Brazilian death/thrash metal act, Hammurabi, have released a single and video for their new song, “The Emperor Returns To The Front”.

 

 

The song was recorded and produced by the band at Mr. Sound Studio, supervised and mastered by Marcello Pompeu and Heros Trench. The cover art was provided by the artist Hugo Silva of Abacrombie Ink (Project 46, Feartone, Miasthenia) in partnership with the singer, and also designer, Daniel Lugondi.

 

 

The music video was done by Willians de Abreu from Lab Brain Filmes. It is noteworthy that both in song, as on the video, there is the participation of the bassist of legendary Brazilian band Korzus, Dick Siebert.

More on Hammurabi at Facebook.

What do you get when you take two theatrical lead vocalists, a keyboard player from Juilliard, a musical savant playing guitar, and a drummer with progressive rock in his DNA? The new modern prog rock band, Circuline. Check out their new video for “One Wish” below.

Performing original and classic progressive rock, Circuline was founded in 2014 when former progressive rock tribute band Downing Grey members Andrew Colyer (keyboards, vocals), Bill Shannon (guitars, vocals), and Darin Brannon (drums, percussion) had a burning desire to write original material. Lead vocalists Billy Spillane and Natalie Brown were up for the challenge, having performed in countless venues as singers, actors, dancers, and rock musicians.

Circuline's debut album, Return is set to be released on April 24th, and will feature guest appearances from Matt Dorsey (Sound Of Contact) on bass, Randy McStine (Lo­Fi Resistance) as a songwriter and vocalist, and Joe Deninzon (Stratospheerius) on electric violin. Paul Ranieri (Shadow Eden) is currently the touring bassist with the band.

Even though they are a relatively new band, Circuline has already opened for recent RoSfest headliner Elephants Of Scotland, and Top 10 CMJ charting power rock trio, Shadow Eden. Besides performing modern prog rock original tunes, you will also hear classic progressive rock music from YES, Genesis, Rush, Sound Of Contact, and Pink Floyd. The band will be opening for 20-year, 16-album progressive rock veterans Glass Hammer for three shows in the Northeastern US from April 24th to April 26th, 2015.

Circuline is:

Andrew Colyer - keyboards, vocals
Bill Shannon - lead guitars, vocals
Billy Spillane - lead vocals
Darin Brannon - drums, percussion
Natalie Brown - lead vocals

Chilean metallers, Iron Spell, have inked a deal with Empire Records. They will release their first full length album, entitled Electric Conjuring, during 2015 on vinyl and CD editions. The label will also release the song “Midnight Fire” and the KISS cover “I’ve Had Enough (Into The Fire)” (streaming below) as 7” vinyl editions. Both were released as online singles during 2014.

 

 

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

 

 

Heavy Metal Witchcraft EP tracklisting:

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

Heavy Metal Witchcraft Full Demo:

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

 

 

Iron Spell is:

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

 

 

“I've Had Enough (Into The Fire)”:

 

Jolly Roger Records has announced the signing of Italian (now moved to UK) metal band Negacy (born from the ashes of Red Warlock), for the release of the debut album, Flames Of Black Fire. The album will be out on CD and digital on June 15th, featuring 10 tracks of metal in the style of Megadeth, Nevermore, Sanctuary, Annihilator, and Morgana Lefay.

"The Great Plague" video clip is now released (see below) and is included on the Nothing Changes digital-only 4 track release, now available on BandCamp , and featuring two unreleased tracks (taken from upcoming new album) and two exclusive tracks.

 

 

Negacy was born in Italy in August 2005, playing since the beginning a dark modern heavy metal, raw and noble at the same time, under the monicker Red Warlock, recording first full-length album Serve Your Master (2010). In April 2012, after a US tour, the band changed their name to Negacy. During all these years of growth, which has led it towards various different musical directions, it felt the need for a new monicker, suitable for the dark modern nature of the band. The result was to create Negacy, a fusion of the words "Negation" and "Legacy".

“The Great Plague” video:

German power metallers HELLOWEEN will release their 15th studio album, "My God-Given Right", on May 29 via Nuclear Blast. The CD was recorded between October 2014 and February 2015 at the band's MiSueno Studio on the isle of Tenerife with producer Charlie Bauerfeind (GOTTHARD, HAMMERFALL). "My God-Given Right" track listing: 01. Heroes02. Battle's Won03. My God-Given Right04. Stay Crazy05. Lost In America06. Russian Roulé07. The Swing Of A Fallen World08. Like Everybody Else09. Creatures In Heaven10. If God Loves Rock 'N' Roll11. Living On The Edge12. Claws13. You, Still Of War The limited digipak (with special 3D cover) and the vinyl version will feature two bonus tracks:

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

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

01. I Wish I Were There02. Wicked Game03. Nightmare04. More Than A Lifetime Pre-order here. On April 17, HELLOWEEN will release the first single from "My God-Given Right", the speed metal hymn "Battle's Won". In addition to the digital download, there will be a limited-edition two-track vinyl single, also featuring the album cut "Lost In America". The "My God-Given Right" artwork was once again created by graphic guru Martin Häusler (BON JOVI, QUEEN, GOTTHARD) and will also be available as a 3D lenticular print. Says Häusler: "We tried to build a world of ideas, keeping the 'classic HELLOWEEN' elements, like the pumpkins on the one hand and a complete new look on the other, just like we did it the years before, working on a HELLOWEEN artwork.

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

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

"The most challenging part of this artwork was to have both the limited edition and the 11-inch earbook provided with a 3D lenticular cover (a full 3D cover, visible without 3D glasses). That's the reason the entire artwork was done 'in one piece,' using a 3D program…We did not want one of those 'cheap' lenticular covers, done by converting a 2D version, but the best possible real 3D result. So don’t get any other versions — this will be a true collector's item!" Adds HELLOWEEN frontman Andi Deris: "I never know how, but somehow we did it once again… The album really rocks and kicks some major asses!!! We had the best folks with us to make this possible: producer Charlie Bauerfeind and Martin Häusler, who made a massive 3D artwork this time WITHOUT stressing the whole color range." States HELLOWEEN guitarist Michael Weikath: "This proves what a bit of snow not only is able to but really causes! I personally hate snow and the cover shows that too much of everything is never good. Just like Andi Deris, I'm very happy about the new album." HELLOWEEN's last album, "Straight Out Of Hell", sold around 4,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 97 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD entered the Media Control chart in Germany at position No. 4 — the highest chart position in the band's history. It also landed at No. 4 in Finland and No. 2 on the international album chart in Japan.

"Straight Out Of Hell" was released in January 2013. The cover artwork for the CD was once again created by Martin Häusler, who previously worked with the band on the "7 Sinners" and "Gambling With The Devil" CDs.

Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner has posted two live clips of the band in action on YouTube with comments. Check them out below:

Faulkner: "Includes GT's mighty solo and Rob's shrieking banshee at the end..." 

Faulkner: "The main part of the 'March Of The Damned' solo here from Seoul, Korea. The cool thing here is - and I wonder how many of you maniacs noticed - the zombie in the back has Robs face super-imposed onto it. Check it out from around the 15 second mark!"

On March 11th, Judas Priest performed at the Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. Fan-filmed video is available below.

The setlist on the night was as follows:

"Dragonaut"
"Metal Gods"
"Devil's Child"
"Victim Of Changes"
"Halls Of Valhalla"
"Love Bites"
"March Of The Damned"
"Turbo Lover"
"Redeemer Of Souls"
"Beyond The Realms Of Death"
"Jawbreaker"
"Breaking The Law"
"Hell Bent For Leather"

Encore:
"The Hellion"
"Electric Eye"
"You've Got Another Thing Comin'"

Encore 2:
"Painkiller"
"Living After Midnight"
"Defenders Of The Faith"

Coming off an era which saw several Judas Priest albums that have gone down as some of the greatest in the entire history of heavy metal (namely, 1980's British Steel and 1982's Screaming For Vengeance), the band from Birmingham knew that their next release had to 'deliver the goods', to cement their standing as the leaders of metal. And deliver they did, with their platinum-certified 1984 release, Defenders Of The Faith. And on March 10th, a newly expanded three-CD version of the album will be unleashed via Columbia/Legacy, which includes the original ten-track album remastered by producer Tom Allom, and a complete live recording from the Defenders tour, recorded at the Long Beach Arena in California, on May 5th, 1984.

The 21-track concert (split up over two discs) perfectly balances the then-new material from the group's ninth studio offering overall, including such classics as "Metal Gods", "Breaking The Law", "Sinner", "Electric Eye", "The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)", "Victim Of Changes", and "You’ve Got Another Thing Coming", among many others.

The remastered version of “Some Heads Are Gonna Roll” can be heard streaming below (restricted to some territories):

As the band states in the liner notes to the reissue, "It's 30 years since we released Defenders Of The Faith - we're very proud to say it has become a classic that's beloved by Priest fans throughout the world"

Judas Priest continues to 'defend the faith' to this day, as the group recently issued their seventeenth studio album, Redeemer Of Souls, which sees the band's popularity amongst metalheads remain as strong as ever, as it debuted higher than any other previous Priest release (at #6 on the Billboard 200). And on the group's current tour, quite a few classics from 'Defenders' are being performed for the first time in years.

And soon, fans will get a chance to re-experience vintage Judas Priest, with the Defenders Of The Faith reissue.

Tracklisting:

CD1 - Defenders Of The Faith Remastered
"Freewheel Burning"
"Jawbreaker"
"Rock Hard Ride Free"
"The Sentinel"
"Love Bites"
"Eat Me Alive"
"Some Heads Are Gonna Roll"
"Night Comes Down"
"Heavy Duty"
"Defenders Of The Faith"

CD2 - Live at Long Beach Arena, California - May 5th, 1984
"Love Bites"
"Jawbreaker"
"Grinder"
"Metal Gods"
"Breaking The Law"
"Sinner"
"Desert Plains"
"Some Heads Are Gonna Roll"
"The Sentinel "
"Rock Hard Ride Free"

CD3 - Live at Long Beach Arena, California - May 5th, 1984
"Night Comes Down"
"The Hellion"
"Electric Eye"
"Heavy Duty"
"Defenders Of The Faith"
"Freewheel Burning "
"Victim Of Changes"
"The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown)"
"Living After Midnight"
"Hell Bent For Leather"
"You’ve Got Another Thing Coming"

Trailer:

“Jawbreaker”:

"Night Comes Down" live:

SOUNDGARDEN singer Chris Cornell has revealed via Facebook that he has finished recording his new solo album. The effort is expected later in the year.

After SOUNDGARDEN disbanded in 1997 at the height of the group's success, Cornell embarked on a solo career, releasing "Euphoria Morning" in 1999 and debuting a softer sound both live and on the record. But when that album failed to take off, he accepted an offer in 2001 to join with the instrumental members of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE after vocalist Zack de la Rocha exited that group. The new act, called AUDIOSLAVE, released its self-titled debut in 2002. AUDIOSLAVE was a huge success from the start and released two more albums, 2005's "Out Of Exile" and 2006's "Revelations". But by the time "Revelations" came out, Cornell was already looking at other projects and recorded the theme song, "You Know My Name", for the 2006 James Bond comeback film "Casino Royale". In early 2007 he officially left AUDIOSLAVE to revive his solo career, while the rest of the band reactivated RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE.

Cornell issued his second solo album, "Carry On", in 2007 and the controversial "Scream" in 2009. The latter album was produced by Timbaland and found Cornell attempting to pursue an urban/pop direction, making him the focus of ridicule from musicians like Trent Reznor.

Rumors of a SOUNDGARDEN reunion had been percolating for several years and became a reality in 2010, with the band getting back together for a few shows at first, then full-fledged tours and eventually a brand new album in 2012, "King Animal".

Cornell told The Pulse Of Radio that he sees working with SOUNDGARDEN again as having a positive influence on his solo career. "One thing about a solo artist is you can just be in a room way too long with yourself and your own thoughts and your own songs, and it feels really good to be working with Ben [Shepherd, bassist] and Matt [Cameron, drummer] and Kim [Thayil, guitarist] again, and it's actually a really nice reprieve also from just being alone, doing what I do. It's helping with the balance, I think, too."



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Post by Chris Cornell.

A photo that was apparently taken earlier today (Thursday, March 19) of MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine and LAMB OF GOD drummer Chris Adler having a discussion at what appears to be a fast-food restaurant or a coffee shop was posted on Twitter and can be seen below (courtesy of Twitter user @bobbryar).

As BLABBERMOUTH.NET first reported on March 14, MEGADETH is rumored to have hired Adler and Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro (ANGRA) to play on the band's new album.

If true, Adler's involvement with MEGADETH would apparently be limited to studio work only, and he would not be expected to join the band on the road to promote the CD, which is currently being recorded in Nashville, Tennessee.

MEGADETH was still finalizing the recording lineup for its new album last week, with Mustaine tweeting on March 10 that he was "excited to be auditioning one of my final picks for my new guitarist today."

The band has yet to officially announce replacements for drummer Shawn Drover and guitarist Chris Broderick, who quit the group last year.

Speculation has been rife over the last three months as to whether fans could expect a reunion of MEGADETH's classic late 1980s and early 1990s lineup featuring Nick Menza on drums and Marty Friedman on guitar.

Both Menza and Friedman indicated in recent interviews and online postings that they weren't opposed to rejoining MEGADETH, with Menza saying: "I'm open to whatever could possibly happen. That's up to Dave [Mustaine." Friedman, who was also part of the band's "Rust In Peace" lineup, said in January that he "would not be against considering" a possible return to the band as the replacement for Broderick, but cautioned that fans shouldn't "get [their] hopes up either."

Gruesome, the debilitating death metal faction featuring members of Exhumed, Possessed, Malevolent Creation and Derketa, are streaming another new track. Check out “Savage Land”, below:

A respectful celebration of the sound of the early Death records, the collective was borne out of guitarist/vocalist Matt Harvey (Exhumed) and drummer Gus Rios' (Malevolent Creation) mutual involvement with the Death To All tours - Harvey serving as frontman for the original nine-member mini-tour and Rios performing "Baptized In Blood" and working with DTA drummer Sean Reinert on the following US tour where Exhumed filled in as support on a several dates.

The pair stayed in touch and discussed their mutual love (obsession?) for the early half of Death's catalog. After deliberating and ultimately discarding the idea of putting together another incarnation of DTA to focus exclusively on the first two albums, Harvey half-jokingly suggested writing their own songs in that vein. It wasn't long before the idea gained traction, and the "band" had five songs written. With Harvey composing in California, Rios recruited Possessed guitarist Daniel Gonzalez and Derketa bassist Robin Mazen to record the material in Florida, while Harvey tracked his vocals on the West Coast. The result is eight-track debut, Savage Land, a truly gruesome slab of late-'80s/early-'90s Florida-styled death metal. Tragically, there will never be any truly new Death material, but Gruesome is humbly determined to keeping the band's classic sound alive as faithfully as possible.

Elaborates Harvey, "We had such a blast writing and recording this album, I just hope people enjoy it half as much as I enjoyed doing it. It was a great experience working with my friends in Florida and getting to write and record my take on the Death sound. I'm beyond happy with the way everything came out and I hope people take it as the loving, respectful piece of work that it is. I know that sounds counterintuitive for a death metal album, but the whole band is really a super nerdy fan letter to Chuck (Schuldiner), James (Murphy), Rick (Rozz), Terry (Butler), Chris (Reifert), Paul (Masvidal), Sean (Reinert), and Stevie D (DiGiorgio) for making records that have given me literally decades of enjoyment. Having had a chance to meet and hang out with all of those dudes from the early Death days, with the exception of Bill Andrews, has been nothing but humbling, rewarding, enlightening and has only deepened my love for the band and made it that much more personal. So I decided to write an album about '80s horror movies and deadly diseases, which is what anyone would do under the circumstances, right? Anyway, if you like late '80s Death, I sincerely hope you enjoy our take on it, which is really what this album is, with all the drippy blood and inverted crosses in the logo that that implies."

Savage Land was recorded by Rios and Gonzalez at Riversound Studios in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, mixed by Jarrett Pritchard at Mana Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida and features a guest guitar solo on "Closed Casket" by James Murphy as well as cover art by legendary illustrator Ed Repka (Death, Megadeth, Massacre, Athiest et el).

 

 

Savage Land tracklisting:

“Savage Land”
“Trapped In Hell”
“Demonized”
“Hideous”
“Gangrene”
“Closed Casket”
“Psychic Twin”
“Gruesome”

“Hideous”:

Trailer:

Savage Land will be released in North America via Relapse Records on April 21st, April 17th in Germany, Benelux and Finland and April 20th in the UK and the rest of the world on CD and digitally. For pre-orders scroll on over to this location. Digital pre-orders are available via the Gruesome BandCamp page here.

Gruesome lineup:

Daniel Gonzalez - Guitar
Matt Harvey - Guitar, vocals
Robin Mazen - Bass
Gus Rios - Drums

(Photo - Niuvis Martin)

 

Tony MacAlpine's new album Concrete Gardens will be released April 21st, and is now available for pre-order via Tony's spinshop or the Amazon widget below. The tracklisting is as follows:

"Exhibitionist Blvd."
"The King's Rhapsody"
"Man In A Metal Cage"
"Poison Cookies"
"Epic"
"Napoleon's Puppet"
"Sierra Morena"
"Square Circles"
"Red Giant"
"Confessions Of A Medieval Monument"
"Concrete Gardens"
"Maiden's Wish"

Album Personnel:
Tony MacAlpine - guitar, keyboards, bass
Aquiles Priester - drums
Pete Griffin - bass
Jeff Loomis - guitar solo on "Square Circles"
Lucky Islam - bass on "Red Giant"
Sean Delson - bass on "Concrete Gardens"

The Special Edition of Concrete Gardens is limited to 2000 copies and includes a bonus DVD of Tony and band performing the album live at EMGtv. Check out "Poison Cookies" and "Sierra Morena" below.

Tony MacAlpine will be hitting the road and touring the USA in May and June; confirmed dates are available at this location.

Check out the title track of Tony's new album via the following YouTube clip:

 

 

 

 

Seattle death grind terminators and recent Metal Blade signees, Theories, will a drop the ferocious wares of their new full-length upon the masses next week.

Titled Regression, the ten-track bruiser was recorded at The Red Room and The Boiler Room with producer/engineer Derek Moree (The Sword, Pelican, Minus The Bear et al) with mixing and mastering manned by Visceral Sound's Scott Hull (Pig Destroyer, Agoraphobic Nosebleed). The resulting ten cuts make up one of the most belligerent releases from the Metal Blade stable in recent memory.

Theories' Regression is a gristly, fuck-all soundtrack to social discontent, economic uncertainty, environmental catastrophes, and the inevitable cycle of decay. Doused in gnashing, prototypical hyper speed blasts and sub-nuclear riff incursions, the band's meticulously-executed yet organically-scornful delivery is difficult to dismiss. Still, listeners will find moments of dissonant groove and clarity, as well guitar leads not often heard within the genre.

Check out a full album stream below, and find a host of Regression pre-order options here.

 

 

Regression tracklisting:

"Burnt Concrete"
"Cycle Of Decay"
"Shame"
"Abortive Crescent"
"Bathing In Pigs Blood"
"First World's Last Breath"
"Swimming In Mud"
"Revenge/Rewild"
"Hell In Her Eyes"
"Landfill"

Album stream:

"Burnt Concrete" lyric video:

Theories has been propagating the seeds of bleak, dark, and terminally infuriated grind metal in the pacific northwest since their 2011 inception. The band, comprised of current and former members Samothrace, Skarp, and Book of Black Earth, released their debut EP that same year. Their touring campaign followed shortly thereafter, and have since terrorized the stages through the US on nearly a dozen tours and to festivals including Maryland Death Fest, Chaos in Tejas, Southwest Terror Fest, and their most recent tour with new label mates, Cattle Decapitation. Vocalist Rick Powell, guitarist Lee McGlothlen, bassist Kush Karimi, and drummer Joe Axler are of a singular focus to tour as much as possible touting their punishing audio violence.

Theories' Regression will detonate on March 24th via metal Blade Records.

Ghosts Of The Road is an intimate day-in-the-life-of portrait series, featuring some of today’s top rock and metal acts as they navigate a rigorous life on the road. Filmed entirely on one day during a band's tour, these episodes capture the everyday goings-on of a modern rock tour from arrival until the band hits the stage. This fly-on-the-wall perspective aims to offer more to the fans than the traditional mic-in-the-face interview.

Ghosts Of The Road presents a personal portrait of todays top acts as they work hard to bring the rock to the masses. New episodes every Thursday.

Episode 9: Corrosion Of Conformity

Corrosion Of Conformity have reunited with vocalist/guitarist Pepper Keenan for a new studio album and their current European tour. Keenan played his first full show with the band since 2006 on March 7th at Manchester Academy 2 in Manchester, England. Fan-filmed video can be viewed below:

The setlist was as follows:

"These Shrouded Temples..."
"Señor Limpio"
"King Of The Rotten"
"Heaven's Not Overflowing"
"Long Whip/Big America"
"Wiseblood"
"Seven Days"
"Paranoid Opioid"
"13 Angels"
"Albatross"
"A National Acrobat" (Black Sabbath)
"My Grain"
"Stonebreaker"
"Goodbye Windows"

Encore:
"Broken Man"
"Vote With A Bullet"
"Clean My Wounds"

Clips from the band's pre-tour rehearsal ssessions can be seen below:

The tour is the first time Keenan has toured with the band since 2006. This will also be the first time the Deliverance lineup of the group has played together since 2001.

C.O.C. recently emerged from hibernation as a trio and released 2012's eponymous album and 2014's IX to wide acclaim, but many have been eagerly awaiting the return of Pepper Keenan.

The band were originally an influential hardcore punk/heavy metal crossover act before reaching critical success with a new lineup on 1991's Blind album. That trajectory continued with wider appeal as Keenan took over as primary vocalist on Deliverance (1994) and Wiseblood (1996). These two recordings in particular fused the raw energy of the previous albums with some great strides forward in classic rock inspired songwriting and more spacious production and execution, which were often copied but rarely equalled.

This juggernaut gained mass and momentum with relentless touring alongside Metallica, Clutch, Eyehategod and many more. Eventually following In The Arms Of God, 2005, Keenan focused all energy on his hometown band, Down. Until now, that is.

Recent internet chatter on the subject of a reunion turns out be true.

Asked about future plans, bassist Mike Dean said, "This is all about going out and celebrating some of the classic material, and at the same time it's about tuning up the chemistry and the energy to possibly create a new album or two with this lineup."

 

 

Go to this location for the band's complete tour schedule.

 

Birmingham, UK-based doom/psychedelic band, Alunah, have released a lyric video for “Awakening The Forest” (see below), the title track of the band’s third studio album, available via Napalm Records.

Says the band: “Here is our new lyric video for "Awakening The Forest", created by Wil Henry at TMR Band Services. We're so happy with the beautiful job that Wil has done, he has captured our love of nature and lyrical themes perfectly!”

 

 

Tracklisting:

"Bricket Wood Coven"
"Heavy Bough"
"Awakening The Forest"
"The Mask Of Herne"
"Scourge And The Kiss"
"The Summerland"

“Awakening The Forest” lyric video:

"Heavy Bough" video:

Artwork preview video:

 

The first full length from Italian thrashers, Final Fright, will be released in May via Nightbreaker Productions. The album artwork was created by Jon Whiplashh (Skelethal, Infinite Translation).

Artificial Perfection tracklisting:

“Cane Arrabbiato (Rabid Dog)”
“Blind”
“Human”
“The Springwood Slasher”
“You Deserve To Die”
“My Day”
“Serial Victim”
“Parasite”
“La Polizia Non Può Sparare”

More on Final Fright at Facebook.

(Photo - Luca Bortolotti)

 

Icelandic classic rock trio, The Vintage Caravan, have released a lyric video for “Babylon”, a track from the band’s upcoming album, Arrival, scheduled for a May 15th release via Nuclear Blast. Arrival is available for pre-order here.

The psychedelic cover by renowned American artist David Paul Seymour can be seen below.

Commented the band: "We are so excited for the release of the upcoming album. It's definitely a step forward for us musically and we are incredibly happy with how natural the recording process was and how well all of the songs turned out. Get ready for Arrival!"

 

 

Tracklisting:

“Last Day Of Light”
“Monolith”
“Babylon”
“Eclipsed”
“Shaken Beliefs”
“Crazy Horses”
“Sandwalker”
“Innerverse”
“Carousel”
“Winter Queen”

Bonus:
“Say Hello”
“Five Months”

“Babylon” lyric video:

The Vintage Caravan have announced live shows for the upcoming summer and festival cycle. Find the dates below.

Tour dates:

April
25 - London, England - Desertfest

May
31 - Rotterdam, Netherlands - Baroeg

June
2 - Berlin, Germany - Bi Nuu
5 - Geiselwind, Germany - Out & Loud
6 - Netphen, Germany - Freakvalley
7 - Pilsen, Czech Republic - Metalfest
10 - Ulm, Germany - Ulmer Zelt
12 - Arnhem, Netherlands - Willemeen
13 - Waalre, Netherlands - Kempenerpop
13 - Retie, Belgium - Retie Rockt

July
5 - Montreux, Switzerland - Montreux Jazz Festival
11 - Eistnaflug, Iceland - Eistnaflug Festival
24 - Neuensee, Germany - Rock im Wald
25 - Flörsheim, Germany - Flörsheim Open Air

August
15 - Moledo, Portugal - Sonic Blast
23 - Essen, Germany - Turock Open Air

September
4 - Düsseldorf, Germany - Pitcher
5 - Rockenhausen, Germany - Metallergrillen
12 - Raismes, France - Raismes Fest

After their successful and critically acclaimed milestone Sonic Child (2014), four piece blues rock sensation, Zodiac, is ready to enthrall with a new masterpiece. A live album entitled Road Tapes Vol.1.

 

 

Zodiac incorporate influences of the blues, with a carefully selected degree of heaviness. Road Tapes Vol.1 is available on April 17th at the Napalm Records webstore. Listen to “Diamond Shoes” from the upcoming release below.

 

 

 Tracklisting:

“Swinging On The Run”
“Free”
“Holding On”
“Cortez The Killer”
“A Bit Of Devil”
“Rock Bottom Blues”
“Diamond Shoes”
“A Penny And A Dead Horse”
“Moonshine”
“Coming Home”

“Diamond Shoes”:

 
Formats:

Limited Digipack + Tourposter Booklet, Vinyl Look Disc

Limited 2LP Gatefold:
Gold + Tourposter (limited to 100 copies)
Silver + Tourposter (limited to 100 copies)
Black

Pre-order at this location.

 

Unique Australian thrash metal/grindcore/punk group, King Parrot, have released the first track from their upcoming new album Dead Set, along with a video starring Phil Anselmo of Pantera fame. The "Like A Rat" video is available for viewing below.

Dead Set, the band's sophomore album, is due for release on May 15th in Europe via Agonia Records, May 19th in North America via Housecore Records and May 15th in Australia via Rocket/EVP.

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

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

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

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

 

 

Tracklisting:

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

“Like A Rat” video:

The new instalment will be available in Europe in:

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

 

 

Pre-orders are available via the following links:

Europe
North America
Australia

 

 

King Parrot is:

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

 

TOOL guitarist Adam Jones revealed earlier this week in an interview with Yahoo! Music that the band had finally settled a complicated lawsuit that has dragged on for eight years and set back the band's recording and touring plans. Jones told The Pulse Of Radio just how badly the legal issues affected the group and its members. "You know, when you try to be ethical, and you try to sleep good at night, and you try to do the right thing, and people are not doing the right thing, and using that against you, it really affects your creativity, it affects your sleep and it affects your relationships with people and it affects everything you do," he said. "We would have had an album out a long time ago, we would have been taking a lot more tours, and that lawsuit, it was really distracting."

As previously reported, a friend of the band sued them eight years ago, claiming that he had created artwork for the group and wanted credit and compensation for it.

Then an insurance company TOOL had hired to protect itself against such lawsuits sued the band itself over technicalities in the case. TOOL countersued the insurer, with the case finally being resolved in their favor. Jones told Yahoo! Music that the whole affair "got really ugly and shameful."

In the midst of all this, Jones also revealed that an undisclosed member of the band faced a "really scary do-or-die, serious illness."

The band is now working at a faster pace on music for its first new studio set since 2006, with one song finished musically and 10 others in various stages of completion.

Jones said about the new music, "Some of it's really heavy, some of it's complex and some is more atmospheric, but it's definitely TOOL."

VAN HALEN will release its first-ever live album to feature original singer David Lee Roth. Recorded on June 21, 2013 at the famed Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, "Tokyo Dome Live In Concert" includes 23 songs, spanning all seven of the band's albums with Roth. It will be released as a double CD; four-LP set on 180-gram vinyl; and digitally beginning March 31, 2015.

VAN HALEN reinvented the sound of hard rock in 1978 with its influential and wildly successful eponymous debut album and then achieved ever greater success six years later with 1984. Both albums would define a generation while selling more than 10 million copies each in the U.S. alone to earn diamond-certification from the RIAA. The band recently went back to the original analog tapes and remastered both of these landmark albums — "Van Halen" and "1984" — which are now also set for release on March 31, 2015 through Warner Bros. Records.

Considered one of the greatest debut albums in rock history, "Van Halen" took the music world by storm in 1978 with an 11-song manifesto that features some of rock radio's most played songs of all time and scorching concert staples like "Runnin' With The Devil", "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love", "Jamie's Cryin'", the band's signature cover of THE KINKS' "You Really Got Me", and Eddie Van Halen's finger-tapping tour de force, "Eruption". Six years and five albums later, VAN HALEN had become one of the biggest bands in the world around the release of "1984", which includes a number of the band's most legendary songs such as the #1 hit "Jump", "Panama" and "Hot For Teacher".

Mastering engineer Chris Bellman, who remastered the original albums at Bernie Grundman Mastering Studios, was enlisted for these new versions. In order to produce the original sound the band intended, Bellman cut straight from the quarter-inch tapes for CD; for 180-gram vinyl; and for the digital versions. Newly mastered versions of "Diver Down", "Women And Children First", "Van Halen II" and "Fair Warning" are now being cut (for CD, for vinyl, and for digital) for release later in spring.

"Tokyo Dome Live In Concert" features an electrifying performance by singer David Lee Roth, guitarist Eddie Van Halen, drummer Alex Van Halen, and bassist Wolfgang Van Halen. Mixed by award-winning engineer and mixer Bob Clearmountain (THE ROLLING STONES, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, ROXY MUSIC, NINE INCH NAILS, and many more), and mastered by Chris Bellman, the album features such classic anthems as "Dance The Night Away", "Beautiful Girls", "And The Cradle Will Rock…", "Unchained" and "Everybody Wants Some!!", as well as blistering versions of "Tattoo", "She's The Woman" and "China Town" from the group's most recent studio album, "A Different Kind Of Truth".

A deluxe collection featuring "Tokyo Dome Live In Concert" and the newly remastered "Van Halen" and "1984" albums, as both a four-CD set and a six-LP vinyl set in special packaging, will also be available March 31.

According to Van Halen News Desk, the front and back covers of "Tokyo Dome Live In Concert" feature famous paintings by Adolf Mouron Cassandre. Roth loves the art deco era, and chose Cassandre's painting of the SS Normandie for the front cover, continuing with the traveling theme that started with the locomotive on "A Different Kind Of Truth". The back cover is similar to Cassandre's painting of the French cruise-liner L'Atlantique.

"Tokyo Dome Live In Concert" track listing:

01. Unchained02. Runnin' With The Devil03. She's The Woman04. I'm The One05. Tattoo06. Everybody Wants Some!!07. Somebody Get Me A Doctor08. China Town09. Hear About It Later10. (Oh) Pretty Woman11. Me & You (Drum Solo)12. You Really Got Me13. Dance The Night Away14. I'll Wait15. Cradle Will Rock16. Hot For Teacher17. Women In Love18. Romeo Delight19. Mean Street20. Beautiful Girls21. Ice Cream Man22. Panama23. Eruption (Guitar Solo)24. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love25. Jump

The song "Unchained" from "Tokyo Dome Live In Concert" can be streamed below.

Video footage of the reunited original lineup of Canadian thrash metal pioneers EXCITER — guitarist John Ricci, drummer/vocalist Dan Beehler and bassist Allan Johnson — performing on March 14 at the Defenders Of The Old III festival in Brooklyn, New York can be seen below (courtesy of John Erigo).

Speaking to the "Talking Metal" podcast last year, Ricci stated about how he mended fences with the other original members of EXCITER: "Well, we haven't even spoken about [the issues that caused to have a falling out back in the day]. [laughs] When we had our [initial] meetings, those topics never even came up. We basically said, 'What happened in the past happened. It's water under the bridge.' But [before we had our initial meeting to discuss the reunion], I very rarely spoke to Allan. I mean, we had no reason to speak to each other for anything, really. But things happened through word of mouth and the media, and 'He said this' and 'He said that.' You don't know what to believe. I mean, are they actually saying things, or is it just fabricated? So at the time, that's the way I felt."

He continued: "I had no idea in 2014 we'd get back together. I'm completely surprised myself. But I think Dan and Allan — and I can't speak for them — they might have a certain level of frustration as well that they really wanted to get back with me and continue the music that we made. 'Cause the three of us have incredible chemistry when we play our instruments. A lot of great bands — I'm not saying we're a great, fantastic band — but a lot of classic rock and metal bands, they have incredible chemistry when you put certain individuals together. So I think Dan and Allan, over the years, realized that, and they probably thought, 'Let's get back together with John and just keep going, having fun and playing our music.'"

Asked if there is still a friendship between the original members of EXCITER or if they are working together purely as business partners, Ricci said: "Our first meeting, when we sat down, we did not discuss business, we just reminisced and talked about the old days and all the fun times that we had. 'Cause, I mean, we toured quite a bit. In 1985, we did a MOTÖRHEAD tour across the U.S., coast to coast, we also did a MEGADETH tour, coast to coast, we played shows with MERCYFUL FATE, we did a couple of shows in upstate New York with ANTHRAX when we were signed with Megaforce. We had a really good time and everything. So our first meeting was just four hours of… You know, we were sitting at a bar, just drinking beer and talking about the old times. So yeah, we're still friends."

He continued: "Our level of dedication to EXCITER, no one has ever questioned it. Yes, we have a difference of opinion on certain business issues, but when it comes to music, we're exactly on the same wavelength — like, our headspace is exactly the same, musically speaking. And it makes it so much easier when you're writing songs, that everyone recognizes everyone else's vision; you don't have to shove down their throat. But, I mean, on the other hand, for the past 20 years I've been continuing EXCITER, in most cases I handle all the band's business dealings. So the same thing will stay — I will be handling a lot of the business stuff. But because we're the original three guys, everyone's opinion counts when it's time to make decisions; I'm not just gonna be railroading those decisions — I'll ask Dan and I'll ask Al their opinion — and we'll move forward with whatever opinion we take."

The original EXCITER lineup recorded three classic albums in the 1980s — "Heavy Metal Maniac" (1983), "Violence & Force" (1984) and "Long Live the Loud" (1985) — before Ricci left he group and was replaced by Brian McPhee.

EXCITER's latest album, "Death Machine", which featured Ricci as the sole remaining original member, was released on October 29, 2010 via Massacre Records.

FRANTIC AMBER will release its new album, "Burning Insight", on April 15 via FA/Bertus. The first single, "Soar", is now available for streaming on Spotify.

Based in Stockholm, FRANTIC AMBER is a melodic death metal band with members from four different countries (Sweden, Denmark, Japan and Colombia). Their sound is an intense mix of heavy riffs and soaring melodies combined with aggressive vocals. The songs are filled with contrasts between melodic parts and heaviness and are touched by a twisted and deranged atmosphere.

"'Soar' has a very strong and positive message," explains FRANTIC AMBER. "It's about appreciating all the good things that we have, to not give up or let negativity get us down but rather just to soar! It's okay to look to the light. When things get tough, seek inwards and find your strength to get out of the darkness. It makes us stronger and you choose who you want to be."

FRANTIC AMBER has, with its cross-cultural collaboration, received both national and international attention. Gigs abroad have been made in countries such as Russia, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands. The band became well-known in the Swedish music industry in 2012 by an appearance on radio station P3's music awards show "P3 Guld". The same year they won the Swedish final of the international music competition called Wacken Metal Battle. In late 2013, FRANTIC AMBER completed a Scandinavian ten-date tour with SIX FEET UNDER and played for the third year in a row as one of the headlining acts on Rock Bitch Boat. FRANTIC AMBER has thus far made three videos, of which the first one, "Wrath Of Judgement", has been viewed over 200,000 times, The "Ghost" clip has over 420,000 views and the third video, "Bleeding Sanity", is not far behind.

US melodic metal band, Worldview, will release their debut album, entitled The Chosen Few, on May 22nd in Europe and on May 26th in North America via M24 Music Group. Pre-order the album at this location.

 

 

Worldview features members from iconic bands like Sacred Warrior, Deliverance and Recon. The Chosen Few is packed with a host of celebrity guest players: Oz Fox (Stryper) playing a blazing lead guitar, Les Carlsen (Bloodgood) laying down a dramatic guest vocal, Jimmy P. Brown (Deliverance) cutting some low and powerful background vocals, Larry Farkas (Vengeance Rising, Die Happy) shredding with his tasty licks, Armand Meinbardis (Rob Rock) dazzling with his violin and piano playing, and Niki Bente gracing the record with her lovely voice on the title track.

The artwork was created by Felipe Machado Franco (Blind Guardian, Rhapsody Of Fire) and the album was mixed and mastered by Bill Metoyer (Fates Warning, Slayer).

 

 

The Chosen Few tracklisting:

“Mortality”
“Illusions Of Love”
“Back In Time”
“The Mirror”
“Why?”
“Prisoner Of Pain”
“Two Wonders”
“Walk Through Fire”
“The Chosen Few”
“The Last Cry”

Album teaser:

Worldview lineup:

Johnny Gonzales - Drums, Percussion
Todd Libby - Bass guitar, Keyboards
George Rene Ochoa - Guitars, Keyboards, Background Vocals
Rey Parra - Lead Vocals

 

The Age Of Metal recently conducted an interview with COAL CHAMBER singer Dez Fafara. You can now watch the chat below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On what fans can expect from COAL CHAMBER's forthcoming comeback album, "Rivals":

"We put a lot of work into it, and it seems to be getting just a very positive [response]. But what you can expect is a record that, when it's done, you're gonna wanna push 'play' again. I mean, we really, really honed in on it, and I think that's pretty evident."

On the writing process for "Rivals":

"We locked ourselves in a room and just waited until it was very tight. Then [the other guys in the band] would throw me songs and I would throw them back lyrics, and that's how it came together. It's a very democratic process when it comes to COAL CHAMBER and the writing. And I think they did a great job. It was extremely freeing to do this record, 'cause I could use anything I want — I could use high screams, low screams, clean vocals, whisper tracks… all sorts of stuff — which was very freeing as an artist to do. It was a great time to record. And I think you can feel that within the record. We didn't record with a click track, so [there are] ebbs and flows. Nothing was copied an pasted; everything was sung. I hit most of the stuff the first time I did the vocals, and the music itself is really raw and has a really great feel to it. I think it has a fresh feel to it. Don't expect a throwback record. It's not gonna sound like a throwback record. It's us moving forward."

On whether any of the stuff he has done with DEVILDRIVER has carried over into the new COAL CHAMBER album:

"[The other guys in the band have] done things in [the] thirteen years [since the release of 2002's 'Dark Days'], I've done things in thirteen years, and I think everything bleeds into everything. But when it all spills out onto the table, it's pure COAL CHAMBER. So no matter what I've done — whether it be DEVILDRIVER or BORN OF THE STORM or any number of things — I think when it does go on the table, it becomes COAL CHAMBER."

"Rivals" will be released on May 19 North America via Napalm. The group's first CD in over thirteen years was recorded in part at Audiohammer studio in Sanford, Florida with producer Mark Lewis (DEVILDRIVER, CANNIBAL CORPSE).

Support on COAL CHAMBER's current U.S. trek — which runs through April 12 in Dallas, Texas — is coming from FILTER, COMBICHRIST and AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE.

Lappeenranta, Finland-based act Lowburn have inked a deal with Argonauta Records.

“Lowburn are an impressive band able to blend the pure stoner rock frenzy to the doomier as well as more psychedelic fields”, says Argonauta.

Formed by Battlelore members Tomi Mykkänen and Henkka Vahvanen, Lowburn was born as a band since the very first jams, recruiting Miika Kokkola and Tommi Havo (replaced by Tommi Lintunen in the beginning of 2015). After a couple of EPs, the guys are now giving the final touches to their debut full length, highly anticipated as a massive energy of fuzzy groove.
 
Says the label: ”Showing the appreciation and gratidude to such bands as Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer, ZZ Top, Kyuss, Acid King, Sleep, Monster Magnet and Cathedral, these four guys are delivering the rock as it's supposed to be!"

 

Killer Be Killed - the band featuring Max Cavalera (Soulfly, Sepultura), Greg Puciato (The Dillinger Escape Plan), Troy Sanders (Mastodon) - have unveiled their brand new official music video for “Curb Crusher”, taken from the band’s self-titled debut. Directed by Melbourne photographer Neal Walters, the video combines a wealth of behind-the-scenes and live footage captured in Australia, where Killer Be Killed made their international debut at last month’s Soundwave Festival and Sidewave club shows. The band were joined by Juan Montoya (Monstro, ex-Torche), who also performed on the album, and Ben Koller (Converge, All Pigs Must Die, Mutoid Man).

Killer Be Killed cracked the Top 50 in Australia, the Top 100 in the UK, US, Germany, Canada, and Switzerland, and the Top 200 in Belgium and France. The album was produced and mixed by Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God, Gojira). 

 

 

Guitarist Jake E. Lee's Red Dragon Cartel have announced a replacement for singer Darren Smith, who left the band yesterday. He will be joining his former bandmates Harem Scarem on their upcoming tour. A statement reads as follows:

"Red Dragon Cartel and singer Darren James Smith have officially parted ways. All scheduled shows will still take place as planned with Michael Beck on vocals. We would like to welcome Michael to RDC and we look forward to getting back on stage!"

Michael Beck (pictured below) is owner/producer/engineer at SoundVision Recording Studios in Mesa, Arizona. He currently lives in Mesa, Arizona, but is originally from Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Jake E. Lee is best known for his work in Badlands and as guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne on Bark At The Moon and The Ultimate Sin albums. Released in early 2014, the Red Dragon Cartel debut also features various guest appearances from some of music’s most notable faces including Cheap Trick vocalist Robin Zander, original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno, Kill Devil Hill/Pantera bassist Rex Brown, Slash’s Conspirators Todd Kerns and Brent Fitz and In This Moment front woman Maria Brink. The album was produced by Ronnie Mancuso and Jake E. Lee and was executive produced, mixed and mastered by Kevin Churko (In This Moment, Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch).

“Well, yes, the sound of the CD is an accumulation of things that I’d written for 15, 20 years, and so I can’t say there is any one particular sound," Lee told BraveWords. "It entails a big span of time, especially if you consider that the last song, the piano thing that I did, I wrote when I was 15. From there it spans a lot of years. So, I’ve heard people say that the album might not be cohesive or, it might be a little too spread-out musically. Most of it, I’d say the bulk of everything, actually everything other than that piano piece that I mentioned, was written after Badlands, on my own, and anywhere from 15 years ago to the present.”

 

Red Dragon Cartel dates can be found here.

 

 

 

Guitar World has posted an exclusive full performance of guitar legend Steve Vai's "Gravity Storm" from the upcoming 2DVD release, Stillness In Motion: Vai Live In L.A.

Vai recently checked in with the following update:

"Today I received the first pressing of Stillness In Motion that’s coming out on April 7. Steve Vai is one wildly happy guy!

The bonus footage is called The Space Between The Notes and is over 3 and a half hours. It’s sort of tour diary that has some footage from every city we visited.

I’m very excited for you to enjoy this. The viewer gets to be with us in our trek around this amazing blue globe, and you can get a good snippet of what life on the road, or at least our road, is about. It was a monumental task that took 5-6 months of 10-15 hour days to edit together, but when I finished it and watched it I felt as though it was perhaps the best work I have done to date.

Enjoy!"

An iTunes pre-order in now up and running at this location. A snippet of the track "Velorum" is available on the page.

Vai's first release under the new Sony/Legacy agreement will be Stillness In Motion - Vai Live in L.A., a spectacular performance recorded October 12th, 2012 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. Available in 2CD and 2DVD configurations, Stillness In Motion revisits the 49th concert from Vai's monumental Story of Light World Tour.

Running from 2012 through 2014, The Story of Light World Tour totaled out at 253 engagements (including shows, master classes and concerts with various orchestras) in 52 countries.In addition to the full Club Nokia performance, the 2DVD configuration of Stillness In Motion includes a bonus disc premiering The Space Between the Notes (Tour Mischief), a revelatory video diary comprised of more than three and a half hours of footage, lensed around the world on-stage, off-stage and behind-the-scenes during Vai's epic Story Of Light World Tour.

"To say that this tour was a powerful life experience would be like saying the sun is hot," writes Steve Vai in his personal liner notes penned for Stillness In Motion.

Following Stillness In Motion, Sony/Legacy will release an album of new Steve Vai material, marking a significant next chapter in the musician's growing canon.

The new multi-album deal marks an SME homecoming for Vai, who set the gold and platinum standard for rock instrumental music across a series of albums released through Relativity and Epic Records from 1990's game-changing Passion and Warfare (his 2nd album and 1st major label release) through 2007's orchestral Sound Theories, Vol. I & II.

Tracklistings:

2CD Edition

Disc 1
“Intro/Racing The World”
“Velorum”
Band Intros
“Building The Church”
“Tender Surrender”
“Gravity Storm”
“Weeping China Doll”
“John The Revelator”
“The Moon And I”
“The Animal”
“Whispering A Prayer”

Disc 2
“The Audience Is Listening”
“Rescue Me Or Bury Me”
“Sisters”
“Treasure Island”
“Salamanders In The Sun”
“Pusa Road”
“Frank”
“The Ultra Zone” (CD Version)
“Build Me A Song L.A.”
“For The Love Of God”
“Taurus Bulba”

2DVD Edition

Disc 1
“Intro/Racing The World”
“Velorum”
Band Intros
“Building The Church”
“Tender Surrender”
“Gravity Storm”
“The Trillium’s Launch”
“Weeping China Doll”
“John The Revelator”
“The Moon And I”
“The Animal”
“Whispering a Prayer”
“The Audience Is Listening”
“Where Are We”
“Rescue Me Or Bury Me”
“Sisters”
“Treasure Island”
“Beastly Rap”
“Salamanders In The Sun”
“Pusa Road”
“Earthquake Sky”, Drum Solo
“I’m Tired”
“The Ultra Zone”
“Frank”

Disc 2
“Build Me A Song L.A.”
“For the Love Of God”
“Taurus Bulba”

Story of Light Tour: The Space Between the Notes (Tour Mischief)
Leg 1 (Rehearsals/USA)
Leg 2 (Europe/Eastern Europe)
Leg 3 (Vegas/Netherlands/Russia/Ukraine/Europe)
Leg 4 (Australia/NZ/Indonesia/China/S. Korea/Japan/Taiwan/Thailand)
Leg 5 (Europe...again)
Leg 6 (USA...again)
Leg 7 (Mexico/South America/China)
Leg 8 (Vegas/Singapore/Malaysia/Israel/Europe/Russia/Ukraine)
Leg 9 (USA/St. Barths/Japan/France/Poland)

According to Lambgoat.com, Buffalo, NY resident Nick Wright passed away on March 15th while attending a Chelsea Grin, Carnifex, Sworn In, and The Family Ruin show at the Agora Theatre in Cleveland, OH.

Circumstances surrounding his death have yet to be disclosed, though it's been reported that Wright collapsed around 8:00pm while one of the support acts was performing. 

Chelsea Grin acknowledged the matter on their Facebook page, stating, "We lost a good friend last night at our show in Cleveland." 

One commenter on said Facebook page offered, "I was there last night. Nick had a seizure and stopped breathing during the opening act and was immediately transported to the E.R. I'm sorry to hear that he has passed."

Wright was reportedly 21 years-old.

For information and updates on Chelsea Grin go to this location.

earMUSIC has announced that Status Quo will release Aquostic! Live At The Roundhouse on April 10th on 2CD, 2CD+DVD, vinyl, DVD and Blu-ray formats. This landmark release, recorded in October 2014 in a joint effort by earMUSIC and the BBC, captures the band’s first ever live acoustic performance at the glorious Roundhouse in London. This sensational recording features the new pared-back side of Quo, as revealed on the hit 2014 album Aquostic! (Stripped Bare). This album soared to number 5 in the charts, giving the band their highest placing for 18 years, and has now been certified Gold. It was in fact the best-selling independent label album of 2014. A behind the scenes trailer is streaming below:

BBC Radio 2 broadcast this special Aquostic performance live, and the footage was made available on the night on Red Button and was the BBC's highest-rated music program with 1.3m views in just five days. Now, with the release of Aquostic! Live At The Roundhouse, it is available for Quo fans to own. 2015 sees Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Andrew Bown, John ‘Rhino’ Edwards and Leon Cave building on the incredible momentum that Aquostic has generated. The DVD and Blu-ray formats will feature bonus behind the scenes material.

Tracklisting:

“And It’s Better Now”
“Break The Rules”
“Again And Again”
“Paper Plane”
“Mystery Song”
“Little Lady”
“Rock ‘N’ Roll”
“Caroline”
“What You’re Proposing”
“Softer Ride”
“Down Down”
“Pictures Of Matchstick Men”
“Down The Dustpipe”
“All The Reasons”
“Reasons For Living”
“Rollin’ Home”
“Don’t Drive My Car”
“Claudie”
“Rain”
“Marguerita Time”
“Na Na Na”
“Whatever You Want”
“Rockin’ All Over The World / Encore”
“Rock ‘Til You Drop”
“Burning Bridges (On And Off And On Again)”

“Whatever You Want”:

As well as working towards the release of this superb live album, the band will also undertake a truly special six date Aquostic Live 2015 UK tour in April; tickets are on-sale. After 50 years at the top of their game as one of the world’s premiere hard rock acts, Quo have leapt out of their comfort zone, this re-working of their legendary songbook is fully acoustic and features female backing vocalists, additional musicians and even a string section; a totally new Quo live experience.