"Met Al Metal" — Israel's metal radio show hosted by brothers Lior and Niv Peleg — recently conducted an interview with DESTRUCTION bassist/vocalist Schmier. During the chat, which can be streamed using the audio player below, Schmier reveals that he is currently working on a new side project with members of ACCEPT.

DESTRUCTION's 30th-anniversary album, "Spiritual Genocide", was released on November 23, 2012 via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2011's "Day Of Reckoning" was recorded at Gernhart Studios in Troisdorf, Germany with engineer Martin Buchwalter and was mixed by Andy Classen. The album features guest appearances by Thomas "Angelripper" Such (SODOM), Andreas "Gerre" Geremia (TANKARD) and Ol Drake (EVILE). In addition, the "Mad Butcher"/"Release From Agony" lineup of DESTRUCTION — featuring guitarist Harry Wilkens and drummer Oliver Kaiser — reunited for one song.

Asked how DESTRUCTION's sound has evolved over the years, Schmier told Metal Assault, "We were 17-18 years old when we started, and we were young and wild. We didn't play that well at the time. Of course now, we have the experience of 30 years and our playing skills are totally different, so we cannot really compare, but I still compare the style of music and it's still thrash metal. We still do it with a lot of emotion and a lot of aggression, and those things will never change. I think we even came more brutal and more aggressive with this new album as compared to the old ones, actually. [Today's] DESTRUCTION doesn't sound like an old band."

Interview (audio):

SKID ROW will enter the studio on February 2 to begin recording "United World Rebellion - Chapter Two", the second in a series of EPs that the reincarnated band — Dave "Snake" Sabo (guitar), Rachel Bolan (bass), Scotti Hill (guitar), Johnny Solinger (vocals) and Rob Hammersmith (drums) — plans to release in the near future.

SKID ROW's last EP, "United World Rebellion - Chapter One", was released in Europe on May 24, 2013 via Germany's UDR Music. The European version of the EP includes two bonus tracks, both of them cover tunes: "Fire Fire" (EZO) and "United" (JUDAS PRIEST).

"United World Rebellion - Chapter One" sold around 1,500 copies in the Unted States in its first week of release. The CD was made available in North America on April 16, 2013 via MRI.

In a recent interview with Metalshrine, Bolan stated about SKID ROW's decision to release a series of EPs: "The reason we're doing it is because we wanted to try something different and try a different angle.

"We're old school and we've always put out a full-length and then toured for a year and a half or whatever.

"Technology moves so fast and information overload kinda rules the day, so we went, 'Why don't we put together seven songs and put out three chapters over the next two years?' Snake [guitarist Dave Sabo] and I were talking about it and when we told the rest of the band they were into it and our label loved it.

"The main reason is to put out some new music and tour after that and then more new music and tour after that. Keep everything fresh. And then another reason was the economic factor. It's a lot easier for a SKID ROW fan to put down 6 dollars instead of having to shell out 17 for a full-length. I think some people are still not sure about it, because it is a different way of doing things, but we just did it because we thought it would be a cool idea to have a concept.

"It was seven years between "Revolutions Per Minute" and "United World Rebellion" because we toured so much, and honestly, one night, I forget who said it, it was Scotti [Hill, guitar] or Snake, 'Man, we haven't put out new music in a really long time.' And we were, like, 'Nah, it's been like two or three years.' We started thinking and it was, like, 'No, it's been like seven years.' [laughs]

"From a songwriter's standpoint, it's a lot less pressure. It keeps your chops up as a songwriter and there's always something for the band to do; there's never really any down time. Between writing, recording and touring, for this whole year, we've probably only taken two weeks completely off."

Video footage of THREAT SIGNAL drummer Joey Huma playing one of the songs from the band's forthcoming fourth album, due later this year, can be seen below.

THREAT SIGNAL's third, self-titled album was released in October 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Planet Z studios in Hadley, Massachusetts with producer Chris "Zeuss" Harris (CHIMAIRA, HATEBREED, ALL THAT REMAINS, THE ACACIA STRAIN, BORN OF OSIRIS, SHADOWS FALL). THREAT SIGNAL members Jon Howard and Pat Kavanagh were also involved with ARKAEA, the band featuring FEAR FACTORY members Raymond Herrera (drums) and Christian Olde Wolbers (guitar).

Singer Kobi Farhi (pictured) of Israeli progressive folk metal masters ORPHANED LAND has released the following statement regarding the departure of the band's guitarist, Yossi Sassi:

"It is a sad day for us.

"I remember the day me and Uri [Zelcha, bass] were looking for a guitarist and put an ad on one of the record shops in Israel. No one called for some time, until we got only one response, and that was Yossi's.

"Since our youth, we were veins of the same body and soul, and built something which was but a realm of light. However, we respect the fact that taking different paths is a part of life.

"These situations had happened to even bigger and greater than ORPHANED LAND and the important thing here is that we are still and forever brothers, and the door remains open for both sides.

"Writing or sharing the stage is something we could easily keep on doing in the near future. Until then, we offer Yossi a warm hug, and wish him the very best!

"As for ORPHANED LAND, we keep on going with full force unto our next goals.

"We never had a main composer or a mastermind in the band. ORPHANED LAND was always an adventure in which all members are partners in the writing process and in the shaping of the band’s concept. Therefore, ORPHANED LAND will always be an idea, a concept, a whole which is larger than the sum of its parts.

"We are planning and will soon announce many shows for 2014 as well as write new material for our next albums.

"With endless love, let there be light."

ORPHANED LAND's sixth full-length album, "All Is One", was released in North America on June 25, 2013 (one day earlier internationally) via Century Media Records. The cover artwork for the follow-up to 2010's "The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR" was created by the French artist Metastazis (PARADISE LOST, AS I LAY DYING, SONNE ADAM, WATAIN) by perfectly incorporating the three biggest religious symbols into one piece of art.

"All Is One" was made available as a limited deluxe book edition, including three bonus songs and a bonus DVD, as well as limited double gatefold LP, including the three bonus songs and in different vinyl colors. A standard jewelcase CD format and digital download is also available.

The limited-edition version of "All Is One" contains a very special bonus DVD with some very exclusive music clips and an interesting documentary about the genesis and recording of the album.

ORPHANED LAND's new effort was the band's first to feature guitarist Chen Balbus following the departure of Matty Svatizky in June 2012 due to "personal" and "professional" issues.

"All Is One" was mixed by Jens Bogren (JAMES LABRIE, DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, OPETH) and was recorded in three different countries: Israel, Turkey and Sweden. Ironically, these countries are Jewish, Muslim and Christian, respectively, which strengthens the ORPHANED LAND message of unity through music. Over 40 musicians were used to flesh out the sound of "All Is One", including 25 choir singers and eight classical violin, viola and cello players from Turkey.

ORPHANED LAND's concert DVD, "The Road To OR-Shalem", was released in October 2011 in Europe and November 2011 in the U.S. via Century Media Records.

Indian metal veterans DEMONIC RESURRECTION have parted ways with their long time lead guitarist Daniel Kenneth Rego.
An official statement from Daniel Rego reads: “To everyone who's listened to and supported Demonic Resurrection over all these years, thank you. My decision to part ways with the band is based on a simple fact - I no longer feel the same passion and connection with this style of music, in general. Demonic Resurrection is at a stage where it requires a 100% from everyone involved in order to move forward, and speaking as an individual musician, I feel I am no more in the musical and aesthetic space to fully give to the band what it deserves. I hope I will continue to receive your support in my endeavours in other musical idioms, a few of which will be formally announced in the near future. Until then, to quote a famous musician, ‘Cheers and stay Demonic!’”

The band has announced a farewell show for the guitarist on January 19th at the Blue Frog club in Mumbai.
The band previously announced their first date for their 2014 UK/Europe Tour. They will be making an appearance at Scotland's award winning festival Les-Fest. The third edition of this festival will see the band perform on the main stage on Friday, June 27th. Other acts confirmed for Les-Fest include SCARED MOTHER TONGUE, CYPHER16, REVOKER and FALLING RED.
Said festival director, Dave Ritchie “Having a band with the International stature of Metal Hammer Golden Gods, Demonic Resurrection, shows that Les-Fest has become a must do on the summer festival circuit. They should be a highlight of your weekend, I am personally stoked”.

Demonic Resurrection will be announcing more dates across UK/Europe for their 2014 tour. The band also recently released their performance footage from Bloodstock Festival 2012 in it's entirety. The video was completely funded by their fans and can be viewed below:

New York-area heavy metal band VILEBORN has finally released their long-awaited Vileated EP for the masses. The four-song EP is a milestone for the band, citing it as their debut studio release. The EP showcases the band’s unique brand of memorable, bare bones, heavy, hard rock.
A soft release of the EP - which was given free to members of the band’s elite street team, “he Bad Breed (which can be joined at their website) proved to be a massive success, generating tons of positive feedback. The EP is also available for purchase through iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Rhapsody and countless other online music distribution services.

VileBorn has been referred to as “the fastest rising band in New York”. Through aggressive touring, active social media, and of course, a healthy dose of notoriety, the band has been able to build a devoted fan base spanning across the entire United States and the rest of the World.

Known for their energetic, theatrical, and sometimes-violent performances, VileBorn frequently shares the stage with notable national acts in the heavy metal world. The band has played with groups such as MY TICKET HOME (Rise Records - ADA), STRAIGHT LINE STITCH (E1 Music – Universal Music Group), and 40 BELOW SUMMER (London-Sire Records – Warner Music Group), Since the band’s inception in May of 2012, VileBorn has become renowned as one of the most hard working and entertaining bands in the country.

"What the hell is going on with AMERICAN DOG?" asks vocalist and bassist Michael Hannon. "We've been very quiet... which means we are up to something!"

The band, consisting of Hannon, along with guitarists Steve Theado and Vinnie Salvatore, as well as drummer Michael "Hazard" Harris, have begun demoing "a bunch o new tunes for the next CD. I won't give 'em all away," says Hannon. "But here's a few song titles for ya: 'Carnivore', 'Who's She Killing Now?', 'Start To Bleed', 'Stuck In The Mud', 'The Sun Won't Shine', 'Neanderthal' and 'W.A.G.N.G.D.T.' The recording of the actual album starts in early February, the purpose of a demo is for us to listen and make changes as needed. Woof!"

Although a bit off our musical mandate, members of the hard rock/heavy metal community have paid tribute to Phil Everly who passed away on Friday, January 3rd of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at a Burbank hospital. About the EVERLY BROTHERS, BOB DYLAN once said, "We owe these guys everything. They started it all." Along with his brother Don Everly, the pair's hits included 'Bye Bye Love', 'Wake Up Little Susie' and 'All I Have To Do Is Dream'. They were inducted into the Rock `n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
SCORPIONS' Klaus Meine: "Always loved The Everly Brothers. RIP Phil Everly. Your music lives forever in my heart."

MEGADETH's Dave Mustaine: "It is with great sadness that I just learned music legend Phil Everly has passed away. Since joining his Cleartone String Company, one of the things I looked forward to most was meeting him. My sympathies to the family."

JACK RUSSELL (ex-GREAT WHITE): "Another sad day in music! Rest in peace Mr. Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans."

The TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA celebrated New Year's Eve by playing to over one million people in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany after two shows in the US, all in 27 hours.

A short documentary on the build-up to the show, as well as footage from the performance, is available below:

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TSO's upcoming European tour dates are as follows:

January
14 - Olympia - Paris, France
15 - Porsche Arena - Stuttgart, Germany
16 - Mitsubishi Electric Halle - Dusseldorf, Germany
17 - Forest National - Brussels, Belgium
20 - The Arena - Nuremberg, Germany
21 - Festhalle - Frankfurt, Germany
22 - AWD Hall - Hanover, Germany
25 - Tempodrom - Berlin, Germany
26 - Stadthalle - Vienna, Austria
28 - Big Box - Kempten, Germany

HOLYHELL - featuring singer Maria Breon and guitarist Joe Stump - have been in limbo since 2012 following an acrimonious split with their management. Breon has checked in with the following:
"At the beginning of 2013 my life changed, at which time Francisco and I made this recording. It is a piece we recently revisited since working on it several years back, and we decided we would like to share this quick demo with all of you.

When I sit and reflect upon this past year, and try to conjure up the words, I think of this piece and what it means to me as a person and as an artist.

I reflect upon the hardships of so many others, especially those who are infamously associated with this poem, and the courage they summoned in order to survive within the confines of much darkness.

May it remind us, that no matter what adversity life presents there is the soul, and no matter what lengths one will go to, to imprison another, the soul is unconquerable."

'Invictus'
Written by William Ernest Henley 1875, Published 1888
Darkness Visible, the new studio album from HolyHell, was due to be released as digital album and as physical CD in fall 2012. The band had originally announced a pre-release of the album in June 2012.

To bridge the waiting for this new studio album full of epic, power-goth metal, HolyHell released the EP Darkness Visible – The Warning that featuring three songs from the forthcoming long play album, and a never before released live version of the song ‘Armageddon’, performed live at The Agora, Cleveland, OH on March 12th, 2011.

German death metal heads DAMNATION DEFACED have announced the follower of their debut album Beyond The Pale. In February the band will enter with producer Kai Reidenbach the Evolution Studios in Hamburg to record the new material.

The band states: "In February, and after four years of evolving ourselves, we will record that death metal album, which accords to our ideas of songs and sound. We're glad and proud to say that we wrote an album which combines dynamic, brutality and melodies in an accordable way!"
For everyone who can't wait - the band made a new video for ‘Born In Blood’ from their latest free-to-download EP Slaughter Race.
For more info visit Facebook.

Tucson, Arizona-based LETHAL DOSAGE has joined with local brutes' GODHUNTER's newly-founded Battleground Records for the release of their second full-length, Consume, now set to be ingested late this February.

A press release says: “Lethal Dosage self-released their debut album, Inhale, in mid-2011, followed by regional touring ever since. After their breakthrough performance at the 2013 installment of the Southwest Terror Fest supporting SACRED REICH and LANDMINE MARATHON in their hometown, the head of the fest, and founder of Battleground Records, brought the pummeling act under the new label's cape, eager to unleash the bestial hammerfuck of their newly recorded Consume full-length. Lethal Dosage releases a brutal, modern, death-influenced, groove-laden style akin to CHIMAIRA and LAMB OF GOD, delivered through a caustic sludge production on Consume. Bearing fifty minutes of carnage, the album was recorded at Arcane Digital Studio, produced and mixed by Ryan Butler and mastered at Sonorous Mastering.”

Battleground will release Consume with a digipak CD and digital delivery on February 25th.

Lethal Dosage will tear through their region of the country on the Consume The Southwest Tour in February in support of the album's release, alongside Psykryptyca from Las Cruces, New Mexico. The itinerary for this run will be announced in the coming days, and a much more extensive excursion is also being planned for the summer months.

Consume tracklisting:

‘Drink’
‘Black Eye’
‘Katheter’
‘Poor-Man’
‘Melody’
‘Gods Shall Perish’
‘Matter Of Honor’
‘Time To Think’
‘Consume’
‘Sleep’
For more info visit Facebook.

Ottawa, ON-based death metallers DEAMON have posted the following message:
"Happy New Year to all our friends and fans. We thank you for all the patience and support you have shown us. We hope you enjoyed the Condemned To Darkness disc and we are going to make sure to not take as long for another one, haha.

Now that the new year has started, some of you may already know that Mike has switched over from bass to guitar, which is his original instrument, so we will be looking for someone to fill that spot and hopefully do some vocals as well. A bassist/vocalist would be perfect but were open to just a bassist and just a vocalist.

We're not going to get into shit slinging of why there are member changes (again)... It doesn't really matter - we just want to move forward and fucking blast. And with that we hope you all fucking enjoy your New Year and contact us if you want to audition."

Danish power metallers IRON FIRE have parted ways with bassist Martin Lund, who has posted the following message:
"Hey all, I'm no longer bassplayer in Iron Fire. Nothing personel, just need a break from it all. Wish the remaining guys all the best and know the next record will be badass, but my heart wasn't in it and it wouldn't be fair to anyone to participate further. But eight fucking great years, cheers and godspeed to IF."

Just yesterday, Iron Fire issued the following update:

"Happy new year Iron Heads, good news our break is over and we start to record the follow up to Voyage Of The Damned in about two weeks. We have chosen to stick to our guns and do what we feel is the right way for Iron Fire to go. The new album will be called Inferno and it will be a theme album based on the classic book The Divine Comedy aka Dantes Inferno.

It's gonna be our most dark and heavy album to date, and we are gonna showcase a lot of new elements to our sound. We are still and will always be power metal but that will not keep us from evolving our music. Iron Fire music comes from the heart and not what any record label or trend dictates.
Two years in the rehearsal room has taken its toll on the band resulting in the departure of Martin Lund. We thank him for eight great years and wish him the best of luck for the future. The bass will from now on be handled by Martin Steene: "I've been playing bass for many years and being the sole song writer of Iron Fire I see this as the best solution, now I actually get to play and scream my own songs at the same time."

We will continue as a three-piece and work our asses of in 2014 to create the ultimate power metal assault for all of you. Its a new year, a new chapter and there is a new beast on the way."

SKYHARBOR drummer Anup Sastry's other band, INTERVALS, have released a new single 'Ephemeral' off of their forthcoming album featuring new vocalist Mike Semesky:
The band has posted the following statement regarding Semesky joining them:

"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. This release is our proudest musical accomplishment to date and we can't wait for everyone to hear it!"

Intervals will be on the road in Europe this month supporting PROTEST THE HERO, TESSERACT And THE SAFETY FIRE. Dates are as follows:

January
6 - Karlsruhe, Germany - Substage
7 - Nürnberg, Germany - Hirsch
8 - Berlin, Germany - Magnet
9 - Hamburg, Germany - Logo
10 - Stockholm, Sweden - Klubben
11 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Fängelset
12 - Oslo, Norway - John Dee
14 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega
16 - Aarschot, Belgium - De Klinker
17 - Paris, France - Divan du Monde
18 - Toulouse, France - Le Saint Des Seins
19 - Madrid, Spain - Copernico
20 - Barcelona, Spain - SalaBoveda
22 - Aarau, Switzerland - Kiff
23 - Milan, Italy - Zoe Club
24 - Salzburg, Austria - Rockhouse
25 - Wien, Austria - Szene
26 - Budapest, Hungary - DürerKert
28 - München, Germany - Backstage
29 - Leipzig, Germany - Conne Island
30 - Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxemburg - Rockhal
31 - Köln, Germany - Essigfabrik

February
1 - Brighton, England - Concorde 2
2 - Birmingham, England - O2 Academy2
4 - Sheffield, England - Corporation
5 - Glasgow, Scotland - Classic Grand
6 - Manchester, England - Academy2
7 - London, England - The Electric Ballroom
8 - Dordrecht, Holland - Bibelot

Belgian grindcore act LENG TCH’E has checked in with the following:

“Another year gone by. A little older and none the wiser. More stages destroyed, eardrums pierced, brain cells annihilated, friendships made and Japan finally conquered after 12 years of spreading the razor grind worldwide.
A new full length album is being recorded as we speak and will see the light of day in the coming year. In the meantime, enjoy the last song of the last show of our last tour. We couldn't have done any of this without the support of you guys, our dear fans. Party hard and see you all on the road in 2014!”
For more info visit Facebook.

SYMPHONY X's Mike LePond will lay down the bass tracks on the forthcoming sophomore album "Back From The Edge", from the Pennsylvania-based melodic metal band MINDMAZE. The CD is tentatively due in September.

Comments MINDMAZE: "It is with sadness that MindMaze announces the departure of our bassist, Rich Pasqualone.

"Rich has been an invaluable part of this band for close to two years, and while 'Mask Of Lies' was already in the works before he joined the group, it's certain that the majority of the 35 shows played in support of the record would not have happened without Rich to complete the lineup. His involvement has also been integral in the crafting of the majority of the material for the forthcoming album, 'Back From The Edge'.

"We've had a lot of great times together and this has been the strongest and most stable lineup any of us have ever been involved in. We suppose it's fitting that our mutual decision to part ways comes with no bad blood whatsoever.

"Many times, bands list 'musical and personal differences' as a generic way to cover up a bad falling out, but in this case, it couldn't be more accurate. Sometimes it's merely the responsible thing to recognize when the courses you've charted are eventually going to diverge.

"We wish Rich the best in his future endeavors, musical or otherwise.

"Moving swiftly forward, we are honored to announce that none other than SYMPHONY X bassist and close friend of the band Mike LePond will be stepping in on bass duties for the entirety of the forthcoming album.

"Mike certainly needs no introduction, as SYMPHONY X are one of the leaders in modern progressive/power metal, and have served as a big influence on all of us.

"We're honored to call Mike a friend and work with him in the studio as he is truly one of the classiest guys in the business on any level.

"We're truly excited for this collaboration as well as the album in general and we hope you will see things in a similar light!"

MINDMAZE's debut album, "Mask Of Lies", was released in February 2013 and saw surprising worldwide success and praise for a strictly independent release, selling 90% of the first pressing in just 10 months. The band's follow-up album will also feature guest appearances from members of STRATOVARIUS, LORD, PHARAOH and DRAEKON.

Guitarist Yossi Sassi, founding member and main composer of Israel-based oriental folk metallers ORPHANED LAND, has announced his departure from the band.

In a statement, he said: "I never thought that someday I'll write these words… yet if there's something stronger than our past — it is our future, and our dreams, as we evolve and understand what is right for us in the path ahead.

"You know I always strive to be creative, innovative, compose the next authentic thing, and devoted my life to fuse and mix together the East and West, acoustic with electric, rock with folk traditional music, all with authenticity and full heart. "Books could be written from the what I've done for and gone through since founding ORPHANED LAND (initially named RESURRECTION in 1991), from every fan mail in the early '90s, through signing the first deal with Holy Records, endorsements, budgeting, website development, pledging... the list goes on and on. Above all, I'm proud most of my vast compositions, arrangements, production and musical boundaries explored. "ORPHANED LAND has been a dream turned into reality with tremendous hard work and accomplishments. It is my life's work, spanning over more than 22 years as a founding member, composer, producer and many other roles. But mainly being 'the heart' I always believed ORPHANED LAND should reflect through.

"I feel that now, from all the right reasons that I can and cannot change, the time has come for new dreams. "The first dream is on its way already. The new album I'm working on these days will be called 'Desert Butterflies', a conceptual piece, rich and diverse, continued to my debut solo release, 'Melting Clocks', and the 'oriental rock' genre I've been pioneering and redefining. It includes musical collaborations with Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal (GUNS N' ROSES), Marty Friedman (MEGADETH), Mariangela Demurtas (TRISTANIA) and more. it'll be worth the wait.

"I'm never leaving you.

"I'm not closing the door, not on ORPHANED LAND members, and certainly not on YOU, my beloved and loyal fans, friends and followers. "The best is yet to come... I guarantee it to you, personally."

ORPHANED LAND's sixth full-length album, "All Is One", was released in North America on June 25, 2013 (one day earlier internationally) via Century Media Records. The cover artwork for the follow-up to 2010's "The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR" was created by the French artist Metastazis (PARADISE LOST, AS I LAY DYING, SONNE ADAM, WATAIN) by perfectly incorporating the three biggest religious symbols into one piece of art.

"All Is One" was made available as a limited deluxe book edition, including three bonus songs and a bonus DVD, as well as limited double gatefold LP, including the three bonus songs and in different vinyl colors. A standard jewelcase CD format and digital download is also available.

The limited-edition version of "All Is One" contains a very special bonus DVD with some very exclusive music clips and an interesting documentary about the genesis and recording of the album.

ORPHANED LAND's new effort was the band's first to feature guitarist Chen Balbus following the departure of Matty Svatizky in June 2012 due to "personal" and "professional" issues.

"All Is One" was mixed by Jens Bogren (JAMES LABRIE, DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, OPETH) and was recorded in three different countries: Israel, Turkey and Sweden. Ironically, these countries are Jewish, Muslim and Christian, respectively, which strengthens the ORPHANED LAND message of unity through music. Over 40 musicians were used to flesh out the sound of "All Is One", including 25 choir singers and eight classical violin, viola and cello players from Turkey.

ORPHANED LAND's concert DVD, "The Road To OR-Shalem", was released in October 2011 in Europe and November 2011 in the U.S. via Century Media Records.

Guitarist John Petrucci of progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER tells Billboard.com that the band is already thinking ahead to its next studio album, which is not expected to arrive before the end of 2015 at the earliest.

"Some initial conversations have already started," Petrucci says. "There are some song ideas and little things like that — nothing really official, but the seeds just start to get planted.

"One of the great things about this career is that you have the opportunity every time to go in and start again with a blank slate and think, 'What can we do differently? How can we make this better?' Where can we go from here?' Every album has a story, and to constantly have a fresh opportunity to do it is really satisfying."

DREAM THEATER's spirit of adventure and fearless musical virtuosity continues to reap dividends for the progressive metal titans who've just earned their second Grammy nomination, this time for "Best Metal Performance" for their single "The Enemy Inside" from their current self-titled album on Roadrunner Records. The band — John Petrucci (guitar), John Myung (bass), James LaBrie (vocals), Jordan Rudess (keyboards & continuum) and Mike Mangini (drums) — received its first-ever Grammy nomination in 2012 for "On The Backs Of Angels" (from their "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" album) in the "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance" category.

DEF LEPPARD singer Joe Elliott has paid tribute to EVERLY BROTHERS' Phil Everly, who died on January 3 due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Said Joe in a statement posted on DEF LEPPARD's web site: "About 7, maybe 8 years ago, Phil Everly came to see us and was a very gracious guest. He stayed to the end, came back to say hi and told us that it's great to hear a band do what you do without any damn tapes! There was a collective swelling of pride in the dressing room when we heard those words from one of the best harmony singers of all time.

"What an honor to be in the same room as him and hear him say such nice things; [he was] a true gentleman."

DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen told Artisan News that the band will enter the studio on February 1 to begin work on the follow-up to 2008's "Songs From The Sparkle Lounge".

Collen revealed in a separate interview that the band has plans to record both an EP and full-length album. He explained: "An album would obviously take too long, so we're gonna do about four or five songs, get those out and then [later in the] year have an album come out, so it'll be an EP and an album."

Finnish progressive death metallers BARREN EARTH have announced the addition of Faroese native Jón Aldará as the band's new lead vocalist.

The group, which features in its ranks KREATOR guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö, has been busy fine-tuning and demoing songs for its third full-length album, with plans to start recording during the spring.

"As a fan of BARREN EARTH from the very beginning, I had no doubts about showing my interest in the singer position," says Jón Aldárá. "And now that things have started rolling and I've had some time to look at the new material, I'm extremely excited to be part of the band's future. Now let's rock!"

Adds BARREN EARTH guitarist Janne Perttilä: "Jón is a friend with a strong voice that simply is no less than a perfect fit for our material — old and new.

"I was grinning like crazy as we ran through a handful of new songs at our first rehearsal with him after sending demos back and forth over e-mail the past couple of months, everything was just sounding so good.

"There's just no way to put this without sounding clichéd as hell, but his contribution to the new material has indeed already taken the sound of the band to a new level.

"Can't wait to hit the stage and the studio!"

BARREN EARTH 2014 is:

Jón Aldará - Lead VocalsSami Yli-Sirniö - GuitarJanne Perttilä - GuitarOlli-Pekka Laine - BassKasper Mårtenson - KeyboardsMarko Tarvonen – Drums

In July 2013, BARREN EARTH parted ways with vocalist Mikko Kotamäki "due to conflicting schedules."

BARREN EARTH's sophomore full-length album, "The Devil's Resolve", was released in North America in March 2012 via Peaceville Records. The effort was made available on CD and vinyl, with artwork provided by notable U.S.-based artist Paul Romano (MASTODON). The LP was mixed by Dan Swanö (OPETH, KATATONIA) at Unisound in Sweden.

"The Rains Begin" video:

Guitarist Mark Morton of Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD is sitting out the band's current European headlining tour due to a "family emergency." Filling in for him is Paul Waggoner of BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME.

In a statement posted on his Instagram account, LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe explained Morton's absence, writing: "[Paul Waggoner], who plays guitar in the amazing BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, will be fulfilling stage-left guitar duty this tour. Regrettably, Mark Morton has to stay at home this run due to a family emergency. LAMB OF GOD has had a pretty rough time with this lately, as both John [Campbell, bass] and one of our crew members (who might as well be band members) had to unexpectedly leave our last tour for the same exact reason.

"Mark is doing just fine, he's OK, but when these things arise, we have no choice but to cancel tour or get a fill-in. Life happens, as regrettably a lot of my friends have found out recently.

"2014 has started out pretty stressfully for a lot of people I know, but you soldier on and get through it.

"As I stated when John had to split last tour, family absolutely comes first with the members of this band, so when one of us needs to stay at home to be with his family, that's what happens — no questions asked, we just say, 'OK, bro, stay home and handle your business,' and we don't answer questions by ANYONE about personal family business, so don't bother asking me why Mark isn't here — just know that he is OK and needs to be with his family right now.

"No one in this band would cancel a tour if it wasn't absolutely necessary, and we certainly don't like touring without all our members, but we are actual human beings with families, not heavy metal robots, so we have real-life families with real-life problems.

"I hope y'all here in Europe, the U.K. and South Africa can understand — we are still coming, we are still going to kick ass and take names.

"Paul totally rips, he's filled in for Mark before when Mark's wife was having their kid, so he knew the tunes already — and last night's show RULED in Austria, despite the fact that I threw so much water all over the place that Paul slipped on the slick stage, did a full-on David Lee Roth split onstage, and BUSTED HIS ASS (it was totally my fault, but DAMN, that shit was funny). So thank you in advance for coming to see us — we are gonna kill it tonight in Milano!"

Fan-filmed video footage of the first show of the European tour, which took place last night (Monday, January 6) in Vienna, Austria, can be seen below.

Eagle Records will release "Ián-Bú", the latest DVD offering from Taiwanese metal collective CHTHONIC. The first new video release from the eclectic ensemble in six years includes stunning live footage and extensive bonus features beginning with CHTHONIC's full performance at the 2013 Formoz festival in Taipei, Taiwan, where they were joined by the Chai Feng Traditional Orchestra, as well as renowned Taiwanese opera singer Tang Mei-yun for a collaborative rendition of the track "Defenders Of Bú-Tik Palace". Additionally, the near-hour-long DVD offers up five spectacular music videos from their recently released "Bú-tik" full-length: "Defenders Of Bú-Tik Palace", "Supreme Pain For The Tyrant", "Sail Into The Sunset's Fire", "Set Fire To The Island" and "Next Republic". The music videos are an extraordinary blend of martial arts, combat fighting, dance, and drama. CHTHONIC members wire-fly through the air, bathe in water amid torrential downpours and travel through time to a party in the 1930s in an elaborate military alliance between Nazi Germany and the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) regime. The production truly highlights CTHONIC's irrefutable creativity both onstage and beyond. Other extras include behind-the-scenes footage from the video shoots as well as exclusive interviews with bassist Doris Yeh, director Vince Chuang and various backstage footage. Full "Ián-Bú" breakdown + track listing:

01. Intro: Arising Armament02. Oceanquake03. Supreme Pain For The Tyrant04. Next Republic05. Takao06. Broken Jade07. Southern Cross08. Sail Into The Sunset's Fire09. Defenders Of Bú-tik Palace10. Outro: Undying Rearmament Bonus Features

* Formoz Afterwords* Chthonic Fashion

Music Videos

* "Supreme Pain For The Tyrant"* "Sail Into Sunset's Fire"* "Next Republic"* "Set Fire To The Island"* "Defenders Of Bú-tik Palace"* Behind-The-Scenes/Making-Of-Video* "Supreme Pain For The Tyrant"* "Sail Into Sunset's Fire"* "Defenders Of Bú-tik Palace"* Interview w/ bassist Doris Yeh and director Vince Chuang

"Ián-Bú" will be available on DVD and Visual Digital formats via Eagle Records on February 25. CHTHONIC released its award-winning seventh studio recording, "Bú-Tik", via Spinefarm Records last year. Called "a masterful and elegant tradition served underneath soaring thrash-influenced guitars, pummeling drums and a vocal performance that is absolutely stellar from an overlooked vocalist," by About.com, the critically adored "Bú-Tik" is centered around the story of the 228 Massacre, the Bú-Tik Palace and the Mirror Of Retribution, and emphasizes what bassist Doris Yeh describes as "righteous violence, justifiable defense, and the armed spirits."

Formed in 1995, with the existing lineup having been together since 2005, CHTHONIC blends metal with traditional Taiwanese instrumentation, mythology, Taoist folklore and the country's labyrinthine history, each album bearing a deep, conceptual story.

CHTHONIC is notorious for their elaborate costumes, stage makeup and highly visual stage shows as well as their outspoken political views on human rights and Taiwanese independence.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, SHINEDOWN has reportedly entered the studio this week to begin work on its fifth album, which will follow up 2012's "Amaryllis". Few details on the project are available, but drummer Barry Kerch told The Pulse Of Radio that the band had plenty of songs written already. "I'd say well over 30 songs," he said. "There's quite a bit of material out there, it's just, is it gonna work? Is it gonna flow with whatever that record's sound is at that time? Because really, records are a time capsule of what you're going through at that period in your life, so once you start piecing that together, even if it's a good song or a song that you really like, is it gonna fit on this record man? You have to go through that whole process. It can be painstaking for sure, but in the end you get a great record."

"Amaryllis" was somewhat of an underperformer for SHINEDOWN, following the platinum-plus sales and chart success of its previous effort, 2010's "The Sound Of Madness".

Still in limbo is an acoustic covers album that SHINEDOWN had planned to bring out in 2013 — until it was allegedly blocked by BON JOVI, who reportedly refused to grant SHINEDOWN permission to include a version of "Wanted Dead Or Alive" on the record.

The unreleased set contains covers of songs chosen by fans, including material by THE CLASH, PEARL JAM and METALLICA.

Swedish death metal overlords AEON have announced the addition of guitarist Ronnie Björnström to the group's ranks. Björnström produced the band's fourth studio album, "Aeons Black", which came out on November 20, 2012 via Metal Blade Records.

Says AEON in a statement: "We are all very exited about [Ronnie's addition to the band] and we say welcome to Ronnie. We're looking forward to fans seeing us live with Ronnie and hope to be back to the U.S. some point this year."

Adds Ronnie: "Having worked with the band for over four years as their front-of-house tech and producing their latest album, I know AEON is one of the best death metal bands out there. It is an honor for me to be sharing stage with the guys."

Guitarist Daniel Dlimi announced his departure from AEON last October, explaining in a statement: "I simply can't afford doing this no more. To tour with a band in our size, you actually lose money on each and every tour. For us, the expenses is always higher then the income, and if that wasn't enough, I also need to take time of from my daytime job which means absolutely no income at all during the period of a tour plus the extra expenses I get from the tour that does not get covered by the tour income."

Relapse Records will re-release MASTODON's "Call Of The Mastodon" collection on limited-edition vinyl on February 18 in North America, February 14 in Germany/Benelux/Finland and February 17 in the the rest of the world.

Pressed for the first time in over eight years, this compilation collects all of the band's earliest material including demo material, 2001's "Slick Leg" seven-inch single, and 2001's "Lifesblood" EP.

"Call Of The Mastodon" is a vital piece of heavy metal history and the crucial starting point in the still-burgeoning MASTODON legacy. The vinyl repress follows last year's represses of the seminal MASTODON debut, "Remission", and their now-legendary sophomore LP, "Leviathan".

The "Call of the Mastodon" vinyl includes a digital download of the full album and is being pressed on three color variations: red; clear with gold and blue splatter; and blue and gold merge.

Pre-orders are currently available via this location.

Colorado progressive metallers LEVIATHAN have completed work on their new album, "Beholden To Nothing; Braver Since Then", for a February 13 release. The CD was recorded at Aurora Streets Studios, mixed at Colorado Sound Studios and mastered at Ty Tabor's (KING'S X) Alien Beans Studio. A track from the CD, "Vessel Of Faith", includes a guest appearace by former JAG PANZER guitarst Chris Lasegue. Addition guest musicians on the album are Jason Boudreau from QUIET ROOM, Tom Capek from DOTSERO and Rachel Segal from Colorado Symphony.

The album contains over 70 minutes and 15 tracks. A video teaser for "Beholden To Nothing; Braver Since Then" — which contains over 70 minutes and 15 tracks — can be seen below.

LEVIATHAN released its fifth official album, "At Long Last, Progress Stopped To Follow", in 2011. The CD, which contains about 59 minutes of brand new music, was produced, engineered, and mixed by JCL at Killarney Street Studios in Aurora, Colorado. The cover artwork was created by Martin Schrder.

LEVIATHAN in 2010 remastered and repackaged its critically acclaimed "Leviathan" EP (1991) and "Deepest Secrets Beneath" album (1993) on a single disc. A previously unreleased instrumental track called "Asylum", which was originally intended for a bonus import disc from RTN Records, was also included.

HELLYEAH is putting the finishing touches on its fourth studio album for a tentative late April release via Eleven Seven Music. The CD is being helmed by producer Kevin Churko at his The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada. Churko is the Canadian musician, sound engineer, songwriter and record producer who has previously worked with OZZY OSBOURNE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and IN THIS MOMENT, among other acts.

Speaking to Classic Rock magazine, HELLYEAH drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott called the band's new material "heavy and diverse" and promised that the album would contain HELLYEAH's "very best" music to date.

Said Vinnie Paul: "It was an honor working with Kevin. He really pushed and got the best out of us. Everything we did on this record was from a different perspective."

Added Churko: "They've really impressed me both with the tracks they brought in and with their drive to make them even better. I think they'll really be delivering their best record yet — 2014 will be the year of HELLYEAH."

HELLYEAH's first three albums were laid down in Dallas, Texas at Vinnie Paul Abbott's home studio, VP's Upstairs Studio.

In a recent interview, Vinnie Paul stated about HELLYEAH's plans for the next CD: "Everything [Kevin has] ever done is great. I feel like he really made Ozzy sound fresh again, [on 2007's] 'Black Rain' especially. Sonically, [Kevin's] records are unbeatable, and he gets the best out of every band.

"We produced our last three albums ourselves, and we really feel like we did a good job on all that. But we feel it's time to have an outside ear, somebody to give us an extra opinion; to be the sixth member of the band, so to speak. That extra dude that drags everything out of you."

Vinnie also revealed that the new record's overall sound would "continue in the direction" of 2012's "Band Of Brothers", which represented the first time that the members of the band fully embraced their musical roots.

"The first two records were pretty experimental for us," Vinnie explained. "We really stepped outside of the box and did a lot of things that we couldn't do in PANTERA or MUDVAYNE or NOTHINGFACE; songs like 'Alcohaulin' Ass' just wouldn't fly in those bands. It was really liberating to be able to do that, and touch on some rock and roll, some blues, almost country southern rock, stuff like that. But with 'Band Of Brothers', we really wanted to get back to our roots and felt like it was time for all of us to bring the different things we brought to our previous bands into HELLYEAH, and not be afraid of it."

HELLYEAH took part in last year's edition of Gigantour, the critically acclaimed package festival founded in 2005 by MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine. Also appearing on the bill were headliners MEGADETH, along with BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, DEVICE, NEWSTED and DEATH DIVISION.

"Band Of Brothers" sold 19,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 19 on The Billboard 200 chart.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, SLIPKNOT has finally entered a recording studio and guitarist Jim Root has offered photographic evidence for anyone who might not believe it's true. Root posted a photo on Instagram of his arm, with a guitar in his hand, poised over a mixing board. The caption, "Sig love on the API," was followed by the hashtags "#fenderguitar," "#work," "#thecoffeesucks" and "#slipknot2014."

The new SLIPKNOT album will be its first since 2008's "All Hope Is Gone" and the first since the 2010 death of bassist Paul Gray and the recent dismissal of drummer Joey Jordison.

Jim Root told The Pulse Of Radio late last year — before the news about Jordison broke — that he was feeling the urgency to make a new SLIPKNOT album. "You know, we haven't done a record since Paul's been gone and it's been pushing six years. And there's a lot of people in SLIPKNOT and a lot of fans and me myself kind of feel like it's time for that hurdle to be overcome. And for me, that's really like my number one priority and the most important thing for me right now."

SLIPKNOT has not disclosed the reasons for Jordison's exit, although the drummer issued a statement recently saying that he did not quit the band. A replacement has yet to be named.

Root is sitting out a tour with his other band, STONE SOUR, so that he can concentrate on starting the new SLIPKNOT record. The trek begins on January 14 in Florida.

SLIPKNOT/STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor and SLIPKNOT percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan have both indicated that 2014 will be a comeback year for SLIPKNOT.