Alabama's death metallers CHAOS INCEPTION have released a lyric video for the track ‘Lunatic Necromancy’

According to a press release: “The lyric video is based on spectacular 3D-like depiction of album's cover done by Paolo Girardi. The song itself can be found on band's latest album, The Abrogation, which was issued by Lavadome productions this June, and represents and unmercifully skilful onslaught of Brazilian/Floridian style of death metal.”

The band comments on the lyrics: "'Lunatic Necromancy' represents the perversion and sadism of an insane mind, in a different and perhaps more realistic way than is typical. We do not glorify ritual murderers or serial killers. They are pathetic individuals - aberrations. What is the voice that they hear in their minds? What are their hallucinations? You will not understand them, but could you unwittingly become one?"

Check the video out below:



The The Abrogation is streaming in its entirety at this location.



The title-track off the album can be heard below:

The Abrogation by CHAOS INCEPTION

After countless delays, THE ASCENDANT's debut EP was finally unleashed as a MCD earlier this month through Daemon Worship Productions.

"The Spiritual Death EP" gathers 13 minutes of transcendental black metal composed and performed by Daniel (EXCESSUM) and Lars (MARDUK) with the aid of K.W. (AD HOMINEM) on vocals. Conceptually dealing with transmutation and spiritual death, it is somewhat ironic that this EP was recorded back in 2007 and only now, half a decade of semi-constant movement and transformation later, it is ready to manifest. The effort was released first as a seven-inch single and is now followed by an MCD version, designed to look exactly like a mini copy of the vinyl.

For more information, visit www.theascendant.se.

According to QueenOnline.com, QUEEN drummer Roger Taylor plans to release brand new solo material in 2013 and he wants to involve the public in the choices of which tracks make it onto the album. A song will be made available each week leading up to the CD release and the fans will need to vote and decide what they would like to see appear on the album alongside some of Roger's favorite cuts.

Over the past year, Roger has been focused on the Queen Extravaganza, an official touring QUEEN tribute band which Roger conceived and created finding his singers and musicians through online auditions. The Queen Extravaganza made its first — and highly successful — tour of 25 Canada and U.S. cities during May, June and July and will return to play further touring dates in early 2013.

Of his newly created Queen Extravaganza band, Taylor says, "What an amazing storehouse of talent we have unlocked. The standard is mind-blowingly high. It's really a thrill getting to discover them."

METALLICA frontman James Hetfield and bassist Robert Trujillo are featured as playable characters in the upcoming "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD" action sports video game "Revert Pack" DLC. The pack will be made available on December 4 at $4.99 on Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and Steam.

Although it was previously announced that the revert will only be usable within levels from "Tony Hawk 3" — not on the existing "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater" or "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2" levels included in "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD" — that is no longer the case: a free title update for the game will allow players to use the revert throughout the game; the patch should go live the week the add-on comes out, according to Polygon.

"Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD" launched in July, selling 120,000 units in its initial Xbox Live timed-exclusive debut. The game was later released on PlayStation 3 and PC.

Pictured below: James Hetfield like you've never seen him before

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine has slammed CNN founder Ted Turner for saying during a recent interview that a rise in military suicides in relation to combat deaths is a "good" development.

Speaking to CNN's Piers Morgan on October 19, Turner said, "I think it's good" that American soldiers are turning their guns on themselves, insisting that it shows humans aren't meant to be put on the battlefield to bring death to others.

"It's so clear that we're programmed and we're born to love and help each other, not to kill each other, to destroy each other," he said. "That's an aberration. That's left over from hundreds of years ago. It's time for to us start acting enlightened."

After a backlash of negative press, Turner issued a statement to say he's sorry for anyone offended by his comment.

"During my recent interview on CNN's 'Piers Morgan Tonight', I inadvertently used the word 'good' when asked for my thoughts on the increasing rate of suicide among U.S. military soldiers in the Middle East," Turner said. "It was certainly not my intent to imply that suicide is 'good.' Rather, I was implying that it is good that the public is more aware of these tragedies and is more averse to war and war-related fatalities.

"My message has always been one of peace, I believe that we're born programmed to love and help each other, not to kill or hurt each other. I strongly support our U.S. troops and would never intentionally say anything to harm the brave men and women serving our country. I deeply apologize for any misunderstanding caused by this comment."

During MEGADETH's November 16 concert at the House of Blues in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Mustaine addressed the Turner controversy before performing the song "Countdown To Extinction" (see video below), saying, "I don't know if you know this or not, but there was a guy that was on the news… I like to watch the news a lot, I'm sure you know that. I was watching the news and there was a guy that said… he thinks it's good that the troops are committing suicide. Troops like us, you and me.

"Like when I was 18, I put my name in for the Selective Service, like all of us, our brothers, our sisters. He thinks it's good that the troops are committing suicide.

"You wanna know who this guy is? His name is Ted Turner, the owner of CNN. [Crowd starts booing] You know what?! I think he sucks too. I think we should watching CNN, we should stop watching Headline News, we should stop watching TBS [Turner Broadcasting System].

"As long as our troops are Americans, and you're saying that you think it's good that they're dying, you're saying you think it's good that we're dying. And that ain't cool. [Crowd starts chanting, 'Fuck Ted!'] I don't know if you've seen Ted, but he would be lucky if somebody would fuck him. [laughs]

"I'm having a good time. Are you? This next song is about people trying to put us out of existence. This song is called 'Countdown To Extinction'."

FLYLEAF's new lineup made its live debut on November 1 at the Grand Stafford Theater in Bryan, Texas in front of a sold-out capacity crowd of 400. The show featured the debut of new singer Kristen May, who replaced original vocalist Lacey Sturm after the latter abruptly departed the group late last month.

Local radio station KJXJ Rock 103.9 promoted the concert as a CD-release party for regional rockers SIGNAL RISING and their new disc, entitled "Novo", with opening acts DIMITRIS RAIL and ECLIPSE.

Just after May was announced as the new vocalist of FLYLEAF, the band contacted their longtime friend Christerfer Pate, lead singer of SIGNAL RISING, inquiring if they could use the CD-release party as a warm-up show.

Everything was hush-hush leading up to the night. Rock 103.9 joked of a "super-secret headliner named AERONAUTICAL FOLIAGE" so the diehard FLYLEAF fans could grab tickets.

Profesionally filmed video footage of the "Fire, Fire" performance from the Grand Stafford Theater performance can be seen below.

Kristen also has released a statement to the fans of FLYLEAF thanking them for welcoming her to the family.

She wrote: "Hello new friends and fans of FLYLEAF, I just wanted to take a moment and say hello!

"The past couple of weeks since the announcement of my taking over as lead vocalist of FLYLEAF have been exciting and busy. I started last week with a trip to Texas where the guys practice, and we began rehearsing the fourteen-song set we played [on November 1]. We decided to play a secret show after our friends SIGNAL RISING for 400 awesome fans and family.

"Ever since FLYLEAF invited me to sing with them, I have been listening to all three albums and couldn't be more pumped to share the stage with my new friends.

"After the anticipation of the whole day a couple weeks ago, I was so anxious to finally get on stage and spend time singing my new favorite songs with you guys, the fans! The ones who make FLYLEAF music possible! Instantly I felt the love you all share with the band and their music. You really received me with open arms and I appreciate that. Songs like 'All Around Me', 'Fully Alive' and 'I'm So Sick' we sang in unison, while some of you even knew some of the brand new songs like 'New Horizons' and 'Call You Out'. A couple of my personal favorites off the new album are 'Broken Wings' and 'Freedom'. Such powerful, moving lyrics and a blast to sing live.

"Basically, I just wanted to say I know a change in vocalist can be a difficult thing to grasp, but I believe in the music of FLYLEAF so deeply that I feel blessed to step in and continue playing this music for you all.

"I have already seen a glimpse into what is so special about this band, their friends, families, and you, the fans. I pray I can give back at least a little of what I received from playing my first FLYLEAF show. It was a truly wonderful and exhilarating experience. So, thank you to everyone who was there. I can’t wait to get on the road and meet you all!"

Sturm left the band on the eve of the release of its third album, "New Horizons", which came out on October 30 and sold 20,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 16 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Sturm issued a statement about her exit from the group she co-founded, saying, "I am very thankful to have recently become a mom to one of the greatest blessings of my life, my son Jack . . . I understand that, for me, living life to the fullest in this season means to step down as the lead singer for FLYLEAF."

The new album follows up 2009's "Memento Mori" and FLYLEAF's self-titled 2005 debut, which have combined to sell more than 1.6 million copies in the U.S.

New Jersey-based "mathcore" act THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN has inked a deal with Sumerian Records for the release of the band's new album. The CD, which will be made available next spring via the group's own imprint Party Smasher Inc., is currently being recorded with producer Steve Evetts, who has previously worked with EVERY TIME I DIE, POISON THE WELL, SUICIDE SILENCE and SEPULTURA, among others.

A short video clip announcing the signing can be seen below.

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN guitarist Ben Weinman previously stated about the band’s forthcoming album, "This new material is very punk-, very hardcore-influenced. Maybe it's all the amazing bands reuniting from my youth that is inspiring this. Billy [Rymer, drums] and I have just been listening to old hardcore records blasting through my house and then going down to the dungeon and just bashing. Greg [Puciato, vocals] also seems to be in a very dark place lyrically. I think it's going to be pretty creepy. If these songs don't put some holes in the wall, I don't know what will."

The band recently announced the amicable departure of rhythm guitarist Jeff Tuttle.

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN's latest album, "Option Paralysis", was re-released last year in a "Paralyzing Edition" exclusively as a digital download. This first-anniversary reissue included four bonus tracks, plus a video in the iTunes version.

"Option Paralysis" was THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN's first release through Party Smasher Inc. (in association with Season Of Mist), which was created to "represent our collected efforts on all things DILLINGER-related," according to Weinman. "Our records, our shirts, our whatever the fucks.... all of it is coming out under that moniker," he added. "You'll see that on there no matter where or what it is, and that's how you'll know if something you are getting is really an official THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN release and not a copy, like on the limited shirts and limited other things that we are gonna be doing. That will be on there, and if you don't see it, on eBay or something, it's not legit."

Swedish tech metal supergroup NONEXIST, featuring former ARCH ENEMY and current HEARSE vocalist Johan Liiva and ANDROMEDA/SKYFIRE guitarist Johan Reinholdz, released its new, digital-only full-length album, "From My Cold Dead Hands", on November 2 via Pivotal Rockordings. The CD was recorded at Multipass Studios and features nine blistering new tracks, accompanied by cover songs that Pivotal is making available for free on SoundCloud and YouTube.

"From My Cold Dead Hands" track listing:

01. Dark And Tortured Universe
02. Presence Everlasting
03. Flesh Falls From The Bone
04. Days Without End
05. Fire At Will
06. Collective Coma
07. From My Cold Dead Hands
08. Lost In Darkness And Confusion
09. Here Comes The Pain

Bonus tracks

* "In My Darkest Hour" (MEGADETH)
* "Masked Jackal" (CORONER)
* "Death Walks Behind You" (ATOMIC ROOSTER)
* "Realm of the Dark" (MERCILESS)
* "Greeting Immortality" (EUCHARIST)

The "Masked Jackal" and "Death Walks Behind You" cover versions can be streamed below.

Commented Reinholdz: "Dave Mustaine and MEGADETH has always been one of my biggest influences. When the time came to pick cover songs, I thought 'In My Darkest Hour' would be a very good choice. I figured it would fit Liiva's voice perfectly — the lyrics and the mood; I could really hear in my head how great it would sound. And boy — Liiva sure delivered it superbly! Also — it's not a track that has been covered that much, at least not by any bands I know. Liiva's vocals, the addition of the blastbeats, the very calm, atmospheric first verse (where I actually sing myself), the detuned guitars plus the added solos make it sound like a NONEXIST track, I think. Which is the whole point of doing a cover in my opinion — to make it sound like your own song."

Regarding the band's new album, Reinholdz said: "I'm really excited about unleashing the second assault of NONEXIST! Even though 'Deus Deceptor' came out ten years ago, NONEXIST never died. It has always been alive in my heart and I've written songs for it every now and then. Because I love it, I love this kind of music which I grew up with. A couple of years ago, the NONEXIST songwriting became more frequent and I came up with the title — 'From My Cold Dead Hands' — and I started to focus on getting the album done. I also began dabbling with cover songs, something I've never really done before but it's great fun! Some of these song choices might surprise you — but they're all done NONEXIST style! I then asked Johan Liiva if he wanted to join NONEXIST again was pleased when he said yes. He is one the great singers in extreme metal and I'm proud to work with him again!"

Added Liiva: "It's been like 10 years now since the debut came out. I actually had this 'fantasy' ever since to make a sequel. For various reasons (like for example 'life,' haha) it took us all this time to finally get there. Thankfully, Johan and I stayed in touch every now and then… and now *kazaam!* — the time has come! Filled to the brim with new and fresh ideas — as well as retro ones, for sure! Let's hope you people out there who digged and asked for another one appreciates this new one. Hailz and salutes — it's time… metal to the very bone!"

NONEXIST will make its live debut at the Scorched Tundra festival, set to take place December 28 at Sticky Fingers in Gothenburg, Sweden. Playing alongside ZOMBIEKRIG, SWITCH OPENS, NO HAWAII and labelmates ELDRIMNER, NONEXIST's lineup for the concert will feature the following musicians:

Johan Liiva (ex-ARCH ENEMY) - Vocals
Johan Reinholdz (SKYFIRE, ANDROMEDA) - Guitar
Linus Abrahamsson (ANDROMEDA) - Bass
Johan lgard (FAITHFUL DARKNESS) - Guitar
Joakim Strandberg-Nilsson - Drums

NONEXIST's debut full-length record, "Deus Deceptor", was released in 2002 via Century Media/New Hawen Records and the lineup at the time included Liiva, Reinholdz and DEFLESHED/DARK FUNERAL drummer Matte Modin. The CD was produced by Tommy Tägtgren and Reinholdz at Abyss Studios and featured a musical direction described as a cross between early ARCH ENEMY and CARCASS (circa "Heartwork").

Greek gothic black metallers W.E.B. have set December 12th as the release date for their My Storm Upon You EP.
W.E.B. recently uploaded a live rehearsal video for the track 'Blessed Blood', featured on the upcoming My Storm Upon You EP. The footage was shot at Basement Studios in Athens, under the guidance of sound engineer Chris Tsoukalas. Watch below:
Apart from 'Blessed Blood', the EP will contain a brand new song, My Storm Upon You', a yet to be named cover song, an acoustic version of older song, a symphonic/orchestral version of and older song, and an industrial remix version of an older song.

W.E.B. recently finished recording their upcoming album, recorded at Devasoundz Studios, Greece. The album is being mixed at Lambesis Studios in San Diego, CA. Before the release of their new album, the band will release the My Storm Upon You EP.
Check out two studio diaries below:

UK thrash legends ONSLAUGHT check in with the following update in regards to their forthcoming new material:

"Good Morning Metalheadz... we have some great news. Yesterday Nige Rockett (guitar) and Andy Rosser-Davies (guitar) completed the songwriting for the new, as-yet-untitled Onslaught album, which is scheduled for release in 2013.

Pre-production starts today (Tuesday, November 20th)! More news to follow very soon."
Onslaught will be heading off to Japan for a series of shows at the start of December, along with fellow Brits MPIRE OF EVIL (featuring ex-Venom members Mantas and Demolition Man) and Japanese thrash meisters, UNITED.
This will be the first time Onslaught has played Japan since taking part in the Thrash Domination Festival back in 2006, and will be their first ever headlining shows there.

Bassist Jeff Williams states: "To say this is going to be completely epic is a massive understatement, we honestly can't wait to get over to Japan and thrash the fuck out of everyone, hell fucking yes, lets go!"

The Japanse tour dates will follow Onslaught's first ever show in Singapore, on November 29th as they headline the True Metal Invasion Festival.
Japanese dates are as follows:

December
1 - Avenue A, Shinsaibashi - Osaka, Japan
2 - Heaven’s Rock, Saitama Shintoshin - Saitama, Japan
3 - Astro Hall, Harajuku - Tokyo, Japan

Oslo, Norway-based act ACELSIA release their new single today, ahead of their new, yet-to-be-titled album. The single, for the track 'The Mender', is available via Spotify here.
Guitarist Odd Henning comments: "'The Mender' is very much the quintessential Acelsia song. With it's soaring vocal melodies, airy and heavy guitars and throbbing drum patterns, it is basically a catchy song with hints of hard rock and shoegazer - and even some metal in its double bass drum driven, goose bump inducing finale. The song is about compassion; how you unconditionally always do your best to make someone who’s hurting feel better, regardless of your own inadequacies and shortcomings to do so.”

Acelsia are known for their original melodic hard rock that is full of emotion and contrast, and fans shouldn’t have long to wait for the full album.
Updates to follow. More on Acelsia at this location.

Season Of Mist has announced the signing of Vancouver metallers ANCIIENTS. The band has finished mastering its debut album for a 2013 release. The as-yet-untitled CD sees the quartet forging together smoldering apocalyptic riffs, classic hard rock influences and unforgettable vocal melodies with an interplay praising both the natural and occult.

Regarding the signing, ANCIIENTS said in a statement: "We are honored to have Season Of Mist release our debut. The fact that they chose us and believe in us means the world. We are proud to represent them and have them representing us as artists, and look forward to working with them for years to come."

Formed in 2010, ANCIIENTS quickly tookj the Vancouver scene by storm. In its short existence, the band has already shared the stage with such acts as PIG DESTROYER, SKELETONWITCH, MANILLA ROAD, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, BORIS and HIGH ON FIRE, and been invited to perform at the prestigious Sled Island and Noctis festivals.

ANCIIENTS' previous release, the "Snakebeard" seven-inch single — featuring the tracks "Humanist" and "Built To Die" — can be streamed below.

ANCIIENTS is:

Kenny Cook - Lead Guitar, Vocals
Chris Dyck - Guitar, Vocals
Aaron Gustafson - Bass
Mike Hannay - Drums

Drummer MIKE PORTNOY (ADRENALINE MOB, FLYING COLORS, ex-DREAM THEATER) is featured in a new interview with DRUM! Magazine. An excerpt is available below:
Leaving the band that he had been so closely associated with for so long was a huge risk money-wise. Touring is a lucrative game when you have a rabid fan base, even for a band with modest sales (the band wryly named its 2008 best-of collection Greatest Hit ... And 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs). "If you compare Dream Theater to METALLICA and GUNS N' ROSES, yeah, we don't make that kind of money."

But with homes in two states, it's clear he created a comfortable living thanks to a devoted fan base that not only attended shows but would buy merchandise too. "I've seen absolutely ridiculous accusations online where people think I left Dream Theater to make money with AVENGED SEVENFOLD or to make more money doing more commercial music," he says. "That could not be further from the truth. I was very secure with the world I had in Dream Theater and I could have just rode that out and been secure probably the rest of my career. But I walked away from that because music and relationships and inspiration are way more important to me than money."

Besides, his endorsement deals remain fully intact. With few exceptions, it's more effective for gear makers to hitch their brand to a popular band than a middling one, no matter how stellar its drummer. Portnoy is that rare exception. "When I left Dream Theater, every one of those endorsement companies was fully supportive of Mike Portnoy. They weren't in the Dream Theater business, they were in the Mike Portnoy business, and were behind whatever I chose to do."

Go to this location for the complete story.

Portnoy recently issued the following message:

"A message to all of the South American promoters I have worked with in the past: I miss my South American fans! All throughout 2012, I have toured extensively in the US, Europe and Asia but have yet to have any offers to tour in South America. My last three shows in Brazil were as 'Special Guest drummer' (with AVENGED SEVENFOLD in 2010, STONE SOUR in 2011, and FATES WARNING in 2012). I really would like to tour South America with one (or several) of my new bands in 2013 (ADRENALINE MOB, PORTNOY/SHEEHAN/MACALPINE/SHERINIAN, NEAL MORSE, PORTNOY/SHEEHAN/KOTZEN, TRANSATLANTIC or FLYING COLORS). C'mon, step up to the plate and give the great MP fans what they are waiting for (and I too am waiting to play for them again!).

I hope to see you all in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela and beyond in 2013 with one (or even several) of my bands!"

Canadian hardcore outfit FALL CITY FALL have released a music video for 'Anxiety Attack', from their forthcoming release Victus, out January 22nd, 2013.
Watch the video below:
Fall City Fall is ready to unleash their unique sound filled with hard hitting melodies and technical riffs. With duel-vocalists Nathan Zorn and Keenan Pylychaty leading the pack, the band dives deep into the human psyche with meaningful lyrics and memorable songs. They will film two new music videos this Friday, November 23rd, for 'Lovebirds' and 'Dissentipede', in Calgary, Alberta at Albert Park Radisson Heights. Full show information here.
Pre-order packages for Victus are now available at the Victory Records’ webstore starting as low as $19.98. Packages include a t-shirt, CD and poster; for an additional $2 fans can switch their CD for a clear with black smoke or blue putty vinyl. Beat the holiday rush and order now!

Fall City Fall lineup:

Nathan Zorn - Vocals
Keenan Pylychaty - Vocals
Jordan Storey - Guitar
Andrew Urquidi - Bass
Nathan Pope - Drums
More on Fall City Fall here.

California Christian metal act PHINEHAS have announced that their B-Sides and Rarities EP entitled The Bridge Between will be released January 8th via Red Cord Records.

The release will consist of four unplugged/acoustically arranged (three taken from thegodmachine and one being brand new) songs, and three full band tracks that did not make the final cut of thegodmachine.

The band commented on the new album: “We are so excited to share these songs with you as it will give you a clearer window into us as musicians and songwriters. Collectively we enjoy a vast amount of music ranging from BRAND NEW to BORN OF OSIRIS, so hopefully this will show you that ‘range’ in our songwriting, taste, and ability.”

The artwork for The Bridge Between was created by Trent Tieso, who also created the artwork for thegodmachine. The cover of The Bridge Between EP is a real painting/mixed media piece which can be seen below:
The first single off the new album ‘Panhammer’ can be heard below:

Just in times for the holidays, KING DIAMOND's "No Presents For Christmas" single is being re-released on vinyl for the first time in over 25 years. It will be made available exclusively through independent retail as part of Record Store Day Black Friday (November 23).

November 23 will mark the second year of Record Store Day Black Friday, with participating stores offering their hardcore customers limited-edition vinyl, CDs, DVDs, box sets, and even a set of music-themed trading cards.

Record Store Day celebrates the culture of independent record stores by playing host to in-store events/performances, signings and special product releases on a global scale.

For a store near you, go to this location.

"No Presents For Christmas" was originally released on December 25, 1985, with the track "Charon" on the B-side. It was the first music released by Danish heavy metal singer King Diamond's then-new band after the breakup of MERCYFUL FATE.

One of KING DIAMOND's most well-known songs, "No Presents For Christmas" can also be found on the reissue of KING DIAMOND's first album, "Fatal Portrait".

Bieler Bros. Records has announced the signing of BULLET SAINTS, the new band featuring Virus and Derrick "Tripp" Tribbett of DOPE and TWISTED METHOD fame.

Described as a "no-holds-barred, kick-ass rock band from Nashville," BULLET SAINTS' new single, "Hellbound", is already making waves at radio in the U.S. You can now stream the track below.

Commented Bieler Bros. president Jason Bieler: "In a day and age where there are no real rock stars anymore, these guys come along and are so unapologetically over the top that we knew this would be something special. Plus, at the root of it, 'Hellbound' is a great rock song."

Reactivated German metallers MAJESTY will release their comeback studio album, "Thunder Rider", on January 4 In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and on January 25 in the rest of Europe via Austria's NoiseArt Records. In addition to a standard CD release, "Thunder Rider" will be made available as a special edition, including a bonus track and a DVD with the "Metal Union" documentary, along with a vinyl edition.

"Thunder Rider" track listing:

01. Thunder Rider
02. Warlords Of The Sea
03. Anthem Of Glory
04. Make Some Noise
05. Metalliator
06. Raise The Beast
07. New Era
08. Asteria
09. Young And Free (special-edition bonus track)
10. Rebellion Of Steel
11. Metal Union

Commented MAJESTY vocalist Tarek "MS" Maghary: "We are already excited about the dedication, the enthusiasm and the professionalism of NoiseArt. Those guys are true metalheads like ourselves who fight with full force for heavy metal.
"It's the beginning of a new era for MAJESTY and 'Thunder Rider' is a mighty kick in the ass for everybody who had doubts about MAJESTY and our will for victory. We are back — stronger than ever and with NoiseArt we have a mighty partner on our side!"

Added NoiseArt: "We are proud to welcome the band MAJESTY in our roster! We were tracking the activities of the band for years and are looking forward to successfully work together with MAJESTY in the future!"

The song "Metal Union", which ends the "Thunder Rider" album, is the musical conversion of that theme. Along with Tarek, Sven D'Anna (WIZARD), Hannes Braun (KISSIN' DYNAMITE), Mat Sinner (PRIMAL FEAR, SINNER), Patrick Fuchs (ROSS THE BOSS), Andreas Babushkin (PARAGON) and Marta Gabriel (CRYSTAL VIPER) sing on the track.

Chicago metallers DIRGE WITHIN, who last month announced Travis Neal (DIVINE HERESY) as their new lead singer following the recent departure of Jeremy "Jerms" Genske, have issued the following update:

"We have been quite busy lately and in writing mode working on new songs and are stoked with how everything is shaping up. We also had some time to jump back in the studio to re-record a tune off our latest album with our current lineup so all can hear what we are sounding like as a group. We picked the track 'Without You' so all can hear a good balance of what we do in every area, from the heavy grooves to the soaring melodies, and, of course, our new vocalist, Travis Neal, really shows such in all these areas. We also thought what would be the best way to let all have this as we agreed to give this track away as we just want as many people to enjoy this track."

Check out the song in the SoundCloud player below.

DIRGE WITHIN's sophomore album, "There Will Be Blood", was released on April 10 via Rocket Science Ventures/THC: Music. The CD was recorded at Mercenary Studios in Zion, Illinois with engineer Scott Creekmore and producer Ari Mihalopoulos and was mixed at Inner Light Studios with Ari and DIRGE WITHIN guitarist Shaun Glass.

The latest episode of Whitesnake TV, in which WHITESNAKE frontman David Coverdale answers video questions from his fans about his life, music and career, 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."

Inner Wound Recordings has announced the signing of the Brazilian female-fronted progressive power metal band VANDROYA. The group's debut album, "One", will be released on January 18. The Japanese edition of the album will be made available on December 19 through Spiritual Beast and the Brazilian edition will follow on February 4 via Voice Music. The CD artwork was created by Felipe Machado Franco (BLIND GUARDIAN, RHAPSODY OF FIRE, ICED EARTH) and can be seen below.

VANDROYA is one of the best-kept secrets from Brazil, led by the fantastic vocalist Daísa Munhoz (SOULSPELL). According to a press release, the band "should be a perfect fit for fans of KAMELOT, SYMPHONY X, ANGRA and SONATA ARCTICA."

"One" track listing:

01. All Becomes One
02. The Last Free Land
03. No Oblivion For Eternity
04. Within Shadows
05. Anthem (For The Sun)
06. Why Should We Say Goodbye?
07. Change The Tide
08. When Heaven Decides To Call
09. This World Of Yours
10. Solar Night

A teaser for the album is available below.

"One" can be pre-ordered at the Inner Wound store.

VANDROYA is:

Daísa Munhoz (vocals)
Marco Lambert (guitar)
Rodolfo Pagotto (guitar)
Giovanni Perlati (bass)
Otávio Nuñez (drums)

"Back From The Dead", the debut album from ADLER, the new band led by former GUNS N' ROSES drummer Steven Adler, is available for streaming in its entirety at RollingStone.com. Due in North America on November 26 via New Ocean Media, the CD was recorded in Los Angeles with producer Jeff Pilson (FOREIGNER, DOKKEN) and was mixed by Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STONE SOUR). The effort consists of 11 tracks, ranging from adrenaline-pumping rockers ("Back From The Dead", "Own Worst Enemy", "Another Version Of The Truth") to arena-rock anthems ("Good To Be Bad", "Blown Away") to powerful, heartfelt ballads ("Waterfall", "Just Don't Ask"). The album features guest appearances by Adler's former GUNS N' ROSES bandmate Slash and ROB ZOMBIE/ex-MARILYN MANSON guitarist John 5.

ADLER is comprised of Adler, Bunton, guitarist Lonny Paul (ADLER'S APPETITE), and bassist Johnny Martin (CHELSEA SMILES).

"The process of making this record was incredible," stated Bunton. "Our musical influences are all over the place and this record is a perfect reflection of everything that we love about rock 'n' roll."

"I'm so proud of this record," added Adler. "This is the record I've been wanting to make for over 20 years and now I've finally found the band with the perfect chemistry to make it happen!"

"Back From The Dead" track listing:

01. Back From The Dead
02. Own Worst Enemy
03. Another Version Of The Truth
04. The One That You Hated
05. Good To Be Bad (featuring John 5)
06. Just Don't Ask (featuring Slash)
07. Blown Away
08. Waterfall
09. Habit
10. Your Diamonds
11. Dead Wrong

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

The CD's first single, "The One That You Hated", is out now on iTunes and the accompanying video can be seen below.

In a recent interview with Bloody-Disgusting.com, Bunton stated about "The One That You Hated", "That was actually the first song that me and Lonny wrote together, and the last song that we recorded. How it came about was we were just sitting in Lonny's living room with a couple of acoustic guitars, and I had the music and the verses, I just didn't have the chorus, and once it got to the chorus, Lonny just started singing 'I'm the one that you hated,' and I was like, 'That's it, that's awesome!' So it came together really naturally and really quick. And the funny thing is, it's the first single, but it's not like it's the best song on the record or anything like that. Literally, Steven was about to go into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and he said, 'You know, Slash has got his thing and Duff [McKagan] has got his thing, but nobody's heard anything from me for a long time. I would like my fans to know what I'm up to.' So, literally, we just pointed at a piece of paper with all of the songs that we had recorded on it, and went, 'Eeny meeny miny moe,' and that's the one that we picked. And we shot the video, and the cool thing about it is VH1 just added the video two weeks ago. So they've been playing it, which is very cool."

"The One That You Hated" video:

Swedish metallers DEATHDESTRUCTION entered Bohus Sound studios in Kungälv, Sweden this past Monday, November 19 with producer Roberto Laghi (IN FLAMES, HARDCORE SUPERSTAR, LOK, SONIC SYNDICATE) to begin recording their sophomore album for a 2013 release. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Set The Sail", "I Promised You Nothing", "Die Tomorrow", "Moscow Morning", "Divine Justice", "Give It A Try", "Insane Stays Sane", "Dead Pilot". "I Am The Plague", "A Shelter From Harm", "False Flag", "Taste The Mud & Money", "Blood" and "Crucifixus".

According to new DEATHDESTRUCTION singer Tony Jelencovich, the sound of the band's new material "can be described as much wider than the debut album; it's harder, more mature and has more melancholy."

Vocalist Jimmie Strimell quit DEATHDESTRUCTION in June in order to focus on his other band, DEAD BY APRIL.

Regarding Tony's addditon to DEATHDESTRUCTION, the other members of the group said, "Tony is a friend to the band, and he has truly made a mark in the Gothenburg scene with bands like B-THONG, TRANSPORT LEAGUE and MASSIVE AUDIO NERVE. He's also worked with bands like MNEMIC and the Russian band ICON IN ME.

"Tony has everything we look for in a lead singer and a frontman, so the choice was just so easy when we had to find ourselves a new singer. We're totally stoked about what he will contribute to DEATHDESTRUCTION! This is going to be so fucking good, people!!"

DEATHDESTRUCTION last year inked a deal with the Swedish branch of Sony Music Entertainment. The band's three-song EP, "Fuck Yeah", was released in April 2011 and was followed by the group's self-titled debut album in August. The CD was recorded at IN FLAMES' IF Studios with Laghi.

DEATHDESTRUCTION is:

* Tony Jelencovich (B-THONG, TRANSPORT LEAGUE, MASSIVE AUDIO NERVE) - Vocals
* Henrik Danhage (ex-EVERGREY) - Guitar
* Fredrik "Loppan" Larsson (HAMMERFALL) - Bass
* Jonas Ekdahl (ex-EVERGREY) - Drums

Brooklyn, New York-based hardcore band THE LAST STAND, which features members of SHUTDOWN and INHUMAN, will release debut full-length album, "The Time Is Now", on CD and digital on January 22, 2013 via Eulogy Recordings. The effort was recorded by Jerry Farley at Nova Studios in Staten Island, New York and features guest appearances by Lou Koller of SICK OF IT ALL on the track "Watch You Go" along with Dave Franklin of VISION and Joseph James of AGNOSTIC FRONT on the track "Find Out". The cover was created by artist Bill Scoville, who has previously worked with COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

"The Time Is Now" track listing:

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

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

Metal Shock Finland‘s Chief Editor Mohsen Fayyazi recently conducted an interview with MASTERPLAN leader Roland Grapow (ex-HELLOWEEN).
When discussing when he and Uli (Kusch) were fired from Helloween due to musical and personal differences, and what he thinks about Helloween in general, he comments: “Statements from bands and managers always have to say something like that, but basically it was just some personal kind of problems we had. I felt very secure in Helloween. In the middle of the tour I said something to Michael and Markus and I said my opinion about something. I wanted to make something the best for the band and I think they misunderstood me, like I wanted to be leader. I was telling the truth and that’s how I am… It was a great time in Helloween… but I am happy when I left the band after Dark Ride because it’s one of my favourite albums, it changed my life totally.

To be honest the first lin up of Helloween was the best ,but of course I have to say when I was in the band, it was a great lineup as well… I was very disappointed when I saw that they changed the style to get into the Chameleon direction, I think Helloween would be much bigger if they would continue with the style of Keepers albums, I think Helloween could be as big as METALLICA today."

You can listen to the whole of the interview at this location.

"Enduring The Eternal Molestation Of Flame", the new video from the reigning kings of technical, historically themed brutality NILE, can be seen below. The clip was produced and directed by Jon Simvonis for Magnum Production Studios Co. and Arctos Broadcast Facilities. It also features the African Heritage group and photography by Philippos Kokkalis.

"It was truly an honor to direct the new NILE video; a band with so many diehard fans and such a strong impact in the metal scene," commented Simvonis. "The video concept, as a matter of fact, was inspired by the culture and the ritual habits of the Ancient Nubia, a region along the Nile River, which is located in northern Sudan and Southern Egypt. The research and design elements of the video led to a really interesting combination of the Ancient Egyptian myths, through the prism of the Nubian African Voodoo Burial rituals. Two worlds set so close yet so far from each other."

NILE will tour the United States once again this March and April, with 28 shows supported by three of the best local bands in every market. NILE will play two massive sets with music spanning their prolific, twenty-year career. Exclusive pre-sale tickets are available now at EnterTheVault.com.

"In order to commemorate our 20th year as a band," states guitarist/vocalist Karl Sanders, "we want to bring NILE and all metal fans an evening of NILE music that spans our entire career and play two full sets with only a brief intermission.

"After years of many package tours, the necessary set time restrictions have often meant that NILE's had to streamline our set. Fans didn't always get to hear the songs they came to hear. Thankfully, some of those classic NILE songs we have been itching to play for years will now get a chance to be heard live. We are extremely fired up."

"Another facet of this tour which was very important to us," continues Sanders, "we have asked promoters to include the best three local bands from their respective areas on the bill. Supporting local bands in each city is a way for us to give something back to younger bands and the metal scene. We've asked promoters to keep ticket prices low, so that fans of all ages can come and join us for an evening of metal.

"In these difficult times of our recessionary economy, an evening of killer metal shouldn't have to break the bank. NILE are going to do our part: biting the bullet and rolling the dice to bring metal fans in the USA an unforgettable evening with NILE for a reasonable ticket price."

NILE's seventh full-length album, "At The Gate Of Sethu", sold 3,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 131 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at position No. 2 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.

NILE's previous album, "Those Whom The Gods Detest", opened with 3,500 units back in 2009 to enter The Billboard 200 chart at No. 160.

"At The Gate Of Sethu" was released in Europe on June 29 and in the U.S. on July 3 via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2009's "Those Whom The Gods Detest" was once again produced and mixed by Neil Kernon, who has previously worked with NEVERMORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, QUEENSRŸCHE and DEICIDE, among many others. The CD artwork was handled by a true genius of darkened visuals, Seth Siro Anton (SOILWORK, PARADISE LOST, SEPTICFLESH).

"Hard To Say Goodbye", the new video from GREAT WHITE — Mark Kendall (lead guitar), Scott Snyder (bass), Audie Desbrow (drums), Michael Lardie (guitar, keyboards) and Terry Ilous — can be seen below. The clip was filmed on September 23 in Orlando, Florida and was helmed by the Flatbush South production team.

"Hard To Say Goodbye" comes off GREAT WHITE's latest album, "Elation", which sold around 1,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. Issued on May 22 via Frontiers Records, the 12-song CD marks GREAT WHITE's first effort with Ilous following the band's split with founding singer Jack Russell.

This version of GREAT WHITE is not to be confused with JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE, which features Russell alongside Robby Lochner (FIGHT) on guitar, Matthew Johnson (DOCTOR M, JACK RUSSELL) on guitar, Dario Seixas (FIREHOUSE, STEPHEN PEARCY) on bass and Derrick Pontier (GREAT WHITE, SAMANTHA 7) on drums.

Russell filed a lawsuit against his estranged bandmates in March claiming that they fired him and stole the group's name while he was recovering from surgery to repair a perforated bowel. Named in the complaint were Kendall, Desbrow, Lardie and talent agency Bigg Time Entertainment. Kendall, Desbrow and Lardie responded with a 30-page counterclaim, filed on April 24 in a federal court in Los Angeles, accusing their former frontman of, among other things, "miss[ing] 80 performances in 18 months" before leaving the band; "irreparably damag[ing]" their "market reputation" by putting on performances that "are not up to the standard of GREAT WHITE; and misleading the public by stating that the musicians in Jack's new band "were once full members of GREAT WHITE." They also accuse Russell's new bandmates of "profit[ing] from their wrongful affiliation with the GREAT WHITE brand."

CRASHSCENE - featuring members of NEUROSONIC and BIF NAKED's backing band - have posted the new song 'Don't Tell Me What To Do' Online. Check it out via the player below.

Crashscene's new album I Fall Apart was mixed by Randy Staub (METALLICA), Mike Fraser (VAN HALEN, AC/DC), and Paul Silveira (SEAL, GOB).
BW&BK scribe Carl Begai recently caught up with Crashscene guitarist Troy Healy. An excerpt from the story is available below:

Anyone who became a fan of Canadian bashers Neurosonic during their short but volatile run between 2006 and 2009 will agree the band should have been much bigger than they were. From a commercial standpoint their debut (and only) album, Drama Queen, had plenty of radio potential that was never tapped, and on the live front Neurosonic was known for delivering the same face-melting show for 2,000 or 20 people on any given night. Sadly, frontman/founder Jason Darr unexpectedly pulled the plug on April 1st, 2009 based on his growing discontent with the music industry. One of the most original almost-mainstream bands to come out of Canada in years had been silenced.

Fast forward to March 2012 and the rise of Crashscene, an outfit that is essentially Neurosonic minus Darr with a few new twists thrown into the mix. Bassist Jacen Ekstrom is now up front as lead throat backed by guitarist Troy Healy and drummer Shane Smith, with new faces Ean “E” Scream filling Ekstrom’s old boots and guitarist Josh Volkov. The band’s debut album, I Fall Apart, is a welcome picking up of Neurosonic’s pieces worthy of serious attention.

“Darr and I are in contact a lot, but he doesn’t want to be in a band anymore because it’s a lot of hard work without a lot of the rewards you’re hoping for,” says Troy Healy of choosing to move forward with Crashscene. “Jacen and I are lifers; we couldn’t run from this if we wanted to (laughs). It’s a blessing and a curse.”

“When we were on the road, me and Jacen talked a lot about writing stuff together if Neurosonic didn’t continue,” he reveals. “There were times when we sat down in a hotel room and jammed on a few things, but we didn’t know if the stuff we were working on would end up on a Neurosonic record or somewhere else, because Crashscene didn’t exist at the time. I think it was the same day I got the call that Darr was packing it in, me and Jacen were on the phone talking about what we were going to do next.”
“Jacen had written six songs and he sent them to me, I was digging them, so I decided to put a few of my songs together, fly to Vancouver and record them with Darr. At that time Jacen was doing some touring with BIF NAKED, and he happened to show up at the studio on the same day two of my songs were done. It was like, ‘Hey, cool, come and sing!’ We did a bunch of vocal tweaking because both of Darr and Jacen are amazing vocal writers, so they improved on anything I had down in a massive way. Those two songs ended up being ‘Don’t Tell Me What To Do’ and ‘Against The Wall’.”

Crashscene’s debut boasts the mixing / engineering talents of Randy Staub (METALLICA), Mike Fraser (AC/DC) and Paul Silveira (SEAL), but there’s no mistaking Jason Darr’s hand on the reins of I Fall Apart. In much the same way he shaped Bif Naked’s post-cancer 2009 comeback album, The Promise, Darr’s industrial rock production values and trademark tweaks give the record a distinctive sound immediately associated with Neurosonic by anyone in-the-know.

“Darr produced the album, so his stamp is all over it,” Healy agrees. “He and Jacen worked together on a bunch of songs, and on those ones I hear more of the Neurosonic influence. I brought in ‘A Suit For Killing’, which also has that Neurosonic vibe, but I think that comes from the three of us pretty much writing that song on the spot around a basic guitar riff I brought in. We wanted a heavy, fast-paced song and we were done writing it by the end of the day. Songs like ‘I Fall Apart’, ‘Don’t Tell Me What To Do’ and ‘Against The Wall’, I think they’re a few steps away from Neurosonic, but yeah, that sound is definitely in there.”

Click here for more. Fans can stream tracks from CrashScene's debut online at this location.