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THEM DAMN KINGS, the hard rock / heavy metal wrecking machine founded by guitarist/vocalist Jef Rhodes, has unleashed their new single titled “OVERBOARD" The track highlights the band's signature style with in your face riffs, blistering solos, and unique vocal style that the band’s fans have come to expect. “OVERBOARD" is available across all major streaming platforms. Video for “OVERBOARD" can be seen here: Rhodes, exclaims “This song is very personal to me as it was written in such a messed up tragic way. It still makes me feel weird when I listen to it or play it. I was on one of those Rock “n” Roll cruise’s and the whole boat was woken up at like 5am with horns blasting and over the intercom they were saying we were in a man overboard situation. I just remember looking out the window of the cabin and seeing this blinking light out on the stormy water. I thought for sure they got this guy at first but as the minutes kept creeping along it started to become painfully obvious they weren’t finding this guy, and my head started racing as if I was putting myself in this guys point of view. So I grabbed my notebook and just started writing. I mean Normally it takes me some time to write lyrics, especially lyrics. But this song was written in real time as it was all unfolding” I mean nobody at that time really knew the guy jumped, so I couldn’t really comprehend why someone would intentionally jump overboard off a cruise ship I just thought the guy fell and it really freaked me out. So now there’s a song about it.” Them Damn Kings has also welcomed New Jersey native Cooper Hughes joining the band as their full time drummer following Ryan Folden’s departure. Cooper and Jef have completed tracking what will become the band’s sophomore album, following up their debut album “Rise Up” which spawned the single “Throw It Away” reaching #4 on the NACC radio charts. Cooper adds, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the next chapter of Them Damn Kings! "OVERBOARD" offers a glimpse into whats ahead. Jef’s songwriting on this track perfectly encapsulates a moment in time, capturing the raw emotion of this tragedy. It’s a powerful, unrelenting display of Rock “n” Roll. Crank it up and enjoy the ride! 
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Brace yourself. The gates have opened, and the storm has arrived. OF THE FALLEN, the relentless force in modern metal, has returned with their most vicious, soul-rattling track yet — "COUNTERFEIT//SKIN." A sonic eruption of pure fury and uncompromising truth, the single drops today on all major streaming platforms, sending shockwaves through the metal scene. Combining guttural growls, face-melting riffs, and machine-gun percussion, "COUNTERFEIT//SKIN" is a battle cry against the fake, the hollow, and the soulless. It’s not just a song — it’s a warpath. "COUNTERFEIT//SKIN" is a song that talks about body dysphoria and the images we set for ourselves as well as society has imprinted on us to abide by. Whether you're skinny, fat, a body builder, they/them, male or female, or any other views we view ourselves as that we do not care for or want to abide by. This is an anthem of a bigger concept in which we all struggle with mental health and aspects that impact our daily lives.  The circus of the macabre returns — louder, darker, and more ferocious than ever. The haunting, genre-defying force known as RAVEN BLACK has unleashed the next chapter in their unfolding gothic metal opera. “BURN” — the second single from the highly anticipated full-length album Black Sonata — "BURN" is available now across all streaming platforms. “Burn” follows the success of “FXCK YOU,” the album’s first single, and continues the narrative arc of Black Sonata — an album that promises to be RAVEN BLACK'S most ambitious and immersive work to date. Drawing from classical influences, dark theater, and spine-rattling metalcore, this album is a journey into the void... with the devil grinning from the passenger seat. Produced by Ulrich Wild (Static-X, White Zombie, Deftones), “Burn” is an infernal symphony of heavy guitars, industrial textures, and Raven’s unmistakable blend of haunting melody and psychotic screams.  On the day they kick off their 2025th Anniversary Tour, FOZZY, rock’s loudest champions of DIY, release a brand new riff-driven sonic sledgehammer: “FALL IN LINE.” Available NOW on all major streaming platforms via Madison Records, the track is a no-holds-barred defiant roar from the front lines of rock ‘n’ roll PRESS HERE to listen. Fueled by razor-sharp guitars, thunderous drums, and Chris Jericho’s signature powerhouse vocals, “FALL IN LINE” is pure fire — a hard-hitting anthem that dares listeners to stand up, speak out, and never Fall in Line. "FALL IN LINE" is the most exciting and unique song FOZZY has recorded for so many reasons. It has the familiar FOZZY sound that's been our trademark for 25 years, yet sounds nothing like anything we've ever done. We feel its gonna be a MASSIVE addition to our catalog, and are stoked to unleash this tune to the world AND play it live on our tour!" -CHRIS JERICHO Fozzy "2025th" Anniversary Tour FOZZY hits the road on a cross country journey to 20 of the nations most epic venues, as the tour is guaranteed to bring electrifying live performances for fans in every city. For Ticket, VIP, or More Information: www.fozzyrock.com Featuring Superstar showman Chris Jericho on vocals tagging with the iconic signature riffs of maven guitarist Rich Ward, FOZZY is set to launch the next phase of their 25th Anniversary tour with guitarist Billy Grey, bassist P.J. Farley, and drummer Grant Brooks rounding out the band.  The vision behind our 'The Beautiful People' cover stems from a unique personal connection. Marilyn Manson's groundbreaking original, released almost three decades ago, immediately struck me. Simultaneously, the imagery from the 1932 movie Freaks, especially its legendary dinner scene, left a lasting impression. For me, the song always evoked the film. Our cover project makes this fusion explicit: the visuals (video/artwork) directly blend these influences. Sonically, it's a tribute reimagined through the heavy GILLSAW lens – respecting the core while delivering our distinct, powerful sound.  VALE OF PNATHBY: TERRELL STEWART Arriving at the Oriental Theater I knew one thing for sure, this was going to be a night of some serious metal. Black metal, death metal, folk metal, and pagan metal, with powerful vocalist’s that will set your ears on fire! Starting the night off was Denver’s own, Vale of Pnath. They unleashed their sound onto the crowd and this night of extreme metal began. Vocalist Ken Sorceron poured out his hardcore vocals as the crowd threw up the horns and started headbanging. This continued throughout the band's set filling every inch of the venue with the power of their music. They finished their set and the crowd let them know their appreciation from the band's powerful opening of the show. Vale of Pnath members: Vance Valenzuela Guitars (2006-present) Ken Sorceron Vocals (2020-present) Austin Rolla Bass (2023-present) Gabe Seeber Drums (2023-present ARKONAIt had been a few years since I last saw Arkona and was looking forward to seeing them again. Arkona is known for its blend of folk metal with pagan influences and they sing in Russian which is their native language. Maria “Masha Scream” Arkhipova, vocalist and keyboardist “has spoken about their decision to sing in Russian, emphasizing its connection to their musical identity and the themes they explore”. Arkona took to the stage, each wearing a long gray cloak, started their set with the song, “Kob” from their album of the same name. This is their 9th album released in 2023. Maria’s raspy growls fill the air and though you may not understand the language, the music helps with the flow of each song. Throughout their set, the music would be light, heavy, and dark. Though you may not understand the language, listening to Maria’s vocals and the powerful musicians behind her, you can feel the strength in their music. Arkona finished their set with “Zimushka” from their 2011 album Slovo. The crowd cheered in thanks as the band said good night. Arkona members: Maria "Masha Scream" Arkhipova – vocals, keyboards (2002-present) Sergei "Lazar" Atrashkevich – guitars (2003-present) Ruslan "Kniaz" Rosomaherov – bass (2003-present) Alexander "Noff" Smirnov – drums (2021-present) Setlist: Kob' Ydi Ugasaya Mor Goi, Rode, Goi! Zimushka BELPHEGORThe stage was set for Belphegor and it was an interesting stage to see. (see photo gallery) With heavy fog and lights coming from every direction, Belphegor made their way onto the stage and opened their set with, “The Procession” and let the headbanging begin! The powerful opening to their set awakened the senses and it was only the beginning. “The Devil’s Son” was pulsating and heart pounding as Helmuth poured out his aggressive growls as the crowd was now moving. The power of the band and the lighting was mesmerising as I tried to capture it all through my lens. Their setlist took you back and forth in time reminding you of the intense and punishing sound developed over the years. With songs, “Belphegor - Hell's Ambassador” from 2006, “Pactum in Aeternum” from 2014. To the intense “Lucifer Incestus” from 2003. To witness this show live was a real journey for me. Photographing it was just as intense as the music powering through the fog and lighting. I believe I was able to do just that. You be the judge. Belphegor finished their set with, “Totentanz - Dance Macabre”. A short break and they returned to top off an amazing powerful night, the hardest metal show I have seen in some time with, “Gasmask Terror” from 2014. This is a must see show for all you die hard metal fans and I would like to thank Belphegor personally for allowing me to do a promo shoot with them after the show. Belphegor members: Helmuth Lehner - guitars (1991–present), lead vocals (1996-present) Serpenth - bass, backing vocals (2006–present) Current live members James Stewart - drums (2021–present) Wolfgang Rothbauer - guitars (2023-present) Set List: The Procession Baphomet The Devil's Son Sanctus Diaboli Confidimus Belphegor - Hell's Ambassador Stigma Diabolicum Pactum in Aeternum Lucifer Incestus Virtus Asinaria - Prayer The Devils Der Lichtbringer Totentanz - Dance Macabre Gasmask Terror In the ever-turning wheel of existence, where past, present, and future blur into a singular, cyclical motion, Gemini Syndrome unveils their latest offering, “Carousel”—a haunting meditation on the cycles we trap ourselves in and the courage it takes to break free. "I am my own worst enemy." A confession. A revelation. A truth buried beneath layers of pretense. We sabotage ourselves in the shadows, hiding behind the illusion of control. The turmoil within is relentless, unseen yet omnipresent. “Carousel” rips the mask away, exposing this eternal conflict—the conscious self at war with the unconscious. The driver and the passenger. The master and the captive. "We can often be our own worst enemies," says drummer Brian Steele Medina. "There’s this illusion of control, like we’re holding the reins, but sometimes we don’t realize we’re just along for the ride. ‘Carousel’ captures that duality—the war between who we are and who we want to be." To break the cycle requires an act of will—but true will is more than defiance; it is surrender. The courage to let go of the illusions that bind us. How can we evolve if we refuse to release the weight of our past? How can we ascend if we remain tethered to a wheel that never stops spinning? "How can we become better than our present selves, when we live our lives like we’re on a carousel?" The question lingers like an incantation, a challenge to all who dare to listen. “Carousel” is not just a song—it is a rite of passage, a moment of reckoning for those willing to look into the mirror and confront the storm behind their own eyes. "At some point, you have to face the mirror," vocalist Aaron Nordstrom adds. "The song is about that reckoning—when you finally admit that you’re the architect of your own suffering. But acknowledgment is the first step to change." With towering riffs, hypnotic rhythms, and a chorus that lingers like a whispered truth, “Carousel” embodies the struggle between stagnation and self-awareness. This is the journey of Origin: From Nothingness to Everything—the transmutation of the self through trial and tribulation. The endless fight to wake up, break free, and become more than the sum of our past mistakes. The ride is not over. But the choice is yours: remain in endless repetition, or shatter the cycle and step beyond. As Gemini Syndrome continues their journey of musical and philosophical alchemy, “Carousel” stands as a call to arms for those willing to step off the loop and forge a new path.  I had been looking forward to this show for some time and when I was approved to cover the show I was very excited. As I arrived at the Gothic Theater, one of my favorite venues to cover shows in, the line was already around the block with more people making their way into the line. The air was filled with anticipation as fans talked about the last time they saw Geoff Tate at this very venue a few years back. One more thing stood out, I saw a lot of parents with their kids, I love seeing this at shows. The stage was set, the fog machines were pouring out and it was time for the opening act to start the night off. Tomas McCarthy singer and songwriter from Ireland along with his wife Clodagh McCarthy and good friend, James Keegan took the stage and opened their set with, “Stand Your Ground” from his upcoming EP, Colours due out on May 30th. Tomas was asked by his good friend Geoff Tate to open for him on this tour. His sound has been described as, “gravelly, blues-laden vocal that lilts with the agility and melisma of his Irish spirit, accompanied by nimble, melodic guitar-playing and raucous, hard-rock based grooves.” Tomas along with his wife Clodagh who was on the saxophone, shared lead vocals as well as they moved through their set. Though their set wasn’t long, I believe they left a wonderful lasting memory for everyone there, including myself. Tomas MCcarthy - lead vocals - guitar Wife - Clodagh McCarthy - lead vocals and saxophone James Keegan - guitar Setlist: Stand Your Ground Siuil a Ruin Battle My Way Freedom Colours Out On The Western Plains TOMAS MCCARTHYGEOFF TATEWith a flash of the stage lights, a roar came from the crowd as drummer Baker wearing a mask steps behind his kit raising his hand to the roaring crowd. Then one by one, lead guitarist James Brown followed by lead Guitarist Amaury Altmayer, lead Guitarist Dario Parente, Bass Guitar Jimmy Wynen, and keyboardist and vocalist Clodagh McCarthy. The four guitarist’s face Baker as the opening tape for Operation:mind begins. Then all at once they turn, moving to the front of the stage playing the opening track and soon to follow timing his vocals, Geoff Tate steps onto the stage with the crowd cheering, the four guitarists move back as Geoff (wearing a hat and glasses) moves to the front and with his powerful voice starts singing and immediately the venue crowd joins in with him. This wasn’t just another concert, this was a show by everyone on stage. With the lights dancing through the fog, everyone moved about the stage to different points displaying their amazing musicianship. Throughout the course of the show, Geoff would showcase each member, at times stepping back as each guitarist moved forward and wowed the crowd with their skills and interacting with them as well. As most of us in the crowd had seen the Operation:mindcrime tour a few years ago here at the Gothic Theater, tonight was different, Geoff took the show to a higher level! As they moved from song to song, the stage presence of the band was something to witness. Keyboardist Clodagh was back next to Baker and you could see headbanging and singing. It was a real treat when Clodagh joined Geoff to sing with him but, when Clodagh joined Geoff on the song “Suite Sister Mary” the venue crowd loved it and as Geoff had be doing when the song finished, Geoff put a hand toward Clodagh an the other to the crowd and roar was deafening for her. As Operation:mindcrime came to an end, the crowd cheered and applauded as Geoff stood at the front of the stage thanking them. But he didn’t leave, everyone relaxed for a few minutes as Geoff talked with his fans. He finished his talk with, “I’m American” and that led into the song from Operation:mindcrime II. When the band started “Jet City Woman” the crowd was as loud as it could be. To finish their set, the song that is my all time favorite, “Silent Lucidity”, the crowd sang along but in a much softer tone. As the crowd applauded, Geoff introduced his band members and then, one last song “Take Hold of the Flame” from the 1984 album, The Warning. The crowd cheered with the band members arm in arm taking their bows and waving goodnight. And an amazing night it was! Operation:mindcrime are, Lead vocals - Geoff Tate (Germany, USA) Lead Guitarist - James Brown - (Ireland) Lead Guitarist - Amaury Altmayer - (France) Lead Guitarist - Dario Parente - (Italy) Drums - Robert Baker - (USA) (He goes by Baker) Bass Guitar - Jimmy Wynen - (Australia) Clodagh McCarthy - (Ireland) Keyboards - Vocals (She also was vocalist in duet with Geoff for Suite Sister Mary Setlist: I Remember Now Anarchy-X Revolution Operation:mindcrime Spreading the Disease The Mission Suite Sister Mary The Needle Lies Electric Requiem Breaking the Silence I Don't Believe in Love Waiting for 22 My Empty Room Eyes of a Stranger I'm American Jet City Woman Murderer? If I Could Change It All Empire A Junkie's Blues Silent Lucidity - preceded by band introductions Take Hold of the Flame 1984 "BELOW IT ALL" dives into the relentless battle for approval and the weight of expectations, only to remind us that true validation comes from within. The message is clear: if you're chasing the impossible standards of others, you'll always be looking up from below. But if you stand firm in who you are, their opinions don’t matter. Because those who think they ‘know it all’ often find themselves "BELOW IT ALL" - Lane Steele "BELOW IT ALL" ACCOLADES #2 on the SMR TOP 10 ADDS THIS WEEK #6 on the SMR TOP 10 GREATEST GAINERS Tied for #3 on the MEDIA BASE MUSIC INFORMATION CENTER add board.  |
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