Swiss hard rock veterans KROKUS have issued the following update:

“To answer the numerous questions on our numerous blogs in the last couple of days regarding detailed info on who's drumming on live gigs in support of 'Dirty Dynamite' release:

There will be several guest drummers supporting KROKUS on tour. For the time being, it is Kosta Zafiriou [PINK CREAM 69], who also drummed on our forthcoming CD release.

"KROKUS will be a five-piece lineup. The drummer is part of the live lineup but not official band member (example: when original band member Bill Wyman left THE ROLLING STONES, he was replaced with Darryl Jones for live performances, yet he is not pictured on press photos, album covers, etc.)

"Before KROKUS will rock festivals in Switzerland and abroad, we want to 'get close' to our fans in some smaller venues, starting in Zurich and then in our home town (other dates might be added, we will let you know). Those intimate tour dates are as follows, tickets went on sale a couple of days ago."

The "Close Contact Dög Tour" dates:

May 02 - Zürich, Switzerland - Volkshaus
May 09 - Solothurn, Switzerland - Kofmehl

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

KROKUS will release its new album, "Dirty Dynamite", on February 22, 2013 via Sony Music.

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

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

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

KROKUS 2012 is:

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

LED ZEPPELIN legend Robert Plant joined his girlfriend, roots singer Patty Griffin, on stage this past Saturday night (December 15) at the Continental Club in Austin, Texas to perform several tracks, incuding reworked versions of ZEPPELIN classics. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below. The show was a benefit event for injured and uninsured Austin musician Michael Fracasso — a longtime friend of Griffin’s — and the Health Alliance For Austin Musicians medical assistance program.

Plant recently confirmed to CBS Local that he contributed to the next record from Griffin, who was part of his backing group on his BAND OF JOY tour. "It's a brilliant record," said Plant of the upcoming "American Kid". "It's produced by Craig Ross. I just joined her on a couple of songs, which we wrote together. It's great stuff, it's really good."

Fan-filmed video footage of the second of FIREWIND's two shows in Thessaloniki, Greece at the Mylos Club as part of the band's 10th-anniversary celebration can be found at this location. A couple of the clips are available below. The group blazed through a different setlist each night and played several songs they had never performed before. Joining FIREWIND on stage for the "Breaking The Silence" track was VISIONS OF ATLANTIS frontwoman Maxi Nil.

According to Rock Overdose, FIREWIND/OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist Gus G. (real name: Kostas Karamitroudis) has begun collecting ideas and recording demos for his first solo album, to be released sometime in 2013. The CD will feature instrumental tracks as well as songs with guest singers.

On the FIREWIND front, Gus revealed a live album will be made available from the band's current tour as a way to celebrate the group's tenth anniversary. In addition, there will be various reissues of bonus material in 2013 as well as a possible box-set release, the details of which will be announced at a later date.

FIREWIND's new album, "Few Against Many", entered the official chart in Greece at No. 42 and in Germany at No. 90. Released in Europe on May 21 via Century Media Records and in North America on May 22 through DisManic, Inc. via eOne Distribution, the CD was mixed by Jason Suecof and Eyal Levi at Audiohammer Studios (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, DEATH ANGEL) in Sanford, Florida.

Produced by Gus, "Few Against Many" was recorded with his longtime bandmates, vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, keyboardist/guitarist Bob Katsionis and bassist Petros Christo, at Valve Studio in Greece as well as the Sweetspot Studios in Sweden and sees the band expanding on its signature melodic sound with some of its most aggressive songs to date. The CD also marks the recording debut of new FIREWIND drummer Johan Nunez (NIGHTRAGE).

Quality fan-filmed video footage of THIN LIZZY's December 13 concert at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, Ireland can be seen below.

THIN LIZZY guitarist Scott Gorham recently spoke to This Is Somerset about the band's decision not to release their upcoming studio under the THIN LIZZY name out of respect to late LIZZY frontman Phil Lynott and the legacy Phil created.

"In recent years the top question we have been asked in interviews is whether there is going to be a new THIN LIZZY album," said Scott.

"We have all been writing in different little groups then getting together and brainstorming; it's been pretty good fun and the songs have been getting better and better.

"Then [founding LIZZY drummer] Brian [Downey] and I sat down and had a discussion and realized how uncomfortable we would be to release these new songs under the THIN LIZZY name," he explained.

"Having written and recorded with Phil in the past we felt it was best to leave that history as it is. We love those songs and we love playing them, so it's best to draw a line in the sand and walk away from THIN LIZZY for a while.

"So we're going to record the new material and release it under a new band name, which is under wraps at the moment."

"But I've been associated with THIN LIZZY practically my whole life, and I can't imagine a time when I could give it up altogether," he added.

"We always knew a new record was a touchy subject with some people But most people support and respect our decision, and that is good to know."

THIN LIZZY's current lineup features Phil Lynott-era LIZZY members Scott Gorham (guitar), Brian Downey (drums) and Darren Wharton (keyboards), as well as guitarist Damon Johnson, formerly of BROTHER CANE and Alice Cooper's band, former THE ALMIGHTY singer/guitarist Ricky Warwick, and bassist Marco Mendoza.

Keith Deen, former vocalist of 1980s Los Angeles thrashers HOLY TERROR, died on Thursday, December 13 after a three-month battle with cancer. He was 56 years old.

HOLY TERROR was formed in the mid-1980s by Kurt Colfelt (a.k.a. Kurt Kilfelt; ex-AGENT STEEL) and ex-DARK ANGEL drummer Jack Schwarz, who left before the release of the band's first album, 1987's "Terror And Submission". A follow-up effort, "Mind Wars", was issued in 1988.

Stated Colfelt: "With the loss of Keith Deen, a part of me is gone as well."

After resurrecting HOLY TERROR in 2005, Colfelt revealed that he "attempted to get in touch" with Deen about having him front the band again but that Keith's non-response was a clear signal that the singer was not interested in taking part in the group's reunion.

A HOLY TERROR DualDisc release, "El Revengo", came out in 2006 through the U.K.-based label Blackend Records. The DVD side on the DualDisc featured live footage as well as the "Judas Reward" video.

In recent weeks a press release has been circulating announcing the disbanded HAREM SCAREM - who called it quits in 2008 - have plans for European live dates in late 2013. Initially dismissed as bogus information because no details were offered beyond a list of the band's catalogue material, BW&BK has received confirmation through a source very close to the band that something is indeed in the works for next year.

Stay tuned for updates.
TheRighttoRock.com recently issued their latest podcast (episode #144), featuring former Harem Scarem vocalist Harry Hess. Harry took time out of his busy schedule to discuss his latest solo CD, Living In Yesterday. Harry also discusses what he does when he's not making his own music, as well as the possibility of a Harem Scarem reunion.

Listen to the podcast at this location.

Best known for spending 17 years as frontman of Harem Scarem, one of the most well known and respected melodic hard rock bands to come out of Canada, Harry Hess has been redesigning his career as music producer and songwriter.

After the band’s decision to stop recording more albums, the next natural step for Harry was to start working on a solo album which he has been expertly crafting little by little in his Toronto studio. Still the songs included on Living In Yesterday are the result of Hess’ travels around the globe over the last few years with stops in Stockholm, Amsterdam, Brussels, Nashville and Germany.
With this CD Harry intends to go back to certain sounds and atmospheres leaning more towards melodic rock music. “This record is more a continuation of where I left off with Harem Scarem,” says Harry. “I am a rock singer and it's really hard for me to open up my mouth and sound right doing any other style of music so I really embrace that now and build the production around my vocal style.”

The musicians featured on the album include his former Harem Scarem bandmates Pete Lesperance, Creighton Doane and Darren Smith, Tommy Denander, Marcie Free (UNRULY CHILD), Howie Simon (JEFF SCOTT SOTO) and Magnus Karlsson (PRIMAL FEAR) among others. “This whole record was built on the co-writes and on the collaborations I have been doing all around the world the past three years,” continues Harry. “There were some great writers involved and it was fun to try new things but still make it work with what I do.”

Frontiers Records released the new HESS solo album, Living In Yesterday, back in August.
Living In Yesterday includes the following songs:

'Living In Yesterday'
'Reach For You'
'It's Over'
'Don't Leave Me'
'What If'
'Nothing Lasts Forever'
'Falling Down'
'I Live For You'
'I Don't Wanna Want You'
'Where To Run'

“I've never a big fan of my own work but there are few songs on this record that I feel are some of my best to date,” concludes Harry.

The title track, 'Living In Yesterday', is streaming in full on Frontiers Records webradio and on Harry Hess' Facebook page.

Norwegian black metal veterans DARKTHRONE will release their new album, "The Underground Resistance", on February 26 via Peaceville Records.

"The Underground Resistance" is DARKTHRONE's latest venture through the metal cosmos, and first new album since the 2010 opus, "Circle The Wagons". It contains DARKTHRONE's trademark masterful riffing in a broad range of styles, effortlessly bounding through the annals of classic metal, taking in thrash, speed and black metal, and not forgetting a dose of punk. All in all, a ferocious and dynamic set of tracks drenched in Fenriz's and Nocturno's rich and diverse tastes in all things metal, primarily those rooted firmly in the spirit of the '80s. Six tracks long, and each one an epic in itself, this is undoubtedly DARKTHRONE's strongest outing of late.

"The Underground Resistance" was written and recorded spring 2010 to summer 2012 at Necrohell 2 studios by the bandmembers themselves. The CD was mastered by Jack Control at Enormous Door in Texas. The cover artwork comes courtesy of the iconic and celebrated artist Jim Fitzpatrick.

Commented Fenriz: "Three songs each, Ted's are flown from the universe of metal with his strongest voice ever so far. Songs of mine are torn from the wombs of the riders of rohan of metal, safely cradled in 1985 style."

In a recent interview with Terrorizer magazine DARKTHRONE guitarist/vocalist Nocturno Culto stated about the band's new CD: "I can't speak for Fenriz, but I think he’s going for more epic lyrics. I can only speak for myself and this time around they are very personal lyrics. It's the first time I've ever tried this and it’s difficult to do it nicely and put it into good words. There was a lot of hate and people trying to ruin your day and I had stuff to say for my sake."

He added: "Our music now is basically just metal. It will be a step away from the last album as usual."

DARKTHRONE's last album, "Circle The Wagons", sold around 500 copies in the United States in its first week of release back in April 2010. The CD landed at position No. 120 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.

Dallas, Texas-based Dei Aemeth has signed a worldwide distribution deal with Swimming With Sharks Records. Their debut album, Apotheosis, was produced and recorded by guitarist Sam Paquette at S.A.M. Recording Studios in Dallas,Texas and was mastered at JFD Studio by J-F Dagenais (KATAKLYSM). According to a press release, the album features elements of progressive, technical, and blackened death metal. The band recruited Noah "Shark" Robertson, original drummer and founding member of THE BROWNING (Earache Records/Artery Foundation Management), to drumming duties for their debut release.
Paquette comments on the album and the signing: "After recording 'Apotheosis' and listening to the mixes, we were completely stoked; we had something special we needed to get out to the masses. Swimming With Sharks is the perfect way to make this happen, as they are fully committed to us and the album. This is a huge milestone for us, our fans are excited, and we are looking forward to finding those new rabid fans out there and having our best year ever."

The band has been making a name for themselves in the Texas metal scene for years and is rapidly gaining wide-spread attention for their dark and punishing brand of progressive death metal.

'Apotheosis' is currently available at Swimmingwithsharksrecords.com.

Check out the band on Facebook.

January 1st marks the day on which San Marcos/Austin, TX-based progressive death/black metal horde VEX will release the follow-up to the 2010 full-length, Thanatopsis. The band's sophomore offering is entitled Memorious, and will be released through Horror Pain Gore Death Productions.
Memorious tracklisting:

'Terra Soar'
'Carve My Eyes'
'Astride A Grave'
'No Such Thing'
'Spectral Nation'
'Away From The Sun'
'Wasteland (How Long Ago...)'
'Solace In Sleep'
'Those Days Are Gone'
'A Drinking Song'
More on Vex at this location.

Graz, Austria-based GIVE EM BLOOD recently announced the departures of bassist Martin and guitarist Benny from the band. The group have now released their new video, for the track 'Beautiful Black Heart'.

Says the band: "This one is dedicated to our ex-members Benny and Martin."
Filling Benny and Martin's spots will be guitarist Christop (WITHIN THE DECEASED) and bassist Daniel (ex- HERE COMES THE KRAKEN).

The band commented on the new members: “We are so damn excited to take Give Em Blood to the next Level with these motherfuckers.”

For more info on Give Em Blood visit their Facebook page.

The band released their new album entitled Seven Sins on September 9th via Bastardized Recordings.

Svart Records has announced January 11th, 2013 as the worldwide release date for ATOMIC CRIES' new 7", Suspended Between The Mouth Of God And The Fist Of Man.

Self-professed primitive doom metallers Atomic Cries' Suspended Between The Mouth Of God And The Fist Of Man 7" contains two new tracks, both of which are available for streaming below, and is a precursor to the band's forthcoming debut album.



Suspended Between The Mouth Of God And The Fist Of Man tracklisting:

'False Prophecies'
'The Athiest'

The 7" is now available for pre-order at this location.

On the topic, the band states: "We are Atomic Cries, and since 2010 we have played primitive doom metal exclusively. No flares, no bongs, no irony, no pseudo-occult nonsense. We worship at the altar of Armando Acosta. We love SAINT VITUS, TROUBLE, and BLACK SABBATH, but we sound like none of them. This 7" contains two tracks of uncompromising, slow downer-rock that refuses to be easily categorised. We are Saúl Do Caixão (lead/rhythm electric/acoustic guitars and vocals) and Andy Lippoldt (drums/organ/bass/backing vocals). Jeder für sich und Gott gegen alle."

More on Atomic Cries at this location.

Suspended Between The Mouth Of God And The Fist Of Man by Atomic Cries

UK-based prog legends MARILLION check in with the following 2012 wrap-up:

"2012 - what a year!

As yet another year draws to an end we'd like to, again, say HUGE thanks to all our fans out there for your faith and unflagging support throughout 2012. It's been as intense a year as we can remember (and, at times, it was in danger of feeling like ACTUAL WORK) but we feel that, however difficult a birth, we've been richly rewarded by the reviews of Sounds That Can't Be Made and we are still bowled over by the emails we get on a daily basis about how much you love the songs. What more could we as musicians ask for? (he said - leafing through the Walmart catalogue..)
As well as finishing and releasing an album, we've been around the world to Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Holland, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Scotland, Sweden, USA, Venezuela and Wales. The fans at every show have been magnificent (and although it's unfair to single out one city - if you were involved in the "religious experiences" you probably know who you are..) We apologise if we never made it to you this time out but we still haven't quite finished and offers for the future are still being considered..

Next year we are back to France, then onto Italy and Spain, finishing with our three Marillion Weekends in Holland, Canada and the UK. We will then be taking a much-needed break for a few months and hope to start touring again towards the end of 2013. Marvelous!
Thanks too if you bought a t-shirt, CD, DVD or Blu-ray from us this year - or even a car-sticker, mug, mouse-mat or the much-acclaimed personalised elephants foot umbrella stand - we really do appreciate your support and hope that you enjoy the merchandise that we produce (even if we just made it up). You're keeping our business (and therefore our music) alive.

Not to put too fine a point on it, YOU are OUR Christmas present. We hope whatever faith you are (or aren't), that you have a wonderful end of 2012 and that 2013 brings you all joy, prosperity and PEACE.

We look forward to seeing more of you on the road next year."

More on Marillion at this location.

UK technical metallers CHRONOGRAPHS, have released new video for the rack ‘Opticks’. Watch the video below:
‘Opticks’ comes off the band’s upcoming EP Nausea, which will be released on January 7th via Ghost Music.

Fusing huge choruses with frenetic tech-metal, hardcore abrasion and a progressive sensibility, Chronographs display technical proficiency and a song writing prowess that belies their average age of just 20.The band hit the scene in 2010 with the online release of free EP, The Outhouse Sessions, creating a huge online buzz and demand for the live show, quickly prompting a string of headline shows around the UK, and a nationwide tour as main support for Mediaskare’s HERO IN ERROR.

Following their initial wave of underground success, the band set out to write a new record with the intent of further raising the bar in terms of song writing and technicality, and the resulting Nausea EP, has exceed all expectations. Boasting five tracks of raw aggression, fresh, bandwagon-dodging riffery and glorious refrains, this EP is the soundtrack of a band with a burning desire to breathe fresh life into the metal scene and a great taster of things to come.
Tracklisting:

'Opticks'
'Veritas '
'Inanis'
'Nausea '
'Resolve'

More on Chronographs at this location.

Italian symphonic metallers SILENT OPERA have released the following update:

“Unfortunately the best things don't always last forever...

We have to announce that our singer, Aria, decided to leave the group due to personal reasons. So the road we took together just one year ago, has come to an end. We wish her the best success and satisfactions.

‘Symphony Of time’, our new single, is ready to be released, with our new singer, who'll be revealed soon!

We apologize to our fans, and all people who work with and for us, but we promise your waiting will be repaid with big great news!”

Portuguese metallers WE ARE KILLING OURSELVES (W.A.K.O) have released the new music video for the track ‘Extispicium’ off the band’s latest album The Road Of Awareness.

According to a press release: “This exclusive world premiere of the bludgeoning video for the song ‘Extispicium’ features Portugal's We Are Killing Ourselves (or WAKO for short) doing what they do best... playing live and brain-bashing audiences with their auditory assault!”

The video was produced by the band and features live footage provided by Rockline Tribe.

Check it out below:

Leeds, UK-based trio WIHT will release their only album The Harrowing Of The North digitally and on coloured vinyl on February 4th.

The Harrowing of The North is a two song, 33-minute concept piece taking influence thematically, from the subjugation of the North of England by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it tells the troubled history of Doomsday-era Yorkshire. Track 1 ‘The Harrowing of The North’, contains 8 movements which follow the raids from their beginnings in 1069- when the King massacred Yorkshire’s people and destroyed the land ensuring it held no economic or cultural worth and remained subservient under his rule- to his remorseful deathbed nearly 20 years later. The second track is dedicated to outspoken chronicler ‘Orderic Vitalis’ who, though loyal to his king, was outraged at his cruelty and condemned him in his writings.

Wiht called in Quits in March and their only album, The Harrowing Of The North, is available for streaming below:



Tracklisting is as follows:

‘The Harrow Ing Of The North’
‘Orderic Vitalis’
‘End Of The Reign’ (bonus track)

On December 7th, AMERICAN DOG played a show at Sala Texola in Elda, Spain. Vocalist/bassist Michael Hannon has just issued the following live performance clip of 'Old Dog, New Tricks', which initially appeared on the Poison Smile album.
American Dog is getting into the holiday spirit with the release of their new album, Merry Christmas Asshole.

The 15-track disc features the brand new festive diddy 'Merry Christmas Asshole', plus a 13-song live set from Sonic Lounge Studios. The tracklisting is as follows:
'Merry Christmas Asshole'
'Devil Dog'
'Old Dog, New Tricks'
'Splinterin' Sally'
'The Real Nitty Gritty'
'Poison Smile'
'Cat Has Got You By The Tongue'
'Another Day In Paradise'
'Human Garbage Can'
'TV Disease'
'Beaten, Broken, Etc.'
'Boozehound'
'Just Like Charlie Sheen'
'Sometimes You Eat The Pussy'
'Merry Christmas A** (Radio Friendly Edit)'

Order yours for only $10 at AmericanDog.us.

The progressive metal purveyors at Sensory Records, a division of The Laser’s Edge Group, have confirmed the release of the debut studio opus from British prog outfit My Soliloquy, in North America on January 29th, 2013.

My Soliloquy was formed by multi-instrumentalist Pete Morten in 2002. Since then the quintet has released a number of demos, gaining traction in the metal underground, and have performed a number of notable support shows with PAGANS MIND, POWER QUEST, OLIVER AND RICK WAKEMAN and THRESHOLD, as well as a second-to-headlining set at Bloodstock 2005 and a showcase at ProgPower UK II in 2007. Additionally, since 2007, Morten has been an active member of British prog metal legends Threshold. His membership has raised awareness (and created anticipation) for My Soliloquy’s long awaited debut.

The essence of My Soliloquy is pure forward thinking metal – symphonic keyboards, shredding guitar leads, soaring vocals – all finely woven together through a blend of intricacy and melody into a powerful force fans of Threshold, DREAM THEATER and CURCUS MAXIMUS will flock to. Following a pair of demos and an EP release, Sensory is proud to finally unleash the newly-completed first full-length from this act. With nearly all instrumentation on the recording executed solely by Pete Morten, minus the drumming, The Interpreter flows with over fifty minutes of grand musicianship, expertly mixed and mastered by Rob Aubrey, a mainstay of MARILLION's camp for many years.
The Interpreter tracklisting:

'Ascension Pending'
'Flash Point'
'Corrosive De-Emphasis'
'Fractured'
'Six Seconds Grace'
'Dream In Extremis'
'Inner Circles'
'Star'

Check out a trailer for The Interpreter below:
My Soliloquy live lineup:

Pete Morten - vocals, guitars
Damon Roots - drums, percussion
Mike Gilpin - guitars, vocals
Andy Berry - keyboards
Chris Sharp - bass
More on My Soliloquy at this location.

MANDY LION (ex-WWIII) has announced that former DIO/RAINBOW bassist Jimmy Bain (pictured below) will be collaborating with him on future song writing, recordings and live shows.
Mandy Lion recently announced a one-off show at the Brick By Brick in San Diego, CA on December 18th, 2012. Guitarist, songwriter and producer Roy Z who is most notably known for his work with BRUCE DICKINSON (IRON MAIDEN), ROB HALFORD and JUDAS PRIEST, will be joining Mandy Lion for this performance, along with Jimmy Bain.
It was recently announced that Roy Z will also be collaborating with Mandy Lion on new material for the upcoming release. Songwriting for the next Mandy Lion project is underway with the new release scheduled to be released in early 2013 on Highvolmusic, which Mandy Lion recently inked a worldwide deal.

Mandy Lion is set to bring his signature brand of metal to the world once again with a stellar line-up backing him. Additional details will be announced.

Brazil’s modern metallers PAINSIDE have released their new single ‘Break The Hive’ For streaming. The track will be released on December 13th digitally.

Check it out below:
‘Break The Hive’ comes off the band’s new EP entitled Build Your Fiction, which is due out in early 2013.

The new effort was mixed by Mark Lewis (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, UNEARTH, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, WHITECHAPEL) from Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, FL.

The band recently released a teaser video for the upcoming material, which can be found below:

KILLING JOKE celebrate their 35th anniversary in style, commencing in 2013 with the release of The Singles Collection 1979-2012 and a world tour starting in Europe. This important year will also see the band release a new studio album.
With a fierce intelligence plus a thirst for esoteric knowledge that matches a music that is visceral and almost spiritual in its primal spirit, Killing Joke are like no other band. This is a group who came out of punk and then set out on one of the most remarkable and idiosyncratic journeys ever. The Singles Collection 1979 -2012, on Spinefarm/Universal captures their ever-evolving story with a series of dark, apocalyptic songs, they have successfully combined disco and funk and a shamanic wisdom with the dark side of the punk fall-out.

Their influence has been enormous, with an unlikely roll-call of musicians taking their cues from the KJ catalogue – from NIRVANA to most modern American metal to many DJs and dance music mavericks… few, however, coming close to the band’s innate power.

Killing Joke, with their original line-up of Jaz Coleman, Geordie, Youth and Big Paul continuing to hold firm, have signed a brand new deal with Spinefarm, and will soon set about recording a third studio album for the label. The release date of this new studio album is likely to be late 2013.
The Singles Collection 1979 – 2012 is released on three formats - DL, Limited Edition CD and Super Deluxe Edition. To pre-order the limited edition 3CD, go to this location.

The Super Deluxe version will be released on the bands site via Spinefarm / Universal in conjunction with PledgeMusic. To order the Super Deluxe go to this location.

The 3CD version will then be available to order via Amazon.co.uk, Play.com and other good retailers within the next week.
Formats:

3 x CD - 33 career-spanning singles over 2 CDs + a third disc of rarities, including previously unreleased studio tracks.This 3 x CD version will be strictly limited in number, reverting to 2 CDs containing the singles tracks.

Super Deluxe - this limited edition package includes:

*Hand-numbered hinged-lid 'cigar box' made from 1500mcn black-lined rigid board finished with matt print retrospective artwork.
*33 career-spanning CD singles plus selected B-Sides in full-colour card wallets featuring original artwork.
*Rarities disc, including previously unreleased studio tracks.
*32-page perfect-bound book including rare photos, archive notes, band commentary.
*Poster designed and personally signed by long-time Killing Joke artist/champion, Mike Coles, printed on 250gsm silk art.
*Aluminium screw-top branded cigar tube containing original wrappers of cigars smoked by Jaz Coleman and Paul Raven during the recording of the Hosannas From The Basements Of Hell album.

2013 tour dates confirmed so far (Australian and New Zealand dates to be announced next week) include:

March
15 - Hammerfest - Wales, UK
16 - Forum - London, UK
18 - Trix - Antwerp, Belgium
20 - Bataclan - Paris, France

April
19 - Irving Plaza - New York, NY
23 - Cafe Campus - Montreal, PQ
24 - Lee’s Palace - Toronto, ON
26 - Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL
27 - Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL
30 - Neumos - Seattle, WA

May
1 - Rickshaw Theatre - Vancouver, BC
3 - Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
4 - Brick By Brick - San Diego, CA
5 - Henry Fonda - Los Angeles, CA

Says Jaz Coleman: "Considering it's supposed to be the end of the world in a short time, it gives me great pleasure to announce a new singles album with some real rarities on it, shortly followed by a new studio recording. The book, Letters From Cythera, is coming out, and yes, gigs are starting in March. Have a great 2012 and fuck the Mayans! After all, their calendar didn't predict their own demise."

Letters From Cythera is available to purchase here.

German-based "brutal thrash party metallers" THE PROPHECY²³ have completed their lineup, having parted ways with bassist Mario Macaroni some time ago.
Says the band: "But who is the latest addition to the band's lineup? Phil Butcher gave up his professional career as an Ashton Kutcher double to join The Prophecy²³ on their mission to world domination! He has the ability to open beer cans just with his awesomeness and really is a true virtuoso on the bass guitar. Sometimes he wakes up at night at a bar and wonders where he is - and why he is naked (again). Phil Butcher is the best skateboarder in the band and invented the double-ass-crack-penetrator jump just to humble the other band members. On tour it's always pretty hard to get his special "beer pizza" (Phil always needs everything at once) but otherwise Phil is very easy to maintain."

In the video below, Phil Butcher pays tribute to the late "Dimebag" Darrell Abbot (PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN):
The Prophecy²³ have the following live dates scheduled:

December
14 - Frankenthal, Germany - Zuckerfabrik
15 - Weinheim, Germany - Café Central
22 - Bad Rappenau, Germany - Mühltalhalle (X-Mas-Rockt Festival)
More on The Prophecy²³ at this location.

Indie Recordings has announced the signing of Ålesund, Norway-based act BLODIG ALVOR. The band will release their new album, Mørkets Frembrudd, on Feburary 12th in Europe and February 8th in Norway/Germany/Austria.
Today Blodig Alvor release the first single from the debut album. Check out 'Vår Resignasjon' below:
Blodig Alvor is the next band breaking out of the new Norwegian rock scene spearheaded by bands like KVELERTAK, MAN THE MACHETES, BLOOD COMMAND and OSLO ESS. It’s catchy, punky and filled with elements of classic rock.

Blodig Alvor was formed in 2009 and now, four years later, they’re ready to release their new album on Indie Recordings. Despite their young age, they’ve had a long carrier in music, including support slots for Oslo Ess and a bunch of other big Norwegian acts. Inspired by their favourite bands, the new album is clearly influenced by classic rock, as well as punk and metal. The record is a result of hard work and an intense desire to release their own music.

More on Blodig Alvor at this location.

Twelve hours to Atlanta. Twelve hours back. In that time Oklahoma-city band VANGOUGH developed the idea behind their latest creation, Acoustic Scars, which will appeal to both fans and new listeners with its haunting arrangement of cello, violin and djembe. Once again mixed by long-time collaborator Sterling Winfield and housed in a beautiful glossy jacket, this five-song EP serves as a chilling narrative chronicling the band’s career.
"This EP is a testament to our vulnerability as a band and as human beings," explains vocalist and guitarist Clay Withrow. "Long story short, the title Acoustic Scars is symbolic of our experience in Atlanta and is also a dedication to our ProgPower fans who we unfortunately missed during the trip."

Blending a distinct Eastern European folk flavor with hard rock roots, Acoustic Scars is a soundscape of raw emotion. Beginning with a dreary and atmospheric instrumental before segueing into the marquee track 'A Song For Crows' and the Latin-flavored 'Throne Of Rust', the EP closes in celebratory fashion with the Watership Down-inspired suite 'The Rabbit Chronicles'. Vangough's latest creation, releasing on December 18th via Bandcamp and CDBaby, provides a thoughtful and dramatic musical twist that will hold fans over until the arrival of their third studio album in 2013.
Tracklislting:

'Leaving Bricolage'
'A Song For Crows'
'Throne Of Rust'
'The Rabbit Chronicles'
'Road To Blighttown'

Band lineup:

Clay Withrow - Vocals/Guitars
Kyle Haws - Percussion
Jeren Martin - Bass
Justus Johnston - Violin
Jose Palacios - Cello

More on Vangough, including their live itinerary, at this location.

German death metallers SEPTEMBER MURDER have completed work on their sophomore full-length album, "He Who Invokes Decadence", for an early 2013 release. The CD was once again produced by Jens Martinek at his Schmiedeberg 7 Studios in Rübeland, Germany. The recording sessions started in March 2011 and were finished in the spring of 2012. The editing, mixing and mastering process was finalized earlier this fall.

A track from the CD, "In Celebration Of Mankind's Wretchedness", can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

Commented SEPTEMBER MURDER guitarist Emanuel Brauer: "We've been working on our second album for the past two years. It took one year to write it and another on for the recordings and final production. By giving you first tangible information, we feel proud and relieved at the same time. This album turned out as the stiffest piece of work we've ever dedicated to, but rarely did a result inspired and spurred us likewise.

"Concerning our own concept of sound and songwriting, we wanted to tear down self-set boundaries and conquer new paths. Of particular importance was to push our creativity to the next level to show also ourselves in what degree we matured in our work and what our own musicality can offer us."

SEPTEMBER MURDER's full-length debut, "Agony In Flesh", came out in 2009 via Maintain Records. The CD was mastered by Peter Neuber, who had previously done work with NASUM, VOMITORY and WAR FROM A HARLOTS MOUTH.

According to a press release, SEPTEMBER MURDER's "After Every Setting Sun" EP (November 2007) drew the attention of the European press with its explosive sound that has been described as a mixture of CANNIBAL CORPSE, ENTOMBED and SUFFOCATION.