Author: fgt

When Fever 333 announced their formation back in 2017, fans of Letlive. had cause to believe frontman Jason Aalon Butler’s union with members of The Chariot and Night Verses could lead to the birth of one of that generation’s most exciting new bands. It’s not really worked out that way, though. 

They were always superb live; they filled some impressively sized venues, and they even got a Grammy nomination. But with only one album and a pair of EPs in that time, and with many of that previous audience bemoaning Fever 333’s music being cleaner, simpler and more sloganeering than the deep complexities of their earlier work, it feels like much of their momentum has been massively lost. Moreover, two thirds of the original line-up is gone, leaving just their clear MVP, Jason, left alongside an entirely new bunch of bandmates. 

Stylistically, the core Fever 333 sound remains. There are still thumping, rudimentary groove metal riffs, along with slick production and Jason’s socio-political rhetoric delivered in a variety of raps, screams and soulful croons. But here the likes of Higher Power and Desert Rap sound like totally unremarkable, elementary rap-rock tunes.

It’s not all bad news. Jason is as always, fully invested and committed to his role as chief agitator here, bringing some much-needed perspectives from a person of colour into the metal scene. The new Fever 333 have leaned more heavily on their hip hop influences, which gives songs like album highlight Tourist, a modern update of boom-bap and jiggy grooves, or the horrorcore, trap beat and riff heavy mash-up of Pin Drop a fresh, contemporary feel. Interpolations of Notorious B.I.G. and K7’s 1993 hip pop hit Come Baby Come – which rely a little too heavily on the otherwise excellent party rock of $wing – back this up further. 

That feels like a pathway for Fever 333 to possibly achieve the potential so many felt they had back at the start of their career. But they’re not there yet.

Dark White is out now via Century Media/333 Wreckchords 

Motley Crue have released the title track to their new Cancelled EP.

It’s the third and final song to be released from the band’s first collection of new music since the departure of founding guitarist Mick Mars, following “Dogs of War” and a cover of the Beastie Boys’ “Fight for Your Right.”

“Cancelled” sticks closer to the Motley Crue’s classic sound than the previous two songs, with a strutting guitar riff and drum beat that would sound right at home on 1987’s Girls, Girls, Girls. “Woke up in the morning, just got cancelled,” Vince Neil sings. “Daily Mail is such a handful / Take a shot, throw a hand grenade / Monkeys on the internet got it made / ….Speak your mind you might get cancelled / Call me trash, burn down my castle.” 

Read More: Motley Crue Cover ‘Fight for Your Right’ on New ‘Cancelled’ EP

Tommy Lee told Bill Maher about the inspiration behind the new song last year. “There was this article that was like, ‘How did Motley Crue ever not get cancelled?” And we were like, ‘Fuck, we got to write a song about that because we didn’t ever get it,” the drummer explained on the Club Random podcast. “We snuck in under whatever threshold, wherever that was, where we got away with fucking murder.”

Motley Crue Set to Return to Las Vegas and the Sunset Strip

Next week, Motley Crue will return to the Los Angeles clubs where their career started for three charity fundraising “Hollywood Takeover” shows. They’ll perform at the Troubadour on Oct. 7, the Roxy on Oct. 9 and the Whisky a Go Go on Oct. 11.

Yesterday the group announced a new Las Vegas residency, set to kick off on March 28, 2025. Motley Crue promises to “take the audience on a journey back to their gritty rock beginnings” with a revamped set list. “The tell-all show will immerse the audience in the band’s history, leading all the way through their record-breaking Stadium Tour.”

Hear Motley Crue Perform ‘Cancelled’

Motley Crue Albums Ranked

We look back at everything from Too Fast for Love to Saints of Los Angeles to see which albums hold up best all these years later.

Gallery Credit: Ultimate Classic Rock Staff

More From Ultimate Classic Rock

Chicago death metal trio, Primal Code, have signed to Relapse Records, and have announced their debut full-length, Opaque Fixation.

Featuring former members of Indian, Primal Code’s ethos is firmly rooted in no-frills, no nonsense death metal. From the opening moments of Opaque Fixation, the band’s intent is clear: every second counts, and every second has to be packed with the most aggressive and disgusting riffs possible.

Today, Primal Code shares their new music video for “Anapsid”, directed by Ed Titus. Watch the clip below. Opaque Fixation is out November 15 on LP/CD/Digital. Pre-order via Relapse.com here,  listen to “Anapsid” on all streaming services here.

Tracklisting:

“Intro”
“Anapsid”
“Totem”
“Derelict”
“Hive”
“IWL”
“Extinction”
“Terminal”
“Angler”
“Stuck”

“Anapsid” video:

More about Primal Code:

It starts with a rumble and ends with devastation. Primal Code are a death metal bulldozer on a mission to level the world.

Formed in 2021 in Chicago, Illinois, this trio of dogged diehards have swiftly mutated into one of the heaviest and most distinctive bands in the modern death metal scene. Poised to release their debut album, vocalist/guitarist Gene Marino, bassist Will Lindsay (ex-Indian/Middian) and drummer James Farn were always determined to forge their own path through the underground.

“It really started with our obsession with Bolt Thrower and how a lot of bands didn’t have that same vibe. ‘Low-speed whiplash’ was the term that was kicked around at first that we stuck to a lot. Being a three-piece has also really become a big part of what we are aiming for. Less is more, always.”

For those that crave the arcane magic of old school death metal, Primal Code are already speaking your language. Inspired by the grotesque greats of the ‘90s, from Death and Obituary to Napalm Death and Skinless, the Chicagoan trio have conjured something unique and refreshingly foul. After one demo, one EP (2023’s Subliminal Master) and a split release (with thrashcore crew The Gavel), they signed a deal with esteemed underground imprint Relapse Records, and began work on their first full-length album.

And here it is: Opaque Fixation. On what is an exhilarating and remarkable debut, Primal Code slam down a new blueprint for abominable aggression, crushing everything in their path with militant, mid-paced brutality. Recorded at Bricktop Studios in their hometown, feral anthems like Anapsid, Totem and Extinction give the old school spirit a jolting dose of cutting edge ferocity, with a powerful production, dazzling artwork from Chicago tattooistDan Gardea, and gleefully twisted, mind-expanding lyrics from the depths of Gene Marino’sbrain.

Newly signed to esteemed underground imprint Relapse Records, Primal Code are making death metal that cuts deep and causes as much chaos as possible. An avalanche of riffs, from the mean streets of Chicago, direct to your door. Opaque Fixation is coming to wreck the place. Get ready. – Dom Lawson

Primal Code Is:

James Farn – Drums
Will Lindsay – Bass
Gene Marino – Vocals/Guitars

(Photo – John Hambone)

Greek melodic metal outfit, InnerWish, have released the new single and video, “Highter”. The track will be featured on the band’s new album, Ash Of Eternal Flame, out on November 8 via RPM (Reigning Phoenix Music).

A message states: “One of our most favorite songs of this album! And (being honest here) the one we were afraid it wouldn’t end up in the album due to it being way different than the others. But Henrik Udd’s excellent mixing dispelled our fears lets say and we are more than happy to share it with you! The lyrical story of this song is about a father talking to his first born child (here a son and in particular our singer’s George). The feelings of the father, his thoughts, his anxieties, his will to always be there for his child even after he leaves this world.”

Ash Of Eternal Flame can be pre-ordered physically [ltd. CD-digipak or ltd. coloured vinyl], pre-saved on your favourite digital service provider (DSP), or pre-orderd digitally to receive “Sea Of Lies” feat. Hansi Kürsch instantly, here.

Ash Of Eternal Flame features two distinct cover designs by Giannis Nakos of Remedy Art Design (known for his work with Amaranthe, Kamelot, Arion, and more). The blue version is used for both the CD and digital formats, while the red version is reserved for the vinyl edition. The album includes twelve tracks (including a bonus cover version for physical formats), recorded at LoNe and Devasoundz Studios in Athens, Greece under the guidance of producer Fotis Benardo. Mixing and mastering were handled by award-winning engineer Henrik Udd, who has worked with acts like Hammerfall, Powerwolf, and Septicflesh.

With a diverse range of lyrical themes — spanning social and global issues, personal struggles, mythology, and even fantasy — InnerWish are poised to shine brighter than ever with Ash Of Eternal Flame. Musically, the album cements their legacy as a formidable force in the melodic metal scene.

Ash Of Eternal Flame tracklisting:

“Forevermore”
“Sea Of Lies”
“Higher”
“Soul Asunder”
“Primal Scream”
“Ash Of Eternal Flame”
“Cretan Warriors”
“The Hands Of Doom”
“Once Again”
“I Walk Alone”
“Breathe”

Bonus Track (physical only):

“Send Me An Angel” (Blackfoot cover)

“Sea Of Lies” video:

(Photo – Dimitris Marinis / The Storyteller Studio)

Today, Canadian rock outfit, BRKN Love, shares a new single entitled “20/20 Vision”. The track is featured on EA Sports NHL 25, out tomorrow. The release announcement of “20/20 Vision” is accompanied by a lyric video, available below. Stream “20/20 Vision” here.

Frontman/lead guitarist Justin Benlolo and producer Anton Delost (The Warning, Dead Poet Society) co-wrote the tune with Queens of the Stone Age bassist Michael Shuman, jamming live together in the studio.

BRKN Love comments on the new single: “We couldn’t be more excited to announce the release of our new song ’20/20 Vision.’ Crafted with the amazingly talented, Michael Shuman (Queens Of The Stone Age), this song is quintessential BRKN Love.

“It’s unbelievable that we got to collaborate with a member of a band we look up to and have a piece of their greatness touch our music. The song was crafted in a dank basement studio in North Hollywood and I like to think some of that darkness shines through. The lyrics focus on the subject of nostalgia and getting caught up in the past, believing things were better than they were. In the end, you realize that you made certain decisions for a reason and need to trust the choices you made. We hope you love the song! Crank it up and enjoy.”

This November, BRKN Love will hit the road with label mates Dead Poet Society to give the Southeast some love. Dates are listed below.

Since the release of their self-titled debut album, BRKN Love has been creating quite a stir. They have accumulated over 253 million streams to date, with their Spotify monthly listeners reaching 585k. The single “Shot Down” reached #15 on the US Active Rock radio charts, while both “Shot Down” and “Crush” climbed to #5 on Canada’s equivalent charts.

Additionally, the band’s cover of Bishop Briggs’ “River” has become a viral sensation. Recorded specifically for a special deluxe version of their debut record, it has over 50,000 unique videos featuring the track created on TikTok, boasting over 2 billion total views across all user and professionally generated content platforms.

Their previous single, “Deadweight,” the first new track to follow the band’s debut album — went straight in the top 15 at Canadian Active Rock radio and has seen the hype carry overseas, with UK BBC Radio One presenters Dan P. Carter and Jack Saunders both giving the song airtime. Saunders called it “The new age of rock and roll” on his BBC Radio One Indie Show. The follow-up “Like A Drug” went Top 5 at Canadian radio, did some damage on the US Active Rock radio charts, and garnered the same acclaim overseas as the first.

Tour dates (with Dead Poet Society):

November
15 – St. Petersburg, FL – Bayboro Brewing Co.
16 – Orlando, FL – The Social
17 – Jacksonville, FL – Jack Rabbits
19 – Greenville, SC – Radio Room
20 – Chattanooga, TN – Barrelhouse Ballroom
22 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Druid City Music Festival
23 – Destin, FL – Club LA
24 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Hell)

(Photo – Tommy Krause)

In Episode 7 of Def Leppard’s Behind The Summer Stadium Tour, we are introduced to Joe Elliott’s idea for a solo record, Rick and Phil re-learn some songs, Joe & Phil channel their inner Moody Blues, the guys celebrate Viv’s birthday and Joe embarks on a journey (no pun intended) to get a new phone. Watch below:

Def Leppard’s 2024 summer stadium tour kick started with the release of a brand new standalone single, “Just Like 73″. Watch the band “live from the 2024 Summer Stadium Tour” below:

Returning to the road on a massive North American summer stadium tour, the electrifying single, “Just Like 73” featuring Tom Morello, made its debut for the first time reaching #1 on various charts across the globe.

Speaking about the track, Joe Elliott shares, “It encapsulates a time that burned deep into our DNA. We wanted to celebrate that very important and glorious time.”
 
“When I saw David Bowie on TV between 1972 and 1973, everything I thought I knew about music went from black and white to vivid technicolor,” Phil Collen adds. “Our song ‘Just Like 73’ represents that awakening.”

Own “Just Like 73” on 7” vinyl. Shop here.

Vinyl tracklisting:

Side A:
“Just Like 73” (Featuring Tom Morello)

Side B:
“Just Like 73” (Alternate Version)

Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours is one of the most critically acclaimed and bestselling albums of all time, and it’s held those distinctions for decades, reports Hugh McIntyre for Forbes. No matter how much time passes, the public never seems to tire of listening to the many hits featured on the band’s biggest full-length.

Continued sales and streaming activity have kept Rumours on the Billboard charts for decades. This week, the set reaches a momentous milestone on what is widely regarded as the most important albums ranking published by the company, and as it does, Fleetwood Mac’s blockbuster joins a very small group of other bestsellers and makes history.

Rumours has now spent 600 weeks on the Billboard 200. It’s just the sixteenth album in the decades-long life of the list of the most-consumed full-lengths and EPs in the country to reach that number.

Before this frame, the most recent addition to the 600-week club was Drake’s Take Care, which hit that mark less than a month ago. Adele’s 21, Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, AC/DC’s Back In Black, and Queen’s Greatest Hits all reached 600 frames on the Billboard 200 earlier this year as well.

Read the full report at Forbes.

Rick Wakeman is a constantly evolving enigma, even when he’s celebrating his past. His latest look back on his glittering career is a joyous piece of vinyl celebrating a time when a man would be considered foolish not to perform in a cape.

Borne out of his The Yes Suite, a medley incorporating themes from Yes classics, the Yessonata medley followed quickly, comprising more than 30 musical pieces stitched together elegantly and seamlessly.

It’s a wonderful idea, and reaffirms the strength of the classic Yes songbook, elegant and pared back, the twist of a familiar melody hooking you back into the original.

Equally good is the flip-side, The King Arthur Piano Suite, another singularly lovely, one-man take on the main themes and melodies from his The Knights Of The Round Table. It’s glorious, and comes a close second here only due to the indomitable face of the timeless Yes catalogue.