Whom Gods Destroy, the formidable new progressive metal group formed by keyboardist Derek Sherinian, guitarist Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, and vocalist Dino Jelusick, along with the potent rhythm section of bassist Yas Nomura and drummer Bruno Valverde, will soon be releasing their debut album Insanium on March 15th worldwide through InsideOutMusic.
Today, a third single off Insanium is being released and you can also check out the track Crawl, below.
Whom Gods Destroy vocalist Dino Jelusick commented about Crawl as follows, “Crawlwas the 2nd song Ron, Derek and myself worked on. We had many versions of it. Very progressive and very melodic. Combines all the influences that the band has and just grows into something that’s our very own.”
Previously, Whom Gods Destroy have released the following singles/videos off Insanium: In The Name Of War and Over Again.
Insanium track listing:
1. In The Name Of War (6:38) 2. Over Again (5:01) 3. The Decision (7:08) 4. Crawl (6:36) 5. Find My Way Back (5:46) 6. Crucifier (4:43) 7. Keeper Of The Gate (4:54) 8. Hypernova 158 (3:24) 9. Insanium (8:37)
Sebastian Bach will hit the road in 2024 for an international tour with dates in Latin and North America. The singer, songwriter, author, Broadway star, and actor’s What Do I Got To Lose Tour—a mix of solo gigs and festival appearances—kicks off with an international run of performances in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile before North American shows in the U.S. and Mexico. The stateside tour gets underway May 10th in Jefferson, LA before wrapping June 29thin San Diego, CA. Tickets for the North American shows go on sale March 1st at 10:00 AM (local time), with pre-sale tickets are available February 29th at 10:00 AM (ET). Click here for all ticketing info and to purchase tickets.
“We are super excited to embark upon the What Do I Got to Lose? Tour 2024.,” Sebastian Bach says. “This is the first song that I’ve ever had on U.S. rock radio with my solo band and I cannot thank you all enough–radio stations for playing this song and all you rock fans out there for cranking it up. Can’t wait to play live for all of you this summer no tapes no fakes all real all the time that is how we roll! See you on the road mothertruckers!” Listen to What Do I Got to Lose?, here.
This news follows Sebastian’s exciting end to 2023, which included an appearance on Fox’s The Masked Singer as “Tiki,” a fan and judge favorite who went on to show’s Group B Finals.
Following his final performance on the show in December, Sebastian released What Do I Got To Lose? (Reigning Phoenix Music), marking his first new music in ten years. The track—which continues to build momentum at rock radio, trending in the Top 40 on the Mediabase’s Active Rock Daily spin chart–was co-written by Sebastian, Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge, Slash) and Elvis Baskette (Mammoth WVH, Slash), the latter of whom also served as the track’s producer. Guitars lock into a heart-thumping groove on the song as Sebastian’s voice rings out on the refrain, “I’m holding on for judgment day.” The momentum gives way to a fret-burning lead. For the video, Sebastian is joined by his former Skid Row bandmate, drummer Rob Affuso.
Sebastian Bach’S 2024 tour dates are as follows:
Jun-1 Morgantown, WV Ruby Amphitheatre
Jun-2 Columbus, OH King Of Clubs
Jun-4 Detroit, MI St Andrews Hall
Jun- 5 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre
Jun-7 Joliet, IL The Forge
Jun-8 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theatre
Jun-9 Moline, IL The Rust Belt
Jun-11 Des Moines, IA Wooly’s
Jun-12 Lincoln, NE Bourbon Theatre
Jun-14 Colorado Springs, CO Sunshine Studios
Jun-15 Denver, CO Summit
Jun-16 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theater
Jun-18 Oklahoma City, OK Diamond Ballroom
Jun-19 Little Rock, AR The Hall
Jun-21 Dallas, TX The Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall
ACCEPT unleash the first single, the title track of their upcoming album Humanoid, out on April 26th. The hard-hitting first single features razor-sharp riffs in true Accept style and comments on our reliance on technology. The dystopian atmosphere of the accompanying official music video compliments the track perfectly, depicting a stark contrast between a video wall and the band performing live in front of it.
Accept was the first heavy metal band from Germany to explode internationally, influencing an entire generation of bands. Founded in 1976, Accept has remained at the top of the scene with countless sold-out shows, headline slots at all major international festivals, Gold certifications, #1 chart positions and a colossal number of albums sold throughout the years.
