GHOST frontman Papa Emeritus III joined fellow Swedes CANDLEMASS on stage earlier today (Saturday, July 16) at the Gefle Metal Festival in Gävle, Sweden to perform the CANDLEMASS classic "Well Of Souls". Video footage and photos of his appearance can be seen below.

Earlier this year, one of the Nameless Ghouls from GHOST told Weld that CANDLEMASS was an example of a Swedish band that spends an extraordinary amount of time coming up with music that is extremely dark yet very memorable and unique. He said: "[That's] very meticulous, very thought-out songwriting. Not just the sound; it was definitely very thought out.

"When you listen to a lot of American bands, be it punk rock or emo, as soon as they go into melody, their melodies just fall in a certain scale for some reason. When I hear Avril Lavigne, it's the same melodic language as many, many, many metal bands from the U.S., whereas in Northern Europe, especially Scandinavia — Sweden and Norway — we have a very old folk tradition which goes back hundred and hundreds and hundreds of years. It's very melancholy music. It's very sad. There's no blues in that at all. It's very sad, very sorrow-filled. It has more to do with classical music. Melancholic waves."

CANDLEMASS released a special 30th-anniversary EP titled "Death Thy Lover" on June 3 via Napalm. The four-track effort — which features Mats Levén on vocals — was recorded during September/October 2015 and was made available as a four-page digipack, one-LP gatefold edition and one-LP gatefold webstore edition and old-school "skull-and-cross" slipmat. The cover artwork for the EP was created by Erik Rovanperä.

GHOST's upcoming EP, which consists primarily of covers, was helmed by English producer Tom Dalgety, who has previously worked with ROYAL BLOOD and KILLING JOKE, among others. More details about the effort will be made available soon.

Y en un momento épico, Papa Emeritus III compartió el escenario de Gefle Metal Festival con @Candlemass pic.twitter.com/uXxNBansob

— ROCK N' STUFF (@RocknStuffMX) July 16, 2016



Papa är det verkligen du?

Posted by Gefle Metal Festival on Saturday, July 16, 2016


Posted by Gefle Metal Festival on Saturday, July 16, 2016

#Epicmoment Papa Emeritus III (@thebandGHOST ) subió al escenario con @candlemass en el Gefle Metal Festival #Now pic.twitter.com/FTpLxZDnFR

— Christian Acosta (@AcostaMzk) July 16, 2016

Papa joining Candlemass on stage! #ghostbandsweden #namelessghouls #papaemeritusiii pic.twitter.com/tLo9ZN1UYB

— G.AmericanMinistries (@Joinusinritual) July 16, 2016

Sully Erna was joined on stage by his father during the GODSMACK frontman's solo concert last night (Saturday, July 16) in Uncasville, Connecticut.

"It is my great pleasure to introduce to you my 73-year-old dad, Mr. Sal Erna, on the trumpet," Sully told the crowd before his father came up on stage and performed with the singer at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

In a 2000 interview with Rolling Stone, Erna spoke about how he first became interested in music. He said: "I started playing when I was three and a half. My dad's a professional trumpet player — he's had a bunch of jazz bands. And I kind of grew up under the piano, listening to them rehearse in the basement. And I just always knew. I mean, I quit school for it. I lost relationships over it. I sacrificed having an apartment and nice cars when all my friends were graduating high school and getting all this stuff, and I was still looking like the loser, schlepping off my parents. It's in my blood, and I just could never let it go."

Sully Erna has set "Hometown Life" as the title of his second solo album. Although a firm release date has yet to be finalized, the disc will arrive sometime later this year. Erna has also unveiled the cover art and track list for the 10-song collection, which will follow up his 2010 solo debut, "Avalon".

"Avalon" featured a very different style than what Erna does with GODSMACK, incorporating world music, female vocals, keyboards, cello, hand percussion and other sounds.

GODSMACK guitarist Tony Rombola and drummer Shannon Larkin have also launched an extracurricular project called THE APOCALYPSE BLUES REVUE. Their self-titled debut disc is due out on August 26.

GODSMACK's sixth studio album, "1000hp", was released in August 2014.

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons fell on stage while performing with the band last night (Saturday, July 16) at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman, Montana.

The incident happened during the closing song of KISS's set, "Rock And Roll All Nite", which featured cannons shooting a blizzard of confetti into the air.

A couple of fan-filmed clips can be seen below.

Back in 2014, a security guard sued KISS and Live Nation for injuries after he claimed that the band "foolishly" sprayed water and confetti on the stage during a 2012 tour stop.

The guard said he was working security during KISS's concert at the Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana when "some of the defendants" sprayed water from hoses onto the stage and into the audience, and sprayed the crowd with confetti "in a foolish and reckless manner." He claimed he was injured after falling on the "slippery, waxy and glassy" stage.

KISS kicked off its "Freedom To Rock" tour on July 4 with in Tucson, Arizona. The trek will hit 40 cities through the summer — many of them places that the band has either never played or hasn't played in years.

Fan-filmed video footage of METAL CHURCH's July 16 performance at the Dynamo Metalfest in Eindhoven, The Netherlands can be seen below.

METAL CHURCH's new album, "XI", debuted at No. 57 on The Billboard 200, having shifted 11,000 equivalent album units in the week ending March 31.

"XI", was released on March 25 via Rat Pak Records. Produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and co-produced by Chris "The Wizard" Collier, the band's eleventh studio release also marks the return of legendary vocalist and frontman Mike Howe.

The reunion between Mike and METAL CHURCH was put in motion in July of 2014 when Mike started working with Kurdt Vanderhoof on a side project he was forming with Nigel Glockler from SAXON. Through these initial conversations, Kurdt convinced Mike to ultimately return to METAL CHURCH. The idea was to see if they could recapture some of the magic from the three albums METAL CHURCH released in the late '80s: "The Human Factor", "Blessing In Disguise" and "Hanging In The Balance". Out of those sessions, "XI" was born and captures the sound that made the band fan-favorites in the '80's and mixes it with a new, invigorated sound for 2016. Said Mike: "Kurdt Vanderhoof got ahold of me in August of 2014, and he proposed [me] coming back to the band. He said Ronny [Munroe] left the band and he didn't really wanna carry on with METAL CHURCH unless maybe I would consider coming back. So I said, 'Well, I don't know. I'm open to it. But let's see what kind of music we can come up with.' So Kurdt went back to the studio and started writing songs in the vein of 'Hanging In The Balance', where we left off twenty years ago, and he sent them to me over the Internet. And I was, like, 'Damn! The guy still has it and he's doing great work.' So he sent me another batch, and that batch was just as good [as], if not better than, the other. So, from there, I said, ‘Well, I can’t say no to this. And let's just see how it goes.' And we started writing lyrics and getting together, and it's morphed into being back in Aberdeen in the studio making the new METAL CHURCH record."

On Thursday, July 14, FOREIGNER — lead guitarist Mick Jones, lead singer Kelly Hansen, bassist Jeff Pilson, multi-instrumentalist Tom Gimbel, guitarist Bruce Watson, Michael Bluestein on keyboards, and Chris Frazier on drums — joined musical forces with Nate Ruess (FUN. lead singer) to perform their worldwide #1 hit, "I Want To Know What Love Is", ABC music-performance series "Greatest Hits". Now as an added bonus, a re-recorded version of the song with both FOREIGNER and Nate Ruess is available for download and streaming. "It was so exciting for us to collaborate with Nate, who I believe has one of the best voices in today's music scene," explains FOREIGNER founder and lead guitarist Mick Jones. "He blended so beautifully with Kelly Hansen, and I think fans of both FOREIGNER and Nate are going really love the new version of this song that's already loved by so many fans around the world." Originally released in 1984, "I Want To Know What Love Is" quickly became a #1 single in both the U.S. and the U.K., and to this day remains one of the 25 most performed songs in ASCAP's catalog. It has been recorded by a diverse group of popular artists, including Julio Iglesias, Shirley Bassey, Clay Aiken and Mariah Carey, and has been featured in the "Rock Of Ages" movie and accompanying soundtrack album. It was also the 2015 season finale end title of "Orange Is The New Black". With a message that resonates worldwide, the song has been translated into 14 languages and reinterpreted into many diverse genres.

PROPHETS OF RAGE, the supergroup featuring members of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, PUBLIC ENEMY's Chuck D and CYPRESS HILL's B-Real, played a free show Friday (July 15) on a rooftop in the area of downtown Los Angeles known as Skid Row.

Skid Row is a roughly 50-square-block area that is home to several thousand people either living on the streets or in one of many shelters and transitional supportive housing complexes.

Video footage of the performance can be seen below.

PROPHETS OF RAGE guitarist Tom Morello told Noisey last month that the band would play a warmup gig on Skid Row prior to embarking on a North American tour in August.

PROPHETS OF RAGE recently entered the studio to record a brand new song called "The Party's Over", which the band premiered at its recent live shows. Helming the sessions is veteran producer Brendan O'Brien, who has previously worked with RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, PEARL JAM, AC/DC and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, among others.

Morello told Billboard.com that the members of PROPHETS OF RAGE have set a very high bar for the material that they want to release. "The goal is a simple one: The music has to be devastating," he explained. "In all these interviews, we talk a lot about the politics, but the cornerstone is that the music has to be devastating and we have to not just be competitive with our legacies, but in 2016, it has to be something that goes beyond that and is very authentic, unapologetic and contemporary."

The guitarist added that PROPHETS OF RAGE is still finding its direction.

"When we got in the room, it was like, 'Well, hold on, we're getting ahead of ourselves. We have to figure out what this band's chemistry is to be great. How do we win with this team on the field?'" he said. "And that took awhile to figure out. I would say that it really came together a couple days before the Whisky show [May 31], where it was like, 'Oh, shit, that's what PROPHETS OF RAGE is going to sound like!' And it's still a process. I always look at it like it's never done and will continue to be refined as we go along."

PROPHETS OF RAGE made their live debut in May in Los Angeles, playing numbers from all three acts.







Prophets Of Rage moments before playing a show on skid row in downtown #LA. #NextStopCleveland

photo credit: Kevin Winter

Posted by Prophets of Rage on Friday, July 15, 2016

DOPE has released the theatrical music video for the song "Blood Money", taken from the band's sixth studio album, "Blood Money Part 1". The disc officially hits streets on October 28 via Entertainment One Music (eOne Music), but fans can pre-order the record, along with a plethora of bundle packages, meet-and-greets, and exclusive new merch designs at DopeTheBand.com.

"It's been a long time coming, and I'm very happy with how the new album came out," says DOPE leader Edsel Dope.

"I'm super excited for fans to hear the entire record and for us to get out there on tour and feed off of each other's energy."

"Blood Money Part 1" track listing

01. Intro: Confessions Of A Felon02. Blood Money03. Shoulda Known Better 04. Lexipro 05. Hold On 06. 1999 07. Razorblade Butterfly 08. Drug Music 09. A New Low 10. Hypocrite 11. X-Hale 12. End of the World 13. Selfish 14. Numb 15. Violet

DOPE recently announced the dates for its "Die Mother Fucker Die" reunion tour, featuring support from FLAW and MOTOGRATER. The DOPE reunion tour will feature the classic lineup of Edsel Dope, Acey Slade, Virus and Racci Shay. Beginning September 13 in San Francisco, the tour winds through the U.S. before finishing up at Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood on October 30.

MEGADETH has canceled the remaining two shows on its European tour after David Ellefson fractured his foot before a scheduled concert in Hungary.

MEGADETH was slated to play the Harley Days festival in Slovakia Saturday night and the Masters Of Rock festival in the Czech Republic on Sunday, July 17. Both of those shows have now been called off, with MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine explaining in a video message (see below): "Our bass player's received a severe break to his foot. I'm very, very sorry to tell you this. But we will make it up to you next summer. Please hang in there and stay metal."

Ellefson apparently suffered his injury while walking around the backstage area before MEGADETH's scheduled appearance Friday (July 15) at the Rockmaraton festival in Dunaújváros, Hungary. The event organizers immediately called an ambulance and Ellefson was transported to the Saint Pantaleon hospital in Dunaújváros, where his foot was placed in a cast. According to the organizers, Ellefson was in a good mood despite his injury and was taking selfies with the paramedics on his way back to the venue, still apparently believing that he would be able to play the show. Mustaine also seemed sure that the gig would happen, but apparently changed his mind shortly before MEGADETH was due to kick off the concert. The MEGADETH leader eventually went up on stage and announced the band's cancelation to disappointed fans.

"I've got some bad news I have to tell you," Mustaine told the crowd (see video below). "David Ellefson has fallen and has injured himself. He had to go to the hospital and he's unable to play. So we're gonna try and figure out when we can reschedule and come back for you guys. It's with really heavy hearts that we have to do this, but he can't play; he's unable to do this. Hold on to your tickets. We're gonna be back and we're gonna make it up to you guys. You guys know David Ellefson. He would do it if he can. We love you very, very much."

It is not presently clear if Ellefson's injury will affect MEGADETH's South American tour, which is scheduled to kick off on July 30 in Quito, Ecuador.

In addition to Mustaine and Ellefson, MEGADETH's current lineup includes Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro, best known for his work with ANGRA, and former SOILWORK drummer Dirk Verbeuren.

"Violence", the new video from Florida death metal veterans OBITUARY, can be seen below. The clip features animation by Balázs Gróf.

"Violence" is taken from OBITUARY's ninth studio album, "Inked In Blood", which sold around 5,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 75 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The band's first full-length CD in over five years, "Inked In Blood" was recorded by OBITUARY in April 2014 at the group's own RedNeck Studio in Gibsonton, Florida.

Speaking to Full Metal Jackie, OBITUARY drummer Donald Tardy stated about "Inked In Blood": "We don't try to reinvent the wheel; we never would do that. We know that OBITUARY stands for something solid and that mid-tempo, groovy feel that OBITUARY has. So we didn't wanna step too far out of it, we really wanted to stay true to our roots. But, of course, I personally think the band, individually, gets better with every year that goes by, every album that we record, everyone seems to get… We find our knack that much more. And that goes to say with this album. This album just seems so much more just catchy and just easy to listen to, and that simple, groovy metal that we're known for. We really found ourselves with this album."

