Author: u0zp4y

Robbie Williams, a defining figure in British pop culture, has carved out a remarkable career that spans decades. Born Robert Peter Williams on February 13, 1974, in Stoke-on-Trent, England, his early life reflected a passion for performance. Williams’s first major break came as a member of the boy band Take That, which he joined in 1990 at just sixteen. Known for his charismatic personality and dynamic stage presence, Williams quickly became a standout member of the group. Take That dominated the charts throughout the early 1990s, releasing hits like “Pray,” “Relight My Fire,” and “Back for Good.” However, internal tensions and Williams’s struggle with the band’s strict creative control led to his departure in 1995, a decision that marked the start of his meteoric solo career.

Williams wasted little time proving his capability as a solo artist, releasing his debut album, Life thru a Lens, in 1997. Initially slow to gain traction, the album’s success was propelled by the single “Angels,” which became his signature song and one of the most beloved ballads of the decade. Over the years, Williams released a staggering thirteen solo studio albums, including I’ve Been Expecting You (1998), Sing When You’re Winning (2000), and The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016). His work blends pop, rock, and swing, demonstrating versatility and an ability to stay relevant across eras. Nearly all of his albums have reached number one in the UK, making him one of the most successful British solo artists in history.

Williams’s singles catalog is equally impressive, featuring over 50 charting songs. “Rock DJ,” “Millennium,” “Feel,” and “Let Me Entertain You” are just a few of his defining hits. His knack for combining catchy melodies with witty, introspective lyrics earned him international acclaim. He also ventured into swing music with Swing When You’re Winning (2001), which included duets with Nicole Kidman and Frank Sinatra (via archival recordings). The album was a commercial triumph, highlighting his ability to connect with audiences beyond the confines of pop.

Robbie Williams’s career achievements are bolstered by an extensive list of accolades. He holds a record-breaking 18 BRIT Awards, including four wins for Best British Male Artist and the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Music award. Additionally, he has won three MTV Europe Music Awards and multiple Echo Awards in Germany. Williams’s global appeal is further evidenced by his inclusion in the Guinness World Records for selling 1.6 million tickets in a single day for his 2006 world tour.

Beyond his music, Williams is beloved for his candidness and relatability. He has been open about his battles with addiction, anxiety, and depression, using his platform to discuss mental health issues and inspire others. His philanthropic endeavors are equally significant. Williams co-founded the charity Give It Sum, which supports underprivileged communities in his native Stoke-on-Trent. He has also participated in numerous charity events, including Soccer Aid, which raises funds for UNICEF.

( #- B)

“3 Lions 2010” – Three Lions 2010, England The Album 2010 (2010)
“9 to 5” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)
“16 Tons” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“The 80’s” – Rudebox (2006)
“The 90’s” – Rudebox (2006)
“1974” – Radio (2004)
“A House Without A Mum (Demo)” – The Boy in the Dress – Original Cast Recording (2020)
“A Man for All Seasons” – Johnny English Soundtrack (2003)
“A Place to Crash” – Intensive Care (2005)
“The Actor” – Rudebox (2006)
“Advertising Space” – Intensive Care (2005)
“Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“All Climb On” – Under the Radar Volume 1 (2014)
“All That I Want” – Take the Crown (2012)
“Andy Warhol” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)
“Angels” – Life thru a Lens (1997)
“Angels (Spanish Version)” – The Ego Has Landed (1999)
“Antmusic” – No Regrets (Single) (1998)
“Appliance of Science” – Sexed Up (Single) (2003)
“Are You Gonna Go My Way” – Reload (Tom Jones album) (1999)
“Arizona” – Reality Killed the Video Star (2009)
“Average B Side” – Old Before I Die (Single) (1997)
“Baby Girl Window” – Life thru a Lens (1997)
“Bag Full of Silly” – Tripping (Single) (2005)
“Bambi” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)
“Be a Boy” – Take the Crown (2012)
“Berliner Star” – Something Beautiful (Single) (2003)
“Best Intentions” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“Better Days” – Old Before I Die (Single) (1997)
“Better Man” – Sing When You’re Winning (2000)
“Beyond the Sea” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“Big Beef” – Sexed Up (Single) (2003)
“Blasphemy” – Reality Killed the Video Star (2009)
“Bodies” – Reality Killed the Video Star (2009)
“Booty Call” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)
“Bongo Bong/Je Ne T’aime Plus” – Rudebox (2006)
“Break America” – Released to the Longest-Standing Fan Club Members (2007)
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Bridge Over Troubled Water (2017)
“The BRITs” – Under the Radar Volume 1 (2014)
“Bruce Lee” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“Bullet” – Under the Radar Volume 1 (2014)
“Bully” – Under the Radar Volume 1 (2014)
“Burslem Normals” – Rudebox (2006)
“By All Means Necessary” – Sing When You’re Winning (2000)
“Bye Bye” – Under the Radar Volume 3 (2019)

