On May 21, Jo Schüftan of Horns Up Rocks! conducted an interview with FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares (pictured). You can now listen to the chat in the YouTube below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On FEAR FACTORY's forthcoming album, "Genexus", due on August 7 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment:

"'Genexus' is 'genesis' and 'nexus' together. And genesis is, obviously, the beginning of time, and nexus is things coming together. So it's a combination of where we started from the beginning and where we are now and those things coming together. It's a full conceptual album."

"There's gonna be ten songs on the record, and, of course, there will be special packaging with bonus tracks and, of course, vinyl with bonus tracks as well."

On signing with Nuclear Blast Entertainment, which is headed up by former Roadrunner Records A&R chief Monte Conner:

"I always try to look for the next thing, go to the next level, and definitely going to Nuclear Blast Entertainment was the next level for us. Monte Conner originally signed the band back in 1991 on Roadrunner Records. So when he left there and went to Nuclear Blast and realized that we were available, he definitely approached the band. And it's been a great pleasure working with Monte again. I feel like we've got the old team back. And everything's worked out great so far."

On using a real drummer on "Genexus" compared to 2012's "The Industrialist", which was recorded with a drum machine:

"Yeah, it gives it more of a natural feeling… definitely more of a natural feeling. Obviously, when you start recording, you can add sounds and you can manipulate the sounds any way you want it to sound like. So it's kind of a hybrid between organic and digital; that's what this record sounds like. And I think that's what makes it sound really good. Albums like 'Demanufacture' and 'Obsolete' were the same type of hybrid, and that was the approach that we took on the drums on this record. Also, Deen Castronovo, the drummer of JOURNEY, actually played on one of the tracks on the album."

On the addition of new FEAR FACTORY bassist Tony Campos (STATIC-X, SOULFLY, MINISTRY, PRONG):

"We were pretty much already done with the ['Genexus'] record, and in February, we went to Australia to play this festival called the Soundwave festival, and there is where MINISTRY was playing on the same festival, so we got to hang out [together] a lot. And Tony found out that Matt DeVries wasn't gonna be playing with us any longer, because he wanted to focus on his family. So Tony found out and straight away asked me. He goes, 'Hey, man, what's going on? I heard Matt's gonna be leaving.' I'm, like, 'Yeah. Oh my God!' It's, like, he's right in front of me, and why didn't I even think to ask him? You know what I mean?! Maybe because he was doing SOULFLY or something… So when he asked me, I'm, like, 'You're in. You don't have to audition. What are you gonna do about your other bands?' And he goes, 'Well, MINISTRY's gonna be done soon. And I really wanna play with you, man.' And I'm, like, 'Okay. Fuck, you're in. That's it.' That's how quick it was decided."

"Tony's been a friend of mine since way back… back in what I call the 'backyard days.' Because the backyard days was when his band — they were called DOMINION — and my band, FEAR FACTORY, we were doing backyard shows, backyard gigs here in East L.A., in South Central Los Angeles, back when we were in our early teens — 19, 20, 21 years old — doing these shows. So I knew him from way back then. And then when he joined STATIC-X, we took STATIC-X on their first tour in the U.S. — FEAR FACTORY did. And then, obviously, we do ASESINO together, so we've been friends for quite a long time. It's like having my own brother in the band; that's how close and that's how tight we are. And, obviously, he knows the style. He was in STATiC-X, [which] had a lot of similar style of FEAR FACTORY. And, obviously, playing in bands like MINISTRY and SOULFLY and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY and PRONG, he's definitely a bass player that can pretty much adapt to whatever you throw at him — whatever band it is, he can pretty much adapt to it. And, obviously, he's in ASESINO, which is my other project, which is pretty extreme. So I already know that he can handle the picking style. So it's all good. It works out perfect."

"Genexus" was co-produced by longtime collaborator Rhys Fulber, along with Cazares and vocalist Burton C. Bell and mixed by Andy Sneap (ARCH ENEMY, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, MACHINE HEAD).

In addition to Cazares, Bell and Campos, FEAR FACTORY's current touring lineup features drummer Mike Heller.

FEAR FACTORY will hit the road this July with COAL CHAMBER.

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne recently took over Ozzy's Boneyard channel on SiriusXM satellite radio to play songs from their definitive list of "Ultimate Guitar Gods". Before playing the METALLICA song "Battery", Sharon said: "I feel like we're their parents. We've known them from when they were so young, and seeing them all grow up, have their own families… And since Robert [Trujillo, former OZZY OSBOURNE and current METALLICA bassist], who is, like… he is part of the Osbourne family. [Since] Robert Trujillo joined them, we're even more connected with them. It's family. You know, they are family. And [we have] so much respect for METALLICA. And [I] just personally love each and every one of 'em."

She added: "[METALLICA drummer] Lars [Ulrich] is a bit of a bigmouth — he needs a good slap sometimes — but we love him."

METALLICA toured as an opening act for Ozzy in 1986 while supporting its breakthrough album, "Master Of Puppets".

Back in 2008, Ulrich stated about Osbourne: "In 1986, Ozzy gave us our first break by taking us out on tour here in America, so whenever we get the call to play or hang together, of course, our response is, 'Fuck yeah! Just tell us when and where, and we'll be there."

Speaking to MTV, Trujillo said about leaving Ozzy's band to join METALLICA: "I was ecstatic about being offered the [METALLICA] job. But at the same time, in the back of my mind, there were also those feelings for Ozzy and Sharon that are so strong because they've been so important to me all these years. I have so much respect for them and they've changed my life. So as soon as I got into L.A. I called Sharon and we met later that evening and it was pretty emotional. About three or four days after that, Ozzy called me and gave me his blessings and he was very positive. He said, 'You've done well by me, lad. You've got my blessings. I'm not mad at you, Rob. You've been great, you're one of the best bass players I've ever had."

Tim Cox of German death metallers, Hackneyed, records “Now I Am Become Death” from the band’s new album, Inhabitants Of Carcosa (Silverdust Records) in the new drum play-through video below:

The album was recorded and produced by Nikita Kamprad at Tonstudio Würzburg & Staffan Karlsson at Sweetspot Satellite in Halmstad / Sweden 2014.

 

 

Inhabitants Of Carcosa tracklisting:

“The Flaw Of Flesh”
“God’s Own Creation”
“Now I Am Become Death”
“Re-Animator”
“Ashfall”
“The Tightrope”
“In Carcosa (The Yellow King)”
“Years In The Dark”
“Death Toll”
“Klown”

“Now I Am Become Death” lyric video:

Italian doom metal act, Bantoriak, have released a new video, for the track “Chant Of The Stones”, featured on the Weedooism album, out now via Argonauta Records.

 

 

Weedooism tracklisting:

“Entering The Temple”
“Lysergic Tantra”
“Try To Sleep”
“Hidden Number Two”
“Smoke The Magma”
“Chant Of The Stones”

“Chant Of The Stones” video:

“Lysergic Tantra” video:

 

Deathbound Records has joined forces with Discos Macarras for the release of Rosy Finch's first album, Witchboro.

Formed in Alicante, Spain circa 2013, Rosy Finch is a noise/stoner trio featuring members of Pyramidal (Lluís Mas) and doom metal act Hela (Mireia Porto). Their take on the stoner genre is a furious and eclectic blend of influences ranging from Sonic Youth to the Melvins showcasing brooding and atmospheric vocals laced with insidious and heavy riffs. Rosy Finch breaks out of the mold and really takes the listeners on a completely different path than the one usually expected from a genre act.

The band consists of Mireia Porto (guitar, vocals), Lluís Mas (drums and music producer) and Elena García (bass, vocals). The three met five years ago and released their debut EP, Wolves Waiting, on Aneurisma Records in May 2013. During their very short existence the band has been very busy and managed to play various festivals such as Melting Minds Fest; II Stoner Psych Fest, Valencia;  and Monkey Week 2014 to name a few. During this stretch they had the opportunity to share the stage with bands like Cabalgata Cósmica, Pyramidal, Árida, T.A.S.O.L, Horizon, and Hela. In 2014, the trio was approached by Magnetic Eye Records to cover “Foxy Lady” for a Jimi Hendrix tribute album which also features Wo Fat, Earthless, All Them Witches and more.

Rosy Finch's first studio album, Witchboro will be released by Deathbound Records (Canada) and Discos Macarras (Spain) on June 15th on CD format and all digital platforms. Vinyl will be available later this summer under Lay Bare Recordings (Netherlands).

The new album is more than just a mere musical project, it's a journey through the soundscape of Witchboro, a dark and soulless village where the occult and magic meet. The album is divided into two parts: first up is "Black Hills" and contains heavy and aggressive stoner riffage. The Second part "Sea of Trees" shifts gears and showcases more experimental pieces and surreal aural odyssey.

With its fast growing reputation as a significant player in the progressive music field, Karisma Records has today launched its own YouTube channel, which will be used to showcase its roster of bands. Launching the channel is "Wasteland" the new video from Karisma's latest signing, prog rockers Rendezvous Point.

"Wasteland" itself was released today as a single and the video can be seen below. Karisma Records’ YouTube channel can be found at this location.

Commenting on the new YouTube channel Karisma had this to say: "Right now we only have a handful of videos up, but we are aiming at having a wide-range of videos, both live and studio, where fans can come and get a taste of what Karisma Records and our bands have to offer. We are particularly keen to get fans involved in the channel too. We are always seeing fan-filmed live footage, or fan-made videos of their favourite tracks, some of which are very good, so if there is anyone out there who would like us to feature their videos of one of our bands on the Karisma Records channels, feel free to contact us through YouTube or our Facebook page at facebook.com/karismarecords.”
 
The release of the "Wasteland" single is the first collaboration between Rendezvous Point and Karisma in the run-up to the band's upcoming debut full-length album due to hit the streets in August. Hailing from the southern part of the country, Rendezvous Point boasts a lineup of musicians with considerable pedigrees. Vocals are handled by Geirmund Hansen, who many will recognise through his appearance on the Norwegian edition of The Voice, whilst the rest of the lineup consists of Petter Hallaråker on guitar (ICS Vortex, Solefald), Nicolay Tangen Svennæs on keyboard (Emilie Nicolas), Gunn-Hilde Erstad on bass and Baard Kolstad on drums. As well as being a member of bands such as Leprous, Borknagar, ICS Vortex, Abbath, God Seed, drummer Kolstad won the Roland V-Drums World Championship in California in 2012.

Rendezvous Point is set to embark on a 29-date European tour in the fall with Leprous and Sphere, in support of the new album release. Find the band’s live itinerary at this location.

 

Los Angeles-based thrashers, Mindwars, featuring former members of Holy Terror, Headcrasher and Jester Beast, is currently working on their next  album, due to come out at the end of the year via Italian label Punishment 18 Records.

The band is ready to enter in Number 8 Studio, in Torino, to begin the recording sessions. The new album is yet to be titled. Updates to follow.

Mindwars released their debut album, The Enemy Within, via Punishment 18 Records in October 2014. The entire album is streaming below:

(Photo - Robert Orsa Photography)

Hyderabad, India-based thrash/death metal band, Godless, formed in early 2015 with members of Skrypt and Shock Therapy, who have been a part of the local metal circuit for a few years now.

Godless started off as a 4-piece band without a permanent vocalist. The band are on the lookout for a vocalist to bring the music out live. They have recorded and are releasing their first single, “Infest” on May 28th at 12 PM, IST. The vocals on this song have been recorded by Sean O'Kane Connolly (ex-In Dread Response) and is being mixed by Josh Hughes.

Godless is currently working on their debut EP. Stay tuned for updates.

On Saturday, May 23, an event was held at the Hard Rock Cafe at the Seminole Casino in Tampa, Florida in connection with the new reality series in production called "Golf Rocks".

IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain, along with DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Mangini, and former MEGADETH drummer Shawn Drover, all sat in on a huge jam with members of AC/DC tribute HIGHWAY TO HELL and members of McBrain's MCBRAINIACS. HIGHWAY TO HELL last opened for Nicko's former side band MCBRAIN DAMAGE on their last short tour in 2006.

Some of the songs performed were "Wrathchild" and "Two Minutes To Midnight" (with Nicko), "Highway To Hell" (with Drover) and "War Pigs" (with Mangini).

A short clip of the "The Trooper" performance can be seen below.

Chilean metallers, Iron Spell, are streaming the opening track, “Torches In The Woods, from their first full length album, Electric Conjuring, out soon on vinyl and CD editions via Empire Records. The album artwork can be seen below:

The album will present nine new songs plus a re-recording of “Evil Gipsy”, previously released on their debut EP Heavy Metal Witchcraft.

Formed in 2013, Iron Spell are aligned with what has been called the NWOTHM or New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal; a movement that it seems to grow stronger everyday. In 2014, the band released their debut 4-song EP Heavy Metal Witchcraft (streaming below) as 7” vinyl edition through Burn Records (Sweden) and as cassette edition through Dying Victims Productions (Germany).

 

 

Heavy Metal Witchcraft EP tracklisting:

“Heavy Metal Witchcraft”
“Midnight Fire”
“Revelation”
“Evil Gipsy”

Heavy Metal Witchcraft Full Demo:

Their upcoming album will be engineered and co-produced by TJ Jones of Beyond the Garage Studios (Florida).  The band describes the new material as a worthy follow up of their debut EP; a collection of ten stories of the occult and supernatural framed in a raw traditional heavy metal style.

 

 

Iron Spell is:

Kaco The Merciless (vocals)
Steelhammer (drums)
Rocko Van Roman (bass)
Fire Jack (guitars)
Jason Ghost (guitars)

 

 

“I've Had Enough (Into The Fire)”:

 

After concluding their spring 2015 DK-tour, with immense positive feedback and a great turnout, Copenhagen, Denmark-based metallers, Spitanger, are now entering the studio. Over the summer they will finish their first full-length album with new singer Mario Giovagnoli.

Since it will be a while until the next live show, they have decided to release a live video, featuring a new track, “Tales From Reality”, from the upcoming album. The video was filmed during the last concert at the venue Stengade18 in Copenhagen, on this years DK-tour.

The new album is set to be released around November 1st, and the band have announced  that they have signed a promotion deal with Danish Music Agency TRÅD, who will be handling all marketing and promotion relating to the album and onwards.

Stay tuned for updates.

Fan-filmed video footage of TRIPTYKON performing the song "Tree Of Suffocating Souls" on May 23 at Maryland Deathfest in Baltimore, Marylan can be seen below.

TRIPTYKON's second album, "Melana Chasmata", was released on April 15, 2014 (one day earlier internationally). The CD was made available through a collaboration between TRIPTYKON's own label, Prowling Death Records Ltd., and renowned metal giant Century Media Records. This is the same label partnership responsible for CELTIC FROST's final album, "Monotheist" (2006), HELLHAMMER's "Demon Entrails" demo compendium (2008), and TRIPTYKON's debut album, "Eparistera Daimones", and "Shatter" EP (2010).

Like its predecessor "Eparistera Daimones", the album was produced by Warrior and guitarist V. Santura and recorded and mixed at V. Santura's own Woodshed Studio in southern Germany as well as at TRIPTYKON's rehearsal facilities in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2013 and 2014.

TRIPTYKON consists of V. Santura (guitar, vocals), Norman Lonhard (drums, percussion), Vanja Slajh (bass, vocals), and Tom Gabriel Warrior (voice, guitars).

Video footage of GIRLSCHOOL's May 22 performance at Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California can be seen below.

GIRLSCHOOL is touring North America for the first time in 20 years, reclaiming its rightful place as the hardest-rocking bunch of females to ever destroy a stage. Support on the trek is coming from CRUCIFIED BARBARA, OLD JAMES and VELVET BLACK.

GIRLSCHOOL is previewing tracks from its new album, "Guilty As Sin", set for release later this summer via UDR Music and, as a special treat, is selling a special-edition EP, "Propaganda!", featuring two songs from the new album ("Take It Like A Band" and "Come, The Revolution"), as well as revisiting two tracks from their classic "Hit And Run" album in the form of re-recorded versions of "Kick It Down" and "Watch Your Step". Rounding out the EP, which is limited to 300 copies, is the girls' blistering cover of the BEE GEES classic "Staying Alive".

Both "Propaganda!" and "Guilty As Sin" were helmed by legendary producer Chris Tsangarides (JUDAS PRIEST, THIN LIZZY, ANVIL).

Tsangarides previously had a brief cooperation with GIRLSCHOOL on the 1983 "1-2-3-4 Rock And Roll" EP.

GIRLSCHOOL's current lineup consists of singer/guitarist Kim McAuliffe, guitarist Jackie Chambers, bassist Enid Williams and drummer Denise Dufort.

The new SKID ROW lineup — featuring former TNT singer Tony Harnell — made its live debut this past Friday, May 22 at Living Sky Casino in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Fan-filmed video footage of the second show of the tour — which took place Saturday night (May 23) at Dakota Dunes Casino in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada — can be seen below.

As previously reported, SKID ROW has re-recorded its classic song "18 And Life" with Harnell. The new version of the track can now be streamed and downloaded for free using the ReverbNation widget below.

In a recent interview with Canadian rock journalist Mitch Lafon of the "One On One With Mitch Lafon" podcast, SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan stated about the band's split with singer Johnny Solinger after fifteen years: "It was evident [that it was time for us to go our separate ways]. There were certain things going on out on the road that kind of set us thinking… Things had been going on for a little bit."

He continued: "At certain times, you just get the feeling someone isn't putting a hundred percent into things. And SKID ROW is very important to the rest of us. And we wanted to carry on with quality performances and quality songs, so we decided to make a change."

Regarding how Tony Harnell came to be SKID ROW's new singer, Rachel said: "We've known Tony for years — literally, probably since the beginning of our career. And although I wasn't a big TNT fan, I was a Tony Harnell fan, as [were SKID ROW guitarists] Snake [Dave Sabo] and Scott [Scotti Hill]."

He continued: "When we made the decision to ourselves that we were gonna start looking, Tony's name came up. And I was, like, man, it's so funny, 'cause a couple of years ago, I was up in New Jersey for Christmas and I met with Tony in New York and I had dinner with him and another friend. And we just started talking. And he's, like… He goes… We'd known each for a long time, but at that point we hadn't spoken for a while. He's, like, 'I hear you guys are doing good things. How's it going?' I said, 'It's going pretty cool.' He goes, 'Man, you guys should have called me when you got a new singer [back in 1999].' And I guess that kind of popped up in the back of my head when we knew we were gonna make a change. And we immediately got in touch with Tony."

Asked if SKID ROW is working with Harnell on a "trial" basis or if Tony is "the guy" for the long haul, Rachel said: "He's the guy. I mean, that's where we're at in our heads. It's not a temporary thing. But, you know… [laughs] if get gets sick of us and leaves, then that'll be a different situation. But things are going really well now. And we're very excited. We're very excited about our future, very excited about getting on the road."






Free Electronic Press Kits template from ReverbNation.com

Thrawsunblat, the blackened folk metal brainchild of former Woods Of Ypres guitarist Joel Violette and Immortal Bird vocalist/drummer Rae Amitay, have checked in with the following update:

"Hey folks, been a little while! We've locked ourselves underground and have been working on the album non-stop. We're happy to announce that Adam Gillis, who provided us with the new Thrawsunblat logo last year, will be contributing his talents to the album art of Thrawsunblat III: Metachthonia. Beyond stoked for you folks to see.

Also, Lost Forty Recordings is releasing (first album) Canada 2010 on vinyl! Honoured to be part of this with such heavyweights as Falls Of Rauros and Waldgeflüster. Special thanks to Austin Lunn and HammerHeart Brewing Company for making us a part of this.

For details, follow this link."

Thrawsunblat released their second album, Wanderer On The Continent Of Saplings, on March 13th, 2013. A full length clip of the song "Once Foreveined" has been posted online and is available for streaming below:

 

The tracklist for Wanderer On The Continent Of Saplings is as follows: 

"Lifelore Revelation"
"Once Fireveined"
"We, The Torchbearers"
"Goose River (Mourners' March)'"
"Bones In The Undertow"
"Wanderer On The Continent Of Saplings"
"Maritime Shores"
"View Of A Million Trees"
"Borea (Pyre Of A Thousand Pine)"
"Elegy Across the Silence"
"Song Of The Nihilist"
"I Am the Viator'"

Violette reprised his role as songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist for the album, and enlisted Rae Amitay and Brendan Hayter to handle drums and bass respectively. The pair was chosen to complete the Woods of Ypres line-up for the band's European tour in support of Woods 5: Grey Skies And Electric Light. Unfortunately, the tragic passing of David Gold put an end to those plans, but drummer Rae Amitay says, "Thrawsunblat II is an incredibly special way for the three of us to create music together. It's an amazing project, and I'm honoured that Joel has chosen us to be a part of it." 

Thrawsunblat II was recorded in July and August, in studios in both Canada and the United States. The band's first official release - the Canada 2010 "demo" - is still available via BandCamp.com. Go to this location to check out audio samples and to purchase. 

Frontiers Music Srl has announced the release of the House Of Lords' tenth studio album, aptly entitled Indestructible, on June 3 in Europe and June 7 in North America. The band is streaming a new track, "Salt Of Pillar" and is streaming below.

The new album shows once again what House Of Lords stands for: powerful and heavy songs, with major hooks and melodies and grandiose arrangements. “The name Indestructible was chosen because we all felt that we have been through a lot in our long careers and what better way to say, ‘Hey, I'm still here’, than by giving the CD a BOLD title,” says singer James Christian.

Indestructible features eleven brand new songs, which masterfully combine the best of heavy and melodic hard rock. “The album is heavier in the beginning, but we love songs that are both melodic and heavy” continues Christian, “and the idea was to fill the best of both on one cd without sounding like two different bands. I think we have accomplished that. A good example would be the song “Pillar Of Salt" especially gives a good representation of how the new album sounds: a combination of heavy, melodic, and thoughtful lyrics. This song is one of my favorites!”

Besides being House Of Lords tenth studio album, the new record sees the new lineup celebrating their first ten years together. “It is amazing to work with BJ, Chris and Jimi” tells James Christian, “they are all very aware of what House Of Lords represents and they are committed to making records that complement the history of the band. No matter which House Of Lords album you listen to, there is a common thread, which comes from the fact that the four of us are musically in sync. This is the real reason why we have been able to produce records of this calibre”.

House Of Lords will exclusively appear at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Trezzo (MI) next Sunday, April 12th and start a European tour in September, with a very special surprise show to be announced soon. More details soon.

Indestructible tracklisting:

“Go To Hell”
“Indestructible”
“Pillar Of Salt”
“100 Mph”
“Call My Bluff”
“We Will Always Be One”
“Die To Tell”
“Another Dawn”
“Eye Of The Storm”
“Ain't Suicidal”
“Stand And Deliver”

"Pillar Of Salt":

Video "Go To Hell":

EPK:

House Of Lords lineup:

James Christian – Lead Vocals
Jimi Bell - Guitars
Chris McCarvill – Bass
BJ Zampa - Drums

 

The Rock Hard Festival is currently taking place in Gelsenkirchen, Germany and Kreator is set to hit the stage at 3:30pm EST and the live stream of the show can be seen at this location.

Performing earlier in the day was Avatarium, Kataklysm, Sanctuary, and Doro.

Tomorrow’s schedule (all times Eastern daylight time):

Refuge 10:30am - 11:30am
Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock 12:00pm - 1:10pm
Overkill 1:40pm - 3:00pm
Black Star Riders 3:30pm - 5:00pm

IN THIS MOMENT's Maria Brink joined PAPA ROACH on stage once again on May 22 at the Rocklahoma festival in Pryor, Oklahoma to recreate her duet with Jacoby Shaddix on the new PAPA ROACH single, "Gravity". Fan-filmed video footage of her appearance can be seen below.

PAPA ROACH recently released an official video for the song, which appears on the group's latest album, "F.E.A.R." Shaddix said about the inspiration for "Gravity": "'Gravity' is my testament to show other couples who may be going through a damaged relationship that they really can get through it. My wife is my gravity… straight up." He added in a separate interview with Loudwire: "I always want to put myself out there in the music and this song just more so than really ever. It doesn't really necessary paint me in the best picture as far as the cliché rock guy gives himself to the rock and roll excesses story. But we went through that in our relationship. I failed as a husband, as a father, as a lover, as a friend to her and I just wanted to write a song about that brokenness and how somehow she sees something in me that I didn't see in myself at times. She loved me when I couldn't love myself."

PAPA ROACH bassist Tobin Esperance told Billboard.com that Brink appeared on the track since she happened to be in the same studio while PAPA ROACH was recording "F.E.A.R." "It just worked out that we had this song," he said. "The idea came around when we got to the chorus about having a guest vocalist, and man, Maria was just perfect."

Shaddix told Loudwire: "We went into the record knowing that we wanted to have Maria on a song, we just had to decide what song it was, and we decided, band and producers, that we didn't want to have her on a song that was traditional, heavy hard rock. I think it would be cool to have her on something different. So 'Gravity' revealed itself. She came over, checked the track out, really liked it and lyrically understood the track, gets the track and wrote lyrics from my wife's perspective. She laid it down. She killed it."

PAPA ROACH and Brink will have more opportunities to perform the song when the two groups hit the road together, along with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and FROM ASHES TO NEW, starting September 4 in Lexington, Kentucky.

Due to the continued inclement weather in Pryor, Oklahoma, the organizers of this weekend's Rocklahoma festival have canceled the rest of the performances scheduled for Saturday night (May 23), including those by LINKIN PARK and VOLBEAT. The organizers say in a statement: "We want all our patrons to stay safe, so if you are on-site camping, we encourage you to stay at your campground. We will continue to monitor the weather and will have more information regarding tomorrow's performances in the morning."

Tornadic storms with heavy rainfall pushing through eastern Oklahoma on Saturday evening have caused widespread flash flooding in the area.

Mayes County Emergency Management director Johnny Janzen told PryorDailyTimes.com: "In a tornado situation, they typically tell you not to get in your vehicle. However, there are no substantial structures at Rocklahoma that will house everyone. Metal poles make tents an unsafe option in the presence of lightning. So, really, your vehicle may be the safest option."

There are an estimated 30,000 people attending the festivities on each day of the three-day event.

This year's Rocklahoma was scheduled to feature about 80 current and classic rock acts, including TESLA, GODSMACK, SLAYER, BREAKING BENJAMIN, PAPA ROACH, HALESTORM, QUEENSRŸCHE and ANTHRAX.

Photo: #Rocklahoma weather delay. #TheHuntingPartyTour pic.twitter.com/C0KAb6QtvI

— LPLive (@lplive) May 24, 2015

British epic power metallers DRAGONFORCE will release their debut DVD, "In The Line Of Fire", on July 10 via Metal Blade. Shot in high definition during the band's show at 2014’s Loud Park festival at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan, the DVD was filmed using nine camera angles to capture the raw energy of DRAGONFORCE's show and instrumental dexterity for which they are rightly celebrated worldwide.

The track listing for "In The Line Of Fire" contains a mixture of new songs from DRAGONFORCE's latest album, "Maximum Overload", and foot-stomping anthems and lightning-fast shred-fests from previous releases.

"In The Line Of Fire" track listing:

01. Fury Of The Storm02. Three Hammers03. Black Winter Night04. Tomorrow's Kings05. Seasons06. Symphony Of The Night07. Cry Thunder08. Ring Of Fire09. Through The Fire And The Flames10. Valley Of The Damned

A trailer for "In The Line Of Fire" can be found below. Also available is the DVD artwork.

DRAGONFORCE is in the middle of the "Maximum Overload" world tour, which commenced in September 2014 and is due to conclude in 2016.

Commented DRAGONFORCE guitarist Herman Li: "We always held the opinion that if we ever did a DVD, we wanted to do it properly. Now, having released six studio albums, we thought we had a great cross section of material to pick from and we knew the facilities at Loud Park made it a great place to film a show. Everything just came together and we’re very pleased with the results and hope the fans will be also."

"Maximum Overload" was released in August 2014 in North America via Metal Blade and in Europe through earMUSIC, the Hamburg, Germany-based international rock label which is part of Edel Group. The CD was recorded at Fascination Street studios in Örebro, Sweden with Jens Bogren, who has previously worked with OPETH, THE DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, AMON AMARTH, KATATONIA, SOILWORK and SYMPHONY X, to name a few. It marks the band's first-ever album involving an outside producer, having historically opted to record themselves in association with Karl Groom.

U.D.O., the German metal band led by former ACCEPT frontman Udo Dirkschneider, will release a new DVD/2CD titled "Navy Metal Night" on July 31 in Europe and August 18 in the U.S. via AFM.

In February 2014, U.D.O. played a very special sold out show, accompanied by a German navy orchestra (Marinemusikkorps Nordsee). The symphonic sound of the orchestra and the choir merged with the songs of U.D.O. and made the evening a unique unforgettable experience for the audience.

This bombastic live event will now be made available for all fans of U.D.O., either on DVD or Blu-ray plus two CDs. And at this year's Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken. Germany, the unique musical collaboration can be seen live on stage again, this time with the German Federal Armed Forces Orchestra.

"I was simply overwhelmed by the whole event; it's like a dream came true," Udo said. "It’s really more than words can say. This DVD will be something special to me, definitely a highlight of my career."

"Navy Metal Night" was produced by Mattes and Björn Schlüter and co-produced by Udo Dirkschneider. It was mixed by Mattes and Björn at Redhead Studio A in Wilhelmshaven and mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark.

After more than 13 years hiatus, Pyogenesis is to release a new studio album on August 14 via AFM Records.

Flo Von Schwarz (Pyogenesis): “The best about metal are the people: I know Jochen (Richert, AFM Records) for more than 20 years, and with him and the whole AFM team I made the right choice.”

24 years, Pyogenesis means tours and fans all around the globe, playing in front of 560,000 people in Hungary, performances at Rock am Ring /Rock im Park or Wacken and #1 in MTV’s viewer charts. Besides that, the band co-invented the genre gothic metal in the early 90s.

But 24 years Pyogenesis also means 13 years without a new album and 10 years without shows. Now, this break is finally over. After their sold out comeback show in Romania, the band will release their 6th album in summer. With A Century In The Curse Of Time, the four-piece around mastermind Flo V. Schwarz is returning to their roots, recording not only the heaviest, but also the most epic and ambitious album in the band’s history. It’s their first concept album ever: The lyrical theme is about the change of society in the 19th century under the influence of the industrialization, the steam-engine, the emerging bourgeoisie and science fiction literature such as Jules Verne.

Pyogenesis will play as one of the top acts at this year‘s Summer Breeze Festival (August 12 -15) in Dinkelsbühl/Germany.

Thrashened black metal unit Frosthelm has released the official video for Silent And Dark, The Everlasting Sky. The song comes from new album The Endless Winter.

The Endless Winter is out now on Matt Hyde's Black Work (Alkemy Brothers).

A vile brew of black/thrash metal, The Endless Winter is abundant with punishingly memorable riffs, melodic frostbitten savagery, and plague infused revulsion down to its frozen core. Guitarist Dakota L. Irwin describes the album as "bitter, dark, angry and disgusted." Tracked at Clear Lake Recording Studios in Los Angeles during July 2014, The Endless Winter was produced and engineered by Eric Milos and Alec Schneider. Drum engineering was handled by Sir Robert Kramer at Mekoche Studios in Bismarck, ND. Mixing and mastering duties were helmed by Matt Hyde (Slayer, Skeletonwitch, Kreator). Artwork by Raymond Swanland. 

Greyhaze Records has announced that three classic reissues from the Brazilian black metal Underground are now available for purchase. Included are Mystifier's Goetia (CD and 2LP), Vulcano's Bloody Vengeance (CD/DVD), and Impurity's Into the Ritual Chamber (CD).

The audio for each of the albums has been carefully restored and dynamically remastered. Each release has been repackaged in a way that honors the original artwork.  All three titles can be purchased at this location.

Visit the Greyhaze Records Bandcamp page for complete album streams of all three reissues.

(Top pic - Mystifier)

A promo teaser from Disaster Strikes Back, the new thrashers Bloodrocuted’s full-length album, is available. The new album was released in March 30 by Punishment 18 Records. Artwork was created by artist Mario Lopez (Game Over, Sabbat, Warstorm, Sofisticator, Repulsor, Axe Battler).

 

Lineup:

Daan Swinnen – bass
Gaetan De Vos – drums
Bob Briessinck – guitars, vocals
Jason Bond – guitars

Punishment 18 Records has announced that on May 25 they will re-release the album Near Death Experience by Cro-Mags, which is never been repressed before thereafter its first original release in 1993 by Century Media Records.

With this full-length album the band Cro-Mags represents a classical example of what the first ‘80s American hardcore movement means, approach themselves to sounds close to thrash metal, mixing the two different styles and giving new inspirations to the next future bands.

Tracklisting:

“Say Goodbye To Mother Earth”
“Kali-Yuga”
“War On The Streets”
“Death In The Womb”
“Time I Am”
“Reflections”
“Near Death Experience”
“The Other Side Of Madness”

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