Guitar lord Joe Stump (HolyHell, Exorcism) has announced a new round of shows for the US with Deep Purple / Ritchie Blackmore tribute bands Stormbringer and Black Knight's Castle. HIs schedule is as follows:

 January 
15 - Knuckleheads -New Bedford MA *
30 - JR`s Bourbon St. Rockhouse - Cranston, RI *

February 
6 - Cook`s Cafe - Naugatuck, CT **
12 - JR`s Bourbon St. Rockhouse - Cranston, RI **
26 - JJ`s - Northboro, MA *
27 - The Cannery Music Hall - Southbridge, MA **

* with Stormbringer 
** with Black Knight`s Castle

Dave Reffett at Guitar World recently caught up with guitarist Joe Stump (HolyHell, Exorcism) to discuss his new instrumental solo album, The Dark Lord Rises. An excerpt from the story is available below:

On one of his biggest influences, Gary Moore: "When it comes to the emotional side of my playing, Gary Moore is someone I definitely try to channel. On 'Tortured Soul,' a lot of the phrasing, inflection, note choices, bending and solo vocabulary are heavily inspired by Gary. When it comes to emotionally drenched playing, nobody beats Gary. He combined all of the elements that make rock guitar playing great: technical command, gut-wrenching emotion and a killer tone. He also had this power and intensity in his hands that really knocked me out from the very first time I heard him."

Go to this location for the complete story.

Stump is streaming the track “Hostile Takeover”, from his new album, The Dark Lord Rises, out now via Lion Music.

He recently spoke with BraveWords scribe Carl Begai and revealed some details of his new album: "It's a killer with some very heavy stuff; thrash, speed, power, and even a black metal-tinged track, along with of course the badass Blackmore rocking shit and Yngwie induced neo-classical  fret frying. Also, a beautiful ballad dedicated and inspired by Gary Moore that's one of the best things I`ve ever recorded as far as that emotional side of my playing goes."

The tracklist is as follows:
"Hostile Takeover"
"Stratomaster"
"Out For Blood"
"The Black Knight Returns"
"Tortured Soul"
"The Dark Lord's Allegro"
"Staring Into The Abyss"
"Concerto No. 2 In B-Minor"
"Neo Classical Shredfest No. 4"
"Battle Tested"
"Brothers In Shred" (bonus)

"Hostile Takeover”:

Stump will be a part of the inaugural Axes & Anchors music cruise, the most-rocking boat at sea continues to add to the already impressive lineup. Demon Hunter has just been confirmed to join the previously announced performers that include Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Motionless In White, Flyleaf, Thousand Foot Krutch, Alex Skolnick, Tony MacAlpine, Adelitas Way, Randy Rhoads Remembered, Tracii Guns, Gilby Clarke, Mike Orlando and A Beautiful Disaster, Dario Lorina, Aranda, Black Knight’s Castle featuring Joe Stump, Pamela Moore, Falling Through April, Gabriel Ayala and Headstrum. Cabins can be reserved at AxesAndAnchors.com.

The cruise guarantees fans plenty of opportunities for meeting and hanging with their favorite bands on board, including free workshops on topics ranging from guitar and vocals to concert photography to stage clothing construction. Newly confirmed workshops include a drum clinic offered by Shaun Foist, the drummer for Breaking Benjamin. In addition, bass legend Rudy Sarzo will be moderating a clinic for bassists and Johnny Monaco of Enuff Z’nuff will be giving guitar clinics for players of all skill levels. Passengers are encouraged to bring their guitars on board for workshops and jam sessions. 28 workshops are already confirmed and currently listed online with more to be added before Axes & Anchors sets sail in February.

The five days and four nights cruise to Key West and Nassau, Bahamas will take place on the Carnival Victory. The ship offers free gourmet food and 24-hour room service, live comedy shows daily, and 40 live concerts on multiple stages. It also has three large swimming pools: King of the Seas, Triton, and Sirens, all including whirlpools in the immediate area. There is also a 214-foot-long (65 m) Twister waterslide that ends next to the King of the Seas pool. The cruise ship also has 13 bars, a salon/spa, a fitness center, and more amenities available.

All reservations include 4-nights lodging and taxes, all meals, all concerts, all open workshops, a professional photo opportunity with every artist, and more. Current promotions include a $150 per person rebate by paying in full, and the recently announced Stowaway Package, which allows 3rd and 4th passengers in a cabin who are under 21 to cruise for free when accompanied by two passengers over 25 years old.