Joe Lynn Turner and Music Theories Recordings / Mascot Label Group have released the new studio album, Belly Of The Beast. Today, they present the official music video for “Tortured Soul” which can be viewed below.

Joe Lynn Turner shares, “Today, October 28, 2022, is a very exciting day for me. After hard work and a long waiting period, the album Belly Of The Beast is finally being released along with the main single and video 'Tortured Soul'. The song is one of my favorites. It’s an epic sounding track and the video has the depth and strong subject manner I am passionate about.”

He continues, “Throughout our life, we all encounter problems, difficulties and events that shape and define our lives. These events can have both positive and negative effects on our character and personality. The motivation for the song lyric was inspired by a war veteran friend of mine who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD. I could have never known then how timely this subject matter would be with today’s current conflicts and problems that now threatens the whole world.  The synchronicity that the universe has envisioned for this composition to be relevant during this particular time is amazing, and it reminds me to always trust the energy and guidance from the source that is forever a part of our lives.”

He goes on to state, “As the video concept was being developed, I realized the importance of the broad spectrum of meaning the lyrical narrative contained.  What I mean is that it’s not just about PTSD, but about anyone who has struggled with emotional and psychological issues. No matter how, what type, or how serious the events that occurred.  This is about everyone and anyone who is dealing with mental and emotional damage.  The fear and helplessness one feels, the more likely they will be deeply traumatized. They may even feel the same way they felt at the exact time of the original trauma, as if they were reliving the event.  The mind can trigger a thread and cause a reaction of fear, panic or agitation. Feelings of detachment and confusion or becoming withdrawn, not wanting to connect with others is a common mechanism used to cope with the problem."

In summation, he states, “The individual in the song is lost, afraid and desperate, struggling with a near mental breakdown just trying to regain the basic feelings of humanity. All this is mirrored in the lyrics and messaging on ‘Tortured Soul.’  I hope you enjoy the song and video, and are interested in hearing the full album now that it is available. I’m always interested in your thoughts and opinions so please leave them in the comment section. Blessings to you all!”

The ”Tortured Soul” music video was directed by Agata Nigrovskaya.

The wildest times call for the freest of voices. After selling millions of records, playing to countless fans, and fronting some of the most influential rock bands in history, award-winning songwriter and vocal dynamo Joe Lynn Turner speaks his mind as loudly as possible on his eleventh full-length offering and Mascot Label Group debut, Belly Of The Beast. Joining forces with iconic producer Peter Tägtgren [Hypocrisy, Pain, Lindemann], the New Jersey-born powerhouse conjures up the kind of heavy metal that not only makes you throw your fist in the air, but also makes you think.

In 2017, he initially met Peter after performing at his brother’s private birthday party. Soon later, Joe and Peter collaborated on their first track “Don’t Fear the Dark,” cementing their creative partnership and assembling what would become Belly Of The Beast.

“It happened completely by accident, but some of the best things happen by accident,” Joe notes. “I was not very familiar with Peter’s bands Pain and Hypocrisy, but when we met, I loved his personality, and I felt like we had a chemistry together. On the writing side, you have to change and grow to mature. I had this in me. As far as pushing into a heavy vein, Peter said, ‘Joe adapted his voice,’ which is the truth. It’s still me though. I kept it dirty, gritty, and metal.”

This chapter saw him make a crucial personal decision too. Diagnosed with alopecia at three-years-old, he began to wear a wig at 14-years-old, dealing with “emotional and psychological damage from cruel bullying in school.” So, he wore the hairpiece throughout his career until finally deciding to go without it.  “In a way, it’s a blessing and a curse,” he admits. “I have nothing to prove, and I can wear a wig—or not. I am free to do what I want. I’m a grown man, and I’m getting to be an older man. Many men in this business eventually come to the decision to continue to ‘’wear hair’’ or shave their head which is very fashionable today. Either way, it takes a lot of personal courage. Assholes in high school trying to kick me around made me stronger and gave me the necessary motivation and strength to rise above the rest. Anger and pain are a great tool. If applied correctly, it could develop you to become the best version of yourself. Instead of running away, I was ‘’hiding in plain sight”.

In the end, Joe has something to say at the pit of Belly Of The Beast. “Rock‘n’Roll is about entertainment of course, but I hope you hear the message as well,” he leaves off. “It seems like everyone has sold their souls to major corporations. Once people are rich and popular, they become a part of the establishment. Where are the rebels? Who’s going to say, ‘Fuck you! We aren’t going to take this shit?’ I am.”

Tracklisting:

"Belly Of The Beast"
"Black Sun"
"Tortured Soul"
"Rise Up"
"Dark Night Of The Soul"
"Tears Of Blood"
"Desire"
"Don't Fear The Dark"
"Fallen World"
"Living The Dream"
"Requiem"

“Black Sun” lyric video:

"Belly Of The Beast" lyric video: