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SUBLIME JOINS THE WARPED TOUR LONG BEACH LINEUP

Few bands truly embody the spirit of Long Beach like Sublime — pioneers of punk and ska who helped shape the very first Warped Tour in 1995. Back then, the Brad Nowell-led band was fresh off their breakout single “Date Rape” and shared the stage with future legends like No Doubt and Deftones. Fun fact: Sublime even got temporarily kicked off the tour thanks to Lou Dog, their mischievous dalmatian.

Flash forward 30 years, and Sublime is back, bigger than ever — now with Jakob Nowell, Brad’s son, stepping up as lead vocalist alongside original members Michael “Miguel” Happoldt and bassist Eric Wilson. They’re headlining the rebooted Warped Tour stop in Long Beach on July 26-27. Eric says he’s “happy to be back on the Warped Tour after all these years,” and fans couldn’t agree more.

Tickets sold out fast, but you can still join the waiting list for a chance to see Sublime live. Plus, they’re hitting Dolby Live in Vegas in August for Fear, Loathing and Sublime with Pennywise and The Vandals. Speaking of new, Sublime is dropping an all-new original track, “Ensenada,” on July 18 — the first with Jakob on vocals. It’s classic Sublime vibes with fresh lyrics about love and life’s ups and downs.

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE’S THE POISON TURNS 20 — A NEW ERA LOOMS WITH “SUPER HEAVY” EIGHTH ALBUM ON THE WAY

Two decades ago, Bullet For My Valentine exploded onto the global metal scene with the release of their game-changing debut album, The Poison (2005). Now, in 2025, the Welsh heavyweights are not just celebrating their origins — they're preparing for their eighth studio album, which promises to be “super heavy, really interesting, and fresh,” according to frontman Matt Tuck.

Formed in Bridgend, Wales, Bullet For My Valentine—originally influenced by Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Pantera—emerged during the mid-2000s metalcore wave alongside bands like Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, and Killswitch Engage. But it was The Poison that truly cemented their legacy.

Released on October 3, 2005, through Visible Noise in the U.K. and Trustkill Records in the U.S., The Poison introduced the world to genre-defining anthems like:

• "Tears Don’t Fall"

• "All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me)"

• "4 Words (To Choke Upon)"

• "Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow"

• The album peaked at No. 21 on the U.K. Albums Chart, earned gold certification, and landed at No. 7 on Kerrang!'s 2005 Albums of the Year list. It marked a sonic shift in metalcore — melodic but aggressive, technically sharp yet emotionally raw.

• That same year, Bullet went from supporting Funeral For A Friend to headlining those same U.K. venues, proving just how quickly their impact spread.

In early 2025, Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium joined forces on the road to celebrate the 20th anniversaries of The Poison and Ascendancy, Trivium’s equally iconic breakout album. The co-headlining tour was a dream pairing for fans of the era, reliving the visceral sound that defined mid-2000s metal.

Both bands have remained staples in modern heavy music, evolving in style while preserving the emotional core that made them stand out.

PLUGINZ DROPS OFFICIAL CLIFF BURTON JACK RACK FOR METALLICA FANS

Pluginz just dropped something epic — the Cliff Burton x Jack Rack collection, honoring the thunderous legacy of Metallica’s legendary bassist. Known for pushing boundaries, Cliff Burton changed the game, and now fans can own a piece of his spirit with "The Major Rager": a killer red-and-black wall-mounted key holder built from real amp hardware.

This isn’t just a collectible — it’s a daily nod to a metal icon. Each Jack Rack comes with four guitar plug keychains, a wall mounting kit, and the option to swap magnetic faceplates for your own look.

Available now on thejackrack.com, and coming soon to Amazon and select retailers.

LINKIN PARK TURNS UP THE HEAT IN MILAN WITH 'LINKIN PIZZA' POP-UP — ONE DAY ONLY!

Milan, get ready to feast. On Monday, June 23, something unexpectedly delicious is happening at Piazza Guglielmo Oberdan 12 — it's called Linkin Pizza.
This one-day-only pop-up blends music culture with mouthwatering carbs, brought to life by the band behind some of your favorite anthems.

From 11AM to 8PM, fans can swing by for a slice of something special. The first 200 guests eat free, and there’s no reservation needed. That’s right — just show up hungry.

Expect a custom pizza menu created just for the occasion, plus limited edition merch you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this is one pop-up you don’t want to miss.

KORN GOES ANALOG FOR UPCOMING STUDIO ALBUM

KORN fans, get ready—at this weekend’s Download Festival in the UK, guitarist Munky dropped some exciting news during his interview on BBC Radio 1’s Rock Show. The band is deep into recording the next album—their first since Requiem in 2022.

----- “We’re doing it all on tape. We’re all in the room, sweating it out. The tape is rolling. The guy gives us a thumbs up in the window, and we start playing. And all of us are locked in. And if we don’t get it right, we rewind the tape and we do it again. It takes more commitment. It’s, like, this is how we used to make records. So there’s an energy to it that, I think, we like.” -----
— James “Munky” Shaffer, KORN

When KORN dropped Requiem in February 2022, they didn’t miss. Produced by Chris Collier and the band themselves, the album went straight to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Albums chart.

POPPY ADDS NEW HEADLINE SHOWS THIS FALL

THEY’RE ALL AROUND US—AND THEY’RE COMING BACK FOR MORE

Heads up: Poppy is extending her takeover. The They’re All Around Us tour isn’t done yet—she’s added new U.S. headline dates this fall, and they’re going to be just as chaotic, heavy, and genre-less as you'd expect.

Catch her live with Dying Wish joining the chaos from Sept. 12, and MSPAINT riding shotgun the whole way through.

The tour follows her bold 2024 album, Negative Spaces, and huge collabs with Bad Omens (“V.A.N.”) and Knocked Loose (“Suffocate”).

🎟️ Presales are already live. General tickets go up Friday, June 20 at 10 a.m. You know what to do. \m/

“GRADUATION PLAYLISTS GET HEAVY”

ARE GRADS GETTING TOO INTENSE?
Forget bubbly graduation pop and overplayed party bangers. This year’s grads are turning their backs on tradition and going straight for heavy riffs and real emotion.

According to a new K12 study, which pulled data from thousands of Spotify playlists and surveyed students and families, metal is in, and one band is surprisingly on top.

Guess who’s number one in nu-metal? Yep—Deftones.

You read that right. Deftones outrank Metallica and Slipknot on graduation playlists this year. Their music is haunting, powerful, and weirdly perfect for a generation that’s tired of sugarcoated endings and looking for something that actually says what they feel.

This isn’t just about taste—it’s about identity. Gen Z wants to feel seen, and right now, that means post-metal tension, ambient distortion, and Chino Moreno’s voice. They want a soundtrack that understands what it took to get to this moment.

And if that’s not the most nu-metal grad move ever, we don’t know what is.

BIRMINGHAM TO HOST WORLD'S FIRST OZZY EXHIBIT THIS SUMMER

Get ready, Birmingham — the world’s first Ozzy Osbourne exhibition is about to open in the heart of Black Sabbath’s hometown.

Titled "Working Class Hero," the exhibition launches at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on June 25 and runs through September 28. Entry is completely free, offering fans a rare chance to explore the life and legacy of the Prince of Darkness.

The exhibition features Ozzy’s most prestigious awards, including Grammy wins, MTV honors, his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and both his Hollywood and Birmingham Walk of Fame stars. You’ll also find platinum and gold records, plus never-before-seen photographs and videos tracing his journey from Aston’s working-class streets to global rock icon.

Outside, the city brings the tribute full circle. Victoria Square will host a free Black Sabbath outdoor photo exhibit honoring all four original members — Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — along with iconic album artwork.

And don't miss the 40-meter-long street mural on Navigation Street, just outside New Street Station, by artist Mr Murals, showcasing stunning portraits of the band over seven decades.

It all leads up to Back To The Beginning — a historic final performance on July 5 at Villa Park, where Black Sabbath’s original lineup reunites for the first time since 2005. Joining them is a massive lineup featuring Metallica, Tool, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Alice In Chains, Mastodon, and more. With Tom Morello as musical director, and guest appearances by Billy Corgan, Fred Durst, Jonathan Davis, Zakk Wylde, and many others — this will be one for the ages.

LARS ULRICH ON METALLICA'S NEXT CHAPTER: “NEW IDEAS, NEW FILM — ‘METALLICA SAVED MY LIFE’ IS JUST THE BEGINNING”

Metallica Documentary “Metallica Saved My Life” Premieres at Tribeca – A Global Tribute to the Band’s Impact

In a powerful new chapter of Metallica’s legacy, the band is set to unveil their upcoming documentary, Metallica Saved My Life, with its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on Wednesday, June 11. The film will continue with additional New York City screenings on Thursday and Saturday.

Directed by visionary filmmaker Jonas Åkerlund—known for helming some of Metallica’s most striking visuals, including “Turn The Page” (1998), “Whiskey In The Jar” (1999), and “ManUNkind” (2016)—this emotional documentary dives deep into the global community that surrounds Metallica, told entirely through the eyes of the people whose lives have been changed by the music… including the band themselves.

Åkerlund interviewed fans from 23 countries, painting a rich, intimate portrait of how Metallica’s music became a lifeline, a force of connection, and in many cases, salvation. The film blends powerful fan stories with reflections from James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo, adding personal insight into how the band's own journey has been shaped by those who stood by them through decades of evolution and experimentation.

Metallica Saved My Life is slated for official release later this year, promising not just a film for Metallica fans, but a celebration of what music means to the world.

In their official April announcement of the upcoming documentary Metallica Saved My Life, the band shared a heartfelt message that perfectly captures the spirit of the film — a project rooted in community, resilience, and the power of music.

-----“As a few of you may know, we’ve been working behind the scenes the last couple of years on a new film that will be released later this year starring you guys! ‘Metallica Saved My Life’ explores our world through the lives of fans who have supported each other through highs, lows, trials and triumphs for over four decades. And yeah, we’re in it a little bit too.” ------

2 BILLION VIEWS! NIRVANA’S ANTHEM STILL DOMINATES YOUTUBE

“TEEN SPIRIT” STILL SMELLS LIKE SUCCESS
Over three decades later, Nirvana’s breakout anthem is still breaking records. The official music video for “Smells Like Teen Spirit” just crossed the 2 BILLION VIEW mark on YouTube, after being uploaded way back in 2009.
Certified diamond in late 2024, the track’s journey from going gold in 1992 to hitting 2.44 BILLION SPOTIFY STREAMS proves its timeless impact.
Grunge isn’t just a memory—it’s a movement that never left.

FRESH FEAR FACTORY FRONTIER: NEW ALBUM IN PROGRESS & CAVALERA BROTHERS TOUR CONFIRMED

In a recent interview with Pod Scum’s Reckless Rexx Ruger, Milo Silvestro — fronting Fear Factory since early 2023 — revealed that the band’s much-anticipated first album with him “is coming together really well,” praising the group as “a **badass team at work right now.  Milo shared that he’s deeply involved in the creative process: writing lyrics, adding keyboard and synth layers, and collaborating closely with guitarist Dino Cazares. He highlighted dynamic input from drummer Pete Webber and bassist Tony Campos, calling the studio environment “really cool” and pointing out that everyone is “bringing cool flavors and fills”. 

Formerly posting Fear Factory covers online, Milo caught Dino’s attention and was selected from over 300 vocalists. Officially announced in February 2023, his style — part groove-metal clean vocals, part aggressive rhythms — impressed fans and bandmates alike.  As Dino put it, Milo “came straight from Rome, Italy” and “sounds like a young Burton [C. Bell],” while offering “obvious freshness that Fear Factory needed”.

Next up: a U.S. fall tour with Max & Igor Cavalera, the metal legends behind Sepultura’s “Chaos A.D.”. Expect a crushing blend of fan favorites and brand-new material when Fear Factory hits the road alongside these thrash pioneers. \m/

WATCH BLACK SABBATH & OZZY’S FINAL SHOWS LIVE AROUND THE WORLD: here's how you can watch

BLACK SABBATH TO LIVESTREAM HISTORIC FINAL SHOW ON JULY 5

The original Black Sabbath lineup – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward – will take their final bow together on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham. The night, billed as Back To The Beginning, marks the band’s first full reunion since 2005 – and yes, it will be livestreamed globally.

Can’t make it to the UK? Don’t worry – fans worldwide can catch the show live starting at 3PM BST via the Back To The Beginning website, with tickets available now. Miss the stream? You’ll still have 48 hours to relive the full set on demand.

As if that wasn’t enough, the lineup is a jaw-dropper: Metallica, Tool, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Alice In Chains, Mastodon, and more. This also marks Ozzy’s final solo performance, with appearances by Fred Durst, Jonathan Davis, Zakk Wylde, Papa V Perpetua, and Tom Morello serving as the event's musical director.

It’s a big moment for Ice Nine Kills.
Their haunting anthem “A Grave Mistake” just went GOLD in the United States — their first RIAA-certified single to hit that mark.
The certification came through on June 2, nearly six years after the track debuted on their 2018 horror-core breakout, The Silver Scream.

PLUGINZ DROPS OZZY OSBOURNE COLLECTION AHEAD OF FINAL SHOW

As Ozzy Osbourne gears up for his epic farewell show in Birmingham on July 5 — where he’ll share the stage with Metallica, Sabbath, and Pantera — the team at PLUGINZ just dropped a must-have piece of memorabilia: the Ozzy x Jack Rack Collection.

This high-voltage collab is loaded with Ozzy's signature flair and built from real amp gear. Expect wall-mounted key racks, guitar plug keychains, and artwork ripped from Ozzy's most iconic eras — including a nod to No More Tears.

Available now at thejackrack.com, this is the kind of gear that belongs in the hands of fans, collectors, and rockers alike. Amazon and other outlets are next in line to carry the fire.

This drop isn’t just a product — it’s part of Ozzy’s last stand. Plug in.

----- "Ozzy Osbourne is a rock icon whose influence spans generations," said Mike Stricklin, founder and CEO of Pluginz. "I've always been a huge fan of his, and it's such an honor to be able to create something alongside Ozzy that people can proudly display in their homes, studios, or offices as a tribute to the legend." This Pluginz collection is a tribute to Ozzy's charisma, and undeniable impact on culture. We really wanted to create something that brings his legacy into fans' everyday lives in a novel way," said Stricklin. -------

VIMIC SETS ALBUM DATE, HONORS JOEY JORDISON WITH SPECIAL CONCERT

VIMIC Reunites to Honor Joey Jordison with Album Release and Tribute Show

Nearly a decade in the making, Open Your Omen, the long-lost debut album from VIMIC, will finally see the light of day. The project — led by late Slipknot icon Joey Jordison — will be officially released on October 3, the same night as a reunion concert dedicated to Jordison’s legacy.

Hosted at the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles, the tribute will feature former Murderdolls collaborator Wednesday 13, surprise guests, and a night filled with exclusive merch and musical tributes. Backed by the Joey Jordison Charitable Fund, ticket sales open June 6.

The concert is more than a performance — it’s a movement. Funds raised will support both the promotion of the album and causes close to Joey’s heart. A portion will benefit Broken Strings, a nonprofit giving guitars to young students in Iowa. Joey’s family hopes to expand that mission to include drums in his honor.

Open Your Omen was first announced in 2016, but its journey was marred by setbacks — including label shifts, the untimely death of producer Kato Khandwala, and later, Jordison’s own passing. Featuring tracks like “Fail Me (My Temple)” with Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine, the album channels the fierce spirit of alternative metal with haunting clarity.

VIMIC, formed after Scar the Martyr, includes a powerhouse lineup: Kalen Chase, Jed Simon, Kyle Konkiel, and Matthew Tarach. Though they released four singles, fans have waited nearly a decade for this moment.

------'' Joey went on to say that the project helped him get back on his feet after his battle with acute transverse myelitis:

"This album saved my life. It helped me relearn how to walk and play the drums. Open Your Omen is the rebirth of the rest of my life."

Kalen Chase also fondly recalled the moments with Jordison:

"Playing with Joey was an honor. We had unforgettable experiences on stage, especially in South America. I cherish those memories." -------

VANS WARPED TOUR D.C. LIVESTREAM — JUNE 14-15 ON TWITCH + PRIME VIDEO

Can’t make it to Warped Tour D.C.? Don’t worry — Amazon Music is streaming it LIVE!

On June 14–15, catch the sold-out show on Prime Video and Twitch (@amazonmusic). This year’s lineup is stacked: Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan, MGK, All Time Low, Mayday Parade, Beauty School Dropout, Sublime — need we say more?

Hosted by Lilith Czar and Andy Harms, the livestream will give you full-on backstage access and artist convos in real-time. This is your VIP pass from home — raw, loud, and totally Warped.

• Avril Lavigne

• MGK

• Sublime

• All Time Low

• Simple Plan

• Mayday Parade

• Bowling For Soup

• Asking Alexandria

• Atmosphere

• Hawthorne Heights

• Boys Like Girls

• 3OH!3

• Blessthefall

• Fever 333

• Escape The Fate

• Four Year Strong

• Chiodos

• Dance Hall Crashers

• Fishbone

• Pennywise

• Less Than Jake

• Ice Nine Kills

• Slaughter to Prevail

• Beauty School Dropout

• 408

• Angel Du$t

• Big Ass Truck

• Carpool

• Cartel

• Chandler Leighton

• Cliffdiver

• Comeback Kid

• Drain

• From Ashes To New

• Games We Play

• Gideon

• Gin Wigmore

• Girlfriends

• Heart Attack Man

• Her Leather Jacket

• Hidden In Plain View

• Holywatr

• Honey Revenge

• Huddy

• I Am the Avalanche

• Knuckle Puck

• Nova Twins

ICE NINE KILLS UNLEASHES THE SILVER SCREAM LIMITED EDITION CD — NOW AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER

Theatrical metalcore maestros Ice Nine Kills are turning heads once again with the re-release of their horror-fueled fan favorite, The Silver Scream, now available as a special limited edition CD. Known for blending spine-chilling storytelling with relentless breakdowns, the band invites fans to revisit the iconic album in an exclusive format that celebrates the blood-soaked brilliance that launched them into the genre's elite.

A Collector’s Dream

This limited edition version of The Silver Scream comes housed in a deluxe DVD-style digipak, bringing the album’s cinematic concept to life with packaging that mirrors the classic horror films it draws inspiration from. The preorder also includes a digital album download, giving fans instant access to the fearsome theatrics that define the record.

Featuring instant classics like “A Grave Mistake,” “Thank God It’s Friday,” and “The American Nightmare,” the album pays homage to legendary slasher franchises like Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Saw, and Halloween — each song a tribute to a horror film, wrapped in razor-sharp riffs and vocalist Spencer Charnas’s unmistakable sinister charm.

Where to Preorder

The special edition CD is now available for $12.00 exclusively via Fearless Records’ online store. With its unique packaging and horror-inspired aesthetic, this is a must-have for collectors, fans of the band, and anyone who worships at the altar of cinematic metalcore.

A Legacy of Horror and Hooks

Since its original release in 2018, The Silver Scream has become a defining moment in Ice Nine Kills’ career, expanding their fanbase and solidifying their place as metalcore’s most theatrical and concept-driven act. This re-release reminds us why — no one merges horror, hooks, and heavy metal like INK.

DRAGON PUNCH EN FEU: FRENCH GRIT MEETS GLOBAL ALT-ROCK ENERGY

France just sent a sonic shockwave through the alt-rock scene—and it answers to the name Dragon Punch.
Formed in 2022 and based in Bordeaux, this four-piece band blends grunge, punk, and metal into a high-octane punch of modern alternative rock. With a ferocious frontwoman leading the charge, Dragon Punch is channeling the raw angst of bands like Papa Roach, Sum 41, and Falling in Reverse, while forging a sound that’s entirely their own.

Their debut album, Headaches, dropped in early 2024, pulling listeners into a world of rage and sorrow—and leaving a lasting mark with catchy toplines and explosive energy. The record doesn’t just play—it hits, resonating with fans across underground and online communities alike.

The band is corrently finishing working on their second new album and hopefully a new single "My Favorite Game" to be released on May 16, 2025.

METALLICA’S BLACK ALBUM HITS 20X PLATINUM, MASTER OF PUPPETS NOW 8X PLATINUM

Metallica just joined one of music’s most elite circles. According to a press release from the legendary band’s publicist, The Black Album—officially titled Metallica—has been certified 20x platinum by the RIAA, marking over 20 million copies sold in the U.S. alone.

Released in 1991, the album gave Metallica their first No. 1 on the Billboard 200, where it held the top spot for four weeks. Featuring genre-defining hits like “Enter Sandman,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “Sad But True,” and “The Unforgiven,” the record didn’t just put them on the map—it blew the map up.

Now sitting alongside classics like Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors, Pink Floyd’s The Wall, and AC/DC’s Back in Black, The Black Album is officially in the Double Diamond Club, reserved for albums that have achieved 20 million+ in certified U.S. sales. Even more impressive? It’s still the best-selling album of the Luminate era, spanning every genre over the last 30+ years.

On top of that, Metallica’s 1986 thrash masterpiece, Master of Puppets, has now gone 8x platinum. Long regarded as one of the most influential metal albums of all time, it was also the final LP to feature late bassist Cliff Burton and originally peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard 200.

Currently in the third year of their massive M72 World Tour, Metallica will take over Northwest Stadium in Washington, D.C. on May 28. And for the diehards, the band is prepping a deluxe box set of 1996’s Load—dropping June 13—loaded with 245 unreleased tracks.

"THE EMPTINESS MACHINE" EARNS LINKIN PARK AMA VICTORY — NU METAL IS BACK ON TOP

Linkin Park is back — and louder than ever. Their explosive track "The Emptiness Machine" just took home the American Music Award for Favorite Rock Song, marking a powerful victory for the band’s bold new chapter.

The song, pulled from their 2024 comeback album "From Zero", features Emily Armstrong (ex-Dead Sara) as the new lead vocalist — and she’s not just filling shoes, she’s kicking down doors. Armstrong’s raw energy blends seamlessly with the band’s signature nu-metal roots and fresh electronic layers, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and next-gen.

Held at the BleauLive Theater in Las Vegas on Monday night (26), the AMAs also saw Twenty One Pilots snag Favorite Rock Artist and Favorite Rock Album with Clancy, while Billie Eilish dominated with wins in seven categories, including Artist of the Year.

But for Linkin Park, this wasn’t just about awards — it was about reclaiming their place in the rock landscape. With “The Emptiness Machine,” they’ve proven the engine is far from empty — it’s roaring back to life.

AI CONTROVERSY HITS ICE NINE KILLS: FANS ACCUSE BAND OF DITCHING ORIGINALITY FOR SALES

MEMORIAL DAY MERCH OR AI MESS? ICE NINE KILLS STIR UP CONTROVERSY

It was supposed to be a fun horror-themed holiday promo.
But now, it’s turning into an unexpected PR nightmare.

Ice Nine Kills posted an Instagram story showing Freddy Krueger and Jason grilling up some Memorial Day vibes, with a “Chop Here” call-to-action linking to their merch shop.
But fans quickly noticed something was off.

The image looked too stylized, too smooth — and many believe it was made with AI tools.

That might seem minor… but in a time where AI-generated art is splitting the creative world, this hit a nerve.
Fans are asking:
Why would a band known for its cinematic vision outsource its art to an algorithm?

No comment yet from the band.
But the bigger issue is this:
Can bands claim to support the creative community while turning to machines to do the job?

LIVE ROCK ANTHEMS THAT ALWAYS HIT HARD - AND ONE BAND YOU HAVE TO SEE LIVE

Some bands make killer studio records and ride that wave. And hey, there's nothing wrong with that — great songs are great songs.
But real bands? They play gigs.

They show up, sweat it out under the lights, and give the crowd something you can’t stream. Because we don’t just want to hear the music —
we want to feel it. Breathe it. Live it.

Being a great live band, though? That’s a different beast. There’s an art to sounding tight while staying wild. The best of the best? They don’t just recreate the album — they elevate it.
They shift it, stretch it, make it mean something more in the moment.

Think Queen.
Even if you somehow muted the sound (why would you though?), Freddie Mercury alone would’ve made it worth the ticket.
Or Devo, surprisingly. Slick, studio-heavy, yes — but live? Totally captivating.

For a few hours, it’s not just music anymore. It’s a collective high. It’s the most human we ever get.

And then there’s Slipknot.

They still drop records, yeah. But these days? The albums feel like ammo for the live show. And that’s not a dig — it’s a compliment of the highest order.
Slipknot is one of the greatest live bands in modern rock, full stop.

Their stage? Chaos, precision, energy — all cranked to 11.
There’s a baseball bat smashing a keg in time with the beat. Nine people making sure you never know where to look.
And the sound? It doesn’t just fill the room. It takes over your nervous system.

You don’t even need to know the words. You just need to let go.

“Duality” for exemple:

From the second Corey Taylor growls “I push my fingers into my eyes…”, the place erupts.
There’s a kind of slow-burn chaos to this one — a steady build of tension, the kind that makes your spine tighten before it breaks into sheer, pounding catharsis.

The almost-rap flow in the bridge?
It’s not quite a breakdown — it’s a warning.
And what follows? Total destruction, in the best way possible.

METALLICA CONFIRMS 2026 LONDON STADIUM TAKEOVER — GET READY TO SCREAM ALONG

Metallica are bringing the M72 World Tour back to the UK and Europe in 2026 — and yes, London, you're on the list.

The legendary metal outfit has announced a fresh round of stadium dates for their record-breaking M72 Tour, supporting their 11th studio album, 72 Seasons. The UK leg will hit Dublin, Glasgow, and Cardiff before landing in London for a massive two-night takeover at London Stadium on July 3 and 5, 2026.

Each London night will be part of the band’s signature "No Repeat Weekend" — meaning two completely different setlists and unique opening acts.

• July 3: Gojira and Knocked Loose

• July 5: Pantera and Avatar

Outside the UK, Metallica will also be hitting stadiums in Bologna, Budapest, Athens, Bucharest, Chorzów, Zurich, Berlin, and Frankfurt.

Two-day tickets for London go on general sale at 10am on May 30, while fanclub pre-sale access opens at 11am on May 27. Don’t sleep on this — it’s going to sell out fast.

SHIPROCKED 2026 DROPS EXPLOSIVE LINEUP FEATURING KNOCKED LOOSE, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, AND WAGE WAR

THE FIRST WAVE OF ARTISTS FOR SHIPROCKED 2026 HAS DOCKED!

Get ready to set sail for the ultimate rock voyage — ShipRocked 2026 is officially on the horizon. From January 25–31, the Carnival Horizon will launch from Miami, FL and cruise to the Bahamas, delivering six unforgettable days of music, community, and chaos at sea.

Leading next year’s lineup are powerhouse headliners including Halestorm — who will deliver a special port set in Nassau — along with the crushing energy of Motionless In White, hardcore heroes Knocked Loose, and metalcore giants Wage War.

Also joining the main deck are genre-defiers AWOLNATION, crossover legends Suicidal Tendencies, the theatrical force of Avatar, cinematic rockers Starset, rising stars Sleep Theory, and fan-favorites From Ashes To New and Kittie.

But that’s just the beginning...

More confirmed artists include (in alphabetical order):
‘68, Archetypes Collide, Aurorawave, The Barbarians Of California, Dead Poet Society, DeathbyRomy, Dinosaur Pile-Up, The Funeral Portrait, Holy Wars, House Of Protection, Lowlives, Not Enough Space, Shepherd’s Reign, UnityTX, and Zero 9:36.

And yes — more artists are still to be announced.

ShipRocked 2026 promises to be one of the most electrifying editions yet. Whether you’re a returning survivor or about to experience your first voyage, this is your chance to join a floating community of rock fans from around the world for a week of non-stop music and memories.

Stay tuned. The ship is just getting started.

''HELL OF A SUMMER'' - ICE NINE KILLS LAUNCHES 2025 HEADLINING TOUR

Get ready for a blood-soaked summer—Ice Nine Kills have officially announced their "Hell of a Summer Tour," set to scorch cities across the U.S. this August.

From August 8 through August 31, the horror-metal heavyweights will be joined by Dayseeker, the genre-bending Kim Dracula, and theatrical rockers The Funeral Portrait.

Kicking off September 2, pop-punk icons Mest will join the madness, riding the tour through its final Florida dates.

A special highlight: September 13 at Silver Scream Con, featuring Dayseeker, The Funeral Portrait, Mest, and a surprise appearance by A Loss for Words.

LINKIN PARK DROPS DELUXE EDITION OF FAN-FAVORITE ALBUM ‘FROM ZERO’

Linkin Park just made From Zero even bigger. The deluxe edition adds three unreleased tracks, including the emotionally charged “Let You Fade,” where Mike Shinoda and Emily Armstrong trade lines over a soundscape that sways from crushing intensity to hushed vulnerability. This is Linkin Park in peak form — raw, refined, and unpredictable.

The era began with “Up From The Bottom,” a breakout hit that cracked the Top 5 on Rock/Alt radio, pulling in over 42 million Spotify streams and 22 million YouTube views.

Now deep into the From Zero World Tour, the band has left Mexico, Tokyo, and Jakarta stunned — and the U.S. leg is currently underway, courtesy of Live Nation. On May 31, Linkin Park takes over the UEFA Champions League Final opening show in Munich, hosted by Pepsi® and UC3. From there, it’s sold-out stadiums in London, Paris, and Boston, where demand forced the addition of a second date. Special guests — including Spiritbox, AFI, Architects, grandson, Jean Dawson, JPEGMAFIA, and PVRIS — rotate in throughout the tour, which wraps on November 11 in Brazil.

SLEEP TOKEN MAKE ARIA HISTORY WITH EVEN IN ARCADIA HITTING NO. 1

Sleep Token just took the crown down under — Even In Arcadia has officially debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart, marking their first-ever Australian chart-topper. Their last record, Take Me Back to Eden, hit No. 3 in 2023, but this time, they went straight to the top. Sleep Token are from the United Kingdom, specifically London, England.

The band is known for their mysterious, masked identity, blending elements of alternative metal, R&B, ambient, and progressive rock. They’ve gained a global cult following, especially for their theatrical live performances and emotionally heavy, genre-defying sound. The lead vocalist goes by the name Vessel, and the true identities of the members remain officially anonymous.

FOO FIGHTERS FIRE DRUMMER ''JOSH FRESSE''-SHOCKED AND DISAPPOINTED''-

Josh Freese joined Foo Fighters in 2023 to honor Taylor Hawkins’ legacy, but it looks like the band’s ready to mix things up and head down a different road.

After two solid years behind the kit, Josh Freese is out of Foo Fighters. According to Freese, the band called him Monday night to say they’re “going in a different direction” — no further reason given. “I’m not angry, just shocked and disappointed,” he said, admitting it’s the first time in 40 years he’s ever been let go. Still, he took it like a pro — and even teased a “Top 10 reasons Josh got booted” list. The drumming world may laugh, but fans are left wondering: was this just creative change, or something deeper behind the curtain?

-----'“The Foo Fighters called me Monday night to let me know they’ve decided “to go in a different direction with their drummer.” reason was given. 🙁 Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band. In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I’ve never been let go from a band, so while I’m not angry-just a bit shocked and disappointed. But as most of you know I’ve always worked freelance and bounced between bands so, I’m fine. Stay tuned for my “Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters” list.” -----''

I PREVAIL PARTS WAYS WITH VOCALIST BRIAN BURKHEISER

Earlier today, Thursday, May 15, I PREVAIL issued the following statement across their social media platforms:

Today we share that we are mutually parting ways with Brian Burkheiser. This was a difficult decision, but we believe it is the right one and we are all grateful for the 10 epic years we shared together. We wish Brian nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors. Moving forward, Eric will continue to be the powerhouse frontman you’ve come to know and love. He’ll be backed up live by Dylan who you’ve seen in this role many times over the years at the shows we’ve performed without Brian. Rest assured, we will continue to deliver the high-energy shows that we’ve made a pillar of our band, and we will continue to perform all the bangers from our catalogue. All scheduled shows will go on exactly as planned. New music coming soon... See you out there. Eric, Steve, Dylan and Gabe.

I PREVAIL released their latest album, True Power, in 2022 via Fearless Records. The album’s success fueled a sold-out, two-leg tour across the U.S. and Canada, solidifying the band’s reputation as one of the most electrifying acts in modern rock.

IN AN INTERVIEW, MIKE SHINODA SAYS EMILY ARMSTRONG IS “DOING GREAT” — BUT IS LINKIN PARK RISKING EVERYTHING?

 After a seven-year silence, LINKIN PARK returned last September via livestream, debuting vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain. They now perform alongside original members Mike Shinoda, Joe Hahn, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, and Brad Delson — although Alex Feder is currently handling live guitar duties in Delson’s place.

-------"I think I met Em in 2019. We did a writing session just to kind of… I was just curious about who she was and what she did, and I was so impressed. And at the time, our band wasn't really ready to like do anything. Everybody was still just kind of… We'd do a session or we'd hang out and we wouldn't talk for a while and we'd come back, we wouldn't talk… And so we just weren't ready, I think. And then sometime around 2022, we did one of those. And then we did another one, and then we did another one. It was, like, it started. Something happened. I don't know what it was, but everybody was just ready to go." ------''

Watch full interview below:

JAMES HETFIELD MEETS HIS MATCH: A HORSE NAMED AFTER METALLICA’S DARKEST HIT

In the world of the Kentucky Derby, a horse’s name can be as iconic as its finish. And this year, all eyes—and bets—are on Sandman.

While Derby contenders often sport creative monikers, Sandman’s name hits a cultural sweet spot, drawing from both sports legends and rock royalty.

Jonathan Green, part-owner of Sandman, took inspiration from Yankees Hall-of-Famer Mariano Rivera, who famously walked to the mound to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” Green hopes his horse will close races just like Rivera closed games.

Though not directly named after the Metallica hit, the band has embraced the tribute, even sending gear to the team behind Sandman. And that bond became official when James Hetfield himself showed up to visit the horse the day before the race.

Now, with 6-1 odds and a strong position out of Gate No. 17, Sandman enters the race as a top contender, trailing only Journalism (3-1) and Sovereignty (5-1).

This isn't just a name—it’s a movement. Go Sandman!!!

NEW DRUMMER JOINS GUNS N' ROSES ON STAGE IN SOUTH KOREA

GUNS N’ ROSES KICKS OFF 2025 TOUR WITH NEW DRUMMER DEBUT
The wait is finally over. Guns N’ Roses returned to the stage on Thursday, May 1, launching their massive 2025 world tour at Songdo Moonlight Festival Park in Incheon, South Korea. The high-energy set featured 22 songs and one major surprise: the live debut of drummer Isaac Carpenter.

Carpenter steps in for Frank Ferrer, who wrapped up his nearly 20-year run with the band last November in Mexico.

A seasoned powerhouse from Washington, Carpenter has built his name with acts like AWOLNATION, A Perfect Circle, and Duff McKagan’s Loaded, bringing raw energy and experience to the legendary lineup.

SHARON OSBOURNE ANNOUNCES AEROSMITH AND SOUNDGARDEN FOR SABBATH FINALE

In a move that elevates an already historic event, Steven Tyler and the remaining members of Soundgarden have been confirmed for Black Sabbath’s final farewell concert, Back To The Beginning. The update comes from Sharon Osbourne herself, speaking with The Guardian.

Taking place July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, the night will be packed with heavyweights like Metallica, Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, and a supergroup uniting Fred Durst, Billy Corgan, Papa V Perpetua, and others. Jason Momoa is set to host, while Tom Morello, who’s directing the show, hints that even more surprises await.

After the heartbreaking death of Chris Cornell in 2017, the remaining members of Soundgarden — Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, and Ben Shepherd — have carried his spirit forward with heartfelt performances and a powerful 2019 tribute concert. This July, they join the iconic lineup at Back To The Beginning, ahead of their upcoming Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction in November.

In an emotional reveal via The Guardian, Tony Iommi shared that he was the final holdout in reuniting Black Sabbath’s classic lineup. What changed his mind? The entire event’s proceeds will be donated to charity — a cause worthy of a final bow.

‘LOAD’ ERA RETURNS: METALLICA ANNOUNCE DELUXE BOX SET ARRIVING JUNE 13

The Load era is back — and louder than ever. On June 13, 2025, Metallica will drop a remastered deluxe box set of their 1996 album Load, via Blackened Recordings.

The box set was remastered by Reuben Cohen with oversight from Greg Fidelman, and is now up for pre-order at metallica.com. Fans who lock in the deluxe edition early will get instant access to four tracks, including:

• “Until It Sleeps (Remastered)”

• “Herman Melville Mix”

• A rare vocal idea mix titled “F.O.B.D.”

• And a raw 1996 live version from Slim’s in San Francisco.

Format options? Oh yeah — it's coming on 2LP 180g vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital, including a spatial audio Atmos mix. And yes, they’re finally giving us the extended version of “The Outlaw Torn”, in all its unedited glory.

KERRY KING TALKS JEFF HANNEMAN'S DEATH IMPACT ON HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH TOM ARAYA.

In a raw interview with Brazil’s Cucamonga, Kerry King of SLAYER shared how the 2013 death of Jeff Hanneman forever altered the dynamic between him and Tom Araya, forever changing their relationship.

In January 2011, a spider bite left Jeff Hanneman fighting for his life after contracting the flesh-eating disease, necrotizing fasciitis. The infection ravaged his arm, leading to life-threatening surgeries and extensive rehab. Though he battled through, Hanneman's life was cut short in May 2013, when alcohol-related cirrhosis took him. As the mastermind behind tracks like "Angel of Death" and "South of Heaven," his influence on SLAYER is immeasurable.

-----"I think Jeff's passing weighed harder on Tom than it did on me. And I don’t mean that from any kind of friendship perspective. It’s just my taking wasn’t as bad as Tom took it. Of course, it was horrible, and no one ever wanted that to happen, but it really weighed on Tom. I think that’s what led to him wanting to retire earlier than me, because I think he felt the band was different. But then, out of nowhere, Tom decided he wanted to play some SLAYER shows last year, and I went, ‘Well, I never wanted to stop playing shows. So, yeah, let’s try it out.’

King continued: "Just like it was in the earlier years of SLAYER, [Tom and I] don’t talk on the phone. We rarely text each other. And that’s just because when you’re together for 40 years — he became a very different person. He’s not the guy I started the band with. Not personally — just him; he’s a different person. I basically stayed very similar to who I’ve been in my twenties. And I like Tom. We’re cool. We got together [last year to rehearse for the SLAYER reunion concerts]. It wasn’t weird. We did those two shows [at Riot Fest in Chicago and Aftershock Festival in Sacramento]. He was super happy. We got together after the second one, had a shot after the show. He’ll drink tequila and I love tequila, so that’s what we had. And I think the first idea to play [with SLAYER again] this year was for the Louder Than Life festival show we missed last year ‘cause of the hurricane. So we rebooked that and [I] said, ‘If we never play another show, I wanna make that right with the promoter,’ because it wasn’t our fault. But he wanted us to play. So we’re playing there this year. And this year we get to play that BLACK SABBATH show in early July in Birmingham, United Kingdom]. I can’t fucking wait." -----

SAMMY HAGAR AND KIRK HAMMETT SET TO JOIN FORCES

 Long recognized for his love of horror and a vast collection of memorabilia, Kirk Hammett also found himself drawn to the mysteries of outer space early on. In a 2022 conversation with UCR, he said, "2001: A Space Odyssey was definitely a huge, huge thing for me."

While their collaboration is on hold for the moment, Sammy Hagar has no shortage of action ahead. He’s gearing up for his Best of All Worlds residency in Las Vegas, kicking off on April 30 and running through May. In the meantime, fans can dive into new music — Hagar just released "Encore, Thank You, Goodnight," a heartfelt song born from a dream about his former bandmate, Eddie Van Halen.

THE USED ADDS FALL LEG TO 2025 U.S. TOUR: NEW DATES AND VENUES ANNOUNCED

In honor of 25 years of chaos, catharsis, and cult-classic anthems, The Used is taking fans on another ride—this time, with a brand-new fall leg of their 2025 tour.

Following a packed spring run, the band just dropped dates for six more cities, each getting an intimate three-night stand between October and mid-November. They’ll be throwing it back to where it all began, performing tracks from their first three albums:
The Used, In Love and Death, and Lies for the Liars.

From Orem, Utah garage shows to international stages, The Used has never lost that raw energy. And now, they're giving long-time fans a chance to relive it—louder than ever.

THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS PREPARES FOR HIS LAST UK PERFORMANCE

Ozzy Osbourne has officially begun a physical training routine to prepare for what could be his final live performance, set for later this year at the Back to the Beginning Festival in Aston Villa, Birmingham—the city where it all started.

In a recent interview on Ozzy Speaks (SiriusXM), transcribed by Blabbermouth.net, the icon told Billy Morrison that he's focused on rebuilding the stamina needed to command the stage once more. After years of medical procedures and the premature end of his No More Tours 2 run, Ozzy is making a slow but determined return:

"I'm waking up inside my own body again. It's slow, but I'm coming back."

Back to the Beginning will serve as a massive tribute to Ozzy’s legacy, featuring a historic Black Sabbath reunion with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, alongside a stacked lineup under the musical direction of Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine).
Confirmed acts include: Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Alice in Chains, Mastodon, and Anthrax.

-----"I'm training hard for this presentation. I haven't done anything for seven years," Ozzy admitted.
"There were several surgeries and a long recovery process. It's like starting from scratch. I've been focusing on endurance—because the first thing you lose when you stop is your breath.
Believe it or not, I'm taking two three-minute walks a day and have even started weight training. I need to move."

He added, "It may seem like a little, but after everything, those few minutes on my feet feel like a real new beginning." ------''

SLIPKNOT’S LONG-LOST ORIGINAL LOGO RESURFACES AFTER DECADES

Joey Jordison’s original Slipknot logo has officially seen the light of day—thanks to his family.
In mid-2022, his loved ones launched a tribute page on Instagram, filled with intimate moments, band relics, and deep cuts from his creative journey. One year later, fans were treated to a photo of the first tribal “S” logo, sketched on a desk his dad gave him.
Now, they've posted something even more striking: a folded sheet of paper labeled “Original Logo Slipknot,” followed by Joey’s raw, handwritten version of the band name. The uneven, jagged lettering looks like it was scratched into the paper, a style that still echoes in the band’s current branding.
Years ago, Jordison shared with Kerrang! that he had saved a stack of personal logo designs—hoping one day to release them. That day is here.

------ ''"I have tons of folders of sketches, logos of pretty much any band I’ve been in. I drew the Slipknot logo and the tribal ‘S’, the Murderdolls logo, Scar the Martyr. I designed the Vimic logo. I’d love to put out a book someday of all of my sketches," he said. ------''

METALLICA KICK OFF 2025 WORLD TOUR

METALLICA LAUNCH 2025 TOUR WITH A ONE-NIGHT-ONLY BLAST IN SYRACUSE

Metallica officially kicked off their 2025 tour on Saturday night in Syracuse, New York, delivering a massive 16-song set packed with timeless classics and cuts from their 2023 record, 72 Seasons.

Originally slated to begin at Sick New World in Las Vegas on April 12, the tour’s launch was shifted after the festival was canceled due to “unforeseen circumstances.” But Syracuse got something unique: a one-night-only show, unlike the band’s usual two-night format per city.

Saturday’s performance blended highlights from both of Metallica’s typical setlists, opening with “Creeping Death” and closing with the anthemic “Enter Sandman.”

Next up: Toronto. Metallica will bring their full two-show experience to the city on April 24 and 26, promising two different setlists, double the energy, and no repeat tracks.

The M72 World Tour rolls on — and it's not slowing down.

SELLOUT OR STANDOUT? SERJ TANKIAN TEAMS UP WITH GIBSON ON A HIGH-END LES PAUL MODERN

WHEN GUITAR GODS AND ART ICONS COLLIDE.
Serj Tankian has teamed up with Gibson to unleash the “Foundations” Les Paul Modern—a fully immersive, fully Serj experience that blends music, art, and story into one insane collector’s drop.

Debuting at an invite-only event in L.A. on April 17, the package celebrates his “Foundations” EP, but it’s way more than a guitar. Here’s what you’re getting:

• Only 25 made in the world

• A signed guitar infused with Serj’s painting “Sunburst”

• A signed EP vinyl, memoir, and art print

• And yeah—2 VIP tickets to see System Of A Down live (NYC, Chi, or Toronto)

Whether you’re a gearhead or a die-hard fan, this one hits different.

NERVOSA BECOMES FIRST INTERNATIONAL ALL-FEMALE METAL ACT TO PLAY IN CHINA

Brazilian thrash powerhouse Nervosa just broke new ground—becoming the first-ever all-female metal band from abroad to perform at a major festival in China. From the stage to the crowd, the energy was unforgettable. A milestone moment for the band, and for metal itself, next stop now will be Australia and Japan! 

LINKIN PARK TO HEADLINE 2025 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL KICK-OFF SHOW

Linkin Park will headline the UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show on May 31, 2025. Get ready for a massive night of music and football, as one of the most influential rock bands of our time takes over the global spotlight.

“MORE NERVE-WRACKING THAN PLAYING READING” — BMTH GUITARIST LEE MALIA SAYS PERFORMING “DEEP-CUT METALLICA RIFFS” FOR SIX-YEAR-OLDS WAS THE REAL TEST

Bring Me The Horizon guitarist Lee Malia recently opened up about an unexpectedly nerve-wracking performance — and no, it wasn’t a festival crowd. In a new interview with Andertons, Malia revealed that his most recent bout of nerves came when he was asked to perform live for a group of six-year-olds at his daughter’s school.

According to Malia, the experience was “more daunting than a headline slot at Reading & Leeds”, proving that even seasoned musicians can get the jitters — especially when the audience is tiny, brutally honest, and sitting on the floor.

“Her head teacher asked me to come in and play for all the kids in the school hall.

I just played them, like, deep-cut Metallica riffs,” he added. “To six-year-olds who didn’t have a clue what I was playing. It was surreal – but they loved it, though!

They were all, like, jumping about and stuff. So it was pretty fun.” ----- ''

SLEEP TOKEN BREAK INTO THE UK TOP 10 FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER WITH THEIR LATEST SINGLE ‘CARAMEL’

The rise of Sleep Token continues—this time, with a UK Top 10 milestone. Their new single ‘Caramel’ debuted at #10 on the Official Singles Chart (April 11), making it the band’s highest charting single to date.

The masked metal collective now sits just behind Chappell Roan’s ‘The Giver’ and ahead of Alex Warren’s ‘Carry You Home’.

‘Caramel’ is the second glimpse into their upcoming album ‘Even In Arcadia’, due May 9 via RCA, and follows the powerful lead single ‘Emergence’, which reached #17 — their first ever appearance in the UK Top 40.

With a headline spot at Download 2025 locked in, Sleep Token aren’t just making noise—they’re redefining modern heavy music.

BENSON BOONE STUNTS AT COACHELLA 20225 WITH QUEEN'S BRIAN MAY ON STAGE

According to TMZ, Benson Boone and Brian May had boots on the ground in the desert early. The outlet obtained a photo of the two stepping off a private jet at the Palm Springs private airport on Friday morning — just hours ahead of their surprise onstage collaboration at Coachella. The image quickly sparked rumors of a major guest appearance, which Boone more than delivered on when he brought out the Queen guitarist for a jaw-dropping performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” — specifically the iconic “Mama” section that had the crowd singing every word.

Born in Monroe, Washington, Benson started making waves back in 2021 after briefly appearing on American Idol, then choosing his own path. That same year, he dropped “Ghost Town”, a piano-driven ballad that quickly took over TikTok and streaming charts, grabbing the attention of Dan Reynolds (Imagine Dragons), who signed him to Night Street Records.

Coachella 2025 had no shortage of big names, but one performance stood out — and it came from an artist who, just a few years ago, was uploading videos from his hometown of Monroe, Washington.

On this friday night [04.11.25], Benson Boone took the stage and delivered a powerful, emotionally charged set that had the crowd fully locked in. Known for his soaring vocals and honest songwriting, Boone turned the desert into his personal stage — but it was what happened halfway through the show that took things to the next level.

As the opening chords of “Mama” filled the air — a haunting tribute to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” — the audience erupted as Brian May, legendary guitarist of Queen, walked out and joined Boone onstage. The two shared the spotlight for a stripped-down, spine-tingling performance that instantly became one of the festival’s most talked-about moments.

It was more than just a surprise. It was a passing of the torch!

INCUBUS IN BRAZIL: DRUMMER JOSE PASILLAS SPEAKS TO ROLLING STONE BRAZIL DEFORE HITTING THE STAGE

While on tour through Brazil, José Pasillas, the dynamic drummer of Incubus, gave an exclusive interview to Rolling Stone Brasil just before the band’s show at Espaço Unimed. The band had already performed in Curitiba, and ended the night yesterday with a high-energy set in São Paulo.

He said the album “It’s done. Fully recorded, mastered— They are just figuring out the packaging and release date now. Most of the Incubus albums tend to sound different from one another, and this one’s no exception. But there’s definitely a bunch of headbangers on there. (he says) Like with all our records, there are highs, lows, and everything in between. That dynamic keeps it interesting. The Recording was super exciting and honestly a lot of fun. Hopefully, they will have it out by the end of the year—sometime in the fall.” ----

NU METAL IS BACK—AND JACOBY SHADDIX HAS SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT IT

Speaking with Rock 108’s Ned, Jacoby Shaddix of PAPA ROACH shared his thoughts on the growing wave of nu metal’s resurgence and how it feels to see the genre make headlines once again. 

There was a time—from 1994 to 2004—when nu metal was everywhere. TV, magazines, radio—it was a total takeover. With its fusion of hard-hitting riffs, hip-hop beats, and alt-rock swagger, it’s no wonder the genre exploded. While RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE laid the groundwork, it was a wave of genre-benders that carried nu metal to the top.

Still, critics weren’t kind. AllMusic’s Gregory Heaney summed it up as “one of metal’s more unfortunate pushes into the mainstream.” Bands like KORN, DEFTONES, and SLIPKNOT began to shy away from the nu metal label, some rejecting it outright. Even those who embraced the scene in its heyday moved on, trading in their early sound for something they felt better reflected who they had become.

“Dude, it's sick, man, because although the '80s hair metal never really had this major resurgence — I mean, MÖTLEY CRÜE had a second wind — but nu metal, for real, is having like a second go-around right now. It's so dope. And it's cool because there's this underbelly of bands that were listening to our bands back in the day that we're now sharing the stage with all these guys — BEARTOOTH and BRING ME THE HORIZON, to name a couple — that were fans of this genre of music.

And so you could hear how our music inspired them and influenced it and then they just flipped it on its head and did their own thing. And it's just really cool to have this moment. Watching our brothers in DEFTONES have another moment in their career. And ourselves experiencing that right now, it's so dope, man. It really is. It's so cool.”

"Nostalgia is such a powerful thing, and it's so cool to see that that era is making its way back around. And part of it is because, you know, time. And the other part of it is this new generation of bands that were little kids that were listening to bands like PAPA ROACH or KORN or DEFTONES or LIMP BIZKIT or LINKIN PARK, those were the bands that they were listening to, so this music kind of influenced them. And now bands like OF MICE & MEN or BRING ME THE HORIZON, you can hear elements of nu metal in that music. And that's frickin' sick."

Watch the full interview with Jacoby Shaddix on Iowa’s Rock 108 to hear even more insight into the nu metal resurgence, Papa Roach’s legacy, and the bands shaping the future of heavy music.

WORST ANNOUNCES NEW DRUMMER — BRUNO SANTIN JOINS THE LINEUP

Brazilian hardcore giants WORST have officially named Bruno Santin as their new drummer.

Santin comes with serious pedigree — he previously worked as drum tech for Eloy Casagrande, the former powerhouse behind Sepultura’s iconic kit work.

The band shared [  Notícia importante ⚠️ ]
Deem as boas vindas ao nosso novo baterista @brunosantin !!!
Seja bem vindo mano! Vamo com tudo!!!
Boss ex-batera Lucas teve que sair da banda por motivos pessoais, impossibilitando de sair em turnês com a banda.
Vamo pra cima que o trem tá desenfreado e com força total!!!

This marks a new chapter for WORST, and it’s clear they’re gearing up to deliver their most explosive era yet.

Bruno Santin is a seasoned Brazilian drummer renowned in the metal and hardcore scenes. Hailing from Piracicaba, São Paulo, he has contributed his drumming expertise to several notable bands:

• Endrah: Santin has been a pivotal member of this deathcore band, contributing to releases like The Culling (2012) and Shoot, Shovel, Shut Up (2016).

• Lockdown: A death metal project formed during the pandemic, featuring João Gordo on vocals.

• Cardiac and Oitão: Santin has also showcased his drumming prowess with these groups.

In 2024, he briefly joined Project46, a prominent Brazilian metal band, but stepped down to support his mother during her health challenges.

COACHELLA 2025’S LIVESTREAM IS LOCKED AND LOADED WITH LEGENDS

HOW TO WATCH COACHELLA 2025 LIVE
Coachella 2025 is almost here, lighting up the desert across two weekends — April 11–13 and April 18–20 — and once again, you don’t need to be in California to catch the action.

This year, Coachella is going all out with its Livestream App, available on Apple and Android. You can build a custom schedule, get notifications for your favorite artists, watch performance highlights, and even grab some exclusive merch.

Prefer to keep it simple? Just hit up the Coachella YouTube channel, where you’ll find separate livestreams for each stage.

Weekend 1 brings a stacked lineup including:
Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, Travis Scott, Missy Elliott, Megan Thee Stallion, Ty Dolla $ign, Clairo, Beabadoobee, Lisa, Djo, Benson Boone, Charli XCX, Japanese Breakfast, GoRilla, The Dare, Mustard, 2hollis, and more.

A METALLICA STORY TOLD BY THE FANS WHO’VE FELT EVERY HIGH AND LOW

Since their early days in the ’80s, Metallica has grown into a global force, with a fanbase that’s just as iconic—longtime followers and new fans alike, all connected by the power of the music.

ROCK GIANTS COLLIDE: BREAKING BENJAMIN AND THREE DAYS GRACE LAUNCH EPIC FALL TOUR

Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace Announce Late Summer/Fall 2025 Co-Headline Tour

Following their current tour with Staind, Breaking Benjamin has officially announced a co-headlining run with Three Days Grace, set to kick off in late summer and stretch into early fall 2025.

Both bands bring an arsenal of rock radio hits to the table — Breaking Benjamin with fan favorites like “Give Me a Sign” and “The Diary of Jane,” and Three Days Grace known for their massive singles like “I Hate Everything About You” and “Time of Dying.”

The tour marks a major moment for fans: it’s the first co-headline run since the official return of Adam Gontier to the Three Days Grace lineup — a long-awaited reunion that’s already generating buzz across the rock community.

The two bands will co-headline Wells Fargo Arena (soon to be renamed the Casey’s Center) on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

BLINK-182 HIT THE ROAD IN 2025 WITH ‘MISSIONARY IMPOSSIBLE TOUR’ DATES

BLINK-182 ARE BACK — and they’re coming in hot with their MISSIONARY IMPOSSIBLE 2025 TOUR. Fresh off the momentum of their chart-topping album One More Time…, the legendary trio is hitting the stage with longtime friends Alkaline Trio on all tour stops. From stadiums to stacked festival lineups, this is a must-see for punk rock fans coast to coast.

DATES TO LOCK IN:
^Festival Shows
Alkaline Trio support on all non-festival dates

AUG 28 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live ^
AUG 29 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre *
SEP 1 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium *
SEP 3 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park *
SEP 4 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Amphitheater *
SEP 6 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts *
SEP 7 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC *
SEP 9 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion *
SEP 11 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater *
SEP 13 – Pittsburgh, PA – Four Chord Music Festival ^
SEP 14 – Asbury Park, NJ – Sea Hear Now ^
SEP 16 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center *
SEP 17 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center *
SEP 21 – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees ^
SEP 22 – Huntsville, AL – The Orion Amphitheater *
SEP 24 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP *
SEP 26 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater *
SEP 27 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center *
OCT 2 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock Festival ^
OCT 4 – Palm Desert, CA – Acrisure Arena *

GIVE BLOOD. GET A SHIRT. JOIN METALLICA IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

Metallica is teaming up with the @americanredcross and our @allwithinmyhandsfoundation for a powerful mission:
Red Cross x Metallica Blood Drives are officially part of the #M72 North American tour.

Donate blood at select tour stops and you’ll walk away with more than a good feeling —
you’ll score a limited-edition Metallica T-shirt, while supplies last.

Spots are limited and appointments are required, so head to RedCrossBlood.org/Metallica to sign up.

SLAYER TO HEADLINE EXCLUSIVE 2025 EAST COAST SHOW AT PENNSYLVANIA STADIUM WITH STACKED LINEUP

SLAYER. ONE NIGHT. ONE COAST. TOTAL DESTRUCTION.
The reunited thrash metal icons just added their only East Coast date of 2025 — and it's going down September 20 at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

They’re not coming alone. The bill is stacked with Knocked Loose, Suicidal Tendencies, Power Trip, Cavalera (Chaos A.D. in full), and Exodus (Bonded by Blood in full).
That’s not a lineup — that’s a damn warzone.

To top it off? WWE superstar Damian Priest — a diehard Slayer fan — will host the event. His finisher hits to “South of Heaven”, and Slayer’s own Kerry King wrote the guitar parts for Priest’s theme, “Rise For the Night.”

Pre-sale starts Tuesday, April 8 at 10 a.m. ET.
General on-sale hits Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. ET.
This is Slayer’s ONLY East Coast appearance. Be there — or regret it.

HALESTORM WRAPS NEW ALBUM AND LZZY HALE SAYS: “IT'S OUR FAVORITE ALBUM''

In a recent chat with Cutter's Rockcast, Lzzy Hale opened up about Halestorm’s upcoming album, revealing it’s nearly complete — and unlike anything they’ve done before.

This time, there were no pre-made demos. Instead, the band embraced the moment, writing and recording everything in real time, side by side.

Recorded in a secluded Georgia countryside house, the album captures a blend of heavy-hitting anthems and introspective moments. For Lzzy, it became more than just music — it was a deep dive into her own soul, an experience that reconnected her with the wild, fearless spirit of Halestorm’s earliest days.

"It was like: ‘Do you have an idea?’ ‘Yeah, I wrote that yesterday.’ And boom — we were already switching on the amps and hitting record."

That kind of spontaneity, she says, led to truly unique moments.
Some songs were so in the moment, they don’t even have a metronome or guide track —
“We just forgot,” she laughed.

The album is a mix of emotional depth and unfiltered rawness, with each track reflecting exactly who Halestorm is right now —
no pressure, no expectations, no outside influence.

"For the first time in 20 years on a label," Lzzy said,
"we feel completely free. No one set the rules.
It’s the most Halestorm album we’ve ever made."

She compares the experience to a full-circle moment:
"It feels like we made a giant turn just to come back to the beginning.
It was just the four of us, like back in our parents’ basement —
making music purely on instinct.
Only this time, with all the experience we’ve gathered along the way."

Lzzy calls the album “my personal opus.”
"It holds everything I’ve lived — the darkness and the light.
It’s not about climbing out of the pain. It’s about owning it, accepting my truth, and letting that live in the music."

And with full conviction, she adds:
"It’s our favorite album. And honestly? Even if no one likes it, that’s okay — because we love it."

IF YOU'VE NEVER HEARD SLIPKNOT, COREY TAYLOR SAYS THIS IS THE SONG TO START WITH

Slipknot’s catalog is packed with songs that have become modern metal (NU-Metal) anthems. Picking just one to introduce the band to a newcomer isn’t easy—but Corey Taylor was up for the challenge. In a recent interview with Revolver Magazine, he shared the track he believes is the perfect introduction to Slipknot.

The song Corey picked? It’s one of Slipknot’s all-time classics. Find out below why he chose it.

“Duality” is the fourth track on Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses), Slipknot’s third studio album, released back in 2004. As of now, the song has racked up over 913 million streams on Spotify, making it the most played Slipknot track on the platform.

The album cover features the "maggot mask," a distinctive piece designed by the band's percussionist, Shawn Crahan. This mask, crafted from stitched leather with a zipper around the mouth area, symbolizes the band's connection with their fans, whom they affectionately call "maggots."

“IT’S THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH” — JASON MOMOA TELLS NME ABOUT HOSTING BLACK SABBATH’S FINAL GIG

Jason Momoa has opened up to NME about the honor of hosting Black Sabbath’s farewell gig at Birmingham’s Villa Park this summer. In the full NME interview, he shares his excitement for what’s being billed as “the greatest show on Earth.”

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Black Sabbath will perform their final ever show on July 5, as part of the massive ‘Back To The Beginning’ event. The night will reunite the original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—for the first time in two decades.

Joining them will be a stacked lineup of metal royalty, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Lamb Of God, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, Halestorm, Gojira, and more.

Speaking to NME, Sharon Osbourne called the event a “celebration of the genre and the pioneers who started it.”

MÖTLEY CRÜE FORCED TO CANCEL BOARDWALK ROCK FESTIVAL SET AMID HEALTH CRISIS

MÖTLEY CRÜE DROP OUT OF BOARDWALK ROCK FESTIVAL AS VINCE NEIL CONTINUES TO RECOVER

Sad news for Crüe fans—Mötley Crüe won’t be taking the stage at this year’s Boardwalk Rock Festival in Ocean City, MD. The band announced Thursday (April 3) that their May 17 appearance has been canceled due to Vince Neil’s ongoing recovery from a recent medical procedure.

The festival had originally booked Mötley Crüe to co-headline the first night with Def Leppard, with Nickelback and Shinedown closing out the second day.

In a public statement, the band explained that doctors have advised Neil to continue “recuperating after a required medical procedure,” which makes performing at the festival impossible at this time.

This marks the second major change to Mötley Crüe’s plans in recent months. Back in March, they also postponed their Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live, shifting the entire run from spring to September and October.

No word yet on what Neil’s procedure entailed, but for now, the band’s schedule is wide open except for the rescheduled Vegas shows—a sign that no further cancellations are currently expected. The band Alice In Chains is stepping in for Mötley Crüe at the Boardwalk Rock Festival.

DAVE ELLEFSON STIRS THE POT: WHO ARE THE REAL ‘BIG 4’ OF NU-METAL?

NU-METAL’S ‘BIG 4’? DAVE ELLEFSON MAKES HIS PICKS—AND IT’S SPARKING DEBATE

Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has weighed in on the “Big 4” of nu-metal, dropping his picks and reflecting on the genre’s rise during a new episode of The David Ellefson Show.

But is nu-metal really a genre—or just an era? That’s what Ellefson asked his co-host, Joshua Toomey (ex-Primer 55). After Toomey pointed out how wildly different bands like Static-X and Limp Bizkit were—yet still labeled nu-metal—Ellefson looked back on his time touring with the movement’s rising stars while still in Megadeth.

“I remember taking Static-X out. I really liked them,” he said. “I thought they had a cool sound. I love the industrial thing that they had. Of course, I love Ministry.”

As a longtime member of one of thrash metal’s Big 4 bands—along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax—Ellefson is uniquely equipped to categorize bands of other genres accordingly. So who are his picks for nu-metal’s Big 4?

“Our genre, the Big 4 … I guess nu-metal is probably the other one that you could claim the founding fathers,” he said. “So again, I would say: Korn, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and Slipknot.”

Speaking about Korn, who opened for Megadeth in 1995, Ellefson said: “I remember getting that CD and going, ‘OK, this sounds very weird.’ And I remember it was a weird transition, because I don’t even remember what the other CDs were, but none of them were of a genre that we would pick [to tour with us], so to speak. It wasn’t like, ‘Oh yeah, this is a great rock band.’ They were all kind of a new flavor.”

“Linkin Park was a band that I understood why people liked them, but it wasn’t my thing,”** he said. “I love them now, with the new singer, I think it’s super cool. I’m looking forward to seeing them.”

“And of course, Slipknot, when they came out, they were pretty roaring out of the gate,” he said. “You know, really the leaders of the masked band movement. And I know there were other masked bands around— Mushroomhead —but Slipknot certainly took that.”

A few weeks ago, Dave Mustaine didn’t hold back when talking about nu-metal, making it clear he’s not a fan. “Thank God that genre went away,” he said, dismissing the movement that dominated the late ‘90s and early 2000s.

TOBIAS FORGE SAYS MOST GHOST SONGS AREN’T ACTUALLY ABOUT THE DEVIL

TOBIAS FORGE CLEARS THE AIR: GHOST’S MUSIC GOES BEYOND SATANIC THEMES

Sure, Ghost lean into dark religious imagery, but according to Tobias Forge, their music isn’t just about the Devil. Since their 2010 debut Opus Eponymous, the band has built a reputation on haunting visuals and grandiose storytelling, led by Forge’s ever-evolving alter ego and a backing band of Nameless Ghouls. Songs like Devil Church, Depth of Satan’s Eyes, and the latest single Satanized fuel the assumption, but Forge insists there’s a deeper meaning behind it all. Ghost are set to drop their new album, Skeletá, on April 25 via Loma Vista, with their global Skeletour kicking off in Manchester, UK, on April 15.

BLACK SABBATH COULD RETURN TO THE STAGE IN DIGITAL AVATAR FORMAT

BLACK SABBATH MAY NOT BE DONE YET—AT LEAST, NOT IN THE WAY YOU THINK.

SHARON OSBOURNE just hinted at the possibility of a BLACK SABBATH AVATAR CONCERT, and she’s not dismissing the idea. Speaking with METAL HAMMER, she was asked about the technology behind ABBA’s "VOYAGE" project. Without hesitation, she responded, "OF COURSE I WOULD, YES" (via BLABBERMOUTH).

She made it clear that this future isn’t as distant as it may seem. "TECHNOLOGY CONTINUES TO MOVE AND EVOLVE. WHAT CAN BE DONE NOW IS ALREADY INCREDIBLE, SO IMAGINE IN FIVE YEARS."

The concept isn’t far-fetched. KISS is already deep into their own avatar project, set for a 2027 debut, with development led by INDUSTRIAL LIGHT & MAGIC (ILM) and financing from SWEDEN'S POPHOUSE ENTERTAINMENT—the same company that brought ABBA’s digital tour to life.

But before anything digital happens, SABBATH fans are preparing for what may be their final goodbye. On JULY 5, the band will take their last bow at BIRMINGHAM'S VILLA PARK, joined by a stacked lineup featuring METALLICA, SLAYER, TOOL, GUNS N' ROSES, PANTERA, and LAMB OF GOD.

BAD WOLVES CO-FOUNDERS DOC COYLE & KYLE KONKIEL EXIT THE BAND

BAD WOLVES have officially parted ways with two founding members, DOC COYLE (guitar) and KYLE KONKIEL (bass), as both announced their departures today.

Stepping in to fill their shoes are CHRIS CAIN (who was with the band from 2017 to 2022) and KEVIN CREEKMAN.

Formed in 2017, BAD WOLVES skyrocketed to fame with their 2018 smash cover of THE CRANBERRIES’ "ZOMBIE," followed by hits like "HEAR ME NOW," "REMEMBER WHEN," "KILLING ME SLOWLY," "SOBER," and "LIFELINE." After a highly publicized split with former vocalist TOMMY VEXT in 2021, the band pushed forward, dropping two albums with new frontman DANIEL "DL" LASKIEWICZ, including their latest release, "DIE ABOUT IT" (2023).

BAD WOLVES will hit the stage for two summer dates in 2025:
JULY 11 – GETTYSBURG BIKE WEEK – GETTYSBURG, PA
JULY 19 – TIMBERWOOD AMPHITHEATRE @ MAGIC SPRINGS THEME PARK – HOT SPRINGS, AZ

INCUBUS BRINGS “MORNING VIEW” CELEBRATION TO SÃO PAULO WITH A SPECIAL SHOW

“MORNING VIEW XXIII” TAKES OVER BRAZIL—INCUBUS LIVE IN SÃO PAULO

São Paulo, are you ready? Incubus is touching down on April 10 for a special, sold-out night at Espaço Unimed, where they’ll bring their legendary "Morning View" album to life.

Part of the "Morning View XXIII" tour, this show is a nostalgic yet electrifying tribute to the album that defined an era and introduced some of Incubus' biggest anthems to the world.

But they’re not just playing it live—they’ve gone even further. "Morning View XXIII" isn’t just a tour; it’s also a completely re-recorded version of the classic album, giving fans a fresh take on these timeless songs.

BILLY CORGAN BRINGS SMASHING PUMPKINS SONGS TO LIFE WITH NEW SOLO PROJECT

The mastermind behind SMASHING PUMPKINS is bringing something new—but deeply familiar—to the stage. BILLY CORGAN AND THE MACHINES OF GOD will take fans on a journey through time, revisiting "Mellon Collie," "Machina," and "Machina II", plus tracks from Corgan’s latest work, "Aghori Mhori Mei."

The "A RETURN TO ZERO" tour launches June 7, reintroducing a four-piece, dual-guitar setup that echoes the raw power of the original PUMPKINS sound. Alongside Corgan, the band features newly added Kiki Wong (guitar), Jake Hayden (drums), and Kid Tigrrr (bass).

Expect a mix of beloved classics, hidden gems, and electrifying performances—all with the signature intensity that made these albums legendary.

TICKET DETAILS:
🔹 Presale: April 1 @ 10 AM (local) – April 3 @ 10 PM (local)
🔹 General Onsale: April 4 @ 10 AM (local)

KIRK HAMMETT HAS A MASSIVE GUITAR COLLECTION, BUT ZERO PRS – HE EXPLAINS WHY

KIRK HAMMETT OWNS OVER 100 GUITARS—BUT YOU WON’T FIND A PRS AMONG THEM

From priceless vintage Gibsons to the legendary Greeny Les Paul, now in his possession, Kirk Hammett has played an extensive range of guitars throughout his career. His personal collection, estimated at over 150 guitars in 2017, includes models from Gibson, ESP, Jackson, Ibanez, and even a Fernandes Strat-style guitar—but not a single PRS.

In a new interview with Guitar World, the Metallica shredder reveals that, despite their widespread praise from artists like Mark Tremonti, John Mayer, and Orianthi, PRS guitars have never resonated with him. Why? He explains his reasoning.

----- “I don't think they're aggressive-sounding,” he tells Guitar World matter of factly when asked why he's never been spotted playing a PRS. “There's a part of me that always wants to scream out. 

My whole life there's been this inner anger or frustration, I don't know what it is. And it sounds crazy, but that's just how I play my guitar. “I need the aggression right there at my fingertips,” he continues. “I've never been able to coax a sound that had the right kind of attack or bite out of a PRS.” There’s another aspect to this, too: “They're basically Les Paul copies, let's be frank,” 

Hammett suggests. “It's a Les Paul style guitar and I already have amazing Les Pauls. So I will stick with those.” “I just feel they don't have the right kind of bite," “I will walk into a guitar store and I'll see all these amazing PRS models with crazy finishes with all these dragons and birds and whatnot. They look amazing but they just don't tick that aggression factor that I need.”

With a guitar arsenal that includes the legendary Greeny Les Paul and countless jaw-dropping Gibsons, Kirk Hammett has never felt the need to add a PRS to his lineup.

As an official Gibson artist, Hammett has collaborated with the brand on multiple signature models, including the Murphy Lab-aged recreation of his 1979 Flying V and the artfully aged Gibson Custom Shop take on his 1989 Les Paul Custom.

Beyond his personal collection, Hammett recently teamed up with Gibson to release The Collection: Kirk Hammett—a luxury coffee table book documenting his extensive guitar catalog.

And while PRS offers a range of non-Les Paul-style builds like the Custom 24 and Santana, Hammett’s love for Gibson remains unshakable.

BABYMETAL ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM METAL FORTH FEATURING SPIRITBOX & POPPY

BABYMETAL DROPS "FROM ME TO U" WITH POPPY THIS FRIDAY + ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM METAL FORTH!

Brace yourself—BABYMETAL is entering a new chapter! With the unveiling of their LEGEND MAP, a divine sign from the FOX GOD, the band has officially announced their 2025 roadmap. First up? Their brand-new single "FROM ME TO U" featuring POPPY, dropping this FRIDAY, APRIL 4.

Their upcoming album, METAL FORTH, arrives JUNE 13 via CAPITOL RECORDS and is stacked with huge collaborations, including SPIRITBOX, BLOODYWOOD, POLYPHIA, and more. Following the success of 2023’s THE OTHER ONE.

LOLLAPALOOZA BRASIL EXPLODES AS TOOL & JÉSSICA DI FALCHI (CRYPTA) SHRED "JAMBI"!

TOOL CLOSES LATIN AMERICAN TOUR WITH A MIND-BENDING PERFORMANCE AT LOLLAPALOOZA BRASIL, FEATURING JÉSSICA DI FALCHI & SEPULTURA’S HISTORIC SET

Closing out their Latin American headlining tour, Tool delivered an atmospheric, mind-bending set at Lollapalooza Brasil 2025, marking their Brazilian debut with a show for the ages.

The night’s biggest surprise came when Jéssica di Falchi—renowned guitarist (Ex-Crypta) former member—stepped onto the stage to join the band for "Jambi." With flawless precision and searing riffs, she seamlessly blended into Tool’s intricate sonic landscape, leaving the audience in awe.

Beyond her guest appearance, Tool’s set was a sonic and visual spectacle, featuring deep cuts and fan favorites like "Fear Inoculum," "Rosetta Stoned," and "The Grudge." As expected, the band kept their aura of mystery, opting for psychedelic projections instead of appearing on the venue’s big screens.

With their Latin American tour officially wrapped, Tool is now shifting focus to their next studio album, the follow-up to 2019’s Fear Inoculum. Bassist Justin Chancellor confirmed earlier this year that the band will soon enter intensive writing sessions.

Making the night even more legendary, Brazil’s own Sepultura unleashed a career-defining performance, electrifying the festival with their unrelenting energy and raw power, further cementing their place in metal history.

Watch video below:

COREY TAYLOR PERFORMS RARE ACOUSTIC SET AFTER 3 YEARS

Corey Taylor surprises fans with first acoustic show in three years
During HorrorHound Weekend in Cincinnati on March 22, Slipknot's iconic frontman Corey Taylor returned to the stage with a rare acoustic set. Fans witnessed intimate versions of "Snuff" (Slipknot), "Wicked Game", and "Through Glass" (Stone Sour). The performance was a significant moment for Taylor, who had stepped away from live shows in 2024 to address mental health struggles. Reflecting on his break, Taylor revealed he had reached "a real dark point" and needed time to reset. With Slipknot actively touring the globe, this acoustic performance marked a powerful step in Taylor’s ongoing journey.

GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL 2025: EXPLORE THE LINE-UP AND STAGE BREAKDOWN

Get ready, because GLASTONBURY 2025 is set to deliver an unforgettable weekend at Worthy Farm from June 25-29 — just before its fallow year in 2026.

Tickets vanished in November, but keep your eyes peeled for the official resale in April — your second chance to join the action.

One of the biggest highlights? The legendary DEFTONES, known for their crushing riffs and hypnotic energy, are set to tear up the stage. Joining them is NEIL YOUNG, headlining the Pyramid Stage with the Chrome Hearts as part of his 'Love Earth' world tour. After initially withdrawing due to concerns about Glasto’s partnership with the BBC, Young later confirmed his return — marking his second Pyramid headline slot since 2009.

ROD STEWART will claim the iconic Legend Slot on Sunday, while THE 1975 (Friday) and OLIVIA RODRIGO (Sunday) will take Pyramid headline duties. The Other Stage will see powerful closing sets from LOYLE CARNER (Friday), CHARLI XCX (Saturday), and THE PRODIGY (Sunday).

HAYLEY WILLIAMS JOINS DEFTONES FOR SURPRISE PERFORMANCE IN NASHVILLE

Deftones lit up Nashville with a surprise no one saw coming. During their sold-out show at Bridgestone Arena on March 26, none other than Hayley Williams of Paramore joined them on stage for a powerful performance of Minerva — a standout track from Deftones' 2003 self-titled album.

Hayley Williams is a force of nature. As the fiery frontwoman of Paramore, she’s been shaping the alternative scene since the mid-2000s with her powerhouse vocals and electric stage presence. From emo anthems to genre-bending hits, she’s never been one to play it safe — and her solo work only proves she’s got even more to say. 

SUBLIME LAUNCHES RECORD LABEL AND TEASES FIRST ALBUM SINCE 1996

Sublime has announced the launch of their very own record label, #SublimeRecordings, a platform they describe as "created by the band, for the fans." Alongside this exciting news, the band revealed they've been in the studio with Travis Barker and John Feldmann, working on what will be their first album since 1996. Fans can expect fresh music that blends Sublime's signature sound with a modern touch.

KIRK HAMMETT SET TO DROP DEBUT SOLO ALBUM: ‘A FUSION OF ALL SORTS OF STYLES’

During a conversation with Rolling Stone, KIRK HAMMETT revealed he's working on his DEBUT SOLO ALBUM — a project he describes as a "FUSION OF ALL SORTS OF STYLES."

The interview coincided with the release of his book, The Collection: Kirk Hammett, which showcases his vast array of VINTAGE GUITARS.

Hammett, who’s been part of METALLICA since 1983 after replacing DAVE MUSTAINE, first released a solo EP titled Portals in 2022. Described as “A COLLECTION OF GATEWAYS TO MYRIAD MUSICAL AND PSYCHIC DESTINATIONS,” the four-track instrumental EP reflected a new creative side for Hammett while still echoing his Metallica roots.

In 2023, METALLICA dropped their eleventh studio album, 72 SEASONS, which became their first not to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 since ...AND JUSTICE FOR ALL in 1988.

Despite the band's relentless TOURING SCHEDULE, Hammett told Rolling Stone he's already busy writing RIFFS for their next release.

------"I have 767 new ones for the next album," he explained. It is such a nightmare going through this stuff, too. And I'm the one responsible for all of it and I can't do it…. I don't foresee us starting the next album for at least another year because we're still finishing the 72 Seasons tour. "Once we fully finish this and go to all the outlying places like Asia and Australia and New Zealand, I think we're gonna take a little bit of a break, not too much of one, and then we're gonna get right back into it." ------

INCUBUS ANNOUNCES NINTH STUDIO ALBUM DROPPING IN LATE 2025

In a recent chat with FluxFM, Incubus frontman BRANDON BOYD revealed that the band’s NINTH STUDIO ALBUM will hit shelves in OCTOBER 2025. According to Boyd, the record is already “COMPLETED,” “MASTERED,” and “MIXED,” making it “JUST READY TO GO.”

The upcoming album was produced by the legendary BRENDAN O’BRIEN, the Grammy Award-winning producer behind records from RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, AC/DC, and KORN.

Boyd also mentioned that fans can expect A NEW SINGLE to arrive before the full album release.

This new record marks a SIGNIFICANT CHANGE for Incubus, as it’s their first to feature bassist NICOLE ROW. Known for her work with MILEY CYRUS and PANIC! AT THE DISCO, Row steps in following the exit of longtime bassist BEN KENNEY.

Kenney left the band in 2023 after facing serious health struggles stemming from BRAIN TUMOR SURGERY, which resulted in PARTIAL FACIAL PARALYSIS and PERMANENT DEAFNESS in one ear.

Now venturing solo, Kenney released his debut LP, POWERFUL BUTTCHEEKS, on MARCH 3rd via Ghetto Crush Industries.

IRON MAIDEN BRINGS THEIR LEGENDARY STORY TO THE BIG SCREEN IN NEW DOCUMENTARY

IRON MAIDEN DOCUMENTARY COMING IN 2025 — CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF METAL GLORY
The legends are back! Iron Maiden is bringing their storied 50-year journey to the big screen in a powerful new documentary, directed by Malcolm Venhille and produced by Dominic Freeman. Set for international release later this year, details regarding U.S. distribution are still in the works.

The upcoming Universal Pictures Content Group production promises an in-depth look at the band’s rise to fame, featuring exclusive interviews, rare footage, and a major spotlight on their iconic mascot, Eddie.

From their early lineup with Steve Harris, Paul Day, and Ron Matthews, to the explosive success of albums like The Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, the film offers fans a front-row seat to Maiden’s legendary story.

The current touring lineup — featuring Dickinson, Harris, Murray, Smith, Gers, and newcomer Simon Dawson — is gearing up for their upcoming "Run for Your Lives Tour". The tour will spotlight their classic 1980-1990 catalog, giving fans a nostalgic trip back to their golden era.

NEW EVANESCENCE SINGLE ''AFTERLIFE ''OUT THIS FRIDAY

EVANESCENCE RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE "AFTERLIFE"
Exciting news for Nu-Metal fans — Evanescence has unveiled their latest track, "Afterlife", arriving this Friday. The song was created for the upcoming Devil May Cry anime series, set to hit Netflix on April 3.

"Afterlife" is the band's first original release since their 2021 record, The Bitter Truth.

The Devil May Cry show isn't new to rock connections — it features Limp Bizkit's "Rollin'" as its opening theme and Papa Roach's "Last Resort" in a recent trailer.

Mark your calendars for both the single and the show's release! \m/

MEGADETH'S DAVE MUSTAINE SLAMS 'NU METAL' BANDS: 'THANK GOD THAT GENRE WENT AWAY'

LifeMinute recently visited the home of MEGADETH frontman Dave Mustaine, his wife Pamela, and their daughter Electra. During the interview Mustaine also took a moment to reflect on the 'nu metal' era, expressing his relief that the genre "went away" and noting how it lacked guitar solos. Viewers can watch the full interview below for more insights, including a tour of their stunning home and the latest MEGADETH news.

-----  "There was a period in 2000 where we had these bands called — I think it was 'nu metal', and they didn't do any solos. Well, why didn't they do any solos? They couldn't do solos. And thank God that genre went away. People started to learn how to do solos. I would say, if you're in a 'nu metal' band, you probably would be challenged even playing 'Johnny B. Goode' 1958 rock and roll classic by Chuck Berry. So I'm glad that went away." ------

Nu-metal emerged in the early 1990s as a fusion of alternative metal, hip-hop, grunge, and other genres. While it's hard to pinpoint a single "starter" of the movement, Korn is widely credited as the first true nu-metal band, with their self-titled debut album Korn (1994) often seen as the genre's foundation.

However, bands like Faith No More, Rage Against the Machine, and Helmet experimented with rap-metal, groove, and alternative sounds earlier in the early '90s, laying groundwork for what would become nu-metal. Korn took those elements, added raw emotion, down-tuned guitars, and dark themes, shaping the genre's identity.

By the mid-to-late '90s, bands like Linkin Park, Deftones, Limp Bizkit, and Coal Chamber helped propel nu-metal into the mainstream.

LIMP BIZKIT ACHIEVES SMALL WIN IN ONGOING $200 MILLION LAWSUIT AGAINST UMG

Fred Durst and Limp Bizkit have secured a legal win in their ongoing $200 million lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG). The dispute, filed in October 2024, centers on claims of breach of contract, fraudulent concealment, and copyright infringement, with concerns over royalty discrepancies from over 45 million copies of the band's recorded works.

Durst argued that UMG withheld royalties, falsely claiming the band had yet to repay their $43 million advance. In April 2024, Durst’s team uncovered accounting issues, leading UMG to release $1.03 million in previously unpaid funds, allegedly overlooked due to a 'software error'. Another $2.3 million was also issued to Durst's former label, Flawless Records.

The suit further accuses UMG of profit-sharing collusion with Flip Records and intentionally using flawed accounting software to restrict royalty payouts. After UMG missed a 30-day deadline to release overdue payments and master recordings, Durst rescinded the band’s contract in September 2024, stating that any continued distribution of Limp Bizkit's music would be considered copyright infringement.

On March 17, a federal judge ruled that Durst’s copyright infringement claims can now proceed in federal court — a major step forward in the case. This follows UMG's earlier success in blocking Durst’s attempt to void previous recording contracts. However, this latest ruling keeps the band’s copyright claims alive in the ongoing legal fight.

FRANK FERRER DEPARTS GUNS N' ROSES AFTER NEARLY TWO DECADES

On Wednesday, March 19, Guns N' Roses announced the amicable departure of drummer Frank Ferrer after an impressive 19-year run with the band. Known as the group's longest-serving drummer, Ferrer’s exit was confirmed in a statement posted to Instagram: "Guns N’ Roses announce the amicable exit of Frank Ferrer."

------- '' “The band thanks Frank for his friendship, creativity and sturdy presence over the past 19 years, and wish him success in the next chapter of his musical journey.” “Frank first joined GNR during a show in June 2006 helping anchor the rhythm section during subsequent tours, including their recent outings featuring the reunited trio of Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan. His last show with the band took place November 5, 2023 in Mexico.” ------

METAL RETURNS TO THE MAIN STAGE: A BAND SET TO HEADLINE LOLLAPALOOZA AFTER 3 YEARS

KORN TO HEADLINE LOLLAPALOOZA 2025 — METAL MAKES A COMEBACK!

For the first time in three years, a metal band will take center stage at Lollapalooza. The festival returns to Chicago’s Grant Park from July 31 to Aug. 3, and this year’s lineup just dropped!

Alongside big names like Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler the Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, and Luke Combs, the legendary Korn will headline — their first Lolla appearance in nearly three decades. The last time a metal band topped the bill was Metallica in 2022.

Other rock and metal highlights include Cage the Elephant, Bilmuri, and Sunami. Founded in 1991 by Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction, Lollapalooza originally spotlighted a bold mix of rock, metal, alternative, and hip-hop.

That first year featured iconic performances from Jane’s Addiction, Nine Inch Nails, and Living Colour. As the festival grew, it welcomed legendary names like Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alice In Chains, Primus, Tool, Rage Against the Machine, and Smashing Pumpkins — solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in alternative music.

The presale opens on Thursday (March 20) at 11AM ET for just one hour, with the general sale following at noon. Single-day and two-day passes will be announced soon!

SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL ANNOUNCE FIRST-EVER TOUR IN LATIN AMERICA

SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL TO CONQUER LATIN AMERICA ON DEBUT TOUR
For the first time ever, Slaughter To Prevail will bring their punishing sound to Latin America in support of their latest EP, "Behelit", released this year.

Since forming in 2015, the Russian deathcore giants have delivered a string of powerful releases, including the blistering "Chapters Of Misery" (EP, 2016), the hard-hitting "Misery Sermon" (2017), and the savage "Kostolom" (2018). Their live energy was captured in the intense "Live in Moscow" (2023).

The band’s lineup includes the commanding presence of Alex "Terrible" on vocals, with Jack Simmons, Dmitry "Dima" Mamodov, Mikhail "Mike" Petrov, and Evgeny Nokilav completing the formidable crew. 

AVENGED SEVENFOLD RETURNS TO SÃO PAULO AND CURITIBA AFTER 11 YEARS WITH THEIR 'LIFE IS BUT A DREAM...' TOUR

AVENGED SEVENFOLD is making their long-awaited return to BRAZIL after 11 YEARS without a headline show in the country. Following their massive performance at ROCK IN RIO 2024 in front of 100,000 FANS, the band has added Brazil to their 'LIFE IS BUT A DREAM...' tour of LATIN AMERICA.

The band will perform on OCTOBER 2 at PEDREIRA PAULO LEMINSKI in CURITIBA, with opening acts by MR. BUNGLE and KAREN DIÓ. On OCTOBER 4, they'll take the stage at ALLIANZ PARQUE in SÃO PAULO, joined by A DAY TO REMEMBER, MR. BUNGLE, and KAREN DIÓ.

PRE-SALE starts on MARCH 18 at NOON and runs until 11 AM on MARCH 20 via EVENTIM. The GENERAL SALE begins on MARCH 20 at NOON.

Their latest album, 'LIFE IS BUT A DREAM...', released in 2023, marked their first studio record in SEVEN YEARS. Hailed as a bold and thought-provoking release, it earned a spot on ROLLING STONE'S 11 BEST METAL ALBUMS OF 2023. With over 25 YEARS of solid career behind them, A7X is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for their BRAZILIAN FANS.

NEW LINKIN PARK SINGLE 'UP FROM THE BOTTOM' COMING NEXT WEEK

LINKIN PARK is set to release their new single "Up From The Bottom" on March 27. The band teased the track in their LPTV "From Zero" video series, where Mike Shinoda and Emily Armstrong are shown working on the song in the studio.

This marks the band's first new release since their "From Zero" comeback album dropped last November. In January, they shared a unique a cappella/vocals-only version called "From Zero - A Cappellas". The 2025 leg of their "From Zero" world tour launched on January 31 at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City, Mexico.

RUDY SARZO "HONOURED" TO PERFORM AT BLACK SABBATH'S FINAL SHOW

BLACK SABBATH'S FINAL SHOW TO FEATURE LEGENDARY LINE-UP AT VILLA PARK

The iconic heavy metal band will take the stage one last time at Villa Park in their hometown of Birmingham on Saturday, July 5. This special performance will reunite their most iconic line-up — Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — playing together live for the first time in two decades.

Joining this monumental event is Rudy Sarzo, former bassist for Ozzy Osbourne, who expressed feeling "honoured" to be part of the historic night.

The all-star line-up, curated with the help of Tom Morello, includes metal giants like Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Lamb Of God, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, Halestorm, Gojira, Guns ‘N’ Roses, Tool, Jason Momoa, and Rival Sons.

Reflecting on his involvement in the event titled ‘Back To The Beginning’, Sarzo recently told WDHA-FM 105.5 FM about the incredible opportunity to join this unforgettable farewell.

MACHINE HEAD CONFIRM EUROPEAN DATES WITH THE HALO EFFECT, FEAR FACTORY, AND FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE

In addition to their extensive festival appearances this summer, Machine Head have announced a series of headlining shows across Europe. Fans can expect powerful support from The Halo Effect, Fear Factory, and Fleshgod Apocalypse on select dates. Machine Head’s upcoming album, UNATØNED, drops on April 25 via Nuclear Blast.

SLIPKNOT'S VMAN PRAISES ELOY CASAGRANDE FOR BRINGING 'A WHOLE NEW LEASE OF LIFE' TO THE BAND

In a new interview with Jack Bergin of Australia's Triple J, SLIPKNOT's British-born bassist Alessandro "VMan" Venturella discussed the band's latest lineup change, praising drummer Eloy Casagrande. Don't miss the full interview — watch it now!

MEGADETH SPLITS FROM UMG — NEW ALBUM TO DROP UNDER FRONTIERS LABEL GROUP IMPRINT BLKIIBLK RECORDS

Megadeth Joins Forces with BLKIIBLK Records for Upcoming Album
The thrash metal legends took to social media to share the news, with the newly established BLKIIBLK confirming the details in a formal announcement. After parting ways with Roadrunner, Megadeth released three studio albums with UMG and Mustaine’s Tradecraft between 2013 and 2022.

Now, Tradecraft and BLKIIBLK are set to release the band’s yet-to-be-titled 17th album, expected to arrive in fall or winter 2025. While no exact release date has been confirmed, Dave Mustaine mentioned in a February newsletter that the band was about 90 days into creating the new album.

In addition to upcoming shows at Bonnaroo and Tons of Rock in June, Megadeth has several European dates lined up for October.

BLKIIBLK, a label dedicated to “pushing the boundaries of heavy music,” also represents Sick N’ Beautiful and Biohazard. The label emphasized its mission to “support and elevate the genre” by showcasing artists who are both “pioneering and influential.”

Meanwhile, Frontiers — the Naples-based parent label — appointed Tom Lipsky as its A&R head for North America in May.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE KICKS OFF 2025 TOUR WITH NASHVILLE SHOW

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE launched their 2025 tour with a powerful opening show at THE PINNACLE in NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE earlier this week. Joined by heavy hitters KUBLAI KHAN, FIT FOR A KING, and FROZEN SOUL, the band delivered a performance that was both INTENSE and UNFORGETTABLE. The tour will continue across major cities like BUFFALO, KANSAS CITY, and SEATTLE, concluding in PORTLAND, MAINE on APRIL 12.

JÉSSICA DI FALCHI PARTS WAYS WITH CRYPTA

Brazilian death metal force CRYPTA has confirmed the DEPARTURE of guitarist JÉSSICA DI FALCHI. Joining the band in 2022 following SONIA ANUBIS' exit, Di Falchi now steps down as the group focuses on completing their THIRD STUDIO ALBUM and plotting their 2025 TOURING PLANS. No replacement has been announced at this time. 

SLEEP TOKEN HINT AT NEW MUSIC: “PREPARE FOR A NEW OFFERING”

SLEEP TOKEN DROP ENIGMATIC TEASER FOR NEW MUSIC
The masked collective known as Sleep Token have ignited speculation with a mesmerizing teaser for their latest single. Shared across their social channels, the video presents a grey flamingo amid lush red and pink flowers, set against the backdrop of an elegant white mansion shrouded in deep crimson and rose-colored vines. As the scene unfolds, the flowers bloom in rapid succession, and the flamingo shifts its gaze—suggesting that something significant is coming.

SLAYER ANNOUNCES NEW CONCERTS FOR JULY 2025

After nearly six years of silence, the legendary thrash metal titans SLAYER have officially announced their return to the stage in 2025. This highly anticipated comeback will see the band performing across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, marking a monumental moment for heavy metal fans worldwide.

SLAYER will play some of the biggest festivals of the year, including the prestigious Festival D'été de Québec in Canada. Additionally, the band has confirmed headline performances at Blackweir Fields in Cardiff, Wales, and Finsbury Park in London.