After more than three decades together, MÖTLEY CRÜE announced today their Final Tour and the band's ultimate retirement. The announcement was solidified when the band signed a formal Cessation Of Touring Agreement, effective at the end of 2015, in front of global media in Los Angeles today. Celebrating the announcement of this Final Tour, the band will perform on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" tonight and will appear on "CBS This Morning" tomorrow, January 29. With over 80 million albums sold, MÖTLEY CRÜE has sold out countless tours across the globe and spawned more than 2,500 MÖTLEY CRÜE branded items sold in over 30 countries. MÖTLEY CRÜE has proven they know how to make a lasting impression and this tour will be no different; Fans can expect to hear all the band's hits and look forward to mind-blowing, unparalleled live production.

"When it comes to putting together a new show we always push the envelope and that's part of MÖTLEY CRÜE's legacy," explains Nikki Sixx (bass). "As far as letting on to what we're doing, that would be like finding out what you're getting for Christmas before you open the presents. We think in an age of too much information, we'd like to keep some surprises close to our chest until we launch The Final Tour." The Final Tour presented by Dodge and produced by Live Nation will kick off in North America on July 2 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and reach 72 markets before hitting international territories in 2015. To Live Nation, MÖTLEY CRÜE tours are not only box office successes but artistically their shows have set the bar for production and entertainment value.

"There's no arguing that MÖTLEY CRÜE have been and always will be the definitive bad boys of rock and roll," says Rick Franks, Live Nation's regional president of North America Concerts. "But behind all those notorious stories is a legendary rock band that has revolutionized heavy metal and created some of the biggest hits in music history. They are a hugely successful global brand and a touring powerhouse. Everyone at Live Nation has a tremendous amount of respect for these hard-working and extremely talented gentlemen. The music industry will never have another MÖTLEY CRÜE." The Dodge brothers were a notorious duo, so it seemed only natural to partner with the World's Most Notorious Rock Band.

"Whenever I talk to people about MÖTLEY CRÜE, the common thread is how cool and relevant the band remains even after 33 years," said Tim Kuniskis, president and CEO, Dodge brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "This irreverent 'staying power' resonates deeply with the Dodge brand as we turn the corner on our 100 year anniversary. What better way to celebrate the band's final tour and the 25th anniversary of 'Kickstart My Heart' than to do it together?" Fans can look forward to very special guest ALICE COOPER joining MÖTLEY CRÜE for an incredible package — Alice invented the genre and MÖTLEY CRÜE put steroids in it!

"Real hard rock bands are hard to find these days," said Alice, "MÖTLEY has always gone on stage with one attitude and that's to blow the audience away. That's exactly how we do it. Putting MÖTLEY CRÜE and Alice Cooper together is going to be just what this summer really NEEDS. We're going to go out there and tear it up, and I can't wait to see MÖTLEY on stage. MÖTLEY CRÜE and Alice Cooper — A match made in... Armageddon?" As documented in the Cessation Of Touring Agreement the band signed at the press conference today, the band will not tour after this Final Tour. Band attorney Doug Mark of Mark Music & Media Law explains: "Other bands have split up over rancor or the inability of people to get along, but this is mutual among all four original members and a peaceful decision to move on to other endeavors and to confirm it with a binding agreement."

Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, and Mick Mars will go their separate ways after the lengthy two-year touring cycle. Tommy Lee (drums) explains: "Everything must come to an end!! We always had a vision of going out with a big fucking bang and not playing county fairs and clubs with 1 or 2 original band members! Our job here is done!!!" Of the band's tumultuous history, Mick Mars (guitar) adds: "(It has been) more drama than 'General Hospital' — it keeps 'em watchin' and they keep comin' back." Vocalist Vince Neil says of the finality of the tour: "I'll miss playing with the guys but I won't quit playing rock and roll!! I feel there are a lot of great opportunities and exciting projects after MÖTLEY." The Final Tour will coincide with the film made from MÖTLEY CRÜE's New York Times best-selling book "The Dirt". Jeff Tremaine ("Bad Grandpa") has signed on to direct the opus that is set to debut in theaters globally in 2015, coinciding with The Final Tour. "The Dirt" is not only one of the best selling rock books of all time but also one of the greatest rock books of all time because of its brutal honesty, its unique voice, its multiple perspectives on the same events and its first-person inclusion of all members of the same band. Most rock memoirs are salacious mud-slinging accounts of a single person and MÖTLEY CRÜE was adamant to include the perspectives of all four of its members. Tremaine's intention is to make, not just a great movie about a band, but a great movie about four misfits who, despite themselves and everyone else, band together to overcome the odds and change the history of rock and roll.

"'The Dirt' is a movie I've wanted to make ever since I read the book in 2002," says Tremaine. "I relate to the story on so many levels; my whole professional career has been about boys behaving badly, so I have a real connection to the material. It's awesome to be working with the band at such an exciting time in MÖTLEY CRÜE's history." The film will be produced by the members of MÖTLEY CRÜE, Rick Yorn, Julie Yorn, Erik Olsen and 10th Street Entertainment. Big Machine Records, home to country superstars such as Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw has teamed up in a joint venture with Mötley Records and Eleven Seven Music for the summer 2014 release of a country music tribute to MÖTLEY CRÜE. Big Machine founder and CEO, Scott Borchetta, is among the legion of country music fans who love MÖTLEY CRÜE. The country tribute album will show off the band's quality songwriting with these fresh takes on their classic hit songs. Among the artists already confirmed to be featured on the country tribute album is Florida Georgia Line. Borchetta says of the collaboration, "I have been a not-so-secret CRÜE fan from the beginning. When manager Chris Nilsson called with the idea for a tribute album on Big Machine Records, it was an immediate 'yes' from me! Our album will highlight just how great the MÖTLEY CRÜE song catalog is. At the end of the day, that's what will stand the test of time." MÖTLEY CRÜE Fan Club members will get the exclusive first crack at tickets and VIP Packages, via a unique code, beginning on Wednesday, January 29 starting at 10 a.m. local time. VIP ticket packages will be made available to the general public on Thursday, January 30 at 10 a.m. local time. The general public ticket on-sale for most shows is Friday, January 31. All tickets and packages can be obtained via Ticketmaster.com.

The Final Tour dates (with more to be announced):

July 02 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena July 04 - Milwaukee, WI - Summerfest July 05 - Noblesville, IN - Klipsch Music Center July 06 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center July 08 - Columbus, OH - Schottenstein Center July 09 - Maryland Heights, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater July 11 - Des Moines, IA - Wells Fargo Arena July 12 - Wichita, KS - INTRUST Bank Arena July 13 - Tulsa, OK - BOK Center July 15 - Cedar Park, TX - Cedar Park Center July 16 - Dallas, TX - Gexa Energy Pavilion July 18 - Albuquerque, NM - Isleta Amphitheater July 19 - Phoenix, AZ - AK-Chin Pavilion July 21 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl July 22 - Irvine, CA - Verizon Wireless Amp July 23 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre July 25 - Reno, NV - Reno Events Center July 26 - Ridgefield, WA - Sleep County Amphitheater July 27 - Auburn, WA - White River Amphitheater July 29 - Wheatland, CA - Sleep Train Amphitheater July 30 - Chula Vista, CA - Sleep Train Amphitheater Aug. 01 - Salt Lake City, UT - USANA Amp Aug. 02 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center Aug. 03 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center Aug. 05 - Sturgis, SD - Sturgis Buffalo Chip Aug. 06 - Sioux City, IA - Tyson Events Center Aug. 08 - Tinley Park, IL - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre Aug. 09 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre Aug. 10 - Toronto, ON - Molson Canadian Amp Aug. 12 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Blossom Music Center Aug. 13 - Burgettstown, PA - First Niagara Pavilion Aug. 15 - Pelham, AL - Oak Mountain Amp Aug. 16 - Alpharetta, GA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre @ Encore Park Aug. 17 - Tampa, FL - MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amp Aug. 19 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion Aug. 20 - Virginia Beach, VA - Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach Aug. 22 - Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube Live Aug. 23 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center Aug. 24 - Mansfield, MA - Xfinity Center Aug. 26 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Saratoga Performing. Arts Center Aug. 27 - Allentown, PA - Great Allentown Fair Aug. 29 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon at Jones Beach Theater Aug. 30 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center Aug. 31 - Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake Performing. Arts Center Oct. 10 - Oklahoma City, OK - Chesapeake Arena Oct. 11 - The Woodlands, TX - Cynthia W. Mitchell Pavilion Oct. 12 - Bossier City, LA - CenturyLink Center Oct. 14 - Louisville, KY - KFC Yum! Center Oct. 15 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena Oct. 17 - Hollywood, FL - Seminole Hard Rock Live Oct. 19 - Jacksonville, FL - Veterans Memorial Arena Oct. 21 - Greenville, SC - Bon Secours Wellness Arena Oct. 22 - Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Coliseum Oct. 25 - Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Events Center Phoenix - AK-Chin Pavilion Oct. 26 - Montville, CT - Mohegan Sun Oct. 29 - Syracuse, NY - The OnCenter Complex Nov. 05 - Biloxi, MS - Mississippi Coast College Nov. 06 - Southaven, MS - Landers Center Nov. 09 - Moline, IL - iWireless Center Nov. 11 - Green Bay, WI - Resch Center Nov. 12 - Madison, WI - Alliant Energy Center Nov. 13 - Omaha, NE - CenturyLink Center Nov. 15 - St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center Nov. 16 - Fargo, ND - FargoDome Nov. 18 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place Nov. 19 - Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Saddledome Nov. 21 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena

Video footage of today's press conference announcing The Final Tour can be seen below.

Swedish metallers IN FLAMES recently entered Hansa Studios (DAVID BOWIE, DEPECHE MODE, U2) in Berlin, Germany to begin recording their eleventh album for an early 2014 release.

New 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 earlier this 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.

The official lyric video for the song "Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer" from Polish extreme metallers BEHEMOTH can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's long-awaited new album, "The Satanist", which will be released on February 3 in the U.K., February 4 in North America and Poland, February 5 in Japan, and February 7 in the rest of the world. Pre-order bundles, include: CD, LP, t-shirt, as well as the deluxe box set, and are available at metalblade.com/behemoth in North America, nuclearblast.de/behemoth in Europe, and on behemoth-store.com (digibook and box). BEHEMOTH's video for the new single "Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel" can be seen below. This visual masterpiece was produced by Grupa 13 and is one of BEHEMOTH's most unsettling and unique works to date.

BEHEMOTH frontman Adam "Nergal" Darski states about the video: "Yes, we took all the time in the world to complete this project. And we did everything that was humanely possible to accurately express our vision. We crossed the Rubicon.

"'Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel' is an ecstatic manifest of our unrestrained artistic will, where we dare to reach out beyond the limitations of the heavy metal genre. And it's only the beginning."

"The Satanist" deluxe box, which is available in North America as an European import, includes: CD/DVD digibook in silver mirror slipcase with a high-quality 44-page booklet (with gold foil, UV gloss lamination), supersize poster flag (approx. 3.5' x 5'), wooden black inverted rosary cross, metal pin, black envelope with black communion wafers. The DVD, "Live Barbarossa", includes a professionally filmed show in Ekaterinburg, Russia, as well as 30-minute documentary about the creative process behind "The Satanist".

"The Satanist" was produced by BEHEMOTH, Wojtek and Slawek Wieslawscy and Daniel Bergstrand at Hertz Studio. The CD was mixed by Matt Hyde (SLAYER) and mastered by Ted Jensen (METALLICA, AC/DC) at Sterling Sound in New York City. The cover art for "The Satanist" was painted by renowned Russian painter and occultist Denis Forkas. The paint used included some of Nergal's own blood. Additional art and design was completed by Metastazis (PARADISE LOST) and Zbigniew Bielak (WATAIN, GHOST).

"I wanted to incorporate some of my DNA into the art," Nergal told Australia's Heavy magazine about having his blood included in "The Satanist" artwork.

"This album seems to be so defining of who we are now as people and as individuals, and considering all the instances in recent years, [we wanted] to make it more 'ours' than it is usually."

In a recent interview with Revolver magazine, Darski described BEHEMOTH's new songs as "very atmospheric" and "very emotional." "Think BURZUM meets NEW ORDER meets KILLING JOKE," he added. But at the same time, fans shouldn't expect the album to sound too far removed from BEHEMOTH's past efforts. "Take SLAYER, for example," Darski said. "Whatever genre they deal with, they still end up sounding like SLAYER. Even when they were flirting with nu-metal, it was a SLAYER record. Same with BEHEMOTH."

According to Darski, at least some of the inspiration for the new BEHEMOTH album came from his five-month bout of leukemia he overcame in January 2011, after receiving a bone-marrow transplant. "When I was in the hospital, I was collecting experiences and emotions," he said. "I'm pretty sure that it's coming out now. There are moments I catch myself thinking about how my state was back then. It was me versus life, me versus death. It definitely changed my thoughts a lot. It's 100 percent being reflected in the record and songs I'm writing nowadays. I'm way more radical than I used to be."

"The Satanist" track listing:

01. Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel02. Furor Divinus03. Messe Noire04. Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer05. Amen06. The Satanist07. Ben Sahar08. In the Absence ov Light09. O Father O Satan O Sun!

Video footage of METALLICA performing the song "One" from the band's 2013 concert film, "Metallica Through The Never", can be seen below.

METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett admitted in a new interview with Stereogum that the band could not understand why "Metallica Through The Never" failed to connect with a wider audience. Hammett said, "Our fans definitely went to movie theaters and saw the film, but the people that we were counting on to buy movie tickets — which was your casual moviegoer -- they weren't as motivated to buy a ticket as our fans. For us, that was a big question mark. Why? We couldn't figure it out. We know we made a great movie and we felt good about it, but now it's time for us to move on to our next thing." Hammett told The Pulse Of Radio that the band would nevertheless be interested in making another movie somewhere down the line, but with one condition. "Oh yeah, we totally would do it again," he said. "I think the only difference would be, we would probably get someone else to pay for it this time. [laughs]."

METALLICA footed the entire $18 million budget of the film itself. The movie was distributed in IMAX 3D by independent film company Picturehouse. It took in just $3.4 million at the box office in North America.

"Through The Never" will be released on Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, DVD and digital today (Tuesday, January 28) in both standard and expanded editions.

Among the bonus content will be behind-the-scenes footage, an 80-minute documentary on the making of the film and more.

Despite tanking at the box office, "Metallica Through The Never" did well with critics, earning a "78% Fresh" rating on review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes.

Ex-MEGADETH drummer Nick Menza claims that he attempted to reconnect with his former bandmate, MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine, at this past weekend's NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show in Anaheim, California, only to be brushed off and told to "go away."

Menza, who was a member of MEGADETH from 1989 to 1998 and appeared on four of the band's studio albums, wrote on his Facebook page earlier today: "I had a blast at NAMM hanging with fans and old friends I also made a major mistake for trying to saying hello to Dave Mustaine at the Dean booth, [which] he totally blew me off and wouldn't even look at me then had his hired goons / bodyguard tell me go away, pretty lame! I'm over it and life goes on!!!"

He added: "I don't hate Dave nor was I trying to get back in the band. [I just wanted to say a] friendly hello, that's all. Nothing more nothing less!

"I have so many other things going on right now that even if Dave asked me back in the band, I would have to turn down the offer."

Asked last September by Argentinean rock journalist Lucas H. Gordon if there is a possibility of him ever doing anything with MEGADETH again, Menza said: "You never know what can happen in the future. It's, like, I'm open to whatever. I would never say, 'I'll never join MEGADETH back up again.' But it's really up to Mustaine. I put the ball in his court."

Following the reissue of the entire MEGADETH catalog, Menza was invited to reunite with the band in 2004. Days after a reunion was announced, Menza was fired after rehearsals and replaced with Shawn Drover. Mustaine said that this was because Nick "just wasn't prepared."

Menza has been writing, recording and producing constantly but only releasing sporadic singles for years. That will all change when he opens the floodgates with the upcoming release of his memoir, "Nick Menza: Megalife", by acclaimed writer J. Marshall Craig.

"MEGADETH was a big part of my story," Menza said, "but it was just one part. Jeff [Craig] has got me to talk about it all!"

Menza is currently negotiating a publishing deal for the book, which was written over the past 18 months. It features rare and never-before-seen photos of Menza with every band he's ever been in, including, of course, MEGADETH.

"It's a memoir of music," writer Craig said. "But a lot more. It's a book about chasing the ultimate gig, the ultimate drum setup, the ultimate sound and, it will come as no surprise to Nick's fans, the ultimate aliens, government conspiracies and anything else his muse sees fit to lay across his path."

Menza's first performance was at the age of two on stage at the Montreux Jazz Festival when legendary jazz percussionist Jack DeJohnette (Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson) placed Nick on his kit. Thirty years later, he was stepping out on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans every night.

Menza, son of legendary jazz saxophonist Don Menza, was at the top of his game when MEGADETH started a world tour in support of its album, "Cryptic Writings", but began to suffer knee problems and escalating pain. Doctors diagnosed him with a tumor. Surgery waylaid the drummer briefly, but he was relieved to learn the tumor was benign and was eager to rejoin his bandmates, who had continued their tour with a replacement drummer. But deteriorating relations within the band exploded and Menza was replaced permanently.

"Nick Menza: Megalife", by J. Marshall Craig, is due in stores, in Kindle and eBook versions, later in the year.



(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));

Post by Nick Menza.

"The Fear Within", a brand new song from HATRIOT, the San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal band led by former EXODUS and LEGACY (pre-TESTAMENT) frontman Steve "Zetro" Souza, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The track is taken from HATRIOT's sophomore album, "Dawn Of The New Centurion", which will be released on February 21 via Massacre Records. The band once again used producer Juan Urteaga and graphic artist Mark DeVito for the new effort, which will be made available on CD and digital download, as well as a limited-edition CD digipak with bonus tracks, and a limited-edition vinyl LP.

"Dawn Of The New Centurion" track listing:

01. From My Cold Dead Hands02. Your Worst Enemy03. The Fear Within04. Honor The Rise And Fall05. Superkillafragsadisticactsaresoatrocious06. Silence In The House Of The Lord07. World Funeral08. Dawn Of The New Centurion09. Consolation For The Insane

"Over the past year, HATRIOT has grown tighter as a band, and the songs on the new record will reflect that," said Souza. "The songs are longer and more melodic, while keeping the classic thrash metal feel that we are known for.

"'Heroes Of Origin' was our 'Kill 'Em All', and 'Dawn Of The New Centurion' is our 'Ride The Lightning'."

HATRIOT's drummer is none other than Steve's son, Nicholas Souza. Nicholas auditioned for the band after the departure of Alex Bent and "proved himself to be the best choice," according to Steve.

HATRIOT's lineup also includes Zetro's son Cody, who got his first bass as a present from his father after Zetro bought it off current EXODUS bassist Jack Gibson.

Regarding HATRIOT's musical direction, Zetro said, "It's in the vein of typical Bay Area thrash, but these guys are a lot younger, so there's gonna be some blast-beats in there. There's gonna be some kind of death [metal] approach to it, a little bit. 'Cause these guys are new. They're raw, and they're fast, young, heavy, hard and aggressive, and I'm trying to convey that along as well."

He added, "These new kids seem to understand what we did in the '80s, but still bring a little bit of a new essence to it. We put that together with what I write vocally and it's turned out to be really, really killer. It's good stuff."

Danish modern metallers RAUNCHY — who last year parted ways with singer Kasper Thomsen and replaced him with Mike Semesky (formerly of THE HAARP MACHINE) — will enter the studio around April/May to begin recording their new album for a September/October release via Massacre Records.

RAUNCHY's "NGHT PRTY" video can be seen below. The song comes off the band's latest album, "A Discord Electric", which was released in September 2010 via Lifeforce Records.

Produced once again by longtime friend Jacob Hansen, "A Discord Electric" was previously described by Thomsen as "by far the most experimental, the most challenging, and the most interesting album we have come up with since the beginning of the band . . . Every member of [RAUNCHY] has had the freedom to take things to the limits, above and beyond, and believe me, boundaries are transparent this time around."

RAUNCHY is: Morten Toft Hansen - DrumsJesper Tilsted - Guitar/Keys/ProgrammingLars Christensen - GuitarJeppe Christensen - Vocals/Keys/ProgrammingMike Semesky - VocalsJesper Kvist - Bass

"House Of Lies", a brand new song from ADRENALINE MOB, can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget below. The track is taken from the band's second full-length album, "Men Of Honor", which will be released February 18 in North America and February 24 internationally via Century Media Records.

ADRENALINE MOB's current lineup includes Russell Allen (vocals; also of SYMPHONY X), Mike Orlando (guitar), John Moyer (bass; also of DISTURBED), and the band's latest addition, drummer A.J. Pero (also of TWISTED SISTER).

"Men Of Honor" features 11 new original songs produced by Allen and Orlando. 01. Mob Is Back02. Come On Get Up03. Dearly Departed04. Behind These Eyes05. Let It Go06. Feel The Adrenaline07. Men Of Honor08. Crystal Clear09. House Of Lies10. Judgment Day11. Fallin' To Pieces

"Come On Get Up" can be purchased on iTunes at this location.

Drummer Mike Portnoy (FLYING COLORS, THE WINERY DOGS, DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD) quit ADRENALINE MOB in June 2013 due to "scheduling conflicts."

In an interview with Brazil's "Wikimetal", Allen stated about Portnoy's departure from ADRENALINE MOB: "He's been, obviously, real busy with THE WINERY DOGS. The truth of it is we wanna keep working, we wanna keep doing ADRENALINE MOB and we don't wanna wait around for Mike to have the time [to put into ADRENALINE MOB]. And he doesn't know when he will have the time again, so that's really what's going down. Mike Portnoy was asked to be in the band by myself. Me and Orlando had already written all the material, so [ADRENALINE MOB's debut album] 'Omertá' was completely finished before Mike joined the act. And it's a bummer, but he's got his sights on other things, and he's not gonna stick around. So we wish him the best of luck, but the MOB's gotta go on."

ADRENALINE MOB released "Covertá", an eight-track EP featuring cover versions of some of the group's favorite songs, on March 12, 2013.

Dutch female-fronted symphonic rockers WITHIN TEMPTATION took part in a signing session and acoustic performance earlier today (Monday, January 27) at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, New Jersey.

Fan-filmed video footage of the acoustic set can be seen below.

WITHIN TEMPTATION's new album, "Hydra", will be released in North America on February 4. The album will be available in several luxury formats. The cover artwork was created by Romano Molenaar ("X-Men", "Batman", "The Unforgiving").

Pre-order "Hydra" via iTunes now, and you will instantly receive the first two singles: "Dangerous", featuring a guest appearance by former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Howard Jones and "Paradise (What About Us?)" featuring ex-NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen.

The digital premium album, complete with digi-booklet, will be available on iTunes and includes 18 audio tracks and a music video. The digital premium album features bonus "Evolution Versions" of four new songs, which contain audio commentary from guitarist Robert Westerholt and Sharon and give you unique access to the development of the songs, their lyrical inspiration and the sound of the initial demos and vocals.

"Hydra" digital premium album track listing:

01. Let Us Burn02. Dangerous (feat. Howard Jones)03. And We Run (feat. Xzibit04. Paradise (What About Us?) (feat. Tarja)05. Edge Of The World06. Silver Moonlight07. Covered By Roses08. Dog Days09. Tell Me Why10. Whole World Is Watching (feat. Dave Pirner)11. Radioactive (originally performed by IMAGINE DRAGONS)12. Summertime Sadness (originally performed by Lana del Ray)13. Let Her Go (originally performed by PASSENGER)14. Dirty Dancer (originally performed by Enrique Iglesias)15. And We Run (evolution track)16. Silver Moonlight (evolution track)17. Covered By Roses (evolution track)18. Tell Me Why (evolution track)19. Paradise (What About Us?) (feat. Tarja) music video (exclusive to iTunes premium version)

Aside from the digital premium version, "Hydra" will also be released in a deluxe box set including exclusive items many of you have been asking for, for a long time:

"Hydra" deluxe box set

* "Hydra" 18-track album including bonus tracks in the form of a media book with a hot foil print cover, featuring a 100-page booklet consisting of unique photos* Double gatefold black vinyl version of the album including bonus tracks* Instrumental version of the entire album* Songbook with sheet music of the songs of the album* "Hydra" guitar pick* Packaged in an especially designed LP-sized box

In a recent interview with Ultimate-Guitar.com, Sharon stated about the songwriting process for "Hydra"": "A lot of bands were inspired by the '80s at the time we were writing 'The Unforgiving' album. There was a lot of music based on the '80s coming out and it had a lot of '80s flavors. With this new album, even though we're only a few years further up the road, you can feel that music has changed again. Music is not inspired on the '80s, but more like there are different influences in the music again. Music's always organic, and you feel things are changing comfortably."

She added: "When people asked us after 'The Unforgiving', 'Are you gonna make another 'Unforgiving' album?" we said, 'Of course.' Because we were really full of it in a positive way. We really like the album a lot and still do like it a lot but we really feel there's an '80s feel to the songs. When we started writing this album, again we felt like we were already knowing we were gonna go a different direction also."

ANTHRAX members Scott Ian (guitar), Charlie Benante (Drums), Frank Bello (bass) and Jonathan Donais (guitar) performed a short set at the Tama 40th-annversary party this past Saturday, January 25 at the Hilton in Anaheim, California. Fan-filmed video footage of their performance can be seen below. Photos are available at this location.

ANTHRAX was nominated for a "Best Metal Performance" Grammy this year for its cover of AC/DC's "T.N.T." The track was featured on ANTHRAX's eight-track EP that pays tribute to the classic songs by some of the band's favorite acts from the 1970s. The CD was released in North America on March 19, 2013 (MRI/Megaforce), and on March 22, 2013 in Europe (Nuclear Blast).

ANTHRAX's next album will mark the recording debut with the band of Donais (also of SHADOWS FALL), who replaced Rob Caggiano in January 2013.

Regarding whether Donais is now officially an ANTHRAX member, Ian told Metal Insider: "For all intents and purposes, he's in ANTHRAX. He's going to be there for everything we do moving forward. As far as how you title it, yeah. As far as I'm concerned, Jon is in ANTHRAX and will be playing leads on the record and will be touring with the band starting at the end of May 2014."

"Worship Music" has sold more than 110,000 copies in the United States since its September 2011 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Atlantic Records has announced the release of "(Acoustic Sessions)", the forthcoming EP from SMITH & MYERS, better known to rock fans everywhere as Brent Smith and Zach Myers of SHINEDOWN. The EP arrives on the iTunes Store and at all leading digital retailers on January 28.

"(Acoustic Sessions)" sees Smith and Myers tackling a half dozen classic songs by such legendary artists as THE CLASH, METALLICA, Otis Redding, Kenny Wayne Shepard — who makes a surprise cameo on the recording of his own "Blue On Black" — BLACK CROWES and SOUL ASYLUM, all selected by SHINEDOWN fans as the tracks they'd most like the band to cover. The stripped-down recording sessions were filmed in their entirety by SHINEDOWN's longtime collaborator, filmmaker Darren Doane, resulting in intimate companion videos for each of the EP's six tracks. The fifth and sixth songs/videos from the collection to be unveiled, KENNY WAYNE SHEPARD's "Blue On Black" and SOUL ASYLUM's "Runaway Train", can be seen below. Videos for each of the EP's remaining tracks will premiere there daily leading up to the collection's January 28 release day.

"This is for the fans," says Smith. "They picked the songs and we recorded them — it's as simple as that. And I must say that our audience has great taste."

According to The Pulse Of Radio, SHINEDOWN initially planned to release an album of acoustic cover songs this year, but the original 10-song set turned into a six-track EP somewhere along the way. Smith told The Pulse Of Radio that the band's idea of posting videos on YouTube of them recording all 10 songs was what caused the problem. "Some of the artists were cool with letting us put them up, like basically on YouTube, and like show the video of the song being recorded," he said. "Some of the artists were cool with the video and some of the artists weren't cool with the video, and that's totally their decision. So the first six were approved and good to go and you could show the video with it and everything else, so those are the first six that we're gonna release."

The four songs left off the EP — which include BON JOVI's "Wanted Dead Or Alive" and ADELE's "Someone Like You" — will eventually surface without videos on iTunes.

In other news, January 22 will see the eagerly anticipated broadcast television premiere of SHINEDOWN's installment of "The Live Room" on Palladia. Filmed at the famed Henson Studios in Los Angeles, the exclusive set features electrifying versions of SHINEDOWN favorites like "Bully" and "I'll Follow You" — both featured on the band's chart-topping 2012 smash, "Amaryllis" — alongside a surprising and powerful cover of Carole King's "I Feel The Earth Move".

"The Live Room: Shinedown" debuts January 22 at 9 p.m. EST, with additional airings slated for the coming weeks (check local listings).

SMITH & MYERS - "(Acoustic Sessions)" EP track listing:

01. London Calling (originally performed by THE CLASH)02. Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay (originally performed by OTIS REDDING) 03. Nothing Else Matters (originally performed by METALLICA) 04. She Talks To Angels (originally performed by BLACK CROWES) 05. Blue On Black (originally performed by KENNY WAYNE SHEPARD)06. Runaway Train (originally performed by SOUL ASYLUM)

Florida death metal icons OBITUARY performed three brand new songs during their January 24 concert at The Brass Mug in Tampa, Florida.

Fan-filmed video footage of the entire show can be seen below.

OBITUARY's setlist was as follows:

01. Stinkupuss02. Intro X03. Bloodsoaked04. Immortal05. Gates To Hell06. Infected07. [New Song]08. [New Song]09. Chopped In Half / Turned Inside Out10. Back To One11. The End Complete12. Dead Silence13. [New Song]14. I'm In Pain15. Slowly We Rot

OBITUARY is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its landmark "Slowly We Rot" full-length debut. The band last year offered up a pay-per-view, professionally shot live stream of its homecoming performance at The Orpheum which featured a pummeling all-classics setlist from its first three platters of brutality: 1989's "Slowly We Rot" 1990's "Cause Of Death" and 1992's "The End Complete".

Due later in the year, OBITUARY's new album is being recorded with the Kickstarter funding help of their legion of dedicated fans around the globe. The campaign was rooted in an honest desire to produce the next record on the band's own terms. "We've been creating death metal since 1984," the band commented. "It's who we are...it's in our blood.

"If there's one thing that we've learned touring all these years, it's that OBITUARY fans are among the most loyal and supportive motherfuckers in the world!

"We've been trying to find better ways to engage with and give back to our fans.

"Over the past couple of years, we've streamed concerts live from around the globe, given away tons of merch packages and dozens of all-access backstage passes. It's inspiring to see and share in your excitement about OBITUARY, and the inspiration that provides keeps us going. This is about putting our trust, our music, our career, and our new album in fans' hands! We want to make music for the people who still come out to shows, still sport our gear, and still have a 'Slowly We Rot' cassette in their car." OBITUARY 2014 is:

John Tardy - VocalsTrevor Peres - GuitarDonald Tardy - DrumsTerry Butler - Bass Kenny Andrews - Guitar

Guitarist Ralph Santolla, who joined OBITUARY in 2007 as the replacement for Allen West, has not played any shows with the group since 2011.

OBITUARY's next album will be the follow-up to the "Darkest Day" full-length CD, released in 2009 via Candlelight Records. "Darkest Day" landed at position No. 32 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

Seminal Swedish metallers AT THE GATES are back! Following the heat of an ample and highly praised live reunion, the pioneers of the "Gothenburg-style" melodic death metal sound have announced that they are working on a comeback studio album, "At War With Reality", with the classic lineup of their latest masterpiece effort from 1995, "Slaughter Of The Soul", expected to be released worldwide by the end of 2014 via their new label partner Century Media Records.

AT THE GATES checked in with the following comment statement: "So, here we are almost 24 years since the birth of AT THE GATES, and some 18+ years since our latest album 'Slaughter Of The Soul'. A lot of years have passed and we have embarked on some life-changing reunion tours and shows the last couple of years.

"So, why make a new album you might ask, and why now? Well, what we learned from the last couple of years hanging out and playing shows together is that we enjoy what we do to the fullest extent. We love playing music together, and we love to hang out as friends. But, as a musician, we constantly write new music. It's a huge part of our identities.

"We are fully aware that we have made some very drastic statements in interviews as well as the closing words on the DVD about the longevity of AT THE GATES, but things change, situations change and people change.

"When Anders [Björler, guitar] sent the first song last summer, we had zero expectations of the outcome. We only knew one thing — that it sounded amazing! At the time we weren't even sure there would be an album, but as things progressed, more songs came into existence, and we knew we were on to something great.

"We know you are all curious about the new material, and to make a simple explanation of where we are at musically, we would describe it as a perfect mix between early AT THE GATES and 'Slaughter Of The Soul'-era AT THE GATES, trying to maintain the legacy and the history.

"We chose Century Media as a worldwide partner for the upcoming album. We have all been friends for years with people at the label. Jonas [Björler, bass] and Anders have a history with THE HAUNTED there (as well as Adrian [Erlandsson, drums] with PARADISE LOST).

"So, we hope to bring you updates about the progress of the new album soon. The plan is to record the album in June/July with a tentative release in October / November of 2014 on Century Media Records."

Added Century Media Records: "We are extremely proud and super excited to have teamed up with one of the most legendary and influential bands in metal.

"AT THE GATES have not only been a staff favourite since their very inception, but also a group of members that we individually like, respect and are always glad to support.

"As the reunion shows of the recent years have demonstrated, AT THE GATES are currently on top of their game and more relevant than ever before within and for the metal scene of these days.

"We truly look forward to pushing AT THE GATES to new heights with their new album 'At War With Reality'. Let's...GO!!!"

AT THE GATES 2014 lineup:

Tomas Lindberg - Vocals Anders Björler - GuitarsMartin Larsson - GuitarsJonas Björler - BassAdrian Erlandsson - Drums

Metal, rasta, punk-infused heavyweights (HED)P.E. have inked a worldwide deal with Pavement Entertainment. The band's ninth studio album, titled "Evolution", is currently being mixed for a summer 2014 release.

"Evolution" sees (HED)P.E. returning to its heavier roots that fans have come to admire over the band's lengthy career.

"(HED)P.E. is stoked to become part of the Pavement family," says the band in a statement. "They are the perfect record label to release our new album, 'Evolution'... 'cause it's heavy as F**K, and the label specializes in heavy music.

"I appreciate the fact that Pavement understands (HED)P.E.'s commitment to underground music and art, and I look forward to getting this album out... Very exciting times!"

"Evolution" track listing:

01. No Turning Back02. Lost In Babylon03. Jump The Fence04. Too Many Games05. No Tomorrow06. Let It Rain07. One More Body08. Never Alone09. The Gateway10. Pass That Love11. Nowhere To Go12. Hold On

Bonus

13. Onemorebody (remix)14. Maria Gasolina15. Nothing To Fear

(HED)P.E. has become the voice for a movement that empowers youth and reveals the seedy underbelly of our current political affairs.

The band's eighth studio album, "Truth Rising", debuted at No. 98 on the Billboard Top 200 and featured a guest appearance by SEVENDUST frontman Lajon Witherspoon.

BLACK STAR RIDERS, the band formed by THIN LIZZY alumni Ricky Warwick (guitar, vocals), Damon Johnson (guitar), Scott Gorham (guitar), Marco Mendoza (bass) with new addition Jimmy DeGrasso (ALICE COOPER, MEGADETH, DAVID LEE ROTH, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES) on drums, will enter a studio in Dublin, Ireland in October with producer, and DEF LEPPARD frontman, Joe Elliott, to begin recording its sophomore album for an early 2015 release via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. Also working on the project will be longtime LEPPARD sound guru Ronan McHugh.

Comments Warwick: "Joe Elliott's passion, enthusiasm for music, as a fan, artist and friend is unquestionable and Ronan McHugh is a phenomenal engineer.

"Personally, having worked with these guys before, it was a no-brainer when they said they would like to produce the new BLACK STAR RIDERS album.

'We are confident that this will be a huge leap forward in the evolution of BLACK STAR RIDERS." Adds Elliott: "Having worked with Scott on the THIN LIZZY remixes a few years ago and having produced Ricky's first two solo albums, I'm looking forward to taking our musical journey together even further.

"We're aiming to make a serious leap forward with the next album and I'm proud to be able to contribute to the next chapter in the BLACK STAR RIDERS story." States Johnson: "We are all excited about working with Joe; he is like part of the family. And recording this album in Ireland is a special treat for us."

BLACK STAR RIDERS's debut album, "All Hell Breaks Loose", sold around 2,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 5 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.

The "All Hell Breaks Loose" artwork features a painting by Gil Elvgren (March 15, 1914 - February 29, 1980), the legendary U.S. painter best known for his work on pin-up girls, advertising and illustration.

"All Hell Breaks Loose" was recorded and mixed by producer Kevin Shirley (LED ZEPPELIN, IRON MAIDEN, AEROSMITH, RUSH) at his The Cave studios in Malibu, California. Mastering duties were handled by Bob Ludwig (JIMI HENDRIX, RUSH, KISS, LED ZEPPELIN) at Gateway Mastering Studios in Portland, Maine.

The album was released as a standard CD and also as a special-edition digipak featuring a bonus track, "Right To Be Wrong", and a "making-of" DVD.

BLACK STAR RIDERS made its live debut on May 30, 2013 at The Marshall Theatre in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. The set featured a mix of music from "All Hell Breaks Loose" along with classic THIN LIZZY tracks.

Legendary GREAT WHITE singer Jack Russell, who currently fronts his own version of the band called JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE, has revealed to SleazeRoxx.com that he is working on material for a new studio album. He is being joined in the studio by former GREAT WHITE bassist Tony Montana (this time as a guitar player and keyboardist), lead guitarist Robby Locher and drummer Dicki Fliszar.

"It's a powerful band," Russell tells SleazeRoxx.com.

"The music comes across very dynamically. It's what I always wanted it to be.

"Tony was a catalyst for moving forward. I was never as close to him as I am now.

"We never had the opportunity to write music together before. I also never knew he played guitar. When I first heard him, I nearly fell of my chair. He's my co-pilot. He's one of my best friends. I wish we would've been this close back in the day."

"It's natural for all of us," adds Montana. "There's a solid chemistry, and we're having a lot of fun."

Regarding the musical direction of what will eventually be released as the JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE debut, Russell tells SleazeRoxx.com: "We want the new material to blow people's ears back. It has the elements of the best GREAT WHITE music ever written, but there's an edge. Tony brings that validity, while Robby and Dicki add a new life. It's going to surprise people."

Adds Montana, "It's got the classic sound. The first element is Jack's voice.

"No other band sounds like this one ever did or does now.

"When I was 17 years old, I remember walking around the UCLA campus listening to the band's first EP. I was a fan before I ever joined the band. We're going to maintain that same integrity going forward."

He continues: "The band was always a standout from the era it came from. It was never a hair band. Listen to the music, and that's evident. Everything was based in blues. We want to add to that legacy with new material preserving those timeless elements."

Russell concludes, "This is fun, first and foremost. I feel like I'm 27 again. I hope it sounds like GREAT WHITE — but for 2014."

Facedown Records has announced the signing of Texas’ MOUTH OF THE SOUTH. The band’s most recent release, Transparency, put MOTS on the map as a groove-filled metalcore up-and-comer.
The band states "We are beyond excited to announce that we have joined forces with the Facedown Records Family! We are really looking forward to the future of the band as we team up with the label. As a band, we've been going at this for a long time and feel like this is the best move for us. We will be buckling down over the next few months to write and record a new album that we will be releasing sometime this summer. Our first tour as a Facedown band will be early this spring with WAR OF AGES and SAVING GRACE. We can't wait to get out on the road more and more to meet new people and make new friends. Keep checking in for more updates from us and Facedown Records. Thanks for your support."

Mouth Of The South is offering an exclusive download of their brand new song ‘Idle Hands’, a sneak peek into the new album they'll be recording for Facedown in April.

US traditional metal veterans NITRO have joined with Blood and Iron Records/Metal Soldiers Records to issue the legendary “lost” never-released album Volatile Activity on vinyl.

Nitro formed in 1979, released their famous 10” EP Lethal in 1982, quickly signed with legendary Belgian label Mausoleum Records, and released the full length LP Lethal + II in 1983.
Hot on the heels of Skol Records July 2013 CD release of the Nitro anthology Lethal Dose, Volatile Activity comes from Blood and Iron/Metal Soldiers records limited release in black vinyl and blue vinyl.

For more than 26 years, this complete and self-produced album has been tucked away deep in the Nitro vaults. Vinylphiles will be treated to ten vintage tracks forged in 1987, as well as the new 2013 single ‘Uranium’ serving as the connective tissue to span the decades between classic and farm-fresh Nitro. Volatile Activity includes plenty of exciting extras such as detailed liner notes, lyrics, and never-before-seen Nitro photos from the 80’s of original members Dana Confer, John Hazel, Brad Gensimore, and Tim Wilson.

Volatile Activity tracklisting:

‘Take Me Higher’
‘Wanted Alive’
‘Faking It’
‘Shark Lady’
‘Tuff Life’
‘Do It’
‘Rule The World’
‘Youngblood’
‘Pretender’
‘Boys Will Be Boys’
‘Uranium’

‘Uranium’:
Volatile Activity can be ordered at this location.

‘Eternal Judgement’, the first official video from the Brazilian black/death metal trio Crucifixion BR, can be seen below:
According to a press release, Crucifixion BR's music "has strong influences from classic old-school thrash, death and black metal bands, such as SEPULTURA (old), MORBID ANGEL, EMPEROR and BEHEMOTH, perfectly mixed with the original yet brutal beatings by a female drummer."

Crucifixion BR will be releasing sometime in 2014 its first full length album Destroying The Fucking Disciples Of Christ, cointaining 13 tracks and including a VENOM tribute. ‘Eternal Judgement’ is a track from the upcoming album, and also a track from the EP War Against Christian Souls, released in 2011 by Satanica Productions.
Crucifixion BR is:

Márcio Guterres a.k.a. Lord Grave War (ex-NOCTIS NOTUS) - guitar, vocals
Matheus Souza - bass
Juliana Novo a.k.a. DarkMoon (ex-DREMORA, Noctis Notus, LAMENTED DESPONDENCY) – drums

For more info visit Facebook.

Indian metal veterans DEMONIC RESURRECTION, who recently parted ways with long time guitarist Daniel Kenneth Rego have announced his replacement. Axeman Nishith Hegde, known for his work with ALBATROSS and REPTILIAN DEATH has now joined the band.
An official announcement was made via the band's Facebook page along with a clip of Nishith playing solos from the bands last album The Return To Darkness that released in 2010 on Candlelight Records.
At the farewell concert held at Blue Frog on January 19th, Hegde joined the band mid-way through their set on stage for the rest of the set trading off solos with Daniel while Demonstealer took over just vocals.

A bootleg video of the show can be viewed below:
Demonic Resurrection are currently putting the final touches on their fourth full-length album due for release sometime in 2014. No details about the album or it's release date have been revealed yet.

Norway's WOLVES LIKE US return with their new album, Black Soul Choir, the follow-up to their 2011 debut Late Love, scheduled for release in North America on March 4th. A new video for the album track 'I Don't Need To Be Forgiven' can be seen below.
Tracklisting:

'Days Of Ignorance'
'Three Poisons'
'I Don’t Need To Be Forgiven'
'A Wish Of Fools'
'When Will We Ever Sleep'
'Your Word Is Law'
'Dig With Your Hands'
'Lovescared'
'Under'
'We Were Blood'
'Thanatos Wins Again'

'I Don't Need To Be Forgiven' video:
'Your Word Is Law':

Wolves Like Us recorded Black Soul Choir with producer Mike Hartung - who is well-known for his work in Norway with a diverse array of artists from A-HA to SATYRICON - at the famous Propeller Studios in Oslo.

The band will once again join JUNIUS on a February European tour in support of LONG DISTANCE CALLING. Full dates can be found below.

February
6 - Zoetermeer, Netherlands - Boederij
7 - Dortmund, Germany - FZW (Visions Party)
8 - London, England - Barfly
11 - Madrid, Spain - Caracol
12 - Barcelona, Spain - Apolo 2
13 - Zurich, Switzerland - Komplex
14 - Vienna, Austria - Szene
15 - Innsbruck, Austria - Weekender
16 - Stuttgart, Germany - Wagenhallen
17 - Munchen, Germany - Backstage
18 - Berlin, Germany - Lido
19 - Dresden, Germany - Beatpol
20 - Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg - Rockhal

Dutch female-fronted symphonic metallers EPICA recently finished recording their sixth album for a spring release via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to "Requiem For The Indifferent" was produced by Joost Van Den Broek (the former AFTER FOREVER and AYREON keyboard player who has previously worked with REVAMP and STREAM OF PASSION).

Says EPICA guitarist/vocalist Mark Jansen: "[I] have been listening to our new album the whole day now and I can't get enough of it! It sounds more modern but with all typical EPICA elements inside. Refreshing might be the right word. This album has also been the result of a real group effort.

"It was great to see everyone being so motivated to create our best album!

"Even though the sound is more heavy (the guitars, bass and drums sound so brutal!!!), it's still a very catchy album as well. Some old influences from our earliest work, some references to 'Design Your Universe' and some new elements.

"[I] can't wait 'till the moment you'll be able to listen to our newborn which makes us all very proud!"

EPICA will return to the stage on April 30 for a CD-release performance at 013 in Tilburg, The Netherlands.

After taking a break from the road due the pregnancy of lead singer Simone Simons, the release of a new concert DVD, "Retrospect", as well as the writing and recording of the band's upcoming album, the sextet will put on a memorable concert, with plans to perform both old and new songs.

EPICA celebrated its 10th anniversary with a one-night-only event, dubbed "Retrospect", on March 23, 2013 in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. The band was accompanied by the seventy-piece Reményi Ede Chamber Orchestra and the Miskolc National Theatre Choir, playing an unforgettable three-hour best-of set. On November 8, 2013, Nuclear Blast released "Retrospect" as a deluxe hardcover book with 48 pages, both as a 2DVD/3CD and 2Blu-ray/3CD version.

"Retrospect" features this massive performance in its entirety, as well as exclusive interviews with all band members and behind-the-scenes footage from the show.

Hot on the heels of their new single ‘Not Ready To Say Goodbye’, (released via iTunes on November 26th) and a string of west coast dates, THE BABYS are back in the studio, completing their new album, which will be released in early April via Skyrocket Entertainment (a division of Rocket Science Ventures). The band just wrapped filming of their new video for ‘Not Ready To Say Goodbye’ and can be seen below:
Continuing their direct-to-fan pre-sale campaign via PledgeMusic.com, The Babys’ loyal fans can pre-order the album, and actively follow the progress of the new record in tandem with the band: Wally Stocker (lead guitar), Tony Brock (drums), John Bisaha (vocals/bass), and Joey Sykes (rhythm guitar).
Check out Bravewords’ Martin Popoff’s recent feature on The Babys at this location.

Massacre Records has announced the signing of Bavarian female-fronted thrash quintet DYING GORGEOUS LIES.

The band's journey began in 2009 when a couple of musicians started to play music together. Lead guitarist Mashl J. and drummer J.J. soon started writing songs about the people's true and antisocial nature. This was the moment Dying Gorgeous Lies was born!

Vocalist Liz Gorgeous, guitarist E. Burned and bassist John Doe soon joined the band and they released the single 'Hentai No Bakayarou' in 2010. Various gigs at festivals, such as the German Wackel Festival, followed. The band's debut album, Insanitarium, was released in autumn 2011.

Bassist John Doe left the band and was replaced by Buzz’D Joe and the digital EP Rising Hat" was released in November 2012. During the past few years, Dying Gorgeous Lies shared the stage with bands like CRIPPER, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, their label mates EISREGEN and many more. Dying Gorgeous Lies' upcoming, second album will be released later this year via Massacre Records.
Dying Gorgeous Lies lineup:

Buzz'D Joe - Bass
E. Burned - Guitars
Liz Gorgeous - Vocals
Mashl J. - Lead Guitars, Backing Vocals
J.J. - Drums

Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD are planning to take a long break from the road following the completion of the touring activities in support of the band's 2012 album, "Resolution".

In a post on his official Instagram account, LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe writes: "And so another album cycle comes to an end.

"This has been a very eventful, at times VERY STRESSFUL, album cycle, and it's been about three years since we started on this one in our practice space.

"I need a break.

"Tomorrow is a 19-hour flight back to the USA, and then another one home to [Richmond], and except for two festival shows in 2014, I will not be thinking about LAMB OF GOD, touring, playing heavy metal, writing new LAMB OF GOD material — NONE OF THAT STUFF AT ALL — for a good long while.

"[It's] time to do other things for a bit, and let my brain regroup, and be a somewhat normal human being.

"This has been a pretty wild ride, though, and to end it in Africa of all places still amazes the crap outta me.

"So thanks, Johannesburg, for an awesome end to the 'Resolution' tour cycle."

LAMB OF GOD entered into a worldwide distribution deal with Specticast (LED ZEPPELIN's "Celebration Day", Paul McCartney's "Rock Show") for their Don Argott-directed ("Last Days Here", "Art Of The Steal", "School Of Rock") feature film "As The Palaces Burn". Filming for the movie began in 2012 and concluded in March of 2013. "As The Palaces Burn", which should not be confused with the making-of documentary packaged with the recent re-release of the 2003 LAMB OF GOD album of the same name, was conceived to be a documentary focused on the power of music and its impact on cultures around the world and its ability to bring together people of all nationalities regardless of religious or political differences. After a worldwide casting call, filming took place in Colombia, Venezuela, Israel, India, and the United States. As filming reached its conclusion, the documentary was forced to take a major turn when the band's lead singer, Randy Blythe, was arrested in the Czech Republic and charged with the murder of a fan in June 2012. Granted unique access to Blythe's saga, Argott's filming covered Blythe's 38-day imprisonment in Prague, his release and the band's return to live performances, and finally Blythe's trial for murder in Prague in February 2013.

Progressive-rock supergroup TRANSATLANTIC, featuring Mike Portnoy, Neal Morse, Roine Stolt and Pete Trewavas, will release its fourth studio album, "Kaleidoscope", on January 27 via InsideOut Music.

"Kaleidoscope" will be released on four different formats, including a limited-edition deluxe artbook with 2CDs, DVD and bonus 5.1 mix DVD-video in an LP-sized book with loads of pictures, liner notes and a lenticular card cover. There will also be 2CD and DVD mediabook, standard 2CD jewelcase and a 3LP and 2CD in slipcase. Pre-orders for the album will begin on the InsideOut shop on December 27.

The full track listing for both discs can be found below.

CD1:

01. Into The Blue (25:13)02. Shine (7:28)03. Black As The Sky (6:45)04. Beyond The Sun (4:31)05. Kaleidoscope (31:53)

CD2 (Bonus CD):

01. And You And I (YES cover) (10:45)02. Can't Get It Out Of My Head (ELO cover) (4:46)03. Conquistador (PROCOL HARUM cover) (4:13)04. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (ELTON JOHN) (3:20)05. Tin Soldier (SMALL FACES cover) (3:22)06. Sylvia (FOCUS cover) (3:49)07. Indiscipline (KING CRIMSON cover) (4:45)08. Nights In White Satin (THE MOODY BLUES cover) (6:13)

The song "Black As the Sky" can be streamed below.

TRANSATLANTIC will embark on a six-week world tour. As part of the extensive trek, the band will also headline the Progressive Nation At Sea 2014 cruise from February 18 until February 22 alongside 22 other leading prog acts. This unique performance will see the band performing a very special encore of classic YES material with the legendary Jon Anderson on vocals.