Former ANTHRAX guitarist Rob Caggiano made his live debut with Danish metal rock 'n' rollers VOLBEAT this past Tuesday, February 19 at Store Vega in Copenhagen, Denmark. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

Caggiano served as producer on VOLBEAT's latest album, "Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies", alongside longtime production partner Jacob Hansen, who produced and mixed the band's prior four albums. Caggiano's other producer credits include THE DAMNED THINGS, BLEEDING THROUGH and ANTHRAX, and he was a member of ANTHRAX for two tenures — from 2001 to 2005 and again from 2007 to 2013.

VOLBEAT singer and guitarist Michael Poulsen stated about Caggiano's addition to the band: "The collaboration with Rob in the studio was so inspiring and in good spirit that we the decided to keep him. Basically we went into the studio as a three-piece and came out as a whole band!"

Added Caggiano: " I came to Denmark to produce the new VOLBEAT record which in and of itself has been an incredibly exciting adventure from a producer's perspective. However, I'm extremely happy to say my relationship with these guys will not end there as it turns out... it's just beginning!

"Michael had asked me on the phone before I got out [to Denmark] if I would play some guest solos on the new album in addition to my other duties, and, of course, I was thrilled about that and agreed to do so. When I actually got to Denmark and started going through the material, this turned out to be so much more than that.

"After weeks of collaboration between Michael and I, it became quite clear that we had an amazing creative chemistry together and a huge mutual respect for one another.

"It's so refreshing and inspiring to be creative again on a songwriting level that words can't even describe it and the vibe between Anders, Jon, Michael and I is just awesome. I'd say an artistic relationship like this one is very rare and it's also something I don't take for granted.

"When the guys asked me if I was interested in joining VOLBEAT, my jaw just about hit the floor! It actually didn't even register in my brain properly until the next morning, but I gotta say, it also didn't take me long to decide. It really isn't the way I envisioned the rest of my year to play out but at the same time, THIS feels more 'right' to me than anything I could have possibly imagined and I'm going for it!"

VOLBEAT's fifth album, "Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies", will be released on April 9 (one day earlier internationally) via Spinefarm/Universal Music.

VOLBEAT will embark on a North American headlining tour in the spring. The trek, which will feature support from DANKO JONES, will kick off on March 6 in Dallas, Texas.

VOLBEAT in 2011 parted ways with guitarist Thomas Bredahl, who had been a member of the band since 2006. He was replaced on the road by MERCYFUL FATE's Hank Shermann

Swedish viking/black metallers THYRFING will release their new album, "De Ödeslösa" (English translation: "The Fateless") on March 1 via NoiseArt Records. The band's first CD since 2008's critically acclaimed "Hels Vite" was recorded at Fascination Street studios in Örebro, Sweden with producer Jens Bogren (OPETH, PARADISE LOST, WITCHCRAFT).

"De Ödeslösa" track listing:

01. Mot Helgrind
02. Fordom
03. Veners Förfall
04. Illvilja
05. Kamp
06. Relik
07. Vindöga
08. De Ödeslösa

The song "Mot Helgrind" can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.

Comments THYRFING guitarist Patrik Lindgren: "'Veners Förfall' is a track we're truly satisfied with and think it showcases the album in a great way. The song was actually written around the rather offbeat middle piano part — which I think is really different from how you usually put your piano in metal music. In the chorus we can also hear Toni Kocmut on choir vocals. Those who have been following the band through the years will surely recognize this as a familiar element of THYRING. So … here we go — hope you'll enjoy the song and appreciate it as a first teaser of 'De Ödeslösa'."

The cover artwork for "De Ödeslösa" was created by Costin Chioreanu of Twilight13Media and can be seen below.

After 17 years in the band, original member and bassist Kimmy Sjölund decided to leave THYRFING. Joakim Kristensson has since taken over the bass duties. The band also welcomed a new drummer, Dennis Ekdahl.

THYRFING 2013 is:

Jens Rydén - Vocals
Patrik Lindgren - Guitar
Fredrik Hernborg - Guitar
Joakim Kristensson - Bass
Peter Löf - Synthesizers
Dennis Ekdahl - Drums

"Hels Vite" was released in October 2008 via Regain Records. The CD was co-produced (with the band) by Jörgen Svensson of Tyroon Production and the cover artwork was created by the Swedish artist Mikael Schelén. The layout and the photos were handled by Jens Rydén.

THYRFING in 2007 announced the addition of Jens Rydén as the band's new vocalist. Jens is best known as founding member and ex-vocalist of NAGLFAR and for his one-man army PROFUNDI.

The official lyric video for the song "Falling Like The Fahrenheit" from American/German/Swedish symphonic metallers KAMELOT can be seen below. The track, which was released as a digital single on February 8, "combines everything what the band stands for: melody, epic and melancholy atmospheres, and the unique voice of the new singer Tommy Karevik," according to a press release.

The "Falling Like The Fahrenheit" single features a special radio edit of the title track as well as the full album version.

"Falling Like The Fahrenheit" comes off KAMELOT's new album, "Silverthorn", which sold 5,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 79 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Poetry For The Poisoned", opened with around 6,100 units in September 2010 to enter the chart at No. 74.

"Silverthorn" was released on October 30, 2012 in North America, October 26, 2012 in Germany and October 29, 2012 in the rest of Europe via Steamhammer/SPV. The CD marks the band's first release with Tommy Karevik, the Swedish vocalist who previously fronted SEVENTH WONDER (a group that he is still a member of).

Tommy first appeared as one of the guest singers on KAMELOT's very successful 2011 Pandemonium World Tour.

KAMELOT supported Finnish/Dutch symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH on their North American tour last summer.

"Regenerate", the new video from U.K. tech metallers MONUMENTS, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's debut album, "Gnosis", which was released in North America on September 25, 2012 through Century Media Records. The CD was originally supposed to be released in 2011 via Basick Records. MONUMENTS has since split with the U.K.-based label, which issued the band's debut EP, "We Are The Foundation", in 2010.

Commented MONUMENTS vocalist Matt Rose: "This video was shot in our hometown of London. Turn it the f*%k up, And enjoy the groove."

MONUMENTS will be back on European stages this month and next, supporting BORN OF OSIRIS and AFTER THE BURIAL. Also appearing on the bill is THE HAARP MACHINE.

MONUMENTS last year recruited Rose after they went through a long, grinding, and global search for a new frontman.

MONUMENTS is:

John Browne - Guitar
Olly Steele - Guitar
Adam Swan - Bass
Mike Malyan - Drums
Matt Rose - Vocals

"Golem", a brand new song from Madrid, Spain-based female-fronted metallers TEARS OF MARTYR, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The track comes off the band's second album, "Tales", which will be released on April 26 via Germany's Massacre Records. The CD was recorded in August 2012 at the New Sin Studios in Loria, Italy, with Enrik Garcia and Luigi Stefanini.

Formed in the mid-'90s in Gran Canaria, Spain, TEARS OF MARTYR's debut album, "Entrance", was released in 2009 via STF Records.

The band was honored with the "Best Spanish Band Of The Year" award at the Female Metal Awards in 2009.

Commented TEARS OF MARTYR: "We are happy and excited to work with Massacre Records. We are looking forward to the release of 'Tales' and we hope you'll enjoy it!"

TEARS OF MARTYR is:

Berenice Musa - Soprano
Miguel Angel Marqués – Guitar, Vocals
Adrián Miranda - Bass
Doramas Párraga - Drums

"Reigns In Fire", a song from San Francisco Bay Area "blackened, technical post-death metallers" OBLIVION, who feature in their ranks former ALL SHALL PERISH guitarist Ben Orum on bass, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The track comes off OBLIVION's debut album, "Called To Rise", which was released on January 1.

"Called To Rise" track listing:

01. Oblivion Part 1: The Chant Of Tyrants (01:39)
02. Black Veils Of Justice (03:11)
03. Between Suns Of Light (02:50)
04. Binary Souls (03:24)
05. Reclamation (04:11)
06. Canon 1 In E Minor (02:30)
07. Annunaki (03:06)
08. Reigns In Fire (04:59)
09. Cancer Of Wraiths (03:52)
10. Multiverse (04:41)
11. Oblivion Part 2: Infinite Descent (05:34)

The "Reclamation" video can be seen below. The special "End Of The World" version of the clip was directed by Brandon Hunt and is the first OBLIVION video to feature the band's two new members: Orum and guitarist Victor Dods (HACKSAW TO THE THROAT).

OBLIVION is:

Nick Vasallo - Vocals
Ben Orum - Bass
Ted O'Neill - Guitar
Victor Dods - Guitar
Luis Martinez - Drums

Orum announced his departure from ALL SHALL PERISH earlier this month, explaining in statement that he "could not fulfill [his] duty as a touring musician any longer" due to the fact that he needed to provide for his family. He added: "While I am done with touring, I will never stop writing music. I am joining the extreme metal band OBLIVION as a bassist and contributing songwriter. We are beyond excited to unleash [our debut album] onto the metal world. I've always been into death metal and extreme music, [and] this is my return to true death metal."

"Kata Ton Demona Eaftou", the eleventh full-length studio album from Greek extreme metal veterans ROTTING CHRIST, can be streamed in its entirety using the widget below (courtesy of RockHard.gr and HardRockMag.fr). The CD will be released on March 5 (four days earlier in Europe) via Season Of Mist. The band spent more than four months at Deva Soundz studios in Athens crafting what it says "may be its darkest and more mystical and occult outcome ever." The CD was mixed by Jens Borgen (AMON AMARTH, PARADISE LOST, KATATONIA, OPETH) at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden.

According to a press release, "the principle of Do What Thou Wilt is the threat leading through this amazing album, which is inspired by ancient cultures around the globe. ROTTING CHRIST employ poetry from the Sumerians and Incas as well as a Romanian folk song, the tale of an undead Russian water spirit, Voodoo, Zoroastrianism and other sources."

"Kata Ton Demona Eaftou" track listing:

01. In Yumen - Xibalba
02. P'unchaw Kachun - Tuta Kachun
03. Grandis Spiritus Diavolos
04. Kata Ton Demona Eaftou
05. Cine Iubeste Si Lasa
06. Iwa Woodoo
07. Gilgames
08. Rusalka
09. Ahura Mazda Anra Mainiuu
10. 666

The album will be made available as jewel case CD, double gatefold LP and limited-edition digibox, including a digipak CD with bonus track "Welcome To Hel", a pendant in velvet bag and a flag.

In a recent interview with RockOverdose.gr, ROTTING CHRIST mainman Sakis Tolis stated about the band's new CD, "The album was recorded entirely by me, except, of course, the drums which were taken care of by my brother."

ROTTING CHRIST's last album, "Aealo", came out in March 2010. The CD sold around 400 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 144 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.

Bruce Moore of PureGrainAudio.com recently conducted an interview with guitarist Frank Novinec of Connecticut hardcore/metal masters HATEBREED. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

PureGrainAudio.com: After listening through "The Divinity Of Purpose" a few times now, it definitely seems to be a heavier effort than your previous releases. Was that something that was intentional or do you think it was just a natural progression?

Frank: Well, we are a universal band, like MOTÖRHEAD, where we appeal to rock, metal and hardcore fans and we feel that we can step outside of our boundaries at times. We did that about as much as we wanted to on the last record, and some people were into it and some people weren't, but there were some great songs in there. I think, definitely, for this one, we wanted it more straightforward; more meat and potatoes. We are a band that has been around for a long time and it is really difficult to come up with something fresh, but I think we achieved that on "The Divinity Of Purpose". More than anything, though, I am really proud at what a solid effort this record is from the beginning to the end.

PureGrainAudio.com: You guys have always had pretty cool album covers, but the artwork on "The Divinity Of Purpose" is especially intense. How did that come about?

Frank: We had an artist who has done stuff for SODOM and TESTAMENT and others do this one for us. It was kind of a risk because a lot of people thought, once they saw the cover, that the album was going to be really really metal and that is not the case at all. We wanted something different, we are open to different things and experimenting and we certainly did that with this album cover, but when you look at it it has the black-and-red classic HATEBREED look to it even though it is something new to us with the painting. I think it is real cool. This is an exciting time for us; everything from having a new album out, being on tour and the artwork.

PureGrainAudio.com: For this release you guys signed a deal with Nuclear Blast. How is that working out and is that going to take you more through Europe?

Frank: You know, we are always in Europe. We do well over there and we have a huge fan base and we are constantly going over there to play gigs. Nuclear Blast had the classic metal bands that we love, like KREATOR and DESTRUCTION, and obviously they have AGNOSTIC FRONT, a band that paved the way for us and who we actually were just on tour with over there. They (Nuclear Blast) do a great job with the packaging and everything, they are good people and they are fans. The head of the whole label is a fan, he comes to the shows, gets a few drinks in him and he is stage diving. It is plenty of fun and we had a great time with them when we were over there.

PureGrainAudio.com: You guys tour quite a bit. How do you keep up with the physical demands of touring?

Frank: I mean, everybody tries to eat healthy. We are all older now and the partying is down to a minimum. I am usually the guy in the band that is responsible for that, and I have tried to tone it down as much as possible. It is hard with all the traveling, especially with all the flying stuff, which puts more wear and tear on you, but we have a good time and our morale is up. Some of the guys have stretching routines before the show, but Jamey [Jasta, vocals] and I are the ones hanging out on the bus until the last second and then we go in and turn the switch on and give it 110 percent.

Read the entire interview from PureGrainAudio.com.

"Put It To The Torch" video:

New York death metal veterans SUFFOCATION filmed a video for the track "As Grace Descends" on January 5 at Duff's Brooklyn in in Williamsburg, New York. The clip, which can now be seen below, was directed by Tommy Jones, who has previously worked with KATAKLYSM, SOILWORK and DEATH ANGEL, among others.

Photos from the video shoot are available at this location.

"As Grace Descends" comes off SUFFOCATION's new album, "Pinnacle Of Bedlam", which was released on February 19 via Nuclear Blast Records. The artwork was handled this time around by Raymond Swanland and can be found below.

Commented SUFFOCATION bassist Derek Boyer: "This artwork is a perfect portrayal of our music. The cover depicts lyrical content like 'scales tip in degradation' and 'hooded messenger of death is now set forth, punishment for all.' Raymond is an absolute BEAST of an artist!"

Added SUFFOCATION guitarist Guy Marchais: "The artwork for 'Pinnacle' brings another element to an already brutal album. Raymond knew exactly what we were looking for and delivered!"

"Pinnacle Of Bedlam" was produced by the band at Full Force Studios in New York with longtime collaborator Joe Cincotta. The mixing and mastering of the effort was handled by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, ARSIS, SUICIDE SILENCE).

"Pinnacle Of Bedlam" features 10 genre-defining-bone-crushing tracks and also marks the return of drummer Dave Culross, who previously played on the "Despise The Sun" EP. Founding member and former drummer Mike Smith also makes a special guest appearance on the re-recorded "Breeding The Spawn" track "Beginning Of Sorrow".

"Pinnacle Of Bedlam" track listing:

01. Cycles Of Suffering
02. Purgatorial Punishment
03. Eminent Wrath
04. As Grace Descends
05. Sullen Days
06. Pinnacle Of Bedlam
07. My Demise
08. Inversion
09. Rapture Of Revocation
10. Beginning Of Sorrow

Stated guitarist Terrance Hobbs: "The meaning of the album title 'Pinnacle Of Bedlam', is the tipping point or most elevated moment as we approach the chaotic climax of this existence. The cosmic scale teeters and the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

"People should expect nothing less than sheer brutality, as we perform together with this incredible lineup! We feel this CD will be the best SUFFOCATION album ever to have been released and are confident the fans will love it."

"As Grace Descends" video:

"Count Me In", the new video from German heavy rockers THE NEW BLACK, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's third album, "III: Cut Loose", which will be released on March 15 via AFM Records. The effort will be made available in different configurations, including a "big, fat digipak" with loads of bonus tracks. According to a press release, "There's also talk of guest singers, free downloads and video clips with nasty spiders and middlefingers."

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

"III: Cut Loose" track listing:

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

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

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

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

THE NEW BLACK is:

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

STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet's autobiography, "Honestly", went to editing last week. There is a 12-song solo record to go hand in hand with the release of the book.

Writing on the band's Facebook page, Sweet states: "Writing and finishing my autobiography has gone WAY beyond my expectations, good and bad. It's been much more difficult than I could ever imagine yet it's been somewhat therapeutic being able to talk about my life and the past 30+ years of all things STRYPER. I get into everything and share things that may surprise you. I talk about the disfunction in this band, the pain and heartache of being so close to each other that we sometimes hurt each other the most, the ups and downs from our highest point (1987-1988) to our lowest point (1991-1992) and why we were driven to bankruptcy and how we climbed our way back from complete loss and despair. I share my personal pain from considering to give up music altogether to the day I broke the news to the guys that I would be leaving the band and why. From that day forward, I had everything a man could ask for and then, in what seemed like an instant, it was all taken away.

"I'm almost 50 yet I feel like I've lived the life of a man who is almost 90. I look back on everything and all I can say is thank you God for allowing me to serve you and for giving me my gift, my life!

"'Honestly' will be available soon and I can say from the bottom of my heart, it is brutally honest and my hopes and prayers are that it touches you in some way."

Michael's new solo album will be issued via Big3 Records. Guest musicians set to appear on the CD include CHICKENFOOT drummer Kenny Aronoff, FOZZY singer Chris Jericho, WHITESNAKE guitarist Doug Aldrich; Tony Harnell of TNT, and Michael's brother Robert Sweet and STRYPER's Timothy Gaines.

Regarding Harnell's appearance on the CD, Sweet previously stated, "I think Tony is truly one of the most underrated singers of all time. He's always been one of my favorites and is an incredibly nice, humble guy to boot. I've always wanted to work with Tony and I knew this would be the perfect song and opportunity to do so. 'Taking On The World Tonight' is very heavy with a combination of old-school riffs and solos yet it's got a very modern, relevant sound as well. It's the best of both worlds!"

Writing on Facebook, Sweet stated about reaction to his previously released solo album sampes, "To the handful of people who think it sounds like STRYPER — well, earth to moon, I am the singer/guitarist/songwriter for STRYPER so there is the remote chance that their will be similarities right? Maybe you can't comprehend that but I think most people here do.

"For those of you who wonder why it isn't a STRYPER record, the truth is that I had the opportunity to make a record and I took it. It's been almost 12 years since my last solo release and I felt it was long overdue. There is a lot of down time with STRYPER and life goes on, you've got to do what you've got to do … We all have done solo projects over the years and it's a great way for all of us to be artistic and express our musical ideas individually."

Sweet's last solo album, "Touched", was released in December 2007 exclusively through Michael's official web site, MichaelSweet.com. The CD, which included reworked versions of four STRYPER songs, was not made available in stores.

Helsinki, Finland-based metallers OCTOBER FALLS will release their fourth album, "The Plague Of A Coming Age", on March 15 on CD and vinyl via Debemur Morti Productions. According to a press release, the CD sees "the band continu[ing] to explore its exquisitely sonorous world, deeply melancholic, subtly aggressive and always divinely melodic." Once again, Mikko Lehto gathered gifted musicians around him for the recording: Marko Tarvonen (MOONSORROW) on drums and Sami Hinkka (ENSIFERUM) on bass. A very special guest contributed clean vocals on two songs: Tomi Joutsen (AMORPHIS). The visual art was imagined and painted by talented Argentinian artist Santiago Caruso.

"The Plague Of A Coming Age" track listing:

01. At the Edge Of An Empty Horizon
02. Bloodlines
03. The Verge Of Oblivion
04. Snakes Of The Old World
05. The Plague Of A Coming Age
06. Mouth Of A Nation's Harlots
07. Boiling Heart Of The North
08. The Weight Of The Fallen
09. Below The Soils

The song "Boiling Heart Of The North" can now be streamed below.

A trailer for the CD can be seen below. Also available is an audio stream of the song "Snakes Of The Old World".

OCTOBER FALLS' current musical style is described in a press release as "a mixture of atmospheric acoustic music and harsher black metal-oriented material and could be compared to early acoustic ULVER, DRUDKH and PRIMORDIAL blended together with a personal touch and strong melodies. Still, the early acoustic side has not been completely abandoned; there have been occasional acoustic releases through the years and there will also be similar releases again at some point on the horizon."

On February 19, Californian rockers BUCKCHERRY performed a special acoustic set for Tampa Bay, Florida radio station 98 Rock at the RP Funding Performance Theater. Check out footage of the song "Bliss", "Sorry", "Everything", "Truth" and "Rose" below.

BUCKCHERRY's sixth studio album, "Confessions", is likely to sell between 12,000 and 15,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to industry web site Hits Daily Double. The estimate was based on one-day sales reports compiled after the record arrived in stores on February 19 via Century Media Records.

BUCKCHERRY's previous CD, "All Night Long", opened with around 28,000 copies in August 2010 to land at position No. 10 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The band's fourth studio effort, titled "Black Butterfly", premiered with around 47,000 copies back in September 2008 to enter the chart at No. 8.

"Confessions" is a loose concept album that revolves around the notion of the seven deadly sins, while the lyrics were inspired by events in singer Josh Todd's childhood. Todd told The Pulse Of Radio why the seven sins made a good framework for the record. "Well, I've struggled with moderation my whole life, you know, so the sins have been prevalent in my life as far back as I can remember," he said. "So it's something that I'm always struggling with, and I think everybody does to some degree at some point. That's why they're unique and timeless and I think a lot of people can relate to them."

Todd has also written the script for a short film that will act as a companion piece to "Confessions", with the band hoping to shoot the movie later this year.

The first single from the album is called "Gluttony".

BUCKCHERRY is currently out as special guest of KID ROCK on his Rebel Soul tour, which stopped on Wednesday (February 20) in Pensacola, Florida.

The band will also play three hometown shows on March 7, March 8 and March 9 at the Viper Room in Los Angeles.

A six-minute video clip in which bassist Sean Tibbetts of American/German/Swedish symphonic metallers KAMELOT answers a number of fan-submitted questions can be seen below.

KAMELOT released a new digital single on February 8. According to a press release, "Falling Like The Fahrenheit" "combines everything what the band stands for: melody, epic and melancholy atmospheres, and the unique voice of the new singer Tommy Karevik."

The "Falling Like The Fahrenheit" single features a special radio edit of the title track as well as the full album version.

"Falling Like The Fahrenheit" comes off KAMELOT's new album, "Silverthorn", which sold 5,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 79 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Poetry For The Poisoned", opened with around 6,100 units in September 2010 to enter the chart at No. 74.

"Silverthorn" was released on October 30, 2012 in North America, October 26, 2012 in Germany and October 29, 2012 in the rest of Europe via Steamhammer/SPV. The CD marks the band's first release with Tommy Karevik, the Swedish vocalist who previously fronted SEVENTH WONDER (a group that he is still a member of).

Tommy first appeared as one of the guest singers on KAMELOT's very successful 2011 Pandemonium World Tour.

KAMELOT supported Finnish/Dutch symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH on their North American tour last summer.

Former HANOI ROCKS frontman Michael Monroe joined Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES) on stage this past Tuesday (February 19) at Hartwall Areena in Helsinki, Finland to perform the songs "We're All Gonna Die" and "Magic Carpet Ride". Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

Monroe, whose solo band opened the show, stated after the concert: "We had an absolute blast with Slash on Tuesday at the Hartwall Arena in Helsinki! A big thank you to Slash for inviting us to open the show. And for having me come up to jam on 'We're All Gonna Die' and 'Magic Carpet Ride'. It was truly magical. Good times and then some!"

Monroe has completed recording his new solo album in Stockholm, Sweden for an early 2013 release. He states, "We laid down 12 killer tracks! We're all really excited about it!"

Michael's latest CD, "Sensory Overdrive", was released in the U.S. and Canada in August 2011 via Spinefarm/Universal. The CD, which was made available in Europe in March 2011 via Universal Music subsidiary Spinefarm Records, featured guest appearances by MOTÖRHEAD's Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister and three-time Grammy-winning country/folk singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams.

"Sensory Overdrive" was recorded in Los Angeles with legendary producer Jack Douglas, who has previously worked with AEROSMITH, JOHN LENNON, CLUTCH, SLASH'S SNAKEPIT and NEW YORK DOLLS, among many others.

Monroe in June 2011 recruited Dregen (real name: Andreas Tyrone Svensson) of Swedish sleaze rockers BACKYARD BABIES to be the guitarist of Monroe's solo band following the departure of Ginger (THE WILDHEARTS).

British doom legends CATHEDRAL will release their final studio album, "The Last Spire", on April 29 via Rise Above Records. Produced by Lee Dorrian and Garry Jennings, with assistance from Jaime Gomez Arellano, the CD will feature the following track listing:

01. Entrance To Hell
02. Pallbearer
03. Cathedral Of The Damned
04. Tower Of Silence
05. Infestation Of Grey Death
06. An Observation
07. The Last Laugh
08. This Body, Thy Tomb

And lo, Lee Dorrian, mouthpiece of CATHEDRAL for 23 years, doth solemnly intone the death rites of this mighty British metal Titan. Born in the dying days of Thatcher's Britain, bonding over then-unfashionable, obscure names like SAINT VITUS, PENTAGRAM, TROUBLE and DREAM DEATH, CATHEDRAL's sole ambition was to record a demo tape. In fact they revolutionised doom metal, first pushing their influences into new avenues of grinding extremity, then pioneering groovier forms of '70s-indebted stoner doom.

They've remained a reassuring and singular presence in our lives, building a rabid following worldwide with their wholly distinctive blend of rollicking British heavy metal, true doom, 70s hard rock, psych-folk, mad prog and spiky crust-punk. There was a worrying hiatus between 2005 and 2010 when some dared to wonder if CATHEDRAL were coming back at all — but they re-emerged with "The Guessing Game", an overflowing treasure chest of weird and wonderful goodies exploring new, bold variations on their craft. So when news came that CATHEDRAL really were approaching the Endtyme, it was a shock.

"Personally speaking, this is the album I've been waiting to do since the first one [CATHEDRAL's 1991 debut, 'Forest Of Equilibrium']," says Dorrian. "It almost feels like we made our second album last in some respects. We actually recorded a lot more material but decided to sacrifice many of the tracks to make the overall album feel more complete in its nihilism.

"I don't like happy endings, I never have. So many good films are ruined by happy endings and I didn't want that to be the case with CATHEDRAL. It was my dream to bring everything full circle."

CATHEDRAL recently released its first new recorded material in three years exclusively via Decibel magazine's subscriber-only Decibel Flexi Series. The song, "Vengeance Of The Blind Dead", can be heard in the flexi included in the February 2013 issue. The track is also streaming on Decibel's SoundCloud page. Limited quantities of the issue with the flexi can be ordered on DecibelMagazine.com.

Just as the third quarter of 2012 brought three exciting works from JEFF LYNNE - his second solo album Long Wave, the freshly recorded Mr. Blue Sky – The Very Best Of ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA and the illuminating documentary Mr. Blue Sky: The Story Of Jeff Lynne and ELO - 2013 will be marked by more treats from the creative force of ELO and one of rock’s most iconic figures.

On April 19th in Europe (April 22nd in the UK) and April 23rd in North America, Frontiers Records will release three albums: Electric Light Orchestra Live and two reissues, ELO’s Zoom (remastered and including a brand new track) and his debut solo album Armchair Theatre (also remastered, with two new brand new tracks). It’s all part of the 40th anniversary of ELO, who’ve sold 50 million-plus records worldwide. These releases will all feature new packaging and the Live CD will come in a special ecolbook edition.
* Electric Light Orchestra Live hasn’t been issued as an album until now. Taken from a 2001 performance for a PBS television special in Los Angeles at CBS Television City, the music was released as a DVD that year. The new hits-packed CD offers fans four tracks that weren’t on the DVD ('Secret Messages', 'Sweet Talkin’ Woman', 'Twilight', and 'Confusion') as well as two new, unreleased studio tracks, 'Out of Luck' (recorded in 2010) and 'Cold Feet' (recorded in 1992). Although the singularly accomplished British singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer has always preferred the creative experience of the recording studio, he is a compelling performer who's always figured out ways to bring his distinctive widescreen musical universe to life onstage when he needed to.

* ELO’s Zoom - unavailable for over 10 years - has been remastered and features a brand new track, 'One Day' (recorded in 2004) as an added bonus, along with a live version of 'Turn To Stone' from 2001’s Zoom special on PBS. At the time of its original release in 2001, Lynne hadn’t issued an ELO album since 1986’s Balance Of Power. He called upon notable friends for a little help, enlisting contributions from longtime ELO member Richard Tandy as well as good friends GEORGE HARRISON and RINGO STARR. The result is an album rich in that distinct ELO sound - classic Lynne melodies and songwriting, foot-stomping rock anthems and sweet, sexy strings.

* Lynne's first solo album, 1990’s Armchair Theatre, is a melting pot of different styles and influences featuring unexpected collaborations with Lynne's heroes and close friends, including TOM PETTY, RICHARD TANDY and George Harrison. This reissue, unavailable for the last decade, includes two previously unreleased bonus tracks, 'Borderline' and 'Forecast' (both recorded in 1989). Interestingly, the album also features a few notable covers - 'Don’t Let Go', 'Stormy Weather' and 'September Song' - that demonstrated Lynne's flair for covers two decades before the release of 2012’s acclaimed Long Wave. Suitably, the core of the album is Lynne himself, though he also left room for the contributions of a few friends and fellow travelers. Harrison contributed guitars and vocals on a number of tracks. Petty co-wrote 'Blown Away', a gorgeously romantic ballad. Longtime ELO band member Richard Tandy also contributed on keyboards and other instruments. Armchair Theatre captures the musical genius of Jeff Lynne when - perhaps more than ever before - the world was his stage.

Outside of the success of ELO, Lynne has led a remarkable career producing and collaborating with many of the greatest musical artists of all time. They include a number of Lynne's all-time heroes like ROY ORBISON, DEL SHANNON, George Harrison, PAUL MCCARTNEY, Ringo Starr, and remarkably, even THE BEATLES themselves, as well as contemporaries like Tom Petty and JOE WALSH, whose new album Analog Man, Lynne recently produced some tracks for. Together with Harrison, Orbison, Petty and BOB DYLAN, Lynne was, of course, a member of the Grammy award-winning TRAVELING WILBURYS - a super group like no other.

“I’ve been in love with music since I was probably just five years old,” says Lynne. I was mad for music then - and I still am today.”

Tracklistings:
Electric Light Orchestra Live:

'Evil Woman'
'Showdown'
'Secret Messages'
'Livin’ Thing'
'Sweet Talkin’ Woman'
'Mr. Blue Sky'
'Can’t Get It Out Of My Head'
'Twilight'
'Confusion'
'Don’t Bring Me Down'
'Roll Over Beethoven'
'Out of Luck' (Bonus)
'Cold Feet' (Bonus)
Zoom:

'Alright'
'Moment In Paradise'
'State Of Mind'
'Just For Love'
'Stranger On A Quiet Street'
'In My Own Time, Easy Money'
'It Really Doesn’t Matter'
'Ordinary Dream'
'A Long Time Gone'
'Melting In The Sun'
'All She Wanted'
'Lonesome Lullaby'
'One Day' (Bonus)
'Turn To Stone' (Live From CBS Television City) (Bonus)
Armchair Theatre:

'Every Little Thing'
'Don’t Let Go'
'Lift Me Up'
'Nobody Home'
'September Song'
'Now You’re Gone'
'Don’t Say Goodbye'
'What Would It Take'
'Stormy Weather'
'Blown Away'
'Save Me Now'
'Borderline' (Bonus)
'Forecast' (Bonus)

British band DOOGIE WHITE & LA PAZ will release its sophomore album, "The Dark And The Light", on May 27 in Europe and June 4 in USA via Metal Mind Productions. The drums and most of the bass guitar parts were recorded in Gorbals Sound in Glasgow. The guitars, additional bass parts and keyboards were recorded at The Farm, owned by Chic McSherry, while the vocals were recorded at Kinman Studio in London. Mixing was done again by Rolf Munkes at Empire Studios in Germany.

Commented guitarist Chic McSherry: "After 'Granite' was finished and released, I went on holiday in Mexico, near La Paz, actually. I was out on the Pacific Ocean for a few days and the constant thrum of the boat engine was just morphing into all sorts of noises and beats in my head. The beer probably contributed to that as well… When I got back from the trip, the earworms just wouldn't go away, so I eventually called Doogie and said, 'I got some ideas, man. I think I will make up a couple of demos.' To my surprise, he immediately said, 'Yeah. Why not? Send them down when you're ready and I'll take a listen.' I started to record the basic framework ideas and emailed them to Doogie as I finished them, and he kept coming back and saying, 'Yep. That's good, what else you got?' Over three weeks, I wrote 11 pieces of music, 10 of which have made it onto 'The Dark And The Light'. After Doogie and I had agreed which ones we would work on further, the demos then went to the other flying LA PAZ brothers and they immediately started adding their unique and distinctive styles and ideas to them to bring the final work together.

"This is the real heart of the thing for me. I have no ambition to be judged amongst the virtuoso guitar players out there, many of whom Doogie has worked with and is still working with on other projects. I have no illusions about where I stand next to those guys, many of whom are my heroes! I have just been lucky enough to write a lot of songs with Doogie, songs that we both really enjoy and are proud of, and then we get to play them with the great musicians in LA PAZ. I guess that if you believe that music is an art form, you could think of me as the guy who makes the canvas upon which others can create some magic!

"'Granite' was a great album for us to do, but in a lot of ways we were playing music that we already knew really well. This was much more of an exploration of new territories for everyone and we all have had SUCH a blast putting it together."

Added Doogie: "Chic is very driven, creatively and emotionally, and I get bored when I am not working. It therefore makes for the most wonderful combination for us to write songs together.

"I personally never thought that LA PAZ would never record another album. I knew we had at least another one in us. It's a natural thing we have. Chic knows, I know, and together we both know that between us we can write a song or two. Then when you add in the solid foundation of Big Al and Wee Paul, it's all there. Of course 'Posh Boy' Andy has his part to play on the keyboards to make it really become LA PAZ.

"Chic's songs for this album have 'traditional' LA PAZ influences, but we are older and more travelled and his ideas outwit the great traditions of what LA PAZ should sound like, shines a new light on the music we write. It was challenging for us both to write it, but we knew what we needed. For some people, a few of the songs may be challenging and unexpected, both musically and lyrically. But that's the joy of LA PAZ.

"We came from nothing and we may return to nothing, but the road we ventured on has been so satisfying and creative. We may even send each other Christmas cards this year!

"I think we have made ourselves proud with this record. 'Granite' was easier, as it was taking old ideas and revamping them. Then we added some twists on the new songs. 'The Dark And The Light' is different, but when all five of us are working together like that, it fair brings a smile to one's face."

LA PAZ was formed in Lanarkshire, Scotland in the summer of 1984 by Chic McSherry (guitar), Doogie White (vocals) and Alex Carmichael (bass). At the first rehearsal together, they hit it off immediately on a personal level. They also liked the same music and they had the same influences and heroes (DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW, JOURNEY, Gary Moore) so they started to recruit other members to try to form a band and go do some gigs. Andy Mason (keyboards) joined the trio and he fitted in from the start, even though he was still at school when he joined. Drummers were always a problem, and, over the life of the band, LA PAZ went through almost as many as SPINAL TAP. Unquestionably the loudest and the most accomplished was/is their current drummer, Paul McManus. LA PAZ played live regularly, sometimes playing up to a hundred gigs in a year. They appeared at the world-famous Marquee Club in London as well as at some festivals in Milton Keynes and they were featured regularly in Kerrang! (Derek Oliver becoming a big fan of the band) and attracted interest from a number of U.K. and U.S. record companies, finally agreeing terms with one of them for a three-album deal. But it was not to be — for reasons which were never explained by the record label, the deal fell through at the very last minute. Sadly, the band didn't survive for very long after that. They did their last gig on October 15, 1988 and then Doogie moved to London to join MIDNITE BLUE, RITCHIE BLACKMORE'S RAINBOW, CORNERSTONE, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN and now the mighty TANK. And then legendary DJ Tom Russell of 96.3 Rock Radio called Doogie and asked him if he would do some acoustic numbers at The Garage in Glasgow for Rock Radio's birthday bash in January 2008. Doogie agreed and asked Chic to play guitar. Almost 1000 people attended, with Doogie singing alone and Chic with one flamenco guitar!

"We had such a blast though and it woke up so many great memories in both of us that we decided to give it a go with the full band for my 50th birthday," said Chic.

And so the full band started to rehearse and it was clear that they could still play a bit. The band just gelled: just like old times and the gigs were a terrific success. And so the idea of re-recording some of the favourites from the set that had never had a proper production job was conceived. The final result could be heard on the album "Granite", released on February 13, 2012 in Europe and March 6, 2012 in USA. It was an album with its roots in the past but its energy in the present.

DOOGIE WHITE & LA PAZ is:

Doogie White - Vocals
Chic McSherry - Guitar
Alex Carmichael - Bass
Andy Mason - Keyboards
Paul McManus - Drums

Legendary guitarist Joe Satriani (CHICKENFOOT) has issued the following update:

"Now that the asteroid has safely passed us by, I feel it's time to break my cyberspace silence and let you all know what I've been up to these last few months.

"After returning home from the last of three incredible G3 tours, I got down to writing music for a new solo record. A very prolific and cathartic two months followed resulting in a bundle of new music I was very excited to get recorded.

"With 16 of the songs selected for the project, all heading in different directions and touching on a variety of musical influences, I realized I needed to assemble a new studio band. The idea was to crank up the energy level of the sessions, and allow for more individual expression of the material, from each player. I pulled into Skywalker Sound with Mike Keneally on keyboards, Chris Chaney on bass and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. The chemistry between these awesome players was fantastic, and we blazed through all the tracks with everyone laying down amazing performances.

"On Valentine's Day I finally finished all the overdubs, reviewed the tracks with engineer/producer Mike Fraser and started loading out of the studio, elated! Now it's on to Vancouver, British Columbia, to mix.

"The new record will be called 'Unstoppable Momentum' and should see a release date of May 7th. I'm not sure how many songs will make it to the final sequence as I still have a lot of work ahead of me in that department.

"As you can see from the tour page [on my official web site], we are gearing up to bring the new music on tour starting in mid-May and continuing through 2013. My touring band will consist of Mike Keneally on keys and guitar, Bryan Beller on bass, and Marco Minnemann on drums. I'm so excited about tearing it up on stage with this new band! See you out there on tour..."

Joe released his 11th studio album, "Black Swans And Wormhole Wizards", in October 2010 and followed this with extensive North American and European tours. The following year, CHICKENFOOT's second album, "III", was released to critical acclaim.

In January 2012, Satriani embarked on a European tour with CHICKENFOOT. By April 2012, he released the DVD/Blu-ray of his much-talked-about 3D concert film "Satchurated: Live In Montreal". During the same year, he embarked on G3 tours of Europe and Australia with Steve Vai and Steve Lukather.

SLAYER has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET regarding the band's decision to replace drummer Dave Lombardo for the upcoming Australian tour:

"SLAYER confirms that Jon Dette will drum for the band on its Australian tour that starts this Saturday, February 23 in Brisbane. As regards Dave Lombardo's Facebook post, SLAYER does not agree with Mr. Lombardo's substance or the timeline of the events, except to acknowledge that Mr. Lombardo came to the band less than a week before their scheduled departure for Australia to present an entirely new set of terms for his engagement that were contrary to those that had been previously agreed upon. The band was unable to reach an agreement on these new demands in the short amount of time available prior to leaving for Australia. There is more to the account than what Mr. Lombardo has offered, but out of respect to him, SLAYER will not be commenting further. SLAYER is grateful to its Australian fans for their understanding of this unfortunate last-minute change, and very much looks forward to seeing them at these shows."

Lombardo released a statement last night indicating that he was being replaced for SLAYER's Australian dates after he requested access to detailed information and the necessary backup documents regarding how the band's tour income was being distributed. According to the drummer, 90% of SLAYER's tour revenue is "being deducted as expenses, including the professional fees paid to management, costing the band millions of dollars and leaving 10% or less to split amongst the four of us."

Shortly into the tour for SLAYER's 1986 album "Reign In Blood", Lombardo left the group, citing financial concerns. Tony Scaglione of WHIPLASH was recruited to replace Lombardo; however, this lineup was short-lived, as Lombardo returned in 1987. In 1992, Lombardo left the group again due to friction with the other band members, particularly King. Paul Bostaph of FORBIDDEN took over as the band's drummer for 1994's "Divine Intervention" and 1996's "Undisputed Attitude", the latter being an LP of cover tunes. Following the recording of "Undisputed Attitude", Jon Dette replaced Bostaph, who left to concentrate on other projects. Dette was fired a year later and Bostaph returned to the fold. In 2001, Bostaph left SLAYER for good and was replaced by a returning Lombardo. Although this reunion was initally announced as temporary, Lombardo has remained with the band ever since.

SLAYER has spent the past two years touring without guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who is still recovering from necrotising fasciitis, a flesh-eating disease, which he is believed to have gotten from a spider bite. Hanneman is being temporarily replaced on the road by EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt.

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

Dette is currently 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.

Veteran rockers SKID ROW have inked a deal with Megaforce Records. The band's new EP, "United World Rebellion - Chapter One", will be released in North America on April 16, with an international release date to be announced shortly. Some of the sessions for the CD, which was mastered last month, took place at Open Sky Studio, the Atlanta, Georgia-based facility owned and operated by producer/drummer Mike Froedge (DREADED MARCO, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, DOUBLEDRIVE, SPEED X), and the Bonehead Studio, also in Atlanta.

Commented SKID ROW guitarist Dave "Snake" Sabo: "We've known the Megaforce family and their various incarnations since 1982. Their history and legacy speaks for itself. We always thought that at some point we would work together and this turned out to be the perfect time and vehicle for us to finally do it. They have a sincere belief in what we're doing and what our vision is which is really rare today. Needless to say, this is a very exciting time for us!"

The first new release from SKID ROW since 2006's "Revolutions Per Minute", "United World Rebellion - Chapter One" is the first of three plus three EPs that will be made available over the next 12-18 months.

Explained SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan: "We wanted to do something different. Living in an age of information overload, it seemed like the perfect time to try something new. We came up with the idea to release three consecutive EPs over the course of the next year or so. This way we have new music out there on a consistent basis. And who better to do that with than Megaforce? They practically invented the EP! 'United World Rebellion – Chapter One' ROCKS!"

SKID ROW singer Johnny Solinger recently stated about "United World Rebellion - Chapter One": "This truly is a special record. Can't wait for you all to hear it."

A first look at the "United World Rebellion - Chapter One" cover art is available below.

An audio sample of the song "Kings Of Demolition" can be streamed using the audio player below.

To coincide with the "United World Rebellion - Chapter One" release, SKID ROW will embark on a world tour beginning April 4 in Ipswitch, England. This will carry them through the U.K., along with stops in the Czech Republic, Sweden, Mexico and Korea, just to name a few. In the coming months, this will be followed by a full-on North American tour.

SKID ROW's last album "Revolutions Per Minute", was released on October 24, 2006 via SPV Records.

The band in 2010 parted ways with drummer Dave Gara and replaced him with Atlanta native Rob Hammersmith.

Rob spent many years touring and recording with Atlanta-based rockers ROCKETS TO RUIN and has performed with GUNFIRE 76, the band featuring MURDERDOLLS frontman Wednesday 13.

"Kings Of Demolition" audio sample:

German heavy rockers PUMP have announced the addition of vocalist Oliver Weers (RIPE, D.I.M.) to the group's ranks.

A video snippet of a new PUMP song, "Tear Down The Walls", featuring Weers, can be seen below.

Commented PUMP bassist Michael Vetter: “We had many candidates for the vacant position, among them a number of really good musicians, and having to reject them really wasn’t easy. We want to thank all the applicants, thank you for your understanding and we wish you all lots of success in the future!"

Added guitarist Aki Reissmann: "We are extremely excited to announce and welcome Oliver Weers into the band as vocalist. Oliver has really been a breath of fresh air for us, and in the first week of jamming with him we were able to finish the recoding of the new album, 'Waiting For The Rapture', soon. Oliver's voice add new dimensions to our sound."

A photo of the new PUMP lineup can be seen below.

New York death metal veterans IMMOLATION have set "Kingdom Of Conspiracy" as the title of their ninth full-length album. The follow-up to 2010's "Majesty And Decay" will be released on May 14 in North America, both digitally and physically, via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Sound Studios in Millbrook, New York with longtime producer Paul Orofino, and mixed and mastered once again by Zack Ohren (ALL SHALL PERISH, DECREPIT BIRTH, SUFFOCATION).

"We are really looking forward to getting the new CD out there to the fans," commented IMMOLATION guitarist Robert Vigna. "I don't think they are going to know what hit them after they hear this one! 'Kingdom Of Conspiracy' is one intense and miserably dark record!"
For photos of the band in the studio, click here.

Catch the band on the Decibel Magazine Tour this spring with CANNIBAL CORPSE and NAPALM DEATH.

Asked if he agrees with the opinion that the divide between death and black metal is artificial and that these styles are simply two sides of the same coin, IMMOLATION bassist/vocalist Ross Dolan told MetalSerbia.com, "I think so. Because if you really look at it, we all came from the same roots. We were all inspired by the same bands. If you talk to us, and you talk to MARDUK, and you talk to, maybe, the IMMORTAL guys, you talk to AVERSE SEFIRA, whoever you talk to, we all were inspired by the same bands. It's just different interpretations. We took that and we all went in our own directions. But it's all extreme metal, it's all very dark. I've heard people say that we kind of crossed the boundaries between death metal and black metal. If you had to put us in a genre, I would consider us definitely death metal, but I can see where we would appeal to black metal [fans], because our sound is very unorthodox for death metal, definitely very dissonant, very dark, and very bleak. So I totally understand that connection, and I agree with that. I think we all came from the same starting point, so it makes sense."

"Majesty And Decay", was released in March 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD sold around 1,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 29 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.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada-based progressive rockers FEN have released the music video for the song "A Long Line Final", from their fifth and latest album, "Of Losing Interest", released last summer via indie label Ripple Music.

FEN's heaviest and most technical album to date, "Of Losing Interest" revisits the band’s harder-edged metallic past while retaining the melodic sensibilities that made "Trails Out of Gloom" so alluring. Co-produced by Mike Southworth, his fourth with the band, "Of Losing Interest" is a contrast of technical virtuosity layered against warm low end organics.

"Of Losing Interest" track listing:

01. Riddled (03:55)
02. Of Losing Interest (04:59)
03. Nice For Three Days (04:04)
04. A Long Line (04:43)
05. The Glove (03:23)
06. Drunken Relief (04:26)
07. Light Up The End (03:34)
08. Pilot Plant (06:03)
09. Snake Path (03:17)

The band will perform at this year's Telus Ski & Snowboard festival kick-off on March 21 at the Electric Owl (926 Main St.) in Vancouver.

Ear-grinding extremists HUMANITY DELETE have released the second video from their debut album, "Never Ending Nightmares".

The clip for "Frozen Apparition" was shot on location in Canada by 62nd Chamber Productions, which also directed the band's first video for "Necromantic Sorcery".

"Frozen Apparition" features guest guitar solos from Lasse Pyykko of HOODED MENACE and examines the Yuki-Onna, a female spirit from ancient Japanese folklore that is known to appear during snowstorms and lure her victims outside to meet an icy death.

"Never Ending Nightmares" was released on December 4, 2012 through Deadbeat Media.

Masterminded by by one of extreme metal's most prolific artists Rogga Johansson (PAGANIZER, RIBSPREADER, REVOLTING, DEMIURG, BONE GNAWER), the concept of "Never Ending Nightmares" dates back to 2003 when HUMANITY DELETE was originally formed. Recently resurrected, the product of Johansson's evil genius has finally been unleashed upon the world. The CD was recorded by Johansson and mixed/mastered by Ronnie Björnström.

"Never Ending Nightmares" is paranormal, post-apocalyptic death metal with grind/punk influences that will have you sleeping with the lights on for weeks! The cover artwork was created by Adam Geyer, with inner artwork also by Geyer, as well as Ironworx Gravefix and Dzul Skam. Rogga single-handedly recorded 11 raw, dirty and ugly death metal tracks with a grind/punk approach. Jill Girardi (Dead Beat Media), who has been living in Malaysia for three years, was asked to write lyrics with the theme of Asian ghosts and creepy lore, which she has studied heavily, as anyone who reads up on the ghost lore of Asia knows it is one of the most terrifyingly haunted regions of the earth. To make it even better, Lasse Pyykkö (HOODED MENACE) was recruited to add some guest guitar solos to the music, to give it an even rawer feeling.

Future HUMANITY DELETE albums will continue with the paranormal experiences while also adding post-apocalyptic themes into the mix for a killer combination.

OF EARTH, a musical endeavor featuring Rob De Luca (UFO, SEBASTIAN BACH), will release its second album, "The Monarch", this spring. The CD, which will be releamade available via Lovember Records, was co-engineered by "Album Of The Year" Grammy winner Tom Camuso and mastered by Howie Weinberg. In addition to singing and playing bass on "The Monarch", Rob De Luca produced and mixed the album.

The first single from "The Monarch", entitled "Prototype", is out now and available this week for free on CD Baby. Head to this location to download the track.

De Luca will head back out on the road this month, playing bass with legendary British rockers UFO in Europe.

OF EARTH is:

Rob De Luca - vocals, bass
Paul Casanova - guitar, vocals
Rik De Luca - drums
Matt Baram - keyboards

British hard rock legends DEEP PURPLE will release their 19th studio album 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

A short audio teaser for the CD is available below.

After various songwriting sessions in Europe, the band recorded and mixed the album in Nashville, Tennessee with producer Bob Ezrin (KISS, PINK FLOYD, PETER GABRIEL, ALICE COOPER, KANSAS). The CD is expected to contain 13 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 earMUSIC, the CD is "rumored to be the perfect match from the original spirit of '70s PURPLE, and a fresh and modern production."

Regarding the album title, Gillan offered the following cryptic comment to Classic Rock: "There's a big question mark over the name at the moment. And possibly an exclamation mark as well. You can read what you like into what I've just said. All will become clear — as mud — later on. That's all I'm allowed to say. The question mark and the exclamation mark might get you intrigued."

earMUSIC will reveal details about the new DEEP PURPLE album in real time as soon as they will become available on a dedicated web site where all band members will also be able to post and interact with the fans: www.deeppurple2013.com.

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".

Several metal musicians have weighed in on SLAYER's decision to replace drummer Dave Lombardo (pictured below) for the upcoming Australian tour following a disagreement over internal financial issues. According to the drummer, 90% of SLAYER's tour revenue is "being deducted as expenses, including the professional fees paid to management, costing the band millions of dollars and leaving 10% or less to split amongst the four of us."

Russ Strahan (HOUNDS OF HASSELVANDER, PENTAGRAM, LAND OF DOOM): "I have a deep respect for SLAYER and their music. This is one of the original thrash metal bands and a band that so many have been influenced by. Like most, I am shocked by the current situation but I have to say, being a musician who has been in several bands and has toured, there are things that go deeper than people outside the band realize.

"I am not by any means condoning or supporting any decisions based on selfishness and greed. I just know from experience that there is usually more than meets the eye on the inside of any major change like this.

"I hope that this is not as it seems and that the guys can work it out but like a lot of you that have commented, it doesn't look good and I do agree that Dave is a master and just as major a part as everyone else in the band. Again, I hope that this is something that can be worked out because there are allot of disappointed fans!

"On one final note… I can't even afford one of those $5,000.00 American BC Rich guitars and have to work a stinking 9-5 job that I hate just to get by so to put it in perspective, Kerry [King, SLAYER guitarist] you got it pretty damn good compared to most of us."

Gus Pynn (SACRIFICE): "Just read Dave Lombardo's press release. Kerry King is a douche. How long before Tom [Araya, bass/vocals] leaves? Man, some guys are just dickheads. So glad almost 26 years ago when they came knocking I said 'NO!!' I hope Tom leaves. Kerry will just replace him with some clone and take 90% of the gate which is the way he wants it. Sleep well. Kerry."

Bård G. Eithun (a.k.a. Faust; SCUM, ABORYM, EMPEROR): "So, Kerry King, did all the ink give you any sort of brain damage? Stop fucking around and just realize that Lombardo is just a big of a star as you are. If not bigger. Who wants to see SLAYER without good 'ol Dave anyway? Cut the crap."

Portnoy: "Sad to hear about @TheDaveLombardo Anybody can "play drums" in Slayer (or Black Sabbath or) but real drum icons & legends are IRREPLACEABLE!"

According to Soundwave promoter AJ Maddah, SLAYER has tapped drummer Jon Dette (pictured below) to sit to sit behind the kit for the California thrash band's appearances on this year's festival tour, which is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, February 23 in Brisbane, Australia.

Dette joined SLAYER in 1996 when Paul Bostaph left to work on his side project, THE TRUTH ABOUT SEAFOOD. Dette performed with SLAYER at the 1996 Ozzfest to promote the band's covers album, "Undisputed Attitude".

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

Dette is currently 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.