Swedish metalcore act IMMINENCE has inked a deal with the Boston, Massachusetts label We Are Triumphant Records (which has an exclusive, worldwide distribution and merchandising agreement with Victory Records). The band's new EP, "Return To Helios", will be released on May 7. A single, "Wine & Water", was made available digitally at the end of February.

IMMINENCE signed with Orka Networks management in the begining of March. Orka will be handling all of the band's tours and promotion work in Asia.

In 2012, IMMINENCE was handpicked to play Metaltown, one of Sweden's largest metal festivals, alongside such groups as IN FLAMES, LAMB OF GOD and SLAYER.

IMMINENCE was formed in the fall of 2009, with roots in the melodic death metal genre. The project was founded by guitarist Harald Barrett and former percussionist Max Frejd in the southernmost part of Sweden.

The band's first, independently released EP, "Born Of Sirius", was recorded in March 2012.

IMMINENCE is:

Fredrik Rosdahl - Bass
Peter Hanström - Drums
Eddie Berg - Vocals
Harald Barrett - Gutar
Alex Arnoldsson - Guitar

Capital Chaos TV has uploaded multi-camera video footage of SISTER SIN's February 21 performance at Thee Parkside in San Francisco, California as the support act for Doro Pesch. Check it out below.

SISTER SIN's third album, "Now And Forever", entered the official chart in the band's home country of Sweden at position No. 44. Released on October 23, 2012 via Victory Records, the CD was recorded at Standstraight Studios in Stockholm with producer Chris Snyder and was mixed by Cameron Webb (MOTÖRHEAD, SOCIAL DISTORTION, DANZIG).

In a 2012 interview with Loudwire, SISTER SIN singer Liv Jagrell stated about the new album title: "The title 'Now And Forever' is kind of a statement for us as a band. As a band and as individuals, we have been through quite a lot of things, a lot of troubles and things that might break up bands but we're so dedicated to this band. So that's the title — we are here now and hopefully forever. We won't give up even if something goes wrong."

Asked what keeps the band going after all these years, Liv said: "Yes, it's been almost a decade — at least for me and Dave [Sunberg], the drummer — because we started the band from the beginning, and yeah, it's kind of a decade now; that's a long time. It's really hard today with the business, there's so many bands, so much competition out there, no money whatsoever and all the things with downloads. I mean, it could be good but also bad, depending on how you look at it. When I started to play music at 15, the music business and scene was totally different and you could actually make money from it. When I was 15, I just decided, 'I'm going to play music my whole life and I'm going to be a rock star' — that kind of attitude. So I spent all 15 years to convince myself that that's the only thing I will ever, ever do, so that's why I can't give up because I programmed my brain to believe that I will do this forever. I think that's why we don't give up and why sometimes other bands do — they find other opportunities and other things they love, too, they have something else you actually can do and you'll probably do that because that will make you money and a better living. If you just prepare your whole life to be in the music business and tell yourself, 'This is what I'm going to do, I'm not going to do anything else,' it's kind of foolish and childish, but in that way you just can't give up. People, of course, give up and I'm not saying I'm not going to do it years from now, but right now I still feel like I have to fight for that dream that I had as a teenager. Obviously, we all have gained a lot and experienced so much, but we're still a little bit far away that whole kind of — living with the music or for the music thing — close but still far away. [laughs] I think that's what drives us."

Danish modern metallers RAUNCHY have parted ways with singer Kasper Thomsen and have replaced him with Mike Semesky (formerly of THE HAARP MACHINE).

Commented the band: "Sadly, Kasper has decided to leave the band. No drama whatsoever, and we wish him the best of luck in the future.

"Kasper has been a big part of RAUNCHY and done a great job on the last three albums and will remain a good friend.

"We are proud to welcome the very talented Mike Semesky as the new lead singer. After hearing his vocals on some early demos for the forthcoming RAUNCHY album, we are beyond satisfied and very excited to start a new chapter with Mike.

"We are still writing and demoing ideas for the next album and we expect to enter the studio later this year. We have some tour dates coming up for late June and October, so stay tuned."

Added Kasper in a statement: "From this day, I will no longer be a part of [RAUNCHY]. It is solely my own decision, and there are absolutely no hard feelings between me and my brothers in the band.

"Playing with my brothers for almost nine years has been nothing but extraordinary; we have released excellent albums, we have toured most of the world, we've played the biggest festivals and I've been privileged enough to be a part of it all.

"Wow, what a rush it has been!

"But every good thing must come to an end, and I feel it is time for me to step down and rest with all my good memories.

"I don't know what the future will bring, but I'm certain it holds new possibilities and new adventures for me and my family.

"I want to thank my brothers in the band for this amazing journey and for always believing in me – and I want to thank all of our fans for their endless support.

"Even though I'm no longer a part of this endeavor, the band will continue to write a crushing new record for you to enjoy in a not-so-distant future.

"Please welcome the new man onboard as warmly as you welcomed me — and please continue to support the band with all of your heart — that's all I wish for."

RAUNCHY's "NGHT PRTY" video can be seen below. The song comes off the band's latest album, "A Discord Electric", which was released in September 2010 via Lifeforce Records.

Produced once again by longtime friend Jacob Hansen, "A Discord Electric" was previously described by Thomsen as "by far the most experimental, the most challenging, and the most interesting album we have come up with since the beginning of the band . . . Every member of [RAUNCHY] has had the freedom to take things to the limits, above and beyond, and believe me, boundaries are transparent this time around."

Kinematic Music has announced the signing of progressive metallers MINDCAGE. The Florida-based band’s upcoming concept album, "Our Own Devices", will introduce the world to the character of Arabella Vash, a young woman who uses the power of her sometimes painful dreams to save a dystopian world.

"The members of MINDCAGE are world-class musicians who have created a character with whom many will identify," said Ben Galecki, Kinematic CEO and founder. "We are dedicated to making sure the world knows Arabella Vash’s compelling story."

"We are thrilled and grateful to be working with a team that has embraced our record, 'Our Own Devices', and regards its story of Arabella Vash as an important work," says MINDCAGE founder and leader Dietrick Hardwick. "Kinematic Music fully 'gets it.' They were able to accommodate the epic scale of our vision in teaming with legendary producer Michael Wagener (OZZY OSBOURNE, METALLICA, ACCEPT, MEGADETH, ALICE COOPER, HELLOWEEN) for the final recording touches and mixing. Kinematic Music recognized the importance of working with the best in the industry and precisely what was needed to properly convey Arabella's message to a world that needs to hear it."

Set in an alternate history of a highly plausible future, MINDCAGE's new concept album warns of what may become of our society if we turn our backs on the importance of arts, music, humanities, and spirituality.

Comments Hardwick: "We are very excited to announce that we have chosen Julie Westlake (HYDROGYN) as the voice of Arabella Vash for 'Our Own Devices'. Julie has the power and emotion in her voice needed to convey Arabella's journey and character. She sounds amazing and has a command and range of voice that is just uncanny. It's also been a real dream come true for us to work with one of the greatest record producers of all time, the legendary Michael Wagener. We couldn't be happier!"

Adds executive producer Ben Galecki: "This has just been an extraordinary experience, seeing how everything is coming together. The band works so efficiently with Michael Wagener that they finished recording ahead of schedule. Michael really knows how to decipher what the band is going for and get the absolute best from them. This is going to be epic!"

After years as one of the U.K.'s most successful unsigned acts, London modern metal mob THE DEFILED have signed a worldwide deal with Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The band's second album, "Daggers", will be released this summer.

To whet the appetites of fans, the first song from the album, "Sleeper", will be released via iTunes this Sunday, March 17. A lyric video for the track can be seen below.

Having released its debut album "Grave Times" via Metal Hammer magazine in 2011, THE DEFILED has since enjoyed status as the U.K.'s biggest unsigned metal acts. Making huge strides forward on their own, their achievements as a self motivated and independent band in the world of heavy music, which includes sold out tours, prestigious slots at the biggest festivals and a Golden God Award, is remarkable. Their unwillingness to compromise or settle for anything less than their ambition dictates has got them this far; this alliance with indie metal powerhouse Nuclear Blast Entertainment now sets the sky as the limit.

Commented THE DEFILED frontman Stitch D: "We're ecstatic to announce that we are signing to Nuclear Blast Entertainment. After years of being an independent band and doing everything DIY, we can't wait to have such a huge label and great team behind us to take us to the next level. It's an honor to be working with a label that have released some of our favourite bands of all time."

Added THE DEFILED's The AvD: "It's amazing to get the seal of approval from Nuclear Blast, all the years of barely scraping by and putting literally everything in to THE DEFILED have finally been recognized by the amazing team that is Mark Palmer and Monte Conner. We have wanted to work with these guys for years now and our dream is being realised. Signing to Nuclear Blast means we can now go world wide and do this thing properly, the way we have always envisioned in our heads."

Monte Conner, president of Nuclear Blast Entertainment, states: "THE DEFILED are real self-motivators and what they have accomplished so far all on their own is very impressive and caught my attention. With the added muscle of Nuclear Blast, they can do some serious damage this time. Most importantly, the new album is a HUGE step forward in every direction. Great songwriting and violent production meld together to create something that will very forcefully imbed itself in your brain."

THE DEFILED will head out on the Jägermeister Music Tour next week with GHOST and GOJIRA.

Fan-filmed video footage of LACUNA COIL's March 15 performance at Dirty Dog Bar in Austin, Texas can be seen below.

"End Of Time", the latest video from LACUNA COIL, was filmed on October 17, 2012 with Italian director Roberto Cinardi (a.k.a. Saku).

LACUNA COIL previously worked with Saku on the clips for the songs "Spellbound" and "I Won't Tell You", taken from the band's 2009 album "Shallow Life". He also directed the mini-movies that came with the bonus DVD of the limited editions of LACUNA COIL's current album, "Dark Adrenaline".

"End Of Time" comes off "Dark Adrenaline", which sold around 20,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 15 on The Billboard 200 chart.

In an interview with AOL's Noisecreep, Scabbia stated about "End Of Time": "We imagine a sort of a trip that you can go on with you your car, driving for hours. We imagine this cinegraphy [sic] late, late in the afternoon when the sun is coming down and you're relaxed in your car going for a long trip. That's the image we got from it. It's definitely a ballad. But we always have ballads in every album. We always have melodic parts for a moment."

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions has announced the reissue of the classic MASTER album, Faith Is In Season, on CD format. This 15th Anniversary Edition includes an all new layout as well as alternate enhanced artwork, and is set for release on April 7th. If you are in the Philadelphia area this weekend you can purchase the album before the official release date at the Philthadelphia Infest.

Master is the most well-known project of bassist, vocalist and songwriter Paul Speckmann. Prominent in the early extreme metal underground as one of the first death metal bands, they are also one of the most influential artists alongside DEATH and POSSESSED. Master helped invent the genre of grindcore as well, expanding on a heavy influence of MOTÖRHEAD, VENOM and SLAYER.

Originally released by Pavement Music on April 7th, 1998, Faith Is In Season marks the true return to brutality for the band. Thick bass reproduction stands out on this raw, muscular recording as well as lyrical content that is full of visceral emotion and antisocial resistance. This sixteen track beast clocks in at close to 54 minutes of pure terror, sheer madness and primal rage. Features an all new layout and alternate enhanced artwork.

Tracklisting:

'Follow Jesus'
'Cast The First Stone'
'Addicted To The Pistol'
'Imprisoned'
'Re-Terrorizer'
'We're About To Fall'
'Believers Have A Choice'
'Faith Is Still In Season'
'Broken Promise'
'Where Are You Now?'
'Butchered By Numbers'
'Antidote'
'Spiritual Bankruptcy'
'Victims Of Jesus'
'Return To Vietnam'
'Previously Committed'

You can pre-order your copy for only $10 including shipping at this location.

Listen to 'Broken Promise' below:
Master recently launched a 30-date US trek with California death thrashers SACRIFICIAL SLAUGHTER. The journey will close with a free show at the Slidebar in Fullerton, CA on April 1st. Support is provided by Philadelphia's up and coming death metal outfit FISTHAMMER. Other notable appearances include the Philthadelphia Infest with DEVOURMENT March 16th, Masters of Death festival with INCANTATION March 23rd and the tours only stop south of the border at Baja Deathfest VII in Mexicali.

Dates include:

March
12 - Warren, MI - The Ritz
13 - Rochester, NY - Bug Jar
14 - Providence, RI - Firehouse 13
15 - Brooklyn, NY - Saint Vitus Bar
16 - Philadelphia, PA - Gunners Run
17 - Baltimore, MD - Ottobar
19 - Nashville, TN - The End
20 - New Orleans, LA - Siberia
21 - Fort Worth, TX - Tomcats West
22 - Oklahoma City, OK - Chameleon Room
23 - Houston, TX - BFE Rock Club
24 - Austin, TX - Beerland
25 - Midland, TX - Fast Freddy's
26 - El paso, TX - House of Rock
27 - Albuquerque, NM - Launchpad
29 - Mexicali, MX - El Andariego Bar
30 - Pomona, CA - Characters
31 - Oceanside, CA - The Royal Dive *

April
1 - Fullerton, CA - Slidebar *

* = No Fisthammer

DARKOLOGY, the Texas-based band featuring guitarist Michael Harris (VITALIJ KUPRIJ), drummer Brian Harris (ex-FIREWIND), bassist Mike Neal and vocalist Kelly "Sundown" Carpenter (FIREWIND, BEYOND TWILIGHT, OUTWORLD), has completed recording the follow-up to 2009's "Altered Reflections" for a late 2013 release. The CD is currently being mixed by legendary producer Chris Tsangarides (JUDAS PRIEST, ANVIL, THIN LIZZY) at his studio in the U.K. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Eyes Of The Machine", "Quantum Genocide", "On Morrow's Break", "Nobot 2" and "Your Hollow Soul". A digital single will arrive in late April/early May, to be followed by a limited-edition physical EP in early June. The full-length effort is expected in September/October.

Commented DARKOLOGY: "Tthe second album continues where the first one left off, but it's a lot more interesting and more evolved, offering a more mature but also direct songwriting style at the same time! There's a variety of tempos and moods and the band really outdoes themselves on every level, offering some really memorable performances all the way through."

"Altered Reflections" was released in November 2009 via Rockaholics Records.

According to a press release, DARKOLOGY's music features "ultra-tight, technical playing that serves the songs just right and remains transparent. The rhythm section just grooves wildly and delivers some impressive battery. And towering above all else, Sundown just redefines the term 'metal singer.' With some 15 different vocal styles, ranging from whispers to delirious screams and wails, he's as theatrical as they come. Imagine a guy with Ripper Owens' or Rob Halford's ra(n)ge, Jon Oliva's wickedness and Midnight's madness! Then multiply!"

Melodic rock outfit PARIS will release their new album, entitled Only One Life, on April 12th via Avenue Of Allies.
Paris has it's origins in the French capital, but a short look at the album credits of the band's debut record illustrates that we are actually dealing with an international affair. The two main characters, Frédéric Dechavanne and Sébastien Montet, hail from France, the duo is responsible for the songwriting, the lead vocals, the guitars and the keyboards. The Italian delegation is represented by producer Alessandro Del Vecchio (LIONVILLE, HARDLINE, ISSA), the rhythm section Anna Portalupi (MITCH MALLOY, Lionville, Hardline) on bass and Alessandro Mori (Mitch Malloy, Lionville, AXE) on drums. Guests are in-demand Swedish songwriter Robert Säll (WORK OF ART, W.E.T.) on guitar and Steve Newman (NEWMAN, BIG LIVE) from the United Kingdom on backing vocals.

Frédéric and Sébastien met in the suburbs of Paris when they were still little kids, later in High School they dicovered their common interest in AOR, melodic rock and hard rock. In 1985 they founded their first band together and started to write their own songs inspired by the multi-platinum albums and concert visits of some of the most successful acts of the genre during their heyday in the late 80s, DEF LEPPARD and BON JOVI. The guys continue to work on their own material during the next couple of years, but life had other plans for the two friends, so from 1993 on their band and song writing activities were put on hold for almost two decades.

Frédéric and Sébastien grew up in the suburbs of Paris. They were already long-time friends when they discovered their common interest in AOR and melodic rock in the mid 80s. During their days in High School in the late 80s they attend countless concerts of bands like Def Leppard and Bon Jovi and they founded their first band and instantly started writing their own songs, inspired by some of the most successful acts of the melodic rock genre. Until 2003 they kept on working on their own material, but life had other plans for the guys and their songwriting activities were put on hold.
In 2010 the two friends, who always kept in touch through the years, rediscovered the joy of making music together. New technologies paved the way for their revitalized musical collaboration with Frédéric now living in Germany, and they eventually recorded a demo album with 11 newly songs in 2011.

Ready then to take the next step, they contacted Alessandro Del Vecchio. The internationally renowned producer and musician took them under his wings and produced the songs in his studio, including some old favorites Frédéric and Sébastien had written 20 years ago. The Paris debut, Only One Life, was recorded with the help of an international line-up of studio musicians, resulting in a collection of truly catchy melodic rock tunes.

ICED EARTH guitarist/mainman Jon Schaffer — who celebrated his 45th birthday yesterday (Friday, March 15) — has posted the following message on the band's Facebook page:

"Hello friends!

"I want to thank you very much for the happy birthday wishes! Myself and the band are blessed to have fans like you guys.

"As you can see in the photo [below], Stu [Block, ICED EARTH singer] and I are about to chow on a very funny cake that friends and family made for me.

"We are in South America working on the songs for the next ICED EARTH studio album and hanging out with some very dear friends.

"The metal is most certainly flowing! You're going to love this next one!!!

"Best to you all, and thanks again!"

ICED EARTH's first officially filmed headline show, "Live In Ancient Kourion", will hit stores on April 15 in Europe and April 16 in North America via Century Media. This incredibly powerful package will come to you in various configurations and, a first for Century Media Records, also on Blu-ray disc. The limited-edition deluxe book features the main show and a plethora of bonus content on DVD and a Blu-ray disc, as well as the entire concert on a 2CD set (4 discs in total). You can also enjoy the audio version of the full concert in a 3LP gatefold vinyl package or as a 2CD set. A standard DVD and digital audio download will also be available.

ICED EARTH's latest album, "Dystopia", sold around 6,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 67 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The band's previous CD, "The Crucible of Man (Something Wicked Part II)", opened with 6,700 units in September 2008 to debut at No. 79.

ICED EARTH's 10th studio offering, "Dystopia", was released in Europe on October 17, 2011 and in the U.S. on October 18 via Century Media Records. Two bonus tracks were also recorded for inclusion on special editions of the album.

Legendary U.S. thrash metallers OVERKILL will release a very special limited tour edition of their latest album, "The Electric Age", in Europe on April 19 via Nuclear Blast Records. The limited 2CD tour edition will include the regular album as well as a four additional live tracks on a bonus CD, recorded at The Metro in Sidney, Australia on September 25, 2010.

"The Electric Age" tour edition track listing:

CD 1 - "The Electric Age"

01. Come And Get It
02. Electric Rattlesnake
03. Wish You Were Dead
04. Black Daze
05. Save Yourself
06. Drop The Hammer Down
07. 21st Century Man
08. Old Wounds, New Scars
09. All Over But The Shouting
10. Good Night

CD 2 - "Live from OZ" recorded in Sidney, Australia, (The Metro on September 25, 2010):

01. Horrorscope
02. Long Time Dyin'
03. Necroshine
04. Walk Through Fire

To order a copy, go to this location.

OVERKILL was forced to drop off the "Dark Roots Of Thrash" tour with TESTAMENT last month due to singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth's bout with pneumonia.

OVERKILL's new album, "The Electric Age", sold 6,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 77 on The Billboard 200 chart.

OVERKILL's previous CD, "Ironbound", opened with 4,100 units to enter the chart at No. 192. The effort landed at No. 4 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.

"The Electric Age" was recorded and mixed at Gear Recording Studios in New Jersey, owned and operated by OVERKILL bassist D.D. Verni.

OVERKILL is Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (vocals), D.D. Verni (bass, backing vocals), Derek "The Skull" Tailer (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Dave Linsk (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Ron Lipnicki (drums).

Michael Schenker's TEMPLE OF ROCK, featuring Doogie White (ex-RAINBOW, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN), Herman Rarebell (ex-SCORPIONS), Francis Buchholz (ex-Scorpions) and Wayne Findlay (MSG), are currently in the studio recording a new album, titled Bridge The Gap, to be released in November.
In a recent interview with Anthony Morgan at Metal Forces, Michael Schenker, discussed the forthcoming new album, stating: “We are actually already starting a new album which will be released by the end of 2013, so hopefully we will have something ready to perform on the next tour which starts in April. Everybody is putting their things together. I’m putting my things together, putting down my guitars. Basically from that moment on, it goes pretty quick. It’s with Doogie White, with that line-up. Doogie White, Herman Rarebell, Francis Buchholz, Wayne Findlay, and myself. It’s the same lineup as Tilburg.”

Temple Of Rock’s successor will inevitably adhere to a signature style. “It’s Michael Schenker,” the mainman laughs. “I’m being myself. When I write music, it’s Michael Schenker music because I’m creating on a whim. I don’t look around, and say ‘Oh, what shall I do today?’ I just express myself, and so what comes out is what comes out. I don’t have a description for that other than it’s what I do. It’s basically as much as possible pure self-expression. That’s what people tell me, that they can recognise my style. I wouldn’t know because I’m too deep in it, so… I don’t look at it that way anyway, but just based on what people say that’s what’s happening. I think when people focus on what’s within themselves – in other words, when people express themselves rather than trying to play something that somebody else has already expressed – automatically they will become original, because only you can express what’s inside you. You see what I mean? It’s natural that you’ll be very recognisable, because you’re the only one who does it.”

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Unspeakable Axe Records has joined forces with crossover thrashers BIRTH A.D. to bring you the group's first full-length, "I Blame You", scheduled for release on April 8.

BIRTH A.D. has been terrorizing its home state of Texas since 2008, dropped a tactical nuke of an EP ("Stillbirth Of A Nation") in 2009, and is now ready to leave the entire USA just a smoking crater with this highly anticipated debut. Full of punk attitude, thrash precision, and a whole lot of yelling, "I Blame You" is the rightful heir to great bands like D.R.I. and S.O.D., and gives exactly as much of a damn about what you think as those bands did.

BIRTH A.D. is a well-oiled machine full of seasoned pros that have played live and in studio with many well-known bands. With famed thrash producer Alex Perialas behind the boards, they sound as assured as you'd expect given their formidable credentials.

"I Blame You" is the first release from Unspeakable Axe, a sub-label of the mighty Dark Descent Records, whose roster of death, doom and black metal has made it internationally known in just a few short years. Unspeakable Axe will complement their parent label with a more thrash-oriented approach that harkens back to the roots of extreme metal, and to the fluid transitions between the various sub-genres in their infant forms; before battle lines were drawn and rules were written and expected to be followed.
BIRTH A.D. had this to say about the partnership: "Joining forces with Unspeakable Axe and Dark Descent proved to be the best choice for BIRTH A.D., as they are about the bands, the music, and doing things the old way (that is, the right way). We plan to cause even more problems with their support!"

According to the VAN HALEN fan site Van Halen News Desk, the band's guitarist, Eddie Van Halen, will guest on one track on hip hop legend LL Cool J's upcoming album, "Authentic", due out on April 30. The news was revealed by LL Cool J himself at a concert he performed at this year's South By Southwest festival in Austin, Texas. He announced that his album features several musical guests, including Eddie Van Halen (specifically on track 12), Tom Morello (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE) and Snoop Dogg.

The Van Halen News Desk adds: "A tracklist for the album was released last month that lists track 12 as titled 'Getting Paper'. However, that tracklist might be outdated. In any case, it shouldn’t be long before more info on the track featuring Eddie becomes available."

Eddie Van Halen famously made a guest appeance on Michael Jackson's masterpiece album, "Thriller". He was a surprise guest on "Beat It", the LP's third single. According to CNN, his blazing guitar solo lasted all of 20 seconds and took half an hour to record. He did it for free, as a favor to producer Quincy Jones, while the rest of his VAN HALEN bandmates were out of town.

"I said to myself, 'Who is going to know that I played on this kid's record, right? Nobody's going to find out.' Wrong!" Eddie recalled in a 2012 interview with CNN. "Big-time wrong. It ended up being Record Of The Year."

VAN HALEN will close out the annual Rock USA festival, scheduled for July 17 through July 20 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

A number of rock and heavy metal musicians have reacted to the news of the passing of former IRON MAIDEN drummer Clive Burr, who died last night in his sleep at his home at the age of 56 after suffering from multiple sclerosis for many years.

Dave Lombardo (SLAYER): "Sadness overcame my morning when I heard this news. His style was inspiring and the albums he recorded with IRON MAIDEN are touchstones of my music education. He played with a particular energy which bought edge and excitement to the IRON MAIDEN classics. I never got to meet him, but I wish did. The best thing for me to do right now is listen to some classic IRON MAIDEN. Up the irons!"

David Ellefson (MEGADETH): "I was so saddened to hear of Clive Burr passing away today. He was one of my all-time favorite metal drummers. I'm thankful for his music and contributions. My condolences..."

Slash (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER): "Really sad news; RIP Clive Burr. Played on my fav IRON MAIDEN records."

Tom Morello (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE): "RIP Clive Burr, original IRON MAIDEN drummer, who rocked those first 3 records HARD."

Dave McClain (MACHINE HEAD): "Very sad news. One of my favorite drummers and a huge influence on me as a young drummer. To me, he brought punk rock drumming into heavy metal. I can remember walking into the Hemisphere Arena in San Antonio to see IRON MAIDEN and seeing Clive's white kit on stage. I about crapped my pants! I just stood there in awe looking at the actual kit that I had been staring at on the back of the 'Killers' album cover for the whole summer. I was a HAPPY kid! He will always be an inspiration to my drumming. One of my go-to guys when I'm trying to find different drum fills and beats, or I'll ask myself, 'What would Clive do?'"

NIGHTRAGE: "R.I.P Clive Burr. You will always be remembered for your awesome drumming on the three first MAIDEN classics. NIGHTRAGE will not even exist without the great IRON MAIDEN. This life sucks when only the good die young."

BEHOLDER: "BEHOLDER would like to send out our deepest condolences and sincere regards to Clive Burr's family and friends. We were fortune enough to be invited to do a benefit show for Clive some years back, and as hardened MAIDEN fans, we were absolutely honored. In our short time with him on the night, Clive was a gracious and approachable guy and will forever be remembered as being a major part of one of England's finest exports."

POSSESSED: "We are very sorry to hear about Clive Burr's death... Great musician that was a key element in the early years of one of metal's most important bands, IRON MAIDEN. May he rest in peace."

WARBRINGER: "Thankfully, we'll always have the the first three IRON MAIDEN albums to listen (at extremely loud volumes), head bang and air-drum to in his honor. Up the irons!"

Richie Faulkner (JUDAS PRIEST): "Not a prisoner, I'm a free man, And my blood is my own now, Don't care where the past was , I know where I'm going"

ACCEPT: "R.I.P. Clive Burr. He will be truly missed....he left us with some amazing drumming. Loved his style and sound."

Jeff Waters (ANNIHILATOR): "RIP, Clive. One of the best, most original and most underrated drummers ever. His style was unique... his performances on those first three MAIDEN records influenced the drumming I've been writing for ANNIHILATOR all these years and he had me air-drumming my whole metal life... Only Lombardo was air-drummed more by me! Clive was #2 :) I met him once and was a class act. This is a loss of a true legend and innovator. Time to crank up 'The Prisoner'."

Nigel Glockler (SAXON): "I have just been informed that former IRON MAIDEN drummer Clive Burr has passed away. Clive's drumming as an important part of those early MAIDEN albums and sound. My sincere sympathies to his family, IRON MAIDEN and fans everywhere. RIP, Clive."

Paul Bostaph (SLAYER, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, FORBIDDEN): "I'm truly saddened to hear of Clive Burr's passing. His drumming has had and still has a strong influence on my playing style. I bummed I never go to meet him and thank him in person for his musical gifts. God speed, Clive!"

Ronny Munroe (METAL CHURCH): "The music world has lost another great in Clive Burr. IRON MAIDEN's early drummer, who has finally lost his battle with MS after many years of fighting. I learned a lot of what I know on drums from listening and watching Clive and the early MAIDEN years. So a big 'thank you' to Clive Burr, may he rest in peace. My condolences to his family and friends."

Jeff Scott Soto (TALISMAN, JOURNEY, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN): "RIP to the best and original drummer of IRON MAIDEN, Clive Burr... Prayers to him and his family!"

SACRED REICH: "RIP Clive Burr. The early IRON MAIDEN records are still my favorite ones."

LOCK UP: "R.I.P. Clive Burr... Such sad news!!!

3 INCHES OF BLOOD: "RIP Clive Burr, your contributions to metal will live forever."

Jason Bittner (SHADOWS FALL): "Rest in peace, Mr. Clive Burr!!!!! My first ever favorite heavy metal drummer!! So many great beats, grooves, and killer hi hat work... the man had some fast hands, and will be missed! Up the irons!!"

EXUMER: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Clive Burr's family and friends today... We are sad for your loss. There are nothing but happy memories of this fantastic and charismatic drummer in our camp and these memories will live on, since Clive played on MAIDEN's most memorable albums... we miss you, Clive."

WHITE WIZZARD: "We are very sad to hear of Clive Burr's passing away. He was a huge influence on me as a player when I was growing up. Such an amazing drummer. He, obviously, from what I have seen and heard, was an amazing person and seemed like a rare humble soul in the ego mania world of rock and roll. It makes me thankful to have my health and humbled to be able to play my instrument and do what I love. No matter how hard things get it is important to remember every day you can make music or do whatever it is you love without physical limitations, it is a blessing. It must have been so hard to have to leave MAIDEN when he did, and he always showed no bitterness. That shows a lot of character. All the best, Clive Burr, may you hold your sticks high in the heavens wherever your soul wanders and drum again... Drinking MANY ESB's this week in your memory."

Michael Kopietz (CHAINFIST): "As many off you allready know, yesterday the former IRON MAIDEN drummer Clive Burr died at the age of 56. So, why am I writing this? Well... Maybe some of you know this, but my dad (Peter Kopietz) also past away way to early, it was in '89 at the age of 53. I remember how IRON MAIDEN got me through a time of great sorrow for a 14-year-old boy, remember how the first record I ever recorded ('Dimensions' by FROZEN SUN) was dedicated to him and a great way to put the feelings out in my music, forever... So peeps, let's 'Like' this one for the people who died or just left us way to early. Take care of yourselfs and RIP all of you good people who also lost a friends, family member or a drummer. ALL HAIL CLIVE BURR."

PARAGON: "R.I.P. Clive Burr! IRON MAIDEN and especially their first three albums are a big influence for PARAGON. Our drummer, Chris, is big fan of Clive and his drumming and even plays in IRON MAIDEN tribute band…"

Clive joined MAIDEN in 1979 and performed on the first three albums — "Iron Maiden" (1980), "Killers" (1981) and "The Number Of The Beast" (1982). Prior to that, he was a member of SAMSON, the band Bruce Dickinson fronted before he, too, joined MAIDEN.

Pictured below: Clive Burr in 2008

British heavy metal vocalist Paul Di'Anno (pictured below) has released the following statement regarding the passing of fellow former IRON MAIDEN member, drummer Clive Burr, who died Tuesday night in his sleep at his home at the age of 56 after suffering from multiple sclerosis for many years:

"Sad to hear of your passing. You will always be in my heart, Clive. A truly unique talent that will never be forgotten."

Di'Anno recorded two classic albums with IRON MAIDEN before being fired and replaced by Bruce Dickinson. He went on to front a number of other bands, including KILLERS and BATTLEZONE, and released several solo records.

Clive joined MAIDEN in 1979 and performed on the first three albums — "Iron Maiden" (1980), "Killers" (1981) and "The Number Of The Beast" (1982). Prior to that, he was a member of SAMSON, the band Bruce Dickinson fronted before he, too, joined MAIDEN.

Guitarist Dennis Stratton has released the following statement regarding the passing of fellow former IRON MAIDEN member, drummer Clive Burr, who died Tuesday night in his sleep at his home at the age of 56 after suffering from multiple sclerosis for many years:

"I am so sad that I have lost an old mate. So glad I saw Clive and [his partner] Mimi last year. God bless, mate. Now you can jam wiv Mooney [Keith Moon], [John] Bonham and all the other drummers up there. Our song. The greatest luv of all."

Clive joined MAIDEN in 1979 and performed on the first three albums — "Iron Maiden" (1980), "Killers" (1981) and "The Number Of The Beast" (1982). Prior to that, he was a member of SAMSON, the band Bruce Dickinson fronted before he, too, joined MAIDEN.

Stratton participated in the recording and production of IRON MAIDEN's self-titled first album in December 1979. He also appeared in the home video recording "Live At The Ruskin" in early 1980 (released in 2004 as part of "The Early Days" DVD set), MAIDEN's first video "Women in Uniform", the "Women In Uniform" single, some subsequent single releases, as well as in the band's first appearance on British TV ("Running Free" performed live on "Top Of The Pops") and the "Live!! +One" album.

Pictured below (left to right): Clive Burr and Dennis Stratton

LORDS OF RUIN frontman Lauren Boquette (pictured below), formerly of the alt-metal act DROWN, has commented on the passing of former IRON MAIDEN drummer Clive Burr.

"Very sad to hear the news of Clive's passing," Lauren said.

"IRON MAIDEN was the first band I ever saw live and Clive Burr was the first drummer I ever saw period, but get this, they were the opening act!

"As a very young kid, my mom took me to see UFO in Long Beach, California at the Long Beach Arena and MAIDEN opened the show. It was the 'Killers' tour, Paul Di'Anno was on vocals and my mind was blown! The second they finished, I went to their t-shirts, saw the 'Killers' album cover on a white jersey with red sleeves and had to have it!

"What angry kid doesn't want the word 'Killers' in blood on the back of their t-shirt?

"I became a MAIDEN fanatic from that moment on. That was a monumental time in my life and I remember it like it was yesterday.

"R.I.P. Clive Burr... Hallowed Be Thy Name!"

Clive Burr died Tuesday night in his sleep at his home at the age of 56 after suffering from multiple sclerosis for many years.

Clive joined MAIDEN in 1979 and performed on the first three albums — "Iron Maiden" (1980), "Killers" (1981) and "The Number Of The Beast" (1982). Prior to that, he was a member of SAMSON, the band Bruce Dickinson fronted before he, too, joined MAIDEN.

Phil Denton, guitarist of ELIXIR and MIDNIGHT MESSIAH, has released the following statement regarding the passing of former IRON MAIDEN drummer Clive Burr, who died last night in his sleep at his home at the age of 56 after suffering from multiple sclerosis for many years.

"We were saddened to hear that Clive Burr passed away last night and our thoughts go out to his partner and family.

"Clive worked with us in ELIXIR for several months, recording the 'Sovereign Remedy' album and making one live appearance before having to depart to fulfil his commitments to Dee Snider's DESPERADO band. We have fond memories of that time, from Clive's sense of humour and playing a five-a-side football match with him in our team, to working through the songs with him and just seeing him behind us pounding away at his white kit. The only consolation is that, after all these years of battling MS, Clive is finally at peace.

"Rest in peace, our brother in metal."

Clive joined MAIDEN in 1979 and performed on the first three albums — "Iron Maiden" (1980), "Killers" (1981) and "The Number Of The Beast" (1982). Prior to that, he was a member of SAMSON, the band Bruce Dickinson fronted before he, too, joined MAIDEN.

Pictured below: Clive Burr with ELIXIR

"Take It", the new video from MEDICATED, the Finnish metal band featuring former NORTHER vocalist Aleksi Sihvonen, can be seen below. The clip was produced by the band and edited by bassist Jani Kinnunen, with the first camera operated by Marinella Ruusunen and second camera operated by vocalist Aleksi Sihvonen. A guest keyboard solo was contributed by former IMPERANON and current FINNTROLL keyboardist Aleksi Virta.

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

"Glasstrophobic" was recorded during the summer of 2012 and was produced, mixed and mastered by Aleksi Sihvonen.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. The Verge
02. Fever
03. Glasstrophobic
04. Take It
05. Magnum For Amen

MEDICATED's "Ways To Make You Fall" EP came out in 2010.

Formed in 2005, MEDICATED describes its music as "melodic thrash- and death-influenced metal with big choruses, screaming and clean vocals, versatile rhythms and fast guitar tunes."

MEDICATED is:

Aleksi Sihvonen (ASXX, ex-NORTHER) - Vocals
Samuli Hyttinen (SERAPHIEL) - Guitar
Dani Nuutinen - Guitar
Jani Kinnunen - Bass
Pertti Pätsi (SERAPHIEL) - Drums

Chilean death metallers DEATH VOMIT have inked a deal with Xtreem Music. The band's debut album is currently being recorded for a summer release both on CD and vinyl format.

DEATH VOMIT was formed in 2011 in the city of Curico by Azazzel (guitar, vocals) and Evil Escorzized (drums), influenced by ancient beasts with a grotesque, putrid and devastating sound in the vein of classic bands like MEGASLAUGHTER, PURTENANCE, CANCER, MERCILESS, CARBONIZED. DEATH VOMIT recorded its debut demo, "Infestation", in 2012, released only on cassette format. Later on, bass player Tom "Evil" Hill, who already played on the demo, joined the band as permanent member, followed by Sebastián Salce (guitar).

DEATH VOMIT's entire "Infestation" 2012 demo can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

RAVEN drummer Joe Hasselvander was forced to miss the band's performance last Saturday night (March 9) at the Up The Hammers festival in Athens, Greece because of a Northeastern U.S. snowstorm that caused many flight cancelations. Filling in for him were three local musicians: Spiros Poullos (STEAMROLLER ASSAULT), Nick and Manos.

Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

In an e-mail to Poullos sent earlier this week, Hasselvander wrote: "Thanks so much for helping the guys! I'm sure that you were great! I wish that I could have been a fly on the wall witnessing that!

"You must have loved the experience. Every gig for me with RAVEN is an all-new thing each time! We have never had a disagreement in all of our 27 years together and after meeting and working them, I'm sure you can see why!

"Again, thank you so very much for helping John and Mark out of what could have been a much stickier situation!

"Also, think of it this way, you and the other drummers are now in the RAVEN family tree!"

RAVEN's latest album, "Walk Through Fire", was released in the U.S. on March 30, 2010 (one day earlier in Europe through SPV/Steamhammer) via Metal Blade Records. The CD, which came out in Japan in March 2009 via King Records, was recorded at the Assembly Line Studios with engineer/mixer Kevin 131 (PROJECT: FAILING FLESH, DECEASED, DYSRYTHMIA, GARDEN OF SHADOWS).

RAVEN's first album since 2000's "One for All" contained 14 new songs and two live bonus tracks.

In a 2011 interview with Metal-Trails.com, RAVENbassist/vocalist John Gallagher stated about the musical direction of the material that has already been written for the group's next album: "Basically, we were really happy with the last record, it really represents the band where we are right now. So there's gonna be some short and rock-and-roll-style [songs], something like 'Trainwreck' off the last record — we'll always have stuff like that; it goes right back to something like 'Don't Need Your Money', that kind of flavor. We'll have a few songs that are a bit heavier; I already have a few that have some great riffs — really, really pounding heavy. I've got one song that's kind of epic style, with a lot of orchestral, almost classical-themed mixed in with some very heavy parts. So it's exciting. We've got some interesting stuff coming up."

RAVEN is:

John Gallagher - Vocals, Bass
Mark Gallagher - Guitar
Joe Hasselvander - Drums

Heavy magazine conducted an interview with heavy metal drummer Jon Dette, who recently finished filling in for ANTHRAX's Charlie Benante and SLAYER's Dave Lombardo for both bands' Australian shows. In an interesting twist, Dette played back-to-back headline sets with both legendary thrash groups on February 25 in a true test of endurance. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

On whether there is a possibility that he will rejoin SLAYER permanently:

Dette: "It's baby steps right now. I think it would be too early for me to make a comment like that at this time, but all I can tell you is that we're having a great time [during the Australian tour]. It feels great on stage and everybody that's actually at the shows and seen the shows, not just the fans, but even the crew on the side of the stage all have smiles on their faces so I must be doing something right and I guess we'll see what the future brings."

On SLAYER fans' uproar over the fact that Dave Lombardo was replaced for the Australian tour:

Dette: "Lombardo has been such an integral part of SLAYER and it's only natural for fans to feel upset right now. I mean, I'm a SLAYER fan first and, of course, I… paused a little bit when I heard the news, but… you're never going to please everyone and the only thing that I can do… is give it the integrity that the music deserves then I feel that I've done my job and that's all I can do. If the fans accept it then they accept it, if they don't, they don't, but that's out of my control really."

On whether there is any animosity between Lombardo and him over the fact that Dette played the Australian shows with SLAYER:

Dette: "I don't know how Dave feels. I haven't spoken to Dave in a few weeks. I saw Dave back in January at the NAMM convention, which is a large music convention in California that happens every year, and… I've known both of those guys for years now, obviously. I certainly don't hold anything against them. There's nothing to hold against them for the fact that they've recorded albums. There's no reason to hold a grudge on anything like that, and as far as my history with SLAYER in the past, it's just something that was so long ago. You know, it's funny because when people start asking me questions about it again because of all of this has happened so suddenly I'm trying to remember because it was literally 16 years ago when I was in the band… I think that, obviously, [Paul] Bostaph has done an amazing job with his time in SLAYER and he's done an amazing job in TESTAMENT as well and it's great that he's still on there playing and I'm sure regardless of what happens with Dave, if he comes back to SLAYER, great, if he goes on and does other things, I'm sure whatever he does will be phenomenal as well."

On his favorite band that he has ever played with:

Dette: "My favorite band… I have to default and say SLAYER. Just for the fact that they're one of my favorite all time bands… and I think again it's just something about being on stage with SLAYER and playing SLAYER songs that's just a magical feeling for me… there's just something amazing about being on stage with SLAYER that's just an amazing experience."

Read the entire interview from Heavy magazine.

Swedish old-school death metallers NOMINON have issued the following update:

"As some of you dedicated soldiers might already have noticed, a while ago our guitarist Alex Lyrbo joined the heavy metal band BULLET. At first he wanted to be part of both bands, but things have changed and now Alex has decided to step down from his position in NOMINON.

"We thank Alex for his time in the band and for being part of such a powerhouse as 'The Cleansing' album.

"This is actually the second NOMINON member that leave us for BULLET over the years, since bassist Lenny Blade also left us in 2004 to concentrate on the very same band. So there's nothing really new under the horizon, is it?

"Never mind, NOMINON will continue. New material is being executed as we speak, and a collection album to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the band will also be out later in 2013."

NOMINON will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year by playing "a few special shows."

NOMINON's fifth album, "The Cleansing", was released in October 2012 via Deathgasm Records. The effort was recorded at Studio Hell by Robert Ericsson and was mixed and mastered by Javi Feléz and Perra Karlsson at Moontower Studios in Barcelona, Spain. The CD digipak version of "The Cleansing" comes with a 12-page booklet.

NOMINON's fourth album, "Monumentomb", was released in March 2010 via Deathgasm Records.

SEVEN WITCHES is putting the finishing touches on its ninth studio album, "The Rebirth", to be released later in the year through Entertainment One's FrostByte Media imprint. The CD was recorded at Canyon Music in Toms River, New Jersey and is currently being mixed at Sonorous studio in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Alan Tecchio last year stepped down as the SEVEN WITCHES lead vocalist, feeling that he could not be fully committed to the project. The band's new CD will, however, feature Alan singing his version of one of the new cuts (same music, different lyrics and melodies) as a bonus track.

"We are very excited to unveil the latest incarnation of the band," exlaims vocalist Anthony Cross (a.k.a. Anthony Regalbuto), who is said to have "a completely different approach to the SEVEN WITCHES brand.

"I'm happy to be a part of the band and look forward to continue in the history that is SEVEN WITCHES.

"We've been reviewing mixes taking photos and even shooting a couple of videos in the past few weeks. Going over all the last-minute details to get this out as quickly as possible.

"Grab your leather and howl at the moon cause there’s a rumor that a vicious tour is being planned in the states this fall."

In other news, SEVEN WITCHES guitarist Jack Frost's instructional DVD is near release.

After over 20 different vocalist submissions, Cross was chosen to bring a different dimension to the already well-known WITCHES sound. In recent years, he spent time singing for bands like LIVESAY, SHADOW IMAGE, FISCHEL'S BEAST, ATTACKER, and most recently, the IRON MAIDEN tribute act SANCTUARY. Rounding out the new lineup is the massive rhythm team of Ronnie Parkes (SLIPPERY WHEN WET, FARCRY) on bass and Johnny Kelly (TYPE O NEGATIVE, DANZIG, SEVENTH VOID, A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH) on drums.

SEVEN WITCHES states: "Our goal is to bring you something unpredictable that you can sink your teeth into and walk away feeling 'till the next morning."

Vocalist James Rivera (HELSTAR, VICIOUS RUMORS, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) announced his departure from SEVEN WITCHES in September 2011.

Rivera sang on SEVEN WITCHES' "Passage To The Other Side" (2003), "Year Of The Witch" (2004) and "Call Upon The Wicked" (2011) albums.

"Call Upon The Wicked" was released on June 3, 2011 via Massacre Records.

British hard rock legends DEEP PURPLE will release their 19th studio album, "Now What?!", via earMUSIC, the Hamburg, Germany-based international rock label which is part of Edel Group, on the following dates:

* Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Finland, Spain: April 26
* UK, France, Benelux, Poland, Czech Republic, Norway, Denmark: April 29
* North America, Italy: April 30
* Sweden: May 1

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. A Simple Song
02. Weirdistan
03. Out Of Hand
04. Hell To Pay
05. Body Line
06. Above And Beyond
07. Blood From A Stone
08. Uncommon Man
09. Après Vous
10. All The Time In The World
11. Vincent Price

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

The official lyric video for the song "All The Time In The World" can be seen below.

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

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

The first taste of "Now What?!" will be the release of a double A-side single on March 29 (as a limited and numbered vinyl seven-inch, CD single and digital download).

Seven-inch vinyl (limited to 1000 numbered copies)

Side A:

01. Hell To Pay (radio edit)

Side B:

01. All The Time In The World (radio mix; edit)

CD Single

01. All The Time In The World (radio mix; edit)
02. Hell To Pay (radio edit)
03. Perfect Strangers (bonus track live)
04. Rapture Of The Deep (bonus track live)

DEEP PURPLE's 18th studio album, "Rapture of the Deep", was released in November 2005. It was the fourth studio CD from DEEP PURPLE since guitarist Steve Morse joined the band in 1994. It was also the second album to feature veteran keyboardist Don Airey.

"Rapture of the Deep" was produced by Mike Bradford, who also worked on the band's previous release, 2003's "Bananas".

Vocalist Joey Tempest (pictured below) of Swedish hard rockers EUROPE has issued the following update:

"Thought I'd write you a little note about whats going on in the EUROPE camp at the moment.

"We are having little break after the amazing 'Bag Of Bones' adventures last year. We are, however, working on ideas and new items to celebrate our 30th anniversary, together with you guys. So please keep visiting this site. All shall be revealed soon.

"I'm currently spending some time in London with my family and at the same time upgrading my studio. I've got some ideas I'm dying to try out for our next album. The rest of the guys are in Stockholm. [John] Norum [guitar] is preparing for his tour with his little sister Tone. I think it's a great idea! As long as I have known them both, they have been so involved and passionate about music. I don't believe they have ever performed together like this, so it's really exclusive! Meeting them both when I was around 14 years old, I immediately wanted to start a band with John.

"I know [John] Levén [bass] has got some great new song ideas lined up. Mic [Michaeli, keyboards] always writes and I hope he's got something as cool as the riff for 'Firebox' for me to sink my teeth into. He is such a musical guy! And will this be the album when Mr. Haugland [drummer Ian Haugland] contributes even more as a writer? That would be so cool! Always when we're in pre-production or in the studio he's got the greatest ideas for arrangements and so forth. The guy is like dynamite!

"We're all looking forward to getting back on the road in May, when we also will be rehearsing for the mega Sweden Rock Festival! Two-and-a-half-hour-long show with exclusive guests! Songs from all of our albums, with a few we haven't played in ages! This will truly be a special night! On the road this year we'll also be teaming up with our friends in WHITESNAKE, DEF LEPPARD, JOURNEY and many others. We're also interested in checking out BLACK STAR RIDERS this summer; they will be on the same bill as us on a couple of festivals.

"Download and Hellfest this year! How cool is that?! Mind you, we'd better be 'camping' a few days before the gig at Download this year, so we don't miss it : ) Back to Spain as well... we missed you guys on the 'Bag Of Bones' tour last year!

"We'll be touring festivals all of 2013 and the winter will be spent writing music and doing sessions together to find the 'vibe' for the next record. We'll be going into the studio again beginning of 2014 to record EUROPE No. 10. Hey! It's a big deal for us! Ten albums. WOW!

"Just want to take this opportunity to thank you all for you incredible support over the years. You have really helped us build this band up again. These days we are yet again a force to be reckoned with! I've always said: You guys keep us in the best job in the world!"

EUROPE's latest album, "Bag Of Bones", was released in Europe on April 27, 2012 via earMusic/Edel. The CD, which features a guest appearance by blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION), was produced by Kevin Shirley, who has previously worked with IRON MAIDEN, JOE BONAMASSA, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, BLACK STONE CHERRY and JOURNEY, among others.

RED LAMB, the band led by former ANTHRAX guitarist Dan Spitz, performed at Old No. 2 Cafe & Grill, Laredo, Texas on March 6 as part of its first-ever U.S. tour. Fan-filmed video footage can be seen below.

RED LAMB's self-titled debut album was released in February 2012 via iTunes. The 12-song effort was co-produced by Dave Mustaine (MEGADETH) and Spitz and is described in a press release as "explosive hard rock, pop punk, alternative rock, with a taste of thrash." The CD was mixed by Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (DISTURBED, 3 DOORS DOWN, DROWNING POOL, MEGADETH) and it features cover artwork by John Lorenzi, who worked on the last three MEGADETH studio albums — 2007's "United Abominations", 2009's "Endgame" and 2011's "TH1RT3EN" — as well as the band's 2007 box set, "Warchest". Grammy Award winner Chris Vrenna (NINE INCH NAILS, MARILYN MANSON) handled all synths and additional programming on the entire CD.

RED LAMB features Spitz (lead guitar, guitar, bass guitar, programming, background vocals, engineering, co-producer) and Don Chaffin (vocals and video productions).

In a 2012 interview with Metal Insider, Spitz stated about Mustaine's involvement with RED LAMB, "Dave heard what used to be my project [DEUXMONKEY] before RED LAMB and we were just cruising into the studio in one of his crazy cars, I think it was an Aston Martin or something. And he just fell in love with the music, and as a friend offered, 'Can I take this from you and kind of help?' At that point in time, I was wearing 50 hats, so it became quite difficult. It was just a blessing for Dave to say, 'Yeah, absolutely!' and that's where we started. His credit is he's a co-producer; we worked together on taking that material that was already recorded. All the music was done by me and recorded and we edited the music and moved verses and choruses around, shortening songs and got rid of the seven-minute solo if there was one. [laughs] . . . Dave worked with Donnie consistently day in day out on all the vocals. . . And previous to that, via electronic means, meaning e-mail and so forth, me and Dave took all the lyrics that I had written for the CD and we dissected those the same way we dissected the music. And Dave co-wrote every song on the album with me as far as the lyrics go and so that's his role in it. He's the co-writer on every song. So it's a wonderful collaboration."

Spitz is a born-again Christian and Messianic Jew who, in interviews, has frequently cited his faith as an influential component to his life.

The musician and his wife, Candi, are raising two identical mirror image twin boys that both suffer from autism.

Spitz took part in the reunion of ANTHRAX's classic lineup in 2005 and 2006 but left the band after ANTHRAX's last split with singer Joey Belladonna.

German death metal and hardcore fusionists HEAVEN SHALL BURN will release their new album, "Veto", via Century Media Records on the following dates:

Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway: April 19
Rest Of Europe: April 22
Australia, New Zealand, Finland: April 26
USA, Canada: April 30

While "Veto" was mixed by Tue Madsen, there is an alternative mix available for all of the die-hard HEAVEN SHALL BURN fans out there. Guitarist Maik Weichert explains: "The vinyl version and the limited-edition three-CD box set of the record will feature an alternative mix, called 'Blizzard Over England Mix' by nobody less than Colin Richardson."

He continues: "The story behind the strange name for the mix: We were ready to fly over to England and mix the record, but there was a huge snow chaos in the U.K. — no planes, no trains, roads blocked — no way to get there. Colin was even snowed in and could not get out of the studio at all. So he mixed in almost absolute isolation and brought in a lot of interesting thoughts — without us sitting on the couch in the back and giving our 'valuable' advices... We really like the result and thought you should also listen to it. Most people might find that the mixes aren't very different, but those who are interested in sounds and tweaking can discover lots of different details. The vinyl will come with a CD that has the entire album in the Tue Madsen mix, while Colin Richardson's mix will be added as additional and third CD to the limited-edition three-CD box set that is only available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland."

The cover of "Veto" shows the John Collier painting of Lady Godiva (c.1898). Weichert comments as to why this piece of art works perfectly with the underlying concept of the album: "It as an icon regarding the fight for social justice. The image also represents a contemporary issue: i.e. today's leading class being isolated from the people and the conflicts arising from that. It is also a great way to show our fans how current problems and topics can be reflected and derived from historical artworks."

"Veto" track listing:

01. Godiva
02. Land Of The Upright Ones
03. Die Stürme Rufen Dich
04. Fallen
05. Hunters Will Be Hunted
06. You Will Be Godless
07. Valhalla
08. Antagonized
09. Like Gods Among Mortals
10. 53 Nations
11. Beyond Redemption

To celebrate the release of "Veto", HEAVEN SHALL BURN will play three exclusive release shows in Europe:

April 20 - Leipzig, Germany - Impericon Festival III, Agra
April 26 - Vienna, Austria - Impericon Festival, Gasometer
April 27 - Zürich, Switzerland - Loudfest, Komplex