Sonic Perspectives

Marrow Deep is likely the most important and highly anticipated albumprogressive/stoner metal troupe Mastodon has made in at least two decades. Beyond being the follow-up to 2021’s superb Hushed and Grim, it’s the band’s first record without late guitarist/singer Brent Hinds and their first as an official quintet thanks to the additions of guitarist/singer Nick Johnston and keyboardist João Nogueira (who appeared on Hushed and Grim).

Following the first-ever Ozzy Osbourne Day celebrations on July 22, Global Merchandising Services (GMS), the worldwide licensing representative for Ozzy Osbourne, has announced a new collaboration with Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. The partnership will introduce an all-new haunted house experience, Ozzy Osbourne: Prince Of Darkness, at Universal Orlando Resort beginning August 28 and at Universal Studios Hollywood starting September 3.

Black Sabbath bassist and lyricist Geezer Butler appeared alongside Foo Fighters’ Nate Mendel in episode two of Fender’s “Lowdown on the Low End” video series, a forum for bass players to trade stories about the Fender Precision Bass and their lives in bands. Butler recalled (transcribed by Blabbermouth) the moment that inspired him to take up the bass: “The one player that totally showed me what you could do with a bass was Jack Bruce.

Korn have released a new track, “Reward The Scars”, tying it to the upcoming Diablo IV: Lord Of Hatred expansion. The song is available now, with the expansion set to launch across platforms on April 28. “Reward The Scars” is the first new material from Korn since Requiem arrived in February 2022. The album, produced by Chris Collier alongside the band, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Albums chart.

W.A.S.P. frontman Blackie Lawless has spent more than five years working on his upcoming memoir, according to a new report from journalist Matt Wardlaw of Ultimate Classic Rock. The book, titled Tales From The Square Mile, focuses on his time living in Hollywood and the impact that environment had on both his life and the wider music scene.

Former Skid Row frontman Erik Grönwall has released the official music video for his new solo single, “Born To Break”. The track is taken from his upcoming album Bad Bones, which is set to arrive on May 22. Known for his strong vocal range and commanding presence on stage, Erik Grönwall built his reputation with Skid Row and H.e.a.t., and also spent time on the road in Europe and Japan performing with guitar icon Michael Schenker. With Bad Bones, he shifts focus to his own material and perspective.

On November 14, 2025, Kirk Hammett, guitarist for Metallica, sat down for a live discussion with music journalist Sean Sennett at the State Library of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. The event was part of his The Collection: Kirk Hammett book tour and focused on his career, along with the stories behind the guitars featured in the release. On Thursday, April 2, Kirk Hammett uploaded the full 90-minute conversation to his official YouTube channel, giving fans access to the entire session.

Shinedown has shared a new track, “Outlaw”, taken from their upcoming eighth studio album Ei8ht, set for release on May 29 through Atlantic Records. The single lands shortly after another major moment for the band, who picked up Rock Artist Of The Year at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 26. It marks their second straight win in that category and adds to a growing list of milestones.

Swedish melodic metal outfit Cyhra are marking their tenth anniversary with the announcement of their fourth studio album, Requiem For A Pipe Dream, due 06/05 via Reigning Phoenix Music. The news comes alongside the release of the new single “Bleed With Pride.” Vocalist Jake E, who co-founded Amaranthe before launching Cyhra in 2016 alongside guitarist Jesper Strömblad (formerly of In Flames, now of The Halo Effect), says the track is rooted in a personal reckoning with the past.

Alice Cooper has wasted no time finding cover for Nita Strauss while she takes maternity leave — and the replacement he’s landed is a 22-year-old shredder from Newcastle, England named Anna Cara. Cara makes her live debut with Cooper tonight (04/02) at the first of three special “Welcome To Our Nightmare” shows in Las Vegas, a collaboration with illusionist Criss Angel running through 04/04 at his theatre inside Planet Hollywood.