Finnish traditional folk metal pioneers KORPIKLAANI will release their eighth studio album, "Manala", on August 3 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Commented KORPIKLAANI vocalist/guitarist Jonne Järvelä: "'Manala' is the realm of the dead — the underworld in Finnish mythology. Tuonela, Tuoni, Manala and Mana are used synonymously. This place is best known for its appearance in the Finnish national epic Kalevala, on which many of our new songs are based. In the 16th poem of Kalevala, Väinämöinen, a shamanistic hero travels to Manala to seek for knowledge about the dead. On the journey he meets the ferrywoman (similar to Charon), a girl, Tuonen tytti, or Tuonen piika (Death's maid), who takes him across the river of Tuoni. However, on the isle of Tuoni he is not given the spells he was originally looking for and he barely manages to escape the place. After his return he curses anyone trying to enter the place alive."

For those of you who are now afraid of not being able to understand the mystical Finnish lyrics on the album, don't worry: "Manala" will come to you with a bonus CDcontaining the whole album with English lyrics!

"Metsälle", a new song from KORPIKLAANI, is available for streaming in the YouTube clip below. The track can also be downloaded for free at NuclearBlast.de (e-mail sign-up required).

"Metsälle" was originally recorded late last year when the band was competing to represent Finland in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest. The track will appear on KORPIKLAANI's forthcoming eighth album.

Commented KORPIKLAANI's Jonne Järvelä: "'Metsälle' can be seen as kind of a prayer to the ancient gods to ask for luck for the tough hunt deep in the woods in cold winter time. Not only is the old man in the song praying for success but — even more importantly — for a safe way through the dangerous frostiness."

KORPIKLAANI previously stated that "Metsälle" "is about the hunt on Hiisi's magical moose in the Northland. He (Lemminkäinen) puts on his charmed ski's and takes off for a prolonged hunt through forests and meadows, marshlands and woodlands, rapids and rivers. This song describes part of the Kalevala story, the national epic of Finland."

"Manala" will mark the recording debut of the band's new fiddler, Tuomas Rounakari.

KORPIKLAANI's latest CD, "Ukon Wacka", was released in North America on February 25, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.

German alcoholic thrashers TANKARD will release their their 30th-anniversary album, "A Girl Called Cerveza", on July 27 via the band'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.

Italian black/doom metal outfit FORGOTTEN TOMB will release their seventh album, "...And Don't Deliver Us From Evil", in the fall via Agonia Records. The CD will consist of seven brand new songs whcih are currently being recorded at Elfo Studio (Piacenza, Italy). Finland's Finnvox Studios (IMPALED NAZARENE, AMORPHIS, CHILDREN OF BODOM, HIM) will take care of mastering.

A video report from the studio can be seen at this location.

Having attained cult status in their own country, FORGOTTEN TOMB will release an official DVD in 2013. The disc will include two professionally filmed concerts along with bonus and backstage material, bootleg recordings, exclusive interviews and other extras. The first show will feature full performance at Kings Of Black Metal festival 2012 (Alsfeld, Germany). The second movie will be shot during the upcoming live dates, including several European festivals (Rockcult, Hellfest, Extremefest, Under The Black Sun, Barther Open Air).

Last but not least, there's a special album with FORGOTTEN TOMB remixes in the works.

FORGOTTEN TOMB's last album, "Under Saturn Retrograde", came out in 2011 via Agonia Records.

Having signed with Relapse Records last year, Atlanta-based thundergrinders PRIMATE will formally unleash their debut LP via the label in the scorching summer months ahead.

PRIMATE features the distinctive vocal stylings of Kevin Sharp (BRUTAL TRUTH), ripping fret-board antics by Bill Kelliher (MASTODON) and Mike Brennan, SST-style bass work and backing vocals by Dave Whitworth, and is rounded out by d-beat defender Shayne Huff.

After seeing a limited release by the band directly via a 1,000-run CD pressing in March 2011, PRIMATE's crushing "Draw Back A Stump" will receive an official worldwide Relapse release on July 3 on CD, LP and deluxe digital download. The seven hymns from the initial version now include additional rhythm guitars and have been remixed and remastered, and are joined with three additional previously-unreleased bonus tracks on this edition.

An all-star band comprised of extreme music scene vets hellbent on delivering Grade-A punk the likes of which has not been set loose on the ears of the world since the glory days hardcore, PRIMATE channel decades of international extreme music influences into a glorious record of hellish rage all their own. Upon its initial release Decibel magazine praised "Draw Back A Stump", calling it "grind with elements of classic U.K. crust, Swedish D-beat and American hardcore, plus just enough experimentation to create the aural equivalent of a watch throwing springs and gears in every direction while keeping perfect time," with Metal-Army America adding "'Draw Back A Stump' has all the bells and whistles of old-school hardcore and the best of modern sludgey-grind" and Grind To Death boasted the record is "like no other grind I have heard...borrowing from the crisp clean metal stylings and structures merged with the rhythmical pogo stick bouncings of punk to make its own blend of music."

"Draw Back A Stump" track listing:

01. Draw Back A Stump
02. Global Division
03. Hellbound
04. Silence of Violence [bonus]
05. Drinking and Driving
06. March of the Curmudgeon [bonus]
07. Wasted Youth
08. Pride
09. Get The Fuck Off My Lawn [bonus]
10. Reform?

PRIMATE is:

Kevin Sharp - vocals
Mike Brennan - guitars
Bill Kelliher - guitars
Dave Whitworth - bass/vocals
Shayne Huff - drums

"Life's A Bitch", the new video from Los Angeles modern rockers MODERN DAY ESCAPE, can be seen below. The clip was produced and directed by acclaimed videographer Scott Hansen (I SEE STARS, A DAY TO REMEMBER, KOTTONMOUTH KINGS) and it once again showcases a much deeper side of MODERN DAY ESCAPE than they've shown on previous releases. The video depicts a stark, reality based look at modern day life through the eyes of those struggling. Highlighting everything from bullying, hate crimes, people's inability to take care of themselves financially and homelessness, MODERN DAY ESCAPE bring their fans into the real world to encourage fans to appeciate what they have and to help those that have less than they do.

"This video is a stunning look at day to day life," explains Standby Records CEO Neil Sheehan. "MODERN DAY ESCAPE prove that their social consciousness far exceeds people's pre-conceived notions of them as a 'party band.' There's far more depth and maturity in this group than most people think."

"Life's A Bitch" comes off MODERN DAY ESCAPE's sophomore album, "Under The Gun", which was released in March via Standby Records.

"Under The Gun" track listing:

01. City Of Thieves
02. Don't Hold It Against Me
03. Life's A Bitch
04. Tiger's Blood
05. Angels Up Above
06. The Syndicate
07. Voiceless
08. Feeds On The Darkside
09. Playing Victim
10. Under The Gun
11. Demons Down Below
12. Haha

MODERN DAY ESCAPE will embark on the "Under The Gun" tour in June with special guests DR. ACULA, THE BUNNY THE BEAR and FROM ATLANTIS.

MODERN DAY ESCAPE is:

James Vegas - Vocals
Sandra Alva - Drums
Marti Rubels - Guitar
Mark Burn - Guitar
Shep - Bass

Indie Recordings has announced the signing of Norwegian metallers KRÅKE.

Original founders and brothers, Dreugh and Beist, conceived KRÅKE in 2007. From the brothers hailing from Kopervik on the west coast of Norway, the idea was to create the best possible symphonic and atmospheric black metal they could possibly achieve. It took five years to turn their vision into reality, but the result is nothing short of impressive.

KRÅKE is Norwegian for "crow," an animal known as a mythical creature throughout history and cultures especially as a herald of woe, a sign of death, but also wisdom. Inspired by this, the band strives to compose music that covers a wide variety of emotions, from anger and pride to anguish and despair. Inspiration is also sought from any source better enabling them to produce the music they want to create, be it classical and soundtrack music, literature and nature imagery. The lyrical themes are based around the darker aspects of life and the certainty of death. As for the actual music, you will find links to bands like DIMMU BORGIR, OLD MAN'S CHILD, BAL-SAGOTH and even bands like TYPE O NEGATIVE.

The first single, "And A Colder Breed", can be heard using the SoundCloud player below.

Finnish metallers COREDUST will release their full-length debut, "Decent "Death", on June 29 via Inverse Records. The album was recorded last fall at Scandal Recording Studios, with Kari Huikuri handling all the recording, engineering and mixing duties. The drums on the CD, which was mastered at Chartmakers by Henkka Niemistö, were laid down by CHILDREN OF BODOM's Jaska Raatikainen.

COREDUST in February announced the addition of drummer Petri Heinonen to the group's ranks.

Video footage of Raatikainen recording the drums for "Decent Death" can be seen below.

"Decent Death" is the follow-up to COREDUST's "Past Lives" EP, which was released in the beginning of 2008.

"Decent Death" track listing:

01. Intro
02. Without Disguise
03. Dead End
04. Decent Death
05. 03:00 AM
06. Pain Unfiltered
07. Brainwash
08. It's No Good

Theory tells that tragedy is a form of drama based on human suffering that invokes in its audience an accompanying catharsis or pleasure in listening. MISERATION's newest album, "Tragedy Has Spoken", follows this path musically and lyrically.

The theme of the third album of these Scandinavians can be described as sum of the major tragedies of mankind's history. Lyrics for "Tragedy Has Spoken" have been written by Pär Johansson (SATARIEL, TORCHBEARER, THE FEW AGAINST MANY) and band's lead singer Christian Älvestam (SOLUTION.45, TORCHBEARER, ex-SCAR SYMMETRY), and address the diversity of tragedies. Some of which have taken the guise of accidents or natural disasters, while others were carried out with human hands and intent. Behind all this there is to find an imaginary architect, a fictive entity — something powerful, aware, far above the manmade concepts of good or evil: the nature of tragedy itself.

Musically, MISERATION expand their view on forward-thinking, vicious death metal by integrating new instruments to the mix. There still is to find what caused the quality and sustainability of "Your Demons, Their Angels" (2008) and "The Mirroring Shadow" (2009), but in 2012 there is more than technical, intricate death metal with a good dose of melody. "Tragedy Has Spoken" was recorded using 8-string guitars, which gives the wall of distortion a certain distinctive flair. In addition MISERATION are incorporating folk instruments such as the Indian harp Esraj, the Persian hammered dulcimer Santur, sawblade, organ, mandolin and piano, as well as Mongolian throatsinging. Music and lyrics are globally and far beyond standard practice, so there is a lot to discover!

The cover artwork for "Tragedy Has Spoken" was created by acclaimed artist Pär Olofsson (IMMORTAL, ABYSMAL DAWN, IMMOLATION, THE FACELESS) and can be seen below.

"Tragedy Has Spoken" track listing:

01. Stepping Stone Agenda
02. Children Of The Flames
03. Ghost Barrier
04. Ciniphes
05. Hill Of The Poison Tre
06. Disaster Cage
07. On Wings Of Brimstone
08. White Light / Black Rain
09. Tomb Of Tephra
10. Waylayer

The track "Stepping Stone Agenda" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

"Tragedy Has Spoken" release dates:

* June 29: Germany, Austria, Switzerland + Digital
* July 2: Rest Of Europe
* July 3: North America
* July 4: Scandinavia

MISERATION's sophomore album, "The Mirroring Shadow", was released in November 2009 via Lifeforce Records.

Mary Colurso of The Birmingham News recently conducted an interview with MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.

On gun control:

Mustaine: "When people in Washington say they're going to take away my guns, they better bring theirs if they're going to take mine."

On how heavy metal's popularity is affected by economic hardship:

Mustaine: "People oscillate at different rates of speed. When times get tough, when people are stressing a little more, heavy metal becomes more popular. It has the right speed, tempo, vibration and color. When people listen to songs like that, they connect."

On whether he cares about awards and ceremonies:

Mustaine: "It's relative to where the award comes from. I skipped the first seven Grammy Awards. I thought it was kind of hilarious. I went to the eighth. I'd like to win a Grammy, because it's been elusive to me so far. But I don't liken myself to the Susan Lucci of the Grammys. When we win awards and competitions awarded by our peers, that's totally different."

On MEGADETH's many lineup changes:

Mustaine: "That's the problem when you start a band. You have to pick the right guys. But things happen. ... We have our lineup and everything's working, and one guy says, 'I want more money.' Or 'I want to write more songs.' The truth of the matter is that it's hard to write songs. You have your whole life to write your first album. After that, it's hard."

On enduring a severe case of spinal stenosis (with herniated discs and bone spurs):

Mustaine: "Last summer during the [Rockstar Energy Drink] Mayhem [Festival] tour, everything just went south. Something had broken in the back of my neck; I had a bone fragment in my spinal column the size of an eraser. The pain when I was moving my neck had me on my knees, sobbing. My son had never seen me this way. My hand went numb. My ring and pinky finger were not communicating with my brain. ... But the surgery was a complete success. I had a disc fused in my neck, and the feeling has returned completely to my left hand. It shows you how God's with me in everything you do."

On how his surgery has affected his stage presence:

Mustaine: "The act of headbanging, when it started, was to play guitar, stand in a wide posture and move your head up and down. Now I move my torso a little bit more, and get the desired effect. I make the necessary adjustments I need to keep myself healthy. Really, it's been a blessing in disguise."

Read the entire interview from The Birmingham News.

Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH have posted a new "Nightmail" session featuring fan questions answered by Anette Olzon (vocals), Tuomas Holopainen (keyboards), Marco Hietala (bass, vocals) and Jukka Nevalainen (drums). A couple of excerpts follow below.

Q: [To Anette] Now that you have experience in recording with NIGHTWISH, was the process smoother? And how much influence did you have in the writing of the new album, musically or lyrically?

Anette: It was easier this time in many ways. First of all, since I wasnt the new singer this time and didn't have to be nervous in the studio and feeling the "pressure" of making a fool of myself. Also, the songs were made for me this time and Tuomas [Holopainen, keyboardist/songwriter] had gotten to know my vocal range and where I find it easier to sing and also the album are more in the "musical" and theatrical way of singing now which is more my style. Regarding the writing of the album. I didn't have any input and that's mainly because in the band Tuomas is our songwriter and comes up with the ideas and the songs. Then the arrangement process is done with everyone in the band but due to me having my baby, the guys had to arrange this album themselves.

Q: [To Anette] What is the most difficult song to sing in the "Imaginaerum" album for you?

Anette: There's no song that is so hard I can't do it, but there's always the thing with some songs where I have to change from different vocal styles very quickly and also some songs have so much words that are overlapping and live that can be a bit "tricky." But one song that is a bit harder to do due to the different ways of singing it is "Rest Calm". First I sing with my harder power voice and then I need to go directly into the very soft chorus with lots of words that overlap one another. So that is a tricky one.

Q: [To Anette] I was wondering if you plan on releasing a solo album after the "Imaginaerum" tour? If not, maybe just a single song or two? I have your songs "Invincible" and "Floating" which I have found through YouTube and I can't stop listening to them.

Anette: Well, it is my plan to release it someday, but I really don't know when exactly. I have the tour now for some time and then I also want to finish my studies in the university the coming years, so we'll see if and when I have the time for it. I do not want to make it a hasty work, 'cause I love my songs and I also want to work with great people who aren't just doing music for money, but for loving what they do. So we'll see when, but thanks so much for liking the demo songs.

Q: [To Anette] How do you prepare stage outfits for tour? Do you have certain themes?

Anette: No, I mean, we discussed before the tour about certain style and colours to be used for Imaginaerum and I follow those "rules," but mainly I try to use fun and creative stuff and clothes that I like. There's some outfits that I try that I then feel aren't working, but also many that will be there for several shows during the tour. I do not like to have the same outfit every single evening, so that is why I change.

You can find the entire question-and-answer session at this location.

"One Last Thrill", a brand new song from legendary guitarist Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES), is available for streaming on Facebook at this location. The track comes off Slash's second solo album, "Apocalyptic Love", which is scheduled for release on May 22 via his own label Dik Hayd International distributed through EMI.

"Apocalyptic Love" will follow Slash's 2010 debut album, "Slash", and his November 2011 first-ever live solo album, the two-CD/DVD set "Made In Stoke 24/7/11". Notably, the "Slash" album debuted on The Billboard 200 chart at #3 (#1 on the Rock chart, #1 on the Independent chart, and #1 on the Hard Music chart). Digitally, the album also became the #1 overall digital album and hit #1 on iTunes in 13 countries. Internationally, the disc achieved Top 5 chart positions in over a dozen major territories, hitting #1 in both Japan and New Zealand.

In the U.K., "Apocalyptic Love" will be released on May 21 in exclusive Classic Rock Fan Pack form — providing a unique collectable package containing the studio album with bonus tracks alongside a specially created magazine with unseen behind-the-scenes content put together by Classic Rock. The Fan Pack format will also come with free gifts, including a pin badge and artwork poster and will be available to buy via more than 2000 retail outlets on newsstands nationally as well as the traditional high street and online music retailers. Roadrunner Records will simultaneously release the record digitally. The standard physical release of the Slash album will follow through Roadrunner Records on June 18.

For the new album, Slash — along with and his bandmates Myles Kennedy (vocals), Brent Fitz (drums) and Todd Kerns (bass) — teamed with producer Eric Valentine, who also produced the "Slash" disc. All the songs were written together by Slash and Kennedy.

"Apocalyptic Love" track listing:

01. Apocalyptic Love
02. One Last Thrill
03. Standing In The Sun
04. You're A Lie
05. No More Heroes
06. Halo
07. We Will Roam
08. Anastasia
09. Not For Me
10. Bad Rain
11. Hard & Fast
12. Far And Away
13. Shots Fired

Last night's premier of the new Tim Burton film, "Dark Shadows", will go down in the books of rock history. Legendary rocker Alice Cooper is featured heavily in the film, with Tim Burton relying on Dwight Frye for the movie's most pivotal scene. Alice looked great, and he shoud because they digitized his face to make him look just as he did in 1972!

As great as the film was, nothing could top Tim Burton's after-party, thrown across the street behind the El Capitan Theater, where Warner Brothers recreated the ballroom from the movie for a surprise live performance by Alice Cooper himself! Alice brought with him his band, with Orianthi, Tommy Henriksen and Keri Kelli on guitar, Chuck Garric on bass, and Glen Sobel on drums. Also guesting for the evening was Alice's old friend Johnny Depp! Johnny joined Alice on stage last year at the 100 Club, and this was the perfect opportunity to "get the band back together," as Alice put it.

As if that weren't enough, the four guitarists were then joined by legendary AEROSMITH axeman Joe Perry! The impromptu supergroup played some Cooper classics before introducing yet another surprise guest, AEROSMITH frontman and "demon of screamin" Steven Tyler. The huge behemoth of a band went through "Come Together", then Steven Tyler whispered into Chuck Garric's ear, "Know 'Whole Lotta Love'?"... you can guess what happened next!

The whole night was fantastic, and Alice performing the after-party was icing on the cake.

Check out photos at AliceCooper.com.

Fan-filmed video footage is available below.

Swedish progressive metallers OPETH have issued the following statement:

"Many have already learned that yesterday’s performances at The Myth In St. Paul had to be cancelled due to [guitarist/vocalist] Mikael [Åkerfeldt] having an accident.

"Right before stage time, Mike bumped his head on the tour bus which resulted in a pretty deep cut that required urgent medical attention. Mike was taken to hospital which he left a little later with eight stitches and a nasty headache. He's doing OK now and we expect him to be up and running (though slightly slower) again for tomorrow's show and onwards.

"Mike and the band were very disappointed not being able to play yesterday but thank everyone for their understanding and for the tons of get-well-wishes Mike has received since. The band also thanks their friends in MASTODON for playing an extended set that hopefully kept all who attended happy."

OPETH has teamed up with MASTODON for a spring North American co-headlining tour. The trek kicked off on April 4 in Portland, Maine, and was scheduled to visit more than 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada before wrapping up at Atlanta's Masquerade Music Park on May 12.

According to RockOverdose.gr, ICED EARTH's August 19 concert at the ancient Kourion Amphitheater, outside Limassol in Cyprus, will be professionally filmed and recorded for an upcoming CD/DVD release. Tickets for the show are limited to 1,500. The show will be three hours in length and all on-stage scenery and artwork will be uniquely created for this special event. Veteran producer Jim Morris of Morrisound Studios (ICED EARTH, SEPULTURA, MORBID ANGEL, DEATH, SAVATAGE) will fly from Tampa, Florida to supervise the entire audio section with the help of the ToneDeaf Recording Studio.

ICED EARTH's video for the song "Anthem" was filmed on December 7, 2011 at Essigfabrik in Cologne, Germany.

Produced and directed by Kosch Fabian Film, "Anthem" is the second music video from ICED EARTH's new album, "Dystopia", which sold around 6,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 67 on The Billboard 200 chart.

ICED EARTH's previous CD, "The Crucible of Man (Something Wicked Part II)", opened with 6,700 units in September 2008 to debut at No. 79.

ICED EARTH's 10th studio offering, "Dystopia", was released in Europe on October 17, 2011 and in the U.S. on October 18 via Century Media Records. Two bonus tracks were also recorded for inclusion on special editions of the album.

Fan-filmed video footage of MACHINE HEAD's May 7 performance at Synot Tip Arena in Prague, Czech Republic as the support act for METALLICA can be seen below. Also appearing on the bill was GOJIRA.

MACHINE HEAD recently announced plans to film a video for the song 'Darkness Within' in the Czech Republic. The track comes off the band's new album, "Unto The Locust", which sold more than 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 22 on The Billboard 200 chart — putting MACHINE HEAD in the Top 25 for the first time in the band's 17-year history.

Omnibus Press has set an October 15 tentative release date for "Inside The Machine". The world's first MACHINE HEAD biography — which has **NOT** been authorized by the band — is being written by British rock author Joel McIver — whose 20 books to date include "Justice for All: The Truth About Metallica", "Crazy Train: The High Life And Tragic Death Of Randy Rhoads", "Glenn Hughes: The Autobiography", "To Live Is To Die: The Life And Death Of Metallica's Cliff Burton", "Overkill: The Untold Story Of Motörhead", "The Bloody Reign Of Slayer" and "Unleashed: The Story Of Tool".

MACHINE HEAD recently completed a North American headlining with support from SUICIDE SILENCE and DARKEST HOUR.

New York City's unholy black metal warriors BLACK ANVIL have begun writing their follow-up to 2010's critically acclaimed "Triumvirate". The band has begun tracking rough demos for the new full-length and plan to record in early 2013.

Commented bassist/vocalist Paul Delaney: "This is a darker, deeper record than our previous releases and a natural progression down the chosen path. Musically, and lyrically… we will take our form to the next level."

In other news, BLACK ANVIL has announced a string of dates with Sweden's controversial black metal kings WATAIN. The shows kick off on May 14 in Poughkeepsie, New York and wrap on May 18 in Detroit, Michigan.

Photo by Jeff Marsala

"Stream Of Unconsciousness", a brand new song from Los Angeles progressive thrashers HEXEN, can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below. The track comes off the band's new album, "Being And Nothingness", which will be released on May 28 in Europe and July 17 in North America. The CD was recorded, mixed and mastered at Vivid Tone Recording Studio (LIVIDITY, GUTHRIE GOVAN) by Rich Bruce and features artwork by cosmic and fantasy artist Kristian "Necrolord" Wåhlin (KING DIAMOND, DISSECTION, EMPEROR).

"Being And Nothingness" contains nine tracks of progressive thrash proficiency, closing with an epic eight-part suite.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Macrocosm
02. Grave New World
03. Defcon Rising
04. Private Hell
05. Walk As Many, Stand As One
06. Stream Of Unconsciousness
07. Indefinite Archetype
08. The Nescient
09. Nocturne
i. Opus 55 ? 1 in Fmin
ii. Out of Reach
iii. Existential Crisis
iv. Entrance of the Absurd
v. The Unbearable Lightness of Being
vi. With Salvation I Persist
vii. Elegy of the Night
viii. End in Purplexity

According to a press release, "Being And Nothingness" is "a bold-yet-innovative prog-thrash album that most new-generation thrash bands would only dare dream of. Without ever conforming to trends or compromising on stellar musicianship and aggression, HEXEN forges ahead with its most diverse and mature album to date. . . [The CD] is a brilliant showcase of intellectual, forward-thinking and their trademark guitar-master wizardry fretwork!"

HEXEN is:

Andre Hartoonian - Vocals, Bass
Ronny Dorian - Guitar
Tak Arayan - Guitar

Christian hard rockers P.O.D. (PAYABLE ON DEATH) will release their new album, "Murdered Love", on July 10 via Razor & Tie. The band's long-awaited follow-up to "When Angels & Serpents Dance" sees them reunited with longtime producer Howard Benson, who also produced the group's massive "Satellite" album as well as hit CDs for Kelly Clarkson, THEORY OF A DEADMAN, DAUGHTRY, THE ALL AMERICAN REJECTS and MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE. The CD cover and packaging was illustrated and designed by Invisible Creature, whose previous credits include the FOO FIGHTERS, NORMA JEAN, Chris Cornell and many more.

The album's first official single, "Lost In Forever", is available for download on iTunes and you can listen to a stream of the song below.

The band recently shot a music video for "Lost In Forever" in the California desert; the clip is in post-production now and expected for release later in the month.

"When Angels & Serpents Dance" sold 34,000 in the United States in its first week of release in April 2008 to debut at position No. 9 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The band's previous CD, "Testify", registered a first-week tally of just over 54,000 back in February 2006 to land at No. 9.

"When Angels & Serpents Dance" featured guest appearances from the MARLEY SISTERS, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES singer Mike Muir and HELMET guitarist Page Hamilton.

Canadian rockers DANKO JONES will release their first-ever DVD, "Bring On The Mountain", in the first week of June. The two-disc DVD will feature a 90-minute documentary on the band, a short film based on their three latest videos featuring Elijah Wood, Selma Blair, Ralph Macchio, Jena Malone, Lemmy and many more, as well as all of the music videos they have ever done and a slew of exclusive live clips from some of their most memorable performances from around the world.

The documentary, shot by the Diamond Bros., offers a unique insight into the ups and downs of one of the hardest-working bands around today. The short film, videos and live clips make it a complete package and to say it's a must-have for their fans is an understatement.

A trailer for the DVD can be seen below.

DANKO JONES is currently holed up at Noble Street Studios in its hometown of Toronto recording a new album for a tentative early fall release.

As usual, the band will be keeping busy on the live front as well. A full European tour is already confirmed for the fall with more dates to be announced soon and they will also be doing a string of exclusive festival appearances this summer.

DANKO JONES last year parted ways with drummer Dan Cornelius and replaced him with Atom Willard.

DANKO JONES re-released its latest full-length album, "Below The Belt", on June 21, 2011 as a deluxe reissue featuring two new bonus tracks titled "Guest List Blues" and "Rock N Roll Proletariat". The reissue also includes the recently completed "Below the Belt" music video trilogy, starring Elijah Wood, Selma Blair, Ralph Macchio, Jena Malone, Lemmy Kilmister (MOTÖRHEAD), Mike Watt (MINUTEMEN, THE STOOGES) and many more. Billboard.com hailed the final installment of the trilogy for "I Think Bad Thoughts", as being "filled with badassery on so many levels" and called it "the ultimate action-film music video."

LIMP BIZKIT frontman Fred Durst joined STEEL PANTHER on stage last night (Monday, May 7) at the House Of Blues in West Hollywood, California to perform THE KINKS classic "You Really Got Me". Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

LIMP BIZKIT recently signed a new record deal with Cash Money Records, the American hip hop label founded in 1991 by the brothers Bryan "Baby" Williams (a.k.a. Birdman) and Ronald "Slim" Williams.

Durst told Billboard.com in March that LIMP BIZKIT was working on what he called "the heaviest, most crazy metal record of all time," "The Unquestionable Truth, Part 2", which Durst said would probably be an EP.

STEEL PANTHER's sophomore album, "Balls Out", sold nearly 12,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 40 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released in November 2011 via Universal Republic Records, the follow-up to 2009's "Feel The Steel" contains 14 soon-to-be classics such as "Just Like Tiger Woods", "Gold Digging Whore" and "Weenie Ride". The album also features cameos by Dane Cook on the album opener "In The Future" and NICKELBACK frontman Chad Kroeger and EXTREME axeman Nuno Bettencourt show up on an instant classic "It Won't Suck Itself". "Balls Out" was produced by Grammy-nominated producer/mixer Jay Ruston who produced the band's "Feel The Steel" debut and is known for his work with ANTHRAX, MEAT LOAF, THE DONNAS and MORRISSEY, to name a few.



(Thanks: NJthrasher)

Brought to you by Fangoria, the planet's number one cult film, horror and fantasy culture entertainment magazine, Kiss: Monster - The Official Album And Tour Magazine is a KISS magazine made by KISS fans for KISS fans. Celebrating the upcoming release of "Monster", the band's 20th album and their upcoming summer tour with MÖTLEY CRÜE, this glossy, 72-page collector's magazine features dozens of rare, new and never-before-published photographs as well as new interviews with KISS members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, wherein they muse on the past, reflect on the present and look to what lies in store for "the hottest band in the world… KISS!" You'll also get a thorough, critical look at the full KISS discography; a preview of "Monster" written by the band; secrets behind "The Tour"; a look at the design of the new KISS costumes as well as their costumes worn through the ages; Gene and Paul remembering classic KISS albums like "Creatures Of The Night" and "Alive"; in-depth retrospective of the delirious KISS TV movie "Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park" and so much more!

Edited by Fangoria editor-in-chief (and lifelong, card-carrying KISS Army member) Chris Alexander, this towering salute to the ever-evolving KISS mythology is one that every self respecting KISS fan MUST have.

Kiss: Monster – The Official Album And Tour Magazine will be on newsstands everywhere late June and will be available to order through KissOnline.com and Fangoria.com.

DANZIG is currently streaming the track "Devil's Angels" on his official web site. It was originaly the theme song for the late '60's biker film of the same title.

Commented Glenn: "I've wanted to record this song since 1979 and this is exactly the same arrangement I had for it back then, so it pretty much sounds like that late '70s style of mine. I'm really happy with the way it turned out; it actually came out much better than I had hoped it would. We're going to be playing it live on these upcoming shows."

DANZIG is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on the as-yet-untitled covers record for a late summer/early fall release.

When asked about the reports that he was recording an album of covers, Glenn said in a 2011 interview, "It's [got] lots of different stuff [on it]. Of course there's an Elvis [Presley] song on there, there's a BLACK SABBATH cover… Then I took some old biker-movie theme songs and made them all old punk-sounding or whatever… Just fucking around, really — just having a good time taking songs and giving them a different life or a different dimension. I just do what I feel like doing, as long as I don't just cover it, because that's boring to me. I wanna take it and change it and give it some other kind of thing. Otherwise just leave it alone."

Glenn Danzig will perform his "Legacy" career-spanning set featuring songs from DANZIG, SAMHAIN and MISFITS, in a number of U.S. cities in late May and early June. In addition, he has announced four DANZIG shows where he will be joined by ex-MISFITS axeman Doyle Von Frankenstein as a "special guest."

EMI Label Services has announced a deal with British metal act SACRED MOTHER TONGUE to release their forthcoming second album. Due to be unveiled later this year in a series of releases, SACRED MOTHER TONGUE's sophomore effort, produced by Scott Atkins, is a quantum leap forward, showcasing a band coming of age in spectacular style.

Since forming in 2007, the band have picked up critical acclaim alongside a dedicated fanbase with singles such as "Two Thousand Eight Hundred" and their debut album, "The Ruin Of Man", released in 2009. Touring with the likes of LAMB OF GOD and EVILE and performing at Download, Sonisphere, Hard Rock Hell and Hammerfest over the past three years, the band have been honing their craft ready for the next step in their musical evolution.

And now the first taste of what is to come can be viewed in the shape of a lyric video for the brand new track "Seven". Shot overnight in a forest deep in Wales, it's the opening salvo in SACRED MOTHER TONGUE's ascent to the highest echelons of British metal, powered by the kind of sky-scraping rock music that will take them around the world. You can view that video below.

And with their first step on the international scene being a headline tour of China later this month, including a slot at the prestigious Hang Zhou West Lake Music Festival, the band are coming out all guns blazing.

Their stunning sonic arsenal features the bruised power of vocalist Darrin Smith, whose two-year battle with severe depression forms the lyrical basis of the new album, and guitarist Andy James, whose six-string skills have gained him worldwide acclaim both from his peers and on YouTube where his guitar tutorials now have over 4 million views.

Completed by Josh Gurner on bass, famed for his stage-diving antics whilst still shredding the fretboard, thus creating the infamous "Josh Pit," and drummer Lee Newell, who is also the rhythmic powerhouse behind FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM's live performances, SACRED MOTHER TONGUE are renewed, revitalized and ready to take on the planet.

A London showcase gig will be announced soon along with full details of their debut EMI release.

Swedish progressive metallers OPETH were forced to cancel their performance last night (Monday, May 7) at The Myth in Maplewood, Minnesota after the band's guitarist/vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt was rushed to the hospital to receive treatment for a cut on his head.

Mikael has now posted the following message on OPETH's official Facebook page:

"Hi guys! I'm writing from beyond the grave.

"Seriously, I was not in a car crash and I haven't broken my arm. All that happened is I hit my head in MASTODON's tour bus as I was getting a new pair of (red) underwear out from my suitcase.

"Wish the story was more rock and roll, believe me.

"Anyways, I split my head open down to the skullbone and had to be taken to the emergency. They gave me a bunch of shots in the wound, cleaned me up and stapled my head shut with 8 metal staples. Head is sore and if I smile it feels like the wound is gonna burst open again, but I'll be on stage by tomorrow again.

"I feel extremely disappointed that we couldn't play at The Myth in Minneapolis, but paramedics told me I couldn't. We will reschedule the show for our next trip to the USA. So all rumors of me being in a car crash are false. I did crash my head into a car, though, well... a bus, really.

"Sorry for disappointing our fans in Minneapolis but I hope you understand. See you next time."

A photo of Mikael's "wound" can be seen below.

"Metal Woman", the new video from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada metallers 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's new 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.

"Long Live Heavy Metal" track listing:

01. Metal Woman
02. My Sword Will Not Sleep
03. Leather Lord
04. Chief And The Blade
05. Dark Messenger
06. Look Out
07. 4000 Torches
08. Leave It On The Ice
09. Die For Gold (Upon The Boiling Sea IV)
10. Storming Juno
11. Men Of Fortune
12. One For The Ditch

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.

"The Emptiness Within", the third album from U.K. progressive black/death metallers DE PROFUNDIS, can be streamed in its entirety using the audio player below.

"The Emptiness Within" was released on May 7 in the U.K. and will be made available on May 11 in the rest of Europe via Kolony Records. The CD was once again produced by Fernando Pereira Lopes (MISANTHROPE, ORAKLE) and DE PROFUNDIS and was mixed at the Studios Davout (AC/DC, THE ROLLING STONES, OZZY OSBOURNE) in Paris, France. The cover artwork was created by the renowned artist Costin Chioreanu (Twilight13media), who has previously worked with ULVER, DARKTHRONE and ABSU, to name a few.

"The Emptiness Within" track listing:

01. From The Depths... (intro)
02. Delirium
03. Silent Gods
04. This Wretched Plague
05. Twisted Landscapes
06. Release
07. Dead Inside
08. Parallel Existence (instrumental)
09. Unbroken (A Morbid Embrace)

DE PROFUNDIS filmed its first-ever promotional video — for the song "Twisted Landscapes" — in March in Leicester. The clip was directed by Jordan Saunders of Dead Parrot Productions.

DE PROFUNDIS' second album, "A Bleak Reflection", came out in February 2010 via Kolony Records.

DE PROFUNDIS is:

Craig Land - Vocals
Roman Subbotin - Guitar
Shoi Sen - Guitar
Arran McSporran - Fretless Bass
Nick Tingle - Drums

"Band Of Brothers", the title track of the third album from the metal juggernaut known as HELLYEAH — featuring Vinnie Paul Abbott (PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN), Chad Gray and Greg Tribbett (MUDVAYNE), Tom Maxwell (NOTHINGFACE) and Bob "Zilla" Kakaha (DAMAGEPLAN) — can be streamed below (courtesy of AOL's Noisecreep).

"Band Of Brothers" will be released on July 17 via the band's new label home, Eleven Seven Music. The CD was recorded in Dallas, Texas at Vinnie Paul's home studio, VP's Upstairs Studio, and was produced by the band and Jeremy Parker (GODSMACK, EVANESCENCE), who also served as engineer.

"Band Of Brothers" track listing:

01. War In Me
02. Band Of Brothers
03. Rage/Burn
04. Drink Drank Drunk
05. Bigger God
06. Between You And Nowhere
07. Call It
08. Why Does It Always
09. WM Free
10. Dig Myself A Hole
11. What It Takes To Be Me

"Band Of Brothers" (song) audio stream (courtesy of AOL's Noisecreep):

Fan-filmed video footage of ARCH ENEMY's April 26 performance at the Diablo Open Air festival in Singapore can be seen below.

ARCH ENEMY recently amicably parted ways with guitarist Christopher Amott and replaced him with 26-year-old American musician Nick Cordle (ARSIS).

ARCH ENEMY's "Under Black Flags We March" video was filmed in March with Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others. The song comes off the band's ninth album, "Khaos Legions", sold around 6,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to enter The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 78.

"Khaos Legions" was released in Europe on May 30, 2011 and in the U.S. on June 7, 2011 via Century Media Records. The CD marks the band's return to new, original material, after the release of the "Tyrants Of The Rising Sun - Live In Japan" live DVD/CD (2008) and the re-recordings album, "The Root Of All Evil" (2009). The effort was tracked at Sweet Spot Studio in the south of Sweden with engineer Rickard Bengtsson (who produced 2005's "Doomsday Machine").

Eisenwald Records präsentiert mit „The Demonstration Archive 1996-1998“ eine streng limitierte spezielle Vinyl Box von AGALLOCH. Die Kollektion enthält Material von den Anfangstagen der Band. Das wäre das komplette 1997er Demo „From Which Of This Oak“, die Originale „Of Stone, Wind and Pillor” EP von 1998, in dieser Box im 7“ Format. Sowie die Rare „Promo 98“. Die Box ist limitiert auf 500 Deluxe Einheiten.

"The Demonstration Archive 1996-1998" Details:

* Solid LP box, covered by black carbon art-paper with black hotfoil embossing, black flooded inner sides.
* A custom, black paper envelope with black spot print, holding a set of four big art-cards with unpublished photos from that era. The cards are printed on rough 300g cardboard, plain black backsides.
* 12" black vinyl (180g) in custom-made sleeve, front center hole and embossing, "old school" cut out field for removal of the vinyl on the back. **
* 10" black vinyl in custom-made sleeve, front center hole and embossing, "old school" cut out field for removal of the vinyl on the back. **
* 7" black vinyl in custom-made sleeve, front center hole and embossing, "old school" cut out field for removal of the vinyl on the back. **
* An accompanying heavy duty booklet (30, 5x30, 5cm) that presents the records' original artwork, all lyrics, information about each recording and another rare image from that era, printed on 300g rough carboard, black/white layout and finished with silver ink.
* An exclusive black on grey 100x70cm flag of the stags motive that is connected with this release.
* Limited to a one-time print run of 500 box sets; all copies are numbered by embossing on the booklet.
* A protective piece of black foam is inserted in all copies, to prevent damage and moving of any record or its accompanying parts!

** (Sleeves are made of black cardboard, delivered in protection sleeves.)

Tracklisting:

From Which Of This Oak
A1 The Wilderness
A2 As Embers Dress The Sky
B1 Foliorum Viridium
B2 This Old Cabin

Promo 1998
A1 Hallways Of Enchanted Ebony
B1 The Melancholy Spirit

Of Stone, Wind and Pillor
A1 Of Stone, Wind and Pillor
B1 Foliorum Viridium
B2 Haunting Birds

Nach dem gerade erst veröffentlichten, 6 CDs umfassenden Set mit den “Carrere Years”, gibt’s am 01.06.2012 von der zur ersten Garde der “New Wave Of British Heavy Metal” (NWOBHM) zählenden Band SAXON den “kleinen” EMI-Nachschlag: Die 4 CDs des Sets “The EMI Years” umfassen zum einen jene 3 Alben, die das Quintett um Sänger Biff Byford zwischen 1985 und 1988 unter den Titeln “Innocence Is No Excuse”, “Rock The Nations” und “Destiny” auf dem Parlophone-Label herausbrachte. Alle 3 Scheiben sind mit einigem Bonus-Material ausgestattet, Single-Versionen, Maxi-Abmischungen und/oder Live-Titeln. Das Sahnehäubchen für die Fans ist ein komplettes BBC-Konzert, das 1985 im Londoner “Hammersmith Odeon” mitgeschnitten wurde und mit Klassikern wie “Wheels Of Steel”, “Strong Arm Of The Law” oder “747 (Strangers In The Night)” aufwartet. Und wohlgemerkt: SAXON gehört zu den diesjährigen Zugpferden beim längst ausverkauften “Wacken Open Air” im August!

Tracklisting:

CD I –

Album: „Innocence Is No Excuse“

1. Rockin‘ Again
2. Call Of The Wild
3. Back On The Streets
4. Devil Rides Out
5. Rock’n’Roll Gypsy
6. Broken Heroes
7. Gonna Shout
8. Everybody Up
9. Raise Some Hell
10. Give It Everything You’ve Got
11. Back On The Streets (12“ Club Mix)
12. Live Fast Die Young
13. Krakatoa
14. The Medley


CD II –

Bonus: „BBC Concert“

1. Back On The Streets
2. Dallas 1 p.m.
3. The Devil Rides Out
4. Power And The Glory
5. Broken Heroes
6. And The Bands Played On
7. Crusader
8. Princess Of The Night
9. Wheels Of Steel
10. Rockin‘ Again
11. Strong Arm Of The Law
12. 747 (Strangers In The Night)

Tracks 1 – 12: BBC In Concert, Hammersmith, London, 1985!


CD III –

Album: „Rock The Nations“

1. Rock The Nations
2. Battle Cry
3. Waiting For The Night
4. We Came Here To Rock
5. You Ain’t No Angel
6. Running Hot
7. Party Til You Puke
8. Empty Promises
9. Northern Lady
10. Chase The Fade
11. Waiting For The Night (7“ Version)
12. Northern Lady (7“ Version)
13. Everybody Up (Live)
14. Dallas 1 p.m. (Live In Madrid)


CD IV –

Album: „Destiny“

1. Ride Like The Wind
2. Where The Lightning Strikes
3. I Can’t Wait Anymore
4. Calm Before The Storm
5. S.O.S.
6. Song For Emma
7. For Whom The Bell Tolls
8. We Are Strong
9. Jericho Siren
10. Red Alert
11. I Can’t Wait Anymore (12“ Mix)
12. Rock The Nations (Live At Hammersmith, London)
13. Broken Heroes (Live In Madrid)
14. Gonna Shout (Live In Madrid)