,’ and another triple-Platinum single ‘Dust in the Wind.’ Most recently, KANSAS has released two Billboard charting albums with 2016’s The Prelude Implicit and 2020’s The Absence of Presence.
“Our entire career has been a winding journey,” comments KANSAS guitarist and original member Richard Williams. “Whether it’s been the ‘original’ lineup signing with Don Kirshner, years on the bus, touring with Queen, worldwide success peaking with Leftoverture & Point of Know Return, the valleys of the 90’s and ‘dinosaur bands’ losing steam, various lineup changes, to our most recent ‘rebirth’ and success of our latest new music over the last eight years; there have been several forks in the road of that journey. This 50th Anniversary Tour and release will represent that journey and the forks along that road.”
To further celebrate the band’s 50th Anniversary, InsideOutMusic has released Another Fork in the Road – 50 Years of KANSAS. The 3-CD career-spanning collection features carefully selected tracks from across KANSAS’s sizable discography. It also includes a new version of the song ‘Can I Tell You.’ Originally released on their 1974 debut album, the song is updated by the current lineup. Another Fork in the Road – 50 Years of KANSAS is available now. Fans can order it here – https://kansas.lnk.to/AnotherForkInTheRoad-50YearsOfKansas
“I’m incredibly excited about the 50th Anniversary Tour,” adds lead vocalist Ronnie Platt. “I tell people I’m not allowed to create a setlist, because it would be five hours long. There are so many songs I want to perform live. I think fans will be excited not only to hear our hits and fan favorites spanning 50 years of KANSAS, but also some songs that haven’t been performed live in decades.”
KANSAS is currently comprised of original drummer Phil Ehart, bassist/vocalist Billy Greer, vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale, keyboardist/vocalist Tom Brislin, and original guitarist Richard Williams. With no signs of slowing down, KANSAS continues to perform in front of large and enthusiastic audiences.
KANSAS is set to perform its “KANSAS Classics” set during concert dates in March, April, and May of 2023.
KANSAS 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR – ANOTHER FORK IN THE ROAD CONFIRMED DATES*:
DATE – CITY – VENUE June 2, 2023 Pittsburgh, PA Benedum Center for the Performing Arts June 3, 2023 Baltimore, MD The Lyric Baltimore June 9, 2023 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre June 10, 2023 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre June 16, 2023 Fort Wayne, IN Embassy Theatre June 17, 2023 Detroit, MI Fisher Theatre June 29, 2023 Toronto, ON Massey Hall July 1, 2023 Rochester, NY Kodak Center July 7, 2023 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre July 8, 2023 Indianapolis, IN Clowes Memorial Hall July 14, 2023 Minneapolis, MN State Theatre July 15, 2023 Chicago, IL The Chicago Theatre July 21, 2023 Wausau, WI The Grand Theater July 22, 2023 Milwaukee, WI The Riverside Theater July 27, 2023 Kansas City, MO The Midland Theatre July 29, 2023 St. Louis, MO The Fabulous Fox Theatre August 4, 2023 Des Moines, IA Hoyt Sherman Place August 5, 2023 Omaha, NE Orpheum Theater August 18, 2023 Knoxville, TN Tennessee Theatre August 19, 2023 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium August 25, 2023 Denver, CO The Paramount Theatre August 26, 2023 Salt Lake City, UT Eccles Theater September 6, 2023 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre September 8, 2023 Seattle, WA The Paramount Theater September 9, 2023 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall September 12, 2023 Boise, ID Morrison Center for the Performing Arts September 14, 2023 San Francisco, CA Golden Gate Theatre September 16, 2023 Los Angeles, CA The Orpheum Theatre September 17, 2023 San Diego, CA Balboa Theatre September 20, 2023 To Be Announced September 22, 2023 Albuquerque, NM Kiva Auditorium September 24, 2023 El Paso, TX The Plaza Theatre October 12, 2023 Worcester, MA The Hanover Theatre October 13, 2023 Brookville, NY Tilles Center for the Performing Arts October 20, 2023 San Antonio, TX Tobin Center for the Performing Arts October 21, 2023 Sugar Land, TX Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land October 26, 2023 Huntsville, AL Von Braun Center – Mark C. Smith Concert Hall October 27, 2023 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theatre November 3, 2023 Charlotte, NC Ovens Auditorium November 4, 2023 Durham, NC Durham Performing Arts Center December 1, 2023 Savannah, GA Johnny Mercer Theatre December 2, 2023 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre January 12, 2024 Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre January 13, 2024 North Charleston, SC North Charleston Performing Arts Center January 19, 2024 Fort Myers, FL Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall January 20, 2024 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall January 27, 2024 Melbourne, FL Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts January 28, 2024 Fort Lauderdale, FL Broward Center for the Performing Arts
*Two additional dates to be announced
KANSAS CLASSICS TOUR DATES**: DATE CITY VENUE March 11, 2023 Tampa, FL Busch Gardens March 17, 2023 Shawnee, OK Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center March 23, 2023 Winterhaven, CA Quechan Casino March 24, 2023 Pala, CA Pala Casino March 25, 2023 Queen Creek, AZ The Good Life Festival April 1, 2023 Lincoln, CA Thunder Valley Casino Resort with Blue Oyster Cult April 20, 2023 Marion, IL Marion Cultural & Civic Center April 22, 2023 Forrest City, AR EACC Fine Arts Center May 19, 2023 Decatur, IL The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater May 21, 2023 Louisville, KY Iroquois Amphitheater
HELLRIPPER‘s new single, and title track of the upcoming album ‘Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags’ is out now!
On the release of the new single “Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags” – the title track from the forthcoming album James McBain comments “ this song is definitely the farthest I’ve gone away from the usual “Hellripper sound” with it being a more mid-paced track than what I’ve done previously. The lyrics to this track (and the song title) are primarily inspired by Robert Burns’ ‘Address to the Deil’ and reference the poem quite a bit (as well as other works of Burns), though where the poem kind of downplays and mocks the Devil, I wanted to switch the point of view and insert a few nods to the treacherous Scottish landscapes and mythical creatures – with nature being the Devil’s Church. For the first time in Hellripper’s music, you will hear the sound of bagpipes in the latter part of the song which also ties in with the lyrical theme.”
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
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