Author: Logan Rocker

US-based rising instrumental progressive metallers, Sometime In February, are pleased to announce their upcoming new studio album. Where Mountains Hide will be released March 21 via InsideOutMusic/Sony Music.

Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, this instrumental guitar trio present sophisticated yet accessible compositions that reveal a maturity beyond their brief time together as a band.

To celebrate the announcement, the band have also launched their latest single, “Palantir”, accompanied by a brand-new video. Watch below.

The band comments of the album and single release: “We are so excited to announce our sophomore record, and our debut with InsideOutMusic, Where Mountains Hide. It’s been a long time in the making, our biggest accomplishment, and our boldest statement. Once we signed with the label, we knew we had to step up our game to keep up with the legendary names on their roster.

“Alongside this announcement comes our lead single, ‘Palantir’. It was the first track written for our new album, and it sets the tone for the record as a whole. We feel it is the definitive sound for Sometime in February in our current state, and we are so excited for everyone to hear this single and the rest of the album, and for everyone to see it live in person very soon.”

Where Mountains Hide will be available as a Limited CD Digipak, Limited Edition Coloured Vinyl (both including bonus track) & as Digital Album. Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

“Palantir”
“Mourning Bird”
“The Bad Fight”
“Outside In”
“What Was Heard”
“What Was Said”
“Phantom Sea”
“Bury You”
“Homeworld I: Green Mountain”
“Homeworld II: Dislodged”
“Funeral House”
“There Is Nothing Here But Technology” (Bonus Track)

“Palantir” video:

“The Bad Fight” video:

In 2023, the band introduced themselves with their first single under InsideOut, titled “Hiding Place”, which showcased their melodic approach. Now, with a full album of new material, Sometime In February presents 11 captivating tracks, from the fusion-metal opener “Palantir” to the progressive complexity of “Outside In” to the blues-infused, prog-metal closer “Funeral House”.

Originally founded as an instrumental solo project for guitarist Tristan Auman in 2020, Sometime In February became a fully rounded prog rock trio with the addition of drummer Scott Barber and bassist Morgan Johnson after making the jump from studio to stage following the release of their EP Here Goes in 2021. The Carolina-based group has kept their foot on the gas ever since, touring throughout the Southeast US and releasing their follow-up, the debut LP There Goes, in 2023.

The trio’s connections extend into the progressive music world, featuring collaborations with Between the Buried And Me members Paul Waggoner and Dan Briggs. Tristan had been working for Waggoner in a local coffee shop. After getting to know Tristan, he went to see the band and was impressed by their live performance. He later invited Auman to fill in alongside Paul on BTBAM gigs. In return, Waggoner contributed to the track “The Bad Fight” and appeared in the music video. “I had a part open for him on the song,” Auman recalls. “He sent over some ideas, and they were perfect, as expected.”

Briggs added a unique touch, playing textural elements and additional instruments like mandolin, rather than bass. The BTBAM connection also extended to the album’s mixing, handled by engineer Jamie King, who previously worked with Scott’s former band, Trees On Mars. “Tristan knew right away he wanted to work with Jamie, and I was all for it,” Scott says. “Jamie was great in the studio with a positive vibe the whole time.”

To enhance the album’s sound design, the band brought in Eric Guenther, keyboardist for The Contortionist. “We discussed sound design, and The Contortionist was at the top of our list,” Morgan explains. “Eric was our first choice, and he was on board right away. He had seen Tristan on the BTBAM tour, and he elevated the entire project with his contributions.”

For Tristan, Where Mountains Hide represents a step forward, with an uplifting and optimistic feel. “For this album, I wanted the songs to stand alone more, instead of making everything flow together like typical prog albums. But in the end, it naturally felt cohesive. The album has a grand and fantastical vibe, and with instrumental music, it can be challenging to create a specific atmosphere, but that’s what I aimed for.”

John Sykes, a former member of both Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has died at age 65. An official statement confirmed that Sykes had been diagnosed with cancer.

“He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent but for those who didn’t know him personally, he was a thoughtful, kind and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room,” according to the statement. “He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always pulled for the underdog.”

Sykes appeared on Thin Lizzy’s harder-edged 1983 album Thunder and Lightning, the group’s Top 5 U.K. hit studio finale with the late frontman Phil Lynott. Sykes then joined Whitesnake for a two-LP mid-’80s stint that began with the reworked 1984 edition of Slide It In.

READ MORE: Ranking Every Thin Lizzy Album

He co-wrote all but two songs on 1987’s eight-times platinum international Top 10 hit Whitesnake, including the No. 2 U.S. smash “Is This Love.” But unfortunately, his relationship with singer David Coverdale was strained from the beginning.

“John was and is an incredible talent,” Coverdale later argued. “Our musical chemistry was great, but it didn’t work personally. The truth of the matter is no matter how incredible of an album that we made together, we were unable to connect as people.”

Watch Whitesnake’s ‘Is This Love?’ Video

‘Sincere Love and Gratitude’ Offered to Fans

Sykes later took over vocals when Thin Lizzy reunited in 1996, releasing One Night Only in 2000. He remained in the lineup until 2009. “You know, we go out and pay our respects to Phil Lynott,” Sykes told Melodic Rock in 1999. “He wrote damn good songs. It’s just a great pleasure to go out and play and think of him. Like a group of old veterans, we tell a few lies and have a few laughs, go and play the tunes and it’s great.”

Prior to working with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, Sykes recorded two albums with Tygers of Pan Tang including Spellbound and Crazy Nights, both from 1981. Sykes also appeared on two tracks from 1982’s The Cage, though he’d had already departed. He later formed Blue Murder with bassist Tony Franklin and drummer Carmine Appice.

Sykes released five solo albums including 2004’s Bad Boy Live!, which featured updates of material from Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake. Screaming Blue Murder: Dedicated to Phil Lynott, from 1994, also touched on earlier career highlights.

“In his final days, he spoke of his sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years,” according to the official statement confirming Sykes’ death. “While the impact of his loss is profound and the mood somber, we hope the light of his memory will extinguish the shadow of his absence.”

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has missed the band’s first show of 2025, held at the Auditorio de la Feria León Guanajuato, a 4500-capacity arena in Guanajuato, Mexico.

Joe Elliott informed the crowd that Campbell – who was replaced on the night by Phil Collen’s guitar technician John Zocco – was unable to perform as he was receiving treatment for cancer.

Zocco also filled in for Campbell at the band’s last show, a surprise performance at the Daimler Truck Customer Appreciation Event at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in October. The Nashville performance occurred just over a month after Campbell successfully completed 27 dates on Def Leppard’s Summer Stadium Tour.

Campbell announced he was suffering from Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013, and has been battling the condition ever since.

“I’m still dealing with the lymphoma,” he told the Lymphoma Voices podcast in 2023. “It’s sort of like – it’s an American expression – Whac-a-Mole. You beat something back and then it pops up somewhere else. But it’s been a pretty consistent battle, but it hasn’t been too difficult for me. I deal with it fine. I’ve been able to live my life.

“For the bulk of those 10 years, I actually was doing immunotherapy. Starting in June of 2015, I started taking a drug called pembrolizumab. I remember at the time my doctors wanted me to do radiation and maybe a combination of radiation and chemo. And I just thought, ‘Well, let’s just try this immunotherapy thing. Let’s see if this works.’ So I managed to get on the trial. I’m happy to say that it worked well for me.”

Def Leppard’s next scheduled show is at the San Juan Coliseo de Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico, on May 15. Full dates below.

Dec Leppard 2025 tour dates

May 15: San Juan Coliseo de Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
May 17: Ocean City Boardwalk Rock 2025, MD
Jun 19: Milwaukee Summerfest, WI
Jun 21: Thackerville Lucas Oil Live at WinStar World Casino and Resort, OK
Jun 28: Atlantic City Borgata Event Center, NJ
Jul 03: Uncasville Mohegan Sun Arena, CT
Jul 13: Craven Country Thunder Craven, Canada
Aug 14: Des Moines Iowa State Fair, IA
Aug 16: Springfield Illinois State Fair, IL
Aug 20: Highland Yaamava’ Theater, CA

Tickets are on sale now.

Def Leppard played their first show of 2025 on Saturday night in Leon, Mexico, but one of the band’s members was noticeably absent from the group.

“Vivian Campbell cannot be with us tonight,” frontman Joe Elliott explained to the crowd in attendance. “He’s just recovering from some treatment for his cancer. So, manfully, please say hello to the guy that’s standing in for him tonight, Mr. John Zocco on guitar.”

Zocco is the guitar tech for Phil Collen. He also serves as a photographer for Def Leppard and has been a touring guitarist for a long list of rock and country artists.

Vivian Campbell’s Ongoing Cancer Battle

Campbell has been part of Def Leppard since 1992, having previously played with Whitesnake and Dio. In 2013 he went public with his Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis, and he’s continued battling the disease ever since.

READ MORE: The Best Song From Every Def Leppard Album

The rocker underwent stem-cell therapy in 2014, and in 2015 he was part of a clinical trial for the anti-cancer medication pembrolizumab. He continued with immunotherapy treatment through 2022, at which point he switched to a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Campbell has remained open with his cancer battle throughout the ordeal.

“There’s no shame in having cancer. There’s no shame in going through treatment and wearing the effects of your treatment physically,” he noted in a 2023 interview on the Lymphoma Voices podcast, alluding to the hair loss he’d suffered as a result of chemo. “And for me as a musician, there was something that just allowed me to go on stage and just focus on the essence of who I am as a musician and as a person and to just put it all out there.”

Def Leppard’s next performance is scheduled for May 15 in Puerto Rico.

Def Leppard Albums Ranked

From their metal-edged debut to their pop breakthrough to the recent records, we rank every single LP.

Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso

More From Ultimate Classic Rock

Jimi Hendrix’s revolutionary approach to the electric guitar transformed rock music forever, making him one of the most influential musicians of all time. Born Johnny Allen Hendrix on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, he grew up in a challenging environment that shaped his creative spirit. Early on, Hendrix was captivated by music and taught himself to play the guitar, developing a style that combined blues, rock, and psychedelic influences with unparalleled innovation. His left-handed playing and mastery of techniques like feedback, distortion, and wah-wah pedals became his signature, redefining what the instrument could achieve.

Before rising to fame, Hendrix honed his skills as a backing guitarist for prominent acts like Little Richard, the Isley Brothers, and Curtis Knight. These early experiences exposed him to diverse musical styles and provided a platform to develop his unique sound. Hendrix’s big break came in 1966 when he moved to London after being discovered by Chas Chandler, former bassist of The Animals, who would become his manager. There, he formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell.

The band’s debut album, Are You Experienced (1967), was a groundbreaking success, featuring tracks like “Purple Haze,” “Hey Joe,” and “The Wind Cries Mary.” These songs highlighted Hendrix’s virtuosity and cemented his place in rock history. The album’s innovative approach to production and songwriting resonated globally, becoming a defining record of the psychedelic era. Hendrix followed this success with Axis: Bold as Love (1967) and Electric Ladyland (1968), the latter being his only U.S. number-one album. Electric Ladyland included classics like “All Along the Watchtower” and “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” further showcasing Hendrix’s ability to blend raw energy with emotional depth.

Tensions within The Jimi Hendrix Experience led to its disbandment in 1969, after which Hendrix formed Band of Gypsys with Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. This lineup marked a shift towards funk and soul influences, as seen in their live album, Band of Gypsys (1970), recorded at the Fillmore East. Notable tracks like “Machine Gun” captured Hendrix’s anti-war sentiments and his ability to channel political commentary through his music.

In his brief career, Hendrix released only three studio albums, yet his impact was monumental. He headlined iconic festivals like Woodstock in 1969, where his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” became a symbol of the counterculture movement. His performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, where he famously set his guitar on fire, remains one of the most electrifying moments in rock history.

Hendrix’s contributions to music earned him numerous posthumous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. His influence extended beyond his recordings, inspiring generations of guitarists and redefining live performance standards. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as “arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music.”

Tragically, Hendrix died on September 18, 1970, at just 27 years old, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate. Beyond his music, Hendrix broke racial barriers in a predominantly white rock industry, becoming a global icon whose artistry transcended cultural boundaries. His innovative techniques, timeless songs, and electrifying performances ensure his place as a cornerstone of rock history.

Paganfest 2025 – featuring Alestorm, Ensiferum, Týr, Heidevolk and Elvenking – kicked off on January 8 in Hamburg, Germany at Grosse Freiheit. Alestorm has shared a behind-the-scenes vlog from their January 16th show in Birmingham, England at O2 Academy. Check it out below.

Remaining dates on the tour are as follows:

January
19 – London, United Kingdom – O2 Academy Brixton
20 – Brussels, Belgium – Ancienne Belgique
21 – Wiesbaden, Germany – Schlachthof
22 – Paris, France – Zenith
23 – Pratteln, Switzerland – Z7 Konzertfabrik
24 – Geiselwind, Germany – Eventzentrum * extended show with special guests
25 – Munich, Germany – Backstage
26 – Liege, Belgium – OM
28 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
29 – Lyon, France – Transbordeur
30 – Lausanne, Switzerland – Salle Metropole
31 – Meisenthal, France – Halle Verrière

February
1 – Leipzig, Germany – Felsenkeller
2 – Tilburg, Netherlands – 013 Poppodium
3 – Hannover, Germany – Capitol
5 – Krakow, Poland – Studio
6 – Warsaw, Poland – Progresja
7 – Zlin, Czechia – Hala Datart
8 – Budapest, Hungary – Barba Negra *extended show with special guests
9 – Zagreb, Croatia – Tvornica

German folk musician Patty Gurdy recently released a new single, “Peg Leg Silly-Billy”, featuring a guest performance by Alestorm frontman, Christopher Bowes. Check out the official video below.

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. Modern Drummer has shared an exclusive video of Sucherman playing his new Sonor kit at a recent show in South Florida. Host David Frangioni dives deep with him in this can’t-miss reveal.

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 hit the road this month, and Sucherman is 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!”

KISS Cancer Goodbye III, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, took place December 6 – 8, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida.

The Handsome Devils performed the entire Creatures Of The Night album at Kiss Cancer Goodbye III, and benefit organizers are releasing the entire show on their YouTube channel. Every week, a new video will appear on Friday at 8am PST.

The Handsome Devils is comprised of: Todd Kerns (Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators) – guitar and vocals, Gabriel Connor (Red Devil Vortex) – bass and vocals, Joey Cassata (Ace Frehley) – drums, and Luis Kalil (Red Devil Vortex) – lead guitar. 

Professionally filmed video, courtesy of Undaunted Media, of The Handsome Devils performing “Danger” from Creatures Of The Night, which was released in 1982 via Casablanca Records, can be enjoyed below.

Check out the previously released videos for “Creatures Of The Night”, “Saint And Sinner”, “Keep Me Comin'”, and “Rock N’ Roll Hell”:

Trivium frontman Matt Heafy has made no secret of his influences over the years. Everyone from Metallica and Slayer to death metal pioneers Death and black metal icons Emperor have shaped the singer/guitarist’s music over the years. But there’s one, less obvious band who proved to be an early influence on Heafy, shaping a key track on the Florida metallers’ breakthrough 2005 album Asendancy.

Speaking exclusively in the brand new issue of Metal Hammer ahead of Trivium’s upcoming joint tour with Welsh metallers Bullet For My Valentine, Heafy looks back on the making of Ascendancy. Released in March 2005, it turned the youthful Florida four-piece into the hottest new name in metal – something rubber stamped by a now-legendary appearance at that year’s Download festival.

“Recording the album? It was easy, it was effortless,” Heafy tells Hammer. “We came into the studio having everything prepared beforehand, jamming in our storage place and singing and screaming the words. It was just a super-exciting time, full of hopes.”

The frontman also explains the stories behind each of the Ascendancy’s 12 tracks. Talking about the album’s final song, Declaration, he reveals one of the unlikely inspirations that shaped it – British stadium rockers Muse, and specifically their third album, 2003’s Absolution.

“This song is nuts,” says Heafy of Declaration. “You can hear a second of the Muse Absolution influence in the middle, but it’s also kind of Emperor IX Equilibrium in the verse.”

Heafy adds that Declaration centres on the idea of compassion and unity. “What I love is that it’s showing the champion of all walks of life that I’ve always been. Being a human being filled with compassion, empathy and humanity, I’ve had friends of all types, all races, all sexualities, all everything. How could you not want your friends or other people to just be able to enjoy life?

“So that’s what this song is about. This is a very violent, angry call for being a champion of all who deserve it.”

In the same interview, Heafy reveals the future Ascendancy song which helped Trivium bag their deal with Roadrunner following the band’s independently released debut album, Ember To Inferno.

“My dad was our manager, and he got an email from [Roadrunner A&R executive] Monte Conner, and he’s like, ‘You guys have the bones of what’s going to be something great with Ember…. You’re not there yet, but you’re close.’

“My dad, with great foresight, was like, ‘OK, he thinks we’re there. You guys go write three songs. We’re going to make a video for it and pay for it all ourselves.’

“So my dad paid for all this stuff, got studio time. We did the work; we wrote the songs and amongst ourselves we picked Like Light To The Flies as the music video. We sent it to Roadrunner and Monte’s like, ‘Oh, OK. You already did that. Yes. We will sign you now.’ They signed us immediately – that song changed my life.”

Read the full interview with Matt Heafy in the brand new issue of Metal Hammer, on sale now. Buy it on newsstands or order it online and have it delivered straight to your door.

A special bundle issue, featuring the new issue of the magazine with a unique cover plus a limited edition T-shirt not available anywhere else in the world, is also exclusively available through the Louder online store – but hurry before they all go.