Interviewed in New York City at the Rock And Roll Hall Of fame induction ceremony, Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale hinted to Rolling Stone.com that he'll be packing it in after commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1987 album (aka the eponymous Whitesnake in North America). Following is an excerpt from the interview:

Rolling Stone: How does it feel? What was the whole sensation like?

David Coverdale: "It was a lot of fun. It's so interesting. A lot of people are asking, "Do you think it's about time?" It really has nothing to do with, about time. Glenn and I are busy. He's got his solo career, I have Whitesnake, an amazing family, an amazing life. The journey almost became with the induction of me into Deep Purple. And that adventure continues today." 

Rolling Stone: But it's been a long journey.

David Coverdale: "I've got the 30th anniversary of my real big album next year. I was trying to retire. I released a thing called The Purple Album, which I thought, after losing Jon Lord in 2012, I'd received a message from his representative to say, 'He's determined to kick this. Would you be there for some kind of Purple reunion thing?' I said, 'Tell him I'm there for him.' And sadly he didn't recover.

But I reached out to Blackmore after 30 years of hostility to bury the hatchet and with no other agenda other than to share the sadness and sorrow. And we started communicating into 2013 when he asked me to speak to his manager about working together and doing either Blackmore/Coverdale or some kind of Purple thing. And really, I love what I do!

Knowing me, I started working on revamping or contemporizing Burn songs. I thought, 'He's not going to want to do Come Taste the Band with Tommy,' God rest his soul. But, sorry, I thought, with his wife, he has Blackmore's Night, and I thought, I'll rearrange the song 'Sail Away' for us to do as this renaissance duet kind of thing. But I couldn't agree with the ideas that they had. So I thought, well, this will be my farewell album. Glad I came in! But it did so fucking well, it's like now, I'm looking at retiring next year on the 30th anniversary of the 1987 album." 
 
Go to this location for the complete interview.

On April 8th, rock legends Deep Purple were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame by Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, who has never made a secret of his love for the band and has been pushing for Deep Purple's induction for years. Check out his speech below.

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons has responded to Ice Cube's declaration during N.W.A.'s Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction Friday that the rap act belongs in the institution.

'The question is, 'Are we rock 'n' roll?'" Cube asked the crowd as the seminal gangster rap group made their acceptance speeches. "And I say — you goddamn right we rock 'n' roll.

"Rock 'n' roll is not an instrument. It's not even a style of music. It's a spirit that's been going on since the blues, jazz, bebop, soul, rock 'n' roll, R&B, heavy metal, punk rock, and yes, hip-hop.

"Rock 'n' roll is not conforming to the people who came before you, but creating your own path in music and life. That is rock 'n' roll and that is us."

But on Saturday, Simmons tweeted his disapproval, asking the rapper to let him know when Jimi Hendrix will be inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall Of Fame.

Simmons tweeted a link to the BLABBERMOUTH.NET story on Cube's Rock Hall comments and wrote: "Respectfully-- let me know when @JimiHendrix gets into the hip hop hall of fame. Then youll have a point. @icecube"

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, 10 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."

Cube's N.W.A. bandmate MC Ren responded to Simmons during his Rock Hall acceptance speech. He said: "Mr. Gene Simmons, hip-hop is here forever! Get used to it!"

Respectfully-- let me know when @JimiHendrix gets into the hip hop hall of fame. Then youll have a point. @icecube https://t.co/BRuU8t5vYe

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) April 9, 2016

Y&T bassist Brad Lang says that he is taking time out from touring with the group to deal with his drinking problem.

Lang's Y&T bandmate, guitarist/vocalist Dave Meniketti, posted a message on Friday saying that Brad was "on indefinite hiatus [from the act] as he resolves some personal issues."

Now the bassist has released a statement of his own, thanking fans for their support and explaining that he is stepping away from the band to properly address his alcohol dependency.

Said Lang: "Ever since the announcement of my hiatus from Y&T, I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and prayers from my family of friends.

"First of all, everything between the Y&T camp and myself is good. There is, and always will be, love between myself and the band/management.

"Dave Meniketti always joked that I was either on zero, or turned up to '11' in everything I do, and nothing in between.

"I thought that I was a social drinker. I am not.

"Meet-and-greets should not last until dawn...

"It was time for a course correction.

"It's time to take it from '11' to zero, and nothing in between. And nothing happens overnight.

"I am truly touched by the flood of personal messages, and posts of well wishes.

"I am grateful for your friendship, and good will.

"Much love to all."

Brad's temporary replacement in Y&T is Aaron Leigh, who has previously played with the FRANK HANNON BAND and has toured with TESLA as that group's guitar tech.

Brad Lang joined Y&T in 2011 as the replacement for Phil Kennemore, who passed away from cancer.

Y&T, rounded out by guitarist John Nymann and drummer Mike Vanderhule, is currently putting the finishing touches on an as-yet-untitled documentary.

Y&T's live album, "Live At The Mystic", was released in November 2012 via Frontiers Records.

The band's first studio album in 13 years, "Facemelter", came out in Europe on May 21, 2010 via Frontiers.

Former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach joined GUNS N' ROSES on stage Saturday night (April 9) at the second of two shows at Las Vegas's new T-Mobile Arena to perform the GN'R classic "My Michelle". Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

As was the case Friday night, GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose played the concert with a broken bone in his foot, an injury he reportedly sustained last week when he slipped onstage while singing "Mr. Brownstone" at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California. Rose has since undergone an operation to insert a plate and screws in his foot after fracturing his fifth metatarsal.

Rose wore cast at the two Vegas shows, and had a special stage setup that allowed him to perform. In fact, Axl told the audience that Dave Grohl loaned him the very same rock 'n' roll throne the FOO FIGHTERS frontman used after suffering a broken leg on tour last year.

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

GUNS N' ROSES' setlist for April 9 concert at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada:

01. It's So Easy02. Mr. Brownstone03. Chinese Democracy04. Welcome To The Jungle05. Double Talkin' Jive06. Estranged07. Live And Let Die (Paul McCartney & WINGS cover)08. Rocket Queen09. You Could Be Mine10. You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory intro / Attitude11. This I Love12. Coma13. Theme From "The Godfather"14. Sweet Child O' Mine15. Better16. Civil War17. My Michelle (with Sebastian Bach)18. Wish You Were Here (instrumental)19. November Rain20. Knockin' On Heaven's Door21. Nightrain

Encore:

22. Don't Cry23. The Seeker24. Paradise City

Rose will apparently have to limit the amount of weight he puts on the front part of his foot for about four weeks.

The band will play two gigs in Mexico City and two Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival dates, before launching a stadium trek this summer.

GUNS N' ROSES is getting a reported $8 million for its two appearances at Coachella.

"Forever", the new video from the Dutch female-fronted band NEMESEA — famous for combining rock with electronica to stir up a dark and strangely addictive brew — can be seen below. The song is taken from the band group's fourth album, "Uprise", which will be released on April 29 via Napalm Records.

According to a press release, "Uprise" "offers intense and soulful alternative rock complete with a subtle breath of goth and loudly demands the attention the band undoubtedly deserves. 'Uprise' is a gem that reveals its many-splendored colors more and more each time you press play!

