INFAMOUS STIFFS Track "Evel Mann" Heard in Jason Statham Film A Working Man. Release the Single and Video "Loose Screws"

April 14, 2025

OAKLAND, CA - Southern California punk rockers INFAMOUS STIFFS have released the next single "Loose Screwz" from their upcoming six song EP titled “The Ornery Six. The band had this to say about the new single, "There is a lot of craziness here in America and you get ripped here and torn there. Mix that up in a song with a touch of optimism sprinkled in and you have “Loose Screwz”."

Watch the video for "Loose Screwz" below:

Stream or purchase "Loose Screwz": https://orcd.co/loose-screwz

INFAMOUS STIFFS are also excited to announce that the third single from “The Ornery Six” entitled “Evel Mann” is featured in the new film “A Working Man” starring Jason Statham”. The movie was released in theatres March 28th. Pre-save for the single starts May 23rd and the release date is June 6th. Watch the promo video for "A Working Man": https://youtube.com/shorts/n6ttT-VLg-M?si=FFBcj5RE3WMTjt1c

Infamous Stiffs came onto the scene in 2019, just before the world shutdown. Hailing from Southern California cities, the members have spent decades playing punk rock ‘n’ roll in various incarnations... all roads leading to the sonic condition that is Infamous Stiffs. A relentless assault of loud infectious hooks and grooves, that’ll make you shout & shake and make ya move your hips with an uncanny swing!

Band Members:
Vocals - Scott Wilkins (Verbal Abuse, Electric Frankenstein)

Guitar - Mark Pananides (Junkyard)

Bass - Troy Takaki (Boneless Ones)

Drums - David Bach (House of Wheels, Adam Sandler's band and a current member of The Avengers)

Production Details
Engineered, mixed and produced by David Irish at Pot of Gold Studios

https://www.infamousstiffs.com

https://linktr.ee/Infamous_Stiffs

https://www.facebook.com/infamousstiffs/

https://www.instagram.com/infamousstiffs

https://youtube.com/@infamousstiffs3385

https://www.bandsintown.com/a/15468330

https://www.tiktok.com/@infamous_stiffs

https://infamousstiffs.bandcamp.com/

FROLIC Announce CD release date for Live Album, Tour Fundraiser

April 12, 2025

On the heels of their explosive live album, LIVE AT THE GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL, young Bay Area Thrash Metal outfit FROLIC have announced that a limited number of CD copies will be available starting April 17, the night the quartet shares the stage with Xoth, Dungeon Crawl and WarTroll at Thee Parkside in San Francisco. Remaining copies of the CD will be available on Frolic's merch store the following day.

Stream or purchase at https://smarturl.it/froliclive

"We are really excited to have these physical copies of our live album. This is the kind of intensity you can expect from us when we hit the road later this summer," said frontman Edgar Sanchez.

"With our second LP almost over the finished line and a tour deep in the planning stages, we're offering some awesome merch as well as some one-of-a-kind items on our store to help us raise funds to keep this train rolling," adds drummer Elijah Post.

The 4-piece's latest recorded offering "Live At the Great American Music Hall" was released digitally on February 7, 2025 to international acclaim--and as a warning shot to all that FROLIC's technical brand of Bay Area Thrash Metal is not to be overlooked.

FROLIC's lineup consists of Edgar Sanchez (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Lenny "Real Steel" Ramirez (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Zak Kufeld (Bass, Backing Vocals), and Elijah Post (Drums).

Formed in 2014, FROLIC has enjoyed a substantial rise in popularity in recent years--sharing the stage with Suicidal Tendancies, Death Angel, Possessed, Forbidden, Biohazard, Eyehategod, DRI, Warbringer, Goatwhore, Angeles Apatrida, Bewitcher, Hatriot, Mordred, Blind Illusion, Hellfire, Defiance and many more.

Band Members:
Edgar Sanchez (Lead Vocals, Guitar)

Lenny "Real Steel" Ramirez (Guitar, Backing Vocals)

Zak Kufeld (Bass, Backing Vocals)

Elijah Post (Drums)

W.A.S.P. Release the Lyric Video for Paint It Black. Announce Sold Out Shows Across Europe

April 1, 2025

W.A.S.P. announce the release of the lyric video for Paint It Black, taken from the digital release of Bonus Tracks & B-Sides from the W.A.S.P. The 7 Savage boxset.

Watch W.A.S.P. Paint It Black Below.

Purchase or stream the digital release of Bonus Tracks & B-Sides - https://orcd.co/wasp_bonus_listen

BraveWords, Sleaze Roxx, Metal Insider and The Metal Voice all picked the W.A.S.P. Album ONE Alive tour as one of the best tours in 2024. W.A.S.P. are bringing the Album ONE Alive tour to South America, Europe and the UK in 2025. Dates and tickets are available at WASPnation.com/tour

About W.A.S.P.
Few Bands in the history of Rock N’ Roll have ever incited the love, the hate, the raw emotional effect this Band has had on the world. From the very beginning, in the small venues of Los Angeles California, and later to the numerous countries worldwide that banned these Winged Assassins from performing live, the Band’s unique style of Shock and Rock caused Religious organizations, Local City Councils, Parliaments, and the Washington D.C. Senate to hold hearings in an effort to bar this group from selling records and trashing stages everywhere they played.

