BEYOND THE GATES 2026 Reveals First Wave of Bands

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 11, 2025
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Beyond the Gates is now pleased to announce the first batch of bands for the 2026 edition, Chapter XIV!

The festival welcomes back the mighty Emperor, who will do a very special set featuring former members, Mortiis and Faust. Emperor is – as everyone knows – one of the most influential acts to ever emerge from Norway and has taken atmospheric black metal to heights no one ever would have dared dream of. Fans will have a special opportunity to return to the roots with them when they hit the stage in the iconic Grieghallen, where Emperor recorded their influential debut 1994 album, ‘In the Nightside Eclipse’ (1994) as well as their seminal 1997 opus, ‘Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk.’ 

Along with fellow Norwegians, 1349, Arcturus, and Misotheist, and returning Imha Tarikat and The Ruins of Beverast, the northerners will be joined by a vast selection of underground talent – which this first announcement to a large extent is focused on. Spectral Wound, Warning, Forteresse, Sulphur Aeon and Concrete Winds will all make their debut at Beyond the Gates next year. 

Buckle up as this is just the start!

The first wave of bands is now as follows with many more TBA!

Emperor ft. Mortiis and Faust
1349
Arcturus
The Ruins of Beverast
Spectral Wound
Warning
Forteresse
Misotheis
Imha Tarikat
Sulphur Aeon
Concrete Winds

Tickets and passes are now available HERE.

In addition, Beyond the Gates has launched a December campaign in which fans can enter to win a chance at a free hotel packages and other prizes! To enter the draw, buy your festival pass before December 31, 2025!

“As a festival, Beyond the Gates is immediately lovable. Bergen is intrinsically part of that embrace… Sure, Norway’s expensive, but seeing the best bands out there, taking in a Tolkienesque fjord or two, pilgrimaging to Fantoft church, hitting up Gaahl’s art gallery (Galleri Fjalar) nestled in the quaint houses at Bryggen while Freyr gleefully and continually pisses rain on you from the heavens? All worth its weight in hordes of kroner.” – Decibel Magazine, December 2022 issue

Since the inception of the Beyond the Gates festival, fans have been coming to Bergen to see performances of their favorite Norwegian artists in their home environment. As most visitors know, nature and local culture has always been a poignant source of inspiration for the bands emerging from the Bergen scene. Yet again, Beyond the Gates will give all of the traveling fans the opportunity to get an unique insight into all aspects of the Norwegian Metal scene and the local culture in general. In that regard, we’re putting together a series of events before and during the festival so that all of you can discover what inspired – and still does – the Norwegian metal scene.

More special events will be announced, including exclusive listening parties, music and culture panels, in-depth live interviews, and a wealth of of events and activities that will give you a Beyond the Gates Experience that will last for a lifetime. Stay tuned for more…

More info: Official Beyond the Gates Website – Facebook – Instagram – Tickets

CASSIDY PARIS Returns with Sophomore Album “Bittersweet”, Out November 21st

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 11, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Ian Ritter

Australian rocker Cassidy Paris is excited to announce the release of her highly anticipated sophomore album, “Bittersweet”, scheduled for November 21, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

After the powerful singles “Butterfly” and “Stronger”, she now shares the new single and accompanying video, “Getting Better”, available now.
 
Cassidy commented on the new single: “‘Getting Better’ is the missing puzzle piece to ‘Stronger’. Together they tell an important story about overcoming difficult situations and not tolerating degrading and hurtful behaviour. You are strong and you are powerful. You are deserving of where you are, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It is vital to me that people know my story and the truth. Through these songs, I am able to deliver that”.

Pre-Order “Bittersweet” HERE

Known for her distinctive blend of ‘80s-inspired rock attitude with a modern twist, Cassidy Paris is stepping confidently into her own identity as an artist with “Bittersweet”, the powerful follow-up to her acclaimed 2023 debut album “New Sensation”.

“My debut album was ‘80s infused with a current vibe”, Cassidy explained. “With Bittersweet, I’m stepping even more into who I am as an artist – influenced by icons like Debbie Harry, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, and Lita Ford, but always with my own spin on things”.

“This is the most honest and raw I’ve ever been with songs. This record feels like it’s a part of me. Like reading a diary of my life over the past couple of years. Releasing this is both so exciting and equally emotional because, when I started, I had no idea of the journey I would go on personally in my life”, she added. “It makes me beam with happiness that these songs are yours now. This record is love, strength and immense heartbreak. It’s emotions on a level I didn’t even know existed prior to this season of life. It truly lives up to its name in its entirety. I hope you to love it as much as I did creating it”.

Featuring songwriting contributions from Paul Laine and Steve Brown, “Bittersweet” showcases Cassidy’s growth not just as a performer but as a songwriter with a message. Lyrically honest and emotionally charged, the album balances hook-filled anthems with heartfelt ballads, capturing both vulnerability and strength.

Cassidy continues to stand out as a passionate voice in modern rock, not only for her music but for her advocacy. A strong supporter of Metalheads Against Bullying, she regularly performs in schools around Melbourne, using her platform to inspire resilience and authenticity in young fans.

As a teenager growing up in Australia, there’s likely very few others out there with ambitions of being a “rock star”. Especially considering rock music isn’t exactly regarded by the mainstream as the “coolest” thing in the 2020’s. 

However, Cassidy Paris is an exception, determined to make rock music a ‘cool’ thing again and inspire a new generation of younger fans to not only listen to rock ‘n’ roll, but maybe even pick up a guitar, instead of a phone. 

At the age of 11, Cassidy met singer songwriter Paul Laine (ex Danger Danger, The Defiants), who developed a unique mentoring role. Paul took Cassidy under his wing to help develop her as an artist and songwriter, collaborating with her in songwriting and producing her music.

From early on, Cassidy has wanted to deliver a strong message through her music. In 2018, she released the song “Stand”, a heartfelt song about ‘standing up for yourself’ as a young woman. 

Having already performed in the USA, UK, and Japan, Cassidy’s global fanbase continues to grow rapidly. Despite the postponement of some European dates due to personal circumstances, she is planning to return stronger than ever with new shows in the UK and Ireland.

With “Bittersweet”, Cassidy Paris reaffirms her position as one of rock’s most exciting young talents – bringing heart, power, and purpose to every note.

Cassidy is endorsed by Fender Guitars, Ernie Ball & Wornstar Clothing.

“Bittersweet” Tracklist:

1.    Butterfly
2.    Nothing Left To Lose
3.    Finish What We Started
4.    Wannabe
5.    Getting Better
6.    Give Me Your Love
7.    Can’t Let Go
8.    Undecided
9.    Sucker For Your Love
10.    Brand New Day
11.    Is Anybody Out There
12.    Turn Around And Kiss Me
13.    Stronger 

Follow CASSIDY PARIS:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
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X

FEUERSCHWANZ Release Epic Version of Latest Hit ‘Valhalla’ with Official Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 10, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[Photo Credit: Stefan Heilemann]

Shortly after the release of their most recent studio album Knightclub, FEUERSCHWANZ are back with another highlight! Today, the band unleashes the powerful Epic rendition of “Valhalla” – reimagining this infectious anthem, featuring metal queen Doro, through a majestic new orchestral lens, elevating the song’s theatrical drama and empowering message to a whole new, opulent level.

“Valhalla (Epic Edition)” is cut from the limited editions of the new album Knightclub (#2 on the Official German Album Charts), which was released on August 22 via Napalm Records. Having undergone an impressive transformation in recent years, FEUERSCHWANZ are more successful and in demand than ever after 20 years as a band and multiple #1 albums. Their participation in the German pre-selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 brought them to the attention of millions and gained massive media recognition far beyond genre boundaries, and now with the release of Knightclub, the medieval heroes continue to prove their versatility.

Fans can experience the new songs live this October, when FEUERSCHWANZ hits the road with LORD OF THE LOST on their huge LORDS OF FYRE co-headline tour (dates below)!

With Knightclub, FEUERSCHWANZ released their first studio album with an English title – and for the first time, several tracks feature English lyrics. Knightclub is characterized by catchy hits, absolute party mood, great anthems and hard metal riffs. Once again, the band manages to incorporate their unmistakable humor into songs bursting with energy.
 
Produced by Simon Michael (Subway to Sally) and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Evergrey, Arch Enemy, Volbeat), Knightclub features artwork by Peter Sallai (Powerwolf, Sabaton, Saxon, Hammerfall).
 
FEUERSCHWANZ about the album:
“Knightclub – for us, it’s a consistent continuation of our previous albums, taken to the next level both thematically and musically! Expect something truly epic, wild, and downright crazy! This album has something for everyone: fans of grand fantasy, heroic tales, and all-out partying, as well as lovers of massive guitar riffs and lively folk instruments. Become part of the Knightclub and join us on this next step of our unparalleled journey!”

Get Your Copy of Knightclub HERE – Several Formats Are Already Sold Out!

Knightclub tracklisting:
1.           Knightclub (feat. Dag/SDP)
2.           Valhalla (feat. Doro Pesch)
3.           Gangnam Style
4.           Name der Rose
5.           Testament
6.           The Tale of Sam
7.           Sam The Brave
8.           Drunken Dragon
9.           Eisenfaust
10.         Avalon
11.         Tanz der Teufel
12.         Lords of Fyre (feat. Lord Of The Lost)

FEUERSCHWANZ Live 2025
 
LORDS OF FYRE CO-HEADLINE TOUR
LORD OF THE LOST & FEUERSCHWANZ
w/ The Dark Side Of The Moon
02.10.25 DE – Berlin / Columbiahalle
03.10.25 DE – Leipzig / Haus Auensee
04.10.25 DE – Offenbach / Stadthalle
10.10.25 DE – Hanover / Swiss Life Hall
11.10.25 DE – Fürth / Stadthalle
17.10.25 DE – Munich / Zenith
18.10.25 DE – Düsseldorf / Mitsubishi Halle
 
FEUERSCHWANZ are:
Johanna – violin, hurdy-gurdy
Hauptmann – vocals, guitar
Ben – flutes, bagpipes, guitars, vocals
Hans – guitar
Jarne – bass
Rollo – drums
Yennefer – dance & performance
Hela – dance & performance
 
FEUERSCHWANZ online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
NAPALM RECORDS

BYZANTINE Present ‘Harbinger’ Claymation Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 10, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Jason Adams

Charleston, West Virginia metal veterans BYZANTINE are pleased to unveil their video for “Harbinger.” The track comes off the band’s latest full-length, Harbingers, released last June via Metal Blade Records.

Offers vocalist Chris Ojeda on the stop motion clip, “This video has taken months to curate. We wanted to continue our path of handmade original artwork for this new album. My daughter Mallory and I wrote the script for the story, hired a young Claymation artist from Mexico named Adrian Venti to hand build every scene out of clay and brought Holly Grayson with Screaming Butterfly Entertainment (Justinian Code, The Cicada Tree, The Agonies) to edit all the footage to make this beautiful music video about a boy who, after losing his father, searches for his importance in life, only to be lured in by a voracious Wolf who steers the boy down a path of greed and selfishness. The boy is eventually saved by one random act of kindness towards a lone Raven. Ravens never forget.

“Mallory and I are fans of all things stop motion. Movies like Fantastic Mr. Fox, Coraline, James And The Giant Peach, and music videos from Peter Gabriel, Bjork, Tool, and Primus. We modelled the main character after my six-year-old son, Henry. I hope you guys enjoy this labor of love and appreciate the amount of work and symbolism that has gone into the script, the Claymation, and the brilliant editing. Our team decided to push the creative aspect as far as we can and tell this story of a boy who just wants to be important.“

Watch BYZANTINE‘s previously released videos for “Floating Chrysanthema” HERE and “The Unobtainable Sleep” HERE.

BYZANTINE‘s “Harbinger” video comes in advance of the band’s US Fall tour which includes select shows with Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory, Pissing Razors, and more! For tickets, visit byzantinewv.com. See all confirmed dates below.

BYZANTINE Live:
9/20/2025 123 Pleasant St. – Morgantown, WV w/ Truckstop
9/21/2025 Sharkey’s – Liverpool, NY w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Sanguisugabogg, Enforced
9/23/2025 District Music Hall – Norwalk, CT w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory
9/24/2025 Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Fear Factory
9/25/2025 Pierre’s – Fort Wayne, IN w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory
9/26/2025 Val-Air Ballroom – Des Moines, IA w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory
9/27/2025 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI w/ Fear Factory
9/28/2025 Red Flag – St. Louis, MO w/ Cavalera Conspiracy, Fear Factory
10/21/2025 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA w/ Fear Factory
10/23/2025 Work Play – Birmingham, AL w/ Fear Factory
10/24/2025 Twist of Lime – New Orleans, LA w/ Woorms
10/25/2025 Club LA – Destin, FL w/ Fear Factory
10/26/2025 Beacham – Orlando, FL w/ Fear Factory
10/27/2025 Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL w/ Fear Factory
10/29/2025 Culture Room – Fort Lauderdale, FL w/ Fear Factory
11/01/2025 Broken Goblet – Bensalem, PA w/ Pissing Razors, Single Bullet Theory
11/02/2025 Mixers – Sabbatus, ME w/ Pissing Razors, Single Bullet Theory
11/03/2025 Gabes 252 – Westfield, MA w/ Pissing Razors, Single Bullet Theory

Produced by Peter Wichers (Soilwork, All That Remains, Nevermore), BYZANTINE‘s Harbingers full-length delivers nine tracks totaling forty-five minutes of deep lyrical wisdom alongside equally hefty riffs delivered seamlessly by one of the most commanding and unsung lineups to emerge from the New Wave Of American Heavy Metal movement of the early-2000s. Now a five-piece for the first time ever featuring founding frontman Chris “OJ” Ojeda, alongside former guitarist Tony Rohrbough, bassist Ryan Postlethwait, veteran guitarist Brian Henderson, and drummer Matt Bowles, with Harbingers, BYZANTINE is a crown jewel in their impressive seven-album discography.

The album cover, designed by mixed-media artist Ashley Hoey, beautifully depicts Irene of Athens – the mother of Emperor Constantine and the first female empress of the Byzantine Empire. This focus on a maternal ruler eloquently ties into the album’s title, Harbingers, which means “ones who usher in great change.”

Harbingers is available on CD and digital formats. Find orders at: metalblade.com/byzantine

BYZANTINE:
Chris Ojeda – vocals
Brian Henderson – guitar, vocals
Tony Rohrbough – guitar
Ryan Postlethwait – bass, vocals
Matt Bowles – drums

https://byzantinewv.com
https://www.facebook.com/Byzantinewv
https://www.instagram.com/officialbyzantine
https://www.youtube.com/ByzantineTV

Metal Blade Records Teams Up with Rare Character Whiskey Company to Release MBR Branded Bourbon

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 10, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

Los Angeles, CA based record label, METAL BLADE RECORDS, has collaborated with the hardworking and incredible team over at RARE CHARACTER WHISKEY COMPANY to release its very own branded bourbon whiskey.

Distilled in Indiana and aged in Kentucky, METAL BLADE’s VTO – STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY is a popular mashbill that we all know and love. Originating from Indiana, VTO’s unique aging process in Kelvin Char 4 barrels within the bluegrass state exposes them to a wide range of temperature swings and humidity. This meticulous aging process results in a deep, dark, and rich bourbon with a complex flavor profile, featuring notes of vintage cherry cola and tobacco.

ORDER HERE!

Upon sniffing the glass, you’re greeted with a delightful aroma of cherry syrup, dense oak, sarsaparilla, vanilla cream, baking spice, and subtle notes of butterscotch.

Across your palate, you’ll find similar notes to those on your nose, ranging from root beer to cream soda, and even cherry vanilla cola. These notes are complemented by nuances of butterscotch, baking spice, and tobacco.

This barrel code offers a medium-long finish that reminds you of its cola bomb nature. It features caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, and light baking spice flavors in the middle, followed by dry leather, tobacco, and aged oak notes at the end.

BARREL NO: VTO-020
PROOF: 123.78
AGE: 9 YR 7 MO
ALC/VOL: 61.89%

Get your hands on your own bottle HERE!

About Rare Character Whiskey Company
Rare Character Whiskey is a purveyor of fine American whiskey, specializing in unique selections tailored to each customer and partner. Through close relationships with leading distillers across the country, Rare Character has exclusive access to expressions never before released to the public.

Whether it’s through historic brand revivals such as Brook Hill, ultra premium and limited bottlings like Pride of Anderson County and Old Cassidy, or the fan favorite collectibles like The Single Barrel Series and The Exceptional Series, Rare Character Whiskey has made a name for ourselves as providers of fine American whiskeys fit for any occasion. Our dedication to innovation and evolution is driven by a deep respect and love for exceptional bourbons and ryes.

About Metal Blade Records:
Founded upon owner Brian Slagel‘s enduring drive to find great bands and get their music out to as many people as possible, since 1982 Metal Blade has brought wave after wave of powerful, innovative, and often genre-defining music to the ever-hungry metal masses. It is this ethos that has seen Metal Blade build up a stunning and diverse catalog, weather the various storms facing any independent label, and in an age of declining record sales boast the most successful years of its existence as it celebrates its fourth decade.

Metal Blade Records launched Metallica, Slayer, Armored Saint, Fates Warning, GWAR, Cannibal Corpse, Amon Amarth, Whitechapel, The Black Dahlia Murder, Cattle Decapitation, and dozens more genre giants, shaping four decades and counting of hard rock, metal, and extreme music culture. Brian Slagel worked as a record store clerk when he founded Metal Blade in 1982, reserving a spot for a young Lars Ulrich on his Metal Massacre compilation series. Metal Blade grew from humble beginnings in Los Angeles to become an international powerhouse, selling millions of albums while remaining fiercely independent. In 2017, Slayer‘s Kerry King inducted the label into the Hall of Heavy Metal History. Slagel‘s For the Sake of Heaviness: The History of Metal Blade Records arrived the same year.

In 2022 Metal Blade Records celebrated its 40th Anniversary by way of two live shows in Las Vegas – one featuring Killswitch Engage and another featuring Sacred Reich. In addition to these two packed live shows/parties, the label reissued its first release, the compilation album Metal Massacre, plus specially branded 40th Anniversary small batch vodka and rum, and a West Coast style IPA beer. Brian Slagel also saw the release of his second book, Swing of the Blade: More Stories from Metal Blade Records that was released on May 9th and was met with rave reviews from fans and press alike. One fan on Good Reads called the book “a sentimental journey through Brian’s metal origin-story recollections from his deep and wide perspective as founder of Metal Blade that I enjoyed very much” while MetalTalk.net wrote that “Swing Of The Blade is an endearing, honest, and enjoyable journey into the deeper world of Brian Slagel, the main man behind the legendary Metal Blade Records…this is very much Brian in his own words, recounting tales from the early days of Metal Blade through to a brief post-pandemic epilogue, where he expresses his regret that the book hasn’t coincided with the 40th anniversary of the label.” To round out the celebration, Brian Slagel opened up the label’s collection of heavy metal memorabilia to fans in Las Vegas, NV, marking the opening of the official Metal Blade Records Museum that is open every Saturday.

The celebrating rolled over into 2023 and in October AXS TV picked up and premiered the Denise Korycki documentary of Metal Massacre: The Story Behind the Legendary Album. Packed with all-star interviews, rare photos, the film tells the story of the groundbreaking 1982 Metal Massacre vinyl compilation-a sonic celebration of the burgeoning Los Angeles Metal scene, which helped launch the careers of iconic acts Metallica and Ratt, and ultimately led to the birth of the legendary independent record label Metal Blade Records. The film boasts priceless commentary and anecdotes from Metal Blade founder Brian Slagel and his friend and collaborator John Kornarens, two metalheads with a dream who made Metal Massacre a reality; as well as Metallica members Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield; Ratt frontman Stephen Pearcy; and Black N’ Blue singer Jamie St. James, among many others.

In 2024, Metal Blade Records and Pantheon Media launched the “100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal” Podcast to the excitement of metalheads everywhere. The successful podcast, which is loved by fans, industry, and artists alike, is hosted by Brian Slagel, CEO of Metal Blade Records. Each episode of the series will spotlight one of the most defining songs in metal, blending artist interviews, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes insights. Listeners are taken on a deep dive into the production, cultural impact, and legacy of each track, with insights from prominent voices like music historian Martin Popoff and producer Jay Ruston.

The podcast features exclusive appearances from musicians who either influenced or were influenced by these legendary tracks, ensuring fans a unique, all-encompassing exploration of metal music. From Metallica and Slayer to Cannibal Corpse and Alice Cooper, “100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal” covers the songs that have defined generations, blending narrative storytelling with in-depth analyses. This podcast also serves as a tribute to the fans whose passion fuels the genre and keeps it alive for future generations.

“100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal” is now available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

Find Rare Character Whiskey Company Online:
https://www.rarecharacterwhiskey.com
https://www.instagram.com/rarecharacterwhiskey
https://www.facebook.com/rarecharacterwhiskey

Find Metal Blade Online:
Official Website | Official Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Spotify | BlueSky | Twitter | Threads | TikTok | Museum

SWORD Singer RICK HUGHES Explains How He Reunited the ‘Speak of The Devil’ Line-Up for Solo Album & Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 10, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

Jimmy Kay and Alan Dixon spoke to Sword Singer Rick Hughes about his up and coming solo album REDEMPTION which will be released on Friday, October 24 2025 on CD, Vinyl, and Digital formats.

When asked about how he reunited the Speak of The Devil Line-Up to record and shoot the video of The Who’s Classic song ‘THE REAL ME’.

“The hard part was getting them to play on the record (Rudy Sarzo, Brad Gillis, Tommy Aldridge). Once we got that and the human connection was made, if they liked the experience they would do more, if they didn’t like it they would have said  said no.

He continued, “When we mixed the song we sent it to Brad (Gillis). And Brad was going wow man, it (the song) sounds amazing, he then said, maybe you should think about doing a video? I’m like ohh.. ok…(smiles).So then it was to convince the two other guys to join us in L.A., to shoot the video and they both said yes. The planets were perfectly aligned. It was something to get them to play on the album, it’s another thing to get them to be in the video. Cause when you hire these three guys for a song and then you put out the album and there is no video you have to explain to people (fans) who played on the song, so the video makes things easier ands clear..

“I should mention  Brad (Gillis) also wrote two songs on my new solo album ‘Redemption’. Brad Gillis is the perfect example of how you should look at yourself. This guy is a living legend who replaced Randy Rhoads ( on‘ Diary of a Madman Tour’’ in 1982 after the tragic departure of the great Randy Rhoads).  I feel so lucky to have brad Gillis on the project. Same applies to Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge. Rudy Sarzo is such a talented player, such a beautiful human being, this guy is incredible. As for Tommy Aldridge when we were shooting the video, we shot it all day and they took all the best parts and Tommy would always play for real, all takes, playing like he was playing in front of  20,000 people. He (Tommy) is a great drummer and such a great human being.

When asked if this could be the start of  a new band

“They did the song on the album, they did the video, I leave the rest to luck. Let’s see where we go from here.”

Canadian-born Rick Hughes is renowned for his powerful and rangey voice as the lead singer of the legendary metal band Sword, and of the hard-rock band Saints & Sinners. A seasoned performer with hundreds of headlining shows in Canada, America, Europe and Japan over the years, and his superb stage performances while opening for bands such as Metallica, Motorhead, Alice Cooper, Black Label Society, etc.

So when it was time for him to record ‘’Redemption’’, his first international solo album, he spared no expenses and efforts to make this album a great one, hiring producer John Webster (Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, AC/DC, etc.) and renting HippoSonic Recording Studio (formerly known as Little Mountain Studios) in Vancouver to record this opus.

The first salvo, his first single and video is a supercharged version of The Who’s classic ‘’The Real Me’’ – reuniting after 43 years Ozzy Osbourne’s superband consisting of Brad Gillis on guitar, Rudy Sarzo on bass, and Tommy Aldridge on drums. This is the band that did the last leg of the ‘’Diary of a Madman Tour’’ in 1982 after the tragic departure of the great Randy Rhoads, and that then recorded Ozzy’s classic live album ‘’Speak of the Devil’’.