Professionally filmed video footage of PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS — the band led by former PANTERA and current DOWN frontman Philip Anselmo — performing on July 4 at the Roskilde Festival in Roskilde, Denmark can be seen below.

Anselmo is currently touring Europe with his backup band THE ILLEGALS — guitarist Marzi Montazeri (ex-SUPERJOINT RITUAL), drummer José Manuel Gonzales (WARBEAST) and bassist Steve Taylor.

Anselmo's career-first solo album, "Walk Through Exits Only", sold around 8,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 35 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Produced by Anselmo and Michael Thompson, and recorded over a couple of years at Philip's New Orleans studio, Nodferatu's Lair, "Walk Through Exits Only" is abrasive, aggressive, anthemic and 100% Anselmo.

According to Anselmo, he worked on an estimated 15-17 songs for "Walk Through Exits Only", which was issued via his own Housecore Records (MRI/Megaforce)

"I could've put on any number (of songs) I wanted, but for me, these eight songs all together, 40-something minutes, that's my idea of a proper listening length," he told Billboard.com. "When you start to get longer, it gets a little redundant and boring, and I didn't want to bore anybody."

KING DIAMOND has tapped Swedish musician Pontus Egberg (THE POODLES, LION'S SHARE, ZAN CLAN) to fill in on bass for the band's upcoming shows following the recent departure of Hal Patino.

A photo of Egberg rehearsing with the rest of the KING DIAMOND band earlier today can be seen above.

Patino released a statement yesterday calling KING DIAMOND's frontman and namesake "a tired, bitter, old man" and denying that he has a drug problem, despite the singer's implications to the contrary.

After King announced Hal's exit from KING DIAMOND, Patino posted a message of his own claiming that he was offered a "totally ridiculous" salary for the band's five shows this summer, calling the move "disrespectful" and insisting that he quit the band in disgust two days before King announced Patino was "relieved of his duties" as the bassist for KING DIAMOND. King then responded with a lengthy posting on his Facebook page, accusing Patino of "putting out extreme lies" about King's character and slamming Hal for asking for more money at the last minute after the rest of the band and the crew already accepted the same salary as they had received for last year's European tour.

KING DIAMOND's next live appearance is scheduled for July 25 at Gröna Lund in Stockholm, Sweden.

KING DIAMOND in December 2012 signed a new three-album worldwide deal with Metal Blade Records. The band is expected to begin work on a new CD later in the year for a 2015 release.

Former KING DIAMOND bassist Hal Patino has released a statement calling the band's frontman and namesake "a tired, bitter, old man" and denying that he has a drug problem, despite the singer's implications to the contrary.

After King announced Hal's exit from KING DIAMOND, Patino released a statement of his own claiming that he was offered a "totally ridiculous" salary for the band's five shows this summer, calling the move "disrespectful" and insisting that he quit the band in disgust two days before King announced Patino was "relieved of his duties" as the bassist for KING DIAMOND. King then responded with a lengthy message on his Facebook page, accusing Patino of "putting out extreme lies" about King's character and slamming Hal for asking for more money at the last minute after the fact that the rest of the band and the crew accepted the same salary as they had received for last year's European tour.

Earlier today, Patino released the following statement:

"I'm NOT a drug addict!

"I'm actually getting pretty tired of this already, but I feel like I have to tell the story from my point of view (without responding to every little detail in King's statement, 'cause that would turn this into a novel). After this, it's up to every individual to think/believe whatever they want to.

"WHAT THE FUCK!!? King has done it again!

"I got three kids who are using Facebook and reading the news on a daily basis.

"You're lying about stuff — like accusing me of doing drugs and calling me a liar is about as low and disgusting as it gets — but it really doesn't come as a surprise to me, because it has always been like this.

"I knew that something like this would come up, and King knows that if we could have come to some kind of an agreement, I would have been able to fly in and out from rehearsals to the shows in Norway… When I didn't hear from him (them)… I just quit !

"King! How can you call me a liar when I said that you did the same thing to my friends Mikkey Dee and Pete Blakk! They left the band before you told the press that they were fired !

"This (below) speaks for itself!

"[Quote from] Mikkey Dee [in] interview [with] Music Street Journal: 'King and record company said: 'Mikkey Dee was actually relieved of his services with King Diamond because he wanted too much money, blahblahblah' and I go, 'Monty, you fucking asshole, this is Mikkey at Kent, I didn't get fired, I left, you bastard, I'm gonna sue you,' you know. So they were making lies about it, and then when I joined DOKKEN, King called me up 'cause then he's been spreading the word about me, he did all the magazines and I did nothing, and now it was my turn to be in the press, people were fucking chasing me, 'Oh Mikkey, you're in DOKKEN.'

"Statement from King Diamond [in] 1990 — three months after Pete left the band: 'Pete Blakk was kicked out of the band due to lack of enthusiasm and drug problems.'

"As I know — and so many other people know, Pete was sober when we did 'The Eye' — and had been for 6 months.

"About my absence in the studio: I was down with the flu those few days. I called the studio back then — they we're fully aware of the reasons for my not being there.

"To everybody out there, I'm not doing drugs, I'm not even a drinker — but I always do a few whiskey shots right before I go onstage to get the right attitude, I don't see that as a 'drug problem.'

"Last: I would like to address King, if he reads this.

"Personally I don't care for the shit you are writing about me, I'm more concerned about my kids, family and friends, reading all your bullshit about me being a drug addict!

"You think you know what's going on in my life? You don't know shit… and you never will!Your real problem is that you are a tired, bitter, old man, that's the only thing I get from your statement.

"Just to end this now... I will NEVER forgive you! All that support you got from my family and especially my son Jackie [a.k.a. Maryann Cotton] who has promoted you through all kinds of media (TV, interviews, and so on). When you were told that he was in a writing process with Dick Wagner and Alice Cooper, you turned your back on him, even though you've known him since he was a little child.

"And you are right, I will never ever work with you again... Because this is what you get for being with KING DIAMOND for 19 years.

"To all the people out there that have expressed their support and concern: THANK YOU!"

Danish heavy metal singer King Diamond has slammed Hal Patino, the former bassist of King's namesake band, for "putting out extreme lies" about King and the circumstances regarding Hal's latest departure from the group.

After King announced Hal's exit from KING DIAMOND, Patino released a statement of his own claiming that he was offered a "totally ridiculous" salary for the band's five shows this summer, calling the move "disrespectful" and insisting that he quit the band in disgust two days before King announced Patino was "relieved of his duties" as the bassist for KING DIAMOND.

King Diamond has now released the following statement in response to Hal's comments:

"When someone puts out extreme lies about you and your character, there comes a time when you put a stop to it. This is that time.

"In the following, I will prove everything I say and I challenge Hal Patino to do the same with what he said.

"Hal's statement: 'I will not go into every detail, but the salary I was offered to headline Wacken Open Air and the four other shows this summer was totally ridiculous. Two days before the first rehearsal day, I wrote an e-mail explaining my view on that topic along with a proposal for a fair and realistic salary for these shows, For this, they accused me of 'blackmailing'! I found it disrespectful, and told them that if that is how I get treated after 19 years, we part immediately! So I already left the band on Thursday the 17th of July, by my own choice.'

"First of all, I have no problem disclosing the band salary for the European shows. For these 5 shows, it is €1000 per festival show. This salary does not include per diems for days not played on (which is on top of the salary), plus all shipping, travel, maintenance, strings, drum sticks, insurance, hotel; in short, the company bears all expenses.

"We do not headline Wacken Open Air. In reality, we don't even headline the Black Stage. Sometimes the headliner is not the last band playing on a specific stage. As far as I know, MOTÖRHEAD playing right before us are the headliner for Friday August 1st on the Black Stage. After them, SLAYER plays on the Main Stage and they are the Wacken headliner for Friday. Then we cool everything down on the Black Stage from midnight. I don't remember who cools down the Main Stage after us.

"I'm not gonna get into details on how our registered company in Denmark is run, but it's a full company with year-round expenses, and if it wasn't for Wacken this year, I could guarantee that there wouldn't be a U.S. tour in the autumn.

"The two indoor shows in Berlin and Tilburg are straight losses, even if sold out. On top of this comes EVERYTHING involved in a tour and our company is, unfortunately, not at the level of MEGADETH, SLAYER, etc, and can only offer what's possible.

"We can't go and get loans in the bank to pay Hal's salary, however minor it may seem. If Hal didn't find that satisfactory, no one kept him from leaving. I just wish he hadn't brought this up on the very day/evening I arrived in Denmark (17th of July). He's had an entire year to think about this, and he brings it up now.

"An important fact with regard to the salaries is that the entire crew and band from last year's European tour is identical to both the European shows we're about to do now and the U.S. shows later this year, except for Hal.

"It seems everybody is satisfied with what the company can offer at this point, except for Hal.

"It doesn't interest me one way or another whether Hal quit the band or he was asked to leave. It's exactly the same result.

"It is interesting though that Hal shipped his gear at the company's expense to the rehearsal facilities on the very date (17th of July) when he claims that he quit the band. We have the receipt for that with stamped date. You can also see in his official statement that he says that he was willing to try to fly in for some of the early rehearsals from Norway. We're talking after the 17th of July, which again, doesn't make sense. Why would he want to try to arrange to fly in for rehearsals from Norway after he already quit the band?

"Hal's statement: 'It's typical King to say that I'm fired — he did the same to me back in 1990 when he told the press that I was kicked out of the band due to lack of enthusiasm and drug problems. That was NOT the reason … It was just too much touring, King got dropped by Roadrunner Records, and I wanted to go in another direction. He did the same to my best friends Mikkey Dee and Pete Blakk.'

"These are extremely insulting and pathetic lies.

"First of all, would Hal EVER have come back to play for KING DIAMOND if I had lied to the press about him being fired in 1990 due to drug problems?

"Hal was taken back into the band sometime after he had asked us in 2000 (I believe it was) at one of our rehearsals, which he was attending with his son, if he could ever get another chance. He swore he was totally clean and that he didn't even drink anymore. This, back then, made him a true hero to me, but this has, of course, changed now. I just don't trust him enough anymore to rely on his contributions.

"Next, can anybody explain to me what it means when Hal says that the reason he was fired was instead 'too much touring'? What does this mean? When did anyone ever get fired for too much touring??

"I would like Hal to present the letter from Roadrunner saying they were dropping us from the label, if he can. This is another outright lie.

"Most of you already know that we bought our way out of Roadrunner by delivering to them 'King Diamond Abigail Live 1987', plus 'Mercyful Fate - Return of the Vampire'. I also have the contract to prove this, and will gladly scan it in for all to see when I return to Dallas.

"The whole problem with trust culminated while we were in the studio recording 'The Eye', at which time Ole Bang [KING DIAMOND and MERCYFUL FATE manager], Andy La Rocque [KING DIAMOND guitarist] and myself can vouch to the fact that Hal Patino was not to be found anywhere when he was supposed to lay down bass tracks. No one could find him, no matter how many phone calls we placed. We ended up spending seven days watching the walls of expensive Sweet Silence studios in Denmark with absolutely nothing to do but sit and hope that Hal Patino would show up at some point. This is actually part of the reason why we had to buy our way out from the Roadrunner contract. We were so underrecouped that the label, with good reason, I guess, wanted to take the over expenditure off our next recording budget. This was simply not an option if we were to continue as a band at the time.

"Seriously, Hal, how dare you accuse me of having fired Mikkey Dee?! You might have forgotten, but both Andy and I remember very well Mikkey coming by Sweet Silence studios during 'The Eye' recordings to play us the new DOKKEN album, which he had just recorded with them.

"I have never uttered a bad word about Mikkey, whom I've always had the highest respect for, both as a drummer and as a person. And he knows that.

"Pete Blakk had some problems like you during the recording of 'The Eye' and the U.S. tour prior to that, which at the time made him unreliable. A situation I think everybody knows he took care of in a very noble way.

"Hal's statement: 'I am in Norway at the moment and will play two live shows with my other band, I told the KING DIAMOND camp that I would be able to fly back and forth so I did not miss the two first rehearsals — and the next thing I read is a statement from King where it says that I'm fired.'

"Again, how is it possible to fire someone who has already quit???

"LAST...

"I would like to address Hal, if he reads this.

"Personally, I don't care if it says you quit, was let go, or whatever with regards to what has happened, but we will obviously never be working together again. There is no trust left.We can stop it at that, or you can continue if you want, just don't forget that I know so many of the people you associate with just as well as you, and I know what's going on in your life.

"Your real problem is really not what we've been talking about these past couple of days, right?

"You know, in the end, I'm really trying to be nice about this."

KING DIAMOND's next live appearance is scheduled for July 25 at Gröna Lund in Stockholm, Sweden.

Former KING DIAMOND bassist Hal Patino has released the following statement regarding his departure from the band:

"It's sad that it had to end this way after — 19 years.

"I have always been 100% loyal to everyone in the band, and have always given my everything — onstage and offstage.

"Since Day One, I have always had KING DIAMOND as my No. 1 priority. I've never ever missed any shows or rehearsals — my performances have always been well prepared (and I've always been ahead of the game). I have been a faithful friend to [KING DIAMOND frontman and namesake] King, and kept my spirits up even in the toughest times.

"I will not go into every detail, but the salary I was offered to headline Wacken Open Air, and the four other shows this summer was totally ridiculous. Two days before the first rehearsal day, I wrote an e-mail explaining my view on that topic along with a proposal for a fair and realistic salary for these shows. For this, they accused me of 'blackmailing'!!! I found it disrespectful, and told them that if that is how I get treated after 19 years, we part immediately! So I already left the band on Thursday the 17th of July, by my own choice.

"Of course it's not the only reason why I have decided to leave. Problems already occurred during the last European tour. Suddenly there were rules for my stage clothes and my way of performing, and there were bad vibes because I promoted and helped my son's band. "It's typical King to say that I'm fired — he did the same to me back in 1990 when he told the press that I was kicked out of the band due to lack of enthusiasm and drug problems. That was NOT the reason … It was just too much touring, King got dropped by Roadrunner Records, and I wanted to go in another direction. He did the same to my best friends Mikkey Dee and Pete Blakk.

"I am in Norway at the moment and will play two live shows with my other band. I told the KING DIAMOND camp that I would be able to fly back and forth so I did not miss the two first rehearsals — and the next thing I read is a statement from King where it says that I'm fired.

"I feel absolutely nothing for King Diamond and the band. I am proud to have been part of the classic albums, and the glory days in the '80s. And that's all!!

"I really appreciate all the messages I have received from so many people, and I just want you to know that I'm busy with my new band NORDIC BEAST, with Mikkey Dee, John Norum and Co.

"I got my other projects AMMUNITION and the ROCK 'N ROLL ADVENTURE, and I'm playing and writing with my son Maryann Cotton who's working with Dick Wagner and Alice Cooper on his new album. I'm a permanent member of the band, and I've written 30% of the album together with Maryann. It's going to be a full concept album in the spirit of Alice Cooper's 'Welcome To My Nightmare'. I'm also planning a solo project for the future.

"I hope that many of the 'diehard fans' that I've met over the years understand my decision to leave the band.

"Thank you all.

"See you on tour with my other projects and bands. Rock 'n roll!"

KING DIAMOND's next live appearance is scheduled for July 25 at Gröna Lund in Stockholm, Sweden.

Paul Stanley (KISS), Slash (GUNS N' ROSES), Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE), Nikki Sixx (MÖTLEY CRÜE) and Michael Anthony (VAN HALEN, CHICKENFOOT) are among the musicians who reacted on Twitter and Facebook to the passing of blues legend Johnny Winter, who died Wednesday (July 16) at his hotel room in Zurich, Switzerland at the age of 70.

According to the Chicago Tribune, there was no indication of third-party involvement, and early signs pointed to a medically related incident.

A prosecutor has ordered an autopsy because the cause of death is unclear.

Speaking to JournalStar.com last month, Johnny Winter said: "When I was about 12, I knew I wanted to be a musician. The blues had so much emotion and so much feeling; if you don't have that, you're not going to be good at it."

Asked if there was anything left for him to accomplish, Winter said: "I've never won a Grammy on my own — I'd like to do that. The ones I've got have been with Muddy. I've been nominated a lot of times but never won."

Regarding what he would like his legacy to be, Winter said: "I just hope I'm remembered as a good blues musician."

Winter remained active up until his death and was scheduled to release a new studio album, "Step Back", on September 2 via Megaforce Records. The follow-up to 2011's "Roots" features a host of special guests, including Eric Clapton, Ben Harper, Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Dr. John, Leslie West, Brian Setzer and Joe Bonnamassa.

Matt Sorum (GUNS N' ROSES): "I've just become close with Edgar and I'm so sad for him and his family. They had plans to tour."

Billy Gibbons (ZZ TOP): "When I first saw Johnny perform, I was maybe 12 or 13, and he was known as 'Johnny Cool Daddy Winter' and we've always thought of him as exactly that: 'One Cool Daddy.'

"Johnny became a dear and passionate friend as well as the accomplished bluesman we have come to admire.

"It's now a moment for celebration of his brilliance frozen for all time.

"We've lost another of the gifted guitar greats and a truly soulful spirit."




Check my Instagram @SLASH for a great shot of the late great Johnny Winter. RIP

— Slash (@Slash) July 17, 2014



GOD BLESS JOHNNY WINTER 1944-2014...LONG LIVE THE KING OF THE FIREBIRD - tBLSt SDMF tJWt pic.twitter.com/amOSEQ7NHk

— Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) July 17, 2014



Rest in peace #JohnnyWinter. We all knew him. TJ got his first Firebird from Johnny in NYC in '73! Cool guy, Incredible guitar player!

— The Doobie Brothers (@TheDoobieBros) July 17, 2014



R.I.P Johnny Winter - We will miss you

— Joe Satriani (@chickenfootjoe) July 17, 2014


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Post by Mad Anthony's Cafe.



So bummed to hear about Johnny Winters passing. I spend many many years soaking up his music late into the night. #Original #TheBlues

— Nikki Sixx (@NikkiSixx) July 17, 2014



We are really sad to hear that Johnny Winter has passed away. The world has lost a true legend and good man. Rest... http://t.co/aUCMqbtD3r

— FOGHAT (@FOGHAT) July 17, 2014



RIP JOHNNY WINTER. We have lost one of the absolute greats. What a player. Thank you for all the fire. pic.twitter.com/wzBlyKuW3g

— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) July 17, 2014



god bless johnny winter. R.I.P.

— Flea (@flea333) July 17, 2014


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Post by Bruce Kulick.


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Post by Steve Lukather.



Firebirds, slide & national steel...Just some of Johnny Winters influence on me. He changed my playing… http://t.co/IY9XX9tTzR

— Tom Keifer (@TomKeiferMusic) July 17, 2014



Silver bells keep ringing. #johnnywinter #mannishboy

— Fred Coury (@fredcoury) July 17, 2014

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd will release a solo album, "Head Job", on August 29 via Universal Music Australia. The official lyric video for the CD's first single, "Repo Man", can now be seen below.

Over the past 20 years or so amidst spending time drumming for Australia's favourite rock export AC/DC, running a studio and a restaurant, racing cars, flying helicopters and a bit of farming in the land of the long white cloud; Melbourne-born drummer Phil Rudd has been quietly writing an album worth of songs which will see the light of day next month.

From the rollicking first single "Repo Man", a gentle reminder about karma; to the rocking title track "Head Job", which does not have intimate connotations but is a play on words about going to the pub to commiserate with your mates about someone doing your head in… from the upbeat dirgy groove of "Bad Move" to the relationship-driven "Crazy"; Rudd has delivered a very personal album "about the shit that goes on," as the great man himself said.

Perhaps with the exception of "40 Days & 40 Nights", these songs were more inspired by everyday personal experiences in life rather than being about touring the globe with the world's biggest rock band.

Citing influences ranging from Ringo Starr and FREE/BAD COMPANY's Simon Kirke, to MOUNTAIN's Leslie West and AC/DC bandmates Malcolm and Angus Young, these songs and lyrics are all very special to Rudd and when talking about the release of this album which has had such a long gestation, he said, "I'm very happy for it to finally make its way out there and for people to hear it!"

The songs were penned primarily by Rudd with the assistance of Allan Badger and Geoffrey Martin — musicians Phil met on the local scene, which he says "turned out to be a great musical partnership." "Badge" and Martin also perform vocals, guitars and bass on the album, with Rudd sitting in the producer's seat. The tracks came together over a period of time recorded at several locations including the studio that Rudd built himself not far from his restaurant Phil's Place in Tauranga, New Zealand.

"I hope everyone thinks this is a great album from start to finish because that's the idea," Rudd told Triple M (hear audio below). "We didn't put anything on there that we didn't like. There's no filler. There's plenty of Phil, but no filler."

Rudd also commented on the new AC/DC album which the band recently finished recording at Bryan Adams' studio in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

"We're happy to have it done and it's all very good, by the way," he said. "There's no comparisons between the two [the new AC/DC album and 'Head Job'], but they're both very good."

Rudd joined AC/DC in 1974. He had previously played with Angry Anderson in BUSTER BROWN and left that band to join the COLOURED BALLS with Lobby Loyde.

When AC/DC bassist Mark Evans left the band in 1977, Rudd became the only Australian-born member of AC/DC.

Rudd exited AC/DC in 1983 and was replaced by Simon Wright, then Chris Slade. When Slade left in 1993, Rudd rejoined the band.

According to Noise11.com, Rudd moved to Tauranga, New Zealand in 1983 and has lived there ever since.



listen to ‘AC/DC Phil Rudd on Triple M’ on Audioboo
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After his departure from German technical death metallers OBSCURA, drummer Hannes Grossmann (also known for his work with BLOTTED SCIENCE and NECROPHAGIST) joined forces with some of his former bandmates in a new project called ALKALOID. In addition to Grossmann, the new group features Christian Muenzner (ex-OBSCURA, NECROPHAGIST, SPAWN OF POSSESSION) and Danny Tunker (ABORTED, ex-GOD DETHRONED) on guitar and Linus Klausenitzer (OBSCURA, NONEUCLID) on bass. The band's frontman is classical composer Florian Magnus Maier (a.k.a. Morean) on vocals and guitar, also known for his orchestral collaboration with Devin Townsend, PARADISE LOST and his work with DARK FORTRESS and NONEUCLID.

Comments Grossmann: "As sad as things have turned out with OBSCURA, I'm really happy that the songs Christian Muenzner and I had initially written for their next record will find a new home in ALKALOID. However, I don't see ALKALOID as a 'tech-death' band, because we just aren't. The music is definitely prog, but in terms of dynamics, song structures, harmonics and rhythms, it's just too diverse to be put into a small sub-genre.

"The band was brought to life in 2012 by myself and Florian Magnus Maier, who is by far the best composer I ever worked with. His band NONEUCLID had a big impact on the last OBSCURA record, 'Omnivium', on which I contributed the vast majority of the music and arranged all the songs. Generally, this is the sort of music we would like to continue with ALKALOID, but make it sound more colorful, more vibrant and way catchier. I'm also happy to have some of my dearest friends on board, such as Christian Muenzner — we make music together for more than 10 years — and Linus Klausenitzer, who is one of my favorite bass players and did a great job on my solo record, 'The Radial Covenant'. Last but not least, we have Danny Tunker as third guitar player, who is just one of the best players I've ever seen. Once we toured with him — he was playing for SPAWN OF POSSESSION — I saw him learning two OBSCURA songs in about an hour, playing them flawless. Never seen a talent like him before."

ALKALOID has just begun recording its debut album for an early 2015 release.

On August 11, reactivated German death metallers MORGOTH will release a seven-inch EP/digital single titled "God Is Evil" featuring two brand new tracks.

Comments the band: "Finally, after 17 years, we have some new tunes to share with you.

"We are excited about the nearing release of the 'God Is Evil' single, which contains the title track as well as the song 'Die As Deceiver'. These two brand-new songs are meant to be a first teaser for our upcoming album, 'Ungod', which we will be recording later this year for a release early 2015 via Century Media Records." "God Is Evil" will be available on black vinyl and limited golden vinyl (300 copies). The powerful artwork was created by Costin Chioreanu, who has previously worked with ARCH ENEMY, GRAVE, DARKTHRONE and many others. Attendes of the Party.San Open Air festival will be able to get a copy of the seven-inch single at the official Party.San merchandise stand and the Cudgel booth. MORGOTH released its first-ever live album and DVD, "Cursed To Live", on June 25, 2012 via Century Media Records. The audio tracks were mixed at Unisound Studio in Sweden with Dan Swanö (OPETH, KATATONIA, DISSECTION).

"Cursed To Live" is the documentation of MORGOTH's 20th-anniversary celebration of the band's all-time classic album "Cursed" (released by Century Media Records in 1991). It was released on CD, a limited DVD+2CD as well as a limited deluxe 2LP. The live show featured on the album was recorded at the band's triumphant show headlining Way Of Darkness festival 2011, at which MORGOTH performed an extensive set of 15 songs, with the main focus on the songs off "Cursed". The cover artwork — with an intentional nod to the original "Cursed" art — was designed by the renowned artist Dirk Rudolph (RAMMSTEIN, IN EXTREMO, APOCALYPTICA), who had also created the original artwork for "Cursed".

MORGOTH 2014 is: Marc Grewe - VocalsHarry Busse - GuitarSebastian Swart - GuitarSotirios "Soti" Kelekidis - BassMarc Reign - Drums

After laying low and taking a much-needed break of nearly a year, BANG TANGO — featuring founding frontman Joe Lesté — will return to the road to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary, rejuvenated and re-energized with the addition of former DIO guitarist Rowan Robertson and a renewed sense of excitement and focus. "Rowan has been a huge breath of fresh air for us," says Lesté. "We have always been fans of his playing, as well as his work ethic and attitude and we are already writing new material that is the best stuff we have come up with in years. I can't wait for our fans to see this new and improved version of BANG TANGO." In 1989, Rowan was recruited to join the band DIO when he was only 17 years of age. The experience launched the young guitarist from obscurity to international fame nearly overnight. BANG TANGO will debut the new lineup as the support act for THE QUIREBOYS on select dates of their 30th-anniversary tour this summer.

Joining Lesté and Robertson in BANG TANGO's current lineup are veteran members, bass player Lance Eric and drummer Timmy Russell.

2015 is shaping up to be a banner year for BANG TANGO, as the band is already confirmed for hugely successful Monsters Of Rock cruise in April 2015. Select U.S. dates are in the works as well. Although BANG TANGO was often lumped in with the whole '80s glam metal movement (perhaps due to their pretty-boy looks and the fact that they hailed from Los Angeles), the hard-rockin' quintet was one a few L.A. glam groups to incorporate funk into its sound — around the same time as the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS and FAITH NO MORE made it acceptable to do so. Their lineup consisted of Lesté, Kyle Stevens (guitar), Mark Knight (guitar), Kyle Kyle (bass), and Tigg Ketler (drums), and piqued the interest of Mechanic/MCA shortly after the quintet issued its first in-concert recordings, 1987's "Live Injection". Following the release of their major-label debut, "Psycho Cafe", in 1989. MTV's "Headbangers Ball" gave significant air time to the single "Someone Like You", and eventually it became a mainstay on the dial MTV charts. The group continued to issue albums throughout the early 1990s, including "Dancin' On Coals", "Ain't No Jive...Live!" and the critically acclaimed "Love After Death". In 2000, Lesté formed a more modern-sounding alt-metal outfit BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, issuing a self-titled debut the same year on Warner Brothers. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES toured as part of the 2001 Ozzfest and supported KISS on a number of dates. BANG TANGO released three studio albums in the past decade: "Ready To Go" (2004), "From The Hip" (2006), and the latest CD, "Pistol Whipped In The Bible Belt" (2011).

Former STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and VELVET REVOLVER singer Scott Weiland may be permanently barred from ever returning to STP again, but apparently he still thinks that a reunion with the latter group is still possible. Weiland told the Toronto Sun on Friday (July 18): "There's always a chance for things. I've said 'never' before and I've proved myself wrong. And, I mean, I talk to some guys from VELVET REVOLVER on and off and we talk about doing certain things like whenever's there an opportunity where we all have time to do something. Like not maybe long term but in the short term. That'd be cool. I'd be down with that. ... But it does come down to schedules. Like right now all my time goes into [my new solo] band, into THE WILDABOUTS. And it's fun."

VELVET REVOLVER has been without a vocalist and pretty much inactive in the six years since they dismissed Weiland.

Guitarist Slash, who is about to release his third solo album, has been opposed to working with Weiland again.

Slash seemed to ease off just a little in a new interview with the Toronto Sun, saying, "I can see Scott coming back, but I can't see anybody accepting him… It's not a big deal and I don't want to badmouth Scott or anything. The whole thing is we're looking for another guy to replace him. It just hasn't happened. It's dormant, but there's activity under the radar."

Slash told The Pulse Of Radio a while back that he's never felt pressure to find a new singer just for the sake of it. "Everybody asks the same question: 'Where are you with that?'" he said. "It's really, we're nowhere until we can find somebody who can do that job. Very quietly I've had my ears to the pavement, trying to see if there's anybody that fits that bill, and it's got to be somebody really good, 'cause I don't want to rush into it out of desperation. I want to wait 'til I get the right person."

All the members of VELVET REVOLVER insist that the band is not dead, and the four instrumental players have periodically held quiet auditions for a new frontman.

VELVET REVOLVER released two full-length albums through RCA/Sony BMG — 2004's "Contraband" and 2007's "Libertad" — before dismissing Scott Weiland in April 2008.

VELVET REVOLVER reunited with Weiland for a four-song set in January 2012 at a Los Angeles tribute concert for late songwriter John O'Brien, but the band has otherwise remained inactive.

At one point it was reported that VELVET REVOLVER was going to team with STONE SOUR and SLIPKNOT vocalist Corey Taylor, but the idea was ultimately vetoed by Slash. The group and Taylor recorded demos of 10 songs together.

ONKEL TOM — the solo project of Thomas "Angelripper" Such, bassist/vocalist of veteran German thrashers SODOM — has inked a deal with Steamhammer/SPV. The new ONKEL TOM album, "H.E.L.D.", will be released in September.

Comments Steamhammer A&R representative Georg Schröder: "It was more than logical that the new ONKEL TOM album will be released via Steamhammer.

"Tom is already an integral part of our roster with his thrash metal band SODOM and we are pretty sure that we can push ONKEL TOM to the next level together.

"The upcoming new album called 'H.E.L.D.' is without any doubt one of the best German-language rock/metal albums of the year. It's authentic, musically and lyrically sophisticated and, last but not least, it's the perfect soundtrack for your next rock 'n' roll party."

Adds Tom: "Steamhammer/SPV have been our record company for SODOM from the start, and I'm really pleased that we’ll also be working together on the ONKEL TOM stuff.

"Structures at SPV have changed for the better, with the result that they've had increased success promoting and selling more and more German-language music in recent years.

"I'm confident that ONKEL TOM is in good hands and that we'll get the opportunity to present our music to a wider audience at last.

"The new album is in the can — and what can I say? A whole load of first-rate metal/punk and rock songs have been recorded, peppered with moving lyrics full of anarchy and anger, but also full of lust for life and irony. And, of course, full beer glasses. Production, songwriting and arrangements went hand in hand; everything fits together. For me personally, it's the most diverse and musically accomplished album of our career to date. This diversity is owed, not least, to the different characters of our band members and the bands they come from. Each of us has been involved in the creative process, the writing of the lyrics and the overall concept. We wrote whatever came into our heads, without any outside influences, so the result sounds thoroughly autonomous and will definitely set us apart from other acts."

Pictured (left to right): Marc Beste (ONKEL TOM bassist), Corny (ONKEL TOM drummer), Alex Kraft (ONKEL TOM guitarist), Thomas "Angelripper" Such (ONKEL TOM vocalist), Georg "Schorse" Schröder (Steamhammer), Celli (ONKEL TOM guitarist)

New York hardcore veterans SICK OF IT ALL will release their new album, "The Last Act Of Defiance", in Europe, Australia and New Zealand on September 29, and in North America on September 30 via Century Media.

Asked what he wants fans to walk away with after hearing "The Last Act Of Defiance", SICK OF IT ALL drummer Armand Majidi's answer is very simple: "I want them to feel that they just heard a hardcore record that has everything, from blistering speed to bouncing groove, to heavy and pounding to bright and melodic."

The eye-catching cover artwork for "The Last Act Of Defiance" was created by Ernie Parada, who has already designed posters, merchandise and album art for numerous bands and artists from the punk and hardcore scene such as HATEBREED, PROPAGANDHI, RANCID and THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM.

"The Last Act Of Defiance" was helmed by SICK OF IT ALL's longtime friend and producer Tue Madsen, who recorded the album at Nova Studio in Staten Island, New York and mixed it at his own Antfarm Studio in Denmark.

Stated Majidi about why Madsen is the perfect match for SICK OF IT ALL: "Not only do we get along famously, but he has always understood how to capture the band’s intensity in the quietly controlled, less-than-intense studio setting.

"It was always difficult for us to find an engineer who could capture our live sound before meeting Tue, so now that we’ve found him, he’s our guy.”

"The Last Act Of Defiance" track listing:

01. Sound The Alarm02. 206103. Road Less Traveled04. Get Bronx05. Part Of History06. Losing War07. Never Back Down08. Facing The Abyss09. Act Your Rage10. Disconnect Your Flesh11. Beltway Getaway12. Sidelined13. Outgunned14. DNC

"Bitter Pill", the new video from New Jersey thrash metal veterans OVERKILL, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's new album, "White Devil Armory", which will be released on July 22 in North America via eOne Music (July 18 in Europe through Nuclear Blast Records). The effort was tracked at Gear Recording and was mixed by Greg Reely, who also worked on 2012's "The Electric Age".

OVERKILL's videos for "Bitter Pill" and "Armorist" wre filmed with veteran director Kevin J. Custer (HATEBREED, TESTAMENT, SUFFOCATION). Custer previously worked with OVERKILL on the "Electric Rattlesnake" and "Bring Me The Night" clips.

Said OVERKILL frontman Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth: "[It's] fantastic to have Kevin on board again. When he's directing, the direction is intense!"

He added: "Each time, the prior results have been spot-on, so our confidence is high for this shoot. From the director's eye to yours/ours, should be a killer!"

"White Devil Armory" track listing:

01. Freedom Rings 02. Where There's Smoke...03. Pig04. Armorist05. Down To The Bone06. Bitter Pill07. King Of The Rat Bastards 08. Another Day To Die09. It's All Yours10. In The Name

The limited-edition box-set version of "White Devil Armory" includes a digipack CD, a leather belt and buckle plus a certificate of authenticity.

Speaking about what OVERKILL was trying to accomplish with "White Devil Armory", vocalist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth told Artisan News: "My personal motivation, and I can probably speak for my partner D.D. [Verni, bass], is that you don't want repetition. Obviously, we are what we are — a thrash metal band — [and] we fall into, let's say, a subgenre of this metal community, but the idea is that you wanna stay interested with it, you want to try, to some degree, to reinvent yourself. And I think the thing I'm most proud of when it comes to a record like Number 17, being 'White Devil Armory', is that that's the push for it. No repetition. Let's get in there and let's define that line between repetition and what style is. I write all these notes in my office where I have my little studio — 'Don't repeat yourself,' 'Don't use this,' 'Don't use that' — and that becomes kind of the flavor of the writing: Stay relevant, great execution, modern presentation. Make Number 17 relevant in 2014."

"Generation Day", a brand new song from GODSMACK, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The track is taken from the band's new album, "1000hp" (One Thousand Horsepower), which will be released on August 5 via Republic Records.

"['Generation Day' is] really one of my favorite tracks on the record," GODSMACK frontman Sully Erna told Grammy.com.

"This record has a bunch of different styles on it. '1000hp' and 'FML' are lumped together because they feel like the more punky versions on the record. Songs like 'What's Next?' and 'Locked & Loaded' are more of the quintessential GODSMACK style music to service the core audience. Then there are songs like 'Generation Day' and 'Nothing Comes Easy' that are more of the epic, artsy songs on the album. 'Generation Day' is really unique for me because not only is it this six-and-a-half-minute epic, but it has these really cool textures and colors in it. The middle section has this cool, ZEPPELIN-y kind of breakdown, drifty and trippy. The song has this really fat, cool opening riff, and it's something I almost think we want to open the live show with. It's one of my favorites because I love what it targets. I feel like we're the last generation of the analog world. I think from this point on, all of our kids will have grown up with MP3s and digital downloads. I'm a huge fan of the analog world. I'm not a big fan of the digital world, but I know it can be very important and I know it can be very powerful, so you have to embrace it and utilize it. But I just miss the days of putting a needle on the album. I still do it. I still listen to music on vinyl and I love the warmth.

"'Generation Day' is about realizing that this new era is taking over, and one day our generation day will be shot and be dead. Whether that's completely dead or something that's just an underground market — like there is a small market for vinyl albums now — [remains to be seen], but when I think about that whole world, I feel sad and wish my daughter and the people [who] are younger could have had that experience of putting on an album and pulling out the lyrics and looking at the artwork. It was such an experience back then. Music is still such a gift, but back then it was more of a whole [ritual] that you did. You would sit on the couch, put on a new album, lay there and listen to it. ... Now it's so quick, just hit the app on your iPhone and suck in the new three-minute, preprocessed shit song. I feel like the integrity sometimes gets lost."

Erna described the sound of the "1000hp" album to The Pulse Of Radio as "a little bit more raw, a little bit more open. The writing was a little freer. The production is really kind of raw and in your face, and the songs, man — I'm really, really excited about these songs. And I have to tell you honestly, I wasn't that excited about writing this record at first."

GODSMACK is among the confirmed bands for the 2014 Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival, set to kick off on August 15 in Clarkston, Michigan and run through September 21.

"California", the new video from X-DRIVE, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's debut album, "Get Your Rock On", which will be released on August 22 in Europe and August 26 in North America via Frontiers Records. "California" is also available now — together with the title track, "Get Your Rock On" — as instant gratification track for all those who preorder the album now via iTunes (Amazon preorder is also available). The two songs can also be streamed via Spotify.

X-DRIVE is a new band centered around guitar player Jeremy Brunner, an Oregon transplant, who, on the heels of his songwriting skills, managed to put together an impressive debut with an affinity for catchy riffs, insightful lyrics and huge choruses. Some of the best musicians in Los Angeles have joined the ranks of X-DRIVE, including bassist James Lomenzo (WHITE LION, MEGADETH, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY), singer Keith St. John (BURNING RAIN, LYNCH MOB, MONTROSE) and, to round out the project, hard-hitting drummer Fred Fischer from MIDLINE. Then legendary producer Andy Johns, former LED ZEPPELIN engineer, was able to finish the X-DRIVE tracks just before his tragic death in 2013.

"It was such a pleasure to contribute to Jeremy's effort!" Lomenzo said. "He has written and crafted an incredible homage to the style of '80s rock, a style that I cut my teeth on back in the day. His love for the era and style really comes through in a surprisingly satisfying way."

"Writing with Brunner was an absolute pleasure," St. John said. "On the whole, the vehicle for his musical canvasses has been a breath of fresh air in directness and simplicity. I found myself patently inspired to fashion my parts for this collection of songs that was Jeremy's own refreshing take on the '80s."

"Get Your Rock On" was mixed by Wyn Davis (BLACK SABBATH, DIO, WHITESNAKE, DOKKEN), and it took more than a year in the studio to make things just the way Brunner wanted, as the guitarist is a bit of a mastermind perfectionist. But it was definitely worth the wait! The X-DRIVE debut album positively rocks from beginning to end.

"Get Your Rock On" track listing:

01. Love's A Bitch02. Get Your Rock On 03. Steppin' On The Rock 04. Baby Bye Bye05. California 06. Lay Me Down07. Turn The Noize Down 08. Fly Beyond The Angels 09. Rattlesnake Eyes 10. Just Can't Stay 11. Change Of Heart 12. Love Breaks The Fool

"California" video:


"Get Your Rock On" EPK:

"Her Bullets Energy", a brand new song from former KYUSS and current VISTA CHINO frontman John Garcia, can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget below. The track, which features a guest appearance by guitarist Robby Krieger of THE DOORS, is taken from Garcia's self-titled solo album, which will be released on August 1 via Napalm Records. The CD was recorded at Thunder Underground studios in Palm Springs, California with producers Harper Hug and Trevor Whatever.

Said Garcia: "To have Robby Krieger from THE DOORS play on my first-ever solo record was surreal. Not only was it surreal, but to be the first artist ever to record in his brand new studio, Horse Latitudes, in Los Angeles made it even more special.

"I am honored, and humbled by his professionalism and talent and will never forget that experience for the rest of my life... It truly made the song 'Her Bullets Energy' better, not to mention the entire record."

"John Garcia" track listing:

01. My Mind02. Rolling Stoned03. Flower04. The Blvd05. 5000 Miles06. Confusion07. His Bullets Energy08. Argleben09. Saddleback10. All These Walls11. Her Bullets Energy

"When I was 19 years old living with Nick Oliveri in North Palm Springs off of San Rafael, I wrote 'Her Bullets Energy' with Nick. I knew that eventually I wanted to do this," Garcia told Coachella Valley Weekly.

"Throughout the years, ever since that first song was written, I've kept a collection of songs in what I call a safe deposit box which in reality was a cardboard box I just traveled with and moved with me.

"These songs that I have are not 'B' sides. They are not leftovers. These are songs that were special to me that I had a personal relationship with. As I got older, as I looked at them every single morning I got up, I started feeling exhausted and felt bad for these songs. I've always wanted to do it. At some point in time, it clicked. I was tired of saying 'yes' to everything and everyone else with the exception of these songs that were close to me. I said no more. I want to finally do this. This project is tangible. These songs are tangible."

According to The Pulse Of Radio, THREE DAYS GRACE bassist Brad Walst told Billboard.com on Friday (July 18) that the band's fifth studio album is well on its way to completion, saying, "We've been writing non-stop and recording a lot. We have a good 10 songs, probably, recorded. We're almost done with this record. We have another couple months to do in this studio and we're done with this thing. It'll hopefully be out by early next year."

As for what the record sounds like, Walst told The Pulse Of Radio that it goes back to the Canadian act's roots. "It's a pretty aggressive record," he said. "You know, the last record, 'Transit Of Venus', we kind of brought the synth world in a little bit and, you know, experimented a little bit with songwriting and our whole process. But you know, I've got to tell you, this record is really quite heavy and, you know, sonically and lyrically. It's just got a heavy sound and there's some really great songs on it. Man, I'm excited for people to hear it because I think they're gonna really like it."

"Painkiller", the first single from THREE DAYS GRACE to feature singer —and Brad's brother — Matt Walst (MY DARKEST DAYS) following the departure of Adam Gontier in 2013, became the band's 12th No. 1 hit on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Songs chart.

"I think any feeling of the band being off track didn't last too long," Brad told Billboard.com. "As soon as Matt kind of stepped in and took the reins as the singer, it clicked. He's getting better and better and people just love him, and the live shows are proof.

"We've done probably over 120 shows now with Matt, and we've just had a lot of fun, man. And organically we started writing with Matt last year, and it's really cool. It's been a great progression. It's exciting for us."

Laser's Edge subsidiary Sensory Records has confirmed the late summer release of the maiden live album from REDEMPTION, the U.S. progressive metal band featuring in its ranks guitarist/songwriter Nick van Dyk and legendary FATES WARNING vocalist Ray Alder.

In 2012, REDEMPTION co-headlined the world-famous ProgPower USA festival in Atlanta, where the band recorded a unique show featuring nearly eighty minutes of material and staged with complementary visuals that drive home the compelling emotional impact of this band. That performance is now being constructed for official worldwide release as "Live From The Pit", to be delivered in a CD/DVD package including additional bonus material, including a 5.1 surround mix and more. From fan favorites such as the never-before-performed "Parker's Eyes" to the crushing emotional weight of "Stronger Than Death", the band's performance captured the special ability of its music to deeply connect with fans. In the words of one concertgoer, REDEMPTION's show "was definitely the most exhausting, personal and emotional musical experience I've ever had."

"Live From The Pit" will be made available via Sensory Records — REDEMPTION's original label, responsible for their seminal first two albums — on September 16.

"Live From The Pit" track listing:

01. Intro/Threads
02. The Suffocating Silence
03. Dreams From The Pit
04. Parker's Eyes
05. Fall On You
06. Noonday Devil
07. Nocturnal
08. Stronger Than Death
09. The Origins Of Ruin
10. Black And White World
11. The Death Of Faith And Reason
12. Walls

The DVD contains the same track listing, plus 5.1 surround mix and bonus material.

REDEMPTION's fifth studio album, "This Mortal Coil", sold around 1,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at No. 32 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

Released on September 26, 2011 in Europe and October 11, 2011 in North America via InsideOut Music, the follow-up to 2009's "Snowfall On Judgment Day" was recorded and mixed with producer Neil Kernon (QUEENSRCHE, NEVERMORE, DEICIDE). The CD's cover artwork was created by acclaimed artist and longtime band collaborator Travis Smith (OPETH, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, NEVERMORE).

"Space Invader", the first new solo album from original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley in five years, will be released in North America on August 19 via Entertainment One Music (eOne Music). The CD, which will be made available in Europe on August 18 (three days earlier in Germany and Scandinavia) through SPV/Steamhammer, will include 11 brand new original songs as well as a cover of Steve Miller's "The Joker". This album is the first release under Frehley's new universal deal on eOne Music.

Audio samples of all the tracks that are set to appear on "Space Invader" can be streamed at Amazon.co.uk.

"Space Invader" European track listings: Limited digipack CD including 2 bonus tracks and poster

01. Space Invader02. Gimme A Feelin' (radio edit)03. I Wanna Hold You04. Change05. Toys06. Immortal Pleasures07. Inside The Vortex08. What Every Girl Wants09. Past The Milky Way10. Reckless11. The Joker12. Starship

Bonus tracks:

13. The Joker (extended version)14. Reckless (different remix version) Standard Version

01. Space Invader02. Gimme A Feelin' (radio edit)03. I Wanna Hold You04. Change05. Toys06. Immortal Pleasures07. Inside The Vortex08. What Every Girl Wants09. Past The Milky Way10. Reckless11. The Joker12. Starship 2 LP gatefold version including 4 bonus tracks, coloured vinyl, printed innersleeves Side 1

01. Space Invader02. Gimme A Feelin' (radio edit)03. I Wanna Hold You04. Change

Side 2

01. Toys02. Immortal Pleasures03. Inside The Vortex04. What Every Girl Wants

Side 3

01. Past The Milky Way02. Reckless03. The Joker04. Starship

Side 4 (bonus tracks)

01. The Joker (extended version)02. Reckless (different remix version)03. Space Invader (radio edit)04. Gimme A Feelin' (explicit version)

Frehley has released the first single from "Space Invader". "Gimme A Feelin'" is now available on iTunes. You can also stream the song below (courtesy of RollingStone.com).

Asked what the songwriting process was like for "Space Invader", Frehley told Guitar World magazine: "You know, all my life I've never had a formula for writing songs. Sometimes it starts with a guitar riff, sometimes it's a lyrical idea or just a melody. Sometimes I wake up with an idea. There's no rhyme or reason. Sometimes I write on an acoustic, sometimes on a bass. There's a song on the new album called 'Into The Vortex'. It's a riff song, but I wrote it on a bass guitar. Why? Because I write differently with a bass guitar in my hand than an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar. When I feel creative, I just sit down and start playing."

Regarding whether he was writing differently in the early days of KISS, Ace said: "Yes, I wasn't as structured as I am now. Even though I am not really structured — I'm at least cognizant of what's going on. [laughs] Back then it was more hit or miss — and when I hit, I hit big. You know, I go back and listen to my 1978 solo record, and it still holds up. My whole body of work that I've created over the years has withstood the test of time. I know that I still have the goods. And when this record gets released, everybody's gonna say, 'Well, Ace did it again.'"

Ace also spoke about the recording process for "Space Invader", telling Guitar World: "I did most of the recording at my friend's studio in Turlock, California, called the Creation Lab. Turlock is in the middle of nowhere — it's like a farming community — and that's why I loved it. I have Attention Deficit Disorder, and there are absolutely no distractions when working at this place. You record for eight or 10 or 12 hours, then you go back to the hotel and go to sleep. You wake up and go back to the studio. There's nothing else to do there, which means it's the perfect place for me to record. Plus, I like working with the least amount of people, and this studio is great because it's quiet and there aren't all kinds of people walking through. I did most of this record with just me and a drummer, Matt Starr. For a couple of songs I brought in Chris Wyse from THE CULT to play bass."

On the topic of whether there were things about 2009's "Anomaly" that he wanted to change with "Space Invader", Ace said: "I know that everyone is hoping that this album is heavier than the last one, and it is. I'm also doing an instrumental this time, called 'Starship', that isn't slow. It's a departure from the 'Fractured Mirror' style. It's more fast paced and has a lot of transitions in it."

Frehley also explained his decision to cover Steve Miller's "The Joker", saying: "It was the record company's idea, to be honest. And I was a little resistant when it first came up. But then I thought back to my 1978 solo record, when [producer] Eddie Kramer's assistant said to me, 'Why don't you try this song?' And it was 'New York Groove'. At first I said, 'I don't want to do that,' and it turned out to be my biggest hit. So maybe history can repeat itself."

The "Space Invader" cover artwork was created by Frehley's longtime friend, artist Ken Kelly, who designed the iconic cover art for two of KISS' best-selling LPs "Destroyer" (1976) and "Love Gun" (1977). Ken said: "It was very exciting when I was approached with the idea of doing an album cover for Ace."

Kelly, who is also widely known for his paintings in the sword and sorcery and heroic fantasy subgenres, most notably for the Conan The Barbarian novels, continued: "I had spoken to Ace on a few occasions about the possibility, so I was delighted when it actually happened.

"I am very pleased with the results and proud to play a part of Ace's continuing successful career!"

Frehley added: "I've been talking with Ken Kelly since 2007 about painting a CD cover for me and it has finally happened! I couldn't be more excited about the new 'Space Invader' cover, and the music behind it is also going to rock your world!"

METALLICA's official YouTube channel Metallica TV has been updated with fly-on-the-wall footage shot by a MetOnTour.com reporter on July 8 in Prague, Czech Republic. The 24-minute clip includes footage of the band warming up in the Tuning Room and "Orion" and "St. Anger" from the show.

The band's setlist for the concert was as follows:

01. Battery02. Master Of Puppets03. Welcome Home (Sanitarium)04. Fuel05. The Unforgiven06. Lords Of Summer07. ...And Justice For All08. Sad But True09. Fade To Black10. Orion11. One12. For Whom The Bell Tolls13. Creeping Death14. Nothing Else Matters15. Enter Sandman

Encore:

16. Whiskey In The Jar17. St. Anger18. Seek & Destroy

As previously reported, METALLICA stars in the latest ESPN "This Is SportsCenter" ad. The clip, which debuted on Monday night (July 14) during this year's All-Star Home Run Derby, plays off the idea that the band members don't know what to do with themselves since Yankees star reliever Mariano Rivera retired last season and took his "Enter Sandman" entrance music with him — so the band begins a desperate search for something else to do. Drummer Lars Ulrich said, "Sometimes it can be quite freeing to put yourself at the mercy of others. ESPN's commercials have a tendency to be hilarious. We were like, 'That sounds like a good time.' The whole thing had an overriding impulsivity to it."

The long-running series of comical "This Is SportsCenter" ads promote ESPN's "SportsCenter" sports news show.

The commercials, which debuted in 1994, are presented in a deadpan mockumentary style, lampooning various aspects of sports and sports broadcasting.

After completing a recent European festival run, METALLICA has just one show on its calendar for the rest of 2014, at the Heavy MTL festival in Montreal on August 9.

The band is slated to enter the studio and begin recording its 10th studio album this fall.

ROB ZOMBIE was forced to pull the plug on its headlining performance last night (Sunday, July 20) at Rock Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin after two songs because the band's frontman and namesake was suffering from a throat ailment and could not continue with the set.

Said Rob: "Sorry, everybody. I wish my voice wasn't so fucked. I knew from the first second we started that it was impossible to get through the show."

Added the festival organizers: "Sorry Rock Festers. We didn't mean for Rock Fest to end this way. What we were told is Rob Zombie's voice went. We tried to get him back on stage, but to no avail. That's what took so long."

Zombie's first-ever concert film, "The Zombie Horror Picture Show", came out on May 20. The set features Zombie leading his band through longtime favorites like "Living Dead Girl", "More Human Than Human" and "Dragula". The movie was filmed during stops on last year's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival tour in Houston on August 3, 2013 and Dallas on August 4.

A photo book by photographer Rob Fenn is being published as a companion to the Blu-ray and DVD.

Zombie has also been working on a new studio album, telling Billboard, "It sounds fuckin' weird man. That's a really good thing… It's going good. I'll work on that for about a month and get as far as I can get. Then in July we have a little bit of a break where I'll probably finish the record, and then we have some more touring."

Zombie's fifth solo album, "Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor", came out in April 2013.

"Alliance Of Thieves", the first video from MESHIAAK, the new band featuring ex-4ARM frontman Danny Tomb, TERAMAZE guitarist Dean Wells and former TESTAMENT bassist Greg Christian, can be seen below. The song is expected to appear on MESHIAAK's debut album, tentatively due before the end of the year.

Regarding how MESHIAAK came together, Tomb told Loud magazine: "Dean Wells and I used to chat a lot about doing some kind of project together and had been talking about it for months prior to actually doing anything. Just so happens that the timing became right and things fell into place and we were able to seriously begin to look at it.

"I've known Greg Christian for a little while now and since touring with him and TESTAMENT we have always kept in touch. Again, it just so happened that the timing was right. I didn't really expect him to commit to it, but he did. Since then, we've thrown a few tracks at him and he's been laying down bass on some pre-production stuff.

"Unfortunately I can't let the cat out of the bag just yet with who the drummer of the band is, I mean, we do have one, and yes, everybody knows who he is, but I just can't give the name yet, you'll just have to wait and see."

Tomb also spoke about the songwriting process for the new band, telling Loud: "I'm a thrash head through and through, I grew up on it, and it's in my blood. When I write music, it definitely comes through. That's another reason why writing with Dean is so cool; it's like everything goes to a different level and it all comes together so easily and effortlessly.

"What's real exciting for me at the moment is for the first time ever, I've been able to write music with someone that can have an input or idea about riffs. I've never had that before, so it's something very fresh and new for both of us.

"Before we started anything, I had a heap of material just sitting there, but since MESHIAAK started, we've worked on it all and changed or pulled it apart and put back together almost everything. I'm really looking forward to the end result."

As for the origin of the MESHIAAK band name, Tomb said: "The pronunciation of the word is Meh-she-yuk. We've played on the spelling a little but it's actually the Hebrew word for Messiah. Dean and I felt it had a strong appeal and we both share the same faith and beliefs in things, we both kind of felt it was fitting for us."

Based in Australia, MESHIAAK promises to tour nationally and internationally upon the completion and release of its debut album.

Due to a family emergency, guitarist Joel Stroetzel of Masachusetts metallers KILLSWITCH ENGAGE will be forced to sit out the band's tour dates this week. The group states: "We will be performing some songs as a four-piece and some songs with the talented and entertaining Ken Susi from UNEARTH.

"Our thoughts and love go out to Joel and his family.

"Joel wanted us to carry on and not cancel any shows, so here we go!

"Big thanks to Ken Susi for learning songs in a day!"

Fan-filmed video footage of Susi performing with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE last night (Saturday, July 19) at Lupo's in Providence, Rhode Island can be seen below.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's fifth studio album, "Disarm The Descent", sold around 48,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 7 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD arrived in stores on April 2, 2013 via Roadrunner Records.

"Disarm The Descent" is KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's first album with original singer Jesse Leach at the vocal helm since 2002's now-classic, genre-defining "Alive or Just Breathing". Leach returned to the band in January 2012 after a decade-long absence. The artwork for the new CD was created by Mike D'Antonio.

According to Radio.com, a judge has denied AS I LAY DYING frontman Tim Lambesis' request to have his prison sentence reduced by the amount of time served while under "house arrest" as he awaited sentencing for hiring a hitman to kill his estranged wife, Meggan.

Judge Carlos Armour said in court earlier today (Friday, July 18) that credit only applies to inmates held in lieu of bail and Lambesis' status was electronic surveillance while out on bail. "The GPS monitor was not a condition of bail, not on house arrest," he noted. "He was privately monitored, not by the Sheriff who controls those in custody in this County, said the judge. Therefore, those custody credits are denied."

On May 16, Lambesis was given a six-year prison sentence without probation for his role in the murder-for-hire plot.

The 33-year-old musician was arrested in May 2013 after handing the "hitman" — really an undercover police officer — $1,000 in cash, along with his wife's address and gate security codes.

Lambesis spent 24 days in a local jail (and given credit at sentencing for 48) after his initial arrest before he paid $160,000 in fees to the bondsman who posted his $2 million bail. The singer was on house arrest at his parents' home in Del Mar, California, wearing a GPS monitor, from June 2013 until his sentencing in May 2014.

Two weeks before his sentencing, Lambesis gave an interview to a probation officer, who then prepared a report which includes the following quotes from Tim:

"There is not a day that goes by that I don't wish I could undo this….

"An apology to Meggan does not seem like enough to make it up to her. I don't have any animosity towards her and I have deep remorse….

"We had a difficult separation…. I was trying to fight for my kids through the courts but was not seeing any results. I felt helpless and I began to feel desperate….

"I was in a different mindset due to the separation and custody experience and my mind was altered due to the steroid use.

"My steroid use was affecting many decisions in my life.

"I am not a risk to her (Meggan) in the slightest way….

"If you look at the majority of my life, this was out of character for me. I don't have a history of violence. I have never been an angry person. Given the potential of my future, I feel that I can be an asset to others if I am allowed to remain in the community."

Tim's former AS I LAY DYING bandmates Jordan Mancino (drums), Nick Hipa (guitar), Phil Sgrosso (guitar) and Josh Gilbert (bass) of San Diego, California-based metal act AS I LAY DYING have teamed up with vocalist Shane Blay (previously lead guitar/clean vocals in OH, SLEEPER) to create the new band WOVENWAR.

AS I LAY DYING's sixth album, "Awakened", sold around 28,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 11 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released in September 2012 via Metal Blade Records, the CD was produced by Bill Stevenson and was mixed by Colin Richardson.

Drummer Tim Alexander, who has played with PRIMUS, PUSCIFER and A PERFECT CIRCLE, has suffered a heart attack and will undergo open heart-surgery in a couple of days.

Alexander, 49, originally left PRIMUS in 1996 and played sporadically with the band in the early 2000s in addition to being involved with various other groups, including LAUNDRY, A PERFECT CIRCLE, PUSCIFER and a solo project. Before he rejoined the Les Claypool-led PRIMUS in 2013, he played on several of the band's albums, including 1991's "Sailing The Seas Of Cheese" and 1993's "Pork Soda".

Alexander was the first drummer of A PERFECT CIRCLE, performing early live shows with the band, and recording drums for the track "The Hollow" on the band's debut album, "Mer De Noms". He is listed as a member in the band's DVD/CD release "aMOTION".

Alexander is a member of Maynard James Keenan's PUSCIFER project. He has toured with them and can be heard on several of their recordings.

In a 2013 interview with DRUM! magazine, Alexander said, "After leaving PRIMUS [the first time in 1996], I immediately started LAUNDRY with my friends and we did that for a little while. Then I had also done an album with ATTENTION DEFICIT as well — two of them, actually. After that, I ended up in Vegas at Blue Man Group. But even long before that, I was going through a lot of changes, and kind of not knowing what to do, and really feeling lost. Sitting down and playing wasn't satisfying and wasn't fun. I've been going through that probably for the last ten years, not really sure if that's what I should be doing. It wasn't so much the drumming, but just other aspects, relationships, that kind of thing. I think I was probably wanting to be more of like a Dave Grohl, writing my own songs, and playing other instruments. And so that's why I made my own record, which was called 'Fata Morgana'. I wasn't thinking it was going to really do anything, I just felt like I needed to make something by myself. And, you know, it turned out pretty good."



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Post by Puscifer.

Fan-filmed video footage of Sebastian Bach's July 6 performance at De Bosuil in Weert, The Netherlands can be seen below.

Bach's new solo album, "Give 'Em Hell", sold around 4,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 72 on The Billboard 200 chart.

His previous CD, "Kicking & Screaming", opened with 6,600 units back in October 2011 to land at No. 73.

The singer's 2007 effort, "Angel Down", registered a first-week tally of 6,400 back to enter the chart at No. 190.

"Give 'Em Hell" was released on April 22 via Frontiers Records. The follow-up to 2011's "Kicking & Screaming" was once again produced by Bob Marlette, who has previously worked with ROB ZOMBIE, BLACK SABBATH and SHINEDOWN, among others.

"Give 'Em Hell" was mastered at Precision Mastering in Los Angeles with Tom Baker.

Sebastian managed to involve in the writing and recording some very special friends and guest stars, including none other than Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES), and not one but two top-class guitar players: John 5 (MARILYN MANSON, ROB ZOMBIE) and Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL). Rounding out the lineup on the CD are Devin Bronson (AVRIL LAVIGNE, PINK) on guitar and Bobby Jarzombek (HALFORD, RIOT, FATES WARNING) on drums. Duff and Sebastian previously collaborated on Duff's solo album "Believe In Me".

The cover for "Give 'Em Hell" was once again handled by Richard Villa, who worked on "Kicking & Screaming". Incorporated into the album design is one of the paintings by Sebastian's late father David Bierk, who painted the artwork for SKID ROW's "Slave To The Grind", inside artwork for SKID ROW's "Subhuman Race", and Bach's solo albums "Angel Down" and "Bring 'Em Bach Alive!".

The video for the CD's first single, "Temptation", was directed by Patrick Fogarty, who has previously worked with BLACK VEIL BRIDES, PICTURE ME BROKEN and THE BURNING OF ROME.

"Too Young", the new video from LIZETTE &, the Stockholm, Sweden-based alternative/hard rock band led by Lizette von Panajott, can be seen below. The track comes off the group's third album, "Artificial Me", which was released in March via via Freeside Records / Border Music.

"Too Young" was written and produced by Lizette von Panajott, who points out in the song that "far too many young people get into crap way too early in life and can't carry their yoke," according to a press release.

"I wish you could tell all these kids that everything will work out," says Lizette. "With 'Too Young' we at least get it out there that it is fucked up when too early young people get into situations they should not be in."

LIZETTE &'s previous albums, "Just Smile" and "This Is", came out in 2012 and 2003, respectively.

The first single from "Artificial Me", "Golden Shower", was received airplay on several rock radio stations across Sweden.

LIZETTE & was nominated at Aftonbladet's annual Rockbjörn awards two consecutive years in the categories of "Breakthrough Of The Year," "Live Group Of The Year" and "Rock / Metal Of The Year."

LIZETTE & recently released its own brand of wine — "Vampiric by Lizette &" — and is working on a clothing line of the same name, "Vampiric."

For more information, visit the LIZETTE & web site.

Having performed twice at Wacken Open Air in Germany, Taiwanese metal band CHTHONIC will have its third performance at the music festival — and for the very first time, it will perform on the main stage Blackstage on August 1.

The works of CHTHONIC stand out in the ring of metal bands around the world as "Orient metal." This time, to completely present such enchanting music style to European fans, CHTHONIC is now having intensive rehearsals with Chai Found Oriental Orchestra, which performs with a variety of traditional instruments including hena, ruan, box zither, pipa, yangqin, flute, and sheng. The collaboration will definitely bring a unique musical feast to fans in Europe.

After more than 70 concerts in its European and U.S. tours last year, CHTHONIC will perform at many internationally renowned music festivals, including Wacken Open Air in Germany, the Brutal Assault in Czech Republic, and Summer Sonic in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan.

CHTHONIC is one of the most outstanding East Asian metal bands in the world that has participated the Ozzfest in the U.S., Download and Bloodstock in the U.K., as well as Fuji Rock and Loud Park in Japan. CHTHONIC is the best-known metal band in its own country Taiwan, and has performed at more than 500 concerts around the world in nearly a decade.

Chai Found Oriental Orchestra is an award-winning orchestra of traditional instruments and had performed four songs in CHTHONIC concerts in Taiwan, which were recorded on the "Ián-bú" DVD as classic examples of cooperation between metal rock and traditional music. This time, CHTHONIC will share it with fans at Wacken Open Air and expand the four-member mini-orchestra to a 10-member full orchestra, hoping to give European audience something they have never experienced before.

After tours in Europe and in Asia in the summer, CHTHONIC will return to Taiwan for its new movie project, and will switch into a full-gear mode to prepare for its new album at the beginning of the next year. CHTHONIC members therefore vow to give its best for perfect performances at Wacken Open Air and Brutal Assault.