The band recently announced it will release its latest album, Digital Noise Alliance Oct. 7 through Century Media. In anticipation of the album’s release, the band premiered the video for the album’s lead single, ‘In Extremis’ Thursday.
The video is a familiar style presentation. It features the band performing its new single on a soundstage. The presentation is meant to give audiences a taste of what they can expect from the band live on stage. The song plays over the visualization.
The song’s musical arrangement is everything that audiences have come to expect from Queensryche throughout the band’s life. The trademark soaring vocals and semi-power metal riffs that take audiences back to the band’s early days are just as present as ever here.
The band talked about the song’s lyrical theme in a prepared statement.
“This song is about being on your deathbed surrounded by your loved ones,” the statement reads. “Clinging to the last sense available, letting them know you will still be hearing them after correspondence or perceived consciousness is visible. Other conceptual metaphors flash in and out, taking note of a world that will not bend to accommodate such suffering, a universe of mockery, and a universe void of such abilities.”
Queensryche is set to join Judas Priest on the road this fall in support of Digital Noise Alliance. Judas Priest’s upcoming tour is a new North American leg of its 50 Heavy Metal Years. The tour’s schedule is noted below.
QUEENSRYCHE Tour Dates:
Opening for Judas Priest
Oct. 13 Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale
Oct. 15 Albany, NY – MVP Arena
Oct. 16 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall Fenway
Oct. 18 Uniondale, NY at Nassau Veterans
Oct. 19 Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
Oct. 21 Kalamazoo, MI at Wings Event Center
Oct. 22 Detroit, MI at Masonic Temple Theatre
Oct. 24 Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center
Oct. 25 Waukegan, IL – Genesee Theatre
Oct. 27 Green Bay, WI – Resch Center Theater
Oct. 29 Moline, IL – TaxSlayer Center Moline
Oct. 30 Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Event Center
Nov. 01 Sioux City, IA – Tyson Events Center
Nov. 02 Rapid City, SD – The Monument
Nov. 07 Ontario, CA – Toyota Center
Nov. 08 Tucson, AZ – TCC Arena
Nov. 10 Loveland, CO – Budweiser Events Center
Nov. 12 Park City (Wichita),KS -Hartman Arena
Nov. 13 St. Charles, MO – The Family Arena
Nov. 15 Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena
Nov. 17 Southaven, MS – Landers Center
Nov. 18 Baton Rouge, LA – Raising Canes River Center
Nov. 20 Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
Nov. 22 San Antonio, TX – Tech Port Center & Arena
Nov. 23 San Antonio, TX – Tech Port Center & Arena
Nov. 25 Dallas, TX – The Factory – Deep Ellum
Nov. 26 Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street
Nov. 28 Edinburg, TX – Burt Ogden Arena
Nov. 29 Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
More information on Queensryche’s new album, single, video, and tour is available online along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Judas Priest will return to America’s shores this fall to continue its “50 Heavy Metal Years Tour.”
The band will launch the next leg of its ongoing tour Oct. 13 in Wallingford, CT. The tour is scheduled to run through Nov. 29 in Houston, TX. It features performances in cities, such as Corbin, KY; Moline, IL and Loveland, CO.
The tour’s schedule is noted below. Queensryche will serve as support for the latest leg of the tour.
FALL 2022 U.S Tour dates:
October 13 in Wallingford, CT @ Toyota Oakdale October 15th in Albany, NY @ MVP Arena October 16 in Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall Fenway October 18 in Uniondale, NY at Nassau Veterans October 19 in Wilkes-Barre, PA @ Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza October 21 in Kalamazoo, MI at Wings Event Center October 22 in Detroit, MI at Masonic Temple Theatre October 24 in Cincinnati, OH @ The Andrew J Brady Music Center October 25 in Waukegan, IL @ Genesee Theatre October 27 in Green Bay, WI @ Resch Center Theater October 29 in Moline, IL @ TaxSlayer Center Moline October 30 in Mankato, MN @ Mayo Clinic Event Center
November 1 in Sioux City, IA @ Tyson Events Center November 2 in Rapid City, SD @ The Monument November 7 in Ontario, CA @ Toyota Center November 8 in Tucson, AZ @ TCC Arena November 10 in Loveland, CO @ Budweiser Events Center November 12 in Park City (Wichita), KS @Hartman Arena November 13 in St. Charles, MO @ The Family Arena November 15 in Corbin, KY @ The Corbin Arena November 17 in Southaven, MS @ Landers Center November 18 in Baton Rouge, LA @ Raising Canes River Center November 20 in Oklahoma City, OK @ Paycom Center November 22 & 23 in San Antonio, TX @ Tech Port Center & Arena November 25 in Dallas, TX @ The Factory in Deep Ellum November 26 in Corpus Christi, TX @ Concrete Street November 28 in Edinburg, TX @ Burt Ogden Arena November 29 in Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall
More information about the band’s new live dates is available along with all of Judas Priest’s latest news at:
Veteran metal outfit Evil Invaders released its latest album, Shattering Reflection Friday through Napalm Records. The band’s first third album and its first in nearly five years, it is a presentation that the metal masses will find worth hearing every now and then. That is due in large part to its wide range of metal arrangements, which will be discussed shortly. While the record’s musical arrangements do well for its presentation, their companion lyrical content sadly detracts somewhat from the presentation. This will be discussed a little later. The record’s production works with the arrangements to make for more engagement and entertainment. It will be discussed later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the album’s presentation. All things considered, they make the album a mostly successful new outing for Evil Invaders.
