Canadian multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer Devin Townsend has collaborated with the London, U.K.-based publisher Rocket 88 on his autobiography titled "Only Half There". Due in August, the book is available in two editions, both produced to the highest standard. The Classic comes with a CD of newly recorded music titled "Iceland" and includes previously unseen photos from Devin's scrapbooks. The Signature version is the same book but signed by Devin, wrapped in a different jacket material and nestling in a numbered, limited-edition box. Also in the box are a signed cassette tape of previously unreleased demo recordings titled "Ancient" and four unique, small prints of cartoons drawn by Devin.

Said Devin: "I thought writing a book was going to be easy. It wasn't. Writing about growing up, music, the creative process and connection between personal development and 'career' made me think about a lot of other stuff, too. Like the positive and negative experiences of making different albums, and how each one affected me mentally, physically and emotionally. It's all here, though, from my childhood to working with Steve Vai, forming STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and the DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT to CASUALTIES OF COOL and finding myself only half there."

Steve Vai on Devin: "I started working with Devin on my 'Sex And Religion' record and tour when he was still in his teens. I sensed he was more than just a great singer but I did not realize the depth of his brilliance until he started making his own music. I believe he's an inspired musical genius. I can only say that about 2 people I've ever worked with."

Mike Portnoy (THE WINERY DOGS, DREAM THEATER) on Devin: "Devin is one of the most intense performers I have ever witnessed on stage. When he's in front of an audience, he becomes absolutely possessed! (But don't let it fool ya, he's actually a nice guy…) I also admire his incredible work ethic and dedication to his fans. He's surely a one-of-a-kind artist."

Ihsahn (EMPEROR) on Devin: "Devin's talents as a guitar player, vocalist, songwriter and producer are undeniable, but mostly I admire how he approaches all his different projects with such passion and honesty. I've had the privilege to work with him on a few occasions and hope this book will capture his energetic and positive personality. He's had a long and exciting career so far, so this should be a good read."

Anneke Van Giersbergen (THE GATHERING) on Devin: "Obviously a book about Devin Townsend will be a very interesting read. He is one of the most colourful and eclectic musicians out there. His life and his music inspires me very much and I'm proud to call him my friend. I definitely want to have this book on my coffee table!"

For more information, visit DevinTownsendBook.com.

TOOL frontman Maynard James Keenan's biography, "A Perfect Union Of Contrary Things" will be published on November 8 via Backbeat Books. The book was written by Sarah Jensen and is authorized by Keenan, who has collaborated with Jensen on the book.

Official book description: "Here is the authorized biography of the one and only Maynard James Keenan. The book traces Keenan's journey from his Midwest childhood to his years in the Army to his time in art school, from his stint at a Boston pet shop to his place in the international spotlight and his influence on contemporary music and regional winemaking. A comprehensive portrayal of a versatile and dedicated artist, 'A Perfect Union of Contrary Things' pays homage to the people and places that shaped the man and his art. Until now, Maynard's fans have had access to only an abridged version of his story. 'A Perfect Union of Contrary Things' presents the outtakes, the scenes of disappointment and triumph, and the events that led him to take one step after the next, to change direction, to explore sometimes surprising opportunities. Included are sidebars in his own words, often humorous anecdotes that illuminate the narrative, as well as commentary by his family members, friends, instructors, and industry colleagues. The book also features a foreword by Alex Grey, an American visionary artist and longtime friend of Keenan, who has designed TOOL's album and stage art. Accompanying the text are photos of Keenan from childhood to the present, as well as reproductions of his early drawings and writings. Maynard's story is a metaphor for the reader's own evolution and an encouragement to follow one's dreams, hold fast to individual integrity, and work ceaselessly to fulfill our creative potential."

Speaking to RollingStone.com about how the idea for his biography came about, Keenan said: "One of my best friends in high school, we're still close, his sister's a writer, she's 10 years older than we are; she's kind of been around for a while, of course, seeing everything that went on pre–high school, high school, etc. So I approached her, because she's a writer, to see if she was interested in helping me work on a semi-autobiography. Because I didn't really want to write it as an autobiography, first-person — I'd rather have it be more in story form, like you're kind of along for the journey, with sidebars by me throughout, in my voice, kind of expanding on particular instances or anecdotes. But for the most part, it's just she and I on the phone a couple times a week, just going over timelines, going over stories, etc."

Asked if he is giving Jensen license to incorporate all the information as she sees fit, Keenan said: "She'll write section-by-section; we'll go back and edit and fix and tweak, section-by-section, chapter-by-chapter. We have conversations twice a week to just go over... She'll send me the chapters, and I'll read them through, and then she'll have questions or clarifications, contradictions. You talk to somebody else; they didn't remember it the same way, so you had to rack your brain and go, 'Okay, was I drunk? Did I sleep through that?' A lot of just editing, fact-checking."

Keenan's other band, PUSCIFER, released its third studio album, "Money Shot", last October.

TOOL guitarist Adam Jones revealed in March 2015 that the band had finally settled a complicated lawsuit that had dragged on for eight years, setting back the band's recording plans. The group is now reportedly working at a faster pace on music for its first new studio set since 2006.

"Mechanisms Of Omniscience", the new video from the Massachusetts-based extreme metal outfit ABNORMALITY, can be seen below. The clip was directed and produced by Jim Foster of Red13media.com.

"Mechanisms Of Omniscience" is the title track of ABNORMALITY's sophomore album, which will be released on April 29 via Metal Blade.

Formed in 2005, ABNORMALITY drew its members from the ranks of units such as TERATISM, FORCED ASPHYXIATION, GORATORY and SEXCREMENT, and they have worked patiently and persistently to build up a grassroots following, maintaining their integrity while steadily expanding beyond their local scene. In 2010, they dropped their debut EP, "The Collective Calm In Mortal Oblivion", which immediately drew attention in the underground, followed by the crushing and critically acclaimed full-length, "Contaminating The Hive Mind" (2012), cementing their status as one of the heaviest and most dynamic bands in the genre. Now, with their upcoming sophomore effort, "Mechanisms Of Omniscience" — produced once again by Peter Rutcho, and featuring artwork by vocalist Mallika Sundaramurthy — the quintet have never been more serious about getting their message out there, as well as ensuring legions of the moshing masses incur whiplash.

"Mechanisms Of Omniscience" track listing:

01. Swarm02. Synthetic Pathogenesis03. Mechanisms Of Omniscience04. Catalyst of Metamorphosis05. Vigilant Ignorance06. Irreversible07. Hopeless Masses08. Assimilation09. Cymatic Hallucinations10. Consuming Infinity

ABNORMALITY will join SOULFLY, SUFFOCATION, BATTLECROSS and LODY KONG on a USA trek that kicks off April 22 in San Antonio, Texas.

The official lyric video for "Making My Amends", the first single from INVIDIA, the new band featuring former and current members of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, IN THIS MOMENT and SKINLAB, can be seen below. The song is taken from INVIDIA's forthcoming debut album, which was recently recorded at a studio in Las Vegas with producer Logan Mader, who has previously worked with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, DEVILDRIVER, GOJIRA and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, among others.

INVIDIA vocalist Travis Johnson stated about "Making My Amends": "Basically, I was an addict for a very, very, very long time. And I hit a point where I had to, basically, take responsibility for that person that, and make the changes that need to be made to not be that person anymore. And in that process, you have to make your amends to the people that you hurt to truly move on with a clear head and a clear conscience. And that's basically what this is.

"I didn't wanna dance around the subject and make you wonder what it's about: 'It could be this, or it could be that.' I wanted it to be a straight-up apology, because that's exactly what is.

"To anybody that's sick out there, I can tell you that you can do it. You find that inner strength and you fucking fight forward, and the payoff is undeniable; it's amazing. Getting to the other side, feeling free, it's like breaking out of prison. I mean, it's an amazing feeling.

"That's basically the concept. This is a big, 'Sorry I fucked up. Sorry I was down. But I'm on the other side now, and I'm better and stronger than ever."

Added INVIDIA bassist Matt Snell: "I think the hardest part was trying to choose which song to use. I mean, with every song on the record being so diverse, it was tricky to say 'here is INVIDIA' with just one track. We were so successful in writing a record with so many different styles that having to choose only one song was actually a great problem to have."

INVIDIA guitarist Brian Jackson offered: "I also suffered from years of addiction myself. And I felt the lyrics and content of this song was a great way for us to connect with the people for our first track off the debut record. It was a very hard choice to choose because I'm very happy with the outcome of all the songs, but I feel that most people can relate to the lyrics and content of 'Making My Amends'."

"Making My Amends" is now available on iTunes, Spotify and other streaming and digital music services.

INVIDIA is:

Travis Johnson (IN THIS MOMENT) - Vocals Brian Jackson (SKINLAB) - Guitar Matt Snell (FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH) - Bass

In a recent interview with Rich Inzinna and Paula Noto from "The S.I.R.E.N." radio show on iRadioUSA.com, Travis stated about how INVIDIA was formed: "This all came together super fast and super flawless. I guess stars kind of aligned, really. I put something up online and Brian hit me up. He said, 'Dude, I'd be totally down t do some work together,' and that kind of thing. And I was, like, 'You know what? I totally miss singing. And I'm totally down for that.'"

He continued: "The funny thing is, everybody that's involved in this project as of now has worked together at different times except for me and Brian. So it's almost funny. It was like this circle that was just missing a piece for it all to connect. So once me and Brian got together, the whole circle came together, and within six weeks, this whole record's done, completely recorded, everybody's in place. And it's almost super ironic the way it all came together."

Travis, who still plays bass in IN THIS MOMENT, added: "We're all super excited about this project. I'm stoked to be singing again. I love playing bass, obviously, but I've been a singer for a long fucking time. I just took a huge break, so it's good to be able to kind of get back into it and kind of have my cake and eat it too, and be on both sides."

Regarding INVIDIA's musical direction, Travis said: "The heavy stuff is kind of ingrained from my upbringing with metal [and listening] to PANTERA and SLAYER and all that stuff. But, you know, [as I have been] branching out and getting older and enjoying good choruses, good songs and strong song structures and whatnot, I've kind of come to appreciate melody and that kind of thing as well. And as far as LIMP BIZKIT and stuff, I've always loved the rap-rock genre and just the tongue-in-cheek kind of 'fun-ness' of it. So we kind of took everything that we were influenced by and kind of put it in this project, and just not really pigeonholing it to any specific thing, doing what feels right. And we're all super happy with it. I mean, there's elements across the board that, I think, everybody's gonna dig and we definitely dig."

Added Brian: "I think there's gonna be a lot of people pretty surprised, honestly. There's so many different elements that are involved with this record, with all the different people, especially with Logan being involved; it's been amazing to work with him, having him help to co-write a lot of stuff, and he's bringing a lot of ideas to the table. It just all seems to be working."

British guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite, MGT for short, has signed with Hanover record imprint SPV and is scheduled to release his first solo album, "Volumes", at the end of June. The lead single, "Knowing Me Knowing You", a cover version of the ABBA classic featuring guest vocalist Ville Valo of HIM, will be available from April 15, mixed by Tim Palmer and mastered by Maor Appelbaum.

The official video for "Knowing Me Knowing You" can be seen below.

Speaking about the cover, Mark Thwaite said: "The single sleeve and their video had a wintery feel to it, so when we decided to shoot a video for our version, both myself and Ville Valo agreed we should try and capture some of the feel of the ABBA version and have a winter vibe to our video as well.

"We shot my footage up in the snow covered mountains and Ville's close-ups in front of a fire place that is secret place in Helsinki. We're pleased with it and director Ville Jurrikkala did a fantastic job!"

Valo is not the only guest musician on "Volumes", which has turned into a veritable all-star recording. Other appearances include Wayne Hussey of Mark's previous band THE MISSION, Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls of THE WONDER STUFF, Ricky Warwick (BLACK STAR RIDERS, THIN LIZZY), Raymond Watts (PIG, KMFDM), Saffron (REPUBLICA), Julianne Regan (ALL ABOUT EVE), Ashton Nyte (THE AWAKENING), Carlo Van Putten (DEAD GUITARS) and goth legend Andi Sex Gang.

Originally from Birmingham, England, MGT appeared on over 20 albums. He worked with THE MISSION, Peter Murphy (BAUHAUS), Tricky, Gary Numan, Ricky Warwick, Al Jourgensen (MINISTRY), P.J. Harvey, Roger Daltrey (THE WHO), members of the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, Alanis Morissette, WARRIOR SOUL as well as Tommy Victor and PRONG, to name a few.

On the occasion of his joint concert with Ricky Warwick at London's Kentish Town Forum, Mark Gemini Thwaite, Silke Yli-Sirniö (Tough Enough Promotion) and Gero Herrde (A&R, SPV) met to sign the contracts. They later voiced their evident joy about the recently sealed collaboration.

Mark Gemini Thwaite: "Having been a member of THE MISSION for many years, I have a longstanding relationship with Gero Herrde and SPV, a great independent label who have released several of our albums and live DVDs over the years. Now that I am finally releasing a solo album, I feel at home releasing the record through my friends at SPV!"

Silke Yli-Sirniö, management Tough Enough Promotion: "When Mark first sent me the tracks last autumn, I was immediately enchanted! No doubt that I wanted to be part of this project after being asked so kindly. A big THANK YOU actually goes to Ville Valo of HIM who first brought my attention to MGT. I am happy that at least some people are still making music like this in 2016 — and that people like Gero Herrde of SPV still believe in this kind of music!"

Gero Herrde, A&R at SPV: "Mark and I have known each other for many years; we never really lost sight of each other since our work with THE MISSION. With such a brilliant musician, it was only a question of time before he started working on his own solo album, recruiting the crème de la crème of independent rock vocalists for his project. Now the album is here at last and I'm proud to have the opportunity to release it on SPV!"

Paul Stanley has joined forces with Ace Frehley for a new track on Frehley's upcoming solo covers set. The new album, "Origins Vol. 1", will be released on April 26, and marks the first time the KISS co-founders have appeared on an original album together since the band's 1998 set, "Psycho Circus". Stanley takes the lead on Frehley's cover of FREE's classic 1970 track "Fire And Water", which can now be streamed below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Origins Vol. 1" track listing:

01. White Room (CREAM)02. Street Fighting Man (ROLLING STONES)03. Spanish Castle Magic (JIMI HENDRIX) (feat. John 5)04. Fire And Water (FREE) (feat. Paul Stanley)05. Emerald (THIN LIZZY) (feat. Slash)06. Bring It On Home (LED ZEPPELIN)07. Wild Thing (THE TROGGS) (feat. Lita Ford)08. Parasite (KISS) (feat. John 5)09. Magic Carpet Ride (STEPPENWOLF) 10. Cold Gin (KISS) (feat. Mike McCready)11. Till The End Of The Day (THE KINKS)12. Rock And Roll Hell (KISS)

FOUR BY FATE, the band featuring John Regan, Tod Howarth, Rob Affuso and Patrick James Gasperini, will release its debut album, "Relentless", on June 3 via Amazing Record Co. in Europe and The End Records in America.

The seeds for the group's formation were planted in 1986 when Regan and Howarth were on tour together; Regan playing bass with John Waite and Howarth singing and playing keyboards with CHEAP TRICK. The tour brought the pair together as friends and musicians and many months later Regan asked Howarth to join him in FREHLEY'S COMET, a band fronted by Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee, the legendary KISS guitarist/singer Ace Frehley.

