Rise Records has announced the signing of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH to a North American recording deal. The first album with Rise Records, the BMG-owned rock label, will be released following the completion of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's obligation to its current label, Prospect Park.

The hard rock juggernauts, comprised of vocalist Ivan Moody, guitarists Zoltan Bathory and Jason Hook, drummer Jeremy Spencer and bassist Chris Kael, formed in 2005 and have released six highly successful albums, five of which have been certified gold, with one reaching platinum status and another soon to follow.

The Portland, Oregon-based label is excited to work with the band, welcoming them to a roster that includes OF MICE & MEN, PVRIS, CROWN THE EMPIRE and more. Craig Ericson, CEO of Rise Records, says: "I'm honored to be working with one of the biggest arena rock bands in the world. I'm very confident in the future of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and Rise Records and can't wait to hear the music they make with our company."

Bathory commented: "We are looking forward to the next phase of our recording career. We have had great success with our current label, Prospect Park, and will continue to enjoy further success with our next and final album (subject to surmounting the label's court action to prevent us from recording it), after which we will commence a new and exciting label partnership with the people at Rise and BMG."

It was revealed last month that FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's label, Prospect Park, filed a lawsuit against the band, accusing it of allegedly trying to violate its recording contract by rushing to make a new album despite the addiction problems of Ivan Moody.

The group fired back, calling the suit "the latest in a long line of exploitative and abusive bullying tactics used by our former manager and current label CEO Jeff Kwatinetz to extract money from and wield power against the band."

Amidst all this, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH announced a new co-headlining arena tour with SHINEDOWN that will kick off on October 18 in Little Rock, Arkansas and run into December. SIXX A.M. and AS LIONS will be along as support. FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH will also play a handful of festival dates this summer in North America and Europe.

Michigan-based rockers POP EVIL have recruited U.K.-based drummer Hayley Cramer (formerly of MCQUEEN) to replace Josh "Chachi" Marunde, who exited the group last month.

Speaking to RadioContraband, POP EVIL singer Leigh Kakaty stated about the band's latest addition (see video below): "She's amazing. She's from Brighton. We love her. And we didn't think this was gonna work, cause we were, like, 'A girl on the bus? I don't know if this is the right idea.' But we already knew she could play the drums. And if you haven't seen her play the drums, she slays it. But you know what? She's even become a better sister, so I love her."

Regarding how POP EVIL ended up hooking up with Cramer, Kakaty said: "[We got word out] through the grapevine [via] some friends that we were looking for a female drummer, and we didn't know if she existed out there. And word got back around through some talented people that knew her and had seen her play. And [we thought], 'Wow, this could be the girl.' We saw the video. 'Let's see how she plays POP EVIL songs.' And she crushed it on the demo; [she] sent us a great demo. And I'm, like, ' Well, okay, let's see if she can live with us.' So she's been living with us — it's almost two months now — and she's still here; we haven't scared her away. And she's just amazing."

Asked what the best thing is about being in POP EVIL, Cramer told RadioContraband: "I don't even know where to start with that; there are so many good things about being in POP EVIL. First of all, I found some brothers. That's a really… Like, seriously, living with thes guys is great."

Marunde is said to be taking a new opportunity that will allow him to spend more time with family. He told "The MARR Army Rock Show": "Definitely music will always be a part of my life and I'll always play. I might honestly… I'll probably jam a lot more. A lot of people don't think about that, but we tour so often and we're on the road and playing, we don't really have a lot of time to just go play drums; like, I don't get to just go goof around. I definitely am gonna continue to play, write… I really enjoy working with writing and producing. I don't think I'll become a producer, but I don't wanna say I won't… But that's not my plan.'

He continued: "There may be a time where, down the road especially, once I'm settled and everything is relaxed and the dust has settled, where I make myself available to be a hired gun on very short terms — whether it be for an album or whether that be for three to five days on a tour. That's something I've already talked to POP EVIL about. A year from now, who's to say I won't wanna come out and play three songs on a show, or play a show with the guys — you know, who knows? — whether they are in Michigan or I'm on the road. I'm never gonna stop playing drums."

POP EVIL's latest album, "Up", was released last August via eOne Music.

Australian melodic/progressive death metal act, Be’lakor, are streaming the new song “Roots To Sever”, from their upcoming fourth full length album, Vessels. The song is streaming below.

Be’lakor states: "Vessels is the product of well over a year's hard work - without doubt, it's the album that has challenged us the most. It's much richer and more textured than any of our other albums. There are parts which sound like the Be'lakor that fans know, while other sections might surprise some people. Our goal was to keep the music exciting and varied, for us as much as for anyone else. Vessels is also our first concept album, which has meant that lyrically we've really pushed ourselves this time around. We hope our fans will enjoy it as much as we do!"

Vessels tracklisting:

“Luma”
“An Ember’s Arc”
“Withering Strands”
“Roots to Sever”
“Whelm”
“A Thread Dissolves”
“Grasping Light”
“The Smoke Of Many Fires”

“Roots To Sever”:

“An Ember’s Arc”:

Teaser:

Vessels will be available as:

- Regular Jewel Case
- Webstore Exclusive CD & Band Logo arm patch
- CD & Shirt Bundle (Webstore)
- 2LP Gatefold ( black & different colors)
- Strictly limited 2LP Gatefold Edition of the predecessor album Of Breath And Bone (black LTD limited to 300)

The eight pillar songs Vessels is built upon definitely satiate your hunger for progressive structures and technical prowess, but at the same time these new compositions live for intense, passionate and deeply disquieting melodic death metal.

Vessels will be released on June 24th via Napalm Records. Pre-orders will be available soon.

Be’lakor is:

George Kosmas - Guitar / Vocals
Shaun Sykes - Lead Guitar
John Richardson - Bass
Steve Merry - Piano / Keyboard
Elliott Sansom – Drums

Philadelphia’s Nothing have released an official music video for “A.C.D. (Abcessive Compulsive Disorder)”, a track from their sophomore LP, Tired Of Tomorrow, out now via Relapse Records.

Tired Of Tomorrow is available on CD / LP / Deluxe 2xLP (with two bonus tracks) / Cassette / Digital. Physical orders and bundles are available via Relapse.com here, and digital downloads can be ordered via Bandcamp at this location.

Tired Of Tomorrow tracklisting:

“Fever Queen”
“The Dead Are Dumb”
“Vertigo Flowers”
“A.C.D. (Abcessive Compulsive Disorder)”
“Nineteen Ninety Heaven”
“Curse Of The Sun”
“Eaten By Worms”
“Everyone Is Happy”
“Our Plague”
“Tired Of Tomorrow”

“Eaten By Worms” video:

“Vertigo Flowers” video:

Tired Of Tomorrow documentary videos:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Part 5:

Part 6:

Brick was forged to the tunes of Swedish hardcore legends The Haunted and At The Gates, later on other raw models like Pantera, Killswitch Engage and Lamb Of God brought their heavy machinery to further mold these fellows. All these hard hitting influences were mixed with singing techniques derived from earlier heavy metal acts such as Iron Maiden and Dio. A flirt with college rock up-tempo pop like Blink 182, Good Charlotte and Sum41 has also been included in the mix for good measure.

Brick’s music is determined to keep a steady beat and build a solid foundation for rhythmic drops and soaring refrains. The lyrics are sprung from everyday life and dealing with thoughts ranging from Middle East crisis to the perks of drug-dealing, to serving the  end of mankind. All in the midst of daily routines where love, affection and general alcohol abuse is addressed humorously but sincerely.

Faceless Strangers was recorded in the midst of the dark Swedish Småland forests. The drums were laid at Dennis Studio (Shimmer Records) in Ljungby and the rest was recorded at Studio Milou in Värnamo. All engineered, mixed and mastered by Andreas at Ylitalo Productions, stirring the kettle to bring all the juiciest bubbles to the top.  

Faceless Strangers will see the light of the day on August 5th via Scarlet Records. More details to follow.

Relapse Records has announced the signing of The Album Leaf! The band, led by Jimmy LaValle, has been a major influential force across many disparate genres of music over the last twenty years, and joins a long line of experimental musicians that have helped shape and define Relapse history.

The Album Leaf's LaValle comments on the signing: “I’m very excited to release a new record and to be a part of the Relapse family. This record represents a new musical chapter for me and after making records as the The Album Leaf for nearly two decades, I welcome a fresh start with such an influential, veteran label.”

Relapse is also incredibly excited to announce the release of The Album Leaf's first full-length album in six years and to share new music from the release. Now twenty years into a career that has seen LaValle exercising his creativity across the realms of film scoring, sound collage, and rock music, via instrumental and vocal-driven compositions alike, LaValle and The Album Leaf’s newly solidified lineup are poised to deliver yet another sonic triumph with 2016’s Between Waves.

The album was born out of a thorough reinvention of LaValle's creative process and approach: Between Waves is The Album Leaf's first full-length record to be recorded with the band's current lineup, and was written with greater emphasis on the group dynamic (the album was also entirely recorded and produced by LaValle and the band). The album's eight tracks were winnowed down from thirty, and it shows: each song is memorable and unique, all speaking in The Album Leaf's singular voice while expressing themselves through a wide variety of different sounds and emotions.

The band's thorough, unified approach is evident on nearly every aspect of Between Waves: the album displays multifaceted, meticulous sound design, a keen ear for balancing disparate influences, and the strongest senses of dynamics, rhythm, and composition The Album Leaf has displayed to date. From the moody evolution of "Glimmering Lights" to the wistful hip-hop stylings of "A New Soul" and beyond, Between Waves is The Album Leaf at its most inventive, most confident, and most impressive.

Between Waves tracklisting:

“False Dawn”
“Glimmering Lights”
“New Soul”
“Back To The Start”
“Wandering Still”
“Never Far”
“Lost In The Fog”
“Between Waves”

“Back To The Start”:

“New Soul” video:

Between Waves is set for release on August 26th via Relapse Records on CD/LP/DLX 2xLP/Digital. Physical pre-orders can be found at this location, and digital pre-orders are available via The Album Leaf's Bandcamp page here. “New Soul” is also available on white 7" vinyl via The Album Leaf's store at this location.

On the 30th anniversary of recording Guns N’ Roses’ iconic debut album Appetite For Destruction, legendary producer, Steve Thompson (Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rolling Stones), went into the studio to produce American hard rock band, Crash Midnight. The first result is the adrenaline-filled “Roxy”, whose controversial and edgy music video drops today. Check it out below.

Directed by Ron Sperling and produced by Ron Sperling and Bo Toof, "Roxy" chronicles the raucous, gritty experience of a young stripper in the infamous 1960's "Combat Zone" of Boston. With the song’s theme in mind, Sperling created this intense video that couples the explosiveness of the band’s live performance along with jaw-dropping raw visuals that have already created quite a stir leading up to its release.

“Roxy” anticipates the release of Lost In The City, Crash Midnight’s new album, dropping in September via Musicarchy Media in Europe and Asia. The release will be remixed, remastered, and repackaged with “Roxy” for North America later this fall.

The band is also launching the exclusive Crash Midnight App today, created in cooperation with Cayenne and available now on the App Store and Google Play.  The App will offer exclusive music videos, merchandise, contests, free song downloads, and provide unprecedented access to the band through its unique Backstage portal.

In their five years of existence, universal space rock act, The Black Explosion, has become an institution of Scandinavian rock. Featuring Chris Winter (guitar and vocals), Addman Lindqvist (drums), and Simon Haraldsson (bass), The Black Explosion’s third release, entitled Atomic Zod War, is scheduled for release in North America via Metalville Records on June 24th.

Atomic Zod War is a freakin’ free spaced out to the top album with a twist of dark infinity. The music of this piece was arranged and recorded while the band was stranded on planet earth for a short time during a universal tour. Instead of wasting time waiting for their ship to get repaired they decided to enter SGV studios. The result is an album full of very retro space rock soundscapes. Atomic Zod War is the best matured recording of the band’s career and also again an outstanding tribute to heroes like Hawkwind and MC5.

Since its foundation by ex-Dollhouse mastermind Chris Winter in 2011, The Black Explosion has remained true to their dark space rock ideals. It’s all there: sci-fi, space, doom, stoner, acid and psychedelic, and together with their high energetic live performances it all gets complete.

Atomic Zod War tracklisting:

“Paralyzed”
“Ain’t Coming Home”
“World Is Dead”
“Location 9”
“Going Down”
“Get My Mind Together”
“Devil Inside”

(Photo - The Black Explosion Facebook)

Toby Jepson has been a busy man since the hugely successful Little Angels disbanded in 1994. His production wizardry has been in high demand, with acts such as The Virginmarys and The Answer calling on him to produce their albums. He has been instrumental in the rise of James Toseland's band, co-writing and producing two albums with the act who are a growing force on the live circuit and making serious waves in Europe and the US. Add to that several co-writing credits with Katie Melua and you have a great idea of the depth and quality of his songwriting. He has even managed to squeeze in a few solo EPs along the way to keep his faithful fanbase engaged and entertained.

Now Toby Jepson is back doing what he is best known and loved for, and his new band, Wayward Sons has signed to Frontiers, and will commence work on a new album imminently.

Says the label: “It is all about songs for Toby. He is not someone to do anything by halves, his heart and soul will be put into producing a record that will make him proud and that we are certain will be greeted with enthusiasm from his loyal fans and the wider rock audience across the world.”

Toby sums it up himself: “I feel I have unfinished business, stories still left to tell, points to make, noise to create, all of the above... besides, it wasn't a choice, more of a need. My intention is very simple. I want to write about what makes me tick; about what I believe in. Hopefully you will believe in it too. It will be warts and all.”

Expect the album in the first half of 2017. In the meantime, check out the band on Facebook.

Sofia's (Bulgaria) hereAndNow will release their debut album Flipside Story on June 16th. Flipside Story is available for preorder on Bandcamp.

A new force on the internal metal scene, hereAndNow rages against the ills of society through its music. Stylistically, this is melodic, progressive, modern, and groovy metal. The album was mastered by Swedish producer Jens Bogren (Soilwork, Dark Tranquillity, Moonspell, Amon Amarth). The album will be available on the band's site and all major online outlets. In addition to the CD, a custom designed flash drive will be available, with maximum quality sound and a subscription to the supporters' area with exclusive making-of material, including pictures, videos, song notations and alternative mixes.

A teaser video and single “rebuildAndDestroy” is streaming below.

Tracklisting:

“areYouWithUs”
“toResist”
“forsakeTheSick”
“becauseWeCan”
“rebuildAndDestroy”
“ruinsOfThePast”
“protestMarch”
“theHydra”
“chooseASide”
“spaceElevators”
“There”

“rebuildAndDestroy”:

Teaser video:

Vocalist Nick Walsh (Famous Underground, Slik Toxik) is out for another round of touring with Classic Albums Live, performing David Bowie’s The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars. What started as two dates has now turned into 17 shows. The two initial dates were in the works before the death of David Bowie in January.

Fan-filmed video of "Life On Mars?" from the show at The King Center in Melbourne, FL on May 7th can be viewed below.

Walsh's tour schedule with Classic Albums Live performing David Bowie is currently as follows:

May
27 - Peter's Players - Gravenhurst, ON    
28 - Massey Hall - Toronto, ON    

June
2 - The State Theatre - State College, PA    
3 - Sands Bethlehem Event Center - Bethlehem, PA    
4 - Performing Arts Center - Englewood , NJ

August
14 - Filene Center | Wolf Trap - Vienna, VA

September
9 - Ravinia Festival - Highland Park, IL

Walsh has previously performed Led Zeppelin with Classic Albums Live. Check out the footage below.

Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin and based in Toronto, Classic Albums Live has become the ultimate destination for music lovers wanting to hear the greatest albums performed live without all the gimmickry and cheesy impersonations. Relying only on the music, using what Martin refers to as "the world's best musicians," Classic Albums Live has defined itself as a mainstay in Performing Arts Centres across North America.

Go to this location for more information.

MANOWAR has announced plans to embark on a "farewell" tour. The band says in a statement: "The 'Gods And Kings' tour was a groundbreaking moment in our career. The stage, sound, video and you,' our fans, were magnificent!

"Coming off such an amazing tour, it was clear that the next time we must go even bigger and beyond anything we have ever done; something that will fulfill every Manowarrior's dreams. Then that will be the ultimate moment to say 'thank you' and farewell!

"The final battle will begin in Germany and take us all over the world to say goodbye to all of you.

"If you know metal, you know MANOWAR. If you know MANOWAR, you know metal!"Those who join this tour will be left with an eternal memory; having witnessed the band that has dedicated their blood, hearts, souls and every moment of their career to true heavy metal.

"We are calling all Manowarriors to prepare yourselves now and to join us for The Final Battle!"

MANOWAR's "Gods And Kings" world tour celebrated "Kings Of Metal MMXIV", which many fans hadn't had a chance to experience live yet, as well as the upcoming anniversary of "Gods Of War", which was unleashed on the world in 2007. The setlist was packed with fan favorites from both albums, plus many other classics and special surprises.

In a recent interview, MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio stated about the "Gods And Kings" world tour: "We've added tons of new equipment and power amps, for even more power than ever before. Most of our equipment is custom-made, so it is a really intense and time-consuming process getting everything done in time, and meeting our specifications. Those who saw our 2015 tour know that we worked with videos on our gigantic LED screens. We have flown in our video designer from Europe to work with us on new video elements that will be played during the songs and, of course, the LED screens will be bigger and of higher quality than ever — over 150 m² and 6k resolution to be precise. Nothing but the latest and best technology for our fans will do!"

Speaking about the tour concept, Joey DeMaio said: "The previous tour celebrated 'Kings Of Metal MMXIV'. It was a terrific experience for fans, band and crew. The production was big and featured elements that we had not done before. It was more of a multi-media experience, with videos linking the songs and their conception, telling the story of our fans and our lives, capturing the energy on stage and off… When we started planning the new tour, we soon agreed that we wanted to keep the best of this previous tour, but of course add on to it, make it different and even bigger. And, believe it or not, the 10-year anniversary of 'Gods Of War' is upon us: The album was released in 2007 but we started working on it in 2006. But more importantly the question was: Who should join our Kings in battle? The answer was: the Gods Of War! So this is how the 'Gods And Kings' concept was conceived. Naturally, the 'Gods And Kings World Tour 2016' [is] more massive than the 'Kings Of Metal MMXIV Word Tour'! The 2015 tour was big. But nothing compared to what you'll experience on the 2016 tour!"

"Drown Me In Blood", the new video from the California-based metal outfit CARNIFEX, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's new album, titled "Slow Death", which will be released on August 5 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was produced and recorded by CARNIFEX and Mick Kenney (ANAAL NATHRAKH, BLEEDING THROUGH), and co-produced by Jason Suecof (DEATH ANGEL, CHELSEA GRIN, JOB FOR A COWBOY). "Slow Death" was mixed by Mark Lewis (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, WHITECHAPEL, DEVILDRIVER, DEICIDE) at Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, Florida. Cover art for the album was created by renowned artist and longtime collaborator Godmachine.

"Album number six, over ten years as a band and we have more fire and passion than ever," comments CARNIFEX vocalist Scott Ian Lewis. "This album will reshape our genre and be looked back on as an album that started a new movement for aggressive, dark metal. We're going to show those who love us and those who hate us just how far reaching our ambition is."

"Slow Death" track listing:

01. Dark Heart Ceremony 02. Slow Death 03. Drown Me In Blood 04. Pale Ghost 05. Black Candles Burning 06. Six Feet Closer To Hell 07. Necrotoxic 08. Life Fades To A Funeral 09. Countess Of The Crescent Moon 10. Servants To The Horde

CARNIFEX's latest release, "Die Without Hope", reached No. 98 on The Billboard 200 chart upon its release in March 2014 via Nuclear Blast. The record also reached No. 8 on the Hard Rock chart.

MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee spoke to Rolling Stone about the band's final concert, which took place this past New Year's Eve at Staples Center in their hometown of Los Angeles, California, just 10 miles from the Sunset Strip where the group's infamous and decadent career first launched.

Asked what the band's preshow ritual was like and if it was different for the last-ever concert, Tommy said: "No. We just see each other up onstage and let it rip."

He added: "It's kind of strange, man. We're a fucking weird band. Even stranger, after the final night, we had a big party backstage on New Year's Eve, and I never saw the other guys. We never even said 'goodbye.' Fucking strange as hell, dude. I mean, what the fuck?

Asked why nobody would say goodbye to him, Tommy said: "I really don't know. I mean, if you're getting divorced, you still give your ex a hug, or flip her off or something. You either get a kiss or a slap, or ... something. Give me a sign! Let me know you're alive."

Tommy also confirmed that he hasn't spoken to MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx or singer Vince Neil since the show. "I think fucking Nikki unfollowed me on fucking Twitter, like, the next day," Tommy said. "I was like, 'Wow. Okay, dude.'"

Pressed on whether there was an issue with Nikki leading up to that, Tommy said: "There's always been issues."

Asked how feels about MÖTLEY CRÜE as a whole when he looks back on it, Tommy said: "I don't have ill feelings at all. I'm saying this with a smile on my face. I'm just happy to be part of something that was so impactful on so many people's lives musically and lifestyle-wise. That's pretty fucking insane, and I'm really happy that we decided to end it on a high note and not really drive this thing into the ground like so many of our other musical peers have. It's just really cool and quite an honor to kind of bow out when it's still larger-than-life. It could have gone a different route."

The "Mötley Crüe: The End" concert movie will screen in theaters June 14. The 140-minute film includes footage from the CRÜE's farewell show at the Staples Center along with "exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of the last week of the tour."

Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley recently released the music video for his cover of the FREE song "Fire And Water", featuring his former bandmate and KISS's co-founding frontman Paul Stanley.

On the set of the "Fire And Water" video shoot, Ace and Paul sat down with the Los Angeles radio station 95.5 KLOS to discuss their surprising collaboration. You can watch the chat below.

Asked if they were glad they did the song together, Paul said: "Totally. Look, life's too short, and regardless of whatever differences we will have and continue to have and things that we don't agree [on], there's no denying what we started together, and what we started together is the reason that we're still here today. So why not celebrate it?"

The "Fire And Water" video holds its place in rock and roll history as the first time in 14 years that Frehley and Stanley have shared a stage since KISS's appearance at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. It's also the first time Frehley has released a music video since 1989, which was Frehley's cover of "Do Ya" by ELO and THE MOVE.

Frehley's cover of "Fire And Water" is taken from his solo covers set, "Origins Vol. 1", which debuted at No. 23 on The Billboard 200, having shifted 16,109 equivalent album units in the week ending April 21.

During an appearance on KBAD 94.5's "Morning Crash" radio show, Stanley stated about his collaboration with Frehley: "Ace was doing an album of covers, songs that influenced him and that he loved, and called me. And it's always very funny, because with caller ID, I look, and the phone's ringing, and I see Ace's name come up. So, of course…

"Look, for all the bickering and stuff that we may say about each other, we go back to a very magical time. We started this together. So in spite of whatever we may say from time to time or things that get blown up, we are a family, and a dysfunctional one, but nonetheless a family.

"So Ace said, 'Would you do something on the album?' I said, 'Sure. Of course.'"

He continued: "If [Ace] succeeds, it only makes me happy. I don't wanna see anybody fail, especially somebody who I'm close to. Even if I don't speak to him weekly, even monthly, we are connected in a way that will go to the end.

"There's a great song by FREE called 'Fire And Water', which was on the album with 'All Right Now'. Paul Rodgers, besides being a friend of mine, is one of the consummate vocalists. So to get a chance to sing something that's a little different than what I do in KISS was something I didn't take lightly, because Paul Rodgers is a hell of a vocalist. So it was great, and it was a lot of fun, and it was terrific. And I only wish Ace well with it."

Ace spoke to Rolling Stone about his teamup with Stanley. Frehley said: "I thought Paul did a fabulous vocal on it. He jumped at the chance to do this because it's something that's outside of KISS and his character in KISS, and it gave him a chance to, y'know, sing. With Paul, you usually think of him singing in a slightly higher register and on 'Fire And Water', he's singing deep from his diaphragm, and it's a real cool vocal. Everyone's who heard it was just thinks it's the shit."

Other high-profile artists guesting with Ace on the new album are Slash, Lita Ford, Mike McCready, and John 5. In addition to the FREE track, Ace and his guests tackle key classic rock touchstones by CREAM, STEPPENWOLF, LED ZEPPELIN, THIN LIZZY, THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE, THE ROLLING STONES, THE KINKS — and even KISS.

The opening riff of AC/DC's classic 1980 song "Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution" is featured in a new series of TV spots from the Applebee's restaurant chain. The spots are part of the new Applebee's advertising campaign, created by the brand's Kansas City-based ad agency, Barkley, consisting of 15- and 30-second spots aimed at bringing back fans and winning over critics with straight-talk, authenticity and powerful, up-close visuals of the chain's American-made, wood-fired grills.

The new series of ads tell Applebee's "Hand-Cut, Wood-Fired" story with a confident brand voice and a natural energy that stands in stark contrast to the manufactured frenzy pervading most restaurant advertising. The spots feature slow, unflinching shots of hand-cut steaks being "seared to smoky-oak perfection" on Applebee's "fire-breathing workhorse" grill. The appeal of the ads is further fueled by iconic rock music, including "Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution".

AC/DC has famously been reluctant to license its music for advertising, although the band appears to have softened its attitude toward the practice. In 2011, AC/DC allowed the opening riff to its "Back In Black" song to be used in a commercial for Walmart, three years after making its "Black Ice" album available for sale in the U.S. exclusively at Walmart stores.

"They have a purist approach," Steve Barnett, the chairman of Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, told The New York Times. "Their instinct was always to do the right thing for fans, think long term and not be influenced by financial rewards."

Ozzy Osbourne's daughter Kelly took to Twitter Monday night (May 23) to post an angry message directed at the celebrity hairstylist whose alleged affair with Ozzy is rumored to have led to her parents splitting after 33 years of marriage. The 31-year-old wrote: "Anyone looking for cheap chunky LOW-light and blow out and a blowjob call ...," along with listing a phone number that has since been disconnected.

After one Twitter user told Kelly to "hate your father not the woman.. HE did this 2 ur family ... Again.", Kelly responded: "are you in my family? NO YOU ARE NOT YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT SHE DID! So keep ur high-mighty opinions to yourself!"

Another user told Kelly: "why would it only be one persons fault??? It takes 2 to tango - both guilty. She knew he was married". Kelly then fired back: "my father is almost 70 ever heard of elder abuse?"

Kelly's mother, Sharon, commented on the tweet during a conversation with her "The Talk" co-hosts on Tuesday (May 24). She said: "Oh, Kelly has the best sense of humor ever. What can you do but laugh. You have to laugh. And she's just so funny.

"She loves her mom and loves her dad so much and listen, I'm always proud of my girl," Sharon added. "What are you going to do? Be angry with her because she loves her mom and dad and she wants us to be together?"

"She loves us. She can do what she wants," Sharon concluded. "She's an adult."

A source told Page Six last week that Ozzy has cut off contact with his alleged mistress and added, "His family really is very important to him and he's come to his senses. Sharon is Ozzy's whole life; he can't manage without her."

Ozzy was reportedly seeing a 45-year-old celebrity hairstylist for at least six months in addition to rumored encounters with at least two other women.

The insider also said of Sharon's attitude about taking him back: "She'll wait months. It's a huge decision with a lot of moving parts, so she's going to see how everything shakes out before deciding what she wants to do and what is best for their kids."

Ozzy and Sharon were videotaped on Friday (May 20) leaving a Beverly Hills, California medical building. They were also were previously seen in public together at a press conference announcing Ozzfest Meets Knotfest, a two-day combined metal and heavy rock festival that will be headlined by SABBATH and SLIPKNOT in September.

The two shared the stage and Ozzy even put his arms around his wife, although the gesture was not returned.

Sharon, who has said she will continue to manage Ozzy's career, addressed the trouble in her marriage during a May 10 appearance on "The Talk", saying: "I don't know where I am going, who I'm going with and I just need time to think and really think about myself and what I really want for the rest of my life."

She admitted that she kicked Ozzy out of their Beverly Hills home, although he has since returned and she has left.

According to TMZ.com, Sebastian Bach and his wife, Suzanne, are suspecting a nanny of stealing a diamond-encrusted Chanel watch. The couple called the police to report the watch missing after returning from a night out last week in Memphis. They believe a nanny hired to care for Suzanne's 3-year-old son Trace took the $16,000 watch from inside a hotel drawer.

Sebastian and Suzanne got married last August in San Jose, California.

The singer proposed to the former model on December 28, 2014, which also happened to be Suzanne's 42nd birthday.

Bach in 2014 broke off his engagement to model Minnie Gupta, who appeared on the cover of his "Kicking & Screaming" album and in videos for the singles "Kicking & Screaming" and "I'm Alive".

Sebastian was previously married for 18 years to Maria Bierk, with whom he had been coupled since before joining his former band. They split up in April 2010.

Bach and Maria Bierk have three children: sons Paris and London and daughter Sebastiana.

The Pineapple Thief will return with its most ambitious studio album to date, Your Wilderness, on August 12th (August 19th in France) via Kscope. A new lyric video for the album track “No Man’s Land” can be found below.

"This is the first track to share from our new album, Your Wilderness," commented frontman Bruce Soord. "It is a tale of two halves. It's short but progressive and 100% The Pineapple Thief."

Your Wilderness, the band's 11th studio album, showcases the group performing without any inhibitions, providing a springboard for the ongoing creative growth of The Pineapple Thief.

"The new album was a joy to make. More so than any other The Pineapple Thief album before it," commented Bruce Soord. "Everything came together so effortlessly and I think this comes across when you hear the record."

For the first time, The Pineapple Thief has brought in several special guest performers. Bruce Soord added: "Since our last album Magnolia, the most eye catching change is obviously having Gavin Harrison contribute drums throughout the album. This has not only redefined our sound, but also redefined how we approached the songs as a band.  Gavin's drumming is technically brilliant, but also incredibly musical, and it inspired all of us to raise our game. I've also rediscovered my progressive roots in terms of song-writing and arrangement. Added to that, we were lucky enough to have John Helliwell from Supertramp contribute some beautiful clarinet parts and Geoffrey Richardson (Caravan) provided a string quartet. We were also joined by a lovely four piece choir and, to cap it all off, my friend Darran Charles (Godsticks) added some jaw dropping guitar playing... You've never heard a The Pineapple Thief album like this one!  I am convinced people will love this record as much as we do."

Your Wilderness was recorded entirely by the band with the exception of the drums, which Gavin Harrison produced and engineered at his own studio. The string quartet which was recorded at Geoffrey's own studio in Canterbury. The album was mixed and produced by Bruce Soord and Steve Kitch with mastering duties also carried out by Kitch. There will be a special lossless 5.1 surround mix available with the special edition mixed by Soord.

Cover artist Carl Glover's thought provoking collection of photographs perfectly compliment the concept of the album, something which Soord is tight lipped about. "It should reveal itself to the listener and be open to interpretation. I don't want what it means to me to influence how it affects you."

Your Wilderness will be released on CD, LP, digitally and as a special deluxe hardbook. All formats available for pre-order at this location.

Tracklisting:

“In Exile”
“No Man’s Land”
“Tear You Up”
“That Shore”
“Take Your Shot”
“Fend For Yourself”
“The Final Thing On My Mind”
“Where We Stood”

Teaser:

Blando of the 99.5 The X radio station conducted an interview with MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine at this year's edition of the Carolina Rebellion festival, which was held May 6-8 at Rock City Campgrounds at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. You can now watch the chat below.

Speaking about how various obstacles in his personal life have inspired him in his art, Mustaine said: "I think it's kind of, in a weird way, an introduction for me to share my story with other people. Every time I've had something that's really weird that has been bad for me that I've overcome it, it was something where I could talk to somebody else who could be going through that same thing and needs somebody to say, 'Hey, it's gonna be okay.' And there's been a lot of times, for me, when I've been able to speak into people's lives and say stuff… And I can't figure it out — I don't know what the hell matters — but, for some reason, me saying something to them, I can say the same thing that their parents say, and they listen more, or it has a much deeper effect. And for me to go out of my way to just let people know that they matter. I'm not that big that I can't stop and say, 'You know what? Take the time to love yourself today.' And I think that blows a lot of people's minds, especially in our business, because pop stars and rock stars act like that; metal people don't. Metal people are really loving and considerate. Now this is totally ruining my bad reputation right now. [Laughs]"

According to Mustaine, part of the reason MEGADETH fans feel such a connection to the band's music is the lack of separation between the musicians and the people who buy their records and attend their concerts.

"It's definitely not an 'us versus them' thing," Mustaine said. "I think the commonality that we all go through… You know, people forget — just because I'm successful now, I lived in a car when I met David Ellefson [MEGADETH bassist], and I was on food stamps when I was a kid. So I've been through all this stuff. And when I see people go through hardship, and they think, 'You know what? You'll never know what I've been through.' Yeah, I do. I mean, I've had it to the point where I remember… I've talked to some of my friends… Where we lived, we had that powdered milk, which is freaking awful. So for me to be successful now, I really appreciate it and I don't wanna ever take that for granted. And that's why I wanna go out of my way to help younger bands and be available for our fans, 'cause they made it possible for us to live like this right now."

MEGADETH filmed a video for the song "Post American World" late last month. The track is taken from the band's latest album, "Dystopia", which came out in January.

In addition to Mustaine, MEGADETH's current lineup includes longtime bassist David Ellefson, LAMB OF GOD drummer Chris Adler and Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro, best known for his work with ANGRA.

The theatrical shock rock band GWAR is working on a new studio album. According to a press release, the group is "currently searching for a producer that is brave enough to risk their life to give them the tones of the gods to make this next record stand as a testament to the next era of GWAR."

The press release adds that "GWAR has been secretly in the writing phase for months in a crackhouse of seclusion in the northside of Chicago.

"A due date for the record has not been decided but the band is grinding out what may prove to be their most savage and bloodthirsty tracks to date."

GWAR's founder, Dave Brockie, was found dead in his home in Richmond, Virginia on March 23, 2014. According to Virginia's State Medical Examiner's Office, he died from acute heroin toxicity by accidental means.

Dave Brockie, who fronted GWAR under the name Oderus Urungus was the band's last remaining original member.

Brockie is not the first member of GWAR to die at an early age. GWAR guitarist Cory Smoot, who played the character of Flattus Maximus for over ten years, was discovered dead on the band's tour bus on November 3, 2011. He was 34 years old.

GWAR's latest album, "Battle Maximus", sold around 3,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 109 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD — the band's first full-length studio effort since the loss of Flattus Maximus — was issued on September 17, 2013 on Metal Blade Records.

GWAR's previous CD, 2010's "Bloody Pit Of Horror", opened with around 2,800 units — roughly half of the first-week tally registered by 2009's "Lust In Space", which premiered with 5,000 copies to land at No. 96.

Kamelot performed at the Ebisu Liquid Room in Tokyo on May 23rd on the first of three live dates in Japan. Fan-filmed video of the band kicking off their set with "Veil Of Elysium" can be viewed below.

Kamelot have released a trailer video for their three shows for Japan. Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz will be on board once again as the band's backing vocalist for these dates. They include:

May
25 - Nagoya, Japan - Club Quattro
26 - Osaka, Japan - Umeda Club Quattro

Trailer:

Kamelot recently released a music video for the track “My Therapy”, taken from their latest masterpiece Haven (2015, Napalm Records/Universal/ADA/Warner). The “My Therapy” video serves to put a spotlight on social anxiety that effects up to 20% of adults worldwide.

Kamelot vocalist Tommy Karevik states: "The original idea of the song was based on experiments done years ago on children where they would be clinically taken care of, but never held, loved or nurtured. The outcome was disastrous and proves that in this sometimes complicated world spinning faster and faster, the very foundation of our health and well being really rests upon something very simple and uncomplicated... The human touch...."

Haven sees Kamelot striving for new heights with their epic and highly emotional trademark sound: As if this album was meant to be a soundtrack for an unforgettable and monumental silver screen experience, it boasts dark melancholy, aggressive metal and soul-soothing melodies.  

Kamelot is:

Thomas Youngblood - guitars
Tommy Karevik - vocals
Casey Grillo - drums
Oliver Palotai - keyboards
Sean Tibbetts - bass

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

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

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

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

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

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

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