• Burton C. Bell (Ex-Fear Factory) Finishing Up New Album

    During a recent interview with Rock Talks, Burton C. Bell (ex-Fear Factory) offered an update on his new album. According to him, the effort is almost finished.

    Bell said the following:

    “I’m here in L.A. [Los Angeles] finishing it up right now, recording. We have 11 songs, brand new songs. I got one more song to record — well, two more songs to finish — and then I’m gonna start shopping.”

    He continued:

    “It’s 10 new songs — completely new songs. I think ‘Savages’ will be part [of it], maybe like a bonus track, because ‘Savages’ is the first single I did with the band I’m currently working with. So I would like ‘Savages’ to be like a bonus track.”

    He also discussed the musical direction:

    “Something I wanted to do with my solo career — I did not wanna focus on one particular band or one particular genre, because I’ve not only been in FEAR FACTORY, I was in G/Z/R, I was in ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS, and I was in CITY OF FIRE. I’ve been guest vocalist of many different bands. I was the guest vocalist for MINISTRY for a couple years. So what I decided to do was to encapsulate everything I’ve ever done. I love heavy, groovy, dark and moody music. So I’m taking all my favorite parts of all these bands and creating a whole new sound. I’m not trying to be FEAR FACTORY, I’m not trying to be CITY OF FIRE, I’m not trying to be THE WATCHERS, I’m not trying to be G/Z/R. But you can hear elements of everything I’ve ever done in all the new songs… And it’s unmistakable. Once people hear the music, [they] might [go], like, ‘Whoa, what’s going on here?’ I mean, it’s still heavy, but it’s, like, oh, it’s obviously me singing. So it’s, like, ‘Okay, it sounds like Burton.’ So it’s, like, ‘Oh, this is cool.’”

    He went on to discuss release plans:

    “Hopefully soon. Like I said, we’re finishing up the final recordings, and the next project is to shop it. I would like to have distribution through a label to put it out. ‘Cause doing the singles on my own, it was good — it helped me keep my name out there — but it’s a lot of work. It’s a lot of work. And having a label come in and… Maybe we’ll have some financial help from a label to where we could pay for P.R., that kind of stuff. Or maybe enough to get us on a tour.”

    He also confirmed that he is open to working with any record label with a good deal:

    “I’m gonna talk to whoever I can. Me and my management’s gonna talk to whoever we can.”

    He also added the following about special guests:

    “I am talking to a couple of people. A couple of people were suggested to me. I’m, like, ‘Huh, I guess so.’ I’m not gonna say any names, but there’s a couple people I’m talking to — old friends.”

    [via Blabbermouth]

  • Dead Boys Guitarist Cheetah Chrome Passes Away

    Cheetah Chrome (Dead Boys) has sadly passed away. The guitarist was 71.

    The band commented:

    “We are incredibly sad to announce the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Cheetah Chrome.

    Cheetah was a true original, an architect of the punk rock movement. A one man hurricane tearing up the musical landscape with his feral guitar riffs and manic energy. Beyond all that Cheetah was also just a really sweet guy that loved rock-n-roll.

    We extend our deepest condolences to Cheetah’s family, friends and fans around the world. His music lives on and will continue to inspire others for generations to come.

    We ask for privacy during this difficult time.

    Godspeed Cheetah.

    Tony, Chris, Mark and the entire Dead Boys family.”

  • Watch Evanescence, Courtney LaPlante, And Poppy Perform “End Of You” Live In London

    During Evanescence’s September 13 show at The O2 Arena in London, UK, singer Amy Lee was joined onstage by Poppy and Spiritbox’s Courtney LaPlante for a performance of their collaborative track “End Of You.” You can see fan-filmed footage of that below. This news comes after Lee and Poppy previously gave the song its live debut without LaPlante.

  • King Diamond Joins My Chemical Romance Onstage In San Antonio

    During My Chemical Romance’s September 12 show in San Antonio, TX, the band were joined onstage by King Diamond. The Mercyful Fate singer took part in a live performance of “Mama” and also knighted the group. Fan-filmed footage of that is available below. My Chemical Romance’s Gerard Way commented:

    “Finally! Some real royalty in the house. Anyone can be a dictator, but not everyone can be a king. The funny thing is, about not being British, also, like, when you go to England, if you’re American, you can’t be a knight, so what-fucking-ever. I don’t care about that. This guy’s a king. He don’t give a shit.”

  • Nevermore, Metal Church, Unleash The Archers, Etc. Set For 2027 ProgPower USA

    The initial lineup has been revealed for next year’s ProgPower USA festival. That event will be held in Atlanta, GA on September 9-11, 2027.

    Lineup:

    September 9:

    Advent Horizon
    Silent Skies
    Metal Church
    H.E.A.T
    Eluveitie

    September 10:

    Royal Sorrow
    TBA
    Einar Solberg
    TBA
    Unleash The Archers
    Wind Rose

    September 11:

    Power Paladin
    Ihlo
    Vision Divine
    Masterplan
    Lynch Mob (40th Anniversary of “Back For The Attack”)
    Nevermore

  • Watch Spiritbox Play “Mourning” Live For The First Time

    During Spiritbox’s September 12 set at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow, UK, the band performed their latest single, “Mourning,” live for the first time. You can check out some fan-filmed footage of that below:

  • Sick Of It All’s Pete Koller: Lou Koller “Wanted Us To Keep The Band Going”

    It looks like Sick Of It All are planning to move forward following the recent death of Lou Koller. His brother and bandmate, guitarist/vocalist Pete Koller, said the frontman “wanted [them] to keep the band going.”

    Pete said the following:

    “Hey everybody, how’s it going? I know I haven’t been around in a bit. I’ve been… And you all know why, and it’s such a terrible, awful thing to happen. I’m still obviously super sad, and I am in total disbelief. I can’t believe that this happened, and I can’t believe that my brother is gone, and I miss him very, very much.

    Also, I’d like to thank everybody and anybody who donated a dollar to whatever, who bought a shirt, who came to the benefits, who played the benefits, all that. Everybody who helped, I thank you very, very, very much.

    Also, before Lou passed, he said a couple of things that he wanted us to do, you know. He wanted us to keep the band going, and I’m not sure how we’re gonna do that, but we’re working on it. And he wanted to tell everyone thank you for giving him like such an amazing life. Touring the world, your job is playing your favorite music, stuff like that.

    Anyway, we have some things in the works, and I will keep you all posted. And thanks again for your support.”

    [via The PRP]

  • Singer Johan Längqvist Misses Candlemass’ London Metalfest Set Following Hospitalization

    Candlemass singer Johan Längqvist was forced to miss the band’s September 12 set at the London Metalfest in London, UK after being hospitalized for a “medical emergency.” During his absence, Felipe Plaza Kutzbach (Procession, Deströyer 666) filled in. Aaron Stainthorpe (ex-My Dying Bride) and Tony Dolan (Venom Inc.) also made guest appearances.

    Candlemass commented before the show:

    “Candlemass are deeply sorry to announce that Johan Längqvist unfortunately will not be able to perform tonight’s show in London.

    After returning home to Stockholm from a successful show in Belgium last weekend, he faced a medical emergency on thursday morning, and was rushed to the hospital.
    A comprehensive range of tests has been conducted, but at this time, doctors are still working to determine the cause of his illness, and require further testing, meaning he must remain in hospital care.

    We all wish Johan a speedy recovery and hope to have more clarity soon.

    As we don’t wanna cancel the show tonight, we have a special guest vocalist performing EPICUS and NIGHTFALL songs – as well as a visit from a couple of celeb surprise guests, who’ll be performing with us.

    See you tonight, London!”

  • Andy Williams (Atomic Rule, Ex-Every Time I Die) Honored During “AEW Collision”

    Late wrestler/musician Andy “The Butcher” Williams (Atomic Rule, ex-Every Time I Die) was honored as part of tonight’s (September 12) episode of “AEW Collision.” The show included various tributes, a ten-bell salute, etc. The Butcher Battle Royale was also held with a $100k prize set to go towards a charity in Williams’ name. His tag partner Jesse “The Blade” Guilmette also shared a new statement:

    “Andy was the most talented person that I ever met. But I think we all can agree that he was an even better friend. Andy loved pro wrestling. And he loved the fans. Thank you to everybody for the support. And thank you to everybody at AEW for tonight’s event honoring Andy Williams. We love you Andy.”

    [via The PRP]

  • My Chemical Romance’s Gerard Way: “You Guys Deserve Another Record”

    During My Chemical Romance’s September 12 show in San Antonio, TX, singer Gerard Way hinted at the possibility of a new album. He said the following:

    “Just know that like, we’ve kind of really always wanted to make another record, so we hope that life allows us to do that. Cause you guys, honestly, you guys kept us alive so long. You guys deserve another record. I don’t know when it’ll be. But it’ll be awesome.”