Category Archives: Features

Parent category for all our assorted feature narratives. Each is filed under its proper theme.

Slipknot Parts Ways With Drummer Jay Weinberg

slipknot logo, slipknot, band logos

The Statement:
“We would like to thank Jay Weinberg for his dedication and passion over the past ten years. No one can ever replace Joey Jordison’s original sound, style or energy, but Jay honored Joey’s parts contributed to the last three albums and we, the band, and the fans appreciate it. But as ever, Slipknot is intent on evolving. The band has decided to make a creative decision, and to part ways with Jay. We wish Jay all the best and are very excited for what the future holds”.

band photos, slipknot, slipknot band photo, roadrunner records

*** end of statement ***

PiercingMetal Thoughts: Now this is a surprise to me because I cannot imagine what creative decision would find them wanting Jay out. I was a real latecomer to the music of Slipknot but once I began following and even covering them, realized what a powerful bit of chaos they were. I never saw Joey in action but did see Jay and he was fantastic. At the time of this quite shocking news, there has been no statement from Jay Weinberg or even the record label but as more information is released about this I will surely share it since Slipknot is one of the biggest Heavy Metal bands in the world.

Update: Not long after the aforementioned news got circulated on this and all of the other websites that stopped in their tracks to get something online, Slipknot removed the posts from Facebook and their other social media profiles. Pretty strange but according to research they’ve done that before. Stay tuned for any updates that we see.

Official: https://slipknot1.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/slipknot

Iron Maiden Announces “The Future Past” Tour For Fall 2024

iron maiden, iron maiden logo, band logos

The Press Release:
Following their spectacular performances this year at the recent Power Trip Festival in California, in Western Canada and throughout Europe, iconic British band IRON MAIDEN will be returning to the United States and Canada with THE FUTURE PAST TOUR next year.

tour posters, promotional posters, iron maiden, iron maiden tour posters

Tickets will be available starting with an exclusive IRON MAIDEN fan club presale beginning on Tuesday, October 31st. The general onsale will begin on Friday, November 3rd at 10am local time HERE. Trooper VIP will be once again available at most shows in U.S.A./Canada. Go to www.ironmaiden.com for the latest info.
Continue reading Iron Maiden Announces “The Future Past” Tour For Fall 2024

Dream Theater Announces Return of Drummer Mike Portnoy

band logos, dream theater, dream theater logo

The Press Release:
GRAMMY®-winning, progressive music titans Dream Theater are announcing the return of drummer Mike Portnoy to the group. Portnoy will reunite with guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung – the trio formed the band at the Berklee College Of Music in 1985 – along with longtime members, vocalist James LaBrie and keyboardist Jordan Rudess. Dream Theater will be going into the studio to begin working on their 16th studio album and the first with Portnoy since 2009’s Black Clouds & Silver Linings.

band photos, dream theater, dream theater 2023

“I understand Dream Theater’s decision to get Mike Portnoy back at this time,” states Mike Mangini. “As was said from Day 1, my place was not to fill all the roles that Mike held in the band. I was to play the drums in order to help the band carry on. My main role of keeping our live show working tightly on a nightly basis was an intense and rewarding experience. Thankfully, I got to experience playing music with these iconic musicians, as well as some fun times laced with humor. I also really enjoyed spending lots of time with the crew. And then there’s the GRAMMY® win, which was amazingly satisfying. To the fans: thank you so much for being amazing to me. I cherish the pictures I have of you all losing your minds and having fun. Finally, I really love the band, crew and management and wish them and the entire organization all the best.”
Continue reading Dream Theater Announces Return of Drummer Mike Portnoy

Yoshiki To Triumphantly Return To Carnegie Hall with “Requiem” This Weekend

yoshiki logo, yoshiki, band logos

The Press Release:
YOSHIKI, world-renowned composer, pianist, drummer, and leader of rock band X Japan, delivered an emotional and unforgettable performance of the YOSHIKI “REQUIEM” Classical World Tour this past Friday (October 20) at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA.

After dazzling audiences and receiving standing ovations at Royal Albert Hall in London (October 13), Tokyo Garden Theater (October 9), and Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA (October 20), YOSHIKI returns to headline Carnegie Hall this week on Saturday, October 28 in New York City. This marks the first time a Japanese artist has headlined all of these historic venues.

For more information and tickets, visit: HERE.

Watch/share the YOSHIKI “REQUIEM” tour teaser:


Continue reading Yoshiki To Triumphantly Return To Carnegie Hall with “Requiem” This Weekend

Crunchyroll Brings Biggest Celebration Yet to Anime NYC

crunchyroll logo, crunchyroll, company logos

The Press Release:
Crunchyroll, the ultimate home for anime worldwide, is taking over all 45,000 square feet of the Javits Center River Pavilion during Anime NYC from November 17 – 19 with a tremendous anime experience.*

For all three days of Anime NYC, the Crunchyroll experience at the largest anime convention on the east coast will whisk badge holders into a world of incredible interactive attractions, ani-mazing panels and premieres, with more to be announced soon.

Once inside the Javits Center, the anime excitement begins! Fans can head to the Crunchyroll Stage at the River Pavilion to catch world-renowned creators from Japan discuss and deliver early looks and premieres for Metallic Rouge, Sengoku Youko, Sasaki and Peeps, and more. Ready for a movie night at Anime NYC? Settle in for the world premiere of My Next Life As A Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Movie. The Crunchyroll Stage also features over ten premieres of upcoming anime series, including BARTENDER Glass of God, Classroom of the Elite Season 3, The Witch and the Beast, and more! Creators will also take fans behind-the-scenes of The Rising of the Shield Hero and Dr. STONE.
Continue reading Crunchyroll Brings Biggest Celebration Yet to Anime NYC