AS I LAY DYING members Jordan Mancino (drums), Phil Sgrosso (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Nick Hipa (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Josh Gilbert (bass, clean vocals) have commented on the arrest of their singer, Tim Lambesis, for allegedly hiring someone to kill Tim's estranged wife.

Lambesis, who has said he considers himself to be a Christian and acknowledges that he finds inspiration for lyrical content from biblical texts, was taken into custody without incident on Tuesday (May 7) around 2 p.m. at a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Oceanside, California, according to San Diego Sheriff's Department.

He was charged with solicitation of another to commit murder of his wife, who resides in Encinitas.

Said his bandmates in a statement: "To our fans,

"As we post this, the legal process is taking its course and we have no more information than you do. There are many unanswered questions, and the situation will become clearer in the coming days and weeks. We'll keep you informed as best we can.

"Our thoughts right now are with Tim, his family, and with everyone else affected by this terrible situation — and with our fans, whom we love and draw strength from.

"Thank you for understanding, and as always, for your support of AS I LAY DYING."

Authorities began investigating Lambesis, 32, in the case on May 2, when they received information that he allegedly was trying to get someone to kill his wife.

Lambesis was booked into the Vista Jail and is scheduled to appear before a judge Thursday afternoon (May 9) at North Division Court in Vista.

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

Tim and Meggan have only one child in this marriage, but they reportedly adopted three Ethiopian children before her estrangement.

"Swerve City", the new video from Sacramento's DEFTONES, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's seventh studio album, "Koi No Yokan", which was released November 13, 2012 via Warner Bros Records. It debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, with over 65,000 copies sold first week. Revolver declared it their "Album of the Year," Spin selected it as one of its Top 50 Albums of 2012 (and its No. 5 Metal Album Of The Year), the New York Post hailed it as "one of the best rock albums of the year," and Penthouse said "If you hear an album this year that combines the ferocious and the sublime as well as DEFTONES' 'Koi No Yokan', please write us an email and flag it 'urgent.'"

DEFTONES released several different vinyl editions of "Koi No Yokan" on January 22. The four configurations are as follows: a standard retail version pressed on 140-gram black vinyl (3,000 units); a direct-to-consumer version on 180-gram black vinyl with foil-stamped numbered jackets (1,000 units); an international edition pressed on 180-gram vinyl; and an exclusive edition sold through Hot Topic retailers pressed on 140-gram clear-colored vinyl (1,500 units).

DEFTONES bassist Chi Cheng passed away on April 13 following complications from a 2008 car accident that left him in a semi-comatose state. He was 42.

Sergio Vega stepped in to play for the band on tour after Cheng's accident, staying on to record 2010's "Diamond Eyes" and "Koi No Yokan".

Leif Edling, founding bassist and main songwriter of Swedish doom metal legends CANDLEMASS, is currently recording a full-length album with his new project AVATARIUM.

"I have been writing songs for some time now and together with the guitar player Marcus Jidell (ROYAL HUNT, EVERGREY), I have been recording some demos during the winter that we are shopping now," Edling tells BLABBERMOUTH.NET.

"The AVATARIUM songs are heavy, dark and poetic and we have interest from several labels around the world. Nothing is signed just yet, so we carry on with the recording of the album.

"Last week drummer Lasse Sköld (TIAMAT) recorded his drums in a Stockholm studio. Soon we'll do the guitars and the bass, before singer Jennie-Ann Smith adds her vocals."

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Prophecy", a brand new song from the Polish progressive grind act ANTIGAMA, can be streamed below. The track comes off the band's sixth full-length album, "Meteor", which will be released on May 28 via via Selfmadegod Records.

According to a press release, "Meteor" "once again proves all over again why ANTIGAMA continually reaps such accolades with the media fans as both one of the most cutting-edge bands of the grindcore genre. With eleven new tracks of primal annihilation, 'Meteor' reverts back to some of the bands more intimately brutal early material with thirty minutes of ultra-tight grindcore explosiveness, yet continues to carry the band’s detrimentally inventive edge, integrating brief progressive soundtrack ventures and more noise and programming elements."

"Meteor" was recorded earlier this year at Progresja Studio in Warsaw with producer Pawel "Janos" Grabowski (MASACHIST, LOST SOUL) and the final output was mastered by Scott Hull at his Visceral Sound Studios (AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED, PIG DESTROYER). The album also features a guest appearance by Michal Lapaj from world renowned Polish progressive rock band RIVERSIDE.

ANTIGAMA's head technician Sebastian Rokicki comments on what to expect from "Meteor": "This was very hard and challenging recording session but I am sure the result will surprise many of our fans. 'Meteor' is solid piece of intense brutal music not for weak at heart. This is no doubt the fastest and most experimental ANTIGAMA album."

Selfmadegod Records was also responsible for the band's recently issued "Stop The Chaos" EP in addition to a plethora of other ANTIGAMA releases, including their seminal "Discomfort" and "Zeroland" albums.

"Perdition Of The Whore", the new video from German death metallers LIFELESS, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's second album, "Godconstruct", which was released on March 1 via FDA Rekotz. According to a press release, the follow-up to 2008's "Beyond The Threshold Of Death" "contains 11 new stunning and catchy pure classic Death Metal hymns deep from the crypts of Germany, which will crawl into your rotten ears and devour you from the inside out."

"Godconstruct" is available in CD, vinyl and digital formats. The vinyl version comes in two different editions, the Die Hard Edition, which is limited to 100 copies on blue vinyl and comes with poster, inlay, sticker and an embroidered patch, and the Obscure Edition on black vinyl with inlay.

"Godconstruct" track listing:

01. Praeludium: Endzeit
02. Godconstruct
03. Towards Damnation
04. Moribund
05. Blood For The Gods
06. The Truth Concealed
07. Interludium: Zeitenwende
08. Seething With Rage
09. Sworn To Death
10. Reconquering The Soul
11. Blindead
12. Perdition Of The Whore

"Beyond The Threshold Of Death" was re-released in the U.S. in June 2010 through Ibex Moon Records, the label founded by INCANTATION mastermind John McEntee. The U.S. version of the album featured new artwork and a cover version of DISMEMBER's classic "Casket Garden" as a bonus track.

"Nothing's Funny", a brand new song from the New Jersey-based "mathcore" act THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The track comes off the band's fifth full-length album, "One Of Us Is The Killer", which will be released on May 14 through the band's own Party Smasher Inc., in partnership with Sumerian Records in North America. Party Smasher's partnership with BMG covers the rest of the world, including licensing deals with Grind House for Japan and Remote Control in Australia.

"One Of Us Is The Killer" was recorded in Southern California with longtime producer Steve Evetts (GLASSJAW, THE CURE, SUICIDE SILENCE), with additional production at guitarist/co-founder Ben Weinman's studio. Mastering will be handled by Tom Baker (DEFTONES, NINE INCH NAILS, BEASTIE BOYS).

The album represents a new holistic pinnacle of the band's constantly evolving and engaging dynamics.

Speaking to AOL's Noisecreep, singer Greg Puciato stated about the recording process for the band's forthcoming CD: "DILLINGER is a different beast in tracking than most normal bands. Even Steve has told me that there's no other band that he has recorded that requires this amount of attention to detail. We take a longer amount of time to do one thing than most bands take to do ten. At this point, talking to Ben about it, we only do this once every three years on average so ten years from now I don't want to look back and think, 'Fuck man, we should have finished that one three weeks earlier!' Who cares? You want it to be right and you want it to be the thing that was the closest to what your vision actually was."

Regarding the direction of the new THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN material, Puciato said: "I can hear [the influence of old punk and hardcore records] a lot. I can definitely hear that in some of the riffs, which are really aggressive. It's not a blatant hardcore record or anything like that. I actually think this is the most all over the place and weirdest record we've ever written. It's the first one since I joined the band where Ben has sent me songs and I've been like, 'What the fuck is happening? This sounds like a beehive!'"

"Nothing's Funny" audio stream:

Nottingham, England-based Castle Rock Brewery has launched a series of beers to celebrate the city's and county's heroes, heroines, leaders and celebrities. Four ales a year will bear the name, and highlight the significance of a famous son or daughter who was either born in the city or county or who adopted it as their home.

From April-to June, the brewery is offering up the Ian Paice Nottinghamian Celebration Ale named after the legendary DEEP PURPLE drummer.

The Ian Paice Nottinghamian Celebration Ale is described as a "dark bitter with a slight 'smoke on the water' character."

For more information, visit CastleRockBrewery.co.uk.

On May 1 — just one day before the tragic passing of SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman — the band's estranged drummer Dave Lombardo was interviewed live at the studios of KZRADIO.NET (web site, Facebook page), which is the most popular alternative radio station in Israel. The chat, which was conducted by KZRADIO.NET co-manager Quami and special guests Lior and Niv Peleg (a.k.a. The Peleg Brothers) of the "Met Al Metal" radio show, can be streamed using the audio player below.

Lombardo, who is currently on the road with his side project PHILM, sat out SLAYER's recent Australian tour due to a contract dispute with the other members of the group. Filling in for him was Jon Dette (TESTAMENT, ANTHRAX).

Asked about the circumstances that led to him being absent from the SLAYER trek, Lombardo said: "Basically, I had to renegotiate my contract two and a half years ago and I got an attorney because it was too complicated for me to do it myself. And my attorney was asking questions. And the answers she got from her questions, they weren't correct; they weren't the right answers. So we worked on it for two and a half years. And 2013 came around and SLAYER had to go on tour, and I said, 'Guys, I can't go on tour unless we resolve this, I've been advised.'"

He continued: "What I need is clarity — clarity and transparency.

"You go and make money for somebody, and if somebody is gonna pay you a percentage, you need to know where all this goes. They say I don't deserve to know, but I think if you're gonna pay somebody a percentage, they deserve to know. Because how are you gonna know what you got paid when you don't know everything else?

"It's a little complicated, and there's more to it as well. But I'm trying [to work it out with the guys so I can return to the band]. I sent an e-mail out to Kerry [King, SLAYER guitarist] and Tom [Araya, SLAYER bassist/vocalist] before I left on this tour [with PHILM]. I said, 'Guys, let's work this out like men. C'mon. Let's work it out. The history of the band is gonna fall apart. The fans are gonna be disappointed. We need to do this for the history of the band; it's something we need to keep together.' And I have heard no reply; they have not contacted me.

"They feel that because I left in 1992 and I left for 10 years, they feel I don't deserve [to know all the details of their business].

"I mean, I love the guys — they're like my brothers — and I wish this didn't happen. But now there's like this wall between us."

Regarding some fans' criticism that money should not get in the way of the members of SLAYER making music together, Lombardo said: "What people don't understand is that, being a musician, you have to be a part businessman. There's contracts… If you're a musician and you don't have a contract and you don't follow up on your business, people are gonna take from you and they're gonna steal from you.

"Chuck Berry, Ray Charles… all those guys in the early days, they made, let's say, $500. Well, a poor musician will be happy with $100. 'Wow, I made $100.' Well, what happened to the other $400? Who took the other $400?

"[Being] musicians, you have to understand business as well as your art and your music, and you have to be professional."

On the topic of whether he can foresee himself returning to SLAYER in the not-too-distant future, Lombardo said: "It's hard to say. It's hard to say. I really wish we could work it out. Again: my door is open. I'm ready to talk; I'm ready to negotiate. If they don't want to, it's on them.

"The fans have spoken. I believe the fans have spoken and they feel that the band needs to stay together and not bring in some hired guy that… I mean, Jon [Dette] is a great guy, but has he done any albums? Jon Dette, the drummer for SLAYER now, has he done any albums? Has he ever recorded anything? I don't think so. How can they get a guy like that to take my place that has not done anything in his career? What kind of musical choice is that for an artist? That's like me bringing in somebody that's not into heavy music into my band or something… I don't know… It's just very strange.

"I hope things work out. I hope everything works out for the fans; that's what I want. And for the history of the band. When we get older and we can't play anymore, I want the band to go out being still SLAYER. 'Cause we're all still alive. Can you imagine if one of us was dead? Then it's hard. It's like LED ZEPPELIN. You know, LED ZEPPELIN with Jason Bonham is not the same; it's not the same. I hear double pedal in Jason Bonham and it's, like, 'Why are you doing that?' ZEPPELIN is about single bass, you know."

Interview (audio):

Former AFTER FOREVER and current NIGHTWISH touring singer Floor Jansen has inked a new deal with Nuclear Blast Records for the release of the second album from her REVAMP project. The CD was recorded at SandLane Studio in Rijen, The Netherlands with Joost van den Broek (ex-AFTER FOREVER) and will feature guest choir parts by Marcela Bovio (STREAM OF PASSION) and Daniël de Jongh (TEXTURES).

REVAMP's as-yet-untitled new album will be released on the following dates:

September 9: UK
September 6: Rest Of Europe
September 12: Japan
September 17: USA

Says Floor: "Never before in my career I faced a situation like the one we were in with this album. It was a huge challenge because of several reasons. My sickness caused a major break between the first album and tours, plus the writing of the first ideas for the second album and the actual finalization of those songs and the album. And right at the moment we started to pick everything back up after I was sick, I joined NIGHTWISH. Like a winter and a summer storm, they bring unexpected things, some nasty ones and some amazingly wonderful!

"Also the recording of this album was unlike any I did before because I was on tour with NIGHTWISH most of the time. Guided by Joost van den Broek, the talented musicians of REVAMP recorded all the instruments, and when I came back to The Netherlands, I stepped into the studio to find a rough diamond. A shiny dark crystal: ready for my vocals. That was magical! The singing went smoother than ever before. The lyrics are like a roadmap through our storms and through my personal detours and horrors.

"With pride we can announce our partner in crime from the first album will again join forces with us! Metal and rock giant Nuclear Blast will again make sure REVAMP's new album reaches YOUR music collection wherever you are on this metal-loving planet!!!

"Nuclear Blast knows about storms and their metal heart beats like ours. I am very exited they will release this album! The team is so good and with such great people I have no doubts our cooperation will again be fantastic."

Video footage of REVAMP performing a brand new song, entitled "Sins", in January 2012 at Metropool in Hengelo, The Netherlands can be seen below.

REVAMP's self-titled debut album was released in Europe on May 28, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.

REVAMP is:

Floor Jansen: Songwriter/Singer
Arjan Rijnen: Guitar
Jord Otto: Guitar
Jaap Melman: Bass
Ruben Wijga: Keyboards
Matthias Landes: Drums

Jansen made her live debut as the frontwoman of NIGHTWISH on October 1, 2012 at Showbox Sodo in Seattle, Washington.

Jansen handled lead-vocal duties on NIGHTWISH's recent North American, South American, Australian and U.K. tours after the group parted ways with Anette Olzon at the end of September 2012.

"Sins" (new song) performance footage:

Frontiers Records will release KING KOBRA's new studio album, "II", on July 5 in Europe and July 9 in North America.

KING KOBRA's long-awaited self-titled reunion album, released on Frontiers Records in 2011, left no doubt that this was a band to be reckoned with. Even though nearly 25 years had passed since the original lineup recorded the landmark "Ready To Strike" and "Thrill Of A Lifetime" LPs, the energy and immediacy of the bands lightning attack had not diminished one iota and fans responded in kind.

"We chose to name this album 'II' because it is both the second album of our reformation with Frontiers Records as well as the second generation of the band with Paul Shortino as lead vocalist," says guitarist David Michael-Philips. "Paul's unique style gives the band a new feel apart from what we were in the 80s with original singer Mark/Marcie Free. I think the 're-boot' naming gives Paul the credit he deserves while paying homage to our original singer and sound."

The thick, soulful vocals of Paul Shortino, dual guitarists Mick Sweda and David Michael-Philips, and the thundering bass and drums of Johnny Rod and Carmine Appice delivered an album that, while easily carrying on the tradition of the first two releases, brought a contemporary twist to a signature melodic, hard rock style.

"The '70s' flavor of this new album was a conscious move to incorporate our influences into the music," says David Michael-Philips, while Carmine Appice adds "KING KOBRA was a band in the '80s with great players... and had roots in the '70s also.. We tried to make a cool combination of both, which I think we achieved with this new album."

Produced by David Henzerling with Carmine Appice and Paul Shortino, "II" digs into KING KOBRA hard rock roots to create an album that has all the swagger and swing of the classic '70s albums (think MONTROSE, BAD COMPANY, DEEP PURPLE and even Carmine's own legendary CACTUS) with a crystal clear sound that combines the best of both analogue and digital recording techniques. From the tight and punchy "Have A Good Time" to the 8-minute epic "Deep River", "II" shows a more mature band confident of its songwriting ability performing with the technical prowess garnered over years of experience.

"II" track listing:

01. Hell On Wheels
02. Knock 'Em Dead
03. Have A Good Time
04. The Ballad Of Johnny Rod
05. Take Me Back
06. When The Hammer Comes Down
07. Running Wild
08. The Crunch
09. Got It Comin'
10. Deep River
11. Don't Keep Me Waiting
12. We Go Round

A video presentation of the new album can be seen below.

KING KOBRA is:

Paul Shortino - Vocals
David Michael-Philips - Guitar
Mick Sweda - Guitar
Johnny Rod - Bass
Carmine Appice - Drums

KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch (pictured below) says that he is "shocked" by the news that the singer of AS I LAY DYING, Tim Lambesis, was arrested for allegedly hiring someone to kill Tim's estranged wife.

Lambesis, who has said he considers himself to be a Christian and acknowledges that he finds inspiration for lyrical content from biblical texts, was taken into custody without incident on Tuesday (May 7) around 2 p.m. at an Oceanside business, according to San Diego Sheriff's Department.

He was charged with solicitation of another to commit murder of his wife, who resides in Encinitas.

"Completely shocked, saddened, confused about Tim from AS I LAY DYING," Welch wrote last night on his Facebook page. "I was just on his bus over a month ago. I feel grieved."

KORN has begun work on its 11th studio album and first Welch back in the fold since 2003's "Take A Look In The Mirror".

Welch left KORN in 2005 to become a born-again Christian. The band never officially replaced him and stayed a four-piece, although they've used several touring guitarists for live work.

TONY HARNELL & THE WILDFLOWERS FEATURING BUMBLEFOOT, the collaboration between former TNT singer Tony Harnell and GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, has just released its debut album via CDBaby.com.

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Paralyzed
02. Get Up Again
03. Runaround
04. Devil Of A Healer
05. Burning Daylight
06. Somebody To Love
07. What If
08. Wouldn't Be Human
09. Child's Play

Check out audio samples at CDBaby.com.

Since leaving TNT in 2006, Harnell has been recording hard rock, metal and acoustic rock albums and has been putting on entertaining acoustic shows to sold-out crowds in the the New York City area with his current backing group, which features guitarist Jason Hagen, Amy Harnell (vocals, percussion) and newest member, Cassandra Sotos (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, MARK WOOD), on seven-string electric violin.

Thal and Harnell met 20 years ago when Tony was forming a new band after TNT took a break in 1992, and in January 2012, Ron and Tony were reunited at the NAMM convention in Anaheim, California, where they started discussing the possibility of working together.

After Ron attended one of Tony's performances in August 2012, which Thal proclaimed was "the best acoustic show he had ever seen," Tony, being a fan of Ron's otherworldly and original fretwork, asked if he'd like to join him on the project and contribute to his EP, which was already underway. Harnell stated: "In addition to Ron's superhuman and beautiful guitar playing, he also happens to have a great voice and writes amazing songs, which will greatly add to this project both live and in the studio." Thal has also been a longtime fan of Harnell's songwriting and vocal artistry, so the new coalition seems more than natural.

"Resurrect Me", the new album from female vocalist Pamela Moore, who is best known for her performance as Sister Mary on QUEENSRŸCHE's 1988 epic release "Operation: Mindcrime" and 2006's sequel "Operation: Mindcrime II", will be released on May 14 via Rat Pak Records.

"Resurrect Me" is described in a press release as "an album written in timeless fashion that explores a creative landscape missed by the music industry. [It] is a masterpiece in collaborative effort showcasing powerful, yet intimate vocal imagery, paired with monstrous power metal grooves, and uncompromising musicianship. The album explores the compelling, the infectious and the dramatic. It connects with the listener on a personal level from the first listen."

"Resurrect Me" is collaboration between Moore and Michael Posch, one of Chicago's favorite power metal guitar players who made noise as a founding member of Century Media artists RADAKKA, and was hand-picked by Moore while living in Chicago. While doing shows with the Pamela Moore band, discussions about the direction of Pamela's next work were tossed about. As discussions continued, so many of the traits and concepts were so purely engrained in Posch's own style, it seemed a divine movement was at hand. Early demo work showed a collective vision and energy that was impossible to ignore.

Even after deciding to return to Seattle as a permanent base, and what seemed to be the end of a chapter, Moore requested to continue focus work with Posch, in hopes of letting the addictive collection of songs continue to develop. Both were reluctant to close the book on the collective focus that was manifesting. Magic was being made and something pushed the pair onward. The album survived location changes, loss of financial support due to the economic times, personal highs and lows, and sheer distance… to finally overcome... and achieve a polish, and brightness, that goes beyond any hardship endured in the crafting … and the character that was built thru the labor, is deeply present in the recordings.

"Resurrect Me" represents a power metal album that will ring in your head for days after listening. Song after song take you down paths of atmospheric, dark, but passionate and blood pumping metal. It's sure to satisfy Moore's QUEENSRŸCHE contingent of fans, but this moves beyond.. into a level of energy all its own. It even boasts a heavyweight guest list, including a solo from shred royalty Jeff Loomis (ex-NEVERMORE) and a duet with master vocalist Ralf Scheepers (PRIMAL FEAR, GAMMA RAY).

"Resurrect Me" track listing:

01. Acquiescent
02. Melt Into You
03. Paranoia
04. We Are Damaged
05. Resurrect Me
06. The Sky Is Falling
07. Awakening
08. Breaking Down
09. Desperate By Design
10. Wide Awake (Phoenix Rising)

The video for the song "Paranoia" can now be seen below.

For pre-order bundles and sound samples, go to this location.

"Paranoia" video:

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine recently spoke to Fuse about writing songs inspired by Clint Eastwood, Alzheimer's disease, and religion. Check out the clip below.

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.

The title track and first single from MEGADETH's new album, "Super Collider", can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The song, which was premiered on Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio metal show on April 20, was released digitally on April 23 via iTunes.

"That song kind of came from that 'Symphony Of Destruction' corner of my mind," MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine told Guitar World magazine. "You can't always play aggressive, thrashy stuff. Sometimes those aren't even songs; they're like musical rams. But because I'm not a pop guy, I'm also not really comfortable playing sing-along songs. To me, 'Super Collider' made sense like a normal song — a verse-chorus-verse-chorus kind of thing. It's written the way a real songwriter would write the song, instead of just taking all these musical twists and turns."

The "Super Collider" album is scheduled for a June 4 release via Mustaine's new label, Tradecraft, which is distributed by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). Horn player Bob Findley — who previously appeared on the track "Silent Scorn" from MEGADETH's 2001 CD, "The World Needs A Hero" — is a featured guest on the song "A House Divided" on the new album. Other tracks set to appear on the effort include "Forget To Remember", "Dance In The Rain", "The Blackest Crow", "Burn", "King Maker" and "Don't Turn Your Back", a snippet of which can be streamed at MegadethGame.com.

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

TEMPLE OF THE BLACK MOON, the new project featuring Dani "Filth" Davey (vocals; CRADLE OF FILTH), Rob Caggiano (guitar; VOLBEAT, ANTHRAX, THE DAMNED THINGS), Tom Cato Visnes (bass; a.k.a. King ov Hell; OV HELL, GOD SEED, GORGOROTH), John Tempesta (drums; formerly of WHITE ZOMBIE and now drumming with THE CULT) and Arve "Ice Dale" Isdal (guitar; ENSLAVED) spent time in Bergen, Norway last year fine-tuning the material that is set to appear on the band's forthcoming debut album.

Dani has released the following update via the official TEMPLE OF THE BLACK MOON Facebok page:

"It has been a while since last I have written anything concerning TEMPLE, but justifiably so, as the five of us (Rob, Tom, John, Ice and myself) have all been busy with our respective other bands, doing what we do best. But the time has eventually arrived when I am able to offer some insight into our future plans, as our sharp-toothed metal cogs are finally turning anti-cockwise towards the gathering light.

"First off, the album is written and following CRADLE OF FILTH's tour of Australia in May, I will be returning to the frost-bitten wastes of Bergen, Norway, to hook up with Tom and Ice to put the finishing touches to the tracks. This is in preparation for Tom's visit to L.A. at the end of May/beginning of June, to lay drum tracks down with John in preparation for the onslaught-to-come.

"In the meantime our manager (Vaughn Lewis, of Strong Management) is busy sourcing record labels amid all the other wonderful things a manager does.

"So there. It seems that exciting times are ahead and that this year should bear irrevocable final witness to TEMPLE OF THE BLACK MOON's debut album, with the track list thus far standing as the following (though in no discernible order)...

* Infernal Desire Machine
* Dark Eyes For Trouble
* C.N.T (All That's Missing Is You)
* Catch
* Into The Void (Not Black Sabbath)
* Another Dead Thing Between Us
* Persephone
* Nothing Less Than All Out War
* Beautifully Perverse
* Last Of The Vampire Playboys
* Alchemy, Myself And I
* Don't Call Up What You Can't Put Down

"And possibly two extra tracks in devil elopement...

* Batterfang
* Needs Must When The Devil Drives

"In the meantime, here is the track 'Infernal Desire Machine' to whet your salacious appetites. This, of course, is merely a demo recording. Trust me this will sound huge when its recorded for the forthcoming album.

"Anyhoo, wacky baccy acolytes of the BLACK MOON, thanks for tuning in, next time I put blood to paper I will have further news on a whole lot more, having hopefully returned from South America, Asia and Australia alive and albeit, smelling of roses."

"Pyro", the weekly hard rock/metal heavy metal show which airs on the national radio station NRK in Norway, recently conducted an interview with Filth, Caggiano and King. The five-minute chat, which includes audio snippets of songs that will appear on TEMPLE OF THE BLACK MOON's forthcoming debut album, can be streamed at this location.

When asked about how the idea for TEMPLE OF THE BLACK MOON came about, Caggiano told "Pyro", the weekly hard rock/metal heavy metal show which airs on the national radio station NRK in Norway: "Years ago, I was in the U.K. working with CRADLE OF FILTH on the 'Nymphetamine' record. And I think it was at the end of the session, I was just about to go back to New York, I decided to stay in London for a couple of days. And GORGOROTH was actually playing. So I went to the show, and that's when Tom and I met; it was back in 2005, I think. We got really drunk and we started talking about working on music together, doing something different. Prior to that, Dani and I were talking about possibly doing something. One thing led to another, Tom and I started working on music, and we realized that we worked really well together and it just came naturally. . . But the whole thing is, we're all super busy with our other projects, so just scheduling has been a nightmare for a long time."

Regarding the TEMPLE OF THE BLACK MOON sound, Dani said, "A lot of people have speculated, 'Wow, it's got a guy from CRADLE OF FILTH, ANTHRAX and [GORGOROTH].' It's got a real rock base to it; and I know it sounds strange [to say]. It's heavy, but it's not too extreme. It's not [all] blast beats or anything like that, although we do have a couple of songs a bit like that — really fast. But it's catchy. I don't like using the word 'commercial,' because will think it's watered down, sort of, power pop, or pop rock. I think it's gonna surprise a lot of people. It's really hard to put it into context and say, it's a bit of CRADLE OF FILTH, ANTHRAX, GORGOROTH and THE CULT [laughs] . . . which sounds ridiculous." Caggiano added, "I don't think it sounds like any of our other bands. If it did, what would be the point?"

Philip Anselmo (DOWN, PANTERA) was interviewed by Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE) and David Ellefson (MEGADETH) backstage at the fifth annual Revolver Golden Gods awards on May 2 at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles, California. You can now watch the chat below.

Anselmo, who was up for "Best Vocalist" at this year's Revolver Golden Gods awards, will release his career-first solo album, "Walk Through Exits Only", on July 16 via his own Housecore Records (MRI/Megaforce). "Walk Through Exits Only" will be available digitally, on CD and on vinyl.

Produced by Anselmo and Michael Thompson, and recorded over the past couple of years at Philip's New Orleans studio, Nodferatu's Lair, with his band THE ILLEGALS — guitarist Marzi Montazeri (ex-SUPERJOINT RITUAL) and drummer José Manuel Gonzales (WARBEAST) — "Walk Through Exits Only" is abrasive, aggressive, anthemic and 100% Anselmo. The album's eight songs are as unstrained as it gets, from "Battalion Of Zero" to "Usurper's Bastard Rant", to the album's title track that goes against the grain and right through the exits. Brash, brutal guitars cut through punishing percussion as Anselmo screams with uncompromising ferocity and uncontainable fire.

"It wasn't about doing a paint-by-numbers thrash or heavy metal record," Anselmo explained about the project. "It's an angry album that only I could do. I don't see anybody else out there screaming about the same shit I'm screaming about. On this album, there isn't any wordplay, there isn't any hidden message, it's all right there in front of you."

Anselmo and THE ILLEGALS will support the new album with a major North American tour planned for this summer.

FOX television network affiliate FOX5 San Diego has uploaded a one-and-a-half-minute video report on AS I LAY DYING singer Tim Lambesis' arrest for allegedly hiring someone to kill his estranged wife. Check it out at this location.

Lambesis was taken into custory while shopping at a store on Vista Way in Oceanside about 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, after allegedly soliciting an undercover detective to kill his spouse, an Encinitas resident. The couple reportedly have three children, whom they adopted from Ethiopia.

Authorities began investigating Lambesis, 32, in the case on May 2, when they received information that he allegedly was trying to get someone to commit the murder.

"You might think that you're talking to someone that's trusted," said Jan Caldwell, spokeswoman for San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. "You might be talking to someone you know. But if you're looking to do something wrong and something bad, most people aren't going to let that rest. They're going to take that to a higher authority. So, something certainly as sinister as this needed to be taken somewhere, and it was."

Lambesis was booked into the Vista Jail on suspicion of solicitation of another to commit murder. He is scheduled to appear before a judge Thursday afternoon (May 9).

Lambesis' wife, Meggan, filed for divorce in North County last September.

SoundDiego contributor Tim Pyles, of FM 94/9, told NBCSanDiego.com: "He's not the idealistic young Christian kid he once was, apparently. Because that's what [AS I LAY DYING] are: a straight-edged Christian metal band. He was a nice guy. I've had him on my show a couple times over the years. I just spoke to him via Facebook the last couple months about having him come on to talk about his latest record."

Speaking to Noisecreep in January, Lambesis talked about AS I LAY DYING being labeled a Christian band.

"Five or so years ago, when magazines would try and press that point, we decided to stay silent on the spiritual topic so that they would have to pay attention to our music and nothing more," he said.

"We didn't preach at our shows, our goal has always been to just write the best music we can write. Of course religion has some influence on the things that we write about just like all of our life experiences do but as a band, we want to be judged on the music rather than what our personal beliefs are," he added.

Image below: Official San Diego Sheriff's Department press release regarding Lambesis' arrest

"Mother", the new video from '80s hard rock queen Lita Ford, can be seen below. Directing the clip, which was filmed last September in Joshua Tree, California, was Ford's former THE RUNAWAYS bandmate Victory Tischler-Blue, whose film "Edgeplay" was based on her tenure in the 1970s all-girl teenage rock act.

Photos from the "Mother" video shoot can be found at this location.

"Mother", which is dedicated to Lita's estranged sons, Rocco and James (father is former NITRO singer Jim Gillette), comes off her new album, "Living Like A Runaway", out now on SPV/Steamhammer. "I wrote this song for [my sons]," Lita recently told the Deciblog. "I wrote this song to tell them how much I love them and to tell them that I didn't mean for this to happen [for Lita to be forced to live apart from her kids following her divorce from Gillette. — Ed.] and that it's not my fault. I didn't do this to them, although they think I did. I miss them, I love them. They're my life."

"It was hard to write," she told Examiner.com. "It was hard to record. It's hard to listen to. I find myself skipping over it sometimes, depending on how much makeup I have on that day. If I'm all made up, I'm like, 'Oh, can't cry right now!' I've done interviews where big, grown men tell me they've come away from it in tears. That's huge. That's what I wanted — for people to feel my pain. But it is a great song."

"Living Like A Runaway" was released on June 19, 2012 in North America. The effort was made available in four configurations: a double LP, limited-edition CD, standard CD and digital download. The artwork for the album was created by famed rock photographer Mark Weiss.

In an interview with Über Röck. Lita stated about "Living Like A Runaway", "This was an album I wrote during one of the darkest times of my life. I was going through this divorce and I needed somewhere to channel my feelings. My hurt, my pain, my aggression, my sadness, my happiness... all of these feelings are in this record. When you listen to the tracks, they are believable because they are real. . . It just came together; it was like a gift from God, this album. It took a year to write, it was a slow process, seeming like two years, and it came to me a piece at a time."

Lita has previously referred to "Living Like A Runaway" as her "real comeback album." She explained, "The last album I did was called 'Wicked Wonderland'. I put it out with Jim Gillette, and we were married at the time. It is kind of a Jim/Lita album and not a really true Lita album. I got a lot of spiel about that. . . I really wasn't that comfortable with that record — not at all, to tell you the truth. There are parts of it that are good, but it doesn't sound like a Lita record. When it got released, a lot of my fans felt weird about it and said it wasn't a Lita album. [It] turned out to be more of a Jim album. We worked pretty well together. It doesn't suck, it's not a bad album; it's just not a Lita album."

That's Entertainment's Dina Butti conducted an interview with METALLICA frontman James Hetfield prior to the band's return to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on April 19 for a headlining performance at the du Arena, Yas Island. You can now watch the chat below.

On the progress of the songwriting sessions for METALLICA's next studio album:

Hetfield: "We haven't even started writing it. We're going through riffs; we have, like, 800-and-something riffs we're going through — lots of ideas. We're really excited about it, but doing concerts here and there, trying to get back in the studio and get some stuff done, it's all really exciting, but it gets done on METALLICA time, which is not really scheduled. When it's done, it's done. And when it's good, then it will be done."

On METALLICA's upcoming 3D feature film, "Metallica Through The Never":

Hetfield: "The idea behind it was a best-of concert. A lot of younger fans haven't got to see all of the things from the past — like the '…And Justice For All', the 'Ride The Lightning'… all of the stage props that we had; the destruction scene, 'Master Of Puppets' crosses… lots of things like that. [We came up with the idea of] doing a best-of concert and touring that. And then we thought, 'Well, if we're gonna do that, why don't we film it?' And then, 'Well, let's film 3D.' And it kind of swapped its order. So we're making the movie and then possibly touring it aftereward. And then there's also a narrative that goes along with it. So there's a story about a runner, or someone who works at the show, who is sent out to get something, and the big adventure that he goes on."

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich recently said that he would be "surprised" if the band's follow-up to 2008's "Death Magnetic" came out before 2015. He said: "It takes us awhile to make records, and we're also so busy with so many other things. But we'll get around to it eventually."

"Metallica Through The Never" will now come out on September 27 and not August 9 as originally announced. The film will be digitally remastered into IMAX 3D and play for one week exclusively in IMAX theaters in North America before expanding into additional theaters on October 4. The film stars the band, thousands of its fans and acclaimed young actor Dane DeHaan in a story that follows a member of METALLICA's road crew — played by DeHaan — who is sent on a mission during the band's concert that turns his life upside down.

TESTAMENT guitarist Alex Skolnick (pictured below) has penned a tribute to late SLAYER axeman Jeff Hanneman, who passed away on Thursday (May 2) from liver failure at the age of 49.

"Jeff had a subtle sense of humor that was all his own, and though he was a bit more reserved than the rest of the SLAYER camp, he viewed life as a party to be enjoyed to its fullest," Skolnick writes at PremierGuitar.com. "Much of what Jeff's loved ones and fans appreciated about him was his steadfast and genuine style — the fact that he didn't stray from his own vision. In Jon Wiederhorn and Katherine Turman's 'Louder Than Hell: The Definitive Oral History Of Metal', Jeff is quoted, 'I tried to emulate what [well-known shredders] did and really grow as a guitarist. Then I said, 'I don't think I'm that talented, but more important, I don't care.'' But as legions of dedicated SLAYER fans the world over would attest, Jeff's portrayal of himself as marginally talented is completely inaccurate. A more apt description could be summed up in one word, 'immense.'

"What separated Jeff from the rest of the metal pack was his rhythm technique, his songwriting, and that for which he will be most remembered — his riffs. But his frenzied, turbulent solos were also an important part of the package. They weren't about showing off. They served a greater artistic purpose — to sonically channel the qualities of SLAYER's lyrical content. They were sometimes abrasive, sometimes jarring, and at times disturbing. They had less in common with typical rock-guitar virtuosos than they did with the sonic collages of avant-garde improvisers such as Derek Bailey and John Zorn, the latter of whom is a self-professed SLAYER fan who has cited the band as an inspiration. Though Jeff's wider, more holistic guitar approach didn't garner the same accolades as some of his more technically proficient contemporaries, Jeff never waivered from his original approach. And the fact that he continued to attack his guitar with relentless abandon — as though he were a linebacker on his beloved Oakland Raiders (whose logo adorned some of his signature ESP guitars) — is without a doubt a big part of why SLAYER's music will always be deemed one of metal's high watermarks."

Read more from PremierGuitar.com.

DISTURBED and DEVICE frontman David Draiman has posted the following message on his Twitter account:

"There is no room for/excuse for jealousy/contempt/hatred between those who should be supportive/caring brothers and sisters in the world of hard rock and heavy metal.

"In the wake of the news of the mighty Jeff Hanneman's [SLAYER] tragic passing last night at the [fifth annual] Revolver Golden Gods [award show presented by Epiphone at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California], that point became crystal clear to everyone.

"Hardcore, thrash, classic, symphonic, death, grindcore, metalcore, hard rock and any other possible genre/sub-genre you could possibly concieve of, stood united in their grief, and steadfast in their support of the SLAYER camp and the Hanneman family. when one of us falls, we are all affected. When a pillar as mighty as Jeff Hanneman falls we are all weakened, and need to be there for one another to console, fondly remember and fortify/strengthen one another, yet again.

"We have always come together as a family in such times of sorrow and need, and if something positive can be taken from any of this, it is that we learn from that sense of community and brotherhood that was so prevalent among everyone there last night. All the tastemaker/elitist nonsense, all the trash talking and jealously, truly has no place among hard rock/heavy metal's artists or its fans.

"I pray that there are those out there who will live by this, as I and countless others do.

"Love all, respect all, protect one and all, in our mighty family.

"I am honored and humbled beyond words to have been a part of such a warm display of support and brotherhood as was witnessed last night, I thank all my fellow brothers and sisters in the genre for their compassion shown, and for the humanity shared.

"Let Jeff's memory and last night's event serve as a symbol, a guiding light, a beacon, to all those who would question our love, devotion, and commitment to one another.

"I have been, and forever shall be, a fan of, an addict of, and a champion of, all things hard rock and heavy metal."

According to The Pulse Of Radio, it's been revealed that LED ZEPPELIN turned down President Bill Clinton's request to reunite at last year's 12-12-12 Hurricane Sandy benefit concert at New York's Madison Square Garden, which raised over $50 million for storm victims. ZEPPELIN's passing on the offer was reported during a recent episode of CBS' "60 Minutes", which profiled the Robin Hood Foundation that put the superstar fundraiser together.

Robin Hood Foundation's executive director David Saltzman said during the report that Clinton asked the band personally in Washington, D.C. when they were being saluted with the prestigious Kennedy Center honor. "Harvey Weinstein had this great idea that we could enlist Bill Clinton who could convince LED ZEPPELIN to reunite to perform at the 12-12-12 concert," he said. "Bill Clinton himself asked LED ZEPPELIN to reunite and they wouldn't do it."

Back in October, during the press conference to promote the band's live "Celebration Day" collection, Jimmy Page dispelled any rumors of imminent LED ZEPPELIN reunions. "Well, look; at this time four years ago, we'd have been rehearsing to get to the O2," he said. "In December it'll be five years since the O2. So, that's a number of years that pass in between, so that seems unlikely, if there wasn't a whisper, or a hint that we would get together to do something or other. I'd say even two years ago, or whatever. Seems pretty unlikely, that's what I think."

Jan Caldwell, spokeswoman for the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, spoke earlier this evening (Tuesday, May 7) to Artisan News about AS I LAY DYING singer Tim Lambesis' arrest for allegedly hiring someone to kill his estranged wife.

Lambesis, 32, was taken into custody without incident on Tuesday (May 7) around 2 p.m. at an Oceanside business, according to San Diego Sheriff's Department.

He was charged with solicitation of another to commit murder of his wife, who resides in Encinitas.

"Information came to us late last week — last Thursday, to be specific — that Lambesis was soliciting another individual to kill his estranged wife, who also resides in the area," Caldwell said (hear audio below). "Our detectives, our fugitive task force and the sheriff's special investigations division immediately initiated an investigation into this allegation. We worked around the clock through the weekend and that culminated this afternoon when Lambesis solicited an undercover detective to kill his wife."

She continued: "The next step will be Lambesis' initial appearance in court, and that is where the charges are read, and if there's a bail to be set. And they will go from there and start setting different court dates. The investigation at our end is still ongoing, and I can't go into detail on that. And, thankfully, no one was hurt. But I believe that the captain who commented earlier said that we averted a tragedy today."

Lambesis was booked into the Vista Detention Facility. He is expected be arraigned on Wednesday or Thursday.

The musician's wife, Meggan, reportedly filed for divorce on September 20, 2012 in Vista Superior Court, and the court record indicates at least one minor child was involved in the marriage.

According to MTV News, Lambesis has said in previous interviews that he considers himself to be a Christian and acknowledges that he finds inspiration for lyrical content from biblical texts.

2008 saw AS I LAY DYING earn a Grammy nomination for "Best Metal Performance" for the single "Nothing Left".

Former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach has issued the following update:

"Work on the new studio album has officially begun!!

"[I had a] totally great day in the studio with producer Bob Marlette (BLACK SABBATH, ALICE COOPER) and guitar player Jeff George!

"We began the day writing and coming up parts and ended up recording some blazing, kick-ass grooves that are gonna destroy the rest of the tunes in your iPhone playlist upon loading! Sorry 'bout that! Not!"

Bach's next solo album is tentatively due late 2013/early 2014 via Frontiers Records.

Asked of he feels his latest album, "Kicking & Screaing", got enough credit from the rock community and the fans, Bach told "The Classic Metal Show" in a recent interview: "Yeah. To be on the Billboard chart again is enough credit for me. I like being on the chart. It's cool that I can put out an album that competes on the charts in this day and age.

He added: "I'm not trying to remind anybody of the past; that's the opposite of what I'm trying to do. I never was doing that.

"I don't understand the nostalgia factor of rock and roll fans at all. When SKID ROW came out in 1989, we weren't singing songs that were 20 years old, we were singing songs that we just wrote. That's what I'm doing today; that's what I was doing then. So I don't get that whole idea at all."

Bach's brand new CD/DVD package, "ABachalypse Now", was released in North America on March 26 via Frontiers Records. The "ABachalypse Now" Ultimate CD/DVD Edition includes never-before-seen footage from last year's Graspop Metal Meeting festival in Dessel, Belgium, the full never-before-seen Hellfest set from France and the fully-remixed and remastered Nokia show from Los Angeles (originally broadcast on AXS TV), as well as bonus music videos. The DVD contains a running time of nearly 160 minutes. "ABachalypse Now" was made available in two configurations: the Ultimate CD/DVD Edition (2 CDs + DVD) and a standalone DVD.

The Pulse Of Radio reports that Robert Plant has filed a temporary restraining order against a woman who, he claims, has been harassing him for three years. According to TMZ.com, the woman named Alysson Billings — who has never met the LED ZEPPELIN frontman — allegedly "leaves hotel keys for him, sends flowers, random packages, and constantly shows up to his concerts all over the world."

Billings is said to have now begun harassing Plant's girlfriend and collaborator, Patty Griffin, leaving the couple such disturbing and threatening messages as, "Your betrayal with another woman still stabs my mind"; "She's got you so p***y whooped and henpecked, it makes me want to puke. . . and I'm telling you that rotten crotch is ruining you"; and "This woman is literally evil for you and your life. . . you are about to fall for that dirty old crotch. And I'm not joking, I cannot, will not, shall not live this way anymore."

Plant made three vocal contributions to the new record from Griffin, who was part of his backing group on his BAND OF JOY tour. "It's a brilliant record," Plant said of "American Kid", which is due this week via Columbia Records. "It's produced by Craig Ross. I just joined her on a couple of songs, which we wrote together. It's great stuff, it's really good."

According to The Courier, a bid to raise £50,000 to erect a bronze statue of legendary AC/DC singer Bon Scott in Kirriemuir, Scotland — his birthplace and home of his family in his early years — was launched this past weekend at the annual BonFest celebration.

Scott was born Ronald Belford Scott in Forfar in 1946 and lived in Kirriemuir until 1952, when his family moved to Australia.

Kirriemuir-based community group DD8 Music has commissioned Ayrshire sculptor John McKenna to design and sculpt the memorial statue of Bon. A sensational artist and AC/DC fan to boot, he said, "It's a great honor. Bon Scott was an icon of my teenage years." Some of John's other works include Jock Stein, outside Celtic park, and the Auchengeich miner.

DD8 is reaching out to the global AC/DC fan base to help fund the project. They want it to be funded by the fans for the fans. They are asking for fans around the world to join together and pledge just one unit of their currency, or indeed any amount they wish, towards the statue. There will also be the opportunity for fans to have their name displayed on a plaque or the actual plinth if they donate a specific amount.

An Australian statue honoring Scott was first revealed at the Aussie Rock Celebration concert in suburban Claremont in February 2008 and was placed permanently at the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour in Western Australia in October that same year.