The soundtrack to Rob Zombie's upcoming film, "The Lords Of Salem", will be in stores on April 16 — just a few days before the release of his latest CD, "Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor", on April 23. The film itself opens nationwide on April 19.

"The Lords Of Salem" soundtrack:

01. Open Wide The Gates
02. The Curse Of Margaret Morgan (John 5 & Griffin Boyce)
03. Blinded By The Light (MANFRED MANN)
04. No Person In Number Five
05. A Special Child (John 5 & Griffin Boyce)
06. Our Philosophy
07. Crushing The Ritual (Leviathan The Fleeing Serpent)
08. Give It To Me Baby (Rick James)
09. Ladies Choice
10. The Spirit Of Radio (RUSH)
11. Smash Or Trash
12. The Lords Theme (John 5 & Griffin Boyce)
13. Salem Rocks
14. Venus In Furs (THE VELVET UNDERGROUND)
15. Three Sisters (John 5 & Griffin Boyce)
16. You Know What I Think?
17. I'll Always Know (John 5 & Griffin Boyce)
18. Apartment Five
19. Lords Hear Us
20. All Tomorrow's Parties (THE VELVET UNDERGROUND)
21. WIQZ News

ROB ZOMBIE/ex-MARILYN MANSON guitarist John 5 last year spoke to DailyHerald.com about the songwriting process for the score for "The Lords Of Salem".

"Rob would give me direction, like, 'I want it to sound like this, or I want it to sound like that,'" John, whose real name is John Lowery, said. "It's very primitive, not your everyday-sounding instruments. I would use a violin bow across an acoustic guitar or clank on things or use other odd musical instruments. Then, of course, you have your bassoons and french horns and everything under the sun for other parts of the score. It's very unorthodox, if you will, but it really was a lot of fun. It was a lot of work and it was a big challenge. It turned out amazing, though. I'm very proud of it; that's for sure."

He added, "I wanted the theme of this movie to be very simple, like 'Jaws' or 'Halloween' — something that's so easy to remember. When you see the movie, you'll understand what I'm talking about. I really wanted to concentrate on the simple things that ring in your head. I wanted to do something easy in that sense so people could remember it and hopefully have fun with it."

Asked if he had a lot of visual elements to work with, the guitarist said, "We [John 5 and producer Griffin Boice] would get visuals, or we would get a scene or two and just go off of it from there. It's really amazing when you see a shot with nothing there and then create this sound. It's pretty incredible to see how it all comes to life.

"It's funny, the power of music. I was watching 'Dracula', the 1931 version with Bela Lugosi, and the only music you hear is at the very beginning of the credits. There's not one other piece of music; it's all silent. It's unbelievable and it's very effective, too."

MOTÖRHEAD frontman Lemmy Kilmister plays "President Lemmy" in the trailer for Troma Films' "Return To Nuke 'Em High Vol. I & II", the fourth movie in the studio's other most successful franchise that kicked off in 1986 and has become one of many bona fide cult classics to endure throughout the years. Also set to appear in "Return" are such Troma mainstays as Debbie Rochon and porn movie legend Ron Jeremy.

A sequel to the 1986 cult classic "Class Of Nuke 'Em High", "Return" tells the tale of young lovers Chrissy (Asta Paredes) and Lauren (Catherine Corcoran) and their battle against the Tromaville glee club, which has mutated into vicious Cretins, and the evil Tromorganic Foodstuffs Conglomerate.

The "Return To Nuke 'Em High" poster was designed by Justin Osbourn of Slasher Design and can be seen below.

The NSFW trailer for "Return To Nuke 'Em High" can be seen at Topless Robot.

Frontiers Records will release bluesy hard rockers BURNING RAIN's third studio album, "Epic Obsession", on May 21 in North America.

BURNING RAIN was founded by current WHITESNAKE axeman Doug Aldrich together with singer Keith St. John (ex-MONTROSE). The lineup for the new album is rounded out by Sean McNabb (QUIET RIOT, DOKKEN, HOUSE OF LORDS) on bass and Mat Starr (ACE FREHLEY) on drums.

"Epic Obsession" comes after a long hiatus from the release of the band's second album, "Pleasure To Burn", in 2000.

Of "Epic Obsession", Aldrich commented, "I think we have a good batch of songs that will stand up. It's a melodic blues rock approach to the sound. It's really the only thing I have done outside of WHITESNAKE in the last ten years."

"Epic Obsession" track listing:

01. Sweet Little Baby Thing
02. The Cure
03. Till You Die
04. Heaven Gets Me By
05. Pray Out Loud
06. Our Time Is Gonna Come
07. Too Hard To Break
08. My Lust Your Fate
09. Made For Your Heart
10. Ride The Monkey
11. Out In The Cold Again
12. When Can I Believe In Love
13. Kashmir *
14. Heaven Gets Me By (acoustic version) *

* Bonus tracks

Frontiers Records will also reissue the long-out-of-print first two albums from BURNING RAIN, the self-titled debut (released in 1999) and the aforementioned "Pleasure To Burn". Both LPs will be repackaged and remastered and will contain two added bonus tracks to each respective album.

BURNING RAIN's previous efforts received great acclaim in Japan and the U.K. prior to Aldrich being tapped as guitarist for WHITESNAKE in 2002, with MelodicRock.com declaring, "Great quality songwriting...fantastic production that rivals any others out there. For fans of classic blues influenced hard rock there will be few albums to rival this record..."

The official lyric video for the song "Adrenalize" from Southern California's IN THIS MOMENT can be seen below. The track comes off the band's fourth album, "Blood", 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 THIS MOMENT spent the weekend of February 16-17 filming a video for "Adrenalize". The band's vocalist, Maria Brink, wrote afterwards: "There are no words to express how grateful I am for the creative process of shooting our new 'Adrenalize' video. It was a weekend-long deal and so rewarding; by far our best video ever and best piece of visual art we have created! So excited for you all to see it and be a part of it! Big things are happening more every day!"

Released on August 14, 2012 via Century Media Records, "Blood" was once again produced by Kevin Churko, who has previously worked with OZZY OSBOURNE and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, among others.

IN THIS MOMENT began work on the new album just a few months following the departures of drummer Jeff Fabb and guitarist Blake Bunzel, who left the band in 2011 in order to join the backing group of "American Idol" finalist James Durbin. Fabb and Bunzel have since been replaced by Tom Hane (THYATEIRA) and Randy Weitzel (FLATLINE, 3/13, AMERICAN MASSACRE), respectively.

"Blood" was released in December as a double-disc set through Hot Topic. The special package contained the full original "Blood" album on one disc, and a second disc that featured a cover of the NINE INCH NAILS classic "Closer", as well as four additional new remixes of songs on "Blood":

* "Blood (Sluggo Remix)"
* "Adrenalize (Mr. Kane Remix)"
* "Whore (Nikka Bling Remix)"
* "The Blood Legion (Mitch Marlow Remix)"

Rat Pak Records has set a March 26 release for LYNCH MOB's "Unplugged (Live From Sugar Hill Studios)". The CD was recorded at historic Sugar Hill Studios in downtown Houston, Texas during the filming of "Slow Drag", the video from the band's highly successful Rat Pak release "Sound Mountain Sessions". Produced by renowned Houston engineer Dan Workman, "Unplugged" features rare acoustic versions of "Wicked Sensation", "River Of Love", "Where Do You Sleep At Night", "All I Want" and also includes a 15-minute bonus interview track. The entire performance was also filmed by producer Ross W. Wells (Zen Film) for an upcoming episode of "Live From Sugar Hill Studios", due out in early 2013, and is sponsored by Vitamin Water.

"Unplugged" features George Lynch (guitars), Oni Logan (vocals), Robbie Crane (bass), Brian Tichy (guitar) and Tyson Sheth on percussion.

Featuring the tracks:

* River Of Love
* Where Do You Sleep At Night
* All I Want
* Wicked Sensation
* Bonus Interview Track

A video for the song "River Of Love" can be seen below.

For more information, go to this location.

Former WHITE LION singer Mike Tramp will release new solo album, "Cobblestone Street", in Europe on April 8 via Target Records in the following formats: CD, limited digipack CD (with two bonus tracks), LP and digitally. After the release, Mike Tramp will head out on an ongoing tour in Europe.

"Cobblestone Street" is a departure from the sound that most people would expect from a singer that has been around since WHITE LION crashed on to the hard rock scene in the '80s. Rock fans have gotten to know Mike Tramp as a legit rock singer and frontman that looked like he was born to be just that. Therefore many might find it surprising that Tramp's roots and musical upbringing lie deeply buried in folk music.

Heavily influenced by fellow Danish artists with acoustic guitars and international stars like Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen, Tramp says that all of his songs through 35 years on the music stage, have always come from sitting with the old faithful acoustic guitar playing and singing. That WHITE LION songs like "When the Children Cry", "Broken Heart" and "Wait", and FREAK OF NATURE's "Rescue Me" later have ended up as epic rock classics is just a question of arranging them in that way with the band in the rehearsal room, but all songs have always been fit to play around the campfire or in the back of a shady bar.

What seems like the most natural thing for an artist, can sometimes be the opposite for both fans and critics! Still, Mike Tramp has full confidence in the fans that have followed and grown with him through the past 25 years and know that they will stand by his side and enjoy his new solo album, although they might be in for a big surprise from the former WHITE LION and FREAK OF NATURE frontman.

Tramp says that he is so at home with the new album, and in lack of better words, it's really like coming home after a long journey that has taken him around the world over the past 30 years.

"I am not lost, I am not confused, I am not taking a break," he says. "This is the album I have waited a long long time to record, because I didn't have the guts to do it earlier on. Still, it's not just a matter of doing an album like this and then returning to the screaming Marshall amplifiers, thundering bass and drums like canons. This is where I am, and this is where I am going to stay as a solo artist, and anytime the urge to play loud rock'n'roll awakes in me, it will be some kind of band project where I am just the singer and part of the package."

Last year, Tramp traveled across Europe playing 40 shows, while driving and doing everything by himself.

"This is the most rewarding and fulfilling tour I have ever done, and that coincides with an album that represents all of that, and is just real completion to what I have worked so hard to accomplish."

"Cobblestone Street" was recorded over a week in Medley Studio in Copenhagen, Denmark in summer of 2012, with just Mike and his good friend engineer/co-producer and multi-instrumentalist Søren Andersen.

"Some of the songs I wrote 20 years ago, and some songs just the week before I recorded them, but they are all a 100% representation of who Mike Tramp is," Mike says.

Tramp says he hadn't really planned to do an album, but one day called up Søren Andersen and said he had a lot of songs that he wanted to hear come out of the speakers. "I showed up in the studio and Søren said, 'Why don't you just sit down with the guitar and mic and recorded the songs the way you wrote them, kinda like your big hero Dylan did long time ago?' At the end of the day, we had recorded the first four songs, with Søren adding some keyboards and percussion. It was a wonderful feeling sitting there in the couch listening to the songs that were rough and naked, but at the same time so complete."

Tramp says he feels that "Cobblestone Street" is like a movie, a movie about his own life in great details. Once it ends, you will know who Mike Tramp is.

"Cobblestone Street" track listing:

01. Cobblestone Street
02. Caught In The Storm
03. New Day
04. Ain't The Life I Asked For
05. Revolution
06. We'll Be Alright
07. Angel Or Devil
08. Find It In Your Heart
09. What Are You Gonna Do
10. Once
11. More To Life Than This (bonus track)
12. '92 (bonus track)

A two-minute video clip of Tramp presenting the "Cobblestone Street" title track and the new album can be seen below.

LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe was found not guilty of manslaughter yesterday (Tuesday, March 5) by a panel of Czech judges in the concert death of one of the Richmond, Virginia-based metal band's fans.

Blythe was facing the possibility of conviction and a long-term jail sentence after a May 2010 incident in which a fan, Daniel Nosek, who attended a LAMB OF GOD performance in Prague, died almost a month later, allegedly from injuries sustained when he was thrown off the stage.

In a new posting on his Facebook page, LAMB OF GOD drummer Chris Adler (pictured below) writes: "We greatly appreciate and have been fortunate to have the support of our friends, families and fans from all over the world during a nightmare situation for us in Prague. We are now able to get back to work, but are still saddened by the loss of Daniel Nosek. The trial may be over, but the loss is forever and we also continue to mourn."

The state prosecutors have announced their intention to appeal the verdict; they have eight days to put this in writing.

Blythe was unaware of a warrant out for his arrest when he was detained last June after arriving at the Prague airport for a show with LAMB OF GOD. He spent five weeks in custody before being released on bail in August.

The parents of the alleged victim were demanding compensation of 10 million Czech Koruna (approximately $530,000).

MEGADETH's new album, "Super Collider", is scheduled for release in June via guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine's new label, Tradecraft, which is distributed by Universal Music Enterprises(UMe). The CD is being recorded at Mustaine's Vic's Garage studio in San Marcos, California and is MEGADETH's first release its recent split with Roadrunner Records.

In new posting on his Twitter account, Mustaine said: "Sang and did hard/fast solos today. And Chris [Broderick, MEGADETH lead guitarist] has finished 'Super Collider' ... All I can say is he is without a doubt the best guitarist I've ever played with."

Mustaine previously stated about MEGADETH's new label home: "It was a real thrill for us to learn there was an opportunity to join Universal. It seems like every time you see a great band or music video, it comes from a Universal label.

"Being with Universal is by far the most exciting and prestigious home for MEGADETH ever! We are electrified with what the future holds and the possibilities such a powerhouse like Universal will bring for us all.

"We have worked with some great people over the years, and it is amazing to see so many of them on the Universal team for our new record, 'Super Collider'.

"If MEGADETH being here isn't satiating enough, having Tradecraft as my own label is going to be really amazing for metal bands around the world."

Speaking to Full Metal Jackie at the NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show in Anaheim, California, Mustaine stated about the direction of the band's new material: "[MEGADETH bassist] David Ellefson is one of those guys that's kind of the barometer of the band. You ask me, you never really know what you're gonna get, but when you ask David Ellefson, it's kind of like reading the ingredients on the back of something, 'cause he's such a straight shooter. He told some people the other day that this is music that's really similar to [MEGADETH's 1985 debut album] 'Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!', some of the stuff — really dark, really heavy and fast stuff. I mean, I don't thnk it's really as fast and heavy as 'Killing' is, to me, but Junior is a great, like I said, barometer — bad word, but he knows what's going on."

"Speak Of Nothing", a brand new song from former NEVERMORE guitarist Jeff Loomis, can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below (courtesy of GuitarWorld.com). Featuring vocals from Joe Nurre, the track will be included on the special tour edition of Loomis' latest album, "Plains Of Oblivion", which will be released on April 16 via Century Media Records.

In support of Jeff's upcoming dates with SOILWORK, the "Plains Of Oblivion - Tour Edition" features three bonus tracks, in addition to the original "Plains Of Oblivion" disc that was released earlier this year.

Another one of the bonus tracks on the disc, "A Liar's Chain", can be streamed below.

Loomis's second solo album, "Plains Of Oblivion", sold 2,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 179 on The Billboard 200 chart. The effort landed at No. 2 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.

"Plains Of Oblivion" was released on April 10, 2012 in North America (one day earlier in Europe) via Century Media Records. The CD was produced by Aaron Smith (7 HORNS 7 EYES) and features cover artwork by Colin Marks of Rain Song Design, who has previously worked with ALL SHALL PERISH, THE END and XERATH.

Legendary rockers KISS performed two songs — "Rock And Roll All Nite" and "Hell Or Hallelujah" — on the season premiere of "The Footy Show", an Australian sports variety television program covering the professional rugby league, on Thursday, March 7. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons also chatted with host Paul "Fatty" Vautin to kick off the 20th season of "The Footy Show". Check out video footage below.

"What an amazing way to kick off our 20th year, with one of the biggest rock bands in the world live in the studio. Fatty is such a KISS tragic, we may need to have oxygen on standby," Glenn Pallister, executive producer of "The Footy Show", said earlier this week.

KISS kicked off its Australian tour in Perth last Thursday — its first in five years — with MÖTLEY CRÜE and THIN LIZZY opening.

According to "Tales From The Stage Volume 1" author Michael Toney, former OZZY OSBOURNE and BADLANDS guitarist Jake E. Lee has set JAKE E. LEE'S RED DRAGON CARTEL as the name of his new project, obviously referencing the axeman's Japanese roots. The group features Ronnie Mancuso (BEGGARS & THIEVES) on bass and Jonas Fairley (BLACK BETTY) on drums. The lead vocalist position is almost solidified, but details are still being worked out. The only information that has thus far been provided is that he hails from Canada, and certain logistics need to be ironed out prior to a formal announcement.

In the process of recording his new album at Las Vegas' The Hideout Studios — owned and operated by Kevin Churko (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, IN THIS MOMENT) — Lee's first new release will feature a combination of legendary rock artists and some of the biggest names of new metal. Already recorded are guest appearances by Robin Zander (CHEAP TRICK), Paul Di'Anno (IRON MAIDEN), Maria Brink (IN THIS MOMENT), with many other big names attached to the project.

Toney says: "The two new tracks that I have heard [from JAKE E. LEE'S RED DRAGON CARTEL] are very impressive, and are incredibly fresh sounding — but not really in the same family as [Jake's] work with BADLANDS or OZZY. It's still hard rock, but perhaps a bit more melodic."

According to the All Music Guide, Lee helped Ozzy Osbourne score two of the most commercially successful releases of the singer's long and illustrious career — 1983's "Bark at the Moon" and 1986's "The Ultimate Sin". Lee eventually joined up with another former BLACK SABBATH singer (albeit briefly), Ray Gillen, and formed the LED ZEPPELIN/classic rock-esque outfit BADLANDS. Subsequently, Lee played briefly with a band called WICKED ALLIANCE before setting off on his own, issuing his solo debut, "A Fine Pink Mist", in August of 1996.

Jake E. Lee's "covers" album, "Retraced", was released in the U.S. in April 2005 via Shrapnel Records. All the songs were recorded in a "power trio" format ala BADLANDS and the tracks for the project were cover songs along that style (bluesy power rock).

Pictured below: Jake E. Lee performing live in November 2012

The episode of the popular global television reality show "The Aviators", featuring Vince Neil, lead singer of iconic heavy metal band MÖTLEY CRÜE, can be seen below. The episode follows Neil as he buckles down during a two-week pilot training program. Neil's participation is part of Sennheiser's "Live Your Dream" program, in which this global audio manufacturer encourages students to pursue their piloting inclinations.

Neil broke the mold of a no-holds-barred rock star by submitting himself to the very disciplined and rigorous process involved in flight training.

Sennheiser's "Live Your Dream" campaign is designed to motivate and assist people with a passion for flying to overcome the barriers and begin flight training. Sennheiser is a global audio company and manufacturer of innovative aviation headsets.

Several photos from the training session can be found on "The Aviators" Facebook page.

"The Aviators", which follows the adventures of a group of authentic pilots and aviation experts, launched its third and most intriguing season yet in September 2012. Each of the season's 14 episodes became available to PBS stations across the U.S. every Monday.

"The Aviators" claims a viewership of close to 10 million per week in the United States alone, and the program's producers estimate that its full international viewership tops 30 million viewers per week. When "The Aviators" premiered on iTunes in 2011, it ranked as a top download during its launch week and since then both seasons 1 and 2 maintain positions in iTunes Top 50 Nonfiction TV Seasons alongside shows like "The Daily Show", "Mythbusters" and "Top Gear".

Steamhammer/SPV has announced the signing of REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, a quartet from Southern Germany and a promising new hard rock band consisting of members that are between 17 and 20 years of age. The group's debut album, "Gamble Shot", will be released on June 24 in Europe and July 2 in the U.S. The effort, due out as a digipak with three bonus videos, jewel case and download, was recorded at the Cubeaudio Studios in Göttingen between September 2011 and February 2012. The final mix and the final mastering were completed in July 2012.

"We are delighted about this trend-setting signing which allows us to support — along with our renowned acts — a promising young band," comments Steamhammer/SPV label manager Olly Hahn. "Not only are these guys extremely likeable and brilliant musicians, they are also surprisingly mature composers."

REBELLIOUS SPIRIT's founder members, the brothers Jannik (17, vocals/guitar) and Jens Fischer (20, bass/vocals), are thrilled to have a label home like Steamhammer/SPV. "Naturally, it’s a great honor for us to be signed by a renowned record company such as Steamhammer/SPV who have a long tradition in rock music," they say. "Plus we get on really well with Olly Hahn and his team at a human level so we are now busy working on our future plans."

Formed in the summer of 2010, REBELLIOUS SPIRIT's lineup is completed by Silvio Bizer (18, drums) and Corvin Domhardt (18, guitar/vocals). After a number of trial concerts, autumn 2010 saw them record their demo CD, "Heart Of Swabia", featuring three original songs and three cover versions. In the meantime, the band has played more than 40 gigs, and has supported RECKLESS LOVE, KISSIN' DYNAMITE and PUSSY SISSTER in Holland, Flensburg, Cologne and Munich.

A number of festival appearances are currently being scheduled for the summer, followed by a support tour in the fall.

Says Fischer: "We can hardly wait for 'Gamble Shot' to arrive at the stores at last so that we can present our new material to a larger audience."

A number of rock and heavy metal musicians have reacted to the news of the death of legendary British guitarist and singer Alvin Lee, founder of the band TEN YEARS AFTER, who passed away early Wednesday (March 6) after complications following a routine surgical procedure.

Ric Lee (TEN YEARS AFTER drummer): "We are all stunned. All of us. I don't think it's even sunk in yet as to the reality of his passing. We are all thinking of his family and friends today, and offer our own condolences."

Leo Lyons (TEN YEARS AFTER bassist): "I heard about Alvin's passing and it came as a complete shock to me. I still haven't taken it in. I feel very sad. He was the closest thing I had to a brother. We had our differences, but we shared so many great experiences together that nothing can take away. I will miss him very much. He was an inspiration for a generation of guitar players. Keep on rockin', Alvin!"

FOGHAT: "So very sad to hear about the passing of Alvin Lee. Truly one of the great guitarists of our time. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family and friends. You will be missed, Alvin."

Joe Bonamassa (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION): "Rest in peace, Alvin Lee... Another hero gone this week... This is becoming too regular... A very sad night."

Geezer Butler (BLACK SABBATH): "Shocked and saddened to hear of Alvin Lee passing, one of the true greats and a major influence on SABBATH. The fastest guitar in the west. He was one of the few people that believed in SABBATH when we started out, and he got us our first major London gig, at the Marquee. A true gentleman and lovely bloke. RIP Alvin."

Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES): "I just heard about Alvin Lee's passing. He was the 1st badass, super fast lead guitarist I remember hearing as a kid. legend. RIP."

Bill Ward (BLACK SABBATH): "Thank you, Alvin, for all that you were. For all that you gave. You were one of a kind. Your music rocked with passion, force, excitement; brave in risk, bringing this listener to the point of 'wowism'. In short, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Our condolences go to Alvin's family. Heartfelt sympathy at this time of loss.

Joe Satriani (CHICKENFOOT): "Alvin Lee was a big influence on my playing. He was a great musician and a gentleman too. I still have the pick he gave me a few years back... R.I.P. Alvin Lee."

Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, DEEP PURPLE): "RIP Alvin Lee...so very sad to hear of another friend passing..."

Danny Vaughn (TYKETTO): "So sad to lose Alvin Lee, one of the first great guitar heroes."

Jon Lord webmaster Rasmus: "RIP, Alvin Lee, who sadly passed away earlier today. Jon played on a few of his records, and — what's even more exciting — Jon, Lee and others used to jam at George Harrison's house during private get-togethers, and his widow has tapes of this."

German psychedelic hard rockers KADAVAR will release their second full-length album, "Abra Kadavar", on April 12 via Nuclear Blast Records.

"Abra Kadavar" will be available as a limited digi version, including a bonus track as well on different vinyl versions.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Come Back Life
02. Doomsday Machine
03. Eye Of The Storm
04. Black Snake
05. Dust
06. Fire
07. Liquid Dream
08. Rhythm For Endless Minds
09. Abra Kadabra

Bonus track:

10. The Man I Shot

The first single, "Doomsday Machine", accompanied by exclusive on-the-road and behind-the-scenes video footage, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

The photo for the cover artwork, which was taken by photographer and ex-STEREOLAB drummer Joe Dilworth, can be seen below.

Comments KADAVAR frontman Lupus Lindemann: "Joe had already worked with us for our debut album. He's one of the best photographers I know and always understood our ideas, which is why we wanted to cooperate with him again. He proudly brought an old camera from the '60s and a color film that had been expired for ten years to the shooting — hard to get and highly coveted, because it causes unpredictable deviants as far as color and contrast are concerned. As one can see: We’ve used this very film!"

As far as the album recordings are concerned, KADAVAR drummer Tiger explains: "After last year's final show had been played in mid-December, we started writing new songs. We've already had a couple of finished tracks in May 2012, but those were eventually released on a split LP with AQUA NEBULA OSCILLATOR in November 2012, which is why we started at square one again. As we knew that there was no procrastination and no going back for us, we sat down for two weeks straight to finish composing with total commitment. We're perfectly happy with the outcome — I'd even say that 'Abra Kadavar' comprises the best compositions we've created to date. The songs are more diversified, the ideas feel more spontaneous. Moreover, we've tried to capture much more of our live energy, which is why we've recorded almost everything all together in one room, with the amps turned up to the max — solely the vocals and a handful of guitar solos were added afterwards."

It was already with 2012's eponymous debut album that the three-piece from Berlin casted a spell on all fans of solid riff-driven-yet-doom-like '70s hard rock à la BLACK SABBATH and PENTAGRAM. Marrying this with the spacy psychedelic approach of early HAWKWIND and mixing in a distinct own touch while preserving their icons' warm vintage charm can doubtlessly be considered the trio's key to success. Astoundingly high vinyl sales and support slots with such bands as SLEEP, SAINT VITUS, PENTAGRAM and ELECTRIC WIZARD as well as festival appearances at Stoned From The Underground, Yellowstock and Fusion, among others, underline KADAVAR's status as one of the scene's most exciting acts to watch in 2013.

KADAVAR is:

Lupus Lindemann - vocals, guitar
Mammut - bass
Tiger - drums

Season Of Mist has announce the signing of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada-based technical death metal force ARCHSPIRE. The band is currently in the studio, preparing material for their second full-length CD.

Regarding the signing, the band issued the following statement: "This is something that's been in the works for a while now, and we are proud to finally be able to announce it.

"We have finished the material for our upcoming album and we'll be going into Rain City Recorders to track with the awesome Stuart McKillop, the same producer who did our first album, 'All Shall Align'.

"Writing for this album began almost two years ago, and in that time we have pushed ourselves to be better musicians, and focused more on cohesive songwriting, while still maintaining the technical and progressive style that we started out with when the band formed in 2009. This is an album that we are truly proud of, and can't wait to see released."

ARCHSPIRE has taken the worldwide extreme metal scene by storm with its unique blend of blindingly fast, hyper-aggressive technical death metal. The five-piece is a national headliner in its home country of Canada, and has toured Europe, supporting DECAPITATED, ABORTED, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, and more. The band has also supported HATE ETERNAL, NAPALM DEATH, PIG DESTROYER, ORIGIN, and many more throughout Western Europe.

ARCHSPIRE is:

Tobi Morelli - Guitar
Spencer Prewett - Drums
Dean Lamb - Guitar
Jaron Evil - Bass, Vocals
Oli Peters - Vocals

A teaser for "War Of Ages", the new album from European symphonic metallers SERENITY, can be seen below. The effort will be made available on March 22 in Europe, with an expected March/April release for North America and Asia. The new CD will introduce a major change in the band's music and lineup.

Since their second album, SERENITY has been including female voices in its songs, had different guests to perform them live and among them was Clémentine Delauney. Going on tour together, the band realized her voice, personality and stage performance was bringing something special to the band's universe and thought she should be present on the new record. The idea evolved with time… why not have a permanent female voice in the band? And it seems they had found the perfect one both on professional and personal levels. So it came up somehow naturally that Clémentine should not be considered "guest" anymore.

Clémentine Delauney is now a full member of SERENITY. Thus "War Of Ages" welcomes Clémentine's voice on lead, backing and choir parts, completing the music with a constant feminine presence.

Says the band: "The band has the will to make its music richer on the vocal side; this is a start of a new approach! SERENITY will explore and use the unlimited musical possibilities of those two outstanding voices, to start with, and 'War Of Ages' is the perfect transition record between what SERENITY was and what it will become in the coming years! We hope you share our excitement!"

"War Of Ages" was once again mixed and mastered by Jan Vacik at Dreamsound Studios in Munich, Germany. The cover artwork was created by Seth Siro Anton, who previously worked with SERENITY on their debut album. The band states: "It likely is his best work to date and the whole cover figurine is just as impressive as the limited-edition closeup." SERENITY also collaborated again with Oliver Philipps on arrangements and orchestration.

"War Of Ages" track listing:

01. Wings Of Madness
02. The Art Of War
03. Shining Oasis
04. For Freedom's Sake
05. Age Of Glory
06. The Matricide
07. Symphony For The Quiet
08. Tannenberg
09. Legacy Of Tudors
10. Royal Pain
11. Fairytales (ballad version; limited-edition bonus track)
12. Love Of My Life (limited-edition bonus track)

Says the band: "While staying true to all SERENITY trademarks such as symphonic orchestras, heavy rhythms, amazing melodic vocals and bombastic choirs, we also brought in some new elements in form of various new sounds in the SERENITY universe and a constant implementation of female vocals supporting outstanding singer Georg Neuhauser."

Swedish black metallers DARK FUNERAL are celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2013 with a number of festival shows all over Europe.

Formed in 1993 by Lord Ahriman, the band quickly gained massive underground support by being one of the most ferocious and fastest black metal acts on earth. Since then, they have spread their unholy gospel over the whole world and build up a loyal cult following from the coldest parts of the northern hemisphere to the hottest hell of Asia.

Now it’s time to praise their diabolic past with a very special setlist on some of the summer festivals (more details soon) and also with a surprising return of their classic vocalist: Emperor Magus Caligula, who left the band on good terms for personal reasons in 2010, will take over the mic again for the 2013 festivals. He was DARK FUNERAL's frontman from 1996 to 2010 — from the second album, "Vobiscum Satanas" (1998), to the latest CD, "Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus" (2009).

After an extensive and exhausting tour through Asia and Australia in late 2012, DARK FUNERAL parted ways with vocalist Nachtgarm. Despite this, DARK FUNERAL will continue working on its upcoming album as well as on reissues of the band's entire back catalog, due out this year via Century Media Records.

DARK FUNERAL is currently looking for a permanent new vocalist. Serious applications can be sent to vocalist@darkfuneral.se.

Upcoming DARK FUNERAL shows:

Mar. 16 - Lausanne - Inferno [CH]
Mar. 28 - Oslo - Inferno [NO]
Jun. 23 - Clisson - Hellfest [FR]
Jun. 28 - Dessel - Graspop Metal Meeting [BE]
Jul. 27 - Lichtenvoorde - De Zwarte Cross [NL]
Aug. 09 - Catton Hall Derby - Bloodstock Open Air [UK]
Aug. 17 - Dinkelsbühl - Summer Breeze [DE]

"Dirty", the sixth full-length album from Italo-Norwegian hard-industrial-electro extreme metallers ABORYM, will be released on May 28 in Europe and June 11 in North America via Agonia Records. The 10-track double album (cover below) will be made available in digipak, jewel case and gatefold double LP formats.

"Dirty" was recorded at the Fear No One Studios in Italy with Emiliano Natali, reprising his sound engineer role from the band's "Psychogrotesque" album, and was helmed by Marc Urselli of New York's Eastside Sound Studio, who previously worked with the likes of Mike Patton and Lou Reed. The electronic part of the album was engineered by D. Loop (KEBABTRAUME, LIMBO). R.G. Narchost (STORMCROW, DEMON'S SHADE, DROWNING ASHES) created "The Spiral Shaped Chamber" custom sounds library for the band. Artwork for the album is by ABORYM's Fabban.

The first CD of the album features new material, while the second CD features two tracks from previous albums, which have been completely re-arranged and re-recorded, covers of tracks by IRON MAIDEN, PINK FLOYD and NINE INCH NAILS, and a previously unreleased track performed by both musicians such as Agonia BV, Tamara Picardo, Samuel Heru Ra Ha MK, Hostis, Ulven, Mike Bizzini, David Cholasta, Tobias Dünnebacke, Jonathan Butcher, Jessy Lavallee, Thomas Hochstetler, Mary J. Rooks, Amanda Neilson and Mark Llewellyn, as well as several fans. The song was written by Alberto Penzin (CO2, ex-SCHIZO) and was spliced together from all the different sources.

"Dirty" track listing:

CD 1

01. Irreversible Crisis
02. Across The Universe
03. Dirty
04. Bleedthrough
05. Raped By Daddy
06. I Don't Know
07. The Factory Of Death
08. Helter Skelter Youth
09. Face The Reptile
10. The Day The Sun Stopped Shining

CD2

01. Fire Walk With Us (new version originally released on “Fire Walk With Us”)
02. Roma Divina Urbs (new version originally released on “Kali Yuga Bizarre”)
03. Hallowed Be Thy Name (IRON MAIDEN Cover)
04. Comfortably Numb (PINK FLOYD Cover)
05. Hurt (NINE INCH NAILS Cover)
06. Need For Limited Loss (new track)

Formed in 1992 by frontman Fabban, ABORYM started life as a covers band and went through several transformations, eventually pioneering what the band calls hard-industrial-electro extreme metal. Today's line up consists of Italians Fabban on vocals, bass and synths and Paolo Pieri (HOUR OF PENANCE) on guitars, keyboards and programming, along with Norway's Bård G. "Faust" Eithun (BLOOD TSUNAMI, MONGO NINJA, ex-EMPEROR) on drums.

With "Dirty" being the band's first release since 2010's "Psychogrotesque", all three musicians have something to say about it.

Pieri: "This is definitely the most schizoid and experimental ABORYM work so far. This time we focused on pushing the boundaries of electronic music one step forward while retaining the ruthless brutality of extreme metal in a way totally ahead of the times."

Eithun: "This time around, ABORYM push everything further; the electronic and industrial elements have never been so present. Rest assured, no matter how sick, twisted and beyond everything it sounds, it is still ABORYM."

Fabban: "I believe that 'Dirty' represents the best material ever written by ABORYM from 1992 until today. Given that it wasn't that easy to go beyond an album such as 'Psychogrotesque', I strongly believe that this time we did exceed every limit and every concept of experimentation — manipulating all the clichès of extreme metal, industrial or electronic music and pushing together elements that are so far away from each other. As a result, we achieved something really innovative, powerful, refined and of a really high standard. The quality of sounds, the nuances, the details passing through the recording quality; the quality of the machines that we used and abused, the quality of the lyrics, the artwork and the performances of each of us and of all the people who have worked with us, are definitely all at the top. 'Dirty' is a record that simply expands the range of our listeners, it's an album that everyone can enjoy and really appreciate. I am personally very excited and, at the same time, really proud of what you'll soon be able to listen to. We worked so hard for the past two years on this double album that we have no words to really explain how excited we are to finally see it released. It's an album that will further change the history of extreme music. Of that, I have no doubt."

Two years after their current release "Juggernaut Of Justice", Canadian metal legends ANVIL are back with their latest studio album. "Hope In Hell", an impressive metal recording featuring 13 haunting songs, is for release on May 27 in Europe and May 24 in Germany on SPV/Steamhammer and will be available in four different formats: as a limited-edition digipak including two bonus tracks, as a jewel case CD, double gatefold colored vinyl LP and as a digital download. These are the first cuts featuring ANVIL's new bassist Sal Italiano, who joined the band a year ago. "

A short video teaser for "Hope In Hell" can be seen below.

"We're really happy with Sal. His style is powerful and amazingly imaginative," says ANVIL guitarist/vocalist Steve "Lips" Kudlow, who composed the entire album along with drummer Robb Reiner. "It's a little as if we'd enlisted Steve Harris."

"Hope In Hell" was written and recorded following an 18-month world tour which took ANVIL around the globe. "We hadn't expected this kind of extensive tour when we brought out 'Juggernaut Of Justice'," Kudlow confesses. "Time just flew by. I could hardly believe it when I found myself in the studio again after the tour, ready to work on the next album. The reactions to 'Juggernaut Of Justice' and the shows had been so positive that we had plenty of ideas and inspiration for new material."

"Hope In Hell" track listing:

01. Hope In Hell
02. Eat Your Words
03. Through With You
04. The Fight Is Never Won
05. Pay The Toll
06. Flying
07. Call Of Duty
08. Badass Rock N Roll
09. Time Shows No Mercy
10. Mankind Machine
11. Shut The Fuck Up
12. Hard Wired (bonus track)
13. Fire At Will (bonus track)

Kudlow promises the kind of album that ANVIL fans will love: no concessions to short-lived trends, no modern frills but traditional metal with lots of classic rock music elements.

"What we do is totally timeless," says ANVIL's frontman. "We've never tried to change our sound or experiment with trends and fashions. We live in our own world and have maintained our individuality and own identity."

Like "Juggernaut Of Justice", "Hope In Hell" was produced by Bob Marlette (BLACK SABBATH, AIRBOURNE, ALICE COOPER) at the NRG Recording studios in North Hollywood, California, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, SEPULTURA).

On September 24, 2012, Steamhammer/SPV re-released three albums from ANVIL, all featuring new booklets containing new liner notes from guitarist/vocalist Steve "Lips" Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner plus new photos.

"Back To Basics" (2004) and "Still Going Strong" (2002) are available again as a high-class "2 in 1" double digipak CD, while 2007's "This Is Thirteen" opus was re-released as a digipak CD, as well as a double gatefold LP, both with an exclusive bonus track.

Dave "Higgo" Higgins of Australia's long-running rock station Triple M conducted an interview with METALLICA frontman James Hetfield during this year's Soundwave festival in Australia. You can now listen to the chat using the audio player below.

Regarding the progress of the songwriting sessions for METALLICA's follow-up to 2008's "Death Magnetic", Hetfield said: "Yeah, we're trying to write [new material], but gigs keep popping up that are too exciting to stay home for. We have lots of material [we've been] working on from the day 'Death Magnetic' ended all the way up until now.

"There's tons of material. Some [riffs] stick with me because the theme keeps coming back. Out of 700 riffs, there's at least three I've played 20 times."

Asked what the new material is sounding like, Hetfield said: "I don't know where it's going yet but we've got lots of different sounds, different styles. We're certainly not afraid of jumping into past 'feels.'

"After 'Death Magnetic', we've stopped running hard and started embracing some of our past. 'Master Of Puppets' was kind of a core reference for 'Death Magnetic'."

On the topic of how he responds to fans who want METALLICA to make an album that sounds like their old stuff, like "Master Of Puppets", Hetfield said: "Let's not do that, shall we?! It's a catch-22, because I completely understand what people want. It's like they're asking you to recreate a memory in their past and you cannot do that. It's a moment of time.

"We're one of those bands that doesn't really care what people want.

"We have been artists since day one. We're not going to roll over for anyone and, you know, we're METALLICA for a reason and we're going to keep doing that."

METALLICA's much-anticipated 3D movie, "Metallica Through The Never", will make its theatrical debut on August 9.

"Metallica Through The Never" will be the first new release via Picturehouse, the full-service independent film marketing and distribution company started in 2005, which is reopening its doors with founder Bob Berney at the helm. The film, written and directed by Nimród Antal ("Kontroll", "Predators"), stars members of the iconic rock band and Dane DeHaan ("Chronicle", "The Amazing Spider-Man 2"). DeHaan plays a young band crew member who is sent out on an urgent mission while the band is playing a rousing live set in front of a sold-out crowd and unexpectedly finds his world turned completely upside down.

"The idea started off as a best-of show," Hetfield said. "Taking all the effects and props and ideas from all the tours from 'Ride The Lightning' all the way up… 'Kill 'Em All' was just us and a Vodka bottle.

"The footage is unbelievable but we wanted a storyline along with it... [It's] about one of the runners in the show who goes on this crazy adventure trying to find this 'bag' that we need for the end of the show. There is a plot, but we're still trying to figure it out!"

Interview (audio):

William Clark of Music Enthusiast Magazine recently conducted an interview with QUEENSRŸCHE guitarist Michael Wilton. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Music Enthusiast Magazine: Was there a certain event that made you and the rest of the band finally decide to kick [singer] Geoff Tate out of QUEENSRŸCHE?

Michael: Yeah, I mean basically if you look at any business, it's built upon the strength of its infrastructure. Viewing this as a business end and a creativity entity, we just weren't clicking on all cylinders. You have basically situations that grow over time where decisions are being made, and people don't quite agree with the philosophy. In a nutshell, we were creatively going different ways. And as a business, questioning some of the business decisions. I think those were kind of going in an opposite way of what others perceive. Just trying to keep a thread into your past and keep that fanbase. Trying to keep your albums on their coffee tables and not take such outlandish risks. Any business would question that.

Music Enthusiast Magazine: What is it like working with Todd La Torre as compared to working with Geoff?

Michael: Well, obviously you have a renewed energy. The chemistry within the band is renewed, and it's got a different dynamic now. Basically we want to rock, we like the hard rock element, we like a bit of the progressive element, we want to collaborate with our fanbase and really make this a situation where we listen to the audience and hear what they want, and we build upon that. QUEENSRŸCHE has always been a touring act, that's what we did in the early days. We were a guitar duo band and toured the world, and worked our asses off to get the respect of the audience. And I think that we've come full circle and we're at that point again. For the following years, we're going to work our asses off and get the respect of the audiences again, and just really show this new energy and this new chemistry with Todd La Torre as our new frontman. And you know what?! It's just a lot of fun again. In the past, it was just becoming, "This is a job. This is just a business, this is a job," and there was no fun in it. It's come back to how we started out in the beginning, a bunch of guys having fun, working hard and doing what they love.

Music Enthusiast Magazine: I think that's great. What are your thoughts about that other band named QUEENSRŸCHE going around, with Geoff on vocals?

Michael: You know, I try not to step on that subject too much. Obviously I'm aware of it, but I really do not pay too much attention to it. So I can't really say, other than I'm really stoked on what we're doing. I think what we're doing is rebuilding the brand, rebuilding the business and just surrounding ourselves with fluent people who are willing to push us in a positive direction. In our previous situation, everything was being done by a family, basically, and it was kind of a one-trick-pony situation. Now, it's like you've got to use your contacts and your friends in the business to push your business, and to help you generate positive growth. That's kind of what I'm consumed with at the moment, and that other stuff is being taken care of on a legal aspect, and we're all good with that. We're really concentrating on rebuilding the business, rebuilding the brand and showing the fans who have been waiting so long to see a good hard rock show that we've got it.

Music Enthusiast Magazine: Speaking of things you're currently doing, QUEENSRŸCHE is back in the studio. What is your objective for this first studio album with Todd manning lead vocals?

Michael: Our objective with this album is to rekindle a band writing together as a band, and utilizing the strengths of the creative forces of everybody in the band, to contribute, and just to make a CD, an album, that's just an honest representation of the band. We're not going to try and sell you some outlandish or exaggerated claims; this is just an honest collection of songs that we think really represent the creative dynamic of the band. Todd is very capable and very talented in that aspect. Like I said before, he's a drummer, he knows melody incredibly, he's a guitar player as well, and that as a band of real musicians it's really exciting to create. So, people are expecting us to write this and write that, but you know what?! We're just going to give you ten honest songs — maybe fifteen, who knows? We're at ten right now, and that's bringing back the energy in the five. That's the first and utmost what I want to see in this recording. I want to see each guy in this band smiling and going, "Yeah. That was killer." I want everybody really just being proud of what they did, and I don't want any dictatorship or anything happening. I want the band to really grow and push the envelope, and really discover real things about their creativity and their talents.

Read the entire interview at Music Enthusiast Magazine.

According to BBC News, LED ZEPPELIN is among the artists expected to be in the first wave of inductees into the Music Walk Of Fame honoring music greats, each of whom will have a large disc marker on a thoroughfare in the area of North London.

The honorees will be divided into five groups: innovative artists, influential artists, icons, unsung heroes and music industry heavies, and the inductees will be selected from a worldwide pool — not just Brits.

Music Walk Of Fame founder Lee Bennett approached The Hollywood Chamber Of Commerce, which runs the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, to propose the partnership. He promises that each round of inductions will be accompanied by performances, tributes to posthumous artists and reunions of since-disbanded groups.

A committee of global industry figures and local community members are working on shortlist of nominations for the first 30 plaques.

The list will go to a decisive public vote on the Music Walk Of Fame web site in May.

"Nails", the new video from U.K. post-hardcore veterans FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, can be seen below. The clip, directed by Ben Thornley of Sitcom Soldiers (YOUNG GUNS, THE BLACKOUT, HYRO DA HERO), was shot in a studio in Bolton, England, and all the extras included are fans that responded to posts on the band's sites.

"'Nails' is by far the most intense video shoot we've ever done, subzero temperatures, tons of paint and a whole host of people ready, willing and able to throw it at us. Messy and fun, the way all good videos should be," says FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND vocalist Matt Davies.

"Nails" comes off FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND's sixth studio album, "Conduit", which was released in North America on February 5 via The End Records.

"Conduit", the follow-up to 2011's critically acclaimed "Welcome Home Armageddon", an album which saw the band approach their music with renewed vigor following the addition of new members Gavin Burrough and Richard Boucher, belts out a tightly wound collection of tracks, bursting with emotion and personal conflict but also full of commentary on the inner workings and experiences of an established band. It's the sound of a band growing and progressing both as a unit and individually.

Again with producer Romesh Dodangoda (MOTÖRHEAD, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, LOSTPROPHETS) at the helm, the album's opening track "Spine", a song handling the issue of intense pressure and overcoming tough obstacles in your life to achieve a sense of personal fulfillment, hope and love, went for radio adds in December.

Last year, the group tapped director Ryan Mackfall of Team Crashburn (FOUR YEAR STRONG, SHARKS, FOXY SHAZAM) to direct the video for "Best Friends And Hospital Beds". Set in a bleak and derelict landscape, the song revolves around themes of friendship and death.

"Conduit" track listing:

01. Spine
02. Conduit
03. The Distance
04. Best Friends And Hospital Beds
05. Nails
06. Death Comes To Us All
07. Travelled
08. Grey
09. Sun-Less
10. Elements
11. High Castles

Swedish black metal metallers SVARTSYN will release their new full-length album, "Black Testament", on May 28 in Europe and June 11 in North America via Agonia Records. The CD, which was recorded at Mortsella Studio in Sweden, consists of seven original tracks and be available on CD, LP (first 100 copies available on a coloured vinyl) and as a digital download.

According to the band founder and mastermind Ornias, "Black Testament" can be described as a "sinister mix between 'Destruction Of Man' (2003) and 'Timeless Reign' (2007) releases." He also added: "it's a journey through my spiritual darkness and death."

A short series of video clips documenting the recording process (vocals, guitars and drums) can be viewed below.

"Black Testament" track listing:

01. Revelation In The Waters
02. Venom Of The Underworld
03. Demoness With Seven Names
04. Carving A Temple
05. Eyes Of The Earth
06. Rising Beast
07. Black Testament

A one-minute video clip in which Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, SEPULTURA) discusses working with director Thomas Mignone on a motion picture inspired by the extraordinary life of Vanessa Del Rio — the legendary Latina adult film star in New York's infamous Times Square during the '70s and 80s — can be seen below.

Mignone is best known for his work as a rock video director, helming projectsfrom SYSTEM OF A DOWN, DANZIG, SOULFLY and MORBID ANGEL, among others. He also directed the 2007 feature film "On The Doll".

Cavalera and Mignone previously worked together many times, with Mignone directing videos for SEPULTURA (including "Roots" and "We Are What We Are" DVD), SOULFLY ("Primitive", "World Scum" and "Bleed") and NAILBOMB ("Sum Of Your Achievements").

Description of the Vanessa Del Rio film project by the filmmakers: "The criminal element that rose from the thriving adult shop area created some of the highest crime statistics New York City had ever seen. Our story takes place against this tumultuous backdrop."

"The Vanessa Del Rio Film Project" is not a documentary but a feature film based on the life of a character named Vanessa Del Rio.

A new audio interview with guitarist/vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt of Swedish progressive metallers OPETH conducted by Andrew Haug, the former host of Triple J Australia's "The Racket" radio show (originally "Full Metal Racket"; 2001-2011), will air on Australia's recently launched first-ever dedicated 24/7 rock and metal online radio station, AndrewHaug.com, today (Thursday, March 7) at the following times:

* USA/Canada (PST) 7:00 p.m.
* USA/Canada (EST) 10:00 p.m.
* U.K. 9:00 p.m.
* EUROPE (CET) 10:00 p.m.

During the chat, Åkerfeldt offers his controversial opinion on the state of the new extreme-metal scene: "New extreme metal, I think it's dull, I think it's shit."

OPETH will return to North America in support of their most recent studio album, "Heritage". Released September 20, 2011, it garnered rave reviews from everyone from Rolling Stone, who called the album "a career record that reimagines prog as actual rock 'n' roll," to Pitchfork saying "a pretty, well-thought-out collection" to NPR who called it "equally vast, thoughtful and heavy." The tour will kick off on April 18 in Buffalo and will take the band throughout North America on a 30-plus-city tour. KATATONIA has been confirmed as direct support for the tour.

There will be several dates of note during OPETH's North American run. On April 20, OPETH will be making a stop to headline alongside ANTHRAX, HATEBREED and SUICIDAL TENDENCIES at the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival. The April 28 show in Clifton Park, New York will see OPETH mainman Mikael Åkerfeldt's STORM CORROSION collaborator and friend Steven Wilson of PORCUPINE TREE join OPETH for a special evening that is not to be missed. There will also be two rare and intimate evenings with OPETH planned for Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn on April 29 and The Roxy in West Hollywood on May 24. These shows will allow fans the unique opportunity to experience OPETH like never before.

"Angus McFife", the new video from GLORYHAMMER, the "heroic fantasy power metal" project led by Christopher Bowes, the mastermind behind pirate metal sensation ALESTORM, with a desire to explore the more symphonic and epic side of metal, can be seen below. The song comes off GLORYHAMMER's debut album, "Tales From The Kingdom Of Fife", which will be released on March 29 via Napalm Records. The CD, which will tell an original story based in an alternate-history medieval Scotland, where magic and dark sorcery reigns supreme, was recorded at LSD Studios in Germany. A concept of such epic proportions requires a truly talented vocalist, and for this purpose Thomas L. Winkler from Swiss power metal band EMERALD was hired to provide majestic soaring vocals. The lineup is completed by Paul Templing, James Cartwright, and Ben Turk, who honed their battle skills in various underground U.K. metal bands.

GLORYHAMMER is:

Christopher Bowes - Keyboards
Thomas Winkler - Vocals
Paul Templing - Guitars
James Cartwright - Bass
Ben Turk - Drums

The cover artwork for "Tales From The Kingdom Of Fife" was "painstakingly handcrafted" by Dan Goldsworthy (ACCEPT, HELL, SYLOSIS). The art depicts the great hero Angus McFife, questing valiantly through the frozen highlands, wielding the Hammer of Glory.

"Tales From The Kingdom Of Fife" track listing:

01. Anstruther's Dark Prophecy
02. The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee
03. Angus McFife
04. Quest for the Hammer of Glory
05. Magic Dragon
06. Silent Tears of Frozen Princess
07. Amulet of Justice
08. Hail to Crail
09. Beneath Cowdenbeath
10. The Epic Rage of Furious Thunder

There will also be a limited first-pressing "Heroic Edition" of the album, presented in a luxurious digipak format with alternate artwork, featuring the bonus track "Wizards!".

California thrash metal veterans SLAYER performed with only two original members on stage as part of this year's Soundwave festival, which took place in five Australian cities between February 23 and March 4.

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

Fan-filmed video footage of SLAYER's March 1 performance at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia as part of this year's Soundwave festival can be seen below.

SLAYER's setlist for the Melbourne show was as follows:

01. Disciple
02. War Ensemble
03. Die By The Sword
04. Chemical Warfare
05. Mandatory Suicide
06. Altar Of Sacrifice
07. Jesus Saves
08. Seasons In The Abyss
09. Dead Skin Mask
10. Angel of Death
11. South of Heaven
12. Raining Blood

In an interview with Soundwave TV, SLAYER guitarist Kerry King stated about Lombardo's current status with SLAYER: "This just happened a week ago… ten days ago… so I mean, I don't know… It's unfortunate that Dave couldn't be with us; I planned on him being here up until the Monday before I left. And then I saw trouble in paradise, and since I am the mastermind on making decisions like this, I was, like, 'Alright, I've got a backup plan. Just in case.' 'Cause I would have hated to have just Australia blown out. Can you imagine how shitty that would have been? So I did what I thought was best, and we pulled it off."

Asked if he saw the dispute with Dave coming, Kerry said: "Tom [Araya, SLAYER bassist/vocalist] did. Tom's been on the fence about Dave for awhile and I was pretty much the one that said, 'Nah, I'm not comfortable moving on [without Dave].' And then it got thrust in our face and I took action immediately and I got a very lucky culmination of things that happened."

Prior to joining SLAYER, Dette appeared on TESTAMENT's "Live At The Fillmore" album, which came out in 1995.

Regarding how he came be playing with SLAYER again on the Soundwave festival run, Dette told Tama: "I got a call from Kerry [King, SLAYER guitarist]. And he said, 'Hey, what are you doing next week when you're in Australia when you're not playing for ANTHRAX?' And I said, 'Drinking.' [laughs] He said, 'Well, you might wanna hold off the drinks, if you can, 'cause we might need you to fill in, if you can.' And I said, 'Of course.' I mean, first, I was kind of taken aback, I was a little paused. But they basically called me and asked if I could do the Australia dates for them. So I will, actually, be playing drums for ANTHRAX and SLAYER at the Soundwave festival in Australia, and then also we have a one-off show — SLAYER and ANTHRAX in Sydney, which, that will definitely put me to the test. 'Cause it's gonna be an hour on stage with ANTHRAX, and then I've got 20 minutes to take a break, and then it's an hour and 40 with SLAYER. So I've got my work cut out for me that night. But I'll man up, I'll make it happen, and it'll be a good show."

Speaking about his history with SLAYER, Dette said: "The SLAYER thing, again, it's been… My God, it's been 16, 17 years now. I joined SLAYER — officially joined SLAYER — in Decemebr of 1995, and I replaced Paul Bostaph. He had just completed the 'Undisputed Attitude' record. So I was with them until early 1997, and then Paul came back into the band and then I actually went back into TESTAMENT. I joined TESTAMENT in '94, replacing John Tempesta just after the 'Low' record. So it was a cool little period of time. Again, I was just extremely fortunate and privileged to be part of their history. And now, to be part of the SLAYER history again is awesome. And again, I'm just really looking forward to seeing what the future brings."

Dette is currently also playing with ANTHRAX as a temporary replacement for the band's longtime drummer Charlie Benante, who "is dealing with personal issues right now and can't leave" the U.S., according to ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian.

FLYLEAF visited the Livestream studios at the New York stop of the band's current tour with DROWNING POOL to answer fan questions and perform a couple acoustic versions of songs off of their latest release, "New Horizons". The band played four tracks from the album including final cut "Broken Wings", the album's first single, "New Horizons", as well as opening track, "Fire, Fire", and "All Around Me". Check out the footage below.

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

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

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

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