Month: August 2021

TRIUMPH’s first-ever feature documentary about the band’s dramatic career, “Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine” (changed from the working title of “Triumph: Lay It On The Line”), will receive its world premiere on Friday, September 10 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). A trailer for the film is available below.

Produced by Emmy and Peabody award-winning Banger Films, “Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine” is a Crave original documentary that was previously described as “a celebratory, exhilarating thrill ride through the history of one of rock’s most unsung acts.” The film covers TRIUMPH’s humble beginnings as staples of the GTA circuit in the mid-’70s to their heyday as touring juggernauts, selling out arenas and stadiums all across North America with their legendary spectacular live shows — and way beyond.

Last year, guitarist/vocalist Rik Emmett told The Metal Voice about the making of “Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine”: “There’s a surreal nature to it — you’re going back in your life, and they’re reminding you of things that you’d completely forgotten,” he continued. “And you’re going, ‘Oh, yeah.’ And then they’re digging deeper, and they’re going, ‘So, when the band broke up…’ And you’re going, ‘Okay, this hurts, actually.’ I don’t wanna have to go back to that, because the rise and the fall and the rise again, it’s the fall that hurts. I don’t wanna go there. I thought I’d put all this behind me. It was ugly, heavy baggage.”

Emmett also talked about a “really extraordinary thing” Banger Films did while working on “Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine”. “They flew in fans from all over the world,” he said. “They created an event. And the fans didn’t know that we were gonna actually play three songs. So, they brought ’em all to the warehouse, and they’re wandering, and they’re looking at this TRIUMPH museum-y kind of thing. They’ve got dummies with my old spandex jumpsuits on. And then they send them down and they were gonna show them a few little clips on a scrim. The scrim drops and there we are and we play. And these are the people that love us the most. And there was only a couple of hundred of ’em. But it was so intense; it was so amazing. And, of course, they’ve got, like, 15 cameras around the room capturing every angle of this. And then you go, ‘Oh my God. This is heavy duty.’

“So it’s really good,” Rik added. “It really gets to the heart of, you’re a band, you create some music, you make a connection to people, and then here’s these people, you’re the soundtrack to their lives, and it matters to them. So they love you. I could get up there and fart, and they would go, ‘Yeah! Great!'”

The aforementioned invite-only event was held in November 2019 in front of 300 “superfans” at MetalWorks studio in Mississauga (a suburb of Toronto), Ontario, Canada. Emmett, bassist/keyboardist Mike Levine and drummer Gil Moore played a three-song set that marked TRIUMPH’s first performance in 11 years, as well as its first as a pure three-piece power trio in 31 years. The tracks played were “When The Lights Go Down”, “Lay It On The Line” and “Magic Power”.

Moore, Levine, and Emmett formed TRIUMPH in 1975, and their blend of heavy riff-rockers with progressive odysseys, peppered with thoughtful, inspiring lyrics and virtuosic guitar playing quickly made them a household name in Canada. Anthems like “Lay It On The Line”, “Magic Power” and “Fight The Good Fight” broke them in the USA, and they amassed a legion of fiercely passionate fans. But, as a band that suddenly split at the zenith of their popularity, TRIUMPH missed out on an opportunity to say thank you to those loyal and devoted fans, a base that is still active today, three decades later.

Back in 2016, Moore and Levine reunited with Rik as special guests on the “RES 9” album from Emmett’s band RESOLUTION9.

After 20 years apart, Emmett, Levine and Moore played at the 2008 editions of the Sweden Rock Festival and Rocklahoma. A DVD of the historic Sweden performance was made available four years later.

METALLICA has shared “Wherever I May Roam (São Paulo, Brazil – May 2, 1993)”, taken from the “Wherever We May Roam” DVD included in the remastered deluxe box set of its self-titled fifth album — also known as “The Black Album” — due on September 10 via the band’s own Blackened Recordings. The track was recorded live at Estádio Palestra Itália in São Paulo, Brazil on May 2, 1993. Check it out below.

