Greek avantgarde black metal act AENAON has inked a deal with Code666, a sublabel of Aural Music, for the release of the group's debut album, Cendres et Sang. The effort has been mastered by Tom Kvalsvoll at Strype Audio (EMPEROR, DHG, 1349) and is tentatively due in June.

Formed in 2005 and quickly amassing a solid fan-base with its breed of experimental and original black metal, Aenaon has released two EP’s (2009's Phenomenon and 2010's A Parallel Zoetrope).




Commented frontman and original member Astrous: "We were looking for a deal for this album following our split with Bleak Art records, and Code666 stepped up and laid out exactly what we wanted. We could not be happier. Code666 is an established label, home to many impressive and qualitive acts, specialized in the avant-garde black metal field, discovering bands such as Ephel Duath, Aborym, Negura Bunget, Diabolicum, Fen, Amesoeurs, The Axis Of Perdition… Code666 are in the fray to provide us with the support we need to release our album in the best way. Regarding our album, expect an essential music journey that crosses the black metal feeling with the experimental needs of free thinking musicians; Lyrical themes are reflecting the humanity as a whole and explores the labyrinth of psychotic disorders, the forms of life and death...."

Cendres et Sang (translating Ashes And Blood) was recorded between April of 2010 and the February of 2011 and took place in more than 5 studios, while the mastering of the album was done by Tom Kvalsvoll at Strype Audio in Norway, famous from his works with bands such as DHG, CODE, Emperor, 1349, VIRUS, KEEP OF KALESSIN, IHSAHN and many more.

The cover artwork for Cendres et Sang is illustrated by the visionary Polish artist Lukasz Wodynski. Check it out below:

The album will feature the following tracklisting:

'Kafkaesque'
'Suncord'
'Psychonautic Odyssey'
'Grand Narcotic Harvest' (featuring V'gandr of HELHEIM)
'Once Finite'
'Carnivora's Lair'
'Necroscope'
'Kraanerg'
'Black Nerve'
'In Heaven' (cover from David Lynch's movie Eraserhead)

According to PanArmenian.net, the Armenia Marriott hotel in Yerevan, the capital and largest city of Armenia, will on Friday, May 6 host a presentation of the debut CD single from WHOCARES — the renewed musical union between legendary DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan and none other than BLACK SABBATH's Tony Iommi: the undisputed master of heavy guitar riffs. The "Out Of My Mind" video will be featured at the event, which will be attended by Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan.

WHOCARES will release its debut CD single in North America on June 27 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. The single will be made available in Europe on May 24 through earMUSIC. The digital release for both territories will be May 6.

Seattle progressive rockers QUEENSRŸCHE will release their twelfth studio album, "Dedicated To Chaos", on June 28 in North America via Loud & Proud Records, a Roadrunner Records imprint focusing on established artists. The band is currently planning a tour in support of the new opus, which was recorded in the group's hometown and produced by Kelly Gray.

"Dedicated To Chaos" track listing:

01. Get Started
02. Hot Spot Junkie
03. Got It Bad
04. Around The World
05. Higher
06. Retail Therapy
07. At The Edge
08. Broken
09. Hard Times
10. Drive
11. I Believe
12. Luvnu
13. Wot We Do
14. I Take You
15. The Lie
16. Big Noize

EMI has set a June 13 U.K. release date for "Nothing Left", the debut single from RISE TO REMAIN, the up-and-coming London, England metalcore outfit featuring singer Austin Dickinson, the son of IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson. According to a press release, the song is "a powerful statement of intent" from the five-piece which has already been awarded "Best New Band" accolades from both Kerrang! and Metal Hammer magazines. Boasting a festival-sized chorus, Austin Dickinson's impassioned vocals tell a tale of loss and grief, driven along by Ben Tovey's intricate lead guitar lines, above the turbo-thrust of Will Homer's shredding rhythm guitars, and the hammering precision of Pat Lundy's drums and Joe Copcutt's bass.

Since returning from their extensive North American tour as direct support for CRADLE OF FILTH in March, bastard sons of black metal NACHTMYSTIUM have been devising their next studio effort. The current band lineup consists of a majority of the recent touring formation, including Andrew Markuszewski (AVICHI, LORD MANTIS), Charlie Fell (LORD MANTIS, AVICHI), and Sanford Parker (MINSK, CIRCLE OF ANIMALS), and founding guitarist/vocalist Blake Judd. As of now, little more about the album is being released, but according to Judd, "The new record will have a very strong industrial influence in the vein of latter-era MINISTRY, REVOLTING COCKS and NINE INCH NAILS, but also a strong, depressive, old-school black metal influence."

More details, including a full-time bassist and more on the upcoming album, will be announced shortly.

In the meantime, Judd and NACHTMYSTIUM have confirmed several collaborations with infamous USBM horde VON! Two separate projects are currently underway which involve members of both bands. First up, Judd has been confirmed as one of a dozen notable artists set to collaborate with VON bassist Venien, on a project entitled VON VENIEN. The unit will release a 12-inch single entitled "Empire" via VON's own label Von Music Group. Following that, VMG will also unleash a split between Von and NACHTMYSTIUM via 12-inch MLP and CD, which will include both a new track as well as some VON homage from NACHTMYSTIUM. Full details on releases will be unveiled shortly.

NACHTMYSTIUM has announced a string of random live attacks for the coming months. The latest plague of concerts begins with a hometown headlining gig, with support from LORD MANTIS (containing two members of NACHTMYSTIUM), this Friday, May 6 in Chicago. Next up, NACHTMYSTIUM will co-headline 2011's installment of the annual Alehorn Of Power festival on June 11 in Chicago where they'll perform directly before headlining stoner gods ORANGE GOBLIN, and will also be joined by BIBLE OF THE DEVIL, ZUUL, SOLACE and BURIED AT SEA. July will see NACHTMYSTIUM terrorizing the Central Illinois Metalfest, where they're confirmed as direct support for MACABRE. In August, they've been invited to perform at the Party.San Open Air festival in Schlotheim, Germany, as part of an incredible fest lineup including MORBID ANGEL, AT THE GATES, ABSU, TRYPTIKON, ENSLAVED, NEGURA BUNGET and more. The band has constructed a longer set than usual for many of these headlining and festival appearances, mostly comprised of tracks it has not performed live before.

Former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Kenneth "K.K." Downing has posted the following message on his official web site:

"I would just like to say a big thank you for your support and kind words. It is most heart-warming for me to be the recipient of such graciousness and compassion from you all.

"For some of you that would seem to desire some more details as to why I have resigned from the band, I can only say that there is nothing more underlying than I have already put in my initial statement. I would like to reassure you that I am still here for you and I am still the same person with the same feelings and sentiments.

"I have been lucky enough to have had a great life and to have fulfilled many goals, one of the most significant being the friendships that I have made with you my fans. Many of you I have met and we have enjoyed some time together, some of you I have just had a beer with and with others I might only have shared a couple of laughs or simply signed my autograph.

"Nothing could ever have been more rewarding than to have experienced and enjoyed our special relationship and the things that we have shared together — those being music, friendship and the love of life itself."

Die Melodic Power Metaller CRYSTAL TEARS arbeiten am Nachfolger zum 2010er Album "Generation X" die Band ist fleißig am songs schreiben und wird noch in diesem Jahr mit Produzent R. D. Liapakis in die Prophecy Studios gehen. In den Handel kommt das neue Album dann wieder über das Deutsche Label 7Hard!

Chrisafis T. "There's been a while since we've started working on new ideas; the whole procedure might be tough, but it is creative & actually fun! Working as a team as always, it seems that it only goes better and better; this time no whips, handcuffs or chains are used... So sad to say that, but it seems it sometimes works even without those... amazing! Hahaha... ok, just a short note to say hi and that it's really fun to be back on the decks and create our favourite kind of music (with or without any special tools)! The band is really hot at the moment and there is TONS OF INSPIRATION! And when the time is right, we can't wait for the actual productions at the Prophecy studios with R. D. Liapakis on the production duties once again! Crystal Cheers!"

A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH ist die neue Band von Sal Abruscato (Gründungsmitglied von TYPE O NEGATIVE und Mitglied von LIFE OF AGONY) und klingt als würden sich Alice In Chains mit einem Schlachtermesser an Type O Negative anschleichen und dabei für die nächste Episode von "Law & Order" gefilmt werden. Kurze Zeit nach Verkündung des Veröffentlichungstermins und den ersten Hörproben wird das Werk von Kritikern bereits hoch gelobt.

Sal’s Partner auf "And Hell Will Follow Me" ist Matt Brown, ein großartiger Sound Engineer und Gitarrist der New Yorker Band SEVENTH VOID. "Die Chemie zwischen Matt und mir ist einzigartig und zweifellos sehr rar in der heutigen Musikszene. Wir sind die mordende böse Version von Lennon und McCartney" sagt Abruscato.

Um dem ganzen die Krone aufzusetzen halfen namenhafte Gäste bei der Veredelung des Albums. Life Of Agony’s Keith Caputo steuerte Background Vocals zu vier Titeln bei und Lou Reed’s Saxophonist Ulrich Krieger ist auf "Die Alone" zu hören. Biohazard’s Bobby Hambell, der ebenfalls Teil der Live Band ist, spielte zusätzlich auf drei Tracks Gitarre. "Das ist mein künstlerischer Höhepunkt, das beste Album das ich je gemacht habe" kommentiert Sal. Und nach dem Durchhören werden ihm die meisten Leute zustimmen.

Jetzt wurde HIER der neue Song "Devil In The Closet" zum probehören online gestellt.

Ohio metallers SKELETONWITCH have announced the details of the third, and final, installment of their seven-inch trilogy. Part III will be on gray vinyl and will feature a recently re-recorded version of "Onward To Battle", a track that originally appeared on the band's self-released debut album, "At One With The Shadows". The B-side, meanwhile, is a demo version of a new track, "The Infernal Resurrection", which the group recently debuted on their tour with 3 INCHES OF BLOOD. This is the first official taste of SKELETONWITCH's new album, which will be released this fall.

As with Parts I and II, this seven-inch —- which again features artwork by the group's former drummer, Derrick "Mullet Chad" Nau — is limited to 500 copies, and once they're gone, they're gone! Pre-order is available now and the wax will ship in June. Get your copy at the official Prosthetic web shop.

SKELETONWITCH will enter the studio next month to begin recording its new album for a late 2011 release.

The band parted ways with drummer Derrick "Mullet Chad" Nau last month and temporarily replaced him with Tony Laureano (DIMMU BORGIR, 1349, ANGELCORPSE, NILE).

"Oblivion", the new album from Australian/Los Angeles tech-metal masters DEVOLVED, can be streamed in its entirety using the ReverbNation TuneWidget below (click on "Songs" tab). Due on May 24 via Unique Leader Records, the CD will contain "10 songs of unrelenting modern metal which combines uncompromising intensity, chaotic timing signatures, insane musicianship and a futuristic soundscape blended to create an epic and totally crushing listening experience from start to stop!" according to a press release. "'Oblivion' features the furious drumming of founding member John Sankey, who has also worked with DIVINE HERESY, FEAR FACTORY and contributed to the Roadrunner all-star sessions. The album also marks the recording debut of vocalist Kyle Zemanek, who previously fronted L.A. metal heavyweights DEADSETT, and has collaborated with members of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH."

WHOCARES — the renewed musical union between legendary DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan and none other than BLACK SABBATH's Tony Iommi: the undisputed master of heavy guitar riffs — will release its debut CD single in North America on June 27 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. The single will be made available in Europe on May 24 through earMUSIC. The digital release for both territories will be May 6.

The single features two brand new studio tracks "Out Of My Mind" and "Holy Water", which will raise funds for the rebuilding of a music school in Gyumri, Armenia. The CD single will also contain the video clip of "Out Of My Mind" (see below) and a 40-minute documentary that shows Gillan's and Iommi's involvement with the Armenia cause over the years.

Speaking to Armenia's Mediamax news agency, Gillan was asked what the experience of working with Iommi again was like compared to their previous collaboration.

"It was great to work with Tony again," Gillan replied. "He is very easy to write with and as a singer I know exactly where he's going. It wasn't dramatic, just friendly and professional."

He added, "We hope to do it again sometime in the not-too-distant future.

"It wasn't like the last experience with BLACK SABBATH; that was a band and an album — totally different."

When asked how the inspiration for the song "Out Of My Mind" came out right after he visiting Armenia in October 2009, Ian said, "Well, normally... people like us who work with bands write the bits that we play. In this case, with 'Out of My Mind', Tony presented the entire musical idea and I wrote what I sing over the top, or along with it, if you prefer. The second track of the WHOCARES single, 'Holy Water', was a bit different as I wrote that with Steve Morse [DEEP PURPLE] and Tony was gracious enough to play guitar on it."

Both Gillan and Iommi have spent a lot of time in Armenia, fallen in love with the country and the people and have dedicated a lot of work to a nation still shocked after the earthquake that struck Armenia on December 7, 1988.

The collaboration of Gillan and Iommi, who have worked together before on the SABBATH album "Born Again", is in itself an incredible news for all rock and metal fans and will be the best of surprises to get to know who is completing the band: None other than Jon Lord ("Mr. Hammond", partner with Gillan on all the DEEP PURPLE classics), IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain, ex-METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted and HIM guitarist player Mikko "Linde" Lindström are also featured on the two new songs.

Commented Gillan: "The idea came as Tony and I flew back from Yerevan together after being inspired by the enthusiasm of everyone there to get this thing done.

"It was brilliant working with Tony again after all these years; he makes life easy for a singer.

"The other guys need no introduction, do they?!"

Added Iommi: "Some twenty years ago when the call came, I thought, well at least I've helped, but it was going to Armenia and seeing the actual devastation caused by the earthquake that really made me realize that funds were still needed.

"Despite all the money that was raised last time, here was a music school doing their best, forgotten, in basic tin sheds. After the warmth and honor bestowed upon us during our visit, we just had to help make a difference and get the school rebuilt. And what better way than to hook up with some of rock's greatest players and my old mate Ian, both an honor and a pleasure."

"Out Of My Mind" recording lineup:

* Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH) - Guitar
* Ian Gillan (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) - Vocals
* Jason Newsted (METALLICA, VOIVOD, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) - Bass
* Nicko McBrain (IRON MAIDEN) - Drums
* Jon Lord (DEEP PURPLE) - Keyboards
* Mikko "Linde" Lindström (HIM) - Guitar

"Holy Water" recording lineup:

* Ian Gillan (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) - Vocals
* Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH) - Guitar
* Steve Morris - Guitar
* Michael Lee Jackson - Guitar
* Randy Clarke - Drums
* Rodney Appleby - Bass
* Jesse O'Brien - Hammond Organ
* Arshak Sahakyan - Duduk Solo
* Ara Gevorgyan - Underlying Duduk Intro Music And Keys

Dutch/Mexican gothic/progressive metal band STREAM OF PASSION will release its third album, "Darker Days", via Napalm Records on the following dates:

Spain, Finland, Sweden: June 22
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Italy: June 24
Rest Of Europe: June 27
USA/Canada: July 5

The CD was recorded at Sandlane Recording Facilities in Rijen, Holland.

"Darker Days" track listing:

01. Lost (5:27)
02. Reborn (3:37)
03. Collide (5:20)
04. The Scarlet Mark (3:41)
05. Spark (2:36)
06. Our Cause (4:43)
07. Darker Days (4:32)
08. Broken (4:47)
09. This Moment (3:55)
10. Closer (4:37)
11. The Mirror (3:34)
12. Nadie Love (3:04)
13. The World Is Ours (3:49)

Oakland, California extreme metallers ALL SHALL PERISH will release fourth full-length album, "This Is Where It Ends", on July 26 (North America) and July 29 (Europe) via Nuclear Blast Records. The cover artwork for the CD can be viewed below.

Commented the band: "This time around we chose Brent Elliott White (DEATH ANGEL, JOB FOR A COWBOY, WHITECHAPEL) to handle the artwork duties.

"With this album, we wanted to grab people's attention, not only musically but visually.

"Lyrically, this album reflects a lot of our own personal struggles. The concept was to portray a man faced with the humiliation of his past and his continued suffering. Brent's dark, vivid style fit perfectly in bringing this cover to life."

Swedish metallers STEELWING have issued the following update:

"Sometimes what you seek is closer than you think.

"As we have already hinted, the search for the new STEELWING bassist is over. We'd like to thank all the groovy bass players from all over Europe who applied for the job, it's been an honor to get to hear so many talented musicians. Eventually, though, we realized that we already knew someone who felt and looked like one of us, knew all our songs by heart and — to our surprise — could also play the bass!

"Meet Nic Savage, blond bass thrasher and devoted U.S. metal disciple. Armed with a scarlet Kramer four-string, he will henceforth handle the bass duties of STEELWING."

Die amerikanische Hardcore Band SLEEPING GIANT wird ihr neues Album mit dem Titel "Kingdom Days In An Evil Age" in den USA am 12. Juli 2011 via Ain’t No Grave Recordings mit folgender Track Liste veröffentlichen.

01. Throne Room Militance
02. Dead Men Walking
03. Eyes Wide Open
04. The Cross Is Suicide
05. ICXC
06. Tithemi
07. Tongues Of Fire
08. Jehova Shalom
09. The Unnamable Name
10. Morning Star
11. Enthroned