Gathering Of Kings can best be described as a Swedish melodic rock phenomena-type-project. The yet untitled debut album will be produced, mixed and mastered by Thomas ”Plec” Johansson (Watain, Onslaught, Scar Symmetry, Solution. 45, The Night Flight Orchestra).

Gathering Of Kings have now confirmed the following artists:

Vocals:
- Björn Strid (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra)
- Rick Altzi (Masterplan, At Vance)
- Apollo Papathanasio (Spiritual Beggars, Firewind)
- Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse, W.E.T, Nordic Union)
- Tobias Jansson (Saffire)

Guitars:
- Niclas Engelin (In Flames, Engel, Drömriket)
- Stefan Helleblad (Within Temptation, Jono)
- Victor Olsson (Saffire)
- Chris Laney (Randy Piper’s Animal, Shotgun)
- Martin Sweet (Crashdïet, Sister)

Bass:
- Nalle Påhlsson (Therion, Treat)

Keyboards:
- Richard Larsson (The Night Flight Orchestra)

Drums:
- Robban Bäck (Mustasch, Eclipse, Sabaton, W.E.T)
- Jonas Källsbäck (The Night Flight Orchestra, Mean Streak)

French melodic power prog band Eternal Flight has released a lyric video for “Pandora’s Box”. This is the second of three songs featuring drummer John Macaluso (Ark, Yngwie Malmsteen, Symphony X, TNT, Riot). A permanent drummer will soon be added to the lineup and announced in June. The end of the summer will see the band recording a full-length album at Morphoenix Studio.

The first track recorded by this lineup was “Angles Of Violence”:

The lineup that recorded the songs:

Gérard Fois - vocals, keys and production
Jérome Fischer - lead and rhythm guitars
Thibaud Ducrot - lead and rhythm guitars
Arnaud Neri - bass
John Macaluso - drums

Swedish death/thrash-metal group Feared has just shared a new music video for “Lords Resistance Army”, the leading single from the band’s forthcoming 10th anniversary album Reborn. Watch the video directed by guitarist Ola Englund and Patrik Forsberg below.

Reborn features the best tracks from the band’s first two records, 2011’s Rejects and 2012’s Refeared, totally re-recorded and revamped for this 10th anniversary and will be available on digital download and CD, including some deluxe editions. Release is set for June 3rd.

Guitarist and founder Ola Englund commented: “We always felt that the first two albums were not up to par with Furor Incarnatus, Vinter and Synder. Refeared and Rejects didn't have real drums and it has a lot to be desired mixing job so we decided to revisit these two releases. Reborn is a best of Refeared and Rejects totally re-recorded and revamped for the 10th anniversary. We believe the songs have much more to offer with real drums, better production, new mix, new master etc. We're extremely proud about our whole catalogue and we want to thank our fans and followers for their constant support.”

Preorders for the digital version of “Reborn” are now available at this location, while physical copies can be obtained here.

Reborn tracklisting:
 
“Opening Scene”
“Fall of Man”
“World Eater”
“Lords Resistance Army”
“Our Dying World”
“The Morgue”
“The Turn”
“Breaking The Cycle”
“My Last Line”
“Changes”
“OCD”
“The Bridge”

"Lords Resistance Army":

Teaser:

Formed in 2007, Feared was the brainchild of guitarist and producer Ola Englund, but from a potent start it soon disbanded. The heart and presence of the band though continued to breathe through Englund and the numerous instrumental songs he recorded and released on YouTube as tutorials. It was 2010 which saw Feared beginning to re-emerge when the guitarist and vocalist Mario Ramos (Demonoid) worked on a self-titled debut album; a release swiftly earning acclaim and support from fans and media alike. The energy and passion of the band only grew and blossomed from thereon in, as equally its evolving sounds. The following year saw the greedily received Rejects unveiled, as well as a re-recorded and remixed version of their debut album called Refeared, both pushing the band into broader attention. They were followed in 2013 by praise soaked third album Furor Incarnatus, it similarly whipping up a torrent of eager responses and new spotlights.

It was eclipsed in exploration and imagination, not forgetting acclaim, by Vinter a year later though. The album came after a period between releases which saw Englund also become the new guitarist of Swedish comrades The Haunted, drummer Kevin Talley (Suffocation, ex-Dying Fetus, ex-Black Dahlia Murder) additionally join the ranks of BattleCross, and ex-Clawfinger bassist Jocke Skog recruited by and bringing Feared another surge of new energy and thought. It all only strengthened the intensive passion and inventive appetite of the band, as well as sparking fresh avenues to investigate in sound, all evidenced dramatically in Vinter and with even greater adventure on its successor Synder.

Meaning sins in English, Synder is the blistering success of Feared pushing their limits and imaginations into darker depths and intimate challenges once more yet emerging as provocative and expansive landscapes of furious sound and unbridled emotion. Produced by Englund and Skog, and wrapped in the striking artwork of Sylvain Razorimages, Synder is the most intensive collaboration within the band yet; a sonic emprise breeding one explosive tempest and inspiring intensive roar from the heart of Feared.

2016 sees Feared celebrating their 10th anniversary and to mark the occasion the Swedish group will release the new collection, Reborn.

Sick Drummer Magazine has posted this new video of Between The Buried And Me drummer Blake Richardson performing "Famine Wolf" at the Summit Music Hall in Denver, CO on March 14th.

Between The Buried And Me will be heading to Europe in July for selected festivals and club shows alongside Protest The Hero.

Comments bassist Dan Briggs: "It's pretty surreal that our summer trip will not only begin in Barcelona, but also playing alongside legendary prog artists including Magma. Looking forward to visiting some cities we've never been to before and watching baseball at odd hours while everyone else is recovering from their soccer/footie matches!"

European dates:

July
2 - Barcelona, Spain - Be Prog! My Friend Festival
3 - Toulouse, France - Connexion Live (with Protest The Hero)
4 - Marseille, France - Jas Rod (with Protest The Hero)
5 - Lyon, France - CCO (with Protest The Hero)
8 - Milan, Italy - Dissonance Festival
10 - Nottingham, England - Newark Showground
11 - Paris, France - Divan Du Monde (with Protest The Hero)
12 - Karlsruhe, Germany - Substage (with Protest The Hero)
13 - Berlin, Germany - Musik & Frieden (with Protest The Hero)
14 - Köln, Germany - Underground (with Protest The Hero)
15 - Dour, Belgium - Dour Festival
16 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Melkweg (with Protest The Hero)

Recently on the road with August Burns Red and Good Tiger, Between The Buried And Me launched a new live video from the tour: "The Ectopic Stroll". Filmed at the Roxy Theater in Los Angeles (an intimate venue for this massive trek), "The Ectopic Stroll" can be viewed  below. The track is taken from Between The Buried And Me's recently released album, Coma Ecliptic.

Other live dates:

May
6 - Concord, NC - Carolina Rebellion
22 - Columbus, OH - Rock on the Range

Vancouver, BC's Without Mercy have welcomed their fans to the depths of hell with the premiere of their new music video “Burn”, which is in support of their upcoming EP Mouichido set for release on May 27th. Album preorder at Bandcamp.

"On the surface, 'Burn' shows a decent into hell. The imagery and content seems to follow the rhetoric of a burning and painful afterlife. In reality, 'Burn' is actually about the decent into madness. Your own personal hell while you battle your inner demons and face your own addictions. Listeners of this song can hear references to famous depictions of damnation from other literary worlds and even a very famous video game,” comments guitarist DJ Temple.

Mouichido is a rebirth for the band as it's a re-release of re-recorded material from their 2014 EP Reborn. Mouichido, the Japanese word for “Repeat” or “to do one more time” is perfectly titled for the EP to signify its re-release of previously recorded versions that now feature new vocalist Alex Friis and bass tracks recorded by Tristan Martin plus live performance being done by Ryan Loewen along with a guest appearance by vocalist Mark Hunter of Chimaira on track “In Waves”.

Tracklisting:

“Worthless”
“In Waves”
“Burn”
“Morphine”

“Burn” video:

(Photo by: Shimon Karmel)

Anticipating the release of their ambitious sophomore album Of Campfires And Evening Mists on May 27th, black metallers Old Corpse Road have unleashed their first single “Herne Of Windsor Forest” in the form of a verdant, haunting lyric video. Drawing on their interest in British tales and nature, the track summons you to Berkshire’s Windsor Woods where the antlered ghost of Herne looms.

“We chose to open the song opens with several lines from the ‘Merry Wives of Windsor’ by William Shakespeare, as a nod to our literary heritage. With his antlered head, Herne stands as a strong and identifiable British figure; a prime reason for selecting this legendary tale. We did not want to simply re-tell his story, but rather take an atmospheric and poetic approach as if spoken from the perspective of Herne himself, painting a serene and ethereal image of a haunted Windsor forest” – The Dreamer, Drums

The Old Corpse Road is a bleak, barren crossing at the isolated hamlet of Swindale Head in the Lake District. Despite having a local church, there was no cemetery in the town until the 1700s, so the road was frequently used as vessel for carts to transport bodies to the nearest town with a graveyard. Fusing this macabre history with the solitary and archaic landscapes around them, Durham quintet Old Corpse Road create haunting, sophisticated, melodic black metal based on English Folklore.

Drummer The Dreamer comments:

“Old Corpse Road are proud to announce our induction into the resurrected Cacophonous coven. The dedication and support from a legendary label who brought the world bands such as Bal-Sagoth, Cradle Of Filth and Dimmu Borgir is incredible. For Cacophonous to have faith in our vision and music is a humbling experience. It is a great honour for the Old Corpse Road moniker to sit alongside many of the bands that inspired our journey. We can't think of a better home for our opus Of Campfires And Evening Mists and we hope our partnership with Cacophonous proves to only strengthen the burgeoning UK black metal scene.

"Old Corpse Road" lyric video:

 
"We are fired up and ready to unleash our second album, Of Campfires And Evening Mists album has been a long time project, and is a work of blood, sweat and determination. The band has worked tirelessly to make sure that every aspect of the album, from the artwork to the music, represents our darkened take on British folklore in its purest form. The music flows from fierce black metal through to powerful melodic passages and onto serene yet haunting moments. We have taken time to fully explore the moods and themes of each story, leading to long but enthralling songs.”

"Following 2012’s debut album 'Tis Witching Hour which focused on the dark and gothic, the new album sees a natural progression to a more illuminating album. Initially inspired by a Wiccan gathering, Old Corpse Road use the principle of the druid rites to conjure images of gathering in the Autumnal wilderness, sharing old tales. The album is broken into three parts; The Opening of the Circle, where story tellers and listeners gather, The Rite where tales of legends, which were carefully selected by the band to suit the atmosphere of the album, are told, and lastly The Closing of the Circle, where storytellers bid farewell to those gathered. 

With their own creative twist on black metal, Old Corpse Road are pushing the boundaries in extreme music. Tour dates are to be announced soon.

Southern California's Ghoulgotha have re-emerged from the depths with the release of To Starve The Cross. The band's 2015 debut - The Deathmass Cloak - was praised by critics for its demented envisioning of doom-infused, old-school death metal. To Starve The Cross sees Ghoulgotha twist an already abstract reality into forms never before experienced.

To Starve The Cross is the ten headed beast ready to devour those who didn't heed that warning. This album, simply put, is a masterpiece of atonal and dissonant death metal delivered straight from the warped mind of Wayne Sarantopoulos (Decrepitaph, Encoffination).  

The band has posted a video for album track "The Sulfur Age":

To Starve The Cross was mixed and mastered by Damian Herring at Subterranean Watchtower Studios with artwork by Mattias Frisk. Dark Descent will unleash this monster June 13th on CD and digital formats with vinyl treatment coming soon after.

After launching their first single, “Sin Eater”, last week, San Diego's Poison Headache is now streaming another new track, “Conspirator”. The band has also revealed that their mystery members is guitar player Phil Sgrosso from Wovenwar and As I Lay Dying.

Says Sgrosso of “Conspirator”: “‘Conspirator’ reflects the punk influence in our music.  It’s fast and simple in nature but we still aim to keep it heavy.  In our book, there’s no better way to start a song off than with a circle pit.  This song is written for those who manipulate and take advantage of the weak minded to serve their own destructive agenda.  You will get yours.”

Prior to Poison Headache's release, Southern California fans can hear the record in its entirety at a special album listening party, which will take place on May 21st at Brick by Brick immediately following the Soulfly show. The event will feature Hail, Colossus - an exclusive, small batch beer by Coronado Brewing Co. - plus giveaways for Poison Headache CDs, t-shirts, and more.

With Poison Headache, fans can expect a 10-song monster: a heaving, teeth-bared mass of anger, violent intent, aggression, and terrible certainty - mixed by Taylor Young (Nails, Twitching Tongues) and mastered by Brad Boatright (Black Breath, Inverloch, Sleep) of Audiosiege Mastering. One part Entombed Wolverine Blues, one part Motörhead “Ace Of Spades”, and one part Converge “Jane Doe”, Poison Headache is crossover for the new age.

Poison Headache tracklisting:

“Sin Eater”
“Pity The Backseat”
“Rot With Me”
“Conspirator”
“Gray Skies”
“Benumbed”
“Death's Design”
“Hail, Colossus”
“Never. Again.”
“Discloser”

"Conspirator":

“Sin Eater”:

Lineup:

Andy Kukta - vocals/guitar 
Phil Sgrosso - vocals/guitar/bass
Kyle Rosa - drums

Castle has announced the release of their breakout fourth full-length this summer via Ván Records worldwide. Titled Welcome To The Graveyard, the follow up to 2014's Under Siege was recorded by Billy Anderson (Sleep, Neurosis, Brothers Of The Sonic Cloth, Eyehategod, Ommadon) at Type Foundry Studios in Portland, Oregon this past Winter and is set for official unveiling July 15th.
 
Comprised of eight tracks written over the last year, Welcome To The Graveyard sees Castle merging their doom-powered riffing with soaring 1970s rock. The album features a new level of confident songwriting and is a creepy-crawl through the wastelands of the band's new Los Angeles' ­­home. The perfect soundtrack for a Hollywood cult initiation, the record is a hard-boiled barrage of classic heavy metal riffery tempered with blasts of melodic orchestrated doom. 
 
Elizabeth Blackwell's haunted vocal style draws a sigil of death and madness -- envision the Wilson sisters singing hymns from the stygian void, while lyrically Castle adapt the stark and compelling vistas of Aleister Crowley's Amphora for the song "Traitors Rune" and Eliphas Levi's Transcendental Magic, whose mystic rumination inspiresthe lyrical backdrop for the lead-off single "Flash Of The Pentagram," currently streaming below.

Tracklisting:

“Black Widow”
“Hammer And The Cross”
“Welcome To The Graveyard”
“Veil Of Death”
“Flesh Of The Pentagram”
“Traitors Rune”
“Down In The Cauldron Bog”
“Natural Parallel”

“Welcome To The Pentagram”:

Flash of the Pentagram by Castle

 

 

Castle live:

June
15 - Yucca Tap - Phoenix, AZ
16 - The Sandbox - El Paso, TX
17 - Paper Tiger - San Antonio, TX
18 - Rudyards - Houston, TX
19 - Siberia - New Orleans, LA
20 - New World Brewery - Tampa, FL
21 - Burro Bar - Jacksonville, FL
22 - The Jinx - Savannah, GA
23 - Reggies - Wilmington, NC
24 - Maryland Doom Fest - Frederick, MD
25 - Ace Of Cups - Columbus, OH
26 - 5th Quarter - Indianapolis, IN
27 - Skeletunes - Ft. Wayne, IN
28 - Vaudeville - Des Moines, IA
29 - O'Leaver's - Omaha, NE
30 - Flux Capacitor - Colorado Springs, CO

July
1 - Metro Bar - Salt Lake City, UT
2 - Chateau Le Punk - Las Vegas, NV

Italian death metal legion, Hideous Divinity, has unveiled the official new visual accompaniment to the track "Cobra Verde". The unsettling tune comes by way of the band's full-length of the same name, released in 2014 via Unique Leader Records. Cobre Verde is a concept record based around Werner Herzog's 1987 film of the same name which itself was centered around 1980 novel, The Viceroy Of Ouidah, by British author, Bruce Chatwin.

 
Elaborates Hideous Divinity of the clip, "The surrealistic, soaring visions populating Herzog's Cobra Verde haunted our songwriting like a nightmare, and inspired the concept of our second album. When it was time to think about a video clip, we found ourselves in front of a fascinating challenge: How to visually render the atmosphere of an entire epic movie in the space of a song. After watching the work of the young and talented Guilherme Henriques Silva, we knew he was the right person for the job. Filmed between Roma in the evocative location of Tor Caldara, where the mighty Ben Hur was shot and Porto, the video captures the magic and the occult of our African curse made flesh. The title track, with its dramatic mid tempos and pauses, made the rest. Join us, one more time, in the land where there the dead are more alive than the living. Fear no end, fear no spirit!"

Hideous Divinity is currently leveling stages across Europe with Cannibal Corpse and Krisiun. 

Dates:

May
3 - Audincourt, France - Le Moloco
4 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser
5 - Rostock, Germany - Mau
6 - Regensburg, Germany - Airport Obertraubling
7 - Lingen, Germany - Alter Schlachthof
8 - Wiesbaden, Germany - Schlachthof
10 - Aarau, Switzerland - Kiff
11 -Tilburg, Netherlands - 013
12 - Hannover, Germany - Musikzentrum
13 - Karlsruhe, Germany - Substage

Illinois-based downtempo/groove metallers, Yüth Forever, announce the release of their sophomore effort, Skeleton Youth Forever, on June 3 via Prosthetic Records.

Featuring 13 songs of groove-laden, dark electronic, angst-filled mood metal, Skeleton Youth Forever is a collection of jarring contrasts between sullen, somber honesty and energetic, emotional aggression. The album is an experience that embodies what it is to live and grow - introspective, intense and honest from start to finish, Skeleton Youth Forever is an album for the Youth, by the Yüth.

Skeleton Youth Forever will mark the bands sophomore effort, following 2015's debut Freudian Slip, and was produced by longtime friend, Sam Bottner (Barrier).

Vocalist Devin MacGillivary commented, "We chose him [Bottner] because he produced 10 Code and Extortion and he absolutely KILLED it on both of those. Also, because he's one of our best friends, and it only felt right (for nostalgic purposes) to go with someone we were so close with and who had already spent so much of his time helping us further our band.”

MacGillivary also gave insight on what listeners can expect from the new material, “I think this is a good combination of our previous releases sprinkled with a lot of new innovation in terms of what we did with the songs. There are a lot of weird or funky parts that I wrote because I was really into disco music at the time. To me, a lot of the record just makes me want to dance.”

Get a taste of Skeleton Youth Forever and take a listen to the stream of the albums debut single "People Pleaser" in the below lyric video. Grab a digital pre-order of Yüth Forever's new album via Bandcamp and you'll receive an instant download of "People Pleaser". You can also pre-order a copy on CD here.

Tracklisting:

“Suicidal Pistol Grip Pump”
“People Pleaser”
“SYF”
“Love”
“Bitterromantic Pt. 3”
“Do You?”
“Growing Pains”
“Warmth”
“Inseperable”
“The Song I Wrote For You”
“Innocence”
“Villains”
“Forever”

“People Pleaser” lyric video:

Yüth Forever will perform a series of headlining gigs at the end of the month with support from Minneapolis' Roads of Glass. Previously the band has been seen alongside the likes of Reflections, Barrier, Toothgrinder, The Browning, This or the Apocalypse, Kingmaker, Demolisher, Structures, Betrayal, Counterparts, Gift Giver, Dark Sermon and Monuments.

Catch them at one of their upcoming shows listed as follows:

May
23 - Chicago, IL - The Fallout
24 - Lacrosse, WI - The Warehouse
25 - Burnsville, MN - The Garage
26 - Omaha, NE - The Lookout Lounge

Yüth Forever is:

Devin - Vocals
Reese - Guitars
Trevor - Guitars
Eric - Bass
Zack - Drums

"Under Attack", the official video for the title track of the new album from German thrashers DESTRUCTION, can be seen below. The CD will be released on May 13 via Nuclear Blast.

DESTRUCTION started recording "Under Attack" after the summer festivals last year and tracked segments in various studios between September 2015 and January 2016. They completed the drum recordings with Martin Buchwalter at Gernhart Studios in Germany, and mixed and mastered with VO Pulver at Little Creek Studios in Switzerland.

DESTRUCTION bassist/vocalist Schmier stated about the making of "Under Attack": "We really took our time for this album. After the summer festivals, we went into the studio every couple of weeks to record brand new songs and ideas in between all the touring activities. We took several studio sessions instead of one long one, to keep the ideas fresh and have time later before the mix to change bits and pieces that we did not like. Maybe this was the most effective writing we did in the last years! Due the fact we had more time in between the albums, there was a lot of musical output and creativity, but also less pressure. From my point of view, you can definitely hear the crispiness in the songwriting and the kick-ass attitude we brought from the shows into the studio. The 'on tour into the studio on tour mode' was so effective that I wanna keep this method for the future!"

He added: "How does the new record sound? For sure not like a band that is in its 33 years of existence: Efficient aggression: FAST — CATCHY — ORIGINAL!" The track track listing for the effort is as follows:

Digipack

01. Under Attack02. Generation Nevermore03. Dethroned04. Getting Used To The Evil05. Pathogenic06. Elegant Pigs07. Second To None08. Stand Up For What You Deliver09. Conductor Of The Void10. Stigmatized

Bonus:

11. Black Metal (feat. Alex Camargo of KRISIUN)12. Thrash Attack

2LP

Side A

01. Under Attack02. Generation Nevermore03. Dethroned

Side B

04. Getting Used To The Evil05. Pathogenic06. Elegant Pigs

Side C

07. Second To None08. Stand Up For What You Deliver09. Conductor Of The Void

Side D

10. Stigmatized

Bonus:

11. Black Metal (feat. Alex Camargo of KRISIUN)12. Thrash Attack

"Second To None" was made available as a digital single on April 1. The track was also released as a split colored vinyl EP with RAGE on April 22. The EP was issued on red and green vinyl.

Side A: RAGE - "The Devil Strikes Again"Side B: DESTRUCTION - "Second To None"

Regarding the "Under Attack" artwork, Schmier said: "I had the vision of the exploding earth with the DESTRUCTION skull as continents before we even had the title.

