Good morning Radicals! Here’s what’s up in the world of rock today:
Breaking Benjamin will release a new album titled Aurora on January 24th, 2020. The disc features reimagined versions of the band’s biggest and most popular songs. Breaking Benjamin leader Ben Burnley told us more: “They’re all acoustic, they all have orchestration on ’em, like full orchestra on ’em. And then there’s four that have guest vocalists that is really, really amazing. They did so good.”
Special guests include Saint Asonia‘s Adam Gontier, ex-Flyleaf singer Lacey Sturm, Cold frontman Scooter Ward and Michael Barnes from Red.
Breaking Benjamin leader Ben Burnley said in a statement, “This album is a celebration of our incredible fans; for those who have been there since hearing ‘So Cold’ for the first time in 2004, and the new ones who have joined us on this amazing journey along the way. We’ve always shared a unique emotional connection to our music with our fans . . . From wherever you joined along the road to Aurora, this one is for you. Thank you.”
Among the chart-topping hits included in new versions on Aurora are “So Cold,” “Red Cold River,” “Far Away,” “Never Again” and “Angels Fall.” Fans who pre-order the LP starting this Friday (November 1st) will get instant access to the track “So Cold.”
Breaking Benjamin has also announced a co-headlining 24-city tour with Korn that kicks off on January 23rd. Tickets go on sale this Friday.
Highly Suspect has released a new song called “Canals” from its upcoming third album, MCID. Singer and guitarist Johnny Stevens said last week in an interview that the track was “the best rock song you’ve ever heard in your entire life.”
Stevens says he’s certain MCID is the best work Highly Suspect has done yet: “We were able to, like, get off the road and get creative again and wow, you know, we’re really, really excited about what’s coming out. It’s easily the best thing we’ve ever done. Easily. I don’t know, in the past we’ve put stuff out and I haven’t been as confident about it, and I just know that this is like the best stuff we’ve ever done.”
According to a statement issued by the band, MCID is “based on inconceivable true-life experiences (and perceptions) narrated by frontman Johnny Stevens.” The frontman added, “The themes include self-loathing, substance abuse, image issues, addressing my past and changing my future, with a sprinkle of anti-Trump, false social media worship, heartbreak, hope, depression and suicide. There are also a few references to the pressures of fame and how I won’t play into it.”
MCID is out this Friday (November 1st). The lead single from the set, the guitar-free “16,” went to Number One on the rock radio chart last week.
A documentary on Red Hot Chili Peppers may be in the works. Photographer David Mushegain posted a photo on Instagram featuring all four members of the band, writing, “such a rad day previewing our new @chilipeppers documentary.”
He also shared a birthday message for drummer Chad Smith, who turned 58 on Friday (October 25th). Smith replied, “Thanks Mush. You’re the best. Excited to show the world.”
Mushegain has posted numerous behind-the-scenes photos and videos of the Chili Peppers on his Instagram in the past few weeks.
It’s not exactly clear what kind of documentary this might be — a concert film, a look at the making of a new album, or something else. There will likely be a concert element to the film, since Mushegain thanked Smith for “letting me sit next to you on stage all the time.”
The Chili Peppers have been rumored to be at work on a new album, which would follow up 2016’s The Getaway. In the meantime, bassist Flea, who recently got married, is about to release his memoir Acid For The Children on November 5th.
Ozzy Osbourne‘s new studio album will be released in January, according to his wife and manager Sharon Osbourne.
Sharon announced the news during an interview on satellite radio, in response to a question about her husband’s health. She replied, “He’s getting there. He had a very, very bad accident this year, but he’s getting there. He’s just finished an album, and the album is coming out in January. And he’s doing good. He’s very excited about the duet he did with Post (Malone) and also Travis Scott. It’s doing great.”
Ozzy recently provided guest vocals on Post Malone’s song “Take What You Want.” That session was overseen by producer Andrew Watt, and it led to Osbourne and Watt collaborating on the Black Sabbath singer’s 12th solo LP.
Ozzy has not released a new solo effort since 2010’s Scream, having spent the last few years touring with Sabbath in support of that band’s 13 LP, as well as playing a number of solo shows. More recently, the singer has been recuperating at home after sustaining a string of health issues ad well as surgery, which scrapped all his 2019 shows.
Sharon admitted that Ozzy’s spirits had been low for much of his recovery, but she added, “Now he’s done his album, and it’s coming out, and everybody’s really pumped about it. He’s happy — he is.” She also said that Ozzy will resume his “No More Tours 2” trek in 2020.
Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins has shared “Middle Child,” the third track to be released from his band The Coattail Riders‘ new album, Get The Money. It’s also the second heard so far to feature Foos main man Dave Grohl, following “Crossed The Line” two weeks ago. Get The Money is out November 8th and also features guest appearances from Chrissie Hynde, Joe Walsh, Duff McKagan, Nancy Wilson, Perry Farrell, LeAnn Rimes, Queen drummer Roger Taylor and more.
Beartooth‘s third full-length album, 2018’s Disease, is getting the deluxe vinyl edition treatment. The clear splatter vinyl version, limited to 1,000 copies, arrives on November 11th and comes with six new exclusive tracks which are available to stream right now. The new songs include two live tracks as well as other unreleased material. The latest single from the LP is “You Never Know.”
Former Saliva singer Josey Scott has announced that he will reunite with the band for a new album and tour in 2020. Scott left Saliva at the end of 2011 after 15 years with the band, reportedly to pursue a solo Christian music career. He was quickly replaced by Bobby Amaru, who can be heard on Saliva’s last four releases. Scott said on a Tulsa-based podcast that he and the band will go into the studio in January. Saliva’s commercial breakthrough came in 2001 with hits like “Your Disease.”
That’s a wrap, have a great day!
