At long last, Infernal Curse has revealed their second album, Apocalipsis, set for international release on February 26th via Iron Bonehead Productions. The new track "Litanies Unto Djinn" is streaming below. Hailing from the oft-overlooked scene of Argentina, Infernal Curse are a study in patience and defiance. Forming in 2008, early on, the band's sound was strictly within the blown-out blackened thrash characteristic of South America's most-underground metal, culminating in the clattering 'n' chaotic Awakening of the Damned debut LP in 2012. However, it was with the Iron Bonehead-released mini-album The End Upon Us in 2014 where Infernal Curse truly found their stride. Reigning in the chaos for a more pulsing form of barbarity, the power-trio were as violent and virulent as ever, but pushed the still-overwhelming physicality into the beyond.

A press release states: “Now, with Apocalipsis, Infernal Curse have pushed beyond The Beyond. Soul-devouring yet ceremonial, hideous yet hypnotic, molten in its sheer crushing weight but effortlessly cruising along a wavelength too frightening to perceive, this is bestial metal taken to its psychedelic extremes. Explosions of subharmonic riff, drums driven with animalistic abandon, sepulchral voices plumbing the depths of the abyss, and mind-melted leads divebombing into and out of the metaphysical carnage: all the rudiments are essentially the same, but the destination in which all these diseased, doom-draped decibels are heading toward resides on a far more spiritual plane. One could qualify it as ‘ritualistic,’ and one would be right; one could also argue that there are layers beneath these layers, and that one would also be right. It's this paradox between profundity and crudity which elevates Apocalipsis above the mongrel hordes mindlessly battering away to the same well-worn, black/white/red-all-over Blasphemy tropes and suggests an indeed more elevated approach to the bestial arts.”

Tracklisting:

“O Ov SoahX”
“Litanies Unto Djinn”
“Sin Of Iblis”
“Nasheed Al Mut”
“Obituaries”
“Fragments Of Annihilation”
“Adharma”
“Upon Death He Dwells”
“Etreum”

“Litanies Unto Djinn”:



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German speed/power metallers Iron Savior checked in with an update and revealed their new album is titled Titancraft.

The band’s message reads as follows:

“Right now we are putting the final touch on the new album and the long but very successful way of doing this album reaches its end. I am super-duper happy with the songs and the mix! This weekend we will record all backing choirs. Looking absolutely forward to this! And this time we have a guest with us: Frank Beck will hop over to Hamburg to lend his voice also to the mighty backing, haha! Also Felipe (Machado Franco) came up with a killer artwork once more, which suites the album title TITANCRAFT really perfect. So all couldn't be better at this point!!!”

Iron Savior released their first ever DVD/Live CD Live At The Final Frontier on May 29th, 2015. It includes the recordings of the band's show in their hometown Hamburg (from January 2015) and comes as exclusive DVD/2CD digipak.

New England's Caricature has released a new track dubbed "Eat Shit And Die", which can be streamed via YouTube below.

"Eat Shit And Die" is the first single in advance of Caricature's next full-length album titled The Fiction We've Become, due for release later in 2016. In addition to releasing the new track on Bandcamp, for a limited time you can buy all of Caricature's releases in a special package for 20% off the typical price. This includes 2015's acclaimed Shadows (maxi single) release, The Sound Of One Man's World Collapsing and The Birth By Sleep EP.

 

  



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Inglorious have released a video for “Unaware”, from the UK outfit's self-titled debut album, out on February 19th. The album can be pre-ordered on iTunes and Amazon now, with those buying ahead of launch getting "Until I Die" and "Breakaway" instantly.

Tracklisting:

“Until I Die”
“Breakaway”
“High Flying Gypsy”
“Holy Water”
“Warning”
“Bleed For You”
“Girl Got A Gun”
“You’re Mine”
“Inglorious”
“Wake”
“Unaware”

“Unaware” video:

“Girl Got A Gun” lyric video:

“High Flying Gypsy” lyric video:

"Until I Die" video:  

EPK:

Queen guitarist Brian May has recently given frontman Nathan James, bassist Colin Parkinson, drummer Phil Beaver and guitarists Will Taylor and Andreas Zata Eriksson his seal of approval after hearing some of the band's material. He said: "You guys really do look like a potent young Deep Purple but with a new slant - very classic! And the musicianship is stunning. Good luck with it all - I'm sure you will do great. Amazing vocals, by the way."

Inglorious are being hailed as one of the UK's heaviest new hard rock bands to emerge from the British underground scene. Originally formed in February 2014, the band is fronted by Nathan James, who made a name for himself having sung for the multi-platinum selling Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Scorpions guitar legend Uli Jon Roth. Inspired by musical giants such as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Whitesnake, Bad Company, Aerosmith, the band's song "Breakaway" has already found its way on to UK rock radio.   

The band is on a European tour as special guests of The Winery Dogs; remaining dates include:

February  
10 - Apolo - Barcelona, Spain      
12 - Crossroads - Roma, Italy
13 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland
15 - Backstage Halle - Munich, Germany                 
16 - Majestic Music Club - Bratislava, Slovakia                       
17 - Barba Negra - Budapest, Hungary                     
19 - Olomouc Rocks/S Klub - Olomouc, Czech Republic

(Photo: Nedim Nazerali)

 

 



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Bellingham, WA trio, Wild Throne, has released their new music video for “Fear Yourself”, the latest single off their debut LP Harvest Of Darkness which arrived this past October. The video is streaming below:

This spring, Wild Throne will support label mates Kvelertak on their North American headline tour which will also feature Torche. The dates kick off April 12th at Portland, Maine’s Port City Music Hall and will see the band traversing west through early May (tour itinerary below). Tickets for all dates are on sale now.

Additionally, Wild Throne are set to perform at series of spring festivals including Carolina Rebellion (May 6th), Rock On The Range (May 22nd) and more.

