Jeffrey Easton of Metal Exiles recently conducted an interview with former KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Metal Exiles: It has been three years since "Save Me From Myself" came out. Did you want to take your time with the next record or did you let the books take their course?

Brian: We have been doing a lot of touring, getting my chops up as a frontman, which is what we have been focusing on. Plus, I have had some legal issues I have had to work through as well, so now it is time for something new.

Metal Exiles: I have seen your live show and it seemed to me you are perfectly suited for it. How did you adapt to being a frontman after spending so long as a guitarist in KORN?

Brian: Just continuing to do it every night so I can gain some comfort. Some nights I can get into it, but other nights I feel weird.

Metal Exiles: "Save Me From Myself" is a very caustic record. Do you think it cleansed you of your demons or is the next album still exploring your pre-saved years?

Brian: The new record is stuff I am going through now. I am trying to get the best song, but it does have to be real to me. I cannot write a song just to sell it because I cannot make money from music anymore now anyway. "Paralyzed" talks about a lot of pain like emotional depression, which is not all the time, but I do feel a lot of pain, so I like to talk about it.

Metal Exiles: Emotionally, where did "Paralyzed" come from?

Brian: It's about life being filled with lawsuits, and like I said in my last book, "Stronger", dealing with depression and trying to lead this new life I am living. I am doing it but it is a struggle but it is not the drugs anymore, it's just life.

Metal Exiles: With your legal issues, why are people continuing to come after you?

Brian: I try to do good, and I try to help people, but when you try to do something good, it seems like things follow you just to take you down and discourage you. I think that is what is happening to me. I believe in the karma of if you do good things, that good things will happen to you, but sometimes when you do good, bad will chase you down. I have made some bad decisions, as well as getting into some bad partnerships that I should not have. I am glad that I went through it, because it got rid of my fear of circumstances. I found out because of that I can get through anything, and with God's help, I can get through any battle.

Metal Exiles: "Paralyzed" is very heavy, can we expect more of that when the next album drops? Is this the direction you are heading in?

Brian: I think it will be a little of both — heavy, with some awesome melodic songs as well. I cannot leave it slow; it has to be heavy as well. There is a song that I am working on called "Stronger"; it starts slow and it builds to this very intense structure.

Metal Exiles: You said that the first album was lacking in riffs, but I thought it was heavy. What do you think was missing?

Brian: The heavy riffs, like the middle section of "Paralyzed"; I did not do a lot of stuff like that on it. It was good for what it was but I have grown a lot since then and I know what works for me live vocally and a lot of those songs are hard for me to do live. I think on this album we are at a new level with guitar riffs.

According to Mail Online, IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson may have to return to music full-time after Astraeus Airlines, where he has worked for years as a senior pilot, was due to be placed into administration and had been ordered to cease operations with immediate effect.

Astraeus, which leases aircraft and cabin crew to airlines, has blamed "lower-than-expected levels of business" during the summer a lack of contracts for winter 2011-2012, and "some extremely bad luck with a number of technical issues," for the failure.

The company's chief executive, Hugh Parry, praised the team of pilots and behind-the-scenes staff who had worked for the airline. He said, "We battled hard to save Astraeus, but lower-than-expected levels of business during the summer of 2011, a lack of contracts for winter 2011-2012, and some extremely bad luck with a number of technical issues mean that we have no option but to cease all operations and put Astraeus Airlines in the hands of the administrators.

"Every effort has been made to ensure that any passengers affected already have or will be able to complete their journey.

"It is small comfort to those affected and impacted, I realise, but Astraeus comprised a fantastic team who did a fantastic job – quite possibly the best team in their aviation business sector."

Order the ultimate live Motör-Experience MOTÖRHEAD package now at this location. The Motör-Bag is packed with exclusive items that you will not find anywhere else.

In addition to the carrying bag, inside are two double vinyl LPs of stunning MOTÖRHEAD performances in their entirety recorded in New York and Manchester that can only be found in the Motör-Bag package, plus a unique crew t-shirt and laminate pass, and no fan will want to miss out on owning a piece of "The Wörld Is Yours" 2010/2011 stage backdrop, mounted and numbered. If that isn’t enough — the deluxe version includes the digipack (DVD + CD) of "The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else" and a double vinyl LP recorded live in Santiago, Chile.

For more information, go to this location.

"The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else" came out on November 14 via Motörhead Music / UDR / EMI.

"The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else" gives you the complete set from the band's supreme performance in Chile at the Teatro Caupolican in Santiago on April 9, 2011, shot by Banger Films and Sam Dunn ("Iron Maiden Flight 666", "Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage"). The DVD continues with some tasty morsels from New York's Best Buy Theater and the Manchester Apollo.

Frontiers Records has announced the signing of BEYOND THE BRIDGE, a new progressive metal band from Germany. The group's debut album, "The Old Man And The Spirit", will be released on January 20, 2012 in Europe and January 24 in North America.

According to a press release, "The Old Man And The Spirit" is an ambitious concept album dealing with the polarity of human sensuousness and superhuman awareness. Two main characters interpret the music on this theatrical and challenging record: "The Spirit", who is the personification of all wisdom and awareness that is unachievable to mankind but that lacks of the ability to feel, and her opponent "The Old Man": a bon vivant who has lived through all highs and lows of human sensations. These two characters are interpreted by the two band singers: a female, Dilenya Mar, and a male, Herbie Langhans.

But the operatic and cinematic setting of the album was put together by the two bands' masterminds: guitar player Peter Degenfeld and the classically trained ivory tinkler Christopher Tarnow.

"From the beginning it was our intention to do an album presenting one big piece of music," says Degenfeld. "One of the very first things that came about were the two characters together with the basic content of the story. Basically, before the notes were written, we knew what each song had to sound and feel like and what the lyrics had to say. With these restrictions we started the songwriting process. In the end writing songs under these self-imposed limits turned out to be just great."

While "The Old Man And The Spirit" is undoubtedly a demanding musical statement, BEYOND THE BRIDGE is determined to make its steps to bring its music on tour. "We put a lot of effort into the goal of creating the studio sound on stage and we have already rearranged some parts to make them more suitable for live performances," explains Degenfeld.

BEYOND THE BRIDGE's lineup is rounded up by Dominik Stotzem on bass, Fabian Maier on drums and Simon Oberender on keyboards and guitar. Simon also took care of the album production at the famed Gate Studios (owned by the famed producer Sascha Paeth, who mastered the album).

While at first listen the album will easily appeal to the progressive rock/metal audience, thanks to the virtuosity displayed in the playing and the compositional design, the album can be easily enjoyed by all who are looking for songs that can excite the listeners.

"The music is touching. It will even touch you in a different way each time you listen to the album," concludes Peter Degenfeld. "The lyrics are inspiring and ambiguous. This encourages to dig deeper into the spiritual journey of the "Old Man."

"The Old Man And The Spirit" track listing:

01. The Call
02. The Apparition
03. Triumph Of Irreality
04. The Spring Of It All
05. World Of Wonders
06. The Primal Demand
07. Doorway To Salvation
08. The Struggle
09. The Difference Is Human
10. Where The Earth And Sky Meet
11. All A Man Can Do

The first photo of the four members of VAN HALEN and their new partners at the Interscope label can be seen below.

Why did VAN HALEN back out of a deal with Columbia Records and sign with Interscope at the last minute? According to The Hollywood Reporter, singer David Lee Roth was the deciding factor. Roth, who has separate management, legal representation and accountants from the rest of the group, apparently wanted to sign with a label based on the West Coast. A source said, "He was never on board (with Columbia). It was as complicated as anyone would imagine, when one side says black, the other says white. The label was pretty skeptical that things would work out."

In stepped Interscope and its parent company Universal Music "at the 11th hour." While Columbia's main operation is located in New York, Interscope is based in Los Angeles and presented the band with "a global plan that included extensive marketing, merchandising, touring and, of course, recordings."

The rest of VAN HALEN — guitarist Eddie Van Halen, drummer Alex Van Halen and bassist Wolfgang Van Halen — wanted to keep Roth happy as well. He rejoined the group in 2007 after 23 years apart.

The deal was finalized this week and marks the first time VAN HALEN has recorded away from Warner Bros. Records, which signed the group in 1977.

The new VAN HALEN album, its first with Roth since 1984 was released on the last day of 1983, will reportedly come out in 2012, possibly in February.

Although it's been strongly hinted that the group will make a "special announcement" on November 30 at the Grammy Awards nominations concert, a source told Rolling Stone magazine that the band's appearance was not happening. Reps for the Grammy Awards have not commented.

Captured at an undisclosed venue in Los Angeles, are (left to right) Alex Van Halen; Wolfgang Van Halen; Eddie Van Halen; Jimmy Iovine, Chairman, Interscope Geffen A&M Records; Irving Azoff, Executive Chairman of Live Nation Entertainment and Chairman and CEO of the Front Line Management Group; Steve Berman, Vice Chairman, Interscope Geffen A&M Records; David Lee Roth; and Jim Urie, President and CEO, Universal Music Group Distribution.

Finnish female-frontmed metallers BATTLE BEAST have inked a deal with Nuclear Blast Records. The band's debut album, "Steel" — which was originally released in Finland earlier this year via Hype Records — will be made available internationally on January 27, 2012.

Formed in 2008, BATTLE BEAST won the Wacken Open Air Metal Battle contest in Finland last year, enabling the band to perform at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany and represent its home country in the international Metal Battle finals. The group beat out 26 other acts from all around the world, which led to a record deal with the world's biggest independent heavy metal label.

Commented Andy Siry, head of A&R at Nuclear Blast: "Young, dynamic but still deeply rooted in traditional heavy metal, BATTLE BEAST breathe new life into the scene and rekindle the sound of the '80s with a fulgent livery. The well-deserved victory at the Wacken Open Air Metal Battle 2010 was the first important step to which we want to live up by supporting these up-and-coming talents energetically. We're looking forward to the cooperation!"

Added BATTLE BEAST guitarist Anton: "We feel honoured that Nuclear Blast show their interest in BATTLE BEAST by releasing 'Steel'. Many thanks to our partners, closest people and most of all to our fans who believed in us and gave us their support. The journey continues!"

"Steel" track listing:

01. Enter The Metal World
02. Armageddon Clan
03. The Band Of The Hawk
04. Justice And Metal
05. Steel
06. Die-Hard Warrior
07. Cyberspace
08. Show Me How To Die
09. Savage And Saint
10. Iron Hand
11. Victory
12. Stay Black (bonus track)

BATTLE BEAST is:

Nitte Valo (vocals)
Anton Kabanen (guitar, vocals)
Pyry Vikki (drums)
Juuso Soinio (guitar)
Eero Sipilä (bass, vocals)
Janne Björkroth (keyboards, vocals)

Cult metal act MAXX WARRIOR will reunite for one show on January 7, 2012 at the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, North Carolina.

MAXX WARRIOR joins LEXX LUTHOR, BROOKS PAUL BAND, REPLICA and STEEL STANDING as part of the second annual Cliff Jackson memorial concert.

MAXX WARRIOR features vocalist CJ Snare (FIREHOUSE, RUBICON CROSS), bassist Perry Richardson (ex-FIREHOUSE) and guitarists Al Eddins and Jeff Boatwright. Drummer Jason Patterson (CRY OF LOVE, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY) will fill in for the absent Billy Dorey. Special guests will include former guitarist Scott Atkins and guitarist Chris Green (FURYON, RUBICON CROSS).

MAXX WARRIOR was highly successful on the East Coast club circuit in the early to mid-'80s. The band performed original material as well as cover songs from all of the top metal acts of the day. The group's four-song EP from 1985 (Executive Records) has become quite a sought-after collectable for metal fans worldwide.

In the early '90s, Snare and Perry went on to commercial success in the band FIREHOUSE.

This will be the first time MAXX WARRIOR has performed since 1987.

'80s hard rock queen Lita Ford spoke to the Naperville Sun about a possible reunion of her former band, THE RUNAWAYS, which broke up in 1979.

Last year, the movie "The Runaways" was released starring Kristen Stewart of "Twilight" fame as singer Joan Jett. The band formed in 1975, with Ford on lead guitar. She was 16 at the time.

"I would love it [if a THE RUNAWAYS reunion were to happen]. I can't answer that question, but I would love it," she said. "We were ahead of our time. Now, people are realizing we were ahead of our time. We inspired so many different artists, and not just girls."

"The Runaways" was directed by Floria Sigismondi, who is best known for directing music videos by such artists as DAVID BOWIE, MARILYN MANSON, and SHERYL CROW.

Regarding her upcoming album, Lita told the Naperville Sun, "The songs are great. I'm so happy with them. It's some of the best stuff I’ve ever written. That's what good songs are made of, real-life stories."

Although the new material comes from a sad place personally, she thinks people will be able to relate to them.

"A lot of people will be able to relate in many different ways. If you lose a job or a boyfriend or a loved one, of if you're just having a bad day," she said. "There are songs about hurtful things, and songs about how to overcome those hurtful things. Musically, everything is just as rocking. . . It's a very inspiring album for a lot of people. I'm looking forward to people hearing it. It's an empowering album and it really comes from the heart."

SHADOW SOCIETY was formed in 2011 by Asgrim (IMMANIFEST, YETIT) and Rob Thoth (CHRONZON) with a very simple idea: no drama, no filler riffs and no compromise. In essence, SHADOW SOCIETY was forged to make music that they wanted to hear. These ideals together with the strength of the music drew in other like-minded heavyweights in extreme music, who wanted to shape these shared ideals and music into something uniquely their own.

First to align with the band were Roberto "Kadath" Celentano and Kevin Quirion (DEICIDE, ORDER OF ENNEAD). As longtime friends and gifted musicians, both were natural additions to the growing vision for the band’s music. In addition it was a reunion of sorts, as Asgrim has worked with both of them in past projects. The rhythm section was the final element necessary for the band to realize their vision.

After a lengthy search, Brian Werner (MONSTROSITY, INFERNAEON) and the extremely talented Adam Sagan (INFERNAEON, INTO ETERNITY) completed the alignment. Both bring a wealth of talent and experience to SHADOW SOCIETY.

Their sound is distinct and direct. Brutality, ambience, harmony, dissonance and darkness collide in perfect chaos as the unique talents of each individual serve the eclectic collective.

SHADOW SOCIETY is preparing to enter Sound Source Recordings to begin recording its debut EP with Kelly Nunn (MAYLENE & THE SONS OF DISASTER), with mixing and mastering to be handled at Erik Rutan's Mana Studios under the watchful eye and ear of Brian Elliott

The band has just released its first track, entitled "Hidden in Plain Site", which was mixed and mastered by Eric Koondel (CYNIC, SOILWORK, MALEVOLENT CREATION). Check it below.

The rock world is buzzing with proof that good and evil can in fact work together in the form of original JUDAS PRIEST singer Al Atkins and Christian guitarist Paul May. Together these extreme opposites combine creating a powerful new CD called "Serpent's Kiss", now available on Gonzo Multimedia. The 10-track album is the product of two of the Midlands finest architects of rock and metal coming together to create something that is unique and totally exhilarating!

There are enough doses of melody and metal madness to entice all fans of the genre, and while it is solid, honest working class heavy metal, it also has its roots in contemporary metal with some fine axe-work and killer choruses. The cover art for "Serpent's Kiss" is also unique as it was created by world famous fantasy artist Rodney Matthews.

"Working with Paul May on the 'Serpent's Kiss' album was a fantastic journey," says Al. "From the opening song, 'The Shallowing', to the last song, 'Theatre of Fools', it was an honor to have been asked by the brilliant guitarist Paul May to put this project together... Without a doubt, this is one of the best albums I have appeared on since my early days with JUDAS PRIEST and that says something, having written and recorded several of my own works."

"This album was meant to be," explains Paul. "When Al agreed to do the vocals, it inspired me to write specific tracks tailored for his voice. Not only did Al deliver in abundance, he did so with world class! It's what I'd call a 'classic hard rock/metal' album; that covers a wealth of subject matters and life experiences. It's all rock 'n' roll! And a real triumph to me in so many ways. I just feel blessed! To, again, be involved with such a great vocalist and friend and end up with such a cracking album is a gift indeed — rock on!"

"Serpents Kiss" track listing:

01. The Shallowing
02. Traitors Hand
03. Dream Maker
04. Can You Hear Me?
05. Signz
06. Fight
07. Judge
08. Betta Than Twisted
09. Cold Gin (KISS cover)
10. Theatre of Fools

Check out audio samples in the YouTube clip below.

Vocalist Travis Ryan of San Diego, Californa extreme metallers CATTLE DECAPITATION has recorded a guest appearance on the new SOULFLY album, due in early 2012 via Roadrunner Records. Travis — who was a replacement for SOULFLY's original choice, OCEANO's Adam Warren — recorded his portion of the vocals at Frick'in Studios in San Marcos, California with engineer Dan Frick.

Commented Ryan: "It's an honor to receive a call from someone you had pictures of on your wall as a kid asking you to be on a new album of theirs. I literally had a picture of Max [Cavalera, SOULFLY mainman] and Gloria [Max's wife and manager] holding [Gloria's son] Richie in her arms that I ripped out of a copy of Metal Maniacs on my wall when I was 15 or 16. Now they're asking for my artistic hand in one of their creations; [it] just doesn't get much more surreal than that. Very honored and the song is very 'death metal-ish' and completely crushes. Happy to be a part of it!"

The producer of SOULFLY's new album, Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, SHADOWS FALL, THE RED CHORD) stated about Travis' contribution, "The vocals fucking rule!!!! Fits the song perfect… Very refreshing for me to hear these days."

SOULFLY's new CD was recorded at a Phoenix, Arizona studio and will feature an additional guest appearance by DEVILDRIVER/COAL CHAMBER frontman Dez Fafara. The follow-up to 2010's "Omen" was described by SOULFLY's new drummer, David Kinkade (BORKNAGAR, ARSIS, MALEVOLENT CREATION), as "crushing, fast thrash, blasting, tribal and fueled by extreme burrito fury. . . The record is sounding fucking SICK. Thrashy as fuck... totally 'Arise' [referring to SEPULTURA's classic 1991 album] on crack and speed."

A deluxe MR. BIG box set, "Raw Like Sushi 100", will be released in Japan on January 25, 2012 via Victor Entertainment.

This deluxe box set consists of 2 DVDs and 2 CDs in a B4-size hard cover book.

The DVDs feature the concert "Live From The Living Room", held at Toho Studio, Tokyo, Japan, in January 2011 and documentary footage of MR. BIG's 2011 Japan tour (with a running time of over 60 minutes; subject to change).

The CDs contain live tracks from MR. BIG's 100th concert in Japan, held at Osaka-jo Hall on April 7, 2011 mixed by Pat Regan and features K2HD mastering + the high-fidelity HQCD format (compatible with standard CD players).

The hard cover book contains 96-pages (all color) including photos of MR. BIG's 2011 Japan tour taken by William Hames, Japan tour data, a tour pass replica, and more. Size: 24.9 x 29.9cm.

After two years of aggressive touring that saw the group perform alongside AMON AMARTH, BLIND GUARDIAN, EXODUS, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD and more, Los Angeles quintet HOLY GRAIL will soon enter the studio to record the follow-up to its debut, "Crisis In Utopia", which Revolver magazine named one of the Top 20 metal releases of 2010.

In the meantime, the band will release a holiday-themed seven-inch single, "Seasons Bleedings", which is available now for pre-order. Limited to 500 copies (250 red, 250 green), the release — which will be available digitally on December 6 and ship to customers shortly thereafter — includes covers of KING DIAMOND's "No Presents For Christmas" and the RAINBOW classic "Kill The King", and features artwork by Sam Turner (3 INCHES OF BLOOD). This marks the first time that guitarist Alex Lee (ex-BONDED BY BLOOD), who joined HOLY GRAIL in the spring, has recorded with the group. The digital version of "Seasons Bleedings" will also include covers of JUDAS PRIEST's "Exciter" and ACCEPT's "Fast As A Shark", both of which originally appeared on the group's out-of-print debut EP, "Improper Burial".

Commented HOLY GRAIL vocalist James Paul Luna: "Back when EJ and I first talked about doing a X-mas seven-inch, the first song that came to mind was 'No Presents For Christmas' so I'm pretty happy to see that came to fruition. Eli was listening to lots of RAINBOW at the time, so naturally 'Kill The King' was our immediate second choice. Even though these versions can't out-do the legendary originals by King and Dio, I feel pretty happy and excited to see this released on vinyl."

Added guitarist Eli Santana: "It was pretty rad because after all the touring we've done the past year we got to get back into recording mode and test the waters plus have fun with it before settling down to work on the album."

"Seasons Bleedings" seven-inch single track listing:

A. No Presents For Christmas
B. Kill The King

"Seasons Bleedings" digital track listing:

After two years of aggressive touring that saw the group perform alongside AMON AMARTH, BLIND GUARDIAN, EXODUS, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD and more, Los Angeles quintet HOLY GRAIL will soon enter the studio to record the follow-up to its debut, "Crisis In Utopia", which Revolver magazine named one of the Top 20 metal releases of 2010.

In the meantime, the band will release a holiday-themed seven-inch single, "Seasons Bleedings", which is available now for pre-order. Limited to 500 copies (250 red, 250 green), the release — which will be available digitally on December 6 and ship to customers shortly thereafter — includes covers of KING DIAMOND's "No Presents For Christmas" and the RAINBOW classic "Kill The King", and features artwork by Sam Turner (3 INCHES OF BLOOD). This marks the first time that guitarist Alex Lee (ex-BONDED BY BLOOD), who joined HOLY GRAIL in the spring, has recorded with the group. The digital version of "Seasons Bleedings" will also include covers of JUDAS PRIEST's "Exciter" and ACCEPT's "Fast As A Shark", both of which originally appeared on the group's out-of-print debut EP, "Improper Burial".

Commented HOLY GRAIL vocalist James Paul Luna: "Back when EJ and I first talked about doing a X-mas seven-inch, the first song that came to mind was 'No Presents For Christmas' so I'm pretty happy to see that came to fruition. Eli was listening to lots of RAINBOW at the time, so naturally 'Kill The King' was our immediate second choice. Even though these versions can't out-do the legendary originals by King and Dio, I feel pretty happy and excited to see this released on vinyl."

Added guitarist Eli Santana: "It was pretty rad because after all the touring we've done the past year we got to get back into recording mode and test the waters plus have fun with it before settling down to work on the album."

"Seasons Bleedings" seven-inch single track listing:

A. No Presents For Christmas
B. Kill The King

"Seasons Bleedings" digital track listing:

01. No Presents For Christmas
02. Kill The King
03. Exciter
04. Fast As A Shark

"The Scarecrow", the new video from the Dutch heavy rock collective AUTUMN, can be viewed below. The track comes off the band's fifth full-length album, "Cold Comfort", which was released on November 7 in Europe via Metal Blade Records. According to a press release, the CD "offers a collection of striking songs blended into a diverse and yet surprisingly compact album, one that AUTUMN considers to be their most personal and meaningful to date. While AUTUMN's roots remain firmly planted in heavy rock/guitar-oriented soil, their branches are stretching out to more progressive musical genres and alternative approaches to the sound of individual songs."

Maryland-based experimental, progressive metal band PERIPHERY has entered the studio to begin recording its sophomore full-length album for an early 2012 relesae via Sumerian Records.

Commented guitarist Jake Bowen: "We've got a ton of new songs ready that we can't wait for you guys to hear.

"We'll spend the winter in the studio with Taylor Larson (our good friend Nolly Getgood is co-producing with Misha Mansoor).

"We've decided to go a new direction with our music and we're calling this new genre DjentSlam!

"JUST KIDDING! Get stoked!"

Bassist Tom Murphy recently announced his departure from PERIPHERY "to pursue something new." Adam "Nolly" Getgood of RED SEAS FIRE will fill in on bass and Mark Holcomb will take up his position as the full-time guitarist on the band's upcoming tour.

German metal queen Doro Pesch has announced the release of the "official" Christmas anthem for all metalheads.

"I had a feeling the time was right to record a song for Christmas," says Doro. "I am recording my new album right now, which should be out by next summer. While doing this, I suddenly came up with a fitting melody and lyrics."

Entitled "Merry Metal X-Mas", the track is performed by Doro and features a guest appearance by bassist/vocalist Thomas "Angelripper" Such of German thrash metal veterans SODOM.

"I definitely wanted something loud and funny," Doro explains.

"Merry Metal X-Mas" will be released December 9, 2011 and will be available as digitial download and limited seven-inch vinyl single (Christmas tree green).

German modern metallers DEADLOCK have issued the following update:

"After having recently announced the departure of our singer Johannes Prem, we're now officially introducing the new lineup to you!

"For the new guy behind the microphone we found a band-internal solution with John Gahlert, who raped the bass so far. As you might know, he already helped out a couple of times, when Joe was not able to play and he proofed his vocal qualities very well.

"The vacant position on the bass is taking over our longtime friend Ferdinand Rewicki, who joined us on several tours as driver, merch guy or tour mananger. For us it was no question that Ferdinand is the perfect addition for DEADLOCK and on bass."

METALLICA will headline the 10th installment of the Download festival at Donington Park on Saturday, June 9, 2012, with an exclusive U.K. performance of the band's top-selling 1991 LP, "Metallica", a.k.a. "the black album." It will be the eighth time the California metal titans will have played at Donington during their three-decade-long career, having previously performed at both Monsters Of Rock and Download festivals.

Asked why METALLICA decided to do the gig, the band's drummer, Lars Ulrich, told Kerrang! magazine, "The people at Download asked. It wasn't our idea.

"The thing is, although we haven't played at Donington for six years, we have been to the U.K. pretty much every single summer since then."

He added, "So they wanted us to do something different, and that's what they came up with. I quite like the fact that come next summer it'll be the 21st anniversary of the 'black album,' not the 20th."

Asked whether he and his bandmates would have to re-learn the two songs from the record — "Don't Tread On Me" and "The Struggle Within" — that METALLICA has never played live before, Lars said,"Yeah. Although to be honest with you, a song like 'The Struggle Within' is a lot easier to re-learn than 'The Frayed Ends Of Sanity'.

"I don't think it's going to be too difficult for us to figure out these songs."