The Black Album is one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed records of all time. Its 1991 release not only gave METALLICA its first No. 1 album in no fewer than 10 countries, including a four-week run at No. 1 in the U.S., its unrelenting series of singles — “Enter Sandman”, “The Unforgiven”, “Nothing Else Matters”, “Wherever I May Roam” and “Sad But True” — fueled the band’s rise to stadium headlining, radio and MTV dominating household name status. The album’s reception from the press was similarly charged, building over the years from the top 10 of the 1991 Village Voice Pazz & Jop national critics poll to becoming a constant presence in the likes of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time. The album’s impact and relevance continue to grow — as proven by one indisputable fact: The Black Album remains unchallenged as the best-selling album in the history of Nielsen SoundScan, outselling every release in every genre over the past 30 years.

To commemorate its 30th anniversary, the Grammy-winning, 16-times-platinum-certified Black Album is receiving its definitive re-release. Remastered for ultimate sound quality, The Black Album remaster will be available in multiple configurations including 180-gram double vinyl LP, standard CD and 3 CD expanded edition, digital, and limited-edition deluxe box set (containing the album remastered on 180-gram 2LP, a picture disc, three live LPs, 14 CDs (containing rough mixes, demos, interviews, live shows), 6 DVDs (containing outtakes, behind the scenes, official videos, live shows), a 120-page hardcover book, four tour laminates, three lithos, three guitar picks, a METALLICA lanyard, a folder with lyric sheets, and a download card).

Much more than a mere tribute album, “The Metallica Blacklist” celebrates the enduring influence of this musical milestone with one of the most ambitious projects ever conceived by the METALLICA team: An unprecedented 50+ artists spanning an unbelievably vast range of genres, generations, cultures, continents and more, each contributing a unique interpretation of their favorite Black Album cut.

“The Metallica Blacklist” offers up new dimensions of the record whose gravitational pull first drew the mainstream to METALLICA — and provides new insights into the universal and timeless appeal that kept it there: the boundary-smashing influence these 12 songs have had on fans and musicians of all stripes. “The Metallica Blacklist”‘s 53 tracks find singer songwriters, country artists, electronic and hip hop artists sharing their love of these songs alongside punk rockers, indie darlings, icons of rock, metal, world music and many, many more… and for 50+ good causes: Profits will be divided evenly between charities of the artist’s choice and METALLICA’s All Within My Hands foundation.

“The Metallica Blacklist” is a fitting and limitless homage, one that features bands who’ve shared stages with METALLICA alongside artists who are younger than the original album. It’s a truly staggering, at times mystifying assemblage of musicians, dozens of whom have little to nothing in common other than the shared passion for the music that’s united them for this album: 1 Album. 12 Songs. 53 Artists. Unlimited Possibilities.

“The Metallica Blacklist” will be available in formats including digital, four-CD and a limited-edition seven-LP vinyl pressing.

All profits from “The Metallica Blacklist” will be split evenly between the All Within My Hands foundation and 50+ charities chosen by the artists who play on the album. All Within My Hands was founded by the band in 2017 as a way for the entire METALLICA family to give back to communities that have supported the band by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services.

“The Metallica Blacklist” features the following tracks:

* ALESSIA CARA & THE WARNING – Enter Sandman
* MAC DEMARCO – Enter Sandman
* GHOST – Enter Sandman
* JUANES – Enter Sandman
* RINA SAWAYAMA – Enter Sandman
* WEEZER – Enter Sandman
* SAM FENDER – Sad But True (Live)
* JASON ISBELL – Sad But True
* MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF SOUND FEAT. LA PERLA & GERA MX – Sad But True
* ROYAL BLOOD – Sad But True
* ST. VINCENT – Sad But True
* WHITE REAPER – Sad But True
* YB – Sad But True
* BIFFY CLYRO – Holier Than Thou
* THE CHATS – Holier Than Thou
* OFF! – Holier Than Thou
* PUP – Holier Than Thou
* COREY TAYLOR – Holier Than Thou
* CAGE THE ELEPHANT – The Unforgiven
* VISHAL DADLANI, DIVINE, SHOR POLICE – The Unforgiven
* DIET CIG – The Unforgiven
* FLATBUSH ZOMBIES FEAT. DJ SCRATCH – The Unforgiven
* HA*ASH – The Unforgiven
* JOSÉ MADERO – The Unforgiven
* MOSES SUMNEY – The Unforgiven
* J BALVIN – Wherever I May Roam
* CHASE & STATUS FEAT. BACKROAD GEE – Wherever I May Roam
* THE NEPTUNES – Wherever I May Roam
* JON PARDI – Wherever I May Roam
* SEBASTIAN – Don’t Tread On Else Matters
* PORTUGAL. THE MAN FEAT. AARON BEAM – Don’t Tread On Me
* VOLBEAT – Don’t Tread On Me
* THE HU – Through The Never
* TOMI OWÓ – Through The Never
* PHOEBE BRIDGERS – Nothing Else Matters
* MILEY CYRUS FEAT. WATT, ELTON JOHN, YO-YO MA, ROBERT TRUJILLO, CHAD SMITH – Nothing Else Matters
* DAVE GAHAN – Nothing Else Matters
* MICKEY GUYTON – Nothing Else Matters
* DERMOT KENNEDY – Nothing Else Matters
* MON LAFERTE – Nothing Else Matters
* IGOR LEVIT – Nothing Else Matters
* MY MORNING JACKET – Nothing Else Matters
* PG ROXETTE – Nothing Else Matters
* DARIUS RUCKER – Nothing Else Matters
* CHRIS STAPLETON – Nothing Else Matters
* TRESOR – Nothing Else Matters
* GOODNIGHT, TEXAS – Of Wolf And Man
* IDLES – The God That Failed
* IMELDA MAY – the god that failed
* CHERRY GLAZERR – My Friend Of Misery
* IZÏA – My Friend Of Misery
* KAMASI WASHINGTON – My Friend Of Misery
* RODRIGO Y GABRIELA – The Struggle Within

Back in 2017, METALLICA announced that it was preparing deluxe remastered versions of its “…And Justice For All” (1988) and “Metallica” (1991) albums and reached out to its hardcore fans for help to get content for the new editions. “…And Justice For All” has since been reissued for its 30th anniversary in 2018.

METALLICA’s self-titled LP in 2014 became the first album to sell 16 million copies since Nielsen SoundScan started tracking sales in 1991.

“Metallica” was already certified 16 times platinum on December 13, 2012 by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) for shipments in excess of 16 million copies in the U.S.

The album in 2009 surpassed SHANIA TWAIN’s 1997 record, “Come On Over”, as the best-selling CD of the SoundScan era.

“Metallica” was the first of four collaborations with producer Bob Rock, with whom the band clashed throughout the recording of the disc.

METALLICA performed “the black album” in its entirety at a number of European festivals in 2012.

TRIUMPH guitarist/vocalist Rik Emmett will release a new poetry book, “Reinvention: Poems”, on September 14.

“Reinvention” is a largely autobiographical collection of poetry — a project that followed on the heels of Emmett retiring from a touring musician’s and college educator’s life in early 2019. Inside all of the slashes that define him — singer/songwriter/guitarist/rock star/teacher/columnist — writing has always been his strongest avocation, and the poetic style of “Ultra Talk”, in particular, offered a welcome spark for a songwriter’s freedom of expression. This creative license is organized under seven headings — The Humanities, Life & Death, There’s Politics in Everything, Double Helix, Soapbox Sermonettes, Time Time Time, and Ars Nova 2020.

Rik’s poetry (literally) reinvents his own retirement, and it’s not just some aging dilettante’s bucket list fancy. He discovered a sincere way to tie up a lot of loose ends, fulfill dormant promise, and eschew show biz tangents. “Reinvention”, his first book, makes some sense of a life that always went in a lot of different directions at once. Finally, he’s given himself permission to chase a mode of self-expression with less commercial potential … than jazz guitar recordings.

Emmett is in three Canadian “Halls” and two “Walks Of Fame.” After 12 platinum LPs in his TRIUMPH years, Rik produced 20 indie projects, from rock and blues to jazz, folk, and classical. His latest release is “Folk Songs For The Farewell Bonfire”. An avowed family man, he’s been married for 45 years; he was also a Guitar Player magazine columnist for more than a dozen years and an educator for a few decades at Humber College. Rik is Artistic Director Emeritus of the SongStudio Workshop, and a published poet and cartoonist. He lives in Burlington, Ontario.

Former D.R.I. bassist Harald Oimoen has apologized to VIO-LENCE singer Sean Killian for saying that he had “no sympathy” for adults who refuse vaccination against COVID-19 and then become sick.

On Sunday (August 22), Killian revealed that he been hospitalized with COVID-19 after contracting he virus “from a friend who was unaware he was carrying it.” The 57-year-old musician, who battled stage four liver cirrhosis five years ago, added that his “lung capacity at this time is diminished” and indicated that he “will have a recovery period that will take some time.”

A short time later, Oimoen, who is perhaps best known as one of the photographers behind the 2012 photojournal book “Murder In The Front Row” which chronicled the 1980s San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal scene, took to his Facebook page to write: “Hmmmmm …. I really don’t wanna piss anybody off …. however the vocalist of a very popular local legendary ( almost !) thrash band just contracted the virus !! He is a totally anti vaccination kinda guy !”

He added: “I have absolutely no sympathy for anyone who gets the virus but refuses to get vaccinated !!! Kinda ironic and perfect punishment for being soooo ignorant !!”

Harald’s comments prompted a quick response from Killian, who shared Oimoen’s post and added in an accompanying message: “This is what Harold Oimen [sic] just posted about me. When an individual’s mind is so poisoned by the need to confirm their affiliation with a group that they use others misfortune to do it says a lot about that person. I considered Harold a friend once but no longer. If he had any integrity he would have contacted me directly and we could have had an open conversation. We have known each other for decades. Your a coward Harold don’t ever consider yourself my friend again. When you see me in public, and you will, avoid me like a storm sent from Hell because that is what you’ll be facing.”

Late last night (Monday, August 23), Oimoen returned to his Facebook to write: “I’d like to publicly apologize to Sean Killian for my callous and uncalled for rant !! I’ve known Sean for 35+ years and even performed at his benefit show !! I should keep my opinions to my self !! I love our scene here in the Bay Area and deeply care for all my friends !!

“This has gotten way outta hand & never dreamed my comment would blow up like this !! I don’t know WTF I was thinking …. Life is way too short & fragile to even waste time on bullshit like this !! It was mean spirited & uncalled for ! There is enough schism in the world right now & I shouldn’t be making it worse !

“So bummed we lost Eric Wagner who was a way cool guy !

“Get well soon Sean and now we’re even for the time you trashed my house with Baloff & Fred Cotton !! Truly sorry brother !”

Oimoen’s initial post drew reactions from several other members of the Bay Area metal community, including Killian’s bandmate, VIO-LENCE drummer Perry Strickland, who wrote: “We all stand by our choices !and Sean ! 100 [percent]” Former TESTAMENT bassist Greg Christian also chimed in, writing: “In my humble opinion, I don’t think this needed to be said. Regardless of the irony. He’s a human being, and an old friend – with fragile health to begin with. Why would you want to gloat or take pleasure in him getting sick? What if, God forbid, he were to end up dying from this? How would you feel about this post then? I know, it’s social media. I get it. But this whole social media experience is making us all callous. It is what it is, but hey we really should at least try to not celebrate when people we know catch a potentially dangerous disease. Ya know?”

Sean’s public revelation that he was infected with the virus came on the day that former TROUBLE singer Eric Wagner — who was also reportedly unvaccinated — died after a battle with COVID pneumonia.

Unvaccinated people are more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19 than people who are fully vaccinated.

Infectious disease experts have said that large-scale outbreaks among unvaccinated people are being fueled by the highly contagious delta variant.

Killian underwent a successful liver transplant surgery in March 2018. The year before, Killian was diagnosed with stage four liver cirrhosis, which was caused in part by a genetic condition called hemochromatosis.

I’d like to publicly apologize to Sean Killian for my callous and uncalled for rant !! I’ve known Sean for 35+ years and…

Posted by Harald Oimoen on Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Ex-CHILDREN OF BODOM guitarist Roope Latvala says that his former bandmates “were already dead” to him by the time Alexi Laiho passed away last December.

Latvala was a member of CHILDREN OF BODOM for more than a decade before being fired in May 2015. His exit came just as the band was preparing to enter the studio to begin recording its ninth album, “I Worship Chaos”.

Latvala discussed his departure from CHILDREN OF BODOM in a new interview with Finland’s Chaoszine. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “I was betrayed and kicked out… [I] never spoke a goddamn word [to any of them after that]. And if I tried to, they totally shut me down [and told me], ‘You can talk to our lawyer.’ So that’s about that. So those guys, to me, they were already dead.”

Asked if he was sad that he wasn’t able to repair his relationship with the CHILDREN OF BODOM frontman before the 41-year-old’s passing, Roope said: “Yeah, there was some stuff to settle. I still wanna remember and I still have dreams about those times when he used to be the best buddy of mine.”

Latvala also talked about how he came to be fired from CHILDREN OF BODOM just prior to the studio sessions for “I Worship Chaos”.

“I was already pretty much ready to go and start recording,” he said. “So I knew every fucking thing. Except they kind of shut me out before; they didn’t let me in the fucking rehearsals. So what Alexi was talking that I was never there, and that’s bullshit. They didn’t me let me. Because I had a couple of days that I didn’t — maybe I was sick [or had a] hangover or whatever.”

Asked if he thinks part of the reason the other members of CHILDREN OF BODOM shut him out was because he was drinking heavily at that time and they wanted to provide a supportive environment for Alexi to help keep him on track, Roope said: “All drinkers, when they play sober, they start this fucking hypocrisy, like moral Jesus stuff. And then when those Americans came around [referring to CHILDREN OF BODOM’s management] and started taking over, Alexi started to… Fucking dudes that didn’t know anything about shit. [Prior to that] we had German management, which [had] been [there] since the start. So we had a very relationship. And our crew and everything, we were all working like clockwork. First he fired a couple of crew guys — his closest friends again. And then our long-term relationship with Continental Concerts — that’s a German firm. They were really cool. So he had to fire them because he started fancying those Americans. Everything that’s American [was] cool; everything else is bullshit.”

Back in 2017, Latvala said that he was dimissed from CHILDREN OF BODOM on the very day he was scheduled to join his then-bandmates for the start of the “Chaos” recording sessions. His termination from BODOM came as such a shock that he didn’t play his instrument for two years as he started drinking more heavily to cope with his feelings of dejection and discouragement. As a result of being fired, Roope fell into a major depression.

Latvala joined CHILDREN OF BODOM in the middle of the group’s world tour in 2003 following the departure of Alexander Kuoppala and made his studio debut on the band’s 2005 album “Are You Dead Yet?”

Laiho addressed Latvala’s departure from CHILDREN OF BODOM during an August 2015 interview with Artisan News. He stated at the time: “We were at a phase where we wanted to, sort of, have a new beginning and reinvent ourselves, on a certain level. And everybody — all four of us — were pushing it harder and putting more effort on the band and just working extra, extra hard. And he wasn’t quite there with us, you know, as far as the level of work ethics and, you know, stuff like that. So we felt like everyone’s better off if we part ways at this point, and that’s what happened. And, yeah, it [happened] three days before we hit the studio [to record ‘I Worship Chaos’], but it was not… I mean, it was something that everybody was sort of anticipating already. And I had… To be honest, I had decided, a month or so before that, that I was gonna do all the guitars on the album. Because, like I said, it wasn’t just working out with him.”

He continued: “I don’t wanna talk shit or anything; it’s just that that happens. It’s life. And you can’t dwell on it. It sucks. It really does, man. He was around for twelve years, and, for us, the band, it really is a family, and losing a member, it’s a big deal for us. ‘Cause we’re not the type of band [where] we change members every other week. But, you know, you’ve gotta move on. And that’s that, really.”

CHILDREN OF BODOM in 2015 recruited Antti Wirman, the younger brother of the band’s keyboardist Janne Wirman, to handle second-guitar duties for some of their shows. BODOM later named Daniel Freyberg (NAILDOWN, NORTHER) a permanent replacement for Latvala.

Alexi passed away on December 29, 2020 in his home in Helsinki, Finland. He died of alcohol-induced degeneration of the liver and pancreas connective tissue. Furthermore, Laiho had a cocktail of painkillers, opioids and insomnia medication in his system.

Alexi and drummer Jaska Raatikainen founded CHILDREN OF BODOM in 1993, and the band was one of the most internationally acclaimed metal acts in Finland up until their very last farewell concert in December of 2019. Last year, Alexi put together BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT, which recorded three songs and shot one music video.

BEHEMOTH mastermind Adam “Nergal” Darski has signed a menacing pact with the devil once again, returning with dark folk/blues/Americana influenced solo project ME AND THAT MAN’s third full-length studio album, “New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol. 2”, on November 19, 2021 via Napalm Records.

Following the chart-breaking and critically acclaimed antecedent, “New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol. 1” (2020), the enthralling new offering follows the exciting path Nergal then set ablaze, once again featuring an abundance of heavy music icons — but this time, he takes it to a whole new level. Experience greats such as Gary Holt (SLAYER, EXODUS), Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY), Mary Goore, Randy Blythe (LAMB OF GOD), Myrkur, Devin Townsend, David Vincent (MORBID ANGEL), Doug Blair (W.A.S.P), Hank Von Hell (TURBONEGRO) and Olve “Abbath” Eikemo (IMMORTAL, ABBATH) intertwining with the album’s bewitching collection of occult anthems, marking another breathtaking symbiosis of unfiltered blues, gothic-laced folk, country essence and touch of evil you’ll swear was either beamed straight out of hell or the most blackened of churches.

To mark the album announcement, the devil himself opens a gloomy rift to the most sinister mass and unveils its first track and the official music video. “Got Your Tongue” featuring Chris Georgiadis (TURBOWOLF) showcases another facet of his juxtaposed project and fuels the fire for more.

Darski comments on the new album: “Here we go again, mother lovers! ‘New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol. 2’. You guys know the drill, I recruited the best of the best in heavy music to collaborate on some unique tracks me and the Polish, Italian and Ukrainian crew have been working on over the last 18 months. Once again, the result, amazing and the performances, inspired! Thank you, comrades — Abbath, Alissa, Amalie, Anders, Blaze, Chris G, Chris H, David, Devin, Douglas, Frank, Gary, Hank, Jeff, Kriss, M.Goore, Michale, Ralf and Randy. Who knows when we’ll get together to play these songs but I will try my best to make it happen! Enjoy it everyone!”

Following the chart-breaking part one of the album, ME AND THAT MAN are now presenting whole new facets: Opening track “Black Hearse Cadillac”, featuring the vocals of Hank Von Hell and guitar sorcery by Anders Odden, marks a sinister beginning to this infernal journey through dark desert soundscapes and evil lyricism. Driving “Under The Spell” (featuring Mary Goore) lives up to its title, at times evoking a spaghetti western-esque ambience. Songs like wicked “Witches Don’t Fall In Love” (featuring Kristoffer Rygg of ULVER), straight-to-the-head rocking “Blues & Cocaine” (featuring Michale Graves) and mysterious “Goodbye” — with a haunting-yet-powerful vocal attack by Alissa White-Gluz — showcase the record’s extensive variety and that there’s something unexpected lurking all throughout. This is further evident on songs like the soulful blues-rock ballad “Angel Of Light” featuring the compelling voice of Myrkur, or insanely dynamic, uptempo outburst of “Got Your Tongue” featuring Chris Georgiadis (TURBOWOLF).

After the enticing debut “Songs Of Love And Death” (2017), followed by sophomore release “New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol. 1”, its sequel once again mirrors Nergal in a completely different light and provides a tremendous contrast to the extreme metal sounds of BEHEMOTH.

“New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol. 2” track listing:

01. Black Hearse Cadillac (feat. Hank Von Hell, Anders Odden)
02. Under the Spell (feat. Mary Goore)
03. All Hope Has Gone (feat. Blaze Bayley, Gary Holt, Jeff Mantas Dunn)
04. Witches Don’t Fall In Love (feat. Kristoffer Rygg)
05. Losing My Blues (feat. Olve Abbath Eikemo, Frank The Baptist, Chris Holmes)
06. Coldest Day In Hell (feat. Ralf Gyllenhammar, Douglas Blair)
07. Year Of The Snake (feat. David Vincent)
08. Blues & Cocaine (feat. Michale Graves)
09. Silver Halide Echoes (feat. Randy Blythe)
10. Goodbye (feat. Alissa White-Gluz, Devin Townsend)
11. Angel Of Light (feat. Myrkur)
12. Got Your Tongue (feat. Chris Georgiadis)

ME AND THAT MAN is:

Adam “Nergal” Darski – Vocals, Guitars
Łukasz Kumański – Drums and Percussion, Backing Vocals
Matteo Bassoli – Bass, Synth, Backing Vocals
Sasha Boole – Guitars, Mouth Harp, Banjo

Photo credit: Grzegorz Gołębiowski

On September 6, VANILLA FUDGE will release a “fudged up” version of THE SUPREMES classic “Stop In the Name Of Love” and a tribute to their bandmate, “To The Legacy Of Tim Bogert”.

The legendary VANILLA FUDGE, the original lineup of Mark Stein, Carmine Appice, Vincent Martel and Tim Bogert, together one final time, take listeners on a psychedelically tinged version of THE SUPREMES classic “Stop In The Name Of Love”. This masterpiece is an instant classic, putting on display the virtuosity and raw talent of one of the pioneers of psyche rock.

Back in 2019, Stein put together an idea for VANILLA FUDGE to do an arrangement for “Stop In The Name Of Love”. The dream was to capture the lightning in a bottle that happened with their classic arrangement of THE SUPREMES’ “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”. That track has remained current decades after its release thanks to film and television placements such as “The Sopranos” finale, and big Hollywood blockbusters like “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood”. While the FUDGE was out on tour later that year, they went into the studio and laid down tracks that would be the foundation of this new release.

Says Stein: “So back in mid-2019, I put together a blueprint for an arrangement for ‘Stop In The Name Of Love’ while the FUDGE was out there doing shows later that year. We went into the studio and recorded the track. We planned to complete it, there were delays, and then the pandemic put everything on hold.”

They planned to complete it with Tim Bogert on the track. However, they ran into some unavoidable delays with the pandemic putting everything on hold. Tim had been living with cancer for some time, and they didn’t know how much time he had. Carmine Appice took the matter into his own hands and when he went to Los Angeles’s NAMM show in January of 2020, he arranged for Tim to record at Jorgen Carlsson’s (the bass player for GOV’T MULE) studio in L.A.

Says Martel: “It was very cool that we were able to get Timmy on the track. I’m glad he was strong enough and gracious enough to record with us one last time. He gave me a great template to build on with my guitar. I created an East Indian raga intro in the spirit of our early albums and rocked out at the end. Hold on tight everybody, ’cause here comes the FUDGE…”

Upon Tim’s passing, the band recorded tributes to their brother and bandmate with producer Leslie Gold. This heartfelt recording, “To The Legacy Of Tim Bogert”, is a must listen for fans of VANILLA FUDGE.

JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE has released a new single, “Wanna Be Somebody”, via all digital platforms. The track is described in a press release as “the story of a girl that seeks fame and fortune in the bright lights of Hollywood and ends up dancing on the dark side.”

“Wanna Be Somebody” is taken from JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE upcoming album, “Hell, CA”, due for release in February 2022 via Golden Robot Records.

Pearl has been a fixture on the world-famous Hollywood Sunset Strip since his edgy street rock band LOVE/HATE released its debut album, “Blackout In The Red Room”, in 1990. “Blackout In The Red Room” received “Album Of The Year” honors from Kerrang! and Metal Hammer in addition to being a fan and critics favorite. It Their second LP, “Wasted In America”, followed in 1992, and the band hit the road with the likes of SKID ROW, DIO, AC/DC and OZZY OSBOURNE.

Since then, Jizzy has played, recorded and toured with platinum artists like RATT and L.A. GUNS, including a stint with GUNS N’ ROSES drummer Steven Adler in ADLER’S APPETITE, while currently fronting the legendary QUIET RIOT. Jizzy has also released several critically acclaimed solo albums, the most recent being 2018’s “All You Need Is Soul” on Frontiers Music Srl.

Last year, JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE celebrated the 30th anniversary of “Blackout In The Red Room” by playing the album in full.