A trailer for "Eternal Defiance", the new albnum from German melodic folk/death metallers SUIDAKRA, can be seen below. The CD will be released in May via AFM Records.

Commented SUIDAKRA singer Arkadius Antonik: "As on the previous two releases, it will be a concept album again, created by [famous Belgian graphic artist] Kris Verwimp in cooperation with us. Our new concept includes a lot of new elements and suprises which will be reflected in the music as well."

In a 2012 interview with Metal Kaoz, Antonik stated about SUIDAKRA's new material: "The songs we have finished [so far] are bombastic and we also finished the first song with Tina's [Stabel] female vocals. This time, it's gonna be a faster song with a real epic and catchy chorus."

Bassist Marcus Riewaldt last year announced his departure from SUIDAKRA. He said in a statement, "After more than 250 shows and 10 years being in the band, I feel that now time has come to change my priorities a bit and see what else life has to offer for me. No hard feelings involved; it's just that I cannot motivate myself for another writing-rehearsing-recording-promoting-touring cycle and that I'm really annoyed by some of the music business mechanisms that one has to deal with in order to continue this beautiful and exciting, but at the same time very time- and energy-consuming hobby. I wish SUIDAKRA much luck and success for the future — it would all be well deserved!"

SUIDAKRA has already secured a replacement bassist in Tim Siebrecht, who was a stand-in guitar player for SUIDAKRA on several occasions in recent years.

SUIDAKRA's tenth album, "Book Of Dowth", was released on March 25, 2011 via AFM Records.

Finnish heavy metal monsters LORDI will release their new album, "To Beast Or Not To Beast", on March 1 in Europe (excluding Finland) via AFM Records. The CD will be made available in North America on March 19 through The End Records. The album's first single, "The Riff", will be issued on February 9. You can see the single cover artwork below.

"To Beast Or Not To Beast" was recorded last fall at WireWorld Studio in Nashville, Tennessee with renowned producer Michael Wagener (METALLICA, OZZY OSBOURNE, SKID ROW, DOKKEN, RAVEN, MEGADETH). The CD marks the recording debut of LORDI's new members, keyboardist Hella (replacing Awa) and drummer Mana (replacing Otus).

"The road to this album has truly been paved by hardships," LORDI leader Mr. Lordi says. "However, the new lineup of the band has given us new and fresh touch and an energetic edge to the recording process, and to the album itself."

He added: "The album cover painting is actually a part of a larger picture. The original artwork had this vintage-styled lady holding a horned skull, which, however, was not the main point of the art piece. There was something not quite right with the setting, so I made experiments with various versions and framings. Album title was 'Upgradead' at that point in time, and the painting was done with that title in mind. But now, with a changed concept of the artwork, the title did not seem to fit anymore. We did not consider it an A-class name either. Our guitarist Amen came up with the final title, which we felt suitable and perfect both for the cover artwork and the album."

"To Beast Or Not To Beast" track listing:

01. We're Not Bad For The Kids (We're Worse)
02. I Luv Ugly
03. The Riff
04. Something Wicked This Way Comes
05. I'm The Best
06. Horrifiction
07. Happy New Fear
08. Schizo Doll
09. Candy For The Cannibal
10. Sincerely With Love
11. SCG6: Otus' Butcher Clinic

LORDI previously worked with Wagener on 2010's "Babez For Breakfast", which sold around 1,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 43 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.

Colorado brutalists EXPURGATE have allied with Comatose Music for the release of their debut full-length, Dementia Tremens, on February 12th.
Spewing from the Rocky Mountains like an avalanche of violence comes the guttural slamming madness known as Expurgate. The band formed in 2010 and, after numerous delays, they are finally ready to discharge their debut album. Although currently on hiatus, it is mandatory that this album sees the light of day. Dementia Tremens is a ruthless display of bone shattering calamity.

Artwork by the very talented Kahori Takeda can be seen below:
Select tracks from Dementia Tremens as well as free downloads of the band's 2010 and 2011 demos can be found at their Facebook page.

Pre-orders for Dementia Tremens are available here.

SPIRITUAL BEGGARS — the Swedish band featuring ARCH ENEMY guitarist Michael Amott and bassist Sharlee D'Angelo, along with vocalist Apollo Papathanasio (ex-FIREWIND) — is putting the finishing touches on its eighth studio album, "Earth Blues", for a spring release via InsideOut Music.

The band will celebrate its 20th anniversary with the CD and by playing shows, including a European tour in April.

Commented Amott: "We started the recording process of 'Earth Blues' with an eight-day-long session at Fat Guitar Studios (Sweden) with knob-twiddler Roberth Ekholm, a truly great dude who really knows how to capture a band jamming live, sadly a rare quality in recording engineers nowadays! We continued with some overdubs at various studios in Sweden, and it's all come together super easy this time. We're finishing up the mixes now with Staffan Karlsson (SPIRITUAL BEGGARS, SHINING, etc.) at his studio in Halmstad, Sweden. Sonically, I think this might be our finest hour yet. It's a raw, heavy and honest record."

In order to promote this upcoming release as well as the band's anniversary, SPIRITUAL BEGGARS have confirmed a European tour for April with support by German rockers ZODIAC, as well as some European summer festivals.

European tour dates:

April 15 - Hamburg, Germany - Logo
April 16 - Köln, Germany - Underground
April 17 - Ludwigburg, Germany - Rockfabrik
April 18 - München, Germany - Backstage
April 19 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Galery
April 20 - Nürnberg, Germany - Rockfabrik
April 21 - Tilburg, The Netherlands - 013 / Roadburn Festival
April 22 - Paris, France - La Scene Bastille
April 25 - Madrid, Spain - Caracol
April 26 - Barcelona, Spain - Apollo 2
April 27 - Erandio / Bilbao, Spain - Sonora

SPIRITUAL BEGGARS in 2011 released a live CD entitled "Return To Live: Loud Park 2010" in Japan via Trooper Entertainment. The disc features eight songs, capturing the bands high-energy performance at Loud Park 10 at Saitama Super Arena, Japan on October 17, 2010. The live recording was mixed in Sweden by Staffan Karlsson and Rickard Bengtsson at Studio Landgren 5.3 and The Sweet Spot Studio in December 2010. The artwork and design was handled by Hippograffix.

The new lineup of SPIRITUAL BEGGARS made its live debut on October 1, 2010 at Kyttaro club in Athens, Greece.

SPIRITUAL BEGGARS's seventh studio album, "Return To Zero", was released in Japan on August 25, 2010 via Trooper Entertainment Inc. — the label founded by legendary Japanese heavy metal music industry guru Tetsu Miyamoto. The Japanese special edition comes in a glossy paper box with a poster and a sticker of the CD front cover. The Japanese edition also features a bonus track, a thunderous cover of URIAH HEEP's "Time To Live" off the legendary U.K. band's 1971 "Salisbury" record.

"Return To Zero" was released in North America on October 12, 2010 via InsideOut Music. The follow-up to 2005's "Demons" was recorded at Sweetspot Studio with producer Rickard Bengtsson.

SPIRITUAL BEGGARS 2013 is:

Michael Amott (ARCH ENEMY, CARCASS) - Guitar
Ludwig Witt (FIREBIRD) - Drums
Per Wiberg (OPETH) - Keyboards
Sharlee D'Angelo (ARCH ENEMY, MERCYFUL FATE) - Bass
Apollo Papathanasio (FIREWIND) – Vocals

RollingStone.com has uploaded an exclusive multimedia collection of pictures from photographer and lifetime MOTÖRHEAD fan Pep Bonet, who traveled around the world with Lemmy Kilmister, Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee during 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, capturing everything from soundchecks and backstage antics to studio time and intimate personal moments. Bonet's photos are compiled in a new book, "Röadkill", which you can order on his web site. The 10-minute clip was narrated by the photographer himself.

"I admired these people before I met them," says Bonet in the clip, "and I can say I admire them more now because I've seen the reality of the best rock and roll band in the world."

Bakersfield, California rock band ADEMA has inked a deal with Pavement Entertainment for the release of its new album, "Topple The Giants". The group's first CD since 2007's "Kill The Headlights" is due on April 2 and will contain brand new tracks plus re-worked versions of ADEMA's chart-topping hits "Giving In" and "Unstable".

With original ADEMA guitarist Tim Fluckey handling vocal duties over the last three years, the band has kept busy with an intense and rigorous touring schedule.

"Topple The Giants" marks a new chapter in the band's 13-year career and solidifies ADEMA as one of the hardest-working acts of its time.

Vocalist Marky Chavez left ADEMA in January 2011 in order to pursue his "solo project."

Original ADEMA guitarist Mike Ransom exited the band in 2010 in order to focus on BLACK HEART VACANCY.

ADEMA's latest album, "Kill the Headlights", was released in August 2007 via Immortal Records. The CD was recorded in Los Angeles with producer Marshall Altman (MARC BROUSSARD, ZEBRAHEAD). Mastering duties were handled by Eddie Schreyer at Oasis Mastering in Burbank.

ADEMA in 2006 announced the addition of vocalist Bobby Reeves of the Los Angeles-based band LEVEL to the group's ranks. Reeves joined ADEMA as the replacement for Luke Caraccioli, who left the band in October 2005 — only six months after the release of their first album ("Planets") without the contributions of Chavez.

ADEMA is:

Kris Kohls: Drums
Dave Deroo: Bass/Vocals
Tim Fluckey: Guitar/Vocals
Marc DeLeon: Guitar

Guitarist Marc Rizzo (SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY) has released a new single from his forthcoming fourth solo record, which was recently recorded with producer Chris "Zeuss" Harris (SUICIDE SILENCE, ALL THAT REMAINS, SHADOWS FALL, SOULFLY). The song titled "Wicked Shattered" is now available for download via iTunes, Amazon and other digital retailers.

Rizzo will perform his solo material at the Shrunken Head in Columbus, Ohio on January 25, and at Peabody's in Cleveland, Ohio on January 26. Rizzo also has a North American tour with SOULFLY lined up starting on February 14 in San Diego, California. The band is continuing to tour in support of its latest record, "Enslaved", which came out in March 2012.

Rizzo's previous single, "Downside Up", was released in September 2012.

New Jersey native Marc Rizzo embarked on his first U.S. solo tour in 2007. He released two solo albums with Shrapnel Records in 2006 and 2007, entitled "Colossal Myopia" and "The Ultimate Devotion", respectively. In 2010, Marc issued his latest album on his own Phlamencore Records, entitled "Legionnaire".

Rizzo has been endorsed by the likes of Peavey, Yamaha and B.C. Rich, and currently has a B.C. Rich Stealth Pro seven-string signature guitar available for public purchase.

Rizzo is well known for his position in popular metal act SOULFLY, with whom he has released five records to date; "Prophecy" (2004), "Dark Ages" (2005), "Conquer" (2008), "Omen" (2010) and "Enslaved" (2012). In addition, he is a member of CAVALERA CONSPIRACY with SEPULTURA co-founders Max and Igor Cavalera, with whom he collaborated on the project's debut album, "Inflikted", in 2008 and the follow-up effort, "Blunt Force Trauma".

ArmyOfOneTV conducted an interview with Rizzo after his December 15, 2012 solo performance at The Loft in Poughkeepsie, New York. You can now watch the chat below.

Swedish death metallers HYPOCRISY will release their new album, "End Of Disclosure", in Europe on March 22 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD's title track is now available for free download at this location.

"End Of Disclosure" was produced by HYPOCRISY mastermind Peter Tägtgren at his Abyss Studio in Sweden. The artwork was created by Wes Benscoter (SLAYER, KREATOR, NILE, VADER).

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

"End Of Disclosure" track listing:

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

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

HYPOCRISY's latest album, "A Taste Of Extreme Divinity", sold 1,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 23 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

Frontiers Records and PRIMAL FEAR are pleased to announce to have renewed their partnership for another multi-album deal, which will include two more studio releases and one live CD and DVD. The band is already in advanced stages for the songwriting of the next studio album, to be recorded during the summer for an early 2014 release.

Commented PRIMAL FEAR bass player, songwriter and producer Mat Sinner: "We're very excited about the final news that we will renew our contract with Frontiers Records for some more albums. My personal thanks go out to Serafino and Mario for their patience to deal with me.

"The band is very happy to continue with Frontiers Records after the release of our worldwide most successful album, 'Unbreakable', and their great work.

"We plan to enter the recording studio during the summer to record a new, ass-kicking, pure metal album!"

Added Frontiers Records president Serafino Perugino: "Working with Mat, Ralf and the other guys from PRIMAL FEAR is truly a professional delight. Not only they are among some of the true living talents of heavy metal music, but also outstanding professionals who live up to their word and to the expectations that all the fans have from them. Long live PRIMAL FEAR!"

PRIMAL FEAR's latest album, "Unbreakable", sold around 600 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 44 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.

Released on January 24, 2012 in the U.S. via Frontiers Records, "Unbreakable" was tracked in part at House Of Music studios in Winterbach, Germany with producer/bassist Mat Sinner and engineer Achim Köhler (EDGUY, MASTERPLAN).

Pictured below (left to right): PRIMAL FEAR singer Ralf Scheepers, Frontiers Records president Serafino Perugino and PRIMAL FEAR bassist Mat Sinner

A new three-minute trailer for "Pinnacle Of Bedlam", the new album from New York death metal veterans SUFFOCATION, can be seen below. The CD will be released on February 15 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."

"Pinnacle Of Bedlam" trailer #2:

Helsinki, Finland gothic metallers THE 69 EYES will release a digital EP, "Love Runs Away", via iTunes on February 1. The effort will include two previously unreleased bonus songs, "Rosary Blue" and "Dracula's Castle".

"Love Runs Away" EP track listing:

01. Love Runs Away
02. Rosary Blue (feat. Kat Von D) (edit)
03. Dracula's Castle

"Love Runs Away", the third single and opening track of THE 69 EYES' latest album, "X", which came out last September, has by now already become a live favorite with its pure rocking metal riffs and a chorus with a bulletproof hook line. Singer Jyrki69 comments: "This is the most obvious single track from the album and already works great on stage, so it's about time to release it as a proper single!"

The larger-than-life ballad duet "Rosary Blue" on which Jyrki69 is accompanied by world-famous tattoo artist and "L.A. Ink" star Kat Von D is the first of two never-before-heard bonus tracks. Jyrki69 says: "We've known each other for some years and since Kat is also starting to make music, I thought it would be interesting to have her on board. The song is amazing and with her help, it turned out even more magical — it's like our own 'Stairway to Heaven'."

The final track, "Dracula's Castle", is at least equally interesting, as it can be considered pure rockabilly — or rather gothabilly! Jyrki69 shares its background: "THE FUZZTONES is one of my all-time favorite bands and I've got to know their leader Rudi Protrudi a bit. We wrote this track with him in Berlin one night before our show and he actually even sings backing vocals on it. Words can't describe the feeling of making music with your own idol — I still can't believe it! The song is like a Scooby Doo-on-acid-by-Halloween kind of gothabilly track. Should be a radio hit too by any standards!"

In other news, Jyrki69 teamed up with famous photographer Estevan Oriol last week for the humanitarian mission of UNICEF Nicaragua. Together they spent a week in Nicaragua to see how UNICEF is taking action against trafficking of women and children in the country. The material will be released in different formats this year. "It certainly is like often said, the most beautiful country in the world but all the shadows and snakes in this paradise are a threat that UNICEF is trying to prevent with the local authorities," says Jyrki69. Los-Angeles-based photographer Oriol was responsible for the cover of THE 69 EYES' previous album, "Back In Blood". Moreover, he's famous for his work with EMINEM, CYPRESS HILL, SNOOP DOGG and JAY-Z, among others.

The Geoff Tate-fronted version of QUEENSRŸCHE has signed a worldwide record deal with the Los Angeles-based independent label Cleopatra Records.

Although a lineup for Tate's QUEENSRŸCHE was originally announced in the fall of 2012, things have changed. The band will now feature Tate along with bassist Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, DIO, WHITESNAKE, QUIET RIOT), guitarist Kelly Gray (QUEENSRŸCHE 1998-2001), keyboardist Randy Gane and new additions, guitarist Robert Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, HURRICANE) and drummer Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO, RHINO BUCKET).

Wright takes over for previously announced drummer Bobby Blotzer, who will be returning to RATT as an integral part of the band that made him famous.

"I'm very much looking forward to being involved in the QUEENSRŸCHE project with Geoff," states Wright. "I've always admired his singing and songwriting and working with Rudy Sarzo again is going to be cool! Between this and my other project, DIO DISCIPLES, I look forward to a very busy year!"

QUEENSRŸCHE, with all members cited above, will soon be entering the studio for the first Cleopatra effort due out later this year. Legendary guitar slinger K.K. Downing of JUDAS PRIEST fame will be making a special guest appearance on the forthcoming CD, as will KING'S X guitarist Ty Tabor and Blotzer.

Tabor comments, "I'm very happy that Geoff considered me for this record. It will be great to play with all of these great musicians."

Beginning in early April, Tate's QUEENSRŸCHE will be hitting the road to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band's epic 1988 release, "Operation: Mindcrime", performing all fifteen songs from the album along with other well-known hits and rarities from the catalog they've compiled over the past 30 years.

"I try to surround myself with the best players available and feel our longtime fans deserve nothing less," says Tate. "I expect the forthcoming effort to be one of our best yet."

Tate, who was fired from QUEENSRŸCHE in June 2012 after fronting the group for three decades, last year sought to prevent his former bandmates from touring and operating under the QUEENSRŸCHE name without him. While ruling against Tate, the presiding judge determined that there was no legal hurdle in Tate also using the name with an all-new lineup of musicians. "I don't see any reason that Mr. Tate can't have the benefit, if he gets other members, of whatever name he uses of using the brand," Superior Court Judge Carol A. Schapira said during the July 13, 2012 court hearing. "I think [doing that would be] inherently confusing, although I'm sure the market can get these things sorted out," she added.

Last November, Tate released his first solo CD in over a decade titled "Kings & Thieves" (InsideOut Music) and toured with his solo band in support of the CD, which included dates with the legendary ALICE COOPER.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Cobblestone Street" track listing:

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

Porto, Portugal-based death metal act SURVIVE THE WASTELAND will soon release their new EP, entitled Devour.
Says the band: "After the departure of Carlos (vocals) and a long search for a new vocalist, we finally finished the recording of our new EP, Devour. Devour' is composed of two songs that reveal a bit of what we've been doing so far. With this new release you can expect a good amount of heavy riffs, melodies worthy of a horror movie, cavernous grunts and devastating breakdowns. We are now preparing to return to the stage with our usual performances filled with intensity."

Survive The Wasteland lineup:

André Silva - Bass
António Freitas - Guitar
Cláudio - Vocals
Jorge Teixeira - Guitar
Pedro Soares - Drums

Updates to follow. More on Survive The Wasteland at this location.

THE ALCOHOLLYS, the London, Ontario, Canada-based "punk rock" band featuring KITTIE drummer Mercedes Lander and original KITTIE bassist Tanya Candler, will release a new two-song digital EP, "Flashback", on February 12. The effort contains the tracks "Flashback To '93" and "27 Death Riot / Demolition In Speed City".

Formed in March 2009, THE ALCOHOLLYS bring their unique brand of punk rock served with a side of attitude, theatrics and audience participation.

The band had done a handful of shows in 2010 when they received the Jack Richardson music award for Best Punk Artist of 2010.

THE ALCOHOLLYS recorded their debut EP, "The Alcohollys", in 2010 with producer Darren Magierowski at Route 66 Recordings. Following the EP's release, THE ALCOHOLLYS were featured in The London Free Press, The Toronto Sun, The Londoner and SCENE magazine.

In 2011, Dana Hartman (a.k.a. Kimber Hart; lead vocals, keys, guitar) and Tanya Candler (a.k.a. Scarlet Fever; vocals, lead bass) welcomed Mercedes Lander (aka Ruby Pubey) to the group.

Slovenian Bay area thrash metal maniacs PANIKK have revealed the cover artwork for their new album entitled Unbearable Conditions.
Due worldwide on March 12th via Metal Tank Records the album will contain the following tracklisting:
'Panic Attack'
'Dismay'
'Messiah of Decay'
'Away from Reality' (Instrumental)
'The Wave of Death'
'Playground of Visions'
'Revelation Of Truth (Acoustics)'
'Cruel World (Society to Adapt)'
'Unbearable Conditions'

The single 'Panic Attack' from the forthcoming album has been posted online below:
According to a press release, Unbearable Conditions contain nothing but fast, old school and untamed thrash metal from one of the leading Slovenian bay-area influenced metal bands in the vein of VIO-LENCE, EVILDEAD, FORCED ENTRY and ACID REIGN.

For more details visit Metaltankrecords.com.

Power metallers ECLIPSE PROPHECY are streaming their new song 'The Shattered Mirror' online, featuring AUGURY’s Patrick Loisel guesting on death vocals. 'The Shattered Mirror' is streaming online below:
The track is off their debut album Days of Judgement, which will be released by Maple Metal Records in North America on February 1st, and worldwide on March 4th.

Eclipse Prophecy were formed in Montreal in 2003 by lead vocalist, guitarist David Mc Gregor and keyboardist Frederik Dufresne. Days of Judgement was produced by David Mc Gregor last Fall at Powerflame Studio, Montreal, QC. The album cover artwork was created by Pascal Laquerre, who is also credited for his album covers with KATAKLYSM and AETERNAM.

Tracklisting is as follows:
‘Animus Ara’
‘Under Shadow's Veil’
‘Through The Storm’
‘Circle Of Torments’
‘A Dying World’
‘Labyrinth Of Sanity’
‘Days Of Judgement’
‘Legions Of The Cross’
‘Inferno’
‘The Shattered Mirror’

The tracks ‘Days Of Judgement’ and ‘Through The Storm’ can both be heard below:
Eclipse Prophecy is:
David Mc Gregor – vocals, guitars
Martin Machado - lead guitars
Karlos Machado - bass guitars
Landryx – drums

Show dates:
January 25th – Katacombes Club, Album Launch Show in Montreal, QC
February 16th – The Edge Bar in Montreal, QC
March 2nd – Hard Luck Bar in Toronto, ON

For more details visit Facebook.

Finnish shock rockers LORDI will now release their new album, To Beast Or Not To Beast, on March 1st worldwide (excluding Finland), via AFM Records. The album will be released on March 19th in North America via The End Records.

To Beast Or Not To Beast was recorded earlier this fall at WireWorld Studio in Nashville, TN with renowned producer Michael Wagener (METALLICA, OZZY OSBOURNE, SKID ROW, DOKKEN, RAVEN, MEGADETH). The CD will mark the recording debut of Lordi's new members, keyboardist Hella (replacing Awa) and drummer Mana (replacing Otus).

“The road to this album has truly been paved by hardships,” Mr. Lordi says. “However, the new line-up of the band has given us new and fresh touch and an energetic edge to the recording process, and to the album itself.”

"The album cover painting is actually a part of a larger picture. The original artwork had this vintage- styled lady holding a horned skull, which, however, was not the main point of the art piece. There was something not quite right with the setting, so I made experiments with various versions and framings. Album title was Upgradead at that point in time, and the painting was done with that title in mind. But now, with a changed concept of the artwork, the title did not seem to fit anymore. We did not consider it an A-class name either. Our guitarist Amen came up with the final title, which we felt suitable and perfect both for the cover artwork and the album."
To Beast Or Not To Beast tracklisting:

'We're Not Bad For The Kids (We're Worse)'
'I Luv Ugly'
'The Riff'
'Something Wicked This Way Comes'
'I'm The Best'
'Horrifiction'
'Happy New Fear'
'Schizo Doll'
'Candy For The Cannibal'
'Sincerely With Love'
'SCG6: Otus' Butcher Clinic'
Upcoming Lordi tour dates include:

April
3 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
4 - Geiselwind, Germany - Autohof Strohofer
5 - Memmingen, Germany - Kaminwerk
6 - Offenbach, Germany - Bieber TV Turnhalle
7 - Mannheim, Germany - Alte Seilerei
11 - Köln, Germany - Essigfabrik
12 - Burglengenfeld, Germany - VAZ
13 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser
14 - Berlin, Germany - K 17
16 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
18 - Bologna, Italy - ZR Club
19 - Roma, Italy - Orion Club
20 - Treviso, Italy - New Age Club
21 - Milan, Italy - Alcatraz
25 - Madrid, Spain - Penelope
26 - Pamplona, Spain - Sala Tottem
27 - Barcelona, Spain - Sala Tottem

2013 marks death metal juggernauts, CANNIBAL CORPSE's 25th year as a band and the band is going to celebrate it all year long! The logo has been updated to reflect the monumental occasion and will be used on all things Cannibal, from merch to packaging, throughout 2013. There is also a box set in the works for the most extreme Cannibal Corpse fan, which be released March 16th called Dead Human Collection: 25 Years Of Death Metal.

The box contains: all 12 full length studio albums in a 12 CD foldout case with new artwork, Torturing and Eviscerating Live on CD and LP Picture Disc recorded in Tampa, FL 2010 in Milwaukee, WI 2012, plus: new exclusive images by Vince Locke, 12" X 12" graphic prints of all 13 original album covers, and a 2013 Cannibal Corpse Calendar.
In addition to the box set, Metal Blade Records will be releasing one picture disc a month from the band's expansive catalog (Eaten Back To Life, Butchered At Birth, Tomb Of The Mutilated, The Bleeding, Vile, Gallery Of Suicide, Bloodthirst, Gore Obsessed, The Wretched Spawn, KILL, Evisceration Plague, Torture). A total of 12 pictures discs will be released, covering all of the band's full-length studio albums, some of which have never been released on picture disc. The first picture disc available for preorder is Eaten Back To Life, which was released August 17, 1990, and can be found here. Check back each month to get a glimpse of the next picture disc available for preorder.

For more details visit Cannibalcorpse.net.

US/Serbian death metallers SYNESIS ABSORPTION have revealed the artwork for their forthcoming new album, due out later this year. Check out the artwork, created by Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, ATHEIST, etc.), below:
Synesis Absorption was created in late 2009 by Milos Batocanin (DISDAINED), as an idea to start a brutal death metal band in Serbia, with everything being composed and written by Milos. While working as a one-man band for almost a year, this project then ceased to exist since it was impossible to find a steady lineup for live performances. All the material which was recorded was never released.

However quickly after, the whole idea was then re-activated since Mike Smith (SUFFOCATION) agreed to record the drums for Synesis Absorption. The new material was a mixture of brutal/technical death metal, with a slight touch of modern math metal along with some experimental/ambient passages. Since then, none other than Steve DiGiorgio (SADUS) took over the bass, and short after, Robbert Kok (DISAVOWED) became the lead vocalist for this band.
More on Synesis Absorption at this location.

Norway's TELLUS REQUIEM recently signed with Nightmare Records, for the release of their debut album, Invictus (The 11th Hour), out today, January 22nd. The album is streaming in it's entirety at this location.

The album artwork can be seen below:
Invictus (The 11th Hour) tracklisting:

'Ab Aeterno'
'Red Horizon'
'Eden Burns'
'Reflections Remains'
'Twilight Hour'
'Sands Of Gold'
'Tranquility'
'Redemption'
'Invictus'
'Dies Irae'

Tellus Requiem consists of five members who all came from diverse musical backgrounds, which can be recognized immediately by their distinct sound. From the very first crunchy guitar wail with juicy leads your ears are battered with a progressive metal onslaught. Combining these elements with beautiful melodies and harmonies Tellus Requiem delivers their breathtaking debut The 11th Hour.
In celebration of their upcoming album release, the group has launched a brand new website, which features upcoming tour dates, news merchandise, media, social network links and more.

The band described the websites design and meaning: The homepage is based on the artwork for our upcoming release; Invictus (The 11th Hour) done by Mr. Thomas Ewerhard. He has worked with other great artists like SYMPHONY X, TOTO, AVANTASIA, THERION, HAMMERFALL, among others."

Tellus Requiem lineup:

Ben Rodgers - Vocals
Vidar Lehmann - Drums
Stig Nergård - Guitars
Ivar Hagen Bøe - Bass
Anders Sundbø - Keys
More on Tellus Requiem at this location.

Metal On Metal Records has announced the signing of U.S. power/heavy metal veterans ATTACKER. The band's fifth album, "Giants Of Canaan", will be released on February 2 at the Metal Assault festival where the band will perform alongside other legendary traditional metal acts like MANILLA ROAD, BROCAS HELM and RAVEN, as well as their labelmates SKELATOR. Visitors of the festival will have the chance to purchase the CD directly from the label or the band there. The album was recorded at Katalomi Studios in Jersey City, New Jersey and engineered and mixed by Pat "Taps" Guden and drummer Michael Sabatini. The CD was mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music (SEPULTURA, SUFFOCATION, UNEARTH) in New Windsor, New York.

Commented Sabatini: "I just wanted to say on behalf of the band and myself, that we are thrilled to be working with Metal On Metal Records! Jowita and Simone do a fantastic first-class job with their releases (no cheap packaging!) and are truly passionate about what they do. That in itself is very important to us. We didn't want to just sign with anyone. We have had a great working relationship with Jowita for several years now with her doing the cover art for our last two releases, 'The Unknown' and 'Standing the Test Of Time', both awesome artworks. We look forward to nothing but great things to come with our new partners... See you on the road!!!"

Added Jowita Kaminska-Peruzzi, Metal On Metal Records CEO: "The first time I met the band was at my first Keep It True festival visit in 2004. Taking photos was just the start — then I worked for them on the cover arts and saw them live four more times. I had been kept updated on the vocalists search situation and I was really happy to hear they eventually got the great Bobby 'Leather Lungs' Lucas — he is definitely a more than worthy successor to Bob Mitchell!

"This year marks the 30th anniversary of ATTACKER but in spite of their age they have more stamina than many young bands! It's a great honor for us to be working with this legendary act of which we've been big fans for many, many years, but there's also the friendship factor that makes things just perfect."

Three songs off the album, "The Hammer", "Curse The Light" and "Black Winds Calling", are available for streaming from Metal on Metal Records web site. And a short promo clip featuring a fragment of the title track can be sen below.

"Giants Of Canaan" track listing:

01. As They Descend
02. Giants Of Canaan
03. Trapped In Black
04. The Hammer
05. Washed In Blood
06. Sands Of Time
07. Curse The Light
08. Black Winds Calling
09. Steel Vengeance
10. Born Into Battle
11. The Glen Of The Ghost

The album art was painted by Jowita Kaminska-Peruzzi (who has previously worked on covers from ATTACKER, EXODUS, WITCHBURNER, FORSAKEN, MELIAH RAGE, MANILLA ROAD, DECEASED, ARKHAM WITCH and others).

"Giants Of Canaan" CD can be pre-ordered with a discount from Metal On Metal Records web site until February 2, while the digital download (in lossless formats) can be bought from the Bandcamp page.

Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM have entered Danger Johnny Studios in Helsinki to begin work on their as-yet-untitled eighth album. For the recording of the LP, CHILDREN OF BODOM has teamed up with recording engineer Mikko Karmila, who worked with the band on their fan-favorite albums "Hatebreeder", "Follow The Reaper" and "Hate Crew Deathroll", as well as Swedish producer Peter Tägtgren (MARDUK, AMON AMARTH), who is overseeing production of both vocals and keyboards on the record. The album will be mixed at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki for a summer release via Nuclear Blast Records.

"It's a nice change to the regular method where we lock ourselves up at a studio in the middle of the woods, usually also during the darkest time of the year," commented CHILDREN OF BODOM guitarist/vocalist Alexi Laiho who is currently finishing up lyrics for the songs. In early February, Tägtgren will travel to Finland to oversee the keyboard and vocal recordings for his longtime allies.

"Last night I finished my parts for the record," added CHILDREN OF BODOM bassist Henkka Seppälä. "We listened to all the songs and fixed what had to be fixed. So the bass tracks are locked in and so are the basic tracks for guitars, from both Roope and Alexi. And, of course, all drums were recorded first. Next in line are the guitar melodies and solos and then the keyboards and vocals. We are ahead of schedule and very happy to work here in Helsinki for the first time ever."

In an in-depth interview with Soundi last September, CHILDREN OF BODOM guitarist Roope Latvala expressed interest in taking a more prominent role in the arranging of the band material.

"In my opinion many guitar parts could be made more interesting and balanced with just minor tweaks," Roope said, perhaps inspired by his recent work with Finn composer Anssi Tikanmäki's national anthem album project.

Has this comment led to Alexi giving the former STONE axeman more leeway and responsibility in the fine-tuning of the songwriting process?

"Now that you mention it, Roope did voice his opinions more than usual this time around," Alexi says. "And maybe the others, too. As far as the actual question goes, the usual rule applies: all good ideas are taken into consideration."

The new CHILDREN OF BODOM album may also feature a special guest appearance, as Alexi reveals exclusively to Soundi, where he was once again named "Musician Of The Year" in the annual readers' poll.

"I played on ANNIHILATOR's album 'Metal' in 2007, so the way I see it, [ANNIHILATOR mainman] Jeff Waters owes BODOM a solo or two! It's payback time."

And finally, CHILDREN OF BODOM wouldn't be CHILDREN OF BODOM without some new off-the-wall cover tracks recorded during the sessions for later use as bonus tracks for the as-of-yet untitled disc, due out before the summer.

"We will be doing our versions of songs by BANANARAMA and ROXETTE, and a track chosen for us by the readers of the Japanese magazine Burrn!" Alexi says.

"The Divinity Of Purpose", the new album from Connecticut hardcore/metal masters HATEBREED, is available for streaming in its entirety at Hatebreed.com. This first-listen opportunity will be available until midnight Sunday, January 27.

"The Divinity Of Purpose" is available for pre-order on iTunes (in the United States and Canada). When fans pre-order the album, they'll also receive an instant download of the opening track, "Put It To The Torch".

"The Divinity Of Purpose" will be released on January 29 in North America via Razor & Tie and on January 25 in Europe through Nuclear Blast. The CD was co-produced by HATEBREED, Chris "Zeuss" Harris (SUICIDE SILENCE, ALL THAT REMAINS, SHADOWS FALL) and Josh Wilbur (LAMB OF GOD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD), with Wilbur also handling mixing duties. The cover artwork was created and illustrated by Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, ATHEIST, SIGH, ANACRUSIS, GWAR) and can be seen below.

"The Divinity Of Purpose" track listing:

01. Put It To the Torch
02. Honor Never Dies
03. Own Your World
04. The Language
05. Before The Fight Ends You
06. Indivisible
07. Dead Man Breathing
08. The Divinity Of Purpose
09. Nothing Scars Me
10. Bitter Truth
11. Boundless (Time To Murder It)
12. Idolized And Vilified

Regarding the musical direction of the new HATEBREED material, singer Jamey Jasta told "Maximum Threshold", "We did enough experimenting, I think, on the last record… A lot of people really liked that record and it did gain us a lot of new fans, but on this record, with the 10-year anniversary of [HATEBREED's 2002 album] 'Perseverance' and with Wayne [Lozinak, guitar] being back in the band — this will be his second record with us — it's just fun to kind of keep with the old-school influences. I hear more CRO-MAGS and KILLING TIME and SHEER TERROR and OBITUARY and BOLT THROWER and SLAYER and ENTOMBED and those kind of '80s and '90s influences in there. Which is fun for us, because we emulate the bands that we love. We try to make it our own sound and make it our own style, but at the end of the day, we're just fans of those styles of bands."

"The Divinity Of Purpose" will be supported by extensive global touring that will stretch well into 2014.

"The Divinity Of Purpose" trailer #3:

The unique, artful Japanese rock band DIR EN GREY will release a mini album, "The Unraveling", on April 3. The effort will contain seven tracks, including a new song, "Unraveling".

"The Unraveling" track listing:

01. Unraveling
02. Karma
03. Kasumi
04. Karasu
05. Bottom Of The Death Valley
06. Unknown.Despair.Lost
07. The Final

For more information, visit www.direngrey.co.jp.

DIR EN GREY released a new single, "Rinkaku", in December. According to a press release, "the track is unlike anything you have heard before, almost overturning the band's musical concept on a new scale, coming in with a range full of depth with Kyo's vocals that evoke classical elements in this beautiful and intricate melodic track which builds up dramatically with the intertwining guitars and bass. 'Rinkaku', mixed by an internationally acclaimed engineer, has turned out to be an inimitable track with an intense sound."

The initial limited version of the "Rinkaku" single features a bonus DVD featuring scenes from the single's recording sessions. The limited deluxe version features a bonus DVD featuring scenes from the recording of "Rinkaku" and the band's November 11, 2011 concert at Tokyo Dome City Hall.

HEAVATAR — the new project from VAN CANTO mastermind Stefan Schmidt — has inked a deal with Napalm Records. HEAVATAR's debut album, "Opus I - All My Kingdoms", will be released on February 22. Each song on the CD borrows — some more, some less — a motif from classical composers, ranging from Bach to Paganini and Beethoven. On "All My Kingdoms", Stefan takes care of rhythm guitar and vocals, and is supported by drummer Jörg Michael (ex-STRATOVARIUS), among other musicians. The epic songs are filled with mighty choirs, which are performed by members of the BLIND GUARDIAN choir team and of course, Stefan's friends in VAN CANTO. The artwork was created by the renowned fantasy artist Kerem Beyit.

"Opus I - All My Kingdoms" track listing:

01. Replica
02. Abracadabra
03. All My Kingdoms
04. Elysium At Dawn
05. Long Way Home
06. Born To Fly
07. Luna! Luna!
08. The Look Above
09. To The Metal

Says Stefan Schmidt: "I am very happy, that HEAVATAR cooperates with Napalm Records. They are doing a great job for VAN CANTO and I am convinced that together we can get a lot of people hooked on HEAVATAR. To the metal!"

Nadir, A&R representative at Napalm Records, states: "Never change a winning team. For three years we've been doing our best for our a capella heroes VAN CANTO. Thus, it was a no-brainer that we also sign Stef's new band HEAVATAR. 'All My Kingdoms' turned out to be a melodic power metal beast that will also take new fans by storm, who prefer 'traditional' metal with guitars and bass!"

Northern Finnish metal band ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW will release a two-song digital single, "Dark Alliance", on February 8.

The single will feature the following tracks:

01. Dark Alliance
02. Baptized By The Blood Of Angels

"Dark Alliance" comes off ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW's new album, "Saivon Lapsi", which will be released on February 22 via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded by Ahti Kortelainen and Janne Tolsa, mixed by Mikko Karmila and mastered by Mika Jussila. The cover artwork was created by Travis Smith.

In an interview with Headbanger's Helsinki, ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW guitarist Jarmo Puolakanaho stated about the new CD title: "'Saivon Lapsi' could be translated as 'Child Of Saivo'. And Saivo is the underworld of the Saami people, the people of Lapland. It basically is another story in the Angelheart series as well as the series of our stories of Lapland and Northern Finland."

"Saivon Lapsi" track listing:

01. Saivo
02. Dark Alliance
03. Legion Of Beast
04. Kuura
05. Dance Of December
06. The Day
07. Sound Of Silence
08. Beneath The Frozen Leaves
09. Swan Saivo
10. Blood Stained Sea
11. Angelheart, Ravenheart (Act III: Saivon Lapsi)

The "Swan Saivo" video can be seen below. The clip was created and produced by Oulu-based company Mutant Koala Pictures.

ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW is:

Altti Veteläinen - Vocals, Bass
Jarmo Kylmänen - Vocals
Jarmo Puolakanaho - Guitar
Mika Lammassaari – Lead Guitar
Janne Tolsa - Keyboards
Juho Raappana - Drums

ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW's sixth album, "Children Of The Dark Waters", entered the official chart in the group's home country at position No. 19. The CD was released in Finland on May 27, 2009 via Suomen Musiikki. As was the case with the band's previous five LPs, the effort was recorded at Tico-Tico Studio in Kemi, Finland. It was released in the rest of Europe via Massacre Records and in Asia through Marquee/Avalon.

U.K. hard rockers HEAVEN'S BASEMENT will release their debut album, "Filthy Empire", in North America on February 5 via Red Bull Records. The follow-up to the independently released "Unbreakable" EP was produced by John Feldmann (THE USED, PAPA ROACH, BLACK VEIL BRIDES).

"Filthy Empire" track listing:

01. Welcome Home
02. Fire, Fire
03. Nothing Left To Lose
04. When The Lights Go Out In London
05. I Am Electric
06. The Long Goodbye
07. Heartbreaking Son of a Bitch
08. Be Somebody
09. Can't Let Go
10. The Price We Pay
11. Jump Back
12. Executioner's Day

The lyric video for "Nothing Left To Lose" can be seen below. Also available is the official video for the track, which is brimming with energy and neck snap dynamics of great rock 'n' roll accompanied with an irrepressible chorus.

HEAVEN'S BASEMENT has been making a name for itself overseas via their relentless touring and fiery live show plus music that features huge guitar riffs, killer melodies and an arena-rock sound. The band recently supported HALESTORM and SEETHER on separate European tours.

Originally formed in the East Midlands in England in 2007 (although the band's current lineup came together more recently in 2009), HEAVEN'S BASEMENT has already toured with the likes of BUCKCHERRY, PAPA ROACH, THEORY OF A DEADMAN, SHINEDOWN, and more and played this year's Download festival in the U.K. to a packed tent of more than 5,000 fans. Kerrang! magazine declared, "HEAVEN'S BASEMENT play as if their lives depend on it. They should already be a big name — bristling riffs and jagged, riotous hooks are their poison and exceptional is not too strong a word."

HEAVEN'S BASEMENT is Aaron Buchanan (vocals), Sid Glover (guitar), Rob Ellershaw (bass), and Chris Rivers (drums).