Finnish quintet MALPRACTICE has inked a deal with New Jersey-based Sensory Records.

Formed in 1994 in Kouvola, Finland by guitarist Joonas Koto, MALPRACTICE started out as a thrash act. Following the release of a debut MCD, "Memorial", in 1996, the band cast aside its most aggressive influences and opted to explore a more progressive direction, which was apparent on their second MCD, "Frozen", released later the same year. Without a deal in place, MALPRACTICE entered the studio in March 1998 to record its first full-length album, "Of Shape And Balance", released via Mastervox Records in September of that year. Following a brief hiatus and reactivation in 2004, MALPRACTICE signed with Spinefarm. This also began the band's cooperation and friendship with producer/engineer Anssi Kippo at Astia Studio (CHILDREN OF BODOM, SINERGY, NORTHER), with the recording of their second full-length, "Deviation From The Flow", and into the 2008 release of their third album, "Triangular", which not only expanded their forward-thinking style, also reinvigorated some of their early thrash elements. In 2010 the band recorded a demo, which eventually became their fourth album, "Turning Tides". As their contract with Spinefarm expired, the band sought new pastures, and given the more melodic and progressive nature of their style, found solace in Laser's Edge offshoot Sensory Records, which is now preparing "Turning Tides" for proper worldwide release this summer. "Turning Tides" represents MALPRACTICE at their absolute best, combing intricate progressive metal with catchy melodies topped with excellent musicianship and brilliant vocal harmonies, and a must-hear for fans of QUEENSRŸCHE, FATES WARNING, DREAM THEATER and MEGADETH. MALPRACTICE is:

Joonas Koto - GuitarToni Paananen - DrumsAleksi Parviainen - VocalsMarkus Vanhala - GuitarJonas Mäki - Bass

"FATAL SMILE - R.I.P. At some point in your life you'll have to 'kill your darlings'...and it's with a heavy heart I have to inform you that I'm laying my dear band FATAL SMILE to rest...in peace!

I sure know it's a really bad timing with a new album to be released & we just kicked off our first show of the tour last nite & really sorry for letting the fans down that have bought tickets for the shows... But at a certain point in life you'll have to make decisions if things are really worth doing it...?? I have come to that point when the answer is no, it's no longer worth sacrificing everything in my life, my heart & soul just to keep the 'FS-train' rolling... It's been an epic journey since I started the band back in 1995 & I had a blast doing it & 'living the dream'...

A million thank's to all of you for your endless support & love during those 'Fatal years' & thank's to all the band members during this time... I will sure keep writing & playing music, that's for sure!!!

Take care & be well.

Peace & Love,
Yüksel Unutmaz aka 'MR. Y' / 'Yxan'"

Montreal, Quebec, Canada-based death metallers KATAKLYSM have issued the following statement:

"We are here today to announce that Oli Beaudoin will remain behind the throne as the drummer for KATAKLYSM on the next album and future tours.

"Max [Duhamel] has informed that he cannot continue or return to the ranks at this time due to physical health issues.

"KATAKLYSM welcomes Oli on board as we forge on.

"Max remains our brother and will always be a part of KATAKLYSM. Those who saw him in Montreal playing 'The Road To Devastation' with us at the end of the show saw that even with severe pain the boy still has the chops to perform. We wish him well and know our paths will cross again."

Max Duhamel explains his decision to leave the band: "After facing my problems head on this last year and having many sessions of therapy, I'm glad to say I have my alcohol intake under control now. I can happily have a beer or two here and there, or none at all, and totally be functional without any worries. I'm a much happier man and more focused than ever. I do terribly miss my boys in KATAKLYSM (the touring and making albums with them etc.), but while I was under therapy, I decided to fix other issues with my health as well: the physical part this time.

"I always had shooting pains in my left arm, but I dealt with it in silence and kept it from everyone. Sometimes it would go numb and my wrist and entire arm would lock up during concerts. It gave me anxiety and made me angry, which didn't help my mental state.

"I'm currently going through rehabilitation to restore my arm to the best of its abilities, but I cannot give the KATAKLYSM songs justice at the moment. It wouldn't be fair to the boys, and it wouldn't be fair to the fans and myself to continue. I need to take care of my health 100% before I can consider playing on a pro level again, like I know I'm capable of doing.

"We will see what the future holds.

"There's always a surprise in the air waiting to happen.

"I'll keep in touch with all my fans and friends through my personal Facebook.

"Thank you for the incredible support and all the kind words; they really helped to lift my spirits during these hard times."

Adds Oli Beaudoi: "I'm stoked to now officially be welcomed as a permanent member of KATAKLYSM. The last two years with the guys have been a real blast. J-F, Maurizio and Steph are coolest bandmates I've had the chance to be with. The last album we wrote together in 2013 also proved that we share a common musical vision for this band. I'm just thrilled to pursue this endeavor and help push this band to a new level for the years to come."

Guitarist John Ricci of Canadian thrash metal pioneers EXCITER has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET: "Great news to all EXCITER fans worldwide: myself and original [EXCITER] members Dan Beehler [drums, vocals] and Allan Johnson [bass] have officially reunited! We intend [on] performing our bone-crushing, neck-snapping speed metal in as many countries that will have us!

"To celebrate our long-anticipated reunion, our first confirmed gig will be at the Keep It True festival in Lauda-Konigshofen, Germany, April 24, 2015. We hope to see you there! Our performance will consist of all the classics that established EXCITER as one of the pioneers of speed and thrash. New material and a new release will eventually follow. "I also want to comment on my so-called 'retirement' which was posted on various sites on February 24 by the former EXCITER members. I just want to say I never said I was going to retire. In my opinion, this retirement announcement was fabricated exaggeration. What I did say is that 'I need a break from music' due to some rebellious behaviour from one of the musicians in the band. So, at this point, all that B.S. is behind me and I am now focusing on delivering some new ear-splitting, brain-rattling METAL with Dan and Allan!

"I want to thank all the loyal and dedicated fans and music industry individuals that contacted me during this false retirement statement and offering their support and a positive outcome to a situation that was non-repairable. "Hope to see you soon with 'horns high and fists in the air!'"

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

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

The surviving members of NIRVANA played a surprise concert at Saint Vitus, a tiny bar and music venue in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, following their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame on Thursday night (April 10). According to the New York Post, only 250 "close friends and insiders of the band were invited" to this super-secret show, which saw Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear perform a full set of NIRVANA classics.

The concert started at 2 a.m., with Rock Hall performers Joan Jett, Kim Gordon (SONIC YOUTH) and Annie Clark (a.k.a. St. Vincent) once again joining NIRVANA on stage. Also appearing with the group were DEER TICK's John McCauley and DINOSAUR JR.'s J. Mascis.

Raw video footage of the Saint Vitus show can be seen below.

Setlist for the Saint Vitus show, according to Setlist.fm:

01. Smells Like Teen Spirit (with Joan Jett)02. Breed (with Joan Jett)03. In Bloom (with Joan Jett)04. Territorial Pissings (with Joan Jett)05. All Apologies (with Joan Jett) (Krist Novoselic played accordion)06. Drain You (with J Mascis)07. Pennyroyal Tea (with J. Mascis)08. School (with J. Mascis)09. Lithium (with St. Vincent)10. About a Girl (with St. Vincent)11. Heart-Shaped Box (with St. Vincent)12. Serve the Servants (with John McCauley)13. Milk It (with John McCauley)14. Very Ape (with John McCauley)15. Scentless Apprentice (with John McCauley)16. Tourette's (with John McCauley)17. Aneurysm (with Kim Gordon)18. Negative Creep (with Kim Gordon)19. Moist Vagina (with Kim Gordon)

Former R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe inducted NIRVANA into the Rock Hall last night. He described the band's sound as "a sweet and beautiful but fed-up fury coupled with howling vulnerability." Grohl and Novoselic were joined on stage by NIRVANA frontman Kurt Cobain's widow, Courtney Love, and Cobain's mother and sister. Grohl told the audience: "I was the quiet one in NIRVANA. I was the drummer. Most of you don't know, I was the fifth drummer in NIRVANA." He went on to thank the four drummers before him.

Novoselic said the music of NIRVANA "means so much to so many people. Kurt was an intense artist and he connected with so many people."

Kurt Cobain's mother, nearly in tears, walked up to the mic and said, "I just miss him so much. He was such an angel."

Joan Jett joined Grohl, Novoselic and Smear in a performance of "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Annie Clark then performed NIRVANA's "Lithium", and Gordon performed "Aneurysm". The biggest surprise of the night was when 17-year-old Lorde came out to sing "All Apologies".

Last Saturday (April 5) marked the 20th anniversary of Cobain's death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Finnish female-fronted heavy rockers LULLACRY will release a farewell 2CD compilation, "Legacy 1998-2014", on May 9 via Spinefarm Records. The set will include lots of special material like previously unreleased tracks, live recordings and one brand new song, "Hell On High Heels", laid down this past February at Astia studio with the original "Be My God"-era lineup of LULLACRY (including singer Tanja "Whisper Lilith" Kemppainen, a.k.a. Tanya).

"Legacy 1998-2014" track listing:

CD 1

01. Hell On High Heels02. Damn You03. Don't Touch The Flame04. Alright Tonight05. Crucify My Heart06. Into Your Heart07. Be My God08. Fire Within09. King Of Pain10. Sweet Desire11. Downwards (feat. Nico Hartonen)12. Feel My Revenge (feat. Mikko Herranen)13. Pitch Black Emotions14. Trust15. Thousand Suns16. Gone Are The Days17. The Autumn

CD 2

01. To Every Heartache02. L.O.V.E. Machine03. Head Like A Hole04. Unchain Me (live in studio 2001)05. Whisper In The Chaos '97 (feat. Ville Valo)06. For Evermore (live in studio 1999) 07. The Chant (live in studio 1999)08. I Don't Mind (live at Radio City 2001)09. Rain ("Sweet Desire" sessions)10. May The Times Change ("Sweet Desire" sessions)11. May The Times Change '97 (feat. Nico Hartonen)12. My Life ("Crucify" demo sessions 2002)13. Crucify My Heart Pt. II (piano version)14. Children Of The Grave (live at Tavastia 1999)15. All For Nothing (live at Tavastia 1999)16. I Stole Your Love17. Fool's Journey (instrumental)

The "Hell On High Heels" single will be made available on April 25.

A teaser for the track can be seen below.

Spinefarm will also release a remastered version of LULLACRY's debut album, "Sweet Desire", including five bonus tracks: three studio live recordings and two previously unreleased cuts.

LULLACRY will play three farewell shows in early May, including the final gig on May 10 in Helsinki.

LULLACRY's fifth album, "Where Angels Fear", was released in North America on April 10, 2012 through End Of The Light Records distributed by DisManic via eOne Distribution. Released on March 7, 2012 in Finland through LULLACRY's own label, OUTO Recordings, the CD — which marked the band's first effort since 2005's "Vol. 4" — was produced by Mikko Herranen (ex-vocalist for MISERY, INC.), who also sings a duet with LULLACRY vocalist Tanja Lainio in "Feel My Revenge". The album was mastered by Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers in Helsinki.

New York hardcore veterans MADBALL have set "Hardcore Lives" as the title of their ninth studio album, 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

Later this month, MADBALL will embark on the fifth installment of the band's renowned Rebellion tour with BIOHAZARD, DEVIL IN ME, WISDOM IN CHAINS and FINAL PRAYER.

Hopeless Records has announced the signing of the Nagoya, Japan rock band COLDRAIN. The group's new full-length album is expected this summer.

Composed of lead vocalist Masato, bassist RxYxO (Ryo), drummer Katsuma, and guitarists Y.K.C. (Yokochi) and Sugi, COLDRAIN was formed in 2007 when five members of two local bands decided to come together and become more than just local.

Shortly after its inception, the band set off for its first tour and played in 30 venues across Japan. COLDRAIN has seen major success in its home country with its previous EP, 2012's "Through Clarity", produced by David Bendeth (PARAMORE, BRING ME THE HORIZON, A DAY TO REMEMBER). Soon after, the band began a headline tour of 11 dates, selling out every venue. In 2013, COLDRAIN co-headlined the completely sold-out Monster Energy Outburn Tour with CROSSFAITH and MISS MAY I. Fans can now watch the music video for the COLDRAIN song "The Revelation". The song can also be purchased now on iTunes.

Legendary GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash joined MOTÖRHEAD on stage last night (Friday, April 11) at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California to perform the MOTÖRHEAD classic "Ace Of Spades". Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below. Slash will also perform select cuts with MOTÖRHEAD at both of the band's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival appearances on April 13 and April 20 in Indio, California.

Slash was last joined on stage by MOTÖRHEAD's Lemmy for a rendition of "Doctor Alibi" during the former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist's concert on August 2, 2012 at House Of Blues in Boston, Massachusetts.

"Doctor Alibi" comes off Slash's self-titled solo album, which came out in April 2010.

In a March 2010 interview with Ultimate-Guitar.com, Slash stated about the experience of recording "Doctor Alibi" with Lemmy, "That was another great moment; having Lemmy come down. Because Lemmy was one of those guys that I so looked up to and I still do. When I was a kid, I was one of those Lemmy fans that would bow in his presence. And we got to be friends and he's always sort of taken me under his wing kind of thing and he's always been really cool. Lemmy is one of those kinds of guys who can have a real serious attitude if he wants to. He's actually a really nice guy in general. I always thought he was sort of intimidating but he was always really nice to me. And I've had a chance to work with him; I've played on one of their records ['March or Die'] and I've done a lot of gigs with 'em. I asked him if he'd be interested and I sent him the thing and he got it right away and he came down to the studio. . . We had bottle of Jack Daniels and a couple bags of potato chips and it reminded me of when I used to show up at sessions. It was great. And the song is all about how the doctor told him how he might have to quit partying and then another doctor said, 'No, you need to continue.' It's a great personal thing; I'm really honored to have it on there.

MOTÖRHEAD canceled a handful of shows on its European festival tour in August 2013 after Lemmy suffered a haematoma (where blood collects outside of a blood vessel). The news of Lemmy's latest medical issue followed reports that he was also fitted with a defibrillator because of heart problems. The band also postponed a European headlining tour which was scheduled to kick off in November.

The middleages rockband TANZWUT signed a contract with AFM Records from Hamburg.

CEO Jochen Richert is delighted: “We know Teufel, Mastermind of TANZWUT, for many years and have also been working with him on a basis of trust. So it was a logical step to sign TANZWUT on AFM to make it possible to deepen the partnership. There is high creative potential that he can focus on now and therefore concentrate on the artistic work. Now we can exploit TANZWUTs full potential which we will do with much effort and time.”
Teufel also comments: “We are really looking forward to working with AFM Records and appreciate the big support in the implementation of our aims.”

The first record on their new label called “Eselsmesse” will be released on June 6th 2014.

Fan-filmed video footage of CANDLEMASS' April 11 performance at the Roadburn festival in Tilburg, The Netherlands can be seen below.

CANDLEMASS celebrated the 25th anniversary of its third album, "Ancient Dreams", with special live concert on December 28, 2013 at Debaser Medis in Stockholm, Sweden.

The LP, which was originally issued in 1988, has long been hailed as a classic and was performed in its entirety by CANDLEMASS, which was last year voted Sweden's best rock/metal band of all time in Sweden Rock Magazine.

CANDLEMASS also performed all of "Ancient Dreams" at last night's Roadburn concert.

CANDLEMASS' current touring lineup includes four members of its classic formation: Leif Edling on bass, Mats "Mappe" Björkman on rhythm guitar, Lars Johansson on lead guitar and Janne Lindh on drums.

CANDLEMASS played its first show with singer Mats Levén on June 5, 2012 at Debaser Slussen in Stockholm, Sweden.

Levén is a former member of YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, THERION and TREAT, who also plays with CANDLEMASS bassist/mainman Leif Edling in KRUX.

Also joining the group for CANDLEMASS' recent live performances was keyboard player Per Wiberg (OPETH, SPIRITUAL BEGGARS).

CANDLEMASS in June 2012 parted ways singer Robert Lowe. The band stated at the time that this was "a very difficult decision" to make and had "mainly to do with the quality of the live performances."

Lowe — who is still a member of SOLITUDE AETERNUS — joined CANDLEMASS in January 2007 and sang on the band's last three studio albums: "King Of The Grey Islands" (2007), "Death Magic Doom" (2009) and "Psalms For The Dead" (2012).

CANDLEMASS released its 11th and final album, "Psalms For The Dead", on June 8, 2012 via Napalm Records. A limited-edition seven-inch vinyl single contaning two album tracks —"Dancing In The Temple Of The Mad Queen Bee" and "The Killing Of The Sun" — preceded the full-length effort on April 13, 2012.

Fan-filmed video footage of OPETH' April 11 performance at the Roadburn festival in Tilburg, The Netherlands can be seen below.

OPETH will release its eleventh studio album, "Pale Communion", on June 17 via Roadrunner Records.

"Pale Communion", which was produced by the band's very own Mikael Åkerfeldt and mixed by longtime collaborator and PORCUPINE TREE frontman/guitarist Steven Wilson, will be preceded by the lead single "Cusp of Eternity" and available for pre-order starting Tuesday, May 6. Pre-orders for "Pale Communion" made via the iTunes Store will receive an instant download of "Cusp Of Eternity", with multiple configurations also available via both the Roadrunner Records webstore and O Merch.

"Pale Communion" track listing:

01. Eternal Rains Will Come02. Cusp Of Eternity03. Moon Above, Sun Below04. Elysian Woes05. Goblin06. River07. Voice Of Treason08. Faith In Others

In a recent interview with Noisey, Åkerfeldt stated about "Pale Communion": "Normally when I start writing for a record, I'm a bit nervous. You don't know whether or not you're going to be able to come up with something that you like or come up with something at all, to be honest. I was inspired because pretty early on, I wrote a song on the new album — the last song on there, which I ended up being really happy with. So I had some type of guidelines which was more melody, I think."

He continued: "[2011's] 'Heritage' was somewhat deliberately fucked up all over the place because I love fucked-up-all-over-the-place-type music, but I wanted to do something more melodic with this album, so there's stronger vocal melodies and more melodies overall for this album. I was pretty consistent with that frame of mind throughout the writing process, so at least I had a plan with this album, and I normally don't, to be honest."

Mikael added in a separate interview with Metal Assault: "['Pale Communion' is] the next album, so I guess it's closer to ['Heritage'] than, say, the first album. But I'd like to think there's an upgraded sound, and by that I don't mean a modern sound. We were looking at some of the late '70s and early '80s production, and that's what we were going for sound-wise and it's one of the reasons why we ended up recording at Rockfield Studios in Wales, which is a legendary studio where many of our favorite bands recorded. So, musically, I guess you could say it's similar to 'Heritage', but I'd like to think it's more hard rock and metal sounding. We also have something new that we didn't have before in certain songs. I don't really know what it is, which I like. I like to either recognize our sound or to hear something completely new, and I think we have both on the new album."

Asked if he thinks if it would be fair to say that people who liked "Heritage" will like this new album as much as, or even more than, the last OPETH CD, Mikael said: "Yeah, I hope so. I hope everybody will like it, of course. I think it's probably a bit easier to get into because it's a bit more melodic. There's definitely more attention to melodies and I wouldn't say it's an easy-listening album at all, but there's more melody than ever before, not just 'Heritage'. I'm hoping that people who liked 'Heritage' will like this one too and also fans who liked the old shit will hopefully like this one as well, and may be some new fans. You never know."

Legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen will headline the Guitar Gods tour, set to take place in North America in June/July. Joining Malmsteen on all shows will be Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (GUNS N' ROSES), Uli Jon Roth (SCORPIONS) and Gary Hoey.

Malmsteen is one of the most technically accomplished guitarists of all time, rewriting the book on hard rock/heavy metal guitar. In addition to countless awards from music and instrument specific publications, none other than Time magazine hailed him as one of the ten greatest electric guitarists.

2013 was a banner year for Malmsteen, as he released his autobiography "Relentless", which coincided with a wildly successful tour that played to houses all over the world. The only way he could top that in 2014 was to hand pick an all-star lineup of Guitar Gods to share the stage with him on a magical full North American tour.

"Fans can expect the unexpected," Malmsteen said regarding his live shows. "I raise the bar with every performance I do and this tour will be no different."

Held in the highest regard in his own right, Uli Jon Roth brings the very special "40th Anniversary Scorpions" set that has been playing to frenzied audiences in Europe to North America, embracing his storied history with the band and digging deep into their catalog for this tour.

Acclaimed for his accomplishments for perfecting his playing in multiple genres (rock, blues, surf) and respected by both fans and peers alike, Gary Hoey performs his radio hits such as the Billboard Top 5 smash "Hocus Pocus" along with other favorites.

GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Bumbleoot (as seen in the upcoming DVD "Appetite For Democracy", which documents the band's Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel residency) embarks on his first solo tour, playing songs from his entire critically praised recorded history.

Confirmed dates so far, according to Bumblefoot's Facebook page:

June 13 - Paramount Theatre - Huntington, NY June 14 - Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ June 17 - Bergen Performing Arts Center- Englewood, NJ June 20 - Arcada Theatre - St. Charles, IL June 21 - Phoenix Theatre - Toronto, ON June 26 - Showbox Theatre - Seattle, WA June 27 - Roseland Theater - Portland, OR July 03 - Saban Theatre - Beverly Hills, CA July 08 - Rialto Theatre - Tucson, AZ

The surviving members of NIRVANA — Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear — performed a four-song set at tonight's (Thursday, April 10) Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction that saw them joined by by an impressive lineup of some of rock music's most iconic female artists, specifically St. Vincent (whose real name is Annie Clark), Lorde, SONIC YOUTH's Kim Gordon, and Joan Jett.

Jett kicked things off by singing lead and playing guitar on "Smells Like Teen Spirit". She was followed by Gordon, who fronted "Aneurysm". Then came Clark on "Lithium". And finally, Lorde joined the band for a rendition of "All Apologies".

Dave Grohl and Jett have some history together, with Grohl and his FOO FIGHTERS bandmates performing with her on a segment of "Late Show With David Letterman" a while back.

R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe inducted NIRVANA at Thursday night's ceremony, which took place at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Last Saturday (April 5) marked the 20th anniversary of NIRVANA frontman Kurt Cobain's death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Accepting at the induction ceremony was Cobain's widow, Courtney Love, who has a longstanding feud with Grohl and Novoselic over the use of NIRVANA's music. Love's speech included her embracing Grohl and Novoselic. "This is my family I'm looking at right now," she said, leaving the podium to hug "Brother Krist" and Grohl. "I just wish Kurt could have been here. Tonight he would have really appreciated it."

2013 marked the first appearance of NIRVANA on the Rock Hall ballot. NIRVANA was the only act last year to land on the ballot in its first year of eligibility.


http://media.scribblelive.com/2014/4/11/fb1dee1f-824f-405f-9885-18b15c2154b3.mp4

KISS performed on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" last night (Friday, April 11), one day after the band's long-overdue induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. The band played "King Of The Night Time World" from its 1976 album "Destroyer", on the program, as well as four other tracks which are being made available web-exclusive video performances.

KISS rocked through classic songs from its first two albums: "Deuce", "Hotter Than Hell", "Firehouse" and "Black Diamond".

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's Tom Morello inducted KISS into the Rock Hall on Thursday, April 10 at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, New York. KISS did not perform at the ceremony because Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons were upset that only the founding members and not later ones were being inducted. Current KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer sat at the band's table, along with former guitarist Bruce Kulick, who was in the group from 1984 to 1996. Founding members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss were also in attendance.

KISS and DEF LEPPARD kick off their 42-date summer tour on June 23 at Salt Lake City, Utah's USANA Amphitheater.

Swedish metallers IN FLAMES have set "Siren Charms" as the title of their eleventh album, due in September via Epic. The CD was recorded at Hansa Studios (DAVID BOWIE, DEPECHE MODE, U2) in Berlin, Germany.

Photos from the studio — courtesy of the German magazine Metal Hammer — can be found at Metal-Hammer.de.

IN FLAMES lead singer, Anders Fridén recently stated about working at the legendary facility where such milestones as David Bowie's "Heroes" and Iggy Pop's "Lust For Life" were created: "When I visited Hansa Studios [last] year, I got goose bumps. There is so much history both inside and surrounding the studio and I want to be a part of that. Magic has been created here and hopefully that will affect us."

IN FLAMES' "Deliver Us" single was recently certified platinum in Sweden for sales in excess of 40,000 copies. (Note: On-demand audio and/or video song streams are now counted towards the threshold required for gold and platinum certifications.)

IN FLAMES has released a video for"Sounds Of A Playground Fading", the title track of its tenth studio album. The clip, which is made up of concert footage, was produced by Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.

"Sounds Of A Playground Fading" (Century Media) sold around 14,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart.

IN FLAMES' previous album, "A Sense of Purpose" (Koch) opened with 20,000 units to land at No. 28. This was slightly less than the opening tally of "Come Clarity" (Ferret), which shifted just under 24,000 copies in February 2006 to enter the chart at position No. 58.

"Sounds Of A Playground Fading" was the first IN FLAMES album to be recorded without founding guitarist Jesper Strömblad, who quit the band in February 2010 in order to continue receiving treatment for his alcohol addiction.

IN FLAMES guitarist Niclas Engelin sat out a few of the band's shows last year. His temporary replacement for those gigs was Patrik Jensen from THE HAUNTED.

"Happiness Is A Smile", the new video from THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, can be seen below.

"Happiness Is A Smile" was made available on limited-edition colored seven-inch vinyl via the band's merchandise table and as a cassingle through the group's VIP packages during THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN's U.S. tour, which kicked off on April 3 in New York City.

The artwork for "Happiness Is A Smile" was created by BBC Radio One presenter and occult artist Daniel Carter.

Says THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN: "So we wrote a song. Rather than wait for a new album and try to figure out how to make it make sense as part of a group of other songs that would be written later, we recorded it instantly so it could be captured as its own statement. We pressed it on a limited-edition 7" vinyl, in a quantity of 500 (never to be pressed again), and have it available on this current tour. It's called 'Happiness Is A Smile'. We've been playing it every night. Here it is."THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN's fifth full-length album, "One Of Us Is The Killer", sold around 15,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 25 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was released on May 14 through the band's own Party Smasher Inc., in partnership with Sumerian Records in North America. Party Smasher's partnership with BMG covers the rest of the world, including licensing deals with Grind House for Japan and Remote Control in Australia.

"One Of Us Is The Killer" was recorded in Southern California with longtime producer Steve Evetts (GLASSJAW, THE CURE, SUICIDE SILENCE), with additional production at guitarist/co-founder Ben Weinman's studio. Mastering was handled by Tom Baker (DEFTONES, NINE INCH NAILS, BEASTIE BOYS).

In an interview with Killer Tours, Weinman stated about "One Of Us Is The Killer": "A lot of the inspiration for this record has to do with codependency. This band has a huge impact on everyone in our lives. The conflicts that occur from both being around the same people constantly and also being away from some people constantly makes you evaluate things in a way most people never could. A lot of our lyrical and musical content is a vessel for dealing with that."

"Pariah's Child", the eighth studio album from Finnish melodic metallers SONATA ARCTICA, has registered the following first-week chart positions:

Finland: #1 Switzerland: #13 Czech Republic: #16 Austria: #30 Germany: #31 Netherlands: #52 Spain: #78 UK: #127

Commented SONATA ARCTICA keyboardist keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg: "Somehow it never gets old to get your album to be #1. We're, of course, very pleased and want to say a huge thank you to all our fans for making this possible! Apparently people seem to be awake in other countries as well and we're very happy that our album is doing good all over the world.

"At the moment we're touring in Europe, playing the new stuff live has been really great and we're looking forward to tour into 2015 as well.

"See you all at the shows. Cheers!”

SONATA ARCTICA's video for the song "Love" can be seen below. The band's lead singer, Tony Kakko, commented: "I've been at times asked how all SONATA love songs are just cruel and sad and something is, or goes, always wrong. Well: Happiness is boring. That's why all the TV series are full of drama. 25 seasons of fucking sunshine and ice cream does not sell.

"Anyway, this is my attempt to navigate the uncharted waters of Happy. Sometimes you see these really old couples, who walk hand in hand, like they've done since they were mere kids. 'Love' is a song about that lifelong love we all would deserve. It's just beautiful. And rare."

"Pariah's Child" track listing:

01. The Wolves Die Young02. Running Lights03. Take One Breath04. Cloud Factory05. Blood06. What Did You Do In The War, Dad?07. Half A Marathon Man08. X Marks The Spot09. Love10. Larger Than Life

Commented Tony Kakko: "There are some instant SONATA 'greatest-hits' songs there, which feels good.

"I think we reached the result we had in mind, each of us in our own field.

"We went on to create the next SONATA ARCTICA power metalesque album and I think we achieved it adequately.

"I have to say that I had drifted pretty far away from those 'days of thunder,' that speedy, happy-go-lucky attitude.

"I was happy to notice this style can still make me smile. It's good. Music has to do that to me. It also shows the other older songs in a totally new light for me.

"I can now understand and appreciate why the fans enjoy what we did in the early days."

Regarding the new CD title and cover artwork, Kakko said: "As always, it's pretty hard coming up with a name for the new baby. I tried to approach it from many angles; how this is our eighth album and how easy it would be to abuse that fact. All the symbolism of figure eight, eternity and so on. But that just did not feel right, as it's been done so many times. Then I started to think how we'd in ways abandoned our 'totem animal,' the wolf and all what comes with the territory.

"As the music on the album is bowing more towards the 'old' SONATA, meaning more power metal-style elements and wolves in many of the songs in one form or another, it was clear we need a wolf on the cover. An abandoned wolf. A pariah. Or pariah's child, actually. The new generation to bring the old logo back."

SONATA ARCTICA last August parted ways with bassist Marko Paasikoski and replaced him with Pasi Kauppinen (SILENT VOICES, ex-REQUIEM, WINTERBORN).

Miley Cyrus' father, country star Billy Ray Cyrus, joined STEEL PANTHER on stage this past Monday, April 7 at the House Of Blues in West Hollywood, California to perform a cover version of the BILLY IDOL classic "Rebel Yell". Video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

STEEL PANTHER is the '80s metal/hard rock tribute band formerly known as METAL SKOOL. Onstage, the band both pays tribute to and lampoons the heyday of '80s glam metal. The group's between-song comedy includes jests at conflict between bandmembers, discussions of drugs, sex, and improvised humor with the crowd.

Regarding naysayers that say STEEL PANTHER is a joke-metal band, the group's drummer Stix Zadinia told the South Bend Tribune: "Listen to our record and tell us that our songs aren't better than most of the bands out there. How funny is that? At the end of the day, it comes down to the songs. I think our songs — without sounding egotistical — I think our songs are great. When you hear the hooks in our songs, you hear the playing and you hear the vocals, you throw that up against any band in any era, and I think it stands up."

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

Regarding the new CD title, singer Michael Starr said: "We feel like STEEL PANTHER is like a buffet. You know what I mean?! There's a little bit of everything for everybody. And you can have as much of us as you want."

The not-safe-for-work version of the official "Party Like Tomorrow Is The End Of The World" video includes celebrity cameos by "Jackass" star Steve-O, porn icon Ron Jeremy, "Breaking Bad" actor RJ Mitte and MMA fighter Chuck Liddell.

STEEL PANTHER's first-ever DVD, "British Invasion", sold 3,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release back in November 2012 to debut at position No. 2 on Billboard's Top Music Videos chart.

Fan-fimed video footage of British grindcore pioneers NAPALM DEATH performing a brand new song, "Dear Slum Landlord", on April 10 at the Roadburn festival in Tilburg, The Netherlands can be seen below.

NAPALM DEATH last year took part in Decibel magazine's second annual national tour alongside the preeminent gore institution CANNIBAL CORPSE and New York death metal stalwarts IMMOLATION.

NAPALM DEATH's latest album, "Utilitarian", sold around 2,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD debuted at No. 14 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.

NAPALM DEATH's previous album, 2009's "Time Waits For No Slave", opened with around 1,800 units to land at No. 19 on the Heatseekers chart.

"Utilitarian" was released on February 27, 2012 in Europe and February 28, 2012 in North America via the band's longtime partner, Century Media Records. The cover artwork perfectly fits the album's theme and was created by the Danish artist Frode Sylthe, who is also responsible for THE HAUNTED's "rEVOLVEr" artwork.

"Burn The Serum", the new album from the Southern California rock trio KYNG, can be streamed in its entirety using the SoundCloud widget below. Due on April 15 through Razor & Tie, the CD was produced by Andrew Alekel (FOO FIGHTERS, NO DOUBT, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, CLUTCH) and James A. Rota (FIREBALL MINISTRY) and was recorded at Grandmaster Recorders Ltd. and Sword & Shield in Hollywood, California, as well as at Studio 606 in Northridge, California. Pre-orders are available now at iTunes and the merch pre-order is here.

On the band's second full-length album and first for Razor & Tie, KYNG harks back to the essence of heavy rock 'n' roll, forging thunderous percussion to lightning hot riffs driven by a divine vocal howl. At the same time, they keep their eyes wide open towards the future.

The Los Angeles outfit may only boast three members — Eddie Veliz (vocals/guitar), Pepe Clarke (drums), and Tony Castaneda (bass/backup vocals) — but their collective roar could easily tip the Southern California Richter Scale. Formed in 2008, KYNG broke out of the City of Angels in 2011 with the group's independent debut, "Trampled Sun". The album landed shining critical acclaim for its "California heavy" sound merging the metallic meanderings of SOUNDGARDEN and QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE with the timeless scope of BLACK SABBATH and LED ZEPPELIN. They hit the road with everybody from THE SWORD and CLUTCH to TRIVIUM and MEGADETH — even being picked to play at METALLICA's first-ever Orion Music + More festival.

KYNG has announced tour dates with co-headliner KILL DEVIL HILL and support act CROBOT. The trek kicks off April 28 in Atlanta, Georgia. The band is currently on the road with LACUNA COIL and support acts EVE TO ADAM and NOTHING MORE.

KYNG tour dates:

With LACUNA COIL, EVE TO ADAM, NOTHING MORE

Apr 11 - Pensacola, FL - Vinyl Music HallApr 12 - Orlando, FL - Earthday Birthday *Apr 14- Nashville, TN - Mercy LoungeApr 16 - Flint, MI - The Machine ShopApr 17 - Libertyville, IL - Austin'sApr 18 - Spring Lake Park, MN - POV'sApr 19 - Madison, WI - Majestic Theatre Apr 21 - Pittsburgh, PA - Rex TheaterApr 22 - Syracuse, NY - Westcott TheaterApr 23 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live!Apr 26 - Ft. Meyers, FL - Fort Rock *Apr 27 - Jacksonville, FL - Welcome To Rockville * With KILL DEVIL HILL, CROBOT

Apr 28 - Atlanta, GA - The MasqueradeApr 29 - Wilmington, NC - Ziggys By The SeaMay 02 - Virginia Beach, VA - Farm Bureau Live *May 03 - Concord, NC - Carolina Rebellion *May 04 - Huntington, WV - V Club May 06 - New York, NY - Marlin Room @ Webster HallMay 07 - West Springfield, VA - EmpireMay 08 - Asbury Park, NJ - The SaintMay 09 - Syracuse, NY - The ChanceMay 10 - Bangor, ME - Rise Above This FestMay 11 - Worcester, MA - Upstairs @ The PalladiumMay 13 - Louisville, KY - Diamond Pub & Billiards May 15 - Flint, MI - The Machine ShopMay 16 - Columbus, OH - Rock On The Range *May 17 - Nashville, TN - Cannery BallroomMay 20 - Joliet - MojoesMay 21 - St. Louis, MO - The FirebirdMay 23 - Pyor, OK - Rocklahoma *May 24 - San Antonio, TX - River City Rockfest *

*Festival

Photo credit: Stephanie Cabral