Author: uylrjp

As wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles County, several of the area’s most iconic landmarks have come under threat – among them, the Hollywood Bowl.

The Sunset Fire, one of six major fires in LA, broke out on Wednesday evening and spread rapidly. Its location in the famed Hollywood Hills puts it close to the Bowl, as well as such popular tourist attractions as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign.

“Due to the Sunset Fire, we have received evacuation orders and all Hollywood Bowl staff have safely evacuated the premises,” the famed concert venue announced on X. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect our community.”

READ MORE: California Fires: Rockers Share Photos and Safety Updates

At time of writing, the Sunset Fire had burned more than 60 acres in approximately six hours. Firefighters have enlisted water dropping helicopters to help battle the blaze.

A little bit further away, the famous clubs of the Sunset Strip – including the Whisky a Go Go and the Troubadour – have canceled their shows out of an abundance of caution. Thus far, the fires have claimed five lives and more than 2,000 structures, with over 100,000 residents evacuated from their homes. Pacific Palisades and Altadena are among the other hard hit areas.

The Hollywood Bowl’s Famous History

The Hollywood Bowl opened in 1929 and quickly established itself among the premiere outdoor venues in all of America. Its distinctive shell-like stage design and picturesque location in the Hollywood Hills helped make it a beloved location for concertgoers and performers alike.

Many of rock’s biggest acts have taken the stage at the Hollywood Bowl, including the Beatles, the Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, the Grateful Dead, Steely Dan and the Rolling Stones. More recently, two rock legends each played their final concerts at the Bowl – Tom Petty, who died in 2017, and Eddie Van Halen, who passed in 2020.

Sunset Strip Bands

More From Ultimate Classic Rock

The hard rocking, traditional minded outfit, who put on the annual Muskelrock festival, are part of an award winning documentary surrounding the eclectic life of guitarist Hampus Klang. It is in Swedish, with English subtitles. 

Entitled Party Queens, after the breed of chickens he raises and exhibits, the film is about living your dream: someone who finds happiness in two completely different worlds. Filming started in the summer of 2022.  

After a year of screenings at various film festivals around the world, it was posted on YouTube last month. Among other things, it was shown at Tempo Dokumentärfestival, Seattle Film Festival and DocFest in San Francisco and Norrköping Film Festival.

A short discussion into the making of the film is available below:

Dragonknight has released a lyric video for “Pirates, Bloody Pirates!”, third single taken from the debut album “Legions” to be released on January 17 by Scarlet Records.

A crew of proud seafarers, all boasting more gold in their dreams than in their purses, set their sails for distant lands and uncharted waters, driven by rumours of riches beyond imagination. Pirates, the same “bloody pirates” they’d scoffed at in taverns and whispered about in hushed tones, soon closed in upon them. These villains did swoop, their cutlasses sharp and their laughter sharper still. The sailors, once so bold and boastful, found their boots suddenly far heavier than their spirits.

Dragonknight is a new conceptual band baptized by a bunch of seasoned Finnish metal veterans, skillfully forging a smooth and fresh rendering of the classic North European power metal style through soaring melodies, thunderous rhythms, and epic orchestration, fused with crushing riffs – an unforgettable sonic journey of legendary proportions.

The eleven anthemic chapters of the first record Legions tell of heart-wrenching battles, strong-willed warriors and the beauty of glorious death, but also the treasure hunts gone awry, conquest, and the inner power to rise from the hopeless pit of despair yet again in the face of adversity – hear the armies and swords clash, seafaring vessels creak and the wings of the serpents soar.

Produced by Dragonknight; mixed by Mikael Grönroos at Crownhook Studio; mastered by Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers West, and featuring the flashy artwork courtesy of Tommi Aaltonen, Legions will be released in the following formats:

– digipack CD
– vinyl LP: 300 marbled red
– digital

Artwork by Tommi Aaltonen:

Tracklisting:

“Ascendance – Through Sea And Fire”
“The Legions Of Immortal Dragonlords”
“The Imperator”
“Pirates, Bloody Pirates!”
“Defender Of Dragons”
“Storm Bringer”
“Astarte Rise”
“Dead Kings In The Grave”
“Sword Of The Northern Lights”
“The Revelation”
“Return To Atlantis”

“Pirates, Bloody Pirates” lyric video:

“The Legions Of Immortal Dragonlords”:

Dragonknight:
Lord Gryphon
Lord Kharatos
Lord Solarius
Lord Othrakis
Lord Salo Khan

(Photo: Tage Rönnqvist)

Blacktop Mojo has just issued a video for “Like Wild Horses” – track two from the Pollen Unplugged Sessions, filmed live at Rosewood Studios in Tyler, Texas.

The video for “Red Enough” (Unplugged) – the initial track from the Pollen Unplugged Sessions, can be seen below.

In live news, Shaman’s Harvest and Blacktop Mojo will be coming to The UK on a very eagerly anticipated and long awaited tour! Confirmed dates are as follows:

March
5 – Bristol, UK – Fleece
6 – Southampton, UK – The 1865
7 – London, UK – O2 Academy Islington
8 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute2
12 – Manchester, UK – Rebellion
13 – Glasgow, UK – Cathouse
14 – Newcastle, UK – Anarchy Brew
15 – Sheffield, UK – Corporation
19 – Belfast, UK – Limelight 2
20 – Dublin, Ireland – The Academy
21 – Cork, Ireland – Cyprus Avenue
23 – Swansea, UK – Sin City
26 – Buckley, UK – The Tivoli
27 – Derby, UK – Hairy Dog
28 – Norwich, UK – The Waterfront
29 – Brighton, UK – The Arch

For further details, visit Blacktop Mojo on Facebook.

“This song is this record.” exclaims vocalist Ethan Harrison on single “Echoes Of War” out today. “The keystone that holds the entire thing together. The culmination of everything we took into the studio and of everything we hoped to accomplish with Tragedy Of The Commons creatively. This is the foundation of the new Great American Ghost.”

A strong statement that fits the intense track, serving as the final preview of Tragedy Of The Commons out January 31 on SharpTone Records. Screeching and squealing guitars pierce the barrage at the center of “Echoes Of War,” and Harrison carries a hauntingly hypnotic hook. Great American Ghost’s metalcore roots push through industrial influence to create pure chaos, lined with lyrics about about disbelief in the concept of free will.

Upholding an uncompromising vision with clear intention, Great American Ghost know exactly what they want to say about their community, the greater world around them, and humanity as a species. Tragedy Of The Commons offers a powerful statement on exploitation, oppression, and scarcity. On the Will Putney produced record, Great American Ghost transmit their message without filter delivered through a combination of basement-born hardcore spirit, staggering metallic precision, polemic lyrical provocations, and unexpectedly arresting melodies.

Tragedy Of The Commons is available for preorder through Sharptone Records.

Great American Ghost have a hometown headline show in Manchester, New Hampshire on December 14 at Jewel Music Venue. The band will join Bleed From Within and After The Burial on a European tour next fall.

Great American Ghost is Ethan Harrison (vocals), Grayson Stewart (guitar), Anthony Laur (bass) and Niko Gasparrini (guitar).

Tracklisting:

“Kerosene”
“Echoes Of War”
“Lost In The Outline”
“Forsaken”
“Ghost In Flesh”
“Writhe”
“Genocide”
“Hymn Of Decay”
“Chapel Paralysis”
“Reality//Relapse”
“God Is A Loaded Gun”

“Echoes Of War”:

“Kerosene” video:

“Forsaken”:

The brand new Evick single, “Your Last One”, combines a classic feel with a fresh, modern edge.

While he is best known for commanding the stage as Bret Michaels’ lead guitarist and music director for over two decades, Pete Evick spent many years before that on the road and in the studio with his band Some Odd Reason, signed to Sol 3 Records under legendary producer Richard Gotterher and industry pioneer Scott Cohen. That band later evolved into Evick, finding a home with Dreamscape Records in Los Angeles. Throughout his career with both acts, Evick created several guitar-driven pop-rock singles that gained nationwide FM radio play, including “Spin,” “Debbie,” “This Ain’t The Life,” and “Savanna.”

Born in 1972, Evick’s sound bridges two eras – deeply rooted in ’80s hard rock while equally influenced by ’90s alternative, creating a signature style that sits comfortably alongside Bon Jovi, Poison, Matchbox 20, and the Goo Goo Dolls.

Though Evick releases have become rare, 2022 saw the band issue “My Best Days,” an uplifting power-pop single that paid homage to the Bon Jovi sound of the ’80s, garnering significant fan attention and FM radio airplay. Now, Evick returns with “Your Last One,” an emotionally charged track that revisits their classic ’80s / ’90s sound released through Vanity Music Digital.

The song’s verses, written a decade ago, weave autobiographical elements with nostalgic references to John Mellencamp, Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen classics. The elusive chorus finally came to Evick in an unexpected moment – during the celebration of life for his longtime friend and industry professional, Robert Junior Jones. This timing followed a difficult year marked by the loss of several friends, including rock legend CJ Snare of Firehouse.

“Out of nowhere after ten years, the chorus came to me in an instant,” Evick says. “I’m not one to believe in this kind of stuff, but let’s just say Junior Jones has been given a writing credit on this song.”

The chorus of “Your Last One” resonates with universal significance: “So if you have a bucket list / You better get all those things done,” Evick sings. “And if there’s someone that you’re thinking of / Don’t forget to send your love.”

It’s a powerful message in a world full of uncertainty, with a hook and melody that will evoke memories of cherished days gone by – while urging you to treat every moment like it’s your last.

“Your Last One” is out now and can be streamed on Spotify and downloaded on Apple Music. Listen below:

Heavy Load guitarist and vocalist Ragne Whalquist had died at the age of 69.

Heavy Load’s three albums released between 1978 and 1983 kick-started the Swedish metal wave and are often considered the first metal band to use the Norse Viking history as a theme.

Always a sight, in his trademark fox tail epaulets, alongside brother Styrbjörn, on drums, the cult act is cited by many Swedish bands, past and present, as an influence. After decades of inactivity, they reunited in 2018 and played some high profile festivals, including Sweden Rock and Keep It True. 

In ’23 they issued their first new album in 40 years, Riders Of The Ancient Storm. Recorded once again at their own Thunderload Studios (home to the legendary Candlemass debut, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, as well as albums by Hammerfall and Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force), at the time of his death, Ragne and his little brother were in the process of recording Heavy Load’s fifth album. 

The intention is now to complete the record and continue as a band.

Finnish melodic metal band Unén have shared their new single and accompanying visualizer video, “Sky”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

Lead singer Stina Girs comments on the track: “A dream of a secret door leading to a world where no one judges, there is no concept of time, you can be everything you want and fantasies are real. You dare to let go of reality. This is all what Sky is about.”

Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, Unén are a modern melodic metal band, whose music also incorporates elements ranging from progressive to pop, blending intensity with sensitivity in its sound.

Unén was originally founded in late 2021, laying the foundation for the band’s musical style. In 2022, Unén focused on composing and refining production independently, resulting in the release of two self-published tracks. However, after a rollercoaster year, there was a need to change the lineup to accelerate production.

The word “Unén” was derived from the band’s original idea that lyrics would be based on the world of dreams. However, due to lineup changes, this concept took a different direction, but the name remained.

In the beginning of 2023, there was a shift in Unén’s lineup due to the change of lead singer, which notably accelerated all activities. The band members coming together was a series of fortunate coincidences and determined searches, including encounters with old acquaintances. The right people had found each other.

Unén released their first single “Made of Stone (cover)” in May 2023 with the new lead singer, Stina Girs. She became known during the IDOLS competition in 2011 and subsequently released two albums as a solo artist. The original song by Evanescence inspired this evolved lineup of Unén to showcase their unique sound and overall direction. Following this, the band focused solely on creating their own songs.

All members of Unén bring their own expertise and input to the band. Every song created is a sum of its creators, and there is no specific leader. The band members are united by their passion for making music, even though their day jobs are completely different.

Unén signed with Frontiers Music in February 2024, thus enabling the band to achieve the channel they sought to release their music to the world.

(Photo: Elsa Wellamo)

Poland’s pioneering and leading progressive rock band, Riverside, recently announced their definitive live album release, Live ID.. Recorded on June 1st, 2024 at COS Torwar in Warsaw, Live ID. culminates the ID.Entity album cycle with a massive live rendition of 12 songs across over 110 minutes playing time and will be released worldwide via InsideOutMusic on January 24.

Riverside’s vocalist/bass-player and main songwriter Mariusz Duda comments about the upcoming live release as follows:

“I would argue that Riverside always come across better in concerts than on studio albums. In fact, it’s only during live performances that our songs gain their full potential. What’s more, some song arrangements are much better in live versions than in studio recordings. There are a lot of nuances, quirks, and, above all, explanations of what Riverside’s music is all about. That’s why Live ID. is not just an ordinary live album. It’s an album that reveals the band’s true identity.”

Live ID. not only contains thrilling performances of songs off Riverside’s latest and much acclaimed 2023 studio album ID.Entity, but also re-visits catalogue favourites in a compelling way, once more stressing the band’s unique stance and relevance within the current progressive music scene.

For a next taste of Live ID., check out the release’s second single, “Friend Or Foe?”, out now across all digital platforms, and check out the live-clip taken from the live Blu-ray, directed by Paul Green, below:

Live ID. will be made available as Ltd. 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak (With 24page booklet and the Blu-ray comes with stereo and 5.1 audio options for the live-show, plus a special “Behind the Scenes” feature), Gatefold 3LP on 180g vinyl with 8page LP-Booklet or as Digital album.

Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

CD1
“#Addicted”
“Panic Room”
“Landmine Blast”
“Big Tech Brother”
“Lost”
“Left Out”

CD2
“Post-Truth”
“The Place Where I Belong”
“Egoist Hedonist”
“Friend Or Foe?”
“Self-Aware”
“Conceiving You”

Blu-ray
“#Addicted”
“Panic Room”
“Landmine Blast”
“Big Tech Brother”
“Lost”
“Left Out”
“Post-Truth”
“The Place Where I Belong”
“Egoist Hedonist”
“Friend Or Foe?”
“Self-Aware”
“Conceiving You”
Behind the scenes documentary

Live ID. will also be available as Gatefold 3LP on 180g vinyl with 8page LP-Booklet in the following variants:

– Gatefold black 3LP / Unlimited
– Gatefold lilac 3LP / Limited to 400x copies, available from JPC & Burning Shed
– Gatefold blue 3LP / Limited to 500x copies, available from insideoutshop.de & various other retailers

Side A:
“#Addicted”
“Panic Room”
“Landmine Blast”

Side B:
“Big Tech Brother”
“Lost”

Side C:
“Left Out”
“Post-Truth”

Side D:
“The Place Where I Belong”

Side E:
“Egoist Hedonist”
“Friend Or Foe?”

Side F:
“Self-Aware”
“Conceiving You”

“Landmine Blast” live video:

The year 2025 marks Todd Sucherman’s return to playing Sonor drums, re-embracing the Sonor sound that he fell in love with as a young musician.

Sucherman has released the new video below, stating, “Coming back to Sonor is a very special thing for me and I hope this short video explains how I feel. Thanks to everyone at Sonor world wide!”

Sucherman is a hero on stage known for his exceptional blend of musicianship and showmanship powering the iconic rock band Styx both live and in the studio since 1995.

“I just want to play the instrument that I love,” states Sucherman “I’ve never forgotten the sound of the Sonor kit I had when I was a kid playing music with my brothers and that sound has never left my heart. Coming back to Sonor and reliving my sound, the sound that grabbed me when I was young, gives me that hunger and excitement all over again.”

With thoughtful and powerful drumming, Sucherman inspires drummers everywhere from the stage, online, and through his commitment to masterclasses between tour dates.

“We at Sonor are proud and honored to welcome Todd Sucherman back to his home behind a Sonor kit,” states Sonor US Brand Manager Jeff Mulvihill.

Styx hits the road in January, and Sucherman will be behind a brand new Sonor SQ2 series Kit featuring Heavy Beech Shells finished in African Marble High-Gloss Veneer appointed with 24K gold fittings for a stunning look and the exceptional Sonor sound.

To learn more about Todd Sucherman, head here.

Sucherman previously shared the video below, stating: “I have returned home to Sonor drums in 2025. My first recording studio experience at age nine was on a Sonor kit the studio had and then I  played this magnificent brand until I was thirty. I’m thrilled to return to the drums of my youth and they are now the drums of my future. I find myself excited beyond comprehension to create music on these astonishing, exquisitely made instruments that are truly breath taking and inspiring to play.

“I wish to thank Jerry Goldenson, Jeff Mulvihill, Henry Go and the whole team in the USA as well as Nico Lang, Christian Figgen, Jannis Köckmann and the entire team in Germany. Their collective enthusiasm, expertise, help and support was immeasurable. Thanks also to Mark Eldridge, Steele Turkington, Jim Feck, Ronn Dunnett and Mark Petrocelli for their contributions to the studio and live sets.

“I look forward to all that is to musically happen in 2025 and beyond as we celebrate Sonor’s 150th anniversary. Onward we go!”