Fans worldwide will also be able to check out a special virtual acoustic performance and question-and-answer session with LACUNA COIL on Tuesday, January 24 via www.stageit.com. The event will be broadcast live at 7:00 p.m. EST from acclaimed record store Vintage Vinyl in Fords, New Jersey.

Fans who purchase the new album at any Metal Club store will receive an exclusive code to watch the performance for free.

All proceeds will be donated to Rezophonic, a project with which the band is actively involved, that is dedicated to providing medical assistance to remote regions of East Africa.

Fans lucky enough to live near Vintage Vinyl can actually witness this special acoustic performance in person.

Pre-order LACUNA COIL's new album, "Dark Adrenaline", to get a wristband that will get you into into the in-store performance on January 24. Order online or in person at the store while supplies last. The event is on release date, so you can pick up your copy of the album at the performance.

Produced by Don Gilmore (LINKIN PARK, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE), "Dark Adrenaline" promises to deliver the melodic, sensual, metallic rush for which the band has come to be known.

Fans both old and new will have a variety of options to choose from, as "Dark Adrenaline" will be released in a number of formats, including standard-edition CD and vinyl, deluxe-edition digipak with a bonus DVD, sticker, poster and guitar pick and as an iTunes LP with expanded packaging, five bonus audio tracks and video. The Metal Club edition will feature exclusive artwork designed by the band and will be limited to 3000 units. The Hastings edition will feature a bonus 10-track LACUNA COIL sampler, and the Amazon digital edition comes with a free five-track sampler.

For true fans of LACUNA COIL, the "Darkest Adrenaline" box set will be available. It includes both the digipak and vinyl versions of the album along with a hardcover photo book, a LACUNA COIL custom syringe pen and ink, a lyric pad, signed lithographs created by the band and more, all housed in a LACUNA COIL medical box. This box set is limited to 500 pieces and is available exclusively through CM Distro.

As previously announced, LACUNA COIL will support MEGADETH on their critically-acclaimed Gigantour. This run will also feature MOTÖRHEAD and VOLBEAT.

Former NOTHINGFACE bassist Bill Gaal will release "This Is The Sweetest Kind Of Lie...You Are The Deadliest Surprise", the new album from his IN FOR THE KILL project, sometime this spring.

The cover artwork for the CD can be seen below.

A track from the effort, "The Gold And The Gun", will be made available for streaming on Tuesday, January 24 at www.inforthekillband.com.

IN FOR THE KILL's sound is more comparable to that of groups like QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE or a lighter ALICE IN CHAINS. Gaal sings and plays guitar in the new group, which released an album titled "Kingdom Sessions: Volume One" in 2008.

Regarding how the sound for IN FOR THE KILL came together, Gaal told Revolver magazine in a 2011 interview, "The first IN FOR THE KILL record was a carryover from my band KINGDOM OF SNAKES, which was the band I started right after NOTHINGFACE. The type of songs that I have always been the most attracted to have big vocal hooks and big rock riffs. I spend a lot of time writing and studying all kinds of music, and I had a really clear idea of what I was looking for with IN FOR THE KILL. I wanted to write songs that had catch memorable riffs and vocals, but also had plenty of heavy guitars and bass. Oddly enough, the bass playing in IN FOR THE KILL is actually much heavier than almost anything that I wrote in NOTHINGFACE. Lyrically, IN FOR THE KILL songs usually deal with things that are going on in my life. I'm not really one to tell people how they should feel about things. The sound of the new IN FOR THE KILL record is a definite growth from the first one. The new songs are a bit heavier and complex, which was probably an outgrowth of the time I spent writing new NOTHINGFACE songs a couple of years ago! It's also because of the influence of [original NOTHINGFACE drummer] Chris Houck's drumming on the album."

BUFFALO THEORY MTL — the project featuring three former members of the now-defunct Montreal deathcore act GHOULUNATICS — will enter Montreal, Quebec, Canada's Indica studios at the end of January to record six songs for its upcoming second album, entitled "Heavy Ride". The band states, "We still have a bit of arranging to do, but other that that we're ready to go! We are recording in three days, as we have a very limited budget, as most indie bands do, and by recording live, we can get the most out of the sessions." The group adds, "Along with the six new songs, we will be adding the five songs from our first demo EP (March 2010), which will finally get properly mastered. Our first EP was meant to be a demo at the time and was released without being mastered. The EP is now out of print.

The mix and mastering should be done by the end of February and the plan is to release it by mid-March to start touring the new album in April or May."

Interested parties should contact BUFFALO THEORY MTL now at buffalotheory@live.ca or at booking@galyrecords.com.

BUFFALO THEORY MTL is:

Gary Lyons (ex-GHOULUNATICS) - Bass
Pat Gordon (LES EKORCHÉS, ex-GHOULUNATICS) - Guitar
Yannick Pilon (ARSENIQ 33) - Guitar
Brian Craig (ex-GHOULUNATICS) - Drums
Anton Parr - Vocals

THE WILDFIRE, the brainchild of a Finnish singer Antti Railio, is a new band that combines influences of heavy metal and rock music to create their own unique sound. Having formerly made his mark in bands such as CELESTY and DIECELL, Antti has spent the last three years touring extensively under his own name, doing acoustic shows and special appearances all around Finland. He is also currently performing in "Dance Of The Vampires", a cult musical running at the Seinäjoki City Theatre.

THE WILDFIRE is:

Antti Railio - Vocals
Arto Pitkänen - Drums
Iiro Juntunen - Bass
Kimmo Perämäki - Guitar
Satu Huhtala - Keyboards
Teemu Koskela - Guitar

The band's as-yet-untitled debut album will be released later in the year.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/thewildfireofficial.

"Goodbye To Death", a brand new song from Orange County, California's BLEEDING THROUGH, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The track comes off the band's new album, "The Great Fire", which will be released on January 31 via Rise Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. March
02. Faith In Fire
03. Goodbye To Death
04. Final Hours
05. Starving Vultures
06. Everything You Love Is Gone
07. Walking Dead
08. Devil And Self Doubt
09. Step Back In Line
10. Trail Of Seclusion
11. Deaf Ears
12. One By One
13. Entrenched
14. Back To Life

Check out the cover artwork below.

