Video footage of TRIPTYKON — the group formed by former HELLHAMMER/CELTIC FROST singer, guitarist, and main songwriter Tom Gabriel Warrior — performing the HELLHAMMER classic "Messiah" on September 7 at the Meh Suff Metal Festival in Huettikon, Switzerland can be seen below.

"Shatter", the latest five-track EP from TRIPTYKON, sold around 500 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 90 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.

"Shatter" was released on October 25, 2010 (Europe) and October 26, 2010 (North America).

At a playing time of approximately 28 minutes, "Shatter" consists almost entirely of previously unreleased music.

TRIPTYKON consists of V. Santura (guitar, vocals), Norman Lonhard (drums, percussion), Vanja Slajh (bass), and Tom Gabriel Fischer (voice, guitars). The group has unambiguously stated that it pursues the continuation and further development of the path Warrior began in HELLHAMMER and CELTIC FROST.

Finnish dark metal act HANGING GARDEN has inked a deal with Lifeforce Records. The band's third album, "At Every Door", will be released in January 2013. The drums for the CD were recorded last November at Spleen studio. The mixing and mastering were completed almost a year later.

Commented Lifeforce owner Stefan Lüdicke: "Wait, another Finnish band on Lifeforce Records!? Well, yeah... what should I say... it just came together, HANGING GARDEN could have been from any other part of the world, at the end it was the music that convinced me 300%!!"

He added, "I'm in touch with Jussi Hämäläinen [guitar, vocals] and Jussi forwarded me some rough mixes of their new tracks, which totally blew me away already... by the time he sent me the full album, I was sold! It combines so many influences ranging from CULT OF LUNA to SISTERS OF MERCY, SIGUR ROS to DARK TRANQUILLITY in such a great way I simply couldn't resist!"

HANGING GARDEN is:

Jussi Kirves - Bass
Jussi Hämäläinen - Guitar, Vocals
Mikko Kolari - Guitar
Antti Ruokola - Drums
Toni Toivonen - Vocals
Nino Hynninen - Keyboards

According to the En Lejemorder Ser Tilbage blog, former MERCYFUL FATE drummer Kim Ruzz (a.k.a. Kim Thyge Jensen) has resurfaced in a brand new Danish heavy metal band called METALRUZZ.

The news of Kim's return to the rock scene was first reported by a local Danish newspaper, Ugenyt, which inexplicably failed to mention the musician's connection to the legendary heavy metal band when it interviewed him earlier this month.

Kim, who currently works as a consultant at Slagelse Job Center in Slagelse, Denmark, spoke to the paper about his rough upbringing and job history, which included a five-year stint as a postman.

At the moment, there no information available about METALRUZZ's musical direction or future plans, but Ugenyt did publish a band photo (see below) ahead of METALRUZZ's September 6 performance at the SUK festival in Slagelse, Denmark.

After MERCYFUL FATE was presented with the "honor award" at the Danish Metal Awards 2006, Ruzz released a statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET in which he said, "Yes, I became a postman for a short period, but not in the U.S. as many people think. After that, I took an education in the construction business and worked as foreman and calculator.

"Many stories have been told that [Michael] Denner [MERCYFUL FATE guitarist] and I couldn't stand the sight of each other, [but] it could not be more wrong. We were, and still are, best friends.

"As you know, we won a Danish music award [in November 2006]. We [attended the event] together, the four of us [Michael Denner (guitar), Hank Shermann (guitar), Timi 'Grabber' Hansen (bass) and Kim Ruzz (drums)], [as] King [Diamond] couldn't make it. And the magic was reborn."

MERCYFUL FATE will always be remembered for their unquestionable mark on the history of metal, with their new innovative sound, complex arrangements, memorable melody, and their influence on bands that later took the genre to new heights, according to Wikipedia.

In 1998, METALLICA paid tribute to MERCYFUL FATE by recording a medley of classic MERCYFUL FATE songs on the album "Garage Inc." Entitled "Mercyful Fate", the medley included parts from "Satan's Fall", "Curse of the Pharaohs", "A Corpse Without Soul", "Into the Coven" and "Evil".

Lars Ulrich of METALLICA (a fellow Dane) played drums on a new version of "Return of the Vampire" on the "In the Shadows" album, which came out in 1993.

Pictured below: METALRUZZ (Kim Thyge Jensen is second from right, wearing a white long-sleeved shirt)

Photo courtesy of Ugenyt

Dutch death metal mongers CENTURIAN are finishing their new album, entitled Contra Rationemm for a winter release via Listenable Records.
Main songwriter Rob Oorthuis talks about his vision fore the authenticity, core and strength of the new album:

"Contra Rationem is an adversive record in the broadest sense of the word. It lacks all the ethics of contemporary productions. Leaving only the dynamic range of decay and rats exploring your skeleton. Through the rattle of bones... One might even hear flesh on instruments. We keep our deathmetal underproduced. All songs were nailed with conviction, without hesitation. In one take. Guided only by tongues of fire descending upon our heads. Uncorrected. As real as we are not."

Stay tuned for further album details.
More on Centurian at this location.

Dark, experimental alchemists HORSEBACK and LOCRIAN have announced the re-release of their 2011 collaboration, entitled New Dominions. A beautiful piece of mysterious blackened psychedelia, New Dominions was previously available only in an extremely limited vinyl pressing via Utech Records. Now remastered by James Plotkin and expanded to include three more tracks, this genre-defying release will see its deluxe CD/Digital reissue on November 6th via Relapse Records with pre-orders available at this location.
Horseback released their latest full-length, Half Blood, via Relapse Records this past spring. The album can currently be streamed in its entirety here.

Locrian recently signed to Relapse Records and re-released their vinyl only album, The Clearing, re-titled as The Clearing / The Final Epoch, and containing a bonus disc of previously unreleased material. The album can be streamed in its entirety here. The band plan to enter the studio later this year to record their full-length Relapse debut. Details will be announced shortly.

MOTHLITE, the creation of Daniel O’Sullivan (ULVER, ÆTHENOR, SUNN O))), GUAPO), will release its second album, Dark Age, on September 18th via Kscope. Fans can now download the track, 'Zebras', from the impending release for free at this location.
The track 'Seeing In The Dark' is streaming below:
Dark Age tracklisting:

'Wounded Lions'
'Disappear'
'Seeing In The Dark'
'The Blood'
'Something In The Sky'
'The Underneath'
'Zebras'
'Dreamsinter Nightspore'
'Milk'
'Dark Age'
'Red Rook'

The follow-up to 2008’s, The Flax Of Reverie, was produced by Knut Jonas Sellevold (ELEKTROFANT, KING KNUT), arranger, composer and beat-maker of the highest order. Together he and O’Sullivan have managed to create a bleak soundscape with soaring pop aplomb, flitting from the sparkle and rumble of 'The Blood' to the epic washes of 'The Underneath' and beyond.

Having spent a lot of time recently working as a collaborator with Æthenor, MIRACLE and GRUMBLING FUR, as well as his much acclaimed work as part of Ulver, O’Sullivan felt it was time to return to Mothlite so as to work on something unequivocally personal.

“All the other things are collaborations and there’s a communal interest, but with Mothlite the content is quite personal and to do with me,” said O’Sullivan. “It’s quite easy to neglect, particularly when you’re in a bit of a sh*t storm as I was the past couple of years. This is prevalent in the lyrical content, which denotes a catharsis throughout a period of hysteria and emotional turmoil.”

Now that the album is done, O’Sullivan is ready to move onto new things. “To be honest, I’m really glad that it’s over,” he added. “I felt like I couldn’t move until I got that out there.

“Now that the drama has played out and everyone can see what it is, I can almost do a theatrical version of the scenes within. I don’t want to look as though I’m crying down the microphone night after night if we go on tour. I’d rather have a show.”

Stay tuned for more information on Mothlite and Dark Age, out this month via Kscope.

Dover, Florida metal act FORESHADOW have decided to part ways with their bassist, Perry Bassin, for internal reasons.

Guitarist Aaron Robinson has issued the following statement: “We’d like to thank Perry Bassin for all his hard work and dedication this past year; and wish him well. We’d like to welcome our new bassist Chris Billingsley. He has a lot of energy in his performance, and is a really great talent. Very accomplished in the local Tampa, FL scene. We look forward to getting out on stage with him soon.”

Foreshadow recently returned from thirty plus summer dates in South America and are busy booking their next US touring schedule for the months of October through December. Foreshadow is also planning a 2013 South American headliner tour that will run from July 30th through September 16th and will have the band touring Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

Foreshadow signed a worldwide representation deal with The Metal Den Records in May, and are expecting to release their full-length label debut in late 2013.

The new release from elusive UK extreme metal act DRAGGED INTO SUNLIGHT has finally come to fruition. Widowmaker – which, the band stresses, is not to be considered a follow-up to their 2010 debut, Hatred For Mankind (reissued by Prosthetic in 2011) – is set to be released on November 6th in North America, November 5th in the UK and November 9th in Germany.

Widowmaker was produced by Tom Dring during three recording sessions over the course of two years and includes additional guitars by an unnamed member of UK cult metal band BOSSK. The grueling 40-minute, three-track album has been described by the band as "everything heavier and everything louder than everything else" with "an oppressing overtone of complete misery, depression, and isolation" in true Dragged Into Sunlight form.
Dragged Into Sunlight keep their idenities hidden by appearing masked in photos and playing with their backs to the audience in near-total darkness.

More information on Widowmaker will be revealed in the coming weeks. Check out two preview clips below and find more on Dragged Into Sunlight at this location.

BLOODY HAMMERS the psychedelic/doom/occult rock project has inked a deal with Soulseller Records. The band's self titled album Bloody Hammers will be released in late November/Early December.

“I am thrilled to join the SoulSeller roster, and have complete confidence in their ability to successfully promote and distribute the album," said vocalist Jerry Anders. “Jorn and SoulSeller are very ambitious, yet very easy to work with.”
Bloody Hammers was recorded and produced by Jerry Anders at Greystone Studios in North Carolina. The result is a melodic and heavy hard rock debut.

The video clip for 'Fear No Evil' can be seen below:
The song "Witch Of Endor" is available for streaming below:

North Carolina psychedelic stoner punks ASG have entered the studio to begin recording their Relapse debut and first album in six years. The band’s fifth full-length is being recorded with renowned producer Matt Hyde (SLAYER, FU MANCHU, MONSTER MAGNET) at the Sunset Lodge in Hollywood, CA.

The band commented on the new record which is planned for an early 2013 release via Relapse Records: “We are very proud of the new material, we feel that we have tested some new sonic grounds in terms of our sound, and we can't wait for people to hear it!”

Impossible to pigeonhole, ASG has been wheelin’ and dealin’ in kick-ass rock n’ roll since forming in 2001. The band has previously released four albums with including their most recent, critically acclaimed effort Win Us Over in 2007. ASG has gained a reputation for their wildly energetic live shows, and has found themselves on the road with heavy-hitters MOTÖRHEAD, THE SWORD, CKY, Fu Manchu, TORCHE and THE DWARVES among others.

More on ASG at this location.

Bay Area blackened doom metallers ABSTRACTER have announced they will release their debut album, Tomb Of Feathers, on September 18th digitally via The Path Less Traveled Records. The CD and vinyl versions will be released in early 2013. A cassette tape version of the album will be available for sale in the coming months through the band's own imprint, Anti-everything Laboratories.

According to a press release: “The work itself is a single-themed concept album about madness and mental disease as a result of the extreme and cynical individualism that permeates the world, and humanity's cowardly tendency to constantly leave the weak behind.”

Tomb Of Feathers was entirely self-produced and self-funded by the band. It was recorded live in three days (one track per day), directly to 22-track 2” analog tape mounted on 30-minute reels processed by a mid-80s Akai tape recorder, by sound engineer Josh Garcia (DEPECHE MODE, MELVINS, DWARVES). The recordings were then passed on to Greg Wilkinson at Hearhammer Studios for mixing, and were then shipped to Philadelphia to be mastered by James Plotkin (ISIS, SUNN O))), OLD, KHANATE).

Tracklisting is as follows:

‘Walls That Breathe’
‘To Vomit Crows’
‘Ash’

The entire album is now streaming at the band’s Bandcamp page.

Spain-based melodic hard rockers HARDREAMS have announced that their new studio album is finished.
Says the band: "This (our third studio album already) is going to be called Unbroken Promises, and it includes 11 brand new tracks of pure melodic hard rock! We are really proud of the final result, this is definitely our best work to date and we are sure it will surprise you all! Till the time of it's release, which we hope will be soon, we give you this advance in video format where you will be able to listen to a few minutes of the new material."

Hardreams continue: "The second big announcement is to invite you to the huge event that the new promoters Live4Aor have prepared for September 22nd at Caracol in Madrid! A wonderful show for all lovers of melodic hard and AOR in which we are proud to participate with the great Swedish ALIEN and the new revelation CHASING VIOLETS, sponsored and accompanied by Frédéric Slama (AOR)! Here's the video presentation for the show... You can’t miss it!"

The Sunset Strip's hottest export STEEL PANTHER is looking to further its quest for worldwide domination with the release of its first-ever DVD, "British Invasion", via Guitar Anarchy Studios. Rumored for release multiple times in the U.S. in 2010 and 2011, the DVD finally sees the light of day stateside on October 22, 2012.

Recorded with 16 cameras in pristine HD over a two-year period, the DVD chronicles STEEL PANTHER's legendary live show that the band has come to be known for. Beginning in March 2010 at the band's sold-out concert at Brixton Academy in London during their highly successful "Feel The Steel" tour, the DVD feaures some of the group's most memorable hits, including "Asian Hooker", "Community Property", "The Shocker" and "Stripper Girl", in a way never seen before. Included in the package is a laugh-out-loud documentary that follows the band backstage and on their tour that is not to be missed. The deluxe box set includes two DVDs — one with the full show and one with the documentary — deleted scenes and five songs from Download Festival 2012. The packaging also includes a 16-page color book. The DVD will also be available in Blu-ray at the same time.

"British Invasion" was directed and produced by award-winning director Daniel E. Catullo III (RUSH, NICKELBACK, GODSMACK) and was mixed by Jay Ruston, who worked with the band on both of their previous records. An official DVD web site has been set up specifically for the DVD release, SteelPantherDVD.com, with a pre-order starting today as well. Fans who pre-order the DVD on the DVD site will receive a limited-edition signed poster of the band for free. New videos will be released every week up until release day to give the fans a sneak peek at the DVD and updated information will be posted on the official DVD site.

STEEL PANTHER is currently gearing up for their second world tour of 2012. The 25-plus-city trek kicks off in Auckland, New Zealand on October 2 and runs through mid-November and makes stops in major markets all over Europe and Australia, including Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Helsinki, Amsterdam, Manchester, Paris, Zurich and Bristol, before wrapping up in London on November 15.

STEEL PANTHER was, for a long time, rock's best-kept secret: a cult legend on the L.A. scene. But in recent years due to the success of their albums (both debuted at #1 on the Billboard Comedy Album Charts) and live shows, the band has enjoyed huge acclaim from fans and peers alike. At sold-out shows in Hollywood and Las Vegas, STEEL PANTHER has been joined on stage by rock and roll icons such as Steven Tyler of AEROSMITH, Paul Stanley of KISS, Corey Taylor of SLIPKNOT, Tom Morello of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, and Chester Bennington of LINKIN PARK.

"British Invasion" track listing:

Main DVD

01. Eyes Of A Panther
02. Eatin' Ain't Cheatin'
03. Fat Girl
04. Hair Solo
05. Party All Day
06. Hell's On Fire
07. Stripper Girl
08. Asian Hooker
09. Turn Out The Lights
10. Girl From Oklahoma
11. We Want Pussy
12. Community Property
13. The Shocker
14. Death To All But Metal

Bonus Disc

* 40-minute documentary
* Deleted scenes
* Download Festival 2012
* "Supersonic Sex Machine" video
* "Community Property" video
* "Just Like Tiger Woods" video
* "17 Girls In A Row" video
* "Death To All But Metal" video (featuring Corey Taylor)

The fourth "British Invasion" teaser — this one focusing on STEEL PANTHER drummer Stix Zadinia — can be seen below.

Teaser #4 - Stix Zadinia:

ENEMY OF THE SUN, the German band featuring guitarist Waldemar Sorychta — former member of GRIP INC./DESPAIR and producer for such bands as LACUNA COIL and MOONSPELL — has parted ways with Greek bassist Eirini Papadopoulou.

Commented Papadopoulou: "I would like to announce that I am no longer a member of ENEMY OF THE SUN.

"This may come as a surprise to many and has been an issue of much thought for me.

"The reasons are personal and also the fact that the band's philosophy no longer represents my personal vision.

"I am thankful for the music and experience I've been given as well as for the great times and the nice people I met along the way. I wish the band all the best for the future.

"As you most have noticed, I took some time off of my personal projects and this period has been musically stagnate for me, because of several professional and personal obligations as well as the fact that I had to move and settle to another country that I now call my second home. But I am a traveler and the journey continues.

"I will let you know soon about my future plans.

"Music never stops, so stay tuned!"

Eirini made a name for herself under the pseudonym "Absinthe Green," playing bass in the band RANDOM WALK.

She made her live debut with ENEMY OF THE SUN on April 30, 2011 at the Rock in den Ruinen-Festival in Dortmund, Germany.

ENEMY OF THE SUN is currently mixing its new album for an early 2013 release.

"Caedium", the second album from from ENEMY OF THE SUN, was released in North America on June 22, 2010 via The End Records and in Europe on May 28, 2010 through Massacre Records.

Sorychta previously stated about the band, "I call ENEMY OF THE SUN my family because in a family you have to feel comfortable. If not, it's not a good family. ENEMY is a good one. It's the way I wake up and feel the excitement about this band. It's the way I go to bed and want to stay awake because of this band. Music without limits, pure power saved in every note, deepest emotions bound in tones, burning pleasure in each single tune."

Napalm Records has announced the signing of Australia's MAMMOTH MAMMOTH to worldwide deal. The band's new album, "Volume III: Hell's Likely", will be released on the following dates:

Nov. 21 - Spain, Sweden, Greece
Nov. 23 - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Benelux
Nov. 26 - Rest of Europe
Nov. 27 - North America

Commented MAMMOTH MAMMOTH frontman Mikey Tucker: "We're thrilled to be partnering with Napalm Records. Their current roster of MONSTER MAGNET, KARMA TO BURN, BRANT BJORK, to name a few, showcase their dedication to the rock scene across the globe. We are also very excited about the new opportunities that this signing will bring to help spread MAMMOTH MAMMOTH to the rest of the world. We have many loyal fans in Europe, Scandinavia and South America, so this new partnership will enable us to smash stages outside of Australia with our first European tour penciled in for mid-2013. So lock up your goats and call your lawyer coz, we’re coming to a town near you."

MAMMOTH MAMMOTH's video for the song "Hell's Likely" can be seen below.

Finnish melodic gothic metal/rock band LUNAR PATH have parted ways with bassist Jesse Mäläskä.

Commented the group: "We are sad to inform that our bass player, Jesse Mäläskä, has decided to leave the band. The decision was fully understood by both parts and there was absolutely no drama involved. Jesse grew apart from the band musically. This, in turn, led to the situation that the smartest choice would be to part as friends. So, after two years of awesome bass duty, we thank him and wish him all the best in his future career!"

LUNAR PATH's debut album, "Memento Mori", was released in February via Inverse Records.

According to a press release, "Memento Mori" is "a concept album about a downward spiral in depression and death, set out to stretch the boundaries of traditional melodic/gothic metal with its dark and brooding atmosphere. This nightmarish journey through hell and back was inspired by arson, mishaps, bad luck as well as the lineup changes the band endured during these past years. These events shaped the band and transformed the album into a dynamic ensemble with warm and cold flashes of traditional metal and darkly progressive stunts, promising to raise eyebrows and make hearts race."

"Memento Mori" features guest appearances by such acclaimed musicians and vocalists such as Attila Csihar (MAYHEM, ABORYM), Tuomas Saukkonen (BEFORE THE DAWN, BLACK SUN AEON), Juha-Pekka Leppäluoto (CHARON, NORTHERN KINGS, HARMAJA) and Antti Leskinen (FATAL SOUND PROJECT, CHAINED, MURENA).

Formed in late 2006, LUNAR PATH released a few demos and EPs before starting to work on "Memento Mori". The band became victims of arson in early 2010 when a deranged person intentionally set fire to the ground floor of their practice flat while the band was playing, trapping them upstairs. During the attempt to reach safety, guitarist and album producer Jonas Eriksson sustained severe damage to his foot, but luckily nobody else was hurt in the fire. The band didn't spend their time crying over spilled milk as a few months later the band toured Scandinavia supporting DEATHSTARS and ex-IRON MAIDEN vocalist Paul Di'Anno; with Eriksson playing the entire tour sitting down with his broken leg in a cast.

LUNAR PATH lead vocalist Janica Lönn has been working with BLACK SUN AEON lately, most notably singing on their highly acclaimed "Blacklight Deliverance" album.

Half instrumental and half with vocals, TWINSPIRITS bassist ALBERTO RIGONI's new album is thematically centered around the Japanese folk legend of the three wise monkeys (together they embody the proverbial principle to "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil") and further refines the stylistic contrasts and progressive spirit characterizing 2011’s Rebirth (Nightmare Records).

Three Wise Monkeys also boasts contributions from special guests such as keyboard player Kevin Moore (ex DREAM THEATER, OSI, CHROMA KEY), singer Göran Edman (ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JOHN NORUM, BRAZEN ABBOT), drummer Mark Cross (OUTLOUD, ex HELLOWEEN, FIREWIND), Mistheria, Jonas Erixon, Simone Mularoni, Federico Solazzo, Tommy Ermolli and many others.

Three Wise Monkeys tracklist:

'Toshogu Shrine'
'Mizaru'
'Three Wise Monkeys'
'Kikazaru'
'Blackened Tornado'
'Iwazaru'
'Free Falling'
'Between Space And Time'
'Coming Home'
'Believe'

Listen to 'Mizaru', streaming below:

Three Wise Monkeys will be released on October 1st by Any and All Records. Check out the official trailer below:

Wichita, KS based MANILLA ROAD’s album Invasion will be reissued on November 6th via Shadow Kingdom Records.

Label owner Tim McGrogan comments: “Manilla Road's Invasion album dates all the way back to 1980, which means this entire album was written in the late 70s. Invasion is the album that birthed the grandfathers of Epic heavy metal. As metal as Manilla Road is today, this album shows us all were their roots came from. Imagine if RUSH was more metallic and sprinkle in some JUDAS PRIEST, HAWKWIND, and SABBATH and that's what Invasion is mostly about. Manilla Road's sound is unique like no other and they had the right idea of what heavy metal should sound like, but they didn't quite make it 100% metal yet. This is borderline metal, but it's a great crossover album for old rock n’ roll fans. The sad thing is, most of these old rock fans won't even be exposed to this masterpiece and will never experience it. If you're into the old 70s metal that's borderline rock, this is an essential piece to your collection.”



‘The Dream Goes On’
‘Cat And Mouse’
‘Far Side Of The Sun’
‘Street Jammer’
‘Centurian War Games’
‘The Empire’

On August 25, legendary guitarist Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES) ripped the roof off the Sydney Entertainment Centre in Sydney, Australia, and Moshcam was there to film every second of it.

The Sydney show, filmed exclusively by Moshcam, premiered online earlier today (Friday, September 14) and can now be seen below.

The setlist for the concert was as follows:

01. Halo
02. Nightrain (GUNS N' ROSES song)
03. Ghost
04. Standing in the Sun
05. Back From Cali
06. My Michelle (GUNS N' ROSES song)
07. Beggars & Hangers-On (SLASH'S SNAKEPIT song)
08. Not for Me
09. Rocket Queen (GUNS N' ROSES song)
10. Doctor Alibi (Todd Kerns on lead vocals)
11. Out Ta Get Me (GUNS N' ROSES song) (Todd Kerns on lead vocals)
12. Crazy Life
13. No More Heroes
14. Starlight
15. Blues Jam
16. Guitar Solo / Godfather Theme
17. Anastasia
18. Sweet Child O' Mine (GUNS N' ROSES song)
19. You're a Lie
20. Slither (VELVET REVOLVER song)

Encore:

21. Fall to Pieces (VELVET REVOLVER song)
22. Paradise City (GUNS N' ROSES song)

For more information, go to this location.

Slash's second solo album, "Apocalyptic Love", came out in May and was recently certified gold in Australia by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for sales in excess of 35,000 copies.

"[The album has] been really well received and I was really pleased with the record in the first place; it's great," Slash said. "You never know what exactly is going to happen and I never have any what you'd call expectations, but once it's out there and people sort of dig it for the right reasons, it's always a good feeling."

Slash recently revealed that he and singer Myles Kennedy have already begun working on music for the guitarist's next album, to be recorded sometime next year.

"We are working on material, gathering ideas for another [record] at this point," Slash told Rapid City Journal. "We are sort of like in those early stages where I'm just recording different guitar ideas and I turn Myles on to it. He's thinking about his stuff and what he's going to do with it and so on."

Interview:

KHAØS, the Swiss/American band featuring Chandler Mogel (OUTLOUD) on vocals, Mark Rossi (TRIBAL) on guitar, N I c Angileri (JORN) on bass and Trevor Franklin (ELIS) on drums, will release its debut EP, "Rising", worldwide on all digital platforms on October 29 via MarkRossi Records.

A one-minute audio snippet of the EP's opening track, "Distress Signal", is available in the YouTube clip below.

KHAØS was formed in June 2012 around the idea of making music without any kind of compromises. The band name itself reveals the main musical target: to let creativity, musicality and energy flow, destroying barriers and breaking through obstacles. Music itself is the centerpiece of this work. Four people, four cities, five stories.

KHAØS is a project on a global scale, involving two continents, America and Europe, and going possibly beyond. Their members have never actually played together in the same room. This came together thanks to the internet. It was an idea they wanted to put to the test.

Produced by Rolf Munkes at his Empire Studios in Germany, five songs with an unmistakable rocking vibe have arisen from the creative collaboration between these musicians.

This EP is taster of a bigger common work, a visiting card to awaken the interest of rock aficionados, a unique opportunity for labels to release a genuine product with international format and for the band to spread their music and extend their fan base worldwide.

"Rising" track listing:

01. Distress Signal
02. Hated
03. Reason To Die
04. Mind Violence
05. Perfect Future
06. Reason To Die (radio edit)
07. Perfect Future (radio edit)

"Distress Signal" audio snippet:

British glam metal legends TIGERTAILZ have released a video for their new version of "Fall In Love Again", a song originally recorded for their 1987 debut album, "Young And Crazy". Re-recorded in the studio and featuring the first vocal contribution from the band's new singer, Jules Millis , the single is a tribute to former bass player Pepsi Tate, who died in 2007. All proceeds from the song will support Amser Justin Time, the pancreatic cancer charity set up in his memory.

TIGERTAILZ in June revealed their new lineup. Original members Jay Pepper (lead guitar) and Ace Finchum (drums) are joined by Jules Millis, guitarist Rob Wylde and bassist Jason Sims.

Jules, who also sings for acclaimed melodic rockers WHITE WIDDOW, grew up in Australia on a diet of '80s glam rock, including KISS, RATT and TIGERTAILZ themselves. For Jules, joining the 'TAILZ is a musical dream come true. "It's amazing to be joining a band I grew up listening to back in Melbourne," he said. "'Bezerk' and 'Young And Crazy' were part of the soundtrack to my youth, and I hope to do those classic songs and many others full justice. It feels crazy — such an honor to be involved with this thing. I can't wait to see where this road leads — it should be quite a ride."

Robb Wylde, frontman and guitarist with Brit rockers TEENAGE CASKET COMPANY, also joins on guitar. A versatile musician who certainly knows the meaning of showmanship, Robb has not only released three albums with TEENAGE CASKET COMPANY but also fronted U.S. glam rockers SINS OF AMERICA, and plays bass with melodic rockers VEGA. Expect Robb's explosive guitar sound and stage presence to take the 'TAILZ experience to a new dimension.

Former PSYCHO KISS bassist Jason Sims completes the lineup. The full-metal Welshman lists METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN and BLACK SABBATH as his heroes and confesses that he's "chomping at the bit" to get started. "It's a strong lineup and I can't wait to play these tracks live," he adds. "I know how big TIGERTAILZ' fan base is, and I hope I can do them proud."

Scottish metal band BLEED FROM WITHIN have launched a video for their brand new song, 'It Lives In Me'. The clip was filmed by a friend who accompanied them in the studio and at their recent live shows.

The band about the song and video: "'It Lives in Me' has a positive message which we want to bring forward about not giving up on something we've worked so hard to get where it is now. There's no better time than now and with all the support we have behind us and an extremely dedicated fanbase who have stuck by us, it's made everything worthwhile. The band have been going for about 8 years now but this still feels like it's just the beginning for us. It's about appreciating what we have and enjoying our time in this band and not taking it for granted."
Century Media Records recently announce the addition of Bleed From Within to the family. In support of their previous two albums the quintet from Glasgow has already played numerous shows and tours alongside bands such as SOILWORK, ALL THAT REMAINS, AFTER THE BURIAL as well as their new labelmates in SUICIDE SILENCE and CALIBAN. Additionally they have been frequent guests on European high profile festivals such as Download, Sonisphere, Hevy Fest, Graspop, Summer Breeze and Pukkelpop.

The band is collectively excited about their new home: "We're honoured to be joining the Century Media family, alongside bands which we've looked up to and admired since before we even began making music. The label is one of the most respected metal labels in the world and we are excited to be a part of it. Century Media have always been a powerhouse in bringing cutting edge new music to the world and we will endeavour to live up to the name. We look forward to our future at the label, working with great people who have shown their belief in this band.”

Bleed From Within are currently recording drums and vocals for their new album and Century Media Records debut with Romesh Dodangoda (FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, MOTÖRHEAD, LOST PROPHETS) and all the guitars with Adam ‘Nolly’ Getgood of PERIPHERY. Check out an update that the band filmed in the studio below:

They already have the next impressive list of shows confirmed that will keep them busy for the rest of the year. First on their agenda is a UK tour supporting WHILE SHE SLEEPS in September/October while they are co-headlining Europe with BURY TOMORROW in October/November.

Tour dates:

September (with While She Sleeps, Crossfaith, Polar)
26 - Birmingham, UK - The Library
27 - Manchester, UK - Club Academy
28 - Sheffield, UK - Corporation
29 - Glasgow, UK - The Garage
30 - Newcastle, UK - O2 Academy

October (with While She Sleeps, Crossfaith, Polar)
2 - Nottingham, UK - Rescue Rooms
3 - Bristol, UK - The Fleece
4 - Portsmouth, UK - Wedgewood Rooms
5 - London, UK - Electric Ballroom

October (with Bury Tomorrow, Crossfaith)
10 - Hasselt, Belgium - Muziekodroom Club
11 - Rotterdam, Holland - Baroeg
12 - Berlin, Germany - Cassiopeia
13 - Hamburg, Germany - Logo
16 - Brno, Czech Republic - Melodka
17 - Bratislava, Slovakia - U Ocka
18 - Vienna, Austria - Arena
19 - Budapest, Hungary - Dürer Kert
20 - Ljubljana, Solvenia - Orto Bar
22 - Milan, Italy - TBC
23 - Forli - Big Barre
24 - Torino, Italy - Lapsus Club
25 - Zurich, Switzerland - Dynamo Werk 21
27 - Karlsruhe, Germany - Stadtmitte
27 - Augsburg, Germany - Musikkantine
31 - Lyon, France - Marquise (Halloween Show)

November (with Bury Tomorrow, Crossfaith)
1 - Barcelona, Spain - Mephisto
3 - Paris, France - Damage Festival (Trabendo)

More on Bleed From Within at this location.

Canadian power metal band BLACKGUARD announce their return to Europe, supporting KAMELOT on their upcoming European tour beginning November 2nd in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

Vocalist Paul Zinay comments “We had a blast conquering North America with Kamelot and now it's time to conquer some new territories. We are very honored that we were asked to join them on this tour and we'd like to give our deepest thanks and gratitude to Thomas and all of the Kamelot crew for extending us this invitation. This will be the last tour supporting our latest album Firefight and we can't imagine ending on a higher note than this.”

Blackguard is currently in the studio completing their forthcoming album, Storm, out spring 2013. They will begin a month long headlining tour starting October 7th in New York City and then join EPICA on tour starting October 23rd.

The band's live itinerary can be found at this location.

Watch their most recent video, for the track, 'Firefight' below:

Romanian metallers DORDEDUH present the first video from the band's debut album, Dar De Duh, out September 28th via Prophecy Productions. The video, for the track 'Dojana', was visualized by the musicians and director Costin Chioreanu inimitably, and the outcome once more emphasises Dordeduh's artistic uniqueness. Watch the video below:
Edmond/Hupogrammos comments on the video: "Finally the first video of Dar De Duh is out. For the setting we chose an old, quite unknown Dacian fortress, placed deep into the Apuseni mountains. The place is surrounded by an unusual forest, called locally 'the forest without a face'. This place was the subject of many mysterious stories of people disappearing into the forest without a trace. Fortunately during the shootings nothing unusual happened. We are very happy with the final result and Costin Chioreanu did a great job. Enough describing; we let you to enjoy it!"
Dar De Duh tracklisting:

'Jind De Tronuri'
'Flacararii'
'E-an-na'
'Calea Rotilor De Foc'
'Pandarul'
'Zuh'
'Cumpat'
'Dojana'

Pre-order Dar De Duh at this location.

KISS' long-awaited new album, Monster, will be released in North America on October 9th via Universal Music. 30-second clips from all songs are now available to sample at iTunes.

Monster tracklisting:
'Hell Or Hallelujah'
'Wall Of Sound'
'Freak'
'Back To The Stone Age'
'Shout Mercy'
'Long Way Down'
'Eat Your Heart Out'
'The Devil Is Me'
'Outta This World'
'All For The Love Of Rock & Roll'
'Take Me Down Below'
'Last Chance'
'Right Here Right Now'

KISS is currently on the road with MÖTLEY CRÜE. Remaining dates on The Tour are as follows:
September
15 - Darien Lake PAC - Darien Lake, NY
16 - Comcast Center - Mansfield, MA
18 - Toyota Pavilion - Scranton, PA
19 - Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, NJ
21 - PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ
22 - Nikon at Jones Beach - Wantagh, NY
23 - Comcast Theater - Hartford, CT

"Time I", the -awaited new album from Finnish epic metallers WINTERSUN, has had its release date pushed back by a week.

Comments the band: "As we want to give all our incredible fans something truly special and outstanding for our second album, 'Time I', there is going to be a limited mediabook edition including DVD available, but due to unfortunate manufacturing delays, the 'Time I' album release has been postponed by a week. We feel very bad about this. This is a big hit for us, so we need your support now more than ever."

The new release dates are as follows:

October 19: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Norway
October 23: Italy
October 24: Sweden
October 22: North America, Rest Of Europe

During the listening session for "Time I" at the Nuclear Blast headquarters in Donzdorf, Germany on July 28, Jari Mäenpää was interviewed by BLEEDING RED frontman Timo Joos, who asked the WINTERSUN mastermind fan questions that had been collected via the official Nuclear Blast Europe Facebook page.

To celebrate the "Time I" release, WINTERSUN will play two special shows in Finland. The first concert will take place on October 12 at Lutakko in Jyväskylä and the second on October 13 at Nosturi in Helsinki. Support at the shows will come from THAUROROD (Lutakko and Nosturi) and MEDICATED (Nosturi).

Commented WINTERSUN: "We're excited to start the 'Time' world tour from our home country with two shows in October! These two special album-release shows will be our first club gigs in Finland since 2006 and the first time ever 'Time I' songs will be heard live! The show attendees will also be the first ones to have a chance to get a signed copy of the new album.

"During the rest of the summer, we'll be rehearsing the new material and working on a new enhanced live show as well as doing some promo and preparing bonus material for the album. Right after the Finnish gigs, we'll continue on to Heidenfest tour in Central Europe and after that... Stay tuned and hope to see you at the gigs!"

According to WINTERSUN mainman Jari Mäenpää, there are several reasons why the band's new effort, "Time" is being released as two separate albums, titled "Time I" and "Time II". He says:

* "All the 80 minutes of material won't fit on a regular CD and we didn't want to cut anything out.
* "We want you to be able to hear new material sooner and not wait any longer and we want to go on tour sooner.
* "The music is very full and complex, so listening this kind of 'hard listening (not easy listening)' material straight for 80 minutes is a bit too much (even for me).
* "Both albums will be approximately. nice 40 min epic packages of fireworks.
* "We like the idea of releasing two albums within one year, so the band will stay more visible longer, which is important in these 'modern times.' No more years of silence for us!"

"Time I" track listing:

01. When Time Fades Away
02. Sons Of Winter And Stars
I) Rain Of Stars
II) Surrounded By Darkness
III) Journey Inside A Dream
IV) Sons of Winter And Stars
03. Land Of Snow And Sorrow
04. Darkness And Frost
05. Time

"Time II" will be released in 2013.

WINTERSUN will headline this year's edition of the Heidenfest tour, set to take place in October. Support on the trek will come from KORPIKLAANI, VARG, TROLLFEST and KRAMPUS.

WINTERSUN's debut CD was released in September 2004 through Nuclear Blast Records.

Q&A Part 1:

"Down IV Part I - The Purple EP", DOWN's first in a series of four EPs to be released over the next few years (with a year between EPs), each touching on a different aspect of the band's sound, can be streamed in its entirety below (courtesy of Billboard.com).

The first six-song EP, which heralds the sound of DOWN going back to its roots, with influences from BLACK SABBATH, SAINT VITUS and WITCHFINDER GENERAL, will be released on September 18. It will be followed by the second collection of songs early next year, around the time of a planned U.S. tour. EPs three and four are scheduled for later in 2013.

The cover artwork for "Down IV Part I - The Purple EP" can be seen below.

"Down IV Part I - The Purple EP" track listing:

01. Levitation
02. Witchtripper
03. Open Coffins
04. The Curse Is A Lie
05. This Work Is Timeless
06. Misfortune Teller

DOWN filmed a video for the song "Witchtripper" at the end of August.

"I have not really put too much pressure on myself with DOWN, and I think that's the best approach," vocalist Philip Anselmo told RollingStone.com. "Right now I'm looking forward to the public's consumption and letting them hear it. I'm not sure if it's gonna break any ground. I never put any expectation on any friggin' record I do. We didn't overanalyze anything. We just let the songs kind of unfold, and once it felt right, there was no reason to go back."

"I do believe that we have delivered a record that will be accepted and hopefully enjoyed by the DOWN horde — if you will," says Anselmo. "If you're looking for a DOWN record, it's very pure and real."

Lyrically, the EP goes beyond just personal experiences, and explores themes that include the faith of mankind, the imperfection of mankind and cultural belief systems.

"DOWN gives me the platform to be poetic and paint imagery with lyrics," says Anselmo. "That's the approach I took. They complement the music and create an ominous feeling. Ultimately, when people consume the words, it's always their interpretation that matters. I could be image-conscious though when I wrote. It's not so gut level or street. The darker shit is some of my favorite."

When asked about DOWN's plans to release four separate EPs, Anselmo recently said, "That's the idea right now, but I think that after you work on a body of music, you need to reload, you need to refresh, you need to clear your head. Get that, digest it, get it out of your system, and then decide what direction you're going to go. It's a good idea and I think we should see it through. But there's no way we can rush it. Because I think if it is a series of four, each one should be unique, and that… We've shown flexibility — we have songs like 'Bury Me In Smoke' and then we have songs like 'Stone The Crow'… acoustic pieces and what-not… We have all that. So we've touched on many, I guess, dynamics, so… I would expect each EP to have its own life."

Anselmo previously described DOWN's new EP as "very stripped down. Nothing flashy. Straight to the point… really just DOWN music. If you liked the first record, the demos… something like that… This record, we're pretty dead straight and honest and on the money as far as making it as simple and direct as possible and I think we did that. . . It has that practice-room vibe to it. We didn't really try and fucking slick it out and anything. We went the more raw route, as far as an approach."

KORN bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu sat out the band's shows in Europe last month so that he could be home for the birth of his child. Filling in for him was Ryan Martinie of MUDVAYNE.

An 11-minute video clip of Martinie talking about his involvement with KORN can be seen below.

It's been almost three years since MUDVAYNE released its self-titled fifth album and little has been heard about the band since then. But in a late 2010 interview with the music blog Warwick, Martinie discussed the group almost entirely in the past tense. When asked about the quartet's musical evolution, Martinie said, "I think that what we did is valuable. It's become a cog in the wheel of music in some sort of way. We are a piece of musical history now . . . We were always just responding to our environment. I always saw the band to be important as an aspect of my life, as something that was supposed to take us places that are positive, and in that sense everything that happened with the band has happened for a reason."

MUDVAYNE did not tour behind its fifth album, which was barely promoted and sold weakly upon release.

KORN will co-headline the fourth annual ShipRocked, the ultimate rock music cruise vacation which sails November 27 - December 1.