Progressive Canadian heavies Neck Of The Woods have released their self-titled debut EP. The EP can be streamed and purchased at Bandcamp.

Neck Of The Woods' EP Release Party will be held May 30 at the Astoria Pub in Vancouver, BC at which the band will be selling both the vinyl and CD versions of the EP. The 12" vinyl LP is packaged with a digital download card. The gig will also feature Witch Of The Waste, Astrakhan, Quartered, and Of Modern Architecture.

Tracklisting:

“Disavow”
“Left Behind”
“Trap Door”
“I Know Where I’ll Bury You”
“Torch”
“Two Smokes”

Next week, the Los Angeles-based extreme shred powerhouse Exmortus – who spent much of 2014 on tour with Dark Tranquillity, Destruction, Krisiun, Arsis and Flotsam And Jetsam, among others – will return to Sharkbite Studios with producer Zack Ohren (Suffocation, Immolation) to begin tracking their sophomore album for Prosthetic Records. The follow-up to last year's Slave To The Sword, expected out this fall, will feature new bassist Michael Cosio (ex-Abysmal Dawn) alongside the band's existing core of Conan (vocals/guitars), Mario Moreno (drums) and David Rivera (guitars).

Moreno announced, "2014 was a great year for Exmortus and the campaign for Slave To The Sword has been relentless since its release. This year has been a little quiet for us but with good reason. We're excited to announce that we'll be entering the studio at the end of this month to once again record with the mighty Zack Ohren. Zack did a phenomenal job on Slave To The Sword and we're ready to record some more bone-crushing, face-melting shred for you all!"

Exmortus, who recently performed at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA during an LA KISS arena football game, have also announced a slew of new tour dates. After appearing at Prosthetic's West Coast Metal Meeting in suburban Los Angeles alongside labelmates Spellcaster and Holy Grail on July 11, the band will continue on to join forces with fellow Angelenos Kyng.

Says Moreno, "Not many people are aware of our history with Kyng, but it goes back years! The guys in Kyng helped Exmortus get some of our very first shows, and many years later we're finally taking the package on the road. This tour is gonna be heavy!"

Upcoming tour dates:

July
10 – Fullerton, CA – Riff Haus
11 – Glendale, CA – The Complex (Prosthetic Showcase)
15 – Denver, CO – Marquis at The Parkway
17 – Chicago, IL – Double Door
21 – Kansas City, MO – Aftershocklive Musicvenue
22 – Colorado Springs, CO – The Black Sheep
24 – Tucson, AZ – The Flycatcher

Necrostable Records has announced that Enthral has agreed to release their sophomore album The Mirror`s Opposite End (1998) digitally through the label.

The release date is today (May 22), and will be available on all major stores, such as Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon.

The Mirror`s Opposite End was originally released by the now defunct Hot Records, and the CD is out of print.

The album features nine tracks of dark and atmospheric black metal. Founding members Kjetil Hektoen and Gunnhild Bratset are the only remaining members of this line-up. For those familiar with their later albums will for sure hear the evolution from the ‘90s black metal sound to the present day chaotic darkness.

Tracklisting:

“When The Sky Touched The Earth”
“In Passion Swept”
“Weltschmerz”
“The Sins Of Man”
“Salvation Mother”
“Monochrome”
“The 9th Sphere”
“Call Of The Horned Piper – The Sabbat Song”
“The Leper Play”

The Mirror’s Opposite End is available for purchase and streaming at Bandcamp.

Los Angeles-based cyber metallers FEAR FACTORY have set "Genexus" as the title of their ninth studio album, due on August 7 worldwide via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The follow-up to 2012's "The Industrialist" was co-produced by longtime collaborator Rhys Fulber, along with guitarist Dino Cazares and vocalist Burton C. Bell and mixed by Andy Sneap (ARCH ENEMY, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, MACHINE HEAD).

Says Cazares: "The sensation of finalizing our newest album is one of relief and joy, wrapped within a massive whirlwind of excitement.

"We really feel this is a very special FEAR FACTORY album. While being careful not to replicate ourselves, this album still has a very classic FEAR FACTORY vibe that we feel will appease both old and new fans. The aggressive, melodic and industrial elements are all intact and shine more than ever.

"Burt and I produced the album with Rhys Fulber co-producing. Damien Rainuad and Giuseppe Bassi handled most of the keys and pre-production. We also enlisted the masterful metallic skills of Andy Sneap for an amazing mixing job!

"We would like to thank everyone who has been a big part in the making of this record. We can't wait for everybody to hear it."

Speaking about what FEAR FACTORY is trying to accomplish with its forthcoming album, the band's first since signing with Nuclear Blast, Cazares said: "It's still just to be who we are. We are 'cyber metal,' whatever you wanna call it, but it's still a lot of the killer riffs, killer double bass, Burt's beautiful, melodic vocals. Conceptually, it's always still futuristic, man-versus-machine type of thing, but, you know, we thought we're gonna keep it real, keep it what we are and who we are."

Asked about how it feels to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of FEAR FACTORY's classic "Demanufacture" album in 2015 with only two members of the band's classic lineup remaining in the group, Dino said: "The two main members are in the band right now. The soul of the machine is still intact, and that's me and Burton. And I don't think anything has changed, really."

He continued: "Every album we do always has to have something a little different. From the beginning, from the first album, 'Soul Of A New Machine', it was very death metal inspired, [with] a little bit of industrial. The second album, 'Demanufacture', the classic album… Every record changes. 'Obsolete' was a big difference, you know what I mean?! But my right hand is still there, the passion is still there, Burt's killer melodic vocals are still there. So I think that's all that matters."

In an interview with Silver Tiger Media, Bell stated about the new FEAR FACTORY album: "It's classic FEAR FACTORY sound, the sound that fans have always expected, but I think because we are taking our time, the songs are really well crafted. Without losing the edge or the angst. Without losing the essence of FEAR FACTORY, but they are well-crafted songs." Asked if there is a particular subject focus of the album, Bell said: "It's based on science-fiction, essentially futuristic concepts. It's bringing the concept of man versus machine around again, but this time, the way I'm thinking about the machine is that it's fully cognitive and fully understands where its place is and what it needs to do. So the machine has very human qualities now."

FEAR FACTORY recently parted ways with bassist Matt DeVries (previously of CHIMAIRA, where he played guitar, and SIX FEET UNDER and replaced him with Tony Campos (ex-SOULFLY, STATIC-X, PRONG, MINISTRY).

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. Tickets go on sale everywhere on Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m. local time.

Photo credit: Kevin Estrada

Multi-national metal maestro's DragonForce have announced the worldwide release of their debut DVD entitled In The Line Of Fire. The release is scheduled for July 10 and features high definition footage shot during the band's Ultimate Stage headline show at 2014's Loud Park Festival in the Saitama Super Arena, Japan, the band used multiple camera angles to capture the raw energy of their show and instrumental dexterity for which they are rightly celebrated worldwide.

The tracklisting below features a selection of new songs from the latest album Maximum Overload mixed in with foot stomping anthems and lightning fast shred-fests from previous releases. The video also includes backstage, behind the scenes, and off tour footage to give fans an insight into the Maximum Overload World Tour. Preorders are being taken at MetalBlade.com.

In The Line Of Fire tracklisting:

“Fury Of The Storm”
“Three Hammers”
“Black Winter Night”
“Tomorrow’s Kings”
“Seasons”
“Symphony Of The Night”
“Cry Thunder”
“Ring Of Fire”
“Through The Fire And The Flames”
“Valley Of The Damned”
“Defenders” (CD only bonus track)

Trailer:

Mix and mastered by Damien Rainaud in Los Angeles, CA. Produced and edited by Herman Li.

DragonForce are currently on the Maximum Overload World Tour, which commenced in September 2014 and is due to conclude in 2016. Throughout their six studio album and multiple world tour history, DF has steadfastly refused to shoot a DVD, until now. Guitarist Herman Li explains, "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."

A snapshot of the DVD can be seen by checking out the just released second music video from Maximum Overload; a storming version of “Three Hammers” which was shot at the same show.

The release will be a double disc package of the DVD and accompanying Live Audio CD of the show and will also be available in Blu-Ray.

Tour dates:

May
22 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Civic Theatre
23 - Lake Buena Vista, FL - House of Blues

Cryptopsy have released a 45-second teaser video for their forthcoming EP, The Book Of Suffering: Tome 1. Tome 1 is the first in a planned series of EPs collectively titled The Book of Suffering. Check out the teaser video below:

Three years after their self-titled album, Cryptopsy will release a series of EPs entitled The Book of Suffering. This approach will allow the band to put out new music more often while remaining true to their standards of quality.

After being on a record label for their entire career, Cryptopsy decided to go independent in 2012. Supported by their fans, Cryptopsy distributed and sold thousands of albums across the globe and had the opportunity to tour Japan, Western and Eastern Europe, the UK, South America, Scandinavia and Canada. They are now embarking on a crowd funding campaign that will allow them to give their fans more in terms of videos and enhanced live show production.

Cryptopsy's crowdfunding campaign is open with exclusive t-shirts, girly tank tops, hoodies, CDs and vinyls. In addition to the more traditional merchandise, they are offering signed Flo Mounier cymbals, online lessons with each band member, guest performances and a song mix by their guitarist and sound engineer Chris Donaldson. For those who are interested in memorabilia, they are offering stage banners that have been used since 2012. Cryptopsy's $20,000 goal will fund the recording, mixing and mastering of The Book of Suffering Tome 1, as well as produce artwork, a music video and stage banners. Additional rewards such as a play-through video, a tour documentary and more music will be unlocked for all backers if they surpass their goal.

Cryptopsy have stated: "We hope that every extreme metal fan will be exposed to The Book of Suffering Tome 1. We are extremely proud of the material; it is some of the most brutal, technical and fresh music we have ever created."

Crowdfunding details can be found at this location.

Crowdfund Pitch Video:

Cryptopsy will premiere a song from The Book of Suffering Tome 1 on the Back to the US 2015 tour with Disgorge, Erimha, Soreption and The Convalescence. The tour runs through June 1st.

 

 

Tour dates:

May
22 - Miami, FL - Churchill’s
23 - Pensacola, FL - The Handlebar
24 - San Antonio, TX - Korova
25 - Austin, TX - Dirty Dog
26 - Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey
27 - Kansas City, MO - Riot Room
28 - Des Moines, IA - Val Air Ballroom
29 - Crest Hill, IL - Bada Brew
30 - Cudahy, WI - Metal Bar
31 - Cleveland, OH - Agora

Tour trailer:

New Hampshire-based metallers, Vattnet Viskar, have launched a new video for “Impact”, the third single from their upcoming sophomore album, Settler. The clip was made by multimedia artist, Josh Graham (ex-Neurosis, Soundgarden), who also created the band’s “Breath Of The Almighty”, “Settler” and “Colony” videos.

Nick Thornbury (guitar/vocals) comments: "This song is a good summary of the huge highs and lows that the album deals with."

The album artwork was created by multimedia artist, Josh Graham (ex-Neurosis, Soundgarden), who also created the video for "Breath Of The Almighty", from the band's Sky Swallower album.

Settler tracklisting:

“Dawnlands”
“Colony”
“Yearn”
“Impact”
“Glory”
“Heirs”
“Settler”
“Coldwar”

“Yearn”

“Colony”:

“Settler”:

 
Settler will be out June 16th in North America (June 29th in Europe) via Century Media Records. The album was recorded at Earth Analog Studios in Champaign, IL with producer Sanford Parker (Minsk, Voivod).

 
Vattnet Viskar is:  

Nick Thornbury - Guitar/Vocals
Chris Alfieri - Guitar
Seamus Menihane - Drums
Casey Aylward - Bass

New Jersey progressive metal masters SYMPHONY X will release their ninth studio album, titled "Underworld", on July 24 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The official lyric video for the CD's opening track, "Nevermore", can be seen below.

SYMPHONY X has triumphed, creating a panoramic "album rock" experience in an era cursed with diminishing attention spans.

"This new one is about the song, really crafting each one on its own, to be as strong as it could be," says guitarist Michael Romeo, chief writer in the band, and proprietor of The Dungeon, the tricked-out studio in which the album was crafted, newly equipped with the latest in technology required to execute the band’s famous symphonic and orchestrated touches.

"Musically, 'Underworld' has things reminiscent of the bands previous albums but this one definitely has its own individuality," he continues. "Every element added was in service of the song, so the album flows and becomes a total listening experience from start to finish. Every song is to the point and fine-tuned, with us paying a lot of attention to the hooks, voices, riffs, and keeping the interest and the energy high for the entire record. It is heavy and aggressive as fuck when it needs to be, yet soaring and emotional at other times. I think the balance is just right. It had to have all the elements of what we normally would do, just tweaked up a notch and really fine-tuned."

