Stephen Pearcy, best known as the original vocalist and founding member of the platinum rock band RATT, has been working hard to complete his highly anticipated new album, while at the same time keeping busy performing shows across the U.S.:

It took long enough to finish the new record Smash and it is well-worth the patience taken, giving every song as much attention as the next. Erik Ferentinos (lead guitars & co-writer), Greg D’Angelo (drums) and Matt Thorne (bass, keyboards) and myself didn’t settle on any first, second or third takes. We let some songs grow if needed, then go back and complete it. We’re very happy with the outcome, that we were able to experiment and grow with the new songs.

Pre-order Smash via Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.

Digital pre-orders include an instant download of “I Can’t Take It.”

Pearcy will be supporting Smash with live dates in the U.S. and internationally.

Rock Hard \m/

This groovy blast of energy is sure to blast off your ear wax and get your fist thumping. This is one of the most aggressive songs on our album regarding the lyrics and the overall atmosphere, which might contribute to making it one of our personal favorites to play live. Give it a spin and prepare for a musical punch in the face to get you going.

Shiraz Lane Tour Dates

Finnish Dates:

3.9. Vantaa, Vernissa
9.9. Kuopio, Henry´s Pub
17.9. Tampere, Jack The Rooster
24.9. Järvenpää, Blackpool
30.9. Hämeenlinna, Suisto

Europe & UK Dates:

w/ Lordi
01.10.16 D-Markneukirchen – Music Hall
02.10.16 D-Leipzig – Hellraiser
04.10.16 HU-Budapest – Barba Negra
06.10.16 AT-Dornbirn – Conrad Sohm
07.10.16 AT-Graz – Explosiv
08.10.16 AT-Traun – Spinnerei
09.10.16 SK-Bratislava – MMC
11.10.16 D-Aschaffenburg – Colos Saal
12.10.16 CH-Pratteln – Z7
14.10.16 BE-Kortrijk – De Kreun
15.10.16 D-Bochum – Zeche
16.10.16 D-Berlin – Columbia Theater
19.10.16 SK-Kosice – Multihala Sports Hall
20.10.16 CZ-Ostrava – Garage
21.10.16 CZ-Hluk – Sports Hall
22.10.16 CZ-Prague – Meet Factory
23.10.16 D-Ludwigsburg – Rockfabrik
25.10.16 D-Nuernberg – Hirsch
26.10.16 D-München – Backstage
28.10.16 D-Memmingen – Kaminwerk
02.11.16 NED-Amstelveen – P60
04.11.16 FR-Nancy – Zenith
05.11.16 ITA-Borgo Priolo – Dagda
06.11.16 ITA-Padova – Bullet
07.11.16 ITA-Rome – Planet
09.11.16 IE-Dublin – Button Factory
10.11.16 IE-Galway – Monroes
11.11.16 UK-Basingstoke – Stage
13.11.16 UK-Swansea – Scene
14.11.16 UK-Edinburgh – La Belle Angele
15.11.16 UK-Newcastle – O2 Academy
16.11.16 UK-Doncaster – Diamond
18.11.16 UK-Liverpool – Krazyhouse
19.11.16 UK-Bristol – Bierkeller
20.11.16 UK-London – O2 Academy

Rock Hard \m/

It’s pretty clear that the band looks to the glory days of ‘80s and the glam metal that mostly emerged from L.A., so if you’re a fan of the old-school, you’ll no doubt enjoy this.

About the release, Darkh commented in a band statement:

It was pretty obvious before ‘Bury Our Bones’ was even finished that it would be the first single off the album. Individuals whose interests and lifestyles are different from the vast majority will understand, because ‘B.O.B.’ underlines how powerful and encouraging it is to be among people who get it.

Darkh Tour Dates:

08/12 @ Aqua Fortis MC Hjørring, Denmark
08/13 @ OpenAir – Kraselov, Czech Republic
09/02 @ Paranoir Kemp – Sulice, Czech Republic
09/28 @ Pub Anchor – Norrmalm, Sweden
10/13 @ Melodka – Brno, Czech Republic
10/21 @ Rock Cafe – Prague, Czech Republic
11/05 @ MeriRock Vol. 9 – Helsinki, Finland

Rock Hard \m/

Lizzy Borden has spent over three decades creating some of the most theatrical metal in existence, releasing classics such as Love You to Pieces (1985) and Master of Disguise (1989), while obliterating audiences worldwide with a stage show that rivals that of Marilyn Manson and Alice Cooper. For his efforts, he has become nothing short of a metal icon. Now, to take the next step in furthering his career, Lizzy Borden has signed a worldwide solo artist deal with Metal Blade Records — the label that helped to launch him to commercial success over 30 years ago. Ready to once again captivate both veteran and adolescent metal fans alike, Lizzy Borden plans to release a new album in 2016, and tour the world in support of it, with a reinvigorated band backing him up.

Lizzy Borden comments:

I am extremely happy to re-sign with the same label we started with all those years ago [Metal Blade Records]. I’m excited to be working with Brian Slagel and all the Metal Blade family again. It’s been my home for all six of our (full-length) studio albums — with the new record being the seventh, and the start of a new series of albums to come. My focus for the last several years has been performing live and exposing my brand of American metal to countries all over the world. Now I feel is the right time to step back and push the re-start button. Time to get back to the art of creating new music. Touring around the world and having new fans discover Lizzy Borden for the first time has been rejuvenating, and so a new album seems like the perfect way to bridge the past with the future. I will take this part of my journey and these next series of albums as a solo artist, as I have for some of the past LB records and tours. I look forward to working with many different established musicians and friends, as well as some undiscovered talent like we have been lucky enough to unearth in the past. To all of our fans that have followed Lizzy Borden from the beginning and all the new younger fans who have just discovered us, I hope you will come along with me for this next chapter. I am inspired, excited, and ready to begin again.

Rock Hard \m/

Edmonton, Alberta’s old-school metallers, Striker, are streaming their killer new album, Stand in the Fire, in its entirety over at www.invisibleoranges.com. If you’re in the mood for some balls-to-the-wall, feel-good metal with soaring guitars solos, a pounding rhythm section, and wailing vocals, then head on over and let your metal soul shine through.

Stand in the Fire will be released on February 5, 2016, and can be pre-ordered here.

Striker will also be heading out on a European tour this February with Primal Fear. See the dates below.

Striker Tour Dates:

Feb 5 – Barcelona, ES – Razz 2
Feb 6 – Madrid, ES – Arena
Feb 7 – Murcia, ES – Garaje
Feb 10 – Paris, FR – Divan Di Monde
Feb 11 – Siegburg, DE – Kubana
Feb 12 – Prague, CZ – Nove Chelmice
Feb 13 – Cham, DE – L.A. Cafe
Feb 14 – Hamburg, DE – Logo
Feb 16 – Hannover, DE – MusikZentrum
Feb 17 – Saarbrucken, DE – Garage
Feb 18 – Stuttgart, DE – LKA
Feb 19 – Pratten, CH – Z7
Feb 20 – Munchen, DE – HM’s Calling
Feb 21 – Budapest, HU – Barba Negra
Feb 23 – Wien, AT – Szene
Feb 24 – Cracov, PL – TBA
Feb 25 – Berlin, DE – K17
Feb 26 – Wurzburg – Posthalle
Feb 27 – Essen, DE – Turock
Feb 28 – Vosselaar, BE – Biebob

Rock Hard \m/

The 69 Eyes – “Borderline”

Commented lead vampire Jyrki9:

“It’s like our ‘Love Me Tender’ – a soft, timeless ballad. But it also has that dark, mystic Southern vibe (some said True Blood), so naturally we had to go to Louisiana to shoot the video! Mark Twain’s books, Elvis, ‘King Creole,’ ‘Easy Rider,’ blues, jazz, voodoo, vampires – so many reasons for The 69 Eyes go to N’awlins. We’ve played there twice; I’ve hosted two DJ club nights there called ‘Fangtasia’ over the last two summers. The leading rock/metal video director of these latter days, Swedish Patric Ullaeus was also interested in coming to NOLA to make this masterpiece, so all was set for it! The mid-October was perfect for a long-lost weekend in the South.”

The video starts with a scene in which the local vampire tour legend Lord Chaz draws five X’s on the crypt door of the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau’s resting place in Saint Louis Cemetery #1. “Easy Rider’s” famous psychedelic scene was also filmed there.

The 69 Eyes released its 10th studio album X last month in North America via Nuclear Blast.

Fans can order X online via iTunes, complete with the bonus track “Rosary Blue” featuring Kat Von D, the “Red” music video plus digital booklet. Physical copies of X can be ordered via Nuclear Blast.

Rock Hard \m/

Granted, in the past most tits were flashed at so-called metal shows like Poison, Motley Crue, Ratt, Cinderella, etc., (which is in line with a Steel Panther crowd) and not so much at shows like Slayer, Pantera, Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, etc., but it has happened at a Metallica show. So, while the majority of boobs being flashed happened during hair metal shows, I have to wonder why the practice of riding your boyfriend’s shoulders and lifting your top and bra up was never widely adopted across the metal genre. Could it be that hair metal provided a better platform for the opportunity by singing songs about love, heartbreak, sex, and parties? While flashing your rack during songs about the antichrist, black magic, satanic worship, and the oppression of the masses seemed a bit tactless? The party vibe seems plausible, along with the fact that there’s a lot more sausage at “real” metal concerts.

While the camel-toe party sensation of hair metal has all but disappeared outside of old schoolers keeping it alive (along with the last strands of their careers) at various rock fests throughout the nation, Steel Panther parodies the era and reminds us of why it was so much fun. Tits and the retro party experience can be seen in the video for “Party All Day,” performed at 2012’s Download Festival (I think that there were a few Page 3 girls in attendance).

I realize that heavy metal is a bit more serious these days, but I say bring back the tits. No one gets tired of seeing tits and no one is going to condemn you for flashing your tits during a DevilDriver set. Justin Bieber, yes, DevilDriver, no. Being a female heavy metal fan, especially one who flashes her boobies, might not make you attractive to the average metrosexual, but if you’re attracted to metal guys and want to score one, flashing your goods at a metal show is a sure fire way to land one.

Rock Hard \m/

Lizzy Borden – “Psychopath”

As stated, Lizzy Borden is a highly theatrical band that features scripted and simulated death, blood, sexy dancers, axes, costumes, vampirism, and much more. Yes, the band has shifted its look from horror glam to goth, but that doesn’t categorize them as poseurs. So, all of you uneducated trolls out there posting comments about Lizzy Borden being fake or mocking how they’re glam with a death metal look, do your research before commenting (you won’t look so stupid if you do). It’s baffling that the generation making these shitty comments about something they don’t understand grew up with a world of information at their fingertips and can’t or refuse to use it. Morons. Two minutes of Internet research would inform you that Lizzy Borden established themselves long ago as a band based on their look (this is if we ignore the excellent songwriting, playing, and singing), and as such they are entitled to change it up how and when they see fit.

OK, my rant is done.

The point of this article is to let you know that Lizzy Borden is about to take to the road again. The new tour is called Death Takes A Holiday Tour. A few of the dates to note include: November 19th, in Guadalajara, Mexico, at the Hell and Heaven Festival where Megadeth will also play a set; November 25th, at the Christmas Metal Festival in Lichtenfels, Germany, with Saxon and Lordi; and December 2nd, in Prestatyn, North Wales, at the Hard Rock Hell Festival with Ace Frehley and the Quireboys.

Lizzy Borden Live In 2010

You can be sure to see newer material such as “Under Your Skin” and “Tomorrow Never Comes,” but if you have any luck you’ll also see such classic gems as “Me against the World,” “American Metal,” “Master of Disguise,” “Psychopath,” “Love You to Pieces,” and “Master of Disguise.”

Lizzy Borden Death Takes A Holiday Tour Schedule:

November:
19 – Guadalajara, Mexico – Hell And Heaven Festival (with Megadeth)
23 – Eindhoven, Holland – The Rambler
25 – Lichtenfels, Germany – Christmas Metal Festival (with Saxon, Lordi)
26 – Uster, Switzerland – Rock City
27 – Munich, Germany – Garage De Luxe
28 – Vienna, Austria – Escape
30 – Ljubljana, Slovenia – Channel Zero

December:
1 – London, England – Camden Underworld
2 – Prestatyn, North Wales – Hard Rock Hell Festival (w/Ace Frehley, the Quireboys)
3 – York, UK – The Duchess
5 – Helsinki, Finland – DOM
9 – Sala, Sweden – Rockland
10 -Trollhattan, Sweden – Backstage
11 – Copenhagen, Danmark – The Rock

Lizzy Borden are:

Lizzy Borden
Joey Scott Harges
Marten Andersson
Chris Sanders
Dario Lorino

Credit: Brooke McKaig

[rating:4]
Back in Black is probably AC/DC’s best album. It is hard rock at its best. I remember being introduced to this album in junior high school at the age of 15 or so. But I digress; this album was instrumental in bringing hard rock/heavy metal to the mainstream. With albums like Number of the Beast, and Paranoid, Back in Black became an icon for teenage rebellion. With songs like “Hell’s Bells,” “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Back in Black” this album became all the rage for pissed off teens.

Negatively, this album has too many forgetful or stupid songs and simple lyrics to receive five stars. These songs would include “Let Me Put My Love into You”, “What Do You Do for Money Honey” and “Givin’ the Dog a Bone”. But for the significance of this album and the great songs included, it is a must buy for a complete hard rock music library.

Van Halen – 1984 (1984)

[rating:5]
One of the few bands I enjoyed back in the ’80s, Van Halen were liked by most of my peers as it had some monster rock hits. If you are looking for introspection, mind expanding lyrics, or anything else intellectually or emotionally stimulating, then this band and this album is not what you’re looking for. This album is the ultimate party album; just fun and upbeat. Van Halen was always about good times and partying. This is their best album and has some of the best VH tunes, “Panama,” “Jump” and my favourite “Hot for Teacher.”

So, if you want a good time party album then this is one of the best. If you want something meatier, then go get some Van Morrison and leave this alone.

Mötley Crüe – Dr. Feelgood (1989)

[rating:3.5]
This or Shout at the Devil is the best that the Crüe has to offer. Shout at the Devil was more raw. This album is all slicked up and ready for radio. Bob Rock produced which added something that the Crüe was missing, namely “production.” There are a bunch of little additions here and there that you didn’t see much before this album. Police sirens et al compliment this release. Most of the songs are forgetful, except “Kickstart My Heart” which is speed music at it’s finest.

Overall this is probably the best band from the glam rock days of the ’80s and this is probably the best album to represent it; although that is not saying much.

With the songs “Something to Believe In” and “Flesh & Blood,” Poison established themselves as more than just just a party band. They didn’t shirk off their old style totally as the hit “Unskinny Bop” would indicate, but they did garner some more intellectual consideration and critical appeal with Flesh & Blood.

I didn’t enjoy this release as much as Open Up and Say Ahh and this was the last album I purchased from the band. But now as I have grown older, I appreciate this album more (when I do listen to it anyway).

This band also bit the dust when grunge hit it big at the commencement of the ’90s, but when they were in their glory, they gave the women some heavily soaked panties.

Similar Artists:

Motley Crue, Ratt, Whitesnake, Twisted Sister, Warrant, Great White, Wasp, Dokken, Quiet Riot, Saxon

Yell! Rating (x/5 Skulls):

[rating:3]

Artist

Poison

Album:

Flesh & Blood

Year Released:

June 21, 1990

Label:

Enigma, EMI, Capitol, Cyanide

Genre

Glam metal, hard rock, heavy metal

Official URL:

Poison