Tour dates:

April
12 - Portland, ME - Port City Music Hall
13 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
14 - Philadelphia, PA - Underground Arts
15 - Pittsburgh, PA - Altar Bar
16 - Washington, DC - DC Brau
17 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East – Downstairs
19 - Montreal, QC - l’Astral
20 - Toronto, ON - The Opera House
21 - Columbus, OH - A&R Music Bar*
22 - Pontiac, MI - Crofoot Ballroom
23 - Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge
24 - Minneapolis, MN - Mill City Nights
25 - St. Louis, MO - The Ready Room
26 - Lawrence, KS - Granada Theatre
28 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater
29 - Salt Lake City, UT - In The Venue
30 - Boise, ID - Neurolox

May
1 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
2 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre
3 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
5 - San Francisco, CA - The Independent
6 - Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theater

May (Wild Throne only)
20 - Schaghticoke, NY - Rock’n Derby - Schagthicoke Fair Grounds
22 - Columbus, OH - Rock On The Range – MAPFRE Stadium
29 - San Antonio, TX - River City Rock Fest - AT&T Center



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Art Gates Records announce the signing of OmniKage to its international roster.

The band takes origin in 2009, it was a Sunday afternoon when the name OmniKage was written for the first time; the five members of the band were discussing the best way to explain their emotions. A mix of anger, frustration, hope, love, power and freedom. They understood that the solution could be to put people and their universe in a cage, Omnia - Kage.

In words of Omnikage: “We’re very excited and thankful to start this collaboration with AGR; we think that they will be an important step for our growth. Can’t wait to start working together and reach our goals.”

After performing in Europe several times and supporting Fear Factory in Russia last November, OmniKage are ready to release their debut album, Acceptance, in April. More news coming soon.
 
Watch the video for “J.W.G.” below:



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Cincinnati-based four-piece, Electric Citizen, will release their new album, Higher Time, on May 13th via RidingEasy Records. The album track “Evil” is streaming below.

“We chose producer Brian Olive (The Greenhornes, Dan Auerbach, Dr. John) because he's an excellent musician with a great ear for rock ‘n’ roll, and a trusted friend,” notes singer Laura Dolan.

The quartet, which also includes guitar player Ross Dolan, bass player Randy Proctor and drummer Nate Wagner, joined Olive at The Diamonds Studio in Cincinnati. Mixing was done at Nashville’s famed Easy Eye Studios and handled by Black Keys’ engineer Collin Dupuis.

Higher Time tracklisting:

“Evil”
“Social Phobia”
“Misery Keeper”
“Devils In Passing Time”
“Golden Mean”
“Higher Time”
“Ghost Of Me”
“Natural Law”
“Crux”
“Two Hearted Woman”

“Evil”:

Higher Time by Electric Citizen
 
Pre-orders are available at this location (physical) and here (digital). Tour dates will  be announced soon.



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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.

The new track “Impending Doom” can be heard below:

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”

“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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Australian progressive metal band, Voyager, have released a brand new video single, “Misery Is Only Company”, which is their first release since their V album, released in 2014. The video can be seen below.

Says guitarist Scott Kay: “We're opening 2016 with a bang! We're stoked to be releasing a new song, “Misery Is Only Company”, with a video showcasing the writing process of the song! You'll be able to catch us playing the new tune on our forthcoming European run in April with Leprous and Earthside! We're loving the new track; it's a little different, but still has that distinct Voyager sound. We hope you enjoy it!"

Find the band’s live schedule here.

(Photo - Mark Hoffmann Photography)



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On March 25th, Nuclear Blast will release the tenth issue of the value-for-metal Monsters Of Metal series. This time the package contains 81 music videos (clocking in at over six hours), including some clips from the label's new sub-label, Arising Empire, from Imminence, Novelists, and GWLT. Otherwise the spectrum ranges from heavyweights such as Nightwish, Slayer, Sabaton, Lamb Of God, Machine Head, Avantasia, Helloween, Accept as well as punk and hardcore acts like The Exploited, Discharge, Agnostic Front - a visual encyclopedia covering every genre of metal.

Check out an official trailer:

The fiery artwork was created by Jan Meininghaus (Lost Society, Bolt Thrower, Sick Of It All, U.D.O., Holy Moses, Debauchery). Pre-order Monsters Of Metal Vol. 10 here.

This ultimate metal compilation features the following clips:

Slayer - “Repentless” (censored)
Machine Head - “Now We Die”
Lamb Of God - “Overlord”
Killer Be Killed - “Wings Of Feather And Wax”
Killer Be Killed - “Curb Crusher”
Exodus - “Blood In, Blood Out”
Rise Of The Northstar - “Again And Again”
Kreator - “Civilization Collapse”
Fear Factory - “Dielectric”
Behemoth - “Blow Your Trumpets, Gabriel”
Hatebreed - “Put It To The Torch”
Devil You Know - “The Way We Die”
Carcass - “Unfit For Human Consumption”
Agnostic Front - “Police Violence”
Sepultura - “The Vatican”
Cradle Of Filth - “Right Wing Of The Garden Triptych”
Kataklysm - “Breaching The Asylum”
Belphegor - “Conjuring The Dead”
Fleshgod Apocalypse - “Epilogue”
Hypocrisy - “Tales Of Thy Spineless”
Decapitated - “Instinct”
The Exploited - “Beat The Bastards” (Live)
Discharge - “New World Order”
For Today - “Broken Lens”
Bury Tomorrow - “Earthbound”
Agnostic Front - “Never Walk Alone”
Lamb Of God - “512”
Rise Of The Northstar - “Samurai Spirit”
Suicide Silence - “You Can’t Stop Me”
Aversions Crown - “Vectors”
Novelists - “Echoes”
Carnifex - “Die Without Hope”
Imminence - “The Sickness”
Biohazard - “Vengeance Is Mine”
Madball - “Born Strong”
Meshuggah - “I Am Colossus”
Thy Art Is Murder - “Light Bearer”
Behemoth - “Messe Noire”
Cradle Of Filth - “Blackest Magick In Practice”
Walking Dead On Broadway - “Last Existence”
Killer Be Killed - “Snakes Of Jehovah”
Bury Tomorrow - “Last Light”
GWLT - “Die Grundmauern Der Furcht”
Nightwish - “Endless Forms Most Beautiful”
Sabaton - “To Hell And Back”
Avantasia - “Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose”
Helloween - “My God-Given Right”
Hammerfall - “Hector’s Hymn”
Accept - “Stampede”
Children Of Bodom - “Morrigan”
Soilwork - “Death In General”
Avatarium - “Pearls & Coffins”
Almanac - “Self-Blinded Eyes”
Epica - “Victims Of Contingency”
Diablo Blvd - “Rise Like Lions”
Black Star Riders - “Finest Hour”
Amorphis - “Sacrifice”
Edguy - “Love Tyger”
Sonata Arctica - “The Wolves Die Young”
Battle Beast - “Madness”
Rage - “My Way”
Threshold - “Unforgiven”
Hell - “Darkhangel”
Enforcer - “Destroyer”
Nightwish - “Élan”
Metal Allegiance - “Dying Song”
Deathstars - “All The Devil’s Toys”
Tuomas Holopainen - “A Lifetime Of Adventure”
The 69 Eyes - “Jet Fighter Plane”
The German Panzer - “Death Knell”
Grand Magus - “Steel Versus Steel”
Death Angel - “The Dream Calls For Blood”
Lost Society - “I Am The Antidote”
Overkill - “Armorist”
Tankard - “Fooled By Your Guts”
Municipal Waste - “You’re Cut Off”
Eluveitie - “The Call Of The Mountains”
Devilment - “Even Your Blood Group Rejects Me”
Equilibrium - “Wirtshaus Gaudi”
Korpiklaani - “Viinamäen Mies”
Die Apokalyptischen Reiter - “Freiheit, Gleichheit, Brüderlichkeit”



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Veteran LA thrashers, Anger As Art, will release their new album Ad Mortem Festinamus on March 11th via Old School Metal Records. On the follow-up to 2013 barnstormer Hubris, Inc. the quartet has done the improbable by creating a roaring thrash metal beast that doesn't just raise the bar; it crushes it into dust. A lyric video for the album track "Praise Of The Firehead" is streaming below.

Recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered by Ronald Sandoval at Rev Studios, Chino CA, Ad Mortem Festinamus (Latin translation: We Hurry Into Death) is everything you've come to expect from Anger As Art and more. Speeding recklessness, lacerating solos, and a shrapnel storm of riffs combine to make what will undoubtedly be considered one of 2016's fiercest forays into thrash metal armageddon. Ad Mortem Festinamus is venomous, angry thrash/speed/death metal.

Tracklisting:

“Ad Mortem Festinamus”
“Pissing On Your Grave”
“Aim For The Heart”
“Tombward (Bryan)”
“L.A. State Of Mind”
“Unknowing, Undead”
“Hammer, Blade, And Twisting Fire”
“We Hurry Into Death”
“Two Minutes Hate”
“Praise Of The Firehead”
“Dim Carcosa”

“Praise Of The Firehead” lyric video:

“Aim For The Heart” lyric video:



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For 10 months, the northern German band Mob Rules ensconced themselves in their studio, now they are set to present the results of their hard work: Tales From Beyond, the eighth studio recording by the group, impresses with a deeply melodic mix of progressive and power metal. Check out a new video trailer below:



When it comes to their lyrics, Mob Rules continue to go their own unmistakable path, influenced by historic events and inspired by literature. The album will be available on March 18th on Steamhammer/SPV as Digipak (including one bonus track + poster), double colored vinyl LP and digital download. In addition, there will be an extra iTunes version including an additional exclusive bonus track called “Ghost Town”, which has also been newly recorded.

Their powerful songs and haunting chorus parts have earned Mob Rules an excellent reputation over the past two decades both in their native country and abroad. Their anniversary boxed set Timekeeper, which arrived at the stores in October 2014, has been incontestable proof of the complexity and uniqueness of their material. Tales From Beyond sees an evolution of the band’s earthy and multi-faceted sound while the Celtic/British influences of their music have been honed even more finely. The current album is marked by a “new directness” which not only goes down well with Mob Rules’ own fans but will also win the group many a new metal fan. This applies all the more as Mob Rules entrusted the production of Tales From Beyond again to the tried and tested hands of sound engineer Markus Teske (Vanden Plas, Firewind, among others).

April will see Mob Rules join Axel Rudi Pell as special guests on his extensive tour, presenting the songs from Tales From Beyond live for the first time.

Finnish modern metallers, Volymian, have inked a deal with Canadian label Maple Metal Records to release their debut album, Maze Of Madness, worldwide on April 15th.

Volymian was founded in 2008, and the band went through various member changes before settling down with the sextet that recorded Maze Of Madness. Most recently, vocalist Markku Kuikka (Status Minor, The Ragged Saints, Kenziner) joined the band in 2015 for the new album. Previously the band had recorded three EPs with a different vocalist. Maze Of Madness was recorded at Artlab Studio, Helsinki, and produced by Volymian. The album was mastered by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Primal Fear, Epica, Amaranthe) in Denmark.

Jacob Hansen shares his comments on the album: "Volymian is great! I’m very impressed with the performances and song writing. Excellent stuff they’ve got going."

The album cover artwork was designed by Satu Velasco. An album teaser video can be found below.

UK metallers, Haken, announce the release of Affinity'their fourth full-length studio album and the follow-up to their 2013 album The Mountain, on April 29th. Head over to the band's website to discover a teaser for the album.

Since releasing their Restoration EP in 2014, Haken have been making waves on the live circuit, including appearances at high-profile festivals such as Hellfest, Ramblin' Man Fair, Be Prog! My Friend and Cruise to the Edge as well as supporting the likes of Between The Buried & Me and The Neal Morse Band, a double headline UK tour with Leprous, and their first North American headline tour.

Recorded during the winter months of 2015, Affinity marks a new approach to the song-writing process for Haken, as vocalist Ross Jennings explains; "It is the most collaborative we have ever been on an album. We wanted to develop and expand our sound by having every member contribute initial ideas from the very beginning of the process. It naturally takes longer to filter through the mass of material and fit it all together coherently, but this approach has helped to create something completely fresh whilst maintaining the core elements of Haken's sound."

The band once again called upon Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (Opeth, Devin Townsend, Between The Buried And Me) for mixing and mastering duties. "He is a wizard in this department! We are always confident his mix will bring out the best from our performance and this is no exception," remarks keyboardist Diego Tejeida.

Like much of Haken's previous music, Affinity is full of surprises and “The Architect”, the album's centrepiece, is no exception. Blasting through a dizzying array of instrumental insanity coupled with down-tempo atmospheric tenuity, Haken welcomes friend and Leprous frontman Einar Solberg mid-song for a spot of guest vocals! Just one of many twists and turns throughout this 60-minute musical lobotomy, Haken's Affinity will open up a new dimension in this UK sextet's trajectory.

Affinity will arrive as a Limited Edition Digipak (incl. bonus disc with instrumentals), 180g Gatefold 2 LP Edition (incl. album on CD), Standard CD Jewel Case, Digital Download and Deluxe Digital Download (incl. instrumental version of the album as bonus).



Tracklisting:

“affinity.exe”
“Initiate”
“1985”
“Lapse”
“The Architect”
“Earthrise”
“Red Giant”
“The Endless Knot”
“Bound By Gravity”

Earlier in the week it was revealed that the annual ‘Hellfest Open Air‘ festival in Clisson, France had lost a €20,000 grant from the French government for refusing to eject Down from the lineup. That standoff of course emerged following Down frontman Phil Anselmo‘s racist outbursts at the ‘Dimebash‘ event last month and the band’s inclusion on this year’s edition of the ‘Hellfest Open Air‘ festival. Anselmo has since apologized numerous times for his actions.

Hellfest Productions president Ben Barbaud has now issued an open letter on his side of the matter, stating that he feels the withdrawl of funding was not so much due to Anselmo‘s presence, but a power move done by a politician intolerant and ignorant of heavy metal culture.

“Dear Mme Garnier, Mr Retailleau, President of the Cultural Commission and President of the Regional Council of Pays de la Loire respectively.

It has taken you barely more than two months to elaborate your famous pretext used to cancel the 10 year long, historical partnership between the Pays de la Loire region and the HELLFEST festival; the biggest modern music festival in France, which I represent.

No, Madame Garnier you have had no intention of meeting with me, despite my many requests since your appointment, in December 2015, to the regional council. An appointment had indeed been arranged, but only with your “assistant.” I consider this proof of your lack of consideration for our festival, just recently voted best French festival for the second year in a row. Today we were informed of a sudden change to this appointment; finally you will be present. To what do we owe this honour of your presence so suddenly? Is it out of necessity to defend your stance, given your recent media outpourings.
I have read with great interest your recent communiqués to date. Statements published on social media networks to your 5000 followers. I would hasten to reply under the same form but before the scrutiny of our 300 000 followers.

I would glady have given you answers had you had the courtesy to contact me before throwing opprobrium onto an event which has never had the slightest incident to mention. An event for which the majority of the Loire’s inhabitants, national media and Prefecture have nothing but praise for its organisation and harmonious atmosphere. For I have learned of your “demand to exclude the group DOWN from our festival” via the press – a strange way to communicate with an organisation that is a so-called partner.

I will endeavour to give you my version of events, and by beginning with the facts your real intentions against our festival will come to light. Unlike you, I have no reason to hide my intentions, and I have no reason to lie to the electorate since I am not standing for office. To be honest, I am disgusted by politics, like many of my fellow citizens. It is my passion for my work and music that obliges me to write to you; regrettably, as I would have greatly preferred it were otherwise.

You received on February 2, an email from the collective “Provocs Hellfest ça suffit” (a collective renowned for their fierce opposition to our festival) informing you of an incident in the USA. You would see the artist Philip Anselmo, whom you had never heard of 72h previous, giving a Hitler salute and shouting “White power.”

We, like you, and I speak on behalf of the heavy metal music community, denounce this inexcusable effusion. Nevertheless, you deliberately omit to mention that this man has made multiple, public apologies, and has sworn that he is not anti-Semitic nor does he have hateful feelings towards any creed or kin. Moreover, we know this person and consider ourselves responsible and able enough to justify his presence among the many guests at our festival. This is in no way an act of complacency with regard to inappropriateness, as you have insinuated, for the festival that I head is, and never will be, a platform for racist or hateful rhetoric.

This person committed a grave error that he regrets sincerely, it would be fallacious to consider him as someone he is not. I could send you a long list of artists known for pushing the boundaries of provocation under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Rock ‘n’ roll has always had its excesses that only its fans and connoisseurs can understand and forgive. David Bowie in his time, Sid Vicious, I could go on… Philip Anselmo has acted, I grant you, on this occasion as an imbecile. He is a provocative and fiery artist like many born out of Rock ‘n’ roll, but an artist that I would defend because I am certain that he does not belong among those who are hate-filled and spread nauseating ideas…

Admit it, though, this does not interest you, only the pretext by which to please your electorate through cutting your ties to our event. Must I remind you that you have continually voted against supporting our cause (financially and morally) for the past 10 years in the opposition government? To hear you say that since your election, your regional council has never “withdrawn support for the festival nor even threatened to,” is but another of many political machinations designed to beguile the electorate in the Loire of your real intentions.

This festival has been such a successful adventure and example of human success. It has eradicated much prejudice against a stigmatised and caricatured public, too often wrongly judged as violent, occultist, even satanic. You must doubtlessly belong to those few remaining persons to realise this fact. This is as much a pity as it is worrying as the people in the Loire have put their trust in you to deliver a policy of cultural diversity in the Pays de la Loire region.

This dynamic region should rejoice and be proud to see a group of passionate youngsters succeed in creating such a successful venture in rural France! We have created 15 full-time jobs, 500 part-time and temporary contracts in an unpredictable cultural sector! We have generated more than €5m of revenue for the Nantais wine industry and have been a formidable communication tool for tourism in a lesser known area!

I dare to hope that as a taxpayer in the Loire and Vendée, that my colleagues and cultural peers will not have to face the same wrath of your moralising convictions which, to me, are a barrier to freedom and cultural creativity. It is one of the few remaining cultural jewels in our economic crown that France can be proud of.

Throughout its existence, the festival has remained apolitical, yet we are not and have never been fooled by your intentions. An interview in December 2015 on the television channel France 3 confirmed our concerns. You replied in the interview: “Hellfest? I don’t like it…” “Have you ever been to Hellfest?” “No, because I don’t like it.”

Easy to see that you would have a hard time convincing many inhabitants that your main priority was to strengthen the partnership with our event, which you see as satanic and violent.

So, allow me to reiterate: keep your grant. We who love extreme music have no moral lessons to learn from politicians who have never taken the time to come, see and understand our event for themselves and then try to impose a code of conduct. Wouldn’t you agree that it is the organisers and festival-goers to decide what is good and proper for our event of which you know nothing? Wouldn’t it be better as elected officials to concentrate on the real problems that eat away at our society rather than to vent your anger on a festival and community of music lovers who, for 3 days, celebrate their passion in peace and harmony; and that almost the entire population of Clisson praises for their respect, politeness and kindness?

Madame Garnier, Monsieur Retailleau, you are going the wrong way and I am sad to have to say it, but your political tactics cannot mask the reality of the situation: you simply had to find a pretext with which to put an end to our partnership. One matter of concern on our side, we have been prepared for this since your election. HELLFEST is, and will always remain apolitical, pacifistic, and independent. A festival organised BY fans FOR fans that will never cease to make heard the music you deem so diabolical and unsavoury, contrary to all those who have the chance to come and hear it.

I challenge you to find but one person who has attended our event who is able to prove that our festival incites racial or religious hatred. You would not find a single one, Madame and Monsieur elected officials, once again you are fighting the wrong fight.

Madame Garnier, I am aware of your candidacy for the mandate to the city of Nantes; a place dear to my heart, a town of cultural richness I am so proud. I urge you to rethink your position for I would find it hard to bear living (and many Nantais too) in a Nantes with “selective culture.”

May our extinguished grant go to help other dynamic, innovative and creative cultural associations that dare to dream and know when to push the limits of political correctness… BORN TO LOSE, LIVE TO WIN, LONG LIVE ROCK’N’ROLL!

Ben Barbaud
President of the association HELLFEST PRODUCTIONS

Ps. Forgiveness and understanding are not only Christian virtues. Those of us passionate about HELLFEST and extreme music are also people capable of debating and accepting differences of opinion. The doors of our “festival of hell” are always open to you, and I remain convinced that our hundreds of thousands of fans would be delighted to show you to what extent our event is just love and fraternity!”

New York hardcore unit Manipulate is streaming their Becoming Madness EP in its entirety below:

Manipulate's aptly-titled Becoming Madness EP, set for release via Flatspot Records on February 12th, presents an explicit look at the human condition divided into equal parts anger, cynicism and concern yet labeling Manipulate as "positive hardcore" would be grossly inappropriate. There is very little positivity to be found when those around you are dying as a result of their own actions. Nor is there an ounce of honor amongst those who choose to waste their own time on earth, as well as the time of others. Equally disenchanting are the ones whose disregard for friends and family overpowers that of love and loyalty.
 
Becoming Madness was tracked during the summer of 2015 by Jeff "Stress" Davis at Chopshop Studios with vocals recorded by John Grant at Madhouse NYC, mixed by Taylor Young at The Pit Studios, and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege. The band’s namesake track is streaming below.

Tracklisting:

“Becoming Madness”
“Beaten Path”
“Sin Upon Sin”
“Slip Away”
“Time Marches On”
“Manipulate”

“Manipulate”:

Becoming Madness will be released in a limited run of 500 7” vinyl in two color variations; 350 black and 150 gold/black. Physical preorders are available at this location. Digital preorders can be found on iTunes.



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Vancouver, BC-based heavy metal / stoner rock band, Black Wizard, released their new album, New Waste, on January 29th via Listenable Records. The full album is now available for streaming:

Black Wizard formed in 2009 between four high school friends. Founding members Adam Grant and Eugene Parkomenko, still in the original lineup, were both working a shitty construction job at the time, cranking the likes of Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple, Witch, Electric Wizard as loud as possible to get through the day on site.

Black Wizard is now releasing their brand new record, New Waste, and will be touring the US and Europe again in the next six months.

Tracklisting:

“Revival”
“Harsh Time”
“Laughing and Lost”
“Vivian Girls”
“Eliminator”
“Unnecessary Evil”
“Waiting For”
“The Priest”
“Final Ripper”

"Harsh Time":

(Photo - Milton Stille)



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Swedish melodic doom/death metallers, October Tide, have announced details regarding their forthcoming fifth studio album, Winged Waltz. Set to be released on April 22nd via Agonia Records, the record will feature eight brand new tracks and cover artwork prepared by Albin Högbom.



Tracklisting:

“Swarm”
“Sleepless Sun”
“Reckless Abandon”
“A Questioin Ignite”
“Nursed By The Cold”
“Lost In Rapture”
“Perilous”
“Coffins Of November”

Studio video:



Alexander Högbom (vocals) commented on Winged Waltz: "This is undoubtedly the best and most emotionally charged material October Tide has created, in my opinion. I know how much hard work Fredrik (guitars) has put into making this album and you can really feel the thought behind it all. I almost injured myself physically and was close to pass out a couple of times during the recording of the vocals. I gave it all to match the intense music and those powerful lyrics and I'm very happy with the result".

The successor to Tunnel Of No Light (2013) has been recorded, mixed and mastered in Wing Studios (Demonical, Centinex, Diabolical) in Sweden and produced by Sverker Widgren.

Winged Waltz will be available in the following formats:

- Digipack CD
- Regular Black Gatefold LP
- Gold LP with Gold Logo Patch (limited to 113 hand-numbered copies)
- Black T-shirt with white and silver print
- Grey T-shirt with gold print
- Digital formats

Playboy.com teamed up with VRLIVE and producer Dann Saxton last May to listen in on some new MOTÖRHEAD tracks, soak up some of frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister's caustic wisdom and capture the whole thing in 360-degree virtual reality. In the just-released clip, which was filmed in Lemmy's North Hollywood studio, he was asked: What would you tell your 20-year-old self about life? Lemmy responded: "Well, you know, I don't know about life; nobody does. We know about death. [Laughs] But life is, like, more complicated. And certain things jump in at you. Just when you've taken a forward, confident step, they blow your fucking candle out. [Laughs] And that's it."

He continued: "It really weird. When I got sick last year, all in one year… I already had diabetes, and then I got fucking kidney failure and all kinds of shit. I was in the hospital twice, you know. I never planned for this shit. I have no frame of reference for being in bed all day with the thing that goes up and down behind me… It's unbelievable. It's like being in a La-Z-Boy [furniture store] with, like, nurses around. [Laughs] I didn't like it much, and I don't plan on going back, if I can help it."

Asked what he thinks about death, Lemmy said: "The thing about death is it's so final, isn't it, really? As far as we know… Nobody has ever come back and told us about it… "

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

Asked if his illness has made him more aware of his own mortality, Lemmy previously told Classic Rock magazine: "Death is an inevitability, isn't it? You become more aware of that when you get to my age. I don't worry about it. I'm ready for it. When I go, I want to go doing what I do best. If I died tomorrow, I couldn't complain. It's been good."

With their raw, uncompromising sound, MOTÖRHEAD never became a major commercial success, but Lemmy and his cohorts remained a popular live attraction for the next several decades while winning a Grammy in 2005 and recording a total of 22 studio albums. The most edition of the band, featuring guitarist Phil Campbell and drummer Mikkey Dee, spent 22 years together, releasing its now-final album, "Bad Magic", last year.

Brazil's StrikeCanal recently conducted an interview with former JUDAS PRIEST and ICED EARTH singer Tim "Ripper" Owens. You can now watch the chat below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On whether the songs for JUDAS PRIEST's "Jugulator" album were already written prior to him joining the band:

Owens: "I joined in '96, and a lot of the songs were written throughout those years, not knowing if Rob [Halford, JUDAS PRIEST singer] was coming back or what was going on. So the songs were kind of written just about how they always wrote songs. Glenn [Tipton, JUDAS PRIEST guitarist] said, 'This is how we've always written them.' And it was a fantastic… It was a great run. I felt like family right from the start, and it was really nice, the relationship we had and still have. It was a great relationship. We got along great, and my time [with the band] was fantastic."

On being accused by some JUDAS PRIEST fans of changing the band's sound to a more brutal, modern direction on "Jugulator":

Owens: "Listen, if it's my fault that JUDAS PRIEST changed, then whose fault is it….? Every record JUDAS PRIEST puts out is different. I mean, 'Nostradamus' sounds nothing like JUDAS PRIEST ever wrote, ever. 'Turbo' sounded nothing like JUDAS PRIEST. You know, JUDAS PRIEST changes. They wrote 'Painkiller', and 'Jugulator' was a transition; it was kind of following what was going on. You've gotta remember, JUDAS PRIEST always went with the times a little bit. Glenn started playing arpeggios. PANTERA was really big [at the time]. [On the] 'Painkiller' [tour], they toured with PANTERA; PANTERA opened for JUDAS PRIEST. 'Painkiller' was a heavy record, and this was a natural progression. The difference is I probably had a few more different layers to my voice that they could tap into — some deeper, death metal kind of undertones to do backups and some different types of voices that they might be able to try. But it was JUDAS PRIEST. You've gotta remember: I'm a big fan of JUDAS PRIEST — still am and always was — so me listening to 'Jugulator' and 'Demolition', as a fan, I would be, 'This is great. This is great JUDAS PRIEST stuff.' And as JUDAS PRIEST continued without me, as a fan, I would really look back on the 'Jugulator' record and [go], 'Man, that was some great stuff.' It was JUDAS PRIEST, you know. I mean, not everybody liked 'Turbo'. Some fans did; some didn't. I love JUDAS PRIEST, because they change."

On plans to release original music with PROJECT ROCK (formerly ROCKSTAR), his band with guitarist Keri Kelli (SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, ALICE COOPER, RATT), drummer James Kottak (SCORPIONS, KINGDOM COME), bassist Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO) and keyboardist Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis (GUNS N' ROSES):

Owens: "We actually have an album done. Cleopatra is getting ready to release it. It's a lot different for me. It's a little more straightforward kind of rock. I think it's like hard rock with catchy choruses and just straightforward. Really good stuff. I absolutely love it. It's really good. We started off just going out and doing our music — JUDAS PRIEST and OZZY and whatever — in Russia. And Keri said, 'Man, this is great. Let's write music.' So it should be out within months. I would think either January, maybe February — somewhere in there. And then I'm also doing my third CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED record with Richard Christy. I'll do the vocals for that in January. So I'll have two records coming out within a year — two new records."

Ex-MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman has told FoxSanAntonio.com in a new interview that he has nothing but respect for his former band, despite the widespread belief that his split with the Dave Mustaine-led group was acrimonious.

"My years with MEGADETH was a great period of my life," he said. "We were able to create a unique sound and it was a fantastic partnership. I wouldn't want to trade any of my time with MEGADETH for anything. It helped me grow as a musician. It really taught me so much about showmanship and working well with others."

He continued: "What I liked most is that we were all together with one goal. We didn't compromise when it came to making music. And we put out some great albums during my time in the band."

Asked about the status of metal as a genre, Friedman pointed to METALLICA's self-titled 1991 album as a defining release which helped introduce this brand of music to a whole new audience.

"In my opinion, [METALLICA's 'Black' album] is the single most important album in metal," he said. "The sound of metal could have been long gone, but that album helped metal find its place in the mainstream."

He added: "Metal is not the easiest music to play, and its even more difficult to make sound good. METALLICA was able to combine all that was good about metal without compromising who they were. There are some of the best metal songs on that album like 'Enter Sandman', and it really opened the door for so many bands."

Mustaine said in a recent interview that a planned reunion of MEGADETH's "Rust In Peace" lineup — featuring Friedman and drummer Nick Menza — in early 2015 failed to materialize for a number of reasons, including a difference in vision for the band's new music. He said: "Marty had sent some e-mails saying, 'Oh, man, you know, the fans have this self-inflated importance of 'Rust In Peace' beyond what it really is. And I was, like, 'Huh?' So I didn't know if that was a backhand to the face of the fans or not, but he had basically said that if we were gonna do anything, it had to be better than 'Rust In Peace'. And he sent me over some links to some songs that he thought should be the direction that we were going in, and one of it was this J-Pop band with some Japanese girl singing, and I was, like, 'Uh-uh. This ain't gonna work.' More power to [Marty for being into that stuff]. Do what you want, Marty. He's a great guitar player. But I'm not gonna sing like a Japanese girl."

Metal Wani writer William Richards recently conducted an interview with vocalist Chuck Billy of San Francisco Bay Area metallers TESTAMENT. You can now listen to the chat below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On whether TESTAMENT will perform its recently recorded single, "The Brotherhood Of The Snake", on the upcoming U.S. tour with SLAYER and CARCASS:

"No way! We only have eight songs [to play] on this tour, so… And you don't want… [Before] the single comes out, the last thing you want is people to keep recording it on their phone to pass around; it's the worst awful-sounding recordings of your new stuff. Plus we've gotta hit 'em hard and fast with stuff they know. We've got, like I said, eight songs. I probably won't be talking too much. I'll probably just say 'hello' and 'goodbye' at the end, and just slam through the set, because there's no time."

On the musical direction of the upcoming TESTAMENT album, which will also likely be titled "The Brotherhood Of The Snake":

"Eric [Peterson, TESTAMENT guitarist and main songwriter] just kind of writes as he feels, so, yeah, there is a little bit of everything, but definitely he's got his foot to the pedal a little more on this record. The tempos are a lot faster and there's more blast beats going on all over the place. But, again, there is some other stuff. There's no ballad; I mean, there's nothing that slow, like we did on the last record. But there is some mid… I think one mid-tempo tune. But it ends up thrashing anyhow. Like I said, he has his foot on the gas a little more on this record."

On how the new TESTAMENT material compares to 2012's "Dark Roots Of Earth" album:

"Well, it's definitely not 'Dark Roots'. It's a little more chunkier, but, like I said, it has a lot of blast beats stuff in there, where it gets thrashier. So that's why it's kind of been more of a challenge for me too, 'cause it's something that Eric's doing different that's… It's just not the norm for me to go, 'Oh, okay, that's like this song over here. I'll write this.' It's a challenge, so I enjoy the challenge, and I enjoy the reward once I find the right melody to fit his stuff, 'cause he's all over it."

TESTAMENT's U.S. tour with SLAYER and CARCASS is scheduled to kick off on February 19 in Chicago, Illinois and end on March 26 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor has commented on last month's incident when ex-PANTERA singer Philip Anselmo said "white power" and made the Nazi salute on stage. Anselmo later claimed he was referring to drinking white wine as part of an "inside joke" but has since released a video message, saying that he "deserves completely" the "heat" that he has been getting over his actions and claiming to be "a thousand percent apologetic to anyone that took offense to what [he] said."

Asked by U.K.'s The Guardian what his response is to Anselmo's Nazi salute, and how we can work to eradicate racism from metal, Taylor said: "I've been watching this all and I've kept mum for the most part, because I wasn't there. So I don't know the background on what happened, I haven't seen the video of it — though I've been told by many people that it's blatant, and there's no way to misrepresent what was done."

He continued: "I will say this. This is a bigger problem than what happened that night.

"SLIPKNOT has dedicated itself to bringing people together, to fighting racism, to fighting hate in general since the day we were started. I don't have time for people who judge other people by the color of their skin. If that in itself offends some of my fans, then I'm sorry, you're wrong. I don't ever want our fans to feel like we're judging them because of color, religion, culture, upbringing, etc. We welcome everyone, we always have and we always will.

"I know there is a problem in metal, and it all comes down to, at least in America, where you grow up and what that culture is passed on from: parents, family members, friends, adults. It's a generational thing. I thought we were close to phasing it out, but unfortunately I was proven wrong. So I just dedicate myself to fighting it. It's across the board in music, though — it's not a specifically metal thing. But it has come up in the metal community. It's risen its ugly head because of the incident we're talking about."

Taylor added: "But I've not only played a lot of metal shows, I've been to a lot of metal shows, and I know for a fact they are quite diverse and they always have been. We welcome the tribe of misfits — we're the island of misfit toys, and we always have been. It will take very little to eradicate racism from metal because the majority of it isn't racist."

Corey also revealed that he is working on his fourth book, tentatively titled "America 51". He said: "[It's] kind of a nod towards Area 51: basically about how wonderfully fucked and irresponsibly abnormal my country is. It's going to deal with everything from politics to social commentary — it's going to piss off a lot of people in my country, but everyone else will love it."

He continued: "The current election cycle is a fucking mess. 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."

Zakk Wylde has commented on last month's incident when ex-PANTERA singer Philip Anselmo said "white power" and made the Nazi salute on stage. Anselmo later claimed he was referring to drinking white wine as part of an "inside joke" but has since released a video message, saying that he "deserves completely" the "heat" that he has been getting over his actions and claiming to be "a thousand percent apologetic to anyone that took offense to what [he] said."

Asked by Fuse for his reaction to Anselmo's gesture, Zakk — who performed at the Dimebash event alongside the DOWN frontman — said (see video below): "Phil, what are you doing, man? 'Cause the Phil I know, Phil's always a sweetheart and always hugs and kisses and he is nice to everybody, man. So then I'm watching this, and when I saw the video [of the incident], I'm, like, 'What are you doing, man?' But he apologized, and he knows he's wrong, man. And it just got canceled, that one [DOWN] tour or whatever, and the promoters are gonna be, like, 'Uh-uh. This ain't good.' So we'll just hit back and see what happens now. I'm pretty much… like everybody else, just as bummed out and upset and saddened by the whole thing, man."

Several notable musicians have come out and criticized Anselmo for his actions, including MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn, who uploaded an eleven-minute video response to the incident in which he called Anselmo a "big bully" and described Philip's behavior as "fucking wrong."

One musician who stuck up for Anselmo was Adam Crosier of the Arkansas band HYMNS, which is signed to Anselmo's Housecore label.

"This slanderous attack against Phil Anselmo in the metal media right now is reaching a despicable level of ugly, inept judgment," he wrote on his Facebook page. "There are no words that can accurately describe how false the racism claims truly are … I know, without a doubt, that Phil Anselmo is NOT racist. This accusation could not be further from the truth."

Crosier told BLABBERMOUTH.NET: "I think he has just made some mistakes in the past and obviously at the Dimebash — which, added together, may paint an ugly picture of his personality. It's very unfortunate, because he truly is a very compassionate and loving person."

For over two decades, SOURVEIN frontman T-Roy has managed to keep the roving pirate ship that is his band afloat through sheer will alone. Pushing through poverty, the deaths of friends and family, bouts of severe depression, periods of alcohol abuse, and an absence of the stability provided by a consistent record label, T-Roy has over the course of two decades managed to build the band into a highly respected force in the metal, doom, sludge, and crust underground.

Over twenty long dues-paying years later, SOURVEIN has at long last found a proper home for their doom-laden Southern noise with Metal Blade Records. The band's upcoming full-length and Metal Blade debut, "Aquatic Occult", will reveal itself to the masses on April 8.

Pre-orders for the album begin today at MetalBlade.com/sourvein. While there, stream track three from "Aquatic Occult", "Ocypuss", featuring guest vocals from longtime supporter, LAMB OF GOD vocalist Randy Blythe, and a guest performance by Mike Dean (bass) and Reed Mullin (drums) of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY.

Aside from Blythe, Dean and Mullin, the album features guest performances from musicians Stig Miller (AMEBIX), Keith Kirkum (ex-WEEDEATER), Dean Berry (IRON MONKEY), Dave Capps (ALL TORE UP), Chris Holcombe and Joel Martin (SUBRIG DESTROYER), and Kevin Rochelle (SEA OF TYRANTS). Reed Mullin performs drums on all but four album tracks.

"Aquatic Occult" was produced by Mike Dean and mastered by Brad Boatright (SLEEP, YOB).

"Aquatic Occult" track listing:

01. Tempest (Of Desire) (feat. Stig Miller)* 02. Avian Dawn*03. Ocypuss (feat. Randy Blythe, Mike Dean)* 04. Aquanaut (feat. Dean Berry) 05. Hymn To Poseidon*06. Mermaids*07. Urchins08. In The Wind*09. Cape Fearian*10. Capsized (feat. Dave Capps)* 11. High Tide12. Bermuda Sundown (feat. Keith Kirkum) 13. Coral Bones*14. Oceanic Procession (feat. Stig Miller, Randy Blythe on organ)*

* Reed Mullin on drums

"'Aquatic Occult' promises to be heavier than a two-ton anchor dropped into an antique porcelain bathtub — it's going to break things," comments Randy Blythe. "This record sees SOURVEIN at their most musical and focused of any recording to date."

"Finally man, finally, my years of hard work have paid off," says T-Roy, reflecting on the lengthy, gruelling trek that brought his band to Metal Blade's roster. He adds, "'Aquatic Occult' is going to bring the truth. The lyrics are reality to me; I don't write about cars or chicks or horror movies, I write about the sacrifice and struggle, all the stuff I saw growing up and what I see now. But I want it to be positive, to let people know that there is a way out of bad times and tough situations."

Photo credit: D. Randall Blythe

Capital Chaos TV has uploaded multi-camera video footage of BLACK SABBATH performing the song "Into The Void" on February 9 at SAP Center in San Jose,, California. Check out the clip below.

BLACK SABBATH resumed its "The End" tour on February 6 in Tacoma, Washington after canceling three shows because singer Ozzy Osbourne was battling severe sinusitis.

The scrapped concerts were due to take place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; and Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The first U.S. leg of "The End" tour will end on February 27 in New York City. Dates in Australia and New Zealand have been confirmed for April, with European festival shows taking place during the summer.

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

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

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

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

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

The members of A LEAGUE say that they had a "positive" encounter with Philip Anselmo at last week's Days Of The Dead horror convention in Atlanta, Georgia — two weeks after the controversial incident where the ex-PANTERA frontman said "white power" and made the Nazi salute on stage.

Anselmo was "serenaded" at the convention by four members of A LEAGUE — Van Stokes, Joseph Spivey, Damaris Wright and Trent Lyman — who sang a karaoke-style version of the BOYZ II MEN song "End Of The Road".

The A LEAGUE manager Robin McLean told BLABBERMOUTH.NET: "The team had a lot of fun with Philip on stage. He hung out, encouraged the crowd to applaud, and even did a 'flip' with the guys at the end."

McLean added: "We had no idea about any of the controversy surrounding Philip until we posted the video on our YouTube channel and started reading some of the comments.

"The guys' encounter with him was a positive one and it was an overall awesome experience."

Van Stokes, the A LEAGUE team leader and the main contact with Philip on stage, told BLABBERMOUTH.NET: "Philip was the karaoke act before us and we were, like, 'Man, we don't wanna go on after him.' So we were surprised when he joined us on stage a few minutes later."

A LEAGUE is based in Lafayette, Indiana and is a group of dancers, stunt fighters, actors, models, and is involved in fitness-related activities including teaching dance classes and a kids' warrior parkour class. They are rolling out a new program for school-aged kids using dance, parkour and stunt fighting to teach anti-bullying, anti-drugs, and staying out of trouble to achieve their dreams.