SEVENDUST didn't waste any time getting 2014 started the best way they know how: being holed up in the recording studio to create their long-awaited and highly-anticipated acoustic album. "Time Travelers & Bonfires" will be released in April on 7Bros. Records, in conjunction with ADA Label Services. On April 1, they'll hit the road for their first U.S. headlining tour of the year, entitled "An Evening With Sevendust", which kicks off in Athens, Georgia at the Georgia Theatre. It's their first acoustic trek since 2004, when they were touring in support of their second album, "Seasons", and a format their fans have been anxiously awaiting for once again.

The Atlanta band — Lajon Witherspoon (vocals), Morgan Rose (drums/vocals), Clint Lowery (guitar/vocals), John Connolly (guitar/vocals) and Vince Hornsby (bass/vocals) — entered Architekt Studios in Butler, New Jersey (where they recorded their previous "Black Out The Sun" album) at the beginning of the month to record their highly anticipated and much-talked-about acoustic studio album.

It will be a collection of brand new songs, along with re-recorded SEVENDUST classics. Newly re-recorded songs will include "Black", "Gone", "Denial", "Karma", "Trust" and "Crucified". Six brand new songs have also been written and recorded for the acoustic album. It's not the first time SEVENDUST has explored their acoustic side. Their critically acclaimed "Southside Double-Wide" live acoustic album was released in 2004.

On Friday, November 22, 2013, SEVENDUST partnered with PledgeMusic for a direct-to-fan campaign to help fund the creation of "Time Travelers & Bonfires" and was set to last a 130 days. Over the course of that first weekend, they reached their goal thanks to their "family" of fans who had received the exciting news solely from the band's and band members' personal Facebook and Twitter sites. SEVENDUST has always said they consider their fans to be part of the SEVENDUST family, and they certainly proved their love and devotion for the band with the immediate response to the PledgeMusic opportunity.

With over 70 days left in the campaign, SEVENDUST has raised over 155% of their goal with over 2,550 pledges. Exclusive incentives for pledgers included a digital download of the album before it's available anywhere, exclusive updates during the making of the record, signed drumheads and guitar picks, being included in the album's liner notes, autographed guitars used on tour, and dinner with the band (which was swapped up quick by two very lucky "family" members).

Later this month, SEVENDUST will be aboard the ShipRocked 2014 cruise, along with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, PAPA ROACH, THREE DAYS GRACE, IN THIS MOMENT, TREMONTI, BLACK STONE CHERRY, and many others. The ultimate rock music cruise vacation onboard the Norwegian Pearl will depart from the Port Of Miami and will visit Great Stirrup Cay — a private island in the Bahamas — during the January 26-30 excursion.

"Time Travelers & Bonfires" track listing:

01. Come Down
02. Under It All
03. The Wait
04. Upbeat Sugar
05. One Life
06. Bonfire
07. Gone
08. Denial
09. Trust
10. Crucified
11. Karma
12. Black

Frontiers Records will release L.R.S.'s debut album, "Down To The Core", on March 21 in Europe and March 25 in North America.

L.R.S. stands for the new melodic rock musical alliance between singer Tommy La Verdi (21 GUNS), guitarist Josh Ramos (THE STORM, HARDLINE) and drummer Michael Shotton (VON GROOVE, AIRTIME). Started initially as a way to bring back to the public the amazing vocal talent of Tommy LaVerdi, a singer which came to the attention of the fans on the fabulous 21 GUNS debut album "Salute" in 1992, the whole project morphed into a power band trio when two other well-known musicians: guitar player Josh Ramos and drummer Michael Shotton were brought into the picture by the album producer Alessandro Del Vecchio (HARDLINE).

The writing sessions were fast and steady, with Del Vecchio managing all contributions from the band members — who lived in different places — and offering a number of his own writings and co-writings to the band, which was anyway able to develop a distinctive Melodic Rock sound in the tradition of JOURNEY and THE STORM, with hints of Canadian AOR — think mid-'80s TRIUMPH. Recording sessions happened for the most part in Somma Lombardo, Italy during the spring of 2013, with the musicians getting along extremely well and creating a spontaneous camaraderie which contributed a lot to the success of the sessions.

"I respected a lot both Josh and Michael before starting the album and it was actually very sad to leave each other after we finished recording and filming the videos," said Tommy La Verdi, while Michael Shotton added, "It was like we had been playing in a band for years!"

"I had the opportunity to try different styles and moods and incorporate elements of my past musical experiences in THE STORM and HARDLINE. I was very glad to be involved in this," concludes Josh Ramos.

The resulting album, "Down to the Core", is now finally ready to be unleashed to the public. With soaring vocals from LaVerdi, a superb vocalist who comes back into the well deserved spotlight and some exquisite guitar playing from Ramos, this is an album not to be missed and an AOR highlight for early 2014!

"Down to the Core" track listing:

01. Our Love To Stay02. Livin' 4 A Dream03. I Can Take You There04. Never Surrender05. Almost Over You06. Shadow Of A Man07. Universal Cry08. To Be Your Man09. Down To The Core10. I Will Find My Way11. Waiting For Love12. Not One Way To Give

Italian post-hardcore band WARKNIFE has inked a deal with Memorial Records for the release of the group's new album, "Amorphous". Available from February 18 via all digital stores, the CD is a natural evolution for the band, a good mix between post-hardcore, sludge and death metal.

Says WARKNIFE: "'Amorphous' is the end of a path and the beginning of a new one. It represents the start of something indefinite and indecipherable.

"Our music reflects the instability and the uncertainty we live in, the social changes make us unstable: we are on the verge of ruin and hoping for a better future is nothing more than a utopia."

"Amorphous" track listing:

01. Shapeless Birth02. The Infected Enigma 03. A Bleeding Sunset04. Behold Regression05. The Veil Fragments06. Shape Shifting07. Hateseed08. III Becomes Order09. Shining Phoenix10. F.A.I.L.

WARKNIFE is:

Marco Landolfo - VocalsSimone Mele - Guitar Cesare Zuccaro - Drums Daniele Gatto - Bass

VOICIANO is the new acoustic project of the EDENBRIDGE's Sabine Edelsbacher (vocals) and Lanvall (grand piano, acoustic guitars and other string instruments, percussion). The project's debut album, "Everflow", will be released this spring via the duo's own label and will only be available at the EDENBRIDGE webstore.

VOICIANO is based on acoustic instruments exclusively, mainly the grand piano. However, many other instruments like acoustic guitars, hammered dulcimer, kacapi, bouzouki, mandolin, saz and diverse percussion instruments, can be heard on the album. There is also a real string orchestra, Junge Philharmonie Freistadt.

The music for "Everflow" was recorded almost exclusively without click tracks — in other words, without any predetermined tempo — which accentuates the liveliness and soul of the songs. The piano parts were recorded live. Says Lanvall: "The idea [for VOICIANO] was born after our EDENBRIDGE promotion acoustic show in Vietnam.

"In 2010, Sabine and I flew to Vietnam for a 10-minute showcase to perform three songs at the 1000 Years Hanoi festival. The simplicity of the whole process concerning the rehearsals and the show were pure fun for us. You just request a microphone and a grand piano, enter the stage and perform.

"When we came back, I went through my files and piles of sketches of numerous ideas, which remained unused to this point. I was astonished how many great songs I found in layouts in this acoustic form. This inspired me immediately to write completely new songs additionally." Adds Sabine: "I always had the idea for a solo project with more balladesque songs. VOICIANO is exactly what I had in mind.

"In VOICIANO, my voice gets more room in all its nuances. This is what I enjoy, of course. Furthermore, I will bring myself in into the lyrics. The mystic atmosphere of our songs will remain, of course. I think we cannot do it differently; it's a part of us." Sabine and Lanvall were also able to procure some great guests for the album. Most of them are longtime friends with prominent names. Says Lanvall: "After the huge production of the last EDENBRIDGE album, 'The Bonding', it was extremely important to gain distance musically and be involved in something which is different.

"The reduction in the music and the process to record much of the music live gave me tremendous joy.

"I believe that everybody who loves EDENBRIDGE will love VOICIANO too, although it shows us from a completely different side.

"When I began to arrange the songs, I was immensely touched by the feeling and the souls of the songs. This inspired me to learn new instruments like the hammered dulcimer, which can be heard in a couple of songs and creates an own mystic atmosphere."

The "Everflow" cover artwork was created by Günter Leitenbauer and can be seen below.

Will Sabine and Lanvall now concentrate on VOICIANO exclusively? Says Lanvall: "No, of course not. VOICIANO is a project among our main band, EDENBRIDGE, to live out this faible for acoustic music. All songs would also work with just vocals and piano in the live situation. I think that after this album I will also be really inspired for a next big EDENBRIDGE album!" Adds Sabine: "I am convinced that we will attract a bigger audience apart from the metal scene with VOICIANO. Even better when they learn about EDENBRIDGE then. This will be a total win/win situation." Concludes Lanvall: "With all the wonderful experiences we made with the crowdfunding action related to our last album 'The Bonding', where we were able to outfinance the whole orchestra costs. We wanna continue this way with our new project VOICIANO, and here even more than in the past. In recent times the relationship fan to musician/band is more important than ever. It was extremely enriching to see in the process of 'The Bonding', how many people wish to support 'real' music. Therefore we wanna bring in our fans to join in as part of a record label and advance suppliers, and came up with some special and interesting packages. With your pre-orders and sponsoring donations, you guarantee the best possible production of the VOICIANO album 'Everflow'."

In collaboration with Habanero-Man and Ta-nm Farm in Japan, Swedish all-girl hard rock quartet CRUCIFIED BARBARA proudly presents its own habanero sauce, named after the song "Into The Fire" from the band's latest album, "The Midnight Chase".

Says CRUCIFIED BARBARA: "It is a very strong but versatile hot sauce.

"Our intention is not to serve you the world's hottest sauce, to make people cry of pain in stupid chili-eating competitions.

"We don't want this to be just a souvenir to put on the shelf, we want to make something useful with a great taste that people can actually enjoy. The pain and pleasure you get from the heat and taste of chili in food and drinks is something we want to spread, and this is the perfect hot product for this.

"Into The Fire habanero sauce contains habanero that is cultivated at the farm and then prepared as hot sauce, without any additives. It's a small-scale production and Habanero-Man is taking care of everything from growing the plants to the finished product by himself.

"The collaboration with Habanero-Man in Japan was initiated when [CRUCIFIED BARBARA frontwoman] Mia Coldheart, chili pepper enthusiast, tried to make her own habanero sauce at home and put the result on Instagram, marked with #habanero. This picture caught Habanero-Man's interest on the other side of the earth and they started a friendship based on habanero and music.

"CRUCIFIED BARBARA was impressed by the genuine and natural way of Habanero-Man's production and lifestyle on the country side in Japan, and we really love his handmade, natural habanero products made on his farm. This spicy story is the reason behind our new release; Into The Fire habanero sauce!"

Into The Fire habanero sauce can be purchased at this location.

(Thanks: Grimgoth)

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 first song/video from the collection to be unveiled, THE CLASH's "London Calling", made its exclusive premiere yesterday via Billboard.com and 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)

Munsey Ricci at Skateboard Marketing Ltd. has uploaded video footage of Zakk Wylde's (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE) January 17 live in-store performance at the Apple store in SoHo, New York City. Check it out below. Photos of the event can be sound on Skateboard Marketing's Facebook page.

The evening began with a question-and-answer session moderated by Guitar World magazine's editor-in-chief Brad Tolinski. Wylde also took a few questions from the crowd.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's new album, "Catacombs Of The Black Vatican", will be released in Europe on April 7 via Mascot Label Group and one day later in North America through eOne Music.

If you pre-order the CD on iTunes, you will get the new track "My Dying Time" instantly.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY recently amicably parted ways with longtime guitarist Nick Catanese and replaced him with Dario Lorina (LIZZY BORDEN).

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY mainman Zakk Wylde told Guitar World magazine about Catanese's departure: "I had called Nick to tell him about the album and he told me that he was already knees deep into doing his own thing and wanted to stick 1,000 percent into it. I told him it was cool and that we loved him and that he'd always have a home here."

He continued: "The thing is no one ever gets kicked out or fired. If you want to go, you're always able. Now we've got [guitarist] Dario Lorina in the band, and not only is he a kick-ass guitar player who can shred, but he's also a really cool dude."

Asked how he hooked up with Dario, Zakk said: "We never do a cattle call or anything like that. With the amount of awesome players I know, it's more of a word-of-mouth kind of thing. I had him come out to the Vatican [Zakk's home studio] to meet him, and afterwards I said, 'Cool. If you want to do it, you're in.' It was as simple as that."

"Catacombs of the Black Vatican" is BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's first new studio album since 2009's "The Order Of The Black", which debuted at No. 4 on The Billboard 200 chart.

On May 14, Rambo/Gain will release the debut album from THE SUMMIT.

THE SUMMIT is a new collaboration between old friends, among them members of classic Swedish rock bands 220 VOLT and EASY ACTION.

THE SUMMIT's first CD is described as a nod to the members own musical references and influences, mainly from the '70s.

A first single will be released mid-April, but before that, the band will release at least two videos. The first was shot during the recording of the album and can be seen below.

In October 2011, Björn "B" Höglund (drummer of EASY ACTION and HOVEN DROVEN) placed a call to Mats Karlsson (220 VOLT) and explained what he had in mind — for him, a dream team consisting of Mats, singer and childhood friend Michael Klemmé (MARMALADE SOULS) and bass player Lars Ericsson.

Tired of being tied up in several album projects, years in the making, Björn wanted to write and record quickly, just like many of his favorite albums were made in the '70s, and the music had to fit the same idea.

Within hours, everyone was on board.

Stepping up to the challenge, the boys began writing in January. Out of some 16 songs written, recording began in April and eleven songs were completed during the fall of 2012.

The result; a modern-sounding '70s rock album with several nods to the all the bands that shaped Mats, Björn, Michael and Lars musically, without ripping any of them off.

According to BBC News, LOSTPROPHETS singer Ian Watkins is seeking to appeal his 29-year prison sentence for child sex offenses, including the attempted rape of a baby.

The Court of Appeal confirmed an application was lodged two days ago.

The 36-year-old Watkins was sentenced on December 18, 2013 after pleading guilty to 13 sexual offense charges at Cardiff Crown Court in Wales, where Watkins is from. His two co-defendants, women in their 20s who were the mothers of children he abused, were handed prison terms of 14 and 17 years. According to The Pulse Of Radio, Watkins must serve at least two-thirds of his jail time before being eligible for parole, followed by another six years of probation.The judge in the case said it broke "new ground" and "plunged into new depths of depravity."

He added that Watkins showed a "complete lack of remorse" and that what the women did in handing over their children to Watkins was "both sickening and incomprehensible."

Watkins' defense attorney said that her client "belatedly realized the gravity of what happened" and was "deeply, deeply sorry." The singer has maintained that he did not remember many of the incidents due to drug abuse.

Watkins admitted to the attempted rape and sexual assault of a child under 13 but pleaded not guilty to rape.

He also pleaded guilty to conspiring to rape a child, three counts of sexual assault involving children, seven involving taking, making or possessing indecent images of children and one of possessing an extreme pornographic image involving a sex act on an animal.

Meanwhile, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Doyle, the senior officer on the case, revealed that new information has led to investigations of Watkins' activities now being launched in Germany and the United States.

Watkins was arrested in December 2012 on the charges.

LOSTPROPHETS announced they were splitting in October 2013 and denounced their former singer in recent statements.

Watkins apparently told a female fan in a phone call shortly after he pleaded guilty that he didn't "know what everyone is getting so freaked out about." In another phone call, he told a friend that "there was no medical evidence" and "nobody was harmed," adding, "I'm not a pedophile, I'm not. You know I plead[ed] guilty just to avoid a trial, not realizing 'Hang on, that makes me look a bit guilty' but I would never harm anybody."

ALMAH — the Brazilian metal band led by former ANGRA singer Eduardo "Edu" Falaschi — has released "Motion Playback Band". Every song from ALMAH's third studio album, 2011's "Motion", now is available as four backing tracks where one of the instruments or vocal part is missing: there are tracks without solo guitars, bass or drums and karaoke version.

"Motion Playback Band", the first of the series, is already available as a worldwide digital release on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and other stores.

Samples can be heard at this location.

Falaschi comments: "We release these backing tracks for our fans who have always wanted to play with ALMAH to practice with professional materials or just to have fun! For example, a bass player can download a version without bass and play along the track! A singer can use karaoke version etc.

"Right now we are preparing songs from our second album, 'Fragile Equality', [and we hope] to give you more news soon!"

ALMAH's fourth album, "Unfold", was released on November 25, 2013 in Europe and December 3, 2013 in North America via Scarlet Records. The CD was recorded in São Paulo, Brazil's Do It! Studio — the facility established by Edu and Tito Falaschi — and was mixed by Damien Rainaud at Darth Mader Music in Los Angeles, California. The cover artwork for the effort was designed by Nathalia Suellen (LADY SYMPHONIA), an internationally recognized digital artist from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil who has previously worked with musicians, writers, publishing houses such as DARK MOOR, Random House, Penguin Group, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, McCann Erickson, Scholastic and Harry N. Abrams Books.

ALMAH is:

Edu Falaschi - VocalsMarcelo Barbosa - GuitarMarcelo Moreira - DrumsGustavo Di Padua - Guitar Raphael Dafras - Bass

"Disciples", the new video from Belgian metallers BLIKSEM, can be seen below. The clip was shot during the band's Spanish tour in November and is a high-octane, live iPhone raw power impression of their Iberian trip, which includes footages of their live performance for Spanish TV.

"Disciples" is taken from BLIKSEM's debut album, "Face The Evil", which was released on February 25, 2-13 (three days earlier in Germany) via Alone Records. Combining blistering tandem guitars, thrashing drums, pounding bass and furious vocals, the resulting eight songs not only explore themes including revenge, oppression and madness but also celebrate the timeless glory of metal. Mastering was done by Herbrand Larsen (ENSLAVED) at the Earshot Studio in Bergen, Norway.

Lightning is one of the most spectacular displays in nature. Bolt temperatures hotter than the sun. Shockwaves radiating out in all directions. In Dutch, this deadly natural phenomenon is called "bliksem." A fitting name for an electrifying five-piece thrash band from Antwerp.

In late 2008, their quest to find a singer on par with Chuck Billy or Dave Mustaine took an unexpected and brilliant turn with the arrival of Peggy Meeussen. Her commanding razor-edged vocals are reminiscent of the late Dawn Crosby (DÉTENTE, FEAR OF GOD) and Nicole Lee (ZNÖWHITE), slicing through the existing legions of goth or guttural female-fronted bands.

BLIKSEM quickly established a strong live reputation playing dozens of youth centers and local metal and rock festivals around Belgium and soon moved up to bigger stages.

In 2010, the band recorded its first EP, which got rave reviews in numerous magazines/e-zines such as Germany's Rock Hard, Aardschok, Lords Of Metal, France's Rock Hard and Rock Tribune as well as alternative-oriented press. Critics praised the quality thrash and some went as far to declare BLIKSEM the best thing to happen to the genre in years.

In 2011, BLIKSEM expanded its horizon, playing shows in the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland, along with a fiercely convincing performance at Slovenia's Metalcamp festival.

The band went on to play Holland's Paaspop, which featured fellow heavy acts like HELL, ENSLAVED and ACCEPT as well as Dutch chart-toppers, and the renowned Eindhoven Metal Meeting (with EXODUS, HEATHEN, IMMORTAL and other metal greats). The momentum continued, and BLIKSEM was asked to support CHANNEL ZERO, ANGEL WITCH, VANDERBUYST and PRONG. Meanwhile, BLIKSEM created a buzz in the leading alternative media in the Benelux, including 3voor12/VPRO and Kindamuzik.nl, which called them one of the bands to watch in 2012-2013.

Frontiers Records will release PRETTY MAIDS' "Louder Than Ever" — a collection of new songs and re-recorded tracks from past albums — on March 21 in Europe and March 25 in North America.

After celebrating thier 30th anniversary as a band and the release of their latest monumental album, "Motherland", the Danish melodic hard rockers are serving the fans with an album which includes eight re-recorded classic songs from the 1995-2006 era, plus four brand new songs specially written for this record and a special bonus DVD including archive footage from the '80s, brand new interviews and plenty of cool material for the fans!

"There were two main reasons for us to do this album," explains singer Ronnie Atkins. "First of all, we wanted to keep the ball in spin and release some kind of an 'in between' album before the next 'real' studio album. Then we were curious to hear how some of the older songs would sound like with the band lineup we have today and in the hands of our current producer, Jacob Hansen. The original idea was actually to do a mix of both re-recorded, re-mixed, covers and new songs, but in the end decided to cut it down to what it is. We deliberately chose not to re-record some of the Eighties and early Nineties material, since it's some kind of 'sacred,' both to ourselves as well as the fans."

The release of "Louder Than Ever" will be followed up by a three-to-four-week tour in Europe in May 2014. In addition, the band will appear at several festivals during the summer.

"Louder Than Ever" track listing:

CD:

01. Deranged (new song)02. Playing God03. Psycho Time Bomb Planet Earth04. My Soul To Take (new song)05. He Who Never Lived06. Virtual Brutality07. Tortured Spirit08. With These Eyes09. Nuclear Boomerang (new song)10. Snakes In Eden11. Wake Up To The Real World12. A Heart Without A Home (new song)

DVD:

* A Retrospective of the "Motherland" 2013 world tour* Includes archive footage from early stages of the band's career, interviews, backstage, studio footage and the usual freakiness.

An EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for "Louder Than Ever" is available below.

PRETTY MAIDS is:

Ronnie Atkins: VocalsKen Hammer: GuitarRene Shades: BassAllan Tchicaja: DrumsMorten Sandager: Keyboards

"Loaded Gun", the new Joshua Allan Vargas-directed video from Chicago heavy rockers SOIL, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's sixth studio album, "Whole", which was released on August 20, 2013 via Pavement Entertainment. It's the band's first 100% independent release.

"Whole" is the first SOIL album with original frontman Ryan McCombs since 2004's "Re.De.Fine" (after which he joined DROWNING POOL). It sees SOIL returning to its classic sound that fans have come to admire, with a pres release calling it the CD "that could have come directly after the 'Scars' album in 2001." Following the 2012 release of its first-ever live DVD, "Re-LIVE-ing The Scars", SOIL began writing new material and entered the studio in February 2013 with producer Ulrich Wild (PANTERA, BREAKING BENJAMIN) to begin recording. "This was by far the most comfortable and natural recording process we have ever experienced," said guitarist Adam Zadel. "From the writing, pre-production, and through the main tracking and mixing, everything was smooth and fluid." Other tracks featured on "Whole" include "Way Gone" and "Amalgamation", the latter of which sees McCombs taking songtitles from both the SOIL and DROWNING POOL releases he was a part of and weaving them into verses of the song. "I think, lyrically speaking, those that are familiar with the work I've done are going to get the next chapter that they would expect," McCombs said about the lyrical process. "Words from a heart and mind that has lived them.

"One of the greatest things I experience as a lyricist is when people come up and share with me how a song, or a specific verse or line from a song, got them through a hard time or times in their lives. It reminds me of the times music did that for me and how powerful music and/or a lyric can be in a person's life." Drums and percussion on "Whole" were performed by Will Hunt (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, EVANESCENCE, DEVICE).

"Will added a whole new dimension to the songs," stated King. "He added a monstrous and aggressive vibe to the album."

A guest guitar solo on "Wake Up" was performed by longtime friend Mike Mushok of the band STAIND.

XplicitConcerts has uploaded fan-filmed video footage of STONE SOUR's January 22 perfrmance at the House Of Blues in Boston, Massachusetts. Check it out below.

As previously reported, STONE SOUR guitarist Jim Root has chosen to sit out the band's current North American tour so that he can concentrate on writing music for the next SLIPKNOT album. The Pulse Of Radio spoke with Root and asked him to explain his decision in a little more depth. "You know, unfortunately I'm only one person," he said. "I can't really be in two places at one time and the amount of focus that I need to put into SLIPKNOT makes it really difficult for me to be on tour with STONE SOUR. It's crushing and it's heartbreaking and I really don't like the idea of not being out there, but I don't really see any other way to really do it without — I mean, this is like the best way that we could come up with for a compromise." Root said that it's possible that SLIPKNOT could enter a studio as early as January, although the group has yet to make any official announcements regarding its next record.

Root is being replaced for the month-long tour, which began on January 14 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, by Christian Martucci. POP EVIL and STOLEN BABIES are also on the bill.

The trek will mark the end of the touring cycle for STONE SOUR and the band's two-album set, "House Of Gold And Bones".

SLIPKNOT's long-awaited fifth album will be its first since 2008's "All Hope Is Gone" and first since the 2010 death of bassist Paul Gray and last month's dismissal of drummer Joey Jordison.

Italian heavy rockers LACUNA COIL will release their new studio album, "Broken Crown Halo", in North America on April 1 (one day earlier internationally) via Century Media Records. The CD was recorded Italy by producer Jay Baumgardner (P.O.D., SEVENDUST, EVANESCENCE, PAPA ROACH) and engineer Kyle Hoffmann (P.O.D., BUSH, ZEBRAHEAD). The effort was mastered by Howie Weinberg, whose credits include RAMMSTEIN, SOUNDGARDEN, NIRVANA, DEFTONES and SHERYL CROW.

"Broken Crown Halo" is LACUNA COIL's seventh studio effort, and the highly-anticipated follow-up to "Dark Adrenaline", which was released in January 2012 and saw the band tour with acts including MEGADETH, MOTÖRHEAD, VOLBEAT and SEVENDUST after debuting at No. 15 on The Billboard 200 album chart.

"Broken Crown Halo" track listing:

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

The band had this to say about the album artwork: "We are fighting for a kingdom and a crown that is not what it seems to be, one that in reality represents the moment of confusion we're living in, and the very fragile situation we're facing every day."

LACUNA COIL will return to the road to introduce North America to "Broken Crown Halo" as part of the Revolver Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock Tour, which launches February 20 and features LACUNA COIL sharing a stage with SICK PUPPIES, Century Media Records labelmates EYES SET TO KILL and CILVER. The tour launches in Wilmington, North Carolina, and runs through March 20 in Anaheim, California. Visit www.hottestchickstour.com for additional details and VIP packages. LACUNA COIL had this to say about "Broken Crown Halo": "What conflict could run so deep that it takes you to the deepest corners of your inner world?

"Today we are surrounded by a lot of lies, aliases, and people acting like they are wearing an invisible crown — but you better have thick skin if you want to wear this crown!

"'Broken Crown Halo' is a cinematic album that could be the soundtrack of our days — it is a dark vision of a near future when survival is second nature, and failure is not something to be avoided, but rather cultivated with lessons learned along the way. "We set the bar pretty high with 'Dark Adrenaline' and it hasn't been easy bringing our sound to the next level, but we have lived, learned and grown through a year full of personal issues and changes. We learned to be strong and get stronger, and we felt an inner vibe in this band that we haven't felt before. We locked ourselves in an age-old studio in Milan, Italy, where history was strong and the past met with our future, vintage gear and the influence of classic Italian horror movies and bands like GOBLIN meeting the fresh and rough sounds of the modern world with unique and invigorating results.

"'Broken Crown Halo' is LACUNA COIL introducing a new order, and letting nothing stand in our way..."

Dutch female-fronted symphonic metallers DELAIN will release their new album, "The Human Contradiction", via Napalm Records on the following dates:

Germany, Austria, Switzerland, April 4Rest of Europe: April 7USA, Canada: April 8

"The Human Contradiction" track listing:

01. Here Come The Vultures02. Your Body Is A Battleground03. Stardust04. My Masquerade05. Tell Me, Mechanist06. Sing To Me07. Army Of Dolls08. Lullaby09. The Tragedy Of The Commons

DELAIN performed the new song "My Masquerade" at their special show, also dubbed "My Masquerade", on November 8, 2013 at Patronaat in Haarlem, The Netherlands. The evening featured never-before performed songs, special versions of other tracks, special effects, special guests and a lot of surprises.

Fan-filmed video footage of the "My Masquerade" performance can be seen below.

DELAIN lastyear released a special album, "Interlude", via Napalm Records. The effort was described in in a press release as "a fantastic blend of brand-new songs, special versions and mixes of popular DELAIN tracks, covers, and the beautiful single 'Are You Done With Me'. Thanks to the new mix, the well-known anthem shines with a new-found splendor. The album includes a special DVD featuring exclusive live footage and clips from the band's career. 'Interlude' is not only a must for loyal DELAIN fans, but also for those who have not experienced the music by DELAIN so far. It is the perfect introduction to the world of DELAIN and the starting point to an emotional and bombastic journey!"

DELAIN's third full-length studio album, "We Are The Others", was released in North America via the New Jersey-based top-tier progressive metal label Sensory Records. CNR Entertainment handled the release in The Netherlands and Roadrunner Records issued the CD in the rest of Europe.



"My Masquerade" performance:

This spring, French progressive metallers GOJIRA will release "Les Enfants Sauvages", a limited edition 5" x 7", 60-page hardcover photo book chronicling the band's journey around the world over the last two years, since the release of their critically acclaimed Roadrunner debut, "L'Enfant Sauvage". The images were taken around the globe, spanning over 150 shows on three continents, and were hand-selected by GOJIRA guitarist/vocalist Joseph Duplantier and his brother, drummer Mario Duplantier. The package also includes a live CD and DVD capturing last year's performance at the legendary Brixton Academy in London, England. In addition to the CD/DVD/book, a bundle that includes an exclusive T-shirt is available. Pre-orders are available now for delivery by March 11.

In other news, GOJIRA has also premiered a live performance of "Flying Whales" along with a gallery of images from "Les Enfants Sauvages" over at Noisey.

"Les Enfants Sauvages" track listing:

01. Intro02. Explosia03. Flying Whales04. Backbone05. The Heaviest Matter Of The Universe06. L'Enfant Sauvage07. Toxic Garbage Island08. Wisdom Comes09. Jam10. Oroborus11. Drum Solo12. The Axe13. The Gift Of Guilt

GOJIRA's fifth album, "L'Enfant Sauvage", sold almost 11,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 34 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "The Way Of All Flesh", opened with 4,200 units back in 2008 to land at No. 138.

"L'Enfant Sauvage" entered the official chart in France at position No. 7 (No. 17 on the digital chart).

"L'Enfant Sauvage" (which translates to "The Wild Child") features 11 tracks of mind-bending, thunderous metal. The CD was recorded at Spin Recording Studios in Long Island City, New York with co-producer Josh Wilbur (LAMB OF GOD).

The official lyric video for the song "You're Dead Now" from CHROME DIVISION — the Norwegian five-piece featuring DIMMU BORGIR frontman Shagrath (a.k.a. Stian Thoresen) on guitar — can be seen below. The song is taken from CHROME DIVISION's fourth album, "Infernal Rock Eternal", which was released on January 17 via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to 2011's "3rd Round Knockout" was recorded at Dub Studio in Oslo with Endre Kirkesola.

"Infernal Rock Eternal" track listing: 01. Good Morning Riot02. Endless Nights03. (She's) Hot Tonight04. The Absinthe Voyage05. Lady Of Perpetual Sorrow06. The Moonshine Years07. No Bet For Free08. On The Run Again09. Mistress In Madness10. Reaper On The Hunt11. You're Dead Now12. Ol13. Dirty Dog (bonus track) A video clip of the members of CHROME DIVISION talking about "Endless Nights", the first single and video from "Infernal Rock Eternal", can be seen below. Says Shagrath: "The doomsday rock legion are proud to announce that 2014 marks 10-year anniversary for CHROME DIVISION, celebrated with our brand new fourth album, 'Infernal Rock Eternal'.

"It's been one year of intense team effort, combined with band parties and studio sessions, resulting in our most varied and best album to date.

"I am very proud of this album, and we can't wait to share it with you."

Added CHROME DIVISION vocalist Shady Blue (a.k.a. Athera): "And we're back, finally!

"After nailing down the new, permanent lineup some two years ago, we have worked intensely with the new songs and sound of CHROME DIVISION continuously.

'The last year [was spent] in and out of studio tracking song after song of the new stuff.

"I have to say the band is complete now, and the new overall feel of the music that comes out of this gang of rockers these days is just awesome!

"I am stoked to be a part of this new album and extremely satisfied with the diversity in songs and the power of each and every track!

"Working with Endre Kirkesola in Dub Studio has been a great experience, and just what the band needed.

"Damage Karlsen and Ogee's contributions to the new stuff is just beyond!

"We are super excited to hear what you guys think of the new album. And we're looking forward to finally getting out on the road more and play the shit live for you as well."

CHROME DIVISION in 2012 parted ways with bassist Björn "Burn" Luna and guitarist Ricky Black. Luna, who was a member of CHROME DIVISION since its inception in 2004, "will work with us from behind the curtains of doom, and contribute on the lyrical side of things in the future," according to the band.

CHROME DIVISION current lineup:

Shagrath - GuitarOgee - BassShady Blue (a.k.a. Athera) - VocalsDamage Karlsen - GuitarTony White - Drums

CHROME DIVISION's third album, "3rd Round Knockout", was released in Europe on May 6, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Marius Strand Studio in Oslo.

CHROME DIVISION in August 2009 parted ways with longtime vocalist Eddie Guz "due to lack of dedication and commitment to the band." His replacement, Athera, originally filled in for Guz at the Winterfire Festival at Hessenhallen in Giessen, Germany on February 21, 2009 after Eddie Guz was unable to make the gig.

Gear Gods — the only online destination for musicians in the heavy music community — live-streamed the fifth annual "Metal Masters" clinic last night (Wednesday, January 22) from the Anaheim, California House Of Blues.

The "Metal Masters 5" lineup was loaded with a star-studded cast of metal musicians. As in years past, the show started with a brief clinic offering some tips and tricks, and ended with an all-star jam session of metal cover songs.

Performers included:

* Kerry King (SLAYER)* Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX)* Frank Bello (ANTHRAX)* Scott Ian (ANTHRAX)* David Ellefson (MEGADETH)* Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG)* Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, THE WINERY DOGS)* Gary Holt (EXODUS, SLAYER)* Chris Broderick (MEGADETH)* Philip Anselmo (PANTERA, DOWN)* Rex Brown (KILL DEVIL HILL, PANTERA, DOWN)* Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT)* Steve Vai

The following songs were performed, among others:

* "Wrathchild" (IRON MAIDEN)* "Killers" (IRON MAIDEN)* "God Of Thunder" (KISS)* "Sargent D And The S.O.D." (STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH)* "Freddy Krueger" (STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH)* "Strength Beyond Strength" (PANTERA)* "I'm Broken" (PANTERA)* "Postmortem" (SLAYER)* "Raining Blood" (SLAYER)* "Mouth For War" (PANTERA)* "Mandatory Suicide" (SLAYER)* "Five Minutes Alone" (PANTERA)* "South Of Heaven" (SLAYER)* "Angel Of Death" (SLAYER)* "Fucking Hostile" (PANTERA)

"'Metal Masters' started out as two bassists teaching a clinic and has gone on to become a spectacle that includes some of the greatest musicians that defined a genre," says Samson's director of marketing and "Metal Masters" founder, Mark Menghi. "What better way to learn, than seeing these amazing performers up close and personal teaching their own personal techniques of the trade. 'Metal Masters' has always been about doing something special for the fans and that will never go away." King previously stated about his motivation for taking part in "Metal Masters": "The reason I still do it to this day is to get Phil involved, because I think the world misses him. He's good at what he does and I'm one of the few guys he looks up to to the point where he'd come out and do it. And I'm not blowing sunshine up my ass; it's just a fact. And everybody wants to see Phil. Everybody loves Phil. When I come out, it's a huge applause. When Phil comes out, it's like somebody came back from the dead; they're not expecting it. And it's cool."

In a recent interview with Full Metal Jackie, Anselmo stated about performing PANTERA songs at "Metal Masters": "I'm up there with guys that I've known since the '80s who have a good five, six years on me of playing music and being successful, people that I looked up to and still look up to… The thing is just being up there with those guys is overwhelming enough, but then playing the PANTERA songs, don't get me wrong, it feels great, it feels fantastic, and it does bring me back to a very powerful place, a very unique place in history. I guess, growing up and cuttin' my chops and growing up with the guys in PANTERA, we always played with a chip on our shoulder and you get that rush of memory when you're up there doing it, but it's a lot of emotions balled up into one, but they're all pretty damn good. For me, the most fun thing about it of all is just seeing the fan reaction. I've always said that PANTERA fans were the best in the world, and I truly meant that and I still mean it. That's why 'Metal Masters' keeps the pulse of the whole thing going."

Speaking to Artisan News prior to the "Metal Masters 4" event in September 2012, Sheehan and the other musicians spoke about what it was like for Billy to come in and play heavier stuff than he is used to.

"I've been prepped," said Sheehan. "And it's great. I actually love it. It's like being on another planet. It's like an adventure into another land, and it's really cool. It's challenging to play this stuff."

Added Bello: "It's great seeing [Billy] come into this world, and step up as he did. I mean, Billy Sheehan is playing [chuckles] he's playing SLAYER and EXODUS tonight — without a pick. Just think about those lines right there. He totally kicks ass in it, too. The guy stepped up to it, and you can't ask for more than that. So for these kids, seeing a treat like that, man, it's a good time."

Said Holt: "[If you had told me that] this guy here [pointing at Billy], who is one of the greatest musicians in rock history, would be standing there watching my fingers as I'm playing [EXODUS's song] 'Piranha', I would havee called you a stone-faced liar and said, 'Get outta here!'"

Finnish thrashers LOST SOCIETY will release their new album, "Terror Hungry", on April 4 via Nuclear Blast Records. Produced by Nino Laurenne (AMORPHIS, ENSIFERUM, LORDI) at Sonic Pump studios (FINNTROLL, SONATA ARCTICA, OMNIUM GATHERUM), the CD sees the "Finns shred their way with the energy and speed of an out-of-control freight train, rolling downhill on the way to thrash Olymp," according to a press release.

The "Terror Hungry" artwork was created by Jan Meininghaus (BOLT THROWER, SICK OF IT ALL, U.D.O., HOLY MOSES).

Comments LOST SOCIETY mastermind Samy Elbanna: "We were totally blown away with the sketch we got, and even more so when we got the final artwork!!

"The cover really fits the theme of the album as it has a more dark feel to it and it's brutal as fuck! The dude holding the bloody machete is definitely terror hungry!

"Jan did an awesome job; this cover is sick!"

Adds Meininghaus: "I was asked to do LOST SOCIETY's new album cover and first of all I had to face the fact that I had to follow their debut album's art that was created by the legendary Ed Repka. One of the true heros of my own thrash-metal days. So I decided to go a different way and create the band's cover idea in a much darker and less cartoony mood than the debut's.

"LOST SOCIETY's musical style and their approach to metal is very '80s Bay Area to me, so I thought it might be fun to paint something that might have been on one of those record covers these days.

"I listened to LOST SOCIETY and my old EXODUS, TESTAMENT and FORBIDDEN vinyls and it was a blast to come up with 'Terror Hungry' artwork!"

"Terror Hungry" track listing: 01. Spurgatory02. Game Over03. Attaxic04. Lethal Pleasure05. Terror Hungry06. Snowroad Blowout07. Tyrant Takeover08. Overdosed Brain09. Thrashed Reality10. F.F.E.11. Brewtal Awakening12. Mosh It Up13. Wasted After Midnight

Bonus:

14. You Can't Stop Rock ‘N' Roll

Comments Samy Elbanna: "LOST SOCIETY is back, and we're angrier than ever!

"The new album, 'Terror Hungry', is a full-on thrash album from start to finish, with a darker and even more aggressive feel to it! It has the signature elements of that make up LOST SOCIETY, and we've put in more groove riffage, more mind-blistering guitar shredding and some of the fastest stuff we've ever done!

"Look out, this ones gonna be FASTER, LOUDER and we're more pissed off than ever!!" LOST SOCIETY's debut album, "Fast Loud Death", entered the official chart in Finland at position No. 25. Released in March 2013 via Nuclear Blast Records, the CD was recorded at Sonic Pump Studios (FINNTROLL, SONATA ARCTICA, OMNIUM GATHERUM) in Helsinki, Finland with producer Nino Laurenne (AMORPHIS, ENSIFERUM, LORDI) and it featured cover artwork by Ed Repka (MEGADETH, DEATH, SANCTUARY, VENOM).

Founded in early 2010 by thrash/speed metal enthusiast Samy Elbanna in the Finnish town of Jyväskylä, LOST SOCIETY played a number of gigs around Finland before taking part in the world-renowned GBOB (Global Battle Of the Bands). After winning the preliminary round in their hometown, they were invited to the finals held in Helsinki, where they prevailed over 13 other contestants. The grand finals of GBOB 2012 took place at The Scala in London on December 9, 2012 and featured 18 bands from all over the world, including LOST SOCIETY.

LOST SOCIETY is:

Samy Elbanna - Vocals, GuitarArttu Lesonen - GuitarMirko Lehtinen - BassOssi Paananen - Drums

Candlelight Records has announced the signing of U.K. monolithic doomsters COLTSBLOOD.

COLTSBLOOD formed in Northern England in 2010 but did not surface until 2013 when a demo tape entitled "Beyond The Lake Of Madness" was recorded and released. Ulthar Records released this demo on vinyl soon after. COLTSBLOOD spent months pillaging the lands, guzzling mead and sharing the stage with many greats within the U.K. underground as well as INDESINENCE, VOMITOR and WATAIN. The band recorded and released another cassette tape, a four-track split with CRYPT LURKER which featured a cover of CELTIC FROST's "Procreation (Of The Wicked)". During this time, the band earned a storm of reviews comparing the music with all genres from funeral doom to black metal and hailing COLTSBLOOD as monolithic, crushing, filthy, bleak, melodic, devastating, other-worldly and horrific.

On the Full Moon of September 2013, COLTSBLOOD entered Skyhammer Studio with Chris Fielding (PRIMORDIAL, WINTERFYLLETH, NAPALM DEATH, ELECTRIC WIZARD) and recorded its first full-length entitled "Into The Unfathomable Abyss" over the sacred Autumnal Equinox. The album was mastered by James Plotkin due to his extensive work with bands such as KHANATE, SUNNO))), INDESINENCE and ISIS. COLTSBLOOD was honored to ask bassist/vocalist and artist Eric C Harrison to create exclusive artwork for the music due to a longtime respect for the band GRIEF.

Finnish melodic metallers SONATA ARCTICA will release their eighth studio album, "Pariah's Child", on March 28 via Nuclear Blast. The cover artwork for the CD can be seen below.

"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

The second trailer for the album is available below.

Comments SONATA ARCTICA vocalist 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).

The band will launch a European headlining tour in support of "Pariah's Child" on April 10 in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

SONATA ARTICA's latest album, "Stones Grow Her Name", was released in Europe on May 18, 2012 and in North America on May 22, 2012 via Nuclear Blast Records.

"Stones Grow Her Name" sold around 2,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 9 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

Svart Records has announced the signing of VAINAJA, a three-headed metal band from Finland. Taking influences from early '90s death metal and doom, the group's debut album, "Kadotetut" — set for a spring release — is one of the heaviest records ever made in the Finnish language. Besides the crushing riffs and dark melodies, the album's concept is based on encrypted true events from the past. Not much is known about the events that took place in the 19th century rural Finland. Traditional lore tells of an evil cult inducing chaos among parishioners of old Finnish religions. Evidence of such sinful formation have been gathered from church records and filmographies. Traditionally, only three cultists are scarcely identified. The local preacher Wilhelm, the church cantor Kristian, and the gravedigger Aukusti seem to have been the main malefactors. Adjacent to the local church, these churchmen practiced their own crooked religion in the church cantor's vast mansion. Besides blasphemy, the cult performed sacrificial murder and enslaved villagers to be buried alive. Further evidence of the nefarious activities was recently found among the now ruined cantor's mansion. Up to this date, only little has been known about the cult's actions, since most of their belongings were burned together with the culprits. As a matter of fact, it is known that the cultists were ultimately condemned to be scorched to death upon a church altar. What was found in the ruins has not been revealed until now. Consorted as the main discovery, an incredibly well-preserved book contains sermons written by the preacher Wilhelm. It seems that these twisted chants have led the cult to the series of murder, sacrifice, and conspiracy. The aged texts and hymns are now carefully transcribed in the songs of "Kadotetut", VAINAJA's debut full-length for Svart. The concept album adds unprecedented details to the controversial and encrypted story.

German technical death metallers CENTAURUS-A have recruited Lawrence Mackrory (DARKANE, F.K.Ü., SCARVE) to sing on their second album. The CD is currently being recorded at Dugout Studios in Uppsala, Sweden with producer Daniel Bergstrand (MESHUGGAH, IN FLAMES, DIMMU BORGIR).

Says CENTAURUS-A: "Lawrence is right now recording the vocals and will make it a beast of an album! "We're stoked to have him on board as session singer for the recordings!" Adds Mackrory: "[The new CENTAURUS-A material is] very brutal, very technical and very, very good."

CENTAURUS-A's debut album, "Side Effects Expected", was released in 2009 via Listenable Records. The CD was described as "a collection of rapid and savagely melodic death metal" which was recorded with producer Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, INVOCATOR) at Hansen studio in Ribe, Denmark.

CENTAURUS-A got its name from a galaxy. The band said, "It is one of the most interesting and peculiar galaxies in the sky, and is a strong source of radio radiation (therefore the designation Centaurus A); it is actually the nearest radio galaxy. Centaurus A galaxy has swallowed another galaxy similar to ours about 2 billion years ago."

The band was formed in 2000 and released three demos prior to signing with Listenable: "Last Step Line" (2000), "Nimbus" (2001) and "Narcotic" (2003).

Canadian/U.S. progressive metallers and former instrumentalists INTERVALS have released the song "The Escape", the second single from the band's highly anticipated debut LP, "A Voice Within", due on March 4. Check it out below.

INTERVALS is currently touring Europe with PROTEST THE HERO, TESSERACT and THE SAFETY FIRE.

INTERVALS recently announced the addition of vocalist Mike Semesky to the group's ranks.

Mike's vocals have manifested in many guises over the past few years; most notably on the debut album from U.K. metallers THE HAARP MACHINE, where Rock Sound magazine commented that his performance is one of the album's highlights. Metal Hammer magazine were also huge fans, choosing a track off the record to open their October 2012 "Metal 2.0 – Future Metal" cover-mount CD.

INTERVALS have been making huge waves over the past few years following the release of their debut instrumental EP, "The Space Between", and sophomore EP, "In Time". Viral tracks and numerous tours with the likes of TEXAS IN JULY, NORTHLANE, STRUCTURES, THE KINDRED, THE COLOR MORALE, MISERY SIGNALS and more, have built a devoted fan-base and quickly affirmed the band as serious contenders on the international circuit.

Given INTERVALS' early success as an instrumental outfit, it was a gamble for primary writer/guitarist Aaron Marshall to bring in a full-time vocalist, but it's a move that he feels is absolutely right.

Said Aaron: "We're incredibly excited and proud to announce Mike as the band's singer.

"INTERVALS has always been about open-minded, forward-thinking, progressive music with no boundaries. It's also been about staying true to the art we feel compelled to make, and we couldn't be happier with the dynamic Mike brings to the music.

"For those who remember, the band put out a feeler for a vocalist with the release of 'The Space Between', but in lieu of finding the right candidate, we decided to move forward with our initial intent: Make music.

"Mike joined the band as our bass player, but after only a few weeks of touring, it was apparent that this was the chemistry we were after all along.

"The human voice is an instrument and from our perspective, we are by definition, still an 'instrumental' band, now with added dimension and perspective. The band still retains its identity in guitar-driven, progressive rock/metal and there's something on this record for everyone.

"We couldn't be more thankful for the support you have all shown us over the past few years and we hope you continue to follow along on this journey we share."

Completing the lineup are drummer Anup Sastry (JEFF LOOMIS, SKYHARBOR) and guitarist Lukas Guyader.

According to Courthouse News, ex-MACHINE HEAD bassist Adam Duce has filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates alleging trademark infringement, breach of partnership agreement and defamation, among other things.

Duce was fired from MACHINE HEAD on February 11, 2013, a few months prior to the band signing a new deal with Nuclear Blast Entertainment. According to Adam, he was expelled from the group "after he put 21 years of his life into it" so as to allow the other bandmembers to make a bigger profit.

"Despite their increase in popularity and touring revenue, plaintiff became concerned with how little income he was receiving, despite the time and hard work put into developing the band," Duce says in the complaint.

Although MACHINE HEAD formed a general partnership and a corporation under which each member owned 25 percent, the band's guitarist/vocalist, Robert Flynn, got a larger portion of the band's income, Duce claims.

MACHINE HEAD's 2009 tour, which included dates with METALLICA, grossed more than $2 million. A 2012 Europe tour grossed more than $3 million, according to the complaint.

"After receiving very little compensation despite the millions the band was bringing in, plaintiff requested and reviewed the records from the tours. Plaintiff found that [the band's manager, co-defendant Joseph W.] Huston, Flynn, and PFM [Provident Financial Management] had squandered money throughout the trip without consulting plaintiff for the vast majority of 'expenses,'" Duce says in the lawsuit.

"Despite their increase in popularity and touring revenue, [Duce] became concerned with how little income he was receiving, despite the time and hard work put in to developing the band," the complaint states.

"Though he expressed these concerns to Flynn, Huston, and PFM, [Duce] was never satisfied with the answers he received."

The complaint adds: "Despite plaintiff's expressed concerns, he was unable to make enough money to live within his modest means. Because of this, when the band was not touring, plaintiff supplemented his income as a licensed real estate appraiser."

The lawsuit goes on to say: "After [guitarist] Ahrue Luster left the band and was replaced by [Phil] Demmel, MACHINE HEAD continued as a partnership in which all four members — [Duce], Flynn, [drummer Dave] McClain, and now Demmel — held equal 25% shares in MH from approximately late 2002 until February 2013.

"While early on, each of the partners had equal rights in the management and conduct of MH business, Flynn, with the help of Huston, began making unilateral decisions without involving the other partners, essentially usurping control of the partnership.

"Despite the fact that Huston received 10% of the band's gross income, he failed to ensure that the members of the band made even close to his 10% cut."

Duce alleges that Nuclear Blast, Flynn and Huston wrongfully and intentionally conspired to expel and then did expel Adam from the band prior to signing the new record deal in an attempt to preclude Duce from enjoying the profits of the new record deal. "As a direct, proximate result of these actions, [Duce] has been damaged in an amount to be proven at trial, but in any event in excess of $800,000," the complaint states.

Flynn wrote about Duce's departure in a "diary entry" on MACHINE HEAD's web site by "directly attacking plaintiff's work ethic," Duce says in the complaint.

"Therein, Flynn stated, inter alia, 'We may have fired Adam on 2-11-13, but Adam quit MACHINE HEAD well over a decade ago. He just never bothered to tell anyone ... but we all knew it.' Flynn went on further in the diary entry, continuing to say about plaintiff, 'No matter how un-happy [sic] or fed up he got, quitting the band would be seen as 'losing' or a 'failure.' Truth be told, he was sick of it. Sick of touring, sick of recording, sick of practicing, sick of looking at album artwork, sick of being-on-a-team-but-never-getting-the-ball, sick of yearning-for-the-honeymoon-to-resume when 20 years deep it never does. Sick of never quite hitting the big-time, sick of carving the niche ... sick of caring.'" (Ellipses in complaint.)

Adam claims that Flynn's "diary entry was libelous per se in that in contained untrue statements made to third parties that tended to harm [Duce] in his reputation and occupation." Duce adds that "Flynn published this diary entry without making a reasonable effort to ascertain the truthfulness of its contents." In addition, "Flynn was not privileged to make such statements in the diary entry. As a direct, proximate result of this diary entry, [Duce] has been damaged in an amount to be proven at trial, but in any event in excess of $1,000,000."

Duce, who still holds interest in the band's partnership and company, claims that no agreement was ever made about his share of future royalties and profits. He says the other bandmembers "simply kicked him out of the band and presumed he would forget about over two decades of hard work, dedication, and effort he put into the Band." Duce also says his likeness is used on the band's web site and in promotions without his authorization.

Swedish progressive melodic death metallers SCAR SYMMETRY are working on a concept album trilogy, "The Singularity". The first of the three albums, "The Singularity (Phase I: Neohumanity)", will be released later in the year.

Comments SCAR SYMMETRY guitarist Per Nilsson: "Last year, Henrik [Ohlsson, drums] approached me with this super-cool lyrical concept that was so complex and vast in scope that we realized it was a story that couldn't be told in just one album. So, the decision was made: instead of writing a new album, we started working on a trilogy of albums — the most ambitious project of our career.

"In the coming decades, we will see the rise of artificial intelligence and transhumanism. Humanity will build artilects (artificial intellects) with mental capacities far above the human level of thought. By the year 2030, one of the world's biggest industries will be 'artificial brains,' used to control artilects that will be genuinely intelligent and useful. Millions of people will be prepared to spend more money on an artilect than on a car.

"So in about a decade there will be a thriving artificial brain industry, and nearly everyone will have an artilect which will be upgraded every two or three years. Each new artilect generation will be smarter and more useful than the previous generation, so that as the gap between the human intelligence level and the artificial intelligence level gets smaller every year, the species dominance debate will increase.

"There will be those who embrace the new technology and those who oppose it. There will also be those who add artilectual components to their own bodies, aiming to become artilect gods themselves.

"The rise of the artilects and cyborgs will be disruptive to human culture, creating alienation and hatred. Children infused with artilectual nanotechnology and components will become dead to their parents as they see their offspring turn into cyborgs because they are no longer human, but an artilect in human disguise. Those who oppose the cyborgs and artilects will have to strike early in the oncoming conflict or they will be overthrown by the superior artificial species. Add to this the advances in cryonics and cloning where minds can be downloaded and uploaded into eternal physical life and we see a very different reality emerge on earth.

"The singularity is here, technocalypse and cybergeddon emerges!"

Guitarist Jonas Kjellgren left SCAR SYMMETRY in August 2013 "due to scheduling conflicts with his studio work and his other bands — RAUBTIER and BOURBON BOYS."

SCAR SYMMETRY was forced to cancel its fall 2012 North American headlining tour due to visa issues.

The band's's latest album, "The Unseen Empire", sold around 1,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 11 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 Unseen Empire" was released on April 15, 2011 in Europe and May 17, 2011 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records.

German metal legends MAJESTY have announced that bassist Carsten Kettering has left the band, only one year after joining. Carsten was the only member of Majesty who has a regular job besides the band. Due to the immense live and studio activities he now had to accept that the band and his job are not compatible with each other anymore.
Singer Tarek issued the following statement: ”We, as a band, are very sad because of Carsten's departure. Not only because he is a great bass player but also because he's a good friend. However, we of course respect his decision. We played more than 50 shows last year and we want to increase that number in 2014 which is only possible when you can give 100% of your time and strength for the band. Carsten told me that this is not possible with his job besides the band anymore and we respect that. We wish him all the best. Of course now we need a new bass player as soon as possible!”
The band is very thankful to Andi Siegl, who already covered for Carsten on the December shows. But now Majesty is looking for a new bass player who is ready to give all his power and dedication to the band. If you're interested please write an email to info@metalentertainment.de.

Originally released in 2000, Lars Eric Mattsson has gone back to the master tapes and remixed the sound for a new digital version of the eponymous CONDITION RED debut album which saw release on all leading digital platforms on January 15th.

Condition Red is a progressive rock/metal project originally a dream child of keyboardist Alexander King and guitarist Lars Eric Mattsson. The first album was composed in 1999 and released 2000 and featured a seven-piece band which included guitarist Alex Masi (MASI, MCM) and guest Derek Sherinian (ex-DREAM THEATER, BILLY IDOL) on some blistering keyboard solos. Condition Red mixes progressive metal with hard rock, neoclassical and fusion.
A press release states: “The album contains eight long-form tracks, of which three (‘Bach On The Streets Again’, ‘Lighthouse’, ‘Final Words’) are all instrumental. Complex arrangements with symphonic orchestra and full blast solos from some of today’s greatest musicians are taken to a new level on this concept album. Alex Masi, Derek Sherinian and Lars Eric Mattsson need no further introduction and the newcomers have no problem fitting in.

Condition Red was written in late 1999 and recorded between January and April 2000. The band explored and developed new ground rather than following in the steps of others, and its complicated rhythms and arrangements are not like any other releases that we know of. Ella Grussner's violin and vocals are an essential part of this project, as well as the two amazing keyboardists, Derek Sherinian and newcomer Alexander King.”

Condition Red tracklisting:

‘Calls Out My Name’
‘Judgement Day’
‘Life Is Now’
‘Bach On The Streets’
‘Fly Me High’
‘Lighthouse’
‘Learning To Live’
‘Final Words’

For links to purchase the album visit LionMusic.com.

Slash and his solo band, MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS, are scheduled to enter the studio in early February to record the third album under the solo Slash banner. The follow-up to 2012's "Apocalyptic Love" is being helmed by producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette, known for his work with Kennedy's other band, ALTER BRIDGE, as well as FALLING IN REVERSE, STORY OF THE YEAR and INCUBUS, to name a few.

Todd Kerns, the bassist and backup vocalist in Slash's band, writes on his blog: "I have to admit that, conceptually, I felt that 'Apocalyptic Love' would be a tough act to follow, but I can say with all the confidence in the world that we are more than armed and ready.

"Not only do I feel that the material surpasses 'Apocalyptic Love', I think we are ten times the band we were when that album was recorded.

"The material on this album is more serious and more fun at the same time, which is a tough balance indeed. The songs are sleazier, tougher and more dangerous. Exactly where I feel most comfortable.

"We are all very excited to unleash the monster upon you as soon as we can.

"We enter the studio early February and will work through the next few months. No plans as to when anything will be finished. It'll be done when it's done. I know we all hope to be back out on the road sooner than later but we'll see.

"Our work with Michael 'Elvis' Baskette has been a blast. He's been a lot of fun to have around and doesn't mind getting his hands dirty within the pre-production process. All of the songs have taken on a new life under his whip. I'm enjoying every minute of this. Our engineer, Jef Moll, is a genius. This is an amazing team.

"Gonna be monstrous!"

The former GUNS N' ROSES and current VELVET REVOLVER axeman began this chapter of his career back in 2010 with his self-titled solo debut.That album was recorded with a number of guest musicians and vocalists, including Kennedy. The latter first joined Slash as his touring vocalist, then became the permanent singer starting with "Apocalyptic Love".

Slash told The Pulse Of Radio that the partnership with Kennedy seemed natural from the start. "We work really well together," he said. "I never really thought about how that's progressing. It's real natural. So it's like any kind of sort of close relationship, where I think we established it really, really early on and now we're just sort of doing our thing, you know. Yeah, I don't know what else to say — it's just a really cool kind of synergy that we've got."

Kennedy and ALTER BRIDGE released their fourth album, "Fortress", last fall and will hit the road in early 2014.

Slash also recently launched a second career as a movie producer, with his Slasher Films production company issuing its first release, called "Nothing Left To Fear", in October 2013.