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Manos Spanos

MOTÖRHEAD: Rescheduled European Tour Canceled

Manos Spanos
MOTÖRHEAD has been forced to cancel its previously announced European tour, originally rescheduled from last fall. "It is with great regret that MOTÖRHEAD has to announce the cancellation of their European tour, scheduled to start February, 2014," reads a statement from the band. "Many concerted, diligent and focused efforts were made by founding member, and international icon Lemmy Kilmister to deal with a range of health issues relating to diabetes. While there has been undoubted progress, Lemmy and the band were advised by doctors that it was still too soon to resume full touring activities, and so for the good of the future, the band and Lemmy reluctantly agreed to cancel. "No one is hurting more over this than Lemmy, and he feels the aggravation and inconvenience of every ticket, and every method of transportation, already paid for by loyal fans in anticipation of the tour. Being a road warrior of over 50 dedicated, non-stop years, it is equally distressing for him to be unable to occupy the top lounge of the trusty tour bus (his spiritual home) but Lemmy recognizes that his long-term health must win. It goes without saying that Lemmy profusely apologises for inconveniences caused, but he does want everyone to know that he is continuing on the road to a full recovery, and that the prognosis long term is very good." Since being diagnosed with diabetes in 2000, Lemmy's had to have a defibrillator installed in his heart, and more recently suffered from an "unspecified hematoma," which led to the cancellation of several European shows last summer. Factor in a daily intake of smokes, speed and Jack and Coke for the last 40-plus years, and it's a wonder he's alive at all. After decades of invincibility, the cracks are finally showing. Lemmy has had to make some difficult adjustments. "I had to give up the Jack and Coke because of the sugar," he told Decibel magazine. "I miss it. I gave up smoking, too. I gave up bread. It's been a bit of a job, you know?" Longtime MOTÖRHEAD manager Todd Singerman told Decibel: "[Lemmy's] been up and down. He's got a really bad diabetic problem, and it changes on a daily basis. A lot of it is just fighting the bad habits, the things that he's not supposed to do anymore. He's stopped smoking, but he probably sneaks Jack and Coke here and there. He'd be lying to you if he said he stopped. He's been trying to substitute it with wine, and I'm sure he's slowed down on the speed. He thinks wine's better than Jack, but it's still got tons of sugar, you know? He doesn't grasp that he's just trading one demon for the other. That was the compromise with the doctors, by the way — trade the Jack for the wine. But he doesn't tell them he's drinking two fucking bottles, either. These are the battles we're up against. Keep in mind, he's been doing all this stuff on a daily basis since Hendrix. And it's coming to roost. It's sad for him, because he's gotten away with this stuff for all this time. "I made them cancel [last fall's European tour], because Lemmy's not ready," Singerman explained. "He didn't wanna cancel. But what was gonna go down is what happened in Europe over the summer. See, he fucked up in Europe. He was supposed to rest for three months, and he refused. He ended up doing that show [Wacken Open Air in August], which he wasn't supposed to do, and it ended up being 105 degrees "Out there. He's playing direct in the fucking sun. The only thing I'm proud of him for is stopping when it didn't feel good. That was smart of him. The bottom line is that he needs to find a balance and then live that balance for a few months. But we can't find the balance yet. He has great days and then he fucks it up. And when you fuck up, you go backwards." Lemmy, who turned 68 years old in December, told Classic Rock he didn't expect to still be here at 30, "I don't do regrets," he said. "Regrets are pointless. It's too late for regrets. You've already done it, haven't you? You've lived your life. No point wishing you could change it.
04 min read

PHILIP ANSELMO Has ‘Great Memories’ Of PANTERA’s ‘Far Beyond Driven’ Album

Manos Spanos
On January 24, Sheila Esmaili-Doki of the Sherman Music Examiner conducted an interview with former PANTERA and current DOWN frontman Philip Anselmo. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below. Sherman Music Examiner: How was the "Metal Masters 5" show? I watched some footage from that and it looked pretty amazing. Philip Anselmo: It was fun, you know, always fun meeting up with those guys... ANTHRAX and SLAYER, specifically. Meeting up with those guys, who really took me and PANTERA under their wings. We were such kids, you know. It means the world. They're great friends. And the MEGADETH guys... shit, man, Chuck Billy [TESTAMENT] being there and Billy Sheehan and all the rest of them. I don't want to leave anybody out -- there were a lot of musicians out there. It's always fun. It can be a bit of a clusterfuck here and there, but it's always a blast. Sherman Music Examiner: I noticed that "Strength Beyond Strength" was in the setlist, which was really cool. It reminded me about the 20th anniversary of [1994 PANTERA album] "Far Beyond Driven" coming up. Does it seem like that has been 20 years? That album being #1 on Billboard back then was a pretty outstanding thing. Does it seem like the time has passed quickly since then or does it seem like a long time ago? Philip Anselmo: You know, I guess I could say a little bit of both. Sometimes, it's, like, "Oh my God, time flies." And then other times, it's, like — you know, it's been a long haul and a lot has changed... you can see the distance and feel the distance, but 20 years — you think about when you're 20 years old and you think you've been on the earth a very long time, and it's not true at all. It's a long time, but I've got great memories and I still love that album. Sherman Music Examiner: I know you have mentioned before that you always have low expectations for any music release you put out and that you are kind of a pessimist. Have the reactions to [your solo debut] "Walk Through Exits Only" surprised you in any way? It has gotten a lot of positive feedback, and it is an incredible release. Philip Anselmo: Once again — you really said it, you know — I am a pessimist. And I don't put any expectations out there because I guess they set you up to let you down if you're that type of person, and I'm not that type of person. I realize that people are going to love music or hate music or be indifferent to it. For me, you know, especially on this leg on the tour, where I was very adamant about playing small clubs — for me, the vibe is awesome so far. Because I think we're really just that type of band. So I feel like we are where we belong, it's a new thing, and where it goes from here is anybody's guess, and also, where it goes from here is, I guess — how much work you put into it. So we'll see. I'm as in the dark as anybody else, but as far as the shows go, I'm having a blast. Read the entire interview at Sherman Music Examiner.
03 min read

WITHIN TEMPTATION: Teaser For ‘Whole World Is Watching’ Video Featuring SOUL ASYLUM’s DAVE PIRNER

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A teaser for "Whole World Is Watching", the new video from Dutch symphonic rockers WITHIN TEMPTATION, can be seen below. The full clip will make its online debut next week. "Whole World Is Watching", the third single from WITHIN TEMPTATION's new album, "Hydra", features a guest appearance by SOUL ASYLUM frontman Dave Pirner. It is a power ballad about facing and conquering your fears. "When we wrote 'Whole World Is Watching', Dave was at the very top of our list," said WITHIN TEMPTATION singer Sharon Den Adel. "He has such a captivating voice: it made the song exactly how it needed to be." "Hydra" will be released on January 31. The album will be available in several luxury formats. The cover artwork was created by Romano Molenaar ("X-Men", "Batman", "The Unforgiving"). Pre-order "Hydra" via iTunes now, and you will instantly receive the first two singles: "Dangerous", featuring a guest appearance by former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Howard Jones and "Paradise (What About Us?)" featuring ex-NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen. The digital premium album, complete with digi-booklet, will be available on iTunes and includes 18 audio tracks and a music video. The digital premium album features bonus "Evolution Versions" of four new songs, which contain audio commentary from guitarist Robert Westerholt and Sharon and give you unique access to the development of the songs, their lyrical inspiration and the sound of the initial demos and vocals. "Hydra" digital premium album track listing: 01. Let Us Burn 02. Dangerous (feat. Howard Jones) 03. And We Run (feat. Xzibit 04. Paradise (What About Us?) (feat. Tarja) 05. Edge Of The World 06. Silver Moonlight 07. Covered By Roses 08. Dog Days 09. Tell Me Why 10. Whole World Is Watching (feat. Dave Pirner) 11. Radioactive (originally performed by IMAGINE DRAGONS) 12. Summertime Sadness (originally performed by Lana del Ray) 13. Let Her Go (originally performed by PASSENGER) 14. Dirty Dancer (originally performed by Enrique Iglesias) 15. And We Run (evolution track) 16. Silver Moonlight (evolution track) 17. Covered By Roses (evolution track) 18. Tell Me Why (evolution track) 19. Paradise (What About Us?) (feat. Tarja) music video (exclusive to iTunes premium version) Aside from the digital premium version, "Hydra" will also be released in a deluxe box set including exclusive items many of you have been asking for, for a long time: "Hydra" deluxe box set * "Hydra" 18-track album including bonus tracks in the form of a media book with a hot foil print cover, featuring a 100-page booklet consisting of unique photos * Double gatefold black vinyl version of the album including bonus tracks * Instrumental version of the entire album * Songbook with sheet music of the songs of the album * "Hydra" guitar pick * Packaged in an especially designed LP-sized box In a recent interview with Ultimate-Guitar.com, Sharon stated about the songwriting process for "Hydra"": "A lot of bands were inspired by the '80s at the time we were writing 'The Unforgiving' album. There was a lot of music based on the '80s coming out and it had a lot of '80s flavors. With this new album, even though we're only a few years further up the road, you can feel that music has changed again. Music is not inspired on the '80s, but more like there are different influences in the music again. Music's always organic, and you feel things are changing comfortably." She added: "When people asked us after 'The Unforgiving', 'Are you gonna make another 'Unforgiving' album?" we said, 'Of course.' Because we were really full of it in a positive way. We really like the album a lot and still do like it a lot but we really feel there's an '80s feel to the songs. When we started writing this album, again we felt like we were already knowing we were gonna go a different direction also."
04 min read

Classic BLACK SABBATH Albums Re-Enter BILLBOARD Chart

Manos Spanos
According to Billboard.com, several of BLACK SABBATH's catalog of albums made their digital debut a week ago, thus sparking a return to the chart for two of their classic titles. Both "Black Sabbath" and "Paranoid", released in 1970, return to the chart this week. "Paranoid" re-enters at No. 121 with 2,935 (up 183%) and "Black Sabbath" returns at No. 184 (2,130; up 229%). BLACK SABBATH's sales breakdown: * "Paranoid" This week: 2,935 Last week: 1,038 * "Black Sabbath" This week: 2,130 Last week: 647 * "Greatest Hits 1970-1978" This week: 1,973 Last week: 372 * "Vol. 4" This week: 1,498 Last week: 751 * "Master Of Reality" This week: 1,463 Last week: 249 * "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" This week: 887 Last week: 205 * "Sabotage" This week: 774 Last week: 186 When Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terry "Geezer" Butler and Bill Ward formed BLACK SABBATH in 1969, they created a signature sound that set the blueprint for heavy music and influenced generations of disciples for years to come. For the first time, the full catalog from the original BLACK SABBATH lineup is now available digitally in the U.S. and has been mastered specifically for iTunes, ensuring the delivery of the music to listeners with increased audio fidelity, more closely replicating what the artists, recording engineers, and producers intended. Available exclusively on the iTunes Store worldwide, fans now have the ability to download all albums in one newly created bundle ("The Complete Studio Albums 1970-1978"), eight legendary studio albums, two classic compilations, or simply purchase each song individually. "It's about fucking time the first eight BLACK SABBATH albums were made available on iTunes in the U.S.," said Ozzy Osbourne. "Great news. [It's] been a long time trying to explain to fans why the music wasn't available," Tony Iommi commented. "It's going to be great to finally have the catalogue accessible on iTunes," Geezer Butler noted. "Black Sabbath: The Complete Studio Albums 1970-1978" features the band's collected studio works for Warner Bros. Records from the 1970s, including their iconic eponymous debut (1970), the multi-platinum landmark "Paranoid" (1970), the platinum albums "Master Of Reality" (1971), "Vol. 4" (1972), and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" (1973), and the gold-certified "Sabotage" (1975), "Technical Ecstasy" (1976), and "Never Say Die!" (1978). Also available is their classic 1976 compilation "We Sold Our Soul For Rock 'N' Roll" as well as 2006's "Greatest Hits 1970-1978", which was released in connection with their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Following wildly successful shows in North and South America, Australia, Asia and Europe, BLACK SABBATH will kick off another North American tour with dates starting March 31 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The trek will hit ten cities in Canada, including stops in Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton, before wrapping April 26 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California. These dates will be part of the band's final shows of their 2013-2014 world tour in support of their first studio album in 35 years, "13", which entered the charts at #1 in 13 countries (including their first #1 in the U.S.). Another run of European festivals and headlining shows will follow this summer.
04 min read

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY: New Studio Footage Of Guitar-Recording Sessions

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Raleigh, North Carolina legends CORROSION OF CONFORMITY are recording their next album, the follow-up to the well-received self-titled record issued via Candlelight Records in late February 2012, the reissue of their "Eye For An Eye" debut, and the released Scion A/V EP "Megalodon". The forthcoming CD, untitled at this time, will again feature the trio of vocalist/bassist Mike Dean, guitarist Woodroe Weatherman, and drummer Reed Mullin. A new video clip from the studio — featuring footage of Woodroe "Woody" Weatherman laying down some guitar — can be seen below. The initial work on the new album found the band not long out of the recording studio, having recently completed their "Megalodon" EP. The special EP was included free to all customers to the band's official webstore. Dean said: "The EP was written, recorded, and released in two months' time. It really challenged us in a good way." Formed in Raleigh in 1982, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY quickly transformed heavy music. Politically charged and socially aware, the band has influenced countless others and today remains humble about their accomplishments. With over 1.1 million albums sold in the United States, the band continues to find new fans via nonstop touring.
01 min read

COREY TAYLOR Shoots Down ‘Myth’ That JOEY JORDISON Wrote All Music For SLIPKNOT

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During a recent interview with Rock Revolt Magazine, SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor was asked about the band's recent split with drummer Joey Jordison and how Joey's exit will change the group's sound on its next album. "Honestly, it depends on who we get [as Joey's replacement]," Taylor said (see video below). He continued: "It all comes to someone who can play the old stuff, but also brings a certain creativity to it. "In lieu of what we've done, we need to, kind of, focus on that, and make that the focus right now, instead of worrying about what's gonna happen later." Regarding whether SLIPKNOT has any candidates in mind as a possible replacement for Jordison, Taylor said: "A few people." He added: "As soon as we know [who is going to be the new SLIPKNOT drummer], the fans will know. And that's how we're keeping it. We're keeping everything really close to the chest right now. I mean, it's out of respect for Joe, and for us. And there's just a host of legal things that we still need to sort out. "It's hard — it's really hard — but the only other [option] was shutting the band down, and none of us wanted to do that. So we're gonna push on." Taylor also elaborated on how he thinks SLIPKNOT's musical approach might be affected by the absence of Jordison, who has been one of SLIPKNOT's primary songwriters since the group's inception. "I mean, obviously, it will [change] a little bit, but we all write," Taylor said. "I know there's this myth out there that Joey wrote everything, but that's not at all true. We all write, and we all bring something to the table. And between me and Jim [Root, guitar] and Mick [Thomson, guitar] and Clown [Shawn Crahan, percussion] and everybody [else], I think we're gonna be able to put something really, really cool together. The dynamic will change a little bit, but as far as our approach to the music and our intensity and how much we love doing what we do, that will remain unchanged, and we're gonna go for it just 110 percent." The new SLIPKNOT album will be its first since 2008's "All Hope Is Gone" and the first since the 2010 death of bassist Paul Gray . Root told The Pulse Of Radio late last year — before the news about Jordison broke — that he was feeling the urgency to make a new SLIPKNOT album. "You know, we haven't done a record since Paul's been gone and it's been pushing six years. And there's a lot of people in SLIPKNOT and a lot of fans and me myself kind of feel like it's time for that hurdle to be overcome. And for me, that's really like my number one priority and the most important thing for me right now." SLIPKNOT has not disclosed the reasons for Jordison's exit, although the drummer issued a statement recently saying that he did not quit the band. Taylor and Crahan have both indicated that 2014 will be a comeback year for the band.
03 min read

New DIMEBAG Signature Guitar Uses Pieces Of Oak Tree From Late PANTERA Guitarist’s Backyard

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An inside look at the new limited-edition Dean Dimebag Darrell Signature Roots ML guitar at this year's NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show, which is taking place January 23-26 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, can be seen below (courtesy of Guitar Center). Dean Guitars, in collaboration with the estate of late PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, has introduced the Dean Dimebag Darrell Signature Roots ML. This very special guitar, limited to only 200 individually numbered pieces, features an oak razor blade inlayed directly into the body of the guitar. The 200 razor blades were cut from a branch of an old oak tree, located right outside the studio window in Dimebag's backyard where PANTERA recorded most of their now-legendary albums. There is no doubt that Dimebag Darrell's own Dean MLs and monstrous guitar sound shook the branches of this very oak tree. This is a historical, guitar-industry first. The wood used in the making of this guitar was taken directly from the artist's backyard with the blessing and endorsement of his loved ones! The 200 guitarists lucky enough to get their hands on this instant collector's piece will forever have a piece of heavy metal and guitar building history, literally in the palm of their hands. This wood belonged to Dimebag Darrell and now it can belong to you — the Dean Dimebag Darrell Signature Roots ML. Dimebag was co-founder and lead guitarist for PANTERA. When PANTERA broke up in 2003, Dimebag and drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott formed DAMAGEPLAN. On December 8, 2004, while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by Nathan Gale. He was 38 years old.
02 min read

LACUNA COIL’s CRISTINA SCABBIA: I Don’t Consider Myself ‘Hot’

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Italian heavy rockers LACUNA COIL will return to the road to introduce North America to their new album, "Broken Crown Halo", as part of the Revolver Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock Tour, which launches February 20 and features LACUNA COIL sharing a stage with SICK PUPPIES, Century Media Records labelmates EYES SET TO KILL and CILVER. The tour launches in Wilmington, North Carolina, and runs through March 20 in Anaheim, California. Visit www.hottestchickstour.com for additional details and VIP packages. Comments LACUNA COIL singer Cristina Scabbia: "The 'hottest chick in metal' thing has been created some years ago from the U.S. magazine Revolver and that's where the name of the upcoming tour is coming from. "The magazine has been so grace me with the first cover ever with a female artist and I am very grateful for this. "I don't consider myself 'hot.' "I have my up and downs and surely don't look at myself in the mirror contemplating the (non-existing) 'perfection.' "That said, when I see polls or even 'contests' in between people (fans of different bands) about 'which one is the hottest chick in metal or rock,' I feel glad to be included but I also...kinda feel like puking a bit. "How can you say a person is 'hot' or not? Based on (the generic idea of) beauty? "'Hot,' at least in my world and referred to a person, means someone who can be good looking (according to my personal taste so it doesn't have to be universal) that has an interesting personality as well. "In my life, I met super-good-looking guys that were as interesting and hot as a clam shell, therefore the 'hot factor' was not there at all, not even a chance. "So the question (and I wait for your answers to see what you guys think of it, I am very interested) is: how can you know someone's personality if you don't personally know this person and say this human being is hot? "Can really a static picture only make you think a person is 'hot'?" "Broken Crown Halo" will be released in North America on April 1 (one day earlier internationally) via Century Media Records. The CD was recorded Italy by producer Jay Baumgardner (P.O.D., SEVENDUST, EVANESCENCE, PAPA ROACH) and engineer Kyle Hoffmann (P.O.D., BUSH, ZEBRAHEAD). The effort was mastered by Howie Weinberg, whose credits include RAMMSTEIN, SOUNDGARDEN, NIRVANA, DEFTONES and SHERYL CROW. "Broken Crown Halo" is LACUNA COIL's seventh studio effort, and the highly-anticipated follow-up to "Dark Adrenaline", which was released in January 2012 and saw the band tour with acts including MEGADETH, MOTÖRHEAD, VOLBEAT and SEVENDUST after debuting at No. 15 on The Billboard 200 album chart.
03 min read

OZZY OSBOURNE/FIREWIND Guitarist GUS G.: ‘I Am The Fire’ Cover Artwork, Track Listing

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Guitar virtuoso Gus G., well known in rock and metal circles for his work as Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist and as leader of his own band FIREWIND, has set a March 18 release date for his debut solo album, "I Am The Fire", in North America. The CD will be released internationally on Century Media Records, and will come out March 17 in Europe. "I Am The Fire" track listing: 01. My Will Be Done (featuring Mats Levén) 02. Blame It On Me (featuring Mats Levén) 03. I Am The Fire (featuring Devour The Day) 04. Vengeance (featuring David Ellefson) 05. Long Way Down (featuring Alexia Rodriguez) 06. Just Can't Let Go (featuring Jacob Bunton) 07. Terrified (featuring Billy Sheehan) 08. Eyes Wide Open (featuring Mats Levén) 09. Redemption (featuring Michael Starr) 10. Summer Days (featuring Jeff Scott Soto) 11. Dreamkeeper (featuring Tom S. Englund) 12. End Of The Line (featuring Mats Levén) The cover artwork, pictured below, was designed by Gustavo Sazes (ARCH ENEMY, KAMELOT, DREAM EVIL). A first song from the album can now be heard via the video for the album's opening track, "My Will Be Done" (featuring Mats Levén), which was produced by Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others. Says Gus G. of the song and album: "I hope you all enjoy the first taste of things to come. "'My Will Be Done' is a cool rock track with a modern edge to it... "Looking back, I can't believe all the great musicians that got on board for this album. Everybody brought in their unmistakable style and talent and they really lifted the songs! Check it out and enjoy the music!" Gus G. will attend the 2014 NAMM convention, which runs January 23-26 in Anaheim, California. In addition to signing sessions at ESP Guitars (January 24 at 2 p.m.) and Blackstar Amps (January 25, 1 p.m.), Gus will also appear as guest at the Randy Rhoads Remembered tribute concert at The Observatory in Santa Ana on January 25. Other guests include Nuno Bettencourt (EXTREME, RIHANNA), Phil Demmel (MACHINE HEAD), Marty Friedman, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (GUNS N' ROSES) and more. Gus handles all guitar, bass and keyboards on "I Am The Fire", and is joined by a roster of friends and guests that help bring his vision to fruition: drummers Jeff Friedl (A PERFECT CIRCLE, PUSCIFER, DEVO) and Daniel Erlandsson (ARCH ENEMY), bassists David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, DAVID LEE ROTH) and Marty O'Brien (TOMMY LEE, WE ARE THE FALLEN, LITA FORD), and vocalists Mats Levén (CANDLEMASS, ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, THERION), Blake Allison (DEVOUR THE DAY), Michael Starr (STEEL PANTHER), Alexia Rodriguez (EYES SET TO KILL), Tom S. Englund (EVERGREY), Jacob Bunton (ADLER) and Jeff Scott Soto (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, TALISMAN, ex-JOURNEY, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN). "I Am The Fire" was mixed by Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STONE SOUR, STEEL PANTHER) and was recorded between Los Angeles and Gus' home country of Greece through the latter half of 2013. A few of the album's tracks include "Eyes Wide Open", "Redemption", "End Of The Line" and "Blame It On Me". The album showcases a well-balanced mix of active rock, classic hard rock, traditional metal and guitar-driven instrumentals, taking listeners on a diverse journey and opening doors to Gus G.'s soulful playing.
05 min read

Manos Spanos

Manos Spanos (Metalpaths' co-editor-in-chief), eight years in this site but still can't be characterised as a metalhead.