Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Thursday, 04 December 2025 05:32
Full Circle with Tracy G: The Sound That Never Let Go
Written by John Ivan
From a Soviet closed city to Los Angeles, John Ivan’s story with Tracy G is a testament to music’s power to break borders. Story told by John Ivan SuitarSlinger / songwriter exclusively for SULÉY ERA In this exclusive August 2025 sit-down at the legendary G Factory Studio, Ukrainian-American guitarist John Ivan GuitarSlinger meets former DIO axeman Tracy G for a rare, no-filters conversation. Best known for shaping the darker, experimental edge of Ronnie James Dio’s mid-’90s era, Tracy looks back on his years with the metal icon while opening up about the raw creative drive that has fueled every chapter of his career. From the ferocity of WWIII and Swift Kick to the cult energy of Love/Hate, Rags, Driven, Goad-ed, Pain Savior, and Dark Mile, he traces a path defined by reinvention. John dives into Tracy’s distinctive approach to tone—his gear, effects, and the unconventional techniques behind that unmistakable sound. The two also explore Tracy’s newest adventure: the fiery, genre-bending classical-guitar collaboration El Mariachi Sexorcismo with Gratz Arias
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
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Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Thursday, 04 December 2025 01:53
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Mark 50+ Years of RUSH, Honoring Neil Peart’s Legacy
Written by SULÉY ERA
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame® inductees, GRAMMY® Award-nominated icons, and RUSH co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are officially returning to the stage with their special 2026 headline tour, Fifty Something. The trek celebrates RUSH’s enduring music, legacy, and the life of their late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. Marking their first tour together in eleven years—since the finale of the R40 Tour on August 1, 2015 at the The Kia Forum in Los Angeles—the duo will bring their story full circle by launching these new shows at the same venue. Following the initial announcement of seven North American dates, overwhelming demand quickly led to sold-out shows across the U.S. and Canada. In response, Lee and Lifeson have expanded the tour with multiple additional cities, inviting fans to join them once again as they revisit a deep catalog of songs and introduce drummer Anika Nilles.
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Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Monday, 22 September 2025 19:41
CHASTAIN’s Mystery of Illusion: A Dark Jewel of 80s Metal
Written by Rick Patterfield
CHASTAIN Mystery Of Illusion© 1985 Shrapnel Records / © 2020 The Orchard / Divebomb Records DIVE 20711 tracks = 46'19" Who was the strangest rock/metal guitar virtuoso of the 1980s? Joe Satriani? Hmmm. One Yngwie J. Malmsteen? No way! Being cover darlings of so many music and musicians’ magazines back then, both of them were “normal” (should I say “maintream”?) artists, who had contracts with major music labels and hence good promotional budgets, massive world tours, coverage in quality media etc. Nothing against Mr. Satriani and Mr. Malmsteen in person, but the most idiosyncratic metal guitar player of the era was Cincinnati very own David T. Chastain, “most hard-working guitar player in the music business”, as he was called once in Metal Hammer magazine. Indeed, in 1985–1990 only David recorded and released nine albums: five with Chastain band, two with CJSS and two as a solo artist. Period.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
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Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Wednesday, 17 September 2025 02:55
John Ivan Report: Tony MacAlpine & Luis Kalil Clinic at Musicians Institute, Hollywood
Written by John Ivan
Written by John Ivan - GuitarSlinger It’s always a special feeling to return to Musicians Institute (MI) — the place where my American musical journey began. My time there is etched in memory with warmth and excitement: it was my first trip to the U.S., I studied under some of MI’s finest instructors, met lifelong friends and serious musicians, and made my first real connections in the professional music industry out West. I’ve been keeping an eye on MI’s events ever since — they consistently bring in legendary artists and put on one-of-a-kind clinics and performances you simply won’t find anywhere else in California. One such event was the recent clinic featuring the iconic Tony MacAlpine and young shred sensation Luis Kalil, held on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, at the MI Concert Hall.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
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Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Saturday, 13 September 2025 02:20
Torchlight Parade’s Children of the Night: A Macabre Celebration of Rock and Horror
Written by Gene Aaron
Few bands embrace their identity with the theatrical gusto of Torchlight Parade. The St. Louis mortuary metal troupe has returned with Children of the Night, a full-length release through Pavement Entertainment that stands as much a celebration of horror culture as it does a statement of hard rock conviction. What makes Torchlight Parade compelling isn’t just their sound but the authenticity behind it. Fronted by licensed embalmer and vocalist Matt Engel and his brother Doug, a hearse-driving lead guitarist, the band quite literally lives the world it projects on stage. That sense of gothic reality is further grounded by family ties, with Doug’s son Samuel locking down the low end on bass and Gavin Martin driving the pulse on drums. Together, they’ve forged not only a distinctive sound but an immersive live experience that pushes rock beyond performance into full-scale spectacle.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
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Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Wednesday, 10 September 2025 20:49
Oceans On Orion Find Catharsis in Chaos with “Met My Match”
Written by Gene Aaron
A raw, confessional single that tears down façades while carrying forward the band’s evolving sound. With their latest single “Met My Match,” Oceans On Orion push into darker, more vulnerable territory, crafting a track that’s raw in emotion and relentless in sound. Rather than offering closure, the song lingers in the aftermath, echoing the words spoken in haste and the recognition that our flaws are often reflected back by those we love. It’s confessional, chaotic, and painfully honest. Confessional in tone yet explosive in delivery, “Met My Match” refuses to dress pain in metaphor or disguise it behind polished sentiment. Instead, it exposes the mess head-on, amplifying regret, chaos, and brutal self-awareness into something that feels both cathartic and cuttingly relatable. For anyone who has ever stared at their phone after a 2 a.m. text they wish they hadn’t sent, the song provides not comfort, but company in the wreckage.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
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Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Sunday, 07 September 2025 15:46
Dystopica Unleash Semblance of Order: A Fierce New Chapter in Modern Metal
Written by Gene Aaron
With their fourth record, Semblance of Order, Dystopica steps boldly into a new phase of creative evolution. Released through Pavement Entertainment, the EP serves as both a declaration and recalibration, signaling a move toward a heavier, more assertive identity while still honoring the melodic and progressive instincts that define their sound. Across all seven tracks and just over twenty-two minutes, the record delivers a concentrated statement of intent: faster, harder, and uncompromising in execution. Produced by Nick Bellmore, whose resume includes work with iconic figures like Dee Snider, Corpsegrinder, and Hatebreed, the EP benefits from a production style that feels tight and modern without sterilizing the band’s natural edge, with a mix balancing weight and clarity. Compared to Perception (2021), Deception (2022), and Infinite Reflection (2024), this release feels more focused and deliberate, honing in on heaviness with songs that are concise, layered, and unmistakably memorable.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
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Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Tuesday, 08 July 2025 21:10
The Best Of NZM: An In-Depth Review of Nick Z. Marino’s Pivotal Works
Written by Rick Patterfield
The Best Of NZM (CD-R) © 2024 FireRock Music Group / MVD Audio 0 679065 863556 12 tracks = 44'38" Written by Rick Patterfield Do you remember US self-released hard rock / heavy metal CDs from the 1990s? Man, they were great things themselves, and far more often than not contained simply great music. Music for which record labels at that grunge times had no sympathy at all — but that music was still very interesting, not only for keen record collectors, myself included. Ask any respected hard’n’heavy lover about such CDs from early Seventh Omen or Vamp Le Stat, for example, and see (or hear?) what happens.
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Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
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Sunday, 06 July 2025 18:37
Power and Purpose: PLUSH Releases “WHY” with David Draiman (Disturbed) and Johnny K
Written by Gene Aaron
In a time marked by global unrest, rising conflicts, and deepening divisions, music remains one of the last sanctuaries for truth and emotional reckoning. For many artists, the noise of war, destruction, hatred, and polarization is not just a background, it's a call to respond, to process, and to connect. And just like rock icons of the past — from Bob Dylan to Pink Floyd to Metallica — today’s musicians are once again stepping into the role of cultural witnesses, offering not only reflection, but resonance. The newly released single “WHY” marks a defining moment in PLUSH’s career, merging powerhouse vocals with polished yet aggressive rock production. Co-written by Moriah Formica and David Draiman of Disturbed and co-produced with Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (Disturbed, SOiL, 3 Doors Down), the track showcases a creative alliance that adds new intensity and emotional depth, establishing PLUSH as a fearless, relevant force pushing modern rock forward.
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Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
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Sunday, 29 June 2025 23:47
Baroque Meets Blast Beats: Vivaldi Metal Project Milestone with Live Video Release
Written by Gene Aaron
In the ever-evolving realm of symphonic metal, few projects have etched their legacy quite like the Vivaldi Metal Project. As 2024 unfolds, the release of The Four Seasons – Live Concert Premieres 2018 on YouTube stands as a vivid chronicle of past performances and a triumphant marker of their creative summit—a bold reimagining of Vivaldi’s Baroque masterpiece that has blossomed into a global phenomenon of classical grandeur and metallic force. This live video release, six years after the original performances, serves as both a nostalgic reflection and a bold reaffirmation of the project’s enduring artistic vision. This time, with the official YouTube release of "The Four Seasons – Live Concert Premieres 2018." Capturing nearly two hours of electrifying symphonic metal mayhem, the video immortalizes the ensemble’s world premiere performances across Finland, Bulgaria, and Italy. Fans of classical grandeur and metal grit, prepare to be spellbound.
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Sunday, 15 June 2025 01:07
Double Vision in Seattle: A Night with Johnny Manchild and VOLORES
Written by ALEKSA
As part of their “Double Vision Tour,” Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards rejoined forces with VOLORES for an unforgettable night of genre-bending rock in Seattle. The performance took place at Funhouse - a staple of Seattle’s music scene - buzzing with anticipation from the moment the doors opened. With a blend of powerhouse vocals, haunting instrumentals, and undeniable stage charisma, both bands left a lasting impression that resonated with every person lucky enough to be there. Seattle’s vibrant music scene welcomed the two bands with open arms, as VOLORES set the tone with their emotionally charged set, followed by Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards, who took the crowd to another level with their explosive energy and musical precision. This show wasn’t just a stop on the tour — it was a night of connection, passion, and celebration of live music in its most electrifying form.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
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Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Sunday, 11 May 2025 01:28
Forging Sound & Steel: A Conversation with Demetrio Scopelliti and John Ivan
Written by Gene Aaron
In a world where music and craftsmanship collide, few artists embody the fusion of culture, innovation, and raw sonic power like Demetrio Scopelliti and John Ivan. Scopelliti—a multifaceted guitarist, producer, and founder of Inspiria Guitars—has built his legacy across borders. Born in Italy and based in Norway since 2008, he blends the bold spirit of Viking culture with the elegance of Italian design. His music and instruments are reflections of that duality: fierce, expressive, and meticulously crafted. Joining the conversation is John Ivan, known to many as GuitarSlinger—a veteran of the international metal scene and a true force in progressive and thrash metal. As a key member of the Michael Vescera Project and co-founder of The Voices of Metal, John brings decades of stage and studio experience to the table. Together, these two music experts explore what it means to push boundaries, elevate the guitar craft, and stay authentic in an ever-evolving musical landscape.
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Music Gear & Recording
Friday, 18 April 2025 03:34
Back to Basics in Full Force: The Outfit Roars with New Single “Hard On Me”
Written by Gene Aaron
In a music scene increasingly flooded with hyper-polished production and genre-blending experimentation, The Outfit—a hard-hitting rock band out of Chicago—remains firmly rooted in the classic spirit of rock and roll. Their latest single, “Hard On Me,” is more than just a new release; it’s a declaration of intent. It marks a significant turning point for the band, both in sound and in identity, with the debut of their new lead vocalist, Bill Wilson. With a straightforward message wrapped in driving riffs and attitude-laden vocals, “Hard On Me” encapsulates what The Outfit does best—delivering authentic, guitar-driven rock with a raw emotional edge. The song is aggressive yet accessible, catchy but uncompromising, and above all, it’s real. In today’s music landscape, where so much is filtered through layers of synthetic sheen, The Outfit’s gritty, back-to-basics approach is not only refreshing—it’s vital.
Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
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Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal
Monday, 14 April 2025 06:01
Oceans On Orion Redefine Nu-Metal with “Breaking the Habit” Ft. Danny Ly Ziser
Written by Gene Aaron
Oceans On Orion, the genre-bending modern metal band based in Tel Aviv, Israel, continues to forge bold new creative paths with their latest release—a striking reimagining of Linkin Park’s emotionally charged anthem, “Breaking the Habit.” Rather than simply recreating the original, the band reconstructs it with intensity and purpose. Featuring the haunting and expressive guest vocals of Israeli singer-songwriter Danny Ly Ziser, this version transforms the song into something deeply personal and sonically powerful. Layering the original’s emotional depth with crushing djent-style riffs, punchy nu-metal grooves, and a cyberpunk visual aesthetic, Oceans On Orion redefines what it means to honor a classic while reshaping it into something bold and new. From the first frames of the video, viewers are plunged into a dystopian landscape—marked by decaying backdrops and glitch effects—that powerfully mirrors the emotional chaos and introspection at the heart of the song’s lyrics.
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Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal