Legendary guitarist Slash (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER) has filmed a cameo for actor Charlie Sheen's new TV sitcom "Anger Management". Slash writes on Twitter: "Charlie's working with a great bunch of people of there."

Sheen, a neighbor and personal friend of Slash's who called himself a "Rock Star From Mars" when he underwent a public meltdown amid his firing from the CBS show "Two And A Half Men", spoke at Slash's Hollywood Walk Of Fame induction ceremony in July. He said, "It's quite fitting that Slash is getting a star on the very street Axl Rose will one day be sleeping on."

He added, "This star is going to be stepped on more than the coke we did in the '80s."

In an interview with Australia's long-running rock station Triple M during his tour with the Soundwave rock festival in March 2011, Slash spoke about the troubles Sheen was facing at the time.

"I love Charlie," Slash smiled. "Charlie is probably the most rock 'n' roll character in entertainment today. All things considered, he's been having a little bit of a hard time recently with all the bad press and everything. But he's been managing to get away with what he's been doing on that show and get a raise over the last more than ten years. I think that's pretty cool," he laughed.

The official lyric video for "Cocaine Cowboys", the new single from Swedish rockers CRASHDÏET, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's fourth album, "The Savage Playground", which will be released on January 25 in Europe (excluding Scandinavia) and January 22 in North America via Frontiers Records.

With "The Savage Playground" recorded during summer/autumn 2012 at Kingside Studios outside Stockholm with producer Otto Wellton, the band has their minds set to break through on a worldwide basis with a tour that will see the band going back to the U.S. as well as going to Japan for the first time.

The new album sees CRASHDÏET going in a heavier and direction. "'The Savage Playground' is our playground, it's the beginning and the end, it's the place where we eat and breed," says guitarist Martin Sweet. "We thought the time was right for us to do a edgier and not-so-polished-sounding album, kinda like what we sound like live. It's more organic and rough-sounding. And, of course, we're always evolving as musicians and like to try new ways of expressing ourselves, and that can most definitely be heard this album."

"The Savage Playground" track listing:

01. Change The World
02. Cocaine Cowboys
03. Anarchy
04. California
05. Lickin' Dog
06. Circus
07. Sin City
08. Got A Reason
09. Drinkin' Without You
10. Snakes In Paradise
11. Damaged Kid
12. Excited
13. Garden Of Babylon

CRASHDÏET released a new DVD entitled "Shattered Glass And Broken Bones – Three Years Of Generation Wild" on December 4. The disc features three hours of live and behind-the-scenes footage complied by the band with Bear Productions.

Finnish progressive melodic death metallers DAMNATION PLAN have inked a deal with Coroner Records. The band's new album, "The Wakening", will be released in March. The CD was mixed and masterered by Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, NIGHTINGALE, BLOODBATH) at Unisound Studio in Örebro, Sweden.

According to a press release, "The Wakening" "combines clean and theatrical vocals of Asim Searah (formerly of KIUAS) and harsh vocals of Tommy Tuovinen (MYGRAIN) in a massive and uncompromised progressive melodic death metal masterpiece."

A trailer for the album can be seen below.

DAMNATION PLAN is:

Antti Lauri - Lead Guitar
Jarkko Lunnas - Drums
Asim Searah - Clean Vocals
Tommy Tuovinen – Harsh and Clean Vocals
Jukka Vehkamaa - Bass
Kalle Niininen - Rhythm Guitar

Brazilian death metallers NERVOCHAOS will release their new album, "To The Death", on January 22 via Greyhaze Records.

According to a press release, "To The Death" is "nothing short of a relentless onslaught and features guest performances by big names in the international and South American metal scenes such as Ralph Santolla (DEATH, DEICIDE), Jão (RATOS DE PORÃO) and Zhema (VULCANO)." The album's cover art was created by Joe Petagno (MOTÖRHEAD).

The first pressing of "To The Death" will include a limited-edition NERVOCHAOS embroidered patch as well as a sticker.

"To The Death" track listing:

01. Mark Of The Beast
02. Sheep Amongst Wolves
03. Your World's Trend
04. Gospel Of Judas
05. The Exile
06. To The Death
07. Hate
08. Smoking Mortal Remains
09. Mind Under Siege
10. Delusions And Lies
11. Destroyer Of Worlds
12. Warlords Unbound
13. Wolves Curse

"Biohazard", the new video from Murcia, Spain-based extreme metallers DARK CONFESSIONS, can be seen below. The clip was produced by the bandmembers themselves, directed by Victor M. López and with the help of Henry Menacho.

"Biohazard" comes off DARK CONFESSIONS' debut album, "Insanity", which was released on December 3 via Art Gates Records (except in Spain, where it was issued at the end of October). The CD was recorded at UltraSound Studios 2 in Portugal with producer Daniel Cardoso (NOCTEM, ANGELUS APATRIDA, ANNEKE VANGIERSBERGEN). The artwork was designed by Brazil's Marcelo Vasco (SATYRICON, SLAYER, JOB FOR A COWBOY, NOCTEM, SOULFLY).

"Insanity" track listing:

01. Frozen Soul
02. My Turn
03. Sea Of Oblivion
04. Biohazard
05. The Voice Of The Apocalypse
06. Prelude To Tragedy
07. Scars Of Insanity
08. Denigration
09. Inferno Infection
10. Distorted Reality
11. Bloodshed

Brazilian thrashers SLASHER have tapped Tue Madsen (HALFORD, DARK TRANQUILLITY, VADER, BEHEMOTH, KATAKLYSM) to produce their new single, "Overcome", at his Antfarm Studio in Aarhus, Denmark. The session will take place in January 2013 and will mark the recording debut of the band's new album, Skeeter.

Commented SLASHER guitarist Lúcio Nunes: "We looked for and analyzed a lot of producers all over the globe. It was a difficult choice because there is a lot of talented people out there. We believe we have taken the right decision and we are quite positive that we're going to have high-quality material in hands!"

SLASHER is currently working on the follow-up to 2011's "Pray For The Dead", entitled "Katharsis", for a tentative mid-2013 release. The cover artwork will be revealed soon.

'80s hard rock queen Lita Ford joined guitarist/producer Gary Hoey on stage this past Saturday, December 15 at M15 Concert Bar & Grill in Corona, California to perform several tracks, including a cover version of ZZ TOP's "Tush". Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

The lineup for the performance:

Lita Ford - Vocals
Gary Hoey - Guitar
Erik Kondziolka - Bass
Matt Scurfield – Drums

Hoey produced and co-wrote much of the material on Ford's latest album, "Living Like A Runaway", which was released on June 19 in North America. The effort was made available in four configurations: a double LP, limited-edition CD, standard CD and digital download. The artwork for the album was created by famed rock photographer Mark Weiss.

Lita recently filmed a video for the song "Mother" in Joshua Tree, California. Directing the clip was Ford's former THE RUNAWAYS bandmate Victory Tischler-Blue, whose film "Edgeplay" was based on her tenure in the 1970s all-girl teenage rock act.

"Mother" is dedicated to Lita's estranged sons, Rocco and James (father is former NITRO singer Jim Gillette). "I wrote this song for [my sons]," Lita recently told the Deciblog. "I wrote this song to tell them how much I love them and to tell them that I didn't mean for this to happen [for Lita to be forced to live apart from her kids following her divorce from Gillette. — Ed.] and that it's not my fault. I didn't do this to them, although they think I did. I miss them, I love them. They're my life."

"It was hard to write," she told Examiner.com. "It was hard to record. It's hard to listen to. I find myself skipping over it sometimes, depending on how much makeup I have on that day. If I'm all made up, I'm like, 'Oh, can't cry right now!' I've done interviews where big, grown men tell me they've come away from it in tears. That's huge. That's what I wanted — for people to feel my pain. But it is a great song."

"Haunting In The Night", the new single from New York/New Jersey-based symphonic power metallers OPERATIKA ELEMENT (formerly OPERATIKA), can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The song, which was mixed by Neil Kernon (QUEENSRŸCHE, NEVERMORE, NILE), will be released on Amazon and iTunes in the near future. The cover artwork for the single was created by Alexandra V Bach, who also designed OPERATIKA's album cover for "The Calling".

"Haunting In The Night" features a special guest appearance by Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X) on bass.

OPERATIKA ELEMENT's new full-length album will be issued in 2013.

OPERATIKA ELEMENT is:

Slava Popova - Lead Vocals
Anna Dok - Vocals, Keyboards
Boris Zaks - Keyboards, Violin
Richard Fischer - Guitar, Vocals
Yuri Liakhovitch - Drums

OPERATIKA's debut album, "The Calling", was released in Europe in October 2008 through Scarlet Records.

Legendary Danish heavy metal guitarist Michael Denner (MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND) has launched a brand new band called DENNERS TRICKBAG. "It's a project Denner started about six months ago," the guitarist's webmaster tells BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "First, he wanted to make some good music, with some of his best buddies, and with some he would enjoy beeing in a band in, and not someone from the metal scene he had already played with. He called the four musicians he had in mind" — including drummer Kim Hagemann (ZOSER MEZ, SWITCHBLADE) — "and they all said yes."

DENNERS TRICKBAG's musical direction is "'70s progressive heavy metal with incredibly many guitar solos," according to the webmaster. "Bands like JERICHO, CAPTAIN BEYOND, MONTROSE, THREE MEN ARMY and MOUNTAIN are, style-wise, what they aim for. "

DENNERS TRICKBAG will play two exclusive shows at a small club in January 2013. An album release is planned for next spring.

For more information, visit www.dennerstrickbag.com.

"Carve My Cross", the new video from Virginia-based melodic tech-death metal masters ARSIS, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's new EP, "Lepers Caress", which is available for free download via Scion Audio/Visual (a.k.a. Scion A/V), the in-house record label and lifestyle marketing division of the Scion marque produced by Toyota Motor Corporation for the North American market.

"The EP was put together quickly after we finished [the forthcoming ARSIS full-length album] 'Unwelcome'," said ARSIS bassist Noah Martin, "It gave us the opportunity to offer a brief statement of where our heads are at the moment. We revisited some of the oldest material in the ARSIS catalog as well as re-tracked a song off the upcoming full-length. Expect more three and four-part writing, thrash and blasts, and a string quartet arranged for a full band."

"Lepers Caress" track listing:

01. Haunted, Fragile, And Frozen
02. Six Coffins Wide
03. Veil Of Mourning Black
04. A Tearful Haunt, Condemned
05. Carve My Cross
06. Denied

ARSIS recently recruited Brandon Ellis as the band's new guitarist. Brandon has toured with the group in the past but will finally make his recording debut on ARSIS' upcoming full-length release. He replaces guitarist Nick Cordle, who was recently tapped to replace Christopher Amott in the Swedish/German extreme metal act ARCH ENEMY.

ARSIS's 2010 album, "Starve For The Devil" (Nuclear Blast Records), sold 1,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release, landing at No. 13 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart.

Svart Records has set a January 18, 2013 release date for SAMMAL's self-titled debut, to be available on both CD and LP formats.

"Sammal" track listing:

01. Puolikuu
02. Esox Lucius
03. Jäniksen vuoksi
04. Kaikki kortit
05. Näennäiskäännännäinen
06. Lehtipuiden alle
07. Jokainen pysyköön uskossaan
08. Veneenrakentaja
09. Kylmää usvaa

According to a press release, SAMMAL "manages to capture a sense of golden moments in Finnish music, naturally and without pretensions. Vocals that soar confidently and warmly with beautiful lyrics which, though sung entirely in Finnish, are utterly relatable due to the passion in the voice and beauty of the compositions, made more arcane by the sentiments the sound evokes. Lyrics translated inside the booklet are a magic discovery of a band that inspires more about their culture and heart than most well-known Finnish bands today."

"SAMMAL began when we were staying at our singer's summer cottage one autumn, listening to classic rock and prog LPs with a barely functioning vintage turntable," comments guitarist/keyboardist Jura Salmi. "We had played in English language bands for some years, and that night we discussed our common interest to write songs in our native language and to follow the freely flowing creative spirit we heard on these records. We wanted to use music and the Finnish language to paint landscapes that are completely alien to modern-day stress and musical pigeonholing. Free association and freedom of expression are still at the core of SAMMAL."

Touching on these deep themes, rarely does a voice emote and sound so ubiquitous or wiser in modern rock. Through their riffs, solos, and vintage keys, you can find traces of everything that made Love Records and Finnish prog so beloved, not only in their home country but abroad. SAMMAL give the same impression of a band Finns can be proud of, while doing a great service to their musical culture and heritage. They have a masterful natural command of classic rock music that surpasses their age with nods to THIN LIZZY, CAMEL, BIRTH CONTROL, BUDGIE, and the epic guitar journeys of the ALLMAN BROTHERS, while all along carving their own unique path.

Legendary actor Christopher Lee, who has appeared in such cinematic milestones as "Lord Of The Rings", "Star Wars", "The Man With The Golden Gun" and "Dracula", has released Christmas heavy metal singles "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Silent Night" via iTunes and Amazon.

Audio samples of the songs can be heard below.

Christopher Lee may have turned 90, but it doesn't look like he plans to retire any time soon. He appeared in "Dark Shadows" earlier this year, you can catch him in "The Hobbit", and he isn't afraid to try something a little bit different like this heavy metal Christmas project.

Vocals: Christopher Lee
Backing Vocals ("Silent Night"): Michelle at StudioPros
Guitars: Hedras Ramos Jr.
Bass: Hedras Ramos Sr.
Drums: Ollie Usiskin

Musical arrangements by Hedras Ramos Jr.

Recorded at: Bonafide Studios, StudioPros and Audio 7
Engeneering: Leopoldo Lopes and Hedras Ramos Sr.
Mixed and mastered at Sound Pressure Studios

The singer-actor's first creation, "Charlemagne: By The Sword And The Cross", which won critical acclaim, was more symphonic than the upcoming "Charlemagne: The Omens Of Death", which is due in 2013.

He told BBC Radio 5 "Up All Night"'s Jamie Stangroom how he got involved in the genre.

"I was first introduced to metal when I sang with a [band] called RHAPSODY," he said. "But what I sang was not heavy metal; I sang with a tenor. Then I worked with MANOWAR as a narrator, I think it was in Germany, and again, that was not me singing metal. I became rather fascinated by this, 'cause in terms of history of music, it's fairly recent, really. And if it's properly done and you can understand the story and you can understand what the people are singing and you have the right bands and the right singers, I think it's rather exciting.

"When I was approached to do the first 'Charlemagne' album, 'By The Sword And The Cross', it is heavy metal, of course, but what I sang was more symphonic. Now on the second one, 'The Omens Of Death', it is 100 percent heavy metal. I've done my bits and pieces, and they are heavy metal. I'm not screaming or anything like that, but it is definitely 100 percent heavy metal."

Lee also spoke about being presented with the "Spirit Of Hammer" prize by BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi at Metal Hammer magazine's Golden Gods awards in London in June 2010, Lee said, "It was a most amazing occasion for me — very exciting — and something I'd never had happen to me my whole career, my whole life, in terms of awards," he said. "I have received quite a few. But I was interviewed, actually in this room, by Tony Iommi, who founded BLACK SABBATH. And I hadn't heard them, but I made it a point [to do so]. [And] I thought it was extraordinary. And then I went to O2 [in London] in front of a fairly large crowd, I would say, all, of course, very young. And I got a greeting, which was really quite amazing. The decibel level was very high. Very high, very high."

"Rising Feeling", the second song from DEEP ARCHITECTURE, the new "musical collaboration" between former THE HAUNTED drummer Per Møller Jensen has joined forces with Danish musician Carsten Lender, can be streamed at this location.

Per Møller Jensen quit THE HAUNTED in October. He said in a statement released to BLABBERMOUTH.NET, "This decision has been underway for a long time and cannot be attributed to [former THE HAUNTED frontman Peter] Dolving's departure earlier this year.

"My penchant for music, creating — as in digging deep — and practicing has never been at a higher peak than now. When you throw musical differences between members in with that, I started feeling unfulfilled. This is not pointing fingers at anybody, but rather just seeing, accepting and acting on that fact."

THE HAUNTED's seventh studio CD, "Unseen", landed at position No. 33 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.

The latest episode of Whitesnake TV, in which WHITESNAKE frontman David Coverdale answers video questions from his fans about his life, music and career, and performs a few numbers with the band's guitarist, Doug Aldrich, can be seen below.

In a recent interview with Albania's Top Channel web site, Coverdale was asked what fans can expect from the band in the near future. "I am always reticent to discuss in detail what we're planning as I still enjoy 'surprises.'"

He continued, "In this day and age, with global technology and overwhelming social media, it is getting harder and harder to keep anything secret until they are ready to be presented. We host a very interactive global web site with Whitesnake.com and I answer people's questions as much as I can without giving too much away."

"We are very, very active this year behind the scenes. Many exciting things in the pipeline. Two projects I can tell you about are related to completing the 'Forevermore' project. An in-concert DVD from last year's tour and also a double live CD featuring different shows. It's shaping up very well indeed and I think a lot of people will enjoy re-living the concert experience they had with us in 2011. We have also started Whitesnake TV, which is off to a fantastic start and seems to be making a lot of people happy."

Asked if WHITESNAKE will tour next year, Coverdale said, "There are plans to start in Europe in May, I heard, but as yet there is nothing concrete. But, of course, we hope to be out there again. We have too much fun with audiences to stay at home for too long!"

Regarding whether all his plans involve WHITESNAKE, or if fans can expect any other collaborations or solo projects, Coverdale said, "WHITESNAKE is my priority and at this time I have no other plans to collaborate with other artists. But, you know rock and roll… Everything can change with a phone call."

Finnish metallers RUINSIDE have released the following statement:

"Our beloved friend and bassist Lauri Aitonurmi passed away on December 14th 2012 in a car accident. We will remember him as a very bright person who always shared good spirit around him. RUINSIDE wants to wish strength and hope for Lauri's family, his wife and little boy. Lauri will live in our hearts and in our music. Rest in peace, friend."

RUINSIDE's "Shower Of Accusations" video can be seen below. The song comes off the band's debut album, "The Hunt", which was released on October 29 via Mighty Music.

RUINSIDE is a group of thrash metal troopers from Tampere, Finland formed in 2005. After stabilizing in its current cast-in-iron form with the introduction of vocalist Toni Salminen (ex-FARMAKON), in November 2010 the band's lineup was complete. With two independently released EPs — 2008's "To Only Kill For Sport" and 2009's "Rise Up!... To Extermination?" — under their belt, RUINSIDE was ready to hit the studios in spring 2011 to begin work on its debut album. The CD was recorded at MSTR studios and was mxed and mastered by Jussi Kulomaa (MASTERSTROKE).

In addition to the RUINSIDE bandmembers themselves, a long string of session musicians has been attached to the project, playing classical instruments like contrabass, cello, and violin, as well as synthesizers and keyboards. There is also a collaboration with Erkki Seppänen and Seppo Kolehmainen from the Finnish power metal band DREAMTALE.

"The Hunt" track listing:

01. The End (intro)
02. Shower Of Accusations
03. Beware!
04. Hunters Of Divine Society
05. Witch Hammer (Malleus Maleficarum)
06. Hide-And-Seek
07. Labyrinth Of Silence
08. Wounded And Defeated
09. Within Hammer And Tongs
10. Beleaguered
11. T.O.R.T.U.R.E.
12. Forced Confession
13. Burst Into Flames

"Divinity", the new video from English progressive metallers AEON ZEN, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's latest album, "Enigma", which will be released January 22, 2013 on Nightmare Records. The CD is described in a press release as "an ambitiously creative and powerful concept album featuring nine continuous tracks showing the strengths of the band, as well as two bonus tracks."

Commented AEON ZEN founder Rich Hinks: "'Divinity' shows a whole new side to AEON ZEN. There's still all the elements that make it an AEON ZEN song, but there's a ton more energy and heaviness, and even more technicality than we've ever put on a record before. Our goal for this track was to make a song that grabs you by the balls and doesn't let up until the final blow."

Four years after their formation and having released two albums, AEON ZEN is continuing from strength to strength, bringing its own brand of creative, complex, melodic progressive metal to fans all over the world, along with their highly energized live shows.

"Enigma" was produced by Hinks and is set to push AEON ZEN's sound to new limits, from early influences of the likes of DREAM THEATER, METALLICA and OPETH to creating their own unique sound and identity.

AEON ZEN is:

Rich Hinks - Guitar, Bass, Vocals
Andi Kravljaca - Vocals
Matt Shepherd - Guitar
Shaz - Keyboards
Steve Burton - Drums

"Enigma" track listing:

01. Enter the Enigma
02. Artificial Soul
03. Divinity
04. Seven Hills
05. Warning
06. Turned to Ash
07. Still Human
08. Eternal Snow
09. Downfall
10. Survival (bonus track)
11. Time Divine 2.0 (bonus track)

"Enigma" features guest vocals by:

* Nate Loosemore (LOST IN THOUGHT)
* Atle Pettersen (ABOVE SYMMETRY)
* Jonny Tatum (EUMERIA)

Powerhouse American vocalist Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X, ADRENALINE MOB) will produce the as-yet-untitled new studio album from the Brazilian progressive/power metal band SHAMAN.

The relationship between Allen and SHAMAN began with his participation in the new SHAMAN video, "Nocturnal Human Side". Some of the footage for the clip was filmed in New York City, with Allen making an appearance in the video.

"After the positive experience that was this video filming, it became clear for we all that we had to do more things together," says SHAMAN vocalist Thiago Bianchi. "The idea to have Russell as our producer came naturally. Since then, we have been fun. Russell is an extremely spontaneous guy and his contribution have been a lesson of profissionalism and musicality."

A teaser for the "Nocturnal Human Side" clip, which which also features an appearance by the international model and actress Renata Diffley, can be seen below. The video was directed by Alex Batistawill, who has previously worked with SHAMAN on the "Ego" and "Finally Home" clips.

SHAMAN is:

Ricardo Confessori - Drums
Leo Mancini - Guitar
Fernando Quesada - Bass
Thiago Bianchi - Vocals
Juninho Carelli - Keyboards

SHAMAN's fourth album, "Origins", was released in 2010.

Swedish metallers ENFORCER will release a seven-inch single, "Mesmerized By Fire", on January 18, 2013.

The track listing for the effort will be as follows:

Side A: "Mesmerized By Fire"
Side B: "You Can Be" (non-album track)

In addition to the limited-edition vinyl, there will also be a digital release.

Commented ENFORCER guitarist/vocalist Olof Wikstrand: "'Mesmerized By Fire' is more or less the title track from the 'Death By Fire' album. I think within four minutes it captures pretty much everything about ENFORCER: intensity and power mixed with a touch of melody and melancholy. The B-side is a cover of NAGAZAKI's 'You Can Be'. It is a track with mega potential from a band that unfortunately never made it in the '80s."

"Mesmerized By Fire" can now be streamed using the SoundCloud player below. It is also available for free download at NuclearBlast.de (e-mail sign-up required).

ENFORCER will release its new album, "Death By Fire", on February 1, 2013 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD artwork was created by Jonathan Hultèn of Necromantic Art and can be seen below.

"Death By Fire" track listing:

01. Bells Of Hades
02. Death Rides This Night
03. Run For Your Life
04. Mesmerized By Fire
05. Take Me Out Of This Nightmare
06. Crystal Suite
07. Sacrificed
08. Silent Hour / The Conjugation
09. Satan

ENFORCER will will hit the road with GRAND MAGUS and the NWOBHM legends ANGEL WITCH in February.

ENFORCER's second album, "Diamonds", was released in May 2010 in Europe by Earache Records and in the rest of the world through Heavy Artillery.

Having released its debut album, "Into the Night", in November 2008, ENFORCER kicked open the floodgates for the return of traditional heavy metal, paving the way for many other young bands to follow. With critical acclaim pouring in from fans and the international music press, ENFORCER wasted no time taking their show to the road for their first European and American tours as well as a litany of appearances at many of Europe's most highly regarded festivals.

According to BBC News, singer Ian Watkins of the Welsh rock band LOSTPROPHETS has been accused of sexual offenses against children. He is due to appear in court on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old musician is charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and possession/distribution of indecent images of children.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Peter Doyle said: "Specially trained staff are available to speak to anyone with concerns or information regarding this investigation and a dedicated telephone number has been set up.

"I want to encourage anyone who has any concerns or information which they think may be relevant to contact us.

"Safeguarding children involved in such cases is always a high priority and as such measures have already been taken."

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.

This past weekend, British heavy metal vocalist Blaze Bayley (IRON MAIDEN, WOLFSBANE) took part in Zombie Bootcamp, a real action event based on a perceived realistic setting, with a convincing storyline. The scenario puts each participant in the frontline in tackling the threat of a zombie outbreak in the U.K. Check out video footage of Blaze's experience below.

A posting on Ram Training's Zombie Bootcamp web site states: "You will become part of a riot squad using adapted current tactics. Our zombies are well trained and versed in the ways of the undead. From the outset of the event starting, we will challenge you and condition you for the conflict ahead."

Blaze will release his upcoming collaborative acoustic EP with Belgium-based classical guitarist Thomas Zwijsen, "Russian Holiday" on February 5. The effort, which is available for pre-order in Basic, Silver (name mentioned in the booklet) and Gold (name mentioned in the booklet and a limited edition t-shirt) packages, features four re-arranged songs from previous albums and one brand new song written by Bayley and Zwijsen.

"Russian Holiday" is expected to include a "full classical guitar arrangement" of the IRON MAIDEN song "Sign Of The Cross", which the duo performed on their recent U.K. acoustic tour.

Bayley's new studio album, "The King Of Metal", was released in March. The CD was recorded at Fear Studio in Ravenna, Italy.

The 49-year-old Bayley, who was born in Birmingham, was the original frontman in WOLFSBANE, but left in 1994 to replace Bruce Dickinson as the lead singer of IRON MAIDEN.

Former BURY YOUR DEAD guitarist Eric Ellis (pictured below) was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after being convicted of conspiracy and violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act as a member of a violent Jacksonville, Florida gang.

According to court documents, inspired by the television show "Sons of Anarchy", Maynard Kenneth Godwin (33, Jacksonville) formed his own gang and called it the Guardians. He was the "Boss," Andrew Chase Wilkie (31, Callahan) was the "Enforcer," Billy James Harper (31, Jacksonville) was the "Lieutenant," and Brock Skov (32, Jacksonville) was the "Technician." Ellis, 28, and Jonathan Hart (31, Jacksonville) were associates of the Guardians. The gang committed a series of violent felonies and crimes, including an extortion that left one man nearly dead; the choking of a young woman until she passed out; armed bank robberies; armed home invasions; daily cocaine and opiate sales; and theft of thousands of dollars' worth of merchandise from local stores. Arrests were made in November 2010 when an investigation revealed that the gang was preparing to commit additional home invasion robberies. The robberies committed by the Guardians resulted in the loss of almost $2 million to their victims.

Ellis was a member of BURY YOUR DEAD from 2004 until August 2008, when he left the band for "medical reasons" and due to "personality differences."

2013 will be an absolute rebirth for SEVEN WITCHES, with a new lineup and a fresh, new energy, featuring in-your-face, driving, crushing riffs with gritty melodic vocals.

Alan Tecchio recently stepped down as the SEVEN WITCHES lead vocalist, feeling that he could not be fully committed to the project. The band's new CD will, however, feature Alan singing his version of one of the new cuts (same music, different lyrics and melodies).

SEVEN WITCHES respect Alan's decision as a longtime band member and friend and ask that fans support Tecchio in all his future endeavors.

Stepping in as lead vocalist is Anthony Cross (a.k.a. Anthony Regalbuto) who is said to have "a completely different approach to the SEVEN WITCHES brand."

After over 20 different vocalist submissions, Cross was chosen to bring a different dimension to the already well-known WITCHES sound. In recent years, he spent time singing for bands like LIVESAY, SHADOW IMAGE, FISCHEL'S BEAST, ATTACKER, and most recently, the IRON MAIDEN tribute act SANCTUARY. Rounding out the new lineup is the massive rhythm team of Ronnie Parkes (SLIPPERY WHEN WET, FARCRY) on bass and Johnny Kelly (TYPE O NEGATIVE, DANZIG, SEVENTH VOID, A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH) on drums.

SEVEN WITCHES states: "Our goal is to bring you something unpredictable that you can sink your teeth into and walk away feeling 'till the next morning."

"The Rebirth" will be SEVEN WITCHES' first full-length worldwide release for Entertainment One's FrostByte Media imprint and can be expected to hit the streets in early 2013. The CD was recorded at Canyon Music in Toms River, New Jersey and is currently being mixed at Sonorous studio in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Vocalist James Rivera (HELSTAR, VICIOUS RUMORS, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) announced his departure from SEVEN WITCHES in September 2011.

Rivera sang on SEVEN WITCHES' "Passage To The Other Side" (2003), "Year Of The Witch" (2004) and "Call Upon The Wicked" (2011) albums.

"Call Upon The Wicked" was released on June 3, 2011 via Massacre Records.

Birmingham hardcore metallers ODESSA have announced that Jamie Wrighton has joined the band on guitar, replacing the recently departed Gary Stephens.

Lead vocalist Richard Lardner commented: "We're happy to announce Jamie Wrighton as the latest addition to the Odessa family after Gary Stephens recent departure. Jay knows our sound very well, I'm confident with his ability and know that he will bring something new to the table to help us evolve the sound that we already have."

Jamie Wrighton also commented: “Happy to say that I'm now going to be playing alongside my long-time friends in Odessa and taking over where Gary Stephens left off. I'm looking forward to adding a bit of my style to the Odessa sound and seeing what we can accomplish in the future.”

To celebrate the new addition, the band has recorded a play-through of current single ‘On The Outside’, featuring both Jamie and guitarist/vocalist Conor Anthony O'rourke. Check it out below:
Odessa will release their debut full-length album Carry The Weight on January 28 via Ghost Music.

Dutch vocalist ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN (ex-THE GATHERING) has checked in with the following update:

"Hey everybody! I'll be doing a small run of intimate acoustic performances in January with a bunch of new additions to my setlist. Extase, Tilburg NL plays host to the first show on January 15th, before I'll be heading up to Finland where I will be joined by my dear buddy, ANATHEMA's Danny Cavanagh (**)."
Anneke's complete tour schedule is now as follows.

December
13 - Paris, France - La Scene Bastille
14 - Limoges, France - Festival de Noel
15 - Lille, France -Le Splendid **

January
15 - Tilburg, Netherlands - Extase
28 - Helsinki, Finland - Semifinal **
29 - Helsinki, Finland - Semifinal **
30 - Jyvaskyla, Finland - Lutakko **

On September 19th, Van Giersbergen performed at The Borderline in London, England on her continuing Everything Is Changing tour. Fan filmed video featuring Anneke covering the EURHYTHMICS classic 'Here Comes The Rain Again' and joining the audience during 'Hope Pray Dance Play' is available below:

MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil says that he was "misunderstood" on the subject of gun-control laws and mental-health policy in the wake of the tragedy that unfolded last Friday (December 14) in Newtown, Connecticut.

Following the mass shooting at a elementary school which resulted in the deaths of twenty-eight people, including 20 schoolchildren, Vince tweeted, "Sad day today. Prayers to all the families. Gun Control!!!"

A number of people responded unfavorably to Vince's comment, causing the singer to lash out: "Why is everyone so concerned with guns? What about the CHILDREN that were MURDERED today! Get your priorities straight!! Come on people!!"

He continued: "I did say gun control but I didn't think 90% of you would care more about your gun than dead children!!!

"FUCK YOU to EVERYONE who puts guns in front of kids!! Do not come to ANY shows! You are sick!!"

Earlier today (Tuesday, December 18), Vince sent out the following tweet: "I've been misunderstood on this subject. It was upsetting to me that the focus was not on the children and their families. I lost a child that age. I never said ban guns. I said gun control. Sorry if I offended anyone."

Friday's massacre in Newtown was the second-deadliest school shooting in U.S. history, behind the 2007 Virginia Tech mass shooting that left 32 dead.

Vince has two children, Elizabeth Ashley, 29, and Neil Wharton, 34. He has also a grandfather to Neil Wharton's son Trace, 1.

Vince's daughter Skylar Neil tragically died of cancer at the age of 4 in 1995.

The audio version of legendary BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi's memoir, "Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven And Hell With Black Sabbath", has just been released, with new chapters added bringing everything up to date, including Iommi's battle with lymphoma. The audiobook, with a listening time of 11 hours and 31 minutes, has also been issued for Kindle, iPhone, iPod, Android, or 500+ MP3 players.

Explained Iommi: "[It's] taken a bit of time, but we've all been busy! I had a go myself, but wasn't comfortable when I listened back. Normally, you just get an actor to voice it, but I didn't want someone who didn't know me or the music business, so I asked my old mate Bev Bevan [former BLACK SABBATH/ELO drummer] as he already has a radio show and lived some of the chapters with me! I'm really pleased how it's turned out."

A five-minute collection of audio samples of the audio version of "Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven And Hell With Black Sabbath" can be streamed below.

Due to scheduling conflicts, singer Antony Hämäläinen will be unable to perform with multinational thrashers NIGHTRAGE at the Gothenburg Sound Festival on January 5 at Trädgårn in Gothenburg, Sweden. His replacement for this show only will be NIGHTRAGE's former frontman Tomas Lindberg (pictured below) from AT THE GATES. NIGHTRAGE states: "We are super-excited about this!"

Comments Hämäläinen: "So, as some of you may already know, the band has been selected to play the Gothenburg Sound Festival in January. Unfortunately, due to some scheduling conflicts I was unable to resolve, I will have to miss this show. It will be the first NIGHTRAGE show in six years that I will miss and it completely sucks!

"This festival's lineup is of legendary proportions (CEREMONIAL OATH, GARDENIAN). But fear not... I am proud to announce that we are going to just tack one more to that list of legends for our friends and fans in Sweden. That's right, the one and only Tomas Lindberg will be helping us for this one-off show. And it's safe to say I am jealous as fuck not to see this take place. I have also seen the setlist for this show, and let me tell you, no one will be disappointed."

Lindberg — who is also known for his work with THE CROWN and LOCK UP — appeared on NIGHTRAGE's first two albums (2003's "Sweet Vengeance" and 2005's "Descent Into Chaos") before being replaced by Jimmie Strimell, who sang on 2007's "A New Disease Is Born".

NIGHTRAGE's fifth album, "Insidious", was released in September 2011 via Lifeforce Records. The CD featured guest appearances by Gus G. (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIREWIND), Tomas S. Englund (EVERGREY), Apollo Papathanasio (FIREWIND, SPIRITUAL BEGGARS), John K (BIOMECHANICAL) and Lindberg.