Massachusetts metallers UNEARTH have entered the studio with producer Mark Lewis (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, WHITECHAPEL, DEVILDRIVER, TRIVIUM) to begin pre-production on their new album, tentatively due in September/October. The band, whose long-term deal with Metal Blade Records recently expired, is rumored to have signed a new recording agreement with eOne.

Speaking to Horns Up Rocks! earlier this month, UNEARTH vocalist Trevor Phipps stated about the group's label situation: "Right now, the label is up the air. There's a few that might be it. But I'm sure we'll have a solid home by next week or the week after."

Asked what happened with Metal Blade, Trevor replied: "They could be one of the homes. It's just our contract was up and we're talking to other people. Metal Blade's a great label and they could be where we end up, but we'll see."

UNEARTH began 2013 in a big way on tour alongside WHITECHAPEL and EMMURE. The "Brothers Of Brutality Tour" kicked off on January 8 in Knoxville, Tennessee and wrapped on February 11 in New York City.

UNEARTH bassist John "Slo" Maggard sat out the "Brothers Of Brutality Tour" in order to "take care of personal matters at home." He was temporarily replaced by Matt DeVries (FEAR FACTORY, ex-CHIMAIRA).

UNEARTH's latest album, "Darkness In The Light", sold 6,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 72 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "The March", opened with around 11,000 units back in October 2008 to land at No. 45.

"Darkness In The Light" was recorded at Zing Studios in Westfield, Massachusetts with producer (and KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist) Adam Dutkiewicz. The effort was mixed by Mark Lewis from Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, Florida.

According to the RUSH fan site RushIsABand.com, two new digital-only RUSH collections, entitled "The Complete Mercury Years" and "The Studio Albums 1989-2007", will be released via iTunes on May 14.

"The Complete Mercury Years" will contain RUSH's complete Mercury catalog (all their albums up through "A Show Of Hands") for $79.99, including the new "2112" Deluxe Edition and the 2008 "Working Man" compilation.

"Rush: The Studio Albums 1989-2007" will contain the entire Atlantic-era RUSH studio catalog ("Presto" through "Snakes & Arrows") for $49.99. Both collections are digital only and mastered for iTunes.

RUSH was honored in the "Rock Album Of The Year" category at this year's Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Awards), for their latest studio CD, "Clockwork Angels".

RUSH's first new collection of original material in over five years and their first studio release via Anthem/Roadrunner Records, "Clockwork Angels", sold 103,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 2 on The Billboard chart.

The recording of "Clockwork Angels" began in April 2010 with Grammy Award-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, DEFTONES) — who also collaborated with the band on their last studio album, 2007's "Snakes & Arrows".

Lyrically, "Clockwork Angels" chronicles a young man's quest across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy as he attempts to follow his dreams. The story features lost cities, pirates, anarchists, an exotic carnival, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life. The novelization of "Clockwork Angels" was written by science fiction writer Kevin J. Anderson in collaboration with RUSH drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.

On April 5, Fret 12 conducted an interview with Canadian rocker Danko Jones at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, Illinois during his band's tour with VOLBEAT. You can now watch the chat below.

DANKO JONES's latest album, "Rock And Roll Is Black And Blue", was reissued on April 9 via iTunes. The re-release features an exclusive, brand new, unreleased track called "Crazy In Bed", which was recorded during the "Rock And Roll Is Black And Blue" sessions.

In addition to fronting one of the hardest working bands in the world and writing for the Huffington Post as well as several music magazines around the world alike, DANKO JONES frontman and namesake has also found the time to host a podcast with a growing popularity featuring an impressive set of guests.

DANKO JONES is currently touring North America on a sold-out tour with VOLBEAT on the back of scoring their biggest U.S. radio hit so far with "Just A Beautiful Day", which peaked at No. 26 on the Active Rock chart.

"Our tour with VOLBEAT across North America has been amazing, to say the least," stated Danko. "We're having a blast. The good dudes in VOLBEAT are treating us so well that it's feeling almost like a working vacation. Getting to go onstage with them every night is a thrill and a half!"

Interview:

After months of searching and reviewing literally hundreds of applicants from around the world, legendary doomsters PENTAGRAM have announced the addition of guitarist Matt Goldborough to the group's ranks.

Matt is a Philadelphia-based musician, composer and riff aficionado. Versed in many genres of music, Matt's experience outside of the heavy metal world brings a fresh yet classic approach to this genre-defining band. His style hearkens back to the very origins of "heavy metal" itself when heavy blues and psychedelic rock guitarists pioneered the genre in an attempt to harden rock and roll. This, of course, is exactly what Bobby Liebling and the original PENTAGRAM lineup did back in 1971.

Having played in a bevy of bands on the East Coast, Goldsborough is most recently known as part of the acclaimed Philadelphia rock band THE GREAT UNKNOWN. His debut with the PENTAGRAM family, rounded out by Greg Turley on bass and Sean Saley on drums, was on April 16, 2013 at the sold-out show at Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn, New York. If that gig wasn't special enough, the band performed songs not heard live in over 40 years! Inspired by a demand from the fans, Liebling and company pulled out rare gems, including "Be Forewarned".

PENTAGRAM released the first DVD of its 40-year career, "When The Screams Come", in August 2011 via Metal Blade Records. The set featured a full PENTAGRAM show, recorded on May 30, 2010 at the tail end of the Liebling/Griffin reunion dates at Sonar in Baltimore, Maryland during Maryland Deathfest VIII. There is also exclusive interview footage with Bobby Liebling.

PENTAGRAM's latest album, "Last Rites", came out in 2011 via Metal Blade.

PENTAGRAM's 2012 European tour saw the band perform its Decibel magazine "Hall Of Fame" album, "Relentless", in its entirety for the first time since the early 1980s. PENTAGRAM also played other beloved songs spanning the group's career, including tracks from "Last Rites".

SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison has posted several photos (see below) from the studio where he is currently working on a "new project."

More details about the band, which apparently features Jed Simon (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, TENET, ZIMMER'S HOLE) and Kris Norris (DARKEST HOUR) on guitar, will be made available "soon," according to Joey.

SLIPKNOT singer Corey Taylor has been ambivalent about working on new material following the death in May 2010 of the group's bassist, Paul Gray, although percussionist Shawn Crahan and Jordison have been much more confident about the band recording again.

SLIPKNOT's last U.S. performances were its own Knotfest shows, which took place last August in Council Bluffs, Iowa and Somerset, Wisconsin.

Jordison said in 2011 that SLIPKNOT can carry on "with or without" Taylor.

MURDERDOLLS — the band consisting of Jordison and Wednesday 13 — issued its sophomore album, "Women And Children Last", in August 2010 via Roadrunner Records.

"Underworld", a brand new song from British thrashers EVILE, can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget below (courtesy of Decibel magazine). The track comes off the band's fourth album, "Skull", which will be released on May 27 in Europe on Earache Records and in North America via Century Media/Earache Records. The follow-up to 2011's "Five Serpent's Teeth" was once again recorded with producer Russ Russell (NAPALM DEATH, DIMMU BORGIR) at Parlour Studios in Kettering, England. The artwork for the album was painted by artist Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, SODOM, HATEBREED).

Commented EVILE drummer Ben Carter: "We'd like to extend our thanks to Eliran Kantor for his amazing artistic representation of our original concept, which we'll reveal further details of in the coming weeks.

"Our fans can expect this album to be a return to our thrashier roots, as well as exploring new ground in typical EVILE form.

"We've always said we want to progress and move forward in everything we do, and this album is no exception.

"We're so amazed with everything Russ Russell and ourselves have produced, and can't wait for it to be released upon the masses!"

Added EVILE lead guitarist Ol Drake: "'Skull' is not what you think. 'Skull' is not where you think. 'Skull' is a mythical void in the deep fathoms of space."

As previously reported, EVILE celebrated this year's Record Store Day by releasing a split seven-inch picture disc vinyl with Swedish death metal legends ENTOMBED.

The limited-edition release features ENTOMBED's classic 1990 track, "Drowned", along with EVILE's 2012 cover version, available on vinyl for the first time. The seven-inch was available in independent record stores on April 20 in strictly limited quantities.

CIVIL WAR — the new Swedish metal band featuring former SABATON members Rikard Sundén (guitar), Daniel Mullback (drums), Daniel Mÿhr (keyboards) and Oskar Montelius (guitar) alongside singer Patrik Johansson (ASTRAL DOORS, LION'S SHARE) and bassist Stefan "Pizza" Eriksson (VOLTURYON) — will release a new single, "Saint Patrick's Day", on May 1. A teaser for the track is available below.

"Saint Patrick's Day" comes off CIVIL WAR's full-length debut, "The Killer Angels", which will be made available on June 11 via Despotz Records. The group states: "The album deals with a lot of stuff: heroes, traitors, battles and heavy metal....and yes: we have a song called 'Gettysburg'."

"The Killer Angels" track listing:

01. King Of The Sun
02. First To Fight
03. Saint Patrick's Day
04. Rome Is Falling
05. Sons Of Avalon
06. I Will Rule The Universe
07. Lucifer's Court
08. Brother Judas
09. My Own Worst Enemy
10. Gettysburg
11. March Across The Belts (bonus track)

The song "I Will Rule The Universe" is now available for streaming in its entirety below.

CIVIL WAR's debut EP was released on November 13, 2012 via Despotz Records.

According to Sundén, CIVIL WAR's sound is "more old-school hard rock," with "a little less keyboards" than that of SABATON. He says, "With Patrik's vocals on top, it becomes a different thing, but there are some parallels [to our previous band]."

Regarding how CIVIL WAR came together, b>Mullback told the Swedish-language newspaper Dalarnas Tidningar (DT), "It came pretty naturally. We always thought Patrik had a good voice and he accepted our offer when we asked him to join the band."

"I had no hesitation about getting involved," Patrik said. "ASTRAL DOORS certainly has a solid fan base, but we are a little more underground. I see this as an opportunity to reach a wider audience."

The four ex members of SABATON were never involved in the songwriting process with their former band since those duties were usually handled by vocalist Joakim Brodén. But in the new group, everyone is contributing ideas.

"This has been a reawakening of sorts," Mÿhr said. "I have never been in a situation where there has been so much creativity."

On the topic of whether CIVIL WAR will continue SABATON's tradition of focusing on war-related themes in its lyrics, Mÿhr said, "No, we won't. Now the lyrics can be about anything. [CIVIL WAR was just] a good name that sounded good."

Guitarist/vocalist Alexi Laiho and bassist Henkka Seppälä (a.k.a. Henkka T. Blacksmith) of Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM recently answered a number of fan-submitted questions at the Nuclear Blast Records headquarters in Donzdorf, Germany. You can now watch part two of the question-and-answer session below.

CHILDREN OF BODOM's eighth studio album, "Halo Of Blood", will be released on June 11 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. The cover art was created by Sami Saramäki, who was responsible for the artwork on previous CHILDREN OF BODOM albums "Follow The Reaper", "Are You Dead Yet?" and "Hate Crew Deathroll".

CHILDREN OF BODOM's new CD was recorded at Danger Johnny Studios in Helsinki. For the recording of the LP, CHILDREN OF BODOM has teamed up with recording engineer Mikko Karmila, who worked with the band on their fan-favorite albums "Hatebreeder", "Follow The Reaper" and "Hate Crew Deathroll", as well as Swedish producer Peter Tägtgren (MARDUK, AMON AMARTH), who oversaw production of both vocals and keyboards on the record. The album was mixed at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki.

Commented CHILDREN OF BODOM guitarist/vocalist Alexi Laiho: "'Halo Of Blood' is the eighth studio album from CHILDREN OF BODOM, and believe it or not, but we still managed to keep it fresh and new while still maintaining the elements that make COB sound recognizable. It's got the fastest and the slowest song we ever made and lyrics wise there are themes we had never had before. It's 10 new songs of pure Nordic metal and whether you enjoy it with a beer or a glass of water, I'm sure you will have a good time."

Added Seppälä about the artwork: "We wanted to have a winter scene. Somehow it fits well with the atmosphere of the music and the composing session. It could be Lake Bodom, actually, frozen, with people trapped under the ice. Very Finnish looking scene. We were really happy how Sami created the whole imagery!"

"Halo Of Blood" track listing:

01. Waste Of Skin
02. Halo Of Blood
03. Scream For Silence
04. Transference
05. Bodom Blue Moon (The Second Coming)
06. The Days Are Numbered
07. Dead Man's Hand On You
08. Damage Beyond Repair
09. All Twisted
10. One Bottle And A Knee Deep

"Halo Of Blood" is expected to feature a guest appearance by ANNIHILATOR mainman Jeff Waters.

"I played on ANNIHILATOR's album 'Metal' in 2007, so the way I see it, Jeff Waters owes BODOM a solo or two! It's payback time," Laiho told Soundi magazine.

"Wizard Of War", the new video from San Francisco-based doom rockers ORCHID, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's new album, "The Mouths Of Madness", which will be released on April 26 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Guitarist Mark Thomas Baker stated about the extensive "The Mouths Of Madness" production process: "Most of the tracks on 'The Mouths Of Madness' were cut in early June 2012. We were pretty fresh off of our European tour and full of confidence. The basics done at that time were the best recording experience that we've had so far. Everybody got along great and did great work.

"We did this album with a completely different guitar sound than 'Capricorn'. I think it sounds much heavier in that regard. We take a lot of time to get things right. I hope people enjoy it and let it sink in. I think it's miles above our past efforts."

Mastering engineer Richard Whittaker, who also took care of the latest BLACK SABBATH and THIN LIZZY rereleases/analogue transfers, comments: "I've been a huge fan of ORCHID since I first heard their debut EP back in 2009, and they've certainly come a long way since then. So, as you can imagine, to be asked to work with ORCHID on their records was an honour and a pleasure. They're a great bunch of guys and a stellar band to be involved with.

"'The Mouths Of Madness' is such a well-crafted and awe-inspiring album. Sonically, its 1974 meets 2013 which, for me, takes the SABBATH/PENTAGRAM vibe to whole new level."

ORCHID was named "the best and most important doom band of the past five years" by Rock Hard Germany's editor-in-chief Götz Kühnemund. In addition, BEHEMOTH mainman Adam "Nergal" Darski stated: "BLACK SABBATH should do an album like 'The Mouths Of Madness'!"

Since its inception in 2006, ORCHID — which features in its ranks well-known tattoo artist Theo Mindell on vocals — has achieved massive global awareness with their stunning releases "Through The Devil's Doorway" (EP, 2009) and "Capricorn" (full-length, 2011).

ORCHID is:

Theo Mindell: Vocals
Carter Kennedy: Drums
Mark Thomas Baker: Guitar
Keith Nickel: Bass

The second part of a new "Road Warriors" feature with Joel O'Keeffe (vocals/lead guitar), Ryan O'Keeffe (drums) of Australian hard rockers AIRBOURNE can be seen below.

AIRBOURNE's third album, "Black Dog Barking", will be released on May 21 via Roadrunner Records. The follow-up to 2010's "No Guts. No Glory." was produced by Brian Howes, who has previously worked with HINDER, DAUGHTRY and PUDDLE OF MUDD.

The Full Throttle edition of AIRBOURNE's new single, "Live It Up", will be made available for the opening of Full Throttle at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, the tallest, fastest looping roller coaster in the world. The Full Throttle edition of "Live It Up" will be featured throughout the newly themed five-acre section of the park where guests will experience high-energy action through fast-paced imagery, sound and lights, with additional music featuring various Roadrunner artists. The launch will be further supported nationally in all theme parks, Roadrunner and Six Flags online and social media channels, live events and press outreach.

AIRBOURNE's infectious music has been used in more than 20 video games, countless films, trailers and more.

AIRBOURNE is Joel O'Keeffe (vocals/lead guitar), Ryan O'Keeffe (drums), David Roads (guitar) and Justin Street (bass).

Finnish metallers BATTLE BEAST — who last fall parted ways with lead singer Nitte Vänskä and replaced her with Noora Louhimo — will release their second, self-titled full-length album 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.

The album's first single, "Into The Heart Of Danger", including first reactions to the album, by the international music press, can be streamed in the YouTube clip 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.

Deadline Music/Cleopatra Records is making available the "new and improved" mixes of "Frequency Unknown", the new album from the Geoff Tate-fronted version of QUEENSRŸCHE, to any customers who have purchased the original mix version and are dissatisfied with the audio. Simply e-mail the label a scan of your actual receipt for the physical CD to Queensryche@cleorecs.com and they will happily send you a replacement disc — at no charge whatsoever. No questions asked!

"Frequency Unknown" was released on April 23. The CD was produced by Jason Slater at a studio in Northern California. The first single from the effort, "Cold", can be streamed below. The track, which was mixed by Anthony Focx (NEWSTED, AEROSMITH, NIGHT RANGER, TED NUGENT), will also be released as a special limited-edition seven-inch vinyl single with a newly recorded version of the QUEENSRŸCHE classic "Silent Lucidity" — mixed by Jürgen Engler (DORO, DIE KRUPPS) — on the B-side.

Asked about the decision to remix "Frequency Unknown" shortly before the album's release, Tate told "The Continental Breakfast With James & Raina": "We were a little rushed on the mixing end of it, so after listening to it back, we're having some of the songs remixed now before the album comes out. But that's typical with records — you have to have them in on time. So sometimes you compromise in areas. Luckily, with this situation, we get to go back and correct some areas in the sound where we thought it was kind of lacking. So that's fine. I've done that on… gosh… probably three quarters of the records I've ever made. It's no new thing, but it's a luxury when you get to fix it."


"Frequency Unknown" is packaged with bonus tracks — four QUEENSRŸCHE classics, newly recorded, including the smash hit single "Silent Lucidity". Guest musicians on the CD include K.K. Downing (JUDAS PRIEST), Chris Poland (MEGADETH), Ty Tabor (KING'S X), Paul Bostaph (SLAYER, TESTAMENT, EXODUS), Lita Ford, Brad Gillis (NIGHT RANGER), Dave Meniketti (Y&T) and Craig Locicero (FORBIDDEN).

"Frequency Unknown" track listing:

01. When Lightning Strikes
02. Running Backwards
03. Fallen
04. Life Without You
05. In The Hands Of God
06. Cold
07. The Weight Of The World
08. Slave
09. Dare
10. Everything

Bonus tracks: (2013 versions)

11. Silent Lucidity
12. Empire
13. Jet City Woman
14. I Don t Believe In Love

Although a lineup for Tate's QUEENSRŸCHE was originally announced in the fall of 2012, things have changed. The band now features Tate along with bassist Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, DIO, WHITESNAKE, QUIET RIOT), guitarist Kelly Gray (QUEENSRŸCHE 1998-2001), keyboardist Randy Gane and new additions, guitarist Robert Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, HURRICANE) and drummer Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO, RHINO BUCKET).

NEWSTED, the new band led by former METALLICA, VOIVOD and FLOTSAM AND JETSAM bassist Jason Newsted, kicked off its first-ever U.S. tour this past Friday, April 19 at Red House in Walnut Creek, California. Fan-filmed video footage of the entire concert can be seen below. The 14-date trek will conclude on May 23 in Asbury Park, New Jersey and will lead into a number of European festival appearances for the band, which is completed by STAIND guitarist Mike Mushok, drummer Jesus Mendez Jr. and guitarist Jessie Farnsworth.

NEWSTED's setlist was as follows:

01. AMT (full title unknown)
02. Heroic (full title unknown)
03. Soldierhead
04. Godsnake
05. As The Crow Flies
06. Long Time Dead
07. King Of The Underdogs (with "Creeping Death" bridge)
08. Twisted (full title unknown)
09. Nocturnus
10. Whiplash (METALLICA cover)
11. Spider Biter (with "My Friend Of Misery" intro)
12. Skyscraper
13. Love Me Like A Reptile (MOTÖRHEAD cover)
14. (We Are) The Road Crew (MOTÖRHEAD cover)

NEWSTED has just completed recording its first full-length album, to be released later this year. NEWSTED began mixing the effort last week, with more details to be announced soon.

Mushok had said earlier when he joined the group, "I loved the old-school vibe of [NEWSTED's] 'Metal' EP, and when we got together to jam, it really felt great. STAIND is taking a break for a while, so when Jason asked if I was interested in joining them to record an album and play on the upcoming tour, it was perfect timing. All I could say was, 'Hell yeah! I'm totally down for this.'"

Newsted himself told ARTISTdirect.com about Mushok: "Before we even played, I knew he was the dude. For the first five or ten minutes, we were just hanging around. Sense of humor-wise, professionally, clear-eyed, hardworking and determined — he was all of those things. It was like check, check, check. That's what I do and he does. Nobody is stupid drunk or on drugs or any of that retarded shit. Every night we have dinner together. We'll drink a bottle of wine together. We have our fun, but we choose our time for it. We'll get a good one on, but we take our music very seriously. Once Mike started playing with us, it was on. It didn't take long at all. He makes the heavy music heavier. I didn't think that was possible. Because he plays seven-string, baritone, and all of these fucking psycho tunings, he reminds me so much of Piggy [VOIVOD] in so many ways. We set up for the auditions so we could see each other when we jam. That way we could communicate and fucking rock 'n' roll. I watched him, and I was like, "Oh my God!" With the way he was swinging his head and playing all of those psycho chords, he reminded me of Piggy. I miss Piggy so much. He was a great teacher and friend. He was taken way too fucking early. Mike brings that color and flavor. He knew the songs right away. He puts some great energy into the new songs. It's fucking amazing. There's no weak link on this stage."

"Metal" sold around 6,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 62 on The Billboard 200 chart.

NEWSTED is:

Jason Newsted - Bass, Lead Vocals
Jesus Mendez Jr. (THE NAPOLEON BLOWNAPARTS) - Drums
Jessie Farnsworth - Guitar, Backing Voice
Mike Mushok (STAIND) – Guitar

MASTERS OF METAL is the new band formed by current members of AGENT STEEL: Juan Garcia (guitars), Bernie Versailles (guitars and lead vocals), Robert Cardenas (bass and backing vocals), Rigo Amezcua (drums). The Los Angeles-based group had been working on new the material for sometime and recently decided to move forward and complete the recordings with Bernie Versailles taking over the vocal duties. This has been a blessing in disguise as MASTERS OF METAL not only have maintained their dedicated fan base playing successful live shows in recent months to great overwhelming receptions, but the legendary members have gained even more followers in support of their new path.

MASTERS OF METAL has just released its debut EP in North America via iTunes. Physical copies can be obtained through The Omega Order online store. Recorded by Bill Metoyer (FATES WARNING, TROUBLE, GWAR) and mixed by Versailles, the EP contains four blistering songs with everything that you can expect from the members of AGENT STEEL: top-notch overtones, timeless songwriting, and lots of scorching guitars, bottom end, and precision drumming. The track "Lunacy" features guest lead vocals by James Rivera (HELSTAR), and Sean Peck (CAGE, DEATH DEALER).

A promotional video for the song "Chameleon" can be seen below.

MASTERS OF METAL is:

Bernie Versailles - Lead/Rhytmn Guitar/Lead Vocals
Juan Garcia - Lead/Rhythmn Guitar
Robert Cardenas - Bass/Backing Vocals,
Rigo Amezcua - Drums

According to The Pulse Of Radio, Jimmy Page's representative, Peter Mensch of Q Prime Management, recently sat down for an "Ask Me Anything" online interview with Reddit.com and shed some light on the upcoming LED ZEPPELIN remasters. Mensch revealed, "As for the remaster box sets, Jimmy is digging through the archives for material that's never been released to the public before. Some of the reissued box sets will come out this year, but in the world of LED ZEPPELIN, time is a fungible thing. Hopefully will have a box set for 'Coda' too. Depends on what's in the archives."

When pressed by a couple of fans as to whether he thinks another ZEPPELIN reunion is in the cards, he said, "Honestly, my gut tells me they won't."

Over 30 years since ZEPPELIN's last studio album — the outtakes collection, "Coda" — was released, Jimmy Page is astounded at the reverence ZEPPELIN's fans still hold for the band. "The most satisfying, the most rewarding part of it, is having been part of music like that, which has stood up to the test of time," he told The Pulse Of Radio. "Every musician hopes that their music will hold up. And it's wonderful."

Co-founding bassist John Paul Jones told The Pulse Of Radio that band politics never came into play when the band was working up new material and said that ZEPPELIN always understood the importance of quality control. "We always made music in the same way — we all know whether something works or not," he said. "When we wrote music together, y'know, if somebody came up with an idea, if it didn't work, you didn't have to be taken to a room quietly to say, 'Y'know, we can't use this,' y'know? Everybody knows, 'Hey, this is rubbish! Y'know, [laughs] let's do something else!' And we'd go on to something that does work, and then everybody knows it works."

Out now is legendary photographer Neal Preston's digital book, "Led Zeppelin: Sound And Fury". The book features hundreds of photographs of the band, including well over 100 shots of ZEPPELIN which have never before been published, countless contact sheets, both video and printed interviews with ZEPPELIN's tour insiders, along with Preston's own personal commentary, and rare memorabilia.

Hanover, Germany record imprint SPV and Berlin, Germany label Sonic Attack have announced their collaboration under the official moniker of Sonic Attack/SPV. This joint venture is based on an extensive back catalogue as well as new products. Both companies will collaborate globally, with the exception of Japan.

Sonic Attack was founded two years ago and is helmed by rock and metal veteran Karl Walterbach, who set the course in the 1980s and 1990s with Modern Music and his Noise label, in particular, for a whole range of genres, such as punk (SLIME), metal (HELLOWEEN, GAMMA RAY, RUNNING WILD, KREATOR, CELTIC FROST, STRATOVARIUS, KAMELOT) and industrial (OOMPH, AND ONE).

Walterbach's latest label, which is associated with the Musicflash management company, refers to itself as a future-oriented answer to the digital revolution and its impact on the whole music industry. In contrast to the established labels, Sonic Attack Records have dispensed with complex legal contracts and rights control. The first promising candidate to be presented by the new joint venture is Israel's thrash act HAMMERCULT, scheduled to embark on a tour supporting SEPULTURA in May and set to present its debut on a vinyl edition featuring bonus songs.

The first releases by Sonic Attack/SPV, out on May 24 and June 21, will be:

* PATHFINDER's "Beyond The Space", "Beyond The Time" and "Fifth Element"
* DIE VORBOTEN's Aufschrei", "Existenz"
* KADAVRIK's "N.O.A.H.", "Bioluminescense"
* SUPERBUTT's "Music For Animals"
* HAMMERCULT's "Anthems Of The Damned", "Anthems Of The Damned" (LP & Single, new)
* PHOENIX RISING's "MMXII"
* SLAVERY's "Dawn Of Mankind "
* VICTORIOUS' "The Awakening" (new, June 24)

A snippet of the song "These Scars"from MELIAH RAGE with Marc Lopes on vocals can be heard in the YouTube clip below. The track was released on Metal On Metal Records' annual compilation CD, "Compendium Of Metal Vol. 6", which contains mostly previously unreleased and rare tracks. Marc recorded his vocals for "These Scars" during his second meeting with the band, and after having heard the song (recorded during the 2011 sessions) for the first time only the previous night, so it was quite spontaneous, especially considering that he also had to write the lyrics within this short time.

MELIAH RAGE recently announced Lopes as the new vocalist. This marks the end of the nearly two years of downtime for the band. They are currently working on a new album, "Warrior", to be released this July through Metal On Metal Records, and getting ready to play some shows, including Warriors of Metal VI festival in June in Ohio.

Lopes, who hails from New Bedford, Massachusetts, was previously involved with DARK DAY SUNDAY, the old-school thrash outfit featuring FATES WARNING guitarist Frank Aresti and SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner.

MELIAH RAGE reunited with singer Paul Souza after the band's original vocalist Mike Munro became very dedicated to his church and spent time volunteering in Haiti. Mike subsequently felt these and other missions of goodwill would not allow him the flexibility of schedule to tour with MELIAH RAGE.

Souza recorded two albums with MELIAH RAGE — "Barely Human" and 2006's "The Deep And Dreamless Sleep". In addition, he toured with the band when it supported METAL CHURCH across the U.S. in 2007.

MELIAH RAGE parted ways with Souza last year and was searching for a replacement.

"We knew a lot of the same people and decided to have Marc come in and work with producer Rich Spillberg," commented MELIAH RAGE founder Anthony Nichols. "We are all very excited to work with Marc. He is a talented vocalist and highly motivated to write, tour and record with MELIAH RAGE."

MELIAH RAGE was founded in 1987 and 2013 marks the 25th anniversary of the band's debut release, "Kill To Survive". Nichols has indicated that in addition to releasing a record this year, the band plans on making several live appearances.

MELIAH RAGE's seventh full-length studio album (or eighth, if you also count the "Unfinished Business" CD), "Dead To The World", came out in July 2011 via Italy's Metal On Metal Records.

Ozzy Osbourne's wife/manager Sharon has shot down reports that the couple were divorcing after 31 years of marriage, insisting that they will overcome their problems and stay together.

On today's (Tuesday, April 23rd) edition of CBS daytime talk show "The Talk", which she co-hosts, Sharon addressed conflicting media reports and rumors surrounding her alleged split with Ozzy, stating: "Everything that was printed in the tabloids has been distorted.

"There's always a little seed of truth to everything that gets reported, but then it gets very distorted. The only thing that's true is the Facebook posting that my husband did on his Facebook where he said he's been using alcohol and prescription drugs for the last year and a half, and that he's been an asshole, and he's been in a very dark place. That's true — it's very true.

"Everybody knows he's been struggling with this his entire life, and I never knew that he was using prescription drugs. I knew he was drinking occasionally, but I didn't realize, you know, to the extent.

"It's our business, we're dealing with it. We're not getting divorced, however.

"Am I happy? No. Am I upset? Yes, I am. I'm devastated right now. It's a disease that not only hurts the person that has the disease, but it hurts the family. It hurts people who love you.

"We're dealing with it. We've dealt with worse, and we will deal with it, and this, too, shall pass... Otherwise, my husband will be taken to hospital to get my foot removed from his ass."

Ozzy admitted that he relapsed into drug and alcohol abuse for the past year and a half in a statement posted by the BLACK SABBATH singer on his Facebook page. He wrote: "For the last year and a half, I have been drinking and taking drugs. I was in a very dark place and was an aasshole to the people I love most, my family. However, I am happy to say that I am now 44 days sober.

"Just to set the record straight, Sharon and I are not divorcing. I'm just trying to be a better person.

"I would like to apologize to Sharon, my family, my friends and my bandmates for my insane behavior during this period... and my fans. God bless, Ozzy."

A report surfaced recently in the U.K. tabloid The Sun suggesting that Ozzy and Sharon were splitting and already living apart for several weeks.

A spokesperson for Sharon released a statement claiming that Ozzy and his wife "were still together," adding, "They've both got huge work commitments. She is at the hotel for work and he is starting his BLACK SABBATH tour."

Ozzy has struggled with drug and alcohol addiction throughout his entire 40-plus-year career, both with SABBATH and as a solo artist, although in recent years he seemed to have achieved a steady level of sobriety.

Singer Simone Simons of Dutch symphonic metallers EPICA and her longtime boyfriend, keyboardist Oliver Palotai (KAMELOT, SONS OF SEASONS), are expecting their first child around the end of summer.

To ensure the best possible pregnancy and to protect Simone's and the baby's health, EPICA has decided to take a break from all live activities starting on July 1. This means EPICA will not play this year's Masters Of Rock festival in the Czech Republic.

According to a posting on EPICA's official Facebook page, the band will spend the latter half of 2013 working on material for a new studio album, to be released in 2014. In addition, EPICA will release a DVD containing footage of the group's March 23 10th-anniversary concert, "Retrospect", in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, where they were joined on stage by a 70-piece symphonic orchestra and choir, making it the band's most ambitious project ever. People from over 45 countries attended the show, which was also broadcast live online in HD quality via LiveMusicStage.

Says EPICA: "We are looking forward to see you all at the remaining shows this year and will be back next year with a new CD, stronger than ever!"

EPICA's fifth full-length album, "Requiem For The Indifferent", sold 4,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 104 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Requiem For The Indifferent" was released on March 9, 2012 in Europe and four days later in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Gate Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany under the watchful eye of Sascha Paeth.

Photo below courtesy of Simone Simons' official blog

Video footage of Texas heavy rockers DROWNING POOL performing an acoustic version of the song "In Memory Of" for All The Rage TV at Hard Rock Café in Paris, France can be seen below.

"In Memory Of" was released in August 2012 to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the passing of the band's original singer, Dave Williams.

Williams died on tour in 2002 after singing on the band's debut, "Sinner". He was replaced by Jason "Gong" Jones, who also contributed to one record, "Desensitized", before being shown the door in 2004.

DROWNING POOL's fifth studio album, "Resilience", sold 6,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 72 on The Billboard chart. The CD was released on April 9 via Eleven Seven Music. The band teamed up with producer Kato Khandwalla at House of Loud Studios in New Jersey, as well as John Feldmann (THE USED, STORY OF THE YEAR), and completed the album in Dallas.

DROWNING POOL bassist Stevie Benton recently spoke to AOL's Noisecreep about Jasen. Moreno, who previously fronted fellow Texas band THE SUICIDE HOOK, is DROWNING POOL's fourth and newest frontman. Jasen replaces vocalist Ryan McCombs, who exited the group at the end of 2011 after a six-year stint in the lineup.

Asked how DROWNING POOL's chemistry has been affected by the singer changes over the years, Benton said: "Well, it's a forced form of band evolution, I would say, certainly not something you strive for and not something that I would advise other bands to do, because it's a lot of extra work and it's hard on you at times, but for us, we still had a such great time with Dave [Williams, DROWNING POOL's original singer] and such great vibes still remains and we've been trying to recapture that ever since then. It feels cheap to stick with a chemistry that just doesn't feel right and so maybe that's why we've had a lot of turnover. We knew if we switched singers again that a lot of people would look at it and make comments, but for us it seemed like it was worth it to take that shot at capturing the best chemistry we ever had. So we did. Look, sometimes you have to shift gears and I'm sure some of our ex-singers feel the same way: 'I can't wait to get the hell out of here.'"

"In Memory Of" acoustic performance:

Christian hard rockers STRYPER are recording a cover version of "Jesus Is Just Alright", a gospel song written by Arthur Reid Reynolds, for their next studio album, tentatively due before the end of the year via Frontiers Records. The band's frontman, Michael Sweet, says, "It rivals our cover of EARTH, WIND & FIRE's 'Shining Star' — riffs!"

"Jesus Is Just Alright" was first recorded by Reynolds' own group, THE ART REYNOLDS SINGERS, on their 1966 album, "Tellin' It Like It Is". It was later covered by THE BYRDS and THE DOOBIE BROTHERS.

Michael Sweet previously stated that the new STRYPER CD would contain "the best [songs] of our career [with] no pop or fluff musically or lyrically." He added: "I'm counting the days for its arrival and when it does arrive, it will be like a train speeding down the tracks — fast, heavy, unstoppable and loud! I get excited for every record, but I've never quite been this excited before. This record will be one for the books, and in my humble opinion, our best yet bar none. No pride here, just confidence that it's going to be great — really, really great."

In a 2012 interview with Guitar World, Michael Sweet stated about STRYPER's plans for the next album: "We're going into this new record with the mentality and thinking of making it like a 'To Hell With The Devil 2'. That's not to say it will actually sound like that album, but we really want it to be as great as 'To Hell With The Devil', which was our biggest album. We want people to put on this record and go; 'Whoa! Wow! This is as good as or better than 'To Hell With The Devil'!' We want the new album to be a powerhouse and we're going to do whatever it takes to make that happen."

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

In late 2012/early 2013, BLOOD CEREMONY enclosed themselves within a dank, tomb-like chamber to begin preparations for their third album. After a mind-numbing spell in the analogue womb of Toronto's ProGold Studios, the band is now ready to unveil their newest, and most accomplished, musical offering: "The Eldritch Dark". The debut single, "Goodbye Gemini", can be heard now below.

Recorded and mixed by producer Ian Blurton (CAULDRON, CURSED) and mastered by Canadian recording legend Nick Blagona (DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW), "The Eldritch Dark" is a full-length paean to the darker corners of folklore and legend. Containing eight tracks of black magic rock 'n' roll, the album crackles with the excitement of a nocturnal ritual.

Tales of witch-cult gatherings in wooded glens, pacts made in torch-lit abbeys and Victorian magic are accompanied by vintage-style hard rock riffs, snaking bass lines and stirring flute melodies. "The Eldritch Dark" also sees the band exploring a more folksier side of their sound; most evident in the hymn-like "Lord Summerisle" and the murderous folk-rock epic, "Ballad Of The Weird Sisters". Nineteenth-century sorcerer Oliver Haddo makes a return appearance in the riff-hypnotic album closer "The Magician".

"The Eldritch Dark" will be released via Metal Blade/Rise Above in North America on May 28.

BLOOD CEREMONY will join KYLESA on tour in North America throughout May and June.

BLOOD CEREMONY is:

Alia O'Brien - Vocals, Flute, Organ
Sean Kennedy - Guitar
Lucas Gadke - Bass
Michael Carrillo - Drums

Rob Zombie and guitarist John 5 wrote and recorded a black-metal song for the fictional band LEVIATHAN THE FLEEING SERPENT featured in Zombie's new movie, "The Lords Of Salem". The video for the track, called "Crushing The Ritual", can be seen below.

Speaking to Revolver magazine, Zombie stated about his decision to include black-metal imagery in the film: "There's a band in the movie called LEVIATHAN THE FLEEING SERPENT, and they have a music video that they made for a song that's in the movie. It's sort of weird, though-for years, Norwegian black metal was the kind of music where I was like, 'Ah, I don't get it.' Then about five years ago, I was listening to DARKTHRONE or MAYHEM, and all of a sudden I was like, 'I get it now, and I fucking love it!' A switch just flipped in my brain. I like the music, and I wanted to include it in the movie. That character isn't part of any sinister plot in the movie, though. He's just there to add some background color."

Asked what kind of black metal he likes other than DARKTHRONE and MAYHEM, Zombie said: "I like the stuff that sounds really lo•fi. When we [Zombie, John 5 and drummer Aaron Rossi] were recording LEVIATHAN THE FLEEING SERPENT's song for the movie, my comment to the producer was, 'It sounds too good. Make it sound shittier.' To me, when it sounds shitty, it sounds scary. It sounds real. When the production is too good, it sounds cartoony and operatic. But when it sounds like shit, you're like, 'Yeah, this sounds like a bunch of guys who are gonna kill each other.'"

In addition to the LEVIATHAN THE FLEEING SERPENT song, the soundtrack of "The Lords Of Salem" contains classic songs from THE VELVET UNDERGROUND, MANFRED MANN, Rick James and RUSH. Zombie told The Pulse Of Radio how he approached compiling the soundtrack. "I mean, I always like to find songs that can represent the film, so there's at least one song in every movie that when you hear it, it brings back the imagery of the film," he said. "In this movie, it was a VELVET UNDERGROUND song. I always want to try to find that piece of music early on, even in the writing process. For 'Devil's Rejects', it was 'Freebird', strangely enough, and for the last movie it was 'Nights In White Satin'. Sometimes you just hear a song and you go, 'This song sounds like how I want the movie to feel.'"

The soundtrack includes MANFRED MANN's version of "Blinded By The Light", Rick James' "Give It To Me Baby", RUSH's "The Spirit Of Radio" and THE VELVET UNDERGROUND's "Venus In Furs" and "All Tomorrow's Parties".

"The Lords Of Salem" soundtrack arrived on April 16, a few days before the movie opened in limited release on April 19.

Zombie's own new album, "Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor", is being released today (Tuesday, April 23) and contains songs such as first single "Dead City Radio And The New Gods Of Super Town", "Lucifer Rising", "The Girl Who Loved The Monsters" and "Behold! The Pretty Filthy Creatures", along with a cover of the GRAND FUNK RAILROAD hit "We're An American Band".

Zombie will also receive an honorary award at the upcoming Revolver Golden Gods Awards, which will take place in Los Angeles on May 2.

On April 7, Norwegian powerhouse singer Jorn Lande was officially appointed "Prince Of The Sun" by the mayor of his city of birth, Rjukan, in Telemark, Norway. The Prince and his entourage arrived at the town square stage after being part of a long royal style cortege through the streets of Rjukan.

The ceremony was held in front of several thousand people at the town square.

"The rock world already has its 'Prince Of Darkness,' now it also has a 'Prince Of The Sun,'" the newly appointed Prince Jorn proclaimed in his speech to the people.

The city of Rjukan is famous for this annual celebration every spring, marking the day the sun returns — meaning that it is high enough on the sky to reach Rjukan and its residents in the deep valley. From October to March every year, the valley is in shadows. All the people of Rjukan take to the streets and dress up in fantastic costumes to celebrate the sun’s return.

The first Solfest (sun carnival) was held in 1925 and has since been an important cultural event. And every Solfest they appoint a Prince Of The Sun — who has to be a person from Rjukan that has contributed to promoting and benefiting the town and the area. Rjukan's history is quite impressive and of huge interest worldwide, as it was here the world's largest power plant was built by Norsk Hydro in the early 19th century.

Rjukan was a significant industrial center producing Salpetre (fertilizer) and later hydrogen, which again resulted in the product known as heavy water (deuterium oxide). During World War II, the production of heavy water was of huge interest to Hitler and his nuclear program, since heavy water could be used to produce nuclear weapons. The Norwegian resistance, in collaboration with the allies, decided to sabotage the heavy water supply and destroy the heavy water plant, to stop the nazi development of nuclear weapons. High-risk raids were aimed at the 60-MW Vemork Power Station by the Rjukan water fall while it was in German hands. After the war, Hollywood and Columbia Pictures looked to Rjukan and the spectacular war efforts of the local saboteurs, and in 1965 the film "Heroes Of Telemark" was made, starring legendary actors Kirk Douglas and Richard Harris. The film, about the heavy water sabotage, was among the 15 most popular films at the british box office in 1966.

SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner joined EXODUS on stage last night (Monday, April 22) at Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park, New York to perform the EXODUS classic "The Toxic Waltz". Video footage of his appearance can be see below.

Commented Bittner: "Last night I had the honor of stepping onstage to jam with the mighty EXODUS (featuring one of my favorite metal guitar players ever — Gary Holt). It was dark as hell and I had to play a backwards kit, but it was hella fun!! To quote the Bay Area guys!!"

Holt has spent the last two years filling in for SLAYER founding axeman Jeff Hanneman who in January 2011 contracted necrotizing fasciitis, likely caused by a spider bite, and has been undergoing surgeries, skin grafts and intense rehab since.

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

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

SHADOWS FALL's latest album, "Fire From The Sky", sold around 10,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 38 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was released on May 15, 2012 via Razor & Tie.

Former YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ROYAL HUNT and ULI JON ROTH vocalist Mark Boals has joined forces with ARACHENS and STRINGS 24 guitarist Frank Carusho in a new recording project called THUNDER RISING. The group, whose current lineup is rounded out by drummer CC Neil, guitarist Andy Ringoli (HOMERUN) and bassist Gabry Baroni (ARACHENS, STRINGS 24), will release its self-titled debut album in June via Videoradio. The CD was recorded at Phantom Studio in Milan, Italy and Downtown Sound Studio in Los Angeles, California and was mixed and mastered at Phantom Studio by Frank Caruso and Baroni.

"Thunder Rising" track listing:

01. Something To Believe
02. Without You
03. Love Hard, Live Fast
04. An Angel Cries
05. Tonight
06. Hip Hop Blues Inspiration
07. Without You (acoustic version)
08. Flying Over The Road

Italian "cinematic" metallers LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY will release their new album in June/July via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD will once again be produced by Luca Turilli and it will be recorded and mixed by Sebastian Röder at the Backyard Studios in Kempten, Germany.

Says LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY guitarist Dominique Leurquin: "After the great success of 'Ascending To Infinity', for which we'll never stop thanking our supporters and the international press, a new opus of cinematic metal will soon see the light and once more the wonderful and versatile voice of Alessandro Conti, ranging from heavenly and crystalline high tones to the dramatic power of an operatic tenor, will surprise most of the people while painting musical landscapes of rare beauty!"

In other news, Luca has announced the formation of a new music production company through which he will offer his services as an arranger, specializing in the creation of epic/orchestral/modern arrangements of all styles, but also as the composer and artistic producer for all kinds of music (metal, rock, pop, classical, opera, folk, etc.) and for the media-related world (TV, cinema, videogames, etc.).

Says Luca: "In the last years, I always dreamed of starting a second business activity in connection with cinema and other important media. I finally decided to take the big step in this direction. I am actually selecting some top-level partners to offer and extend the services of my company to a worldwide level."

In August 2011, RHAPSODY OF FIRE guitarist Luca Turilli and keyboardist Alex Staropoli announced their decision to go their separate ways.

Due to legal reasons, Staropoli is continuing under the RHAPSODY OF FIRE name. Turilli, on the other hand, is making his efforts available under the RHAPSODY moniker (RHAPSODY OF FIRE's original name), in which he is joined by guitarist Dominique Leurquin, bassist Patrice Guers, singer Alessandro Conti (TRICK OR TREAT) and drummer Alex Landenburg (AT VANCE, ANNIHILATOR, MEKONG DELTA, STRATOVARIUS).

LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY's new album, "Ascending To Infinity", entered the German Media Control chart at the position No. 32.

It's been more than a decade since Austrian female-fronted symphonic metallers EDENBRIDGE first created a stir with the launch of their debut album, "Sunrise In Eden", back in 2000. What presented itself as a young but already immensely talented band has evolved into one of the genre's most independent acts. Their latest CD, "The Bonding", sees the group underline its exceptional status in melodic metal and puts an end to their creative hiatus of almost three difficult years.

"We had to come to terms with a number of personal setbacks, which is why the production of the album took longer than originally scheduled," explains guitarist and main songwriter Lanvall, who, among other things, suffered the loss of his father due to suicide. In addition, EDENBRIDGE underwent an unexpected lineup change: bassist Simon Holzknecht had to be replaced by Wolfgang Rothbauer (DISBELIEF, ZOMBIE INC.).

Yet the band's great compositional qualities, the amazing voice of singer Sabine Edelsbacher and EDENBRIDGE's unconditional determination to not only validate, but to surpass the undisputable strengths of each predecessor album are omnipresent.

"The initial ideas were developed as early as 2010, immediately after the release of 'Solitaire', but due to our private trials and tribulations, it took us until autumn 2012 to conclude the recordings for our new album," Lanvall looks back at the taxing months marked by one ambitious goal: to complement the new album by a real orchestra in order to support the material's symphonic direction.

"Our style has always had an unmistakably symphonic quality," says Lanvall, "so the only question was: how do we finance a big orchestra?"

At this point, outside help arrived, in the form of support from fans and sponsors. Thanks to a major joint effort, the band succeeded in bringing to the studio the Klangvereinigung Orchestra of Vienna under the direction of Georg Luksch to cap the atmospheric and at the same time dynamic songs on "The Bonding".

Says Lanvall: "When it was confirmed that the Klangvereinigung Orchestra would come to the studio, I concentrated on writing scores for our songs, so we were able to integrate these additional elements more concisely than ever before. Of course, it would be a mistake to drown our songs, which also feature guitar riffs, choirs and rhythmic details, in orchestra sounds. It was all about positioning the orchestra in a way that would create an additional dynamic level. I think we've succeeded in doing just that on 'The Bonding'."

Another outstanding feature is Sabine Edelsbacher's voice, whose warm, pleasantly melancholy timbre refines every EDENBRIDGE track.

"I've worked very hard on my voice in recent years to intensify not only expression and power, but also clarity and nuances," she explains. "It's very important for me to devote myself totally to my music, to be able to immerse myself 100% in every song."

Which is probably one of the reasons why "The Bonding" has turned into the band's most haunting and ambitioned album so far, including truly impressive numbers such as "Mystic River", "Alight A New Tomorrow", "Shadows Of My Memory" and — more or less as the grand finale — the 15-minute title track, a memorable duet by Sabine Edelsbacher and Erik Martensson (W.E.T., ECLIPSE).

Says Lanvall: "This song is the culmination of the album's general theme, which is about universal energy, about birth and growth, about memories and reflection."

In line with this, EDENBRIDGE also presents two different sets of cover artwork for the digipak and jewel-case editions, both related but unique in terms of their design. In other words: orchestra, renowned guest vocalists and fascinating themes included, "The Bonding" is an exceptional release in every respect and a real must-hear!

"The Bonding" will be released through SPV/Steamhammer in Germany on June 21, in the rest of Europe on June 24 and in the U.S./Canada on July 2 as limited-edition ecol book with a different cover, including a bonus CD, double coloured LP, standard version and download.

"The Bonding" track listing:

01. Mystic River
02. Alight A New Tomorrow
03. Star-Crossed Dreamer
04. The Invisible Force
05. Into A Sea Of Souls
06. Far Out Of Reach
07. Shadows Of My Memory
08. Death Is Not The End
09. The Bonding

EDENBRIDGE is:

* Sabine Edelsbacher: Lead Vocals
* Lanvall: Lead, Rhythm, Acoustic Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Piano, Kacapi
* Max Pointner: Drums
* Dominik Sebastian: Lead, Rhythm Guitar
* Wolfgang Rothbauer: Bass, Grunts on "Shadows Of My Memory"

"The Bonding" standard edition:

SOCIETY 1 has enlisted Logan Mader (MACHINE HEAD, SOULFLY, GOJIRA, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY) at Darth Mader Music to mix and master the band's new EP, "Screams Of A Sadist". The group's first collection of entirely new material in seven years will see SOCIETY 1 returning to its industrial metal roots as well as adding a few surprises.

"The music is powerful and the guys are great to work with," said Logan.

After the mixing is complete, SOCIETY 1 will begin editing its new video for the song "Lifeless".

"The plan has always been to get some new music created, shoot a video then get back on the road for a few runs," the band said. "We felt as if we really needed to show people the band is back to its full capacity and see what happens before deciding how we will release the rest of the EP."

After a seven-year hiatus, SOCIETY 1 has already done a few strings of dates outside of its home base of Los Angeles.

"It's all coming together," said SOCIETY 1 guitarist Brian Jackson. "It's been a great process and being able to work with Logan Mader at the end of it all has been a great experience. We hope to work with him more in the future."