Drummer Glen Sobel (IMPELLITTERI, ORIANTHI, SIXX: A.M., PAUL GILBERT) has posted footage of the MONTROSE classic "Rock Candy" from the annual Alice Cooper benefit for the Maui Food Bank which took place on New Year's Eve in Maui, Hawaii. Alice Cooper and band were joined on stage by actors and rock legends performing their biggest hits, covers and some left field surprises with the Cooper band members serving as house band. Steven Tyler (AEROSMITH), Sammy Hagar (CHICKENFOOT, VAN HALEN), Richie Sambora (BON JOVI), "Weird" Al Yankovic, Pat Simmons (DOOBIE BROTHERS), producer Bob Rock (METALLICA, MÖTLEY CRÜE) and actor Keith Carradine all performed, along with actor Tom Arnold as the evening's emcee. Original MONTROSE frontman Sammy Hagar and Richie Sambora took the stage with the band on "Rock Candy", which can be viewed below.

Alice's band for the night consisted of Orianthi and Ryan Roxie on guitars, Chuck Garric on bass, and Glen Sobel on drums.

Danny Tomb, vocalist/guitarist of Melbourne, Australia-based metallers 4ARM, has left the band for personal reasons.

Says the group: "The search for a new frontman now begins. With James Munro briefly filling in for the band on the recent North American tour, there will be also a lead guitarist position available. This is a great opportunity for highly committed musicians to join an already established touring band.

"Any musician from around the world interested in any of the positions available, please send an email with your bio, photo, links or mp3s of your works to [email protected]
/* */
Only serious, dedicated and experienced touring musicians need apply."

4ARM's third studio album, "Submission For Liberty", was recorded at Melbourne Records with Danny Tomb and drummer Michael Vafiotis producing. Mixing the CD was U.K. engineer Matt Hyde (MACHINE HEAD, SLIPKNOT, TRIVIUM) and mastering duties were handled by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound in New York City. The cover artwork was designed by Brent Elliot White, who previously worked on ARCH ENEMY's "Khaos Legions".

In regards to the musical direction of the new album, Tomb said, "'Submission' is far more energy- and passion-driven than anything we've done before. There is a lot more melody and a hell of a lot more thrash. The plan was to create an album that harnessed an energy to it that could be felt, not just heard."

Michael Sweet of Christian hard rockers STRYPER will release his new solo album, "I'm Not Your Suicide", on May 6. Guest musicians set to appear on the CD include CHICKENFOOT drummer Kenny Aronoff, FOZZY singer Chris Jericho, WHITESNAKE guitarist Doug Aldrich; Tony Harnell of TNT, and Michael's brother Robert Sweet and STRYPER's Timothy Gaines.

The 12-song solo record will be accompanied by the STRYPER frontman's autobiography, "Honestly", the writing of which he said was "much more difficult than I could ever imagine yet it's been somewhat therapeutic being able to talk about my life and the past 30+ years of all things STRYPER." He added: "I get into everything and share things that may surprise you. I talk about the dysfunction in this band, the pain and heartache of being so close to each other that we sometimes hurt each other the most, the ups and downs from our highest point (1987-1988) to our lowest point (1991-1992) and why we were driven to bankruptcy and how we climbed our way back from complete loss and despair. I share my personal pain from considering to give up music altogether to the day I broke the news to the guys that I would be leaving the band and why. From that day forward, I had everything a man could ask for and then, in what seemed like an instant, it was all taken away."

"I'm Not Your Suicide" will include the song "The Cause", which Sweet made available for streaming this past September on the twelfth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

(Thanks: NJthrasher)

Dutch symphonic rockers WITHIN TEMPTATION have posted a five-minute video recap of 2013. Watch footage of last year's summer shows and see if you can spot yourself in the crowd. The clip was edited by Joost van Aarle, and the song used in the video is "Dangerous".

WITHIN TEMPTATION will release its sixth studio album, "Hydra", on January 31. The album will be available in several luxury formats. The cover artwork was created by by Romano Molenaar ("X-Men", "Batman", "The Unforgiving"), and can be seen below.

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

"Dangerous" is available on iTunes. The song's official video can be seen below.

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

"Hydra" digital premium album track listing:

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

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

"Hydra" deluxe box set

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

German death metallers LAY DOWN ROTTEN will release their new album, "Deathspell Catharsis", on January 24, 2014 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland; January 27 in the rest of Europe; and on February 11 in North America via Apostasy Records. The CD was once again produced by the band's collaborator Thilo Krieger in his Desert Inn Studio. The artwork was created by Toshihiro Egewa (CRYPTOPSY, DEFEATED SANITY, KRISIUN).

The "Deathspell Catharsis" title track is available for streaming using the SoundCloud widget below.

For nearly 15 years, LAY DOWN ROTTEN has stood for energetic top-notch death metal. Their haunting live-shows at festivals like With Full Force, Rock Harz, Extremefest, Death Feast and Summer Breeze, and shows alongside the likes of CANNIBAL CORPSE, BOLT THROWER and ABORTED, have always captivated the audience. Albums like "Breeding Insanity" (Remission Records), "Gospel Of The Wretched" (Metal Blade Records) and last year's "Mask Of Malice" (Metal Blade Records) have been well-received within the whole scene and the press. Now, it is time for the first sign of life from the band via their new label home, Apostasy Records. LAY DOWN ROTTEN is:

Jost Kleinert - VocalsNils Förster - GuitarDaniel "Kensington" Seifert - GuitarUwe Kilian - BassTimo Claas - Drums

Former SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison has released the following statement:

"To my fans, friends, and associates… I would like to start the New Year by addressing the recent rumors and speculation regarding my departure from SLIPKNOT.

"I want to make it very clear that I DID NOT QUIT SLIPKNOT. This band has been my life for the last 18 years, and I would never abandon it, or my fans.

"This news has shocked and blindsided me as much as it has all of you.

"While there is much I would like to say, I must remain silent to further details at this time.

"I would like to thank you all for your unwavering love and support, and wish everyone a very happy and healthy New Year."

SLIPKNOT singer Corey Taylor posted a message on Twitter on December 29, dispelling rumors that the band is finished following the departure of drummer and founding member Joey Jordison. Taylor wrote, "For those who think the KNOT are falling apart, you are greatly and sadly mistaken. Bring on 2014. Great things are coming. Stay tuned . . . " Ironically, Taylor himself has often been cited as the member of the band most responsible for the delays in making a new album, as he wrote, recorded and toured three full records with STONE SOUR in the past three years.

But Taylor told The Pulse Of Radio not long ago that he thought 2014 would be the year that SLIPKNOT came back with new music. "I know everybody is pretty keen on getting together and seeing what happens next year, so I mean, if it takes us a year to write an album, so be it," he said. "The main goal is to just get us in the room and just see what happens, you know. If we can get past that first day, I think it'll come together. Now that we're all kind of in better places in our lives and whatnot, it's making it a little easier to be excited about it again. It's just starting to feel like it's time."

SLIPKNOT announced that it was parting ways with Jordison on December 12, saying in a statement, "We understand that many of you will want to know how and why this has come to be, and we will do our best to respond to these questions in the near future."

SLIPKNOT bassist Paul Gray, also a key songwriting in the band, died in May 2010. The band's last album was 2008's "All Hope Is Gone".

SLIPKNOT is slated to begin work on a new album in January 2014.

Former NIGHTWISH vocalist Anette Olzon has told Prog magazine that she believes she was fired from the band in 2012 because she became pregnant with her third child.

Olzon's departure from the group came seven years after previous NIGHTWISH frontwoman Tarja Turunen was dismissed from the group by being presented with an open letter which was published on the NIGHTWISH web site at the same time. An official announcement from NIGHTWISH claimed the split with Olzon, which happened in the middle of a North American tour in September 2012, was made "in mutual understanding."

Olzon, however, tells Prog that she did not leave NIGHTWISH of her own accord. She says: "I have been getting frustrated with people saying I left the band — because I didn't. I was fired exactly as Tarja was fired, but maybe in a more quiet way."

According to Olzon, her pregnancy was a major factor in her former bandmates' decision to fire her from the band. "That’s how I see it," she says. "Why [else] should they kick me out when they got to know I was pregnant?

"We, of course, had some problems in 2009, but we had a good tour and there was nothing else coming until then."

Olzon, who will release her debut solo album, "Shine", in February, adds: "The reason I didn't say this a year ago is because I didn't want to state something so negative. I felt really bad about the situation — it was quite a big divorce."

Anette recently gave an extensive interview to Finland's largest women's weekly magazine, Me Naiset, in which she accused her former bandmates of excluding her from the decision-making process and not splitting all the revenue equally, forcing her to start her own company and take a financial loss in 2010. The NIGHTWISH members responded in a statement on their official web site, accusing their former singer of making claims that were "full of twisted truths and defamation."

"The split with Anette wasn't because of pregnancy or illness," they said. "We discovered her personality didn't fit this work community, and was even detrimental to it."

They added: "Anette told of her pregnancy to the whole band already a week earlier in Montreal. Everyone was congratulative, and Anette herself offered an option of hiring a replacement vocalist if she couldn't manage everything, which was already agreed on. Later she took back her decision, and the difficulties really started."

Drummer Mike Portnoy (THE WINERY DOGS, DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD) recently spoke to U.K.'s Rhythm magazine about his drum solo heroes, why he switched from busting chops to entertainment, and why he has moved on despite the pressure from fans and bandmates alike who want him to steal the spotlight one more time. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Rhythm: What were the drum solos that first inspired you?

Portnoy: When I was a kid, John Bonham's "Moby Dick" solo was the first time I'd ever heard a drummer just go off for fifteen minutes, and he did the whole thing of playing with his hands which was pretty cool.

In the late '70s, I was a big KISS fan. Hearing Peter Criss do his big solo on KISS "Alive", on the song "100,000 Years", that was one of the first drum solos I ever learned note for note and actually knew as a musical piece.

The next big one for me was when I discovered Neil Peart and RUSH. One of the things that blew my mind about RUSH was the drum solo. It was a centrepiece for their concert. The first time I saw him do one in person, it was one of the only times I've ever seen the whole audience with all eyes on the stage.

If I had to list one more, it would be Tommy Lee. With him it was never about the technical chops — he took it as far as it could go as entertainment. On the latest MÖTLEY CRÜE tour, they had a rollercoaster on stage. That's taking it to a whole other level visually.

Rhythm: Do you feel any pressure from fans to have a solo spot?

Portnoy: Yeah, I get that not only from the fans but I get it from a lot of my bandmates. There have been a lot of bands I've played in where the guys go, "Oh man, you've got to do a drum solo!" And it's like, "Ah, I don't know. I'd rather do a song in that five minutes."

I'm not interested in drum solos anymore. This is my personal taste as a listener and as a player. I think I've grown out of it. Maybe that will change. Most musicians go through changes and phases, so that's just where I'm at in this particular moment.

Read the entire interview from Rhythm magazine.

Guitarist Zoltan Bathory of Las Vegas metallers FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has posted the following message on his Facebook page:

"I don't know why — but it's always around New Years day/eve when I get quite a few desperate e-mails from people who feel they hit rock bottom and think there is no way out... They are depressed, often suicidal...

"If you are really losing your mind... then don't hesitate and call 1-800-273-8255. It's the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call them — they are professionals and equipped to help you!

"I'm not a psychologist (so call the hotline) — but since you asked, here is my 2 cents on it:

"When you hit rock bottom — it's always a perfect opportunity to completely change your life. Fear is what keeps everyone from taking chances... but those who have abandoned all hope, they've got nothing to lose ... they are fearless. Fearlessness is the ultimate power. Use it.

"If you read the most successful people's biographies — it always have that sentence in there... 'and there I was homeless with 5 dollars to my name — or something equally unfortunate... This is not a coincidence.

"In a weird way, hitting rock bottom could be the best thing ever happen to you, because you don't have the luxury to be complacent anymore... When shit hits the fan, it should light some fire under your ass. This is the time to make fearless leaps.

"You always fight harder when you're backed into a corner...

"Life just made this mistake... it put you in the corner with no escape... Then this is your time to turn on 'beast mode' ... Do the things you were afraid to do (legal ones) ... Live like there's fire raging in your hair..."

Nicolas Maiis, the husband of Maria Kolokouri, better known as Tristessa, the vocalist of the Greek black metal band ASTARTE, has posted the following message on the group's Facebook page:

"Unfortunately, fate is hard and life even harder in our case.

"Our beloved Maria, she is in critical condition fighting minute by minute for her life a form o leukemia.

"We, her family, [are] beside her and we are trying to keep her strong.

"The people who know Maria they have knowledge of what a strong person she is and that she is a unique human being and always kind to everyone.

"As a mother, she is always at her son's side and always she is standing strong for me to support me.

"Now it is the time to stand by her side with our positive energy and say a prayers to any god we may believe or not.

"Make a true wish deep down from you hearts so Maria to feel all the good energy and to take courage from your hearts and to have the hope that is needed. A miracle said the doctor that is needed.

"I don't know from whom or what, just please pray for one… Maria is needing all the hope of our hearts. I need that, our son needs that."

ASTARTE recently announced plans to enter the studio to record its sixth full-length album, "Blackdemonium", for a 2014 release.

The band's fifth CD, "Demonized", was released in 2007 via Avantgarde Music.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY has recruited Dario Lorina (LIZZY BORDEN) as the band's new guitarist.

Says LIZZY BORDEN frontman and namesake: "We are extremely proud and happy for Dario Lorina on being selected as Zakk Wylde's BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's new guitarist.

"It's been an amazing ride performing all around the world with Dario. He is a true professional and an incredible blues-driven artistic guitarist, adding so much to the BORDEN sound. Personally, it was a privilege for me to have him on my left side for the last four years and I know Zakk, his band and their fans are going to love Dario, as we all do.

"Dario will be missed in the BORDEN camp but he will always be one of us and we wish him all the luck in the world."

Touring for over a span of seven years since age sixteen, first with late WARRANT singer Jani Lane and in more recent years with LIZZY BORDEN, Dario Lorina released his first solo recording, entitled simply "Dario Lorina", on September 10, 2013 via Shrapnel Records.

Growing up listening to guitarists such as Randy Rhoads, Paul Gilbert, George Lynch and Eddie Van Halen, Dario's music harkens back to the glory days of high-caliber shred guitar, the genre of which Shrapnel Records was a founding force.

Dario Lorina's debut solo CD reveals a guitarist brimming with extreme musical ability. This guitarist brings more diverse influences into play than the average neo-classical riff monger. While technically proficient like all of the label's guitar instrumentalists, Dario's CD isn't just about shredding. It's an American guitar instrumental album having more in common with riffs reminiscent of Paul Gilbert, George Lynch and Eddie Van Halen than the European influence of guitarists such as Yngwie Malmsteen.

Phil Campbell from MOTÖRHEAD had this to say, "I think Dario Lorina is one Amazing guitar player! Having known him for many years, he never ceases to amaze me every time we hang out and jam! He blew me away when he played with us in Vegas. A true talent and an amazingly nice guy."

Dario has his own signature guitar model with LAG Guitars, founded in 1980 and headquartered in Bedarieux, France.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY recently amicably parted ways with longtime guitarist Nick Catanese.

Zakk Wylde and the rest of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY are holed up in Wylde's personal recording studio working on their much-anticipated new album for a tentative April 2014 release via eOne Music. Wylde joked in a recent interview that the forthcoming CD will be "all completely the same as the last nine records, except just different songtitles."

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's new live DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital Video, "Unblackened", was released on September 24, 2013 by Eagle Rock Entertainment. Wylde's label home, eOne Music, also released the audio version of the "Unblackened" DVD under the same name.

THE BLOODLINE, the Chicago-based metal band featuring members of BROKEN HOPE and DIVINE HERESY, has made a new song, "Midnight", available for streaming and free download at this location. The track was produced by Joel Wanasek and THE BLOODLINE and was enginered by Scott Creekmore at Mercenary Studios. It was mixed and mastered by Joel Wanasek at JTW Studios.

Says THE BLOODLINE: "We have been in and out of the studio over the last 5 months working on new material and preparing something special for you all.

"We all feel that new music is very overdue for all of you out there and have decided that the wait is over!

"We have set this up so that you all can download this track for the next 24 hours, so make sure you get it while it is available. This is our gift to you for your undying support and love for this band.

"We cannot thank you enough for the overwhelming response and amazing words that you all have given in the releasing of our debut track, 'The Blackout'. So without further ado, we give you 'Midnight'!

"We hope you all enjoy this gift and we look forward to a busy and amazing 2014!!"

Regarding their decision to put their former band, DIRGE WITHIN, to rest, THE BLOODLINE members previously said: "Once we began writing the new music, it truly took on a new life of its own, [and] all of us felt it was best to admit this is not DIRGE WITHIN in many ways. As well as the four of us do not want to limit ourselves in any form as musicians and from that THE BLOODLINE is born and this heart is pounding."

THE BLOODLINE is:

Shaun Glass (SOIL, BROKEN HOPE) - GuitarFrankie Harchut - DrumsChuck Wepfer - GuitarTravis Neal (DIVINE HERESY) - Vocals

San Francisco Bay Area thrashers EXODUS were rejoined by guitarist Rick Hunolt on stage this past Friday, December 20 at Slim's in San Francisco to perform two songs: "The Toxic Waltz" and "Strike Of The Beast". Multi-camera video footage of the "The Toxic Waltz" performance can be seen below (courtesy of Capital Chaos TV).

In other news, EXODUS has been added to the list of bands who will perform at METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett's first annual horror convention, dubbed Kirk Von Hammett's Fear FestEviL, which will take place February 6-8, 2014 at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, California. Also scheduled to appear are DEATH ANGEL, ORCHID and CARCASS.

Visit www.FEARFESTEviL.com for the latest information on horror's newest and coolest fan convention.

With Gary Holt still handling guitar duties for Jeff Hanneman on SLAYER's North American and European tours, EXODUS invited none other than Hunolt to fill in for the band's shows in 2012 and beyond.

Longtime EXODUS fans will recall that Hunolt — the other half of the famed EXODUS "H-Team" who is on every studio recording from 1985 through 2004 and co-wrote some of the band's best-known songs such as "A Lesson In Violence" and "Deliver Us To Evil" — left EXODUS after the band's highly-acclaimed 2004 reunion album, "Tempo Of The Damned". "Murder In The Front Row", the photo book documenting the pinnacle of the Bay Area thrash scene, aptly documents Hunolt's tenure in the band.

Following his departure, Hunolt was replaced by HEATHEN guitarist Lee Altus.

Hunolt first rejoined his former bandmates at a special concert in celebration of Holt and Lisa Perticone's wedding on September 24, 2011 at Avalon in Santa Clara, California. He also performed with them at "Bonded By Baloff: A Decade Of Remembrance", a special concert which marked the 10-year anniversary of former EXODUS singer Paul Baloff's passing. The event took place February 4, 2012 at the Oakland Metro Operahouse in Oakland, California.

EXODUS' latest album, "Exhibit B: The Human Condition", was released in North America on May 18, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The CD sold around 4,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 114 on The Billboard 200 chart.

EXODUS' previous album, "The Atrocity Exhibition: Exhibit A", opened with 3,600 units back in October 2007.

Los Angeles glam-metal jokesters STEEL PANTHER have posted a three-minute video containing their New Year's Eve tips. Check it out below.

STEEL PANTHER released "Party Like Tomorrow Is The End Of The World", the first single/video from the band's third album, "All You Can Eat", which is due in early 2014.

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

STEEL PANTHER's new album was recorded in part in Sherman Oaks, California with producer Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STONE SOUR, MEATLOAF).

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

Speaking to the South Bend Tribune, drummer Stix Zadinia stated about the band's new CD: "If you liked [2009's] 'Feel The Steel' and [2011's] 'Balls Out', you will love this record. It is more heavy metal songs that are hooky and great and fun and make you want to rock and make you want to have a good time and party. Also, there is a lot of riffage on this album that I think anybody who has ever questioned this band — 'Oh, those guys wear spandex and it is 2000-whatever' — these songs are going to put all of that to rest."

"Balls Out" sold nearly 12,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 40 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Vocalist Cristina Scabbia of Italian heavy rockers LACUNA COIL has posted the following message on her Facebook page:

"My dear friends,

"I surely hope it has been better for you all... but 2013 hasn't exactly been a piece of cake for me. Bad moments of sadness, melancholy, lack of strength and sleep, moments when I thought I was really going to give up... not artistically, but as a person.

"Life can be a bitch sometimes.

"But as in every 'not so happy' situation I went through in my life, I always try to see the good coming out of it all, and what I found out is that not only I realized I have an amazing family tight as an army and a loving boyfriend who made me smile through the roughness... but I have priceless friends that supported me ALL the way through the bad moments, without even barely thinking about the so overrated 'rockstar status' I am not proud of.

"And I love them all back to death, I mean it.

"This is what life really should be: the self-awareness of the fact that at the end of the day is not what we have done in our lives, but who we shared everything with.

"I also shared my voice, our music, a piece of my life with you all, so feel part of the family too.

"Here's to a great 2014.

"May the new year make all your dreams come true, give you all the happiness you guys deserve and give you the strength to realize you can get wherever you want if you really want to.

"Smile, smile a lot and let others smile.

"Oh...and party hard tonight but... be safe, I want to hear every single one of you from tomorrow on.

"Rock on and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!"

LACUNA COIL recently canceled its appearance on ShipRocked, the rock music cruise vacation onboard the Norwegian Pearl, due to "some very serious personal family matters at this time which demand [the band's] full attention."

LACUNA COIL has completed recording its new album with producer Jay Baumgardner (P.O.D., SEVENDUST, EVANESCENCE, PAPA ROACH) for an early 2014 release via Century Media Records.

CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, the band led by brothers and founding SEPULTURA members Max (also of SOULFLY) and Igor Cavalera, has recruited Nate Newton (pictured) of CONVERGE as its new bassist.

Johny Chow, who had been touring and recording with CAVALERA CONSPIRACY for the past few years, last year joined STONE SOUR as that band's new touring bassist.

Joining CAVALERA CONSPIRACY on stage last year for its tour of South America and Mexico was SOULFLY bassist Tony Campos.

CAVALERA CONSPIRACY recently inked a deal with Napalm Records. The thrash metal outfit, which released the critically acclaimed and universally praised albums "Inflikted" and "Blunt Force Trauma" through Roadrunner Records, is currently working on its as-yet-untitled third studio effort.

"I am so excited that CAVALERA CONSPIRACY has signed with Napalm Records," said Max. "This is gonna be our third album and it's going to be a brutal grindcore style. I am already working on the riffs, and it is going to come out next year. Get ready to be brutalized by CAVALERA CONSPIRACY and Napalm Records!"

"I am very excited to record the new CAVALERA CONSPIRACY record," added Igor. "Me and Max have been planning this for a while, and all I can say is that it will be a 'brutal' record. Also I'm super proud to join Napalm Records, home of lots of amazing artists."

"Blunt Force Trauma" sold around 5,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 122 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's debut CD, "Inflikted", opened with 9,000 units to enter the chart at No. 72.

"Blunt Force Trauma" was once again tracked with ex-MACHINE HEAD/SOULFLY guitarist Logan Mader, who co-produced the LP with Max. Logan also mixed the effort.

Vocalist Jörgen Ström has left Swedish death metallers SKINEATER.

Says the band in a statement: "We want to thank Jörgen for his truly amazing efforts in SKINEATER! Jörgen is an old friend of us and there is absolutely no hard feelings between us. We thank you, Jörgen, for everything, it has been a pleasure to have you on board on this machine called SKINEATER! Good luck with your future plans!"

Adds Ström: "As of now, I'm no longer a member of SKINEATER. I decided to leave the band because of lack of time and motivation to put in all the hard work that is necessary to keep the band moving forward. I still consider the other guys good friends of mine and I wish them all the best in the future! I see myself more as a bass player than a vocalist, so that's what I'll be doing now. Slappin' da bass!"

SKINEATER's "Dismantled" video can be seen below. The clip was produced by Uppsala-based digital production company Oddville.

"Dismantled" comes off SKINEATER's debut album, "Dermal Harvest", which was released in North America on Febuary 19 (January 28 in Europe) via Pulverised Records.

According to a press release, the CD "showcases some of the most resilient veterans in the Swedish extreme scene, with past and present members from WOMBBATH, IN THY DREAMS, DARK FUNERAL, CARNAL FORGE, DEFLESHED, etc. The end result is an unstoppable skin-butcher unit literally flaying everything in its path! Never has death metal extremity been so well brewed with melodic darkness in a long time." Recorded at various locations, mixed and mastered at Sweden's Studio Underground (CARNAL FORGE, STEEL ATTACK, FLESHCRAWL, NECRODEATH), and with the striking album artwork designed and conceptualized by Mathias Björkbacka, "Dermal Harvest" is without doubt a world-class audioviolence with sick torturous intent. SKINEATER in 2011 announced the addition of drummer Matte Modin (DARK FUNERAL, RAISED FIST, DEFLESHED, SPORTLOV) to the group's ranks.

Formed in late 2008, SKINEATER features scene veterans Håkan Stuvemark (ex-WOMBBATH, ex-IN THY DREAMS) and Stefan Westerberg (ex-CARNAL FORGE, ex-IN THY DREAMS).

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

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

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Dark Reflections 02. Under The Oak 03. Prophet 04. Bewitched 05. Psalms For The Dead

"Ancient Dreams" set

06. Mirror Mirror 07. A Cry From The Crypt 08. Darkness In Paradise 09. Incarnation Of Evil 10. Bearer Of Pain 11. Ancient Dreams 12. The Bells Of Acheron 13. Epistle No. 81 14. Black Sabbath Medley

Encore:

15. Black As Time 16. Solitude

Fan-filmed video footage of the "Epistle No. 81" performance, featuring a guest appearance by Swedish actor, director and musician Thorsten Flinck, can be seen below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

German metallers FAREWELL TO ARMS have announced their plans to disband after more than three "amazing" years together.

Says the group in a statement: "The last years have been incredible. It's amazing what we've experienced and accomplished as band as well as individuals. We've met lots of people, talented musicians and other bands. We've traveled to beautiful places and stages and had lots of fun with other bands.

"Even though we split, every one of us will dedicate his life to music — in different bands or projects.

"Thank YOU for your loyal support. Without you, FAREWELL TO ARMS wouldn't have been what it is today.

"We'll play four last gigs next year, like the Domination Festival 2 in Augsburg, Germany. The final three shows will be announced soon."

FAREWELL TO ARMS' debut album, "Perceptions", was released in November 2012 via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded at Weltraumstudios in Munich with producer Corni Bartels (HACKNEYED, END OF GREEN) and features guest vocals from THE SORROW's guitarist/vocalist Mathias "Mätze" Schlegel.

FAREWELL TO ARMS is:

Manuel Lotter - DrumsDominik Martin - VocalsJohannes Denk - GuitarGordian Golder - GuitarRoland Gallus - Bass

GUNS N' ROSES and SIXX: A.M. guitarist Daren Jay "DJ" Ashba has designed his own signature Les Paul guitar, to be released in March 2014 by Gibson.

Ashba, who joined GUNS N' ROSES in March 2009 following the departure of Robin Finck, spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald this past February about being in one of rock 'n' roll's most contentious acts.

"It's the craziest roller-coaster ride you'll ever be on," the 40-year-old axeman said, "but I wake up every day grateful to be in the position I am. I don't know many guitar players out there who wouldn't kill to be in my spot, so I refuse to take it for granted."

In addition sole original member Axl Rose (lead vocals) and Ashba, the current lineup of GUNS N' ROSES includes guitarists Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and Richard Fortus, bassist Tommy Stinson, keyboardists Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman and drummer Frank Ferrer.

"We're a solid band now," Ashba said. "Before [2009], members were coming and going and it was a different time. We've toured for four years almost constantly and we haven't missed one show since I've been in the band. All that stuff has come to an end and Axl is very inspired."

Ashba, who moved to Las Vegas in January 2012, recently teamed up with BullyVille.com, the Internet's first anti-bullying social web site and media platform. The guitarist also focuses on his media consultancy, fashion line and automotive detailing group.

"I always joke that I play guitar for a hobby and that really I'm an entrepreneur," he told The Sydney Morning Herald. "If you hung out with me at my house you would never know I played in GUNS N' ROSES. I'm not the guy sitting around patting myself on the back. I don't even like the word 'rock star.'"

Ashba married Colombian model Nathalia Henao on September 23 in Las Vegas.

Ashba and Henao made headlines in August when an internal investigation was launched after the guitarist and his girlfriend were given a private tour in a Las Vegas police helicopter so that the rocker could pop the question.

A five-minute 2013 tour video recap from Swedish melodic metallers AMARANTHE can be seen below.

AMARANTHE's sophomore album, "The Nexus", is out now, accompanied by the "Invincible" video directed by Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others. The video was shot on location in Hollywood, Las Vegas, the Nevada desert and the Grand Canyon, amongst other locations, and it's certainly the most ambitious AMARANTHE clip to date.

Comments AMARANTHE guitarist Olof Mörck: "'Invincible' is probably my favourite AMARANTHE song so far, and it's very exciting to see it finally becoming a single and a video! We had an absolute blast shooting it, and this time we flew in Patric Ullaeus and his crew to some kick-ass locations around the USA.

"People have come to expect elaborate videos from AMARANTHE, but this one certainly takes the cake!"

"The Nexus" which sold around 1,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 12 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 Nexus" was released on March 26 (one day earlier internationally) via Spinefarm. The cover artwork was created by Gustavo Sazes. The album was once again recorded at Hansen studios in Ribe, Denmark with producer Jacob Hansen.

AMARANTHE's first U.S. headline tour kicked off on July 17 at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City. Support on the trek came from KOBRA AND THE LOTUS.

AMARANTHE's self-titled debut album was released in Europe in April 2011 via Spinefarm Records.

AMARANTHE vocalist Elize Ryd has been filling the female singer spot on KAMELOT's European, South and North American tours.

Tour recap:

SOULDRINKER — the brand new project featuring Markus Pohl from MYSTIC PROPHECY and rock vocalist Iris Boanta from THE MYSTERY — will release its new EP, "Semper Fidelis II", digitally on January 10 via iTunes and Amazon. The effort was produced by Dennis Ward (PINK CREAM 69, UNISONIC) and Markus Teske (MOB RULES).

A track from the EP, "Damn The Machine", can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

SOULDRINKER's music is described in a press release as "in-your-face-metal with a big groove and heavy riffs."

SOULDRINKER is:

Iris Boanta - VocalsMarkus Pohl - GuitarChris Rodens - BassSteffen Theurer - Drums

SLIPKNOT singer Corey Taylor has dismissed Internet chatter that drummer Joey Jordison's departure means the end of the Iowa-based metal band.

"For those who think the KNOT are falling apart, you are greatly and sadly mistaken," Taylor writes on Twitter.

"Bring on 2014. Great things are coming. Stay tuned…"

SLIPKNOT announced on December 12 that it had parted ways with Jordison, one of the band's founding members and key songwriters. The group posted a statement at its web site which read, "It is with great pain but quiet respect that, for personal reasons, Joey Jordison and SLIPKNOT are parting ways. We all wish Joey the best in whatever his future holds. We understand that many of you will want to know how and why this has come to be, and we will do our best to respond to these questions in the near future." The statement added, "It is our love for all of you, as well as for the music we create, that spurs us to continue on and move forward with our plans for releasing new material in the next year. We hope that all of you will come to understand this, and we appreciate your continued support while we plan the next phase of the future of SLIPKNOT."

SLIPKNOT is slated to begin work on a new album in 2014, the band's first since the 2010 death of bassist Paul Gray.

Jordison has spent the past few months touring with his new project SCAR THE MARTYR, whose self-titled debut album sold around 3,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 129 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was made available on October 1 via Roadrunner Records.

In addition to Jordison and lead vocalist Henry Derek Bonner (BLOOD PROMISE), SCAR THE MARTYR's current touring lineup features guitarists Jed Simon (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD) and Kris Norris (DARKEST HOUR), keyboardist Joey Blush and bassist Kyle Konkiel (IN THIS MOMENT).

Polish death metal veterans VADER recently entered Hertz Studio in Bialystok, Poland to begin recording their new album for an early 2014 release. The band is laying down a total of 14 songs, including four bonus tracks, for the new CD, which is tentatively titled "Tibi Et Igni", a Latin phrase which translates to "For You And Fire". Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Abandon All Hope", "Bring Them To Me" and "Infernal Poetry".

Says the band: "All track[ing] will be done [by] the end of January and whole thing by the February.

"Expect the album in stores about April/May 2014.

"To all expecting new forms, artistic experiments or other pathetic garbage, we say: GO TO HELL!! We are devoted to metal and loyal to our fans.

"VADER was born in the heat of the stages and it was YOU who always keep that fire burning. This new album is our dedication for that power and loyalty!"

VADER's forthcoming effort will mark the recording debut of British drummer James Stewart (DIVINE CHAOS), who replaced Pawel "Paul" Jaroszewicz in 2011.

VADER's latest album, "Welcome To The Morbid Reich", was released in Europe on August 12, 2011 and in North America on September 13, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. The effort was recorded at Hertz Studio in Bialystok, Poland and features the cover artwork of Zbigniew Bielak (DESTRÖYER 666, WATAIN). The band laid down a total of 12 songs for the CD, which was mixed and mastered in May 2011.

"Relentless: A Memoir", the autobiography from legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, is available as a seven-hour-and-45-minute audiobook from Audible.com.

In "Relentless" — which was released in May via Wiley — Malmsteen relives the greatest and worst moments of his storied career as one of the most admired, talked about, and emulated guitarists in the world — from how he managed to buy his first Strat and assemble his first wall of Marshall amps to the truth behind the title of his 2005 "Unleash The Fury" album and beyond.

At the center of Yngwie's story is his lifelong rebellion against the conventions and restrictions of the Sweden in which he was raised. "Don't stand out," he was told when he dreamed of being a professional musician. "That won't work," he was warned when he wanted to play loud or little-known songs. His entire musical career has been a proclamation that he will stand out, and it will work.

That determination drove the fourteen-year-old Yngwie to make his now legendary "Powerhouse" demo tape, the recording that later caught the ear of Shrapnel Records' Mike Varney, who brought Yngwie to America in 1982. It drove Yngwie to become the de facto leader of two already existing bands before launching a solo career just eighteen months later. It also drove him to act out in sometimes bizarre ways and develop a reputation as a mercurial, perhaps unstable, personality.

Yngwie recounts these incidents with neither pride nor apology, but with a great deal of color. And he gets into the seedy and unscrupulous side of rock and roll, revealing how managers, record companies, and others ripped him off, before his wife, April, rescued both him and his business.

Musicians will be drawn to Yngwie's descriptions of how he composed his greatest songs and his overall approach to composition and to band dynamics. He writes with admiration about musicians, from DEEP PURPLE's Ritchie Blackmore to nineteenth-century violinist and composer Niccolò Paganini, who influenced his playing and the development of his unique neoclassical-metal style.

An audio sample from the audiobook is available below.

Audio sample from audiobook:



Malmsteen was featured on NPR's "Weekend Edition" this May 11. Malmsteen discussed his brand new autobiography, "Relentless: A Memoir"; his latest album, "Spellbound"; and more with program host Scott Simon.

On his frustrations with rock 'n' roll:

Yngwie: "I grew up in a family that was very musical, learned the blues and everything like that. And I became a little bit frustrated with the simplicity of rock 'n' roll and blues. I started listening to a lot of classical music — mainly Bach, Vivaldi. Then one day on TV — I was about 12 or 13 years old — there was a Russian violinist (I can't remember his name) that was playing solo violin: '24 Caprices For Solo Violin' by Niccolò Paganini. I completely freaked out, because I knew that's what I was hearing in my head. I decided I was going to use all of the arpeggios and linear notes and wide vibrato of the violin. I've always been a little bit of an extremist, so I decided to go all of the way."

On Jimi Hendrix and burning guitars:

Yngwie: "My fourth birthday, I was given a violin, and my fifth birthday, a guitar. I didn't start to play until I saw Hendrix on TV. They showed him setting his guitar on fire and burning it for the Monterey Pop Festival. I wanted to learn how to play guitar, so I could smash it up and burn it. I was only a little kid, so that was my incentive. [laughs]"

On guitar shred as a shtick:

Yngwie: "It runs the danger, I think, but I feel very strongly that I've made a statement as a composer, as a performer, well beyond just guitar shredding."