MÖTLEY CRÜE and SIXX:A.M. bassist Nikki Sixx's memoir, "The Heroin Diaries: A Year In The Life Of A Shattered Rock Star", is inching closer to being turned into a Broadway play. Sixx tells Nuber of the Columbus, Ohio radio station 99.7 The Blitz (see video below): "[The play is] almost complete. And most of the music is from SIXX:A.M. There's a couple of MÖTLEY CRÜE songs in there, because it is my life. But the Broadway play is really written… Yes, it's based on 'The Heroin Diaries' book, and the music plays to that, because it was the soundtrack to the book, but it's a little wider scope than that. It will probably tell some version of your story, or my story. There's a lot of issues within it, that if you broke down psychologically what 'The Heroin Diaries' is about, there's a lot of issues with abandonment, family issues and survival. So it's a really interesting play, and it's actually quite hopeful."

Asked if fans can expect to see "The Heroin Diaries" "shortly," Sixx responded: "Anything to do with Broadway or the movies, you can never say 'shortly,' but we are getting closer to the 'let's pull the trigger' line."

"The Heroin Diaries: A Year In The Life Of A Shattered Rock Star", which was supposedly taken from actual journals Sixx kept in the late '80s while in the grip of a near-fatal heroin addiction, was originally released September 18, 2007 via MTV Pocketbooks/Simon & Schuster and debuted at #7 on the New York Times Book Review non-fiction best-seller list.

Twenty-five percent of the book's profits were reportedly donated to Running Wild In The Night — Sixx's fundraising initiative for Covenant House California, which helps keep runaway, abused and abandoned youth off the streets.

The 400-plus page book, written in part with journalist Ian Gittins, was previously described as "a brutally honest look at Sixx's hellish year, one which saw him overdose and be declared clinically dead at one point while MÖTLEY CRÜE toured behind its 'Girls, Girls, Girls' album."

In a March 2010 interview with Brazil's Dynamite magazine, Sixx's former MÖTLEY CRUE bandmate, singer John Corabi, questioned the authenticity of "The Heroin Diaries", saying, "I love Nikki to death, and this is just my opinion... Everybody that I know that's done heroin, they do heroin and they're out. And I find it very hard to believe that somebody can do heroin and then have the foresight to write everything down. Everybody that read the book said it was great, though; it was a great book. It's great reading, it's a great book... More power to him, you know."

In February 2008, former MÖTLEY CRÜE producer Tom Werman slammed "Heroin Diaries" as "totally deluded" and "stunningly inaccurate."

In a letter to the New York Times, Werman took issue with Sixx's assertion that the producer chatted on the phone during the recording of "Theatre of Pain", "Shout at the Devil" and "Girls Girls Girls" while Sixx did all the work.

"If this distortion of reality is the result of Sixx's past heroin habit, then his diary is truly nothing more than a pipe dream, and the events to which this book refers may simply be the needle-induced fantasies of an attention-starved junkie," Werman wrote.

On May 20th, Sebastian Bach performed in Sayreville, NJ at the Starland Ballroom. During the show Bach welcomed Metal Mike Chlasiak to the stage to perform "American Metalhead". It was the first time in eight years the duo had performed together. Fan-filmed video is available below.

Tour dates:

May
22 - Pittsburgh, PA - Altar Bar
24 - Cincinnati. OH - Bogart's
25 - Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue
26 - St. Charles, IL - The Arcada Theatre
27 - Toledo, OH - Ohio Bike Week*
28 - Dubuque, IA - Mystique Casino
29 - Pryor, OK - Rocklahoma*
31 - Kansas City, MO - Knuckleheads

June
1 - Lincoln, NE - Vega
2 - Engelwood, CO - Gothic Theatre
3 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot

* - Festival date

On July 23rd, and again on August 20th,  it's going to get wild at the Center Bar inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada as Sebastian Bach will be the guest DJ. Bach will start spinning at 11PM on both nights, and admission is FREE.

In anticipation of the June 28th publication of his autobiography 18 And Life On Skid Row, Sebastian Bach has embarked on a US Spring Tour that will incorporate an intimate acoustic set followed by a full electric live show.

"'An Evening with Sebastian Bach'. No, that doesn't mean we're going to end up in the back of a police car. It means that for selected shows on the upcoming tour, we want to do something brand-new. Let's bring the music back to its purest form. We have been touring a lot in the last few years so it's time to do something different. You're going to get two sets for the price of one. We're going to open up the show with some stripped-down tunes, re-set the stage, and then come back with the Big Guns," says Bach.

About 18 And Life On Skid Row, Bach says, "Pushing the book gives us the opportunity to really finish it properly. The publishers asked me for 30 pictures. I gave them 150. There are easy ways to do memoirs, simple ways to do biographies. What separates these books is the archival content. 18 And Life On Skid Row could also be called the Skid Row Archives. I am giving you my personal collection, photos, & documents none of you have ever seen. A lot of them. I look forward to the book release and the book tour following the book release. If I am going to go on a tour of book stores, I have to really be into the book. June 28th release date gives us an extra month to pay attention to detail. In a project of this scope there are many details."

In his memoir, Bach recounts lurid tales of excess and debauchery as he toured the world with Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, Soundgarden, Pantera, Nine Inch Nails and Guns N' Roses. Filled with never before seen photos from his own personal collection, 18 And Life On Skid Rowis the story of hitting it big at a young age, and of creatively reeling from a band that broke up in its prime.

From a man who achieved his wildest dreams, only to lose his family, and then his home, this is a tale of perseverance, of wine, women and song, and of a man who has made his life on the road. 18 And Life On Skid Row is not your ordinary rock memoir, because Sebastian Bach is not your ordinary rock star.

American singer Tony Harnell has rejoined Norwegian rockers TNT, less than a year and a half after his most recent departure from the group.

Harnell and TNT guitarist Ronni Le Tekrø will start writing new material together for the first time in over ten years, with plans to enter the studio this summer to start recording new music. The rest of the band's new lineup will be announced soon.

Comments Harnell in a statement: "We're happy to be working together creatively again and hope our fans are are as excited as we are.

"We're already booking shows in the U.S. and across the world in 2017 and also hope to play in as many countries as possible over the next couple of years. Hopefully many countries that we haven't been to in a long time or perhaps ever!"

Harnell last quit TNT in January 2015 after a fifteen-month stint with the group, explaining that he "had really high hopes that it would last this time and that we would continue for years to come, but it is a very volatile little machine." He later told "The Classic Metal Show": "What happened, basically, was that I never actually got grooved back in with the band. I had about three months' worth of conversations with Diesel [TNT drummer Morten Dahl]. We finally came to an agreement where I said I'll do two shows. And those two shows were about three months apart, maybe four months apart. And he said, 'Fine.' I said, 'Let's see how the first show goes. If it goes okay, then we'll talk about business and we'll figure out a way to, basically, operate as a band. Because we had no plan in place. It was just… Was I gonna be a hired gun in my own band? Was I gonna come back into the company? I mean, there were a lot of questions to be answered. In this particular situation, the drummer is the booking agent. And that was always a problem for me, because I think it's a conflict of interest. So I was trying from the very beginning to change that. And when I said 'yes' the first two gigs, suddenly up on his web site for his booking agency, there was a photograph and, basically, saying that TNT was available for dates. So before I could even get grooved in and make any sort of agreement, there were ten dates booked, and then there were fifteen dates booked, and then twenty and so on and so on."

He continued: "You have to understand that in the business that we're in, he knew that he kind of had me by the balls, because once you book a show, and then you say 'no,' well, who's gonna get blamed? So to save face and to not… I was put in a very awkward situation, on purpose, and I was put on a spot. So being that I love the fans, and being that I love to perform live, I said, 'You know what?! Fine. We will work out the kinks as we go along. Let's do these shows, and as we go, we will have days off, and we will have meetings and we will work out the kinks. Well, try as I did, those meetings, which went on for hours, many of them, unfortunately, turned out to be completely a total waste of time. And there are many reasons why, and, again, I'm not gonna throw people under the bus and get into the details of why, but that's basically all I that I have to say about it. I did my very best to keep it together and to keep it professional. I wanted to stay in the band for the rest of my music career; that was my goal. I said, 'Okay, this is it. We can make this work.' People wanted the band. There were people all over the world that wanted to book the band and that were excited we were back together. The shows went phenomenally well. We were very well received at Sweden Rock, which is a wonderful festival, in front of 25,000 people on the night BLACK SABBATH played, and we did very, very well, and had a lot of shows like that. A lot of sold-out shows. So it was a very successful run. And the band went from being, basically, a struggling club band to getting back up to the stature where… close to the stature I had left it in 2006. But I couldn't get anywhere."

Harnell added: "I guess the realization of it was, because we couldn't work the business out, I was back as far as the fans were concerned, and even as far as I was concerned, and probably as far as the band was concerned, I was back. The band was back together, and we fully intended on going forward for as many years as possible. It is being portrayed now as though the plan was that I was only coming back for 2014 to do an 'Intuition' reunion tour, and that is absolutely, completely one hundred percent false. We were all in it for the long haul, and I tried to make it work for that. But when September [2014] came and the touring ended, nobody wanted to talk to me anymore, and my calls were not being returned, and my e-mails were not being returned by the most important people in the band that had the most influence. And the manager that came in to quote 'save the day' actually sunk the ship."

Back in November 2014, Le Tekrø spoke about TNT's plans for a new studio album, telling Metal Express Radio: "We're working constantly, making new plans, trying to find a period for songwriting before April, and hopefully going into the studio next fall." The guitarist added that TNT fans could expect to hear "strong songs… We already wrote three songs we're satisfied with. So I'm excited. [We're] trying to maintain the TNT sound."

Le Tekrø said the next TNT album would be recorded with the entire band playing together in the studio and not by sending each other files via the Internet. "I refuse to do that," he said. "I've never done that. The producer's gotta be there and the musicians, in the same room. Otherwise, I wouldn't call it an album. Then it's a project. There's no spirit in those albums. Maybe in electronic music you can do it. If you're working with rock and roll, the people have gotta be there, and rehearse and play."

British singer Tony Mills appeared on three studio albums from TNT: 2007's "The New Territory", 2008's"Atlantis" and 2010's "A Farewell To Arms".

After leaving TNT in January 2015, Harnell joined SKID ROW three months later, only to exit that band last December.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS frontman Anthony Kiedis says that he "feels good" a week after the band was forced to cancel two concerts because the singer was hospitalized with an intestinal flu.

"It was a painful and sad thing to have to cancel shows; we don't really do that," the 53-year-old singer told ET Canada. "I'd rather play deathly ill than not at all, but in this particular instance I was starting to go down to the ground. I got some help and now I've got to figure things out."

Anthony revealed that he had inflammation in his "guts" which, combined with a recent virus and existing scar tissue from hernia operations, led to complications. "That becomes an incredibly painful situation where you get a fever and pass out," he said.

Kiedis is now on the road to recovery. "I feel good — not great, but good", he said. "I think I had to get sick to take a look at myself and get to the causes and conditions of my overall health.

"Lo an behold, I'm on the mend."

The singer added that his latest health scare has changed his outlook on how he lives his life. "I push pretty hard sometimes and I do take my health for granted on a certain level because I feel strong and capable," he explained. "I surf most days and I like to charge, but every now and then, the body is, like, 'You're doing something wrong. Either fix it or we're gonna let you know about it,' and I think that my body let me know that I had to change my ways a little bit."

The CHILI PEPPERS are set to close the Rock On The Range festival Sunday night (May 22) in Columbus, Ohio.

You can watch Kiedis's interview with ET Canada at this location.

Jimmy Kay from Canada’s The Metal Voice recently spoke to Flotsam And Jetsam’s guitarist Michael Gilbert as the band is set to release their new self titled album on May 20, 2016 on AFM records

On the difference in musical styles from their last albums to their new self titled album:

“What we did differently is we really focused on the songs because the last two years the feedback we got is we really want you guys to go back to old school thrash. We have been experimenting with a lot of stuff, we have been using some samples here and there, we slowed some songs down, and we’ve gone to some different genres. Just exploring a little bit, which feels good to me but what really feels like home is the thrash metal, the fast, speed metal we were doing on the first two records. So we got together and writing this album made more sense to me to play that type of music and it just feels more like home, ok this is what we belong to, this is what we do.”

On their reason for writing and releasing as a first single a song called "Iron Maiden":

“It was never a convinced idea, hey let’s do a song that kind of sounds like an Iron Maiden song. It was never designed for that at all. This one was one of Steve’s ideas and by the time it was done and Erica A.K. put that vocal melody on it, it was like 'Oh wow this is pretty cool.' We have gotten a lot of really great feedback. I haven’t seen one bad review on it yet.”

On if the band was ever upset with Jason Newsted for leaving them in 1986 to join Metallica:

“It’s was a great opportunity for him. I’m still great friends with Newsted I talk to him at least once or twice a month. Nobody was ever really mad at him. It was just a decision he wanted to make. We all knew Newsted was the guy for this, so we kind of expected it. Jason was definitely the right guy to fill Cliff’s shoes, really nobody can but Jason brought to Metallica his personality to that band. He has always been an over the top personality. Just an awesome character to hand out with, he is very funny, he is larger than life when you hang out with him.”

On whether Jason Newsted regretted quitting Flotsam and Jetsam after Metallica lowered his bass parts on ...And Justice For All:

“When he left this band he was deep into it, he was a full member and there would be no other band that he would leave to go join Metallica.  Garage Inc. came out before that and you can hear the bass on that and it sounded killer. And when Justice came out there was no bass, and I am not speaking because he told me this or that. Oh shit what the hell did I just do, I’m still in this band and but I am not heard. Which is awful because that guy is a tremendous bass player?"

Watch the whole interview below:

Flotsam And Jetsam have premiered a lyric video for the new track “Iron Maiden”, featured on the band’s new self-titled album, due for release on May 20th via AFM Records. The clip can be found below.

In addition to being available as a digipak CD, the album will also be available as a limited gatefold 2LP edition in black and gold, both limited to 500 copies.

A limited edition boxset (500 copies) will also be released and includes the digipak, a Flotsam And Jetsam flag (official tour backdrop design), patch, printed autograph card, and certificate of authenticity. Order details can be found at the AFM Records Shop.

The band states about signing with AFM Records: “Flotsam And Jetsam really appreciated the fact that AFM laid out a legitimate, business plan for us when they made their offer to sign us. We believe they are as committed to us as a band, as we are to providing them with quality metal to get behind and promote. Along with signing to a new label, all the forward movement for the band in the last two years has also allowed us to partner with new team members; like Chris Collier of CMC21 Productions, who just completed the mixing and mastering of the album and Andy Pilkington of Very Metal Art out of the UK, for the album cover and stage production art, who are both doing a phenomenal job for us. We’re looking forward to playing the music on this album live, which hasn’t been a luxury for the band on past releases, as well as debuting our new stage look.”

Flotsam And Jetsam album tracklisting:

“Seventh Seal”
“Life Is A Mess”
“Taser”
“Iron Maiden”
“Verge Of Tragedy”
“Creeper”
“L.O.T.D.”
“The Incantation”
“Monkey Wrench”
“Time To Go”
“Smoking Gun”
“Forbidden Territories”

“Iron Maiden” lyric video:

Flotsam and Jetsam is:

Eric “AK” Knutson - vocals
Steve Conley - guitars
Michael Gilbert - guitars
Michael Spencer - bass
Jason Bittner- drums

Members of TWISTED SISTER, TESTAMENT, QUIET RIOT, RATT and WINGER are among the musicians who performed a cover version of the OZZY OSBOURNE classic "Crazy Train" as the all-star finale of the first annual Vegas Rocks! Hair Metal Awards, which was held on Sunday, May 15 at the Casablanca Event Center At Eastside Cannery Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Video footage of their rendition can be seen below.

The following musicians took part in the jam:

* Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER)* Stephen Pearcy (RATT)* Doro Pesch* Kip Winger (WINGER)* Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT)* Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT)* Robert Sarzo (HURRICANE)* Rudy Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE)* Reb Beach (WINGER)* Brian Tichy (WHITESNAKE, OZZY OSBOURNE)

Vegas Rocks! Hair Metal Awards featured a special performance at the end of the show by TWISTED SISTER, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with the release of the acclaimed documentary "We Are Twisted F***ing Sister!", a three-CD live set, the release of a memorial concert to their fallen brother A.J. Pero, and a farewell tour titled "40 & F*ck It!"

SCORPIONS made an appearance at the event to receive the "Classic Rock Outstanding Lifetime Achievement" award. In addition, German metal queen Doro Pesch was presented with the "Metal Goddess" award. Other artists that appeared and were honored/featured included QUIET RIOT, WINGER and ANGEL (full original lineup).

Monika Bruhn of SVT.se spoke to Brazilian/American metallers SEPULTURA while they were recording their next album at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden. Helming the sessions for the follow-up to 2013's "The Mediator Between Head And Hands Must Be The Heart" is Swedish producer Jens Bogren, who has previously worked with OPETH, KREATOR, PARADISE LOST, SOILWORK and AMON AMARTH, among others.

"We did like a small research on different producers that we didn't work [with] before; we wanted to work with somebody new," explained SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser. "And the Swedish music and scene and the bands like MESHUGGAH, OPETH and many others inspired us to come here and to work with him. He also worked with KREATOR, a band from Germany, and ANGRA, another band from Brazil, friends of ours, and I was really impressed with the way he worked [with] both bands."

According to SEPULTURA singer Derrick Green, the band's next record will see him and his bandmates continuing to take their sound in new, previously unexplored directions, something that has become somewhat of a SEPULTURA trademark.

"The is album, it's exciting, because I think a lot of fans don't have any idea what to expect, but they know that a SEPULTURA album is always different from the last," Derrick said. "?I think that makes us better musicians, and I think that's what our fans expect."

SEPULTURA's next album is tentatively due this fall via Nuclear Blast.

"The Mediator Between The Head And Hands Must Be The Heart" was tracked over a 40-day period at producer Ross Robinson's (KORN, LIMP BIZKIT, SLIPKNOT) studio in Venice, California and was mixed and mastered by co-producer Steve Evetts, who previously worked with SEPULTURA on the "Nation" (2001), "Revolusongs" (2002) and "Roorback" (2003) albums, in addition to having collaborated with Ross on a number of other projects in the past.

Trailight bassist and mastermind Omer Cordell has checked in with the following:

"Recording schedule for the new album is taking shape. Kickstarter campaign in the works, guest appearances TBD, we're slowly transitioning to summer and this is indeed a transitory album both musically and lyrically. I am very excited about this one! It will be perfect for an early fall release. More details later on."

Trailight, featuring vocalist Dave Padden (ex-Annihilator), recently released a cover of the Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds classic "The Weeping Song". It features Padden and Fear Factory frontman Burton C. Bell on vocals and released on February 22nd. Check it out below.

Cordell: "I can only think of a handful of people alive today who I consider to be the most prolific and inspiring artists who have influenced and inspired countless of people all over the world yet, in some way are considered to be unpopular. Who instead of following trends, the trends seem to follow them. Who continue to create their art without having to compromise their artistic vision and by doing so, they are able to create their own fusion and magic in music, words and visuals.And so, I wish to pay tribute to one of those people; one who I consider to be the most important artists of our time; the great Nick Cave. This is our version of 'The Weeping Song'

My endless gratitude to Dave Padden, Burton C. Bell, Cory McBain and Adrian Windsor for their great talent and hard work!"

