Daniel Cavanagh of the U.K. atmospheric rock band ANATHEMA recently took part in an interview and acoustic performance with the French magazine Hard Force. You can now check out the footage below.

ANATHEMA's new album, "Weather Systems", sold around 1,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 22 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.

"Weather Systems" was released on April 24 via The End Records. The follow-up to 2010's "We're Here Because We're Here" was recorded in Liverpool, North Wales and Oslo, each place significant to ANATHEMA past, present and future. The record was produced and mastered by Christer-André Cederberg (ANIMAL ALPHA, IN THE WOODS..., DRAWN), whom ANATHEMA's Daniel Cavanagh has described as "a revelation. His calmness and brilliance has helped to bring about the greatest inter-band chemistry that ANATHEMA have experienced together in their career."

"Weather Systems" track listing:

01. Untouchable, Part 1
02. Untouchable, Part 2
03. The Gathering Of The Clouds
04. Lightning Song
05. Sunlight
06. The Storm Before The Calm
07. The Beginning And The End
08. The Lost Child
09. Internal Landscapes

Interview:

A snippet of the demo version of "Losing My Faith", a brand new song from multinational melodic metallers EDEN'S CURSE, can b streamed using the SoundCloud player below. The track will appear on the band's forthcoming fourth studio album, which will be recorded later in the year.

EDEN'S CURSE earlier in the year announced the addition of Italian singer Marco Sandron to the group's ranks. Hailing from Portgruaro, 50 miles from Venice, in the northeast of Italy, Marco previously sang for Italian progressive metal act PATHOSRAY, who released their self-titled debut on Sensory Records in 2007 and their sophomore CD, "Sunless Skies", on Frontiers Records in 2009. That same year he also contributed lead vocals to French symphonic metal outfit FAIRYLAND's "Score To A New Beginning" album, which was released on Napalm Records.

"Time To Breathe", the latest single and promotional video from EDEN'S CURSE, can be seen below. The clip was shot on location at Sky Park in Glasgow with director Simon J. Gillespie of Music Video Scotland.

Written by Paul Logue and Pete Newdeck, "Time To Breathe"'s lyrics are very topical, as Newdeck explains. "The lyrics stem from the current financial crisis grippling society today and the ignorance people have to what we are doing to ourselves and this awesome world we live in," he says. "We need to buy ourselves time or it will be too late to put it all right."

Director Simon Jake Gillespie of Music Video Scotland explains the concept behind the video: "As well as capturing the band performance, we wanted to portray the lyrical concept in a visual manner by showing four different people from four different walks of life uniting together to help each other escape from a situation. This symbolizes what we perceive needs to happen in society today to work our way out of the mess we have found ourselves in globally."

"Losing My Faith" snippet:

"You Waste Your Time", the new performance video from ALTER BRIDGE and CREED guitarist Mark Tremonti's solo band, can be seen below (courtesy of AOL's Noisecreep). According to the group, the clip "was shot live with no tricks so it is different from the single and you will see how Mark sings in a live setting."

"You Waste Your Time" jumped straight up to Number 10 on the iTunes Rock Singles chart shortly after being released. Tremonti said in a statement, "I am overwhelmed by the positive response the song has already received. I never imagined it would hit the Top 10 so quickly and that is a testament to the amazing fans I have. I couldn't have gotten anywhere in my career without them and want to thank each and every one of them for their support. I can't wait until they hear the rest of it."

"You Waste Your Time" is taken from Tremonti's debut solo album, "All I Was", which is due for release on July 10 via Fret 12 Records, a company Mark started with his brother, Daniel Tremonti, and Tom Stanley.

With two bands and a solo career, The Pulse Of Radio asked Tremonti how he knows which project the songs he writes are best suited for. "I've just gotten this filter, this intuition that tells me what songs go to which band, and with my solo stuff, the rhythm section is so different from the other bands, I think it really stands apart," he said. "I think it's a little more aggressive than both the other bands, but you just have to hear it, I guess."

His solo band, also billed TREMONTI, features ALTER BRIDGE and CREED bassist Brian Marshall in the lineup along with guitarist Eric Friedman and drummer Garrett Whitlock.

"All I Was" track listing:

01. Leave It Alone
02. So You'e Afraid
03. Wish You Well
04. Brains
05. The Things I've Seen
06. You Waste Your Time
07. New Way Out
08. Giving Up
09. Proof
10. All I Was
11. Doesn't Matter
12. Decay

"Själlös" and "1789-2012", two more songs from NERVGIFT ("Nerve-Venom" in Swedish) — the new Örebro, Sweden-based punk/metal band featuring bassist/guitarist Oskar Pålsson (COLDWORKER), vocalist Calle Henriksson (KVOTERINGEN) and drummer Andreas Gustavsson (OND BRÅD DÖD) — can be streamed in the YouTube clipd below. The tracks come off the group's recenty completed debut demo, "Du Ska Dö Först" (You Shall Die First), which has been released via YouTube, Facebook and MySpace. The music for the four-song effort was recorded in a basement beneath a municipal school in Kumla between March 23 and March 25, and the vocals were added at COLDWORKER's rehearsal room on March 27.

NERVGIFT is:

Oskar Pålsson (COLDWORKER) – Guitar, Bass
Calle Henriksson (KVOTERINGEN) - Vocals
Andreas Gustavsson (OND BRÅD DÖD) - Drums

Swedish hard rockers THE QUILL have been rejoined by bassist Roger Nilsson. Previously a member of SPIRITUAL BEGGARS and FIREBIRD, Nilsson played bass on the first four THE QUILL albums but left the band in 2005 to pursue other musical ventures.

Commented Roger: "Ten minutes into our first rehearsal in seven years, it was obvious to all of us that there's a connection between us musically as well as personally that can't be denied. I had a feeling that the first shows this past weekend would feel a little awkward, but instead it felt like the most natural thing in the world. It's great being back and I'm really looking forward to start writing new music again. Bring it on!"

Added the other members of THE QUILL: "After the bass player seat was vacant, we sat down and started to think about who the perfect replacement would be, and the first name to pop up was Roger Nilsson! To our great joy, he accepted the offer and after two shows we can tell you that this guy is still lethal!"

THE QUILL's latest album, "Full Circle", was released on June 24, 2011 in Europe and July 26, 2011 in North America via Metalville Records. According to a press release, the CD "is packed with heavy rock firmly rooted in the Seventies but vibrant and updated rather than retro. Yes, there's a new twist to the sound. Less is more, if you will. The songs are sharp, direct and catchy, built around big riffs, big grooves and big hooks. Just check out 'Sleeping With Your Enemy' and try to get that chorus out of your head. Surrender to the up-tempo outburst of energy that is 'Medicine'. And physically feel how 'Bring It On' simply rocks like a motherfucker. Very much classic rock and yet contemporary in the FOO FIGHTERS / QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE vein. Needless to say, THE QUILL is a band reborn."

"Full Circle" was mixed by songwriter/producer/artist Chris Laney (real name: Ulf Larsson).

THE QUILL's video for the song "Medicine" can be viewed below. The clip was shot in October 2011 during at Tierp Arena in Sweden — Northern Europe's most acclaimed new raceway for drag racing. It was shot live in front of racers, personnel, firemen and, of course, the thousands of wild drag-racing fans on site.

GUNS N' ROSES frontman Axl Rose has reportedly slipped and pulled a hamstring during a "wild weekend" in Moscow, Russia.

Rose posted a photo on his Twitter account showing extensive bruising to his leg. He wrote, "Can U say HemaToma?!"

According to WebMD, hematoma is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel. It occurs because the wall of a blood vessel wall, artery, vein or capillary, has been damaged and blood has leaked into tissues where it does not belong. The hematoma may be tiny, with just a dot of blood or it can be large and cause significant swelling.

GUNS N' ROSES played two shows in Moscow at the sold-out Stadium Live Friday and Saturday and is scheduled to continue the tour with a show in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday, May 17.

According to the Komsomolskaya Pravda web site, Rose hurt his leg when he fell off a table while dancing at the trendy club Premier Lounge after the second Moscow concert.

Axl Rose skipped GUNS N' ROSES' induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame last month and declined to be inducted along with the rest of the group. The singer also reaffirmed that there is no chance of the original lineup reuniting, and seemed to speak directly to fans still hoping for a reunion when he added, "Time to move on. People get divorced. Life doesn't owe you your own personal happy ending especially at another's, or in this case several others', expense."

In at least a partial nod to his former bandmates, however, Rose wrote, "For the record, I would not begrudge anyone from GUNS their accomplishments or recognition for such. Neither I or anyone in my camp has made any requests or demands of the Hall Of Fame. It's their show, not mine."

Original GN'R members Slash, Steven Adler and Duff McKagan, along with later members Matt Sorum and Gilby Clarke, performed three songs at the induction ceremony in Cleveland. They were joined on vocals by Myles Kennedy, who sings in Slash's solo band.

In addition sole original member Axl Rose, the current lineup of GUNS N' ROSES includes guitarists Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Richard Fortus and DJ Ashba, bassist Tommy Stinson, keyboardists Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman and drummer Frank Ferrer.

Ned of the WGRD 97.9 FM radio station in Grand Rapids, Michigan recently conducted an interview with former PANTERA and current DOWN frontman Philip Anselmo. You can now listen to the entire 13-minute chat in the YouTube clip below. A couple of excerpts follow.

On the possibility of a PANTERA reunion with Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE) filling in for the late "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott on guitar:

Anselmo: "That's an interesting question. Well, look, before anything like that could possibly happen, Vince [Vinnie Paul Abbott, Dimebag's brother and former PANTERA drummer] and I would have to actually be in the same room, we'd have to sit down, hash out whatever differences, demons… whatever… we'd have to hash it all out. And as far as Zakk Wylde goes, I'm not so sold on all that, because I think he and I have to sit down and hash some crap out. That day has not come yet, and [when] that day comes, I can comment further on it. As of right now, it's just talk."

On whether he thinks a possible Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction in the future would be a good opportunity for the surviving members of PANTERA to reunite on stage:

Anselmo: "Well, first and foremost, I can't even imagine us being inducted into the Hall Of Fame, but then again, I couldn't even imagine us having the amount of success that we've done. I don't look into the crystal ball of it all. All I do is what I do, and if people like it, that's their decision. I don't really have much say-so in that, and I don't expect things like this. First of all, like I say, the whole Hall Of Fame thing would be, actually, quite surprising to me. But if it had to happen like that, believe me, if I knew Vince and Rex [Brown, former PANTERA bassist] were gonna be there, you bet your ass I would be there — heck yeah, I would be there, man. I would show up with the best intentions in mind. I'm the type of the guy to where I can't hold a grudge, man. I do forgive; it's just my nature. Like I say, there is a lot of stuff for Vince and I to hash out. And I think, me personally, the way I feel about it is I think we can hash that stuff out if I was ever given a chance to talk to the guy — even on the freaking phone. But I'm not afforded that luxury, so really, once again, it's just wishful thinking, but like I say, my door is wide open. Fucking, man, I really wish it."

Fan-filmed video footage of DOKKEN's May 12 performance at the M3 Rock Festival at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland can be seen below.

Frontiers Records last week announced that it will release DOKKEN's new album, "Broken Bones", in the fall. The drums for the CD were laid down at MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee's The Atrium studio in Calabasas, California.

DOKKEN frontman Don Dokken stated in a recent interview about the new album title, "[It]is a metaphor that we all have broken bones, be it from an accident, failed relationship, or a broken heart. Everybody gets wounded as we go through life, but, as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

Dokken previously described the band's new material as "very uptempo and heavy." He added, "We know our fans like the classic DOKKEN sound, and this is where our new music is headed. It's been a band of brothers doing what we love: 'music.'"

Regarding the new songs' lyrical approach, Dokken said, "I write what comes from the heart, I don't believe in writing music trying to repeat what you've already done. I understand what the fans want but as an artist I see no point in painting the same picture over and over."

The cooperation between Frontiers and DOKKEN started with the European release of the group's "Lightning Strikes Again" CD in 2007. The album marked a return to DOKKEN's signature style with melodic hooklines and blazing guitar riffs that epitomized the band's sound on such records as "Tooth And Nail", "Under Lock And Key", "Back For The Attack" and "Dysfunctional".

DOKKEN's current lineup consists of Don Dokken on lead vocals, Jon Levin on guitar, Sean McNabb on bass and Mick Brown on drums.

Hardcore/metal veterans VISION OF DISORDER (a.k.a. V.O.D.) have set "The Cursed Remain Cursed" as the title of their new album, due later in the year via Candlelight Records. The CD was produced by Will Putney (SHADOWS FALL, SUICIDE SILENCE, FOUR YEAR STRONG) and was mixed by Cameron Webb (MOTÖRHEAD, SOCIAL DISTORTION, IGNITE, PENNYWISE).

In a recent interview with Terrorizer magazine, VISION OF DISORDER frontman Tim Williams stated about the band's new CD, "This record is vintage V.O.D., but we've all grown as musicians and individuals since the last stuff we released. It's pretty diverse. You've got songs like 'Blood Red Sun' that are among the most forward-thinking, progressive things we've ever done, while still being real vicious — but there are some straight-up numbers too, like 'Hard Times' and 'Loveless'. Lyrically, it's coming from a pretty dark place, falling into the pits of one's own personal hell, and having to crawl out or die down there, plus there's some more political stuff, too. This has been a long time in the making and we just went with what felt right."

VISION OF DISORDER recently filmed a video for the song "Set To Fail", which is expected to be the first single from "The Cursed Remain Cursed".

In a recent press release, VISION OF DISORDER stated about its plans for the forthcoming album, "Before the word 'metalcore' existed… VISION OF DISORDER did. We did what we did because we loved it, not because we thought others might. 20 years later, we're once again at work with the same approach. . . We are bringing all the elements of what made us unique and ferocious to the table."

Regarding the musical direction of VISION OF DISORDER's new material, bassist Mike Fleischmann previously told Greg Prato of UGO, "The songs are what you would expect from V.O.D. — very aggressive and melodic. We really feel that on these new songs we have kind of mixed up all of our past efforts into a blender with a dash of new flavor, and we are excited to see what V.O.D. fans will think of it."

VISION OF DISORDER's current lineup includes singer Tim Williams, guitarists Matt Baumbach and Mike Kennedy, Fleischmann and drummer Brendon Cohen.

The band's last studio album, "From Bliss to Devastation", came out in 2001 via TVT Records.

VISION OF DISORDER toured with some of metal's biggest names during the late 1990s — including PANTERA, BLACK SABBATH, TYPE O NEGATIVE, ANTHRAX and BAD BRAINS — before calling it quits in 2001, and then reuniting in 2008.

As a tribute to metal legend Ronnie James Dio, and in honor of the two-year anniversary of his death, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada-based metallers 3 INCHES OF BLOOD have released a lyric video for their song "Look Out". Vocalist Cam Pipes explains, "It was hard to find the right words for a song honoring Ronnie James Dio, but I hope it is regarded as a fitting tribute to a legendary figure. His impact on the metal community will last forever, and though he may have been small in stature, his contribution to the music scene is larger than most will ever achieve."

"Look Out" can be found on 3 INCHES OF BLOOD's latest album, "Long Live Heavy Metal", which was released on March 27 via Century Media Records.

For "Long Live Heavy Metal", 3 INCHES OF BLOOD reunited with producer and engineer Terry "Sho" Murray (CITY OF FIRE, EXHIBITIONISTS), who worked with the band on their seven-inch single, "Anthems For The Victorious".

3 INCHES OF BLOOD teamed up with Kim Thiessen to perfect their artistic vision for the album, which was released as a digipack and when opened, lays out similar to that of a book.

3 INCHES OF BLOOD recently recruited Byron Stroud (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, FEAR FACTORY) as its new bassist.

Stroud and 3 INCHES OF BLOOD have been working together on a variety of things, and Stroud is beyond pleased to shift his involvement to a creative level.

3 INCHES OF BLOOD recently took part in the "Metal Alliance Tour 2012" alongside DEVILDRIVER, THE FACELESS, DYING FETUS, JOB FOR A COWBOY, IMPENDING DOOM and WRETCHED.

Starting in June, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD will hit the road with MUNICIPAL WASTE and BLACK TUSK for a U.S. tour, and then head back to Canada for a headlining run.

Swedish black metallers DARK FUNERAL have inked a three-album deal with Century Media Records.

Comments DARK FUNERAL guitarist and founding member Lord Ahriman: "Our bad luck with labels in the past has for sure been very frustrating. So it is with great pleasure to finally be able to turn the page, move on and start a new dark chapter in the DARK FUNERAL saga, as we join the great Century Media family. Century Media has more than enough proven to be a stable and highly professional label. And we are totally looking forward to this new cooperation, which I'm sure will prove to be very satisfying and successful for both parts. Hail the goat!"

Adds Jens Prüter, head of A&R at Century Media in Europe: "I always respected DARK FUNERAL for their endurance and integrity. They've gone through some hard times, but never gave up and also never gave in to compromise on their musical and aesthetic vision. Almost 20 years after their formation, it's still the same powerhouse of unmerciful black metal and the new lineup is stronger and more focused than in the past. Thanks to Lord Ahriman and the whole band! Looking forward to their 20th anniversary in 2013 with a new album."

The new lineup of DARK FUNERAL — featuring the group's latest additions, vocalist Nachtgarm (NEGATOR) and bassist Zornheym — made its live debut on the Sweden Rock Cruise. The ship Tallink Silja Galaxy set sail from Stockholm, Sweden on October 6, 2011 and made a round trip to Turku, Finland before returning to Stockholm 23 hours later.

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

DARK FUNERAL 2012 is:

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

Photo by Chris Ntaskas (from left to right): Lord Ahriman (guitar), Dominator (drums), Jens Prüter (Head Of A&R at Century Media Records Europe), Zornheym (bass), Nachtgarm (vocals), Chaq Mol (guitar)

Nuclear Blast Records has announced the signing of Swedish doom metal kings WITCHCRAFT.

After a five-year recording hiatus, WITCHCRAFT is currently tracking the follow-up to 2007's "The Alchemist" with renowned producer Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (KREATOR, OPETH, AMON AMARTH, PARADISE LOST, KATATONIA) in Örebro, Sweden. Tentatively titled "Legend", the CD will mark the recording debut of the band's new members Simon Solomon (guitar), Tom Jondelius (guitar) and Oscar Johansson (drums). Going forward, WITCHCRAFT leader Magnus Pelander will focus on his unique vocals without playing guitar anymore.

Commented Pelander: "There's magic going on in the studio and we can hardly wait to eventually give something back to our loyal fans! We know you guys have been waiting for this!"

WITCHCRAFT, who formed in 2000 in tribute to band heroes Roky Erickson and Bobby Liebling (PENTAGRAM), create heavy, blues-based rock augmented with touches of psychedelica and late '60s pop flourishes. The quartet's first-class songs reference the darker side of hard rock while remaining surprisingly accessible. Flying largely under the radar of the popular music landscape previously, WITCHCRAFT is a hallowed name in underground circles and has found itself championed by a diverse cross-section of distinguished music adherents including American actor Elijah Wood, who publicly called the band "amazing," and DOWN frontman Philip Anselmo, who in 2009 proudly proclaimed WITCHCRAFT as his "new favorite band."

Recorded 100% pro-tools and digital free at Stockholm's UpandRunning studios with producer Tom Hakava and using only vintage amplification, WITCHCRAFT's latest album, "The Alchemist", showcases a group of musicians at ease with their playing and songwriting. Addictive melodies flow simultaneously with catchy, heavy riffs, while maintaining a relaxed and laid back feel throughout. Among its many highlights, the album features the standout songs "Walk Between the Lines" and "Hey Doctor" as well as the record's plat du jour, the three-part progressive rock odyssey of the title track "The Alchemist".

Norwegian dark metallers AETERNUS will enter Bergen's Conclave And Earshot Studios in June with producer Bjornar E. Nilsen (VULTURE INDUSTRIES, BLACK HOLE GENERATOR) to begin recording their seventh full-length album, "And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth", for a late 2012 release via Dark Essence Records.

Formed in 1993 in Bergen, and with six full-length albums under their belts, AETERNUS is one of the pioneers of what the band calls "dark metal," meshing the sounds of black metal and death metal with superlative guitar playing and occasional haunting, melodic interludes. Of the original lineup, only founder, guitarist and frontman Ares remains, but he has put together a new and formidable lineup, bringing onboard drummer Phobos (GRAVDAL, GALAR, MALSAIN) and guitarist Specter (GRAVDAL, live session guitarist GALAR and VULTURE INDUSTRIES). Session live bass is handled by Skyggen (TORTORUM, live session guitarist GORGOROTH). The new lineup will hit the stage at the Hub and Heuy Metalfest at De Azijnfabriek in Roermond, Netherlands on May 19, with an exclusive set showcasing tracks from AETERNUS' first two albums, "Beyond the Wandering Moon" and "And So the Night Became".

Commenting on the re-emergence of the band, seven years after the release of their last album, "Hexaeon", Ares said, "Time seems to just pass by without you realizing. Although AETERNUS hasn't seemed to be very active recently, I have been writing and working on new material, and we have chosen ten tracks for the new album which we have been rehearsing ready for when we enter the studio. I'm not going to say much about them except that Phobos and Specter have brought their own approach to things without losing any of the heaviness, power and intensity that people have come to expect from AETERNUS. It's a whole new era for the band, and we can't wait to get going."

Norwegian singer Silje Wergeland, who has been fronting Dutch rockers THE GATHERING since early 2009, has recorded a duet with KATATONIA's Jonas Renske for the Swedish dark rockers' new album, tentatively due in September via Peaceville Records. KATATONIA describes the collaboration as "a beautiful fit in every way."

KATATONIA's new CD was recorded over a two-month period at Stockholm's Ghost Ward studios and the band's new, as-yet-unnamed headquarters. David Castillo returned to "twiddle the knobs," while band co-founders Anders "Blakkheim" Nyström and Jonas Renkse handled the rest of the production duties.

"Our seal of identity is on here for sure," Nyström told Decibel magazine. "We haven't gone and changed our sound, but we've further explored some different angles of good music, and that's what we need to do to keep the focus. It might not be so obvious to some, but to others it will be a bigger deal. So, sure, a few surprises and a few songs going off territory are in there, but overall this album is a natural follow-up to [2009's] 'Night Is The New Day', and that is what we wanted to do."

In a recent interview with Loud TV (audio available below), Nyström stated about the overall musical direction of the band's new CD, "It sounds definitely like KATATONIA; it's a KATATONIA album — solely KATATONIA album. The difference this time is that we maybe even pushed the differences even further. If you compare some of the songs, they could be almost in difference categories of genres, but the interesting thing here is that we have managed with our sound and the production and our performances to make it sound like it's not that far apart; it sounds like it's the same band. But if we would give the songs to some other band, it would sound very, very different. So I'm really happy with that. It was a big challenge. Like, for instance, you could have a song that is going totally off into this singer-songwriter territory, and you could have another song that goes into one of the most aggressive, heavy songs we've ever done, but when I listen to those both songs back to back, I can hear it's the same band doing [them]."

When asked if the new KATATONIA album is the kind of record that will take several airings to really register with the listener, Nyström said, "Yes. It might be even more like that this time [than in the past], probably, which is a good thing. I was nervous in the beginning and a little bit insecure with how we were gonna pull this album off and what people were gonna think and everything, but now I have this total calm about it; I am totally positive and confident that we have made the album that we needed to do and also what people expect from us. It might take a few listenings to get into the whole thing, but that will stay longer in your listening collection — you will not get tired of it in the first place; I am totally sure of it."

Regarding the upcoming CD's cover artwork — which is once again being created by Travis Smith of Seempieces (OPETH, DEVIN TOWNSEND) — Nyström said, "It's also gonna be a little bit different. It's actually a really big piece that we're splitting into four, and one of those four is gonna be on the cover. So there will be more to it than what you see first. I don't want to describe too much what's on it yet — you're gonna see that when it's [unveiled] pretty soon — but we're changing the color theme this time. We have been doing the black and the red for a long time now, and we're going totally the opposite and we're doing, actually… The basic color is, actually, white on the new one, but it's not solid white — it's like shades of frost whites and a little bit grey and mixed with black."

On the topic of the lyrical themes cover on the new KATATONIA album, Nyström said, "The lyrics are, actually, a mixture of trying to be as direct and easy as possible but also remaining a very cryptic feel at the same time, which is a very cool paradox. We're not trying to make it too complicated, but it might be… I mean, the words aren't too complicated, but the meaning of the songs is encrypted. And that we are very eager to see how people will react to and how they will define the meanings of these lyrics. 'Cause they're easy to read, easy to access, but the meaning itself might not be that easy [to decipher]."

Interview (audio)

Legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio, best known for his work with BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW and his own band DIO, died of stomach cancer two years ago on Wednesday (May 16) at the age of 67.

BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi, who is currently receiving treatment in England for the early stages of lymphoma, with which he was diagnosed late last year, writes on his official web site, "I've been thinking of you, old friend, while dealing with my own health issues over the last six months and remembering the good times."

Dio was renowned throughout the world as one of the greatest and most influential vocalists in heavy metal history. The singer, who was recording and touring with SABBATH offshoot HEAVEN & HELL prior to his illness, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in late 2009. He underwent chemotherapy and made what is now his final public appearance in April 2010 at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles.

A free public memorial service was held on May 30, 2010 at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles, attended by more than 1,500 fans, friends and fellow musicians.

In March 2011, it was announced that the surviving members of the final lineup of DIO would embark on a project with former JUDAS PRIEST frontman Tim "Ripper" Owens under the name DIO DISCIPLES.

His wife and manager, Wendy Dio, still oversees all projects and releases related to the career and music of her late husband.

Ronnie James Dio, real name Ronald James Padavona, was born in New Hampshire on July 10, 1942.

He moved to Cortland, New York at a young age, where he began playing with local acts. A street in Cortland, Dio Way, was named after him in 1988.

He released his first single, with a band called RONNIE AND THE REDCAPS, in 1959.

His first heavy rock act, ELF, released three albums and opened for DEEP PURPLE, where Dio's voice caught the ear of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. Blackmore recruited Dio for his own band, RAINBOW, after leaving PURPLE in 1975.

Dio recorded three studio albums and one live set with RAINBOW before exiting in 1978, including "Rising" and "Long Live Rock And Roll".

He replaced Ozzy Osbourne in BLACK SABBATH in 1980, recording the "Heaven And Hell" and "Mob Rules" albums, plus "Live Evil", before leaving in 1982. He rejoined the group 10 years later for an album called "Dehumanizer", and again teamed with the group under the HEAVEN & HELL banner in 2006. HEAVEN & HELL released an album called "The Devil You Know" in 2009.

He has also recorded 10 studio albums with his own band, DIO, including a classic 1983 debut, "Holy Diver", and an equally renowned follow-up, 1984's "The Last In Line".

Dio was also behind the HEAR N' AID project, a collection of metal artists who recorded the track "Stars" in 1985 to raise funds for African famine relief.

Rock and metal musicians around the world paid tribute to Dio in the weeks and months following his death. STONE SOUR and SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor shared his feelings with The Pulse Of Radio about the fallen metal icon. "When I got that news that he had passed away, man, it seriously — it broke my heart. It broke it in two. Because honestly, I just feel like there will never be another Ronnie James Dio. He had such a pure voice — and still singing his ass off. I just know he'll be missed, and I will miss him as well."

Ex-VAN HALEN and current CHICKENFOOT bassist Michael Anthony also shared his memories of Dio with The Pulse Of Radio. "I don't know anybody that didn't grow up listening to his stuff," he said. "You know, VAN HALEN, we used to do from the first RAINBOW album, we did 'Man On The Silver Mountain'. I remember one time, the second VAN HALEN tour we were doing some festivals in Europe, and we actually played on the same show as Ronnie's band. Real powerful voice, you know, and definitely a driving force in hard rock music, that guy was."

Slash told The Pulse Of Radio that he felt the loss of Dio very keenly. "He's just somebody I was influenced by," he said. " I played all the RAINBOW stuff, I played the DIO stuff, the SABBATH stuff when I was in, you know, high school. I don't think that it's really set in what a, you know, huge figure in rock 'n' roll we lost, you know. Really major. Probably one of the most influential heavy metal singers of all time."

A trailer for "A Girl Called Cerveza", the forthcoming 30th-anniversary album from German alcoholic thrashers TANKARD, can be seen below. The five-and-a-half-minute clip features footage that was filmed at the official listening session for the CD, which was held in late April at Studio 23 in Frankfurt, Germany.

"A Girl Called Cerveza" will be released on July 27 via TANKARD's new label home, Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Studio 23 in Frankfurt with producer Michael Mainx (ONKELZ, DER W, DISBELIEF, D-A-D).

"A Girl Called Cerveza" track listing:

11. Running On Fumes
12. A Girl Called Serveza
13. Witchhunt 2.0
14. Masters Of Farces
15. The Metal Lady Boy (feat. Doro Pesch)
16. Not One Day Dead (But One Day Mad)
17. Son Of A Fridge
18. Fandom At Random
19. Metal Magnolia
20. Rapid Fire (A Tyrant's Elegy)

The cover artwork for "A Girl Called Cerveza" can be seen below.

TANKARD vocalist Andreas "Gerre" Geremia's track-by-track commentary:

"Running On Fumes":

Gerre: "Within the last two years, it has happened at several concerts that we ran out of beer for both the audience and the band. That's, of course, an insupportable situation that has to be worked off lyrically. Apart from that, one of my favorite songs with a very catchy chorus."

"A Girl Called Cerveza":

Gerre: "Our bass player Frank came up with this brilliant album title during our first stay in South America in December of 2007. I really don't remember why this track didn't find its way onto the last album — we're all suffering from dementia already. A highly catchy chorus penned by our ex-guitarist Andreas Bulgaropoulos plus kind of an old school-ish verse. Not least because of the topic obviously the first choice for a video clip!"

"Witchhunt 2.0":

Gerre: "The first song that we wrote for the new record. A typical TANKARD thrasher that's also quite contentful on the lyrical side: It's about cyber mobbing and all the shit happening anonymously on the Internet!"

"Masters Of Farces":

Gerre: "The first political song on the album. It's mostly about the marionettes of the populist American tea party movement. Musically, it's a catchy vigorous thrasher."

"The Metal Lady Boy" (feat. Doro Pesch)

Gerre: "Absolutely my personal favorite song of the album — not only because Doro is singing on it. When I visited one of her concerts a while ago and she spotted me in the first row, I had to come onto the stage and join her for 'All We Are'. Later on, I asked her backstage in a slightly tipsy condition if she'd like to sing on a TANKARD love song — and she agreed. This song is based on our first trip to Thailand last summer and offers big hit potential!"

"Not One Day Dead (But One Day Mad)":

Gerre: "This one's about us being around for 30 years, never giving up and always fighting against the odds — our own birthday song, so to speak. There have been some changes in the chorus during the recordings in the studio, but yet I believe that it's a typical timeless TANKARD song that could have also been released 20 years ago!"

"Son Of A Fridge":

Gerre: "A terrific play on words referring to 'Son Of A Bitch'. Very melodic beginning with clean vocals. The song escalates, but nevertheless remains the most melodic track on the album due to the chorus."

"Fandom At Random":

Gerre: "Very dragging beginning that later on develops into a true thrash grenade. It's a critical analysis of a fan's life."

"Metal Magnolia":

Gerre: "When looking at the title, one could think the song contained funny lyrics, but in actual fact it's about the relationship between men and women in general — almost the second love song on the album with a really speedy and catchy chorus plus wicked effects in the middle of the song!"

"Rapid Fire (A Tyrant's Elegy)":

Gerre: "According to the opinion of many people who've heard the album so far, this is one of the most sophisticated songs on the record. With its strong chorus it's absolutely a
worthy conclusion of the album with very serious and relevant lyrics: It deals with a dictator oppressing his nation!"

TANKARD's fourteenth studio album, "Vol(l)ume 14", was released on December 17, 2010 via AFM Records. The limited-edition digipak version of the album included a bonus DVD containing footage of TANKARD's performance at the 2009 edition of the Headbangers Open Air festival, which took place July 23-25, 2009 in in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany.

Professionally filmed video footage of veteran female-fronted German thrashers HOLY MOSES performing at the Walpurgis Metal Days on April 27 at Festplatz in Hauzenberg, Germany can be seen below.

HOLY MOSES released the "30th Anniversary - In The Power Of Now" double album on April 30 in Germany, April 23 in the rest of Europe and early May in North America via SPV/Steamhammer. The CD contains re-recorded versions of 20 of the most important songs in HOLY MOSES' 30-year catalog along with two brand new tracks.

"30th Anniversary - In The Power Of Now" track listing:

CD 1

01. Clash My Soul (02:36)
02. Jungle Of Lies (03:46)
03. Finished With The Dogs (02:29)
04. Symbol Of Spirit (03:42)
05. World Chaos (03:12)
06. SSP (03:40)
07. Borderland (03:27) (brand new song)
08. Lost In The Maze (05:51)
09. Walpurgisnight (02:58)
10. Welcome To The Real World (03:31)
11. Near Dark (05:30)

CD 2

01. Reborn Dogs (03:50)
02. Def Con II (04:26)
03. I Feel Sick (03:48)
04. Nothing For My Mum (03:51)
05. Disorder Of The Order (04:14)
06. Corroded Dreams (04:04)
07. Entering The Now (03:40) (brand new song)
08. Creation Of Violation (03:56)
09. Panic (03:13)
10. Decapitated Minds (03:40)
11. Master Of Disaster (03:45)

HOLY MOSES recently parted ways with longtime guitarist Michael Hankel and replaced him with Peter "Pete" Geltat (ex-DESILENCE).

HOLY MOSES is:

Sabina Classen - Vocals
Michael Hankel - Guitars
Oliver Jaath - Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
Gerd Lücking - Drums
Thomas Neitsch - Bass

"Agony of Death", the latest album from HOLY MOSES, was released in September 2008 in Europe via Wacken Records/SPV. The CD was recorded at the Blue Castle Studio near Hamburg with producer/guitar player Michael Hankel. DESTRUCTION, OBITUARY and AXEL RUDI PELL members are among the guest musicians who appear on the album.

Irish rockers THE ANSWER will release a new EP, "Rise", named after their previously unreleased track, on July 2 via their own The Answer Productions label. The EP will consist of a new 2012 radio edit mix of "Rise", an extended full-length version, a very special acoustic/orchestral version and a brand new mix of another rockin' gem called "Lost".

Commented the band, "['Rise'] is different to anything you may have heard from us in the past and we love it! To mark the occasion we'll be playing a special one-off performance of the 'Rise' album from start to finish in Belfast's Empire Music Hall on July 5."

In other news, THE ANSWER will perform a special concert at Belfast's The Ulster Hall as part of the BBC televised 150th anniversary celebration of the legendary venue. The band says, "This show is a massive event in our native Ulster and we're incredibly thrilled to be able to announce that on May 22nd, we will be performing our much requested song 'Rise' in a special arrangement with the Ulster Orchestra. We've played a few momentous gigs in Northern Ireland's most famous venue before, but this one will be unlike anything you've seen us do before. It will be a truly spectacular experience performing with one of the finest symphony orchestras in the world and to also finally get to perform a song that we have loved but never released — until now, that is."

"Rise" EP track listing:

01. Rise (radio edit)
02. Lost (2012 mix)
03. Rise (full version)
04. Rise (acoustic / orchestral version)

Micah Sheveloff, co-founder of THE VOODOO JETS, will release a collection of piano-based songs called "Exhibitionist" on July 1, featuring a host of guest artists. The first track to be unveiled, a piano-and-voice cover of BLACK SABBATH's "Heaven and Hell" recorded with former MELIAH RAGE singer Mike Munro, will be released on YouTube to commemorate the second anniversary of the legendary SABBATH singer's passing.

"This rendition of 'Heaven And Hell' has been percolating inside my head since the song was first released over 30 years ago," Sheveloff said. "I wanted to maintain the dark feel of the track on solo piano, staying away from anything too flowery while layering in some interesting chord changes — and the huge voice of Mike Munro seemed like a perfect fit. I am so thankful we were able to work together."

Sheveloff's release contains ten songs encompassing a wide array of mood, tempo and lyrical content. There are eight original compositions plus the BLACK SABBATH track and another cover duet with legendary Boston singer/songwriter Rick Berlin. Berlin sings Sheveloff's piano arrangement of CHEAP TRICK's "Heaven Tonight".

"I had several fundamental goals for this record — the first was to sing my own songs, establish my own voice," Sheveloff explained. "I also wanted an opportunity to mix in the personalities and creative sensibilities of some gifted musicians, and everyone who participated in the project was amazing. I think recording live to 2-inch tape was a big part of it — I kept computers out of the equation until the mixing stage and that process allows great players to shine. I think we captured a lot of genuine human energy on this record," Sheveloff added.

Drummer Greg Trabandt and bassist Clint Amereno anchored Sheveloff's original songs, with guitarist Ed Vick sizzling on five tracks. Sheveloff also enlisted noted guitarist Marc Shulman (SUZANNE VEGA) to impart his ethereal style on two of the original songs. "I played a session some years ago and I remember asking the producer — who played those tasty guitar tracks? I've been looking for an opportunity to work with Marc ever since," recalled Sheveloff.

Rounding out the guest list is renowned Vermont guitarist Paul Asbell and vocalist James Mix who teamed up with Connecticut jazz rhythm players Steve Clark (bass) and drummer Paul Mills on a song called "Too Many Times".

"Exhibitionist" is an honest record. The writing is uninhibited; the players played, the singers stepped up to the mic and sung the songs. Recorded at New Haven's Firehouse 12 using a 9-foot concert Steinway and a vintage Hammond B3, "Exhibitionist" is meant to be an intimate experience.

Indie Recordings has announced the signing of Norwegian thrashers TANTARA. The band will release a seven-inch vinyl single, "Based On Evil", on June 29 cotaning the title track and the previously unreleased song "Court Justice". It will be strictly limited to 300 copies and only available in certain online stores. A full-length album will follow later in the year. The CD is being recorded with producer Flemming Rasmussen (METALLICA, MORBID ANGEL) at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark.

TANTARA will embark on the Norwegian "Thrash 'Till Death Tour 2012" in October with FORGERY and HARM. The kick-off party will take place on May 19 at Gamla in Oslo.

TANTARA is a young Norwegian thrash metal band, mainly from Vestfold. The band saw the light in September 2009 when drummer Stian Sannerud and rhythm guitarist Fredrik Bjerkø decided to take their "talent show" project to a new level. The two musicians recruited Per Semb as their lead guitarist. In April 2011, the Swedish bass virtuoso Max Warnby joined TANTARA after an impressing performance at one of the band's concerts, where he played as a stand-in.

TANTARA's influences consist mostly of old-school thrash metal bands like HEATHEN, ANTHRAX, EXODUS, MEGADETH, SLAYER, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, VIO-LENCE and METALLICA.

In August 2010, TANTARA recorded its first EP, which came out later that same year.

The official EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for "Few Against Many", the new album from Greek melodic metallers FIREWIND — who feature in their ranks current OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist Gus G. — can be seen below. Due in Europe on May 21 via Century Media Records and in North America on May 22 through DisManic, Inc. via eOne Distribution, the CD was mixed by Jason Suecof and Eyal Levi at Audiohammer Studios (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, DEATH ANGEL) in Sanford, Florida.

Produced by Gus, "Few Against Many" was recorded with his longtime bandmates, vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, keyboardist/guitarist Bob Katsionis and bassist Petros Christo, at Valve Studio in Greece as well as the Sweetspot Studios in Sweden and sees the band expanding on its signature melodic sound with some of its most aggressive songs to date. The CD also marks the recording debut of new FIREWIND drummer Johan Nunez (NIGHTRAGE). The young Belgian is regarded by Gus as a "phenomenal talent," and anyone that witnessed him on the band's most recent world tour will no doubt agree.

"Few Against Many" track listing:

01. Wall Of Sound
02. Losing My Mind
03. Few Against Many
04. The Undying Fire
05. Another Dimension
06. Glorious
07. Edge Of A Dream (feat. APOCALYPTICA)
08. Destiny
09. Long Gone Tomorrow
10. No Heroes, No Sinners

The song "Edge Of A Dream" features a special appearance of Finnish cello superstars APOCALYPTICA.

While the album's standard version will be available in the CD format as well as LP and also as digital download, "Few Against Many" will also be released as limited-edition digipak CD with two special bonus tracks: "Battleborn" and an acoustic version of "No Heroes, No Sinners".

The "Wall Of Sound" video can be seen below. The clip was filmed by Colin Marshall during the band’s recent shows in Greece.

Commented Gus: "We wanted to do a different video this time, instead of the usual indoor studio shootings. So we figured we'd show the band in its comfort zone — on stage. The clip was shot on our most recent shows in Greece this past January and you can witness the mayhem that goes down when we play in our home country! Enjoy!"

FIREWIND 2012 is:

Bob Katsionis - Keyboards, Guitar
Apollo Papathanasio - Vocals
Gus G. - Guitar
Petros Christo - Bass
Jo Nunez - Drums

FIREWIND debuted two brand new songs — "Wall Of Sound" and "Losing My Mind" — during its headlining concert on January 14 at the Fuzz Club in Athens, Greece.

FIREWIND has already announced a few summer festival appearances (including Summer Breeze in Germany and Czech Republic's Masters Of Rock) and will play three shows in China and Taiwan at the end of August. The band will also embark on a European headlining tour in September/October with support from LEAVES' EYES.

"Few Against Many" EPK:

Danish death metal veterans THE CLEANSING have announced the addition of drummer Mads Lauridsen (KONKHRA, PANZERCHRIST) and bassist Martin Leth Andersen (KOLDBORN) to the group's ranks. Lauridsen joins THE CLEANSING as the replacement for Morten Løwe (now with AMARANTHE), while Andersen was tapped to replace Mads Haarløv (INIQUITY). The current lineup is rounded by vocalist Toke Kristof Eld and guitarists Jeppe Hasseriis and Andreas Lynge.

Lynge and Hasseriis recently commenced writing material for THE CLEANSING's as-yet-untitled third full-length album. Lynge states, "In order to keep things fresh, we're gonna try some new musical ideas that we haven't done before. We have had a long break from writing and a lot of new and different inspirations have emerged since 'Poisoned Legacy' and 'Feeding The Inevitable', and that is really reflecting the new stuff. Of course, it's still gonna have 'THE CLEANSING sound,' but the music will have 'more of a twist' this time! Once people will hear it, they will know what we're talking about! Right now the writing sessions are at a very early stage, so it's too early to say more right now!"

In other news, THE CLEANSING will play at the Day of Decay festival as the replacement for THE BURNING this Friday, May 18 in Aalborg, Denmark. Also scheduled to appear are KRISIUN, OBSCURA, MERCENARY and others.

THE CLEANSING's second album, "Feeding The Inevitable", was released last year via the U.S. label Deepsend Records. The nine-song CD was mixed at CB studios in Denmark with producer Christian Bonde. The mastering duties were handled by Bjørn Engelmann (BEHEMOTH, BLOODBATH) at the Cutting Room in Sweden. Remy C. from Headsplit Design created the artwork/cover.

BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward has released the following statement:

"Dear SABBATH fans and fellow musicians,

"I sincerely regret to inform you that after a final effort to participate in the upcoming SABBATH shows, a failure to agree has continued. At this time I have to inform you that I won't be playing with BLACK SABBATH at the Birmingham gig dated May 19th, 2012, nor will I be playing at [U.K.'s] Download [festival] on June 10th, 2012. Further, I will not be playing at Lollapalooza [festival] on August 3, 2012.

"It is with a very sad heart that I bring you this news. I am sincerely passionate in my desire to play with the band, and I'm very, very sorry that it's fallen to this. This statement is even more painstaking to write, as I was particularly excited to play alongside Tony Iommi after the recent treatments he underwent. I wanted that to become a reality.

"To express my thoughts about you, the SABBATH fans, I'm going to speak to you all through an experience my brother James had recently. My brother Jimmy lives in the U.K. When speaking with him a couple of days ago, he told me that an acquaintance had stopped him on the street and confronted him, 'Is your brother playing Birmingham? What's going on? I waited in line with my son and paid X amount for the concert tickets.'

"The man's son is a young drummer. He's going to see SABBATH, and he wants to see Bill Ward play drums.

"Upon hearing this news, I felt horrible. I couldn't help feeling some resentment towards the failure to reach an agreement, the failure to remember where we came from, the failure to be as brothers, as we once were.

"To be clear, I'm not blaming the other guys or finding any faults with them. I would think it can't be easy for them either, but this situation is just really sad. It's sad that it's come to this. 'This' will surely leave a mark and be unwelcome to the memory. Hopefully 'this' will heal and pass in time.

"My heart sank when Jimmy told me about this young boy. I know this boy is going to be disappointed, and I don't know how to amend it, other than to put my arms around the boy and tell him I love him.

"SABBATH fans have a voice and a face. To me you're human, you have families and despair. You have ferocity and emotions and graciousness, and at this moment, as far as I'm concerned, you are also that young boy in England. I don't know how to amend my part in these failings other than to put my arms around you and say I love you and let you know I'm very, very sorry.

"Throughout this process, which began over a year ago, I have had to stand up for myself time and time again. I have had to stand up for myself and in doing so realize my actions indirectly, although unintentionally, are upsetting and hurting a lot of you. I know in my heart I couldn't have done these concerts by agreeing the terms suggested. I made a solemn vow after the last European and Ozzfest concerts that I would never again enter into what was, in my opinion, a totally unsatisfactory contract. I have to stand for something, and as painful as it is, I'm doing it.

"Earlier in April 2012, I'd been asked to participate 'minimally' in the Download festival. I believe I'd been offered no more than three songs to play while another drummer presumably played the rest of the show with BLACK SABBATH. I was not willing to participate in that offer. I was not prepared to watch another drummer play a SABBATH set, while I was to play only three songs.

"I found out about the Birmingham gig on Monday, April 30 through the Internet ad. I was taken aback somewhat by the date, and the fact it was Birmingham. Knowing the 'signable' contract negotiations were at best in shreds, I was upset by the idea that the band was going to play Birmingham and play it assumedly without me. I had no prior knowledge of the date and location, and I felt totally excluded. We contacted the representative for BLACK SABBATH to see if something could be worked out. In the meantime, my drum crew and I, along with our U.S. endorsers, finished all the necessary planning for a swift departure to the U.K. There wasn't a whole lot to complete; we'd all been on standby more or less since mid-January 2012. The remaining work in the U.K. was confirmed done by our European and U.K. endorsers and we were good to go by Friday, May 4 2012. There were two stress points: firstly, getting an agreement in place, and secondly, getting to England in a timely manner. Jetlag time was taken into account as well as drum practice, a drum practice room in the heart of Birmingham, accommodation, and travel arrangements were all in place to meet with any band rehearsals that may have transpired before the Birmingham show. So far everything that had been arranged was on my dime, but we didn't move ahead without a realistic confirmation.

"Communications between the representative and my lawyer continued through the weekend of May 5, finalizing on Wednesday, May 9. The offer we received on May 9 was, 'Come to the U.K., play for free and see how the first show goes.' I was tempted. Playing for free would not have been a problem for me, but 'seeing how the first show goes' left an element of risk which could have affected Download. My ideal thought was to play in full the Birmingham show, in full Download, and in full Lollapalooza.

"I had notified the representative that May 10 was my cutoff day in order to have good lead-in time for England. On the night of May 9, I asked for a brief letter to be sent to the representative asking to find out if we were at an end. On the morning of Thursday, May 10, I received a reply in the affirmative. After consulting with my advisors and crew, a decision was made to let go and stop.

"I can't prioritize the SABBATH fans making one show more important than the other. I can't do that. All of you are important. It's all the gigs or none at all. I can't come to Birmingham and 'see what happens' knowing there is a risk of not being able to play Download or Lollapalooza. Again, for me, it's all or nothing. I had to say 'no' to Birmingham on the principle of wanting to play all the shows.

"Saying no to Birmingham is very difficult for me. My family grew up in Birmingham. BLACK SABBATH grew up in Birmingham. It's still my hometown and I resent having to arrive at such a difficult choice.

"Although the statement was made that 'the door is always open' for me, as explained above, walking through that door is not always as easy as it sounds. There are many complicated issues and unseen and unspoken agendas on hand. I can assure you, my criteria for a 'signable' contract is based in mindful principles, respectability, and acknowledgement of my history within the band.

"I hold no malice or resentment towards the other band members. I love them; I'm tolerant of them; I'm frustrated with them, as they may be with me. My fight has never been with them. I'll love them forever. In my opinion, nobody wins this time; the band doesn't win; the fans for an original lineup don't win. Nobody wins, nobody. Even the ones who thought they did.

"I didn't want to make this decision, but I have to be honest and transparent. This is the statement I didn't want to write; it's the last thing I wanted to do. But, I have written it, and now it can go into the universe.

"Since spring of 2011, I've waited patiently and hopefully for a signable contract, you know the rest. I stand for the boy in the U.K., for the coming drum student, for all the drummers, who write their parts out and get stiffed on the publishing, I stand with the SABBATH fans chanting 'Bill Ward' and asking 'why?' and I stand with Tony and Geezer and Ozzy.

"On a final note, even though I'm at an end with the upcoming announced concerts, I will remain with an open mind and a position of willingness to negotiate 'signable' terms with SABBATH's representatives in the future.

"Stay strong. Stay safe.

"With all my heart and strength, I love you, Bill Ward.

"Following on a separate page is a thank you message to some very extraordinary people."

Ozzy Osbourne's wife and manager, Sharon, said recently that SABBATH would now play just one date each in North America and the U.K.

Ozzy, Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler recently spent time in London recording their first album together in 33 years, although without drummer Bill Ward it is not the original SABBATH reunion announced last November.

Ward has been sitting out the sessions due to being offered what he called "an unsignable contract" in an open letter to SABBATH fans.

The rest of SABBATH's scheduled European summer gigs will be replaced by "Ozzy And Friends", at which the singer will be joined by Butler, former Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde and other special guests, including Slash on selected dates.

The video for "Bring Heavy Rock To The Land", the title track of the brand new studio album from Norwegian powerhouse vocalist Jorn Lande (MASTERPLAN, AVANTASIA), can be seen below. The CD will be released on June 1 in Europe and June 5 in North America via Frontiers Records.

Following a three-year silence since the release of "Spirit Black", Jorn unleashes upon the world yet another slab of classic hard rock with metal elements.

"I think this album follows a similar Jorn tradition like those before, more heavy rock oriented than metal," says Jorn. "But, as usual, it's not one musical expression all the way through the album, but a variety of musical landscapes within the categories of rock and metal."

A winning formula should not change, so Jorn has again worked with Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark, who mixed the album, ensuring the right edge to the rich guitar and vocal sound that is now trademark to all JORN releases. The lineup sees the return of Jimmy Iversen on guitar who also appeared on "Spirit Black". The pairing with Tore Moren works really well and gives Jorn's sound the usual depth and solidity.

As usual, in addition to the original material, Jorn offers some interesting covers. This time, MASTERPLAN's "Time to Be King" and Christopher Cross' "Ride Like The Wind" are the ones to get the Jorn treatment.

"When we wrote 'Time To Be King', I heard a different and more rock-oriented arrangement in my mind," says Jorn, "so after the MASTERPLAN album was released, I couldn't stop thinking about how it would sound if it was recorded with this other arrangement. I don't know which one's better, I have ended up liking both versions. As for Christopher Cross, I have always loved 'West Coast'-oriented music and bands like 10CC, PAGES, SANTANA, LITTLE RIVER BAND, EAGLES and so on. So I thought 'Ride Like The Wind' would be a good song to do Jorn style. SAXON also released a version of this song in the '80s, and the arrangement we made ended up beeing a mix between the original version and SAXON's. It's also a fun song to sing and play."

Jorn Lande's strong and diverse voice and solid songwriting skills have now become legendary in the hard rock world. In a career spanning over close to 40 album releases, as frontman for ARK and MASTERPLAN, in addition to featuring on spectacular projects such as NOSTRADAMUS "The Rock Opera", BEYOND TWILIGHT "The Devil's Hall of Fame", Tobias Sammet's AVANTASIA and AYREON.

"If you buy a Jorn album today, you know what you will get," states Jorn Lande. You are guaranteed to get your adrenaline going with the riveting sound that has solid roots in classic hard rock/heavy metal music, such as DIO, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW and WHITESNAKE.

"Bring Heavy Rock To The Land" track listing:

01. My Road
02. Bring Heavy Rock To The Land
03. A Thousand Cuts
04. Ride Like The Wind
05. Chains Around You
06. The World I See
07. Time To Be King
08. Ride To The Guns
09. Black Morning
10. I Came To Rock
11. Live And Let Fly (bonus track)

The title track, "Bring Heavy Rock To The Land", will be released as a single worldwide on May 14. A video for the song is in the works and will be directed by Thomas Tjäder (PRETTY MAIDS, IN FLAMES). Jorn says, "The title track has really a strong Jorn trademark. It was a natural choice for a title track, I felt the same about 'Lonely Are The Brave' back in 2008. Sometimes one song's got the magic and you just know it. 'Bring Heavy Rock To The Land' is such a song and regardless of how the whole album is evaluated by critics, I feel that this song will live on and become an essential Jorn classic!"

Jorn will appear live at select shows in Europe during the summer.

JORN is:

Jorn Lande: Vocals
Willy Bendiksen: Drums
Nic Angileri: Bass
Tore Moren: Guitar
Jimmy Iversen: Guitar

"Bring Heavy Rock To The Land" (song) audio snippet:

The second official trailer for "Phantom Antichrist", the new album from German thrash metal veterans KREATOR, can be seen below. Due on June 1 in Europe and June 5 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records, the CD was recorded at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden with renowned producer Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA, SOILWORK, DEVIN TOWNSEND, AMON AMARTH).

The cover artwork for the standard edition of "Phantom Antichrist" was created by Wes Benscoter (SLAYER, DIO, BLACK SABBATH) and can be seen below.

The limited edition of "Phantom Antichrist" will be made available as two-disc digipack, including a bonus DVD.

"Phantom Antichrist" formats:

- Jewel case CD *
- 2LP yellow vinyl *
- 2LP bi-colored vinyl (red/black): limited to 500 copies, hand-numbered *+
- 2LP picture vinyl **
- CD/DVD digi limited edition: 2 digipacks in a slipcase. **
- Limited mailorder edition: metallic box including CD/DVD digi limited edition, T-shirt, exclusive CD "Live In Wacken", poster, signing card, limited to 500 copies, hand-numbered **+

* = Featuring artwork by Wes Benscoter (DIO, BLACK SABBATH, SLAYER)
** = Featuring artwork by Jan Meininghaus
+ = only available at www.nuclearblast.de/shop

The "Phantom Antichrist" video can be seen below. The clip was helmed by Poland's Grupa 13, which has previously worked with BEHEMOTH, ELUVEITIE, SONATA ARCTICA and DECAPITATED, among others.

Commented KREATOR guitarist/vocalist Mille Petrozza: "The clips produced by Grupa 13 are groundbreaking visual trips that justify the existence of music videos in this day and age. In support of the lyrical concept of our new album, I could not think of a better creative solution than a collaboration with these great visionaries."

He added, "Grupa 13 strikes again! The most apocalyptic video in the history of KREATOR is here!"

In a recent interview with Suicide Scriptures, Petrozza stated about "Phantom Antichrist", "We made sure that it contains all the trademarks that we're known for — crushing brutality, riffs that are very hard to play, lyrics that talk about things that I get angry about. You know, the full treatment, basically. We didn't try to do anything different. The only goal that we set for the band was we wanted to top everything that we'd done before and make this record an exciting record. That's always the main goal."

He added, "First off, we don't plan ahead too much. I take a long time to prepare the songs at home, in my little home studio, and then when I feel that have something lyrically and musically that I feel is good and exciting and powerful, then I play it to the other guys and then we discuss it. And we might come up with new ideas or we might arrange the songs differently, or we tear them apart and put them back together. It's a long process. We started this in the beginning of 2011, and we kept writing and rehearsing the songs until January 2012."

Regarding the lyrical themes covered on "Phantom Antichrist", Mille said, "Many things: injustice; the crisis in Greece; me thinking that religion is obsolete now in this day and age; personal things. I think the lyrics for 'From Flood Into Fire', they're very different, but it's very hard for me to explain what it's about. I want people to listen to it and leave room for their own imagination. I go to the movies all the time and I'm a big movie nerd, and I hate watching a 'making-of' [documentary featuring behind-the-scenes footage] before I go into a movie. So if I would explain the lyrics right now, [it would lose the magic]."

On the topic of the "Phantom Antichrist" artwork, Mille said, "I got in touch with [artist] Wes Benscoter in the middle of June last year and I gave him a couple of songtitles. And I told him that the album might be called 'Phantom Antichrist'. I already had the idea and I told him what the lyrics were about — it's all about the apocalypse, evil in the world… typical KREATOR topics that I always write about. I think he had 'Pleasure To Kill', and he knew about the band. I liked this AUTOPSY cover that he did, and then I found that he did a lot of great stuff for BLACK SABBATH, SLAYER and many, many bands. . . I talked to one of my colleagues that plays in a German band and he told me that he would draw, with a pencil, artworks and then he would give it to a professional artist. I don't have that much influence on the artwork. I think it's best to give an idea and maybe a title or something, maybe some music even… I think that's more of letting the artist be the artist. He needs to create the visual as we do with the music."

The "Phantom Antichrist" single was released April 20 on seven-inch colored vinyl and as a digital download via iTunes, Amazon and various other digital music providers. The release also includes the exclusive IRON MAIDEN cover "The Number Of The Beast".

A brand new promotional photo of KREATOR can be seen below (photo by Stefan Heilemann of Stuttgart, Germany's Heilemania).

KREATOR is:

Miland "Mille" Petrozza – Vocals, Guitrar
Sami Yli-Sirniö - Guitar
Christian "Speesy" Giesler - Bass
Jürgen "Ventor" Reil - Drums

"Phantom Antichrist" trailer #2: