Latest Articles

• Don Airey Announces Solo Album "Pushed to the Edge" + Shares New Track "Tell Me"

  Jan 19, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Don Airey, the master behind the keys for some of rock's most iconic albums,announces his latest studio album Pushed to the Edge, set to release on March 28 via earMUSIC. The new song "Tell Me" is now available for streaming and as an instant gratification track with all download pre-orders of the album. Listen to "Tell Me."

  As one of the most recorded keyboardists of all time, with over 300 albums featuring his unmistakable sound, Don Airey's skills have been valued by nearly every rock 'n' roll superstar. The list includes legendary artists and bands such as Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow, Whitesnake, Judas Priest, Gary Moore, Brian May, Jethro Tull, Black Sabbath, and, of course, Deep Purple, the band Don Airey has been a full-time member of for over 20 years. After last year's success, when Deep Purple secured their fourth consecutive number-one album with =1 and a subsequent global tour, Don Airey kicks off 2025 with the same energy in his solo work.

  Joining Don Airey on the new album is an all-star lineup featuring Carl Sentance(Nazareth) and Mitchell Emms (The Voice UK) on vocals, Deep Purple guitarist Simon McBride, drummer Jon Finnigan, and bassist Dave Marks. Produced in the finest hard rock tradition, Pushed to the Edge is a raw gem — crafted without tricks or shortcuts, staying true to the pure musicianship of world-class artists.

  Access the new album here.

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• DARK FORTRESS Releases Live Video for “The Silver Gate," Live Album 'Anthems From Beyond The Grave - Live In Europe 2023' Is Out Now

  Jan 18, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  In 2023, after an illustrious cult career spanning more than 20 years, German melodic black metallersDARK FORTRESS came to an end. Now, the band is making one final offering to its fans; 'Anthems From Beyond The Grave - Live In Europe 2023' was recording during the band's final European run, 'The Cosmic End Tour,' in 2023. To celebrate today's release, the band is now sharing the official live video for the song, "The Silver Gate," which can be found HERE.

   

  “I never thought DARK FORTRESS would have a live album,” says V. Santura (guitars). “The technical situation–we had multi-track recordings of two shows [Rotterdam and Bochum]–allowed for ‘Anthems from Beyond the Grave’ to happen. I didn’t even listen to the recordings for months after the tour. When I finally did, I thought, ‘Holy shit!’ We sounded incredible, and I'm hardly ever happy with our shows. All of our hard work had finally fallen into place on that tour. When Century Media heard it, they said, ‘We’ve gotta release it–it’s too good not to!' If this is our end and it definitely is, then it’s a fitting end to DARK FORTRESS.”

   

  'Anthems From Beyond The Grave - Live In Europe 2023' is out TODAY via Century Media Records and can be ordered HERE.DARK FORTRESS' march to the grave was inevitable. The journey from signing with American independent Red Stream Records in 2001 to The Cosmic End Tour (with The Spirit and Asphagor) in 2023 was circuitous, full of highs and lows and rife with raw potential. Ultimately, DARK FORTRESS ended life after releasing their lauded final album, 'Spectres from the Old World,' in 2020. By all metrics, self-imposed death is better than zombie-lurching into oblivion. 

   

  Many fans didn't see DARK FORTRESS writing their "early’" epitaph, however. From “Eidolon”'s (2008) acclaimed film noir aesthetic of “Edge of Night” and the breakaway success of “Ylem”’s (2010) video/title track to publications Deaf Forever and Decibel awarding 'Spectres from the Old World' (2020) near-perfect scores, the Bavarians appeared invincible. Yet, DARK FORTRESS uncoiled on their terms, leaving their only live album, 'Anthems from Beyond the Grave,' as their final offering to the ancient and unspeakable forces of darkness and evil.

   

  DARK FORTRESS 2023 Lineup:

  Morean - Lead Vocals

  V. Santura - Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals

  Asvargr - Guitar

  Hannes Grossmann - Drums

  Michael Zech - Bass

  Linus Klausenitzer - Keyboards

   

  Formats: Ltd. CD Digipak

  Gatefold black 2LP & LP-Booklet

  Digital album

   

  Links:

  OFFICIAL WEBSITE

  FACEBOOK

  INSTAGRAM

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• GATES TO HELL ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM DEATH COMES TO ALL OUT MARCH 21ST VIA NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS

  Jan 18, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  The ground quakes, the surface fractures, and a colossal force rises from the abyss: GATES TO HELL have returned to deliver their undeniable truth—Death Comes to All. The Louisville natives charge onto the heavy music scene with their second full-length which will be released March 21st via Nuclear Blast Records. Blurring the lines between death metal, hardcore, and every brutal sound in between, GATES TO HELL bring a monstrous energy to the studio and an unmatched ferocity to their live performances.  Today, the band unveil the brutal first track entitled, 'Next to Bleed,' The song showcases the band’s growth as songwriters, demonstrating a refined maturity while retaining their signature aggression. The accompanying music video directed by Errick Easterday features a striking visual concept: the band encircling a tilting table, where a tortured figure lies bleeding out—a dark, visceral representation of the track’s themes. 'Next to Bleed' is now available to order as a limited edition 7-inch red vinyl.  GATES TO HELL comments, "We’ve been working real hard and we’re excited to share with you all the next chapter for Gates to Hell starting with our first single 'Next to Bleed'. This is our most diverse and well-rounded collection of songs we’ve made and we’re stoked to finally be able to release this record to the world soon.” Nuclear Blast America's Label Manager & Head of A&R Tommy Jones comments, “The time has finally come and the Gates to Hell are opening wide. Line up and step through, for you are the ‘Next to Bleed’! I'm proud to be the gatekeeper to usher in the next era of brutality for the Louisville natives via the largest metal record label in the world, Nuclear Blast Records. Death Comes To All on March 21, 2025. You have been warned." Pre-order & pre-save Death Comes to All: https://gth.bfan.link/death-comes-to-all Stream 'Next To Bleed' or purchase the limited edition 7-inch vinyl: https://gth.bfan.link/next-to-bleed

   

  WATCH: 'Next To Bleed' music video

  Looking ahead to 2025, GATES TO HELL are preparing to storm the road and spread their ferocious energy to as many new audiences as possible. With Nuclear Blast Records fueling their fire, they’re ready to leave concertgoers in the wake of their annihilation. Death Comes to All, but GATES TO HELL will make sure you feel it first.

  
  GATES TO HELL is:
  Ryan Storey | Vocals
  Eli Hanson | Guitar
  Seth Lewis | Guitar
  Dustin Cantrell | Bass
  Trey Garris | Drums

  Stream GATES TO HELL:
  Apple Music | Spotify
  
  Follow GATES TO HELL:
  Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | Youtube | Store

   

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• Out Now! HIGHWAY QUEEN's New EP "Extendead Play" + Music Video "Lies"

  Jan 17, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of Highway Queen’s new EP, "Extendead Play", a fresh chapter in the Finnish rockers' journey through melodic hard rock and metal-infused soundscapes. The EP will be available on all major platforms as of January 17th, 2025.

  "Extendead Play" continues to showcase Highway Queen’s signature style, blending 80s-inspired hard rock with modern melodic elements, powerful riffs, and dynamic rhythms. This new collection of songs dives deeper into the band’s ability to tell stories through music, with lyrics that explore themes of anger, lust, bitterness, and longing. The EP captures the brutality of life, both good and bad. An official music video for the track "Lies" is out today adding a visual dimension to the band’s compelling storytelling.

  Since their formation in late 2019, Highway Queen has been a rising force in the melodic hard rock scene. After the successful release of their debut album, "Bitter Soul" in 2022, the band has continued to evolve and refine their sound. The songs on "Extendead Play" like those on "Bitter Soul" were recorded and produced by Aleksanteri Kuosa, who has also worked with bands such as Waltari and Before The Dawn. Their music is recommended for fans of melodic hard rock, heavy rock, and the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM).

  With "Extendead Play" Highway Queen reaffirms their position as torchbearers of melodic rock with a modern edge, delivering music that resonates with the heart and soul. Prepare to turn up the volume and join the ride as Highway Queen takes you on another electrifying musical journey.
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  ​LISTEN to the EP at https://lnk.to/dPX0pF​

  [embed]https://youtu.be/Lb-DQVPGPuk[/embed]

  ​

  Track Listing:​​
  1. Lies
  2. I Will Take You To Hell
  3. Come To Me
  4. I'm Calling You
  ​
  ​Album Credits:​​
  All songs written by
  - Virpi Kääriäinen: lyrics
  - Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen: music
  - Arrangements: Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen, Aleksanteri Kuosa, Juha Skog & Henri Backman
  - Produced, engineered & mixed by Aleksanteri Kuosa
  - Mastering: Svante Forsbäck
  ​
  ​Highway Queen are:
  ​
  Virpi Kääriäinen: vocals
  Teemu Kääriäinen: guitars
  Juha Skog: bass & backing vocals
  Henri Backman: drums

  For more info:​
  ​www.rockshots.eu​
  ​www.highwayqueenband.com​
  ​www facebook.com/highwayqueenband​
  ​www.instagram.com/highwayqueenband​

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• Fox Lake Drop "Cold Hard Truth" Video

  Jan 16, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  FOX LAKE are roaring into 2025. The band has dropped the video for the new single "COLD HARD TRUTH." Watch it here.
  
  The song, a ferocious rap x rock hybrid, will rattle your teeth loose from your gums. 
  
  "'The 'Cold Hard Truth' is a blend of some our favorite elements from nu-metal, hardcore, and hip-hop," the band states. "We wanted the whole song to feel like the moment your luck runs out. It's just as heavy as it is groovy and the lyrics cut like a knife."
  
  The band announced its signing to MNRK HEAVY last year.

  Born in the high elevation of Denver, FOX LAKE bring an elevated and energetic sound to the heavy music scene. The band started in 2017 as four friends jamming in their basement, looking to branch out from the metalcore sound by incorporating elements of their favorite genres: hardcore, hip-hop, and rock 'n' roll. FOX LAKE has continually leveled up by giving audiences undeniable grooves, punch rhythms, and an anti-establishment swagger. It all culminates in a sonic, brass-knuckled punch to the face that lands on anyone in their proximity.

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