Multi-camera video footage of MEGADETH performing the song "Youthanasia" on April 26 at The Metal Fest in Santiago, Chile can be seen below.

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine recently addressed rumors that the band was planning to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its "Youthanasia" album during the group's current South American tour. The day of the Santiago concert, he wrote on his Facebook page: "October 31, 1994 is the official release date of 'Youthanasia'. The rumor that we are doing a 20th-anniversary concert is a dreadful situation and as soon as I found out that this tour was presented to you, the fans — the brilliant MEGADETH fans around the world that know how to read a calendar and know it ain't 20 years until 20 years have gone by — as the 20th anniversary of 'Youthanasia', I told all of the interviews I did leading up to our arrival, that it was a terrible mistake and we have parted ways with the persons responsible.

"Now I know that doesn't help that you have been told one thing and we are telling you another, but you know me and you know MEGADETH: we are going to make this right. We scrambled to get all four of us, who live very far apart (Shawn [Drover, drums] lives in Georgia), and we chose four songs to play for you until the real anniversary comes after October 31st. [Note: We specifically released 'Youthanasia' on Halloween, and I may have slept in late today, but it ain't Halloween yet.]

"Besides having to get everyone in the same place, we also had to develop the live production and the video content that goes along with it. So, to make a long story boring... we started with 'A Tout Le Monde' in Las Vegas, added 'Reckoning Day' in Tucson, and added 'Youthanasia' to Quito.

"Depending on how long our stage time in Santiago is will determine our set list. You can count on if it is 75 minutes (which I think it is), we will make sure to play as much of the 'Youthanasia' songs as we can. Rest assured that we are aware of the rumor, we took action, and that whatever songs we play, that we will play our very best for you.

"Please don't take this out on the promoters down here. We have explained this to them, and they have been very understanding, although I know we are all disappointed that this rumor even started, and it being too late to fix all the ads, I promise to give you all the best MEGADETH show to date this tour."

Mustaine was a featured soloist on April 12 with the San Diego Symphony. The classical special concert, billed as "Symphony Interrupted", took place at the 2,200-capacity Copley Symphony Hall in San Diego, California. The event saw Mustaine perform Richard Wagner's "Ride Of The Valkyries" with the orchestra, as well as solos of Vivaldi's concertos from "The Four Seasons", plus Bach's classic "Air".

MEGADETH's latest album, "Super Collider" has sold more than 80,000 copies in the United States since its June 4, 2013 release. The CD arrived in stores via Mustaine's new label, Tradecraft, distributed by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).

German beer lovers and cult thrashers TANKARD will release their new album, "R.I.B." (Rest In Beer), on June 20 via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to 2012's "A Girl Called Cerveza" was recorded at Studio 23 in Frankfurt, Germany.

"R.I.B." track listing: 01. War Cry02. Fooled By Your Guts03. R.I.B. (Rest In Beer)04. Riders Of The Doom05. Hope Can't Die06. No One Hit Wonder07. Breakfast For Champions08. Enemy Of Order09. Clockwise To Deadline10. The Party Ain't Over 'Til We Say So

The song "Fooled By Your Guts" can be streamed below.

States TANKARD vocalist Andreas "Gerre" Geremia about the track: "A man has been suffering from sudden symptoms of drunkenness. For a long time he has been accused of alcoholism, but then his strange and rare disease was discovered by medics. The man suffers from the so-called self-brewery-syndrome. A form of yeast inside his stomach is feeding on sugar and not only produces carbon dioxide, but also alcohol. A true story, calling for TANKARD to use for their lyrics! A real thrasher that will be given the second official video of the new album!"

"Fooled By Your Guts" will also be available as a digital single as well as a vinyl split single with a brand new DESTRUCTION song. Further information will follow soon.

Taking inspiration from the motto "never change a winning team," TANKARD is working with producer Michael Mainx (BÖHSE ONKELZ, DER W, D-A-D, DISBELIEF), who helmed the band's last effort. TANKARD has also chosen to use Patrick Strogulski, who created the artwork for "A Girl Called Cerveza" and is also a student of Sebastian Krüger, the artist that was responsible for TANKARD's previous album artwork up to the 2012 release. States Geremia: "'R.I.B.' continues the story of 'Chemical Invasion'. The crazy professor is back is takes revenge on mankind, because he failed in 1987! The cover is done again by Patrick Strogulski, an apprentice of Sebastian Krüger and really hits the spot! As always with TANKARD, things shouldn't be taken too seriously!"

Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley will release "Space Invader", his first new solo album in five years, via Entertainment One Music (eOne Music) on June 24. The CD, which will be released in Europe on July 7 through SPV/Steamhammer, will include at least nine 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. Joining Frehley in the studio for some of the "Space Invader" sessions were drummer Matt Starr (BURNING RAIN) and bassist Chris Wyse (THE CULT, OWL). Frehley has released an official statement surrounding the exciting news: "Life on Earth has been very good to me, and the body of work I've created over the years has withstood the test of time. Today I see no obstacles before me and my creativity has never been more fine tuned. Growing up in an Alien world has enhanced my senses and allowed me to succeed where others would have failed. The best is yet to come!" The first promotional photo for the "Space Invader" album campaign from Frehley can be seen below.

The session, which took place on April 8 in New York City with photographer Jayme Thornton, saw Ace wearing something from the first KISS album photo session to make the occasion extra special.

Frehley's last album, "Anomaly", was made available as a 2-LP vinyl set featuring two new limited-edition colors on October 1, 2013 via Brookvale Records. Only 750 units of each color were manufactured.

Frehley told Billboard.com in a 2009 interview that he intended "Anomaly" to "kind of pick up where I left off with my first solo album" — 1978's "Ace Frehley". "Prior to going into the studio, I listened to that first album, which everybody cites as their favorite Ace record," Frehley said. "I dissected it and tried to get into the same mind set this time around. I think I recaptured some of the musical textures and attitude and vibe that I had on that first record." "Anomaly" was recorded at Schoolhouse Studios in New York and at Ace's home studio in Westchester, New York.

Fan-filmed video footage of resurrected cult classic progressive thrashers TOXIK performing on April 27 at Dynamo in Eindhoven, The Netherlands can be seen below.

TOXIK recently spent time in the studio mixing its long-awaited comeback album "In Humanity". According to a press release, this CD "will encompass everything TOXIK is known for, as well as some surprises."

TOXIK last year announced the addition of SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner and FREYA bassist Bill Bodily to the group's ranks.

Hailing from New York's Hudson Valley area, TOXIK released a pair of classic thinking-man's thrash metal albums in the late '80s. An upstart record label named Roadrunner Records (later home to SLIPKNOT and NICKELBACK) released the band's two astounding masterworks, 1988's "World Circus" and 1989's "Think This". Both releases saw TOXIK take the aggression and brutality of speed metal and mix it with the technicality and proficiency of progressive hard rock.

TOXIK left the Hudson Valley region and toured the United States and the world, playing shows with the likes of PANTERA, SEPULTURA, EXODUS, KING DIAMOND and others in their quest for metal ascendancy before their premature implosion in 1992.

TOXIK released a DVD, "Think Again", in August 2010. The set contained both vintage and brand new never-before-seen footage. The main feature was a 1989 headlining set from the Paramount Theater in TOXIK's hometown of Peekskill, New York. This performance came shortly after the release of "World Circus" and the energy level of the band wa truly at its peak for TOXIK's first headlining show. The DVD contains all the tracks from "World Circus" and an early version of "Spontaneous" that later appeared on "Think This".

The first studio trailer for the forthcoming self-titled fifth album from Anglo-Swedish modern metal powerhouse SONIC SYNDICATE is available below. The CD will be made available on July 4 via Nuclear Blast.

Commented SONIC SYNDICATE guitarist, main songwriter and founding member Robin Sjunnesson: "We decided to go with this one as a 'self-titled' release. Mainly because as an album, we have put everything we've got into it. All of our experience as musicians, the evolution of the music, the sound from all eras of the band, and also the road we have taken as people. This is us, this is SONIC SYNDICATE in all its beauty and destruction. It shows our strength, our love for melody, our scars, our energy. The cover art is a definite representation of that. In the background, a battle-torn city laid to waste, four figures emerging together with only each other to depend on in an environment so harsh, only those with a tough heart, body and soul can survive.

"The tone throughout this album is definitely darker, and as my Swedish family would say, 'with a red line running in the middle,' so we put this into the color scheme.

"We could not be more proud of this album, and we thank our fans for the support; it's because of them that we're here. This album is for you."

"Sonic Syndicate" will also feature a guest appearance by SOILWORK's gifted vocalist Björn "Speed" Strid on the track "Before You Finally Break".

Commented SONIC SYNDICAT singer Nathan James Biggs: "I'm honored to call Speed a friend.

"I've been a big SOILWORK fan for years. Those guys were a massive hand in crafting that trademark Swedish sound so it made perfect sense to ask Speed when we knew we wanted to do a song with guest vocals. Performance-wise, I think we have similar styles and execution, but at the same time we both have our own thing going on, so the voices complement each other to great effect. My idea was also to have a real battle between our vocals.

"I hate it when you have these 'featuring' songs and the guest just pops up for a chorus and then does backing vocals for a while in the verse or something. This is a real fight between us for the mic and I'm sure people are gonna appreciate that."

"Sonic Syndicate" will include a total of 11 tracks, while the limited edition digipak will feature no less than three bonus tracks.

"Sonic Syndicate" track listing:

01. Day Of The Dead02. Black Hole Halo03. Long Road Home04. My Revenge05. Before You Finally Break (feat. Speed/SOILWORK)06. Catching Fire07. Unbreakable08. It Takes Me09. See What I See10. So Addicted11. The Flame That Changed The World

Limited-edition bonus tracks:

12. Diabolical Work Of Art13. What We Shared14. Another Soldier Down

SONIC SYNDICATE bassist Karin Axelsson gave birth to her first child on October 12, 2012. The baby girl weighed in at 3.02 kilograms and measured 46 centimeters long.

SONIC SYNDICATE 2014 is:

Nathan James Biggs - VocalsRobin Sjunnesson - GuitarKarin Axelsson - BassJohn Bengtsson - Drums

SONIC SYNDICATE's latest album, "We Rule The Night", was released in Europe on August 27, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Bohus Sound studios in Kungälv, Sweden with producer Toby Wright, who has previously worked with KORN, SLAYER, MÖTLEY CRÜE, KISS, FEAR FACTORY, IN FLAMES, STONE SOUR and OZZY OSBOURNE, among others.

The in-studio trailer for "Hardcore Lives", the ninth studio album from New York hardcore veterans MADBALL, can be seen below. Due on June 27 via Nuclear Blast, the CD was tracked and engineered by UNEARTH guitarist Ken Susi and mixed and mastered by longtime collaborator Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, AGNOSTIC FRONT, SOULFLY, TERROR, WHITECHAPEL). Official promo photos were taken by LAMB OF GOD's very own Randall D. Blythe.

Commented MADBALL frontman Freddy Cricien: "I shouted 'Hardcore Lives' on MADBALL's first release, 'Ball Of Destruction'. I was twelve then. It wasn't pre-planned or written down... It was an ad-lib that I just threw out there and we kept it!

"Back then, there was no choice, really, not the way we were recording — two-track live at Don Fury's... NYHC style!

"I feel the sentiment behind the expression still holds true today, maybe even more so. Hence the reason we finally chose to use it as a title. Sure, it's about waving the flag for our genre/culture, etc.

"I've always felt that 'we as a scene' had to scream just a lil louder... to be heard! That said, 'Hardcore Lives', at least to us, is not just about a cool 'catchphrase,' it's about that rebellious spirit that doesn't give in... in life, music, whatever. It's about growing, evolving, and maintaining your integrity in the process. It's about family, overcoming adversity, and respect. All the things that matter inside and outside of the music realm. It's for everyone and anyone with an open mind and heart."

"Hardcore Lives" will be available as limited-edition digipak and on black vinyl, both including two additional bonus tracks: "The Beast", which also appeared on 2012's EP "Rebellion", and "Spit On Your Grave", from 1994's landmark release "Set It Off". Both tracks have been exclusively re-recorded for the inclusion on "Hardcore Lives". The album will also include guest appearances by some of hardcore's most notable singers: Scott Vogel (TERROR), Toby Morse (H20) and Candace Puopolo (formerly Kucsulain, WALLS OF JERICHO).

"Hardcore Lives" track listing:

01. Intro02. Hardcore Lives03. The Balance04. Doc Marten Stomp05. DNA06. True School (feat. Scott Vogel)07. The Here And Now08. Nothing To Me09. My Armor (feat. Toby Morse)10. Beacon Of Light11. Born Strong (feat. Candace Puopolo)12. Spirit13. Mi Palabra14. NBNC15. For The Judged

Bonus tracks:

16. The Beast17. Spit On Your Grave 2014

The official lyric video for the song "DNA" can be seen below.

MADBALL has embarked on the fifth installment of the band's renowned Rebellion tour with BIOHAZARD, DEVIL IN ME, WISDOM IN CHAINS and FINAL PRAYER.

HURTSMILE, the band led by the third VAN HALEN frontman, Gary Cherone (also of EXTREME), who took over when Sammy Hagar left the group (or was fired, depending on whom you ask) in 1996, is teaming up with PledgeMusic.com to issue a new album, "Retrogrenade", on June 2, with a public release to follow. Available now at PledgeMusic.com is a free download of the single "Rock & Roll Cliché". Following up the group's 2011 self-titled debut, HURTSMILE's "Retrogrenade" pays homage to almost every genre Cherone has presented in the past and still finds room to give you something new. Inspired by their classic rock roots, "it is the collective effort of the band flexing their musical muscle," says Gary. Diverse tracks include the AEROSMITH- and AC/DC-inspired "Rock & Roll Cliché", the hook-laden "Hello I Must Be Going", the epic blues of "Where Do We Go From Here", to the sweet acoustic broken-hearted harmonies of "Goodbye". HURTSMILE rebels against traditional cohesiveness and does not attempt to capture a specific mood. It rather bombards you with a multitude of emotions and challenges you to go along for the ride. HURTSMILE is Gary Cherone on vocals, Mark Cherone (FLESH) on guitar, Joe Pessia (TANTRIC, DRAMAGODS) on bass and Dana Spellman on drums. "Retrogrenade" track listing:

01. Rock & Roll Cliché02. Hello I Must Be Going03. Big Government04. I Still Do05. Sing A Song (My Mia)06. Anymore (Don't Want My Love)07. Where Do We Go From Here08. A Melody For You09. Wonder What10. Walk Away11. Good Bye12. Pump it Up

Ipswich, Suffolk, U.K.-based band DEVILMENT, featuring vocalist Dani "Filth" Davey of British extreme metallers CRADLE OF FILTH, is poised to ink a deal for the release of its debut album, "The Great And Secret Show".

Recorded at Grindstone studios by producer Scott Atkins (BEHEMOTH, CRADLE OF FILTH, AMON AMARTH) and featuring ten tracks of dark, psychotic groove and brutality, the CD, which is ninety percent near completion, opens another whole can of metal worms for Filth.

"This record possesses a very dark, creepy carnival vibe at its essence, but the majority of the time is it bludgeoningly heavy and very twisted, melodically," he says. "The six of us have worked very hard to write a collection of songs that does the album title justice, all swathed in a very unique and fatal horror eargasm."

Tentatively due in the fall, the album's artwork — which is also ninety percent completed already — has been beautifully created by graphic artist extraordinaire Drake Mefestta.

DEVILMENT is:

Dani Filth - VocalsDaniel Finch - Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards, SamplesColin Parks - Rhythm guitar/Lead guitarNick Johnson - BassAaron Boast - DrumsLauren Francis – Keyboards, Vocals

Additional Members:

David James - KeyboardsKieron De Manns - Keyboards

Originally formed by Finch back in late 2011 amidst a bout of religious delirium, DEVILMENT consisted of Simon Dawson (STEVE HARRIS, ex-DEARLY BEHEADED) on drums, Justin Walker (13 CANDLES) on bass and Kieron De Manns (ex-THE VOICE) on keyboards, with the band experiencing a myriad of problems holding down a stable vocalist.

Enter Daniel's friend Dani Filth, who, "although not entirely stable mentally," agreed to help out on a couple of tracks, which then turned swiftly into a studio demo, completed after Dani finished work on CRADLE's "The Manticore And Other Horrors" album last summer. The demo, known as "Grotescapology", featured eight tracks, which, although psychotically competent, were used solely as a backbone for a new line-up when Simon Dawson suddenly departed to record and tour the Steve Harris BRITISH LION album, and the remaining two members agreed that work and distance were conspiring to keep them from dedicating enough time to the band. Fortunately, at this point, destiny sat on a posturing horse, was proud to usher Nick Johnson (bass), Dan Jackson (guitar) and Aaron Boast (percussion) into the fray, three extremely competent musicians who suddenly grew out of the local music scene, and soon the band was at full steam once more and starting to write as a combined unit.

A five-minute question-and-answer session with Filth about DEVILMENT can be seen below.

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich is one of six people who were selected by the Danish brewer Carlsberg to design a bottle as part of the company's "Stand Out Collection".

For his design, Lars selected a picture taken by the world-famous rock photographer Ross Halfin in May 2012 at the Stade de France in Paris during METALLICA's European tour.

Carlsberg brand manager Rasmus Bendtsen stated about the collaboration: "Lars is the epitome of 'fuck Janteloven' mantra [referring to The Law of Jante, a pattern of group behavior towards individuals within Scandinavian communities which negatively portrays and criticizes individual success and achievement as unworthy and inappropriate] and he 100% lives up to the message that is the whole idea behind the 'Stand Out Collection'. Lars even suggested that we change the name of 'Carlsberg' to 'Larsberg'. He is a great partner."

In addition, Carlsberg has created a six-minute marketing segment with Ulrich in San Francisco which serves an ad vehicle for the "Stand Out Collection" campaign. Check it out below.

Incredibly, Ulrich was recently selected by the producers of Gammel Dansk, another Danish alcoholic beverage, to star in a similar campaign, this one dubbed "Not Like The Others". Not only does Ulrich appear in commercials for the product, he will serve on the jury for a contest where prizes are awarded to individuals or groups that "go against the flow."

"For me, Gammel Dansk is something very, very special," Lars said in a statement. "Therefore, it is fantastic to be able to give a prize to people who are also unique in some way."

The competition has a first prize of 100,000 Danish kroner (approximately $18,500) and the winner will be celebrated at a party in November 2014.

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine has released the following statement via his official Facebook page:

"For those of you that were unable to attend or to hear, see, or read any of the answers from our first press conference in Latin America, I have something to share with you.

"October 31, 1994 is the official release date of 'Youthanasia'. The rumor that we are doing a 20th-anniversary concert is a dreadful situation and as soon as I found out that this tour was presented to you, the fans — the brilliant MEGADETH fans around the world that know how to read a calendar and know it ain't 20 years until 20 years have gone by — as the 20th anniversary of 'Youthanasia', I told all of the interviews I did leading up to our arrival, that it was a terrible mistake and we have parted ways with the persons responsible.

"Now I know that doesn't help that you have been told one thing and we are telling you another, but you know me and you know MEGADETH: we are going to make this right. We scrambled to get all four of us, who live very far apart (Shawn [Drover, drums] lives in Georgia), and we chose four songs to play for you until the real anniversary comes after October 31st. [Note: We specifically released 'Youthanasia' on Halloween, and I may have slept in late today, but it ain't Halloween yet.]

"Besides having to get everyone in the same place, we also had to develop the live production and the video content that goes along with it. So, to make a long story boring... we started with 'A Tout Le Monde' in Las Vegas, added 'Reckoning Day' in Tucson, and added 'Youthanasia' to Quito.

"Depending on how long our stage time in Santiago is will determine our set list. You can count on if it is 75 minutes (which I think it is), we will make sure to play as much of the 'Youthanasia' songs as we can. Rest assured that we are aware of the rumor, we took action, and that whatever songs we play, that we will play our very best for you.

"Please don't take this out on the promoters down here. We have explained this to them, and they have been very understanding, although I know we are all disappointed that this rumor even started, and it being too late to fix all the ads, I promise to give you all the best MEGADETH show to date this tour."

Mustaine was a featured soloist on April 12 with the San Diego Symphony. The classical special concert, billed as "Symphony Interrupted", took place at the 2,200-capacity Copley Symphony Hall in San Diego, California. The event saw Mustaine perform Richard Wagner's "Ride Of The Valkyries" with the orchestra, as well as solos of Vivaldi's concertos from "The Four Seasons", plus Bach's classic "Air".

MEGADETH's latest album, "Super Collider" has sold more than 80,000 copies in the United States since its June 4, 2013 release. The CD arrived in stores via Mustaine's new label, Tradecraft, distributed by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).

Aside from their 2004 EP "Collision Course", on which they collaborated with rapper Jay-Z, LINKIN PARK has never worked on studio recordings with other artists. According to The Pulse Of Radio, that's about to change on their new album, "The Hunting Party", which features guest appearances from RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's Tom Morello, HELMET's Page Hamilton and SYSTEM OF A DOWN's Daron Malakian in addition to rapper Rakim's guest spot on the single "Guilty All The Same".

Vocalist Chester Bennington told New Zealand's 3 News, "We've collaborated with people for the first time, which was inspiring . . . When we got Page in, Mike [Shinoda, co-vocalist and producer] had written this chorus and sang it, and his voice had this tone, and it was unlike anything I'd heard from him before. And I was like, 'Dude, this is crazy, this sounds like a HELMET song! It's cool!' And we were like, 'Dude, why don't we see if we can get like Page in here?' You know? And if that's why the song says it's feeling like it should be, then why don't we just go straight to the source."

"The Hunting Party" track listing:

01. Keys To The Kingdom 02. All For Nothing (feat. Page Hamilton) 03. Guilty All The Same (feat. Rakim)04. The Summoning 05. War 06. Wastelands 07. Until It's Gone 08. Rebellion (feat. Daron Malakian) 09. Mark The Graves 10. Drawbar (feat. Tom Morello) 11. Final Masquerade 12. A Line In The Sand

"The Hunting Party" arrives on June 17. Shinoda told The Pulse Of Radio that the band will work hard to make sure the songs translate to the live show. "We try to approach how we perform our songs with integrity, and the stuff we write in the studio can be really layered," he said. "There can be a lot of stuff in there — lots of tracks of cool sounds and samples and keyboards and multiple guitars and all this. And sometimes it's a big challenge to bring that to the stage, but we end up just finding a way to make it all work."

LINKIN PARK will hit the road in support of "The Hunting Party" on this summer's "Carnivores Tour" with 30 SECONDS TO MARS and AFI. The trek kicks off on August 8 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Former RATT singer Stephen Pearcy spoke to rock journalist Mitch Lafon about Pearcy's departure from the group and his plans for his solo career.

Pearcy announced his exit from RATT on Thursday (April 24), saying that he was "officially done with having anything to do with them due to the constant turmoil, unresolved business, personal attacks/threats in the public forum, and most of all, the disrespect to the fans."

Despite the fact that he is no longer a member of RATT, Pearcy said he is willing to release another studio album with RATT to fulfill a contractual obligation to the band's label, Loud & Proud Records. "That's not saying there won't be another RATT record," he told Lafon (hear audio below). "It just won't be under the circumstance of a band going into the studio and this-and-that. I just won't be playing in that band anymore, and pretty much put that to rest." He added that he is "still committed to this record... Warren [DeMartini, guitar] and I actually wrote a great song months ago at MT Studios, my bass player's studio. If that's the last thing that gets out and the only thing, it's a good thing. But you know, I said I'd do it. But I never want to be involved with my band again. That's just the bottom line."

Addressing some of fans' misconceptions about his role in RATT, Pearcy said: "I wrote a lot of the music, if not every song, or co-wrote every song with some of the guys…. Contrary to what people might think or what they're told, it's my music… I'm a guitar player first and foremost. I don't know if people know this or if they really care. I don't. Publishing speaks for itself, but I'm content. We've sold a lot of records. This music will live way beyond any of our lives. It's all great. My kid'll be happy one day, and it's all that matters."

Pearcy said that he had no regrets, and he is focusing on moving forward with his solo career. "I don't have time to waste entertaining negative anything from anybody," he said. "But hey, I appreciate everybody who came to the party and it's not over. It's just a new beginning. It's a good thing, and it's a long time coming."

Regarding his plans for his fourth solo album, Pearcy said: "I'm just going to release a few songs. Or maybe a song a week until there's 13 songs, because I like that number. After 13 songs, we'll release it as a CD."

RATT drummer Bobby Blotzer has released the following statement regarding singer Stephen Pearcy's announcement earlier today that he was quitting the band:

"To our/my RATT fans and friends... I will say to you guys, I am sorry that I brought you guys into our personal world and turbulation.

"I've been so personally driven to a breaking point with our band being held hostage every year that I've kind of been snapping.

"I wish we were still all four together and doing business as great as we have been doing. Especially last year. This is why it's so nonsensical to me to have this disruption in a business we've built for the last 33 years.

"Reality sits at, Stephen and I have gotten along since his return in '07. Aside from the fact that he basically quits every year. It's been hard to deal with.

"I feel bad that I might have put a dividing line out here, and for that I'm feeling bad about and I, to a certain level, feel the need to apologize to YOU, guys. My words were true, but the words should have stayed in my mind. And again, I state that I was only kidding about this picture thing with Steve, dumb joke.

"You ever done that? Exactly.

"When this news popped today, my phone was blowing up all day while I was trying to enjoy an afternoon with friends and I just lost it. I was going to come home and tear into that release line by line. I read your thoughts and realized that it's time to shut the fuck up. As hard as that feels, because we, the four other guys in this band, did nothing to merit this whole behavior from Stephen.

"Thanks for understanding. You guys know I, we love you so much. RATT is my life and I'll live and die fighting for the mothership.

"My Facebook is going bye-bye here soon. So, look to see what happens in a short time...

"RATT is bigger than the sum of the parts!"

RATT recently canceled its appearance on the Monsters Of Rock cruise due to the death of Stephen Pearcy's sister.

Blotzer was slated to sit out the band's appearance at the Monsters Of Rock cruise because he had not yet fully recovered from the neck surgery he underwent last October. Filling in for him once again was supposed to be Jimmy DeGrasso, who has previously played with Y&T, WHITE LION and MEGADETH, among others.

Blotzer previously missed three RATT shows in January. All three dates were played with DeGrasso behind the kit.

RATT's first studio record in 11 years, "Infestation", sold around 14,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 30 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was issued on April 20, 2010 via Loud & Proud.

Enzo Mazzeo conducted an interview with former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach on March 17 in downtown Los Angeles. You can now watch a clip from the chat below.

Said Bach in the video: "Some musicians say, 'Oh, yeah, I wanna play a little, tiny club, 'cause it's so intimate.' I wanna play a fuckin' stadium, 'cause I'm Sebastian Bach. [Laughs]"

He continued: "When I tell you I don't like playing clubs, the reason is, if I'm singing, I don't want to be one foot away from the drum kit… I don't wanna yell, I don't wanna shout. I know I'm a diva. [Laughs]"

In a 2012 interview with ChicagoNow.com, Bach said: "I don't like playing clubs, really. I like playing arenas because I'm six-foot-four [193 cm]. Basically, it's the sound that bothers me in clubs. It's very hard to have really good sound in some of these smaller rooms where I'm on stage and standing five inches from the drum kit. It's very hard to sing in those situations when you're used to having great sound in the room and you can hear everything. So that's very frustrating." He added: "I don't know what to say. Promoters are all about the reunion tour and the nostalgia and that's the way they think. And for a guy like me, it's frustrating to have to deal with that. But that's just the way it goes. At six-foout-four, I feel like I'm too big for a club stage… in more ways than one. [Chuckles]"

Bach's new solo album, "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.

Of the new album, Sebastian Bach enthused: "I could not be more proud of the new CD, 'Give 'Em Hell'. As a rock music fan myself, I listen to it every single day. As a musician, I honestly feel like I have reached a new level of album recording. As an audiophile, I could not be more blown away by the sound! The production and mastering sound so good that it's perfect to show off your high-end stereo system.

"Ever since my first record, 'Skid Row', on through 'Slave To The Grind' up to 'Kicking & Screaming' and 'Angel Down', I have always been concerned, first and foremost, with making quality records for my fans. And I can honestly say that 'Give 'Em Hell' meets or even exceeds the standards set by some of the records I have put out in the past."

"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.

Bach previously stated about "Give 'Em Hell": "We have captured some kick-ass rock and roll magic and producer par excellence Bob Marlette is the wizard behind the board.

"It is such an awesome feeling to be able to say to the planet if you like the music I have put out before, I can guarantee you will dig this one! I cannot stop listening to it and that is the whole intention.

"For those of you who dig my high crazy-ass screams of the other records, well, I am proud to say this new disc features all the ranges and textures I have been known for, clean soaring melodic ballads and blood-curdling death screams from hell."

Iranian death metal warriors AZOOMA have signed a worldwide contract with Spanish label Xtreem Music. As a result the band will be releasing an EP, entitled A Hymn Of The Vicious Monster in both Digital and CD formats soon.
Guitarist Ahmad Tokallou commented: “This is what we have been waiting for and it is not only because of our hard work, but also the help from some great and kind friends, who are invisible to others but shared their mighty energy and kindness with us... Xtreem Music is a great company, and this encourages us and give us more hope to go forward... you will hear more from Azooma!“

“It’s one of the best things that can happen for an artist to co-operate with a good and reliable company such as Xtreem Music,” drummer Saeed Shariat says. “I have a good feeling about it and we hope to satisfy metal heads more... Just wait for our EP, it will make necks ache!“

Dave Rotten, Xtreem Music president and main man of legendary AVULSED stated the following: “The very first time I heard Azooma, I was extremely surprised by their combination of sheer brutality and technical skills at the same time as their EP sounds really heavy with a great production. I’m running the label since 1990 and this is the very first band from Middle East that I decided to sign. They have the right attitude and overall... they sound fucking great!! Hopefully Azooma will help to break barriers for other good bands in these countries where extreme metal isn’t that popular."

Azooma have paid tribute to legendary MORBID ANGEL by covering heir 'Dawn Of Angry' song. The video was launched online and surprisingly posted by Morbid Angel themselves on their official Facebook page. Check out the video below:
Release date for Azooma's debut EP hasn't been scheduled yet, but will take place during the summer, so stay tuned for when an advance track, cover art and release date will be announced. In the meantime, check out this 8 min. live footage documentary of the band's participation on a Persian Metal festival that took place in Georgia last October 2013. There you'll be able to hear some excerpts of the upcoming EP as background music:

THE OATH, the band forged around the fizzing, feral chemistry between Swedish guitarist Linnéa Olsson and German vocalist Johanna Sadonis, has called it quits.

In an e-mail sent out to THE OATH's Bandcamp fans earlier today, Linnéa wrote: "You're receiving this email because you at one point purchased music and/or merchandise from THE OATH's Bandcamp page.

"Thank you very much for this!

"Since our album now is released, it's time to let you know the band is over — and has been for quite some time.

"See you in the future."

THE OATH's self-titled debut album was released on March 17 in Europe and April 15 in North America via Rise Above Records. The CD was recorded in ten days at Studio Cobra in Stockholm with producer Konie Ehrencrona at the controls and the raging rhythm section of Simon Bouteloup (bass; KADAVAR, ex-AQUA NEBULA OSCILLATOR) and Andrew Prestidge (ANGEL WITCH, WINTERS).

According to a press release, "The Oath" is "a nine-song clarion call that simultaneously recalls the hallowed greats of heavy rock, punk and metal — from BLACK SABBATH, TROUBLE and ANGEL WITCH through to THE STOOGES and POISON IDEA, and further to MERCYFUL FATE and DANZIG — while revelling in new ways to express the spirit of those revered archetypes… With input from IN SOLITUDE's Henke Palm — who contributes some 'improvised VOIVOD-style solos,' according to Linnéa — and logo designed courtesy of WATAIN's Erik Danielson, this is an album that exudes ageless style and irresistible substance: a potent antidote to the flimsy fripperies of the modern age." "The Oath" track listing:

01. All Must Die02. Silk Road03. Night Child04. Leaving Together05. Black Rainbow06. Silver And Dust07. Death Delight08. In Dream09. Psalm 7

Iconic rockers NIGHT RANGER will release their new studio album, "High Road", on June 10 in North America via Frontiers Records. Produced by the bandmembers themselves, the effort will be available in two formats — a standard CD version and a deluxe version which includes two bonus tracks and a DVD featuring a background look at the making of the album along with video clips.

The official video for the "High Road" title track can be seen below.

The cover art for "High Road" incorporates elements of the artwork from the band's previous releases and can be seen below.

Of the new album, NIGHT RANGER bassist/songwriter Jack Blades commented: "It's almost summer and a great time to take a trip down the 'High Road'!

"Our new record features classic NIGHT RANGER feel-good, high-energy kick-ass rock 'n' roll. We can't wait for our fans to hear." Drummer/singer Kelly Keagy added, "We're so proud of this new record and excited to get back on the road to bring the new music to our fans." NIGHT RANGER's legendary hits "Sister Christian", "(You Can Still) Rock In America" and "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" are songs that have each significantly impacted popular culture and expanded their ever-growing fanbase since the band's inception thirty years ago. Over the years, the band's music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of media and popular culture.

NIGHT RANGER's songs can be heard in the Rock Band and Guitar Hero video games; "Rock Of Ages" hit Broadway musical and film; the Oscar-nominated film "Boogie Nights"; Fox's hit TV show "American Dad"; JBL's "Hear The Truth" campaign; and many more.

To date, NIGHT RANGER has sold 17 million units worldwide and boasts several platinum- and gold-certified albums.

NIGHT RANGER is Jack Blades (bass guitar, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead and rhythm guitars), Joel Hoekstra (lead and rhythm guitars) and Eric Levy (keyboards). "High Road" track listing:

01. High Road02. Knock Knock Never Stop03. Rollin' On04. Don't Live Here Any More05. I'm Coming Home06. X Generation07. Only For You Only08. Hang On09. St. Bartholomew10. Brothers11. L.A. No Name12. The Mountain Song * * Only available on deluxe edition

Photo credit: Grady Brannan

Back in March, it was announced that SMASHING PUMPKINS had signed an Artist Services deal with BMG. Via Martha's Music/BMG, they will issue two new SMASHING PUMPKINS albums in 2015: "Monuments To An Elegy" and "Day For Night". The first single is expected to be released by year's end.

The PUMPKINS' Billy Corgan says: "Thrilled to report that we now have our album in total, as top songs are arranged and set for drum tracking. So over the next three days, I'll be focusing on vocal arrangements, lyrics, and tweaking the overall aesthetics of the record as I hope it shall be. At least then I'll be able to share a different narrative for a spell, and get off this merry-go-round we've all been on."

Corgan also revealed the tentative track listing for "Monuments To An Elegy". It is as follows (all titles subject to change):

* Being Beige (World's On Fire)* Anti-Hero* Tiberius* Run To Me* One And All* Drum And Fife* Dorian* Monuments* Anaise* W.P.C.

"Monuments To An Elegy" is being produced by Howard Willing, who first worked with SMASHING PUMPKINS during the "Adore" sessions

The PUMPKINS released their last studio album in 2012: "Oceania", which entered The Billboard 200 chart at No. 4, earned the No. 1 spot on the Independent Albums chart and garnered vast critical acclaim.

SMASHING PUMPKINS have created one of the most acclaimed bodies of work in musical history having sold more than 30 million albums, and won multiple Grammy Awards in the process. Formed in Chicago in 1988, they released "Gish", their influential and platinum debut in 1991, which was followed by albums including the nine-time platinum "Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness" and the four-time platinum "Siamese Dream", as well as the platinum certified 1998 album "Adore". The group's many hits defined the alternative music era and continue to resonate on modern rock radio, influencing a whole new generation. The PUMPKINS returned in 2007 with their acclaimed sixth album, "Zeitgeist". They have since remained on the cutting edge of music and technology with various online releases.

"I Forgive (But I Won't Forget Your Name)", the new Sitcom Soldiers-directed video from Italian heavy rockers LACUNA COIL, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's latest studio album, "Broken Crown Halo", which registered the following first-week chart positions:

Italy: #13USA: #27Switzerland: #37Germany: #40UK: #45Austria: #55France: #56Belgium (Wallonia): #61Greece: #63Canada: #65Belgium (Flanders): #176 (first week), #66 (second week)Netherlands: #75

"Broken Crown Halo" sold around 13,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD arrived in stores on April 1 via Century Media.

LACUNA COIL's previous effort, "Dark Adrenaline", opened with around 20,000 units in 2012 to debut at No. 15.

The band's 2009 album, "Shallow Life", premiered with 21,000 copies to enter the chart at No. 16.

LACUNA COIL's "Karmacode" album registered a first-week tally of 34,000 copies back in April 2006 to land at No. 28. It has since sold more than 200,000 units in the U.S.

The band's 2002 album, "Comalies", has shifted more than 300,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

"Broken Crown Halo" was recorded Italy by producer Jay Baumgardner (P.O.D., SEVENDUST, EVANESCENCE, PAPA ROACH) and engineer Kyle Hoffmann (P.O.D., BUSH, ZEBRAHEAD). The effort was mastered by Howie Weinberg, whose credits include RAMMSTEIN, SOUNDGARDEN, NIRVANA, DEFTONES and SHERYL CROW.

"Broken Crown Halo" is LACUNA COIL's seventh studio effort and the follow-up to "Dark Adrenaline", which was released in January 2012 and saw the band tour with acts including MEGADETH, MOTÖRHEAD, VOLBEAT and SEVENDUST.

"Broken Crown Halo" track listing:

01. Nothing Stands In Our Way02. Zombies 03. Hostage To The Light 04. Victims 05. Die & Rise 06. I Forgive (But I Won't Forget Your Name)07. Cybersleep 08. Infection 09. I Burn In You10. In The End I Feel Alive11. One Cold Day

LACUNA COIL in February hit the road as a quintet as part of "The Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock Tour" following the departures of guitarist Cris "Pizza" Migliore and drummer Cristiano "Criz" Mozzati. Marco "Maus" Biazzi handled all guitar duties on the trek while drummer Ryan Blake Folden once again sat behind the kit.

The Revolver-magazine-presented "The Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock Tour kicked off February 20 and featured LACUNA COIL sharing a stage with SICK PUPPIES, Century Media Records labelmates EYES SET TO KILL and CILVER. The tour launched in Wilmington, North Carolina, and ran through March 20 in Anaheim, California.

"The Bloodbath Begins", the new video from SHERMANN TANK — the band featuring MERCYFUL FATE guitarist Hank Shermann and Marc Grabowski on bass and vocals — can be seen below.

SHERMANN TANK's sound is described as metal with crushing brutality, relentless guitar attacks and vocals from the depths of hell... dark and melodically captivating.

"This is what SHERMANN TANK is all about; classic metal with all the layers of guitars that I love to play", says Hank.

"We're still in songwriting mode and it really shapes up like you won't believe!

"Final lineup for the album recordings will be announced shortly!"

Shermann previously stated about the formation of SHERMANN TANK: "After touring with VOLBEAT for all of 2012, I decided it was time for me to start working on my first solo output. Things developed really fast and I joined forces with my good friend Marc Grabowski [DEMONICA] to handle vocals and bass!

"I've known Marc since the mid-'90s and was already impressed with his potential back then. Now it's full circle."

He added: "This is going to be my dream guitar album! I’m putting all my 35 years of guitar experience into this album."

Grabowski was the frontman of the band CORRUPTION for two decades. The Denver-based group released the album "Alone" in 2004. Marc then joined DEMONICA in 2009, recording the band's debut album "Demonstrous".