The CMS Network VIPs
Politics • Music • Comedy
Giving fans of THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW a place to share ideas without the censorship so many places seem to have. We are just tired of being censored over words people don't like, so we'll build our own community where it doesn't happen anymore.
Interested? Want to learn more about the community?
Celebrating Four Decades of Power Metal: HELLOWEEN's Grand Reissue and Future Prospects

In the vibrant realm of power metal, few names shine as brightly as HELLOWEEN. As the band celebrates its 40th anniversary, fans worldwide are treated to an exhilarating announcement: the re-release of HELLOWEEN's early albums, remastered by the talented Sascha "Busy" Bühren. These iconic records, presented by BMG, promise to deliver a nostalgic yet contemporary experience, complete with restored original artwork and bonus tracks. This reissue marks a significant milestone, paying homage to the legacy that HELLOWEEN has built over four decades.

A Journey Through Time: The Early Albums
"Walls Of Jericho" (1985)
HELLOWEEN's debut full-length studio album, "Walls Of Jericho," is a cornerstone in the foundation of power metal. Initially released in 1985, it showcases Kai Hansen as the lead vocalist, blending raw energy with intricate musicianship. This reissue, spread across two CDs, includes tracks from the mini-LP released the same year and several bonus tracks, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the band's formative years.

"Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part I" (1987)
The 1987 release "Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part I" introduced the world to vocalist Michael Kiske and redefined the power metal genre. With its melodic complexity and epic storytelling, this album set the stage for HELLOWEEN's future success. The remastered version preserves its original charm while enhancing the audio quality to meet modern standards.

"Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part II" (1988)
Following the success of its predecessor, "Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part II" cemented HELLOWEEN's place in metal history. Released in 1988, it achieved global recognition and went gold in Germany. Iconic tracks like "Dr. Stein" and "I Want Out" have become anthems, resonating with fans across generations. The remastered edition revitalizes these classics, ensuring they continue to inspire.

Upcoming Releases: Anticipation Builds
The reissue campaign is set to continue with two more waves of releases, each promising to deliver more gems from HELLOWEEN's extensive catalog.

August 30, 2024
"Pink Bubbles Go Ape" - https://amzn.to/4fmVYwv
"Chameleon" - https://amzn.to/4dl6t1u
"Master Of The Rings" - https://amzn.to/4fjATmF

September 27, 2024
"Time Of The Oath" - https://amzn.to/4dfhMbw
"Better Than Raw" - https://amzn.to/3Sq0osA
"Metal Jukebox" - https://amzn.to/3YlPiZv

A New Era: HELLOWEEN's Future Projects
February 2024 saw the band signing with Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) for their next studio album, set to be released in 2025. This new project follows their critically acclaimed self-titled album from 2021. The expanded classic lineup, featuring Michael Kiske, Kai Hansen, Andi Deris, Michael Weikath, Sascha Gerstner, Markus Grosskopf, and Daniel Löble, will begin recording this summer. Fans eagerly await what promises to be another stellar addition to the HELLOWEEN discography.

The "United Forces" World Tour: A Testament to Enduring Legacy
HELLOWEEN's recent "United Forces" world tour was a spectacular celebration of their storied career. Spanning 60 shows across 26 countries and three continents, the tour brought together over 800,000 fans. Highlights included sold-out performances in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, São Paulo, Prague, Stuttgart, Santiago de Chile, and their first-ever sold-out show at Tokyo's iconic Budokan.

The emotional journey concluded at the Hell & Heaven festival in Mexico City, where the band's connection with their fans was palpable. Such moments underline HELLOWEEN's enduring appeal and their ability to unite metalheads worldwide.

The 2021 Album: A Return to Roots
The 2021 self-titled album, "Helloween," marked a triumphant return to the band's roots. Produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward, the album was partially recorded at the H.O.M.E. Studios in Hamburg, using the same recording console for classic albums like "Master Of The Rings," "Time Of The Oath," and "Better Than Raw." The effort was mixed at Valhalla Studios by Ronald Prent, known for his work with legends like IRON MAIDEN, DEF LEPPARD, and RAMMSTEIN.

This album saw HELLOWEEN embracing an analog recording process, with Daniel Löble playing on the same drum kit used by the band's original drummer, the late Ingo Schwichtenberg, during the "Keeper Of The Seven Keys" sessions. This nod to the past, combined with contemporary production, resulted in a work that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.

The "Pumpkins United" Phenomenon
The "Pumpkins United" tour was a groundbreaking event, reuniting Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen with the band for the first time since 1993 and 1988, respectively. This reunion allowed fans to witness the magic of Kiske and Deris performing together, alongside Hansen's medleys of early HELLOWEEN classics. The setlist featured rare gems like "Kids Of The Century," "Rise And Fall," and "Livin' Ain't No Crime," highlighting the band's vast and diverse repertoire.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Legacy and Innovation
As HELLOWEEN embarks on this grand reissue campaign and gears up for their next studio album, their legacy continues to grow. The meticulous remastering of their early works ensures that new generations of fans can experience the magic of HELLOWEEN in its finest form. Coupled with their ongoing creative endeavors and electrifying live performances, HELLOWEEN remains a powerhouse in the metal world, inspiring fans and musicians alike.

For more information on the reissues and upcoming projects, visit HELLOWEEN's official website. Join us in celebrating four decades of power metal excellence with HELLOWEEN!

post photo preview
Interested? Want to learn more about the community?
What else you may like…
Videos
Podcasts
Posts
Articles
Who Has the Balls to Sing for Eddie? The Brutal Search for the New Van Halen Voice! (VIP)

This isn't your daddy's music journalism—this is AI-Driven Combat Research. While the mainstream media plantation begs for table scraps from PR firms, we’ve deployed Alex and Alicia Iverson to bypass the gatekeepers and extract the raw, "jailbroken" truth from the Van Halen vault. We don’t do "rumors"; we do industrial-strength data reclamation for the real fans who refuse to consume the sterilized slop served by the corporate machine.

  • Opening the Vault: 4 Records of Eddie’s Ghost!
  • The Spackle: Why Steve Lukather Isn’t Playing a Single Note.
  • "No Young Punks": Alex Van Halen’s Brutal Rule for Singers.
  • The Cucumber vs. Wisdom: The Quote of the Century.

🔥 COMBAT SPONSORS:

Motley Crue Theatre of Pain 40th: https://amzn.to/48bOVnF

Rush 74-80: https://amzn.to/3XdXdq2

Van Halen 76-92: https://amzn.to/4oaeFqr

📚 CHRIS AKIN'S VAULT:

Cause & Effect Metallica: https://amzn.to/4fjrLzN

🛒 OFFICIAL MERCH:

CMS Pint Glass: ...

00:13:40
STEPHEN PEARCY TEASES NEW MUSIC WITH SNIPPET OF SONG “DRIVE” FROM HIS FORTHCOMING ALBUM DUE OUT LATER THIS YEAR

STEPHEN PEARCY—the voice of RATT—has teased his upcoming sixth solo album by rolling out a snippet of the song “Drive.” The track was written by PEARCY and features one of the album’s many special guests on lead guitar—someone whose name will soon be revealed. PEARCY and early RATT bassist (circa 81’) Matt Thorne co-produced the album, which will be released on PEARCY’s own Top Fuel Records (exact release date is TBA).

PEARCY will take a break from recording to perform on February 26 at the Yaamava’ Theater in Highland, CA with guitarist extraordinaire Warren DeMartini—his longtime bandmate in RATT and current touring partner under the Pearcy/DeMartini moniker. This is one of the shows on “The Undercover Tour,” a mix of solo dates and ones with Pearcy/DeMartini.

PEARCY—the vocal powerhouse, prolific songwriter, seasoned entrepreneur, and indefatigable force of nature recently sat down for a Q&A answering a wide range of questions in a voice that’s uniquely his.

...

00:00:52
The SPHERE SCAM: Why Tool is Risking Everything for a "Robot Eyeball" (VIP)

Mainstream metal media is drooling over the "lights and lasers," but they’re too damn scared to ask the real question: Is Tool flushing their legacy down a Vegas toilet? Danny Carey says they’re the "perfect band" for the Sphere, but is this just a massive cash grab to fund a 16K ego trip? We’re diving into the secret negotiations that have the "Octopus" getting vertigo and the fans getting ripped off. Only the CMS has the balls to tell you why this "cinematic experience" might be the final nail in the coffin for new music.

  • Danny Carey Spills the Beans: Tool in the "Robot Eyeball"
  • The Financial Black Hole: Why This "Art" is a Trap
  • 16K Resolution vs. 13-Year Wait Times
  • Metallica is Moving In? The Battle for Sphere Supremacy
  • Vertigo and Vomit: Why Tool Fans are "Loyal Idiots"

🚀 SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Rumble: https://www.rumble.com/c/cms
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@classicmetalshow
Locals: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com
Substack: https://cmspn.substack.com
X: ...

00:13:03
DEAD ARTIST LAWSUITS & AIRPLANE SEAT SQUATTERS! (Audio)

Why is everyone still suing Michael Jackson's estate? Neeley and Chris are giving their honest take on the skepticism surrounding the latest legal battle and reviewing the trailer for the upcoming MICHAEL biopic. We're also talking about the tragedy of the woman who fell off the cruise ship and the infuriating new trend of "seat squatting" on planes. Finally, CMS Producer Weezie honors our lost friend, Bob Nalbandian. Share and follow for the metal-fueled truth! Get commercial-free episodes by joining Rumble Premium at https://rumble.com/premium. Hail and Kill! Join the rebellion!

Sponsor: SPONSOR: The CMS Hail and Snore Pillow - https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/listing/hail-and-snore-pillow

Get all your favorite CMS Merchandise from our online store: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/

BUY CHRIS AKIN'S BEST BOOKS HERE:

Call Me Chris by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/44TDIZ4 Little Victories by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/43A143y ...AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULD NOT SAY... By ...

DEAD ARTIST LAWSUITS & AIRPLANE SEAT SQUATTERS! (Audio)
Agnostic Front BASSIST on DMC & Their Bold New Sound! (Audio)

Seriously, how do you keep your music fresh when you're a band with a decades-long history? It's tough! Chris chats with Agnostic Front bassist Mike Gallo about their latest, ECHOES OF ETERNITY. They talk about the killer sound improvements, what it was like working with a legend like DMC for the first time, and the guts it takes to try new things as a legacy act. Don't just listen—hit that share button, follow us, and subscribe to Rumble Premium for more! Hail and Kill! Join the rebellion!

SPONSOR: The Classic Metal Show Stickers - https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/listing/classic-metal-show-stickers

Get all your favorite CMS Merchandise from our online store: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/

BUY CHRIS AKIN'S BEST BOOKS HERE:

Call Me Chris by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/44TDIZ4
Little Victories by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/43A143y
...AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULD NOT SAY... By Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/3SRP3Bq

Want more? Get commercial-free episodes, early ...

Agnostic Front BASSIST on DMC & Their Bold New Sound! (Audio)
LEMMY SMASHES MIXING BOARD! KING DIAMOND'S $26K HANDOUT! (Audio)

What’s crazier: Lemmy destroying a multi-million dollar mixing board with a cheeseburger, or King Diamond getting $26,000 a year from his government just for being an artist? Neeley and Chris tackle these wild metal stories! We also review George Lynch's new single, which he released after admitting he totally lied about retiring. Hint: the guys are NOT impressed. Plus, check out the insane guitar talent from a young private school student. Like, follow, and share this video! Get commercial-free episodes and more by joining Rumble Premium at https://rumble.com/premium. Hail and Kill! Join the rebellion!

Sponsor: SPONSOR: Def Leppard - PYROMANIA 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOX SET - https://amzn.to/46AhFaB

Get all your favorite CMS Merchandise from our online store: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/

BUY CHRIS AKIN'S BEST BOOKS HERE:

Call Me Chris by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/44TDIZ4 Little Victories by Chris Akin - https://amzn.to/43A143y ...AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULD NOT SAY... By Chris ...

LEMMY SMASHES MIXING BOARD! KING DIAMOND'S $26K HANDOUT! (Audio)
post photo preview
Why Does Every "Famous" Local Band Suck Everywhere Else? 2012

placeholder

Stop pretending your hometown hero is a rockstar when he can’t draw a crowd in the next zip code. We expose the pathetic reality of local legends and the corporate vampires at BMI who are picking their pockets.

🔥 SEE THE FULL 6-HOUR UNCUT DISASTER HERE: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

– Jim Bob learns lyrics five minutes before the show (Professionalism!).
– The "Terminator" dance version of Dokken that nobody asked for.
– Why Peter Frampton probably hates this version of "In My Dreams."
– Playing for people who have never heard music before.
– Michael Stanley: Arena god in Cleveland, total nobody in the real world.
– Sebastian Bach’s bizarre vocal warm-up secrets.
– BMI & ASCAP: The guessing game that steals your money.

🔥 THE CMS UNLOCK: SEE WHAT YOUTUBE CENSORED The full, 6-hour uncensored experience lives here. No filters. No corporate bullshit.

👉 JOIN THE VIPs: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com
👉 SUBSTACK (Audio Feed): https://cmspn.substack.com

📚 CHRIS AKIN’S VAULT - GRAB THE BOOKS: Get the inside dirt on the industry from Chris Akin.

Call Me Chris: https://amzn.to/4aZXMeG
Little Victories: https://amzn.to/4cDgFVZ
...And Other Things I Should Not Say...: https://cstu.io/841c87
Cause & Effect: Metallica: https://cstu.io/7b07b2
Cause & Effect: Motley Crue: https://cstu.io/9c8e5a
Cause & Effect: Turbo: https://amzn.to/3MXFlOB

Get a Custom Shoutout from Chris on CAMEO: https://www.cameo.com/chrisakin

🤘 ABOUT THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW: Since 1996, THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW has caused global chaos. Neeley and Chris deliver scorched-earth looks at pop culture and the 80s Hard Rock we live for. From Motley Crue to our favorite target, Eddie Trunk—nothing is sacred.

FOLLOW THE CHAOS:

Rumble: https://www.rumble.com/c/cms
X: https://www.x.com/cmsrocks

HAIL & KILL! F*CK YOU, PAL! HANDJOB! 🖕

Read full Article
post photo preview
Is This The Most Uncomfortable Interview In Rock History? 2015

placeholder

Eddie Money didn't just fall off the wagon; he drove it straight into a flaming wreck during this legendary disaster. Chris and Neeley tear apart the most cringe-inducing interview ever recorded where a "bug-eyed" Money tries to talk "adult business" with a pre-teen girl. This is the raw, unfiltered truth about rock and roll decay that the mainstream media is too terrified to show you.

Get Eddie Money's EDDIE MONEY on Pink Vinyl Here: https://amzn.to/47kivYr

GET THE UNFILTERED TRUTH HERE: https://classicmetalshow.locals.com

– Eddie Money meets his match: a 13-year-old girl who doesn't give a damn about his "glory days."
– The "Take Me Home Tonight" singer suggests taking a middle-schooler home... tonight? Absolute train wreck.
– Eddie starts airing his dirty laundry, calling his own daughter a drunk mess to a complete stranger.
– "I'm a winner!" - A man who clearly doesn't know how the game "Pong" works explains his life philosophy.
– "Richard Kimmel?" Eddie forgets the name of every person who could actually help his dying career.

SUPPORT THE SHOW!

Grab the gear that keeps the CMS Network loud and offensive. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Van Halen 76-92 Box Set: https://amzn.to/4oaeFqr

Ghost Papa Emeritus IV Funko: https://amzn.to/4fk5sJr

Motley Crue Theatre of Pain 40th: https://amzn.to/48bOVnF

CMS Winter Skull Cap: https://classicmetalshow.creator-spring.com/listing/cms-winter-skull-cap

Cause & Effect Judas Priest by Chris Akin: https://amzn.to/4cvovB2

WANT A CUSTOM SHOUTOUT? Book Chris Akin on Cameo: https://www.cameo.com/chrisakin

STAY UPDATED: Subscribe to our Substack: https://cmspn.substack.com

WATCH LIVE: Every Saturday night from 9 PM - 3 AM EST at www.theclassicmetalshow.com.

Read full Article
post photo preview
DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG Enforce “The Law Of A Madman” With New Video


DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG (DATOG) have released the video for "The Law Of A Madman," taken from their acclaimed album Babylon, released by Reigning Phoenix Music in October 2025.

"The Law Of A Madman" treads the path of up-tempo metal shuffles. A true-metal guitar riff paves the way for aggressive vocals typical of Udo Dirkschneider, soon moving into a chorus reminiscent of the good old days. Following an ingenious guitar solo packed with twists and surprising harmonies, the song culminates in powerful final choruses highlighted by Manuela’s breathtaking solo vocals.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6giFZyDzfTM

With this latest release, DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG conclude their Babylon album video cycle, which has generated more than five million views across all of the individual videos, a strong testament to the project’s enduring appeal. The impressive response shows that DATOG has truly reached the hearts of the fans worldwide, resonating with listeners who continue to celebrate the band’s timeless rock and heavy metal spirit.

placeholder

DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG (DATOG) was originally launched in 2020 as a one-off charity project, but quickly developed a momentum of its own and formed into a band consisting of Udo Dirkschneider (vocals; ACCEPT/U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER), Peter Baltes (bass, vocals; ACCEPT/U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER), Stefan Kaufmann (guitar; ACCEPT/U.D.O.), Mathias “Don” Dieth(guitar; SINNER/U.D.O.), Sven Dirkschneider (drums; U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER) and Manuela “Ella” Bibert (vocals). Between 2020 and 2021 their first three singles attracted a lot of attention, whereupon the band wrote more songs and recorded their debut album. With a unique vocal concept of three voices, powerful riffs and stylistic complexity, DATOG combine classic heavy metal with a modern, powerful production.

GET DIRKSCHNEIDER AND THE OLD GANG'S BABYLON ON VINYL HERE: https://amzn.to/4sozH77

DATOG are:

Udo Dirkschneider | lead vocals

Peter Baltes | bass, lead & backing vocals

Manuela “Ella” Bibert | lead & backing vocals, keys

Stefan Kaufmann | guitars, backing vocals

Mathias “Don” Dieth | guitars, backing vocals

Sven Dirkschneider | drums, backing vocals

Read full Article
See More
Available on mobile and TV devices
google store google store app store app store
google store google store app tv store app tv store amazon store amazon store roku store roku store
Powered by Locals