Ex-JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing says that he would be open to reuniting with his former bandmates on the occasion of a hypothetical Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction.

Downing, who is a founding member of the British heavy metal legends and was part of the group since 1969, announced his retirement from PRIEST in April 2011. He has since been replaced by Richie Faulkner, who was once the guitarist in the backing group for Lauren Harris, daughter of IRON MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris.

Asked by BlastEcho if he would be okay with performing with PRIEST again at the Rock Hall induction ceremony if they were to ever receive the honor, Downing said: "I'd be fine with anything like that." As for an official return to JUDAS PRIEST, Downing said: "Obviously, they have Richie there. MAIDEN has done the three-guitar player [thing], but I don't think there's room for an extra guitar player in PRIEST. PRIEST has always been a two-guitar band so I can't see that working. We'll have to see what happens next."

Downing went on to say that one way to guarantee his reunion with JUDAS PRIEST is to schedule a massive tour featuring of BLACK SABBATH, IRON MAIDEN and PRIEST. "It would be something I would have to be part of," he said. "Only because I'd like to see the greatest heavy-metal tour happen because it's never happened. And it's never gonna happen. Unfortunately, that chapter of history won't be there forever, which is kind of sad."

K.K. told the "Rockin' Metal Revival" Internet radio show last year that he was optimistic that PRIEST would one day get inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. He said: "Well, I certainly hope so. But everything comes to us in the end, I guess and hope. As hard workers and as prolific a band as we've been, producing material and tours for so long, it was… not as though we really, really care about winning Grammys, but lots of other bands do. We're thinking, 'Why do we get pushed to the back of the queue?' So I guess the Hall Of Fame, there's still a lot of fantastic bands that have still not been let into the Hall Of Fame, but I guess that everyone's turn will come."

During a 2015 interview with Guitar International, Downing elaborated on his reasons for leaving PRIEST. He said: "I had lots and lots of reasons for not continuing, as I wasn't content with things as they were. I wasn't happy with the band's live performance. I thought it could have been better; not that the fans would notice. To me, PRIEST was always a stealth machine and that's what I liked about it. Even though you get older, you still need to be able to deliver the goods. People came a long way and paid a lot of money to see us, so you've got to make sure you still give 110 percent. I thought that should be inherent and what it should always be."

K.K. also said that he didn't think his return to PRIEST would "ever, ever happen." He explained: "Obviously I'm quite happy for Richie Faulkner to be in the band. But I really wasn't expecting to have someone who had so many familiarities as me, the looks and everything. At a glance, nothing too much has changed for the fans."

Finland's Kaaos TV conducted an interview with former ACCEPT and current U.D.O. frontman Udo Dirkschneider on March 5 in Vaasa, Finland. You can now watch the chat below.

Asked about the recent passing of iconic MOTÖRHEAD frontman Lemmy Kilmister, Udo said: "Yeah, that was a shock, but when I saw [a] picture [of Lemmy] with my son [that was taken a couple of weeks before his death], how [Lemmy] looks… It's really sad, but with his lifestyle… Hmmm… What can I say? Of course, it's what we're doing also; we're also not doing a normal lifestyle. But, for me, it's, like… I drink also — I like very much drinking wine and stuff like this — but, for me, I wanna do it as long as possible, and I try to stay healthy and not party every night or taking drugs or whatever. So I try to be healthy, that I can do that for a long time."

He added: "On one hand, maybe it's good to say, 'Yeah, I wanna rock and roll all night, twenty-four hours a day.' But, you know, I don't wanna end up like this."

Udo, who will turn 64 next month, said that he will retire from touring when the time is right. "I think I will stop when I think for myself, 'Okay, that's it,'" he explained. "I don't know when that is. [Laughs] But I think… I can only speak for myself. I think I'll know the time [when I should say], 'Okay, that's it. Stop.' But that [doesn't necessarily] mean I [won't do] something [else] in the music business; maybe I'll produce some bands or whatever, stuff like that. But to be on stage and touring, for me, it's like… I always say, I'll do it as long as I have fun to do this. And if I get the feeling, like, 'Oh, no. I don't wanna tour anymore,' and stuff like that, then that will be the point to say, 'Okay, that's it.' But I don't see at the moment the end. [Laughs]"

Udo last month kicked off a European tour on which he is performing classic songs from ACCEPT one last time under the DIRKSCHNEIDER banner. According to the singer, the trek will take him through the end of 2016 and possibly into early 2017, after which he will begin work on the next U.D.O. studio album. "And then, after [the LP is done], [we will] start again with U.D.O. touring," he said. "So that means, in a way, already we have a plan [to stay busy until], let's say, the end of 2018."

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

U.D.O.'s latest studio album, "Decadent", was released in Europe in January 2015 via AFM.

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

The "Retrogore" title track can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

Comments ABORTED frontman Sven De Caluwé: "Here it is, ghouls and maniacs! The first, opening track and title track to our fine new little piece of auricular mayhem called 'Retrogore'. A profound little diddy that somewhat recalls the finesse and tactfulness of Monty Python's 'The Meaning Of Life' or, as we shall call it, our own 'The Meaning Of Death (Metal)'. You see, folks, there are blast beats, there are ridiculously fast kicks all over the place, really, really, reaallly dark melodies to make you churn and some shredding for those who like that thing called musicianship. To top it off, we have myself puking all over it in a fashion that would make cookie monster cringe and Kim Kardashian shake that big ole butt of hers. In other words, it's ABORTED, it's uncensored gooey, gory fun for the whole family!"

He adds: "Enter the nostalgic world of 'Retrogore' and don't be a chump, get a pre-order and be part of something that will bring you joy and happiness, for at least one hour! Guaranteed!"

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

With less than two weeks until the release of their new album, Los Angeles rock act Vampires Everywhere has released the music video for their new single, “Perfect Lie.”  The track will be featured on the new album, Ritual due out on March 18th. Directed by Orie McGinness (Oceano, Get Scared), the dark and seductive video is a perfect companion for the sexy, industrial track.

Vocalist Michael Orlando explains of the song, “Relationships are the devil’s way to fuck with humanity. We put our trust in others and pray they return the trust 100 fold! However, 99% of the time we are let down and lose pieces of ourselves in the process. This song represents the trials & tribulations of this ritual. My last relationship taught me trust is overrated. I lost a giant piece of myself and again the monster took over. I am better as a monster because of it.”

Ritual tracklisting:

“Perfect Lie”
“Violent World”
“Black Betty”
“Take Me To Church” (featuring Alex Koehler of Chelsea Grin)
“The Ghost Inside My Head”
“Truth In You”
“The Demon Inside Me”
“9 Lives”
“American Nightmare”

"Perfect Lie" video:

“Take Me To Church”:

“Black Betty”:

Teaser:

In support of the new album, the band will be kick off their headlining North American run, The Ritual Tour this month, to be followed by a slot on the upcoming Make America Hate Again tour alongside Filter and Orgy.

 



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After just completing a successful UK tour with his new band the Graham Bonnet Band, Graham Bonnet has plenty planned for 2016.

Not only is the Rainbow 1980 Monsters Of Rock performance finally being released on CD and DVD (more info here), soon to be released via Hear No Evil Records are reissues of Graham's solo records Line-Up (1982) Graham Bonnet (1977) No Bad Habits (1978) Here Comes The Night (1991) Underground (1996) The Day I Went Mad (1999) and the "lost" 1974 album Back Row In The Stalls (which will be on CD after an iTunes only release in 2014).  All discs feature unreleased demos, B-sides, and outtakes as well as extensive liner notes by renowned rock journalist Malcolm Dome.

In addition to that and also via Hear No Evil Records the Alcatrazz catalog will also be given the deluxe treatment with each studio release featuring either unreleased demos, live material or in the case of Live Sentence and Disturbing The Peace live DVDs from those respective time periods.

Also due this month is a six disc Alcatrazz box titled The Ultimate Fortress - Which will include among the studio studio albums and live set, A DVD featuring two live performances and the band’s three MTV promo clips.  Also Included is a Graham Bonnet Band six track live recording from Japan, June 2015, titled Escape From Alcatrazz featured for the first time on CD.

2016 will also see the release of the long awaited Dario Mollo / Graham Bonnet Collaboration Elektric Zoo , A Graham Bonnet Career Spanning 2CD anthology (also featuring several exclusive tracks) , A Graham Bonnet Band 11 track debut studio album (which will also feature a bonus CD of 16 re-recordings from Graham's career - Including a never before released track from 1988) . And also on the calendar for 2016 is a Graham Bonnet Band live album and Blu-ray release.

If that isn't enough, there are also plans to reissue the 1993 Blackthorne Afterlife record (The band formed by Graham, Bob Kulick, and ex-Alcatrazz keyboard player Jimmy Waldo)  with a ten track disc featuring ten previously unheard Blackthorne compositions.

Meanwhile Graham's soon to be released biography The Story Behind The Shades authored by Steve Wright is nearing completion.

The Graham Bonnet Band continue their touring activities for 2016 with shows in Europe, USA and then a second UK run before closing out 2016.



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FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares has weighed in on the 2016 presidential election, saying in a brand new interview that if controversial Republican candidate Donald Trump "actually gets elected, I'm moving to Australia."

Trump's campaign has included promises to build a wall along the Mexico-United States border, bring back waterboarding and deport Muslims from the country.

In December, after Trump called for a "total and complete shutdown" of Muslim immigration to the United States, a Los Angeles Times editorial called his record of inflammatory statements a "giant soup of bigotry and intolerance."

Asked by Australia's Sticks For Stones if he likes any of the candidates currently in the presidential race, Dino — who takes a great amount of pride in his Mexican culture and heritage — responded (hear audio below): "The closest thing I like is Bernie Sanders. But we have a kook running for president; we have Donald Trump."

He continued: "If Donald Trump actually gets elected, I'm moving to Australia. If he is elected president, we're gonna have a lot of issues in America. He's already getting death threats, I don't know if you know that, but they just arrested some guy who sent him a death threat on Facebook, like an idiot."

Dino added: "Who knows what's gonna happen? [Trump] doesn't like Muslims, he doesn't like Mexicans, and he doesn't like the foreigners. Blah blah blah blah… It's just gonna cause a war. It's gonna cause a lot of tension between Americans and other parts of the [world]. It's gonna make it worse. He's definitely gonna get death threats in America. I mean, someone's gonna try to assassinate him here. I'm surprised that that was the first one that come out. There might be a bunch of other ones already that we don't know about yet."

FEAR FACTORY will embark on a U.S. headlining tour later this month. Support on the trek, which will see the band perform its classic second album "Demanufacture" in its entirety, will come from Swedish metallers SOILWORK. A list of all the tour dates can be found at FearFactory.com

FEAR FACTORY's latest album, "Genexus", was released on August 7, 2015 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

STAIND frontman Aaron Lewis, a conservative Republican who calls himself a patriot in his Twitter bio, has told Billboard.com that he is paying close attention to the U.S. presidential primary campaigns. Lewis voted for Texas senator Ted Cruz — "the most constitutionally driven candidate on the docket" — in the Massachusetts primary, but he says he will support whoever gets the nomination from the Republican Party in the general election.

"Listen, I like the fact Donald Trump has come in and shaken things up and said a whole lot of things the establishment doesn't want to hear him say and the people did want to hear him say," Lewis said. "But at the same time, there's an expectation for somebody being presidential in nature, and he disappoints me with the bickering and the name-calling. It's just not very presidential behavior. But I would certainly vote for him if he becomes the candidate."

Asked in a 2011 interview with MassLive.com how he would describe his political beliefs, Lewis said: "I'm a Constitutionalist. I believe in the constitution, the powers that it sets forth, I believe in the limited powers that it sets forth. I believe that the government — on both sides — is just as responsible and just as out of control."

He continued: "The fact of the matter is that the federal government is supposed to be doing 18 things efficiently and properly. Most of these things don't even get looked at because they're so busy doing stuff that they're not even supposed to be doing. Everything is supposed to be on the state and local level.

"Why does all the money from the state go to Washington, D.C., first before it comes back to the state? There are so many things broken about a system that was so amazing and so perfect on conception, that the creation of this country and the document that created it made this country the most sought after place in the world for many, many years."

Lewis added: "Somewhere along the way as a society we lost all the values that made this country great to begin with. (Like) going out and working for a dollar and working hard to earn your keep and expecting nothing from anyone, expecting no hand-outs, knowing that nothing in life is free. All these things have just vanished. I mean, look at MTV.

"They should all be burned at the stake for what they're doing, for the programming they're putting forward for our children to watch. There are so many things that have been allowed to just get so far out of control that the only way to fix it is to go back to the design.

"This whole entitlement society that we live in today. Everybody thinks that they're supposed to get something. Where did that come from? I don't understand. I don't understand how people today can think that somebody's going to provide for them."

Asked if his politics have pretty much always been the same or if they have evolved with time, and if so, if there were any particular incidents that changed his worldview, Lewis said: "I guess looking back as a teenager I was always kind of rebellious, anti-government (and) anti-establishment like so many punk-ass kids, I was no different.

"I've had jobs that I was paid under the table for, just like everybody has. But, I have a family, I have a career. I work very, very hard for my money, and I sacrifice a lot to earn a living, to keep food on my table and to keep a roof over my family's head.

He continued: "For someone who chooses to do nothing with their life, to be able to participate in the fruits of my labor is completely unacceptable to me. It's one thing if I choose to involve you into the fruits of my labor, whether it's because you are utilizing this wonderful system of capitalism and you've figured a way to create a job within what it is that I'm doing or whether I charitably invite you in, that's my choice and it's the choice of every free citizen in these United States.

"Nobody is going to tell me that the government knows better as to what to do with my money than I do. I do so much without being told to do it, I don't need to be told to provide for a bunch of people that wouldn't get off their ass and provide for themselves. That would be like being in high school and studying your ass off to make sure that you got an A in a test and then the guy who did nothing but party all week and blew off studying gets an F and you both get Cs because he gets to share in your hard work."

Aaron added: "It's not right. Life isn't fair. It's not all roses. It's hard work. Life is commitment; life is diligence."

Lewis also addressed the fact that his name has frequently been brought up as being tied to the Tea Party movement. He said: "The funny thing with that is because I make mention to the Gadsden flag in 'Country Boy', everybody just assumed I'm a Tea Party member.

"Y'know that Gadsden flag stood for something. It was in defiance of England and in defiance of those who chose to keep us underneath their thumb. I had 'Don't Tread on Me' tattooed across my throat before the Tea Party ever jumped on the whole Gadsden flag thing."

He went on to say: "Y'know, I love my country. It's the best country in the world. I've been all over the world, and this is the best country in the world, and I'm very proud of that.

"On my bicep I have a big waving American flag that has encrypted over the top of it 'Proudly made in the U.S.A.' I don't think it's political. I love my country. It's patriotic."

SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR singer Corey Taylor has ramped up his attacks on Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump, accusing the billionaire of "ugly bigotry and racism."

"The thing that bothered me was that people were taking Trump seriously," Taylor tells RollingStone.com in a new interview. "I'm not going to let that [racism] stand. I may have bullshitted myself into thinking we were a little further ahead when it comes to race, but what we're seeing right now is a lot of the far right fringe coming out of the woodwork and wearing their hatred right on their sleeves. That cannot be what our legacy is. Too many people died during the Civil War, during the Civil Rights Movement. We should not be asking, 'Jesus Christ, what decade is this? How is this okay?'"

Taylor also criticized Trump for bringing his grudge-match with the media to an extremely dangerous level for freedom of the press.

"Did you see the video of a Secret Service agent choke-slamming the reporter?" he asks RollingStone.com's Kory Grow, referring to footage that came out Monday. "What country is this exactly? And the fact that [Trump] absolutely bulldozes his way through questions instead of answering them, it brings such a horrific reaction to people. It's shocking that nothing is sticking to him. I want to encourage people to stand up for freedom of speech, but as much as I would love to not hear anyone talk the way that Donald Trump does, unfortunately, freedom of speech covers him, too."

Taylor recently told U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine that he supports Bernie Sanders because "honestly, just based on everything that I've read, everything that I've heard. I haven't done a lot of research on his voting record or what he's done, but I love the fact that he's been an independent for years. The only reason he's joined the Democratic party is because, apparently, you have to be a part of one of those parties to be taken seriously, which I don't really like; it's a very corporate way to kind of deal with the President of the United States. But I love the guts that he has to really stand up and talk about things other than the hot-button issues that the Republicans and Democrats think matter. It seems like all of those issues are designed to put fear into people, and the things that Sanders is talking about has everything to do with trying to bring people together, and how to right wrongs, and how to bring real democracy back. And I can't speak for anyone else, but I think that's more encouraging than discouraging."

In an interview with The Guardian conducted last month, Corey described the current election cycle as "a fucking mess." He said: "The only thing I can really compare it with was when the whole governor fiasco was going on in California, when Arnold Schwarzenegger won, and when everyone and his mother announced themselves as candidates. The fact that Donald Trump is still is viable candidate makes me want to eat my fucking shoes. There are too many candidates focused on dividing us, and not enough talking about bringing us together. And that's one of the reasons why I support Bernie Sanders. And I will never support anyone who uses racism as a passive-aggressive way to win votes."

Swedish metallers THE HAUNTED were interviewed on a recent edition of the "Rise To Offend" podcast. You can now listen to the chat using the Spreaker widget below (beginning around the 56-minute mark).

Asked for his thoughts on the 2016 U.S. presidential race, THE HAUNTED guitarist Patrik Jensen said: "I'm actually flabbergasted that people even considered voting for [controversial Republican candidate Donald Trump]… It's also pretty funny to hear that Bernie Sanders is [considered to be] so extreme, while the policy he's campaigning with is what's been ruling Western Europe for the last seventy years. So it doesn't seem that extreme to us."

THE HAUNTED is continuing work on music for the follow-up to 2014's "Exit Wounds" album, to be recorded later in 2016 for release through Century Media.

THE HAUNTED recently completed a short run of North American dates as the support act for AT THE GATES.

"Exit Wounds" was recorded with the group's longtime producer Tue Madsen at Denmark's Antfarm Studio (DARK TRANQUILLITY, HEAVEN SHALL BURN, SICK OF IT ALL) and features THE HAUNTED's revamped lineup: founding members Jonas Björler (bass) and Patrik Jensen (guitar) along with with returning members Adrian Erlandsson (drums) and Marco Aro (vocals), and the band's latest addition, guitarist Ola Englund.

"Exit Wounds" features two special guests appearing on the song "Trend Killer": Jed Simon (SCAR THE MARTYR, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD) on lead guitar and Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT) on vocals.

Heaven And Hell Records will soon be reissuing classic Pennsylvania band Assassin's License To Kill album for the first time ever on CD.

Formed in the early 1980s, Assassin appeared onto their local circuit quick and precise. The band’s execution NWOBHM flavored US hard rock/heavy metal took no time to start gaining them a reputation as one of the most happening bands in their area. 

In 1983 they would independently release a two song 7” single with the tracks “Feels So Good” and “Fools Don’t Know” that would garnish a fair amount of radio play in surrounding states. It would not be long until word would begin to travel leading to the band picking up supporting gigs for bands such as Derringer, Headpins, Quiet Riot, and even going out as tour support for other acts of the era.

In 1983 the band would release their eight song debut full-length album License To Kill through small local Pennsylvania label Micro Mix.

Assassin would later disappear as if their job was done. Their name and releases would become circuit legend and cult heroes for many. As the heavy metal revival would move from the late 1990s into the next millennium demand for their releases would increase and the records began to fetch hefty prices as interest in all that is ‘80s heavy metal would grow, especially US heavy metal.

Time is now to pull the trigger on this album that is well overdue to see a reissue and a first time release on CD. This release will include the full eight track License To Kill, the 1983 single all remastered from best possible sources, eight page booklet including never before seen photos, essay about the band, and full lyrics. There could possibly even more. Release will be limited to 500 units.

More information and release date as it comes available.



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Jungle Rot have released their controversial new video for “Doomsday”. Additionally, the death metal servicemen are presenting your chance to win an Order Shall Prevail package at this location. The exclusive package includes a rare vinyl test pressing, camouflage hoodie, autographed CD, and two autographed posters.

“To me, the video is essentially about paranoia,” states bassist James Genenz. “The protagonist is more than likely a paranoid conspiracy theorist, who probably isn't all that wrong with his theories, but is driven mad because of them. The live shots of us playing under targets are like his delusions, envisioning an attack on a small populace of citizens and we are his weapon. Eventually, he cannot handle the prophetic visions and blinds himself to it.”
 
With the recent announcement of the Metal Alliance Tour, you can catch Jungle Rot in a city near you. "We're definitely looking forward to getting back on the road!” continues Genenz. “It's been a few months since we've been out and we are excited to perform for our fans again alongside our tour mates. We have a long history with Dying Fetus going as far back as the demo days, and our former drummer Jesse plays for Black Crown Initiate, so this will be one big, fun road reunion!"

Tour dates:

April
29 - Baltimore, MD - Soundstage
30 - Lowell, MA - Mill City Ballroom

May
2 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Ballroom
3 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's
4 - Minneapolis, MN - Cabooze
5 - Winnipeg, MB - Park Theater
6 - Saskatoon, SK - Obriens          
8 - Edmonton, AB - Shredmonton Festival
10 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
11 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theater
12 - Petaluma, CA - Pheonix Theater
13 - Pomona, CA - Glasshouse
14 - Hollywood, CA - Whisky
15 - Phoenix, AZ - Joe's Grotto
17 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theater
18 - Kansas City, MO - Riot Room
20 - Ft Worth, TX - Rail Club
21 - Austin, TX - Dirty Dog        
23 - New Orleans, LA - Southport Hall
25 - Tampa, FL - Orpheum
26 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
27 - Knoxville, TN - The International
28 - Dayton, OH - Oddbody’s
29 - Greensboro, NC - Arizona Pete's

More information at this location.



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Sweden's darkened hardcore outfit, Grieved, have released a music video for the track “Opaque”, featured on the band’s first full-length (and official Prosthetic Records debut) released worldwide on January 22nd.

As with their previous EP Ageing and split releases with Runes alongside the band’s debut mini-album Samaritans, Grieved have brought the cold, dark streets of Sweden's capital into the veins of each track with their angst-filled, emotionally driven anger displayed by distorted killer riffs and impassioned lyrics.

Tracklisting:

“Oraque”
“Fogbound”
“June 22”
“Drain”
“Turn Cold”
“Losing Touch”
“Shattered”
“Synesthesia”
“Asunder”
“Reverie”

“Drain”:

“Fogbound”:

Teaser:

(Photo: Morgan Sinclair)



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Former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, reports BBC News.

A spokesman for the musician said: "He is undergoing treatment and is expected to make a full recovery as it was caught in the early stages."

Born William Perks in Lewisham, London, the star was a member of the Stones from 1962 until 1993. Since then, he has recorded and toured with his own band, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings.

In a statement, his family "asked for their privacy during this time."

Read more at BBC News.



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On March 11th, German thrashers Accuser will release their new album, The Forlorn Divide, via Metal Blade Records; it's the first album for their new label Metal Blade Records. Forlorn Divide will be released on CD and LP along with a bundle including an exclusive t-shirt. Pre-orders are available at Metal Blade. BraveWords is premiering a new track from the album. Get lost in "Unreal Perception":

From 1986 to 1996, Accuser were a mainstay within the national and international metal scenes. Especially albums such as Who Dominates Who (1989) and Repent (1992) are an impressive display of the Siegen, Germany-based group's technical and compositional abilities.

Musically Accuser finds their own niche somewhere between Bay Area thrash metal and the German sound of bands such as Kreator or Destruction. Collaborations with Alex Perialas (producer of Testament, Anthrax) or German industrial pioneers Die Krupps speak for themselves.

After several line-up changes, the band eventually splits up in 1996. That is, until 2008: Accuser returned. Although they have never truly been gone, to be exact. Under the name of Scartribe, they have been writing songs all the time and played countless concerts.

By the end of 2008, the band returned to their familiar name and has been firing on all cylinders ever since. In May 2010, Agitation was released, an album featuring all their trademarks. Classical thrash tiffs, melodic leads and nifty soli fall together with Frank Thoms' inimitable voice and soulful lyrics about social issues.

The band has already been working on new material since 2013. The addition of new guitarist Dennis Rybakowski, the re-recorded version of their classic Who Dominates Who to celebrate their 25th birthday in 2013 and several very successful festival shows were whiffs of fresh air for the group. Quickly, it became apparent that the new stuff was going to be more progressive and complex, so the band took their time in order to work meticulously with a focus on detail. Slowly but steadily, The Forlorn Divide took shape in their tried-and-tested Gernhart Studio. It contains everything you know and love about Accuser: involved, powerful thrash metal with virtuoso guitar work, thought-out drum patterns and last but not least aggressive, at times desperate vocals, perfectly highlighting the dark recesses of human psyche that are described in the lyrics.

Tracklisting:

“Predawn”
“Lust For Vengeance”
“Unreal Perception”
“Arbitrary Law”
“Impending Doom”
“Tribulation”
“Perish By Oblivion”
“Fifth Column”
“Sulfur Rain”
“Flow Of Dying”

"Impending Doom":

“Tribulation”:

Accuser live:

March
12 - Siegen, Germany - Vortex (CD release show)

April
16 - Dettelbach, Germany - Metal Franconia Festival

May
13-15 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Rock Hard Festival

September
30 - Dresden, Germany - Skullcrusher (Metal Gegen Krebs Festival)

 



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Queen have posted the video compilation streaming below, featuring a selection of their greatest rock songs including “Headlong”, “We Will Rock You”, “Tie Your Mother Down”, “Liar”, “Princes Of The Universe”, “Tear It Up” (Live in Budapest 86), “One Vision” (Live at Wembley 86), “Dragon Attack” (Live at Milton Keynes Bowl 82), and “Put Out The Fire”.

In the video footage below, Queen guitarist Brian May performs a 12-string acoustic version of “’39” in the studio. The clip is taken from the A Night At The Opera 30th Anniversary DVD.

Queen’s A Night At The Odeon, Live At Hammersmith ’75, is out now on CD (Hollywood Records), and DVD & Blu-Ray (Eagle Rock Entertainment). This show was a culmination of the 26-date Queen Invite You To A Night At The Opera UK tour and the first tour that they had ever performed “Bohemian Rhapsody” on.

The CD, DVD & Blu-Ray package features the band’s full live show, complete with a never heard before ‘second encore’ of “Seven Seas Of Rhye” and “See What A Fool I've Been”. The DVD and SD Blu-Ray versions also contain two special bonus features – Looking Back At The Odeon, a brand new 22-minute documentary featuring a previously unseen interview with Brian May and Roger Taylor by Old Grey Whistle Test presenter Bob Harris about the 1975 Hammersmith Odeon show, plus the rarely seen Live At The Budokan – Japan 1975 footage, featuring three songs (“Now I'm Here”, “Killer Queen” and “In The Lap Of The Gods… Revisited”) recorded during their legendary tour of the Far East.

Tracklisting (CD/Vinyl/Digital):

“Now I'm Here”
“Ogre Battle”
“White Queen (As It Began)”
“Bohemian Rhapsody”
“Killer Queen”
“The March Of The Black Queen”
“Bohemian Rhapsody” (Reprise)
“Bring Back That Leroy Brown”
“Brighton Rock”
Guitar Solo
“Son And Daughter”
“Keep Yourself Alive”
“Liar”
“In The Lap Of The Gods... Revisited”
“Big Spender”
“Jailhouse Rock” Medley
“Seven Seas Of Rhye”
“See What A Fool I've Been”
“God Save The Queen”
 
DVD and SD Blu-ray formats do not include “Seven Seas Of Rhye” or “See What A Fool I've Been”.

Super Deluxe Box Set edition unboxing:

 

 

 

 

 

 



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Fan-filmed video footage of Joe Lynn Turner's (RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) February 27 performance at Revolutions Bar & Music Hall in Amityville, New York can be seen below. Playing guitar in Joe's band for the show was TRIXTER's Steve Brown.

Turner recently slammed Ritchie Blackmore for the guitarist's decision to go out and perform classic DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW material with a new group musicians instead of reforming RAINBOW with a more "authentic" lineup.

The singer said: "I feel that I wasted my time in trying to make an authentic RAINBOW reunion happen, and I was betrayed. What he's doing now, it's a cover band, you know. I don't know why he calls it RAINBOW, 'cause it's not RAINBOW, you know. And, to me, he doesn't give anything, really, to the fans. Of course, you go see Ritchie play, but so what? That's it. And I think a guitarist of his stature — he's an icon, he's brilliant, etc. – he sort of had the best way possible to return to some rock and roll. And I don't think he's making a good decision by doing this. But, you know, that's all I can say about it. Ritchie has the right to do what he wants. But I think he's making a mistake in so doing."

Blackmore, 70, quit rock and roll in 1997 to form a medieval folk band called BLACKMORE'S NIGHT with then-girlfriend and now-wife Candice Night. Since then, BLACKMORE'S NIGHT has released ten studio albums, with the latest CD, "All Our Yesterdays", arriving last September.

Over the past few years, RAINBOW was the frequent subject of reunion rumors, with Turner — who fronted RAINBOW from 1980 until 1984 and was a member of PURPLE from 1989 until 1992 — claiming that the former RAINBOW and PURPLE guitarist was "itching" to play rock music and insisting that he was in talks with the guitarist about a renewed collaboration.

Ritchie last year surprised everyone by telling a French newspaper that he was contemplating a return to rock music but excluding Turner from the project. The guitarist has since recruited LORDS OF BLACK vocalist Ronnie Romero, STRATOVARIUS keyboardist Jens Johansson, BLACKMORE'S NIGHT drummer David Keith and bassist Bob Nouveau to accompany him at the upcoming shows.

Iconic rockers NIGHT RANGER will professionally film and record their May 7 concert at the the House Of Blues in Chicago, Illinois for an upcoming CD and DVD. Tickets for this event will go on sale to the public on Friday, March 11, but NightRanger.com is hooking you up with an exclusive first shot at tickets. Starting today, March 8, you can purchase concert tickets for the show with the password "NIGHTRANGERCHICAGO".

Can't attend the show? Fans can tune-in to Yahoo! Music on May 7 or via the Yahoo! app on mobile (iOS and Android) and connected devices (Apple TV, Roku, Xbox) to catch a live stream of the House Of Blues performance. The resulting recording will be made available for purchase on CD/DVD at a later date.

NIGHT RANGER's latest studio album, "High Road", came out in June 2014 via Frontiers. Produced by the bandmembers themselves, the effort was made available in two formats — a standard CD version and a deluxe version which included two bonus tracks and a DVD featuring a background look at the making of the album along with video clips. The cover art for "High Road" incorporated elements of the artwork from the band's previous releases.

NIGHT RANGER's legendary hits "Sister Christian", "(You Can Still) Rock In America" and "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" are songs that have each significantly impacted popular culture and expanded their ever-growing fanbase since the band's inception thirty years ago. Over the years, the band's music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of media and popular culture.

NIGHT RANGER's songs can be heard in the Rock Band and Guitar Hero video games; "Rock Of Ages" hit Broadway musical and film; the Oscar-nominated film "Boogie Nights"; Fox's hit TV show "American Dad"; JBL's "Hear The Truth" campaign; and many more.

To date, NIGHT RANGER has sold 17 million units worldwide and boasts several platinum- and gold-certified albums.

NIGHT RANGER is Jack Blades (bass guitar, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead and rhythm guitars), Keri Kelly (lead and rhythm guitars) and Eric Levy (keyboards).

SPV/Steamhammer will re-release Virgin Steele's The House Of Atreus Act I & Act II on May 20th. This massive 3CD digipak re-release comes with bonus material and a huge booklet with new liner notes and unseen photos by David DeFeis.

David DeFeis comments on the re-release: "We are Honoured & Proud to announce that on May 20th Steamhammer SPV will re-release our barbaric-romantic epic metal-opera, The House Of Atreus! It will be issued in a special 3CD digi-pak format. CD1 will contain the entire Act 1 album, and compact discs 2 and 3 will contain the entire Act 2 album, plus the Magick Fire Music EP tracks. The House Of Atreus was a major milestone release for us and we are excited to have the opportunity to present it to the public once again. In addition to its appearance as a full length album, this work was also presented live onstage as a fully realized theatrical production by the Landestheatre Schwaben, and the tour we completed for it was one of our longest and most ambitious tours ever. Those who might have missed either the album, the tour or the theatrical performance, can now once again experience this work in all its blood-drenched glory and murderous majesty once again…"

The House Of Atreus Act I & Act II tracklisting:

CD1:
“Kingdom Of The Fearless (The Destruction Of Troy)”
“Blaze Of Victory (The Watchman’s Song)”
“Through The Ring Of Fire”
“Prelude In A Minor (The Voyage Home)”
“Death Darkly Closed Their Eyes (The Messenger’s Song)”
“In Triumph Or Tragedy”
“Return Of The King”
“Flames Of The Black Star (The Arrows Of Herakles)”
“Narcissus”
“And Hecate Smiled”
“A Song Of Prophecy”
“Child Of Desolation”
“G Minor Invention (Descent Into Death’s Twilight Kingdom)”
“Day Of Wrath”
“Great Sword Of Flame”
“The Gift Of Tantalos”
“Iphigenia In Hades”
“The Fire God”
“Garden Of Lamentation”
“Agony And Shame”
“Gate Of Kings”
“Via Sacra”

CD2:
“Wings Of Vengeance”
“Hymn To The Gods Of Night”
“Fire Of Ecstasy”
“The Oracle Of Apollo”
“The Voice As Weapon”
“Moira”
“Nemesis” (Instrumental)
“The Wine Of Violence”
“A Token Of My Hatred”
“Summoning The Powers”

CD3:
“Flames Of Thy Power (From Blood They Rise)”
“Arms Of Mercury”
“By The Gods”
“Areopagos” (Instrumental)
“The Judgment Of The Son”
“Hammer The Winds”
“Guilt Or Innocence” (Instrumental)
“The Fields Of Asphodel”
“When The Legends Die”
“Anemone (Withered Hopes... Forsaken)”
“The Waters Of Acheron” (Instrumental)
“Fantasy And Fugue In D Minor (The Death Of Orestes)” (Instrumental)
“Resurrection Day (The Finale)”
“Gate Of Kings” (Acoustic Version)
“Agamemnon’s Last Hour”
“Great Sword Of Flame” (Alternate Version)
“Prometheus The Fallen One” (Re-Mix)
“Flames Of Thy Power (From Blood They Rise)” (Alternate Mix)
“Wings Of Vengeance” (Alternate Mix)

Virgin Steele live:

June
17 - Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting



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After five successful years filled with four albums and some demos and splits and great shows and festivals around Europe, Entrails main singer and bassist Jocke Svensson and drummer Adde Mitroulis are leaving the band for new blood. Their last performance with Entrails was at Netherlands Deathfest last week.

Comments guitarist Jimmy Lundqvist: "It has been a pleasure having those two guys in the band for all those years. Without them Entrails wouldn't have made the albums and shows that happened in the past. Unfortunately their time just wasn't enough anymore to give Entrails the time and focus that I wanted for doing even more shows and more intense work with the band. It is not easy to combine several other bands plus familys when more time is needed to push Entrails even harder. And therefore the guys decided to leave in a friendly matter and what's best for the band Entrails. We wish them all the best of luck in their other projects."

Martin "Fjalar" Mikaelsson is the new man behind the drums. Martin is well known from bands as Istapp, Nivlhel and Unchained. Tommy Carlsson is from now on main vocalist and bassist. Tommy is known from bands as Istapp, Nivlhel and Visceral Bleeding.

Martin says: "I'm really looking forward to bring death upon earth with Entrails as the new torturer of heads!"

Tommy says: "I'm excited and proud that I will be a part of Entrails, I love old school death metal and I'm looking forward to continue and make some brutal music with these guys!"

The first show with new lineup will be in Stockholm on March 26th, and the guys have worked hard and are prepared for this. Entrails will continue to deliver the same brand of old school death metal as before.

Entrails is:

Jimmy Lundqvist - guitars
Pontus "Penki" Samuelsson - guitars
Tommy Carlsson - vocals/bass
Martin "Fjalar" Mikaelsson - drums

(Photo - Cassandra Bengtsson)



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Following the recent release of their second album, Till Life Do Us Part, leading Israeli melodic death metal quintet The Fading have released a new lyric video for the single "Chasing Time"; it can be viewed below.

Formed in 2006 by vocalist Ilia Badrov The Fading claimed prominence following their victory at the world renown Wacken Metal Battle. Representing Israel at the 'Heavy Metal Mecca' earned The Fading a record contract with Wacken Records and just months later the band were holed up at the Underground Studio tracking their debut album. One year on from their Wacken 2008 appearance, the band released In Sin We'll Find Salvation.

The years that followed would see the band hit the road hard, sharing stages with leading acts such as: In Flames, Children Of Bodom, Arch Enemy, Ensiferum, Misery Index, Evile, Warbringer and more, as well as headlining tours across Eastern Europe and Russia, before taking time out to write and record a follow-up album.

Early 2013 saw the completion of that record, and one whIch would be entitled Till Life Do Us Part. The album was later recorded at A.G. Studio in Israel and self-produced by the band with the mix and master overseen by Jens Bogren of Fascination Street Studios. The album however wouldn't see its official release until December 29th, 2015.

Artwork for the album and an animated video for the title track was produced by Israeli animation artist, Tim Razumovsky.

 



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Little Caesar's Brutally Honest is in the final stages of mixing. It was recorded live in Holland in 2015. It’s a double CD and as the title suggests, there are no overdubs, clean ups, pitch corrections or any of the other studio tricks that make a live album “controlled” or falsely polished. It’s the first live release in the band's 30 year career. It captures the group's live energy and love for their music and fans. Stay tuned for free downloads and a release date in the very near future.

The artwork for Brutally Honest can be viewed below:

Catch Little Caesar live in Europe:

May
6 - Oostende, Belgium - Bada Bing
7 - Arras, France - Blue Devils
8 - Beerse, Belgium - Beatnik
9 - Hamburg, Germany - Hafenklang
11 - Bordesholm, Germany - Albatros
12 - Bremen, Germany - Meisenfrei
13 - München, Germany - Garage Deluxe
14 - Lichtenfels, Germany - Paunchy Cats
15 - Krefeld, Germany - Kulturrampe
16 - Frankfurt, Germany - Nachtleben
17 - Verviers, Belgium - Spirit Of 66
19 - Bilbao, Spain - Antzokia
20 - A Coruña, Spain - Mardi Gras
21 - Cangas, Spain - Salason
22 - Leon, Spain - Gran Café
24 - Madrid, Spain - La Boîte
25 - Valencia, Spain - Paberse Matao

 

 



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"Fear Itself", the new albumfrom Anglo-Chilean thrashers CRIMINAL, can be streamed in its entirety using the SoundCloud widget below. The CD will be released on March 11 worldwide via Metal Blade Records.

Recorded at CRIMINAL bassist Danny Biggin's HVR Studios in Suffolk, U.K., with a "no-bullshit" approach to recording, the band purposely avoided the vices of modern metal production such as samples, quantizing and amp simulators. The striking artwork by renowned Romanian artist Costin Chioreanu (AT THE GATES, ARCH ENEMY, MAYHEM) perfectly represents the bleak, dystopian atmosphere of the lyrics, which denounce warmongering, misinformation, exploitation and other ills of modern society. A metal band with a hardcore attitude, CRIMINAL's longevity is a testament to their honesty and passion; they're in it for all the right reasons.

CRIMINAL commented: "Everyone who's heard the new album agrees that it is our most pissed-off sounding record to date. We didn't try to make it more brutal, but that's the way it came out. We just let the metal flow. I think having Sergio in the band has something to do with it, because, as a longtime fan of the band, he told us when certain things seemed unnecessary. In fact, all but one of the songs are under four minutes long. Straight to the point, quick and painful.

"In terms of style, we didn't really plan anything, we just wrote the riffs that came to our minds. So there's a bit of thrash, hardcore and death metal, but also some classic heavy metal. All the stuff that we love put through a blender. And the end result sounds like CRIMINAL. It's hard to define, but I think a long time ago we created our own sound, and every new album ends up sounding like that."

"Fear Itself" track listing:

01. Intro02. Down Driven03. False Flag Attack04. Shock Doctrine05. The Needle And Knife06. Scream Of Consciousness07. Summoning The Apocalypse08. The One Who Speaks At Night09. Animals To Gods10. Deep In The Rot11. Wasted Youth12. Carne Molida

CRIMINAL lineup:

Anton Reisenegger - vocals/guitarsSergio Klein - guitarsDan Biggin - bassZac O'Neil - drums

"Well Of Despair", a new song from Ohio-based blackened metallers SKELETONWITCH, can be heard in the YouTube clip below. The track is taken from the band's recently completed new EP, which will be released this summer via Prosthetic Records. The effort, which marks the recording debut with SKELETONWITCH of the group's new singer, Adam Clemans (WOLVHAMMER), was completed at Baltimore's Developing Nations studio with producer Kevin Bernsten (MAGRUDERGRIND, NOISEM, MUTILATION RITES).

"I'm very proud to be a part of the SKELETONWITCH camp, and I'm very excited about how the new EP turned out," said Clemans. "Working with like-minded musicians is always a pleasure, and I'm confident that the new chapter of this band will carry the SKELETONWITCH banner properly and proudly."

Added guitarist Scott Hedrick: "We are extremely excited to announce Adam as the new singer for SKELETONWITCH. He's a killer vocalist, lyricist, and all-around creative force. Please welcome him to the SKELETONWITCH family as we begin this new chapter. As always, thanks to everyone who has, and continues to, support us."

SKELETONWITCH will join ABBATH, HIGH ON FIRE and TRIBULATION on this year's Decibel Magazine Tour, which kicks off March 17.

Clemans appears alongside Abbath, HIGH ON FIRE's Matt Pike and TRIBULATION's Johannes Andersson on the cover of the new issue of Decibel magazine, which hits newsstands on March 2.

The official video for the song "Merciless" from melodic progressive metal masters LORDS OF BLACK can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's second album, "II", which will be released on March 18 via Frontiers Music Srl.

LORDS OF BLACK is the band formed by world-class singer Ronnie Romero, renowned guitarist Tony Hernando and monster drummer Andy C. Their vision was to form a metal band with a modern approach blended with catchy, melodic and progressive elements.

After months of intense and hard work on the songs, LORDS OF BLACK independently released its acclaimed self-titled debut which was co-produced by Roland Grapow (MASTERPLAN, ex-HELLOWEEN). Metal Hammer Spain deemed it "the best metal album released in Spain this year."

LORDS OF BLACK supported the release with a series of very successful live shows, some of them as "very special guest" for high-profile international acts. Then the news of Ronnie Romero joining the new incarnation of RAINBOW broke out. This brought the band to the attention of the international media, with RAINBOW legend Ritchie Blackmore describing Romero's voice as "a cross between Ronnie James Dio and Freddie Mercury."

However, now LORDS OF BLACK are ready to conquer the world with "II", an album which will blow the minds of fans of modern melodic metal. Once again co-produced, mixed and mastered by Roland Grapow, the disc is not only the follow-up to LORDS OF BLACK's outstanding and acclaimed debut album, but is an album with superbly crafted songs that will instantly become absolute metal classics.

"The new album, being the follow-up to a first record that was so greatly received, had to get to a higher place," says Tony Hernando. "After an intense year of writing and producing, along with the live performances, we came up with songs that are still deep and complicated in some arrangements, but have been written with the live performance in mind… The quest was to come up with something that artistically was meaningful for us as musicians and at the same time could catch the attention of the listeners. We really hope you enjoy this new album and come with us for a great ride!"

Tracks like "Merciless", "Everything You're Not", "Insane", "New World's Coming" and "Shadows Of War" showcase the heavy and complex yet very melodic style of the band. The song "The Art of Illusions Part III: The Wasteland" is the conclusion to the trilogy that commenced on the debut album, while the song "Cry No More" is inspired and dedicated to the late, great, Phil Lynott.

"II" track listing:

01. Malevolently Beautiful (Intro)02. Merciless03. Only One Life Away04. Everything You're Not05. New World's Comin'06. Cry No More07. Tears I Will Be08. Insane09. Live By The Lie10. Die By The Truth11. Ghost Of You12. The Art Of Illusions Part III: The Wasteland13. Shadows Of War14. Lady Of The Lake (RAINBOW cover, bonus track CD edition)15. Innuendo (QUEEN cover, bonus track digital edition)

Regarding how he landed the RAINBOW gig, the Chilean-born Romero told Rafabasa.com: "I don't know from how long they had me on their list, but they contacted me some months ago, at the beginning of summer, to tell me about a chance to an audition . I deeply remember that 'day one' and that first 'hi,' been doing your daily activities and receive an email from Ritchie Blackmore himself is quite hard to assimilate, after a few days days, even weeks."

Romero also talked about Ritchie's recent description of his vocal style as "a cross between Ronnie James Dio and Freddie Mercury." He said: "I just think about how lucky I feel, not just to get the gig, but how the hell they found me. Having so many good singers worldwide. From the first contact, I just tried to give my best to get it. I always believed in myself, and with the support of my family and close friends, even more. About his words, I just can be thankful, he put the bar quite high with his description. [Laughs] But I'm also glad with his confidence on me to this huge task."

Stratovarius bassist Lauri Porra has checked in with the following message:

"This is my tribute to a great songwriter and my former bandmate, Timo Tolkki, on his 50th birthday (March 3rd). A somewhat improvised piano rendition based on his song '030366' from the Stratovarius album Fourth Dimension. Do check out the original if you haven´t listened to it. It is an interesting piece with inventive and experimental arrangement, Stratovarius at its avant-gardest. My version is pretty far from the original but the melodies and parts are at least based on the ones by Timo. I often wonder which would have happened if he would have followed this more experimental musical path further. Happy birthday Timo and thank you for the music!"

In 2015, Wacken TV has released pro-shot footage of Stratovarius performing the new track "Shine In The Dark" on July 31st at the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany. Watch below:

Coinciding with the release of the band’s new studio album, Eternal, Stratovarius premiered the official music video for their single “My Eternal Dream”. Directed by Mariano Biasin, the video clip deals with one of the world’s recent burning issues realized in stunning cinematic visuals, as well as a powerful performance from the band filmed in Argentina and Finland.

Stratovarius released Eternal in September 2015 via earMUSIC. The symphonic metal masters offer a guided and intimate tour of the album via this behind-the-scenes mini-documentary.

It's 12-minutes long and allows fans and viewers to take a deep dive and to experience the birth of Eternal. The mini-doc spotlights the band in the studio recording, along with interviews. It's in-depth and intriguing. Watch this keyhole view of Stratovarius while making Eternal below:

Tracklisting:

“My Eternal Dream”
“Shine In The Dark”
“Rise Above It”
“Lost Without A Trace”
“Feeding The Fire”
“In My Line Of Work”
“Man In The Mirror”
“Few Are Those”
“Fire In Your Eyes”
“Lost Saga”

“Shine In The Dark” lyric video:



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"Just Let Go", a brand new song from Massachusetts-based metallers KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's seventh album, "Incarnate", which will be released on March 11 via Roadrunner.

"Incarnate" track listing:

01. Alone I Stand02. Hate By Design03. Cut Me Loose04. Strength Of The Mind05. Just Let Go06. Embrace The Journey… Upraised07. Quiet Distress08. Until The Day09. It Falls On Me10. The Great Distress11. We Carry On12. Ascension

Bonus tracks:

13. Reignite14. Triumph Through Tragedy15. Loyalty

Asked in what way the making of "Incarnate" changed him, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Jesse Leach told RockSverige.se: "I think it initially started out that I had an idea of what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go lyrically. I had a moment where I questioned stuff. I questioned myself as a writer, I questioned if what I was doing was the best it could be, and the answer was no, so I kind of spiraled myself into depression, almost purposely. I purposely put myself into a dark place and started thinking about the bigger questions of life, and from there I started to write stuff I never thought I'd write before and came to self-realizations about how I was raised and what I believe and don't believe. I'm in a good place now, but I question a lot of what I was raised with and I question a lot of my beliefs. All this stuff that surround how I was brought up, I realized some of that stuff I was just believing because I was taught it and I didn't really accept it as true. The way the state of the world is now and the way the American media has been aiming towards… between police brutality and gay rights, all these things that just upset me and anger me, I realized that the organization of religion and the organization of politics, I don't want anything to do with that anymore. Who we are as humans is so much greater than these confines that this particular systematic way of thinking puts on us. I think I liberated myself through a pretty heavy depression, but it was an artistic depression. I almost don't want to use depression; it was just a dark place. I didn't go quite down into the rabbit hole like I have before in the past, but enough so it affected my wife and she was worried about me. But, to me, it was like I needed to do it. I'd wake up in the morning and have extremely strong coffee and go out into the wilderness and spend all day just by myself and contemplate life and contemplate God. These heavy questions and I wanted to tackle that on this record, and I think that I did."

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist and producer Adam Dutkiewicz recently told Revolver magazine that Leach "hit a wall with ideas" during the songwriting process for "Incarnate" after completing the first three or four songs in the studio. "He couldn't find lyrics he was really stoked on," Adam explained. "But Jesse's a great lyricist and a great songwriter, so I just told him, 'Keep writing, and when you hit on something that inspires you, bring it to me.'"

Leach told Revolver about the "Incarnate" title: "The definition of incarnate is 'in the flesh.' And this record is who we are right now. Whereas [2013's] 'Disarm The Descent' was sort of my 'comeback' album, and was about us feeling out the new vibe. But now, after spending a few years traveling the world together, I think we're all in a really comfortable place. We definitely have a strong sense of self as to who we are as a band

The band will embark on a North American headline tour shortly after the new album's release. They will be joined by MEMPHIS MAY FIRE and 36 CRAZYFISTS for the trek, which runs from March 16 in San Antonio, Texas to April 24 near Charleston, South Carolina.

Washington riff rockers, Mos Generator, have just finished mastering their brand new album, Abyssinia, which is slated for release in July via Listenable Records.

Hyper creative main man and composer of more than one-thousand songs Tony Reed comments: "Abyssinia is the continuation of an open relationship with many musical styles. This kind of exploration has always been a part of my writing but now I'm letting the flood gates open and I'm welcoming all of my musical influences to flow through the songs. “Strangest Times” and “Red Canyons” are very typical Mos Generator style heavy rock songs but tunes like “Outlander”, which takes a lot from the soundtrack era Pink Floyd, or “Catspaw”, which sounds like something I would have written at age twenty under the influence of Husker Du and Voivod, move the band into a whole new area that I'm very excited to be moving towards."

Mos Generator formed during the Winter of 2000 in Port Orchard, Washington from the ashes of a decade-long on-again-off-again collaboration between its three members, all of which are long time veterans of the road and studio. The need to strip down to the basics of hard rock was apparent from the start and continues to be the foundation for the band's recent material. Mos Generator has released six studio albums, a retrospective album, a live album and a plethora of split 7" and 12" singles.

Mos Generator is:

Tony Reed - guitar, vocals, keyboards, assorted instruments
Sean Booth - bass
Jon Garrett - drums

(Photo - Gael Mathieu)



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All Hail The Yeti will release their new full-length concept album, Screams From A Black Wilderness, on April 8th via Minus Head Records. The concept, based on classic campfire-circle horror stories, presents a different story with each track.

All Hail The Yeti recently released a music video (streaming below) for the track "After The Great Fire", cut from their previous self-titled album. Screams From A Black Wilderness features the prequel to that concept track, entitled "Before The Flames".

Both videos are directed byBrian Cox of Flarelight Films and depict an orphanage housing children being abused by possessed caretaker nuns. When the nuns try to hide the abuse, their plan backfires tragically and everyone meets their demise. "Before The Flames" conceptualizes how the evil corruption came to be, before the tragic flames were set.

"This portion of the story is told from one child's point of view - the little girl writing the letter to her parents begging them to come save her," states vocalist Connor Garritty. "The idea for the story was something I came up with and immediately wanted to convey visually in addition to musically. The director Brian and I worked pretty closely together on the concept and treatment. From the initial idea I knew that I wanted it to be something that would make people feel uncomfortable but not be too gory. It's more of a "suggested" horror, to think of what these nuns are doing to these little children."

“Before The Flames” video:

“After The Great Fire” video:

Screams From A Black Wilderness, is produced by Matt Hyde, known for his prior work with renowned groups such as Deftones, Slayer, and Soulfly, and features a guest vocal appearance from Brock Lindow of 36 Crazyfists.

Vocalist Connor Garrity clarifies that the Screams From A Black Wilderness writing process, both sonically and conceptually, came easily once the new line-up for the band had been solidified. "When our guitarist Alan Stokes joined the band, the writing process finally felt natural. While we knew we wanted to connect it to the self-titled album, Screams From A Black Wilderness was truly conceptualized as it came together in the studio. We knew we wanted to do something different while still keeping our integral sound - this album, to us, is a more developed version of the style you hear on the self-titled release. Working with Matt Hyde was instrumental; he understood what we were doing musically and used that to pull the best out of us."

Screams From A Black Wilderness will feature a heavier, grimier and considerably more advanced version of the All Hail The Yeti fans have come to know since their inception. Stay tuned for the release of new tracks, music videos and other details coming soon.

Tracklisting:

“Before The Flames”
“Plague Dance”
“Let The Night Roar”
“Mr. Murder” (feat. Brock Lindow)
“Lady Of The Night”
“Witch Is Dead”
“Daughter Of The Morning”
“Sun Will Never Set”
“Fall Of Core”
“Breaking On The Wheel”
“Nemesis Queen”
“Angels Envy”



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Frontiers Music Srl will release "Ghost Of Graceland", the new album from Swedish hard rockers TREAT, on April 15.

The song "Endangered", taken from "Ghost Of Graceland", can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. Building on the success of their last album, 2010's "Coup De Grace", hailed by both fans and critics as a masterpiece, TREAT has put together an album packed with reflective, soul-searching songs dressed in devilishly seductive yet hard-hitting melodic rock. "This is where we are today, as a band, as musicians, songwriters and individuals. It's a statement: this is us in 2016," says TREAT's main songwriter and guitarist Anders Wikström. "Ghost Of Graceland" was produced by longtime TREAT fan and respected writer/producer Peter Mansson and co-produced by Anders Wikström, showcases a band with a thirty-plus-year career, that are hungrier and more energetic than ever! To achieve the organic, pure, bold, (somewhat) cocky, contemporary sound with melodies and choruses to die for that they were going for, the band took a step back. Wikström explains: "It's a musical as well as a personal soul searching. We traced us back to our roots, the music and the heroes that got us dreaming back in the '70s: KISS, VAN HALEN, SWEET, DEEP PURPLE and UFO. An era where music and musicianship really mattered and rock 'n' roll was a matter of life or death." TREAT got in the time machine and retrieved all that restless energy. But "Ghost Of Graceland", with all its delicious, action-packed and hook-laden melodic rock that could soundtrack a party, also sees a band that reflects on their personal lives. Robert Ernlund (vocals), Anders Wikström (guitars and backing vocals), Patrick Appelgren (keyboards, guitar and backing vocals), Jamie Borger (drums) and new bass player Pontus Egberg (KING DIAMOND, LION'S SHARE) are a powerhouse. Pontus replaces the band's songwriting partner Fredrik Thomander, who has also been performing live with the band since 2013.

"When we started working on this album and in need of a permanent replacement on bass, Pontus was the only guy we had in mind," Wikström says. "He's a good friend of ours and a fantastic musician and live performer. He and Jamie just blow the roof off together on this new album!" "We're doing what we love. We're proudly flying the flag for hard and melodic rock. Honestly, this is a very, very good TREAT album," adds Wikström.

Experience TREAT live at Frontiers Rock Festival in Trezzo Sull'Adda (Milano) on April 23. "Ghost Of Graceland" track listing: 01. Ghost Of Graceland02. I Don't Miss The Misery03. Better The Devil You Know04. Do Your Own Stunts05. Endangered06. Inferno07. Alien Earthlings08. Nonstop Madness09. Too Late To Die Young10. House On Fire11. Together Alone12. Everything To Everyone

TREAT is:

* Robert Ernlund - lead vocals* Anders Wikström - lead guitars and background vocals (lead vocals on "Together Alone")* Patrick Appelgren - keyboards, guitars and background vocals* Pontus Egberg - bass guitar* Jamie Borger - drums

Norwegian rockers KVELERTAK will release their third album, "Nattesferd", on May 13 via Roadrunner. The follow-up to 2013's "Meir" was recorded live at Amper Tone Studio in Oslo, Norway (KVELERTAK's first effort to be recorded in the group's homeland) and was produced by the band and mixed/engineered by Nick Terry (LINDSTRØM, TURBONEGRO, THE LIBERTINES).

Commented KVELERTAK frontman Erlend Hjelvik: "We are finally getting ready to release our third album, 'Nattesferd', on the world, and however cliché it may sound, I'm not afraid to say that this is our best one yet. It's an exquisite smorgasbord of riffs infused with everything between the best of classic rock and heavy metal. I'm certain it will blow the minds of both old and new fans."

A new KVELERTAK song called "1985" can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget below.

KVELERTAK will embark on a North American tour next month with special guests TORCHE and WILD THRONE. MUTOID MAN will also appear on select dates. The trek kicks off April 12 at Portland, Maine's Port City Music Hall and will see KVELERTAK traversing west through early May.

KVELERTAK's forthcoming third LP has garnered "Most Anticipated" accolades from the press, with Rolling Stone featuring it in the magazine's "25 Most Anticipated Metal Albums Of 2016" round-up. Additionally, Stereogum placed the new LP at #36 on their "101 Most Anticipated Albums Of 2016" while Consequence Of Sound included it in their "20 Most Anticipated Metal Albums Of 2016" preview.

"Meir" topped the official chart in Norway. The CD, which sold 1,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release, was issued on March 26, 2013 via Roadrunner Records. It was produced by CONVERGE's Kurt Ballou and features cover artwork by John Dyer Baizley.

KVELERTAK is Erlend Hjelvik (vocals), Vidar Landa (guitar), Bjarte Lund Rolland (guitar), Maciek Ofstad (guitars), Marvin Nygaard (bass) and Kjetil Gjermundrød (drums).