Decibel magazine’s July issue (on newsstands in June) features a nine-page tribute to late SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman in the form of a moving retrospective obituary, some of Hanneman's most biting quotes, and a litany of heartfelt remembrances from EXODUS, Philip Anselmo (DOWN, PANTERA), AT THE GATES, TESTAMENT, CANNIBAL CORPSE and countless other contemporaries, including METALLICA guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield.

"I'm grateful to have been in the same lifetime as Jeff," Hetfield tells Decibel. "We share common ground. One being shy kids that found music to speak for us. Also grateful to have shared the stage at the 'Big Four' celebrations. Ironically, one of the best metal riffs ever, 'Angel Of Death', has taken him to yet an even better place. With love and respect in our hearts, R.I.P., Jeff Hanneman."

Decibel's Jeff Hanneman tribute issue can be purchased here.

Hanneman passed away on May 2 from liver failure at the age of 49.

Members of SLAYER released a statement on May 9 saying that Hanneman died of alcohol-related cirrhosis.

Hanneman 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.

Brazilian metallers EMINENCE will release their fourth full-length album, "The Stalker", in August. The artwork for the CD, which includes a guest appearance by SEPULTURA bassist Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr., was created by Viktor Koen. The effort was produced by Tue Madsen (DARK TRANQUILITY, HEAVEN SHALL BURN).

"The Stalker" track listing:

01. Self Rejection
02. Unfold
03. 3 Times 6
04. Atmosphere (intro)
05. Veins Of Memories
06. The Stalker
07. Eyetricity
08. Satellite (intro)
09. Critical Path
10. No Code
11. Visions Of Hate

A trailer for the CD can be seen below.

EMINENCE made its U.S. live debut last October aboard The Star of Palm Beach at Pier 40, West Houston St. at West Side Highway, in New York City.

EMINENCE's moat recent CD, "The God Of All Mistakes", was released in March 2008 via Locomotive Records.

EMINENCE is:

Alan Wallace - Guitar
Bruno Paraguay - Vocals
Andre Marcio - Drums
Thiago Correa - Bass

MEGADETH's new song "Kingmaker" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The track comes off the band's new album, "Super Collider", which is scheduled for a June 4 release via MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine's new label, Tradecraft, distributed by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).

"Super Collider" track listing:

01. Kingmaker
02. Super Collider
03. Burn!
04. Built For War
05. Off The Edge
06. Dance In The Rain
07. Beginning Of Sorrow
08. The Blackest Crow
09. Forget To Remember
10. Don't Turn Your Back…
11. Cold Sweat

The album will be available as a limited-edition CD with 3-D cover and bonus tracks, regular CD, regular LP, limited LP plus seven-inch vinyl and as a digital download.

In a recent interview with the "Shockwaves"/"HardRadio" podcast, Mustaine stated about "Kingmaker": "[That song] is about the epidemic we're having in our nation right now with hillbilly heroin, with everybody taking pain pills.

"It's no secret that I had surgery on my neck. I think that when I showed up at the 'Big Four' show [at the Yankee stadium in September 2011] with a neck brace on, people kind of figured out that there was something wrong with me. It turns out that I had a broken bone in my neck and a shard of my vertebrae got into my spinal cord and was causing me tremendous pain for a very long time. I had started taking pain pills and became chemically dependent on it.

"With my substance-abuse history, it was really hard for me to go from being an addict and an alcoholic and then getting set free from all that stuff. 'Cause I went to the whole twelve-step thing, which was really beneficial for me, but unfortunately, for me it wasn't an anonymous program; I would go in there and whatever I would say, people would talk about. So it really violated my anonymity. It's also a program that is based on God, but when I would talk about God in there, they would say, 'Ah, G.O.D. stands for Group Of Drunks.' And it's, like, 'No, it doesn't. Can't you spell, you retard? That's why you're in here.' But at the time, it was very influential in my life and very important and I respect it tremendously and I wish anybody who needs a twelve-step program will find one...

"The song 'Kingmaker' is about how people are running from their problems… And there's a lot of that on this particular record — just looking at, like, 'Here's what I've got. What are you gonna do with it?' It's talking a lot about this generation, how people, their lives are falling apart and they just take pills. Instead of sucking up and doing what I did and going and getting the surgery and getting off the medication, they'll continue to just trudge it out until the end of their life where they just take pills until their body is eaten… And the other thing that's part of that song is talking about how when you take these things how they make you feel different. Some people, they get into that 'cause they like the way it makes you feel, 'cause it makes you kind of feel warm and fuzzy. In the song, it talks about wanting to fly and being ten feet tall. Booze does that to some people. And this is just something that, I think, if there is a way that I can help educate a lot of our fans, especially the younger ones that still have their whole life ahead of them, it's not as glamorous as you think it is to go down that path of just checking it out and drugging yourself up and not facing reality…

"Part of what 'Kingmaker' means to me is that I am able to look back now on this whole episode of my life, being a slave to Big Pharma. You have no idea what a pain in the ass it was. In order to travel to go overseas, and I needed the medication with me, to know that if my backpack would have been stolen and my medication would have been gone, that I would have gone into serious withdrawals and been hospitalized and the tour would have been over. That kind of stuff; it's horrifying. And my heart goes out to the people that are stuck in that vicious circle and slavery to narcotics. Granted, you need it if you're in pain, but…"

As previously reported, MEGADETH will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" with host Bob Coburn on Monday, June 17 at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with MEGADETH by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). The show will be streamed on the "Rockline" web site for two weeks beginning the afternoon after the live broadcast.

"Super Collider" is MEGADETH's first release since the band's recent split with Roadrunner Records.

Former THE GATHERING singer Anneke Van Giersbergen will release a new studio album on September 27. A single will precede the full-length effort on August 27.

Anneke played two exclusive U.S. shows in Chicago at the end of March. Also appearing on the bill both nights were Anneke's "dear friends" NOVEMBERS DOOM.

Anneke van Giersbergen announced her departure from THE GATHERING in 2007. She has since released four albums on her own and with her AGUA DE ANNIQUE solo project: "Air" (2007), "Pure Air" (2009), "In Your Room" (2009) and "Everything Is Changing" (2012).

