Swedish hard rock trio KAMCHATKA will release its fifth album entitled The Search Goes On in February on Despotz Records. The band is currently putting the finishing touches on the record at its own Shrimpmonkey Studios in Varberg, Sweden with bassist/vocalist Per Wiberg (CANDLEMASS, ex-OPETH, SPIRITUAL BEGGARS) handling production.

"After what feels like a very long time of going through different propositions from different record companies, we finally landed smoothly with Despotz Records in Stockholm, Sweden for our upcoming album The Search Goes On," commented the band. "The new material came out brilliant, especially after going through the producer Wiberg's filter. So here we are at the end of 2013, Per Wiberg on bass and vocals, Tobias Strandvik on drums and Thomas 'Juneor' Andersson on guitar and vocals...Kamchatka!"

The band will release the debut music video for the first single from The Search Goes On, ‘Tango Decadence’ next week.

Stay tuned for more information on Kamchatka and The Search Goes On.

For more info visit Facebook.

Ottawa, Canada's progressive rock sextet THE KINDRED (formerly known as TODAY I CAUGHT THE PLAGUE) will release their debut Sumerian Records full-length entitled, Life In Lucidity, on February 25th. They will also embark on a North American tour alongside BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME in February/March.

David Journeaux (vocals) states: “The album title, Life In Lucidity, relates to the concept of life being nothing more than a very lucid dream, wherein if you were to wake from it you may either wake in to another dream or in to true reality. It also toys with the notion that if you can realize you are dreaming within this world you can gain complete control over everything that happens within it; complete responsibility for the path your life takes. We are incredibly excited to get this album out to the public and to take the songs to stages across the globe. Being able to start the process with Between The Buried And Me is a bit of a dream-manifestation in itself, as a number of us have been big fans of the band for many years, and have always named them an act with whom we would love to tour one day."
In February of 2013, the band made the trek 1,000+ miles to record with John Paul Peters (PROPAGANDHI) at Private Ear Studios in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. After five weeks, without a single day off, something genuinely special took form; an inspired album that seamlessly and tastefully blends modern progressive elements, while at times creating tones reminiscent of classic artists such as PINK FLOYD and LED ZEPPELIN. Utilizing resources most bands dream of, the band was fortunate to have grand piano, a choir, live trumpet, and even the 1st violinist of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra on the record, resulting in a timeless, one-of-a-kind product far greater than just the sum of its parts.

Life In Lucidity tracklisting:

‘Wolvish’
‘Heritage’
‘Everbound’
‘An Evolution Of Thought’
‘Decades’
‘Millennia’
‘A Grand Debate’
‘Seekers & Servants’
‘Dreambender’
‘Like A Long Life’
‘Cimmerian Dusk’ (bonus track)
Tour dates with Between The Buried And Me, INTRONAUT, and DEAFHAVEN:

February
20 - West Springfield, VA - Empire
21 - Huntington, NY - Paramount Theater
22 - Clifton Park, NY - Upstate Concert Hall
23 - Boston, MA - Royale Nightclub
24 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
26 - Montreal, QC - Corona Theater
27 - Quebec City, QC - Imperial De Quebec
28 - Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theatre

March
1 - London, ON - London Music Hall
2 - Syracuse, NY - Lost Horizon
4 - Grand Rapids, MI - Intersection
5 - Palatine, IL - Durty Nellie's
6 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
7 - Lawrence, KS - Granada Theatre
8 - Omaha, NE - The Waiting Room
10 - Reno, NV - The Knitting Factory
11 - Oakland, CA - Oakland Metro
12 - Pomona, CA - Glasshouse
14 - Lubbock, TX - Jake's Sports Café
15 - San Antonio, TX - White Rabbit
16 - Grand Prairie, TX - South By So What?! Festival
18 - Sauget, IL - Pop's
20 - Ybor City, FL - The Ritz Ybor
21 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Revolution
22 - Athens, GA - 40 Watt
23 - Charlotte, NC - Tremont Music Hall

For more info visit Facebook.

BON JOVI has checked in with the following update:

"Because We Can - The Tour has arrived to Australia for The Final 7 shows! The biggest tour on planet earth will end 2013 with five massive stadium shows and two rare, intimate arena performances. All attendees of the December 15th Sydney Entertainment Centre performance will receive the exclusive and never released DVD of Bon Jovi: Inside Out. Visit this location to get your ticket while you can!"
The band's schedule is now as follows:

December
8 - Melbourne - Etihad Stadium
11 - Adelaide - AAMI Stadium
12 - Perth - Perth Arena
14 - Sydney - ANZ Stadium
15 - Sydney - Sydney Entertainment Centre
17 - Brisbane - Suncorp Stadium

In the footage below, Jon Bon Jovi sings the band's classic, 'Livin' On A Prayer', with Prince William and country/pop star TAYLOR SWIFT at the Winter Whites Gala charity ball at Kensington Palace.

The Royal Family refers to Prince William's performance, stating: "He's got the (slightly nervous) voice of an angel at the Winter Whites Gala charity ball at Kensington Palace but we reckon a few butterflies are understandable!"

Berlin's resident bastards of death metal, HARM have announced the addition of a new guitarist and bassist to their ranks. Following the departure of guitarist Stefan and bassist Fabian, who left the band for personal reasons, the band enlisted four-string torturer Alejandro and six-string chainsaw rapist Molochto to fill the void.
Earlier this year, Harm released their full-length debut, Cadaver Christi, on FDA Rekotz. The album provides an overdose of filthy, old-school death metal. At various points throughout the disc you'll hear the sounds of ASPHYX, PUNGENT STENCH, AUTOPSY, and NIHILIST. The cover artwork was created by the mighty Juanjo Castellano.
For more info visit Facebook.

Mediaskare Records has announced the addition of Montreal, Quebec’s THE PRESTIGE to its roster of artists, and will release the band’s Antoine Lussier produced album Ecotone on March 18th. You can listen to the track 'Dismantle' from the album below:
“We chose to release 'Dismantle' first because we feel it perfectly represents everything contained on the album musically, its heavy and catchy,” stated guitarist Sebastien Marois. Adding, “Lyrically, Martin and JC wrote the song as an interpretation of the last lucid moments with your loved ones and facing the realization that your whole life is being dismantled brick by brick. Both have had the disease impact their lives in a big way. It’s a terrible thing to imagine, having all the people you love and have had by your side your entire life slowly become complete strangers.”
“An ecotone is a transition area between two biomes, It is where two communities meet and integrate. It may be narrow or wide, and it may be local (the zone between a field and forest) or regional (the transition between forest and grassland ecosystems),” explained the band. “Our bass player Blaise came with the idea about a year ago while we were writing the album and simply stuck with it. It really is a good metaphor about us. This album draws the line between our old sound and what we crafted over the years. The overall image is about separations, as in, before/after, right/wrong, and so on.”

The band teamed with producer Antoine Lussier (OBEY THE BRAVE) at .357 Productions to record Ecotone, whom the band has worked with in the past. “It was the third time we hit the studios with him and we had a blast. He truly is a genius and he helped us craft the sound we were always looking for. We are very proud of how it sounds and cannot wait to have everyone listen to it.”
Ecotone hits stores and digital retailers on March 18th through Mediaskare Records.

More on The Prestige at Facebook.

Fans will soon be able to experience the high energy of a FOGHAT concert from the comfort of their living room, with the DVD release of their performance at Jannus Landing, Live In St. Pete.
While most classic rock bands have made it due to monster selling studio albums, Foghat has always been an exception to that rule with their 1977 Foghat LIve album being their biggest seller (Double Platinum). And this holds true to this day as Foghat still tours relentlessly with their thunderous blend of blues, boogie and rock n’ roll. They hit the stage with all cylinders firing and still remain one of the best live bands today with not only as much energy but with 40+ years of additional experience.

The man who we have to thank for keeping Foghat going and never stopping is founding member Roger Earl who treats the fans to a wicked drum solo. Incredible bassist Craig Macgregor has been a Foghat member since 1975 and played on some of their most successful albums in the 70s including Foghat Live, Night Shift, and Stone Blue. Lead/slide guitarist Bryan Bassett is an alumni of both WILD CHERRY and MOLLY HATCHET, while vocalist/guitarist Charlie Huhn played with TED NUGENT, GARY MOORE and HUMBLE PIE.

All of Foghat's classics are included in this DVD - 'Fool for the City', 'I Just Want to Make Love to You', 'Stone Blue', 'Drivin’ Wheel', 'My Babe', and of course, 'Slow Ride', among many others.
Tracklisting:

'Road Fever'
'Take Me To The River'
'My Babe'
'Drivin' Wheel'
'Stone Blue'
'Rollin' and Tumblin' / You Need Love'
'Terraplane Blues'
'Fool For The City'
'I Just Want To Make Love To You'
'Slow Ride'

‘I Just Want To Make Love To You’:

London shred-heavy melodic metallers SAVAGE MESSIAH have set "The Fateful Dark" as the title of their upcoming new album, due to on March 10, 2014 in Europe via Earache Records and on March 18, 2014 in the USA via Century Media/Earache Records. The follow-up to 2012's "Plague Of Conscience" was recorded at Grindstone Studios in Suffolk, England with producer Scott Atkins (AMON AMARTH, SYLOSIS, BEHEMOTH) and features artwork created by Peter Sallai (SABATON).

Comments SAVAGE MESSIAH frontman Dave Silver: "We're finally ready to unleash this record on the world!

"After the months of hard work and preparation, we are proud to announce all the details for the forthcoming record.

"This is easily our best record to date and we've been playing most of it live since we toured with WINTERSUN in July and the reaction to the songs in a live environment has been killer!

"Hopefully you'll all enjoy listening to this one, and we look forward to seeing you all out on tour in 2014!!!"

"The Fateful Dark" track listing:

01. Iconocaust02. Minority Of One03. Cross Of Babylon04. Hellblazer05. Live As One Already Dead06. The Fateful Dark07. Zero Hour08. Hammered Down09. Scavengers Of Mercy10. The Cursed Earth11. Be Quick Or Be Dead *12. Lightning To The Nations *13. Killers *

* Earache webstore-/iTunes-exclusive bonus tracks

"The Fateful Dark" is available to pre-order now on iTunes, and includes three instant grat tracks, which will be available to download on the following dates:

December 11 - "Cross Of Babylon"January 10 - "Minority Of One"February 10 - "Hellblazer"

Napalm Records has announced the signing of CAVALERA CONSPIRACY. The thrash metal outfit, which released the critically acclaimed and universally praised albums "Inflikted" and "Blunt Force Trauma" through Roadrunner Records, has found a new home at the Austrian label. The band revolving around the legendary brothers Max and Igor Cavalera — both founding members of SEPULTURA — is currently working on its as-yet-untitled third studio effort. Metal fans can expect another groundbreaking and innovative record that will shake the foundations of the music scene!

"I am so excited that CAVALERA CONSPIRACY has signed with Napalm Records," says 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," adds 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.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, the still-untitled Freddie Mercury biopic has a new leading man. 33-year-old actor Ben Whishaw — best know for his portrayal as Q in the recent James Bond thriller "Skyfall" and Keith Richards in "Stoned" — has been cast as Mercury. The casting choice follows the departure of "Borat" star Sacha Baron Cohen, who left the project in July. The film will be directed by Dexter Fletcher, whose work includes "Lock, Stock, And Two Smoking Barrels" and the HBO series "Band Of Brothers".

Close friend Elton John was among the few allowed to visit Freddie Mercury during his final days. "He was sick and he was dying. I used to go around and see him — I was one of the few people to be there and I couldn't stay there for very long; I'd stay there for about an hour at a time, because I found it was so painful and traumatizing," he said. "And he was so brave. He was still spending money and buying things at auction right up to the point that he died — which I thought was hilarious, and the kind of thing I probably would do. But at that Christmas, the Christmas shortly after he had died, I got a present delivered to me in a sheet and I collect Henry Scott Tuke paintings and it was a painting by Henry Scott Tuke from Freddie, saying 'Dear Sharon [laughs] — hope you love this, love Molina.' It was. . . I just completely broke down. And to think of me as he was so ill, he wanted to give that to me for Christmas and he died about a month beforehand. And it was quite a choker. That was the kind of person he was."

On December 11, John Doan of MusicFrenzy.net conducted an interview with former PANTERA and current DOWN vocalist Philip Anselmo. You can now listen to the chat at this location. A couple of excerpts follow.

On the progress of the recording sessions for the new DOWN EP:

Anselmo: "As it sits right now, I think I am 95 to 98 percent finished with all the vocals. I think we start guitar solos on [December] 16th. So we're getting close, man. And once we get those solos down and stuff like that, I guess we'll be mixing, and as I predicted way earlier in the year, I think this fucking EP ought to be finished and ready to go by the first quarter of next year."

On the musical direction of the new DOWN EP:

Anselmo: "The way I've been feeling about it is BLACK SABBATH, man, and if it ain't BLACK SABBATH, it's… it really kind of yanks me back to old heavy metal in the SABBATH vein, like the WITCHFINDER GENERALs and SAINT VITUS-type bands of the very early '80s. It just takes me back to that, man, and that's the vibe I've been feeling on this thing the whole time, so… SABBATH, man. SABBATH and the whole old SABBATH imitation. And really, that's what DOWN is founded on — BLACK SABBATH and bands that were influenced by BLACK SABBATH later on in the game, like WITCHFINDER GENERAL and SAINT VITUS."

On the departure of DOWN guitarist Kirk Windstein:

Anselmo: "I think it was a case of him really wanting to be in sole control of his destiny and his life and CROWBAR. He's got this massive love for CROWBAR, like we all do here, and we support each other. You know, it was a mutual thing, and I totally understood where he was coming from. See, he's the type of guy who likes to go on tour, no days off, and just burn through a 30-day tour and come back home and chill out, whereas DOWN will do three, four shows in a row and have a day off. He has a tough time with the days off on the road. So anything to uncomplicate his life and ours at the same time, and whatever is best for the brotherhood first and foremost. Don't get me wrong… This is, once again, a very mutual breakup, so to speak. We are still, and always will be, great, great, great friends. It happens, man. But we have Bobby Landgraf, the guitar player for HONKY, who has also been with us roadieing and guitar teching for many, many years. And he's filling in real, real fucking great. Actually, whenever you have some new blood in the band, it's always kind of inspiring, especially if they're great players, like Bobby is. So Bobby recorded with us on this new one. Yeah, man, we're going full steam ahead regardless. And it's a smooth transition, man. Kirk even stepped in and showed Bobby some finer points and this and that. So, once again, we're all getting along fine. It's just a matter of personal preference."

ALICE COOPER drummer Glen Sobel — whose other credits include Vivian Campbell, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, SIXX: A.M. and IMPELLITTERI — will enter the studio on Monday, December 16 to begin tracking songs for DEF LEPPARD and LAST IN LINE guitarist Vivian Campbell's forthcoming solo record. Sobel is a member of Campbell's club band, SIR SODOFF & THE TRAINWRECKS, which can be seen playing shows around the Los Angeles area.

Campbell revealed via his Facebook page that he is making a rock record which will contain "lots of guitar." He adds: "I intend to sing [on the album]. However, I may ask a real singer to help out if I fail miserably at the demo stages."

Joining Campbell and Sobel in the studio for the making of his new solo album is bassist Lou Castro. Sobel has also tracked drums for the upcoming Alice Cooper covers record which is due out in 2014. A collection of classic tunes, it will feature a variety of yet-to-be disclosed special guests.

Cooper will resume touring next year, including a confirmed Sweden Rock Festival headline appearance on June 5, 2014. Drum-cam footage of Sobel's solo from the Cooper band's August 2013 performance in Slupsk, Poland can be seen below.

METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett presents "Unfit For Human Consumption", the brand new video from reactivated British extreme metal pioneers CARCASS. Check it out below.

CARCASS is one of several bands who will perform at 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.

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

CARCASS' new album, "Surgical Steel", sold around 8,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 41 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was released on September 16 in the U.K., September 13 in the rest of Europe and September 17 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. The effort was produced by Colin Richardson (FEAR FACTORY, MACHINE HEAD, NAPALM DEATH, SLIPKNOT, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE) and mixed by Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, ACCEPT, EXODUS, ARCH ENEMY).

Joining guitarist Bill Steer and bassist/vocalist Jeff Walker in CARCASS' current incarnation are new drummer Dan Wilding (ABORTED, TRIGGER THE BLOODSHED) and guitarist Ben Ash (PIG IRON, DESOLATION, LIQUEFIED SKELETON).

Decibel magazine's third cross-country domination — set to take place next spring — will feature CARCASS alongside melodeath powerhouse THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, technical death metal heroes GORGUTS and emerging death/thrash squad NOISEM.

The third time's the harm, as CARCASS — the Liverpool legends responsible for "Surgical Steel", Decibel's number one album of 2013 — embark upon their first sustained domestic tour in five years. The 2014 Decibel Magazine Tour will fester across North America for 21 putrefying dates, once again seamlessly integrating the past, present and future of extreme music.

Ever-acerbic CARCASS frontman Jeff Walker finds it difficult to contain his enthusiasm. "This is possibly the unsexiest Decibel Tour lineup yet," he quips. "We're all bringing the 'girth' back to the U.S., along with gray hair and sensible footwear. But it's the music that matters, right? Just close your eyes and think of England. If that fails, think of Tampa."

There will be a number of VIP premium packages available in each market, providing you with a T-shirt, poster, "Skip the Line" pass and free digital sampler from Nuclear Blast. The price of this package is less than you would spend on a ticket and a tour shirt at the show!

"Badass Rock N Roll", the new video from Canadian metal legends ANVIL, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's new album, "Hope In Hell", which sold a little under 800 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The disc follows up "Juggernaut Of Justice", which opened with around 1,600 units back in May 2011. The 2009 re-release of the band's 2007 CD, "This is Thirteen", registered a first-week tally of 1,400 to enter the Top New Artist Albums chart at No. 19.

Released on May 27 in Europe and May 24 in Germany on SPV/Steamhammer, "Hope In Hell" is available in four different formats: as a limited-edition digipak including two bonus tracks, as a jewel case CD, double gatefold colored vinyl LP and as a digital download. These are the first cuts featuring ANVIL's new bassist Sal Italiano, who joined the band a year ago.

"Hope In Hell" was written and recorded following an 18-month world tour which took ANVIL around the globe.

Like "Juggernaut Of Justice", "Hope In Hell" was produced by Bob Marlette (BLACK SABBATH, AIRBOURNE, ALICE COOPER) at the NRG Recording studios in North Hollywood, California and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, SEPULTURA).

"Hope In Hell" track listing:

01. Hope In Hell 02. Eat Your Words 03. Through With You 04. The Fight Is Never Won 05. Pay The Toll 06. Flying 07. Call Of Duty 08. Badass Rock N Roll 09. Time Shows No Mercy 10. Mankind Machine 11. Shut The Fuck Up 12. Hard Wired (bonus track) 13. Fire At Will (bonus track)

"Breathe New Life", the new video from FORGOTTEN TEARS, can be seen below. The single was recorded with producer Andrea Fusini. The video, directed by Tommy Antonini, is set in Milan's suburbs and on the amazing seaside of Leghorn, Italy.

FORGOTTEN TEARS is a metal/hardcore band from Milan, officially formed in 2008.

The band's current lineup consists of Faust Quaggia (lead vocals), Luca Lee Josh (guitar, backing vocals), Matteo Pozzi (guitar), Andrea Giovannoni (bass), Simone Bosi (drums).

FORGOTTEN TEARS released a studio album in 2011 and is planning to issue a brand new full-length effort in 2014.

AVULSED mainman Dave Rotten has unleashed the first demo of his solo project, rightfully called ROTTEN. Cryptic Catacombs" contains four songs of "utterly dark, heavy, primitive and cryptic death metal," according to a press release. Here he plays all instruments and does everything. It's only available on cassette (handmade).

"Cryptic Catacombs" track listing:

01. Arcane Visions02. Crimson Rust03. Rot In Pieces04. 44 Candles of Doom

For more information, visit DamnedRotten.com.

Sundsvall, Sweden-based technical death metal horde SOREPTION will unleash their new studio full-length, Engineering The Void via Unique Leader on February 18th worldwide. A new lyric video for the album track 'Breaking The Great Narcissist' is now available below.

Featuring eight tracks of audio wreckage, Engineering The Void was recorded by brothers Tommy and Chris Rehn from symphonic black metal collective ANGTORIA at Ninetone Studios and delivers a spine-shattering ambush of surgically precise riff sequences, manic time shifts, rhythmic grooves and menacing vocals surges.

Tracklisting:

'Reveal The Unseen'
'The Nature Of Blight'
'Breaking The Great Narcissist'
'A Speech To Survival'
'Utopia'
'Monumental Burden'
'I Am You'
'Engineering The Void'

'Breaking The Great Narcissist' lyric video:
Album teaser:



For more info visit Facebook.

Dutch thrashers LEGION OF THE DAMNED will release their new album, "Ravenous Plague", on January 7, 2014 via Napalm Records. The CD was produced by Andy Classen (TANKARD, KRISIUN, HOLY MOSES) at the Stage One Studio in Germany.

Video footage of the "Ravenous Plague" Earbook unboxing can be seen below.

"Ravenous Plague" track listing:

01. Intro: The Apocalyptic Surge (by Jo Blankenburg) 02. Howling For Armageddon 03. Black Baron 04. Mountain Wolves Under A Crescent Moon 05. Ravenous Abominations 06. Doom Priest 07. Summon All Hate 08. Morbid Death 09. Bury Me In A Nameless Grave 10. Armalite Assassin 11. Strike Of The Apocalypse

The official video for the song "Mountain Wolves Under A Crescent Moon" can be seen below.

"Ravenous Plague" will be LEGION OF THE DAMNED's first album with new guitar player Twan van Geel who joined the band two years ago following the departure of Richard Ebisch.

The CD's intro was created by Jo Blankenburg, whose tracks have been used in advertising campaigns of major Hollywood feature films such as "The Hunger Games", "Harry Potter", "X-Men", "Lincoln", "Hitchcock", "The Wolfman" and "How To Train Your Dragon".

The official lyric video for the song "Faceless Spies" from MAYAN — the band featuring EPICA guitarist/songwriter Mark Jansen alongside Jack Driessen (ex-AFTER FOREVER) and Frank Schiphorst — can be seen below. The track is taken from MAYAN's sophomore album, "Antagonise", which will be released on January 31, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records. The 11-song CD, which was recorded at Sandlane studio with producer Joost Van Der Broek (REVAMP, STREAM OF PASSION), features guest appearances by Floor Jansen (NIGHTWISH, REVAMP), Marcela Bovio (STREAM OF PASSION) and the Greek virtuozo violinist Dimitris Katsoulis.

Comments Mark Jansen: "'Faceless Spies' is the last track on the album and deals about governments spying on their people, not only for safety reasons but also in order to control them."

The cover artwork for "Antagonise" was created by Stefan Heilemann, who previously worked on MAYAN's debut album, "Quarterpast". "Antagonise" track listing: 01. Bloodline Forfeit02. Burn Your Witches03. Redemption - The Democracy Illusion04. Paladins Of Deceit - National Security Extremism Part 105. Lone Wolf06. Devil In Disguise07. Insano08. Human Sacrifice09. Enemies Of Freedom10. Capital Punishment11. Faceless Spies - National Security Extremism Part 2 Henning Basse (LINGUA MORTIS ORCHESTRA) and Laura Macri recently joined MAYAN as permanent members. MAYAN is: Mark Jansen - grunts, screamsHenning Basse - vocalsLaura Macri - sopranoJack Driessen - keysFrank Schiphorst - guitarRob van der Loo - bassArien van Weesenbeek - drums MAYAN will present "Antagonise" at two Dutch CD-reloease shows: on January 30 at Mezz in Breda and on January 31, 2014 at Tivoli in Utrecht.

Guitarist Isaac Delahaye (EPICA) recently left MAYAN because he "wanted to concentrate on other things."

MAYAN's debut album, "Quarterpast", was released in Europe on May 20, 2011 and in North America on July 12, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded and mixed by Sascha Paeth (EPICA, KAMELOT).

German death metallers DESERTED FEAR have released the official music video for 'Nocturnal Frags', taken from their 2012 release, My Empire. The video was shot during the 2013 festival circuit and includes live footage from Party San, Summer Breeze, Extremefest and Nuckstock Open Air.
Influenced by the death metal spirit of the early 90s, Deserted Fear takes murderous command on this brutal and catchy mix of classic American and Scandinavian death metal on My Empire. Mixed and mastered by Dan Swano at Unisound Studio, this album is a mandatory purchase for fans of IMMOLATION, early MORBID ANGEL, and DISMEMBER.
My Empire was released in September 2012 by FDA Rekotz on CD and digital formats. Vinyl treatment came in March of this year.
More on Deserted Fear at Facebook.

Two promotional videos for the 2014 Metal All-Stars tour featuring former MEGADETH drummer Nick Menza can be viewed below.

Menza: I'm totally pumped and honored to get the opportunity of sharing the stage with some of the largest and legendary voices in heavy metal. It's definitely going to be a interesting and unique tour, something European and South American fans don't want to miss and I'm hoping it hits the states.
The Metal All-stars tour will feature "some of the biggest contributors to the heavy metal genre along with some of the most technical musicians in the industry," according to a press release. Metal All-stars will be offering unique items and experiences to be auctioned off in order to raise funds for Ride For Dime. Ride For Dime Inc., a 501 (c) 3, charitable organization, honors the lives of guitar hero and friend, "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott (PANTERA), Jeff Thompson, Nathan Bray and Erin Halk. Ride For Dime has proudly given back to charities that were of interest to Darrell during his life as well as charities he would have been proud to be a part of, like Little Kids Rock, Toys For Tots, IAVA and many more. Ride For Dime was formed in 2010 and began funding its own Ride For Dime Scholarship Fund.

Originally formed in Arlington, Texas, in 2005 by Darrell's friends and family, the organization has now grown to having six nationwide chapters. Each chapter holds its own event, and all proceeds go directly to the Ride For Dime Scholarship Fund. Their current chapters include: Texas, Philadelphia, Chicago, Florida, Wisconsin, Nashville, Minnesota and the UK.
March
23 - Sofia, Bulgaria - Armeec Hall
24 - Bucharest, Romania - Rom Expo
26 - Lodz,Poland - Atlas Arena
28 - Gda?sk,Poland - Ergo Arena

April
3 - Stockholm, Sweden - Globe Arena
5 - Riga, Latvia - Arena Riga
6 - Helsinki, Finland - Old Ice Arena
8 - Saint Petersburg, Russia - YBL Arena
9 - Moscow, Russia - Live Arena

Confirmed artists include:

Phil Anselmo (PANTERA, DOWN)
Nick Menza (ex - MEGADETH)
Joey Belladonna (ANTHRAX)
Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY)
Udo Dirkschneider (U.D.O., ex-ACCEPT)
Cronos (VENOM)
Max Cavalera (SEPULTURA, SOULFLY)
Brian Fair (SHADOWS FALL)
Ross The Boss (ex - MANOWAR)
Rob "Blasko" Nicholson (OZZY OSBOURNE)
Jasin Todd (ex-SHINEDOWN)
Matt Bachand (SHADOWS FALL)
Kobra Paige (KOBRA AND THE LOTUS)
Jon Donais
Jesse Billson (LEVEL ZERO)
Aaron Rossi (MINISTRY, PRONG)
Bones Elias (DEAD BY SUNRISE)

Metal All-Stars tour is expected to hit South America sometime in 2014 for more information visit www.metalallstars.com

Menza is currently at his Disintegrator Studios in Studio City, California working on his new project, ATOMIC DISINTEGRATOR.

Menza previously stated about Atomic Disintegrator's musical direction: "It's very heavy and I'm very pumped, And I'm making some progress with finding some other players 'Cause right now it's just me doing everything and I can't very well tour on that by myself. But I can definitely release a couple of tracks and see where it goes from there."

He continued: "I'm trying to do a cartoon with it for TV and a comic book. And it's really cool. The whole concept is Atomic Disintegrator… It's got some governmental, conspiracy, alien stuff in it. It's mostly about current stuff that's going on in the world. And the music is very metal, but more contemporary style like MESHUGGAH-type, OPETH, GOJIRA. It's heavy.

Swiss folk metallers ELUVEITIE have announced the addition of violinist Nicole Ansperger to the group's ranks.

Says the band in a statement: "As hard as farewells can be, as auspicious are new beginnings!

"We are thrilled to introduce to you Meri's [Tadic] successor.

"We consider ourselves lucky to have found a true master of Celtic folk fiddling! A full-blooded musician and violin player through and through, she has played countless shows over many years and also played as a session musician for many well-known acts (such as THE HOOTERS, for instance). During the last ten years, she further made a name for herself through her engagement with the Irish folk rock bands PADDY GOES TO HOLYHEAD and ACROSS THE BORDER, but also the renowned medieval/classical metal act HAGGARD. Not only a virtuoso of the fiddle, she also plays the seven-stringed violin as well as the cello!"

Adds Nicole: "I am absolutely delighted to be ELUVEITIE's new violin player.

I love ELUVEITIE's music and have been a fan myself for a long time.

"Is there anything better than getting to play for the band you love?

"I am looking forward to many sweat-inducing, incredible shows with you and the band." Nicole will make her live debut with ELUVEITIE at the "Eluveitie & Friends III" festival, which will take place on December 28 in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. Nicole and the rest of ELUVEITIE will play, as an exclusively premiere at this show, a brand new song from their next album.

ELUVEITIE's latest album, "Helvetios", sold 4,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 143 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at position No. 3 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.

"Helvetios" was released in Europe on February 10, 2012 via Nuclear Blast RecordsNew Sound Studio in Pfäffikon, a municipality in the canton of Zurich in Switzerland, with producer Tommy Vetterli (a.k.a. Tommy T. Baron; CORONER/ex-KREATOR guitarist). According to the band, Vetterli "record[ed] drums, guitars and vocals and also produc[ed] and mix[ed] the record. Most folk instruments and also vocals [were] recorded by Anna Murphy and Marco Jencarelli at the Soundfarm studios in Lucerne."

TENNESSEE MURDER CLUB has released its sophomore album, "Human Harvest", via Nailjar Records. The band delivers "timeless" death metal "with an extreme focus on well-structured material," according to a press release.

Featuring guest appearances by some of the greatest names in death metal — Jack Owen (DEICIDE, ex-CANNIBAL CORPSE), Mike Flores (ORIGIN), Shaune Kelley (DIM MAK, ex-HATE ETERNAL), and Steven Tucker (WARFATHER, NADER SADEK, ex-MORBID ANGEL), "Human Harvest" is an absolute must-listen for any fan of '90s death metal.

TENNESSEE MURDER CLUB first made its presence known in 2011 with the independent release of its first album, "Carving A Legacy".

Candlelight Records has set a February 24 as the North American release date of "Consolamentum", the label debut from English doom metallers THE WOUNDED KINGS. Produced by Chris Fielding (ELECTRIC WIZARD), the album will be available for preorders via iTunes and other digital platforms beginning January 13. Discussing the CD earlier this year, guitarist and band founder Steve Mills revealed: "this album will be our most expansive and heaviest." Indeed it is. The album's opening song, "Gnosis", clocks in at a mammoth 13 minutes. From there, it latches on to your soul as it travels a dark and desolate sonic terrain.

"The entire album was recorded and mixed in six days during the hottest week of the year in a studio miles from anything in the Cornish countryside," shares producer Chris Fielding. "Recorded completely live, it captures the natural feel of the band. I find it to be a real step forward musically and very rewarding." Overcoming numerous lineups since their formation in 2005, Mills and the rest of the KINGS have amazed audiences with their powerful stage personae. The two-time Roadburn alumni are cherished by attendees and the popular festival promoters, who call the band "British doom of staggering power that is made all the more distinct by the unsettling presence of singer Sharie Neyland, who stands on stage almost trance-like, invoking her lyrics in a chanted voice that holds the entire venue in thrall." To date, the Dartmoor-based five piece has released three full-length studio albums and a well-received split album with Richmond, Virginia's COUGH. The band has been finding a growing American audience since the release of its 2011 album, "In the Chapel Of The Black Hand". It is the first to feature Neyland. "Consolamentum" track listing:

01. Gnosis02. Lost Bride03. Elige Magistrum04. Consolamentum05. Space Conqueror06. The Silence07. Sacrifice THE WOUNDED KINGS is guitarist/keyboardist Steve Mills, vocalist Sharie Neyland, guitarist Alex Kearney, bassist Al Eliadis, and drummer Myke Heath.

Los Angeles-based progressive heavy rock band SOCIONIC has released the music video for the single 'Epiphany'. Wrought with symbolism – both visually and lyrically – the release marks the arrival of the band’s founding vision and describes the unique creative approach and expression that has become the project’s mantra.

The video, created from the original song artwork which was featured in Advanced Photoshop Magazine (Issue 111, July 2013), guides the viewer through the layers of the 'Epiphany' as it reveals buried meaning through rich and immersive visual production.
'Epiphany' is the lead single from the recently released Identity album (produced by Rhys Fulber). Inspired by iconic bands such as TOOL and NINE INCH NAILS, the music of Socionic emerges as a calculated release of passion and power. Focusing on expression through varied mediums, the essence of the band resonates through visual artwork as well as its music. The live incarnation translates into an explosive and energetic demonstration, engaging audiences with a sound that seamlessly flows from brutal to beautiful, and a message that moves the mind.
Socionic, comprised of vocalist/instrumentalist Michael Meinhart, drummer Lior Dar, and bassist Matthew Denis, is currently gearing up for a string of live dates in Los Angeles featuring a number of never-before-heard new tracks.

More on Socionic at Facebook.

Domestic Genocide has signed a pact with Tokyo-based, OOZEPUS, welcoming the trio to their ever-morphing society of auditory sickness.

Uchino, of Japanese doom lords, COFFINS, initiated Oozepus in 2012, in order to re-examine his earlier roots as COMPROMISE YOU NEED -- the band previous to Coffins in the mid-'90s -- was forged in the more industrial/death tradition of GODFLESH, DEAD WORLD and SKIN CHAMBER. Taking on vocal and guitar duties, he recruited fellow Coffins-mate Satoshi on drums, and bassist/vocalist Ohkubo of Linekraft and Albiorix Requiem, the band began crafting this elder template into a new design.

Oozepus released their first recordings earlier this year in the form of a three-song demo issued through Three Plugs Records/Pagan Result, the material displaying a bruising, hypnotic metallic style comparable to early SWANS, Godflesh, SCORN and no wave with a molten, organic persuasion. The potent demo caught the ear of American-based Domestic Genocide who contracted the outfit to join the label roster.

For more info visit Facebook.

Power Prog has announced the signing of Finnish melodic high speed power metallers JACK THE FROST, who will release their debut EP Fool To Be Cool worldwide as digital download from January 17th.
According to a press release, Jack The Frost is the most freezing powerful melodic metal band from the arctic scenery of Finland! With fast punchy riffs and sweet emotional melodies, these four Scandinavian powerhouses are ready to hit the stage to entertain you and kick some serious ass! Each member of the blood-standing charming quartet has already made his touring and recording experiences with bands like REQUIEM, SILENT VOICES and ALTARIA.

Recorded at Studio57 (SONATA ARCTICA, CAIN'S OFFERING) in Alaveteli, Finland by Pasi Kauppinen and mastered at Chartmakers (RAMMSTEIN, VOLBEAT) in Helsinki, Finland by Svante Forsbäck, the Fool To Be Cool EP is a shining example of the band's powerful style, musicianship and songwriting skills. In any case: This energetic sound is made for action rich live presentations.
The tracklist of Fool To Be Cool:
'Fool To Be Cool'
'Jack The Frost'
'Under The Nordic Sky'
'Planet Of Love'

Finnish symphonic extreme metal band KARA DARAHU are working on their first full-length album, which will be released in 2014. The band's first official video will be released soon. The clip was filmed and produced in Buenos Aires, Argentina and is directed by Victoria Pelejero.
Victoria Pelejero comments on the idea behind the video: "Kara Darahu music has a cinematographic vibe, so, as an 80s movies fan I started to imagine the secuences of a movie as soon as I started to hear the song. The nightmarish theme in the music took me to my childhood, when I hid to watch horror films, so I planned the video as an old movie trailer, keeping it very simple in argument (a little girl having a nightmare) but using all those visual elements that made 80s horror movies great... the idea, in the end, was to make a very safe enviroment, like your bedroom, a place where your own demons chase you."
Updates to follow. More on Kara Darahu at Facebook.

Melodic metallers UNTIL DAWN have posted a new lyric video, for the track 'This Fallen Fortress', in promotion of their latest album Horizon, released in August.
Horizon is available at UntilDawn.ca, iTunes, Bandcamp and all major music retailers.
Tracklisting:

'Roamers And Lurkers'
'Strings Of The Dammed'
'The Red Sun Rises This Day'
'Third Knee'
'This Fallen Fortress'
'A Conjurer Of Cheap Tricks'
'DNR'
'Time Tested Fortune'
'The Trial'
'Polar Parallels'
'Horizon'

Bonus Tracks:
'WM3'
'Richard'

Album stream:
More on Until Dawn at this location.