ONSLAUGHT ANNOUNCES NEW GUITARIST
UK thrash legends ONSLAUGHT welcome Nik Sampson as their new lead guitarist.facebook.com/onslaughtuk
FORMER EXCITER GUITARIST JOHN RICCI's NEW BAND POWERRAGE SHARES VIDEO FOR LATEST SINGLE
The official lyric video for the song "Dark Wings" from POWERRAGE, the new band featuring former EXCITER guitarist John Ricci, is out now. The track is taken from POWERRAGE's debut album, "Beast", which will arrive on April 24 via High Roller Records.youtu.be/w7c0ttbZg2I
2 SHORT REVIEWS
TENTACLAUS: Daily Grind (alternative punk/alternative rock)SKÜLL: Who Killed The Rooster (heavy alternative rock)
THE DARTS ANNOUNCES FRENCH TOUR
U.S. garage rockers The DARTS have announced a tour in France in March/April.thedartsus.com
A WILD MIX
ELECTRIC HYDRA: From The Fallen (hot high voltage heavy hard rock)
FORCEFED HORSEHEAD/SHAVING THE WEREWOLF: From Horrid To Worse (violent hardcore/punk and power violence)
JOYCE MANOR: I Used To Go To This Bar (catchy indie rock/pop punk)
KËKHT ARÄKH: Three Winters Away (black metal)
SPLIT EP WITH THE CHEATS AND WAYWARD BRIGADE
Pittsburgh punk rockers The CHEATS will team up with Maryland punks WAYWARD BRIGADE for a split 7" vinyl EP, titled "Split It Up". It will be released on May 8 via Screaming Crow Records.Both bands are doing 1 original song and 1 cover.
therealcheats.com | facebook.com/waywardbrigade
SKARABÉ, PIPISTRELLA, PÄRLOR OCH SVINN, KARDBORREBANDET and VÄNSTERNÄVEN at Kulturföreningen Tåget
There was a concert with some Swedish punk bands..
Read about it and see some photos
The LIPTONES and REGGAEMENTET at Wiser's
Why just go to 1 concert when you can go to 2? Why not end the night with some reggae and ska?
Read about it and see some photos
THE ADICTS, FEAR AND DEAD KENNEDYS CONFIRMED FOR PUNK IN THE PARK ROAD SHOW
Punk in the Park has announced the details for its 3-date "road show". Orlando, Pittsburgh, and Vallejo each get stops with somewhat different gigs. Bands appearing at various shows include The ADICTS (who headline all shows), DEAD KENNEDYS, SCREECHING WEASEL, LEFTOVER CRACK, CODEFENDANTS, The LAST GAND, AGNOSTIC FRONT, The QUEERS, CKY, STREET DOGS, FEAR etc.punkinthepark.com
NEW BEST OF CD WITH THE PROFESSIONALS
Punk rock legends The PROFESSIONALS (the band that Steve Jones and Paul Cook formed after SEX PISTOLS) has released a new best of CD, "Joined Up".
facebook.com/theprofessionalsband
CHARTA 77 COVERS COCA CAROLA
Swedish punk rock veterans CHARTA 77 has released a cover of COCA CAROLA's "Blommorna Jag Får".
The song comes from the upcoming album "Förhandla Med Clowner", which will be released on February 27 through Wild Kingdom Records.
frontl.ink/k0xp896 | facebook.com/charta77band | wildkingdom.se
NEW ALBUM WITH METAL CHURCH IN APRIL
American thrash metal legends METAL CHURCH return with their 13th studio album, "Dead To Rights", scheduled for release on April 10 via Rat Pak Records. The album marks the first release from the band's latest lineup, featuring founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof alongside longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, joined by former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson, powerhouse drummer Ken Mary, and dynamic new vocalist Brian Allen.METAL CHURCH plans to hit the road extensively this year on the "Dead To Rights" tour.
LATE METALLICA BASSIST CLIFF BURTON TO BE CELEBRATED
The life of late METALLICA bassist Cliff Burton will be celebrated with "Cliff Burton Day" on what would have been his 64th birthday, February 10, at the historic Chabot Theater in Cliff's hometown of Castro Valley, California.More info and tickets: thechabot.com
For those unable to attend in person, join the live stream broadcast starting at 7 p.m. PST at: youtube.com/gomezgrip
NEW SINGLE WITH ERIK GRÖNWALL IN THE END OF THE MONTH
Former SKID ROW singer Erik Grönwall (currently in MSG and solo artist) will release a new song, "Bad Bones", on February 27. It's the first taste of his upcoming solo album.Pre-save: erik-gronwall.ffm.to/bad-bones
RAMMSTEIN RELEASES ALL SINGLES ONLINE
All RAMMSTEIN singles with B-sides and remixes are available across all streaming services starting today (Feb. 6).rammstein.lnk.to/streaming
RAMONES DISPUTE FINALLY SETTLED
After more than 2 decades of legal battles, the long-running feud over control of The RAMONES' estate has finally come to an end. Johnny Ramone's widow, Linda Cummings-Ramone, has now acquired 100% ownership of Ramones Productions, Inc., buying out Joey Ramone's brother Mickey Leigh (born Mitchel Hyman) and bringing a hard-fought era of disputes to a close.With the legal battle behind them, the focus now shifts to potential new projects tied to the band's legacy, from remastered releases and archival material to curated merchandise, documentary work or long-anticipated film projects that could further cement the band's global influence.
NEW SINGLE WITH KING ULTRAMEGA
KING ULTRAMEGA have released a new single, a cover of "Preaching The End Of The World", recorded in loving memory of Chris Cornell (SOUNDGARDEN, AUSIOSLAVE, solo artist) while raising funds and awareness for MusiCares, the Recording Academy's nonprofit that provides mental health services, addiction recovery support, and emergency assistance to members of the music community.The song was originally written and performed by Chris Cornell. This recording features vocals by Ian Thornley of BIG WRECK, guitars by Pete Thorn, bass by Mark Menghi, keyboards and synth by Dave Kerzner and Frank Mitaritonna, and drums by Kenny Aronoff.
youtu.be/rmR11y2Odsk?si=wrAQlocXE0hIyH8Z | kingultramega.com
LUVGHUL TEAM UP WITH MY DISEASE FOR A SPLIT RECORD
Swedish horror punk rockers LUVGHUL and MY DISEASE (both from Örebro) has release a split record, titled "Greetings From Transylvania", via K&K Records. It's avaialble now on various streaming platforms.kkrecords.se | open.spotify.com/artist/49a9EIG.... | open.spotify.com/artist/5W3bpj....
NEW SINGLE WITH VIOLET
Young German AOR hope VIOLET release the new single "Sex In Harmony (Live)".This live version was recorded at Scala in Ludwigsburg on December 21, 2024, and can be found on the upcoming 8-track EP "Silhouettes", which will be released on February 27 via Metalapolis Records.
Listen to the song and pre-order the EP: violet.spread.link/silhouettes
facebook.com/violetAORofficial | metalapolis.eu
GRAVE DIGGER AND COCKNEY REJECTS CONFIRMED FOR HELLS BELLS FESTIVAL
GRAVE DIGGER, COCKNEY REJECTS, The STUBS and HAMULEC have been confirmed for Hells Bells Festival, which happens on June 26-27 in Szczecin, Poland.Confirmed since earlier are VADER, DISCHARGE, FURIA and DEZERTER.
hellsbells.pl
TWISTED SISTER CANCEL UPCOMING REUNION TOUR DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES
TWISTED SISTER was supposed to reunite for a 50th anniversary tour this year (weird as the band became TWISTED SISTER in 1973), but due to an sudden and unexpected resignation of lead singer Dee Snider brought on by a series of health challenges, the band has been forced to cancel all upcoming shows.A lifetime of aggressive performing has taken its toll on Dee's body and soul. The 70 years old singer suffers from degenerative artritis and has had several surgeries over the years. He has also recently found out that his wild performance has taken its toll on his heart as well.
The future of TWISTED SISTER will be determined in the next several weeks says the band in a statement.
twistedsister.com
NEW SINGLE WITH TUNGSTEN
Swedish metal band TUNGSTEN are back with an official video for their brand-new single "Bite My Tongue".
The band was formed by drummer Anders Johansson (ex-HAMMERFALL, Yngwie Malmsteen, SILVER MOUNTAIN, MANOWAR etc etc) alongside his sons Karl and Nick. Vocalist is Mike Andersson.
tungsten.rpmlink/bmtPR | tungstenofficial.net
SKID ROW PARTNERS WITH SWEETWATER TO LAUNCH SEARCH FOR NEW SINGER
Legendary hard rock band SKID ROW has announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with U.S. company Sweetwater, the world's leading online retailer of musical instruments and pro-audio equipment, to search worldwide for their next lead vocalist. The collaboration invites singers from around the world to audition for the opportunity to front the band.In 2026, SKID ROW marks its 40th anniversary.
sweetwater.com/insync/skid-row-the-next-chapter | instagram.com/officialskidrow
JORN LANDE SIGNS WITH BLACK LODGE RECORDS
Black Lodge Records has announces the signing of Norwegian rock singer Jorn Lande (JORN, ex-MASTERPLAN).2026 is already generating anticipation, with plans for a third edition of JORN's "Heavy Rock Radio" concept, featuring JORN-ified renditions of beloved rock classics and collaborations with leading artists.
PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED SLIPKNOT ALBUM TO ARRIVE IN APRIL
SLIPKNOT's set of previously unreleased songs recorded by 4 members of the band during the sessions for its 2008 LP "All Hope Is Gone" will finally be made available this spring.SLIPKNOT percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan revealed the existence of the music in 2018, saying that he, singer Corey Taylor, guitarist Jim Root and DJ Sid Wilson wrote and laid down the more psychedelic-flavored tunes at a separate studio during an impasse in the recording of "All Hope Is Gone".
Now it has been confirmed that the effort, dubbed "Look Outside Your Window", will receive a vinyl release on Record Store Day (April 18).
If you're interested in more Record Store Day releases, go to: recordstoreday.com
NEW SINGLE WITH TIEMPOS DE IRA
Spanish hardcore/metal band TIEMPOS DE IRA deliver the second advance single, "Una Vida de Locxs", from their upcoming self-titled album, set for release on February 20 via Art Gates Records.youtu.be/syVcoRvmY6s?si=ILCMDOuxNOIibE41 | artgatesrecords.com
FEMALE THURSDAY
Gabrielle de Val: Time To Die (modern AOR/melodic rock)Lily Löwe: Beautiful Disaster (modern melodic hard rock)
MOTÖRHEAD TO RELEASE "The Löst Tapes Vol. 7" IN APRIL
MOTÖRHEAD announce that "The Löst Tapes Vol. 7 - Live At The Whisky A Go Go, West Hollywood (Live At Lemmy's 50th)" will be released on limited edition, double clear vinyl on April 18.
imotorhead.com
EXODUS RELEASE UNCENSORED VIDEO FOR "3111"
A few weeks ago, American thrash legends EXODUS released the single "3111", but the video was too much for YouTube. Now the band has released the uncensored version of the video (not on YouTube though).The song is taken from the upcoming 12th studio album, "Goliath", which will be released on March 20 via Napalm Records.
exodus3111.com/video | facebook.com/exodusattack
MEMBERS OF VOKONIS FORM NEW BAND
Members of the Swedish metal band VOKONIS has formed a new band called ASKMOLN. They are said to play progressive death/blackgaze.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587379805122
NEW SINGLE WITH THE LINDA LINDAS
Young American pop punk girls The LINDA LINDAS have made a cover of the old classic "California Sun".facebook.com/TheLindaLindas
BUZZCOCKS CONFIRMED FOR REBELLION
Old English punk rock legends BUZZCOCKS have been confirmed for the punk festival Rebellion, which happens at Winter Gardens in Blackpool, England on August 6-9. The festival celebrates its 30-year anniversary.rebellionfestivals.com
STEPHEN PEARCY ANNOUNCES INITIAL DATES FOR 2026
As he continues to lay down tracks for his upcoming 6th solo album, RATT singer Stephen Pearcy has announced his initial tour dates for 2026. Billed as "The Undercover Tour", the itinerary will be highlighted by performances with guitarist extraordinaire Warren DeMartini - his longtime bandmate in RATT and current touring partner - under the PEARCY/DEMARTINI moniker. The first date of 2026 is a PEARCY/DEMARTINI show on February 26 at the Yaamava' Theater in Highland, California.All upcoming dates will be in USA.
officialstephenpearcy.com
FORMER EXCITER GUITARIST JOHN RICCI ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM FROM HIS NEW BAND
POWERRAGE, the new band featuring former EXCITER guitarist John Ricci, will release its debut album, "Beast", on April 24 via High Roller Records.In addition to Ricci, POWERRAGE includes bassist Todd Pilon (formerly of WITCHKILLER), vocalist Jacques Bélanger (who previously sang on 3 EXCITER albums) and drummer Lucas Dery.
VOIVOD REVEALS FUTURE PLANS
After a busy period of working on various projects behind the scenes, Canadian sci-fi metal innovators VOIVOD have announced their upcoming tour dates across North America as well as a long summer touring campaign all over Europe. The band has also offered an update about their current studio activity and launched a new video clip for their classic track "Condemned To The Gallows".VOIVOD are also mixing the Quebec City Symphonique Live album, while recording the next studio LP. And a video game by Chaosmonger Studio is in the works as well.
"Condemned To The Gallows" is a re-recording of the very first song they ever wrote. This version is taken from VOIVOD's special 40th-anniversary release "Morgöth Tales" from 2023.
youtu.be/YEFe2YI7Bn4 | voivod.com
IN FLAMES RECORDING NEW ALBUM
Swedish/American metal band IN FLAMES have entered a Los Angeles studio to begin recording their 15th studio album.instagram.com/p/DUUb7FaEegT/....
NEW SONG WITH SISTER SIN
Swedish heavy metal band SISTER SIN has released its first new music in 12 years, "Suicide Hill", through all digital platforms. The song is inspired by the 1988 classic movie "Maniac Cop" as well as the novel "Suicide Hill" by James Ellroy.
SISTER SIN's next single, "Drive", is set to arrive on March 3.
youtu.be/u2ehJ2qVPjQ
NEW BOX SET WITH HEAVEN & HELL IN MARCH
Rhino presents "Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009", a new collection focusing on the final chapter of Ronnie James Dio's celebrated tenure with members of BLACK SABBATH. Reuniting with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice under the name HEAVEN & HELL, the band returned to the stage and studio decades after their original run for an unexpected third act."Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009" will be available on March 27 as 7LP and 4CD/Blu-ray boxed sets. Both editions include an illustrated book with new liner notes by Hugh Gilmour, along with a replica tour book and poster.
The collection marks the first time the complete "Live From Radio City Music Hall" performance appears on vinyl, and features 8 tracks making their vinyl debut, including studio recordings from "The Dio Years" and select live performances. The Blu-ray expands the set with video from "Live From Radio City Music Hall" and "Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell - Live at Wacken", plus band interviews.
heavenandhell.lnk.to/breakingoutFA
OUT ON FRIDAY (Feb. 6)
Jack Harlon & The DEAD CROWS: Inexorable Opposites (heavy psych rock)FULL HOUSE BREW CREW: Glasgow Grin ("American heavy groove metal")
INDUCTION: Love Kills! (symphonic power metal)
IN AETERNUM: ...Of Death And Fire (black/death metal)
CYCLONE: Known Unto God (old school thrash metal)
BITTERNESS: Hallowed Be The Game (old school thrash metal)
NEW SINGLE WITH LION'S SHARE
Swedish heavy metal veterans LION'S SHARE continue their comeback campaign with the new single "Pentagram", the opening track from their long-awaited album "Inferno", out on March 27 via Metalville Records.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih8E9bEfCGE | lionsshare.org | metalville-shop.com
WITHERING SURFACE FORCED TO POSTPONE UPCOMING DATES
Danish melodic death metallers WITHERING SURFACE have to postpone all planned shows this spring due to the health condition of their guitarist Marco.facebook.com/WitheringSurface
DESCENDENTS ANNOUNCES AUSTRALIAN/NEW ZEALAND TOUR
American punk rock veterans DESCENDENTS are going to Australia and New Zealand in June, where they will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the album "Everything Sucks".arep.co/p/descendents-australia--nz-2026-tour | facebook.com/thedescendents
BUCKCHERRY ANNOUNCES NEW U.S. TOUR
American hard rockers BUCKCHERRY are going on a U.S. tour in Mayfacebook.com/buckcherry
40th ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF VAN HALEN's "5150" IN MARCH
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in March 2026, "5150" is the first of 4 albums VAN HALEN recorded with lead singer Sammy Hagar. To mark this moment, Rhino is releasing an expanded edition of this classic on March 27 with a remastered version of the original album, a disc of rare singles edits and B-sides and a previously unreleased performance from the band recorded on August 27, 1986 in New Haven, Connecticut. Rounding out the package will be a Blu-ray inclusive of the first HD release of the band's classic 1986 live video "Live Without A Net" and a promo video for the track "Dreams".A live version of "Summer Nights" from VAN HALEN's aforementioned New Haven concert can be seen here: youtu.be/g9pYywCZrXc
vh.lnk.to/5150EE
THE KISS HIT "I Was Made For Lovin' You" SURPASSES 1 BILLION VIEWS ON YOUTUBE
KISS's "I Was Made For Lovin' You" music video has officially topped a billion views on YouTube.DEEP PURPLE RETURN TO ROYAL ALBERT HALL
DEEP PURPLE will return to the Royal Albert Hall in London for a special one-off performance on November 25, reconnecting the band with one of the most significant venues in their storied history.Tickets will be available from Friday, February 6 at: aegpresents.co.uk/event/deep-purple
THE DAMNED FORCED TO CANCEL TONIGHT'S SHOW IN KÖLN
Punk rock legends The DAMNED have been forced to cancel tonight's (Feb. 3) show in Köln, Germany.
"Everyone has been suffering with colds and flus, doctors were called but to no avail. Our singer David has succumbed and lost his voice, so obviously we can’t proceed", says the band.
facebook.com/OfficialDamned
ALL IN ON DEATH METAL
PAGANIZER: As Mankind Rots (classic death metal)
ILLUMINA A.D.: Days Of Blood & Fire (modern heavy metal/melodic death metal)
BEYOND THE PALE: Monument In Time (reissue) (thrash/melodic death metal)
BANISHER: Metamorphosis (progressive death metal)
MORS VERUM: Canvas (progressive death metal)
WITHERING SURFACE: Unique (re-release) (melodic death metal from 1995)
HEIR CORPSE ONE: Destination: Domination (classic death metal)
KICKIN VALENTINA ANNOUNCES UK/EUROPEAN TOUR
American street hard rockers KICKIN VALENTINA will return to the UK and Europe in August/September.
facebook.com/KickinValentina
ACCEPT ANNOUNCES UK SHOWS
German heavy metal pioneers ACCEPT will celebrate their 50th anniversary with 2 UK headline shows in August.
The dates are as follows:
27 Aug. - Wolverhampton, KK's Steel Mill
28 Aug. - London, Indigo at The O2
Special guests on both shows will be up and coming UK hotshots TAILGUNNER. Tickets are on general sale Friday, February 6.
The band will also be appearing at Stonedead Festival in Newark, UK on Saturday, August 29.
Alongside the anniversary tour, ACCEPT will release a special 50th anniversary album later this year, featuring newly re-recorded classics, rare tracks and guest appearances.
linktr.ee/acceptworldwide
CONNY BLOOM OF ELECTRIC BOYS ANNOUNCES SWEDISH TOUR
ELECTRIC BOYS frontman Conny Bloom is going on a solo tour in Sweden in April to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his first solo album, "Fullt Upp".
facebook.com/ConnyBloomOfficial
FILTHY CHRISTIANS REUNION AT KRYLBOMANGEL
Swedish grindcore band FILTHY CHRISTIANS are going to reunite at the Krylbomangel festival in Krylbo, Sweden on June 27.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558531092403
MEGADETH ARE No. 1 IN SEVERAL COUNTRIES
MEGADETH has secured its first-ever first No. 1 album in the U.S. with the band's final self-titled effort. MEGADETH also claims the top spot in Australia and Austria.Other top 5 spots include No. 2 in Finland (and No. 1 physical), Sweden (plus No. 1 physical), and Belgium; No. 3 in both the U.K. and Germany; No. 4 in the Netherlands; and No. 5 in both Italy and New Zealand.
megadeth.com
2 REVIEWS
MOUNT PALATINE: Wormholy World (heavy psych metal)WICKED SMILE: When Night Falls (traditional heavy metal)
WATTIE OF THE EXPLOITED COLLAPSED IN GERMANY
The EXPLOITED frontman Wattie collapsed during a show in Wiesbaden, Germany on Saturday, January 31 due to dehydration. He is currently at hospital, and the upcoming shows in Tallinn and Riga have been postponed.Read more: facebook.com/theexploitedofficial
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