Benighted and drummer Kévin Paradis have amicably parted ways after seven years of collaboration, citing differences in long-term career ambitions. Paradis, known for his blistering speed and technical proficiency, joined Benighted in 2017 but recently pursued opportunities with Ne Obliviscaris and submitted an audition for Archspire. The band expressed their desire for a full-time drummer who is fully committed to Benighted’s future.

In their statement, Benighted explained:

“We are now searching for a new full-time drummer who’s at the same time fast, tight, and of course fully available to open the new chapter of the Benighted history! Contact us here: benighted.audition@gmail.com.”

The band emphasized there’s no bad blood between them and Paradis, who will continue to fulfill live commitments until a replacement is found. They also encouraged other bands to reach out to Paradis directly for potential collaborations.

Paradis also shared his thoughts on the split, acknowledging the inevitability of their differing paths but expressing pride in their work together:

“Straight away when I joined Benighted, I explained that my goal was to make music my one and only job, and straight away, they explained that it wasn’t their goal. We knew one day or another, this difference might create a clash.”

He apologized for not being transparent about his Archspire audition but maintained that he understands Benighted’s decision. Despite the parting, he looks back fondly on their accomplishments and is committed to ensuring a smooth transition.

As Benighted searches for a drummer, Paradis is keeping his options open, with a skill set that makes him a strong candidate for other high-profile extreme metal projects. Both sides are handling the transition with professionalism, ensuring the best for each other’s futures.

The long-awaited Acid Bath reunion is officially underway, with four festival appearances scheduled for 2025. Despite a rocky start following the cancellation of their planned performance at Sick New World, the band is forging ahead with a string of highly anticipated shows. Fans can catch Acid Bath at the following events:

• May 8–11: Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival, Columbus, OH
• May 15–18: Welcome to Rockville, Daytona Beach, FL
• July 18–20: Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, Mansfield, OH
• September 18–21: Louder Than Life, Louisville, KY

The 2024 incarnation of Acid Bath features original members Sammy “Pierre” Duet (guitar), Dax Riggs (vocals), and Mike Sanchez (guitar/vocals), alongside new recruits Zack Simmons (drums, Goatwhore) and Alex Bergeron (bass, formerly of Agents Of Oblivion).

Duet recently explained the emotional catalyst for the reunion during an appearance on the Tales From The Riff Podcast. The loss of their close friend and live keyboardist Tomas Viator, who performed with the band during the Pagan Terrorism Tactics tour, played a significant role in bringing the members back together.

“‘Sick New World’ contacted my Goatwhore booking agent, Dan Rozenblum, asking what it would take to make this happen,” Duet shared. “And we had just recently lost Tommy [Viator], who was such an integral part of our journey. That loss really brought everything into perspective — we’re not going to be around forever.”

Duet added that discussions with vocalist Dax Riggs about reuniting gained momentum in light of these events. “I hinted at the urgency of doing this now, and Dax agreed, saying, ‘Maybe it’s time.’ That’s how everything fell into place.”

The reunion shows promise to be a celebration of Acid Bath’s legacy, bringing their unique blend of sludge, doom, and avant-garde metal back to the stage for a new generation of fans.

In a recent interview with Australia’s Metal Roos, Kerry King discussed SLAYER’s activities following their recent festival appearances after a five-year hiatus. Reflecting on the band’s status, King made it clear that SLAYER has no plans to return to the studio or embark on tours. “We’re never gonna tour again. We’re never gonna make a record again,” he stated emphatically. “Back in 2018, we said, ‘This is our final tour.’ This year’s shows were simply a celebration of that milestone, marking five years since we retired.”

King emphasized the significance of SLAYER’s return for fans who missed the chance to see them earlier, especially younger audiences. “Say a kid was 10 when we retired; now they’re 15 or 16. This might be their first and only chance to experience us live. I think that’s important,” he said, dismissing criticism of their brief comeback as inconsequential.

The timing of SLAYER’s reunion shows coincided with King’s announcement of his new solo band and debut solo album, From Hell I Rise. While he acknowledged the less-than-ideal scheduling, he remained positive: “The festival organizers wanted to make the announcements on their timeline, and it wasn’t perfect for me. But here we are in Australia with my new band, kicking ass.”

King also reflected on SLAYER’s reunion performances at Riot Fest in Chicago on September 22 and Aftershock in Sacramento on October 10, describing the experience as unexpectedly emotional. “When we hit the stage in Chicago, I got goosebumps. I realized it was so much bigger than I’d anticipated. The response was overwhelming, and the connection with the fans made it truly epic,” he shared. Chicago’s deep historical connection with the band added to the emotional weight of the event.

SLAYER’s setlist for their comeback performances featured iconic tracks like “South of Heaven,” “Angel of Death,” “Raining Blood,” and “Seasons in the Abyss,” along with “Repentless,” the title track of their final album. While the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, scheduled for September 27, was canceled due to severe weather, the band’s two performances proved to be monumental events.

The reunion lineup mirrored SLAYER’s final 2019 tour: King on guitar, Tom Araya on bass and vocals, Paul Bostaph on drums, and Gary Holt on guitar.

Meanwhile, King’s solo project has been gaining momentum. From Hell I Rise, released in May via Reigning Phoenix Music, features material written entirely by King and recorded with his new band, including Bostaph, bassist Kyle Sanders (HELLYEAH), guitarist Phil Demmel (formerly of MACHINE HEAD), and vocalist Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL). Produced by Josh Wilbur, the album has added another chapter to King’s storied career, drawing from influences ranging from LAMB OF GOD to AVENGED SEVENFOLD.

Although SLAYER’s legacy may never expand with new records or tours, their recent performances served as a triumphant celebration of their history, leaving fans with unforgettable memories.

On the December 9 episode of SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, FOZZY frontman and wrestling icon Chris Jericho shared his thoughts on IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain’s decision to retire from live performances with the legendary metal band. Reflecting on the announcement, Chris recalled a recent encounter with Nicko in Minneapolis: “We saw Nicko about a month ago. I asked how he was doing, and he mentioned having trouble with 16th notes. But he’s still Nicko — the funniest, kindest guy you’ll ever meet. He told me before, ‘When I’m ready to stop, I want the band to keep going. And that time is coming soon.'”

Jericho noted how seamlessly MAIDEN handled the transition: “They didn’t give fans time to dwell on it. They announced his retirement the same day as his final show, and by the next day, they introduced Simon Dawson as the new drummer. No farewell tour, no extended goodbyes. It’s very MAIDEN — efficient and focused.” He added, “Nicko is one of rock’s most influential drummers and genuinely one of the nicest people you could meet. He’s earned the right to step back, and replacing him won’t be easy.”

Addressing McBrain’s statement that he would remain involved in IRON MAIDEN projects and personal ventures, Jericho speculated on the possibility of Nicko playing on future studio albums. “The door’s still open,” Chris said. “Nicko is staying connected with the band and their management. Maybe he’ll contribute to a song or two, but I wouldn’t count on it soon. MAIDEN isn’t planning a new record right away, and stepping back from that demanding schedule might mean he’s ready to move on.”

Nicko’s final performance with IRON MAIDEN took place at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil, on December 7, marking the conclusion of the band’s The Future Past world tour, which started in May 2023. His replacement, Simon Dawson, a longtime collaborator of bassist Steve Harris in BRITISH LION, was officially announced the following day.

At 72 years old, Nicko McBrain has faced significant health challenges in recent years. He suffered a stroke in January 2023 that left him partially paralyzed, a condition he revealed publicly in August. Four years earlier, he had been diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer, which was successfully treated shortly after diagnosis. Despite these struggles, McBrain’s legacy as one of heavy metal’s most iconic drummers remains firmly intact.

IRON MAIDEN is set to embark on the Run For Your Lives world tour in 2025, continuing their journey with a new chapter while honoring the contributions of a legend.

Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton has launched a new band called Close Enemies, and they have announced several live dates for January 2025. The shows include:

• Jan. 08 – Philadelphia, PA @ City Winery
• Jan. 09 – New York, NY @ City Winery
• Jan. 10 – Boston, MA @ City Winery
• Jan. 14 – Manchester, NH @ The Rex Theatre
• Jan. 23 – Pawling, NY @ Daryl’s House

Close Enemies made their live debut on October 11, 2023, at Eastside Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee. The band features Hamilton alongside his bass tech, Trace Foster (guitar), Peter Stroud (guitar, known for working with Sheryl Crow for 25 years), and Tony Brock (drums, formerly of The Babys and Rod Stewart’s band). Fronting the band is Chasen Hampton, a country music singer from Oklahoma City. They are also collaborating with lyricist Gary Stier.

Hamilton has shared that the band has recorded several great songs and is excited to release new material soon. In an interview, he described Hampton as a “gifted singer” who brings the band’s songs to life. Hamilton also mentioned contributing some of his own songs to the band’s future work. Fans of the band’s music are likely to be excited about the upcoming releases and live shows.

This new project comes after Aerosmith announced their retirement from touring in August 2023, following Steven Tyler’s injury, which led to the cancellation of their “Peace Out” tour.

Power Trip, the Texas thrash metal band, will be adding several headlining shows to their European tour in support of Pantera, set for January and February 2025. The band will play select shows as part of Pantera’s tour, but they will also perform several headlining gigs throughout the continent. The dates include performances in cities like Aarhus, Nuremberg, Munich, and Prague, among others.

Blake Ibanez, Power Trip’s guitarist, recently spoke about the band’s return to the stage following the tragic passing of their frontman, Riley Gale. Seth Gilmore, a long-time friend and collaborator of the band, will take over vocal duties for the band during this tour. Gilmore, known for his work with the Texas hardcore and punk scenes, is the vocalist for Skourge and the frontman of Fugitive, a thrash metal band he founded with Ibanez in 2021.

Ibanez emphasized that the decision to bring Gilmore in was not about replacing Gale but about honoring the band’s legacy and performing in a way that feels authentic. He noted that while Gilmore’s vocal style is in the same “family tree” as Gale’s, his unique delivery brings a fresh take to the band’s material. This collaboration allows Power Trip to move forward while staying true to their roots. The band is not planning to re-form as a full-time entity, but these shows are a way to celebrate their music and keep the spirit of Power Trip alive.

For the first time in nearly 50 years of musical careers, guitar legends Joe Satriani and Steve Vai have joined forces to form the SATCHVAI band, announcing plans for a highly anticipated summer tour of Europe in 2025. This tour will build on their successful U.S. spring tour in 2024, marking their first-ever collaboration outside of the “G3” format.

Satriani and Vai’s long musical history includes a significant debut collaboration in March 2024 with the release of “The Sea Of Emotion, Pt. 1,” a six-minute piece showcasing their seamless guitar interplay. The duo is set to release a second collaboration just before the tour, further fueling excitement for their European shows.

The two musicians’ paths have been intertwined since their teenage years in Long Island, New York, where Satriani was Vai’s guitar teacher. Their professional relationship has spanned decades, from sharing record labels in the ’80s and ’90s to frequently joining forces in various musical projects, including the semi-annual “G3” tours.

In an official statement, Satriani expressed his excitement, saying, “Every time we play together, it takes me back to when we were teenagers, eating and breathing music every second of the day. I guess we’ve never stopped!” Vai echoed this sentiment, calling Satriani his favorite guitarist to jam with, adding that the upcoming tour will be a celebration of their mutual love for the electric guitar.

The 2025 Surfing With The Hydra tour dates are as follows:

• June 13 – York, UK @ Barbican
• June 14 – London, UK @ Eventim Apollo
• June 17 – Glasgow, SC @ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
• June 18 – Wolverhampton, UK @ Civic Hall
• June 19 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Apollo
• June 21 – Clisson, FR @ Hellfest
• June 22 – Paris, FR @ Palais Des Congres
• June 23 – Antwerp, BE @ Lotto Arena
• June 24 – Amsterdam, NL @ Amsterdam Afas
• June 26 – Copenhagen, DK @ Amager Bio
• June 29 – Helsinki, FI @ House of Culture
• June 30 – Tampere, FI @ Tampere Hall
• July 02 – Uppsala, SE @ Parksnackan
• July 03 – Oslo, NO @ Sentrum Scene
• July 05 – Warsaw, PL @ Torwar
• July 08 – Munich, DE @ Tollwood Festival
• July 10 – Dusseldorf, DE @ Mitsubishi Electric Hall
• July 11 – Frankfurt, DE @ Jahrhunderthalle
• July 12 – Zurich, CH @ Volkshaus Zürich
• July 13 – Milan, IT @ Comfort Festival @ Villa Casati Stampa
• July 15 – Pordenone, IT @ Parco San Valentino
• July 16 – Perugia, IT @ Umbria Jazz
• July 17 – Bologna, IT @ Sequoie Music Park
• July 18 – Saint-Julien, FR @ Guitares en Scene Festival
• July 20 – Prague, CZ @ Forum Karlin
• July 22 – Sofia, BG @ National Palace of Culture

Both Satriani and Vai have had busy schedules recently, with Satriani concluding the The Best of All Worlds tour with Sammy Hagar and Vai wrapping up his BEAT tour across the U.S. after the Satch/Vai tour earlier in 2024.

Alissa White-Gluz has apologized to ARCH ENEMY fans for not being able to perform to her usual high standards during the band’s ongoing Mexican tour.

On Sunday, December 8, the 39-year-old Canadian singer posted the following message on social media: “Mexico – I [love] you! I’m seriously blown away by this country. The nature is diverse and gorgeous; the people are warm, friendly, funny, creative, and welcoming; the history is fascinating; the architecture is jaw-dropping; the rich culture of music and art is full of color and beauty; the food is incredible (every city is like a vegan paradise)… I could go on.

“Thank you so much for your understanding and well-wishes. I feel extremely guilty that I cannot give a normal show because you guys absolutely deserve it. I insisted that we reschedule, but that was apparently not possible.

“This might be TMI [too much information], but since the news is already out, I want the amazing fans in Mexico to know how serious this was and that it absolutely kills me to not be able to give you 100%.

“Trust me – I’ve broken my ribs on stage and not missed a show, I’ve performed through bronchitis, complete laryngitis that took months to heal — everything. This is different.

“I had a doctor come to my hotel bed two days in a row, and she said, ‘She is experiencing a total collapse.’ My body is so exhausted that I have a hard time walking. I’m confused, dizzy, shaking.

“A bacterial infection lodged in my ears and aggressively spread to all the soft tissues of my upper body – ears, eyes, throat, lungs, nose… I had pus leaking out of my EYES. Blood leaking out of my nose. I was freezing and sweating simultaneously and had a fever of 102F for over a week. And yes, I did several shows in this state. I was going into shock. It was an infection that had probably been lingering for a while and finally started winning — my body was losing, and it was happening quickly. I think if I hadn’t gotten the antibiotics when I did, I would’ve been hospitalized or dead right now. I’ve never experienced a more terrifying medical situation in my life. This is also the most pain I’ve ever experienced, and I have a very high pain tolerance (like most women).

“I can feel the love from you guys, and it’s honestly helping me heal. Thank you for your smiling faces in the crowd — they really do cheer me up.

“It will be several weeks or months before I fully recover, but when I do, I’m demanding we come back here so I can give you the best concert of your lives. Seriously – I’ve fallen in love with you, Mexico, and I WILL be back to give you 1000% AWG.”

On December 3, ARCH ENEMY performed a full set without White-Gluz at El Foro Jai Alai in Tijuana, Mexico, after the singer fell seriously ill and was unable to join her bandmates.

ARCH ENEMY’s 18-date Mexican tour began on November 12 in Toluca and is set to wrap up on December 11 in Mexico City.

White-Gluz, previously the frontwoman of Canadian extreme metal band THE AGONIST, joined ARCH ENEMY in 2014, replacing Angela Gossow. Gossow, who fronted ARCH ENEMY from 2000 to 2014, stepped down to focus on management, and White-Gluz took her place.

ARCH ENEMY’s upcoming album, Blood Dynasty, is set for release on March 28, 2025, via Century Media Records. So far, three singles from the album have been released: “Dream Stealer” in July, “Liars & Thieves” in October, and the title track, “Blood Dynasty,” in December.

“Dream Stealer” marked ARCH ENEMY’s first new release since their 2022 album Deceivers. The track was mixed by Jens Bogren and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios.

ARCH ENEMY also played their first show with new guitarist Joey Concepcion on April 24, 2024, at Musinsa Garage in Seoul, South Korea, as part of the band’s Asian tour. In December 2023, the band announced they had “amicably” parted ways with longtime guitarist Jeff Loomis, who had joined ARCH ENEMY in 2014. Loomis, known for his work with NEVERMORE, was not involved in the songwriting for the band’s last two albums, Will To Power (2017) and Deceivers (2022).