Evil Invaders’ new album, Shattering Reflections, is a mostly successful offering that most metal fans will find worth hearing every now and then. That is due in large part to its featured musical arrangements. From start to end, the album’s 10 separate musical arrangements take listeners on a nice ride. Right from the outset, ‘Hissing in Crescendo,’ listeners are presented with an arrangement that is full-on vintage thrash metal. Front man Johannes “Joe” Van Audenhove’s half-sung screams pair with the razor sharp guitar riffs and fully precise time keeping and rich bass line to lend the whole to comparison to works from a wide range of the band’s counterparts. At some points, vintage Overkill can be heard in the arrangement. At others, Slayer front man Tom Araya comes to mind thanks to Van Audenhove’s vocal style. What’s more, audiences can also make comparisons to works from Exodus through the combination. It is just one way in which the musical arrangements prove so pivotal to the whole of this record. ‘Die For Me,’ which immediately follows, immediately lends itself to the sounds of Iron Maiden with the harmonies and style in the guitars. The vocals meanwhile are still borderline Araya-esque. On yet another note, a song, such as ‘My World’ conjures thoughts of vintage Metallica and Megadeth to a point. Though as it progresses, really enters another realm, adding to the interest. Simply put, the musical arrangements that the band presents throughout the record offer listeners a relatively healthy sampling of vintage metal styles. That forms a strong foundation for the record and makes it worth hearing.
While the musical content featured throughout the album forms a solid foundation for the presentation, that content’s companion lyrical content detracts from the record’s presentation to a point. The lyrical content is familiar, as Van Audenhove has noted in interviews. He has pointed out that it features themes of personal, inner thoughts, as well as ruminations on things going on in the world. That is a good thing. The thing of it all is the way in which he approaches those topics. Van Audenhove wrote the songs’ lyrics in a way that does leave some room for misinterpretation. What’s more, because of the way in which they are presented, and the very heavy nature of those themes, it is going to require audiences to be in a very specific mindset when listening to the album. Case in point is the theme featured in ‘In Deepest Black’ and ‘Eternal Darkness.’ Both of those songs come across as being about being in that dark mental and emotional place. Everyone has been there at one point or another in life, but the way in which the lyrics are presented makes these presentations very deep. If someone is not in that required head space, he/she will not fully appreciate the songs. In the case of, say, ‘Die For Me,’ the song opens sounding like something about someone who is dealing with backstabbers, which again is relatable for audiences. From there though, the song then turns and starts sounding more like something about a cult leader and in turn can easily be misinterpreted. So this is an example of how the album’s lyrical content does prove somewhat problematic to the record’s presentation. The content overall is not enough to make the album a failure, but is still of note, regardless.
Keeping in mind that the record’s lyrical content does not do enough to make the album a failure, there is one more item to note in examining the album’s presentation. That item is the album’s production. The production of the musical arrangements is important because of its role in the record’s general effect. The utmost attention had to be paid to each song from the more intense moments to the more reserved compositions. The more intense compositions required attention to make sure that no one part overpowered the others and each line complimented the others. In the matter of the deeper, more emotional moments, the added attention was there so as to have the fullest impact on listeners. Those painstaking efforts paid off, too. The result is that from beginning to end, the album’s general effect does just as much to keep listeners engaged and entertained as the album’s musical content. When the content and production are considered together, they make the album, again, worth hearing occasionally.
Evil Invaders’ latest album, Shattering Reflection, is an interesting new offering from the band. Its appeal comes largely through its featured musical arrangements. The arrangements are of note because of the wide range of vintage metal styles presented throughout the album. From influences of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, to those of Slayer, Exodus and others, the arrangements will reach a wide range of metal fans. While the record’s musical arrangements for a solid foundation for its presentation, the album’s lyrical content detracts somewhat from the presentation. That is because on one hand, much of it leaves itself too open for misinterpretation in how it is presented. On another hand, it also requires listeners to be in a very specific mindset in order to fully appreciate said content. Luckily, even with all of this in mind, the record’s lyrical content is not enough to make the album a failure. Keeping that in mind, the album’s production works with the musical content to make the album more worth hearing. The production is important to note because it balances the vocals and instrumentation from beginning to end, ensuring each musician’s performance is expertly balanced with that of one another. What’s more it also ensures the emotional impact of each arrangement is its fullest through that balance. Each item examined here is important in its own way to the whole of the album’s presentation. All things considered, the album proves itself to be a presentation that a wide range of metal fans will find worth hearing every now and then.
Shattering Reflections is available now through Napalm Records. More information on the album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
From its earliest days to the present, power metal stalwart Hammerfall has never made audiences wait too long for new albums. Three years is the longest that the band has gone between releasing any of its 11 albums. The band will keep that streak going Friday when it release its 12th album, Hammer of Dawn. Set for release through Napalm Records, the 10-song album offers plenty for audiences to appreciate whether they are seasoned Hammerfall fans or more casual power metal fans. That is proven through the record’s musical and lyrical content alike, as its current singles have proven. Those songs are just a sampling of how the album’s overall content makes it so engaging and entertaining. ‘No Son Of Odin,’ which is one of the album’s early entries, is another example of how that content makes the album succeed. It will be discussed shortly. ‘Too Old To Die Young’ is another standout addition to the album and will be discussed a little later. ‘Live Free Or Die,’ which comes late in the album’s run, is yet another example of how much the album has to offer audiences. It will also be discussed later. Each song noted does its own share to show the album’s strength. When they are considered along with the album’s singles and with the rest of the album’s songs, the whole makes the album one more of the year’s top new hard rock and metal albums so far.
Hammer of Dawn, Hammerfall’s forthcoming 12th album, is a shining new offering from the veteran power metal band. Its current singles have already done plenty to make that clear. They are just a small example of what makes the record engaging and entertaining. ‘No Son Of Odin,’ which comes early in the album’s run, is another example of what makes the album a success. The musical arrangement featured in this song is just one part of what makes the song stand out. The driving guitar work from Oscar Donjak and Pontus Norgren pairs with the solid time keeping of drummer David Wallin and low end of bassist Fredrik Larsson to flesh out the song so fully. The production is to be commended as each musician’s part cuts through so clearly without overpowering that of its counterparts. Front man Joacim Cans’ vocals soar so powerfully, too. His delivery immediately lends itself to comparison to that of Judas Priest front man Rob Halford. The whole of the song’s musical content makes for its own powerful presentation. When the power in the song’s arrangement pairs with the song’s lyrical content, the whole becomes even more engaging and entertaining.
The lyrical theme featured in ‘No Son Of Odin’ is, on the surface, a presentation based on classic Norse mythology. That in itself is interesting enough. On a deeper level though, the song’s lyrical content seems to be much more than that. At least, that is the interpretation of this critic. The deeper meaning comes across as being a statement of celebrating individualism, which is an all too familiar topic in the rock community. This is inferred as Cans’ sings in the song’s second verse, “From the day that I was born/I’ve been misunderstood/I broke new grounds/I set the sails/Played by my own rules/Lightning strikes and thunder roar/I’ve seen my destiny/I’m the hammer/The hammer is me/Pounding to be free/Watch me wind up the power/Relentlessly pursuing my foes/I am fierce eyed and evil/Hell’s gonna follow wherever I go.” From there, he sings in the song’s chorus, “I am I/I am me/Heart of steel/No son of Odin/I am strong/I am brave/Let the hammer pave the way.” The song’s lead verse builds on the song’s second verse, finding Cans singing about not being royalty so to speak, being proud of who he is. He goes so far as to note that “My home lies beneath us/through fire and ice/alone in my fight.” He mentioned along with that, that he had never been to Valhalla. Again, this all comes across as an allegory of sorts about that pride and individualism. If in fact that is the case, then this is truly a unique, original way in which to deliver such a familiar theme. To that end, it makes the song all the more interesting. When it pairs with the fiery energy in the song’s musical arrangement, the song in whole makes for even more interest and proof of what makes Hammer of Dawn work. It is just one of the songs that shows the record’s strength. ‘Too Old To Die Young,’ which comes later in the album’s run, is another notable addition to the album.
‘Too Old To Die Young’ presents a musical arrangement that wastes no time catching listeners’ ears. In the case of this song, the sharp guitar line and bass line work with the drums and vocals to lend the song to comparison to works from the likes of Dragonforce, Saxon, and Judas Priest. The harmonies (instrumental and vocal), ensure audiences’ engagement and entertainment from beginning to end.
The lyrical content that accompanies the song’s musical arrangement makes it all the more appealing. In the case of this song, its lyrical content the theme comes across as delivering a message of making the most of life. This is inferred in the song’s lead verse and chorus in which Cans sings, “For as long as I remember/I’ve been paving my own way/Life’s one true defender/Since my first step/Walked wherever I may/Of all the stars in the heavens/I’m the brightest of them all/Always shining/Carry on/Carry on/I will shine a light/Forever and a day/” It is inferred even more as he sings in the song’s second verse, “Turn the amp up to eleven/let your time on Earth be loud/Why limit your sins to seven/Nothing ventured/Nothing gained/Stay unbowed/Wade out in the water/Let us part the raging seas/So come-at-able/Come with me/Carry on/Always strive/Succeed and plan to live forever.” Again, here is a statement that seems to deliver a message of living life; of perseverance and determination. Again, if that is indeed the case, then the song gains even more appeal, especially when it pairs with the energy in the song’s equally enjoyable musical arrangement. The whole here is just one more example of what makes the album that is Hammer of Dawn stand out among this year’s new hard rock and metal albums. ‘Live Free or Die’ is yet another notable addition to the album.
‘Live Free Or Die’ offers audiences a more modern hard rock sound than that of the album’s other songs. The power metal sound and approach is just as present as ever, but there is something about the guitar line here that really makes this song lean more in a modern hard rock direction, too. That balance of modern hard rock and power metal gives this song an identity that is just as unique as the other songs’ arrangements from one another and from this song and the rest of the album’s works. When this notable arrangement pairs with the song’s lyrical theme that openly preaches about the price of freedom, praising those who died for the world’s freedoms, the whole makes the song in whole even more accessible.
As noted, the lyrical theme featured in ‘Live Free Or Die’ preaches about the freedoms that we enjoy around the world while praising those who died for those freedoms. Cans sings of these topics right from the song’s outset, “I am free like an eagle/Spreading my wings in the sky/Protecting the winds that are changing/Therefore, I must give the eye/I know we must defend it/From those who would take it away/There is a price for this freedom/Way more than we wish to pay/Nothing’s free in freedom/Pay the price/There’s no cost reduction to paradise/Live free or die/Come and break the chains/Or do not come at all/Live free or die/Come on/Shout it out and heed the freedom call.” The message continues in the song’s second verse, “By the blood of my brothers/I do solemnly swear/To spread the gospel of freedom/Even if nobody cares/No way to alter the past times/Rewrite our lost yesteryears/Only one thing to remember/Freedom spells nothing like fear/I’ll ignite the fire/Roll the dice/Let us stand together/Break the ice.” If this collective content is not about the noted topic of freedom and honoring those who paid that ultimate price for freedom, then it would certainly be interesting to know the song’s true lyrical theme. Otherwise, it certainly will resonate with a wide range of audiences and do so even more when it pairs with the song’s unique musical arrangement. When the song in whole is considered along with the other songs examined here and with the rest of the album’s songs (including its singles), the whole makes Hammer of Dawn a work that Hammerfall fans and power metal fans alike will appreciate from beginning to end.
Hammer of Dawn, the new forthcoming album from Hammerfall, is a work that will appeal widely among the band’s fans and to power metal fans in general. That is proven through its musical and lyrical content alike. The album’s singles and the songs examined here all do well to make that clear. When they are all considered along with the rest of the album’s entries, the whole makes the record easily one of the best of the year’s new hard rock and metal albums so far.
Hammer of Dawn is scheduled for release Friday through Napalm Records.
Courtesy: Napalm Records
In other Hammerfall news, the band has also announced it is scheduled to launch its “United Forces Tour” alongside Helloween March 22 in Oslo, Norway. The tour, which will take the band’s to cities across Europe, is scheduled to run through May 22 in London, England. The tour’s schedule is noted below.
UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022 25.03.22 NO – Oslo / Sentrum Scene 26.03.22 SE – Göteborg / Partille Arena 28.03.22 FI – Helsinki / Black Box 29.03.22 EE – Talinn / Noblessneri Valukoda 01.04.22 DE – Bamberg / Brose Arena 02.04.22 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle 03.04.22 DE – Berlin / Verti Music Hall 04.04.22 DE – Regensburg / Donau Arena 08.04.22 ES – Madrid / Wizink Center 09.04.22 ES – Barcelona / St. Jordi Club 11.04.22 IT – Milan / Lorenzini District 12.04.22 DE – Kempten / Black Box 13.04.22 CH – Zürich / Samsung Hall 15.04.22 LU – Luxemburg / Rockhal 16.04.22 NL – Tilburg / 013 18.04.22 PL – Katovice / MCK 20.04.22 BG – Sofia / Arena Armeec 22.04.22 AT – Vienna / Gasometer 23.04.22 CZ – Prague / O2 24.04.22 SK – Zvolen / Ice Stadium 26.04.22 HU – Budapest / Papp Laszlo Sportarena 29.04.22 DE – Bochum / Ruhrcongress 30.04.22 DE – Stuttgart / Schleyerhalle 01.05.22 DE – Frankfurt / Jahrhunderthalle 04.05.22 UK – Manchester / Manchester Academy 05.05.22 UK – London / Brixton Academy
More information on Hammerfall’s forthcoming album and tour is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Independent hard rock band Triskelyon released its debut self-titled EP Tuesday.
In celebration of the record’s release, the band debuted the lyric video for the EP’s lead single, ‘Hunger’ the same day. The video features the song’s lyrics over footage of people protesting as the song plays over the visualization.
The imagery used in the video is meant to help illustrate the message in the song’s lyrical theme, which bassist Geoff Waye discussed.
The song is about a hunger for change in the world,” he said. “I am not a fan of the way the world is heading in terms of politics, divisions, and how stuck in their ways and traditions people are. The chorus line “It’s the time for the fearless to rise. A hunger for change in their eyes.” gets to the theme and heart of the song’s idea.”
The musical arrangement featured in ‘Hunger’ will appeal to fans of bands, such as Judas Priest, and Iced Earth. That is evidenced through the powerhouse vocals, the driving, bombastic guitars, and overall richness of the bass and drums.
