Todd Kerns, the bassist for Slash's backing band, MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS, has told Ear Of Newt that he is a "massive supporter" of Duff McKagan and a partial reunion" of the classic lineup of GUNS N' ROSES. He added: "You know, I saw them in [Las] Vegas. I saw the first official arena show, and it was awesome. 'Cause I know Duff, I know Slash, I know Dizzy [Reed], I know Richard [Fortus] — the other guitar player — so it's kinda like, getting to see these guys do this show was very sort of surreal."

He continued: "I'd never seen the original GUNS N' ROSES back in the day. So for me it was kinda like… of course Axl's [Rose] in a chair, 'cause he broke his foot, but it was great! It was really cool to see, it was really cool to hear the music, and really cool to see those guys together, you know."

Kerns previously told the "Eddie Trunk Podcast" about how the GUNS N' ROSES reunion has affected SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS' plans to record a new studio album: "We already knew we were kind of off for 2016, other than kind of maybe chipping away at… you know, bass and drums here. Even the way we had done 'World On Fire' was very piecemeal. We had done bass and drums and then Slash went off to do guitars on his own. This time, if everything goes according to plan, we will do exactly the same thing; it'll just probably be a little bit more broken up by Slash's schedule, essentially. You know, like anything else, I'm always aware that anything can change, anything can happen."

He continued: "We've always had a springtime plan to get into bass and drums recording. And we've already got an album-plus worth of music together.

"I think he's gonna go off and have this great experience and then we're gonna make this record. There's no reason to not make it or whatever other than scheduling getting really crazy, which, let's be honest, could happen, and I'm perfectly okay with that. I'm perfectly okay with just sort of playing it out and see what happens."

Slash's third solo album, "World On Fire", arrived in stores on September 16, 2014 via Slash's own label Dik Hayd International distributed through Roadrunner Records (Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America).

"World On Fire" was the second album to feature MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS, and followed up 2012's "Apocalyptic Love".

On Slash self-titled solo effort he employed a different vocalist on each track, before settling on ALTER BRIDGE member Kennedy for both touring and eventually recording.

Silent Rage frontman Jesse Damon has released a brand new lyric video for the song “You Got Me Rockin'”, taken from his brand new album Southern Highway. While a majority of Jesse's new album leans more towards southern-tinged blues rock, “You Got Me Rockin'” delivers his signature melodic hard rock sound in abundance.

Damon released his brand new solo album, Southern Highway, on April 22nd. Issued by On Fire Records, the album was produced by melodic rock legend Paul Sabu. This is Jesse's sixth solo effort and features ten brand new studio tracks. As Jesse puts it, "Southern Highway is a melodic driven southern rockin' hell of a good time!" 

Known for his infectious hooks and hard rocking melodic sensibility, Jesse has redefined his sound this time around infusing a southern blues style straight out of Nashville while still maintaining the highest caliber melodic style his fans know and love.

The Southern Highway tracklist is as follows:

"Who's Your Daddy"
"You Got Me Rockin'"
"Let It Slide"
"Foolish To Me"
"Southern Highway"
"Devil Down The Road"
"Backstabbin' Lover"
"Starting Right Now"
"Outta My Mind"
"Just Another Fool"

"You Got Me Rockin'" lyric video:

"Father And Son" lyric video:

MC Ren of N.W.A. has slammed Gene Simmons for the negative comments the KISS bassist/vocalist made about the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inducting rap artists. "That dude is real arrogant," the rapper told Rolling Stone. "It's like, how he's looking at us, how he know that people before him in rock and roll don't look at him like that? How he know THE BEATLES or Muddy Waters, if he was still around, don't look at him as a gimmick? Who is he to say anything if he's wearing makeup and heels and sticking out his tongue every 10 seconds of his show? Come on, man, that's a gimmick."

He continued: "What if Paul McCartney said, 'You shouldn't be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame?' What if THE ROLLING STONES said, 'Y'all shouldn't be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame,' how would he feel then? He would look stupid. If you asked around, and you asked enough rock and roll greats, them dudes is a joke.

"He's probably so salty because hip-hop groups got in before he did, like RUN-DMC, BEASTIE BOYS, GRANDMASTER FLASH and the FURIOUS FIVE and PUBLIC ENEMY. I think he was mad they got in before he did, but that's what it is. And, Im'ma tell you this right now, you can quote this: 'Fuck Tha Police' is way more rock and roll than 'I want to rock and roll all night and party every day.' Come on, man."

Ren also made it clear that he believes rap music isn't going away anytime soon. "Hip-hop is here to stay, man," he said: "For real. You need to just get used to that. He don't have a choice, man. And they ain't gonna kick us out of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame because he says so. You don't own the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame."

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, Simmons 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."

Fan-filmed video footage of LEAVES' EYES' April 29 performance at the High Voltage rock club in Copenhagen, Denmark can be seen below.

LEAVES' EYES made its live debut with new singer Elina Siirala on April 17 at the Hammersonic festival in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The remaining members of LEAVES' EYES and their former singer, Liv Kristine, have offered different accounts of the circumstances behind their split, with LEAVES' EYES claiming the decision to part ways was amicably made in January and Liv saying she was dismissed from the group on April 6.

LEAVES' EYES said: "We understand that many fans and friends are surprised and shocked about the change in our band. We all know Liv had an important role for the band in the past, and we understand people are sad as it was not an easy decision for every one involved. But since a lot of hateful and disrespectful comments are in the social media, we would like to take the opportunity to make some points very clear: LEAVES' EYES has always been a band, and not a project, nor a Liv Kristine solo project at all. We always worked as a team in LEAVES' EYES. In the last decade Tosso [guitarist Thorsten Bauer] and Alex [Krull, LEAVES' EYES' co-vocalist and Liv's husband] wrote the music for LEAVES' EYES and Liv took care of the lyrics.

"Liv's solo project is called 'Liv Kristine.' We supported Liv also in her solo career, writing music, recording and producing albums and doing management in the past.

"The decision to part ways with Liv was taken by all LEAVES' EYES members, including Liv. A mediator — a friend of Liv and Alex — was at the band meeting who can witness that the decision of parting ways was agreed by all members. Liv was happy to have the opportunity to plan changes in her future life and she does not have to go on tour so much anymore. The idea to go separate ways came up already in January. Elina was not part of this decision or process. It was also agreed to help Liv for her solo project 'Liv Kristine' and record her new demo songs and her further projects at the studio just like in the past."

Shortly after the LEAVES' EYES statement was posted, Liv took to her personal Facebook page to thank the fans and to say: "I was told a bit longer than a week ago that I am not preferred as the band's singer for further tours and recordings anymore. I asked for the situation concerning Indonesia and the soon-to-happen upcoming shows. The answer was 'no.' I asked if there's a replacement and I got no clear answer."

She added: "I can't believe this process happened behind my back, parallel to a huge disappointment in my private life.

"A few days later, there certainly was a replacement. I must say — that was 'quick'!

"I still see LEAVES' EYES as 'my baby' and I will miss playing these gigs, feeling the good vibes, sensing the real Norwegian Viking power with the audiences. Inside my heart I will always treasure LEAVES' EYES for all the good music, tunes, themes, concept and true Viking power. The melodies I used to sing will always stay alive in my ears."