BLEEDING THROUGH's latest self-titled CD sold around 3,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 143 on The Billboard 200 chart.

BLEEDING THROUGH's previous effort, "Declaration" (2008), opened with 6,000 units to land at No. 101.

Juliet, the eight-year-old daughter of Australian producer Rob Sharpe, teamed up with her dad over the holidays this to smash out a "brutal" track called "My First Hardcore Song". In the one-minute clip, which can be seen below, Juliet takes you on a journey of her love for her dog, Robert and how her pet fish stink even though Juliet has zero sense of smell.

The song, posted earlier today, was produced by Rob Sharpe and filmed by Juliet's mother, Tina C.

Juliet is featured in a number of other videos, including one where she loses a tooth and one where she sings for her father's 40th birthday.

The Australian hardcore scene will never be the same!

Ohio-based metallers AXEMASTER are making good, steady progress on the final writing and recording sessions for their new album. Guitarist Joe Sims is producing the CD and has completed early mixes of the guitar and drums for five songs, which "so far sound 100 percent better than any of the band's previous releases," according to a press release. "The response from the few people who have listened to them has been outstanding."

Stated Sims: "This is the first release I have produced on my own and the result so far is much better than even I expected. I have been taking my time and paying attention to every small detail and it's DEFINITELY paying off. This material is by far the best stuff I have ever done and the CD has to have the sound quality to match. So far so good, the sound's there and the performances have been top notch!!!!"

Added vocalist Tony Webster: "It's been a crazy last few months. I spent a lot of time getting ready for 2012 with 'The Metal Command' radio show which has taken a lot of time away from writing. However... so far the recordings are going well. Every week Joe comes up with better and better sounding mixes and recordings of the guitars and drums. I have now written parts for five songs and recorded my parts for three songs. I can tell you that this album is taking AXEMASTER and even my songwriting down a much darker lyrical path than ever before. So far the vocal parts are sounding killer. I am in full force writing mode for this new album."

There is still a lot of work to be done in writing, recording, and production, so it will be a while before all the material is completed.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/axemasterofficial.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello is slated to appear on the new album from Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen manager Jon Landau confirmed Morello's appearance on the Boss' 17th studio effort, which may be titled "Wrecking Ball" and is due out this spring. Landau also said that the record may include contributions from former PEARL JAM drummer Matt Chamberlain.

Morello has joined Springsteen onstage at several of the Boss' Southern California shows, starting back in April 2008 when he joined him at two gigs in Anaheim. Morello told The Pulse Of Radio at the time how it came about. "We've been friends for about 10 years and I just ran into him at a recording studio a couple of days before the show, and he said, you know, 'We need to get you up onstage, Tommy!'" he said. "Like, I don't get nervous for too much, I've, you know, I've rocked my share of arenas, but I was terrified (laughs). But it went great. His crowd couldn't have been more appreciative, and soloing over the rocking E STREET BAND while the Boss nods his approval is...those are a couple of nights that I'll remember forever."

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE covered Springsteen's "The Ghost Of Tom Joad" on its 2000 covers collection, "Renegades".

Morello may have another chance to join Springsteen onstage as the E STREET BAND is scheduled to hit the road in the U.S. this spring.

"Babylon", a brand new song from Louisiana rockers LILLIAN AXE, can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below. The track comes off the band's new album, "XI: The Days Before Tomorrow", which will be released in North America on February 14 via CME Records. The CD will be made available in Europe on January 27 through Germany's AFM Records.

"XI: The Days Before Tomorrow" was recorded at Sound Landing Studio in Covington, Louisiana, with the band's guitarist/songwriter Steve Blaze acting as producer and Rob Hovey engineering. The mixing duties were handled by Sylvia Massey (TOOL, JOHNNY CASH, DEFTONES, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, PRINCE, BLACK CROWES).

"XI: The Days Before Tomorrow" track listing:

01. Babylon
02. Death Comes Tomorrow
03. Gather Up The Snow
04. The Great Divide
05. Take The Bullet
06. Bow Your Head
07. Caged In
08. Soul Disease
09. Lava On My Tongue
10. My Apologies
11. Angels Among Us (European bonus track)

"This is the best record I have ever written for LILLIAN AXE," says Blaze.

"XI: The Days Before Tomorrow" marks the debut of new lead vocalist Brian Jones of Jackson, Mississippi.

LILLIAN AXE has recorded an impressive amount of songs, earned the loyalty of a devout fan base worldwide and amassed an extensive amount of effusive critical acclaim from their peers. Brian Jones brings an amazing new voice and incredible vocal range to LILLIAN AXE. His vocal style complements Steve Blaze's songwriting and in turn has inspired Steve to write some of his most passionate, deep and soulful new songs to date.

The songs on "XI: The Days Before Tomorrow" reflect Steve Blaze's passionate beliefs in the power of music. Steve's compositions are as emotional as they are infectious. They are in your face songs of truth, war, neglect, Mother Nature, the innocent victim, the state of the world, current issues and spirituality. Personally charged rock 'n' roll is what makes Steve's songwriting so melodic and drenched with deep lyrical insight.

With the creative momentum in the studio, LILLIAN AXE took seven months to write and record the new album. Blaze recounts, "I had so many ideas and we experimented with a lot of sounds, we took our time to make the album we wanted to for ourselves and the fans. We took no shortcuts recording this album."

Although LILLIAN AXE has been through some tough times and taken the long road; they still create new music that is both relevant and exciting and continue to tour while others have forsaken the live performances. LILLIAN AXE respects its past but looks forward to the future by reinventing themselves with the current times. Steve Blaze reflects, "I continue to learn about writing songs, recording, performing and growing as a complete human being. My life experiences are those that make its way into the songs I write for LILLIAN AXE."

Extreme metal supergroup LOCK UP will embark on its first-ever North American headlining tour in February. Support on the trek will come from GOATWHORE and STRONG INTENTION.

LOCK UP bassist Shane Embury will be unable to make the trek and will be temporarily replaced by Dan Lilker (NUCLEAR ASSAULT, BRUTAL TRUTH, S.O.D., VENOMOUS CONCEPT).

"It's a pleasure and an honor to (briefly) step in for Mr. Shane Embury and hold down the bass for LOCK UP for these East Coast shows," commented Lilker. "Hope to see all the grindfreaks come out and experience the mayhem. Full speed ahead, fuckers!"

Originally formed by Shane Embury (NAPALM DEATH, VENOMOUS CONCEPT), Nick Barker (ex-CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR) and Jesse Pintado (NAPALM DEATH, TERRORIZER) to blast out the most caustic, skin-flaying brand of deathgrind, LOCK UP was joined by the raw throat of Peter Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY) for its debut album, 1999's fearsome "Pleasure Pave Sewers", and Tomas Lindberg (AT THE GATES, DISFEAR) for 2002's "Hate Breeds Suffering", touring Japan and then falling into inactivity.

Now joined by guitarist Anton Reisenegger (Chile's PENTAGRAM, CRIMINAL) in place of the late Jesse Pintado, LOCK UP is back in the most uncompromising style possible.

Commented Barker: "After many attempts in the past, sadly to no avail, LOCK UP finally gets to make it stateside for a string of shows with our good friends from Louisiana, GOATWHORE. For us in LOCK UP, to play with GOATWHORE in the U.S. is like a dream tour, as they are one of our favorite bands — and being good friends with them too only makes this package even more special to us. Be prepared North America 'cause we're coming over to blast your minds into deathgrind oblivion!"

The dates are as follows:

Feb. 08 - Buffalo, NY @ Club Infinity
Feb. 09 - Albany, NY @ Bogies
Feb. 10 - Boston, MA @ Club Lido
Feb. 11 - Montreal, QC @ Katacombes
Feb. 12 - Tortonto, ON @ Wreck Room
Feb. 13 - Chicago, IL @ Reggie's
Feb. 14 - Columbus, OH @ Alrosa Villa
Feb. 15 - Baltimore, MD @ Sonar
Feb. 16 - Brooklyn, NY @ Europa

LOCK UP's third studio album, "Necropolis Transparent", the was released in North America on July 12, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded in November-December 2010 at HVR Studios in Ipswich, United Kingdom and was mixed in January.

"Necropolis Transparent" features guest appearances by HYPOCRISY/PAIN mainman (and one-time LOCK UP vocalist) Peter Tägtgren along with Jeff Walker (CARCASS, BRUJERIA).

HELL'S DOMAIN, the Danish thrash metal band featuring former members of HATESPEHERE, KOLDBORN, EXMORTEM and ARTILLERY, made its live debut on January 12 in the group's hometown Aarhus, Denmark. Video footage of the performance can be seen below.

HELL'S DOMAIN was formed by guitarist Bjørn Bihlet (ex-KOLDBORN, BOIL) and bassist Lars Knudsen (ex-CRIONIC) in 2007 with the intention of churning out some catchy Bay Area-inspired thrash metal. Soon joined by Anders Gyldenøhr (ex-HATESPHERE, ARTILLERY) on drums and Alex Clausen (MONSTAH) on vocals, the band completed its lineup in 2011 with the addition of former EXMORTEM axeman Andreas Schubert.

HELL'S DOMAIN released a three-song demo in 2011. The effort can be streamed at the band's Facebook page.

HELL'S DOMAIN 2012 is:

* Alex Clausen (ex-GROPE, MONSTAH) - Vocals
* Bjørn Bihlet (ex-KOLDBORN, HORNED ALMIGHTY) - Guitar
* Andreas Schubert (ex-EXMORTEM) - Guitar
* Lars Knudsen (ex-CRIONIC) - Bass
* Anders Gyldenøhr (ex-HATESPHERE, ARTILLERY, GROPE) - Drums

"Undaunted", the new video from ADRENALINE MOB — the band featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD), SYMPHONY X frontman Russell Allen and guitar virtuoso Mike Orlando (SONIC STOMP) — can be seen below. The song comes off the group's debut album, "Omertá", which will be released on March 13 via the newly formed Elm City Music in conjunction with EMI Label Services. The 11-song CD — which was produced by ADRENALINE MOB and mixed by Jay Ruston, who has previously worked on ANTHRAX's "Worship Music" and STEEL PANTHER's "Balls Out" — includes a blistering reinterpretation of DURAN DURAN's classic "Come Undone" featuring guest vocals by Lzzy Hale of HALESTORM.

Norwegian avantgarde metallers BORKNAGAR have completed work on their new studio album with Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (OPETH, PARADISE LOST, KATATONIA) in Örebro, Sweden. Entitled "Urd", the CD will be released on March 26 in Europe and March 27 in North America via Century Media Records.

The album's artwork was designed by Brazilian artist Marcelo Vasco, who has not only already worked on the band's previous "Universal" release but also with artists such as SOULFLY, BELPHEGOR, EINHERJER and KEEP OF KALESSIN.

Commented BORKNAGAR mastermind Øystein G. Brun: "The cover and design for 'Urd' is spot on when it comes to portraying the very core of the band. This time around we wanted an earthly expression through our cover and general design to support and empower the main themes on the album. You can almost smell and feel the texture of the old Norse wooden carvings — still there is a sophisticated and eclectic approach to the expression that entwines perfectly into the music. Marcelo Vasco enhanced our ideas into brilliance, he painted the face of the beast that is about to be unleashed..."

"Urd" track listing:

01. Epochalypse
02. Roots
03. The Beauty Of Dead Cities
04. The Earthling
05. The Plains Of Memories
06. Mount Regency
07. Frostrite
08. The Winter Eclipse
09. In A Deeper World

Brun previously stated about the upcoming CD, "Our new album, 'Urd', was finished in mid December and all in all we spent about six months to record, produce and mix it. In the 'Bork-World' this isn't really long, but I can assure you that we have never before invested so much time, energy and effort into one single production. It has been a tough, yet inspiring ride.

"Since June 2011 I have constantly been working with this album, recording, editing and so forth — day and night. The same goes for my comrades. Never before have we made an album where everybody in the band has been so heavily involved and dedicated as this time around.

"'Urd' is surely the peak of our musical journey so far and we are extremely proud to have made this giant of an album! It's massive, it's emotional, it's fast, it's slow, it's epic, and it's progressive… all the ingredients that we have crafted our musical world on! And not to mention the 'golden threesome' on vocals (Vintersorg, Mr. Vortex and Lazare) really shines on this album… Do I need to say more?!"

Regarding where the album title fits in within BORKNAGAR's historical context, Øystein explains, "Our previous album was called 'Universal' and where should we go after an album title with such a magnitude? Well, we decided to head back home to earth. We really wanted to get back to the core of the band, where it all started - the admiration and pondering about nature and mankind's place therein. 'Urd' is the name of one of the norns that according to northern mythology stands under Yggdrasill and weaves the lifeline of mankind. 'Urd' is representing the past, while 'Verdande' is representing the present and 'Skuld' is representing the future. You might very well say that this is an ancient expression of what we today know as DNA. And I have always been very fascinated by the fact that parts and bits of our DNA actually derive from the very beginning of time. All living creatures are somewhat connected to the very first organic cell. That is some of the story behind the album title…"

BORKNAGAR 2012 is:

* Øystein G. Brun (Cronian, ex-Molested) – Clean and Electric Guitar
* Vintersorg (VINTERSORG, FISSION) - Grim Vocals, Clean Vocals and Choirs
* Lars A. Nedland (SOLEFALD, ex-CARPATHIAN FOREST) - Keyboards, Clean Vocals, Choirs
* Jens F. Ryland (ICS VORTEX) - Lead Guitar
* ICS Vortex (ex-DIMNMU BORGIR, ARCTURUS, ICS VORTEX) - Bass, Clean Vocals and Choirs

Drums and percussion on "Urd" were performed by David Kinkade (SOULFLY, ex-MALEVOLENT CREATION).

Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD have created a second video for their new single, "Ghost Walking". The fully animated clip was created by animation company Moreframes Animation and can be seen below.

"Ghost Walking" comes off LAMB OF GOD's new album, "Resolution", which will be released in North America on January 24 via Epic Records (one day earlier internationally through Roadrunner Records). The CD was recorded at various studios in Virginia and New York with producer Josh Wilbur, who worked on the band's last effort, 2009's "Wrath".

"Resolution" will feature 14 songs and will come in a digipack with artwork by longtime art director Ken Adams.

The "Resolution" cover artwork can be seen below.

"Resolution" track listing:

01. Straight For The Sun
02. Desolation
03. Ghost Walking
04. Guilty
05. The Undertow
06. The Number Six
07. Barbarosa
08. Invictus
09. Cheated
10. Insurrection
11. Terminally Unique
12. To The End
13. Visitation
14. King Me

To celebrate the January 24 release of their new album, "Resolution", LAMB OF GOD will take part in in-store signing sessions in New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Ontario. The events will last 90 minutes on a first-come-first-served basis.

The details are as follows:

*** Monday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m.

Vintage Vinyl
Corner of Route 1 North and Ford Ave
Fords, NJ
www.vvinyl.com

*** Tuesday, January 24 at 3:00 p.m.

Best Buy Union Square
52 E. 14th Street
New York, NY

Starting at midnight on Tuesday, January 24, be one of the first 300 fans to buy "Resolution" at the Best Buy Union Square location only and you will receive a wristband which gains access to the signing.

*** Wednesday, January 25 at 5:00 p.m.

Newbury Comics Harvard Square
36 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA

*** Thursday, January 26 at 5:00 p.m.

FYE
100 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA
215.496.8338

Starting January 24, purchase "Resolution" at any FYE store, then bring your CD and receipt to FYE on South Broad Street on January 26 to secure a wristband that gains access to the signing. Wristbands are limited to the first 200 fans. More fans may be allowed through the line if time allows.

*** Friday, January 27 at 3:00 p.m.

HMV Queen Street
272-274 Queen St. W.
Toronto, ON
M5V 1Z9
(416) 595-2828

A total of 400 wristbands will be distributed for the autograph signing. Wristbands are not guaranteed and will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.

All those requesting a wristband MUST pre-order "Resolution" at the HMV Queen Street location (deposit of $10 required). No exceptions. HMV is not responsible for any lost or stolen wristbands

Event is subject to cancelation or change without notice.

All purehmv members who pre-order "Resolution" will be automatically entered to win the "Ultimate Lamb of God" experience. See purehmv.ca for complete details.

Finnish female-fronted heavy rock outfit LULLACRY will release its long-awaited fifth album, "Where Angels Fear", on March 7 in Finland through the band's own label, OUTO Recordings. The CD, which marks the first LULLACRY release since 2005's "Vol. 4", was produced by Mikko Herranen (ex-vocalist for MISERY, INC.), who also sings a duet with LULLACRY vocalist Tanja Lainio in the track "Feel My Revenge". The album was mastered by Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers in Helsinki.

"Where Angels Fear" track listing:

01. Antidote To You
02. Still An Angel
03. Thousand Suns
04. Feel My Revenge
05. Bad Blood
06. All Behind
07. Gone Are The Days
08. I Am
09. Broken (Into Pieces)
10. Where Angels Fear
11. Stay
12. Love & War

The first single, "Bad Blood", will be released digitally on February 6. The track is available for streaming using the SoundCloud player below.

Commented LULLACRY guitarist Sami Leppikangas: "Yes, it sure has taken a lot of time and many things have happened.

"Last year has probably been the best we've had in LULLACRY, at least when it comes to vibes. And you can hear that in the album. For the first time we made songs without thinking that now we have to do a goth ballad or a rock song. We just did things more spontaneusly and it led to an album that is a lot more dark, ambitious and multi-dimensional than its predecessors. We also paid a lot more attention to lyrics, and the production was organic, which made the sounds more dynamic on 'Where Angels Fear'.

"It will be awesome to go and play these new tunes to people; we've really waited this for long."

LULLACRY is:

Tanja Lainio - Vocals
Sami Leppikangas - Guitar
Sauli Kivilahti - Guitar
Heavy Hiltunen - Bass
Jukka Outinen – Drums

"Vol. 4" was released in the U.S. in February 2006 via Century Media Records. The CD was recorded at Astia Studios with Anssi Kippo (CHILDREN OF BODOM, ENTWINE) and at Finnvox Studio with Mikko Karmila (NIGHTWISH, STRATOVARIUS). The first single off the album, "Stranger in You", entered the Finnish single chart at position No. 16 upon its release in July 2005. The title cut was backed by a cover of KISS' "I Stole Your Love".

Former members of DESPISED ICON and BLIND WITNESS have joined forces in a brand new metal/hardcore band called OBEY THE BRAVE.

Originating from Montreal and Ottawa, the group slowly took shape during the past year and was officially announced this week, along with a first string of East Canadian dates.

Commented singer Alex Erian: "Stoked to finally show you guys what we've been up to! It feels great to be playing music again with a few good friends. I can't wait to get this show on the road. We're doing everything DIY for now so help us spread the word if you like what you hear. Not trying to reinvent the wheel. We keep it simple. We keep it real."

OBEY THE BRAVE just released a sample from its first upcoming single, "Live And Learn", and will be posting more songs, videos and show dates in the next few weeks.

Confirmed shows:

Feb. 17 - Sherbrooke, QC @ Le Magog
Feb. 18 - St-Hyacinthe, QC @ L'Espace Temps
Feb. 20 - Montreal, QC @ Club Soda w/ Everytime I Die, Terror
Mar. 02 - Kemptville, ON @ Leslie Hall
Mar. 03 - St-Jerome, QC @ Cafe d'en face

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/obeythebrave.

South Carolina-based extreme metal band LECHEROUS NOCTURNE has set "Behold Almighty Doctrine" as the title of its third album, due later in the year via Unique Leader Records. The CD was recorded at SoundLab Studio in Lexington, South Carolina with longtime engineer Bob Moore.

The "Behold Almighty Doctrine" artwork can be seen below.

LECHEROUS NOCTURNE recently announced the addition of vocalist Brett Bentley to the group's ranks. The band states, "Brett is a beast front man and we are glad to have him in the fold!"

Vocalist Jason Hohenstein announced his departure from LECHEROUS NOCTURNE in July 2011, telling BLABBERMOUTH.NET in a statement, "I was writing/arranging in preparation of the new record when I was asked to leave." He added, "I did not quit! I want to make that perfectly clear."

LECHEROUS NOCTURNE's second album, "The Age of Miracles Has Passed", was released in October 2008 via Unique Leader Records.

Resurrected German death metallers MORGOTH are working on their first-ever live album/DVD for a summer release via Century Media. The effort is currently being mixed at Unisound Studio in Sweden with Dan Swanö (OPETH, KATATONIA, DISSECTION) and "he is doing an incredible job," the band states.

MORGOTH's 2011 dates celebrated the 20th anniversary of the band's classic "Cursed" album. The setlist consisted primarily of songs from "Cursed" but also included cuts from the classic EPs "Resurrection Absurd" (1989) and "The Eternal Fall" as well as a couple of selected songs off "Odium".

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

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

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

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

The band's setlist was as follows:

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

MORGOTH is:

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

Frontiers Records will celebrate PRETTY MAIDS' 30th anniversary with the release of the band's first-ever live 2CD/DVD package entitled "It Comes Alive (Maid in Switzerland)" on March 23 in Europe and March 27 in North America.

Following the highly acclaimed 2010 album "Pandemonium", Danish melodic hard rockers PRETTY MAIDS have been touring more or less constantly throughout 2010/2011. They undertook a full-scale European tour in 2010 and have since played several festivals and occasional gigs. The overwhelming response to the new songs and the ongoing requests coming from the fans prompted the band to take their chance and record a live 2CD/DVD last October 1, 2011. PRETTY MAIDS gathered in Pratteln, Switzerland with an enthusiastic and highly explosive crowd of die-hard fans and followers to fulfill the demand, for an energetic and memorable performance which was recorded with a fully equipped mobile studio and cameras.

"Riding on the success of our previous studio album 'Pandemonium' and with maybe the strongest lineup ever, we thought that we'd make some kind of a live document of what this band is all about in the present time," says singer Ronnie Atkins. "'It Comes Alive' is purely and simply a tribute to all our fans and supporters throughout the world, who gave us so many memorable moments, so much pleasure and making our childhood dreams come through."

He continued, "It's always difficult to make a set list that satisfies everyone. It's a combination of what the crowd expect us to play and what we like to play ourselves! But of course there are songs like 'Future World' and 'Red Hot And Heavy' that we have been playing for the last 25 years so, they still get a new life every time we play ‘em and still seem to please our audience. But basically what you will find on this live album are the songs that we toured with on the 'Pandemonium' tour, with a few exceptions."

"It Comes Alive (Maid in Switzerland)" will be exclusively released in a lavish 2CD/DVD digipak released and will include the following tracks:

CD1:

01. Pandemonium
02. I.N.V.U.
03. Hell On High Heels
04. Wake Up To The Real World
05. Destination Paradise
06. Another Shot Of Your Love
07. Scream
08. Walk Away
09. It Comes At Night
10. Queen Of Dreams
11. Savage Heart
12. Clay

CD2:

01. Yellow Rain
02. Rock The House
03. Back To Back
04. Rodeo
05. Lovegames
06. Future World
07. Little Drops Of Heaven
08. Please Don't Leave Me
09. Red Hot And Heavy
10. Lethal Heroes *

* bonus track


DVD Contents:

01. Pandemonium
02. I.N.V.U.
03. Hell On High Heels
04. Wake Up To The Real World
05. Destination Paradise
06. Another Shot Of Your Love
07. Scream
08. Walk Away
09. It Comes At Night
10. Queen Of Dreams
11. Savage Heart
12. Yellow Rain
13. Rock The House
14. Back To Back
15. Rodeo
16. Love Games
17. Future World
18. Little Drops Of Heaven
19. Please Don't Leave Me
20. Red Hot & Heavy

+ Rockumentary (including backstage footage and interviews with the band)

German metallers RAGE, will release their 21st studio album, appropriately titled "21", on February 24 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Twilight Hall Studio in Grefrath, Germany with Charlie Bauerfeind, who has previously worked with SAXON, BLIND GUARDIAN, HAMMERFALL and HELLOWEEN, among others.

Video footage of RAGE guitarist Victor Smolski recording and tracking the band's new CD with his ENGL signature amp can be seen below.

"Twenty One", a brand new song from German metallers RAGE, can be streamed below. The track comes off the band's 21st studio album, appropriately titled "21", which is scheduled for a February 24 release via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Twilight Hall Studio in Grefrath, Germany with Charlie Bauerfeind, who has previously worked with SAXON, BLIND GUARDIAN, HAMMERFALL and HELLOWEEN, among others.

"21" track listing:

01. House Wins
02. Twenty One
03. Forever Dead
04. Feel My Pain
05. Serial Killer
06. Psycho Terror
07. Destiny
08. Death Romantic
09. Black And White
10. Concrete Wall
11. Eternally

Check out descriptions of some of the above-mentioned tracks at Rage-On.de.

Commented guitarist Victor Smolski: "The songs of '21' are even better than they sounded in the rehearsal room. Everything is real powerful and aggressive and has got much more energy and the necessary aggression. I have taken much time for the soundcheck and took lots of effort for the arrangements.

"I think '21' is the best-arranged album concerning interaction of guitar, bass and drum playing that RAGE has done in recent years.

"As a producer I have a big responsibility, but after 10 years of working together with Charlie Bauerfeind, it's always getting easier; we understand each other blind, so to say.

"I'm very happy with the performances of Peavy [Peter 'Peavy' Wagner, abss/vocals] and André [Hilgers, drums] (so evil you haven't heard Peavy before), with my guitar work I'm also really satisfied, I've tried to implement the best I can momentarily.

"The concept of the album has become really round, all songs are completely rounded, hard, aggressive, no 'happy metal melodies,' but nevertheless varying. My favorite song: 'Forever Dead', something between 'Kill Your Gods' and 'Down'."

RAGE will embark on the "Metal Firestorm 2012" headlining tour with support from TÝR and COMMUNIC in March/April.

RAGE's latest CD, "Strings To A Web", was released in February 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Florida's industrial metal group DEADSTAR ASSEMBLY has entered the studio to record its fourth album entitled "Adorned In Thorns". The band describes the new music as the heaviest material they've written to date, very dark and cinematic. "It is the type of music you would hear in a movie trailer, we wanted to create something that sonically evolved our sound while continuing to deliver undeniable anthems," states guitarist Dreggs. "The production is sounding massive, we're injecting a lot of punch and polish this time around."

"Adorned In Thorns" is being recorded primarily in Florida, with the mixing sessions slated to take place in Los Angeles. The CD will consist of 10 songs, including "Overdose", "Adorned In Thorns", "Filth" and "Blame It On The Devil", the latter of which can be sampled in the YouTube clip below.

DEADSTAR ASSEMBLY's third album, "Coat Of Arms", was released in April 2010 via Somatic Recordings. The CD was produced by DEADSTAR ASSEMBLY and Jeremy Staska (POISON THE WELL, NEW FOUND GLORY, UNTIL THE END, MALEVOLENT CREATION) and mastered by Adam Ayan (A PERFECT CIRCLE, NINE INCH NAILS, LINKIN PARK).

Nancy Dunham of Loudwire recently conducted an interview with SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Loudwire: You are so down to earth. That's something a lot of your fans must find so surprising.

Corey: It's important. The people I respect the least are the ones that take themselves way to seriously. And you can just tell this isn't about the creativity for them. It is about the trying to prop themselves up to feel better about themselves. I think that is sad because there are really some great, great artists out there that really come off as such tools. I am the kind of guy who has never taken myself too seriously. I mean, I am very serious about what I do, I'm very serious about the creative process and everything but at the end of the day I am just another lucky geek who got to live out a dream, you know? I am still the guy who reads tons of comics, watch tons of movies, still loves having a great time. I never put myself up on that pedestal. When people put me up on that pedestal I do my best to knock myself off.

Loudwire: Are there any negative effects, though, to that kind of forthcoming approach especially in this media environment?

Corey: Maybe that is why I catch so much hell for calling out some of these people. That's fine, man. I'll walk the thin line between hero and villain as long as it takes but at least I'm honest. At least I'm speaking my mind instead of hiding behind a keyboard or a computer screen under a user name that nobody understands. It makes me a target, but I can live with it.

Loudwire: What do you see happening with SLIPKNOT in 2012?

Corey: I think [2012] will just be more of a strengthening year for us. [The 2010 death of bassist Paul Gray is] still very fresh for us, even though it's been a year and a half since his death. It is still something that breaks me down every night. I just know if we try to rush in and make an album that doesn't feel right, the audience will know. The audience will know that it doesn't feel right and they'll know it was forced and they'll know it isn't genuine. If anything we have always been as genuine with our audience as possible. That is why I have gone out of my way to say, "Look, I'm not ready to do it." And I know there are guys in the band that may or may not be comfortable saying it to anyone else but I know they feel the same way because they have said so to me. I think as long as the guys know we are going to eventually going to they are OK with that. It is not that time yet. When we make the album we all know it is going to be for Paul, you know? And I don't think any of us are ready to open up that much yet. I think we need to take the steps to strengthen ourselves as a band first. And then start making those steps. And, plus, he was one of our major, major songwriters. There is such a huge gap because of his loss. And I feel it. And that's why I am not comfortable. It doesn't make sense yet. And that is one of those things that makes me a villain to a lot of kids. Me saying we aren't going to make an album is like me saying that the band is going to break up for some people. And everyone needs to calm down. I never said that. I said it is going to be a while before we make another album. But I think the more we put ourselves out there and the more we show ourselves as a band, a solid unit, the more people calm down about that.

Loudwire: It's almost like you've lived several lives. How do you define yourself now?

Corey: I have got to be honest, I am not as defined now as I was before just because of how honest I am in my lyrics. Obviously, when I was young I got all caught up in the whole romance of the stardom and the fame. I'm lucky I made my mistakes early and I was savvy enough to have learned from them for the most part, I guess. Now I am defined by who I aspire to be. A great father, a good husband, a good person, a good friend some crazy ranting lunatic who gets to entertain a bunch of frickin' people. It's really cool. I am not defined by who people think I should be. I am my own man and that's good. I could easily have become a Charlie Sheen or someone like that. It is almost like they are enabled to be a certain way. And in many ways, they are encouraged to behave that way because they know that kind of behavior makes headlines. And they are encouraged to be pretty much jackasses because of their "genius." [People say] "It's OK for him to be a complete a–hole to people because he's a genius." That's just a big cop out. That is an absolute cop out. I have met several people who are bigger and better than these, quote unquote, a–holes and they are some of the sweetest people I have ever met. It takes 10 seconds to have manners. Put the effort in. It takes nothing to be good to people.

Read the entire interview from Loudwire.

Former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman has posted the following end-of-year message on his official web site:

"As you all know, 2011 has been a tough year for Japan. However, through the hardships so many people have taken opportunities to show their grace, compassion, power and strength. It is easy to look good when things are going well, but when times are tough, that is when actions really show one's character.

"As an 'outsider' living in a culture different from the one I was born into, it was quite a learning experience to watch Japan's recovery from disaster. I believe people all around the world had their eyes on Japan and will from now on see Japan as a role model of sorts, particularly when it comes to dealing with a disaster in a civilized and dignified manner.

"In spite of (and possibly due to in part) the disaster bringing the entertainment world to a near standstill for part of 2011, the year brought some of the happiest, most uplifting and power charged music I have ever heard. When I hear the music coming out of this country, I'm super proud to be making my own contribution to it.

"Let 2012 allow us to use the lessons we have learned in 2011 to enjoy and appreciate life every day as best we can. I see myself making a lot of new music and a whole lot of noise in 2012, and appreciate every single one of you who will join me for the ride.

"May 2012 be the best year all of you have ever had, wishing an abundance of health, happiness and success.

"Now that's enough of the serious talk, let's set our phasers on stun and rock this place hard!!!"

Friedman's new solo album, "Tokyo Jukebox 2", was released in Japan on September 14, 2011 via Avex. The CD picks up where Friedman's 2009 effort, "Tokyo Jukebox", left off, with even more adventurous arrangements of his favorite Japanese songs. Recorded at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles, the album features Jason Bittner (SHADOWS FALL) on drums.

"Tokyo Jukebox 2" stretches the boundaries of guitar interpretation beyond anything Marty has released to date.

Pop superstar Lady Gaga has revealed she's a massive fan of DEF LEPPARD, stating her own music is influenced by the British rockers. She told The Sun, "With my music there's lots of really big DEF LEPPARD-style melodies in the choruses but it's electronic dance music. I'd call it avant-garde techno rock. It is very hard and very edgy."

She added, "There are a lot of rock influences on the album but not that it is rock music. It is an exploration of electronic music and techno songs but I have created a genre of metal/dance/techno/rock/pop music with a lot of anthemic choruses, because that is actually the music I love."

Gaga has worked with DEF LEPPARD producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange on her track "You And I", with The Sun adding that the 25-year old is keen to build on their professional relationship.

Lady Gaga previously spoke about her love for IRON MAIDEN and BLACK SABBATH, calling the experience of seeing MAIDEN for the first time a "life-changing" event.

The singer also appeared in photos with ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante and last year's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee Alice Cooper.

The deluxe-edition version of VAN HALEN's much-anticipated new album, "A Different Kind Of Truth", will contain a bonus DVD featuring four brand new acoustic-performance videos titled "The Downtown Sessions" including the songs "Panama", "You And Your Blues", "You Really Got Me" and "Beautiful Girls".

"A Different Kind Of Truth" track listing:

01. Tattoo
02. She's The Woman
03. You and Your Blues
04. China Town
05. Blood and Fire
06. Bullethead
07. As Is
08. Honeybabysweetiedoll
09. The Trouble With Never
10. Outta Space
11. Stay Frosty
12. Big River
13. Beats Workin'

A "You Really Got Me" performance clip from "The Downtown Sessions", shot at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, can be seen below.

"A Different Kind Of Truth", will arrive on February 7 via Interscope.

The album's first single, "Tattoo", came out on January 10. The song itself said to be is a rewrite of a very old VAN HALEN track "Down In Flames", which the band used to play in its late Seventies club days but never recorded for any of its albums. The new version has a slightly different arrangement and fresh lyrics from singer David Lee Roth.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, at least two other songs on the new record, "She's The Woman" and "Bullethead", date back to the band's early days as well. "She's The Woman" appeared on a 1976 VAN HALEN demo produced by KISS bassist Gene Simmons, and was performed by the group last week during its show at the tiny Cafe Wha? in New York City.

Guitarist Eddie Van Halen has said in numerous interviews over the years that he has "10 albums" worth of unreleased material in his archives from throughout the band's career.

Ironically, it was former singer Sammy Hagar who hinted that VAN HALEN might be digging into the vaults on the new album. Hagar recently told Rolling Stone, "I heard this record is old outtakes from the old days. I mean, stuff from before I even joined the band . . . Because from what I heard, they aren't working with new material. Ed and Dave didn't actually write new songs."

VAN HALEN will kick off a North American tour on February 18 in Louisville, Kentucky. KOOL AND THE GANG will open for VAN HALEN on selected tour stops.

The official lyric video for "Monarchy", the first single from STAR MONARCHY, the new project launched by bassist Ray Riendeau (HALFORD, JAMES LABRIE), can be seen below.

The track, which was mixed and mastered by Derek Taylor at Milo studios in Texas, features the following musicians:

* Dan Tompkins (TESSERACT) - Vocals
* Francesco Artusato (ALL SHALL PERISH) - Guitar
* Danny Handler (THE BETTER DEATH) - Drums
* Ray Riendeau (HALFORD, JAMES LABRIE) - Bass, Guitar

"Monarchy" comes off STAR MONARCHY's forthcoming debut album, "Volume 1", which will feature songs written by Ray and some collaborations with other artists. It is being recorded by an ongoing cast of players/singers in various metal genres.

"Volume 1" will feature the following musicians:

* Ray Riendeau (JAMES LABRIE, HALFORD) - Bass
* Francesco Artusato (ALL SHALL PERISH) - Guitar
* Björn "Speed" Strid (SOILWORK) - Vocals
* Dan Tompkins (TESSERACT) - Vocals
* Rody Walker (PROTEST THE HERO) - Vocals
* Danny Handler (THE BETTER DEATH) - Drums
* Peter Wildoer (DARKANE, JAMES LABRIE) - Drums
* Travis Orbin (PERIPHERY, SKY EATS AIRPLANE) - Drums
* Alex Rudinger (THREAT SIGNAL) – Drums
* Hannes Grossmann (OBSCURA, BLOTTED SCIENCE) - Drums
* Sean Dailey (THE BETTER DEATH) - Vocals
* Derek Taylor (STARA ZAGORA) - Guitar
* Thomas Pulda (ANOMALY) - Screams

MASSACRE, the resurrected 1990s Florida-based death metal band featuring Terry Butler (DEATH, MASSACRE, SIX FEET UNDER, DENIAL FIEND, OBITUARY) and Frederick "Rick Rozz" DeLillo (MANTAS, DEATH, MASSACRE, M INC.), played a brand new song, "Succumb To Rapture", for the first time during the group's January 14 headlining concert at The Brass Mug in Tampa, Florida.

Video footage of the performance can be seen below (courtesy of Brutal Broadcast).

The Brass Mug show marked the first-ever appearance by MASSACRE's new lineup, which consists of Terry Butler (bass; DEATH, MASSACRE, SIX FEET UNDER, DENIAL FIEND, OBITUARY) and Frederick "Rick Rozz" DeLillo (guitar; MANTAS, DEATH, MASSACRE, M INC.) alongside the band's latest additions, Mike Mazzonetto (drums; M INC., PAIN PRINCIPLE) and Ed Webb (vocals; DIABOLIC, GENERICHRIST, DESTINED TO RUIN).

MASSACRE recently canceled its European tour in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the band's classic "From Beyond" album. Dubbed "Army Of Darkness", the trek was slated to take place in January/February 2012 and was supposed to feature additional performances from MACABRE and MASTER.

"From Beyond" was recently reissued as a limited-edition digipak CD via Earache Records.The long-out-of-print album was made available on CD with four bonus EP tracks and comes housed in a digipak with extended artwork and a fold-out poster.

MASSACRE's current touring lineup is as follows:

* Mike Mazzonetto (M INC., PAIN PRINCIPLE) - Drums
* Ed Webb (DIABOLIC, GENERICHRIST, DESTINED TO RUIN) - Vocals
* Frederick "Rick Rozz" DeLillo – Guitar
* Terry Butler - Bass

A different version of MASSACRE — consisting of DENIAL FIEND members Sam Williams (guitar), Curt Beeson (drums; NASTY SAVAGE), along with Terry Butler, Steve Swanson (guitar) and Kam Lee (vocals; MASSACRE, DEATH, MANTAS) — completed a European tour in late 2007.

Legendary U.S. metal band RIOT played its first show without founding guitarist Mark Reale last night (Wednesday, January 18) at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

Reale was admitted to a San Antonio hospital last week in critical condition due to complications of Crohn's disease — an ailment he has battled for most of his life.

The band earlier in the week released the following update on his condition:

"Due to complications arising from treatment for Mark's illness, he remains hospitalized in San Antonio and will not be healthy enough to appear as scheduled.

"Mike [Flyntz, guitar], Tony [Moore, vocals], Bobby [Jarzombek, drums] and Don [Van Stavern, bass] have, at the strong urging of Mark's family, decided to perform the shows without Mark on guitar.

"We are receiving updates on his condition several times daily, and Mark is currently undergoing procedures to stabilize him. His father, in addition to several dedicated friends of the band and the family, are at Mark's side constantly as doctors work to restore him to health. In accordance with the family's wishes, no further details are being released at this time.

"While we are saddened by these developments, RIOT's music has been Mark's lifeblood for over 30 years. We have struggled with idea of performing without him, and we are continuing to prepare with heavy hearts, but the entire RIOT organization has agreed on the importance of bringing our music to the fans who have supported us for so long.

"Thank you for continuing to support RIOT during this difficult time, and we will see you at the shows."

Remaining RIOT shows (to be played without Mark Reale):

Jan. 19 - West Springfield, VA – Jaxx
Jan. 20 - Rochester, NY - Montage Music Hall
Jan. 23-27 - Miami, FL - 70,000 Tons Of Metal

Mark has been battling Crohn's for most of his life, working and performing while enduring almost constant pain and the side effects of treatment for his illness. He was in Texas bravely attempting to practice for the shows, but was felled by a severe onset of Crohn's symptoms leaving him in the Intensive Care Unit at an undisclosed facility.

Mark was struggling with these symptoms throughout the production of RIOT's new album, "Immortal Soul", and guitarist Mike Flyntz recorded a major portion of the guitars on the LP with Mark's creative direction while he was unable to perform.