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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The complete tracklist for New Universal Order is as follows:

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

Band members:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Shawn Drover checks in with the following update:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Tracklisting:

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

“Life Is A Highway” lyric video:

“Digging Up The Dirt” video:

EPK:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CUT UP is:

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

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

The band states:

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

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

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

Worm Stated:

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

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

Fan-filmed video footage of STEEL PANTHER's April 2 performance at Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium can be seen below.

STEEL PANTHER in December released its first-ever original Christmas track, "The Stocking Song". Featuring STEEL PANTHER's signature hooks and naughty take on the holiday season, it is available for purchase on iTunes and on Amazon.

Having wrapped a highly successful run as main support for JUDAS PRIEST in North America in November, STEEL PANTHER played a series of "Threesomes", two three-night residencies, one in their hometown of Los Angeles and the other in nearby Las Vegas, at the cities' respective House Of Blues venues in February. STEEL PANTHER singer Michael Starr (real name Ralph Saenz; ex-L.A. GUNS) told The Tennessean that, despite the band's cult band status, "now, with where we're at with 25 employees, trucks and buses, there's a lot riding on what comes out on our CDs. Plus, we're getting a lot of pressure to write clean stuff from people surrounding our camp, so they can make money off of what we're doing," he added. "They're like, 'Look, we need a serious record from STEEL PANTHER.' From day one, we said, 'No. We're not doing that.' "

STEEL PANTHER's third album, "All You Can Eat", sold around 13,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 24 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD arrived in stores on April 1, 2014 via Open E/KLS.

KORN drummer Ray Luzier's drum tech, Abel Vallejo, filled in for Ray during the band's March 17 performance at the Pot Of Gold music festival in Tempe, Arizona so that Ray could be at his wife's side when she gave birth to their second child. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

Abel, who has played for L.A grunge/metal band THE GRAVITY GUILD, San Diego-based country-outlaw rockin' blues band THE TILT and L.A.-based ska band COASTAL EDDY, started touring with KORN as Luzier's drum tech in 2009.

"I made amazing friends and golden relationships with all the members and the crew," Abel said. "This truly was a chance of a lifetime to be accepted into the family of such giant talent."

In 2011, Abel left his job with KORN to resume his path to performing and touring, but maintained a strong relationship with Ray, KORN guitarist Munky and the rest of the band. He has since returned to his gig as Luzier's drum tech.

"It [is] a pleasure working for such a monster drummer and amazing guitarist James 'Munky' Shaffer," Abel said. "Ray has amazing work ethic and stage presence. Rain or shine, it's always 200 percent, and his influence will stay with me for the rest of my life. He was, and still is, a mentor and dear friend to me. I cannot ask for a better big brother."

Regarding his playing approach, Abel said: "Being a fill-in, hired man and a session player for [a number of] years is a good thing but to help create a new sound from the ground up is very fulfilling.

"I take a solid approach to my playing and have always taken pride in being a team player in every band I have played for.

"I love to entertain with great music and I don't care if it's 5 or 5,000 people in the room, it's always the big show!"

Swedish heavy metal band IN SOLITUDE has officially called it quits.

The group's statement on the matter reads as follows:

"Dear friends. It is with great sadness that we inform you that we have chosen to end IN SOLITUDE here.

"This is something that's been taking shape for a long time and suddenly the day came when we had to evaluate our positions in life and find a solution.

"The reasons for our departure are not hostile in any sense and our love for each other and the music is stronger than ever before. But it is with respect for that music and that love between us that we choose to end it at this point.

"Changes in our personal lives demanded that we treated this as carefully as we could and with our deepest respect and reverence for all personal feelings, and for the aim of our journey.

"This has been one of the hardest decisions we've ever had to make and we've had to investigate every inch of our beings in order to make this right.

"IN SOLITUDE has been the center of our lives for 13 years and we've invested everything we have in this and to make this decision was to rip us up by ours roots and make us re-evaluate our entire lives and our future.

"As the final words fell in our concluding agreement, we looked back and saw with new eyes the magnitude of our brotherhood and the things that were carried through because of it. Our trust, our love, our shared obligation. The truth of the hand and the truth of the word to disperse the bounds between us and to diverge the shore for us follow. How it gave us the width of the world and the means to share it and store it together. All that was in it and all that was taken from it. And all the things that now shall pass without our collective notice. We saw with new eyes how clarity entered in stagelight and moonlight and sunlight and darkness and landed us finally over and over in that inexplicable mystery of beauty that we'll share as ours forever.

"If there was ever an accomplishment in what we did, it was the merging of the five of us in unity and the things that came as everything grew because of it. Not a single second was spared in these 13 years, and we'll never ask for any of them back. We spent everything in our world on this and got more than everything back.

"We want to thank all our closest brothers and sisters for being there and standing by our side the whole way through. Your love, support and hard work will never be forgotten and your presence have realized this band and enriched our lives in ways you'll never understand. You are all truly the geniuses who shall change the course of the world. You know who you are. And we'll always admire you for that.

"Last, but most importantly. We thank all of you for being there. In the crowds, in front of the stereos and in our hearts. Without you, this strange and wonderful dream would never have happened. The impact of your support can never be put in words and the outcome of our lives will always be in debt to you for what you gave us. As much as we were IN SOLITUDE, you were as well.

"We know that this will come as a shocking surprise for many of you. And we hope you understand that we must follow our hearts in order to stay true to what IN SOLITUDE is and what that entails.

"From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you forever."

IN SOLITUDE's latest album, "Sister", was released in October 2013 via Metal Blade. The CD was recorded at Studio Cobra in Stockholm, Sweden during March 2013. The album was produced and mixed by Martin "Konie" Ehrencrona and stands as a logical next step above and beyond its predecessor, 2011's "The World.The Flesh.The Devil."

"Sister" concludes with an eight-minute, driving, near trance-like opus that features guest guitarist Pelle Forsberg (WATAIN). Additionally, Jarboe of SWANS fame can be heard on "Horses In The Ground".

Hot on the heels of their recent viral video, Canadian grindcore band Corrupt Leaders have released the new Grindmother EP on CD format. A copy can be ordered for only $5 (plus $5 worldwide shipping) via their Bandcamp page.
 

Grindmother, which features a guest vocal from frontman Rain Forest's 66 year-old Mother, picked up coverage from various news outlets after a video of her recording session went viral.  The video passed 175K views and was aired on the nationally syndicated television show Right This Minute.

Mixed by Joel Grind (Toxic Holocaust) and mastered by Brad Boatright (From Ashes Rise) at Audiosiege, and featuring artwork by Varises Otak, Grindmother has taken Corrupt Leaders to new heights. A vinyl 5” version of the EP is also scheduled to be released this summer.

Italian thrashers Ultra-Violence have released an official music video for “The Way I’ll Stay”, a track from their upcoming new release, Deflect The Flow. The clip can be found below.

 

 

Deflect The Flow was recorded in December 2014 by Simone Mularoni at Domination Recording Studio in San Marino. The album will be issued on April 27th (Europe)/May 5th (North America) via Candlelight Records.

 

 

Tracklisting:

“Burning Through The Scars”
“Why So Serious?”
“Gavel's Bang”
“Lost In Decay”
“In The Name Of Your God”
“A Second Birth”
“The Checkered Sun”
“Don't Burn The Witch” (Venom cover)
“The Way I'll Stay”
“Fractal Dimension”

“The Way I’ll Stay” video:

Studio video:

 

Edmonton, AB black metal outfit Idolatry, plan to keep their single ‘Clefs au Chambre de Tristêsse’ as exclusive as possible. Black metal is known for being notoriously esoteric and Idolatry’s single is only available digitally (to stream) through their music video. The video was created by NVS Productions from Nashville, Tennessee, who has also produced videos for Wormreich (US), Hades (Norway), and Borgne (Switzerland). The video showcases a terrifying nightmare of mirrored figures moving eerily in the darkness.

“”Clefs au Chambre de Tristêsse” began as an unholy pact between Unrest and ourselves. It is a conjuration in french that weaves a tale of someone who has prepared a room to end their life in. Meticulously set up to capture the ultimate failure of hopes, lingerings and plans. A trembling hand holds the key towards the door... Knowing inside is finite”, comments Idolatry.

The track’s introduction is sung in French while the second portion is a spoken word poem in English constructed by Lörd Matzigkeitus (vocals) called “Once Thought Of Webs”. The band decided not to add this song to a future full length or EP, and instead as a stand alone track. When asked to comment the band simply stated, “We have chosen to release this exclusively on limited run vinyl, hand numbered by the band. There will be no other versions available besides these and this decrepit, cryptic video by NVS Productions. Be haunted and suffer.....”

Infection Born Of Ending a 7’ split with Columbus, Ohio black metal group Unrest featuring the unique Idolatry track is available to purchase through BigCartel. There will only be 40, hand numbered copies available. The split is available for pre-order and will be available in June. Pre-order here.

 

 

Tracklisting:

Side A:
Unrest - “Of Filth”

Side B:
Idolatry - “Clefs au Chambre de Tristêsse / ...Once Thought Of Webs”

(Photo: Pandemic Photography - Kevin Eisenlord)

Progressive metal band, Between the Buried and Me, have released a brand new song from their upcoming seventh full-length album, Coma Ecliptic. Fans can listen to "Memory Palace" below.

 

 

The upcoming album is also now available for pre-order with special bundles and packages offered, including: CD, LP, two pre-order exclusive t-shirts, an exclusive hour long behind the scenes making-of DVD, and a Coma Ecliptic limited edition 27"x40" movie poster. Coma Ecliptic will be officially released worldwide on July 10th. Grandiose, dynamic, heavy, melodic, technically challenging and more, this album delivers.

 

 

Coma Ecliptic boasts a series of emotive peaks and valleys that drive the narrative along with the lyrics. Singer Tommy Rogers shares: "Coma Ecliptic is a new life for BTBAM. Throughout the process we worked harder than we ever have and really pushed the BTBAM sound to a new identity. In a world of repetition, I'm very proud to be a part of something that is extremely rewarding, as well as frightening. When you don't push yourself you will never know what the outcome is. The outcome is Coma Ecliptic."

Coma Ecliptic was recorded in January and February of 2015 with longtime Between the Buried and Me producer Jamie King at Basement Recordings in North Carolina. Drums and piano were recorded with King and Kris Hilbert at the Fidelitorium. Final mixing and mastering was placed in the capable hands of Jens Bogren (Opeth, Katatonia, Amon Amarth, Devin Townsend) at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden.

“Memory Palace”

The band will be hosting a live twitter Q&A on Monday, April 6th from 5 - 6 PM, EST. Fans can follow the band and members at the below accounts:

twitter.com/btbamofficial
twitter.com/tommybtbam
twitter.com/paulbtbam
twitter.com/danbriggsx
twitter.com/Dustiebtbam
twitter.com/blakeyeatsteaky

Between the Buried and Me will embark on a headline tour kicking off April 5th, 2015 in Asheville, NC at The Orange Peel with support from The Atlas Moth. On release day, the band will continue their headline run with the release of Coma Ecliptic and kick off a tour with support from Animals as Leaders and The Contortionist on July 7th in Athens, GA at Georgia Theatre.

VIP packages are on sale now that include an exclusive Q&A with both Between the Buried and Me and Animals As Leaders, photo ops with each band, an 18x24 poster signed by both bands, and a souvenir laminate with early entrance to the show! VIP packages can be purchased at this location. General tickets can be purchased here.

 

 

Tour dates:

April (with The Atlas Moth)
5 - Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel
6 - Charleston, SC - Music Farm
8 - Pensacola, FL - Vinyl Music Hall
9 - New Orleans, LA - The Howlin Wolf
10 - Austin, TX - Texas Independence Fest
11 - Dallas, TX - Atomic Music Festival
13 - Lawrence, KS - The Granada
14 - St Louis, MO - The Ready Room
15 - Indianapolis, IN - Deluxe @ Old National Centre
17 - Worcester, MA - New England Metal & Hardcore Festival
18 - Portland, ME - Port City Music Hall
19 - Lancaster, PA - Chameleon Club

June
11-14 - Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

July (with Animals As Leaders, The Contortionist)
7 - Athens, GA - Georgia Theatre
8 - Tallahassee, FL - Sidebar Theater
9 - Orlando, FL - Venue 578
10 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Revolution
11 - Jacksonville, FL - Freebird Live
13 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
14 - Little Rock, AR - Juanita’s
15 - Oklahoma, OK - Diamond Ballroom
17 - Grand Junction, CO - Mesa Theater and Club
18 - Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl
19 - Tucson, AZ - Club X’s
21 - Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory
22 - San Diego, CA - Observatory North Park
23 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Catalyst
24 - Sacramento, CA - Ace Of Spades
25 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory Concert House
27 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex
29 - Des Moines, IA - Wooly’s
30 - Joliet, IL - Mojoes
31 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall

August
1 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Intersection
2 - Bloomington, IL - The Castle Theatre
4 - London, ON - London Music Hall
6 - Buffalo, NY - The Town Ballroom
7 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE
8 - Norfolk, VA - The NorVa
9 - Wilmington, NC - Ziggys By The Sea
11 - Clifton, NY - Upstate Concert Hall
12 - Providence, RI - Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
13 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
14 - Winston-Salem, NC - Ziggys
15 - Nashville, TN - Marathon Music Works

The Wyldz, a heavy hitting three-piece rock band based in Austin, Texas, are gearing up for the release of their new studio album, Interstellar Troubadours, and hitting the road on their spring US tour. With dates already confirmed throughout the south and Midwest, The Wyldz are bringing their distinctive brand of neo-classic rock n’ roll to new audiences throughout the month of April and May. A behind-the-scenes video of the band in studio recording their new album, due out later this year, can be seen below.

Earlier this year, The Wyldz collaborated with legendary engineer Steve Albini (Nirvana, The Pixies, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page) on their upcoming album Interstellar Troubadours. Convening in Albini’s famed Electrical Audio studio in Chicago, the trio recorded the entire 12-track album in just six days, completely analog. Additional mixing handled by Grammy-nominated engineer Mark Needham (The Airborne Toxic Event, Scott Weiland).
 
“We wanted to record Interstellar Troubadours on tape to capture the live experience and the warmth as if you are in the room with us,” explains drummer Oliv Porrini. “Whether performing together in the studio or onstage, we share a mutual freedom of musical expression, a very natural and extraordinary alchemy,” says guitarist Alex Dhee.
 
From Austin, TX, by way of Paris, France, The Wyldz play a distinctive and engaging mix of rock & roll all their own. While drawing inspiration from some of the greatest musical artists of the 1960s and 70s, the band does so with a contemporary flair that feels utterly invigorating. The three musicians first met while studying at the college of contemporary music in Paris, L'École Atla. They had all played with one another in various outfits before uniting as The Wyldz in 2010 with the shared dream of creating a truly world-class rock and roll and the mutual determination to take their music to as many people as possible.

 

 

The Wyldz are Mitch Bassoul (vocals and bass), Alex Dhee (guitar), and Oliv Porrini (drums).
 
Tour dates:

April
3 - The Riot Room - Kansas City, MO (*4 PM in-store at Mills Record Co)
4 - Jackpot Music Hall - Lawrence, KS
5 - Rose Music Hall - Columbia, MO
9 - Red Line Tap - Chicago, IL
11 - The New Vintage - Louisville, KY
12 - The Melody Inn - Indianapolis, IN
14 - The Pond - Franklin, TN
24 - Acadia - Houston, TX
25 - The Saxon Pub - Austin, TX

May
9 - The Foundry - Dallas, TX
30 - Pinballz Kingdom - Buda, TX

July
4 - Pinballz Kingdom - Buda, TX
30 - Whisky a Go Go - Los Angeles, CA

August
1 - Whisky a Go Go - Los Angeles, CA

Underground Symphony has announced the renewal of a deal with the Symphonic gothic metal band, Eternal Silence, for the release and distribution of the new album, Chasing Chimera.

After the success of debut, Raw Poetry, the Italian band is back in Old One Studios to record 10 new tracks, under the supervision of Giulio Capone and Alberto Cassina. For the first time Eternal Silence have a guest: Daniele Scavoni from Spellblast, who sing a special duet with Marika Vanni.

The beautiful cover artwork was handled by Hans Trasid:

 

 

Chasing Chimera will be available soon and will be released in a limited edition digipak. More details to follow.

Swiss/American rockers, Khaøs, have posted an acoustic rendition of their most recent single, “Exalted”, taken from their debut album, Risen. Last November the band threw a party for the release of the “Exalted” music video in Winterthur, Switzerland and it was here that the epic track was captured unplugged.

“Exalted” is a very personal song to Khaøs, it's the 'ballad' of Risen, and with these undertones present it is quite apt that the band recorded a live and acoustic version of the song showcasing not just it but also they themselves stripped back to the bare essentials.

Bassist Nic Angileri comments,  "Exalted is how I feel every time I listen to this song realizing what we made out of it. A universal song, catchy but not cheesy, enjoyable for everyone with an open heart and mind."

Vocalist Chandler Mogel adds, "This song is simply about finding my true self by helping others. This is a part of me that I can't deny, so why not write a song about it?"

Watch the original below:

The band previously released a new EPK which was shot at the release party for “Exalted” on November 18th at Archbar in Winterthur, Switzerland.

 

 

 

Catch Khaøs later this month as the band play three shows in Switzerland. Dates as follows:

April
29 - Bruch Brothers - Luzern, Switzerland
30 - Hall of Fame - Wetzikon, Switzerland

May
1 - Temus - Agno, Switzerland

 

 

Whispers from the underground have spoken of a hooded band from Columbia, TN that created haunting, doom-ish heavy metal. For over two decades this mysterious and allusive band has been lost in the depths of obscurity… until now.

Originally Hexenhammer was conceived in 1984 with members Ronnie Dean on guitar, bassist Tony Pruitt, drummer Andy Thornburg, guitarist Gene Davis, and vocalist Mark Warren. Over the next four years the band would re-locate to Jacksonville, FL and back to Tennessee while trying to find a foothold in any welcoming metal scene they could find, meanwhile struggling to hold together a solid lineup. In 1987, the band settled in Columbia, TN. and after some personnel changes an official line-up of the band would be solidified the following year.

That same year in 1989 Hexenhammer would issue a two song demo quickly followed by the D.I.Y full-length release Underground in 1990. The release would receive considerable press in zines and metal magazines both in the US and abroad. Unfortunately as things seemed to start rolling for Hexenhammer that year, they would also mysteriously disappear without a trace.

For years since Hexenhammer’s disappearance fans and collectors alike have spoken of the band as if some obscure myth. Now after years of searching Heaven And Hell Records has finally found them and will soon release the Hexenhammer recordings for the first time ever on CD. All tracks will be re-mastered by Jamie King at The Basement Studios from the best source material available, including the Underground full-length, and some bonus tracks. The CD will also include never before seen photos, lyrics and an essay.

These recordings are rare treasures of US metal and soon will finally be restored and presented to the Hexenhammer fans.

Click below to sample some tracks (Note: These are not the remastered tracks):

During the years 1999 - 2006, Swedish melodic/symphonic death metal act Meadows End wrote and recorded 12 concept songs that ended up on various demos and EPs, which all deserved better a destiny than to be forgotten.

 

 

“Nightmare's Reef” was originally recorded in 2002, then named "Area Of Thieves" and this is a re-recording for the third full length album, Sojourn:

“Remnants” was originally recorded in 2004 and this is a re-recording for Sojourn:

“Amidst The Villains” was originally recorded in 1999 and a re-recording for Sojourn can be heard below:

Up next is “Heathens’ Embrace”, coming April 30th.

British melodic rock icons, Magnum, are recording their new studio album at Mad Hat Studios in Staffordshire, England. Expected in early-2016 with a tour to follow, singer Bob Cately offers an update on the album’s progress via the clip below:

 

Magnum are releasing a new live album, recorded at selected venues on their Escape From The Shadow Garden European tour in the spring of 2014. The set list comprises songs chosen from seven of their 18 studio albums, the band have produced this album so that fans can fully appreciate the songs penned from Magnum’s beginning, in the 1970s, right up to the present day.

 

 

Escape From The Shadow Garden - Live 2014 will be released in Scandinavia on May 6th, in Germany on May 8th, in Europe on May 11th and in North America on May 12th as a super jewel case version, double gatefold vinyl version and download through SPV/Steamhammer.

 

 

Tracklisting:

Super Jewel Case:

“Live ‘Til You Die”
“Black Skies”
“Freedom Day”
“Dance Of The Black Tattoo”
“Blood Red Laughter”
“Unwritten Sacrifice”
“How Far Jerusalem”
“Les Morts Dansant”
“Falling For The Big Plan”
“All England’s Eyes”
“Vigilante”
“Kingdom Of Madness”

2LP:

LP1

Side 1
“Live ‘Til You Die”
“Black Skies”
“Freedom Day”

Side 2
“Dance Of The Black Tattoo”
“Blood Red Laughter”
“Unwritten Sacrifice”

LP 2

Side 1
“How Far Jerusalem”
“Les Morts Dansant”
“Falling For The Big Plan”

Side 2
“All England’s Eyes”
“Vigilante”
“Kingdom Of Madness”

 

 

Tour dates:

July
18 - Väsby, Sweden - Väsby Rock Festival
31 - Rejmyre, Sweden - Skogsröjet Festival

August
1 - Seebronn, Germany - Rock Of Ages Festival

 

 

 

BUTCHER BABIES have completed work on their sophomore full-length album with producer Logan Mader (FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, GOJIRA) for a fall release through Century Media.

They will join up with IN THIS MOMENT on April 18 in Montclair, New Jersey for a massive, five-week North American tour with UPON A BURNING BODY and THE NEARLY DEADS, which will be preceded by a slew of dates alongside UPON A BURNING BODY.

States vocalist Heidi Shepherd: "This upcoming tour is really special to us. Not only do we get to see so many of our friends that we have accumulated around the country through our music, but it's also our first chance to play some songs off of the new album.

"Our fans have been so patient waiting for new music.

"In true BUTCHER BABIES fashion, we never do anything half-assed, so it took a little while.

"Playing these songs on this tour will be a little treat for our dedicated fan base. Also, to be back out with IN THIS MOMENT is a huge honor. They have been so supportive of us and they put on an incredible live show.

"To all the BUTCHER BABIES fans old and new, you've inspired us so much throughout the years.

"After every show, we do a free meet-and-greet at our merch booth. Be sure to come stop by and say hello. We would be honored to meet you."

Adds vocalist Carla Harvey: "It is crazy to think that this will be our ninth big national tour since our first big tour in mid-2012. We feel like old road dogs now as we recognize all the truck stop showers and coffee shops all across the states. However, the best thing about touring is seeing all the familiar faces in the crowd.

"Our fans have become dear friends over the last few years and every night feels like a family reunion at our after show merch booth meet-and-greets."

Says guitarist Henry Flury: “Every time we pass through a city, we see more and more faces screaming along to the lyrics to our songs. You guys have no idea how that makes us feel. Now we have a few new face melting surprises in store for you guys and we can't wait to see you sweat it out with us in the pit!"

In a recent interview with Revolver magazine, Carla stated about the follow-up to BUTCHER BABIES' debut album, 2013's "Goliath": "This time we're taking a different approach and working with [producer] Logan Mader [FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, DEVILDRIVER, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, GOJIRA]. We recorded our EP, 'Uncovered', with Logan, and it was almost a little scary for me personally, because Logan works so fast. I'm, like, 'Wait! Are you sure it's good enough? Are you sure the take was good enough?' But it's kind of nice to capture that, because I know that Heidi and I are best live onstage, and so he captures that raw energy."

Added Heidi: "It's gonna be honest, it's gonna be raw, it's gonna be heavier than 'Goliath', which we're actually really excited about — more thrashy. We all started as thrash metal kids in this, and we tried a bunch of different stuff. 'Goliath' was great, but this album we're gonna go and we're gonna slay 'Goliath'; that's just how it's gonna happen."

Continued Carla: "And the cool thing about working with [Logan] again is that he already knows our strengths, weaknesses and everything by having worked with us on a cover EP before we go in and record our album. I'm actually really thankful for that, so we can go in and just kick ass with him on this one."

BUTCHER BABIES' EP of cover tunes, "Uncovered", was released on September 30, 2014 in North America (October 6 in Europe) via Century Media.

DISTURBED singer David Draiman has slammed the newly announced host of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show", Trevor Noah, over old tweets in which he made jokes about Jews in addition to women and blacks. Noah, whose mother is a black South African and whose father is white and from Switzerland, has come under fire for the jokes, which he posted between 2009 and 2014 and which have been perceived as misogynist, anti-Semitic and racist.

Draiman has penned a lengthy commentary with his views on the matter. It can be read in its entirety below.

"The last 24-48 hours for me have been a rather frightening and revealing look into how much anti-Semitic sentiment has permeated our global society.

"I am not someone who is easily offended; I've got big shoulders. Truth be told, I myself have been critical of the P.C.-obsessed mob, those who seem to yearn for, and look for reasons to be offended by seemingly anything from anywhere (I actually agree with Jim Norton's piece in Time magazine regarding the Trevor Noah controversy to a certain degree. Thank you again for the courteous back-and-forth, Jim).

"I am a staunch supporter of free speech and freedom of creative expression, even if the words spoken or manifested creativity is something I do not agree with, I will, as Voltaire said, 'fight to the death for your right to say it.' However, many people confuse the right to 'free speech' as being a license to say whatever they want without consequence. That simply isn't reality. Your right to free speech prevents the government from being able to prosecute you for such words, but it does not, and should not, prevent the court of public opinion from then being able to judge you based on those words, to respond accordingly, and potentially even protest those words, in a peaceful/non violent manner. That's true free speech. It's a two-way street. That's true freedom.

"As Winston Churchill said, 'Some people's idea of free speech is that they are free to say what that they like, but if anyone says anything back, it's an outrage.' That simply isn't true. Besides, if speech were suppressed, we may not know who some of the true wolves in sheep's clothing are out there. People being allowed to speak freely enables us to find out who they really are, and I would never trade that right for anything.

"I supported the 'Je Suis Charlie' campaign when the Charlie Hebdo terrorist massacre happened, because even though I think insulting other people's religions is in incredibly bad taste, it doesn't justify acts of terrorism and murder (let's call a spade a spade here, Charlie Hebdo has published a plethora of anti-Semitic cartoons over the course of their existence, but no acts of terror were committed and no physical attacks made, nor should there have been). I would take just as much issue with images that incite hatred of any race, creed, or religion, but as I said before, I have, and will continue to, fight for the right to express them/make them. I appreciate it when people take their masks off. This way I can prepare accordingly.

"I also supported the #GamerGate online campaign against the censorship of creative expression in the video game space, because I still do not believe that anyone has the right to tell anyone else what they can and cannot do in their leisure time. I don't want another Tipper Gore-style PMRC scenario where people feel they have the right to choose what music and art you listen to or enjoy.

"I would, however, like you to try an experiment. Type the word anti-Semitism into your search engine, and see what comes up. The results will shock you.

"The number of anti-Semitic incidents and attacks that have been perpetuated over the past year worldwide is staggering. They are at levels I have not seen in my lifetime, and they are not only directed at 'The State of Israel' or 'The Israeli Government' or even 'Israelis' in general. They are directed at Jews, all Jews, all over the globe, whether they are of Israeli descent or whether they support the State of Israel or not.

"The horrific events of the last Gaza war have enabled sleeping anti-Semites all over the world, who have been relatively subdued for some time, to reveal themselves. Thanks to freedom of speech, we now know who many of them are (all they needed was an open door and an excuse to continue spewing their baseless hatred). I would never take away their right to expose themselves. I like it when people take their masks off. At least I know who is a threat and who isn't.

"So why then did I take such strong issue with the prospective new 'Daily Show' host Trevor Noah's history of 'Jew jokes'? Things like, 'Almost bumped a Jewish kid crossing the road. He didn't look before crossing, but I would have felt so bad in my German car!' or, 'Muslims don't hate Jews, Jews hate Muslims,' or 'Behind every successful Rap Billionaire is a double as rich Jewish man,' or, 'South Africans know how to recycle just like Israel knows how to be peaceful.'

"Surely, these aren't the worst anti-Semitic slurs/jokes that I have ever heard. Why take such offense? Because I am tired of seeing the 'tastemakers' of the world continue to perpetuate the anti-Semitic stereotypes and notions expressed in the 'jokes' above. I'm tired of today's youth thinking that it is 'en vogue' to hate on the Jewish people. I'm tired of seeing people frightened, hiding their heritage for fear of anti-Semitic persecution.

"Mr. Noah was picked to be the host of a widely watched television show, and with great power/reach also should come at least some responsibility.

"Many have said that since some of the statements were made years ago, that means they shouldn't really matter; I wasn't aware that there was an expiration date on hatred.

"If these were just 'jokes,' as everyone is insisting, let him also say publicly that he denounces anti-Semitism and baseless hatred in all its forms. He had the right to say those things, he said them. Shouldn't people directly affected by them be able to respond to such statements with justifiable disdain?

"If you want to say that comedians are comedians, and that creative expression is absolute, and that no apology should be necessary for such statements (although friends sometimes mistakenly push things too far with one another/cross a line, apologize and move on), don't these statements at the very least merit some explanation and clarification beyond saying that, and I quote Trevor here, 'To reduce my views to a handful of jokes that didn't land is not a true reflection of my character, nor my evolution as a comedian.'

"Is that enough? Does that convince anyone that he doesn't truly believe the things he was implying in those 'jokes'?

"In this free society that we have created, some have insisted that people's right to free speech justifies hate speech. Having the freedom to say it, and it being 'justified,' are two entirely different things.

"The recent rise of global anti-Semitism, people's general 'laissez-faire' attitude towards it, and the liberal mainstream media's virulent anti-Israel narrative and agenda, has enabled it to spread and grow like wildfire. So in this troubling time, perhaps it is more prudent to avoid making 'jokes' about it?

"I don't want to censor anyone for any reason, but I also don't want a potentially anti-Semitic host of a popular television show perpetuating the sorts of stereotypes that only increase hatred. So clarify, if not apologize at the very least?

"In the midst of this fervor, I decided to conduct an experiment using the #GamerGate movement as a test audience, who are for absolute freedom of speech and creative expression.

"After a few of them had tweeted rather abrasive and anti-Semitic supporting statements regarding my original tweet to Trevor, a statement I made in anger, admittedly, and my request for support, I decided to test them.

"I had gotten reports from people on all sides of the spectrum that many #GamerGate supporters had anti-Semitic leanings, which at the time I doubted, because I had seen no evidence of such sentiment save a few random 'Internet trolls' here and there (my sincere apologies to those who informed me of such).

"I demanded that all my #GamerGate supporting followers tweet that they stood firmly opposed to anti-Semitism, even if they couldn't see the harm in Trevor's statements, that I couldn't remain supportive of those who did not condemn anti-Semitism, nor were they welcome as followers of my page. I gave everyone one day to pick a side. Do you condemn or condone anti-Semitism? There is no neutrality when it comes to hate.

"The response was shocking, to say the least. The sudden outpouring of anti-Semitic jargon and venom spewed into my twitter feed was staggering. It seems that you only need open the door for some people and they will just walk right in. By the end of the day, between my exchange with Jim Norton (still love ya, Jim. At least you were willing to say that you fully condemn anti-Semitism), and the flood of hate from #GamerGate 'supporters,' I had been forced to block and report over 250+ people.

"Something as simple as saying 'I condemn anti-Semitism' was apparently too much to ask for most, thankfully not all. Although I will always stand against censorship, in games, in art, in everything, but I will also stand with my conscience and in the defense of my people and my family when the right to 'free speech' exposes a hate monger for what they are, and will raise my voice in protest to their words with my own right to free speech. There is no hypocrisy there, and those who do not understand or see that, are blinded by their own 'lust to offend' (the opposite exists too, Jim).

"This is the state of things. Anti-Semitism has become accepted, 'en vogue,' and even been 'normalized' to some degree.

"This status quo is unacceptable to say the least. Many have tried to say Trevor's statements are okay because his mother is a converted Jew. I know many comedians, even Jewish ones, have made Jewish jokes and even jokes about the Holocaust in the past, but given the wave of hatred that is currently engulfing the world, don't we owe it to ourselves to be more sensitive to this alarming trend and do what we can to change people's false perceptions, not enforce them? Do we just sit back and watch while innocents are attacked en masse, simply because of their heritage?

"I'm a fan of pushing the envelope when it comes to art, music, film, and even comedy; but given the fact that anti-Semitic hate crimes are so rampant now, more than I have ever seen before in my lifetime, is now really the appropriate time for such 'humor'?

"How can I look in my son's face and not do everything in my power to ensure he can grow up in a world where he does not need fear persecution for simply having Jewish blood in him?

"My family are survivors of the holocaust, an event many anti-Semites are trying to say never happened.

"The article below might give you some insight as to why this is a 'hot button' topic for me.

http://www.ushmm.org/confront-antisemitism/antisemitism-podcast/david-draiman

"I will not betray my family by standing idle as the trend of media accepted/endorsed anti-Semitism continues to spread.

"I will use my right to free speech the same way others have to expose themselves, to condemn anti-Semitism wherever and whenever it rears its ugly and incendiary head.

"I can sincerely say that I hope Trevor, all artists, and all of humanity, take a stand against this spread of hatred.

"If he was in fact 'just joking,' then I encourage him and others to tweet the following hash-tag: #iCondemnAntiSemitism.

"I hope and pray to one day not have to worry about the future my son is growing into, and wish for a world filled with peace, respect, and love for fellow human beings."

Speaking on the Voice Of Israel radio service, Draiman said about Noah, "If he wants to go ahead and be a funny guy, go ahead. Have me on your show. Go ahead and start spewing anti-Semitic or Jewish jokes while I'm on your show. Somebody's gonna end up in the hospital and somebody's gonna end up in jail, and I'll give you three guesses who that's going to be."

Draiman referred to Noah as a "mamzer" — a Hebrew word referring to a person born of certain forbidden relationships.

Draiman went to school in Israel as a teenager and still has family there, including his brother, musician Ben Draiman, and his grandmother.

DISTURBED went on an open-ended hiatus in 2011, and there are still no plans underway at the moment for the band to begin working on a new album.

HALESTORM's new album, "Into The Wild Life", can be streamed in its entirety at Yahoo! Music. Singer Lzzy Hale told The Pulse Of Radio that the process of recording the CD was unlike anything the group had done before. "Basically, you know, all of the tracks that you'll hear on this record, all the basic tracks, we did live in this beautiful studio in Nashville — beautiful church studio, actually — and we all were in the common room in a circle and had to play every song over and over again until we were all kind of riding the same wave, and all the parts were done, you know, as a performance," she said.

In a recent interview with 100.3 The X Rocks, Lzzy called the entire recording process "very freeing."

She said, "We decided to throw away everything that the previous two records made us feel comfortable and safe. We threw caution to the wind and said, 'We're just gonna chase after whatever gets us excited.' And we made an actual album."

The band recorded the set in Nashville — where Hale says it was "isolated" with few distractions — aside from "the occasional beer run."

"Into The Wild Life" is due out on April 14.

The new disc follows up HALESTORM's Grammy-winning 2012 sophomore effort, "The Strange Case Of…"

"Into The Wild Life" track listing:

01. Scream02. I Am The Fire03. Sick Individual04. Amen05. Dear Daughter06. New Modern Love07. Mayhem08. Bad Girl's World09. Gonna Get Mine10. The Reckoning11. Apocalyptic12. What Sober Couldn't Say13. I Like It Heavy

Bonus tracks (digital deluxe version):

14. Jump The Gun15. Unapologetic

HALESTORM is currently on the road in Europe and will begin a North American tour with THE PRETTY RECKLESS on April 22 in Nashville.

Guitarist Marc Rizzo of SOULFLY and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY made his live debut with the MISFITS at the Dutch Comic Con on March 28 in in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

Said Rizzo: "I'm super stoked to [be] playing guitar in one of my favorite bands, the MISFITS!"

New Jersey native Marc Rizzo embarked on his first U.S. solo tour in 2007. He released two solo albums with Shrapnel Records in 2006 and 2007, entitled "Colossal Myopia" and "The Ultimate Devotion", respectively. In 2010, Marc issued his latest album on his own Phlamencore Records, entitled "Legionnaire".

Rizzo has been endorsed by the likes of Peavey, Yamaha and B.C. Rich, and had a B.C. Rich Stealth Pro seven-string signature guitar available for public purchase.

Rizzo is well known for his position in popular metal act SOULFLY, with whom he has released six records to date; "Prophecy" (2004), "Dark Ages" (2005), "Conquer" (2008), "Omen" (2010), "Enslaved" (2012) and "Savages" (2013). In addition, he is a member of CAVALERA CONSPIRACY with SEPULTURA co-founders Max and Igor Cavalera, with whom he collaborated on the project's debut album, "Inflikted", in 2008, the follow-up effort, "Blunt Force Trauma", and last year's "Pandemonium".

THE CIRCLE, the combo consisting of legendary rocker Sammy Hagar alongside Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham and Vic Johnson will release a concert album, "At Your Service", on May 19 in both digital and physical packages.

Recorded live on tour in 2014, this release documents the blistering performance of a band on fire performing hits from Sammy's four decades of rock (MONTROSE, solo, VAN HALEN, THE WABORITAS, CHICKENFOOT) as well as classic tracks from the LED ZEPPELIN catalog.

A performance clip of the VAN HALEN's "When It's Love", taken from "At Your Service", can be seen below.

Available for preorder on iTunes, "At Your Service" will include an instant download of THE CIRCLE's version of VAN HALEN's "Poundcake", which can now be streamed using the SoundCloud widget below.

"At Your Service" track listing:

Disc One

01. There's Only One Way To Rock02. Rock Candy03. Good Times Bad Times04. Poundcake05. I Can't Drive 5506. Mikey Bass Solo07. When It's Love08. Whole Lotta Love09. Little White Lie10. When The Levee Breaks Disc Two

01. Moby Dick/Jason Drum Solo02. Why Can't This Be Love03. Finish What Ya Started04. Heavy Metal05. Vic Guitar Solo06. Best Of Both Worlds07. Right Now08. Rock And Roll09. Dreams

Speaking to Ultimate Classic Rock, Hagar stated about THE CIRCLE: "I think THE CIRCLE is the band that I want to play with right now. It's the band that I choose to play with over any band. Even CHICKENFOOT is hard, because we only play CHICKENFOOT. So I miss playing 'When It's Love' and 'Right Now' and 'I Can't Drive 55' and 'One Way To Rock' and 'Heavy Metal' and 'Rock Candy'. I miss doing that, as much as I love CHICKENFOOT."

He continued: "THE CIRCLE is so satisfying that I don't even see a reason to make a record. We have so many great hits that we can choose from our catalog, all of those VAN HALEN hits, all of the Sammy solo, all of those MONTROSE hits, CHICKENFOOT hits, LED ZEPPELIN songs — we have that catalog to choose from for our shows, so to make a record would just be kind of a waste of time. I wouldn't say never, but first I'd like to put together the greatest set list that ever existed in rock 'n' roll, and I think we're pretty close to it right now with the one that we have, but it can even get better. There's a frikkin' goldmine to choose from of songs that I've written and sang in my life."

Hagar's first-ever acoustic album titled "Lite Roast", was released on October 14, 2014 via Mailboat Records. Joining Sammy on the CD was Vic Johnson, longtime guitarist of WABORITAS, Hagar's backup band, on guitar and vocals.