Author: wamdines

The Verve, formed in 1989 in Wigan, rose from the depths of the British alternative scene to merge expansive orchestral sounds with raw rock, creating a sound that resonated deeply with the cultural undercurrent of the 1990s. Their 1997 album Urban Hymns became a defining moment in their career, with the iconic “Bitter Sweet Symphony” capturing a mood of longing and introspection, emblematic of both the personal and societal struggles of the time. The band’s ability to intertwine lush, sweeping arrangements with deeply emotional rock music set them apart, leaving an indelible mark on alternative and orchestral rock that still echoes in the works of modern musicians.

Originally consisting of Richard Ashcroft, Nick McCabe, Simon Jones, and Peter Salisbury, the band achieved significant chart success with their albums, particularly Urban Hymns (1997), which included the massive hit “Bitter Sweet Symphony.” Their blend of orchestral rock, psychedelic influences, and introspective lyrics set them apart during the 1990s. However, The Verve faced multiple breakups throughout their career, with members pursuing solo projects and other musical endeavors. Despite these setbacks, the band reunited several times, leaving behind a legacy of critically acclaimed music and substantial influence on both rock and electronic music.

The band’s success was highlighted by their powerful live performances and the critical acclaim of Urban Hymns, which catapulted them to international stardom. Their other albums, such as A Storm in Heaven (1993) and Northern Soul (1995), showcased the band’s evolving sound and willingness to experiment with different musical genres. Although the band officially disbanded for the final time in 2009, the members’ ongoing work, both individually and collaboratively, continues to contribute to the music landscape.

Richard Ashcroft

Richard Ashcroft, the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of The Verve, played a pivotal role in the band’s formation and development. Ashcroft co-founded the band in 1990, and his distinct voice, emotionally charged lyrics, and innovative approach to music were central to The Verve’s success. His lyrics, often introspective and philosophical, resonated with listeners, and his ability to craft atmospheric songs made Urban Hymns a landmark album. His contributions to the album, particularly the hit “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” cemented his place as one of the most influential British musicians of the 1990s.

Ashcroft’s solo career, including albums like Alone with Everybody (2000) and These People (2016), further established his reputation as a gifted songwriter and performer. His solo work continued to explore themes of spirituality, personal struggle, and social commentary. Ashcroft’s influence on The Verve’s sound and his subsequent solo success have made him a pivotal figure in modern British rock music.

Nick McCabe

Nick McCabe, the lead guitarist and keyboardist of The Verve, joined the band in 1990 and became one of its most integral members. McCabe’s distinctive guitar work, blending atmospheric textures with driving, melodic riffs, helped define The Verve’s sound. His contributions were essential to the band’s success, particularly on albums like Urban Hymns, where his use of delay and reverb created a spacious, almost ethereal quality to the music. McCabe’s skillful integration of guitar and keyboard textures gave The Verve their unique sonic identity, especially evident on tracks like “Lucky Man” and “The Drugs Don’t Work.”

After leaving The Verve in the late 1990s, McCabe returned for their reunion in the mid-2000s, contributing to their final studio recordings. In addition to his work with The Verve, McCabe has worked on various projects, including collaborations with other artists, though he has largely stayed out of the public eye. His work remains highly regarded among guitarists, particularly for his pioneering use of effects in rock music.

Simon Jones

Simon Jones, the bassist of The Verve, was a foundational member of the band from 1990 through their final breakup in 2009. His basslines, often subtle yet powerful, were crucial to the band’s rhythmic foundation. Jones’ contributions to albums like Urban Hymns and Northern Soul helped to ground the band’s lush sound, offering a balance to the atmospheric elements created by McCabe’s guitar and Ashcroft’s vocals. His backing vocals occasionally added depth to the band’s songs, further enhancing their emotive quality.

Following The Verve’s disbandment, Jones became involved in other musical projects, though none reached the same level of prominence as his work with the band. He briefly played with other musicians, but his lasting legacy remains tied to his time with The Verve, where his bass playing was essential in shaping the band’s sound.

Peter Salisbury

Peter Salisbury, the drummer and percussionist for The Verve, joined the band in 1990 and remained a constant member throughout its most successful periods. His drumming style, known for its steady yet expressive beats, provided the foundation for many of The Verve’s most famous tracks. Salisbury’s contribution to Urban Hymns was particularly notable, with his dynamic drumming helping to drive the emotional intensity of songs like “Bitter Sweet Symphony” and “Lucky Man.” His ability to switch between delicate rhythms and more forceful, rock-driven beats made him a key part of the band’s sound.

After The Verve disbanded, Salisbury continued to pursue music, though he did not achieve the same level of success outside of the band. His return to The Verve during their reunions in the 2000s demonstrated his continued dedication to the band’s legacy. His drumming remains a defining feature of The Verve’s musical identity, with his precise yet emotive approach to rhythm leaving a lasting mark on the band’s work.

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

Top 10 Songs from The Verve

Complete List Of The Verve Albums And Songs

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Complete List Of The Verve Band Members article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2025

January 17, 2025, 52 minutes ago

news red handed denial lauren babic heavy metal

Toronto-based Red Handed Denial unleashed their latest album, A Journey Through Virtual Dystopia, in May 2024. They have released an official video for the new single, “I Hope Your Happy”; check it out below.

A Journey Through Virtual Dystopia is available via digital platforms found here.

Tracklist:

“Parasite”
“My Demise”
“One More Night”
“Falling Back To You”
“Driving Towards A Neon Sunset…”
“Smokescreen”
“…And Then I Found Myself In A Virtual dystopia”
“Eat Glass”
“I Hope You’re Happy”
“Home”

“Eat Glass”

“Falling Back To You”

“One More Night”

Photo by Jaqueline Silva

Seven Spires / Avantasia vocalist Adrienne Cowan has shared a video introducing a new piece of gear that allows her to practice “without disturbing the fuck out of my neighbours.” Check it out below.

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:

Haken guitarist Charlie Griffiths has unveiled his new solo project Tiktaalika, sharing a video for Gods Of Pangea, featuring Texture’s Daniël de Jongh on vocals.

For the follow-up to 2023s debut solo album of the same name Griffiths has adopted the name Tiktaalika and will release his second solo album, Gods Of Pangea, through InsideOut Music on March 14.

The new album sees Griffiths exploring the connection between the metal he loved as a youth and its connection with the progressive music he makes with Haken. As well as de Jongh, the album, which is more song-based than Tiktaalika, features Tommy Rogers (Between The Buried & Me), Rody Walker (Protest The Hero) and Vladimir Lalić (Organised Chaos).

“This time around I wanted to be more song-oriented, rather than having an overarching concept,” Griffiths explains. “Although I had a rough blueprint for the shape of the album in my head and was always conscious of the balance and flow of the album experience; starting with a fast thrasher, following up with a longer progressive track, then a slower sludgy song, followed by a softer track and so on. I finished all the music first and really focused on each section be there for a good reason, with a guitar riff that propels the song.

“I was able to allow them to really percolate in my mind before moving on to the lyrics and vocal line demos. I’m very specific with melodies and word placement so the singers can focus on just delivering it 100% without having to figure too much out. Of course every single track came out a thousand times better than I’d hoped; everyone did an incredible job!”

The album was mixed by Adam ‘Nolly’ Getgood and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios.

Gods Of Pangea will be available as a limited edition CD (including a bonus track), gatefold LP and as a digital album.

Pre-order Gods Of Pangea.

Tiktaalika: Gods Of Pangea
1. Tyrannicide feat. Daniël de Jongh
2. Gods of Pangaea feat. Daniël de Jongh
3. The Forbidden Zone feat. Vladimir Lalić
4. Mesozoic Mantras feat. Vladimir Lalić
5. Fault Lines feat. Rody Walker
6. Give Up The Ghost feat. Daniël de Jongh
7. Lost Continent feat. Tommy Rogers
8. Chicxulub (Bonus Track on CD & Digital)

Slayer guitarist Kerry King has named the albums he considers perfect from start to finish.

During an appearance on the Lipps Service podcast, the 60-year-old lists Stained Class by Judas Priest, Sabotage by Black Sabbath, Powerage by AC/DC and Master Of Puppets by fellow thrash metal pioneers Metallica.

The one hump the guitarist hits is trying to pick between the seminal Iron Maiden albums Killers and The Number Of The Beast.

“Maiden’s tough, because it’s a very different vibe between Killers and Number Of The Beast,” he says. “I’d probably have to go Number Of The Beast because, top to bottom, I think it’s stronger than Killers, just because of the ballad-y type tune on Killers, I can’t remember what it’s called [Prodigal Son]. That’s a hard pick, because Killers is a great record.”

King, who co-founded Slayer in 1981, is a noted fan of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. The band covered Maiden and Judas Priest at their earliest concerts. Plus, in an interview last year, the guitarist called Priest the “catalyst” which got him into metal music.

“We had two rock stations back then, and I heard Breaking The Law, Living After Midnight, or something on [1980 album] British Steel,” he remembered. “I didn’t know who Judas Priest was at that point in my life, believe it or not. And I’m like, ‘Cool, I like the singer, I like there’s two guitars.’”

However, back in the spring, King admitted that he “can’t be bothered” with modern Maiden albums, believing that their songs have become too long.

“I haven’t heard [singer Bruce Dickinson’s 2024 solo album The Mandrake Project], but I have a friend who told me it’s better than Iron Maiden,” he said. “Wouldn’t surprise me – nothing against Maiden, but their songs have gotten so long, man, I just can’t be bothered with it. And my attention span isn’t that much.”

Slayer retired in 2019 following an extensive world tour but reunited last year as a live-only act. King recently said that the reactivated thrashers won’t record new music or embark on a full-length tour ever again.

However, the band are set to play at Louder Than Life festival in September, after their planned performance last year was cancelled amidst adverse weather.

In between Slayer shows, King also has a solo career. He released his debut album, From Hell I Rise, in May and his band are currently in the middle of their first North American headline tour.

@lippsservice ♬ original sound – Lipps Service

Helvitnir, the Norwegian black metal act forged in the icy depths of 2023, is set to release their debut album, Wolves Of The Underworld, on March 14, 2025, through the esteemed Italian label Dusktone.

First single “Throes Of Transformation” is streaming below.

The band was born when Hellcommander V, Bjarkan, and Ihizahg parted ways with Ragnarok, carrying with them years of shared creative synergy. Determined to continue their collaboration, the trio brought along a treasure trove of raw material, which they meticulously refined in the months that followed.

Helvitnir officially announced their arrival in November 2023 with the release of the single and video “Helvitnir”, which immediately set the tone for their uncompromising style. Shortly after, they recorded a 7-track demo, which quickly caught the attention of Dusktone. The momentum continued with the December release of a second video single, “Void Of Emptiness”.

The band solidified its lineup at the end of 2023 by enlisting the legendary Mayhem drummer Jan Axel “Hellhammer” Blomberg, whose technical prowess and iconic style brought an additional layer of ferocity to Helvitnir’s sound. With the lineup complete, the band set its sights on the future.

In June 2024, Helvitnir released an EP featuring four tracks from their demo. The EP was met with acclaim, showcasing the band’s versatility — a masterful blend of raw, chilling aggression and majestic, grandiose compositions.

Helvitnir’s music stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Norwegian black metal while forging a distinct identity that bridges the past and the future. Drawing from the raw intensity and bleak atmospheres that defined the genre’s origins, the band weaves in a modern sensibility that expands its sonic scope. 

Their sound pays homage to the cold, primal energy of their predecessors while pushing boundaries, introducing dynamic shifts, melodic textures, and a powerful sense of narrative. This careful balance between reverence for tradition and a forward-thinking approach positions Helvitnir as torchbearers of the genre’s next chapter.

By September 2024, Helvitnir entered the studio to craft their first full-length album. The result is Wolves Of The Underworld, a brutal and evocative work that promises to leave an indelible mark on the black metal landscape. The album is a sonic journey through icy wastelands and infernal depths, where every track resonates with a visceral, unrelenting energy.

Tracklisting:

“Throes Of Transformation”
“Black Flame Triad”
“Helvitnir”
“Void Of Emptiness”
“Imagery Of Deceit”
“Odinsbane”
“Dread Biter”
“Helheim’s Throne”
“Draugr”

“Throes Of Transformation”:

Lineup:
Hellhammer – Drums
Ihizahg – Guitars
Bjarkan – Guitars
Hellcommander Vargblod – Bass, Vocals

Singer Erik Grönwall says he “loved” being in Skid Row in new interview with Finland’s Chaoszine. Grönwall was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in March 2021 and he announced his departure from Skid Row in March 2024 to prioritize his health.

The Swedish-born musician says, “Leaving the band was one of the toughest career decisions I ever had to make. I loved being in that band. It didn’t hurt waking up being the lead singer of Skid Row. But I would still be in the band if that was an option.

“I left to respect the person who went through the leukemia; I mean, the person at the hospital.” I promised myself that I would always put my health first. And when I felt like I couldn’t do that being in the band, I just had to make that decision.

“I loved my time in the band. I had so much fun with the guys. We clicked right away, and I will always look back at that time with a smile, for sure. And I would have loved to stay in the band. But given the circumstances, we just couldn’t find common ground in terms of how much we should tour.”

Live In London, Skid Row’s first official live album and concert film in a 35+ year career, is now available on heavyweight 2LP gatefold, CD + DVD, digital download and all streaming services via earMUSIC.

“Youth Gone Wild” is the latest video from the full program, and captures the rapture of a sold out 02 Forum Kentish Town London gone wild for the Skids and the culmination of a dream years in the making.

“As teens, we dreamt of playing places like the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ and CBGB in New York City… our dreams became bigger with London, England at the forefront. We fantasized one day to headline a show in the very city where so many of our favorite bands came from,” the band says.

Following the release of their critically acclaimed, hugely fan-embraced 2022 album The Gang’s All Here, the band took the 02 stage on October 22 and delivered a Skid Row set for the ages. Running through their multi-platinum career, the packed venue could barely contain the band’s and the fans’ energy on “18 And Life,” “Monkey Business,” “I Remember You” and so many other peak Skid Row moments.

Live In London is a defining live rock album… a band playing at the top of their game in front of a crowd that expected no less. Both Skid Row and the 02 public went far beyond expectations…and now the world can share in that moment.

Order/save the album now on Vinyl, CD, and all digital formats, here

“Slave To The Grind” (Live In London) video:

“Piece Of Me” (Live In London) video:

Avantasia’s Tobias Sammet is back with another track-by-track description of a new song from the upcoming Here Be Dragons album. On “Unleash The Kraken”, Sammet handles the vocals himself as he boasts the song “has some of the heaviest and technically most demanding metal guitars” Avantasia has ever had.

Sammet writes: “Track by Track: ‘Unleash The Kraken’ has some of the heaviest and technically most demanding metal guitars we’ve ever had in Avantasia. Old school, not modern! Sascha Paeth must be the eight-armed creature I conjure in the song. It’s a real fast song and it’s also got the highest and most extreme vocals I’ve ever come up with in my entire career. But despite its aggressive and angry elements, it’s very melodic and hymnic. 

“‘Unleash The Kraken’ is one of two songs on the album that I’m singing by myself, and maybe this and the rampant riffing, along with the impetuous take-no-prisoners attitude make the song somewhat remind me of the faster stuff on albums such as Hellfire Club, just a notch wilder. Again, what Sascha does on guitars is out of this world, just like a crossbreed of Jeff Waters, Paul Gilbert and a rampaging mammoth! In the artbook version of the album you can read a lot more about the backgrounds of the songs.”

Sammet on “Against The Wind” with guest vocalist Kenny Leckremo of H.E.A.T.:

“Track by Track: ‘Against The Wind’ is an anthemic powerful speed metal rocket with some quite unique phrasings, melancholic melodies and very unusual twists and turns. It combines very early Avantasia trademarks with new elements and yet it somehow reminds me of the carefreeness of my very early songs. Also lyrically I reflect on where I come from, which approach I once set out with and how to be true to yourself despite the headwind and outside expectations. My friend Kenny Leckremo of H.E.A.T. is a wonderful duet partner on this one, it’s got some challenging vocal lines and I think the two of us do a pretty good job together, conveying the two extremes of the song: Power and emotion!”

Sammet on “Bring On The Night” featuring Magnum’s Bob Catley:

Sammet writes: “Track by Track: ‘Bring On The Night’ was written on the evening of July 6th, 2024 within a few hours as a heartfelt tribute to Magnum and the late Tony Clarkin. I dive deeper into the background story in the Artbook version of the new album, but in brief words: the song came to me within minutes in an almost spiritual way, and I just had to capture it and turn it into an Avantasia tune. 

“I wanted to do it justice and used the sounds and keyboards played on classic ‘80s Magnum records, and of course there would be only one singer in the world, who could sing that song with me, the undisputed king of magic, the storyteller on a storyteller’s night: my dear friend and partner for 25 years now, Birmingham’s finest: Mr. Bob Catley. It’s such a wonderful song, anthemic, melancholic, quite a bit ‘80s… or better: timeless. This kind of approach and the magic you feel when a piece of music is given to you out of nowhere and it all comes together, those are the sacred moments in music that drive me. 

“Bob had tears in his eyes when he sang it, and I was trying to hide mine behind my goggles when I was sitting next to him. It’s just so beautiful. Bob, I love you for rocking my world and being the friend and inspiration you are, I can’t wait until March to hit the road with you again!”

Sammet on “Everybody’s Here Until The End” with guest singer Roy Khan:

“Track by Track: ‘Everybody’s Here Until The End’! When the album was almost done I felt that we had a lot of furious and fast material, and I thought that I was still in need of a grand finale for an epic ending, something conciliatory and big, and I sat down on my piano and started to play a ballad which would eventually grow from a piano piece into a monumental power ballad. It’s a very personal song but eventually I wanted a duet partner who would add more depth. And I reached out to an old acquaintance to the Avantasia family, the mighty Roy Khan (ex-Kamelot) to help me shape this song to an amazing finale of an enchanting album. I think it’s one of the most moving and emotional, and yet biggest ballads I have ever done.”

Sammet on “The Moorlands At Twilight” featuring Helloween’s Michael Kiske:

“Track by Track: ‘The Moorlands At Twilight’ is a really rampant speed metal anthem with my lovely brother in Avantasia since the early days, Michael Kiske delivering a killer vocal performance. I guess that type of music is just in my DNA and even though it’s a classic Avantasia song I think that the atmosphere is different to anything we’ve done before. I can hear some early Helloween influence in there, even though the song is very unique with its playful neo-classical elements and wild approach. Also, the lead guitars are extreme and quite virtuous: Sascha Paeth and Arne Wiegand have delivered an extensive, fast and hymnic axe battle that made my jaw drop. When ‘power metal’ is done like that, I absolutely love it!”

Sammet previously described “Here Be Dragons” featuring Geoff Tate:

“Track by Track: ‘Here Be Dragons’ is the longest song on the album and features a great duet with my good friend and one of my vocal heroes since his early days in Queensrÿche, Mr. Geoff Tate, who’s outdone himself on the track. It’s a groovy mid-tempo song with enchanting melodies, orchestral elements, big keyboard passages and a powerful guitar riffing driving the main parts of the song. Even though you can hear some classic Dio, Queensrÿche and even Marillion elements in there, it’s a typical Avantasia song and a very unqiue one. It has two different choruses and a very emotional and big sounding mid-section. The song wasn’t meant to be that long, but there isn’t a single note I would change or leave out if I listen to the final result now.”

Rock and metal flagship, Avantasia, will release their 10th studio album and Napalm Records debut, Here Be Dragons, on February 28. They recently unleashed the energizing first new single, “Creepshow”.

The new track is one of the catchiest songs of Avantasia’s career so far, and it arrives with an exciting, cinematic music video. The guaranteed future hit rings in a new era of Avantasia and will be an integral part of Avantasia’s spectacular live shows.

In their 25 years of existence, Avantasia has become one of the biggest leading forces in metal, boasting nine successful previous albums (such as the #1 charting Moonglow), worldwide sold-out arena tours and headline shows at all of the most important metal festivals. Here Be Dragons is sure to exceed all expectations as the most powerful Avantasia album so far.

Tobias Sammet on the single and video: “‘Creepshow’ is a perfect single. It’s short and catchy, and it emphasizes a facet of my work that has taken a backseat in my music in recent years. It’s light-hearted and the opposite of melancholic. And it’s fresh, boisterous and unabashed – a straightforward kick-ass anthem. Also, even though it may seem like a reminiscence of my earlier writing, I think we managed to turn the whole thing into a trademark Avantasia tune, as we accentuated with the music video. We rented a haunted castle in North England and celebrated a night in the world of spectres and undead creatures. This is the most vibrant and eccentric music video I’ve ever shot in my entire career, not dead-serious, but certainly of serious quality! I can’t wait to play ‘Creepshow’ live on our tour next year, I can already see the whole venue jumping up and down and screaming along!”

Watch the official music video for “Creepshow”:

Featuring absolute Avantasia essentials such as spellbinding choirs and theatrical symphonic metal elements, multitalented mastermind and frontman Tobias Sammet also surprises fans old and new with plenty of intriguing fresh soundscapes. Here Be Dragons gives the celebrated Avantasia sound that has been carefully crafted over a quarter of a century an exciting and powerful spin. The new album is the most consistent and concise piece of art that the band has ever crafted.

Avantasia is not showing any signs of slowing down – soon after the release of Here Be Dragons, the band will head out on an extensive arena tour across Europe, promising to deliver fans an immersive experience with their biggest and most epic production ever.

In grand Avantasia tradition, the new full-length is rich in vivid storytelling and cinematic atmospheres, not to mention the highest level of musicianship. Opening track “Creepshow” is without a doubt one of the catchiest songs in their career. The energizing future hit truly welcomes the listener into the new era of Avantasia and will be an integral part of the band’s spectacular live shows. In contrast, the incredible title track “Here Be Dragons” is a classic Avantasia song, and at almost nine minutes, is by far the longest on the album. The cinematic dark soundscapes of “The Witch” captivate and support the song’s storyline perfectly. Emotional, multifaceted vocal performances mesmerize on “Avalon”, while the heavy metal number “Against The Wind” serves as further proof of the versatility of Avantasia’s sound. Remaining well-balanced and cohesive, Here Be Dragons is undeniably Avantasia’s most powerful album so far.

The 10-track offering was written and composed in its entirety by Tobias Sammet himself, produced and recorded by Tobias Sammet together with Sascha Paeth, mixed by Sascha Paeth and mastered by Michael Rodenberg. The stunning cover art was once again created by acclaimed British fantasy artist Rodney Matthews. Here Be Dragons marks another masterpiece in the Avantasia catalog, leaving both fans and critics speechless and proving the band’s standing as a main force in the world of rock and metal!

Here Be Dragons is now available for pre-order in several exciting physical editions, with bonus albums included in select limited formats, like a 3CD hardcover artbook with 96 pages, over 160 pictures, drawings of Rodney Matthews and extensive stories to accompany the music and pictures. 

Here Be Dragons will be available in the following formats:

– 3CD-Artbook – large format, hardcover book incl. 96 pages, over 160 pictures and extensive stories and liner notes
– 3LP Vinyl Box incl 72 Pages 12″ Booklet – strictly limited to 500 copies
– 1LP Glow in the Dark Vinyl incl 12” Booklet – strictly limited to 300 copies – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
– 1LP Yellow/Orange Marbled Vinyl incl 12” Booklet – strictly limited to 300 copies – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
– 1LP Blue/White Splattered Vinyl incl 12″ Booklet + Poster + Slipmat – strictly limited to 500 copies – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive ROW
– 1LP Orange incl 12” Booklet     
– 1LP Black incl 12” Booklet         
– Tape – strictly limited to 100 copies – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive           
– 2CD Mediabook              
– 1CD Digipak                     
– Digital Album

Pre-order here.

Here Be Dragons tracklisting:

“Creepshow”
“Here Be Dragons”
“The Moorland At Twilight”
“The Witch”
“Phantasmagoria”
“Bring On The Night”
“Unleash The Kraken”
“Avalon”
“Against The Wind”
“Everybody’s Here Until The End”

2025 tour dates:

March
14 – Hamburg, Germany – Sporthalle
15 – Brussels, Belgium – AB Box
16 – Paris, France – Olympia
18 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg – Rockhal
20 – Berlin, Germany – Columbiahalle
21 – Bamberg, Germany – Brose Arena
22 – Bochum, Germany – RuhrCongress
24 – London, England – The Roundhouse
26 – Tilburg, Netherlands – O13
28 – Stuttgart, Germany – Schleyerhalle
29 – Prague, Czech Republic – Forum Karlin

April
1 – Budapest, Hungary – Barba Negra
2 – Vienna, Austria – Gasometer
4 – Munich, Germany – Zenith
5 – Frankfurt am Main, Germany – Jahrhunderthalle
6 – Cologne, Germany – Palladium
8 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
9 – Zurich, Switzerland – The Hall
11 – Barcelona, Spain – Razzmatazz
12 – Madrid, Spain – Vistalegre
23 – Helsinki, Finland – Black Box
25 – Oslo, Norway – Sentrum Scene
26 – Stockholm, Sweden – Arenan Fryshuset

(Photo – Kevin Nixon)

Finnish female-fronted rock sensations, Ginger Evil, unveil their new single and accompanying visualizer, “Black Waves”, taken from their upcoming debut album, The Way It Burns, out February 14 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Guitarist Tomi Julkunen says: “‘Black Waves’ has slowly but surely become one of the band and fan favorites. It resonates within a soul and has a message, especially now when the world is what it is today. The message is simple: never give up hope, and never let those black waves wash you away. You’re not alone, there is always someone who cares and loves. And we all should care.”

“Never let the storms and feelings of hopelessness in your head take over. The line between what’s real and what is not is really thin, and sometimes it’s really difficult to tell the difference. Is it real, or just my imagination? Just keep hanging in there, and never lose faith. The storm will be over eventually”, he adds.

Ginger Evil began as Moonshine Inc. in 2005, in a rehearsal room in Helsinki, Finland. After a couple of years of rehearsal and composing, a fruitless search for a singer meant the songs were put on ice.  

Meanwhile, guitarist Tomi Julkunen and bassist Veli Palevaara continued gigging in Finland with The Milestones, including arena shows with Deep Purple and Whitesnake. In the aftermath of their fifth album, those Moonshine Inc. songs from a decade back emerged from hibernation, so the search began again for a vocalist.  

The powerful voice of Ella Tepponen was known to Tomi and Veli from many theatre and music projects, and drummer Toni Mustonen was already familiar to everyone. Jamming together found a shared musical passion, and a group creative process soon flourished. Ginger Evil was born.  

“From Foo Fighters to Fleetwood Mac” is how the band hears their music, with singer Ella bringing a whole new kind of twist to their rock expression. Everything was coming together. Music producer and film director Richard Stanley, known for his work with The Who heard demos of Ginger Evil and was inspired to write lyrics.  

In early 2022 Ginger Evil signed a deal with Deadfall Artist/Band management and a half year later with Frontiers Music Srl. (Def Leppard, Toto, Whitesnake, Journey). For the recording of their debut album, The Way It Burns, Ella brought in Teemu Aalto (Insomnium) as a producer, who also handled the final mixes with final mastering by Grammy-nominated Svante Forsbäck of Chartmakers (Rammstein, Volbeat, Sunrise Avenue, Apocalyptica).  

Pre-order the new album here.

 

The Way It Burns tracklisting:

“Rainmaker”
“Dead On Arrival”
“Shame Old”
“Flames”
“Hands Move To Midnight”
“Arrowhead”
“Better Get In Line”
“Black Waves”
“Whispers”
“Not Your Fool”
“Last Frontier”
“Wake Me”

“Hands Move To Midnight” video:

“Flames” video:

“Arrowhead” video:

“Dead On Arrival” lyric video:

Lineup:

Ella Tepponen – vocals
Tomi Julkunen – guitars
Veli Palevaara – bass
Toni Mustonen – drums

(Photo – Jansku – Love Is Punk Studio)

Coheed And Cambria shares new single “Someone Who Can” from their forthcoming album The Father Of Make Believe, which is set for release March 14 via Virgin Music Group.

In conjunction with the new song, the band shares its heartwarming Mason Mercer-directed video where we get a glimpse at the early days of Coheed And Cambria in and around their hometown of Nyack, New York.

“Someone Who Can” follows the previously shared The Father Of Make Believe singles, “Blind Side Sonny” and “Searching For Tomorrow” along with Claudio Covers, which arrived at the end of last year and features eight songs reimagined by primary songwriter and lead guitarist Claudio Sanchez including “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure and “Welcome To New York” by Taylor Swift, among others.

“Someone Who Can” is arguably the band’s most accessible song in their 24 year career. When asked about the meaning behind the song, Claudio remarked, “When you’re growing up, you’re perpetually trying to understand the world that’s changing around you. Over time, it’s comforting to reach the conclusion that you’ll never truly have things figured out.”

Watch the video below.

The Father Of Make Believe tracklisting:

“Yesterday Lost”
“Goodbye, Sunshine”
“Searching For Tomorrow”
“The Father Of Make Believe”
“Meri Of Mercy”
“Blind Side Sonny”
“Play The Poet”
“One Last Miracle”
“Corner My Confidence”
“Someone Who Can”
“The Continuum I: Welcome to Forever, Mr. Nobody”
“The Continuum II: The Flood”
“The Continuum III: Tethered Together”
“The Continuum IV: So It Goes”

Along with today’s release of the new song and video, Coheed And Cambria announces a North American co-headline summer tour with Taking Back Sunday with support from Foxing on all dates. The 25-date tour produced by Live Nation, kicks off on August 16 in St Louis, hitting some majestic venues, including the massive PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey, picturesque Red Rocks in Denver and the Greek Theatre in both Los Angeles and Berkeley, California. The whirlwind run wraps up at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Seattle on September 21. Tickets are on sale this Friday, January 17th at 10 AM, local time.

Coheed And Cambria / Taking Back Sunday tour dates:

August
16 – St. Louis, MO – Saint Louis Music Park
17 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
19 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
20 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory
22 – Detroit, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
23 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live! Outdoors
24 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
26 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion
27 – Philadelphia, PA – Highmark Skyline Stage at the Mann
29 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
30 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

September
2 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
3 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater
5 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
6 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
8 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
9 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater
10 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
12 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
14 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
15 – San Diego, CA – Gallagher Square at Petco Park
17 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre
18 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre
20 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn
21 – Seattle, WA – Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery

(Photo – Jimmy Fontaine)