"The guitars and Manda Ophuis's outstanding vocals continue to be the driving force behind NEMESEA. "The alternative rock trio has several surefire hits up its sleeve, and it's impossible to not be enthralled by the all-encompassing balance between driving rock and soothing ballads."

"Uprise" track listing: 01. Hear Me02. Twilight03. Forever04. Let It Burn05. Time To Make It06. Can't Believe It07. Light Up The Sky08. Get Out09. Bones10. Hold On11. The Way I Feel (bonus track)12. Broken (bonus track)13. If You Could (bonus track)14. No More (bonus track)

The official lyric video for the song "Twilight" can be seen below.

THE GENTLE STORM, the collaboration between AYREON mastermind Arjen Lucassen and former THE GATHERING singer Anneke Van Giersbergen, released its debut album, "The Diary", last year to much critical acclaim. Since then, Anneke and her specially selected band — which does not include Lucassen — have been busy touring the album and this year they will play some select shows, including South America in April and a final show in Amsterdam. To celebrate, the band has launched a live video of the track "Brightest Light", filmed in Zoetermeer. Check it out below.

Lucassen and Van Giersbergen originally crossed paths in 1998 for AYREON's breakthrough third album, "Into The Electric Castle". Ten years later they teamed up again for AYREON's seventh album, "01011001", both having established themselves as world-renowned heavy metal/rock artists in the decade between releases. Although their respective musical styles went in vastly different directions during that time, Arjen and Anneke retained a common ground that ultimately led to the creation of THE GENTLE STORM.

THE GENTLE STORM's double album is an epic production of AYREON proportions, divided into two parts as a full-on metal assault (CD1) and lighter folk arrangements (CD2). It also heralds Anneke's return to the realms of heavy guitars and soaring vocals reminiscent of THE GATHERING's breakthrough album "Mandylion".

Regarding the formation of THE GENTLE STORM, Anneke told Metal Talk: "From the start in my own solo career, I was ready to do something more heavy and I did that with Arjen and THE GENTLE STORM. I was also ready to do something more heavy live after a period of doing a lot of different things; I felt a need to do something more heavy. You know, heavy is a simple word for it, but I hope you know what I mean.

“From the beginning, I knew that Arjen wasn't going to tour with me with the full electric band, so I immediately thought I want to make an Anneke show with the emphasis on THE GENTLE STORM songs but to also do some GATHERING songs, some Devin Townsend songs, some of my own songs. So from the beginning it was going to be a heavy Anneke show, but it's called Anneke presents THE GENTLE STORM, of course. Again I'm having a band name, which is a bit confusing sometimes to people, but I do treat it as a solo effort."

Asked about the possibility of a second THE GENTLE STORM album, Anneke said: "We have some ideas for a new album, but we also knew that I want to make a new solo album first and [Arjen is] writing for a new album of his own. I don't know if it's going to be an AYREON album or a solo album or whatever. So there will be one or two other albums in between, but I suppose we gave this a band name so it's a thing we can continue. We have some ideas for a follow-up either with the same people from the story or what happened next or whatever, so we can do lots of things in the future with THE GENTLE STORM."

Vocalist Joakim Brodén of Swedish metallers SABATON was asked by The Great Southern Brainfart for his thoughts on the 2016 U.S. presidential race. He said: "At this time, it looks a bit like a circus. Everybody is shouting everywhere. It seems like the most media attention is always given to the ones with the most extreme opinions. This is not new in history. What fascinates me more is that people think this is something new. If there's one thing we can learn from history, it's that people can't learn from history. [Laughs] We should [be able to learn from it], but it's also a matter of survival."

He continued: "I don't care for politics that much, because I feel that politicians are driven by the ambition to be in office. They are not driven by the ambition to make the country better or to make their own dream come true. They will change their opinions based on what the polls say. No matter which political party, left or right, up or down, I would actually respect somebody who just came in and fought for what they believed in and didn't have to answer to twenty different lobby groups. Somebody who has been driving their own politics for their whole career because they believe in it. Not because this is what the public opinion is right now."

SABATON is preparing to enter the studio to record the follow-up to 2014's "Heroes" album for a late 2016 release.

The band recorded its concerts at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany and at their hometown festival Sabaton Open Air in Falun for a live DVD/CD package called "Heroes On Tour". Released in March via Nuclear Blast, the set contains two DVDs and a CD. The second DVD features two switchable viewing angles: live and studio.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN frontman Serj Tankian, who has often taken the role as a political activist in addition to his many musical endeavors, has weighed in on the 2016 presidential election. He told Billboard.com: "When you have TV personalities running for office, then it becomes a bit surreal, doesn't it? I think Bernie [Sanders] is the most human out of them. [It] seems like his personal and voting record as a senator have been well aligned. So that is a good thing. But the rest of them are not very inspiring, as an American, in terms of politics or as a musician, in terms of creating. There's a lot of stupidity, a lot of playing to the lowest common denominator that we've seen. You would think that with the advent of communication via the Internet, social media, that our populace would be getting smarter and that our leaders would be getting smarter and that our communique and our foreign policy and the way that we deal with the world is getting smarter. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case and that makes the lineup of the presidential elections extra disappointing."

He continued: "It's scary because these elections are not just watched by us in the U.S., but by the world. When I was in New Zealand, people would always come and ask me. For them our elections are like a visit to the zoo; they're so curious. 'Why are they being this way? That's so interesting.' And not offensive at all; very curious. But people are, like, 'Wow, your politics are really very dramatic and very interesting."

On April 22, Tankian will release his first full film score, the soundtrack to the film "1915", a project released last year to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN last released new music in 2005 with the "Mezmerize" and "Hypnotize" albums, but started to tour again in 2011.

HELLYEAH will release its fifth album, "Unden!able", on June 3 via Eleven Seven Music.

The band gave fans the first taste of "Unden!able" six weeks ago with lead single "Human", which is #20 this week on the Mediabase Active Rock radio chart, the #1 spin gainer, and the #2 most added Active Rock song. The official lyric video for "Human" was welcomed by fans who are embracing the band's return to form with almost a quarter of a million views on YouTube after just over a month.

"Unden!able" marks the first time HELLYEAH's current lineup — vocalist Chad Gray, guitarists Tom Maxwell and Christian Brady, drummer Vinnie Paul and bassist Kyle Sanders — has recorded together as a unit, promising a very special return to their true metal roots.

HELLYEAH's official video for "Human", which is due out very soon, was filmed in Los Angeles under the direction of Robert Sexton, who also helmed clips for "Hush" and "Moth", both Top 10 singles from 2014's critically acclaimed "Blood For Blood" album.

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

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

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

"Unden!able" will be available just in time for HELLYEAH's upcoming "Hell Pop Tour" with IN THIS MOMENT, which starts on June 18 in Des Moines, Iowa. This run will follow HELLYEAH's "We're All In This Together" headlining tour which also features ESCAPE THE FATE, NEW YEARS DAY and FROM ASHES TO NEW, kicking off May 2 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Fans who purchase tickets from participating venues for the "We're All In This Together" tour receive a free tour eight-track sampler — comprised of two songs from each band, including "Human".

"Unden!able" track listing:

01. !02. X03. Scratch A Lie04. Be Unden!able05. Human06. Leap of Faith07. Blood Plague08. I Don't Care Anymore09. Live Or Die10. Love Falls11. 10-3412. STARTARIOT13. Grave

Annihilator frontman / founder Jeff Waters has checked in with the following announcement:

"Okay. Win a guitar. When you submit either #1 or #2 below, I will randomly choose a winner on June 15th, 2016, to get one of my Epiphone Annihilation II V's!

Annihilator friends: we need you in our upcoming mega-DVD package (one or both of the below would really be awesome of you all!)

- #1 send us a (maximum 2 minute) video of why you like Annihilator. Send a downloadable link to your video (please do not send the video) and full name and city/country of residence.

- #2 what questions would you like Jeff and/or the guys to answer? Ask the obvious, rare or tough ones! Email your question(s), full name and city/country of residence to jeffwatersound@gmail.com

By sending us the videos/questions, you agree that we can use your name, city of residence (and for the video, your image, likeness and audio) on our internet sites and on the upcoming DVD release by UDR Records.

Thank so ,uch. You are gonna loce this package we are painstakingly working on. More info soon."

Annihilator recently announced their first show on Canadian soil west of Ottawa in 23 years in Waterloo, Ontario. It will take place on June 10th at Maxwell's. Co-headlining are Canuck thrash metal legends Razor, who haven't appeared in Waterloo in 26 years. Support acts are Juno Award nominees Skullfist, local favorites Monarch Woods, and Montreal's Warsenal. Go to this location for event details and updates.

Annihilator frontman Jeff Waters: "This one will rock, and more coming! And yes: working on USA dates, too!"

Photo courtesy of the official Annihilator Facebook page.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, original Ratt bassist Juan Croucier is using his ex-band’s trademark without permission, according to a federal lawsuit filed by a corporation owned by two of the '80s metal band’s founding members.

The application claims two of the original band members, Robert Blotzer and Warren DeMartini, are the only remaining shareholders in WBS (the corporation which owns the Ratt trademark). WBS claims Croucier formed his own band in 2015 called Juan Croucier’s Ratt’s and is intentionally infringing on their trademark in an effort to capitalize off of their band’s recognition.

According to the TRO application, Croucier has been using the RATT mark on advertisements, websites, merchandise and marquees and has been “referring to himself as The Other Voice of RATT, even though he was never the lead singer.

U.S. District Court judge Dean R. Pregerson isn't convinced either party owns the trademarks.

Read more at the The Hollywood Reporter.

Ratt are still on the road with the following line-up: drummer Bobby Blotzer, singer Josh Alan, bassist Robbie Crane and guitarists Doc Ellis and Blaze. For their current itinerary details visit Facebook.

 

Even though POISON hasn't done any major touring since taking part in the 2012 "Rock Of Ages" trek with LITA FORD and DEF LEPPARD, frontman Bret Michaels says that a reunion is possible.

"When the time is right, we will get back out there, without a doubt," Bret tells Sun Herald.

POISON appeared at the 2013 Indy 500 Miller Lite Carb Day, but has otherwise been mostly playing private shows, including one in January 2015.

Michaels is continuing to focus on his solo career and last year released the video for "Girls On Bars", his rock-and-country-crossover track which was written with Grammy Award-winning songwriter Luke Laird.

POISON drummer Rikki Rockett has been critical of Michaels's decision to spend so much time nurturing his solo career. He said in a December 2015 interview: "I don't know that Bret wants to do another record with us. I think he'll do shows, I think he'll do maybe a tour."

He added: "POISON is my baby, you know what I mean? Thirty years. I don't wanna kill it off. But at the same time, it will get killed off if we don't do anything. It'll just automatically start to suffocate itself. And so, it's time to do something. This year is definitely decision time."

Rockett last year completed nine rounds of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation after being diagnosed with oral cancer in the summer.

GUNS N' ROSES has just completed the first of two shows at Las Vegas's new T-Mobile Arena. The band's lead singer, Axl Rose, played the concert with a broken bone in his foot, an injury he reportedly sustained last week when he slipped onstage while singing "Mr. Brownstone" at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California. Rose has since undergone an operation to insert a plate and screws in his foot after fracturing his fifth metatarsal.

Rose wore cast at the Vegas show, and had a special stage setup — similar to the custom throne Dave Grohl used last year after breaking a leg — that allows him to perform. In fact, Axl told the audience that Grohl gave him the use of his throne while he is unable to walk. Rose said before GN'R launched into "Rocket Queen": "I wanna thank Dave Grohl for this; it was very nice of him. I've got nothing to do with this."

As with the Troubadour gig, only Rose, guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan from GN'R's "Appetite For Destruction"-era lineup took part in the Las Vegas show. They were joined by keyboardist Dizzy Reed, guitarist Richard Fortus and drummer Frank Ferrer. Also appearing with them was second keyboardist Melissa Reese.

Setlist:

01. It's So Easy02. Mr. Brownstone03. Chinese Democracy04. Welcome To The Jungle05. Double Talkin' Jive06. Estranged07. Live And Let Die (Paul McCartney & WINGS cover)08. Rocket Queen09. You Could Be Mine10. New Rose (THE DAMNED cover)11. This I Love12. Coma13. The Godfather Theme (Slash)14. Sweet Child O' Mine15. Better16. Civil War17. Wish You Were Here (Richard Fortus and Slash)18. Layla (outro)19. November Rain20. Knockin' On Heaven's Door (BOB DYLAN cover)21. Nightrain

Encore:

22. Patience23. Paradise City

The GN'R frontman will apparently have to limit the amount of weight he puts on the front part of his foot for about four weeks.

The band will play two gigs in Mexico City in addition to the Vegas and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival dates, before launching a stadium trek this summer.

GUNS N' ROSES is getting a reported $8 million for its two appearances at Coachella.

Fan-filmed video footage of ALICE IN CHAINS' April 8 performance at Las Vegas's new T-Mobile Arena as the support act for GUNS N' ROSES can be seen below.

ALICE IN CHAINS last year completed a 19-date summer tour that launched on July 17 at the Pala Casino Spa & Resort near San Diego, wrapping up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on August 16.

The band donated two dollars from every pre-sold ticket to a fundraiser in memory of a fan named Stefan Dayne-Ankle, who passed away after a battle with leukemia.

The dates marked the first tour for the band since they hit the road back in 2013 and 2014 in support of their latest album, "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here".

"The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here", sold 62,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The disc followed up 2009's "Black Gives Way To Blue", which was the group's first all-new collection of material in 14 years. That CD opened with 126,000 units back in October 2009 to debut at No. 5.

ALICE IN CHAINS was previously in the Top Two with its self-titled 1995 set, which debuted at No. 1 on that year's November 25 chart, according to Billboard.com. It would be their final studio release with singer Layne Staley, who died in 2002.

"The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" was ALICE IN CHAINS' second album with William DuVall on vocals.

Horror-punk icon Glenn Danzig joined Rob Zombie on stage last night (Friday, April 8) at the Roxy in West Hollywood, California to perform the classic song "Vampira" from Glenn's first band MISFITS. Video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

Danzig told Las Vegas Weekly about Zombie: "We're old friends. I took WHITE ZOMBIE out on the 'Danzig III' tour, and WHITE ZOMBIE did some dates with DANZIG in New York, too. The people that put out MISFITS records — Caroline [Records] — also had Zombie on their label, and they said, 'Can you put this band on the bill?' That was my first exposure to WHITE ZOMBIE."

Glenn released his long-awaited covers record, "Skeletons", in November in North America via Nuclear Blast Entertainment/Evilive Music. A labor of love that dates back to 1979, "Skeletons" sees Danzig pulling back the curtain behind his influences with a collection of ten covers spanning artists as diverse as Elvis Presley, ZZ TOP, and AEROSMITH to BLACK SABBATH, THE TROGGS, THE EVERLY BROTHERS, and more.

Rob Zombie's new disc, "The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser", arrives on April 29. The first single is "Well, Everybody's Fucking In A UFO".

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich finally got a chance earlier tonight (Friday, April 8) to induct classic heavy rockers DEEP PURPLE into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. PURPLE has been on the ballot three times and Ulrich has been championing their inclusion for years,

Ulrich gave a passionate speech in which he praised the British hard rock legends for achieving fame "the old-fashioned way: They worked hard; constant touring, making an album a year, sometimes two — never giving a shit about image or critical acclaim. And in the golden age of rock and roll debauchery, they were known primarily for their music and in the sex-and-drug sense, they were reportedly gentleman through and through. In fact, if you must dig, the main dirt on DEEP PURPLE was the revolving door on personnel. Ten different band members in the first seven years, Fourteen in total."

The drummer went on to single out DEEP PURPLE's musicianship as one of the main reasons for the band's success. He said: "These guys could play. They could improvise. They were in constant and curious cutthroat competition with each other to take the music some place new, some place unknown and never ever the same place twice."

Ulrich also credited DEEP PURPLE for being an early influence on METALLICA while chiding the Rock Hall for taking so long to induct the group. He explained: "With almost no exceptions, every hard rock band in the last 40 years, including mine, traces its lineage directly back to BLACK SABBATH, LED ZEPPELIN and DEEP PURPLE. And as far as I'm concerned, these three bands should always be considered equals for their songwriting, their recordings and their accomplishments. Where I grew up, and in the rest of the world outside of North America, all were equal in status, stature and influence. So in my heart — and I know I speak for many of my fellow musicians and millions of PURPLE fans when I confess that — I am somewhat bewildered that they are so late in getting in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame."

Lars ended his speech by admitting he owns a picture DEEP PURPLE with his own face Photoshopped on top of Ian Paice and saying: "That's how much DEEP PURPLE still means to me, to the fans here tonight and to the millions of followers. That's right. That's right. To the fans here tonight and to the millions of followers around the world, who look upon DEEP PURPLE as epic, unpredictable, energetic, cool, intense, brilliant, impulsive, spontaneous, mesmerizing, jaw-dropping, otherworldly, relentless, pioneering and ultimately timeless. Ritchie Blackmore, David Coverdale, Rod Evans, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Glenn Hughes, Jon Lord, Ian Paice, they should have been here a long time ago. They are now here where they belong. I always wanted to say this, please welcome to the stage and to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, give it up for DEEP PURPLE."

DEEP PURPLE's acceptance speeches included turns from Gillan, Glover, Paice, Coverdale and Hughes before the current lineup of DEEP PURPLE — Gillan, Glover, Paice, guitarist Steve Morse and keyboardist Don Airey — took the stage and played a short set consisting of "Highway Star", "Green Onions" (with an image of late DEEP PURPLE keyboardist Jon Lord behind them), "Hush" and "Smoke On The Water".

Photos of the induction ceremony can be found at Newsday.com.

Highlights from the event will be broadcast on HBO on April 30.

METALLICA themselves were inducted into the Hall Of Fame in 2009 and previously inducted BLACK SABBATH in 2006.

During N.W.A.'s induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame class of 2016, MC Ren addressed Gene Simmons' comments about how the KISS bassist/vocalist is "looking forward to the death of rap."

"I want to say to Mr. Gene Simmons that hip-hop is here forever," Ren said at the 31st annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony at Brooklyn, New York's Barclays Center. "We're supposed to be here."

According to Billboard.com, Ren's N.W.A. bandmate Ice Cube explained why N.W.A. and hip-hop in general belong in the Rock Hall alongside THE BEATLES, Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry.

'The question is, 'Are we rock 'n' roll?'" Cube asked the crowd. "And I say — you goddamn right we rock 'n' roll.

"Rock 'n' roll is not an instrument. It's not even a style of music. It's a spirit that's been going on since the blues, jazz, bebop, soul, rock 'n' roll, R&B, heavy metal, punk rock, and yes, hip-hop.

"Rock 'n' roll is not conforming to the people who came before you, but creating your own path in music and life. That is rock 'n' roll and that is us."

During a chat with Rolling Stone to commemorate the 40th anniversary of KISS's groundbreaking 1976 album, "Destroyer", Simmons predicted: "Rap will die. Next year, ten years from now, at some point, and then something else will come along. 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."

Simmons also spoke out about his frustration with rap and hip-hop artists being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. The singer/bassist argued that the likes of RUN-DMC have no place in the Rock Hall, believing that all they do is "sample and they talk, not even sing". He told Radio.com: "You go on with your bad self and get more disco artists... A long time ago it was diluted. It's really backroom 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-DMC 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!"

Simmons later responded to a Twitter user asking if the Rolling Stone quote was accurate. "Save this," he wrote. "Everything has it's [sic] day. Rock. Folk. Raga. Doo Wop. New Romance. Grunge. Alternative. Rap. Wait n see." He also tweeted: "Apparently pointing out that everything is cyclical — even music — is 'controversial.' People are very easily offended."

Danish/American rock 'n' rollers VOLBEAT will release their sixth full-length album, "Seal The Deal & Let's Boogie", on June 3 via Republic Records. The CD's first single, "The Devil's Bleeding Crown", has just been made available at radio and can be streamed below in the form of the official lyric video.

Fans who pre-order the album will receive an instant download of the first single.

"The Devil's Bleeding Crown" pairs a galloping guitar riff with propulsive thrashed-out grooves. The band performed it only once in entirety last summer in Odense, Denmark and had fans waiting for more. The track quickly builds into an anthemic refrain meant to be chanted at festivals worldwide. It's classic VOLBEAT through and through.

Earlier this month the band teased album details to their dedicated fans by creating an online treasure hunt. Clues for the album title were left in streaming playlists, listed on their social media channels, and in the Rebels & Angels community forum. Once fans uncovered the words from the album title, they entered those words on the VOLBEAT web site to reveal the characters from the album cover art which also unlocked the album pre-order. They also unveiled a video teaser for the album.

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

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

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

In anticipation of the album, the band has created a special one-night-only “Evening With Volbeat” headline show at the Roxy in West Hollywood, California on April 13. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the band in an intimate setting. Next up, they make their Coachella debut (April 15 and April 22) and hit the road for a short West Coast jaunt with support from BLACK STONE CHERRY and MONSTER TRUCK. More tour plans will be announced soon.

In addition, VOLBEAT is happy to announce that longtime friend Kaspar Boye Larsen will be assisting as bass player for these upcoming U.S. shows. He actually stepped in before to help the band out on bass during their very first European tour in 2006. Recognizable to the fan family, he's supported VOLBEAT as an opening act in previous bands such as THE HITCHCOCKS and THE KANDIDATE.

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

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

VOLBEAT last year signed a North American management agreement with Q Prime, the New York-based music management firm founded and run by Cliff Burnstein and Peter Mensch.

Our stagebanners got stolen, we need some help from our Russian fans:

Some scumback stole both of our sidedrops/scrim-flags from the stage after the show in VORONEZH last night (2x2m with the Skull/Pentagram motive, see pictures).

Pretty sure the asshole will brag to his friends about it - report this bloody thief to us and we will give you a lifelong free entrance plus meet and greet with the band, at any DESTRUCTION show worldwide, if we get the banners back!!!

Please report here: heiko@nbtouring.com

This scum need to be caught - UNITED WE STAND!!! Please share if you have friends in Russia! CHEERS!

On March 31st, the Rock Meets Classic History Of Rock Tour 2016 played the Big Box in Kempten, Germany. The tour features Andy Scott and Pete Lincoln (The Sweet), Steve Walsh (Kansas), Scott Gorham and Ricky Warwick (Thin Lizzy), Dan McCafferty (Nazareth), Midge Ure (Ultravox), Joey Tempest (Europe) and special guest Doro together with The Mat Sinner Band and the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague. 

Fan-filmed video of Joey Tempest, who is headlining the tour, performing several Europe classics can be viewed below.

In addition, the clip below features The Mat Sinner Band pounding out the Whitesnake classic "Here I Go Again". Lead vocals are shared between Mat Sinner (Primal Fear, Sinner), Gabriela Gunčíková (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) and Sascha Krebs on April 5th at the Jahrhunderthalle in Frankfurt, Germany.

The Mat Sinner Band features Primal Fear members Mat Sinner, Alex Beyrodt (guitars) and Tom Naumann (guitars), and also featuring  Jimmy Kresic (ex-Voodoo Circle / keyboards), Veronika Lukešová (Kiske/Somerville / drums), Tiffany Kirkland (backing vocals), Kolinda Brozovic (backing vocals), Gabriela Gunčíková (Trans-Siberian Orchestra / backing vocals) and Sascha Krebs (backing vocals).

Remaining dates on the tour are as follows:

April
9 - Halle/Westfalen, Germany - Gerry Weber Stadion    
10 - Magdeburg, Germany - GETEC Arena   
12 - Bern, Switzerland - Bern Expo Halle 4    
13 - Zurich, Switzerland - Hallenstadion
14 - Ingolstadt, Germany - Saturn Arena   
15 - Neu-Ulm, Germany - Ratiopharm Arena  
16 - Regensburg, Germany - Donau-Arena    
17 - Nuremberg, Germany - Frankenhalle

Watch the official Rock Meets Classic Facebook page here for updates.

Photo by Heiko Roith / Rock & Royalty

Metal Allegiance have completed their Destination (Almost) East Coast tour. The 7-day trek kicked off March 31st in Providence, Rhode Island and was followed by stops in Poughkeepsie, New Haven, and Lancaster before the final show on April 7th at the Gramercy in New York NY. Drummer Mike Portnoy (The Winery Dogs) has checked in with the following update:

"Last night's Metal Allegiance and Next To None show in NYC was absolutely one of my favs! Especially sharing the kit at the end of the night with Max... that is a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life! Thank you to all my MA brothers, our ass-busting crew and the N2N boys for an unforgettable week! Here's a little taste of the fun..."

The setlist on the night was as follows:

"Electric Eye" (Judas Priest)
"The Ides Of March" (Iron Maiden)
"Wrathchild" (Iron Maiden)
"Can't Kill The Devil"
"Fast As A Shark" (Accept)
"Balls To The Wall" (Accept)
"Heaven And Hell" (Black Sabbath)
"Creeping Death" (Metallica)
"Territory" (Sepultura)
"Dying Song" 
"The Prisoner" (Iron Maiden)
"I Don't Know" (Ozzy Osbourne)
"Pledge Of Allegiance"
"Into The Void" (Black Sabbath)
"Iron Fist" (Motörhead)
"Runnin' With the Devil" (Van Halen)
"Eruption" (Van Halen)
"Whole Lotta Rosie" (AC/DC)

Encore:
"Seek & Destroy" (Metallica)

While waiting for August 5th and the release of Tarja's new album, The Shadow Self, the queen of heavy rock has yet another surprise for her fans: Tarja and earMusic proudly announce the release of the new album's prequel, entitled The Brightest Void. With over 50 minutes of new music, the extra album will sweeten the wait until August.
 
Tarja explains: "Surprise, surprise! I genuinely hope that The Brightest Void is a pleasant surprise to each and every one of you. During the long process of recording the songs for my new studio album The Shadow Self, I realised that there were so many tracks, too many too dear to me, for just one album. So this time I decided to keep nothing for myself and to share all my favourite new songs with you, the fans, who have shown such passionate and constant support."

She continued, "The Brightest Void gives more than a first taste of The Shadow Self; it is a full album filled with nine songs! I am sure that everyone will immediately discover how much The Brightest Void and The Shadow Self are entwined with each other. But at the same time, they are two independent records which stand on their own. I hope the release of the prequel sweetens the wait until August and that you will like the songs as much as I do. I will present songs from both albums already in summer festivals and in my headliner tour later this year."
 
"As always, keep your eyes open. There might be further surprises down the road."
 
The Brightest Void will be released in June via earMusic. The exact date (and a new music video) will be revealed soon!
 
The Brightest Void features not one but three incredible guest artists: fellow Finnish star Michael Monroe, icon of the glam rock scene and former front man of inspiring band Hanoi Rocks; Chad Smith (who doesn't need any further introduction); and a new mix of Within Temptation's collaboration "Paradise (What About Us)" carried out with Tarja and world renowned sound engineer and producer Tim Palmer.

The prequel presents Tarja's new single "No Bitter End" as the album opener and furthermore shakes you with an incredible cover of Sir Paul McCartney's overlooked gem "House of Wax" and adds a new twist to Dame Shirley Bassey's James Bond main theme hit "Goldfinger".

 
The tracklist for The Brightest Void is as follows:

"No Bitter End" 
"Your Heaven And Your Hell" (with Michael Monroe)
"Eagle Eye (with Chad Smith)
"An Empty Dream" 
"Witch Hunt"
"Shameless"
"House of Wax"
"Goldfinger"
"Paradise (What About Us)" (new mix of the Within Temptation and Tarja collaboration)

The Shadow Self is due for release on August 5th via earMusic. A snippet of the new track “No Bitter End” can be found below.

Says Tarja: “I am happy to share a snippet of my new song "No Bitter End". This is not even the first single from The Shadow Self, but consider it as a small offering before a big surprise I've prepared for you all.”

"I am very excited to finally be able to share the first details of my new heavy rock album with all of you," Tarja previously stated. "The Shadow Self is full of songs that are very dear to me. I cannot wait for you to hear the record that I believe is one of my heaviest albums to date. Keep your eyes open as there will be many surprises along the way to the album release on August 5th. I really mean it. Surprises will follow very soon."

With the release of her fourth rock album, the versatile singer is following up on the success of the multi-platinum and gold-awarded previous records: My Winter Storm (2007), What Lies Beneath (2010), and her most recent album, Colours In The Dark (2013), which charted all over the globe, including four Top 10 entries.

The Shadow Self is now available for pre-order in various formats, including CD Standard, Special Edition CD+DVD. Head to this location.

Tarja will perform songs from her upcoming album for the first time on festival dates this summer. All dates can be found on Tarja's official website.

In September 2015, over the course of four sold-out shows, Ayreon's legendary progressive rock concept album, The Human Equation, was brought to life as a full-blown musical production at the Nieuwe Luxor theater in Rotterdam.

This limited run of performances was witnessed by die-hard fans from across the world, but now Arjen Lucassen's story can be witnessed by all, as a recording of the final night of those special evenings is being released as both a DVD and Blu-Ray package on June 17th. The Theater Equation is subtitled in nine different languages and includes nearly one-and-a-half hours of bonus content.

Arjen comments: "Even today as I write this, I am amazed and touched by how hard everyone worked and how much love and care they generously gave to make it all happen. Sometimes the dream becomes reality!"

The stage show stars Dream Theater frontman James Labrie in his original roll as "Me" and features nearly the entire cast of vocalists from the original 2004 album. The main cast is supported by a specially put-together 19-strong Epic Rock Choir. This is a unique document of an undertaking that was surely once in a lifetime.

Cast:
James LaBrie as 'Me'
Devon Graves as 'Agony'
Heather Findlay as 'Love'
Eric Clayton as 'Reason'
Magnus Ekwall as 'Pride',
Marcela Bovio as 'Wife'
Irene Jansen as 'Passion'
Anneke van Giersbergen as 'Fear',
Jermain van der Bogt (Wudstik) as 'Best Friend'
Mike Mills as 'Rage/Father'
Nienke Verboom as 'Nurse'
Peter Moltmaker as 'Doctor'
Anita van der Hoeven as 'Mom'

Band:
Ed Warby: Drums
Jeroen Goossens: Flutes and woodwinds
Johan van Stratum: Bass
Maaike Peterse: Cello
Ben Mathot: Violin
Marcel Coenen: Guitars
Freek Gielen: Guitars
Erik van Ittersum: Keyboards/synths
Ruben Wijga: Keyboards/synths
Epic Rock Choir

The Theater Equation will be available as a special edition 2CD+DVD Digipak, standalone Blu-ray, and audio-only Digital Download.

The Human Equation story:

After a mysterious single-car accident, the victim - a man in his late 30s - lies comatose in the hospital. Before the accident he was a powerful businessman, wildly successful by any measure but also known for his cutthroat business tactics. Now he finds himself trapped in a prison that took him a lifetime to build: the prison of his own mind.

Guarding the prison are his emotions, which have taken on vivid personas inside his mind. Some are friends, some are foes, and they all have their own agendas. Some aim to trick him or dominate him, others to comfort or inspire him. But the one objective they all share is to force him to face up to the demons of his past and the deep truths about who he is and how he's lived his life, all of which he's conveniently ignored until now. Fear, Rage, Agony, Love, Passion, Reason and Pride take turns engaging the man in this emotional warfare.

Two people hold vigil at the man's bedside: his wife and his best friend. They are desperate to understand how the accident happened and to see even the tiniest sign that the man will regain consciousness. But the man's recovery is not their only concern: is it possible that he somehow found out their secret, and that the "accident" wasn't really an accident at all? Would he ever be able to forgive them?

Will the man have the strength to face the truth about himself and the ones he loves? The story unfolds over his twenty-day emotional struggle with Fear, Rage, Agony, Love, Passion, Reason and Pride, in which each day of coma is represented by a song.

Look out for more information in the weeks.

Seminal prog pioneers YES hit the road for an extensive UK and European tour at the end of this month, April 2016. The band will be performing 1971’s Fragile and 1980’s Drama in their entirety, the latter for the very first time, plus other seminal tracks including “Owner Of A Lonely Heart” and “Starship Trooper”.

Warners has recently released all of their catalogue YES albums Mastered For iTunes. These include The Yes Album, Fragile, Going For The One, Time And A Word, YES, 90125, Tales From Topographic Oceans, and Drama. You can buy them here. They will also re-release Drama on Vinyl LP on April 22nd. The Vinyl LP of Fragile will follow shortly after that.

“Most of the songs haven’t been performed in some 30 years”, said Steve Howe. “Fragile and Drama mark two essential chapters of our career and we’re looking forward to share the whole journeys with our fans throughout Europe.”

“Reliving those years will be very emotional”, adds drummer Alan White. “I know Chris would have loved to be here with us for this.”

YES recently lost bassist and co-founder Chris Squire, a tragedy that left the prog world in mourning. His replacement Billy Sherwood found a big pair of shoes to fill, as YES set out to honour his memory by keeping the band’s legacy alive. The band recently toured the US tour with fellow prog legends Toto to an enthusiastic reception.

YES was founded by Chris Squire and Jon Anderson in 1968. Characterized by a unique, prog symphonic style of rock music, lengthy compositions and the use of mystical and cosmic lyrics, the band found success in 1971 with two of the band’s most celebrated records, The YES Album and Fragile. The band went on to record 21 albums and win several prestigious awards including Grammys. Yes is recognized as one of the most influential icons in prog rock.

Still as relevant today as they were in the 70s, YES has maintained a loyal following while constantly attracting new crowds of music fans throughout 47 years of outstanding career. With Fragile and Drama representing two essential moments of the band’s history, it will be an opportunity for all to rediscover some undisputed gems of the genre.

Tour dates:

April
27 - Glasgow, Scotland - Royal Concert Hall
29 - Newcastle, England - City Hall
30 - Manchester, England - Apollo

May
2 - Liverpool, England - Philharmonic
3 - Sheffield, England - City Hall
4 - Bristol, England - Colston Hall
6 - Birmingham, England - Symphony Hall
7 - Brighton, England - Brighton Centre
9 - Oxford, England - New Theatre *
10 - London, England - Royal Albert Hall **
13 - Paris, France - Olympia
14 - Brussels, Belgium - Ancienne Belgique
15 - Utrecht, Netherlands - Tivolivredenburg
17 - Hamburg, Germany - Mehr Theater
19 - Frankfurt, Germany - Alte Oper
20 - Leipzig, Germany - Haus Avensee
21 - Berlin, Germany - Admiralspalast
23 - Bonn, Germany - Beethovenhalle
24 - Stuttgart, Germany - Hegelsaal
25 - Munich, Germany - Cirkus Krone
27 - Zurich, Switzerland - Volkshaus
28 - Milan, Italy - Teatro Nazionale
29 - Padova, Italy - Gran Teatro Geox
31 - Florence, Italy - Obihall

June
1 - Rome, Italy - Teatro Olimpico

UK Tickets are £39 for all venues except London. Oxford* £39 + £1.25 venue restoration levy.
London** £55 (boxes), £48.50, £45, £38

Tickets are available from 24hour Ticket Hotline: 0844 338 0000 and Online from BookingsDirect.com. Showtime is 7.30 PM. Tickets and VIP upgrades are also available here.

(Photo - Glenn Gottlieb)

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich has told Rolling Stone that the band's long-awaited follow-up to 2008's "Death Magnetic" is "well on its way." He added: "It may come out any century now, actually. There's a saying: where there's life, there's hope."

Asked if the new METALLICA album has been recorded, Ulrich said: "I'd say it's mostly done. There are all these other responsibilities that have to be taken care of. Life in METALLICA these days is not only about making a record; it's about these things and we played a show at AT&T Park and he does this, I do this. We have all these sort of different things that we turn to. But the record gets worked on where there's absolutely nothing else going on."

He continued: "In all seriousness, it's actually what we like. It works for us. It's not just record, tour, record, tour. We like to do. We're doing the Record Store Day next week and doing all that stuff. There's lots of stuff going on all the time, but the record is almost done."

METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett told Alternative Press in a recent interview that the band has "pretty much" hired Greg Fidelman as the producer for its tenth studio album. Hammett said: "We have not brought in any [other] producer and it looks extremely [unlikely] we'd bring one in this late into the project." Asked what Fidelman's exact role has been in the process, Hammett explained: "The title 'producer' itself is a bit ambiguous. It differs from person to person. If you go by the traditional term, we're doing it with Greg, pretty much."

Comparing Fidelman to producers that METALLICA has worked with in the past, Hammett said: "You can call Rick Rubin a producer, but he's not the [same] type of producer as Bob Rock, who is there for every note. At the same time, Rick Rubin gets stuff done. Greg Fidelman is a different type of producer in that he's with the engineer always looking to try and move the project forward."

Hammett added: "Greg is a real pleasure to work with. Even though he can be a bit of a taskmaster, he listens to you. He's super-flexible. He knows how to crack the whip without fucking pissing people off."

Fidelman was the engineer on "Death Magnetic", which some fans criticized for an overly loud and harsh sound mix.

But Ulrich admitted a while back that "Death Magnetic" held up for him sonically. "I think it sounds awesome and I'm happy with it," he said. "I can tell you that there have been METALLICA records that have not lasted as long for me as 'Death Magnetic' has, and so that's a pretty good sign."

Hammett also told Alternative Press that the "hardest part" of recording a new METALLICA album was coordinating the band members' schedules, saying, "Life has its demands. We're trying to make an album and go on tour, trying to be a band, but we all recognize that if someone has a family situation, that takes priority over everything."

METALLICA has not set a timetable for the release of its new album, although it's possible that the set could see the light of day before the end of 2016.

Former BLACK SABBATH frontman Tony Martin makes a guest appearance on "So Much More", the new single from VIOLET JANINE, the project led by Swedish singer Janine Nyman.

A video for the song has just been released and can be viewed below.

"So Much More" will be made available as a digital single on April 21. The song is one of nine tracks that will appear on VIOLET JANINE's debut album, "Between Red And Blue", due later in the year.

BLACK SABBATH released six albums with Tony Martin on vocals: "The Eternal Idol" (1987), "Headless Cross" (1989), "Tyr" (1990), "Cross Purposes" (1994), "Cross Purposes Live" (1995) and "Forbidden" (1995).

Martin's last solo album, "Scream", was released in November 2005 via MTM Music. The CD featured legendary drummer Cozy Powell (BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, WHITESNAKE) on the track "Raising Hell" as well as songwriting contributions by another SABBATH member, Geoff Nicholls.

DUNSMUIR, the project featuring CLUTCH singer Neil Fallon and former BLACK SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL drummer Vinny Appice, has released its first two-song single, "Our Only Master / The Bats (Are Hungry Tonight)" , on iTunes. Previously available only as a limited-edition seven-inch single, the two songs can be heard below via the band's official YouTube channel.

DUNSMUIR, whose lineup is completed by guitarist Dave Bone (THE COMPANY BAND) and bassist Brad Davis (FU MANCHU), has been in the works since at least 2013.

Davis described DUNSMUIR in a 2014 interview as "an old-school metal kind of thing."

DUNSMUIR is:

Neil Fallon (CLUTCH) - VocalsDave Bone (THE COMPANY BAND) - GuitarBrad Davis (FU MANCHU) - BassVinny Appice (BLACK SABBATH, DIO, HEAVEN & HELL) - Drums

Note: Fallon does not appear in the DUNSMUIR photo above

According to TMZ.com, MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil is the subject of a criminal investigation after allegedly attacking a woman in a Las Vegas hotel.

The incident reportedly took place at around 5:00 p.m. Thursday (April 7) at the Aria hotel where the woman approached actor Nicolas Cage and asked him an autograph. Vince then allegedly got behind the woman, grabbed her by the hair and pulled her to the ground.

TMZ.com has posted video footage of the end of an altercation between Neil and Cage. The 26-second clip apparently shows the 52-year-old actor trying to restrain Neil and calm him down after taking him outside the hotel to a waiting car. Cage can be seen screaming at the 55-year-old singer, imploring him to cool off. Nic can be heard yelling at Vince, telling him to "stop this shit now." But by the end of the clip, Neil appears to say "I love you" to Cage. Both men also look intoxicated in the video.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department told TheWrap.com that Neil was cited for battery Thursday evening, after a call came in from the hotel at 5:24. A female made a report to the police that Neil approached her, grabbed her by the hair and jerked her to the ground.

Neil was released at the scene, police said.

The night before, Vince was was seen checking out the newly opened T-Mobile Arena in Vegas with friends, including former "Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous" host Robin Leach.

Cage and Neil are longtime friends who were previously photographed together at the rocker's strip club back in 2012.

This isn't Vince's first brush with the law. Back in 2011, he served 10 days of a 15-day DUI sentence in connection with a June 2010 incident when he was speeding and weaving between lanes on Desert Inn Road west of Paradise Road, near the Las Vegas Strip, authorities said.

In 1984, Neil smashed his car into another vehicle in Redondo Beach, California, killing HANOI ROCKS drummer Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley and seriously injuring two other occupants.

Neil was charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol. His blood alcohol level was 0.17, which was over the legal limit.

Neil served half of a 30-day jail sentence, received five years probation and had to pay $2.6 million in restitution, as well as perform 200 hours of community service.

Metallica will reissue their first two albums, 1983's Kill 'Em All and 1984's Ride The Lightning, on April 15th. Both albums have been remastered for the most advanced sound quality and will be available in three formats - CD, vinyl, and deluxe box set. Both deluxe box sets include original source material from the band's personal collection with many never before heard or seen recordings, along with a book including rare photos and essays from those who were there.

In support of the upcoming releases, Metallica have posted this live video for “Whiplash”, filmed at The Metro in Chicago, IL on August 12th, 1983:

In the video below, Lars Ulrich cracks open the Deluxe Edition of Ride The Lightning for the first time.

Metallica are streaming "Creeping Death" from the remastered edition of Ride The Lightning. The track was remastered by Howie Weinberg At Howie Weinberg Mastering in Los Angeles, CA.

Fans can pre-order both Deluxe Box sets at the Met Store.

Ride The Lightning tracklisting:

CD/Vinyl
“Fight Fire With Fire”
“Ride The Lightning”
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
“Fade To Black”
“Trapped Under Ice”
“Escape”
“Creeping Death”
“The Call Of Ktulu”

Vinyl – Live At The Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA – March 10th, 1985 (2LP) – Previously Unreleased
“The Ecstasy Of Gold”
“Fight Fire With Fire”
“Ride The Lightning”
“Phantom Lord”
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
“No Remorse”
“Fade To Black”
“Seek & Destroy”
“Creeping Death”
“Am I Evil?”
“Motorbreath”

Vinyl – Creeping Death (Picture Disc)
“Creeping Death”
“Am I Evil?”
“Blitzkrieg”

CD – Metallica Interviews
Metal Forces Interview with Lars, November 1984
WUSC Cleveland Radio Interview with Cliff and Kirk – February 1985
Metal Madness Interview with Lars, March 1985

CD – Demos And Rough Mixes From Lars’ Vault – Previously Unreleased
“Ride The Lightning” (Studio Demo)
“When Hell Freezes Over (The Call Of Ktulu)” (Studio Demo)
“Creeping Death” (Studio Demo)
“Fight Fire With Fire” (Studio Demo)
“Ride The Lightning” (Garage Demo)
“When Hell Freezes Over (The Call Of Ktulu)” (Garage Demo)
“Fight Fire With Fire” (Garage Demo)
“Ride The Lightning” (Boom Box Demo)
“Blitzkrieg” (Rhythm Track Rough Mix)
“Am I Evil?” (Rhythm Track Rough Mix)

“Ride The Lightning” (Garage Demo):

CD – Live At Kabuki Theatre, San Francisco, CA – March 15th, 1985 – Previously Unreleased
“Fight Fire With Fire”
“Ride The Lightning”
“Phantom Lord”
“The Four Horsemen”
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”)
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
“No Remorse”
“Fade To Black”
“Creeping Death”
Guitar Solo
“Am I Evil?”
“Motorbreath”

CD – Live At The Lyceum Theatre, London, UK – December 20th, 1984
“Phantom Lord”
“The Four Horsemen”
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
“No Remorse”
“The Call Of Ktulu”
“Seek & Destroy”
“Whiplash”
“Creeping Death”
Guitar Solo
“Metal Militia”

CD – Live At Castle Donington, UK – August 17th, 1985 – Previously Unreleased
“Creeping Death”
“Ride The Lightning”
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
“The Four Horsemen”
“Fade To Black”
“Seek & Destroy”
“Whiplash”
“Motorbreath”

DVD – Live At The Metal Hammer Festival In St. Goarshausen, Germany – September 14th, 1985
“Creeping Death”
“Ride The Lightning”
“Disposable Heroes”
“No Remorse”
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
“The Four Horsemen”
“Fade To Black”
“Seek & Destroy”
“Whiplash”
“Fight Fire With Fire”
Guitar Solo
“Am I Evil?”
“Motorbreath”

Live At MTV’s Day On The Green At Oakland Stadium, Oakland, CA – August 31st, 1985
“Creeping Death”
“Ride The Lightning”
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
MTV Day On The Green Interview with Lars and James

Danish TV – Previously Unreleased
Lars Ulrich When He Was Young (Lars’ first television interview)
SPOT – Lars Ulrich

In the video below, James Hetfield cracks open the Deluxe Edition of Kill 'Em All for the first time.

Listen to “The Four Horsemen” from the Kill 'Em All reissue, streaming below:

The deluxe numbered box set of Kill 'Em All includes four vinyl records, five CDs, one DVD, a deluxe book including rare photos and a patch while the deluxe numbered box set of Ride the Lightning includes four vinyl records, six CDs, one DVD, a deluxe book including more of those unseen photos, a mini-book of lyrics handwritten by James Hetfield and a set of three posters. The Deluxe Box sets are limited edition collectors' items.

Fans can pre-order both Deluxe Box sets at the Met Store.

Kill ‘Em All tracklisting:

CD/Vinyl
“Hit The Lights”
“The Four Horsemen”
“Motorbreath”
“Jump In The Fire”
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”
“Whiplash”
“Phantom Lord”
“No Remorse”
“Seek & Destroy”
“Metal Militia”

Vinyl – Live At Espace Balard, Paris, France – February 9th, 1984 (2LP) – Previously Unreleased
“The Ecstasy Of Gold”
“Hit The Lights”
“The Four Horsemen”
“Jump In The Fire”
“Phantom Lord”
“No Remorse”
“Ride The Lightning”
“Motorbreath”
“(Anaesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”
“Whiplash”
“Seek & Destroy”
“Metal Militia”

“Phantom Lord”:

Vinyl – Jump In The Fire (Picture Disc)
“Jump In The Fire”
“Seek & Destroy” (“Live” at The Automatt)
“Phantom Lord” (“Live” at The Automatt)

CD – Interview & Radio IDs
Metal Forces Interview with Lars, January 1984
Radio IDs with Lars, James, and Cliff from 1984

CD – Rough Mixes From Lars’ Vault, Bootleg Tracks and Whiplash Remix EP
“Motorbreath” (Rough Mix)
“Hit The Lights” (Rough Mix)
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth” (Rough Mix)
“Seek & Destroy” (Rough Mix)
“Whiplash” (Rough Mix)
“The Four Horsemen” (Rough Mix)
“Seek & Destroy” (NOT Live from The Automatt)
“Phantom Lord” (NOT Live from The Automatt)
“Jump In The Fire”
“Whiplash” (Special Neckbrace Remix)
“Seek & Destroy” (“Live” at The Automatt)
“Phantom Lord” (“Live” at The Automatt)

CD – Live At J Bees Rock III, Middletown, NY – January 20th, 1984 – Previously Unreleased
“The Four Horsemen”
“Jump In The Fire”
“Fight Fire With Fire”
“Ride The Lightning”
“Phantom Lord”
“Seek & Destroy”
“Whiplash”

CD – Live At The Keystone, Palo Alto, CA – October 31st, 1983 – Previously Unreleased
“Hit The Lights”
“The Four Horsemen”
“Jump In The Fire”
“Fight Fire With Fire”
“Ride The Lightning”
“Phantom Lord”
“When Hell Freezes Over (The Call Of Ktulu)”
“Seek & Destroy”
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”
“Whiplash”
“Creeping Death”
Guitar Solo
“Metal Militia”

DVD – Metallica Live At The Metro In Chicago On August 12th, 1983 – Previously Unreleased Except “No Remorse” and “Metal Milita”
“Hit The Lights” (Video Only/No Audio)
“The Four Horsemen” (Video Only/No Audio)
“Jump In The Fire” (Video Only/Partial Audio)
“Phantom Lord”
“No Remorse”
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”
“Whiplash”
“Seek & Destroy”
Guitar Solo
“Metal Militia”

 

Belgium's gore-mongers ABORTED will release their ninth full-length album, "Retrogore", on April 22 via Century Media. The CD's highly detailed artwork was masterfully crafted by Christopher Lovell.

The official video for the "Retrogore" song "Divine Impediment" can be seen below.

After delivering two seriously drenched and critically acclaimed albums in the form of "Global Flatline" (2012) and "The Necrotic Manifesto" (2014), ABORTED have returned to not only deliver another album jam-packed with ferociously ripping brutal death metal but also surpass all expectations with what could be considered their most mature and diverse album to date.

Don't fear though, the berserker drums of Ken, the virtuoso guitar skills of Mendel and his new partner Ian, JB's jackhammer bass as well as the possessed growls, shrieks and squeals of commander-in-chief Caluwé are all still prevalent, but this time, ABORTED have added a good portion of epically-crushing atmosphere throughout the twelve tracks found within "Retrogore".

ABORTED recently released a five-track EP titled "Termination Redux" to celebrate the bands 20th year of existence as well as to offer fans a foretaste of what to expect on "Retrogore". ABORTED is:

Sven De Caluwé: GurglorothMendel Bij De Leij: Flesh Upon The Razor WireJB van der Wal: Nocturnal PulseKen Bedene: Hymen Blaster