German power metallers Brainstorm have released another taste from their upcoming new album, Scary Creatures, due for release on January 15th. Check out "How Much Can You Take" below:

The band continues where they left off one and a half years ago with the previous release, and also mix and mastering was once again handled by Achim Koehler. But right away you feel that Scary Creatures is just that notch better than Firesoul; more anthemic, heavy and all musicians plus vocalist Andy B. Franck delivering to the max. Starting with the infectious opening track “The World To See” (which will also be the album’s first single and video clip), Brainstorm once again prove why they are one of the most popular and respected metal acts in the European scene. The band will embark on European tour in February 2016, followed by many festivals around the world in the summer.

Vocalist Andy B. Franck states: "Scary Creatures is a very emotional, an almost personal, album. All songs reflect the events and feelings of the past months, which made the music incredibly intense. To me, Scary Creatures is the logical successor to 2014's Firesoul and perfectly bridges to Brainstorm 2016. Also for the first time we achieved that many of the band members' children were integrated into several songs. It's another reason why the new album is very valuable and unique to us. Add to this the rough lyrical concept dealing with severals atrocities all over the world in the past centuries, Scary Creatures turned out to become an impressive metal album we all are proud of."

Tracklisting:

"The World To See"
"How Much Can You Take"
"We Are..."
"Where Angels Dream"
"Scary Creatures"
"Twisted Ways"
"Caressed By The Blackness"
"Scars In Your Eyes"
"Take Me To The Never"
"Sky Among The Clouds"
 
Bonus track on ltd. Digipak:
"Lift Your Eyes To See"
 
+ Bonus Live DVD
(incl. "The World To See" video clip and live concert Essen 2014 (performing the entire Firesoul album plus many more songs)

"We Are" lyric video:

 "The World To See" video:

Scary Creatures will also be available as ltd. Box Set (incl. statue and Digipak) and ltd. colored Vinyl (500 units in golden vinyl).

 



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Connecticut-based hardcore/metal masters HATEBREED will release their new album, "The Concrete Confessional", in the spring via Nuclear Blast. The CD is being recorded with longtime producer Chris "Zeuss" Harris (ROB ZOMBIE, SUICIDE SILENCE, WHITECHAPEL) and will be mixed by Josh Wilbur, who has previously wirked with LAMB OF GOD and MEGADETH, among others.

In support of "The Concrete Confessional", HATEBREED will embark on a North American headlining tour. Joining them on the trek are modern metal stalwarts DEVILDRIVER, Nuclear Blast labelmates DEVIL YOU KNOW and Metal Blade recording artists ACT OF DEFIANCE (featuring former MEGADETH members Chris Broderick and Shawn Drover).

Comments HATEBREED vocalist Jamey Jasta: "New album and tour in 2016?! Let's do this!

"Our return to the states has been a long time coming and we could not be more excited!

"Fans have been asking for us to tour with DEVILDRIVER and DEVIL YOU KNOW for a long time, and we're pumped to have ACT OF DEFIANCE on some shows as well.

"Get your tickets and we'll see you in the pit!"

"The Concrete Confessional" tour dates featuring HATEBREED, DEVILDRIVER, * DEVIL YOU KNOW, ** ACT OF DEFIANCE:

May 13 - Cleveland, OH - The OdeonMay 14 - Chicago, IL - MetroMay 15 - Lincoln, NE - Bourbon TheatreMay 16 - Denver, CO - The Summit Music HallMay 17 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex May 19 - San Francisco, CA - The Regency BallroomMay 20 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of SpadesMay 21 - Pomona, CA - The Glass HouseMay 22 - Los Angeles, CA - EchoplexMay 23 - Tempe, AZ - The MarqueeMay 25 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live May 26 - New Orleans, LA - Republic New OrleansMay 27 - Dallas, TX - Gas MonkeyMay 31 - Atlanta, GA - The MasqueradeJun. 01 - Jacksonville, NC - HooligansJun. 02 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore SoundstageJun. 03 - Philadelphia, PA - Underground ArtsJun. 04 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland BallroomJun. 05 - Montreal, QC - Virgin Mobile Corona TheatreJun. 06 - Toronto, ON - Opera HouseJun. 07 - Millvale, PA - Mr. Smalls TheatreJun. 08 - Clifton Park, NY - Upstate Concert HallJun. 09 - So. Burlington, VT - Higher GroundJun. 10 - Providence, RI - Lupo's Heartbreak HotelJun. 11 - New Haven, CT - Toad's Place

* On tour May 13 - June 04** On tour June 5 - June 11 Tickets go on sale everywhere Friday, January 15. HATEBREED VIP ticket packages will be available for purchase starting Wednesday, January 13 via www.hatebreedvip.com.

HATEBREED's last album, "The Divinity Of Purpose", sold 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 20 on The Billboard 200 chart.

LIMP BIZKIT frontman Fred Durst paid tribute to iconic MOTÖRHEAD frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister by singing the MOTÖRHEAD classic "Ace Of Spades" during his appearances with ROYAL MACHINES this past New Year's Eve (December 31) at the El Rey theater in Los Angeles and on January 9 at Viper Room in West Hollywood, California. Fan-filmed video footage of both performances can be seen below.

ROYAL MACHINES is the "all-star covers fun-times band" featuring former CAMP FREDDY members Dave Navarro (JANE'S ADDICTION, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS), Billy Morrison (ex-THE CULT bassist, current CIRCUS DIABLO vocalist), Donovan Leitch (son of legendary folk singer Donovan), and Chris Chaney (JANE'S ADDICTION, ALANIS MORRISETTE), alongside frequent CAMP FREDDY collaborator, singer Mark McGrath (SUGAR RAY), and acclaimed drummer Josh Freese (THE VANDALS, DEVO, A PERFECT CIRCLE).

Lemmy's January 9 memorial service was broadcast live on YouTube and was watched by more than 280,000 MOTÖRHEAD fans around the world.

Lemmy, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Christmas Eve, was told two days later that he had an aggressive form of cancer. Two days after that, he passed away at his home in L.A.

MOTÖRHEAD (and Lemmy) were legends in the eyes of metal and punk fans and performers, and he was especially beloved for his take-no-prisoners rock 'n' roll lifestyle.

German thrash metallers EXUMER will release their fourth full-length album, "The Raging Tides", on January 29 via Metal Blade Records.

Recorded with producer/engineer Waldemar Soychta at Waldstreet Sound in Dortmund, Germany, "The Raging Tides" is a deliberate and violent thrash attack that stays true to the band's 30-year legacy. Conceptually and lyrically, vocalist Mem V. Stein has based the bulk of the record around human suffering — specifically "caused by torture or other means for political, religious, or personal gain for the individuals/organizations who inflict the pain," Stein asserts. Inspired by a wide range of books and articles, the title of the album itself, according to Stein, "represents the ebb and flow of human misery and despair around the globe."

"The Raging Tides" track listing:

01. The Raging Tides02. Brand Of Evil03. Catatonic04. Sacred Defense05. Welcome To Hellfire06. Sinister Souls07. Shadow Walker08. There Will Always Be Blood09. Dark Reflections10. Death Factory11. Forever My Queen (PENTAGRAM cover; bonus track) 12. Hostage To Heaven (GRIP INC. cover; bonus track feat. Rob Dukes, Waldemar Sorychta, Markus Freiwald)

The song "Sinister Souls" can be streamed below.

Formed in 1985 by Mem V. Stein and guitarist Ray Mensh, EXUMER went on to release two albums (1986's "Possessed By Fire" and 1987's "Rising From The Sea") that are regarded as some of the most cult thrash metal releases ever to come out of Germany. EXUMER was also one of the first thrash metal acts to capture exotic, foreign markets like Poland and Brazil, where their albums were domestically released in the 1980s. The subsequent tours that followed those releases secured the band live shows in front of thousands of fans and an unusually large following outside of Germany.

Plagued by lineup changes and internal turmoil, EXUMER broke up in 1990, and did not perform live, with the exception of 2001 appearance at the prestigious Wacken Open Air festival, until 2009.

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 “Beyond The Astral” 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”

“Beyond The Astral”:

After more than a decade of band history and six albums released, Swedish power metallers Bloodbound are set to release their first ever Live DVD/CD, titled One Night Of Blood, on February 12th. The main DVD/CD feature is the band's performance from last year's Masters Of Rock festival; watch  the live clip "Moria" below. The DVD also includes the band's official videos, a documentary, and additional selected live clips.

One Night Of Blood comes as DVD/CD package in Digipak format via AFM Records. The tracklist is as follows:

CD/DVD
"Bloodtale"
"Iron Throne"
"When Demons Collide"
"In The Name Of Metal"
"When The Kingdom Will Fall"
"Moria"
"Nightmares From The Grave"
"Metalheads Unite"
"When All Lights Fail"
"Book Of The Dead"
"Metal Monster"
"Stormborn"
"Nosferatu"
"Nosferatu Symphony

DVD Bonus Content:
"Stormborn" (video clip)
"In The Name Of Metal" (video clip)
"In The Name Of Metal" (performance Version)
"Moria" (Live at Masters Of Rock 2012)
"Stormborn" (Live at Out & Loud Festival 2015)
"In The Name Of Metal" (Live in Oberhausen 2015)
The Bloody Documentary

Bloodbound's tour schedule is as follows:

February
12 - Dornbirn, Austria - Conrad Sohm
13 – Linz, Austria - Posthof
14 – Graz, Austria - Orpheum
15 – Innsbruck, Austria - Music Hall
17 – Solothurn, Switzerland - Kofmehl
18 – Lausanne, Switzerland Metropole
19 – Zürich, Switzerland - Komplex 457
20 – Chur, Switzerland - Palazzo
22 – Marseille, France - Espace Julien
23 – Bordeaux, France - Rocher de Palmer
24 – Nantes, France - Stereolux
26 – Norwich, UK – UEA
27 – Manchester, UK – Academy
28 – Birmingham, UK - O2 Academy
29 – Southampton, UK - O2 Guildhall

March 
2 – Aberdeen, UK - Music Hall
3 – Glasgow, UK - Barrowlands
4 – Belfast, UK - Limelight1
6 – Dublin, Ireland - Vicar Street
7 – Cardiff, UK - Tramshed
8 – Bristol, UK - Motion
10 – London, UK - The Forum
11 – Tilburg, Netherlands - O13 Poppodium
12 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Netherlands - Rockhal

 

 

 



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Portuguese prog-death metallers, Destroyers Of All, will release their first full-length, Bleak Fragments, on March 18th through the newly founded Mosher Records. A lyric video for the track “Death Healer” can be found below.

Recorded at Golden Jack Studios Coimbra, the follow up to critically acclaimed EP Into The Fire (2013) features ten songs packed with mad riffs, virtuoso lead work, intricate dynamics that will catch you off-guard and a dark vocal delivery that ties together this complex gem.

On working with producer Joao Dourado, the band stated: “He knows us better that anyone else, and mainly, he knows our sound and how we want to mould it, and that makes it all easier to work with.”

Regarding the album concept, vocalist Joao Mateus says: “The main focus is the real world, it is what inspires us. Each song has it's own identity, it's own history and concept. They may not have a direct link or sequence, but they only make sense when coming together on our record.”

The band reached out to indonesian artist Silencer8 (As I Lay Dying, Kylesa, Caliban, Suicide Silence) for the album cover. “It was awesome to see he was extremely interested in working with us”, the band reveals. “So we passed on the themes our music gravites around and some pre-productions of Bleak Fragments,” the result is an impressive piece of art, as intricate as the music itself.

Tracklisting:

“From Ashes Reborn”
“Hollow Words”
“Hate Through Violence”
“Bleak Fragments”
“Death Healer”
“Unexistence”
“The Pain That Feeds”
“Speed Of Mind”
“Tormento”
“Day Of Reckoning”

“Death Healer” lyric video:

Destroyers Of All will promote the new album with live gigs starting in 2016, and the band has the intention to expand their touring schedule beyond the national borders. Bleak Fragments will have worldwide distribution and will also be available through the usual digital marketplaces and streaming platforms. Pre-orders will be available soon through the Mosher website.

 



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Somewhere in the darkest depths of Pittsburgh, Dream Death have risen from their self-imposed grave.

After making their full-length debut in 1987 with the groundbreaking doom/death/thrash masterstroke Journey Into Mystery - an album that somehow bridged the groaning gaps between Celtic Frost, Slayer and Saint Vitus while going on to influence many a notable death metal and death/doom faction - the vastly under-appreciated band pulled their own plug in '89 and formed the more traditional doom outfit Penance. The latter's 1992 album The Road Less Travelled was one of the earliest Rise Above releases, while Dream Death began what would prove to be a 22-year hibernation. In 2011, vocalist/guitarist Brian Lawrence, drummer Mike Smail (formerly of both Pentagram and Cathedral), bassist Richard Freund and guitarist Terry Weston regrouped and eventually stormed the studio for Dream Death's 2013 comeback album, Somnium Excessum.

The band's third and latest, Dissemination, marks the return of The Road Less Travelled lineup to Rise Above, this time in their resurgent Dream Death incarnation. Forged in the dank recesses of Lawrence's basement, Dissemination is the apogee of a creative process that recaptured and reinforced the singular spirit of Dream Death's late '80s triumphs. "While I'm proud of the material on Somnium, I think there was some experimentation there that could have been reigned in a bit," Lawrence offers. "The tracks on Dissemination are much more focused and delivered with intent."

The opening title track was the first song written for Dissemination, and ultimately formed the basis for one of the album's lyrical themes. "Mike had the title before we ever had a song," Lawrence explains. "He wanted something to express the idea of people blindly accepting the crap that's dished out to them on a daily basis and how little ability they have to change it even if they were aware of it in the first place. You think you're in control of your life? Guess again."

Elsewhere, "Expendable Blood Flow" opens with a nod to a certain classic horror score before descending into a gloriously moaning riff while "Nothing Ever Will" is very loosely based upon Russian novelist and naval engineer Yegeny Zamyatin's dystopian 1924 novel, We. "The song deals in some ways with the 'unheard voice' being crushed by the masses," Lawrence explains.

The album's other main theme is mortality, as perhaps best exemplified by closer "In Perpetuum," which was written shortly after Lawrence's mother passed away.  "The theme of death can be very clichéd in this genre but I've attempted to take a mature, personal view on this subject," he says. "In some ways I feel that I'm always running from my own mortality. On this album I've looked my enemy in the eyes and met him head-on."

Head-on just happens to be the best way to experience Dissemination. Not to mention loudly and often. Dissemination is set for a March 4th release via Rise Above Records.

Dissemination tracklisting:

“Dissemination”
“Expendable Blood Flow”
“Crawling”
“The Cold Hard Light”
“All in Vain Start”
“Dominion”
“The Other Side”
“Nothing Ever Will”
“Neutral Ground”
“In Perpetuum”



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Dutch poly-rhythmic metal maniacs Textures will release the first of their upcoming two albums, Phenotype, on February 5th via Nuclear Blast. The second record of the musical diptych, Genotype, will be released one year later. Today, the band have released another song from the forthcoming record. “Illuminate The Trail” is streaming below:

The band recently released a playthrough video of the first single from Phenotype, entitled “New Horizons”. The sextet offer modern metal at its finest and have done so for over a decade now. No fashionable compromises, no 'fast food music'. “New Horizons” stands for the last five years the band has faced and above all the future of Textures. It’s an honest, catchy and boisterous metal track longing to be played at steaming festival grounds.

“New Horizons” playthrough video:

Check out the lyric video for ”New Horizons" below:

The new virtuosos Uri Dijk (synth) and Joe Tal (guitar) deliver a new, harmonic vibe to the mature Textures sound. Genotype, which will be released a year later - is a 45-minute long conceptual track. The root material, Phenotype consists of, is presented in this song, but in a totally different context. Textures go out-of-the-box. More proggy, more atmosphere and lots of extra layers to fill the last gaps left in this extensive, double rollercoaster ride.

In support of Phenotype, Textures will hit the European stages in February 2016.



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

Tracklisting:

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

“High Flying Gypsy” lyric video:

"Until I Die" video:  

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

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

The band has announced their European tour as special guests of The Winery Dogs; confirmed dates include:

January
29 - Essigfabrik - Köln, Germany                             
30 - Kulturfabrik - Esch Sur Alzette, Luxembourg
31 - Shepherds Bush Empire - London, United Kingdom

February
2 - Academy - Bristol, United Kingdom                 
4 - Ritz - Manchester, United Kingdom                
5 - Institute - Birmingham, United Kingdom      
6 - Trabendo - Paris, France         
8 - Kafe Antzokia - Bilbao, Spain              
9 - Joy Eslava - Madrid, Spain   
10 - Apolo - Barcelona, Spain      
12 - Crossroads - Roma, Italy
13 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland
15 - Backstage Halle - Munich, Germany                 
16 - Majestic Music Club - Bratislava, Slovakia                       
17 - Barba Negra - Budapest, Hungary                     
19 - Olomouc Rocks/S Klub - Olomouc, Czech Republic

(Photo: Nedim Nazerali)

 

 

 



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KaosKvlt, the new subdivision of Kaotoxin Records dedicated to reissuing old-school metal gems, has announced that its first release will be a 25th anniversary collector cassette tape edition of French death metal veterans' Mercyless’ 1991 debut album, Abject Offerings. The album track "Without Christ" is streaming below.

Produced by Colin Richardson and released in1991 through World in Flames / Vinyl Solution (Bolt Thrower, Macabre, Cancer), Abject Offerings is one of the seminal releases from the French underground and a true death metal classic for the fans of true, genuine, old-school death metal.

Established in 1987, Mercyless released five full-lengths and toured Europe countless times with the likes of Death, Morgoth, Asphyx, Unleashed, Tiamat and, more recently, Loudblast. The band is one of the few French kvlt bands from the late '80s that remains active today.

Abject Offerings tracklisting:

“Nyarlathotep” / “Abject Offerings”
“A Message For All Those Who Died”
“Substance Of Purity”
“Flesh Divine”
“Without Christ”
“Unformed Tumours”
“Burned At The Stake”
“Selected Resurrection”

“Without Christ”:

The KaosKvlt collector cassette edition of Abject Offerings was specifically remastered for analog audio supports. The March 4th release coincides with the album's 25th anniversary. The collector's edition cassette reissue of Abject Offerings is available for pre-order now at the Kaotoxin Shop. The release is limited to 100 copies, 50 of which come with a bonus "Your Religion Means Nothing" patch.

Pre-order at this location.



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Red Fang, who recently celebrated their tenth anniversary with a trio of Northwestern US performances, return to the studio in February, recording the follow-up to Whales & Leeches with famed producer Ross Robinson.
 
"I've never been more excited about making a record in my life,” said drummer John Sherman. “The writing process for this album has been super fun and full of energy and good vibes. And the opportunity to work with Ross Robinson is so crazy - I've got goose bumps just talking about it!!"

“Red Fang is the extreme mix of cool, wisdom, fire, life dedication and taste,” offered Robinson. “I'm stoked to see who they are at the deepest level on tape; anyone touched by Red Fang swim in coolness, they are true messengers of inspiration.”
 
The band, who are trekking from Portland to begin recording at Robinson’s Venice, CA studio, will play two shows en route: February 17th at Jub Jub’s in Reno and February 18thj at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz.
 
Whales & Leeches was released in October 2013 via Relapse Records. The 11-song album landed the band on The Late Show with David Letterman and in a world of trouble in the zombie-infused video for “Blood Like Cream”.

(Photo - James Rexroad)



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DREAM THEATER keyboardist Jordan Rudess has paid tribute to David Bowie, who died on Sunday, two days after his 69th birthday.

Said Rudess: "Here is my musical tribute to the iconic David Bowie, who, thanks to my friend Tony Visconti, I had the great experience to work with back in 2002 on the 'Heathen' album. Here is his classic song, 'Space Oddity', played in my home just this morning (January 11th) after hearing the very sad news."

Bowie died just three days after releasing his 25th studio album, "Blackstar".

The singer, songwriter, actor and fashion icon reportedly kept his 18-month battle with cancer so private that even close friends weren't aware of his struggle.

German thrash metal veterans DESTRUCTION paid tribute to iconic MOTÖRHEAD frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister by playing the MOTÖRHEAD classic "Ace Of Spades" during their January 9 concert at Club Citta in Kawasaki, Japan. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

DESTRUCTION's 30th-anniversary album, "Spiritual Genocide", was released on November 23, 2012 via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2011's "Day Of Reckoning" was recorded at Gernhart Studios in Troisdorf, Germany with engineer Martin Buchwalter and was mixed by Andy Classen. The album featured guest appearances by Thomas "Angelripper" Such (SODOM), Andreas "Gerre" Geremia (TANKARD) and Ol Drake (EVILE). In addition, the "Mad Butcher"/"Release From Agony" lineup of DESTRUCTION — featuring guitarist Harry Wilkens and drummer Oliver Kaiser — reunited for one song.

Lemmy's January 9 memorial service was broadcast live on YouTube and was watched by more than 280,000 MOTÖRHEAD fans around the world.

Lemmy, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Christmas Eve, was told two days later that he had an aggressive form of cancer. Two days after that, he passed away at his home in L.A.

MOTÖRHEAD (and Lemmy) were legends in the eyes of metal and punk fans and performers, and he was especially beloved for his take-no-prisoners rock 'n' roll lifestyle.

Germany’s Ketzer will release their brand new album, Starless, on January, 29th via Metal Blade Records. The album track “When Milk Runs Dry” can now be heard streaming below. Check out a landing page, including a pre-order section, where exclusive bundles are available. Starless will be available on CD, LP and through all digital outlets.

In the summer of 2015, Ketzer entered the studio for the first time in four years. After two months of intense work the band finished recording it's third album - Starless.

"It is just now that we are realizing what we have done during this summer: We recorded an album which is very free from any boundaries and pre-conceived notions that you can find ever so often within the genre of heavy metal. From sounds of raging fury, to the echoes of calm and cleansing waves - Starless is an album that will take you on a journey that is unexpected, yet familiar at the same time. Starless is going to explore the crack between religion and reality. Is there a truth in between? Centuries ago, humankind looked up into the star filled night skies, questioning the universe and their lives within it. In order to find answers, mythology was born. But religion and myths cannot connect to the world we live in today. They have blinded the night skies - hence, we have become "starless". Join us to sing songs of the universe and play tunes of the spheres!"

Starless tracklisting:

“Starless”
“When Milk Runs Dry”
“Godface”
“Count To Ten”
“The Hunger”
“White Eyes”
“Shaman's Dance”
“Silence And Sound”
“Earthborn”
“Limbo”

“When Milk Runs Dry”:

“Starless”:

Ketzer recently launched a behind-the-scenes video from the studio that gives fans a glimpse into the album recording session. Watch below:

(Photo - Alina Cuerten)

 



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After forming in Northern Ireland in 2003, Fireland released an EP and gigged locally, nationally and internationally, culminating in the release their self-titled album in 2008. Now it has been expertly remixed and remastered for 2016.

Included are two unreleased tracks taken from the original recording sessions, "Speak Up" and "Do You Know Me Now".

It is available on all major online music stores, including Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Bandcamp, and Rhapsody. It can also be streamed on Spotify, Shazam, and all other major streaming services.

The album has been remixed and remastered by guitarist Steve Moore, a founding member of Fireland. In recent years, he has co-written, and assumed full responsibility for engineering and producing the last three albums from Northern Irish metal favourites Stormzone.

Tracklisting:

“Servants Of The Dark”
“Star Crossed”
“Gods Of Love”
“My Eternal”
“I Am Invisible”
“In The Shadow Of The Sun”
“Fallen”
“Betrayed To The Night”
“Coming Home”
“In Her Strong Arms”
“Little Pieces”
“Widow By Morning”
“Gotta Get You Gone”
“Speak Up”
“Do You Know Me Now”

Promo video:

“Do You Know Me Now” lyric video:

“Fallen” lyric video:

“Servants Of The Dark” lyric video:

“Betrayed To The Night” lyric video:

Formed in 2003, Fireland are a twin lead guitar heavy metal band, drawing on all the influences over forty years of heavy metal. Based in Northern Ireland, the band will not let their location on the outskirts of Europe stand in the way of bringing their own brand of riff-based, powerful and melodic metal to the rest of the world. To date, the band has played with metal legends such as DragonForce, Blitzkrieg, Jeff Scott Soto, Blaze, Doro, Rose Tattoo and Girlschool. In other bands, the members have toured with Saxon, Stryper, Hell and Kreator, and performed at festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Sonisphere and Bloodstock.

A brand new full-length album is scheduled for release in the summer of 2016.

 



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Intromental are welcoming back British prog-act, Lost In Thought. After being disbanded for nearly three years, Lost In Thought have reformed, refreshed and refocused.

Consisting of two original founding members David Grey and Nate Loosemore, the band has now brought in some new blood, Bradley Ratcliffe and Josh Heard.

Lost In Thought originally formed in late 2007. The line up was then completed in 2010 which consisted of David Grey, Nate Loosemore, Greg Baker, Simon Pike and Chris Billingham.

In 2011, after teaming up with Intromental Management, Lost In Thought released their debut album Opus Arise with Inner Wound Recordings. Opus Arise, mastered by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe), instantly made a broad impression within the progressive music scene.

In mid 2015, each original member of the band was contacted about the possibility of reforming the band. After many conversations and due to varying commitments and reasons, Greg, Simon and Chris were unable to be a part of Lost In Thought's new lease of life. Although saddened by this, David and Nate were still keen with the concept of reforming Lost In Thought and decided to get in the studio and write a track to see what would develop from the process and so “A New Life” was born.

“We were so excited about the way the track was sounding and the maturity within the sound that we instantly knew, reforming and starting a new chapter for Lost In Thought, had to happen. We really feel that the music will speak for itself.”

Now, with Brad and Josh onboard, the band have been in the studio for several weeks and the writing process is well underway for Lost In Thought's second album.

Lineup:

Nathan Loosemore: Vocals
David Grey: Guitars
Josh Heard: Bass
Bradley Ratcliffe: Drums

 



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The new album from Spanish metallers, Jotnar, is in the mixing stage. The new album will be titled Connected/Condemned, and will have 14 tracks of melodic death metal with old-school and modern influences blended together.

As on their previous album Giant, the mixes are being done by Sacha Laskow at Perfect Fifth Studio in Canada. Mastering will be done by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, Sweden who has worked with bands like Arch Enemy, Soilwork, Amon Amarth and Opeth, among others.

This will be the first album with the new singer, Mario Infantes, and will count on reputed international collaborations like Björn “Speed” Strid (Soilwork), Alessio NeroArgento (Disarmonia Mundi, NeroArgento), Jennie Nord (Ultimate Fate) and Santi Suarez (Sphinx).

Connected/Condemned is expected to be released in late spring 2016. Stay tuned for more details.



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Los Angeles-based, neoclassical metal-inspired extreme shred quartet Exmortus has released a live music video of "Relentless", taken from their new album Ride Forth, available now via Prosthetic Records.

The clip was produced by James Pesature of Magnetar Studios; it features footage taken during the band's stop at New York City's majestic Gramercy Theatre last September as they performed alongside guitar legend Marty Friedman. 

The menacing cover for the new release – featuring oil-painted artwork by the legendary Philip Lawvere (Kreator, Celtic Frost), who previously contributed his epic artistry to the band's 2014 label debut, Slave To The Sword – can be seen below.

Tracklisting:

“Speed Of The Strike”
“Relentless”
“For The Horde”
“Let Us Roam”
“Black Sails”
“Hymn Of Hate”
“Appassionata”
“Death To Tyrants”
“Fire And Ice”

Exmortus are currently pounding the pavement across North America as they inspire headbangers from venue to venue alongside Enforcer, Warbringer and Cauldron. Catch them at one of their upcoming stops, dates of which can be found at this location.

(Photo: Stephanie Cabral)

 

 

 

 



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Fan-filmed video footage of METAL ALLEGIANCE, the all-star metal band consisting of a rotating cast of musicians, including members of MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, performing on January 10 at The Regency in San Francisco, California can be seen below.

METAL ALLEGIANCE's self-titled debut album was released on September 18, 2015 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

Brought together by METAL ALLEGIANCE principal partner Mark Menghi, the project's original material came together from the creative minds of David Ellefson, Mike Portnoy, and Alex Skolnick, alongside Menghi. The four writers then reached out through their metal rolodexes to a diverse lineup of performers, each adding their own personal musical stamp to the collection of nine original songs.

In a recent interview with I Probably Hate Your Band, Menghi stated about the songwriting process for "Metal Allegiance": "We wrote the majority of the lyrics for the record. In particular, Dave Ellefson and I co-wrote a lot of the lyrics to the record. We based it off our personal experiences in life, some of the fucking crap we went through. For example, with 'Can’t Kill The Devil', he had two lines for that song: 'Can't kill the Devil, the Devil never dies.' And when he said that to me, I was, like, 'Just stop right there,' and an hour later, I came back with all the lyrics for the song. And I basically told a tale, I told a story about the Devil. We all have a Devil in our life. I told a story about my Devil and combined it with his."

The standard edition CD of "Metal Allegiance" features nine original songs. A digipak edition was made available that features an all-star tribute to Ronnie James Dio with a cover of his classic song "We Rock" as well as a 45-minute behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the album. A double vinyl version was also made available that features all 10 songs as well.

After a massive sold-out show in October 2015, SCORPIONS are back to rock even harder with an impressive five-night run at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Special guests QUEENSRŸCHE are returning for each night of the limited engagement.

Performances are scheduled for May 13, May 14, May 18, May 20 and May 21. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 15 at 10 a.m. Fan-club members have access to an exclusive presale beginning Monday, January 11 at 10 a.m. at this location. SCORPIONS VIP packages are available and include a meet-and-greet/photo opportunity with the band, premium seating, drink voucher, exclusive merchandise and more.

For complete package details, visit this location.

The band, made up of longtime members Klaus Meine (vocals), Rudolf Schenker (rhythm guitar) and Matthias Jabs (lead guitar), alongside James Kottak (drums) and Paweł Mąciwoda (bass), have created an exclusive set list and production for Las Vegas, and promise fans will not be disappointed by the result.

"We're looking very much forward to seeing all of you in Vegas in May," states Klaus Meine. "Are you ready to be Blacked Out? We can't wait to come back for our first ever five-show limited engagement and to rock The Joint again and again."

Founded in Hannover, West Germany in 1965, SCORPIONS were part of the first wave of metal in the 1970s with their debut album, "Lonesome Crow", released in 1972. The band rose to arena status with seminal releases "Lovedrive", "Virgin Killer" and "Animal Magnetism". In the 1980s, SCORPIONS amassed a string of Billboard chart-toppers from "Love At First Sting" and "Blackout", including multiple Top 10 singles "Rock You Like A Hurricane" and "No One Like You", as well a string of successful singles such as "Send Me An Angel", "Still Loving You" and "Wind Of Change".

The band was also ranked #46 on VH1's Greatest Artists of Hard Rock and their hit "Rock You Like A Hurricane" also landed as #18 on VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs". Celebrated across the globe, the iconic rock act has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, and have received multiple honors including a World Music Award, a postage stamp in Brazil, their star on Hollywood RockWalk, Echo honors, most recently they were honored with the Lower Saxon State Award. In September 2015, SCORPIONS released their 19th studio album, "Return To Forever", the same year the band celebrated their 50th anniversary.

QUEENSRŸCHE first appeared in the music scene in 1982 with the release of their self-titled four-song EP. They very quickly gained international recognition and performed to sold out audiences around the world. They soon followed up with their first full length album "The Warning" in 1984, and "Rage For Order" in 1986. With the release of the critically acclaimed and commercially successful "Empire" in 1991, the band earned multiple Grammy Award nominations and won the MTV Viewer's Choice Award for the #1 chart-topping hit "Silent Lucidity".

Ozzy Osbourne (BLACK SABBATH), Nikki Sixx (MÖTLEY CRÜE), Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT), Krist Novoselic (NIRVANA), Slash (GUNS N' ROSES), Gene Simmons (KISS) and Brian May (QUEEN) are among the rock musicians and scores of other artists who reacted on social media to the passing of David Bowie, who died on Sunday, two days after his 69th birthday.

Bowie died just three days after releasing his 25th studio album, "Blackstar".

The singer, songwriter, actor and fashion icon reportedly kept his 18-month battle with cancer so private that even close friends weren't aware of his struggle.

Belgian theatre director Ivo van Hove, who worked with David on the "Lazarus" Broadway production, told DutchNews that Bowie told him he had liver cancer, because he needed him to know he would be too sick to attend rehearsals. "He said that because he knew that he may not always be able to be around," Ivo van Hove told DutchNews.

"Bowie was still writing on his deathbed, you could say," Ivo told the site. "I saw a man fighting. He fought like a lion and kept working like a lion through it all. I had incredible respect for that."

Just a month before his death, David attended the premiere of "Lazarus" in New York City in what turned out to be one of his last public appearances.

"Rulebreaker", the title track of the new album from German power metallers PRIMAL FEAR, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. Due on January 29 via Frontiers Music Srl, the effort will be made available in CD, deluxe CD/DVD and — in collaboration with Soulfood Music in Germany — on vinyl and a special super-limited vinyl edition featuring an eagle head on the vinyl.

"Rulebreaker" combines the strongest PRIMAL FEAR moments ever, with a well-balanced typical PRIMAL FEAR trademark riff vibe, crushing songs and some very ambitious musical journeys.

PRIMAL FEAR recently parted ways with Brazilian drummer Aquiles Priester (HANGAR, ANGRA) and replaced him with Francesco Jovino (U.D.O.). In addition, founding PRIMAL FEAR guitarist Tom Naumann — who has been touring with the group for the past couple of years years — has now officially rejoined the band as a full member. Singer Ralf Scheepers says: "We have so much energy, fantastic melodies and a hell of a drum groove on each and every song. There is no doubt that the fans will love it as much as I do! And again we have achieved to combine bombastic and atmospheric orchestral sounds with soaring heavy metal riffs and licks, together with ear-splitting screams and also emotional sequences. We have kept the promise of being a heavy metal band with all the trademarks for which people love PRIMAL FEAR." After the massive "Delivering The Black" world tour, PRIMAL FEAR started the songwriting in spring 2015 and recorded at Hansen Studios in Denmark, with producer/bassist Mat Sinner and engineer Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, PRETTY MAIDS, AMARANTHE). Mat Sinner adds: "We learned a lot during the 'Delivering The Black' sessions and the following world tour. We tried to put this know-how and all the positive energy into the songs and production of 'Rulebreaker'. Working the second time with Jacob Hansen and even recording in his studio, gave another dimension to our sound, plus the recording comeback of founding member Tom Naumann was the right move." Classic and ultra-fresh PRIMAL FEAR have created riff-rockers like the album opener "Angels Of Mercy", and groove monsters "The End Is Near" and "Bullets And Tears", which hit the bulls-eye from the beginning. The album features another untamed speed killer "In Metal We Trust" and the metal anthem and title track "Rulebreaker". The melodic and unique ballad "The Sky Is Burning" shows a different side of PRIMAL FEAR with a new vibe and a monster chorus. And of course, PRIMAL FEAR included again an 11-minute plus prog metal tour de force entitled "We Walk Without Fear", spiced with big orchestral arrangements and complex sound designs. "Rulebreaker" track listing:

01. Angels Of Mercy02. The End Is Near03. Bullets & Tears04. Rulebreaker05. In Metal We Trust06. We Walk Without Fear07. At War With The World08. The Devil In Me09. Constant Heart10. The Sky Is Burning11. Raving Mad12. Final Call (bonus track; deluxe edition only)11. Don't Say You've Never Been Warned (bonus track; deluxe edition only) DVD (deluxe edition only):

* The End Is Near (video clip)* Angels Of Mercy (video clip)* Making Of "Rulebreaker" PRIMAL FEAR is:

Ralf Scheepers - VocalsAlex Beyrodt - GuitarMagnus Karlsson – Guitar, KeyboardsTom Naumann - GuitarFrancesco Jovino - DrumsMat Sinner - Bass, Vocals

Band photo by Alex Kuehr Photography

DREAM THEATER's thirteenth album, "The Astonishing", will be released on January 29 via Roadrunner. The band has launched a mini-site for the CD, a full-blown rock-opera concept album focusing on various "characters" and spread over two "acts."

The official trailer for "The Astonishing" is available below.

DREAM THEATER had been working on the follow-up to 2013's self-titled album since January at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove, New York.

Asked what prompted the idea to make "The Astonishing" a rock-opera concept album so elaborate, with a full, detailed storyline, DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci told RollingStone.com: "The idea to do a concept album as a band felt right. The last one we did [1999's 'Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory'] was about 15 years ago, and it really felt like we were in a good place to do this. I knew that what needed to happen, first and foremost, is that we had to have a story to base this on, because the idea of basing an album off of a loose concept or something that was sort of arbitrary, that didn't interest me at all. I wanted this not only to be a concept album, but really to write a full show. And to have all the elements in place, the story needs to drive that. We needed to have the storyline, a plot, places, characters, maps — you name it. So that started about two and a half years ago; it took about a year for me to get that story done and ready to present to the guys. And I wanted to write from a place that was familiar to me, so I knew that music had to play a role in the story somehow. I'm a huge fan of the sci-fi and fantasy genres, so I had a pretty good idea of where I wanted to go. But it was a matter of really diving into it and working on it, revising and revising again, and working on it every day until I had something solid."

Petrucci also talked in more detail about the songwriting process for "The Atonishing". He said: "Because of the sheer volume of music — you're talking, when all's said and done, probably two hours, 10 minutes' worth of music — every step of this has been a huge process. I don't think I've had time to do anything else over the last year or so [laughs]! In order to do this right, I had to be really, really organized about it. Jordan [Rudess, keyboards] and I wrote the music as really a prog-metal score to the story. We didn't sit down and say, 'Let's write a song, here's the first chorus, whatever.' We would go through the story and say, "What's happening here, where is it taking place?" We had to make sure the mythology was right, the timeline was right. And that carried through on every level. When it came to presenting the orchestration to [veteran conductor and orchestrator] David Campbell and getting him involved; when it came to writing the lyrics, and then me having to go through it song by song, character by character; even things like the artwork, creating the map and all those different towns and cities and roads — every sort of level and layer took a lot of organization and focus."

"The Astonishing" track listing:

Act I

01. Descent Of The NOMACS02. Dystopian Overture03. The Gift Of Music04. The Answer05. A Better Life06. Lord Nafaryus07. A Savior In The Square08. When Your Time Has Come09. Act Of Faythe10. Three Days11. The Hovering Sojourn12. Brother, Can You Hear Me?13. A Life Left Behind14. Ravenskill15. Chosen16. A Tempting Offer17. Digital Discord18. The X Aspect19. A New Beginning20. The Road To Revolution

Act II

01. 2285 Entr'acte02. Moment Of Betrayal03. Heaven’s Cove04. Begin Again05. The Path That Divides06. Machine Chatter07. The Walking Shadow08. My Last Farewell09. Losing Faythe10. Whispers In The Wind11. Hymn Of A Thousand Voices12. Our New World13. Power Down 14. Astonishing

DREAM THEATER has announced its first North American tour of 2016, which will see the pioneering group performing a historic set in immersive and interactive settings for a unique and unparalleled live experience.

Set to kick off April 14 at Quebec City’s Theatre Du Capitole, the spring trek will see the prog virtuosos delivering a one-of-a-kind show in which they will perform their forthcoming double concept album, "The Astonishing", live in its entirety. The momentous tour will continue through May with the band making stops at prestigious theaters throughout North America including New York's Radio City Music Hall, Los Angeles's The Wiltern, and Boston's Orpheum Theatre.

MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Phil Campbell says that he was unable to attend Lemmy's funeral because he was advised by doctors not to fly.

Many MOTÖRHEAD fans were wondering why Campbell was a no-show at Lemmy's Hollywood funeral, which was attended by such notable rock and rollers as Dave Grohl, GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash and METALLICA members Lars Ulrich and Robert Trujillo Ozzy Osbourne, Dee Snider and Gene Simmons.

In a series of tweets, Campbell explained that he was under doctor's orders not to make the trip from the U.K. He said: "Amazing service for Lem the other day, everyone there spoke beautifully. I really wanted to attend but I wasn't able to make it. Unfortunately, I was advised on doctor's orders not to fly on such a long haul flight due to my recent hospitalisation. I'm doing well though and I managed to watch the whole service via the online stream, so thanks to the MOTÖRHEAD team for organising that."

MOTÖRHEAD had to reschedule three European shows late last year after Campbell was taken to hospital with an undisclosed health problem.

Lemmy's memorial service was broadcast live on YouTube and was watched by more than 280,000 MOTÖRHEAD fans around the world.

Lemmy, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Christmas Eve, was told two days later that he had an aggressive form of cancer. Two days after that, he passed away at his home in L.A.MOTÖRHEAD (and Lemmy) were legends in the eyes of metal and punk fans and performers, and he was especially beloved for his take-no-prisoners rock 'n' roll lifestyle.

GRAHAM BONNET BAND's song "My Kingdom Come", from the group's current EP of the same name (available on iTunes), can be streamed below. The track was written by none other than Russ Ballard, who previously collaborated with Graham on such hit singles as RAINBOW's "Since You've Been Gone" and on Graham's solo album "Line-up" from 1981. This collaboration marked the first time the two have worked together since 1990 (FORCEFIELD's "Let The Wild Run Free").

Currently making preparations for a February tour in the U.K., the GRAHAM BONNET BAND is a four-piece hard rock outfit led by Graham Bonnet, the former singer of RAINBOW, ALCATRAZZ, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP and IMPELLITTERI. The lineup is rounded out by guitarist extraordinaire Conrado Pesinato, bassist Beth-Ami Heavenstone and former FATES WARNING and WARLORD drummer Mark Zonder. During the upcoming tour, the band will showcase many acclaimed songs spanning Bonnet's illustrious career, plus new compositions from the band’s forthcoming, as-yet-untitled studio album. Bonnet says: "It has been a while since I last released a full-length album, but this band is the perfect group of musicians to do just that.

"We are very excited about working with the great folks at Frontiers for our first 'GRAHAM BONNET BAND record. We look forward to a productive and exciting 2016!" GRAHAM BONNET BAND's new album, which will be made available later in the year via Frontiers Music Srl, will also include a bonus disc of brand new recordings of classic songs from the Graham Bonnet repertoire.

Graham Bonnet's authorized biography, titled "Graham Bonnet: The Story Behind The Shades", is tentatively due in early 2016.