Former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing says that he was “totally bemused” to hear about the band’s plan to embark on the next leg of its 50th-anniversary tour as a quartet.

On January 10, JUDAS PRIEST announced that it would perform as a four-piece when it returns to the road in early March. A few hours later, the band’s touring guitarist Andy Sneap, who co-produced the group’s 2018 album “Firepower”, released a statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET in which he said that he was “incredibly disappointed” by PRIEST’s decision to carry on as a quartet and thanked the Rob Halford-fronted outfit for the “mind-blowing” opportunity to share the stage with one of his favorite bands. Meanwhile, PRIEST fans were understandably upset about the band’s decision to forgo its classic twin-guitar attack sound and made their feelings known on social media. Some even called for the return of Downing, who joined PRIEST in 1970 and remained in the group until 2011.

On January 15, JUDAS PRIEST released a statement announcing that it was reversing its decision to tour as a four-piece, explaining that the bandmembers “decided unanimously” to continue their live shows “unchanged” with Rob, Ian Hill (bass), Richie Faulkner (guitar), Scott Travis (drums) and Andy.

Sneap, who is also known for his work in NWOBHM revivalists HELL and cult thrash outfit SABBAT, began touring with PRIEST four years ago after longtime guitarist Glenn Tipton — who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease eight years ago after being stricken by the condition at least half a decade earlier — announced in early 2018 he was going to sit out touring activities in support of “Firepower”.

Downing weighed in on PRIEST’s change of heart in a brand new interview with the “Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen” classic rock show. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “I’m like everybody else. I’m totally bemused. It was just so extreme and insulting in a way, I guess, and insulting to Glenn as well. It was kind of a slap in the face, saying, ‘Okay, you two guys did it, but we think just one guy could do what…’ It kind of made us and everything that we’ve done and created, saying it was all superfluous, really, and didn’t really have the value that… I’m sure Glenn will agree with me that it does have a value.”

K.K. went on to say that it is “very, very strange” for PRIEST “to even think about” the possibility of going out as a quartet. “There must be, obviously, something behind the scenes that we don’t know,” he reasoned.

“It’s kind of awkward for me, guys, because with myself and Glenn, that’s JUDAS PRIEST to me,” he added. “I think I’ve got a license to say that, after spending a lifetime in the band. And the image and everything and all the shows and all the work and all the albums and everything, everything revolves around that. I mean, if you don’t see Glenn’s red pants on stage, it’s not JUDAS PRIEST, right?

“Okay, I created an image with the flying V [guitar], long blond hair, leather and studs — I created that.

“It’s easy to use the wheel, but inventing it is a different story,” he said.

Hill is the sole remaining original member of PRIEST, which formed in 1969. Halford joined the group in 1973 and Tipton signed on in 1974. Rob left PRIEST in the early 1990s to form his own band, then came back to PRIEST in 2003. Downing parted ways with the band more than a decade ago and was replaced by Faulkner.

Last November, JUDAS PRIEST announced the rescheduled “50 Heavy Metal Years” North American tour dates for March-April 2022. Support on the trek will come from QUEENSRŸCHE.

K.K. departed the iconic band 11 years ago but looked back on his time with the British metal titans in his autobiography, “Heavy Duty: Days And Nights In Judas Priest”, which came out in September 2018. The book, which was written with collaborator Mark Eglinton, covers all of the behind-the-scenes turbulence that led to Downing’s exit from PRIEST, including his strained relationship with Tipton and his gripes with certain managerial decisions.

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TESTAMENT has parted ways with its longtime drummer Gene Hoglan.

The veteran San Francisco Bay Area metallers announced Hoglan’s exit from the group in a social media post earlier today.

The band wrote: “To all our TESTAMENT fans around the world,

“First off, we are beyond grateful to have had Gene Hoglan behind our drum throne for ten years, several albums and countless tour dates. Unfortunately, our brother Gene’s additional tours and solo endeavors in 2022 conflict insurmountably with TESTAMENT’s rescheduled dates after two years of lost time due to the pandemic. Rather than TESTAMENT having to reschedule upcoming dates (yet again) or Gene having to cancel his own plans, we have decided to amicably part ways.

“We understand that this announcement will cause some disappointment but rest assured: There is no drama, only the best of vibes between us. As Gene embarks upon a new chapter, we thank him from the bottom of our hearts for bringing the most powerful drum beats to TESTAMENT and heavy metal. We have no doubt he will continue to bring it as only he can. Gene Hoglan will always be family and we ask all of you to join us in wishing him only the best of luck going forward! Also rest assured that we will continue to deliver yet another top notch addition to TESTAMENT and will reveal soon!

“We will see you all on tour very soon!”

TESTAMENT, EXODUS and DEATH ANGEL played the sole 2021 date of “The Bay Strikes Back Tour” last November at the Fox Theater in Oakland, California. The gig took place less than two months after the three bands shared the stage at the Aftershock festival in Sacramento.

“The Bay Strikes Back Tour” was originally scheduled to kick off on October 6 at the Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo, California and make stops in Austin, New York, and Detroit before concluding in Oakland. The tour has since been rescheduled to take place in April and May 2022.

Two years ago, TESTAMENT guitarist Eric Peterson told Midlands Metalheads Radio about the songwriting process for the band’s latest album, 2020’s “Titans Of Creation”: “Since I write most of the material, having different drummers in the band [over the years] and different styles, getting Gene in the band, who is kind of like a human drum machine — I mean, he can pretty much play anything. So my imagination is kind of limitless as far as what I can picture [the drum patterns being behind the] guitar. And a lot of the times, too, I play a riff, he’s worked with me so long now, he knows exactly in the ballpark of what beat is gonna go where. So it’s a lot of fun.”

Hoglan previously stated about how he approached his drumming with TESTAMENT: “With TESTAMENT, I try to be as ‘Gene Hoglan’ as I can be. I definitely want the drums to sound like what Eric’s looking for and I’m always trying to capture and enhance his vision. So I don’t mind when I get songs really demoed out. Cool, lemme learn what you put on the demo and lemme Gene-ize it and we’ll take it from there. Touring with TESTAMENT is very enjoyable. It’s a well-oiled, solid metal machine that knows what it’s doing.”

To all our Testament fans around the world,

First off, we are beyond grateful to have had Gene Hoglan ”Official…

Posted by Testament on Friday, January 21, 2022

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As the anticipation grows for the brand-new STABBING WESTWARD album “Chasing Ghosts” to be released — the band’s first new LP in more than 20 years — the four-piece gives another taste of the new music with their latest single, “Ghost”.

Fans who buy the physical or digital edition of the single will be gifted with several additional tracks including remixes of “Ghost” led by STABBING WESTWARD frontman Christopher Hall and Assemblage 23 along with a reworking of early hit “Why”, from 1996 RIAA-certified gold album “Wither Blister Burn & Peel”.

“Chasing Ghosts” will be out March 18 via COP International Records. It features 10 tracks that showcase the industrial rock band’s characteristic sound with a modern sheen that picks up right where they left off with their last full-length in 2001. With the new tracks, STABBING WESTWARD has not only managed stay true to their original sound, but also expanded it to fit the frantic new reality of the 21st century.

“Ghost” follows the single “I Am Nothing” that was released in November 2021, with Loudwire saying, “20 years later, [STABBING WESTWARD] are back in the studio making the same intense electro-goth bangers they were doing two decades earlier. Now, the compressed crunchy guitar riffs, steady pounding beats, and signature wail of singer Christopher Hall highlight a tension that seems to fit perfectly this day and age.”

“Chasing Ghosts” will feature brand-new songs as well as re-workings of the band’s acclaimed 2020 reunion EP “Dead And Gone” that finds original founding members Christopher Hall (vocals/guitar) and Walter Flakus (keyboards/programming) honing in on the incredible partnership that once produced a string of hits that dominated alternative radio and film soundtracks, including “Shame”, “Save Yourself” and “What Do I Have to Do?” — and resulted in two gold records.

To recreate that original chemistry, the band recruited the legendary producer John Fryer to again helm “Chasing Ghosts”. Fryer, whose production credits include DEPECHE MODE, NINE INCH NAILS, 4AD, COCTEAU TWINS and LOVE AND ROCKETS, originally worked with STABBING WESTWARD on their best-selling early releases “Ungod” (1994) and “Wither Blister Burn + Peel” (1996). “Chasing Ghosts” was also mastered by Tom Baker who, like Fryer, worked with STABBING WESTWARD on their early releases and is part of the reassembled production team on the latest album. The current STABBING WESTWARD band lineup also includes Carlton Bost (guitars and programming) and Bobby Amaro (drums).

With artwork by David Seidman (who has worked with COHEED AND CAMBRIA and is known for his ethereal and surrealistic imagery), formats include digital, six-panel digipack CD, and limited-edition vinyl, including a run of 2,000 double-gatefold 180-gram black vinyl with an additional insert. Exclusive limited-edition merch will also be announced soon.

The full track listing for “Chasing Ghosts” is as follows:

01. I Am Nothing
02. Damaged Goods
03. Cold
04. Push
05. Wasteland
06. Ctrl Z
07. Crawl
08. Dead & Gone
09. Ghost
10. The End
Ghost by Stabbing Westward

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TRIVIUM singer and guitarist Matt Heafy has released the first single from his long-awaited IBARAKI project (formerly MRITYU).

The official music video for “Tamashii No Houkai”, featuring special guest Ihsahn of EMPEROR fame, can be seen below.

“‘Tamashii No Houkai’ means ‘the breaking of the soul’ or ‘soul collapse,” explains Heafy. “It’s a Japanese term that didn’t exist before, but one we forged to reflect the song’s meaning.”

Heafy, who is of Japanese heritage, continues: “‘Tamashii No Houkai’ is co-written by Ihsahn — the legend behind EMPEROR and a musician who has been a longtime influence and mentor to so much that I do in music. The writing of this song was the turning point for IBARAKI — it summarized everything from the past, present, and future of what I thought black metal was, is, and could be.”

Heafy adds: “‘Tamashii No Houkai’ is the perfect summary and representation of everything that IBARAKI is… and will be.”

IBARAKI — the name for a terrifying Japanese demon taken from feudal legend — is the end-result of Heafy’s continued journey to find his voice. It’s personal, it’s deep, and its inspirations include everything from an adoration for the extremes of black metal and beyond.

It was Heafy’s exposure to Ihsahn’s solo work that would inspire the gradual craftsmanship that would eventually become IBARAKI. It was also the beginning of a friendship and creative collaboration that would eventually compel Ihsahn to take a leap of his own into a newfound role as producer on the project. While much of the material for IBARAKI was assembled over months and years — as much a songwriting process as an exchange of ideas between friends — it wasn’t until the pandemic that the space was created and the idea could really flourish.

Back in 2015, Heafy told Revolver magazine about IBARAKI: “[IBARAKI] was initially intended to be a black metal band that I was never going to tell anybody I was in. I was going to make the music, and it was going to be pretty true to the ’90s second wave-style-black metal — sort of like DARKTHRONE, early DIMMU BORGIR, early EMPEROR. But while [IBARAKI] has its roots in black metal, it’s become something so much more. It’s not just black metal — it’s anything I’ve ever wanted to try.”

Heafy previously said about his decision to launch IBARAKI: “My love for black metal eventually spawned the idea of creating a side musical project based upon the same early values of Norwegian black metal: a project shrouded by anonymity — a musical venture that no one would ever know was ‘me.’ I think that initial idea was due to the fact that the black metal genre usually warrants some of the most elite-minded fans; the kind that… well, basically don’t like anything anyone else likes — ones who even quickly turn their backs on their favorites of the black metal genre once any kind of popularity occurs. It’s that close-mindedness of a small-faction of the fans that I initially wanted to try to grasp, but one day I befriended a new mentor who would help change that outlook through their musical and artistic influence.”

He added: “Through [my] conversations [with Ihsahn] and the influence of his new record, the idea of the black metal ‘project’ I was intending to do completely took a new shape and form. No longer was I concerned what anyone would think about it — all I wanted to do was make exactly what I felt like; the principles of black metal I learned from Ihsahn all made complete sense with this attitude. Through the next few months, we would occasionally pass around more things for each other to check out, including passing back and forth the demos of [IBARAKI]. The decision was clear — when time outside of TRIVIUM existed, Ihsahn must produce the [IBARAKI] record.”

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Brian May (QUEEN), Slash (GUNS N’ ROSES), David Draiman (DISTURBED), Frank Bello (ANTHRAX), Dino Cazares (FEAR FACTORY), Todd La Torre (QUEENSRŸCHE) and SCORPIONS are among the rockers who have reacted to the passing of iconic rock singer Meat Loaf. He died on Thursday at the age of 74.

According to TMZ, Meat Loaf was “seriously ill” with COVID-19 just days before his death. The singer was due to attend a business dinner earlier this week for a show he was working on based on his classic hit “I’d Do Anything For Love” but canceled after becoming sick.

Meat Loaf had reportedly been outspoken about vaccine mandates. In May, he posted a clip of Eric Clapton and Van Morrison’s anti-lockdown song “Stand & Deliver”, writing, “Listen and Learn.”

The news of his passing was confirmed on the musician’s Facebook page by his family.

“Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight surrounded by his wife Deborah, daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends,” the post said.

Meat Loaf is survived by his daughters, his son-in-law Scott Ian (ANTHRAX) and grandson Revel Young Ian.

Meat Loaf’s amazing career spanned six decades and saw him sell over 100 million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies, including “Fight Club”, “Focus”, “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Wayne’s World”.

His “Bat Out Of Hell” remains one of the 10 top-selling albums of all time.

“We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man,” the family’s post added.

No cause of death has yet been revealed.

The Dallas-born singer’s real name was Marvin Lee Aday.

His 1993 hit “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)” earned him a Grammy Award.

“Bat Out Of Hell” was also adapted as a stage musical, written by longtime collaborator Jim Steinman.

Damn it. That’s quite enough 2022. #MeatLoafRIP
???https://t.co/UxgiJensdb

— David Draiman (@davidmdraiman) January 21, 2022

Very sad news.https://t.co/sgPsgX9ynR
— Todd La Torre (@ToddLaTorre) January 21, 2022

“And if life is just a highway, then the soul is just a car
And objects in the rear view mirror, may appear closer than they are”
? #Meatloaf

— ☆ ?????? ????? ☆ (@AshleyPurdy) January 21, 2022

? Another icon sadly gone. Remembering Meatloaf.
One of the first records I bought – ‘Bat out of Hell’
One of the first major music artists I saw live at Monsters of Rock.

Incomparable, utterly unique. ?
RIP pic.twitter.com/tptnpk7knN

— Toby Jepson (@TobyJepson) January 21, 2022

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A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal)

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A post shared by Slash (@slash)

Rest In Peace Meatloaf pic.twitter.com/s5GhrfU0RQ
— Dino Cazares (@DinoCazares) January 21, 2022

R.I.P Meat Loaf. Thank you for everything.
My thoughts: https://t.co/ZgUrPk92op pic.twitter.com/GcLwRxh73A

— Justin Hawkins (@JustinHawkins) January 21, 2022

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A post shared by SCORPIONS (@scorpions)

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A post shared by Frank Bello (@thefrankbello)

From stage to screen, you filled us with so much entertainment and energy, a true inspiration in many ways, RIP Marvin Lee Aday, known to us all simply as #Meatloaf pic.twitter.com/Yxs3KfAZei
— Jeff Scott Soto (@jeffscottsoto) January 21, 2022

A gentle hearted powerhouse ockstar forever and ever. You were so kind. Your music will always be iconic. I’m sure you’re singing concerts in the great beyond. Rest In Peace sir. #MeatLoafRIP #Meatloaf pic.twitter.com/9twdJcOeP1
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) January 21, 2022

A complete original. Meatloaf was the exact opposite of what “success” in Rock & Roll was SUPPOSED to look like.The Anti-Plant. He WORKED being a Mystery Date “Dud” into the “100 Million Sold” that’s the ONLY reason he’s relevant to the Fancy Folk pretending to love him now.
? https://t.co/PkxHhLHVH1

— Vernon Reid (@vurnt22) January 21, 2022

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Boston Calling, the acclaimed three-day festival poised to make its triumphant return to Allston, Massachusetts this Memorial Day Weekend, May 27 – 29, 2022, announces its full lineup today. Headlining the festival are rock and roll icons METALLICA; alternative rockers THE STROKES, playing their first show in Boston since 2006; and Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers FOO FIGHTERS. These three powerful rock bands will lead a lineup of over 50 performers, including the largest collection of regional talent ever to take the stage at Boston Calling. The 2022 bill features an incredibly diverse mix of globally recognized music stars, including RÜFÜS DU SOL, WEEZER, HAIM, RUN THE JEWELS, GLASS ANIMALS, KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD, AVRIL LAVIGNE, BLACK PUMAS, MODEST MOUSE, GOOSE, CHEAP TRICK, OLIVER TREE, EARTHGANG, ORVILLE PECK, THE STRUTS, and many more. The entire lineup can be found below, listed by day.

Boston Calling Events, LLC (BCE) co-founder and chief executive officer Brian Appel said: “We are so thrilled to bring Boston Calling back, and we cannot thank our loyal fans enough for supporting us as we navigated the pandemic. This year’s lineup is particularly special for us. It not only signifies a return to the things we love, but it also celebrates some of the world’s most renowned acts, exciting up-and-comers, and Boston’s talented music scene. Knowing how much Boston musicians endured during the pandemic, it was very important to us that Boston Calling 2022 shine a spotlight on local and regional artists more than ever before. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone come together on Memorial Day Weekend.”

2021 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees and multi-Grammy Award winners FOO FIGHTERS will headline the festival on Friday, May 27. THE STROKES, leaders of garage rock revival and 2021 Grammy winners for “Best Rock Album,” will headline Saturday, May 28. 2009 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees and multi-Grammy Award-winning rockers METALLICA will close out Boston Calling with a headlining performance on Sunday, May 29.

Boston Calling once again promises an exceptional experience, from its iconic mix of musical performances to its commitment to showcasing new forms of entertainment and extensive food and drink offerings.

This year, the festival will expand its offerings in the VIP and Platinum tiers. An all-new VIP lounge will become an oasis within the festival featuring full bars and unique amenities. Fans can also expect newly enhanced viewing areas within the VIP and Platinum sections, including a new double-decker VIP experience with dramatic views of both the Red Stage and Green Stage, and an expanded viewing deck within the Platinum section where menus by some of Boston’s best chefs will be served throughout each day. Platinum pass holders will also have access to a full specially priced bar featuring premium beer, fine wine and craft cocktails, a daily gifting suite with complimentary products, and a daily complimentary parking pass (3-day passholders only). More information on the festival’s VIP and nearly sold-out Platinum experiences can be found on Boston Calling’s web site.

A limited number of 3-Day General Admission tickets ($369.99), 3-Day VIP tickets ($999.99), and 3-Day Platinum tickets ($1,999.99) are on sale now at www.bostoncalling.com. A special limited 2-pack of 3-Day GA tickets ($699.99) is also available.

More details on The Arena, as well as on the festival’s food and drink components, will be announced in the coming months.

The day-by-day lineup for Boston Calling 2022 is as follows (performance times are forthcoming):

Friday, May 27:

FOO FIGHTERS
RÜFÜS DU SOL
HAIM
AVRIL LAVIGNE
CHEAP TRICK
OLIVER TREE
THE STRUTS
PARIS JACKSON
THE BACKSEAT LOVERS
GRANDSON
PARIS TEXAS
MOB RICH
POM POM SQUAD
BORN WITHOUT BONES
AVENUE
MIRANDA RAE
THE CHELSEA CURVE

Saturday, May 28:

THE STROKES
RUN THE JEWELS
KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD
BLACK PUMAS
EARTHGANG
ORVILLE PECK
KENNYHOOPLA
SUDAN ARCHIVES
CELISSE
HINDS
FRANCES FOREVER
CHARLOTTE SANDS
JULIE RHODES
VAN BUREN RECORDS
ALI MCGUIRK
CORAL MOONS
DUTCH TULIPS

Sunday, May 29:

METALLICA
WEEZER
GLASS ANIMALS
MODEST MOUSE
GOOSE
RIPE
JAPANESE BREAKFAST
CULTS
PEACH TREE RASCALS
HORSEGIRL
DJO
CAM MEEKINS
OOMPA
CLIFF NOTEZ
CROOKED COAST
AARON AND THE LORD
PAPER TIGERS

To follow the festival online, visit www.bostoncalling.com.

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It was just six days after NIRVANA released its groundbreaking “Nevermind” album when the bandmembers took the stage on October 1, 1991 at the intimate J.C. Dobbs venue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photographer Faith West was in the crowd that night and captured the raw, electric energy. A few weeks after the show, the band exploded to international stardom.

Now, over three decades later, 28 never-before-seen live NIRVANA images are set to be sold as NFTs via Pop Legendz on February 20, marking what would have been Kurt Cobain’s 55th birthday. These one-of-a-kind NFTs are available on the Pop Legendz web site, a gateway site to the trusted Rarible platform where these NFTs are minted. Pop Legendz is selling these unforgettable moments directly to fans and collectors alike, with the ability to purchase items at auction with a cryptocurrency wallet, or with either cryptocurrency or a credit card for items in the sale

Steve Baltin of Forbes exclusively unveiled details of the project yesterday, commenting: “See the band as they were then — young, hungry, unaware of the stardom that was awaiting them.”

For high-end music collectors, four unique one-of-a-kind NFTs made from 10 never-before-seen images have been selected to be sold, auction-style, with bids beginning at 67 Ethereum (currently valued at a quarter million U.S. dollars) for the GIF artworks. These buyers will also receive a framed 16″ x 24″ fine-art print of one image, signed by the photographer. Additionally, these 10 images that make up the artworks will be auctioned off individually as NFTs, both in black-and-white and in acid-washed color versions.

For fans of NIRVANA — the band that altered the course of rock history forever — there’s the “Nirvana Fan Club,” a sale of limited-edition NFTs for fans: 150 lucky NIRVANA fans have the ability to purchase 10 GIF artworks as NFTs, crafted from four images, at $499 (U.S.) each, plus 150 copies of each of 17 still images will be sold for $99 (U.S.) each, in both black and white and acid-washed color.

Half of all proceeds from both sales benefit The Trevor Project, a non-profit assisting at-risk LGBTQ+ youth to prevent suicides. Part of the remainder of the proceeds will benefit Grid Alternatives, bringing solar power to working poor families, tackling both climate change and income inequality.

“At the club that night, the air was thick with anticipation,” recalls West. “There was a buzz of excitement that said something awesome was about to transpire. Also, there was a sense of joy emanating from Cobain in his raucous guitar licks and the transcendent longing of his vocals…I can still hear the echo of the fuzzy guitar, and feel the energy in the room, when I recall it now, three decades later.”

Pop Legendz is among the first NFT gateways to exclusively feature pop culture icons, aiming to bring the reliable ownership ledger and fun of collecting NFTs to the traditional pop culture memorabilia market.

West, founder of Pop Legendz, is a professional photographer and a freelance music journalist. With her Philadelphia-based company TCI Photo-Video, she’s created images for many well-known clients including Merck and Qatar Airways, plus photographed a wedding for actor Bill Murray when his son Luke got married. Her music reviews have been published in the Philadelphia Inquirer, The Washington Post, and musicwire.com. Faith brings her broad knowledge of the intersection of pop culture and image-making to the NFT world with her groundbreaking collection of one-of-a-kind moments in musical and pop culture history from legendary icons.

Photo credit: Faith West

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THE HALO EFFECT, the new project featuring five former members of the Swedish metal band IN FLAMES — Jesper Strömblad (guitar), Daniel Svensson (drums), Peter Iwers (bass), Niclas Engelin (guitar) and Mikael Stanne (vocals) — has released its second single, “Feel What I Believe”. The track, the official music video for which can be seen below, will appear on THE HALO EFFECT’s first album, due later in the year via Nuclear Blast.

Stanne comments: “‘Feel What I Believe’ is basically about how it felt growing up and discovering extreme metal in our late teens. Delving into something that was both frightening and alluring at the same time. And having that as the sole focus as you started playing in a band and in essence decided who you wanted to be. That confidence and laser focus is what still fascinates me. I love that this somehow endured over the years. This is basically us at 19 screaming, ‘How don’t you understand this?’ And even if people around us didn’t get it at the time, at least they could see our passion for it and that’s what this song is about.”

He adds: “The video is also reminiscent of the videos we saw growing up. A bunch of long-haired people in an abandoned warehouse playing loud music while trying to look cool, basically. What we did here though is bring it to another level thanks to Theo Gabay and his amazing team. I love that it captures the vibe of us playing and really enjoying what we do. Also it looks spectacular.”

Last November, THE HALO EFFECT released its debut single, “Shadowminds”.

Regarding how THE HALO EFFECT came together, Stanne told the “Heavy Hops” podcast (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “This is basically all my old friends from the area. Gothenburg is small, and it’s always been very incestuous in terms of members, back and forth, in bands.

“I got asked by Niclas Engelin, who I’ve known since he… We played our first-ever show together with his old band; they were called SARCAZM, and we were still SEPTIC BROILER, before DARK TRANQUILLITY. So that’s how far back we go. So he asked me, like, ‘Let’s play some music together.’ And I was, like, ‘Sure. It would be nice.’ I was really deep into the writing and recording of the latest DARK TRANQUILLITY album, ‘Moment’, but I said, ‘I’ll be done soon.’ ‘Cause I was still kind of in the mode of sitting at home, recording and singing. So I was, like, ‘Send me some songs. I’ll see what I can do.’ And then Peter Iwers called me as well and he was, like, ‘I’m probably gonna be a part of this thing with Niclas. And it would be great if we could do it seriously. And we can probably get Daniel as well,’ who played in IN FLAMES as well, ‘and then maybe Jesper Strömblad as well.’ And I was, like, ‘That sounds fucking awesome.’ That’s totally old school. Even though we never played in that constellation in the early days of IN FLAMES, I was there, and Jesper was there, and then the other guys kind of joined later. So it was kind of, like, ‘All right. Yeah, why not? Let’s see what we can come up with.’ So it’s basically all the kind of old ex, weird members of IN FLAMES. But for me, it really is like… Daniel was in my younger brother’s class when we grew up, so I started getting to know him because he got into death metal and he started his band SACRILEGE that I really loved. And Niclas was always kind of like a really, really proficient, great guitar player, playing in SARCAZM and tons of other bands that I always went to see, and we always hung out in the late ’80s and early ’90s. And Peter, of course, I knew, because he was the brother of Anders, who’s been my friend forever. And Jesper I met during our first-ever shows in maybe ’87, ’88 — or something like that — hanging out at Valvet, which was the only kind of underground metal place here in Gothenburg in the late ’80s and early ’90s. So it kind of made perfect sense. So when we started talking about playing together, it was, like, ‘Okay. What do we do then?’ Should we just see if we can kind of pick up — not where we left off, but what we wanted to back then and see if we can update with what we have learned [through] our collective experiences. So that was kind of the idea. And it’s been a blast — just being able to hang out with old friends. Because of touring schedules and all the stuff, in the recent 15 years or so, we never really get to see each other that much. But now we have. So it’s been super, super, super cool.”

On the topic of THE HALO EFFECT’s musical direction, Mikael said: “Niclas started writing a few songs, just based on what he has and what he kind of digs. And I immediately felt, like, ‘Oh, this is super cool. We’re on to something here.’ It’s super heavy, it’s melodic — it’s all those things that we kind of grew up trying to do. Then Jesper got involved and he started changing a little bit of that or adding stuff to it. And we were, like, ‘Okay, this is awesome.’ It doesn’t feel new at all, it doesn’t feel super different, but at the same time, why should we? Let’s focus on the things that we know best and try to kind of recapture that feeling that we had when we were kids, when we wanted to play together and that kind of playful atmosphere. Because the longer you play together with your main band or what have you, you try to constantly reinvent yourself, and so much energy goes into trying to be different from what you have done before. Whereas starting something new like this with a very familiar genre of music meant that you could be very free about it. It doesn’t have to be anything in particular, it doesn’t have to conform to any rules — it just needs to fucking kick ass and feel good. So that was the starting point. And then I tried, lyrically, to sing about or write about how it was growing up and how we felt and what was the thing that drove us to this extreme kind of music and all those things. It became kind of a thing that we always talked about: ‘Do you remember this? Do you remember that old show? Do you remember that venue where we used to go and the long bus [ride] that took us all the way to that shitty youth center where we saw those bands?’ or whatever. So it really became partly nostalgia but also kind of an appreciation for where we came from and how things turned out.”

Stanne also talked about “Shadowminds”, which was accompanied by a music video directed by Lucas Englund. He said: “It was one of the first songs that we wrote. We decided, like, ‘Let’s record a few songs, see if it works, see how it feels, see what we can come up with.’ So we recorded three songs, and ‘Shadowminds’ was one of those. And we were really happy with all three of them. And we were, like, ‘This feels great.’ Because everything was written really fast. We went into the studio. Jesper put his spin on it. Then I wrote some lyrics in a day or in a couple of hours, sang it on a demo version and sent it to them, and they were, like, ‘All right. Cool. Yeah. Let’s record this super fast and see what happens.’ Then we recorded a few more songs. And we couldn’t decide on what would be the first single, because when we initially recorded these demos, it was just a way for us to present something to a label, see if someone is interested. So we were, like, ‘Okay, but what song is most representative of this music, this band that we hardly even know yet.’ So we played five songs to a bunch of friends and people who work in music, and they all kind of agreed this is probably the one. This feels most representative of what we are. It’s a really intense song, it’s melodic, it’s heavy, and it’s the first song that we eventually finished where we felt, like, ‘Okay, this is a good direction. This is a good way of moving forward. And if we can have the songs be at least this kind of quality but in a different way, then we should be fine.’ So that felt good. It was a great starting point — starting off with something that we were instantly very proud of and we felt like this is gonna be a song that’s gonna stick for a while.”

A founding member of IN FLAMES, Strömblad quit the band in February 2010 in order to continue receiving treatment for his alcohol addiction.

Svensson, who joined IN FLAMES in 1998, announced in 2015 that he was leaving the group to focus on his family life.

A member of IN FLAMES since 1997, Iwers issued a statement in November 2016 saying that he was exiting the band “to pursue other endeavors.”

Engelin has been sitting out IN FLAMES’ tour dates for the past two and a half years but has never officially confirmed his departure from the band. Engelin’s replacement for IN FLAMES’ live shows for most of 2019 and early 2020 has been former MEGADETH and current ACT OF DEFIANCE guitarist Chris Broderick.

When Engelin was asked in an August 2020 interview with the “MetalBreak” podcast what his “future” with IN FLAMES was, he responded, “I choose to pass on that [question],” before quickly adding, “I’m still in the band.”

As of 2020, Engelin was not listed as a member of IN FLAMES on the band’s Facebook page (Broderick was), and he is not featured in any of IN FLAMES’ current promotional photos from the group’s record label, Nuclear Blast.

Shortly after leaving IN FLAMES, Iwers joined CYHRA, the band featuring vocalist Jake E (ex-AMARANTHE) and Strömblad. He announced his departure from that band in May 2018.

THE HALO EFFECT’s first-ever tour will be as the support act for Swedish death metal giants AMON AMARTH and U.S. metallers MACHINE HEAD on 31 dates throughout Europe in the summer and fall of 2022.

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Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen’s project SMITH/KOTZEN kicked off its U.S. West Coast tour last night (Thursday, January 20) at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California. Joining Smith and Kotzen as part of their touring band is Richie’s wife, internationally acclaimed bass player Julia Lage, formerly of the Latin Grammy-nominated Brazilian rock band BARRA DE SAIA. With a strong pedigree in rock, Lage has played alongside the likes of Pat Travers, Elliot Easton (THE CARS), Nuno Bettencourt (EXTREME) and Mark McGrath (SUGAR RAY). In addition, SMITH/KOTZEN has enlisted drummer Bruno Valverde of ANGRA for the U.S. West Coast dates.

Fan-filmed video footage of the Whisky concert, including SMITH/KOTZEN’s rendition of the IRON MAIDEN classic “Wasted Years”, with Smith on lead vocals, can be seen below.

In a recent interview with Metal Edge magazine’s “Another FN Podcast With Izzy Presley”, Richie stated about how the short tour came together (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “What happened was it was all just by timing. Nathalie [Dufresne-Smith, Adrian’s wife] and Adrian came into town, and Adrian said, ‘Hey, we’re gonna be there for a couple of months. You wanna write some more songs?’ And we did get together and we did about seven things that are in the works; we have some demo stuff that are in the works. And then we started thinking, ‘Man, we’re here. Why don’t we play?’ Julia was in the house and we were talking about it. And it just kind of — boom. It just made sense. ‘Let’s go. Call Bruno.’ And we put it together. It was real easy.”

Adrian added that fans can definitely expect to hear more music from SMITH/KOTZEN, which released a full-length album and an EP during 2021.

“We started writing with a view to doing another album, and then we got sidetracked on dates,” Smith said. “Like Richie said, we’ve got six or seven things. It’s just taking where we left off with the EP — just writing as we do.

“I don’t wanna change the world,” he added. “I just wanna make good rock music. It’s n there, and you’ve just gotta do it. You just have to do it, really. It’s one of those things.”

SMITH/KOTZEN remaining West Coast tour dates:

Jan. 22 – Count’s Vamp’d – Las Vegas, NV
Jan. 23 – Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA
Jan. 26 – Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA
Jan. 27 – The Siren – Morro Bay, CA
Jan. 28 – Ventura Theatre – Ventura, CA (postponed from Jan. 15)

SMITH/KOTZEN’s eponymous debut album was released globally through BMG in March 2021 to media and fan acclaim, charting No. 10 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart in the U.S., Top 20 in the U.K. as well as in other major markets such as Germany, Japan and Canada. A follow-up EP, “Better Days”, featuring four new tracks was released on November 26 in conjunction with international Record Store Day’s Black Friday event.

Smith is best known as one of IRON MAIDEN’s principal guitarists, having also enjoyed success as a solo artist. Kotzen is the frontman for THE WINERY DOGS as well as having been the guitarist for both MR. BIG and POISON during his long and acclaimed career, which has to date seen him release more than 20 solo albums. Both artists are also prolific songwriters.

Richie Kotzen and Adrian smith in the house tonight. Great show. ????????

Posted by Tisa Mylar on Friday, January 21, 2022

Smith/Kotzen at the Whisky! Heavy Metal Meets Blues?

Posted by Gisele Ward on Thursday, January 20, 2022

Posted by Joaquin Sahagun on Thursday, January 20, 2022

Posted by Ashi Minhas on Friday, January 21, 2022

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