Fans will get their chance to hear the new songs live soon after the release of Humanoid on Accept’s South American tour, kicking off at the end of April, as well as at many big European summer festivals – including Hellfest, Wacken and Masters of Rock. Tickets for Accept’s autumn 2024 European headline tour are also already on sale. Watch the video below and secure your copy of Humanoid now by going here.
Accept on Humanoid, “The song plays with the omnipresent topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In a strange way, we have entered exciting times now… This Digital Revolution has a huge impact, probably bigger than anything humankind has ever gone through. The Industrial Revolution was huge, but this might be even bigger, and we’re just at the beginning of it. However, I’m also a little afraid that humanity gets lost and pushed aside in all this stuff. The song is pretty impactful and provoking.”
Tracklisting Humanoid: 1 Diving Into Sin 2 Humanoid 3 Frankenstein 4 Man Up 5 The Reckoning 6 Nobody Gets Out Alive 7 Ravages Of Time 8 Unbreakable 9 Mind Games 10 Straight Up Jack 11 Southside Of Hell
Humanoidwill be available in the following formats: – Ltd Box incl. CD Mediabook + Flag, Keytool in Guitar Look, Lighter, Photo Card, Textile Sticker – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 1000 copies worldwide) – 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Splattered Cristallo, Black, Blue, Green, Yellow White Die-Hard Edition + 12 inch Booklet + Slipmat + Patch + Record Butler – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 666 copies worldwide) – 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Solid Baby Blue – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide) – 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Translucent Turquoise – Napalm Records North America exclusive (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide) – 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Cristallo – JPC exclusive (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide) – 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Translucent Orange – EMP exclusive (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide) – 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Silver – Platekompaniet exclusive (strictly limited to 400 copies worldwide) – 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Solid Royal Blue – North American Indies exclusive (strictly limited to 1100 copies worldwide) – 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Black – 1-CD Mediabook w/ 28 pages booklet + 1 Bonus Tracks – limited edition – 1-CD 6 pages Digisleeve + 12 pages booklet – World exclusive 7“ vinyl incl. ”Humanoid” and “The Reckoning”, physically unreleased – only available with METAL HAMMER Germany May issue incl ACCEPT cover story (street date April 12th), before the new album drops – Digital Album
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of their iconic album Pyromania, veteran British rockers DEF LEPPARD will release a deluxe expanded edition in April 2024.
Fans can listen to Photograph – Rough Mix Version (Unfinished Vocal) on all streaming platforms on March 1st. The track is an unreleased demo version from the band’s vaults of one of their most celebrated songs, taken from the forthcoming taken Pyromania anniversary edition.
Originally released in 1983, Pyromania launched Def Leppard into rock legend status. The album featured global hit singles Photograph, Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) and Rock Of Ages and it went on to achieve platinum status across the globe (including a No. 2 chart entry in the USA). Pyromania has since become one of the biggest-selling rock albums of all time and alongside its follow up, Hysteria, has made Def Leppard one of only five rock bands in history to have two albums with a coveted RIAA diamond certification (over 10 million sales in the USA alone) — a massive feat within the music industry still to this day. The album also saw Phil Collen replace guitarist Pete Willis and the first of the classic Def Leppard lineups was born.
In tribute to this milestone, this deluxe edition has been executive produced by Def Leppard lead singer Joe Elliott and longtime producer/engineer Ronan McHugh, with mastering by Andy Pearce.
Elliott says, “A labor of love, and I loved every minute of it!…. Rediscovering dusty old cassettes which were brilliantly restored by Ronan and finding the long-lost, unfinished ’11th track’ was a journey only few of us are lucky enough to take … what a trip!!”
Collen says, “Pyromania is a really special album for obvious reasons. It was the first time we all worked together with Mutt Lange, and I was able to play with my incredible friend Steve Clark — who was such a gifted and wonderful guitarist. I am incredibly proud of the album and what we collectively achieved.”
Def Leppard bassist Rick Savage says, “Right from the very early days, we had a specific idea of how we wanted to sound. A massive wall of guitars and drums supporting huge vocals and melodies. That vision came to fruition with the making of Pyromania. Even now it still has that special quality that made it such a ground-breaking record. It’s a testament to the songs that they remain the fans’ favorites and true cornerstones of any Leppard show. 40 years?? It doesn’t even seem like 40 days.”
This deluxe edition has been prepared in conjunction with Elliott, who has acted as executive producer.
Pyromania, the anniversary edition, will be released on 4-CD / Blu-ray box, 1LP half speed master, 2LP black vinyl, 2LP colored vinyl (D2C exclusive),2CD and digitally.
This deluxe set comes with four CDs consisting of the original album, a whole disc of unheard demos recently re-discovered by Elliott while combing through the vaults, an unreleased demo, No You Can’t Do That, and two defining live shows from the era — from the Los Angeles Forum (USA) and Westfalen Halle in Dortmund (Germany).
The Blu-ray contains an Atmos mix of the album (overseen by Giles Martin) as well as 5.1 / stereo and instrumental mixes. Also included are five promo videos from the time. The album also appears as a half speed master for the first time.
The book contains the history of the album written by Mojo and Classic Rockwriter Paul Elliott (who has conducted new interviews with bandmembers),as well as rare and unseen photos by noted photographer and longtime band collaborator Ross Halfin.
The 4-CD / Blu-ray box track listing is as follows:
CD One: Album Re-Mastered
1. Rock Rock (Til You Drop) 2. Photograph 3. Stagefright 4. Too Late For Love 5. Die Hard The Hunter 6. Foolin’ 7. Rock Of Ages 8. Comin’ Under Fire 9. Action! Not Words 10. Billy’s Got A Gun
CD Two: Rarities
1. No You Can’t Do That – Outtake 2. Untitled 1 – Demo 3. Untitled 2 – Demo 4. Untitled 3 – Demo 5. Untitled 4 – Demo 6. Untitled 5 – Demo 7. Untitled 6 – Demo 8. Rock Rock Till You Drop – Demo 9. Too Late For Love – Demo 10. Comin’ Under Fire – Demo 11. Billy’s Got A Gun – Demo 12. No You Can’t Do That – Demo 13. Rock Rock (Til You Drop) – Rough Mix Version 14. Photograph – Rough Mix Version (Unfinished Vocal) 15. Stagefright – Rough Mix Version 16. Too Late For Love – Rough Mix Version 17. Die Hard The Hunter – Rough Mix Version 18. Foolin’ – Rough Mix Version 19. Rock Of Ages – Rough Mix Version 20. Comin’ Under Fire – Rough Mix Version 21. Action! Not Words – Rough Mix Version (Chorus Only) 22. Billy’s Got A Gun – Rough Mix Version
CD Three: Live Westfalen Halle, Dortmund, Germany / December 18, 1983:
1. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) 2. Billy’s Got A Gun 3. Foolin’ 4. Rock Of Ages 5. Let It Go 6. Wasted
CD Four: Live at the Los Angeles Forum / September 11, 1983:
1. Rock! Rock!! (Til You Drop) 2. Rock Brigade 3. High And Dry (Saturday Night) 4. Another Hit And Run 5. Billy’s Got A Gun 6. Mirror Mirror (Look Into My Eyes) 7. Foolin’ 8. Photograph 9. Rock Of Ages 10. Bringing Back The Heartache 11. Switch 625 12. Let It Go 13. Wasted 14. Stage Fright 15. Travellin’ Band
Blu-ray: Atmos / 5.1 / New Stereo / Instrumental
1. Rock Rock (Til You Drop) 2. Photograph 3. Stagefright 4. Too Late For Love 5. Die Hard The Hunter 6. Foolin’ 7. Rock Of Ages 8. Comin’ Under Fire 9. Action! Not Words 10. Billy’s Got A Gun
Videos
* Photograph – Official Video * Rock Of Ages – Official Video * Foolin’ – Official Video * Too Late For Love – Official Video / Supersonic (Historia) * Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) – Official Video / Japanese Show (Historia)
Ozzy Osbourne felt like he had to make a stand earlier this month when Kanye West asked to sample Iron Man for a song on the rapper’s new album. “Well, nobody else would fu-king do it, did they?” he tells Rolling Stone‘s Kory Grow.
Ahead of West and Ty Dolla $ign’s doomed Vultures 1album rollout, Osbourne posted to his social media that he had denied West’s sample request “because he is an antisemite and has caused untold heartache to many.” To make matters worse, Osbourne wrote at the time that West “used the sample anyway.” But after Osbourne went public with the issue, West eventually replaced the sample on the song Carnival before it hit streaming services.
Osbourne has no regrets about going public with his disdain for the rapper. “With the current state of affairs, you don’t need anybody starting people on discrimination of any kind,” he says. “It’s wrong. It’s just wrong.” Osbourne’s frustration with the incident still comes through in his voice as he chastises West.
There’s enough fu-king aggravation, and he shouldn’t say anything [like what he has],” Osbourne says. “It’s wrong if you don’t say anything about him. I don’t want any of my work in any shape or form to be associated with anything like that.”
Wife/manager Sharon explained to Billboard, “We get so many requests for these songs, and when we saw that request, we just said no way.”
“The simple thing is, we don’t want to be associated with a hater,” Sharon added. “To spread hate the way he does, it shouldn’t be allowed. All the excuses — he’s bipolar or whatever — doesn’t change that. It’s like, fu-k you, basically.”
Sharon went on to say that because Iron Man is credited to the entire original Black Sabbath band — Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward — all four songwriters would need to agree before West could use the sample, anyway.
[Dana’s note: I applaud Ozzy for taking a stand. Bravo to the Prince of Darkness.]
Greg Prato for Songfacts spoke with Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson, portions of the interview appear below.
Songfacts: To go back a ways in your solo career, was the song Tattooed Millionaire written about anyone in particular? Or was it an amalgamation of people?
BruceDickinson: Everybody likes to think it was all about [Mötley Crüe bassist] Nikki Sixx. And whilst he was kind of the frame, it was actually an amalgamation of a whole generation of stuff. Of course now, tattooed millionaires are absolutely the mainstream. Nothing to do with music.
Songfacts: What song is the most challenging to sing live?
BruceDickinson: The song I find the most challenging to sing in the Maiden repertoire would be Aces High. That’s not just because I’m 60-something years old. Trust me, when I was 26, it was equally challenging. I always said, “If we’re going to do Aces High, can we put it towards the front of the set please?”
But we still do all the songs in the original key. I’m sure it would be easier if we dropped the key, but then it wouldn’t sound as good. That’s the most challenging Maiden song to sing…
Songfacts: Which modern-day metal singers do you admire, or singers overall?
BruceDickinson: Singers overall, one who is unfortunately no longer with us, Chris Cornell, was one of the finest voices I’ve ever heard of any generation. And sadly, he’s gone. The guy from Angra [Andre Matos], he’s also gone. So, all of these guys have gone, and they had the ability to really move people. They could yell and scream like the best, but they had the ability to move people with their voices.
One of my favorite performances of Chris Cornell, to show just how damn good he was, was doing the James Bond Theme [You Know My Name from the 2006 film Casino Royale]. That’s a great vocal performance. And funny enough, he shares that honor of great vocal performances with Tom Jones, who did Thunderball.
If anybody wants to hear an amazing, balls-out metal voice, go have a listen to Tom Jones and imagine if that voice was doing metal or rock. Obviously back in the day, he wasn’t. But, oh my God, he’s just awesome. Power, resonance, tone… fabulous.
Songfacts: Did you ever get the opportunity to meet Chris Cornell?
BruceDickinson: Not in any meaningful sense, no. Not “sit down and have a nice chat with him.” I mean obviously, Ronnie Dio… there must be something wrong with me that all the singers that I love unfortunately are not on the planet anymore. I also have grown into loving Johnny Cash and his delivery, as well. He’s just something extraordinary, the way he delivers lines and stuff like that. That version that he did of Hurt – he owns that song. It’s the most extraordinary performance.
Songfacts: You just mentioned Ronnie James Dio, and I sometimes hear a correlation between Chris Cornell and Dio‘s singing with Black Sabbath and Rainbow.
BruceDickinson: Yeah. The thing about Chris, for me, was that he had a greater emotional range than Ronnie, if I’m honest. Ronnie did the Stargazer-type thing really beautifully, and then he did these medieval-type things like Temple Of The King, which is just gorgeous, to die for. That’s just lovely.
One of my favorite Ronnie Dio performances is on The Butterfly Ball: Love Is All. God. You can hear that is the younger-voice version of Ronnie, because Ronnie‘s voice got darker over the years, but all the power was still there. I remember listening to Love Is All and going, “Oh my God, his voice is like crystalline. Crystalline with this furry bit underneath.” It was gorgeous. I’m a huge Ronnie fan.
And Chris Cornell was taken away from us before he’d even begun to give his best, I think. Very sad.
Dickinson’s new solo album, The Mandrake Project, was released on January 17th. Read details about it here, and purchase tickets to his live shows, here.
