MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine was interviewed for a recent episode of "That Metal Show" co-host Eddie Trunk's podcast, "Eddie Trunk Podcast". You can now listen to it at this location. A few excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On why drummer Shawn Drover and guitarist Chris Broderick left MEGADETH on the same day in November 2014:

Mustaine: "Well, they were unhappy. David Ellefson [MEGADETH bassist] has come out and shared that it was his idea to do the 'Rust In Peace' reunion [with guitarist Marty Friedman and drummer Nick Menza], because when it didn't happen, people were bashing me pretty hard on the 'Net. And Dave said, 'Wait a minute! Mustaine's been totally open-minded and supportive to this whole thing. And don't bash him because it didn't work out. It was my idea.' And I thanked him for that. I thought it was really great that he stood up for me. But what happened was when Chris and Shawn were in the band, David had shared with them that the fans want the 'Rust In Peace' lineup. And if you were in the band and someone tells you something like that, if you're anything like me, you'd probably say, 'Well, screw you!' And we had some management at the time we were really, really not happy with; it was really not working for us. And there was a person there who had told Shawn and Chris after… It was during the middle of 2014 that we needed to come off the road for a year because IRON MAIDEN wanted us to be their support band for August, September and October of [2015] before Bruce [Dickinson, IRON MAIDEN singer] had contracted… or they diagnosed him with cancer. And when that happened, all bets were off. And we understood. I'm glad that he's healthy now. I would rather he was healthy and there was MEGADETH / IRON MAIDEN dates than him being unhealthy and there was the dates. I would never want anything to happen to him. So I digress. Back to the thing with Shawn and Chris. They were told, 'You need to go find something to do for a year.' And they evidently had had enough. And I found out about [them leaving] the same way you did; it was through the press. And, you know, I think that all MEGADETH fans should give those guys the courtesy of listening to their [new] music [with ACT OF DEFIANCE] and see if they like it or not. I'm not gonna say that it's good or bad, 'cause I haven't heard it. But, you know, I totally get why they left. I would probably have too, if someone would have said, 'You go find something to do for a year. And by the way, people want somebody else besides you being here.'"

On how close the "Rust In Peace" lineup reunion came to becoming a reality:

Mustaine: "Well, we had… If you remember, my mother-in-law had Alzheimer's and she had gone missing. So we were out at my house in California. And while we were there… 'Cause I live in Tennessee now, and we still have the house in San Diego. So we went out there to go look for her. And David Ellefson had picked up Nick Menza and brought him down from L.A. down to San Diego. And we started playing, and we did 'Rattlehead'. And we didn't get through the first chorus, and the song got messed up, so we stopped. We started again, it got messed up, we stopped. We started again, it got messed up, we stopped. I put my guitar down and I walked out of the studio. 'Cause I didn't wanna say anything mean to Nick. And David Ellefson came up to me and he goes, 'Man, this is a lot worse than I thought it was.' I had talked to Chris Adler [LAMB OF GOD drummer] about him playing on the new MEGADETH record. 'Cause I said, even if we do a reunion tour with these guys [Menza and Friedman], when we make a new record, we wanted to have someone who was just a monster on drums; we wanted [Chris Adler] to play [on it]. And when we did the rehearsal thing [with Menza] that didn't pan out, it was, like, 'Man, I'm worried.' So we were at the NAMM show, and we [Mustaine, Ellefson, Friedman and Menza] met there. And the guy that was managing us at the time had said something at dinner. We all had a band dinner with this guy. And he said something that really pissed Marty off really bad. And it was so obvious that it wasn't meant to be. It's like trying to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic; the boat's going down [and] there's no sense doing it. I think it's better off that the fans just hold on to that wonderful memory of the four of us playing together and the music that we made than trying to do something that, obviously, there's a lot of history and a lot of scars and a lot of tension and stuff like that. 'Cause if you remember how everything ended, Marty had a nervous breakdown and wanted to play more J-Pop. And when we were doing 'Risk', he said that we needed to go even more alternative than that record was. And I said, 'No.' We needed to go back to our roots. And Nick had injured his arm, so his playing ability had been challenged. Now, do I still love those guys? Of course I do. They are my friends and brothers from the band's alumni. Now, do we all get along? Well, you know, what day is it?"

On whether Nick's playing was simply not up to par during his rehearsal with Mustaine and Ellefson:

Mustaine: "Don't get me wrong. Nick is a good player, but 'Rattlehead' is straight-forward all the way through the song, and the beats would get mixed up [when we tried rehearsing it with him]. As well as, he had said that I make him nervous and that he wasn't feeling well and this and that and the other thing. And it just wasn't meant to me. I think that Nick has got the talent and the capability to play whatever he wants, and if he does form a band, it'll be great. But it just wasn't happening. Maybe it was just that day. But it wasn't happening."

On whether MEGADETH held any rehearsals with Friedman while attempting a reunion of the "Rust In Peace" lineup:

Mustaine: "No, we didn't play with Marty. 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."

MEGADETH's new album, "Dystopia", debuted at No. 3 on The Billboard 200, having shifted 49,000 equivalent album units in the week ending January 28.

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

The rest of the MEGADETH lineup is comprised of new member Kiko Loureiro (of ANGRA), David Ellefson on bass, and drummer Chris Adler, who took time away from LAMB OF GOD to record "Dystopia".

In a brand new interview with Sleaze Roxx, former SKID ROW and ANTHRAX singer Matt Fallon spoke about his brief stint as the frontman of the latter band prior to the recording of the group's "Spreading The Disease" album.

Asked how he ended up joining ANTHRAX and how his time in the band was, Fallon said: "Back in the early '80s, METALLICA were doing some promo appearances prior to the release of their first album, [which was originally supposed to be called 'Metal Up Your Ass' [eventually retitled 'Kill 'Em All']. At the time, I was playing with Dave Sabo [future SKID ROW guitarist] in a cover band called STEEL FORTUNE and we had a strong local following so we were asked to open for METALLICA at their last show. ANTHRAX was also on the bill and that's where I first met the band. Scott Ian [ANTHRAX guitarist] approached me a while after that during one of our shows at L'Amour in Brooklyn and asked if I'd be interested in joining them. The band needed to get back in the studio quickly to record a follow-up to 'Fistful Of Metal' and wanted to replace their current singer [Neil Turbin]. The whole thrash metal thing was new to me at the time, so I wasn't really sure at first, but after playing in cover bands for several years, the idea of being able to record an album sounded pretty cool, so I figured what the hell and went for a tryout. After jamming with the band and getting the thumbs up, Scott gave me a cassette with some raw tracks they had been working on and asked me to write lyrics, so that's exactly what I did."

Regarding why he left ANTHRAX prior to the completion of "Spreading The Disease", Fallon said: "Once we had enough material ready, we went directly into the studio to lay down the tracks, and that's where I got to know the band's producer, Jon Zazula. Jon seemed to have a lot of control over the band and was involved in every decision, even those involving songwriting. This was a different situation than I was used to, but I was a cocky kid, so maybe I rubbed someone the wrong way. Who knows? Anyway, it didn't work out, and we parted ways before finishing the album. However, one big mistake I made was not getting copyrights for the songs I wrote, because they wound up using a lot of my lyrics and I never received any credit. In fact, the album simply said, 'All songs written by ANTHRAX' instead of listing the individual writing credits that you would usually see. That was tough to take, especially when you turn on the radio and have to hear someone else singing the words to songs you wrote… and the fact that no one but myself and ANTHRAX knows the truth… but I guess you live and learn."

Fallon was replaced in ANTHRAX by Joey Belladonna, who became associated with the band's most commercially successful era.

In his book "I'm The Man: The Story Of That Guy From Anthrax", Ian stated about ANTHRAX's split with Fallon: "When Matt started [laying down vocals for what became 'Spreading The Disease'], we realized he was green and was in way over his head. When he sang, it was like he suddenly lost his voice. He did a lot of takes and nothing sounded good, so it became pretty clear right away that he wasn't going to last. He had way more attitude than experience, and he had a big mouth.

"While we were in Ithaca [recording 'Spreading The Disease'], we got an offer to open a show for the SCORPIONS in New Jersey, and we were all pumped about it. Then Matt said, 'We can't open for the SCORPIONS.' 'What are you talking about' I said. 'We can't be on the same stage as them. They'll fucking blow us away.'

"That was the last straw. It only took two months for us to tell we weren't happy with this guy anyway, and after that comment, Charlie [Benante, drums], Danny [Spitz, guitar], Frankie [Bello, bass] and I decided to send him packing.

"If you don't have confidence in your own band, you might as well work in a car wash.

"Within hours of that conversation, we pulled a Mustaine on him. We literally went and bought him a bus ticket back to New York, gave it to him and said, 'Sorry, man. This isn't going to work.'"

FnA Records has just released a collection of recordings from FALLON, the early 1990s band featuring Matt Fallon.

PUDDLE OF MUDD's January 30 concert at The Adelphia Music Hall in Marietta, Ohio ended abruptly when the band's lead singer, Wes Scantlin, walked off stage after berating an audience member for "stealing" his house.

According to WQLZ.com, Scantlin stopped the show in the middle of a song to go off on someone in the crowd. He said (see video below): "This motherfucker right here stole my motherfucking house and now he's standing right fucking in front of me laughing at me. And he fucking figures I'm a fucking joke. This motherfucker right here. This motherfucker right here. Get his ass on camera. Right. Get his ass on camera. Get his ass on camera. This is the dog. Right here. This is the motherfucker right here. This guy stole my fucking house."

Scantlin then put his jacket on and walked off stage.

After the abbreviated concert, the venue posted a message on its Facebook page, saying: "Thank you everyone who attended tonight's show! We apologize for the actions of the lead singer. Unfortunately, it was beyond our control! Please send us a PM and we will issue you a ticket to the next show of your choice!"

Scantlin was arrested in January for the second time in less than a month, this time for trespassing in and vandalizing a house that used to belong to him. According to TMZ, Scantlin returned to the house — which he lost to foreclosure last year — and was using a hatched to destroy parts of it. He allegedly trashed audio electronics, surveillance cameras and an alarm system while inside the home on January 9.

TMZ captured footage of Scantlin being led out of the home in handcuffs, telling police, "Come on, this is my house, man."

Scantlin was arrested in December on charges of possession of a controlled substance after being pulled over by police in Beverly Hills, California for having an expired registration on his vehicle.

When the officers at the scene realized there was also a warrant out for Scantlin's arrest, the car was searched and the alleged substance was discovered.

He was booked on misdemeanor drug charges for that incident and was released on $51,000 bail.

Scantlin was last arrested in early August in South Dakota, where police cited him for driving under the influence and being in possession of marijuana.

Previous to that, he was busted in Minnesota last July 26 for driving while intoxicated and leading police officers on a 100 miles-per-hour chase.

He forced the band to cancel a show in Flint, Michigan in June when he missed his flight. Before that, he was arrested in mid-April on charges of disorderly conduct after an incident at Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport.

Scantlin was also arrested in January 2015 after taking what was described as a "joyride" into a restricted area on an airport baggage carousel at Denver International Airport.

He previously made news in April 2014 when he melted down onstage, threw a beer and microphone into the audience, and threatened several attendees with violence at a show in Scottsdale Arizona.

Going back to 2013, his arrests included one for vandalism against a neighbor's property, as well as one stemming from his 2012 cocaine possession case and another on charges of domestic violence.

MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Phil Campbell has offered more details about his upcoming book of funny anecdotes and stories that happened during his time with the band.

Asked by Headbangers Lifestyle's Lilo at the end of last year if there are any plans for him to write and an autobiography or have a film made about his life, Campbell responded (see video below): "I don't want a film about my life; no way. I'm working on a book of the funny stuff. I don't want a life story; I just want the funny stuff. [It's] gotta be documented, 'cause some of it's pretty bizarre and unbelievable. It's totally funny, though. [It's a book about] my experiences. It's what would normally not happen if you weren't in this band."

Regarding when fans can expect to see his book released, Campbell said: "I'm seriously working on it now in January. It'll be a year or two [before it comes out], but it'll be worth it."

Asked in a 2012 interview if he has ever considered making a solo album, Phil responded: "Yes, I have thought about it a lot. But I shelved it a couple years ago, because I've decided that I want to write a book about all the insane things that happen on tour. So, I'm trying to compile all of those stories and funny situations. So, at this point, I'm working on that. But, I'm a bit lazy, so it's taken a while. But as far as a solo record, I do have a studio at home, it's just hard finding the time. With MOTÖRHEAD, we've been working so hard, for so long."

MOTÖRHEAD was forced to cancel three shows last November after Campbell became ill and required hospitalization.

MOTÖRHEAD frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, 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.

The MOTÖRHEAD frontman had dealt with several health issues over the past few years, including heart trouble, forcing him to cut back on his famous smoking and Jack Daniels habits.

The band was forced to cancel a number of shows last year, although they did manage to complete one final European tour on December 11.

Swedish occult rockers GHOST are among the nominees for the 58th annual Grammy Awards, which will be held on February 15 at Staples Center in Los Angeles and broadcast on CBS at 8 p.m. ET. GHOST is nominated for the song "Cirice", from the band's third album, "Meliora".

Speaking about the nomination, one of GHOST's nameless ghouls told Grammy.com (see video below): "Being nominated for a Grammy is obviously a big honor for any band or artist — obviously, ourselves included. Especially for us, as a Swedish band, it feels extra honoring, I guess. Especially us maneuvering in the rock genre, where traditionally it's usually British or American bands.

"To my knowledge, we are the first Swedish rock band to ever be nominated for a Grammy, which is also the reason why when we got the news that we were nominated, I just got a text saying, 'You're nominated for a Grammy.' In Sweden, we have another prize called Grammis, which, internationally, is referred to as the Swedish Grammy. So when I got the text, I told my friend next to me that we were nominated for a Grammis. So it took like an hour later until I actually got it confirmed that they were actually talking about a Grammy, not a Grammis, which was a very mind-boggling experience. So winning or not winning, just being nominated is a big honor, and for us it's definitely a sign of recognition that we can suck on for the rest of our lives."

"Meliora" entered The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 8 with first-week sales of just over 29,000 units — nearly all from pure album sales. The set follows the No. 28-peaking "Infestissumam", which was released in 2013 and has sold almost 70,000 copes in the U.S. to date.

The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week based on multi-metric consumption, which includes traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA).

"Meliora" was released on August 21, 2015 via Loma Vista Recordings. The CD was helmed by Klas Åhlund, a prolific songwriter, producer and guitarist who is also a member of the Swedish rock band TEDDYBEARS, and was mixed by Andy Wallace (SLAYER, NIRVANA, SEPULTURA, LINKIN PARK, GUNS N' ROSES).

Devin Townsend, the mastermind behind acts Strapping Young Lad, Ocean Machine and Punky Brüster, recently posted the following message:

"Squid Squiderson, bassist on Punky Brüster and Ocean Machine, could use a little help. He's been battling MS (Multiple Sclerosis) for a while now and things are getting a little tough. Please, help if you can, even if it is just sharing this post and link..."

A benefit show for Squiderson has been announced for February 17th in Vancouver, BC at The Fox. Townsend will perform an acoustic set on the night, other acts on the bil include Hot Panda, Catlow, Library, and the sexy sounds of DJ Jason Corbett, More acts may be announced soon. Watch the event page here for updates.

Squiderson has posted the following update on the GoFundMe page.

"I've been dealing with MS for many years and it's progressed to the point of me not being able to work my job. I require special equipment and I hope to go to school to earn a living again but I'm struggling to meet simplest daily needs and I need help. Anything helps and despite my pride I'm asking for a bit 'o help."

Check out the GoFundMe campaign here.



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According to TMZ, Scott Weiland's second wife Mary Forsberg was barred by police from taking some of his instruments last week.

Mary allegedly showed up at a recording studio in Burbank, California with the 15-year-old son she had with Scott because Noah wanted one of his dad's guitars — but an employee of the recording studio refused to give them access. An argument ensued and cops were called to calm everyone down.

Mary was told it was a civil issue and that she would need her lawyer to work out any division of property.

Forsberg filed court documents on December 30 asking to be named the executor of Weiland's will. She also filed a copy of the will, written in April 2007, with his signature as proof. The will was reportedly written just seven months before the couple separated and later divorced.

Weiland's estate is reportedly worth $2 million. There is also said to be a trust with undisclosed assets.

Mary Forsberg was Weiland's second wife and mother to his children, Noah and 13-year-old Lucy. He was married to Jamie Wachtel Weiland, whom he wed in 2013, at the time of his death. His first marriage to Janina Castenada lasted from 1994 to 2000.

Forsberg posted a brutally candid letter about Scott at RollingStone.com following his death on December 3, writing that his children "lost their father years ago. What they truly lost on December 3rd was hope."

Meanwhile, a new report at Billboard.com revealed more details about the final year of Weiland's life. According to the report, Weiland was dealing with hepatitis C, mental illness and the knowledge that both his parents had cancer shortly before his death. The article features new interviews with Scott's widow Jamie, his mother Sharon, his WILDABOUTS bandmates Tommy Black and Nick Maybury, tour manager Aaron Mohler and others.

Weiland was found dead on his tour bus at the age of 48 from a toxic mix of drugs and alcohol. The vocalist was also dealing with self-medication, estrangement from his children, financial difficulties and a steadily increasing drinking problem. Mohler said, "If I had known he was going to die, I would have taken every bottle away from him and thrown it. Just broke it right there."

Jamie said that Scott had been experiencing episodes of paranoia and mania caused by bipolar disorder.

She explained: "At one point, it was so bad I had to move out because he was unstable." Eventually they found a medication that leveled him out, with Jamie adding "For the last couple of years, he was doing pretty great."

Scott's last text to Jamie was on the morning of December 3, when he wrote, "I'm so in love with my beautiful wife."

Jamie also opens up in the article about the legal battle with Mary over his estate, saying, "I don't know under what mattress she thinks she's going to find $2 million, because it sure as shit isn't here… He was broke."

Fan-filmed video footage of THE WINERY DOGS performing a cover version of David Bowie's "Moonage Daydream" on January 31 in London, England can be seen below.

THE WINERY DOGS' previously unreleased studio recording of "Moonage Daydream" was made available online in January as a tribute to the British art-rock icon, who died last month.

THE WINERY DOGS is the power trio featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, ADRENALINE MOB), legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, TALAS, DAVID LEE ROTH) and guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen (MR. BIG, POISON).

Portnoy paid tribute to Bowie by saying: "Just thinking of all the ways David Bowie's music affected my life for the past 45 years when I began listening to him. I loved the song 'Memory Of A Free Festival' when my dad introduced me to it when it was released; I was about three years old.

"'The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars' to this day is still in my top five albums of all time (along with [THE BEATLES'] 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', [THE WHO's] 'Tommy', [PINK FLOYD's] 'The Wall' and [Elton John's] 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'). An absolute masterpiece from the opening of 'Five Years' to the closing of 'Rock 'N' Roll Suicide'. I covered 'Rock 'N' Roll Suicide' on my 'Cover To Cover' CD with Neal Morse. Hard to believe Ziggy has now been reunited with two of his Spiders From Mars [bandmates]: Mick Ronson and Trevor Bolder.

"As much as 'Ziggy' is my favorite Bowie album, my two favorite songs of his did not appear on that album: both 'Space Oddity' and 'Life On Mars' are among my favorite songs EVER. Both of them absolute masterpieces in terms of writing, performance and production. The mellotron on 'Space Oddity' and the cellos on 'Life On Mars' both still give me goosebumps every single time.

"Two later career memories that really touched me:

"The song 'Slip Away' from the 'Heathen' album (written for two of my childhood TV faves Uncle Floyd and Oogie) still makes me cry every time I hear it. I am not exaggerating.

"His appearance on Ricky Gervais' 'Extras' was one of the greatest cameos of all time. My fave episode of the whole series.

"Finally... I don't think many people ever caught this, but look at the shirt I am wearing on the cover of THE WINERY DOGS' first album...yep, Ziggy Stardust is right there with me, Billy [Sheehan]and Richie [Kotzen]. And one of the unreleased covers we recorded during that first session was 'Moonage Daydream'.

"Thank you, David Bowie, for being a part of my entire life. Your music and memory will live with me and millions of your fans forever."

THE WINERY DOGS' sophomore album, "Hot Streak", debuted at No. 30 on The Billboard 200 chart, having shifted 13,000 equivalent album units in the week ending October 8.

"Hot Streak" was released on October 2, 2015 in North America on Loud & Proud Records via RED (a division of Sony Music Entertainment) and in the rest of the world via earMUSIC.



(Thanks: NJthrasher)

Brazilian metallers ANGRA have weighed in on last month's incident when ex-PANTERA singer Philip Anselmo made a "white power" gesture onstage at a concert.

Anselmo performed the PANTERA classic "Walk" at the January 22 "Dimebash" event at the Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood, California in honor of his former bandmate, late PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. As he left the stage, he made a Nazi-style salute. He appeared to say "white power" as he made the gesture, but he later claimed he was referring to drinking white wine as part of an "inside joke." Anselmo 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."

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."

Now the members of ANGRA have offered their opinion, posting a message on their Facebook page in which they say they "deeply disapprove" of Anselmo's actions and expressing hope that "this kind of attitude is more and more exposed and opposed."

ANGRA's statement reads as follows: "We at ANGRA are sorry for and deeply disapprove of vocalist Phil Anselmo's attitude a few days ago. As PANTERA fans, the disappointment is even greater because we are against any act of discrimination. We sincerely hope that this kind of attitude is more and more exposed and opposed, so that we can keep on moving towards a more dignified, fair and equal world."

ANGRA features in its ranks guitarist Kiko Loureiro, who joined MEGADETH last year as the replacement for Chris Broderick.

Swedish metallers AVATAR played a brand new song called "For The Swarm" on January 30 in Dallas, Texas. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

AVATAR last year entered the studio with producer Sylvia Massy to begin recording the follow-up to 2014's "Hail The Apocalypse" for a 2016 release via Entertainment One Music in the U.S./Canada and Another Century in other parts of the world. The band split its time between three studios throughout Europe with all of the music being made in the aptly named Castle Studios in Röhrsdorf, Germany. Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland and Spinroad Studios in Lindome, Sweden also played a part in the process.

"Every band makes a point out of saying they're pushing boundaries, but I see few who keep on challenging themselves the way we do," said AVATAR frontman Johannes Eckerström. "There is no formula, no cheapness, no shortcuts. We are once again embarking on a journey completely new to us."

Massy, who is perhaps best recognized for her work on 1993's "Undertow", the full-length double platinum-selling TOOL debut, and her works with SYSTEM OF A DOWN, said: "AVATAR is an amazing band! The singer has the wild energy and charisma I love, and the players are relentless. The album we’re making is an epic. Each song powerfully stands on its own, but is only a piece of a larger story. This album is the project I've been dreaming about for years!"

After making more trips to the U.S. than ever before over the last two years, the band is ready to sink their teeth into a new album, Eckerström continues: "AVATAR is growing higher and deeper and I am proud to say we are outdoing ourselves again. If we didn't make sure to feel like this every time, we wouldn't bother at all. I'm very excited, and you should be too."

According to Ohio.com, 70 cases of beer was stolen over the weekend from Tim Owens' Travelers Tavern, the Akron, Ohio bar and restaurant co-owned by former JUDAS PRIEST and ICED EARTH singer Tim "Ripper" Owens. The estimated $1,500 of brew was taken from an outdoor walk-in cooler, which was protected with heavy-duty locks. The thief or thieves apparently cut through the door with what were apparently a crowbar and a hammer and made off with beer.

"It's a really sad thing that someone had to do this," said Owens. "Any time you get ahead in a business and someone does this, it's hard."

Owens added that the culprit "was probably an old employee or a regular who knew the cooler was back there and happened to steal that night."

Since the theft was discovered Saturday morning, precautions have been taken to ensure it won't happen again. A new fence with razor wire has been erected around the cooler, additional security cameras have been built and there are plans to add new locks to the cooler door.

Tim Owens' Travelers Tavern (formerly Ripper's Rock House) was featured in a November 2015 episode of "Bar Rescue", the Spike TV series in which bar consultant Jon Taffer dispenses advice to the owners and staff of struggling operations.

Owens called Taffer to give Ripper's Rock House a makeover because the restaurant was pigeonholed as just a heavy-metal bar.

Owens opened Ripper's Rock House in 2013 after the closing of Ripper Owens Tap House. Tim's current partner is local businessman Micah Posten, who owns and operates Impact Landscaping.

Posten and Owens "never owned a restaurant," Owens told Ohio.com. "We don't know how to run one. We need help to figure that out."

Part of the makeover included a name change to Tim Owens' Traveler's Tavern. In addition, Owens' hard-rock memorabilia has been taken down to make room for a more contemporary look, and the paper-lined plastic baskets that served food have been replaced with ceramic plates.

"Nowadays, it's hard," Owens told Ohio.com. "In this day and age, even being open for two years is good. But we've never made any money. We're gradually losing money, and people don't see that. If people see one show going on, or a show on the weekend, they think, 'You guys are doing really good.' But they forget what happens Sunday to Thursday."

Owens recorded two studio albums with JUDAS PRIEST — 1997's "Jugulator" and 2001's "Demolition" — before the band reunited with Rob Halford.

Travis Neal (THE BLOODLINE, DIVINE HERESY) has weighed in on last month's incident when ex-PANTERA singer Philip Anselmo made a "white power" gesture onstage at a concert.

Anselmo performed the PANTERA classic "Walk" at the January 22 "Dimebash" event at the Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood, California in honor of his former bandmate, late PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. As he left the stage, he made a Nazi-style salute. He appeared to say "white power" as he made the gesture, but he later claimed he was referring to drinking white wine as part of an "inside joke." Anselmo 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."

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."

Now Neal has offered his opinion, posting a message on his Facebook page in which he calls Anselmo an "asshole" and says that "there is no room for racism or hate."

Writes Neal in his post: "Fuck this guy! Damn shame when someone that has paved the way for so many and so many looked up to and still look up to would do this and shit on Dime and a tribute to him by so many great musicians that respected and loved him and his band. It is okay to be proud of who you are and where you come from but not the way that this asshole did on stage. Fuck you, Phil, and fuck your apology! We live in 2016; there is no room for racism or hate. If we as a human race want to remain, then we all need to unite. One world, one blood, we are all one!"

THE BLOODLINE's debut album, "We Are One", was released last May via Another Century. The CD was recorded in 2014 with producer Joel Wanasek (RIGHTEOUS VENDETTA, VINYL THEATRE).

SOTO, the band led by vocalist Jeff Scott Soto, has completed work on its second studio album, "Divak", due on April 1 via earMUSIC.

"Divak" (pronounced "dee-vock") comes shortly after the band's debut release, "Inside The Vertigo". It's a mere 15 months later, partly due to Jeff Scott Soto's insistence on continuing to create and build a true brand for his new venture.

Once again, the album is produced by Jeff Scott Soto and drummer Edu Cominato. It was mixed by long time JSS engineer/associate John Ellis.

The band features Soto on vocals; Cominato on drums; lead guitarist Jorge Salan; bassist David Z; and keyboardist/guitarist BJ. They are heavily featured on "Divak" with their writing contributions together. The first single, "FreakShow", was co-produced/written by Tony Dickinson, who also co-wrote "The Fall", which was the first single from "Inside The Vertigo". The track is an extension of the SOTO sound created especially for this new band.

The official lyric video for "FreakShow" can be seen below. SOTO will make its live debut in February with a string of East Coast U.S. dates, leading into the annual Monsters Of Rock cruise (East), alongside Steve Vai, EXTREME, QUEENSRŸCHE and countless headliners. SOTO, formed in 2014, are the dream band created when Jeff Scott Soto realized how much he missed the "heavier side" of his career after fronting artists like Yngwie Malmsteen, TALISMAN and JOURNEY, and even his own solo albums. The band hopes to continue its role as a driving force in today's current hard rock and metal scene.

"Divak" track listing: 01. Divak (Intro)02. Weight of the World03. FreakShow04. Paranoia05. Unblame06. Cyber Masquerade07. In My Darkest Hour08. Forgotten09. SuckerPunch10. Time11. Misfired12. The Fall From Grace13. Awakened Bonus tracks (all digital retailers):

14. Final Say (live)15. The Fall (live)16. Break (live)17. When I'm Older (live)18. Stand Up (live)

Additional bonus tracks (iTunes/Apple Music):

19. My Life20. Cracking The Stone

California rockers BUCKCHERRY have posted a B-side called "Cannonball", which is featured on the digital deluxe-edition release of the band's album "Rock 'N' Roll" (available now via F-Bomb/Caroline). Check it out below. BUCKCHERRY's seventh full-length record was produced by the band's renowned guitarist Keith Nelson along with Todd, Stevie D (guitar), Xavier Muriel (drums) and Kelly LeMieux (bass). The new deluxe edition features the record’s original track list as well as a new version of "The Feeling Never Dies" (featuring guest vocals from Grammy Award-winning country artist Gretchen Wilson), a brand new song titled "Gettin' Started" and "Cannonball".

On "Rock 'N' Roll", BUCKCHERRY staunchly upholds the commandments of rock music with an arsenal of new anthems primed to explode on impact and teeming with riotous energy, sexy swagger, and primal chops intact. It's something that the boys have done since day one, but it's more necessary now than ever. "There's been so much talk about how rock 'n' roll is dead and all of this bullshit," says Todd. "The funny thing is, that's been going on since we put out our first record in 1999. We wanted to call the new album 'Rock 'N' Roll', because this is what we've been doing our whole lives. We focused on making a record that encompasses all of what we are. You get every flavor of BUCKCHERRY." BUCKCHERRY has added fuel to the genre's fire for nearly two decades now. The Grammy Award-nominated outfit is responsible for smashes including "Lit Up" off their gold-certified 1999 self-titled debut as well as "Crazy Bitch" and "Sorry" from 2006's platinum "15". Along the way, they've shared stages with everybody from AC/DC and MÖTLEY CRÜE to SLIPKNOT and ROB ZOMBIE, among others.

THE WINERY DOGS guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen, who made a name for himself via his hard rock, blues-influenced solo albums, has released a new solo DVD, titled simply "Live", via CD Baby. The set, which was made available in Japan under the title "020215BLITZ-RK", features footage of Kotzen's concert on February 2, 2015 at Akasaka Blitz in Japan.

"Live" is now available for streaming in its entirety below.

Speaking with The Boca Raton Tribune, Kotzen stated about "Live": "I did [a concert DVD] years ago in Brazil and it was a great show but the cameras that were used were lower resolution and it wasn't a high-def thing and the audio was okay, but it wasn't that great. This time, we were able to go in with great cameras and great audio equipment, and they really capture what I do with my band. It's an exciting DVD. I play at a level that I don't really reach when I play with THE WINERY DOGS, just by the nature of the kind of music that we do on the trio, so i think it's going to be very interesting for people to watch me playing in that environment."

"Live" track listing:

01. War Paint02. Love Is Blind03. Bad Situation04. Cannibals05. Walk With Me06. Fear07. Doing What The Devil Says To Do08. Peace Sign09. Drum and Bass Solo 10. Help Me11. Remember12. Fooled Again13. You Can't Save Me14. Go Faster

The "You Can't Save Me" performance clip from the "Live" DVD can be seen below.

Kotzen's 20th solo album, "Cannibals", was digitally released on January 8, 2015 via his Headroom-Inc label.

THE WINERY DOGS, which also features drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, ADRENALINE MOB) and legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, TALAS, DAVID LEE ROTH), released its sophomore album, "Hot Streak", on October 2, 2015 in North America on Loud & Proud Records via RED (a division of Sony Music Entertainment) and in the rest of the world via earMUSIC.

Italian symphonic metal kings, Rhapsody Of Fire, released their new album, Into The Legend, on January 15th in Europe. The band are celebrating the success of the new album, which hit the charts in Germany (#47), Switzerland (#34), Italy (#76) and France (#91), with the release of a new lyric video for the track “Volar Sin Dolor”, which can be found as a bonus track on the Into The Legend digipak. The video can be found below.

On February 5th the album will be released in North America. Audio samples for all tracks of the album can be found below.

Tracklisting:

“In Principio”
“Distant Sky”
“Into The Legend”
“Winter’s Rain”
“A Voice In The Cold Wind”
“Valley Of Shadows”
“Shining Star”
“Realms Of Light”
“Rage Of Darkness”
“The Kiss Of Life”

Digipak bonus tracks:
“Volar Sin Dolor”
“Into The Legend” video

“Volar Sin Dolor” lyric video:

Audio snippets:

"Distant Sky":

“Shining Star” lyric video:

Official trailer:

“Into The Legend” video:

 



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Tucson, AZ-based trio North have premiered the track “Earthmind”, from their upcoming Light The Way album. Listen to the track below:

In the decade-plus they’ve been a band, North has ebbed and flowed their way into becoming one of the most respected outfits in the underground metal scene. Despite a series of lineup changes and personal setbacks, North has returned stronger and more focused than ever on their debut full-length release for Prosthetic Records, Light The Way.

One week prior to the album's March 18th worldwide release, the band will play a hometown record release show at Tucson's Club Congress before embarking on a North American jaunt with Intronaut. A full listing of dates can be found listed below. Tickets are available here.

Originally starting off in 2005 as an instrumental act, North has continued to push the boundaries of the heavier side of post-rock. Formed by Evan Leek (bass) and Zack Hansen (drums) and rounded out by guitarists Ty Engle and Matt Mutterperl, the band’s first recordings were done in Hansen’s bedroom and self-released. With their debut 2006 EP Siberia, they soon made a name for themselves in the Arizona scene, supporting others in the genre such as Caspian, Tera Melos and This Will Destroy You on those bands’ southwestern tour stops.

Eventually, the group decided to expand the sound of the band, adding vocals on 2008’s What You Were, which was met with critical acclaim and expanded touring throughout the US. When it came time for the band to begin work on their next record, numerous line-up changes occurred. Writing stopped, started, stopped again and at times the band wondered if it would ever restart again. Amazingly enough, this turmoil produced their best material to date. The Great Silence, released in the summer of 2012, was a compelling fusion of post-rock and metal and garnered their finest reviews yet. The band toured for a year to support the album, but after two members left the group, North once again questioned its future.

The three remaining members, Leek, Hansen and Mutterperl, regrouped and sat down to write for the first time as a three-piece and found the chemistry the best it had ever been. Four tracks came together quickly, which was released as the Metanoia EP, and the guys did what they do best: play live. There seemed to be a genuine rebirth in the band as they embarked their most extensive touring to date. It was shortly after this that the group signed to Prosthetic Records – which reissued Metanoia and Siberia last year – and quickly began working on new material, not wanting to lose the momentum they were feeling. The two-track single, "Through Raven’s Eyes”, recorded in early 2015, saw the band at possibly its darkest and heaviest, musically speaking. Now, with Light The Way, North begins a new chapter – one that kicks off with the highest-profile shows of the band's career.

Tour dates:

March
12 - Tucson, AZ - Club Congress (Record Release Show)
15 - Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy
16 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
17 - Mesa, AZ - Nile Underground
18 - ALbuquerque, NM - Launchpad
19 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theatre
20 - Lawrence, KS - Aftershock
21 - Ft Worth, TX - Tomcats
22 - Austin, TX - Dirty Dog
23 - Houston, TX - Walters
24 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
25 - Tampa, FL - Orpheum
26 - Jacksonville, FL - 1904 Music Hall
27 - Charlotte, NC - Rabbit Hole
28 - Washington DC - Rock And Roll Hotel
29 - New York, NY - Marlin Room at Webster Hall
30 - Boston, MA - Middle East
31 - Montreal, QC - Bar Le Ritz

April
1 - Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace
2 - Detroit, MI - Loving Touch
3 - Chicago, IL - Reggies Rock Club
4 - Minneapolis, MN - Skyway Theatre
5 - Winnipeg, MB - Goodwill
6 - Regina, SK - Exchange
7 - Edmonton, AB - Skylite
8 - Calgary, AB - Dickens
9 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre
11 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile
12 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
13 - San Francisco, CA - Bottom Of The Hill

 



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Legendary glam rockers, Vain, have announced a campaign to assist with the funding of their upcoming album, Rolling With The Punches, which will be released on April 14th.

The PledgeMusic site for Vain‘s Rolling With The Punches album states (with slight edits):

“Vain’s new album – Rolling With The Punches, is coming out on April 14th, 2016 and you can be part of it! Come along for the ride with some exclusive items and stuff you can only get here on PledgeMusic during a limited time.

“Vain want to invite our fans to be a part of our new album. This is your chance to meet the band, visit the recording studio, have a private talk with Davy Vain, get personalized stuff and loads of more exclusive offers.

“We want this project to be all about our fans. Therefore, we have done our best to make it all about you! We have been listening to what you and other fans wants from us and set up tons of exclusive offers only for you guys!

“This is a must for all fans. Thanks for checking it out everybody. And a huge thanks to everybody for all the support over the years! Vain has definitely got the best fans in the world and we can´t wait to take this ride together will all of you!”

Check out the PledgeMusic page at this location.

 



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Israeli metallers, Ferium, have announced the upcoming release of new album, Behind The Black Eyes. The follow-up to their 2014 debut album Reflections will be released on April 21st and pre-orders are being taken now at this location. Check out the Behind The Black Eyes booklet animation video for the new song "A Journey We Had" below.

Behind The Black Eyes was produced and mixed by Elram Boxer. It was mastered at The Panic Room by Thomas Plec Johanssen.

The band discusses the sound and ideas behind the album as follows: "Aggression is the most important thing about metal in our opinion. It has been an important outlet for so many people, including ourselves. We write the music from the bottom of our souls. The creative minds behind Ferium have experienced deceit, unfaithfulness, heartbreak, betrayal, pain and loss, all of which creates a sonic portrayal of aggressiveness and frustration in an effort to solve all of life's struggles, and to turn them into positive and empowering experiences.

“With our lyrical concept revolving personal relationships, emphasizing a story from the protagonists point of view, our new album has a much more direct and cohesive approach than Reflections, Behind the Black Eyes is a concept album, which makes it much easier to imagine yourself being in the story through vocals that play a big role in creation of the atmosphere and the huge groove riffing. Eliran Kantor's (Testament, Atheist, Hatebreed) mesmerizingly brutal cover artwork gives the lyrical concept the image it deserves."

Tracklisting:

“Aftermath”
“Power Is All That Matters”
“A Journey We Had”
“Revelation”
“Losing The Grip”
“She Feels Like Home”
“Seven Years Of Seven Levels Of Hell”
“We Fell Apart, We Fall Together”
“A Free Man”

“A Journey We Had” video:



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Visionary metal outfit, Today Is The Day, has issued their newest official video hailing from the band's tenth LP, Animal Mother, with an appropriately haunting and intense new visual depiction of the album's opening title track. "Animal Mother" was directed and filmed by David Hall of Uneasy Sleeper, whose penetrating and captivating style has also been witnessed in several previously released videos from Today Is The Day, as well as with videos from the likes of Brutal Truth, Misery Index, and many others.

Having completed a massive European live assault in recent weeks, Today Is The Day has been confirmed as support for Weedeater on the band's upcoming North American tour. Set to take place over the 2016 Spring Equinox, the tour runs from March 14th through April 3rd, with seventeen shows confirmed, including additional support acts Author & Punisher and Lord Dying.

Tour dates:

March
14 - Earl - Atlanta, GA
15 - Siberia - New Orleans, LA
16 - Fitzgeralds - Houston, TX * no Lord Dying
17 - Korova - San Antonio, TX
18 - SXSW - Austin, TX
21 - Sister - Albuquerque, NM
22 - Club Red - Mesa, AZ
24 - Brick By Brick - San Diego, CA
25 - Viper Room - Los Angeles, CA
26 - Oakland Opera House - Oakland, CA
27 - Ash St Saloon - Portland, OR
28 - Rickshaw Theater - Vancouver, BC
29 - Highline - Seattle, WA
31 - 3 Kings Tavern - Denver, CO

April
1 - Granada Theater - Lawrence, KS
2 - Gabes - Iowa City, IA
3 - Hi Tone - Memphis, TN
 
The current incarnation of the feral Today Is The Day sees founding frontman Steve Austin flanked by bassist Trevor Thomas and drummer Douglas Andrae. The band has been touring relentlessly since the release of their tenth studio full-length Animal Mother - recorded at the cult leader's own Austin Enterprises and released in the second half of 2014 through Southern Lord - taking to the road for long stateside runs with Lazer/Wulf, Abigail Williams, and their recent European tour with Grime.



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After over 20 years of digging in the bile and muck of the underground, Kampfar receive the acclaim they deserve. At the Spellemann 2015 (Norwegian Grammy) they were pitted against greats such as Enslaved and Tsjuder, but managed to run away with the award for "Best Metal Album In 2015" for their most recent effort, Profan.

Kampfar released Profan on November 13th via Indie Recordings. Listen to the album at this location.

Tracklisting:

“Gloria Ablaze”
“Profanum”
“Icons”
“Skavank”
“Daimon”
“Pole In The Ground”
“Tornekratt”

The album is available on CD jewelcase, limited CD digipak with patch, black LP gatefold, limited orange LP gatefold with black and yellow speckles. Exclusive T-Shirt bundles are also available in the Indie Recordings webshop only. Order at this location.



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Chicago-based rockers, The Last Vegas, will release their sixth studio album on March 18th, exclusively through AFM Records Germany. To commemorate, the band have a special message to the world: "Eat Me".

Yes, Eat Me is a mash-up of full-tilt boogie rock, droney Zeppelin-esque riffs, and alt-psychedelic acoustic ballads. Equal part American bluesy riffs and Swedish production technique, the album balances grit and polish.

Eat Me is the first time The Last Vegas have collaborated with a European production team (Sweden’s Chris Laney mixing and Grammy-nominated Classe Persson mastering). Being long-time fans of Scandinavian rock production and influenced by records from The Hellacopters, Turbnonegro, Nomads and more, The Last Vegas were thrilled with a new approach in making an modern-day album; and the results of the inter-continental experiment.

“We chipped away at each track’s session, layering guitars, Moog synths, bongos, bells, wind chimes, and even an old-school talk-box”, says TLV. “Chris’s mixes just kept blowing us away. He asked if he could go crazy in the mixes, and we demanded he do so. We found the soul in rock ’n’ roll; from both Chicago and Stockholm. But let’s not get too serious, I mean the album is called Eat Me after all. Catch you on tour in Europe April 2016!"

(Photo - The Last Vegas Facebook



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Having released two critically acclaimed albums this year (debut full-length, Duende, and EP, Echoes), Sweden's The Great Discord is now launching a drum play-through for the track "L'homme Mauvais", taken from Duende. Watch Aksel Holmgren's performance of this progressive, technical masterpiece, below:

The group previously released a bass play-through for the track "A Discordant Call", taken from Duende. Watch Rasmus Carlson's performance below:

Transcending genre labels and lazy classification, The Great Discord is a musical enigma. Their layered, textured music is inspired by the likes of Genesis, King Crimson, Meshuggah and The Dillinger Escape Plan - but at the same time, individually they look up to an array of musicians beyond the confines of progressive music.

The quintet have left both media and fans awestruck at the talent and originality found on their two releases: Duende and Echoes. Duende, being The Great Discord's debut full-length,; the recently released Echoes EP expanded on their sound even further, with the band putting their spin on classics by The Mars Volta and The Deftones.

 



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BREAKING NEWS: We know a lot of you have been asking about this and Frontiers Music Srl is truly excited to announce the return of the mighty TREAT with their brand new, kick ass album entitled “Ghost of Graceland”! It will be released on April 15th.

Building on the success of their last album ”Coup de Grace” (2010), hailed by both fans and critics as a masterpiece, Treat is releasing 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 main songwriter and guitarist Anders Wikström.

”Ghost of Graceland”, produced by long time TREAT fan and respected writer/producer Peter Mansson and co-produced by Anders Wikström, showcases a band with a thirty plus 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. Says Anders Wikström: ”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 70’s: 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 it’s delicious, action packed and hook ladden melodic rock that could soundtrack a party, also sees a band that reflects on their personal lives.

”Ghost of Graceland” is Anders Wikström’s take on the world: both his own and the bands personal journeys, and perspective on modern life in general. ”I really wanted to express what goes on in my mind and talk about relationships, politics, economics and the choices we make. The title song is a metaphor… paradise or prison? It´s up to you to decide."

”I Don’t Miss the Misery” tells the story of a man on the brink of madness, going through hell and he finally sees the light; perspective changes in a crisis and you find new kicks in life. In ”Do Your Own Stunts”, which musically is in the same vein as the classic ”Get You On The Run”, Anders writes about a father trying to teach his kids how to live their lives to the fullest, and ”Together Alone” is a heartbreaking and powerful ballad, that sees Anders singing lead vocals for the first time. But, it wouldn’t be a TREAT album without a kick ass, Friday-night-let’s party-and-get-too-wild song: ”Too Late To Die Young” is a tongue in cheek classic rocker, with some clever name checking.

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) 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. 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”, says Anders Wikström. TREAT are proud, confident and hungry for more!

Experience TREAT Live at Frontiers Rock Festival in Trezzo Sull’Adda (Milano) on April 23rd 2016.

“Ghost of Graceland” tracklisting:
1. Ghost Of Graceland
2. I Don’t Miss The Misery
3. Better The Devil You Know
4. Do Your Own Stunts
5. Endangered
6. Inferno
7. Alien Earthlings
8. Nonstop Madness
9. Too Late To Die Young
10. House On Fire
11. Together Alone
12. Everything To Everyone

TREAT

- 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

Produced by Peter Mansson / Co-produced by Anders Wikström

Mark Osegueda and Ted Aguilar of DEATH ANGEL joined ACT OF DEFIANCE on stage on January 31 at Milk Bar in San Francisco, California to perform a cover version of the MOTÖRHEAD classic "Ace Of Spades" as a tribute to MOTÖRHEAD frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister. Video footage of their appearance can be seen below.

ACT OF DEFIANCE is the band featuring former MEGADETH members Shawn Drover (drums) and Chris Broderick (guitar), alongside ex-SCAR THE MARTYR singer Henry Derek Bonner, and SHADOWS FALL's Matt Bachand (bass).

ACT OF DEFIANCE's debut album, "Birth And The Burial", was released on August 21, 2015 via Metal Blade Records. The CD recording was split between three studios in three different states: Broderick handled vocal and guitar production at his own Ill-Fated Studio in Los Angeles, Chris "Zeuss" Harris (ROB ZOMBIE, REVOCATION, MUNICIPAL WASTE) worked with Drover tracking the drums in Dexter's Lab in Milford, Connecticut, while Bachand laid down his bass at ManShark, in Southampton, Massachusetts.

Kentucky rockers BLACK STONE CHERRY performed a cover version of the MOTÖRHEAD classic "Ace Of Spades" as a tribute to MOTÖRHEAD frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister on January 29 at Motorpoint Arena in Birmingham, England. Fan-filmed video footage can be seen below.

BLACK STONE CHERRY will release its fifth studio album, "Kentucky", on April 1 via Mascot Label Group. The band recorded the effort at Barrick Recording in Glasgow, Kentucky. Taking a "back-to-the-roots" approach, the CD was produced in the same way and same place as BLACK STONE CHERRY's eponymous debut album, which broke the band out of the small southern backwater and onto the world stage.

BLACK STONE CHERRY released its debut live DVD+CD, Blu+ray+CD, Digital Video and Digital Audio, "Thank You: Livin' Live" via Eagle Vision on October 30. The performance was shot on BLACK STONE CHERRY's "Magic Mountain" tour, exactly one year prior to the disc's release date, at the band's sold-out Birmingham LG Arena show on October 30, 2014.

Adam Crosier, vocalist/guitarist/songwriter for the band HYMNS, an avant-garde metal group hailing from Fayetteville, Arkansas, has defended Philip Anselmo against accusations of racism, saying that the former PANTERA singer is "one of the most caring, compassionate, loving, and intelligent individuals" that he has ever met.

Anselmo performed the PANTERA classic "Walk" at the January 22 "Dimebash" event at the Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood, California in honor of his former bandmate, late PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. As he left the stage, he made a Nazi-style salute. He appeared to say "white power" as he made the gesture, but he later claimed he was referring to drinking white wine as part of an "inside joke." Anselmo 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."

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."

Now Crosier, whose band is signed to Anselmo's Housecore record label, has weighed in on the topic, posting a message on his Facebook page in which he said that accusations of racism against Philip "could not be further from the truth."

He wrote: "This slanderous attack against Phil Anselmo in the metal media right now is reaching a despicable level of ugly; inept judgment...and I feel it is necessary for me to now address the accusations of Philip.

"I have known Phil Anselmo for a little over six years now...and there are no words that can accurately describe how false the racism claims truly are.

"Philip is one of the most caring, compassionate, loving, and intelligent individuals that I have ever met. He truly wears his heart on his sleeve and is the most honest person I know. Fame and success never changed Philip's personality — he treats everyone as equals and with absolute respect; as long the person deserves that respect and conducts themselves in an appropriate manner.

"I've toured with Philip, worked with him musically, and I have spent a lot of time talking and hanging out with him over the years. I talk to him quite frequently since we are close friends now, and we have talked about every topic you could possibly imagine.

"In regards to the topic of racism — I know, without a doubt, that Phil Anselmo is NOT racist. This accusation could not be further from the truth.

"I could list numerous examples of Philip's impeccable character to reflect on why I feel so strongly about this...but I don't feel it's necessary to discuss all of our personal life encounters. However, I feel there is one example that could shed light on why the racism claims aren't true...

"For those of you unaware, Phil is an avid boxing fan and has a remarkable amount of knowledge on the sport. In fact, he knows so much about boxing... that Emanuel Steward, legendary boxing trainer who trained the long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko, would call Philip before EVERY Klitschko title fight/defense. Emanuel would ask Philip for his opinions on the opponent and his suggestions on strategy for the fight. The two would talk for hours. They loved and respected each other tremendously, and they made sure they let each other know that. If Phil Anselmo was truly a racist or 'white supremacist,' why would he take hours of time out of his insanely hectic schedule (and believe me, his schedule is stacked full 24/7) to talk to an African-American boxing trainer; and speak to him with the utmost respect? Why would he tell Emanuel he loves him dearly? Why would he take the time to appear at Emanuel's funeral after he died of colon cancer? Do you think a white supremacist, neo-Nazi, racist lunatic would really go to such great lengths to show immense compassion for an African-American? The answer is no — someone who is truly racist would never even entertain those notions. If anyone doesn't believe or understand that...that individual needs to educate themselves on what it means to truly be a racist.

"I cannot stand by and be silent amidst all of these ridiculous attacks against Philip's character or integrity. If any of the people who made these bogus claims about Philip knew him personally, they would be ashamed and embarrassed for the remarks they made.

"I'm ashamed to be part of a metal 'community' today that reacts in such a sanguine judgmental manner towards one of the greatest metal musicians/vocalists of all time."

Crosier added in a separate note to BLABBERMOUTH.NET: "I know what Philip said was inappropriate, I'm not denying that. But I know Philip's personality/character and know that he isn't 'that guy.' He honestly is very far from that ugly of a person. 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."

The surviving members of LAST IN LINE have released a statement saying that the official cause of death of their bassist, Jimmy Bain, is lung cancer.

Bain died on January 23 aboard DEF LEPPARD's inaugural "Hysteria On The High Seas" cruise. He was 68 years old.

Bain, along with drummer Vinny Appice and guitarist Vivian Campbell, was part of the original DIO lineup, which reunited in 2012 alongside singer Andrew Freeman to form LAST IN LINE.

Said Vinny: "Jimmy didn't know he had lung cancer, but he did know he had pneumonia and was receiving treatment for it. This didn't stop him or slow him down.

"We had four rehearsals four hours a day, then a flight to Miami for the DEF LEPPARD rock cruise. A pre-sail gig and soundcheck was scheduled for the following day. At the gig, Jimmy played great and even sang that night while holding a heavy bass guitar on his back, never complaining or asking for help. Next day, we preceded to board the cruise ship for a five-day voyage of which we were scheduled to play Sunday, the fourth day. That gig never happened, as Jimmy passed away in his cabin the night before. We were devastated.

"Jimmy was a trooper. He gave his all to the band he loved, the music he loved and the fans. He didn't want to let anyone down.

"I don't know anyone that would have attempted this schedule while being this sick and not feeling well. A trooper.

"He was so happy and proud of the new album we recorded. It so unfortunate and sad he didn't live to see it released.

"We were all looking forward to being on the road and playing together again. There was such a magic between us.

"Our prayers go out to his family and so many friends and fans who will miss the amazing person that was Jimmy Bain."

LAST IN LINE's debut album, "Heavy Crown", will be released on February 19 via Frontiers Music Srl. The CD was recorded at a Southern California studio with producer Jeff Pilson, a veteran bassist who has played with DIO, FOREIGNER, DOKKEN and T&N, among others.

Born in Scotland on December 19, 1947, Bain joined RAINBOW in time to appear on the band's second album, 1976's "Rising". He was fired a year later and went on to guest with THIN LIZZY and work in THIN LIZZY frontman Phil Lynott's solo band, before forming WILD HORSES with ex-THIN LIZZY guitarist Brian Robertson. He appeared on Gary Moore's 1983 album "Dirty Fingers" before joining DIO and playing on seven DIO albums with vocalist Ronnie James Dio, from 1983 debut "Holy Diver" to 2002's "Killing The Dragon".

MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil has hinted in a new interview that his solo band is working on new material, with the possibility of road testing some of those songs on his current tour.

"I'll say that we're recording some stuff for a new record this year," Neil tells The Michigan City News-Dispatch. "You often hear some surprises at our shows. I don't want to give away some of those surprises, but let's just say you might have struck a nerve that could ring true… I think there's always room for this type of music. Some of the things we are working on will be in that same vein. The music is exciting. It's good, fun, nasty, raw energy and good songs. That's what is so important — good, fun songs. I mean, who wouldn't want to go out and not have a good time? Not me. So I'm thankful to be playing everywhere I am."

Neil's first solo album, "Exposed", came out in 1993, reaching No. 13 on The Billboard 200 chart. His follow-up effort, "Carved In Stone", arrived two years later. Neil's third and latest solo album, "Tattoos & Tequila", was released in 2010 and included two originals along with covers of classics songs from AEROSMITH, SCORPIONS and SWEET.

"Look, I'm going to always be the guy who was in MÖTLEY CRÜE, but my first solo record, with [the song] 'You're Invited (But Your Friend Can't Come)', was over a million seller, so a lot of people enjoyed it and 'Sister Of Pain' and many of those songs," Neil tells The Michigan City News-Dispatch. "I'm looking forward to recording more stuff, but I'm really a road singer. I love giving cool, fun performances with a big look."

"Tattoos & Tequila" sold 7,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 57 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Neil recorded "Tattoos & Tequila" in the winter of 2009 with his solo live backing band, which continues to consist of bassist Dana Strum and Jeff Blando (both of SLAUGHTER) and drummer Zoltan Chaney.

According to Billboard.com, MÖTLEY CRÜE's three final shows at the Staples Center (on December 28, December 30 and December 31) were seen by 37,000 fans, generating $2.7 million in box office revenue.

MÖTLEY CRÜE's "The Final Tour" saw the band perform across five continents (North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia) for a total of more than 164 shows in 72 markets, grossing $100 million.

MÖTLEY CRÜE announced that a full-length concert film will be released this year. The movie will include exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of the last week of the band's five-continent tour, which began in July 2014.

New EVANESCENCE guitarist Jen Majura has weighed in on last week's incident when ex-PANTERA singer Philip Anselmo made a "white power" gesture onstage at a concert.

Anselmo performed the PANTERA classic "Walk" at the January 22 "Dimebash" event at the Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood, California in honor of his former bandmate, late PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. As he left the stage, he made a Nazi-style salute. He appeared to say "white power" as he made the gesture, but he later claimed he was referring to drinking white wine as part of an "inside joke." Anselmo 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."

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."

Now Majura has offered her opinion, posting a two-minute video message in which she says Anselmo "behaved like a stupid dork with a very, very asshole-like attitude" and calls his "white wine" excuse "lame."

Majura said (see video below): "I've never been a big fan of reaction posts or YouTube comment videos and stuff like that, but after I saw this, I can't just shut my trap and say nothing. Especially me, as a half-Asian living in Germany, I just have to say something now.

"Metal, from my personal understanding, is more than just music; it's a lifestyle. And ever since I got [into] the metal scene, it's always been like a friendly community. You never experience hate stuff going on from metalhead to metalhead, like, 'Ewww… You're listening to SLIPKNOT. How can you do that? I hate you for it. Now you will have to listen to… whatever.' Stuff like that doesn't happen in metal. And I think especially the topic racism has absolutely no point in metal, in music, in life, on stage, backstage, wherever; there should be no point at all for this topic. I mean, we're living now, not, like, a hundred years ago.

"PANTERA had always been a big, big influence for a lot of musicians, and they still have a lot of young people following them. Obviously, this band has a front dude who is behaving like a stupid dork with a very, very asshole-like attitude. And I'm not afraid to say that, because it's just wrong. You can't be on stage and behave like that with that greeting and 'white power.' And then, even afterwards, telling something about white wine? That's lame. That's lame. That's stupid. And it's not correct to behave like this. So if this is his real opinion and his real way of thinking, I just have one thing to say: Phil Anselmo, fuck you!"

Majura made her live debut with EVANESCENCE last November. She has previously played with the German metal bands EQUILIBRIUM and KNORKATOR.