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

"Sharkpool", the new video from German heavy rockers THE NEW BLACK, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's third album, "III: Cut Loose", which is being released today (Friday, March 15) via AFM Records. The effort was made available in different configurations, including a "big, fat digipak" with loads of bonus tracks.

"III: Cut Loose" was once again recorded and produced by the bandmembers themselves. Mixing duties were handled by Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, PRETTY MAIDS) who commented: "These guys completely floored me with their stylish mix of both modern metal and vintage rock 'n' roll. This is a band that could get big if things are done the right way!" The CD finds the band finetuning their signature style while keeping heaviness and catchiness fully intact.

"III: Cut Loose" track listing:

01. Innocence & Time
02. Count Me In
03. Muzzle & Blinkers
04. Superhuman Mission
05. Cut Loose
06. Any Colour You Like (As Long As It's Black)
07. Burning D
08. Not Quite That Simple
09. Sharkpool
10. The Unexpected Truth
11. One Thing I Know
12. Antidote

THE NEW BLACK's music has been described in the past in the following way: "This is our kind of party: BLACK LABEL SOCIETY bring the booze, PANTERA spice it up, THIN LIZZY add some taste, and ALTER BRIDGE smooth it over before METALLICA turn it black. And you can be there, too!"

In April, THE NEW BLACK will embark on the "Rock'n'Roll Overdose" tour alongside PSYCHOPUNCH, MOTORJESUS, '77 and SUPERCHARGER.

THE NEW BLACK's sophomore CD, "II: Better In Black", came out in January 2011 in Europe via AFM.

THE NEW BLACK is:

Fludid (Vocals)
Christof "Leimsen" Leim (Guitar)
Fabian "Fabs" Schwarz (Guitar)
Günt (Bass)
Chris Weiß (Drums)

Former and current members of JUDAS PRIEST, ALICE COOPER, OZZY OSBOURNE and SCORPIONS will play classic songs from their respective bands during a week-long tour of Russia under the banner ROCKSTAR.

ROCKSTAR is:

* Tim "Ripper" Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, DIO DISCIPLES) - Vocals
* Keri Kelli (SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, ALICE COOPER, RATT) - Guitar
* James Kottak (SCORPIONS, KINGDOM COME) - Drums
* Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO) - Bass
* Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis (GUNS N' ROSES) – Keyboards

ROCKSTAR tour dates:

May 19 - Krasnodar - Arena Hall
May 21 - Rostov - Tesla Club
May 23 - Voronej - Barac’o’mama Club
May 25 - Penza - Rock Park Open-Air Festival
May 26 - Saratov Tuz Hall
May 28 - Moscow - Rockstar Bar

A video interview with Owens in which he discusses the ROCKSTAR project can be seen below.

"The Nexus", the sophomore album from Swedish melodic metallers AMARANTHE, is available for streaming in its entirety at this location. The CD will be released on March 26 (one day earlier internationally) via Spinefarm. The cover artwork was created by Gustavo Sazes and can be seen below. The album was once again recorded at Hansen studios in Ribe, Denmark with producer Jacob Hansen.

"The Nexus" track listing:

01. Afterlife
02. Invincible
03. The Nexus
04. Theory Of Everything
05. Stardust
06. Burn With Me
07. Mechanical Illusion
08. Razorblade
09. Future On Hold
10. Electroheart
11. Transhuman
12. Infinity

The album's title track was released as the first single single via iTunes and the video the track was directed by Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others. Check out the clip below.

Comments AMARANTHE guitarist/composer Olof Mörck: "This time we went all the way with our futuristic dream-nightmare — a no-compromise vision steeped in deep contrast between the mechanically ultra-heavy and shimmering serene melody. 'The Nexus' is everything we dreamed about doing with our debut album; we laboured to make this offering as diverse as it is direct and catchy… and remember, no-one can be told what 'The Nexus' is — you have to hear it for yourself!"

He added: "Our main inspiration behind the ['The Nexus'] video was to create a decidedly cinematic feel, in the vein of a Hollywood action movie, with a slightly darker angle than our previous videos. We wanted to have lots of extras and explosive action scenes, and we wanted it to be done well; we knew Patric Ullaeus was the right man for the job. The end result is a dynamic, intense and entertaining music video with an original flair."

The guitarist previously stated about the upcoming CD: "We have lived and breathed the same 12 songs from the first album every day for a year now, and to introduce a number of completely fresh tracks will really lift AMARANTHE to the next level!
"The theme and atmosphere of the album is futuristic and ultra modern, [and] the music itself [is] instantly recognizable as AMARANTHE, but there is definitely a new and unique twist to the songs.

"People often ask us if there is a big pressure to follow up such a successful album, and always say 'no, not one bit.' Not when you sit down and listen to new tracks such as 'Invincible', 'Burn With Me' and 'Stardust'. We simply cannot wait to hit the road all over the world with these new babies!"

AMARANTHE's self-titled debut album was released in Europe in April 2011 via Spinefarm Records.

AMARANTHE vocalist Elize Ryd has been filling the female singer spot on KAMELOT's European, South and North American tours.

"Anthems", ANTHRAX's long-awaited, eight-track EP that pays tribute to the classic songs by some of the band's favorite acts from the 1970s, will be released in North America on March 19 (MRI/Megaforce), and on March 22 in Europe (Nuclear Blast).

"Anthems" track listing

01. Anthem (RUSH cover)
02. Jailbreak (THIN LIZZY cover)
03. TNT (AC/DC cover)
04. Smokin' (BOSTON cover)
05. Big Eyes (CHEAP TRICK cover)
06. Keep On Runnin' (JOURNEY cover)
07. Crawl (album version)
08. Crawl (special remix)

ANTHRAX's cover of BOSTON's "Smokin'" can be streamed below (courtesy of Ultimate Classic Rock).

Speaking to Music Radar, ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante stated about the decision to cover "Smokin'": "You'll always hear BOSTON blasting out of our dressing rooms or our bus. It's one of those timeless records that doesn't have a bad track on it. It's almost like a greatest-hits album. When I hear it, I think back to being young, it's the summertime, and people are driving by in their cars crankin' BOSTON.

"I love the band, I love the album, and I love the guitar playing. The way they mixed it, the fucking guitars are so loud! It's pretty incredible. You can't help but sit back and go nuts when you hear that guitar sound.

"The original idea was for Rob [Caggiano, guitar] to learn the keyboard part note for note on the guitar, but he didn't get around to doing it. None of us can really play keyboards, so Jay Ruston, who mixed the record, got Fred Mandel to come in and do it. Jay really pushed for it to be a keyboard part, like on the original. And thank God he did, 'cause Fred just nailed it! I got goosebumps when Jay first sent it to me — it was so awesome."

The "Anthems" EP will be available on CD as well as digitally via iTunes and other online retailers. In addition to "Anthems"' cover art, Benante and artist Stephen Thompson have subtly redesigned each track's original album cover art to "Anthrax" it. The "Anthems" EP will first be housed in one of the "re-imagined" digipak covers, and then inserted inside the main CD cover sleeve. The main cover sleeve has been designed in such a way so fans will be able to see which one of the six "re-imagined" covers is inside.

"Anthems" was produced by ANTHRAX, Jay Ruston and Rob Caggiano and recorded for the most part throughout 2012 literally all over the world: at Benante's home studio, in Ruston's New York studio, on the band's tour bus while on last summer's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, in hotel rooms, and backstage at their Berlin show last December.

The Grammy-nominated ANTHRAX recently hit the road in support "Anthems" with dates in Australia, and will return to North America to headline the Metal Alliance Tour that kicks off March 22. For all of these dates, ANTHRAX is being joined by SHADOWS FALL guitarist Jon Donais.

According to USA Today, It Books — an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers — has acquired rights to a biography of LED ZEPPELIN vocalist Robert Plant, to be published in the U.K. in October 2013, and appear in the U.S. in January 2014.

"Robert Plant: A Life" is written by former Q and Kerrang! editor Paul Rees, and is based on in-depth interviews with those closest to to the LED ZEPPELIN frontman as well as access to the singer himself. It will follow Plant's career from early folk gigs in the 1960s in the Black Country, to his globe-spanning success with rock pioneers LED ZEPPELIN, as well as his recent Grammy-winning career working alongside bluegrass singer Alison Krauss.

Natalie Jerome, publishing director at Harper Non-Fiction U.K., and Denise Oswald, senior editor for It Books/HarperCollins U.S., bought the rights from Matthew Hamilton at Aitken Alexander and Matthew Elblonk at DeFiore and Company.

Jerome said: "Robert Plant's stature as one of the greatest frontmen of all time is without question and as fans of his music from LED ZEP to present, we have long wanted to publish his story. This book is as close to Plant telling his own story in his own words as we've seen or heard to date.

"Paul's close professional relationship with Robert is going to make for a revealing read and we can't wait to bring one of the greatest untold rock n' roll stories to the world."

Robert Plant is one of the few genuine living rock legends. Frontman of LED ZEPPELIN, musical innovator and seller of millions of records, Plant has been a profound influence on music, culture and modern history for over 40 years. Volumes have been written on the ZEPPELIN story, but Plant's tale has barely been told — until now.

Vividly written and meticulously researched by acclaimed music writer Paul Rees, "Robert Plant: A Life" is an indispensible part of any music bookshelf.

For more than a decade, Robert Plant led one of the biggest and most successful rock bands of all time: LED ZEPPELIN. The sheer scale of their success is extraordinary: in the U.S. alone they sold 70 million records, a figure surpassed only by THE BEATLES, while "Stairway To Heaven", the band's most recognizable song, has been played more times on American radio than any other track.

But Plant's legacy stretches far beyond the band. Here Paul Rees, whose professional relationship with Plant spans decades, brings the whole picture into focus for the first time — from the forces that shaped him as a boy in the Black Country to the ravaging highs and lows of the ZEPPELIN years; from his relationship with Jimmy Page and John Bonham to the solo career that today, at the age of 64, sees him producing some of the most acclaimed work of his career.

Told with tenacity, emotion and the spark of brilliance that befits such an enigmatic frontman, this is the definitive story of a man of incredible talent, remarkable courage and extraordinary conviction.

THE RESISTANCE, the Swedish extreme metal band featuring former members of IN FLAMES, THE HAUNTED and GRAVE, will release its full-length debut, "Scars", on May 10 in Europe and May 14 in the U.S. via earMUSIC, the Hamburg, Germany-based international rock label which is part of Edel Group.

Says the group: "Alright, folks, time to put the balls on the table. The production process has been finished this week and we can truly and proudly say: We created a monster!"

"Scars" track listing:

01. Clearing The Slate
02. Your Demise
03. To The Death
04. Expand To Expire
05. Imperfected
06. I Bend - You Break
07. The Serpent King
08. Eye For An Eye
09. My Madness
10. Warmonger
11. Scars
12. (I Will) Die Alone

THE RESISTANCE released its debut EP, "Rise From Treason", in North America on January 29 via earMUSIC. The EP was made available on CD, limited-edition seven-inch vinyl and as a digital download.

According to a press release, "THE RESISTANCE is not a supergroup or a side project. It is a band, it's a gang, embracing the musical attitude and sounds of Swedish old-school death metal and the old 'no-compromise' values of hardcore. Shredding guitar riffs, blasting beats and screaming out a lot of anger, THE RESISTANCE will take no prisoners and make no compromises with their old school death-metal."

THE RESISTANCE last year parted ways with bassist Alex Losbäck Holstad (ex-DESPITE, DECAMERON, CARDINAL SIN) and recruited Claudio Oyarzo, the guitarist in the progressive metal band MINORA, as its new session bassist.

The song "Eye For An Eye" was originally made available on the sampler CD that was distributed to the subscribers of Sweden's Close-Up Magazine in the August 2011 issue.

THE RESISTANCE made its live debut on October 8, 2011 at Club Distortion in Stockholm, Sweden.

THE RESISTANCE's lineup is as follows:

* Marco Aro (FACE DOWN, ex-THE HAUNTED) - Vocals
* Jesper Strömblad (ex-IN FLAMES, DIMENSION ZERO) - Guitar
* Glenn Ljungström (ex-IN FLAMES, DIMENSION ZERO) - Guitar
* Chris Barkensjö (CARNAL FORGE, GODSIC, ex-GRAVE) - Drums

Strömblad quit IN FLAMES in February 2010 in order to continue receiving treatment for his alcohol addiction.

Jesper signed an exclusive songwriter agreement with BMG Germany last year.

Strömblad is also a talented film composer. Together with Daniel Flores, he wrote the score for the film "Isdraken" ("The Ice Dragon"), which was shown at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2012.

U.K. progressive rock band TESSERACT will release its second full-length album, "Altered State", on May 27 throughout Europe and May 28 in North America via Century Media Records. Divided into four movements — Of Matter, Of Mind, Of Reality and Of Energy — "Altered State", in its purest form, is about the transformations the band has gone through over the past few years.

A two-minute video clip promoting TESSERACT's upcoming European tour and featuring music from the "Altered State" CD can be seen below.

Comments TESSERACT: "The concept behind the presentation of 'Altered State' is very simple. It is about change, and how life is change. We have been through a very difficult period of time over the last few years. It is a miracle that the band has survived. I feel it is the ability to step back and see everything for what it is (hence the 'Perspective' EP) that has allowed us to get on with life and try to enjoy it. Reality is change."

"Altered State" track listing:

01. Of Matter - Proxy
02. Of Matter - Retrospect
03. Of Matter - Resist
04. Of Mind - Nocturne
05. Of Mind - Exile
06. Of Reality - Eclipse
07. Of Reality - Palingenisis
08. Of Reality - Calabi-Yau
09. Of Energy - Singularity
10. Of Energy - Embers

"Altered State" was produced, mixed, mastered and engineered by TESSERACT guitarist Acle Kahney, assisted by bassist Amos Williams at Acle's 4D Sounds studio, and marks the first full release with new vocalist Ashe O'Hara following the departure of American vocalist Elliot Coleman (OMNOM, SKY EATS AIRPLANE, ZELLIACK) in June 2012.

The band is set to head out with longtime friends PERIPHERY throughout mainland Europe and then headline dates throughout the U.K. just prior to album release. Worldwide touring will follow throughout the year.

ThrashHits.com recently spoke to TESSERACT bassist Amos Williams about "Altered State".

"The new album has shaped up to be something of an evolution for TESSERACT," Williams said. "Obviously, there's the new voice, which is exciting for us to work with. Ashe brings such an intense level of emotion to the table, it feels as if we have added another dimension to the music. We've also travelled so much and met so many incredible and inspiring musicians since the first album. This has had a huge impact upon our songwriting."

He continued: "Also, we now enjoy playing with dynamics and instrumentation. This came from releasing an acoustic EP last year. We're no longer afraid to mix things up or stray from the expected path, which we feel we did with our first album. That was in the box, whilst this album is way out there for us. Don't be afraid, though — whilst it has evolved, our music is still somehow TESSERACT. It's like there is something just beneath the surface of everything we do, that shapes all we produce into a distinctly TESSERACT-ish form."

Hailing from Northampton, Ashe spent his early years singing in many different groups, from choirs to musical theatre, and has more recently been involved with a number of ambient/alternative metal projects in addition to doing session work. Ashe currently resides in Hove, East Sussex.

Norwegian thrashers CRITICAL SOLUTION have finished recording their debut album at KING DIAMOND guitarist Andy La Rocque's Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden. La Rocque produced, recorded, mixed and mastered the CD, which will contain 14 tracks.

For CRITICAL SOLUTION's cover version of MOTÖRHEAD's "Killed By Death", guest vocals were provided by Whitfield Crane (UGLY KID JOE) while La Rocque (KING DIAMOND) delivered a guitar solo in the same song.

A teaser for CRITICAL SOLUTION's version of "Killed By Death" — featuring Crane and La Rocque — is available below.

La Rocque previously produced and mixed CRITICAL SOLUTION's EP "Evidence Of Things Unseen" in 2011.

CRITICAL SOLUTION's debut album is tentatively due in the spring.

Fan-filmed video footage of IRON MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris's new solo/side project BRITISH LION performing on March 12 at KB in Malmö, Sweden can be seen below.

BRITISH LION is out on the road this month, visiting fourteen countries and twenty-four cities across Europe. For the first time ever, and as a major surprise to many, MAIDEN's bass player, founding member and leader is taking temporary leave from his MAIDEN activities and heading out on a full European club tour.

Regarding the BRITISH LION tour, Steve previously said: "I love touring and live shows and I'm very excited about touring with BRITISH LION. It's fantastic to get out there and once again experience the sheer vibrancy of small clubs with the fans right up front and in your face. I think the fans will enjoy that too. It's exciting, going back to the roots, and it's going to be fantastic. We are taking this to clubs all round Europe — a full club tour, with club shows at club prices, hot, sweaty and loud. We have no idea how many people will turn out to see us, as it's obviously very recent and very new, so we have kept the venues small with tickets priced accordingly as low as we reasonably could.

"I've known all the guys in the band for ages and, besides being great musicians, they are also good friends, which is lucky because this has been an ongoing project for many years! They've had to be very patient with me as, of course, I'm so involved with MAIDEN I don't really get a lot of free time to work on other stuff. So it's great to finally have the opportunity to get out and do all these shows. The reaction to the album has been really good and I think it will sound great live. We're all planning to have a lot of fun on this tour!"

BRITISH LION's debut album sold around 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 3 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.

"British Lion" was released in the U.S. on September 25, 2012 via Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). Mixed by Kevin Shirley — whose credits include IRON MAIDEN as well as Led ZEPPELIN, JOURNEY and RUSH, among many others — the CD, which features Harris alongside vocalist Richard Taylor, guitarists Graham Leslie and David Hawkins and drummer Simon Dawson, presents a different side of the bassist's musical visions.

"British Lion" comprises ten songs that Steve and his collaborators have been working on between IRON MAIDEN tours and releases and is described by Harris as "'70s-influenced, British-sounding hard rock." "I'd say it's more mainstream rock than metal... and quite commercial… but good commercial," he said. "There's all kinds of stuff going on, with nods to THE WHO and UFO and some classic British rock bands, but it's not the progressive rock album some might be expecting."

"All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" castoff and TWISTED SISTER singer Dee Snider was a guest on this past Monday's (March 11) episode of "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon". You can now watch video footage of his appearance below.

"Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" airs on NBC at 12:35 a.m. ET/PT.

The first-ever "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice", featuring POISON's Bret Michaels and Snider, was shot last fall and premiered on March 3 on NBC.

Snider was fired from "The Celebrity Apprentice" in April 2012 but only after raising $325,000 for the March Of Dimes by winning a challenge.

The TWISTED SISTER singer told Parade that he went out of his way to avoid arguing with the likes of Debbie Gibson and Arsenio Hall while vying for the "Apprentice" title.

"I was terrible in [TWISTED SISTER]. I was the lead singer, so I was selfish and self-absorbed," Snider said. "I tried to learn from that and be a team player. I worked hard to play nice since I didn't in the past."

The long-awaited debut release from Chicago symphonic prog-metal band DIVINITY COMPROMISED will be unleashed to the world this Tuesday, March 19. The effort will be available in CD and MP3 format, and can be purchased through CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon MP3, and, of course, directly from the band.

Featuring in its ranks Lothar Keller (SACRED DAWN, THE SKULL) and Vito Marchese (NOVEMBERS DOOM), DIVINITY COMPROMISED began in 2009 and spent most of the next year honing their style. Their live debut came with a series of successful shows at prominent Chicago venues such as the legendary Metro.

With influences ranging from NEVERMORE and DREAM THEATER to QUEENSRŸCHE and EVERGREY, "A World Torn" boasts beautifully orchestrated soundscapes, shredding guitars, and exquisite musicianship. Many of the album's themes focus on mankind's fascination with religion, destruction, and its own future as the world continues to crumble around us. Every spin of "A World Torn" promises to take the listener on a sonic voyage that will not soon be forgotten.

"A World Torn" track listing

01. Children Of A Dead God
02. The Way Home
03. The Guardians Of Ki
04. A World Torn Apart
05. When Myth Becomes Truth
06. The Loyal Shall Inherit
07. Termination Sequence
08. The Slaughter Of Innocents
09. Descent Into Madness

Several live dates and festival appearances in support of "A World Torn" are in the works for 2013, and will be listed on the band's official web site and Facebook page as information becomes available.

DIVINITY COMPROMISED is:

Jeff Treadwell - Lead Guitar
Lothar Keller - Vocals
Vito Marchese - Guitar
Andy Bunk - Bass
Mike Mousel - Drums
Ben Johnson - Keyboards, Orchestration

"Tales Of Thy Spineless", a brand new song from Swedish death metallers HYPOCRISY, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The track comes off the band's new album, "End Of Disclosure", which will be released in Europe on March 22 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was produced by HYPOCRISY mainman Peter Tägtgren at his Abyss Studio in Sweden. The artwork was created by Wes Benscoter (SLAYER, KREATOR, NILE, VADER).

"'Tales Of The Spineless' is a fast and thrashy HYPOCRISY song, good for breaking the neck," says Tägtgren. "The song is about the high up bankers and illuminati secret societies and how they are feasting on the everyday Joe, crushing dreams, making everyone live like a virus in their eyes…"

"End Of Disclosure" track listing:

01. End Of Disclosure
02. Tales Of Thy Spineless
03. The Eye
04. United We Fall
05. 44 Double Zero
06. Hell Is Where I Stay
07. Soldier Of Fortune
08. When Death Calls
09. The Return

"This time, I wanted to go back to the basics," says Peter. "[I] felt like we lost it for the last couple of albums. It's straight to the point. It's more HYPOCRISY than ever — the fast, the heavy, the epic. Enjoy!”

HYPOCRISY's latest DVD/CD, "Hell Over Sofia - 20 Years Of Chaos And Confusion", was released in October 2011 via Nuclear Blast. The disc contains footage of the band's February 27, 2010 concert at the Blue Box club in Sofia, Bulgaria.

HYPOCRISY's latest album, "A Taste Of Extreme Divinity", sold 1,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 23 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.

Frontiers Records has announced the release of an exciting new concept album — TIMO TOLKKI'S AVALON new metal opera, "The Land Of New Hope". Due out in North America on May 21, the CD's story takes place more than 40 years in the future when most of the planet has been destroyed by natural disasters. The title of the opera refers to the safe haven that a small group of survivors seek.

"The Land Of New Hope" is composed by one of the forefathers of the power metal genre, former STRATOVARIUS main songwriter and guitarist Timo Tolkki.

The album will be available in two formats: a standard CD and a deluxe edition featuring a 30-minute documentary on the making-of the album and two videos.

For this unique concept album, Timo Tolkki was able to gather some of most accomplished international singers: Michael Kiske (UNISONIC), Elize Ryd (AMARANTHE), Rob Rock (IMPELLITTERI), Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X), Sharon Den Adel (WITHIN TEMPTATION) and Tony Kakko (SONATA ARCTICA). Rounding out the stunning lineup of this album are world-renowned musicians Alex Holzwarth (RHAPSODY OF FIRE) on drums, Jens Johansson (STRATOVARIUS), Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION) and Mikko Härkin (SONATA ARCTICA) on keyboards, and Tolkki himself taking care of all guitars, bass and production duties.

"The Land Of New Hope" came about as the result of a discussion that began years ago between Timo Tolkki and Frontiers Records president Serafino Perugino. Perugino, a longtime STRATOVARIUS fan, suggested Tolkki return to the original STRATOVARIUS sound in a more symphonic fashion. In August 2012, Tolkki began work on what would become "The Land Of New Hope". Tolkki explained: "I sort of rediscovered myself musically in the process of making this album. I wrote the story first and started composing the music after that. My aim was to write memorable songs with good melodies that would support the story.

"In STRATOVARIUS back in the early '90s, I was one of the creators of the power metal genre, so it is only natural that people may associate this music style with me... but on this album, you will find lot of dynamics including fully-orchestrated songs that sound very, very big."

With the full support of Frontiers Records and Serafino Perugino's executive production, "The Land Of New Hope" opens a new chapter in Tolkki's career. Tolkki added, "'The Land Of New Hope' is one part of the story, the end of it, actually. The story is longer and goes back to the time before this album's concept, so two more metal operas are likely to follow to complete a trilogy.

"In general, I find the metal opera concept fascinating and logical to me at this point of my career. I love classical music and just like in classical opera, in metal opera you can also create stories and have almost limitless possibilities musically.

"It is not so easy to stay fresh after a 25-year career, but this album is truly something special."

"The Land Of New Hope" track listing:

01. Avalanche Anthem
02. A World Without Us
03. Enshrined In My Memory
04. In The Name Of The Rose
05. We Will Find A Way
06. Shine
07. The Magic Of The Night
08. To The Edge Of The Earth
09. I'll Sing You Home
10. The Land Of New Hope

A "The Land Of New Hope" EPK (Electronic Press Kit) can be seen below.

CHROME DIVISION, the Norwegian five-piece featuring DIMMU BORGIR frontman Shagrath (a.k.a. Stian Thoresen) on guitar, is continuing work on its fourth album for a late 2013 release via Nuclear Blast Records. According to CHROME DIVISION vocalist Shady Blue (a.k.a. Athera), the new CD "is coming along fantastically."

CHROME DIVISION will take a break from recording the album to play three shows in Germany and Italy in April.

Says Shady Blue: "Germany! Raise your flags and prepare for the ultimate doomsday experience! CHROME DIVISION will return on the 26th April to Düssedorf at the Pitcher29 club, and in Dortmund Rock In Den Ruinen festival on the 27th.

"We are stoked to be back in Germany after two years and play live again! While still working on the new album, we welcome a break to come and drink beers and raise hell with you all.

"Looking forward to meet new and old fans and have some ballbreaking shows! We are the CHROME DIVISION and we're coming to town!

"The gig in Italy is a charity/rememberance festival for a young girl who died from a drunk driver. Her parents run the festival and it's in its fifth year. Many Italian bands play for free each year to support, and they each year have a special headliner act. This year it is us!"

CHROME DIVISION last year parted ways with bassist Björn "Burn" Luna and guitarist Ricky Black. Luna, who was a member of CHROME DIVISION since its inception in 2004, "will work with us from behind the curtains of doom, and contribute on the lyrical side of things in the future," according to the band.

CHROME DIVISION current lineup:

Shagrath - Guitar
Ogee - Bass
Shady Blue (a.k.a. Athera) - Vocals
Damage Karlsen - Guitar
Tony White - Drums

CHROME DIVISION's third album, "3rd Round Knockout", was released in Europe on May 6, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Marius Strand Studio in Oslo.

CHROME DIVISION in August 2009 parted ways with longtime vocalist Eddie Guz "due to lack of dedication and commitment to the band." His replacement, Athera, originally filled in for Guz at the Winterfire Festival at Hessenhallen in Giessen, Germany on February 21, 2009 after Eddie Guz was unable to make the gig.

Swedish metallers VINDICTIV will release their new album, "Cage Of Infinity", on May 10 via Escape Music. The CD was mixed by Lars Chriss (LION'S SHARE) and mastered by Mike Lind. The cover artwork was created by Carl-André Beckston.

"Cage Of Infinity" track listing:

01. The Chosen
02. Cage Of Infinity
03. Down In A Black Hole
04. Choices
05. Astronaut
06. Human Emergency
07. Resistance
08. Orphans
09. Son Of Fate
10. The Encounter
11. Screaming For Answers (bonus track)

VINDICTIV is:

Stefan Lindholm: Guitars
Marco Sandron: Vocals
Pontus Larsson: Keys
Nalle Påhlsson: Bass
Henrik Hedman: Drums

VINDICTIV released two albums so far — the self-titled debut in 2008 and "Ground Zero" in 2009. Apart from his main band, Stefan has been a successful soloist on a number of albums, among them record producer Tom Galley's international project "Phenomena" and "Soulspell". Other great vocalists Stefan has worked with include Tony Martin (BLACK SABBATH), Oliver Hartmann (AT VANCE, AVANTASIA), Göran Edman (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JOHN NORUM) and Mark Boals (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, RING OF FIRE).

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

"ABachalypse Now" track listing:

DVD:

* Live at Hellfest in Clisson, France on June 16, 2012
* Live at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California on August 2, 2012
* Live at Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel, Belgium on June 24, 2012
* Bonus music videos: "Kicking & Screaming", "TunnelVision", "I'm Alive"

CD1 - Live At Hellfest in Clisson, France, 2012

CD2 - Live at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California 2012

Setlists:

Live at Hellfest in Clisson, France on June 16, 2012

01. Slave To The Grind
02. Kicking & Screaming
03. Here I Am
04. Big Guns
05. Piece Of Me
06. 18 & Life
07. American Metalhead
08. Monkey Business
09. I Remember You
10. Youth Gone Wild

Live at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California on August 2, 2012

01. Big Guns
02. (Love Is) A Bitchslap
03. Piece Of Me
04. 18 & Life
05. American Metalhead
06. Monkey Business
07. I Remember You
08. TunnelVision
09. Youth Gone Wild

Live at Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel, Belgium on June 24, 2012

01. Kicking & Screaming
02. Dirty Power
03. Here I Am
04. Big Guns
05. 18 & Life
06. American Metalhead
07. Monkey Business
08. I Remember You
09. TunnelVision

The official EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for "ABachalypse Now" can be seen below.

According to Sebastian, "ABachalypse Now" will include "special guest appearances by Jinxx from BLACK VEIL BRIDES, Roy Z (HALFORD), and Brent Woods (VINCE NEIL)."

He previously stated about the forthcoming set: "I am so excited for all of you to witness and experience 'ABachalypse Now'. We have included three recent concerts and the footage is totally kickass! It's remixed and remastered for full audio and video quality. The performances and energy of the crowds are killer throughout the DVD and you really feel like you are at the shows. Prepare yourselves for the coming ABachalypse — now!"

Bach in July 2012 posted a letter on his Facebook page in which he said he was willing to reunite with SKID ROW. "For the fans, I would be willing to put my ego aside and do something that would be special for the people who put us where we are today," he wrote. "I do not personally want it myself. But it's not always about 'what I want.' If the fans really want to see us together, I would do it for the fans. Sometimes you can do things for people other than yourself."

Bach said he wanted to write the letter in response to current SKID ROW singer Johnny Solinger's interview in which Johnny said a recent tweet by Bach about a possible SKID ROW reunion was an attempt to "get attention."

Bach's most recent solo album, "Kicking & Screaming", sold 6,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 73 on The Billboard 200 chart. The singer's previous CD, "Angel Down", opened with 6,400 units back in November 2007 to debut at No. 190.

"The Mess", the new video from Swedish hard rockers BONAFIDE, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's latest album, "Ultimate Rebel", which was released in August 2012 through Rootsy in Scandinavia and Off Yer Rocka in the rest of the world.

"The Mess" is described in a press release as "a dark, mesmerizing rocker with a catchy lead riff , coupled with great guitar work, and an infectious chorus to die for." The track was released as a single on March 14 and is backed up with a live cut from the forthcoming live DVD release, which will be out shortly. "The Live Mess" was recorded at last year's Hard Rock Hell festival in Wales, where BONAFIDE was accompanied on stage by some very raunchy dancers in front of a packed audience, adding some sexual solidarity to the riffage.

"Ultimate Rebel" is an album packed with loud, energetic-yet-melodic hard rock, firmly rooted in heavy electric blues and steaming-hot old-school R&B. The CD was recorded during two hectic weeks in engineer Conny Wall's Gig Studios in Stockholm in February 2012 and was produced by band frontman and main songwriter Pontus Snibb.

BONAFIDE has been building an ever-growing audience all over Europe by constant touring. Add to this, the countless festival appearances and week-long tours of Spain and the U.K. and it can be easily seen that these boys are rock and roll road rats on the up. Quite simply, BONAFIDE is a band that knows that success and longevity can only be achieved by hard work, which inevitably means non-stop touring and keeping it live.

Atlanta, Georgia's NORMA JEAN has completed recording its new album for a June release via Razor & Tie. The CD was tracked at Covenant Recording Studios in Kansas City with producer Josh Barber and is being mixed by Jeremy Griffith. The band's sixth full-length effort will be their second release with Razor & Tie, following 2010's critically acclaimed "Meridional".

"We had a lot of fun writing this record," says NORMA JEAN lead vocalist Cory Brandan. "We moved our space to a secluded area and wrote off and on for about two years. We really pushed ourselves to do something really different while expanding on what we've done in the past. We also slapped some old school classic NORMA JEAN nastiness on it. We really struggled between wanting to have the fastest songs we've ever written to having the most groove-driven songs, so the record is about half and half.

"We originally thought we would have been in and out of the studio by February 2012. We set the bar really high and once that time came around we discovered that the record wasn't ready. We felt it was best to push it back and make sure we didn't put out something that we were going to be less satisfied with. We experimented with strings, piano, organ, percussion and tons of live tracks that all will be present on this record."

NORMA JEAN will hit the road next week playing a series of dates, including shows at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas and the SXSWhat Festival.

NORMA JEAN's last album, "Meridional", sold 9,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 45 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The band's fourth CD, "The Anti Mother", opened with more than 16,000 copies back in August 2008 to land at No. 29.

"Meridional" was released on July 13, 2010 via Razor & Tie.

San Francisco-based doom rockers ORCHID have released the first trailer for their upcoming album, "The Mouths Of Madness". Check out footage of singer Theo Mindell talking the album's artwork 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

"No Money, No Love", the new video from HEAVEN & EARTH, can be seen below. The clip features performance footage of the band, along with an old hotel packed with a motley crew of midgets, magicians, and scantily clad temptresses. The video was directed by acclaimed photographer Glen Wexler, who has worked with VAN HALEN, BLACK SABBATH and Michael Jackson.

"No Money, No Love" is featured on HEAVEN & EARTH's forthcoming studio album "Dig", which will be released on April 23 via Quarto Valley Records. The CD was produced by Dave Jenkins, who's worked with everyone from METALLICA to TOWER OF POWER, and features special guests Howard Leese (HEART, PAUL RODGERS), Richie Sambora (BON JOVI), and David Paich (TOTO).

HEAVEN & EARTH's founder and visionary Stuart Smith had this to say about "Dig": "I feel that with the crafting of the songs on this album, the incredible band we've put together, especially with powerhouse vocalist Joe Retta and the unwavering support of Quarto Valley Records' president, Bruce Quarto, we really have a shot at getting HEAVEN & EARTH the attention it deserves. This album is by far, the best thing I have ever done in my life. All the pieces are in place. We're ready to make this our year."

"Dig" track listing:

01. Victorious
02. No Money, No Love
03. I Don’t Know What Love Is
04. Man & Machine
05. House of Blues
06. Back In Anger
07. Waiting For The End Of The World
08. Sexual Insanity
09. Rock & Roll Does
10. A Day Like Today
11. Good Times
12. Live As One

After the release of "The Grandiose Nowhere" in 2010 and the subsequent tour, which covered 16 countries around the globe, including destinations like South America, China and Spain, where the band experienced unforgettable memories and groundbreaking events, Germany's LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE, led by Oliver Niklas, took a break to concentrate on the songwriting process for its new new album.

The group's tenth studio CD will be released in May to coincide with LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE's 20th anniversary. In addition, Napalm Records and LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE have renewed their co-operation with a new record deal.

Commented Thomas Caser, head Of A&R at Napalm: "We are very glad to announce the renewal of the contract with LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE. In these modern and short-lived times, we appreciate this longtime relationship and are very proud, that the band will go their successful path with Napalm Records in the future! A fantastic album is about to be released!"

Added Niklas: "We are happy that with Napalm Records — who are now the home for our idols MOONSPELL, TIAMAT and MONSTER MAGNET, and for our most successful albums, 'Ave End' and 'Filthy Notes For Frozen Hearts' — we have found a partner and friend for our tenth album.

"The record will surprise with unusual parts and heavy riffs, but not without the typical LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE melodies and due to the collaboration with our idol Ricky Warwick and a guest appearance with our ex-singer Christopher, it will be our most varied and hardest album we made since 10 years. The record will be perfect for our anniversary and we cannot wait to share it with you. Goth 'n' roll!"

LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE is:

Rob Vitacca - Vocals
Oliver Nikolas Schmid - Guitars
Tony Berger - Guitars
Dominik Scholz - Drums

Chicago's EARTHEN GRAVE has signed to Ripple Music for the worldwide release of the band's self-titled debut album. The effort will be made available on CD and double vinyl on July 9.

Formed in 2008, EARTHEN GRAVE is a five-piece Chicago metal band that marries the sounds of metal past and future with a sweaty, pummeling live show. EARTHEN GRAVE boasts an undeniable collective metal and musical pedigree. Each member is an accomplished musician and a veteran of the metal scene, including Ron Holzner who was a member of the seminal and seismic doom pioneers TROUBLE — a band widely regarded as one of the most important unsung American metal bands of all time. In addition, EARTHEN GRAVE has that "extra something special" with occasional guest sixth member live and boasting a full collaboration on the new release with Rachel Barton Pine. Rachel, a world-renowned classical violinist, brings her frightening classical chops to a relatively new instrument, the Viper.

Originally released in 2012, EARTHEN GRAVE's self-titled debut features 10 tracks of blistering doom and metal that left the critics grasping for superlatives. Terrorizer magazine wrote: "EARTHEN GRAVE sounds old school without being retro, managing to go through every element on which lesser bands usually fail with exquisite grace and solemn subtlety..."

The new edition of the album, produced by Ron Holzner, has been completely remastered with four bonus tracks, including the new song "Death Is Another Word...." with new drummer Chris Wozniak (LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR) and the epic cover version "Stargazer" (RAINBOW) with string section Rachel Barton Pine.

And now the album will finally see a vinyl release! Double gatefold vinyl to be precise, featuring the 10-song remastered debut with "Death is Another Word...." plus three bonus live tracks. One of the live tracks, "Death March Intro - End Of My Daze", features TROUBLE guitarist Bruce Franklin. That's a whole new side of vinyl featuring "Stargazer", plus three more live, never-before-released tracks.

EARTHEN GRAVE is dedicated to exploring new possibilities for the genre. As guitarist Jason Muxlow says, "It's not about being the heaviest band or the slowest — it's about having good songs." "Second guitarist Tony Spillman and I played doom metal before it was even called that," Ron continues. "And for Jason, the music we pioneered was his influence. We're bringing the strands of the music together — and with the addition of Rachel using the violin as a core component of a metal band, and featuring multi-talented vocalist Mark Weiner, we're taking the genre on a new journey."

The "rehearsal lyric video" for the song "Master Of Confusion" from German power metallers GAMMA RAY can be seen below.

"Master Of Confusion" is the title track of GAMMA RAY's new EP, which will be released on March 15 via earMUSIC, the Hamburg, Germany-based international rock label which is part of Edel Group.

In addition to the brand new title cut, "Master Of Confusion" features a second new studio track, "Empire Of The Undead", showing the heavier side of the band, with an explosion of energy and pure GAMMA RAY sound at its best.

The release is not free from tasty rarities: a brand new studio cover versions of British glam rock band SWEET ("Lost Angels" — "the reason I have joined a band many years ago," stated GAMMA RAY frontman Kai Hansen) and a hidden treasure of NWOBHM ("Death Or Glory" by HOLOCAUST).

"Master Of Confusion" is rounded off with six live versions ("The Spirit", "Wings Of Destiny", "Farewell", "Gamma Ray", "Time To Break Free" and "Insurrection", recorded in Bochum) that were already included on the Blu-ray "Skeletons & Majesties Live" but were not featured on the CD release (which included the show recorded in Pratteln).

"Master Of Confusion" track listing:

Side A

01. Empire Of The Undead (new studio track)
02. Master Of Confusion (new studio track)

Side B

03. Death Or Glory (HOLOCAUST studio cover version)
04. Lost Angels (SWEET studio cover version)

Side C *

05. The Spirit / 06. Wings Of Destiny / 07. Gamma Ray
08. Farewell / 09. Time To Break Free / 10. Insurrection

*Recorded live in Bochum

"Master Of Confusion" and "Empire Of The Undead" are the first two new studio songs by GAMMA RAY to be released after the successful studio album "To The Metal!" which brought GAMMA RAY at the highest positions in the charts worldwide.

"We have been away for quite some time," declared Hansen. "We have released what we consider a very beautiful live product, 'Skeletons & Majesties Live', but we felt it was time to release some new music by the Rayz…

"Yes, we planned to have an album ready by now but deadlines are not our best friends. No, seriously, although we have already started working on the new album, we did not want to wait any longer and thought we should let the fans listen to these two new songs before the world tour with HELLOWEEN. We have also recorded cover versions of two songs we have always loved and… before anybody could say that a CD can feature more minutes of music… we are also releasing the live material recorded for the 'Skeletons' Blu-ray that could not be included on the live CD.

"OK, it's not a new album. But it's 60 minutes of music… call it the longest single in metal, if you like!"

With its 60 minutes of pure and raw GAMMA RAY, "Master Of Confusion" is a great way to wait for the new album, scheduled for Janaury 2014.

GAMMA RAY always takes its music and the relationship with their fans very seriously, and the band wanted this release to be priced as a midprice mini-album.