Month: August 2021

While chatting with fans virtually as part of this year’s GalaxyCon, SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor was asked if there is a specific genre of music that he would still like to tap into that he has not yet pursued with any of his projects. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “I definitely want to do a jazz album at some point. I talked about it in a couple of different interviews and stuff. But I definitely have a certain style of jazz that I kind of gravitate towards more — like a dirtier size of jazz; the whiskey jazz is what they call it… I definitely still want to do a darker acoustic album. I don’t write stuff like that all the time, and the reason I don’t do that is because it’s so easy for me; I can write that shit in my sleep. I like tripping out on all the genres that I grew up listening to and trying to create some amalgam hybrid that is exciting and kind of pops and gets people into the stuff that I was listening to. Other than that, I don’t know, man. I’ve done it all.”

Taylor previously discussed his desire to make a jazz album during a December 2018 appearance on RadioVegas.Rocks’s “Chaotic Radio”. At the time, he said: “I’ve actually been thinking about doing something like this — putting together a quartet or a quintet and doing a jazz album, like a dark jazz album, [and] recording it live in a room. It won’t sell shit. It would really just be for my own fucking personal collection… ‘Cause I love jazz. A lot of people don’t realize that — I listen to a lot of ’40s and ’50s jazz. And there is this… the haunting stuff that [Billie] Holiday would do, the older stuff that Charlie Parker would do, when he was really fucked up — that would be the stuff that I would be closer to. And I’ve got, actually, jazzy versions of some of my own songs that I would love to try. Probably something like ‘Prosthetics’ [by SLIPKNOT], I think would be really, really cool. And then ‘Bother’ — I’ve got a really cool jazzy version of ‘Bother’ that could be really cool.”

Corey, who is fully vaccinated, was forced to call off his appearance at a Michigan pop culture convention a week ago after testing positive for the coronavirus. Taylor first shared the news in a video posted on August 20 on the Facebook page for Astronomicon, the event where he was scheduled to appear that weekend. The 47-year-old musician spent a few days quarantining at a Denver hotel after his diagnosis before returning home.

Taylor completed the latest leg of his solo tour in support of his 2020 album “CMFT” on August 19 in Denver.

Vocalist Sean Killian of San Francisco Bay Area thrash metallers VIO-LENCE, who was hospitalized with COVID-19 earlier in the month, has defended his decision to not take the coronavirus vaccine, saying “it’s about freedom” for him.

The 57-year-old musician, who battled stage four liver cirrhosis five years ago, revealed his COVID-19 diagnosis in a social media post on August 22. He wrote at the time: “I entered the hospital to be treated for Covid. I contracted the virus from a friend who was unaware he was carrying it. I am feeling much better but my lung capacity at this time is diminished. My oxygen absorption is good and all my other symptoms have gone away. I will have a recovery period that will take some time.” That same day, Killian blasted Harald Oimoen as a “coward” after the former D.R.I. bassist said that he had “no sympathy” for adults who refuse vaccination against COVID-19 and then become sick.

On August 26, Killian returned to social media to share a video update on his health, revealing that he had been discharged from the hospital after spending several days receiving medical treatment. He also denied that he was opposed to vaccination, saying (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “I have been vaccinated more than anyone you probably know who hasn’t been through the same shit that I’ve been through. Because I’ve been through a lot of shit. Before my [liver transplant] surgery — Jesus Christ — I couldn’t count the vaccines I had to take. And there were deadlines, like if you didn’t take it now, you ain’t getting your surgery. So… I’m not against people getting [the vaccine].

“You wanna get the vaccine? Get the vaccine,” he continued. “I support you a hundred percent. It’s your choice — it’s your choice. And it’s not even about the vaccine for me; it’s about freedom. I’m a free man. I’m internal. My freedom comes from within, not from anyone else. Nobody determines my freedom. So, don’t step on my freedom — that’s all. And don’t step on other people’s [freedom].