Donald also spoke about OBITUARY's current lineup, which includes Kenny Andrews (guitar) and Terry Butler (bass): "With Terry and Ken on board, it's a refreshing idea of band members coming in with a positive attitude and professionalism. And they brought to the studio their ideas and their ears. And when me and Trevor [Peres, guitar] were done writing a song, they would listen with us and they would give us [suggestions, like], 'Maybe you should add something here,' or, more importantly, to let us know, 'Maybe this song doesn't even need to be as long as it is.' So it was good to have input from Ken and Terry. And Ken's solo style is a beautiful blend of a little bit of Allen West meets a little James Murphy. And I think that was missing from OBITUARY for these last few years and Ken really brought that back to the table. And I believe that's what fans want and they're really gonna see the difference with Ken's solo style, that it's back to the roots with us. And it's a good feeling."

OBITUARY will return to Europe as part of the colossal "Battle Of The Bays" European tour in October / November 2016 alongside San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal veterans EXODUS. Support will come from influential groove crossover metallers PRONG and Australian wrecking machine KING PARROT.

Finnish metal band Evil Drive have announced a lineup change. 

The band's statement reads as follows:

"Hey folks, we have some news for you. We all together as the band Evil Drive had to separate from our longtime comrade and guitarist Niko Huusari. This difficult decision is based on personal reasons of Niko and we please you to respect that this is a matter between the band and Niko. Even though bands and musicians are part of the public in general there are some things which have to stay private. We thank Niko for everything he did for the band and wish him all the best for his future with his other activities. At the same time we are glad to announce our new guitarist Juha-Pekka ‘J-P’ Pusa. J-P lives in Karhula and he has a long experience of playing and performing with different bands and projects. 

Guitarist Ville Wiren comments:  "Now with J-P's guitar skills, the band will lay the stages in ashes with us for the upcoming shows, which he has already proved at our rehearsals. He's also a skillful song writer and we can't wait to write and finish our new material with him in near future."

Evil Drive's latest release, The Land Of The Dead album, was released in January through Mighty Music. Videos were released for the singles “The Land Of The Dead" and "War". The band has have begun working on their next album in Äänilaitos studio. The first single "Anti Genocide" and new video will be released in September. Full album release date is still tentative but we the band has high hopes for a winter release.

SOUNDGARDEN members Ben Shepherd (bass) and Matt Cameron (drums) spoke to Radio.com about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's follow-up to 2012's "King Animal" album. Shepherd said: "If it's going to be a SOUNDGARDEN song, it better be interesting. But I'm surrounded by some of the best musicians in the world in that band, I think. Some of the most creative minds, guys that actually do pay attention to their legacy, and the quality of what we put out. It's not just a job." Asked how far into the album they are, Shepherd said, somewhat cryptically: "We're nowhere and everywhere all at once. We've already had two writing sessions. The next session is in August, and more decisions will be made then."

Cameron added: "I think we've got six solid tunes right now. We're gonna get together in August for about a week, do more writing, and hopefully got five or six more going at that point. We're off to a very good start."

SOUNDGARDEN started work on its new record last year, but took a break while singer Chris Cornell toured through the fall in support of his latest solo effort, "Higher Truth".

The vocalist told The Pulse Of Radio that working on different projects is what keeps an artist fresh. "At no time am I immersed in something that I've been doing too much of, and I think that's kind of what kills the creative spirit," he explained. "That's sort of what burnout comes from, I think. It's not from doing too much, it's from doing the same thing too much."

SOUNDGARDEN reunited in 2010 after a 13-year layoff, touring and then eventually writing new material that became the basis for "King Animal", its first new studio album in 16 years.

In addition to "King Animal", SOUNDGARDEN has issued a live CD, a greatest hits compilation and a two-disc collection of B-sides, outtakes and rarities.

A year after after being diagnosed with cancer of the tongue, POISON drummer Rikki Rockett says that he is now cancer free thanks to an experimental immunotherapy drug.

Rockett broke the news via his Instagram account where he posted a photo of himself with Dr. Ezra Cohen, associate director and professor of medicine at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego. The drummer wrote in the accompanying caption: "Because of this man, I am cancer free!!!"

The 54-year-old musician initially received radiation and chemotherapy, like many cancer patients, but became concerned when the cancer appeared to be returning.

"I just didn't feel right," Rockett told The San Diego Union-Tribune. "This should be getting better, not worse. I should be eating better, I should be swallowing better — what the hell's going on?"

Several months ago, Rockett went to UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center and underwent experimental cancer immune therapy which has now eradicated the tumor.

"For any of us that's ever gone through cancer, we know how scary it can be, and when you're going through a new type of treatment, that's even scarier," Rikki says in a recent video message, which can be seen on The San Diego Union-Tribune web site.

"Immunotherapy is largely unknown to the public. We're hearing about it now more and more over time — articles in newspapers and magazines — but there wasn't a lot of information when I made the decision to actually do it, and I was very nervous.

"I've been one of the very lucky people that have responded very well to immunotherapy.

"My goal is to help people make the decision to try immunotherapy, because the side effects are so much less, and you feel so much better doing it, and you can get rid of your cancer without doing super-invasive stuff, in a lot of cases. So I'm a big proponent."

DEF LEPPARD guitarist Vivian Campbell is another high-profile rock musician currently undergoing immunotherapy after first announcing that he was suffering from Hodgkin's Lymphoma in June 2013.

Immunotherapy is a relatively new form of treatment that focuses on tricking the body's immune system into attacking cancer cells.

Rockett revealed last fall that his tongue cancer diagnosis was caused by HPV, the human papilloma virus. He said: "It is the number one leading cause of oral cancer these days. There's less and less of the truck drivers that chew tobacco for thirty years getting it, because people are more aware that that kind of stuff isn't good. So we are getting marathon runners and all these elite athletes with this. I have a friend that's a therapist, and five years ago, it was five percent of the people she treated, and now it's close to ninety percent."

He continued: "It can be spread sexually, but now they're saying that it can spread [through] deep-kissing and actually hand to mouth. I mean, if you see the Olympic swimmers, they swim and they smack their hand on the side of the pool for each lap, and their hands are full of warts and stuff from HPV. Now the wart kind of HPV is not the same as the strain that causes cancer, but it is spread almost identically. For men, you can't tell if you have it. For women, you can get a papsmear. But the doctor estimated probably it was fifteen [or] twenty years ago [when I contracted it], and my body probably got rid of it, but it mutated itself and my body would probably see that again and get rid of it. But there's no way to tell who got it. I mean, I know a couple that's been married for fifteen years and they've never cheated on each other, and they're pointing their finger at each other [after one of them was diagnosed with oral cancer], and it turned into a thing until the doctor sat 'em down and went, 'Look, you can get this so many ways.'"

Rockett has a 3-year-old daughter, Lucy, and a 7-year-old son, Jude, with singer/songwriter Melanie Martel, from whom he filed for divorce last July after nearly seven years of marriage.

POISON appeared at the 2013 Indy 500 Miller Lite Carb Day, but has otherwise been mostly playing private shows, including one in January 2015. The band's last major dates were with LITA FORD and DEF LEPPARD as part of the 2012 "Rock Of Ages" tour.

Chilliwack, BC's heavy metallers Medevil will release their debut album, Conductor Of Storms, on August 26th after placing as a national finalist (top 6) during the 2015 Wacken Metal Battle Canada. With influences from legends such as Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Accept and Metal Church, Medevil have taken their self-described "power thrash" full of blistering fast riffs, strong choruses and vocalist Liam Colingwood's impressive vocals (you would swear it's Udo Dirkschneider from a distance) to present a debut of eight anthem chanting tracks.

The band's first single "Machination Factory" can be enjoyed now.

Tracklisting:

"Nightwalk"
"Machination Factory"
"An Empty Glass"
"In The Distance"
"The Angel Of Rain"
"A Sacrifice"
"Escape"
"The Fabled Uxoricide"

Catch Medevil live on tour:

For more information, visit Medevil on Facebook.

MEGADETH canceled its scheduled appearance earlier tonight (Friday, July 15) at the Rockmaraton festival in Dunaújváros, Hungary after the band's bassist, David Ellefson, fractured his foot.

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine broke the news via Periscope, telling fans that Ellefson "was walking across the ground [backstage before the show] and fell."

The Rockmaraton organizers immediately called an ambulance and Ellefson was transported to the Saint Pantaleon hospital in Dunaújváros, where his foot was placed in a cast. According to the organizers, Ellefson was in a good mood despite his injury and was taking selfies with the paramedics on his way back to the venue, still apparently believing that he would be able to play the show. Mustaine also seemed sure that the gig would happen, but apparently changed his mind shortly before MEGADETH was due to kick off the concert. The MEGADETH leader eventually went up on stage and announced the band's cancelation to disappointed fans.

Ellefson's injury is not expected to affect any of the remaining dates on MEGADETH's European tour, which resumes tomorrow (Saturday, July 16) at the Harley Days festival in Slovakia.

The MEGADETH bassist told Bandsintown earlier this year that he goes to the gym regularly and leads a "healthy lifestyle" while on tour.

In addition to Mustaine and Ellefson, MEGADETH's current lineup includes Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro, best known for his work with ANGRA, and former SOILWORK drummer Dirk Verbeuren.

MEGADETH is continuing to tour in support of its latest album, "Dystopia", which came out in January.

.@DaveMustaine on #Periscope: David Ellefson breaks his foot at concert https://t.co/v5kCqbgwF5

— Mandatory Metal (@MandatoryMetal1) July 15, 2016

82-year-old John Hetlinger, who became a viral video sensation last month when he belted out the DROWNING POOL classic "Bodies" on the NBC series "America's Got Talent", joined the band on stage earlier today (Friday, July 15) to perform the song at the Chicago Open Air festival. Video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

The Navy veteran and aerospace manager told KUSA that he was surprised by the reaction to his "America's Got Talent" performance.

"I didn't know two and a half thousand in the audience would react the same way that 30 drunks in the bar do, but they did!" he said.

"Everybody seems to think it's great that an old man is screaming 'let the bodies hit the floor!'" John added.

Hetlinger, who was a Navy pilot, later a minister and then an aerospace engineer for Ball Aerospace in Boulder where he worked on a team that made repairs to the Hubble telescope, said that he was not bothered by any of the criticism of his performance.

"There are reviews in all the heavy metal magazines and all over the world, but they include statements like, 'Well, admittedly he doesn't sing very well,'" John said with a laugh.

John, who also has ROB ZOMBIE's "Dragula" in his repertoire, got hooked on karaoke after singing during talent shows on cruise ships in the '90s.

"He likes attention," John's wife, Marcy, said. "He's the youngest of five kids."

DROWNING POOL guitarist CJ Pierce said he first heard about Hetlinger's performance when family and friends starting texting him about it, explaining: "I picked up my phone and I got a handful of texts from a number of people because I guess it got out yesterday ahead of the airing… I watched it, and man, I am so entertained by it. It's awesome to just see an 82-year-old man get out there and just belt out some metal — whether it was our song or any song, it was just killer to see him do that."

Pierce adding jokingly about DROWNING POOL's history of changing singers, "You know, we've had a revolving door, but Jasen Moreno is our man right now. But if he doesn't work out, we always know we've got John on the backburner."

"Bodies" was DROWNING POOL's first big hit back in 2001, when it appeared on the band's debut album "Sinner". The band's original singer, Dave Williams, died that August of heart disease.

Despite being a huge rock radio smash, it was removed from radio playlists for a while later that year in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

DROWNING POOL's sixth studio album, "Hellelujah", came out earlier this year and features the singles "By The Blood" and "Hell To Pay".

2016 marks the Ten Year Anniversary of Buckcherry's platinum selling album 15. This record was a very special moment in time for this band and there were so many obstacles that got in the way to get this record. They didn’t have a record deal, they didn’t have any money, they only had each other and the songs. And that’s exactly what they captured.

To celebrate, Buckcherry will embark upon the 15 Anniversary Tour with special guests Candlebox and Sons Of Texas this Fall; dates and venue info tba.

"We’re also very excited to announce that we will be releasing our platinum-selling album 15 on vinyl for the first time in October," says the band. "In addition, we’re working on a deluxe CD re-issue of 15 that will include bonus material. Both the vinyl album and deluxe re-issue will be released in October, but pre-order now on PledgeMusic and get exclusive updates and content over the next three months.

 

 

 

THE APOCALYPSE BLUES REVUE (formerly BLUE CROSS BAND), the new project from GODSMACK's Shannon Larkin and Tony Rombola, will release its self-titled debut album on August 26 via Provogue.

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Evil Is As Evil Does02. Junkie Hell03. Devil Plays A Strat04. I Think Not05. Whiskey In My Coffee06. The Tower07. Crossed Over08. Blues Are Fallin' From The Sky09. Work In Progress10. The Devil In Me11. Blue Cross12. When The Music's Over (bonus track)

A video clip of the members of THE APOCALYPSE BLUES REVUE talking about the song "Whiskey In My Coffee" can be seen below.

THE APOCALYPSE BLUES REVUE, whose lineup is rounded out by frontman Ray Cerbone and bassist Brian Carpenter, honors blues traditions, while etching their stamp on the genre in blood. "As far as blues goes, APOCALYPSE BLUES REVUE is a little heavier, a little darker, and has some punk rock attitude in the lyrics," affirms Shannon. "We wanted to make something deep that will provoke thought. It had to be evil, though. We're not trying to make it happy. It's called blues for a reason! It was also an opportunity to show the world what a phenomenal guitar player Tony is." Shannon witnessed Tony's knack for the style firsthand while writing together for GODSMACK's 2010 offering "The Oracle". Burnt out on metal and hard rock, the pair would loosely jam without boundaries. During one impromptu session in their Southwest Florida rehearsal spot, the drummer laid down a slow, simmering groove, and another side of the guitar player reared its head. "I couldn't believe it," smiles Shannon. "I didn't even know he was into blues or could play the way he does. My reaction was immediate. We had to officially start a blues band.” Provogue/Mascot Label Group's CEO Ed van Zijl was equally impressed when he heard the band for the first time: "This is a very cool band and they made a very cool record," he says." Melodic and groovin' blues rock with touches of Hendrix and THE DOORS. The whole album sounds very organic and natural, great songs and vibe as if they have been playing together for a long time. I love it!"

Talking about joining the label, Larkin adds: "We looked at Mascot's roster and track record, and made the decision on the spot. We didn't feel we needed to shop the band to any other labels; it just felt too perfect."

According to The Pulse Of Radio, AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry has been discharged from Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York after collapsing on stage Sunday night during a HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES show in Brooklyn, New York. He is said to be resting at home in suburban Boston.

Meanwhile, the VAMPIRES have continued with their U.S. tour, which had them in Cadott, Wisconsin last night. Joining the group on stage at the concert was Marilyn Manson on Alice Cooper's "I'm Eighteen". The band also went back to doing the three songs that AEROSMITH normally performs — "Sweet Emotion", "Come Together" and "Train Kept-a-Rollin'".

AEROSMITH singer Steven Tyler, who just released his debut solo album, said that he was extremely worried about Perry, claiming that he has been kept in the dark on his banmate's status — with some reports claiming Joe actually suffered a cardiac arrest. "I've had calls in for two days and I'm really concerned," Tyler said. "I don't know what's going on with him and his management people. I just don't know and it's starting to scare me a little bit. I know they're putting out nothing but, 'He's recovering, he's really good, he fainted, exhaustion.' But I know my brother. And he's just about the only other guy that's just as passionate about his art as I am. He's always askin' me to do three, four shows in a row. I know how to maintain my career, my health. I don't think he knows how to."

Tyler told The Pulse Of Radio it's very likely that the VAMPIRES' itinerary is simply too strenuous to allow Perry the time needed to recharge between gigs. "I think he's out there and someone's over-booking him," he said. "Even though one could say the band booked themselves; well, that's righteous of 'em, but they'e doing like eight or nine shows in a row — or five in a row. And I think they're all a little burnt. I think they need to look at that, Y'know, not young anymore, right?"

A teaser for "World Gone Mad", the new album from Venice, California crossover thrash/hardcore punk legends SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, is available below. Due on September 30, the follow-up to 2013's "13" disc will be the band's first to feature former SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo and guitarist Jeff Pogan, who replaced Nico Santora in May.

Lombardo recently told Metal Wani about ST's forthcoming CD: "I think it's very typical and very traditional SUICIDAL TENDENCIES. It's that style. It's [SUICIDAL TENDENCIES frontman] Mike Muir and he was a very special style in which he writes his music and his lyrics and his structures. And I love it; I love it. It takes me back to how it all started, which was that punk attitude. I'm very happy to be a part of his organization. I feel very welcomed. I feel very much appreciated, and there's a lot of respect amongst the musicians, and camaraderie. We have a really good time together. We hang out as a band, which is important; I feel it's very important."

In an interview with Jump Metal, Muir stated about Lombardo's musical contribution to the upcoming SUICIDAL TENDENCIES album: "It's interesting, because a lot of people, obviously, associate [Dave] with the SLAYER sound. On some of the SUICIDAL songs, it's different musically, and you can see how really a tremendously diverse drummer that he is. I think some of the songs, obviously, people that love his drumming, they're gonna hear it and they're gonna really, really, I think, enjoy it. He's really excited about it. He's getting to play some different kind of things, and it just brings a whole different intensity and rhythmic feel to the band. And he's definitely got the Cuban thing going on, that Latin flavor, where he gets to do a little bit more in SUICIDAL than he did in SLAYER. I think you hear it and you definitely know it's Dave, but it definitely takes us to another level."

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES' last album, "13", came out in March 2013. The band's first studio CD in 13 years sold around 3,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 187 on The Billboard 200 chart.

An 18-minute documentary on KORN's summer 2016 European tour — directed by Sébastien Paquet — can be seen below.

As previously reported, SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor will guest on KORN's upcoming twelfth album. KORN guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer told Metal Hammer magazine: "We have Corey singing on one track and it's going to be a fan favorite because he really lets loose." The as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2013's "The Paradigm Shift" is tentatively due later this year and marks the second KORN album since the return of guitarist Brian "Head" Welch.

Shaffer added: "On a heaviness scale of one to 10, with 10 being the 1994 self-titled, this album is a definite nine. When Head came back to us on the last record, it was our way of getting the wheels greased. Now everything is well-oiled and the machine works really well."

Welch recently spoke in detail about the sound of the new album. "I want a record like every song is just like, live, live, moshpit, jumping up and down, and so this is a record to me that the intensity of KORN is back, and the live energy," he told The Pulse Of Radio. "Raw energy is there. And Jonathan [Davis, singer] is just grabbing his soul and tearing it open for people to see, and I think the fans are really gonna feel it."

KORN is co-headlining with ROB ZOMBIE on the "Return Of The Dreads" tour this summer, beginning on July 19 in Englewood, Colorado. That trek winds down on September 3 in Bristow, Virginia.

KORN will also hit the road this fall with co-headliners BREAKING BENJAMIN for the "Nocturnal Underground Tour", which will kick off on September 24 in Fargo, North Dakota and run through late October.

Swedish heavy metal heroes Sabaton will release their new album The Last Stand on August 19th via Nuclear Blast. Today, the band have revealed the second single called "Blood Of Bannockburn".

The album can be pre-ordered in various formats here, or digitally here.

CD+DVD tracklisting:

CD
“Sparta”
“Last Dying Breath”
“Blood Of Bannockburn”
“Diary Of An Unknown Soldier”
“The Lost Battalion”
“Rorke’s Drift”
“The Last Stand”
“Hill 3234”
“Shiroyama”
“Winged Hussars”
“The Last Battle”

Bonus:
“Camouflage”
“All Guns Blazing”

DVD - Live @ Stereolux, Nantes (France)
“Intro (The March To War)”
“Ghost Division”
“Far From The Fame”
“Uprising”
“Midway”
“Gott Mit Uns”
“Resist And Bite”
“Wolfpack”
“Dominium Maris Baltici”
“Carolus Rex”
“Swedish Pagans”
“Soldier Of 3 Armies”
“Attero Dominatus”
“The Art Of War”
“Wind Of Change”
“To Hell And Back”
“Night Witches”
“Primo Victoria”
“Metal Crüe”

CD tracklisting:

“Sparta”
“Last Dying Breath”
“Blood Of Bannockburn”
“Diary Of An Unknown Soldier”
“The Lost Battalion”
“Rorke’s Drift”
“The Last Stand”
“Hill 3234”
“Shiroyama”
“Winged Hussars”
“The Last Battle”

Earbook tracklisting:

CD
“Sparta”
“Last Dying Breath”
“Blood Of Bannockburn”
“Diary Of An Unknown Soldier”
“The Lost Battalion”
“Rorke’s Drift”
“The Last Stand”
“Hill 3234”
“Shiroyama”
“Winged Hussars”
“The Last Battle”

Bonus:
“Camouflage”
“All Guns Blazing”
“Afraid To Shoot Strangers”

DVD - Live @ Stereolux, Nantes (France)
“Intro (The March To War)”
“Ghost Division”
“Far From The Fame”
“Uprising”
“Midway”
“Gott Mit Uns”
“Resist And Bite”
“Wolfpack”
“Dominium Maris Baltici”
“Carolus Rex”
“Swedish Pagans”
“Soldier Of 3 Armies”
“Attero Dominatus”
“The Art Of War”
“Wind Of Change”
“To Hell And Back”
“Night Witches”
“Primo Victoria”
“Metal Crüe”

Live CD - Live @ Stereolux, Nantes (France)
“Intro (The March To War)”
“Ghost Division”
“Far From The Fame”
“Uprising”
“Midway”
“Gott Mit Uns”
“Resist And Bite”
“Wolfpack”
“Dominium Maris Baltici”
“Carolus Rex”
“Swedish Pagans”
“Soldier Of 3 Armies”
“Attero Dominatus”
“The Art Of War”
“Wind Of Change”
“To Hell And Back”
“Night Witches”
“Primo Victoria”
“Metal Crüe”

2LP - 45 RPM tracklisting

Side A
“Sparta”
“Last Dying Breath”
“Blood Of Bannockburn”
“Diary Of An Unknown Soldier”
“The Lost Battalion”

Side B
“Rorke’s Drift”
“The Last Stand”
“Hill 3234”
“Shiroyama”

Side C
“Winged Hussars”
“The Last Battle”

Side D (Bonus)
“Camouflage”
“All Guns Blazing”

“The Lost Battalion” lyric video:

The Last Tour is the biggest tour of Sabaton yet and is scheduled to kick off January 7th at König Pilsener Arena in Oberhausen, Germany. Very special guests are none other than heavy metal legends Accept. Find Sabaton’s complete tour itinerary at this location.

Tesla guitarist Frank Hannon's new single, "Never Slowin' Down", is available now on iTunes and Amazon. The video for "Never Slowin' Down", which can be seen below, was filmed on June 12, 2016 in San Francisco, California during the 39th Annual Haight Ashbury Street Fair. An historic 75,000+ gathering of people in a spirit of peace, love and music featuring members of Jefferson Starship, Quicksilver Messenger Service, The David Neslon Band and a special celebration of the life of Paul Kantner.

"Never Slowin' Down" was written by and features vocals, guitars, and piano played by Frank Hannon, along with bass by Aaron Leigh and drums by Blake DeMoss.

It’s been said that lightning never strikes the same place twice. However, it does in the case of Tesla. The band has announced the release of a live recording of their classic album, Mechanical Resonance, Live!, celebrating the original multi-Platinum record’s 30th birthday in style.

With a few surprises up their sleeve, including the single “Save That Goodness” written and produced by Phil Collen of Def Leppard, the album will be released in Europe on August 26th. The record is being released in conjunction with Tesla’s US summer tour opening up for Def Leppard, where they will perform in front of over half a million fans.

Said Frank Hannon, “30 years later and the songs on our first album still rock! Making this new live album of Mechanical Resonance was a reminder of the innocence and creative beginnings of Tesla.”

Added Brian Wheat, "It was a lot of fun to re-visit some of the songs we hadn't played in decades and had a great time recording it. "

Over the course of their thirty-year career, which started in 1986, the iconic Sacramento melodic hard rock quintet - Frank Hannon [guitar], Brian Wheat [bass], Jeff Keith [lead vocals], Troy Luccketta [drums], and Dave Rude [guitar] - has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide and played to sold out crowds across the globe, their three albums that followed Mechanical Resonance all went multi-Platinum in the US. To say Tesla live is absolutely bombastic is an understatement, they are a hard rock band to beat all hard rock bands.

The 21st century has become something of a renaissance for Tesla. Most recently, 2014’s Simplicity bowed at #14 on the Billboard Top 200. The group ignited ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! in addition to scorching stages at festivals such as Rocklahoma, Graspop Metal Meeting, and Sweden Rock Festival as well as the cruise Monsters of Rock. As they prepare to cut their ninth full-length album with Phil Collen in the producer’s chair, Tesla takes another monumental leap forward as they glance back on Mechanical Resonance, Live!

Mechanical Resonance, Live! tracklisting:

“Rock Me To The Top”
“Ez Come Ez Go”
“Gettin’ Better”
“Comin’ Atcha Live”
“Changes”
“Before My Eyes”
“2 Late 4 Love”
“We’re No Good Together”
“Love Me”
“Cover Queen”
“Lil Suzie”
“Modern Day Cowboy”
“Save That Goodness” (Studio Track)

Tour dates:

July
15 - Detroit, MI - DTE Music Theatre
16 - Toronto, ON - Molson Canadian Amphitheater

August
6 - Madison, WI - Alliant Energy Center
8 - Evansille, IN - Ford Center
10 - Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube Center
12 - Atlanta, GA - Aaron's Amphitheater
13 - Raleigh, NC - Walnut Creek Amphitheater
15 - Tampa, FL - MidFlorida Credit Amphitheater
17 - Birmingham, AL - Oak Mountain Amphitheater
19 - Austin, TX - Austin 360
20 - New Orleans, LA - Smoothie King Center
22 - Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Pavilion
24 - Dallas, TX - Gexa Energy Pavilion
26 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center
27 - ST. Louis, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
29 - Cleveland, OH - Blossom Music Center
31 - Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake PAC

September
14 - Billings, MT - Metra Park
16 - Salk Lake City, UT - USANA Ampitheater
17 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center
19 - Albuquerque, NM - Isleta Amphitheater
20 - Phoenix, AZ - Ak-Chin Pavilion
22 - Irvine, CA - Irvine Meadows Amphitheater
24 - Sacramento, CA - Toyota Amphitheater (no Tesla)
25 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheater
28 - Boise, ID - Taco Bell Arena
30 - Eugene, OR - Matthew Knight Arena

October
1 - Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Dome
4 - Omaha,NE - CenturyLink Center
5 - Minneapolis, MN - Xcel Center
7 - La Crosse, WI - La Crosse Center Arena
8 - Toledo, OH - Huntington Center
10 - Cedar Rapids, IA - U.S. Cellular Center

Fan-filmed video footage of WHITESNAKE's July 14 performance in Villafranca di Verona, Italy can be seen below.

WHITESNAKE is continuing to tour in support of its twelfth studio album, "The Purple Album", which was released in May 2015 via Frontiers Music Srl. The effort is billed as "a re-imagination of classic songs from David Coverdale's time as the lead singer for DEEP PURPLE's Mark III and Mark IV studio albums." Coverdale was DEEP PURPLE's frontman from late 1973 to early 1976 and sang on the albums "Burn", "Stormbringer" and "Come Taste The Band".

Speaking to Macedonia's Metropolis Radio, Coverdale stated about what it has been like to perform classic PURPLE material after so many years: "The songs don't feel old when we perform them. I was listening to some of the live recordings from the U.S. tour, and they're fucking amazing. This band is great. They play WHITESNAKE music, of course, fantastic, but they play DEEP PURPLE music fantastic. It's definitely even more so than on the record. It's very powerful and you can tell the musicians are enjoying themselves and you can see it and you can hear it. And hopefully you can feel it too."

David went on to explain that "The Purple Album" was originally going to mark the end of his recording career but has since turned out to be the catalyst for the new WHITESNAKE band to work on new material. He said: "Well, it's interesting, because when I was mixing 'The Purple Album' with my co-producer Michael McIntyre and Reb [Beach, WHITESNAKE guitarist], it felt to me…You know, I was 63 years old, and I'm going, 'Man, how long do I have to do this? This would be a perfect closure for me — to finish as I started.' But it's just kind of… In essence, it's re-energized me. I still write new music. But it's just revitalized me… re-renergized. That's all I can say. So any ideas that I had of retiring… I was totally honest, when I was making interviews, that I thought, you know, 'This is probably it.' But I had an incredibly good time on this U.S. tour with my musicians. It was incredible."

He continued: "It was very important to us not just to… An amazing discovery for me, when I rediscovered this music, was how fucking incredible DEEP PURPLE was. 'Cause I'm not a nostalgic guy. I don't listen to this music all the time; not at all. I had to reintroduce myself to these songs. And it wasn't a situation of just recreating them; it was a situation of reinventing some of them. There was not one moment that I said to any of my musicians, 'I want you to play this like Ian Paice.' 'I want you to play this like Tommy Bolin or Glenn Hughes.' The musicians, starting with Tommy Aldridge on drums, came in and made their individual statement on these songs. Everybody contributed to this project in the most positive way, and even now that we've been performing these songs, it's even better than when we were recording them. And it just makes it more inspiring to look at the future for new stuff, with these guys. They are fabulous musicians, great people. I have no desire to hang up my rock and roll sneakers just yet."

WHITESNAKE's current touring lineup — David Coverdale (vocals), Joel Hoekstra (guitar), Reb Beach (guitar), Michael Devin (bass), Tommy Aldridge (drums) and Michele Luppi (keyboards) — made its live debut on May 28, 2015 at Northern Quest Casino in Airway Heights, Washington.

PURPLE classics revamped for "The Purple Album" include "Stormbringer", "Lady Double Dealer", "Soldier Of Fortune" and "Sail Away". The deluxe edition of "The Purple Album" features two bonus tracks, four music videos and a "Behind The Scenes" featurette on the recording of the album.

AEROSMITH frontman Steven Tyler's new song "Hold On (Won't Let Go)" has been named the new anthem for the Colorado-based bull riding organization Professional Bull Riders' CBS television broadcasts and live events. The track is featured on Tyler's debut solo album, "We're All Somebody From Somewhere", which is being released today (Friday, July 15) via Dot Records, underneath the Big Machine Label Group umbrella.

"Hold On (Won't Let Go)" will open PBR broadcasts on CBS Sports and CBS Sports Networks. It will also play at live events and be part of PBR's advertising/marketing campaigns, including a new social media effort starting Friday.

"It's a stand-out moment for our sport and we couldn't be more honored," said Professional Bull Riders CEO Sean Gleason in a statement. "'Hold On (Won't Let Go)' is the quintessential PBR anthem."

"Steven Tyler," Gleason added, "captures the essence of PBR like no other artist or song could."

"Hold On (Won't Let Go)" was written by Tyler along with five-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter Poo Bear and Jared Gutstadt, who has collaborated with Brad Paisley, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, Dierks Bentley and others, and produced by nine-time Grammy Award winner T Bone Burnett.

"Give Me the Reins", the debut video from CLOCKWORK REVOLUTION, the new band featuring former members of YNGWIE MALMSTEEN'S RISING FORCE, CRIMSON GLORY and KAMELOT, can be seen below.

Formed at the end of 2015, CLOCKWORK REVOLUTION is mastering its debut album, due later in the year. The disc contains ten original tracks that were recorded in August and November of 2015.

CLOCKWORK REVOLUTION cosnsists of drummer Patrick Johannson (W.A.S.P., YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, G3, GUS G., LYNCH MOB), singer Wade Black (LEATHERWOLF, CRIMSON GLORY, SEVEN WITCHES, LEASH LAW, WAR OF THRONES), bassist Dirk Van Tilborg (ALIAS, ATTAKK, CRIMSON GLORY, KAMELOT) and guitarist Dewayne Hart (KINLIN). According to a press release, they deliver "a powerful sound that draws from both modern and classic metal."

Talking about the album, Black said: "I've been in the music business a long time. All I can say about CLOCKWORK REVOLUTION is great musicians plus chemistry equals an album I'm really proud of."

For additional information, visit www.clockrev.com.

MEGADETH has announced the addition of Dirk Verbeuren as the band's new drummer. Verbeuren, formerly of Swedish metal band SOILWORK, has been performing with the band for months, his first show was Rock On The Range festival in May, to a crowd of 40,000 concertgoers. Most recently, LAMB OF GOD drummer Chris Adler had performed all the drums on the band's latest album, "Dystopia", and had toured with MEGADETH when not otherwise busy with his band. Said MEGADETH bandleader Dave Mustaine: "Chris Adler's contributions are sure to be felt for years to come. MEGADETH has been revitalized by Chris's playing, as well as his excellent suggestion of Dirk Verbeuren to drum with us. Tremendous thanks to Chris, and a big welcome to Dirk." Verbeuren, the 40-year-old Belgian-born-and-now-Los-Angeles-based drummer who had been playing with SOILWORK for more than a decade, had this to say: "Dave, David [Ellefson, bass] and Kiko [Loureiro, guitar], I'm thankful for your warm welcome and thrilled at the opportunity to perform and create badass music with you guys.

"Chris Adler, thank you for introducing me to MEGADETH — and for your encouragement and support." Said Adler: "It has been an honor and a pleasure to join my favorite band of all time, and to be a part of their return to the top. I had an amazing time with everyone involved, from the writing, arranging and recording, to the touring and friendships built along the way.

"There was no argument or drama, no hidden story. MEGADETH needs and deserves a full-time drummer, and as much as I'd like to be, I can't be in two places at once.

"For my part, I am very lucky to be a part of LAMB OF GOD, and to also have gotten a chance to dance with my heroes at the ball. I still can't believe it sometimes when I think of myself as a kid, opening up my MEGADETH albums...and now I'm an alumni! I'm very proud of that — and I will continue to be their biggest fan."

Adler, who called Verbeuren "probably [one of the] top three drummers in the world," recommended Dirk for the MEGADETH job this past spring after conflicting schedules prevented Chris from playing with the band at several U.S. festivals. Chris told Banger TV's "Lock Horns" how the connection came about. "We tried as much as we could with all the promoters and all the festivals to have us coincide and play on the same day. I've done double duty with LAMB and MEGADETH across the U.K. and done five shows with them along [another] tour, because we were able to collide and make those things happen. I love playing with those guys and I would love to be there, but obviously I cannot be in two places at once."

He continued: "Dave asked me… He said, 'As we're doing this, and if you're not able to be there… I understand you wanna fulfill your commitment with LAMB OF GOD. Help me find… Who would you want to drum for us?' He asked, 'If there was someone out there that you would personally recommend, personality-wise and playing-wise?'"

While Verbeuren was playing with MEGADETH, his seat in SOILWORK was occupied by Bastian Thusgaard of THE ARCANE ORDER. It is not clear if Thusgaard will now join SOILWORK on a more permanent basis.

Twin dual harpists Camille And Kennerly are back with a cover of the Iron Maiden track “The Trooper”. Check out the new video below:

Check out some of Camille And Kennerly’s previous videos below:

“Ice Queen” (Within Temptation):

“Carry On Wayward Son” (Kansas):

"Silent Lucidity" (Queensrÿche):

“One” (Metallica):

“Nemo” (Nightwish):

Black Crown Initiate are debuting another single today from their forthcoming LP. "Vicious Lives" is streaming below. A music video teaser for their title track "Selves We Cannot Forgive" is also available.

Black Crown Initiate recently announced the departure of longtime guitar player Rik Stelzpflug. Wes Hauch, formerly of The Faceless joins the band as his replacement.

"It's a really rare and awesome thing if you're able to find a group of dudes that you can genuinely get along with," says Hauch. "It's even more rare if your musical tastes and goals are congruent. I can definitely say that's the case right now in Black Crown Initiate and I'm very grateful. Things are great and I'm looking forward to the the future."

Black Crown Initiate will release their new album, Selves We Cannot Forgive, on July 22nd via Entertainment One Music (eOne).

Recorded and mixed by Carson Slovak & Grant McFarland (August Burns Red, Texas In July, From Ashes To New) at Atrium Audio Recording Studio’s in Lancaster PA, Selves We Cannot Forgive will be the follow up to the buzzworthy debut LP The Wreckage of Stars released at the end of 2014. The Wreckage of Stars also propelled the band into the international touring act it is today. BCI quickly found themselves on the road with the likes of Behemoth, Deicide, Napalm Death and Voivod.  

Selves We Can Not Forgive, the band’s sophomore album with Entertainment One, is a lean and focused collection that jettisons the extraneous fat found too often within ambitious metal bands, striking a balance between fearless adventurousness and methodical might. It follows The Wreckage of Stars, which together with their self-financed Song of the Crippled Bull EP introduced Black Crown Initiate’s unapologetic exploration of everything from Friedrich Nietzsche and Greek Sophist Gorgias to Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous mysticism, with a pragmatic skepticism.

Tracklisting:

“For Red Cloud”
“Sorrowpsalm”
“Again”
“Belie The Machine”
“Selves We Cannot Forgive”
“Transmit To Disconnect”
“Matriarch”
“Vicious Lives”

“Selves We Cannot Forgive” video teaser:

"Vicious Lives”:

“Selves We Cannot Forgive”:

"For Red Cloud”:

Black Crown initiate have hit the road supporting Australian import Ne Obliviscaris. "We are incredibly excited!" says guitarist Andy Thomas. "We are long-time fans and even opened for them on their first ever US show. We spoke about this possibility then, and the fact that it is happening makes us all very happy. We are sure that fans of progressive metal will get their fill! See you all there!"  

Tour dates:

July
14 - San Francisco, CA - DNA Lounge
16 - Portland,. OR - Hawthorne Theater
17 - Bellingham, WA - The Shakedown
18 - Seattle, WA - The Crocodile
19 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theater
21 - Edmonton, AB - Starlight Room
22 - Calgary, AB - Dickens
24 - Minneapolis, MN - Cabooze
25 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's
26 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Ballroom
27 - Toronto, ON - Mod Club
28 - Montreal, QC - Petit Campus
29 - New York, NY - Gramercy Theater
31 - Boston, MA - ONCE Ballroom

August
1 - Philadelphia, PA - Voltage Lounge
2 - Baltimore, MD - Soundstage
3 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
5 - Austin, TX - Dirty Dog Bar
6 - San Antonio. TX - The Rock Box
7 - Ft. Worth, TX - Rail Club
8 - Kansas City, MO - Riot Room
10 - Denver, CO - Bluebird
11 - Albuquerque, NM - Launchpad
12 - Phoenix, AZ - Joe's Grotto

Black Crown Initiate will join Born Of Osiris, Veil Of Maya and Volumes on the Sumerian Alliance European Tour in fall 2016. The run marks Black Crown Initiate's first visit to Europe.

Tour dates:

September
9 - Karlsruhe, Germany - Stadtmitte  
10 - Brussels, Belgium - VK  
11 - Leeds, UK - Key Club  
12 - Glasgow, UK - Classic Grand  
13 - Manchester, UK - Sound Control  
14 - Cardiff, UK - The Globe  
15 - London, UK - O2 Islington Academy  
16 - Tilburg, Netherlands - 013  
17 - Paris, France - Fleche d'Or  
18 - Toulouse, France - Metronum  
20 - Madrid, Spain - Changó   
21 - Barcelona, Spain - Salamandra 2  
22 - Montpellier, France - Secret Place  
23 - Milano, Italy - Legend Club  
24 - Lausanne, Switzerland - Cerbervs Fest  
25 - Saarbrücken, Germany - Garage  
26 - München, Germany - Backstage  
27 - Wien, Austria - Arena  
28 - Budapest, Hungary - Durer Kurt  
29 - Katowice, Poland - Mega Club  
30 - Leipzig, Germany - Täubchenthal  

October
1 - Köln, Germany - Euroblast   
2 - Köln, Germany - Euroblast   
3 - Berlin, Germany - Musik & Frieden
5 - Stockholm, Sweden - En Arena  
6 - Oslo, Norway - John Dee  
7 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Fangelset   
8 - Aarhus, Denmark - Atlas

Tickets at this location.

(Photo - Trevor Sweeney)

Steven Tyler says that he is "really concerned and worried" that he hasn't gotten any news from his AEROSMITH bandmate Joe Perry, who collapsed onstage and was hospitalized Sunday during a show with HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES.

The AEROSMITH singer tells Billboard.com that he's placed calls to check on the guitarist without any reply. "It's starting to scare me a little bit," Tyler says. "I know they're putting out nothing, but he's recovering, he's really good, he fainted, exhaustion. But I know my brother. He's just about the only other guy that's as passionate about his art as I am. He's always asking me to do three, four [AEROSMITH] shows in a row, and I can't. I'll blow my voice out. I know how to maintain my career, my health, and Joe's passionate. I don't think he knows how to. I think he's out there and someone's overbooking him. They're doing like eight or nine shows in a row, or five in a row. I think they're all a little burnt. I think they may need to look at that. Not young anymore, y'know?" 


Tyler adds that his primary concern is for the well-being of his longtime friend and not for the future of AEROSMITH, which is scheduled to kick off a South American tour on September 29.

"I don't give a shit about the band. I want Joe to live," Tyler says. "I'm really concerned and worried right now that I'm not getting any news. I'm a little bummed out, and that scares me. I don't know whether it's heat prostration or whether he's been working himself too hard or getting off on wrong things passionately. I don't know what it is, but I know that nobody's talking to me. I can only tell you that Joe's my brother and I love him so much."


The exact nature of Perry's illness has not been revealed, although unconfirmed reports suggest the 65-year-old rocker suffered a heart attack.

HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES canceled Monday night's scheduled performance on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert", but played Tuesday (July 12) in Kettering, Ohio. Wile Perry didn't make the show at the Fraze Pavilion, his bandmates — including Alice Cooper, actor Johnny Depp, ex-GUNS N' ROSES drummer Matt Sorum and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS bassist Robert DeLeo — set up his amps and other musical equipment to occupy the spot where he usually stood onstage. In addition, they donned buttons with Perry's initials.