Former ACCEPT singer Udo Dirkschneider says that he can live with the fact that he wasn't asked to step in for Brian Johnson on AC/DC's just-completed European tour.

AC/DC postponed the last ten dates of its recent North American trek after Johnson was advised to stop playing live or "risk total hearing loss." The band has since completed the European leg of its "Rock Or Bust" tour with GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose as a "guest vocalist" and Johnson apparently not returning to the band at all.

In a brand new interview with o Spark TV, which is part of the Czech monthly magazine Spark, Dirkschneider once again confirmed that he had not been approached by AC/DC to fill in for Johnson on any of the shows, but added about the Rose-AC/DC pairing: "I was a little surprised. Axl is doing a great job so far. And I think it was also a surprise for a lot of people. You know, everybody was, like, 'Axl Rose [singing for] AC/DC?' But in a way, it works, and, yeah, I think everybody is happy so far."

He continued: "I saw just one video clip from a festival in Portugal, and, yeah, it works. Everybody was a bit [unsure about it at first], but I think the sound is good. So I think it really works. But not forever."

Regarding the fact that he wasn't contacted about doing the AC/DC shows instead of Axl, Udo said: "Of course, a lot of people [are saying to me], 'Why aren't they asking you?' I said, 'I don't know. Ask AC/DC.' [Laughs] Nobody was asking me, nobody phoning, but I can live with that."

AC/DC guitarist Angus Young said in a recent interview with NDR.de that he's not really sure what AC/DC will do after wrapping up its current touring commitments with Rose on lead vocals. Young remarked: "We were committed to finishing this tour, so that's been our main goal, and Axl's helping us. I know he's very excited. He keeps saying, can he do more? But we don't really know at the end how we will [proceed]. But we wanna get [through] this tour, which we were committed to doing. We wanna finish it."

The European tour ended in Germany on June 15 and despite initial fan trepidation, Axl has gotten generally good reviews for his performances so far. Angus Young said: "I mean, under the situation that we had, it was very good that he volunteered and said, 'Hey, if I can help, let me try.' So he's been very good. And he had to learn a lot of songs very quickly, and he's done a great job."

The rescheduled dates of AC/DC's North American tour — which will be the band's first concerts here with Rose on lead vocals — will kick off in Greensboro, North Carolina on August 27, just five days after Rose completes his summer stadium run with GUNS N' ROSES.

Earlier this week, legendary British hard rockers DEEP PURPLE canceled the two shows they were scheduled to play in Sweden (Tuesday, June 14 at Gröna Lund in Stockholm and Wednesday, June 15 at Liseberg in Gothenburg) after one of the bandmembers became ill.

The group's drummer, Ian Paice, has now released the following statement explaining the circumstances that led to the concerts getting scrapped:

"To all the people who were expecting to see DEEP PURPLE in Sweden and Denmark this week, I would like to let you know the reason the shows were not possible,and also to stop all the speculation and rumours.

"On the morning of the 14th of June, I woke up to find that the right side of my body was feeling numb and I could not control my right hand and fingers. So I had myself admitted to hospital where I was diagnosed with having suffered a 'mini-stroke' or TIA. The hospital staff in Stockholm were amazing and started my treatment straight away.

"After both CT and MIR scans, there was found to be no serious or permanent damage. As of this moment, all I am suffering is a slightly numb right side of the face a tingling sensation in my right hand. My dexterity in the hand is coming back quickly and I fully expect to recommence touring next month. So now I have a set of tablets which have to be taken every day to ensure it doesn't happen again!.

"So sorry for not being able to play for you. And I'm sorry for myself!

"These are the first shows I have missed with DEEP PURPLE since its formation in 1968.

"Thanks to all the people who have shown concern and sent their best wishes."

DEEP PURPLE recently finished recording its new album for a late 2016 release. The follow-up to 2013's "Now What?!", which was tracked earlier this year at a studio in Nashville, Tennesse, was once again helmed by Bob Ezrin, who has previously worked with KISS, PINK FLOYD, PETER GABRIEL, ALICE COOPER and KANSAS, among others.

DEEP PURPLE's first new album in eight years, "Now What?!", topped charts in Germany, Norway and Austria and peaked at No. 19 in Britain.

DEEP PURPLE — which has been eligible for induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for two decades now — finally entered the Rock Hall as part of the class of 2016. The band's first three lineups were inducted, including drummer Ian Paice, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, late keyboardist Jon Lord, and various singers and bassists — Rod Evans; Ian Gillan and Roger Glover; and David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes.

THE DEAD DAISIES' new studio album, "Make Some Noise", will be released on August 5 via SPV. The effort, packed with huge hooks, giant, intense guitar riffs and glorious, distinctive vocals, celebrates the kind of rock 'n' roll that has gone from strength to strength ever since it emerged in the early 1970s and that sweaty clubs, concert halls and stadiums the world over would be impossible to imagine without. Each of the joyously performed, perfectly crafted, melody-drenched 12 songs instinctively aims straight for the centre of the listener's autonomic nervous system, totally enveloping the heart and soul and compelling them to move to the irresistible rhythm.

The official video for album opener "Long Way To Go" can be seen below.

"There are lots of very good reasons why this kind of rock 'n' roll has never gone out of fashion," band members David Lowy (RED PHOENIX, MINK), John Corabi (MÖTLEY CRÜE, RATT), Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE, DIO), Marco Mendoza (WHITESNAKE, THIN LIZZY) and Brian Tichy (OZZY OSBOURNE, FOREIGNER) all agree; "Our songs are simply timeless, immortal, classic! That's why working with THE DEAD DAISIES is so much fun, and that's why the reaction is always phenomenal, no matter when and where this band turns up."

"I'm very pleased with 'Make Some Noise'," says Aldrich. "It was a very productive time spent in Nashville and New York! The record is a straight-up rock n' roll record. Very raw and punchy. We didn't do lots of overdubbing of the guitars which I loved...it's really got a good vibe like the days we spent writing and recording. I think it is a cool record that adds to an already cool catalogue they the band had prior. The best part is the guys are all friends and very cool to be working together again!"