The band’s founding member, frontman Blackie Lawless, has led the group as its lead vocalist and primary songwriter since its beginning. His unique brand of visual, social and political comment took the group to worldwide heights and sold millions of records alongside a legacy of sold out shows across the globe for 4 decades.

https://www.waspnation.com
https://www.facebook.com/W.A.S.P.Nation
https://twitter.com/waspofficial
https://instagram.com/waspnationofficial
https://youtube.com/@WASPNationOfficial
https://www.tiktok.com/@waspnationofficial
https://www.bandsintown.com/a/7553

Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward talk exclusively to Rock Candy Mag for a 50th anniversary celebration of the ‘Sabotage’ album.

March 29, 2025

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward have opened up to Rock Candy for the magazine’s latest expansive cover story marking 50 years since the release of the band’s seminal sixth studio album,‘Sabotage’, in 1975.

The three musicians recall the stresses and strains of going though litigation with their former manager, while at the same time trying to create new music that was designed to push the boundaries of what the Birmingham group had previously deemed possible.

“We were obviously immensely p*ssed off because we had hardly anything to show for five years of constantly touring, writing, and recording,” Butler explained to Rock Candy Mag editor Howard Johnson. “It was difficult dividing time between creating music and time spent in lawyers’ offices, with QCs, and in law courts. But with our backs against the wall I think some of the songs on ‘Sabotage’ were the angriest that we’d ever written.”

“It wasn’t easy, because as it turned out the court case happened smack bang in the middle of recording ‘Sabotage’,” says Iommi. “One minute you’d be worrying about whether a riff was right for a song, the next you’d be sat in court.”

Yet despite such immense outside stresses, Sabbath were absolutely determined to forge ahead on their musical journey.

“We were in an experimental phase at the time,” says Butler.“We’d introduced different instruments on the [previous] ‘Sabbath Bloody Sabbath’ album, and once again were looking for new directions. Synths were relatively new at that time, so we had a go at introducing them on some songs. It was fun playing around.”

With their backs against the wall, Sabbath dug deep to produce some of the most exciting rock music of the ’70s – or any other decade.

“‘Hole In The Sky’ and ‘Symptom Of The Universe’ are two of my all-time favourite Black Sabbath songs,” confirms Geezer. “I still love playing them, and they really come alive when we perform them live.”

“I was really, really happy with the writing,” says Bill Ward. “I think we were expanding, allowing ourselves to expand. We’d come a really long way from the song ‘Black Sabbath’, as great as that song is. I thought the richness of what we were doing on ‘Sabotage’ was brilliant.”

You can read the exclusive Black Sabbath ‘Sabotage’ story in issue 49 of Rock Candy Mag, together with in-depth stories and interviews with Billy Squier, Angel, Machine Head, Don Airey, L.A. Guns, Jethro Tull, and more. For more details visit www.rockcandymag.com.

ABOUT ROCK CANDY MAG
Rock Candy Mag is a 100-page, full-colour bi-monthly rock mag, created in the UK. It covers the sights, sounds and smells from the greatest era in hard rock music, the ’70s and ’80s. The brainchild of: respected UK rock journalists Derek Oliver, Howard Johnson and Malcolm Dome – all frontline writers for the legendary Kerrang! magazine in the golden era.

https://www.facebook.com/rockcandymag/
https://m.facebook.com/groups/139634569939476/
https://x.com/RockCandyMag
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBjkpEXB53nRCs_yhEClGhg

ASKA Release The Album KNIGHT STRIKE to All Digital Services Release New Single and Video for Track 1944,

March 22, 2025

BraveWords Records is pleased to announce the digital release of ASKA "Knight Strike". To accompany the digital release ASKA release the latest single and brand new music video for the track 1944.

Stream of Purchase "Knight Strike": https://smarturl.it/aska

Watch the video below:

ASKA talking about their new video 1944, "This song is a work of historical fiction which takes a pivotal point in world history and posits the question: "What if....?"

Controversial? Maybe. Yet there have been many books, films and television series written on the same premise. To say we find it a bit preposterous that we were forced to remove all symbology and iconography of one side's combatants and leadership from our video to meet YouTube's censorship standards would be the understatement of the year. Especially when one can see far worse on any documentary dealing with the actual events, not the fictionalized ones we were originally portraying here.

It goes without saying, the song is a work of historical, military fiction based on actual events. ASKA does not condone war, discrimination or persecution of anyone based simply on religion, gender or race.

Now crank up the volume, hit play, share with your friends and be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section."

About ASKA:
ASKA, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas-based, long-running heavy metal band has, as the title they gave their 3rd international tour can attest, "been there, done that". And how! In 1992, just a short year after the release of the group's self-titled debut album, they began touring the world performing at military bases, embassies and satellite installations around the globe for the U.S. Dept. of Defense/USO entertainment services. For nine years the group maintained a steady course, playing for U.S & foreign military troops in well over 56 countries and territories globally before turning their focus to the civilian world. There, they promptly played festivals around America and Europe and furthered their exposure in no small way. From inception to present, ASKA released seven full length albums on both national and international labels.

During the process, ASKA's triple-threat frontman/vocalist/guitarist, George Call, came to the attention of cult, US underground metal pioneers, Omen, where he was promptly recruited to take over the lead vocalist slot for three years while still maintaining his role in ASKA. When that association dissolved, George was immediately snatched up by former Atlantic Records/Metal Blade, Midwestern, MTV veterans, Banshee, where he's been front and center on the band's two newest top notch releases. While helming both bands after a fateful meeting at a festival performance with ASKA in Germany, Call, was further enlisted to join U.K. legendary, cult NWOBHM band, Cloven Hoof, where he proceeded to record and release three critically acclaimed, fan-favorite albums. ASKA drummer Danny White joined George on two of these endeavors while the band's long-serving bassist/vocalist, Keith Knight, engineered and recorded a high percentage of George's extra-curricular activity at his Knight Recording Studios, keeping the three working together even when it was outside of the band.

About BraveWords Records:
BraveWords Records has released albums by Paul Di'Anno's Warhorse, The Chris Slade Timeline, Rhett Forrester and Rob Robbins, Prophets of Addiction, Jack Starr and future releases from Lillian Axe, Crimson Glory and ASKA.

There is a serious void which desperately needs to be filled, hard-working and creative bands that have yet to find a partnership and a mutual vision with a professional team. The music-fuelled minds behind BraveWords Records, Brian Adams, Giles Lavery, Tim Henderson and Michael Brandvold, have built the ultimate home for an artist that will take you where you want to be. Collectively, with nearly 100 years of music industry experience under our belts, the BraveWords Records team will take care of all the crucial aspects of your project from global distribution (digital and physical), publicity and media coverage (web, radio, visual), social media blanketing and streaming opportunities (such as Streaming For Vengeance). Where most labels have forgotten the concept of actually marketing a release sensibly, BraveWords Records will construct a viable and comprehensive marketing plan, including visibility at BraveWords.com, which attracts a million visitors monthly. BraveWords Records has all senses on high alert as the music industry continues its never-ending transitioning, so the artist will always be aware of new opportunities to build their brand and strive for world domination. BraveWords will also have a focus on licensing film and TV content, both contemporary and retrospective across many genres. As artists and labels transition to the many new mediums available today for their work, BraveWords intends to stay ahead of the curve in providing and actively seeking opportunities for our roster of clients.

With the rapid spread of the world wide web, BraveWords.com was born in 2000 and quickly became the CNN of heavy metal. With its team of global writers and photographers, the site flourished with 24/7 updated news, features, reviews, audio and video steams.

For nearly 30 years, BraveWords wears their metal heart loudly on their sleeve, as they celebrate the greatest genre of music with the most dedicated and passionate fans on the planet!

http://bravewordsrecords.com

https://www.thestoreformusic.com/shop.php#!/Bravewords-Records/c/170260296
http://www.facebook.com/BravewordsRecords
http://www.instagram.com/BravewordsRecords
http://www.twitter.com/BravewordsRec

https://youtube.com/@BravewordsRecords

https://www.tiktok.com/@bravewordsrecs

https://www.threads.net/@bravewordsrecords
http://bravewords.com

http://askahq.com

https://www.facebook.com/askahq

https://www.instagram.com/askahq2024

https://www.tiktok.com/@aska.hq

https://www.youtube.com/@askahq

https://www.bandsintown.com/a/41166

Jack Starr Releases the Music Video for RISE UP, From His Upcoming Solo Album,"Out of the Darkness Part II" Releasing April 25, 2025

March 15, 2025

BraveWords Records is excited to release the new Jack Starr music video for the lead track "Rise Up". The single is taken from his new solo album,"Out of the Darkness Part II" which will be released April 25, 2025.

Watch the video: Jack Starr “Rise Up” Official Music Video from Out Of The Darkness Part II on BraveWords Records Below:

Listen to "Rise Up" from the album Out of the Darkness Part II on streaming services: https://smarturl.it/jackstarr

Jack Starr talking about the new single and video, “Rise Up is a song about the centuries old fight for freedom and liberty that has been going on since the dawn of time. There have always been injustice and leaders who rule by fear but at the same time there have been brave men who have stood up and asserted their right to live free.

Rise Up has a universal message of the importance of personal liberty that will appeal to all people of all political persuasions because even though it may be expressed differently at the end of the day people want to live their lives in peace even if it is sometimes requires a struggle to achieve that."

Giles Lavery - Vocals (Warlord / Alcatrazz)
Jack Starr - Lead Guitar
Eric Juris - Lead Guitar (Warlord)
Gene Cooper - Bass
Rhino - Drums (Ex Manowar)

Guests Mark Zonder - Drums (Warlord ex Fates Warning)
Jimmy Waldo - Keyboards (Alcatrazz / Warlord / New England)

Produced and mixed by Thomas Mergler
Co-Produced by Giles Lavery & Jack Starr

https://www.facebook.com/jackstarrofficialpage/
https://www.youtube.com/@stratluvr
https://www.instagram.com/jackstarrofficial/
https://www.bandsintown.com/a/184296

About Jack Starr:
Starr emerged on the rock and metal scene in 1981, forming, together with Joey Ayvazian, David DeFeis and Joe O’Rielly, the first incarnation of the heavy metal band Virgin Steele. The new band was selected in 1982 by Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records to appear on the label's compilation album U.S. Metal Volume 2. After only two albums, Virgin Steele of 1981 and Guardians of the Flame of 1982, Starr left Virgin Steele in 1983.

In 1984, Starr started his solo recording career with the album Out of the Darkness, featuring former Riot vocalist Rhett Forrester, members of The Rods and former Rainbow drummer Gary Driscoll. It was released in Europe by Music for Nations and was picked as one of the best albums of the year by the music magazines Kerrang! and Metal Forces.

Starr changed the name of his band to Jack Starr's Burning Starr and between 1984 and 1989 he produced albums, both solo and with the band. The music of those albums was classic American eighties heavy metal, a style between Poison and Metallica. In 1989 the band dissolved and Starr joined short-lived bands like Strider and Smoke Stack Lightning.

In the following years, Starr once again assembled a group of musicians for a new incarnation of Burning Starr, which performed at the Magic Circle Festival 2008 and released the album Defiance on Manowar's label Magic Circle Music in 2009. In 2011 they released Land of the Dead with Limb Music. The albums includes ex-Manowar guest musicians Ross the Boss and David Shankle. The band played at the 2013 Keep It True festival and recorded a DVD.

Rock from the Heart: Concert for Aortic Health Awareness- Featuring SEBASTIAN BACH with Special Guests Aortic Fire May 3, 2025

March 8, 2025

Rock from the Heart with sponsors Sanford Health and 107.9 The Fox are excited to announce that Sebastian Bach, former frontman of the iconic band Skid Row, will headline the Rock from the Heart Benefit Concert on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Avalon Events Center in Fargo, ND.

This annual event supports Rock from the Heart’s mission to raise awareness of aortic and heart valve disease while bringing together the community through the power of music.

Tickets : $49- $200, available at www.tickettailor.com/events/rockfromtheheart/1463859

Opening the evening will be Aortic Fire, Rock from the Heart’s house band, featuring heart surgery survivors Pete Johnson (Rock from the Heart founder) and Gina Schock (drummer of the legendary Go-Go's.) Their inspiring performance showcases the strength and resilience of those who have undergone heart surgery, sending a message of hope to patients and families.

In addition to the concert, Rock from the Heart is hosting a day of education on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Courtyard by Marriott -Moorhead. The Aortic Ed Sessions are designed to provide patients, caregivers, and medical professionals vital information about aortic and heart valve disease. The sessions will feature experts in the field, patient stories, and critical insights into managing and treating these conditions.

Sessions are scheduled from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM followed by an informal cocktail reception and dinner designed for attendees to relax, connect, and enjoy meaningful conversations in a comfortable atmosphere. This is the perfect opportunity to network, share experiences, and unwind after an insightful day.

This event promises a weekend filled with meaningful discussions, life-saving education, and heart-pumping music. Ticket information for the concert and registration details for the Aortic Ed Sessions are available at www.rockfromtheheart.org/event-details.

Proceeds from the concert event support Rock from the Heart's mission to raise awareness of aortic and heart valve disease and provide resources for patients and families. In addition, funds will help launch the new community heart screening initiative focused on early detection of aortic and heart valve disease, offering critical assessments for those at risk in underserved populations.

About Rock from the Heart

Rock from the Heart is committed to raising awareness and educating the public about aortic and heart valve disease. Through benefit concerts, educational programs, and community outreach, the organization provides essential resources and support for patients and their families, providing them with the knowledge and resources to navigate their journey from diagnosis to recovery.

• Facebook www.facebook.com/RockFromTheHeart/

• X x.com/RockFromThHeart

• Instagram www.instagram.com/rockfromtheheart/

• LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/rockfromtheheart

• YouTube www.youtube.com/@RockfromtheHeart

• Bluesky bsky.app/profile/rockfromtheheart.bsky.social

• Threads www.threads.net/@rockfromtheheart

Charlie Kendall’s METALSHOP is proud to announce the addition of WHMH and Highway Rock/The Drive 99.7 Las Vegas

March 7, 2025

Charlie Kendall’s METALSHOP has returned! Between 1984 and 1995, The original METALSHOP led the metal revolution with this iconic program across more than 250 stations. We now deliver fresh weekly shows to an audience that revels in the music of the untamed and youthful. Charlie Kendall’s METALSHOP combines the show’s vintage feature segments with fresh content, music from then and now, new and classic interviews with hard rock heroes, and that same voice and attitude that made the program a cornerstone of hard rock/metal culture.

Charlie Kendall’s METALSHOP is proud to announce the addition of WHMH, Rockin’ 101, St Cloud, MN! METALSHOP will run Saturday nights at nine on this Active Rock Flamethrower! A “tip of the hat” to WHMH owner Gary Hoppe, who is all about the “Quality! With total rockstars like John Lassman, Tim Ryan, Mark Pennington, and Lee Arnold in the house, this is a dream come true!

In case you missed it, a few days ago, METALSHOP also added Highway Rock/The Drive 99.7 Las Vegas!

Talking about METALSHOP, Charlie Kendall said, "Between 1984 and 1995, Metalshop led the metal revolution with this iconic program across more than 250 stations. Our mission is to deliver fresh shows that revel in the music of the untamed and youthful. METALSHOP combines the show’s vintage feature segments with fresh content, music from then and now, new and classic interviews with hard rock heroes, and that same voice and attitude that made the program a cornerstone of the culture. “I’ve thought about it for years, and I’ve finally found the right fit and the right people to make it happen…METALSHOP is back.”

METALSHOP started online and solidified our writing and production capabilities. We have produced over 50 brand new world-class programs and are now into full syndication. Interview highlights include the first major interview with any member of Aerosmith after they retired from touring, full specials on Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert, Slash, John Bush, Metal in the movies, Nicko McBrain’s retirement, Lzzy Hale, Cassandra Carson, Blackie Lawless, Marc Labelle and more!

Metalshop Mondays

7 am, 10 am, 6 pm – CMS Network Now

4 pm – 97Underground.com

7 pm til mid - NewHDMedia.com

9 pm – 128db.com

10 pm – The Blitz (100.1FM Laredo, TX / Nuevo Laredo, MX)

Tuesdays

4 am – 1035TheShark.com

Wednesdays

11 am – KRFK Radio

Noon - Savageradiorocks.com

Thursday

10 pm – The KZEW Zoo Project

11 pm - 128db.com

Fridays

7 pm til mid - Veterans Classic Rock

8 pm - Savageradiorocks.com

Saturdays

7 pm – KRFK Radio

8 pm – Radio Free Cleveland

9 pm – 128db.com

9 pm – The Blitz (100.1FM Laredo, TX / Nuevo Laredo, MX)

10 pm - Rockin' 101 WHMH St. Cloud

11 pm - WQAK - The Quake

Sundays

Midnight – 1035TheShark.com

6 pm - Savageradiorocks.com

7 pm – WCST-FM (98.7 The Mountain, Charleston, WV)

8 pm – Highway Rock, The Drive 99.7 / 96.9 / 94.9

8 pm – 1035TheShark.com

11 pm – NewHDMedia.com

ON DEMAND ANYTIME AT MIXCLOUD.com/METALSHOP

If you wanna write to METALSHOP, it's metalshop@charliekendall.com

From 1984 to 1995, Charlie Kendall was a driving force of the metal revolution as he hosted this iconic program on over 250 stations. Now, he’s teamed with Producers Corey Harker and Chris Akin to deliver all-new shows to a worldwide audience that celebrates and enjoys the music of the wild and the young.

Charlie Kendall’s METALSHOP combines the show’s vintage feature segments with fresh content, music from then and now, new and classic interviews with hard rock heroes, and that same voice and attitude that made the program a cornerstone of that culture.

“I’ve thought about it for years,” Kendall says, “and I’ve finally found the right fit and the right people to make it happen. It’s come full circle – and METALSHOP is back.”

Charlie Kendall’s METALSHOP - Syndication is available – interested parties please email metalshop@charliekendall.com

Website - www.charliekendall.com/metalshop

Facebook - www.facebook.com/CKMetalshop/

YouTube - youtube.com/@CharlieKendall-Metalshop

Facebook Group - m.facebook.com/groups/1383332095308722/

IG - www.instagram.com/ckmetalshop

X - twitter.com/CKMetalshop

mixcloud - www.mixcloud.com/METALSHOP/

Merch - bodythredz.com/product-category/the-metalshop-collection/

New LIGHTNING STRIKES Album, 'The King Is Victorious', Set to Feature All-Star Contributions and Moscow Symphony

March 4, 2025

Los Angeles CA based heavy metal outfit LIGHTNING STRIKES are currently in the process of recording the follow-up to their eponymous 2016 full-length debut. Masterminded by founding member/drummer/producer, Karpis Maksudian, “The King Is Victorious” is set to feature a re-tooled line-up, including Japanese guitar virtuoso, Norifumi Shima, American bassist extraordinaire, Barry Sparks, up-and-coming Argentinian vocalist, Mariano Gardella, as well as returning keyboardist maestro, Derek Sherinian. In addition, Maksudian has worked with the 45-piece Moscow Symphony Orchestra on the album's epic title track.

Norifumi Shima, whose neo-classical hard rock style has elicited comparisons to genre icons such as Ritchie Blackmore and Yngwie Malmsteen, is the founding member of CONCERTO MOON, one of Japan's premier heavy metal bands. Barry Sparks is best known for his long affiliation with German guitar legend, MICHAEL SCHENKER, as well as his work with YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, DOKKEN, TED NUGENT, SCORPIONS and Japanese superstars, B’z, among others. Sherinian has long been one of the most in demand keyboard players on the scene, with a resume that includes DREAM THEATER, ALICE COOPER, BILLY IDOL, and KISS. Says Maksudian: "I'm absolutely thrilled to have Norifumi and Barry on board for this album as well as Derek agreeing to participate once again. Barry is one of the absolute best and has been a pleasure to work with. His bass tracks are adding so much to the songs already. As for Norifumi - I've always had an interest in the Japanese metal scene and Concerto Moon has been a particular favorite of mine for some time. For Norifumi to agree to play on the new Lightning Strikes is a dream come true and an absolute honor. He has already completed his tracks in Tokyo and he sounds stellar! And Derek has come through again with flying colors - he is such an amazing player and always delivers at the highest level. I have also found a great, young vocalist in Mariano Gardella who may not be a household name yet but has a great set of pipes. I cannot wait for people to hear this record!"

Originally formed in 1984, LIGHTNING STRIKES were the first metal band to feature an all Armenian-American line-up, well over a decade before the arrival of SYSTEM OF A DOWN. Maksudian revived the name with new personnel a quarter century after the initial breakup recording the group's self-titled 2016 full-length debut with Brazilian vocalist Nando Fernandes (HANGAR, SINISTRA), guitarist Rob Math (LEATHERWOLF, SOUL SIGN), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (SONS OF APOLLO, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION), and former BLACK SABBATH vocalist, Tony Martin, who sang on and wrote the lyrics to 'Death Valley' and '301 AD Sins of Our Fathers'. Mixed by Roy Z (BRUCE DICKINSON, JUDAS PRIEST, HALFORD), the album was well received and peaked on the Japanese Burrn! Magazine import charts at number 6.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightningstrikesrocks/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightningstrikesrocks/

X: x.com/lsrocksofficial

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@lightningstrikesofficial387

Southern California Punk Rockers INFAMOUS STIFFS Release the Single and Video "No Static"

February 15, 2025

Southern California punk rockers INFAMOUS STIFFS have released the single and video "No Static" taken from their upcoming six song EP titled “The Ornery Six”, an attitude that has remained consistent with the band since their first release. Their mix of good ol’ fashion Punk Rock n Roll flares with gruffness and an irritable disposition that is reflected in this new batch of tunes. The relentless, crunching guitars, powerful drum beats and driving bass lines set the stage, while the vocals are spit out with gravelly piss and vinegar and the shot of venom necessary to deliver the goods. A Frankenstein’s monster of influences are defused in songs such as “No Static” “Evel Mann” and “Walk Away”, while the soul toucher “Lonesoul” and the bassackward antics of “Loose Screwz” encapsulate the craziness of the world we live in now. The cover track “Top Secret” pays homage to LA’s own Kaos and Johnny Stingray (RIP) and revels in a classic style of punk rock that’s sure to chip a tooth or two. So grab yourself these tunes and turn it up loud as you drive 100 MPH or do some toe tapping to your own giddy up while your fists fly through the air. This is an explosion of energy from these 4 punkers from California!

Stream or purchase at https://smarturl.it/nostatic

Guitar - Mark Pananides (Junkyard)

Bass - Troy Takaki (Boneless Ones)

Drums - David Bach (House of Wheels, Adam Sandler's band and a current member of The Avengers)

All songs by Scott Wilkins, Mark Pananides, Troy Takaki and David Bach

Production Details
Engineered, mixed and produced by David Irish at Pot of Gold Studios

https://www.infamousstiffs.com

https://linktr.ee/Infamous_Stiffs

https://www.facebook.com/infamousstiffs/

https://www.instagram.com/infamousstiffs

https://youtube.com/@infamousstiffs3385

https://www.bandsintown.com/a/15468330

https://www.tiktok.com/@infamous_stiffs

https://infamousstiffs.bandcamp.com/

W.A.S.P. - BONUS TRACKS and B-SIDES Digital Release Out Now on All Digital Platforms

February 14, 2025

Madfish Music announces the digital release of Bonus Tracks & B-Sides from the W.A.S.P. The 7 Savage boxset.

Purchase or stream the digital release of Bonus Tracks & B-Sides - https://orcd.co/wasp_bonus_listen

W.A.S.P. has always been a band that embraced the raw power of heavy metal while pushing the boundaries of its creative vision. Bonus Tracks & B-Sides, the final disc in The 7 Savage box set, is a treasure trove for die-hard fans, offering a glimpse into the unpolished, experimental, and daring side of W.A.S.P. This collection compiles rare tracks, dynamic covers, and deep cuts that showcase the band’s versatility and passion for their craft.

Kicking off with the incendiary “Animal (F**k Like A Beast),” the disc immediately reminds us why W.A.S.P. carved their name into the annals of rock history. This controversial anthem, unapologetically provocative, set the tone for the band’s rebellious spirit.

Among the gems, “Paint It Black” and “Mississippi Queen” highlight the band's knack for reinterpreting classics with a ferocious metal edge, paying homage to their influences while making the tracks undeniably their own. Similarly, their take on Jethro Tull’s “Locomotive Breath” and Led Zeppelin’s “When The Levee Breaks” demonstrates their ability to merge technical mastery with unrelenting energy.

Original tracks like “Savage” and “Flesh and Fire” ooze with the raw, theatrical intensity that defines W.A.S.P.’s signature sound, while “D.B. Blues” offers a playful departure into an unexpected, almost tongue-in-cheek territory.

The haunting “Phantoms In The Mirror” and the reflective “The Eulogy” offer a darker, more introspective tone, contrasting beautifully with the thunderous “War Cry.” And then there’s “The Story Of Jonathan (Prologue To The Crimson Idol),” a sprawling 16-minute opus that provides a deeper dive into the conceptual world of The Crimson Idol, revealing the depth of Blackie Lawless’s storytelling ambition.

Bonus Tracks & B-Sides isn’t just a collection of outtakes—it’s a celebration of the chaos, creativity, and charisma that made W.A.S.P. one of the most electrifying bands in rock history.

Crank it up and let the beast roar one more time.

BraveWords, Sleaze Roxx, Metal Insider and The Metal Voice all picked the Album ONE Alive tour as one of the best tours in 2024. W.A.S.P. are bringing the Album ONE Alive tour to South America, Europe and the UK in 2025. Dates and tickets are available at WASPnation.com/tour

Electric Temple Release the Video "The Storm" The Band Expresses Gratitude to the First Responders of the 2025 LA Fires

February 13, 2025

ELECTRIC TEMPLE announces the release of their new music video "The Storm", from their debut album, "High Voltage Salvation", that was released through Eonian Records. The video was recently premiered on BraveWords and is now available to view below:

Stream or purchase Electric Temple "High Voltage Salvation" - https://smarturl.it/ElectricTemple

Lead guitarist Tony Childs discusses the song, "The Storm is a powerful anthem about overcoming overwhelming odds, confronting fear head-on, and pushing through danger to achieve your dreams. It’s a story of resilience—fighting through obstacles and challenges that would typically stand in your way, proving that with determination, anything is possible."

About the video for The Storm Tony adds, "The recent L.A. wildfires had a direct impact on members of the Electric Temple project, many of whom call Los Angeles home, as well as their friends and families. This video was a way to express gratitude to the brave men and women who risked their lives to fight the fires and protect Los Angeles County in January 2025."

Order CD:
EONIAN RECORDS: https://www.eonianrecords.com/index#/electric-temple/
AUSTRALIA: www.electricshockmetal.com
BRAZIL: www.animalrecords.com.br/
FRANCE: www.tromhell.com
GERMANY: www.prideandjoy.de
GERMANY: www.schmankerl-records.com
JAPAN: www.diskunion.net
JAPAN: www.metalpesado.com
JAPAN: www.rockstakk.shop-pro.jp
NETHERLANDS: www.nodustrecords.com
NETHERLANDS: www.sonicrendezvous.com
NETHERLANDS: www.ebay.com/str/metalaorbv
SPAIN: www.sunrecords.es/
UNITED KINGDOM: www.replayrecords.co.uk
US: www.facebook.com/shandismusicandmore/
US: www.animatedinsanityrecords.com/

Band Members:
Matt Starr (drums)
Mike Duda (bass)
Tony Childs (guitar)
Andrew Freeman(vocals

Production Details
"High Voltage Salvation" was recorded from November 2023 - July 2024.
Arranged, produced, & engineered by Tony Childs.
Mixed & mastered by Chris Collier at CMC Productions, Las Vegas, NV.
Guitars, bass, & backing vocals were recorded at the Rocker Room, Meriden, CT.
Drum tracks were recorded at On Deck Sound Studio, Litchfield CT.
Lead vocals were recorded at JCat Studios, Las Vegas NV.
All songs written & arranged by Tony Childs, except Big Black Hole, Doomed, Streets of Pain by Tony Childs & Andrew Freeman.

About Electric Temple
Electric Temple was formed in 2024 by guitarist Tony Childs and features Andrew Freeman (Last in Line, Lynch Mob, Offspring) on vocals, Mike Duda (W.A.S.P.) on bass, Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr. Big, KIX) on drums. Guitarist/songwriter/producer Tony Childs was formerly in the band Shanghai. Their combined forces deliver a sonic experience beckoning flavors from modern rock, post grunge and that magic era when bands like Sabbath, Dio and Judas Priest established themselves as the Godfathers of the “hard rock/metal” genre.

In their quest to keep the flames of rock burning bright, Electric Temple champions the belief that “Rock is Religion”. This mantra fuels their relentless pursuit of sonic excellence and their mission to ignite passion in the hearts of all who embrace that old school rock and roll spirit.

About Eonian Records
Eonian Records, celebrating 16 years in business, is an American Hard Rock & Metal label, online store, and worldwide distributor with offices in both Indianapolis, Ind. & Southbury, Conn. Founded in 2008, Eonian Records chronicles yesterday’s unsung Hard Rock heroes by specializing in rare and often never-released recordings, as well as today’s new up and upcoming artists. If you purchase an album bearing the Eonian Records logo, you can rest assured that it was done with the utmost attention to quality and detail.

Links to Website and All Socials
Electric Temple - Linktr.ee/ETband
Eonian Records Website - www.eonianrecords.com
Eonian Records Facebook - www.facebook.com/EonianRecords
Eonian Records YouTube - www.youtube.com/@EonianRecordsLLC

PROPHETS OF ADDICTION RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO for TRACK "WALK THE WORLD" Album is Described as "Raw and Punk as F*@k"

February 13, 2025

West Coast based glam, punk 'n' rollers PROPHETS OF ADDICTION have released the new music video for the track "Walk The World" from their new album "Face the Music" through BraveWords Records. The video was premiered by Metal Sludge, who describe the band as "a modern day Hanoi Rocks" and is now available worldwide. Watch the video below:

The album "Face the Music" can be streamed or purchased at https://smarturl.it/prophetsofaddiction

Lead singer Lesli Sanders talked about the story behind the song, "The song, although portrayed in the video as if I am singing to the girl as that is a lot easier to portray is actually about learning to love oneself. It's about believing in yourself having the courage to stand up for what you believe in and being yourself."

Lesli goes on to talk about making this video, "Since all the players in Prophets Of Addiction live all over the country it takes a creative thought process to accomplish these videos. I had so many ideas and concepts, although the ideas were hard to accomplish. In the end, I hope you all enjoy this little story set to the song "Walk the World."

THE PLAYERS
Lesli Sanders: Lead Vocals, Guitars
Phil Soussan: Bass, Piano, Mandolin,Percussion, Backing Vocals
Wayne Stokely: Drums,Backing Vocals
Tchad Drats: Guitar, Ebow, Backing Vocals
G.G. Guitar, Backing Vocals
Terry Bratsch, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Steel, Backing Vocals

Website: https://www.prophetsofaddiction.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheProphetsofAddiction

About BraveWords Records:
BraveWords Records has released albums by Paul Di'Anno's Warhorse, The Chris Slade Timeline, Rhett Forrester and Rob Robbins, Prophets of Addiction, Jack Starr and future releases from Lillian Axe, Crimson Glory and ASKA.

https://www.thestoreformusic.com/shop.php#!/Bravewords-Records/c/170260296
http://www.facebook.com/BravewordsRecords
http://www.instagram.com/BravewordsRecords
http://www.twitter.com/BravewordsRec

https://youtube.com/@BravewordsRecords

https://www.tiktok.com/@bravewordsrecs

https://www.threads.net/@bravewordsrecords
http://bravewords.com

FROLIC Release Live Album from Death Angel Christmas Show, Full Set Proshot Video

February 8, 2025

OAKLAND, CA - Bay Area Thrash Metallers FROLIC have released "FROLIC: Live At the Great American Music Hall" a live album and full-set video from their performance at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, CA in support of Death Angel's 2023 Christmas celebration and Forbidden's first performance in 11 years.

Stream or purchase at https://smarturl.it/froliclive

Lead Singer and Guitarist Edgar Sanchez shares: "One of the most epic times of our lives, careers, and for the band itself. That performance is now forever cemented for all to witness. We are excited to share this live album with everyone."

Drummer Elijah Post adds: "We're very thankful to Death Angel and Forbidden for giving us the opportunity to show the world that Bay Area Thrash lives on in today's underground. For 2025, we have plans to record a second studio album and go on tour. We're just getting started."

Formed in 2014, FROLIC has enjoyed a substantial rise in popularity in recent years--sharing the stage with Suicidal Tendancies, Death Angel, Possessed, Forbidden, Biohazard, Eyehategod, Warbringer, Goatwhore, Hatriot, Bewitcher, Mordred, Blind Illusion, Hellfire, and many more.

Band Members:
Edgar Sanchez (Lead Vocals, Guitar)

Lenny "Real Steel" Ramirez (Guitar, Backing Vocals)

Zak Kufeld (Bass, Backing Vocals)

Elijah Post (Drums)

Production Details
"FROLIC: Live At the Great American Music Hall" was produced using high-fidelity multi-channel audio captured directly from the soundboard by front-of-house engineer Ivan Garcia and mixed and mastered by Andrew Peacock.

https://www.facebook.com/FrolicxThrash/

https://youtube.com/@frolicthrash

https://www.instagram.com/frolicbayarea

https://frolicbayarea.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-the-great-american-music-hall

https://www.bandsintown.com/a/76864

https://merch.frolic.band/

https://epk.frolic.band/

MIKE PORTNOY: "IT WAS LIKE SEEING YOUR WIFE WITH HER NEW HUSBAND."

January 30, 2025

The returning drumming legend with prog metal titans Dream Theater tells Rock Candy Magazine about his time away from the band and why it feels right to be back in the fold.

“It was a longing to come home, to be with family. The two Johns [Petrucci and Myung] and I started together when we were teenagers, and now here we are creeping up on 60. It goes way deeper than coming back to a band.”

The release of the band's sixteenth studio album, ‘Parasomnia’, finds the friends out on the road and taking their peerless brand of razor-sharp melodic metal to their expectant fans. The band had much success with previous drummer Mike Mangini behind the kit, but Mike Portnoy's reappearance has scratched an itch for many die-hard followers. Mike is very aware of the fans and feels the weight of trying to live up to expectations.

“We just have to write for ourselves and make ourselves happy. Dream Theater fans are so rabid, and so opinionated, and so passionate that there's no way we can please everybody... I really care about our fans. I've spent my whole career trying to model everything I do for them because I relate to them as much as anybody. The hardest thing for me is to keep an eye on that, but also look away from it and please ourselves first and foremost. There's a balance somewhere, though, and hopefully we're striking it.”

You can read our exclusive Mike Portnoy interview, as well as the interviews with all the members of Dream Theater in issue 48 of Rock Candy Magazine, together with in-depth stories and interviews with Ian Gillan, Steve Vai, Pantera and Anthrax's Charlie Benante,Teaze, TKO and more. For more details visit: www.rockcandymag.com

BraveWords Records Announces the Signing of ASKA for the Digital Release of "Knight Strike" in 2025

January 27, 2025

BraveWords Records is excited to announce the signing of ASKA for digital release of "Knight Strike", to be released in 2025. ASKA - a veritable institution now in the world of underground metal - seek to continue their ascent and repave the paths and roadways that were suddenly halted during the worldwide pandemic. By all accounts, their new record, "Knight Strike", is poised to be the group's absolute finest moment.

George Call, Lead Vocals & Guitar in ASKA, talks about signing with BraveWords Records, "In ASKA we've long embraced the spirit of the underground and taken a very hands on approach to writing, recording and releasing our music. Like over-protective fathers with their young children, we've always been quite picky about whose hands we let our creations fall into. We vet the would-be surrogate caregivers; learn about them, look them over, get to know them and then gently pass our handiwork over to they, who in this case, are in a great position to help us get it to metal audiences around the world. This is why today, the band and I are pleased to announce that we have signed a deal with BraveWords Records that will help garner more exposure and attention for our latest, "Knight Strike" record. We know we have a world class record on our hands and undoubtedly, we feel that we'd like more people to discover it. This is why a partnership with BraveWords Records at this juncture makes a lot of sense to us. We look forward to a bright future in partnership with the label and deeply thank all of you that have stood by us so faithfully for so long.".

Giles Lavery BraveWords Records A&R on signing ASKA, "ASKA has for several decades now been releasing albums that can stand proudly next to some of the finest music Heavy Metal has to offer. I encourage any fan of this genre who hasn't already to go ahead and discover for themselves records such as "Avenger", "Absolute Power" or "Fire Eater". ASKA has now done it again with their latest album "Knight Strike". We here at BraveWords Records are excited to bring ASKA and this fine album to the label’s roster."

http://askahq.com

https://www.facebook.com/askahq

https://www.instagram.com/askahq2024

https://www.tiktok.com/@aska.hq

https://www.youtube.com/@askahq

https://www.bandsintown.com/a/41166

https://www.thestoreformusic.com/shop.php#!/Bravewords-Records/c/170260296
http://www.facebook.com/BravewordsRecords
http://www.instagram.com/BravewordsRecords
http://www.twitter.com/BravewordsRec

https://youtube.com/@BravewordsRecords

https://www.tiktok.com/@bravewordsrecs

https://www.threads.net/@bravewordsrecords
http://bravewords.com

BraveWords Records Announce the New Jack Starr Solo Album,"Out of the Darkness Part II" will be Released April 25, 2025

January 24, 2025

BraveWords Records is excited to announce the new Jack Starr solo album,"Out of the Darkness Part II" will be released April 25, 2025.

Jack Starr talking about the new album, “This is the album I always hoped I would make, one that would be filled with power and glory but also melodic and passionate at the same time. This is the sequel to my 1984 album Out of the Darkness, and it truly is a worthy successor that I believe will be embraced with the same affection that greeted the original. So yes, Out of the Darkness Part 2 is here, and I urge everyone to listen to it. Keep the metal burning.”

Video for "Rise Up" from the album Out of the Darkness Part II: Below