Hail to all Bal-Sagoth fans! It's a question we get asked fairly frequently, so just to clarify the situation and eliminate any rumours before they spiral out of control, here is the current state of play regarding possible future Bal-Sagoth albums. Alas, contrary to what you might have heard, there are still currently no definite plans for a new Bal-Sagoth album. True, Jonny and Chris are currently working on some new material (which according to Chris may well be used for a new, as yet unnamed side project by them), but the truth of the matter is that there are still NO concrete plans for a new Bal-Sagoth release. But fear not, nothing has been ruled out, and it always remains a possibility as long as the band exists. Just wanted to clarify the matter. Thanks to all for your support! BYRON

German thrashers DEW-SCENTED have set "Icarus" as the title of their new album. Vocalist Leif Jensen described the CD's main theme as "a modern-times, very apocalyptic adaption of elements of the Icarus myth, using a lot of its symbolism while interlinking with several other personal or observant subjects in true DEW-SCENTED fashion." While the album — recorded at Soundlodge Studio and produced by Jörg Uken (NIGHTFALL, SUICIDAL ANGELS, GOD DETHRONED) — is not quite a concept album per se, Jensen says "Icarus" "has a pretty coherent lyrical flow, and that helps to enhance and also to intentionally enlarge the atmosphere and vibe created by the music." The "Icarus" cover artwork was once created by Björn Goosses of Killustrations.

A 36-second teaser for DEW-SCENTED's new album can be seen below.

On the live front, DEW-SCENTED was forced to cancel its previously announced appearance at Chronical Moshers open air festival on June 9 "due to logistical complications on our end." The band will also support Metal Blade labelmates SIX FEET UNDER on a run of shows in August.

For a complete list of upcoming dates, visit www.dew-scented.net.

DEW-SCENTED's latest album, "Invocation", was released on May 24, 2010 in Europe via Metal Blade Records and May 25, 2010 in North America through Prosthetic Records.

"Band Of Brothers", 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) — will be released on June 5 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

HELLYEAH earlier in the month released the "War In Me" digital single via iTunes.

Having produced track after track of heavy-hitting, in-your-face, feel-good rock and roll on their previous two albums (2010's "Stampede" and 2007's self-titled debut), HELLYEAH takes a slightly different musical direction on "Band Of Brothers". Drawing on their former bands' collective metal roots for inspiration, the influences and style of MUDVAYNE, PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN and NOTHINGFACE are immediately recognizable in tracks such as "Band Of Brothers", "War In Me" and "Rage Burn", while the party anthem "Drink, Drank, Drunk" retains the essence of earlier HELLYEAH.

Commented HELLYEAH singer Chad Gray, "I'm really excited about what we've done on this new album. I've always separated MUDVAYNE and HELLYEAH as much as I could, even though it was my voice. Melodies, lyrics and just the overall style of writing were different. With 'Band Of Brothers', I just quit being afraid of who I am in relation to this band. I think we've all really gotten back to the original roots of what we've done individually and brought it together on this album. As an artist, as long as you're painting with your own brush, no one can compare or challenge you. I just painted with a bigger, heavier brush than I had with HELLYEAH in the past. I think this is what fans have always expected to hear from us, and now were giving it to them."

Added Jeremy Parker, "It's impossible not to have a good time jamming this record. It has the anger and violence of PANTERA and MUDVAYNE, but a party vibe that can only be HELLYEAH!"

In a recent interview with Loudwire, Vinnie stated about "Band Of Brothers", "On our first two records, we were a new band. We really wanted to branch out and expand and experiment with all different styles. We all come from traditional metal bands and backgrounds, so it was a great breath of fresh air to play in a band that was rock 'n' roll, blues and Southern rock. We got that out of our system and got really focused on going back to our metal roots. It's heavy, focused, groove-oriented and I'm excited about it."

Knoxville, Tennessee death metallers WHITECHAPEL will release their self-titled fourth album on June 19 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was engineered and mixed by Mark Lewis (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DEVILDRIVER), who also handled production duties alongside the band. The artwork was created by Aaron Marsh of Forefathers Group with art direction provided by WHITECHAPEL.

The first single from "Whitechapel", entitled "Hate Creation", is available for streaming below.

"Whitechapel" track listing:

01. Make It Bleed
02. Hate Creation
03. (Cult)uralist
04. I, Dementia
05. Section 8
06. Faces
07. Dead Silence
08. The Night Remains
09. Devoid
10. Possibilities Of An Impossible Existence

A press release states: "Having spent several years lauded as one of the frontrunners in their genre, in 2012 WHITECHAPEL stand as a defining force in contemporary heavy music. Building dramatically on the trademarked bludgeon of their first three releases, with WHITECHAPEL the Tennessean sextet have inarguably delivered their most intense, dynamic, and downright hostile record to date. Drenched in atmospheric darkness, the record is also rife with gripping melodies that drag the listener in to the tumult, willing or otherwise, and across its ten tracks it is infused with an emotional depth that pointedly separates the band from the plethora of two-dimensional mosh-starters that have sprung up in their wake."

In a recent interview with Capital Chaos, WHITECHAPEL guitarist Zach Householder stated about the band's the forthcoming CD, "Everybody always says, 'Do stuff more like 'The Somatic Defilement' [2007] or 'This Is Exile' [2008], but every album, we always try to do it differently for a change." He added, "[The new material] probably has some faster stuff like 'A New Era Of Corruption' [2010], but it's definitely got some slower stuff, too. It's groovier and it's got more hooks and catches.

"If you're a 'The Somatic Defilement' fan, you're gonna like it, but if you're expecting [another] 'The Somatic Defilement', you're not gonna get it. It's still gonna be heavy. It's WHITECHAPEL. It's gonna be angry; it's very pissed off. I don't know what else to say… It's us trying to do it in our own way as opposed to us trying to live up to what people's expectations are of us. We don't wanna alienate our fans by any means. It's just that we want them to sit there and go, 'OK, well, this band does this one thing, and they do it differently every time.' So I guess you either like it or you hate it. Even so, if you do it differently the next time, you might gain more fans."

Returning to their rightful place on the road, the members of WHITECHAPEL are enthused to take these new songs to their rabid fan base. They stand confident in their belief that their followers will hungrily devour the latest evolution of their sound, and having dramatically bolstered their fan base through blowing away the unsuspecting crowds on 2010's Warped Tour they are sure to draw in new adherents anywhere they play.

WHITECHAPEL is set to tour with MISS MAY I, AFTER THE BURIAL, WITHIN THE RUINS, and THE PLOT IN YOU as part of the "Recorruptor", kicking off May 3 in Louisville, Kentucky and running through May 17 in Portland, Maine. Immediately following the tour, the band is set to play at this year's Bamboozle festival is Asbury Park, New Jersey on May 18. WHITECHAPEL will also be a part of this summer's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, which starts June 30.

WHITECHAPEL's most recent EP, "Recorrupted", came out in November. The effort featured a brand new track titled "Section 8", a cover of PANTERA's "Strength Beyond Strength", an acoustic version of "End OF Flesh", and remixes of "Breeding Violence" by BIG CHOCOLATE and "This Is Exile" by Ben Weinman from THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN.

"Section 8" and "Strength Beyond Strength" marked WHITECHAPEL's very first recordings with drummer Ben Harclerode of the Glendale, Arizona band KNIGHTS OF THE ABYSS, who replaced Kevin Lane in 2010.

WHITECHAPEL's third album, "A New Era Of Corruption", sold around 10,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 43 on The Billboard 200 chart.

WHITECHAPEL's previous album, "This Is Exile", opened with 5,900 copies in July 2008 to land at No. 117.

Finally reunited again with their original singer Michael Sadler, Canadian rockers SAGA will release the ultimate AOR/progressive rock album, "20/20", worldwide on July 6.

Since SAGA's foundation in 1977, the band has toured the globe various times, won many awards and has sold over eight million albums worldwide. Their musical style is defined by prominent guitar riffs, often in harmony with a synthesizer, and complex keyboard arrangements.

The title "20/20", first of all, refers to the album being the 20th of SAGA, but in addition, it's a good luck wish to Jim Gilmour, who had to undergo an eye operation during SAGA's latest European tour. 20/20 stands for the perfect eyesight.

The album features ten brand new songs, never missing the distinctive sound of SAGA's legendary hits.

"20/20" track listing:

01. Six Feet Under
02. Anywhere You Wanna Go
03. Ellery
04. Spin It Again
05. Another Day Out Of Sight
06. One Of These Days
07. Ball And Chain
08. Lost For Words
09. Show And Tell
10. Till The Well Runs Dry

With striking keyboard sounds and Michael Sadler's stunning vocals, the album has all that it takes to become an instant fan favourite as well as a worldwide hit. The opener "Six Feet Under" features a dominant keyboard sound, roaring guitars and a chorus you can't get out of your head. Followed by the catchy, high energy driven "Anywhere You Wanna Go", SAGA clarify that their original trademark sound is still going strong. The emotional ballad "Lost For Words" once again demonstrates Sadler's incredible vocal range.

Michael Sadler reflects his return to the band: "One thing that we agreed on was that, if and when I ever were to return, it would have to feel like it was exactly the right thing to do and exactly the right time to do it!"

"20/20" will be available on standard CD and special edition, a premium CD+DVD digipak edition. The exclusive DVD follows the studio recordings of "20/20" and gives a great insight behind the scenes of creating and recording a modern classic.

Following the new release will be summer and fall dates in Canada, USA, Europe and South America.

SPIRALARMS, the San Francisco Bay Area-based band featuring Craig Locicero (FORBIDDEN, ex-MANMADEGOD) on guitar, Tim Narducci (ex-SYSTEMATIC) on vocals, Chris "Cornbread" Lombardo on bass, Brad Barth on keyboards, Anthony Traslavina on rhythm guitar and Ron Redeen on drums, will release its sophomore album, "Freedom", in June.

A one-minute YouTube clip containing an audio snippet of the new SPIRALARMS track "Dropping Like Flies" can be found below.

Commented Locicero: "When I joined back up with FORBIDDEN in 2008, we put SPIRAL on hold longer than we ever intended it to happen.

"I love this band, man!

"Tim Narducci has been finishing up the mixes for 'Freedom' over the last few weeks and it kicks some MASSIVE ASS!

"There's a very positive response to the songs from every turn in the industry right now, and that's exciting, but I think we've all gotten over the idea of becoming huge and just want to do things right. SPIRAL can be a kick-ass cult band and maybe a lot more, but we're cool letting momentum take us wherever we may end up. Great f'n band and I am committed to seeing things through. Can't wait for everyone to hear it!"

SPIRALARMS released its full-length debut, "Highest Society", in June 2010 through Luxury Buzz, the label started by Narducci and Barth, in association with Apache Productions.

SPIRALARMS is:

Tim Narducci - Vocals/Guitar
Craig Locicero - Guitar
Anthony Traslavina - Guitar
Chris "Cornbread" Lombardo - Bass/Vocal
Brad Barth - Keyboards
Ron Redeen - Drums

Swedish Viking metallers KING OF ASGARD have finished recording their second album, "…To North", at Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden with engineer Andy La Rocque (KING DIAMOND guitarist) at the helm. A July release is expected.

Comments bassist Jonas Albrektsson: "The '…To North' master just arrived and it sounds astonishing! Andy La Rocque made a great job on the production and the mastering along with Olof Berggren. It's upright and powerful. We feel very proud of what we achieved on this recording and merely the sound of it makes it a worthy follow-up to the firstborn 'Fi'mbulvintr'. Songs and sounds came out much as of what we planned, with power and a great variety. '…To North' takes off pretty much where 'Fi'mbulvintr' left off, so to say, with a natural development, more varied songs and structures. It's a development of our sound which will be recognized by old fans as well as bring some new ones to the horde. This time around I've been more involved in the writing process along with Karl, which kind of shines through, giving the songs a wider perspective. Expect some very strong songs on '…To North', where epic meets with brutality! The lyrical theme this time is basically in the same vein but has different twists. Not as obvious as before. '…To North' will make The Nine Worlds Burn… and Varberg was just left behind."

Songtitles set to appear on "…To North" include "Gap Of Ginnungs", "Plague-Ridden Rebirth", "Nordvegr", "Upon The Mountain" and "The Nine Worlds Burn".

"…To North" is the first KING OF ASGARD album to feature second guitar player Lars Tängmark.

KING OF ASGARD is:

Karl Beckman - Vocals/Guitars
Lars Tängmark - Guitars
Jonas Albrektsson – Bass
Karsten Larsson - Drums

Bullet Tooth has announced the signing of THE PARAMEDIC.

Intensity, emotion and raw power are three ways to describe Dayton, Ohio's THE PARAMEDIC. But to pigeon hole the band with just three words would simply be an injustice to this group.

Formed in late 2010 by friends Jake Nolan (guitar), Travis Adkins (bass), Tony Hovater (drums), Sean Salasny (guitar) and Mike Luciano (lead vocals), THE PARAMEDIC is poised to spearhead the next generation of dynamic metalcore bands, thanks in part to Luciano's diverse R&B background. The band delivers a unique mix blending the insanity of ASKING ALEXANDRIA, the electro-sensibilities of ATTACK ATTACK, and the soulfulness of Jonny Craig.

Living the dream is a philosophy that Luciano and the guys thrive to live out on a daily basis and will have nothing stand in their way. Against his parents' wishes, Luciano dropped out of college to pursue his dream of making it in the world of music. This intense internal struggle has made Luciano's lyrics a personal one-of-a-kind statement that range from raising awareness towards rape to standing up for what you believe in. Judging by the nearly 300,000 views of their cover of Lil' Wayne's "6 Foot 7 Foot" on YouTube and their 40,000 fans on Facebook, all of the hard work and life altering decisions have been worth it.

In early 2012, the band's dream finally came together when New Jersey based-record label Bullet Tooth signed THE PARAMEDIC to a deal. Joining other acts such as AFFIANCE and SERIANNA, the band is sure to reach new audiences that they only ever dreamed about.

"It's been our dream to not only be signed to a label, but also to a label that we know and trust and with Bullet Tooth, we know we are getting just that," said Luciano.

THE PARAMEDIC is currently in pre-production for its debut full-length, to be released sometime in late 2012. Luciano went on to say, "We could have never done this without the help of a reputable label and now that we have the backing of an amazing label, we plan on making nothing but the best for our fans. We cannot wait to see what the future holds."

Metal Blade Records has set a June 5 release date (one day earlier internationally) for the reissue of FATES WARNING's classic 1994 album "Inside Out". This re-release comes as a double CD plus bonus-DVD. It contains the classic original album as well as live tracks from a German show FATES WARNING played in Düsseldorf in 1995 and unreleased demo takes. The bonus-DVD contains an assortment of live clips, from 1993-1995.

CD1 - Inside Out (re-mastered original album)

01. Outside Looking In
02. Pale Fire
03. The Strand
04. Shelter Me
05. Island In The Stream
06. Down To The Wire
07. Face The Fear
08. Inward Bound
09. Monument
10. Afterglow

CD2 – Live in Düsseldorf, Germany February 11th 1995

01. Outside Looking In
02. Down To The Wire
03. The Eleventh Hour
04. Point Of View
05. Face The Fear

Demos/Unreleased

01. Outside Looking In (demo)
02. Pale Fire (demo)
03. Shelter Me (demo)
04. Island In The Stream (demo)
05. Face The Fear (demo)
06. Monument (rough mix)
07. Circles (unreleased)

DVD - Inside Out Live

* Outside Looking In (1994/95)
* Pale Fire (1993/94)
* The Strand (1994)
* Shelter Me (1993)
* Island In The Stream (2010)
* Down To The Wire (1994/95)
* Face The Fear (1994/95)
* Monument (1994/95)
* Afterglow Slide Show

Extras:

* Live In Still Water (1994)
* Through Different Eyes (1995)
* Guardian (Mike Portnoy drums) (1994)
* Shades Of Heavenly Death (1995)
* MTV Europe Interview (1995)
* Eye to Eye (1994/95)
* Face The Face Of Fear (1994)
* Don't Follow Me (1994)
* Shortest Fates Warning Show Ever (1994)
* Guardian (Arch/Alder duet) (1994)

In a recent interview with Bulgaria's Tangra Mega Rock, FATES WARNING singer Ray Alder stated about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's new CD, "We're trying as hard as we can. We have these shows [in Europe] and then we go to Brazil in April. And in the meantime we are working as hard as we can to finish the album. Hopefully we'll have it out by the end of this year, If not, the beginning of next year. We're trying our best."

He added, "We need to finish writing right now. We finished the first song. The demo version is already done. We'll continue writing as we have a lot of ideas that we need to put together. But the first song is done and I can tell you it's seven minutes long. The recording process itself usually takes about two months and then after that it's another three more months before the album is released. So, we are talking five months out there after the album has been written."

The "Parallels" lineup of FATES WARNING played a number of shows in 2010 in support of the released special edition of the album, which was made available through Metal Blade Records. In addition to remastered audio, there is a second audio disc of live and demo material. The package also includes a DVD with nearly three hours of material, including a complete live show from the 1992 "Parallels" tour and a documentary on the making of "Parallels" which includes live, studio, and current day interview footage with all the band members, Terry Brown (producer) and Brian Slagel (CEO of Metal Blade Records).

FATES WARNING's latest CD, "X", was released in 2004 on Metal Blade Records. The follow-up to 2000's "Disconnected" was recorded at Carriage House studios in Stamford, Connecticut and features cover artwork by renowned record-cover artist Ioannis (DREAM THEATER, SEPULTURA, DEEP PURPLE, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, KING CRIMSON, BIOHAZARD, VOIVOD, UFO, OVERKILL).

"Anhedonia", the new video from Australian metallers TERAMAZE, can be seen below. The song is the title track of the band's new album, which is available now on Nightmare Records. A critique of modern man's diminishing ability to experience life's simple pleasures, the CD was produced and mixed by Dean Wells and mastered by Lasse Lammert (ALESTORM, STUCK MOJO, HALCYON WAY).

While loosely befitting the genre of thrash metal, the music of TERAMAZE conjures such adjectives as "innovative", "progressive" and "groove-laden" but most notably, "engaging". Keeping the fundamental elements of metal alive in their music, TERAMAZE pushes metal into unchartered waters with guitar work that is incendiary and powerfully aggressive vocals that drive the song.

"Anhedonia" track listing:

01. Anhedonia
02. Without Red Hands
03. Through the Madness
04. Machine
05. Acts of Reparation
06. Fear of the Unknown
07. Black Circles
08. Proverb Le Jame
09. Where the Dead Grow
10. Egostatic
11. Ever Enhancing II

TERAMAZE is:

Dean Wells - Guitar/Vocals
Brett Rerekura - Vocals
Mathew Dawson - Guitar
Mick Tallent - Drums
Tijon Lolis - Bass

Apostasy Records has announced signing of OVERTORTURE from Sweden. The band is currently recording its debut album for a late 2012 release.

OVERTORTURE was formed in 2011 by Magnus Martinsson, Joel Fornbrant, Fredrik Widigs and Jonas Torndal, known from bands like GRAVE, COLDWORKER and WITCHERY, with the mission to deliver new, fresh, groovy and pure crushing death metal.

Commented the band: "We're very happy to be a part of Apostasy Records roster, and very excited to working together with Tomasz Wisniewski and his team for the release of our debut album! At the moment we're busy recording and it's going great! It will be a kick-ass album for sure!"

One of the tracks from OVERTORTURE's 2011 demo-recording sessions, "Slaves To the Atom", can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.

OVERTORTURE is:

Joel Fornbrant (COLDWORKER) - Vocals
Magnus Martinsson (ex-GRAVE, ex-INSISION) - Guitar
Andreas Hemmander - Guitar
Jonas Torndal (ex-GRAVE) - Bass
Fredrik Widigs (THE UGLY, session WITCHERY) - Drums

Ronnie James Dio's stellar musical career was matched by very few, and what turned out to be the last-ever studio album released by his solo band, DIO, will be issued as a picture disc on June 5. "Master Of The Moon" will be released via the Niji Entertainment Group, and is the first time the album has been issued as a picture disc in the U.S.

Featuring the stellar lineup of Ronnie James Dio on vocals, Craig Goldy on guitar/keyboards, Jeff Pilson on bass, Scott Warren on keyboards, and Simon Wright on drums, "Master Of The Moon" features such DIO classics as "One More For The Road" and the title track. Also included is "The Eyes", which the late singer once noted was one of his all-time favorite tracks recorded by the DIO band.

The tenth DIO studio album overall, "Master Of The Moon" was the perfect way to close the solo career of one of hard rock/heavy metal's all-time great vocalists. Featuring artwork by horror/science fiction artist Marc Sasso, this striking picture disc is a must-have for DIO collectors. And soon, fans will get the opportunity to rediscover and experience this classic album like they never have before!

"Master Of The Moon" track listing:

01. One More For The Road (3:18)
02. Master Of The Moon (4:19)
03. The End of the World (4:39)
04. Shivers (4:15)
05. The Man Who Would Be King (4:58)
06. The Eyes (6:27)
07. Living The Lie (4:25)
08. I Am (5:00)
09. Death by Love (4:21)
10. In Dreams (4:26)

Jordanian dark oriental metallers BILOCATE will release their new album, "Summoning The Bygones", on June 11 via Code666 Records (Aural Music). The artwork was designed by by Matthew Vickerstaff of U.K.'s Darkwave Art (MY DYING BRIDE, DEICIDE, MORBID ANGEL, CRADLE OF FILTH, DECAPITATED, HATE ETERNAL). The CD was mixed and mastered at Fascination Street Studio in Sweden with producer Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA, BLOODBATH, AMON AMARTH, SYMPHONY X, PARADISE LOST).

According to a press release, "Summoning The Bygones" includes a reworked version of the song "Days Of Joy" under a new title, as well as cover version of PARADISE LOST's "Dead Emotion".

The tracks "Hypia" and the 20-minute "A Desire To Leave" feature a guest appearance on vocals by Dan Swanö (ex-EDGE OF SANITY, BLOODBATH, NIGHTINGALE).

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. The Tragedy Within
02. Beyond Inner Sleep
03. A Deadly Path
04. Passage
05. Dead Emotion (PARADISE LOST cover)
06. Hypia
07. 2nd War In Heaven
08. A Desire To Leave
I. Obscurity
II. Surrounding Hell
III …Of Leaving

Resurrected German death metallers MORGOTH will release their first-ever live album and DVD, "Cursed To Live", on June 25 via Century Media Records. The audio tracks were mixed at Unisound Studio in Sweden with Dan Swanö (OPETH, KATATONIA, DISSECTION).

"Cursed To Live" is the documentation of MORGOTH's ongoing 20th-anniversary celebration of the band's all-time classic album "Cursed" (released by Century Media Records in 1991). It will be released on CD, a limited DVD+2CD as well as a limited deluxe 2LP. The live show featured on the album was recorded at the band's triumphant show headlining Way Of Darkness festival 2011, at which MORGOTH performed an extensive set of 15 songs, with the main focus on the songs off "Cursed". The cover artwork — with an intentional nod to the original "Cursed" art — was designed by the renowned artist Dirk Rudolph (RAMMSTEIN, IN EXTREMO, APOCALYPTICA), who had also created the original artwork for "Cursed" 21 years ago.

Commented MORGOTH: "By the end of June, we will be finally releasing our career's first-ever official live DVD/live album, 'Cursed To Live'. Get ready for the full power of MORGOTH during the 2011/2012 'Cursed' reunion! The package’s main show is a 70 min. live recording of the Way Of Darkness festival show that we played on October 7th, 2011 in Lichtenfels, Germany. Next to this main feature, we also added plenty of extra bonus material for the DVD format (like the early, original promo clips and more recent live footage) and its companion bonus disc (composed of live songs from Rock Hard Festival and Wacken Open Air, both in 2011). There will even be a gatefold 2LP release of the live album, so this is all sounding and looking really cool…Watch out!"

"22 years ago I proudly wore a MORGOTH t-shirt on the group-photo for the first EDGE OF SANITY album," Dan said. "Any metalhead knows that for the really important photos, you only wear what you truly worship!!! Sometime during the mix sessions of the live material I had to pinch my arm to make sure I wasn't dreaming! It's always a great vibe when something in your life comes 'full circle,' and this is one of those moments for me!"

MORGOTH will return to North American ground by appearing at Baltimore's acclaimed Maryland Deathfest on May 27. Furthermore, the band will perform at Neurotic Deathfest (The Netherlands), Brutal Assault (Czech Republic) as well as the following events in Germany: Winternachtstraum (Arnsberg), Walpurgis Metal Dayz (Passau), Rock Harz (Ballenstedt) and Summer Breeze (Dinkelsbühl).

For a complete list of dates, visit the band's Facebook page.

Video footage of MORGOTH's August 5, 2011 performance at the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany can be viewed below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Body Count
02. Exit To Temptation
03. Travel
04. Resistance
05. Suffer Life
06. Under the Surface
07. Burnt Identity
08. Sold Baptism
09. Pits of Utumno
10. Isolated
11. White Gallery

MORGOTH is:

Marc Grewe - Vocals
Harry Busse - Guitar
Sebastian Swart - Guitar
Sotirios "Soti" Kelekides - Bass
Marc Reign - Drums

Reunited '80s melodic heavy rock band DRIVER — featuring powerhouse vocalist Rob Rock (IMPELLITTERI, JOSHUA, WARRIOR, AVANTASIA, AXEL RUDI PELL) and acclaimed guitarist/producer Roy Z (BRUCE DICKINSON, HALFORD, JUDAS PRIEST, SEBASTIAN BACH, ROB ROCK, TRIBE OF GYPSIES, HELLOWEEN) — has completed work on its new album, "Countdown", to be released later in the year via Metal Heaven in Europe, King Records in Japan and RockZilla in the U.S.

Release dates:

Europe: May 25
U.S.: May 25
Japan: July 25 (with exclusive Japan bonus track)

According to a press release, "Countdown" is a mixture of brand new material and several rescued-from-the-vaults demo gems, which interlock seamlessly for a classic DRIVER-style album, aided by Roy Z's emphasis on vintage production values that harken back to the glory days of early 80's heavy metal ala DIO's "Holy Diver" and OZZY OSBOURNE's "Diary Of A Madman".

DRIVER is centered around Rock and Roy and features original drummer Reynold "Butch" Carlson (JAG PANZER, JOEY TAFOLLA, TRIBE AFTER TRIBE), along with seasoned players Ed Roth (GLENN HUGHES, RONNIE MONTROSE, IMPELLITTERI) on keyboards and Aaron Samson (ODIN, GEORGE LYNCH, JOHN 5) on bass.

Chiefly recorded and mixed at Roy Z's California-based studio, "Countdown" features additional contributions coming from bassists Ray Burke (LIFE AFTER DEATH, BRUCE DICKINSON) and Daniel Cordova (SHADES OF CRIMSON, VENGEANCE RISING), as well as veteran vocalist Mark Boals (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ROYAL HUNT). Mastering duties were again handled by Maor Appelbaum (HALFORD, SEPULTURA, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN).

"Countdown" track listing:

01. Return To The Sky
02. Rising Son
03. Countdown
04. Hollywood Shooting Star
05. Thief In The Night
06. Cry Of The Wounded
07. Always On My Mind
08. Feel The Fire
09. Destiny
10. Running From The Darkness
11. Babylon (exclusive European bonus track)

The last DRIVER album, "Sons Of Thunder", was released in September 2008 via Metal Heaven.

DRIVER issued a widely circulated five-song cassette EP demo in 1990 that garnered the band a dedicated worldwide following as well as attained cult status as one of the most underrated hard rock acts of its time. Since then, Rock and Roy Z have forged ahead to garner long successful careers in the music business. 2008 saw the reunion of the band which resulted in the recordings of the aforementioned CD.

DRIVER is:

Rob Rock - Vocals
Roy Z - Guitars
Reynold "Butch" Carlson - Drums
Ed Roth - Keyboards
Aaron Samson - Bass

New Jersey metallers ATTACKER have announced the addition of bassist Jon Hanemann to the group's ranks. Hanemann replaces outgoing original bassist Lou Ciarlo, who decided to step aside due to other musical comittments and his lack of real interest in continuing in the metal world.

According to ATTACKER, Jon "came down and totally blew the doors off the material. It was evident after the first song that he was the guy. Drummer Mike Sabatini had been working with Hanemann in another project. So it was a no-brainer to have him come into the fold."

Commented Sabatini: "Lou is my closest friend. But he no longer had it in his heart to continue and we have to respect that decision.

"People change and grow, and sometimes want to go in a different direction. We do still share a rehersal room and help each other out with various musical projects.

Added Ciarlo: "Mike and I have been buds forever; some say we're like an old married couple when it comes to playing music together.

"Please know that I say this with confidence and not arrogance, as a bass and drums rhythm section, the two of us are locked in like very few are or can be, and it's not just when playing metal. We could play Johnny Cash or Liza Minnelli songs and it would be the same. So when Mike had asked if I would help him with a new ATTACKER release and record the bass tracks, how could I tell him no?

"When I had initially agreed to working with the band, it was understood that due to my extremely busy schedule, I would be doing the bass tracks as a hired gun only, with no commitment to any live performances. Spending time with my wife and daughter, time with close friends, a demanding career as a wireless engineer and playing bass for the Karyn Kuhl band has filled my schedule to the max. But as it has been since the beginning of ATTACKER, when Mike, Pat and Mike B. decide to play as ATTACKER, it's nothing less than full-on.

"With that said, I quickly realized there would be no way for me to meet their needs as a bass player. Additionally, my heart just isn't in it anymore and hasn't been for some time; musically I am in a very different place.

"With this, I feel it is best I step aside and let a new era of the band unfold. With Jon Hanemann taking over bass duties and Bobby Lucas on vocals, I am sure all of those loyal ATTACKER fans will still love the band as much as before, if not more! I know this is something Mike and the rest of the band will! Best of luck to them and farewell!"

MARILYN MANSON's long-awaited new album, "Born Villain", is available for streaming in its entirety at AOL Music. The CD will be released on May 1 (one day earlier internationally) via Cooking Vinyl and Manson's own label Hell, Etc.

In a brand new interview with Billboard.com, Manson was asked if putting out his first CD not affiliated with Interscope was a liberating experience. "Yeah," he replied. "I've always had control over what I created, and in the past once I turned it over to the record label, what happened wasn't always to my liking. A lot of it was more their stupidity, trying to fit me into a hole I didn't belong in, and that would of course make you confused about what you're supposed to be as an artist, not even just as a person. So getting off Interscope gave me the ability to think exactly how you would when you're starting out."

Regarding the direction of the new album, Manson said, "With the previous two records, I was making music to make people feel like I was feeling rather than to make them feel something — and I was feeling pretty shitty most of the time, so I don't think it was a good idea to do that, necessarily. I'm not discrediting the music, [but] my focus was in the wrong place. This record . . . emotionally it brings a different type of attitude that is more the spirit of me and feels interesting and fun for me to do."

Marilyn Manson's new video, "No Reflection", can be seen below. The clip was directed by Lukas Ettlin, who previously worked with Manson on the award-winning "Personal Jesus" video.

"No Reflection" was released as a white seven-inch vinyl in Europe on April 21. The vinyl is strictly limited to 1500 copies and features "No Reflection" (album version) and "No Reflection" (single edit). The release was in support of Record Store Day.

"Born Villain" track listing:

01. Hey Cruel World…
02. No Reflection
03. Pistol Whipped
04. Overneath The Path Of Misery
05. Slo Mo Tion
06. The Gardener
07. The Flowers Of Evil
08. Children Of Cain
09. Disengaged
10. Lay Down Your Goddamn Arms
11. Murders Are Getting Prettier Every Day
12. Born Villain
13. Breaking The Same Old Ground

Check out the front and back cover artwork below.

Manson last September unveiled a new music video for the song "Born Villain" directed by actor Shia LaBeouf.

Drummer Ginger Fish (real name: Kenneth Robert Wilson) quit MARILYN MANSON in February 2011 and has since joined ROB ZOMBIE. He has been replaced by the Los Angeles-based drummer Jason Sutter.

MARILYN MANSON in 2009 parted ways with longtime record label Interscope following the disappointing sales performance of "The High End Of Low".

"The High End Of Low" was Manson's first album with longtime bassist Twiggy Ramirez since 2000's "Holy Wood".

"C.ult O.f M.y A.shes", a brand new song from Portuguese death prog masters DISAFFECTED, can be streamed below. The track comes off the band's second full-length album, "Rebirth", which will be released on May 25 via the German label Massacre Records. The CD was recorded between August and December 2010 at The Pentagon in Lisbon, Portugal and was produced by Fernando Matias (MOONSPELL, GWYDION) and DISAFFECTED.

"Rebirth" features guest appearances by Miguel "Mike" Gaspar (MOONSPELL) on percussion, Joaquim Aires (BEFORE THE RAIN) on percussion and Célia Ramos (MONS LVNAE) on female vocals. The album cover art was created by the German graphic artist Marc Niederhagemann (ArtWars Mediadesign) and can be seen below.

"Rebirth" track listing:

01. Mankwala (intro)
02. C.ult O.f M.y A.shes
03. Getting Into The Labyrinth
04. Dreaming III (A Nightmare)
05. Evilution Within
06. Miracle Dance
07. Our Will
08. Hypnotic Prophecy
09. The Rebirth Of...
10. 1460 Steps To Divine
11. Arrival (outro)

The song "Evilution Within" can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.

DISAFFECTED filmed a video for "The Rebirth Of..." on February 26 in Lisbon, Portugal.

DISAFFECTED is:

Sérgio Paulo - Guitar, Flute & French horn
António Gião - Bass
Octávio Custódio - Drums
Rodrigo Domingues - Keyboards
José Costa - Vocals

"C.ult O.f M.y A.shes" audio stream:

Die Frankfurter Thrash-Metal-Urgesteine TANKARD haben den vierten Teil des Covers ihres kommenden Nuclear Blast-Debüts „A Girl Called Cerveza“ enthüllt!

Die Platte zum 30jährigen Bandjubiläum wird derzeit im berühmten Studio 23 in Frankfurt gemeinsam mit dem renommierten Produzenten Michael Mainx (BÖHSE ONKELZ, DER W, DISBELIEF, D-A-D) fertig gestellt.

Haltet die Augen offen, der nächste Teil wird schon bald veröffentlicht.

„A Girl Called Cerveza“ wird am 27. Juli 2012 via Nuclear Blast erscheinen.

"Voodoo Doll", a song from KILL DEVIL HILL — the band featuring Vinny Appice (HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, DIO) on drums, Rex Brown (PANTERA, DOWN) on bass, Mark Zavon (RATT, W.A.S.P., 40 CYCLE HUM) on guitar and Jason "Dewey" Bragg (PISSING RAZORS) on vocals — can be streamed below (courtesy of AOL's Noisecreep). The track comes off the group's self-titled debut album, which will be released via SPV/Steamhammer on the following dates:

U.S./Canada: May 22
Germany: May 25
Rest Of Europe: May 28

"Kill Devil Hill" was originally due on March 27 but had its release date pushed back so that the band could record another track at the last minute. The group explained, "It was decided that a song that was to be a bonus track might be released as a single, so in order to include that song on the CD we needed an additional track to include as a bonus in its place."

"Kill Devil Hill" was produced by Warren Riker, who is best known for his work with DOWN, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, SUBLIME and CATHEDRAL. The effort will be available in a standard CD edition, as an iTunes digital download, and double gatefold LP.

"Kill Devil Hill" track listing:

CD:

01. War Machine (3:09)
02. Hangman (3:40)
03. Voodoo Doll (3:53)
04. Gates Of Hell (4:53)
05. Rise From The Shadows (4:03)
06. We're All Gonna Die (4:26)
07. Strange (3:31)
08. Time & Time Again (3:50)
09. Old Man (3:06)
10. Mysterious Ways (2:25)
11. Up In Flames (6:04)
12. Revenge (4:54)

Double Gatefold LP:

Side 1 (14:56)

01. War Machine (3:09)
02. Hangman (3:40)
03. We're All Gonna Die (4:26)
04. Time & Time Again (3:50)

Side 2 (10:21)

01. Old Man (3:06)
02. Mysterious Ways (2:25
03. Revenge (4:54)

Side 3 (10:07)

01. Rise From The Shadows (4:03)
02. Up In Flames (6:04)
03. Strange (3:31)

Side 4 (12:56)

01. Voodoo Doll (3:53)
02. Gates Of Hell (4:53)
03. Drawbridge (5:58) (bonus track)

iTunes Digital Download:

01. War Machine (3:09)
02. Hangman (3:40)
03. Voodoo Doll (3:53)
04. Gates Of Hell (4:53)
05. Rise From The Shadows (4:03)
06. We're All Gonna Die (4:26)
07. Strange (3:31)
08. Time & Time Again (3:50)
09. Old Man (3:06)
10. Mysterious Ways (2:25)
11. Up In Flames (6:04)
12. Revenge (4:54)
13. Gates Of Hell (acoustic version; bonus track)

The song "Time & Time Again" can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below (courtesy of RevolverMag.com).

According to Appice, KILL DEVIL HILL's sound is "like a cross between BLACK SABBATH, ALICE IN CHAINS and a little bit of LED ZEPPELIN thrown in. It's heavy, but with a lot of cool hooks and melodic overtones, too."

The members of KILL DEVIL HILL previously stated about their songwriting and recording approach, "We are going old school meets new; no sample drums here!!"

KILL DEVIL HILL made its live debut on April 29, 2011 at the Key Club in Hollywood, California.

KILL DEVIL HILL is:

* Jason "Dewey" Bragg (PISSING RAZORS) - Vocals
* Mark Zavon (RATT, W.A.S.P., 40 CYCLE HUM) - Guitar
* Rex Brown (DOWN, PANTERA) - Bass
* Vinny Appice (HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, DIO) - Drums

"Voodoo Doll" audio stream:

Die Progressive Thrasher HEXEN aus Los Angeles, bieten ihren neuen Song „Defcon Rising“, als Stream an. Der Song stammt vom zweiten Album „Being And Nothingness“, das am 14. Mai via Pulverized Records erscheinen wird.

Tracklist:
1. Macrocosm
2. Grave New World
3. Defcon Rising
4. Private Hell
5. Walk As Many, Stand As One
6. Stream Of Unconsciousness
7. Indefinite Archetype
8. The Nescient
9. Nocturne

Former and current members of KISS, Y&T, JOURNEY and MR. BIG appeared at a Ronnie Montrose tribute concert on Friday, April 27 at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, California. The show also included performances by MONTROSE and GAMMA, both of which were founded by Montrose.

MONTROSE's lineup for the concert included Sammy Hagar (VAN HALEN, CHICKENFOOT), Denny Carmassi and Bill Church (all of whom were in the band when they recorded their iconic self-titled debut album), with a special guest appearance by Joe Satriani (CHICKENFOOT).

GAMMA's lineup consisted of Davey Pattison, Denny Carmassi, Glenn Lesch, Tommy Suczek and Marc Bonilla.

In addition, there were performances by members of JOURNEY, MR. BIG and TESLA.

A review of the concert can be found at SFGate.com.

Fan-filmed video footage is available below.

Ronnie Montrose commited suicide on March 3 after a five-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 64 years old.

Born in Denver, Colorado, Montrose's first break when he played Van Morrison's classic 1971 album, "Tupelo Honey". He also appeared on recordings by Boz Scaggs and the EDGAR WINTER GROUP (1972's "They Only Come Out At Night") before going solo under the MONTROSE moniker in 1973 (with a very young Sammy Hagar on vocals). The MONTROSE band released two albums, "Montrose" and "Paper Money", before Hagar left to pursue a solo career. Montrose continued to release albums with the MONTROSE band, but focused his attention mostly on his solo career as well as his other band, GAMMA, which released four albums between 1979 and 2000.

After being diagnosed with cancer in 2007, Montrose took some time off from playing and performing to focus on his health.

Mit der Band HEIMATAERDE entstand 2004 ein Projekt, das sich von Beginn an über die Musik hinaus mit anderen Kunstdisziplinen verzahnte. Mittlerweile ist Heimataerde ein dichtes Geflecht aus Musik, visueller Kunst, Design und Erzählung. Hier wird aus vielfältigen Fäden ein Stoff gewebt, der zu einem bild-, wort-, und tongewaltigem Epos eines von Templern und Dämonen heimgesuchten Mittelalters geworden ist.

Tausend Jahre Finsternis. Die dunkle Zeit. In solch düsteren Begriffen ist uns das Mittelalter der Kreuzzüge heute überliefert. Glaubt man jedoch den Schilderungen der Band HEIMATAERDE, dürfte unser Bild jener Zeit noch viel zu farbenfroh sein. Mit der düsteren Mischung aus EBM, Electro, brachialer E-Gitarre und unüblichen Instrumenten wie Sackpfeife Drehleier und Zimbeln ist dem Projekt HEIMATAERDE seit seiner Gründung 2004 viel Beachtung zuteil geworden. Templer, Ungeheuer und Untote bevölkern die Musik und die Live-Auftritte der Band. Mit Spielleuten und Jahrmarkt hat die Welt der Kreuzzüge, die das Projekt zeichnet, jedoch nichts zu tun. HEIMATAERDE lässt ein Pantheon aus Untoten, Templern und Fanatikern aufmarschieren, die vor einer Breughelschen Höllenkulisse im Namen Gottes jedes Verbrechen begehen, dass ihnen zu ihren Zwecken nützlich scheint.

Durch dieses finstere Szenario führt der Erzähler Ashlar von Megalon, ein ewiger Wanderer und ein Vampir, auf der Suche nach Antworten und einer verborgenen Wahrheit. Der desillusionierte und verführte Tempelritter Ashlar verlässt voller Zweifel den Schutz seines bigotten Ordens und begibt sich auf dunkle Pfade, geführt von Verlangen, Verzweiflung und seiner eigenen Suche nach der mythischen „Heimataerde“.

Da HEIMATAERDE keine Remixe von seinen Liedern an¬fertigen lässt, nutzt man die Möglichkeit, bei einigen Tracks andere Künstler für eine Zusammenarbeit zu gewinnen. So konnten schon unter anderen , ASP, Mono Inc., X-Fusion, oder Solitary Experiments einige Spuren im Heimataerde-Sound hinterlassen Mit Alexander „Lex“ Wohnhaas von „Megaherz“ wurde ein idealer Sprecher für ein Hörbuch der HEIMATAERDE-Saga gefunden, welches bei dem Album Unwesen zum ersten mal realisiert wurden.

Im Juni 2012 erscheint das fünfte Album "Gottgleich" bei GoldenCore/ZYX.

Die HEIMATAERDE-Saga geht weiter und es offenbart sich ein dunkles Vermächtnis.

"Gottgleich" Track List:

01. Der Weg
02. Templerblut
03. Diese Nacht
04. Zwischen den Sternen
05. Agnus Dei
06. Wacht auf
07. God rest ye merry gentlemen
08. Tief in dir
09. Outremer
10. Dein Opfer
11. Pilgerlied
12. Al Naharot Bavel
13. Allein
14. Leise fließt der Ebro

Legendary hard rockers DEEP PURPLE have tapped Bob Ezrin (KISS, PINK FLOYD, PETER GABRIEL, ALICE COOPER, KANSAS) to produce their next album, tentatively due in early 2013. PURPLE guitarist Steve Morse tells GlideMagazine.com, "[This next CD is] probably going to be more of an extravaganza. Everybody realizes we're not going to do this forever, so to me it feels like this is a really important album to do well."

DEEP PURPLE's 18th studio album, "Rapture of the Deep", was released in November 2005. It was the fourth studio CD from DEEP PURPLE since Steve Morse joined the band in 1994. It was also the second album to feature veteran keyboardist Don Airey.

"Rapture of the Deep" was produced by Mike Bradford, who also worked on the band's previous release, 2003's "Bananas".