Tag Archives: Ice-T

Body Count’s Ice-T Reflects On “Cop Killer”: “I Was A Little More Radical Back Then”

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During a new interview with the Washington Post, Body Count’s Ice-T reflected on the group’s controversial protest song “Cop Killer.” The track, which is still not available digitally or on newer copies of the band’s self-titled album, has been coming up as of late due to the ongoing protests against systemic racism and police brutality.

Ice-T said the following:

“It was a song about somebody who, during a moment like this, got so mad that they went after the cops. We don’t want that guy. But a lot of times you warn people by saying this can happen. I never killed no cop. I’ve written better songs that are more on point with what I believe today. I was a little more radical back then. ‘No Lives Matter’ addresses my feelings at this moment. You got to remember, 30-years-ago Ice is different than 62-year-old Ice.”

He also added the following after being asked who the 62-year-old Ice-T is:

“My correct guidance right now is know your allies and let’s continue to go forward. Don’t let up. Let’s go after Breonna Taylor’s killers. Let’s get it done.”

This news comes after Billboard recently ran a story on the continued absence of “Cop Killer.” Ernie C. told the site the following about that:

“It should be there. It absolutely should be there. Some of these kids that are out there [protesting], they’re 30, 31 — they were newborns when this was going on. What we talked about 30 years ago, we’re still talking about.”

Body Count, Trivium, Fit For An Autopsy, Etc. Members To Take Part In “We Can Do Better: Words From The Underground” Charity Event

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Will Putney (Fit For An Autopsy, END) has announced a special livestreamed charity event for the American Civil Liberties Union. The virtual event, which is being called “We Can Do Better: Words From The Underground,” will take place on June 14 at 9am PDT/12pm EDT and it will find musicians, labels, producers, etc. taking part in discussions and various giveaways.

The following participants have been confirmed:

  • Ice-T (Body Count)
  • Keith Buckley (Every Time I Die)
  • Bryan Garris (Knocked Loose)
  • Matt Heafy (Trivium)
  • Kurt Ballou (Converge, God City)
  • Andrew Marsh (Thy Art Is Murder)
  • Tom Williams (Stray From The Path)
  • Scott Vogel (Terror)
  • Todd Jones (Nails)
  • Buddy Nielson (Senses Fail)
  • Alan Day and Dan O’Connor (Four Year Strong)
  • Josh Smith (Northlane)
  • Doc Coyle (Bad Wolves, God Forbid)
  • Anthony Martini (E-Town Concrete, Commission)
  • Patrick Sheridan (Fit For An Autopsy)
  • Brendan Garrone (Incendiary)
  • James Pligge (Harms Way)
  • Brendan Murphy (Counterparts, END)
  • Ethan Harrison (Great American Ghost)
  • Mark Lewis (Producer)
  • Anthony DiDio (Vein)
  • Monte Conner (Nuclear Blast)
  • Justin Louden (Closed Casket Activities)
  • Carl Severson (Ferret, Good Fight Music)
  • Equal Vision Records
  • Pure Noise Records
  • Nuclear Blast
  • Relapse Records
  • Closed Casket Activities
  • Good Fight Entertainment
  • Ferret Records
  • Liquid Metal
  • Metal Injection
  • Evil Greed

Putney commented:

“To be honest I was initially torn about doing this. The distaste and rage I have for our systemic issues in this country are more palpable than they ever have been. But I am NOT the voice of the oppressed, and I would never pretend to be.

What I can do is sit down with my fellow artists, friends, peers, and heroes alike and start a conversation about what we CAN do to support institutions for positive change, because something HAS to change. And the money that will roll in from this event will go to the experts. The ACLU. The Civil Rights organization that has fought for the purest form of free speech, justice, and equality for ONE HUNDRED YEARS (let one hundred years sink in for a second). The work that they are heavily involved in today aims to tackle these systemic issues.

The artists who will appear on this livestream come from different corners of life, different upbringings, different tax brackets. Naturally, some people are more comfortable expressing their opinions and beliefs to the public than others. I ask that you do not expect fire and brimstone from everyone, and do not scorn those who’d like to have a lighthearted conversation about music. The act of participating and donating sought after items to a worthy charity should be enough for you to understand their intentions.

This raffle will be one for the books. Extremely rare items, tons of merch, test presses and limited vinyl, music gear, it goes on and on. A lot of those involved are bringing something special and I truly thank them for parting with sacred items.

The link is live to start donating now. We will be announcing more details and giveaways soon.

http://www.soundrink.live

If you’d like to participate on any level just message me.

Go big or go home.”

Rock/Metal Musicians React To The Murder Of George Floyd

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As the U.S. continues to be rocked by the death of George Floyd, the unarmed black man who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, MN, a number of musicians have taken to social media to speak up about the tragedy and the ongoing riots related to it. You can find some posts from various artists below:

Ice-T (Body Count):

Amy Lee (Evanescence):

Mark Morton (Lamb Of God):

Randy Blythe (Lamb Of God):

View this post on Instagram

“We’re Hurting” 5.29.2020 Richmond, VA. LET ME MAKE THIS VERY CLEAR: as a peace loving man who has seen & very regrettably been involved in violence myself in the past, I CANNOT CONDONE VIOLENCE- it only hurts us in the long run. BUT… I can UNDERSTAND it. Last night, I went out to document a protest in Richmond, VA, walking for a couple of hours with the people, shooting photos & trying to capture this moment in history- this is what I do as a photographer, in times good & bad. It was peaceful for the most part while I was there, but very shortly after I left, it kicked off & the rioting/violence started. There were a few cop cars & a city bus put to the torch, windows smashed (including small businesses, a few of which were black-owned- how does this help? It DOESN’T), & lots of spray paint. Tear gas/flash bangs were deployed. There were reports of gunshots (from the crowd, not the cops), but thank God no one died last night. And although I have had my problems with police before, I cannot just hate all cops- I know some good ones who do their best to serve & protect. But I also have NEVER had to worry that a cop might kill me because of the color of my skin. The violence you are seeing is the result of years & years of bottled up pain & fear, the only voice left when peaceful means don’t seem to be working. I texted a musician friend in LA last night who is a black man- I asked him how he & his family were. “We're okay. We're hurting. We're angry. But we’re okay.” The two words that stood out the most to me: WE’RE HURTING. When people hurt bad enough, for long enough, they lash out. So instead of just being another voice screaming “Racism is bad!” I want to ask you ALL: please think about a time you were hurt & scared- how did you react? I know that I myself have reacted VERY BADLY before when I was hurt & scared. All I really wanted was for someone to HEAR ME, to LISTEN, to CARE, to try to UNDERSTAND ME, to RECOGNIZE MY PAIN. There are A LOT of people who are very hurt & scared right now, & they have had ENOUGH. Things have to CHANGE, or the violence will continue. I will be staying in tonight- if you are going out, please- be peaceful. My heart hurts… 😞

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Robb Flynn (Machine Head):

Jesse Leach (Killswitch Engage):

View this post on Instagram

Gathering my thoughts, my anger, my frustration and my warrior sense about what’s been going on in this country. It’s bigger than recent events it runs DEEP in our history! My heart is heavy, my soul is burdened but my determination to help and try to understand the big picture of the division we all are pushed into daily is strong. Yet another life taken and paraded on social media and the repercussions unfold. Is anger enough? What more can be done aside from post about it, write songs about it, live in fierce opposition to the persistent divide created because of it. I humbly ask what can be done? It’s not just the murder of George Floyd it’s the countless others that have died in a similar manner and many thousands that have died and never received media coverage. Our so called creed in this country a country that clams “liberty and justice for ALL” is under fire. How do you not react in anger in disgust and frustration?! I am “just a musician” and not a “political figure” but we are taking about HUMAN LIFE being taken. How do we NOT speak out against this wrong! It’s not about politics and I’m sick to my stomach seeing any one argue that point in any way! STOP using Black folks being murdered as an agenda to push politics!!! No, not all police are awful and murderous. In fact I know officers that are good people with the desire to actually serve and protect! So if you are one of those Good Cops use your voice now to show solidarity with citizens who are the victims of abuses of power! Just like me a white male is showing my solidarity to a people who have deep history and deep roots in the building and creating of the foundations and culture of this country. We need more unity and coming together to speak out and fight against WRONG! There is NO defending what continues to happen NONE. When heavily armed white skinned people can parade around in front of officers unharmed and unchecked and unarmed black folks are executed for the camera it sends a MESSAGE! Put aside ANY stupid political speculation about what is happening and lead with your mind. This should serve to UNITE us for the common good of us all NOT DIVIDE!

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Lzzy Hale (Halestorm):

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The fact that it took this long, and people had to resort to protesting and rioting in order to get some semblance of justice… is disgusting. It is the year 2020. We have to change as a human race. We need new leadership that will encourage and inspire unity and equality instead of division and violence. We as individuals need to practice kindness and love, not selfishness and hate. We are all living on this globe together. Treat others as you’d want to be treated and help where you can instead of hurt. And if you get your panties in a twist over the notion of LOVING ONE ANOTHER…then YOU are part of the problem. Let’s draw a hard line NOW! Out with the old dinosaur mentalities, and let’s start brand new, with new eyes to view the world as John Lennon imagined it. “Imagine there's no heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people living for today Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion too Imagine all the people living life in peace, you You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope some day you'll join us And the world will be as one Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people sharing all the world, you You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope some day you'll join us And the world will be as one”

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Korn:

Green Day:

Black Veil Brides:

We Came As Romans:

Ben Bruce (Asking Alexandria):

Alex Skolnick (Testament):

Fever 333:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAyJHrVgbzn/

Power Trip:

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DON’T. MESS. WITH. THE. HORNET’S. NEST.

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Cedric Bixler-Zavala (The Mars Volta, At the Drive-In):

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAvwkAvA2tO/

Circa Survive:

View this post on Instagram

We have 3 more days of raising funds through Limited Run’s generous 100% to artists deal. • We will be donating 100% of what we raise(d) from our documentary ‘Travel Hymn’ to @naacp & @mnfreedomfund . •‬ ‪Our hearts are repeatedly broken by our inability to properly apologize for, heal, & amend inequality, murderous abuse & injustices as a nation. • We stand in solidarity‬ with the protestors across the country and all communities of color in demanding accountability, long lasting progressive change from our governments & all of its acting forces. What you are seeing right now is an accumulation of violent oppression & unanswered calls to action.‬ • This system works for so few & fails for too many. It should be obvious to anyone paying attention right now that this is not sustainable. We now have to righteously step into our responsibility as human beings & help one another to our best ability. • This is not a political post‬. Like all things related to art, it is deeply personal. Hopefully that makes sense to you. All calls over the years to “stick to music, leave out the politics” have always been non applicable to us because we are not a band about politics we are a band about people. We always will be.‬ (Link in bio. Obviously just donate directly to these causes now if you don’t care about the film!)

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Brian Fair (Shadows Fall):

Alexis Mincolla (3TEETH):

Venom Prison:

UPDATE: Here’s some more posts:

Senses Fail:

Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour):

Jay Weinberg (Slipknot):

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Black lives matter. Systemic racism exists. White privilege is real. I’m heartbroken to, yet again, witness the oppression and bigotry that Black people in America have consistently endured for centuries — at the hands of a system that’s broken to its very core. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It’s time to speak up against police brutality and the perpetrators of systemic racism, and to become an ally to those who do not experience the same freedoms that we who share in our white privilege do. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’m hopeful that we can use our voices to enact real change. That we can contribute our time, energy, donations, and compassion to fighting for real equality, freedom, and togetherness. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Educate yourself. Vote. Use your voice. I will.

A post shared by Jay Weinberg (@jayweinberg) on

Carla Harvey (Butcher Babies):

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I was already upset watching #ahmausarbery being shot. Then watching the #georgefloyd video both gutted and enraged me to the point that it’s all I can think about. If you were unaffected by the video of the life leaving George’s face, there’s something wrong with you. After forty odd years of my life, I think things have actually gotten worse. If you don’t know, I am biracial. Growing up I experienced a great deal of racism. I watched my dad being racially profiled. Just two years ago I was racially profiled while on tour when two aggressive cops came to my hotel room because a front desk clerk told them a strange looking black woman with purple dreads seemed suspicious and must be a hooker. I don’t need sympathy for this…my point is that If someone that looks like me can be racially profiled so easily, imagine what black people go through on a daily basis and try to understand why there’s so much anger. It’s every dirty look, every “nigger” mumbled in their direction, every false accusation, every unwarranted pull over, all these videos of our brothers and sisters being murdered in cold blood building up to a boiling point. I heard someone say that these riots and protests are a public mourning. It gives me a little hope seeing so many different kinds of people mourning and protesting TOGETHER. THAT’S beautiful. The Looting on the other hand, makes me sick to my stomach. If you’re participating in that, you are an opportunist. A man died for that Louis Vuitton bag and those Nike shoes you just stole. You don’t give a shit about George. And maybe those big businesses can recover…but some small businesses that barely survived coronavirus definitely won’t survive being vandalized and looted now. Man, free stuff is cool but you know what’s cooler? Using this horrible incident to make an actual difference in your community. @miiabenante and I have been talking about this all week, and she asked me why these pissed off people can’t go to school to be lawyers or officers and make difference and I thought that was a pretty great idea 🙂 be safe. Love you all.

A post shared by Carla Harvey (@carlaharvey) on

Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy):

Ash Costello (New Years Day):

https://www.instagram.com/p/CA315lRFHae/?igshid=rwu1rbnmel7f

Arejay Hale (Halestorm):

In This Moment:

Rise Against:

Palaye Royale:

Body Count’s Ice-T On Trapt’s Chris Taylor Brown: “I’m Not Planning On Fighting Him – I Don’t Want To Hurt The Guy”

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During his nonstop Twitter rampage, Trapt frontman Chris Taylor Brown ended up challenging Body Count frontman Ice-T to a bare knuckle fight. Now, during a fan Q&A hosted by Kerrang!, Ice-T was asked about the potential fight and he responded by saying he’s “not planning on fighting him.”

Ice-T said the following:

“Yeah, that’s a weird question. I don’t know that, dude! I never heard of the band Trapt before all this started. I think he was in an altercation, he’s speaking of Power Trip and he’s talking shit to Riley.

Now why that started I have no idea, but in the midst of this he went off on the entire Sumerian label – which we’re no longer on, we’re on Century Media. But in the midst of that rant he included Body Count in one of the groups that he sells more records than on Pandora.

And of course, like we say on the street, ‘Keep my name out of your mouth.’ You could say, ‘We sell more records than everyone on Sumerian’ but once he named Body Count, I decided to say something.

I just told him, ‘Keep talking, we’ll bump into each other one day,’ which he took as a threat. Maybe when I bump into him I’ll want an autograph, I don’t know, I just said, ‘I’ll see you.’ That was gonna be it, but he continued to rant and rave and that turned into him wanting to do charity fights.

My boy Danny Diablo jumped in, ‘Don’t speak on Ice-T,’ because believe it or not, people respect me out there (laughs). People were like, ‘Ice, he’s just trying to use you guys for publicity’ and I let it go.

But the theory that you’re going to talk shit to somebody and then get in a charity boxing match, what kind of clown shit is that? Like, really? Nah, nah, if I do bump into him, it’ll be in a parking lot some place and then we’ll see if he wants to repeat his words. I’m not planning on fighting him – I don’t want to hurt the guy, we’ll just see what happens.”

Danny Diablo Challenges Trapt’s Chris Taylor Brown To A Charity Boxing Match

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It’s no secret that Trapt’s Chris Taylor Brown has been on a nonstop Twitter meltdown and now things are getting even more interesting. All the drama has actually led Danny Diablo to challenge Brown to a charity boxing match.

Diablo and Power Trip frontman Riley Gale, who previously challenged Trapt to a concert battle to see which band can draw a bigger crowd, recently discussed Brown’s meltdown with Revolver. Gale said the following:

“I felt the need to step in and say you’re an idiot. I was bored cause of the quarantine, otherwise I would have never engaged. But I saw this guy saying all this hateful stuff. When I grew up, I was in an all-male high school and when someone was being bullied, there was always a group of people to step in and defend them and I was one of those people. I saw this dude putting people down for being poor [or] promoting socialism, calling people ugly, saying anti-Semitic stuff, and now he’s climbed the ladder, saying [Trapt are] more successful than Body Count.”

“He’s clearly trolling cause he’s irrelevant. A ton of people haven’t even heard about the band until this beef popped off. What’s funny is he talked about his one hit and people under 25 don’t know his band and some people I know over 30 don’t. He’s trying to use this as a way to get supporters, say his band is relevant and get new supporters out of sheer curiosity, which is probably working cause some people are streaming his band like, ‘Who the fuck is this guy?’

I have a feeling this guy is just broke cause he’s spent his days attacking everybody, strangers, celebrities for no rhyme or reason and looking for a reward for having blind loyalty to Trump.”

Diablo continued:

“I’m not really into politics, even though I’m from the hardcore scene, which I know those guys were fighting about. Power Trip is a great band. Riley is a sweet dude. Then I saw the same dude was fucking with Ice-T, blatantly disrespecting him. How do you talk to Ice-T like that? I’m very influenced by him, how we came up, his music, how we changed his life, so I chimed in and he talked some shit. In my world, no one speaks to me this way.”

“I’m stuck in this house, I’m thinking about smashing this guy’s face. Me and Ice-T were texting about it and how we don’t know this guy, laughing about it. He did have one hit, he did have fans at one point, but it was when record labels were still able to pump lots of money into the band, the radio stations, etc. But the sad thing is not a single fan has written me to defend this dude.”

He also added the following about the proposed boxing match:

“Fighting is second nature to me my entire life. I’ve boxed. Everyone knows my reputation in the streets. All you have to say my name and people know what I can do, in and out of the ring. But look, I would never want to hurt this guy for real. Look, I would train with Gavin, and Craig Setari from Sick of it All, and fight for charity, donate money towards the children’s tumor foundation. Diablo loves the kids. I want to help the kids. Most people talk, I’ve challenged people to fights and most people haven’t showed up. If he shows up and accepts, I’d shake his hand and be cool, mad respect.”

For his part, Brown has since responded to Revolver’s article:

He has since challenged Ice-T as well:

Body Count Finish Filming “Bum-Rush” Video

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Body Count have filmed a new video for their new song “Bum-Rush.” That track is from the band’s new album “Carnivore,” which will be released on March 6.

Body Count To Release New Single This Month

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Ice-T has confirmed that the first single and video from Body Count‘s new album “Carnivore“ will debut on December 13. He tweeted the following:

Here’s What Various Rock/Metal Musicians Wore For Halloween This Year

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Halloween is officially over and a number of rock/metal artists have taken to social media to share pictures of the costumes they wore this year. You can check out a bunch of those below (courtesy of The PRP):

Metallica’s Kirk Hammett & Robert Trujillo:

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Happy Halloween

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Alice In Chains & Jerry Cantrell:

A Day To Remember:

Adam Jones (Tool):

Heidi Shepherd (Butcher Babies):

View this post on Instagram

If you're 555

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Carla Harvey (Butcher Babies) & Charlie Benante (Anthrax):

Atreyu:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4TUQrKgrk-/?utm_source=ig_embed

Incubus:

Brent Hinds (Mastodon):

Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine, etc.):

Baroness:

Nergal (Behemoth):

Chelsea Grin:

Chris Jericho (Fozzy);

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Any questions….? #ChrisSPumpkins

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The Acacia Strain & Vincent Bennett:

Chris Fronzak (Attila):

The Word Alive:

Korn’s Head & Fieldy:

John 5 (Rob Zombie, etc.):

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Happy Halloween to everyone @scott_blake3

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Pete Loeffler (Chevelle):

Beartooth:

Alan Ashby (Of Mice & Men):

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🎃 Happy Halloween! 🎃

A post shared by Alan Ashby (@alanashby) on

The Ghost Inside’s Andrew Tkaczyk & Zach Johnson:

Jason Richardson (All That Remains):

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🎃 👻 ⭐️ 🧱 🐢 🏎 @alyssamarielom @nintendo

A post shared by Jason Richardson (@jasonreevesrichardson) on

Battlecross:

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Joliet! We’re ready to get spooky tonight!

A post shared by BATTLECROSS (@battlecrossmetal) on

Ice-T (Body Count):

P.O.D.:

Freddy Cricien (Madball):

Stick To Your Guns:

Jeff Friedl (A Perfect Circle, etc.):

Metal Allegiance:

Sleeping With Sirens:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4JOisBBIlW/

Pierce The Veil’s Vic Fuentes & Jaime Preciado:

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AHOY bitches! ⚓️🍦

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Redrum!!!!!

A post shared by Jaime Preciado (@ptvjaime) on

Shavo Odadjian (System Of A Down):

Sara Taylor (Youth Code, Heavens Blade):

Skyler Acord (Issues):

Blink-182:

The Wonder Years:

Halsey (not rock/metal but still cool):

View this post on Instagram

resident goths. @marilynmanson

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Watch New Video For Beauty In Chaos’ “Un-Natural Disaster (Collide Mix)” Feat. Dug Pinnick, Ice-T, Zakk Wylde, & Pete Parada

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Beauty In Chaos, the project led by guitarist Michael Ciravolo, have premiered a new video for “Un-Natural Disaster (Collide Mix)” via Rolling Stone. The original track featured Body Count’s Ice-T, King’s X’s Dug Pinnick, and The Offspring’s Pete Parada. As an added bonus, this remix also includes a new guest solo from Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society). The track will appear on Beauty In Chaos’ “Beauty Re-Envisioned,” which will be released on June 21.

“Un-Natural Disaster” focuses on the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey and Ciravolo had the following to say about it:

“This song really hits close to home as I was born and raised in New Orleans. I lived in Los Angeles when Katrina hit, but watched as friends and family lost everything. My elderly aunt was evacuated as the city’s services shut down, and sadly she did not survive the move to Alabama. She, along with at least 1,200 others, lost their lives as a result of this devastating hurricane.”

Pinnick also commented:

“The remix of this track is even heavier, more brutal and danceable than the album version, which I love! I know Michael was from New Orleans … and I lived in Houston for quite a while. I witnessed what Hurricane Harvey did there and saw the good and bad in humanity. I think the video translates the lyrics and what was in my head and heart extremely well. Loved that Ice put his punctuation mark on it as only he can!”

Parada added:

“This song is striking in its imagery. The destruction and devastation left behind from these storms is brought to life in the music. I was completely honored to play on a track with both Michael, Dug, and Ice. Then to have Zakk Wylde on the remix really elevated it to a whole new level.”