“I heard comments about, ‘Oh, if you don’t take the vaccine, you deserve what you get.’ Well, guess what. Do obese people deserve to have heart disease? Should they be left out? Should smokers not be treated for lung cancer because they made these choices to do this? Obese people have heart disease, diabetes — all these things. Now, under the same analogy of, ‘If you don’t take the vaccine, you should suffer,’ well, then those people, you should apply it to them too. Because they should suffer. But I don’t believe that. I believe people should be free to do what they want. If you wanna go to fucking McDonalds and eat 20 cheeseburgers and fucking wake up in the morning and eat 20 breakfast fucking McNugget shit — whatever the fuck they serve over there, ’cause I don’t eat that crap — go for it. That’s your business. My business is not someone else’s business. Like I said, my freedom’s internal. I decide — no one else.

“I’m not anti-vaxx,” Killian added. “I just make my own decisions. And freedom is the number one decision for me — to make my own choices. And I hope all of you do the same.”

Sean’s public revelation that he was infected with the virus came on the day that former TROUBLE singer Eric Wagner — who was also 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.

Posted by Sean Killian on Thursday, August 26, 2021

Canadian death metal duo Dead Soul Alliance batter and bruise on new album Behind the Scenes. Streaming in brutality only at Decibel!
The post Full Album Premiere: Dead Soul Alliance – ‘Behind the Scenes’ appeared first on Decibel Magazine.

“Los Últimos Frikis”, a new documentary on the iconic Cuban heavy metal band ZEUS, will launch on First Look Media’s streaming service, Topic, on September 16. It will also be available via Vimeo On-Demand starting September 2.

Directed by Nicholas Brennan and produced by John Logan Pierson, “Los Últimos Frikis” was filmed on location in Cuba over a 10-year period. It tells the story of ZEUS, a heavy metal band from Havana. After fighting for two decades for the right to play their once-forbidden music, ZEUS embarks on a journey across the island for their first national tour. While on tour, the band confronts their own fragile place in the country’s shifting culture as a new generation turns to newer, sexier sounds. Returning home to Havana on the cusp of their 30th anniversary, the band comes to terms with how they’ve dedicated their lives, as the film becomes a reflection on time, art and life’s purpose.

“Los Últimos Frikis” was executive produced by Alex Gibney, W. Wilder Knight, Joey Carey, Andrew Beck and founding SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo, who also made his debut as a film composer on the project. Jennifer Liang, Topic’s VP of acquisitions, negotiated the deal with Knight on the film’s behalf.

Says Brennan: “‘Los Últimos Frikis’ is the culmination of a cross-border collaboration between Cuban and American filmmakers, musicians and artists who have worked together over the past decade to share this unheard story from Cuba with the world. It’s an important example for our current times of how collaboration and friendship can overcome our political differences. Partnering with Dave Lombardo on this film has been one of the pinnacles of my creative career. Dave has brought a deeply personal and creative weight to his music in this film, informed both by his Cuban roots as well our shared time together in Havana over the past few years. With the film’s original score, Dave pours his heart into the music, blending Cuban rhythms, a deeply emotional sensitivity, and his metal instincts to echo the powerful, impactful story of ZEUS as it unfolds on screen.”

“I have always wanted to score a film,” Lombardo said of the project. “It’s been a goal of mine for many years now. When Nick told me his vision for this documentary, I was immediately intrigued by the story because it could have been mine. When he asked me to score the film, I didn’t hesitate to accept. It couldn’t have been a more perfect match for my debut at a new form of musical expression. I have been on a path of making music solely for myself and various bands for 37 years. This is for the people of my birthplace. This is for my blood and for healing.”

“Now that our team has become dedicated ZEUS fans, we can’t wait to introduce our audience to their fascinating story,” said Ryan Chanatry, general manager of Topic. “The band epitomizes the boundary-pushing, unconventional and highly entertaining spirit that Topic viewers revel in. We know that Nicholas’s brilliant storytelling and, of course, the music will empower a new legion of Frikis to rock out and speak out as fearlessly as ZEUS does for what they believe, especially as Cubans make their voices heard.”

“Los Últimos Frikis” premiered at the “DOC NYC” festival in November 2019.

Photo: Dean Karr

Following the huge success of BABYMETAL’s inaugural NFT trading cards drop, the Japanese pop-metal act has revealed details of a new exclusive set and two packs.

Commemorating the “10 Babymetal Budokan”, this new NFT collection consists of 20 digital trading cards, split over three rarity levels, featuring photos from the unforgettable Nippon Budokan shows earlier this year.

“BABYMETAL’s approach to NFTs is as innovative as its music, and our team celebrates the arrival of their divine inspiration on WAX,” commented Lee Jenkins, production manager at WAX.

There will be 24,200 “Common” cards minted over ten different designs, making up 88% of the total cards. An additional 2,750 “Rare” cards of eight different designs will make up 10% of the cards, with the remaining, 2% consisting of a split pair of 550 “Super Rare” cards.

Dropping on September 9 at 8:00 a.m. PDT/4:00 p.m. GMT, the NFTs will be available in two packages at babymetal.cards. A digital-only five-card randomized pack set will be available for $35 and limited to 2,500 packs, with 1000 exclusive, limited-edition Mechapack bundles including a 15-card pack plus the “10 Babymetal Budokan” live album on exclusive gold vinyl available for $125. “10 Babymetal Budokan” features the live audio of the final performance from BABYMETAL’s series of 10 performances at the Nippon Budokan which unfolded from January to April 2021. The live album contains a total of 13 songs that will allow you to relive the unforgettable experience at the Budokan.

As with the original “10 Babymetal Years” NFTs — which sold out in a matter of minutes — the “10 Babymetal Budokan” digital trading cards will be issued as NFTs on the WAX blockchain. Transactions will happen via credit card or PayPal, but a WAX wallet will be required to purchase and receive the NFTs.

The pre-minted packs will be distributed on September 14 and can be opened starting at 10 a.m. PDT/6 p.m. BST by connecting your WAX wallet here.

Packs will be pre-minted and will be distributed based on order date and time.

The first person to order gets the #1 mint!

“10 Babymetal Budokan” live album will be released digitally on September 29 via Babymetal Records, with CD out October 15 and 2LP vinyl to follow in December.

BABYMETAL was formed in 2010. Their mission was to unify the world through heavy metal by creating a fusion of heavy metal and the Japanese pop genre. Their music contains a stunning mix of electronic pop, a pinch of alternative and industrial rock, and is leveled up by fast-driven heavy metal. Their live shows are ground-breaking and epic visual as well as sound performances. BABYMETAL continued to travel the path of metal with the international release of their three albums, telling the story of the mighty Fox God and his brave metal warriors.

The Worldwide Asset eXchange (WAX), known as the King of NFTs, is the world’s leading entertainment NFT network. Cofounded in 2017 by William E. Quigley and Jonathan Yantis, WAX delivers the safest and most convenient way to create, buy, sell, and trade virtual items and physical products (NFTs and vIRLsTM) to anyone, anywhere in the world. WAX has facilitated the trade of more than 100 million digital items of collections, including Blockchain Heroes, Topps GPK, Deadmau5 and Capcom’s Street Fighter.

The Worldwide Asset eXchange is certified carbon neutral. Not only has WAX solved the environmental issues presented by NFTs minted on Ethereum, but also has an environmental mindset and is taking action to erase their carbon footprint. Working as a Proof of Stake system, creating carbon offset NFTs, and partnering with Climate Care, WAX has made huge strides in building a sustainable future.

Canadian metal legends ANVIL have finished recording their 19th album at a studio in Germany. Earlier today (Monday, August 30), the band’s guitarist/vocalist Steve “Lips” Kudlow tweeted: “Officially completed the recording process for the new album!! Songs all kick major ass!! Growth is more than evident!!!”

