Gabe Seeber of the Kennedy Veil was on drums with Abbath on their 2016 headlining tour with High On Fire, Skeletonwitch and Tribulation. Check out this video from Sick Drummer Magazine, for the track “Count The Dead”, filmed at the Gothic Theatre in Englewood, CO on April 5th:

Abbath, the new band led by the former Immortal frontman (real name: Olve Eikemo), released their self-titled debut album on January 22nd via Season Of Mist. The album is streaming below in it’s entirety.

Abbath album tracklisting:

“To War!”
“Winterbane”
“Ashes Of The Damned”
“Ocean Of Wounds”
“Count The Dead”
“Fenrir Hunts”
“Root Of The Mountain”
“Endless”
“Nebular Ravens Winter” (bonus track)

Album stream:

"Nebular Ravens Winter" video:

Order the new album at this location.

Fan-filmed video footage of French progressive metallers GOJIRA performing a new song, "Stranded", on May 31 at club Stodola in Warsaw, Poland can be seen below (courtesy of Antihero). The track is taken from the band's brand new studio album, "Magma", which will be released on June 17 via Roadrunner Records. The follow-up to 2012's "L'Enfant Sauvage" was recorded at GOJIRA frontman Joseph Duplantier's Silver Cord Studio in Queens, New York.

"Magma" track listing:

01. The Shooting Star02. Silvera03. The Cell04. Stranded05. Yellow Stone06. Magma07. Pray08. Only Pain09. Low Lands10. Liberation

The cover artwork for "Magma" can be seen below.

Joseph told RollingStone.com in a new interview that GOJIRA worked on twelve songs for the album before ultimately deciding on ten. "We want a short album," he said. "Something less epic than what we usually do. People's attentions are shorter now. So a lot of the songs are four minutes."

Joseph and his brother, GOJIRA drummer Mario Duplantier, who make up the band's songwriting core, were forced to put the sessions for the new album on hold when their mother got sick and eventually died last summer.

"I felt physically, mentally exhausted," Joseph told RollingStone.com. "At the same time, though, the way it happened was beautiful. We were all around her. We had to cancel a few shows when she died, but it was very enriching at the same time. We learned a lot about death."

"When you read Joe's lyrics, for me, I cry right away," Mario said. "They're very deep and to the point. No bullshit. We recycle our sadness and depression in the music."

"Mario was recording drums, and I was playing guitar with him, just trying to help him know where he's at in the song, and both of us would start crying at the same time," Joseph added.

"The songs were half-written while she was sick," he said. "After she died, I still had to finish them. So one song was like, 'You're going to make it,' but the second verse is 'You didn't make it.'"

Bay Area thrash legends Death Angel released their new album, The Evil Divide, on May 27th, via Nuclear Blast Records. The latest video trailer for the new release can be seen below:

Rob Cavestany and son Aiden talk about bullying, a topic in the song "Lost" in another trailer:

The band recently released an official video for the track “Lost”, which can be seen below. The clip was directed and edited by Tommy Jones for Videohammer Studios.

Comments vocalist Mark Osegueda: "The song “Lost” is very personal to me and I believe it will resonate with many. As one who has been fortunate enough to be raised In the San Francisco Bay Area (an extremely diverse region), I have made friends with people from every religion, race, sexual orientation, and genre of music fan! One thing that no one can escape, no matter what one's beliefs are, or how well you were raised, or educated, is that one point in your life that you felt apart, or alone.

"It is an awful and disparaging feeling. Some are fortunate enough to have only experienced a fleeting moment of that empty feeling. More often than not though, it's much longer than a fleeting moment, and time moves no slower than when stuck in that feeling. I myself am not immune to that human experience.

"I find the best release for me, and what makes me feel as though I belong / am doing something right / have a quality of life that is not measured by a monetary system, is creating music!

"This song is for and about all who have ever been trapped in that dark hole of your own mind. This is 'Lost'! You are not alone!"

Adds Jones: "When I first spoke to Mark about the lyrical context of the song, I realized that he was coming from three different mindsets, or three different narratives that would lead someone to feeling “Lost”. So there was a challenge to represent these three scenarios into the video for the song. They were pretty heavy, current social topics in the form of religious extremism, a bad relationship riddled with drug and physical abuse, and cyber and school bullying. Each of these situations, could make a person feel 'Lost' as to what's right or what's wrong, or a sense of being trapped in a situation that in your mind you know is wrong, but being stuck in it, makes you feel 'Lost'. I also wanted the band to seem “Lost” as if they were nowhere. So the setting of the video is that they are in complete never ending blackness.

"The rain was a necessity. With the power that Mark is belting out the lyrics 'rain down on me', it was a no brainier, I saw it in my head and needed to have him singing that last chorus in the rain. So we made it rain, yo!"

Canadian documentary filmmaker Sam Dunn at Banger Films has posted his take on the new album for his latest instalment of Overkill Reviews. Check it out below:

Order various packages for The Evil Divide at this location.

Tracklisting:

“The Moth”
“Cause For Alarm”
“Lost”
“Father Of Lies”
“Hell To Pay”
“It Can’t Be This”
“Hatred United / United Hate”
“Breakaway”
“The Electric Cell”
“Let The Pieces Fall”

Bonus:
“Wasteland”

+ “Making Of” DVD

“Father Of Lies”:

"Hatred United / United Hate” video:

"Cause For Alarm”:

Slayer, with special guests Anthrax and Death Angel, will join forces this fall for a seven week North American beat down. The dates start in Cleveland on September 9th and will hit both major and secondary markets across the continent. Confirmed dates, as well as a tour trailer video, are below. For all ticket purchasing and VIP packages details, head here.

Said Slayer's Kerry King, "It's always super fun for us to tour with Anthrax. Frank is one of my best friends in the biz!! Put that together with Death Angel, and fans will probably see the best package this year. See you there!"

Fans will hear their favourite Slayer songs from the band's 30-year plus discography, as well as a few of the newer songs from Repentless. Slayer and Anthrax stormed through Europe together last fall, amassing a string of sensational live reviews, so North American fans, this will be a night of metal music that should not be missed.

"We are very excited to tour again with our fellow Kings Slayer on a thrash/metal extravaganza," said Anthrax's Charlie Benante. "Two of the Big Four - now that's a night of metal for all the Kings and Queens!"

Added Mark Osegueda from Death Angel, "We are thrilled and honored to be part of this amazing North American touring package. Slayer/Anthrax/Death Angel - it just looks, sounds and feels right. This will be Death Angel's first-ever tour with Slayer, something we've hungered for our entire career. And we will bring that hunger to the stage every night, so get there early because this will be a show not to be missed; from the first note of the night until the very last! Metal is alive, hungry, thriving, and coming for you!"

With more dates to be announced, here is the confirmed itinerary:

September
9 - Jacob's Pavilion - Cleveland, OH
10 - Freedom Hill Amphitheatre - Detroit, MI
12 - Sound Academy - Toronto, ON
13 - Metropolis - Montreal, QC
15 - Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA
17/18 - Rock Allegiance - Chester, PA*
20 - Egyptian Room - Indianapolis, IN
22 - The Pageant - St. Louis, MO
27 - Hard Rock Live - Orlando, FL
28 - Fillmore - Miami, FL
30 - Horseshoe Casino Tunica - Tunica, MS

October
3 - Norva - Norfolk, VA
5 - Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA
7 - Gas Monkey Live - Dallas, TX
8 - ACL at the Moody Theatre - Austin, TX
10 - Fillmore - Denver, CO
11 - The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT
13 - The Wilma Theatre - Missoula, MT
17 - ENMAX Center - Lethbridge, AB
19 - South Okanagan Events Centre - Penticton, BC
20 - Abbotsford Centre - Abbotsford, BC
23 - Reno Events Center - Reno, NV
27 - El Paso County Coliseum - El Paso, TX

* Slayer, Anthrax and Death Angel are all on this bill

EMP Label Group, the label owned by Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, has signed Orange County/Los Angeles County band Behind The Fallen. The band is set to release their first full length record on October 28th.

Behind The Fallen are a hard rock band based out of Orange County California. First emerging onto the scene in 2011, they released their debut six song EP Pages Of The Past that was produced by Erik Ron. The band embarked on several tours supporting their release with Assuming We Survive, Trapt, as well as their own headline tour.

While rejuvenating their team with new members and new management, BTF debuted their first single "Satellite" off of their upcoming full length As The Sky Falls Through on April 15th and on May 7th signed a deal with EMP Label Group (David Ellefson).

“The band is absolutely ecstatic about signing the deal with EMP Label Group. We are blown away that David Ellefson of Megadeth has put his faith in us and we are gearing up to make him proud by releasing the greatest album of the year. We are excited to be a part of such a tight knit family and cannot wait to see what the future holds withe the EMPire.”- Johnny Presley

“Satellite” lyric video:

Ninth Circle has announced the departure of long term drummer Dave Davis and replacement, Jim Standerfer. The official statement from the band thanks Dave Davis for his service during his time with the band and welcoming new drummer Jim Standerfer.

“Ninth Circle are thankful for Dave Davis’ service and time in the band. He helped the band professionally promote and perform two pivotal albums that were released during his tenure with Ninth Circle. Dave is a topnotch professional drummer and an all-around good guy. We wish Dave all the best in future endeavors.

“The band is proud to announce Jim Standerfer as Ninth Circle’s new drummer. Jim has been part of the Ninth Circle family for years and had stepped in a few years back to perform three shows when the banded needed help. Jim has recently been filling in with Ninth Circle and most recently performed with the band while opening up for Primal Fear in Anaheim, Ca. We are excited Jim has agreed to step in as the full time drummer and excited to what the future holds for the band with Jim behind the drums.” 

Ninth Circle’s first concert with new drummer, Jim Standerfer, will be Saturday, June 4th at M15 Concert Venue, in Corona, CA with Sebastian Bach.

Atmospheric metal band The Vision Bleak will release its new album, The Unknown, on June 3rd via Prophecy Productions. The album track “The Whine Of The Cemetery Hound” can be heard below.

The German group's sixth full-length release, The Unknown, sees The Vision Bleak shed songwriting patterns of its past; gone are the tried-and-trusted nods to horror classics and fictional terror, to legend and lore, replaced with intimate tales of personal demons and the horror that lives within themselves.

Fantastical artwork by legendary metal artist Dan Seagrave (Entombed, Gorguts, Morbid Angel) lavishly brings the album's title to life. For a close-up look at the art, visit DanSeagrave.com.

The Unknown is advanced as The Vision Bleak's "second birth". While the band has taken a wholly different approach to lyrical inspiration on the new album, longtime fans will also find plenty of familiar elements on The Unknown. Ulf Theodor Schwadorf's (also of Empyrium) unique guitar melodies, Allen B. Konstanz' unmistakable vocals and the overall gripping atmospheres combine to create a total work of art in image and sound.

The album will be released in a variety of high-quality formats, including CD digisleeve, gatefold LP (180 gram vinyl, black) with poster and PVC protection sleeve (500 copies available) and as a 2xCD box set which includes CD digisleeve, a bonus CD with two bonus tracks and wall flag of the Seagravve cover painting (limited to 1,000 copies).

Tracklisting:

“Spirits Of The Dead”
“From Wolf To Peacock”
“The Kindred Of The Sunset”
“Into The Unknown”
“Ancient Heart”
“The Whine Of The Cemetery Hound”
“How Deep Lies Tartaros?”
“Who May Oppose Me?”
“The Fragrancy Of Soil Unearthed”

“The Whine Of The Cemetery Hound”:

“The Kindred Of The Sunset” lyric video:

Pre-order The Unknown at this location.

Dark metal band Venomous Maximus will enter Portland, Oregon's Falcon Studios on June 21st to record the follow-up to their 2015 release, Firewalker. Tentatively titled No Warning, the album will be produced and engineered by Toxic Holocaust frontman Joel Grind (Poison Idea, Lord Dying). A fall, 2016 release date via Shadow Kingdom Records is expected.

"No Warning will point a magnifying glass directly towards this band's biggest strengths," comments Venomous Maximus vocalist / guitarist Gregg Higgins. "Prepare for riff after riff on top of riffs."

Tentative song titles include "Return Of The Witch", "No Warning" and "Spellblind".

In addition to Gregg Higgins, Venomous Maximus features Christian Larson (guitar), Trevi Biles (bass) and Bongo (drums). Stay tuned for updates.

Cleveland quintet RINGWORM will release its eighth full-length album, "Snake Church", on July 29 via Relapse.

After having converted metalheads and hardcore fans alike with their intense, no-holds-barred live shows and consistently punishing albums over the course of the last 25-plus years, RINGWORM once again prove that they are in a league of their own when it comes to face-breaking sonic fury.

Recorded and produced by Ben Schigel (CHIMAIRA, ZAO) at Spider Studios and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege (NAILS, XIBALBA, BLACK BREATH), "Snake Church" obliterates the listener and never relents, leaving nothing but bile and bone in its wake.

Watch the official music video for the title track, "Snake Church", below.

Ever since emerging from the Cleveland metal underground, RINGWORM has garnered the immediate attention of hardcore and metal fans.

RINGWORM displays an awesome ferocity in the power of its instruments, and vocalist the James "Human Furnace" Bulloch uses his voice as a tool to extract the diabolical nature of anyone who hears it.

The band has toured with dozens of prominent metal and hardcore acts over the years, ranging from HATEBREED and CONVERGE to GOATWHORE, NAPALM DEATH, VOIVOD and EYEHATEGOD.

"Snake Church" track listing:

01. Snake Church02. Brotherhood Of The Midnight Sun03. Fear The Silence04. The Black Light Of A Living Ghost05. Destroy Or Create06. Shades Of Blue07. Innocent Blood08. The Apparition09. Believer10. The Razor And The Knife11. Angel Of War12. Temple Of The Wolves

RINGWORM is:

James "Human Furnace" Bulloch - VocalsMatt Sorg - GuitarEd Stephens - BassRyan Steigerwald - DrumsMark Witherspoon - Guitar

Currently on tour in North America, Act Of Defiance's Chris Broderick has launched another new guitar play-through, this time for the track "Thy Lord Belial", taken from the group's debut album, Birth And The Burial. Watch below:

A previously posted guitar play-through for the track "Disastrophe" can be seen below:

See below for all upcoming Act of Defiance dates, including special appearances with Hatebreed and DevilDriver.

June
1 - Thunder Bay, ON - Rockhouse #
3 - Sudbury, ON - The Asylum #
5 - Montreal, QC - Corona Theatre ***
6 - Toronto, ON - Opera House ***
7 - Milvale, PA - Mr. Small's Theatre ***
8 - Albany, NY - Upstate Concert Hall ***
9 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground ***
10 - Providence, RI - Lupos ***
11 - New Haven, CT - Toad's Place ***
12 - Elmhurst, NY - Blackthorn 51 #
13 - Amityville, NY - Amityville Music Hall #
14 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie #
16 - Dayton, OH - Oddbody's #
17 - Memphis, TN - The HiTone Cafe #
18 - Oklahoma City, OK - Diamond Ballroom #
19 - Lubbock, TX - Backstage #
23 - Albuquerque, NM - The Co-Op #
24 - Flagstaff, AZ - The Green Room #
25 - Los Angeles, CA - Whisky-A-Go-Go #

# - Act of Defiance headline
*** - supporting Hatebreed, DevilDriver

Greek black metal legends Rotting Christ released their new album, Rituals, on February 12th via Season Of Mist. The album track “Konx Om Pax” is now streaming below.

Rituals tracklisting:

“In Nomine Dei Nostri”
“Ze Nigmar”
“Elthe Kyrie”
“Les Litanies De Satan (Les Fleurs Du Mal)”
“Apage Satana”
“Tou Thanatou”
“For A Voice Like Thunder”
“Konx Om Pax”
“Devadevam”
“The Four Horsemen”
“Lok'tar Ogar” (bonus track)

“Konx Om Pax”:

“Tou Thanatou”:

“The Four Horsemen” lyric video:

“Les Litanies de Satan” lyric video:

“For A Voice Like Thunder” lyric video:

Legendary Swedish black metal band, Marduk, have unveiled dates for the North American leg of their Frontschwein 2016 tour, which includes special guests Rotting Christ, Carach Angren and Necronomicon.

September
2 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room
3 - Tampa, FL - The Orpheum
4 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
5 - Baltimore, MD - Soundstage
6 - New York, NY - Gramercy Theatre
7 - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall
8 - Montreal, QC - L'Astral
9 - Toronto, ON - The Opera House
10 - Columbus, OH - Al Rosa Villa
11 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's
12 - Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock
13 - Kansas City, MO - The Riot Room
14 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theatre
16 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre
17 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
18 - Portland, OR - Bossanova Ballroom
19 - Oakland, CA - Metro Opera House
20 - Las Vegas, NV - LVCS
21 - Los Angeles, CA - Regent Theater
22 - Phoenix, AZ - Joe's Grotto
23 - El Paso, TX - Mesa Music Hall
24 - Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey Bar & Grill
25 - Austin, TX - Dirty Dog Bar

Swiss avant-garde extreme metal titans, Schammasch have revealed plans for a late fall jaunt across Europe supporting Rotting Christ alongside black metallists Inquisition and Mystifier.

October
19 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
20 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Beta
21 - Berlin, Germany - TBA
22 - Warsaw, Poland - Progresja
23 - Katowice, Poland - Mega Club
24 - Prague, Czech Republic - Storm
25 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
26 - Ljubljiana, Slovenia - Gala Hala
27 - Salzburg, Austria - Rockhouse
28 - Munchen, Germany - Backstage
29 - Brescia, Italy - Circolo Colony
30 - Lausanne, Switzerland - Les Docks
31 - Lyon, France - CCO

November
1 - Luynes, France - Le Korigan
2 - Madrid, Spain - Caracol
3 - Barcelona, Spain - Apolo 2
4 - Toulouse, France - Metronum
5 - Rennes, France - Ubu
6 - Paris, France - Petit Bain
7 - London, UK - Islington Assembly Hall
8 - Dublin, UK - Voodoo Lounge
9 - Manchester, UK - Sound Control
10 - Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg - Kulturfabrik
11 - Bochum, Germany - Matrix
12 - Nijmegenm, Netherlands - Doornroosje
13 - Vosselaar, Belgium - Biebob
14 - Weinheim, Germany - Kafe Zentraal

Rotting Christ lineup:

Sakis - vocals, guitars
Themis - drums
Van Ace - bass
George - guitars

Wyoming based hard rock quintet, Righteous Vendetta, have announced that they have signed with Another Century Records. The band is currently in the studio with producer Mitchell Marlow (In This Moment, Stitched Up Heart, He Is Legend) working on their debut full length for the label. In addition to this, the band will also be joining their new label-mates Like A Storm for a handful of tour dates this summer, which are listed below.

Commenting on these major developments, Ryan Hayes (vocals) states: “We are extremely excited to announce our signing with Another Century. Over the past couple of years we have been working hand in hand with their team crafting what is to be the new Righteous Vendetta album. Through the process we were introduced to producer/engineer Mitchell Marlow of whom we knew was the guy we wanted to produce the new album from the first song we worked on together. We’re in the studio with him right now making this career defining album."

Righteous Vendetta have come a long way from their humble beginnings at a community college in their small hometown of Cody, Wyoming. On a mission to cut through the clutter of mediocrity, the band set out on a self-reinvention that would alter their earlier sound into one of unique blends of hard hitting rock on the scene today.

Tour dates (with Like A Storm)

July
15 - Lincoln, NE - Bourbon Theatre
19 - Billings, MT - Pub Station
20 - Butte, MT - Butte Depot
22 - Boise, ID - The Knitting Factory
23 - Spokane, WA - The Knitting Factory
24 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
28 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex
29 - Las Vegas, NV - Counts Vamp'd

Reformed 80s hard rock/heavy metal legends, Q5, will release their third album, entitled New World Order, on July 8th. You can pre-order the album now via Amazon.com (widget below) or iTunes. Listen to the new song “Halfway To Hell” below:

Q5 was formed in 1983, comprised of members of two popular Seattle bands: vocalist Jonathan K and guitarist (plus famous guitar tremolo inventor) Floyd Rose from The C.O.R.E. and Rick Pierce (guitar), Evan Sheeley (bass) and Gary Thompson (drums) from TKO. The band released its first album, Steel The Light (on Music For Nations) in 1984, receiving immediate worldwide critical acclaim, and landing them touring spots with Twisted Sister, Y&T and Lita Ford. The success of Steel The Ligh" led them to eventually sign with Polygram/Squawk for their 1985 sophomore release, When the Mirror Cracks. Due to personal differences, the original lineup dissolved shortly after this release.

In 2014, Q5 was asked to perform at Sweden Rock Festival, a performance that the band had agreed would be a "one off" show, but at the completion of the performance, it was obvious that this was not an ending, but merely a beginning. Upon returning to Seattle, The band secured drummer Jeffrey McCormack (former Heir Apparent, Fifth Angel) and guitarist Kendall Bechtel (former Fifth Angel) and began rehearsing formally as Q5. The band's relaunch debuted at the Rock You To Hell Festival in Athens, Greece followed by a headlining performance in Cyprus. The band then returned to Seattle to begin work on music for a new album. Kendall Bechtel, however, was unable to stay with the band due to personal reasons, so the band secured guitar virtuoso Dennis Turner to complete the lineup.

So, while the band’s debut album, Steel The Light  continues to grow in popularity all over the world, the fans are writing from all corners of the globe, eagerly inquiring about the next chapter in the Q5 story. That chapter begins NOW. With their new lineup solidified, and a new album slated for release, Q5 is poised to take its rightful place again in the hard rock/heavy metal hierarchy.

New World Order tracklisting:

“We Came Here To Rock”
“One Night In Hellas”
“The Right Way”
“New World Order”
“Tear Up The Night”
“Halfway To Hell”
“A Prisoner Of Mind”
“Unrequited (A Woman Of Darkness And Steel)”
“Just One Kiss”
“Fear Is The Killer”
“Land Of The Setting Sun”
“A Warrior’s Song”
“Mach Opus 206” (Instrumental)
“Get Next To You” (Bonus Track)

“The Right Way” video:

Trailer:

Q5 lineup:

Jonathan Scott K.: Vocals, Background Vocals
Rick Pierce: Lead Guitars, Rhythm Guitars
Dennis Turner: Rhythm Guitars, Lead Guitars, Background Vocals
Evan Sheeley: Bass Guitar, Backgr. Vocals
Jeffrey Mccormack: Drums And Percussion, Background Vocals

 

 

Legendary British hard rockers DEEP PURPLE have finished tracking their new album, the band's keyboardist Don Airey said in a phone interview with TASS ahead of the band’s concerts in Russia.

"As far as I know, it's all recorded and now," he said. "It's on the tender mercies of [producer] Bob Ezrin; he's going to mix it. I haven't been given a release date. I know nothing about that as yet. If I knew, I'd tell you, but I don't."

DEEP PURPLE's new CD was recorded earlier this year at a studio in Nashville, Tennesse. The follow-up to 2013's "Now What?!" album is once again being helmed by Bob Ezrin, who has previously worked with KISS, PINK FLOYD, PETER GABRIEL, ALICE COOPER and KANSAS, among others.

DEEP PURPLE bassist Roger Glover recently talked about the band's writing process, telling Ultimate Classic Rock: "We jam and jam and jam, and if we find something that we like to play or that works well or inspires us, then we'll try to knock it into some kind of arrangement. Then, once we've got that, Ian [Gillan, vocals] and I will figure out what the song's really all about, and write the lyrics and all of that stuff."

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.

"Now What?!" sold 4,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 115 on The Billboard 200 chart. The album was released in North America in April 2013 via earMUSIC, the Hamburg, Germany-based international rock label which is part of Edel Group.

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.

Ronnie James Dio's sinister howl and wicked songcraft bewitched hard rock fans in the seventies and eighties during his memorable stints with ELF, RAINBOW and BLACK SABBATH. In 1983, the singer formed his own band, launching a successful solo career that led to ten studio albums and sales of more than ten million records around the world.

Rhino follows DIO through the band's early years with "A Decade Of Dio: 1983-1993", a new boxed set that brings together the group's first six studio albums, each one featuring newly remastered sound. It includes: "Holy Diver" (1983), "The Last In Line" (1984), "Sacred Heart" (1985), "Dream Evil" (1987), "Lock Up The Wolves" (1990) and "Strange Highways" (1993).

Rhino will release two versions of "A Decade Of Dio: 1983-1993", first on CD and then on vinyl. Both versions come housed in boxes featuring new artwork by Marc Sasso, who was responsible for many of the band's iconic covers. The CD set will debut on July 22 for a list price of $34.98.

The vinyl incarnation of the set will be available on October 4 for $99.98, and comes with a bonus seven-inch single. On the first side is the 1983 version of "Evil Eyes", which was originally released as the b-side on the "Holy Diver" single. In addition, this version is different from the one featured on the 1984 album "The Last In Line". The flip side features "Time To Burn", which was the only studio track featured on the otherwise live release "Intermission" (1986).

After two albums with BLACK SABBATH, Ronnie James Dio left in 1982 and formed DIO with fellow SABBATH bandmate Vinny Appice on drums. The group's platinum-selling debut "Holy Diver" arrived in 1983 and is now revered as a heavy metal masterpiece, including two songs that would become rock signatures: the title track and the epic "Rainbow In The Dark".

The band returned the following year with "The Last In Line" (1984), which became the band's second platinum seller and included the single "Mystery", as well as "We Rock", a song the band often used to close its shows. "Sacred Heart" (1985) achieved gold certification and introduced fans to the concert staple "Rock N' Roll Children". DIO's fourth studio album, "Dream Evil" (1987) included the singles "All The Fools Sailed Away" and "I Could Have Been A Dreamer".

In the nineties, the group released two more stellar studio albums. "Lock Up The Wolves" arrived in 1990 and featured the single "Hey Angel" and rocking title track. Following a brief reunion with BLACK SABBATH in 1992, DIO returned with "Strange Highways" in 1993. The album featured future fan favorites like "Jesus, Mary And The Holy Ghost", "Evilution" and the title track.

Although Ronnie James Dio lost his battle with stomach cancer in 2010, his towering voice and legacy live on. The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, co-founded by Wendy Dio, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable fund dedicated to supporting cancer-prevention research, raising awareness and educating the public about the vital importance of early detection and prevention when dealing with this deadly disease.

"A Decade Of Dio: 1983-1993" album listing:

* Holy Diver (1983)* The Last In Line (1984)* Sacred Heart (1985)* Dream Evil (1987)* Lock Up The Wolves (1990)* Strange Highways (1993)

Fan-filmed video footage of DEAD CROSS's May 9 performance at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California as the support act for NAPALM DEATH and MELVINS can be seen below.

DEAD CROSS is the new "punk" outfit featuring former SLAYER and PHILM drummer Dave Lombardo alongside members of THE LOCUST and RETOX.

DEAD CROSS recently spent time in the studio recording its debut album, due later in the year. The sessions were helmed by producer Ross Robinson, who has previously worked with KORN, DEFTONES, SEPULTURA and LIMP BIZKIT, among others.

Lombardo recently told Madcap Music Review about the formation of DEAD CROSS: "The band came together at the last minute; it was really quick. I needed to play some shows that had been booked. I ended PHILM, so [there were] shows I was committed to doing. A great friend of mine, Ross Robinson, producer who's produced SLIPKNOT, SEPULTURA records, KORN records… you know, many different projects. I mean, those are only a few to mention. And he asked me. He said, 'Hey, you wanna do this session?' You know, working with some 16-year-old songwriter — this girl that sang and played guitar. And I was into it. I said, 'Yeah, let's do it. I've got free time.' PHILM was supposed to enter the studio with Ross producing, but, obviously, they didn't do it, so I had this time that I booked. So I said, 'Dude, I'm all yours. Let's make something.' So the musicians that were brought in were Justin Pearson and Mike Crain from the band RETOX; it's a hardcore band out of San Diego. And Justin also plays in a band called THE LOCUST — an amazing band, a band I've loved since the early 2000s when I was touring with Mike Patton and FANTÔMAS. So we got together, we got along. I said, 'Guys, I need some musicians to help me out with this gig.' We got together, we started writing music. We played our gigs, we kept writing more music. We've written an album, and it has blast beats, thrash beats, punk beats. It's got all kinds of rhythms and Lombardo style of rhythm. And it's, basically, where I believe my fans want me to be. It's very, very aggressive. I'm tapping into my roots."

Lombardo also talked about the source of the searing anger and rage that is fueling the aggression of his new band. He said: "Ever since the tragedy in Paris [that took place last November]; that's why I'm fucking pissed. Because everything hit really close to home. I could have been on that stage [at the Bataclan venue in Paris where EAGLES OF DEATH METAL performed]. I could have been at a festival and some fucking son of a bitch comes in with a shotgun or whatever and starts [blowing] people's heads off. So I'm just… I'm angry. I'm over it, but, you know, with the new releasing some aggressive music, [we're able to] get all the feelings out, get all the shit that we wanna say out in this music. It's not gonna come out playing alternative music, it's not gonna come out playing soft. And my name and my drumming is synonymous with thrash and hardcore music, so I'm really excited about this."

DEAD CROSS's lineup is as follows:

Dave Lombardo (PHILM, SLAYER) - DrumsJustin Pearson (THE LOCUST, RETOX) - BassMike Crain (RETOX) - GuitarGabe Serbian (THE LOCUST, RETOX, ex-CATTLE DECAPITATION) - Vocals

Marshall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity will release the critically acclaimed debut album by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE on limited-edition Hybrid SACD.

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's first album is a mix of punk, metal, hardcore and politically resonate rap. Every song is full of energy with smart lyrics and plenty of slam-dancing potential. In 1992, the band released the LP, which became a commercial and critical success. The album went to #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, and #45 on The Billboard 200 chart. Rolling Stone magazine named it as one of the 500 greatest albums of all time. In 2001, Q magazine named it as one of the 50 heaviest albums of all time.

This album is relentless. From the opening track "Bombtrack" all the way to the last blast of "Freedom", every tune is a highly explosive ball of energy, none of which is clearly superior to any of the others. The lyrics, while full of blunt and pure anger, are very passionate and well-written in the sense that they actually stand for something.

This album like no other changed the landscape of '90s music. The "guilty parties": Zack de la Rocha's vitriolic and angst-ridden words fueled by the heaviest rhythm section on the planet featuring drummer Brad Wilk and the exciting and dynamic bass of Tim Commerford and, of course, RATM's signature sound, Tom Morello's belligerent, aggressive guitar riffs and turntable-esque noise that make this the best debut album of all-time.

The "Know Your Enemy" track features TOOL vocalist Maynard James Keenan on “additional vocals” and also features JANE'S ADDICTION drummer Stephen Perkins on trashcan percussion. The liner notes claim, "No samples, keyboards or synthesizers used in the making of this recording." This is, and always will be, considered RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's most important work.

For more information, visit www.audiofidelity.net.

Morello told The Pulse Of Radio that RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE had no idea when it first started out that its pioneering mix of rock, rap and radical politics would last this long. "I had literally zero expectations," he said. "It's very different now, like, everybody's got LIL WAYNE and METALLICA in their iPod. That was not the case in 1991. They were opposing musics. And to combine traditionally black and white music and then to have a multi-ethnic band, and then have the lyrical content — I didn't think that we would be able to book a club show."

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE has not played live since headlining its own L.A. Rising festival show in Los Angeles in the summer of 2011.

The band recorded three original studio albums and one set of covers before breaking up in 2000. The group reformed in 2007 but only played sporadic gigs and never a full tour.

Alissa White-Gluz, the Canadian singer for the Sweden-based melodic death metal act ARCH ENEMY, has teamed up with AMERICAN MURDER SONG for a new, bloody music-film hybrid project.

One of the most recognizable female faces in metal, Alissa smolders in this first glimpse of her as Pretty Lavinia Fisher, America's first female serial killer.

As Pretty Lavinia, Alissa steps into the shoes of the historical outlaw who ran an infamous inn outside of Charleston. There she purportedly lured, poisoned and robbed wealthy patrons.

Fans can check out an animated daguerreotype portrait of her character below. The video was directed by Jake Akuna.

White-Gluz joins previously announced AMERICAN MURDER SONG collaborators Sara "Chibi" Taylor of THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE and goth personality Aurelio Voltaire.

AMERICAN MURDER SONG comes from the minds of Terrance Zdunich ("Repo! The Genetic Opera") and Saar Hendelman ("The Devil's Carnival" franchise) and features a rogues gallery of original murder ballads set in early nineteenth century America.

AMERICAN MURDER SONG's first EP of music, "I. Dawn", was produced by Scotty Morris of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. A trailer featuring a medley of tunes from the first EP is available below.

Be sure to Follow The Mark to see weekly music and video updates from AMERICAN MURDER SONG at www.AmericanMurderSong.com.

On June 1st, Dutch metal band, My Propane, will release their brand new single “Waves”, accompanied by a music video shot during the recording session. The video introduces new guitarist Jord Otto (Revamp) and marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band, with a no-nonsense and aggressive sound. “Waves” will be available on all digital platforms (Spotify, iTunes, etc). Watch the video below:

“Waves” is the first work released since their debut album, Modern Violent Gentleman (2013), and is again produced by partner in crime Joost Van Den Broek (Epica, After Forever, Mayan). My Propane is scheduled to enter the studio with him later this summer to record their second album.
 
After having toured together with Evergrey, Stream Of Passion and ReVamp, My Propane has begun to build a reputation for a personal take on modern metal, bombastic live shows and a penchant for irony. The new album is scheduled for release in early 2017.

“The Saviour's Tomb”, a track from the upcoming Dawn Of Disease album Worship The Grave, is now streaming below.

It's no secret that Dawn Of Disease have been highly influenced by old school Swedish death metal: a healthy dose of Scandinavian rawness that worms its way into every tune, but now over the past couple of years these German death metallers have started to conquer new shores and they recently announced their worldwide signing with Napalm Records.

Dawn Of Disease on signing with Napalm Records: “We are very happy and proud to become part of the Napalm family. It feels good to sign with one of the worldwide well-established Metal labels. Four years have passed since we released Crypts Of The Unrotten. With Napalm Records we have the perfect partner to take the next step into the right direction and we are looking very forward to the collaboration, the release of our new album and the upcoming shows during the festival season.”

Napalm Records A&R Sebastian Muench: “We are absolutely excited and honoured to welcome Dawn Of Disease to the Napalm family! Dawn Of Disease has released two brilliant and timeless death metal albums with Legends Of Brutality and Crypts Of The Unrotten and I can ensure you the new album is a true death metal masterpiece!”

Instead of cheaply rehashing the typical Sunlight sound, the guys in Dawn Of Disease opted for a modern and pumping production, courtesy of Woodshed Studios. This puts the spotlight on blasting beats, grinding grooves and insidious melodies. The Northern Germans have also infused their third assault entitled Worship The Grave with unbound guitar solos and more dynamic vocals than ever before – the result might be the most intense death metal release of the year!

Worship The Grave tracklisting:

“Worship The Grave”
“The Saviour's Tomb”
“Ashes”
“On Trails Of Death”
“Prayer For The Dawn”
“Cult Of The Fading Light”
“Through Nameless Ages”
“Outsourcing The Brain”
“Enwrapped In Guts”
“The Sky Is Empty”

“The Saviour's Tomb”:

“Through Nameless Ages”:

Worship The Grave is set to be released on June 24th via Napalm Records. More news as well as upcoming tour dates and pre-orders will be announced soon. Stay tuned.

The Jelly Jam released their new album, Profit, on May 27th via Music Theories Recordings / Mascot Label Group. A behind-the-scenes look at the recording of Profit can be seen below:

Dream Theater’s John Myung, Winger’s Rod Morgenstein, and King’s X’s Ty Tabor will tour globally for the first time to support the recordings. Profit is a cinematic experience, full of suspense, as the individual songs sequentially follow the heroic yet daunting journey of The Prophet, who inspired by a deep sense of responsibility embarks on a mission to try and save the world, aiming to open the eyes of those who will not see .

When asked about collaborative efforts of The Jelly Jam guitarist Ty Tabor describes John as, “The forefather of the band,” and enthuses that “Playing with Rod has been a lifelong dream. I was a huge fan of his right out of high school and The Dixie Dregs transformed my idea of what a band could do. Rod was a huge part of the insanity on all of those early Dixie Dregs albums. It’s just a joy to get to play with him.”

The band’s first album The Jelly Jam was released in 2002, followed by 2004’s The Jelly Jam 2. The members’ work with Dream Theater, Winger and King’s X kept the band away from the studio until the critically acclaimed Shall We Descend in 2011 marked a triumphant return for the trio.

Guitarist Ty Tabor’s musical pedigree is vast. Not only has he produced The Jelly Jam’s four albums, he wrote all three of King’s X top ten songs that include “It’s Love”, “Black Flag”, “Dogman” and toured the world with AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Cheap Trick, Scorpions, Iron Maiden amongst others. Honoured by VH1 as one of Hard Rock’s Top 100 bands, they were also included in the 1991 movie soundtrack to Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey and their 1994 appearance at the Woodstock Festival was hailed by USA Today, The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart and Howard Stern as the festival’s highlight.

Bassist John Myung is a founding member of Dream Theater who have sold over twelve million albums worldwide. Dream Theater have won many awards including the Spirit of Prog Award from Classic Rock Magazine, and were inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2010. The band have two Grammy nominations, while Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory was voted the #1 Progressive Rock Album of All Time by Rolling Stone, whose readers also voted Dream Theater as one of The Best Prog Rock Bands of All Time.

Drummer Rod Morgenstein began his illustrious career with The Dixie Dregs, who received six Grammy nominations, before becoming a darling of the ‘80s rock scene with Winger who achieved multiple chart topping singles including “Seventeen”, “Headed For A Heartbreak” and “Miles Away”. Rod has played with Platypus, The Steve Morse Band, Dream Theater’s Jordan Rudess and is an Associate Professor at the prestigious Berklee College Of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He has also been awarded Modern Drummer Magazine’s Best Progressive Rock Drummer five years in a row, as well as the Best All-Around Drummer Award, and was inducted into the magazine's Honor Roll.

The Jelly Jam will support their latest album Profit with a full tour (dates to be announced). As guitarist Ty Tabor explains, “This album is without a doubt the most special moment the band has ever had together and we must make touring real this year to support this album.”

Ty Tabor describes the album’s concept as “a fight between progress and jobs at all cost and not thinking about any future payment that are going to have to be made.” Adding further that, “Each Jelly Jam album is very different and we are most definitely discovering new ground. The first album was pretty straight ahead in its nature and vibe. The second album was more about the songwriting and had a very different feel. By the time we got to Shall We Descend, we were all at different musical places. It had more of a darker edge to it, but we finally realized that we had tapped in to something that was unique to us. There really is no Jelly Jam ‘sound’. In order to make Profit the strongest album, we recorded a lot of excess music and chose songs that work together towards the general story idea. Musically and sonically we started experimenting a lot further than we had before. It stands on its own as an album beginning to end with a purpose. It’s not just a bunch of songs thrown together. It’s an entire journey through a story.”

The album is available in LP + Mp3, CD, Digital and MFiT formats.

Tracklisting:

”Care"
"Stain On The Sun"
"Water"
"Stop"
"Perfect Lines (Flyin')"
"Mr. Man"
"Memphis"
"Ghost Town"
"Heaven"
"Permanent Hold"
"Fallen"
"Strong Belief"

“Water” lyric video:

"Stain On The Sun”:

“Care”:

San Francisco Bay Area metallers MACHINE HEAD will release a brand new single, titled "Is There Anybody Out There?", on June 3. "The song is about love, loneliness, racism, and not getting what is going on in the world/America," comments MACHINE HEAD guitarist/vocalist Robb Flynn. "It's very much about current events, but applies to a bigger picture."

"Is There Anybody Out There?" will be made available digitally for purchase on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play, and will also be available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming services.

The track, which was recorded last October at Trident Studios in Martinez, California, received an exclusive premiere earlier today via SiriusXM radio's Octane channel 37 and can be streamed at this location. It was produced by Flynn and co-produced and mixed by Joel Wanasek.

"Is There Anybody Out There?" marks MACHINE HEAD's first new release since the arrival of the band's latest album, "Bloodstone & Diamonds", which sold around 18,200 copies in the United States in its first week to debut at position No. 21 on The Billboard 200 chart. Issued on November 10, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment, the CD was produced by Robb Flynn and Juan Urteaga, and like the last seven of eight MACHINE HEAD albums, was mixed by Colin Richardson. Additional tracking, editing, and mixing was done with Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, EXODUS, TESTAMENT, ARCH ENEMY) and Steve Lagudi.

Photo credit: Travis Shinn

"Time To Run", the new video from Dutch metallers IZEGRIM, can be seen below. The clip was filmed in Belgium in cooperation with Panda Productions under the supervision of Jens de Vos, who has previously helmed videos for ABORTED and EPICA. The song's lyrical theme deals with a deranged murderer brutally killing people at random for no reason.

IZEGRIM vocalist/lyricist Marloes comments: "It represents a stunning and powerful hell-ride into the gruesome depths of my freaky mind. The victims' faces are just pictures on the wall to me."

"Time To Run" is taken from IZEGRIM's latest album, "The Ferryman's End", which was released on April 15 via Listenable.

Recorded at the prestigious Soundlodge studio in Germany, the ferocious new CD is the follow-up to the band's previous full-length releases, "Code Of Consequences" and "Congress Of The Insane".

Many bands are said not being able to top their earlier albums. "The Ferryman's End" proves that wrong in a very brutal manner, taking the catchy components of what made the band so successfully murderous on record as well as in the live environment and developing them further into extremely punishing barbarity.

IZEGRIM guitarist Jeroen comments: "With this new album, we aimed for more catchy songs, to-the­point songwriting, agression, viciousness and on top of that a better production. We went 'back to basics,' essentially to incorporate better structure and more power than ever before. This album sounds massive and most certainly a punch right in your face."

Lyrically, Marloes steps into the shoes of a twisted and insane main character sitting on death row waiting to be executed. Every individual song is a journey further into the sick and disturbed brain of the murderer. During the very last act of terror, the Ferryman gets killed, leaving all souls of his victims to dwell forever.

Artwork duties were handled by Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, SATAN, HATEBREED, SOULFLY).

"The Ferryman's End" track listing:

01. White Walls02. Time To Run03. Endless Desire04. The Evil Within05. Absolute Necessity06. Reclaim My Identity07. Insanity Is Freedom08. Reflection Of Redemption09. Through A Glass Darkly10. Lost In Tranquillity11. The Ferrymans End

PROPHETS OF RAGE, the new supergroup featuring the instrumental members of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE alongside rappers Chuck D from PUBLIC ENEMY and B-Real from CYPRESS HILL, made its live debut last night (Tuesday, May 31) at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California. Tickets went on sale Tuesday morning at the Whisky box office for $20, with proceeds from the show going to P.A.T.H. (People Assisting The Homeless).

PROPHETS played songs from all three bands, including RAGE classics like "Testify", "Guerilla Radio" and "Bulls On Parade", and PUBLIC ENEMY tracks "Miuzi Weighs A Ton" and "Prophets Of Rage", from which the band gets its name. One of the band's original songs is called "The Party Is Over" and was reportedly dedicated to controversial Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

RAGE and PROPHETS guitarist Tom Morello told Radio.com: "Dangerous times do demand dangerous songs. This historical moment is really unprecedented. Both the country and the world are on the brink of the abyss. And we thought it was wholly irresponsible of us to be sitting on the sidelines . . . This is not just music, this is a movement."

Regarding the absence of RAGE frontman Zack de la Rocha, Chuck D said. "It takes me and B-Real to do RAGE-ified Zack de la Rocha songs, so a marching salute out to him."

Morello himself told The Pulse Of Radio a while back that RAGE's style of political rap-rock could not be simply duplicated. "It's a product of the very unique personalities and chemistry of the four guys in the band," he said. "None of us could have made songs that sound like this without the other three. It was an absolutely unheard-of combination, both musically, ethnically and, in Zack's lyrics, the point of view expressed in his lyrics was one that had never been heard on the radio before."

Morello told Rolling Stone that the new outfit was "not a supergroup," adding, "We're an elite task force of revolutionary musicians determined to confront this mountain of election-year bullshit, and confront it head-on with Marshall stacks blazing."

PROPHETS OF RAGE's second show is set to take place this Friday, June 3 at the Hollywood Palladium.

Dutch symphonic metallers EPICA have set "The Holographic Principle" as the title of their seventh studio album, due on October 1 via Nuclear Blast.

Speaking to Spark TV, which is part of the Czech monthly magazine Spark, EPICA singer Simone Simons stated about the follow-up to 2014's "The Quantum Enigma" (see video below): "We are still in the process of realizing the songs. It's a huge amount of songs, it's a lot of information, it's a lot to take in, but we put everything in this record and we hope that it will pay off and that the people will feel what we feel when we listen to it."

She added: "Since 'The Quantum Enigma' was received so well, we set the bar so high, but we accepted the challenge to make an even better record. And we've done everything bigger than before — we had more orchestra, a bigger choir. We had so many different instruments — real, live instruments. Vocally, I put everything in the record that I can possibly do, and I'm very pleased with it."

According to Simone, she has once again experimented a bit with her vocal approach on the new album. "With each record, I try to get the best out," she said. "And Joost [van den Broek], our producer, he's also very good at getting everything out of me. And the songs themselves, they just ask for a lot of variation in the vocal style. And I do opera, rock, pop, and in the ballads you hear the really soft voice. And, yeah, I can belt out some high notes as well."

Even though "The Holographic Principle" is one of EPICA's most ambitious offerings to date, the album doesn't sacrifice any of its instant appeal, something which Simone says was intentional. "I think it needs to be all in balance," she said. "We are, in heart, a metal band going in the symphonic direction. The orchestration, the choir is a little bit like the seventh and eighth bandmember of EPICA, and that's something we'll always keep in there. And the choir parts are often very catchy, the choruses are very catchy. But on this record, besides having catchy melodies, we also wanted to have really groovy vocal lines. And that's something that we worked on as well; we changed up some things to make it less predictable."

One of the aspects of EPICA's sound which has been enhanced on "The Holographic Principle" is the growling vocal style of EPICA guitarist and main songwriter Mark Jansen. "Well, it's Mark and it's actually our drummer as well," Simone said. "Mark is the main grunter, and our drummer, Ariën [van Weesenbeek], has a really nice, thick sound. So I don't know if he sang all the grunt parts as well, if he doubled them with Mark, but them together makes a totally new grunt sound, and I like it. Also, it changes it up a bit. Mark can do also really low grunts, he can do screams, and Ariën really has that deep sound to it."

Simone also praised the contributions of EPICA guitarist Isaac Delahaye, who came into the band in 2009. "The guitars are definitely more brutal," she said. "Also in the mix, the melodies, the grooves, and I think that ever since Isaac joined the band, not only as a songwriter but also the guitars have been lifted to a different level, and have become more interesting to listen to, I find myself. So I'm a big fan of his guitar work and also his songwriting."

"So, it's not easy for me to post this but the attached video is me announcing my resignation as the singer for White Empress," says Mary Zimmer. "It was not an easy decision to leave the band, but it was necessary. I decided to make a video for you guys so that you could actually hear the tone of my voice as I'm speaking about my reasons. My most poignant statements are toward the end of the video. This time, I'm not giving up or taking a break from music like I did for the years between Luna Mortis and White Empress. I'm launching a new band right away with Erik EazyTattoos Lockaby called Santa Marta: The Band and the first video teaser is at the end of my video below. Also you can click on the link and check out the band page and more.

Please watch this video to see what I have to say... I do mention this in the video but though I have left, I did still complete the upcoming EP for White Empress with photos and videos. I've already told them that I'd be fine if they wanted to release the EP with me on it, though, I have officially resigned. Basically I wasn't planning on quitting, so I'd love to see the hard work and time we put into the EP come to fruition, regardless. Largely, I'm cool with everyone in the band still and I'd like it if you'd still show them your support and avoid the online shit-talking. Please especially show your support to Adam Sagan as he continues his battle with cancer. Thank you all so much for everything and here's what I have to say:"

Learn more about Mary Zimmer's new band, Santa Marta, via their official Facebook page.

 

 

DRAGONFORCE, the Grammy-nominated power metallers, are poised to release a comprehensive career-spanning "best-of" — the first time the UK band has presented this kind of historical "chapter & verse" collection.

"Killer Elite - The Hits, The Highs, The Vids" is scheduled for a July 23 release through Spinefarm Records. The 22-track set — two hours and 30 minutes of music, featuring both studio and live material, with promo clips added to the deluxe set — fully showcases the ambition, variety and skill of the group's musical output, now taking in six studio albums; elements of thrash, speed and power metal are spread across accelerated rockers and more measured, melodic offerings.

It encompasses everything, from their biggest hit, "Through The Fire And Flames", a staple inclusion on several best-selling video games (i.e. Guitar Hero) and recently used as the basis of a U.S. mockumentary featuring the band and Oculus Rift founder Palmer Luckey through "Dawn Over A New World", a ballad harking back to the early years.

With latest recruit, singer Marc Hudson, now having two studio albums under his belt (2012's "The Power Within" and 2014's "Maximum Overload"), "Killer Elite..." is the chance for new fans to familiarize themselves with glories past and for long-standing supporters to revel in the attention to detail of a multi-format package balancing audience faves with compositions close to the collective DRAGONFORCE heart...

Guitarist Herman Li, who started the group in 1999 with fellow shredder Sam Totman, says: "The aim of this release is to give a strong flavor of everything we've recorded so far, and I like to think it shows a lot of diversity. Certainly, we tried to make it as broad-based as possible. Since Marc joined the band (replacing original frontman ZP Theart), we've actually released some of our speediest songs and some our most melodic compositions, too. DRAGONFORCE isn't just about the relentless tempos and the flashy solos; ultimately, it'd the feel of the music that counts..."

The release will be available in the following formats:

* 2 CD package (The Hits, The Highs)
*Deluxe special digippack edition, including a DVD featuring all of the band's promo clips (The Hits, The Highs, The Vids)
*Digital download (The Hits, The Highs)

The band has also set to work on the follow-up to "Maximum Overload" at Fascination Street studios in Sweden with producer Jens Bogren; this new record is provisionally scheduled for a mid-March 2017 release with a world tour to follow.

DRAGONFORCE will headline the ProgPower USA festival in Atlanta on Wednesday September 7 and a special "up close and personal" show at St. Vitus in Brooklyn on Saturday, September 10. At both shows, the band will play a "best-of" set to reflect the track listing of the "Killer Elite" album.