On January 21, Jo Schüftan of Horns Up Rocks! conducted an interview with transgender singer Mina Caputo, once known as Keith Caputo, the front-person for the popular rock band LIFE OF AGONY. You can now watch the chat below.

In an October 2011 interview with Advocate.com, Mina stated about how becoming a "rock star" delayed her transition, "I was very boxed in that metal thing," she said. "The first album I've ever done was released and then it pretty much exploded in Europe and I kind of had no choice but to leave school. I didn't want to sing in a band. That wasn't really what I set out to do. I wanted to go to Julliard. I wanted to play the classics, get good grades… and I pictured myself living more of a feminine life then at 19 when this whole alpha male world just pretty much took over. I was in hell for years. . . It was more of a sense of responsibility and not getting labels down… the management, the band, and the fans. And I mean, we were a really, really really, really big band. We were doing concerts in Europe where 60 to 100 thousand people were showing up."

When asked whether she plans on having bottom surgery any time soon, Caputo said, "The whole penis… I'm OK with that down there, you know. Most people don't realize that there's more to being a woman than just, I guess, putting on dresses and wearing makeup and your genitals. [People think] you have a male body and a penis so that makes you the man. But they can't dig deep enough unless they really want to understand what's going on in the subconscious mind and what I like to call subconscious sex."
On the topic of how she's already faced discrimination Stateside, Caputo said, "I've had run-ins on the train, ignorant people, you know, calling me 'he-she' or 'he-man.' If anyone tries to screw with me, I will not hesitate to cut somebody up like a piece of meat. I will do anything and everything to protect myself. I mean I don't want to hurt anybody but if someone lays their hands on me, I'm going to shank somebody. My father's been in prison his whole life, so just because I'm wearing a skirt doesn't mean I don't got big balls, OK? Because I will not hesitate to do anything and everything to protect myself."

The members of MANOWAR are currently in the studio working on their new album for a tentative summer release.

The band took some time during a brief recording break to answer some frequently asked fan questions.

Q: How are MANOWAR doing?

Donnie Hamzik (drums): We're doing great! We are having a blast in the studio, I am really happy with my drum sound and with these new songs I can really stretch out and burn.

Joey DeMaio (bass): Couldn't be better. We are still so energized from the live shows last year that you can feel this killer energy in the studio coming out of the speakers. It's amazing.

Q: Why haven't we heard more about the album on Facebook or on your website yet?

Eric Adams (vocals): We've simply been so concentrated on working on the material that we literally couldn't be stopped. When you're in the middle of a creative process, or recording, there is simply no good time to take a break.

Q: What is the status on the album?

Joey DeMaio: We are extremely critical of the songs in every step; I have said before that most of the stuff we reject other bands would consider finished. Finally now we are recording. And then the album goes into mixing and mastering.

Q: When will the album come out?

Karl Logan (guitar): We will celebrate the world premiere at Gods Of Metal, Italy on June 21st. This will be our fourth headlining performance there — more than any other band ever — and the perfect place for our album premiere and return to Italy after 10 years!

Q: What can the fans expect of this new MANOWAR album?

Joey DeMaio: Everything you have ever come to know and love about MANOWAR songs: Face-melting hymns of unity; crushing and pounding, hard and heavy — basically more of everything, and, of course, louder!

Q: What will the title of the album be?

Joey DeMaio: I would tell you but then I would have to kill you.

Q: Will the album cover feature art from the great Ken Kelly again?

Joey DeMaio: Are MANOWAR fans the strongest in THE WORLD? Of course! Ken is the man! His paintings capture the spirit of our music perfectly.

MANOWAR in 2010 re-recorded its highly acclaimed debut album, since finally technology had caught up with MANOWAR's custom-built touring and recording equipment. The classic hymns now feature the massive sound and production that has become MANOWAR's signature over recent years and records, and also include a narration by screen legend Sir Christopher Lee on "Dark Avenger".

Last year's "American Idol" runner-up Lauren Alaina has revealed that she has recorded backing vocals on AEROSMITH's new album, tentatively due this summer. Alaina tweeted on Friday, "Yesterday: returned to idol & then went to the studio to record background vocals for the new Aerosmith record. #ISTHISREAL? Thank u Steven!"

Georgian native Alaina became the youngest contestant to ever make it to the "Idol" finals at 16 years old. She charmed the "American Idol" judges during her January 2011 audition with a heartfelt and mature rendition of FAITH HILL's "Like We Never Loved". Later, Alaina capped off her appearance with a rendition of AEROSMITH's "I Dont Wanna Miss A Thing", with AEROSMITH frontman and "American Idol" judge Steven Tyler joining in for an impromptu duet.

According to Billboard.com, "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" entered the Billboard digital chart for the first time at No. 54 after Tyler's duet with Alaina.

Alaina returned to the "Idol" stage this past Thursday night (March 8) to perform her new country single "Georgia Peaches".

CANDLEBOX is set to hit the road this spring in support of its first studio album in nearly four years, "Love Stories & Other Musings". The first leg, covering 22 cities, launches on April 7 in Pensacola, Florida.

Produced by Ken Andrews (PETE YORN, A PERFECT CIRCLE, TENACIOUS D, BECK), "Love Stories & Other Musings" features nine new tracks and five bonus tracks, re-recordings of some of the band's biggest hits, including "Far Behind" and "Cover Me".

The enthusiasm for this new record is not just reserved for the fans, "Years ago I read something that changed the way I look at EVERYTHING! It struck so deeply that I have never forgotten it. It simply stated, 'without music, life would be a mistake,'" says CANDLEBOX lead vocalist and co-founder Kevin Martin. "I've never forgotten it, even when I was struggling to find a song or a melody it kept me searching and frankly I could not imagine my life without it [music]. This record for me is no mistake, it is our music and our love for what a great gift we have been given. 'Love Stories & Other Musings' is a new direction for us and I couldn't be happier to share it with our fans."

"I haven't felt this way about a release from CANDLEBOX since our first record. The feeling for this record is both refreshing and stimulating," adds guitarist Peter Klett. "I can't be more excited to release this music to the fans who have been with us for so long."

After signing to their new label AudioNest, CANDLEBOX are carving their own role in today's modern music scene, thanks to the support of their loyal fans. They have spent much of the past five years playing Stateside and abroad for troops and appearing at festivals on multiple continents.

"Love Stories & Other Musings" will be released on April 3. The CD's first single, "Believe In It", can be streamed below.

DEFTONES frontman Chino Moreno married his girlfriend of two years, Risa Mora, this past Wednesday, March 7 in Hawaii. This is the 38-year-old Moreno's third marriage.

Check out photos of the wedding at this location.

Moreno has two sons — Kristian and Jakobi — from his marriage to Celeste Schroeder.

DEFTONES last year began laying the groundwork for its seventh studio release, tentatively due before the end of 2012.

2010's "Diamond Eyes" has been one of DEFTONES' most successful outings. The set's last single, "You've Seen The Butcher", was a Top 15 rock radio hit.

DEFTONES will once again record with Sergio Vega on bass. Vega stepped in for touring purposes after original bassist Chi Cheng was left in a semi-comatose state by a November 2008 car accident, and stayed on to record "Diamond Eyes" with the group.

FILTER mainman Richard Patrick was the featured guest on a recent edition of the "All Knowing Force" web-based interview show. The chat is now available for streaming using the audio player below. During the interview, Patrick revealed that FILTER will be returning to the studio on April 1 with producer Bob Marlette (BLACK SABBATH, ATREYU, SALIVA) to begin recording the band's new album, "Gurney And The Burning Books", for a fall release. Much of the material for the CD was co-written with current FILTER guitarist Jonny Radtke (formerly of KILL HANNAH), who joined the group in 2011 as the touring guitarist to support 2010's "The Trouble With Angels". The two are experimenting with the key of C as well as drop B, relatively new sounds for FILTER.

"I'm screaming my ass off [on this new record]," Patrick said in a recent interview with The New Hampshire. "I've definitely got the aggression. I'm definitely pissed off about a lot of things in my life."

Interview (audio):

In a marked departure from its trademark acetate frames, Moscot, a New York City institution renowned worldwide for its iconic eyewear, has announced the launch of five striking new metal Moscot Originals styles — a first for the company. The new Moscot Originals, The Benno, Izzy, Mendel, Yosi and Zelda, are authentic replicas of styles from the Moscot family archives, circa the 1960s - 1970s. Each frame has been meticulously crafted to retain the fine details of its original construction including groove detailing along the temples, and acetate accents across the brow. The Izzy and The Mendel also feature fashion tint lenses.

The new metal frames launch concomitantly with the company's bold, exciting new Moscot Metal Campaign, featuring the most recognizable names in heavy metal.

More than just a play on words, philosophically Moscot felt a real connection between who Moscot is as a brand and what these men and women stand for as artists. All are authentic, genuine, creative, fun, unconventional, humble, non-conformists, who know where they come from, what they like, and what works for them, so that's what they do... and that's what makes them each Originals.

The campaign was created in house by the Moscot creative team — conceptualized and photographed by Moscot co-president Wendy Simmons and marketing coordinator Bianca Pizzoferrato, with post production by Louie Lepore, costume styling by Santiago Siguenza, and makeup by Breanna Williams. The 2012 campaign was shot at the iconic Williamsburg metal bar Duff's Brooklyn and features the following heavy metal musicians and radio/TV personalities:

* Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT)
* Chris Adler (LAMB OF GOD)
* Faisal Talal (ACRASSICAUDA)
* Jesse Leach (KILLSWITCH ENGAGE)
* Jose Mangin (SiriusXM)
* Juliya Chernetsky (Fuse TV)
* Marwan Riyadh (ACRASSICAUDA)
* Matt Heafy (TRIVIUM)
* Scott Ian (ANTHRAX)
* Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY)

Each pair runs from $255 for frames and $285 for tint lenses and is available at Moscot.com.

In a recent interview with GuitarWorld.com, legendary vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) was asked about his memories of the late guitarist Gary Moore.

"Gary and I became very good friends in 1980," Glenn replied. "He left a THIN LIZZY tour midway through. He just disappeared — but he actually disappeared to my house. He couldn't take playing in a band anymore, and he had this tendency to just jump ship. I remember Phil Lynott calling my house and saying, 'If you've got him over there, I'm gonna slit your throat.' The idea of someone slitting my throat didn't make me happy.

"Gary and I formed this little combo called G FORCE. As soon as it started, I was out of it because I was too drunk. But we were still great friends in the early '80s, and I joined him to do an album called 'Run For Cover'. But I was drunk again, and it wasn't the appropriate time to work with Gary because he was against all druggy behavior at the time.

"I want to point out to your readers that Gary Moore was the most ferocious, innovative guitar player ever. His melodies were off the charts. He was a great friend, and we made our pact toward the end of his life, becoming friends again. My mom was listening to a piece of music on the radio last week. When the radio announcer said who it was, she said, 'Yes, it was Gary Moore. He was fantastic.' My mom is 84, she loves his playing."

According to The Telegraph, Gary Moore suffered a heart attack brought on by a massive amount of alcohol he consumed prior to being found dead in bed at a luxury Costa del Sol hotel in February 2011.

Moore had 380 mg of alcohol per deciliter of blood in his system, enough to put himself nearly five times over the the legal limit for drunk driving, tests have shown. That amount was just short of the 416 mg pop singer Amy Winehouse had in her body when she died surrounded by three empty vodka bottles.

"American Idol" finalist James Durbin and recording artist Orianthi (ALICE COOPER) played a special concert on March 2 at Center Staging in Burbank, California to benefit the Rock School Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit group that funds music lessons and provides instruments for kids 7-17 who want to attend any rock school nationwide, but whose parents don't have the financial means.

Both James and Orianthi joined several student bands for various cover songs and, after playing several songs with the Burbank Music Academy student band FULL COUNT, Orianthi performed her original song "Heaven In This Hell" with the School Of Rock North Hollywood.

"I had so much fun jamming out with the kids," Orianthi said. "They are all so talented and sweet. I knew from when I was six that music would be my life and I used to spend most of my time in the music room. It's sad to hear that music programs are often removed from public schools, so it meant a lot to be a part of the Rock School Scholarship Fund show."

James, a former scholarship student, performed his original song "Stand Up" with NINE, a student band from the Burbank Music Academy. He and Orianthi later performed DIO's anthem "Rainbow In The Dark" with the School Of Rock North Hollywood. For James, it was the first metal song that he ever heard and the rocker dedicated the song to Ronnie James Dio.

"If it weren't for music scholarships I wouldn't have been able to learn what I know now," James said. "I play music because it's what I love to do and every single kid that I met at the event had that same fire. I'm so happy I got to do this because it reminds me to have fun. Playing with those kids brought my fire back. The fire that made me want to be a singer in the first place. A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart to the Rock School Scholarship Fund, the teachers, all the kids and to anyone and everyone who supports this great cause."

Additional celebrity items in the silent auction included a PRS SE Orianthi Red Sparkle Guitar signed by Orianthi, a Fender Squire Special Edition Guitar signed by James Durbin, an autographed REM drumhead, a private guitar lesson with new music artist Erica Chase, two VIP meet-and-greet tickets to any Todd Rundgren concert, two Orchestra tickets and cast meet and greet for "Rock Of Ages" at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood and a tour of the Fender Guitar Factory for a winner and four friends.

During a break in the concert, Center Staging General Manager Michael Anderson also surprised the school with a $5,000 check while donations from event sponsors Monster Energy Drink, Karma Tequila and St. Clair Brown Winery raised additional funds.

"I started the scholarship fund with Carl Restivo, when we ran the School Of Rock in Hollywood," said Wendy Winks, executive director of the Rock School Scholarship Fund. "Kids would come through with their parents and be so excited about our music program, but many families could not afford the $325 per month tuition. We created the scholarship fund so that kids who want to rock can have that opportunity. It's a fantastic way for kids to learn to play music."

For more information about the Rock School Scholarship Fund, go to RockSchoolFund.org.

Quality fan-filmed video footage of BEHEMOTH's February 19 performance at Trix in Antwerp, Belgium as part of the "Full Of Hate" European tour with CANNIBAL CORPSE, LEGION OF THE DAMNED, MISERY INDEX and SUICIDAL ANGELS can be seen below.

BEHEMOTH guitarist/vocalist Adam "Nergal" Darski recently called the "Full Of Hate" tour "probably the best European run we've done ever! And it's not just courtesy, but a fact. [I've] never seen European venues so crowded and enthusiastically reacting to our show." He added, "I know, we've been away for a while, the band's future was a big question mark and if you ask me, I have to say I was seriously worried if I can pull it off at all. Now I can finally admit: Fuck yes! I can still get my ass on stage and give my blood, sweat and heart to the people who truly deserve that. These 'return' shows have some transcendental touch to it and I can't get rid of the feeling, it's a new life injected in band's veins. I am proud. Of my band, myself and all the fans coming to the shows."

BEHEMOTH, WATAIN, THE DEVIL'S BLOOD and IN SOLITUDE will join forces for the inaugural Decibel Magazine Tour in April/May.

BEHEMOTH's "Evangelia Heretika - The New Gospel Three" DVD (2010) — a three-disc set featuring two full shows ("Live In Paris 2008" and "Live In Warsaw 2009"); every BEHEMOTH music video ever made; "Evangelion" tour documentary featuring band interviews plus tons of backstage footage; and a bonus "Live in Warsaw" audio CD — was certified platinum in the Poland for sales in excess of 10,000 copies.

BEHEMOTH recently released a video for the song "Lucifer", off "Evangelion". The Grupa 13-directed clip features Polish singer, guitarist, and poet Maciej Malenczuk, who also contributed guest vocals to the track.

Norwegian thrashers DEAD TROOPER have released a live album with a bit of a difference. The eight-track effort, "No Tan En Vivo En Mexico", with artwork by Danny Larsen, was released digitally on March 9, and is inspired by the band's appearance at Mexico's Wild Metal Fest last year which was rained off only one and a half songs into the set. As a result, the group decided to release a live studio recording of what would have been the entire show as a tribute to the fans who took DEAD TROOPER to their hearts after they performed an impromptu set at a local biker bar following the cancelation of the festival.

Commented DEAD TROOPER frontman Meister Muller: "To cut a long story short, DEAD TROOPER went to Mexico last year to play their biggest outdoor concert to date at the Wild Metal Fest 2011. We hit the stage and what did we get? Rain. Insane amounts of it, which drowned the stage and cut the power. So much rehearsing and anticipation for this gig and we only got to play 1.5 songs before Mother Nature pissed on us.

"We don't need to tell you how passionate Mexican fans are about their metal and with the festival called off, there ensued the usual riot, fire, fists and shit kickers. After quite a few depressing cervesas and tequilas, we got word that a bunch of disgruntled fans thirsty for Norwegian metal were gathered at a local biker bar, together with a local band and back line, so we headed off to the Route 666 bar and shredded through some songs, including a bunch of covers, together with eminent guests! The bar exploded! We were welcomed as stars! Unbelievable! The intensity, heat and adrenaline of the packed club was only matched by the rain of bear hugs, kisses, praise and love from the crazy metalheads of Cancun when we eventually stumbled off stage.

"Before we were due to appear, we had made this brilliant studio recording of our intended live set, which really captured our live sound in the best way possible and which was only meant for us to dissect and analyze for the sake of perfecting the set. But we had to give something back to Mexico for treating us like metal royalty! 'No Tan En Vivo En Mexico' is the set we intended to play at Wild Metal Fest, and here it is, raw, dirty, heavy, and passionate! This album is for you, Mexico! Te amamos, you bastards!!"

The members of DEAD TROOPER, who describe their music as "groovy, aggressive thrash metal," are currently on the hunt for a label to release what will be their sophomore full-length album. The band's next live appearance will take place at the Inferno Festival in Oslo on April 6.

"Kiss of the Kannibal", a track from "No Tan En Vivo En Mexico", along with other songs from DEAD TROOPER can be heard using the SoundCloud player below. Also available is audio of Meister Muller explaining the decision to release "No Tan En Vivo En Mexico" during a recent interview with DJ Malice for Canada's Nuclear Holocaust Radio.

For more information, visit www.deadtrooper.com.

Karlstad, Sweden-based metal/rock band SPARZANZA recently entered the studio to begin recording its sixth album, to be released later in the year via Spinefarm Records. The group states, "Almost all the parts are done except for Fred [Fredrik Weileby], who has some singing left, and after that we will start the mixing session. This time we have dug a little bit further in our minds, trying to create a really dark and heavy album, but still having focus on writing good melodies. We also added a lot more percussion parts, dark choirs and live strings. It sounds so good and we know that you will be blown away. We also started with the artwork for the cover. It seems that it will include some hands, checker flag and statues... but who knows where it will end up."

SPARZANZA's fifth album, "Folie À Cinq", was released in February 2011 via Spinefarm. The CD was recorded between September and November 2010 at Leon Music with producer Rikard Löfgren, who helmed the band's previous two CDs and has also worked with such other artists as HELLFUELED, VOMITORY and DEATHSTARS.

SPARZANZA is:

Fredrik Weileby - Vocals
Calle Johannesson - Guitar
Magnus Eronen - Guitar
Anders Åberg - Drums
Johan Carlsson - Bass

Christian rockers LIBERTY N' JUSTICE will release their 11th studio album, "Hell Is Coming To Breakfast", on April 24 via Roxx Records. In addition to seven brand new tracks and various demos, the effort includes the original acoustic demo version of the song "Sin" featuring late WARRANT singer Jani Lane in what is said to be one of his last recorded performances. A lyric video for the track has now been released and can be seen below.

In other news, LIBERTY N' JUSTICE has once again joined forces with Roxx Records to release "Before The Revolution: Best Of Liberty N' Justice The Early Years", featuring songs from the band's first four CDs — "Armed With The Cross", "Big Guns", "Forever Till The End" and "Bargain Bins" — plus some "cool demos."

In 2009, LIBERTY N' JUSTICE, along with JK Northrup and with help from CJ Snare (FIREHOUSE), started recording a double CD called "The Cigar Chronicles" at JK's studio, Alien Productions. 26 songs (half covers and half originals that were penned by JK and Justin Murr) were laid down with guest appearances by over 60 musicians, including Jani Lane, Kip Winger (WINGER), George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB), Jeff LaBar (CINDERELLA), Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (GUNS N' ROSES), Tony Harnell (TNT), CJ Snare, Phil Lewis (L.A. GUNS), Gunnar Nelson (NELSON), Mark Slaughter (SLAUGHTER), Ted Poley (DANGER DANGER), Jamie Rowe (GUARDIAN), Stevie Rachelle (TUFF), James Christian (HOUSE OF LORDS) and Steve Brown (TRIXTER), among others. After many delays, the album is finally recorded and the mixing process is about to begin.

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.

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).

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

Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH have uploaded single-camera footage of their March 9 headlining performance in Jyväskylä, Finland. The eight-minute clip, which can be seen below, contains the show intro, "Taikatalvi", and the opening track, "Storytime".

The band's setlist was as follows:


01. Taikatalvi
02. Storytime
03. Wish I Had An Angel
04. Amaranth
05. Scaretale
06. Dead To The World
07. Slow, Love, Slow
08. I Want My Tears Back (with Troy Donockley)
09. The Crow, The Owl And The Dove (with Troy Donockley)
10. The Islander (with Troy Donockley)
11. Nemo (with Troy Donockley)
12. Last Of The Wilds (with Troy Donockley)
13. Planet Hell
14. Ghost River (world premiere)
15. The Poet And The Pendulum
16. Over The Hills And Far Away (Gary Moore cover) (with Troy Donockley)

Encore:

17. Finlandia (Jean Sibelius cover) (with Troy Donockley)
18. Song Of Myself
19. Last Ride Of The Day

"The Crow, The Owl And The Dove", the second single from NIGHTWISH's latest album, "Imaginaerum", has entered the official chart in Finland at position No. 1. The single features the title cut in three versions — radio edit, album version and instrumental — and the previously unreleased song "The Heart Asks Pleasure First" (theme from the movie "The Piano") in two different versions.

NIGHTWISH will release a special "tour edition" of "Imaginaerum", on April 13 via Nuclear Blast Records. It will be a 2CD+DVD digibook in slipcase.

"Imaginaerum" sold 12,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, 2007's "Dark Passion Play", opened with 11,000 units to land at No. 84.

"Imaginaerum" was released in North America on January 10 via Roadrunner Records.

"Surrender", a brand new song from former NEVERMORE guitarist Jeff Loomis, is available for streaming using the audio player below. The track comes off Jeff Loomis' forthcoming second solo album, "Plains Of Oblivion", which will be released on April 10 in North America (one day earlier in Europe) via Century Media Records. The CD was produced by Aaron Smith (7 HORNS 7 EYES) and features cover artwork by Colin Marks of Rain Song Design, who has previously worked with ALL SHALL PERISH, THE END and XERATH.

Commented Loomis: "At first I thought Christine Rhoades would be the only guest singer on the record, but then this one song started coming together, it's pretty brutal. I've always wanted to do really, really heavy music and after hearing this, both Aaron and myself thought we needed some crazy, sick singer on it. We just sat around tossing names out for a bit, nothing really was sticking and then Aaron says, 'I got it ... Ihsahn,' and it was one of those moments where you knew that was the answer all along, it just hadn't been unlocked in your mind yet. Anyway, a few short emails back and forth and we had his vocal track in. It came out amazing. I can't wait for you to hear it. Ihsahn, thanks again, it's an honor to have you on my record."

Added Ihsahn: "I was both surprised and honored when Jeff asked me to sing on one of the songs for his upcoming album. He sent me a killer track, so it was easy to get inspiration for both words and vocal ideas, and I think it came out really well. Jeff is an amazing musician and I'm really looking forward to hearing the final album. Also, in the collaborative spirit, I got him to lay down a solo for my own new album."

"Surrender" audio stream:

AHAB, the German funeral doom metal band featuring former MIDNATTSOL members Daniel Droste (guitar/vocals) and Christian Hector (guitar), has completed work on its third album, "The Giant", to be released later in the year 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 first 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

Acclaimed Middle Eastern guitarist Yossi Sassi (ORPHANED LAND) has just released his his debut solo album, "Melting Clocks", via Verycords. The CD, which was produced and composed by Sassi, features guest appearances by several known musicians, including former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman.

Familiar to numerous music fans all over the world by his unique trademarked signature sound, Sassi blends east with west, rock with world music, melodic tunes with progressive passages, and traditional folk instruments with roaring electric riffs.

With over 20 years of experience as a producer, composer/arranger and founding member of ORPHANED LAND, Yossi continues to soar to new horizons.

Yossi is known for being the constant explorer of sound and musical boundaries, driving inspiration from different cultures around the world. Yossi plays 17 (!) different types of guitars and traditional instruments, and has been invited to play live and share the stage with artists such as METALLICA, Marty Friedman, Steven Wilson, Yehuda Poliker and many others.

Yossi has cooperated and recorded with artists from Kuwait to Portugal. He is a veteran performing artist, with hundreds of global shows and major festivals in his record.

Featuring world-known musicians, this album takes you to a journey around the world with traditional instruments such as saz, bouzouki, oud, chumbush and many more.

"Melting Clocks" track listing:

01. Drive (6:18)
02. Fields Of Sunrise (5:07)
03. The Calling: Rush Hour (4:51)
04. Numbers' World (5:10)
05. Melting Thoughts (3:38)
06. Another Day In The Office (4:18)
07. Ain't Good Enough (3:56)
08. The Routine (4:43)
09. Sahara Afternoon (6:56)
10. Sunset (2:16)
11. Simple Things (4:54)
12. Melting Clocks (3:38)

The song "Numbers' World" can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.

For more information, visit www.yossisassi.com.

Deathrash/groove outfit COMMON DEAD have released the music video for the track ‘Wound’, taken from the new album, Diatribe. As an animated piece, the video contains rotoscoped performance footage and features stop-motion segments contributed by Montreal artist, Jean-Philippe McGurrin.

Common Dead commented: "This is one of the more accessible songs from Diatribe, relating thoughts that stem from successive loss. The surreal animation portrays separation and struggle to mirror the song's message, while the 'shadow people' effect was chosen in homage to stories that have spread about such entities."

Watch the video below:

Das aktuelle Album "Existence" Part.1 von BETO VÁZQUEZ INFINITY ist seit Mitte 2011 im Handel erhältlich. Für dieses Monsteralbum hat es Beto Vázquez einmal mehr geschafft, tolle Musiker zu gewinnen. So werden u.a. Timo Tolkki (SYMFONIA, REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE, ex STRATOVARIUS), Dominique Leurquin (RHAPSODY OF FIRE, LUCA TURILLI'S DREAMQUEST, DREAM CHILD) oder DARK MOOR Sänger Alfred Romero, der auch gleich seinen Gitarristen Enrik García mitbrachte, zu hören sein.

Fans des Melodischen Power Metal á la STRATOVARIUS, DARK MOOR, EPICA, RHAPSODY oder NIGHTWISH sollten sich die Limitierte IceWarrior Edition (im JewelCase) nicht engehen lassen. Jetzt wurde ein neues Live Video vom Konzert 2011 in Buenos Aires auf You Tube online gestellt.

Acclaimed San Francisco Bay Area drummer Jon Allen (SADUS, DRAGONLORD, FUTURES END, AC/DZ, ex-TESTAMENT) is recovering from the removal of what is reported to be a very large, life-threatening blood clot in his right leg. Back-to-back state-of-the-art ultrasonic clot-busting treatment was performed on March 7 and March 8 in an effort to clear a complete blockage.

The vascular surgeon reports the procedures were a complete success and Allen is expected to make a full recovery and return to performing within a few weeks.

Allen is scheduled to lay down the drums on the long-anticipated new DRAGONLORD CD this spring in his native northern California. This will be followed by the recording of the sophomore CD from FUTURES END. Additionally, Jon has new solo-project material in development for late 2012/early 2013.

Video footage of Jon Allen performing with DRAGONLORD in Japan can be seen below.

Photo credit: Leah Burlington

Southern Lord has announced a deluxe reissue of one of the towering achievements in metal history, "Dopesmoker" by SLEEP.

For the 2012 reissue, there are some very notable changes. The original studio tapes have been remastered, presenting the album as the band had originally intended. The audio is clearer, louder, and at last brings a true representation of SLEEP's hour-plus Weedian chronicle. Exclusive to this Southern Lord edition is brand new artwork by longtime SLEEP artist Arik Roper, to be unveiled in the coming weeks. Additionally, this reborn version of "Dopesmoker" boasts an unreleased live recording of one of the band's best all-time performances: "Holy Mountain" from San Francisco's I-Beam in 1994.

This edition ensures that this mesmerizing, incredibly complex document remains unrivaled in the annals of stoner metal.

"Dopesmoker" track listing:

01. Dopesmoker (1:03:31)
02. Holy Mountain (Live @ the I-Beam SF, CA. 1994) (11:54)

RUSH's Neil Peart, Eric Clapton, SEX PISTOLS' Johnny Rotten, Carlos Santana and THE ROLLING STONES' Charlie Watts appear in Jay Bulger's documentary on legendary CREAM drummer Ginger Baker called "Beware Of Mr. Baker". The documentary will screen multiple times at SXSW (South By Southwest) in Austin, Texas beginning March 10.

"Beware Of Mr. Baker" synopsis: Ginger Baker is known for playing in CREAM and BLIND FAITH, but the world's greatest drummer didn’t hit his stride until 1972, when he arrived in Nigeria and discovered Fela Kuti's Afrobeat. After leaving Nigeria, Ginger returned to his pattern of drug-induced self-destruction, and countless groundbreaking musical works, eventually settling in South Africa, where the 73-year-old lives with his young bride and 39 polo ponies.

A new "Beware Of Mr. Baker" preview clip can be seen below (courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter).