Visionary Swedish musicians Soilwork officially announced the inclusion of their now permanent drummer, 25-year-old Bastian Thusgaard. Thusgaard has been blazing the kit for the band for the past 10 months, but will make his official debut as a permanent member of the band at their upcoming summer festival performances. See below for a full listing of show dates.

Bastian Thusgaard originally joined the Soilwork machine as their touring drummer after former full-time drummer Dirk Verbeuren’s departure. Thusgaard began his journey as Verbeuren’s understudy, eventually taking over touring duties for the band full-time in the summer of 2016.

In a band statement, Soilwork stated: “We are super stoked to announce Bastian Thusgaard as our permanent drummer. He’s been touring with us for quite a while and has been nothing short of amazing to work with, both on a musical level and on a personal level. Taking over after Dirk must have been pretty hard, but he has proven, time and time again, through our tours through North America, South America and Europe, that he is the perfect man for the job. Bastian is only 25 years old and already possesses such great groove and fantastic technique. We can’t wait to see, how his ability will take us to the next level while we write our next album. It will be a beast, there’s no doubt about it. We have so much left to say musically and Bastian will be the perfect drummer, to help the band evolve on our constant musical journey. Give Bastian a warm welcome everyone!”

Bastian Thusgaard adds: “First and foremost, I would like to thank Björn, Sven, David, Sylvain, Markus and everyone else involved in the Soilwork team for their very warm welcome. I want to thank Dirk for his guidance, support and ability to inspire young drummers like myself, to put in the hours needed in order to make it to this level. He is the reason that I’ve had my life’s best musical experiences during these past ten months. To the fans that I’ve already met around the world and all the wonderful people surrounding me, thank you for your great support and positive feedback. It has truly been overwhelming. I am truly honoured to be given the opportunity to continuously work with Soilwork, a band that I grew up listening to and one of the key elements of my musical education. I am 100% committed to Soilwork and am looking forward to create music with my childhood heroes and to see what the future will bring. See you all on the road.”

Soilwork continue to strive toward excellence no matter the elements that are thrown at them. With several summer festivals quickly approaching and autumn just around the corner, fans will surely witness the great new chapter of the band's legacy.

Confirmed Soilwork Festival Dates:

May 21-22 - Radio Rock Risteily Cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn

June 10th -  Brétigny-Sur-Orge, France @ Download FR

June 17th - Clisson, France @ Hellfest

June 23rd - Gräfenhainichen, Germany @ With Full Force

July 1st - Helsinki, Finland @ Tuska Open Air Metal Festival

August 5th - Wacken, Germany @ Wacken Open Air

August 11th - Catton Hall, United Kingdom @ Bloodstock Open Air

August 25th - Woerrstadt, Germany @ Neuborn Open Air Festival

Pre-eminent American rock band Gov't Mule have announced the release of their anticipated 10th studio album Revolution Come… Revolution Go, which will be released on June 9th through Spinefarm Records. Steeped in the roots and mystique of rock, blues, soul, jazz and country, and exemplified by the duality of the two lead singles – the walloping, aggressive guitar riffs of ‘Stone Cold Rage’ and the simmering, soulful grooves of ‘Sarah, Surrender’ – Revolution Come… Revolution Go is a thrilling musical journey and Gov’t Mule’s most diverse album to date.

The group began recording the album in Austin, TX, on Election Day in November 2016, with half the country poised for upset no matter what the outcome. It is a sentiment that is evident on songs like ‘Stone Cold Rage’, ‘Pressure Under Fire’ and the title track. While Gov’t Mule’s storytelling has always been inspired in part by American struggles and experiences, Revolution Come… Revolution Go finds the band’s finger on the pulse of the very divided political climate, poignantly capturing the tension and emotions felt by Americans regardless of political affiliation. These lyrical observations are threaded together with a message of unity.

The album’s cover art speaks to this theme. Created by artist Richard Borge, it displays a soldier atop a broken toy mule facing the wrong way as he yells through an orange street cone. “It’s that same idea,” explains frontman Warren Haynes, referring to the country’s current state of affairs. “The character is yelling to nobody and facing backwards.”

Long-time collaborator Gordie Johnson joined Haynes as co-producer for six tunes, while the legendary Don Was co-produced on the powerful and moving ‘Dreams & Songs’ and the thought-provoking ‘Pressure Under Fire’; meanwhile, revered guitarist Jimmie Vaughan makes a sizzling cameo on the super-charged ‘Burning Point’.

Listen to the lead single ‘Stone Cold Rage’ here

Revolution Come…Revolution Go Standard Track-listing:

1. Stone Cold Rage

2. Drawn That Way

3. Pressure Under Fire

4. The Man I Want To Be

5. Traveling Tune

6. Thorns Of Life

7. Dreams & Songs

8. Sarah, Surrender

9. Revolution Come, Revolution Go

10. Burning Point (ft. Jimmie Vaughan)

11. Easy Times

12. Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground

Deluxe Version – Bonus CD:

1. What Fresh Hell

2. Click-Track

3. Outside Myself

4. Revolution Come, Revolution Go (Alternate Version)

5. The Man I Want To Be (Live In Studio Version)

6. Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground (Live In Studio Version)