Portals is described as a collection of gateways to myriad musical and psychic destinations. Recorded in multiple locales ranging from Los Angeles to Paris to Oahu, Portals was created to be the result of musical and metaphysical journeys. An invitation to inner worlds accessible only by music and the psyche it fuels. “This music was created with what I describe as an Audio-Cinematic approach. They’re soundtracks to the movies in your mind.” – Kirk Hammett Produced by Kirk, Portals is comprised of the songs Maiden and the Monster and The Jinn on side A, followed by High Plains Drifter and The Incantation on side B (both co-written with Edwin Outwater, who contributes keyboards and leads the orchestral players from the LA Philharmonic on Portals — and with whom Kirk had previously collaborated on Metallica’s S&M2 concerts and releases). Other familiar names amongst the Portals players include drummers Jon Theodore and Abraham Laboriel, Greg Fidelman on bass, Emmy-winning arranger Blake Neely, and Bob Rock.

Valeton is giving you the chance to WIN a GP-200 in today’s I Love Pedals Giveaway! Ends Feb. 8 2022.Valeton GP-200Implementing the HD digital modeling technology accumulated throughout years of the Valeton team’s diligent efforts, the GP-200 delivers hundreds of re-editions of tones from world-classic amplifiers and stompboxes with a comprehensive upgraded algorithm. Combining 140 legendary amplifiers and cabinets simulations and 100 renowned stompbox effect pedals, plus 20 factory cab IR slots, the GP-200 will guarantee your consistently great sound on stage.Features:● HD modeling technology carried by the new digital platform delivering more organic tones● 24-bit 44.1kHz audio conversion● Over 240 high-quality effects● 140+ legendary guitar/bass/acoustic amps, cabinets● 100+dynamic/distortion/frequency/modulation/delay/reverb effects● Supporting 20 user IRs storage● 256 patch slots (100 factory, 156user)● Up to 11 freely movable modules in the effect chain able to work simultaneously● 180-second looper● 100 high-quality drum patterns● Sensitive built-in chromatic tuner● 4.3-inch TFT LCD presents an intuitive, user-friendly multi-language UI● 8 customizable LED footswitches with 3 footswitches templates, applicable for various situations● Built-in expression pedal controlling up to 3 effect parameters● Numerous button and know shortcuts bringing efficiency home● Diverse I/Os matching with diverse needs● USB Type-C connection audio interface compatible with Win/Mac/iOS/Android systems● Intuitive Win/Mac editor● Rugged cast metal chassis● DC 9V power supplyI Love Pedals Day #8: Hotone

STÖNER, the supergroup formed by desert rock godfathers and long-time compadres Brant Bjork (founding member of KYUSS, also former member of FU MANCHU), Nick Oliveri (MONDO GENERATOR, former member of KYUSS, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE) and Ryan Güt, will release its sophomore album, “Totally…”, on May 6 via Heavy Psych Sounds. The LP’s first single, “A Million Beers”, can be streamed below.

“Totally…” was once again recorded in Joshua Tree, California by Yosef Sanborn and features guest appearances by Greg Hetson (CIRCLE JERKS) and Mario Lalli (YAWNING MAN) on guitar.

Track listing:

01. Party March
02. A Million Beers
03. Strawberry Creek (Dirty Feet)
04. Spacedude & The Burn
05. Stöner Theme
06. Turn It Around Now
07. Driving Miss Lazy
08. Great American Sage

STÖNER’s debut album, “Stoners Rule”, came out in June 2021 via Heavy Psych Sounds.

Brant told Outlaws Of The Sun about how STÖNER came together: “Nick called me up and wanted to jam. So we got together and we were having a blast and this felt right. It was cool all of us playing together. It felt like we were kids starting out again just playing for the fun of it without any outside pressure.

“We all put our musical influences into this via original jam sessions,” he added. “This feels like a mixture of punk rock, metal, blues rock and hard rock. Some stuff we’re already known for and some stuff that will surprise and hopefully entertain people.”

Brant went on to call STÖNER “a full-time thing. We’ve got long-term plans for STÖNER and the music that we create.”

According to Bjork, “it’s been nothing but fun playing with Nick and my drummer Ryan Güt. I wanted to do something different and STÖNER allowed me the opportunity to do this,” he said. “This project feels right for me especially during the pandemic. It feels good vibing new ideas off Nick, who is one of my closest friends.”

In a recent Cameo video requested by Sobre La Dosis, ARCH ENEMY frontwoman Alissa White-Gluz was asked to name her favorite female vocalists of all time. She responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “That is such a tough question. Even more broadly, if I had to choose one vocalist of all time as my favorite, I really don’t know who I would say. I could probably choose, like, a top five or even, like, a top three, potentially. But there’s so many different vocalists that I love for different reasons. So my answer might change depending on the day. I would say right now, in this exact moment in time, I’m gonna say that my favorite female vocals are Brody Dalle from THE DISTILLERS because she’s just got so much attitude and it’s so raw and that’s, like, her true voice, which I love. But, of course, I also love Lzzy Hale [from HALESTORM] because she’s just technically amazing and she’s got a beautiful tone. I love Noora [Louhimo] from BATTLE BEAST because she’s just absolutely incredible. Janis Joplin… There’s so many amazing, amazing female vocalists that totally inspire me every time I see them or hear them and really push me to keep on trying to improve and just get better at my own singing.”

On July 29, ARCH ENEMY will release its 11th studio album, “Deceivers”, via Century Media Records. The official music video for the LP’s latest single, “Handshake With Hell”, directed by Patric Ullaeus, was made available earlier in the month.

“Deceivers” will mark the third ARCH ENEMY album since the departure of longtime singer Angela Gossow and addition of White-Gluz (formerly of THE AGONIST). It will also be the second ARCH ENEMY disc to feature former NEVERMORE guitarist Jeff Loomis, who joined the band in late 2014.

This spring, ARCH ENEMY and BEHEMOTH will return to the states to co-headline “The North American Siege 2022” tour with NAPALM DEATH and UNTO OTHERS as special guests, before ARCH ENEMY appears at select summer festivals; the rescheduled “European Siege 2022” tour (with ARCH ENEMY, BEHEMOTH, CARCASS, UNTO OTHERS) will kick off in the fall.