Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Dimebag Grave Vandal Apologizes
(Classic Rock) Pantera's camp say they're "disgusted" after the grave of 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott was vandalized. Tumblr user Crustyplague, who was later identified as Reece Eber from up-and-coming band Nuclear Hellfrost, posted an image of Dimebag's grave in Texas and boasted about defacing it, saying they spat on it, stole a pair of cowboy boots and wrote the word "fag" on a piece of paper and left it on the grave.

The Pantera camp responded quickly after hearing the news, issuing a statement on Facebook. It reads: "We are absolutely disgusted by this! We ask that all of you please show Dime and his grave the respect he deserves. This conduct will not be tolerated and the authorities have been notified."

Nuclear Hellfrost moved to distance themselves from the incident, claiming it was a former member who had carried out the act. But after thousands of angry comments were left on social media, Eber was forced to come forward and issue a statement apologising for his actions, saying he acted "ignorantly and completely out of line" and insisted his bandmates were not involved.

He says: "There is no reason for doing what I did - and when I say 'I' I mean me alone. My friends were not present. I left a piece of paper with an insult to a man many people idolise and for a cheap laugh. I didn't think about the consequences.

"I cannot express how sorry I am to Vinnie Paul and the Abbott family for the distress I caused, and the other members of Pantera and other acts Darrell was a part of.

"I owe everyone an apology for my actions because they were uncalled for, were horrible and despicable. I went way too far."

See a screen capture of the original post and read more here.




Iron Maiden Done With New Album, On Hold Due To Cancer Fight
Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain reveals in a new interview that the band has completed a new studio album and he gives an update on lead singer Bruce Dickinson's health following his treatment for a cancerous tumor on his tongue.

McBrain tells 98.7 the Gater (via Loudwire). "We have made an album. The album was ready to go this year… and it still is. We were planning on going out and doing some work around the album, which now, we're all just holding on, and once Bruce is up and running, hopefully in the next couple of months, we'll… You never know when this might happen. You just never know, do you? [Laughs]"

He also addressed Bruce's cancer battle, "We were all blown away when we heard the news. But the great thing is [Bruce is] in great hands back home in England, not only with his family, but his oncologists and all the people that are working with him. They were all very positive, as Bruce has been, through the whole thing."

McBrain goes on to explain how Bruce is currently doing, "Obviously, it's a blow for everybody to hear the news. Last week, the official announcement was made, after he finished his treatment. And all of that treatment went exceedingly well. And from not having spoken to Bruce for a couple of weeks, but talking to our manager, he was in amazing spirits, considering the brutality of the radiology, and he had three chemo sessions. So it's been pretty hard, as you can imagine. And he's apparently doing very well.

"He was in the office Wednesday last week, and apparently he went out. He goes down the pub… although he can't taste his beer. He said, 'At least I know it's a 'Trooper.' I've got the bottle in my hand.' [Laughs] I said, 'Does it still work?' 'Oh yeah!' [Laughs]" So, just to let everybody know, from what we can gather, he's really in great hands, and he's doing extremely well. So we expect him to have a full recovery in the next couple of months."

Last month the band revealed that Dickinson has undergone treatment for a small cancerous tumor on his tongue. The band reported that the cancer was found early and Dickinson is expected to make a full recover. Here is the statement from the band, "Just before Christmas, Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson visited his doctor for a routine check-up. This led to tests and biopsies which revealed a small cancerous tumour at the back of his tongue.

"A seven-week course of chemotherapy and radiology treatment was completed yesterday. As the tumour was caught in the early stages, the prognosis thankfully is extremely good. Bruce's medical team fully expect him to make a complete recovery with the all clear envisaged by late May. It will then take a further few months for Bruce to get back to full fitness.

"In the meantime, we would ask for your patience, understanding and respect for Bruce and his family's privacy until we update everyone by the end of May. Bruce is doing very well considering the circumstances and the whole team are very positive."

Loudwire has a full stream of the interview with Nicko here.




Led Zeppelin Event Coming To Movie Theaters
(hennemusic) A compilation of live Led Zeppelin performances will be screened in US theaters on March 30th as the legendary band continued their extensive reissues series with last week's expanded reissue of their 1975 release, "Physical Graffiti."

The second evening in the Fathom Events Classic Music Series - the first featured the premiere of "Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014" last week - will deliver footage of Led Zeppelin live performances from two previously released sources: 1976's "The Song Remains The Same" concert film and the 2003 "Led Zeppelin" DVD.

Fathom Events have pulled clips of the band at London's Royal Albert Hall in January 1970, their July 1973 shows at New York's Madison Square Garden, their five-night run at London's Earl's Court in May 1975, and their two performances at England's Knebworth Festival in August 1979.

More including video here.




Gary Glitter Sentenced To 16 Years For Child Sex Crimes
(Radio.com) Gary Glitter has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after being convicted in the UK of sexually abusing three young girls during his chart-topping heyday.

According to the Associated Press (via Rolling Stone), the singer behind the '70s hits "Do You Wanna Touch Me" and perennial jock jam favorite "Rock and Roll (Parts 1 and 2)," "showed no response" during his sentencing today (Feb. 27).

Glitter was found guilty in a London court earlier this month of one count of attempted rape, four counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13. Read more here.




Emmure Singer Will Still Perform Despite Doctor's Order
Emmure frontman Frankie Palmeri on Friday posted an update about his recovery from what he originally described as a 'major tear' in his vocal cords.

He tells fans that he was advised by an ENT specialist not to "scream for at least the next two weeks." Despite the medical order, he says that he will continue with the band's current tour with Suicide Silence.

Here is his message, "Just wanted to update you on my voice situation. First off..the support and love I saw come from you guys was really incredible and I can't thank you enough for your understanding and concern.

"After returning to the stage last night in Nebraska , I decided it was best to really get a grasp on how much damage there is to my voice and whether or not I can actually continue on with the tour.

"I got the chance to see a doctor today in Des Moines, Iowa and was advised by a ENT specialist to not scream for at least the next two weeks. This was devastating news.

"But with that being said...that does not mean we are canceling and that does not mean I will not be on stage to deliver the best show possible regardless of my condition...

"I am highly depending on you, our fans. To come and help me get through these next couple weeks and really take part in the short time we have on stage as we support Suicide Silence on this 3 week long tour.

"And just in case anyone thinks I am full of sh*t I added the photos of my diagnosis from today's doctors visit.

"Again...this is just to keep you informed on how I am doing and to remind you all that that we are NOT canceling anymore shows and despite my condition I will be up there to perform and reconnect with all of you amazing supporters."





Journey To Perform With Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
(hennemusic) Journey will perform with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra on the opening night of the prestigious venue's 2015 season on June 20. The band will play a full set with the Orchestra, led by Principal Conductor Thomas Wilkins, marking the group's first-ever performance with an orchestra.

The event will also feature performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), with the evening finishing with a spectacular fireworks show.

Proceeds from the season-opening event benefit the Los Angeles Philharmonic and its education and community programs, which reach more than 120,000 children, teachers and adults every year.




Kid Rock Adds Shows To Summer Tour
(hennemusic) Kid Rock has added two Detroit shows to his summer tour with Foreigner, bringing his total of hometown dates to eight as he hits the road to support his newly-released album, "First Kiss."

Due to the overwhelming demand, Rock will play the DTE Energy Music Theatre on August 18 and 19. The Rock/Foreigner double-bill starts June 24 in Hartford, CT with dates running to early September.

Tickets for all dates will be $20, as they were the last time Rock toured, with every effort made to keep fees down and scalpers at bay. Tickets from the 2nd row to the lawn will be $20, with reduced parking and service fees keeping the total ticket price at about $30 or under.

Rock performed the title track to "First Kiss" on The Tonight Show this week on the eve of the release of his latest album. Watch it here.




Billy Corgan Wants Rockers To Be More Aggressive Against Pop
(Classic Rock) Billy Corgan has called on rock artists to behave more aggressively against pop music - and stop cosying up with members of the lighter genre. His comments come after Gene Simmons sparked months of reaction to his assertion that "rock is dead," and Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French this week said the scene wasn't "regenerating with the youth" in the way it had in the past.

Corgan tells Australia's The Morning Show: "Rock 'n' roll will be fine - I just think it needs to be more aggressive in taking on pop music. Particularly in America there's a very cosy relationship between rock stars and pop stars. I don't think that's a good relationship. Everybody belongs on their own side of the street for a good reason."

The Smashing Pumpkins mainman defines a "rock star" as "an individual who pursues a vision to an end" and namechecks Axl Rose and Elton John as examples.

He adds: "A pop star is supposed to pray at some horrible idol of fame, which is fleeting. That contradiction, to me, is why everyone should stay on their own side." Read more here.




Radiohead Have Changed Their Approach For New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood says the band have changed their approach to songwriting as they work on their ninth album - but it's not easy to explain how.

And he reveals they haven't yet listened back to the work they've recorded so far. The band returned to the studio last year to start the follow-up to 2010's King Of Limbs. They've since taken a break and gather to continue the project next month.

Greenwood tells the Sunday Guardian: "We've certainly changed our method again. It's too involved to explain. We're kind of limiting ourselves - working in limits. It's like we're trying to use very old and very new technology together to see what happens."

He adds: "We've done a couple of months of recording and it's gone really well. We haven't listened to anything back yet, so at the moment we're all very happy. I guess we're going to go and listen to what we've done and see if we were right to be so happy.

"But we left it at a good place when we last stopped." Read more here.




Sworn Enemy Announce No Mercy No Surrender Tour
Sworn Enemy have announced that they will be launching a North American spring tour, dubbed No Mercy No Surrender Tour 2015, that will feature support from Wretched, Dark Sermon, and Hammer Fight.

The tour will be kicking off on April 7th in Charleston, SC at Upstairs @ Joe's Pasta and wrapping up on May 1st in Providence, RI at Firehouse 13. Sworn Enemy are launching the tour in support of their latest album "Living on Borrowed Time."

Sworn Enemy's Sal LoCoco had the following to say about the trek, "Looking forward to hitting the road in April with Wretched, Dark Sermon, & Hammer Fight. Gonna be good times so everyone make sure you get your asses out to the shows." See the tour dates here.




Deep Purple Members Part Of Purpendicular Album
(Classic Rock) Purpendicular, the Deep Purple tribute band that's featured members of the band and related artists, will release a concept album entitled This Is The Thing #1 on March 6.

It features contributions from Purple men Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey, Steve Morse plus Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Brian May) and others, plus the voice of Dr Who icon Tom Baker.

Vocalist Robby Thomas Walsh, who co-founded the band in 2007, says: "We wanted to give our fans something new and exciting. We do not want to be a Deep Purple copy as there is only one Deep Purple - we do things our way in our style.

"Of course there is influences from Purple, Floyd, Zeppelin, blues, soul, disco, hard rock and progressive rock - its all in there. The concept is about all our journeys through life - the ups and the downs and the horizontals, touching on money, power and emotions while the clock of life ticks away. We are all in this together so to speak!" Read more here.




Axl Gave Guns N' Roses Guitarist Job Just For Showing Up
(Classic Rock) Guns N' Rose guitarist DJ Ashba has recalled how he got the gig with Axl Rose's band - just by turning up for his audition. He joined in 2009, and reports they're preparing for a busy year of live shows while they continue work on the follow-up to 2008 album Chinese Democracy.

Ashba tells Rock Reflected: "I got a call and Guns was looking for a guitar player on the down-low. They wanted to know if I would be interested. I went down there - and I didn't know, but evidently Axl called management when I was coming down and said, 'If he shows up in the room, he has the gig.' It was kind of like that."

He finds it difficult to choose which GNR songs he enjoys playing most. "I love playing the solo in This I Love," says the axeman. "I change the solo up a little bit from what's on the album. I love Shackler's Revenge - of course, all the old stuff. It's a blast to play.

"There really isn't a song I don't enjoy playing because it's so high energy. The crowd is what makes it over the top - it's a lot of fun out there." Read more here.




Grammys Mean Nothing To Anthrax's Scott Ian
(Classic Rock) Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian says the Grammy Awards "mean nothing" to him. He spoke out following rumblings in the metal community about Tenacious D's win in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance category at the recent annual event for their cover of Dio's The Last In Line from the 2014 Ronnie James Dio tribute album, This Is Your Life.

Anthrax were among the nominees in the category - for their cover of Black Sabbath's Neon Knights from the same project - but Ian says he could care less about the honor or the event.

Ian tells Artisan News: "The Grammys mean nothing to me. I really don't pay attention. If anyone has a problem with Tenacious D winning the Grammy, don't complain about them, complain about the Grammys. Jack Black loves Ronnie James Dio." Read more here.




Crashdiet Say Singer Quit Band In The Midst Of Tour
(Classic Rock) Crashdiet have parted ways with singer Simon Cruz - and they say he walked out mid-tour last month without giving his colleagues any advance warning.

They were also working on an album with Cruz, who replaced H. Olliver Twisted in 2009. Remaining members Martin Sweet, Peter London and Eric Young say in a statement: "There is a reason for our lack of news lately. Simon Cruz has left Crashdiet - well, actually he decided to leave in the midst of our mini tour in Japan with no notice whatsoever.

"The last few months have been confusing to say the least. We haven't been sure of what to make of this - other than that our collaboration with Simon is over." Read more here.




Max Cavalera Reveals New Soulfly Album Plans
(TeamRock Radio) Soulfly mainman Max Cavalera has confirmed the band's 10th album will be released in August. The group hit the studio in January with producer Matt Hyde (Slayer, Hatebreed, Sum 41) to record the follow-up to 2013's Savages.

Following the sessions, Cavalera regrouped with Killer Be Killed - the supergroup featuring Mastodon's Troy Sanders, Greg Puciato of The Dillinger Escape Plan and former Mars Volta member Dave Elitch - to make their live debut at Australia's Soundwave festival. They released their self-titled debut last year.

Cavalera tells Spotlight Report: "The next Soulfly comes out in August. I'm finishing the vocals right now. The music is all done. It was done with Matt Hyde in L.A., and it's incredible - a really good record." Read more here.




Yes Plan Massive Box Set Of Long-Lost Live Recordings
(Classic Rock) Yes will release a 14-disc box set and a cut-down 2-disc album of long-lost live recordings from their Close To The Edge era in May. The band recently discovered seven complete concerts in their archives, which had been taped at the end of 1972 in the run-up to the tracking of first live collection Yessongs.

It was drummer Alan White's first tour with Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Rick Wakeman. White had just three days to learn the set after Bill Bruford departed to join King Crimson. The restored audio from three months into the tour is described as "open" and "immediate" and "drops listeners right into the front row."

The 14-disc set is entitled Progeny: Seven Shows From Seventy-Two and contains every track recorded across North American during October and November of that year in Toronto, Ottawa, Durham, Greensboro, Athena, Knoxville and Uniondale. It's packaged in a cigarette-case style box, with new artwork and refreshed Yes logo by Roger Dean. Read more including track details here.




Behemoth's Nergal Feared He Had HIV
(TeamRock Radio) Behemoth frontman Nergal stopped himself from crying after being told he had cancer until his doctor had left the room. And the news came after he'd feared he was suffering from tuberculosis or even HIV.

Adam Darski was rushed to hospital in 2010, forcing the cancellation of two tours. Two weeks later he was diagnosed with leukaemia, and underwent a bone marrow transplant. He confirmed he was returning to health the following year.

In his book Confessions Of A Heretic, to be published in English on March 19, Nergal says: "Tuberculosis was first on the list. I thought that wasn't the worst possible scenario. Then it got worse - the doctors said it could also be lymphangioma or HIV.

"When I saw these last three letters I felt weak. Suddenly, flashing before my eyes like a twisted highlight reel, were all the sexual encounters of the last few years. There were quite a few, but as far as I could remember I was always careful.

"There was only one thought in my head: 'Be anything, but not HIV.'" A doctor finally told him and his then-fiancees Dorota that he had cancer of the blood system. Read more here.




L.A. Guns Plan Cross Between White Stripes and Led Zeppelin
(Classic Rock) L.A. Guns frontman Phil Lewis revealed that later the in the year the band is planning to record a "100% blues record" in honor of legendary producer Andy Johns.

Johns,who produced a number of the band's albums, as well as work by Led Zeppelin, Van Halen and the Rolling Stones, died in 2013 of complications arising from a stomach ulcer.

Frontman Phil Lewis says on Facebook: "Looks like we're heading back into the studio later this year after touring. We have a killer concept but I can't tell too much just yet. Something we've never done before.

"It's going to be a 100% blues record in honor of Andy Johns - a cross between White Stripes and Led Zeppelin." Read more here.




Did Bob Dylan Record 'Shadows in the Night' Sequel?
(Radio.com) There has been no real indication that Bob Dylan's recent Shadows in the Night, in which Dylan tackles pop standards originally recorded by Frank Sinatra, is part of a series, or a part one, with sequels to appear.

But one notable music figure, Daniel Lanois, who has worked with Bob Dylan multiple times in the past, is saying that he has personally heard more songs in the Shadows in the Night vein that did not appear on the album, Lanois told the Vancouver Sun.

Lanois recalled the experience of Dylan playing the recordings for him before their release. 'For one of America's great writers to say, 'I'm not gonna write a song. I'm gonna pay homage to what shook me as young boy,' I thought was very graceful and dignified," Lanois said, before dropping the bombshell, 'We listened to 21 songs--because he's made two records of this." Read more here.




Jethro Tull The Rock Opera Tour Announced
(TeamRock Radio) Ian Anderson has confirmed a six-date UK tour for his show Jethro Tull - The Rock Opera, his show that explores the life and times of the industrial revolution leading light.

Earlier this month he revealed the theatrical presentation would feature Tull tracks Heavy Horses, Farm On The Freeway, A New Day Yesterday and others, with rewritten lyrics to better fit the story.

Anderson says: "Instead of spoken introductions to the songs, there will be the use of that operatic device, the recitative, where links are made by sung vocal segments in a simple musical backdrop - making it a little easier and more entertaining for non-English-speaking audiences."

He plans to take the show to Europe and South America before the end of the year. Before that, Anderson will appear at the inaugural Ramblin' Man Fair, sponsored by TeamRock and also featuring Marillion, Dream Theater, Blue Oyster Cult, Haken, Pendragon and more. Read more here.




Ace Frehley Announces European Summer Tour
(hennemusic) Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has announced dates for a summer tour of Europe in support of "Space Invader." The 2-week, 9-show run includes a mix of festival dates and headline shows, starting June 6 with an appearance at the Sweden Rock Festival.

The European trek follows an April/May tour of Australia and New Zealand by the original KISS guitarist, marking his first Australian shows since 2010 and his first-ever New Zealand solo dates.

Frehley is touring with guitarist Richie Scarlett, bassist Chris Wyse and drummer Scot Coogan. The guitarist released his first new album in five years, "Space Invader", in August; the project scored him a US Top 10 debut, entering the Billboard 200 at No. 9 with opening-week sales of 19,000. See the new tour dates here.




Magnum Releasing Live Album
(Classic Rock) Magnum are gearing up to launch a live album recorded during last year's European tour, they've confirmed. Escape From The Shadow Garden: Live 2014 was made while they supported the launch of 18th album Escape From The Shadow Garden, also released that year.

Label SPV report: "The setlist comprises songs chosen from seven of their studio albums. The band have produced it so that fans can fully appreciated the songs penned from Magnum's beginning in the 1970s, right up to the present day."

Mainman Tony Clarkin said the follow-up to 2012's On The Thirteenth Day had been his most enjoyable musical experience in some time. "We used to be under permanent pressure from our record companies. They kept demanding hit singles and radio numbers - but that sort of thing doesn't work on demand. Now it's a totally different situation: SPV give us the necessary time and trust us to do the right thing." Read more here.






Kid Rock Questions Beyonce's Popularity
(Classic Rock) Kid Rock is facing an online backlash from Beyonce fans following comments he made about the diva's status as a superstar. In an interview promoting his newly-released 10th album, First Kiss, Rock says he's "flabbergasted" by Beyonce worship.

He tells Rolling Stone: "Beyonce, to me, doesn't have a f***ing Purple Rain, but she's the biggest thing on Earth. How can you be that big without at least one Sweet Home Alabama or Old Time Rock & Roll?

"People are like, 'Beyonce's hot. Got a nice f***ing ass.' I'm like, 'Cool, I like skinny white chicks with big t*ts.' Doesn't really f***ing do much for me." In a follow-up story, Rolling Stone reports Beyonce fans have launched an online attack against the Detroit rocker, posting hateful and violent comments on his social media sites while hiding behind anonymous handles.

For his part, Rock seems to be having fun with the nonsense, posting an image of Raid bug spray on his Instagram page without comment while attracting more anonymous hate. See the photo here.





Brad Paisley Covers Van Halen, Jams With Cheap Trick
(Radio.com) What's better than a showboat dinner cruise with some of country music's top talent performing? A surprise appearance by Cheap Trick. Last week (Feb. 26), Sony Music Nashville invited a select number of those attending the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, Tenn. to a boat ride on the General Jackson for a show and dinner cruise.

Highlights during the evening included Trisha Yearwood's moving cover of Linda Ronstadt's "Blue Bayou," Jake Owen's powerful new single "What We Ain't Got" and Brad Paisley's impressive cover of Van Halen's "Hot for Teacher," with guitar licks that inspired a standing ovation from the largely industry crowd.

Once Paisley finished "Hot for Teacher" he went into another familiar cover, this time Cheap Trick's "I Want You To Want Me." Midway through the song, Cheap Trick's Robin Zander walked out on stage to critique Paisley's guitar playing.

"You're pretty good on Van Halen stuff," Zander said. "The Cheap Trick, you need to work on." So, the rest of the band entered the stage to show Paisley how it's done. Read more here.




Judas Priest Preview Defenders Of The Faith 30th Anniversary Edition
(hennemusic) Judas Priest are previewing the expanded 30th anniversary edition of their 1984 album, "Defenders Of The Faith" with the release of a new online video and a song stream.

Singer Rob Halford, bassist Ian Hill and guitarist Glenn Tipton share their memories of the original release in a new video, and the group are streaming audio of the track "Night Comes Down" from the package.

Due March 9 (March 10 in North America), the 3CD set will include a remastered version of the album along with a complete live recording from the 'Defenders' tour, captured at the Long Beach Arena in California on May 5, 1984.

The original album went platinum in the US with sales of more than 1 million and featured the singles "Freewheel Burning", "Some Heads Are Gonna Roll" and "Love Bites."




Motorhead Release Studio Videos From New Album Session
(Classic Rock) Motorhead have issued clips from the studio as they continue work on their 22nd studio album. Fresh from a series of November UK shows - including a stop at Wembley Arena - the band entered a Los Angeles studio with longtime producer Cameron Webb in January to begin work on the follow-up to 2013's Aftershock.

Motorhead have been keeping fans in the loop on the project's progress by sharing photos and video from the sessions via their social media sites. The band say: "Phil Campbell is working on guitars today in the studio for our new album! Here's a little taste!"

And along with a photo of mainman Lemmy, they add: "Lemmy's working on bass and vocals today for our new album!" Earlier this month, drummer Mikkey Dee ran into Tool guitarist Adam Jones as the two bands work side-by-side on new projects in the same Los Angeles facility.





Foo Fighters Inspired New Aerosmith DVD
(Classic Rock) Aerosmith say they were inspired to film last year's Download headline set after seeing gigs on TV by artists including Foo Fighters. Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014 was released this week across the US - and frontman Steven Tyler reveals watching high-def music channel Palladia was a driving force behind the decision to record the landmark concert.

He tells Rolling Stone: "They show a lot of festivals, so whenever you turn it on, you see the Stones or Tom Petty or Foo Fighters and they're f***ing kicking ass. You're watching it in your hotel room and you realise, 'That's a great format.'"

And guitarist Joe Perry considers it one of their best performances from last year and felt everything clicked into place as soon as they hit the stage. He adds: "We were really picking up speed. As you get near the end of a tour, the band gets better and the shows get better. The audience was on the money, the weather was decent - it felt like a special show." Read more here.




Soen Release 'Kuraman' Lyric Video
(TeamRock Radio) Soen have released a lyric video for the track Kuraman. It's taken from their second album Tellurian, which was launched last November via Spinefarm Records.

The lineup features former Opeth sticksman Martin Lopez, Willowtree frontman Joel Ekelof, bassist Stefan Stenberg and guitarist Kim Platbarzdis. They released their debut record Cognitive in 2012.

Their work has been compared to that of Tool in the past but in an interview last year with Prog magazine, Platbarzdis revealed the one band they take most inspiration from is Pink Floyd.

He said: "We have very different tastes and backgrounds in the band but we have some common denominators - and one of those is Pink Floyd. We even cover some of their songs from time-to-time." Watch the video here.




Faith No More Stream New Song
(Classic Rock) Faith No More have released a stream of their track Superhero, from comeback album Sol Invictus. Mike Patton and co's seventh record follows 1997's Album Of The Year and comes after they reunited in 2009.

Keyboardist Roddy Bottum recently said of their latest work: "I can only say it sounds like us and it doesn't - in the best possible way. You know what to expect, and we are going to honour that expectation the only way we know how."

Last month drummer Mike 'Puffy' Bordin admitted he hadn't expected the band to record again, but added: "With more age and experience, I savoured and appreciated the incredible talent around me. Second chances are not to be taken for granted." Stream the new song here.



Singled Out: Afflicted By Design's This Is Not A Love Song
Today Sebastian from Texan industrial metal band Afflicted By Design tells us about their brand new version of Public Image Ltd's "This Is Not A Love Song," which is the second single from the band's cover song project. Here is the story:

Before I started Afflicted By Design I had always been the bass player in the band. I love playing bass, and have been playing bass since I was a young teen, but I wanted to try something different. Inspired by Tim Skold when he did Shotgun Messiah and Skold, I decided to put down the bass and try my hand at writing my own songs, being the lead singer and playing guitar. Like Skold I wrote and recorded an Ep, but I didn't realize how difficult it was to write lyrics. The music for the next Afflicted By Design EP is all recorded, but the lyrics… not so much.

So, while I'm writing lyrics for the next Afflicted By Design EP, I thought recording cover songs would be a good way to learn how other bands approach lyrics, while giving me time to complete work on the new, original songs. When I decided I was going to do covers, I decided that the songs had to be meaningful. The bands and songs that Afflicted By Design covers had to have influenced and inspired me as both as a musician and a fan.

Recording the single "This Is Not A Love Song" was special for a couple reasons. First, I am a huge fan of Public Image Ltd. Most people listen to PIL because of Johnny Rotten and the Sex Pistols, but for me PIL came first, and "This Is Not A Love Song" was my introduction to the band and to the world of post-punk. One of the stories behind "This Is Not A Love Song" says that after releasing 3 albums, John Lydon was approached by the record company and was told that they need to write a hit and it should be a love song. "This Is Not A Love Song" was a middle finger to the record company and turned out to be a hit single for the band.

Secondly, "This Is Not A Love Song" reunited me with my former Otto's Daughter bandmates Jacqueline Van Bierk and Jim Robbins. Otto's Daughter was a cyber-pop industrial band I played with in the beginning of the 2000s. Since leaving the band we've remained friends, and every time we see each other Jacqueline and I talk about playing together. When I started recording "This Is Not A Love Song" I immediately thought that it would be perfect for Jacqueline and Jim. I've played with many bands but I don't think I ever formed such close friendships, and had so much in common, and had as much fun, as I did with Otto's Daughter. It was a special privilege for me to play with them again.