Cordell spoke with BraveWords scribe Carl Begai about Trailight last year. Following is an excerpt from the interview.

“When I was first starting to think about doing this project, considering the vibe and riffs I was coming up with – ‘A Thousand Years’ was the first song I wrote – I knew who I wanted to play drums on it. Ryan has known me as a photographer for years, so when I called him up it was like ‘This may come as a surprise, but I’m making music now…’ (laughs). I asked if he’d be interested in playing on it and he wanted to hear the demos, but he had a bunch of touring to finish with Devin and then record the DVP double album. After that he had time to do my stuff.”

“Ryan came back from Devin’s album recording, learned my songs in about a week or 10 days, we had one day of pre-production where I had a chance to hear what he would be doing in the studio. Three days later we were in the studio and 10 hours later he was done recording. When we were finished I knew why I’d gotten Ryan to do it. He not only fits stylistically, he was also such an immense help with the whole process. I was basically flying blind. I’d been to the studios lots of times back when Strapping was around to take photos, but I’d never actually recorded in one before, so Ryan was helpful in guiding me.”

Cordell also took on outside help to produce The Primitive Mountain, a long and drawn out process that slowly deteriorated as the songs were being mixed. He eventually opted to take on the task of mixing and mastering himself; a daunting task on one hand, but the only option left if the album was going to live up to his expectations. Rather than a play-by-play of events, Cordell channels Metallica to sum up the situation.

“As far as the mix of the album, the first batch of songs that I sent you sound like St. Anger, and the final mixes sound like the Black album.”

Go to this location for the complete story.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, Ozzy Osbourne may have strayed but he is apparently on a quest to get his family back.

A source has revealed to Page Six that he 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 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.

"Startariot", a brand new song from HELLYEAH, can be streamed using the Spotify widget below. The track is taken from the band's fifth album, "Unden!able", which will be released on June 3 via Eleven Seven Music. The effort marks the first time HELLYEAH's current lineup — vocalist Chad Gray, guitarists Tom Maxwell and Christian Brady, drummer Vinnie Paul and bassist Kyle Sanders — has recorded together as a unit, promising a very special return to their true metal roots.

"Unden!able" was produced in Las Vegas at The Hideout Recording Studio by Kevin Churko (PAPA ROACH, ROB ZOMBIE), and showcases everything that the band's fans have come to know and love in a more focused, concise, and powerful sound, with Churko co-writing all songs.

The album art by William Felch and Chad Gray features a predatory, gleaming eye with an exclamation point pupil — the ultimate signifier of what’s inside: anger, pain and a hyper-focused, high octane, heavy metal collection for the ages.

Maxwell offered: "There's a lot of new stuff coming out that we've never tried before, and a lot of heavy shit… It's gonna be moody, it's gonna be dark, it's gonna be crushing, it's gonna be heartbreaking, it's gonna be everything. So it's going to be a proper take-off from our last record, but with a lot of new surprises, musically and lyrically. We are moving forward with the path that we've taken with 'Blood For Blood'. It's a really, really savage album, and we’re really excited for fans to hear it."

"Unden!able" will be available just in time for HELLYEAH's upcoming "Hell Pop Tour" with IN THIS MOMENT, which starts on June 18 in Des Moines, Iowa. This run will follow HELLYEAH's "We're All In This Together" headlining tour which also features ESCAPE THE FATE, NEW YEARS DAY and FROM ASHES TO NEW.

"Unden!able" track listing:

01. !02. X03. Scratch A Lie04. Be Unden!able05. Human06. Leap of Faith07. Blood Plague08. I Don't Care Anymore09. Live Or Die10. Love Falls11. 10-3412. Startariot13. Grave

Saigon Kick guitarist Jason Bieler has released another new song via his Owl Stretching side-project. He has posted the following update:

"My apologies for the constant flow of new tunes, but please do not feel obligated to purchase it, just check it out and enjoy. This is my version of a pop tune. Of course, if you feel compelled by your enjoyment to purchase music, that is also welcomed and appreciated!"

Brooklyn by Owl Stretching

Bieler released another new song via his Owl Stretching side-project back in January He posted the track along with the following update:

"So strange that I wrote and recorded this song on Friday (January 8th) and did this Bowie 'Fame' vocal nod that I was going to take out just because it was, well, a rip, but now I will leave it in as a small nod to the genius."

True Love by Owl Stretching

Saigon Kick recorded a cover of the David Bowie classic 'Space Oddity' for their Water album in 1993 featuring Bieler on lead vocals (check it out below). Bieler checked in with a tribute to Bowie, who passed away at 69 on January 10th following an 18 month battle with cancer.  

"Getting a message that David Bowie thought a cover you did 'was really good' was a massive career highlight, even if he was just being kind. Knowing that in some microscopic way we briefly crossed paths is like saying you shared a cup of coffee with Dali or rode the train with John Lennon, irrelevant in their worlds but life changing in yours. I had no idea he was that ill when I posted about him on Friday (January 8th). I spent the entire weekend listening to the Blackstar album over and over, talking with my daughter about how amazing it is to be that current, cutting edge and relevant for so long... as he is on her playlists as much as mine. Music and life done right…well done Mr. Bowie."

MEGADETH played its first show with drummer Dirk Verbeuren (SOILWORK) on Friday, May 20 at the Rock On The Range festival in Columbus, Ohio. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

MEGADETH recruited Verbeuren to play drums for the band while Chris Adler is busy touring with LAMB OF GOD.

Adler played drums on MEGADETH's latest album, "Dystopia", and has taken part in most of the band's live shows in support of the CD so far. On those shows where Adler was unable to play with MEGADETH, he was temporarily replaced by Tony Laureano (ex-DIMMU BORGIR, NILE, ANGELCORPSE), the veteran extreme-metal skinsman who has worked as MEGADETH's drum tech since 2011. However, going forward, MEGADETH will utilize the services of Verbeuren, the 40-year-old Belgian-born-and-now-Los-Angeles-based drummer who has been playing with SOILWORK since 2005.

Verbeuren was recommended for the MEGADETH job by Adler, who called Dirk "probably [one of the] top three drummers in the world." Chris told Banger TV's "Lock Horns" how the connection came about. "MEGADETH is on tour now doing a couple of festivals — same festivals that LAMB OF GOD is," he said. "We tried as much as we could with all the promoters and all the festivals to have us coincide and play on the same day. I've done double duty with LAMB and MEGADETH across the U.K. and just done five shows with them along this tour that we're currently on right now, because we were able to collide and make those things happen. As we go in different reactions and play different things, MEGADETH has a drummer to be able to play those shows. Dave [Mustaine, MEGADETH mainman] would certainly prefer to have me there, and I love playing with those guys and I would love to be there, but obviously I cannot be in two places at once."

He continued: "Dave asked me… He said, 'As we're doing this, and if you're not able to be there… I understand you wanna fulfill your commitment with LAMB OF GOD. And we're planning on going over to Europe while LAMB OF GOD is still touring. Help me find… Who would you want to drum for us?' And I said, 'First of all, the drum tech you currently have, Tony, who was the drummer for DIMMU BORGIR and ANGELCORPSE, [he's an] amazing drummer, so you have someone on staff that can easily do this.' But then he asked, 'Well, if there was someone out there that you would personally recommend, personality-wise and playing-wise?' And [Dirk] just began the job today."

While Verbeuren is playing with MEGADETH, his seat in SOILWORK will be occupied by Bastian Thusgaard of THE ARCANE ORDER.

MEGADETH's current lineup is rounded out by longtime bassist David Ellefson and Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro, best known for his work with ANGRA.

MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Phil Campbell's ALL STARR BAND played at 013 in Tilburg, The Netherlands on April 29. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

ALL STARR BAND features Phil alongside his three sons: Todd, his eldest, and Dane from STRAIGHT LINES; and Tyler from THE PEOPLE THE POET.

"It's good to play gigs in new places," Phil told Birmingham Mail.

"We play great shows in large venues and we play great shows in smaller venues," he added. "I love the smaller shows, personally. It makes a nice change, for sure."

ALL STARR BAND's setlist is full of classic MOTÖRHEAD songs infused with covers of some of Phil's favorite bands, including BLACK SABBATH.

Asked what fans can expect when they see ALL STARR BAND, Campbell told Birmingham Mail: "It's a party atmosphere. You can expect good quality cover songs from a great band with a great singer. There [are] some MOTÖRHEAD songs, some other classics, and [it is] a great experience for everyone."

According to Phil, the ALL STARR BAND is looking to enter the studio in the coming months to record some of its own music. "We've been writing original material and, hopefully, there will be some concrete plans on that front for the future," he said.

Phil Campbell was the lead guitarist in MOTÖRHEAD for more than 30 years.

German metal label Noise Records has been relaunched by BMG, reports Billboard.com.

Founded by Karl-Ulrich Walterbach in 1983, the label was an important supporter of European heavy rock acts throughout the '80s and '90s, helping to popularize the thrash, speed and power metal subgenres. Key acts among its roster included Grave Digger, Hellhammer (who became Celtic Frost), Kreator, Running Wild, Gamma Ray, Kamelot, Tankard and Helloween, whose second and third albums Keeper Of The Seven Keys: Part 1 and Part II achieved worldwide success in the late '80s.

The new Kamelot compilation Where I Reign: Very Best Of The Noise Years has been released and is now available via Amazon Germany and iTunes.

The track list is as follows:

CD 1

"Eternity"        
"Black Tower"    
"Call Of The Sea"    
"The Gleeman"
"Ascension"
"Heaven"    
"Rise Again"
"Creation"
"Milllennium"
"Expedition"
"Where I Reign"
"Rhydin"

CD 2

"The Fourth Legacy"
"Desert Reign"
"Nights of Arabia"
"Until Kingdom Come"
"We Three Kings"
"We Are Not Seperate"
"Wings of Despair"
"The Spell"
"Karma"
"Center of the Universe"
"The Edge of Paradise"
"Descent of the Archangel"
"III Ways to Epica"

Kamelot have released a trailer video for their three shows for Japan, due to take place next week. Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz will be on board once again as the band's special guest for these dates.

Dates include:

May
23 - Tokyo, Japan - Liquidroom
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

SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR singer Corey Taylor was asked by Loudwire Nights for his opinion on recent comments Gene Simmons made about the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inducting rap artists. He responded (see video below): "I see what Gene's saying, and, you know, I'm old-school guy as well; I get it. But at the same time, the more I look at what N.W.A. did, man, I mean, they influenced me, and I'm a rock and roll guy. So how do they not deserve to be in there? To me, bands like that, bands like RUN–D.M.C., it's a different type of band, but it's a band, man. I mean, that's straight up. So I can see both sides of it."

He continued: "I have bigger problems with the Hall Of Fame than some of the people who have gone in. Mine has more to do with the fact that until this year, CHEAP TRICK and DEEP PURPLE weren't in. That, to me, is disrespectful on a whole other level. Does N.W.A. deserve to be in. You're goddamn right they do. But did CHEAP TRICK and DEEP PURPLE deserve to be in years before they got in? You're damn right they did. So that whole organization needs to figure out who they're gonna honor and when, because there are still bands right now who aren't in that should be."

Simmons originally took issue with hip-hop acts — and other non-rock artists — being inducted into the Rock Hall Of Fame during a 2014 interview with Radio.com. He stated at the time: "It's really back-room politics, like Boss Tweed. A few people decide what's in and what's not. And the masses just scratch their heads. You've got Grandmaster Flash in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame? RUN-D.M.C. in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame? You're killing me! That doesn't mean those aren't good artists. But they don't play guitar. They sample and they talk. Not even sing!"

He continued: "If you asked Donna [Summer], 'What kind of artist are you?', do you think she would say 'rock?' If you asked Madonna, 'What kind of artist are you?' do you think she would say, 'Oh, rock!' So what they hell are they doing in the Hall Of Fame? They can run their organization any way they'd like, but it ain't rock! It just isn't! If you don't play guitar and you don't write your own songs, you don't belong there."

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the KISS bassist/vocalist predicted that rap would soon die out, and he'll be the first one to dance on its grave.

"Rap will die. Next year, ten years from now, at some point, and then something else will come along," he told the magazine. "And all that is good and healthy. I am looking forward to the death of rap. I'm looking forward to music coming back to lyrics and melody, instead of just talking. A song, as far as I'm concerned, is by definition lyric and melody, or just melody."

Greek thrash metal tank, Suicidal Angels, will release their new album, Division Of Blood, on May 27th via NoiseArt Records. The limited digipak edition of Division Of Blood includes the bonus DVD Conquering Europe with an entire live show from 2015 and a tour documentary with interviews and backstage footage. The band has released a live video taken from that bonus DVD with “Divide & Conquer”.

Recorded in Sound Lodge in Germany, Nick Melissourgos and producer Jörg Uken arranged a sound that gives Suicidal Angels’ energetic art the fitting, powerful clothing it deserves. Division of Blood will not only make your stereo raise the roof, but it will also bring several Open Airs and clubs to a boil.

The cover artwork was created by acclaimed artist Ed Repka (Megadeth, Death, Municipal Waste).

Tracklisting:

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

"Divide & Conquer" live video:

“Image Of The Serpent” lyric video:

The band states: "Against the odds of the times (that we live), against gods, masters and slaves, the Division Of Blood marches on and kills! Another incredible piece of art from Mr. Repka, follows our official 6th studio album. The banners of the Moshing Crew raise high and the legions are ready to unleash all the passion and the flame. Join the forces to clear the path, one is the way, no side loss just wrath!"

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS members Dean (guitar) and Robert DeLeo (bass) discussed the band's vocalist search in a new interview with Rolling Stone. "We've been neck-deep in the process of auditioning different singers, and we've got some guys we like, and that process will continue," Dean said.

"We're looking for somebody that fills a lot of criteria — man, woman. Like I said, there's a couple of people we really dig, and we have some more coming in."

Robert added: "Look, we're not trying to replace… It's impossible to replace [late STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer] Scott [Weiland]; it really is. We created something that only the four of us could create, and moreso it's about moving forward, but it's also about someone honoring that, and being able to get their creativity around that. So, like Dean said, there is a lot to ask of someone — someone that can move this band forward."

He continued: "I enjoy still playing the songs that Dean and I wrote. I wanna continue playing those songs, and I think people still wanna hear those songs, and that's what we wanna do.

"The three of us — Eric [Kretz, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS drummer], Dean and I — have something that has… We've been playing music half our lives, and you can't just dismiss that. It's something that I appreciate and I cherish in my life, and I wanna continue doing that."

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS earlier in the month shot down rumors that CREED frontman Scott Stapp has become their new vocalist,. The rumor was apparently semi-started by Stapp himself, who hinted in a radio interview that he had been recruited by STP as the third lead singer in the band's history. But STP tweeted a brief statement on May 2 saying, "Despite recent comments, Scott Stapp is not, nor has he ever been considered as the singer for STP."

A day later, Stapp was announced as the new singer of ART OF ANARCHY, the band which released a self-titled debut album last year that featured Weiland alongside DISTURBED bassist John Moyer and ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal.

STP recently held open submissions for a new vocalist after singer Chester Bennington exited the lineup in 2015 to focus on his other band, LINKIN PARK. The band has recently held private auditions with several finalists.

Weiland, whom STP parted ways with in 2002 and again in 2013, died last December.

AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry has shot down as "completely untrue" recent reports that the band was considering bringing in a guest vocalist while Steven Tyler is busy with his solo country career.

The rumors of a new singer for AEROSMITH were revived earlier this week when guitarist Brad Whitford told Metal Rules about the possibility of a guest frontman: "Absolutely, we have considered it — but whether it will happen, I don't know. I think it would be great." Asked who he thought would be a good fit, he said, "A lot of people, everybody from Myles Kennedy [ALTER BRIDGE] to Axl [Rose, GUNS N' ROSES]. [Laughs] We had a bunch of people a while ago like Sammy Hagar. It would be a lot of fun."

Earlier today, Perry released the following statement in response to the latest reports: "Any rumor out there about us looking for another singer is completely untrue. All five of us were just on the phone together talking about how excited we are to go to South America and Mexico City."

AEROSMITH's tour of South America and Mexico will run from September 29 to October 27.

Classic Rock magazine reported a few years ago that Perry had approached Paul Rodgers, Chris Cornell and Billy Idol about singing with the band, while representatives for Sammy Hagar denied that he had been offered the gig.

The rest of AEROSMITH fell out with Tyler in 2009 after a canceled tour and Tyler's stated intention to work for two years on a solo project. Tyler subsequently entered rehab for an addiction to painkillers.

Both sides maintained that Tyler never officially left AEROSMITH, and his management and attorneys threatened legal action if the band went forward with finding a new singer for touring purposes.

Asked by Metal Rules if all the turmoil with AEROSMITH ever gets old, Whitford said: "There is still a lot of turmoil and it can be frustrating. It should be easy. The whole thing started because of the music. If the focus was right there, everything would be fine, but we don't. [Laughs] Let the drivers drive and let the music happen, [and] everything will fall into place. We get caught up into a lot of silly stuff."

AC/DC’s Rock Or Bust tour, with guest vocalist Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses, hit Vienna, Austria last night (May 19th). The band have posted this short video from their performance of “T.N.T.”:

AC/DC European Tour Dates (with Axl Rose):

May
22 - Prague, Czech Republic - Letnany Airport
26 - Hamburg, Germany - Volksparkstadion
29 - Berne, Switzerland - Stade De Suisse

June
1 - Leipzig, Germany - Red Bull Arena
4 - London, England - The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
9 - Manchester, England - Etihad Stadium
12 - Aarhus, Denmark - Ceres Park

Former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza is releasing a debut piece of art created from rhythm. The process involves the use of drumsticks that light to craft the visuals within the artwork. To build the piece, Menza worked with SceneFour, the art team behind the medium and publishers of rhythmic works by a highly select group of legendary drummers.

Says Menza: “Totally rad that my artwork is finally going to be released and I will be unveiling a piece of it on June 16, 2016, Only 100 are in the edition (all signed and numbered). The art piece is crafted from capturing rhythm and is done as part of the Art Of Drums Project from SceneFour. Get more details when you sign up and join the interest list here.”

(Photo - Nick Menza Facebook)

Former MEGADETH drummer Nick Menza will unveil an art collection crafted from the new medium of "rhythm-on-canvas" on June 16.

Menza has been working with art team and publisher SceneFour on the collection titled "Rhythm Hits The Wall".

Says Menza: "Totally rad that my artwork is finally going to be released. Only a hundred are in the edition (all signed and numbered)."

SceneFour is the team responsible for the "Rhythm-On-Canvas" medium, having released blockbuster art collections over the last five years with a highly select group of drumming legends, including Bill Ward (BLACK SABBATH) , Rick Allen (DEF LEPPARD), Mickey Hart (GRATEFUL DEAD), Jose Pasillas (INCUBUS), Dave Lombardo (SLAYER) and Frankie Banali (QUIET RIOT).

The process of creating artwork from rhythm is an extensive one that begins with the drummer utilizing a bevy of drumsticks that light in a variety of ways similar to that of a painter utilizing brushes with different colors. In the creation process, the drummer is crafting rhythms that translate visually to abstract imagery before they are brought into the SceneFour studio, manipulated meticulously, and laid to canvas.

Those interested in learning more and getting an early preview of "Rhythm Hits The Wall" are encouraged to join the interest list at www.nickmenzaart.com.

Artistically imperious, instinctively forward-thinking and remorselessly creative, Satyricon have long since earned the right to be hailed as one of black metal’s most important and influential bands. And now they revisit the album that raised them from underground heroes to bold contenders on the world stage… the timeless and towering Nemesis Divina.

To herald the 20th anniversary of this most illustrious piece of dark art, Nemesis Divina is re-released today, May 20th, via Napalm Records, newly remastered by Satyr himself and boasting upgraded and revamped packaging worthy of an album that has had a huge and enduring impact on both the black metal scene and underground heavy music in general. Check out an unboxing video below:

Satyricon will return to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this seminal masterpiece with a never-to-be-repeated series of exclusive European shows, wherein the Norwegian trailblazers will perform the album in its entirety for the first and last time.

“It’s not what we do and it won’t happen again!” avows frontman and creative mastermind Satyr. “This band, as you know, is definitely not retrospective. But we started playing live in 1996. Our most groundbreaking milestone record came out in 1996.  It’s the only one that we still play several songs from in our set to this day… so if we're ever going to do anniversary shows, do a reissue and make it a big deal, it’s gonna be Nemesis Divina and it has to be now.”

When Satyricon released their third album in 1996, their status as one of the most significant and creatively vital bands in Norwegian black metal was already beyond dispute. But Nemesis Divina was no ordinary record or just another step along the road to infamy. Instead, this was a revolutionary and groundbreaking piece of work from a band that had suddenly hit their stride on every conceivable level. From its uniquely vibrant and impactful artwork, which broke every supposed rule in the black metal handbook with its vivid colours and refined aesthetic core, to the supremely confident and idiosyncratic songs and individual performances that heralded a newfound sophistication and a freshly incisive vision, Nemesis Divina almost single-handedly took black metal from its voluntarily shadowy and obscure origins into the glaring spotlight of the international metal scene. There are many classic albums to salute from the Norwegian scene of the early 90s and while the likes of Mayhem, Darkthrone, Emperor and Immortal undoubtedly share Satyricon’s esteemed position in the genre’s spectral hall of fame, it was arguably Nemesis Divina that most vigorously announced the arrival of this arcane musical phenomenon to the rest of the world, destroying the notion that black metal was an entirely self-contained and inward-looking subculture in the process. Most of all, however, Nemesis Divina showcased a band that finally had the skill and the musical intuition to back up the undeniable potency of their artistic vision. Sonically devastating and compositionally meticulous, songs like Mother North and The Dawn Of A New Age redefined what black metal was capable of, while proudly retaining the genre’s ageless essence and aesthetic values.

“Everything expanded tenfold with Nemesis Divina,” Satyr states. “For most people who liked the first two records, Satyricon climbed to a whole different level on Nemesis Divina and people really started to love the band. This album has a special place in our history. Suddenly we were selling 80,000 and then 100,000 records, and those numbers were unheard of in our small part of the world. That was the record that everyone that was into this scene wanted to buy. If you say there are two stages of evolution in black metal – the 80s, with Venom and Celtic Frost and Bathory, and then the 90s with the Norwegian stuff and everything followed in its wake – there are, at most, a handful of albums and a handful of songs that really define modern day black metal. Nemesis Divina is definitely one of those records and Mother North is definitely one of those songs.”

Nemesis Divina tracklisting:

“The Dawn Of A New Age”
“Forhekset”
“Mother North”
“Du Som Hater Gud”
“Immortality Passion”
“Nemesis Divina”
“Transcendental Requiem Of Slaves”

Album stream:

Nemesis Divina formats:

- Limited Edition Mediabook CD + extended Booklet incl. exclusive liner notes
- Limited Vinyl 1LP Gatefold + A2 Poster
- Limited Deluxe Box Set incl. Mediabook CD + 12” Picture Vinyl + 12” Slip Mat + A2 Poster

Order here.

Satyricon will then embark on a series of exclusive one-off shows, performing the record in full for the first and only time.

“Its 20 years since Satyricon made its live debut as a band, and 20 years since we released Nemesis Divina,” Satyr states. “I thought  ‘Either we do multiple shows, re-release the album and do it properly…or we don’t do it at all’. «So here we are. We’ll be performing Nemesis Divina, front to back, doing only a few exclusive shows and we look forward to sharing this unique experience with our loyal fans."

Tour dates:

June
10 - Norje, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival     
18 - Dessel, Belglium - Graspop

July
8 - Harzgerode, Germany - Rockharz Festival    

August
12 - Jaromer, Czech Republic - Brutal Assault
13 - Graz, Austria - Metal On The Hill Festival
14 - Walton On Trent, UK - Catton Park
19 - Sinbronn, Germany - Summer Breeze
27 - Crispendorf, Germany - Wolfzeit Festival

The video for "Beast", the title track of the new album from the Montreal-based deathcore act DESPISED ICON, can be seen below. The clip was directed by Jessy Fuchs of Slam Disques.

"The time has come," comments the band. "Here it is, our first single in seven years.

"We're overwhelmed by the amount of support we've been getting these past few months.

"Expect to hear more new music in the coming weeks."

"Beast" will be released on July 22. The album was produced and engineered by former guitarist Yannick St-Amand (BENEATH THE MASSACRE, NEURAXIS) and mixed/mastered by Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, EXODUS, NEVERMORE). Artwork was created by Alexandre Goulet.

"Beast" track listing:

01. The Aftermath02. Inner Demons03. Drapeau Noir04. Bad Vibes05. Dedicated To Extinction06. Grind Forever07. Time Bomb08. One Last Martini09. Doomed10. Beast

For many extreme music fans, it may be hard to remember a time before DESPISED ICON, given the massive influence they've subsequently had on the genre. But when the group formed back in 2002 and released "Consumed By Your Poison" the same year, there was little intersection between the sounds of classic death metal and the brute force of hardcore. But DESPISED ICON were among the first to fully embrace the signatures of the traditional death metal formula combined with a relentless embrace of breakdowns, part of an emerging new sound.

Now DESPISED ICON have returned with their upcoming album titled "Beast". The genre-defining band is fully reawakened, poised to recapture the crown with the monstrous and merciless might of their potent expression. Featuring the men responsible for most of the band's now-classic death metal catalog, "Beast" is a vicious commentary on the state of the world and the state of music itself.

Extreme metallers Brujeria are currently putting the finishing touches on their fourth album release and Nuclear Blast Entertainment debut. Recently, the band released an exclusive 7" single for Record Store Day, which sold-out instantly in stores everywhere. Brujeria is offering that 7" release, which includes the songs "Viva Presidente Trump!" and "Pared De Muerte", for sale digitally.

"The song (“Viva Presidente Trump!”) was on shelf for years with no idea for vocals," states vocalist Juan Brujo. "It was gonna be an 'Anti-Castro' part II song but nothing came out of it. It just needed proper motivation to go and attach itself to someone... and Trump came thru!

"I see Trump as the white republican version of Juan Brujo circa '93. Wanting to start shit for the hell of it!!! That's why it's called "Viva Presidente Trump!" We both want same thing! So much that I want to be his running mate!!!"

"Viva Presidente Trump!" is streaming below:

Check out the visualizer teaser for "Viva Presidente Trump!":

Brujeria's current touring lineup includes Carcass frontman Jeff Walker (a.k.a. El Cynico) on bass and Napalm Death bassist Shane Embury (a.k.a. Hongo) on guitar. Brujeria's last full-length effort, "Brujerizmo", came out in 2000 via Roadrunner.

Wisconsin-based metallers Product Of Hate have released a music video for “Kill. You. Now.”, the lead track from their debut album, Buried In Violence, out now via Napalm Records.

The brutal artwork was designed Colin Marks of Rain Song Design. The album was mixed and mastered by the legendary James Murphy, known for his work with Death, Testament and Obituary.

Tracklisting:

“Kill. You. Now.”
“Annihilation”
“...As Your Kingdom Falls”
“Blood Coated Concrete”
“Monster”
“Buried In Violence”
“Vindicare”
“Nemesis”
“Revolution Of Destruction”
“Unholy Manipulator”
“Perry Mason”

“Monster” video:

"Blood Coated Concrete" video:

“Unholy Manipulator” video:

The official lyric video for the song "Seal The Deal" from Danish/American rock 'n' rollers VOLBEAT can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's sixth full-length album, "Seal The Deal & Let's Boogie", which will be released on June 3 via Republic Records.

Produced by longtime collaborator Jacob Hansen and co-produced by frontman Michael Poulsen and lead guitarist Rob Caggiano, "Seal The Deal & Let's Boogie" includes a total of 13 new tracks, reflecting their signature hybrid of rock prowess, metal power, blues soul, and rockabilly swing.

On the new album, Poulsen says: "After months writing and recording, we're thrilled to finally be able to unleash 'Seal The Deal & Let's Boogie' into the world. Play it loud!"

Like the band's last effort, 2013's "Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies", there's a loose concept to the new disc, as Caggiano explained. "There's definitely some stuff that kind of weaves in and out of the record," he told The Pulse Of Radio. "You know, the last album was leaning heavily towards like the Western stuff and, you know, outlaws and cowboys and that kind of thing, and this is a whole different thing. There's definitely some cool characters and some voodoo stuff on this record, which I always found fascinating."

"Seal The Deal & Let's Boogie" track listing:

01. The Devil's Bleeding Crown02. Marie Laveau03. The Bliss04. The Gates of Babylon05. Let It Burn06. Black Rose07. Rebound08. Mary Jane Kelly09. Goodbye Forever10. Seal The Deal11. Battleship Chains12. You Will Know13. The Loa's Crossroad

VOLBEAT will spend most of the summer in Europe, returning in August for SEETHER's Rise Above festival in Maine on August 6, the Heavy Montreal event on August 7, and an opening slot for METALLICA at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on August 8.

VOLBEAT recently announced the addition of bassist Kaspar Boye Larsen to the group's ranks.

Kaspar was previously a member of the punk rock outfit THE HITCHCOCKS and alternative metal group THE KANDIDATE, and even went on tour with VOLBEAT as a support act in 2010.

Kaspar will make his European debut with VOLBEAT at Germany's Rock Am Ring festival on June 3.

Roots And Roads, the third album from former Orphaned Land co-founder Yossi Sassi’s Yossi Sassi Band will be released on May 25th. The album’s genre can be described as Oriental prog metal, combining Yossi's various musical roots - east and west, acoustic and electric, oriental and metal. 

The second single released is “Palm Dance” and features two guitar solos by Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal. It was shot in an abandoned, once luxurious hotel in the city of Tiberias, Israel
The sword dancers are part of a Druze Folklore band called "Reem al Jawlan" (dabkee) from the North of Israel.

The first single to be released from the upcoming album is “The Religion Of Music” featuring Zaher Zorgatti (Myrath) on vocals. Listen to the track below:

The final sound of the album is the reflection of an intricate combination of rock, classical and worldwide oriental instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Bozuouki, Oud, Saz, Charango, Chumbush, Ney, Kanun and much more. Alongside well-renowned local (Israeli) guest musicians, the album includes vocals by Zaher Zorgati (Myrath) and guitar parts by Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (ex-Guns N’ Roses).

The album was recorded in the Jaffa Sound Arts studio in the ancient city port of Jaffa, Israel, during April 2016. The video below from the studio offers snippets of what’s to come:

Faithsedge is returning with Restoration, their third and most melodic release to date. Fronted by mastermind singer/songwriter Giancarlo Floridia, the band returns with a stellar lineup featuring Stryper bass player Tim Gaines, Ace Frehley / Mr. Big drummer Matt Starr and former Dokken guitarist Alex De Rosso. Both keys and production have been handled by Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Revolution Saints). A lyric video for the track “Never A Day” can be found below.

The approach is very melodic with an old school feel: 80's style hooks, big drums, slamming bass, epic keys and big production. At the same time the album keeps a current up to date feel with lyric content of today’s world mixed with a competitive metal feel. Giancarlo's songwriting approach mixed with each members experience and skills takes the album to new heights.

Tracklisting:

“Never A Day”
“Jennifer”
“You Cannot Give Up”
“Faith And Chris”
“Her Way Back”
“Regret At All”
“This War”
“Taking Our Lives”
“Let You Breathe”
“This Is Everything”

“Never A Day” lyric video:

With different supergroups that come and go, Faithsedge is more than just that, the band members worked together as a tight team and the result and chemistry show in the end result.

The album will be released on Scarlet Records in Europe and North America on June 24th and on Spiritual Beast in Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan on June 15th.