metal: Last News

Ozzy Osbourne‘s ex-bassist, has said he is “honoured” to be playing at the final-ever Black Sabbath show.The iconic heavy metal band will return for one last concert at Villa Park in their hometown of Birmingham on Saturday July 5. The upcoming show will see the group’s most iconic line-up – comprising frontman Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward – play live together for the first time in two decades.The all-star line-up joining them, put together with the help of Tom Morello, consists of the likes of Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Lamb Of God, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, Halestorm, recent Grammy-winners Gojira, Guns ‘N’ Roses, Tool, Jason Momoa and Rival Sons.Sarzo, who played bass for Osbourne for a year in the ’80s, recently spoke to WDHA-FM 105.5 FM about being approached for ‘Back To The Beginning’.

Sleep Token have announced their fourth album, which is titled ‘Even In Arcadia’. Check out the lead single ‘Emergence’ and new US tour dates below.The new announcement comes after the masked metallers began hinting at new material earlier this year by sharing sheet music online.

Tool could face a class action lawsuit after disappointing fans at their inaugural Tool In The Sand festival in the Dominican Republic.The band kicked off their first-ever destination music bash in the Caribbean this past weekend (March 7 and 8) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, across two resorts. They were slated to perform two headlining slots and promised fans “two unique sets” – which some thought meant there would be no crossovers of tracks.However, Tool did not break out an entirely different setlist on the second night, leaving some fans disappointed and annoyed.

Carrie Underwood has sung and jammed along to Korn and Drowning Pool songs during an American Idol audition round – check it out below.During a recent episode of American Idol, former winner and current judge Carrie Underwood surprised fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan with her knowledge of metal and hard rock music.During the audition round, 18-year-old contestant Insite looked to wow the judges with his rendition of Korn’s ‘Freak On A Leash’. During the performance, Underwood was seen mouthing along to the performance before fully caving in and singing along to the breakdown.While Richie and Bryan were surprised by Underwood’s “alter-ego”, they were unsure of Insite’s abilities, prompting Underwood to ask if he could audition with another track.

Metallica have announced details of an “immersive” new VR film concert. Find out more below.The new launch comes as the thrash metal pioneers teamed up with Apple, and developed a new virtual reality concert film that is compatible with Apple Vision Pro.Available from Friday (March 14), the immersive concert film is simply dubbed ‘Metallica’ and incorporates footage taken from the band’s recent run of ‘M72’ tour dates.

Architects frontman Sam Carter has revealed that he initially wanted guitarist Adam Christianson out of the band following the latter’s transphobic and homophobic controversy early last year.In January 2024, Christianson drew the ire of fans – and band members – after he reposted a video on X (formerly Twitter) originally by political commentator Tim Pool, who had quote-tweeted a video shared by American mixed martial arts professional Sean Strickland.In the controversial video, Strickland spoke about a past post in which he said: “If I had a gay son I would think I failed as a man to create such weakness.” He also spoke about past anti-trans posts, adding: “10 years ago, to be trans was a mental fucking illness. And now, all of a sudden, people like you have fucking weaseled your way in the world.

Poppy took over Jimmy Kimmel Live! last night (March 10) and gave a blistering performance of ‘The Cost Of Giving Up’.The metal singer took the stage – which was adorned with fog and a patch of flowers while sporting a white shaggy dress and red gloves. The performance sees her delicately sing the song and then transform towards the end with her loud blistering vocals screaming: “Can’t push me further down in the trench / Back against the wall / So you wanna test me now?/ While the others beg and fail to repent / They were fit to suffer / And I will dig back out,” during the song’s breakdown.‘The Cost Of Giving Up’ was featured on Poppy’s latest LP ‘Negative Spaces’.

Behemoth frontman Nergal has said justice has “prevailed” after he was acquitted of “offending religious feelings” in his native Poland.In 2018, the singer – real name Adam Darski – posted a video for International Women’s Day in which he waved around a penis-shaped sex toy with a representation of the crucifix on it, while singing a children’s song.The post resulted in Darski being charged for violating Poland’s anti-blasphemy laws, which state: “Whoever offends religious feelings of other people by publicly insulting an object of religious cult or a place for public holding of religious ceremonies, is subject to a fine, restriction of liberty or loss of liberty for up to 2 years.”Last month, Darski was acquitted on two charges, with a third being conditionally dropped. On Saturday (March 8), he took to Instagram to post his response to the news, asserting that he believes the case should never have made it to court.A post shared by Adam Nergal Darski (@nergal69)“In 2018, on this very day, I posted a silly video on Instagram, singing an old children’s song for Women’s Day while waving a certain artifact,” he wrote.

Limp Bizkit’s show in Ireland tonight.The nu-metal pioneers will be playing at the 3Arena in Dublin tonight (March 11), as part of their ongoing ‘Loserville’ 2025 tour dates.Now, ahead of the gig, professional mixed martial artist Conor McGregor has not only confirmed that he’ll be in attendance, but will be standing at the heart of the moshpit.Sharing a post on Instagram last night, he shared a photo that contained the message: “Who’s going to @limpbizkit in Ireland tomorrow? I’ll be bang in the centre of the Moshpit if anyone’s looking for their jaw broke and their teeth sent.” He also added the caption: “See ya’s in @theblackforgeinn fella’s” – referring to the pub he has in Dublin.Check out the post below, which also has a comment from Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst, who wrote: “Let’s have a go at a slow dance while we’re at it

Mastodon have revealed their replacement guitarist for ex-member Brent Hinds at a recent show – check out footage below.Late last week, founding guitarist Brent Hinds and Mastodon that they were amicably parting ways after 25 years together. The band wrote at the time: “We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors.”While Mastodon did not reveal who their replacement guitarist would be at the time, they confirmed that they will be proceeded with all announced shows – one of which took place at Tool’s Tool In The Sand festival in the Dominican Republic on March 9.At the show, they were joined by prominent YouTube guitarist Ben Eller, who has long been a fan of Mastodon, and has in past covered their songs numerous times.

Iron Maiden is releasing a new visual book titled Infinite Dreams, chronicling the band’s 50-year career.Expected to land in autumn 2025, the hardback book will be packed with images of iconic album and single artworks, the band’s instruments past and present, stage props, hand-written lyrics and archival artefacts. There will also be photographs taken of the band, including some that were previously unseen.The upcoming Iron Maiden book will contain a foreword by bassist Steve Harris and an afterword by frontman Bruce Dickinson.“I’ve been pleasantly surprised at some of the stuff that I’ve managed to unearth for this book,” said Harris, according to Kerrang!.

Tool have been booed over their two sets at their Tool In The Sand festival in the Dominican Republic.The band kicked off their first-ever destination music bash in the Caribbean this past weekend (March 7) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic across two resorts; the Hard Rock and Royalton resorts. The stacked line-up for the fest featured the likes of Primus, Coheed and Cambria, Mastodon, and more. Tool were slated to perform two headlining slots.Maynard James Keenan and co.

KISS’ Gene Simmons is giving his fans the chance to be his “personal assistant and band roadie” for the day.The bassist and singer is set to head out on the road in the US with The Gene Simmons Band in April and May, with the tour kicking off at the Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park, California on April 5.As he prepares to hit the road again, the veteran rocker has launched a handful of Experiences which fans can purchase ahead of the upcoming dates.One of them is dubbed ‘The Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience’ which gives a fan the opportunity to help with load-in at the venue, stage set-up, and the ability to sit in on the sound check and hang out backstage.Simmons will also join the fan for a meal, and introduce the roadie during the show.But it comes at a hefty price at $12,495 (£9,667) in addition to the original ticket price, with a bass guitar that was previously used during a KISS rehearsal, thrown in.Only one experience per concert is available, with 26 dates currently scheduled across North America between April and August.Another package dubbed the ‘Gene Simmons Bass Experience’, gives a fan (and three guests) the chance to meet Simmons backstage.The package also allows them to take home one of Simmons’ bass guitars, which can be signed and personalised for $6,500 (£5,029) for a “non-stage-played” instrument, and $12,500 (£9,671) for an instrument that Simmons has previously played on stage in addition to the original ticket.You can see his run of tour dates here and purchase any remaining tickets here.Elsewhere, Simmons recently responded to critics of his involvement in the recent Ronald Reagan biopic, saying he “doesn’t give a squat”.The bassist and singer recorded a cover of Harold Arlen and Ted

Sonic Youth‘s Thurston Moore and Napalm Death are reportedly teaming up for a Ramones cover – find out more below.The collaboration – which has reportedly already been recorded – will be part of Magnetic Eye Records’ upcoming ‘Ramones Redux’ and ‘Best Of Ramones Redux’ compilation tribute albums that are due for release sometime in “early June”.The ‘Ramones Redux’ will see select acts cover the entirely of the band’s iconic 1976 self-titled album, while ‘Best Of Ramones Redux’ will be a tribute compilation of the band’s best career-spanning hits.While exact release dates and tracklists for the tribute albums have yet to be revealed, pre-orders are now available via a Magnetic Eye Records kickstarter campaign – check it out here.One song will see Moore and American grindcore legends Napalm Death unite to cover a Ramones classic, while other acts named to be involved in the albums include Bauhaus‘ David J, Swans‘ Paul Wallfisch, ex-Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo and Venamoris, Kayo Dot and Emperor’s Ihsahn, GWAR‘s Blöthar The Berserker and Arthur Brown and more.A post shared by MAGNETIC EYE RECORDS (@magneticeyerecords)The two tribute albums are being produced by Grammy-winning producer Marc Urselli, who said of the project: “The Ramones weren’t just a band, they were a sonic revolution that challenged the established norms of popular music. Decades after their inception, the effect of their work echoes through the chords of new generations.

Mastodon lead guitarist and singer Brent Hinds has announced he has left the band after 25 years.The Atlanta metal band shared the news on Instagram on Friday (March 7), revealing that the decision was mutual and that they would be continuing with their live plans as previously scheduled.“Friends and fans, after 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways,” they said. “We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors.”“We are still very inspired and excited to show up for fans in this next chapter of Mastodon.

Sleep Token have teased a brand new single with a video clip on their social media accounts.The masked band have taken to their social media channels to share a short video clip of a grey flamingo standing in a patch of grass with red and pink flowers all around it and the facade of a while mansion covered in red and pink foliage peeking out in the background. A few seconds into the video, the flowers begin to quickly bloom and the flamingo turns its head.The clip is soundtracked by a piano piece that sounds reminiscent of something you would hear out of a vintage music box.

Ghost’s Tobias Forge has explained the band’s “phone-free” rule for their 2025 world tour, saying it’s “so hard to get people to engage”.Back in October, the Swedish metal band announced a 55-date tour that will kick off in Manchester’s AO Arena on April 15 and run throughout the UK, Europe and North America, rounding off in Mexico City on September 24. Find any remaining tickets here.At the time of the announcement, Ghost made it clear that the shows will be “phone-free experiences”, explaining that audience members’ mobile phones would be secured in Yondr pouches, so that they maintain possession of their phones at all times.Now, in an interview with Loudwire Nights, frontman Forge opened up about the policy, saying “we want [fans] to be there in the moment”.He explained that the first time they tried it in Los Angeles, the crowd was “phenomenal”, despite finding it “hard” to get modern crowds to “engage” with the show.“We came off the first night and were just blown away that these people were so engaged,” he added.

Alissic has spoken to NME about her hypnotic new single ‘Concrete’, and shared news of a forthcoming EP. Check out the song below, along with our full interview with the Brazilian-born avant-pop artist.Released today (March 7), ‘Concrete’ marks the first new music from Alissic (real name Alissa Salls) since 2022, ushering in a bold new chapter after parting ways with her former label Ministry Of Sound.The news comes with the announcement of her next EP, which is due for release at some point this spring via CLASSII Records.

Lamb Of God’s Randy Blythe has spoken to NME about his new book, Just Beyond The Light: Making Peace With The Wars Inside Our Head, and explained how sobriety has led to him having a new perspective on life.The book marks the follow-up to his 2015 memoir Dark Days, and sees the metal icon recall how he has been moulded by his previous struggles. Less focused on personal anecdotes than its predecessor, the project instead encourages readers to take a look at their own experiences and uncover the tools they need to improve their lives and the world around them.“It’s not a straight memoir in the way Dark Days was.

English Teacher and Wunderhorse. Check out the updated bill below.The first list of artists performing at this year’s instalment were announced at the end of 2024, with headliners including Linkin Park and Slipknot, while others set to performed included Fontaines D.C., IDLES, Poppy, Spiritbox, Skillet, In Flames, Motionless In White, Deafheaven and House of Protection.This was then extended in January to include Sex Pistols, Guns N’ Roses, Biffy Clyro, Kneecap, Avenged Sevenfold and more.Set to take place at Park 360 in Hradec Králové, Czechia from June 11, this 30th-anniversary edition will see the festival take place for an unprecedented five days – with an extra ‘Birthday Day’ on Sunday June 15.Now, ahead of it kicking off this summer, 30 new names have been added to the line-up.These include American rock powerhouse Shinedown, British metalcore giants While She Sleeps, and a number of UK-based Mercury Prize winners: English Teacher, Wunderhorse, Swim School, Maruja and Luvcat.Other new additions include renowned tattoo artist-turned-musician Kat Von D, Eurovision sensation Käärijä, Australian hardcore punk band Speed and French electronic innovator Perturbator.Check out the full list of names in the latest poster below.A post shared by Rock for People (@rockforpeople)“Rock for People’s domain is the widest musical selection across Czech festivals.

Download Festival has confirmed that there will be “multiple secret sets” coming at the 2025 edition.The metal festival will return to Donington Park in Leicestershire, between June 13-15, and this year will mark the 22nd instalment. It will see Green Day, Sleep Token and KoRn perform as headlinersNow, in the latest newsletter, organisers have revealed that there will be some surprises planned for this year, including “multiple” unexpected performances that are already in the works.The update came in the form of a new graphic shared in the update, which saw a man reading a newspaper that had the headline “Multiple secret sets confirmed for Download XXII”.