What do executives from iconic American guitar brands Fender, Gibson, Taylor, D’Angelico, and Martin Guitars’ legendary builder Dick Boak have in common with former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and former Assistant Attorney General Harry Litman?
And what do four of the world’s most influential online guitar teachers—Marty Schwartz (USA), Justin Sandercoe (UK), Tyler Larson (USA), and Charlie Wallace (New Zealand)—share with distinguished academics, a neuroscientist, a CNN medical analyst, and owners of some of the most iconic guitar shops in the U.S. and U.K.?
The answer is String Theory: Guitar Obsessed, a feature-length documentary that explores the passion, psychology, culture, and obsession behind the guitar—told by legends, innovators, and some truly unexpected voices.
Directed by 2x Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Jarett Bellucci and created alongside comedian and writer Randy Levin, String Theory: Guitar Obsessed takes a humorous yet reverent look at why the guitar continues to shape lives across generations, professions, and continents.
FROM PASSION PROJECT TO FEATURE FILM
Bellucci and Levin first met in the spring of 2022 while working on a television commercial. Bonding immediately over their shared love of guitar, Levin soon pitched Bellucci the idea for a small documentary. Initially envisioned as a 10–15 minute YouTube video, the project quickly grew beyond expectations.
Within just nine weeks, and with no prior documentary experience or industry contacts, Levin successfully reached and scheduled interviews with 20 high-profile figures, each eager to share their relationship with the guitar. Bellucci—who has spent 25 years in the industry—recognized something rare unfolding.
In total, 24 distinguished voices ultimately joined the film, transforming String Theory: Guitar Obsessed into a full-length documentary driven entirely by genuine passion for the instrument.
RELEASE & AVAILABILITY
String Theory: Guitar Obsessed premiered on Amazon Prime and is currently featured on SPIN Magazine’s SpinTV. The filmmakers made the decision to release the film free and worldwide on YouTube, where it has already surpassed 3,700 views organically.
The documentary is now available to watch: –Streaming on Amazon Prime –Featured on SPIN Magazine’s SpinTV –FREE worldwide on YouTube
MYSTFALL will release the new album “Embers Of A Dying World” on March 20 through Scarlet Records.
The second studio album of the Greek symphonic metal ensemble, led by the extraordinary voice of soprano singer Marialena Trikoglou, will seduce the listener and take him to a journey in a world of dark and dreamy cinematic atmospheres.
“Embers Of A Dying World” depicts an alternative dimension where dreams are alive and fighting with nightmares to keep the human spirit intact. The main concept of the album is about the consequences of every person’s actions on Earth, and each song is a story yet untold.
What will remain on this planet if we keep destroying everything around us? How could we survive the ordeal? Is there hope for a better future? Find the answers and feel the emotions through the tracklist of this majestic symphonic metal opera.
artowrk by Giannis Nakos/Remedy Art Design
Produced, mixed and mastered by Dionisis Christodoulatos (Sorrowful Angels) at CFN Recondings Studios, and illustrated by the mighty Giannis Nakos/Remedy Art Design (Kamelot, Amaranthe, Evergrey),“Embers Of A Dying World” will be released in the following formats: digipak CD, digital
“Embers Of A Dying World” tracklist:
1 Whispers In The Tempest 2 Embers Of A Dying World 3 Guardians Of The Earth 4 The Nectar And The Pain 5 Sleeper In The Abyss 6 Fading Memories 7 Crimson Dawn 8 Cosmic Legends 9 Echoes Of Archadia 10 Remnants Of Tomorrow
Total running time – 38:20
FFO: Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation, Xandria, Two Steps From Hell
The band comments: “The themes of the songs on EP are not the easiest to grasp, but they are extremely important! I have always wanted to write about my own experiences and the things happening around me, especially the negative things and mental struggles. It’s kind of therapeutic to get the words down on paper first and then shout these themes out as loud as I can, maybe that’s my way of dealing with difficult things.
The process itself was very exciting. We did the recordings ourselves for the first time and got the necessary equipment for it. It wasn’t the easiest way to do it, but we’re happy with the result. There is always room for improvement, and that drives us forward. We want to learn new things and get better at these things too. Most of the actual recording was done by our guitarist Joni, and we owe him a big thank you for his time, effort, and perseverance in the name of “creativity.”
Next, we will focus on gigging, as long as we are blessed with gigs, and on writing new songs. Our goal is to make a whole album, which we also intend to record ourselves. The schedule is not rushed, so don’t hold your breath just yet. Making the EP was a great process, we got what we wanted out of it and learned a lot through the process!“
Track list:
Shockwave
Vortex
Rise Above
Taste of Hatred
–Composed by Joni Kärsämä, Juho Mattila, Saku Hirvimäki, Sami Keränen –Lyrics by Ville Lehtoranta –Arranged by Krushor –EP cover by Joni Kärsämä
The band found its current identity through shared musical tastes, playing together, and a shared hobby. We are a group of people who enjoy making and playing music that works for all of us. A big part of this is that composing, writing lyrics, and editing songs is open to everyone. All songs and compositions are created by the whole group, not based on one person’s vision or goal.
Our influences definitely come from older metal, but that doesn’t matter, because mixing genres actually adds a lot to our music; there’s no one right way to do things. Krushor’s goal is to make music that sounds good and at the same time talk about the difficult things that are part of life. For many people, music can be therapeutic, and if even one person feels that way about our music, we feel we have succeeded.
Line-up: Ville Lehtoranta – Vocals Joni Kärsämä – Guitar Juho Mattila – Guitar Sami Keränen – Bass Saku Hirvimäki – Drums
Joe Bonamassa returns today with Vol. V of B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100, unveiling the final five songs to be released ahead of the full album’s arrival on February 6th. Out now via KTBA Records, this latest instalment completes the monthly rollout of the landmark centennial tribute, bringing together a powerful group of vocalists and musicians to honour the enduring legacy of B.B. King.
The release follows a wave of national attention for the project, including a recent CBS Mornings feature that explored Bonamassa’s personal history with King alongside the making of Blues Summit 100. Esquire featured the album in its list of the Most Anticipated Albums of 2026, alongside releases by The Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, Mumford & Sons, Lana Del Rey, Madonna, and more.
The new volume features “Three O’Clock Blues” feat. Marc Broussard & Josh Smith, “How Blue Can You Get” feat. Warren Haynes, “Ghetto Woman” feat. Ivan Neville, and “Never Make A Move Too Soon” feat. Dion and “When My Heart Beats Like A Hammer” feat. Dannielle De Andrea. Together, the tracks spotlight King’s unmatched vocal catalogue and emotional range, pairing timeless material with artists deeply connected to the spirit of the blues.
Leading the release is “Three O’Clock Blues,” B.B. King’s first ever single, reimagined here with Marc Broussard. “Marc is one of those dudes that can sing the phone book,” says producer Josh Smith. “When we tracked this song, I immediately thought he would kill it. It was BB’s first ever single and the original vocal is out of sight. It had to be a world class singer to pull it off!!!”
On “When My Heart Beats Like A Hammer,” Dannielle De Andrea delivers a commanding performance on one of King’s most demanding vocals. “Dannielle besides being a world class human is just a world class singer,” Smith says. “This is another amazing B.B. vocals that needed an amazing singer to do it justice. The band is crushing on this track as well.”
“How Blue Can You Get,” famously captured on Live at the Regal, finds Warren Haynes stepping into one of the most revered moments in King’s catalog. “This song and the Live at The Regal version is a pillar of B.B.’s catalog,” Smith explains. “We needed someone serious to pull it off and Warren is that guy. Warren is one of the most talented and one of the kindest artists in the business without a doubt. He was so excited to do this track, and it shows in the performance. A pure joy!!”
Ivan Neville brings emotional weight and restraint to “Ghetto Woman,” a song whose subject matter remains as resonant today as when King first recorded it. “Ivan Neville is a true master,” says Smith. “His vocal here on one of B.B. ‘s greatest songs it is so emotional. Again, the subject matter is so impactful that it requires someone who can really convey those emotions. It honestly may be my favorite track. The mix is incredible and Lemar’s drum track is amazing.”
The volume closes with “Never Make A Move Too Soon,” featuring Dion, whose lifelong connection to the blues shaped his approach to the song. “What more can be said about Dion? He’s a true legend,” Smith says. “He requested this as his all-time favorite B.B. song. It’s such a classic track with such a great vibe. Love the crowd noise and percussion and Joe’s solo and Marc Douthit’s sax solo are so great.”
Photo credit: TT News Agency – Alamy
Produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100 was created with the full support of the Estate of B.B. King and The B.B. King Music Company. The project brings together an intergenerational cast of artists, each invited to interpret a song that held personal meaning for them, resulting in a wide-ranging portrait of King’s influence across blues, rock, soul, and beyond.
Across its four volumes, the album features more than thirty guest artists, including Buddy Guy, Gary Clark Jr., Keb’ Mo’, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Michael McDonald, Shemekia Copeland, Slash, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Marcus King, Larkin Poe, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Paul Rodgers, Aloe Blacc, and many others. The album’s title nods to King’s Grammy-winning 1993 release Blues Summit, reflecting the same collaborative spirit on an expanded scale.
The project is rooted in Bonamassa’s own history with B.B. King, who first invited him on tour when he was just 12 years old. That early mentorship left a lasting impression and shaped Bonamassa’s approach to both music and community.
While Vol. V completes the pre-release rollout, the full album will also feature previously unreleased recordings, including the highly anticipated collaboration on “The Thrill Is Gone” with Eric Clapton and Chaka Khan, along with additional tracks that have yet to be revealed. The 32-track album will be released digitally, as a double CD, and as a triple LP vinyl (180-gram) set on February 6th, 2026.
The release arrives as Bonamassa continues an active global touring schedule. His 2026 U.S. Spring Tour launches this February, followed by a major European run highlighted by two nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall. A newly announced U.S. Summer Tour will bring Bonamassa to amphitheaters nationwide, with select dates featuring Gov’t Mule, JJ Grey & Mofro, and D.K. Harrell. Full tour details and ticket information are available at jbonamassa.com/tour-dates.
B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100 – Full Tracklist
Disc 1: 1. Paying The Cost To Be The Boss feat. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram 2. Don’t Answer The Door feat. Marcus King 3. To Know You Is To Love You feat. Michael McDonald, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks 4. Let The Good Times Roll feat. Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Noah Hunt 5. Sweet Little Angel feat. Buddy Guy 6. When It All Comes Down (I’ll Still Be Around) feat. Larry McCray 7. When Love Comes To Town feat. Slash, Shemekia Copeland & Myles Kennedy 8. The Thrill Is Gone feat. Chaka Kahn &Eric Clapton 9. Watch Yourself feat. Jimmie Vaughan 10. Why I Sing The Blues feat. Bobby Rush 11. Sweet Sixteen feat. Jimmy Hall & Larry Carlton 12. Don’t You Want A Man Like Me feat. Larkin Poe 13. I’ll Survive feat. Keb’ Mo’ 14. Heartbreaker feat. Trombone Shorty & Eric Gales 15. There Must Be A Better World Somewhere feat. George Benson 16. Chains And Things feat. Gary Clark Jr.
Disc 2: 1. How Blue Can You Get feat. Warren Haynes 2.. You Upset Me Baby feat. Chris Cain 3. Ghetto Woman feat. Ivan Neville 4. Night Life feat. Paul Rodgers 5. Ain’t Nobody Home feat. Jade MacRae & Robben Ford 6. Bad Case Of Love feat. Joanne Shaw Taylor 7. Never Make A Move Too Soon feat. Dion 8. Three O’Clock Blues feat. Marc Broussard 9. Think It Over feat. Train & Chris Buck 10. It’s My Own Fault feat. Kim Wilson 11. Every Day I Have The Blues feat. D.K. Harrell 12. Please Accept My Love feat. John Nemeth 13. So Excited feat. Aloe Blacc 14. When My Heart Beats Like A Hammer feat. Dannielle De Andrea 15. Playin’ With My Friends 16. Better Not Look Down feat. Kirk Fletcher
U.S. SPRING TOUR 2026 February 21 – South Bend, IN – The Morris Performing Arts Center February 23 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Paramount Theatre February 25 – Madison, WI – Overture Center for the Arts February 27 – Peoria, IL – Prairie Home Alliance Theater February 28 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre March 2 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts March 4 – Springfield, MA – Springfield Symphony Hall March 6 – Westbury, NY – Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair March 7 – Pittsburgh, PA – Benedum Center March 8 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center for the Arts March 10 – Reading, PA – Santander Performing Arts Center March 11 – Virginia Beach, VA – Sandler Center March 13 – Durham, NC – DPAC March 14 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena March 17 – Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Auditorium March 19 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall March 20 – Macon, GA – Atrium Health Amphitheater w/ special guest Christone “Kingfish” Ingram March 21 – Clearwater, FL – The BayCare Sound w/ special guest Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
March 25-29, 2026 – Miami, FL – Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea XI April 10-12, 2026 – Miramar Beach, FL – Sound Wave Beach Weekend
U.S. SUMMER TOUR 2026 June 26 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts w/ special guest JJ Grey & Mofro & D.K. Harrell June 27 – Atlantic City, NJ – Ocean Casino Resort June 28 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts Center July 29 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap w/ Gov’t Mule July 31 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater w/ Gov’t Mule August 1 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion w/ Gov’t Mule August 3 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent August 5 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater w/ special guest JJ Grey & Mofro August 7 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion August 8 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion w/ Gov’t Mule August 9 – Youngstown, OH – The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre w/ Gov’t Mule August 12 – Highland Park, IL – Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL August 14 – Interlochen, MI – Kresge Auditorium w/Gov’t Mule August 15 – Welch, MN – Treasure Island Resort & Casino w/ Gov’t Mule August 16 – Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Theater w/ Gov’t Mule August 19 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Civic Center August 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater August 23 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
ABOUT JOE BONAMASSA Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performing musicians of today. As a five-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and 15x Blues Music Award Nominee (4-time winner), he achieved his 29th No.1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with his highly acclaimed 17th studio album Breakthrough, which has been described as his most adventurous and genre-defying album to date. Only in his 40s, Bonamassa has become a living legend with an astounding multi-genre catalog. He has released more than 50 albums, including studio and live recordings, as well as collaborative albums with his adventurous side projects: Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Funk Party.
A prolific writer who is always on the hunt to expand his eclectic musical horizons, Bonamassa has a limitless work ethic, whether it’s in the studio, on the road, or working with other artists to spur new music. In recent years, he has produced an immense number of albums including Joanne Shaw Taylor, Marc Broussard, Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall, Robert Jon & The Wreck and others for his independent labels Journeyman Records and KTBA Records, and has also launched Journeyman LLC, a full-service artist management, record label, concert promotion, and marketing company that builds awareness for independent artists worldwide. Visit http://www.jbonamassa.com for more information.
The moment has finally arrived. Yesterday, January 9th, 2026, WALLS OF BABYLON officially released their new album “Aeons Apart”, marking a crucial turning point in the band’s career and opening a powerful, mature, and deeply ambitious new chapter in their musical journey.
After the devastating impact of “Fallen” (Wanikiya Record)—the album that established Walls of Babylon on the international metal scene thanks to its dark and visionary concept—the band returns with a work that is not merely an evolution, but a true artistic statement.
“AEONS APART”: A JOURNEY BEYOND TIME, BEYOND MAN Aeons Apart is an album that digs deep, both musically and conceptually. The title itself evokes temporal distances, inner fractures, eras that drift apart and collide. It tells the story of a fragmented humanity, suspended between memory, awareness, and loss—between what has been and what can never be again.
Musically, Walls of Babylon push their identity toward new horizons, maintaining a solid power progressive metal foundation while enriching it with:
more intricate structures
epic and dark atmospheres
modern, cinematic arrangements
even more mature and conscious songwriting
The result is a massive, dynamic, and immersive album, capable of shifting from sheer metal aggression to introspective, solemn passages charged with emotional tension.
A MATURE SOUND, A DEFINITIVE VISION If “Fallen” represented the collapse of humanity, “Aeons Apart” explores its consequences: isolation, distance, awareness, and the cyclical nature of time. Each track is a piece of a larger mosaic, designed to be experienced as a complete journey from beginning to end.
The production is modern, powerful, and detailed, enhancing every nuance:
sharp, monumental riffs
solid and precise rhythm sections
intense, expressive vocal lines filled with pathos
OVER TEN YEARS IN THE SCENE, STRONGER THAN EVER Formed at the end of 2013, Walls of Babylon have built a coherent and recognizable path over time, driven by dedication, research, and constant growth.
Their discography tells a clear and determined evolution:
2015 – The Dark Embrace: a dark and melodic debut laying the foundations of their style.
2018 – A Portrait Of Memories (Revalve Records): the first international step, with a more complex and structured sound.
2020 – Fallen (Wanikiya Record): the concept album that definitively established the band.
2026 – Aeons Apart (Wanikiya Record): full artistic maturity.
CURRENT LINE-UP Valerio Gaoni – Vocals Fabiano Pietrini – Guitar Francesco Pellegrini – Lead Guitar Matteo Carovana – Bass Marco Barbarossa – Drums
Wormholedeath is proud to welcome Malta’s rising alternative metal/rock trio, From Sheep To Wolves. The band, known for its unpredictable blend of heavy breakdowns and electronic beats, will unleash their ambitious new full-length album, “Ephemeris,” worldwide on February 27, 2026.
Formed in 2015 by founding members Carlo Cranmer and John Castiel, From Sheep To Wolves quickly transitioned from a production-driven project to an unavoidable live act thanks to overwhelming fan response. The band has since cultivated a sound that is as versatile as it is visceral, ensuring listeners “never know what to expect.” This unpredictable sonic approach is consistently grounded by a commitment to delivering a strong message fueled by heart and soul.
“Ephemeris”: A Musical Diary of Perseverance
The upcoming album, Ephemeris—a word meaning “journal”—is positioned as a deeply personal and immersive journey into self-discovery. Crafted with contributions from both current and former members, the album serves as a raw and honest look at navigating life’s most profound obstacles.
The lyrics are a direct reflection of personal experiences, documenting encounters and emotions faced during the writing process. Sonically and lyrically, the album moves through a complete spectrum of feelings, from struggle and pain to eventual growth and hope, ultimately documenting the relentless journey of striving for self-betterment. Ephemeris is a powerful musical diary that promises to resonate with anyone striving to persevere.
Tracklist
Ephemeris
The Climb
Rejection
Indifference
Submission
Electrify
Hollow
Acceptance
Reminiscent
Denial
To get a first taste of their world, revisit the band’s official video “Submission”:
Line up: Carlo Cranmer: Vocals & Guitars Julio Quintero: Drums Carl Cassar: Bass
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 ) 