"Never has the earth and every individual been so under attack: whether it’s environmental issues, wars or politics and media madness, we just destroy everything that we love!

"The cover brings together the classical concepts of the band’s history and fits in well with the discography… but, unfortunately, it also represents the current state of the world today!"

NWOBHM veterans Vardis have released a lyric video for “Paranoia Strikeks”, a track from their new album, Red Eye, to be released on May 20th as a digipak version (including 2 bonus tracks + poster), LP version in red vinyl and download (iTunes exclusive contains 2 bonus tracks).

Founder Steve Zodiac says about the song: "“Paranoia Strikes” is about the animal instinct for self preservation amplified to the point of mania. It’s potential is within us all, but Emperors, Dictators and the like seem to be especially susceptible. In that sense paranoia is the flip side of egomania: an excess of power, wealth or drugs can bring both to the surface. My starting point was that animal trigger in humanity, so this track was written to be feral and frenzied, with savage riffs."

The Past: Vardis were forged out of glam, punk, heavy metal, blues and rock 'n' roll in the crucible of 1970s northern England. They are a product of rock music across three generations: inspired by the great rockers and electric bluesmen of the 50s and 60s, learning their trade rubbing shoulders with the young guns of hard rock and punk in the 70s, and achieving prominence in the 80s as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The hard, ferocious attack of their sound directly influenced the development of thrash and speed metal across North America and Europe, cited by metal giants such as Metallica and Megadeth. Never losing sight of the melodic, boogie sensibilities of their earliest influences, the Vardis brand of hard rock retains a unique heavy groove, and has endured as truly original.

The Future: In March 2014, Steve Zodiac began remastering the Vigilante album, and to coincide with the re-release on Hoplite Records, Vardis reunited to headline Brofest II in England, going on to perform at festivals in the UK and Germany before an emotional homecoming show at Unity Hall, Wakefield, where it all began.  After the warm reception of fans at the reunion shows, Zodiac and bassist Terry Horbury not only felt at the top of their game, but that they had more gears to hit, and so decided to continue. Recruiting the dynamic powerhouse drummer Joe Clancy, who had spent the previous ten years in Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith's side project Blues Band, Vardis set to work on their first new material in nearly 30 years.

Steve Zodiac: "Reuniting after a 30 year hiatus was a leap in the dark, but the response has been tremendous. Terry, Joe and I have hit upon a creative chemistry that makes me as excited to be recording the 5th Vardis album today as I was cutting our first demos in '76.”

The cover art was painted by acclaimed artist Graham Humphreys, who has previously produced artwork for Hammer Studios and posters for Nightmare on Elm Street, Basket Case and The Evil Dead and Evil Dead II.

After the tragic death of bass player Terry Horbury last year, the band recuited Martin Connolly (ex- Rick Wakeman, Paul Fox, Entire Population of Hackney) and played their first successful show with the new line up at this years' Up The Hammers Festival in Greece.

Steve Zodiac comments: "We are very lucky to be able to welcome Martin Connolly to the band. Despite knowing Vardis would continue, after losing Terry so suddenly it took some time before we could consider playing with another bassist. By the time we were ready, the job required someone with the musicianship and experience not only to maintain the power of our live shows but to form a tight chemistry quickly. After just one rehearsal we knew we wouldn't need to see anyone else, Martin is a top bassist and has brought a new dimension and fresh energy to Vardis as we rebuild to get the show back on the road this year. Thank you all for your support and patience, we are proud to rock on with you in tribute to a man whose life was music."

Tracklisting:

“Red Eye”
“Paranoia Strikes”
“I Need You Now”
“The Knowledge”
“Lightning Man”
“Back To School”
“Jolly Roger”
“Head of the Nail”
“Hold Me”
“200 M.P.H.”

Digipak bonus tracks:
“Living Out Of Touch”
“200 M.P.H.” (Reprise)

Live dates:

May
12 - HRH Road Trip 7 - Ibiza, Spain     T
 
June
3 - Muskelrock - Alvesta, Sweden   
26 - Wildfire Festival - Biggar, United Kingdom      
 
July
30 - Headbangers Open Air - Schierenhöhe, Germany    
 
September
17 - Heavy Metal Night 9 - Villa Rosa, Italy

Swedish thrash/death metal outfit, Dethrone, released their new album, Incinerate All, via Massacre Records back in January. A full album stream can be found below.

Incinerate All was recorded, mixed and mastered by Dennis Åhman at Shimmer Studios in Sweden. Joakim Vestlund is responsible for the cover artwork.

Tracklisting:

“Reborn In Fire”
“The Plague Carrier”
“Rat King”
“Morbid Existence”
“Spiritual Deception”
“Where Darkness Dwells”
“I Am God”
“Failure”
“Dawn Of Demise”
“The Inevitable End”

Album stream:

"Failure" lyric video:

The hard-hitting quintet was formed in the summer of 2011 and released their first EP in October 2011. They aim to serve intense and straightforward Swedish metal, inspired by bands such as Defleshed, The Crown or the early The Haunted.

Being hand-picked by Sweden's Close-up Magazine as the best unsigned band in Sweden, Dethrone were invited to play at Gothenburg's Metaltown Festival in June 2012. The band's debut album, Humanity, was released in March 2013 and received great reviews, just like the EP.

MOTÖRHEAD's November 20 and November 21, 2015 concerts at the Zenith in Munich, Germany were professionally filmed and recorded for release this May via UDR.

Titled "Clean Your Clock", the set will be made available in the following formats:

* Colored double vinyl in gatefold with pop-up art* Standalone audio CD* DVD of the show with audio CD* Blu-ray of the show with audio CD* Boxset which contains the colored double vinyl in gatefold with pop-up art, DVD of the show with audio CD and the MOTÖRHEAD metal medal* A limited-edition boxset will be available through the UDR shop and will contain the MOTÖRHEAD medal in silver or gold* Also available as a digital download

"Clean Your Clock" track listing:

01. Start - 00:00:0002. Live Intro - 00:01:0603. Bomber - 00:02:4404. Stay Clean - 00:06:0605. Metropolis - 00:09:4106. When The Sky Comes Looking For You - 00:14:3307. Over The Top - 00:18:1608. Guitar Solo - 00:21:1009. The Chase Is Better Than The Catch - 00:23:0810. Lost Woman Blues - 00:28:3911. Rock It - 00:34:0712. Orgasmatron - 00:36:5213. Doctor Rock Pt 1 - 00:43:2814. Drum Solo - 00:45:1815. Doctor Rock Pt 2 - 00:49:5416. Just 'Cos You Got The Power - 00:52:1117. No Class - 00:58:0818. Ace Of Spades - 01:01:0719. Whorehouse Blues - 01:08:0120. Overkill - 01:14:05

"Clean Your Clock" will be made available on May 27.

A performance clip of the song "Bomber", taken from "Clean Your Clock", can be seen below.

MOTÖRHEAD's final concert took place on December 11, 2015 in Berlin, Germany. Despite suffering from an "extremely aggressive" form of cancer, the band's frontman, Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister battled his way through to the end of the group's European tour.

"He was terribly gaunt," MOTÖRHEAD drummer Mikkey Dee< /b> told Sweden's Expressen. "He spent all his energy on stage and afterwards he was very, very tired. It's incredible that he could even play, that he could finish the Europe tour. It was only [three weeks before he died]. Unbelievable."

MOTÖRHEAD's Berlin concert was originally scheduled to take place on November 27, but was postponed after the group's guitarist, Phil Campbell, was taken ill.

Lemmy, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Christmas Eve (December 24), learned two days later, on December 26, that he was afflicted with an aggressive form of cancer. He died two days later, on December 28, at his home in Los Angeles.

Lemmy had been dealing with serious health issues for the past two years, including getting a pacemaker in 2013 and suffering from a hematoma last year. But despite 40 years of hard living and drinking, he continued to tour and record at a feverish pace.

The band was forced to cancel or postpone a number of shows this year due to Lemmy's poor health, which also forced him to cut back on his drinking and give up smoking.

While MOTÖRHEAD itself was revered by metal and punk fans, Lemmy himself became a rock and roll icon and elder statesman, the embodiment of a musician who lived the rock lifestyle to the fullest and never stopped.

Lemmy told Classic Rock: "I'm pretty happy with the way things have turned out. I like to think I've brought a lot of joy to a lot of people all over the world. I'm true to myself and I'm straight with people."

Asked whether he thought about death in the wake of his recent illnesses, Lemmy replied: "Death is an inevitability, isn't it? You become more aware of that when you get to my age. I don't worry about it. I'm ready for it. When I go, I want to go doing what I do best. If I died tomorrow, I couldn't complain. It's been good."

On June 24, Eagle Rock Entertainment will unveil "Flux", the brand new studio album from celebrated BLACK CROWES founding member/guitarist Rich Robinson. This is the moment 2016 has been building up towards: throughout the year, Eagle Rock Entertainment has released expanded, re-imagined versions of Robinson's solo albums, including "Paper", "Through A Crooked Sun" and "Woodstock Sessions" (on CD and digitally).These reissues served as a fitting lead-up to "Flux". With "Flux", Robinson presents his most accomplished solo album to date — 13 new, original songs that draw deeply on his diverse roots. A blues-rock odyssey straight from Robinson's soul, the guitarist returned to Applehead Studios in Saugerties, New York, the recording facility that has become his creative hub. Nestled away within Woodstock's famed artist enclave, Robinson's work at the studio has yielded "Woodstock Sessions", "The Ceaseless Sight" and now "Flux". The entire writing and recording process, explains Robinson, is the driving force for his creativity. "I love being in the recording studio," states Robinson simply. "It fuels the desire to create within me. I enjoy watching it unfold. Each development fires another idea and in the end, you have this organically created song that seemingly came out of nowhere. It brings me such joy and peace. It never ceases to amaze me." "Flux" showcases a rich variety of tempos, tones, and guitar tuning, ranging from the vibrant swagger Robinson first popularized with the BLACK CROWES to the rich, evocative allure evident in songs such as "Sleepwalker" and "Ides Of Nowhere". "These were great examples of songs transforming from little ideas I originally had," he says. "Both just came alive when I had the band with me in the studio. They weren't anything like what I had first envisioned. It was exciting to experience that process." Robinson's creative process within the recording studio shaped such standout "Flux" tracks as "Music That Will Lift Me", the album's first single. "I am always excited by the creation itself," Robinson explains. "I used the studio to specifically write that song. I had these parts written but it started to unfold once I got to Applehead Studios. I later wrote the lyrics in Nashville and it had really evolved into something special." Brimming with redemptive spirit, Robinson's vocal and guitar work shine throughout. Joining him on the track is Charlie Starr of BLACKBERRY SMOKE, who lends guitar alongside Robinson's own. Backed by musicians Matt Slocum (keys), Marco Benevento (keys), Danny Mitchell (keys), Zak Gabbard (bass), Joe Magistro (drums / percussion) and vocalists John Hogg and Danielia Cotton, Robinson transports the listener with a powerful collection of music. From the groove-laden feel of opener "The Upstairs Land", the kick of funk via "Shipwreck", and the gospel swell of "Everything's Alright", to the emotional build-up of "Life" and the hearty stomp of closing track "Sleepwalker", "Flux" ebbs and flows through moods, delivering a varied listener experience. A creative soul through and through, Robinson is not only presenting "Flux" this year, but his artwork was recently displayed at both Morrison Hotel Gallery in New York City and Truth North Gallery in Canada. In May and June, Robinson will serve as a special guest guitarist for BAD COMPANY. Robinson and BAD COMPANY lead vocalist Paul Rodgers recently met and collaborated on a tribute to Jimmy Page. Rodgers was so impressed with Robinson that he asked him to take part in this special BAD COMPANY U.S. tour. Robinson will also embark on an extensive U.S. solo tour kicking off in July. Additionally, he recently collaborated with Zac Brown on his new album and is also featured on "The Way Home" — the final track of producer David Cobb's concept album "Southern Family" — with gospel choir the Settles Connection. "Flux" track listing:

01. The Upstairs Land02. Shipwreck03. Music That Will Lift Me04. Everything's Alright05. Eclipse The Night06. Life07. Ides Of Nowhere08. Time To Leave09. Astral10. For To Give11. Which Way Your Wind Blows12. Surrender13. Sleepwalker

On June 3rd, The Wildhearts will release Never Outdrunk, Never Outsung – PHUQ Live via Round Records Records.

The live album was recorded when the band reunited in September 2015 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their most commercially successful album PHUQ and Never Outdrunk, Never Outsung contains the full original album tracklisting.

Never Outdrunk, Never Outsung was a phrase coined by Wildhearts fan Tom Reed and the album is named in honour of The Wildhearts' audience who are ‘very loud and very thirsty!’

P.H.U.Q. (pronounced in obvious fashion) originally released in May 1995, crashed into the UK Top 10 Album Chart at #6. It spawned two Top 40 hit singles, “I Wanna Go Where The People Go” and “Just In Lust”, which reached numbers 16 and 28 respectively.

Never Outdrunk, Never Outsung – PHUQ Live opens with the euphoric clarion call “I Wanna Go Where the People Go” and for the next hour The Wildhearts play huge riffs and catchy choruses taking the audience on a roller coaster journey continuing to captivate their fans before “Getting It” closes out the set in a riot of chants and refrains. Never Outdrunk, Never Outsung – PHUQ Live is the perfect document for The Wildhearts' Anniversary tour

“All hail the noisy, thirsty Wildhearts fans!”

To pre-order Never Outdrunk, Never Outsung – PHUQ Live go to this location.

Never Outdrunk, Never Outsung – PHUQ Live tracklisting:

“I Wanna Go Where The People Go”
“V Day”
“Just In Lust”
“Baby Strange”
“Nita Nitro”
“Jonesing For Jones”
“Up Your Arse You Fucking Cunt”
“Woah Shit, You Got Through”
“Cold Patootie Tango”
“Caprice”
“Be My Drug”
“Naivety Play”
“In Lilly's Garden”
“Getting It”

KAMELOT's music video for the song "My Therapy" can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's latest album, "Haven", which sold around 7,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD was made available in May 2015 via Napalm Records as part of an exclusive licensing deal through the band's Kamelot Music LLC.

Produced by Sascha Paeth and mastered by Jacob Hansen, "Haven" features guest appearances by Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY, ex-THE AGONIST), Troy Donockley (NIGHTWISH) and Charlotte Wessels (DELAIN). The cover and artwork was created by Stefan Heilemann and additional art/layout was done by Gustavo Sazes.

KAMELOT vocalist Tommy Karevik states: "The original idea of ['My Therapy'] 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...."

Regarding what Karevik has added to the band's sound since joining the group in 2012, KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood said: "He's an amazing frontman, a killer songwriter, great with lyrics, a team player. And I think he's injected a new spirit into the band, in terms of his energy and youth. I mean, I couldn't have scripted it better, honestly. During [the making of the latest KAMELOT album] 'Haven', he was crucial with his lyrics and his vocal melodies and some of the music."

From the gutters of south Sweden, Liv “Sin” Jagrell emerged as a major force as the vocalist for hard rockers Sister Sin. Throughout their 13 year career, Sister Sin sold thousands of albums and toured the world with high profile tours supporting the likes of Slayer and King Diamond on the Rockstar Mayhem festival tour, as well as being a part of the Revolver Magazine ”Hottest Chicks In Metal” tour. Sister Sin toured relentlessly for over a decade across Europe and North America garnering an intensely loyal following of rockers that craved the band’s aggressive and melodic brand of hard rock.

When Sister Sin called it quits at the end of 2015, Liv knew that she had much more to give to her fans. From this, Liv Sin was born. Liv is currently working on a new music that shows the power, sexiness, and attitude that she is known for.

Liv says, ”For me it has never been an option to stop singing. I live for the stage and for my fans. I still miss Sister Sin, but I am very excited to work on my own project, and I can promise it will not be some soft pop rock. This is going to be metal deluxe, because that’s who I am!"

Liv Sin offers a modernized hard rock sound to take Liv into her next phase, a sound that is destined to please both new fans and her longtime fans of Sister Sin.

Stay tuned for updates.

Within Temptation’s festival season has officially started with a performance in Wroclaw, Poland on May 1s. Watch footage from the performance in the after movie streaming below:

Upcoming Within Temptation live dates include:

May
27 - Pesse, Netherlands - Muziekweekend Pesse

June
4 - Nijmegen, Netherlands - Fortarock
17 - Clisson, France - Site du Hellfest
18 - Clisson, France - Hellfest Open Air

July
8 - Kvinesdal, Norway - Norway Rock
10 - Geiselwind, Germany - Out & Loud Festival
30 - De Veenhoop, Netherlands - Grytmansrak

August
5 - Székesfehérvár, Hungary - Fezen Festival
6 - Ostrava, Czech Republic - Ostrava v Plamenech
13 - Kortrijk, Belgium - Alcatraz Festival
14 - Hildesheim, Germany - M’era Luna Festival
27 - Schleswig, Germany - Baltic Open Air

Frontiers Music Srl has announced the signing of the Sweden-based progressive metal band SEVENTH WONDER, which features in its ranks current KAMELOT singer Tommy Karevik, to a multi-album deal!

Originally formed in Stockholm in 2000, the band debuted in 2005 with "Become". The second album, "Waiting In The Wings" — and first to feature Karevik on vocals — followed in 2006. Two more successful records, the concept album "Mercy Falls" and "The Great Escape", followed before the band went on hiatus following singer Tommy Karevik being chosen to take Roy Kahn’s place in KAMELOT.

SEVENTH WONDER is now ready to start again and has plans to return with a live recording and a brand new album to kick things off.

SEVENTH WONDER bass player Andreas Blomqvist states: "It has been too quiet in the SEVENTH WONDER camp for far too long — and FINALLY that is about to change! Many years have passed since we last put out a record but, finally the band is a fully functioning unit again, ready to create some great new music.

"As we were getting ready to get back on track we also needed somebody to partner with — somebody who shared our vision for the band and saw our potential and was willing to commit to the band. We have found that somebody in Frontiers!

"We are thrilled to be on board with such a famous label with many of our favorite bands on their roster.

"You, the fans, have been more patient than anyone could ever deserve. We are equally proud and humbled by that and we promise to do our best, together with our new friends at Frontiers, to make up for the years of silence by going full speed ahead. And you know what? The new album is sounding great!"

The first taste of new SEVENTH WONDER music is due in the fall, with the new album expected to be released in the first half of 2017.

SEVENTH WONDER's fourth CD, "The Great Escape", was released in December 2010 via Lion Music.

After he was officially announced as the new KAMELOT singer in June 2012, Karevik stated about his position in SEVENTH WONDER: "I will not leave SEVENTH WONDER! The SEVENTH WONDER guys and all of you fantastic and supportive fans out there will not get rid of me so easily! I love you all and you are the reason I got to where I am today! We are already working on some stuff for the next SEVENTH WONDER album and really can't wait to show it to you all!"

SEVENTH WONDER is:

Andreas Blomqvist - BassJohan Liefvendahl - GuitarTommy Karevik - VocalsAndreas Söderin - KeyboardsStefan Norgren - Drums

Video footage of former RATT singer Stephen Pearcy performing with his solo band on April 30 at the M3 Rock Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland can be seen below.

Asked if he thinks there will ever be a follow-up album to RATT's 2010 CD, "Infestation", Pearcy told the "One On One With Mitch Lafon" podcast: "It's a little too late for that. I doubt [it will happen]. Time has passed. Warren [DeMartini, guitar] and I were actually working on music, and there is a song that we actually recorded. And if it sees the light of day, I would be very proud of it, and he would too. We finished it, and it's done, recorded. And if that's it, that's it. But I don't see any future in RATT and moving on. There's too much unresolved stuff, and it's okay. There's other things going on, and there's no need for that. I'm happy with the legacy."

Warren DeMartini filed a lawsuit last September against RATT drummer Bobby Blotzer, claiming that Blotzer is falsely advertising his "tribute band" as the real thing.

Blotzer announced on September 23, 2015 that he was taking control of the RATT name and was planning to hit the road with a new version of the group, which played shows earlier that year under the name BOBBY BLOTZER'S RATT EXPERIENCE.

WBS, Inc., the company which manages the business and operations related to RATT, was originally formed by Blotzer, DeMartini and Pearcy. Pearcy lost his share of the name in court after splitting with the group in 2000. He returned to the band in 2006 but exited again in 2014. Blotzer has since expressed his desire to keep RATT alive with a new singer, but explained that DeMartini did not want to tour as RATT without Pearcy.

More supposed audio clips of AC/DC rehearsing with Guns N’ Roses singer Axl Rose have surfaced. Check full audio of “Hells Bells,” “Back In Black,” and “Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be” from a Lisbon studio below:

Yesterday brief clips of “Thunderstruck” and “Shoot To Thrill” were posted on YouTube:

This month AC/DC resume their Rock Or Bust World Tour with Axl Rose on vocals, filling in for Brian Johnson who was ordered by doctors to stop touring or risk deafness.

Brian Johnson spoke out about his hearing loss in the following statement:

"As many AC/DC fans know, the remaining shows for the 2016 AC/DC Rock or Bust World Tour, including 10 postponed U.S. shows, are being rescheduled with a guest singer.  I want personally to explain the reason because I don’t believe the earlier press releases sufficiently set out what I wanted to say to our fans or the way in which I thought it should be presented.

On March 7th, after a series of examinations by leading physicians in the field of hearing loss, I was advised that if I continue to perform at large venues, I risked total deafness.  While I was horrified at the reality of the news that day, I had for a time become aware that my partial hearing loss was beginning to interfere with my performance on stage.  I was having difficulty hearing the guitars on stage and because I was not able to hear the other musicians clearly, I feared the quality of my performance could be compromised.  In all honesty this was something I could not in good conscience allow.  Our fans deserve my performance to be at the highest level, and if for any reason I can’t deliver that level of performance I will not disappoint our fans or embarrass the other members of AC/DC.  I am not a quitter and I like to finish what I start, nevertheless, the doctors made it clear to me and my bandmates that I had no choice but to stop performing on stage for the remaining shows and possibly beyond.  That was the darkest day of my professional life.

Since that day, I have had several consultations with my doctors and it appears that, for the near future, I will be unable to perform on stage at arena and stadium size venues where the sound levels are beyond my current tolerance, without the risk of substantial hearing loss and possibly total deafness.  Until that time, I tried as best as I could to continue despite the pain and hearing loss but it all became too much to bear and too much to risk.

I am personally crushed by this development more than anyone could ever imagine.  The emotional experience I feel now is worse than anything I have ever in my life felt before.  Being part of AC/DC, making records and performing for the millions of devoted fans this past 36 years has been my life’s work.  I cannot imagine going forward without being part of that, but for now I have no choice.  The one thing for certain is that I will always be with AC/DC at every show in spirit, if not in person.

Most importantly, I feel terrible having to disappoint the fans who bought tickets for the canceled shows and who have steadfastly supported me and AC/DC these many years.  Words cannot express my deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks not just for the recent outpouring to me personally of kind words and good wishes, but also for the years of loyal support of AC/DC.  My thanks also go to Angus and Cliff for their support.

Finally, I wish to assure our fans that I am not retiring.  My doctors have told me that I can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that.  For the moment, my entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing.  I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances.  While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic.  Only time will tell.

Once again, my sincere best wishes and thanks to everyone for their support and understanding."

AC/DC issued the following statement: “AC/DC band members would like to thank Brian Johnson for his contributions and dedication to the band throughout the years. We wish him all the best with his hearing issues and future ventures.  As much as we want this tour to end as it started, we understand, respect and support Brian's decision to stop touring and save his hearing. We are dedicated to fulfilling the remainder of our touring commitments to everyone that has supported us over the years, and are fortunate that Axl Rose has kindly offered his support to help us fulfill this commitment."

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

May
7 - Lisbon, Portugal - Passeio Maritimo De Alges
10 - Seville, Spain - Estadio De La Cartuja
13 - Marseille, France - Stade Velodrome
16 - Werchter, Belgium - Werchter Site
19 - Vienna, Austria - Erns-Happel Stadium
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

MÖTLEY CRÜE and SIXX:A.M. bassist Nikki Sixx says that continuing to live a normal life is one of the best things people can do after a terrorist attack.

In the six months since the massacre at an EAGLES OF DEATH METAL concert in Paris, there have been fears that an attack on London or Washington, Melbourne or Berlin could happen next.

Sixx, however, believes that the attacks — and the threat of more to come — will make people feel vulnerable and start making decisions based on fear.

"My outlook on terrorism too is that you can't run and hide and stop going to sporting events, grocery stores, restaurants and concerts," he tells OC Weekly in a new interview.

"When did it become a thing to stop going to concerts? We're going to stop going to concerts?

"The idea behind terrorism is to terrorize and that's why there was a list that was put out from ISIS supposedly, that named the most random, small, targeted cities. One of them was very close to where I lived. Then you could say, 'I can't go to the grocery store.' You can't live like that in America. I realize that we're very fortunate here and this is a big world issue and that might sound a bit meathead, but the truth is we have to keep moving forward. Musicians have to keep making music and keep touring."

Nikki, who was performing with MÖTLEY CRÜE in Munich, Germany the night of the EAGLES OF DEATH METAL concert, adds: "During the Paris attacks in France, I know a lot of people pulled from touring and went home. It wasn't an option for me. I said, 'No, we're going to keep playing.' Some people were saying that they didn't feel comfortable going to a concert. We weren't going to be that band."

A number of artists halted their European treks in the wake of the Paris attacks, including LAMB OF GOD, FOO FIGHTERS, DEFTONES and others.

In the days after the attacks, people around the world, including members of ANTHRAX, SLAYER and CHILDREN OF BODOM, expressed their desire to defy terrorism by continuing as before.

Eonmusic recently conducted an interview with bassist Mike Dean of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY. An excerpt from the chat follows below.

Eonmusic: With CORROSION OF CONFORMITY back to what most would regard as the "classic" lineup, I wondered who you'd like to see reform.

Mike: I would like to see BLACK SABBATH reform, because, in my opinion, they haven't reformed because Bill Ward isn't there. Bill is one of the top drummers and creative people of the last sixty years or so. To make two BLACK SABBATH records without Bill Ward, it's just bullshit. I worked a show where BLACK SABBATH played in 2005 or so, and Bill Ward was like practicing drums on the desk, talking to the hands… He had all his chops, he had all his Ginger Baker-esque, Elvin Jones jazz chops, he was playing hard just doing like "Wicked World" stuff. And they say he can't do it? They're my favorite band and I just can't believe what they're doing.

Eonmusic: Any thoughts on the Axl Rose-fronted AC/DC?

Mike: AC/DC basically lost me about the time that Bon Scott died. Part of maybe two albums [featuring Brian Johnson] are pretty killer, and then I tolerate it because, come on, Malcolm Young, you know? But now you're down Malcolm, so that's kind of a hard blow to recover from, and then you want to add Axl? I mean, I understand you've got to finish the tour or whatever, and I can try to empthasise with the position. Don't get me wrong, the last three GUNS N' ROSES records, I never really appreciated them at the time, but now they're almost like a guilty pleasure. But, you know, not all of the music that I enjoy is necessarily created by people I would like to hang around with. [Laughs]

Read the entire interview at Eonmusic.

The four-piece version of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY — featuring Pepper Keenan on guitar and vocals — recently inked a deal with Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The band will enter the studio late this winter/early spring with longtime producer John Custer. Custer has recorded such C.O.C. classics as "Deliverance", "Wiseblood", "America's Volume Dealer" and "In The Arms Of God". The as-yet-untitled-album will mark CORROSION OF CONFORMITY's studio reunion with Keenan and the Pepper-fronted version of C.O.C.'s first full-length record since 2005.

Brazil's Wikimetal podcast recently conducted an interview with ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian. You can now listen to the chat using the audio player below.

Asked if he thinks the surging popularity of music streaming services such as Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube is ultimately good for the music industry, Ian responded: "I really don't know. I think however you get your music… Here's my answer to that question: as long as you're not stealing music, then I don't care how you get it, whether you're buying vinyl or you're streaming it on Spotify. I think any way you can get your music… And I think if you're stealing it, then you're an asshole. That's all. [Laughs]"

In the past, Ian has been critical of music streaming services like Spotify and Pandora as a source of revenue for artists like ANTHRAX, telling From Hero To Zero in a 2015 interview: "Music doesn't have the same value in people's minds on this planet as it did ten years ago, twenty years ago… The commodity of music is worth less these days. Albums couldn't be cheaper. You could buy a brand new album, let's say on iTunes, you could buy a brand new CD for ten dollars. I mean, it wasn't that long ago where you had to go to, let's say, Virgin Megastore, which used to be everywhere. Albums back then in the States, a brand new CD would cost you at least seventeen dollars. That's not even including the gas to get there in your car, paying for parking sometimes. Now you could just sit at home and pay ten dollars. It's never been cheaper, and people still have a problem with that, apparently, because they'd rather steal it or stream it."

He went on to say: "Now, look, I get streaming — it's a modern convenience, it's the next step of where things are going, as far as how to get your music, and I don't have a problem with that. Look, I was one of the first people to get an iPod. I love iTunes, I love having all my shit right here in my phone; I love the convenience of that. I even like streaming, because it will turn me on to music that maybe I wouldn't have heard before and then I'll go and buy the record. But I just feel like, once again, bands are getting ripped off by these streaming services. If Spotify would pay more money to the bands for the art they're creating, I think just in general people would have a better view of music and think it was worth more. Music should be worth something. It is worth something. We're creating art, and these businesses have completely devalued what we do, and obviously I think that's bullshit."

ANTHRAX's latest album, "For All Kings", sold 34,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 9 on The Billboard 200 chart. According to Billboard, ANTHRAX was last in the top 10 back in 1993 with "Sound Of White Noise", which debuted and peaked at No. 7. "For All Kings" also gave ANTHRAX its largest sales week for an album since "Sound Of White Noise"'s second week on sale (40,000; it debuted with 62,000).

"For All Kings" is ANTHRAX's first studio album since 2011's "Worship Music" (No. 12 peak with 28,000 sold in its first week) and follows the 2013 covers set "Anthems" (No. 52; 8,000 sold in its debut frame).

"For All Kings" also topped the Hard Rock Albums chart in both the U.S. and Canada, and landed at No. 5 and No. 7, respectively, on the U.S. and Canada's Top Current Albums charts. Additionally, "For All Kings" debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums chart, No. 2 on the Independent Albums chart, No. 4 Physical Albums, and No. 5 Vinyl Albums chart.

Interview (audio):

On April 30th, legendary prog metal legends Fates Warning headlined the Keep It True Festival 2016 with special 30th anniversary performance of their Awaken The Guardian album. The band line-up for the show featured  John Arch (vocals), Jim Matheos (guitar), Frank Aresti (guitar), Joe DiBiase (bass) and Steve Zimmerman (drums). 

Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below, and drum legend Mike Portnoy (The Winery Dogs, Dream Theater) has weighed in on the performance:

"My God! Fates Warning NAILED IT!! Sooooo happy to see this. I've been waiting for DECADES for them to reunite this line-up and play this music again! I have a soft spot for the Arch-era stuff as I absolutely love The Spectre Within and Awaken The Guardian (two of my all-time fans prog/metal albums of the '80s). I am also so proud of them as they are such dear old friends of mine. Congrats Jim, John, Frank, Bones and Steve! I just hope I can see one of these shows myself one day..."

Scheduled for release via Inside Out on July 1st, legendary prog metallers Fates Warning’s new album, Theories Of Flight, the long-awaited follow-up to 2013's Darkness In A Different Light.

Guitarist and main composer Jim Matheos comments about the title and the artwork for the album: "The working title for the album was The Ghosts Of Home and the song with that name was first called ‘Home Again’. When I started searching for artwork I came across the piece that's now the cover and it was called ‘Theories Of Flight’. In fact, the title you see on the cover is part of the original art, not something we added. There's a loose theme running through a lot of the lyrics, and this developed organically and separately, where Ray and I are often writing about various uprooting, escapes....flights. So I was immediately drawn to that phrase as being a better description of what some of the songs are about."

Theories Of Flight will be available in the standard version and a two disc, Mediabook edition, which will include a trio of unreleased originals, as well as three additional, never heard, cover tunes. A double-LP version will also be available. The bonus disc is entirely acoustic.

The tracklisting is as follows:

CD 1
“From The Rooftops”
“Seven Stars”
“SOS”
“The Light And Shade Of Things”
“White Flag”
“Like Stars Our Eyes Have Seen”
“The Ghosts Of Home”
“Theories of Flight”

CD 2 – Acoustic Bonus Disc:
“Firefly”
“Seven Stars”
“Another Perfect Day”
“Pray Your Gods” - Toad The Wet Sprocket cover
“Adela” - Joaquin Rodrigo cover
“Rain” - Uriah Heep cover

The City Of Temecula Community Services Department will present a one-of-a-kind concert event on Saturday, June 18. Set to take place on the steps of the Temecula Civic Center in Temecula, California, "Rock Legends In Concert With The Temecula Valley Symphony" will feature veteran rock musicians Vinny Appice, Rudy Sarzo, Craig Goldy and Andrew Freeman, along with the Temecula Valley Symphony, performing rock's greatest hits by LED ZEPPELIN, THE WHO, THE BEATLES, PINK FLOYD, MOODY BLUES, RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE, and more. Thomas Kociela will be conducting this concert.

This free event is produced by the City Of Temecula under the coordination of Gail Zigler, senior coordinator of arts, culture and events. This production was conceived by music director Joey Wester and created with the help of Alana Joos, orchestra manager for the Temecula Valley Symphony. Together these three organizations bring this epic event to the steps of Temecula's City Hall.

Individually, each of the rock stars has performed with several legendary rock bands worldwide:

Legendary rock drummer Vinny Appice's history includes BLACK SABBATH, DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, Rick Derringer and John Lennon. In April 2014, along with former members of DIO (Vivian Campbell and Jimmy Bain), Vinny began recording tracks for his new band LAST IN LINE along with Andrew Freeman on vocals. Currently, Vinny is on tour with LAST IN LINE, RESURRECTION KINGS, and "Drum Wars", in which he is joined by his brother Carmine Appice.

Rudy Sarzo is a hard rock/heavy metal bassist who has recorded and toured with many well-known heavy metal and hard rock bands, including QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE, and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT. Rudy is also a member of a supergroup called PROJECT ROCK featuring members of JUDAS PRIEST, GUNS N'ROSES, ALICE COOPER, AC/DC, SCORPIONS, and more.

Heavy metal guitarist Craig Goldy has recorded and toured with ROUGH CUTT, GIUFFRIA, PROJECT DRIVER, and DIO. This year, Craig's new band RESURRECTION KINGS released its debut album and Craig will be touring with them as well as with DIO DISCIPLES and BLACK KNIGHTS RISING. In 2015, Craig toured with the XG Extreme Guitar Tour lineup alongside Uli Jon Roth and Vinnie Moore.

Andrew Freeman is the lead singer of LAST IN LINE with former original members of DIO. In early 2014, Freeman joined the critically acclaimed production show "Raiding The Rock Vault" at the Las Vegas Hotel, where he performs five shows a week on vocals, guitar and bass with other musicians such as Robin McAuley (SURVIVOR, MSG), Howard Leese (BAD COMPANY, HEART), Paul Shortino (QUIET RIOT) and Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE). Freeman has also performed on three tours as lead vocalist for guitarist George Lynch's LYNCH MOB and as a guitarist/back-up vocalist for THE OFFSPRING.

This free concert event will be held at the Temecula Civic Center Quad located at 41000 Main Street, Temecula, California. Limited seating will be available and no unattended seat holds will be allowed. You may bring your own low back chairs for lawn seating.

For more information, please call (951) 694-6480 or e-mail [email protected]/* */

METALLICA's Kirk Hammett joined Elton John on stage this past Saturday night, April 30 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada to perform "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting".

Hammett later wrote on his Instagram account: " It was an honor and extreme privilege to share the stage with such a legend. Thanks, Elton John!"

He added: "Davey Johnstone is a great guitarist and it was an honor to play with him. I had first seen him play during Alice Cooper's Madhouse Rock Tour [in] 1979 and he kicked major ass!!!"

Hammett told Canadian journalist Mitch Lafon that Elton John was one of several rock artists who had a huge influence on him when he first discovered music. He said: "When I was a young kid… I had decided to make a point of going out to the record store and buying albums from artists that I heard on the radio. It was Elton John, it was David Bowie, it was KISS, it was THIN LIZZY and it was LED ZEPPELIN."

METALLICA has been working on and off on its tenth studio album for a couple of years now, but the last few months have seen the band get down to serious business on the disc and spend less time than usual on touring or other projects.

The new METALLICA effort is being produced by Greg Fidelman, who engineered and mixed 2008's "Death Magnetic".

The band's recently announced headlining show at Minneapolis' new U.S. Bank Stadium on August 20 sold out all 66,000 tickets in less than 10 minutes in late March. Joining METALLICA at that show will be AVENGED SEVENFOLD and VOLBEAT.

METALLICA's classic 1986 album "Master Of Puppets" is among the records that have been selected for induction into the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry. Every year 25 recordings that are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" and at least ten years old are selected.