ANTHRAX played a snippet of the SLAYER classic "Raining Blood" on May 15 at HSBC Brasil in São Paulo, Brazil as a tribute to SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who died earlier in the month at the age of 49. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

In a statement to LA Weekly, ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian said about Hanneman: "There was a real dichotomy knowing Jeff. On one hand, he was a really great guy — easy-going, very kick-back and chill, friendly, loved to laugh — and on the other hand, he wrote some of the darkest, most brutal lyrics and riffs in the history of metal. If he had only ever written 'Angel Of Death', that alone would be enough to claim the throne of evil, let alone the catalogue of work he created. He was a singular talent and a fun person to be around. I'll miss him."

Added ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante: "Jeff had a great fucking laugh; I heard it quite a bit throughout the years. The man who wrote such lyrics as 'feel the knife pierce you intensely' had a great sense if humor. I will remember him for the music he gave and the intensity he brought our metal world."

Members of SLAYER released a statement on May 9 saying that Hanneman died of alcohol-related cirrhosis. He is credited for writing many of the band's classic songs, including "Angel Of Death" and "South Of Heaven".

The guitarist, who passed away in Los Angeles on May 2, had actually not been playing with SLAYER for more than two years since he contracted necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease, from a spider bite in his backyard in January 2011. The infection ravaged the flesh and tissues of Hanneman's arm, leading to numerous surgeries, skin grafts and intense periods of rehab that forced him into semi-retirement and left him near death at several points.

Hanneman's last appearance with SLAYER was in April 2011, when he played an encore with the band at the "Big Four" concert in Indio, California.

Florida death metal veterans CANNIBAL CORPSE have dedicated their participation in the second annual Decibel Magazine Tour to SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who died on May 2 at the age of 49.

Video footage of CANNIBAL CORPSE vocalist George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher paying tribute to Hanneman on May 16 at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California during the Decibel Magazine Tour can be seen below.

CANNIBAL CORPSE bassist Alex Webster recently called Hanneman "one of the greatest musicians and songwriters in metal."

In April 2011, CANNIBAL CORPSE guitarist Pat O'Brien played several shows with SLAYER as the fill-in for EXODUS' Gary Holt while Holt spent a few days away from the SLAYER European tour to play with his own band EXODUS.

Members of SLAYER released a statement on May 9 saying that Hanneman died of alcohol-related cirrhosis. He is credited for writing many of the band's classic songs, including "Angel Of Death" and "South Of Heaven".

Professionally filmed video footage of JUDAS PRIEST performing the song "Rapid Fire" at the Hammersmith Apollo in London, England in May 2012 — taken from the forthcoming "Epitaph" Blu-ray and DVD — can be seen below.

JUDAS PRIEST, the heavy metal legends whose influence on generations of musicians and metalheads is incalculable, celebrate their 40th year as recording artists with the global cinema release of the live concert "Epitaph".

Says the band: "The 'Epitaph' world tour came to an exciting conclusion at the renowned Hammersmith Odeon (now known as the Apollo) in London. Knowing our fans around the planet recognize that venue for many legendary metal moments, and of course with JUDAS PRIEST being a British metal band it was the perfect gig for us to film and record. Big thanks as always to you our metal family of fans — so start banging your heads one more time with us as we scream together 'The PRIEST is back!'"

A unique live career retrospective, "Epitaph" will be made available on Blu-ray and separate DVD on May 28 through Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. This release precedes a new studio album by JUDAS PRIEST which the band are working on now.

JUDAS PRIEST's current lineup comprises lead singer Rob Halford, lead guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis.

Heavy metal historians will regard "Epitaph" as the most far-reaching live concert recording in the band's career. The set revisits the climactic closing date of the 50-week "Epitaph" world tour, captured live at London's HMV Hammersmith Apollo on May 26, 2012. Adding to the drama is the fact that this was JUDAS PRIEST's final large-scale world tour ever.

"Epitaph"'s 23 tracks represent at least one song from every one of the band's 14 studio albums, from 1974's "Rocka Rolla" ("Never Satisfied") to 2008's "Nostradamus" ("Prophecy"). In the special case of "British Steel", four songs are featured: "Rapid Fire", "Metal Gods", "Breaking The Law" and perennial set closer "Living After Midnight". Others exempted from the one-song-quota are the LPs which appeared before and after "British Steel". The first of these is 1979's "Hell Bent For Leather" (U.K. title: "Killing Machine") which lends the title song as well as "The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown)". The other LP is 1982's "Screaming For Vengeance", source of "The Hellion", "Electric Eye" and "You've Got Another Thing Coming".

"They have epitomized the genre with their Harley riding frontman, rapid-fire guitar assaults, and spectacular stage shows," wrote journalist Bryan Reesman in his liner notes for 2004's leather-bound, metal-spiked "Metalogy" box set. "Influential, innovative, and exuberant in expression," he wrote, "they are the true Metal Gods who have been as unwavering in their desire to expand the boundaries of their music as they have been in crossing international borders to deliver it to their disciples.

"Unabashedly committed to their cause, and unrepentant in proclaiming themselves a true heavy metal band even when others have shied away from the term, Judas Priest have forever been defenders of the faith."

"Epitaph" track listing

01. Battle Hymn (L)
02. Rapid Fire (F)
03. Metal Gods (F)
04. Heading Out To The Highway (G)
05. Judas Rising (M)
06. Starbreaker (C)
07. Victim Of Changes (B)
08. Never Satisfied (A)
09. Diamonds And Rust (C)
10. Prophecy (N)
11. Night Crawler (L)
12. Turbo Lover (J)
13. Beyond The Realms Of Death (D)
14. The Sentinel (I)
15. Blood Red Skies (K)
16. The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown) (E)
17. Breaking The Law (F)
18. Painkiller (L)
19. The Hellion (H)
20. Electric Eye (H)
21. Hell Bent For Leather (E)
22. You've Got Another Thing Coming (H)
23. Living After Midnight (F)

Album index:

A - from "Rocka Rolla" (originally issued 1974, on Gull Records)
B - from "Sad Wings Of Destiny" (originally issued 1976, on Gull Records)
C - from "Sin After Sin" (originally issued 1977, on Columbia Records)
D - from "Stained Class" (originally issued 1978, on Columbia)
E - from "Hell Bent For Leather" (originally issued 1979, on Columbia; aka Killing Machine in UK)
F - from "British Steel" (originally issued 1980, on Columbia)
G - from "Point Of Entry" (originally issued 1981, on Columbia)
H - from "Screaming For Vengeance" (originally issued 1982, on Columbia)
I - from "Defenders Of the Faith" (originally issued 1984, on Columbia)
J - from "Turbo" (originally issued 1986, on Columbia)
K - from "Ram It Down" (originally issued 1988, on Columbia)
L - from "Painkiller" (originally issued 1990, on Columbia)
M - from "Angel Of Retribution" (originally issued 2005, on Epic Records)
N - from "Nostradamus" (originally issued 2008, on Epic)

OF EARTH, the band fronted by UFO, SPREAD EAGLE bassist Rob De Luca has just released their new video for 'Heart Of The Hard Drive'. In addition to singing and playing bass, Rob also produced and mixed the track. The video was directed by Charlie and Nancy Nieland for Her Vanished Grace Productions:
Of Earth is:
Rob De Luca - vocals, bass
Paul Casanova - guitar, vocals
Rik De Luca - drums
Matt Baram - keyboards
More information about Of Earth can be found on Facebook.

Rob will head back out on the road in June, playing bass with legendary British rockers UFO:

June
6 - Lubeck, Germany - Werkhof
7 - Solvesborg, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival
8 - Rostock, Germany - Alte Zuckerfabrik
9 - Würzburg, Germany - Posthalle
11 - Darmstadt, Germany - Steinbruchtheater
12 - Verviers, Belgium - Spirit Of 66
13 - Siegburg, Germany - Kubana
15 - Castle Donington, England - Download Festival

Toronto's FAMOUS UNDERGROUND recently inked a world-wide two album deal with German label Dust On The Tracks Records (DOTT). The group's self-titled debut album, which is slated for release on June 7th, will be released through Sony (Europe), MVD (USA), RSK (UK) and Universal (Canada). The band has released an official video for the new song 'Necropolis', which can be viewed below:
Folks that remember life before grunge may recall the Canadian hard rock outfit kicking up a proverbial storm in the early '90s. SLIK TOXIK achieved Gold status in Canada with their full length Doin' The Nasty, and took home the 1993 Juno Award (Canada's version of the Grammy) for Best Album Of The Year. Sadly, in spite of their success, Slik Toxik called it quits in 1995 as grunge tightened its hold on the music scene. Nick Walsh and lead guitarist Rob Bruce formed the modern rock/hardrock band RAISED ON MARS, and together they released a self-titled debut. Walsh went on to form the hardrock band REVOLVER with CRASH KELLY's guitarist Sean Kelly. Revolver have produced two albums, one being a CD/DVD set. In 2011 the band changed its name to FAMOUS UNDERGROUND.
Tracklisting:

'Wasteland'
'Overdrive'
'Dead Weight'
'Love Stands Still'
'Forever And A Day'
'Necropolis'
'Wheel Of Misfortune'
'Mommy Is A Junkie'
'On Broken Wings'
'Bullet Train'
'Hell To Pay'

Bonus tracks:
'Dead Weight' (raw and unplugged)
'On Broken Wings' (alternative)

The CD comes in a digi including an eight-page-booklet.

Listen to the album track, 'Necropolis', below:
Frontman Nicholas Walsh recently checked in with the following update: "Just letting you all know that we've been prepping for our official debut release. We have done a photo shoot with renowned photographer Darko and have been finishing up the artwork as well as the mixes on our bonus tracks. Though we have been in the studio tracking some 'new, new' songs, those will only see the light of day for our upcoming live performances, and will not be a part of our debut release. They will be reserved for F.U. #2. Thanks goes out to all of our Canadian fans for all of your support since the beginning. It's time to share your homeboys and girl with the rest of the world."

The Famous Underground line-up is:

Nicholas Walsh – vocals/guitars
Laurie-Anne Green – bass/vocals
Rick Corvese – guitars
Darren Boyd – guitars
Desche Sparboom – drums
According to a press release, Famous Underground’s sound and music is edgy, melodic and hooky bringing a paradigm shift to the arena of rock. It’s been said, that they have created something fresh and exciting in an otherwise stagnated genre. With the conclusion that no-one has definitive comparisons, Carl Begai writer with elite hard rock/metal magazine BW&BK describes the new recording as “it’s a darker if-METALLICA-were-GUNS N' ROSES direction with this brand new album.”

Famous Underground’s self-titled studio release produced by Nick Walsh, and mixed by Darius Szczepaniak (THE BLACK CROWES, SACRIFICE) at Rouge Valley Studio in Toronto. The new recording takes Walsh’s writing to a more defined state where the lyrics delve more into the complexities of the real world.

These musicians have independently garnered critical acclaim supporting such acts as MÖTLEY CRÜE, DEF LEPPARD, KID ROCK, BLACK SABBATH, BILLY TALENT, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, APRIL WINE and many other international acts.

Famous Underground will headline the Rock Social at the Opera House in town on June 7th. They have issued the following update on the event:
"The idea behind the event came about when the band wanted to host a show that was more than a visual and aural spectacle but a place where fans of the rock scene and lifestyle could come together and connect. Rock Social is this place and more. This will be a hub for this lifestyle of like-minded people to come together, socialize, feel the energy and hear the music.

To enhance the excitement for the evening we will showcase products and brands that the fans can identify with that pertain to their lifestyle, such as motorcycles, tattoo culture, giveaways and contests."

AFFINITY have also been confirmed for the show, more bands will be announced soon.

Tickets go on sale May 1st, $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door. Go to this location for more details and updates.

More information about Famous Underground can be found on Facebook.

Another production work from ALMAH/ex-ANGRA singer Edu Falaschi is now available. It's the debut single of São Paulo-based metallers PERC3PTION from the album Reason And Faith. The song 'Surrender' - which can be heard below - will be released in Brazil in the second half of 2013.
Falaschi comments: “I’m very happy to present my new work as a producer! It has been luck to be invited by this great band to produce their debut album, we have worked hard together and the result is amazing! I’ve done my best to offer all my experience to the band and to join our forces with these great musicians and friends. Of course, this result wouldn’t be possible without them. This debut will give a lot to the rock scene of today!”
Edu Falaschi received his first experience at the producer’s desk with his band Symbols at the end of '90’s. After a break Falaschi returned to the production field in 2006: he produced all the CDs of his own band Almah and started to work with other projects and bands. In the beginning of 2012 Edu Falaschi established his own Do It! Studio in São Paulo in a partnership with his brother and former SYMBOLS bandmate Tito. At present, Edu Falaschi keeps producing the debut material of Brazilian bands DRACE XII and Eyes of Gaya simultaneously with his musical career in Almah.

For more details visit Edufalaschi.com.

'Crash', the new video from Swedish hard rockers DAYS OF JUPITER, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's debut album, Secrets Brought To Life, which was released 2012 via Pantherfarm and distributed by Universal Music. The album was produced by Patrik Frisk (CORRODED, TAKIDA, CRASHDÏET) at Sidelake Studios in Sundsvall, Sweden.
Secrets Brought To Life tracklisting:

'Bleed'
'Now You've Killed Me'
'Bury Me Alive'
'Silence'
'Crash'
'Still Feel You Breathe'
'Beautiful Lie'
'Let It Die'
'Superman'
'Fall'
Days Of Jupiter is:
Jan Hilli - vocals
Jörgen Hellström - guitarr
Magnus Larsson - drums
Janne Karlsson - bass
Markus Lindman - guitarr

(Photo credit: Krister Göransson)

LIBERTY N' JUSTICE is proud to announce October 22nd as the release date for The Best Of LNJ 2. The CD fetaures four brand new tracks and 15 tracks off there pasts albums. Marking the 'end' of the all-star project, LNJ wanted to release this CD before unveiling there brand new band project, The Vanity Project, which will be released early next year. You can pre-order The best of LNJ 2 now at here for a discounted early bird price.
The tracklist is as follows (featured artists in brackets):

'No Honor Among Thieves'
'Grace & Gravity'
'Memphis'
'Lost And Found'

From Soundtrack Of A Soul (2006)
'Show Me The Way' (Oni Logan/LYNCH MOB)

From Independence Day (2007)
'Fade' (Jamie Rowe/GUARDIAN)

From Light It Up (2010)
'Do What You Believe' (CJ Snare and Bill Leverty/FIREHOUSE)
'Man vs. Mother Nature' (Ted Poley/DANGER DANGER, Vic Rivera/ADRIANGALE)
'Wrestling With God" (Pete Loran and Steve Brown/TRIXTER, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal/GUNS N' ROSES)
'Best Time We Never Had" (Chris Jericho/FOZZY, Phil Collen/DEF LEPPARD)

From Chasing A Cure (2011)
'Throwing Stones' (Donnie Vie/ENUFF Z'NUFF)
'Chasing A Cure' (Benny Mardones, John Pine, Bill Leverty/ Firehouse)

From Hell Is Coming To Breakfast (2012)
'Stretch Armstrong' (Louis St. August/MASS, JK Northrup, Keri Kelli)

From The Cigar Chronicles Vol.1 (2013)
'Stayin' Alive' (Kip Winger/WINGER)

From The Cigar Chronicles Vol. 2 (2013)
'The Greatest' (Mark Allen Lanoue/CHASING KARMA)
'Cupid's Gonna Bleed' (Gunnar Nelson/NELSON, Steve Brown/Trixter)
'Under Construction' (Eric Dover/SLASH'S SKAKEPIT, Mark Kendall/GREAT WHITE)
'Cut Me Mick' (Ron Keel/KEEL)
'Sin' (Jani Lane/WARRANT, Bill Leverty/Firehouse, Keri Kelli)

MASSIVE AUDIO NERVE (formely known just as M.A.N) — the Swedish metal-hardcore-progressive four-piece featuring TRANSPORT LEAGUE/ex-MNEMIC frontman Tony Jelencovich — will release its fourth album, "Cancer Vulgaris", in July via Dead End Exit Records and Sound Pollution Distribution. The CD was recorded at IF Studios, the IN FLAMES-owned facility in Gothenburg, Sweden, with producer Roberto Laghi (IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE, HARDCORE SUPERSTAR) and marks the group's first release with Adde Larsson on drums and Mark Black on guitar.

"Cancer Vulgaris" track listing:

01. Cryosync
02. Manslaughter
03. Lights Out
04. Scythe
05. This Generation
06. Grace Of Time
07. 3 Quarter
08. Young Insect
09. Hoax
10. Underhanded Brother
11. Death Song
12. Slumcult

Check out audio samples using the SoundCloud widget below.

According to a press release, "MASSIVE AUDIO NERVE's sound is definitely unique — literally. The band is using the so-called Full Scale Quarter Tone System (48 Fret Metal), a whole new system of notes which they have adapted to the written songs. That means that there are 24 quarter semi tones, instead of 12 'ordinary' semi tones, within the reach of an octave (1200 cent). This has led to new kinds of expressions, possibilities and is featured by more than just a quick appearance in a solo instrument, but rather covered by Rob Hakemo (bass guitar) and Mark U Black (guitar) as well as singer Tony JJ in whole entire songs. It also lives within a state of equilibrium along side the ordinary semi tone system."

M.A.N's third album, "Massive Audio Nerve", was released on March 26, 2010 via the German label Tiefdruck Musik.

My Kingdom Music has announced the signing of Italian power/prog metallers DRAGONHAMMER. The band's new album, The X Experiment, will be released on October 21st, nine years after the last band's release.

The album could be defined an explosive mix of power, epic and progressive metal in the real Dragonhammer tradition and style, and is based on a great futuristic concept, a modern fantastic story set in a post-nuclear world where the chaos reigns. The X Experiment, recorded by a completely renewed lineup lead by the talent of Gae Amodio and Max Aguzzi, will have great special guests of international acclaim. The release will be followed and promoted by a series of live shows in Europe. More details and news soon.
Dragonhammer lineup:

Max Aguzzi - Lead Guitar, Vocals
Gae Amodio - Bass
Roberto Franzò - Lead Guitar
Giulio Cattivera - Keyboards
Massimiliano Santori - Drums

More on Dragonhammer at this location.

The official lyric video for the song "Play It By Fear" from HATEFX, the Fresno/Livermore, California-based metal band featuring guitarist Glen Alvelais (FORBIDDEN, TESTAMENT, LD/50), can be seen below. The track comes off the group's new album, "Under Destruction", which was released on March 23 in North America via xXx Music. The effort was available in two configurations: the Ultimate Limited Edition silver bullet-shaped USB drive (mp3-wav format, lyrics and extras) and a standalone CD.

Commented HATEFX frontman Gabriel "G" Almazán: "'Play It By Fear' is a metaphor for the fear that takes control when someone is being blackmailed/pressured into unwilling obedience to keep compromising information in disguise. Fear makes people enter this game of control, and it thrives on this power struggle that will eventually be revealed anyways.

"When it came time to pick the first single, we had a really hard time. We put our blood and sweat into this work (there were no tears) and everyone had their favorite. But in the end, we agreed that 'Play It By Fear' was the best choice and represents what HATEFX is all about."

In a recent interview, Almazán stated about HATEFX's new CD: "'Under Destruction' depicts a new HATEFX, with our most solid lineup to date. We took extra time to make sure all details were reviewed and treated each song as an individual project. There was a lot of time dedicated to making the album sound as close to our live sound as possible, while experimenting with different textures and sonic layers."

Asked how Alvelais came to be involved with HATEFX, Almazán said: "We opened up for one of Glen's bands and stayed in contact. I asked Glen if he wanted to participate in the new album with a guitar solo/lead. As he was working through it, he asked how we were going to pull this off live. We were going to look for a lead guitarist. Glen said he would like to be present at the release party to play the song (which is part of 'Under Destruction'), and I went and met with him and asked him if he wanted to join ... and the rest is history."

"Under Destruction" includes special guest appearances by Anton Reisenegger (LOCK UP, CRIMINAL), Patrick Contreras (master violinist), Amandolyn Rostikus (SPIRIT DESCENDING) on keyboards and Antonio Godoy (MUSIC MACHINE) on some sequences.

"Under Destruction" was helmed by Chilean producer Javier Bassino.

DIO's "Finding The Sacred Heart – Live In Philly 1986" DVD will be released on May 28 via Eagle Vision.

"Finding The Sacred Heart – Live In Philly 1986" was filmed at The Spectrum in Philadelphia on June 17, 1986 during the second leg of the "Sacred Heart" tour, which featured new guitarist Craig Goldy. The show was issued in an edited form first on VHS and then DVD. Now for the first time the full concert is being released in the original running order, restored from the original 16mm film and with remastered sound. It's an extraordinary live show with a giant animatronic dragon towering over the stage and spectacular lasers and pyrotechnics. Ronnie James Dio is in fine voice as ever and the band deliver a blistering live performance featuring tracks from their first three albums alongside BLACK SABBATH and RAINBOW classics.

"Finding The Sacred Heart - Live In Philly 1986" track listing:

01. Draco Ignis
02. King Of Rock And Roll
03. Like The Beat Of A Heart
04. Don't Talk To Strangers
05. Hungry For Heaven
06. Medley: 'The Last In Line / Children Of The Sea / Holy Diver / The Last In Line (reprise)
07. Drum Solo
08. Heaven And Hell
09. Keyboard Solo
10. Guitar Solo
11. Sacred Heart
12. Medley: Rock 'n' Roll Children / Long Live Rock 'n' Roll / Man On The Silver Mountain / Rock 'n' Roll Children (reprise)
13. Time To Burn
14. Stand Up And Shout
15. Rainbow In The Dark
16. We Rock

Bonus features include:

* "Sacred Heart Tour" Featurette
* Interview '86
* Interview with Ronnie & Craig
* "Rock 'n' Roll Children" music video
* Behind The Scenes

The "King Of Rock And Roll" performance clip, taken from "Finding The Sacred Heart - Live In Philly 1986", can be seen below.

"Finding The Sacred Heart – Live In Philly 1986" will also be released on Blu-ray, CD and LP.

DIO's lineup on the DVD:

Ronnie James Dio - Vocals
Jimmy Bain - Bass
Vinny Appice - Drums
Craig Goldy - Guitar
Claude Schnell - Keyboards

RollingStone.com reports:

Southern-rock trailblazers LYNYRD SKYNYRD have teamed with the cast of Pawn Stars for this live rendition of 'Winning Isn't Everything', which will serve as the new theme song to History's popular series when it returns for a new season on May 30th.

Shot on April 26th during History's free "Party Like The Pawn Stars" event in Las Vegas, this video finds stars Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison and Chumlee front and center for the performance.

On the heels of Skynyrd's 12th studio album, Last Of A Dyin' Breed, which came out in 2012, this new number was written and recorded specifically for the series.

On a related note, Lynyrd Skynyrd hits the road next month with BAD COMPANY for a summer shed tour that gets underway June 20th at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, Washington.

KISS' Monster album gets a Universal Music special release on June 7th. The Monster - Limited Tour Edition will also include the bonus track, 'Right Here Right Now' (previously available on iTunes only). The new edition will also include a poster.
Monster - Limited Tour Edition tracklisting:

'Hell Or Hallelujah'
'Wall Of Sound'
'Freak'
'Back To The Stone Age'
'Shout Mercy'
'Long Way Down'
'Eat Your Heart Out'
'The Devil Is Me'
'Outta This World'
'All For The Love Of Rock & Roll'
'Take Me Down Below'
'Last Chance'
'Right Here Right Now'
KISS will launch their European Monster Tour next Saturday, June 1st at the massive Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.

June
1 - Stockholm, Sweden - Friends Arena
3 - Helsinki, Finland - Hartwall Arena
6 - Solvesborg, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival
8 - Stavanger, Norway - Viking Fest - Viking Stadion
11 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Forum
12 - Berlin, Germany - Waldbuhne
14 - Prague, Czech Republic - O2 Arena
15 - Vienna, Austria - Novarock Festival
17 - Udine, Italy - Villa Manin
18 - Milan, Italy - Mediolanum Forum
20 - Zurich, Switzerland - Hallenstadion
22 - Clisson, France - Hellfest

For all things KISS visit Kissonline.com.

A hard rock highlight from the early '90‘s finally will be made available again: Back To The Bullet by MAT SINNER. On June 21st, this album re-release (including bonus track, videos, completely redesigned cover artwork/booklet and remastered by Achim Köhler (PRIMAL FEAR, BRAINSTORM) "gives every fan the opportunity to complete his collection with a true gem which was out of print for many years," according to a press release.
More details will be revealed soon.
When released on August 10th, 1990, Back To The Bullet featured the following tracks:

'Back To The Bullet'
' Tear Down The Wall'
'Every Second Counts'
'Call My Name'
'Crazy Horses' (THE OSMONDS cover)
'In The Name Of Rock'n'Roll'
'Wildest Dreams'
'Down Under Cover'
'Face to Face'
'Crying In The Wires'

Check out the title track 'Back To The Bullet' below:

Making a major comeback, LITA FORD performed in Sydney, Australia on May 25th. Fan-filmed video of Ford performing 'Cherry Bomb' and 'Black Leather' from her former band THE RUNAWAYS can be viewed below:
Bassist Marty O'Brien (DISTURBED, TOMMY LEE, CHRIS CORNELL) recently uploaded unique video footage of him rehearsing with Ford for her Aussie shows:

Says O'Brien: "In rehearsals with Lita Ford for some shows coming up in Australia. Tonight I used my little GoPro camera and held it in my teeth for an interesting perspective from my point of view. I sure looked like an idiot with a camera in my mouth, but it makes for some cool footage! Loving the GoPro Hero3 camera!"
Lita Ford performed in Melbourne and Sydney on May 23rd and 25th respectively.

NY metal band PIROSAINT have released the first promo audio/single of its upcoming album Pirosaint. The brand new track 'A New Yesterday' is available to streaming below:
'A New Yesterday' features original singer Gonzalo Rodriguez, this is the first recording available with the band since the EP New God in 1997. The music was recorded at Oily Sound Studios in New Windsor, NY by Ignacio Orellana and the vocal tracks were recorded at Nacrur Studios by Andres Nacrur in Santiago, Chile. The mixing and mastering was done at Ignacio Figueroa's studios in Viña del Mar, Chile. The album is expected to be release late 2013 or beginning of 2014. Another track will be released in the next few weeks along with a lyric video.
Drummer Ignacio Orellana commented: "As we said it when we started in 1989, 'warriors will never surrender,' so, now in 2013 we're here again, Now the Warrior has learnt, bring metal back, bring Pirosaint back!! It's been a real pleasure to work again with our original vocalist Gonzalo, it feels home and this song is about that, on how the band has always found the way back to metal. We are looking forward this album, it will contain pure classic metal music. Hope you enjoy it like we are doing it!"

Pirosaint is:
Gonzalo Rodriguez: vocals
Bill Smith: guitars
Ron Buckner: bass
Ignacio Orellana: drums

For more information visit Pirosaint.com.

Portugal-based melodic death metal act SHADOWSPHERE will enter Wrecords Studio on June 5th to begin the recordings of a new EP, which will include two new songs and three cover versions and is set for release in September.

The new EP will be produced by Wilson Silva (MORE THAN A THOUSAND), who has worked with the band on the recordings of DARK TRANQUILLITY’s 'Focus Shift' cover for the tribute album, The Final Resistance, out now via Suspiria Records.
Meanwhile, the band will open up for UNEARTH on July 9th at Republica da Musica in Lisbon, Portugal.

Shadowsphere’s last album, Inferno, was recorded and produced by Tiago Canadas at Poison Apple Studios and mastered by Jim Fogarty (SHADOWS FALL, DEVIL WEARS PRADA, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE) at Adam D.'s Zing Studios and was issued by Sphere Music Media in June, 2012.

More on Shadowsphere at this location.

Spanish brutal death metallers CHRIST DENIED, who reactivated in late 2011, have been hard working on their long awaited sophomore album after their acclaimed debut in 1996 ...Got What He Deserved and various split CDs and their collection CD, Drink… Drink The Blood!, from 2004. This work has resulted in eight new songs plus a cover song of IMPRECATION which will be featured on the new album that will be entitled Cancer Eradication, due out June 15th via Xtreem Music.

Check out the cover by Greek artist Gerasimos Kolokas below:
Cancer Eradication features the following tracks:

'Weak Lunatics'
'Blasphemic Blessings'
'Putrid Christian Blood'
'Christ is Gone'
'Limbless God'
'Prophylactic Execution'
'Beheading the Abomination'
'Infidel's Triumph'
'Of the Underworld (Imprecation)'
Christ Denied live:

June
29 - Move Your Fucking Brain Fest - Barcelona, Spain

July
6 - Obscene Extreme Fest - Trutnov, Czech Republic

October
12 - Ritual Zombi Fest. - Madrid, Spain

Tampere, Finland-based folk metallers HEXVESSEL have released a video for the track 'Masks Of The Universe', featured on the band's recently released Iron Marsh EP, available via Svart Records.
Frontman/mastermind Mat McNerney explains of the epic 13-minute video, "[Carl] Sagan said: 'Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality. When we recognise our place in an immensity of light-years and in the passage of ages, when we grasp the intricacy, beauty and subtlety of life, then that soaring feeling, that sense of elation and humility combined, is surely spiritual.' Space is the true occult, beyond knowledge or experience. Space scientists and explorers are the modern day wizards and shamans, peering into the heavens and hells of other worlds to give us a glimpse through the fabric of time and dimensions."
Iron Marsh tracklisting:

'Masks Of The Universe'
'Superstitious Currents'
'The Tunnel At The End Of The Light (Redux)'
'Woman Of Salem (Yoko Ono cover Feat. Rosie from Purson)'
'Don’t Break The Curse (Feat. Alia from Blood Ceremony)'

The cover artwork was created by Ossi Pirkonen:

Taiwanese extreme metal band CHTHONIC have released their new video, 'Sail Into The Sunset's Fire', a track from their upcoming seventh studio album, entitled Bú-Tik, out on June 3rd via Spinefarm Records.
Bú-Tik will include the following tracklisting:

'Arising Armament' (intro)
'Supreme Pain For The Tyrant'
'Sail Into The Sunset's Fire'
'Next Republic'
'Rage Of My Sword'
'Between Silence And Death'
'Resurrection Pyre'
'Set Fire To The Island'
'Defenders Of Bu-Tik Palace'
'Undying Rearmament' (outro)

The album artwork was designed by Oink Chen:
The band previously released behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot of their video for the album track 'Defenders Of Bú-Tik Palace'. Watch the new footage, as well as the video, below:
Listen to 'Next Republic':
Bú-Tik was recorded at Sweden’s Sweetspot Studio by producer Rickard Bengtson, who also worked on 2011’s Takasago Army. Bú-Tik sees the band returning to the scene with their signature brand of symphonic orient metal, as they choose to define it; as usual, the musicians continue on their mission to build awareness of the myths of Taiwan and thetragic events in their country's history.

Bú-Tik – based around the story of the 228 Massacre, the Bú-Tik Palace and the Mirror Of Retribution – highlights “righteous violence & justifiable defence”; once more, it takes the listener deep into the folklore & history of exotic Taiwan.

Says bassist and band spokesperson, Doris Yeh: “We are very proud to present Bú-Tik to the world; it talks about self-defence, righteous violence and the armed spirits! With this album, we have pushed ourselves to achieve new heights – heights we've never imagined before! We are leading metal fans to the next episode of Chthonic!”
On the live front, Chthonic are confirmed to play on the Pepsi Max Stage on Saturday, June 15th at the Download Festival 2013, set to take place over the weekend of June 14th - 16th at its historical stamping ground of Donington Park. Chthonic last appeared at Download in 2011, but for this follow-up show they are returning in greater numbers, the plan being to utilise the skills of the oriental orchestra.

Says Doris: “This is the first time we’ll have played with the orchestra outside of Taiwan. We’re really hoping to present a show that people will be talking about for some time to come…”

Plans are currently being discussed for an autumn UK tour. Updates to follow.

Swedish black metal outfit PEST will release their fourth full-length album, entitled The Crowning Horror, via Agonia Records on June 18th in Europe, and on July 9th in North America.
The Crowning Horror is Pest's first album in five years. It was mixed by Fred Estby (DISMEMBER, CARNAGE, NECRONAUT) at Gutterview Recorders and mastered by Andy Jackson (PINK FLOYD's engineer, Grammy nominee) at Tube Mastering, UK. The release will be available on a noble 8-panel digipack CD, digitally and on vinyl (first 100 copies on a solid, purple wax vinyl).

Pest commented: "After years of silence a new wave of black death will finally strike the world. The plague is upon us. Bring the darkness!"
The Crowning Horror tracklisting:

'The Funeral Hours'
'A Face Obscured By Death'
'Volcanic Eyes'
'Devil’s Mark'
'Holocaust'
'The Abomination Of The God'
'Thirteen Chimes'
'Demon'
'The Crowning Horror'
'Eternal Curse'

Listen to 'Volcanic Eyes':
Retail pre-orders are now available at this location.More on Pest at this location.

Canadian power metallers ECLIPSE PROPHECY are streaming their song 'Labyrinth Of Sanity', featured on the band's debut album, Days Of Judgement, which was released by Maple Metal Records worldwide in March this year.

Days of Judgement was produced by David Mc Gregor last Fall at Powerflame Studio, Montreal, QC. The album cover artwork was created by Pascal Laquerre, who is also credited for his album covers with KATAKLYSM and AETERNAM.

Tracklisting is as follows:
‘Animus Ara’
‘Under Shadow's Veil’
‘Through The Storm’
‘Circle Of Torments’
‘A Dying World’
‘Labyrinth Of Sanity’
‘Days Of Judgement’
‘Legions Of The Cross’
‘Inferno’
‘The Shattered Mirror’

BraveWords' review of Days Of Judgement can be found here.

Eclipse Prophecy is:
David Mc Gregor – vocals, guitars
Martin Machado - lead guitars
Karlos Machado - bass guitars
Landryx – drums

For more details visit Facebook.

Season Of Mist recently announced the signing of Canada’s NECRONOMICON. The Montreal-based death metal trio’s upcoming fourth album is entitled Rise Of The Elder Ones, and will be released on June 7th in Europe, and June 10th in North America.

BraveWords is exclusively streaming the new song 'The End Of Times' on SoundCloud below:
Rise Of The Elder Ones tracklisting:

'Resurrected'
'The End Of Times'
'The Living God (Pharaoh of Gods Part II)'
'The Nuclear Chaos'
'From Beyond'
'Rise Of The Elder Ones'
'The Valley Of The Lost Souls'
'Celestial Being'
'Dark Corners Of The Earth'
'The Fallen'

“Many people know that for some years in the past Necronomicon have been through some really dark years and that starting with The Return of the Witch, or what we called the return to the source, we rose out of that period with more determination and strength than ever," frontman Rob “The Witch” states. “As for now, some months ago we had the opportunity to join forces and work with one of the most respected labels in the dark metal area. That’s why we decided to move on in that direction. Working with people that care, are professionals, and do what they said without trying to find excuses to not do what they agreed to. It is with honor that Necronomicon joined the Season Of Mist family and wish for this relationship to be long and prosperous.”
Necronomicon lineup:

Rob "The Witch" - Vocals / Guitars
Armaros - Bass
Rick - Drums
More on the band here.

Italian singer Mariangela "Mary" Demurtas of Norway's TRISTANIA and Italian guitarist Francesco Marras' (SCREAMING SHADOWS) have released a video for their acoustic cover version of THE MARS VOLTA song "The Widow". Check it out below. The clip was produced by Luigi Marras and Francesco Marras.

Says Demurtas about the video: "THE MARS VOLTA is one of my favorite bands. Since me and Francesco are getting ready to play some acoustic set soon in Sardinia, here you have the chance to see what it is about."

Demurtas joined TRISTANIA in 2007 and is featured on the band's sixth album, "Rubicon", which came out in August 2010 via Austria's Napalm Records. The group's follow-up CD, "Darkest White", is scheduled for release on May 31 via Napalm.

Francesco's first solo instrumental album, "Black Sheep", is available on iTunes and AmazonMP3.

Experimental heavy rockers IWRESTLEDABEARONCE have completed work on their third studio album, due out later this year.

Recorded at the band's compound/studio in Los Angeles, the new IWRESTLEDABEARONCE CD sees the members pushing themselves musically like never before. While known for their schizophrenic sound and unconventional song structure, IWRESTLEDABEARONCE approached its next record with a new focus and a determination to deliver an album that will surprise fans and entirely redefine who they are as a band.

Said guitarist/programmer Steven Bradley: "I've 100% NEVER been this excited about an IWRESTLEDABEARONCE album, because it feels like we've finally reigned in 'our sound' even further and really hit a stride in terms of songwriting.

"We've always admired bands like DEFTONES, CYNIC, THRICE, GLASSJAW, MR. BUNGLE, DREDG, CEPHALIC CARNAGE, THE MARS VOLTA, etc., because they've never made the same album twice, and aren't scared to keep evolving while still maintaining their signature styles. Obviously I'd never compare us to the greatness of those bands, but, in keeping with that mentality, we've progressed a bit more and put together our best collection of songs so far."

Bradley, who is producing, engineering, mixing and mastering the album himself addeds: "The heavy parts are heavier and more interesting, the choruses are stronger, and the 'weird twists' that people have come to expect in our music are way more thought-out than in the past and definitely hit harder than ever.

"Long story short — we're very excited about getting this album finished and released, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do."

IWRESTLEDABEARONCE's upcoming album will also be the debut of the band's electrifying new scream/sing queen Courtney LaPlante, who joined the band with only a 24-hour notice in between shows on the Vans Warped Tour in 2012. Her contributions to the new music have not only re-energized the band but have also allowed them to explore new growth as a cohesive unit.

"Since the day I joined this band, I've been anticipating this album!" said LaPlante. "I was pushed to the limit creatively and technically, and I've never been more proud of myself or my bandmates. We've been through alot this year, and this is the pay-off; the result of our experiences. Most importantly, I think IWRESTLEDABEARONCE fans both old and new will really enjoy these songs, and we can't wait to play them live for you this summer!"

According to The Pulse Of Radio, DISTURBED and DEVICE frontman David Draiman has reassured fans that the former band will eventually return from its current hiatus. But he also asked the group's followers to show their support for DEVICE as well as FIGHT OR FLIGHT and ADRENALINE MOB, two other projects featuring the other members of DISTURBED.

In a lengthy Facebook post published on Thursday (May 23), Draiman wrote in part, "While DISTURBED's hiatus is in effect (and none of us truly know how long that will last), myself, Dan, Mike and John will continue to update you on the goings-on/projects from the DISTURBED family . . . When we eventually reunite, and we will, it will be an event, and one that will have greater meaning for all of us."

Draiman echoed this when The Pulse Of Radio asked him about DISTURBED's eventual return. "DISTURBED will reunite when the time comes," he said. "When we feel it's right, when DEVICE has run its course, when everybody's in the right head space and we're feeling re-inspired and we're ready to go back at it and the itch is itching hard enough, it'll happen."

The singer added that there was no reason for fans to be mad about the band's outside projects, saying, "Bitterness at our individual projects is really quite misplaced. so please support DEVICE, FIGHT OR FLIGHT and ADRENALINE MOB as they are fruit born of this hiatus; were counting on all of you."

DEVICE released its self-titled debut album on April 9. It debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard album chart, selling 35,000 copies in its first week of release.

DEVICE will hit the road this summer on Gigantour 2013, along with HELLYEAH, NEWSTED and other acts. The trek kicks off on July 3 in Gilford, New Hampshire, wrapping on August 11 in Toronto, Canada.

DISTURBED has been on hiatus since late 2011. Guitarist Dan Donegan and drummer Mike Wengren's new band, FIGHT OR FLIGHT, will release its debut album in July, while bassist John Moyer continues with ADRENALINE MOB.

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS frontman Scott Weiland has released the following statement via his Facebook page:

"A letter to my fans,

"Like everybody else out there, I read about my band, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, and their recent performance this past weekend with a new singer. To tell you the truth, it took me by surprise. And it hurt.

"But the band that played last weekend was not STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and it was wrong of them to present themselves as that.

"First of all they don't have the legal right to call themselves STP because I'm still a member of the band. And more importantly, they don't have the ethical right to call themselves STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, because it's misleading and dishonest to the millions of fans that have followed us for so many years.

"When I tour on my own, it's never as STONE TEMPLE PILOTS. It's as Scott Weiland. The fans deserve to know what they're getting.

"Like any band that's stood the test of time and made music for more than two decades, STP had a special alchemy — the four of us together were greater than any one of us apart. So if my former bandmates want to tour with a new singer, that's their prerogative.

"I don't give a fuck what they call themselves, but it's not STONE TEMPLE PILOTS.

"And so I say to you, our fans, I'll see you out there on the road this summer where I'm touring as 'Scott Weiland' with my band THE WILDABOUTS. But don't give up on STP. I know I haven't."

As previously reported, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS members Robert DeLeo (bass), Dean DeLeo (guitar) and Eric Kretz (drums) have filed a lawsuit against Scott Weiland claiming that he sabotaged their 20th anniversary tour by being chronically late for performances and missing promotional gigs. They also allege Weiland refused to communicate with other bandmembers in an attempt to "hijack" the tour. "The band endured much strife and lost significant opportunities because of Weiland," the suit states.

STP officially fired Weiland in February after weeks of rumors about his status, issuing a terse statement that read, "STONE TEMPLE PILOTS have announced they have officially terminated Scott Weiland."

This was the second time that the band has parted ways with its often troubled frontman, following a split in 2002.

Fans were shocked when STONE TEMPLE PILOTS made a surprise appearance at a radio festival in the Los Angeles area last Saturday (May 18), with LINKIN PARK's Chester Bennington making his debut as the new STP lead singer.

The group performed a new song called "Out Of Time" at the show, putting a studio version online earlier this week. The DeLeo brothers and Kretz now claim in the lawsuit Weiland got vindictive and tried to interfere with the release of the single. Weiland's lawyer, according to the lawsuit, called the head of programming at the Los Angeles radio station KROQ and said if the station played "Out Of Time", it would be infringing on Weiland's rights.

Bennington has said that he was planning on doing more recording and touring with STP, while remaining in LINKIN PARK.