Swiss hard rock veterans KROKUS have released the official video for the title track of their new album, "Dirty Dynamite". Check it out below.

"Dirty Dynamite" will be released on February 22 in Europe via Sony Music and in North America on March 5 via The End Records.

Sony Music is offering a free download of the title track at this location (e-mail sign-up required). It was the last song that was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, England at 5 o'clock in the morning. Bassist Chris Von Rohr added some honky tonk piano licks on the original "Lady Madonna" piano at the studio.

"Dirty Dynamite" marks the return of KROKUS guitarist Mandy Meyer after 30 years.

Chris Von Rohr, along with vocalist Marc Storace, recently laid down bass and vocal tracks at London, England's Abbey Road Studios for the band's 17th album, "Dirty Dynamite". Sound engineer for the recording sessions is again Dennis Ward, who also recorded the band's last album, "Hoodoo".

KROKUS 2013 is:

Marc Storace - Vocals
Chris Von Rohr - bass
Fernando Von Arb - Lead Guitar
Mark Kohler - Rhythm Guitar
Mandy Meyer - Guitar

Sitting behind the drums on KROKUS' upcoming tour will be several guest drummers, including Kosta Zafiriou (PINK CREAM 69), who also played on the new CD.

Drummer Freddy Steady left KROKUS in May 2011 because he "concluded that he really wanted to play music just for fun in small clubs rather than conquering the world, playing arenas on huge stages with pyro props, etc.," according to guitarist Fernando Von Arb.

Athens, Greece-based hard rockers DANGER ANGEL will release of their new album, "Revolutia", on January 29 via Perris Records. The CD was recorded during 2012 under the guidance of legendary singer Jeff Scott Soto (TALISMAN, JOURNEY, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) who produced the effort.

DANGER ANGEL came to Jeff's attention back in 2009 when he was asked to participate on a track for their 2010 debut album. The band parted ways with their vocalist and brought in a more prominent vocalist named Minas Tsigos to help them find a new direction and focus, recruiting Soto to produce their follow-up album, "Revolutia", of which Jeff was "beyond proud to be a part." Jeff also sings most of the backing vocals on the album as well as sharing some lead vocals on the single "When I'm Gone".

"Revolutia" contains 12 songs (plus one bonus track) which were recorded in Athens and mixed and mastered by Jeff's longtime producer John Ellis at the Prism Sound Studios in Boston, Massachusetts.

The first single, "When I'm Gone", is available for preview below.

DANGER ANGEL will support Jeff Scott Soto on a European tour in April.

Austrian symphonic metallers VISIONS OF ATLANTIS will release their new album, "Ethera", on March 22 via Napalm Records. The CD was produced and mixed by Frank Pitters and Jakob Grabmayr at the Wildonemusic Studios. The mastering duties were handled by Mika Jussila at Finnvox in Helsinki, Finland.

Regarding the new album title, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS said, "'Ethera' is a word mix out of 'ether' as the quintessence of this band, the energy between the five band members, the fifth album and 'era,' leading VISIONS OF ATLANTIS to some new and interesting musical and lyrical shores while still remaining typically VISIONS OF ATLANTIS!"

"Ethera" track listing:

01. The Ark
02. Machinage
03. Avatara
04. Vicious Circle
05. Hypnotized
06. Tlaluc's Grace
07. Burden Of Divinity
08. Cave Behind The Waterfall
09. A.E.O.N. 19th
10. Bestiality Vs. Integrity
11. Clerics Emotion

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS' fifth album, "Ethera", is scheduled for an early 2013 release via Napalm Records.

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS' "Maria Magdelena" EP was released in October 2011.

Swedish black metallers WATAIN entered Necromorbus Studio (UNANIMATED, DESTRÖYER 666) in Alvik, Sweden on January 3 to begin recording their fifth full-length album for an August release via Century Media Records.

Professionally filmed video footage of WATAIN's August 10, 2012 performance at last year's edition of the Bloodstock Open Air festival at Catton Park, Derbyshire in the United Kingdom can be seen below.

WATAIN released a new DVD, "Opus Diaboli", in North America on June 5. The production commemorates the band's 13 years of chaos by providing a visual and audio documentation of their ceremonial anniversary concert performance in Stockholm and the long years of physical, intellectual and spiritual work leading up to it. "Opus Diaboli" is an epic 90-minute journey into the forbidden realms of wild-hearted Satanic metal and the manifestation of a unique band that has truly chosen a path few have ever dared to tread upon.

According to Italy's Soundsblog.it, CAYNE/ex-LACUNA COIL guitarist Claudio Leo died this morning after struggling with an undisclosed "serious disease." The exact cause of death has not yet been revealed.

A message at Cayne's Facebook page simply states: "Goodbye Claudio. Rest in peace, brother."

LACUNA COIL vocalist Cristina Scabbia said in an online posting: "It's with deep sadness that I inform you all that our dear friend and ex-guitar player Claudio Leo left us. My deepest condolences to his family, close friends and the band CAYNE. You will always be remembered for your strength and positivity. We love you, Claudio."

Claudio played with LACUNA COIL from 1994 to 1998 and appeared on the band's demo tape when they were still called ETHEREAL and the 1998 self-titled EP.

Leo was a founding member of gothic rock act CAYNE, which will release its self-titled sophomore album on February 14.

"Wish You Well", the new video from TREMONTI, the band led by CREED and ALTER BRIDGE guitarist Mark Tremonti, can be seen below.

TREMONTI will head out on the road again to bring its debut album, "All I Was", to the fans live around the world. The tour kicks off in Copenhagen, Denmark and runs through March 5, wrapping up at the famed Roxy Theater in West Hollywood, California. The trek will make stops in Berlin, Milan and London, to name a few, before coming back to the U.S. where it will stop in markets such as Pontiac, Minneapolis, Chicago and Seattle, among others.

VAN HALEN bassist Wolfgang Van Halen made his first appearance as part of Tremonti's solo band in September at a show in Rhode Island. This marks the first time Wolfgang has played with anyone outside of his father Eddie, his uncle Alex and singer David Lee Roth.

Asked if he is going to be involved with future TREMONTI tours and recording sessions, Wolfgang told "Robb's MetalWorks", "Yeah, every chance that I have. I'd love to be a part of this. If they'll let me, I guess," he joked.

Wolfgang Van Halen is replacing Tremonti's bandmate from CREED and ALTER BRIDGE, Brian Marshall, who is sitting out the Tremonti trek for undisclosed personal reasons. The other members of Tremonti's touring band include Eric Friedman on guitar and Garrett Whitlock on drums.

Argentina's MORTUORIAL ECLIPSE has inked a deal with Art Gates Records.

According to a press release, the three-piece from Cordoba, which has been in existence since 2007, "combines blackened death metal with symphonic compositions and ancestral resemblance, extended through dark and intense passages occasionally assembled into exquisite dramatic sections."

MORTUORIAL ECLIPSE's debut album, "The Aethyrs' Call", was recorded at Anger Vision and Vermin Studios in Cordoba. The CD was produces by Nefass, co-produced by Matias Takaya and mix and mastered by Arek Malczewski (DECAPITATED, BEHEMOTH) in Poland. It was released by Ishtar Gate Productions.

MORTUORIAL ECLIPSE is:

Nefass - Vocals and Guitar
Baal Herit - Orchestations
Kobal - Drums
Thav - Guitar

Greek epic heavy metal band VALOR has inked a deal with Pitch Black Records. The group's new album, "The Yonder Answer", will be released on March 5. The CD "is the result of an intensive collaborative effort between all band members the result of which is an album full of melody and passion and pure epic heaviness!" according to a press release.

"The Yonder Answer" track listing:

01. The Journey Begins (intro)
02. The Answer's Yonder
03. Crossroads
04. The Guides
05. Follow Me
06. The Bravest Of Them All
07. Choices
08. One Hand Red
09. H.U.M.A.N.
10. Inner Nature

The song "The Answer's Yonder" is available for streaming using the SoundCloud player below.

VALOR was formed in 2002 and two years later released its first mini-CD, "The Nameless One", which received high praise from international underground media. In 2008 came the band's first full-length album, "Destiny's Path", which was met with great reviews while laying down a strong foundation for a solid bond between bandmembers as friends and as musicians.

VALOR is:

Vaggelis Krouskas: Vocals
Chris Remoundos: Bass
Spyros Soldatos: Guitars
Vasilis Kourkoutas: Guitars
Thanasis Lois: Keyboards
Andritsos Thodoris: Drums

Swedish sleaze rockers HARDCORE SUPERSTAR will release their new album, "C'mon Take On Me", in Europe on March 1 via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2010's "Split Your Lip" was produced by the bandmembers themselves and mixed by Randy Staub (METALLICA, MÖTLEY CRÜE, THE CULT).

The video for the first single from the album, "One More Minute", can be seen below.

"One More Minute" is available for free download from the Nuclear Blast web site.

"C'mon Take On Me" will be made as a CD in slipcase, as a digital download, on black vinyl and on strictly limited pink vinyl (only available at the Nuclear Blast mailorder).

Commented HARDCORE SUPERSTAR drummer Magnus "Adde" Andreasson: "We came up with the idea [for the 'C'mon Take On Me' cover] during the recordings of the album. It's just so sexy when a woman jumps into a drum kit — what could be more exciting? We discussed the concept with photographer Micke Johansson, who loved the idea. What we especially like about it is the combination of sex and bruises!"

"C'mon Take On Me" track listing:

01. Cutting The Slack
02. C'mon Take On Me
03. One More Minute
04. Above The Law
05. Are You Gonna Cry Now
06. Stranger Of Mine
07. Won't Take The Blame Pt. 1
08. Won't Take The Blame Pt. 2 (Sect Meeting)
09. Dead Man's Shoes
10. Because Of You
11. Too Much Business
12. Long Time No See

HARDCORE SUPERSTAR celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2011 with a best-of album, "The Party Ain't Over 'Til We Say So". The collection contained songs from all the records that the band released between 2000 and 2010 along with a newly written track, "We Don't Need A Cure".

"Split Your Lip" was released in Europe via Nuclear Blast Records except in Scandinavia, where it was made available through Gain Records.

Brooklyn, New York-based hardcore band THE LAST STAND, which features members of SHUTDOWN and INHUMAN, will release its debut full-length album, "The Time Is Now", on CD and digital on January 22 via Eulogy Recordings. The effort was recorded by Jerry Farley at Nova Studios in Staten Island, New York and features guest appearances by Lou Koller of SICK OF IT ALL on the track "Watch You Go" along with Dave Franklin of VISION and Joseph James of AGNOSTIC FRONT on the track "Find Out". The cover was created by artist Bill Scoville, who has previously worked with COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

"The Time Is Now" track listing:

01. Unleashed
02. Where Were You?
03. Opportunities Lost & Found
04. Good Day to Die
05. Watch You Go (feat. Lou Koller)
06. Samurai
07. TLS Go!
08. Conviction
09. Change
10. Lives Lost
11. Darkness vs. Light
12. Life's Questions
13. Find Out (feat. Dave Franklin, Joseph James)

The song "Watch You Go" featuring Lou Koller can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.

Look for THE LAST STAND to tour in the United States and Europe throughout 2013.

"Falling", the new video from the High Wycombe, U.K.-based quartet THE WILD LIES, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's new EP, "Jack's Out The Box", which came out on January 14. The five-song effort, which was produced by Mikee Goodman (SIKTH, PRIMAL ROCK REBELLION), and mixed by Simon Hanhart, is described in a press release as "a blend of hard rock fused by intricate grinding riffage colliding with stadium-rock chorus melodies."

Commented THE WILD LIES vocalist Matt James: "In this video, we really wanted it to tell a story, of what the song meant. So we got Mikee Goodman to direct and edit it. He came up with this cool metaphor and story idea. We all liked it and are really pleased with the end result. Make sure you all check it out!"

THE WILD LIES is:

Lead Vocals: Matt James
Guitar/Backing Vocals: Rob Gamble
Bass: Dylan Smith
Drums: Ralph Morris

Video footage of TESLA frontman Jeff Keith performing a cover version of DEF LEPPARD's "Pour Some Sugar On Me" with the San Francisco Bay Area rock and roll cover band THE DEPARTMENT OF ROCK on October 20, 2012 at Sammy's Rockin' Island Bar & Grill in Roseville, California can be seen below. The event was part of the Jeff Keith's Ride For Reason, benefiting foster kids and put on by Higher Purpose Events.

Keith released a six-song country-music EP, "Jeff Keith And Country Music Friends", in November. The effort is available at Jeff's web site, JeffKeithCountry.com, with the first 500 copies being personally autographed by Keith.

A nine-minute teaser for "Solarflesh", the new album from Polish extreme metallers HATE, can be seen below. The CD will be released in North America on February 5 via Napalm Records. The follow-up to 2010's "Erebos" was recorded at Sound Division Studio in Warsaw with Filip "Heinrich" Halucha (VESANIA, DECAPITATED) and Arek "Malta" Malczewski (BEHEMOTH's sound guy). The effort was mixed at Hertz Studio in Bialystok, Poland with producers Slawek and Wojtek Wieslawski (DECAPITATED, VADER).

"Solarflesh" track listing:

01. Watchful Eye Of Doom
02. Eternal Might
03. Alchemy Of Blood
04. Timeless Kingdom
05. Festival Of Slaves
06. Sadness Will Last Forever
07. Solarflesh
08. Endless Purity
09. Mesmerized
10. Hatehammer (limited-edition bonus track)
11. Venom (limited-edition bonus track)
12. Fall Of All Icons (limited-edition bonus track)

Commented HATE guitarist/vocalist Adam "ATF Sinner" Buszko: "I believe 'Solarflesh' is the most insane and haunting record we've done thus far. It's nothing but pure darkness… We're extremely satisfied with this 61-minute monster (12 songs) that we've put to life. Now we're working on a documentary about creation of 'Solarflesh', its ideological sides, the band's history, touring etc. It's going to be much more than just a studio report. We want it to be an in-depth interview revealing some unknown facts, hidden meanings etc. I'm sure people will find it interesting."

Buszko previously stated about "Solarflesh": "On this album we definitely explore new territories and push the boundaries of this beautiful and sick genre to its absolute limits! The material contains 12 collages. Most of them are insanely fast (270 bpm). Others are groovy, trance-like mantras that seem to haunt you forever. They all have rich background of samples and other elements that make them sound multidimensional. We also have several dark, ambient compositions that seem like complete avantgarde. I've been working on them with Michal Staczkun, the guy who did excellent job on our previous album, 'Erebos'. We are also working on a few songs with Androniki Skoula, a singer from Greece, known for her involvement in the band CHAOSTAR, as well as collaboration with SEPTICFLESH and ROTTING CHRIST. She's adding some 'Hellenic' flair to the songs that makes them even more elaborate."

Check out photos from the studio at this location.

A clip from a new comedy film about the Nazis featuring guitarist/vocalist Adam "Nergal" Darski of Polish extreme metallers BEHEMOTH in the role of former German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop can be seen below.

Due in the second quarter of 2013, "AmbaSSada" (EmbaSSy) is the brainchild of established film director Juliusz Machulski, who is responsible for such cult Polish comedies as 1984's "Sex Misja" (Sex Mission) and 2004's "Vinci".

The plot of Machulski's film, which was shot last summer in Warsaw, revolves around a young couple living in present-day Warsaw. Their home happens to be the former German Embassy, and entering the elevator one day, they find themselves transported back to the eve of war in 1939.

"I've always wanted to make a contemporary film about Warsaw which at the same time has a dialogue with history," the director told the Polish Press Agency.

Chicago heavy rockers SOIL will enter the studio in late February to begin recording their new album for a tentative summer release. The band is currently working on 13 songs in pre-production with engineer Don Byczynski at BOTA Studio in Lake In The Hills, Illinois.

In a recent interview with Metal Forces, SOIL frontman Ryan McCombs stated about the band's next CD: "This is the first time Adam [Zadel, guitar], Tim [King, bass] and I have been writing together since 'Redefine', so you have the key component of what made those records. I was always the lyric writer of those albums, and if I stumbled somewhere, Adam was always there to give me a little boost, and give me a little direction here and there. You've got us back together as far as the lyrics that I write go. You've got Adam too; he was 98.9% of the music on those records, and if he ever had any struggle with whatever — if he ever had any questions — I was always there to help with the arrangement of the songs. We really got the key components of those albums back together again, and I feel like the material that we're coming up with is that perfect anchor to where you had 'Scars' and 'Redefine'. I think this album is the next stage, the next album in line for SOIL."

SOIL recently launched an interactive pre-sale campaign on Kickstarter to enable fans to participate in the release of the band's forthcoming album. Fans will receive exclusive shirts, a chance to have dinner with the band, autographed merchandise, attend studio sessions, an exclusive new MP3 download of the first studio song with McCombs since 2004's "Redefine" album and more. They also will be the first to receive the new album when it's released.

"Enemy", the latest video from the Australian female-fronted hard rock band HEAVEN THE AXE, can be seen below. The clip was financed by the band after they secured approximately $30,000 worth of sponsorship from various community and private organizations.

Based in Melbourne, HEAVEN THE AXE is described in a press release as "a juxtaposition between the illustrious, hypnotic, powerful and beautiful female vocals of songwriter Phoebe Pinnock, twisting their way around a stomping Aussie riff factory! The fellas in the riff machine are an Aussie metal supergroup from notorious and groundbreaking Aussie metal bands such as MANTICORE, DAMAGED, HOUSE OF THUMBS and TERRORUST."

HEAVEN THE AXE is nine members strong, with musicians playing live at any one time.

The band released its debut record, "Sex, Chugs & Rock 'N' Roll", independently in late 2011 and has played solid headlining shows around Australia, filling venues and gathering glowing industry reviews about their high-energy live performance. In addition, HEAVEN THE AXE has played as main support on a string of shows with ROSE TATTOO and CRASHDIET.

"Target Earth", the new album from Canadian metal innovators VOIVOD, is available for streaming in its entirety at CBC.ca. The CD will be released via the band's own company, Iron Gang Factory, and Century Media on the following dates:

Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway: Friday, January 18
North America, Spain, Italy: Tuesday, January 22
Sweden, Hungary: Wednesday, January 23
Australia, New Zealand, Finland: Friday, January 25
Rest Of Europe: Monday, January 21

The CD was recorded in January 2012 at Pierre Rémillard's (OBLIVEON, CRYPTOPSY, KRISIUN, MISERY INDEX) Wild Studio in a small town called St-Zénon in Quebec, Canada and was mixed by Sanford Parker (PELICAN, NACHTMYSTIUM). The follow-up to 2009's "Infini" contains the band's first music to be written with Mongrain (MARTYR) following the passing of original axeman Denis "Piggy" D'Amour in 2005. The original art was once again drawn by Langevin and features color schemes from each one of the band's previous albums.

"Target Earth" standard CD and digital download track listing:

01. Target Earth
02. Kluskap O'Kom
03. Empathy For The Enemy
04. Mechanical Mind
05. Warchaic
06. Resistance
07. Kaleidos
08. Corps Étranger
09. Artefact
10. Defiance

"Target Earth" will also be available in the same track listing as gatefold-2LP with 180-gram vinyl in the following versions/colors:

* Black (Unlimited)
* Transparent Red (200 copies, Century Media webshop Europe)
* Transparent Blue (200 copies, Nuclear Blast mailorder)
* Orange (400 copies, Century Media USA)
* Purple (6000 copies, Century Media USA)

Additionally, there will be a limited-edition deluxe pressing of "Target Earth" as a mediabook-CD with alternate frontcover (silver on black), two quality stickers, expanded booklet as well as the two live bonus tracks recorded at the band's triumphant appearance at Roadburn festival 2012, which VOIVOD helped curate: "Target Earth" and "Man In The Trees".

"Man In The Trees" is a very special DIE KREUZEN cover version, featuring Daniel Kubinski of DIE KREUZEN on vocals, who commented on the track and his appearance: "I'm truly honored and thankful to have shared the stage with VOIVOD at Roadburn 2012 and I'm completely stoked we were able to cover one of Piggy's favorite DIE KREUZEN songs, 'Man In The Trees'. The melding of VOIVOD and DIE KREUZEN has been a long time coming and I am so glad we had the opportunity to play and record our performance together. I think our bands are open-minded within our creativity and like-minded in our approach to always stretch the boundaries and take our music to the next step!"

And last but certainly not least, "Target Earth" will be released as a CM Distro exclusive mailorder boxset in a numbered limited worldwide edition of 1,000 copies with the following content:

* "Target Earth" mediabook CD (incl. two live bonus tracks and expanded artwork/alternate frontcover)
* "Live At Roadburn 2011" CD (exclusive 10-song live CD with a four-page booklet in jewel case; previously only released by Roadburn Records as limited LP version)
* VOIVOD belt
* 1 poster (DINA3, Design of the mediabook CD cover artwork)
* 2 stickers (included in the mediabook CD)
* 3 exclusive postcards with artwork by VOIVOD's Away

The four members of VOIVOD — vocalist Denis "Snake" Bélanger, Mongrain, bassist Jean-Yves "Blacky" Thériault and drummer Michel "Away" Langevin — will attend a listening party for their new album, "Target Earth", on January 24 at Café Chaos in Montreal, Quebec, Canada starting at 8 p.m. Admission to this 18-and-over event is free.

For more information, go to this location.

L.A. GUNS will release a new concert DVD, "Live In Concert", on February 12 via Cleopatra Records. The DVD contains footage of the band's uncut M3 Rock Festival performance on May 12, 2012 at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland with songs not included in the HDNet live broadcast. Also included are behind-the-scenes, studio and interview extras as well as three studio music videos from their latest album, "Hollywood Forever". The accompanying CD provides the audio tracks for the M3 concert.

For the bonus material, documentarian Jack Foster interviewed Phil Lewis, Steve Riley, Stacey Blades and Scotty Griffin about songwriting, collaboration, and the band's history. In-studio footage throughout the recording process was also captured, including clips of legendary record producer Andy Johns (LED ZEPPELIN, THE ROLLING STONES, VAN HALEN). Former L.A. GUNS member Kelly Nickels makes a special appearance as well.

"Live In Concert" track listing:

Live At The M3 Rock Festival

01. Sex Action
02. Never Enough
03. You Better Not Love Me
04. Sweet Mystery
05. Revolution
06. Sleazy Come, Easy Go
07. Electric Gypsy
08. The Ballad Of Jayne
09. Rip N Tear

Studio Videos

10. You Better Not Love Me
11. Araña Negra
12. Requiem (Hollywood Forever)

The Making Of Hollywood Forever

13. The Beginning
14. Bookends
15. Writing Songs
16. Working Together
17. Time Crunch
18. Phil s Songs
19. Hot Rods & Strippers
20. Treasure Chest
21. Vinyl Spider
22. Hot Take

L.A. GUNS' "Requiem (Hollywood Forever)" video can be seen below. The song comes off L.A. GUNS' new album, "Hollywood Forever", which was released on June 5, 2012 via Cleopatra Records.

L.A. GUNS spent a few days in Los Angeles shooting three videos to support the record. Videos for "Araña Negra" and "You Better Not Love Me" were also filmed. Videographer Jack Foster was behind the lens for the shoot at the legendary Circus Disco in Hollywood. With an LED logo in the background, the band meshed theatrics with its expected rock energy on the big stage. Later, additional scenes were filmed in L.A.'s colorful Little Mexico and the landmark Hollywood Forever cemetery.

L.A. GUNS last month announced the addition of guitarist Frankie Wilsey to the group's ranks.

Due to "extenuating circumstances and musical differences," guitarist Stacey Blades announced his departure from L.A. GUNS in early December.

Blades played on four L.A. GUNS albums: "Rips The Covers Off" (2004), "Tales Trom The Strip" (2005), "Loud And Dangerous: Live From Hollywood" (2006) and "Hollywood Forever" (2012). He also authored a book, "Confessions Of A Replacement Rockstar", which was published in 2009.

British band DOOGIE WHITE & LA PAZ has renewed its recording contract with Metal Mind Productions. The group's next studio album, entitled "The Dark And The Light", will be released late spring.

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

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

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

And today the band is working on their sophomore album entitled "The Dark And The Light". The drums and most of the bass guitar were recorded in Gorbals Sound in Glasgow. The guitars, additional bass parts and keyboards were done at The Farm owned by Chic McSherry, while the vocals will be recorded at Kinman Studio in London. Mixing will be done again by Rolf Munkes at Empire Studios in Germany.

DOOGIE WHITE & LA PAZ is:

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

Cult death/doom outfit MORGION canceled its appearance at this year's edition of the Maryland Deathfest, set to take place May 23-26 at Former Sonar Compound in Baltimore.

The band has now released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"There will be no reunions, no shows, no new recordings. MORGION tried to work together again for Maryland Deathfest 2013, but things did not work out between us (had nothing to do with Jeremy's [Peto, bass/vocals] injury; he is better now) so MORGION was laid to rest R.I.P. Maryland Deathfest had no clue that we were not going to play this year until last week, so no fault to Maryland Deathfest; it's all our fault due to issues between us we cannot resolve. Thanks to all the fans who supported us over the years. We thought we could tuff it out for Maryland Deathfest 2013 for one last go-around, but things just did not work out."

"God of Death & Decay", which features MORGION's earliest recorded material, the "Rabid Decay" and live rehearsal demos as well as the "Travesty" seven-inch single, was released last year via Dark Descent Records. Cover artwork was done by famed artist Mark Riddick.

Los Angeles hardcore/metal band TERROR has inked a deal with Victory Records. The group's sixth studio album, "Live By The Code", will be released in April.

TERROR vocalist Scott Vogel comments: "When I was in high school, I would go to Home Of The Hits Records in Buffalo, New York and every week I would check for new Victory releases.

"Growing up, Victory Records always had the best hardcore bands, period. They had this awesome packaging and vibe that I loved. INTEGRITY, STRIFE, BLOODLET, EARTH CRISIS — it was a fucking amazing time for hardcore. Later, I met [Victory Records founder] Tony [Brummel] when he came to Buffalo to see SNAPCASE. We stayed in contact and made plans for my second band, DESPAIR, but soon after we broke up.

"Victory and my band BURIED ALIVE worked together for years. They also had HATEBREED, BLOOD FOR BLOOD, ALL OUT WAR and REACH THE SKY, all bands I've always respected and held in the highest regard.

"This summer, I hung out with Tony and we had a wild night in Chicago. We talked about the good and bad of hardcore today and just had a blast. No business talk, no nonsense. We were under contract at the time so there wasn't even room for it.

"As we got ready to release 'Live By The Code', TERROR and Century Media debated on how to release the record right and Victory Records seemed like the best fit.

"Tony and I are both insane. We both come from the same place. We both scratch and fight to stay afloat. We still believe in the essence of hardcore and still love WARZONE. This is pretty fucking exciting."

Vogel claims "Live By The Code" "hits harder than 'Keepers Of The Faith'," calling it the "dirtiest, rawest and most hardcore record we've done since 'Lowest Of The Low'." While the album is set for an April release date, fans can expect to pre-order their copy of the album soon along with other merch packages. A brand new music video for the album's title track is also in the works.

"TERROR are the biggest hardcore band in the world," said Brummel.

"I have known Scott for twenty years and he has remained true to what he believes in, cherishes and helps keep alive which is first and foremost: hardcore.

"If you are just discovering hardcore or have loved it since the movement started in the late 1970s, this album is for you."

TERROR will finish up January in Japan before returning to the States to begin a February tour with H20, BACKTRACK and CODE ORANGE KIDS. They will then pack their bags once more and trek across Europe for the Rebellion Tour with MADBALL in March.

Candlelight Records has announced the signing of EARTH CRISIS to a worldwide deal. The Syracuse-based band, featuring vocalist Karl Buechner, guitarists Scott Crouse and Erick Edwards, bassist Ian Edwards, and drummer Dennis Merrick, is currently writing and demoing material for its ninth studio album. Recording is expected to begin in June.

No hardcore or metal fan can be unaware of EARTH CRISIS or the contributions the band has made to heavy music since their founding in 1989. Championing the weak and the voiceless, the band has over 200,000 catalogue sales to date, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Regardless of passing trends, the five-piece has maintained their vision, dedication to their craft (and causes), and most importantly respected their fans in the 20-plus years of their performing career. In 2013, the band embarks on a new chapter delivering mission music as only they can.

Crouse says: "We are excited to be working on a new album, and equally as excited to be working on it with Candlelight. Their roster speaks for itself. It's an honor to be alongside bands like FEAR FACTORY, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, and our old friends in VISION OF DISORDER." Buechner adds, "I'm really looking forward to sharing this next chapter of EARTH CRISIS with Candlelight Records. I think they've proven to know the genre well, and will help push us in the right direction." Candlelight co-owner Steve Beatty notes: "I am very proud to have EARTH CRISIS on Candlelight. I hope our partnership sees the band retain their rightful place in extreme music."

Founded by Buechner, EARTH CRISIS has enjoyed two chapters in their musical journey. From 1991 to 2001, the straight-edge, vegan band would cultivate a global fanbase. Enduring numerous line-up changes, van accidents, and the natural up-and-down of music industry fads, the band released five full-length albums, two EPs, and two live albums before saying goodbye before a sold out audience at the sixth annual Hellfest in 2001. Six years later, the band would reunite and perform at the Maryland Metal And Hardcore Festival January 2007. It would open the door to additional performances in the U.S. and Europe, later leading to the band’s headline appearance at 2008’s Firestorm Fest. A rejuvenated EARTH CRISIS would later record two albums, "To The Death" (2008) and "Neutralize The Threat" (2011). Each followed by extensive international touring. Revealing a bit about the new album and its focus, Buechner conveys: "Lyrically this new record is going to focus strictly on an animal rights/anti-vivisection theme. Of course, this is what the band is known for, but we've actually never solely dedicated an entire album to the topic."

EARTH CRISIS will break from songwriting at month's end to perform four shows for their Australian fans.

Dutch death metal newcomers ICONS OF BRUTALITY have inked a deal with Cyclone Empire. The band's debut album, "Between Glory And Despair", will be released on February 22.

A Cyclone Empire press release states: "Hailing from the north of Holland from the city of Hoogeveen, ICONS OF BRUTALITY are the newest members of the Cyclone Empire family and we're sure they will prove quickly their force. They describe their style as old-school death metal influenced by bands such as BOLT THROWER, VADER, DISMEMBER or GOREFEST and by stuff llike horror movies, war documentaries and stories about serial killers."

Adds the band: "We are very proud to announce that we have signed with German record label Cyclone Empire. Our recordings for our debut album were finished in 2012 and after contacting several labels, we were very excited when Martin of Cyclone Empire contacted us. Cyclone Empire has great bands on their label like DEMIURG, DEMONICAL, ONHEIL, etc. and we are very honoured to be a part of this family. We believe this corporation could mean a lot to us and we are very thankful to Martin and the rest of the guys of the label to give us their trust and the chance to develop ourselves and launch ICONS OF BRUTALITY to the world. We hope 2013 will be a great year for us and looking forward to the release of our debut album, 'Between Glory And Despair', which appears, as it seems right now, on the 22nd of February. Cheers to all of you and we hope to see you this year."

New Jersey progressive extreme metallers DARK EMPIRE have announced the addition of guitarist Christian Colabelli to the group's ranks. Christian replaces Andrew Atwood, who split from the band just prior to the recording of last year's album, "From Refuge To Ruin".

A video clip of Christian and fellow DARK EMPIRE guitarist Matt Moliti running through some new riffs the band is preparing for a free five-track download EP for later this year can be seen below.

Christian had this to say about joining DARK EMPIRE: "It's an honor to be an official member of DARK EMPIRE. Since I've known Matt, we've had a mutual respect and admiration for each other's playing. When he initially asked me to fill in on guitar for live performances, I quickly recognized the chemistry, power, and potential of the lineup and was amazed at how natural it felt. I know Matt and I will challenge each other as guitarists and I expect huge accomplishments for DARK EMPIRE in 2013."

Added Moliti: "I'm really excited to have Christian a part of DARK EMPIRE. His technical ability and songwriting skills are definitely going to take things to the next level, and fans can now expect a dual lead guitar attack reminiscent of bands like RACER X and CACOPHONY on the new material. Yes, we have already started writing some new riffs with the intention of releasing a free five-track EP by the end of 2013. Stay tuned to the DARK EMPIRE Facebook page as we will be periodically updating with videos of the writing, rehearsal and recording process!"

DARK EMPIRE will open for NILE on March 10 at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City.

U.K. metallers DARK FOREST have parted ways with guitarist James Lees and have replaced him with Patrick Jenkins (pictured below). The band states: "[James] decided to call it a day, saying that he feels his time in the band has run its course and he wants to explore and concentrate on other areas in his life. We respect his decision and would like to thank Jim for his huge contribution in making DARK FOREST what it is and for all the fun we've had over the last ten years!

"Pat has been our friend for many years and has supported the band since the early days. His guitar skills have blown us away, his sense of melody and song writing are completely akin to DARK FOREST and he has been playing guitar with Christian in their folk project GRENE KNYGHT for a number of years so he was always the perfect choice to fill Jim's shoes."

DARK FOREST is currently writing and rehearsing material for its third album, to be released later this year.

The band's second full-length CD, "Dawn Of Infinity", came out in 2011 via Cruz del Sur Music.

A young band based out of Birmingham, England, DARK FOREST has been knocking skulls around for a few years now, after the release of its self-titled debut album on Eyes Like Snow Records in January 2009. Their traditional take on heavy metal is as British-sounding as some of the best NWOBHM bands, reinterpreted with a modern production's punch able to make them stand out alone.

If your heart has a soft spot for IRON MAIDEN, ANGEL WITCH, ISEN TORR or early DEEP PURPLE, DARK FOREST boasts the kind of fist-pumping old-school classic metal to make your day.

PROTEST THE HERO, the Canadian five-piece whose quirky humour and virtuoso playing has gained it a fevered following worldwide, is planning to enter the studio in March or April to begin recording its new album for a tentative summer release. The band states: "The material is more challenging than ever before and we know we'll have to work hard to bring it to life."

To finance the recording of the new CD, PROTEST THE HERO has launched an Indiegogo campaign and has begun accepting donations. The group states: "We have completed all of our obligations to record labels. It's time to go it alone and take control of our careers. It's now or never!

"We will no longer be accepting monetary advances from labels to fund albums. We now turn to our friends, family, and our fans to help us make this album. Please take a look at our campaign — then decide whether to throw us a couple bucks or a couple of middle fingers!"

A total fundraising goal of $125,000 has been set, around $107,000 of which has been raised thus far. Special contribution"perks" include a private pizza party at a bandmember's house ($1,250), a cover song of your choice recorded by the group ($2,500), and the opportunity to contribute vocals to the new album ($5,000).

PROTEST THE HERO's latest studio album, "Scurrilous", was released in March 2011 in North America via Vagrant Records.

Italian female-fronted death/doom metal outfit INTO DARKNESS will release the CD version of its self-titled debut EP in February via Hellthrasher Productions. The vinyl version of the EP was recently made available through Iron Bonehead Productions, while the cassette tape edition was issued last fall via Unholy Domain Records. Each version features different cover artwork.

"Into Darkness" consists of four songs in the vein of early ASPHYX and DERKETA, clocking in at around 25 minutes, with the lyrical concept about the cosmic disasters and astronomy.

The entire EP is available for streaming below.

INTO DARKNESS was formed in September 2011 in Milan by D. Warrior (vocal/guitar) and Nor (guitar/bass).

ANTI TANK NUN, the band formed by Tomek "Titus" Pukacki, the vocalist and bass guitarist of ACID DRINKERS, and 15-year-old guitarist Igor "Iggy" Wadera, will enter the studio in February to record its second studio album, "Fire Follow Me".

ANTI TANK NUN created a stir on the Polish metal last year following the release of its debut album, "Hang 'Em High". The new CD promises to be "more melodic and mature," according to a press release.

"I do believe that with this album we will prove that we do feel what we play" says Titus. "Do we experiment? I guess not. What inspires us still lies exactly in the same place where it did when we recorded our debut album. The new tracks are more solid and, at the same time, more clear."

"We were all bringing ideas to our rehearsals," adds Igor. "Even Titus, previously responsible only for the arrangements and production, brought his ideas for tracks. This way the album will be pretty diverse and more melodic."

Igor is a student of the well-known Polish musician Jarek Chilkiewicz (BRACIA, MY RIOT) and from the beginning of his education, he displayed incredible talent. There was no one on the Polish music scene who at the age of 14 could play guitar so well. He is able to perform his own solo parts as well as those of Zakk Wylde, Dimebag Darrell, Randy Rhoads and Glenn Tipton.

ANTI TANK NUN is:

Tomasz "Titus" Pukacki - Bass, Vocals
Igor "Iggy" Gwadera - Guitar
Adam Bielczuk - Guitar
Bogumil Krakowski - Drums