According to to Greece's Rock Overdose, German power metallers GAMMA RAY have set "Empire Of The Undead" as the title of their new album, due later in the year via earMUSIC, the Hamburg, Germany-based international rock label which is part of Edel Group.

Commented GAMMA RAY mainman Kai Hansen: "The new album will be very strong and heavy, fast and full of energy, and there are also some experiments we've tried. The two new songs that will be featured in the 'Master Of Confusion' EP, which will be released on March 15 and will be the forerunner of the new album, will be included in 'Empire Of The Undead' and will be indicative of its sound direction, and will probably include a ballad as well."

"Master Of Confusion" will be released on March 15 via earMUSIC.

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.

German metallers FREEDOM CALL will release an anniversary album, "Ages Of Light", on April 26 in Germany, April 29 in the rest of Europe and May 7 in North America via SPV/Steamhammer.

"Ages Of Light" is a best-of double album filled to the brim with 18 of the most important songs from the band's history, plus a bonus CD entitled "Masqueraded", featuring six FREEDOM CALL tracks in a new, unusual guise. The stylistic range includes folk, reggae, rockabilly, ska and swing!

"Ages Of Light" combines not only the essence of the best songs from the seven FREEDOM CALL studio recordings to date, but also marks a meeting of various former and current band members. Along with Chris Bay and guitarist Lars Rettkowitz, three different drummers can be heard on the bonus tracks: founder member Dan Zimmermann, along with his successors Klaus Sperling and Ramy Ali, whom fans know from the most recent FREEDOM CALL tour. The two bassists, Samy Saemann and original bandmember Ilker Ersin, and guitarist Cédric "Cede" Dupont, who was part of FREEDOM CALL between 2001 and 2005, are also featured.

"It was great fun to work with old and new friends alike at the studio, turning previously typical FREEDOM CALL numbers into unusual songs," Chris Bay explains, stressing that the group will commence working on a new studio album after the tour in spring 2013. "But first we want to celebrate our anniversary in style!"

"Ages Of Light" track listing:

CD 1 "Ages Of Light"

01. We Are One
02. Tears Falling
03. Freedom Call
04. Farewell
05. Metal Invasion (live)
06. Warriors
07. Land Of Light
08. Hunting High And Low
09. Mr. Evil
10. Far Away
11. Blackened Sun
12. Thunder God
13. Tears Of Babylon
14. A Perfect Day (live)
15. Hero On Video
16. Power & Glory
17. Rockstars
18. Back Into The Land Of Light

CD 2 "Masqueraded"

01. Metal Invasion - Metal Folk Version
02. Mr. Evil - Melodic Reggae Version
03. Hero on Video - Speed Ska Version
04. Rockin' Radio - Killerbilly Version
05. Freedom Call - Camp Fire Strumming Version
06. Age of the Phoenix - Power Swing Version

Dutch female-fronted symphonic metallers DELAIN have inked a worldwide deal with Napalm Records.

A statement from the label reads as follows: "Last week, DELAIN's Charlotte and Martijn hopped on a plane to Austria in order to pay the Napalm Records headquarters a visit and to sign a worldwide contract. As you can see in the picture below], they did it voluntarily without being coerced into anything. The new partnership was celebrated by hitting the snowy and icy slopes surrounding Eisenerz, where Austrian and Dutch racers met in a friendly competition. As behind the microphone, Charlotte gave 110% and broke her arm while racing to a well-deserved victory. Don’t worry, though, she’s fine and DELAIN is the latest addition to the ever-growing Napalm Records family! Welcome!"

Added the band: "We are so much looking forward to the cooperation with Napalm Records. This is the perfect label for us, and this cooperation makes it possible for us to build on and reach out to our fans."

Stated Thomas Caser, head of A&R at Napalm: "Having been a fan and follower of the band since its beginning, I personally am extremely proud that DELAIN are now part of our roster. The band shares our visions and together we will bring DELAIN to the top!"

DELAIN's third full-length studio album, "We Are The Others", was released in North America via the New Jersey-based top-tier progressive metal label Sensory Records. CNR Entertainment handled the release in The Netherlands and Roadrunner Records issued the CD in the rest of Europe.

The "Get The Devil Out Of Me" video can be seen below. The clip features footage from the recording sessions for the new CD and live material, including footage from the Sonisphere festival in the U.K. (used with kind permission of BlinkTV).

Described as "the band's most powerful, most atmospheric and intoxicating album to date," "We Are The Others" was helmed by producer Jacob Hellner — renowned for his work with RAMMSTEIN, CLAWFINGER and APOCALYPTICA — while the vocals were tracked with the Epicentre team of Fredrik Thomander and Anders Wikström (SCORPIONS, BACKYARD BABIES).

Former AFTER FOREVER and current NIGHTWISH touring singer Floor Jansen has finished recording the vocals for the second album from her REVAMP project. She says, "I am super excited and proud."

REVAMP's new CD will be released in the fall via an as-yet-undisclosed label.

An 11-minute video clip in which members of REVAMP answer fan-submitted questions about their forthcoming second album — filmed last September — can be seen below.

REVAMP returned to the live stage in January 2012 at Metropool in Hengelo, The Netherlands as the support act for EPICA.

Video footage of REVAMP performing a brand new song, entitled "Sins", during the concert can be seen below.

Jansen appeared at Carioca Club in São Paulo, Brazil in November 2011 as a special guest of MAYAN, the band featuring EPICA/ex-AFTER FOREVER guitarist/songwriter Mark Jansen alongside Jack Driessen (ex-AFTER FOREVER) and Frank Schiphorst. This marked his first live appearance since her burn-out in 2011, which forced her to put on hold all concert activities.

REVAMP's self-titled debut album was released in Europe on May 28, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.

REVAMP is:

Floor Jansen: Songwriter/Singer
Arjan Rijnen: Guitar
Jord Otto: Guitar
Jaap Melman: Bass
Ruben Wijga: Keyboards
Matthias Landes: Drums

Long-running Venice Beach, California thrash/punk band SUICIDAL TENDENCIES is planning to make a special announcement — which will apparently include a new album — on March 13.

Says the band: "Get ready for the new SUICIDAL TENDENCIES release. Also, we are working on the new website which will be released soon.

"U.S. tour dates, as well as more details on the new album and the new website/webstore will be announced later this week. Stay tuned."

When asked why he thinks the sound of SUICIDAL TENDENCIES has stood the test of time, the band's frotnman, Mike Muir, told Loudwire in a 2012 interview, "I think for us, when we started we didn't really know what we were doing. We didn't really set out and try to do something for other people. We stood there and did what we liked. We didn't care what other people thought. After we did our first record, one of my good friends came up to me and said, 'Yo, Mike, I got to talk to you. People aren't going to like the album. It's not music. You have an opportunity to make music that people can listen to on the radio.' But I didn't think that was an opportunity because I didn't like what I was hearing on the radio. Our barometer is not what people are going to think or how many records we can sell. We just want to be proud of what we make. That's why it stands the test of time. We did records that we thought were really good."

On the topic of SUICIDAL TENDENCIES' plans to release a new studio album, Muir said, "We've always had new music in the works. Now it's actually to the point that we have some that we're ready to put out. Now is the time to put out a new record and we feel really, really good about it. There will definitely be a record out this year.

Regarding what fans can expect from the upcoming CD, Muir said, "The way we look at it is that next year will be the 30th anniversary of our first record. When we look at a record, we don't want to have it sound like 2012. We want it to sound awesome 25 years from now, so when a kid who wasn't even born when we made it listens to it, he's like, 'Damn, that's a cool record!' I just had a guy from a radio station tell me that some listeners have been requesting the new song 'Institutionalized'. The young listeners don't realize that's an old song! Something like [METALLICA's recent Orion Music + More festival] is good for us, too, because a lot of people who wouldn't have listened to us will check us out because they know Robert [Trujillo, METALLICA bassist] was in the band."

The BRITISH LION European tour got off to an electrifying start in Portugal last night with a sold-out charity show at the Moto Clube de Faro's new 600-capacity clubhouse. The venue was packed to the rafters as fans saw IRON MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris and fellow BRITISH LION bandmates perform a 90-minute, blistering set of album tracks, new songs and covers.

The band burst onto the tiny Faro stage and launched immediately into a mesmerizing performance of album opener "This Is My God", followed by "Lost Worlds" and the electrifying "Karma Killer", vocalist Richard Taylor proving a natural frontman with wonderful command of the crowd, working an already-hyper audience into a virtual frenzy. So much so that the barrier in front of the stage looked in serious danger of giving way under the throng and had to be stabilised by the Moto Clube security team. With Steve Harris center-front with Richard Taylor, flanked by guitarists Grahame Leslie and David Hawkins and Simon Dawson on drums behind, band and crowd seemed to all merge into one swirling, sweaty, seething, rock and roll mass.

A new song, "Father Lucifer", came next, catching the crowd's imagination with its sensuous hypnotic beat, the entire audience now under singer Taylor's spell, including Steve, who was mouthing every word and looking absolutely in his element. Next up came "The Chosen Ones", intensifying the super-charged atmosphere, the whole crowd singing along with Richard Taylor's soaring, melodious vocals, complemented by the twin guitars and the whirling-dervish movements of Grahame Leslie, who often looked as if he might simply spin clear off the stage and disappear into the crowd.

After a stirring performance of "These Are The Hands" came three new songs ("Guineas And Crowns", "The Burning", "Last Chance"), all equally well-received before delving back into the BRITISH LION album for the most recent single "Us Against The World" and "A World Without Heaven". Then came the first cover song of the night, a take on the catchy "Do Ya Do Ya Want Me", for which Taylor once again had the crowd eating out of his hand, singing along with the chorus and obeying his every command.

Not until the band broke into dreamy, reflective "Judas", the last song of the set, did the frenetic pace slightly abate before once again gathering momentum for the song's climax. The band left the stage momentarily then reappeared to break into the second cover of the night, UFO's "Let It Roll", which sent the by-now delirious audience into overdrive, the whole venue by now in meltdown. The biggest cheer of the night came for closing song "Eyes Of The Young", which, if this opening night is anything to go by, is sure to become the anthem of this tour.

The setlist for the show was as follows:

01. This Is My God
02. Lost Worlds
03. Karma Killer
04. Father Lucifer
05. The Chosen Ones
06. These Are The Hands
07. Guineas And Crowns
08. The Burning
09. Last Chance
10. Us Against The World
11. World Without Heaven
12. Do You Want It
13. Judas

-------------------

14. Let It Roll
15. Eyes Of The Young

Video footage of the concert can be seen below.

Multinational melodic metallers MASTERPLAN will release their new album, "Novum Initium", on April 26 via AFM Records.

The band earlier in the month filmed a video for an as-yet-undiclosed new track in the Luftverteidigungsbunker Erndtebrück, also called "Bunker Erich."

A photo of MASTERPLAN's new lineup can be seen below. Joining drummer Martin "Marthus" Skaroupka (CRADLE OF FILTH) are vocalist Rick Altzi (AT VANCE, SANDALINAS, THUNDERSTONE), who replaces Jorn Lande, and bassist Jari Kainulainen (STRATOVARIUS, SYMFONIA, DEVIL'S TRAIN).

Commented MASTERPLAN guitarist/leader Roland Grapow: "The last years have not been easy for MASTERPLAN. Because of several factors, we have been unable to play festivals and tours — even though we had plenty of offers. But this will definitely change now.

"I'm very happy to welcome Rick and Jari on board now. Beside their undoubted musical qualities, they both fit perfectly into our team.

"We feel a huge motivation to get things going now.

"2013 will be see a new MASTERPLAN album, several festivals and a tour! It's time to return with full force."

MASTERPLAN's new lineup:

Rick Altzi - vocals
Roland Grapow - guitars
Axel Mackenrott - keyboards
Jari Kainulainen - bass
Martin "Marthus" Skaroupka - drums

Back in March 2012, Grapow revealed that he had 15 songs written for MASTERPLAN's next album. He added, "We are looking for a more powerful album this time... still with great melodies and feelings, but also with more orchestration and faster stuff again… just more metal."

In an August 2011 interview with the Czech web portal Kultura21.cz, Grapow stated about the status of the songwriting sessions for the next MASTERPLAN album, "This time we tried not to make demo productions, which have a poor sound — so we wanted to make really nice pre-production [recordings] which sound very close to the album sound, which is very easy [to do] in my studio now. I think we have many, many new ideas which, I guess, are a little bit more modern and more aggressive as well. So we try not to follow any trends of MASTERPLAN — I'm not saying we're reproducing the first album or the third one or the fifth one. I think we always have to try to make some surprises for the people. The 'Time To Be King' album is great, but this new album sounds a bit different again. I always want to do this, because I'm not that kind of guy who wants to make every year the same album."

On the topic of MASTERPLAN's numerous lineup changes, Grapow said, "I think it's always difficult in this band, I guess. If you see, the first album just came out after a big turbulence — leaving HELLOWEEN, Uli [Kusch, drums] and me. I think this band always needs some very bad moments to some great songs. [laughs] And it looks like MASTERPLAN, basically, is my main band, and whoever will sing and whoever will play in the band, I'm happy with. But, basically, at the moment, I'm thinking the main songwriters are Axel now and me. So whatever happens, this band will continue. It's very important for me to show that we still have the power and the ability to write beautiful melodies and some aggression and rock and metal songs. Whatever we do, we want just to make good-quality stuff."

MASTERPLAN's last CD, "Time To Be King", was released on May 21, 2010 through AFM Records. The CD's first single, "Far From The End Of The World", was issued on April 16, 2010.

Los Angeles-based, occult-themed, female-fronted traditional heavy metal band HUNTRESS has entered the studio with producer Chris "Zeuss" Harris (SHADOWS FALL, HATEBREED, MUNICIPAL WASTE) to begin recording its sophomore album for a late 2013 release. The cover artwork for the CD will once again be created by Vance Kelly (THE SWORD, GRAVEYARD, HIGH ON FIRE, PENTAGRAM, ALICE IN CHAINS, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, DEATH ANGEL), who previously worked on the group's debut album, last year's "Spell Eater".

Comments HUNTRESS singer Jill Janus: "Vance Kelly captured the vision of 'Spell Eater' through his cover art. He's immensely talented and intelligent, committing himself to every project entirely.

"Although we cannot reveal much about our next record yet, I can say Vance's album cover for HUNTRESS will be out of this world!"

HUNTRESS, whom LA Weekly called "true to the roots of melodic heavy metal with a penchant for thrash, death and black metal," released its buzzworthy debut album, "Spell Eater", in 2012 via Napalm Records. The CD, which Metal Hammer called "a magical debut from the hottest new act of 2012," was recorded in Los Angeles with producer Chris Rakestraw (DANZIG, CHILDREN OF BODOM, SKELETONWITCH).

HUNTRESS was spawned from the preternatural union of Jill Janus and the Southern California metal band PROFESSOR. Janus began her ascension into the realm of heavy metal in the Catskill Mountains of New York, where she first developed her unique vocal abilities. Born with a four-octave range, Janus spent years performing as a coloratura soprano. Her classical training is now the foundation for her screams.

The band will perform at European festivals planned for the next few months, including Download and Hammerfest.

"Spell Eater" landed at position No. 56 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.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/huntresskills.

The third and final trailer for "Power & Volume", the forthcoming debut album from FREE FALL, the Swedish rock band featuring guitarist Mattias Bärjed (SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES) and drummer Ludwig Dahlberg (THE [INTERNATIONAL] NOISE CONSPIRACY), can be seen below. The CD will be released on February 22 via Nuclear Blast Records.

"Power & Volume" track listing:

01. Power & Volume
02. Free Fall
03. Midnight Vulture
04. Top Of The World
05. Attila
06. World Domination
07. Love Bombing
08. Damnation
09. Meriola Blues
10. Meat

Bonus:

11. Change Coming
12. Yeah!!!

The video for the "Power & Volume" title track can be seen below. The band states: "The purpose of this video is to replace an empty mind with an open mind."

The "Power & Volume" song was made available as a seven-inch single on black (retail version) and white vinyl (Nuclear Blast mailorder only) as well as digitally via iTunes. All versions also include the rare non-album track "Stand Up For Your Rock 'N' Roll".

FREE FALL is:

Jan Martens - Bass
Mattias Bärjed - Guitar
Kim Fransson - Lead vocals
Ludwig Dahlberg - Drums

A nine-minute trailer for "More Than One Way Home", the third album from VOODOO CIRCLE, can be seen below. The CD will be released on February 22 via AFM Records.

"More Than One Way Home" track listing:

01. Graveyard City
02. Tears In The Rain
03. Heart Of Babylon
04. Cry For Love
05. Alissa
06. The Ghost In Your Heart
07. Bane Of My Existence
08. More Than One Way Home
09. The Killer In You
10. The Saint And The Sinner
11. Victim Of Love
12. Open Your Eyes

VOODOO CIRCLE is the German/British band featuring members of PRIMAL FEAR and PINK CREAM 69.

VOODOO CIRCLE's sophomore CD, "Broken Heart Syndrome", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 64. The effort was once again mixed and mastered by Dennis Ward (PINK CREAM 69, KROKUS), and was described in a press release as "a huge step forward and shows the band's boundless musical possibilities."

Alex is well known throughout the rock and metal scene as the mastermind of SILENT FORCE, former guitarist of SINNER and touring guitarist of PRIMAL FEAR. His exceptional compositions and instrumental skills secured him highest respect from other musicians and a strong worldwide fan base. In Japan, where quality is still the most important aspect when it comes to music, he is hailed as a "guitar hero" and fills the venues.

According to a press release, "Alex chose to walk in huge footsteps with VOODOO CIRCLE, because the immense impact and influence that bands like RAINBOW and DEEP PURPLE had are undeniable. But if there is just one German musician who can fill this big boots and arouse with new energy, we definitely talk about Alex Beyrodt."

VOODOO CIRCLE is:

Alex Beyrodt (PRIMAL FEAR, SILENT FORCE, SINNER) - Guitar
David Readman (PINK CREAM 69) - Vocals
Mat Sinner (SINNER, PRIMAL FEAR) - Bass
Markus Kullmann (DEZPERADOZ) - Drums
Zlatko "Jimmy" Kresic (LIQUID HOME) - Keyboards

VOODOO CIRCLE's self-titled debut album was released in 2008.

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.

Asked by a fan via Twitter if SLAYER was pulling out Soundwave after drummer Dave Lombardo revealed that he was not going to be joining his bandmates on this year's trek, Maddah said, "No. Dette is already here and knows SLAYER songs well."

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.

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."

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.

SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo has released the following statement:

"I want to personally apologize to all of our fans in Australia who have bought tickets for the tour expecting to see me in my usual place on the drums.

"So that you all know the truth, as of the end of the business day on February 14th, I was notified that I would not be drumming for the tour in Australia. I'm saddened, and to be honest I am shocked by the situation.

"Last year, I discovered 90% of SLAYER's tour income was 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. In my opinion, this is not the way a band's business should operate. I tried rectifying it by letting my bandmates know, and Tom [Araya, bass/vocals] and I hired auditors to figure out what happened, but I was denied access to detailed information and the necessary backup documents.

"I spent the Christmas and New Year holidays realizing I had toured all over the world in 2012, but yet had not been paid (except a small advance) or provided a proper accounting for a full year's sweat and blood. On top of this, I was told that I would not be paid until I signed a longform contract which gave me no written assurance of how much or on what basis management would deduct commissions, nor did it provide me access to the financial budgets or records for review. It also forbade me to do interviews or make statements having to do with the band, in effect a gagging order.

"Last Monday, I sat down with Kerry [King, guitar] and Tom to rehearse for Australia and to propose a new business model that I felt was the best way forward for SLAYER to confidently protect itself so we could do what we do best . . . play for the fans. Kerry made it clear he wasn't interested in making changes and said if I wanted to argue the point, he would find another drummer. On Thursday, I arrived at rehearsals at 1 p.m. as scheduled, but Kerry did not show. Rather, at 6:24 p.m. I received an email from the lawyers saying I was being replaced for the Australian dates.

"I remain hopeful that we can resolve our issues. But once again, I sincerely apologize to all of our fans in Australia who spent their money expecting to see the three of us original SLAYER members. I look forward to seeing you in the future."

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.

The cover artwork for "Infestissumam", the sophomore album from the mysterious Swedish buzz band GHOST, can be seen below. The CD will be released on April 9 via Loma Vista Recordings.

"Infestissumam" track listing:

01. Infestissumam
02. Per Aspera Ad Inferi
03. Secular Haze
04. Jigolo Har Megiddo
05. Ghuleh / Zombie Queen
06. Year Zero
07. Idolatrine
08. Body And Blood
09. Depth Of Satans Eyes
10. Monstrance Clock

The "Secular Haze" video can be seen below. The clip was filmed by Amir Chamdin in the band's hometown of Linköping.

GHOST was recently forced to modify its name in the U.S. to GHOST B.C. for "legal reasons."

Papa Emeritus II recently emerged on the 100th issue of Decibel magazine for an extensive feature detailing the making of the forthcoming "Infestissumam" in which a nameless ghoul declared, "Regardless of your religious beliefs, we like to trigger the imagination of the listener so they can become a devout burner in Hell or a keen participant of devil worship for at least an hour or two. That's the GHOST experience." Decibel editor-in-chief Albert Mudrian said, "For the cover of our 100th issue, we wanted to spotlight a band that embodies the ideals of the magazine: theatricality, black humor, love for both the past and present of extreme music. GHOST meets and exceeds all of those criteria, and we couldn't be more excited to reveal the exclusive story of the making of their sophomore album."

Video footage of GHOST performing "Secular Haze" on January 19 at "P3 Guld" — Swedish radio station P3's annual music awards ceremony — at Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden can be seen below.

The band's debut album, "Opus Eponymous", was released in late 2010 in Europe and in early 2011 in North America via Rise Above Records.

According to Billboard.biz, Pat Egan of Relapse Records died over the weekend due to complications from pneumonia. The director of retail sales and marketing previously worked at Energy Records and Pavement Records, among others.

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN guitarist Ben Weinman called Egan "one of the most passionate and positive people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. For someone who worked in this often thankless music business for as long as he did, Pat always loved what he did and always expressed that to everyone around him. Pat was someone who tied people together and we will all miss him immensely."

Relapse VP/label manager Reynold "Rennie" Jaffe wrote on Facebook: "Beyond being a coworker of mine for the better part of a decade, Pat was one of my best friends. Pat would make you pull your hair out with his famously relentless ball-busting. But that was always somehow okay, because never have I met a bigger heart. That sounds cliché to write in a moment like this, but with this guy it was really true. The last time I saw Pat, he dragged two two-foot-tall porcelain Disney princess dolls to a PIG DESTROYER show for me to give my daughter — not the most brutal of grind accoutrements, but somehow that really sums Pat up in this moment for me."

"A lot of you know him as Relapse's salesman, the face of the label to retail," he added. "But he was also one of the sweetest guys I’ve ever met in an industry not always known for warmth."

Egan is survived by his wife, Melinda and daughter, Katie.

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

Composer/guitarist Andy DiGelsomina of Wagnerian opera metal project LYRAKA has issued the following statement:

"George Kollias (pictured at right) is probably the best metal drummer in the world today, an amazing musician. But his touring for Nile (as well as several grave misunderstandings) led us to feeling his dismissal would be in the best interests of the project. We will necessarily have to postpone further Lyraka releases until an extreme metal drummer replacement is hired. Many apologies to Lyraka fans, and we honestly still have a lot of admiration and respect for George."

Lyraka recently announced a pre-order for their upcoming EP, Sonata Sirena.
Andy DiGelsomina made the following statement: "First and most important, to all the much loved fans of Lyraka, we must offer our heartelt thanks. We are humbly grateful to you, our worldwide friends, Lyraka is nothing without you, sincerely. The album, Sonata Sirena, will be out on June 3rd, 2013, and features some of my strongest compositions and musical associations, including a Graham Bonnet (RAINBOW, MSG, ALCATRAZZ) vocal performance that is of down to earth quality.... really. Also featured are the stunning vocal talents of Mark Boals (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ULI JON ROTH), Al Atkins (HOLY RAGE, JUDAS PRIEST), Liz Vandall (Uli Jon Roth, SAHARA), and Robert Lowe (CANDLEMASS, SOLITUDE AETERNUS). Four new songs and one from 2006, 'The Chromatic Fantasy'. Once again, we bow to your support."

The Sonata Sirena EP is available for pre-order here.

More on Lyraka at this location.

SEPULTURA bassist Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr. has recorded a guest appearance on the new album from Brazilian extreme metallers EMINENCE. Video footage of Paulo laying down his tracks can be seen below.

EMINENCE made its U.S. live debut on Friday, October 19 aboard The Star of Palm Beach at Pier 40, West Houston St. at West Side Highway, in New York City. Headlining the event was PRONG, with additional support from FOR SLEEPING OR JUMPING.

EMINENCE's latest CD, "The God Of All Mistakes", was released in March 2008 via Locomotive Records. The effort was recorded at Maquina Studios with producer by Tue Madsen (ROB HALFORD, MNEMIC, THE HAUNTED). The mixing sessions took place at the Antfarm studio in Århus, Denmark.

EMINENCE is:

Alan Wallace - Guitar
Bruno Paraguay - Vocals
Andre Marcio - Drums
Thiago Correa - Bass

Quality video footage of SHADOWS FALL's November 25, 2012 performance at Slim's in San Francisco, California can be seen below (courtesy of Capital Chaos TV).

SHADOWS FALL tapped Willis Mathiasen of 2CENTS to sit behind the drums for some of their shows at the end of 2012 while SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner received treatment for acute pancreatitis. Bittner rejoined his bandmates on stage on December 19, 2012 at Pearl St. in Northampton, Massachusetts.

SHADOWS FALL is touring in support of its new album, "Fire From The Sky", which sold around 10,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 38 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was released on May 15, 2012 via Razor & Tie.

Recorded at Zing Studios in late 2011, "Fire From The Sky" reunites SHADOWS FALL with longtime friend, producer/engineer and KILLSWITCH ENGAGE/TIMES OF GRACE guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz (THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, ALL THAT REMAINS). The album was mixed by Brian Virtue and features some of the band's most complex and melodic material in years.

Austrian female-fronted symphonic metallers EDENBRIDGE have inked a worldwide deal with SPV/Steamhammer. The band's eighth album, "The Bonding", will be released on June 21 in Germany, June 24 in the rest of Europe and July 2 in the U.S./Canada. It will be available as a limited-edition ecol book with a bonus CD and some exciting extras, double gatefold colored vinyl with printed inner sleeves, jewel case version and as a digital download.

Commented EDENBRIDGE bandleader and composer Lanvall: "We are extremly happy and proud to be part of the SPV family. After several months of meetings, we feel that the title of our new album, 'The Bonding', fits perfectly into our new home. Our fans should expect a new album filled with emotional and powerful music and a mystical artwork which will form a unity with the message of the album."

Added Steamhammer A&R representative Olly Hahn: "EDENBRIDGE were always a band way ahead and I'm happy that they decided to join the SPV family. Together we will create some exciting things for the new album which will present the band in a light which they deserve!"

"The Bonding" was mixed by Karl Groom (THRESHOLD) at Thin Ice Studios in Surrey, England. The CD will feature orchestral parts by the Klangvereinigung Vienna orchestra, conducted by Gerald Mair and recorded at Home Music Studio in Vienna with Georg Luksch. Lanvall stated: "The result is overwhelming. We have decided to record strings, brass/woodwinds and percussion seperately this time. Everything sounds more voluminous and cleaner. The musicians of the orchestra did a tremendous job. Be prepared for a real blast!"

The drum tracks for "The Bonding" were recorded by Max Pointner at Sunprojects Studio.

EDENBRIDGE's seventh album, "Solitaire", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 95 back in July 2010.

The "Higher" video can be viewed below. The clip was filmed with director Silvan Buege (Blackstage TV).

EDENBRIDGE's live album, "LiveEarthDream", was released in May 2009. The disc was recorded at various concerts in 2008 and was only available through the band's fanshop.

Pictured below from left to right: Lanvall (guitarist, EDENBRIDGE), Olly Hahn (A&R, Steamhammer), Sabine Edelsbacher (singer, EDENBRIDGE)

Swedish metallers SANDALINAS, featuring guitarist Jordi Sandalinas, singer Rick Altzi (MASTERPLAN, AT VANCE, THUNDERSTONE), bassist Mats Rendlert (DREAMLAND) and drummer Alvaro Svanerö (LUCIFER, ex- LOCH VOSTOK), will release a digital EP, entitled Power To The People, prior to their upcoming third full-length album, Circles.
The EP was produced, mixed and mastered by Andy LaRocque (guitarist for KING DIAMOND) at Sonic Train Studios in Sweden. Cover artwork was designed by Pete Alander (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, KK Downning Steel Mill).
Listen to the track 'Power To The People' below:
In other news, the band's new smartphone app can be downloaded at this location. Users can listen to samples of the songs 'Power To The People' and 'Haunted Visions'.
More on Sandalinas at this location.

UK-based dirty rock n' roll trio GRIFTER are putting the finishing touches on the follow-up to their self-titled debut full-length, which was released in 2011 via Ripple Music.

Promising to deliver an album full of material that has been described as "heavy as fuck," guitarist/vocalist Ollie Stygall made the following statement about the band's forthcoming record: "We're tantalisingly close to finishing writing for the album. One new track 'It's Not Me, It's You' just needs a few tweaks to round off some of the rougher edges but it's sounding tasty...it has kind of a swing blues vibe to it, albeit much heavier. We're also looking at dusting off "Woman Of Mine" and making the definitive version of it. We've always loved the song but it could do with a spruce up...I have some nice ideas. Once that's done we just need to think about getting in and recording it!!!"
More news on this release as it comes. In the meantime, Grifter's self-titled debut is currently available via Ripple Music

Grifter has recently been confirmed for this year's Hard Rock Hell, which runs from November 28th through December 1st in Pwllheli, Wales. Also confirmed so far are BLACK STAR RIDERS (THIN LIZZY), NAZARETH, GENTLEMANS PISTOLS, THE ANSWER, PAUL DIANNO, BLAZE BAYLEY, LAWNMOWER DETH, CHROME MOLLY AND CRUCIFIED BARBARA with many more to be announced.

More on Grifter at this location.

Reactivated Greek progressive heavy metal band WASTEFALL has amicably parted ways with keyboardist Christos Kyrkilis. The group states: "Since Domenik [Papaemmanouil, guitar/vocals] is more than efficient, he is going to take charge the keyboards concerning the studio recordings. It's better for the chemistry of the band to remain as a quartet."

In other news, since drummer Kostis Papalexopoulos is still in exile in London, WASTEFALL has recruited Konstantinos Galimis (AGNOSIA, ex-RAVENCULT) as his replacement. Konstantinos said: "I am very happy and proud to be part of this new era for the band! I can't wait to perform on some amazing tunes behind WASTEFALL's drum kit!"

WASTEFALL recently entered the studio to record a new EP called "Meridiem" (South) for a spring digital release. A video for one of the new songs will be filmed by LensOrama.

WASTEFALL launched its official comeback to the metal music scene with a new song, "Recycle The Elite", which can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. Plans are also underway for the band to record a full-length album.

"There is nothing like being part of a band's decision-making process," says WASTEFALL co-founder guitarist/lead vocalist Domenik Papaemmanouil. "Each and every one of us would love to be in the studio with our favorite bands talking about which songs should be in the album and why. Don't forget, we are also fans of this genre!"

Added WASTEFALL guitarist and co-founder Alex Katsigiannis: "After years of being in hiatus, we now want to re-engage with our fans, or potential ones. We want to make them be part of the album process and part of the WASTEFALL family. We have many surprises up our sleeves that can't be named right now. What I can tell you is that WASTEFALL is here to stay!"

WASTEFALL's third album, "Self Exile", was released in 2006 via Sensory Records. The CD was mixed and mastered by Tommy Hansen (HELLOWEEN, TNT, JORN LANDE) at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark.

"Signals Of Infection", the first video from San Francisco Bay Area thrashers HATCHET, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's sophomore album, "Dawn Of The End", which will be released on March 5 via The End Records. According to a press release, the CD "showcases a much more aggressive and professionally oriented band" than was the case on 2008's "Awaiting Evil".

Commented HATCHET guitarist Julz Ramos: "We wanted to do a simple and effective video for this song. Being that it is our first one, we didn't want to go overboard and try and do something we weren't experienced to do yet and have it not come out awesome looking. So we went with a basic performance piece taking influence from some of our favorite thrash videos of the late '80s early '90s — VIO-LENCE, DEATH ANGEL, OVERKILL and DEMOLITION HAMMER, to name a few. Hopefully it gives an insight into what its like being up close and personal with us when we're performing Plus it's an awesome 'film noir'-type style. Props to our director and editor Wayne Marsala of Greyhaven Productions."

"Dawn Of The End" track listing:

01. After The Dark
02. Silenced By Death
03. Screams Of The Night
04. Fall From Grace
05. Revelations Of Good And Evil
06. Signals Of Infection
07. Dawn Of The End
08. Sinister Thoughts
09. Welcome To The Plague
10. Vanishing Point

Growing up in the San Francisco area suburbs as young metalheads can make it quite likely to take influence from the pioneers of metal that spanned the area in the 1980s. So it's no surprise that HATCHET describes its sound as "pure, uncompromising, Bay Area thrash metal."

Since the release of "Awaiting Evil", HATCHET has completed three full DIY U.S. tours that have helped put them on the map for up-and-coming thrash metal bands. Unfortunately, in this time, the band also saw its share of personnel shuffles, which stalled the group's overall progress. Throughout the changes, founding member Julz Ramos always had the passion to keep the band going, even moving to take on vocal duties. Now in 2013, the band has never been stronger with its most dedicated, mature, and musically inclined members since its birth.

"Signals Of Infection" video:

British hardcore band GALLOWS has parted ways with guitarist Stephen Carter. The group states: "We will be moving on as a four-piece like the early days."

Released on September 10, 2012 through the band's own label Venn Records (in partnership with [PIAS] Recordings), GALLOWS' third and self-titled album proves that their reputation as the U.K.'s most notorious and exciting punk band will not be changing any time soon. Recorded, produced, mixed and mastered by long-term friends Thomas Mitchener and Steve Sears at Broadfields Studio in Watford in May this year, it is, say the band "our statement of intent, our laugh in the face of those who said GALLOWS were done when in reality we're just warming up," they continue. "We couldn't feel more vindicated and proud."

One of the album's many standout tracks, "Outsider Art", was released as a single on October 1, 2012.

"I've spent the last 10 years of my life getting lost on the road," explained vocalist Wade MacNeil. "There's some dark stories to tell. 'Outsider Art' is just one of them."

A special edition version of the album also includes a DVD documentary that provides a fascinating and often hilarious insight into the world of GALLOWS.

GALLOWS is:

Wade MacNeil (vocals)
Lee Barratt (drums)
Laurent Barnard (guitar)
Stuart Gili-Ross (bass)

Arizona grind masters LANDMINE MARATHON will embark on a week-long West Coast tour en route to the Obscene Extreme festival in Mexico alongside NAPALM DEATH, PHOBIA, DYING FETUS and many more. The trek will kick off on March 19 in Las Vegas and continue until the band reaches Mexico City on March 28. The band will also make its European live debut later this year at the European Obscene Extreme festival in the Czech Republic.

LANDMINE MARATHON's new vocalist Krysta Martinez commented: "I couldn't be more excited to be hitting the road for the first time with LANDMINE MARATHON and playing these West Coast dates on our way to Mexico for Obscene Extreme America! Obscene Extreme America truly has one of the most crushing lineups I've ever seen! I am so glad to be involved!"

LANDMINE MARATHON is currently writing the follow-up to its critically acclaimed 2011 release "Gallows", which was awarded "Album Of The Month" honors by Terrorizer, who praised its "killer riffs, righteous anger and a burning desire to fuck shit up." Such praise earned the band a hand-picked spot on METALLICA's Orion Music + More festival in 2012.

LANDMINE MARATHON recently re-recorded two songs ("Bile Towers" and "Dead Horses") with Martinez; both are now available digitally.

Prosthetic Records has announced the signing of up-and-coming grind/thrash metallers RAMMING SPEED. The group's new album, "Doomed To Destroy, Destined To Die", was recorded at GodCity Studios with Kurt Ballou (CONVERGE, KVELERTAK, BLACK BREATH) and mastered at AudioSiege with Brad Boatwright (SLEEP, HIGH ON FIRE, SUNN O))), TRAGEDY). It is tentatively set for a late spring/early summer release. More details will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Drummer Jonah Livingston commented on the signing: "We are incredibly excited to finally announce that we've signed on with Prosthetic Records, a label whose roster proves its dedication to all facets of heavy music. While our band has been extremely lucky to work with labels like Tankcrimes and Brutal Panda, this is an incredible opportunity and we're ready for the step forward! See you on the road!"

Hailing from Boston, this heavy-hitting quintet — whose sound combines the charging rhythms of d-beat punk and the aggression of thrash with NWOBHM-worthy guitar harmonies and grind's blinding speed — is no stranger to the metal scene, having previously released a variety of records, tapes and EPs through several labels. Their aggressive tour schedules across the U.S. and Europe with such notable acts as TRAP THEM, HOLY GRAIL, TORCHE, MUNICIPAL WASTE, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, PHOBIA, BLACK TUSK and SAVIOURS led Noisecreep to call the group "one of the hardest-working bands in heavy metal." Fittingly, the band will spend April and May touring with GOATWHORE, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD and REVOCATION in the Northeast and Midwest.

Irish Christian melodic death metallers FORCHRISTSAKE has been hard at work in the studio and they are nearing completion on the recording of their debut album, Apocalyptic Visions of Divine Terror. They have revealed the cover art for the album, which can be viewed below:
Tracklisting for the album is as follows:

‘Blackened Lands’
‘The Hollow Way Of Thinking’
‘Leech’
‘At The Gates Of Depravity’
‘Deliver Us From Evil’
‘Last Call’
‘Shadow’
‘Serpent Rising’
‘Red Moon’
‘Walk Among The Dead’
‘Necronemeis’
‘Inhalation Asphyxia’
‘Deification’
‘Inferno’
‘Apocalyptic Visions Of Divine Terror’
‘The Dawn Of A New Day’

Roxx Records has set a release date of May 7th. Pre-order packages are now available here.

Apocalyptic Visions Of Divine Terror will be offered in several different packages, including a special package that contains the last copies of the bands personal pressings of their debut self-released Death Is But A Breath Away EP.

"Scarlet", the new Wes Richardson-directed video from Maryland-based experimental, progressive metallers PERIPHERY, cane be seen below. The song comes off the band's sophomore album, "Periphery II: This Time It's Personal", which sold nearly 12,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 44 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Periphery II: This Time It's Personal" was released in North America on July 3, 2012 via Sumerian Records and was made available in Europe on July 16, 2012 through Century Media Records. The CD features guest appearances by John Petrucci (DREAM THEATER), Guthrie Govan (THE ARISTOCRATS) and Wes Hauch (THE FACELESS).

In an interview with Metal Assault, PERIPHERY guitarist Misha Mansoor stated about the band's musical progression since its debut record, "Our first album was pretty diverse, and with that we created a framework so that we could kind of experiment and push in any one of those directions, and not have it be something weird or something that sounds forced, you know. There's always been an aspect of that sound and we're just expanding on it further. And I think very true to that, that's what we did on this album. We're still kind of going in all of those directions, but a little bit further, and with a little bit more experience, you know."

He added, "This album is PERIPHERY the band as opposed to my project with a bunch of dudes. This is really the first time we've been able to work together as a band and write an album together. I think that's really cool because it's not just me. You're hearing so much more, you're hearing something that's greater than the sum of its parts."

Alberta power thrashers EDGE OF ATTACK released their self-titled debut album via Nova Scotia label Spread The Metal Records on February 19th. The band has issued the following statement:

"After having waited so long to release this album, we can't be happier with its result! Our only hope is that everyone hears it and feels our dedication to this music. More than anything, we're grateful to everyone who really stuck their neck out to get us this far. This album is our very first benchmark."

The album is available for purchase via the Amazon widget at the bottom on the page. Audio samples of all tracks are also available at the same location.
Produced by EAO guitarist/vocalist Jurekk Whipple, the debut features ten tracks of haunting vocals, shredding guitars, complex bass lines, furious drumming plus choral and symphonic arrangements along with guest artists by solo artist Ivan Gianinni, Ryan Boivard (HALLOWS DIE) and Pellek (DAMNATION ANGELS).

Edge Of Attack tracklisting:
'In Hell'
'The Haunting'
'Demon (Of The Northern Seas)' feat. Ivan Giannini
'Take Me Alive'
'In The Night'
'Edge Of Attack'
'Rise Above'
'Forever'
'The Damned' feat. Ryan Bovaird
'Set The World Aflame' feat. Pellek

The track 'Forever' can be heard below: