Author: The Anarchist
Burton C. Bell Reflects on Fear Factory’s Aggression Continuum Background on Aggression Continuum During a recent episode of the Scandalous podcast, Burton C. Bell, the former frontman of Fear Factory, shared his thoughts on the band’s 2021 album, Aggression Continuum. Released in June 2021 through Nuclear Blast Records, the album features contributions from founding guitarist Dino Cazares and drummer Mike Heller, although it was primarily recorded back in 2017. The Journey of Monolith Bell revealed that the album was originally completed in 2017 under the title Monolith. He expressed a sense of finality regarding this earlier version: “We finished that…
It’s been an exhilarating week in the world of rock and metal, with 23 new tour announcements lighting up the music scene. Major acts are hitting the road, promising fans an unforgettable concert experience. Here’s a closer look at some of the most anticipated tours and festival lineups. Major Tour Announcements Leading the charge are two giants of rock radio. Breaking Benjamin is set to embark on a tour featuring support from Chevelle, Starset, and Kami Kehoe. Meanwhile, Shinedown has lined up an impressive roster of opening acts including Coheed and Cambria, Black Stone Cherry, From Ashes to New, and…
Gene Simmons Honors Ace Frehley with Live Debuts at Solo Show In a poignant tribute to his late bandmate Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons added two songs to his solo show setlist for the first time ever on Saturday night. The event, held at L’Aubrerge Casino Resort, marked a significant moment as Simmons debuted “Strange Ways” and “Rocket Ride,” showcasing Frehley’s musical legacy. Setlist Highlights The 14-song set was the first performance of 2026 for the Gene Simmons Band and only their second live appearance since Frehley’s passing on October 16. Simmons honored Frehley’s contributions not only with the debut tracks…
Cease-and-Desist Letter Sparks Trademark Dispute Among Live Members In a dramatic turn of events, founding members of the band Live, guitarist Chad Taylor and drummer Chad Gracey, recently shared a cease-and-desist letter directed at lead singer Ed Kowalczyk. The letter addresses the use of the band’s name and alleges the termination of Kowalczyk’s license to utilize any trademarks associated with Live, including those linked to his record label, The Fifth Veda. The Ownership Claim and Background The cease-and-desist letter identifies Action Front Unlimited as the “exclusive owner” of trademarks and intellectual property related to Live, a company that was originally…
Liyah Bey: A Voice for Change through Music From Global Roots to Musical Heights LA-based singer-songwriter Liyah Bey has traveled a remarkable journey, with her upbringing spanning across various cultures and landscapes. This diverse background has fueled her passion for music, drawing inspiration from legendary icons such as Prince, Adele, Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse, Sia, and Lauryn Hill. Her powerful voice first found its way to the vibrant streets of New York City, where she collaborated with renowned acts including Kool and the Gang and even stepped in for Lauryn Hill with the Fugees. Now, based in Los Angeles, Liyah…
North West Signs with Gamma: A New Era in Music North West, the talented 12-year-old daughter of Kanye West, has officially signed with the independent music company Gamma. This notable label is not only making waves with North’s debut but is also set to release her father Ye’s upcoming album titled Bully. Gamma: The Powerhouse Behind the Scenes Gamma, led by former Apple executive Larry Jackson, has positioned itself as a formidable player in the music industry. The company recently partnered with Ye for his highly anticipated 12th studio project, Bully, which is scheduled for release on March 20. North’s…
Joel Hoekstra: Reflections on a Musical Journey Advice to His Younger Self In a recent interview with Guitar World, acclaimed guitarist Joel Hoekstra, known for his work with WHITESNAKE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, and NIGHT RANGER, shared invaluable insights about his journey in music. When asked what advice he would give to his younger self, Hoekstra reflected on his humble beginnings, stating, “We were poor, quite frankly. We had no money.” Growing up in a blue-collar area of Chicago, he acknowledged that his success was not something that was “supposed to happen.” Through hard work and a bit of luck, he has…
Masterplan Announces New Album and European Tour Return of the Power Metal Legends Power metal icons Masterplan are set to make a grand return with their upcoming studio album titled “Metalmorphosis”. This highly anticipated release is scheduled for June 26, 2026, under the Frontiers Music Srl label. To commemorate the announcement, the band has dropped a new single and a captivating music video for “Chase The Light”, which can be viewed below. New Single: “Chase The Light” Guitarist Roland Grapow describes the single as “a dark and aggressive track about fear, control, and a world that feeds on pain.” He…
Join the Decibel Magazine Team! About the Opportunity If you have a passion for heavy metal and craft beer, Decibel Magazine is on the lookout for a dedicated individual to assist in advertising and sponsorship sales as well as account maintenance. This role will support the magazine, our Metal & Beer Fests, and our annual tour. Candidate Attributes & Personality Sales Skills: Ideal candidates should possess sales experience or skills. If you enjoy conversing and building connections, you could be a great fit. Passion for Metal: A deep appreciation for metal music and its diverse subgenres is essential. Interest in…
Today, we celebrate the amazing black metal albums you might have missed in 2025. Honestly speaking, overall, 2025 amounted to a pretty bleak year for black metal. Yet, within the darkest hours, the brightest lights shine. For example, hopefully, a good portion of readers had the chance to experience the heartfelt In Devastation by the blackened supergroup Sinsaenum. The Pantera icon Phil Anselmo also released a blackened scorcher — Scour’s Gold. READ MORE: 12 Classic Black Metal Albums Turning 30 in 2025 Remarkable Releases of 2025 It would be nearly impossible to select just one 2025 offering by the revered…
