The original lineup of KILLING JOKE will release its new album, "2012" (MMXII), on April 2 via Spinefarm Records. The effort will be released in CD hardcopy and digital formats. It will also be made available on double colored gatefold vinyl.

The album's key is the end of times, an age of flux, a shift in consciousness…

"I can't see the point contemplating extreme life extinction — it's good for nothing. It's nihilism in the absolute even considering it," states KILLING JOKE mainman Jaz Coleman.

This kind of thinking sets the tone for this powerful record, with 2012 and the state of flux the key issue…

"It's in many different calendars — the great unveiling, the sky and the earth coming together. It's a significant date. In the autumn, there is a major planetary alignment, and on that day I'm doing this rock festival, 'A Party At The End Of The Earth', which is going to be in New Zealand. Everything is speeding up. It's not just our minds shrinking. We are heading towards the Eschaton and no-one really knows what's going to happen."

The album reflects this dark vision, but Jaz Coleman sees the great change in a more positive light — the dawning of the Age Of Aquarius…

"All the remote viewers I know, myself included, cannot penetrate beyond," he says. "This year is about getting our collective dreams in order, restoring the biosphere, the idea of well-being as opposed to economic growth, the idea of partnership and co-creation with fellow human beings, moving away from national boundaries and more towards what Schiller and Beethoven were saying in some of their work."

The album's themes are political, anti-capitalist and forward-looking…

"If we can concentrate on what it can be, the dream of clean streams, of re-forestation, of permaculture, of disengaging all the banks — identifying all the majority shareholders of the top 100 corporations and dismantling them," Coleman says. "If we start dreaming of a fairer system and defining what an elite should be – an intellectual powerhouse and not international bankers."

Jaz laughs that wild laugh and stares.

"This is what I'm touching on with the songs; 'Fema Camp' is about the concentration camps they have been building in America; 'Corporate Elect' needs no explanation; 'Rapture' is the way I perceive a KILLING JOKE concert – it's a spiritual experience for myself to get into that state of grace… music is the theme of mantra. I'm not into organised religion at all, but I've always liked what Fela Kuti did in Nigeria, playing music like it was a temple. Maybe we will evolve into a time where we will be performing for ritualistic and spiritual reasons alone and not for monetary reasons?"

"There's a song called 'On All Hallows Eve', which is about my belief in ancestor worship, backed up by quantum theories that there is no death. You only ever remember the time-line that you are alive in — you can't remember being dead because you never were. 'Colony Collapse' is about what's happening, what's going on out there. 'Poleshift' is the first track on the album and about the potential polar shift of the earth's magnetic field, its erratic behaviour, and also the polar shift that will be needed."

The 11 album tracks are an avalanche of sound that is empowering whilst jolting you awake. They are as fascinating as chatting with Coleman, as he talks of future humans living forever but with no emotions, and of the Age Of Aquarius and the cycles of time, the shift in the earth's electro-magnetic field, the end of extreme capitalism, the Arab Spring and how his trips to Cairo to record music have added to his belief that when Cairo falls everywhere else follows…

"2012" is possibly KILLING JOKE's best album ever, and fittingly Mike Coles, long-time KILLING JOKE collaborator and artistic genius, has completed the artwork.

To celebrate the album's release, KILLING JOKE is streaming the track "Rapture" as a taster on YouTube.

"2012" formats and track listing:

CD/Digital Album

01. Pole Shift
02. Fema Camp
03. Rapture
04. Colony Collapse
05. Corporate Elect
06. In Cythera
07. Primobile
08. Glitch
09. Trance
10. On All Hallow's Eve

Double Colored Gatefold Vinyl

Side A:

01. Pole Shift
02. Fema Camp

Side B:

01. Rapture
02. Colony Collapse
03. Corporate Elect

Side C:

01. In Cythera
02. Primobile
03. Glitch

Side D:

01. Trance
02. On All Hallow's Eve

iTunes exclusive track

11. New Uprising

When their original line-up of Jaz Coleman, Geordie, Youth and Big Paul reconvened in 2008 after working together intermittently, that strange voodoo once again filled the room. Individually, they have a power, but together they have something sulphurous and strong that few bands can match. KILLING JOKE are not an average band with an average agenda; they lock the door and let the ritual commence, and "2012" is the result.

Guitarist Russ Strahan (HOUNDS OF HASSELVANDER, PENTAGRAM, LAND OF DOOM) has issued the following statement:

"In light of recent statements and after much thought, I have decided to not pursue THE BONES OF CHILDREN project with Kory Clarke [vocals; WARRIOR SOUL, TROUBLE].

"I have been working on several projects as of late doing studio work for Joe Hasselvander, DOOMSDAY and several other projects I cannot disclose at this time.

"I wish Kory all the best with his future endeavors and hope to see you all when I am back out on the road."

Clarke announced this past week that he was leaving Chicago doom metal legends TROUBLE to start THE BONES OF CHILDREN with Strahan.

Dayton, Ohio radio station New Rock 103.9 The X conducted a short interview with Marilyn Manson on February 10. During the chat, which can be streamed below, Manson revealed that the first single from his upcoming album "Born Villain", a song called "No Reflection", will be released in May.

In a separate interview with Alan Cox on the Ohio rock station 100.7 WMMS, Manson said, "The first single you'll be getting shoved up your ears very soon is called 'No Reflection'." He went on to say, "The record’s done, shooting the video, I think next week." He added, "It's got a very special bonus track on it, features a good friend of mine. I won't mention his name yet. He plays guitar and he's very very well known in different things."

Marilyn Manson's eighth studio album, "Born Villain", will be made available later in the year through Cooking Vinyl Records.

The singer last September unveiled a new music video for the song "Born Villain" directed by actor Shia LaBeouf. Manson and the "Transformers" star met at a KILLS concert, when LaBeouf, a longtime Manson fan, struck up a conversation. LaBeouf said, "He's a big deal to me, and in my childhood, I don't know of a scarier figure in art. He, in my teenage years, was the scariest thing in the world, so part of me has always been intrigued." LaBeouf offered to direct Manson's next video and the singer agreed after LaBeouf showed him a clip he had directed for a band called CAGE. LaBeouf said that Manson is "like a brother to me now. He's a real sweet dude, a real close friend."

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 shock-rocker's latest album, entitled "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".

22-year-old Norwegian seven-string guitarist/singer/songwriter The Commander-In-Chief will release her debut EP, "Evolution", on February 15. The effort was produced by Sterling Winfield (PANTERA, HATEBREED, HELLYEAH), who previously mixed The Commander-In-Chiefs' "brutal, adrenalin-fueled" cover version of the BLACK SABBATH classic "Paranoid" (audio stream avialable in YouTube clip below).

According to a press release, "the recording process of the EP was very different from what normally happens in studio these days, so Sterling Winfield made a statement about it.

He said, "I would first like to say thank you again to 'The Commander' and Elisabeth Hagen for giving me the opportunity to work on such an original project. It is refreshing to work on a recording that is nothing like everything else that is going on in music currently. Furthermore, as a producer and engineer for the last twenty-one years, I feel that the following needs to be said for many reasons: I am very proud to acknowledge the fact that what you are hearing is all 100 percent musician-played performances! During the course of listening to these songs, you will NOT hear one drum hit that was moved around, placed on a grid, 'sound replaced' or augmented in any way whatsoever. You will also NOT hear Auto-Tune, Melodyne or any other vocal-tuning software of ANY kind!

"That being said, I will answer the burning question looming in your minds… Yes, The Commander-In-Chief played ALL of the guitars you're hearing and sang every single note. Not only did she do all of this, but she did it all with more great attitude, and professionalism than a lot of the veteran musicians I know that have been doing this almost longer than she has been alive. All of the musicians that played on this project were truly great! They all performed above and beyond the call of duty and I was proud to be a part of it. I think that it is important to mention these things so that listeners and musicians alike can see that music can be made without all of the trappings or abuse of digital recording tools. This experience was also proof to me that there are musicians out there that still take pleasure in playing/singing and relying upon the discipline it takes to do so."

In a 2010 interview with Metal Express Radio, The Commander-In-Chief stated about her music, "I used to call it hybrid rock; the power of rock with the message of punk, and the catchiness of pop inspired by metal techniques. NOW my music has taken a more heavy direction than last year, so it's less punk and more metal."

Regarding her name, The Commander-In-Chief, she said, "I wanted a powerful artist name, since I've always been doing my own thing and still am. I do all the songwriting, guitar playing, singing and I write all the lyrics. For the first demo I made in Chicago I also made my own animated music video which generated quite a buzz on MySpace and gave me all my first fans. I also created illustrations for all my songs, mixing the music with visual arts. I don't do that anymore though, as I just don't have the time."

For more information, go to this location.

Denver, Colorado-based metallers ARCANIUM have entered Mercenary Studios in Zion, Illinois with producers Scott Creekmore and Shaun Glass (SOIL, DIRGE WITHIN) to begin recording their sophomore album, to be released later in the year via an as-yet-undetermined record label.

The first in a series of video blogs featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the new studio sessions can be seen below.

Originally formed in March 2007, ARCANIUM set forth to unleash an unabashed musical barrage on unsuspecting hard rock and metal fans worldwide.

In their relatively short existence as a band, ARCANIUM has toured with such bands as MEGADETH, MACHINE HEAD and BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and has earned a respectably loyal fan base throughout the state of Colorado.

ARCANIUM released a self-titled EP in 2008 and followed it up with a debut album, "The Architects", in 2009.

WATCH ME BLEED — the German death/thrash metal band featuring MYSTIC PROPHECY guitar player Markus Pohl and ex-SYMPHORCE drummer Steffen Theurer — has inked a deal with the "label alternative" SAOL/H'art. The band's new album, which was produced by Eike Fresse (DARK AGE, CALLEJON, GAMMA RAY), will be released in late spring.

Commented WATCH ME BLEED vocalist Chris Roden: "We are very happy and proud to join the SAOL family. This is a new way of distributing our music, an alternative to the 'normal' label structure. We are convinced that this collaboration is for us a unique chance to work in the best conditions with experienced and passionate people."

WATCH ME BLEED's "Bloodred Rain" video can be viewed below. The song comes off the group's debut album, "Souldrinker", which was released in October 2009 via Silverwolf Productions.

"Souldrinker" was mixed by Christian "Moschus" Moos (DELAIN, C-187, EVERON) at Spacelab studios and was mastered by Eroc (SODOM, DELAIN) at the Mastering Ranch. It contains eleven songs with guest appearances by Andy B. Franck (BRAINSTORM), Nemesis (EIGENSINN) and Greek guitar wizard Constantine (MYSTIC PROPHECY, THE DESCENDING).

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/watchmebleed667.

Former SKID ROW frontman Sebastian Bach has posted the following statement regarding the passing of legendary singer Whitney Houston:

"This is hitting me hard. I used to sing ALL of Whitney Houston's songs all the time. I absolutely loved her voice. I practiced along to her songs countless times and her music affects me deeply.

"I cannot believe how temporary life is. How fragile music is. Everything you know, everything you hold dear can be ripped away at a moment's notice and you won't even see it coming.

"I always figured Whitney would record another record that would blow us all away. So sad that was not meant to be.

"48 years old? Ugh. It makes me sick. Such a loss.

"RIP, Whitney Houston.

"My condolences to my friend Bobby Brown and his children."

Rolling into today's Super Bowl festivities where they were featured in the KIA Optima commercial airing during the third quarter, the world's most notorious band took the world's most notorious city by storm. MÖTLEY CRÜE — vocalist Vince Neil, guitarist Mick Mars, bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee — launched Las Vegas' first-ever hard rock residency with "Mötley Crüe In Sin City" at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with the first two rapturously received sold-out shows.

A two-minute video report from FoxNews.com's Fox411 can be seen below.

The "Mötley Crüe In Sin City" experience got underway on Friday, February 3 — also declared "Mötley Crüe Day" by Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman — as The Joint transformed into a rock 'n roll carnival extravaganza bringing in elements of MÖTLEY CRÜE's arena show, including Tommy Lee's 360 drum coaster and the biggest lighting and sound production ever brought into The Joint, including their over-the-top signature pyrotechnics which fittingly incorporated a Vegas feel. The shows are produced and promoted by AEG Live.

From costuming — which included Vince Neil's illuminated poker-hand belt buckle and rogue carnival styled seat ushers -- to showgirl dancers, female aerialists, little people, macabre clowns and stilt walkers, each element dazzled the eye throughout. In addition to MÖTLEY's high-octane numbers, which included "Kickstart My Heart", "Shout At the Devil", "Saints Of Los Angeles", "Same Old Situation" and "Girls, Girls, Girls", the band also dedicated a portion of the show to an acoustic performance. High above the audience on a floating circular platform, they performed stunning renditions of "Without You", "On With the Show" and "Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)". Other songs in the set included rare live gems "Piece Of Your Action" and "Afraid", which haven't been performed live in over 10 years.

On February 4, MÖTLEY was joined by their friend Jacoby Shaddix of PAPA ROACH who jumped on stage for "Smokin' In the Boys Room". Rumor has it that there will be more guests jamming with MÖTLEY CRÜE throughout the residency.

"The 'Mötley Crüe In Sin City' residency transformed the town, not only the Hard Rock Hotel," states Paul Davis, Vice President of Entertainment, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. "It's never been done like this before." Billboards on the world-famous Sunset Strip in Los Angeles and the 15 Interstate upon entering Vegas beckoned fans to the Hard Rock. Upon entering the casino lobby, Vince Neil's custom 1932 Ford Coupe hot rod was displayed and poker players found themselves gaming on MÖTLEY CRÜE-branded tables. Even maid service signs for hotel guest rooms indicated cleanup for "Home Sweet Home".

On February 5, the quartet returned for the third night of the run which lasts through February 19. Leading up to it, fans experienced the band's current KIA automotive TV commercial during the third quarter of the Super Bowl. The 60-second spot, titled "Drive The Dream", stars Vince, Mick, Nikki and Tommy in a race car dream sequence performing their 1989 smash hit "Kickstart My Heart". Victoria's Secret Angel Adriana Lima, mixed martial arts legend Chuck Liddell and champion bull rider Judd Leffew are also featured in the commercial.

Don't miss "Mötley Crüe In Sin City" at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas now through February 19:

* Sunday, February 12
* Tuesday, February 14
* Wednesday, February 15
* Friday, February 17
* Saturday, February 18
* Sunday, February 19

Tickets, starting at $45 (plus applicable service fees) are available at the Hard Rock box office.

A teaser trailer for FOO FIGHTERS frontman and ex-NIRVANA drummer Dave Grohl's upcoming documentary about the studio where NIRVANA recorded its landmark album "Nevermind" can be seen below.

A web site for the film has been launched at SoundCityMovie.com.

Before Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California closed its doors as a commercial studio in May 2011, it was used by a number of legendary musicians, including FLEETWOOD MAC, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton and NINE INCH NAILS. The studios on Cabrito Road off the 405 freeway have been refurbished and are now rented out to producers, though the Skeeter family still owns and manages the place.

Grohl has been vocal about his appreciation for the role the studio has played in furthering his career and has reportedly acquired the 1970s Neve sound board that served many artists, telling a member of the Skeeter family, "Thank you so much for the opportunity to own the board. I wouldn’t even have the computer I’m sending you this e-mail on if it wasn’t for this board."

Sandy Skeeter told the Daily News last September, "I think there were a few other things that went into the ['Nevermind'] record beside the board, like [NIRVANA's] songwriting and their playing and production. But he's just the right person to have the board."

Last month, Grohl opened up about the upcoming film in an issue of Rolling Stone magazine, saying, "When Sound City closed last year, it was a very sad day. That place was like a church. The list of people that recorded there reads like a virtual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame... We recorded 'Nevermind' there back in 1991."

He continued, "That funky old place had the best drum room in world. The drum sound at the beginning of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' — that's Sound City.

"I decided to make a film about that feeling you get when you put five guys in a room, hit 'record' and the hair on the back of your neck stands up."

He added, "Expect some epic jam sessions."

Artisan News caught up with Taylor last month at the first-ever Rock & Roll Roast at The Grove in Anaheim, California and asked him about the experience of working with Grohl (see video below).

"[Dave is] doing a documentary about the legendary board from Sound City that everybody and their mom recorded on — everybody from 'Nevermind' to, actually, [SLIPKNOT's] 'Iowa'," Corey said. "And he's slowly but surely gotten all these people together to make music on that board again. And he called me. He was like, 'Would you like to do a tune?' I was like, 'Are you serious? I'm on a plane right now.' And it's really cool, because it's me, Dave and Rick Nielsen [CHEAP TRICK] on one tune. And I'm like, 'Ahh…. Excuse me?!' It's just a huge check mark on my bucket list, let's put it that way. And I'm really ecstatic. It's a really good tune."

Other musicians that are expected to take part in the documentary include RATT's Stephen Pearcy and Warren DeMartini, Lars Ulrich (METALLICA), Vinny Appice (BLACK SABBATH, DIO, HEAVEN & HELL) and Josh Homme (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE).

POISON singer Bret Michaels has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary singer Whitney Houston:

"My deepest condolences to Whitney Houston's family and friends.

"I first met Whitney when we were in Rome on tour. I couldn't sleep so I went down to the lobby. There she was sitting on the couch reading a book. Apparently she couldn't sleep either. We sat and hung out chatting for quite a while. She was awesome.

"Over the years, we ran into each other at several other events, the most memorable being when we were performing in Rio for the Hollywood Rocks festival. I happened to walk up to my room from the pool where a bunch of us had been sitting and saw the news about the Northridge earthquake. I remember telling her, the guys from AEROSMITH and others about the news...

"Again... what a great person with a great voice and amazing talent. She will be missed."

North Carolina's DAYLIGHT DIES has issued the following update:

"We're proud to announce that the fourth full-length DAYLIGHT DIES album will be mixed by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden. Mixing will begin on April 1st. Jens was also responsible for mixing 'Lost To The Living' and 'Dismantling Devotion' and we couldn’t imagine the new album being in more capable hands.

"Progress continues to be brisk on the recording front, as clean guitars and keys have been completed. Vocal recording is now underway."

As previously reported, DAYLIGHT DIES's new material is its most varied yet, due in part to bassist Egan O'Rourke's "significant songwriting contributions" this time around.

DAYLIGHT DIES played three shows in Europe in December — including at the third edition of the Madrid Is The Dark festival on December 8-10 at the Old School venue in Getafe, Spain.

DAYLIGHT DIES's latest album, "Lost To The Living", was released in the U.S. in June 2008 via Candlelight Records. The CD features captivatingly dark original artwork from renowned artist Travis Smith, who has worked with the band before and whose other previous collaborations include OPETH, ANATHEMA and KATATONIA.

Portugal's most brutal, depraved and infamous band known as HOLOCAUSTO CANIBAL has inked a deal with Xtreem Music for the worldwide release of its third full-length album, "Gorefilia". Due in April, the 18-song CD was recorded at 213 Studios in Portugal and was mixed and mastered at Hertz Studio (BEHEMOTH, VADER, KRONOS, DECAPITATED, ABORTED) in Bialystok, Poland.

According to a press release, "Gorefilia" will showcase HOLOCAUSTO CANIBAL's more brutal and intense, songwriting, with songs varying from one to three minutes without fillers, [with] influences from bands like ABORTED, CANNIBAL CORPSE, early DERANGED, NAPALM DEATH, SUFFOCATION, CARCASS."

HOLOCAUSTO CANIBAL previously described "Gorefilia" as a "concept album [which] involves sexual arousal and gratification towards sexual behavior that is atypical and extreme. As always, you can expect self-torture, bizarre love and loads of sperm tainted with blood. Musically, some big changes are expected; however, the band is still committed to death metal and grind."

Commented bassist Z. Pedro: "Back in 1997 when HOLOCAUSTO CANIBAL was born, bands such as INCANTATION, VADER, DERANGED, IMMOLATION, DEEDS OF FLESH… were not only an influence to the sound which we were creating, they also had released material though the legendary death metal label Repulse Records. This label became Xtreem Music a few years ago and is still releasing brutal music, gathering over 100 releases so far, [with] 'Gorefilia' [being] their 108th release."

Added guitarist/vocalist Eduardo F. : "We've known Dave Rotten [Xtreem Music A&R] for over a decade, having in on stage in some gigs as special guest and we also shared stage with AVULSED in several European festivals. Adding to this, a release history of more than 100 titles, make us strongly believe that Xtreem Music is the reliable and hardworking label that we were looking for."

California-based extreme metallers VILE have issued the following update:

"VILE seeks bassist and lead guitarist for future shows in California and eventually a European tour. Must have extensive band experience, pro gear, etc. Prefer those without edgy or hostile personalities and cigarette smokers are not eligible, sorry. Tuning is straight 1/2 step down on seven-string guitar or five-string bass (starting at Bb). Send private message to Colin Davis on Facebook with links to videos of your live performace and stodio recordings. Tab for VILE songs is available on the web. Audition videas are a good idea, but you can make them private if you choose. Guitarists, pick a song from 'New Age of Chaos' with solos to show your solo skills."

VILE's fourth full-length album, "Metamorphosis", came out last November via Willowtip Records. According to the band, the CD is "a concept album which contains a wide variety of styles, tempos and lyrical topics with an interlocking philosophical and lyrical concept."

The group added, "We are confident that old-school VILE fans will love it and also that fans of other styles of metal, not only American death metal, will be quite pleased. The recording quality is the best we have released to date and we expect the album to be a standard-raising release for the genre of extreme metal."

"Metamorphosis" is the follow-up to "The New Age of Chaos", which was released in North America in October 2005 via Unique Leader Records.

The fourth teaser for "Requiem For The Indifferent", the forthcoming fifth full-length album from Dutch female-fronted symphonic metallers EPICA, can be seen below.

Commented the band: "This time we're doing it like no one has done before, by weekly releasing an extra layer of music, giving our fans a little more insight in the complexity and the different aspects of EPICA's music.

"[In the previous weeks] you could hear Ariën van Weesenbeek's drums, Yves Huts' bass and the rhythm guitars from Mark Jansen and Isaac Delahaye. This week we add the orchestration.

"The next [two] weeks we will add layer by layer, and make the sample longer and longer. Through these videos we will also weekly release backstage pictures, pieces of the album artwork, tour updates, etc, to make the wait for the album just a little bit more bearable!"

"Requiem For The Indifferent" will be released on March 9 in Europe and four days later in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Gate Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany under the watchful eye of Sascha Paeth.

"Requiem For The Indifferent" track listing:

01. Karma
02. Monopoly On Truth
03. Storm The Sorrow
04. Delirium
05. Internal Warfare
06. Requiem For The Indifferent
07. Anima
08. Guilty Demeanor
09. Deep Water Horizon
10. Stay The Course
11. Deter The Tyrant
12. Avalanche
13. Serenade Of Self-Destruction

North American bonus tracks:

14. Twin Flames (Soundtrack Version)
15. Nostalgia

The artwork for the CD was created by Stephan Heilemann and can be seen below.

EPICA debuted a brand new song, "Storm The Sorrow", during the band's headlining concert on January 12 at Metropool in Hengelo, The Netherlands. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

Regarding the "Requiem For The Indifferent" album title, the band previously said, "This title refers to the end of an era. Mankind can no longer stick their head in the sand for the things that are happening around us. We are facing many challenges. There is an enormous tension between different religions and cultures, wars, natural disasters and a huge financial crisis, which is getting out of control. More than ever we will need each other to overcome these problems. As we are all connected; the universe, earth, nature, animals and human beings, this period in time will be the prelude to the end for those who still don't want to, or simply won't see it. 'A Requiem For The Indifferent', but also a possibility for a new beginning with great new chances!"

A CD-release party for the new EPICA album will be held on March 16 at 013 in Tilburg, Netherlands.

EPICA will play the new album in its entirety, along with some older tracks, during the more-than-two-hour event. Pyrotechnics and special show elements will be added as well.

EPICA's last album, "Design Your Universe", landed at position No. 12 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.

"Requiem For The Indifferent" teaser #4:

Guitarist Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL) has confirmed via Facebook that he will take part in a South American tour dubbed "Titans Of Rock" featuring the following all-star lineup of musicians:

* Duff McKagan (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER)
* Joe Elliot (DEF LEPPARD)
* Gilby Clarke (GUNS N' ROSES, ROCKSTAR SUPERNOVA)
* Ed Roland (COLLECTIVE SOUL)
* Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL)
* Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION)
* Matt Sorum (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER)
* Jason Newsted (METALLICA, VOIVOD, ROCKSTAR SUPERNOVA)
* Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW)
* Vince Neil (MÖTLEY CRÜE)

"Titans Of Rock" tour dates:

April 19 - Lima, Peru
April 21 - Sao Luis, Brazil
April 22 - Sao Paulo, Brazil
April 24 - Paraguay
April 26 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
April 28 – Santiago, Chile
April 30 - Guatemala City, Guatemala
May 02 - San Jose, Costa Rica

LACUNA COIL singer Cristina Scabbia joined MEGADETH on stage on February 9 during this year's Gigantour at the Palace Of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan to perform the MEGADETH song "A Tout Le Monde".

Fan-filmed video footage of her appearance can be seen below.

MEGADETH's setlist for the concert was as follows:

01. Trust
02. Wake Up Dead
03. Hangar 18
04. She-Wolf
05. Foreclosure of a Dream
06. Dawn Patrol
07. Head Crusher
08. A Tout Le Monde (with Cristina Scabbia)
09. Public Enemy No. 1
10. Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)
11. Guns, Drugs & Money
12. Symphony of Destruction
13. Peace Sells

Encore:

14. Holy Wars... The Punishment Due

"A Tout Le Monde", which originally appeared on MEGADETH's 1994 CD "Youthanasia", created controversy in September 2006 because the song was cited in an online post by Dawson College killer Kimveer Gill as one of his favorites before his Montreal shooting spree. MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine contends that he wanted to give the song a second shot at success, as the original video for it had been banned by MTV, and most radio stations followed suit. The track ended up featuring Cristina Scabbia after "the first singer didn't work out," Mustaine told Straight.com. "The second one didn't work, and the third one was Lisa Marie Presley. She was on the way to the airport, and we had to call and say, 'Sorry, we changed our minds.' I would have loved to have heard what Lisa Marie Presley would have done, but because of the demographics of the LACUNA COIL fan base, and Cristina's reign in the heavy-metal business, it was the right thing to do."

In a 2008 interview Cristina stated about her collaboration with MEGADETH, "[Dave Mustaine] actually asked me to be part of this duet, and I was really surprised about it because 'A Tout Le Monde' is a song that I've always loved, even if it's not like the new [version] because [the original song] [was released on] the album 'Youthanasia'. It was a big surprise for me to get this invitation — I was really honored to be part of it. And seriously, when I heard the final result, I was awesomely surprised 'cause I think that the two voices are fitting incredibly [well together]. I think that the version of 'A Tout le Monde' 2007 has a stronger attitude. If the original version was for the mellow mood, this one is way more rock, way more powerful. I totally love it. I was surprised myself, and I think that a lot of people will be pleasantly surprised. It was recorded, like an hour from Birgmingham [England]. So I flew in and recorded my parts with Andy Sneap [producer]. He's [Andy] an amazing guy — super professional — and the atmosphere in the studio was so relaxed. It was like a family vibe, and I think that's the most amazing thing when you have to work. You can work and still smile, you know, and be relaxed. I tracked the entire song because we weren't really sure what we had to do, so we just wanted to be totally sure, so we recorded all the parts that Dave sung with some improvisation with it, double vocals. We basically made anything possible, so they could pick up whatever they wanted to."

"A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)" appeared on MEGADETH's 2007 album "United Abominations", which was released via Roadrunner Records.

Video footage of Canadian extreme metallers CRYPTOPSY practicing a brand new song from their forthcoming album can be seen below.

CRYPTOPSY last month tapped bassist Olivier Pinard (NEURAXIS, VENGEFUL) as the replacement for guitarist-turned-bassist Youri Raymond.

Raymond left CRYPTOPSY in December, explaining in a statement that "it's in the best interest of both the band and I to part ways." He added, "As a musician, moving from guitar to bass was a great challenge, but honestly, I never really felt comfortable in that position and my motivation in general was stagnating."

Lead guitarist and songwriter Jon Levasseur rejoined CRYPTOPSY in May 2011.

"The Unspoken King", CRYPTOPSY's sixth full-length and first to feature new vocalist Matt McGachy, was released June 24, 2008 to a wide array of reactions. Drummer Flo Mounier explained his intention in reshaping the dynamics of the band to Decibel magazine: "I'm a fan of different sorts of music, and I think it's most fun when a band puts out an album that has elements of everything; you get this thing called diversity, not boredom. That's what we're trying to do. Still, I think people are going to be surprised how brutal this album is."

Swedish death/black metallers APOSTASY will enter the studio on March 30 to begin recording their fourth album for a late 2012 release. The drums will be laid down at Studio Seven Studio with Ronny Milianowicz at the helm.

APOSTASY's third album, "Nuclear Messiah", was released last August 24 via Gothenburg, Sweden's Rambo Music, a division of Gain Music Entertainment (which is distributed and partly owned by Sony Music).

Vocalist Fredric Edin previously stated about "Nuclear Messiah", "It's been a rocky road for us when we lost [guitarist] Henrik [Johansson], but now we are stronger than ever and can guarantee you folks that this will surely be the most brutal and most technical we have ever made, so what I want to say is: We don't slow down like everybody else does, we just accelerate and make it more brutal. It is worth waiting for!"

APOSTASY made national headlines in Sweden in 2006 when the group's guitarist, Henrik Johansson, was stabbed to death by his girlfriend. At 3:55 a.m. on March 9, 2006, the 19-year-old woman dialed 112 (the Swedish equivalent of 911 in the U.S. or 999 in the U.K.) and said that her boyfriend was lying bleeding on the floor in the couple's apartment in Kramfors, Sweden. When the paramedics and police arrived, Johansson was already dead.

LOCK UP vocalist Tomas Lindberg (AT THE GATES, DISFEAR) and the band's current touring bassist, Dan Lilker (NUCLEAR ASSAULT, BRUTAL TRUTH, S.O.D., VENOMOUS CONCEPT) have recorded guest appearances on the new album from the Massachusetts-based hardcore/metal act CONVERGE, which is currently being recorded at CONVERGE guitarist Kurt Ballou's Godcity studios in Salem. Tentatively titled "All We Love We Leave Behind", the CD is scheduled for a late spring/early summer release via Epitaph.

A photo of Lindberg and CONVERGE frontman Jacob Bannon at the recording studio can be seen below.

CONVERGE's latest CD, "Axe To Fall", sold 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 163 on The Billboard 200 chart. The effort was released on October 20, 2009 through Epitaph Records.

Produced by guitarist Kurt Ballou at Godcity, "Axe To Fall" featured guest appearances from Steve Brodsky (CAVE IN), Adam McGrath (CAVE IN), J.R. Connors (CAVE IN, DOOMRIDERS), Uffe Cederlund (DISFEAR, ex-ENTOMBED), John Pettibone (THE VOWS, HIMSA), Steve Von Till (NEUROSIS) and Mookie Singerman (GENGHIS TRON).

New Jersey/New York's ILL NIÑO is prearing to enter the studio to begin laying down its sixth full-length album for a summer release via Victory Records. The recording sessions will begin next month in Hoboken, New Jersey; Austin, Texas; and Denver, Colorado.

Commented ILL NIÑO frontman Cristian Machado: "It's 2012 and we're all still alive. It’s time to redefine Latin metal."

Added ILL NIÑO drummer/founder Dave Chavarri: "This time around, we want to explore Latin and tribal rhythms we have never explored in the past five releases, giving us no musical boundaries at all."

ILL NIÑO's fifth album, "Dead New World", sold around 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 164 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous effort, "Enigma", opened with 5,000 units to land at No. 145 back in March 2008.

"Dead New World" was released on October 26, 2010 via Victory Records. The follow-up to 2008's "Enigma" was self-produced, with co-production coming from Clint Lowery (SEVENDUST) and Sahaj Ticotin (RA), and mixed by Eddie Wohl (36 CRAZYFISTS, ANTHRAX, SMILE EMPTY SOUL). The album artwork was created by Tim Butler of XIII Designs (DISTURBED, SLIPKNOT, METALLICA, SLAYER, MICHAEL JACKSON).

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Alice Cooper, HEART, ELO's Jeff Lynne and Steve Miller have been added to the list of artists contributing songs to Paul McCartney tribute album, featuring covers of classic compositions from Sir Paul's catalog with THE BEATLES and WINGS and from his solo career.

KISS and THE CURE was previously announced to be part of the tribute, which has yet to partner with a label or distributor, but is being curated by longtime producer and music supervisor Ralph Sall ("Clueless", "10 Things I Hate About You", "Buffy The Vampire Slayer").

Two original members of Chicago doom legends TROUBLE — vocalist Eric Wagner and drummer Jeff "Oly" Olson — have joined forces with the band's longtime bassist Ron Holzner in a new heavy rock/doom metal act called THE SKULL. According to a statement on the band's Facebook page, "THE SKULL is here to do one thing... rock you with the sounds and spirit of TROUBLE — past, present, future. Tour coming soon..."

Wagner, Olson and original TROUBLE bassist Sean McAllister shared the stage for the first time since 1986 during Olson's RETRO GRAVE set on June 18, 2011 at the Days Of The Doomed Fest in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Video footage of Wagner, Olson and McAllister performing the song "Victim Of The Insane", which was written by Olson for TROUBLE's full-length debut "Psalm 9" (1984), can be viewed below.

TROUBLE formed in 1979 and released several classic albums like "Trouble", "Manic Frustration" and "Plastic Green Head".

Eric was one of the guest singers on Dave Grohl's (NIRVANA, FOO FIGHTERS) heavy metal side project PROBOT, whose 2004 album featured heavy metal vocalists from the '80s and '90s. Wagner also makes a guest appearance in the forthcoming horror film "Jezebeth" (written and directed by Damien Dante of Satania 6 Films), to be released on Blu-ray in early 2012.

Eric Wagner left TROUBLE in April 2008, citing his disdain for the touring life as the main reason for his departure.

Following a pair of DVD releases, Shout! Factory has announced the release of several performances on CD from the famous US Festival in California including QUIET RIOT. Spearheaded by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, the US Festival intended to be a celebration of technology and culture, with a temporary stage and open-air venue paid for by Wozniak himself just for the purposes of the festival. The event featured "Heavy Metal Day" on on May 29, 1983 with the aforementioned QUIET RIOT along with the following stellar lineup: MÖTLEY CRÜE, OZZY OSBOURNE, JUDAS PRIEST, TRIUMPH, SCORPIONS and VAN HALEN.

Despite the historical value of the performances, the festival was a failure, with two reported deaths at the 1983 festival and Wozniak and promoters losing some $24 million. Setbacks aside, the performances remain a worthy footnote in rock history, and Shout! Factory aims to memorialize these moments, first through DVD and now on CD.

On March 27, the CD/DVD combo of QUIET RIOT's set will be released, featuring the following track listing:

01. Danger Zone
02. Run for Cover
03. Love’s a Bitch
04. Cum On Feel the Noize
05. Slick Black Cadillac
06. Let’s Get Crazy
07. Battle Axe
08. Let’s Get Crazy (Reprise)
09. Metal Health (Bang Your Head)

Regina, Saskatchewan-based Canadian extreme progressive metallers INTO ETERNITY have posted the third teaser containing studio and rehearsal footage of their new song "Fukushima". The track was written about the Fukushima Daiichi, Japan nuclear disaster, a series of equipment failures, nuclear meltdowns, and releases of radioactive materials at the Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant following the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011. You can now watch the one-and-a-half-minute clip below.

INTO ETERNITY recently tapped Amanda Kiernan of the Edmonton, Alberta-based metal band THE ORDER OF CHAOS as their new touring vocalist. Kiernan takes over from Stu Block, who was hired away last year by American metallers ICED EARTH, leaving INTO ETERNITY without a full-time singer.

INTO ETERNITY founder and guitarist Tim Roth told the Regina Leader-Post that he invited Kiernan to Regina to try out for the band after hearing a tape of her performing his songs.

"I had all these guys who told me they could do the songs and hit the notes Stu could. So I had them try out and it was like, 'No way.' Nobody could do it," Roth said. "But Amanda's got this great voice … none of the dudes could hit the notes Stu could, so maybe it makes sense that only a chick can do it. Besides, she already fits in like she's one of the guys."

Kiernan, who said she's been an INTO ETERNITY fan since she was in high school, told the Regina Leader-Post about her audition, "At first, I was pretty intimidated. These guys are rock stars to me. There were times when I was sitting around with the guys, and then all of a sudden I'd get this little burst of energy because I reminded myself that I was sitting with INTO ETERNITY."

As previously reported, Canadian label War On Music Records will issue several albums by INTO ETERNITY for the first time ever on vinyl. "Dead Or Dreaming" (2001), "Buried In Oblivion" (2004) and "Scattering Of The Ashes" (2006) will be made available, each as a limited LP release, starting in early spring 2012.

INTO ETERNITY's signature sound has often been described as a hybrid of latter-day DEATH and CONTROL DENIED, combined with the technical stylings of DREAM THEATER.

INTO ETERNITY is among the confirmed bands for the 11th edition of the Manitoba Metalfest, set to take place February 24-25 at The Zoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

INTO ETERNITY last year released its first new material since 2008 in the form of a new song called "Sandstorm". The track, which is available on iTunes and Bandcamp, features guest death vocals by Rob Doherty and marks the recording debut of Newbury, who was previously known in the western Canadian metal scene as a member of Edmonton, Alberta-based group DEATH TOLL RISING.

"Sandstorm" was written the day the USA took out Osama Bin Laden, and is inspired by the events that transpired.

INTO ETERNITY's last album, "The Incurable Tragedy", came out in 2008 via Century Media.

Teaser #3:

SUFFER WELL — the band featuring Brandan Schieppati (BLEEDING THROUGH) on vocals, Mick Kenney (ANAAL NATHRAKH) on guitar, Trevor Friedrich (EIGHTEEN VISIONS, COMBICHRIST) on drums, Bobby Schubenski on bass and Adam Vex (IMPERATIVE REACTION) on guitar — has officially split up. Brandan has since launched a brand new project called SORROWS, which was the name SUFFER WELL went under in 2010 before inking a deal with Century Media Records.

Kenney previously stated about SUFFER WELL's musical direction, "I wanted to stay away from what was 'expected.' I wanted to create music that broke the rules and could not be described as falling into a particular genre. I wrote this from the heart."

Added Schieppati, "SUFFER WELL has elements from both of our other bands but with its own identity and uniqueness."

SUFFER WELL's "For Today, For Yesterday, For Every Day" song (audio stream):

RISE TO REMAIN — the up-and-coming London, England metalcore outfit featuring singer Austin Dickinson, the son of IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson — has announced the addition of bassist Joshua Hammond and drummer Adam Lewin to the group's ranks.

In other news, RISE TO REMAIN will release a new single, "Talking In Whispers", in the U.K. on April 9. A lyric video for the track can be seen below.

Always a formidable live band, RISE TO REMAIN is preparing to "slay everything" in its path as Josh and Adam earn their stripes alongside vocalist Austin Dickinson and guitarists Ben Tovey and Will Homer on a non-stop 22-date jaunt across Europe, dubbed "The Progression Tour". New fans and old will get the chance to join in the fun when the trek kicks off on March 7 in Birmingham, with RISE TO REMAIN headlining a bill that also features HEAVEN SHALL BURN, MALEFICE, ADEPT and CYTOTA.

RISE TO REMAIN was recently confirmed on the Vans Warped Tour in conjunction with the U.S. release of the band's debut album, "City Of Vultures". The Warped trek will see them hit 40 different cities in North America over the space of three months.

"City Of Vultures" will be released in the U.S. on June 5. The American version of the CD will also feature exclusive new material recorded in the coming months.

Helmed by renowned metal producer Colin Richardson (SLIPKNOT, AS I LAY DYING), "City Of Vultures" delivers twelve electrifying tracks that will leave all hard music fans pleased. The CD is described in a press release as "an explosive, assured and extraordinarily diverse first offering that marks RISE TO REMAIN as an extremely talented standard bearer for a new generation of metal bands."

Seattle deathbrigade BLACK BREATH will release its new album, "Sentenced To Life", on March 27 via Southern Lord.

With 10 tracks in under 33 minutes, "Sentenced To Life" contains the most demoralizing-yet-energizing d-beat-injected death metal hymns from the band to date, with a bit less rock and roll swagger and more full-on rage. The CD is a product of furious creativity jammed into a short span of time, written in the seemingly endless winter after returning from their November 2010 European tour.

As was the case with BLACK BREATH's acclaimed debut full-length, "Heavy Breathing", the new album was recorded at CONVERGE guitarist Kurt Ballou's Godcity studios in Salem, Massachusetts and was mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music in New Windsor, New York.

"Sentenced To Life" track listing:

01. Feast Of The Damned
02. Sentenced to Life
03. Forced Into Possession
04. Home Of The Grave
05. Endless Corpse
06. Mother Abyss
07. Of Flesh
08. Doomed
09. The Flame
10. Obey

The song "Mother Abyss" can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada-based power metallers KEMILON have inked a worldwide deal with Toronto's Maple Metal Records. The band's debut album, "Twisted Storm", will be released in early April. The CD was produced by KEMILON guitarist Louis Jacques at Shreds Up Studios in Magog, Quebec and was mixed by Adam "Nolly" Getgood (PERIPHERY, RED SEAS FIRE). The mastering duties were handled by Peter In De Betou at Tailor Maid Production (AMON AMARTH, DARK TRANQUILITY, MESHUGGAH, OPETH) in Spånga, Sweden.

Formed in late 2007, KEMILON is a six-piece band which is "influenced by the European power metal scene but [which] brings to the table [its] own fusion of power and progressive elements, with an emphasis on melody," according to a press release.

KEMILON has shared the stage with such acts as FIREWIND and POWERGLOVE, and has headlined many shows on the Quebec metal circuit.

"Twisted Storm" track listing:

01. Beyond Frontiers
02. Ocean of Insanity
03. The Gates of Heavy Metal
04. Night Shades
05. Wormhole
06. Sons Of Lies
07. The Glow
08. Warriors Of Space
09. The Revolution
10. Twisted Storm

KEMILON is:

Yan Gagné - Vocals
Louis Jacques - Lead Guitar
Chris Geoffroy - Lead Guitar
Arnaud Spick-Saucier - Keyboards
Simon Roy Boucher - Bass
Charles Brodeur - Drums

Just in time for Valentine's Day, California thrash metal legends SLAYER have released a special "candy jar" via their official webstore. The jar measures 3.5 inches tall by 2 inches wide and comes with SLAYER logo printed in red. The candy comes in red and black pieces, each with such terms of endearment as "Destroy," "Hate," "Kill," and, of course, "Slayer" imprinted on them! Afterwards, the jar can be reused as a stash tin.

As previously reported, SLAYER's official webstore is also offering SLAYER custom condoms for "when you're going 'South Of Heaven.'" Each SLAYER custom condom "matchbook" holds one Durex latex condom. It is available as a three-pack or six-pack.

GUNS N' ROSES played the first of seven intimate small theatre/club shows and the first of three shows in New York City last night (Friday, February 10) at Roseland Ballroom. According to a review by The New York Times critic Stacey Anderson, "The nearly three-hour show was laden with familiar extravagances: grandiose guitar solos, the band’s aggressively priapic stage presence, [Axl] Rose's multiple costume changes and pliant snake dance. Yet it was a far more streamlined production than past outings; it almost started on time, for one, with nary an onstage tantrum. Mr. Rose remained the sole original member, though the keyboardist Dizzy Reed has hung on since the early 1990s; the backing musicians suggested a giddy, faithful cover act."

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Welcome To The Jungle
02. It's So Easy
03. Mr. Brownstone
04. Estranged
05. Rocket Queen
06. This I Love
07. Richard Fortus Guitar Solo (James Bond Theme)
08. Live and Let Die (Paul McCartney & Wings cover)
09. Sorry
10. You Could Be Mine
11. Better
12. DJ Ashba Guitar Solo (Ballad of Death)
13. Sweet Child O' Mine
14. Instrumental Jam (Another Brick In The Wall: Part 2)
15. November Rain (with Happy Birthday to Axl Rose)
16. Bumblefoot Guitar Solo (Pink Panther Theme)
17. Whole Lotta Rosie (AC/DC cover)
18. Civil War
19. Knockin' On Heaven's Door (Bob Dylan cover)
20. Nightrain

Encore:

21. Instrumental Jam
22. Madagascar
23. Don't Cry
24. Motivation (Tommy Stinson song) (Tommy Stinson on lead vocals)
25. Instrumental Jam
26. Patience
27. Instrumental Jam
28. Paradise City

Multi-camera video footage of last night's concert can be seen below.

GUNS N' ROSES will perform on Sunday at Terminal 5 and at Webster Hall on Wednesday.

The band in December completed its first U.S. tour since 2006.

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

"Chinese Democracy", the 2008 album released by the current edition of GUNS N' ROSES after a 15-year wait, was officially certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 3, 2009 for shipments in the United States in excess of one million copies. The long-in-the-making, 14-song CD finally arrived 17 years after the last full-length collections of original GUNS material, "Use Your Illusion I" and "II", were released, and nine years after the non-album track "Oh My God" surfaced on the soundtrack of the movie "End Of Days".

"Chinese Democracy" was made available exclusively through Best Buy.

The original five-piece group, along with drummer Matt Sorum and keyboardist Dizzy Reed, will be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland on April 14.