Launching forth on a nefarious mission dictated specifically by the horned master himself, Satan's Wrath stubbornly refuse to take their foot off the accelerator on their nightmarish ride to insanity and overload. This brainchild of sulphur-throated multi-instrumentalist Tas Danazoglou, has grown in monstrous stature, unflinching cruelty and sheer bloody-minded intensity over the course of its two full-throttle platters thus far, building an ominous pathway for Die Evil, its third unholy document, which emerges from Stamos' own 210 Studios in Berlin, unto twilight in intimidating fashion, blasting their blasphemous attack into dimensions of dementia hitherto deemed beyond the pale.

Die Evil will be released on May 1st in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and on May 4th in the rest of Europe, on CD and vinyl via Metal Blade Records. Listen to "A Mindless Servant Of Satan" now:

The formula in Satan's Wrath's cauldron is simple, and the resultant elixir delivers a feverish 21st century continuation of the paganizing infernal assault that was heavy metal at its underground mid-'80s pinnacle: damaged by the slavering spite of Venom, the fleshripping fortitude of Metal Blade-era Slayer, the nightmarish derangement of Possessed, and the machine-gun onslaught of Destruction. Yet make no mistake; this is no retro confection, no harking back to an idealised, battle-jacketed aesthetic ideal. This is a sound driven by a hard-driving imperative of corruption and malevolence, and rendered forth with an unflinching filth of delivery.

Hideous new worlds of depravity are opened up by Die Evil without a shadow of a doubt the darkest, fastest and most powerful blast of fury that this demonic force has thus far produced. Satan's Wrath's diseased headspace is one where to play heavy metal means to be a thorn in society's side, and an adversary to respectability. Where metal means transgression, where metal means war. Where metal means evil.

Die Evil tracklisting:
"Raised On Sabbaths"
"Satanic War"
"Diabolical Shudder"
"Die Evil"
"Coffinlust"
"Dead Of The Shallow Graves"
"At The Strike Of Twelve"
"A Mindless Servant Of Satan"
"Castle Of Torment"

Satan's Wrath is:
Tas Danazoglou - bass and vocals
Stamos K - guitars
V - guitars
Kostas - drums

 

 

 

German power metallers HELLOWEEN will release their fifteenth 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).

Speaking to Greece's Rock Overdose about the new CD, HELLOWEEN guitarist Michael Weikath said (hear audio below): "I'm very surprised and happy with the outcome of it. I think it's more open, in the way of [2013's] 'Straight Out Of Hell', in a way. It's like a continuation, yes, but there's not so many dark or mystic elements on there. There are a few, but it's more open, you know, more open to the public. I wouldn't say commercial. It's more friendly."

He continued: "It's typical — that's what Charlie wanted to do — '80s HELLOWEEN and modern HELLOWEEN at the same time. But we wanted to just not worry so much about concepts and what to do and just be the ones that we are. And that was one of the things that Charlie, the producer, wanted to do. After such a long time, he said, 'Let's take an '80s approach.' Things being very orderly and the guitars and recordings and everything and a strict overview, but more open and more positive as well. And that works out very, very good, I think. And either it will be one of the best-sold albums or also one of the most criticized by the syndicate side of fans that are there."

Weikath added: "There's people who don't really like us anyways, and they will have great fodder to go, like, 'Ahhh, now they wimped out.' No, we didn't. We didn't. And there's nothing wrong with what's there. It's just good old classic heavy metal the way it's supposed to be. And that's what many people say should be the case with most bands.

"Many people, they think about, when they have a band and when they're producing something, how they can sound particularly growup or mature or modern or what's being dictated by the American market and whatever. And we didn't want any of that; we just wanted to do what we stand for, what we are known for. And, you know, there's actually no big surprise on there. It's just the typical classical metal as it's supposed to be."

"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. On April 17, HELLOWEEN will release the first single from "My God-Given Right", the speed metal hymn "Battle's Won". In addition to the digital download, there will be a limited-edition two-track vinyl single, also featuring the album cut "Lost In America". 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. Said 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!" Added 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 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."

Interview (audio)

Norwegian black metallers SATYRICON kicked off their "The Dawn Of A New Age" European tour on April 4 at Doornroosje in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

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.

Commented SATYRICON frontman Sigurd "Satyr" Wongraven about the story behind "Live At The Opera": "The whole thing started with us doing one song, 'To The Mountains', a year and a half before the actual show. We performed at a closed event in the main hall of the opera with the Royal Norwegian Opera Chorus. It was very inspirational. I then said to the conductor that I would love to do a whole show like this. He loved the idea, I was serious about it, and he was serious about it.

"We spent approximately one and a half year working with composer and arranger Kjetil Bjerkestrand on the choral arrangements.

"When I picked songs, I was not necessarily looking at only songs suitable for choral arrangements or typical in the SATYRICON live set. For me, it had to be a combination.

"If you look at songs like 'Die By My Hand', it's pretty obvious we'll want to use a choir for that because it has a choir on the record too. On the other hand, there were other things I had to consider. For example, 'K.I.N.G.' is probably the most famous SATYRICON song ever — and not necessarily a song I can imagine with choral arrangements. But just because people hear it more or less the same way always, I thought it would be interesting to take that song and give it a totally different vibe for this one time. And it's also interesting to see if we can work it around the structure of a song that is more or less straightforward.

"For something that we planned for so long, put so much work into, and something this unique — of course it would be nice to film it and record it. But I made it very clear to the people around SATYRICON that I'm not going to turn this into a recording session where you can buy tickets.

"When you hear or or watch this recording, you should feel like you're there.

"This is not SATYRICON - 'Best Of From The Opera', this is a show! The perfect parts need to go in there, but also the parts that are not so perfect. That's the nature of it, that's the real deal.

"It's not a live album. It's a celebration of what SATYRICON stands for as a band."

"Live At The Opera" will contain the full performance DVD and double CD of this exclusive and very special concert.

SATYRICON self-titled studio album was released in September 2013 in Norway via Indie Recordings, and in the rest of Europe through Roadrunner Records. The CD, which was made available in North America via Nuclear Blast Entertainment, was produced by Sigurd "Satyr" Wongraven and was recorded in Norway, and mixed by Adam Kasper. The effort features a guest appearance by Sivert Høyem, the Norwegian singer best known as the vocalist of the rock band MADRUGADA.

Metal Exposure TV conducted an interview with NIGHTWISH bassist/vocalist Marco Hietala on February 12 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. You can now watch the chat below.

Asked if he was involved in the songwriting process for NIGHTWISH's new full-length album, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful", Marco responded: "I did have something to do with it. There are quite a few songs where there's some music from me. This time even a few lyrical lines also. But it was in no way purposeful from me. I just had a bunch of demos I recorded in my home studio and in order to sing something over them, I had written some lyrics. And some of them I actually ended up writing pretty seriously. And when I brought the CD to Tuomas [Holopainen, keyboards] if he wants to see if there's anything to fit the album, he also saw some of the lyrics and said, 'I was just trying to write about these things and then you nailed it with these. Could we use these?' [And I said], 'If you think it's okay, then it's totally okay for me.' Yeah. Yeah. Let's put them in.' So that is how it came to be. A couple of pieces, I'm also the lyrical co-writer. This is what it is to collaborate between different people and bandmates. You actually complement each other as well, which is just a great way of doing things."

Speaking about how the main differences between the songwriting process for "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" and the albums that were recorded with NIGHTWISH's previous singers, Tarja Turunen and Anette Olzon, Marco said: "The main difference was, of course, that with Tarja and Anette, we actually rehearsed almost all the music on the album by ourselves, guys, recording the tracks and I was singing over some of them, and they kind of came in later to complement the work with the vocals and all that. And this time around, we really had the time to take the whole group in and build it in that way. And then we also did this for the first time, that we didn't do any kind of demos after rehearsing. We went straight on to the album recordings, and that, to my opinion, managed to transfer this organic band vibe very well onto the album, better than we've ever done before."

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

The "Élan" four-track single, which arrived on February 13, features the album version of the title cut, a radio edit and an alternate version of "Élan", as well as the non-album bonus track "Sagan".

The cover artwork for "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" was created by the band's longtime collaborator Toxic Angel. Famed evolutionary biologist and atheist writer/leader Richard Dawkins appears as a guest on the effort.

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

In their 25 years as a musical duo, Gunnar and Matthew Nelson, collectively known simply as NELSON, have grown from pop music idols to seasoned songwriters and performers. Now, as the brothers celebrate a quarter century at the forefront of the international music scene, they return with "Peace Out", their most ambitious studio album to date.

Released in Europe on May 15 and North America on May 19 by Frontiers Music Srl, "Peace Out" marks a return to the well-crafted pop songs that put the band at the top of the Billboard charts in the 1990s. From the anthemic "Invincible" to the rollicking soon-to-be pop classic "Back In The Day", "Peace Out" is quintessential NELSON from start to finish.

"We set a pretty high standard with our previous release with Frontiers — 'Lightning Strikes Twice'," says Gunnar Nelson. "That record received by far the most critical acclaim of any NELSON record to date. 'Peace Out' was expected to be even BETTER, so the goal was to push ourselves to the very limit — past what we believed we could do. We wanted to write and record the most exciting, authentic, uplifting, and rockin' NELSON record ever made! The mission: to make a classic."

The brothers have always had their work cut out for themselves, being the third generation in one of America's most celebrated entertainment families, who came into U.S. households every week from 1952 through 1966 on the ABC sitcom "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet". Their grandfather, Ozzie Nelson, was a celebrated big band leader, whose orchestra featured their grandmother, Harriet; and their late father, Ricky, was one of rock 'n' roll's earliest superstars, a member of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and generally credited with creating the country-rock format. When the Nelson twins burst onto the music scene with the Billboard No. 1 hit "(I Can't Live Without Your) Love & Affection", in 1990, they set a Guinness World Record by being the only family to have three generations of No. 1 hits on the charts! NELSON went on to release a half dozen rock albums selling nearly 7 million records, beginning with the multi-platinum "After The Rain".

"Peace Out" marks NELSON's fourth release on Frontiers since 2010.

Look for NELSON to embark on a world tour upon the album's release. "We're putting the live show together as we speak... And it will incorporate the very best live songs from our career... Focusing heavily on the 'Peace Out' album," says Gunnar.


"Peace Out" track listing:

01. Hello Everybody02. Back In The Day03. Invincible04. Let It Ride05. I Wanna Stay Home06. On The Bright Side07. Rockstar08. Autograph09. What's Not To Love?10. You And Me11. Bad For You12. Leave The Light On For Me

Canadian rock journalist Mitch Lafon of the "One On One With Mitch Lafon" podcast (Facebook page) recently conducted an interview with DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen. You can now listen to the chat using the Spreaker widget below. A couple of excerpts follow.

On when fans can expect to see the new DEF LEPPARD album released:

Phil: "We've gotta have it mixed and mastered and all that stuff first. But I think all the recording parts are done. Yeah, you know, we wanted to get it ready for the start of the tour, but that's not gonna happen. So it'll be out some time while we're on tour. I don't exactly know when, you know, so we'll just have to play that by ear."

On why DEF LEPPARD decided to go back into the studio and record a new album in the first place:

Phil: "Well, this was really interesting, actually. It's been, like, seven or eight years since the last studio album. And we went in and we said we're just gonna do, like, one or two songs — like an EP or something, or a single. And that first session, we came out with 12 songs. We've never done that. I think the approach was very different. We didn't really have anything to lose. We didn't have a record company or management or anyone breathing down our necks. We got some ideas, and they all worked. And the other thing, because of that… Normally, we'd go in and we'd always find ten reasons why to not do an idea as opposed to just going with it. And this was the first time we've ever just sat around and every idea got a fair shot, you know. Everyone was, like, 'Oh, that's cool. Let's try that.' There was no negative approach to it. So that's something we've never done before and it was so amazing. It blew me away that we got so many things done. And, honestly, I really think this is the best album we've done since 'Hysteria'."

On whether DEF LEPPARD was trying to go back to what the band was doing on "Hysteria" or "High 'N' Dry", or if it was just a natural progression:

Phil: "None of it. We'd just treat each song as kind of a different project. And what's another great thing about it is that we broke it up into three different parts. The initial one, we got the 12 songs, and pretty much, we played in the studio and we kind of played live and we got the essence of the songs down. And, again, [that's] something we don't normally do. And then we went back in May, just before the tour [with KISS]. And also, you have a different perspective on it. It sounds different. You change a few things. And we went back a third time and just kind of finished stuff off in January. And yeah, it's just amazing. I'm thrilled with how it turned out."

A recent advertisement for DEF LEPPARD's upcoming U.K. tour with WHITESNAKE revealed that DEF LEPPARD's eleventh album will be a self-titled affair.

DEF LEPPARD will return to the road April 15 for a Canadian tour, followed by Europe in May and June. A U.S. tour with STYX and TESLA will kick off June 23 in Tampa, Florida.

Sixteen year-old rock newcomer Gabbie Rae has checked in with the following update:

"Last night my friend, mentor and inspiration Michael Sweet of Stryper did an amazing acoustic solo show at the Whisky (in Los Angeles) and invited me to join him on stage for a couple of songs. So we decided to do something a little different and totally toned it down with some classic and beautiful Peter Frampton. The crowd sang along and it was just a great experience. 

Thank you Michael for sharing your stage and for believing in me since the first time we met when I was just 10 years old. I look forward to and am very excited to get our project together started real soon."

Back in November 2014, Gabbie Raepoke with BraveWords scribe Carl Begai about her rise to fame within the rock and metal community. An excerpt from the story is available below:

Gabbie Rae: "I met (Stryper frontman) Michael Sweet when I was 10 years old. Stryper played the House Of Blues in Myrtle Beach and I was at the show with my parents. I was holding up this huge Stryper sign and he saw it, and after the show security came over and said Michael Sweet had invited us backstage. We met and I told him I was a singer, and I ended up singing a song for the guys backstage. That was the first time I met him; it was like a movie (laughs). I kept seeing him over the years and we became friends. About a year-and-a-half ago he invited me to sing ‘Always There For You’ with him and Oz Fox at an acoustic show at the Whisky (in Los Angeles), so of course I said yes. I did the song and there was an industry person in the audience that was connecetd to Michael and is now connected to me. If it hadn’t been for that night I doubt I’d be where I am right now. I wouldn’t have been on the cruise, I wouldn’t have gotten to know Todd La Torre, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing. I give so much credit to Michael Sweet for this.”

Go to this location for the complete story.

Gabbie Rae recently released a new single entitled "Scream". The official video for the track is now available and can be viewed below:

Queensrÿche vocalist Todd La Torre recently spoke with BraveWords about Gabbie Rae and he offered the following:

"Gabbie Rae is a rising star in her own right and has continued to garner respectable attention among her peers, which include some of the biggest names in rock history. We've talked about doing some collaborative songwriting together in the future, I've got some of my own original material that her voice would really bring to life with her tone and texture. It's wonderful to see her talent inspire so many people through her music, I truly believe in her."

For information and updates on Gabbie Rae go to her official website here.

 

 
Learn how to get your song on itunes at ReverbNation.com

Multinational metallers POWERWOLF have completed mixing their sixth album, "Blessed & Possessed", at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with Fredrik Nordström and Henrik Udd. The CD, which was mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street, will be released in July via Napalm Records. The album's cover artwork was once again created by POWERWOLF guitarist Matthew Greywolf.

Commented the band: "We have just had the pleasure to listen to the mastered album for the very first time. We're more than proud and satisfied with the result, and yet can hardly believe to have finished this intense production. Both Fredrik Nordström and Jens Bogren did killer jobs giving these songs exactly the sound they need."

Catch POWERWOLF live on their very special "Wolfsnächte" tour. The wolves will be accompanied by ORDEN OGAN, CIVIL WAR and XANDRIA.

Asked about the musical direction of the new POWERWOLF material, Matthew previously said: "Without revealing too much, you can expect an album that's 100% uncompromising POWERWOLF stuff. There's songs to go wild to, there's epic and atmospheric stuff, and a lot of wolfish metal madness in between, and quite a bunch of songs that will be must-plays on any future POWERWOLF show, for damn sure."

POWERWOLF's fifth album, "Preachers Of The Night", entered the official chart in Germany at position No. 1. The CD was released in July 2013 via Napalm Records.

POWERWOLF's first live album, "Alive In The Night", was recorded exclusively for Metal Hammer, Germany's leading metal magazine. The CD was only available with the April 2012 issue of Metal Hammer.

Down Among The Dead Men, the death punk band featuring former Bolt Thrower/Benediction vocalist David Ingram and Swedish mastermind Rogga Johansson, will release a 7” split EP (with the band Miseo) that will contain two tracks from the band: "The Faceless" and "Cyber Tomb.” The EP will be out on Brutal Art Records and limited to 300 copies.

Around the same time as the EP’s release, Down Among The Dead Men will unleash their second full-length album, titled Exterminate! Annihilate! Destroy!, featuring 14 songs and due on Cyclone Empire Records.

Tentative song titles include “The Oncoming Storm”, “Unearthly Child”, “Pyramids of Mars” and “Death Seed.” The line-up for this release will be: David Ingram (vocals), Rogga Johansson (guitar/bass), Dennis Blomberg (guitar/bass) and Brynjar Helgetun (drums). 

The Georgia State Patrol says Robert Lewis Burns Jr. died in a single-car accident northwest of Atlanta late Friday night.

Troopers said Burns' car went off the road and hit a tree in Bartown County just before midnight.

Burns was the original drummer with the Lynyrd Skynyrd. Burns was with the Southern-rock band that formed in Jacksonville's Westside in 1964 for 10 years.

Lynyrd Skynyrd
Burns performed on the band's first two official albums: Pronounced 'L?h-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd and Second Helping. According to reports, Burns became overwhelmed by life on the road and was replaced in 1974 by Artimus Pyle, three years before the plane crash that look the lives of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, band members Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick and the pilot and co-pilot.

Burns rejoined Lynyrd Skynyrd for one performance in March 2006 at the band's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

"Bob was quiet. Still a good drummer he played around in different bands and had a good time. Bob was a night owl. Up all night sleep during the day I loved him he was great," said Gene Odom a longtime friend and one time security guard for the Burns.

Skynyrd remains on tour, performing both Thursday and Friday nights at the Florida Theatre in concerts that featured complete performances of those first two albums that were recorded for future DVD release.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, SYSTEM OF A DOWN drummer John Dolmayan said in a conference call earlier this week that the band's upcoming concert in Armenia — the first time SYSTEM will ever perform in the ancestral country of its members — means more to the group than making a new album. Dolmayan explained why this was so. "This one, especially since it's culminating in Armenia, it's even more impactful for me as an Armenian and as a musician," he said. "This is more something that transcends music. This is more important than a next SYSTEM OF A DOWN album. This is something that is even bigger than the Armenian genocide itself. You know, this is a world issue and we want to help prevent what happened to the Armenians happening to other people."

The Armenian show will conclude a series of live dates around the world called the "Wake Up The Souls" tour.

SYSTEM is doing the tour to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, during which 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives at the hands of the Turkish government between 1915 and 1918. Turkey has officially denied that the atrocity took place ever since.

The tour begins on April 6 in Inglewood, California, and includes 14 dates in Europe and North and South America, culminating in Armenia in April 23, the day before the annual worldwide observation of the genocide.

SYSTEM went on hiatus in late 2006 but began touring intermittently again in 2011. As for the possibility of a new album, Dolmayan said, "We do want to get together after the tour to talk about writing, but who knows. Maybe things will happen on this tour that will inspire songs."

The new single from German rockers Double Crush Syndrome is the first recording to feature Slick Prolidol on bass. He joined Andy Brings (lead vocals, guitar) and Markus Herzog (drums) in 2014 days before the tour with Sebastian Bach (the original voice of Skid Row), replacing Aurora Steffens. Many concerts later the power trio returns with "Can't You Be Like Everyone Else" and a video featuring Stella von Monroe, Germany´s hottest underground model. 

Brings: "I´m so proud...the new one take video from my band Double Crush Syndrome featuring everybody´s favourite hot chick Stella von Monroe! Please share it if you like it. If not: don´t tell me!"

For information and updates on Double Crush Syndrome go to this location.

X-World/5, the band featuring King Diamond guitarist Andy La Rocque, ex-HammerFall bassist Magnus Rosén, and Pagan's Mind vocalist Nils K.Rue, will see their debut album New Universal Order re-released on April 7th. It was originally issued in February 2008.

“When me and Magnus first talked about doing a project we wanted to have friends from different parts of the world involved. It turned out to be a pretty interesting line-up,” says Big Swede.

The concept for the project was trying to do something new, interesting and futuristic, mixing metal, electronic soundsand powerful vocals, sometimes distorted.

“How would a metal band sound 1,000 years from now? That’s the question which started it all when me and Big Swede were discussing ideas for the project,” continues Magnus Rosen.

“I had Reeves Gabrels in my studio in LA while Andy and Magnus were doing stuff at Andy’s place outside of Gothenburg," says Big Swede. "Nils did his parts in Norway. Then me and Andy mixed half of the songs each in our own studios. It was a very easy process and because we were located in different parts of the world, it was impossible to get tired of each other and no fighting occurred (laughs)."

The complete tracklist for New Universal Order is as follows:

"Cyberchrist"
"Man Machine"
"Charge To War"
"Alien March"
"A Cryptic Message"
"Crooked Cross"
"Lunar Voyage"
"Argonaut"
"New Eden"

Band members:

Magnus Rosen (Hammerfall)
Big Swede (Refurbished, John Christ)
Reeves Gabrels (The Cure)
Andy LaRocque (King Diamond)
Nils K. Rue (Pagan’s Mind)

Germany's Aeverium recently released their full length debut album, Break Out, produced by Sander Gommans (HDK, ex-After Forever) and Amanda Somerville (Trillium, Kiske/Somerville, Avantasia). They have released a video for the first single, "Break Out", which can be viewed below:

"Break Out"
"Distrust"
"Departed"
"Heaven´s Burning (Harvest Time)"
"Endless Space"
"Do You Remember"
"The Ground Beneath Your Feet"
"Rest in Peace"
"The Other Side"
"What are You Waiting For?"
"To Live Forever"

Acoustic EP (Deluxe Edition only)
"Distrust"
"Heaven´s Burning (Harvest Time)"
"The Ground Beneath Your Feet"

Aeverium have been tapped to support Xandria for four shows on their Sacrificium European tour. Aeverium's schedule is as follows:

April
7 - Frankfurt, Germany - Nachtleben
8 - Augsburg, Germany - Spectrum
9 - Heidelberg, Germany - Schwimmbad Club
10 - Essen, Germany - Turock

Atlanta rock 'n' rollers BITERS have signed a worldwide deal with Earache Records.

Recalling the early spirit and danger of rabble-rousing rock heroes, BITERS have faithfully built upon their punk heritage and their love of '70s rock to deliver music that ignites, incites and excites in equal measure.

Possessing a heart full of rock 'n' roll, the band plays foot-stomping, fist-pumping, spit-on-the-floor anthems possessed of a fighting spirit that refuses to give in.

Band leader Tuk explains the band's outlook: "Corporate pop culture and fairweather fads is just something I'm not interested in. I still choose to play rock ‘n' roll, because I still believe in rock 'n' roll."

Earache's Dan Tobin comments: "BITERS have lit a fire under us here at Earache. Their brand of rock forces you to take part — it's so immediate, accessible and exciting that the label had to get involved. Most of all, it's completely believable — it makes you want to fight for this kind of music to be heard. There is a gang mentality with BITERS that is very strong, and we are thrilled to join forces with them."

An aura of recklessness and intimidation surrounds the BITERS mythology. Yet amongst all of the raw riffage, teethmarks and broken glass, the band serve up instant hooks and shout-a-long choruses. This ear for melody has not been lost on others — the likes of GREEN DAY have proclaimed BITERS among their favourite new bands.

BITERS' debut album for Earache, "Electric Blood", will be released on July 13. A single, "Restless Hearts", will precede the album and can be heard below.

RIOT ON MARS, the new project featuring Barry Sparks and Michael Vescera, has just released its debut album, "First Wave".

The idea for RIOT ON MARS began from a 20-year friendship between the talented rock bassist/guitarist Barry Sparks and one of metal's best vocalists, Michael Vescera. They first met when they both joined guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen's band in 1993. Barry's ability to play the intricate guitar lines on bass and Michael's top-notch vocal skills made for one of Yngwie's best lineups. Soon after, Sparks became a very-sought-after hard rock bassist and went on to work with the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, Uli Jon Roth, UFO, SCORPIONS, Ted Nugent and now B'Z. Vescera continued his successful singing and producing career, working with such acts as OBSESSION and ANIMETAL USA.

In 2013, Barry contacted Vescera and asked him to collaborate on a "great melodic hard rock album" with influences from bands like LED ZEPPELIN, DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW, THIN LIZZY, RUSH and THE WHO. Michael agreed that such a CD was long overdue and RIOT ON MARS was born.

"First Wave" is described as "a hard rockin' debut album" with "strong songs, melodic guitars and vocals and hard-hitting bass and drums. Songs such as 'Carry On', 'Out Of Sight' and 'This Is The Time' are as good as it gets!"

Upon exiting the ranks of Megadeth, the world eagerly awaited news as to what was next for Chris Broderick (guitars) and Shawn Drover (drums). The duo recently announce their worldwide signing to Metal Blade Records for their new group, Act Of Defiance, which is rounded out by Henry Derek (ex-Scar The Martyr) on vocals and Matt Bachand (Shadows Fall) on bass. They are currently recording their debut offering with world renowned producer Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed, Shadows Fall). Look for this album to be released sometime this summer.

 

 

Shawn Drover checks in with the following update:

“I think it’s due time for an update, so lets go! At this point of the recording of the new Act Of Defiance record, drums, rhythm guitars, bass are finished - guitar solos, clean guitars are pretty close to being completed, and Henry is around 70% done with vocals. The guys still have a few weeks to wrap things up as it were, before we begin to mix the record with Chris “Zeuss” Harris, for which I personally cannot wait. The finish line is not far away in terms of the recording process and all of us cannot wait for you to hear what we have been working on for the past several months.

People often ask me what does the new music sound like? I loathe putting music in a nice tiny “heavy metal sub-genre” box, so I won’t.  Like I have said from the get-go, this music is 100% pure heavy metal made purely for musical purposes. We are creating music that we totally love with hopes that others will dig it as well, which at the end of the day is all you really can try to do, IMO. Elements of thrash, progressive, traditional, dynamic - it’s all there and then some.  

We have been working with Travis Smith (Opeth, Nevermore, Overkill, Sanctuary, etc.) for our artwork, to which he has really come up with some twisted, bizarre, awesome concepts (right up my alley) which has also been very exciting.  We cannot wait to see the finished ideas, to which he will provide in due time.

We will keep you informed on things as they happen, rest assured, so until then…”

In the meantime, click of the link below for a sneak peek into a rough demo snippet of the track “Throwback.”

Broderick previously stated: "I am so excited to finally be able to announce Act Of Defiance to the world. Shawn just finished tracking drums the first week of February and his performance and tones are simply incredible. I have started tracking rhythms and leads, as well as working with Henry to get final vocal takes while Matt will record bass at his studio. The final mix and mastering will also be handled by Zeuss. I am also very honored to announce that we have signed with Metal Blade Records. There is not a better label to be on than one where the employees (and owner) still understand and listen to METAL! They have shown a loyalty, backing and drive for their artists that few other labels have. As for our music, I am really enjoying the ability to create what is a killer mix of thrash and modern metal. It has a unique combination ranging from thrash to classical influences. I am very proud of what we have written and hope that you all dig it.”

Drover added: "Having our new band, Act Of Defiance, sign with Metal Blade Records is a real thrill for me. I started my musical career with Brian Slagel and the Metal Blade family many years ago, so to come full circle at this point is a real musical home-coming, of sorts. I couldn’t be happier about that. What thrills me the most is the fact that myself, Chris Broderick, Henry Derek and Matt Bachand all have in common is that from the get-go, we wanted this band to be 100% PURE Heavy Metal! No compromises, no ulterior motives other than making the best HEAVY METAL music we can. Metal Blade shares this vision, which really puts us all on the same page, musically.”

Bachand stated: "I couldn't be more excited to begin this new adventure with Act Of Defiance. The positive energy that has collected between the four of us in such a little amount of time has been nothing short of incredible. Writing bass lines is something new for me as well, and I am looking forward to the challenge. All the songs are coming together great and I can't wait for the world to hear this."

Derek commented: "I’m extremely honored and excited to be a part of AOD. Everyone has been super cool and supportive, which is always a huge plus. I know this is going to be an awesome musical experience and the fact that I’m embarking on this journey with good people means everything. Cheers."

 

 

Brian Slagel: “I am super excited to welcome Act Of Defiance to the Metal Blade family. I have known Chris and Shawn over the years and really admired their work. I am honoured to be able to work with these two legendary musicians. Really excited to work with all the guys on this exciting new band!"

 

UK’s finest purveyors of melodic rock music, FM, will release their new studio album Heroes And Villains on April 17th in Europe and April 21st in North America. A new lyric video, for the album track, “Somedays I Only Want To Rock & Roll”, can be seen below:

Heroes And Villains is FM’s first album release since signing to Frontiers Music Srl, and follows the band’s 2014 EP, Futurama, and sell-out UK arena tour with Foreigner and Europe. FM’s UK tour kicks-off at in Bristol on Friday, May 1st, and includes dates in Wolverhampton, Portsmouth, Nottingham, Glasgow, Newcastle and Manchester, with the final night of the tour taking place at London’s O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on Sunday, May 10th and will be anticipated by the band’s eagerly awaited performance at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Trezzo sull’Adda (Milan) Italy on April 11th.

The fourth album since FM reformed in 2007, Heroes And Villains sees FM staying true to their musical legacy, offering their classic sound updated, with great songwriting and performances spiced-up by the golden voice of lead vocalist Steve Overland. Self-produced, the recording session took place at Tremolo Studios, before being mixed and mastered at Abbey Road Studios.

Looking forward to the release of Heroes And Villains, Steve Overland said, “I think we have managed to capture the best elements of what the band are about in 2015. We had great fun making the record and we are all very proud of the finished result. There are big rock anthems in tracks like “Diggin' Up The Dirt” and “Fire and Rain”, and many melodic songs with FM’s trademark hooks and vocal harmonies. There are also not one, but two ballads. One of these (“Walking With Angels”) is a stripped-down acoustic song, which is something a little different for us.”

The band’s drummer, Pete Jupp, added, “After our shows in November the band was white hot and the creative juices were in full flow, so the writing and recording process for Heroes and Villains was a prolific and painless affair. We're looking forward to getting back out on tour, straining at the leash.”

Merv Goldsworthy, FM’s bassist, agrees: “All the songs all came together really quickly and the recording of the album went without a hitch. Once we started getting the mixes back of the first few songs we knew we were onto something.  Heroes And Villains is a little rockier and a little more up tempo than Rockville, and that suits me fine! I'm really looking forward to touring this album this year - bring it on!”

Guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick confirmed what FM fans already know: “We're on a roll! Some of the tracks on this album are better than anything that the band has ever produced, and Steve’s voice is as good as ever."

Keyboard player Jem Davis, who has given the album a retro sheen by incorporating a Moog, Mellotron and a healthy dose of Hammond organ, is equally excited: “The band is on fire and the new album sounds HUGE! I think this is going to be an amazing year for FM!”

 

 

Tracklisting:

“Digging Up The Dirt”
“You're The Best Thing About Me”
“Life Is A Highway”
“Fire And Rain”
“Incredible”
“Call On Me”
“Cold Hearted”
“Shape I'm In”
“Big Brother”
“Some Days I Only Wanna Rock And Roll”
“I Want You”
“Walking With Angels”

“Life Is A Highway” lyric video:

“Digging Up The Dirt” video:

EPK:

Track by track guide to Heroes And Villains, by FM guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick:

“Digging Up The Dirt” - “A hard-edged song about tabloid sleaze. A track where the band tried to capture a 'big production' sound. We all knew that this was the album opener.”

“You're The Best Thing About Me” - “A late contender for the album by Steve that the rest of band loved immediately. It’s a great driving song that harks back to some of FM's earlier material.”

“Life Is A Highway” - “Steve brought the original idea to rehearsal and then the band all chipped in to create this inspired melodic rocker. One of the band’s favourites on Heroes And Villains.”

“Fire And Rain” - “One of the heavier, riff inspired tracks on the album.”

“Incredible” - “The big FM power ballad of the album, this is a song that Steve and Jim originally wrote and then presented to the band to get the FM treatment. The track also features a string quartet.”

“Call On Me” - “This song was originally written by Merv many years ago and was recorded at the very first session after FM reformed in 2008 at Metropolis Studios for the then untitled Metropolis album. The band was unhappy with the song until a new chorus was written last year. It’s probably the biggest chorus on the album and another great driving song!”

“Cold Hearted” - “A real team effort created this song at a rehearsal. It was the first song recorded for Heroes And Villains and originally debuted on the Futurama EP in 2014. It’s already a live favourite.”

“Shape I'm In” - “A song about a guy who falls apart after his wife/girlfriend leaves him. Power-pop with a big chorus.”

“Big Brother” - “Another heavy track about the ever-increasing Orwellian world that we live in.”

“Some Days I Only Wanna Rock And Roll” - “A fun workout inspired by a great title that Merv had. Listen out for a bit of sax at the end.”

“I Want You” - “Originally an idea of Pete's. A great fun, catchy song, definitely old-school FM, and sure to become a fan favourite.”

“Walking With Angels” - “A first for FM - no drums or bass, just acoustic guitars, a few keyboards, vocals and a string quartet. A haunting track that shows off Steve Overland's voice a treat.”

FM’s live itinerary can be found at this location.

 

 

 

Poland's AntyRadio.pl recently conducted an interview with former SLAYER and current PHILM drummer Dave Lombardo. You can now watch the chat in two parts below.

Asked if there is any truth to reports that there will be a resurrected version of Lombardo's GRIP INC. project featuring Casey Chaos from AMEN on vocals, Dave said: "No, that's not happening. I am not in AMEN, I don't play in the band AMEN, and Casey is not playing in GRIP INC.

"I believe that Gus Chambers, the [GRIP INC.] singer that died, I believe that he… You can't replace him. He's a singer… very strong. He's a very strong vocalist, and, unfortunately, he passed away, and we can't replace him. GRIP INC. is over."

GRIP INC.'s fourth studio LP, "Incorporated", was released in March 2004 through SPV Records. The follow-up to 1999's "Solidify" was recorded and mixed at Woodhouse studios in Hagen, Germany and was produced by the group's guitarist, Waldemar Sorychta (THE GATHERING, LACUNA COIL, SENTENCED, MOONSPELL).

Chambers died on October 13, 2008 at the age of 52. Initial reports indicated that he took his own life, but an inquisition report later stated that it was an accidental death caused by a mixture of medication and alcohol.

Lombardo laid down the drums on AMEN's new studio album, which is due later in the year.

Metal Blade has announced the singing of Swedish death metallers CUT UP.

CUT UP was founded in early 2014 by drummer Tobias Gustafsson and vocalist/bassist Erik Rundqvist. After disbanding VOMITORY by the end of 2013 after 24 years of death metal duty, the two felt it obvious to continue creating death metal together. Very soon, guitarist Anders Bertilsson and guitarist/vocalist Andreas Björnson were recruited and CUT UP was complete. Both Bertilsson — who was previously and most notably in COLDWORKER (2006-2013) — and Björnson — also known from FETUS STENCH — share the same musical ideals as Gustafsson and Rundqvist as well as the passion to play live.

The next months followed with hard work, writing and rehearsing, and in November 2014 they entered the studio and recorded 11 songs for the yet-untitled debut album. With the bandmembers' collective resume and repute in the metal scene, you can expect nothing but violent, catchy, groovy and grinding death metal from CUT UP.

Comments Gustafsson: "I am very happy, proud, honored and excited to team up with Metal Blade Records once again, this time with CUT UP!

"Can't stay away from playing death metal, obviously, so it feels fantastic to have this murderous ensemble together so soon after putting VOMITORY into eternal sleep.

"CUT UP is not just 'another project,' but all four members' new main band.

"We have made a debut album that we are tremendously satisfied with, both material- and production-wise. We can't wait to let you hear it!

"CUT UP aim to hit the stages as soon as the album is released, so we hope to see you all in the front row and in the pit!"

CUT UP is:

Erik Rundqvist - Vocals, BassAndreas Björnson - Vocals, GuitarAnders Bertilsson - GuitarTobias Gustafsson - Drums

Italian epic / symphonic metallers Norhod have signed a new deal with Wormholedeath for the release of their new EP which is scheduled for the spring.

The band states:

"We are very excited to announce our re-signing with Wormholedeath for the release of our new EP. In this year we worked very hard to evolve our sound and to introduce new elements and influences into our songs and we are very looking forward to make you hear them. We are very happy to work again with WHD and we are sure that together we'll do great things!"

The band is now working at Mathlab Recording Studio with producer Jonathan Mazzeo and when ready with the full tracking will fly to Canada to mix the songs with Christian Donaldson.

The new EP is set to feature six new tracks composed to enhance the band's epic approach, symphonic sound imprint and vision.

Worm Stated:

"We are really happy to have the chance to work again with Norhod. We have showed our trust in them by releasing their awesome debut album and we will continue with this new EP. The new tracks are strong and solid. I am sure that these guys will show what they are capable of through this release which will confirm their own style and conviction ...Just give them time and you will see. We were all happy when the band showed interest in working with us again and this makes us proud.  We are a good team together and we will go ahead together.
That's it."

Artwork will be once again created by Rhett Petersoo at Machine - Room.