An acoustic performance of the song "Sense The Fire" by singer Mikael Sehlin of Swedish metallers ENGEL can be seen below.

Sehlin made his live debut with ENGEL on January 4 at the Gothenburg Sound Festival at Trädgårn in Gothenburg, Sweden.

ENGEL parted ways with singer Magnus "Mangan" Klavborn in November and recruited Lenne (ex-TWELVESTEP) as his temporary replacement. In a statement announcing his departure from the group, Klavborn said: "I'm not going to rant about the who's and why's, just say goodbye." He added: "I have had a lot of good times and I am sad to leave it behind, but that's how it goes sometimes. It's not a farewell forever; I'm not going to quit music."

ENGEL's latest album, "Blood Of Saints", entered the official chart in Sweden at position No. 60. Released on May 18, 2012 via Season Of Mist, the CD was recorded at Antfarm studios in Aabyhøj, Denmark. According to the group, the album is "a good mixture between both [previous ENGEL efforts] 'Threnody' [2010] and 'Absolute Design' [2007], but with some new angles as well!"

Renowned drummer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Brian Tichy (pictured below), known for his tours of duty with BILLY IDOL, FOREIGNER, OZZY OSBOURNE and WHITESNAKE, will fill in for Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO, RHINO BUCKET) in the Geoff Tate-fronted version of QUEENSRŸCHE for all of the band's tour dates in June.

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 Wright.

Deadline Music/Cleopatra Records will release "Frequency Unknown", the new album from the Geoff Tate-fronted version of QUEENSRŸCHE, on April 23. The CD was produced by Jason Slater at a studio in Northern California.

Deadline Music/Cleopatra Records recently released "Cold", the new single from the Geoff Tate-fronted version of QUEENSRŸCHE, via iTunes. 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

Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of FOO FIGHTERS inducted RUSH at the 28th annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, which was held last night (Thursday, April 18) at the Nokia Theater L.A. Live. Grohl said in his induction speech, "From day one, the band built its following the right way. No hype, no (baloney), they did it from the ground up without any help from the mainstream press… Their influence is undeniable and their devoted fan base is only rivaled by the GRATEFUL DEAD. Look at you people, all of you people, right here! And their legacy is that of a band that stayed true to themselves no matter how uncool they may have seemed to anyone."

According to The Pulse Of Radio, RUSH drummer Neil Peart, normally the most reclusive member of the band, gave the first and most eloquent of the three members' speeches, followed by bassist/singer Geddy Lee. But it was guitarist Alex Lifeson who brought down the house with a speech consisting entirely of "blah blah blahs," changing the tone of his voice to exhibit a range of emotions — with everyone understanding what he meant, especially when he "described" getting the call that the band was being inducted.

Lee was asked on the red carpet if he thought the acclaimed documentary on the band, "Beyond The Lighted Stage", played a role in the groundswell of support for the band's induction into the Hall Of Fame. "Oh, I think it probably did have an effect to a certain degree because of the way the filmmakers put that story together," he said. "I think it really showed what a vast and diverse audience that we do have and what the effect of our music has been on young players. And one of the criteria of the Hall Of Fame is influence, so I think it's easy to see that in that film."

Peart said that the band's fans had a personal stake in seeing the band inducted. "The thing is, with our fans, is that we grew up together," he said. "We always say 'the soundtrack of your life' is a phrase that I love, but it has been that case and we have evolved naturally in our music and our lyrics and our songs and all that, of our experiences from our past and our present as grown-ups, and we've expressed all that through our songs. So a lot of them have grown up with that in a very real, true way, so they share it and they feel like they're part of the team, and our team should win."

Lee thanked "the most passionate, incredible fan base around the globe …for not only supporting and encouraging our musical progress over the years, but for the insistence of their voices, which has most certainly led us to this evening."

The ceremony will be broadcast on May 18 on HBO at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The deluxe version of BLACK SABBATH's new album, "13" — the first in 35 years to feature bassist Geeezer Butler, guitarist Tony Iommi and singer Ozzy Osbourne — will include three bonus tracks: "Methademic" (said to be about the scourge of methamphetamine addiction), "Peace Of Mind" and "Pariah".

"13" is now available for pre-order on iTunes. If you order either the standard or deluxe editions, you will be able to download the first single, "God Is Dead?" immediately.

"13" track listing:

01. End Of The Beginning (8:05)
02. God Is Dead? (8:52)
03. Loner (4:59)
04. Zeitgeist (4:37)
05. Age Of Reason (7:01)
06. Live Forever (4:46)
07. Damaged Soul (7:51)
08. Dear Father (7:20)

Deluxe-edition bonus tracks:

09. Methademic (5:57)
10. Peace Of Mind (3:40)
11. Pariah (5:34)

Total running time (with bonus tracks): 68 minutes, 42 seconds

"13" is due out June 11 on Vertigo/Republic. This marks BLACK SABBATH's return to Vertigo, their original label, and the group's first studio album together since 1978's "Never Say Die!"

The drum tracks on the album were laid down by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE sticksman Brad Wilk following original drummer Bill Ward's decision to bow out of the reunion.

Ozzy told an Australian radio station that "13" is "mind-blowing," adding, "It's better than my wildest dreams; it's so good."

BLACK SABBATH will make a rare television appearance when the band performs a new song on the season finale of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation". The episode is set to air on Wednesday, May 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET on CBS-TV. The band will world premiere a song called "End Of The Beginning" from "13". The episode's plot follows the "CSI" team as they investigate a series of murder that resemble the sins in "Dante's Inferno", with the trail leading the detectives played by Ted Danson and Marc Vann to attend a SABBATH concert.

"God Is Dead?" audio stream:

Joe Satriani, the incomparable guitar aficionado, is readying for the release of his 14th studio album, "Unstoppable Momentum", on May 7 through Epic Records, by releasing the first single, "A Door Into Summer", at radio this week. The video, conceived as a musical journey of sorts, was actually shot as Satriani and his band made their way to the legendary Skywalker Sound studio, on the famed Skywalker Ranch in the Bay Area. The clip features a behind-the-scenes look at the band arriving, setting up and starting the album recording process intercut with a collage of stills from the album cover photo shoot.

Produced by Satriani and Mike Fraser (AC/DC), "Unstoppable Momentum" features an amazing array of talented players, including Vinnie Colauita (STING, JEFF BECK) on drums, Chris Chaney (JANE'S ADDICTION) on bass and on keyboards, Mike Keneally (DETHKLOK). All band members and Satriani are featured in various stages of the sessions.

Fans are encouraged to pre-order "Unstoppable Momentum" via Sony Music and Satriani's own website store. When pre-ordering through the Epic Records store, fans will be given the chance to bundle new signed copies of the album with exclusive t-shirts and guitar straps. At Satriani.com, fans will receive an exclusive, never-before-seen art book featuring years of drawings, doodles and sketches that Satriani has done over the years.

"Some of my drawings have made their way on to guitars, straps and picks, LP and CD booklets, t-shirts, hats, keychains, etc…and even my live stage productions," explains Satriani. "This book represents my first effort to finally compile my oddly drawn friends into one place, a wildly colorful portfolio of sorts. A collection of drawings meant to inspire and entertain."

After returning from the South American G3 tour last October, Satriani got down to writing new music over the next two months. As he recalls, "A very prolific and cathartic two months followed resulting in a bundle of new music I was very excited to get recorded!"

Eleven songs were selected to record, all "heading in different directions and touching on a variety of musical influences." With that in mind, Satriani decided to assemble a new studio band. "The idea was to crank up the energy level of the sessions, and allow for more individual expression of the material from each player. The chemistry with Mike, Chris and Vinnie was fantastic and we blazed through all of the tracks with everyone laying down amazing performances."

For two decades, Satriani has traveled the world, playing to sold-out crowds as both a headliner and as founder of the all-star "G3" guitar extravaganza. His studio and live recordings have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide to date and of his many solo albums, two have gone platinum and four others went gold, with 15 Grammy nominations between them. His side project, CHICKENFOOT, featuring former VAN HALEN frontman Sammy Hagar, former VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony, and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' drummer Chad Smith saw their debut album certified gold and their second studio album debuted at No. 9. In late 2010, music sensation Nicki Minaj sampled the classic Satriani track "Always With Me Always With You" in her song "Right Through Me" from her multi-platinum debut album. In 2011, Satriani recreated his national anthem performance for the opening day of the Oakland A's historic 2002 season in the Brad Pitt movie "Moneyball".

"Unstoppable Momentum" track listing:

01. Unstoppable Momentum
02. Can't Go Back
03. Lies And Truths
04. Three Sheets To The Wind
05. I'll Put A Stone On Your Cairn
06. A Door Into Summer
07. Shine On American Dreamer
08. Jumpin' In
09. Jumpin' Out
10. The Weight Of The World
11. A Celebration

New York death metal veterans IMMOLATION will release their ninth full-length album, "Kingdom Of Conspiracy", on May 14 in North America, both digitally and physically, via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2010's "Majesty And Decay" was recorded at Sound Studios in Millbrook, New York with longtime producer Paul Orofino, and mixed and mastered once again by Zack Ohren (ALL SHALL PERISH, DECREPIT BIRTH, SUFFOCATION).

The second trailer for the album can be seen below.

The "Kingdom Of Conspiracy" cover imagery was brought to life this time by Pär Olofsson, who has previously worked with IMMORTAL, THE FACELESS and ABYSMAL DAWN, among others.

"The figures in the artwork have all been bound and chained and have their eyes and mouths sewn shut symbolically, showing the chilling of speech and the intentional blinding of the masses," explains IMMOLATION guitarist Robert Vigna. "They all make up the huge ominous structure behind them, which is symbolic of the growing security state as well as our failing structures today, and how they are slowly and methodically consuming and controlling us all. It has a very Orwellian feel to it, which is what we were going for since the album is very dark in a slightly different way."

In regards to "Kingdom Of Conspiracy"'s lyrical content, Vigna says: "The album deals with the world today and the slow unraveling and breakdown of our societies and the systems and structures behind them. It speaks of the human side to all this and how we have all lost our way and have fed into these very systems that are slowly coming apart. This is the common thread running throughout the album and the cover paints a very dark picture of the future, where these systems have completely absorbed our world, and our freedoms and we have become a part of the very fabric of these structures that we have created. Each song is a symptom of this mass sickness that has brought the world to the point it is at now, and we paint a very bleak picture of this slow and gradual breakdown and the human failures that sped this process along. This is the 'Kingdom Of Conspiracy'."

"Kingdom Of Conspiracy" track listing:

01. Echoes Of Despair
02. Keep The Silence
03. Kingdom Of Conspiracy
04. Serving Divinity
05. The Great Sleep
06. Indoctrinate
07. A Spectacle of Lies
08. God Complex
09. Bound To Order
10. All That Awaits

For photos of the band in the studio, click here.

Catch the band on the Decibel Magazine Tour this spring with CANNIBAL CORPSE and NAPALM DEATH.

"Majesty And Decay", was released in March 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD sold around 1,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 29 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Hopeless Days", the new video from Finnish melancholic dark metal forerunners AMORPHIS, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's eleventh album, "Circle", which will be released on April 19 via Nuclear Blast Records. Production and mixing duties for the follow-up to 2011's "The Beginning Of Times" were handled by HYPOCRISY and PAIN mastermind Peter Tägtgren, who has previously worked with such bands as CHILDREN OF BODOM, CELTIC FROST, IMMORTAL and DIMMU BORGIR. The recordings took place at Petrax Studio (NIGHTWISH, CHILDREN OF BODOM, KORPIKLAANI) in Hollola and 5K Studios in Helsinki. The cover artwork was created by Tom Bates (BLEED FROM WITHIN, DEVIL SOLD HIS SOUL) and can be seen below.

Commented AMORPHIS vocalist Tomi Joutsen: "The mystic, androgynous person on the cover represents a spiritual guide. This character was sent from another time and place to help the album's protagonist find a new path for his life."

"Circle" track listing:

01. Shades Of Gray
02. Mission
03. The Wanderer
04. Narrow Path
05. Hopeless Days
06. Nightbird's Song
07. Into The Abyss
08. Enchanted By The Moon
09. A New Day
10. Dead Man's Dream (bonus track)

The album's limited digibook version will come with a bonus DVD containing the following:

* The Making Of "Circle"
* Nightbird's Song (video clip)

Apart from the CD+DVD digibook version, "Circle" will be available on CD (without the bonus track), black 2LP in gatefold, brown 2LP in gatefold and as a bulging limited box, including three bonus tracks and a wristband — exclusively via the Nuclear Blast mail order.

A short summary about the album's concept/story that spreads throught out the lyrics by Pekka Kainulainen, who wrote the lyrics for most recent AMORPHIS albums: "The protagonist has been dealt a bad hand at birth. He’s always felt himself an outsider with strong potential to become marginalized. Through an accident, after a crisis, he finds a connection with his inner powers. A guide is sent to him, from some other time and place. He gets a chance to take hold of his own life and change his destiny. From the past of Carelian Finland he finds his own spiritual tribe and the power to turn the course of his doomed life. This is a story of survival."

Joutsen added about the album title: "'Circle' represents integrity. Back in the days, when there was something special to talk about, wise men used to sit in circle. Not everyone was invited to join them. But in this story, the protagonist was invited among the wise men's circle."

Regarding the direction of the new AMORPHIS material, the band's guitarist and founding member Esa Holopainen said: "While promoting 'The Beginning Of Times', we started to feel that we were giving the same explanations over and over again when people asked about the studio process and how the songs came about. Even though the music was very strong, the making process didn't offer any surprises and appeared to be quite secured. Now the addition of a new dimension to the developing process has inspired us to focus on our material even more. The songs are extremely strong, bombastic and skull-pummelling."

"The Beginning Of Times" entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 16 — the best chart position ever scored by an AMORPHIS album in that country. The CD also landed at position No. 1 on the Finnish chart.

According to the Daily Mail, Chris Beardshaw, the award-winning U.K. gardener who is perhaps best known for his work on the BBC's long-running television series "Gardeners' World", claims that exposing a greenhouse full of plants to a constant diet of BLACK SABBATH worked wonders in creating larger flowers in a horticultural experiment. Blasting the music of Sir Cliff Richard, on the other hand, proved a total disaster and killed every plant.

The study came about because one of Beardshaw's horticultural students wanted to write a dissertation based on the effects of music on plants.

"We set up four glasshouses with different sorts of music in to see what happened to the plants," said Beardshaw.

"We had one that was silent — that was a control house — and we had one that was played classical music, we had one that was played Cliff Richard and we had one that was played BLACK SABBATH.

"It was alstroemerias we were growing and we bombarded these glasshouses with sound for the life of the plant.

"We were measuring incidence of pest and disease, we were measuring inter-nodal distance, we were measuring the floriferous nature of them and that sort of thing and so the one that was grown as a control house grew really well as you'd expect.

"The one that was grown with classical music — a soft, almost a caressing of the plant when it is hit with that sort of soundwave — those grew slightly shorter because of the soundwaves bombarding them and were slightly more floriferous and there was slightly less pest and disease.

"And the ones with BLACK SABBATH — great big, thumping noise, rowdy music — they were the shortest, but they had the best flowers and the best resistance to pest and disease.

"The alstroemerias in the Cliff Richard house all died. Sabotage was suspected, but we couldn't prove it."

BLACK SABBATH will begin a world tour this Saturday (April 20) in New Zealand, with North American dates penciled in for late summer and European shows scheduled in the fall.

In a new message on his official web site, SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi writes: "We're finally out on the road and remembering what jet lag really is this far away from home. First gig is on Saturday. In the meantime, we've been doing some press and had an album-listening party. Seems to be well received, which is great news!"

Iommi said in a new interview with the Birmingham Mail that singer Ozzy Osbourne was responsible for getting Iommi to deal with his cancer. Iommi, who has been undergoing treatment for a form of lymphoma since being diagnosed in January 2012, explained, "Ozzy was the one who kept on at me to go to the doctors because he was concerned about me. He has been very supportive since I was diagnosed. All the guys have been great. Even now, when we arrive at the studio, they ask how I'm feeling, if I'm up to it, making sure I'm okay."

The legendary guitarist told The Pulse Of Radio a while back than even when the original SABBATH members were apart or had some business issues between them, they were always okay with each other on a personal level. "We've always been talking," he said. "We've always been in touch with each other. There might be a lawsuit in the thing between us, but we still talk to each other like nothing's happened, you know."

Iommi had to rally himself to fight back against the disease, saying, "Cancer meant death to me. I started writing myself off. I would lie awake at night, thinking about selling this, getting rid of that, and preparing everything: who should speak at my funeral and where I'd want to be buried. But I also kept thinking 'I'm not ready to go yet. I've got too much to do, and I like being here.'"

Iommi says his treatments leave him "sick and tired" for about a week after each one, adding, "It takes around 10 days to recover from each round — but if that's what it takes I have to accept it."

He admitted that working on a new SABBATH album with Ozzy and bassist Geezer Butler has distracted him from his illness, saying, "The album and tour have given me something to get my teeth into. It's not a case of taking your mind off the lymphoma — there's this little doubt: 'What if this pops back?'"

The new SABBATH album, "13", is due out June 11 and is the first to feature Ozzy, Iommi and Butler in 35 years.

Ozzy himself confessed earlier this week that he relapsed into drug and alcohol abuse for the past year and a half, but has been sober for the past 44 days.
While he dispelled rumors that he and wife Sharon were divorcing, she is apparently living apart from him for now. Sources have told TMZ that Sharon will not come home until Ozzy's been sober for at least a few months.

According to the New Hampshire Union Leader, vocalist Guy Kozowyk of Boston, Massachusetts grind metallers THE RED CHORD was one of seven men who were sworn in as Manchester, New Hampshire police recruits on Monday, April 15.

Kozowyk, 32, is a graduate of Revere High School and Suffolk University. In addition to his lead-singer duties in THE RED CHORD, he owns a music-management company.

THE RED CHORD's fourth full-length album, "Fed Through the Teeth Machine", sold around 2,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 180 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at position No. 6 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Fed Through the Teeth Machine" was released on October 27, 2009 in the U.S. via Metal Blade Records. The CD was recorded at Jonny Fay Backyard Studios, which is owned by the band's former guitarist Jonny Fay, and it was mixed and mastered by Chris "Zeuss" Harris, who has previously worked with HATEBREED and SHADOWS ALL, among others.

According to BBC News, legendary U.K. graphic designer Storm Thorgerson, who has worked with PINK FLOYD, LED ZEPPELIN, BLACK SABBATH, DREAM THEATER and AUDIOSLAVE, among many others, has died at the age of 69.

His family released a statement saying he passed away peacefully on Thursday surrounded by family and friends. "He had been ill for some time with cancer though he had made a remarkable recovery from his stroke in 2003," it said.

"He is survived by his mother Vanji, his son Bill, his wife Barbie Antonis and her two children Adam and Georgia."

PINK FLOYD guitarist and vocalist Dave Gilmour released a statement in which he said the artworks Thorgerson created for the band had been "an inseparable part of our work".

He said: "We first met in our early teens. We would gather at Sheep's Green, a spot by the river in Cambridge and Storm would always be there holding forth, making the most noise, bursting with ideas and enthusiasm. Nothing has ever really changed.

"He has been a constant force in my life, both at work and in private, a shoulder to cry on and a great friend. I will miss him."

EDGUY frontman Tobias Sammet's AVANTASIA project kicked off its European tour on Friday, April 12 at the Power Prog & Metal Fest at Lotto Mons Expo in Mons, Belgium.

The first two in a series of video blogs from the road from American singer-songwriter Amanda Somerville, who is one of the guest vocalists on the tour, can be viewed below.

AVANTASIA's new album, "The Mystery Of Time", has registered the following first-week chart positions:

Sweden: #9
Finland: #9
Norway: #19
France: #51
Netherlands: #85
UK: #97, #6 (Rock Chart)
Japan: #17 (International chart)

"The Mystery Of Time" was released on March 30. The effort was made available as a regular CD, limited-edition vinyl and limited-edition hardcover book with a 28-page booklet containing ten regular songs and two bonus tracks ("The Cross And You", "Death Is Just A Feeling"). The cover artwork was hand-painted by world acclaimed British fantasy artist Rodney Matthews. Among Rodney's most famous artworks are not only album covers for rock legends such as MAGNUM, THIN LIZZY, ASIA and NAZARETH, he has also designed the characters for the TV series "Lavender Castle" and created the covers for novels by British fantasy author Michael Moorcock and many more.

"The Mystery Of Time" features guest appearances by Michael Kiske (UNISONIC, HELLOWEEN), former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, drummer Russell Gilbrook of URIAH HEEP, AYREON mastermind Arjen Lucassen (also ex-BODINE, VENGEANCE), Ronnie Atkins of Danish hard rock veterans PRETTY MAIDS and MR. BIG frontman Eric Martin.

The new AVANTASIA CD was recorded in part at VOX Klangstudio in Bendestorf, Germany with producer Sascha Paeth (KAMELOT, EDGUY, EPICA, RHAPSODY).

According to BocaNewsNow.com, Rebecca McBrain — wife of IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain — is due in court on May 3 to defend herself against allegations that she attempted to stab a man, then threw logs at him at her Boca Raton, Florida home. It is unclear if the man was Nicko.

**UPDATE**: After initially reporting that Nicko was the alleged victim in the incident, the BocaNewsNow.com web site has now been updated to indicate that the identity of the man involved in the attack has not been revealed.

As reported on BLABBERMOUTH.NET earlier today, Rebecca McBrain, 50, was arrested on February 24 and charged with battery after she allegedly tried to stab the man with a decorative lance. Although the stabbing attempt failed, Rebecca was allegedly successful in hitting the man with logs that had been sitting in a firepit behind the house, causing minor injuries. She was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail and later released on bond.

She has entered a plea of "not guilty."

On March 2, Nicko McBrain performed at The Classic Rock & Roll Party at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Proceeds from the event went to HomeSafe, a non-profit organization helping society's most vulnerable residents — victims of severe child abuse and domestic violence in Palm Beach County and South Florida.

According to a 1994 article in the Sun Sentinel, Nicko and Rebecca met in 1984 at the Button South in Fort Lauderdale. They married five years later and have made a home in Boca Raton around their son, Justin, who is now 19 years old.

"It's very peaceful here. And there are great golf courses," Nicko said about living in Boca Raton.

He added: "This is a great community. After the humdrum life on the road, the last thing I want to come home to is craziness."

Rebecca comes from a big family in West Virginia and did some modeling while studying at Marshall University in Huntington. In 1985, she was a finalist in the Miss West Virginia Pageant.

Back in July 2003, Nicko McBrain was arrested for allegedly hitting a parking lot attendant — on purpose — with his black Jaguar after a disagreement over McBrain's VIP credentials before a concert at Jones Beach Theatre in Wantagh, New York. "It's one of those things that happened that shouldn't have happened, but it did, and over time, you sort of look at it and go, 'Gosh, that was silly,'" Nicko said in an August 2004 interview. "And the other guy that was involved with it, I'm sure he's sitting there thinking [the same thing]."

In a brand new interview with the QMI Agency, MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil was asked about bassist Nikki Sixx's recent statement that the band's next studio album will likely be the last one and then they will do a farewell tour and call it quits.

"We're going to put out some new music next year and then it's our farewell tour — we'll do the world one more time and then call it a day," Vince said.

"Our farewell tour (will be like) 2014 or '15. Tours last about two years. So to finish the world, you've got to do the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia ... it takes some time."

Regarding the reason behind the MÖTLEY CRÜE split more than three dacdes after the band's inception, Neil said: "It's time, that's really it.

"Do you want to go out on top rather than fading away? And that's it. You know, I'll continue to sing MÖTLEY with my solo band and put out solo records and stuff and Nikki's got his radio show and [drummer] Tommy [Lee] wants to be a deejay, and so we'll see what happens."

About a year ago, Neil opened a Las Vegas strip club called Girls, Girls, Girls, named after the MÖTLEY CRÜE song.

"It's doing great," he told the QMI Agency. "I have a lot of plans to take some of these ideas and put them in other cities and stuff. Expanding my alcohol lines of (tequila), I've got some rums now. There's a lot of things happening that I'm cultivating. That's fun stuff. But music's always No. 1. I'll always be on stage somewhere."

MÖTLEY CRÜE last year released a brand new song called "Sex" to coincide with the launch of the band's North American co-headlining tour with KISS.

Written when the group was together during their residency in Las Vegas in February 2012, "Sex" was the first studio track from the CRÜE since their June 2008 release of "Saints Of Los Angeles".

MÖTLEY CRÜE will return to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for a dozen shows September 18 through October 6.

The CRÜE's first Las Vegas residency in February 2012 consisted of 12 sold-out concerts featuring pyrotechnics, aerialists, special effects, vixens galore and tons of hits from a catalog stretching back to the band's formation in 1981.

STONE SOUR is currently on the road with IN THIS MOMENT on the first-ever "Road To The Golden Gods" tour, which will lead up the fifth annual Revolver Golden Gods Awards on May 2 in Los Angeles.

Fuse has posted two behind-the-scenes video clips from the trek. Check them out below.

"House Of Gold & Bones - Part 2", the second part of STONE SOUR's two-album series, "House of Gold & Bones", sold 35,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 10 on The Billboard 200 chart. The record arrived in stores on April 9 via Roadrunner

STONE SOUR's previous album, "House Of Gold & Bones - Part 1", opened with 31,000 units to enter the chart at No. 7.

The band's third CD, "Audio Secrecy", opened with 46,000 units back in September 2010 to debut at No. 6.

The group's sophomore effort, "Come What(ever) May" (2006), moved 81,000 units in the U.S. its first week out — triple what STONE SOUR's gold-selling debut album (2002) shifted its first week.

The "House Of Gold & Bones" albums were recorded at Sound Farm Studios just outside of the band's native Des Moines, Iowa with producer David Bottrill (TOOL, MUSE) at the helm.

STONE SOUR has issued a new music video for "Do Me A Favor", the first official single from "House Of Gold & Bones - Part 2". A four-issue comic book series adapted from Taylor's story will come out this spring, with the first issue arriving on shelves on April 17.

The official synopsis for the comic book reads, "Trapped in an alternate reality, the Human must make his way to the House of Gold & Bones as he is chased by a crazed mob and taunted by mysterious ally Allen. What the Human discovers on his journey will be his salvation . . . or his destruction."

The second issue of the comic will arrive on May 22, with the publication dates of the third and fourth yet to be determined.

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 one 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.

Greece's Rock Overdose recently conducted an interview with drummer Dave Lombardo (SLAYER, PHILM, GRIP INC.). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

On whether he will be sitting behind the kit for SLAYER when they return to Europe this summer:

Lombardo: "I don't know yet. I hope to be there, but at this point, I don't know if I'm returning or not.

"I love my fans so much and they've been so supportive through the years; they've always been there. And their concern and sadness for what happened in Australia is more than I could have ever imagined fans to react. It's unbelievable. I just love my fans and I hope to continue playing for them. This is all I do. This is my life. I don't do anything else. I don't have a snakefarm, I don't have a farm with cows… I'm not like that. Music is my passion and my life, and this is all I do. SO for the fans to be this nice and kind and concerned, I just love them."

On the status of GRIP INC.:

Lombardo: "Actually, Waldemar Sorychta [GRIP INC. guitarist] and myself, we've been talking, and we hope to bring GRIP INC. together again for some shows here and there. I believe I found a singer who is very… He's a great guy. I think he would fit the position pretty well. His name is Casey Chaos from the band AMEN. So I hope to maybe come out with some new material and, if possible, some shows. I would love to do some shows with GRIP INC. again. I believe we're probably gonna do a… We have a dream of doing a GRIP INC. / PHILM tour, and, of course, I play in both bands. And possibly a new album. I don't know for sure. But I hope so."

Lombardo sat out SLAYER's recent Australian tour due to a contract dispute with the other members of the group. Also missing from the shows was guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who is still recovering from necrotising fasciitis, a flesh-eating disease which he is believed to have gotten from a spider bite. Filling in for them were Jon Dette (TESTAMENT, ANTHRAX) and Gary Holt (EXODUS), respectively.

Cleveland. Ohio-based metallers CHIMAIRA have announced a massive crowdfunding campaign surrounding the release of their brand new LP, "Crown Of Phantoms". The CD will be released on Tuesday, July 30 via eOne Music.

The band is seeking support for a special fan-edition CD/DVD. This edition and its perks will only be available to campaign supporters and will not be sold anywhere else. Specifically, supporters will be contributing to the following:

* Two narrative music videos
* A behind-the-scenes making-of documentary, "Crown Of Phantoms"
* Seven additional tracks exclusive to the fan edition
* Various behind-the-scenes videos
* Expanded version of "Dr. Z" with fan-determined ending
* Full-length album commentary that features dialog from all the band members as they listen to the record start to finish
* Graphic art storyboards created specifically for the music videos included in the fan-edition booklet
* Original artwork and packaging exclusive to the fan edition

To further conceptualize their plan, the band has released a video explaining, with some satire, the details of their campaign along with a sneak peek of a brand new track called "Kings Of The Shadow World" and a visual display of the many creative perks they're offering to contributors.

Comments CHIMAIRA frontman Mark Hunter: "When I started this band, I had a desire to make extremely heavy, eclectic metal. Nothing has changed in that regard. I wanted to merge all the styles I loved into a hybrid of sounds. Having the chance to reinvent the group gave me the opportunity to work with unbelievable players and take the essence of CHIMAIRA to uncharted territory. Assembling the right team was essential to creating what I feel is some of the craziest and most passionate music I've had the pleasure to be a part of. The past defines us while the present refines us."

In a 2012 interview with Metal Insider, Hunter stated about CHIMAIRA's plans for the new CD: ""We want to come out with an album that not only captures the essence of what the fans have grown to know over the years, but we want to do something not only for the scene that's special, but for musicians out there, too. The musicianship in this band now is definitely on the next level. Everyone's pretty much a virtuoso at their instrument. Some of the stuff Emil [Werstler, guitar] was writing yesterday on this new song, I'm watching him play and I'm like, 'There are only going to be about a handful of people that'll able to play this!' [laughs] I'm imagining like a kid getting home, getting our new record and maybe they have the guitar, and they go sit down and try play along to it. And it's going to take them a very long time. [laughs]"

He added: "We couldn't be happier moving forward. It sucks that we had to go through hell — no pun intended — to get to where we are now. But I think all of us, coming from lessons of life, lessons of bands, lessons of the industry, we've lived and learned and now we have something completely different to prove."

CHIMAIRA's current lineup is as follows:

Mark Hunter - Vocals
Matt Szlachta (DIRGE WITHIN) - Guitar
Jeremy Creamer (DAATH) - Bass
Emil Werstler (DAATH) - Guitar
Sean Zatorsky (DAATH) - Keyboards
Austin D'Amond (BLEED THE SKY, THE ELITE) - Drums

CHIMAIRA's last album, "The Age Of Hell", sold more than 7,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 54 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "The Infection", opened with 15,000 units back in April 2009 to land at No. 30. This figure was roughly in line with the first-week tally registered by CHIMAIRA's 2007 album, "Resurrection", which shifted 16,000 copies to enter the chart at No. 42.

"The Age Of Hell" was released in August 2011 in the U.S. via eOne Music and in Europe through Long Branch Records.

Cleveland, Ohio metal/hardcore veterans RINGWORM have entered Spider Studios in their hometown with producer Ben Schigel (CHIMAIRA, WALLS OF JERICHO) to begin recording their new album for a late 2013 release via Relapse Records.

Formed in 1990, RINGWORM has previously released six full-length albums on labels Deathwish, A389 and Victory Records in addition to playing countless shows with the likes of CRO-MAGS, INTEGRITY, KREATOR, GOATWHORE and NASUM.

Commented RINGWORM vocalist Human Furnace: "Throughout our existence, I've felt that RINGWORM has always been the 'black sheep,' never quite fitting into any specific genre mold. Sometimes too metal for hardcore, other times too hardcore for metal. We enjoy distorting the line between the two and, often, completely destroying it. But I've always felt that we've never quite had a home that understood where we're coming from and embraced the fact what we are a 'black sheep' and we aren't cookie-cut bullshit. We feel that we finally found that home. They understand that there are legions of black sheep out there that don't fit into society's 'one size fits all' mold. We couldn't be more excited to be more working with Relapse."

Guitar legend Zakk Wylde, the man who turned heavy metal touring into a journey of fantastical excess with his band BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and as lead guitarist for OZZY OSBOURNE for over 20 years, shares what really goes on behind bus windows and stage doors in the paperback edition of his book, "Bringing Metal To The Children: The Complete Berzerker’s Guide To World Tour Domination". The book, set to be released on April 9 through William Morrow, was co-written by New York Times bestselling author Eric Hendrikx.

Beginning with Wylde's "True Rocker Test," "Bringing Metal To The Children" goes on to tell stories of wild nights on the road with some of the biggest names in metal like Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie, Slash and "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, coaches metal lovers about tour hygiene on the road, and covers both pre-show and post-show etiquette. The book also features Wylde's tales from the record business, a look at his recording studio, and world tour survival techniques.

In support of the release, Wylde has announced a string of West Coast acoustic performances beginning April 21 in San Francisco, and ending May 1 in San Juan Capistrano, California.

A live online video stream of the fisrt date of the tour — on Sunday, April 21 at The Independent in San Francisco, California — will begin at 8:30 p.m. PST. More information is available at this location.

Zakk Wylde acoustic dates:

April 21 - San Francisco, CA - Independent
April 22 - Chico, CA - El Rey Theater
April 24 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot
April 25 - Reno, NV - El Dorado
April 26 - Modesto, CA - Fat Cat
April 27 - Las Vegas, NV - Hard Rock Hotel
April 28 - Scottsdale, AZ - Pub Rock
April 30 - San Diego, CA - Belly Up
May 01 - San Juan Capistrano, CA - Coach House

"God Is Dead?", a brand new single from BLACK SABBATH, can be streamed below. The track, will be made available digitally on April 19, comes off "13" — the band's first album in 35 years to feature bassist Geeezer Butler, guitarist Tony Iommi and singer Ozzy Osbourne — due out June 11 on Vertigo/Republic. This marks BLACK SABBATH's return to Vertigo, their original label, and the group's first studio album together since 1978's "Never Say Die!"

The drum tracks on the album were laid down by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE sticksman Brad Wilk following original drummer Bill Ward's decision to bow out of the reunion.

An invite-only listening party for "13" was held on April 10 at The Montalban in Los Angeles, California.

The following eight songs were played back to a small theater full of select media and VIPs:

* End Of The Beginning
* God Is Dead?
* Loner
* Zeitgeist
* Age Of Reason
* Live Forever
* Damaged Soul
* Dear Father

Check out a report at the Black Sabbath Online web site.

In its report on the listening party, Loudwire stated about "God Is Dead?": "Fans who caught the recent video tease the band release will recognize this track. Butler's bass work offers a mesmerizing beginning to the song that continues through a majority of the track. Osbourne sings about a bleak future and questions the existence of a higher being, given some of the hard times on Earth. As he belts, 'Will someone please tell me is God really dead?,' a musical shift begins to set in with Wilk and the band offering a swinging beat while Osbourne exclaims, 'Nowhere to run / Nowhere to hide.'"

Ozzy told an Australian radio station that "13" is "mind-blowing," adding, "It's better than my wildest dreams; it's so good."

BLACK SABBATH will make a rare television appearance when the band performs a new song on the season finale of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation". The episode is set to air on Wednesday, May 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET on CBS-TV. The band will world premiere a song called "End Of The Beginning" from "13". The episode's plot follows the "CSI" team as they investigate a series of murder that resemble the sins in "Dante's Inferno", with the trail leading the detectives played by Ted Danson and Marc Vann to attend a SABBATH concert.

ALICE IN CHAINS has teamed with VEVO, the world's leading all-premium music video and entertainment platform for the premiere of "Stone", the companion video to their new single. The clip, which can be seen below, was recently shot in Lucerne Valley, California with director Roboshobo (a.k.a. Robert Schober; METALLICA, MASTODON, GREEN DAY) and follows the recently released "Stone" lyric video. "Stone", which is about to crack the Top 10 at rock radio, arrives on the heels of lead single "Hollow", which shot to No. 1 on the rock charts.

Both songs appear on ALICE IN CHAINS' new album, "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here", which is set for a May 28 release and currently available for pre-order through iTunes. The band (vocalist/guitarist Jerry Cantrell, vocalist/guitarist William DuVall, drummer Sean Kinney and bassist Mike Inez) will be playing the new singles and giving fans a sneak preview of additional songs from the album during their upcoming tour, which kicks off April 25 at The Fillmore in Miami Beach.

In their cover story on the band, Electronic Musician called "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" "a multi-layered monster," adding that "every song rocks, sways and convulses in grand AIC style." In their cover piece on Sean Kinney, Drum! magazine described the album as "bluesier and more off the cuff than anything ALICE IN CHAINS has done since, well, ever. Although more pop than previous records, it's cut with a particular sourness that befits the band's curdled worldview. If [previous album] 'Black Gives Way To Blue' recaptured the Northwest gothic ALICE IN CHAINS patented two decades ago, 'Dinosaur' digs past the broad strokes of grunge in search of hard rock as haunted and shadow-filled as the pines ringing Puget Sound." Revolver magazine called it one of ALICE IN CHAINS' "heaviest and most challenging records yet."

The band recently gave fans a teaser of what to expect on tour by performing both "Hollow" and "Stone" on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and followed with the classic "Man In The Box".

Joe D, host of "Saturday Night Scream", which airs Saturday nights on 95X in Syracuse, New York, spoke with Dave Mustaine of MEGADETH earlier this week about the band's new album, "Super Collider", and this year's edition of Gigantour, the critically acclaimed package festival founded in 2005 by Mustaine. You can now listen to the chat using the audio player below.

Asked how David Draiman's (DISTURBED, DEVICE) guest appearance on "Super Collider" came about, Mustaine said: "[Draiman and I] met when we did the [Rockstar Energy Drink] Mayhem Festival a couple of years ago. That was the year that my arm got blown out on the tour again and I finished the tour with just two fingers, which is… It's pretty hard to play MEGADETH songs as it is, but [even more so] with two fingers… I think that kind of impressed David a little bit. So we kind of talked a little bit and became friends. And [MEGADETH producer] Johnny K had done the [first couple of] DISTURBED records, so we kind of all were talking about the band, and [Draiman's] name just came up and I asked him, 'Hey, would you come out and give me some ideas, help me with some of these songs a little bit, tell me what you think, and let's see what we come up with.' Just like throwing spaghetti at the wall — see if it'll stick. And it was pretty cool. He came up with two really great ideas. The record was done and I was over at his house listening to the new DEVICE record. I said, 'Hey, you know what?! Would you be interested in singing this part at the end of 'Dance In The Rain'. Because we wanted to have another guy do it, but he just was too full of himself and thought that he could make us wait. When we were just about to master, and I don't know anybody in the real world when you say, 'We're just about ready to master,' would make you wait a couple of weeks just so they could grace your presence with their vocal part. And Dave did it, and I've gotta tell you, I think that, knowing how the two artists sound, I don't know that the other guy is even capable of touching the performance that Draiman did. So that was awesome for us. And I was so excited, I asked him to be on Gigantour this year."

Regarding the rest of the lineup for this year's Gigantour, Mustane said: "I'm kind of just dropping little hints here and there, and I wanted to share that news with you about DEVICE so that you could run with that before anybody else says anything. We haven't said anything about any of the bands yet until just today, and as far as I know, nobody knows 'cause we've kept it totally under wraps."

He added: "I think [fans] are gonna be pretty stoked, because each one of the other bands on there, they're new bands comprised of a person who was a major celebrity from a really large band that went on to do something new — another really good clue for you and your listeners."

Interview (audio):

The first official photo of the new lineup of reactivated British extreme metal legends CARCASS can be seen below (courtesy of Adrian Erlandsson of Murder Mile Studios). Joining guitarist Bill Steer and bassist/vocalist Jeff Walker in the band's current incarnation are new drummer Dan Wilding (ABORTED, TRIGGER THE BLOODSHED) and guitarist Ben Ash (PIG IRON, DESOLATION, LIQUEFIED SKELETON).

CARCASS performed this past Saturday, April 13 at The Metal Fest at Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

CARCASS recently recruited Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, ACCEPT, EXODUS, ARCH ENEMY) to mix their comeback album, "Surgical Steel", after the CD's producer, Colin Richardson (FEAR FACTORY, MACHINE HEAD, NAPALM DEATH, SLIPKNOT, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE), quit the project two weeks into the mixing process. During last month's concert at the Underworld in London, Walker claimed that Richardson walked away from the mix in order to work on the new TRIVIUM album.

CARCASS' first studio LP in 17 years, "Surgical Steel" is due in late 2013 via an as-yet-undetermined record label. The band's first studio outing since 1996's "Swansong" will feature guest vocals from original sticksman Ken Owen.

In a brand new interview with Chile's Radio Futuro, Walker stated about the new CARCASS CD: "We think we've made a good album, so it's gonna be very interesting when people get to hear the record. We can't wait to see what people think."

He continued: "It sounds like CARCASS. Even the drumming sounds like CARCASS. Everything about it… I think it's gonna shock people, how good it is. I think it's got all the elements that people like, yet it still sounds fresh. So that's all I can say, really, 'cause we don't really sound like any other band, and the fact that after 17 years, we wrote music and it still sounds like CARCASS, I think it's good."

Guitarist Michael Amott and drummer Daniel Erlandsson, who had been touring with CARCASS since the band's reunion was announced in 2007, are no longer involved with the group due to scheduling conflicts with their main band, ARCH ENEMY.

Photo credit: Adrian Erlandsson of Murder Mile Studios

Just in time for the celebration of Canadian music and musicians at the JUNO awards next week, Canada Post has given Canadians a preview of this edition of the Canadian Recording Artist stamp series, to be released in July, featuring for the first time, Canadian bands. RUSH, BEAU DOMMAGE, THE GUESS WHO and THE TRAGICALLY HIP will be spotlighted in this fourth issue in a series created to honor musical legends.

"This year's series features Canadian bands that have shaped the music industry in Canada," says Jim Phillips, Director of Stamp Services for Canada Post. "Each band has achieved national acclaim, along with international radio airtime and extensive tours."

The Canadian Recording Artists stamp series will be available from Canada Post retail outlets starting July 19 or online at canadapost.ca/shop.

RUSH is among the 2013 inductees to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. The induction ceremony will be held tonight (Thursday, April 18) at L.A.'s Nokia Theater. A truncated version of the evening's events will air on HBO on May 18.

Fan-filmed video footage of DEVICE, the new band fronted by DISTURBED singer David Draiman, performing on April 12 at the Culture Room in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida can be seen below.

The self-titled debut album from DEVICE sold 35,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 11 on The Billboard 200 chart. The record arrived in stores on April 9 via Warner Bros.

Draiman told The Pulse Of Radio that DEVICE's CD is a showcase for musical and vocal styles he couldn't do with DISTURBED. "This was just kind of experimentation of other things that I've always been able to do but never really tried in any effective way," he said. "But, you know, I love going in these different directions and trying these different textures and taking songs to have a little bit more of an ambient feel to them — things that don't go hand in hand with DISTURBED."

Draiman launched DEVICE last year with ex-FILTER guitarist Geno Lenardo, after DISTURBED went on hiatus in late 2011.

Lenardo is not touring with DEVICE due to previous commitments. The live band, which made its debut on April 10 in Mobile, Alabama, includes EVANESCENCE drummer Will Hunt and DOPE guitarist Virus.

The DEVICE album features guest appearances from AVENGED SEVENFOLD singer M. Shadows, SYSTEM OF A DOWN vocalist Serj Tankian, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello, HALESTORM singer Lzzy Hale, BLACK SABBATH bassist Geezer Butler and ex-DEEP PURPLE bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes.

"Stigmatized", the new video from German thrash metal veterans SODOM, can be seen at Bloody-Disgusting.com. The clip was filmed in Berlin with director Ronald Matthes and Roax Media (SODOM's "Lords Of Depravity" volumes 1 and 2, VOLBEAT, MOB RULES).

"SODOM haven't had an official video clip for some time, so it's about time we did one," SODOM vocalist/bassist Thomas "Angelripper" Such previously said. "That’s why the mini film will be uncompromising, a shocking clip which our fans can look forward to!"

"Stigmatized" comes off SODOM's new album, "Epitome Of Torture", which will be made available on April 29 in Europe and May 7 in North America via SPV/Steamhammer. Angelripper, guitarist Bernd "Bernemann" Kost and new drummer Markus "Makka" Freiwald recorded a total of twelve new tracks (plus a MOTÖRHEAD cover) which "present SODOM as more diverse and multi-faceted than ever," according to a press release.

"Epitome Of Torture" track listing:

Limited-edition digipak:

01. My Final Bullet (04:40)
02. S.O.D.O.M. (03:46)
03. Epitome Of Torture (03:31)
04. Stigmatized (02:56)
05. Cannibal (04:19)
06. Shoot Today - Kill Tomorrow (04:01)
07. Invocating The Demons (04:25)
08. Katjuscha (03:43)
09. Into The Skies Of War (03:51)
10. Tracing The Victim (04:46)
11. Waterboarding (05:06) (bonus track)
12. Splitting The Atom (04:28) (bonus track)

Jewel Case:

01. My Final Bullet (04:40)
02. S.O.D.O.M. (03:46)
03. Epitome Of Torture (03:31)
04. Stigmatized (02:56)
05. Cannibal (04:19)
06. Shoot Today - Kill Tomorrow (04:01)
07. Invocating The Demons (04:25)
08. Katjuscha (03:43)
09. Into The Skies Of War (03:51)
10. Tracing The Victim (04:46)

2LP (colored vinyl):

LP 1

Side 1

01. My Final Bullet (04:40)
02. S.O.D.O.M. (03:46)
03. Epitome Of Torture (03:31)

Side 2

01. Stigmatized (02:56)
02. Cannibal (04:19)
03. Shoot Today - Kill Tomorrow (04:01)

LP 2

Side 1

01. Invocating The Demons (04:25)
02. Katjuscha (03:43)
03. Into The Skies Of War (03:51)

Side 2

01. Tracing The Victim (04:46)
02. Waterboarding (05:06) (bonus track)
03. Splitting The Atom (04:28) (bonus track)
04. Ace Of Spades (02:36) (bonus track)

"'Epitome Of Torture' features not only your typical SODOM fare, but also two or three numbers which are slightly more moderate and melodic than what people have come to expect from us," says Angelripper, "so wait and see!"

SODOM will celebrate the release of "Epitome Of Torture" on April 26 at Endzeit in Essen, Germany.

"Katjuscha" has little to do with the same-named folk song by Mikhail Isakovsky, but is about the Russian rocket launcher which has been responsible for death and destruction thousandfold.

"The Katjuscha has been produced since World War II and is still used today," the SODOM frontman explains. "It's been responsible for the death of more people than Stalin's organ. To name such a deadly weapon after a girl is as grotesque as giving the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima the code name 'Little Boy'."

It's obvious that SODOM hasn't changed its scornful view of the world, presenting an album in "Epitome Of Torture" that is as uncompromising as ever in musical as well as lyrical terms.

"Unfortunately, there's still plenty of inspiration for angry lyrics around," says Angelripper. The bitter thrash metal attack "Waterboarding", which deals with torture methods, fits perfectly into this context.

"It always surprises me how inventive — in the most negative sense of the word — people can be when it comes to torturing others," states the vocalist. "At the same time, 'Epitome Of Torture' features not only typical SODOM numbers, like the title track, our new hit 'S.O.D.O.M.' and 'Stigmatized', the toughest SODOM number in ages, but also two or three recordings which are slightly more moderate and melodic than what people have come to expect from us." Angelripper is referring to songs such as "Cannibal" and "Tracing The Victim", which allow Bernemann to present his impressive musical skills, as well as "Into The Skies Of War", on which Angelripper allowed himself to be inspired by icons such as MOTÖRHEAD and TANK. "Luckily, it's impossible to hide my influences," he says.

"Epitome Of Torture" was produced by Waldemar Sorychta (GRIP INC., ENEMY OF THE SUN), whose expertise as a sound engineer and audio magician thoroughly enhanced SODOM's previous CD, 2010's "In War And Pieces". Angelripper says: "Waldemar is a true authority. He doesn't let you get away with anything, he knows all our weak spots. Which occasionally makes working at the studio a little demanding, but at the end of the day, it's all worthwhile, as the result shows." The SODOM frontman describes the sound on "Epitome Of Torture" as "hard as nails and contemporary, without ignoring our tried-and-tested old-school attitude."

"Epitome Of Torture" will be available in four different formats: a limited-edition digipak, including two bonus tracks and a poster; regular jewel case; as a double gatefold vinyl, including three bonus tracks; and as a digital download. The cover artwork featuring SODOM's popular "Knarrenheinz" logo was developed by graphic designer Meran Karanitant, who has previously worked with SIX FEET UNDER, HATEBREED and DIMMU BORGIR, among others.

"S.O.D.O.M." audio stream:

Canadian rapper Peter Jackson has dropped a video for his cover of the classic SKID ROW song "18 And Life" featuring another Toronto native, former ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA singer Lukas Rossi. Check it out below.

Jackson's new album, "Fresh Start", features collaborations with Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, Styles P, Sizzla Kalonji, Classified, Krizz Kailko, Karl Wolf, Aleesia and is available online at iTunes.

Peter toured throughout Canada with Styles P in March, and is appearing on select dates with Tyga and Sean Paul in April, before heading out as direct support to SWOLLEN MEMBERS on their European tour.

Jackson is often referred to as "the hardest-working rapper in Canada." Known for his intense work ethic both in the studio and on the road, Jackson has spent the last several years touring with the likes of French Montana, Jadakiss and Akon.

Jackson gained international recognition with the success of his hit single "Miss Right" featuring Jamaican reggae star Sizzla Kalonji, while his collaboration with Karl Wolf, "#1 Fan", hit the No. 1 spot at Winnipeg's Streetz FM, and is in rotation across the country. The success helped Jackson garner a nomination for "Artist Of The Year" at the Toronto Independent Music Awards.

Jackson is currently putting the final touches on his new mixtape "Good Company" which will be hosted by DJ Whoo Kid and DJ Dames Nellas and executive-produced by Tyga. The mixtape will feature Peter collaborating with Tyga, Rick Ross, Ace Hood, Trae Da Truth, Talib Kweli and Troy Ave.

Rossi shot to fame in 2006 when he won the reality series "Rock Star: Supernova" and joined the band featuring veterans Tommy Lee (MÖTLEY CRÜE), Jason Newsted (METALLICA, VOIVOD) and Gilby Clarke (GUNS N' ROSES).