Michael adds: "You know, industry people have talked about how we'll never see a complete album again, and that idea. I wanted to defend the reputation of the album, and really try to make 'Underworld' worth listening to as a whole record. It's what I love about great individual songs, but still an album experience.

"I don't want to sound like I'm preaching, but it was a point we wanted to make. It was about the progression of the whole record. It speeds up here and then it dips down here. It all makes sense together, it all works together and it all flows together."

Although "Underworld" is not a concept album, Michael says, "Like the last couple of records, there's a theme that carries through, without it being storytelling.

"We try to find something to key in on and get the juices flowing, and here the goal was to find something a little dark but with emotional content. I started looking at Dante, and Orpheus in the underworld, where he's going to go to Hades or hell to save this girl. So there's the theme of going to hell and back for something or someone you care about."

Heavily inspired by the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, "Underworld" draws on the themes from "Divine Comedy" most notably the part on "Inferno". As homage to Dante's use of the number 3 and its multiples, the band utilizes this motif in its music either in a lyrical or melodic context. The first song on the album is a three-syllable, three-note melodic phrase, and in the verses there are three references to three songs on the bands third album, "The Divine Wings Of Tragedy". "There's cool shit like this all over the record," Romeo reports.

For the "Underworld" cover art, SYMPHONY X went with their established illustrator Warren Flanagan (Watchmen", "The Incredible Hulk", "2012") who similarly tapped into the "secret knowledge" vibe Michael and band embedded in the record.

"Warren went with the masks, similar to the first record," explains Romeo. "But when I discussed with him Dante and the underworld, he did his own research and designed a little symbol for each of the nine circles of hell. So there are these little geometric symbols that mean something. That's just what he does. He gets in there and finds these things that maybe no one really besides us knows what it means and yet it has meaning."

"Underworld" track listing:

01. Overture02. Nevermore03. Underworld04. Without You05. Kiss Of Fire06. Charon07. Hell And Back08. In My Darkest Hour09. Run With The Devil10. Swansong11. Legend

SLAYER has set "Repentless" as the title of its new album, due worldwide on Friday, September 11 via Nuclear Blast. The long-awaited follow-up to 2009's "World Painted Blood" marks the first time SLAYER has worked with producer Terry Date (PANTERA, SOUNDGARDEN, DEFTONES). It is also SLAYER's first CD since drummer Paul Bostaph's return to the band in 2013 and guitarist Gary Holt's addition to the SLAYER touring lineup in 2011.

SLAYER guitarist Kerry King told RollingStone.com that he began writing songs for "Repentless" when he found out that the band's co-founding axeman, Jeff Hanneman, had come down with the flesh-eating bacteria, necrotizing fasciitis, in 2011, and subsequently had to take a break from the band. "We anticipated he'd maybe be working on some stuff with us, but we didn't know that for sure, so I just started working on stuff," King said. "Whether I had worked on half a SLAYER record and had eight songs for something else I could do with my friends, so be it. It turns out, Jeff passed, so all the stuff I had been working on instantly became SLAYER songs."

In a recent interview with U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine, King spoke about some of the individual tracks that will appear on "Repentless".

"There's a couple of songs that are going to be on it that the fans might know," he said. "'Atrocity Vendor' was released in the States on the B-side of some single [a limited vinyl edition of 'World Painted Blood'], so now it's 'Atrocity Vendor 2015'. It's completely re-recorded. It's got new leads, new vocals, Paul playing drums ... it's pretty cool. There's a brand new version of 'Implode' [which was recorded in 2014 and given away for free] on there. The version of 'When The Stillness Comes' is brand new compared to the single [that came] out [for last month's Record Store Day]."

He continued: "The first song is called 'Repentless' and that one's pretty much... I call it the Hannemanthem! I wrote that for [late SLAYER guitarist] Jeff [Hanneman]. Oh, dude, it's fast as fuck. You don't know what the fuck's coming! [Laughs] A song called 'Vices' is on there somewhere. It's super heavy. It'll pummel you in the face. 'Take Control''s another fast one. 'Cast The First Stone''s another heavy one."

King added: "There's 12 songs on it, one being the intro, one being 'Implode', one being 'Atrocity Vendor' and one being 'When The Stillness Comes', but every version of those songs you may have heard before is different, so I think that's cool, but I also wanted them to be part of a collection. I like the finality of songs belonging on a record. It's probably about 40 or 45 minutes, maybe less. We did 'God Hates Us All' and we put every song we had at the time on the record because that was the trendy thing to do, but as soon as we did that, I vowed never to do it again. I grew up with 10-song albums."

Asked it it was his aim to make "When The Stillness Comes" sound like something Hanneman might have written, Kerry responded: "That one came out surprisingly good."

He continued: "If you know our history, I never did the clean or spooky stuff. That was always Jeff. It was the one thing musically that was just his. I'd do the crazy, punky fast stuff arnd he'd do the moody stuff. So 'When The Stillness Comes' was my first attempt and it gave me goose bumps. I thought, 'This is pretty fuckin' good!'"

Asked how they respond to suggestions that the current lineup of SLAYER "isn't really SLAYER anymore," SLAYER bassist/vocalist Tom Araya said: "In the past, the fans have always known what to expect. But now they don't know what to expect.

"We've tried to reassure them that they're going to get SLAYER ... and that's what they're getting!

"The way social media is, it's all instant, so the response will be immediate this time."

He continued: "It'll be interesting to see what the first, initial reactions are. That all adds to the emotions I'm feeling this time round."

Added Kerry: "I don't pay attention to anything on the Internet. I don't have any social media, because of that stupid horseshit. It's just people spouting off.

"If those people could hear [the upcoming SLAYER] record and say, 'Man, it's horseshit!' then I'd be stunned. I'm very excited."

SLAYER's eleventh studio album will be released on the band's own as-yet-unnamed label through Nuclear Blast.

SLAYER will tour extensively to support the new album, headlining this summer's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival as well as playing other major outdoor festivals and several "An Evening With..." SLAYER-only concerts.

Frontiers Music Srl will release "Now Or Never", the debut album from BENEDICTUM singer Veronica Freeman's solo project THE V, on July 3 in Europe and July 10 in North America.

THE V marks a major step out of Veronica's comfort zone, since it delves into a definite melodic hard rock vibe.

An impressive array of talent has stepped up to assist THE V in creating her solo project on many levels. The list includes Pete Wells, Aric Avina and Rikard Stjernquist of BENEDICTUM, Michael Sweet (STRYPER), Garry Bordonaro (THE RODS), Jeff Pilson (DOKKEN, FOREIGNER), Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X), Tony Martin (BLACK SABBATH), Leather Leone (CHASTAIN), Jerry Dixon (WARRANT), Jim Durkin (DARK ANGEL), Mick Tucker (TANK), Jordan Ziff (AGE OF EVIL), Derek Kerswill (UNEARTH, KINGDOM OF SORROW), Peter Tentindo (VENUS MARS PROJECT), John Herrera, Ryan Greene, Kenny Lewis, Meliesa McDonell, Michael Harris , Mel Brown and John O'Boyle.

Veronica comments: "I had a lot of input and encouragement from Frontiers to try and stretch myself with different musical styles and approaches. It was great to be able to work with Pete Wells writing some of these songs too. So it was a no-brainer to accept their proposal for a solo album. I am a bit nervous and beyond excited!"

Says Frontiers in a press release: "Be prepared! If you thought Veronica was just a heavy metal amazon, you're going to be proven dead wrong! This is a massive melodic hard rock record with some great lead vocals which show a lot of the original influences that brought THE V to be one of the most well know and recognized voices in the current metal scene!" "Now Or Never" track listing:

01. Again02. Now Or Never03. Roller Coaster04. L.O.V.E.05. Line In The Sand06. Love Should Be To Blame07. Kiss My Lips08. Spellbound09. Starshine10. Below Zero11. Ready To Run12. King For A Day

A trailer for the album is available below. "Now Or Never" recording lineup:

* Veronica Freeman - Lead vocals* Leather Leone - Duet vocals on "Kiss My Lips"* Tony Martin - Duet vocals on "King For A Day"* Meliesa McDonell - additional vocals on "Star Shine" and acoustic guitar* Derek Kerswill - drums* Jeff Pilson, Mel Brown, Garry Bordonaro, Aric Avina, John O'Boyle and Mike LePond - Bass* Pete Wells, Michael Sweet, Peter Tentindo, Jim Durkin, Mick Tucker, Jordan Ziff, Michael Harris - Guitar

"Now Or Never" was produced by John Herrera except for the song "King For A Day", which was produced by Kenny Lewis, and "Love Should Be To Blame" and "Again", which were produced by Michael Sweet.

Fan-filmed video footage of AGNOSTIC FRONT's May 21 performance at Willemeen in Arnhem, The Netherlands can be seen below.

AGNOSTIC FRONT's eleventh album, "The American Dream Died", was produced by MADBALL singer Freddy Cricien and engineered, mixed and mastered by Paul Miner (H2O, TERROR). The record, which features guest appearances by Cricien, Toby Morse (H2O) and Lou Koller (SICK OF IT ALL), was made available as digital download, on vinyl as well as on CD. A limited bundle with an exclusive t-shirt was also on sale.

In a recent interview with RockSverige.se, AGNOSTIC FRONT singer Roger Miret was asked at what point the American dream died. "You know, that's just a statement from me," he responded. "I'm just stating that, little by little, this country is leaning towards losing its values, Americans are losing their constitutional rights. You see it happening, and it's no secret; it's out there and you can see what's going on."

He continued: "The main focal point to why we call the record 'The American Dream Died' and how this all started is the collapse of the housing market. When that collapsed, and you saw what followed with the banking collapse and then the world's banks collapsed. Everything went to hell all over the world pretty much, and that's when I clearly was making that statement, but it followed through."

Roger added: "It's a little bit of everything. You watch all of the corruption on all these higher levels. Police corruption and all this police violence going on. Everything just escalated. I'm not saying the American dream when it comes to cars, apple pie, baseball… it's all there and anybody can come to America. You can buy a home, but you won't own it for 30 years. America is a beautiful country, but the government is just so corrupt, it's destroying your dreams."

Gear Gods has uploaded video footage of DIO DISCIPLES performing this past Sunday (May 17) at Los Encinos State Historic Park in Encino, California in remembrance of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, DIO, HEAVEN & HELL) on the fifth anniversary of his death. Check it out below.

DIO DISCIPLES, which pays tribute to Ronnie James Dio and is fully supported by Dio's widow/manager, Wendy, was recently joined by singer Joe Retta (SWEET, HEAVEN & EARTH). Joe hails from Rochester, New York and and was raised on '70s R&B and rock during an era when, as he describes it, "music had more soul and was more diverse." His influences include such luminaries as Stevie Wonder, Steve Marriott, Paul Rodgers, Robert Plant and, of course, Ronnie.

DIO DISCIPLES currently consists of the following musicians:

* Joe Retta (SWEET, HEAVEN & EARTH)- Vocals * Oni Logan (LYNCH MOB) - Vocals * Craig Goldy (DIO) - Guitar * Bjorn Englen (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) - Bass * Scott Warren (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL) - Keyboards * Simon Wright (DIO, AC/DC, UFO) - Drums

Goldy in 2013 stated about DIO DISCIPLES: "After Ronnie's passing and a lengthy mourning period, Wendy Dio and the band that was left behind have decided it was time to honor and keep the memory and legacy of Ronnie James Dio alive in the most respectful way possible!"

He continued: "There is something special that happens when a group of people gather together with the same heart, mind and spirit as one another... and that is what happens every night we (the DIO DISCIPLES) perform! I never know when... but I know that it will happen because it always does... some time during the concert, the audience and the band connect and become as one! And with the large speaker system, lights and special performances... you don't want to rely on all the crappy little cell phone recordings that look and sound like shit posted on YouTube!

"I've never lied about anything to any DIO fan and I'm not about to start now! Every time we perform there's always several very special moments that just can't be defined into words! You just have to trust me and come experience it for yourselves! And I hope you do!"

With no plans to take a break this summer, P.O.D. will spend the dog-days on the road headlining sheds and festivals with more than 30 dates in North America (routing below). The "southtown" hard rock pioneers are putting the finishing touches on their ninth studio album, "The Awakening", due in August summer via T-Boy/Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).

"The Awakening" was recorded at a Los Angeles-area studio with P.O.D.'s longtime producer Howard Benson.

"We're excited about the new record," P.O.D. singer Sonny Sandoval told MikeJamesRockShow.com. "It's a conceptual record, so it's something different for us. It has a storyline to it. I mean, the songs… we love 'em. We had a chance to play a few new ones live."

In a recent interview with Loudwire, Sandoval stated about the material for P.O.D.'s forthcoming album: "I'm digging it. We have a little something different. I can't really say now, but we're trying a different approach."

He continued: "I think what we've done, it's such a collection of songs that not everybody gets. Some bands sound like one song the whole album through. We've been all over the place, because we are punk, hardcore, rock 'n' roll, metal, reggae, and I think sometimes it might be too much diversity and kids are lost. It's too big of a buffet for them to go for and they want three chords sometimes. We're never going to do that."

Sandoval added: "We're putting something together that tells a story. Maybe it's just for us, maybe it's not for your average listener, but it's something we're having a lot of fun doing. We're excited."

P.O.D. tour dates:

June 14 - South Bend, IN - The Bear’s Big Growl 4June 16 - Virginia Beach, VA - ShakasJune 19 - Winchester, VA - Blue FoxJune 20 - Syracuse, NY - Oswego Events Center - WAQX FestivalJune 21 - Huntington, NY - ParamountJune 22 - Pittsburgh, PA - Altar BarJune 24 - Ft Wayne, IN - Pierre’sJune 26 - Alix, Alberta - Tail Creek Mud & Music FestivalJune 27 - Detroit, MI - Stars and StripesJune 28 - Ringle, WI - Q&Z Expo CenterJune 30 - Madison, WI - Barrymore TheatreJuly 01 - Cedar Rapids, IA - ReverbJuly 02 - Bloomington, IL - Castle TheatreJuly 03 - Sault Saint Marie, MI - Kewadin CasinoJuly 04 - Waconia, MN - Carver County Fairgrounds - Taste of MinnesotaJuly 07 - Minot, ND - Original Bar and NightclubJuly 09 - Rockford, IL - DistrictJuly 10 - Lansing, MI - Common Ground FestivalJuly 11 - Green Bay, WI - Watering HoleJuly 12 - Des Moines, IA - Val AirJuly 14 - Nashville, TN - Marathon Music WorkJuly 15 - Hammond, IN - Wolf Lake Park PavilionJuly 16 - St. Louis, MO - PopsJuly 17 - Cleveland, OH - OdeonJuly 18 - Lancaster, OH - Mickeys Outdoors

Austin rockers SCORPION CHILD have entered the studio to begin recording their sophomore album, due later in the year via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The band have once again joined forces with Chris "Frenchie" Smith (THE ANSWER, AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TAIL OF DEAD…), who also produced and arranged SCORPION CHILD's self-titled, full-length debut. SCORPION CHILD vocalist Aryn Jonathan Black states: "The band is now locked in the studio committing everything to album No. 2. Everyone is dressed to the nines and it's business time!" SCORPION CHILD last year added a new face to its lineup: drummer Jon "Charn" Rice, formerly of JOB FOR A COWBOY. SCORPION CHILD's self-titled debut album sold around 900 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 26 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Scorpion Child" was released on June 25, 2013 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment, the new U.S. partnership between Nuclear Blast owner Markus Staiger and former Roadrunner Records A&R chief Monte Conner.

The German grindcore goats Milking The Goatmachine just released the first album preview for their upcoming studio album Goatgrind , which will be released June 26th via NoiseArt Records.
 

Goatgrind tracklist:
“Goatgrind”
“Farm Of The Mutilated”
“Blow Your Sneakers”
“Fear The Goathammer”
“#Idiot”
“U.H.T. Milk Is Murder”
“Mrs. Goat_ re (Nanny Of The Damned)”
“Talk To The Hoof”
“No More Space In Herd”
“Shadows And Crust”
“The Goatastic Four”
“Burn Your Shed”
“Sound Of Breaking Horns”
“Wolf Expander”
“Wheels Of Fire” (Manowar Cover)
 
The lyric video of the song "#idiot" can be seen here below. The band states: “#Idiot is a very emotional song for us, full of love, hate, sadness and madness. It isn’t about fiction persons, it is about real lifeforms from our personal environment. With this song, we want to thank people (or not) for their loyalty (or not!)!”

 

The Lucky Strike Live Jam happens every Wednesday at 8:00pm at Lucky Strike Live on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Boulevard in Hollywood, CA. On May 21st, vocalist Jeff Scott Soto (Soto, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) and guitarist Joel Hoekstra (Whitenake) performed the Whitesnake classic "Here I Go Again". Fan-filmed video is available below.

Whitesnake have returned with their 12th studio album and tribute to David Coverdale's era in Deep Purple. The Purple Album is a re-imagination of classic songs from David Coverdale’s time as the lead singer for Deep Purple’s Mark 3 and Mark 4 studio albums. The album will be available in various configurations: a standard edition, a deluxe edition featuring two bonus tracks, four music videos and a Behind The Scenes featurette on the recording of the album, and in a double LP vinyl format. Plans are also underway for a special limited box set edition with memorabilia and merchandise. All details will be announced soon.

“It’s a tribute. A homage. It’s a huge thank you from me to Deep Purple for the opportunity I was given over 40 years ago,” states Coverdale. “As I said to Ritchie, you guys set me on an incredible journey that continues today and I couldn’t have asked for better teachers. The University of Deep Purple was an extraordinary, amazing school to learn from. We can’t wait to play these songs in concert!”

From the opening notes of the classic track “Burn”, to album closer “Stormbringer”, Whitesnake are back and better than ever. Songs like “Lady Double Dealer”, “Soldier Of Fortune” and “Sail Away” are given a new energy in the very capable hands of the current Whitesnake lineup featuring David Coverdale on vocals, Reb Beach and Joel Hoekstra on guitars, Michael Devin on bass, Tommy Aldridge on drums and recent addition, keyboardist/singer Michele Luppi. A video for the first single “Stormbringer” can be seen below.

The Purple Album tracklisting:

“Burn
“You Fool No One (interpolating Itchy Fingers)
“Love Child                                              
“Sail Away
“The Gypsy
“Lady Double Dealer
“Mistreated
“Holy Man
“Might Just Take Your Life
“You Keep On Moving
“Soldier Of Fortune
“Lay Down Stay Down
“Stormbringer

Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks:
“Lady Luck
“Comin’ Home

DVD Content:
“Lady Double Dealer - Music Video
“Sail Away - Mix Music Video
“Stormbringer - Music Video
“Soldier Of Fortune - Music Video
Purple Album Behind The Scenes
Purple Album EPK

“Burn”:

“Stormbringer” video:

“Lay Down Stay Down”:

EPK (Electronic Press Kit):

Whitesnake will hit the road this summer on a headlining world tour. Confirmed dates can be seen below:

May
28 - Airway Heights, WA - Northern Quest Casino
29 - Tacoma, WA - Emerald Queen Casino

June
4 - Las Vegas, NV - The Joint
5 - Scottsdale, AZ - Talking Stick Pool Amp
6 - Pala, CA - Pala Casino – Starlight Theater
9 - Beverly Hills, CA - Saban Theatre
11 - San Francisco, CA - Regency Ballroom
17 - Shawnee, OK - Grand Events Center
19 - Biloxi, MS - Hard Rock
22 - Grand Prairie, TX - Verizon Theater
23 - San Antonio, TX - Majestic Theater
25 - El Paso, TX - Socorro Event Center
27 - Greeley, CO - Greeley Independence Stampede
30 - Milwaukee, WI - Summerfest

July
2 - Rama, ON - Casino Rama
3 - Sterling Heights, MI - Freedom Hill Amphitheatre
5 - Northfield, OH - Hard Rock
10 - Mahnomen, MN - Shoot Star Casino
16 - Oshkosk, WI - Rock USA
18 - Merrillville, IN - Star Plaza

‎Def Leppard and Whitesnake have announce a joint headline UK and Irish arena tour with support from Black Star Riders.

“I am very excited to be working with Whitesnake again; we had such a wonderful time when we did it back in 2008," says Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott. "It’s a great experience for rock fans to be able to see two great live bands on the same stage on the same night."

Def Leppard, Whitesnake, Black Star Riders live:

December
6 - Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena
7 - Belfast, Ireland - Odyssey
9 - Newcastle, UK - Metro Radio Arena
10 - Glasgow, UK - SSE Hydro
12 - Birmingham, UK - Genting Arena
13 - Nottingham, UK - Capital FM Arena
15 - Manchester, UK - Arena
16 - Cardiff, UK - Motorpoint Arena
18 - London, UK - SSE Arena Wembley
19 - Sheffield, UK - Motorpoint Arena

E-Force, the brainchild of former Voivod frontman Eric Forrest, returns with Demonikhol, due out on June 9th in North America and June 19th in Europe via Mausoleum Records. The new album is another concept album, with alcohol as the subject matter illustrating the ravages and destruction of all kinds it is capable of causing. An audio teaser is available below:

The lead guitar parts on the record are divided among five exceptional guitarists: Vincent Agar (Yotangor/ Lust), Tomáš Skořepa, (Exorcizphobia), neo-classical Antonello Gilliberto, Dan Baune (Monument), and Rob Urbinati (Sacrifice).

The tracklist is as follows:

"Apero"
"Grievance"
"Double Edged Sword"
"Invasion"
"Debauchery"
"The Day After"
"Ultimatum"
"Insidious"
"Demonikhol"
"State Of Delusion"
"Last Call"

Watch the official E-Force Facebook page here for updates.

Next month, L.A. Guns will resume touring Stateside; confirmed shows are as listed:

June
6 - Happy Harry's Rib Festival - Fargo, ND     
7 - The Original Bar - Minot, ND     
19 - Hard Rock Rocksino - Northfield, OH      
20 - Lake Bailee - Hamilton, OH     
26 - Southport Bar & Grill - Indianapolis, IN

July    
15 - Roar On The Shore - Erie, PA     
18 - Lakefront Music Fest - Prior Lake, MN     
25 - Quinault Beach Resort Casino - Ocean Shores, WA  
31 - Whisky A Go Go - West Hollywood, CA

August    
8 - Trails End Concert Park - Sheridan, WY     
15 - Cathouse Live at Irvine Meadows - Irvine, CA     
29 - '80s In The Park - Melbourne, FL     

September
12 - Rocktember III at Grand Casino - Hinckley, MN     
26 - Muddy Hog Fest - Warsaw, IL

 

On May 2nd, L.A. Guns - consisting of vocalist Phil Lewis, guitarist Michael Grant, bassist Kenny Kweens, and drummer Steve Riley, played the M3 Festival in Columbia, MD. Check out footage of the group ripping through "Show No Mercy".

 

Ex-SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach has slammed his former bandmates for claiming to have written all the songs on the group's early records without him, saying that all fans have to do is listen to the SKID ROW albums the band made after he was fired from the group to "know about who wrote what."

Bach joined SKID ROW in 1988 as the replacement for the band's original lead singer Matt Fallon, who sang on demo versions of songs that were eventually re-recorded for SKID ROW's multi-platinum 1989 eponymous debut LP.

During an appearance on the "Snider Comments" podcast with host Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER, Bach stated about his former bandmates: "The biggest lie that those guys always tell is, 'We wrote all the songs on all the records.' If you listen to my albums and the SKID ROW albums, and then you listen to the SKID ROW albums without me, and then listen to my solo albums, that'll give you all that you need to know about who wrote what. When they say, 'We wrote the song '18 And Life', you [just] sang it.' Okay, let's examine that statement. You can go listen to the original version of that song online, and then you can listen to me doing it, and there's something called a melody line. Okay? Where it goes, [singing] 'Lived nine to five and he worked his fingers to the bone.' Every time my voice goes into the register where you turn it up and go, 'Holy shit! Did you fucking hear that?' Those are the notes that I wrote, okay? Nobody does that in the version before that I didn't fucking… 'Can I sing this note in this part?' 'Yeah, do that, Sebastian. Yeah, do that.'"

He continued: "So I'm nineteen years old, taking these fucking songs and turning them into JUDAS PRIEST songs, as far as… I'm rewriting the melody lines, never thinking anybody was gonna like it, never thinking anybody was gonna buy it. I'm thinking I'm gonna be the next MALICE, not the next BON JOVI. The last thing anybody ever thinks is that somebody is gonna like this shit. That was, like, the last-case scenario. So I'm not in court, saying, 'I wrote this note! I fucking…' I'm not gonna be in litigation when I'm nineteen. You know?! So, [them saying] 'We wrote all the songs' is such a fucking pile of shit."

Asked by Snider if he thinks it's okay for some other singer to come and imitate his vocal and writing style and represent himself as the frontman of SKID ROW, Bach responded: "No. I think they should change the name of the band and leave… Like, VAN HALEN, okay, had Sammy [Hagar]… Well, they had Gary [Cherone]…. [Laughs] I forgot about that. But anyways, I would say, save the name of the band… I'm not saying that for me; I'm saying that for all of rock and roll."

Bach went on to make a case for why the classic SKID ROW lineup should reunite. He said: "If you've got the five guys in the original band that are still alive, you should respect that because that is such a rare thing. Like, you guys [referring to Snider's TWISTED SISTER] just lost [drummer] A.J. [Pero], and now that [possibility of continuing with the classic lineup] doesn't exist anymore. And I walk around going, I ain't getting any fucking younger. I go, 'This is still possible.' So it's, like, [for the SKID ROW members] even to have that opportunity [to reunite the classic lineup] and deny it, or just say, 'Fuck it,' that's, like, bad for all of rock; that's not just bad for me."

Sebastian also talked about the fact that he believes he is by far the most recognizable member of the classic SKID ROW lineup. He said: "The elephant in the room here is, like, when you [referring to Dee] and me walk down the street, Dee Snider and Sebastian Bach, we are the human beings that other human beings hang out the car window and go, 'Youth gone wild, motherfucker!' 'We're not gonna take it!' There's no other people… There's no other guy… Not one guy in SKID ROW walks down the street and can't walk down the fucking street. I can't walk down the street without people going, 'Fuck! What the fuck!' There's no [other] guy in the band that will ever have that; they never will. The public decides. It's like the show 'American Idol'. 'We're gonna pick an 'American idol'.' No, you're not. America is gonnna pick the fucking idol. America is the people that decide who the band is. You know what I'm saying?!"

In a 2010 interview, SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan stated about the band's split with Sebastian: "There was so much tension and so much infighting that it was hard to write songs. Snake [guitarist Dave Sabo] and I formed the band, we wrote the songs, and then other people played and sang it. People wanted to break away from what had been working, and that impeded the songwriting."

Regarding the decision to reform SKID ROW in 1999 without Bach, Bolan said: "The blood was so bad after [1995's] 'Subhuman Race' and there was just so much stuff in the press, we knew it wasn't going to work [with Sebastian]. We decided we'd rather go on being happy with what we were doing than get right back into all the tension and dissension. We loved the music, we loved playing, and we knew we could do this and have fun again. So we decided right there to continue without him."

SKID ROW recently fired its lead singer of the past fifteen years, Johnny Solinger, and replaced him with ex-TNT frontman Tony Harnell.

On May 9, Facemelter of Rock Rage Radio conducted an interview with BUTCHER BABIES frontwomen Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey at this year's Rise Above Fest in Bangor, Maine. You can now watch the chat below.

Speaking about BUTCHER BABIES' forthcoming follow-up to 2013's "Goliath" debut album, Carla said: "It's done. It's so good. I can't wait for you guys to hear it."

She continued: "We went back to our thrash metal roots with this CD. With 'Goliath', we got a little bit more melodic, which we kind of felt like we needed to do that, to prove that we could do all this stuff — not only to the public, but to ourselves. It was a very emotional album and it called for that kind of treatment. But we wanted to go back to our thrash metal roots with this one. And it's so good. And it's so heavy."

Asked if they could share the title of the new BUTCHER BABIES album, Heidi said: "No. But what we will say is that our label and our management hated the title. Blah blah blah. But it will be out soon. So you'll see."

BUTCHER BABIES' sophomore album will be released at the end of the summer via Century Media. The CD was produced by Logan Mader, who has previously worked with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, DEVILDRIVER, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY and GOJIRA.

Interview:


New song performance:

Accept is currently on the Blind Rage Tour Part 2 in Europe and will wrap up in mid-December.

The schedule has been pretty demanding and not everybody could stand the test of time. Poster child of fitness Wolf Hoffmann and Peter Baltes are pushing the envelope and have the greatest fun outdoing each other on stage – holding up the trademark of Accept’s stage performance of mostly 2 hours.

Guitarist Wolf Hoffmann says: “We need to let it all come out and time is the essence. We are happiest when we are on stage and what a nerve wrecking thrill it is to write a new album and jump on stage and perform it… We are on it again ….but – we will take our time. Fans know, they can count on us – we will deliver…. but no rush. We might tape our show at the Bang Your Head Festival in Germany and release that in between.”

In April, Accept announced the addition of former Grave Digger/Rebellion guitarist Uwe Lulis and drummer Christopher Williams, replacing longtime members Herman Frank and Stefan Schwarzmann respectively.

In 2014, BLACK STAR RIDERS and THIN LIZZY vocalist Ricky Warwick decided to record two new solo records funded through the popular PledgeMusic crowdfunding system. The results are two fan and critically acclaimed releases, "Hearts On Tree" and "When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)".

During the campaign for these two albums, Ricky would record updates for those who supported him in the campaign. Staging most of these recordings in the stairwell of his home in Los Angeles, the fans quickly dubbed Ricky as the "Stairwell Troubadour". Ricky's acoustic covers of a number of tracks became very popular among the fan community. So much so that when the two solo albums were completed, there was a lot of feedback asking him to consider recording some of these covers for a release. So, early in 2015, Ricky launched a new campaign to fund his album of covers. The best part was that the fans get to choose the tracks that are included on the album from a selection Ricky put together. One of the tracks that has already proven itself quite popular is the Eddie Cochran classic "Summertime Blues". Working on a wave of studio born inspiration, Ricky thought that the sound would be perfect with an addition from an old friend. Enter Lemmy from MOTÖRHEAD. Ricky toured with MOTÖRHEAD when he fronted THE ALMIGHTY and Lemmy and Ricky have been friends ever since. So when the call went out for Lemmy's participation in the "Stairwell Troubadour" album, he didn't even hesitate.

Ricky says about Lemmy's participation: "To have such an iconic performer be a part of this album is a dream come true. I have loved MOTÖRHEAD for decades and having Lemmy contribute to my solo release is a big one off of my personal bucket list!"

An audio sample of the "Summertime Blues" cover featuring Warwick and Lemmy can be streamed below.

Ricky's campaign for the "Stairwell Troubadour" album is an ongoing process. You can check things out by visiting PledgeMusic.com.

The Age Of Metal recently conducted an interview with former SEPULTURA and current CAVALERA CONSPIRACY bandmates Max (guitar, vocals) and Igor Cavalera (drums). You can now watch the chat below.

Asked what it was like watching the Brazilian soccer team's disastrous 7-1 hammering by Germany in the World Cup semi-final last year, Igor said: "I think Max had [a] tougher [time watching the game] than me. I went to a friend of mine, [who] is Brazilian… I was in Europe at the time. But I went to his house to watch the game, so it was just me and him suffering. And Max, I think, had a tougher time watching that terrible game."

Added Max: "I went [to watch the game] with two German bus drivers, which was, like… They're nice guys, but they're German, and they had the German shirts on. After twenty minutes, they were not even commemorating [their team's win] anymore. They were just, like [puts his head down], 'Oh, man. This is bad. We feel bad for you, man.' It was kind of a crazy day. I had a show in England."

He continued: "I got really mad after the game. I wanted to burn my [Brazil soccer] shirt. But it didn't burn. That's weird, right?! Maybe it was giving me a sign that, it won't burn. Give them another chance. Russia is coming. This is the revenge. And if I was the Brazilian coach, I would make them watch that game every game before they play in the Russian World Cup [in 2018]. Watch that as a reminder of never ever let that happen again. [Laughs]"

CAVALERA CONSPIRACY's third album, "Pandemonium", sold around 2,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 177 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was produced by John Gray, who previously worked with SOULFLY.

German thrashers DEW-SCENTED will release their tenth studio album, "Intermination", on June 30 in North America. The CD was mixed by Dan Swanö (Unisound Studio) and features cover artwork by Gustavo Sazes (Abstrata.net).

The song "Affect Gravity", taken from "Intermination", can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget below.

Comments DEW-SCENTED singer Leif Jensen: "'Affect Gravity' is probably a bit of an unusual track for DEW-SCENTED and not only because of the talkbox at the beginning. It's got quite some melodic riffing and a very dark twist to things, but it's always dynamic and heavy. It turned out to be one of my personal fave-tracks on the album and I look forward to playing it live too!"

Adds drummer Koen Herfst: "I tried to really emphasize the aggressiveness of the song by playing pretty much straight forward and really loud in the parts that ask for it. Love the way the toms turned out in the mix which makes the parts that lead into the verses really heavy. Halfway the song I do a groove inspired by Derek Roddy, which is basically a blast beat on my second snare combined with a back beat on my main snare. After that, I do a really heavy and basic groove which breaks things open in the guitar solo."

All formats of "Intermination" include a cover of REPULSION's "Radiation Sickness", while the digital edition and the limited-edition gatefold vinyl (dark green and 180-gram black variants) will include two bonus tracks, "Those Who Will Not See" and "Survival Reaction" (SOLSTICE cover).

Pre-order information, including exclusive t-shirt bundles, can be found at this location.

"Intermination" track listing:

01. Declaration Of Intent (1:00)02. On A Collision Course (3:49)03. Scars Of Creation (3:46)04. Affect Gravity (3:56)05. Means To An End (4:41)06. Ode To Extinction (4:05)07. Demon Seed (3:48)08. Power Surge (3:53)09. Ruptured Perpetually (3:35)10. Living Lies (4:19)11. Atavistic (3:38)12. Reborn (3:32)13. Radiation Sickness (2:05) (REPULSION cover)

Bonus tracks (only available on vinyl and digital versions)

14. Those Who Will Not See15. Survival Reaction (SOLSTICE cover)

Another song, "On A Collision Course", can be streamed below.

DEW-SCENTED will embark on a European tour dubbed "Thrash Mercenaries" in October with ANGELUS APATRIDA from Spain and NO RETURN from France. Additionally, the band has just been announced to support CAVALERA CONSPIRACY as well as EXODUS on select dates.

Frontiers Music Srl announces the release of the hotly anticipated comeback album from former Angel singer Frank Dimino, entitled Old Habits Die Hard, on July 3rd in Europe and July 10th in North America.

While Frank is undoubtedly the brainchild of Dimino, Old Habits Die Hard sees him collaborate with some heavyweights of the Las Vegas music scene, where he currently resides. Under the production of Paul Crook (Meat Loaf, Anthrax), the album sees the participation – among others - of Oz Fox (Stryper), Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister), Rickey Medlocke (Blackfoot, Lynyrd Skynyrd), Pat Thrall (Hughes/Thrall), Jeff Duncan (Armored Saint), Jeff Labansky, former Angel bandmates Punky Meadows (on guitar) and Barry Brandt (who co-wrote with Frank the song “Even Now”) and many others.

Frank says, “It all started because of the relationships between Ken Ciancimino, Paul Crook, myself and the musicians that appeared on the album. I started writing songs with Oz Fox and Jeff Labansky and then Paul suggested we use John Miceli (drums) and Danny Miranda (bass) as our rhythm section and Justin Avery for keys & background vocals because of his relationship from playing with them for Meat Loaf. When the recording started, our friends wanted to be part of it and one after the other Pat Thrall, Punky Meadows, Eddie Ojeda, Rickey Medlocke and Jeff Duncan provided their amazing musicianship to the album. I feel truly honored to have had all these great musicians be a part of this project!”

Frank Dimino was the frontman for Angel in the second half of the 70’s. The band was discovered by KISS bass player Gene Simmons who got them signed to Casablanca Records, where they released five critically acclaimed studio albums and one live one. After the band’s demise, Dimino went on to work with UFO’s Paul Raymond and worked as a singer on soundtracks, scoring a Platinum album for the inclusion of his song “Seduce Me Tonight” with Cycle V on the Flashdance soundtrack.

Old Habits Die Hard is going to take many by surprise, as it is definitely not a nostalgia fest, but really a rather compelling and inspired hard rock release. Frank says: “I'm excited to reach new fans as well as many Angel fans. There is certainly a connection between then and now, and that is still about making a great record with great musicians!”

Old Habits Die Hard tracklisting:

Never Again
Rockin’ In The City
I Can’t Stop Loving You
The Rain’s About To Fall
Even Now
Tears Will Fall
Mad As Hell
Sweet Sensation
Tonight’s The Night
The Quest
Stones By The River

“Rockin’ In The City” video: