Dee Snider, the unmistakable front-man of the rock band TWISTED SISTER, will release a new studio album, "Dee Does Broadway", on May 8 via Razor & Tie. The CD features Dee's powerful voice and theatrical persona as he exudes his rock ' n' roll take on several Broadway classics. The new album will coincide with the release of his first-ever autobiography, "Shut Up And Give Me The Mic" (Gallery Books).

"Dee Does Broadway" features several special guest stars, including Broadway and television icon Bebe Neuwirth on the DAMN YANKEES song "Whatever Lola Wants", Broadway legend Patti LuPone on a "West Side Story" medley "Tonight/Somewhere", pop icon Cyndi Lauper on SWEET CHARITY's "Big Spender", Clay Aiken of "American Idol" on the GUYS AND DOLLS classic "Luck Be a Lady Tonight", the stars of the Broadway hit musical "Priscilla Queen Of The Desert" (Will Swenson, Tony Sheldon, and Nick Adams) on SOUTH PACIFIC's "There Is Nothin' Like A Dame", Mark Wood of the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA playing violin on the "Phantom Of The Opera" ballad "Music Of The Night", as well a special rendition of "The Joint Is Jumpin" from "Ain't Misbehavin'" with Dee's oldest son, Jesse "Blaze" Snider. Songs are also featured from classic Broadway shows including "Cabaret", "Chicago", "The Threepenny Opera", "Anything Goes" and "Sweeney Todd".

"Dee Does Broadway" was spawned from a number of voicemails exchanged featuring "Broadway tunes" sung as messages between Dee Snider and Alice Cooper in 2009 and Dee's 2010 Broadway run in the Broadway rock musical "Rock Of Ages". Inspired to take this musical journey, the classically trained countertenor (who sang with his high school choir and always loud as hell) Snider enlisted producers Bob Kulick and Brett Chassen (whom Dee worked with on the metalized Frank Sinatra tribute called "Sin-atra"). The album was mixed by the legendary Ric Wake and Gustavo Celis, and features the incredible orchestrations and playing by the renowned composer/arranger Doug Katsaros and the bass guitar playing of one of rock's prolific players, the legendary Rudy Sarzo.

Dee Snider explains the process: "Over the past year, I have worked closely with my team and collaborators picking from decades of musical hits with only two rules: The song had to speak to me as a singer on some level, and it could not be a rock song to begin with. No 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'Grease', 'Hair', 'Rent', 'Rocky Horror', etc. What would be the challenge in that?" He continues, "There are many who think doing an album of rocked out show tunes is pure insanity on my part. Apparently, they haven't seen any photos of me from the '70s and '80s. Could I have been in a more theatrical band? Ever since I was a kid, I'd heard the real power inherent in a lot of songs from musicals and this record gives me the chance to show it".

"Dee Does Broadway" track listing:

01. Cabaret
02. The Ballad Of Sweeney Todd
03. Big Spender (with Cyndi Lauper)
04. Mack The Knife
05. Whatever Lola Wants (with Bebe Neuwirth)
06. Music Of The Night (with guest violinist Mark Wood)
07. The Joint Is Jumpin' (with Jesse Blaze Snider)
08. Luck Be A Lady (with Clay Aiken)
09. I Get A Kick Out Of You
10. There Is Nothin' Like A Dame (with the stars of "Priscilla Queen Of The Desert": Will Swenson, Tony Sheldon and Nick Adams)
11. Razzle Dazzle
12. Tonight/Somewhere (with Patti LuPone)

Three songs from the album — "Tonight/Somewhere", "I Get A Kick Out Of You" and "Cabaret" — are available for streaming below.

Audio samples of the entire CD can be found at Amazon.com.

GREAT WHITE — Mark Kendall (lead guitar), Scott Snyder (bass), Audie Desbrow (drums), Michael Lardie (guitar, keyboards) and Terry Ilous (lead vocals) — filmed a video for the song "(I've Got) Something For You" yesterday (Friday, April 27), in Tujunga, California. Photos from the video shoot can be found at this location. A couple of the pictures are available below.

"(I've Got) Something For You" comes off GREAT WHITE's new studio album, "Elation", which is scheduled for a May 22 North American release (four days earlier in Europe) via Frontiers Records. The 12-song CD will mark GREAT WHITE's first effort with Ilous following the band's split with founding singer Jack Russell.

"This is a new birth of the band," Desbrow said. "I wanted to call the album 'Tabula Rasa', which means rebirth, but we went for 'Elation' because of the euphoria in the atmosphere. It's a fresh and healthier start than ever before. I'm like a kid in a candy store."

Kendall, one of rock's most notable guitarists, echoed Desbrow's pure excitement. "The energy in the studio [was] amazing," Kendall said. "This is the most excited I've been since I was nine years old and got my first guitar. It's remarkable to be doing our third record with Frontiers Records and to feel the love and support from Serafino and his team. They are truly part of the GREAT WHITE family."

Lardie, who also served as "Elation"'s producer, applauded the band's teamwork in the studio. He was struck by the group's songwriting approach and enthusiasm, and is certain that fans will embrace the record.

"The difference in this studio experience was simple," he said. "Everyone was completely present and contributed to the making of this album. As a producer, I feel my part is to get the best out of each of us and I got better than anyone's best!"

"Elation" track listing:

01. (I've Got) Something For You
02. Feelin' So Much Better
03. Love Train
04. Heart Of A Man
05. Hard To Say Goodbye
06. Resolution
07. Shotgun Willie's
08. Promise Land
09. Lowdown (bonus track)
10. Just For Tonight
11. Love Is Enough
12. Complicated

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

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

GREAT WHITE's last studio album, "Rising" (featuring Russell on lead vocals), was released in North America in April 2009 via Shrapnel Records. The CD was issued in Europe in March 2009 through Frontiers Records.

The cover artwork of "Impermanence", the forthcoming debut EP from VEXT — the new New Jersey/New York-based heavy rock band featuring singer Tommy Vext (DIVINE HERESY, SNOT), guitar virtuoso Angel Vivaldi, and the rhythm section of the now-disbanded MUTINY WITHIN (Andrew Jacobs on bass and Bill Fore on drums) — can be seen below. Also available is a stream of the EP's first single, "In The End".

These four musicians came together in search of a different sound since they had all been previously involved with more extreme metal projects. How they came to know one another is a quite unconventional.

On the evening of September 19, 2010, Vext was the victim of a brutal attack at his home in Brooklyn. Having suffered severe injuries to his skull, abdomen and an open compound fracture to his left arm, Tommy was rushed to the ER. With medical bills soaring above seventy-five thousand dollars, his friends in the music scene banded together to help raise funds.

Enter Roadrunner recording artists MUTINY WITHIN. "We heard that GOD FORBID was doing a benefit concert for Tommy and when we found out why, we immediately jumped on the bill," says Jacobs. A few months later, Andrew introduced Tommy to Bill. After seeing Fore perform with the Angel Vivaldi band, it became apparent to Tommy that Angel and Bill were the missing pieces to this new musical effort.

VEXT is:

Tommy Vext - Vocals
Angel Vivaldi - Guitar
Andrew Jacobs - Bass
Bill Fore - Drums

VEXT played a free show on Saturday, March 31 at the Goldskull Studios in New York City. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

ASHENVEIL, the new "ambitious" female-fronted metal band out of New Jersey featuring OPERATIKA drummer Yuri Liakhovitch, has tapped Mike LePond of SYMPHONY X to lay down the bass tracks on ASHENVEIL's upcoming debut album, "Black Of Light", to be released this summer.

Described by LePond as "heavy metal-sounding BLACKMORE'S NIGHT," ASHENVEIL was formed in the summer of 2009 when a group of friends met up for a jamming session. They clicked and the chemistry between the players was obvious to all. At that point, the songwriting process began and the direction of the band was musically defined and established. Eager for great things to happen, after a series of extensive rehearsals, the band — under its former name, TRACE OF EMPTINESS — performed several shows locally to get their foot in the door, gain exposure and start building the fan base. However, it wasn’t until singer and songwriter Christine Greenwood joined in March 2010 to take over the vocal duties that the band was able to maximize its potential and reach the point where "only sky was the limit." With Christine's unique voice handling operatic soprano or alto singing styles, modified and tailored for each individual song, the band went on to record its first demo that was completed by the end of April 2010. After a series of lineup changes, Rich Fischer on the guitar joined the band in 2011 and brought much-needed technicality and versatility to complete the band’s unique and multidimensional sound.

ASHENVEIL is preparing to film a promotional video for one of the songs on the forthcoming CD.

In the 10-minute video below, LePond talks about ASHENVEIL, the band's upcoming album and some of the individual songs that will appear on the CD.

"Demon Sent", a brand new song from WEST OF HELL, the Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada-based band featuring ZIMMERS HOLE frontman Chris "The Heathen" Valagao, can be streamed using the audio player below (courtesy of Stereokiller.com). The track comes off the group's full-length debut, "Spiral Empire", which will be released on May 8 via Reversed Records. The CD was recorded at The Factory Studios in Vancouver and was produced by Juno Award-winning engineer Rob Shallcross (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, GWAR, ZIMMERS HOLE, FEAR FACTORY).

According to a press release, "Spiral Empire" features "a unique sound that preserves the band's legendary, distinctive influences whilst incorporating modern elements, creating a one-of-a-kind listening experience."

"Spiral Empire" pre-order packages are available exclusively at this location.

WEST OF HELL was formed in 2002 in West Auckland, New Zealand by guitarist Ivan Vrdoljak and drummer Andrew Hulme. A short time later, friends of the pair finally directed them to guitarist Sean Parkinson (ex-SINATE). Parkinson established an instant chemistry with Vrdoljak and Hulme, driving the trio to immediately begin working, writing songs, and forging their trademark sound. Then, after two years of painstaking searches and monitoring the grapevine, the band was led to bassist Jordan Kemp.

With the instrumental portion of the band locked down, all that was left to be discovered was the perfect frontman. Having searched without success for perfect vocalist locally, the band decided to continue the hunt in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, and uprooted to the area in 2009. In order to share their vision and establish WEST OF HELL in a larger scene, they needed a singer that was more than just a screamer, which drastically narrowed the possibilities. The band played a series of shows as a four-piece instrumental, drawing critical acclaim, and ultimately attracted the attention of the local metal community. The exposure led them to Valagao. It was apparent to the founding members that Valagao's diverse skills were exactly what WEST OF HELL needed to realize the band's ultimate vision.

WEST OF HELL is:

Vocals - Chris "The Heathen" Valagao
Bass - Jordan Kemp
Guitar - Sean Parkinson
Guitar - Ivan Vrdoljak
Drums - Andrew Hulme

THE SMASHING PUMPKINS will release their new album, "Oceania", on June 19 via EMI Label Services/Caroline distribution.

Produced by THE SMASHING PUMPKINS' frontman Billy Corgan, "Oceania" is an intense and dynamic offering that will appeal to new and existing fans of THE SMASHING PUMPKINS alike. "Oceania", the band's seventh studio record, is “an album within an album,” part of their 44-song work-in-progress "Teargarden By Kaleidyscope".

Peter Katsis, manager of SMASHING PUMPKINS for Prospect Park, stated: "THE SMASHING PUMPKINS created 'Oceania' as an album experience, and it is intended for the process of the release to follow a path of inclusion, so that best efforts are made for all the fans hear it at the same time as press or radio. We were excited to find partners in EMI Label Services that were equally passionate about the plan for the album release as well as being huge fans of the PUMPKINS."

EMI's relationship with THE SMASHING PUMPKINS dates back more than 20 years, to the release of "Gish" in 1991. That album was reissued this past November along with 1993's "Siamese Dream".

Said Mike Harris, EVP/GM EMI Label Services/Caroline distribution: "We are thrilled to extend the long-term partnership between THE SMASHING PUMPKINS and EMI with the release of 'Oceania'. Everybody at EMI Label Services is looking forward to working closely with Billy and the band to help them deliver their vision and their music to fans around the world."

"Oceania" track listing:

01. Quasar
02. Panopticon
03. The Celestials
04. Violet Rays
05. My Love Is Winter
06. One Diamond, One Heart
07. Pinwheels
08. Oceania
09. Pale Horse
10. The Chimera
11. Glissandra
12. Inkless
13. Wildflower

Fan-filmed video footage of THE SMASHING PUMPKINS performing various tracks from "Oceania" during their fall 2011 tour can be seen below.

St. Louis, Missouri-based power/thrash metallers CONQUEST are putting the finishing touches on their new album, "The War We Rage", for a summer/fall release via Dark Star Records. Produced once again by CONQUEST lead singer Derrick Brumley, the CD is being engineered by Adam Long, who also worked on the band's debut album, "End Of Days".

"The War We Rage" will mark the recording debut of CONQUEST's new bass player Rob Boyer.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. The War We Rage
02. Wicked
03. Against All Odds
04. Never Forget
05. Tomorrows Black
06 Live Free Or Die
07. Turn Me Away
08. Coming With Vengeance
09. Scream For My Life
10. Get Off My Back
11. Tyrant Of The New World
12. Fall From Grace

In other news, CONQUEST has decided to re-release its popular single called "Never Forget" a new tribute to 9/11 as a free download. Check it out at this location.

The new lineup of FEAR FACTORY made its live debut this past Thursday night (April 26) at Teatro Vorterix in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fan-filmed video footage of the entire concert can now be seen below.

FEAR FACTORY recently enlisted Matt DeVries as the band's new bass player. DeVries, previously of CHIMAIRA (where he played guitar) and most recently SIX FEET UNDER, joined FEAR FACTORY as the replacement for Byron Stroud (now with 3 INCHES OF BLOOD).

FEAR FACTORY has tapped Mike Heller (MALIGNANCY, SYSTEM DIVIDE) as its new touring drummer.

Commented Heller: "It is an incredible honor to be chosen as the new drummer for FEAR FACTORY! It's something I never would have dreamt of as a kid listening to 'Soul Of A New Machine' and 'Demanufacture' over and over again in middle school. It's also an incredible honor to be following in the footsteps of two of the most amazing and influential drummers in metal drumming history. I hope to continue their legacy, creating some of the most forward-thinking and innovative music available today."

"Recharger", the new single from FEAR FACTORY, can be purchased via iTunes. The track comes off the band's new album, "The Industrialist", which is due in North America on June 5 via Candlelight Records. The CD is a conceptual record based around a story written by vocalist Burton C. Bell. Lyrics to the album's ten songs divulge the narrative as discussed recently by Bell with Decibel magazine. The album's artwork was created by American designer Anthony Clarkson with additional direction from the band. The album will be available on three formats — standard CD, a limited edition deluxe digi-book (featuring two additional songs), and 180-gram double vinyl.

Bell notes, "The protagonist (The Industrialist) is the incarnation of all industries in the form of an automaton. The mechanical, technological, and scientific advances through the industrial age led to the creation of The Industrialist. In the story, the automaton becomes sentient as it collects memories with each passing day. Through observation and learning, it gains the will to exist. What was meant to help man, will eventually be man's demise."

"The Industrialist" again pairs FEAR FACTORY with producer Rhys Fulber. Mixed by Greg Reely (PARADISE LOST, SKINNY PUPPY, MACHINE HEAD), with additional tracking by Logan Mader (GOJIRA, DIVINE HERESY), the album is the second written by Bell and guitarist Dino Cazares since reuniting in 2009 after a seven-year split. Cazares says, "Collaborating with Burton again on the new album was like magic. Everything just fell into place naturally. It felt good to recapture the true sound of FEAR FACTORY, taking it back to where it all started while raising it to new levels." Regarding Fulber, Cazares says, "Rhys has been our secret member. He is the one producer who has been able to understand what we have been trying to accomplish from the beginning and has opened our eyes to new things without sacrificing our original sound. His production and keyboard talents has made FEAR FACTORY stand out amongst the many bands of our genre."

"The Industrialist" track listing:

01. The Industrialist
02. Recharger
03. New Messiah
04. God Eater
05. Depraved Mind Murder
06. Virus of Faith
07. Difference Engine
08. Dissemble
09. Religion is Flawed Because Man is Flawed
10. Human Augmentation
11. Blush Response (Difference Engine) *
12. Landfill *

* Available on deluxe digibook only

"Jag Har Köpt Mig Fri", a song from NERVGIFT ("Nerve-Venom" in Swedish) — the new Örebro, Sweden-based punk/metal band featuring bassist/guitarist Oskar Pålsson (COLDWORKER), vocalist Calle Henriksson (KVOTERINGEN) and drummer Andreas Gustavsson (OND BRÅD DÖD) — can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The track comes off the group's recenty completed debut demo. The music for the four-song effort was recorded in a basement beneath a municipal school in Kumla between March 23 and March 25, and the vocals were added at COLDWORKER's rehearsal room on March 27.

NERVGIFT is currently seeking a suitable record label to release these four songs as the band's first seven-inch vinyl.

NERVGIFT is:

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

Fan-filmed video footage of 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) — performing its new single, "War In Me", live at several stops on the band's current North American co-headlining tour with CLUTCH can be seen below.

HELLYEAH's third album, "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.

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."

"War In Me" performance footage:

GWAR frontman Oderus Urungus slammed HELLYEAH during his group's April 25 performace in Buffalo, New York, calling them "fat, dumbass, tattooed ignorant, inbred fucks" and making fun of HELLYEAH's band name.

Before Oderus and his bandmates launched into "The Uberklaw" from their 2009 album, "Lust in Space", the frontman addressed the crowd with the following tirade (see video below): "How 'bout that new HELLYEAH record? Pretty good, huh? What a great name for a band — Hell, yeah. That is so awesome. How did those fat, stupid dudes from Texas ever come up with something so awesome? How did those fat, dumbass, tattooed, ignorant, inbred fucks ever come up with such an amazing idea as HELLYEAH? Wow, Stephen Hawking, move over! Hahahahaha!"

The next day, the members of HELLYEAH themselves responded via Twitter, writing, "We"d like to thank Gwar's lead singer for talking shit about us at one of their shows. Classy guy...yay you!" HELLYEAH singer Chad Gray added earlier today, "I don't know what all the hype is on this gwar thing. I think it's an honor to be ripped on by gwar! They're awesome! Thanks oderus!"

Jay Nanda of the San Antonio Metal Music Examiner recently conducted an interview with with former HELLOWEEN and current UNISONIC singer Michael Kiske. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

San Antonio Metal Music Examiner: How has it been for you to get back out there on stage again after nearly two decades?

Kiske: In the beginning, there was a lot of pressure. I didn't know if I'd be capable of doing it or how the fans would react. And we started with a festival in front of 30,000 people! Sure, we did two or three warm-up shows, but the first real concert we did was at Sweden Rock. I have to say, it turned out really nice. The audience was so beautiful, and I was overwhelmed with the warmth of the audience. After the gig, we did a signing session, and the people were in a huge line all the way around. They had all kinds of CDs that I had done. Now, I feel very comfortable on stage. It was almost like riding a bike as a little kid. You get back on after 20 years, and you never forget how to do it.

San Antonio Metal Music Examiner: What is your most memorable moment from your time in HELLOWEEN?

Kiske: The first tours we did. "Keeper 1", "Keeper 2". People might say that I say that because I'm back together with Kai [Hansen, former HELLOWEEN and current UNISONIC guitarist], but it's just a fact. When he was in the band, the band was totally functioning. When he wasn't in anymore, it stopped functioning, and it turned into a nightmare, especially for me. There was one special thing in France in a very little village around the "Keeper 1" time. We were very successful in France, and we went there to do a show. But the promoter who did the show didn't advertise it, so people didn't know we were there. We played for about 80 people. But it was the most fun we ever had. It was more like a Monty Python thing than a concert.

San Antonio Metal Music Examiner: It was often documented that you and Helloween split because some in the media here said that you hated heavy metal.

Kiske: That's bullshit.

San Antonio Metal Music Examiner: In America, we may wonder more than any other metal fans what happened to you after HELLOWEEN because it's been so long since we've seen you or the current edition of HELLOWEEN play live in this country. With UNISONIC, it's obvious that you don't hate metal or hard rock. So can you clarify what happened after that and why you disappeared, so to speak, for so many years?

Kiske: It had nothing to do with the music. I grew up with that music. There was a lot of anger in me toward the metal scene, especially in Germany. But I always love my MAIDEN records and JUDAS PRIEST records. I'm actually honest with you now, OK? (HELLOWEEN guitarist) Michael Weikath was very jealous of individual people in the band. He was working against me when Kai left the band and doing it behind my back. He was trying to get Andi Deris in the band, and after awhile, I got sick of it. I said toward (Hansen's replacement) Roland (Grapow), "I'm thinking of leaving the band." Fans were disappointed. They (media) tried to twist it that "Michael hated metal." But I've always loved metal. But I was pissed then, and I was getting a lot of bullshit when I did a record. If it didn't sound like HELLOWEEN, it was enough for (critics) to destroy it.

Read the entire interview from San Antonio Metal Music Examiner.

"Unisonic" (song) video:

Singers Dani "Filth" Davey (CRADLE OF FILTH) and Björn "Speed" Strid (SOILWORK) make guest appearances on the new EP from British vocalist Sarah Jezebel Deva — who has toured and/or recorded with CRADLE OF FILTH, THERION, MORTIIS and ANGTORIA. Entitled "Malediction", the three-song digital EP will be released on May 28 via Listenable Records. Strid sings a duet with Sarah in the song "Lies Define Us", while Davey can be heard in the track "This Is My Curse", a video for which will be follow during the coming weeks.

The "Malediction" cover art can be seen below.

"Working with Sarah Jezebel Deva was a trip," commented Björn. "We definitely found common ground humor-wise and musically. The song we did together is still ringing in my head. The atmosphere is fantastic and the melody is haunting. Drop the gothic top hats and get ready for the real deal!"

Added Dani: "It was great fun dueting with Sarah Jezebel Deva again, being a new thing for me to try and compliment her voice, rather than the other way round (which generally happened on the CRADLE OF FILTH material), so being involved in this song was definitely a challenge for me (and not a curse) seeing as I only had a few days to leave my stain on it. Fortunately, the tune was strong enough to carry away my first fumbling forays. I think the track itself is really powerful and definitely rings as emotive as the subject matter of the lyrics (which I attempted to embellish rather than change). Hnestly thinking to myself that the finished song has come out better than midnight in a Playboy graveyard."

Said Deva: "I have to admit, [Dani] worked his arse off for ['This Is My Curse'] and it shows. It was honestly a real pleasure singing together again."

Sarah Jezebel Deva's solo album, "The Corruption Of Mercy", was released in the U.S. on August 30, 2011. The CD was released in Europe on June 27, 2011 via Listenable Records. The cover art for the effort was created by CRADLE OF FILTH artist Matt Lombard and comes in a slipcase due to its slightly "dark/close-to-the-mark" nature.

Swedish death metallers INSISION will celebrate their 15-year anniversary with the release of "15 Years Of Exaggerated Torment", a 23-song collection containing material from their first demo, 1998's "Meant To Suffer"; a recording of the band's second live appearance in 1998, "Live Like A Worm"; the 1999 mini-CD "The Dead Live On"; 2000's "Promo 2000" demo; 2001's "Revelation Of The SadoGod" demo; plus a newly re-recorded version of an old track. Due on May 25 in the U.S. and June 1 in Europe via Sevared Records, the double-CD set was once again completed with the help of engineer Anders Eriksson at Off Beat Studio in Stockholm. The cover art was created by Rian from Indonesia and can be seen below.

Commented the band: "We feel proud to have stayed solid throughout these years.

"Right now we're working hard to create new songs for the upcoming full-length CD, which hopefully will be our strongest release to date. We don't have a recording date settled, but as soon as eveything falls into place and feels dark'n'fast enough, we will start recording. All credits to the loyal fans of death metal who supported INSISION through these 15 years. Death metal is our religion."

INSISION previously described its new material as "a mix of the complex stuff we did on our first record, 'Beneath The Folds Of Flesh' back in 2001 along with rhythm parts that can be explained with a more darker approach."

INSISION's "End Of All" EP came out last year via Sevared.

AHAB, the German funeral doom metal band featuring former MIDNATTSOL members Daniel Droste (guitar/vocals) and Christian Hector (guitar), has posted the title track of its forthcoming third album, "The Giant", to be released on May 25 via Napalm Records. The CD features cover artwork (see below) by acclaimed artist Sebastian Jerke (LONG DISTANCE CALLING) and a guest appearance by ENSLAVED vocalist/keyboardist Herbrand Larsen.

"The Giant" track listing:

01. Further South
02. Aeons Elapse
03. Deliverance (Shouting At The Dead)
04. Antarctica The Polymorphess
05. Fathoms Deep Below
06. The Giant
07. Time's Like Molten Lead (digipak and vinyl bonus track)
08. Evening Star (vinyl-only bonus track)

The second in a series of video clips featuring behind-the-scenes footage from "The Giant" recording sessions can be seen below.

AHAB's sophomore album, "The Divinity Of Oceans", was released in July 2009 via Napalm Records. The follow-up to 2006's "The Call of the Wretched Sea" contains seven songs and is based on the wreckage of the Essex.

AHAB is named after Captain Ahab, a character in the novel "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville. Along with its name, the band also draws thematic and lyrical inspiration from "Moby Dick" — some songs even feature direct quotations from the book.

AHAB is:

Daniel Droste: Guitar, Voices, Synths
Christian Hector: Guitar
Stephan Wandernoth: Bass
Cornelius Althammer: Drums

Having recently announced their official partnership with Southern Lord, Swedish crust lords MARTYRDÖD have unveiled the details of their foreboding new full-length, "Paranoia". The ninth of eleven tracks forming the scathing "Paranoia", "Köttberg" is one of the most direct tracks on the album, showing the world the band's straightforward d-beat oriented style with crushing strength. Check it out at this location.

Set for CD/digital release in Europe on June 4, with the vinyl version to follow on June 19, "Paranoia" is the first of several MARTYRDÖD recordings slated for release via Southern Lord. Recorded in the depths of the infamous Studio Fredman (AT THE GATES, AMON AMARTH, OPETH), the album rages with the brute-force crustpunk attack found on previous releases, yet also expands the band's sound with more dynamic leads empowering dis-harmonies and more tension-filled buildups than ever before.

The recently-announced Southern Lord label package tour will bring MARTYRDÖD to America in support of "Paranoia" this summer alongside labelmates ENABLER, BURNING LOVE and headliners BLACK BREATH, with POISON IDEA, NOOTHGRUSH, PELICAN, POWER TRIP, WILD//TRIBE, DEAD IN THE DIRT, THE SECRET and more taking part in the festivities along the way.

After formation in 2001, MARTYRDÖD, have since slammed the crustpunk and underground metal scene with a surplus of CD and LP releases on such brutal labels as Plaguebearer, Havoc, Farewell, La Familia and Prank, as well as sporadic touring across Europe and a massive offensive on the United States in 2011. Featuring current/former members of SKITSYSTEM, AGRIMONIA, MIASMAL and more, the outfit have amassed a brutally-diehard following in the underground hardcore, crust and metal scenes.

"Paranoia" track listing:

01. Nog Är Nog
02. Överkom Er Rädsla
03. Klassfienden
04. Hör Världens Rop
05. Ett Hjärta Av Eld
06. En Tragisk Zeitgeist
07. Det Sker Samtidigt
08. Paranoia
09. Köttberg
10. Avbön
11. Varje Val Har Sitt Pris

"Element Nexus", the new video from ANTIKYTHERA, the Philadelphia-based death metal band featuring members of JUNGLE ROT, NIGHTFIRE, BLOOD OF ABEL and INSATANITY, can be seen below. The song comes off the group's upcoming album, tentatively due this summer. The CD was recorded by Len Carmichael, who worked on the latest SWASHBUCKLE album for Century Media and will feature artwork by Mallika Sundaramurthy of Boston's ABNORMALITY.

Formerly known as HER VIRGIN WOMB, ANTIKYTHERA split in early 2011 to form ANTIKYTHERA AND THE GURCHICK TREE.

ANTIKYTHERA's current lineup consists of Joe Boccuto (guitar), James Dorton (vocals), Jesse Beahler (drums), Dave Spencer (bass) and Kevin Elliott (guitar).

German death metallers OBSCENITY have finished recording their eighth full-length album, "Atrophied In Anguish", for an August release via Apostasy Records. The CD was recorded at Soundlodge Studio in Rhauderfehn, Germany and will contain 10 tracks with a running time of 38 minutes. The cover artwork is being created by Headsplitdesign.

OBSCENITY last year announced the addition of bassist Jörg Pirch (ex-TEARS OF DECAY) and guitarist Christoph Weerts (ex-ASSASINATED) to the group's ranks. The band was also rejoined by drummer Sascha Knust (ex-THE AWAKENING, SETHNEFER).

OBSCENITY in 2010 recruited Tampa, Florida native Jeff Rudes as its new singer.

OBSCENITY's seventh CD, "Where Sinners Bleed", was released in 2006 through Armageddon Music. The follow-up to 2002's "Cold Blooded Murder" was recorded at Soundlodge studio in Rhauderfehn, Germany.

OBSCENITY was previously signed to Morbid Records, which issued four of the band's albums, ending with "Cold Blooded Murder".

OBSCENITY is:

Jeff Rudes - Vocals
Hendrik Bruns - Guitar
Christoph Weerts - Guitar
Jörg Pirch - Bass
Sascha Knust - Drums

Davide Tiso from Italian avant-garde metal band EPHEL DUATH has responded to today's report that Roadrunner Europe may be closing down operations in Europe.

"Today I read that Roadrunner Europe is shutting down. I don’t know how credible is this news, but the rumour itself made me think once again how bad is the current state of the music industry. When a journalist asks to a band if they are pro or against illegal downloading, it’s always amusing for me to read that some bands are actually in favour of people stealing their work for free. I think is completely irresponsible for bands to get their words out that way, and, frankly, I can’t stop myself getting irritated by such stupid behaviours. I hate when people download my music for free, I don’t consider those people supporters of my band, whatever what they could possibly say or not say in their defence. Music nowadays is treated without any respect and I’m shocked to see the process getting worse and worse year after year. The fact that labels are closing is a terrible thing for the music business: it is not true that bands can bypass the label to get their music out, at least not at the current state of things.

I am overwhelmed by the way new generations feel that everything is owed to them, sometime I would like to close my eyes on this poor and empty digital-addicted society of ours.

When METALLICA attacked Napster years ago, the whole thing was probably about greed, but everyone seemed more interested in booing the band instead of consider what Lars Ulrich was actually standing against. Where are we now? Bands nowadays are forced to tour their asses off for most of the year to be able to pay their rent. Some of them don’t make it and they still need to live with their parents past the age of 30. Bands nowadays spend thousands and thousands of dollars printing worthless merchandising to be able to keep touring, while their studio budgets get smaller and smaller and their bellies get wider for all the cheap junk food they are surviving with while on the road. Is this what it means to be a musician today?

When I read that GOJIRA have their bank accounts in red I am scared for the future of this music I love so much.

Years ago I bet on my band as the only possible future for me: I lost my bet and now I paying the consequences. After seeing how bad things are getting in the music business I’m starting to think that doing a step back, finding a normal job and keep the band going as a part-time thing was the only right thing to do.
Illegal downloading is killing the music business: that bald, ugly, millionaire of Lars Ulrich was right, and I’m here stating that we should have listened to that bastard."

ARCH ENEMY vocalist Angela Gossow has issued the following message in the wake of the news that Roadrunner Records was shutting down its European offices, and that their CEO Cees Wessels was stepping down (details here):




"Metal fans stop buying music, they download it 'for free.' Labels dont make money with selling metal music anymore.

Labels first cut down their offices and staff, then they will drop all the artists who don't sell CDs anymore. Metal bands are the first to go. It's a small niche compared to mainstream music.

Bands have no label support anymore, thus won't get any tour support, so they cannot go out and build a live profile / make a name as a good live band anymore. The only real income for a band these days.

This results in lack of touring offers in general.

Many bands cannot survive on touring income anymore as they won't get any good offers. Especially the newer acts. Bands will stop touring, you will only be seeing the same old, big bands coming round (METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN, etc.) but none of your fave smaller/underground acts or new acts, as they simply can not afford it.

If bands can neither release their music nor go out and play live, they'll disband sooner or later due to lack of motivation and any sort of reward.

The metal scene will lose a lot of innovative, exciting and diverse bands and many fans will never get to see their fave bands live. What a boring, corporate, streamlined future to look forward to.

And it's all in YOUR hands. Every time you rip music for free, you tick the 'I don't care if my fave band will die' box in a way.

Think about it. Twice."

Slipknot's Clown Shawn Crahan also took to his Facebook to respond to the news, stating:

“Today is a sad day. It has been brought to my attention that many Roadrunner offices around the world have been closed permanently. This means to us, Slipknot, in my opinion that a lot of our very close friends and comrades will no longer be around to help the art and business known as the Slipknot family. This is very disheartening because our whole career has consisted of being involved with this personal family. This comes as very shocking news and in my opinion only, this is completely unwarranted and unacceptable. Money should not dictate art. Art should dictate money. It only proves that the business side of things dominates the art side of things and again in my opinion art is what changes the world. Everyone who no longer works with Slipknot will be greatly missed and as far as I’m concerned things will never ever be the same. I personally will not let anybody new into the vision of art because the art has been supported by so many from the beginning of my career to now. Things will never ever be the same. My heart hurts for my friends all around the world and for their families and I know that all things that are meant to be will come back around. All I can say at this point from the bottom of my heart is THANK YOU for everything you have ever done for our band Slipknot, our families, and other bands who have been trying to live out their dreams. I’m sorry and we love you all. The music industry as a whole will always continue to fail but the love for art and music will always be on an up rise. And because of this art will always need people who understand it. Now that the wheel is being expected to change everyone should know outside the family that the wheel known as Slipknot will become bigger, stronger, and more dangerous than ever. It will have no sympathy and no forgiveness and will roll over all the wrongdoing. This is simply unbelievable to me. In fact it is everything that is wrong with the world today. You will all stay in my mind and my soul and my art and I will continue to reach out and remain as close as possible to as many of you as possible as I can. The experiences that I have had with you over the years have been part of the dream and have made the dream a reality, something that I have dreamt of since I was a child. Thank you for pushing me as hard as you have over the years so that I could be the best that I can be for our culture. As you know I want my dream to be aligned with people who believe as passionately as we do and will continue to every step of the way. Things will never be the same from this day on and I am tired of things always changing in this business because of politics and people that have not taken the time to fulfill the duty to understand us as an art form representing a culture that is one of a kind and more importantly as people with families ourselves. I also know how important these people who no longer will be working with Slipknot and Roadrunner are and how much of a difference they made to the most important people of all - the fans. I believe the fans should also be able to voice their opinion as well if the industry is going to continue making the decisions they have based on my life, our art, and our fans. Please feel obligated to voice that opinion on our page and give the respect to those who have helped with the vision of Slipknot. Again I am very very very sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers now forever. I will always consider you close friends and I will make every attempt to stay in touch with as many of you as possible. And if I had my way we would align our forces for our culture to continue what is most important and that is the art and philosophy of Slipknot. Thank you for everything from the bottom of my heart. Your friend, your brother - The Clown.”

Trivium’s Matt Heafy took a more agitated response, but hit the nail right on the head. He said: “I wish I knew who or what to blame specifically, and chew off its heads - but Roadrunner records just fired some of their best employees. I don't know if it's corporate greed or it's due to the fact that no one puts value in physical art and that piracy created a domino effect, but our friends who are being tossed away so quickly by the label are now out of jobs.

“These people helped bands get where they are today. My heart goes out to my friends who have been delivered this awful news today. You helped us get where we are. You're in our thoughts. Truth is. I love Roadrunner. I'm upset with what happened to the people I care about. Roadrunner helped build metal that I love. It wasn't ROADRUNNER canning people. It's the "company" who "owns" it. Long live ROADRUNNER (the memory of something that once was great).”

Further to this afternoon's report that Roadrunner Records may be closing their European Offices, Ed Christman of Billboard.biz has filed the following update:

"In a changing of the guard at Roadrunner Records, founder/CEO Cees Wessels is leaving the label 17 months after the completion of its sale to the Warner Music Group. Concurrent with his departure, approximately 36 staffers worldwide were let go today (April 26th), sources tell Billboard.biz. The exact number was unclear at press time.




Concurrent with his departure, the label is being realigned so that it will utilize the Warner Music Group for back-office and other support capabilities while retaining frontline label functions like A&R, marketing, promotion and publicity.

In the US, Roadrunner will continue to operate as a standalone frontline label, although 16 staffers in the States are losing their jobs.

Internationally, Roadrunner's staff will continue to carry out some label functions, such as marketing, promo and publicity. Other responsibilities, principally support functions, will be carried out by Warner Music teams, which means that 20 staffers will lose their jobs.

Roadrunner, which continues to be a strong brand in rock music, will continue to have personnel in every territory it does currently, with the exception of the Netherlands office, which is being shuttered. Wessels founded the label in the Netherlands in 1980.

Longtime label President Jonas Nachsin, who has served in that role since 1999, will remain on staff."

Swedish melodic death metallers DARK TRANQUILLITY have re-signed with Century Media Records. The influential band from Gothenburg released its first album on Century Media in 1999, and has since issued six full-length CDs, two DVDs and a handful of special releases.

Commented Jens Prüter, head of A&R at Century Media in Europe: "I start to believe in Numerology. 13 years ago, DARK TRANQUILLITY signed their first contract with Century Media Records. Friday the 13th of April, I met Mikael Stanne and Niklas Sundin for the Roadburn festival at the lovely 013 venue in Tilburg to receive the signed copies of their 3rd Century Media contract for 3 more albums. The 3 of us had about 13 beers to celebrate it. It's amazing how DARK TRANQUILLITY are able to express their legacy as one of the original godfathers of the melodic death metal/Gothenburg sound without sounding outdated today. They always managed to stick to their roots and develop to new heights at the same time. Looking forward to the next album in 2013. Cheers!"

The band comments: "After such a long history together, we're more confident than ever that Century Media is the perfect working partner for DARK TRANQUILLITY. In a climate where a lot of record labels are weighed down by cynicism or have just plain given up in the face of the rapidly changing industry climate, Century Media are still enthusiastic and forward thinking and take huge pride in releasing great music that matters. Here's to another 13 years!"

DARK TRANQUILLITY's ninth album, "We Are The Void", sold around 2,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 15 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"We Are The Void" was released in North America on March 9, 2010 via Century Media Records. The LP was made available in Europe as a CD, digital download and strictly limited-edition die-cut digipak featuring two bonus songs ("Stars Of Nothingness" and "To Where Fires Cannot Feed") and a bonus DVD.

Photo by Ester Segarra

Finnish melodic death metallers MORS PRINCIPIUM EST have inked a deal with AFM Records. Singer Ville Viljanen states, "We talked to some other labels, too, but AFM seemed the right choice for us. We can't wait to get to the studio in the summer and release the new album at the end of 2012. And then we will see what happens, when the people of AFM starts to work their magic." He adds, "We have been talking with a record label for Japan, Korea and Taiwan release, everything seems OK, but nothing has been signed yet. Also have been talking to a record label for Australia release, again everything seems OK, but nothing has been signed yet. So, as soon as the contracts have been signed, we will let you know."

MORS PRINCIPIUM EST last year parted ways with guitarists Tomy Laisto and Kalle Aaltonen. A new axeman, Andy Gillion from the United Kingdom, has since been recruited.

MORS PRINCIPIUM EST 2012 is:

Ville Viljanen - Vocals
Mikko Sipola - Drums
Teemu Heinola - Bass
Andy Gillion - Guitar
Andhe Chandler - Guitar

MORS PRINCIPIUM EST's third album, "Liberation = Termination", was released in February 2007 via Listenable Records. The follow-up to "The Unborn" was recorded at Astia Studio in Finland and was mastered at Imperial Mastering in Concord, California.

According to SonicState.com, Joe Satriani (CHICKENFOOT), Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE), Yngwie Malmsteen, Nicko McBrain (IRON MAIDEN), Paul Gilbert (MR. BIG, RACER X), Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH), Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE, DIO) and Tim "Ripper" Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) will take part in a tribute event in memory of Jim Marshall, the creator of the Marshall amplifier. The gig will take place on September 22 at Wembley Arena in London.

McBrain, who will compere the event, had this to say: "This is truly a celebration of a British icon — Marshall. Beyond doubt, Jim Marshall shaped the sound of rock music for eternity! Words cannot describe how pioneering Jim Marshall was! We're bringing together beyond-legendary artists for a true celebration of Jim's life. There is no better way to commemorate Jim's amazing life than putting on the loudest event ever. Expect pure rock and roll madness amplified to the max by Marshall!"

Marshall died earlier in the month at the age of 88. A message posted at the web site of Marshall Amplification, the company he founded 50 years ago, stated, "Jim's ascent into the history books as 'the Father of Loud' and the man responsible for 'the Sound of Rock' is a true rags-to-riches tale. Cruelly robbed of his youth by tubercular bones, Jim rose to become one of the four forefathers responsible for creating the tools that allowed rock guitar as we know and love it today to be born. The groundbreaking quartet also included the late, great trio of Leo Fender, Les Paul and Seth Lover — together with Jim, they truly are the cornerstones of all things rock."

The site described Marshall as "a legendary man who led a full and truly remarkable life."

The cause of Marshall's death was not announced.

A former singer, drummer and music shop owner, Marshall eventually landed a job as an electrical engineer that helped him design a transportable amplifier to use at his own live shows. Consulting with musicians like THE WHO's Pete Townshend and DEEP PURPLE's Ritchie Blackmore, Marshall refined his invention and opened Marshall Amplification in 1962.

By the mid-1960s, he had created the classic Marshall Stack, consisting of one head containing the actual amplifier, on top of two stacked loudspeaker cabinets each containing four 12-inch loudspeakers arranged in a square layout. The setup has become an iconic symbol of rock music played as loud as possible.

Classic heavy metal band STRIKER has inked a worldwide deal with Napalm Records. The Canadians' new album, "Armed To The Teeth", will be released at the end of July. In addition, the CD "Eyes In The Night" and the "Road Warrior" EP will be re-released the same month.

"The enthusiasm we received right from the get-go left no doubt that Napalm will be the perfect label to take us to the next level," the band said in a statement. "We are looking forward to finally releasing the new album and can't wait to hit the road and enjoy a few pints at a venue near you!"

STRIKER recently posted a new song, "Forever", helmed by legendary producer Michael Wagener (ACCEPT, METALLICA, OZZY OSBOURNE, DOKKEN). The track can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

Vocalist Michael Vampire of Los Angeles-based goth-metallers VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE!

"It is with great sadness that I have to announce Philip Kross's [bass] departure from VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE! Philip did an amazing job contributing to VE! the past year and we will never forget the sacrifices he made for the band. We respect Philip greatly and will keep him on all press- and album-related artwork he already completed with the band, including our upcoming release. Philip decided to pursue other musical-related activities and we wish him the best of luck with whatever he decides to do. However, Philip will not be on the VE! lineup for the Vans Warped Tour this summer. Filling in on bass will be Adam Vex. He is known for his work in SUFFER WELL, AESTHETIC PERFECTION, and IMPERATIVE REACTION. We are beyond excited to have Vex filling in and we are positive he will bring an amazing stage show to the Warped Tour this summer. We love all of our fans soo much and we are excited to release 'Hellbound & Heartless' June 19, 2012."

"Hellbound And Heartless", (Hollywood Waste Records) showcases the darker side of VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE!, focusing on message-driven lyrics and deriving musical influence from industrial rock icons such as MARILYN MANSON and ROB ZOMBIE.