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The Black Crowes – ‘A Pound Of Feathers’ (Silver Arrow Records)

The Black Crowes – ‘A Pound Of Feathers’ (Silver Arrow Records)

Fresh off the GRAMMY-nominated success of ‘Happiness Bastards’ in 2024, The Brothers Grim Chris and Rich Robinson wasted no time getting back to work and mining this seam of Rock n roll they happened upon. Returning to Nashville to reunite with producer Jay Joyce and recapture the spark that powered their last record, they just got on with business in a much happier place these days and left all their bullshit and background noise in the rear view mirror. The result is another glittering prize that to their credit, is banger after banger. Gone are the long beards and dope fueled jams, and a leaner more back to their roots, rock n roll homage to the Keif and Ronnie and Faces days rock n roll are front and centre.

The Black Crowes have created a rock record that’s loose and loud, and from the off, ‘Profane Prophecy’ is as good a rocker as they’ve delivered in decades, and time will testify that it’s right up there with the really early rockers, all be it with a modern production. The record stays true to the rockier edges of the band’s sound with only a couple of fleeting forays into the acoustic world, but like the early days’ big ballads, they really don’t touch the style. Rich brings the Telecaster riffs on the opening songs, absolutely killing it, on the Keith Richards inspired ‘Cruel Streak’, leaving enough room for his Brother to wail and deliver a stonking vocal as good as anything he’s delivered for decades. It gets funky, dark and heavy with the girls helping out on the chorus and leaving enough room for some honking keys. The breakdown is huge and had me nodding with approval as the fuzzed-up licks keep coming.

We get the first acoustic haze much more in keeping with ‘Exile’ era Stones than any Deadhead workout. ‘Pharmacy Chronicles’ is another excellent performance from Chris as he seems focused and emotional in the best possible way. The arrangement with the keys is impeccable. The rock is then turned up with some fantastic riffage from Rich Robinson on ‘Do The Parasite’. We then have a couple of more laid-back moments for the listener to take stock and catch their breath, ending with the epic of the mellower moments being ‘Queen Of The B Side’, but another thing is that the songs are kept lean and to the point, and none overstay their welcome.

‘It’s Like That’ gets its groove on for a very loud and chaotic workout where the music bounces off the vocals and sparks fly as they jostle for the limelight with some awesome BVs just to make the song kick you even harder in the nuts. Jagged, rock n roll at its finest. The tempo is raised again as we head into the homestright ‘Blood Red Regrets’ makes way for classic riff n roll Crowes style ‘You Call This A Good Time’ before ‘Eros Blues’ picks its way through the intro before shaking any cobwebs away and being the only hippy tinged tune but in the best possible way as it twists and turns before signing the record off with ‘Doomsday Doggerel’ and a levvy breaking drum beat twists your mellon with some fucked up vocal melodies before clearing ones head and stamping a full stop on what is a mightily impressive record and a step up in quality forom their last mightily impressive offering of ‘Happiness Bastards’ and offers a record of variety and impeckable quality ‘A pound of feathers’ is heavy and light and shows that form is temporary but class is permanent and this is class – Buy it!

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Author: Dom Daley

Grade 2 Share New Single “Better Today”

Grade 2 Share New Single “Better Today”

New Album ‘Talk About It’ Out April 3 via Hellcat Records

EU / UK Tour Dates Confirmed

Grade 2 share new single “Better Today”, a track that explores the impact depression can have on relationships and the fragile process of recovery. The song contrasts the experience of hitting rock bottom with a more hopeful present, capturing both accountability and progress.

Guitarist Jack Chatfield explains:

“Better Today talks about the damage that depression can have on a relationship. It contrasts between the recent past of being at rock bottom to a now hopeful present.”

Listen to “Better Today” HERE.

The single is taken from the band’s fourth album Talk About It,setfor release on April 3rd viaHellcat Records. Over twelve years since forming as schoolmates, bassist Sid Ryan, guitarist Jack Chatfield, and drummer Jacob Hull reflect on growth, resilience, and the realities of life on and off the road.

Talk About It captures a defining chapter of growth for the band — shaped by touring through uncertainty, navigating relationships at home while building momentum on international stages, and channeling personal struggles into direct, honest songwriting. From festival appearances to sharing stages with longtime heroes, Grade 2 turn experience into urgency and reflection into songs built on grit and melody.

The album stands as a statement of survival and evolution — raw, focused, and forward-looking.

Grade 2 will hit the road in support of the new album, with UK dates kicking off at the end of the month before continuing across Europe throughout spring and early summer. The run spans Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe, and festival appearances, marking one of their most extensive touring periods to date. Please see below for the full list of dates. The tickets are available via the band’s Website.

Tracklisting – Talk About It

  1. Cut Throat
  2. Hanging Onto You
  3. Standing In The Downpour
  4. Better Today
  5. Talk About It
  6. Don’t Worry About Me
  7. Crash And Burn
  8. Smugglers Haven
  9. Rotten
  10. Wasteland
  11. Otherside

Grade 2 – 2026 Tour Dates

20.03 | The Deers Head | Belfast
21.03 | Lost Lane | Dublin
28.03 | The Bodega Social Club | Nottingham
29.03 | The Key Club | Leeds
30.03 | The Deaf Institute | Manchester
31.03 | The Garage Attic | Glasgow
01.04 | Exchange | Bristol
03.04 | O2 Academy Islington | London
04.04 | Strings | Isle Of Wight
25.04 | Zakk | Dusseldorf, Germany
26.04 | Don’t Panic | Essen, Germany
27.04 | Hansa39 | Munich, Germany
29.04 | Arena Wein | Vienna, Austria
30.04 | F-Haus | Jena, Germany
01.05 | BETA Club | Copenhagen, Denmark
02.05 | Bahnhof Pauli | Hamburg, Germany
03.05 | Mikropol | Berlin, Germany
06.05 | Paradiso | Amsterdam, Netherlands
07.05 | Hall Of Fame | Tilburg, Netherlands
18.06 | Graspop Metal Meeting | Belgium
20.06 | Letzigrund Stadium | Zurich, Switzerland

For more information:

Website | Instagram | YouTube

The Alarm 2.0 – Flapper, Birmingham 05/03/26

The Alarm 2.0 – Flapper, Birmingham 05/03/26

It’s been a long time coming, but it’s good to be back. After a fairly pleasant journey from South Wales to England’s second city, it was nice to step inside a rammed dingy room waiting for four members who’ve represented The Alarm at various stages of its existence and for the first time led by Eddie McDonald, co-writer of a lot of the band’s biggest and most memorable songs.

Before a foot was stepped on the stage, it was already a sweaty mass waiting for those acoustic guitars to be raised high and ‘Declaration’ to ring out into the fresh night air. With beaming smiles, Eddie and James looked comfortable, and it was also a joy to see Craig Adams back on the four-string on the stage right. ‘Declaration’ made way for ‘Marching On’, and whilst Eddie will be the first to admit he’s not trying to fill Mike’s shoes but it was always about the music and honouring the songs and the guys on the stage have bought into this and by the look and sounds of it, so was Birmingham.

Sure, it was about the first wave of The Alarm, and I’m not interested in the politics of the name and who, why and wherefores; it was enough to drag me almost two hundred miles on a school night to sing along to songs that have been with me most of my life and the energy from the stage was reciprocated from the audience. The band didn’t sound tight, but they sounded fuelled with energy and love for what they were committing to, and it felt right. Sure, Eddie forgot some words and chords, but that didn’t matter not to me. It was wonderful to see and hear him and to witness the smiles and passion with which the band were playing. This was Rock n Roll with the spirit of the origins of the band; regardless of the lineup, it was exciting, and the songs sounded great. 

I’ve always loved Adams thump, and alongside Smiley they are a formidable rhythm section and with James owning the tone and solos, he uses Sharpe’s licks and adds his own Twist (no Pun Intended), and he looked like he was having a ball playing these songs.  ‘Absolute Reality’ followed by ‘Where Were You Hiding’ had the room bouncing, taking me back to the Marquee days when ‘The Stand’ was given a shot of energy.

The rework of ‘Rain In The Summer Time’ and ‘Strength’ was spot on, and Eddie looked to be gaining his road groove, and after the frantic rush of hitting the stage with this band had settled down, he looked as if he was having the best time honouring the music. The highlight for me was hearing ‘We Are The Light’ followed by a wonderful version of ‘Tell Me’ and a tip of the hat to Mr Sharp and his songwriting.

‘Knifedge’, ‘Deeside’ and ’68 Guns’ were all knocked out like time had stood still, sure it seems raw and weird not hearing Mike singing or being front and centre, but this was different and paying respect and doing it so well, it was an absolute pleasure to witness this first night of the short reawakening tour. No egos, no pressure to have hits or new music, just playing for the love of the music and what it means to so many, no agenda, just happy smiling faces.

‘Rescue Me’ signalled the last song of the main set and a brief walk off stage before being called back for an encore and an emotional ‘Spirit Of 76’ where Eddie spoke of why the song was written it was as the breakdown was reached Eddie looked like he was living every lyric and delivering it with so much passion and love he was choked and became visible emotional but soon regained his composure and saw the song out before leaving us with a blistering ‘Blaze Of Glory’ and we were done.

Rock n Roll by the seat of your pants, just like it’s meant to be, or at least for some of us. Loud, loose, and in love with music, it was a pleasure to be there and share in the magic. A band who came across as having a blast and loving it and making music in the moment to be consumed and enjoyed and remembering those who started this train who aren’t here in body or spirit, but thanks to nights like this, the music will live on forever. Nice one, Eddie, James, Smiley and Craig, that was a blast.

Alarm 2.0

Author: Dom Daley

Dharma Guns – New video & Album details

Dharma Guns – New video & Album details

The Helsinki-based rock band Dharma Guns will release their second album ‘Nightmares and Broken Dreams‘ on Friday, April 24. Before that, the band drops one more single on March 11: “The Voice of the Underdogs”, accompanied by a video that lets the next generation of rockers take the spotlight.

The video features the Dharma Girls – four girls under the age of seven who prove that even the smallest rockers can bring serious attitude.

“The song title ‘The Voice of the Underdogs’ takes on a whole new meaning when the video features a little girls’ rock band. The girls handled their roles very professionally — with just the right balance of sweetness and chaos to make the video work,” Pete adds.

Musically, the track sits right at the core of Dharma Guns’ sound: Scandinavian action rock with influences from The Hellacopters and MC5.

In support of the new album, Dharma Guns will hit the road on a tour that includes UK dates with Steve Vincent.

Dharma Guns – tour 2026:
Jan 23 – Bar Kotelo, Tampere (w/ Gehenna Sour)
Jan 24 – Bar 15 Basement, Seinäjoki (w/ Gehenna Sour)
Mar 30 – Vastavirtaklubi, Tampere
Apr 30 – On the Rocks, Helsinki (w/ Steve Vincent + Plastic Tears)
May 1 – Nirvana, Turku (w/ Steve Vincent, support TBA)
May 21 – Bannerman’s, Edinburgh (w/ Steve Vincent)
May 22 – Trillians, Newcastle (w/ Steve Vincent)
May 23 – Gifford Arms, Wolverhampton (w/ Steve Vincent)
May 24 – Hope & Anchor, London (w/ Steve Vincent)

Dharma Guns:
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Daemönik Fonce – ‘DFII’ (Property Of The Lost Records)

Daemönik Fonce – ‘DFII’ (Property Of The Lost Records)

Bright, bold and unashamedly glam with punchy synths but caustic time changes adding some Crass to the party. This is the second album from Daemönik Fonce. The album is my first introduction to the band, and whilst it doesn’t shy away from the Big Bowie Glam rock, it has hooks, big chords, swirling keyboards and a dramatic edge. Look no further than ‘Speck’, there is a 70s feel to proceeding, no doubt about it.

Whilst there is a dream-like quality to some of the arrangements, it doesn’t always agree with me, but that’s ok. It also has a down-to-earth working-class feel to proceedings, and if one can’t dream big, then why dream at all? The quirky sound on ‘On The Skids’ is very 70s in spirit, reminding me of Roxy Music and various hits from the Top Og The Pops albums you’d pick up in the 70s.

At the heart of Daemönik Fonce are twins Paul Summers (guitar) and Stewart Summers (vocals), whose rock ’n’ roll journey stretches far beyond the band itself. Raised on Welsh anarcho-punk, they cut their teeth in Shrapnel before moving through Ten Benson and The Sharp Tongues. Alongside this, they’ve travelled the world looking after countless other bands, from escapades in Lemmy’s dressing room to bowling with Jack White – sometimes reality can be more absurd than fiction.

But the brothers aren’t the only ones raised from the sewers of rock + roll.  Bassist Sam Mansbridge was a member of The Rumblestrips, Keyboards and vocals Hannah Edgren previously served with the magnificently named Tits of Death and latest recruit Andy Prestidge weaves his drumming between Warning, Osiris Club and Angel Witch.  All bringing their distinct personalities to the Fonce cat-faced table.

Imagine your influences are Thin Lizzy, Bowie, Bolan, Roxy Music and then the Pistols, maybe the energy of Stiff Little Fingers, and the edgy John Cooper Clarke, now the challenge is to mix these influences together and make a cohesive album that might not always make sense but offers the listener a good time and one they want to hear again and again. I particularly like ‘Solar Man’. It’s retro and nostalgic, and the time changes and sound changes can be bonkers, but in a good way. Besides, who doesn’t like hearing a wailing saxophone in their Rock n Roll?

The record is perfectly summed up by describing ‘DFII’ as a band embracing who they are: thinkers disguised as glam rockers, punks grown older but not quieter, and storytellers still in love with the noise that made them. Amen to that, go check em out at the link.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Sick Shooters – ‘Super Sonic Rock Saga’ (Wap Shoo Wap Records)

Sick Shooters – ‘Super Sonic Rock Saga’ (Wap Shoo Wap Records)

SICK SHOOTERS are a brand new four-piece garage rock ’n roll band from Utrecht, The Netherlands.The band members, all in their early 20’s, have already been battle-hardened by their experience playing in local punk bands like No Brains, Spurn and Ultragoblin.

This time, they decided to kill a punk for rock ’n roll and start a new band. SICK SHOOTERS are now ready to release their debut album titled “SUPER SONIC ROCK SAGA”. Out March 19th on vinyl and digital through Wap Shoo Wap Records.

The catchiness of the songs, the raw production and the complete lack of a bass-guitar give vibes of 90’s garagepunk bands like The Reatards and The Oblivians and gets mixed with hints of 70’s powerpop in the vein of The Nerves sure these guys aren’t reinventing the whell more like they’re just keeping it spinning and writing the best songs they can

The result is 11 sharp time-honoured power poppin’ snotty Garage rockers with hooks-a-plenty, ranging from straight-up punk rock blasters ‘Evacuation’, ‘Never Comin’ Home’ to more traditional garage-rock anthems like ‘Heartbreaker Soulshaker’, ‘Supersonic Lovin’ and the power pop love songs ‘Sweet Telephone’ and ‘Daisy’. The thing that shines through is the band’s passion and love for what they do – they wear it on their cut-off sleeve and carry it off with aplomb.

With the rain beating down outside and me waiting for the spring and some sunshine until then Rock n Roll will have to see me through, and honest to god, rockers like Sick Shooters will most definitely do. Go get some kids fill yer winkle picker boots.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Dealing With Damage – ‘The London Particular’ (Serial Bowl Records)

Dealing With Damage – ‘The London Particular’ (Serial Bowl Records)

After signing with Serial Bowl, Dealing With Damage serve up their first helping of music on their ‘London Particular’ album. After making yourself comfortable, sit back, relax and let the introduction wash over you before we get down to some serious post-punk post hardcore business, call it what you like, it all sounds good to me. There are elements of what was happening in DC several decades ago, there is melody not too distant from early Lemonheads and No Means No, and of course, anything Bob Mould laid his hands on it’s that ballpark if you want references.

There sounds like a joy to the album as well as if the guys in the band know what they’re doing and are just dishing up the best they can as they go from straight edge hardcore to radio-friendly melodic harmonies of ‘Nickey Nickey’ where you can sing along as the band just gives it plenty of welly and the thumping Bass workout is a pleasure. Also, the keys help soften the sound and add flavour.

This record doesn’t sound like they had any difficulties with their third offering, and on ‘Wrong Sometimes’, with the keys, they stray into a very appealing International Noise Conspiracy territory, and that’s never going to be a bad thing, as the keys work well alongside the dirty riff.

It’s not all abrasive sounds and edgy moments ‘But Fear This Art’ is laid back, sprinkled with technology-enhanced soundscapes. Spread out over fifteen tracks, you absolutely get your money’s worth as the ebb and flow is excellent, going from the more aggressive ‘Be Careful’ and ‘Hate Can Set You Free’ where the Dads can get a pit going in their lounge and body slam to the rhythm section work out of ‘Headful Of Feedback’.

As we reach the album’s final breath, ‘The Off Switch’ meanders, taking you on a journey right to the album’s closing track ‘One Bump At A Time’, where you get eased back to reality with some soothing Acoustic guitar, reminding me of Jim Bob or TV Smith, which is never a bad thing. Get some Dealing With Damage in your ears and start with the here and now, ‘The London Particular’.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

Venom – Lay Down Their Soul

Venom – Lay Down Their Soul

THE BLACK METAL GODS ANNOUNCE THEIR

BRAND-NEW ALBUM, ‘INTO OBLIVION’

RELEASED ON NOISE/BMG ON 1st MAY 2026

PLUS, PREORDERS HERE

Venom needs no introduction, from their birth in Newcastle in ’79 they paved the way for extreme metal and created their own genre, Black Metal. Which is arguably more popular now than it has ever been globally, with their influence ever far reaching as the originators.

‘Into Oblivion’ is Venom’s sixteenth studio album and features the long-standing line up of Cronos (bass/vocals and founding member), Rage (guitar) and Dante (drums) and marks their first new recordings since 2018’s, ‘Storm The Gates’. Into Oblivion consists of thirteen songs that are signature Venom: heavy, evil and catchy. There’s a combination of their classic 80’s sound adjacent to a more modern, progressive approach but without losing any of their fire and brimstone of old.

The album has been in the works for some years now, but a number of factors held back its completion until now; the Covid pandemic, recording setbacks and the hunger to nail it to perfection, but in the words of Cronos ‘This album has really pushed the boundaries, but if you want to make a killer album, you pay for it in blood, sweat and tears.’ However, Venom true to form have overcome adversity to release an album worthy of their legacy as Rage affirms ‘I’m so proud of this album, it’s astounding! It feels so different, yet so familiar. The sonics are a step up, no song sounds the same, but they all work together.’

The lead single, Lay Down You Soul is a thunderous first offering and harks back to the band’s formative years, and the song Black Metal. While being slightly tongue in cheek, it bears all the hallmarks of a soon to be live classic with its rousing sing-along chorus. Cronos states, ‘I think it’s healthy to recognise things from back in the day and bring them into a new setting that gives it a whole fresh approach. The fans are going to go mental for it!’

The chemistry on ‘Into Oblivion’ is undeniable and is a musical testament to the longevity of this lineup, which now eclipses any other, clocking in at seventeen years. Dante clicks his fingers, ‘It’s gone like that, seventeen years! It’s all down to friendship and mutual respect.’

‘Into Oblivion’ will be released on 1st May 2026 via Noise/BMG and is available for preorder now and is available in these formats.

  • Double, gatefold smoke vinyl
  • Double, gatefold clear, black & red splatter vinyl (Limited Edition)
  • CD digisleeve with 16-page booklet
  • Digital

Preorders of both vinyl and CD will come with a limited photo card, signed by Cronos, Dante and Rage only from the Noise Records store, while stocks last!

Find Venom online at venomslegions.com / FB @officialvenomband / IG @venom_band_official

Michael Monroe – Tramshed, Cardiff 03/03/26

Michael Monroe – Tramshed, Cardiff 03/03/26

An early showtime as part of a double header sees the mighty Michael Monroe band hit the stage at 8 pm, but fear not my rock n rolla friends, these guys are wired 24/7 and as soon as the lights drop and that familiar drum intro thunders through the PA, it’s showtime. With only seventy-five minutes to get their groove on, they hit the ground running with a thunderous ‘Dead Jail or Rock n Roll’, and it’s game on, no time for bullshit its right into business and showing this very healthy audience exactly why people like me always wax lyrically about this band’s performances. They never fall below the required standard for showmanship and just sound like they mean business and are going to give you exactly what you want every time, never just clocking in and going through the motions.

‘Motorvatin’ is as thunderous as ever. Mr Yaffa has the best thump in the business, and the machine that is Mr Rockfist hits his drums like a good un, and they stay hit. leaving the pair of six-stringers bookending the band with their own licks on such iconic legendary songs, not trying to be McCoy or Suicide but giving the songs a new flavour of their own, whilst the best frontman in the business mixes up the medicine and has any and every audience eating out of the palm of his hands. It isn’t long before we get a taster off the new album as the first single ‘Rockin Horse’ fits in rather nicely before we delve once again into some Hanoi Rocks catalogue and my brain takes me back in time to a place not far from where I’m standing as the magnificent ‘I Can’t Get It’ floats on by.

We do get a decent sprinkling of new songs in the set, which is tight but not in a over rehersed way, but a band locked in, truly believing in the power of rock n roll and letting those in attendance feel the magic. ‘Hammersmith Palais’ is the only Demolition 23 song in this shorter set before we get the third and final track off the new album.

As we head into the homestraight its Two Steps banger ‘Boulevard Of Broken Dreams’ mixes it next to ‘Ballad Of The LES’ before we reach top gear and ‘Malibu Beach’ honks the saxophone into a rowdy ‘Up Around The Bend’ sees us home and done. Literally of the thousands of bands I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this one I can’t possibly see me tiring of the energy and good times they generate is exceptional and as Michael Monroe said of the bands and musicians hes ever played with he wouldn’t swap these guys and you know what I think he means it and its easy to see why he thinks like that, The Michael Monroe Band absolutely do Rock Like Fuck! miss them at your peril.

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Buy ‘Outerstellar’ Here

Author: Dom Daley

HEAVEN & HELL – BREAKING OUT OF HEAVEN 2007-2009

HEAVEN & HELL – BREAKING OUT OF HEAVEN 2007-2009

RETROSPECTIVE CELEBRATES DIO’S THIRD ACT WITH MEMBERS OF BLACK SABBATH ON 4CD/BLU-RAY AND 7LP BOXED SETS

AVAILABLE MARCH 27

INCLUDES THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, LIVE FROM RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, AND NEON KNIGHTS: 30 YEARS OF HEAVEN & HELL – LIVE AT WACKEN

ORDER NOW

Captured during their historic 2007 reunion, this definitive live version of “The Mob Rules” showcases the relentless power and new vigour of the Heaven & Hell lineup. While the 1981 original signalled a darker turn for the band, this Radio City Music Hall performance elevates the track with a precise and massive sonic weight that only decades of chemistry could produce. Watch the HD-upscaled video of “The Mob Rules” (Live from Radio City Music Hall) today.

Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009, a new collection focusing on the final chapter of Ronnie James Dio’s celebrated tenure with members of Black Sabbath. Reuniting with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice under the name Heaven & Hell, the band returned to the stage and studio decades after their original run for an unexpected second act.

BMG presents Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009, a new collection focusing on the final chapter of Ronnie James Dio’s celebrated tenure with members of Black Sabbath. Reuniting with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice under the name Heaven & Hell, the band returned to the stage and studio decades after their original run for an unexpected second act.

Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009 will be available March 27 as 7LP and 4CD/Blu-ray boxed sets. Both editions include an illustrated book with new liner notes by Hugh Gilmour, along with a replica tour book and poster. Order Now.

The collection marks the first time the complete Live From Radio City Music Hall performance appears on vinyl, and features eight tracks making their vinyl debut, including studio recordings from The Dio Years and select live performances. The Blu-ray expands the set with video from Live From Radio City Music Hall and Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell – Live at Wacken, plus band interviews.

The set follows the band’s reunion run, beginning with their triumphant 2007 New York performance, Live From Radio City Music Hall, followed by the Top 10 studio album The Devil You Know in 2009, and the live album Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell – Live at Wacken, recorded later that year on tour in Germany.