ANVIL released its latest album, “Legal At Last”, in February 2020 via AFM Records as a digipak, on digital, black vinyl and some limited colored vinyl. In an interview with the “Music Mania” podcast, Lips stated about the effort: “Some people feel that it’s the best record we’ve ever done. To tell you the truth, that’s what’s actually going on out there. I’m not surprised in a certain way, because it’s the momentum like I was talking about has never been this intense. I think there’s a certain truth to it. Probably the best album we’ve ever done.”

ANVIL recorded “Legal At Last” at Soundlodge studios in Rhauderfehn in the northwest of Germany. Speaking about the LP’s musical direction, drummer Robb Reiner told The Metal Voice: “It’s just a continuation of what we’ve been doing for the last four or five years, really. Some very powerful riffs. It’s gonna be more smashing, crushing ANVIL.”

Added Kudlow: “Of course, it’s all fresh and new, but the roots are still very much ourselves. Everybody who liked us before is gonna like us still, and people who didn’t like us are still not gonna like us. Ultimately, that’s where it’s gonna sit, ’cause I am not gonna tailor my music and my songs to the people that don’t like us and hope that they will. I’m gonna do the exact opposite. The people that love us, they wanna hear specific kind of tempos and riffs, and I look for those things, ’cause it’s really my vocabulary, and I’m gonna continue with that — with new subjects and new things to sing about.”

He continued: “I think that this album has some of the best slow pounders and some of the best fast stuff that we’ve ever done. You’re trying to be different ’cause you don’t want it to be exactly the same, ’cause then you’re just repeating yourself — you’re not being creative.”

Regarding the “Legal At Last” title, Reiner said: “‘Legal At Last’ is mainly about two things. We celebrate the legalization of the ANVIL bong because Canada changed its marijuana laws last year, which means we no longer sail close to the wind all the time. That’s why the album title announces that ANVIL are legal at last. Our fans have always known that, but the public at large treated us like criminals for a long time.” Kudlow added: “‘Legal At Last’ is our way of telling the public: ‘It’s okay, ANVIL are okay, you’re allowed to like us at last!'”

ANVIL, a Toronto-based group, was formed in 1978 by childhood friends, Kudlow and Reiner. Both came from Jewish families and had been playing music together since their teens. ANVIL is considered to have been an influence on many metal bands, including METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER and ANTHRAX.

Though initially a four-piece band, ANVIL’s current lineup includes Kudlow, Reiner and bassist Chris Robertson.

ANVIL gained popularity and new fans since the 2008 theatrical documentary, “Anvil: The Story Of Anvil”, which is currently available on Netflix.

Officially completed the recording process for the new album!! Songs all kick major ass!! Growth is more than evident!!!
— LIPS ANVIL (@LIPSANVIL) August 30, 2021

After 23 years of silence, Finnish cult black/epic metallers DARKWOODS MY BETROTHED, who feature in their ranks NIGHTWISH keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, are making their long-awaited comeback with a new full-length album, “Angel Of Carnage Unleashed”, to be released on November 12 via Napalm Records. The LP sets free a unique blend of brutal, fast-driven black metal and epic anthems in which eerie screams merge with heroic clean vocals, monumental choirs and majestic keyboards along with gory stories of famine, war, plague and the inescapable brutality of Finland’s nature in the era of the Great Northern War (1700-1721). It features the old horde from the original 1993 lineup, now augmented by Holopainen as a full member of the band and Kai Hahto (also of NIGHTWISH) as session drummer.

Guitarist Jouni Mikkonen comments: “Tuomas was featured as a session keyboardist on all previous albums. This time he was fully on board from the moment we decided to make this album and hence it was natural for him to become a full band member. He also made a substantial contribution to the creative process.”

Today marks an historic anniversary, as 300 years ago, on August 30, 1721, the Treaty of Uusikaupunki ended the Great Northern War and put the Angel of Carnage to rest. 300 years later, she will be unleashed again by DARKWOODS MY BETROTHED with the first evil-spitting single “In Evil, Sickness And In Grief”, along with a vicious lyric video. Expect some of the fastest and most brutal black metal accompanied by epic melodies, choirs and majestic keyboards in trademark DARKWOODS MY BETROTHED style!

Watch the new lyric video for “In Evil, Sickness And In Grief” below.

DARKWOODS MY BETROTHED on the first single: “‘In Evil, Sickness And In Grief’ is our first new release since 1998. For the comeback after 23 years of silence, we chose a song that showcases everything that the band is about: murderous blastbeats, catchy riffs spiced with haunting melodies, vicious screams contrasted by clean vocals and choirs, majestic keyboards and eerily beautiful female vocals layers. These ingredients provide the musical canvas for a lyric that features a dialogue between a peasant soldier forcibly drafted to the Swedish army and the Slaughter’s Holy Angel of War, who demands such horrific deeds from the soldier that he ends up with a shredded soul.”

The new full-length contains eight songs written by the three musicians who founded the band in 1993: Pasi Kankkunen, Jouni Mikkonen and Teemu Kautonen (with substantial creative inputs from Holopainen). The lyrics are based on the human history of the Great Northern War of 1700-1721: how Finns experienced the many manifestations of the Angel of Carnage, sent by God to punish them for their sins.

Bassist Teemu Kautonen on the album: “The lyrics are based on the work of the renowned Finnish historian Teemu Keskisarja. His research inspired us both to carefully embed all lyrics in the appropriate historical context and to bring forth the human dimension by focusing on stories of individual people and how they experienced this perhaps darkest period of Finnish history.”

Vocalist/guitarist Pasi Kankkunen adds: “It was very important for us to have the original lineup on the comeback album. We also agreed right at the beginning of the process to share the songwriting in equal proportions — just as we did on the 1996 classic album ‘Autumn Roars Thunder’.”

The album opener “Name The Dead” sets off with atmospheric organ tunes but leaves no scope for weakness, as only a few seconds later storming drums, aggressive riffs and raging growls set the stage for everything that is about to come: brutal soundscapes spliced with epic accents! The second track, “In Evil, Sickness And In Grief”, pierces through the core with a poisoning vocal attack and contrasting operatic female background layers. “Murktide And Midnight Sun” marks folk and Viking reminiscence with its clean and catchy vocal presentation, grand choirs and mystic atmosphere, followed by the heavily stomping “You Bitter Source of Sorrow” and “Where We Dwell” with its haunting, all-consuming keyboard passages. “In Thrall to Ironskull’s Heart” showcases the multifaceted character of DARKWOODS MY BETROTHED with an almost balladic start, which evolves into an uptempo, epic journey into the Battle of Napue (1714). The title of the penultimate track “Massacre” conveys the track’s musical direction with precision: expect in-your-face blastbeats and gory lyrics. The final song, “Black Fog And Poison Wind”, unleashes a sonic monster once more, combining aggression, haunting soundscapes and evil melodies, before “Angel Of Carnage Unleashed” ends with the tunes of a soundtrack-like outro.

“Angel Of Carnage Unleashed” track listing:

01. Name The Dead
02. In Evil, Sickness And In Grief
03. Murktide And Midnight Sun
04. You Bitter Source Of Sorrow
05. Where We Dwell
06. In Thrall To Ironskull’s Heart
07. Massacre
08. Black Fog And Poison Wind
09. Outro

DARKWOODS MY BETROTHED is:

Pasi Kankkunen – vocals, guitar
Jouni Mikkonen – guitar
Teemu Kautonen – bass, backing vocals
Tuomas Holopainen – keyboards
Kai Hahto – drums (session)

Photo credit: Antti Ilvonen

Multi-platinum, progressive rock group TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA (TSO) has announced its highly anticipated winter 2021 tour. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the group’s landmark album “Christmas Eve And Other Stories”, this year’s multi-sensory extravaganza kicks off on Wednesday, November 17 with performances in Green Bay and Council Bluffs, and will visit 59 cities for 99 performances across America before concluding on Thursday, December 30 in Cleveland and St. Louis.

Certified three times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling three million copies in the U.S., “Christmas Eve And Other Stories” is one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time. Including the mega-hit “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24”, the album spawned the bring-the-whole-family rock holiday tradition that has now played to more than 17 million fans all across the nation.

Pre-sales for TSO fan club members will be held on Thursday, September 9 at 10 a.m. local time and Friday, September 10 at 10 a.m. local time. Additional pre-sales will be on Monday, September 13 and Thursday, September 16, both at 10 a.m. local time. General public on sale is set to begin on Friday, September 17 at 10 a.m. local time.

A product of the vision and imagination of TSO’s late founder/composer/lyricist Paul O’Neill, “Christmas Eve And Other Stories” follows a story set on Christmas Eve when a young angel is sent to Earth to bring back what is best representative of humanity. Following favorite TSO themes of “strangers helping strangers” and “the kindness of others,” “Christmas Eve And Other Stories” takes listeners all over the world to help reunite a young girl with her distraught father.

The album and tour feature such fan favorites as “Ornament”, “Promises To Keep”, “This Christmas Day”, “O’ Come All Ye Faithful”, “Good King Joy” and the epic “Old City Bar”. The rock opera also features such TSO classics as “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24”. Additionally, the tour will enjoy a second set containing some of TSO’s greatest hits and fan-pleasers, including “Christmas Canon”, “Wizards In Winter” and many more.

TSO’s music director and lead guitarist Al Pitrelli said: “After an incredibly trying year for everyone, we are beyond excited to be able to say that we’re bringing ‘Christmas Eve And Other Stories’ back to all of you.

“We were amazed by the turnout for last year’s livestream and how many of you continued to celebrate this tradition we have created together.

“It’s been 25 years since Paul first introduced all of us to this timeless tale. Let’s celebrate this milestone event together.

“God bless and stay safe everyone.”

Tour dates:

Nov. 17 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center *
Nov. 17 – Council Bluffs, IA – Mid America ^
Nov. 18 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford Premier Center ^
Nov. 19 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center ^
Nov. 20 – Hershey, PA – Giant Center *
Nov. 20 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena *
Nov. 21 – Wilkes Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza *
Nov. 21 – Colorado Springs, CO – World Arena *
Nov. 23 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Arena *
Nov. 24 – Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena ^
Nov. 26 – Manchester, NH – SNHU Arena *
Nov. 26 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena ^
Nov. 27 – Worcester, MA – DCU Center *
Nov. 27 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena *
Nov. 28 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun *
Nov. 28 – Portland, OR – Moda Center *
Dec. 01 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena ^
Dec. 01 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center ^
Dec. 02 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank ^
Dec. 02 – Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center ^
Dec. 03 – Toledo, OH – Huntington Center *
Dec. 03 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center *
Dec. 04 – Dayton, OH – Nutter Center *
Dec. 04 – Ontario, CA – Toyota Arena *
Dec. 05 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena *
Dec. 05 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center *
Dec. 08 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena ^
Dec. 08 – Oklahoma City, OK – Chesapeake Energy Arena ^
Dec. 09 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum ^
Dec. 09 – Austin, TX – Frank C. Erwin, Jr. Special Events Center ^
Dec. 10 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours *
Dec. 10 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center *
Dec. 11 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center *
Dec. 11 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines *
Dec. 12 – Atlanta, GA – Gas South Arena *
Dec. 12 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center *
Dec. 15 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena ^
Dec. 15 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC ^
Dec. 16 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena ^
Dec. 16 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena ^
Dec. 17 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo *
Dec. 17 – Sunrise, FL – BB&T Center ^
Dec. 18 – Belmont, NY – UBS Arena *
Dec. 18 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center *
Dec. 19 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center *
Dec. 19 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena *
Dec. 21 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center ^
Dec. 22 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center *
Dec. 22 – Indianapolis, IN – Banker’s Life Fieldhouse *
Dec. 23 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena *
Dec. 23 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena *
Dec. 26 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena *
Dec. 26 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum *
Dec. 27 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Arena *
Dec. 28 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena *
Dec. 29 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena *
Dec. 29 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center *
Dec. 30 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse *
Dec. 30 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center *

* matinee & evening performances
^ evening performance

Since its touring debut, TSO has played more than 2,000 winter tour shows for approximately 17 million fans, with tour grosses of more than $725 million, and has sold in excess of 12 million albums and DVDs. Year after year, TSO hits the upper reaches of the domestic and worldwide tour charts. Recently in June 2020, TSO was ranked No. 1 on Pollstar magazine’s Worldwide Ticket Sales Top 100 Tours Mid Year chart, No. 2 on the Top 100 North American Tours Mid Year chart, and No. 3 on the Top 100 Worldwide Tours Mid Year chart. In December, TSO was ranked No. 2 on Pollstar’s Top 200 North American Tours Year End chart and No. 3 on the Worldwide Ticket Sales Top 100 Tours Year End chart. In 2009, Pollstar ranked TSO at No. 20 on the “Top Tour(s) of the Decade” and Billboard placed TSO at No. 25 on its “Top Touring Artists of the Decade.”

TSO remains one of rock’s most charitable bands. Once again, TSO will give at least $1 from every ticket sold to charity. To date, approximately $16 million has been donated by the group.

MEGADETH played its seventh show with bassist James LoMenzo in nearly 12 years this past Sunday night (August 29) in Phoenix, Arizona. “The Metal Tour Of The Year” concert at the the Arizona Federal Theatre saw MEGADETH share the stage with co-headliners LAMB OF GOD, along with TRIVIUM and HATEBREED.

MEGADETH’s setlist was as follows:

01. Hangar 18
02. Take No Prisoners
03. She-Wolf
04. The Conjuring
05. A Tout Le Monde
06. Trust
07. Conquer Or Die!
08. Dystopia
09. Tornado Of Souls
10. Symphony Of Destruction
11. Peace Sells

Encore:

12. Holy Wars… The Punishment Due

Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below (courtesy of YouTube user Billy AZConcertGuy).

Produced by Live Nation, the rescheduled trek will hit a further 22 cities before wrapping in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada on Saturday, October 2.

LoMenzo joined MEGADETH in 2006 and appeared on two of the group’s studio albums, 2007’s “United Abominations” and 2009’s “Endgame”. He was fired from the band in 2010 and replaced with returning original MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson.

In addition to MEGADETH, LoMenzo has played with Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde and WHITE LION. For the past eight years, LoMenzo has been performing with iconic rocker John Fogerty.

Mustaine has yet to reveal who played bass on the band’s new album after Ellefson’s tracks were removed from the LP following his dismissal from the group in late May.

Ellefson laid down his bass tracks on MEGADETH’s sixteenth LP in May 2020 at a studio in Nashville, Tennessee.

In July, Mustaine announced during an episode of his Gimme Radio program “The Dave Mustaine Show” that Ellefson’s bass tracks would not be used on the new MEGADETH LP.

In early May, on the same day that sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving Ellefson were posted on Twitter, he released a statement on Instagram denying all social media chatter that he “groomed” an underage fan. He also filed a report with the police department in Scottsdale, Arizona alleging unlawful distribution of sexually explicit images of Ellefson by unknown offenders. In the report, Ellefson admitted that he had been exchanging sexual text messages with a Dutch teenager, who captured a video of several of their virtual “masturbating encounters” without his consent and shared them with friends. (According to Ellefson, the woman was 19 at the time of their first virtual sexual encounter.) The 56-year-old Ellefson, who lives in Scottsdale, first became aware of the video on May 9, when the claim “David Ellefson of MEGADETH is a pedophile” appeared on Instagram. Ellefson told police he was notified on May 14 by MEGADETH that the band would be parting ways with him. Three days later, he was fired.

On May 24, Mustaine — who formed MEGADETH with Ellefson in 1983 — announced the bassist’s departure from the band.

Ellefson was in MEGADETH from the band’s inception in 1983 to 2002, and again from 2010 until his latest departure.

Posted by Harry Austin Weldon on Sunday, August 29, 2021