(C – E)

“Carry On” – Carry On (Kai Elle Single) (2012)
“Charity Song” – The Difficult Second Album (Chris Moyles album) (2012)
“Cheap Love Song” – South of the Border (1997)
“Chemical Devotion” – Misunderstood (DVD Single) (2004)
“Clean” – Life thru a Lens (1997)
“Coffee, Tea and Sympathy” – Something Beautiful (Single) (2002)
“Coke & Tears” – It’s Only Us/She’s The One (Single) (1999)
“Collision of Worlds” – Cars 2 (Soundtrack) (2011)
“Come Fly with Me” – Appears on The BBC program “Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of Fire” (1999)
“Come Take Me Over” – Supreme (Single) (2000)
“Come Undone” – Escapology (2002)
“The Cure” – Under the Radar Volume 1 (2014)
“Cursed” – Escapology (2002)
“Dance with the Devil” – Released on the DVD Where Ego’s Dare (2000)
“David’s Song” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“The Days” – Stories (Avicii album) (2014)
“Deceptacon” – Reality Killed the Video Star (2009)
“Deceiving Is Believing” – No Regrets (Single) (1998)
“Dickhead” – Rudebox (2006)
“Different” – Take the Crown (2012)
“Difficult for Weirdos” – Reality Killed the Video Star (2009)
“Dirty Rotten” – Under the Radar Volume 3 (2019)
“Do Me Now” – Misunderstood (Single) (2004)
“Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear from Me” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Single) (2004)
“Do You Mind” – Reality Killed the Video Star (2009)
“Dogs & Birds” – In and Out of Consciousness: Greatest Hits 1990–2010 (2010)
“Don’t Do Love” – Supreme (Single) (2000)
“Don’t Say No” – Advertising Space (Single) (2005)
“Don’t Stop Talking” – Digital single release (2005)
“Dream a Little Dream” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“The Edge” – Under the Radar Volume 1 (2014)
“Ego A Go-go” – Life thru a Lens (1997)
“Eight Letters [Demo]” – Take the Crown (2012)
“Elastik” – Morning Sun (Single) (2010)
“Email from a Vampire” – In and Out of Consciousness: Greatest Hits 1990–2010 (2010)
“Eternity” – Eternity/The Road to Mandalay (Single) (2001)
“Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” – Lazy Days (Single) (1997)
“Eyes on the Highway” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)

(F – H)

“Falling in Bed (Again)” – Lazy Days (Single) (1997)
“Family Coach” – Advertising Space (Single) (2005)
“Feel” – Escapology (2002)
“Forever Texas” – Sing When You’re Winning (2000)
“Freedom” – Freedom (Single) (1996)
“Get a Little High” – Escapology (2002)
“Get the Joke” – Angels (Single) (1997)
“Ghosts” – Intensive Care (2005)
“Goin’ Crazy” – The Fifth (Dizzee Rascal album) (2013)
“Go Gentle” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“Go Mental” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)
“Gold” – Under the Radar Volume 3 (2019)
“Good Doctor” – Rudebox (2006)
“Good People” – Under the Radar Volume 3 (2019)
“Gospel” – Take the Crown (2012)
“Grace” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
“Greenlight” – Under the Radar Volume 1 (2014)
“Handsome Man” – Escapology (2002)
“Happy Easter (War Is Coming)” – Come Undone (Single) (2003)
“Happy Song” – Strong (Single) (1999)
“Have You Met Miss Jones?” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” – He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother (2012)
“Heart & I” – In and Out of Consciousness: Greatest Hits 1990–2010 (2010)
“Heaven from Here” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
“Heavy Entertainment Show” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“Hello Sir [Poem]” – Life thru a Lens (1997)
“Helping Haiti (Everybody Hurts)” – Helping Haiti (2010)
“H.E.S.” – Under the Radar Volume 1 (2014)
“Hey Wow Yeah Yeah” – Take the Crown (2012)
“Hot Fudge” – Escapology (2002)
“Hotel Crazy” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“How Peculiar” – Escapology (2002)
“How Peculiar (Reprise)” – Escapology (2002)
“Hunting for You” – Take the Crown (2012)

(I – L)

“I Am the Res-erection” – Let Me Entertain You (Single) (1998)
“I Don’t Want to Hurt You” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“(I Feel It But) I Can’t Explain” – Misunderstood (Single) (2004)
“I Just Want People to Like Me” – Under the Radar Volume 3 (2018)
“I.L.M.P.” – The Difficult Second Album (Chris Moyles album) (2012)
“If I Don’t Cry (Demo)” – The Boy in the Dress – Original Cast Recording (2020)
“Indestructible” – Under the Radar Volume 3 (2019)
“The Impossible” – Under the Radar Volume 3 (2019)
“I Started a Joke” – Gotta Get a Message to You (Bee Gees Tribute Album) (1998)
“I Tried Love” – Escapology (2002)
“I Wan’na Be Like You” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“I Will Talk and Hollywood Will Listen” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“I Wouldn’t Normally Do This Kind of Thing” – Let Me Entertain You (Single) (1998)
“If I Only Had a Brain” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“If It’s Hurting You” – Sing When You’re Winning (2000)
“In and Out of Love” – Fan Club Release (2007)
“International Entertainment” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)
“Into the Silence” – Take the Crown (2012)
“It Was a Very Good Year” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“It’s De-Lovely” – De-Lovely (Soundtrack) (2004)
“It’s Only Us” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1999)
“Jesus in a Camper Van” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
“John’s Gay” – Kids (Single) (2000)
“Karaoke Overkill” – Angels (Single) (1997)
“Karaoke Star” – Kids (Single) (2000)
“Karma Killer” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
“Keep On” – Rudebox (2006)
“Kids” – Sing When You’re Winning (2000)
“Kill Me or Cure Me” – Kids (Single) (2000)
“Killing Me” – Life thru a Lens (1997)
“King of Bloke & Bird” – Intensive Care (2005)
“Kiss Me” – Rudebox (2006)
“Knutsford City Limits” – Sing When You’re Winning (2000)
“Kooks” – Old Before I Die (Single) (1997)
“The Lady Is a Tramp” – Mr. Bojangles/I Will Talk and Hollywood Will Listen (Single) (2002)
“Last Days of Disco” – Reality Killed the Video Star (2009)
“Lazy Days” – Life thru a Lens (1997)
“Let Love Be Your Energy” – Sing When You’re Winning (2000)
“Let Me Entertain You” – Life thru a Lens (1997)
“Let’s Face the Music & Dance” – Somethin’ Stupid (Single) (2001)
“Let’s Go All the Way” – Iron Man 3 (Soundtrack) (2013)
“Life thru a Lens” – Life thru a Lens (1997)
“Little Green Apples” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“Lola” – Radio 1 Established 1967 (2007)
“The Long Walk Home” – In and Out of Consciousness: Greatest Hits 1990–2010 (2010)
“Lonestar Rising” – Rudebox (2006)
“Losers” – Take the Crown (2012)
“Louise” – Rudebox (2006)
“Love Calling Earth” – Sing When You’re Winning (2000)
“Love Cheat [Demo]” – Millennium (Single) (1998)
“Love Is You” – Under the Radar Volume 1 (2014)
“Love My Life” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“Love Somebody” – Escapology (2002)
“Lovelight” – Rudebox (2006)

(M – N)

“Mack the Knife” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“Make Me Pure” – Intensive Care (2005)
“Making Plans for Nigel” – Old Before I Die (Single) (1997)
“Man Machine” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
“Marry Me” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“Me & My Monkey” – Escapology (2002)
“Me & My Shadow” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“Meet the Stars” – Tripping (Single) (2005)
“Mess Me Up” – Lovelight (Single) (2006)
“Millennium” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
“Minnie the Moocher” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“Misunderstood” – Greatest Hits (2004)
“Mixed Signals” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“Monsoon” – Escapology (2002)
“Morning Sun” – Reality Killed the Video Star (2009)
“Mr. Bojangles” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“Ms Pepper” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)
“Muñequita Linda (Te Quiero, Dijiste)” – Habítame Siempre (2012)
“Motherfu*ker” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“My Culture” – 1 Giant Leap (2002)
“My Fu*k You to You” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)
“Nan’s Song” – Escapology (2002)
“National Treasure” – Under the Radar Volume 1 (2014)
“Never Touch That Switch” – Rudebox (2006)
“No Fu*ks” – Under the Radar Volume 3 (2019)
“No One Likes a Fat Pop Star” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“No Regrets” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
“Nobody Someday” – Feel (Single) (2002)
“Northern Town” – Radio (2004)
“Not Like the Others” – Take the Crown (2012)
“Not of This Earth” – Bridget Jones’s Diary (Soundtrack) (2001)
“Numb” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)

(O – R)

“Often” – Kids (Single) (2000)
“Old Before I Die” – Life thru a Lens (1997)
“On My Own” – Different (Single) (2012)
“On the Fence” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)
“One Fine Day” – Escapology (2002)
“One for My Baby” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“One of God’s Better People” – Life thru a Lens (1997)
“The Only One I Know” – Version (Mark Ronson Album) (2007)
“Our Love” – Sin Sin Sin (Single) (2006)
“Overture for Berlin” – Advertising Space (Single) (2005)
“Party Like a Russian” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“Phoenix from the Flames” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
“The Pilot” – Under the Radar Volume 1 (2014)
“Please Don’t Die” – Intensive Care (2005)
“Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone” – Forever Cool (Dean Martin Album) (2007)
“Please, Please” – Misunderstood (Single) (2004)
“Pretty Woman” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“The Postcard” – Misunderstood (Single) (2004)
“The Promise” – Different (Single) (2012)
“Puttin’ on the Ritz” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“The Queen” – Shame (Single) (2010)
“Radio” – Greatest Hits (Compilation Album) (2004)
“Raver” – Under the Radar Volume 1 (2014)
“Random Acts of Kindness” – Intensive Care (2005)
“Reality Killed the Video Star” – Under the Radar Volume 3 (2019)
“Reverse” – Take the Crown (2012)
“Revolution” – Escapology (2002)
“The Road to Mandalay” – Sing When You’re Winning (2000)
“Rock DJ” – Sing When You’re Winning (2000)
“Rolling Stone” – Let Love Be Your Energy (Single) (2001)
“Rome Munich Rome [Demo]” – Millennium (Single) (1998)
“Rudebox” – Rudebox (2006)
“Run It Wild” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)

(S – T)

“Satellites” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)
“Sensational” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“Sensitive” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“Ser Mejor” – Sing When You’re Winning (2000)
“Sexed Up” – Escapology (2002)
“Shame” – In and Out of Consciousness: Greatest Hits 1990–2010 (2010)
“She Makes Me High” – Life thru a Lens (1997)
“She’s Madonna” – Rudebox (2006)
“She’s the One” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
“Shine My Shoes” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“Shit on the Radio” – Take the Crown (2012)
“Sin Sin Sin” – Intensive Care (2005)
“Singing for the Lonely” – Sing When You’re Winning (2000)
“Snowblind” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“Soda Pop” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“Somethin’ Stupid” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“Something Beautiful” – Escapology (2002)
“Somewhere” – Reality Killed the Video Star (2009)
“Song 3” – Escapology (2002)
“Soul Transmission” – Different (Single) (2012)
“South of the Border” – Life thru a Lens (1997)
“Speaking Tongues” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)
“Spread Your Wings” – Intensive Care (2005)
“Stalkers Day Off (Hanging Around)” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
“Stand Your Ground” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
“Starstruck” – Reality Killed the Video Star (2009)
“Straighten Up & Fly Right” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“Strong” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
“Summertime” – Rudebox (2001)
“Super Tony” – Under the Radar Volume 1 (2011)
“Superblind” – Reality Killed the Video Star (2009)
“Supreme” – Sing When You’re Winning (2000)
“Suprême” – Sing When You’re Winning (2000)
“Surface Noise” – No Illicit Dancing (Sound 5 album) (2000)
“Surrender” – Under the Radar Volume 1 (2014)
“Sweet Gene Vincent” – Brand New Boots and Panties (2008)
“Swing Supreme” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“Swings Both Ways” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“Talk to Me” – Rock DJ (Single) (2000)
“Teenage Millionaire” – Life thru a Lens (1997)
“That Old Black Magic” – The Further Adventures of Little Voice (2000)
“That’s Life” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“There Are Bad Times Just Around the Corner” – Twentieth-Century Blues: The Songs of Noël Coward (1999)
“These Dreams” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
“They Can’t Take That Away from Me” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“Things” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“Time on Earth” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“Time on Earth (French Version)” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“Toxic” – Eternity/The Road to Mandalay (Single) (2001)
“Tripping” – Intensive Care (2005)
“The Trouble with Me” – Intensive Care (2005)
“Twist” – Advertising Space (Single) (2005)

(U – Z)

“Ugly Love” – Exclusive Xbox DVD (2002)
“Underkill” – Under the Radar Volume 3 (2019)
“United” – Supreme (Single) (2000)
“Viva Life on Mars” – Rudebox (2006)
“Walk This Sleigh” – Angels (Single) (1997)
“We Are the Champions” – A Knight’s Tale (2001)
“Weakness” – Under the Radar Volume 2 (2017)
“Wedding Bells” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“Well, Did You Evah?” – Swing When You’re Winning (2001)
“We’re the Pet Shop Boys” – Rudebox (2006)
“When You Know” – The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016)
“Where There’s Muck” – Swings Both Ways (2013)
“White Man in Hanoi” – Different (Single) (2012)
“Win Some, Lose Some” – I’ve Been Expecting You (1998)
“Won’t Do That” – Reality Killed the Video Star (2009)
“You Got Old” – Shine My Shoes (2013)
“You Know Me” – Reality Killed the Video Star (2009)
“Your Gay Friend” – Intensive Care (2005)
“You’re History” – Feel (Single) (2002)
“You’re the Why” – Ten More Turnips from the Tip (2002)

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

Top 10 Robbie Williams Songs

Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com

Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory

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

Speaking with Metal Hammer, Trivium frontman Matt Heafy looked back on the recording sessions for the band’s 2005 album, Ascendancy. According to Heafy,  a problem occurred with the tuning of the guitars, resulting in everything sounding off. Heafy explains: 

“We recorded and finished the entire record in drop D flat tuning. I remember coming to the studio and producer Jason Suecof just had his head in his hands and he was like, ‘Oh no, no, no!’ The whole record was slightly out of tune because that guitar wasn’t holding its pitch. So, we actually deleted everything, tuned the guitar up half a step, and redid the whole album again.”

Ascendancy spawned four singles: “Like Light To The Flies”, “Pull Harder On The Strings Of Your Martyr”, “A Gunshot To The Head of Trepidation” and “Dying In Your Arms”.

Trvium and Bullet For My Valentine are gearing up for The Poisoned Ascendancy UK / European Tour 2025. Both bands will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut albums by playing them in full.

Tour dates are as follows:

January 
26 – Cardiff, UK – Utilita Arena 
27 – Cardiff, UK – Utilita Arena
28 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
30 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live 
31 – Birmingham, UK –  Utilita Arena  

February 
1 – London, UK – The O2
2 – Düsseldorf, Germany – Mitsubishi Electric Hall
4 – Stuttgart, Germany – Scheleyer-Hall
5 – Zurich, Switzerlamnd –  The Hall
7 – Paris, France – Le Zenith
9 – Antwerp, belgium – Lotto Arena
10 – Hannover, Germany – Swiss Life Hall
11 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – AFAS Live
13 – Hamburg, Germany – Sporthalle
14 – Berlin, Germany – Max-Schmeling-Halle
15 – Frankfurt, Germany – Jahrhunderthalle
17 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
18 – Munich, Germany – Zenith
19 – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle
21 – Gliwice, Poland – Arena
22 – Prague, Czech Republic – Forum Karlin
23 – Luxembourg – Rockhal
26 – Lisbon., Portugal – Campo Pequeno
27 – Madrid, Spain – Vistalegre

Drumeo has shared another For The First Time challenge, once again featuring DRean Theater drummer Mike Portnoy.  Check it out below.

“Take a sneak peek into the mind of Mike Portnoy – drummer for Dream Theater! Watch as he listens to ‘Shake It Off’ by Taylor Swift for the very first time and attempts to play along. How does he immediately craft a drum part for the song? Tune in and find out!”

“I got a call from Nickelback in spring of ’22. Their drummer [Daniel Adair] I guess was having surgery and they asked me to play a show with them. And I said ‘Yeah, that’d be a fun gig!’,” admits drummer extraordinaire Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs, Adrenaline Mob, Sons Of Apollo).

“I was all set to play this gig with Nickelback – it was for a festival [in Vancouver, Canada] – and the festival ended up getting canceled. But I was this close to playing a gig with Nickelback.”

In the Drumeo video below, Portnoy is asked to play Nickelback’s song “Burn It To The Ground”, which he’d never heard before. He played it with lots of double kick and later admitted, “I would’ve been fired immediately!”

“Chad [Kroeger] sent me the set list,” recalls Portnoy. “My daughter and my wife were like, ‘You’re gonna know every one of these songs,’ and I was like, ‘I’ve never heard any of these songs! I don’t listen to the radio so I don’t know any Nickelback songs.'”

Today, British metalcore heavyweights, Architects, unleash their blistering new single, “Blackhole: from their 11th studio album, The Sky, The Earth & All Between, out February 28 via Epitaph Records.

Paired with a jaw-dropping, cinematic music video shot on location in California, “Blackhole” is as visually striking as it is sonically explosive. Frontman Sam Carter shares, “So excited to have Blackhole out, it’s one of my favourite songs from the album. The video is equally as intense as the song. We filmed the video at such a wild location and we really are at the top of those buildings that you see. This is Architects at our most ferocious.”

The single marks the next chapter in the lead-up to The Sky, The Earth & All Between, following the hard-hitting anthems “Whiplash,” “Curse,” and “Seeing Red.” If these first four single singles are any indication, this album is shaping up to be a defining moment for Architects.

Since dropping their critically acclaimed 2022 album ‘the classic symptoms of a broken spirit’, Architects have cemented their position as one of the UK’s most vital rock bands. The past year has seen the band dominate stages worldwide, from being personally tapped by Metallica to join their tour, to blowing minds at Download Festival 2023 and headlining Bloodstock Festival. This summer, they’re set to continue their takeover with select dates supporting Linkin Park on their world tour.

Armed with sharp innovation and renewed hunger, Architects are a band at the absolute peak of their powers—and they’re not slowing down.

Preorder / pre-save the new album here.

Tracklisting:

“Elegy”
“Whiplash”
“Blackhole”
“Everything Ends”
“Brain Dead” feat. House Of Protection
“Evil Eyes”
“Landmines”
“Judgement Day” feat. Amira Elfeky
“Broken Mirror”
“Curse”
“Seeing Red”
“Chandelier”

“Whiplash” video:

“Curse” visualizer:

“Seeing Red” video:

(Band photo: Ed Mason)

British guitarist, Sophie Lloyd, has issued the following update in regards to her first-ever US solo show, scheduled for Thursday, January 16, at Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California:

“Like most of the world, I have watched, with horror, the fires ravaging LA over the last week. We have witnessed unprecedented destruction across a city so beloved by so many.

“It feels very strange to be discussing our gig when people are experiencing so much loss and pain right now. But I have had a lot of people asking about the status of our show on Thursday, January 16th, at The Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood.

“Things are changing very quickly, but at this time, we have decided to go forward with the show. Everything will go ahead as planned including all the VIP experiences. Safety is our first priority so we will continue to monitor the situation and update you if there are any changes .

“The incredible loss the people of LA have experienced in the past week is unfathomable, but throughout it all, it’s been overwhelming to see the acts of kindness and selflessness the community are displaying in times of such devastation.

“The show will go ahead, if nothing else to recognise the resilience of the people of LA and maybe provide a small distraction to the pain people may be feeling, while trying to help in whatever small way I can.

“We will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the merchandise sold at the gig, and $5 from each remaining ticket sold, to the Los Angeles Fire Department Fund. In addition to this, I will be auctioning off one of my signature Kiesel Guitars that I use at the show to raise funds for a charity close to my heart, @pasadenahumane in LA, which is an animal shelter that has taken in over 400 animals from the fires, many injured and in urgent need of medical supplies. I will post more details on this after the show.

“If you are have been affected by the fires and are in need of clothes, food or supplies you can head down to @thewhiskyagogo Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week to get anything you need.

“To the people of Los Angeles – my heart is with you, my soul is with you, and I am with you, and I look forward to rocking out with you guys.” 🖤

Following their Bionic Swarm debut album (2021) and The Silent Call EP (2023), Dutch futuristic metallers, Cryptosis, return with a mighty, awe-inspiring sophomore album, Celestial Death, set for worldwide release on March 7 via Century Media Records.

Today, the band share the official video for “Reign Of Infinite” from the upcoming release. Watch below.

Cryptosis comment: “We’re really excited to share our newest single, ‘Reign Of Infinite’, with all of you. This track is a dystopian anthem that dives deep into the rise of a new god, blending relentless Overkill-style double bass drums with an epic and dark atmosphere. It’s not your typical Cryptosis sound – most of the song rides on the same beat and pulse, creating a hypnotic energy, while Laurens’ vocals bring an atmospheric edge. As the second single from our sophomore album, Celestial Death, ‘Reign Of Infinite’ offers a glimpse into the vast and intense album we’ve created – one that’s darker, heavier, and more unrelenting than ever before. Stay tuned for the full album release and let us know what you think!”

Cryptosis checked in with the following comment about Celestial Death: “We’re excited to announce our new album! A sonic journey that pushes all boundaries of everything we created before. This album represents our evolution – an exploration of darkness that’s both vast and cinematic. ‘Celestial Death’ pulls you into a haunting atmosphere with relentless heaviness. Each track digs deeper into the enigma of existence, decay and fragile hope. ‘Celestial Death’ is our darkest vision yet – a soundtrack to the chaotic world we live in. It’s heavier, bolder, and still very much Cryptosis. We can’t wait for you to experience it, and join us in this new chapter. Prepare to ascend. The ‘Celestial Death’ awaits!”.

Recorded by Olaf Skoreng at Tom Meier and Studio Moon Music between April and August 2024, mixed by Fredrik Folkare at Chrome Studios (Unleashed, Necrophobic, Hellbutcher) in Sweden and finally mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Studios (Arch Enemy, Borknagar, Amorphis) in Sweden too, Celestial Death once more comes with artwork by Eliran Kantor (Kreator, Testament, My Dying Bride) and showcases the group on a darker, heavier, more melodic and extremely cinematic journey across its 11 tracks / 42 minutes of playing time.

Celestial Death will be available in the following formats:

– CD Digipak Limited Edition (first pressing only)
– Gatefold LP on 180g black vinyl (unlimited copies)
– Gatefold LP on 180g deep blood red vinyl (limited to 300 copies)
– Digital

Pre-order here.

Celestial Death tracklisting:

Prologue – “Awakening”
“Faceless Matter”
“Static Horizon”
“The Silent Call” (Version 2024)
“Ascending”
“Motionless Balance”
“Reign Of Infinite”
“Absent Presence”
“In Between Realities”
“Cryptosphere”
“Coda – Wander Into The Light”

“Faceless Matter” video:

In other news, Cryptosis has been announced as part of a European tour with British thrashers Onslaught, who are celebrating the 40th Anniversary of their classic Power From Hell album. Find confirmed Cryptosis dates below, including an album release show in Enschede, The Netherlands on March 29.

Onslaught + Cryptosis dates:

May
29 – Oldenburg, Germany – MTS
31 – Essen, Germany – Turock

June
1 – Diest, Belgium – Hell
3 – Dijon, France – La Vapeur
4 – Milano, Italy – Slaughter Club
5 – Bologna, Italy – Alchemica
6 – Graz, Austria – Explosiv
8 – Salzburg, Austria – Rockhouse
10 – Stuttgart, Germany – Der Schwarze Keiler
12 – Leipzig, Germany – Hellraiser
14 – Selb, Germany – Rockclub Nordbayern

Cryptosis dates:

March
29 – Enschede, The Netherlands – Metropool (Album release show)

May
10 – Eibergen, The Netherlands – Achterhoeks Metalfest
30 – Hoogeveen, The Netherlands – Graveland Festival

June
7 – Steyr, Austria – Röda

September
6 – Dronten, The Netherlands – Dronten MetalFest

Many more dates to be announced soon.

Cryptosis are:

Laurens Houvast – Vocals, Guitars
Marco Prij – Drums
Frank te Riet – Bass, Mellotron, Synths, Backing vocals

(Photo – Ewout Scholte Op Reimer)

Arch Enemy are melodeath’s ol’ reliables. While such pioneers as In Flames and At The Gates have either deviated from the genre or split up over the years, this international force have been dealing in flurrying guitars and savage tunes uninterrupted.

It’s unlikely that Arch Enemy will go samba on their newly announced album Blood Dynasty, but things certainly won’t be stale either. Talking in the new issue of Metal Hammer, guitarist Michael Amott promises a “chaotic” ride that breaks some long-established rules while remaining metal as fuck.

You’ve said this album pushes the boundaries of what Arch Enemy do. How so?

“Something we did do was throw out the rulebook. Let’s be a little more free in the arrangements. As we’ve become better musicians and songwriters, we’ve missed a bit of that chaotic thing that was part of our early style. We wanted to do that a little bit on the album.”

The album is called Blood Dynasty. Where did that title come from?

“It started with being a song title, and it just popped out. It’s sort of talking about the times we’re living in, so it felt right, but we’re not really the sort of band that likes to explain our lyrics. I prefer to leave that to the listener; they can make up their own mind.”

Do you have a favourite song from the new album?

“You have some favourites during the demo phase, and you think, ‘That might be a single,’ but then some songs emerge when you don’t think that’s going to happen. [Closing track] Liars And Thieves is one of those songs, I thought it was just going to be another song on the album, but it’s a single and we have already started playing it live.”

There’s a cover of the song Vivre Libre by the French band Blasphème on the album. It’s quite an obscure choice.

“It is. I’m a bit of connoisseur, one of those sad record collectors. It’s from an album from 1985 [Désir De Vampyr], an underground metal record from France. We wanted to have something that would make people dig deeper into the metal scene. It’s kind of a slow song, and Alissa [White-Gluz, vocals] speaks French, so it just worked – her voice sounds so killer on it.”

Taken from the new issue of Metal Hammer. Order your copy now and get it delivered directly to your door.

Philadelphia’s hardcore punks Staticlone have signed to Relapse Records and make their debut with the crushing new album, Better Living Through Static Vision (preorder), out March 7, 2025.

Hardcore and punk aren’t genres that necessarily celebrate change. It’s not like the music is stagnant; it’s more that the tried and true is rewarded while anything new, anything different, is greeted with a quizzical eyebrow and the spoken or unspoken question of: “Is this good? Can you mosh to it?”

If there was anyone in Philadelphia who could answer those queries with expert authority, it’s George Hirsch and Dave Walling. Though really, you don’t even need to ask them. Put on the debut album by Staticlone, the band they started at the tail end of their previous outfit Blacklisted, and you’ll find all the answers you need.  

On Better Living Through Static Vision you can hear Hirsch, bassist Walling, and drummer Jeff Ziga channel everything from crust to metal, and the hardcore punk they’ve all been steeped in for decades. In the sum of those parts Staticlone follows the path of Disfear, Wolfbrigade, Inepsy, and other groups that combine d-beat ferocity with rock n’ roll riffs. 

Today, Staticlone share the album’s first single, “Honeycomb.”  Hirsch comments, “When I was a kid I could hear the El train from my house, a weird calling, similar to the first time I heard Agnostic Front or Trouble. Growing up in Philadelphia I would ride that same El and Subway for hours, just staring out the window and listening to headphones. I’d ditch school (later on work) to do it, disappearing in the city disguised as a commuter. This same train took me to gigs where I eventually met Dave and Jeff. When I moved to Chicago, I did the same. The common bond being this weird ‘static vision’ that you see while looking out of a moving train window. When I moved back to Philadelphia the first thing I did was get on the train. I wrote a lot of the LP on these trains, combing through this life, which ironically is only a one way ticket.” 

He continues, “Staticlone is a band that makes music: Hardcore punk for hardcore punks, it’s that simple.”

The lyrics on Better Living Through Static Vision, all written by Hirsch, focus on themes of alienation and loss. That poetry is paired beautifully with some of the most unrelenting, snarly, and heavy hardcore and punk from the East Coast. Which brings us back to those two very important questions: Is it good? Unquestionably. Can you mosh to it? Just try and stand still.

Tracklisting:

“Better Living Through Static Vision”
“Honeycomb”
“This Light Burns Like Poison”
“Sullen Me”
“Moths”
“Alone In Philadelphia”
“Patching Holes In A Dead Star”
“Thin Places”
“Lens Flare”
“Red Eye”

“Honeyvision”:

(Photo: Meridith Osifchin)