The new SKID ROW lineup — featuring former TNT singer Tony Harnell — made its live debut this past Friday, May 22 at Living Sky Casino in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Fan-filmed video footage of the second show of the tour — which took place Saturday night (May 23) at Dakota Dunes Casino in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada — can be seen below.

As previously reported, SKID ROW has re-recorded its classic song "18 And Life" with Harnell. The new version of the track can now be streamed and downloaded for free using the ReverbNation widget below.

In a recent interview with Canadian rock journalist Mitch Lafon of the "One On One With Mitch Lafon" podcast, SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan stated about the band's split with singer Johnny Solinger after fifteen years: "It was evident [that it was time for us to go our separate ways]. There were certain things going on out on the road that kind of set us thinking… Things had been going on for a little bit."

He continued: "At certain times, you just get the feeling someone isn't putting a hundred percent into things. And SKID ROW is very important to the rest of us. And we wanted to carry on with quality performances and quality songs, so we decided to make a change."

Regarding how Tony Harnell came to be SKID ROW's new singer, Rachel said: "We've known Tony for years — literally, probably since the beginning of our career. And although I wasn't a big TNT fan, I was a Tony Harnell fan, as [were SKID ROW guitarists] Snake [Dave Sabo] and Scott [Scotti Hill]."

He continued: "When we made the decision to ourselves that we were gonna start looking, Tony's name came up. And I was, like, man, it's so funny, 'cause a couple of years ago, I was up in New Jersey for Christmas and I met with Tony in New York and I had dinner with him and another friend. And we just started talking. And he's, like… He goes… We'd known each for a long time, but at that point we hadn't spoken for a while. He's, like, 'I hear you guys are doing good things. How's it going?' I said, 'It's going pretty cool.' He goes, 'Man, you guys should have called me when you got a new singer [back in 1999].' And I guess that kind of popped up in the back of my head when we knew we were gonna make a change. And we immediately got in touch with Tony."

Asked if SKID ROW is working with Harnell on a "trial" basis or if Tony is "the guy" for the long haul, Rachel said: "He's the guy. I mean, that's where we're at in our heads. It's not a temporary thing. But, you know… [laughs] if get gets sick of us and leaves, then that'll be a different situation. But things are going really well now. And we're very excited. We're very excited about our future, very excited about getting on the road."






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Thrawsunblat, the blackened folk metal brainchild of former Woods Of Ypres guitarist Joel Violette and Immortal Bird vocalist/drummer Rae Amitay, have checked in with the following update:

"Hey folks, been a little while! We've locked ourselves underground and have been working on the album non-stop. We're happy to announce that Adam Gillis, who provided us with the new Thrawsunblat logo last year, will be contributing his talents to the album art of Thrawsunblat III: Metachthonia. Beyond stoked for you folks to see.

Also, Lost Forty Recordings is releasing (first album) Canada 2010 on vinyl! Honoured to be part of this with such heavyweights as Falls Of Rauros and Waldgeflüster. Special thanks to Austin Lunn and HammerHeart Brewing Company for making us a part of this.

For details, follow this link."

Thrawsunblat released their second album, Wanderer On The Continent Of Saplings, on March 13th, 2013. A full length clip of the song "Once Foreveined" has been posted online and is available for streaming below:

 

The tracklist for Wanderer On The Continent Of Saplings is as follows: 

"Lifelore Revelation"
"Once Fireveined"
"We, The Torchbearers"
"Goose River (Mourners' March)'"
"Bones In The Undertow"
"Wanderer On The Continent Of Saplings"
"Maritime Shores"
"View Of A Million Trees"
"Borea (Pyre Of A Thousand Pine)"
"Elegy Across the Silence"
"Song Of The Nihilist"
"I Am the Viator'"

Violette reprised his role as songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist for the album, and enlisted Rae Amitay and Brendan Hayter to handle drums and bass respectively. The pair was chosen to complete the Woods of Ypres line-up for the band's European tour in support of Woods 5: Grey Skies And Electric Light. Unfortunately, the tragic passing of David Gold put an end to those plans, but drummer Rae Amitay says, "Thrawsunblat II is an incredibly special way for the three of us to create music together. It's an amazing project, and I'm honoured that Joel has chosen us to be a part of it." 

Thrawsunblat II was recorded in July and August, in studios in both Canada and the United States. The band's first official release - the Canada 2010 "demo" - is still available via BandCamp.com. Go to this location to check out audio samples and to purchase. 

Frontiers Music Srl has announced the release of the House Of Lords' tenth studio album, aptly entitled Indestructible, on June 3 in Europe and June 7 in North America. The band is streaming a new track, "Salt Of Pillar" and is streaming below.

The new album shows once again what House Of Lords stands for: powerful and heavy songs, with major hooks and melodies and grandiose arrangements. “The name Indestructible was chosen because we all felt that we have been through a lot in our long careers and what better way to say, ‘Hey, I'm still here’, than by giving the CD a BOLD title,” says singer James Christian.

Indestructible features eleven brand new songs, which masterfully combine the best of heavy and melodic hard rock. “The album is heavier in the beginning, but we love songs that are both melodic and heavy” continues Christian, “and the idea was to fill the best of both on one cd without sounding like two different bands. I think we have accomplished that. A good example would be the song “Pillar Of Salt" especially gives a good representation of how the new album sounds: a combination of heavy, melodic, and thoughtful lyrics. This song is one of my favorites!”

Besides being House Of Lords tenth studio album, the new record sees the new lineup celebrating their first ten years together. “It is amazing to work with BJ, Chris and Jimi” tells James Christian, “they are all very aware of what House Of Lords represents and they are committed to making records that complement the history of the band. No matter which House Of Lords album you listen to, there is a common thread, which comes from the fact that the four of us are musically in sync. This is the real reason why we have been able to produce records of this calibre”.

House Of Lords will exclusively appear at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Trezzo (MI) next Sunday, April 12th and start a European tour in September, with a very special surprise show to be announced soon. More details soon.

Indestructible tracklisting:

“Go To Hell”
“Indestructible”
“Pillar Of Salt”
“100 Mph”
“Call My Bluff”
“We Will Always Be One”
“Die To Tell”
“Another Dawn”
“Eye Of The Storm”
“Ain't Suicidal”
“Stand And Deliver”

"Pillar Of Salt":

Video "Go To Hell":

EPK:

House Of Lords lineup:

James Christian – Lead Vocals
Jimi Bell - Guitars
Chris McCarvill – Bass
BJ Zampa - Drums

 

The Rock Hard Festival is currently taking place in Gelsenkirchen, Germany and Kreator is set to hit the stage at 3:30pm EST and the live stream of the show can be seen at this location.

Performing earlier in the day was Avatarium, Kataklysm, Sanctuary, and Doro.

Tomorrow’s schedule (all times Eastern daylight time):

Refuge 10:30am - 11:30am
Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock 12:00pm - 1:10pm
Overkill 1:40pm - 3:00pm
Black Star Riders 3:30pm - 5:00pm

IN THIS MOMENT's Maria Brink joined PAPA ROACH on stage once again on May 22 at the Rocklahoma festival in Pryor, Oklahoma to recreate her duet with Jacoby Shaddix on the new PAPA ROACH single, "Gravity". Fan-filmed video footage of her appearance can be seen below.

PAPA ROACH recently released an official video for the song, which appears on the group's latest album, "F.E.A.R." Shaddix said about the inspiration for "Gravity": "'Gravity' is my testament to show other couples who may be going through a damaged relationship that they really can get through it. My wife is my gravity… straight up." He added in a separate interview with Loudwire: "I always want to put myself out there in the music and this song just more so than really ever. It doesn't really necessary paint me in the best picture as far as the cliché rock guy gives himself to the rock and roll excesses story. But we went through that in our relationship. I failed as a husband, as a father, as a lover, as a friend to her and I just wanted to write a song about that brokenness and how somehow she sees something in me that I didn't see in myself at times. She loved me when I couldn't love myself."

PAPA ROACH bassist Tobin Esperance told Billboard.com that Brink appeared on the track since she happened to be in the same studio while PAPA ROACH was recording "F.E.A.R." "It just worked out that we had this song," he said. "The idea came around when we got to the chorus about having a guest vocalist, and man, Maria was just perfect."

Shaddix told Loudwire: "We went into the record knowing that we wanted to have Maria on a song, we just had to decide what song it was, and we decided, band and producers, that we didn't want to have her on a song that was traditional, heavy hard rock. I think it would be cool to have her on something different. So 'Gravity' revealed itself. She came over, checked the track out, really liked it and lyrically understood the track, gets the track and wrote lyrics from my wife's perspective. She laid it down. She killed it."

PAPA ROACH and Brink will have more opportunities to perform the song when the two groups hit the road together, along with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and FROM ASHES TO NEW, starting September 4 in Lexington, Kentucky.

Due to the continued inclement weather in Pryor, Oklahoma, the organizers of this weekend's Rocklahoma festival have canceled the rest of the performances scheduled for Saturday night (May 23), including those by LINKIN PARK and VOLBEAT. The organizers say in a statement: "We want all our patrons to stay safe, so if you are on-site camping, we encourage you to stay at your campground. We will continue to monitor the weather and will have more information regarding tomorrow's performances in the morning."

Tornadic storms with heavy rainfall pushing through eastern Oklahoma on Saturday evening have caused widespread flash flooding in the area.

Mayes County Emergency Management director Johnny Janzen told PryorDailyTimes.com: "In a tornado situation, they typically tell you not to get in your vehicle. However, there are no substantial structures at Rocklahoma that will house everyone. Metal poles make tents an unsafe option in the presence of lightning. So, really, your vehicle may be the safest option."

There are an estimated 30,000 people attending the festivities on each day of the three-day event.

This year's Rocklahoma was scheduled to feature about 80 current and classic rock acts, including TESLA, GODSMACK, SLAYER, BREAKING BENJAMIN, PAPA ROACH, HALESTORM, QUEENSRŸCHE and ANTHRAX.

Photo: #Rocklahoma weather delay. #TheHuntingPartyTour pic.twitter.com/C0KAb6QtvI

— LPLive (@lplive) May 24, 2015

British epic power metallers DRAGONFORCE will release their debut DVD, "In The Line Of Fire", on July 10 via Metal Blade. Shot in high definition during the band's show at 2014’s Loud Park festival at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan, the DVD was filmed using nine camera angles to capture the raw energy of DRAGONFORCE's show and instrumental dexterity for which they are rightly celebrated worldwide.

The track listing for "In The Line Of Fire" contains a mixture of new songs from DRAGONFORCE's latest album, "Maximum Overload", and foot-stomping anthems and lightning-fast shred-fests from previous releases.

"In The Line Of Fire" track listing:

01. Fury Of The Storm02. Three Hammers03. Black Winter Night04. Tomorrow's Kings05. Seasons06. Symphony Of The Night07. Cry Thunder08. Ring Of Fire09. Through The Fire And The Flames10. Valley Of The Damned

A trailer for "In The Line Of Fire" can be found below. Also available is the DVD artwork.

DRAGONFORCE is in the middle of the "Maximum Overload" world tour, which commenced in September 2014 and is due to conclude in 2016.

Commented DRAGONFORCE guitarist Herman Li: "We always held the opinion that if we ever did a DVD, we wanted to do it properly. Now, having released six studio albums, we thought we had a great cross section of material to pick from and we knew the facilities at Loud Park made it a great place to film a show. Everything just came together and we’re very pleased with the results and hope the fans will be also."

"Maximum Overload" was released in August 2014 in North America via Metal Blade and in Europe through earMUSIC, the Hamburg, Germany-based international rock label which is part of Edel Group. The CD was recorded at Fascination Street studios in Örebro, Sweden with Jens Bogren, who has previously worked with OPETH, THE DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, AMON AMARTH, KATATONIA, SOILWORK and SYMPHONY X, to name a few. It marks the band's first-ever album involving an outside producer, having historically opted to record themselves in association with Karl Groom.

U.D.O., the German metal band led by former ACCEPT frontman Udo Dirkschneider, will release a new DVD/2CD titled "Navy Metal Night" on July 31 in Europe and August 18 in the U.S. via AFM.

In February 2014, U.D.O. played a very special sold out show, accompanied by a German navy orchestra (Marinemusikkorps Nordsee). The symphonic sound of the orchestra and the choir merged with the songs of U.D.O. and made the evening a unique unforgettable experience for the audience.

This bombastic live event will now be made available for all fans of U.D.O., either on DVD or Blu-ray plus two CDs. And at this year's Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken. Germany, the unique musical collaboration can be seen live on stage again, this time with the German Federal Armed Forces Orchestra.

"I was simply overwhelmed by the whole event; it's like a dream came true," Udo said. "It’s really more than words can say. This DVD will be something special to me, definitely a highlight of my career."

"Navy Metal Night" was produced by Mattes and Björn Schlüter and co-produced by Udo Dirkschneider. It was mixed by Mattes and Björn at Redhead Studio A in Wilhelmshaven and mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark.

After more than 13 years hiatus, Pyogenesis is to release a new studio album on August 14 via AFM Records.

Flo Von Schwarz (Pyogenesis): “The best about metal are the people: I know Jochen (Richert, AFM Records) for more than 20 years, and with him and the whole AFM team I made the right choice.”

24 years, Pyogenesis means tours and fans all around the globe, playing in front of 560,000 people in Hungary, performances at Rock am Ring /Rock im Park or Wacken and #1 in MTV’s viewer charts. Besides that, the band co-invented the genre gothic metal in the early 90s.

But 24 years Pyogenesis also means 13 years without a new album and 10 years without shows. Now, this break is finally over. After their sold out comeback show in Romania, the band will release their 6th album in summer. With A Century In The Curse Of Time, the four-piece around mastermind Flo V. Schwarz is returning to their roots, recording not only the heaviest, but also the most epic and ambitious album in the band’s history. It’s their first concept album ever: The lyrical theme is about the change of society in the 19th century under the influence of the industrialization, the steam-engine, the emerging bourgeoisie and science fiction literature such as Jules Verne.

Pyogenesis will play as one of the top acts at this year‘s Summer Breeze Festival (August 12 -15) in Dinkelsbühl/Germany.

Thrashened black metal unit Frosthelm has released the official video for Silent And Dark, The Everlasting Sky. The song comes from new album The Endless Winter.

The Endless Winter is out now on Matt Hyde's Black Work (Alkemy Brothers).

A vile brew of black/thrash metal, The Endless Winter is abundant with punishingly memorable riffs, melodic frostbitten savagery, and plague infused revulsion down to its frozen core. Guitarist Dakota L. Irwin describes the album as "bitter, dark, angry and disgusted." Tracked at Clear Lake Recording Studios in Los Angeles during July 2014, The Endless Winter was produced and engineered by Eric Milos and Alec Schneider. Drum engineering was handled by Sir Robert Kramer at Mekoche Studios in Bismarck, ND. Mixing and mastering duties were helmed by Matt Hyde (Slayer, Skeletonwitch, Kreator). Artwork by Raymond Swanland. 

Greyhaze Records has announced that three classic reissues from the Brazilian black metal Underground are now available for purchase. Included are Mystifier's Goetia (CD and 2LP), Vulcano's Bloody Vengeance (CD/DVD), and Impurity's Into the Ritual Chamber (CD).

The audio for each of the albums has been carefully restored and dynamically remastered. Each release has been repackaged in a way that honors the original artwork.  All three titles can be purchased at this location.

Visit the Greyhaze Records Bandcamp page for complete album streams of all three reissues.

(Top pic - Mystifier)

A promo teaser from Disaster Strikes Back, the new thrashers Bloodrocuted’s full-length album, is available. The new album was released in March 30 by Punishment 18 Records. Artwork was created by artist Mario Lopez (Game Over, Sabbat, Warstorm, Sofisticator, Repulsor, Axe Battler).

 

Lineup:

Daan Swinnen – bass
Gaetan De Vos – drums
Bob Briessinck – guitars, vocals
Jason Bond – guitars

Punishment 18 Records has announced that on May 25 they will re-release the album Near Death Experience by Cro-Mags, which is never been repressed before thereafter its first original release in 1993 by Century Media Records.

With this full-length album the band Cro-Mags represents a classical example of what the first ‘80s American hardcore movement means, approach themselves to sounds close to thrash metal, mixing the two different styles and giving new inspirations to the next future bands.

Tracklisting:

“Say Goodbye To Mother Earth”
“Kali-Yuga”
“War On The Streets”
“Death In The Womb”
“Time I Am”
“Reflections”
“Near Death Experience”
“The Other Side Of Madness”

Teaser:

Progressive Canadian heavies Neck Of The Woods have released their self-titled debut EP. The EP can be streamed and purchased at Bandcamp.

Neck Of The Woods' EP Release Party will be held May 30 at the Astoria Pub in Vancouver, BC at which the band will be selling both the vinyl and CD versions of the EP. The 12" vinyl LP is packaged with a digital download card. The gig will also feature Witch Of The Waste, Astrakhan, Quartered, and Of Modern Architecture.

Tracklisting:

“Disavow”
“Left Behind”
“Trap Door”
“I Know Where I’ll Bury You”
“Torch”
“Two Smokes”

Next week, the Los Angeles-based extreme shred powerhouse Exmortus – who spent much of 2014 on tour with Dark Tranquillity, Destruction, Krisiun, Arsis and Flotsam And Jetsam, among others – will return to Sharkbite Studios with producer Zack Ohren (Suffocation, Immolation) to begin tracking their sophomore album for Prosthetic Records. The follow-up to last year's Slave To The Sword, expected out this fall, will feature new bassist Michael Cosio (ex-Abysmal Dawn) alongside the band's existing core of Conan (vocals/guitars), Mario Moreno (drums) and David Rivera (guitars).

Moreno announced, "2014 was a great year for Exmortus and the campaign for Slave To The Sword has been relentless since its release. This year has been a little quiet for us but with good reason. We're excited to announce that we'll be entering the studio at the end of this month to once again record with the mighty Zack Ohren. Zack did a phenomenal job on Slave To The Sword and we're ready to record some more bone-crushing, face-melting shred for you all!"

Exmortus, who recently performed at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA during an LA KISS arena football game, have also announced a slew of new tour dates. After appearing at Prosthetic's West Coast Metal Meeting in suburban Los Angeles alongside labelmates Spellcaster and Holy Grail on July 11, the band will continue on to join forces with fellow Angelenos Kyng.

Says Moreno, "Not many people are aware of our history with Kyng, but it goes back years! The guys in Kyng helped Exmortus get some of our very first shows, and many years later we're finally taking the package on the road. This tour is gonna be heavy!"

Upcoming tour dates:

July
10 – Fullerton, CA – Riff Haus
11 – Glendale, CA – The Complex (Prosthetic Showcase)
15 – Denver, CO – Marquis at The Parkway
17 – Chicago, IL – Double Door
21 – Kansas City, MO – Aftershocklive Musicvenue
22 – Colorado Springs, CO – The Black Sheep
24 – Tucson, AZ – The Flycatcher

Necrostable Records has announced that Enthral has agreed to release their sophomore album The Mirror`s Opposite End (1998) digitally through the label.

The release date is today (May 22), and will be available on all major stores, such as Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon.

The Mirror`s Opposite End was originally released by the now defunct Hot Records, and the CD is out of print.

The album features nine tracks of dark and atmospheric black metal. Founding members Kjetil Hektoen and Gunnhild Bratset are the only remaining members of this line-up. For those familiar with their later albums will for sure hear the evolution from the ‘90s black metal sound to the present day chaotic darkness.

Tracklisting:

“When The Sky Touched The Earth”
“In Passion Swept”
“Weltschmerz”
“The Sins Of Man”
“Salvation Mother”
“Monochrome”
“The 9th Sphere”
“Call Of The Horned Piper – The Sabbat Song”
“The Leper Play”

The Mirror’s Opposite End is available for purchase and streaming at Bandcamp.

Los Angeles-based cyber metallers FEAR FACTORY have set "Genexus" as the title of their ninth studio album, due on August 7 worldwide via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The follow-up to 2012's "The Industrialist" was co-produced by longtime collaborator Rhys Fulber, along with guitarist Dino Cazares and vocalist Burton C. Bell and mixed by Andy Sneap (ARCH ENEMY, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, MACHINE HEAD).

Says Cazares: "The sensation of finalizing our newest album is one of relief and joy, wrapped within a massive whirlwind of excitement.

"We really feel this is a very special FEAR FACTORY album. While being careful not to replicate ourselves, this album still has a very classic FEAR FACTORY vibe that we feel will appease both old and new fans. The aggressive, melodic and industrial elements are all intact and shine more than ever.

"Burt and I produced the album with Rhys Fulber co-producing. Damien Rainuad and Giuseppe Bassi handled most of the keys and pre-production. We also enlisted the masterful metallic skills of Andy Sneap for an amazing mixing job!

"We would like to thank everyone who has been a big part in the making of this record. We can't wait for everybody to hear it."

Speaking about what FEAR FACTORY is trying to accomplish with its forthcoming album, the band's first since signing with Nuclear Blast, Cazares said: "It's still just to be who we are. We are 'cyber metal,' whatever you wanna call it, but it's still a lot of the killer riffs, killer double bass, Burt's beautiful, melodic vocals. Conceptually, it's always still futuristic, man-versus-machine type of thing, but, you know, we thought we're gonna keep it real, keep it what we are and who we are."

Asked about how it feels to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of FEAR FACTORY's classic "Demanufacture" album in 2015 with only two members of the band's classic lineup remaining in the group, Dino said: "The two main members are in the band right now. The soul of the machine is still intact, and that's me and Burton. And I don't think anything has changed, really."

He continued: "Every album we do always has to have something a little different. From the beginning, from the first album, 'Soul Of A New Machine', it was very death metal inspired, [with] a little bit of industrial. The second album, 'Demanufacture', the classic album… Every record changes. 'Obsolete' was a big difference, you know what I mean?! But my right hand is still there, the passion is still there, Burt's killer melodic vocals are still there. So I think that's all that matters."

In an interview with Silver Tiger Media, Bell stated about the new FEAR FACTORY album: "It's classic FEAR FACTORY sound, the sound that fans have always expected, but I think because we are taking our time, the songs are really well crafted. Without losing the edge or the angst. Without losing the essence of FEAR FACTORY, but they are well-crafted songs." Asked if there is a particular subject focus of the album, Bell said: "It's based on science-fiction, essentially futuristic concepts. It's bringing the concept of man versus machine around again, but this time, the way I'm thinking about the machine is that it's fully cognitive and fully understands where its place is and what it needs to do. So the machine has very human qualities now."

FEAR FACTORY recently parted ways with bassist Matt DeVries (previously of CHIMAIRA, where he played guitar, and SIX FEET UNDER and replaced him with Tony Campos (ex-SOULFLY, STATIC-X, PRONG, MINISTRY).

In addition to Cazares, Bell and Campos, FEAR FACTORY's current touring lineup features drummer Mike Heller.

FEAR FACTORY will hit the road this July with COAL CHAMBER. Tickets go on sale everywhere on Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m. local time.

Photo credit: Kevin Estrada

Multi-national metal maestro's DragonForce have announced the worldwide release of their debut DVD entitled In The Line Of Fire. The release is scheduled for July 10 and features high definition footage shot during the band's Ultimate Stage headline show at 2014's Loud Park Festival in the Saitama Super Arena, Japan, the band used multiple camera angles to capture the raw energy of their show and instrumental dexterity for which they are rightly celebrated worldwide.

The tracklisting below features a selection of new songs from the latest album Maximum Overload mixed in with foot stomping anthems and lightning fast shred-fests from previous releases. The video also includes backstage, behind the scenes, and off tour footage to give fans an insight into the Maximum Overload World Tour. Preorders are being taken at MetalBlade.com.

In The Line Of Fire tracklisting:

“Fury Of The Storm”
“Three Hammers”
“Black Winter Night”
“Tomorrow’s Kings”
“Seasons”
“Symphony Of The Night”
“Cry Thunder”
“Ring Of Fire”
“Through The Fire And The Flames”
“Valley Of The Damned”
“Defenders” (CD only bonus track)

Trailer:

Mix and mastered by Damien Rainaud in Los Angeles, CA. Produced and edited by Herman Li.

DragonForce are currently on the Maximum Overload World Tour, which commenced in September 2014 and is due to conclude in 2016. Throughout their six studio album and multiple world tour history, DF has steadfastly refused to shoot a DVD, until now. Guitarist Herman Li explains, "We always held the opinion that if we ever did a DVD we wanted to do it properly. Now, having released six studio albums we thought we had a great cross section of material to pick from and we knew the facilities at Loud Park made it a great place to film a show. Everything just came together and we're very pleased with the results and hope the fans will be also."

A snapshot of the DVD can be seen by checking out the just released second music video from Maximum Overload; a storming version of “Three Hammers” which was shot at the same show.

The release will be a double disc package of the DVD and accompanying Live Audio CD of the show and will also be available in Blu-Ray.

Tour dates:

May
22 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Civic Theatre
23 - Lake Buena Vista, FL - House of Blues

Cryptopsy have released a 45-second teaser video for their forthcoming EP, The Book Of Suffering: Tome 1. Tome 1 is the first in a planned series of EPs collectively titled The Book of Suffering. Check out the teaser video below:

Three years after their self-titled album, Cryptopsy will release a series of EPs entitled The Book of Suffering. This approach will allow the band to put out new music more often while remaining true to their standards of quality.

After being on a record label for their entire career, Cryptopsy decided to go independent in 2012. Supported by their fans, Cryptopsy distributed and sold thousands of albums across the globe and had the opportunity to tour Japan, Western and Eastern Europe, the UK, South America, Scandinavia and Canada. They are now embarking on a crowd funding campaign that will allow them to give their fans more in terms of videos and enhanced live show production.

Cryptopsy's crowdfunding campaign is open with exclusive t-shirts, girly tank tops, hoodies, CDs and vinyls. In addition to the more traditional merchandise, they are offering signed Flo Mounier cymbals, online lessons with each band member, guest performances and a song mix by their guitarist and sound engineer Chris Donaldson. For those who are interested in memorabilia, they are offering stage banners that have been used since 2012. Cryptopsy's $20,000 goal will fund the recording, mixing and mastering of The Book of Suffering Tome 1, as well as produce artwork, a music video and stage banners. Additional rewards such as a play-through video, a tour documentary and more music will be unlocked for all backers if they surpass their goal.

Cryptopsy have stated: "We hope that every extreme metal fan will be exposed to The Book of Suffering Tome 1. We are extremely proud of the material; it is some of the most brutal, technical and fresh music we have ever created."

Crowdfunding details can be found at this location.

Crowdfund Pitch Video:

Cryptopsy will premiere a song from The Book of Suffering Tome 1 on the Back to the US 2015 tour with Disgorge, Erimha, Soreption and The Convalescence. The tour runs through June 1st.

 

 

Tour dates:

May
22 - Miami, FL - Churchill’s
23 - Pensacola, FL - The Handlebar
24 - San Antonio, TX - Korova
25 - Austin, TX - Dirty Dog
26 - Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey
27 - Kansas City, MO - Riot Room
28 - Des Moines, IA - Val Air Ballroom
29 - Crest Hill, IL - Bada Brew
30 - Cudahy, WI - Metal Bar
31 - Cleveland, OH - Agora

Tour trailer:

New Hampshire-based metallers, Vattnet Viskar, have launched a new video for “Impact”, the third single from their upcoming sophomore album, Settler. The clip was made by multimedia artist, Josh Graham (ex-Neurosis, Soundgarden), who also created the band’s “Breath Of The Almighty”, “Settler” and “Colony” videos.

Nick Thornbury (guitar/vocals) comments: "This song is a good summary of the huge highs and lows that the album deals with."

The album artwork was created by multimedia artist, Josh Graham (ex-Neurosis, Soundgarden), who also created the video for "Breath Of The Almighty", from the band's Sky Swallower album.

Settler tracklisting:

“Dawnlands”
“Colony”
“Yearn”
“Impact”
“Glory”
“Heirs”
“Settler”
“Coldwar”

“Yearn”

“Colony”:

“Settler”:

 
Settler will be out June 16th in North America (June 29th in Europe) via Century Media Records. The album was recorded at Earth Analog Studios in Champaign, IL with producer Sanford Parker (Minsk, Voivod).

 
Vattnet Viskar is:  

Nick Thornbury - Guitar/Vocals
Chris Alfieri - Guitar
Seamus Menihane - Drums
Casey Aylward - Bass

New Jersey progressive metal masters SYMPHONY X will release their ninth studio album, titled "Underworld", on July 24 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The official lyric video for the CD's opening track, "Nevermore", can be seen below.

SYMPHONY X has triumphed, creating a panoramic "album rock" experience in an era cursed with diminishing attention spans.

"This new one is about the song, really crafting each one on its own, to be as strong as it could be," says guitarist Michael Romeo, chief writer in the band, and proprietor of The Dungeon, the tricked-out studio in which the album was crafted, newly equipped with the latest in technology required to execute the band’s famous symphonic and orchestrated touches.

"Musically, 'Underworld' has things reminiscent of the bands previous albums but this one definitely has its own individuality," he continues. "Every element added was in service of the song, so the album flows and becomes a total listening experience from start to finish. Every song is to the point and fine-tuned, with us paying a lot of attention to the hooks, voices, riffs, and keeping the interest and the energy high for the entire record. It is heavy and aggressive as fuck when it needs to be, yet soaring and emotional at other times. I think the balance is just right. It had to have all the elements of what we normally would do, just tweaked up a notch and really fine-tuned."

Michael adds: "You know, industry people have talked about how we'll never see a complete album again, and that idea. I wanted to defend the reputation of the album, and really try to make 'Underworld' worth listening to as a whole record. It's what I love about great individual songs, but still an album experience.

"I don't want to sound like I'm preaching, but it was a point we wanted to make. It was about the progression of the whole record. It speeds up here and then it dips down here. It all makes sense together, it all works together and it all flows together."

Although "Underworld" is not a concept album, Michael says, "Like the last couple of records, there's a theme that carries through, without it being storytelling.

"We try to find something to key in on and get the juices flowing, and here the goal was to find something a little dark but with emotional content. I started looking at Dante, and Orpheus in the underworld, where he's going to go to Hades or hell to save this girl. So there's the theme of going to hell and back for something or someone you care about."

Heavily inspired by the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, "Underworld" draws on the themes from "Divine Comedy" most notably the part on "Inferno". As homage to Dante's use of the number 3 and its multiples, the band utilizes this motif in its music either in a lyrical or melodic context. The first song on the album is a three-syllable, three-note melodic phrase, and in the verses there are three references to three songs on the bands third album, "The Divine Wings Of Tragedy". "There's cool shit like this all over the record," Romeo reports.

For the "Underworld" cover art, SYMPHONY X went with their established illustrator Warren Flanagan (Watchmen", "The Incredible Hulk", "2012") who similarly tapped into the "secret knowledge" vibe Michael and band embedded in the record.

"Warren went with the masks, similar to the first record," explains Romeo. "But when I discussed with him Dante and the underworld, he did his own research and designed a little symbol for each of the nine circles of hell. So there are these little geometric symbols that mean something. That's just what he does. He gets in there and finds these things that maybe no one really besides us knows what it means and yet it has meaning."

"Underworld" track listing:

01. Overture02. Nevermore03. Underworld04. Without You05. Kiss Of Fire06. Charon07. Hell And Back08. In My Darkest Hour09. Run With The Devil10. Swansong11. Legend

SLAYER has set "Repentless" as the title of its new album, due worldwide on Friday, September 11 via Nuclear Blast. The long-awaited follow-up to 2009's "World Painted Blood" marks the first time SLAYER has worked with producer Terry Date (PANTERA, SOUNDGARDEN, DEFTONES). It is also SLAYER's first CD since drummer Paul Bostaph's return to the band in 2013 and guitarist Gary Holt's addition to the SLAYER touring lineup in 2011.

SLAYER guitarist Kerry King told RollingStone.com that he began writing songs for "Repentless" when he found out that the band's co-founding axeman, Jeff Hanneman, had come down with the flesh-eating bacteria, necrotizing fasciitis, in 2011, and subsequently had to take a break from the band. "We anticipated he'd maybe be working on some stuff with us, but we didn't know that for sure, so I just started working on stuff," King said. "Whether I had worked on half a SLAYER record and had eight songs for something else I could do with my friends, so be it. It turns out, Jeff passed, so all the stuff I had been working on instantly became SLAYER songs."

In a recent interview with U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine, King spoke about some of the individual tracks that will appear on "Repentless".

"There's a couple of songs that are going to be on it that the fans might know," he said. "'Atrocity Vendor' was released in the States on the B-side of some single [a limited vinyl edition of 'World Painted Blood'], so now it's 'Atrocity Vendor 2015'. It's completely re-recorded. It's got new leads, new vocals, Paul playing drums ... it's pretty cool. There's a brand new version of 'Implode' [which was recorded in 2014 and given away for free] on there. The version of 'When The Stillness Comes' is brand new compared to the single [that came] out [for last month's Record Store Day]."

He continued: "The first song is called 'Repentless' and that one's pretty much... I call it the Hannemanthem! I wrote that for [late SLAYER guitarist] Jeff [Hanneman]. Oh, dude, it's fast as fuck. You don't know what the fuck's coming! [Laughs] A song called 'Vices' is on there somewhere. It's super heavy. It'll pummel you in the face. 'Take Control''s another fast one. 'Cast The First Stone''s another heavy one."

King added: "There's 12 songs on it, one being the intro, one being 'Implode', one being 'Atrocity Vendor' and one being 'When The Stillness Comes', but every version of those songs you may have heard before is different, so I think that's cool, but I also wanted them to be part of a collection. I like the finality of songs belonging on a record. It's probably about 40 or 45 minutes, maybe less. We did 'God Hates Us All' and we put every song we had at the time on the record because that was the trendy thing to do, but as soon as we did that, I vowed never to do it again. I grew up with 10-song albums."

Asked it it was his aim to make "When The Stillness Comes" sound like something Hanneman might have written, Kerry responded: "That one came out surprisingly good."

He continued: "If you know our history, I never did the clean or spooky stuff. That was always Jeff. It was the one thing musically that was just his. I'd do the crazy, punky fast stuff arnd he'd do the moody stuff. So 'When The Stillness Comes' was my first attempt and it gave me goose bumps. I thought, 'This is pretty fuckin' good!'"

Asked how they respond to suggestions that the current lineup of SLAYER "isn't really SLAYER anymore," SLAYER bassist/vocalist Tom Araya said: "In the past, the fans have always known what to expect. But now they don't know what to expect.

"We've tried to reassure them that they're going to get SLAYER ... and that's what they're getting!

"The way social media is, it's all instant, so the response will be immediate this time."

He continued: "It'll be interesting to see what the first, initial reactions are. That all adds to the emotions I'm feeling this time round."

Added Kerry: "I don't pay attention to anything on the Internet. I don't have any social media, because of that stupid horseshit. It's just people spouting off.

"If those people could hear [the upcoming SLAYER] record and say, 'Man, it's horseshit!' then I'd be stunned. I'm very excited."

SLAYER's eleventh studio album will be released on the band's own as-yet-unnamed label through Nuclear Blast.

SLAYER will tour extensively to support the new album, headlining this summer's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival as well as playing other major outdoor festivals and several "An Evening With..." SLAYER-only concerts.

Frontiers Music Srl will release "Now Or Never", the debut album from BENEDICTUM singer Veronica Freeman's solo project THE V, on July 3 in Europe and July 10 in North America.

THE V marks a major step out of Veronica's comfort zone, since it delves into a definite melodic hard rock vibe.

An impressive array of talent has stepped up to assist THE V in creating her solo project on many levels. The list includes Pete Wells, Aric Avina and Rikard Stjernquist of BENEDICTUM, Michael Sweet (STRYPER), Garry Bordonaro (THE RODS), Jeff Pilson (DOKKEN, FOREIGNER), Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X), Tony Martin (BLACK SABBATH), Leather Leone (CHASTAIN), Jerry Dixon (WARRANT), Jim Durkin (DARK ANGEL), Mick Tucker (TANK), Jordan Ziff (AGE OF EVIL), Derek Kerswill (UNEARTH, KINGDOM OF SORROW), Peter Tentindo (VENUS MARS PROJECT), John Herrera, Ryan Greene, Kenny Lewis, Meliesa McDonell, Michael Harris , Mel Brown and John O'Boyle.

Veronica comments: "I had a lot of input and encouragement from Frontiers to try and stretch myself with different musical styles and approaches. It was great to be able to work with Pete Wells writing some of these songs too. So it was a no-brainer to accept their proposal for a solo album. I am a bit nervous and beyond excited!"

Says Frontiers in a press release: "Be prepared! If you thought Veronica was just a heavy metal amazon, you're going to be proven dead wrong! This is a massive melodic hard rock record with some great lead vocals which show a lot of the original influences that brought THE V to be one of the most well know and recognized voices in the current metal scene!" "Now Or Never" track listing:

01. Again02. Now Or Never03. Roller Coaster04. L.O.V.E.05. Line In The Sand06. Love Should Be To Blame07. Kiss My Lips08. Spellbound09. Starshine10. Below Zero11. Ready To Run12. King For A Day

A trailer for the album is available below. "Now Or Never" recording lineup:

* Veronica Freeman - Lead vocals* Leather Leone - Duet vocals on "Kiss My Lips"* Tony Martin - Duet vocals on "King For A Day"* Meliesa McDonell - additional vocals on "Star Shine" and acoustic guitar* Derek Kerswill - drums* Jeff Pilson, Mel Brown, Garry Bordonaro, Aric Avina, John O'Boyle and Mike LePond - Bass* Pete Wells, Michael Sweet, Peter Tentindo, Jim Durkin, Mick Tucker, Jordan Ziff, Michael Harris - Guitar

"Now Or Never" was produced by John Herrera except for the song "King For A Day", which was produced by Kenny Lewis, and "Love Should Be To Blame" and "Again", which were produced by Michael Sweet.

Fan-filmed video footage of AGNOSTIC FRONT's May 21 performance at Willemeen in Arnhem, The Netherlands can be seen below.

AGNOSTIC FRONT's eleventh album, "The American Dream Died", was produced by MADBALL singer Freddy Cricien and engineered, mixed and mastered by Paul Miner (H2O, TERROR). The record, which features guest appearances by Cricien, Toby Morse (H2O) and Lou Koller (SICK OF IT ALL), was made available as digital download, on vinyl as well as on CD. A limited bundle with an exclusive t-shirt was also on sale.

In a recent interview with RockSverige.se, AGNOSTIC FRONT singer Roger Miret was asked at what point the American dream died. "You know, that's just a statement from me," he responded. "I'm just stating that, little by little, this country is leaning towards losing its values, Americans are losing their constitutional rights. You see it happening, and it's no secret; it's out there and you can see what's going on."

He continued: "The main focal point to why we call the record 'The American Dream Died' and how this all started is the collapse of the housing market. When that collapsed, and you saw what followed with the banking collapse and then the world's banks collapsed. Everything went to hell all over the world pretty much, and that's when I clearly was making that statement, but it followed through."

Roger added: "It's a little bit of everything. You watch all of the corruption on all these higher levels. Police corruption and all this police violence going on. Everything just escalated. I'm not saying the American dream when it comes to cars, apple pie, baseball… it's all there and anybody can come to America. You can buy a home, but you won't own it for 30 years. America is a beautiful country, but the government is just so corrupt, it's destroying your dreams."

Gear Gods has uploaded video footage of DIO DISCIPLES performing this past Sunday (May 17) at Los Encinos State Historic Park in Encino, California in remembrance of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, DIO, HEAVEN & HELL) on the fifth anniversary of his death. Check it out below.

DIO DISCIPLES, which pays tribute to Ronnie James Dio and is fully supported by Dio's widow/manager, Wendy, was recently joined by singer Joe Retta (SWEET, HEAVEN & EARTH). Joe hails from Rochester, New York and and was raised on '70s R&B and rock during an era when, as he describes it, "music had more soul and was more diverse." His influences include such luminaries as Stevie Wonder, Steve Marriott, Paul Rodgers, Robert Plant and, of course, Ronnie.

DIO DISCIPLES currently consists of the following musicians:

* Joe Retta (SWEET, HEAVEN & EARTH)- Vocals * Oni Logan (LYNCH MOB) - Vocals * Craig Goldy (DIO) - Guitar * Bjorn Englen (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) - Bass * Scott Warren (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL) - Keyboards * Simon Wright (DIO, AC/DC, UFO) - Drums

Goldy in 2013 stated about DIO DISCIPLES: "After Ronnie's passing and a lengthy mourning period, Wendy Dio and the band that was left behind have decided it was time to honor and keep the memory and legacy of Ronnie James Dio alive in the most respectful way possible!"

He continued: "There is something special that happens when a group of people gather together with the same heart, mind and spirit as one another... and that is what happens every night we (the DIO DISCIPLES) perform! I never know when... but I know that it will happen because it always does... some time during the concert, the audience and the band connect and become as one! And with the large speaker system, lights and special performances... you don't want to rely on all the crappy little cell phone recordings that look and sound like shit posted on YouTube!

"I've never lied about anything to any DIO fan and I'm not about to start now! Every time we perform there's always several very special moments that just can't be defined into words! You just have to trust me and come experience it for yourselves! And I hope you do!"