Demo versions of two new songs from French neo-classical metallers ADAGIO — "Torn" and "Carry The Cross" — can be streamed below. The tracks — which feature the vocals of American singer Kelly Sundown Carpenter, who has previously worked with BEYOND TWILIGHT, OUTWORLD and DARKOLOGY — will appear on ADAGIO's next album, to be released later in the year.

ADAGIO in 2010 recruited Swedish vocalist Mats Levén (KRUX, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, THERION, TREAT) to sing for the band during the KAMELOT tour following the departure of Finnish frontman Christian Palin.

"Archangels In Black", the latest album from ADAGIO, was released in February 2009 via Listenable Records. The cover artwork was created by Guilherme Sevens and the CD was mastered at the Cutting Room in Sweden with Björn Engelmann (RAMMSTEIN, MESHUGGAH).

According to a press release, "without being a concept album, 'Archangels In Black' evokes the band's convictions about a certain Nightside philosophy and a very personal approach of life and death." Forté says, "Darkness is a concept with many branches, often misunderstood from outside, but elemental for some kind."

"Archangels In Black" was the first — and last — CD to feature Palin.

Palin was previously a member of the Swedish/Finnish bands ESSENCE OF SORROW and RANDOM EYES.

On November 8, Metal-Trails.com conducted an interview with guitarist/vocalist Matt Heafy of Florida metallers TRIVIUM at Docks in Hamburg, Germany. You can now watch the chat below.

In a recent interview with PitCam.TV, Heafy stated about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's next album: "I can tell you we do have a title, we do have songtitles, we do have 20 to 25 songs demoed, we do have a producer, we do have a location, we do have an artist. Everything is set up — all the visuals and everything — but it's all secret. Hopefully it comes out the third quarter of next year. We're recording in January, February and March in Austin, Texas; that's all I can say [about] that. It's gonna be great; it's gonna be really, really great. It's too difficult to describe in metal adjectives, like 'heavy,' 'brutal,' melodic,' all this stuff, like every band does. Also, the classic phrase: 'our best album ever.' I can say that with 'In Waves', it was finally an album that all the fans of the previous four… We've got very divided fans: 'I just like 'Ember'.' 'I just like 'Crusade'.' 'I just like 'Ascendancy'.' 'I just like 'Shogun'.' Everyone could agree on 'In Waves'. And simultaneously, everywhere in the world, 'In Waves' received the biggest reaction. With the next record, people can expect the best parts of everything we've ever done across all five records on one."

TRIVIUM's latest album, "In Waves", sold 22,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 13 on The Billboard 200 chart — the highest U.S. chart entry of the band's career. The group's previous CD, "Shogun", opened with just under 24,000 units back in October 2008 to debut at No. 23. The effort followed up "The Crusade", which registered a first-week tally of 31,000 copies in October 2006 to enter the chart at No. 25.

Norwegian old-school black metallers KAMPFAR have issued the following update:

"2013 will be in the name of creating new art for KAMPFAR. Only a very few festival shows will be happening, We already now turned down around eight festival offers for 2013. But we will return with the banner higher than ever in 2014. We need the time to create art again now. So please have patience with us the next year. 2014 will be the year we will return stronger than ever, That's a fucking promise!"

KAMPFAR's latest album "Mare", was released in 2011 via Napalm Records. The follow-up to 2008's "Heimgang" was recorded at Abyss studios in Pärlby, outside Ludvika, Sweden with producer Peter Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY, PAIN).

Fan-filmed video footage of the Todd La Torre-fronted version of QUEENSRŸCHE performing the band's classic song "Queen Of The Reich" this past Saturday, December 29 at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe, Arizona can be seen below.

QUEENSRŸCHE recently finished recording the drums for its new album at London Bridge Studios in Seattle, Washington with producer James "Jimbo" Barton — the man who engineered and mixed the band's classic 1988 LP, "Operation: Mindcrime", and its 1990 follow-up, "Empire", and co-produced 1994's "Promised Land". The rest of the music and vocals are being laid down over the coming weeks at several different facilities on the West Coast.

In a posting on his official Facebook page, La Torre — who is also a member of Florida melodic metallers CRIMSON GLORY — wrote earlier in the month: "People stare speechless [when we play 'Queen Of The Reich' live], because they are shocked to hear the song performed well, a song that 'broke out' this legendary pioneering band." He added, in a what appeared to be a dig at the man he replaced, Geoff Tate, "Shame on anyone to deny the music that garnished fans in the first place and still resonates 30 years later."

Asked by Rock Show Critique in a recent interview with why QUEENSRŸCHE rarely performs "Queen Of The Reich" live despite it being one of the band's most popular tunes, Tate said, "Actually, it's not very popular at all. It's funny, actually — a lot of people don't know about that song. A lot of people don't care about that song. It's an early song that was written and it shows. It's funny the reaction you get, because it's a lot of blank stares. In fact, it's the same stare you get when you play a new song that nobody's heard before. People just aren't that familiar with it. Given there are a few hardcore fans that might know that song, or like that song, and know what it is, but the majority of the people there don't. So it's not really a song that I enjoy singing, strictly because, lyrically, it's pretty adolescent. It was the first song written thirty-some-odd years ago and obviously I cannot relate to it anymore. I think, for performance, it's always best for the performer to really believe in the material they're singing or playing. If you don't believe in it, it's really difficult to get behind a song, do it well and do it at a level that comes across with any kind of believability. For me, I honestly can't relate to the whole dungeons-and-dragons lyrical content of that song; it's really cartoonish and juvenile to me."

Christian metallers LIVING SACRIFICE have entered Fellowship Hall Sound studios in Little Rock, Arkansas with producer (and DEMON HUNTER guitarist) Jeremiah Scott to begin recording their new album for an early 2013 release.

LIVING SACRIFICE's "In Finite Live" DVD was released in December 2011. The disc features professionally filmed and recorded multi-camera footage of the band's concert in Pomona, California. Bonus features on the DVD includes behind-the-scenes mini-documentaries from the making of the two music videos for the band's 2010 "comeback" album, "The Infinite Order", as well as six more tracks from another live show in the group's original home area of Little Rock, Arkansas.

"The Infinite Order" sold around 2,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 4 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 26, 2010 via Solid State Records, the band's first CD since reforming in 2008 and seventh studio album overall was produced in Nashville, Tennessee and Little Rock, Arkansas by Jeremiah Scott. Mixing duties were once again handled by Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, MACHINE HEAD, AS I LAY DYING), who worked on the band's previous album, 2003's "Conceived in Fire".

LIVING SACRIFICE's influence runs deep throughout the scene. Former and current members of LIVING SACRIFICE went on to play in bands such as EVANESCENCE, P.O.D. and NORMA JEAN.

LIVING SACRIFICE broke up in 2002 but returned to the metal community with a vengeance in 2008, self-releasing the two song "Death Machine" digital-only EP.

Swedish death metallers AMON AMARTH have issued the following year-end update:

"We want to thank everyone that has supported and helped us in 2012.

"2013 will be another intense year for AMON AMARTH, and looks like it will be slightly unpredictable and mischievous…

"We've just finished writing all the songs for the next full-length album, and we're ready to enter the studio to start recording them in the New Year."

AMON AMARTH has tapped British producer Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, EXODUS, MACHINE HEAD, ARCH ENEMY, ACCEPT) to helm the band's next studio album, tentatively due in June 2013 via Metal Blade Records.

Regarding AMON AMARTH's decision to work with Sneap after utilizing Jens Bogren for the band's last three studio efforts (2006's "With Oden On Our Side", 2008's "Twilight Of The Thunder God" and 2011's "Surtur Rising"), AMON AMARTH guitarist Olavi Mikkonen told Decibel magazine, "We were looking for a change, and Andy has been in our thoughts for some years now. After meeting with him, we felt a good connection. We think this is going to be a ripper."

AMON AMARTH's eighth studio album, "Surtur Rising", sold around 15,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 34 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Twilight of the Thunder God", opened with more than 11,000 copies back in 2008 to land at No. 48.

"The Beginning Of Times", the latest album from Finnish melancholic dark metallers AMORPHIS, has been certified gold in the group's home country for sales in excess of 10,000 copies. The bandmembers were presented with gold plaques commemorating the achievement this past Saturday, December 29 during their concert at Pakkahuone in Tampere, Finland. A photo of the occasion can be seen below (courtesy of Timo Isoaho).

"The Beginning Of Times", which came out in 2011, entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 16 — the best chart position ever scored by an AMORPHIS album in that country. The CD also landed at position No. 1 on the Finnish chart.

Fan-filmed video footage of AMORPHIS performing a brand new song — tentatively titled "Mehtä" (English-language translation: "The Forest") — on December 14 at Klubi in Turku, Finland can be seen below.

Regarding the band's decision to perform a brand new track during their Finnish tour, Tomi said: "We just wanted to try how it worked, and it went [over] really well.

"We don't want to play too many [new] songs, because people are recording [the shows with their phone cameras] and [posting] it on the Internet, and we don't wanna spoil the album [for everyone].

"I was really nervous, of course, when we played it the first time, but it went over great. I think it's gonna be an awesome live song."

"Mehtä" will appear on AMORPHIS' as-yet-untitled 11th album, which is tentatively due in April 2013 via Nuclear Blast Records. Production and mixing duties for the follow-up to 2011's "The Beginning Of Times" were handled by HYPOCRISY and PAIN mastermind Peter Tägtgren, who has previously worked with such bands as CHILDREN OF BODOM, CELTIC FROST, IMMORTAL and DIMMU BORGIR. The recordings took place at Petrax Studio (NIGHTWISH, CHILDREN OF BODOM, KORPIKLAANI) in Hollola and 5K Studios in Helsinki.

Regarding the direction of the new AMORPHIS material, the band's guitarist and founding member Esa Holopainen said: "While promoting 'The Beginning Of Times', we started to feel that we were giving the same explanations over and over again when people asked about the studio process and how the songs came about. Even though the music was very strong, the making process didn't offer any surprises and appeared to be quite secured. Now the addition of a new dimension to the developing process has inspired us to focus on our material even more. The songs are extremely strong, bombastic and skull-pummelling."

Photo credit: Timo Isoaho

French metallers DAGOBA have set "Post Mortem Nihil Est" as the title of their fifth album, tentatively due in early 2013.

The CD will feature the following track listing:

01. When Winter...
02. Oblivion Is For The Living
03. The Realm Black
04. Yes We Die
05. I, Reptile
06. Nevada
07. The Day After The Apocalypse
08. By The Sword
09. Kiss Me Kraken
10. The Great Wonder
11. Son Of A Ghost

Guitarist Izakar announced his departure from DAGOBA in July due to "irreconcilable differences with one of the [other] bandmembers."

DAGOBA's fourth album, "Poseidon", entered the official chart in France at position No. 41. Released on August 30, 2010 via the French label XIII Bis Records, the CD was recorded at Hyperion Studio in Marseille, France with "Brew" Varea and was mixed by Dave Chang at Philia Studio in the U.K.

100% Rock Magazine recently conducted an interview with DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

On late DEEP PURPLE keyboardist Jon Lord:

"Jon was a great character; wonderful. I mean… you know, he's not been in the band for nearly 10 years but we were still in very close contact. And Jon was kind of like… we all looked up to him. He was there when Roger [Glover, bass] and I joined the band '69 and he had a lot of… he was a fun guy; very bright, great sense of humor but he had gravitas as well.

"When we got the news [that he died], we were in Nashville in session [recording the ne walbum] there and we kind of expected it but it was still a terrible blow. And so it all went quiet for a while, needless to say, and then we started recalling the good times — as you do. His spirit is very much in the record; in the music. In fact I remember writing a line at the time: 'Souls having touched are forever entwined.' And that got into one of the songs and so he's there in the music.

"I don't think he'll ever be away from it, really, because he created the foundation of PURPLE. I mean… there was so many influences coming in but his… a bit of rock and roll, soul, blues, folk music and all that sort of thing, but his input of orchestral composition and jazz were profound, to say the least. We still have that [big Hammond sound] with Don [Airey] and so that lives on. It was unique at the time because it wasn't just that Leslie cabinet with a Hammond, but he also combined it with a Marshall amp as well which had never been done before. And so he had the power as well as the subtlety; a wonderful, wonderful sound."

On the upcoming DEEP PURPLE studio album:

"It's being mixed as we speak. We've finished recording. It's a new tone, it's a new direction, it's fresh stuff. I think it was all written and recorded in Nashville, and the reason we went there — not to make a country record, but because Bob Ezrin, our producer, lives in Nashville and so it made a lot of sense because he had all the studio facilities and back up and everything else. So it made it really easy. It was a great environment to record in, and yeah, there's a bit of diversity on the record. There's some sort of… Defining music is just so hard; it's just really… it's hard to define. If you think of a solo artist, you normally know them by their name; you don't normally describe their kind of music, you just say, 'It's so and so or it's so and so.' But with bands, everyone feels an obligation to categorize then. I think when you've been around the block as many years as PURPLE has and a lot of other bands, you just listen to see what comes out. It's not the same at all. So it's kind of hard for me to describe it. I can't compare it with any other album either, as far as I know. It will obviously find a niche somewhere when it comes out in April, so I'm looking forward to hearing it. [laughs]

Read the entire interview from 100% Rock Magazine.

Former ANVIL bassist Glenn Gyorffy (a.k.a. Glenn Five or G5), who left the band in January 2012, citing creative differences, has posted the following message on his Facebook page:

"So happy to have spent this past year playing with great musicians who are also great people. Such a pleasure to express myself with people who bring enjoyment to playing music and have no egos or hang-ups about trying new things. It's been amazing to jam with solid players who keep my feet planted on the ground instead of hovering all over the stage. I feel like a musician again and not just a player! Much thanks to my new 'jamily' for accepting me into your lives and treating me with love and respect. Gone are the days of working with self-righteous, narcissistic, sociopathic, stiff, boring, grumpy old men who kill all the fun and enjoyment out of living the dream. Also gone are the days of pretty much everyone I know asking me why I was so dedicated to two people who didn't appreciate my dedication and contribution. And how a decade of not getting paid and going through the same hell they did, when nobody knew who we were, didn't count for anything. Gone is the way I was meant to feel expendable, and how I was treated like I was riding their coattails after 15 years of loyalty and love for what I was part of.

"I don't have any regrets from my days in that band, and I cherish many of the memories I have, and feel proud of all my accomplishments. And I don't take for granted all the great experiences I had. It's just a shame that I had to experience it all with two people who treated me like I wasn't even there at all.

"I appreciate all the support I've gotten over 2012. Much love to all my family and friends, peers and fans who have taken the time to lift my spirits. All the letters and messages have been great. Keep 'em coming!

"Here's to 2013."

Glenn Five joined ANVIL in 1996 and appeared on seven of the band's albums, including "This Is Thirteen" and the group's latest release, "Juggernaut Of Justice", on which he wrote and sang the song "This Ride". He has since been replaced by Sal Italiano — a member of the Long Island, New York IRON MAIDEN tribute band LIVE AFTER DEATH and original progressive metal act THE NIGHTMARE STAGE, as well as a former member of the acclaimed '80s heavy metal group CITIES.

Speaking to Metal Shock Finland about Glenn's exit and Italiano's addition to ANVIL, guitarist/vocalist Steve "Lips" Kudlow said, "We hired an old friend to do the tour and are currently working with a new, improved bassist. There was no major issue in fixing this at all, and in fact, everything was sorted out within a few hours of Glenn departing. Glenn tried to make it difficult by leaving without proper notice but we've been preparing for this for quite some time. This did end up for the better, as it is a huge improvement with our new guy, both musically as well as personally."

Photo below courtesy of Glenn Gyorffy's Facebook page

According to the Belfest Telegraph, BLACK SABBATH has topped retailer HMV's list of best-selling classic rock shirts, with LED ZEPPELIN taking the second and third spots.

SABBATH's U.S. tour shirt from 1978 reportedly experienced a sales surge after it was worn by Robert Downey Jr. in hit movie "Avengers Assemble".

HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo said classic rock shirts have continued to have an enduring appeal. "More often than not, rock T-shirts used to be something you'd wear to gigs to see your favorite bands, but over time demand has broadened and they've since become a bit of a fashion statement in their own right," he said.

"Some performers can quickly come and go with the trends, but one genre that has an enduring appeal and seems to remain eternally popular with fans is classic rock and metal."

He added: "This year over half the top 30 best-selling T-shirts at HMV were made up of vintage artists and, even though many of them have not been active with new material, they continue to sell in large quantities as many of these acts are revered, and with that comes a level of cool-ness and style that money or promotion can't always buy.

"Along with the baby boomers who grew up with their music, a new generation of fans are increasingly into them as well, in part out of a recognition that many of the featured T-shirt images now rank as design classics that not only look great but have a real authenticity about them."

According to BBC News, singer Ian Watkins of the Welsh rock band LOSTPROPHETS will remain in custody until March after being charged with sexual offenses against children.

The 35-year-old musician, who is accused of conspiracy to rape a one-year-old girl along with other charges, appeared in Cardiff Crown Court earlier today (Monday, December 31) via video link from Parc Prison in Bridgend, Wales. He reportedly wore a black suit, shirt and tie and appeared beside two women who cannot be named for legal reasons. All three defendants spoke only to confirm their names at the hearing, which lasted "less than 10 minutes." They were remanded until March 11, after being arrested on December 18.

Defending barrister Tom Crowther had said on December 19 that Watkins would be denying the charges.

LOSTPROPHETS members Lee Gaze (guitar), Mike Lewis (guitar), Stuart Richardson (bass), Jamie Oliver (keyboards) and Luke Johnson (drums) released a statement on their official web site expressing their shock at the charges against Watkins.

LOSTPROPHETS has sold more than three million albums worldwide and topped the U.K. chart with 2006's "Liberation Transmission".

The band's most recent CD, "Weapons", came out in April.

California rockers PAPA ROACH have posted a performance video for the song "Still Swingin'", filmed during the band's recent European tour with STONE SOUR. The song comes off the band's new album, "The Connection", which sold 22,000 copies in its first week of release to debut at No. 17 on the Billboard album chart.

PAPA ROACH's trek with STONE SOUR marked the band's first extended tour since singer Jacoby Shaddix had surgery on his vocal cords in September. Asked by the Armed Forces Network how his voice was holding up, Shaddix said, "Voice is great. I'm slaying it on the shows so far and I feel really good. I was definitely blessed to go to the right doctor and get my surgery performed by him. It was scary, but I'm good."

According to The Pulse Of Radio, Shaddix said that during his recovery, he got to spend some time with his kids and also learn the latest musical trends. He explained, "After my surgery, I had some time at home so I was helping coach my son's tackle football team . . . I'd turn around and they're behind me doing the 'Gangnam' dance. I was like, 'Alright, we save that for after practice.'"

Even before his vocal problems started, Shaddix admitted in several interviews that he came close to committing suicide earlier in the year as he struggled with both marital problems and falling off the wagon.

PAPA ROACH and STONE SOUR will tour the U.S. together in early 2013, on a co-headlining tour that begins on January 20 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Belgian death metalers ABORTED will celebrate the tenth anniversary of their 2003 CD, "Goremageddon: The Saw And The Carnage Done", next year by performing "the entire album front to back" at "a few exclusive shows." More details will be made available soon.

ABORTED's seventh studio album, "Global Flatline", sold around 1,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 27 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.

"Global Flatline" was released on January 24, 2012 (one day earlier internationally) via Century Media Records. The CD was recorded, mixed, and mastered by the Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, PESTILENCE, HATESPHERE) at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark. The artwork was once again created by Justin Osbourn from Slasher Design.

"Global Flatline" features several guest vocalists, such as Trevor Strnad (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER), Julien Truchan (BENIGHTED), Jason Netherton (MISERY INDEX), and Keiijo Niinima (ROTTEN SOUND).

Renowned drummer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Brian Tichy, known for his tours of duty with BILLY IDOL, FOREIGNER, OZZY OSBOURNE and currently WHITESNAKE broke his collarbone this past weekend in a mountain biking accident. As a result, he will be unable to take part in tonight's (Monday, December 31) THE MOBY DICKS - All-Star Tribute To Led Zeppelin concert at Vamp'd in Las Vegas, Nevada and will be temporarily replaced by QUIET RIOT's Frankie Banali.

Tichy is one of the organizers of the Bonzo Bash NAMM Jamm 2013, which will take over Anaheim, California on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at the Observatory. Many of the drummers who have performed at past Bonzo Bashes are back, as well as some new. This is the chance for many out-of-towners to check a Bonzo Bash out as Natal and Marshall are presenting this on opening night of the NAMM show.

German thrashers DEW-SCENTED have commenced work on "a bunch of new songs" for "a very special release" which will see the light of day next year. The band states: "The material's flow is awesome and we feel it's headed well into the right direction we explored on 'Icarus' and taking things a notch further. We will be hitting studios by the end of January 2013… Look out!"

DEW-SCENTED's latest album, "Icarus", was released on July 31 in North America via Prosthetic Records (one day earlier internationally through Metal Blade Records). The CD features guest appearances by Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, BLOODBATH), Rob Urbinati (SACRIFICE) and Dennis Schneider (RETALIATION, FINAL BREATH).

DEW-SCENTED vocalist Leif Jensen previously described the "Icarus" main theme as "a modern-times, very apocalyptic adaption of elements of the Icarus myth, using a lot of its symbolism while interlinking with several other personal or observant subjects in true DEW-SCENTED fashion." While the album — recorded at Soundlodge Studio and produced by Jörg Uken (NIGHTFALL, SUICIDAL ANGELS, GOD DETHRONED) — is not quite a concept album per se, Jensen said "Icarus" "has a pretty coherent lyrical flow, and that helps to enhance and also to intentionally enlarge the atmosphere and vibe created by the music." The "Icarus" cover artwork was once created by Björn Goosses of Killustrations.

DEW-SCENTED's current lineup is as follows (pictured from left to right in photo below):

Rory Hansen - Guitar
Marvin Vriesde - Guitar
Leif Jensen - Vocals
Joost van der Graaf - Bass
Koen Herfst - Drums

Photo by Ester Segarra

Acclaimed Middle Eastern guitarist Yossi Sassi (ORPHANED LAND) has posted a five-minute video recap of the past year. Check it out below.

Sassi recently took part in the "Guitar Universe 2012" European tour with Marty Friedman (MEGADETH) and France's Stéphan Forté (ADAGIO).

Sassi's debut solo album, "Melting Clocks", was released in the U.S. and Canada via End Of The Light Records, with distribution through DisManic and eOne Distribution.

"Melting Clocks" was released in other parts of the world in March via Verycords. The CD, which was produced and composed by Sassi, features guest appearances by several known musicians, including former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman.

Familiar to numerous music fans all over the world by his unique trademarked signature sound, Sassi blends east with west, rock with world music, melodic tunes with progressive passages, and traditional folk instruments with roaring electric riffs.

With over 20 years of experience as a producer, composer/arranger and founding member of ORPHANED LAND, Yossi continues to soar to new horizons.

Yossi is known for being the constant explorer of sound and musical boundaries, driving inspiration from different cultures around the world. Yossi plays 17 (!) different types of guitars and traditional instruments, and has been invited to play live and share the stage with artists such as METALLICA, Marty Friedman, Steven Wilson, Yehuda Poliker and many others.

Yossi has cooperated and recorded with artists from Kuwait to Portugal. He is a veteran performing artist, with hundreds of global shows and major festivals in his record.

Featuring world-known musicians, this album takes you to a journey around the world with traditional instruments such as saz, bouzouki, oud, chumbush and many more.

For more information, visit www.yossisassi.com.

Finnish metal marauders FINNTROLL have completed work on their sixth album at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki. The as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2010's "Nifelvind" will be released worldwide through Century Media Records in late March 2013.

Commented the band: "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new FINNTROLL album! Now we're gonna crack open a couple of beers, listen to the damn thing and relax. Fourteen-hour days have finally paid off!

"We've booked mastering January 16th! Before that, we still have loads to do and enhance."

In regards to the new CD, FINNTROLL commented on their studio blog: "Combining our trademark sound with even more influences from non- traditional genres in metal music, we have created 11 songs which show you everything we want to offer. And boy, wasn't that one of the hardest tasks for some time. After all, how do you keep your sound fresh, yet familiar, after 6 albums and 15 years?

"At some point, we were afraid that the songs are not melodic enough. Then we started to fear they became too melodic. Then we let the songs rest for a while and molded them more in a way that the non-melodic stuff got something to hum with, and the cheesy pop songs were arranged more stripped and aggressive. We were confident, yet sometimes scared what will people think of the stuff we've been doing so hard. What if they hate it? That would be fine, but if they would hate it because the material was uninspiring, boring and done-to-death, that would be a huge disappointment. So, we kept pushing and tried to keep it fresh all the time, while still having the 'this has to be FINNTROLL because no other band sounds this insane' — grinning going on."

Fan-filmed video footage of FINNTROLL performing a brand new song during their November 3 concert in Giessen, Germany as part of this year's Heidenfest tour can be seen below.

FINNTROLL last year released a special tour edition of their latest album, "Nifelvind". The digipak tour edition came with new artwork by the band's guitarist, Skrymer, and an extra CD including three brand-new cover versions: "Insects" (OINGO BOINGO), "Can You Forgive Her?" (PET SHOP BOYS) and "The God That Failed" (METALLICA). The cover versions were recorded and mixed at Sonic Pump Studios between June 27, 2011 and July 4, 2011 by FINNTROLL and Nino Laurenne.

"Nifelvind" was released in North America on March 9, 2010 via Century Media Records.

Norwegian blackened death metallers FESTER have issued the following update:

"When FESTER released their first album in 18 years earlier this year, it felt like coming home. Even though 18 years is a long time, it felt good to be back. There's something quite special about the feeling of transending primal feelings into music.. The album got to be our darkest and coldest to date and it felt just right to entitle it 'A Celebration Of Death', even though it actually was a rebirth..

"We have always felt like the beast under the bed, like the fifth wheel on the wagon, like the wound that won't heal, but nevertheless, we are our own beasts and we will continue to make these expressions without trying to please a sertain crowd.

"To those who stand tall with us: don't EVER let anyone pull you down and make you feel less. Be proud and stand in the shadows with a pleased grin.

"We are looking forward to record another album in 2013, and we salute those who will take part in our obscurity, and we wish you all the best for 2013!!!"

"A Celebration Of Death" was released in March 2012 through Abyss Records.

In addition to core members Jon Bakker (bass), Thomas Andersen (vocals) and Bjorn "Tiger" Mathisen (guitar/vocals), "A Celebration Of Death" features Audun Kleive (session drums), Raymond Pellicer (additional guitars, programming and synth), Eivind Aarseth (additional guitars), Guido Saint Roch (guest vocals on "Metalized") and Mortiis (Dark Converter). The cover for "A Celebration Of Death" was painted by artist Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, SODOM, ATHEIST, SIGH, ANACRUSIS). The rest of the layout was handled by Joce of Industrie Chimere Noire (PORTAL, GHÄST, TOTAL HOLOCAUST). The CD release includes a 16-page booklet.

Rádio Evil conducted an interview with VITAL REMAINS guitarist/mainman Tony Lazaro when the band played at Carioca Club in São Paulo, Brazil on December 15 with KRISIUN and MALEVOLENT CREATION.

Asked about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's long-awaited follow-up to 2007's "Icons of Evil", Tony said: "We are working on the new album. Actually, I have, like, 16 songs written. We've been working on it before we did this little, mini tour in Brazil. Things are going really killer. The new stuff is sounding really fucking brutal and evil and dark. And we're looking forward to recording the new album and having it out next year — in April/May. It's been long enough."

Regarding how he manages to maintain the VITAL REMAINS musical identity after going through so many lineup changes over the course of the last 20 years, Tony said: "First of all, as most fans and people know, I am the founding member of VITAL REMAINS. I've been writing the music for 23 years — since the beginning. I write all the music. So they know that I'm the engine, I'm the force behind this band called VITAL REMAINS, and no one person makes the band. The band is about the music. It doesn't matter who's here today and going tomorrow. Most people will know, any band that's lasted over 20 years, many people will come and go. It's hard to keep the original lineup as you get older. But for me, I love the music. That is why I am on this earth — to play this fucking Satanic, evil music called death metal that I play. It's my purpose in life. This is what I'm here for. This is what I love. So I will never give up, and the fans know and they believe in me. And that's why, though different people that have come and gone and lineup changes, it was all part of keeping the band alive, keeping it going, but with me as the center pushing always everyone: 'Hey, we've gotta keep working hard. We've gotta keep writing the best I can write.' In life, sometimes, in the beginning, they can do this, [but] as they get older, they get families, they think different things, jobs… but for me, it's always been priority to play this music in the band. So I just know that, in my mind, I keep it going for the fact that the fans, when they come up to me, what fuels me is when they say, 'Don't give up, Tony. You've been there since the beginning. Keep the fight. Keep playing the music you love.' And this is what fuels me. When I have those days, like, 'Oh, man. What the fuck! I'm still doing this. Why? Why?' And I'm, like, 'Because I love the music.' I love the underground. It's what I love. It's where I live."

Restrain Records in 2007 released a high-quality double-vinyl presentation of VITAL REMAINS' latest abum, "Icons of Evil". The set includes 'brutal blasphemy spread over three sides, with the fourth side bearing an engraving," according to the band. "Comes in a gatefold cover with printed lyric sleeves!"

VITAL REMAINS' DVD, entitled "Evil Death Live", came out in 2007 via Metal Mind Productions. The disc includes footage of VITAL REMAINS' performance at the Metalmania Festival 2007 on April 24, 2007 in Katowice, Poland as well as an interview with Tony Lazaro (one of the band's founders) and Dave Suzuki, live bootleg material and many other surprises. Also available is a limited DVD+CD swing case edition, featuring a bonus CD containing songs recorded at the Metalmania gig.

Swedish multi-instrumentalist Snowy Shaw (KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE, MEMENTO MORI, NOTRE DAME, DREAM EVIL, THERION, DIMMU BORGIR) will make a guest appearance on the sophomore album from Greek doom metallers SORROWS PATH. Snowy will sing a duet with SORROWS PATH frontman Angelos Ioannidis on a song titled "Everything Can Change".

SORROWS PATH's follow-up to 2010's "The Rough Path Of Nihilism" is scheduled for release in 2013 via Rock It Up Records. Other songtitles set to appear on the effort include "The King With A Crown Of Thorns" and "Brother Of Life".

SORROWS PATH last year recruited Giannis Tziligkakis (OMINOUS SKY) as its new second guitarist.

"The Rough Path Of Nihilism" was recorded at Fragile Studios in Athens with producer Vangelis Yalamas, who also played the synthesizer on the effort. The artwork and photography for the album were handled by Seth Siro Anton (PARADISE LOST, KAMELOT, MOONSPELL, EXODUS).

SORROWS PATH is:

Stavros Giannakos: Bass
Angelos Ioannidis: Vocals
Fotis Mountouris: Drums
Kostas Salomidis: Guitar
Giannis Tziligkakis: Guitar

Ottawa, Canada-based grindcore technicians FUCK THE FACTS have issued the following update:

"[We are] wrapping up the recording of the music for our new album this weekend and getting ready to start tracking vocals in January. As usual, we've been recording everything at our home studio space, which we started putting together back in 2010 to record 'Die Miserable'. Not only have we done all FUCK THE FACTS recordings here since then, but we've also recorded and mixed a lot of other bands as well."

FUCK THE FACTS's video for the song "Drift" can be seen below. The imaginative, creepy clip for the scathing opening track from FTF's eighth LP "Die Miserable" was created by David Hall of Handshake Inc., who has previously worked with TODAY IS THE DAY, BRUTAL TRUTH, HAIL OF BULLETS, JUCIFER, BASTARD NOISE, AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED, SIGH and RWAKE.

"Die Miserable" was released in North America in October 2011 via Relapse Records. Recorded between tours, the CD features over 35 minutes of FUCK THE FACTS' scorching blend of socio-politically-charged grind, hardcore and metal fans worldwide have embraced for the past decade.

Swedish/German black metallers DARK FUNERAL have issued the following year-end update:

"We, DARK FUNERAL, would like to thank each and everyone of you for the tremendous support you have given us during 2012. It's been an amazing year! And we are truly honored to have such a great legion of dedicated fans and supporters worldwide, thank you!

"2013 marks our 20th anniversary as a band. And you can be sure that we have lined up several surprises, including new and special 20th-anniversary releases for you. So be sure to keep checking our website(s) to not miss out any news and announcements. 2013 will be a spectacularly dark year!

"And last but not least. A massive hail goes out to our extremely dedicated street team! You totally rule!!!"

DARK FUNERAL recently inked a three-album deal with Century Media Records.

The new lineup of DARK FUNERAL — featuring the group's latest additions, vocalist Nachtgarm (NEGATOR) and bassist Zornheym — made its live debut on last year's Sweden Rock Cruise.

DARK FUNERAL in 2011 parted ways with Regain Records. Lord Ahriman stated at the time, "Time went by and we didn't see any future whatsoever to continue to work with them."

DARK FUNERAL 2012 is:

Nachtgarm - Vocals
Lord Ahriman - Guitar
Chaq Mol - Guitar
Zornheym- Bass
Dominator - Drums

Rádio Evil conducted an interview with drummer Gus Rios of Florida death metal veterans MALEVOLENT CREATION when the band played at Carioca Club in São Paulo, Brazil on December 15 with KRISIUN and VITAL REMAINS.

Asked if MALEVOLENT CREATION has been working on material for the follow-up to 2010's "Invidious Dominion", Rios said: "We've already written two or three new songs. We'll probably release an EP and maybe re-record some songs off [1993's] 'Stillborn'. And that will be out probably by March or April, I'm thinking. So, a new album, [it's] definitely coming."

Regarding how MALEVOLENT CREATION has managed to retain its musical identity after going through so many lineup changes over the course of the last 20 years, Rios said: "Since 1997, pretty much every single MALEVOLENT CREATION song anybody's ever heard, me and Phil [Fasciana, guitar] actually wrote. I live in Fort Lauderdale, and so does Phil, and that's the songwriting nucleus of MALEVOLENT. So as long as the two of us are still in the band, it's always gonna sound like MALEVOLENT CREATION, you know what I mean?! That's the consistency of the band — the primary songwriters. And then, of course, Brett [Hoffman, vocals]."

"Invidious Dominion" was released in August 2010 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records (in Europe through Massacre). The effort was made available in various territories as a regular CD; digipack with bonus material; and vinyl LP.

MALEVOLENT CREATION's latest CD was recorded at Mana Recording Studios (CANNIBAL CORPSE, VITAL REMAINS, GOATWHORE) in St. Petersburg, Florida with producer Erik Rutan (MORBID ANGEL, HATE ETERNAL, CANNIBAL CORPSE). The CD's cover art was created by renowned artist Pär Olofsson (THE FACELESS, IMMORTAL, ABYSMAL DAWN).

GWAR frontman Dave Brockie (a.k.a. Oderus Urungus) has posted the following message regarding the passing of MINISTRY and RIGOR MORTIS guitarist Mike Scaccia:

"The metal and music world in general lost a true legend this past week after the unexpected death of MINISTRY and RIGOR MORTIS guitar player Mike Scaccia. Mike collapsed during a RIGOR MORTIS gig in Dallas and never regained consciousness.

"We are stunned by this terrible, gut-wrenching event that unfortunately we are all-too-familiar with, having lost our brother, Cory Smoot, a little over a year ago. Our hearts go out to Mike's family and friends.

"Mike was a friend of ours and practically a brother to our longtime bass player, Casey Orr. He had tried to get Mike to play for GWAR a couple of times and Mike was always smart enough to turn him down. I completely understand why someone wouldn't want to subject themselves to what we go through, but still I always wondered what GWAR would have sounded like with Mike. But then we found Cory... then lost Cory... Ain't life a fucking bitch.

"If there is one thing I have realized in this last year, it's that the life we are given is incredibly precious and can be snatched away from us at any moment. You have to savor every drop and get every molecule of sweetness you can...and you have to protect and cherish all of your loved ones with every bit of strength your heart can muster. An easy task? No. But in order to give life meaning, it is one we must essay, endure, and triumph over.

"I don't think many would argue that Mike's trademark guitar sound jumpstarted MINISTRY and forged some of the most memorable sounds that legendary band ever created. The hugeness of MINISTRY made many miss Mike's groundbreaking work with RIGOR MORTIS, one of the seminal thrash metal acts to ever spurn the face of this bloody clod we call Earth. He was, quite simply, a guitar God.

"The GWAR family grieves deeply with the many friends, fans, and family that Mike left behind.

"Again our hearts go out to all who are suffering through this incredible loss, and I ask the GWAR family to help, if they can."

The official memorial for Mike Scaccia will be held today (Sunday, December 30) at 3:00 p.m. at Aristide Event Center in Mansfield, Texas. The event is open to the public.

Aristide Event Center
570 North Walnut Creek Drive
Mansfield, TX 76063

Scaccia died on December 22 while performing with RIGOR MORTIS at The Rail Club in Fort Worth, Texas at RIGOR MORTIS frontman Bruce Corbitt's 50th-birthday celebration.

Scaccia, who is also known for his work with REVOLTING COCKS, died of a sudden heart attack brought on by a heart disease (official cause of death: atherosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease), according to the Tarrant County medical examiner's office. Officials ruled it a natural death. He was 47 years old.

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, police responded to a call from the club at 11:45 p.m. Saturday, and Sciacca was pronounced dead at 12:26 a.m. in the emergency room at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.

His daughter Sarah posted a message on his Facebook page at 3 a.m. Dallas time on Sunday, saying, "I love you so much dad. I love you so much."

Mike is survived by his wife Jenny Rowen Scaccia, with whom he has two toddlers, and daughters Sarah Scaccia and Taarna Scaccia Hopkins.

Fan-filmed video footage of THE SOUTHERN CROSS performing the BLACK SABBATH classic "Children Of The Sea" aboard Sweden's Rock At Sea cruise on November 16-17, 2012 can be seen below.

Before legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio died in May 2010, his former guitarist Rowan Robertson got in touch with a Norwegian drummer, Rick Hagan, and started talking about doing a few shows featuring the material from Rowsn's period in DIO, which Ronnie had not played for 20 years. With bassist Are Gogstad and singer Nils Patrik Johansson, the lineup was stable and toured in Norway twice under the name QUEENSTREET. But there was one part missing, and with the addition of 25-year BLACK SABBATH member Geoff Nicholls, THE SOUTHERN CROSS became the natural representation of what DIO musically stood for in the Eighties and early Nineties.

THE SOUTHERN CROSS's 2012 tour saw the band visiting highlights from RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH and DIO. Songs like "Man On The Silver Mountain", "Falling Off The Edge Of The World", "Lock Up The Wolves", "Don't Talk To Strangers" and, of course, the classics "Heaven And Hell" and "Holy Diver" were all featured in the concerts.

The full lineup of the band is as follows:

* Rowan Robertson (DIO, DC4) - Guitar
* Nils Patrik Johansson (ASTRAL DOORS, LION'S SHARE) - Vocals
* Are Gogstad (PAUL DI'ANNO, RIPPER OWENS, A.S.C.) - Bass
* Rick Hagan (PAUL DI'ANNO, RIPPER OWENS, 21ST CENTURY ROX) – Drums
* Geoff Nicholls (BLACK SABBATH) - Keyboards

In the late 1980s Robertson heard that Ronnie James Dio was looking for a new guitarist. He sent a tape to the record company Phonogram. After six months of waiting, he got a reply that stated that at that moment they were not interested in him. At the encouragement of his friend and fellow guitarist Sean Manning (HURRICANE) the tenacious Robertson then contacted the DIO fan club who then asked him to send his demo tape to them.

Robertson, who was 17 years old at the time, got a great response from DIO after receiving the demo through the fan-club channels. In late January or early February 1989 Robertson was flown to Los Angeles for an audition with DIO. He was auditioned twice. Immediately after the second audition he was invited to join the band. The press-release for the addition of Robertson to DIO was sent out on July 18, 1989 and the press was invited to meet the newest DIO guitarist on July 20, 1989 at Oliver's Pub in New York City.

The first DIO album Robertson started working on with DIO was "Lock up the Wolves". These sessions included Jimmy Bain, Vinny Appice and Jens Johansson. The band had already begun writing and recording when Jimmy Bain and Vinny Appice were suddenly excused from the band. They were replaced with Teddy Cook and former AC/DC drummer Simon Wright.

"Lock up the Wolves" was released in 1990, and the band embarked on a tour in support of the album.

Robertson stayed with DIO until Ronnie James Dio rejoined BLACK SABBATH in 1991.

Dio and Robertson had been writing songs for an album to be released in May 1991 which ended up being shelved. When the DIO band was put on ice, Robertson started work on an instructional video for guitar players. It was released on Star Licks in July or August 1991. He then teamed up with vocalist Oni Logan (ex-LYNCH MOB) and drummer Jimmy Paxson (from TRIANGLE) and began to write and record on an album together for Atlantic Records.

RIGOR MORTIS and WARBEAST frontman Bruce Corbitt spoke to Jay Nanda of the San Antonio Metal Music Examiner about the passing of MINISTRY and RIGOR MORTIS guitarist Mike Scaccia, who died on December 22 while performing with RIGOR MORTIS at The Rail Club in Fort Worth, Texas at Corbitt's 50th-birthday celebration.

"If I picked the one most important person of my life, not counting my own family and brother, it would be Mike Scaccia," Corbitt said. "I've said it from the beginning: I would've never been in a band or started singing in a band if I didn't become friends with Mike. And now here I am 30 years later, I'm still doing tours and making albums. I owe everything to him. Because when I met him, I was just a fan, into music. I had dreams like everybody. Veteran air guitarist, but never bothered to learn to play an instrument and kind of too shy to try to sing. But we became close friends, and I realized this was a guy that was put on this earth to play his guitar. Somebody with greatness, who had a gift. I wanted to be in a band with him so bad because he would make us all look good. I didn't even know how to sing, but somehow, because I had long hair (and) I could party all night. [laughs] It's a true story. That's kind of how I got the job. I'm talking about our first band called SPECTRUM. It didn't last too long, and Mike went his own way. We stayed in touch here and there, but a few years later, when he started RIGOR MORTIS with Casey Orr and Harden Harrison, again I wanted to be in a band with Mike so bad, I did everything I could. He was such a humble guy. He was never going to brag about himself, but I always said, "Man, I'm Mike Scaccia's No. 1 fan," and I sure didn't have any trouble going out and telling everyone what a great guitarist he is. I'm going to miss him every day for the rest of my life."
He added: "When you've got someone like that with such a talent to not have an ego at the same time, that's a rare combination. You just don't find that very often. That's the thing, you know. Such a great guy, great friend. He had such a sense of humor. He made our lives more fun when we were around him. He was such a family-oriented guy with his parents and his sisters and his wife and kids. Can't say anything bad about Mike Scaccia, man, you know? He was always there for everyone, and I'm blessed to have known him."

Regarding the circumstances behind Mike's passing, Bruce said: "Now, looking back, at first, you're like, 'Wow, what if I would have not asked him to play on my birthday? Would this have happened? Would he still be here?' It's a 32-year-old friendship — agreeing to give up some time for Christmas with his family to come practice with us and do a show. And then we're on stage together; it was going to be one of the best shows I remember. There's just so many, but at the time, everyone was in great spirits, celebrating. And the new material, that was what's so cool. We got to play some of these new songs with Mike. And that's the thing. You never understand why this happened, but I think I said that last night, if Mike himself could have wrote the perfect ending, this would be it. He was still gripping that guitar, and we took it out of his hands when we were trying to help him. It's a devastating thing to deal with and see, but over time, I'm going to be thankful that it happened the way it happened — as bad as that sounds. I don't know. I'm glad I was by his side 'till the very last minute."

Read the entire interview from San Antonio Metal Music Examiner.

The official memorial for Mike Scaccia will be held today (Sunday, December 30) at 3:00 p.m. at Aristide Event Center in Mansfield, Texas. The event is open to the public.

Aristide Event Center
570 North Walnut Creek Drive
Mansfield, TX 76063

Canadian extreme metallers KATAKLYSM have secured the new producer who will handle the mix and master of the band's new album in 2013. The group states: "The band chose a different person this time which should help elevate the bands sound to the next level. His name will be revealed next week."

As has been the case with KATAKLYSM's previous recordings, the band's next CD will be engineered by guitarist Jean-François Dagenais at JFD Studios in Montreal and Texas. He states: "Expect a different, more complex death metal anthem this time around — high velocity, extreme but melodic while maintaining the band's signature trademark crushing grooves. We are refreshed from the time off and are working very hard on this album. We don't follow trends; we are inspired to create our own."

KATAKLYSM's multidisc DVD, "The Iron Will: 20 Years Determined", entered the German chart at position No. 98. The set depicts the ups and downs of KATAKLYSM's long, turbulent career, as well as footage of the band's performance at last year's Summer Breeze festival, which took place August 18-20, 2011 in Dinkelsbühl, Germany. The cover art for the release was created by artist Colin Marks (ORIGIN, EXODUS, NEVERMORE).

KATAKLYSM's latest album, "Heaven's Venom", sold around 2,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 8 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.

Albacete, Spain-based thrash metal/crossover combo TOXOVIBORA has inked a deal with Art Gates Records. The band's debut album, "Primer Ataque", will be released next year.

In line with thrash and death metal sounds of the '90s bands such as PANTERA, SLAYER and MEGADETH, but with the freshness of the new generations, TOXOVIBORA combines a biting and sharp-edged sound, heartrending riffs, a powerful rhythmic base along with committed and raw lyrics.

Despite the band's relatively short existence, the musicianship in TOXOVIBORA is really strong, with all of its members having been part of several formations with years of experience.