"Everything Is Changing" was released on January 20, 2012 via PIAS Holland. The CD was recorded at Ultrasound Studios in Braga, Portugal with producer Daniel Cardoso.

A video interview with Anneke conducted in March by Eve's Apple for Femme Metal Webzine can be seen below.

Interview:

Michael Sweet of Christian hard rockers of STRYPER has finished laying down the lead vocals on the band's new studio album, "No More Hell To Pay". The mixing sessions for the CD are set to begin this coming Monday, May 20 for a fall release via Frontiers Records.

Regarding the musical direction of STRYPER's new material, Michael Sweet told Screamer Magazine: "The song 'God', which is on 'The Covering'; if you took that song along with 'Bleeding From Inside Out' and 'Blackened' [from 'Second Coming'], and you put it on the same album, that's a pretty good indication of where we are going and where we are at right now. But at the same time this album is all its own."

He added: "Every song has a hooky guitar riff. Everything is in minor keys, so it's a little darker sounding and a little tougher. It's definitely our heaviest record and I think people will be pleasantly surprised.

"The people who do like the poppier side of STRYPER, like 'Calling On You' and 'Holding On', this record isn't going to really give them that. There are a lot of vocal hooks and melodies going on, but it's a little darker, and a little edgier. To reference, there is less songs like 'Calling On You' and more songs like 'To Hell With The Devil'. It's more in that vein than the poppier vein."

Frontiers Records in January announced the signing of STRYPER to a multi-album deal. The first CD to be made available the agreement was a collection of re-recorded versions of the band's classic songs, released in North America on March 26. Entitled "Second Coming" and produced by Michael Sweet, the album contains a total of 16 cuts — two from "The Yellow And Black Attack", six from "Soldiers Under Command", six from "To Hell With The Devil", as well as two new tracks, "Bleeding From Inside Out" and "Blackened".

Photo credit: Tina Enos

Eric Spitznagel of MTV Hive recently conducted an interview with vocalist Rob Halford of British heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST. An excerpt from the chat follows below.

MTV Hive: During the '80s and '90s, metal bands like PRIEST, METALLICA and OZZY were blamed for provoking teenagers with low self esteem to do bad things. In hindsight, does it make sense why metal as a genre was so frequently a scapegoat?

Halford: I approach this topic with a tinge of sadness, because unfortunately those incidents have always come out of this wonderful country, the United States. A country that has been so wonderful to JUDAS PRIEST and many other metal acts from different parts of the world.

MTV Hive: Blaming metal for stupid behavior is unique to the States? I didn't know that.

Halford: Circumstances like those have never happened in Europe, never in South America, never in the Far East. When metal has been blamed for violence, it's only happened in the States. I don't mean to sound bitter about that. It's just a reality, and it makes me really sad.

MTV Hive: It's been awhile since metal was considered a public menace. Has the music changed, or is it just less threatening to mainstream America now?

Halford: Metal hasn't changed. Metal is still the same. It hasn't changed at all, or at least the essence of it hasn't changed. But I do think the culture has changed. If you're on the outside and don't got a clue about metal, then I don't see how you can have an opinion until you've discussed it and investigated it. And those types of attacks generally came from people who were in the dark. It's a natural human instinct to put up a wall when you're afraid of something. You immediately go into protection mode. You don't let things come in.

Read the entire interview from MTV Hive.

A 15-minute video interview with SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman conducted before the release of the band's latest album, "World Painted Blood", in 2009 can be seen below.

"World Painted Blood" sold 41,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release.

Hanneman passed away on May 2 from liver failure at the age of 49.

Members of SLAYER released a statement on May 9 saying that Hanneman died of alcohol-related cirrhosis.

Hanneman 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.

Progressive rock/metal band CYNIC has begun mixing its new album for a fall release via Season Of Mist. The group's drummer, Sean Reinert, writes in an online posting: "Some people are gonna be pissed and others are gonna say 'thank you!!!' I'm with the latter!"

CYNIC's new CD was recorded at Perfect Sound studios in Hollywood, California with engineer Jason Donaghy. Songtitles set to appear on the effort include "Endlessly Bountiful", "Moon Heart Sun Head" and "True Hallucination Speak".

Regarding the direction of the new CYNIC material, Reinert previously said: "It's a bold new sound for CYNIC and marks a gigantic leap in the band's progression. We've had a lot of time to let this material develop and gestate, and it finally feels ready to be unleashed on the world. I've been in trio mode with [bassist Sean] Malone and [guitarist/vocalist Paul] Masvidal flushing out a zillion and one details, and couldn't be happier about what's happening with these songs. They are truly alive!"

In a February 2012 interview with Ireland's Molten magazine, Masvidal described the band's new music in the following way: "It's almost like, I don't know how to explain it, but if I had to put it in a box it's more sci-fi, futuristic and alien but at the same time very song-driven. It's kind of like, to me, coming into CYNIC's body more. It feels very modern and at the same time it just feels really cool. I'm big in the space. It's definitely new. It's not like anything we've done before. It's a new color, a new space. I think people will really take note of even the guitar stuff. I'm really shifting gears, I'm trying things in a different way and the way stuff is played. It's a new space for CYNIC, for sure. It definitely sounds like us, except completely new."

CYNIC's latest EP, "Carbon-Based Anatomy", was released in November 2011 via Season Of Mist. The CD artwork was designed by the great Robert Venosa, the artist behind the covers of CYNIC's previous releases "Focus", "Traced in Air" and "Re-Traced".

All bass parts on "Carbon-Based Anatomy" were recorded by one-time CYNIC bassist Sean Malone.

CYNIC was joined by Brandon Giffin on bass and Max Phelps on guitar and vocals during the group's North American and European tours in support of "Carbon-Based Anatomy".

Fan-filmed video footage of SUFFOCATION's May 15 performance at NQ Live (formerly Moho Live) in Manchester, England can be seen below.

SUFFOCATION has recruited John Gallagher (DYING FETUS) to handle lead vocals on a number of shows this spring. Gallagher is filling in for SUFFOCATION's regular vocalist, Frank Mullen, who is unable to make the dates due to personal commitments.

"I'm stoked to be performing on several shows with longtime friends and my brothers in metal, SUFFOCATION," said Gallagher a couple of monts back. "It's going to be a blast and since I'll JUST be singing the vocals, they are going to be super sick and guttural. So make sure to come out and party with us and witness the brutality!"

"Pinnacle Of Bedlam", the new album from SUFFOCATION, has entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 58. The CD was released on February 19 via Nuclear Blast Records. The artwork was handled this time around by Raymond Swanland and can be found below.

As previousy reported, "Pinnacle Of Bedlam"sold 3,200 copies in the United States during its first week of release to land at position No. 152 on The Billboard 200 chart. The effort landed at position No. 2 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.

"Pinnacle Of Bedlam" was produced by the band at Full Force Studios in New York with longtime collaborator Joe Cincotta. The mixing and mastering of the effort was handled by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, ARSIS, SUICIDE SILENCE).

"Pinnacle Of Bedlam" features 10 genre-defining-bone-crushing tracks and also marks the return of drummer Dave Culross, who previously played on the "Despise The Sun" EP. Founding member and former drummer Mike Smith also makes a special guest appearance on the re-recorded "Breeding The Spawn" track "Beginning Of Sorrow".

Fan-filmed video footage of Tom Keifer, best known as the singer/songwriter/guitarist of the Philadelphia-based blues-rock band CINDERELLA, performing a solo concert on May 10 at The Concert Pub North in Houston, Texas can be seen below.

Keifer's debut solo album, "The Way Life Goes", sold 5,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 78 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was released on April 30 via Merovee Records (through Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group).

The collection of 14 new songs ranges from intimate, organic, acoustic tracks to driving hard rock. It embraces the blues, rock and country roots that have always been present in his unique sound that has generated the sale of over 15 million records worldwide for CINDERELLA. Rolling Stone praised Keifer as "a gritty, bluesy (rocker) with enough genuine swagger to draw comparisons to Mick Jagger."

"This record was a labor of love," Keifer told TriCities.com. "When I started this record, CINDERELLA was in the middle of a lawsuit with Sony Records. This record is not in any way to be taken as me stepping away from CINDERELLA."

"I took a lot of time making this record," he continued. "I made it over 10 years. I wanted to make something I loved. My wife, Savannah (Snow), co-wrote a lot of the songs with me. It was a blessing to me.

"Each song has something to do with life. It's just life, love, love lost, being crazy, going crazy, being lost. The record, there's no change, really, in style. It has the peaks and valleys.

"I've always approached music, played music that I like. I've never chased trends through CINDERELLA and with this album. It reflects what's in me."

Keifer wrote "The Flower Song" with Jim Peterik, formerly of the bands SURVIVOR and the IDES OF MARCH.

"The Way Life Goes" is a raw, introspective look at the roller coaster ride that has been Keifer's life for the past 15 years. From being told that he would never sing again as a result of a partially paralyzed left vocal cord, to the emotional and personal battles that followed, his solo debut is a story of perseverance, a testament to the power of passion and will, when combined with a true love of music.

"It's pretty scary," Keifer said of his vocal paralysis. "I've had six surgeries to deal with the collateral damage. Performing… has been difficult for me because of the vocal issues I've had. I work several hours every day on that. That's a difficult thing for me every day."

DEEP PURPLE's first video in over 20 years — for the song "Vincent Price" — can be seen below. The track comes off the band's latest album, "Now What?!", which sold 4,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 115 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Now What?!" first-week chart positions:

Germany: #1
Austria: #1
Russia: #3
Norway: #4
Finland: #6
Sweden: #7
Netherlands: #12
UK: #19
Spain: #19
Denmark: #26
Belgium: #33
Ireland: #87
USA: #115

"Vincent Price" will be released on June 7 as download, CD single and seven-inch transparent vinyl.

"Vincent Price" will become a PURPLE collector's item, due to the inclusion of the song "First Sign Of Madness", which was recorded during the "Now What?!" sessions and not included in the final selection.

Seven-inch single:

Side A: Vincent Price
Side B: First Sign Of Madness

CD single and download

01. Vincent Price
02. First Sign Of Madness
03. The Well Dressed Guitar (from the now-deleted "Rapture Of The Deep" limited-edition CD)
04. Wrong Man (live) (from the now-deleted "Rapture Of The Deep" limited-edition CD)
05. Vincent Price (video)

"Now What?!", the 19th studio album from DEEP PURPLE, was released in North America on April 30 via earMUSIC, the Hamburg, Germany-based international rock label which is part of Edel Group.

"Now What?!" was also released in a limited quantity with a bonus track and a bonus DVD featuring DEEP PURPLE in conversation plus additional audio material. This edition was made available in a digipak with a cut out front cover. "Now What?!" was also released as double vinyl LP containing a bonus track, as in the limited-edition CD.

After various songwriting sessions in Europe, the band recorded and mixed the album in Nashville, Tennessee with producer Bob Ezrin (KISS, PINK FLOYD, PETER GABRIEL, ALICE COOPER, KANSAS). The CD contain 11 tracks, including "Out Of Hand", "Weirdistan", "Uncommon Man" and "Above And Beyond". The latter song references the band's late keyboard player, Jon Lord, in the lyric "Souls having touched are forever entwined."

According to a press release, "Now What?!" was recorded with no musical rules… and it shows a modern and fresh production… to the point that DEEP PURPLE have never sounded so close to the spirit of the '70s in the last 20 years as they do now. The CD has the excellence and elegance of "Perfect Strangers" and the wild freedom of "Made In Japan".

The self-titled sophomore album from Finnish metallers BATTLE BEAST — who last fall parted ways with lead singer Nitte Vänskä and replaced her with Noora Louhimo — can be streamed in its entirety using the SoundCloud widget below. Due in Europe on May 17 via Nuclear Blast Records, the CD was produced and mixed by the band at JKB Studios in Helsinki and mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios. The cover artwork was created by Claudio Bergamin (HALFORD, ARJEN A. LUCASSEN, MAGICA) and can be seen below.

"Battle Beast" track listing:

01. Let It Roar
02. Out Of Control
03. Out On The Streets
04. Neuromancer
05. Raven
06. Into The Heart Of Danger
07. Machine Revolution
08. Golden Age
09. Kingdom
10. Over The Top
11. Fight, Kill, Die
12. Black Ninja
13. Rain Man
14. Shutdown (bonus track)

BATTLE BEAST recently toured Europe as the support act for SONATA ARCTICA.

Regarding Vänskä's departure from the band, BATTLE BEAST previously said: "On August 19th [20120], Nitte sent the rest of the band an e-mail stating that she was leaving the band, effective immediately. As the reason for her leaving, she cited her will to focus on her family life. As this happened without any prior notice, the rest us were slightly disappointed. But what's done is done, and we're thrilled to announce the new BATTLE BEAST vocalist with a voice and character to take the band to heights of glory."

According to a press release, Louhimo "is already experienced in performing some of the most demanding rock songs in existence and is now ready to take her big step into the metal world. With lungs of leather and a voice to order gods with, Noora possesses all the requirements to deliver the kind of power needed for performing BATTLE BEAST's music."

BATTLE BEAST's debut album, "Steel" — which was originally released in Finland in 2011 via Hype Records — was made available internationally on January 27, 2012 through Nuclear Blast Records.

Formed in 2008, BATTLE BEAST won the Wacken Open Air Metal Battle contest in Finland last year, enabling the band to perform at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany and represent its home country in the international Metal Battle finals. The group beat out 26 other acts from all around the world, which led to a record deal with the world's biggest independent heavy metal label.

Tampa, Florida's THE ABSENCE has set a June 4 release date for its new single, "Oceans". The track was recorded with guitarist-turned-producer James Murphy (TESTAMENT, DEATH, OBITUARY).

Pre-orders of the single are now available via the group's Bandcamp page, and bundles of the single with new merchandise are also available via THE ABSENCE Big Cartel store page.

THE ABSENCE in January announced the addition of guitarist Per Nilsson (SCAR SYMMETRY) to the group's ranks.

Commented Per: "Six years ago, [THE ABSENCE] guys asked me to do a guest solo for the 'Riders' album and we've been friends ever since. I've followed their career as a fan and when they reached out asking me to join the band, it was a no-brainer.

"I am super excited to be a part of THE ABSENCE family. We've been jamming out some new tunes and I feel like we've got some killer stuff in the works for ya! Between Patrick and me, there's gonna be some INSANE guitar-shreddin' on the new tunes!"

THE ABSENCE 2013 is:

Jamie Stewart: Vocals
Patrick Pintavalle: Guitar
Per Nilsson: Guitar
Jeramie Kling: Drums
Mike Leon: Bass

THE ABSENCE's third album, "Enemy Unbound", sold around 800 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 55 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.

"Enemy Unbound" was released on September 14, 2010 via Metal Blade Records.

THE UNABOMBER FILES, the Brazilian extreme metal project featuring SEPULTURA bassist Paul Xisto Pinto Jr. alongside current/former members of EMINENCE and THE MIST, has just released a six-song EP containing the following tracks:

01. Borderline
02. Dressed In Black
03. God Is A Bipolar Motherfucker
04. Buried In My Bunker
05. The Clown
06. Adjust The Timer

You can stream the entire EP below.

Formed in April 2009, THE UNABOMBER FILES' goal is "to play simple and heavy raw music with sarcastic lyrics," according to a press release. Lyrical excerpts include "When I look at you all, I just can see you all in pieces" ("Borderline"); "The skill of making a curve or a perfect circle with your brand new wheelchair" ("Buried In My Bunker"); and "My sarcastic scream disrespects your silence. My fake painted smile…It's time to count up all those opened graves" ("The Clown").

THE UNABOMBER FILES is:

Allan Wallace (EMINENCE) - Guitar
Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr. (SEPULTURA) - Bass
Vladimir Korg (THE MIST) - Vocals
André Márcio (EMINENCE) - Drums

For more information, go to this location.

On Friday, August 2, LINGUA MORTIS ORCHESTRA will release its new album titled "LMO". The three RAGE musicians — Victor Smolski (guitar), Peavy Wagner (vocals and bass) and André Hilgers (drums) — worked at full stretch to finish their opulent orchestral project that can be considered a continuation of 1996's "Lingua Mortis" album, back then a true piece of pioneering work.

A new trailer for "LMO" can be seen below.

The entire album was composed by Victor Smolski, who cooperated with two orchestras from Spain and Russia, enlarging the number of this mammoth project's participants to more than 100. Together with longtime co-producer Charlie Bauerfeind (BLIND GUARDIAN, HAMMERFALL), Victor Smolski produced and mixed the record in Twilight Hall Studio in Krefeld, Germany. The final mastering will be done within the next days.

"LMO" follows an exciting concept on the burning of witches in Gelnhausen in 1599, written by vocalist Peavy Wagner and based on a true story. Apart from the three RAGE musicians, two female vocalists belong to LINGUA MORTIS ORCHESTRA's regular cast: Jeannette Marchewka and soprano singer Dana Harnge. Guest vocals were contributed by Henning Basse (ex-METALLIUM), among others.

"LMO" track listing:

01. Cleansed By Fire
a) Convert The Pagans Pt. 1
b) The Inquisition (instrumental)
c) Convert The Pagans Pt. 2
02. Scapegoat
03. The Devil's Bride
04. Lament
05. Oremus (instrumental)
06. Witches' Judge
07. Eye For An Eye
08. Afterglow

The cover artwork was created by Felipe Machado Franco who's also been responsible for the latest RAGE artwork, "21". The band photos were shot by Pia Kintrup.

This past Saturday, May 4, a rough mix of "LMO" was presented to a group of international journalists. Journalist Martin Stark of Germany's Rock It magazine describes the record as an "opulent metal opera, more orchestral than anything else, partly heavier than RAGE and melodic beyond my wildest dreams from end to end." Guitar editor Nico Ernst states: "Never before has the combination of band and orchestra worked that well." Metal.de writer Florian Schörg takes the thought further and judges: "The perfect symbiosis of two worlds sparkles with both fantastic melodies and heaviness. The gigantic spectrum of emotions can be considered the cream topping on this extraordinarily delicious sound cocktail."

Mark Kadzielawa of 69 Faces Of Rock recently conducted an interview with former ACCEPT and current U.D.O. frontman Udo Dirkschneider. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

69 Faces Of Rock: Years ago, you told me you're continuing ACCEPT's musical legacy. Is that still the case?

Udo: I mean, not really. Of course, the voice is still there. [laughs] But music-wise.... of course, there is some ACCEPT stuff in there, but I think over the years U.D.O. has developed its own style. Let's say that songwriting-wise, there's a little bit of that left.

69 Faces Of Rock: Speaking of ACCEPT, they had a significant success with the new lineup. In your opinion, do you think the band was able to maintain the spirit of the band that you were once in?

Udo: I don't know. Let's say it this way, I'm not interested in ACCEPT anymore. I wish them all the best. They were asking me to do the reunion, and but I said "no" in the end. It made no sense to me to do it again. It didn't work out two times. I don't know why they did this after 15 years. I mean, what can I say? I think they did a good album, "Blood Of The Nations" was a good album. They have a good singer, and I wish them good luck.

69 Faces Of Rock: Well, anyone who was an ACCEPT fan, automatically became an U.D.O. fan and vice versa. right?

Udo: Well, let's say it this way: when ACCEPT was not in the business for 15 years, I carried on, and I carried on playing a lot of ACCEPT's songs. And now they take over from U.D.O. They came back, and people still now the songs, and U.D.O. helped by playing those songs all these years. But there's a lot of things that, you know.

69 Faces Of Rock: Is it safe to say that their recent success paved the way for U.D.O. to come back to the States? I mean, if people like them, they will automatically like the original voice of that band, and that is you.

Udo: Yeah, I actually made more albums with U.D.O. than I made with ACCEPT at this point. And I think I'm more known for U.D.O. than for my work with ACCEPT. I mean, we still play the ACCEPT's songs, but not that many. We play the classic stuff. It's maybe good for the people, they have U.D.O. and ACCEPT, so they can hear "Balls To The Wall" twice, one with original singer, and one with a different singer.

69 Faces Of Rock: That's the point, both bands supplement each other, and the fans get twice the amount of the music. So at the end of the day, it all works out.

Udo: Yeah, I don't have any problem with it anymore. It's a win-win situation, let's put it this way.

69 Faces Of Rock: And with their presence back in the picture, does it make you want to push the envelope harder?

Udo: No, not at all. For me, ACCEPT is just like MOTÖRHEAD or SAXON; it's just another band.

Read the entire interview from 69 Faces Of Rock.

Sometimes you just need a little bit of luck. Because of a funny coincidence the long lost original recordings from German hard rockers BONFIRE's appearance at the Wacken Open Air have been discovered. This almost historical piece of music has been sonically updated and will now be released officially.
The band is releasing the album as a teaser before it’s new studio record ? planned for the end of the year. Of course, there have been some Bonfire live records in the past, but on Live In Wacken you can really find different versions of the band’s anthems like 'SDI', 'Champion' and 'Ready 4 Reaction', as well as the song 'Wake Up', an anthem the band hasn’t performed live for quite a long time.

Besides that, Live In Wacken offers exclusive bonus tracks. Live versions of the songs 'Bells Of Freedom', 'Let Me Be Your Water' and 'Black Night' from the acclaimed rock opera The Räuber (previously unreleased on CD), the exclusive studio track 'Thank You', and an exciting new version of the ballad 'Hold Me Now' from the last Bonfire studio album, Branded.

Live In Wacken has been mastered by Maor Appelbaum (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ROB HALFORD) and will be released on May 31st via LZ Records/Sony Music.
Tracklisting:

Intro/Wake Up'
'Never Mind'
'Sweet Obsession'
'In Zaire'
'The Stroke'
'Sword And Stone'
'SDI'
Drum Solo
'American Nights'
'Ready 4 Reaction'
'Obsessive Prelude'
'Champion'
'The Räuber/Bells Of Freedom'
'Let Me Be Your Water'
'Black Night'
'hank You' (Previously Unreleased)
'Hold Me Now' (Extended Mix 2013)

More on Bonfire, including their live itinerary, at this location.

The official music video for 'The Pride', featuring Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, ex- OZZY OSBOURNE), Kevin Martin (CANDLEBOX, THE GRACIOUS FEW), Morgan Rose (SEVENDUST, CALL ME NO ONE), John “JD” DeServio (Black Label Society, CYCLE OF PAIN) and THE INFINITE STAIRCASE, the song written and recorded for the victims of Hurricane Sandy, is now streaming below:
The video was directed by Ralph E. Savercool lll, a Musician/Filmmaker from Middletown, New Jersey who briefly filled in as The Infinite Staircase’s drummer following The Black Label Bash Tour in 2009. He has built up a name for himself over the years playing in local and regional acts such as WHOLE IN ONE, ROOM 237, STONE PLAYGROUND, and THE REAR VIEW.

While the video for 'The Pride' will be available for download soon, an online store, theinfinitestaircase.bigcartel.com, has been launched in the mean time where you can purchase a limited edition CD single that features the song, the music video and two special previews of the forthcoming new releases by The Infinite Staircase including demo clips of their new EP with Morgan Rose as well as clips of their Covers EP with John “JD” DeServio.
Among other items being offered, you can also purchase a limited amount of Drum Heads used by Morgan Rose in the studio and signed by Rose and brothers Lenny & Jeff Cerzosie. All proceeds from sales of items pertaining to 'The Pride' are being donated to the Carl Vincent Bini Memorial Foundation.

'The Pride' was released digitally on February 5th via Vanity Music Group with 100% of the proceeds being donated to the Carl Vincent Bini Memorial Foundation. The song was recorded at Architekt Music, the state of the art recording facility in Butler, New Jersey where Sevendust recently tracked Black Out The Sun and The Infinite Staircase continue to record their new album with Morgan Rose. It was mixed by House Engineer Mike Ferretti (Sevendust, Call Me No One) and Mastered by Alan Douches (FLEETWOOD MAC, YES) at West West Side Music in New Windsor, New York.

The Infinite Staircase plans to release their follow-up single, 'Just To Meet You There', in June. The song features, in addition to Rose on drums, Sean “Memphis” Hennesy of Candlebox and The Gracious Few on guitar and Cycle Of Pain’s Troy Cromwell on keyboards.

The Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund was founded in honor of Firefighter Carl V. Bini, a member of the FDNY tragically taken during 9/11. The fund’s mission is to memorialize the heroism of its fallen hero by providing aid to those who so desperately need it now and in the future.

Check out BraveWords' recent feature at this location.

Canadian metallers AETERNAM have announced the departure of guitar player, co-band founder Alex Loignon. The band has posted the following:

“We are sad to announce the departure of Alex from the band for personal reasons. He was one of the founding members of Aeternam so we thank him for everything he has done in those wonderful years, and wish him success in any further project he might invest in. With one sad news comes a good one. We are happy to announce that Matthew Sweeney (known for his work with the DEATH tribute SYMBOLIC) will continue where Alex left as the new guitar player for Aeternam. We are more determined than ever so keep in touch here for more Aeternam news soon.”

Seven years after the release of The Uncreation, black metal’s WRITTEN IN TORMENT returns with its debut full-length album Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes which sees its release on the UK label Glorious North Productions on May 14th. The ten-track album was recorded, mixed and mastered by BAL SAGOTH’s Jonny Maudling at his Wayland’s Forge Studios. Maudling also performs session keyboards on the album. Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes is released in CD version with a twelve page booklet, and is also available for digital download in various formats, including high quality MP3 and FLAC. The entire album is streaming on BandCamp here.

Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes tracklisting:

'Earth Decimated'
'Eternities of Suffering Endured'
'Beast of the Depth'
'Descent into Total Madness'
'O’ Fortuna'
'Grief'
'Solitude'
'Behold the Trinity Maimed and Rotten'
'A Pig Hung in Golgotha'
'Necessary Evil'

Formed in the UK as a solo project by Leviathan, Written In Torment gave him the opportunity to write and perform his own musical vision, as opposed to having to follow the dictates of the various bands for whom he had been a drummer. A self-taught guitarist, Leviathan drew his initial inspiration from bands such as EMPEROR, DISSECTION and ABYSSOS, and went on to add influences from classical composers as well as Thrash and other forms of metal. “Whilst I do have external influences, which musician doesn’t,” says Leviathan, “my compositions are all very much about what I am feeling at the time I am writing them, so each piece always has its own identity and feel to it. Commenting on the new album, the multi-instrumentalist, who performs all vocals, guitars, bass and drum parts, says: Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes (which translated from the original Latin means The War of All Against All) focuses heavily on the subject of warfare throughout the ages, something I am particularly interested in. It’s a cataclysmic soundtrack to the art of war from the Crusades through to nuclear attack, as well as an exploration of human suffering and a nod in the direction of biblical mockery.”

More information about Written In Torment can be found on the band’s Facebook page here.

Four tracks from Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes, be found streaming below:

Latest tracks by writtenintorment

Set for release on June 4th via Candlelight Records, The Hundredth Name is the full-length debut from Las Vegas doom metal band DEMON LUNG. Produced by Billy Anderson (HIGH ON FIRE, THE MELVINS, SLEEP), it's a monsterous recording that is as bold as it is loud. And the cover art has just been revealed:
The Hundredth Name is a conceptual album as previously confirmed by drummer Jeremy Brenton. Its story line follows, “The long-begotten son of Satan, who’s been sent to Earth to assemble the three parts of the Devil’s bible so that we can speak the name of God in reverse and undo creation.”

Songstress Shanda Fredrick adds, “We have had the concept idea for the album for a few years. We have just been waiting until we signed to a proper label to finish writing it. Working with Billy was a dream come true for us. He has been like a fifth member of the band, a mentor, and just an all-around awesome friend. He helped us craft something that we are very proud of."

The Hundredth Name tracklisting:

'Binding Of The Witch'
'Devil's Wind'
'Eyes Of Zamiel'
'A Decade Twice Over A Day'
'Heathen Child'
'Hex Mark'
'Hallowed Ground'
'Incantation (The Hundredth Name)'
Catch Demon Lung live at the following shows:

May
23 - Backstage Bar & Billiards - Las Vegas, NV
30 - Hemlock Tavern - San Francisco, CA
31 - Whisky Dicks - S. Lake Tahoe, CA
June
1 - Doom In June Festival at Cheyenne Saloon – Las Vegas, NV
2 - Pubrock - Scottsdale, AZ
21 - Kim's - Riverside, CA

July
11 - Cheyenne Saloon – Las Vegas, NV

October
19 - Southwest Terror Fest - Tucson, AZ

Hells Headbangers has confirmed June 28th as the international release date for IMPIETY's vinyl-only Vengeance Hell Immemorial compilation.

Released on the 20th anniversary of their first EP, Singahell blasphemers Impiety will blast you to the past with Vengeance Hell Immemorial. A special gatefold vinyl edition courtesy of new label home Hells Headbangers, the aptly titled Vengeance Hell Immemorial collects 15 tracks from Impiety's cultest, most sought-after releases: 1993's Salve The Goat...Iblis Exelsi EP, 1992's Ceremonial Necrochrist Redesecration demo, 2004's split EP with SURRENDER OF DIVINITY, and then lastly 2008's split EP with ABHORRENCE. From their ultra-raw bestial beginnings on through to their fierce 'n finessed present, hear the whole spectrum of Impiety's cruel savagery and merciless battery across Vengeance Hell Immemorial - the past is alive! Tracklisting, cover, and track breakdown are as follows:
'Cuntblasphemy'
'Magick-Consecration Goatsodomy'
'Intromancy'
'Ceremonial Necrochrist Redesecration1'
'Pentagramathron'
'Fallen Blasphemathory'
'The Seventh Goatspawn'
'Outroblation'
'Dragon Oath Diabolus'
'The Seventh Goatspawn'
'Imperative Coronation'
'Invicible Force' (DESTRUCTION cover)
'Blessed Are The Borachos'
'Storm Of Abhorrence'
'Outronomicon'

Track Breakdown:
1-2: Salve The Goat...Iblis Exelsi EP 1993
3-8: Ceremonial Necrochrist Redesecration demo 1992
9-12: Split w/ Surrender Of Divinity 2004
14-15: Split w/ Abhorrence 2008

As announced earlier, Hells Headbangers will be releasing Impiety's brand-new The Impious Crusade mini-album on August 8th. The legendary Singaporean band's first studio recording for Hells Headbangers, The Impious Crusade is locked into the maxim of crush/kill/destroy - and that they indeed do across five tracks and 19 minutes.

Including a cult cover of SORCERY's 'Lucifer's Legions' and uniquely noble artwork sculpted by Lord Sickness, The Impious Crusade is the perfect Impiety statement: flawless execution, black/death barbarity and insanity, a veritable thermonuclear warhead aimed at the gates of heaven.
The Impious Crusade tracklisting:

'Arrival Of The Assassins'
'Commanding Death & Destroy'
'Accelerate The Annhiliation'
'The Impious Crusade'
'Lucifer's Legions' (Sorcery cover)

Hells Headbangers has announced August 20th as the international release date for FRONT BEAST's Demon Ways Of Sorcery. Since the late '90s, Germany's Front Beast have been lurking in the darkest corners of the black metal underground. Helmed by mainman Avenger, Front Beast has stayed committed to a pure 'n' proud vision, honoring the ancient ways with a prolific stream of demos and split releases. Now, the band are prepared to storm with menace with their second album (and first for Hells Headbangers), Demon Ways Of Sorcery. Fittingly titled, Demon Ways Of Sorcery is trend-free black metal of an ancient, mystical hue: damp dungeon atmosphere, crude yet commanding execution, thirsty 'n' miserable vocals, an aura of hideousness and unhealth, and an unselfconscious obeisance of time-honored heavy metal values.

Demon Ways Of Sorcery tracklisting:

‘Bearer Of Satan’s Flame’
‘Heathen Night’
‘Broken Seal Of White Light’
‘Demon Ways Of Sorcery’
‘Blackness Into Eternity’
‘Filling Skulls With Angels Blood’
‘Hidden Black Wisdom
‘Inverted Bloody Cross’

Check out an album teaser below:

For more info visit Facebook.

Italian gothic rockers NAUGHTY WHISPER has signed a deal with Rockshots Music Management.

Devoted to gothic rock / metal inspired by bands like 69 EYES, HIM, LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE, but also influenced by electronic sounds of RAMMSTEIN, in 2012 the band has already toured with MISFITS in the UK, participated in international festivals of the DMFs in Monaco /Germany, and after the release of last album Addicted to Decadence, produced by Arnold Lindberg (IN FLAMES, HARDCORE SUPERSTAR, EVERGREY), the band has been confirmed for this year's Wave Gotik Treffen Festival set to take place on May 17-20 in Leipzig, Germany.

Intercontinental modern rock outfit DARKHAUS recently inked a deal with SPV, who will release the band's debut album this fall. Two video teasers for the upcoming release can be seen below:
The band consists of five men from four representative countries (Scotland, US, Germany, Austria). Band maestro Rupert Keplinger is a multi-platinum songwriter/composer whom is best known for his collaborations with top selling artists such as EISBRECHER, STEPHAN WEIDNER, OOMPH!, PETER MAFFAY and others.

Darkhaus co-creator Gary Meskil (whom is also founder of legendary US hardcore band PRO-PAIN) describes their sound as, "stylistically versatile, dark and emotional, but with much light to be found at the end of the proverbial tunnel".

The five architects of Darkhaus combine their best efforts to present an ambitious and diverse plethora of songs which combine the urgency of true rock n' roll, the epic moments which define great acts, and those "catchy hooks and melodies" like those which have been delivered straight to your ears via radio stations around the world throughout modern time. For fans of emotionally inspired songwriting which has the power to move one's body, mind, and soul.
Says Gary Meskil: "I've always wanted to make music like this some day which is totally different from what I'm usually known for. Aside from punk and hardcore, I grew up with bands like THE CURE, SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES, BAUHAUS and DEPECHE MODE - and those left a mark on me. With Darkhaus, I can finally make it happen!"

SPV A&R Gero Herrde: "Not only has every single member of Darkhaus already proven their musical capabilities and skills - it's the mixture of characters combined with the ambition to produce music that is totally opposed to what they did earlier. Oblivion/Steamhammer (SPV) is the perfect home for this. We're glad to be able to work this."
Darkhaus lineup:

Kenny Hanlon - vocals
Rupert Keplinger - guitars, synth
Marshall Stephens - guitars
Gary Meskil - bass
Paul Keller - drums

More on Darkhaus at this location.

The very successful Rock N' Roll Heaven and the Old Bridge Metal Militia reunion concert and fundraiser, spearheaded by co-creators Jon and Marsha Zazula, raised over $40,000 in proceeds for Superstorm Sandy relief on Saturday, May 11 at the Encore Events Center in Freehold New Jersey. 1,800 people attended the show, which sold out in advance and kicked off with a once-in-a-lifetime meet-and-greet opportunity for longtime fans. Attendees witnessed remarkable performances by TWISTED SISTER, ANVIL, RAVEN, THE RODS, TT QUICK and LORDS OF MERCY, and an all-star jam closed out the show, featuring surprise appearances by JD Deservio of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and Dave "Snake" Sabo of SKID ROW.

"That Metal Show"'s Eddie Trunk MC'd the show, with appearances from comedians Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson will add their brand of metal humor. Raffle prizes included signed items donated by METALLICA, SLAYER, RAVEN and ANTHRAX.

Charitable efforts were headed by Tattoo Tony Rodriguez of the Under My Skin For Life Foundation. Hundreds of families in New Jersey and Staten Island will be visited by Jon and Marsha Zazula and personally handed gift cards to Home Depot to help in the restoration of their homes devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

"We'd like to thank all of the amazing fans and friends for coming out to the show and helping support the effort to raise money for victims of Superstorm Sandy," said Jon and Marsha Zazula in a statement. "The event was a huge success and we couldn't have done it without the support of the community. Thank you to the bands for putting on a killer show. We couldn't be happier with how the event turned out and we can't wait to give back to the community. Special thanks to John Albino, our production manager, for an incredible job, Adrenaline PR for powering the event with a multitude of press, and thank you to Chris and Patty Homeny for keeping the flag flying. And of course, Rockin' Ray and Metal Joe for all their invaluable input."

A 37-minute video documentary on this past Saturday's concert can be seen below.

Stern Pinball, Inc., the world's leading maker of real pinball games and the AAMA 2012 Manufacturer Of The Year, last month announced the availability of the METALLICA pinball games. The newest addition to the iconic Stern collection of rock and roll machines honors one of the world's foremost rock bands. METALLICA's notoriously fast tempos and aggressive musicianship sets the tone for an exciting player experience.

Players will be able to bang their heads and their flippers to 12 classic METALLICA hits, including "Master Of Puppets", "One" and "Fade To Black". Other action-packed game features include an electric chair, snake, grave marker and unparalleled magnetic action.

In the two-and-a-half-minute clip below, game designer John Borg takes us through one of the three METALLICA pinball machines.

Says METALLICA: "After years of playing on Kirk's [Hammett, METALLICA guitarist] machines at [the band's headquarters in San Rafael, California], we jumped at the idea when Stern Pinball came to us with some designs and ideas some time ago. Features will include an electric chair, snake, grave markers and lots of other bells and whistles along with art by our friend Dirty Donny."

The METALLICA game continues both the Stern Pinball and the Stern family tradition of producing quality pinball machines for young and old. The company traces its lineage to Philadelphia in the 1930s when Sam Stern entered the business of operating pinball games. Sam Stern subsequently became part owner and president of Williams Manufacturing, a pioneer in the pinball industry, and passed his lifelong enthusiasm for the game and the business of pinball to his son Gary Stern, who founded Stern Pinball. Today pinball remains one of America's favorite pastimes.

The METALLICA pinball machine is available through authorized Stern distributors and dealers.

To learn more about the METALLICA pinball game and Stern Pinball, visit www.sternpinball.com.

According to the San Diego Reader, a new bail review hearing for AS I LAY DYING frontman Tim Lambesis will be conducted tomorrow, Friday May 17 at 1:30 p.m. in San Diego's North County Superior Courthouse before the Honorable Judge David Berry.

Lambesis was arrested on may 7 for allegedly hiring someone to kill his estranged wife. He was ordered held on $3 million bail during his arraignment hearing two days later and he faces nine years in state prison if convicted.

Prosecutors initially requested that Superior Court Judge Martin Staven set Lambesis' bail at $20 million, saying the singer remains "substantially motivated to kill his wife."

Prosecutors allege Lambesis had twice told a man at a gym that he wanted his wife killed, then met with an undercover detective known as "Red", and gave the agent an envelope containing $1,000 in cash, photographs of his wife, and the security gate code to her house. He also allegedly told the agent the dates he would be with the couple's three adopted children, in order to give himself an alibi.

"When specifically asked do you want her dead, he said, 'Yes that's exactly what I want,'" Deputy District Attorney Claudia Grasso told the judge. "The victim now is terrified and living in seclusion."

Lambesis, who was originally booked into jail on suspicion of two felonies — conspiracy and murder-for-hire — was ordered to wear a GPS monitor and turn in his passport and was warned by the judge that, if he is released from jail, he must stay away from his immediate family. The conspiracy charge was dropped before Lambesis was arraigned.

"Tim never had the intention to harm his wife, absolutely not," defense attorney Anthony Salerno said on May 10. "This whole thing was a set-up by a scumbag snitch, and then law enforcement ran with it.

"None of this would ever have happened were it not for over-eager entrapment," the defense attorney added. "The investigators were over-reaching. They booked Tim for conspiracy to commit murder, but that didn't stick.

"Tim will have his day in court, and when he does, he will be exonerated because a jury will see that in his heart, Tim is a good, decent and Christian human being," Salerno said.

Lambesis' wife, Meggan, filed papers in September 2012 in San Diego Superior Court seeking a dissolution of the couple's marriage.

Salerno told Artisan News last week that he suspicious of the circumstances of Lambesis' arrest and believed Meggan's family could have been involved in setting him up. "Tim's wife's brother, I understand, is a San Diego Sheriff's deputy," he said. "I think I would be remiss if I didn't fully explore that, 'cause that is a litte bit… it's at the bare minimum very coincidental, and it may be more than that."

Justin Tedaldi of Examiner.com recently conducted an interview with JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford and guitarist Richie Faulkner. An excerpt from the chat follows below.

Examiner.com: For the next project, I know you're all working on a new studio album. How's that coming along?

Halford: Fantastic. Really, really good. We've been saying that it's very important for PRIEST to kind of reinforce again a lot of the elements of what we do and what we're about to follow up from [the band's previous album] "Nostradamus". As much as that was a great moment for the band in the concept world, we want to get back to the roots of what we've been about for so many decades and just make one more great heavy metal album, meaning one of many. What we're trying to say is the next one is going to be a real hard and heavy and tough record.

Examiner.com: Are there any completed songs at this point?

Halford: Yeah. We have four tracks that we've got in the can. We're kind of looking at them again to see what else we can do, and the main reason we're saying that is because now we have Richie on board. And Richie's brought this great life, you know, this extra dimension of energy that has really been kind of infectious. We've all grown to love Richie as a player and as a songwriter, so he's added something new, and that's just kind of reenergized some areas that we're about. We've been writing a ton of material; we've got so much stuff in the can. We're tracking at the moment; we're just taking our time. It'll be ready when it's ready as we've been telling everybody, but it's a good message and a good signal to tell all the PRIEST fans that there's a new PRIEST record on the way.

Examiner.com: Will Richie be part of the writing process for the new PRIEST album?

Faulkner: Yeah. I take a recording rig out wherever I go; you never know where inspiration's going to hit you. When we were out on tour I took a little recording rig… sometimes when you're onstage playing, you get a little flash of inspiration when you [need] to scream into your phone or whatever. And the guys would be walking past, they'd hear it, and say, "Aww, that's a great riff, you've got to record that." So when we all got together — we got together for a couple of months last year in 2012, me, Glenn [Tipton] and Rob, and we threw all the ideas that we had in the hat, and we went from there, really. They've been great — you know, they could have just said, "This is the record we want you to play on," but they [said], "You're in the band and we want you to contribute," and they welcomed most of the ideas. It's just been a great creative team from the get-go, really. I've been a part of it and couldn't ask for anything more.

Read the entire interview from Examiner.com.