Track Listing: 1. Hunger (2:58) 2. Find A Way (4:03) 3. Odyssey (Blessed by Steel) (3:32) EP Length: 10:34
More information on Triskelyon’s new single, video, and EP is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Saxon debuted the video for its latest single this week.
The band premiered the video for its new single, ‘Remember The Fallen’ Tuesday. The song is the second single from the band’s forthcoming album, Carpe Diem, which is scheduled for release Feb. 4 through Silver Lining Music. The band premiered the video for the album’s lead single/title track Nov. 2.
The musical arrangement featured in ‘Remember The Fallen’ is everything that audiences have come to expect from Saxon throughout the course of its long life. In other words, that power metal approach is just as prevalent as ever. Front man Biff Byford’s vocals are just as strong as ever, too. The comparisons to Judas Priest’s best works are just as inescapable.
The song’s lyrical theme takes on the topic of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to Byford.
“I wanted to write a song about COVID, about the people that have died, and give my perception of how it seemed to happen,” he said. “Certain aspects of it all are quite mysterious, and of course, it hasn’t finished yet, has it? We should all remember those who have died as a group of people not really knowing why they died, because the information wasn’t there.”
The video for ‘Remember The Fallen’ serves to illustrate Byford’s message. There are visuals of items, such as people staring through glass and wearing masks, a reporter (also wearing a mask) covering the pandemic, and empty classrooms. Alongside the visuals is footage of the band recording its single/album.
Carpe Diem was produced by Andy Sneap (Fozzy, Skinlab, Exodus). Sneap mixed with album alongside Byford.
More information on Carpe Diem is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:
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Independent hard rock band Thirty Fates debuted the video for its latest single over the weekend.
The band premiered the video for its single, ‘Be Free’ Friday. The song, which features guest vocals by Tim “Ripper” Owens (The Three Tremors, Judas Priest, Iced Earth), is featured in the band’s new album, Circus Black. Circus Black was released Friday through Rockshots Records.
The band talked about having Owens on board for the song in a prepared statement.
“The guest appearance of Tim Ripper Owens, with crushing vocals, makes the song flairs to priest alike, and we are happy he found it great.”
Owens’ vocal delivery pairs with the song’s blend of modern rock and vintage power rock to give the arrangement a unique presentation in itself. The song’s production adds even more to its impact.
The noted statement also addresses the song’s lyrical theme.
“Freedom translated in different ways to each other, there are many ways to be free, but you must find the one way to be free yourself,” the statement reads.
The video for ‘Be Free’ is a familiar style presentation. It features Owens and company performing the new single on a soundstage. Meanwhile a variety of video and camera effects is used in order to enhance the visualization, and in turn, the viewing experience.
Track Listing: 1. Circus of Fate (intro) (0:56) 2. Indifferent People ft. Angel Wolf Black (4:56) 3. The Pretender (4:08) 4. Just For A Little (4:41) 5. Sign of Rebellion (4:27) 6. The Edge of Destiny (4:38) 7. Be Free (4:01) 8. Depression (5:23) 9. Because We Fly (4:36) Album Length: 37:52
Queensryche will join Judas Priest next spring when it continues its “50 Heavy Metal Years Tour.”
The next leg of the tour, which previously saw Sabaton join Judas Priest as support, is scheduled to launch March 4 in Peoria, IL and to run through April 13 in Hamilton, Ontario, CA. Tickets are available here.
Queensryche talked about joining the tour in a prepared statement.
“We are very excited to be supporting the mighty Judas Priest in celebration of their 50th Anniversary Tour!,” the statement reads. “This is a wonderful pairing, and we look forward to bringing you all a truly eventful experience.”
Queensryche’s upcoming dates with Judas Priest are in support of its latest album, The Verdict (2019).
The bands’ upcoming tour schedule is noted below.
QUEENSRŸCHE TOUR DATES:
March 4 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
March 6 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom
March 7 – West Valley City, UT – Maverik Center
March 9 – Everett, WA – Angel OF The Winds Arena
March 10 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
March 12 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater – Oakland
March 13 – Las Vegas, NV – Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood
March 15 – Los Angeles, CA – Shrine Auditorium
March 16 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theatre
March 18 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
March 20 – Cedar Park, TX – HEB Center Cedar Park
March 21 – San Antonio, TX – Freeman Colikseum
March 23 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Municipal Auditorium
March 25 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheater
March 27 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Civic Center Coliseum
March 29 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
March 30 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
April 2 – Mashantucket, CT – Foxwoods Resort Casino – Grand Theater
April 4 – Lowell, MA – Tsongas Center At UMass Lowell
April 7 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre
April 10 – Quebec City, QC – Centre Videotron
April 11 – Laval, QC – Place Bell
April 13 – Hamilton, ONT – FirstOntario Centre
More information on Queensryche’s upcoming live dates with Judas Priest is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Judas Priest is joining a growing list of rock and metal acts to launch new graphic novels. The band announced Tuesday through a news release, it plans to release the Screaming For Vengeance graphic novel next July through Z2 Comics. The graphic novel’s debut is part of the 40th anniversary of the release of the band’s original album, Screaming For Vengeance. The record was released in July 1982 and has since gone on to double platinum status.
The information provided in the news release announcing the graphic novel’s coming release, the novel’s story — co-written by Rantz Hoseley (Comic Book Tattoo and The Heroin Diaries) and Neil Kleid (Savor) and designed by artist Christopher Mitten (Hellboy and the B.R.P.D.) is set 500 years in the future. A ring of cities floats above a destroyed world. The cities are ruled by an evil elite class. At some point, a young engineer develops a Bloodstone, a device that threatens the status quo. The discovery changes his whole life and could change life for everybody in the floating cities, leading the young engineer to have to make some very difficult decisions along the way.
Hoseley was humble as he talked about his role in the graphic novel’s creation.
“I cannot overstate what an inspiration Judas Priest has been to me, personally.” said Hoseley. “I was already a fan of the band when Screaming for Vengeance was released, but no one was ready for the impact it had. That incredible cover art? Those songs? That album became my daily soundtrack and creative fuel, to the point where I wore the cassette out in my car. To be able to contribute to a project inspired by these songs that mean so much to me? Well, that is an honor and a responsibility I take very seriously.”
The band’s new graphic novel is expected for release in separate soft cover and hard cover formats. This is according to information in a news release distributed to the media Tuesday. Special limited deluxe and super deluxe packages featuring an anniversary vinyl pressing of the album are part of the novel’s release.
As an added bonus, the initial printings of the Screaming for Vengeance graphic novel will feature an interview with its original cover artist, Doug Johnson. According to the information in the provided release, Johnson discusses topics, such as creating the novel’s cover and the creation of “The Hellion,” the bird that graces the album and novel’s cover.
In related news, Z2 Vice President of Collectibles and Aggronautix founder Clint Weiler has developed a Hellion statue with working eyes that fans can also order.
Judas Priest is just the latest hard rock/metal act to jump in to the realm of graphic novels and comics. Exodus and Joe Satriani have each made the jump in the past year or so, as has Nickelback. A graphic novel based on Dio’s timeless album, Holy Diver has also seen the light of day.
In other news, Judas Priest released a new limited edition box set last month in the form of 50 Heavy Metal Years Of Music. The collection, which was released Oct. 15 through Sony Music, was part of the band’s celebration of its 50th anniversary. An extensive tour that the band recently wrapped was also part of the celebration. The box set collects the band’s entire studio and live catalogs along with 13 previously unreleased tracks.
The listing for the full 29-disc set is noted below.
50 HEAVY METAL YEARS OF MUSIC TRACKLISTING
CDs housed in mini LP Japanese-style wallets
Box set designed by long-time Judas Priest collaborator Mark Wilkinson
Includes Ross Halfin photos signed by each band member:
Rob Halford
Glenn Tipton
Ian Hill
Richie Faulkner
Scott Travis
Numbered British Steel metal razor blade (blunt)
Memorabilia book featuring rare photos, posters, adverts and passes
Replica British Steel tour programme
Two Replica Tour posters from:
British Steel 1980 German Tour Defenders Of The Faith 1984 European Tour
5 previously unreleased live stereo recordings from the archives Restored and edited by Tom Allom at La Cucina W8 Mastered by Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios, London
CD30 & CD31 – Live In Atlanta ’82 (Previously Unreleased)
CD30 The Hellion / Electric Eye Riding on the Wind Heading Out to the Highway Metal Gods Bloodstone Breaking the Law Sinner Desert Plains The Ripper Diamonds and Rust
CD31 Devils Child Screaming for Vengeance You’ve Got Another Thing Coming Victim of Changes Living After Midnight The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown) Hell Bent For Leather
CD32 – Live At The Mudd Club ’79 Hell Bent For Leather Delivering The Goods Running Wild Beyond The Realms Of Death The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown) Victim Of Changes Rock Forever Starbreaker
CD33 & CD34 – Live In Houston ’86
CD33 Out In The Cold Locked In Heading Out To The Highway Metal Gods Breaking The Law Love Bites Some Heads Are Gonna Roll The Sentinel Private Property Desert Plains Rock You All Around The World
CD34 The Hellion/ Electric Eye Turbo Lover Freewheel Burning Victim Of Changes The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown) Living After Midnight You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ Hell Bent For Leather
CD35 & CD36 – Live In New Haven ’88
CD35 The Hellion/ Electric Eye Metal Gods Sinner Breaking The Law Come And Get It I’m a Rocker The Sentinel The Ripper Beyond The Realms Of Death Some Heads Are Gonna Roll
CD36 Turbo Lover Ram It Down Heavy Metal Victim Of Changes The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown) Living After Midnight You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ Hell Bent For Leather
CD37 – Los Angeles ’90 (Previously Unreleased) Riding on the Wind Grinder Heading Out to the Highway Between the Hammer & the Anvil Bloodstone Better by You, Better Than Me Leather Rebel The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown) Hell Bent for Leather You’ve Got Another Thing Coming
CD38 – London ’81(Previously Unreleased) Solar Angels Intro / Heading Out to the Highway Metal Gods Hell Bent for Leather Breaking the Law Sinner Beyond the Realms of Death Grinder Desert Plains You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be Wise Victim of Changes The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown)
CD39 – Denver ’80 (Previously Unreleased) Hell Bent for Leather The Ripper Running Wild Living After Midnight Sinner Beyond the Realms of Death You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be Wise Grinder Victim of Changes Steeler Genocide Tyrant The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown)
CD40 – Irvine ’91 (Previously Unreleased) Hell Bent for Leather Heading Out to the Highway The Hellion / Electric Eye Diamonds and Rust All Guns Blazing Metal Gods Some Heads Are Gonna Roll The Ripper Night Crawler Turbo Lover A Touch of Evil Painkiller The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown) Breaking the Law Living After Midnight You’ve Got Another Thing Coming
CD41 & CD42 – Beyond Live & Rare Previously unreleased stereo recordings from the archives
CD41 Epitaph (Studio Demo) Demo from 1976’s Sad Wings Of Destiny Solar Angels (Live) July 22, 1981 – New York, NY – The Palladium Sinner (Live) July 22, 1981 – New York, NY – The Palladium Desert Plains (Live) July 22, 1981 – New York, NY – The Palladium You Don’t Have To Be Old To Be Wise (Live) July 22, 1981 – New York, NY – The Palladium Genocide (Live) May 09, 1978 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre Victim Of Changes (Live) May 09, 1978 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre Ripper (Live) May 09, 1978 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre Screaming For Vengeance (Live) November 24, 1982 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Convention Center The Green Manalishi (With The Two Pronged Crown) (Live) June 07, 1981 – Odessa, TX – Ector County Coliseum Victim of Changes (Live) June 07, 1981 – Odessa, TX – Ector County Coliseum
CD42 Tyrant (Live) June 07, 1981 – Odessa, TX – Ector County Coliseum Diamonds and Rust (Live) February 14, 1981 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Jaap Edenhal White Heat Red Hot (Live) July 29, 1978 – Tokyo, Japan – Yuubin Chokin Hall Better By You Better Than Me (Live) July 29, 1978 – Tokyo, Japan – Yuubin Chokin Hall Starbreaker (Live) July 29, 1978 – Tokyo, Japan – Yuubin Chokin Hall Rock Forever (Live) Killing Machine Tour – February 09, 1979 – Tokyo, Japan – Kōsei Nenkin Kaikan Evil Fantasies (Live) Killing Machine Tour – February 09, 1979 – Tokyo, Japan – Kōsei Nenkin Kaikan Troubleshooter (Live) World Wide Blitz Tour – February 29, 1981 – Wiesbaden, Germany – Rhein-Main-Halle Grinder (Live) World Wide Blitz Tour – February 29, 1981 – Wiesbaden, Germany – Rhein-Main-Halle The Sentinel (Live) May 02, 1984 – Albuquerque, NM – Tingley Coliseum Freewheel Burning (Live) May 02, 1984 – Albuquerque, NM – Tingley Coliseum All Guns Blazing (Live) August 17, 1991 – Montreal, QC, Canada – Forum de Montreal Painkiller (Live) March 26, 1991 – Sheffield, England – Sheffield City Hall Mother Sun (Live) October 11, 1975 – Slough, England – Slough College
The track listing for the Reflections Edition is noted below.
REFLECTIONS – 50 HEAVY METAL YEARS OF MUSIC 1CD Let Us Prey / Call for the Priest You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be Wise Fever Eat Me Alive All Guns Blazing Never The Heroes Dissident Aggressor (Live) Out in the Cold (Live) Judas Priest – Running Wild (Live) *Victim Of Changes (Live) (May 09, 1978 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre) *The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown) (Live) (Point of Entry ‘Worldwide Blitz’ Tour – Live in Hammersmith, London – November 21, 1981 – Foundations Forum – Hammersmith Odeon) *Bloodstone (Live) (Screaming For Vengeance World Vengeance Tour – Live in Atlanta, GA – December 11, 1982 – The Omni) *Judas Priest – The Ripper (Live) (Irvine, CA – July 12, 1991 – Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre) *Beyond the Realms of Death (Live) (Killing Machine/Hell Bent For Leather Tour – Live In New York, NY – March 11, 1979 – The Mudd Club) *The Hellion / Electric Eye (Live) (Turbo ‘Fuel For Life’ Tour – Live In Houston, TX – June 21, 1986 – The Summit) *Sinner (Live) (Ram It Down ‘Mercenaries Of Metal’ Tour – Live In New Haven, CT – August 7, 1988 – New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum)
*previously unreleased
REFLECTIONS – 50 HEAVY METAL YEARS OF MUSIC 2LP DOUBLE GATEFOLD RED VINYL, 180GSM
SIDE A Let Us Prey / Call for the Priest You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be Wise Fever Eat Me Alive
SIDE B All Guns Blazing Never The Heroes Dissident Aggressor (Live) Out in the Cold (Live) Judas Priest – Running Wild (Live)
SIDE C *previously unreleased* Victim Of Changes (Live) (May 09, 1978 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre) The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown) (Live) (Point of Entry ‘Worldwide Blitz’ Tour – Live in Hammersmith, London – November 21, 1981 – Foundations Forum – Hammersmith Odeon) Bloodstone (Live) (Screaming For Vengeance World Vengeance Tour – Live in Atlanta, GA – December 11, 1982 – The Omni) Judas Priest – The Ripper (Live) (Irvine, CA – July 12, 1991 – Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre)
SIDE D *previously unreleased* Beyond the Realms of Death (Live) (Killing Machine/Hell Bent For Leather Tour – Live In New York, NY – March 11, 1979 – The Mudd Club) The Hellion / Electric Eye (Live) (Turbo ‘Fuel For Life’ Tour – Live In Houston, TX – June 21, 1986 – The Summit) Sinner (Live) (Ram It Down ‘Mercenaries Of Metal’ Tour – Live In New Haven, CT – August 7, 1988 – New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum)
More information on Judas Priest’s new graphic novel and catalog collection set is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:
Sabaton fans got their first preview of the band’s new album over the weekend.
The band premiered the lead single from its forthcoming album, The War To End All Wars Friday in the form of ‘Christmas Truce.’ Its premiere was accompanied by the premiere of the song’s companion video. Album Pre-orders are open now.
‘Christmas Truce’ is centered on the timeless, real life story of the Christmas 1914 truce between Axis and Allied forces in World War I. It was on this day that the forces fighting one another took a single day — Christmas Day — to stop fighting and actually come together. The video, shot in the Czech Republic, follows that story, bringing it to life. The band stars in the story, with each playing the part of a soldier. The cinematic style presentation is just as gripping as any major blockbuster war movie that was ever been made.
The musical arrangement featured in ‘Christmas Truce’ is everything that audiences have come to expect, what with the power metal approach. At the same time, the song boasts its own identity. That unique identity includes what is clearly a reference to the timeless Christmas song, ‘Carol of the Bells.’
Bassist Par Sundstrom, who also developed the video’s story according to the video’s credits (yes, it comes complete with credits just like a movie), discussed the song in a prepared statement.
“‘Christmas Truce’ was our highest priority when we decided to write songs about World War One,” said Sundstrom. “Not only was it the most requested topic from our fans, but it was, for us, the most emotional story from the war. This song took us years to create since we wanted the music to reflect the mood honesty, and it was a big challenge; but we feel we managed to write a song that captures the spirit of that day, over a century ago.”
The War To End All Wars is scheduled for release March 4, 2022 through Nuclear Blast Records. It will feature 11 new songs, all of which are noted below along with the formats on which the record will release.
The tracklist for The War To End All Wars is as follows:
1. Sarajevo
2. Stormtroopers
3. Dreadnought
4. The Unkillable Soldier
5. Soldier Of Heaven
6. Hellfighters
7. Race to the Sea
8. Lady Of The Dark
9. The Valley Of Death
10. Christmas Truce
11. Versailles
“The War To End All Wars” will be available in the following formats:
– Jewelcase CD
– Limited Gold CD [Supporter Edition – various versions with translated booklets]
– History Edition
– NB Mailorder Exclusive Edition [ltd. to 1500 copies]
– Earbook [limited to 6000 copies]
– Black Vinyl
– Azure Blue Vinyl [bandshop exclusive, ltd. to 300 copies]
– Inca Gold Vinyl [bandshop exclusive, ltd. to 500 copies]
– Copper Vinyl [ltd. to 500 copies]
– Fluorescent Orange Vinyl [ltd. to 500 copies]
– Leaf Green Vinyl [Sweden exclusive]
– Fluorescent Yellow Vinyl [Ginza exclusive]
– Dusk Vinyl [Levik exclusive]
– Soft Grey Vinyl [Nordics exclusive]
– Lavender Vinyl [FNAC exclusive]
– Rosewood Vinyl [Mystic exclusive]
– Fluorescent Green Vinyl [UK exclusive]
– Pacific Blue Vinyl
– Polar White Vinyl [limited to 300 copies]
– Dewdrop Vinyl [limited to 500 copies, EMP exclusive]
– Blue cassette [limited to 100 copies, bandshop exclusive]
– Green cassette [limited to 100 copies]
– Grey cassette [limited to 300 copies]
– Red cassette [limited to 500 copies]
– Black cassette [limited to 250 copies]
– Smokey cassette [limited to 200 copies]
– White cassette [limited 100 copies]
In other news, the band premiered a standalone single, ‘Steel Commanders’ and a companion video in August. The premiere was followed with the debut of an official lyric video for the song in late September.
Sabaton is scheduled to wind down its tour with Judas Priest this week. The bands’ current tour dates are noted below.
NOVEMBER
2 Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, NS CANADA
4 Place Bell, Montreal, QC CANADA
5 FirstOntario Centre, Hamilton, ON CANADA
More information on Sabaton’s new album announcement is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
philspicks 