ALIEN WEAPONRY To Release Te Rā Album In March; “Mau Moko” Music Video Posted

ALIEN WEAPONRY To Release Te Rā Album In March;

Alongside today’s kickoff of their North American tour supporting metal icon Kerry King, New Zealand modern groove metal trio, Alien Weaponry, are pleased to announce their heaviest, most powerful and mature offering to date, Te Rā, out March 28 via Napalm Records.

Since releasing their acclaimed debut Tū (2018), the band have been lauded for their kinetic presence and sound, as well as their vital blend of culturally profound lyricism in both English and te reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand. With their third full-length album, Alien Weaponry expand on their hallmark messages of cultural, societal and environmental resilience while delivering their most massive-sounding, focused musical output ever. In the hands of veteran producer/mixer Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God, Gojira, Megadeth) and featuring a guest vocal appearance from longtime Alien Weaponry champion Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God, Te Rā’s gnashing blend of groove, nu, math and thrash metal shines with anthemic choruses and refreshed technical skill.

With today’s album announcement, the band have unleashed a brand new, grooving single, “Mau Moko”. Featuring te reo Māori lyrics, the track honors traditional Māori face tattooing while delving into the costs of maintaining customs that are at-odds with dominant cultural norms. Check out the track and its new music video below,

“Mau Moko” lyricist/bassist Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds says: “Māori have a rich history of marking traditions that were nearly lost during colonization. These traditions are currently in the process of a much needed cultural revival, and I was inspired by that. I wanted the lyrics to remind people that moko is, and always will be, a part of who we are. With the song’s video, we wanted to show the darker side of the history of moko and how the head trade played a part in the near extinction of the tradition. We fought through it and continue to fight for its revival still today!”

On Te Rā, listeners can hear the band doubling-down on the aggression in the verses before applying temperance, especially in the case of “Taniwha”, a death metal-leaning banger featuring the particularly raw aforementioned guest vocal from Randy Blythe. Lyrically, there’s a noticeable tilt towards despondency, hopelessness, and frustration on Te Rā. While bassist Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds’ lyrics in Māori on songs like “Tama-nui-te-rā” and “Ponaturi” draw from the themes of history, battle lore and mysticism that made the first two albums so rich, frontman/guitarist Lewis Raharuhi de Jong’s English-language lyrics illustrate the impact when culture collides with disenfranchisement day to day. “Crown” and “Hanging by a Thread” take us into the headspace where struggle pushes people to the brink of desperation, while on “Blackened Sky” and “1000 Friends”, Lewis addresses universal woes like the looming threat of World War III and the damaging effects of social media. On album closer “Te Kore”, Tūranga dives into primordial nothingness at the root of the Māori origin story, while on “Mau Moko”, he finds the middle ground between these perspectives. Taken as a whole, Te Rā grapples with what it’s like to be caught in the pull of divergent cultures – not just for the descendants of colonized people, but for all of us.

Alien Weaponry have solidified themselves as one of the greatest young metal bands of their generation with renewed musical tenacity and crucial messaging. Te Rā is a bold, unwavering cry for a future in which we can all take part in the legacy of peoples like the Māori and others all around us – people who, if they aren’t seen, most certainly need to be heard.

Alien Weaponry frontman/guitarist Lewis Raharuhi de Jong adds: “We really stepped it up this time, as we understood that this album had to go further. We went through a lot of songs and scrapped entire sections of songs. We kept working them and working them until we got them right. Then, with the way we were pushing ourselves musically, I knew it was important to challenge myself lyrically as well. This time I delved into difficult emotional places and mental states. There’s a lot of existential dread running through the album, and I tried to find the right words to describe the indescribable.”

Te Rā will be available in the following formats:  

– 1-LP Deluxe Gatefold Splatter Vinyl w/ 20” Booklet, Patch, Slipmat – Napalm mail order only, limited to 300
– 1-LP Gatefold Marbled Vinyl – Napalm mail order only, limited to 300
– 1-LP Gatefold Black Vinyl
– 1-CD Digisleeve   
– Digital Album   

Pre-order here.

Te Rā tracklisting:

“Crown”
“Mau Moko”
“1000 Friends”
“Hanging by a Thread”
“Tama-nui-te-rā”
“Myself to Blame”
“Taniwha” (feat. Randy Blythe)
“Blackened Sky”
“Te Riri o Tāwhirimātea”
“Ponaturi”
“Te Kore”

“Mau Moko” video:

 

Alien Weaponry recently announced a massive North American tour with metal icon Kerry King, kicking off today. After the tour, the band will headline a home country run of New Zealand. Find the band’s tour itinerary here.

Alien Weaponry is: 

Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong – Drums, Backing vocals
Lewis Raharuhi de Jong – Guitars, Lead vocals
Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds – Bass, Backing vocals
 
(Photo – Frances Carter)


Original 24-7 SPYZ Member P. FLUID Beaten To Death In The Bronx, NY

Original 24-7 SPYZ Member P. FLUID Beaten To Death In The Bronx, NY

NY Daily News is reporting that the Bronx man found beaten to death Monday inside an ambulette he was driving was a groundbreaking musician and devoted member of a collective dedicated to promoting all genres of Black music.

Peter Forrest, 64, was known as P. Fluid when he sang in the original lineup of 24-7 Spyz, a South Bronx-based band that mixed metal, hardcore, punk and funk and opened for Jane’s Addiction on their Ritual de lo Habitual tour in 1990-91.

Forrest was also a founding member of the Black Rock Coalition, said his former longtime girlfriend Chiedza Makonnen, 55, who used to be known as Charmelle Dukes.

“He was my first love,” Makonnen said in a phone call from Ghana, where she now lives part time. “I knew Peter from when I was 18 until I was about 35.”

The pair met when Maconnen was visiting a cousin in Harlem from her home in Chicago and the two hit it off, embarking on a relationship that ended partly due to the demands of Forrest’s touring but later picked back up and included a six-year stretch of living together.

“Music was his life and advancing Black rock was his life,” she said. “He was passionate about that. He really helped pave that road for a lot of people to understand that Black musicians aren’t just rappers or R&B or soul, we’re rockers too.”

The first single from 24-7 Spyz was a cover of Kool & The Gang’s “Jungle Boogie,” and their debut album, Harder Than You, was released to critical acclaim in 1989.

Read more at NY Daily News.


Watch prog metal legend Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) attempt to play along to Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off with absolutely no idea what he’s listening to

Mike Portnoy, Taylor Swift
(Image credit: Drumeo |  Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

By his own admission, Dream Theater‘s Mike Portnoy doesn’t listen to pop music, so when the good people at ever-entertaining drummer’s website Drumeo set him a challenge of playing along to Taylor Swift’s global mega-hit Shake It Off, without revealing what he was listening to, the prog-metal maestro was more than a little confused. Not least when he’s told that the song has already had 3.3 billion views on YouTube.

“It sounds like something out of Disneyland in Japan,” he muses, after recording a first take drum part which he admits “is like completely pissing all over someone else’s art.”

“In my world you have a guitar solo, a keyboard solo, maybe a bass solo,” he adds, listening to the track without its rhythm track. “This has a talk solo. What kind of world is this that we’re living in?”

Baffled as he may be, Portnoy – whose CV also includes Liquid Tension Experiment, Flying Colors, The Winery Dogs, and a five year stint with Avenged Sevenfold – gamely attempts to play what he imagines the drums on the song may sound like, which, surprisingly, bears little resemblance to what the drums on the song actually sound like.

When the name of the song and the artist who recorded it is revealed to Portnoy, the drummer looks suitably mortified.

“Oh my god, that’s Taylor Swift?” he gasps. “Like, only the biggest artist on earth! Wow, I had no idea.”

“Taylor, I’m really sorry,” he continues “I still would play with you in a heartbeat. I swear I wouldn’t do that! I’m sorry I totally ruined your song.”

“My daughter is going to get a kick out of this,” he adds.

Watching the video below:

Mike Portnoy Hears Taylor Swift For The First Time – YouTube Mike Portnoy Hears Taylor Swift For The First Time - YouTube

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And if you fancy watching former David Lee Roth sticksman Greg Bisonette playing along to System of a Down‘s Toxicity, Megadeth‘s Dirk Verbeuren creating new rhythm tracks for hit songs by The Killers and Paramore, or Red Hot Chili Peppers‘ drummer Chad Smith brilliantly reinterpreting songs by Bring Me The Horizon and Thirty Seconds To Mars, Drumeo is your friend.

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A music writer since 1993, formerly Editor of Kerrang! and Planet Rock magazine (RIP), Paul Brannigan is a Contributing Editor to Louder. Having previously written books on Lemmy, Dave Grohl (the Sunday Times best-seller This Is A Call) and Metallica (Birth School Metallica Death, co-authored with Ian Winwood), his Eddie Van Halen biography (Eruption in the UK, Unchained in the US) emerged in 2021. He has written for Rolling Stone, Mojo and Q, hung out with Fugazi at Dischord House, flown on Ozzy Osbourne’s private jet, played Angus Young’s Gibson SG, and interviewed everyone from Aerosmith and Beastie Boys to Young Gods and ZZ Top. Born in the North of Ireland, Brannigan lives in North London and supports The Arsenal.

4 brilliant new metal bands you need to hear this month

Hidden Mothers/Hulder/Lutharo/Ana.n7n
(Image credit: Press/Hidden Mothers: Matthew Barsby/Lutharo: Michaelxcrusty)

Happy New Year! Alright, granted, it’s been a couple of weeks since the calendar officially switched over to 2025, but the sentiment stands as we return to you with a fresh selection of brilliant new bands. 

Much as we did every month last year, we’ll be bringing you some of the most exciting and interesting new bands around over the next 12 months, kicking off with a diverse selection from both sides of the Atlantic, as well as proggy tech metal from Saudi Arabia.

Intrigued? Check out the feature below, and be sure to listen to our massive playlist featuring all the latest releases from these artists. Find someone you think we’re missing? Let us know in the comments!

A divider for Metal Hammer

“The plan was always to be really loud and really sad,” bassist Liam Knowles explains of Hidden Mothers’ origins. The name comes from Victorian-era photography, where mothers were ghostly figures obscured by sheets or framing tricks, but also “it was just something that sounded cool”, he laughs. 

From initial conversations in a pub in late 2018, Hidden Mothers formed as a coalescence of their members’ influences, predominantly Alcest, Deafheaven and Oathbreaker. 

Since their self-titled debut EP in 2020, though, they have undergone a remarkable evolution. Bassist Liam has also assumed vocal duties, along with guitarist Luke Scrivens, and you’ll find just as much Thrice and even Radiohead in their sound now. “There are a lot more facets to us,” Liam grins. 

Their debut album is proof – five years in the making, Erosion / Avulsion expands in fresh directions, from lead single Defanged’s raging post-hardcore, to Death Curl’s serpentine post-metal and Grandfather’s soft, vulnerable croons. They’re also a band with a ton of heart; Luke writes all their lyrics, channelling his own experiences and thoughts. 

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He explains that Defanged is about the “growing nastiness in society towards the most vulnerable”, but is also keen to stress that politics isn’t necessarily the quartet’s forte. “We write personal songs about what’s important to us,” Liam agrees. 

Still Sickness deals with the aftermath of a mental health crisis, for instance, as an “honest representation of guilt and recovery”. Predominantly, though, Hidden Mothers aim to be a band that not only write serious songs, but support their scene, and the people within it. They actively promote their friends’ work on social media and onstage because, to them, the most important thing will always be “looking out for each other and helping each other out.” Will Marshall

Erosion / Avulsion is out now via Church Road. Hidden Mothers tour the UK from February 20 and play 2000 Trees in July.

Sounds Like: Post-hardcore meets screamo with a healthy dose of melody
For Fans Of: Oathbreaker, Thrice, Holy Fawn
Listen To: Defanged

Hidden Mothers – ‘Defanged’ (Official Visualiser) – YouTube Hidden Mothers - 'Defanged' (Official Visualiser) - YouTube

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Lutharo

Lutharo’s brand of high-octane heavy metal is hard to define – and that’s how they like it. “We’re like the lost and found bin of metal,” laughs vocalist Krista Shipperbottom. “I can’t just be like, ‘Oh, we’re a power metal band’ or, ‘We’re melodic death metal’, because that would be selling ourselves short.” 

In truth, Lutharo are both of these things and so much more. Owing as much to Arch Enemy as they do to Judas Priest and fellow Canadians 3 Inches Of Blood, their music combines thrash metal riffs with grandstanding guitar heroics, while Krista switches between Angela Gossow growls and Rob Halford wails. 

“Everything we do comes from the gut,” Krista says. “We’re never looking at a song like, ‘We want to be this genre’ or ‘Let’s copy this band.’ It comes from the heart.” 

By Krista’s own admission, Lutharo’s 2021 debut album, Hiraeth, was “a little cookie-cutter”. However, their second album, Chasing Euphoria, hones their disparate elements into a sharpened edge that they wield against the world. 

The band formed in 2014, while Krista and guitarist Victor Bucur were still in high school in Hamilton, Ontario. After a decade that felt “like pushing 20 boulders up a hill”, they feel they’ve finally hit upon their sound. 

“The more time we spend together, the more we’re comfortable taking risks in front of each other,” Krista says. 

“When I first started in this band, I was just like, ‘I gotta be tough so that people believe what I’m saying.’ Then in the last couple of years – and especially writing this album – I was like, ‘Screw that!’ I don’t need to be that person, I don’t want to be that person. Chasing Euphoria made us more comfortable in our musicianship. That whole album was me just emotionally vomiting. People are taking a piece of us with them when they listen.” Jon Garcia

Chasing Euphoria is out now via Reigning Phoenix. Lutharo tour Europe in April.

Sounds Like: The soundtrack to a battle against an army of skeletons atop a mechanised dragon
For Fans Of: Unleash The Archers, Arch Enemy, 3 Inches of Blood
Listen To: Time to Rise

LUTHARO – Time To Rise (Official Music Video) – YouTube LUTHARO - Time To Rise (Official Music Video) - YouTube

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Hulder

Pacific Northwest Winters have a reputation for harshness, but the damp, frigid reaches of rural Washington proved fertile ground for one-woman black metal outfit Hulder as she crafted her second album, Verses In Oath

“While it is true that many people cope with seven months of dreary rain by holing up in their homes, it is important to note that the rain breeds life,” Hulder tells Hammer via email (her sole method of doing interviews to maintain privacy). “The cold season energises and inspires me in ways that are difficult to tap into during parts of the year when the weather grows warmer and life speeds up.” 

Hulder’s life sped up significantly in 2024 as she traversed North America and Europe in support of Verses In Oath, marking her busiest touring year yet. “Even though constant travel and daily change isn’t the most natural-feeling environment for me,” she admits, “the collective magic summoned by the crowd when our set rolls around at the end of every night provides me considerable motivation to continue doing this.” 

It’s no wonder audiences have responded so strongly to Hulder with an album like Verses In Oath to promote. Equally lush and brutal, its 10 tracks feature time-honoured black metal conventions – larynx-shredding vocals, tremolo-picked guitars and furious blastbeats – but are bolstered by atmospheric synths, thunderous production and evocative, folkloric lyrics that reinforce Hulder’s self-described “dark medieval black metal”. 

Most importantly, this marriage of tradition and innovation happens entirely on Hulder’s terms. “I have always chosen to pursue that which makes the most sense without outside input. That won’t ever change,” she says. 

“If there is anything I have learned these past few years, it is the importance of striving for self-sufficiency and not allowing anyone else to influence or overpower my own instinct.” Bryan Rolli

Verses In Oath is out now via 20 Buck Spin. Hulder plays Maryland Deathfest in May.

Sounds Like: A moonlit garden party right outside the gates of Hell
For Fans Of: Wolves In The Throne Room, Spectral Wound, Panopticon
Listen To: Boughs Ablaze


Ana.n7n

Meta is a complicated proposition in Saudi Arabia. Like many other Western genres, it was effectively outlawed for decades, promoters unable to book international bands while homegrown talent operated entirely underground. The ascension of a new king in 2015 changed attitudes somewhat – Metallica even played the country in 2023 – but the scene is only now starting to thrive. 

“The scene has gone from… maybe not 0, more like 0.5, to a thousand in what felt like a second,” says Malik Zubaila, vocalist and synth player for Jeddah-formed tech-prog-metal band ana.n7n. “There are suddenly more venues, more opportunities. We hope we can build something special from there.” 

Both Malik and his key songwriting partner, drummer Maan Balila, were initially emboldened to start making music when they studied abroad as teenagers. The pair’s union has led to the release of ana.n7n’s debut album Fi Maken Ma… Fi Zamen Ma, which translates to: ‘Somewhere, Sometime’. 

The album is a wonderfully unusual mix of disparate influences, melding Malik’s love of electronic music, Tool and Nine Inch Nails with Maan’s obsession with nu metal (“Limp Bizkit is everything,” he smiles) and their desire to represent their own culture, with lyrics sung in their native Arabic. Needless to say, ana.n7n are far from your typical metal band. 

“Culturally and historically, I don’t think there’s a lot of music that uses our dialect,” Maan says. 

Music, though, is a universal language. And the intention of ana.n7n’s lyrics, exploring themes of societal decay, are certainly felt on the album, even if some listeners can’t understand them. 

“It’s very important for us to tell stories and narratives that can be understood by any single person,” explains Malik. “Equally, we want to showcase who we are and where we’re from.” Stephen Hill

Fi Maken Ma… Fi Zamn Ma is out now via Wall Of Sounds

Sounds Like: Eastern mysticism and gorgeous folk melodies enveloping Tesseract’s juddering riffs and rhythms amid Tool’s darkest prog
For Fans Of: Dead Letter Circus, Cloudkicker, Tesseract
Listen To: Zanjabil Waeasal Walimun

أنا.نحن – زنجبيل وعسل وليمون – YouTube أنا.نحن - زنجبيل وعسل وليمون - YouTube

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Staff writer for Metal Hammer, Rich has never met a feature he didn’t fancy, which is just as well when it comes to covering everything rock, punk and metal for both print and online, be it legendary events like Rock In Rio or Clash Of The Titans or seeking out exciting new bands like Nine Treasures, Jinjer and Sleep Token. 

Ringo Starr Plays Star-Studded Nashville Show: Set List, Video

Ringo Starr Plays Star-Studded Nashville Show: Set List, Video
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Ringo Starr got help from a new group of friends Tuesday night at the first of his two benefit concerts at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

Jack White, Sheryl Crow, Billy Strings, Emmylou Harris and Molly Tuttle were among the special guests for the evening. The show featured country-tinged renditions of Beatles and Starr solo classics, including three songs from Starr’s new country-influenced album Look Up: The title track, “Thankful” and “Time on My Hands.”

You can see the full set list as well as some fan-shot video and photos from the show below. The concerts will be used to raise funds for Los Angeles wildfire relief.

Read More: Ringo Starr, ‘Look Up’: Album Review

Starr will perform a second show at the Ryman on Wednesday night. A TV special named Ringo & Friends at the Ryman, drawn from these performances, will air this spring on CBS and Paramount+. He will return to the road with his All-Starr band – Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Warren Ham, Hamish Stuart, Gregg Bissonette and Buck Johnson – this June.

Ringo Starr, Jan. 14 Ryman Auditorium, Nashville Set List
(As reported by SetList.FM)

1. “Matchbox” (with Jack White)
2. “It Don’t Come Easy”
3. “Time on My Hands”
4. “Octopus’ Garden” (Molly Tuttle, no Ringo)
5. “Don’t Pass Me By” (Jack White, no Ringo)
6. “Thankful”
7. “Honey Don’t” (Billy Strings, no Ringo)
8. “Without Her” (The War and Treaty, no Ringo)
9. “I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party” (Sheryl Crow, Molly Tuttle, no Ringo)
10. “Boys” (Ringo on drums and vocals)
11. “Have You Seen My Baby”
12. “You Don’t Know Me at All”
13. “Act Naturally”
14. “I Wanna Be Your Man”
15. “What Goes On” (with Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle)
16. “Look Up”
17. “Photograph”
18. “Yellow Submarine (with Jim Keltner and Jack White)
19. “With a Little Help From My Friends” (with Emmylou Harris, Brenda Lee and previous guests)

Ranking Every Ringo Starr Album

Some LPs that initially failed to create much commercial interest ended up growing in both fan and critical estimation.

Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso

More From Ultimate Classic Rock

Top 25 Rock Albums of the 21st Century (So Far)

Top 25 Rock Albums of the 21st Century (So Far)

The first 25 years of the 21st century started with a bang for rock music. The genre had taken a hit as the ’90s closed, as boy bands, rappers and pop stars dominated the airwaves and charts.

But something happened right at the start of the 2000s: Rock music started to get popular again. Not that it ever went away; grunge holdovers and new forms of metal kept the music alive, albeit in new shades and textures, as more mainstream styles advanced.

As you will see in the below list of the Top 25 Rock Albums of the 21st Century (So Far), chosen by UCR’s staff, artists such as the Black Keys, the White Stripes and the Strokes paved the way for a commercial renaissance that’s carried over through the years.

READ MORE: Top 30 Albums of 1975

Like all popular forms of music, rock has evolved. Records made in 1964 didn’t sound like those made only five years earlier; a 1977 album doesn’t have much in common with one from 1967. So, it only follows a well-traveled timeline that rock albums released in the 2000s – whether from 2001 or 2021 – bear scant resemblance to those that came out in the mid-’80s.

New artists such as Radiohead and Wilco gave music new life in the 21st century; it’s no surprise that their records land near the top of the list below. Some old favorites remain relevant, as Bob Dylan, David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen make clear. Rock music, despite the occasional bumps along the way, still thrives 70 years after its formation.

Top 25 Rock Albums of the 21st Century (So Far)

The first 25 years of the 2000s reveal the progression and nostalgia of the undying genre. 

Gallery Credit: Michael Gallucci

More From Ultimate Classic Rock

Elvis Presley’s Stunning ‘House of Tomorrow’ For Sale

The spectacular “house of tomorrow” where Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon is back on the market, and pictures show a stunning property that’s well worth its hefty price tag.

The 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom, 4,695-square-foot avant-garde residence in Palm Springs, Calif., is currently for sale for $9,275,000. According to online real estate sites, that asking price breaks down to $1,976 per square foot and a monthly payment of $63,747.

Renowned architect William Krisel designed the dynamic winged home. The Alexander Construction Company completed the house in 1960, and it originally served as Robert Alexander’s personal residence.

The jaw-dropping house centers around a futuristic round concept, with pod rooms extending from a central hub. Its unusual interior amenities include a floating fireplace, angular stacked stone walls, terrazzo flooring and more. The living area is circular and features floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and a built-in 40-foot sofa.

The master bedroom juts out over the street and also boasts floor-to-ceiling windows. The custom circular kitchen centers around a built-in stove island that features six electric burners and a round range hood.

The exterior of the luxury property is just as eye-catching, including a pentagonal pool, lush landscaping and breathtaking views of the hills.

Look magazine christened the Alexander Residence “The House of Tomorrow” in 1962, and in 1967, Presley and his bride-to-be were hounded by journalists while staying at the luxurious Palm Springs residence.

They escaped from reporters by exiting down a small pathway at the back of the property, where a limo waited to take them to Frank Sinatra’s private jet, as Realtor.com reports. They flew to Las Vegas for their wedding, then spent their honeymoon at the house in Palm Springs, paying $21,000 to rent it for a year afterward.

The estate most recently sold for $5.65 million in January of 2022. It went on the market again on Jan. 10, 2025.

Marc Sanders from Compass Real Estate holds the official listing on the house. Scroll through the pictures below to see inside Elvis Presley’s honeymoon “House of Tomorrow.”

PICTURES: See Inside Elvis Presley’s Stunning Honeymoon ‘House of Tomorrow’

Elvis Presley’s stunning honeymoon “House of Tomorrow” is back on the market, and pictures reveal an eye-popping property that’s well worth its hefty price tag.

Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker

PICTURES: See Inside Priscilla Presley’s Spectacular Penthouse Condo

Priscilla Presley has downsized considerably in recent years, but she still lives a life of absolute luxury. The actor, businesswoman and former wife of rock icon Elvis Presley lives like a queen in a penthouse condominium that has every amenity of a top-flight celebrity mansion.

Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker

PICTURES: See Inside Lisa Marie Presley’s Spectacular California Mansion

Lisa Marie Presley’s final home was a spectacular estate in California, and pictures show an ultra-luxurious property that was a fitting home for rock music royalty.

Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker

PICTURES: See Inside Riley Keough’s Charming Luxury Cottage

Actress Riley Keough has sold her charming L.A.-area cottage, and pictures show a home that’s both cozy and luxurious.

Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker

PICTURES: See Inside Elvis Presley’s Spectacular Beverly Hills Estate

Elvis Presley owned a spectacular estate in Beverly Hills during his marriage to Priscilla Presley, and the place is worthy of the King of Rock and Roll.

Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker

PICTURES: See Inside Lisa Marie Presley’s Stunning California Estate

Lisa Marie Presley was living in a stunning mansion in Calabasas, Calif., at the time of her death, and the estate has now gone up for sale for $4.6 million after extensive renovations.

Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker

PICTURES: Look Inside Lisa Marie Presley’s Oceanfront Florida Mansion

Lisa Marie Presley’s former mansion in Florida is for sale, and pictures show a stunning oceanfront property fit for rock royalty.

Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker

PICTURES: See Inside Priscilla Presley’s Spectacular Estate

Sterling Whitaker is a Senior Writer and Senior Editor for Taste of Country. He focuses on celebrity real estate, as well as coverage of Yellowstone and related shows like 1883 and 1923. He’s interviewed cast members including Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, Sam Elliott and Harrison Ford, and Whitaker is also known for his in-depth interviews with country legends including Don Henley, Rodney Crowell, Trace Adkins, Ronnie Milsap, Ricky Skaggs and more.

Complete List Of Wild Cherry Band Members

Wild Cherry Band Members

Feature Photo: Photo by Roksolana Zasiadko

Wild Cherry was a funk rock band formed in 1970 in the United States. The group is best known for their hit song “Play That Funky Music,” which became a massive chart-topping success in 1976. Wild Cherry’s blend of rock, funk, and soul created a unique sound that resonated with audiences, particularly during the mid-1970s. The band released multiple albums, including their self-titled debut album in 1976, which featured “Play That Funky Music” and helped establish their place in pop and rock music history. Wild Cherry had several lineup changes throughout their career, and while their time in the spotlight was relatively brief, their legacy in the funk and rock genres endures.

The band’s early success was driven by the infectious energy of their music and the power of their live performances. “Play That Funky Music” went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, cementing Wild Cherry’s place in pop culture. Despite this success, the group faced internal challenges, including changes in lineup and direction. They disbanded after a few years of active recording and touring, with various members continuing their musical careers in other projects.

Over the years, Wild Cherry’s influence on the funk, rock, and disco scenes has been acknowledged by many artists and fans alike. Below is a detailed account of the band’s final and earlier members, their contributions to Wild Cherry’s sound, and their careers both inside and outside of the band.

Rob Parissi

Rob Parissi was the lead vocalist and guitarist for Wild Cherry, forming the band in 1970 and remaining with the group until their disbandment in 1979. Parissi was the driving force behind Wild Cherry’s most significant success, writing and performing their iconic hit “Play That Funky Music.” His vocal style, combined with his guitar playing, helped define the band’s funky rock sound. Parissi was pivotal in shaping the direction of the band’s albums, contributing to the success of their self-titled debut album in 1976. After Wild Cherry’s break-up, Parissi continued to pursue music, though his work was not as widely publicized.

Donnie Iris

Donnie Iris was the guitarist and occasional vocalist for Wild Cherry from 1978 to 1979. His guitar work added a new dimension to the band’s sound during its later years, and his time with Wild Cherry coincided with the band’s exploration of more rock-oriented tracks. Iris had previously been a member of The Jaggerz, known for the hit song “The Rapper,” and later enjoyed a successful solo career. His contributions to Wild Cherry, though brief, helped solidify the band’s late-era sound during the final phase of their existence.

Cooke Michalchick

Cooke Michalchick played bass and provided vocals for Wild Cherry from 1978 to 1979. His bass lines were an integral part of the band’s rhythm section, helping to lay the foundation for their funky rock style. Michalchick’s bass playing contributed to the band’s tight sound, and his vocal harmonies helped add depth to the band’s overall performance. After his time with Wild Cherry, Michalchick continued working in the music industry, though his involvement in other major projects was limited.

Ronald Beitle

Ronald Beitle was the drummer and percussionist for Wild Cherry from 1975 to 1979. His drumming was a vital part of the band’s rhythm section, helping to propel their energetic live performances. Beitle’s percussion work on tracks like “Play That Funky Music” became iconic, providing the infectious groove that the band was known for. After leaving Wild Cherry, Beitle continued working in various musical projects, contributing his skills to other acts.

Mark Avsec

Mark Avsec was the keyboardist for Wild Cherry from 1975 to 1979. Avsec’s keyboard playing added layers to the band’s funky sound, providing the harmonic backdrop to the band’s music. His contributions to songs like “Play That Funky Music” helped enhance the band’s upbeat and danceable tracks. Avsec’s work with Wild Cherry was part of his broader music career, which also included work with other rock and funk bands after the band disbanded.

Ben Difabbio

Ben Difabbio was the original drummer and vocalist for Wild Cherry, playing with the band from 1970 to 1975. Difabbio’s drumming helped lay the groundwork for the band’s early sound, playing a critical role in their initial formation and recordings. His time with Wild Cherry, though not as well-documented as later members, was significant in establishing the band’s identity in its early years. Difabbio left the band in 1975, and after his departure, he did not maintain the same public profile in the music industry.

Louie Osso

Louie Osso was a guitarist and vocalist for Wild Cherry from 1970 to 1973. His guitar playing helped establish the band’s early sound, contributing to their blend of rock, funk, and soul. Osso’s role in Wild Cherry was part of the band’s formative years, laying the foundation for their future success. After leaving Wild Cherry in 1973, Osso did not continue with major musical projects but remained an integral part of the band’s early history.

Larry Brown

Larry Brown was the bassist and vocalist for Wild Cherry from 1970 to 1973. Brown’s bass work helped define the early sound of the band, providing the solid foundation that underpinned their rock and funk influences. Brown left Wild Cherry in 1973, and while he did not have the same prominence in the music industry after his departure, his contributions to the band’s early recordings are an important part of their history.

Coogie Stoddart

Coogie Stoddart was a guitarist and vocalist for Wild Cherry from 1973 to 1975 and again from 1977 to 1978. Stoddart played a significant role in the band’s transition from their early years into their more funk-oriented phase. He contributed to the development of their live performances and the band’s overall sound, particularly during their tours. After his time with Wild Cherry, Stoddart continued to work in music but did not achieve the same level of recognition.

Joe Buchmelter

Joe Buchmelter was the bassist for Wild Cherry in 1973. His tenure with the band was brief, but his contributions to their early live performances helped shape the band’s early live shows. Buchmelter’s time with Wild Cherry was part of the band’s evolution, though his influence was not as significant as that of later members. After leaving the band, Buchmelter did not continue in the public eye.

Bucky Lusk

Bucky Lusk was the bassist for Wild Cherry from 1973 to 1975. His bass work contributed to the band’s sound during their early years, adding a funky groove that became a defining feature of Wild Cherry’s style. Lusk’s contributions were important in helping the band shape their early sound, but after leaving the band, he did not continue with major musical projects.

Allen Wentz

Allen Wentz was the bassist, synthesizer player, and vocalist for Wild Cherry from 1975 to 1978. Wentz helped to refine the band’s sound, especially as they began to integrate more synthesizers and electronic elements into their music. He played a significant role in albums that marked the band’s transition to a more sophisticated funk-rock style. After leaving Wild Cherry, Wentz continued to be involved in music, though his subsequent projects did not achieve the same level of recognition.

Bryan Bassett

Bryan Bassett was the guitarist for Wild Cherry from 1975 to 1978. He contributed his guitar skills to the band during their most productive years, playing on several tracks that became staples of their funk-rock style. Bassett’s guitar work helped define Wild Cherry’s sound, adding texture and depth to their music. After leaving Wild Cherry, Bassett continued his career in music, working with other rock bands, including Foghat. His contributions to Wild Cherry’s recordings remain an important part of their musical legacy.

Check out more Wild Cherry articles on ClassicRockHistory.com Just click on any of the links below……

Top 10 Wild Cherry Songs

Bryan Bassett of Foghat: 10 Albums That Changed My Life

Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com

Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory

Complete List Of Wild Cherry Band Members  article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024

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Complete List Of Mariah Carey Songs From A to Z

Mariah Carey songs from A to Z Best Songs

Feature Photo: Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com

Mariah Carey, one of the most influential and successful artists in modern music history, was born on March 27, 1969, in Huntington, New York. Raised in a multiracial family, Carey faced challenges that shaped her resilience and artistry. Her early exposure to music came from her mother, Patricia, a former opera singer and vocal coach, who nurtured Carey’s extraordinary vocal talent. After graduating from high school, Carey moved to New York City, where she pursued her dream of becoming a singer. Her journey from aspiring artist to global icon began when she met Tommy Mottola, then-head of Columbia Records, at a party. After hearing her demo tape, Mottola signed Carey to Columbia, marking the start of a career that would redefine pop and R&B music.

Carey’s self-titled debut album, Mariah Carey, was released in 1990, showcasing her extraordinary five-octave vocal range and unique ability to blend pop, soul, and gospel influences. The album produced four consecutive number-one singles: “Vision of Love,” “Love Takes Time,” “Someday,” and “I Don’t Wanna Cry,” cementing her status as a rising star. This was followed by Emotions in 1991, which further showcased her vocal prowess and versatility. Over the next three decades, Carey released a total of fifteen studio albums, including landmark works such as Music Box (1993), Daydream (1995), Butterfly (1997), and The Emancipation of Mimi (2005). Her ability to evolve sonically and lyrically ensured her longevity in a constantly shifting industry.

Carey’s impressive catalog of hit singles includes an astonishing 19 songs that reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100, a record for any solo artist. Among her most iconic tracks are “Hero,” “Fantasy,” “Always Be My Baby,” and “We Belong Together,” with the latter being hailed as one of the greatest songs of the 2000s. Her perennial holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has become a cultural phenomenon, returning to the top of the charts annually and breaking streaming records worldwide. The song’s enduring popularity underscores Carey’s ability to create timeless music that resonates across generations.

Throughout her career, Carey has amassed an extraordinary array of awards and accolades, including five Grammy Awards, 19 World Music Awards, and 10 American Music Awards. She was named Billboard’s Artist of the Decade for the 1990s and holds the distinction of being the only artist to have a number-one hit in four consecutive decades. In 2019, she was honored with the Billboard Icon Award, a testament to her unparalleled contributions to music and popular culture. Carey’s influence extends far beyond the charts, as she has inspired countless artists with her vocal techniques, songwriting, and trailblazing image.

What sets Carey apart is not just her remarkable vocal range but also her deep involvement in the creative process. As a prolific songwriter, she has co-written nearly all of her hits, infusing her music with authenticity and emotional depth. Her ability to write both heart-wrenching ballads and uplifting anthems has solidified her connection with fans worldwide. Carey’s role as a producer and arranger further underscores her multifaceted talent, as she meticulously crafts the soundscapes that accompany her unparalleled voice.

Beyond her musical achievements, Carey has made significant contributions to philanthropy and social causes. She has been a longtime supporter of the Fresh Air Fund, Camp Mariah, and various initiatives aimed at helping underprivileged youth. Carey’s openness about her struggles with mental health has also helped to break stigmas and encourage conversations about bipolar disorder, showing her commitment to using her platform for positive change.

Mariah Carey’s career is a testament to the power of resilience, reinvention, and raw talent. From her record-breaking achievements to her enduring impact on the music industry, she has become a symbol of excellence and longevity.

(#-B)

“100%”AT&T Team USA Soundtrack (2010)
“4real4real”E=MC² (2008)
“8th Grade”Caution (2018)
“A No No”Caution (2018)
“After Tonight”Rainbow (1999)
“Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)”Rainbow (1999)
“All I Live For”The Rarities (2020)
“All I Want for Christmas Is You”Merry Christmas (1994)
“All in Your Mind”Mariah Carey (1990)
“Alone in Love”Mariah Carey (1990)
“Always Be My Baby”Daydream (1995)
“America the Beautiful”Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse (2014)
“And You Don’t Remember”Emotions (1991)
“Angel (The Prelude)”Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (2009)
“Angels Cry”Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (2009)
“Anytime You Need a Friend”Music Box (1993)
“Auld Lang Syne (The New Year’s Anthem)”Merry Christmas II You (2010)
“Babydoll”Butterfly (1997)
“#Beautiful”Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse (2013)
“The Beautiful Ones”Butterfly (1997)
“Betcha Gon’ Know (The Prologue)”Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (2009)
“Bliss”Rainbow (1999)
“Boy (I Need You)”Charmbracelet (2002)
“Breakdown”Butterfly (1997)
“Bringin’ On the Heartbreak”Charmbracelet (2002)
“Butterfly”Butterfly (1997)
“Bye Bye”E=MC² (2008)
“Camouflage”Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse (2014)
“Can You Hear Me”The Rarities (2020)
“Candy Bling”Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (2009)
“Can’t Let Go”Emotions (1991)
“Can’t Take That Away (Mariah’s Theme)”Rainbow (1999)
“Caution”Caution (2018)
“Charlie Brown Christmas”Merry Christmas II You (2010)
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”Merry Christmas (1994)
“Christmas Time Is in the Air Again”Merry Christmas II You (2010)
“Circles”The Emancipation of Mimi (2005)
“Close My Eyes”Butterfly (1997)
“Clown”Charmbracelet (2002)
“Cool on You”The Rarities (2020)
“Cruise Control”E=MC² (2008)
“Cry.”Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse (2014)
“Crybaby”Rainbow (1999)

(D-H)

“Daydream Interlude” (Fantasy Sweet Dub Mix)Daydream (1995)
“Dedicated”Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse (2014)
“Did I Do That?”Rainbow (1999)
“Didn’t Mean to Turn You On”Glitter (2001)
“Do You Know Where You’re Going To (Theme from Mahogany)”#1’s (1998)
“Do You Think of Me”B-side to “Dreamlover” (1993)
“Don’t Forget About Us”The Emancipation of Mimi (2005)
“Don’t Stop (Funkin’ 4 Jamaica)”Glitter (2001)
“Dreamlover”Music Box (1993)
“El Amor Que Soñé”Daydream (1995)
“Emotions”Emotions (1991)
“Endless Love”Songs (1994)
“Everything Fades Away”Music Box (1993)
“Faded”Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse (2014)
“Fall in Love at Christmas”Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues… (2021)
“Fantasy”Daydream (1995)
“The First Noel”/”Born Is the King (Interlude)”Merry Christmas II You (2010)
“Fly Away” (Butterfly Reprise)Butterfly (1997)
“Fly Like a Bird”The Emancipation of Mimi (2005)
“For the Record”E=MC² (2008)
“Forever”Daydream (1995)
“Fourth of July”Butterfly (1997)
“Get Your Number”The Emancipation of Mimi (2005)
“Givin’ Me Life”Caution (2018)
“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”Merry Christmas (1994)
“Got a Thing 4 You”Charmbracelet (2002)
“GTFO”Caution (2018)
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”/”Gloria (In Excelsis Deo)”Merry Christmas (1994)
“H.A.T.E.U.”Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (2009)
“Heartbreaker”Rainbow (1999)
“Heat”E=MC² (2008)
“Heavenly (No Ways Tired/Can’t Give Up Now)”Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse (2014)
“Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)”/”Housetop Celebration”Merry Christmas II You (2010)
“Here We Go Round Again”The Rarities (2020)
“Hero”Music Box (1993)
“Honey”Butterfly (1997)
“How Much”Rainbow (1999)

(I-J)

“I Am Free”Daydream (1995)
“I Don’t” – (featuring YG) (2017)
“I Don’t Wanna Cry”Mariah Carey (1990)
“I Know What You Want”Charmbracelet (2003)
“I Only Wanted”Charmbracelet (2002)
“I Pray”The Rarities (2020)
“I Stay in Love”E=MC² (2008)
“I Still Believe”#1’s (1998)
“I Want to Know What Love Is”Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (2009)
“I Wish You Knew”The Emancipation of Mimi (2005)
“I Wish You Well”E=MC² (2008)
“I’ll Be Lovin’ U Long Time”E=MC² (2008)
“I’ll Be There”MTV Unplugged (1992)
“I’ve Been Thinking About You”Music Box (1993)
“I’m That Chick”E=MC² (2008)
“If It’s Over”Emotions (1991)
“If We”Glitter (2001)
“The Impossible”Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (2009)
“The Impossible (The Reprise)”Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (2009)
“In the Mix” – (2019)
“Infamous” – (2016)
“Infinity”#1 to Infinity (2015)
“Inseparable”Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (2009)
“Irresistible (West Side Connection)”Charmbracelet (2002)
“It’s a Wrap”Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (2009)
“It’s Like That”The Emancipation of Mimi (2005)
“It’s Only Make Believe”Overnight Sensational (2006)
“Jesus Born on This Day”Merry Christmas (1994)
“Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child”Merry Christmas (1994)
“Joy Ride”The Emancipation of Mimi (2005)
“Joy to the World”Merry Christmas (1994)
“Just Stand Up!” – (2008)
“Just to Hold You Once Again”Music Box (1993)

(K-O)

(P-Z)

Check out our fantastic and entertaining Mariah Carey articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com

Top 10 Mariah Carey Album Covers

Top 10 Mariah Carey Love Songs

Complete List Of Mariah Carey Albums And Discography

Top 10 Mariah Carey Songs

Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com

Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory

Complete List Of Mariah Carey Songs From A to Z article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024

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SEVEN SPIRES – Fan-Filmed Video Of Entire December 2024 Yokohama Show Streaming

SEVEN SPIRES - Fan-Filmed Video Of Entire December 2024 Yokohama Show Streaming

Seven Spires performed at Baysis in Yokohama, Japan on December 7, 2024. Fan-filmed video of the entire show can be viewed below.

Setlist:

“Songs Upon Wine-Stained Tongues”
“Almosttown”
“Succumb” (with Lords Of The Trident)
“The Cabaret of Dreams”
“Love’s Souvenir”
“Shadow on an Endless Sea”
“Emerald Necklace”
“The Road”
“No Place for Us”
“The Old Hurt of Being Left Behind”
“Gods of Debauchery”

Seven Spires recently shared “Portrait of Us,” the fourth single from their new studio album A Fortress Called Home. The track is accompanied by a new music video which is available below.

The band shared this about the track:

“A parade through some of our early influences, it’s arrogant, it’s playful, it might not know its place, it’s an irritating little brat of a song, but we love it all the same.”

Frontwoman Adrienne Cowan comments:

“I’m not sure if he would agree, but after over 10 years of listening to and studying songs that Sascha Paeth wrote or produced, this might be the closest I feel I’ve ever gotten to honoring his influence on my artistry.”

Guitarist Jack Kosto adds:

“This one has some really cool almost hidden or understated riffs and guitar parts that I’m super proud of which are influenced by my earlier rock n’ roll days, and maybe some older school Opeth songs. It’s a bit of a bitch to play, but in a really fun and peacocky kind of way that I suppose is really on brand for us.”

A Fortress Called Home was produced, mixed, and mastered by Jack Kosto who had this to say about it: “If our previous albums have intended to take you on an emotional journey of our design, this album forces you to confront the one of your own making. Good luck and enjoy!”

Order A Fortress Called Home at this location.

Tracklisting:

“A Fortress Called Home”
“Songs Upon Wine-Stained Tongues”
“Almosttown”
“Impossible Tower”
“Love’s Souvenir”
“Architect Of Creation”
“Portrait Of Us”
“Emerald Necklace”
“Where Sorrows Bear My Name”
“No Place For Us”
“House Of Lies”
“The Old Hurt Of Being Left Behind”

“The Old Hurt Of Being Left Behind” video:

“Architect Of Creation” video:

“Almosttown” video: