Former STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland is being slammed for his "sluggish" performances with his band THE WILDABOUTS, with one reviewer stating flatly that the singer "appears to have crashed and burned. Badly."

Prior to launching into the STP classic "Vasoline" at THE WILDABOUTS' April 28 concert in Corpus Christi, Texas, Weiland told the fans in the audience (see video below): "All right, this is a new song. We just worked it out today." The band's energetic instrumental performance was accompanied by Scott mumbling the lyrics into the mic tiredly, with the vocalist seemingly making no effort to interact with the crowd.

As expected, a number of fans have responded negatively to the video on YouTube, ranging from "This is unacceptable" to "I don't think even the most advanced Auto-Tune program could save this train wreck." Another YouTube user called the performance "heartbreaking," adding: "Enough is enough! SCOTT, PLEASE GET HELP!!! And how can the band play like nothing's wrong?"

In her review of THE WILDABOUTS' April 29 concert in Houston, Angelica Leicht of the Houston Press wrote: "At the height of his career, catching Weiland onstage was a sight to behold. He would claw his way into the music, slinking and scratching like a feral, talented cat as he pumped out the lyrics. The show behind Weiland's brilliant vocals — showmanship, for lack of a better term — worked to amplify his deep connection to his music. But as of last night, trouble has definitely become a vortex for Weiland, and he appears to have crashed and burned. Badly." She added: "To be fair, as sluggish as Weiland appears now onstage, he does appear to be trying, at least in part. This new, on-time version is a vast improvement from years of late and canceled shows, and his once very-public antics have been kept to a minimum recently."

Asked by Yahoo! Music to compare current STONE TEMPE PILOTS vocalist Chester Bennington with Weiland, STP guitarist Dean DeLeo replied, "There's no comparison. It's like talking about the strength of a two-year-old baby compared to a professional body builder. I'll tell you this man, Robert [DeLeo, bass], Eric [Kretz, drums] and I are really fortunate. We're having the time of our lives right now. We really feel like this has been a rebirth."

As for a possible reunion with Weiland somewhere down the road, DeLeo said, "Why the fuck would we want that? That fucking mess? I just told you earlier we're on a rebirth now. We're with a guy that pushes us. We're with a guy that is 1000% present. I've waited almost my entire career for this."

"[Robert, Eric and I] never had trouble," DeLeo said. "Our trouble was Scott. Scott's troubles were our troubles."

Dean DeLeo told the Orange County Register about the band's decision to fire Weiland in 2013 and replace him with Bennington: "Robert, Eric, Scott and I had put 25 years of our lives into it. Just because I had one guy that didn't really give a shit anymore, I'm not going to let one guy ruin my dream, my band and my legacy. I worked hard for STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and I love it with a passion. Robert, Eric and I don't take for granted what the music has meant to people."

DeLeo added, "I just want to be really clear about something. We were never, in any way, trying to just replace anyone. In his day, and I'm speaking of Scott, there was no one better… no one. I will take that to my grave. In his day, there was no one better, but my dear Scott left us long ago."

STP dismissed Weiland in February 2013, claiming that his erratic behavior held back the band's career. The two parties exchanged lawsuits which have since been settled.

STP recruited Bennington that spring and have so far cut one EP, "High Rise", with the LINKIN PARK singer. A new album is due out later this year.

Weiland and THE WILDABOUTS are on the road promoting his new album, "Blaster", which came out on March 31.

Quebec City-based death metal trio, Unbreakable Hatred, recently joined the expanding roster of extreme metal powerhouse, Unique Leader Records.

Comments the band: "We're extremely excited to announce that Unbreakable Hatred signed a multi-album deal with Unique Leader Records! We are looking forward to working with a label that has stood the test of time while continuing to expand their diverse death metal roster. We are honoured to be a part of the Unique Leader family and we are ready for what is coming up. With our team behind us, we can't wait to see Unbreakable Hatred grow."

Forged in 2008 by guitarist Philippe Drouin, his drummer brother Dominic and vocalist/bassist Simon B. Lapointe, Unbreakable Hatred spews forth a mutinous amalgam of oldschool death metal brutality, modern technical wizardry and blistering groove making for relentlessly visceral sound expedition. The band released their debut full-length, Total Chaos, in 2011 via Galy/Lacerated Enemy Records.

We at BraveWords previously stated, "Fortifying the link between Dying Fetus, Cryptopsy and The Last Felony, Unbreakable Hatred is one of Quebec's latest new hopes, the group a feat of technical death worthy of some sort of engineering degree... Total Chaos is a record built on supreme musicianship, attention to detail and a steely determination to impart its will while crawling through the haze of the multitude."
 
Unbreakable Hatred will release their sophomore full-length via Unique Leader Records later this year. Further info to be announced in the coming weeks.  

Words from the converted:  

"Unbreakable Hatred is one of Canada's premier death metal acts; this trio of power lays waste to the listeners ear drums on every level and then some!" - Terrance Hobbs, Suffocation

"Unbreakable Hatred blew us away each night with their energy and ripping songs; it was a total pleasure to have them on our tour and the best is most certainly to come - Ferocious!" - Jason Netherton, Misery Index

"Unbreakable Hatred from Quebec are definitely one of the new bands out there to be recognized! Once again proving that Quebec musicians are on top of their game!" - Flo Mounier, Cryptopsy   

"Great musicians, brutally heavy and very strong live, definitely a band to watch out for." - Bobby Koelble, Death

Australia’s King Parrot have released a new video to the track "Home Is Where The Gutter Is", taken from their new album, Dead Set. The band's sophomore album, is due for release on May 15th in Europe via Agonia Records, May 19th in North America via Housecore Records and May 15th in Australia via Rocket/EVP.

Dead Set is the follow-up to 2012 Bite Your Head Off effort, which gained high praise from critics and musicians, including the likes of Max Cavalera (Sepultura), Chuck Billy (Testament) and Phil Anselmo (Pantera). The effort allowed the 5-piece to travel across seas and electrify fans, during extensive touring in North America (with Origin, Orange Goblin and Down), Europe (with Weedeater) and performing at festivals such as Soundwave, SXSW and Housecore Horror Festival. King Parrot's video to the track "Shit On The Liver" was a finalist in the Australian Music Video Awards.

Speaking about the sound of the new material, vocalist Matt 'Youngy' Young commented: "The great thing about this record is that it actually sounds like a real band and is a reflection of where we are at right now. In my eyes, that is everything a record should be. We are super proud of this and can't wait to show everyone what we have in store".

He also stated: "King Parrot are proud to release our new album Dead Set via Agonia records this May. It's been a long process but we happy to say that we are ready to move ahead and get this sucker out. We wanted to work together with the best people in the business to make this a great record and when Phil (Anselmo) said he wanted to be involved it was a no-brainer.”

Dead Set was produced by Phil Anselmo with colleagues Michael Thompson and Steve Berrigan handling engineering duties at Nodferatu’s Lair Studio (Down, Eyehategod, Superjoint Ritual) in Louisiana.

 

 

Tracklisting:

“Anthem Of The Advance Sinner”
“Need No Savior”
“Hell Comes Your Way”
“Like A Rat”
“Tomorrow Turns To Blood”
“Home Is Where The Gutter Is”
“Sick In The Head”
“Punisher”
“Reject”
“Dead Set”

“Home Is Where The Gutter Is” video:

“Like A Rat” video:

The new instalment will be available in Europe in:

- slipcase CD,
- 12" black vinyl with insert and poster,
- 12" clear vinyl with insert and poster (limited to 100 hand-numbered copies),
- 12" picture disc with insert nad poster (limited to 200 hand-numbered copies),
- digital formats.

 

 

Pre-orders are available via the following links:

Europe
North America
Australia

 

 

King Parrot is:

Mr. White - Guitars
Squiz - Guitars
Slatts - Bass
Toddy - Drums
Youngy - Vocals

(Photo - Alyssa Hermann)

 

Germany’s Gloomball have released a new music video, for the track “Unbreakable”, featured on their sophomore album, The Quiet Monster, out now via Steamhammer/SPV.

Stylistically, The Quiet Monster picks up seamlessly where its strong predecessor, The Distance, left off, going one step further in terms of composition and lyrics. The twelve new tracks have turned out even more diverse and dynamic and frontman Alen Ljubic’s words are mature reflections of his emotional and intellectual world.

 

 

Tracklisting:

“The Quiet...”
“Monster”
“Straight To Hell”
“All Beauty Dies”
“Towards The Sun”
“Sirens (Die Alone)”
“One More Day”
“Sullen Eyes”
“(Don't) Surrender”
“Unbreakable”
“Blood Red World”
“Blue Is Turning Into Gray”

“Straight To Hell” lyric video:

 

Hailing from the rain-soaked streets of Portland, classic heavy metal quintet Spellcaster have carved out a name for themselves with passionate diligence - both on and off the road - since 2009.

Currently consisting of members Tyler Loney (vocals), Cory Boyd (guitars), Bryce VanHoosen (guitars), Gabe Franco (bass), and Colin Vranizan (drums), the group have signed with the Los Angeles-based Prosthetic Records. The group expects to begin recording their third album in the fall.

 

 

Commented the band, "Spellcaster are extremely excited to begin working with Prosthetic. Not only does Prosthetic boast an impressive roster of musicians and bands, they also boast an incredibly hard-working and down-to-earth team of professionals. The amount of musical passion these guys and gals exude is practically palpable, and we couldn't be happier to add our musical stamp to their catalog of classic releases."

Spellcaster released their debut, Under The Spell, via Heavy Artillery Records in 2011 followed by an intense round of DIY-style touring across the US. Their self-titled sophomore effort, co-produced and engineered by Joel Grind of Toxic Holocaust, was 100% self-funded and self-released in 2014. To date, the group has performed alongside the likes of Night Demon, Exmortus, Gypsyhawk, Skull Fist, Sanctuary, Satan, Hirax, Cryptic Slaughter, Anvil, Cauldron, Holy Grail, Slough Feg, Warbringer, Lord Dying and many more.

Catch Spellcaster live with Metal Blade artist Visigoth tomorrow night, May 1st, at Portland's Rotture. Tickets are available for just $8 at this location (21+).

 

 

Pagan metallers Heidevolk have announced that two members are leaving the band.

“With a heavy heart Heidevolk says goodbye to both Reamon (guitars) and Mark (vox). After 12 intense years with Heidevolk they have decided that it is time to move on. We thank them for the great times both on and of stage and we wish them both the very best for all their future endeavours. The album release show May 2nd at LuxorLive (Arnhem, NL) will be their last live performance with Heidevolk!“

Although both members will be missed, Heidevolk will continue to perform live and work on new songs. All upcoming shows after May 2nd will be played with session-members Kevin Storm (guitars) and Jacco de Wijs (vox) who've already proven themselves live at the Paganfest 2015 tour.

But nevertheless Heidevolk keep going on and have just announced an intense US tour with Helsott and their label mates Arkona in September and October this year! All US dates will be announced soon.

 

 

British extreme metallers CRADLE OF FILTH will release their eleventh studio album, "Hammer Of The Witches", in July via Nuclear Blast. The cover artwork for the CD can be seen below.

"Hammer Of The Witches" will be made available on jewel case CD, limited-edition digipak, mail-order edition and 2LP vinyl.

"Hammer Of The Witches" track listing: 01. Walpurgis Eve02. Yours Immortally…03. Enshrined In Crematoria04. Deflowering The Maidenhead, Displeasuring The Goddess05. Blackest Magick In Practice06. The Monstrous Sabbat (Summoning The Coven) 07. Hammer Of The Witches08. Right Wing Of The Garden Triptych09. The Vampyre At My Side10. Onward Christian Soldiers11. Blooding The Hounds Of Hell Limited-edition digipak cd and vinyl bonus tracks:

12. King Of The Woods13. Misericord

CRADLE OF FILTH vocalist Dani Filth states: "The artwork for 'Hammer Of The Witches' was created by Latvian artist Arthur Berzinsh and is a lavish walk-through of the lyricism, drawing on rich renaissance themes and displaying them in beautiful-yet-unsettling scenarios. Half of the detailed pieces are totally original for the release, others are Berzinsh classics cunningly tailored to the themes of the album, which are themes rife with heady witchcraft, be it persecution, retribution or unfettered spiritual liberation. The female form is rampant throughout the artwork, unashamedly displayed in its classical rendition of beauty... and horror." Arthur Berzinsh is best known for his defiant neo-symbolism raster graphics and oil paintings, postmodern interpretations of classic myths and refined hooliganism in the playground of contemporary art. He has been proclaimed as a "sacred monster of Latvian postmodernism." And rightly so, his visually expressive and mannerly works tend to trigger emotions which can make thoughts fidget and wriggle, unable to find a comfortable position among the impressions gathered. His creative work is characterized by a varied range of voluptuous erotica, intensified imagery, dream-like scenes and decorativeness weighed down by visual metaphors and contrasts teetering on the edge of symbolism. Arthur Berzinsh explains his artwork and concepts: "In terms of mood, I was looking for the inspiration of this set in the spirit of Faustian romanticism, the ambivalent art of renaissance that reanimated motives of pagan mythology after the Middle Ages, and, of course, the darkly beautiful and charming spirit of Goetia traditions that is filled with the atmosphere of hermetical rituals.

"My personal conceptual leitmotif that inspires me is a conflict between the free-thinking and totalitarianism, where the raw power always gains the upper hand over individualism.

"The act of art is a theurgical act that creates existence in the Platonic reality — reality of ideas. So, at least in this Platonic dimension let’s give the suppressed ones a chance to get their revenge.

"For me, the Goat of Mendes on the cover symbolizes the scapegoat who's tired of his humiliating role and wants a payback. This character is an archetypical symbol of libido and other primordial forces and instinctive aspects of a human being. And these forces always have been a menace for those who want to reign over the others, like it's schematically represented in George Orwell's '1984'." CRADLE OF FILTH have been ensconced in creative purgatory for the last few weeks in Britain's darkest rural Suffolk, busy finishing the recording of their album at the reputedly haunted Grindstone Studios. It has been three years since the release of their previous album — the longest gap in the band's history. And the wait is almost over.

"Hammer Of The Witches" will mark the first release with CRADLE OF FILTH's new lineup, which includes new guitarists Ashok (of Czech groups ROOT and INNER FEAR) and Richard Shaw (of English acts EMPEROR CHUNG and NG26).

Dani Filth recently told Australia's "Rabid Noise" podcast about the band's upcoming album: "It's sounding amazing. It's gone back to the twin-guitar harmonies — very fast and ornate and atmospherically sppoky, but [with] lots of melody. I think it's gonna surprise a lot of people."

CRADLE OF FILTH is:

Dani Filth - VocalsRichard Shaw - GuitarAshok - GuitarDaniel Firth - BassMartin Skaroupka - DrumsLindsay Schoolcraft - Keys, Female Vocals

Band photo courtesy of CRADLE OF FILTH's Facebook page

Former MEGADETH drummer Nick Menza has accused the band's leader, Dave Mustaine, of "ripping [him] off" and has asked the guitarist/vocalist to "be a man and stop taking food from [his] kids' mouths.

Menza joined MEGADETH for the 1989 recording "Rust In Peace" and for the next nine years became associated with the band's "classic" and most profitable era.

In a new post on his Facebook page, Menza wrote: "To Dave Mustaine in regards to my publishing royalties. I find it very unprofessional that you conduct business like a child, quit playing games! be a man and stop taking food from my kids mouths. Its my earned money, Not yours. quit ripping me off. WTF?"

Menza recently revealed that he was involved in discussions with MEGADETH about rejoining the band following the departure of Shawn Drover. Nick told the "The Sick Room" podcast: "I went out there [to Dave Mustaine's studio] and jammed with [Mustaine and David Ellefson]. We played for, like, a weekend — like, three days — and on the third day, we were working on new songs. And everything was cool. They were telling me, 'You're back in the band. We'll do a press release.' And I'm, like, 'I don't wanna say anything until I have an agreement, a contract in writing of what's gonna happen.' And then they send me this ridiculous proposal stating that, 'You're not gonna paid anything until the touring starts.' So, basically, I was gonna work for nothing, doing the record. Which I was still kind of ready to bend in that direction anyway. But I'm, like, 'You know what?! I'm not gonna break or sell myself short with something that's gonna be huge. They've gotta realize the longevity of it.' And then they were kind of coming back at me the same way. So the whole thing was silly. I didn't even get a chance to negotiate with them about anything. They just put it off and said, 'That's it.' And I couldn't get hold of anybody."

He added: "Believe me, I wish I was doing it, but, hey, it's not meant to be, obviously."

Drover quit MEGADETH last November "to pursue [his] own musical interests."

MEGADETH has recruited LAMB OF GOD's Chris Adler to lay down the drum tracks for the band's fifteenth album, which is being recorded at Lattitude Studio South in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee

Miami, Florida's unhinged deathgrind maniacs, Maruta, will declare war on society by unloading their charged Relapse Records label debut, Remain Dystopian, in early June. The album track "Stride Endlessly Through Scorched Earth”, featuring a vocal outburst from Tomas Lindberg of At The Gates, can now be heard below:

It is inarguable that Maruta's Relapse debut, Remain Dystopian, is their most punishing and focused album to date. Recorded in various studios including drums with Pig Destroyer's Scott Hull and vocals with Torche's Jonathan Nuñez, Remain Dystopian is a vicious, seventeen-song blast of relentless and infectious deathgrind mayhem. Featuring guest vocals from the legendary Tomas Lindberg (At The Gates, Disfear) and Pig Destroyer's J.R. Hayes, plus layers of noise from Agoraphobic Nosebleed's Jay Randall, Remain Dystopian raises the bar for what 21st Century grind can accomplish.

Seekers of top-tier extreme metal punishment in the tradition of Napalm Death, Nasum, Pig Destroyer, Misery Index, Nails, Discordance Axis and the like should keep Remain Dystopian on their radar as tracks from the record and more are released onto the masses. While you suffer in anticipation for more, Relapse has issued the full info for the album including the cover artwork by Alex Eckman-Lawn, the tracklisting, pre-orders, along with the track, "Stand In Defeat”, streaming below.

Remain Dystopian will see release on CD, LP and digital platforms June 2nd in North America, preceded by May 29th in Germany, Benelux and Finland, and June 1st in the UK and the rest of the planet. Pre-orders for the physical versions are available here and digital pre-orders here.

 

 

Remain Dystopian tracklisting:

“Genocide Interval”
“Hope Smasher”
“The Void Within”
“Minimal Progress”
“Protocol For Self Immolation”
“Absolutist”
“Stride Endlessly Through Scorched Earth”
“Submergence aka Barren Oceans Of Infinity”
“Erode”
“Stand In Defeat”
“Remnants Of Failed Utopia”
“I, Usurper”
“Durandal”
“Psalm For The Withered”
“Return To Zero”
“Slaying Jehova”
“Immune”

“Hope Smasher”:

“Stand In Defeat”:

Studio video:

Named after a special project during World War II in which the Imperial Japanese Army used human beings for torturous scientific experiments, Maruta has pummeled eardrums abroad through grueling tour ventures and inundated the masses with their bludgeoning, death-infused, grindcore concoction over the past decade. As organized as it is a clusterfuck of blinding rage, the band's malicious dedication and potent material has gained them a dedicated fanbase, on stage as well as through the release of their In Narcosis debut full-length through Willowtip Records in 2008, followed by the critically lauded Forward Into Regression full length in 2011.

For the next phase of their extinction protocol, Marutasigned with Relapse Records in August of last year, and the task of creating their next full-length atrocity began, now to rear its head as Remain Dystopian.

 

 

Maruta lineup:

Mitchell Luna - vocals
Eduardo Borja - guitar
Mauro Cordoba - guitar
Danny Morris - drums

(Photo - Janette Valentine)

"Traitor", the new video from German death metallers MORGOTH, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's new studio album, "Ungod", which was released on April 7 in North America via Century Media. The CD contains 11 tracks of dark and dismal death metal, combining the untamed ferocity of MORGOTH’s infamous EPs with the atmospheric density of the band’s two legendary full-length efforts, "Cursed" and "Odium".

MORGOTH guitarist Harry Busse comments: "The first idea that existed for 'Traitor' was the marching riff you find in the verse of the song. After we wrote the bridge and the chorus, the song was almost finished from its instrumental side. I still had no idea in which direction the lyrics should go. Only when Sebastian [Swart, guitar] came up with the clean guitar, that introduces and completes the song, did I have the idea for a theme that would perfectly match the sadness and desperation of this interlude, followed by the brutality and mercilessness of the song itself. A child soldier, betrayed by the ones supposed to protect him, betrayed by the 'Traitor'."

The atmosphere of "Ungod" was perfectly captured by Greek cover designer Seth Siro Anton (PARADISE LOST, SOILWORK, MOONSPELL), who transformed it into an eerie piece of delusion and despair.

Comments MORGOTH: "We started with the songwriting in January 2013 and finished the recording process by the end of December 2014.

"It was an awesome experience to go through the sometimes very complex and challenging process of writing and recording an album again.

"Our goal was to present some real MORGOTH-style death metal, which closes the gap between 'Cursed' and 'Odium'. We hope that we have achieved this goal and our supporters and friends will like the final outcome."

"Ungod" was recorded, mixed and mastered in November and December 2014 by Jörn Michutta and Matthias Klinkmann at Sound Division Tonstudio in the band’s initial home area of Sauerland, Germany, after having already successfully tested the studio for the "God Is Evil" EP.

MORGOTH recently recruited singer Karsten "Jagger" Jäger (DISBELIEF) to replace the band's longtime vocalist Marc Grewe.

MORGOTH released its first-ever live album and DVD, "Cursed To Live", on June 25, 2012 via Century Media Records. The audio tracks were mixed at Unisound Studio in Sweden with Dan Swanö (OPETH, KATATONIA, DISSECTION).

Aerosmith frontman, Steven Tyler, will release the first single from his upcoming country-tinged solo album on May 13th. Tyler will premier the track, “Love Is Your Name”, on the season finale of American Idol that night, where he once served as judge.

 

 

American Idol’s season finale airs on Wednesday, May 13th at 8 PM on FOX.

After strutting onto the stage of the Grand Ole Opry during Eric Paslay's performance earlier this month and teasing his upcoming country album, Steven Tyler has made it official. Rolling Stone Country recently confirmed that Tyler has signed a deal with Dot Records, the label that Scott Borchetta and his Big Machine Group revived last year, to release his debut solo album.

While no specific release date or title has been announced, the album, set for release later this year, will feature songs that Tyler has already been writing and recording in Nashville over the past few months. So far he's collaborated with writers like Paslay, Hillary Lindsey, Cary Barlowe and the Cadillac Three's Jaren Johnston.

"There was an immediate connection with Scott and Big Machine, and Nashville seems like the perfect segue for a solo project... and Dot Records is the right fit. My earliest influences put me somewhere between the Everly Brothers and the Carter Family, and this project is all about me paying homage to my country roots," Tyler says. "I've been working with some fucking epic Nashville songwriters, getting my feet wet with the style and groove."

Further details can be found at this location.

Catch Aerosmith on tour at the following shows:

June
24 - Ford Center - Evansville, IN
27 - Choctaw Casino Event Center - Durant, OK
30 - State Farm Arena - Hidalgo, TX

July
3 - Outdoor Arena at Harveys - Lake Tahoe, NV
7 - Santa Barbara Bowl - Santa Barbara, CA
10 - Salinas Sports Complex - Salinas, CA
13 - Prospera Place - Kelowna, BC
16 - Save on Foods Memorial Centre - Victoria, BC
19 - Shell Place at MacDonald Park - Fort McMurray, AB
22 - Cheyenne Frontier Days - Cheyenne, WY
25 - North Dakota State Fair - Minot, ND
28 - Amphitheater Northwest - Ridgefield, WA

August
1 - MGM Grand Garden Arena - Las Vegas, NV
4 - Van Andel Arena - Grand Rapids, MI
7 - Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium - Canton, OH

 

 

 

This June, Eagle Rock Entertainment will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Who with the first ever DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital Video release of Live At Shea Stadium 1982. This is the first official release of the full show and features restored footage and newly mixed sound.
 
The Who (Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Kenney Jones) delivered both classic tracks and rarely performed songs: “Pinball Wizard,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “My Generation,” “Substitute,” “Who Are You,” “I Can’t Explain,” “See Me Feel Me,” “Baba O’Riley,” and many more. The tour promoted the 1982 album It’s Hard and the set list was comprised of several tracks from that album, some of which the band would only play live on this tour.
 
The Who’s 1982 North American tour was their last to feature Kenney Jones on drums and the band did not tour again until 1989. This concert film features the show from the second of their two nights at New York’s Shea Stadium and was filmed on October 13th 1982.
 
2015 is a year of even higher profile than usual for this legendary band - with their 50th Anniversary European/North American tour taking place this summer. Live At Shea Stadium 1982 shows exactly what their reputation has been built on.
 

 

Tracklisting:
 
“Substitute”  
“I Can’t Explain”  
“Dangerous”
“Sister Disco”  
“The Quiet One”  
“It’s Hard”  
“Eminence Front”  
“Behind Blue Eyes”
“Baba O’Riley”
“I’m One”  
“The Punk And The Godfather”  
“Drowned”  
“Tattoo”  
“Cry If You Want”  
“Who Are You”  
“Pinball Wizard”  
“See Me Feel Me”  
“Love Reign O’er Me”  
“Long Live Rock”
“Won’t Get Fooled Again”  
“Young Man Blues”  
“Naked Eye”  
“I Saw Her Standing There”   
“Summertime Blues”
“Twist And Shout”

 

Rival Sons have released a music video for “Electric Man”, a track from their latest album, Great Western Valkyrie, released in June 2014.

Rival Sons North American tour dates:

May
7 - Toronto, Canada - The Phoenix Concert Theatre
8 - Buffalo, NY - The Town Ballroom
9 - Montville, CT  - Mohegan Sun Wolf’s Den
11 - Boston, MA - Paradise
12 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance
14 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage Share
15 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
16 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center w/ Slash
17 - Columbus, OH - Rock on the Range Festival at Columbus Crew Stadium
30 - Fort Worth, TX - Billy Bob’s

June
5 - Anaheim, CA - The Grove on Anaheim
6 - San Francisco, CA - The Regency Ballroom
8 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theatre
9 - Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo
10 - Boise, ID - Revolution Center
12 - Missoula, MT - The Wilma Theater
13 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory
14 - Vancouver, Canada - Commodore Ballroom

 

 

 

Metal/hardcore pioneers Pro-Pain will release latest (and 15th) studio effort entitled Voice Of Rebellion through SPV/Steamhammer on June 17th in Scandinavia, June 19th in Germany, June 22nd in Europe and the 23rd in North America.

Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Corey Williams at Sound Lounge Recordings (Venice, Florida), Voice Of Rebellion features 14 punishing tracks which are sure to satisfy die-hard fans and new fans alike.  Production credits are shared by Williams and Pro-Pain mainman Gary Meskil.  "This time around, I decided to get back into assisting with certain aspects of production, and we are thrilled with the end result,” says Meskil. “Corey is a young and talented engineer/producer, and the sonic brutality we collectively achieved speaks for itself (in my opinion).”

Lead guitarist Adam Phillips states: "The writing process for Voice Of Rebellion was a complete collaborative effort, unlike it's predecessor.  So, the end result is a multi-dimensional onslaught of heaviness.” 

Meskil adds: “This is a definitive album for Pro-Pain, as it speaks very well for us with regard to who we are and what we represent as a band". 

With band mates Marshall Stephens (rhythm guitar), Adam Phillips (lead guitar) and Drummer Jonas Sanders, the band are set to tour the US and Europe extensively in support of Voice Of Rebellion, as their collective catalog sales surpass one million units sold!

Voice Of Rebellion will be available in the following configurations:

- Standard Jewel edition
- Limited edition Digipak (with 3 bonus tracks and double sided poster)
- Limited Edition Vinyl LP in red colour
- Download

CD DigiPak tracklisting:

“Voice Of Rebellion”
“No Fly Zone”
“Righteous Annihilation”
“Souls On Fire”
“Take It To The Grave”
“Age Of Disgust”
“Bella Morte”
“Cognitive Dissonance”
“Blade Of The Cursed”
“Crushed To Dust”
“Enraged”
“Hellride”
“DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)”
“Fuck This Life”
“Johnny Black 2015” (bonus)
“Stand Tall” - Live 2013 (bonus)
“Make War (Not Love)” Live 2013 (bonus)

Jewel Case tracklisting:

“Voice Of Rebellion”
“No Fly Zone”
“Righteous Annihilation”
“Souls On Fire”
“Take It To The Grave”
“Age Of Disgust”
“Bella Morte”
“Cognitive Dissonance”
“Blade Of The Cursed”
“Crushed To Dust”
“Enraged”
“Hellride”
“DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)”
“Fuck This Life”

LP tracklisting:

Side A
“Voice Of Rebellion”
“No Fly Zone”
“Righteous Annihilation”
“Souls On Fire”
“Take It To The Grave”
“Age Of Disgust”
“Bella Morte”

Side B
“Cognitive Dissonance”
“Blade Of The Cursed”
“Crushed To Dust”
“Enraged”
“Hellride”
“DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)”
“Fuck This Life”

Kentucky-based traditional heavy metal act, Savage Master, will release new 7" vinyl single titled "Black Hooves" via High Roller Records. The single, which will have its premiere in the fall of 2015 (exact release date to be announced), will be limited to 1,000 copies, and will include exclusive title track (which is brand new recording), coupled with cover version of the Riot classic "Swords And Tequila", taken from the Thunder And Steel Down Under - A Tribute To Riot compilation (Skol Records).

"Black Hooves" cover artwork was painted by the legendary French artist Chris Moyen, who except doing cover artwork for the Savage Master debut album Mask Of The Devil (which came out on Skol Records in 2014), is responsible for iconic artworks of artists such as Blasphemy and Beherit.

 

 

In other news, Savage Master start their spring tour tonight in Louisville at Mag Bar. Tour schedule follows:

April
30 - Mag Bar - Louisville, KY

May
2 - Ragnarökkr Metal Apocalypse 2015, Reggies - Chicago, IL
3 - The Wisco - Madison, WI
5 - Underground Rockshop - Des Moines, IA
6 - The Clubhouse Music Club - Peoria, IL
7 - The Brass Rail - Ft Wayne, IN
8 - New Dodge Lounge - Hamtramck, MI
9 - Backstage Cafe - Covington, KY

 

 

 

Sicilian technical Thrashers Eversin have revealed the first track off their new album Trinity: The Annihilation and it's "Chaosborn" for which Adhiira Art realized a lyric video.

Trinity: The Annihilation will be released on May 18 and will present as special guests James Rivera, Helstar's vocalist and Glen Alvelais (Forbidden, Testament).

The bass player Ignazio Nicastro commented: "We've worked very hard for months on this new album and we wanted that it could get the right attention and promotion. I think it's time for Eversin to do the big step towards a more international audience, because Trinity: The Annihilation is not an album like others and we really think that it could happen now!"

The most violent and powerful output ever released by the band, the title comes from the code name of the first detonation of a nuclear weapon USA did in the Jornada del Muerto desert in New Mexico on July 16th, 1945.

Special guests on the album include Helstar vocalist James Rivera, and Glen Alvelais (Forbidden, Testament). Special mastering of the album was done by Stu “Hammer” Marshall (Hobbs' Angel Of Death, Paindivision, Death Dealer) at Frontier Mastering Studios in Sidney (Australia).

 

 

Tracklisting:

“Flagellum Dei”
“Fire Walk With Me” (feat. James Rivera)
“Chaosborn”
“We Will Prevail” (feat. Glen Alvelais)
“Crown Of Nails”
“Beneath An Atomic Sun”
“Litanies Of War”
“Trinity”

The band is preparing an intense live campaign for next summer/fall. They are already confirmed for Rock Off Turkey in Istanbul and they will be the special guest of Annihilator in Italy on October 14th. Updates to follow.

 

Xtreem Music has released the album details of Finnish death metal act Torture Pulse’s sophomore release God Leash. The album artwork was made by Toni Hietomaa.

God Leash is hell of a death metal opus featuring ten relentless songs that ranges from crazy fast grinding parts to crushing slow passages, going through catchy crusty riffs, everything in a killer blend of old school fashioned Finnish and Swedish-styled death metal.

God Leash tracklisting:

“Myths Of Belial Incarnated”
“On Lacerated Wings”
“Burst Of Black Blood”
“Napalm To The Cross”
“Macabre Magister”
“Army Of Pestilence”
“Plague Poetry”
“Glory That Was”
“Golgotha Revisited”
“Morbid Connection Through Flesh”

“Myths Of Belial Incarnated”:

Release date for God Leash is slated for June 1.

After five years of bringing their whirlwind live shows across Europe and India, Bangalore metal band Inner Sanctum have released their debut album Legions Awake, following an appearance at Inferno Metal Festival in Oslo, Norway and a homecoming launch gig at CounterCulture in Bangalore.

Apart from eight unrelenting heavy hitters such as “March Of The Wounded”, “Realms Of Oblivion” and their first single “Wake Of Destruction”, Legions Awake features three legendary metal guitarists from the metal community, Christopher Amott (Armageddon, ex-Arch Enemy), Daniel Mongrain (Voivod, Martyr, ex-Gorguts, ex-Cryptopsy, Capharnaum) and James Murphy (ex-Death, ex-Testament, ex-Obituary, ex-Lazarus A.D.) providing solos on the track “Existence Denied”.
 
The band has roped in producer/engineer Lasse Lammert, who also worked with the band on their 2009 debut EP Provenance, to fly down to Bangalore early last year to record the nine-track album. Lasse says about recording with the band, “This album is definitely not going to sound polite. Inner Sanctum’s live performance is extremely ener­getic and their new songs are even better than the old ones… so if we manage to capture that on the album, I’m sure people across the globe are going to bang their heads.”

Legions Awake tracklisting:

“Incipiens”
“Wake Of Destruction”
“Reflections Of The Past”
“Realms Of Oblivion”
“Tainted Soils”
“March Of The Wounded”
“Existence Denied”
“Guardian”

Lyric video “Wake Of Destruction”:

The album can be purchased at Bandcamp.

German power metallers HELLOWEEN will release their 15th studio album, "My God-Given Right", on May 29 via Nuclear Blast. The CD was recorded between October 2014 and February 2015 at the band's MiSueno Studio on the isle of Tenerife with producer Charlie Bauerfeind (GOTTHARD, HAMMERFALL).

HELLOWEEN has just released the first single from "My God-Given Right", the speed metal hymn "Battle's Won". In addition to the digital download, a limited-edition two-track vinyl single was made available on April 24, also featuring the album cut "Lost In America".

The second trailer for "My God-Given Right" is available below. "My God-Given Right" track listing: 01. Heroes02. Battle's Won03. My God-Given Right04. Stay Crazy05. Lost In America06. Russian Roulé07. The Swing Of A Fallen World08. Like Everybody Else09. Creatures In Heaven10. If God Loves Rock 'N' Roll11. Living On The Edge12. Claws13. You, Still Of War The limited digipak (with special 3D cover) and the vinyl version will feature two bonus tracks:

14. I Wish I Were There15. Wicked Game The digital version contains three bonus tracks:

14. I Wish I Were There15. Wicked Game16. Free World The limited earbook will feature a bonus CD with four bonus tracks:

01. I Wish I Were There02. Wicked Game03. Nightmare04. More Than A Lifetime Pre-order here. The "My God-Given Right" artwork was once again created by graphic guru Martin Häusler (BON JOVI, QUEEN, GOTTHARD) and will also be available as a 3D lenticular print. Says Häusler: "We tried to build a world of ideas, keeping the 'classic HELLOWEEN' elements, like the pumpkins on the one hand and a complete new look on the other, just like we did it the years before, working on a HELLOWEEN artwork.

"A first inspiration came from the album title, 'My God-Given Right', and some of the song titles, like 'Swing Of A Fallen World', 'Lost In America', 'Battle's Won', etc.

"During my research, I stumbled upon the blockbuster 'Day After Tomorrow' and the idea of just leaving the world to the 'pumpkins' was born.

"The most challenging part of this artwork was to have both the limited edition and the 11-inch earbook provided with a 3D lenticular cover (a full 3D cover, visible without 3D glasses). That's the reason the entire artwork was done 'in one piece,' using a 3D program…We did not want one of those 'cheap' lenticular covers, done by converting a 2D version, but the best possible real 3D result. So don’t get any other versions — this will be a true collector's item!" Adds HELLOWEEN frontman Andi Deris: "I never know how, but somehow we did it once again… The album really rocks and kicks some major asses!!! We had the best folks with us to make this possible: producer Charlie Bauerfeind and Martin Häusler, who made a massive 3D artwork this time WITHOUT stressing the whole color range." States HELLOWEEN guitarist Michael Weikath: "This proves what a bit of snow not only is able to but really causes! I personally hate snow and the cover shows that too much of everything is never good. Just like Andi Deris, I'm very happy about the new album."

STONE SOUR's "Meanwhile In Burbank…", a five-song EP featuring covers of legendary artists BLACK SABBATH, METALLICA, KISS, JUDAS PRIEST and ALICE IN CHAINS, can be streamed in its entirety below. The effort was released digitally via iTunes on April 28.

Recorded live at Room 237 in Burbank, California, "Meanwhile In Burbank…" was initially made available on vinyl exclusively at select record stores on April 18.

"Meanwhile In Burbank…" track listing: 01. We Die Young (ALICE IN CHAINS cover)02. Heading Out To The Highway (JUDAS PRIEST cover)03. Love Gun (KISS cover)04. Creeping Death (METALLICA cover)05. Children Of The Grave (BLACK SABBATH cover)

STONE SOUR will release two more EPs of cover songs following the arrival of "Meanwhile In Burbank…". STONE SOUR vocalist Corey Taylor revealed that the next two will be titled "Straight Out Of Burbank" and "No Sleep 'Till Burbank" and will feature five songs each, including new versions of tracks from RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, MÖTLEY CRÜE, BAD BRAINS, VAN HALEN and the VIOLENT FEMMES.

Taylor told The Pulse Of Radio why he enjoys covering other artists' songs. "The thing I love about playing covers is that a) it's a chance to walk in the footsteps of your heroes," he said. "It's a chance to have fun. There's a certain amount of relaxation that comes when you don't have to worry about your song. This is someone else's song, you know. This is where you can relax and just remember why you're a music fan in the first place."

Taylor said on the "Jasta Show" podcast, "We just wanna share some of these songs that we grew up loving, and we just kind of wanna pay homage to the bands that got us into music in the first place."

On its last North American tour, STONE SOUR played a different cover every night, including songs that made the EP such as METALLICA's "Creeping Death", KISS's "Love Gun" and JUDAS PRIEST's "Heading Out To The Highway".

Taylor is currently on tour with his other band, SLIPKNOT, and did not indicate when the next two covers EPs will see the light of day.

Finnish melodic metallers BURNING POINT, whose current lineup includes singer Nitte Vänskä (ex-BATTLE BEAST), will release their new, self-titled album on June 12 in Europe and July 7 in the U.S. via AFM Records. The CD includes five brand new songs and six re-recorded tracks from the band's first three albums.

Comments BURNING POINT guitarist Pete Ahonen: "It was clear from the start that we wanted this album to be the absolute best representation of the new improved lineup, as well as a breath of new life to some of the old BURNING POINT classics! This self-titled album is a perfect example of where we come from, where we are and to where we are heading to."

"Burning Point" track listing:

01. In The Shadows02. All The Madness (2015)03. Signs Of Danger (2015)04. Find Your Soul05. Heart Of Gold (2015)06. My Darkest Times07. Dawn Of The Ancient War (2015)08. Into The Fire (2015)09. Queen Of Fire10. Blackened The Sun (2015)11. I've Had Enough (Into The Fire) (KISS cover)

A snippet of a re-recorded version of the BURNING POINT track "All The Madness", featuring Nitte on vocals, is available for streaming below.

Ahonen, who had handled vocals and guitar for BURNING POINT since the band's inception, last year decided to step down from the singer position and continue playing guitar for the group.

Said Nitte in a statement: "These guys are awesome and the music, just great! I love all the BURNING POINT songs!

"I've been away from the world of heavy metal for a while now, but now with these guys, I am back!"

Vänskä quit BATTLE BEAST in August 2012 via an e-mail in which explained that she would focus on her family life. She has since been replaced by with Noora Louhimo.

Nitte rejoined BATTLE BEAST on stage on March 18 at Nosturi in Helsinki, Finland to perform three songs: "Victory", "Show Me How To Die" and "Enter The Metal World".

BURNING POINT's last album, "The Ignitor", came out in June 2012 via Scarlet Records.

Frontiers Music Srl will release the second CAIN'S OFFERING album, titled "Stormcrow", on May 15 in Europe and May 19 in North America.

The song "The Best Of Times" — taken from "Stormcrow" — can be streamed below.

CAIN'S OFFERING is the brainchild of Finnish guitarist/songwriter Jani Liimatainen, a founding member of SONATA ARCTICA.

Drawing its musical influence from the classic hard rock scene, the fast-paced European power metal and a very modern heavy metal sound, CAIN'S OFFERING is, just as expected, another perfect example of today's living and breathing Finnish music scene.

Joining Jani on the band's sophomore release, coming after 2009's acclaimed debut "Gather The Faithful", are STRATOVARIUS members vocalist Timo Kotipelto and keyboardist Jens Johansson, plus Jonas Kuhlberg on bass and Jani "Hurtsi" Hurula (PAUL DI'ANNO) on drums.

"I was approached about doing this second CAIN'S OFFERING album already a few years ago," explains Jani, "but back then I was way too busy with other projects to even consider taking the time to write an album worth of material. Last year, when I was approached about it again, I thought that the time might be right and felt like I could really focus all my energy on the album."

He continues: "I think musically the new album is a bit more focused and coherent. 'Gather The Faithful' was the first album where I wrote all the music and lyrics by myself, and in retrospect maybe I was a bit too ambitious, trying to prove that I can actually write really good, complex songs. It's been six years since the first one and I think that I have matured as a writer, not trying to prove anything anymore, just trying to write the best possible material. It's still very much vocal- and melody-orientated writing, since, to me, the melody is always the king, but I did try to keep things a bit more simple this time. Although I think Timo would still say some of the vocal melodies are quite complex!"

"Stormcrow" track listing:

01. Stormcrow02. The Best Of Times03. A Night To Forget04. I Will Build You A Rome05. Too Tired To Run06. Constellation Of Tears07. Antemortem08. My Heart Beats For No One09. I Am Legion10. Rising Sun11. On The Shore

The official lyric video for the song "I Will Build You A Rome" can be seen below.

Musicians:

Timo Kotipelto: Lead VocalsJani Liimatainen: GuitarsJonas Kuhlberg: BassJani Hurula: DrumsJens Johansson: Keyboards

The seventeenth trailer for NIGHTWISH's new full-length album, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful", can be seen below. The clip features footage of the band talking about tour rehearsals, offering an insight into those exciting days before the trek kicked off in New York on April 9.

"Endless Forms Most Beautiful" was made available on March 27 in Europe and March 31 in the U.S. via Nuclear Blast.

As previously reported, NIGHTWISH will release a new single, the title track of "Endless Forms Most Beautiful", on May 8 as a limited-edition MCD, 10-inch vinyl and as a download. The NIGHTWISH show in Vancouver, British Columbia on April 25 at The Orpheum was filmed for a future DVD release.

NIGHTWISH is currently on the road in North America with special guests SABATON, a Swedish heavy metal band that gives us a history lesson in their songs on war and historical battles, and Dutch female-fronted metallers DELAIN.

Longtime NIGHTWISH drummer Jukka Nevalainen sat out the recording sessions for "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" due to health issues. He has since been replaced by Kai Hahto (WINTERSUN, SWALLOW THE SUN, TREES OF ETERNITY).

Swedish hard rockers MUSTASCH will release their new album, "Testosterone", on September 18 via Gain Music Entertainment, which is distributed and partly owned by Sony Music.

The official video for the band's new single, "Be Like A Man", can be seen below. The clip was directed by Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.

Comments MUSTASCH guitarist/vocalist Ralf Gyllenhammar: "On our new album, which will be titled 'Testosterone', I deal with my manhood, dignity and tenderness.

"Testosterone has, unfortunately, sometimes had a negative significance. Why, then, I wonder?

"Macho is something I have never recognized in me, taking care of my loved ones has always been more important to me. "On the new album, I have dropped just everything! David [Johannesson, guitar] and our producer, Rikard Löfgren, went off to Tenerife and wrote songs. Jejo [Perković, drums] have been given free reins with his drum playing without me being there and anxiously poking and spreading unrest.

"Now that I don't play any guitars on the album, I can hear the fierce guitar player David de facto is, which I had completely missed. Stam [Johansson] is one of the world's best bass players, so there's everything as usual (phew)! "How will this new album sound then?

"A record with a musical theme, I can proudly say. A record where the whole band has been 100% devoted, added their own touch and a great producer that has been very responsive. There are grand, hard riffs, double-bass drums (yes!). And thanks to that, I can devote all my time and energy to vocals and lyrics: large and numerous choral arrangements.

"A burden lifted from my shoulders, a new sound being formed, both hard and soft at the same time.

"Nothing I am ashamed of, quite simply. I stand up for my manhood. But if you're big and strong you should be able to behave well!" MUSTASCH's last album, "Thank You For The Demon", was released in January 2014.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) presented rock heavyweights KISS with the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award at its 32nd annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards on April 29 in Hollywood. The exclusive, invitation-only gala took place at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The ASCAP Founders Award goes to ASCAP's pioneering songwriters who have made exceptional contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators. Past recipients include Sir Paul McCartney, Smokey Robinson, Patti Smith, STEELY DAN, Rod Stewart, James Taylor, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry (AEROSMITH), Tom Waits, Stevie Wonder and Neil Young.

A photo of KISS leaders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons with the ASCAP Founders Award can be seen below.

KISS is one of the most influential rock and roll bands of all-time, selling over 100 million albums worldwide in their 40-year career. Formed in the early 1970s, KISS has achieved staggering career milestones, boasting decades of record-breaking tours around the globe. Today, the KISS "brand" has infiltrated pop culture with its unforgettable personas Starchild, Demon, Spaceman and Cat. With hits like "Strutter", "Shout it Out Loud", "Detroit Rock City", "Rock And Roll All Nite", "Christine Sixteen", "I Was Made for Lovin' You" and "Beth", KISS has 28 gold albums, the most of any American rock band, and in 2014 they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. As the band continues their 40th Anniversary World Tour with 2015 tours in Japan, South America and Australia — founding band members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons also celebrate 40 years as members of ASCAP.

The 32nd ASCAP Pop Music Awards precede the 10th annual ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO, the only national conference dedicated to the craft and business of songwriting and composing. The EXPO takes place April 30 - May 2 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Many of the biggest names in music have shared their wisdom and music at the EXPO, including Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, Jackson Browne, Lindsey Buckingham interviewed by Sara Bareilles, Dr. Luke, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Quincy Jones, Randy Newman, Katy Perry, Tom Petty, Carly Simon, Justin Timberlake in conversation with Bill Withers and Ann and Nancy Wilson (HEART).

Vocalist Chuck Billy of San Francisco Bay Area metal veterans TESTAMENT was interviewed on the March 27-29 edition of Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show. You can now listen to the chat using the Podbean widget below. A couple of excerpts follow.

Full Metal Jackie: Chuck, how are you progressing with the new album and how much do TESTAMENT songs generally change over the course of the creative process?

Chuck: They are constantly changing. They all just start with parts and ideas and hooks, and they keep developing. I think right now we are at a stage where me and Eric [Peterson, guitar] have done a lot of demoing, just us two, and when we get out on the road for the next two or three months together, we'll have a lot of time just to kind of work out what we've done on demoing, and hopefully by the time we get back in June or July, we'll hopefully be ready to get into the studio. So this is nice [that] we get to go out and go on tour, but we are actually looking forward to getting together and working on some new material together.

Full Metal Jackie: The last two TESTAMENT albums have been exceptional. What keeps your band at that level of quality and consistency?

Chuck: I don't know. I think we definitely just kind of write by what's inspiring us at the time. I think a lot of it… Eric pretty much leads the charge with anything that we write. So, depending on what Eric is kind of feeling… I think definitely the new record is definitely gonna be stepping back at some more of the thrash-style roots, and there is definitely a lot more blast beats in here, and it is definitely a thrash record. So it's good that we are taking it back to that. I think it's kind of leaning maybe toward that "The Gathering" kind of vibe.

Full Metal Jackie: You and Eric Peterson have been the nucleus of TESTAMENT for a long time. Musically and personally, how do you complement each other?

Chuck: Well, at this point, when we write, we kind of know our limits with each other. You know, vocally, with me, and we kind of just know… It's a natural feeling. It's so weird, 'cause when I write with other people, it's definitely not the same. So there is something special when I write with Eric, 'cause it just… I don't know… It fits like a glove, I guess, [if] I can use that phrase, but we have always had that chemistry.

To see a full list of stations carrying the program and when it airs, go to FullMetalJackieRadio.com.

Fan-filmed video footage of Sebastian Bach's April 25 performance at Strummer's in Fresno, California can be seen below.

SKID ROW fired singer Johnny Solinger over the phone on April 6, a few hours before announcing ex-TNT vocalist Tony Harnell as his replacement.

Solinger, who joined SKID ROW in 1999, released a statement that same day claiming that he had "decided to leave SKID ROW to pursue [his] solo career."

Bach in July 2012 posted a letter on his Facebook page in which he said he was willing to reunite with SKID ROW. "For the fans, I would be willing to put my ego aside and do something that would be special for the people who put us where we are today," he wrote. "I do not personally want it myself. But it's not always about 'what I want.' If the fans really want to see us together, I would do it for the fans. Sometimes you can do things for people other than yourself."

Bach said he wanted to write the letter in response to Solinger's interview in which Johnny said a tweet by Bach about a possible SKID ROW reunion was an attempt to "get attention."

Pressed by Revolver magazine on why a SKID ROW reunion hasn't happened yet after he spent the past few years "teasing" it, Bach said: "I wasn't teasing. I go onstage every night and I sing my songs. Those are my songs. That's my voice. I'm part owner of the band, but it's not my call."

Asked what caused such bad blood between him and the rest of SKID ROW, Bach said: "I don't even remember. If you put a gun to my head, I couldn't tell you. They're happy doing what they're doing. I think it's an insult to everybody who ever bought a record. But they do the opposite of what the audience wants and they don't care."

Bach fronted SKID ROW until 1996, when he was fired. Instead of throwing in the towel, the remaining members took a hiatus and went on to play briefly in a band called OZONE MONDAY.

In 1999, SKID ROW reformed and, after a bit of shuffling over the years, most recently featured a lineup consisting of original bassist Rachel Bolan and guitarists Dave "Snake" Sabo and Scotti Hill, alongside drummer Rob Hammersmith and Solinger.

Alexander Pallis and Micheal J. Coyle of Metal Temple conducted an interview with drummer Kjetil-Vidar "Frost" Haraldstad of Norwegian black metallers SATYRICON when the band played at Sound Control in Manchester, England on April 7. You can now watch the chat below.

Asked where he finds the inspiration to continue playing music more than twenty years since SATYRICON's inception, Frost responded: "Most of all, playing in a band that is creative and dynamic is a huge inspiration in itself, because it offers a channel to not only try to do what others have already done, but to try to find something of your own. So I search for doing what suits the band the most, and I try to grow with the band and change with the band and try to feel what the band is doing and add something to it or be part of it. Sometimes I watch those old clips of hard rock drummers of the early '70s, for instance; that has been the thing I've done for quite a few years now. I like the music a lot, but most of all I connect so much with that physical energy and spirit and pioneering way of doing things that the drummers of that era had. Like when you watch Bill Ward [BLACK SABBATH] or Ian Paice [DEEP PURPLE] and John Bonham [LED ZEPPELIN]… And most of the drummers, like Mitch Mitchell of Jimi Hendrix's band, for instance, that energy is something that is mesmerizing to hear and to watch. There is so much spirit. That's the kind of thing that I'd like to have in my own playing. And I think some of it has been there all the time — it's part of my nature, so that's probably one of the reasons I connect so much with it. But then there are other things that, you think, 'Wow! That was fantastic, what he did there.' And I don't want to copy [that]. I would like to have something that is similar, energy wise, or creatively, in a way. So there's a certain inspiration in that, but I never try to copy anyone or think that I [must] study how something sounds and then try to make the same thing, because that's not what I'm after. But I try to understand the mentality of it and I try to understand the state of mind that is needed to do something like it. That is what I would like to achieve too."

He continued: "I am inspired by that more than trying to copy or adapt a certain style that has been had by others. I mean, if it's done already, why try to do it again? A copy will never beat the original. And SATYRICON is about originality. But I think that you can learn a lot by trying to understand the thought process behind something — trying to understand the principles."

As previously reported, SATYRICON has signed a worldwide deal with Austrian label Napalm Records for release of its upcoming DVD, "Live At The Opera".

To coincide with the release of its self-titled, eighth studio album, SATYRICON played a very special, exclusive show on September 8, 2013 at at Den Norske Opera & Ballett in Oslo, Norway, where they were joined by the 55-strong Norwegian National Opera Chorus as part of the Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival.

The performance was professionally filmed and recorded and will be released as the "Live At The Opera" CD/DVD on May 1 in Europe and May 5 in North America.

Following on from their triumphant return to the metal scene in 2014, London's SIKTH has decided to answer the calls from its fans and record new music in 2015. "We've always maintained that more music would emerge one day and for the first time in years it feels like now is the time," says guitarist Dan Weller.

"We had an amazing time travelling round the world last year. Having a chance to reconnect with our fans was very special for us." The as-yet-untitled EP will be the follow-up to the 2006 critically acclaimed album "Death Of A Dead Day" and will see the band enter the studio for the first time in 10 years. Vocalist Mikee Goodman adds: "We did not realize our music had spread so far! I believe we have amongst the most passionate and energetic fans in the world. I am honored to play to them. But what we have been asked most is about new music.

"My desire to make new SIKTH music is as strong as it's ever been. I can't wait to get started!" Recording starts this summer with a November release date penned. It will also be the first time SIKTH will make a record without the assistance of a record label. "Since we have such a good relationship with our fans, we decided that funding the EP via a link textPledgeMusic campaign was the best option for us and them," says Weller. "We could have signed a deal but it just adds so many complications for a band like us." In support of the new EP, SIKTH will return to the stage in December with a string of headline dates in the U.K. The first tickets for the tour will be made available via the band's PledgeMusic page.