THE DEAD DAISIES were formed by guitarist and songwriter David Lowy, whose keen instinct and clear vision has guided the recruitment of an amazing revolving lineup of renowned musicians since the band's inception in 2012. Initially, Richard Fortus and Dizzy Reed of GUNS 'N' ROSES, plus THE ROLLING STONES band members Darryl Jones and Bernard Fowler, as well as John Tempesta and Charley Drayton of THE CULT, were involved. Lowy has once again enlisted incredibly talented international stars to record "Make Some Noise". "For me as a vocalist, this kind of high-caliber lineup is an absolute dream come true," enthuses Corabi, continuing: "When you work with THE DEAD DAISIES, everybody is amazingly motivated to deliver top performances."

From "Long Way To Go" onwards, this album rocks hard right through to the very last note. Cross references from legendary bands from the past feature just as much as highly contemporary sounds and trendsetting directives. Compositions such as "Mainline" and "Last Time I Saw The Sun" bring to mind the likes of AEROSMITH and MR. BIG, while "Song And A Prayer", with its fluid guitar licks and anthemic chorus, is mightily reminiscent of GUNS 'N' ROSES. "Make Some Noise", the title track itself, is nothing less than a self-confident, tongue-in-cheek rousing rock statement, bound to be chanted over and over by euphoric audiences at this consummate combo's electrifying live gigs.

"Make Some Noise", which was superbly recorded and produced by Marti Frederiksen (AEROSMITH, DEF LEPPARD, MÖTLEY CRÜE, BUCKCHERRY) in Nashville in February and March 2016, contains ten originals plus two inspired new incarnations of THE WHO's "Join Together" and CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL's "Fortunate Son".

THE DEAD DAISIES, a must-see live act who have already toured with the likes of ZZ TOP, AEROSMITH, BAD COMPANY, LYNYRD SKYNYRD and DEF LEPPARD, among others, have lined up a U.K. and Irish tour in July in support of "Make Some Noise".

Black Star Riders frontman Rick Warwick recently released two solo albums. The electrifying When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues) and the beautifully acoustic Hearts On Trees were released as a double CD on March 4th via Nuclear Blast.

A new video for “Schwaben Redoubt”, from Hearts On Trees, can be seen below:

With one album, When Patsy Cline Was Crazy… showcasing his electric rock and roll side. The other disc, Hearts On Trees,  veers towards the more tender stripped-back songwriting, influenced by both Americana and, more importantly, his Northern Irish roots.

Warwick comments: “Hearts On Trees and When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues) were written by myself and my good friend Sam Robinson, both albums depict our experiences of growing up and coming from the Greater East Belfast area, not only experiences that have happened to us but historical references and stories that have been told to us by friends and family... in saying that both albums translate those experiences on to a global scale that hopefully anyone geographically can relate to.”

The release boasts an array of acclaimed musicians with guests such as; Joe Elliot (Def Leppard), Damon Johnson (Thin Lizzy, Black Star Riders), Andy Cairns (Therapy?), Billy Morrison (Billy Idol), Nathan Connolly (Snow Patrol), Ginger Wildheart (The Wildhearts), Jake Burns (Stiff Little Fingers), Richard Fortus (Guns N’ Roses, The Dead Daisies).

Tracklist and formats as follows:

Double CD

CD1 When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)

“The Road To Damascus Street”
“Celebrating Sinking”
“When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)”
“Toffee Town”
“That’s Where The Story Ends”
“Johnny Ringo’s Last Ride”
“Gold Along The Cariboo”
“The Son Of The Wind”
“If Your Not Gonna Leave Me (I'll Find Someone Who Will)”
“Yesteryear”

Bonus Tracks:
“Ghost Town Road”’
“The Whiskey Song”
“Tank McCullough Saturdays” (Alternative Version)

CD2 Hearts On Trees
 “Presbyterian Homesick Blues”
“Tank McCullough Saturdays”
“Psycho”
“Hearts On Trees”
“Said Samson To Goliath”
“Way Too Cool For Snow”
“Schwaben Redoubt”
“The Year of Living Dangerously”
“Disasters”
“82”

Bonus Tracks:
“Love Owes”
“I Can See My Life (From Here)”
“The Ugly Truth”
“Hell Or Highwater”
“Eight Bells”

“When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)”:

“The Road To Damascus Street” lyric video:

Tired of waiting for the release of their debut album Sequins & C-Bombs, alt-harmony group The Lounge Kittens, have proffered their first video from the as yet undisclosed track listing. A tongue-in-cheek twist on AC/DC’s killer classic "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" sees the girls return to office jobs… as hitmen with a difference.

“The album doesn’t come out til September and frankly, we’re bored of keeping it all a secret” says Blue Kitten, Timia. “So we thought right, time to make some more videos – it’s been ages.”

And it seems there’s a lot more to come… “Whilst there’s some debate raging about which songs to release from the album and what would make a good single and blah, blah we decided we didn’t have enough to do so set ourselves the challenge of releasing a brand new video every month until the end of the year.” Zan Kitten (the Pink one) tells us.

“The videos are what the fans want. It’s what we’re best known for,” chimes in the little Red one, Jen “and they’re really fun to make! For example, this one we filmed over two night shoots, after working all day. But what’s more fun than hunting people through the streets of London armed with fistfuls of glitter!?!”

“We’ve wanted to do an AC/DC track for ages, the only question was which one?” enthuses Jen. “With so many bangers to choose from, 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' was the shy one hiding round the corner, just to the side of some of the more well-known hits squeaking ‘pick me, pick me’ and it totally works as a Kitten track.” “It’s so much fun to sing live” says Timia Kitten “like a cross between a smoke-filled backroom, speakeasy and a good ole knees up round the Joanna.” Pre-order The Lounge Kittens album now via PledgeMusic.
 

Former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Izzy Stradlin has posted a 30-second snippet of a new solo track, "Walk 'N Song", to be released later in the month. The song, which was recorded at Brotheryn Studios on Ojai, California and mixed with J.T. Longoria and Jason Mariani, features Stradlin on guitar and vocals, Rick Richards on lead guitar, Patrick Taz Bentley on drums and percussion and J.T. Longoria on bass and percussion.

Izzy originaly teased the track by posting a short video clip from the studio sessions in a tweet over the weekend.

Stradlin joined the social media site in February. In one of his first tweets, Izzy said that he would have "no involvement" in the April 2016 GUNS N' ROSES shows at the Coachella festival, Mexico and Las Vegas.

It was previously speculated that Stradlin would have some limited involvement — such as a guest appearance — at some of the GUNS N' ROSES reunion concerts, which currently feature Slash, Axl Rose and Duff McKagan.

Stradlin co-founded GUNS N' ROSES with childhood friend Axl Rose in 1985. He was major contributor to the band's classic 1987 debut LP "Appetite For Destruction" and the two "Use Your Illusion" albums in 1991, but quit the group that same year. The guitarist has maintained a low profile over the years, resurfacing periodically to make several surprise appearances at GUNS N' ROSES shows, including during the band's residency in Las Vegas in 2012.

Stradlin's last solo album, 2010's "Wave Of Heat", featured a guest appearance by McKagan.

Only Rose, Slash and McKagan from GN'R's "Appetite For Destruction"-era lineup took part in the first seven GUNS N' ROSES comeback shows in April. They were joined by drummer Frank Ferrer, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and guitarist Richard Fortus. Also appearing with them was second keyboardist Melissa Reese.

pic.twitter.com/vwVb47IMrr

— Izzy Stradlin (@IzzyStradlin999) June 16, 2016

Miami, Florida-based hard rock band, Gears, have released a lyric video for their track "End This”, from their Pride Comes Before The Fall EP, which is available now on iTunes. The "End This" lyric video is the third lyric video that has been released from the EP with the "Face Down" and "Take Away" lyric videos coming before it.

“People have strong opinions and beliefs regarding violence in our streets, more specifically concentrated around Police brutality. “End This” lyrically, is a look into both sides of it, the Police that we put our trust in to make difficult decisions in a split second and the victims of the brutality, who could be on either side. In the middle, we have the media. Depending on which media source you're getting your news from, will decide which political agenda you're being fed. We need to stop letting the media influence us to perpetuate the war of any racial or political agenda. Simply put, we need to END THIS. - Jimmy Wooten

“Take Away” lyric video:

“Face Down” lyric video:

Swedish metallers IN FLAMES have signed with Nuclear Blast for all territories excluding North America.

Formed in 1990, the band is considered one of the forefathers of melodic death metal and the purveyors of the "Gothenburg sound." With eleven studio albums released, countless successful tours around the globe, millions of records sold and a massive fanbase worldwide, IN FLAMES has proven to be an unstoppable force in heavy music. From their 1994 debut, "Lunar Strain", to the most recent CD, "Siren Charms" (2014), the band's intricate twin-guitar attack, melodic vocals and superb arrangements have given them a signature sound that has evolved throughout the years.

"In a way, IN FLAMES and Nuclear Blast share a similar story," said IN FLAMES vocalist Anders Fridén. "Both started in a garage in Europe, both love metal and both have grown a lot bigger over the years. For these reasons, it seemed a natural fit to come back to the place it all started."

"We're enormously happy that IN FLAMES decided to return and trust in us for the second time — Nuclear Blast is their home again from now on. I remember well how their debut album, 'Lunar Strain', inspired me back in the days. I was totally fascinated by their great and absolutely unique blend of death metal with delicate melodies," commented Nuclear Blast CEO Markus Staiger. "One year later, IN FLAMES signed with us and released eight splendid records over the years, including groundbreaking classics such as 'Whoracle', 'Clayman' and 'Reroute To Remain'. IN FLAMES developed all the time, reinvented themselves again and again and enthused fans of various genres with their always innovative sound. We're looking forward to the common future with Anders, Björn, Peter and Niclas."

IN FLAMES is planning to release a new concert DVD later in the year. The band has also been working on a new studio album, the details of which have not yet been announced.

IN FLAMES last year inked a new management deal with Tenth Street Entertainment, which also looks after MÖTLEY CRÜE and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, among others.

"Siren Charms" sold around 9,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 26 on The Billboard 200 chart.

IN FLAMES drummer Daniel Svensson announced last fall that he was leaving the band to focus on his family life. He said in a statement: "It's hard to leave what have become my second family, but now it's time for me to take care and spend more time with the most important people in my life — my wife and my three daughters."

IN FLAMES has not yet named a replacement for Svensson.

IN FLAMES is:

Anders Fridén - VocalsBjörn Gelotte - GuitarPeter Iwers - BassNiclas Engelin - Guitar

Former SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison revealed earlier this week that he has been fighting transverse myelitis, an inflammatory disorder that temporarily robbed him of the ability to play drums. Jordison and the members of SLIPKNOT have been silent and evasive about the reasons for his dismissal from the band in December 2013, but Jordison finally spoke about it on Monday night (June 13) while accepting an award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards in London, England.

After the ceremony in London, Metal Hammer spoke with Jordison, who gave further details on his condition. He said: "It was at the end of the memorial shows we did for [late SLIPKNOT bassist] Paul Gray. We were in Canada, at the end of my last run of shows with SLIPKNOT, and something happened to me but I didn't know what it was. I was super ill.

"You can be sick and still play, but this was something I'd never felt in my life before. We found out what I have is transverse myelitis — a neurological condition that hits your spinal cord, and it wiped my legs out completely. It's like having your legs cut off, basically.

"I played those last couple of shows and it scared the living shit out of me. I didn't know what it was."

Jordison added that some people thought he was "fucked up" when they saw him in pain, but he claimed "I wasn't even drinking. Everything was straight-laced and fucking perfect. Everything was on point.

"But I had to be carried to the stage. The pain was something I'd never experienced in my life before, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy."

Back in 2014, SLIPKNOT singer Corey Taylor told Metal Hammer that firing Jordison was "one of the hardest decisions" the group ever made, adding that Jordison is "in a place in his life" which is "not where we are."

At the time, Taylor told the magazine that he could not get into the details behind Jordison's firing "for legal reasons."

Jordison was a founding member of the band, one of its main songwriters and drummer for SLIPKNOT for 18 years.

SLIPKNOT's current drummer is Jay Weinberg, son of longtime Bruce Springsteen drummer Max Weinberg.

Jordison's new band, called VIMIC, will release its debut album, "Open Your Omen", later in the year.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, transverse myelitis is a neurological condition produced by abnormal inflammation in the spinal cord, resulting in a block of the nerve impulses and neurologic symptoms. Transverse myelitis is a rare disease, with a frequency estimated to be five new cases for every one million people.

SLIPKNOT was recently forced to postpone the first two weeks of its North American tour with MARILYN MANSON after SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor underwent what he described as "an unplanned spinal surgery." The trek, which also includes OF MICE & MEN in the opening slot, was supposed to kick off on June 9 in Salt Lake City but will now begin on June 28 in Nashville.

SLIPKNOT percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan told Metal Hammer about his bandmate: "We already have all the shows rescheduled so it's a hiccup, but it's not a big deal. The other thing is, we've been on this tour about two years. That's a lot, so it's amazing that we got this far."

He continued: "I think Corey's awesome. He got his neck cut in two, he's a singer, he's got to wear a mask with the neck support and we've got suits, we all know how big his neck gets — it gets huge. He went through some serious shit. What happened and what he had to do is pretty fucking serious, and the fact that he actually wants to go back out amazes me. But we're doing it and everything's cool. I've been talking to him and he's great, and things are good."

The summer trek is likely to be SLIPKNOT's last in support of its latest album, ".5: The Gray Chapter", which was released in October 2014.

Following the tour, SLIPKNOT and BLACK SABBATH will co-headline the combined Ozzfest Meets Knotfest, a two-day festival scheduled for September 24-25 in San Bernardino, California.

STITCHED UP HEART's debut full-length offering, "Never Alone", is available for streaming in its entirety using the SoundCloud widget below. The CD is set for a June 17 release via Another Century.

STITCHED UP HEART singer Mixi Demner states: "When I formed this band, I was depressed and going through heartbreak.

"The name is supposed to give people strength and courage.

"We all go through things that make us think we can't go further, but, especially when times are bad, I want people to see that time will pass and it will get better.

"The hopeful lyrics on this record are on purpose.

"I've been living in the dark for too long. It's time to come into the light.

"You need to pick yourself up, because nobody is going to do that for you.

"There are some sick people out there, but there is beauty in everyone and you need to love yourself before you can stitch that heart back up."

STITCHED UP HEART is described in a press release as "a band built around the strength that comes from realizing we are the only ones that control our lives, and focused on the hope that reminds us there is always light at the end of the darkest tunnel. It's something heavy and powerful, jarring the album's epic closing track 'I Can't Breathe' from a piano-paced ballad that would do Lady Gaga proud, to a metallic onslaught of drop-tuned guitars that is sure to see the band sharing a stage with the hardest of their hard rock peers. And it is something undeniable, Mixi's voice taking flight amidst anthems of self-awareness that bridge the unrelenting confidence of IN THIS MOMENT's Maria Brink and the soulful transcendence of Adele."

Professionally filmed video footage of CHILDREN OF BODOM's performance at the French edition of the Download festival, which was held June 10-12 at Hippodrome de Longchamp in Paris, can be seen below.

Featured songs:

00:23 - 01. Follow The Reaper03:48 - 02. Silent Night, Bodom Night06:47 - 03. Hate Me!12:36 - 04. Trashed, Lost & Strungout16:33 - 05. Morrigan21:49 - 06. In Your Face26:09 - 07. Angels Don't Kill32:29 - 08. I Worship Chaos36:08 - 09. Scream For Silence41:04 - 10. Lake Bodom45:20 - 11. Children Of Decadence51:17 - 12. Downfall

In a recent interview with Ultimate-Guitar.com, CHILDREN OF BODOM frontman Alexi Laiho spoke about the recent addition of touring guitarist Daniel Freyberg (NAILDOWN, NORTHER) to the band's lineup. He said: "I've actually known him for over ten years. He's played in a couple bands so I always knew he could play guitar. When we started looking for a new member, or at least somebody to do the shows with, we tried out a couple guys who didn't live in Finland and it didn't work out and this guy, he was right there and he just informally brought it up, like, 'Hey, if you guys need any help, let me know.' I hadn't heard him play in a while, so I had him send me a video with a couple of riffs to see if he could still play, and he rocks. He's a hard-working dude. He's a quick learner, and so far it's been awesome. But the thing is, we haven't really decided if we're going to have him as a permanent member or not. We're still not sure what's going to happen for sure."

Laiho added that there is a lot more to being in a band than just playing ability.

"When you think about it, the playing part is such a small part of being in a band because the playing should be there no matter what," he said. "Being in a band is more about having people you get along with. We're the kind of band who is constantly on the road, so you do basically live with each other so it's super important that we get along. If there's one guy that bums another guy out, it can be pretty destructive. I've seen that happen to so many bands, and I don't want that around."

CHILDREN OF BODOM in May 2015 announced the departure of the band's guitarist of ten years, Roope Latvala. Laiho told Artisan News about Roope's exit from the group: "We were at a phase where we wanted to, sort of, have a new beginning and reinvent ourselves, on a certain level. And everybody — all four of us — were pushing it harder and putting more effort on the band and just working extra, extra hard. And he wasn't quite there with us, you know, as far as the level of work ethics and, you know, stuff like that. So we felt like everyone's better off if we part ways at this point, and that's what happened. And, yeah, it [happened] three days before we hit the studio [to record the new CHILDREN OF BODOM album, 'I Worship Chaos'], but it was not… I mean, it was something that everybody was sort of anticipating already. And I had… To be honest, I had decided, a month or so before that, that I was gonna do all the guitars on the album. Because, like I said, it wasn't just working out with him."

He continued: "I don't wanna talk shit or anything; it's just that that happens. It's life. And you can't dwell on it. It sucks. It really does, man. He was around for twelve years, and, for us, the band, it really is a family, and losing a member, it's a big deal for us. 'Cause we're not the type of band [where] we change members every other week. But, you know, you've gotta move on. And that's that, really."

CHILDREN OF BODOM last year recruited Antti Wirman, the younger brother of the band's keyboardist Janne Wirman, to handle second-guitar duties for some of their shows.

BODY COUNT, the metal band fronted by hip-hop legend, actor and director Ice-T, has inked a worldwide deal with Century Media Records. The group has entered the studio with producer Will Putney (MISS MAY I, UPON A BURNING BODY) to begin recording its new album for a late 2016 release. Putney also helmed BODY COUNT's last effort, "Manslaughter", which received critical acclaim for its sheer abrasiveness and unabashed brutality.

Ice-T states: "It's cool to be a member of the Century Label Group alongside such a lot of well-established metal artists.

"With our last album, 'Manslaughter', we tested the waters and got a great response from the fans and critics. Now it's time to go kill it and make a more aggressive album and keep the BODY COUNT style intact.

"Will Putney is like a member of the band and has an excellent ear. He's a great producer because he captures the true essence of our band's sound. Once we are done writing the song, it's his job to step in and make it sound better. He helps move the record in the right direction. We're anticipating working with him again.

"Once the record's done, we're going to shoot a lot of music videos and perform spot-dates on certain tests, etc."

BODY COUNT's 2014 comeback album "Manslaughter", saw Ice-T modernizing some of the lyrics, adding references to Xbox, email passwords and vegans.

"Manslaughter" sold around 3,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 102 on The Billboard 200 chart. The record arrived in stores on June 10, 2014 via Sumerian.

In an interview with Esquire, Ice-T stated about his decision to bring back BODY COUNT: "The band wanted to get back together. The band lives in L.A., and I live [in New Jersey], so Ernie [guitar] was calling me, saying, 'Ice, let's rock and roll!' I said that I didn't want to do a mixtape. I don't want to do another album unless I write the music, because on the previous album, in 2006, I kinda mailed it in. They wrote the music in L.A. and sent me the tracks, I wrote the lyrics, and I just kinda walked away. I didn't mix it, I didn't do anything to it, and the record suffered. And I didn't want to do another one unless we had a real shot at making a good record together."

BODY COUNT's current lineup includes guitarist Juan Garcia (a.k.a. Juan Of The Dead; AGENT STEEL, EVILDEAD), who made his live debut with the group in November 2013 at the Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, Texas.

A piece of black metal history has been lying dormant for over two decades, deep in the shadowy abyss of dust-ridden, musty vaults. The authors of this forbidden rite decided the world was not quite ready for its offering in 1995, and thus locked it away from the light. But the years passed, and gradually it's power grew too strong. Freed from its vault by genre-defining creators Cradle Of Filth and the recently resurrected extreme music label Cacophonous, the two have joined forces to finally unshackle the unreleased sophomore album Dusk… And Her Embrace: The Original Sin as a CD and digital album on July 8th. A vinyl LP version will be available later this year.

“The wait is over. The original Dusk… And Her Embrace is dragged kicking and screaming into the world, and people can finally hear for themselves what a true masterpiece it is.” – Neil Harding, Cacophonous Label Head.

Tracklisting:

“Macabre, This Banquet”
“Nocturnal Supremacy”
“Heaven Torn Asunder”
“Dusk And Her Embrace”
“A Gothic Romance”
“The Graveyard By Moonlight”
“Funeral In Carpathia”
“Beauty Slept In Sodom”
“The Haunted Shores Of Avalon”
“Carmilla’s Masque”
“A Gothic Romance” (Bonus Demo Track)
“Nocturnal Supremacy” (Bonus Demo Track)

Two new trailers, as well as the initial brief teaser, can be enjoyed below:

Cradle Of Filth signed to Cacophonous in 1994, releasing their debut album, The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh on an unsuspecting world, consequently landmarking themselves at the forefront of the extreme music movement. With their writing becoming more fluid, more confident, Dusk… And Her Embrace: The Original Sin is the precursor to the band’s sound as it is today, and a must-have for any extreme music fans.

Marilyn Manson is featured in a trailer for the new film "Let Me Make You A Martyr", which will premiere at Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal next month. The crime movie about an abusive father reunites "Sons Of Anarchy"'s Mark Boone Junior with the shock rocker and erstwhile "Sons" actor, who plays a Native American hit man named Pope.

Manson told Rolling Stone about the reunion with Boone: "Mark brought me into the project. We were friends from 'Sons Of Anarchy'. He's sort of my unwanted mentor. He tells me what to do. He's always encouraged me, but he's very bossy about it. He says things like, 'You gotta do this, motherfucker. You'll like this.'"

Manson was excited about "Let Me Make You A Martyr". "It was the biggest role that I've played," he said. "On the script, I'd say I was on half of the pages. I don't know how the movie will end up though."

The role won't be Manson's first foray into movies. He has also appeared in films like "Lost Highway", "Party Monster" and "Jawbreaker". In addition, he has a diverse line of television credits on his acting resume, having popped up on "Once Upon A Time" as the voice of Shadow, a more nefarious version of the mischievous character from the classic Peter Pan stories. Manson's other small screen exploits include turns on "Eastbound And Down" and "Californication".

Los Angeles based goth pop outfit The Haxans have debuted their new single, titled "Party Monster". The breakout new group features New Years Day vocalist Ash Costello and Rob Zombie bassist Matt Montgomery (Piggy D). Check out the catchy new track below, and make sure to follow the band via their official website and Facebook page.

“The Haxans is like a '70s spook-show club dance party. The song “Chains” (which can be heard below) is the first song that we recorded together and it has such a groovy vibe. The lyrics are about someone who is like a ghost in your life. Someone that just won’t go away. This song is the direct message to them,” says Ash.

Matt states: "We’re like a goth pop Sonny And Cher. A death rock Donny And Marie. It's a brand new sound from the underground!”

Matt tells the story of their first encounter: “Ash and I met and immediately slow danced down the Black Carpet at the Golden Gods Awards. The moment we met I thought 'now here's a girl who likes The Haunted Mansion and Halloween as much as I do… so, what would it sound like if we made a record together?' A year later we were doing just that."

Ash further adds: “The next time I ran into him was at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Later that week I got a message from him asking if I would be interested in doing a project together. What’s really amazing about working with him is how easy it is. Songs just started forming organically, although it did take a while simply because of both of our busy touring schedules. This isn’t like NYD, or anything I’ve ever done before."

Salt Lake City's Chelsea Grin have released a video for “Broken Bonds”, a song from their upcoming album and Rise Records debut, Self Inflicted, which is out July 1st. Watch the new video below. Pre-orders are now live at Merch Now and iTunes.

Self Inflicted Tracklisting:

"Welcome Back"
"Four Horsemen"
"Love Song"
"Clickbait"
"Skin Deep"
"Scratching and Screaming"
"Strung Out"
"Broken Bonds"
"Life Sentence"
"Never, Forever"
"Say Goodbye"

"Broken Bonds" video:

"Skin Deep”:

"Clickbait”:

Chelsea Grin will spend their summer on the Van's Warped Tour. They will appear on the entire trek, which begins June 24th and runs through August 13th, laying waste to stages across the country.

Skeletonwitch have transcended genre boundaries over the past decade with their trademark mixture of blackened thrash, death and heavy metal. It should therefore come as no surprise that their new EP, The Apothic Gloom (due August 19th), features some of their catchiest riffs and most pummeling rhythms to date, as well as more shredding than ever before. For proof, check out the seven-minute "Red Death, White Light," which is now available for instant download along with any digital pre-order of The Apothic Gloom. Stream the epic track below.

Channeling new energy via the addition of Adam Clemans (Wolvhammer) on vocals, the Ohio-based quintet headed to Baltimore's Developing Nations Studio earlier this year to record The Apothic Gloom with producer Kevin Bernstein (Noisem, Mutilation Rites).

The complete tracklisting for The Apothic Gloom is as follows:

“The Apothic Gloom”
“Well Of Despair”
“Black Waters”
“Red Death, White Light”

Physical pre-orders are now available at this location. Options include:
- 180-gram black vinyl (1000 copies)
- White/yellow marble vinyl (800 copies)
- Clear vinyl (100 copies)
- Light Grey Cassette Tape (125 copies)
- Metallic Gold Cassette Tape (125 copies)
- Digipak CD
All of the above options can be paired with a t-shirt or raglan featuring the intense album artwork completed by Sin Eater Illustrations.

Skeletonwitch - No Sleep 'Til Vancouver Tour Dates:

August
2 - Boston, MA - Once Ballroom
3 - Burlington, VT - Nectar’s
4 - Quebec City, QC - L’Anti Bar
5 - Ottawa, ON - Ritual
6 - Montreal, QC - Katacombes
8 - London, ON - Rum Runners
9 - Toronto, ON - Lee’s Palace
11 - Thunder Bay, ON - Crocks
13 - Winnipeg, MB - Windsor Hotel
15 - Saskatoon, SK - Amigos Cantina
16 - Edmonton, AB - Mercury Room
17 - Calgary, AB - Dickens Pub
19 - Vancouver, BC - The Rickshaw Theater
20 - Victoria, BC - Logan’s Pub
22 - Spokane, WA - The Pin
25 - Madison, WI - The Frequency
26 - St. Louis, MO - Firebird
27 - Columbus, OH - Ace of Cups

Southern California’s Nails will release You Will Never Be One Of Us tomorrow, June 17th, via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. A full album stream can be found below.

You Will Never Be One Of Us was recorded, mixed and produced by Kurt Ballou (Converge, High On Fire). Artwork was created by WHTHD. Pre-order the album in CD or vinyl format, with or without several bonus items, from the Nuclear Blast web shop. Pre-order the album digitally right now through iTunes or Amazon and receive the title track instantly.

You Will Never Be One Of Us tracklisting:

“You Will Never Be One Of Us”
“Friend To All”
“Made To Make You Fall”
“Life Is A Death Sentence”
“Violence Is Forever”
“Savage Intolerance”
“In Pain”
“Parasite”
“Into Quietus”
“They Come Crawling Back”

Album stream:

“You Will Never Be One Of Us” video:

In support of their new album, Nails has announced several worldwide tour dates. Confirmed shows are listed below.

Tour dates:

June (with Full Of Hell, God’s Hate, Eternal Sleep)
17 - The Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL
18 - The Loving Touch - Femdale, MI
19 - Hard Luck - Toronto, ON CANADA
20 - Les Foufounes Electriques - Montreal, QC
21 - Middle East - Cambridge, MA
22 - Marlin Room at Webster Hall - New York, NY
23 - Underground Arts - Philadelphia, PA
24 - Ottobar - Baltimore, MD
25 - Strange Matter - Richmond, VA

July (with Terrorizer, Freedom, Nomads)
20 - Brick By Brick - San Diego, CA
21 - Constellation Room - Santa Ana, CA
22 - The Roxy Theatre - West Hollywood, CA
23 - Thee Parkside - San Francisco, CA (no Terrorizer)

August
5 - This Is Hardcore Festival - Electric Factory - Philadelphia, PA

October
21 - Southwest Terror Fest - 191 Toole - Tucson, AZ

November (with Full Of Hell)
4 - Cathouse - Glasgow, Scotland
5 - Damnation Festival - Leeds, England
6 - The Fleece - Bristol, England
7 - Underworld - London, England
8 - Point Ephemere - Paris, France
9 - Trix - Antwerp, Belgium
10 - Underworld - Cologne, Germany
11 - Aalborg Metal Festival - Aalborg, Denmark
12 - Babel - Malmo, Sweden
13 - Hafenklang - Hamburg, Germany
14 - Musik & Frieden - Berlin, Germany
15 - Futurum - Prague, Czech
16 - Arena - Vienna, Austria
17 - Hansa 39 - Munich, Germany
18 - Keller Club - Stuttgart, Germany
19 - Doorroosje Indoor Fest - Nijmegen, Netherlands

(Photos - Jimmy Hubbard)

Bay Area natives and thrash metal band, Hatchet, have released an official music video for the track “Tearing Into Hell”, from their latest album, Fear Beyond Lunacy, available now via The End Records.

Says Hatchet's founding member, vocalist, and lead guitarist, Julz Ramos: "This song is the most aggressive track from our latest album, so as a band, we wanted the video to feel similarly dark and intrusive. As the mind behind the lyrics, I especially wanted to convey the subject matter of the song in no uncertain terms - that the most horrific of evil that exists commonly in our everyday lives; serial murderers hide among us in plain sight. Countless remain at large, even more are undiscovered, and some have yet to strike.

“Most of the images and clips in the video focus on the well-known killers. But their crimes have earned them a special place in what we consider Hell. And these people don't just go to Hell, they make a grand entrance, holding a very earned spot for eternity. They Tear Into Hell!"

Florida power metal act Seven Kingdoms have unveiled the tracklisting and cover art for their forthcoming EP, In The Walls. This EP will feature two songs from their upcoming full length, to be released in January 2017. Along with these two songs, Seven Kingdoms have also fully re-recorded "The Bloody Meadow" and "Stormborn" from their first album, Brothers Of The Night.

These two re-recorded songs will be available exclusively on the physical pressing of the EP, which will be limited to 400 copies. Each EP will be hand numbered, signed and feature the 'Edition 1' labeling on the back. There will be no digital downloads available for this EP.  Dusan Markovic created the amazing artwork for the EP. Fans will be able to order their copies of the EP, and other supporting merchandise via the EP's Kickstarter Campaign when it launches on July 19th. Perks start shipping in September 2016. 

Tracklisting:

"In The Walls" 
"Undying"
"The Bloody Meadow" (Brothers Of The Night, Re-recorded) 
"Stormborn" (Brothers Of The Night, Re-recorded)

The EP and album are currently being recorded with Jim Morris (Iced Earth, Savatage, Death) and Phil Pluskota (Abiotic, King Conquer) at North Avenue Studios and Morrisound Recording and plan to wrap sometime in July. The EP will be mastered at Morrisound Recording while the full length album will be mastered by Jacob Hansen (Avantasia, Evergrey, Volbeat). Full length album details will be announced at a later date. 

Commented Seven Kigdoms guitarist Camden Cruz: "We are really happy to finally get some of this new material out there. It has been four years since the release of The Fire Is Mine, and we cannot wait to top that record with the upcoming EP and album! The material sounds like a power metal avalanche with a freight train going through it. This album is all about harnessing what power metal really means to us and kicking the listeners ass while they sing along to the hooks and melodies."

Seven Kingdoms will also embark on a series of shows in October to support the EP and the album crowd funding campaign. Catch them live at the following venues: 

October
28 - The Orpheum - Tampa, FL
29 - The Haven - Orlando, FL
30 - Cafe DaVinci - DeLand, FL

 

Grammy Award-winning Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS have unveiled the music video for their current single, "Dark Necessities", from their upcoming new album "The Getaway", which will be released tomorrow (June 17) via Warner Bros. Records. The clip was directed by actress Olivia Wilde and features notable female long boarders Carmen Shafer, Amanda Caloia, Amanda Powell and Noelle Mulligan.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS frontman Anthony Kiedis stated about the band's decision to work with Wilde: "We received [her treatment] and it was very simple and it was about this dark and bruised side of these athletes, these female skateboard athletes and it was just easy and simple and we were trying to do simplicity." He added abut the experience: "I like it a lot. I like her a lot, I like the video a lot and I'd work with her again."

Wilde's only previous directing credit is a short film called "Free Hugs". Her acting resume includes roles on the TV series "Vinyl", "House" and "The O.C.", while her film credits include "The Lazarus Effect", "Her", "Tron: Legacy", "Rush", "The Change-Up", "Cowboys And Aliens" and many more.

CHILI PEPPERS bassist Flea told The Pulse Of Radio that "Dark Necessities" almost didn't become the first single. "I mean, I knew that was a good song," he said. "There was another one that was gonna be the first single and then we… Like, we already told the record company, 'Okay, we're gonna do this one,' and then we changed our mind and went to 'Dark Necessities'. But I'm glad we went with it. What I like about this record is that every song really occupies its own space, the songs don't repeat themselves, and that one was a great song. It's dynamic and it just feels great to play, you know. It has a real pull to it."

"The Getaway" will follows up 2011's "I'm With You".

Photo credit: Steve Keros

In the early hours of Wednesday, June 15, following the STATUS QUO gig at Expo 2016 in Antalya, Turkey, guitarist Rick Parfitt suffered a suspected heart attack. The 67-year-old rocker is being treated in a hospital in Turkey, and while his condition is serious, he has already demanded his customary cup of tea with two sugars and a sweetener. STATUS QUO had already agreed to perform at the Rock On Windermere charity show on Saturday, June 18 to raise funds for the Cumbria Flood Appeal. Rick and the band did not want to cancel this important show, and so it will go ahead with Freddie Edwards, the son of QUO bassist John "Rhino" Edwards, stepping in for Rick. It is likely that Freddie will stay with the band to allow them to honor their commitments and not let down the fans up to and including the show on Sunday, July 3 at Gröna Lund in Stockholm, Sweden. Simon Porter, STATUS QUO's manager, said: "No further comment will be made at this stage until the completion of the next round of tests and assessments to be made over the next few days. We would ask you to respect the family's privacy at this difficult time."

Parfitt has experienced a number of health setbacks over the years, including a quadruple heart bypass in 1997, a throat cancer scare in 2005 and a heart attack in 2011.

STATUS QUO was forced to cancel a number of shows in 2014 after Parfitt was told by doctors to rest following surgery to correct a problem with his previous heart bypass.

Parfitt and STATUS QUO frontman Francis Rossi recently announced they were hanging up their electric guitars for good following one final tour.

From The Law Offices Of Levin Minnemann Rudess, the new album from Levin Minnemann Rudess, will be released on July 15th via Lazy Bones Recordings.

This follow-up to their 2013 self-titled debut album features Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson), Marco Minnemann (Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani) and Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater).

The album is available for pre-order now in various formats at this location. More options available via the PledgeMusic page.

Listen to audio snippets at this location, and check out a promo video below:

German metallers Grave Digger recently unveiled the first details of their upcoming studio album, scheduled for an early 2017 release.

The band, featuring frontman Chris Boltendahl, is already busy in the studio recording the new album. But no rest for the wicked, as they will be hitting the road in North America with their German mates in Blind Guardian, and in Europe in early 2017.

Chris Boltendahl states: “New album, new tour! On January 13th, 2017 we will release our brand new and upcoming album! We’re currently in the recording studio and we are so much looking forward to be touring again! We’ll present a huge and intensive metal package live on tour together with Mystic Prophecy, as well as on our album! 36 years of Grave Digger – metal is alive. Forever!”

Tour dates:

September (with Blind Guardian)
9 - The Orpheum - Tampa, FL
10 - Revolution - Fort Lauderdale, FL
12 - Ziggy's By The Sea - Wilmington, NC
13 - Cats Cradle - Chapel Hill, NC
15 - Webster Hall - New York, NY
16 - The Palladium - Worcester, MA
19 - London Music Hall - London, ON
20 - The Crofoot - Pontiac, MI
22 - Sokol Auditorium - Omaha, NE
23 - The Rave II - Milwaukee, WI
24 - Pierre’s Entertainment Center - Fort Wayne, IN
26 - Warehouse Live - Houston, TX
27 - Gas Monkey Live - Dallas, TX
29 - The Summit Music Hall - Denver, CO
30 - The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT

October (with Blind Guardian)
1 - House Of Blues - Las Vegas, NV
2 - Observatory North Park - San Diego, CA
4 - The Fonda Theatre - Los Angeles
5 - The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA

January
13 - Peine, Germany - Black Hand Inn
14 - Coesfeld, Germany - Fabrik
19 - Berlin, Germany - Columbia Theater
20 - Geiselwind, Germany - Eventzentrum Music Hall
21 - Glauchau, Germany - Alte Spinnerei
22 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - Rockfabrik
27 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
28 - Graz, Austria - Explosiv

February
10 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
11 - Bochum, Germany - Zeche
16 - München, Germany - Backstage
17 - Memmingen, Germany - Kaminwerk
18 - Andernach, Germany - Juz-Live-Club

ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian says that "For All Kings" won't be the band's final album despite drummer Charlie Benante's suggestion to the contrary.

Ian's comments came only hours after Benante gave an interview to EonMusic in which he said the "inspiration" to make another LP "may not be there."

Benante said: "I don't even know if there will be another record. This may be our last record. I'd rather go out on a high."

But Ian said via Twitter: "Don't let clickbait headlines fool you. There will be more ANTHRAX records."

In a 2015 interview with Overdrive, Ian said that the writing process for "For All Kings" didn't start until 2012. He explained: "We were out on the road in America on the [Rockstar Energy Drink] Mayhem tour and then back [in Europe] with MOTÖRHEAD near the end of that year. Charlie stayed home from that tour, because that's when his hand really started to become a problem, so that whole time he was home, he was working on the new material. Then in early 2013, when Frank [Bello, bass], Charlie and I got together in the jam room in my house, that's when the official writing really started for this new album."

Benante told The Aquarian Weekly that he was motivated to conjure a vintage ANTHRAX vibe during the early stages of writing "For All Kings".

"The first three or four songs I had for this record were flat-out thrash, a throwback to the old days, and they needed to be written," Benante explained. "I became possessed by my guitar. It was like my guitar was making me write these songs."

After penning the first few speed-laden tunes, the band chose to get adventurous.

"We wanted to explore different types of songs, and have this musical landscape that takes you somewhere from start to finish," Benante said.

"For All Kings" sold 34,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 9 on The Billboard 200 chart. It was ANTHRAX's first studio album since 2011's "Worship Music" (No. 12 peak with 28,000 sold in its first week) and followed the 2013 covers set "Anthems" (No. 52; 8,000 sold in its debut frame).

Don't let clickbait headlines fool you. There will be more @Anthrax records. Cheers friends. pic.twitter.com/RpoRIBHbmq

— Scott Ian (@Scott_Ian) June 15, 2016

Roadrunner Records group, Kvelertak, have released the official music video for “Nattesferd”, the title track from their new album, which arrived this past May.  

The otherworldly clip - produced by Norwegian production company Bacon and directed by Jakob Marky - is streaming below. The video was filmed in Fårö, a Baltic Sea island off the south eastern coast of Sweden where Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman lived / died and made several films, among them Through A Glass Darkly (1961), Persona (1966), Hour OF The Wolf (1968), Shame (1968), The Passion Of Anna (1969), and Scenes From A Marriage (1972).

Marky, a recent winner of the prestigious After Bergman Award which allowed the possibility of filming on Fårö, commented on the video stating, "I wanted to make something circular, as the track has it’s never-ending guitars, coming back to haunt you. I very much liked the idea of filming science fiction on the same places that Tarkovsky and Bergman visited. I think both of them were very big fans of the golden triangle too, or so I heard.”

Recorded live in Oslo, Norway’s Amper Tone Studio, Nattesferd is produced by Kvelertak and mixed / engineered by Nick Terry (Lindstrøm, Turbonegro, The Libertines). It is the first of Kvelertak’s albums to be recorded in their home country of Norway.

"Berserkr":

"1985":

Greek thrash metal tank, Suicidal Angels, released their new album, Division Of Blood, on May 27th via NoiseArt Records. Today, the band presents the official video clip for the title track, "Division Of Blood".

The band states: "A couple of weeks after the release of our new record, we come back to you with the first video clip, the title track of the album, “Division Of Blood”! Like it, share it, show it to your friends or simply spread the word so that “Division Of Blood” reaches to every single corner of the planet! At this point we would like to thank our friend Maurice Swinkels from Legion Of The Damned for the incredible work he did once more, making a hell of a clip despite the fact we faced some serious problems in the beginning. Images and videos worth more than millions words, so take a look and enjoy!!"

Division Of Blood’s cover artwork was created by acclaimed artist Ed Repka (Megadeth, Death, Municipal Waste).

Tracklisting:

“Capital Of War”
“Division Of Blood”
“Eternally To Suffer”
“Image Of The Serpent”
“Set The Cities On Fire”
“Frontgate”
“Bullet In A Chamber”
“Cold Blood Murder”
“Of Thy Shall Bring The Light”

“Capital Of War” lyric video:

"Divide & Conquer" live video:

“Image Of The Serpent” lyric video: