Fan-filmed video footage of ANTHRAX's entire February 25 performance at Big Top Luna Park in Sydney, Australia can be seen below.

"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)

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 will hit the road in support "Anthems" on February 16 with dates in India and Australia, and then return to North America to headline the Metal Alliance Tour that kicks off March 22. For all of these dates, ANTHRAX will be joined by SHADOWS FALL guitarist Jon Donais.

Dutch female-fronted symphonic metallers EPICA are featured in the latest episode of "Bus Invaders". Shot during the band's North American headline tour on November 4, 2012 in Joliet, Iliinois, the clip — which can be seen below — features vocalist Simone Simons giving a walk-through of the band's tour bus.

EPICA will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special performance, dubbed "Retrospect", which will take place on March 23, 2013 at Klokgebouw in Eindhoven, Holland.

"Retrospect" will be EPICA's most ambitious project to date, joined by a 70-piece symphonic orchestra and choir, international guests and lots of special effects.

Specially for this show, EPICA will be joined by the Hungarian Extended Remenyi Ede Chamber Orchestra and Choir of Miskolc National Theatre, the same orchestra and choir with whom EPICA recorded the highly acclaimed live album "The Classical Conspiracy". This anniversary show will be a "Retrospect" on EPICA's career and will contain all trademark elements you can expect from EPICA.

EPICA's fifth full-length album, "Requiem For The Indifferent", sold 4,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 104 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Requiem For The Indifferent" was released on March 9 in Europe and four days later in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Gate Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany under the watchful eye of Sascha Paeth.

French sowers of intelligent, distinctive, and airless black metal AOSOTH will release their new album, "IV: Arrow In Heart", on April 16 via Agonia Records. The CD is a natural improvement over the band's previous release, entitled "III", which already was "a major step forward for Aosoth in creating their own distinct sound" (Sputnik Music).

Commented the band: "We've spent such a huge amount of time on defining a darker identity, yet open to a wider range of influences. Those tracks still haunt us, as delivering them was a painful and excruciating experience, and left some of us even physically wounded... Which gives that album even more of a spiritual value, as it involved a form of sacrifice." They added: "This fourth full-length release is without a doubt a great step forward for us in term of music writing, and sound."

"IV: Arrow In Heart" consists of 6 original tracks with a running time of 56 minutes.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. An Arrow in Heart
02. One With The Prince With A Thousand Enemies
03. Temple of Knowledge
04. Under The Nails and Fingertips
05. Broken Dialogue 1
05. Broken Dialogue 2
06. Ritual Marks of Penitence

The song "An Arrow In Heart" can be streamed below.

Reunited St. Louis, Missouri-based progressive/melodic thrash metallers ANACRUSIS have posted the following message on their official web site:

"Thanks to everyone who supported us and helped make the last couple of years so memorable.

"The reunion shows/festivals were great and it was awesome to have the opportunity to play for you again.

"ANACRUSIS are now taking an indefinite break from playing or any other band activities."

In a fall 2012 interview with a German radio station, ANACRUSIS vocalist/guitarist Kenn Nardi discussed the progress of the songwriting session for what was supposed to be the band's first full album of new material since 1993's "Screams And Whispers". The working title of the CD was said to be "Parallax Error" and cover art was once again supposed to be created by Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, SODOM, ATHEIST). "Parallax Error" was intended to be a double album featuring more than two dozen new ANACRUSIS songs recorded by band's original members Nardi, John Emery (bass) and Mike Owen (drums).

ANACRUSIS performed on this year's 70000 Tons Of Metal — the world's biggest heavy metal cruise — which sailed January 28 aboard the Royal Caribbean Majesty Of The Seas from Miami, Florida to Cockburn Town on Grand Turk Island, and returned to the real world on February 1.

A pre-production demo version of a new ANACRUSIS song called "Made", which was aired by Uwe Harms of Radio Gehacktes, can be streamed below.

ANACRUSIS in 2010 spent time in the studio recorded a "new" album entitled "Hindsight: Suffering Hour & Reason Revisited". The two-CD set featured both ANACRUSIS' debut album, "Suffering Hour", and its second release, "Reason", along with the classic ANACRUSIS demo track "Apocalypse", all fully re-recorded by the original lineup of Nardi, Kevin Heidbreder, John Emery and Mike Owen. The package also featured a 24-page, full-color booklet with lyrics and lots of photos both old and new. The cover art was created by Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, SIGH, MEKONG DELTA, GWAR).

In 2009, Stormspell Records released the CD/DVD compilation, "Annihilation Complete: The Early Years Anthology", which featured ANACRUSIS' demo and video footage of Nardi's pre-ANACRUSIS band, HEAVEN'S FLAME.

"Made" (new song) 2012 pre-production demo:

Blinding Force Recordings has announced the signing of US melodic death/power metal band STRUCTURE OF INHUMANITY, featuring in it's ranks members from PYRAMAZE, ARSIS and SUSPYRE.

Structure of Inhumanity is the brainchild of keyboardist Jonah W. (Pyramaze, ECHOTERRA) as part of his vision for creating a unique sounding blend of melodic death, progressive rhythms, powerful heavy metal, and cinematic orchestration. Joined by Noah Martin (bass/growls - Arsis), Clay Barton (clean vocals - Suspyre), guitarist Mike Iuzzolino as well as drummer Gabriel Marshall (Suspyre), Jonah recorded the album together with James Murphy (TESTAMENT, DEATH, OBITUARY) and Peter Wichers (SOILWORK, WARREL DANE). In addition to co-producing the album, Murphy and Wichers also make several guest solo appearances. Murphy has also mixed and mastered the album.
Structure of Inhumanity's debut album, Completion Integration, will be released digitally exclusively via Blinding Force Recordings on March 28th. The first single, Red Ashes, is now available via iTunes and other popular download sites.
A video for 'Red Ashes' has been filmed by award winning Scott Hansen and can be viewed below:
Structure Of Inhumanity lineup:

Clay Barton - Vocals
Mike Iuzzolino - Guitars
Brandon Ellis - Guitars
Noah Martin - Bass/Screams
Jonah Weingarten - Keyboards
Gabe Marshall - Drums

More on Structure Of Inhumanity at this location.

Less than a week after SLEEPY HOLLOW guitarist Rick Craig's announcement that he'd left the band, original drummer and co-founding member Tom Wassman has decided to jump ship as well.

Wassman commented “I regret that the situation has come to this. This was a very tough decision and I wish things could have gone differently but I plan on continuing in the future with new projects. I wish Hollow good luck in their future endeavors.”
Craig issued the following statement upon his departure: "It is unfortunate that I find myself having to report, that due to artistic differences, I find myself in a position that I must depart from Sleepy Hollow. I wish the remaining members much success for they are all great musicians. A major announcement will be forthcoming in the next week or so detailing the release of my continuing current endeavour that will feature material previously written. Thank you so much to all my friends and fans for all your continued support."

Sleepy Hollow released their latest album, Skull 13, last June. The animated video for the track ‘Bleed Steel’ produced by independent film-maker David Ward can be viewed below:

The KISS 40th Anniversary Tribute album for cancer care have added DOKKEN's Don Dokken and ACCEPT's Mark Tornillo. Dokken will be covering the '70s KISS classic 'Cold Gin' while Tornillo will venture into KISS' heavier '90s sound with his cover of 'Spit' from the Revenge album.
Other songs and artists confirmed include:

KILL DEVIL HILL's Rex Brown and Mark Zavon doing 'Larger Than Life' from Alive II, former L.A. GUNS' frontman Chris Van Dahl doing 'Hard Luck Woman', SLAVES ON DOPE doing 'New York Groove', 'Detroit Rock City' as sung and performed by GUNS N' ROSES' Bumblefoot, FIREHOUSE's Bill Leverty with special guest appearance by THE KILLER DWARFS' Russ Dwarf will handle 'Deuce', GREAT WHITE's Terry Ilous covering KISS' power ballad 'Forever', DORO PESCH offers a special 2013 version of 'Only You', HONEYMOON SUITE cover the mid-'80s ballad 'Reason To Live', WILLIE BASSE will perform 'I Love It Loud', an one-time Gene Simmons records signee RON KEEL will belt out 'Rock N Roll Hell'.

Other tracks include:
'Unholy' (with Russ Dwarf and Sean Kelly)
'Shout Mercy' (by Jeff Paris)
'Psycho Circus' (with Phil Naro)
'Master & Slave' (featuring Phil Lewis)

Lending their talents musically are Doug Aldrich (guitars; WHITESNAKE), Mark Slaughter (guitars; SLAUGHTER), Troy Lucketta (drums; TESLA), Eric Brittingham (bass; CINDERELLA), Jeff LaBar (guitars; Cinderella), Tommy Denander and Gary Fraser (guitars; BRIGHTON ROCK). LITTLE CAESAR's Ron Young will also contribute a vocal (song to be chosen soon).

For more info on the KISS 40th Anniversary Tribute album visit this location.

Tama conducted an interview with drummer Jon Dette (TESTAMENT, SLAYER, ANTHRAX, ANIMETAL USA) in California a week prior to his departure for the Soundwave festival in Australia where he is currently performing with both ANTHRAX and SLAYER. You can now watch the chat below.

On how he came be playing with SLAYER again on the Soundwave festival run:

Dette: "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."

On his history with SLAYER:

Dette: "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."

SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo is sitting out the band's current 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 are returning member Jon Dette (TESTAMENT, ANTHRAX) and Gary Holt (EXODUS), respectively.

In an interview with Soundwave TV conducted on Saturday, SLAYER frontman Tom Araya stated about performing with Dette again: "He actually played in the band [in the late 1990s] for, like, three years. It's gonna be good. He's matured and I'm sure he's gotten much better on the drums. It'll be exciting, and I think that's just gonna pump everything up even more. I can tell you this: Jon's gonna have a lot of energy. He's known to play very fast, and he's gotten better at that."

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

Interview:

Hells Headbangers has announced May 14th as the international release date for GRAVEWURM's new album, Infernal Minions. The American band's ninth full-length overall, Infernal Minions "represents our continued path of worshipping the ancient gods of black metal," says founding vocalist/guitarist Funeral Grave.
With cover art done by MASSACRE's Kam Lee, Infernal Minions indeed pays respect to the blackened altar of HELLHAMMER and VENOM, BURZUM and BEHERIT, GOATLORD and GRAND BELIAL'S KEY. Obstinate in their refusal to compromise, dedicated to the bitter end, for 23 years now, Gravewurm have been their own masters, and Infernal Minions is the aggregate accumulation of their arcane wisdom.
Infernal Minions tracklisting:

'Nocturnal Inquisition'
'The Evil Within'
'Master Of The Dark'
'Dominion Of Lost Souls'
'The Beast Of The Abyss'
'I Die For Hell'
'Crown Of The Fallen'
'Mistress Of Blood And Fire'

More on Gravewurm at this location.

TOOL will release a handcrafted, bonus-laden, limited-edition package of its original debut EP, "Opiate", on March 26 to mark the 21st anniversary of the six-song release.

The anniversary edition is limited to 5,000 copies and features art direction by Adam Jones, illustrations by legendary artist Adi Granov and design packaging by Mackie Osborne, who has collaborated with TOOL on many albums, including "10,000 Days", "Lateralus" and "Salival" as well as posters and merchandise.

The 5,000 copies will be broken down as 5 x 1,000 runs with each set featuring a variation of the exterior graphics and included bonus items which include a new stereoscopic image for fans to use with their glasses from the "10,000 Days" packaging.

The packages will only be available via TOOL's web site on March 26 and there will be no pre-orders. A limit of three packages from each of the 5 x 1,000 versions will be in place. More details to be announced soon.

Syrian death metallers VIIEDEN have signed a deal with Middle Eastern independent label Grindbor Records. The band has teamed up with the label to release their debut album, as-yet-untitled, which will be released in the coming months. The album will be launched in digital format worldwide through the main online music outlets.
Abdullah Ghosheh, the band’s guitarist commented: “I was glad when the guys of Grindbor contacted us to make this deal. And since we know the guys and what they’re capable of, I’m sure this will be right thing to do. I believe this will be a great start for both Viieden and Grindbor Records and I’m looking forward to working with them. The composition of our upcoming full length album is almost done, we’ll start recording soon and hopefully everything goes as planned. The record mainly consists of eight tracks we can only describe as heavy as shit, delivering death metal to the listener our way.”
When asked about signing Viieden, Grindbor Record’s manager JD commented: “It is great to sign a band like this one. Not only because of their professionalism and talent, but because they are one of the best samples of Syria’s rising scene. We are a still a young label, so we aim this collaboration help us both to develop and show the world that the Middle Eastern Metal scene has come to kick some asses!”

Viieden is an active part of the Syrian metal scene, which after several years of low activity is living a kind of resurrection thanks to the rising of many young but talented bands. Worldwide media has paid some attention to this rising scene, which despite the country’s current situation, has remained strong and united. In fact, as the result of the interest in the county’s scene, some internationally-renowned artists such as Jon Schaffer (ICED EARTH), Jon Oliva (JON OLIVA’S PAIN, SAVATAGE) and Zak Stevens (SAVATAGE, CIRCLE II CIRCLE) have recently collaborated with Syrian metal bands.

Viieden's new album will be the band’s sophomore release, after the release of their debut 2-track EP, Calamities Inflicted. For those who haven’t heard the band yet, its debut EP is available for free download at the label’s Bandcamp page. The EP is streaming below:

Calamities Inflicted by Viieden

More details about the band’s upcoming album will be revealed soon. More on Viieden at this location.

Pat Egan, longtime director of retail sales at Relapse Records, tragically passed away on Monday, February 18 after a battle with pneumonia and related complications. In honor of the man who was so instrumental in the success of so many Relapse bands and records, the label has put together a 20-track compilation featuring a collection of his favorite songs and artists, including MASTODON, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, Brian Posehn, RED FANG, DEATH, and many more, including a never-before-released track from EXHUMED. 100% of proceeds from the compilation will go towards a college fund for Pat's young daughter Katie.

Relapse thanks each band for contributing music and waiving their royalty fee to maximize the benefit for Pat's beloved family.

The compilation is available via Bandcamp at this location for only $5 but friends and fans are welcome to donate as much as they want. Direct contributions may also be made via PayPal to wellmissyoupat@relapse.com.

A memorial event for Pat has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST at Idle Hands Bar in New York City. Everyone is invited to attend to pay tribute to a dear friend, colleague and family man who left behind an amazing wife and a wonderful daughter. All proceeds from the event will go directly to his daughter Katie's college fund.

More information on the event can be found here.

The tracklisting for the compilation is as follows:

01. BRIAN POSEHN - More Metal Than You
02. EXHUMED - The Beginning After The End (Previously Unreleased)
03. MASTODON - Mother Puncher
04. KINGDOM OF SORROW - Screaming into the Sky
05. BARONESS - Take My Bones Away
06. RED FANG - Wires
07. DEATH - A Moment Of Clarity
08. REVOCATION - Teratogenesis
09. BRUTAL TRUTH - Old World Order
10. DYING FETUS - Second Skin
11. BLACK ANVIL - Ultimate Reality
12. AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED - Sword Swallower
13. ZOMBI - Siberia
14. PIG DESTROYER - The American's Head
15. TOXIC HOLOCAUST - Sound The Charge
16. MURDER CONSTRUCT - No Question, No Comment
17. HORSEBACK - Arjuna
18. THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN - Sunshine the Werewolf
19. ABYSMAL DAWN - In Service of Time
20. TOTAL FUCKING DESTRUCTION - In The Process of Correcting Thinking Errors

Brann Dailor, drummer for MASTODON (who contributed "Mother Puncher" to the compilation), shared his thoughts on Egan's passing in a statement to Billboard.biz: "Pat was one of the most passionate metalheads we have ever had the pleasure to work with. It was that same passion that drove him to fight as hard as he could for the bands he loved and worked with. He definitely played a huge role in the success of MASTODON and for that we are eternally grateful. We are so sad to hear of his passing. We know he had a wife and daughter that he loved very much. He talked about them all the time. We're gonna miss hanging with him and hearing all the concert stories he had. I'm pretty sure he had seen any band of importance over the last 30 years at least 5 times. Our hearts go out to his friends and family."

In addition to Katie, Egan is survived by his wife, Melinda.

Services will be held Friday, February 22 at New York's Lindenhurst Funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations toward his daughter’s college fund, care of:

Melinda Egan
577 Outlook Ave.
West Babylon, New York 11704

UPON WINGS' video for the song "Afterlife" can be seen below. The track is the title cut of the band's new EP, which will be released on March 5 via Sword Of The Spirit Records LLC. The CD features guest vocals and production from Brett Hestla (ex-CREED, DARK NEW DAY).

"Afterlife" track listing:

01. Afterlife
02. You Are My Weapon
03. Take Away
04. The Dream (I'm Only Happy When I'm Sleeping)

The EP's debut single and title track can be heard below (courtesy of AOL's Noisecreep).

Rock and metal fans will recognize plenty of names on "Afterlife". KID ROCK recording engineer and Grammy-nominated mixing engineer Glenn Brown mastered the single, while Hestla provided guest vocals and production talents. More metal assistance for the upcoming EP came from producer and guitarist Kevin Jardine, best known as the guitarist of Canadian nu metal giants SLAVES ON DOPE, formerly on Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne's Divine Recordings label. Drummer Peter Tzaferis also contributed to the EP.

Recording sessions for "Afterlife" took place at Johnny K's Groovemaster Studios in Chicago, where DISTURBED, 3 DOORS DOWN, STAIND and countless other heavy music-makers have laid down tracks.

UPON WINGS combines operatic, female-fronted goth-pop with rousing rock and metal in a unique, ethereal fashion. Frontwoman Anne Autumn Erickson is a classically-trained dramatic mezzo-soprano, and her lyrics take listeners down a path of heartfelt introspection, pain, joy and faith.

UPON WINGS's debut single, "The Dream", was made available in March 2012 via iTunes, Amazon MP3 and Google Music. "The Dream" was the result of a collaboration between Erickson and Grammy-nominated producer Glenn Brown (EVANS BLUE, SPINAL TAP, THE VERVE PIPE).

UPON WINGS hails from the U.S. and can be described as symphonic metal with a classical influence.

Erickson is also a music journalist for Gannett, Gibson, Loudwire and radio host and managing editor of Audio Ink Radio.

For more information, visit www.uponwings.com.

French death/black metallers SVART CROWN will release their new album, "Profane", on April 22 in Europe and in May in the U.S. via Listenable Records. The CD was recorded, mixed, mastered by Francis Caste (KICKBACK, ARKHON INFAUSTUS, PHAZM) at St Marthe studio in Paris. The cover artwork was created by Stefan Thanneur (RUINS).

According to a press release, "the band has been willing to break the genre boundaries enhancing lethal grooves in a sadistic manner that won't leave any listener in a safe and comfy world. The main theme of the album is full-introspection about humanity sickness and SVART CROWN deliver the soundtrack of a bleak world that has already ended to their eyes with this album."

"Profane" track listing:

01. Manifestatio Symptoms
02. Genesis Architect
03. Intern . Virus . Human
04. In Utero: A Place Of Hatred And Threat
05. Until The Last Breath
06. Profane
07. The Therapy Of Flesh
08. Venomous Ritual
09. Ascetic Purification
10. Revelatio: Down Here Stillborn

SVART CROWN's most recent album, "Witnessing The Fall", was released in February 2011 through Listenable.

Spawned in France by guitarist/vocalist J.B. Le Bail, SVART CROWN was born in 2005 with the idea to push the boundaries of extreme music and create a new dimension of brutality and blackness. Following numerous tours in its native land, SVART CROWN released its first album, "Ages Of Decay", in early 2008.

"Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor", the eagerly awaited new album from ROB ZOMBIE, will be released on April 23 on Zodiac Swan/T-Boy/Ume. The CD was produced by Bob Marlette, who has previously worked with everyone from BLACK SABBATH and ALICE COOPER to WILSON PHILLIPS and LYNYRD SKYNYRD.

According to Zombie, the effort will also "be released on good old 12-inch vinyl." A photo of the front and back cover of the LP can be seen below.

"Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor" track listing:

01. Teenage Nosferatu Pussy
02. Dead City Radio And The New Gods Of Supertown
03. Revelation Revolution
04. Theme For The Rat Vendor
05. Gong Gang Gong De Do Gong De Laga Raga
06. Rock And Roll (In A Black Hole)
07. Behold! The Pretty Filthy Creatures
08. White Trash Freaks
09. We're An American Band (GRAND FUNK RAILROAD cover)
10. Lucifer Rising
11. The Girl Who Loved The Monsters
12. Trade In Your Guns For A Coffin

"I think for the first time this new album perfectly merges the old days of WHITE ZOMBIE with the future of what I am doing now," says Rob. "I think fans of both will agree that this is the perfect combo of both worlds."

A rock icon and auteur filmmaker with insight and unlimited vision, Rob Zombie has continuously challenged audiences as he stretches the boundaries of music, film, and publishing. Now, the seven-time Grammy-nominated recording artist releases his fifth solo album, "Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor", which includes "Dead City Radio And The New Gods Of Super Town", along with such tracks as "Ging Gang Gong De Do Gong De Laga Raga", "Lucifer Rising", "Behold! The Pretty Filthy Creatures" and a heavy-duty cover of GRAND FUNK RAILROAD's "We're an American Band".

"Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor" is the first release on Rob's new label, Zodiac Swan, through T-Boy Records/UMe.

Zombie told The Pulse Of Radio what goals he set for himself in making the new album. "I wanted someone to hear it and go, 'Wow, I haven't heard that before,'" he said. "I wanted it to be just different. We really went out of our way with the sounds, so every song has a very different sound, a very different guitar sound, drum sound, just everything, where the sound, the actual sound becomes very important. You know, after all these years you want to still try to feel that you can break through new, creative areas in your own mind, and that's really what we're just trying to do, you know."

T-Boy Records is veteran rock manager Andy Gould's new partnership with Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) which will serve as an umbrella label releasing new music and albums from established iconic hard-rock bands with major followings.

Gould, who currently heads his own Spectacle Entertainment Group, has managed Rob Zombie since his days in WHITE ZOMBIE. Gould's track record includes sales exceeding fifteen million worldwide and seven Grammy nominations with Zombie, including securing deals for Zombie to become one of only a handful of people to have unprecedented success for six feature films as the writer and director.

"We have had a great deal of success in the past with Rob Zombie," explains Gould about his decision to take the new venture to UMe. "We want to sign rock bands with brand names that do good business on the road, and have been underserved by the major label system. The idea I had arose out of discussions with the other managers of major hard-rock acts who all felt their artists could benefit from an improved label experience. We're looking to super-serve this niche audience, which is tremendously loyal, and is often even larger internationally than here in the States."

As a musician, Rob Zombie has sold over fifteen million albums worldwide to date. His last studio album was "Hellbilly Deluxe 2". The CD came a decade after its predecessor, "Hellbilly Deluxe", the album that established Zombie as a solo artist after the breakup of multi-platinum group WHITE ZOMBIE. That triple-platinum album also yielded a string of successful radio singles, namely "Dragula", "Superbeast" and "Living Dead Girl", which dominated the airwaves.

The rocker-turned-film director is the only artist to experience unprecedented success in both music and film as the writer/director of five feature films, with a worldwide gross totaling more than $100 million dollars. The week of his album release, Zombie will premiere his sixth motion picture, "The Lords Of Salem", that he wrote, directed and produced in tandem with the producers of the "Paranormal Activity" franchise, on April 26, with Anchor Bay Films.

Last year, in addition to working on his film, Zombie also dominated the touring world in 2012, blowing away audiences on the road with MEGADETH, then with MARILYN MANSON for the "Twins Of Evil Tour". Zombie and his band of maniacs — John 5 on guitar, Piggy D on bass and Ginger Fish on drums — brought their elaborate, multi-media production, complete with hair-raising theatrics, animatronic robots, oversized LED screens, a non-stop collage of psychotronic monster film clips, a spectacular light show, a gigantic robot with flames shooting out of its body, pyrotechnics, insane guitar riffs and vicious beats to audiences and festivals around the world.

Since ICED EARTH's latest album, "Dystopia", was released in October 2011, the band has been on the attack in a big way, playing more shows in the past year than in the previous ten years... combined.

Comments ICED EARTH guitarist/mainman Jon Schaffer: "I feel this is a testament to a new beginning, a new energy and a rock solid determination that will see us taking the music of ICED EARTH to every corner of the globe; spreading the awareness of our brand of metal in a way that hasn't been done before. I've never been more proud of this band, our crew, and the people behind the scenes that are responsible for much of our success."

Early on in the world tour, the band decided that they wanted to capture this newfound energy and passion on film. The biggest question was deciding where to film. There were so many great shows and audiences around the world that it was very challenging to decide which city to choose for this special event. When the offer came in to film at the ancient Kourion Theater in Limassol, Cyprus, they were immediately attracted to that idea. The history and culture there, as well as the Cypriot audience, which the band experienced in December 2011, solidified the decision to film the DVD in Cyprus. Filming and recording a two-and-a-half-hour show in an amphitheater that is 6000 years old and is not set up for a rock concert, paired with 40-degree-Celsius heat, were just some of the obstacles to overcome. But the finished product makes up for any of the challenges that the band and crew faced on that special night.

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

The setlist for ICED EARTH's August 19, 2012 concert was as follows:

01. Dystopia
02. Burning Times
03. Angel Holocaust
04. Slave To The Dark
05. V
06. When The Night Falls
07. I Died For You
08. Invasion
09. Motivation Of Man
10. Setian Massacre
11. Stormrider
12. Pure Evil
13. Wolf
14. Dark City
15. End Of Innocence
16. Dracula
17. Ten Thousand Strong
18. End Of Innocence
19. Anthem
20. Decleration Day
21. Days Of Rage
22. Melancholy (Holy Martyr)

Encore 1:

23. In Sacred Flames
24. Boiling Point
25. Damien
26. Watching Over Me
27. Dantes Inferno
28. Iced Earth

Encore 2:

29. The Hunter

Check out the official trailer below.

Full Metal Cruise, with over 20 bands onboard, will take place May 5-12, travelling from Hamburg (Germany) via Southampton (London), Le Havre (Paris) and Amsterdam back to Hamburg.

According to event organizers, on the first shore leave on May 7, fans will experience a true metal masterpiece: SAXON will play a special club show in Southampton at which they will present their entire "Denim & Leather" album. SAXON will be supported by the local bands PRIMITAI and DENDERA. The location can be reached by foot from the Mein Schiff 1. The concert starts at 5:30 p.m. Because of the limited capacity of the show, the presale will be at first exclusively for guests of the Full Metal Cruise. The cost of the tickets will be 30€ plus a presale fee of 3,50€. The public pre-sale will start at a later point in time.

Confirmed acts for Full Metal Cruise:

AMARANTHE
BEMBERS
BETONTOD
BLAAS OF GLORY
CIRCLE II CIRCLE
DORO
ERIC FISH
ESKIMO CALLBOY
FIREWIND
GAMMA RAY
HEAVEN SHALL BURN
IN EXTREMO
KREATOR
MAMBO KURT
MASTERPLAN
ONKEL TOM
SABATON
U.D.O.
ULI JON ROTH
VAN CANTO

The Full Metal Cruise starts in Hamburg, Germany and enters the harbors of Southampton, U.K.; Le Havre, France; and Amsterdam, Netherlands. After seven days full of sea and relaxing and metal and party feeling, the ship then returns to Hamburg with a special show at the harbor anniversary fest. While there will be big fireworks and a special show on onboard, the cruise will return to the harbor and this will be one of the many things leading to a great overall experience for every metal sailor.

The special features of this metal cruise:

* Drinks and food are included
* No difficult travelling to the starting point — Hamburg, the gateway to the world!
* Concerts take place onboard and onshore
* Interesting shore excursions for every metal-heart

More than 20 high-quality bands from the metal and rock scene will perform on three stages at the Mein Schiff 1.

In the many lounges onboard, the metalheads can party and meet the artists — nowhere else it is possible to have such a direct connection to the musicians. Furthermore, metalheads can book shore excursions with more concerts at the harbors. The line up of the shows at the seaports and onboard of the cruise will be announced soon.

"Heavy and hard music and a cruise don’t conflict with each other," says Wacken boss Thomas Jensen. "With the Full Metal Cruise we want to bring a real metal festival to the sea!"

For more information, visit Full-Metal-Cruise.com.

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

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", "Hell To Pay", "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".

"Now What?!" will also be released as a limited edition with a bonus DVD featuring DEEP PURPLE discussing the new album and one bonus studio cover version. It will also be made available as a double vinyl LP.

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".

ASHES OF ARES, the new project featuring former ICED EARTH members Matt Barlow (vocals) and Freddie Vidales (bass, guitar), along with ex-NEVERMORE drummer Van Williams, has announced the addition of guitarist Gio Geraca to the group's ranks.

Gio is the current guitarist/bassist for MALEVOLENT CREATION and also vocalist/guitarist for THE EVIL AMIDST.

In addition, ASHES OF ARES has joined forces with Continental Concerts to book the band throughout Europe for summer 2013.

Says ASHES OF ARES: "We are looking forward to coming back and invading Europe again and again!"

In an October 2012 interview with Rocket Queen Promotion, Barlow stated about ASHES OF ARES' musical direction: "Well, most folks know what to expect from me, from my work with ICED EARTH and PYRAMAZE. So you take some of that and mix it with Van's brand of cadence and Freddie's riffage… blam-o….it's ASHES OF ARES!!! It's just straight-up heavy metal!"

Regarding the band's future plans, Barlow said: "The reason we are all doing this is for the love of music. We are metal guys and this is what we do. ASHES OF ARES live shows will be limited, but there will be live shows for fans, friends, and family to come to and enjoy with us. We really just want to create music that we enjoy and have that translate to our listeners."

Florida death metal veterans DEICIDE have entered AudioHammer Studios in Sanford, Florida with producer Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM, AUGUST BURNS RED, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, ALL THAT REMAINS, WHITECHAPEL, DEVILDRIVER) to begin recording their new album for a late 2013 release via Century Media Records.

Commented DEICIDE frontman Glen Benton: "We've been recording with Jason Suecof at AudioHammer over the past month and we're done recording all rhythm tracks and will be finishing up when we get back from Europe. We look forward to seeing all our friends and fans once again and perform for you! See you soon, and thanks."

DEICIDE will embark on "The End Of The Word Tour 2013" in March, with support from DESTINITY, KARNAK, SWEETEST DEVILRY and ARVAS (March 1-10 only).

DEICIDE's latest album, "To Hell With God", sold 2,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD was issued on February 15, 2011 via Century Media Records. It was produced by Mark Lewis (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, CHIMAIRA) at Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, Florida.

DEICIDE's previous CD, "Till Death Do Us Part", opened with 2,900 copies back in May 2008.

DEICIDE's "Conviction" video was directed by David Brodsky and Tim Kellen (Brodsky also handled editing duties while Kellen animated the video) and produced by MyGoodEye LLC. The clip tells the story of frontman Glen Benton and his pursuit of Jesus, claymation-style.

DEICIDE last year completed the North American headlining "March Of Death 2012" trek, with support from JUNGLE ROT, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS and LECHEROUS NOCTURNE.

TIMO TOLKKI'S AVALON, the new metal-opera project from ex-STRATOVARIUS guitarist Timo Tolkki, will release its debut album, "The Land Of New Hope", on May 17 in Europe and May 21 in North America via Frontiers Records. Guests on the CD include Michael Kiske (UNISONIC, ex-HELLOWEEN), Sharon Den Adel (WITHIN TEMPTATION), Elize Ryd (AMARANTHE, KAMELOT), Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X, ADRENALINE MOB), Rob Rock (DRIVER, IMPELLITTERI, M.A.R.S.), Tony Kakko (SONATA ARCTICA), Jens Johansson (STRATOVARIUS), Derek Sherinian (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, DREAM THEATER) and Alex Holzwarth (RHAPSODY OF FIRE).

The year is A.D. 2055 and planet Earth has almost been destroyed by a series of earthquakes, tsunamis and natural catastrophes. A small group of survivors leave on a quest to find a sacred place called The New Land Of Hope.

A few teasers for "The Land Of New Hope" can be seen below.

Although it has been reported on some blogs and web sites that SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor gave the rest of the band "homework" to do for their next studio album, he tells Artisan News that he was misquoted. "I never fucking said that," Corey says. "What I did was is I asked them to jot down their feelings, no matter how good or gnarly they are, about [late SLIPKNOT bassist] Paul [Gray] and about his passing and how it affected them. 'Cause for this album — if and when we make this new SLIPKNOT album, which will probably be a while; it'll probably be a year and a half, two years — for this to work, everyone has to have a voice on this album. And I refuse to let it be anything other than that — whether it's riffs, whether it's lines, whether it's full-blown songs; it doesn't matter. Everyone needs to have a voice on this album or it's just not meant to be. So I've been encouraging the guys to kind of just write stuff down, no matter how trivial they feel it is, just write it down and give it to me, and we'll find some art in it."

Taylor told Loudwire that SLIPKNOT will play five festival shows this year, all overseas, and that other, unnamed members of the band are "getting healthy and trying to stay healthy," although he did not go into detail.

He mentioned a similar timeline in that interview as well, saying that the band would begin demoing material in late 2014.

SLIPKNOT's last U.S. performances were its own Knotfest shows, which took place last August in Council Bluffs, Iowa and Somerset, Wisconsin.

SLIPKNOT bassist Paul Gray died in May 2010 from an overdose of drugs — a devastating tragedy which brought the other members of the band closer together and helped them reconnect after they grew apart through years of touring and success.

"We had all stretched ourselves into different lives for the most part, and then we lost Paul," Taylor told DesMoinesRegister.com in August. "It was such a shock to us that it made us sit up and look at what we were doing with our lives and how we were toward each other. We were so close in the beginning, then for whatever reason we all drifted apart here and there.

"Losing someone like that, a great friend and an amazing brother — someone who is so important to the band in so many ways — you start to look at what you take for granted."

Gray made his final recorded appearance on SLIPKNOT's 2008 album, "All Hope Is Gone", which was certified platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) in August 2010 for shipments in excess of one million copes in the United States — the band's fourth consecutive full-length release to achieve the milestone.

Delain releases special album 'Interlude' in May!

Dear Delainers, We've got great news: A new records is on its way, and it's going to be special! We'd like to thank you, our loyal supporters by presenting you this release in May. Please read the press statement below:

"Interlude" is an fantastic blend of brand-new songs, special versions and mixes of popular DELAIN tracks, covers, and the beautiful single "Are You Done With Me". Thanks to the new mix, the well-known anthem shines with a new-found splendor. The album includes a special DVD featuring exclusive live footage and clips from the band's career. "Interlude"is not only a must for loyal DELAIN fans, but also for those who have not experienced the music by Delain so far. It is the perfect introduction to the world of DELAIN and the starting point to an emotional and bombastic journey!

Interlude: Special Album feat 13 tracks. (new songs, covers, live tracks.) DVD including live tracks from MFVF 2012, video's & specials

Release Dates
01.05.2013 ESP/SWE/NOR
03.05.2013 G/A/S/FIN & Benelux
06.05.2013 Rest of Europe
07.05.2013 USA/CAN/RoW

Pre- order available for Germany/Austria/Switzerland here, pre-order for other countries will follow.

Tracklisting CD:
1. Breathe On Me
2. Collars And Suits
3. Are You Done With Me (new single mix)
4. Such A Shame
5. Cordell
6. Smalltown Boy
7. We Are The Others (new ballad version)
8. Mother Machine (live)
9. Get The Devil Out Of Me (live)
10. Milk And Honey (live)
11. Invidia (live)
12. Electricity (live)
13. Not Enough (live)

Bonus DVD:
1. Invidia (Video Live @ MFVFestival)
2. Electricity (Video Live @ MFVFestival)
3. We Are The Others (Video Live @ MFVFestival)
4. Milk and Honey (Video Live @ MFVFestival)
5. Not Enough (Video Live @ MFVFestival)
6. Backstage footage
7. Get The Devil Out Of Me (Videoclip)
8. We Are The Others (Videoclip)
9. April Rain (Videoclip)
10. Frozen (Videoclip)

Savannah-based quintet KYLESA will release its new album, "Ultraviolet", on May 24 in Europe and May 28 in North America via Season Of Mist. The follow-up to "Spiral Shadow" was recorded at The Jam Room in Columbia, South Carolina, with the band's guitar player/songwriter and sought-after producer, Phillip Cope (BARONESS, BLACK TUSK), once again overseeing production.

"Unspoken", a new song from the eleven-track album, is available now for people who subscribe to the Season Of Mist newsletter. Of course, if you already subscribed to the newsletter, you can still get the MP3. All you have to do is enter your email address in the widget at this location.

"Whereas 'Spiral Shadow' was a warm album suggesting concepts of hope, 'Ultraviolet' is a bit colder and darker," explains KYLESA songwriter/guitar player Laura Pleasants. "All of our studio albums have their own unique identity and we've always been a band who strives for something different than what current fads suggest. With 'Ultraviolet', we took a step inward and wrote music that we felt we had to write; this album centers around the multiple themes of loss and you can feel it in the music. Everyone goes through it during their lifetime and this record reflects that experience."

KYLESA issued a rarities collection in November titled "From The Vaults, Vol. 1", which featured previously unreleased, new and alternate versions of songs spanning the band's catalog as well as one new song titled "End Truth". Cope and Pleasants spent over a year going through their archives preparing the release.

KYLESA will return to the road in May, with more details forthcoming.

"Never Gonna Stop", the new video from the Stuttgart, Germany-based sleaze metal band HELLDORADOS, can be seen below. The song comes off the group's self-titled debut album, which was released on July 13, 2012 via Massacre Records/Soulfood. The CD was recorded between February 2012 and April 2012 at the legendary Horus Sound Studios (SCORPIONS, HELLOWEEN, KREATOR, VICTORY, GUANO APES) in Hannover, Germany with producer Mirko Hofmann, who previously worked with the group on a four-song promotional EP in 2011. ELOY frontman and founder of the Horus Sound Studios, Frank Bornemann, acted as "a godfather." The cover artwork was created by the Unesco prize winner Timo Wuerz.

Commented HELLDORADOS singer Pierre: "We got to know Timo Wuerz by accident at an art and commerce congress. Between all of the geeks, he looked more like us." They discovered that they had many things in common — including a love for rock music and art. "Moreover, we both grew up in the same small town. That probably [had something to do with it]."

According to a press release, HELLDORADOS' sound lies "somewhere between the hit potential of a catchy ABBA tune, the sleaze of GUNS N' ROSES and the striking force of PANTERA. A strange mixture but it seems to function."

"Helldorados" track listing:

01. In The Beginning
02. Never Gonna Stop
03. You Live, You Learn, You Die
04. Go To Hell
05. Changes
06. Shout Out
07. Hunter
08. Double Dealer
09. Gone
10. Torture Is My Name
11. Girls
12. Got Laid

Vocalist Mandy Lion (WORLD WAR III, WICKED ALLIANCE) will release a new single, "Get Some", on March 26 via HighVolMusic (HVM). Additional singles will follow throughout the year, each one of them containing unique artwork and becoming part of a larger concept project.

As previously reported, Jimmy Bain (DIO, RAINBOW), Roy Z (HALFORD, BRUCE DICKINSON, JUDAS PRIEST) and Lez Warner (THE CULT) are collaborating with Lion on his new material.

Mandy will play select dates in March before heading out on tour later this year.

Lion is best known for his work with WORLD WAR III, which also included Bain, Vinny Appice (BLACK SABBATH, DIO) and Tracy G. (DIO). The band produced several videos and toured extensively, headlining and opening for such acts as IRON MAIDEN and ANTHRAX. Appice would eventually be replaced by James Kottak (SCORPIONS, KINGDOM COME) and Mikkey Dee (KING DIAMOND, MOTÖRHEAD).

Fast forward to 2013, Lion is solo and better than ever ready to take the world by storm. Pure no-nonsense hard rock with no compromise. Sexy, dark, aggressive and captivating, like no other. His recent sold-out performances at the House of Blues and Key Club in Hollywood, California more than solidified that Lion is back and taking no prisoners.

German power metallers GAMMA RAY will release a new EP entitled "Master Of Confusion" on March 15 via earMUSIC, the Hamburg, Germany-based international rock label which is part of Edel Group.

A one-minute teaser for the EP can be seen below.

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 the end of 2013.

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 mid price mini-album.

Kai & Co. are not afraid to celebrate their peculiarity with humor and irony.

Reading the lyrics of the song "Master Of Confusion", not too many clarifications are necessary…

GAMMA RAY are indeed the masters of confusion, a trait all the fans and also the music industry had no option than to accept and appreciate. They bring chaos to other people's lives, they miss important deadlines, they reschedule the release of the desperately awaited new long player, but they never miss a show, they never let a fan down, and in a world of calculated and career-driven rock stars, they are among the few remaining honest true heavy metal heroes.

Excerpt from "Master Of Confusion":

No matter where I'm going
And anywhere I roam
I am the master of confusion

Maybe you'll see me coming
Or maybe I just don't
I am the master of… confusion

The label's calling, boys are you done?
The deadline's past, time to deliver
I am so sorry, we're running late
Some unexpected ghost in the machinery

Whenever I am closing in
Your peaceful life goes in the bin
Let chaos begin

Fast-rising British metal heroes SACRED MOTHER TONGUE will release a new single, "A Light Will Shine", on April 7. The track is described as "one of the highlights" from the band's forthcoming second album, "Out Of The Darkness", which is due a week later — on April 15 — through EMI Label Services.

"A Light Will Shine" showcases SACRED MOTHER TONGUE's turbo-charged power, roaring out of the speakers with all the heaviness and aggression of prime metal, firing skyscraping solos from guitarist Andy James' magical fingertips and boasting singer Darrin South's commanding vocals, propelled along by the brutal but beautiful grind of Josh Gurner's bone-crushing bass and Lee Newell's furious drum attack.

The accompanying video, shot in deepest Wales, sees Darrin being buried alive by his sombre bandmates with only a spark of light to sustain him as he struggles to escape. A metaphor for his journey from darkness into light perhaps, echoing the sentiment of the lyric, "only I can save me," or maybe just some cool visuals to fit the mood of the song — either way the original shoot had to be abandoned due to heavy snowfall putting their lives at risk, being re-shot two weeks later once the ground had thawed enough to dig a grave.

With "Out Of The Darkness", SACRED MOTHER TONGUE have laid down the gauntlet for all British metal acts to follow. With a barrage of live shows to come over the next few months, and a show-stealing mainstage appearance at Download lined up, the sky's the limit for what this band can achieve.

"We've been a band for a long time and it's been hard work, but hopefully it's time for people to realise that we're not going away!" says Andy. "I know people will take us more seriously now. We don't need to fit into any trend. Maybe we're starting one!"

"I don't know if we're ever gonna be that cool band because that's not what we're about," adds Darrin. "Maybe it's because we're a bit older or not pretty enough or because we don't wear skinny jeans. Who knows? Personally, I think it keeps us as real musicians and not just some pop band. I'd rather be respected like PANTERA or MACHINE HEAD than some band that blows up for two minutes and does fuck all afterwards. As far as fame, wealth and world domination goes, I just want us to be recognised as a great band making great music."

Produced by Scott Atkins (BEHEMOTH, SYLOSIS, CRADLE OF FILTH), "Out Of The Darkness" hints at the power of METALLICA, the melody of ALTER BRIDGE, the darkness of ALICE IN CHAINS and the visceral edge of MACHINE HEAD, while bringing a uniquely British sensibility to these stadium-rocking influences.

"Out Of The Darkness" follows the massively acclaimed release of SACRED MOTHER TONGUE's EP, "A Light Shines", in September of last year.

"Out Of The Darkness" track listing:

01. Intro (Out Of The Darkness)
02. Demons
03. Bird In Hand
04. Seven
05. Pawn
06. Bleeding Out
07. A Light Will Shine
08. The City Is Crying
09. Just A Ride
10. Evolve/Become
11. Believe

Check out audio samples in the YouTube clip below.

Hungary's ANGERTEA have released a new video, for the Nr. 4: Songs Exhaled album cut, 'Meeting Satan On The Way To Personal Desertification'.
The video was shot last fall in Szentes, Hungary with three beautiful babes who are partying a bit, then an unexpected thing turns up, and changes everything. Watch below:
Angertea released Nr. 4: Songs Exhaled, their fourth full-length album, in September 2012 via Smash Fabric Records. The album was recorded at Black Hole Sound studio in Szeged with producer Gábor Vári.
Nr. 4: Songs Exhaled tracklisting:

'No Computation' (featuring Bill Gould)
'Demons Surfaced'
'V.'
'In Light Air'
'Decay'
'Lions' Region'
'A For Afrodita'
'Akråm'
'Meeting Satan On The Way To Personal Desertification' (featuring Tibor Rákos)
'Distance Of You'

Billy Gould from FAITH NO MORE makes a guest appearance on the release, on the track 'No Computation'. A lyric video for the track can be seen below:
The video for 'Demons Surfaced' is below:
More on Angertea at this location.