In 2014, Regan and Howarth joined forces again on a new project — FOUR BY FATE. Enter Gasperini, a New York guitarist/singer and prolific songwriter. With a solid East Coast resume, he adds ripping guitar hero presence and big tunes. Shortly after, the band invited powerhouse percussionist Rob Affuso (SKID ROW) to complete the final foursome.

Adding further rock pedigree, other contributors to the FOUR BY FATE story include Stet Howland (drummer for W.A.S.P.), Sean Kelly (guitarist for HELIX and Nelly Furtado) and AJ Pero (drummer from TWISTED SISTER), who recorded six tracks on the album before he tragically passed away in early 2015 (this is thought to be his last recording).

Former ACCEPT and current U.D.O. singer Udo Dirkschneider in February embarked on a special tour during which he is performing ACCEPT songs one last time before he closes the chapter for good.

Fan-filmed video footage of Dirkschneider's April 13 concert at the Manchester Academy in Manchester, England can be seen below.

Asked about his decision to perform classic songs from ACCEPT for the last time in 2016 under the DIRKSCHNEIDER banner, Udo told rock journalist Mitch Lafon: "A lot of people ask me, 'Why do you do this?' And I said… Always people are asking, 'Oh, can you play this ACCEPT song and this ACCEPT song and this ACCEPT song?' I mean, I have fifteen U.D.O. albums out, and, for me now, U.D.O. is U.D.O. Of course, I know that the people like to hear ACCEPT songs with my voice, but I wanna close something — I wanna close, like a book, and say, 'Okay, that's it. I read it.' Sometimes you have to come to an end with something. I wanna close up everything with ACCEPT. And this will be the last time. And I said, okay, I'll do one more tour. It will be a world tour. Hopefully we can do this also for America, around maybe a couple of shows. And yeah, that will be the last time that you… When we are on tour with U.D.O., we'll never play any ACCEPT songs again."

He continued: "I also wanna stop to be compared with… Now ACCEPT is still on tour, and they have a new singer, and they are doing also 'Balls To The Wall' and they are doing also 'Metal Heart', they do 'Princess Of The Dawn'. And I don't wanna be always compared and have to say, 'What do you think about this and this and this?' This is also another reason. I wanna close the ACCEPT chapter. I mean, it was a great… I mean, in a way, I was creating this band, you know. Sometimes you have to say, 'Okay, that's it.' I have enough U.D.O. songs, so I can play more U.D.O. songs and be U.D.O. I can say without being arrogant, U.D.O. has its own fan base now. Sometimes you have to say, 'Okay, that's it.'"

To those fans that still want to experience the classic ACCEPT songs performed live, Udo has this message: "There is a band called ACCEPT. And please, if you wanna hear these songs, please go then to [see] ACCEPT. [Laughs] So that's the only thing I can say. Now you'll have the chance [this] year to hear it with the original voice, but Mark [Tornillo, current ACCEPT singer] is doing a — I would say — really good job on it, so please go there and listen then to ACCEPT and U.D.O. is then U.D.O."

Regarding what makes the classic ACCEPT songs so special, Udo said: "I don't know what is special. You never can tell it, really. Like [DEEP PURPLE's] 'Smoke On The Water', in a way, something like this. Sometimes there's a song that, in a way, that stays forever."

The April 2 DIRKSCHNEIDER concert at Kaminwerk in Memmingen, Germany was professionally filmed and recorded for a DVD and CD release later this year.

Frontiers Music Srl has announced the signing of BULLETBOYS. The band's new album will be released in late 2016. BULLETBOYS formed in 1988 at the very peak of the Los Angeles hard rock movement. With record companies constantly searching for new talent, they possessed a pedigree that most bands would kill for. Unlike the other rockers of the day, the BULLETBOYS were more hard rock and blues fusion than pure hair metal. Using their credentials, they were able to quickly capture the attention of music fans around the world while frontman Marq Torien emerged as one of the most underrated vocalists of the era. Thanks to comparisons to the likes of AEROSMITH and especially VAN HALEN, talent scouts came running and the band quickly received their first major label contract. With a debut album, produced by none other than Ted Templeman (VAN HALEN, MONTROSE) which sported the the smash hit single "Smooth Up in Ya", BULLETBOYS officially established themselves as the leaders of the then-L.A. rock scene. Constant tours and the support of MTV soon brought the album to platinum status. Two more albums soon followed, "Freakshow" and "Za-Za". The band continued to tour and release albums surviving throughout the grunge era and outlasting the nu-metal craze. With eight more studio albums under their belt, BULLETBOYS are ready to start again with a new label, feeling stronger than ever! "We could not be more ecstatic about signing with Frontiers," says Marq Torien. "Thank you to the executives at the label and Artists Worldwide for believing in our music. We have worked diligently over the past years musically, touring, writing and performing. We are excited to embark on this new venture with Frontiers as our support and really looking forward to releasing our new music with your amazing label. Our new joint is going into a completely new direction musically that has not been heard from us ever. We promise not to disappoint!” BULLETBOYS are:

Marq Torien - Vocals/Lead GuitarNick Rozz - Rhythm, Lead GuitarChad Macdonald - BassShawn Duncan - Drums, Percussion

According to Billboard.com, BLACK SABBATH's sold-out February 11 concert at The Forum in Inglewood, California was seen by 14,013 fans, generating $1.2 million in box office revenue and placing the date at No. 1 on the weekly "Hot Tours" list of top-grossing tours. The show was one of only four SABBATH concerts staged on the West Coast during the first leg of the band's "The End" tour.

SABBATH will play dates in Australia and New Zealand later this month, with European festival shows taking place during the summer. The band will then return to North America for its final stint. One of the last dates will be a return trip to L.A. for a performance at the Hollywood Bowl on September 19.

Multi-camera video footage of BLACK SABBATH's February 11 concert at The Forum in Inglewood can be seen below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Black Sabbath02. Fairies Wear Boots03. After Forever04. Into The Void05. Snowblind06. War Pigs07. Behind The Wall Of Sleep08. N.I.B. 09. Hand Of Doom10. Rat Salad (with drum solo)11. Iron Man12. Dirty Women13. Children Of The Grave

Encore:

14. Paranoid

BLACK SABBATH recently revealed that it is selling a new limited-edition CD titled "The End" at the shows on its farewell tour. The disc features four previously unheard studio tracks left off the band's 2013 reunion album, "13", as well as live versions of four songs from the world tour the band did in support of that disc.

The four studio cuts are "Season Of The Dead", "Cry All Night", "Take Me Home" and "Isolated Man". They feature drums by Brad Wilk.

The live tracks, with drumming from Tommy Clufetos, are "God Is Dead?", "Under The Sun", "End Of The Beginning" and "Age Of Reason". The live cuts were recorded in Sydney, Australia, Auckland, New Zealand and Hamilton, Ontario.

Wilk and Clufetos had to get involved after founding SABBATH drummer Bill Ward withdrew from the reunion after initially agreeing to participate in it.

"13", the first SABBATH full-length studio album in 35 years to feature original members Geezer Butler (bass), Tony Iommi (guitar) and Osbourne, also became SABBATH's first No. 1 album in the U.S. when it was released in June 2013. The band abandoned plans for a follow-up after deciding that the current trek would be its last.

The official lyric video for the song "Charles Bronson" from STUCK MOJO can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Here Come The Infidels", which will be released on June 24. The CD was once again produced by Andy Sneap, who has previously worked with MEGADETH, EXODUS, TESTAMENT, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and ACCEPT, among others.

In addition to STUCK MOJO guitarist and main songwriter Rich Ward and longtime drummer Frank Fontsere, "Here Come The Infidels" features the band's latest additions, vocalist Robby J and bassist Len Sonnier.

Speaking about why a planned reunion of STUCK MOJO's classic lineup — featuring vocalist Bonz and bassist Corey Lowery — fell apart less than a year after playing a well-received show in the band's hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, Ward said: "The goal was to do a reunion record. And after doing three reunion shows, we just realized it wasn't gonna work — for the same reasons it didn't work the first time. But we'd already started the process into making this new album. And I knew that I wanted to work with Andy, because the best records in my career were done partnering with Andy. And Andy is not a producer in the sense that he sits in the back of the room with a cigar and says, 'Do that again.' So Andy then takes up part of that responsibility of being another member of the band to bounce ideas off of, help me creatively."

Containing eleven tracks of unmistakeable Ward riffing, "Here Come The Infidels" is available for pre-orders through Pledge Music. To say thank you, everyone who pre-orders the album will immediately receive a digital download of the track "Verbal Combat", the lyric video for which can be seen below.

Said Ward: "Robby J is a fucking ninja, the total package vocalist/frontman. Mark my words, this guy is going to set a new standard for what a band with a rapper looks like."

Hailing from the Texas-Louisiana border, Len is a veteran bass player, best known for his time spent as the touring bassist in KING'S X frontman Doug Pinnick's POUNDHOUND project.

German death metallers DAWN OF DISEASE will release their third album, "Worship The Grave", on June 24 via Napalm Records.

A track from the CD, titled "Through Nameless Ages", can be streamed below.

Commented DAWN OF DISEASE: "We are very happy and proud to become part of the Napalm family. It feels good to sign with one of the worldwide well-established metal labels.

"Four years have passed since we released 'Crypts Of The Unrotten'. With Napalm Records, we have the perfect partner to take the next step into the right direction and we are looking very forward to the collaboration, the release of our new album and the upcoming shows during the festival season." Added Napalm Records A&R representative Sebastian Muench: "We are absolutely excited and honored to welcome DAWN OF DISEASE to the Napalm family!

"DAWN OF DISEASE has released two brilliant and timeless death metal albums with 'Legends Of Brutality' and 'Crypts Of The Unrotten' and I can ensure you the new album is a true death metal masterpiece!" A press release reads: "Instead of cheaply rehashing the typical Sunlight sound, the guys in DAWN OF DISEASE opted for a modern and pumping production, courtesy of Woodshed Studios. This puts the spotlight on blasting beats, grinding grooves and insidious melodies. The Northern Germans have also infused their third assault with unbound guitar solos and more dynamic vocals than ever before. The result might be the most intense death metal release of the year!" "Worship The Grave" track listing:

01. Worship The Grave02. The Saviour's Tomb03. Ashes04. On Trails Of Death05. Prayer For The Dawn06. Cult Of The Fading Light07. Through Nameless Ages08. Outsourcing The Brain09. Enwrapped In Guts10. The Sky Is Empty

"Ankaa", the new album from French modern metallers ETHS, can be streamed in its entirety using the SoundCloud widget below. The CD will be released on April 22 via Season Of Mist.

The album can be pre-ordered at this location.

"Ankaa" manages to keep the essence of ETHS, guided by mastermind and guitarist Staif Bihl, who also produced the album. Yet with new frontwoman Rachel Aspe and other changes in the lineup, there are new elements in the sound of the French act. The new album sounds more diverse and generally a touch darker. Electronic patterns find as easily a fitting place as a beautiful Arabic chant by guest vocalist Sarah Layssac (ARKAN). For this recording, SOILWORK drummer extraordinaire Dirk Verbeuren stepped in and delivered a massive yet intricate pounding.

"Ankaa" track listing:

01. Nefas02. Nihil Sine Causa03. Amaterasu04. Seditio05. Nixi Dii06. Vae Victis07. HAR108. Sekhet Aaru09. Kumari Kandam10. Alnitak11. Alnilam12. Mintaka

ETHS in 2014 released an EP, "Ex Umbra In Solem", with its new vocalist, Rachel Aspe. The EP's title track was a new song recorded, produced and mixed by ETHS guitarist Staif Bihl. It was backed by three classic ETHS tracks, recorded live on October 24, 2013 at the Divan du Monde in Paris, mixed by Nikhertz at Studio Phantom. Last but not least, the EP included three songs from the "III" album, re-recorded with Rachel's vocals.

ETHS in 2012 recruited Virginie Goncalves (KELLS) and Nelly Wood-Hasselhoff to handle lead vocals at the group's shows following the departure of Candice Clot.

Aspe made headlines in France in November 2012 when she performed the SYBREED song "Emma-0" on an episode of "La France À Un Incroyable Talent", the French reality television series which is part of the global British "Got Talent" franchise. Her death metal vocal styling stunned the judges and crowd before going viral and being seen by millions of people.

"It has always been my goal to be part of a band," Aspe told Rock Overdose. "One of the reasons I went to this TV show was to find one. [The show] was [taped] three months before I met ETHS, and [it originally aired shortly] after Candice left the band. So things came very fast for me. I had a job and it was hard to work on my vocals so quickly. I didn’t expect this success for the video; many bands contacted me, I did some [guest appearances] since that. People are continuing to share and comment on it."

Clot played her final show as a member of ETHS on October 13, 2012 at L'Arcade in Notre-Dame-de-Gravenchon, France.

ETHS is:

Staif Bihl: guitarRachel Aspe: vocalsDamien Rivoal: bassR.U.L.: drums (live)Dirk Verbeuren: drums (album)

WESTFIELD MASSACRE, the Los Angeles-based band featuring former DIVINE HERESY and SNOT singer Tommy Vext, has announced the addition of guitarist Ira Black (METAL CHURCH, LIZZY BORDEN, HEATHEN) to the group's ranks.

WESTFIELD MASSACRE's self-titled debut album is due on April 29 via Urban Yeti Records. The CD was recorded at Echelon Studios with producer Joseph McQueen.

WESTFIELD MASSACRE's "Build Your Thrones" video can be seen below. The clip was directed by the Stephen Steelman of Brigantine Films and perfectly captures the band's live performance ferocity mixed with an eye-popping storyline that will quickly suck you in.

Said Vext: "We aspired to make this [WESTFIELD MASSACRE] something theatrical and brought in very talented people to work on the album, the artwork and the music videos, which will be a short film trilogy."

He continued: "I just wanted to take the music and make something bigger than just another metal band."

Regarding WESTFIELD MASSACRE's musical direction, Vext said: "There's definitely a traditional American metal vibe, but we blend power metal, melodic death metal, metalcore all together to get an original flavor to our sound."

Commenting on his choice of joining forces with an independent label like Urban Yeti, Vext said: "Signing with Urban Yeti has been an exciting experience. I try to go by a few rules in life. One of which is to go where the love is. I shared my vision with them and they were excited about it."

He added: "Urban Yeti has really amazing ideas and approaches to getting our music out to an audience that will understand and support it. They are thinking outside the box. I want to be a part of that kind of thinking."

WESTFIELD MASSACRE in 2014 released a video for the song "Darkness Divides". At the time, the band's lineup included former DIVINE HERESY and MORBID ANGEL drummer Tim Yeung alongside guitarists Bill Hudson and Rick Di Marco.

Regarding how WESTFIELD MASSACRE came up with its name, Vext told Metal Injection: "The WESTFIELD MASSACRE is a name I had come up with for a graphic novel idea. Coincidentally it turned out to also be the name of an episode of 'American Horror Story'. In their episode, Westfield High is the stage for a school shooting."

Catch WESTFIELD MASSACRE at the Whisky A Go Go on April 14, at "Ultimate Jam Night" on April 19 and on tour this spring starting April 26 nationwide as the support act for SEVENDUST and TRIVIUM at select venues and festivals.

WESTFIELD MASSACRE's current lineup:

Stephen Brewer - GuitarIra Black - GuitarDio Britto - DrumsTommy Vext - VocalsErik Tisinger - Bass

The Godfathers of Finnish metal, Sarcofagus, are just about to release their final album with the original line-up entitled Back From The Valley Of The Kings. The album will be available to buy in-store at The Vinyl Frontier in Eastbourne, UK on Record Store Day before it goes on sale anywhere else

Head honcho, songwriter/guitarist Kimmo Kuusniemi will be available in-store at The Vinyl Frontier throughout Record Store Day for metal chat and signing.

Sarcofagus were founded an eye-rotatingly 38 years ago, way back in 1978. The band originally broke up in 1980 after three albums (Cycle Of Life - 1980, Envoy Of Death - also 1980, and Moottorilinnut - 1981). In 2010, the original line-up reconvened for a reunion tour of Finland and this unique album was the result. 

The tracklist for Back From The Valley Of The Kings is as follows:

"Subconsious Penetrating"
"Astral Flyer"
"Here I Am"
"Eternal Silence"
"Stolen Salvation"
"Insane Rebels"
"Wheels Of Destruction"
"Back To Black"
"2nd Coming"
"Talo"
"Metallinen Sateenkaari"
"1000 Megawatin Totuus"
"Go To Hell"
"Envoy Of Death"
"Deadly Game"
"Die To Win"

Go to the official sarcofagus Facebook page here for updates.

For information on The Vinyl Frontier's Record Store Day specials go to this location.

The official video for "Fun Done", the first new recording in two decades from Welsh "ragga metal" cult favorites DUB WAR, can be seen below. The song, which was produced by former NOVOCAINE member and AUTOMATIC producer Richard Jackson, is being released as a double A-side seven-inch single for Record Store Day and is limited to just 500 copies.

"It's been amazing to write with my old mates in DUB WAR again," said DUB WAR's 48-year-old singer Benji Webbe. "I have missed the punk rock cheap sweetie fun element! It feels like I'm cheating on my wife [SKINDRED] wth my old girlfriend [DUB WAR] and it's fun. Shhhh, don't tell 'em!"

"Fun Done", the first in a series of twelve planned recordings from DUB WAR, is being released on the newly created Saint Ringland Records and is backed by "Fun Dubby Dozy".

"We're not going to release an album — we are going to release twelve singles," Benji told Wales Online. "We are going to take as long it takes to get the twelve done. We'll be recording over the next two or three years. And every time we do a show, which will be not that often, we will get a single pressed up. Then after twelve shows, we'll have an album's worth and we will put it on a CD."

"Fun Done" can be ordered from the DUB WAR webstore.

US black metal underground act Wormreich have announced a split album Infirmos Vocat Deus Fidei with Vesterian, Gravespawn and Diabolus Amator, set to be released on June 2nd via Black Plague Records. 

Wormreich Frontman Vulk adds:

"On our end, you can also expect split vinyl with Kult Ov Azazel and Hod in the coming months, all while work continues on the next full-length!"

Wormreich was formed in 2009 by guitarist/vocalist Vulk and joined by current and former members of Blood Stained Dusk, Ancient (Nor), and Hallows Eve, and despite tragedy and death, Wormreich has returned to unleash Satan’s will upon the Earth. Wormreich is an established touring band, currently signed to Moribund Records, and they have a reputation for putting on air-tight and intense live performances, gaining them great respect and admiration within the extreme metal underground. Currently Wormreich are working on their next full-length album, to be titled Vril: Elixir Of Death And The Void.

About Wormreich’s upcoming albums, Vulk reveals: “As of now, we are currently in the process of writing and recording our next full-length album, to be titled Vril: Elixir Of Death And The Void. We will also be putting out three split releases through various labels this year: a split 12” LP with Florida’s legendary Kult Ov Azazel, a split 7” with Texas black/death titans Hod, and a split CD with North Carolina’s Vesterian and two other artists yet to be announced. More details will be released in due time. We also wish to announce that our first full-length album, 2011’s Edictvm DCLXVI, will be reissued sometime this year through Black Plague Records.”

Wormreich live:

May (with Kult Ov Azazel)
4 – Nashville, TN – The East Room
6 – Sanford, FL – West End Trading
7 – Deerfield Beach, FL – American Rock Bar
8 – Tampa, FL – The Brass Mug

To celebrate the release of Tombs’ new EP All Empires Fall, guitarist/vocalist Michael Hill's Savage Gold Coffee has announced the limited "Dark Deceiver" blend for serious connoisseurs of the blackest of coffees.

The "Dark Deceiver" blend combines high elevation African beans blended with Indonesian and Central American beans to form a deliciously dark smoky flavor with traces of berry and cocoa.

Savage Gold Coffee and Holy Mountain Printing have also teamed up to offer exclusive coffee and t-shirt combo packages (available for a limited time only). Visit savagegoldcoffee.com to pick up a bag of "Dark Deceiver" now, and visit Holy Mountain Printing here to pick up coffee/shirt combo packages.

Tombs’ first studio release with their new lineup, entitled All Empires Fall, clocks in at 24 minutes. The five track EP was recorded at Applehead Studios in New York and brought to life by renowned producer Sanford Parker (Minsk, Twilight, YOB).

All Empires Fall is a commanding, crushingly heavy release, one that invokes the kind of grandeur and magnitude its title suggests, and affirms Tombs as one of the leading lights of American - and international - black metal.

All Empires Fall tracklisting:

“The World Is Made Of Fire”
“Obsidian”
“Last Days Of Sunlight”
“Deceiver”
“V”

“V” video:

“Deceiver”:

Tombs have announced the following tour dates:

May
13 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie
14 - Pittsburgh, PA - Roboto Project
15 - Detroit, MI - El Club
16 - Chicago, IL - Chop Shop
18 - Baltimore, MD - Metro Gallery

Tombs are:

Mike Hill - Guitar and Vocals
Benjamin Brand - Bass
Charlie Schmid - Drums
Evan Schaefer - Guitar
Fade Kainer - Synthesizer, Electronics and Vocals

Stray From The Path have penned a new song, "Talking Tragedy" (available exclusively via their Bandcamp page), to benefit The Ghost Inside (pictured above) as the members recover from their horrific November 2015 bus accident.

From Stray From The Path’s guitar player Tom Williams:
 
“We have been touring for the better part of our career. Our first national tour was with The Warriors, Elysia and The Ghost Inside (tour was sick). It was one of The Ghost Inside's first national tours as well, with bands that were big names to us, and we did it together. This was back in 2008, and we've remained best friends ever since. We've toured the world together, we've shared a bus together on Warped Tour, Vigil sang on two of our records, we did a lot. When they crashed, we were in Europe and we were about to go on stage. We couldn't care less about playing, because we weren't sure if the people that were very close to us were alive or not. Right before our set, I got a call from Zach's phone and it was Jim. He grabbed a random phone on his way to the ambulance, and told us to spread the word that right now they were alive, but people have been airlifted to the hospital and that’s all he knew.
 
“By now, everyone knows this story. What makes this story special is the fact that all of these people came together and got their backs. Bands that were friends with TGI, bands that have never met them before and complete strangers who held that band so dear to their hearts were giving their hard earned money to support The Ghost Inside. It’s that sense of community that makes our music scene so special, and I’m glad it lived up to our expectations.
 
“We wrote this song for The Ghost Inside. Some of our best friends we've met while being in this band. This song is about what it was like to go through this as another fellow touring band, and how amazing it was that everyone pulled together for the band and their crew. It is only available on Bandcamp and every dollar will go to The Ghost Inside. Thank you to Will Putney, Josean Orta and Sumerian Records for the assist in getting this going.”

Talking Tragedy by Stray From The Path

In his 2014 book "I'm The Man: The Story Of That Guy From Anthrax", ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian wrote this about former METALLICA guitarist and current MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine: "The guy is arguably the godfather of thrash metal. He wrote a lot of the riffs on [METALLICA's] 'Kill 'Em All' [album] and even some of 'Ride The Lightning'. Without Dave Mustaine, maybe thrash metal never would have happened. At least in the beginning, he was the driving force, artistically."

Asked if he is truly "the godfather of thrash metal" and whether Ian's comment about thrash metal possibly not having happened had Mustaine not been involved, Dave told Loudwire (see video below): "I think there's a good chance it might not have… The guitar player that we hired in METALLICA before James [Hetfield] actually started playing [guitar] was… he wasn't metal. And if he would have been the guy that we chose over me, who knows what would have happened? And I think that if you really look at the mathematics of METALLICA in the beginning, me being the only guitar player, if I wasn't there, there probably wouldn't have been a METALLICA. But let's not kid ourselves: James is a great guitar player; he really is. And I'm sure that at some point they would have realized that he needed to play guitar and sing, and they would found a guitar player as good as I am. I just know that about those guys; they're excellent musicians and they know what they want. Now, if James would have been playing guitar at the time when I joined? I don't know… I don't know that that would have held the same kind of merit. You know what I mean? But since I was the only guy there, I think it's probably pretty accurate."

Mustaine, who was a member of METALLICA for less than two years, from 1981 to 1983, before being dismissed and replaced by Kirk Hammett, was not inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band during the April 2009 ceremony at Cleveland, Ohio's Public Auditorium.

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich later explained to The Plain Dealer that Mustaine was not included because "you've got to kind of cap it somewhere. Dave Mustaine never played on any METALLICA records. No disrespect to him. But there [were] half a dozen other people that were in the lineup in the early days. We thought . . . the fair thing to do would be to include anybody that played on a METALLICA record."

He added: "Dave Mustaine was in the band for 11 months, predominantly in 1982. . . . I'm not trying to play it down. I have nothing but respect and admiration for his accomplishments since."

Joe Perry says that AEROSMITH is only "considering" doing a farewell tour as an option, despite the fact that Steven Tyler recently said that the band was "probably" going to embark on its final trek next year. "A farewell tour is something we've talked about doing for years, let's say roughly in the last five years," Perry tells Rolling Stone. "It's just something the band's talked about at various times. At this point, the five of us have never sat down and said, 'It's time to do it.' So 'considering' is an appropriate word for that statement. A farewell tour is definitely not confirmed."

AEROSMITH is currently on break after a tour last summer. The band hasn't put out a record since 2012's "Music From Another Dimension!" In the interim, Tyler and Perry have swiped at each other in public, most notably about Tyler's solo work.

Said Perry: "He's got a fucking rhinestone cowboy hat going, 'Yippee ki yay.' I don't know what else to say about that."

In this latest interview, Tyler claimed there were no hard feelings. "I've read what Joe has said," he said. "But then I really, really, couldn't be here doing what I'm doing now if if wasn't for Joe Perry. It's a strange catch-22, but if you slow down enough you get to see it. It's as obvious as balls on a tall dog. I wouldn't be anywhere without those guys, so I'm as grateful as I can be."

Tyler's full-length country debut is tentatively due later in the year. The effort will be released via Dot Records, the legendary label that Scott Borchetta and his Big Machine Label Group revived in 2014.

AEROSMITH guitarist Brad Whitford said last year that he was less than thrilled with Tyler's plans to devote most of 2016 to his country-tinged debut solo album. He said: "I guess he seems to think his solo career is going to go great guns and he doesn't seem to realize — in my opinion — that his fans around the globe want to see him in the context of AEROSMITH and don't really care for whatever he thinks he's going to do. I don't know if he gets that, but, hey — that's what he wants to do. I can't put a gun to his head."

Swedish progressive rock juggernauts OPETH have once again joined up with Northern Monk Brew Co. to launch their second beer, the Communion Pale Ale, on April 22.

Following on from their limited run of 2015's XXV Anniversary Imperial Stout, OPETH have opted to take a different approach with their second beer as their choice in drinks is as varied as the music they create. Available in cans, it's a lighter beer than OPETH's first offering, but still packs a punch full of flavor.

Head brewer Brian Dickson of Northern Monk Brew Co. comments: "After the success of the XXV Anniversary Stout, it's great to be continuing our collaboration with the guys from OPETH. This time we have come up with an easy-drinking American Pale Ale with a solid U.K. malt backbone over which we layered lots of classic U.S. hop varieties, including Equinox and Citra. Expect pine, spice and all the punchy citrus you'd expect of the style; perfect gig refreshment!"

The Northern Monk Co. opened in late 2014 in Holbeck, Leeds and have quickly established themselves as producing some of the highest quality and exciting beers in the U.K. with their New World IPA, Northern Star Mocha Porter and Eternal Session IPA. OPETH and Northern Monk came together to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary by producing last year's XXV Anniversary Imperial Stout. The Communion Pale Ale is the second product to emerge from the collaboration between the band and brewery, as both parties realized they held similar ideals in how they approached their "craft."

To celebrate the release, Northern Monk Brewery will be holding a free-entry release party at their tap-room in Leeds on April 22, from 6 p.m. OPETH guitarist Fredrik Åkesson will also be there at the launch, celebrating the release of the Communion Pale Ale with a special DJ set.

Åkesson comments: "The best drink in the world has now surprisingly got even better for life sustaining wealth!

"I hope to see you at the launch party on Friday April 22nd at the Northern Monk Refectory where you can enjoy some of our excellent Communion Pale Ale and I'm looking forward to spinning some tunes behind the DJ booth."

On the night, Northern Monk will be running a special launch offer for six cans of the Communion Pale Ale and a limited edition OPETH t-shirt for £25.

The Communion Pale Ale will initially only be available in the U.K. but Northern Monk Brew Co. will be distributing it in 12 other countries over the next couple of months and it will be rolled out globally in time.

Please note this is not a limited-edition beer like the XXV Anniversary Stout, so there will be plenty available.

If you're based in the U.K., you will be able to order online direct from Northern Monk Brew Co.

If you're in the Leeds area, you can visit the brewery and their tap room and pick up some beer in person: Northern Monk, The Old Flax Store, Marshalls Hill, Holbeck, LS11 9YJ.

"I'll Do Happiness", a new song from AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry, can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget below. A collaboration with British singer Terry Reid, the track will be included on Perry's upcoming solo project that the guitarist at first thought would focus solely on instrumentals.

In the late 1960s, Terry Reid was reportedlyasked to join both the NEW YARDBIRDS/LED ZEPPELIN and DEEP PURPLE, but he passed. Instead, he recommended Robert Plant to Jimmy Page and went on tour opening for CREAM and THE ROLLING STONES. He then recorded two albums for Epic Records: 1968's "Bang, Bang You're Terry Reid" and the 1969 self-titled follow-up, both with producer Mickie Most (who had worked with Donovan, THE YARDBIRDS and THE ANIMALS).

"Terry wasn't that big here in the States in the late '60s, but I had friends who would go to England every summer and bring back piles of albums, and so I was lucky enough to know about him, and when I heard him, I thought his voice was incredible," Perry told Classic Rock magazine. "So he came in and we got to know each other a little bit and played some tunes, and wrote some songs, and he was just great to work with."

Regarding how he plans to release his next effort, Perry said: "It seems now that the album is leaning towards more vocals on songs, because I'm getting to work with great singers and it's been a lot of fun. But it might be that we release an instrumental EP and an EP of vocal stuff; I don't know. We're just cranking out the songs, and we're having conversations about how we get it out there. But I wanted to get one of these Terry Reid songs out because they turned out really good. There's been some pieces in some of the big newspapers out here which have been about people re-discovering his talent, so the timing is kinda falling together."

Perry has also recorded with NEW YORK DOLLS frontman David Johansen, although it's unclear if those tracks will surface on the upcoming disc.

"I really don't know what's going to fit where, but there's some stuff I've been writing that I wouldn't have anyone else sing but Alice [Cooper], for the [HOLLYWOOD] VAMPIRES," the guitarist said. "But there's tracks that I think will work as instrumentals and then some cat will come into the studio and we'll give it a shot with vocals, and then it's not an instrumental anymore."

Richard Z. Kruspe (RAMMSTEIN, EMIGRATE) has contributed guest vocals to "Move It", the latest single from Tomoyasu Hotei, the Japanese guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer who is best known internationally for his "Kill Bill" theme "Battle Without Honor Or Humanity". Echoing the upbeat industrial vibe of the song and shot in Berlin, the accompanying video is dynamic and starkly atmospheric with intense performances from both Hotei and Richard. Hotei comments on the video: "I wanted to make it simple, because Richard has a very strong character, and I think we have different characters. First, we wanted to try to do a story, but now it's more like a focus on two characters on the same screen." Richard explained his inspiration for the lyrics to Metal Hammer: "I listened to it and the first image I had was this Bond character in my mind. I was seeing a guy going through streets and pushing everything away. I thought, 'Oh, that's interesting, let's try that'. And we pretty much recorded the vocals in one or two days." "Move It" was released as two-track single, featuring a "Hounds" remix of the song, done by Olly Burden, known for collaborating with THE PRODIGY on their most recent album. "Move It" is taken from Hotei's debut U.K. album "Strangers", which was released last year through Spinefarm and is a wide-ranging body of work with a dramatic sonic palette demonstrating Hotei's diversity as a songwriter and virtuoso guitarist. Other album guests include Iggy Pop, who lent his vocals to the high-energy rock stomper "How The Cookie Crumbles", BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's Matt Tuck on the cinematic "Kill To Love You" plus southern soulstress Shea Seger on the pulsating electro-blues boogie "Texas Groove". Heralded by Time Out as "iconic", and a genuine superstar in his native Japan where he has sold more than 40 million records, Hotei is sought-after as a collaborator both in the studio and on stage. Having previously joined forces with artists such as David Bowie, Andy Mackay (ROXY MUSIC), INXS, BLONDIE and Joni Mitchell, he also performed with THE ROLLING STONES on their 50th-anniversary tour. Hotei has just finished a European tour and is currently on a major tour of Japan.

On May 27, death metal veterans SIX FEET UNDER will release the fourth installment of their "Graveyard Classics" series, this time paying tribute to two of metal's most heralded legends: IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST. Titled "Graveyard Classics IV: The Number Of The Priest" and mixed by Jesse Kirkbride at Kirkbride Recordings in Cape Coral, Florida, the album is comprised of five JUDAS PRIEST covers (side A), and six IRON MAIDEN covers (side B), handpicked by Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel.

For a first preview, the cover version of "Invader" is now streaming at metalblade.com/sixfeetunder, where the record is also available for pre-order in various formats.

In regards to this new serving of death metal tributes, SIX FEET UNDER founder Chris Barnes comments: "Get ready to have your ears violated and your mind blown! 'Graveyard Classics IV: The Number Of The Priest' just crawled out of the Heavy Metal Cemetery!

"Having a good time playing music is what it's always been about since day one, and that's what the 'Graveyard Classics' albums are to me... a good fucking time! On this trip down memory lane, we cover songs from JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN; the two greatest metal bands of all time. Ray Alder from FATES WARNING did a guest background vocal appearance on 'Invader', our first single. Ray is a great friend, and an awesome vocalist, and I felt our differences in styles blended well together for the middle section and added some harmony to the rawness. I hope you all enjoy the band's twist on these legendary songs!"

"Graveyard Classics IV: The Number Of The Priest" track listing

Side A: Judas Priest

01. Night Crawler02. Starbreaker03. Genocide04. Invader05. Never Satisfied

Side B: Iron Maiden

06. Murders in the Rue Morgue07. Prowler08. Flash Of The Blade09. The Evil That Men Do10. Stranger In A Strange Land11. Total Eclipse

SIX FEET UNDER will be on tour this summer in Europe for a very special select run of dates. Barnes comments: "'Graveyard Classics' the tour begins June 30th and ends July 9th, with our return to the all-powerful With Full Force festival!! Looking forward to that as well as playing an entire setlist of cover songs on this tour — something we've never done before! It will prove to be a very special group of shows. If you're anywhere near these places this summer, make sure not to miss this!"

SIX FEET UNDER tour dates:

Jun. 30 - Rotterdam, Netherlands - Baroeg Jul. 01 - Roitzschjora, Germany - With Full Force FestivalJul. 02 - Flensburg, Germany - Roxy Jul. 03 - Rostock, Germany - Alte Zuckerfabrik Jul. 04 - Hamburg, Germany - Bambi GaloreJul. 05 - Munchen, Germany - BackstageJul. 06 - Innsbruck, Austria - PMK Jul. 07 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - RockfabrikJul. 08 - Pratteln , Switzerland - Z7 Jul. 09 - Essen, Germany - Turok

SIX FEET UNDER is:

Chris Barnes - vocalsRay Suhy - guitars and bassJosh Hall - drums

A new experimental rock band called GONE IS GONE has been formed by MASTODON's Troy Sanders, AT THE DRIVE-IN's Tony Hajjar, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE's Troy Van Leeuwen and guitarist-keyboardist Mike Zarin. The collaborative group plans to debut an EP later this summer through their own imprint label via Rise Records/BMG. In anticipation of the impending release, GONE IS GONE has unveiled a clip of a new song and will be performing their first show ever at the Dragonfly in Los Angeles on April 27. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, April 15 at 10 a.m. PST.

What was once thought a distant idea is now reality. It began when members Tony Hajjar and Mike Zarin were writing music for film trailers and they realized they had created a sound that needed a life outside of that medium. It needed a band. Fast forward through some phone calls and drinks: Troy Van Leeuwen was in. The trio met and wrote an EP within the first several sessions, but were still in need of the right vocalist. Upon first listen, Troy Sanders understood the vision and flew to Los Angeles to write and record vocals on the spot.

In the interview with RollingStone.com, Tony Hajjar says: "GONE IS GONE is a project that can live even when we are working with our other entities as well. The goal is to be able to compose remotely, if needed, on film, trailers, or on anything else that comes up... It feels good to know that all this music will see the light of day soon."

Adds Sanders: "The vibe from Day One was, and has been, very therapeutic and refreshing for me. The chemistry was immediate." For more information, visit www.GoneIsGoneOfficial.com.

Professionally filmed video footage of SOULFLY performing the SEPULTURA classic "Roots Bloody Roots" on July 16, 2015 at the Resurrection Fest in Viveiro, Spain can be seen below.

SOULFLY will embark on a four-week U.S. headlining tour in April. Joining them on the trek will be brutal death metal legends SUFFOCATION, Metal Blade recording artists BATTLECROSS, as well as ABORMALITY and LODY KONG.

SOULFLY's tenth studio album, "Archangel", was released on August 14, 2015 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The CD was produced and mixed by Matt Hyde (SLAYER, BEHEMOTH, CHILDREN OF BODOM), and features cover artwork by artist Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, HATEBREED, ICED EARTH, SODOM).

SOULFLY has tapped Mike Leon (HAVOK) to play bass on the band's current tour. Leon said: "I've been a fan of Max [Cavalera, SOULFLY mainman] and his music since I was a little kid, and to be playing with him and the guys now is truly unbelievable!"

Handling bass duties for SOULFLY during some of the group's shows last year was Max Cavalera's son Igor, who also sings for the Phoenix, Arizona band LODY KONG.

Former STATIC-X bassist Tony Campos left SOULFLY in May 2015 and is now touring with FEAR FACTORY.

Speaking to United Rock Nations about "Archangel", Max said: "I have not been excited for a SOULFLY record like 'Archangel' for ten years. It sounds really exciting, and I am excited. I worked with a great producer, Matt Hyde, and he understood what I wanted to do: this, kind of, exotic, mystic, biblical kind of record. And he helped me get through, and we did a lot of cool stuff together with the vocals; there's a lot of chanting and things I've never done before with my voice. It still sounds like Max, but there's a different feeling to it. And there's some trademarks on it. Like the first song's called 'We Sold Our Souls To Metal', it's a pure metal anthem. It's a great song — a declaration of proudness of being metal, and live metal, live the metal life. So it's, for me, my most honest way to tell the fans that I'm proud to be metal and I sold my soul to metal, so you should [sell] your soul to metal as well. It's a cool song… I don't know… I like the album artwork. Eliran did it. And I really like the colors. [There's] a bit [of the] Middle East [influence] in the guitar. There's some riffs that are very Middle Eastern riffs and kind of Babylonian riffs. So it's pretty cool. That's from me listening to MELECHESH and BEHEMOTH and stuff like that."

Quality video footage of multinational metallers Powerwolf performing at Toulouse France on April 6th can be seen below.

Powerwolf's sixth album, Blessed & Possessed, was released on July 17th via Napalm. The CD was mixed at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with Fredrik Nordström and Henrik Udd and was mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street. The album's cover artwork was once again created by Powerwolf guitarist Matthew Greywolf.

The limited-edition version of Blessed & Possessed contains a separate mediabook bonus album titled Metallium Nostrum featuring ten cover songs, including the Gary Moore classic "Out In The Fields".

Said Powerwolf drummer Roel Van Helden: "Like most of us, I began listening to metal when I was 11 years old. Later I discovered Thin Lizzy, who, just like Iron Maiden, had a big influence on me. I still love to spin Gary Moore's records while having a good glass of wine. Also his blues phases were genius!"

“We really went out on some crazy limbs this time,” says The Compulsions frontman Rob Carlyle, speaking exclusively to BraveWords scribe Aaron Small about his band’s forthcoming trio of cover tunes.

On April 19th The Compulsions - headed by Carlyle on vocals, alongside bassist Ken Rich and current Guns N’ Roses drummer Frank Ferrer, as well as former GN’R guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal - will issue their version of “Revolution” by The Beatles, exclusively on iTunes (a teaser video is available below).

A common misconception is that “Revolution” was chosen to tie-in with the current political landscape in The United States. “I knew people would read into that, but that had nothing to do with it. You want to know why I really picked that song,” asks Carlyle. “I had a little writer's block and I thought re-recording ‘Revolution’, and some of these other songs, would somehow cure me. I think it worked because then I immediately wrote a bunch of new songs, which we're working on now for next year. When I was about eight or nine years old, The Beatles were my favorite band and the White Album version of ‘Revolution’ was one of my favorites by them. I always loved the vibe of that song.”

Next week’s iTunes only release of The Compulsions’ cover of “Revolution” will be followed by their unique take on the KISS classic “Shock Me” – due in August. “That track has been in the works since 2005/2006… I couldn’t fit it on a record; I didn’t know where to put it? Then I had the idea to put out some covers this year. But the reason I chose ‘Shock Me’ was I thought we could do it in a cool way. Everybody involved blew my expectations apart; especially Bumblefoot! It sounds like he’s got 20 fucking fingers, it’s insane. He did a tremendous job on that solo – and all the guitar work. When you do songs that people really know and love, you’ve got to represent, you can’t puss out.”

Rounding out the threesome of cover songs in December will be “Fascination Street”, originally done by The Cure. “We didn’t do it anything like them,” testifies Carlyle. “One of the reasons I wanted to do that song is; the lyrics are fucking filthy! If you actually listen to what he’s saying… it’s PG (parental guidance suggested) so you can get it on the air, but what he’s intonating is pretty dirty, in a cool way. When you’re doing this stuff you’re in kind of a vacuum. You have no idea what anybody’s going to think. You’re just doing what feels right and hoping that people will dig it.”  

Surprisingly, The Compulsions remain an unsigned, independent band. When questioned about the possibility of joining a record label, Carlyle replied, “I would love to, but nobody’s asking, to be quite honest with you. What labels are there? I don’t even know. I just saw something that Nuclear Blast put out – dude, it’s fucking horrific. I don’t know what they’re thinking? It’s an utter piece of shit, and they put it out. It’s a joke. I saw it on a website and in the comments section, people are laughing at it. Why did Nuclear Blast sign that band? Why are they not calling me up? First of all, I barely know anything about Nuclear Blast, but they’re a record label that seems to be active right now. The song is an embarrassment to everybody involved.”

Vitriol aside, the Guns N’ Roses connection associated with The Compulsions is a drawing card for a lot of people. Present day GN’R rhythm guitarist Richard Fortus left The Compulsions in 2015, only to be replaced by Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal – who used to play with Axl Rose. “I know Frank (Ferrer, drummer) and Richard from before they were in GN’R. In the ‘90s in the bars and clubs down here (New York City), they were probably the most red hot and well respected drummer and guitar player. To see them live – in whatever bands they were in – it sounded like Madison Square Garden wherever they showed up. It’s not cause I have some sort of GN’R fetish, although I think the band is amazing; especially the Appetite-era stuff. When it came time to look for another guitar player, I was looking for the best motherfucker in town. It’s all about the music. As far as being intertwined in the Guns N’ Roses world man, it makes people press play, it makes people read the article… but it’s definitely got its drawbacks too because the guys are super duper busy. The Compulsions would be a lot more active if I had my way. I want to work with the best guys for the music that’s in my head, and these just happen to be the guys.”

Adding to the GN’R cloak that envelopes The Compulsions is the fact that they’re going to cover “Dust N’ Bones” by Guns N’ Roses. “That was an online contest we did, but honestly ‘Dust N’ Bones’ is such a great song and when I heard that somebody recommended it, I know I could kill that. I don’t even know how we would pull it off cause they crushed it. I love how they did it on that album (Use Your Illusion I). But I’ve been told I have an Izzy (Stradlin) sort of vibe with my voice and how I approach things.”

The Compulsions released their debut album, Beat The Devil, in 2011. Sophomore effort, Dirty Fun, came out in 2015. It currently looks like the as yet untitled third album will see the light of day in 2017. “I’m saying that we’re going to put out an album but maybe I’ll divide it in half, or divide it into EPs. I’ve heard people say that now it’s better to have a constant stream of new material, rather than banging people over the head with a huge album. Attention spans are really short these days. Even if it’s a great album, you only have about three or four months – and that’s pushing it – to talk about it before people are moving onto the next thing. I’m just trying to figure out a way to constantly keep the name out there that’s interesting to people. Aside from being an artist, you’ve got to strategize in this incredibly weird, complicated wasteland we’re in right now.”

Looking ahead to the next batch of The Compulsions music, Carlyle reveals that he’s “a big fan of ten songs on an album; that’s enough. This time around I think it’s going to be seven originals and three covers. I know three covers is a lot, but Diver Down (by Van Halen) is five covers and five originals, so you can put that many covers on an album and still make it cool. But I’m not giving away what those three covers are just yet. They won’t be these three (‘Revolution’, ‘Shock Me’ ‘Fascination Street’), they are stand alone. But I think it’s a cool evolution of where we’ve been.”

Quite graciously, Carlyle has shared a rough instrumental mix of “Addicted” from the forthcoming third Compulsions album on the band’s official Facebook page. Both Frank Ferrer and Bumblefoot play on that demo. “I love that new track! Not to give too much away, but if you really pay attention, the way it starts out, I’m thinking maybe that should be backwards. I’m thinking of rolling the tape backwards, like a Hendrix-type thing, then slamming right into the verse. The vocals are done. Maybe we might add a little percussion thing? But I don’t think there’s going to be that much done to it.” The question beckons, what is Carlyle addicted to? “When you hear the song, you can read into it any which way you want.  Is he singing about drugs, pussy or rock ‘n roll? I mean, what else is there dude?”