On January 29th, West Virginian dark occult rockers Brimstone Coven will release their debut full-length, Black Magic, via Metal Blade Records. The album track “Slow Death” can be found below.

Formed only four short years ago in Wheeling, West Virginia, Brimstone Coven self-released Brimstone Coven and its follow-up II in 2013, before Metal Blade inked a deal and packaged both releases as a single set, entitled Brimstone Coven (2014). Inspired by the Appalachian's darkness and mysticism (such as the Mothman, a winged creature that emerged in the '60s; Screaming Jenny; and the Phantom Of Flatwoods), the quartet's heavy rock also pushes the atmospheric envelope when the mood fits.

Brimstone Coven explains, "What sets Black Magic apart to me is the genuinely eerie aura it invokes. We strove for a sound that makes you feel like you're wandering through a shroud of mist, unable to see your own hand in front of your face. We want you to feel equally excited and creeped out, letting your imagination run wild and get the best of you."

Tracklisting:

“Black Magic”
“Black Unicorn”
“Beyond The Astral”
“As We Fall”
“Upon The Mountain”
“Slow Death”
“The Seers”
“The Plague”
“Forsaken”
“The Eldest Tree”

“Slow Death”:

“Beyond The Astral”:

Inner Wound Recordings will release Warsaw, Poland-based prog band Votum’s new album, :KTONIK:, on February 26th in Europe and North America. A new video for the album’s lead track, “Satellite”, can be found below.

Votum combines dark and vibrant atmosphere with metal traditions, bringing both force and ambience to play. The band is no stranger to musical diversity with subtle cinematic frailty and modern electronica. Dealing in powerful guitars and acoustic ballads Votum creates a very specific blend of fresh and unusual approach to progressive rock and metal.

:KTONIK: was recorded and mixed by David Castillo at Ghost Ward (Katatonia, Opeth, Bloodbath).

Tracklisting:

“Satellite”
“Greed”
“Spiral”
“Blackened Tree”
“Simulacra”
“Prometheus”
“Horizontal”
“Vertical”
“Last Word”

“Satellite” video:

Teaser:

Votum will tour Europe with Kingcrow in February and March. Below you'll find the first confirmed dates, more to be announced soon.

February
26 - Progresja - Warsaw, Poland
27 - Exit-US - Prague, Czech Republic

March
3 - Boerderij - Zoetermeer, Netherlands
10 - Barrio's Cafe - Milano, Italy

Votum is:

Bartosz Sobieraj - vocals, accustic guitar
Piotr Lniany - guitar
Adam Kaczmarek - guitar
Zbigniew Szatkowski - keyboards
Bartek Turkowski - bass
Adam Lukaszek - drums



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Essence Of Sorrow have announced that vocalist Germán Pascual (ex-Mind's Eye, Narnia, Empire 21) is the new member of the band. Germán follows vocalists Mats Leven and Christian Palin, who left the band after the promotional tour for the Reflections Of The Obscure album (2006).

Essence Of Sorrow, the Finnish/Swedish based band founded by Jani Stefanovic (Solution .45, Miseration), released their debut album Reflections Of The Obscure in 2006 featuring both Mats Leven (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, Gus G., ex-Therion, Candlemass) and Christian Palin (ex-Adagio) on vocals.

Due to Mats’ busy schedule, Christian Palin was set to take care of the live duties. The band got off with a promising start doing shows in Scandinavia and northern parts of main Europe. Although the band had a promising future ahead it would not be without bumps which sadly ended with putting the band on ice.

The plan was always to put the band up in motion again just waiting for the right time. That time has come and after a few years of silence the band is back in business. Essence Of Sorrow has a new lineup and is working on new material, planned to hit the market in 2016. Essence Of Sorrow is joining forces with the talented Germán Pascual on vocals and Jaakko Nikko on bass.

Essence Of Sorrow is:

Germán Pascual - Vocals
Jani Stefanovic - Guitars
Tom Gardiner - Guitars
Rolf Pilve - Drums
Jaakko Nikko - Bass

 



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Wishing Well are a hard rock band hailing from Helsinki, Finland. “Hippie Heart Gypsy Soul” is the first single taken from the Chasing Rainbows debut album, to be released on February 5th via Inverse Records. For the single the band joined forces with legendary hard rock vocalist Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Alcatrazz) and came up with a catchy and melodic hard rock song.

“We wanted something extra to boost the album and when we wrote “Hippie” we instantly realized that Graham would be a perfect vocalist for the song in many ways. I’m a lifelong fan of Graham myself and it’s fantastic that we made it at the end of the day. Pete (vocalist Peter James Goodman) had no problem with it since he’s a big fan too! I’m proud and pleased with the result and it’s just amazing that at 68 he’s still delivering the goods”, says Anssi Korkiakoski, the song writer and guitar player of Wishing Well.

Graham Bonnet band will play live in Finland on April 21st after his Australian tour. “The guys got in touch and after I heard the song I was immediately ready to give it a go. It’s a catchy tune and perfect for my range. I like the lyrics too. We recorded my vocals in LA and the guys took care of the rest of it in Finland. I’m always ready to cooperate if it’s a serious band with a good song. I wish the guys all the best.”

The band is now promoting the single and CD with plans to play live as much as they can later on this year. The band consists of Anssi Korkiakoski (guitars), Rip Radioactive (drums), Richard Becker (bass) and Peter James Goodman (vocals), all experienced musicians who have cut their teeth in many other bands before Wishing Well.

“Hippie Heart Gypsy Soul”



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Death Toll Rising / Into Eternity drummer Bryan Newbury has posted two video clips featuring a sneak peek at some drum tracks for the Death Toll Rising's forthcoming album. Check them out below:

Back in August 2015, Death Toll Rising premiered their new video "Scorched Earth Policy" in support of their latest album, Infection Legacy. 

"We are beyond excited to be releasing our first ever music video," comments guitarist Drew Copland. "This is one of the thrashers off our most recent album, Infection Legacy and always proved to be a fan favorite, so it was a no brainer to do this track. We were lucky enough to work with our good friend and director Lindsay Robinson on this project and he pretty much nailed everything we had in mind, it looks sick! It was a great experience and we were able to have a ton of our friends out to party and be in the video, which made it all the more motivating for us. It was cold, it was late, and it was exhausting, but in the end completely worth every minute!"

Photo by Metal Maiden Inc.



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In a brand new interview with LA Weekly, MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine was asked how he spent the bus ride back from New York to California after being fired by METALLICA in 1983. He responded: "I was looking out the window. A lot. And it was excruciatingly painful... Because, remember, I was living with them, had no job, no income, no money. They'd put me on the bus with no money. So I had no food money. No nothing. And I got on the bus and off I went for a four-day journey with nothing to eat, nothing to drink. So that whole journey was a four-day fucking hell. Learning how to panhandle. How to get people to buy you booze so you could sleep through the night on the bus. [Laughs] When you go into the bus station and the bus would stop and wait for another driver and you just pray to God you don't sleep through the connection and shit like that. Because I'd never done anything like that before in my life. It's different if you know what to do and where to go. And if you have money. Money's the key to all your problems. But if you can't even make a phone call? It's pretty fucked up."

Mustaine was also asked which of the four songs he is credited with co-writing on METALLICA's 1983 debut album, "Kill 'Em All", was his favorite. He said: "My favorite? Hmmm. Interesting. Good question. You know, I like 'Phantom Lord' and 'Metal Militia' because they are very interesting songs. But I think if you were going to go for my favorite METALLICA song that I wrote, it would probably have to be ['Ride The Lightning' instrumental] 'The Call Of Ktulu'. It stands on itself. And when you have a song that can stand on itself without words, that's a big statement."

Mustaine, who was the original lead guitarist of METALLICA, was dismissed from the band by drummer Lars Ulrich in 1983. He was replaced by Kirk Hammett and went on to form MEGADETH and achieve worldwide success on his own.

Mustaine feuded with the members of METALLICA for more than two decades before finally patching things up over the last few years. He has jammed with his ex-bandmates on several occasions during "Big Four" shows and at METALLICA's 30th anniversary concerts in 2011.

The MEGADETH leader apologized to Hetfield in May 2012 for publicly discussing the fact that Dave wanted to assemble a "supergroup" combining Mustaine and MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson with Hetfield and Ulrich.

Hetfield laughed off talk of a possible collaboration between members of his band and members of MEGADETH in an interview, calling it "crazy" talk on the part of Mustaine.

Hetfield told So What!, METALLICA's fan club magazine, "I see [Mustaine] healthier now. I see him as less of a bitter guy. But I do see a lot of stuff in the press with him talking about jamming with us and making an album. All this other crazy stuff. I read it and say to myself, 'Hold on. This is the Dave that we kind of wanted to forget about. You know, the big-mouth that wants to just go-go-go."

Hetfield added, "But there is an authenticity about him when he speaks. He doesn't think too much before he does. He just goes off the cuff. Plus, when he says stuff like that, it's well-intended."

Mustaine joined his former METALLICA bandmates on stage on December 10, 2011 for the fourth and final intimate show at the Fillmore in San Francisco as part of the group's week-long celebration of its 30th anniversary as a band for fan club members only.

Former SLIPKNOT member Donnie Steele makes a guest appearance on "Waiting (For The End Of Man)", the debut album from the Des Moines, Iowa five-piece hard rock/heavy metal/groove metal band MURDER EARTH. The CD was recorded by Griffin Landa at The Establishment Recording in Des Moines.

MURDER EARTH's lineup consists of Ben Murphy (also of HANGOVER, ex-BARTYR IN BLOOD, ex-THE FALLEN) on vocals, Tim "Dominic" Flor (ex-DREDGE, ex-PAINFACE, ex-PYGWALK, ex-SHEDD) on rhythm guitar, Jim Stockham (ex-DAWN OF DESTRUCTION, ex-FACECAGE) on lead/rhythm guitar, Rick Stuber (ex-ALL THAT CRAWLS, ex-NOTHING, ex-PYGWALK, ex-TRIPWIRE, ex-VICE GRIP THROTTLE) on bass, and Jared Albertson (ex-ABSOLUTE POWER, ex-CANNOT JUSTIFY, ex-MARS ON FIRE) on drums. Jim doesn't appear on the album, having joined MURDER EARTH after the departure of previous lead/rhythm guitarist Ryan Thornton (ex-CALOUS, ex-NOTHING, ex-PYGWALK).

Steele stepped in on lead guitar to finish the recording of "Waiting (For The End Of Man)" after Thornton's exit.

SLIPKNOT's original guitar player, Steele returned to play bass for the band for a couple of years after the Corey Taylor-fronted outfit resumed touring in 2011 following the death of Paul Gray.

For more information on MURDER EATH, visit the band's Facebook page.

Roadhouse Interactive, 50cc Games and metal legends IRON MAIDEN have announced that "Iron Maiden: Legacy Of The Beast", an action-packed, free-to-play RPG steeped in IRON MAIDEN mythology, will launch worldwide this summer on iOS and Android platforms.

Following a series of hit action sports titles for Red Bull Media House, "Warhammer 40,000: Carnage", a games workshop ARPG, and "Food Battle: The Game" for YouTube sensations SMOSH, Roadhouse Interactive's development and publishing divisions have been working hand in hand with IRON MAIDEN and their Phantom Music Management team, who have granted unparalleled access to the vaults in order to create a truly authentic IRON MAIDEN game.

Developed in close collaboration with IRON MAIDEN's management, players take on the role of the band's iconic mascot, Eddie, in his many forms — each with unique abilities. Players explore new worlds, travel through time, and battle a cast of dramatic and engaging characters drawn from the expansive catalogue of MAIDEN's albums and art. Gameplay is enhanced with a soundtrack using songs spanning the band's entire career, including previously unheard live recordings of IRON MAIDEN classics adapted for the game by engineer Tony Newton under the close scrutiny of bassist and founding member Steve Harris.

"We always thought MAIDEN's music and imagery with Eddie could be perfect for gaming and it's something we have been looking at doing again since 'Ed Hunter' in 1999. Now in 2016 it can all be done on a smartphone which makes it even more accessible for all our fans and also all the gamers out there," comments Harris.

IRON MAIDEN's latest album, "The Book Of Souls", was released in September 2015 to popular and critical acclaim, hitting the No. 1 spot in over 40 countries and reinforcing their position as one of the most relevant and influential bands in music today. This year they will embark on the "The Book Of Souls" world tour and with fan excitement at fever pitch it's the perfect time to expand IRON MAIDEN's legend into gaming.

"Iron Maiden: Legacy Of The Beast" will be available later this year on iOS and Android platforms. See IronMaidenLegacy.com for ongoing releases about the game.

Demon Records has announced the release of an extraordinary SAXON box set containing vinyl LPs of the band's nine studio albums recorded between 1991 and 2009. "Eagles And Dragons" will be released on March 18.

"Eagles And Dragons" features nine seminal NWOBHM albums which before today, were only released on vinyl in some regions including Germany, Italy and the U.K., and in very limited amounts. These new luxury 180-gram vinyl versions, including inner sleeves with all the lyrics, are a must-have for fans and collectors. The hand-numbered outer slipcase box features a specially commissioned, beautiful brand new cover painting by SAXON's artist-in-residence, the legendary Paul Gregory. In addition, 500 copies with a framable print of the cover signed by SAXON frontman Biff Byford will be available exclusively from Demon's D2C store.

Byford commented: "From 1991's 'Solid Ball Of Rock' to 2009's 'Into The Labyrinth', this is the first time we have ever had a vinyl box set of nine albums in one package — never to be done again — with exclusive cover artwork from Paul Raymond Gregory. I can't wait to get my hands on one!"

Featured albums:

* "Solid Ball Of Rock" (1991)* "Forever Free" (1992)* "Dogs Of War" (1995)* "Unleash The Beast" (1997)* "Metalhead" (1999)* "Killing Ground" (2001)* "Lionheart" (2004)* "The Inner Sanctum" (2007)* "Into The Labyrinth" (2009)

NWOBHM legends SAXON released their self-titled debut in 1979, followed by "Wheels Of Steel" the following year, which reached #5 in the U.K. chart and gave fans two classics in the title track and "747". They established themselves as one of the icons of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal throughout the '80s. Later the band tried to attack the U.S. market taking a more melodic direction with release of "Destiny" in 1988, before going back to their original sound with 1991's "Solid Balls Of Rock", reaffirming their influence on the European metal scene. They continued touring and recording enjoying renewed success, with 2015's "Battering Ram" reaching the U.K. Top 50 and No. 12 in Germany. SAXON saw album sales topping 15 million worldwide, which included eight U.K. Top 40 albums across their career. They are considered a seminal act and are known to have inspired the likes of METALLICA, MEGADETH, PANTERA and plenty more.

Steamhammer/SPV has announced the signing Swedish hard rockers BULLET to a worldwide deal. The band is writing songs for an album that is tentatively due in early 2017. The CD will be recorded at the Pama studios in Torsås, Sweden, with drummer Gustav Hjortsjö once again handling production duties.

Comments BULLET guitarist Hampus Klang: "We think we've found a good formula and direction, both in terms of our music and our songwriting.

"The new material will be even more heavy metal-oriented than before. We've written some fast songs that are very NWOBHM-inspired."

Klang and his colleagues are thrilled with their new recording contract.

"We're proud and happy to be signed to a legendary label like Steamhammer/SPV," he says. "It feels great to have a new start with a new record label."

Adds Steamhammer A&R representative Olly Hahn: "I've known the band since their first album and was totally impressed when I saw them live for the first time. Now I feel very honored that they have decided to join the Steamhammer family for their future releases. I know that the next album will consist of more heavy metal dynamite and can't wait to start working for them!"

BULLET's latest album, "Storm Of Blades", was released in September 2014 via Nuclear Blast.

Pictured from left to right: Alexander Lyrbo (guitar), Hampus Klang (guitar), Adam Hector (bass), Hell Hofer (vocals), Gustav Hjortsjö (drums), Olly Hahn (A&R, Steamhammer)

Nightwish vocalist Floor Jansen recently checked in from the band's Australian tour with the following update:

"From arenas back to clubs! From massive audiences to a thousand or two! And you what... I love it! Both type of shows come with their own magic and energy. In the clubs here in Australia we have no pyro, LED screens and massive amount of lights. We even had no stage smoke, for the Aussies have endless rules most wonderful and it's not allowed. It brings us back to the essence of performing. It shows we can pull of a show with just us on stage and the beautiful music of Nightwish, and that's what makes me proud of us as a team! And that's why a show is never like another show! They also come in endless forms most beautiful."

Fan-filmed video from the band's Brisbane show, their first gig of 2016, can be viewed below.

It was reported back in November that Nightwish had sold out their biggest UK show to date, headlining the 12,000 capacity sold-out Wembley Arena on December 19th. The band made history as the first Finnish band to ever headline the venue. Metal Hammer has posted behind-the-scenes footage from the show below. Expect more footage to surface in the coming days.

The setlist on the night was as follows:

"Shudder Before the Beautiful"
"Yours Is an Empty Hope"
"Ever Dream"
"Storytime"
"My Walden"
"While Your Lips Are Still Red"
"Élan"
"Weak Fantasy"
"7 Days to the Wolves"
"Alpenglow"
"The Poet and the Pendulum"
"Nemo"
"I Want My Tears Back"
"Stargazers"
"Ghost Love Score"
"Last Ride of the Day"
"The Greatest Show On Earth" (with guest appearance by professor Richard Dawkins)

Behind-the-scenes footage:

Fan-filmed video:



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Jimmy Kay at Canada’s The Metal Voice recently spoke to former Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth. They discussed Roth's upcoming North American tour, his new live CD/DVD the Scorpions Revisited, and his days playing with the Scorpions. Check out the audio interview below:

On the controversial album atwork when he was with the Scorpions: "With hindsight, I think that every single album cover I ever did totally sucked, even the later ones I never really liked them. Most of them were either poorly executed or in very bad taste and I am afraid I was part of it. I take my share of the blame. Each time when somebody asks me to sign Virgin Killer I just cringe. "

On possibly re-joining the Scorpions for one last album: "There was an album on the horizon or some recordings some years ago, there was talk of that but it didn’t happen. And after the band went on a farewell tour that all kind of fell asleep. But I would be interested."

On writing new material: "I have written more than one albums worth of material and it’s been sitting around for some while. On this tour during the sound checks we will spend some time  working on the new material. We are doing VIP passes with a difference cause people will be able to hear some of that new material during sound check."

Uli Jon Roth, is set to bring his Ultimate Guitar Experience Tour to North American stages in early 2016, kicking off on February 26th at the Culture Room in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and concluding on April 8th in Melbourne, FL after a thirty five date run in eighteen states and three Canadian provinces.

Joining the storied former Scorpions axe master will be Andy Timmons (Danger Danger, Simon Phillips, Kip Winger) and Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson, Jeff Beck, Michael Sembello).

“I'm happy to say that there will two fellow great guitarists on tour with me this time; none other than the fabulous Jennifer Batten and the very talented Andy Timmons. Together we'll be celebrating the spirit of our favourite instrument – the electric guitar!” exclaims Roth. “I'm really looking forward to this tour and I'm sure that between the three of us – and the audience – sparks will fly!”

All three guitarists will first play solo sets featuring their own music and then join together for a set. Uli's own set is to be drawn from his entire back catalogue, including his latest release, Scorpions Revisited (out on UDR Music) as well as Transcendental Sky Guitar and will emphasize material from the Electric Sun period.

“I haven't played the Electric Sun stuff live in thirty years and it deserves to be heard,” declares Uli. “This is in order to celebrate the thirty five year anniversary of the first Electric Sun album, Earthquake.”

The six string hero will also present a new concept related to VIP pass holders. He explains in detail: “Each night, before the main concert and during soundcheck we are going to perform a dedicatedAcoustika Concert, featuring different songs from those of the main event for the VIP Pass holders exclusively.

“In that context, you are also going to be able to be present at an onstage rehearsal of some of my new songs for the next album.”

He continues, “This is an unusual idea, but I always felt that songs are benefiting greatly from being played in front of a live audience – before actually recording them – and I am sure that this will help us to galvanize things and to fully crystallize the new material that I have written.

“We have never tried this before, but I feel that this is a new and exciting idea. So, please – if you can make the time – help us to make it happen by participating and joining us for the private pre-show event!”

More info can be found at this location.

Joining the guitar trio will be vocalist John West, guitarists Niklas Turmann and David Klosinski, keyboardist Corvin Bahn, bassist Nico Deppisch and drummer Richie Monica.

Dates include:

February
26 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room
27 - Orlando, FL - Plaza Live
28 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
29 - Nashville, TN - The Basement

March
2 - Dallas, TX - Trees
3 - New Orleans, LA - HOB
4 - Houston, TX - Concert Pub North
5 - San Antonio, TX - The Korova
8 - Phoenix, AZ - Joe's Grotto
9 - Las Vegas, NV - LVCS
10 - Ventura, CA - Ventura Theater
11 - Ramona, CA - Ramona Mainstage
12 - Hollywood, CA - The Whisky
13 - San Jose, CA - Rockbar Theater
14 - Concord, CA - Vinnies Bar and Grill
15 - Reno, NV - PB&J's
16 - Redding, CA - The Dip
17 - Portland, OR - Dantes
18 - Seattle, WA - Studio 7
19 - Vancouver, BC - Venue
22 - Denver, CO - Oriental Theater
24 - Moorehead, MN - The Garage
25 - Savage, MN - Neisen's
26 - St. Charles, IL - Arcadia Theater
27 - Chicago, IL - Reggies
28 - Detroit, MI - Token Lounge
29 - Toronto, ON - Mod Club
30 - Montreal, QC - Katacombes
31 - Londonderry, NH - Tupelo Music

April
1 - Ottawa, ON - Brass Monkey
2 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance
4 - NYC, NY - BB Kings
5 - Sellersville, PA - Sellersville Theater
6 - Pittsburgh, PA - Rex Theater
8 - Melbourne, FL - Black Box Theater



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Children Of Bodom frontman Alexi Laiho recently spoke with Music Radar about the band's latest album, I Worship Chaos, and his influences. An excerpt from the interview is available below:

Q: Looking back, as far as the neoclassical side of your lead playing is concerned, how did you master the techniques behind playing fast runs with such precision?

Laiho: “It takes a lot of practice for sure, but sitting down with a metronome doesn’t kill the rock ’n’ roll vibe like some people think. You have to get the techniques down and then you can actually start playing. It’s a necessity before you do the main thing. The rest is up to you, the rock ’n’ roll vibe will come from your personality. It can be aggressive or laid back or everything in between rolled into one. There are unlimited possibilities. I’ve always dug the whole '80s guitar vibe, guys like George Lynch… that’s what I grew up with. That’s in my heart and blood, but there’s more to me than just that.”

Q: Being such an accomplished guitar player, what techniques have really challenged you in recent years? Is it hard to find challenges when you get to a certain point?

Laiho: “This might surprise some people, but I’ve been on a huge Lindsey Buckingham trip recently and listening to his playing in Fleetwood Mac. I always thought there were two guitar players playing together, but it was just him doing all that Travis picking stuff. That’s how good he is! I thought, ‘You fucking asshole, how is that possible?’

“So that’s actually something I’m still working on right now and, dude, it’s hard. Like a whole different sport. In many ways, it was the same drive I felt when I first saw someone sweep picking… I had no choice but to try and master it! If you keep your eyes open and observe, there’s always something out there to learn.”

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Following a trip on the high seas as part of the 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise (February 4th - 8th), Children Of Bodom will start a headline run of North America on February 9th in Tampa, FL, which will run through February 19th in Austin, TX. The following night February 20th, Children Of Bodom will join up with Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies and Havok in Houston, TX as part of the Dystopia World Tour.

In addition to the shows with Megadeth, COB will also play select headline dates. Havok will provide direct support to COB on their headline dates.  A complete list of all shows can be found below. Tickets for the headline shows will go on sale this Friday at 10 AM, local time. Tickets for the shows with Megadeth are on sale now.

COB headline dates:

February
9 - Tampa, FL - Orpheum
10 - Jacksonville, FL - 1904
11 - Birmingham, AL - Saturn
12 - Nashville, TN - Exit/In
13 - Memphis, TN - New Daisy Theatre
15 - St. Louis, MO - The Ready Room
16 - Lawrence, KS - The Granada
18 - Corpus Christi, TX - House of Rock
19 - Austin, TX - Scoot Inn

Tour dates with Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies and Havok:

February
20 - Dallas, TX - South Side Ballroom
21 - Houston, TX - Bayou Music Center
23 - Denver, CO - The Fillmore Auditorium
24 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex
26 - Las Vegas, NV - The Pearl
27 - Phoenix, AZ - Comerica Theatre
28 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Palladium
29 - San Francisco, CA - The Warfield

March
5 - Penticton, BC - South Okanagan Events Centre
6 - Calgary, AB - Grey Eagle Resort
8 - Dawson Creek, BC - Encana Events Centre
9 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place
10 - Moose Jaw, SK - Mosaic Place
13 - Chicago, IL - Aragon Ballroom
15 - Niagara Falls, NY - The Rapids Theatre
16 - New York, NY - Terminal 5
17 - New York, NY - Terminal 5
19 - Bethlehem, PA - Sands Bethlehem Event Center
20 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
21 - Boston, MA - House Of Blues
23 - Bangor, ME - Cross Insurance Center
24 - Quebec, QC - Centre Videotron
26 - Sioux Falls, SD - Badlands Pawn



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Christian Bale, who has earned a reputation for being an incredibly intense method actor, spoke to Screen Rant's Don Kaye (a veteran rock journalist who has written CD reviews for BLABBERMOUTH.NET) about his role in the new film "The Big Short", for which he learned to play double-bass drums for a short scene where his character, the hedge fund manager Michael Burry, bangs on his kit in his basement.

Asked if it's true that he picked up the double-bass drumming technique over the course of only two weeks with a coach, Bale responded (see video below): "Yes, yes, yes. It was a wonderful crash course. Double-kick drum, PANTERA 'By Demons Be Driven' — a fantastic song to begin with. This is how Mike Burry unwound. This is actually how he calmed down. He would listen to it all day long in his headphones — and not just that; MASTODON as well. But his brain is on fire so much that death metal calms him. He's a very, very different indivudal to most of us."

"The Big Short" writer and director Adam McKay told Studio 360 in a recent interview with right before shooting for the film started, Bale, while messing around on a trampoline with his kids, "completely blew out his knee — ACL, MCL, patella, everything," McKay said. The director suggested getting a double to play the drum scene, but Bale told him, "No, no. It's gonna be all right. Let me just do it."

Bale learned to play drummer from Scott Wittenburg, a drum teacher at the Musicians Institute and a member of ZEN ROBBI. Wittenburg told Pitchfork about how he ended up being hired to be Bale's drumming coach: "Well, I've been teaching the heavy metal class at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California for about 10 years. And Paramount Pictures called the school, asking if my boss had any guys he could refer. He gave a few names out, and I guess based off my metal background and teaching the metal class, I was the guy."

EDGUY frontman Tobias Sammet's AVANTASIA project will release its seventh studio album, "Ghostlights", on January 29 via Nuclear Blast. The twelve-song CD was produced by Tobias and Sascha Paeth at Gatestudio in Wolfsburg, Germany. Paeth engineered and mixed "Ghostlights", while the mastering was done by Michael Rodenberg.

The official lyric video for "Ghostlights" can be seen below.

AVANTASIA released a new digital single, "Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose", on December 11.

Commented Tobias: "In my humble opinion, ['Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose'] is the perfect overture to the seventy-minute journey which the full album is going to be.

"Although 'Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose' is a rather short composition compared to most other AVANTASIA songs, I wanted to embellish and amplify it with flamboyance and all AVANTASIA trademarks. I wanted to make it a detailed piece of fantasy art, but at the same time it was a big challenge to make that painting look inherently consistant if you view it from the distance. The layered choirs took us forever to record and yet nothing distracts from the main theme and flow of the song. Every time you give it a listen, you will discover something else going on.

"I have a feeling that I have never managed to create such an epic and dreamy atmosphere in just four minutes. I've gotta admit I am slightly proud of it!"

"Ghostlights" features guest appearances by:

* Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER)* Geoff Tate (QUEENSRŸCHE)* Marco Hietala (NIGHTWISH)* Sharon Den Adel (WITHIN TEMPTATION)* Michael Kiske (HELLOWEEN)* Ronnie Atkins (PRETTY MAIDS)* Bob Catley (MAGNUM)* Jorn Lande (MASTERPLAN)* Bruce Kulick (KISS)* Robert Mason (WARRANT)* Herbie Langhans (SEVENTH AVENUE, SINBREED)* Oliver Hartmann* Sascha Paeth

The instrumentalists on "Ghostlights" are as follows:

* Sascha Paeth - rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass, additional keys* Michael Rodenberg - orchestration, keys* Tobias Sammet - additional keys and bass* Bruce Kulick - lead guitar* Oliver Hartmann - lead guitar* Felix Bohnke - drums

CD

01. Mystery Of A Blood Red RoseLead vocals: TobiasLead guitar: Sascha Paeth

02. Let The Storm Descend Upon YouLead vocals: Tobias, Jorn Lande, Ronnie Atkins, Robert MasonLead guitar: Oliver Hartmann

03. The HauntingLead vocals: Dee Snider, TobiasLead guitar: Sascha Paeth

04. Seduction Of DecayLead vocals: Geoff Tate, TobiasLead guitar: Sascha Paeth

05. GhostlightsLead vocals: Michael Kiske, Tobias, Jorn LandeLead guitar: Sascha Paeth, Oliver Hartmann

06. Draconian LoveLead vocals: Herbie Langhans, TobiasLead guitar: Sascha Paeth

07. Master Of The PendulumLead vocals: Marco Hietala, TobiasLead guitar: Sascha Paeth

08. Isle Of EvermoreLead vocals: Sharon Den Adel, Tobias

09. Babylon VampyresLead vocals: Tobias, Robert MasonLead guitar: Bruce Kulick, Oliver Hartmann, Sascha Paeth

10. LuciferLead vocals: Jorn Lande, TobiasLead guitar: Bruce Kulick

11. Unchain The LightLead vocals: Tobias, Ronnie Atkins, Michael KiskeLead guitar: Sascha Paeth, Oliver Hartmann

12. A Restless Heart And Obsidian SkiesLead vocals: Bob Catley, TobiasLead guitar: Bruce Kulick

Digibook

CD 1

01. Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose02. Let The Storm Descend Upon You03. The Haunting04. Seduction Of Decay05. Ghostlights06. Draconian Love07. Master Of The Pendulum08. Isle Of Evermore09. Babylon Vampyres10. Lucifer11. Unchain The Light12. A Restless Heart And Obsidian Skies13. Wake Up To The Moon (bonus track)

CD 2 (Bonus Disc - AVANTASIA live)

01. Spectres02. Invoke The Machine03. The Story Ain't Over04. Prelude05. Reach Out For The Light06. Avantasia07. Whats Left Of Me08. Dying For An Angel09. Twisted Mind10. The Watchmakers' Dream11. Another Angel Down---Earbook (digibook including 68-page photobook, 28.5x28.5cm)+ CD 3 karaoke version of CD 1 without bonus track

01. Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose02. Let The Storm Descend Upon You03. The Haunting04. Seduction Of Decay05. Ghostlights06. Draconian Love07. Master Of The Pendulum08. Isle Of Evermore09. Babylon Vampyres10. Lucifer11. Unchain The Light12. A Restless Heart And Obsidian Skies

Mailorder Box

- Earbook- Poster- Autograph- Lanyard + Pass- 10" Vinyl (tracks to be confirmed)

Vinyl

Side A

01. Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose02. Let The Storm Descend Upon You03. The Haunting

Side B

01. Seduction Of Decay02. Ghostlights03. Draconian Love

Side C

01. Master Of The Pendulum02. Isle Of Evermore03. Babylon Vampyres

Side D

01. Lucifer02. Unchain The Light03. A Restless Heart And Obsidian Skies04. Wake Up To The Moon (bonus track)

AVANTASIA's last album, "The Mystery Of Time", was released in March 2013.

AVANTASIA will play three North American shows in April:

April 11 - House Of Blues - Anaheim, CAApril 13 - Queen Elizabeth Theater - Toronto, Ontario, CanadaApril 15 - Playstation Theater - New York, NY

The AVANTASIA lineup for these shows will consist of the following musicians:

* Tobias Sammet - Vocals* Michael Kiske - Vocals* Eric Martin - Vocals* Ronnie Atkins - Vocals* Jorn Lande - Vocals* Amanda Somerville - Backing vocal/vocals* Herbie Langhans - Backing vocal/vocals* Sascha Paeth - Guitars* Oliver Hartmann - Guitars* Miro Rodenberg - Keyboards* Andre Neigenfind - Bass* Felix Bohnke - Drums

Commented Sammet: "Great news , my North American friends: we're coming back! You know, the few memories I have of our last AVANTASIA show in Canada are a bit blurry. Back then, I went from hospital right to the stage as I had some real mean flu. I was so high on whatever medication the doctor gave me to make the show, all I remember are the green little creatures in my dressing room that were calling me names but always disappeared under the sofa whenever I tried to catch them to confront them with their silly behavior… Now, looking at the video, I sounded quite a bit awful, ha! But I've been told I was funny and a very happy person that night.

"And I am happy to say we'll be back — in great shape. Unfortunately Bob [Catley] won't be able to join us for the dates outside Europe as he will be off on a MAGNUM tour, but we'll bring Michi Kiske, Jorn Lande, Eric Martin, Ronnie Atkins, Amanda Somerville, Herbie Langhans, Sascha Paeth, Olli Hartmann and me, of course… And Miro. And Andre on bass… And as if that wasn't enough, on drums, there will be no other than... THE DRUMMER!!! Can't wait to hit the stage!"

AVANTASIA has promised to take the fans to a magical world all its own, with a setlist that embraces its entire history, from "The Metal Opera" to "Ghostlights" and everything in between.

Greek extreme metallers ROTTING CHRIST will release their new album, "Rituals", on February 12 via Season Of Mist.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. In Nomine Dei Nostri02. Ze Nigmar03. Elthe Kyrie04. Les Litanies De Satan (Les Fleurs Du Mal)05. Apage Satana06. Tou Thanatou07. For A Voice Like Thunder08. Konx Om Pax09. Devadevam10. The Four Horsemen11. Lok'tar Ogar (bonus track)

The track "Ze Nigmar" can now be streamed below.

Frontman Sakis Tolis comments: "The song 'Ze Nigmar' has been written and is spoken in the language of Jesus Christ, Aramaic. It means 'It is done' and is referring to the last seven sentences of Jesus on the cross according to the gospels. Enjoy this journey into historical dimensions, which is performed in the most ritualistic way possible."

Sakis Tolis in collaboration with his brother Themis on drums achieve a perfect balance of amalgamating their classic and unique style of riffing and rhythm with exciting new elements sprinkled in to keep their material exciting and fresh. Carefully chosen guests are being added for better effect, including the spoken words of Nick Holmes (PARADISE LOST) on "A Voice Like Thunder" and SAMAEL's Vorph mesmerizingly quoting from Charles Baudelaire's "Les Fleurs Du Mal" throughout the song "Les Litanies De Satan". Goosebumps moments such as these are liberally sprinkled throughout the record, which manages the feat to sound rock solid and made out of one heavy piece as well as diverse and far ranging at the same time. The experienced is enhanced by Jens Bogren's equally clear and transparent yet also massive as well as sombre mix and mastering at his widely renowned Fascination Street Studios (AMORPHIS, BORKNAGAR, MOONSPELL, DEVIN TOWNSEND).

ROTTING CHRIST is:

Sakis: vocals, guitarsThemis: drumsVan Ace: bassGeorge: guitars

Guest musicians (in order of appearance):

* Magus (NECROMANTIA) - "In Nomine Dei Nostri"* Danai Katsameni (NATIONAL HELLENIC THEATER) - "Elthe Kyrie"* Vorph (SAMAEL) - "Les Litanies De Satan (Les Fleurs Du Mal)"* Nick Holmes (PARADISE LOST) - "For A Voice Like Thunder"* Kathir (RUDRA) - "Devadevam"

Dutch vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen and Árstíðir’s collaborative album, Verloren Verleden, is now available for pre-order via Anneke's online shop here. The album features a broad selection of momentous classical and traditional works, reconceived and reimagined within the Árstíðir/Anneke sound-universe.

Pre-order the album now and you will receive an instant download of “Solveig’s Song” and “Heyr Himna Smiður”. Release date is February 12th.

The tracklist is as follows:

"Bist Du bei Mir" – Gottfried Stölzel
"Solveig’s Song" (from Peer Gynt) – Edvard Grieg
"Het Dorp" – Jean Ferrat / Friso Wiegersma
"Russian Lullaby" – Irving Berlin
"Þér ég unni" – Árstíðir
"Londonderry Air" (Danny Boy) – Traditional / Frederic Weatherly
"A Simple Song" (from MASS) – Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Schwartz
"When I Am Laid In Earth" (from Dido & Aeneas) – Henry Purcell
"Heyr Himna Smiður" – Kolbeinn Tumason / Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson
"Pavane" – Gabriel Fauré

Tour dates for the Netherlands are as follows:

March
1 - Den Bosch - Verkadefabriek (try-out)
2 - Almelo - Hof 88 (try-out)
3 - Naaldwijk - Westland Theater
4 - Oosterhout - Theater de Bussel
6 - Zwolle - Schouwburg Odeon (matinee)
8 - Wageningen - Theater Junushoff
11 - Tilburg - Theaters Tilburg
12 - Uden - Markant Uden
13 - Groningen - De Oosterpoort
16 - Hoofddorp - De Meerse
17 - Zoetermeer - Stadstheater Zoetermeer
20 - Leeuwarden - Stadsschouwburg De Harmonie
21 - Rotterdam - Oude Luxor Theater
22 - Waalwijk - Theater De Leest
23 - Delft - Theater de Veste
25 - Haarlem - Philharmonie Haarlem
27 - Sneek - Theater Sneek Noorderkerkzaal (matinee)
29 - Amsterdam - De Kleine Komedie

For information on Árstíðir go to this location.



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The official lyric video for "Clashings On Armour Plates", a brand new song by German a cappella metal band VAN CANTO — which consists of five singers and one drummer (no guitars, no bass, no keyboards) — can be seen below. The track is taken from the group's new album, "Voices Of Fire", which will be released on March 11 via earMUSIC.

"Clashings On Armour Plates" marks a new chapter in VAN CANTO's musical story: metal vocal musical. The first song of the album to see the light of day perfectly demonstrates that the six musicians of VAN CANTO are not only able to imitate instruments such as guitars, basses and keyboards but instead and first and foremost tell stories.

"Clashings On Armour Plates" showcases the band's variety with impressive and sometimes surprising vocal performances, a catchy sound to stick in your head for days to come, heavy drumming and a bombastic choir soundscape created by the London Metro Voices ("The Lord Of The Rings").

VAN CANTO has teamed up with German bestseller author Christoph Hardebusch ("Die Trolle"; English-language translation: "The Trolls") who is going to release his new fantasy novel, "Feuerstimmen", on March 17 on Piper Verlag. The audio book for which VAN CANTO set the 17 bard songs included in the story to music will be released on the same day.

Working hand in hand on this crossover media project, VAN CANTO and Christoph Hardebusch created a whole new world filled with competing kingdoms, epic battles, dragons, of course, the element fire and bards.

Coinciding with the album release, VAN CANTO is going to tour throughout Europe in March and April.

Fan-filmed video footage of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's January 2 concert at Gas Monkey Live! in Dallas, Texas can be seen below.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY mainman Zakk Wylde will release "Book Of Shadows II" on April 8 via Entertainment One Music (eOne Music). Zakk's first solo release in 20 years is the highly anticipated follow-up to 1996's "Book Of Shadows", a classic album Wylde released between his work with Ozzy Osbourne that has since become a fan favorite. "Book Of Shadows II" was recently named as one of the "Most Anticipated Metal Releases of 2016" via RollingStone.com.

Wylde has been feverishly working on new material since he wrapped up BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's "Unblackened" spring tour last year. All songs on "Book Of Shadows II" were recorded and produced at Wylde's home studio, The Black Vatican, where several of Wylde's recent releases were made. The new effort will be followed by a wave of tour dates, to be announced soon.

Zakk will be in full participation in this year's NAMM convention taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California January 21-24. Zakk's newly minted line of guitars known as Wylde Audio will be on full display in Room 210-D and he will be signing from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, January 22.

ZAKK SABBATH, a BLACK SABBATH tribute band featuring Wylde, bassist Rob "Blasko" Nicholson (OZZY OSBOURNE, ROB ZOMBIE) and drummer Joey Castillo (DANZIG, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE) will play at The Grove of Anaheim on Saturday, January 23.

MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil played a free show on Saturday, January 16 at Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut — his first official solo performance after the completion of the band's "The Final Tour".

"Thanks to all the fans that came out last night to #mohegansun Had a great time!" Neil tweeted after the concert. "Wolfs Den was rockin!!"

Neil's live backing band continues to consist of bassist Dana Strum and Jeff Blando (both of SLAUGHTER) and drummer Zoltan Chaney.

Neil's setlist for his solo shows includes CRÜE hits "Dr. Feelgood", "Kickstart My Heart" and "Girls Girls Girls". "We kind of have to," he said in a 2014 interview. "I'd be disappointed as a fan if I went and saw me and I didn't play some of the hits…. Every song you're going to know. It's rock 'n' roll."

The setlist was as follows:

01. Dr. Feelgood02. Live Wire03. Piece Of Your Action04. Looks That Kill05. Home Sweet Home06. Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)07. S.O.S (Same Ol' Situation)08. Whole Lotta Love / Heaven And Hell / Stairway To Heaven09. Kickstart My Heart10. Girls Girls Girls11. Wild Side

Neil last week played a private solo show at the second annual Cisco Enterprise Executive Connection in Maui, Hawaii.

MÖTLEY CRÜE played the final two shows of its 34-year career last month, and 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.

Neil told the Las Vegas Review-Journal in a recent interview that he doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon.

"I'm excited about the future," Vince said. "I've had a solo band for the last 15 or so years, maybe longer than that. And when MÖTLEY doesn't tour, I'm always on tour with my solo band."

He continued: "The thing is, though, it's exciting because, you know, MÖTLEY CRÜE takes up 99 percent of your time. And now you get MÖTLEY out of the picture, and now you can really focus on solo career and other businesses and anything you want to do. So it's kind of an exciting time, thinking about what I could do with all this time I have now. It's going to be sad that we're no longer playing together, but you know, it's progress, I guess."

Fan-filmed video footage of QUEENSRŸCHE's entire January 17 performance at Brewster Street Icehousein Corpus Christi, Texas can be seen below.

QUEENSRŸCHE singer Todd La Torre told "Rockin' Metal Revival" last month that the band was preparing a brand new setlist for its current headlining tour. He said: "We've changed the setlist a lot that we're working on now. There will be some staple songs that are probably always gonna remain in our set, but we will be playing some new stuff, from the new record. And I think we're throwing in a new one from the last record that we haven't played before."

He continued: "I think the proposed setlist that we've put together had around nineteen songs and then we were kind of choosing among those. So out of those songs, I can you that there's about twelve or thirteen that I've never done with the band. So it's gonna a revamped setlist. Some of the stuff is stuff that you haven't heard QUEENSRŸCHE do since the very beginning and the very early '80s. And then other stuff is stuff that I've not played with the band before but they were doing prior to me coming in the band. So it's a new setlist, and we're super excited to be playing new material off 'Condition Hüman' and then off the 2013 release."

Todd added: "Anything that we probably play that's not brand new is going to be from the first five or six records, just because… I think that the band overall just really feels that that is kind of more where their heart lies in the QUEENSRŸCHE catalogue. I mean, there are good songs and stuff on other records, but I think, collectively, when you talk to the bandmembers and you talk to the fans, the general consensus seems to be, like I say, from the EP up to 'Promised Land'. You know, somebody might like something off 'Tribe' or 'Hear In The Now Frontier', or whatever, but we really wanna be able to play what we wanna play, but also you try to think of the majority of the fans. There's always gonna be someone that isn't happy that you didn't play a particular song off a particular record, but you have to go with what is probably the biggest bang for the buck for the fans. And I think that we've put together a really great setlist… There's some other stuff off the EP and 'The Warning' and 'Rage For Order'. I'll feel really comfortable once we're kind of gelling with the material and we'll be performing it night after night and kind of lock in. It kind of takes a little bit to feel like you're really owning it inside. I mean, the fans might think it's great right out of the gate, but it just takes… It's a lot of repetition. We've done the same setlist for quite a while now, and it's just very natural to me and it feels super comfortable. This is a little outside of my comfort zone, because it's not stuff that I've conditioned myself to sing night after night after night after night."

QUEENSRŸCHE's latest album, "Condition Hüman", debuted at No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart, having shifted 14,000 equivalent album units in the week ending October 8.

The Billboard 200 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).

"Condition Hüman" was released on October 2 via Century Media.

Michigan darlings POP EVIL last week became the first band to sell out The Machine Shop in Flint, Michigan three nights in a row. In addition, the band got the chance of a lifetime to perform during a Detroit Pistons game against the San Antonio Spurs. POP EVIL played its two hit singles "Footsteps" and "Trenches", A recap of the event can be seen below.

POP EVIL vocalist Leigh Kakaty weighs in: "What a week we've had! First, it was a lifelong goal to play during a Pistons game. What incredible hospitality they gave us this past Tuesday. A proud moment for POP EVIL, for sure.

"The Machine Shop has been there for us since Day One. The Shop is our second home. Everyone involved at the venue we consider family.

"What a feeling to be the first artist to sell out three shows in a row.

"We wanted to challenge ourselves to do something different this time around, and with the help from our great fans, we have succeeded."

POP EVIL recently debuted its new music video for the song "Ways To Get High", which is currently approaching Top 5 at rock radio. The track is the second official single to come from the band's latest full-length album, "Up", which was released last summer. The clip was directed by longtime collaborator Johan Carlén, who has helmed the last handful of visually stunning music videos the band has released, including "Trenches", "Deal With The Devil", "Torn To Pieces" and "Footsteps".

Recorded at Studio Litho, Robert Lang Studios and London Bridge Studios with producer Adam Kasper (PEARL JAM, SOUNDGARDEN, FOO FIGHTERS), "Up" is "the sound of a rock band cementing a powerful identity that's steadily materialized over the course of three prior full-length slabs," according to a press release.

TOURNIQUET drummer Ted Kirkpatrick has assembled an all-star lineup to pay tribute to BLACK SABBATH as the legendary heavy metal pioneers get ready to embark on their final tour, "The End". Due on January 20 via Pathogenic Records, "The Doom In Us All - A Tribute To Black Sabbath" features the following tracks"

01. War Pigs

* Chris Jericho (FOZZY) - vocals* Scotti Hill (SKID ROW) - lead guitar* Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) - bass* Ted Kirkpatrick (TOURNIQUET) - drums, guitars 02. Lord Of This World

* Trevor McNevan (THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH) – vocals* Bruce Franklin (TROUBLE) - lead guitar* Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) - bass* Ted Kirkpatrick (TOURNIQUET) - drums, guitars 03. Into The Void

* Corey Glover (LIVING COLOUR) – vocals* Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) - bass* Ted Kirkpatrick (TOURNIQUET) - drums, guitars 04. Electric Funeral

* Eric Wagner (THE SKULL, TROUBLE) – vocals* Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) - bass* Ted Kirkpatrick (TOURNIQUET) - drums, guitars 05. Children Of The Grave

* Tim "Ripper" Owens (JUDAS PRIEST) - vocals* Karl Sanders (NILE) - lead guitar* Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) - bass* Ted Kirkpatrick (TOURNIQUET) - drums, guitars

Check out a two-minute preview in the YouTube clip below.

MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist Mick Mars has returned to Blackbird Studio in Nashville, Tennessee to resume recording material for his debut solo release. Joining him during the sessions is former MÖTLEY CRÜE singer John Corabi, who was featured on the band's 1994 self-titled album.

Mars posted a couple of photos from Blackbird on his Facebook page and wrote: "What a great great time I'm having creating new, fresh, greasy LOUD-ASS, slamming music."

During a March 2014 appearance on Eddie Trunk's show "Trunk Nation" on SiriusXM's Hair Nation, Mars stated about his solo plans: "I can honestly say that I am going to release at least an EP. As far as a whole album right now, I won't release a whole album 'till I think every single one of my songs is an 'A' song. And I've got a shitload of songs, and they're all 'B' songs, 'C' songs… I'll give them to, like, baby bands coming up, TV commercials, movies, soundtracks, whatever the heck, but I will not put them on my record until I believe in my heart that they're 'A' songs, that when you hear them, you have to have all of them. You know what I mean? No fillers. If I hear a filler in there or anything I think is a filler? No. But then, who am I to judge? Then you release singles."

He continued: "I have about six songs… I mean, I have way, way more than that, but they're all, like… to me, they don't matter. They're laying there. I mean, stacks. And I have a studio in my house, of course, and I go down there almost every day. And just in the past week or so, I've written six new songs which I believe are pretty much on their way to being 'A' songs. But I just need someone to come in and help me, not arrange, by any means… I know what I'm hearing and I know what I wanna hear. It's, like, [I need] a guy to help me [lay vocals on top of it]… 'cause I'm not a singer."

Asked what he planned on doing after MÖTLEY CRÜE retired from touring, Mars told Edmonton, Alberta, Canada's 100.3 The Bear radio station: "A solo record. People have been asking me for that for years and years and years. And 'Why hasn't Mick written a book?' So that, of course, is gonna be in the works. I haven't started anything or figured out who I want to write with me, or help me write it. But doing that kind of a thing. Putting together, probably, a cool band with some cool friends of mine and stuff, and going out and doing some… you know, a few weeks here and a few weeks there, touring… but not as the MICK MARS BAND; I won't do that. [Laughs] You'll see, like, a name, and you'll go, 'Hey, who's that?' 'I don't know' That's the name of the band."

In a September 2012 interview with Jacky Bam Bam of the 93.3 WMMR radio station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mars spoke about his long-rumored solo album of R&B, soul, and blues songs, which he had asked American R&B and soul singer-songwriter Macy Gray to guest on. "I would love to have Macy Gray sing stuff for me," he said. "What I have in mind is not like your shuffle beat kind of blues, it's more of an Etta James kind of blues. If you listen to the first Paul Butterfield album, with Sam Lay playing drums, there's not a shuffle in it. He takes the drums and he does a whole different thing with them. I want lots of movement in the rhythm, so you can't help but move. Like a Macy Gray voice on it, or Andy Garcia — people like that are, to me, they're fabulous singers. Not that I wanna do a hodgepodge of singers and stuff, but to [have them] guest on a couple of songs would be very cool."

In another 2012 interview, Mars stated about MÖTLEY CRÜE's 1994 self-titled album: "I thought that was probably… To me, and I can only speak for me, I think that was probably the best album we've done. Musical-wise, the songs, I felt, were strong. And just musically, to me, it was, I guess, my BEATLES 'White Album'; that's kind of how I feel about that one. I'm not saying that any of my other albums are crummy or anything like that — I love every album that we did — but that one just has a special thing for me."

MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee echoed Mick's sentiments, telling Australia's Beat about the CD: "It's huge. Honestly, dude, it's one of my favorite CRÜE records. Sonically, the songs and the playing on that record is gnarly. We worked our asses off on that record. We had so much to prove: Vince was gone, we had a new singer who also plays guitar and writes and he brought a whole new element to this. But once fans are used to a certain thing, they just didn't want to know about any other version of MÖTLEY CRÜE. That's understandable, but when you break it down, that record still sounds rad today."