Relapse Records has announced the signing of New Zealand progressive death metallers ULCERATE. The band will enter the studio in the fall of 2012 to begin recording its next album.

ULCERATE (Paul Kelland: bass/vocals, Michael Hoggard: guitar, William Cleverdon: guitar, and Jamie Saint Merat: drums) formed in 2000 and has previously released three full-length albums. The band's latest CD, "The Destroyers Of All", came out earlier this year and received international critical acclaim for its blend of ambitious songwriting and unorthodox extremity.

Commented ULCERATE drummer Jamie Saint Merat: "Working with Relapse is a very logical next step for us, and we're really looking forward to the partnership. Their presence of quality releases regardless of genre, overarching aesthetic and attention to detail is something that we find very natural to align with, as well as being fans of the label's releases well before the band was even started.

"In terms of what's next for ULCERATE, 2012 will be a big year for us — in February we're touring Europe for 23 dates with our good friends in SVART CROWN, followed up by Maryland Deathfest X and accompanying side-shows in the U.S. in May, New Zealand shows in December (2011) and January, and a tentative return to Australia mid-year. We'll also begin work on album number 4..."

Finnish female-fronted symphonic metallers AMBERIAN DAWN have begun mixing their fourth album for an early 2012 release. The band's mainman, keyboardist and guitarist Tuomas Seppälä composed all ten songs for the CD and vocalist Heidi Parviainen penned the lyrics.

Commented Tuomas: "I and the whole band have put even more effort on this album than never before and I'm sure that this new album is going to be best AMBERIAN DAWN album so far... Some songs on this album are propably best that I've ever composed and there's also one instrumental song on this album, which I wrote in 1992 and it was supposed to be released on some rock opera project. Unfortunaly, this project never happened due some unfortunate happenings. But now, after 20 years, this one song is going to be released. All other songs are new and are not covered with dust.

"If you liked the sound of 'The Clouds Of Northland Thunder' [AMBERIAN DAWN's second album, 2009], which was mixed by Teropekka Virtanen, you'll going like the fact that this new album is going to mixed by the same guy at legendary Finnvox Studios in Finland...

"As you know, guitarist Kasperi Heikkinen injured at summer and was unable to play at all for several months. That's why Kasperi was replaced by our ex-guitarist Emppu on our latest European tour this fall. It even seemed like Kasperi wasn't able to play on this new album at all. But a miracle happened and Kasperi got his hand better only a few days before the mixing sessions started and he was able to play something on this new album after all!! So, Kasperi is back on our happy lineup again."

Finnish melodic death metallers INSOMNIUM have parted ways with guitarist Ville Vänni and replaced him with Markus Vanhala (OMNIUM GATHERUM).

Commented Vänni: "With a heavy heart I have reached the decision to resign from INSOMNIUM. The decision is mutual and final, and there is no big drama behind it.

"During the last year I have found myself in a limbo of constant lack of time and impossible schedules. Combining a general surgeon's career with a busy metal band like INSOMNIUM has already taken years of precise timing, and the candle has been burning from both ends for years now. At the same time, INSOMNIUM has grown bigger demanding more and more time. As a result, I have gradually come to a painful realization that I can not meet the needs of this roller coaster ride any more.

"This decision was hard to make and accept for all of us. INSOMNIUM has been like a family and the bandmates have been (and will still remain) my best and closest friends. For not being able to give my 100% would only be letting them down. The reason why this decision is made flesh right now is that I will not be able to attend the 'One For Sorrow' European tour. My wife is due to give birth to our first son and it is my responsibility, duty and choice to be home at that time. I will play two first shows in Finland and then bid farewell. However, the burden of this decision is lightened by the fact that INSOMNIUM will go on and even grow stronger after my retirement. Markus Vanhala from OMNIUM GATHERUM will take my place as a full-time guitarist in INSOMNIUM. He is a good friend and an excellent musician and has already been replacing me and Ville F. on several occasions.

"Thank you Niilo, Ville and Markus for a decade of good times and a lifetime of friendship and unforgettable memories. And thank you, all INSOMNIUM fans, it is you who made this all possible! See you on the coming shows!"

Added the remaining members of INSOMNIUM: "We all want to thank Ville for everything and totally support him with his decision. We've been together for ten years with this lineup and it has been a great ride. We've been a band of brothers, we've been a family. Nothing will ever change that.

"This is the beginning of a new era for INSOMNIUM.

"Sometimes a change is needed to keep the band going. Luckily we have got the best possible man to fill the vacancy, our good friend Markus Vanhala, who is best known as the songwriter and lead guitarist of OMNIUM GATHERUM. Markus will naturally continue in OMNIUM GATHERUM and unfortunately our tour schedules collide in November when OMNIUM GATHERUM is participating the Neckbreaker's Ball. As a result, we’ll have Tuomas Jäppinen as a second guitarist for the first seven evenings of the tour. Tuomas is also our old buddy and he is best known as the songwriter and lead guitarist of ENTER MY SILENCE. Tuomas is doing us a huge favour in delivering a killer show every night. So, make sure Tuomas feels welcomed when he hits the stage! Markus will join our ranks in München and play all the German shows on the tour.

"Dear friends, do not take these news too heavily. INSOMNIUM is not dying or withering away — we will be stronger than ever and we will keep touring and making new music. Give Ville Vänni the kind of farewell shows he deserves and come to see us perform in Joensuu on November 4th and Helsinki on November 5th. Then come and meet the new gang on the Euro tour. See you soon!"

MINISTRY, OVERKILL, SAINT VITUS and SWALLOW THE SUN are among the first confirmed bands for next year's edition of the Tuska open-air metal festival, set to take place June 29 - July 1, 2012 in Helsinki, Finland.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

MINISTRY
OVERKILL
SAINT VITUS
SWALLOW THE SUN
INSOMNIUM
ANIMALS AS LEADERS
TEXTURES
SKELETONWITCH
SUIDAKRA
PROFANE OMEN
HORNA
VICTIMS
UNKIND
AFGRUND

More than 50 bands will perform on four stages at next year's event.

SIN CITY SINNERS — which features Todd Kerns (SLASH, AGE OF ELECTRIC), Brent Muscat (FASTER PUSSYCAT), Rob Cournoyer (RAGING SLAB) and Michael Ellis — will release "A Sinners' Christmas" on November 25. The CD will feature guest appearances by Frank Dimino (ANGEL), Jizzy Pearl (L.A. GUNS, RATT, LOVE/HATE), George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB, SOULS OF WE), Slim Jim Phantom (HEADCAT, THE STRAY CATS), Louie Merlino (BEGGARS & THIEVES), Jimmy Crespo (AEROSMITH), Pete Loran (TRIXTER), Ron Keel (KEEL) and Sammy Serious (THE ZEROS). The CD was recorded, mixed & mastered at Hit Track Studios in Las Vegas and produced by Brent Muscat and Tom Parham, and executive-produced by Jason Green.

"A Sinners' Christmas" track listing:

01. We Three Kings (feat. George Lynch & Todd Kerns)
02. Winter Wonderland (feat. Frank Dimino of Angel)
03. Run Rudolph Run (feat. Brent Muscat)
04. Rocking Around The Christmas Tree (feat. Todd Kerns)
05. O Holy Night (feat. Jizzy Pearl)
06. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (feat. Louie Merlino)
07. Jingle Bell Rock (feat. Slim Jim Phantom, Michael Ellis)
08. Silent Night (feat. Ron Keel)
09. I'll Be Home For Christmas (feat. Pete Loran)
10. We Wish You A Sinners Christmas (feat. Todd Kerns, Louie Merlino)

Brian May and Roger Taylor of QUEEN performed a medley of some of their hits with "American Idol" finalist Adam Lambert at the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards earlier tonight (Sunday, November 6) at the at Belfast's Odyssey Arena. The musicians performed "The Show Must Go On", "We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions" in front of 8,000 seated fans at the arena, along with many millions more tuning in on TV and online worldwide.

After the show, Lambert tweeted his excitement about the experience, saying, "What an enormous honor to sing w QUEEN! I could feel the spirit of [late QUEEN singer Freddie] Mercury alive on stage tonight! Thank u Brian and Roger and crew. LOVE"

Earlier in the night, May and Taylor were presented with the Global Icon Award by Katy Perry, who said, "When I was growing up there was no MTV in my house. “But then one day, a friend of mine played me QUEEN — it opened my eyes, unlocked my heart, blew my mind. I knew exactly what I wanted to do and I knew who I was. I am only standing here because of the brilliance, and drama of QUEEN."

May previously performed with Lambert on the finale of "American Idol" in May 2009.

METALLICA's collaborative album with Lou Reed, titled "Lulu", has registered the following first-week positions so far:

U.K.: #36
Australia: #33
Netherlands: #17
Finland: #20
Sweden: #9
Norway: #11
Belgium: #30

"Lulu" is likely to sell between 12,000 and 15,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to industry web site Hits Daily Double. The estimate was based on one-day sales reports compiled after the record arrived in stores on November 1 via Warner Bros. Records (one day earlier in the rest of the world through Universal Music). By contrast, METALLICA's last studio effort, 2008's "Death Magnetic", sold 490,000 copies in just a three-day sales window after it came out on a Friday, with sales tracked through the following Sunday.

MEGADETH's new album, "TH1RT3EN", has registered the following first-week positions so far:

UK: #34
Australia: #13
Netherlands: #42
Norway: #32
Belgium: #83

"TH1RT3EN" is likely to sell between 40,000 and 45,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to industry web site Hits Daily Double. The estimate was based on one-day sales reports compiled after the record arrived in stores on November 1 via Roadrunner Records.

Gary Graff of Billboard.com recently conducted an interview with legendary guitarist Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

On his next solo album, which is being recorded with the same Myles Kennedy-fronted band he took on tour to promote 2010's "Slash" and with whom he recorded the upcoming live set "Made in Stoke 24/7/11":

Slash: "Based on the relationship that we've developed and the chemistry we've got going, I started writing material with Myles and the guys in the band in mind . . It's very different from the last one. There's a lot of freedom on this record; it's very diverse, but it's definitely the sound of one band with a lot of different ideas. This is probably the most 'live' recorded album I've ever done, too. The way I like to do records is rehearse, rehearse, rehears and then go in and get to know the song like the back of your hand and then go in and bang it out. That's how we're doing it."

On the current status of VELVET REVOLVER, which has been singer-less since parting ways with Scott Weiland in April 2008:

Slash: "[We will get together in December to] spend some time with a couple of singers — that's all I can tell you."

On havings taken ownership of all the music he's played on over the years:

Slash: "I realized that I actually have a catalog at this point. There's a body of work that I can refer to. And I just pulled stuff that I wanted to play, a lot of stuff that I hadn't played in a really long time. Playing 'Nightrain' was a gas; that's something I hadn't done since the mid-90s. I just had this freedom to do whatever I wanted, so it was really fun and there was a lot of material to pull from."

On GUNS N' ROSES' nomination for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame's class of 2012:

Slash: "It's become very prestigious over the years, and it's become a huge honor for anybody to be inducted into it — or even nominated, for that matter. It's a cool accolade, I suppose. Obviously we're in really, really great company . . . Of course, you have those thoughts of how it might work in case it does happen, but with GUNS 'N ROSES, there's really no guessing exactly how it will go. I suppose if it happens, everybody will get some sort of ducks in order. But I think the first thing to do is wait and see if we actually get inducted, because you know how unpredictable that is."

Canadian musician/producer Devin Townsend has recorded a song dedicated to U.K.'s Terrorizer magazine to celebrate the 100th edition of the "Fear Candy" covermount CD. The track, simply called "Terrorizer", was written to celebrate Devin's appearance at this month's Damnation Festival and four-night residency in London – where Devin will perform each of his DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT albums per night. The song is available exclusively with "Fear Candy" 100 in Terrorizer issue 216 (November 2011).

Says Devin: "Terrorizer has been really supportive of me for years. Even in the moments where it was cool to think I'm a douche, you guys have always had my back, and it's a great way to be able for one, to make music, and I guess in a weird way to say 'thanks,' so there you go!"

Parts of the song were recorded at the end of the "Deconstruction" album process earlier this year — with Devin recording guitar parts and drummer Dirk Verbeuren (SOILWORK) recording basic parts. The song's vocals, samples, finished structure and mixing was finished at Devin's own studio in Vancouver last month.

Devin explained: "Dirk and I had a shared love of NAPALM DEATH and EXTREME NOISE TERROR, and all that stuff from that era and we didn't actually realize that we both loved it, so when we were in the studio doing 'Deconstruction', I was, like, 'I have this riff, give me some beats!' It was one take — it shits the bed half way through, then it comes together at the end, it has a vibe and it was perfect! That sound has always reminded me of the whole Terrorizer vibe."

"Leap Of Faith", the first video from WALKING WITH KINGS — the new Atlanta, Georgia-based band featuring Rich Ward and Frank Fontsere of FOZZY and STUCK MOJO fame, alongside Terry Chism (vocals, keyboards) and Simon Farmery (bass) — can be seen below.

WALKING WITH KINGS will release its full-length debut in December. The CD, which is said to be "a collective songwriting effort between Ward and Chism," consists of 11 tracks that deliver a positive message in our troubled world.

The song "Leap Of Faith" is about those that have enough faith and courage to make life-changing and life-altering decisions. Many of us are willing to take such a risk, yet far too many will continue to walk along the edge and stand in judgment of those that took "the leap" and didn't make it.

WALKING WITH KINGS parted ways with bassist Sean Delson (FOZZY) in October and replaced him with Farmery. The band stated at the time, "Sean is an amazing bassist and has been instrumental in many of the tracks on the forthcoming debut album. However, Sean has elected to pursue other musical opportunities."

Farmery has played with bands PRIDE and FURYON and has had the privilege to tour all over Europe with some of the biggest bands in rock. He also recently performed in FOZZY alongside Ward and Fontsere at a couple of dates on the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival tour.

"Working with [Simon] on the ['Leap Of Faith'] video was an awesome experience," says Terry. "[Now] everyone [can] see the kind of energy and talent this Englishman brings to the band and to the stage. He's made his place in the KINGS family, plus his British accent keeps us entertained. Feels like we've been playing together for years."