SKID ROW has completed recording and mixing its new album, "United World Rebellion - Chapter 1", tentatively due later this year via an as-yet-undisclosed record label. Some of the sessions for the CD, which will be mastered this week, took place at Open Sky Studio, the Atlanta, Georgia-based facility owned and operated by producer/drummer Mike Froedge (DREADED MARCO, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, DOUBLEDRIVE, SPEED X), and the Bonehead Studio, also in Atlanta.

Singer Johnny Solinger has finished laying down vocals on the new SKID ROW album, "United World Rebellion - Chapter 1", tentatively due later this year via an as-yet-undisclosed record label. Some of the sessions for the CD took place at Open Sky Studio, the Atlanta, Georgia-based facility owned and operated by producer/drummer Mike Froedge (DREADED MARCO, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, DOUBLEDRIVE, SPEED X), and the Bonehead Studio, also in Atlanta.

SKID ROW singer Johnny Solinger recently stated about "United World Rebellion - Chapter 1": "This truly is a special record. Can't wait for you all to hear it."

In support of the new SKID ROW CD, the band will embark on a U.K. headlining tour in April.

The group's bassist Rachel Bolan previously told Times-Standard.com about SKID ROW's forthcoming sixth LP, "I think the next record, as far as what Snake [guitarist Dave Sabo] and I are writing, is going back to what people would expect from SKID ROW. We're looking forward to it."

SKID ROW's last album "Revolutions Per Minute", was released on October 24, 2006 via SPV Records.

The band in 2010 parted ways with drummer Dave Gara and replaced him with Atlanta native Rob Hammersmith.

Rob spent many years touring and recording with Atlanta-based rockers ROCKETS TO RUIN and has performed with GUNFIRE 76, the band featuring MURDERDOLLS frontman Wednesday 13.

Video footage of Jordan Rudess' (DREAM THEATER, DIXIE DREGS) collaboration with Rod Morgenstein (WINGER, DIXIE DREGS, STEVE MORSE) at the Korg booth at this year's NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show as the duo reunited to perform the EMERSON LAKE & PALMER 1971 classic "Tarkus" can be seen below. AOL's Noisecreep was in the room for the performance and also had the opportunity to speak with Jordan just before he and Morgenstein took the stage.

The seed for the RUDESS/MORGENSTEIN PROJECT was planted one evening at a sold-out DIXIE DREGS performance in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In the middle of the set, a power failure shut down the guitar, bass and violin rigs leaving only the keyboards and drums unaffected. Disaster seemed imminent. What followed instead was a blistering ten-minute drum/keyboard power-duo jam which brought down the house. This event marked the beginning of a unique musical collaboration between Rudess and Morgenstein.

The 1997 release of the self-titled RUDESS/MORGENSTEIN PROJECT album was said to be a dream come true for both musicians. All the music was written, arranged and produced by Rod and Jordan and their hope was to capture an audience that was as much in love with music as they were in making it. Incredibly, 98% of the show was completely played live with no tapes and no sequencing.

"The Abandoning", the new video from LOVE & DEATH, the band led by former KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch, can be seen below. The clip was filmed November 10, 2012 with director — and UNDERØATH/ex-NORMA JEAN drummer — Daniel Davison.

"The Abandoning" comes off LOVE & DEATH's debut album, "Between Here & Lost", which was released on January 22 via Tooth & Nail Records. Recorded in Nashville with producer Jasen Rauch (RED, BREAKING BENJAMIN) and mixed by Paul Pavao, Ben Grosse (MARILYN MANSON, DISTURBED) and Jim Monti (KORN), the CD consists of 11 tracks, ranging from songs about personal struggle and triumph ("Chemicals", "My Disaster", "Paralyzed") to emotionally charged anthems ("Fading Away", "Watching The Bottom Fall") to a riff-heavy rendition of DEVO's 1980 hit "Whip It".

LOVE & DEATH is comprised of Welch, lead guitarist JR Bareis, bassist Michael Valentine, and drummer Dan Johnson.

Like the album title suggests, "Between Here & Lost" captures the honesty of light and darkness, beauty and tragedy, good and evil, delivered by a band with intense passion and commitment to the message of its music.

"This record was birthed from trials, tribulations, pain, suffering, anxiety, depression, and drama," stated Welch. "However, we came out on top and the end result is a very real, raw and honest record. We are so stoked for people to hear it! From our opening song, 'The Abandoning', to our cover of DEVO's 'Whip it', to our collaboration with Mattie Montgomery from FOR TODAY on 'I W8 4 U', It's an exciting piece of art and the listener will feel the different range of emotions with the lyrics and melodies of each song."

"Between Here & Lost" track listing:

01. The Abandoning
02. Whip It
03. Watching The Bottom Fall
04. By The Way...
05. Meltdown
06. My Disaster
07. I W8 4 U (featuring Mattie Montgomery)
08. Fading Away
09. Paralyzed
10. Chemicals
11. Bruises

LOVE & DEATH formed when Welch decided to have open auditions on YouTube in 2009. "I picked the guys and then had a jam session in Phoenix," says Welch. "Over the last couple of years, there have been a few lineup changes as we went through normal growing pains. The current band has been together and touring for a while now and they are a big part of the new music and the future of LOVE & DEATH."

LOVE & DEATH will be touring extensively in 2013 to support the effort.

According to TMZ.com, former EVANESCENCE guitarist Ben Moody is being sued by Rider Management Inc. for $500,000 in unpaid commissions.

Rider claims to have entered into an agreement with Moody in 2006, granting the company commission on Moody's various musical projects.

After leaving EVANESCENCE in 2003, Moody embarked on a successful career as a songwriter and producer, having written songs for and produced recordings from such artists as Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry and Celine Dion. Moody also released solo music and formed the rock band WE ARE THE FALLEN with several other ex-EVANESCENCE members.

Moody's most recent solo release, "You Can't Regret What You Don’t Remember", was made available in November 2011 via his own label, FNR Records.

On February 26, SST Records will release "Life is Too Short To Not Hold A Grudge", the debut album from GOOD FOR YOU, the brand new band featuring influential guitarist and bandleader Greg Ginn and professional skateboarder and musician Mike Vallely (a.k.a. Mike V). Featuring eleven uniquely distinct high-energy rock songs blistered with themes of betrayal, regret, disillusionment, resolve, determination and independence propelled by Ginn's distinctive, stun-gun guitar, "Life Is Too Short To Not Hold A Grudge" sets a new course for both musicians and delivers a strong statement of intent that begs to be heard.

Recorded at Ginn's Casa Destroy Studios in Taylor, Texas, "Life Is Too Short To Not Hold A Grudge" teams the singular guitarist — named as one of Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" — with the creative, aggressive Vallely for the first time since BLACK FLAG's 2003 reunion shows in Los Angeles where Mike V performed the entire "My War" album from start to finish with the world-renowned punk rock band at the invitation of Ginn.

As the founder, guitarist and driving influence behind BLACK FLAG, Greg Ginn defined the West Coast punk sound and the DIY ethos of punk rock. In many ways, Vallely is the perfect frontman to lead Ginn's first hard rock band since the dissolution of BLACK FLAG. A strong-willed, determined, intense and inspirational figure, Vallely (owner and creative mind behind Elephant Brand Skateboards) has earned a devoted, worldwide following over the course of his two decade plus career as a professional skateboarder and years fronting the bands MIKE V AND THE RATS and REVOLUTION MOTHER. The vocalist first saw BLACK FLAG perform at City Gardens in Trenton, New Jersey in 1984, crediting it as a life-changing experience. Greg and Mike first met in Long Beach, California in May 2003 when MIKE V AND THE RATS started a supporting run of shows for Greg that would eventually lead to the guest vocal spot at the BLACK FLAG reunion shows. A friendship was formed and the two have kept in touch through the years with the intention of collaborating on new music at some point. In February 2012, Ginn presented Vallely with new music and the singer spent the next five months filling notebooks with lyrics. The duo's intense songwriting chemistry generated both a solid set of dynamic songs that would become "Life Is Too Short To Not Hold A Grudge" and the formation of an entirely new band: GOOD FOR YOU. "Life Is Too Short..." features the traits of a benchmark release. Rarely is rock so pure and hard-hitting.

"Greg and I had been talking about writing music together for many years," comments Vallely. "There was no real plan in place to "team up" or anything like that. It was more so just about the music. Creatively and artistically we just found a common road and from that came an output that became this new music and this new record.

"Working with Greg really opened me up as a writer and vocalist," he continues. "His approach to writing, recording and producing was so free that for the first time I feel I was really able to honestly express myself in the studio."

"I can't wait to deliver these songs live with Mike," says Ginn. "I have the feeling that things are going to get wild."

"Life is Too Short To Not Hold A Grudge" track listing:

Side A:

01. I'd Rather Die
02. No Plan B
03. Free
04. Hanging Around
05. Knife in the Face

Side B:

01. Stupid Me
02. Good Sport
03. It's Just Business
04. Dreams
05. Blaze of Glory
06. True Companion

GOOD FOR YOU is currently offering fans a taste of what "Life Is Too Short To Not Hold A Grudge" holds in store, streaming the new song "Hanging Around" via its SoundCloud page. The band is expected to debut a number of additional new songs from the LP prior to the release of the record.

This spring, GOOD FOR YOU will get in the van and hit the road and stages across the U.S. in support of the debut. Stay tuned to the GOOD FOR YOU Facebook and Twitter pages for updates and breaking news.

Reunited British rockers THE DARKNESS are planning to enter the studio in early 2014 to begin recording a new album for release later that year.

"I think it's important the next album comes out quickly," THE DARKNESS guitarist Dan Hawkins tells Billboard.com. "[Last year's] 'Hot Cakes' has been a great introduction to let people know we're back. Now we need to keep the output up, really."

According to Hawkins, he and his bandmates have already started collecting ideas for the new CD. "Every day we set up our little [portable] studio and start jotting down ideas.

"It'll be out in 2014. This year we'll be touring and writing, then early 2014 we'll hopefully be recording it or continuing to write it and get it out later that year."

As for what fans should expect to hear on the upcoming album, Hawkins says: "I think we want to get even more old school. We want to make it even more of a performance record. We just want to be really brave and try to do something as live as humanly possible, warts and all. We've lost a bit of that in music today. It's time to get a bit of character in there, so we'll be going for something as fucking Route 1 as possible."

Hawkins isn't worried about internal strife once again rearing its ugly head and putting an end to THE DARKNESS reunion. "We've settled into a nice groove, really," he says. "We feel like more of a team than we did before. If something is broke, you've got to fix it, haven't you? And that's what we did. I think (success) went to all of our respective heads, but you've got to go there, haven't you? What's the point of being in a rock 'n' roll band if you don't take it to 11? Now the music is on 11, the gigs are on 11 but the drug intake is on, like, zero to one. That's how it should be."

Swedish death metal overlords AEON have issued the following update:

"As we stated a couple of weeks ago, Arttu Malkki [drums] decided to take a longer break from the band to focus on his family and their newborn twins. Emil Wiksten [BLOOD RED THRONE] stepped in as temporary replacement for him and did his first stage appearance with us during our recently finished UK/Ireland headline tour.

"Besides being a real nice and easy dude, Emil delivered a killer performance each night and he shows a great deal of passion for his drumming. And with our recently released album 'Aeons Black', there is a lot of good things coming our way and we felt that we needed to have a solid lineup where everyone in the band is involved and has the same goal. AEON really needs to be everyone's top priority and you can't obviously expect a temporary drummer to prioritize a band that he is not a member of, so therefore we gave Emil the opportunity to fill the spot permanently, which he gladly accepted.

"So with this we would like to thank Arttu for his time in the band and we wishes him all the best with his new family. And now, let's raise the horns and welcome the mighty Emil Wiksten to the AEON family as our new permanent drummer."

Wiksten made his live debut with AEON on January 16 at Garage in in London, England.

AEON released its fourth studio offering, "Aeons Black", on November 20 via Metal Blade Records. The mammoth 15-track effort was recorded at Empire Studio in Östersund, Sweden, engineered, mixed and mastered by Ronnie Björnström (Garageland Studios) and featuring cover art by Kristian "Necrolord" Wåhlin (BATHORY, AT THE GATES, DISSECTION, EMPEROR).

Commented guitarist Zeb Nilsson: "This is definitely our most varied album to date; it has heavier songs, yet it also has lots of fast blastbeats and double bass drumming. It's groovier this time, which I think we lacked on our last album, 'Path Of Fire', which was fast-paced almost all the way through. That, and the amazing mix by Ronnie Björnström, makes me feel pretty confident that this album will appeal to more people than our previous albums. And no, we have not gone softer in any aspect; it's just easier to catch with all this grooviness. It's metal right up your ass!"

On January 19, Neuweltmusic conducted an interview with the AEON at The Pint in Dublin, Ireland. You can watch the chat below.

Irish thrashers GAMA BOMB have inked a deal with AFM Records. The band's new album, "The Terror Tapes", will be released on the following dates:

April 22 - UK
April 19 – Rest Of Europe
April 23 - USA

Regarding GAMA BOMB's follow-up to 2009's "Tales From The Grave In Space", the band's lead singer, Philly Byrne, says: "I think this album's really going to shock people. We're not afraid to write brash, outrageous songs that will make people stand up and shout. There are some straight-up classics on this album and we can't wait for everyone to hear it."

He adds: "It's been a long road to bring 'The Terror Tapes' to life. I had throat surgery, Domo [Dixon, guitar] had a tendon injury, we changed our lineup, we recorded without a label, did it all the hard way. We worked hard and got through and made a great album which we're proud to be releasing with such great guys as AFM, who really believe in what we're doing. We've spent long enough in the shadows; now we’re ready to re-emerge."

Expect songs about zombies and videogames and suchlike.

"Tales From The Grave In Space" was given away as a free download via Rapidshare with GAMA BOMB's then-label Earache Records.

SDMusicTV has uploaded video footage of MACHINE HEAD guitarist/vocalist Robb Flynn's January 24 solo acoustic show at Brick By Brick in San Diego, California. Check it out below. The performance was part of a five-concert solo run around Flynn's appearance at this year's NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show, which was held January 24-27 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

Commented Flynn: "I did the full 10-day master cleanse back in May 2011 during the recording of 'Unto The Locust'. I sang most of the vocal tracks and played a lot of the guitar tracks while on The Cleanse. It was great, put me in a good headspace. I only managed a disappointing three-day last year, but I wasn't sober.

"As part of my rehab, I've booked some small acoustic shows at clubs and bars along the way down to L.A. for NAMM. Just me and my tech Scott driving all over California in my 4-Runner, trying to... I dunno... trying to get lost, I guess. Half cover songs, half MACHINE HEAD tunes, all done acoustic, no setlist, making it up as I go. I played [the first show on January 21] in Hollywood and it was really, really cool. Had a blast, told stories, laughed, it got pretty heavy at times, hung with some great people, it was therapeutic as fuck.

"I need to do this. I need to challenge myself, I need to go out there and play some shows, get out of my comfort zone and shake myself up, be alone, on my own. I'm not happy right now, I need to figure this shit out, I need it find that fire again, inspiration, or, I don't know even what I'm searching for, something, and I feel like this might help me find a part of it. It's the most excited I've been about something in a long while."

Skinny Music conducted an interview with KILL DEVIL HILL members Mark Zavon (guitar) and Rex Brown (bass) at this year's NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show, a massive music-products convention that took place January 24-27 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. You can now watch the chat below.

Asked about KILL DEVIL HILL's current status, Zavon said: "Right now we're in the studio recording with producer Jeff Pilson. Things are going well. We've got four songs basically in the can. We're gonna break off another four here next week — Rex says five; always the optimist. But things are going great, man. The vibe is awesome. The songs are working out really well, and the tones are amazing, so I'm looking forward to it."

Added Brown: "It's pure, unadulterated, hard, kicking-ass rock and roll, man. That's all I an say about it. It's gonna be amazing. The tapes I have, there's no compression, no EQ off the board. It's just non-stop rock and roll, man. That's all there is to it."

KILL DEVIL HILL's self-titled debut album was released last year via Steamhammer/SPV. The CD landed at position No. 9 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.

"Kill Devil Hill" was produced by Warren Riker, who is best known for his work with DOWN, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, SUBLIME and CATHEDRAL. The effort was made available in a standard CD edition, as an iTunes digital download, and double gatefold LP.

According to drummer Vinny Appice, KILL DEVIL HILL's sound is "like a cross between BLACK SABBATH, ALICE IN CHAINS and a little bit of LED ZEPPELIN thrown in. It's heavy, but with a lot of cool hooks and melodic overtones, too."

KILL DEVIL HILL is:

* Jason "Dewey" Bragg (PISSING RAZORS) - Vocals
* Mark Zavon (RATT, W.A.S.P., 40 CYCLE HUM) - Guitar
* Rex Brown (DOWN, PANTERA) - Bass
* Vinny Appice (HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, DIO) – Drums

New video footage of TRIVIUM vocalist/guitarist Matt Heafy performing a solo acoustic cover version of OPETH's "Harvest" can be seen below.

Asked in an August 2012 interview with Loudwire what he likes about an acoustic performance that he doesn't get from a full-on band performance with massive amps, Heafy replied: "When TRIVIUM are playing, I can't talk as much as I would like to and I like to talk live; the guys would roll their eyes if I'm talking too much. It's nice to make it so intimate. With TRIVIUM, I never get nervous with shows no matter what kind of set it is, but I'm always excited and I feel like I kind of learned how to break that barrier that makes it feel like it's a big show. The fact that I feel like our band has been able to translate a big show feeling like that to a small club show."

Regarding whether he has thought about doing an acoustic album or tour, either solo or with TRIVIUM, Heafy said: "I haven't thought about it personally yet. I think doing more of these shows — maybe I can join Corey Taylor [SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR] and do some songs with him. He mentioned, 'You know any songs,' and unfortunately, I don't really know anybody else's songs besides our own songs. So that's why I'm doing [the occasional acoustic show] and then hopefully I'll be ready for a duo performance some day."

TRIVIUM's new album is being produced by DISTURBED/DEVICE frontman David Draiman at a studio in Austin, Texas.

TRIVIUM's latest CD, "In Waves", sold 22,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 13 on The Billboard 200 chart — the highest U.S. chart entry of the band's career.

Avant-garde death metal unit AZURE EMOTE — envisioned and created by Mike Hrubovcak (MONSTROSITY, VILE, DIVINE RAPTURE, ABRAXAS) and executed utilizing musicians from DEATH, FEAR FACTORY, MONSTROSITY, TRISTANIA, RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER and more — has announces the completion of its second studio album, "The Gravity Of Impermanence".

Confirmed for worldwide release on April 3 through Selfmadegod Records, "The Gravity Of Impermanence" is fueled by pummeling blast beats, haunting female vocals, violins, saxophone, harmonica and a barrage of other eclectic surprises brought together into one melting pot of misanthropic darkness that defines the AZURE EMOTE ethos. Possessing fourteen songs encompassing over an hour of devastatingly original extreme metal the album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Ron Vento of AURORA BOREALIS at Nightsky Studios. The cover art was once again created by Hrubovcak, his Visual Darkness works well known in the death/grind communities for illustrating covers for SINISTER, GRAVE, CATTLE DECAPITATION, HATE ETERNAL, DECREPIT BIRTH, MORTICIAN and many others.

"The Gravity Of Impermanence" recording lineup:

* Mike Hrubovcak - vocals, lyrics, keyboards, electronic programming, samples, harmonica
* Ryan Moll - lead/rhythm guitars
* Mike Heller - drums/percussion
* Kelly Conlon - bass
* Pete Johansen - violin/electric violin
* Sandra Laureano - vocals
* Melissa Ferlaak Koch - vocals
* Bruce Lamont - saxophone
* Jonah Weingarten - keytar solos
* J.J. Hrubovcak - guest guitar solo
* Jason Ian-Vaughn Eckert - guest electronic programming

"The Gravity Of Impermanence" track listing:

01. Epoch of De-Evolution
02. Carpe Diem
03. Marching Forth
04. Sunrise Slaughter
05. Conduit of Atrophy
06. Veils of Looming Despair
07. Dissent
08. The Living Spiral
09. Obsessive Time Directive
10. Patholysis
11. Destroyer of Suffering
12. Annunaki Illuminati
13. The Color of Blood
14. Puppet Deities

Swedish epic doom metallers MEMORY GARDEN have completed work on their fifth album, "Doomain", for an April 15 European release via Metal Blade Records. The CD was recorded at Annoying Sound Factory and SolnaSound Recording by the bandmembers themselves, with a little engineering assistance from Mike Wead (KING DIAMOND) during the lead guitar sessions. The mix was handled by Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, BLOODBATH, NIGHTINGALE) at Unisound studios in Örebro, Sweden

Comments the band: "The recording of 'Doomain' must be the most relaxed album session we've ever done.

"We recorded most of the album ourselves in our own studio and took the time we wanted and needed to get it done. Dan Swanö helped us getting the rig together and he provided us with the tools to do it and from there we did it ourselves. The lead guitar sessions were done at SolnaSound Recording by Simon and Mike Wead. When it all was done, it was sent to Dan Swanö and Unisound for mix and mastering. The final album is amazing and we are so thrilled to get it out to all of you"

Regarding the CD title, the group states: "We wanted a short and effective title to this album. It's a little game of words referring to the style of music we play 'doom metal' and the actual word 'domain.'

"We see this album as a statement of what MEMORY GARDEN stands for music-wise and this album is certainly down our alley, it's in our Doomain."

MEMORY GARDEN was formed in 1992 in Sweden and has since then released four albums, two of them under the flag of Metal Blade Records ("Verdict Of Posterity" in 1998 and "Mirage" in 2000).

MEMORY GARDEN is:

Stefan Berglund – Vocals
Simon Johansson – Lead Guitars
Andreas Mäkelä – Guitars
Johan Fredrikson – Bass Guitar
Tom Björn – Drums

Chicago's OCEANO has set "Incisions" as the title of its new album, due later in the year via Earache Records.

The five-piece is currently hard at work writing the long-awaited follow-up to 2010's "Contagion", with plans to enter the studio soon.

OCEANO has released an official lyric video for a brand new track, "Slow Murder", which is set to appear on "Incisions", giving fans a taste of the brutality to come. Check it out below.

Comments OCEANO guitarist Nick Conser: "The new OCEANO comes out today. Get ready for it.

"We're starting a new chapter in this band. We're not selling out. We're not getting soft. We're getting more fucked up and bringing more hate. And if you want us to change, then you're gonna be disappointed.

"We're not gonna replicate any album that we've ever released. We're going to get more evil than anything you've heard from this band. Today will show the start of how hateful this record is gonna be."

OCEANO will hit the road again full time this summer in support of the new album, with dates due to be announced in the near future. The band also has a hometown show scheduled for this Friday, February 1 at Reggie's Rock Club, featuring support from MONSTERS, THE OX KING, THIEVES and NO ZODIAC.

Guitarist Stefan Weinerhall of Swedish metallers FALCONER has issued the following update:

"After the darkest year yet, I am once again in writing mood, and what a mood! I guess somethig good really can come out of something bad after all. After rebooting musically from a year of creative vacuum, there is a fresh hunger and optimism.

"The six songs completed so far are harder and faster and with more of an attitude again; some of the songs sound like taken from the first album. After reading a book about deciphering and reading the language of runestones, I really got some lyrical inspiration too!

"I must say that it hasn't been this rewarding and promising for many years to write for a new album, without being carried away too far. The future plan is to concentrate on writing, re-writing and rehearsing for the new album, being sure it is as good as it can and not re-using too many patterns. All songs will be in English this time.

"We are just to begin rehearsing once again after a 2-year break and I can't wait to put Mathias [Blad, vocals] through some tests and find out the speed limit of Karsten [Larsson, drums]."

FALCONER's seventh album, "Armod", was released in June 2011 via Metal Blade Records. The CD featured 11 songs completely sung in Swedish and four bonus tracks that were said to be English versions of the bandmembers' favorite new songs.

"Armod" was once again recorded at KING DIAMOND guitarist Andy La Rocque's Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden during December 2010 and January 2011.

According to Metalfan.nl, Finnish metal marauders FINNTROLL have set "Blodsvept" as the title of their sixth album, due in Europe on March 25 via Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2010's "Nifelvind" was recorded at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki.

"Blodsvept" track listing:

01. Blodsvept
02. Ett Folk Förbannat
03. När Jättar Marschera
04. Mordminnen
05. Rösets Kung
06. Skövlarens Död
07. Skogsdotter
08. Häxbrygd
09. Tva Ormar
10. Fanskapsfylld
11. Midvinterdraken

Check out the cover artwork below.

In regards to the new album, FINNTROLL commented on their studio blog: "Combining our trademark sound with even more influences from non- traditional genres in metal music, we have created 11 songs which show you everything we want to offer. And boy, wasn't that one of the hardest tasks for some time. After all, how do you keep your sound fresh, yet familiar, after 6 albums and 15 years?

"At some point, we were afraid that the songs are not melodic enough. Then we started to fear they became too melodic. Then we let the songs rest for a while and molded them more in a way that the non-melodic stuff got something to hum with, and the cheesy pop songs were arranged more stripped and aggressive. We were confident, yet sometimes scared what will people think of the stuff we've been doing so hard. What if they hate it? That would be fine, but if they would hate it because the material was uninspiring, boring and done-to-death, that would be a huge disappointment. So, we kept pushing and tried to keep it fresh all the time, while still having the 'this has to be FINNTROLL because no other band sounds this insane' — grinning going on."

Fan-filmed video footage of FINNTROLL performing the brand new song "När Jättar Marschera" during their November 3, 2012 concert in Giessen, Germany as part of this year's Heidenfest tour can be seen below.

FINNTROLL in 2011 released a special tour edition of their latest album, "Nifelvind". The digipak tour edition came with new artwork by the band's guitarist, Skrymer, and an extra CD including three brand-new cover versions: "Insects" (OINGO BOINGO), "Can You Forgive Her?" (PET SHOP BOYS) and "The God That Failed" (METALLICA). The cover versions were recorded and mixed at Sonic Pump Studios between June 27, 2011 and July 4, 2011 by FINNTROLL and Nino Laurenne.

"Nifelvind" was released in North America on March 9, 2010 via Century Media Records.

On February 12, "Live In Wolverhampton", a 2CD set from bassist Glenn Hughes will be released via earMusic/Armoury Records.

Recorded in June 2009, this two-night celebration of Glenn Hughes' music took place in his English hometown of Bilston, Wolverhampton. These nights were packed with hits and favorites culled from his rich musical career.

The first night included cuts from Hughes' time as lead vocalist in DEEP PURPLE. "Crave", "Muscle & Blood", "Don't Let Me Bleed" and "Mistreated" were all served up to an enthusiastic audience. The second evening, themed "You Are The Music: An Evening Of Trapeze", was the first time that Hughes has performed songs preceding his days in DEEP PURPLE. Tracks such as "Touch My Life", "Black Cloud", "Coast To Coast" and "You Are The Music" were all unearthed from the TRAPEZE repertoire. Performing this music struck an emotional chord with Hughes, as former TRAPEZE guitarist Mel Galley had recently passed away. It proved to be a fitting remembrance to perform these songs, and the emotion of the night is captured beautifully on "Live In Wolverhampton".

From deep cuts to world-beloved legendary hits, "Live At Wolverhampton" is a definitive live collection of Glenn Hughes history.

Hughes currently performs in BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, a band he founded in 2009 with guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa.

"Live In Wolverhampton" track listing:

Disc 1:

01. Muscle & Blood
02. You Got Soul
03. Love Communion
04. Don't Let Me Bleed
05. What's Going On Here
06. Mistreated
07. Crave
08. Hold Out Your Life

Disc 2:

01. Way Back To The Bone
02. Touch My Life
03. Jury
04. Coast To Coast
05. Seafull
06. Good Love
07. Your Love Is Alright
08. Medusa
09. You Are The Music
10. Black Cloud

BLACK FLAG has reformed and is in the process of putting finishing touches on a new album with founder Greg Ginn on guitar, Ron Reyes on vocals, Gregory Moore on drums and Dale Nixon on bass.

The one constant member throughout the history of BLACK FLAG, Ginn — named one of Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time" — defined the West Coast punk sound and the DIY ethos of punk rock. Greg Ginn also currently plays with GOOD FOR YOU and GREG GINN AND THE ROYAL WE.

Ron Reyes of "Decline Of The Western Civilization" fame was the BLACK FLAG vocalist from "The Church" / "Jealous Again" era. Reyes also currently plays guitar in PIGGY.

Gregory Moore has played with GONE and BLACK FLAG (2003) and brings his relentless and driving drum style to the band.

Notorious for not touring, Dale Nixon nevertheless played bass on the "My War" album and is the author of iconic BLACK FLAG bass lines such as "Jealous Again", "Nervous Breakdown", "Six Pack", "TV Party", "Revenge", "Gimme Gimme Gimme", etc. While Dale has lent his skills to the new album, he is currently contractually obligated for a stint on "Celebrity Rehab". Still, as he has always done in the past, he will continue to provide insight and spiritual guidance to the current bass player.

The seeds of this reformation were planted when Reyes invited Ginn to perform with him at his birthday party some two and half years ago. Needless to say, the party was a blast and the two vowed at that time to work on some songs together. The fruition of those efforts will culminate in the release of the new album later this year.

Far from being a one-time grab, this reformation has BLACK FLAG recording and touring extensively both in the U.S. and abroad.

BLACK FLAG has announced that it will headline the Ruhrpott Rodeo in Hünxe, Germany on May 18. They will also play the U.K.'s Hevy Fest on Sunday, August 4. Celebrating its fifth year this summer, Hevy is a completely independent hardcore, punk and metal festival with over 80 bands across 4 stages. The iconic band will be returning to Britain for the first time in almost 30 years, making their only U.K. appearance of 2013 at the festival.

In the U.S., BLACK FLAG will headline the Muddy Roots Music Festival in Tennessee on Saturday, August 31. Muddy Roots is 100% independent and promotes artists ranging from bluegrass, old country to punk rock and everything in between. It features three days of camping with 60 bands.

For more information, visit www.muddyrootsmusic.com.

Boston, Massachusetts-based band VANNA will release its new album, "The Few And The Far Between", on March 13. The band's second full-length CD for Artery Recordings/Razor & Tie was produced by Jay Maas and recorded at Getaway Recordings in Boston (Haverhill), Massachusetts. Maas also produced VANNA's first Artery Recordings release, the 2010 EP "The Honest Hearts".

"The Few And The Far Between" track listing:

01. The Few And The Far Between
02. The Lost Art of Staying
03. Year of the Rat
04. I Said I'm Fine
05. Casket Rhythm
06. The Weekly Slap in the Face
07. Please Stay
08. A Thin Place
09. The Dreamer/The Thief/The Relic
10. When in Roam
11. His Heels

"The Few And The Far Between" is now available for pre-order in a variety of bundles at MerchNow.

Alternative Press is hosting an exclusive steam of the new song "Year Of The Rat" at this location.

VANNA is confirmed to tour with EVERY TIME I DIE along with THE ACACIA STRAIN, HUNDRETH and NO BRAGGING RIGHTS. The trek kicks off on February 6 in Chicago, Illinois and wraps on March 16 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Following this tour, VANNA is heading to Australia to tour with labelmates NORMA JEAN.

VANNA released "And They Came Baring Bones" (Artery Recordings/Razor & Tie) in the summer of 2011 to critical and commercial success. The CD debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard New Artist Chart and No. 22 on the Billboard Hard Music Chart. Alternative Press raved: "VANNA could be well on their way to the pinnacle of hardcore success" while AbsolutePunk.net touted "'And They Came Baring Bones' is without a doubt VANNA's best effort to date."

Multinational melodic metal band EDEN'S CURSE is in the studio working on its as-yet-untitled fourth album for a late summer release via AFM Records.

English drummer Pete Newdeck entered the studio in mid-January and has now completed recordings on all fourteen tracks at Higher Studios in Tewkesbury.

German virtuoso guitarist Thorsten Koehne began guitar recordings this weekend at COP Studio in Bielefeld, Germany.

Among the fourteen songs selected for recording are "Evil & Divine", "Break The Silence", "Unbreakable", "Great Unknown" and "Devil In Disguise".

Mixing duties will once be performed by the bands longtime engineer, PINK CREAM 69 and UNISONIC bassist Dennis Ward, while German graphic designer Thomas Ewerhard (EDGUY, AVANTASIA, JORN) completes the same winning team who worked on the bands previous album, 2011's critically acclaimed "Trinity" record.

The fourth album will be the first to feature the band's new vocalist, who at this point has yet to be named, from a meticulous audition process.

"The plan was never to rush this appointment," states bassist Paul Logue, who further adds. "Our aim is to find the best possible voice and personality for EDEN'S CURSE. Getting to know these guys is a fun but slow process and we are extremely excited about the quality on show."

EDEN'S CURSE in September 2012 announced the departure of their singer of six months, Marco Sandron. The group stated at the time, "This is due to various reasons, but it was mutually agreed that it would be in the best interests of the band to sever all ties. We believe Marco to be a great vocalist and person, but it just did not work out, and we sincerely wish him the greatest of success with his future musical endeavours."

Candlelight Records has set a March 12 North American release date for "A Eulogy For the Fans - Orange Goblin Live 2012". The CD/DVD is the first proper live recording from ORANGE GOBLIN and will be released in tandem with the band's first full stateside tour in over eight years. The special recording kicks off a planned year of non-stop touring and continues the success found in 2012.

Check out a trailer for the set below.

"A Eulogy For The Fans - Orange Goblin Live 2012" includes ORANGE GOBLIN's complete performances professionally recorded at Bloodstock Open Air Festival (England - August 11, 2012) and Hellfest (France - June 15, 2012). The DVD further includes the official Tom Cronin-directed videos for "Red Tide Rising" and "Acid Trial", the latter courtesy of Scion A/V, plus the Matt Chance-directed "Red Tide Rising" documentary and Gaetan Chataigner-directed "Highway To Hellfest" documentary. Art and design was once again provided by Jimbob Isaac under the direction of vocalist Ben Ward.

Discussing the album, Ward says: "For years, people have been asking us to release a live album. It's a warts-and-all recording to highlight exactly what you get at an ORANGE GOBLIN show. It's not over-produced; you can hear the bum notes and the forgotten lyrics as well as the energy and power emanating from the stage. And the crowd! I think that's what a good live album is all about. It's just the sound of us getting up on stage, plugging in and going hell for leather. Crack open a beer, turn it up loud and bang your head."

"A Eulogy For the Fans - Orange Goblin Live 2012" features songs that span the band's extensive repertoire, including fan favorites "Stand For Something", "Scorpionica", "Quincy The Pigboy", "Blue Snow", "Time Travelling Blues", and the album's single, "The Filthy & The Few", which is set to impact loud rock radio on February 26.

ORANGE GOBLIN's latest album, "A Eulogy For The Damned", was released in February 2012 via Candlelight Records. The ten-track offering was recorded at The Animal Farm studio in South London, produced and engineered by Jamie Dodd and mastered two-time Grammy-nominated PINK FLOYD engineer Andy Jackson at Tube Mastering.

"A Eulogy For The Damned" was released on CD and limited-edition colored vinyl in gatefold sleeve.

Formed in 1995 (as OUR HAUNTED KINGDOM), ORANGE GOBLIN has released six full-length albums, developing an enthusiastic fan base that revels in the band's aggressive sound built on "booze-sodden riffs and attitude." Longtime label Rise Above Records has reissued the group's super-heavy back catalog.

Monster conducted an interview with SLAYER guitarist Kerry King at this year's NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show, a massive music-products convention that is taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. You can now watch the chat below.

Asked if there was ever a moment when he first felt that his band had "made it," King said: "Probably the first time we got a tour bus. One thing that I notice a lot… I can't say all the new bands, but a lot of the younger generation, they seem to expect things. They expect to go on tour and have the tour bus that their heroes have. When we came up, we had a Camaro and a U-Haul. And then when we got 'big,' we had a van and a u-Haul. So when you got the tour bus, it was, like, 'Alright, something's gotta be working,' you know. But I never expected it. It was just, like, 'Alright, if we deserve it, when our time comes, fuck yeah, we got a tour bus. That's awesome.' And then you get a different perspective. But people…. I see it a lot at these NAMM shows, people come in and present themselves like, 'Don't you wanna give me some?' without being anybody, without earning shit. And it wasn't like that when I grew up … I think they have a huge sense of entitlement."

Regarding what keeps him going more than 30 years since SLAYER's inception, King said: "Shows are awesome; I love shows. And you know, when you make up new stuff, you're in quest of the perfect riff. I don't know if it's been written yet, and I may never know, but you're always making up new stuff and re-impressing yourself and re-energizing yourself, making up things that are, for myself, so SLAYER. And it's, like, 'How did we never write this before?' And that's fun."

King, Chilean-born bassist/vocalist Tom Araya and drummer Dave Lombardo are continuing to play shows with EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt, who has been filling in for SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman for two years while Jeff recovers from contracting necrotizing fasciitis, likely caused by a spider bite.

SLAYER last year entered the studio to record two new songs with producer Greg Fidelman for a possible EP release.

In a summer 2012 interview with "Metal Zone" host Nikki Blakk of the San Francisco, California radio station 107.7 The Bone, King was asked whether Hanneman is contributing to the songwriting process for the new album. "On the last record [2009's 'World Painted Blood'], it was kind of, like, [split] down the middle [between me and Jeff]. On the records prior, it was mostly me. This one's been all me so far," he said. "He's welcome to contribute. It's just a matter of him [putting] something [together] and getting it to us."

OUTLOUD, the Greek/American melodic hard rock band that made waves with its self-titled debut album in 2009 and the follow-up, "Love Catastrophe", in 2011, is back with a vengeance.

George Kollias of the band NILE, one of the best extreme metal drummers in the world and longtime friend of OUTLOUD, will lay down the drum tracks on OUTLOUD's next album, tentatively titled "Let's Get Serious", for a late 2013/early 2014 release.

Commented OUTLOUD guitarist/keyboardist Bob Katsionis (also of FIREWIND): "We (Chandler Mogel, Bob Katsionis and bassist Sverd) are currently working on new melodic and versatile songs, and George Kollias' addition is gonna put the icing on the cake! We couldn't be more excited about this lineup for our new album. We are deep into the songwriting process and believe that this is some of the best and most powerful material we have written thus far. We can't wait to share it with you!"

In other news, OUTLOUD has launched a search for a second guitarist and permanent drummer. Please send links/video/bio etc. to bob_katsionis@yahoo.gr.

Frontiers Records will release of DE LA CRUZ's debut full-length album, "Street Level", on March 22 in Europe and March 26 in North America.

Hailing from the Gold Coast, Australia, DE LA CRUZ is easily one of the most promising arena hard rock acts to come out of underground scene. They came to the attention of the fans when Geoff Barton of Classic Rock magazine described their sound as "a pomptastic, hyper-active [DEF] LEPPARD!" in his review of the band’s self-financed EP.

DE LA CRUZ was formed after a meeting between guitarist Casey Jones and Auckland-born singer Roxxi Catalano. With Catalano's air-raid siren vocals, street-level attitude and Jones' fretboard-melting riffs and string-searing shred, the pair instantly clicked musically and through a shared passion for '80s arena-style rock and musical respect, the dream was started. Jones and Catalano went on to record several demos via the Internet over the next few years until they put together the right lineup, adding Rory Joy on guitar, Grant Daniell on bass and Lacey Lane on drums.

"This album talks about our highs, the lows, the parties and all of the crazy times we've had!" says Jones. "We aimed for a killer album to introduce DE LA CRUZ to the world and this is the height of our musical existence thus far and we cannot wait for everyone to have the CD in their hands. This is DE LA CRUZ!"

DE LA CRUZ has kept the musical coordinates of its debut EP and developed into something new and exciting.

"DE LA CRUZ means anthemic rock!" continues Casey, "We make hard-hitting, yell-it-out-loud arena rock with a blast from the past and a twist of something new!"

"Street Level" track listing:

01. Street Level
02. Girls Go Wild
03. Turn It Up
04. Legions Of Love
05. Gimme Love
06. Cherry Bomb
07. Dreaming
08. Invincible
09. Worlds Collide
10. S.E.X.
11. Set The Night
12. Shine

The digital release of the first single, "Cherry Bomb", is scheduled for February 4.

DE LA CRUZ is:

Roxxi Catalano - Lead Vocals
Casey Jones - Guitar
Rory Joy - Guitar
Grant Daniell - Bass
Lacey Lane - Drums

Fan-filmed video footage of GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, former TNT singer Tony Harnell and electric violinist Cassandra Sotos performing an acoustic cover version of the LED ZEPPELIN classic "Ramble On" on Sunday, January 27 at the TC Electronics at this year's NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show in anaheim, California can be seen below.

Since leaving TNT in 2006, Harnell has been recording hard rock, metal and acoustic rock albums and has been putting on entertaining acoustic shows to sold-out crowds in the the New York City area with his current backing group, which features guitarist Jason Hagen, Amy Harnell (vocals, percussion) and newest member, Cassandra Sotos (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, MARK WOOD), on seven-string electric violin.

Thal and Harnell met 20 years ago when Tony was forming a new band after TNT took a break in 1992, and in January 2012, Ron and Tony were reunited at the NAMM convention in Anaheim, California, where they started discussing the possibility of working together.

After Ron attended one of Tony's performances in August 2012, which Thal proclaimed was "the best acoustic show he had ever seen," Tony, being a fan of Ron's otherworldly and original fretwork, asked if he'd like to join him on the project and contribute to his EP, which was already underway. Harnell states: "In addition to Ron's superhuman and beautiful guitar playing, he also happens to have a great voice and writes amazing songs, which will greatly add to this project both live and in the studio." Thal has also been a longtime fan of Harnell's songwriting and vocal artistry, so the new coalition seems more than natural.

With the new lineup and EP on the way, the group will tour nationally and internationally as a foursome featuring Harnell, Thal, Amy Harnell and Sotos under the name TONY HARNELL & THE WILDFLOWERS FEATURING BUMBLEFOOT. Hagen will remain an integral part of songwriting and recording and will be appearing with the group for local performances. Harnell adds: "Ron's live appearances with this project will be subject to his schedule with GN'R, but he'll be with us for the live shows whenever possible."

Harnell and Thal have also been discussing other plans for a full electric band and have already started to reach out to some well-known musicians to join them.

The vocalist search is over for Germany-based melodic rockers KING'S CALL, who have recruited U.K.'s Mike Freeland to sing on their forthcoming album, "Lion's Den".

The brainchild of Greek musician Alex Garoufalidis (guitar, vocals), KING'S CALL also features in its ranks Azerbaijan native Asec Bergemann (drums), and Germany's Andreas Kramer (bass).

KING'S CALL's search for a new singer took them to Germany, Scandinavia, the U.S. and even Brazil, but the band ended up finding Freeland virtually in their backyard. As it turns out, while laying down tracks, producer Chris Tsangarides (GARY MOORE, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JUDAS PRIEST, THIN LIZZY) introduced Freeland to the guys and they hit it off straight away.

Freeland is known for his work fronting legends PRAYING MANTIS and MORE. His new adventure with KING'S CALL will not interfere with his other projects and he is looking forward to working with his new bandmates and help them to conquer the melodic rock scene.

KING'S CALL recorded be the follow-up to 2011's "Destiny" (Mausoleum Records) at the Ecology Studios with Tsangarides and is in the final stages of mixing the disc.

Italian guitarist Gabriele Bellini will guest on "Chains Of Blood", the new single from the London, U.K- and Rome, Italy-based progressive rock band HERETIC'S DREAM.

The group, which has supported such artists as Richie Kotzen and CRUCIFIED BARBARA, will record the new single at Kick studio in Rome at the beginning of February.

The video for "Chains Of Blood" will be shot in mid-February in the U.K. The track will serve as the first single from HERETIC'S DREAM's new album, "Walk The Time", which will be released in September via the Italian record label Videoradio.

HERETIC'S DREAM's latest CD, "The Unexpected Move", came out in May 2012.

FullOnDrums.com conducted an interview with KORN drummer Ray Luzier at this year's NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show, a massive music-products convention that took place January 24-27 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. You can now watch the chat below.

Asked how often he changes his cymbal setup, Luzier replied: "We're working on the new KORN record right now with producer Don Gilmore [LINKIN PARK, GOOD CHARLOTTE, LACUNA COIL, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE], and Don's got great ears. So he'll make suggestions, like, 'Hey, try this cymbal,' Or 'Try that.' And I just bring everything I've got and I just let him go through it. And his ears are so great, because my band tunes down to Z flat. It's so low, it's like you've gotta have something matched with those frequencies."

KORN's latest album, "The Path Of Totality", saw the band teaming up with dubstep producers and DJs to add a whole new electronic layer to their sound. The band's guitarist, James "Munky" Shaffer, told the Phoenix New Times in an interview last October that while KORN's sound will continue to evolve, it is unlikely that the band's next CD will be like its predecessor. "I wouldn't say it's a 180[-degree turn] from the last album, but we're definitely taking a different approach," he said. "We're not going with the dubstep style, but we are using a lot of interesting recording techniques.

Asked if the next album will be a bit heavier than "The Path Of Totality", Munky said, "I think it will be. I think once Jonathan [Davis] puts vocals on it, it has...it's more melodic and the guitars are more aggressive and much more in your face. I think what we did before was bold and took a lot of balls, in regards to the album devoted entirely to dubstep. To me it's very much a KORN album, but I want to feature more guitar on this album, on the one we're writing right now, we still have one foot in the electronic [style], not necessarily the dubstep [sound], and we still have a fresh approach on the guitar riffs with some melodic vocals. Jonathan is great at sort of delivering the aggressive lyrics and vocals."

KORN will reunite with founding guitarist Brian "Head" Welch for several festival shows this summer, with Welch playing full shows with the band for the first time since 2004.

Multi-camera video footage of INTO ETERNITY's January 18 performance at The Vat Pub in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada can be seen below.

INTO ETERNITY last year tapped Amanda Kiernan of the Edmonton, Alberta-based metal band THE ORDER OF CHAOS as their new touring vocalist. Kiernan took over from Stu Block, who was hired away in 2011 by American metallers ICED EARTH, leaving INTO ETERNITY without a full-time singer.

Kiernan made her live debut with INTO ETERNITY on February 24, 2012 at the 11th edition of the Manitoba Metalfest at The Zoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

INTO ETERNITY's signature sound has often been described as a hybrid of latter-day DEATH and CONTROL DENIED, combined with the technical stylings of DREAM THEATER.

INTO ETERNITY's last album, "The Incurable Tragedy", came out in 2008 via Century Media.