Islander have released a cover of R.E.M.‘s “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine).” The band recorded the track after sadly losing a family member to COVID-19. Proceeds from it will go towards the NYC Low-Income Artist + Freelancer Relief Fund.
Islander commented:
“The world is being hit hard by COVID-19. Our hearts especially go out to the NYC community and everyone struggling right now. Our Aunt/Tia Lolin is one of the many that have passed away because of this terrible virus. So this effort to raise funds is dedicated to her huge heart and love for her neighbors.
She was always thinking of others before herself. In honor of Tia Lolin, a portion of proceeds from this track will go to the NYC Low-Income Artist + Freelancer Relief Fund to support the artists and freelancers that are struggling in her hometown of NYC. We love you, fellow artists. We love you, Tia Lolin.”
Footage of Mutoid Man‘s December 1, 2018 show at Saint Vitus in Brooklyn, NY has been shared on the “Two Minutes To Late Night” YouTube channel. For those unaware, the group actually serve as the house band for “Two Minutes To Late Night.” It’s also worth noting that the show’s host Jordan “Gwarsenio Hall” Olds and Mrs. Smith joined Mutoid Man onstage during the concert.
Lucifer have been forced to postpone their May shows due to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite this, there is some good news as the band have also announced a new European tour. The group commented:
“Lucifers Friends! Due to the current virus crisis we are postponing our European May tour for February 2021 (dates to be announced shortly). Please hold on to your tickets as they remain valid. The London show however will already take place during our additional European November tour that we are happy to announce here today. Stay safe, people!”
Tour Dates:
11/07 Hard Rock Hell, UK
11/08 London, UK – Underworld
11/10 Pratteln, Switzerland – Z7
11/11 Stuttgart, Germany – Universum
11/12 Munich, Germany – Backstage Halle
11/13 Vienna, Austria – Arena
11/14 Budapest, Hungary – Instant
11/15 Graz, Austria – Explosiv
11/17 Frankfurt, Germany – Das Bett
11/18 Bielefeld, Germany – Movie
11/19 Bremen, Germany – Tower
11/20 Kiel, Germany – Raucherei
11/21 Kolding, Denmark – Godset
11/22 Oslo, Norway – John Dee
Time for the next edition of Metal Anarchy’s “new music showcase,” the feature where I introduce you to bands that readers of this site may find interesting. This time I have an exclusive Q&A with Thorn.
METAL ANARCHY: Tell me a little about your band:
THORN: We are THORN – a six-piece metalcore band from Olten, Switzerland. We’ve been active on various stages in Switzerland since 2017. Our music is groovy and differentiated with contrasts. The Nintendo console in the band room might leave a nerdy impression, but rest assured that THORN aren’t just surrounded by their own four walls in their band room, on the contrary: current circumstances in modern society, culture and the environment are only a few subjects the band touches upon in their songs.
METAL ANARCHY: Who are your main influences?
THORN: We draw inspiration from anywhere possible. Be it visible, audible or something you can feel. Anything can spark creation and influence a melody, a beat or lyrics. Inside the metalcore genre bands like Architects, Northlane, Invent Animate, Ocean Grove and many more for sure had a big impact on us.
METAL ANARCHY: What is your latest release and why should readers of this site check it out?
THORN: So far we released two singles and our debut EP in 2018. This February we released the first single “Noctum” off our upcoming EP “Hypnotalk” which will be released on May 1st. We are very happy with the outcome of our record. As mentioned above it’s groovy metalcore with contrasts. We focus on modern production that not only relies on heavy rhythm parts but completes this by fusing elements of the electronic and synthwave genres, aiming to create and deepen our sound with atmospheric, nostalgic vibes.
METAL ANARCHY: What can people expect when they go to your live shows?
THORN: It’s very important to us to play the best live shows possible. So we spend a lot of time rehearsing our songs, tweaking our equipment, video reviewing rehearsals and so on. We promise you can expect a tight, groovy and energetic performance! And you for sure will notice that we have lots of fun on stage!
METAL ANARCHY: Where do you see your band heading in 5 years?
THORN: We want to grow in our friendship and passion in music, take any opportunities we’re offered to make the best possible out of this band. And then we will see what tomorrow will bring.
Harley Flanagan’s Cro-Mags have announced that they will be releasing their new album “In The Beginning” on June 19. A new song from the record titled “The Final Test” can be downloaded for free by following the instructions HERE.
Omnium Gatherum have announced some lineup changes. First of all, the band have officially welcomed bassist Mikko Kivistö to the group. With this news, they have also confirmed the departure of guitarist Joonas Koto.
Omnium Gatherum commented:
“As you all know times and situations change in life all the time.
On the positive side of things – We’re hard at work composing the new album stuff, and our bass player spot has finally been officially filled with our brother in arms – welcome MIKKO KIVISTÖ! This charismatic bass beast has already been playing gigs and conquered stages with us almost a year, and is previously known from the Finnish group Pain Confessor. As a human being and as a musician he fits absolutely very well to the Omnium Gatherum horde!
Here are Mikko’s thoughts on the matter:
”Im totally honored to be part of OG gang. Back in May 2019 I played my first gigs with the boys in Russia and it immediately felt I was in a right place with the right band. It felt like a dream come true! Last year was super, a lot of festivals and an European tour. It was easy to join the band with full of pure hearted guys I now can call my brothers and family.
I will promise to continue to smash the bass at least as hard as all the previous guys did. Hopefully we’ll together beat this COVID-19 soon and see you all again in festivals, tours and gigs. Thank you Omnium Gatherum for trusting my skills. See you all soon. Stay safe and let the metal flow!”
On a bit more negative side of news – Our long time guitarist Joonas Koto decided to leave the group, already a while ago. There was no bad blood or fighting behind the decision, just a surprise and a shock. Joonas was just tired of active touring and travelling. We wish all the best for Joonas in his future endeavours!
Our brothers in metal, Jani Liimatainen and Nick Cordle have been helping us filling in as a 2nd guitar player on our gigs lately. Thanks dudes, and we salute your awesomeness!
At the moment we are operating officially as a 5-men unit, and composing the next album by storm and quarantine –
BUT, if you feel you (or someone you know) would have the guts, the balls, the bad jokes and the abilities for what it takes to be an Omnium Gatherum guitarist and part of the horde – feel free to contact the band and we’ll see what future holds – Search is on!!
Cristian Machado will be releasing a new solo album titled “Hollywood Y Sycamore” this fall. This news follows the singer’s official departure from Ill Niño.
Machado commented:
“Hello friends! I’m announcing my official departure from ill niño. We’ve reached a fair settlement and I want to wish the band luck on their new journey. The music I wrote for the band will always exist in my heart and hopefully in yours.
In other news, my acoustic album is done and shines a very bright light on the future. The first single “Die Alone” will be out late summer, it may be one of the best ones I’ve ever written. The album ‘Hollywood Y Sycamore’ will be out late fall 2020 on Chesky Records known for their work with Macy Gray, McCoy Tyner, Ron Carter, and more.
I want to thank those who through this ordeal have offered me guidance and given me faith. Thank you familia for having me be your comandante for over 20 years, it’s now time for this little plane to fly ✈️✈️✈️✈️”
Upon A Burning Body have shared a new video update in which they revealed their upcoming plans. Among them are a new EP, which will be released this summer, and a new album, which they are hoping to track this summer. If you missed it, the title tack of the EP, “Built From War,” was released early and can be found HERE.
“California rock legends and effects pedal entrepreneurs Steel Panther continue to light the music instrument world on fire with the release of their newest guitar pedal – The Butthole Burner. Made in the USA, the latest distortion pedal from the collective brain trust features the exact same circuit as the now infamous Pussy Melter pedal. The new pedal has long been a rumor started by Panther guitarist Satchel and will become a reality when it ships to the public this summer. The limited production run Butthole Burner will retail for $199.99.
Not immune to the effects of the current Covid-19 pandemic as their partying has come to a stop because drug dealers are not classified as essential personnel, Steel Panther has set up an interest free 4-month payment plan for all self-quarantined musicians that might want to purchase The Butthole Burner. Also, anyone that purchased the original Melter or last year’s Poontang Boomerang delay pedal will receive 10% off their purchase. Fans must be logged in to their Panther store account and use the code “Melter10” to receive the discount. Anyone who orders The Butthole Burner will be entered for a chance to win a limited number of “Golden Tickets” that comes with Penis Chili Pepper seeds (so purchasers can grow their own butthole burner peppers at home) and a $50 gift certificate to the band’s merch store. Pre-orders for The Butthole Burner are now available here: https://bit.ly/buttholeburner.
The official description of The Butthole Burner from Steel Panther is below:
“It’s Hot! It’s Spicy! It’s sexy and feisty!!!
Ladies and gentlemen, Steel Panther presents The Butthole Burner.
It’s a new version of the perfect distortion pedal. Built with the EXACT SAME circuit as the legendary Pussy Melter, The Butthole Burner is about to scorch eardrums across the world.
If you couldn’t get in the front door last time, now it’s time to hit the backdoor!”
Steel Panther are currently sitting home practicing social distancing and self-gratification thanks to the Coronavirus. The band is planning to return to the road during some month that will kick off in some city with some other bands once the world returns to normal. In the meantime, they are working on ideas for all sorts of new things to better the lives of everyone affected by the pandemic. They recently launched an initiative to help out-of-work strippers affected by the global pandemic by posting about their performances on their socials with links for people to virtually “make it rain” from the comforts of their couches. They are also working on a 24-hour digital stream of adoptable pets as part of their Gods Of Pussy Animal Rescue Activation. More information for all things Steel Panther can be found at www.steelpantherrocks.com.”
Relapse Records have launched a “Non:Analog – On:Stage Series” of previously unreleased live recordings from Death. The first installment features the band’s June 22, 1995 show in Montreal, QC and it can be streamed below:
The following statement was issued:
“At a moment when the world has been forced to push pause on live music, Relapse Records and the Death estate have pulled together to launch a series of previously unreleased, career-spanning live concerts that touch upon all eras and lineups of the legendary band.
We at Relapse sincerely hope to see you all at a concert, festival, or a stage sooner than later. Until then, the label will release a new DEATH concert every other week across all digital platforms throughout the coming months to tide us all over. The first of this series, Death: Non Analog – On Stage Series – Montreal ’95 is available now.
The On Stage Series collection unearths various DEATH performances across the United States, Germany, Canada, Mexico, and more. Whether its an underground, old-school rager upon the release of Scream Bloody Gore in ’87, or a tour-de-force in California circa ’95 on the Symbolic tour, we hope you revisit DEATH with us and keep the spirit of Metal alive at this time!”
Metal Anarchy 
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