An earbook tour edition of LEAVES' EYES' latest album, "King Of Kings", will be released in June, including a new version and video for the song "Edge Of Steel", featuring Elina. There will also be a U.S. edition of "King Of Kings" with the new version of "Edge Of Steel" as a bonus track.

Ulle Media has uploaded professionally filmed video footage of EMMURE's April 24 performance at Exhaus in Trier, Germany as part of the "Impericon Never Say Die! Open Air" tour. Check it out below.

The new lineup of EMMURE made its live debut on April 22 in Oberhausen, Germany. Joining vocalist Frankie Palmeri in the band's latest incarnation are guitarist Josh Travis (GLASS CLOUD, ex-THE TONY DANZA TAPDANCE EXTRAVAGANZA), bassist Phil Lockett (ex-THE TONY DANZA TAPDANCE EXTRAVAGANZA) and drummer Josh Miller (ex-GLASS CLOUD).

EMMURE pulled out of a series of U.S. shows in October last year "to focus on other things," which was then followed by bassist Mark Davis, lead guitarist Jesse Ketive, rhythm guitarist Mike Mulholland and drummer Adam Pierce leaving the band. Davis later told AltPress.com about his departure from the group: "There is no time or room for negativity in life. If someone is bringing you down or holding you back from your full potential, it's time to cut them out, no matter how much you may love them."

Palmeri released a statement last month in which he said he regretted saying "a lot of stupid shit" in the past. He said: "Over the years, specifically the last decade, I have done a pretty good job at painting myself as an egotistical, psychotic, moronic douche. I did and said a lot of stupid shit, a good portion of which I look back [on] with embarrassment and regret. I have grown so much as person and I like to think there is still chance for people to understand that everyone grows differently and at their own pace. I am still growing, but I am not the person people have made me out to be. I look forward to reconnecting with all the fans who have stuck with EMMURE through the years and just over all excited about the future."

EMMURE's latest full-length album, "Eternal Enemies", was released in April 2014 via Victory Records.

SIXX:A.M., the band featuring MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx alongside former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist DJ Ashba and vocalist James Michael, has criticized YouTube over the royalties it pays out for music video streams.

SIXX:A.M., which is promoting the first volume of its double album, "Prayers For The Damned", has released a statement calling for the Google-owned site to pay more to musicians for using their videos.

A number of artists signed a petition last month to reform the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) in the U.S., arguing that the current legislation "threatens the continued viability of songwriters and recording artists to survive from the creation of music." They have taken issue with section 512 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, or the notice-and-takedown provision, which protects YouTube and other services from liability when users upload copyrighted material without consent. "It has allowed major tech companies to grow and generate huge profits by creating ease of use for consumers to carry almost every recorded song in history in their pocket via a smartphone, while songwriters' and artists' earnings continue to diminish," the petition letter reads.

SIXX:A.M.'s statement: "We recently completed our fourth album called 'Prayers For The Damned', in our singer/producer James Michael's recording studio.

"We are a lucky band, grateful to have all had success prior to the creation of SIXX:A.M. Nikki came from MÖTLEY CRÜE, DJ played guitar in GUNS N' ROSES for the past seven years and James has had a successful career as a writer and producer.

"Releasing an album and being part of a tour going on sale allows us to use the promoters' marketing money to create a larger platform to get our message out, and having a record company that generates publicity gives us an opportunity to speak up about issues we think are important — specifically the crisis with the music business and YouTube.

"SIXX:A.M. has always been vocal about artists' rights. We stood with Taylor Swift when she spoke up about the absence of royalty payments to artists by Apple Music. The band has also long been an advocate of new artists, and Nikki has featured them heavily on his radio show, 'Sixx Sense', and via his social media.

"We chose today to speak up about how YouTube unfairly pays artists and labels an estimated 1/6 of what its competitors, Spotify and Apple pay and why this must be addressed, along with a revision of the antiquated Safe Harbor provision of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

"YouTube's parent corporation, Google, has the second highest market capitalization in the world and its two founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, are worth a combined $75 billion, and total 2015 revenue of Google was $75 billion. The total annual revenue of the global music business, in comparison, is less than $15 billion.

"We have deep respect for Google's spirit of innovation and YouTube's contribution to the field of technology and entertainment. In fact, the data we are citing comes from Google itself, but the facts don't lie: Our large community of hardworking artists is being exploited to make a very small percentage of people extremely rich.

"This is an important issue to us. We are the lucky ones, like so many veteran artists, who came up in an era where there was much more income from record sales. Today, streaming is a fraction of income from that time.

"This is not about us. We are speaking up for the current and future generation of musicians who must be compensated fairly for their hard work. We would not have had Prince, Blondie, Bruce Springsteen, Ice Cube, Taylor Swift, or many other artists without a system to support and nurture them.

"We support technology and its ability to bring music to more people around the globe. All we ask, is for ALL artists to receive fair pay.

"When Google first started, its corporate motto was 'Don't Be Evil.' That motto has since changed to 'Do The Right Thing.' It's time to live up to your corporate mottos, Google and YouTube, and invest in the future of music."

DGM TV recently conducted an interview with BUTCHER BABIES frontwomen Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey. You can now watch the chat below.

Asked for their opinion of controversial Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Carla said: "I think it's very irresponsible of him to even be running for president, to even be taking a vote away from someone who is a good candidate. It's a completely bizarre thing that people even look at him as if he would be a good candidate. He's horrible to women, he says horrible things about everyone, he says horrible things about handicapped people, people of color…"

Added Heidi: "I can't even believe it's gotten this far. It's honestly disgusting. I remember when he first announced he was gonna run for president, I was, like, 'Oh, that won't even make it past the first anything.' And it's gotten this far, and it's a terrifying thing. All Americans that are against him are, like, 'All right. We're going to Canada. We're outta here.' But I see a lot of really, really bad things happening in this world if that happens. To us, we take these things very seriously. I grew up in politics — my mom's a politician — so, for me, kind of seeing it… I look at [the Republican] party as they would be nominated for an Oscar for 'Best Comedy' or something like that. To me, it's the biggest joke, and I'm not impressed. And I don't think that most people are."

Continued Carla: "It bothers me too that you see… He really just kind of perpetuates all this hate in people, and to hear some of the things that people say in support of him, you see how much hate there still is in the world and in the States. And it really bothers me, because I like to think of the States as a place that has so much compassion. I mean, we're a new country. People from all over the world came there for a better life, and all kinds of immigrants came there and built up our country to be what it is today. And this person is just… He's a hatemonger and he is really fueling the racism. And, like I said, the things that he says about women are just ridiculous."

Heidi went on to say: "If he is nominated, I don't see his life lasting very long."

Carla added: "He might be, like, a plant of some kind to distract from some…"

Heidi stated: "There's a lot of conspiracy theories. Who knows? I'm just hoping and keeping my fingers crossed that he drops out [of the race]."

BUTCHER BABIES' second album, "Take It Like A Man", was released in August 2015 via Century Media. The CD was produced by Logan Mader, who has previously worked with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, DEVILDRIVER, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY and GOJIRA.

JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford spoke to Ultimate Classic Rock about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the follow-up to the band's 2004 album, "Redeemer Of Souls". He said: "There have been a few [ideas] exchanged back and forth, particularly through me and Richie [Faulkner, JUDAS PRIEST guitarist], because we're iPhone freaks and we're always sending each other little memos, zipping them across to each other.

"It could be again, I would imagine, very much the same tone, very much the same kind of emotion and straightforwardness as the last sessions that we did, but just speaking for myself, I do not want to make a 'Redeemer Of Souls' part two. I think it's very important that we make another standalone record again, a heavy metal record that's going to have its own legs and just be as different as all of them have been so far."

Halford also talked about the importance of continuing to make new music at a time when more and more people have stopped paying to download or physically own albums and started instead consuming music on platforms like Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music.

He said: "It had been some time since [2008's] 'Nostradamus' before we went back out on the road extensively with the 'Redeemer Of Souls' tour.

"It's really important to be a working band and by that, I mean, packing your suitcase, locking the door and getting in the van, if that is what it is. You're still getting in the van, you know? As daunting as that can be at this time of life sometimes, it's still the biggest thrill, privilege and honor to be able to take a band like PRIEST and play to millions of our fans around the world."

He added: "Making a record is important to support that. I don't think we've ever gone on the road for any other purpose, because we want to see our fans again, but mostly, just to show the significance of this band, that we're still out doing what bands should do when they're working bands, which is like showing off your new material. If you're able to still write and record and release, I think that's a bonus; it really is, at this juncture. PRIEST is continually out there proving their point."

"Redeemer Of Souls" was released in July 2014. The follow-up to 2008's double-disc concept album "Nostradamus" was billed as a return to JUDAS PRIEST's heavy-metal roots.

JUDAS PRIEST's new CD, DVD and Blu-ray, "Battle Cry", was released on March 25 via Epic Records. Recorded live on August 1, 2015 at Germany's Wacken Open Air festival in front of an audience of 85,000, the set is available on a 15-track CD, with the entire show on Blu-ray and DVD (running over 94 minutes), as well as digital audio and video formats. The DVD and Blu-ray also contain three bonus tracks shot in Poland on December 10, 2015 at The Ergo Arena, Gdansk, Poland.

"Winternight", the new video from VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's new EP, "Old Routes - New Waters", which features fan favorites and classic moments from VISIONS OF ATLANTIS's first three albums, completely rerecorded, remixed and remastered. The EP was recorded, mixed and mastered by Frank Pitters at Silverlinemusic in Vienna, and was made available on April 29 via Napalm Records.

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS set sails for uncharted waters in 2013. Thomas Caser — the band's only remaining founding member — completely overhauled the lineup with the vocal duo of Siegfried Samer and Clémentine Delauney, plus returning veterans Chris Kamper, Werner Fiedler and Mike Koren. Now, these reborn symphonic power metallers have only one thing on their minds: to revive the glorious sound of the band's first three albums, "Eternal Endless Infinity", "Cast Away" and "Trinity". Heralding an upcoming full-length album is "Old Routes - New Waters", which is described in a press release as "a thrilling glimpse of new shores awaiting these shellbacks."

In a recent interview with Vixens, Delauney stated about how she first came to join VISIONS OF ATLANTIS as the replacement for her friend Maxi Nil: "It was very strange. I got an e-mail from VISIONS OF ATLANTIS that was strictly confidential, and they were telling me about the lineup changes. They asked me if I was interested to become the new front lady, and I didn't know if Maxi knew they were asking me. So, Maxi and I spoke to each other and we were waiting until the other one would start about this, not knowing how much the other already knew. We finally wrote each other about this and we ended up laughing about it. First it was a tricky situation — you don't want to make a mistake, and I felt uncomfortable with the situation. But when she started talking about it, knowing I was going to be the new front lady, it made it a lot easier. Everything went well. We are good friends. Maxi has no bitterness about VISIONS OF ATLANTIS. She did not want to go back to the classical roots, so it was her decision to be no longer part of the band."

Regarding "Old Routes - New Waters", Clémentine said: "The idea about the EP was to make something for the fans, while they wait for the new record. My wish was to make new versions of old songs and to add a bit of my personal input into this EP. So it sounds different, a little bit refreshed. I did dare to sing in different ways. It can be very tricky to step into the shoes of different singers, especially when one has passed away [Nicole Bogner]. My favorite is 'Winternight'. It was a challenge, and it took me several attempts because I wanted to honor the original version, but at some point when the person is not there anymore, I did not want people to think I wanted to make them forget her. I had her on my mind the whole time I was recording that song. It was kind of weird, that process."

"Old Routes - New Waters" track listing:

01. Lovebearing Storm02. Lost03. Winternight04. Seven Seas05. Last Shut Of Your Eyes

Photo credit: Emilie Garcin

Video footage of HALESTORM singer Lzzy Hale performing the band's song "Dear Daughter" solo on piano on April 26 at the Atlantic offices in New York City can be seen below.

In an interview with RockSverige.se, Lzzy stated about the track: "This is a subject that… I mean, obviously, [HALESTORM drummer Arejay and I] grew up with a very supportive mother. We decided to start a rock band, and she actually said, 'Yes! Do that! Go for it!' So, for me, this was… We get to speak to a lot of young girls, and a lot of them do have those supportive parents, but a lot of them don't. So I think this was my way — lyrically, at least — just passing that on… As in, like, if I were… if and when I were to have a daughter, I would be passing these words on to her… I don't know… It's a strange song."

Added bassist Josh Smith: "It's a strange song, but [with] a great message. And although it says 'Dear Daughter', that's just great advice for anyone… be it a young kid, or anyone in a spot where they're, like, 'Man, I'm in just the pits right now. What the hell's my life gonna be like in ten years?' So it's just good sound advice for anyone kind of trying to find their way."

HALESTORM's first two albums, 2009's "Halestorm" and 2012's "The Strange Case Of…" were both officially certified gold in March by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for sales of more than 500,000 copies. The certifications came after RIAA started including on-demand audio and video streams and a track sale equivalent in gold and platinum album award.

The band's third effort, "Into The Wild Life", which features "Dear Daughter", debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 album chart, selling 56,000 copies in its first week of release — more than double the first-week haul of their second CD — but has not reached gold yet.

Professionally filmed video footage of Dave Lombardo's (SLAYER, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, DEAD CROSS) drum solo from the "Drums Chelles Sessions 7" event, which was held on September 27, 2015 in Chelles, France, can be seen below.

Lombardo is a Cuban-American heavy metal drummer best known for his work with American thrash metal band SLAYER. Lombardo's music career has spanned more than 30 years, during which he has been involved in the production of more than 30 commercial recordings spanning a number of major genres with bands such as GRIP INC., FANTÔMAS, and TESTAMENT in addition to SLAYER.

Dave Lombardo reflects on his earliest days when he and his family emigrated to America from Cuba in the '60s. Hanging at Mambo's Cuban restaurant in Los Angeles, Lombardo explains how salsa music informed his often imitated frenetic drum style.

In a 2012 interview with Noisecreep, Lombardo spoke about how his Cuban roots affected his musical upbringing. "Living in a Cuban household, my parents would go to these Latino social clubs when I was a kid," he said. "I remember being there and seeing the men playing dominoes, drinking coffee and talking about the old country. It was a really family-oriented kind of thing. But what I remember the most were these dances they would have at the clubs."

He continued: "My mom would try and get me to go out and dance to the big live bands that would perform these parties at the social club. But I would be backstage, sitting on a piano stool and staring at the musicians in the band. That's where my fascination with being a musician started. My mom would get so mad and say, 'Come on, Dave! There are some pretty girls out there that want to dance.' But I was more interested in watching the band performing."

Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE) says that he "couldn't think of a better choice" than Axl Rose to front AC/DC for European dates in May and June.

The legendary Australian rock band postponed the last ten dates of its recent North American tour after doctors told Brian Johnson he faced "total hearing loss." AC/DC has since announced that it will use the GUNS N' ROSES singer as a "guest vocalist" when it resumes its tour next month, with Johnson apparently not returning to the band at all.

Wylde, who has performed a cover version of AC/DC's "Whole Lotta Rosie" with GUNS N' ROSES in 2011 when BLACK LABEL SOCIETY opened for GN'R (see video below), says that while he certainly wants to see Johnson return to AC/DC, he believes that Rose will be the perfect guy to step in and do the job.

"We all want Brian to get better, as far as his hearing," Zakk told Metal Wani in a new interview (hear audio below). "That's terrible. I've met Brian, and he's the sweetest guy on the planet. I mean, obviously, everybody's rootin' for Brian to get better. But in the meantime, while Brian's recovering, I couldn't think of a better choice. And Axl's such a huge fan. [Late AC/DC singer] Bon Scott is, like, his guy."

He continued: "When me and Axl would always talk about our favorite musicians and singers and guitar players… you know, whatever… We both love Elton John and everything like that. Whenever we talk about all the bands and musicians, Bon Scott was his… As far as singers go, he was, like, 'That was my guy.' So, for Axl, I'm sure he's beyond honored that he could actually… you know, he's gonna sing with the guys. It's like Ozzy [Osbourne] playing with THE BEATLES, 'cause of Ozzy's love for John Lennon, and they're gonna ask him to sit in for John Lennon's parts. You know what I mean? Ozzy would be beyond… he'd be speechless. So, yeah, Axl's gonna be beyond honored, and I think it's gonna be awesome, 'cause, I mean, Axl loves that stuff. So in the meantime, until Brian gets better, I couldn't think of a better way to do it."

Classic Rock magazine recently posted a story on its web site as to why Axl Rose is the "worst idea" to replace Johnson in AC/DC. Its sister publication, Metal Hammer, has since countered with why it is a "brilliant idea," and here are some of their reasons:

1) "Various singers from bands ranging from KROKUS to THE HIVES have thrown their hat in the ring, but all along, there was only one viable direction, and that was pulling in a high-profile singer who knows the material, who has the range and who's got the time."

2) "Anybody who's watched GUNS N' ROSES' version of 'Whole Lotta Rosie' on YouTube must grudgingly admit that he riotously delivers the punch and snarl of the original. There is no debate that Axl has the style and the range to handle the band's current set list."

3) "Say what you will about Axl, but he’s possessed of high intelligence and his own keen survival instinct; he acutely understands that before him lies a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to elevate his stature among his fans and peers and to carve his name on the wall of the AC/DC legacy for all time. No way will Axl blow this..."

4) "Finally, think about the ticket holders. If you had a ticket to one of these shows and word comes down that the band have hired the guy from KROKUS to front them, are you going to go? But put Axl Rose and now you’ve got something to see."

AC/DC's European tour kicks off on May 7 in Lisbon, Portugal and runs through June 12 in Aarhus, Denmark. Following that, Rose will head out on his previously announced summer reunion tour with GUNS N' ROSES. AC/DC's ten postponed U.S. dates will take place later in the year, also with Rose as frontman.

Lee Robinson, the vocalist for North Carolina-based AC/DC tribute band THUNDERSTRUCK, has spoken out about his chance to audition for the legendary group following the departure of longtime frontman Brian Johnson as Brian battled hearing loss. While the job ultimately went to a name-brand pro, Axl Rose from GUNS N' ROSES, AC/DC did try out a couple of unknowns when they held auditions in Atlanta last month.

"I love GUNS N' ROSES," Lee told IndyWeek.com. "But I hate Axl for AC/DC, and I may be a bit biased because I wanted the job, but the same time, AC/DC and GUNS N' ROSES are two separate bands completely, and they're two separate attitudes. It's not a good fit.

"If they'd have picked some other poor kid from the country, that would have been a lot worse," he continued. "They picked a big name; they picked a good singer and a great frontman. So that makes me feel better about the way they went, versus somebody else like myself out of the streets. I would have felt like they had no respect for my skills as a vocalist if they had gone in the other direction."

Robinson entered the Atlanta studio on March 14 and jammed with the AC/DC road crew before the members of the band entered the space. Robinson said that bassist Cliff Williams discovered THUNDERSTRUCK on YouTube and thought that Robinson deserved a tryout.

Robinson said that after having lunch, the band began to play. He explained, "Once they started playing, I was just excited and was just standing there, like, 'What the hell? I'm playing with AC/DC!'"

Like vocalist Darren Caperna of the Dallas-based AC/DC tribute band BACK IN BLACK, Robinson sang most of the current tour set, also adding numbers like "What Do You Do For Money, Honey", "Given The Dog A Bone", "Sin City", "Guns For Hire" and a few more.

Guitarist Angus Young told Robinson at the end: "Whatever happens, you've got a hell of a voice."

Both Robinson and Caperna agreed not to tell their stories until the band made an official announcement — which turned out to be that Axl had landed the job for 22 shows, including 10 rescheduled dates in the U.S.

Photo by Chris Formont

Former GUNS N' ROSES and current SIXX: A.M. guitarist DJ Ashba says that GN'R singer Axl Rose wanted him to be a part of a partial reunion of the band's classic lineup but he "just didnt feel like it was [his] place."

Ashba, who joined GUNS N' ROSES in March 2009 following the departure of Robin Finck and stayed in the band until last July, was asked by Metal Insider if he knew that the GN'R reunion was going to happen this year. He responded: "Absolutely. In fact, Axl wanted me to be a part of it.

"I couldn't be more happy for it happening," he continued. "I was stoked to find out about it.

"People have got to remember, if I wasn't a fan of the band, I wouldn't have joined the band.

"I have great admiration for Axl, Slash and Duff [McKagan] and Steven [Adler], Izzy [Stradlin] and [what] everybody's put into that thing. I have even more respect now after playing in the band for so many years.

"I couldn't be more happy. I'm just as big a fan as I've always been.

"I'm so happy for the fans that they get to go out there and see at least half of the band reunited; it's a big deal. This is what the fans have been wanting, me included in that."

He also explained why he chose to exit GUNS N' ROSES before the band made its return to the live stage earlier this month. He said: "I just didn't feel like it was my place.

"If Slash has come back, I couldn't be more happy; this is great. At that point, it's best I go do what I'm really good at doing. It's kind of the best of both worlds. I get to have my favorite band back and I get to go play in my favorite band again. It's a win-win."

Only Rose, Slash and McKagan from GN'R's "Appetite For Destruction"-era lineup took part in the seven shows the band has played this month. They were joined by keyboardist Dizzy Reed, guitarist Richard Fortus and drummer Frank Ferrer. Also appearing with them was second keyboardist Melissa Reese.

Ashba issued a statement in July 2015 saying that he was leaving GUNS N' ROSES. His statement read in part: "It is with a very heavy heart and yet great pride that I announce that I've decided to close this chapter of my life and encapsulate the wonderful times that I've shared with GUNS N' ROSES into fond memories. I have reached a point in my life where I feel its time to dedicate myself to my band SIXX: A.M., my adoring wife and family, and to the many new adventures that the future holds for me."

Ashba added: "I want to take a moment to thank Axl from the bottom of my heart for not only the most incredible experience of my life, but for truly believing in me. You are a true friend and a champion of mine and I am forever grateful. And even as I move on to pursue other endeavors, I will always remain one of your biggest fans. I also would like to thank each and every one of you fans for your love and support throughout the years."

Ashba said earlier in his statement that working with GUNS N' ROSES was "the most incredible journey I could have possibly imagined."

Guitar World has published an excerpt of an interview with Ace Frehley and Slash. Slash is a guest on Frehley’s new covers album, Origins Vol. 1, with Slash guesting on the Thin Lizzy track “Emerald”.

Talking about the cover, Frehley said: “I loved Thin Lizzy. ‘Emerald’ was always a song I thought was really challenging with the heavy riffing and the breakdown with the dual leads and stuff. The first person I thought of was Slash.”

Slash replied, “I said, ‘Why don’t we do it live and play back and forth right here in the moment?’ The old-school way is the way I always try to do it. Sometimes with modern recording you have to do it more piecemeal but whenever I can do things in a more spontaneous and live setting, I do. Ace is old-school so it was no problem.”

Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley recently released a brand new music video for his cover of Free’s 1970 hit “Fire And Water” featuring none other than KISS frontman Paul Stanley. Says Frehley: "It was great working with Paul again and all the years we've spent apart doing other projects seemed to vanish once we hit the stage!"

The video notches itself into rock and roll history as the first time both Frehley and Stanley appear in a music video since KISS’ music video for “Psycho Circus” released in 1998. It’s also the first time in 14 years that the two shared a stage since KISS’ appearance at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Finally, it’s the first time Frehley has released a music video since 1989, which was Frehley's cover of "Do Ya" released by both The Move and ELO.

Ace Frehley cracked the US top 10 with Origins Vol. 1, charting at #6 on the Billboard Current chart selling 16,000 units in its first week of release according to Nielsen Soundscan. Origins Vol.1 and its success serves as the follow up to Space Invader, which debuted at #9 on the Top 200 Chart in 2014, the same year Ace Frehley was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame with KISS.

Other guests on Origins Vol. 1 include Lita Ford singing and playing lead on The Troggs staple "Wild Thing”, Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 playing guitar alongside Ace as he sings his classic KISS composition "Parasite" for the very first time, as well as Jimi Hendrix's "Spanish Castle Magic”, and Pearl Jam's Mike McCready also plays guitar with Ace as he finally sings his KISS Alive! mainstay "Cold Gin”. "White Room" is also an iTunes instant gratification track, meaning fans who pre-order the LP on iTunes will receive the Cream cover song instantly.

Tracklisting:

"White Room" (Cream)
"Street Fighting Man" (Rolling Stones)
"Spanish Castle Magic" feat. John 5 (Jimi Hendrix)
"Fire And Water" feat. Paul Stanley (Free)
"Emerald" feat. Slash (Thin Lizzy)
"Bring It On Home" (Led Zeppelin)
"Wild Thing" feat. Lita Ford (The Troggs)
"Parasite" feat. John 5 (KISS)
"Magic Carpet Ride" (Steppenwolf)
"Cold Gin" feat. Mike McCready (KISS)
"Till The End Of The Day" (Kinks)
"Rock and Roll Hell" (KISS)

"Emerald" feat. Slash:

"White Room”:

 

(Photo by: Jeremy Danger)

 

Levee Walkers is the new band featuring Pearl Jam's Mike McCready, Guns 'N Roses' Duff McKagan and Screaming Trees' Barrett Martin. According to an update from Alternative Nation, Martin appeared on KISW earlier this week to discuss some of the singers the band is working with. One of those singers is Toronto-based rocker Danko Jones.

Martin: “We just thought, let’s write some songs, and we’ll see who might want to sing on it, so we started sending them out to people. I think we had 15 or 16 basic ideas, and everybody picked different songs, nobody picked the same songs. We also wanted to do it with people around the world, maybe this is a bit of a political statement, but we wanted to say that rock and roll is universal. It’s not just limited to the English language, and it’s not just limited to the United States and Europe, because the three of us have spent a lot of time in South America, and rock and roll is huge down there.”

“We wanted to work with some people that sang in Spanish, and in Portuguese from Brazil. Right now we’ve got six different singers that are working on songs that are going to be coming out.”

Danko: "Guess the cat's out of the bag! I'm singing a couple of songs with The Levee Walkers - Mike McCready, Duff McKagan and Barrett Martin.
It's a supreme honor to play with these gentlemen. And the songs are slamming!"

Other singers confirmed for the new Levee Walkers album include Ayron Jones, Raquel Sofia and Nando Reis. Two new tracks from the band, featuring Killing Joke vocalist Jaz Coleman are available now via iTunes, and can be heard streaming below.

According to the Levee Walkers bio from Barrett Marting:

“In 2015, when Mike McCready, Duff McKagan, and Barrett Martin officially formed the Levee Walkers, it could be said that the band really formed about 25 years ago. That’s when Pearl Jam guitarist Mike first saw Duff playing bass in Guns & Roses, and around the same time, Mike saw Barrett playing drums in the Screaming Trees. Musical ideas began to form with all three men, like shadows that move across the landscape yet cannot be defined. Someday though, the shadows would merge.

“In 1994, after years of work touring in their respective bands, Mike and Barrett formed the dark blues quartet Mad Season, and the following year, in 1995, Mike contributed guitar to the Screaming Trees vaunted Dust album. Around 1997 Barrett finally met Duff in Los Angeles, and the drummer and bassist tried to form their own band, an unnamed project that never made it out of Duff’s basement in the Hollywood Hills. However in 2012, Barrett and Duff would finally form their own band, the dirty blues themed Walking Papers, based in Seattle. Mike would appear on that album too, contributing some guitar solos to the growing plotline.

“Over the decades, the three men battled their own phantoms, burying a few friends along the way, until they emerged with clear hearts and minds, a seasoned understanding of music and the nature of life and death, and perhaps most importantly, the art of writing a great song, the most sacred tenant in their codex. As one can clearly see, a musical tapestry was being woven, and its texture was rich, varied, and embedded with soul.

“In 2014, the three would unite to play as Mad Season for one historic show with Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell on vocals and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra providing the majestic soundtrack to the hallowed songs of Mad Season. Finally in 2015, after 25 years of slow and deliberate evolution, the three have merged to form the Levee Walkers. Their first two songs feature Jaz Coleman on vocals, he from the legendary British band Killing Joke, a band that was highly influential on the three when they were young men absorbing the hardest and edgiest music of the 1980s and 90s. Killing Joke represented what the three wanted from a band - a conscious and powerful singer-lyricist, a ferocious musical delivery, and a sound that could not be imitated because it was so unique unto itself.

“But Jaz is just the first in a handful of select singers who will be putting words and voice to the music of the Levee Walkers. More walkers are coming, as they emerge from the shadows.

“A Levee Walker, by the way, is a phantom that is occasionally seen walking across the tops of levees in the middle of the night. Legend says they are the ghosts of men who died during the construction of the levees, others say they are ghosts looking for their lost lovers, and others say the apparitions are simply a flash of light and fog which can plays tricks on the mind when you are lost in the mysterious waterways of the Deep American South.

“The Levee Walkers are a Seattle band to be sure, but their roots are firmly dug into the foundational music of blues, rock, and punk, reinterpreted through the filter of the Pacific Northwest. To become a Levee Walker you must have at least 25 years of musical experience, survived battles with the forces of darkness, and perhaps even kissed death on the cheek. More importantly, there must exist a deep reverence for the music of your comrades, and the commitment they made to this hardest of paths. If you have that kind of grit, then you can listen to music with us, walk with us, and grow with us. And like a Levee Walking phantom, this band will appear, disappear, and reappear again, as the musical inspiration suits us.

“Please enjoy this first offering. And walk with us.” - Barrett Martin, Seattle

“Freedom Song” and Tears For The West” (featuring Jaz Coleman) are available for a special price via iTunes. Both tracks are streaming below:

Former Elegy singer Ian Parry, who has also made a name for himself as a solo artist, has checked in with the following announcement:

"After four years I am proud to announce my debut Rock Emporium Society of Friends album is released in Europe and Japan via Escape Music UK. The album was mixed by Swedish producer Martin Kronlund (Hammerfall / Firewind). To celebrate the release I thought it would be great to let you hear an extended radio sampler including some amazing solo guitar performances from Timo Somers and all my talented colleagues. Again, a vey special thanks to my band members and guest performances for sharing their talents on this melodic classic rock debut, Society Of Friends."

The album was released on April 27th. The tracklist is as follows:

"Stone Cold Fever"
"Shame"
"Ministry of Rock"
"Circles"
"Most Unforgivable Thing"
"Silhouettes & Dreams"
"Crazy Fools & Madmen"
"Skin Deep"
"Start All Over Again"
"Society of Friends"
"Finish What You've Started" (bonus track)
"Foolish Lies" (bonus track)

Go to CDbaby.com for audio samples and to purchase the album.

Ian Parry's Rock Emporium line-up:

Ian Parry – vocals (Elegy, Vengeance) 
Dimitris Goutziamanis - guitar (Crystal Tears) 
Timo Somers – guitar (Delain, Vengeance) / 
Imre Daun – drums (Brian Roberson, The Clan, ex-Thin Lizzy) 
Barend Courbois – bass (Blind Guardian, Michael Lee Firkins, Vengeance) 
Jeroen van der Wiel – keyboards (Thirteen/ Odyssice)

Guest musicians on Society Of Friends include:

Harry Den Hartog – additional bass guitar
Christian Münzner – additional Solo guitar (Alkaloid, Eternity’s End) 
Garry King – drums (Joe Lynn Turner, Achillea)
Thiago Trinsi - additional solo guitar, orchestral strings arrangement 
Peter-Jan Kleevens – keyboards (Consortium Project, Hammerhead) 
Peter van Heijningen - acoustic and electric guitar 
Kalin Jechev – keyboards (Consortium Project, Ani Lo)  
Ani Lozanova - female backing vocals

The Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards has brought together rock behemoths SAXON with Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee of MOTÖRHEAD to play a special one-off set of Lemmy's favorite SAXON songs and MOTÖRHEAD classics in a unique "Salute To Lemmy."

Lemmy was, and will always be, one of the godfathers of rock. A renegade, an innovator, an icon and an inspiration, there is no doubt that the world of rock would look very different today if it wasn't for him. "A Salute To Lemmy" is a unique celebration of the man himself. SAXON, one of Britain's greatest rock bands — who in their own right have sculpted and inspired the world of rock today and have influenced generations of bands — will perform a one-off live set with Campbell and Dee.

The Eventim Apollo (formerly Hammersmith Apollo) is a new venue for the Golden God Awards and the perfect venue for Britain's salute to Lemmy. The venue is staunchly part of MOTÖRHEAD's history — the band's "No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith" live album reached No. 1 in June 1981, 35 years to the month of this year's awards.

Biff Byford of SAXON says: "Lemmy was a great friend and he always supported our band — as we did MOTÖRHEAD — through ups and downs. We were touring with them until he died, so to be able to honour him at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods is a great opportunity to say goodbye."

This year, TeamRock and the Metal Hammer Golden God Awards are teaming up with Pinewood Live to film the event. Pinewood Live is part of the Pinewood Studio Group, a leading provider of studio and related services to the global creative industries, synonymous with world class British and international film and television productions. Billy Watson, director of Pinewood Live, says: "Pinewood Live is delighted to be involved with this momentous anniversary for the Golden God Awards. Capturing the event for posterity and distributing the show around the world is a great way to celebrate Lemmy's music and contribution to rock."

"The Metal Hammer Golden Gods are about more than those who we honor on the night," says Alexander Milas, editor in chief of Metal Hammer magazine and TeamRock executive director. "It's about letting the proverbial hair down and partying with the readers who've supported us for all these years, and the first act we're announcing for the night is sure to be emotional. A salute to Lemmy Kilmister with SAXON and MOTÖRHEAD's members Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee is going to bring the house down, and means that June 13th will be one for the history books."

"Any movie fan will know that Pinewood is a mark of quality," says Milas, "and Pinewood Studios have hosted some of the greatest films of our time, from 'Star Wars' to 'Superman'…. the list goes on and on. To be working with Pinewood Live in their latest venture to immortalize the Metal Hammer Golden Gods is more than an honor. It's two institutions working together to break new ground and we guarantee you won't see anything like it."

Tickets are available to buy now for £6.66 at www.eventim.co.uk/goldengods.

TeamRock and Eventim UK, the official ticketing partner of the Golden Gods, will donate all profits from ticket sales to the charity Heavy Metal Truants, an annual charity cycle ride sponsored by TeamRock from London to Download festival to benefit Nordoff Robbins, Teenage Cancer Trust and Childline.

Fan-filmed video footage of SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR singer Corey Taylor's April 24 solo performance at the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, Florida can be seen below.

Taylor said in a recent interview that it would be "super greedy" of him to launch a solo career — at least for now. Speaking with RockSverige.se, Taylor explained: "I've been getting questions about solo stuff forever. But it's a good problem to have. But, at the same time, I'm in two fantastic bands. Why would I ever?"

He added, "Unless I wanted to get super greedy, why would I try to split off and do something else. I'm very fulfilled by the music that I get to make with both bands. Is there a solo album in me? Yes. But it's not gonna be for a few more years."

Taylor explained a while back what he thought a solo album from him might sound like. "For me, the stuff that I write is, it would be like a cross between the [FOO FIGHTERS], SOCIAL [DISTORTION] and THE REPLACEMENTS, you know," he told The Pulse Of Radio. "I mean, real Midwestern rock. Real, just open chords, good time rock, you know. And damn the critics, basically. That's the stuff I write and that's the stuff I've always tried to write."

The singer also expressed interest in collaborations with other artists, noting that he would love to work with rapper Eminem. Taylor said: "I would love to trade some stuff back and forth with him, because I love the way he writes and the way he flows and the attitude, the emotion that's in it. And I'm very, very attracted to that."

In a 2012 interview, Taylor said about his appreciation for other styles of music: "I had a kid ask me the other night, 'What kind of music is your guilty pleasure?' I said I don’t have any. I don't feel guilty about the music I love. If you feel guilty about something you dig, then you should stop feeling guilty about it. One of my favorite albums to this day is the tenth anniversary ensemble cast of 'Les Miserables', the ultimate cast recording, and it is still something I love listening to top to bottom."

Taylor published his third book, "You're Making Me Hate You: A Cantankerous Look At The Common Misconception That Humans Have Any Common Sense Left", last July.

The book acted as a commentary on society and pop culture said to be in the style of the late George Carlin.

Fan-filmed video footage of HELLOWEEN's April 28 performance at Le Trianon in Paris, France can be seen below.

HELLOWEEN's 15th studio album, "My God-Given Right", was released in May 2015 via Nuclear Blast. The CD was recorded between October 2014 and February 2015 at the band's MiSueno Studio on the isle of Tenerife with producer Charlie Bauerfeind (GOTTHARD, HAMMERFALL).

The "My God-Given Right" artwork was once again created by graphic guru Martin Häusler (BON JOVI, QUEEN, GOTTHARD) and is also available as a 3D lenticular print.

Regarding the new CD title, HELLOWEEN bassist Markus Grosskopf told New Noise Magazine: "You've got the fuckin' God-given damn right to do what you like to do. If you do something for many years, you've got the right to do any kind of stuff you like. You have the right to do and say anything, as long as it doesn't hurt anybody. When you make the choice to do whatever you'd like to do, you've got to do it with all of your heart. You've got to do it, but you've got to deal with the problems that come with it."

Grosskopf stated about the new album's musical direction: "Today, we fool around more with arrangements. It's a little more arranged, like what we did in the '80s or something. But the basic track is a basic HELLOWEEN track. If somebody writes a song and the other player plays his instrument to it, he knows exactly what he needs to do, almost without asking, to make it sound like HELLOWEEN sounds like. That's the experience you get when you do something for so many years."

HELLOWEEN returned to North America to play select shows in February and March.

Fan-filmed video footage of MEGADETH's April 28 headlining performance at the "Thrash The Island Festival" at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico can be seen below.

Drummer Chris Adler was unable to join MEGADETH at the event due to his commitments with LAMB OF GOD and 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.

MEGADETH's current touring lineup is rounded out by Dave Mustaine (guitar, vocals) and David Ellefson (bass) alongside Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro, best known for his work with ANGRA.

One MEGADETH fan's review of last night's concert is available below.

Ellefson recently spoke to the South Orange, New Jersey radio station WSOU about how Adler's involvement with LAMB OF GOD creates scheduling conflicts with MEGADETH's shows. He said: "Well, look, we want him as often as we can have him. And there were a couple of shows, as we started on a round-the-world trip back in October that he wasn't able to participate in, 'cause they were wrapping up a LAMB OF GOD tour down in South America. And Tony, our drum tech, but I don't want it… That almost sounds like he's just a work-for-hire employee, but the truth of it is he has his own incredible resumé as a drummer. He's from the Tampa area and played with DIMMU BORGIR and has just a great resumé as a drummer. And he's been kind enough and gracious enough to work, doing some tech work with us. And we realized, 'Man, we've got a terrific drummer in-house' that was able to cover for some shows. Now, coming up, moving forward, LAMB OF GOD has a full year, MEGADETH has a very full year, and we're gonna try to make that work between both of the bands and the schedules. But we'll see how it plays out. Like I said, we want Chris as much and as often as we can have him, especially now that [his contributions can be heard] on [MEGADETH's latest album] 'Dystopia', and I think the fans would love to hear him play those songs with MEGADETH live."

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

"Dystopia" shifted 49,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. in the week ending January 28. In terms of pure album sales, it opened with 48,000 copies, marking MEGADETH's highest-charting album since 1992's "Countdown To Extinction" debuted and peaked at No. 2 on the chart dated August 1 of that year. "Dystopia" also logged the group's best sales week since 2007, when "United Abominations" landed at No. 8 with first-week sales of 54,000.

US epic power metal legends OMEN are set to release their album Hammer Damage worldwide on May 31st, via DSN Music.

Hammer Damage is a tribute to original singer J.D.Kimball, features Kevin Goocher on vocals, Andy Hass on bass and the return of original drummer Steve Wittig. DSN Music will release the album worldwide Tuesday May 31st, which will compliment a global tour, which will be announced soon following the group's recent signing with Alpha Omega Management.

Hammer Damage makes it's global broadcast debut over RockRadio KDKT, with the legendary Madd Maxx Hammer this week, who said “ Everyone at DSN is pumped to finally get this record out to the masses.”
 
Hammer Damage will be available for online and mobile downloads via outlets such as iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, Rhapsody, iHeartRadio, and hundreds more worldwide.

Tracklisting:

“Hammer Damage”
“Chaco Canyon (Sun Dagger)”
“Cry Havoc”
“Eulogy For A Warrior”
“Knights”
“Hellas”
“Caligula”
“Era Of Crisis”
“A.F.U.”

New Jersey's progressive metal mainstay, Binary Code, will officially self-release its new album Moonsblood - the full-length follow-up to 2009's Suspension Of Disbelief and 2010's Priest EP - on May 24th. A lyric video for “Moonsblood” can be found below.

Moonsblood will feature new vocalist Oded Weinstock and promises to offer up a completely different sound from what fans might previously expect from the band. Moonsblood promises powerful vocal hooks, huge, thundering riffs, gorgeous atmospheric tapestries, and impressively technical musicianship and songwriting.

Engineered and mixed by Eyal Levi (August Burns Red, The Contortionist, Monuments) at Audiohammer Studios and mastered by Alan Douches (Suicide Silence, Dillinger Escape Plan, Converge) at West West Side Music, the members of Binary Code poured everything they had into delivering an album that would ultimately be a game-changer. The band is set to release something heavy, melodic, and progressive, yet focused and tightly written.

Binary Code founder and guitarist Jesse Zuretti comments, "Moonsblood is a time capsule for Binary Code. Not only was the album written sporadically throughout the course of some of the hardest times I've personally had to endure, but also some of the most enlightening and positive moments of my life. The instrumentation perfectly conveys many of the instances of that period and instantly brings me back to those moments. It was amazing to see how everything fell into place with Oded (our singer) joining the band. It became clear in an instant that he was a missing element to the sound we evolved into."

Singer Oded Weinstock adds, "Upon listening to the pre-production tracks for Moonsblood, I knew that joining Binary Code would mean that I would need to step up my game. The stretch of time between joining the band to laying down the vocal tracks for Moonsblood was a period of complete transformation for me. That spirit of self awakening and finding this path comes out almost intuitively in the lyrics, melodies, and sounds of this album."

Pre-order Moonsblood here. The first 50 pre-orders will receive a special signed poster featuring the album art image below.

Tracklisting:

“Immersion”
“Trees 100ft Underwater”
“Dark Meditations”
“Moonsblood”
“Knell”
“Push”
“Cetacean”
“707”
“Unexist”

“Moonsblood” lyric video:

“Immersion”:

Immersion (2016 Album Version) by Binary Code

On June 17th, Converge will release You Fail Me Redux; a remixed and remastered version of their classic follow-up to their landmark Jane Doe full length debut. Originally released in 2004, the brute force and emotional power on You Fail Me is unparalleled and solidifies their reign in the genre that they have defined for over two decades.

Though never quite content with the original mix, You Fail Me Redux was remixed by guitarist Kurt Ballou at his God City studios. The release was also remastered by Alan Douches (Motörhead, Mastodon), and repackaged by vocalist/artist Jacob Bannon. Digital and CDs will be available on Epitaph, and vinyl will be available on Deathwish.

Pre-orders for You Fail Me Redux are available at convergecult.com. Additionally, Converge will tour Europe this summer with Harm's Way and perform at the Psycho Las Vegas Festival on August 26th.

You Fail Me Redux tracklisting:
 
“First Light”
“Last Light”
“Black Cloud”
“Drop Out”
“Hope Street”
“Heartless”
“You Fail Me”
“In Her Shadow”
“Eagles Become Vultures”
“Wolves at My Door” (bonus)
“Death King ”
“In Her Blood”
“Hanging Moon”
 
Listen to “You Fail Me” here.

(Photo - David Robinson)

Sweden’s Warfect are streaming the track “Anatomy Of Evil”, from their upcoming album Scavengers, out on May 13th via Cyclone Empire.

The third full-length-assault was self-recorded and singer/guitar-player Fredrik Wester took care of all producing, mixing and mastering duties in AudioDome studios. The cover artwork was again created by Andrei Bouzikov (Autopsy, Municipal Waste, Skeletonwitch).

Tracklisting:

“Purveyors Of Cadavers”
“Reptile”
“Anatomy Of Evil”
“Watchtowers”
“Suffocate The Chosen”
“Predators”
“The Resurrectionists”
“Skin Bound”
“Evil Inn”
“Savaged By Wolves”
“Into The Crypt”

“Anatomy Of Evil”:

Teaser:

Power Prog will release Latin American metal maniacs Wings Of Destiny’s upcoming album, Kings Of Terror, on Audio-CD, download card, digital download and stream on May 27th. The official worldwide release follows on June 24th with the widespread global availability as Audio-CD, as digital download and as stream via all major platforms.

With their second album and after some lineup changes, Wings Of Destiny have found their own style, which, and in every respect, stands out clearly from the genre competitors. Kings Of Terror has become much darker, harder and more intense than their already highly acclaimed debut album.

What has remained is once again strong songwriting, extraordinary instrumental feats and a smashing, unprecedented unique production. With Fabio Lione (Angra, ex-Rhapsody of Fire), a renowned guest and real metal size was obliged who gives an extra version of the track "Angels & Demons" his special mark and which provides us a great vocal duel with WOD's exceptional singer Anton Darusso. Once again the cover artwork was created by the sensational Caio Caldas (CadiesArt), who was already responsible for the optical subtleties of the debut album.

Kings Of Terror tracklisting:

“We Bring You The Night”
“Angels & Demons”
“Kings Of Terror”
“Eye Of The Storm”
“Sea Of Oblivion”
“Siren's Song”
“Holy Innocence”
“Lie To Me”
“Touch The Sky”
“Eternity”
“United We Stand”
“Angels & Demons” (Feat. Fabio Lione)

“Angels & Demons” lyric video:

 
Pre-order the album as CD (for a temporary reduced introductory price) or as high quality digital download in MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC and more, here.

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions have released the new album from death/thrash sci-fi slayers Mountain Grave, entitled Massive Structural Collapse, on CD and Digital formats. A full album stream can be found below.

An official album description states: “To boldly continue to go where no band has gone before... Mountain Grave return to Horror Pain Gore Death Productions with a masterfully crafted modern cosmic death/thrash dream! Weaving vicious riffs through multi-dimensional atmospheric terror at blistering speeds, Massive Structural Collapse effortlessly punches its way through your speakers and throws you in the cockpit to experience action packed interstellar insanity. This album marks the melding and also completion of the sound / story from The Ancient Disease EP, released back in 2012 on HPGD. Mountain Grave successfully combine the raw drama of Star Trek along with the warm cinematic impact of Star Wars, resulting in a fusion of extreme metal glory!”

Tracklisting:

“Approaching Thyone”
“The Final Dimensions Of Blight”
“Mechanized Colony”
“Surge Capacity”
“Lair Of The Wretcher”
“Primeval Affliction”
“Pursued By Wolves”
“Ebarru”

Album stream:

Massive Structural Collapse by MOUNTAIN GRAVE

Physical orders are available at Horror Pain Gore Death while digital orders can be found on Bandcamp.

 

"Hatred United / United Hate", the new video from San Francisco Bay Area metallers DEATH ANGEL, can be seen below. The clip was directed and edited by Tommy Jones for Videohammer Studios during the recording sessions for the band's new album, "The Evil Divide", and features renowned tattoo artist Bob Tyrrell. The song also includes a special guest guitar solo from Andreas Kisser (SEPULTURA).

"The Evil Divide" will be released on May 27 via Nuclear Blast. The CD was once again recorded at AudioHammer studios in Sanford, Florida with producer Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM, DEICIDE), who previously worked on 2010's "Relentless Retribution" and 2013's "The Dream Calls For Blood". Mastering duties were handled by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound in New York City. The cover artwork was created by Tyrrell and can be seen below.

DEATH ANGEL guitarist Rob Cavestany said: "Both Mark [Osegueda, vocals] and I had been tattooed by Bob, and when the subject of album artwork came up, we approached him to create the design. We wanted an image that would represent the idea of 'The Evil Divide'; something beautiful, yet simultaneously wicked, hence the death moth. Bob realized our vision with mere pencil and paper, and now we proudly present to you the cover art for our eighth studio album, 'The Evil Divide'."

Osegueda told SFWeekly.com about working with Suecof again: "It's the third time we've used him, and we couldn't really be happier."

He continued: "This time, all the music was written and lyrics were written with the exception of one song, which I purposely saved to write on the spot.

"Sometimes you can get a great vibe from a studio and draw inspiration from that. That song came out great."

Mark added: "It's got the aggressiveness of the last two records, but our songwriting has improved dramatically. Really, it sounds like DEATH ANGEL should."

Regarding DEATH ANGEL's mindset going into the songwriting process for the new CD, Osegueda told Rock Hard magazine: "When we started working with Jason Suecof for the last two records, 'Relentless Retribution' and 'The Dream Calls For Blood', we thought we were gonna do two records intense like that and kind of go back [to the more] melodic [direction of 1990's] 'Act III', but the last two records, we've been loving so much writing that style, and the crowds have been enjoying them so much.

"In our minds, even if we think we're being more brutal than we've ever been, it's inevitable that we are obsessed with melody, so there's always gonna be melody that separates us from, say, different thrash bands or extreme bands, because we always veer to a melody and catchy hooks. No matter how brutal we think we're being, we like to throw in hooks, so we're just gonna carry on how we're doing now and try to pick as many of the young punters there and keep our stronghold on the old punters."

"The Evil Divide" track listing:

01. The Moth02. Cause For Alarm03. Lost04. Father Of Lies05. Hell To Pay06. It Can’t Be This07. Hatred United, United Hate08. Breakaway09. The Electric Cell10. Let The Pieces Fall

Bonus:

11. Wasteland

+ "Making Of" DVD

DEATH ANGEL released "A Thrashumentary" in July 2015 via Nuclear Blast. The DVD was directed, shot and edited by Tommy Jones (KATAKLYSM, SOILWORK, LAMB OF GOD, CARCASS, TESTAMENT) of Videohammer Studios. The release also includes a full live album titled "The Bay Calls For Blood".