ENSHINE, the new death/doom project by Jari Lindholm, (guitar; ex-SLUMBER, ATOMA) and Sébastien Pierre (vocals; also in FRACTAL GATES, INBORN SUFFERING), will release their debut album, Origin, on May 15th via Rain Without End Records. The album is now available for pre-order at this location.
Origin tracklisting:

'Stream Of Light'
'Refraction'
'Cinders'
'Astrarium'
'Ambivalence'
'Nightwave'
'Immersed'
'Above Us'
'Constellation'

The album's lead track, 'Stream Of Light', is streaming below:
The idea of Enshine was conceived in 2009 as a solo project by Jari and later become a Swedish/French collaboration with Sébastien. Production of the debut album was finished in the summer of 2012 after two years in the studio. The album was recorded and mixed by Enshine and mastered by Thomas "Plec" Johansson at the Panic Room. Additional session performances were done by Siavosh Bigonah (bass; Slumber, Atoma) and Oscar Borgenstam (drums; Atoma) with supporting choir vocals performed by Sandy Mahrer.
According to a press release, "the new album is full of quality death/doom metal, plenty of melody, texture and a dynamic range spanning from bombastic metal to more meditative instrumentals."

Check out an album teaser below:
For more details visit Facebook.

JULIAN LENNON has released a video for his new single 'Someday', which features AEROSMITH singer Steven Tyler. The song is out today, April 8th, via iTunes.

Check out the new video below:
The song, “highlights another year of inspiration for me, in regards to my music, photography and philanthropy work, and 'Someday' is a reflection of that,” Lennon said in an email announcing its release.
Lennon also said his album, Everything Changes, which has previously been available in the UK, will be available worldwide shortly after the single is released.

Tyler told the London Evening Standard that he and Lennon decided to collaborate after Lennon heard him sing in the shower.
Julian Lennon

"A lot of stuff happens in L.A. We were staying at a hotel where Julian Lennon was staying, and one morning I was singing in the shower. The window was open, and I just heard, 'Steven?' We brought him over to the studio and he sang on the opening track," he said.

Read more at Examiner.com.

U.D.O. members Udo Dirkschneider (vocals) and Fitty Wienhold (bass) were interviewed for the latest installment of the "Talking Metal" podcast. You can now listen to the chat using the audio player below. (Note: Go to the 14:50 mark to hear the full interview.)

Asked about his former band ACCEPT and whether he has heard the two albums the group has recorded with singer Mark Tornillo — 2010's "Blood Of The Nations" and 2012's "Stalingrad" — Udo said: "I was listening to 'Blood Of The Nations', of course. I mean, good album, good singer. The second album, I only heard one song, 'Stalingrad'. I think the second album, for me, is not [as] good as the first one. I had the feeling they were recording already the second album together with the first one; [at least that's what] it sounds like."

He continued: "Wolf [Hoffmann, ACCEPT guitarist] said he was not in contact with me about the reunion, but then what can I say?! This is not true. He was asking me. But then we had a long talk and then at the end I said, 'No, guys, I don't wanna do it again. I'm really happy with U.D.O. And I wish you all the best. Good luck for the future.' That's it."

"Talking Metal" podcast (audio):

"Retracing Memories", the new video from Austrian metallers THE SORROW, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's fourth album, "Misery Escape", which entered the official chart in Austria at position No. 18. Released on October 26, 2012 in Europe and November 6, 2012 in North America via Napalm Records, the CD was produced and mixed by Sky Van Hoff and mastered by Jens Dreesen.

"Misery Escape" track listing:

01. Retracing Memories
02. The Escape
03. Burial Bridge
04. My Oblivion
05. A Reason
06. Buried In The Deep
07. A Thin Red Line
08. Perspectives
09. Lost Chapters
10. Dead Home
11. Follow The Lights

Limited-edition bonus tracks:

12. Nails & Daggers
13. Hold on Hope

THE SORROW's third, self-titled album, entered the official chart in Austria at position No. 24.

I INVENT, the new band formed by members of WIDOW SUNDAY, BATTLESHIPS, ANOMIA, and FOOTAGE OF A YETI, have posted a pre-production version of a new song, titled 'Sequester'. The track is expected to appear on the band's debut EP, entitled I, due in early summer.

Check out 'Sequester' below:
i invent is:

Jesse Heimowitz - vocals (FOOTAGE OF A YETO)
Sean Duffy - guitar / programming (Widow Sunday)
Kyle Jarvenpaa - guitar (ANOMIA/Widow Sunday)
Phil Anderson - bass (BATTLESHIPS)
Darin Moyen - drums (Widow Sunday)
For more details visit Facebook
.

Stuttgart, Germany-based female-fronted metal act SOULDRINKER, the new band featuring guitarist Markus Pohl from MYSTIC PROPHECY, singer Iris Boanta from THE MYSTERY, and members of WATCH ME BLEED, are streaming their new track, 'Burn The Pact', featured on the band's new EP, Semper Fidelis. Listen to the track below:
A video for the Semper Fidelis track 'Sixteen Men Of Tain' can be seen below:
Check out a lyric video for the track, 'To All That Is Lost', below:
Souldrinker lineup:

Iris Boanta - vocals
Alex Gindu - growls
Markus Pohl - guitar
Chris Rodens - bass
Steffen Theurer - drums

Phoenix, AZ-based thrash metallers FLOTSAM AND JETSAM opened for TESTAMENT in Denver, CO on February 25th, where drummer Kelly David-Smith spoke with Superskum.com. Check out the footage below:
Flotsam And Jetsam returned to Metal Blade Records to release their new album, Ugly Noise. It is the band's eleventh full-length album, their first release on Metal Blade since 2001, and the follow up to their 2010 album, The Cold. The record also heralds the return of original members Michael Gilbert on guitar and Kelly David Smith on drums, who haven't recorded with Flotsam And Jetsam since High in 1997.
Flotsam And Jetsam's Kelly Smith comments on working with Metal Blade: "We have just inked a distribution deal for the release of Ugly Noise through Metal Blade Records. Ugly Noise will be released worldwide in late March/Early April of 2013. It was the obvious choice for us after our long-standing relationship and Metal Blade's 30 year history of metal. You can't match what they can do with 30 years of experience behind them. We are excited and looking forward to working with MB in 2013."

The lead single/title track is available for streaming below:

Milton Keynes, UK-based groove metal act HEART OF A COWARD have released a teaser from their second full length record, scheduled to hit shelves later in 2013 globally. The new track 'Deadweight' is out today, with an exclusive new video which can be seen below:
A high quality MP3 download of the new track is also available here from 6 PM this evening.

With the debut album reaching worldwide demand, the quintet hit the studio hard to raise the bar even further and create a new record, which is destined to make a serious impact amongst their peers and the current metal market on a global basis.

Heart Of A Coward lineup:

Jamie Graham (Vocals)
Carl Ayers (Guitars)
Steve Haycock (Guitars)
Vishal "V" Khetia (Bass)
Christopher "Noddy" Mansbridge (Drums)

More on Heart Of A Coward, including their live itinerary, at this location.

Poland's J.D. OVERDRIVE have unveiled the artwork and tracklisting for their sophomore studio album, Fortune Favors The Brave, due in late May (early June in North America) via Metal Mind Productions.
The mixing and mastering duties for the album was held by Piotr Gruenpeter, who's best known for providing electronics, noise and production quality for the post-black phenomenon THAW, as well as from bands SEARCHING FOR CALM and SUN FOR MIILES.

Wojtek ‘Susel’ Kaluza, the band’s vocalist comments: “First results are simply amazing and we can't wait to show you the final album. It's gonna be heavy, raw and crushing!”
Tracklisting:

'Bad Karma'
'Born To Destroy'
'Funeral Stopper'
'Beware The Boozehound'
'Call Of The South'
'Standing Tall'
'Shadow Of The Beast'
'The Revelation'
'Like Heroes To The Slaughter'
'Hope For The Best, Prepare For The Worst'

The new album will feature two guest appearances - a fantastic guitar solo is provided by Piotr "Dziki" Chancewicz from the Polish band MECH and Hammond parts by Piotr "Voltan" Sikora from LEASH EYE and EXLIBRIS.

You can watch a video from the recording studio below:
Fortune Favors The Brave is scheduled for a release on May 27th in Europe and July 4th in North America (via MVD).
J.D. Overdrive lineup:

Wojtek "Susel” Kaluza – vocal
Michal "Stempel” Stemplowski – guitar
Lukasz "Joorek” Jurewicz – drums
Lukasz "Peo” Pomietlo – bass

More on J.D. Overdrive at this location.

FLYLEAF last month took part in an interview and acoustic performance at the studios of the Las Vegas, Nevada radio station KOMP 92.3. You can now watch video footage of the session below.

FLYLEAF's new lineup made its live debut on November 1, 2012 at the Grand Stafford Theater in Bryan, Texas in front of a sold-out capacity crowd of 400. The show featured the debut of new singer Kristen May, who replaced original vocalist Lacey Sturm after the latter abruptly departed the group in October.

Sturm left the band on the eve of the release of its third album, "New Horizons", which came out on October 30, 2012 and sold 20,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 16 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Sturm issued a statement about her exit from the group she co-founded, saying, "I am very thankful to have recently become a mom to one of the greatest blessings of my life, my son Jack . . . I understand that, for me, living life to the fullest in this season means to step down as the lead singer for FLYLEAF."

The new album follows up 2009's "Memento Mori" and FLYLEAF's self-titled 2005 debut, which have combined to sell more than 1.6 million copies in the U.S.

Interview:

San Francisco-based doom rockers ORCHID have released the title track of their upcoming album, "The Mouths Of Madness". Check it out below.

"The Mouths Of Madness" will be released on April 26 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Comments Mindell: "I wanted the cover of the album to be really classic and strong, like one of the records from my childhood where when you'd see the colors and shapes on it from across the room, you'd immediately recognize it. A classic 'icon' ...so it's very simple, really. But then I did a really elaborate painting for the inside that is totally ornate. I wanted people to open this kind of sparse, plain thing and be drawn into another world that kind of visually told the story of some of the emotions of the record. Kind of like peeling a weird fruit open... the inner painting was really inspired by some of the Latino psychedelic murals that were done around San Francisco in the late '60s-early '70s... like the cover of 'Abraxas' by SANTANA, which is a record I grew up on and always loved. So, it's the 'ORCHID version' of those murals."

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."

As an appetizer for "The Mouths Of Madness", ORCHID recently released the exclusive 10-inch vinyl EP "Wizard Of War", containing a brand new track, a rare bonus track as well as one song off the band's stunning debut album, "Capricorn".

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

MISERY SIGNALS has raised more than $50,000 through the crowdfunding site Indiegogo.com for the release of its fourth full-length album. The CD will be the first independent release from the band after parting ways with Ferret Music.

In the course of three full-length albums, MISERY SIGNALS' unique style of aggressive riffs, bright guitar melodies and progressive time signatures have become a significant influence on bands in the genre. Their groundbreaking 2004 debut, "Of Malice And The Magnum Heart", placed the band at the top of their genre for their talent and impeccable musicianship. Following up with the release of "Mirrors" in 2006, the band continued to cultivate a dedicated following with the addition of Karl Schubach on vocals. Their latest release, "Controller", hit heavy and hard with crushing energy appeasing old and new fans alike. After a year of world touring, in support of "Controller", and with the departure of longtime members Stu Ross and Kyle Johnson, the remaining members put the band on pause to focus on other interests and side-projects. With a revitalized lineup and an overflowing passion to create music again, MISERY SIGNALS is ready to be back in full force.

Founding member and guitarist Ryan Morgan explains: "We are very fortunate to be back in control of MISERY SIGNALS. Although it took time, lawyers and headaches, parting ways with Ferret Music in its current state was the absolute best choice.

"Ferret Music was a great label for years, but when it was absorbed by a major label, things became really impersonal and slow. We struggled with that at first but it turned out to be the impetus we needed to make a move towards being more independent and autonomous.

"The new album is now underway. It's being made on our own terms and we couldn't be more excited. We thank all of our listeners for the patience and support."

The production itself will be overseen by MISERY SIGNALS members and co-producers Ryan Morgan of Paper Crane Audio (LOWTALKER, BURNING EMPIRES), and Greg Thomas of Silver Bullet Studios (SHAI HULUD, ENABLER, MAKE DO AND MEND). There will be further production contributed by Steve Evetts, Eric Rachel at Trax East, and Will Putney at Machine Shop.

In addition to receiving the new album, MISERY SIGNALS is offering fans unique perks that will only available through the Indiegogo campaign. The perks range from digital downloads to a vinyl box set, the guitars used to track the album and even the opportunity to provide backing vocals on the record.

Fans of MISERY SIGNALS should also expect to see the exciting second episode of "Transmissions", the MISERY SIGNALS online series, produced by Matt Mixon, long time friend of the band. "Transmissions" chronicles the making of the album, the various studios and producers involved, the evolved line-up, and exclusive behind-the-scenes perspective.

Indiegogo.com has been used by artists as varied as ONEREPUBLIC, PROTEST THE HERO, and GEORGE CLINTON, and it's fast becoming the go-to website for musicians wanting to raise funds for any number of projects. Indiegogo.com is an open platform and therefore does not curate which artists can launch projects. A flexible funding option allows artists to keep the funds they raise even if they don't hit their goal.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based melodic hardcore band LIFERUINER has signed with Transcend Music in Europe and InVogue Records in USA/Canada. The group's sophomore album, "Future Revisionists", will be released on June 4.

According to a press release, "Future Revisionists" represents a strong message of equality, integrity and passion. The band hopes to inspire change, not only with their music, but also their message.

"Future Revisionists" track listing:

01. Vacant
02. Waivered Lives
03. Savages
04. Feeling/Meaning
05. C.O.P.E.
06. Fissure
07. Harvest/Famine
08. Despair
09. Dreamcatcher
10. Self Purgatory

The new video for the debut single, "Vacant", can be seen below.

LIFERUINER will tour globally this summer and fall in support of "Future Revisionists".

"Facades", the new video from Miami, Florida-based progressive death metallers ABIOTIC, can be seen below. The clip was directed by Dan Drescher.

Comments the band: "We shot at two locations in Orlando, Florida and could not have asked for a better crew on set… Dan was definitely in the same mindset as we were in taking this video to the next level. Prepare yourselves for something insane."

"Facades" comes off ABIOTIC's full-length debut, "Symbiosis", which was released on October 23, 2012 via Metal Blade Records.

According to a press release, ABIOITIC transcends high above the rest with a most preternatural sound. By interweaving well-cultivated musical dexterity and pronounced lyrical finesse, ABIOITIC epitomizes an unwonted entity of unmatched musicianship. In a short amount of time since the quintet's inception in 2010, this ghoulish coterie has made a paramount impact in the death metal scene and support from the masses continues to grow.

The five-piece group consists of vocalist Ray Jimenez, bassist Alex Vazquez, drummer Andres Hurtado and guitarists Matt Mendez and Johnathan Matos. The band had previously released two singles and a seven-song studio EP entitled "A Universal Plague".

"Symbiosis" track listing:

01. Metamorphilia
02. Vermosapien
03. A Universal Plague
04. To Burgeon and Languish
05. Hegira
06. Conquest of Gliese
07. The Singe
08. Exitus
09. Facades
10. The Graze of Locusts

Michigan's unstoppable sons of molten melodic death metal THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER will release their sixth full-length album, "Everblack", on June 11 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was recorded at Audiohammer Studios (lead guitars and vocals), Rustbelt Studios (drums), and Regal Fecal (guitar and bass). Mixing was handled by Jason Suecof and Ryan Williams, mastering was completed by Alan Douches at West West Side Music (SEPULTURA, SUFFOCATION, UNEARTH) in New Windsor, New York. Frontman Trevor Strnad's horror-inspired lyrics persist on "Everblack", beginning with "In Hell Is Where She Waits For Me", a reference to the murder from which the band took for its moniker. The cover artwork was painted by renowned artist Nick Keller.

Strnad elaborates on the lyrical concepts: "The opening track is the first actual song we've done about the Black Dahlia. This one is for the fans… they've been asking for this to happen for a long time. The story takes place at the Elizabeth Short's rain drenched funeral, where her killer in attendance… just one of the many macabre tales woven into the fabric of 'Everblack'. Subterranean flesh-farming vampires, vine rape, Jeffery Dahmer, amputation… it's all here! With this sixth slab of sickness I tried my best to honor the band's legacy and write lyrics that will keep the legions of horror fiends perspiring with fear."

Available at MetalBlade.com/bdm are a variety of limited edition pre-order bundles. Fans can grab "Everblack" on a triple gatefold double LP with purple/white marbled vinyl, along with "crime scene bundles." An evidence pack, which includes toe tags, deceased band member photos, spent shotgun shells, and more can be viewed now. These bundles are extremely limited and expected to sell out quickly.

"Everblack" track listing:

01. In Hell Is Where She Waits For Me
02. Goat Of Departure
03. Into The Everblack
04. Raped In Hatred By Vines Of Thorn
05. Phantom Limb Masturbation
06. Control
07. Blood Mine
08. Every Rope a Noose
09. Their Beloved Absentee
10. Map Of Scars

The song "Into The Everblack" is available for streaming in the YouTube clip below.

In a recent interview with Kaaos TV, Strnad stated about "Everblack": "The writing was still taken care of Ryan [Knight] and Brian [Eschbach] — the guitar players. It was split pretty much 50/50 — pretty much like 'Ritual' [2011] was; half the songs by Ryan, half the songs by Brian. I think what Max [Lavelle, bass] brought to this record is a really, really crushing bass sound that's a little bit new for us, like a little bit more overdriven and distorted and it's really energetic and heavy as fuck. And Max killed it in the studio; he did great. [New drummer] Alan [Cassidy] also did great. He didn't really have as much time to study the songs, because he came into the band so quickly, you know what I mean?! We needed him to come on tour with us to take Shannon's [Lucas] place, and things worked out so great with him that we asked him to stay. But he had to learn the songs for the album really fast. He was at home in Wyoming playing drums for 10 hours a day, he said, getting prepared for the album. He brought a lot to the drums; he's a got a really awesome style, I think his fills are bit more busy than Shannon's. I think that there's gonna be some stuff that makes him really stand out and will get people excited about him. 'Cause I know right now people are, like, 'Wow, they suffered a huge loss, losing Shannon.' Shannon is a great drummer, definitely, but he's gonna like what Alan has done on this record, too; it's really impressive stuff and I definitely feel like we found the right guy for the band. So his playing is exciting and people are gonna take notice, for sure, as soon as that record drops. And I'm excited to get it out for that reason, you know — to kind of say to everyone, 'We're back.' [laughs]"

Regarding whether drummer Alan Cassidy is now a full-fledged member of THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, Strnad said: "It's very, very recently we asked him to join [the band as a member] — even after the album [was completed]. But he's a great dude, great positive energy. He's young, man — 23 years old — and he's a monster at the kit. So it's a good relationship, it's been a lot of fun, he's very positive and a really hard worker, and we've never had to ask him to do anything twice. He couldn't have played on the album, he couldn't have come on the tour if he wouldn't have been a psychopath workhose, but he really was — he really worked really hard and exceeded our expectations and now he's here with us and we're definitely proud to have him."

On the topic of how "Everblack" compares to "Ritual", Strnad said: "I think that it kind of took what we learned with 'Ritual' and pushed it even further, I think. The biggest change for me, writing 'Ritual', was having more surprises in the songs and more dynamics — buildups, some quiet parts, samples, different kinds of instruments incorporated into the album. That has all carried over to this new one. And better solos, more solos, more time to solo. Ryan's guitar work on this album is mindblowing. He shocks us, pretty much, every time we come back to do an album with what he's learned and he really sets the bar high for himself. So there's definitely some fretboard fireworks on this one. I don't know, man. People that liked 'Ritual', I think they're gonna love the new one; it's just us taking it further — darker music, more melody…. The melody that was really prevalent in 'Ritual' is there. But there's also some heavy stuff, too — some slow, MORBID ANGEL-esque kind of slimy stuff. So I think people are gonna be really happy with it… [It's[ a good mixture of all things DAHLIA. We [wanted to] keep it kind of raw with the mix — not too polished. Keep things sounding 'real' — like 'Ritual' was; I think that was a good move."

Norwegian death metallers BLOOD RED THRONE will release their new, self-titled album on May 21 via Sevared Records. The CD was recorded by Audun Grønnestad at Mayhem Music Studios and was mixed and mastered by Martin Berger Enerstvedt at Skar Productions. The cover art was created by Rafael Tavares and can be seen below.

"Blood Red Throne" track listing:

01. Soulseller
02. In Hell I Roam
03. Hymn Of The Asylum
04. Primitive Killing Machine
05. Deatholation
06. Torturewhore
07. Exoneration Manifesto
08. Dødens Makt
09. March Of The Undying

A teaser for the album is available using the SoundCloud widget below.

BLOOD RED THRONE in December 2011 parted ways with vocalist Osvald "Vald" Egeland and bassist Erlend Caspersen and replaced them with Yngve "Bolt" Christiansen (GODDAMN) and Ole "Bent" Madsen (HORIZON ABLAZE), respectively.

BLOOD RED THRONE's sixth album, "Brutalitarian Regime", was released in August 2011 via Sevared Records.

BLOOD RED THRONE is:

Daniel "Død" Olaisen - Guitar
Yngve "Bolt" Christiansen - Vocals
Ole "Bent" Madsen - Bass
Ivan "Meathook" Gujic - Guitar
Emil Wiksten - Drums

Norway's KEEP OF KALESSIN has released a new EP, "Introspection", via all digital music services, including iTunes, Spotify and WiMP.

"Introspection" is the first of several new EP's and singles that will be released throughout the year prior to the arrival of the band's new album in October. The new EP marks the transition from the old and into a new era for the band, with mainman/guitarist Arnt "Obsidian C." Grønbech now also handling the vocal duties after the band parted ways with singer Torbjørn "Thebon" Schei in March.

In addition to the title track, "Introspection", for which a video was released on YouTube just over a week ago, there are two new tracks on the EP: "Flight Of The Hatchling" and an extreme version of "The Dragontower".

Comments Obsidian C.: "The new digital era opens some opportunities for bands and releasing digital EP's makes it possible for such a diverse band as KEEP OF KALESSIN to release some tracks and new versions of tracks that would not necessarily fit on an album.

"'Introspection' is a very personal song for me and deals with some issues, I guess, many can relate to when they start questioning themselves and what's really important in their lives.

"As a musician, you're always sacrificing personal life for the band and lately I've been wondering if it's all worth it. Girlfriends, friends and family have always come second and I guess it's only natural that some priorities change as you grow older. So... basically I guess this is my midlife crisis caught on tape.

"'Flight Of The Hatchling' is our first instrumental song and shows the band from a very different side. As the title suggests, this is our own type of 'Flight Of The Bumblebee' kind of song, even though it's not a cover version, but a song entirely written by me.

"We also added a version of 'The Dragontower', which I've wanted to release for some time now. The only change to this version is in fact how the drums are playing and shows that the song is very much KEEP OF KALESSIN and now sounding more like 'The Divine Land'- or 'Ascendant'-type of songs.

"On 'Reptilian', we had mostly blastbeat songs and the reason why we chose the 'slower' version of 'The Dragontower' was simply to make it stand out and to give the album more diversity. The extreme version is the same tempo and same recordings as previously released except from the drum tracks which have been re-recorded with more of Vyl's furiosity."

KEEP OF KALESSIN will embark on a tour of Europe in May with FINNTROLL.

FREEDOMS REIGN, the band led by Victor Arduini, original guitarist and founding member of FATES WARNING (having played on 1984's "Night On Brocken" and 1985's "The Spectre Within"), will release its self-titled debut album on April 30, to celebrate the Walpurgis Night that originally influenced FATES WARNING to release their "Night On Bröcken" debut exactly 29 years ago. The CD was recorded at Dexters Lab Recording in Milford, Connecticut with Nick Belmore (TOXIC HOLOCAUST) and will be made available via Cruz Del Sur Music.

The first single from the CD, "Shadows Of A Doubt", can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

Keeping his original, charismatic and unmistakable guitar style untouched, Arduini returns under the spotlights with fresh enthusiasm and dedication, producing a notable effort of true American-styled heavy metal with a classic OZZY OSBOURNE/BLACK SABBATH flavor.

FREEDOMS REIGN was introduced to Cruz Del Sur by long-time friend and "occasional A&R" Tom Phillips (WHILE HEAVEN WEPT) who said about FREEDOMS REIGN's music: "I think FREEDOMS REIGN would be a welcome addition for anyone into classic heavy rock, early FATES fans, those into both the recent proto-metal movement, and the wave of classic metal bands that evolved on the outer fringes of the doom scene!"

In addition to Arduini (guitar/vocals), FREEDOMS REIGN features Tommy Vumback (guitar), Michael Jones (bass) and Chris Judge (drums).

FREEDOMS REIGN has been active in the Connecticut metal scene since 2011. The idea behind the band's formation was to simply make some great music that returned the musicians involved to their roots and could deliver on their commitment to making some old-school metal that would be relevant in today's scene.

Sean Dudley of Australia's TheMetalForge.com recently conducted an interview with BLACK SABBATH bassist Geezer Butler. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

TheMetalForge.com: How does it feel to have the original band (minus Bill Ward) back together again? Has that feeling changed at any time the band has come back together since the good old days?

Geezer: Well, we have been together, off and on, since 1997, but it is particularly exciting this time because we finally have a new album recorded. You have to feel extremely comfortable with each other to write and record an album, since we have seen each other almost every day for the last two years, but we persisted and we have done the almost impossible.

TheMetalForge.com: What considerable changes have you noticed, in terms of songwriting and also gelling as a band from the early days of BLACK SABBATH until now?

Geezer: In the early days, we would jam until one of us, usually Tony [Iommi, guitar], hit on a riff. On this album ["13"], Tony had recorded two or three CDs' worth of riffs, so we decided on what we were doing before we started jamming on it. A couple of the new songs were spontaneous while we were jamming, like the old days, but we needed a starting point for this album, and Tony had more than enough choices.

TheMetalForge.com: Remembering to back in the '60s, in your own words, explain how much the technology has changed in terms of recording/producing/mastering albums? How easy/hard was it to record the albums throughout the subsequent decades with the technology at the time?

Geezer: The first and second albums were recorded on two four-track machines — the first album in two days, the second in five days — so it was basically like doing a live gig in the studio. We didn't know anything about recording, as we had never been in a studio before, except for one two-track demo we did. We were just happy to have our songs recorded. As technology advanced, it was almost a curse to have so many tracks to record on; we lost focus of what the band was supposed to be about. It was great for experimenting, but we wasted a lot of time (and money) just pissing about in the studio on the later albums. These days, it's great, because you can have the equivalent of a major studio on your laptop, so you can save a lot of time and heartache by recording your ideas at home and then playing them to whoever you are working with, to get instant feedback. There is nothing to replace jamming live together, but it is great to have a reference point, to give direction.

TheMetalForge.com: After being in the music business for so many decades, are you still as passionate and excited as you were back at the start? Explain how it feels now long after the band was created to go on stage in front of thousands of fans compared to a few in pubs back in the day.

Geezer: It sounds contrived, but I still get the same rush going on stage now as I have always done, whether it is one hundred people, or one hundred thousand. We did a gig back in our home town in Birmingham last year, and it was the best gig I can ever remember. The atmosphere was pure magic; it was as if the band and the fans became one entity. Fantastic gig.

Read the entire interview at TheMetalForge.com.

It's a struggle for some bands to get started, while others appear to seamlessly come together. With years of perspective and experience, the three members of PYRITHION have created a dark and intense death metal record almost overnight. The individual members' prior success aside, the music speaks for itself.

In an exclusive studio video, shot and edited by Ryan Glisan, fans can catch a glimpse of what it's like to record inside Lambesis Studios. The new video can be seen below:
Singer Tim Lambesis, who is best known for his work as the front man of AS I LAY DYING, explains: "I have wanted to do a heavier and more traditionally metal band for a while. Being that I own a recording studio, I thought a great place to start was by asking my engineer who the best guitar player is that he has recorded. I wanted to team him up with one of my favorite guitar players growing up."

Shortly thereafter, Ryan Glisan from ALLEGAEON and Andy Godwin (ex-THE FAMINE, EMBODYMENT) began sending ideas back and forth. Those ideas would form the foundations of the first three Pyrithion songs.

Glisan elaborates further on the band's expedited origin, "When Tim first reached out to me to ask if I was interested in starting a new project, I was really intrigued as to where the overall sound would go. Given the short time frame we had to work with, the "newness" of all the members, and an uncertainty of an overall direction, I wasn't initially 100% confident in how the end product would turn out. After spending a weekend collaborating, recording these initial 3 songs, and beginning to write new songs going forward, I can say with absolute confidence now that this band will be a major force in the metal scene."
Pyrithion's debut release, The Burden Of Sorrow, stands as a showcase of what the members are capable of putting together over what merely amounted to an extended weekend. The total potential in Pyrithion is incredible and there is much anticipation for how the band will continue to develop as they prepare for a full length record.

Watch the lyric video for 'The Invention Of Hatred' below, and pre-order your copy at this location.

The Burden of Sorrow will be released worldwide on Metal Blade Records on April 16th.

More on Pyrithion at this location.

Portland's ELITIST have officially changed their name to BASTARD FEAST. Taylor Robinson (guitar), Joshua Green (vocals), Nickolis Parks (drums), Justin Yaquinto (guitar), and Jesse Aspy (bass) are currently writing new material for a forthcoming release on Season of Mist Underground Activists.
Regarding the name change, guitarist Taylor Robinson said: "Bastard Feast represents us upping the ante on the evil, disgusting music we make. The name Elitist has been buried and Bastard Feast is the portal through which we will now dispel our hatred".

In June 2011, Bastard Feast released the album Fear In A Handful Of Dust. The full-length is available on Season Of Mist’s e-shop, as well as digitally and at this location (with updated artwork, see below).
Regarding Fear In A Handful Of Dust’, Bastard Feast said: "This is for those of us who observe and recognize the evidence of evil in faith, hypocrisy of government and the poisons of herd mentality. We'll scream our message of discontent from bloody throats and open wounds."

Fusing an unhealthy dose of death metal with the heavier elements of doom, a dissonant take on hardcore, and the visceral, morose aspects of black metal, Bastard Feast have followed their DIY ethos, touring the United States relentlessly both on their own, and with such notable bands as GAZA, LANDMINE MARATHON, and THE ACCUSED, and more.

More on Bastard Feast at this location.

UK-based progressive rock band THE CUSTODIAN formed in late 2012, and the band is already primed to release their debut offering, Necessary Wasted Time, on June 18th via The Laser's Edge.
The band is lead by British musician Richard Thomson, better known as the vocalist of progressive metal group XERATH. The project was initially started in a bedroom in Warwickshire and has now, after several years of lying dormant due to other commitments, become a fully fledged band ready to take the prog rock world by storm.

Thomson, commented on the band's signing to The Lasers Edge: "We are extremely proud to be joining The Lasers Edge family. Not only is their roster exceptional but working with Ken and the team has been a superb experience for us. They take huge pride in what they do and more importantly the enthusiasm they have for the development of their bands is fantastic. We look forward to making some great music with them and bringing it out on the road as soon as possible! "

Label head Ken Golden explained how the signing of The Custodian came about: "An unexpected e-mail from a mysterious band named The Custodian caught my attention. I started to listen to their debut album Necessary Wasted Time... and I kept listening... and listening. In short I became addicted. Rich Thomson and crew are creating the type of forward thinking music that helps define the fabric of The Laser's Edge. I'm very excited to present The Custodian to a worldwide audience."

The band takes influence not only from prog rock, but anything and everything else that fits. Expect lots of beautiful acoustic passages, warm synth, tasteful leads, complex drumming and great production.
The album was recorded by the band in their home studio, mixed by Danish producer Jacob Hansen and mastered by Bob Katz. The artwork was created by British artist Colin Marks of Rainsong design.
The Custodian are:

Richard Thomson: Drums, Vocals, Synth
Michael Pitman: Bass, Vocals
Owain Williams: Lead Guitar
Nariman Poushin: Electro Acoustic Guitar

More on The Custodian at this location.

Italy's Soundsblog.it recently conducted an interview with one of the nameless ghouls from the mysterious Swedish buzz band GHOST. You can now listen to the chat below.

On being called GHOST B.C. in America for legal reasons:

"B.C. is obviously a pun on 'Before Christ', but it's just an amendment. In our world, we're just gonna be called GHOST, and when we refer to our records, it's gonna be the Scandinavian version, saying GHOST only, and we are never ever ever ever ever ever gonna call ourselves GHOST B.C. in any way. It's like saying 'I'm going out and buy a Ferrari STE' — you don't do that, you just say, 'I'm gonna buy a Ferrari.' The B.C. is silent, and as soon as we can, it's gonna be taken away forever."

On GHOST's touring plans:

"I know that some people complain about us not playing with other doom bands, but that's because we don't look at ourselves as a doom-only band. We are not looking to be just
a band that plays doom festivals, because we are not only a doom band. We love a lot of doom — a lot of our music style comes from CANDLEMASS, ST. VITUS and PENTAGRAM and DEATH SS or bands like that — but we cannot choose just to play with bands like that, because our agenda is to become a band that has a huge production, a big-theater band, and if we wanna become a big-theater band, we cannot limit ourselves to play 200-capacity clubs — that would be suicide. We could not achieve our goals that way. In that sense, we are lucky to be able to now play with bands like METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN and MASTODON, a lot of bands that we do like and that we feel we have very much in common with."

"Serenity Now", the first video from GET INVOLVED!, the new band featuring former members of THURSDAY, FROM AUTUMUN TO ASHES, GLASSJAW, JUDGE and DEATH IN THE PARK, can be seen below.

The idea for a new musical project has been in the works since all members played in their respective groups. Once Todd Weinstock (GLASSJAW) realized that schedules had opened up in these prolific musician's lives, it was time to get the ball rolling. Weinstock then reached out to Brian Deneeve (FROM AUTUMN TO ASHES) along with Tucker Rule (THURSDAY) who had been touring tirelessly as hired musicians to start on a heavy rock-influenced band. Together they recruited Lars Weiss (JUDGE) and Derrick Karg (DEATH IN THE PARK) and GET INVOLVED! was formed.

All members of the new group have been long standing friends, all having been raised in the tri-state area. The friends have all toured with one another, collaborated on music together and have braved the changing music industry but never have all five guys been able to all come together and create an entirely new group. GET INVOLVED! share a love of punk rock, hardcore, new wave and metal. They all have their own unique take on these various musical styles and together combine their various aesthetics to create a modern and forceful take on heavy music.

"We all talked about working together for a while, but all of us have been so busy touring and recording seperately that it was only a pipe dream," said Weinstock. "We finally found ourselves living close by and having regained the passion to play heavy music decided to make this a reality. We even enlisted producer Ross Robinson (AT THE DRIVE IN, GLASSJAW, THE CURE, SEPULTURA) to bring this project full circle."

GET INVOLVED! has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to record and release an EP slated for summer/fall 2013.

Helmed to record and mix the CD is Ross Robinson. Some of the rare opportunities for pledging include an internship at Robinson's studio while the record is being recorded, music lessons and signed albums.

"Kickstarter allows a band to create and produce music together through generous help from their audience and therefore allows us as a band to do what we do.. and that's make music," said Rule.

Melodic metallers ANGELS OF BABYLON have inked a deal with Scarlet Records for the release of their long-waited second album, "Thundergod".

Founded by former MANOWAR drummer Kenny "Rhino" Earl in 2008, ANGELS OF BABYLON released its debut album, "Kingdom Of Evil", in 2010. The CD featured another heavy metal legend, David Ellefson (of MEGADETH fame), on bass guitar.

"Thundergod" is as a collection of epic, melodic and heavy songs that will inspire and arouse the imagination, a timeless piece of work that any real heavy metal fan will treasure for many years to come.

Says Rhino: "This record is a real labor of love. It is epic and memorable.

"I don't like to write the standard macho metal songs.

"People may or may not be surprised that there are songs written from the heart.

"I never compromise my art.

"Also, there is no quantizing, no triggers; this album is 100% organic.

"Melody, emotion and energy... this is the focal point of all of our songs.

"I like my lyrics to be more about fantasy, real life experiences and historic events rather than going too dark and sinister. Although you might find a shadow here and there.

"The song 'Thunder God' is dedicated to my friend Scott Columbus. May you keep your hammer high!"

ANGELS OF BABYLON is:

Diego Valdez - Vocals
Rhino - Drums
Ethan Brosh - Guitar

Max Duhamel, drummer of the Montreal based death metal powerhouse KATAKLYSM, announced yesterday (Monday, April 8) that he was taking a break from the band to deal with issues related to alcohol abuse.

The other members of KATAKYSM have since released the following statement regarding the matter: "We as a band of brothers stand by Max's decision to get better and to rise from his demons. We all have them; some of us try to hide them and pretend they dont exist, some of us have the courage to confront them, Max has shown strength to fight his. We stand by him and hope that he returns home when he is ready. In the meanwhile, I want everyone to know for those who haven't seen the 'Iron Will' documentary that this band's story is one of drama, pain and the long road to victory...

"We will practice what we preach on our albums. We will come out swinging hard and strong with this new album. We will find a suitable replacement and we will announce him in the next few weeks. We will not disappoint any of you.

"We have read the messages of encouragements you have posted. We have the best fans... and in these classic words, 'the show must go on.'"

KATAKLYSM has set "Waiting For The End To Come" as the title of its new album, tentatively due in late 2013/early 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2010's "Heaven's Venom" will be recorded by KATAKLYSM guitarist Jean-François Dagenais, who has previously worked with MALEVOLENT CREATION, MISERY INDEX and DESPISED ICON, among others, and mixed by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (SUFFOCATION, HATEBREED, ARSIS).

KATAKLYSM's multidisc DVD, "The Iron Will: 20 Years Determined", entered the German chart at position No. 98. The set depicts the ups and downs of KATAKLYSM's long, turbulent career, as well as footage of the band's performance at last year's Summer Breeze festival, which took place August 18-20, 2011 in Dinkelsbühl, Germany. The cover art for the release was created by artist Colin Marks (ORIGIN, EXODUS, NEVERMORE).

KATAKLYSM's latest album, "Heaven's Venom", sold around 2,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 8 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.

Stern Pinball, Inc., the world's only maker of real pinball games, has announced the imminent arrival of the METALLICA pinball machine. The newest addition to the iconic Stern collection honors one of the most legendary heavy metal bands the world has ever seen.

"Metallica Pinball" will feature over thirty years of iconic music, including the following classic songs:

* Creeping Death
* For Whom The Bell Tolls
* Fuel
* Master Of Puppets
* The Unforgiven
* Seek And Destroy
* Battery
* Sad But True
* Enter Sandman
* One
* Fade To Black
* The End Of The Line

A trailer for the "Metallica Pinball" can be seen below. More information will be made available soon.

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

"Infestissumam", the sophomore album from the mysterious Swedish buzz band GHOST, can be streamed in its entirety at Pitchfork.com. The CD will be released on April 16 via Loma Vista Recordings, the new record label founded by Tom Whalley in partnership with Republic Records, a division of Universal Music Group.

According to SPIN.com, the release date of "Infestissumam" was pushed back a week after four compact disc manufacturers allegedly refused to print a piece of artwork that was meant for the deluxe version of the new CD. The manufacturers all took issue with the sacrilegious imagery, inspired by the work of Gustave Dore, which showcases what looks like a forest nymph orgy.

"We kept on getting turned down because of the CD art, which is basically a 16th century illustration of an orgy," a source close to the band told SPIN.com. "[The bandmembers] weren't surprised. The comment was 'Well, I thought this would have happened sooner.' The artwork was meant to provoke some sort of thought, but it's been one obstacle after another."

The controversial art can still be found on both the vinyl and European copies of the "Infestissuman" CD. "Vinyl manufacturers don't have a problem with the artwork. Neither does Europe," the source told SPIN.com.

"Infestissumam" track listing:

01. Infestissumam
02. Per Aspera Ad Inferi
03. Secular Haze
04. Jigolo Har Megiddo
05. Ghuleh / Zombie Queen
06. Year Zero
07. Idolatrine
08. Body And Blood
09. Depth Of Satans Eyes
10. Monstrance Clock

GHOST was forced to modify its name in the U.S. to GHOST B.C. for "legal reasons."

The band's debut album, "Opus Eponymous", was released in late 2010 in Europe and in early 2011 in North America via Rise Above Records.