For a limited time, get the new MOTÖRHEAD album, "The Wörld Is Yours", which includes a bonus DVD filmed live at Wacken Open Air in Germany in 2006, an exclusively designed t-shirt plus an autographed copy of the limited-edition silver vinyl signed by Lemmy himself.

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* Album plus bonus DVD
* Exclusive design t-shirt

Package two - $44.99:

* Album plus bonus DVD
* Limited-edition signed silver vinyl
* Exclusive design t-shirt

BigMusicGeek.com recently conducted an interview with DREAM THEATER vocalist James LaBrie. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.

BigMusicGeek.com: Has a replacement for [departed drummer] Mike [Portnoy] been found? Are the auditions now finished?

James: We've already completed the auditioning process. At this point, it's all just a matter of us coming to a decision and announcing it when the time is truly right. The auditioning process took place in October in New York and, unfortunately, I can't really speak of it any further that that. It happened and we're now moving forward. Once everything can be revealed and known to the fans, we will definitely be putting the word out.

BigMusicGeek.com: Were there any obvious precursors to Mike had become displeased or, at the very least, wanted a change?

James: Absolutely not. And I think that's why it came as such a shock to every one of us. It wasn't like we were all bangin' each other's heads, not seeing eye-to-eye or wanting to be in the same room with one another. None of that was going on. Everything was cool. It was quite simply a surprise. Mike had mentioned that it wasn't something that was spur of the moment. He just doesn't operate like that. When he mentioned to us that he had been thinking about it off and on over the last year, it was obvious that he had been having these feelings for quite some time, wanting to separate himself from anything regarding the future of DREAM THEATER. It was simply something that we didn't see coming in any way, shape or form. It was just an absolute surprise.

BigMusicGeek.com: Would you describe the relations between everyone as "stable" prior to Mike announcing he was leaving?

James: I think we got along a lot better than most other bands, ya know? You hear about some bands fighting and scrappin' offstage and whatever. That's not to say that we didn't have our differences over the years We've been together for over twenty five years. It's bound to happen where you have a difference in opinions and don't see eye-to-eye. We're five individuals with our own idiosyncrasies and personalities. Let's face it; when you're around someone long enough, you either need to learn how to deal with it or it becomes something that has to be confronted. We've always been able to work through any difficult periods and come over to a stronger situation. I wish him the best. He's a great drummer. He'll always be involved with something, no doubt about it. He's not the type of person who can just sit at home and twiddle his thumbs. It's impossible.

BigMusicGeek.com: What type of impact will the departure of Mike have on the songwriting dynamic within DREAM THEATER?

James: It might shift the dynamic as far as the involvement. There may be a bit more involvement from (bassist) John Myung. Basically, (keyboardist) Jordan (Rudess) and (guitarist) John (Petrrucci) are the main contributors to the music, so a lot of that is going to remain the same, but there might be some more involvement from John Myung and myself, ya know? We'll just have to get in there and start feelin' things out. This is a whole new chapter for us or a whole new dynamic, as you put it, for us to be going into. If anything, I think it will be overwhelmingly positive, very exciting and something different. It's going to be very different and a new experience for all of us. I think it's going to bring up a lot of things that might not have otherwise been noticed or known. There's a certain potential that it brings and that's why I do my solo albums, ya know? My inspiration is that I get to reveal who James LaBrie is outside of being the singer for DREAM THEATER and who I am as a writer and producer and a singer. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds within the studio.

BigMusicGeek.com: When the group once again begins touring, are there plans to continue with the "An Evening With" format?

James: It's definitely something we're going to talk about, but I think it's a bit premature to answer something like that. It's something we're going to entertain or at least discuss. It's definitely a conversation that needs to be had. And if we don't go ahead and do "An Evening With," I think we would have only one opening act and then do a two-hour or two-hour-plus set. That's what our fans want and we know that. Our fans are coming to our shows to see DREAM THEATER and they want to see a lot, so we're going to do as much as we're comfortable doing. I know that eventually and inevitably the idea for "An Evening With" will come up again. Is it something that's going to happen on the next tour? I don't honestly know. Rest assured, it's a conversation we will have. We'll be talking about it again once we begin recording. Those types of topics always come up.

"Nightmare", the new video from the Japanese neo-classical/power metal band AREA51, can be viewed below. The song comes off the group's third album, "Goddess", which was released in Japan in March 2010. The CD was mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren, who has previously worked with OPETH, SYMPHONY X, PARADISE LOST and SAINT DEAMON, amomg others.

"Goddess" track listing:

01. Naissance (introduction)
02. Nightmare
03. Regret Et Larme
04. Begins Of Dissolution
05. Marionnette
06. Stillness
07. Miss You
08. Vanitas
09. Sincerity
10. U.Ta.Ka.Ta

Dutch death metallers TOXOCARA have issued the following update:

"We are pleased to announce that we can welcome [drummer] William Vlierman to our (black) regiment! Romeo Gerrits couldn't combine TOXOCARA with his nowadays activities, so he decided to leave TOXOCARA. We wish him all the best in the future and thank him for his effort!

"William has been the drummer for the Dutch thrash/death metal band I.N.R.I. for years and also drums for VISIONARY666. His first hammering facts will be heard on the next TOXOCARA CD. We will start recording in April this year."

Songtitles set to appear on the forthcoming TOXOCARA album:

* Confessions Of The Black Regiment
* Holodomor (Massacre And Disembodiment Of The Ukraine Population)
* The Chinese Chronicles
* Towards The Perpetual Labyrinth
* Black Widow
* AtmosFear
* Tougher Than All Men (All Shall Fail)
* Emptiness

Swedish death/thrash metallers AS LIKELY AS NOT will release their debut album, "Stand Up And Nerve", on March 28 via The Execution Kollective (TEK). The CD was mixed at Underground Studio by Pelle Saether and mastered by Göran Finnberg (IN FLAMES, DARK TRANQUILLITY, ARCH ENEMY, SOILWORK).

"Stand Up And Nerve" track listing:

01. Designed Love
02. Realization
03. My Last Confession
04. Red Fleer
05. Only Echoes of Dreams
06. Inhale Exhale
07. Nervin Empathy
08. Omega

Vocalist Ard Chieftain O'Hagan of the long-running Irish folk metal act WAYLANDER has issued the following update:

"It's been a while but hopefully this update won't disappoint.

"We've managed to survive the ice and snow putting our energies into the creation of the new songs, which are ticking along nicely.

"We have decided to entitle the new album 'Kindred Spirits'. It will contain eight or nine songs and will be recorded in Foel Studios in Wales on the first two weeks of July. The likes of NAPALM DEATH, ELECTRIC WIZARD and PRIMORDIAL have recorded albums there so we're more than pleased with our choice. The studio is set amid stunning scenery and is owned by Dave Anderson (HAWKWIND). With several of us being big HAWKWIND fans, well, you can say we're a touch on the excited side.

"Once again, Listenable will release the album, some time around November is the plan. We're talking with a few tour promoters so hopefully we'll get something booked and give you all the chance to experience us in the live arena. Again, I call for anyone who is a promoter, knows a promoter or even has a contact for a promoter to send us a message. We're determined to play in as many places and as often as we can manage with this album but as we represent ourselves, it isn't always easy.

"A touch of sad news to finish. This will be Hugh's [O'Neill, guitar] last album with us as he's moving to London to attend music college which begins in September. He will continue to write and record with us until we enter Foel and hopefully we'll organise a farewell gig for him before he leaves for college. So, we need a replacement and are accepting applications now, Please no time wasters. Drop me a line at ardchieftain@hotmail.com."

Season Of Mist has announced the signing of the innovative Egyptian-born artist Nader Sadek. Known as the designer responsible for the stage imagery on MAYHEM's 2009 U.S. tour, Nader decided to delve deeper into the metal world by forming his own project. He thus teamed up with guitarist Rune Eriksen (AVA INFERI, AURA NOIR, ex-MAYHEM), bassist Steve Tucker (ex-MORBID ANGEL) and drummer Flo Mounier (CRYPTOPSY) to create a death metal project under his own name. Due on May 16 (one day later in the U.S.), NADER SADEK's debut is entitled "In The Flesh" and features compositions and performances by all four artists.

Says Sadek: "My general association with death metal deals with the notion of false perceptions, and how great individuality can be smothered by the weight of an overwhelming environment. This idea is ever-present throughout all my work. Each of the players in this album played key roles in their respective bands, facing difficult challenges, and yet taking their bands to higher levels. Their talent as well as their tenacity has always intrigued me. As such, they fit perfectly in this project."

"I've been looking forward to doing this recording for months," Steve Tucker comments. "Nader does some very interesting art and I enjoy helping him achieve his twisted vision. It's rare to get to play alongside a drummer with the abilities that Flo possesses. It's a bonus that I get the opportunity to jam with professionals such as Rune and Flo. It'll be brutal."

Flo Mounier adds: "It's amazing that artists with different backgrounds can come together to create something so extreme and so dark but yet have so much fun doing so! It has been a pleasure working with Nader and Steve in the past and I'm looking forward to experimenting with Rune's unique style, I can't wait to start laying down the extreme with my boys."

Rune Eriksen states: "When first being approached by Nader to collaborate with him, Steve and Flo, I was immediately caught up by the idea of it. Not only is Nader's concept and reasons for doing this of an inspirational character in itself, but also the very thought of collaborating with musicians such as Steve and Flo seemed like an opportunity not to miss."

A video for "Nigredo in Necromance", a song from "In The Flesh", can be viewed below.

"All Or Nothing", the new video from New York hardcore legends MADBALL, can be viewed below (courtesy of MetalInjection.net). The clip was filmed in New York City's Lower East Side and at Southpaw in Brooklyn on Friday, November 26. The video was edited and directed by Michael Distelkamp (who previously directed the Black N' Blue Bowl), with co-direction by Freddy Cricien for Black N' Blue Productions in association with Convoy Films. Distelkamp and Cricien previously teamed up to produce and direct a video for Cricien's solo hip-hop project FREDDY MADBALL for the track "Gunshots", featuring underground rapper JAYSAUN and Slaine of LA COKA NOSTRA. Distelkamp's other credits include artist SKAMDUST's first music video (which features Cricien on the chorus), and another video for JAYSAUN.

MADBALL released its latest album, "Empire", in a special red vinyl format on November 22, 2010.

"Empire" sold around 1,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 15 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Empire" was released on October 12, 2010 via Good Fight Music. The CD was recorded at Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida with producer Erik Rutan, who has previously worked with MISERY INDEX, CANNIBAL CORPSE and GOATWHORE, among many others.

Polish death metallers ULCER have revealed the cover artwork and track listing for their full-length debut, "Grant Us Death", due later this year via Pulverised Records. The CD was recorded, mixed and mastered by Grzegorz Kulawiak at Sinquest Sound Studio in Lublin, Poland.

The "Grant Us Death" cover was designed and created by Bartlomiej Kurzok, while the layout was conceptualized by ULCER frontman D. (a.k.a. Sonneillon).

"Grant Us Death" track listing:

01. Grant Us Death
02. Devilspeed
03. Bloodpainted Salvation
04. The Love Song
05. Godcremation
06. Thanatoeuphoria
07. Devitalized
08. The Pact
09. My Lord Has Horns
10. When Horror Comes

Formed in just 2006, ULCER consists of present and past members of BLAZE OF PERDITION, SQUASHED BOWELS, DEIVOS and ABUSIVENESS. The band recorded two demos in 2006 and a debut full-length album, entitled "Serpent Trinity", in 2007.

ULCER is:

D. (a.k.a. Sonneillon) - Vocals
Angelfuck - Vocals
LucaSS - Guitar
Mscislaw (a.k.a. Revenger) - Guitar
Kamil "Szwed" - Bass
Wizun - Drums

Finnish metallers BLOODRIDE will release their debut album, "Crowned In Hell", on March 23 via Violent Journey Records. The 32-minute CD, which contains "simple, neck-breaking old-school thrash metal with attitude," was recorded and mixed at D-studios by Tonmi Lillman and features a guest appearance by Tapio Wilska (SURVIVORS ZERO, ex-FINTROLL). The cover artwork was created by Jan "Örkki" Yrlund of Darkgrove Design.

"Crowned In Hell" track listing:

01. There Will Be Blood
02. March Of The Dead
03. Straight From Hell
04. Slave Of Evil
05. Cain
06. Demon's Way
07. God
08. Promised
09. Thrown Into Darkness (Unholy War)

Ben Barbaud, the organizer of the annual Hellfest festival in Clisson, France, has released the following statement to Radio Metal regarding the reports that Finnish black metallers SATANIC WARMASTER were removed from the billing of this year's event because the organizers bowed to pressure from other artists performing at the festival:

"The Hellfest has decided independently and in all conscience to cancel SATANIC WARMASTER's performance. This decision was in no way caused by the pressure received by various small groups against the event.

"We had decided to confirm this artist when we noticed a strong demand.

"The ideology and political values adopted by some artists have never been selection criteria for the festival; we leave the right to each and everyone to forge their own opinions about the artists performing at the festival, and we are not bringing our event on political grounds which have nothing to do with the music. However, we have received a large number of complaints partly from festival-goers but also from artists, considering this artist to be conflicting with the festival's state of mind, and ready to settle things with a fight.

"We are not here to take position in this debate. The Hellfest is a celebration above all else, its purpose is not to divide, but to unite an audience under a single banner: passion for heavy music.

"It appears to be impossible to find an adequate solution without risking irreversible damage or violent comportments during the festival which is to take place next June.

"The Hellfest's purpose isn't to judge one's opinions, but to insure a peaceful and friendly gathering. Consequently, we have decided to cancel SATANIC WARMASTER's performance in order to insure order and safety during the festival. Clan wars related to difference of opinion do not have their place at the Hellfest.

"The festival would like to apologize to fans of this artist, and wishes to reaffirm its independent and apolitical position. We will not jeopardize this event that has taken years to develop for reasons which are unrelated to music and have nothing to do with the purpose of this festival."

An audio sample of the new song "Road Warrior" from Australian metallers PEGAZUS is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's first studio album in nine years, "In Metal We Trust", which will be released on April 15 through Black Leather Records (with distribution from Twilight Vertrieb). According to a press release, the CD contains "11 brand new classic heavy metal songs with original singer Justin Fleming back on vocals! As a tribute to the great guitarists of the '80s, PEGAZUS has invited Ross The Boss (MANOWAR, ROSS THE BOSS, THE DICTATORS), Jeff Watson (NIGHT RANGER, MOTHER'S ARMY) and David Shankle (MANOWAR, DSG) to contribute a solo to the song "Old Skool Metal Dayz".

An EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for "Sever The Wicked Hand", the new album from New Orleans sludge metal legends CROWBAR, can be viewed below. The CD will be released in Europe on February 14 via Century Media Records and in the U.S. on February 8 through E1 Music.

A pre-order is now available on iTunes along with audio samples.

"Sever The Wicked Hand" track listing:

01. Isolation (Desperation)
02. Sever The Wicked Hand
03. Liquid Sky And Cold Black Earth
04. Let Me Mourn
05. The Cemetery Angels
06. As I Become One
07. A Farewell to Misery
08. Protectors Of The Shrine
09. I Only Deal In Truth
10. Echo An Eternity
11. Cleanse Me, Heal Me
12. Symbiosis

AEROSMITH guitarist Brad Whitford has told the Boston Herald that the band is "really starting from scratch" during the songwriting sessions for the group's new album at the home recording studio of longtime collaborator/producer Marti Frederiksen.

"We basically go in the studio, just stone cold, and try to come out at the end of the day with another song, and so far it's worked great," Whitford said. "It has been great working at Marti's. His whole house is basically geared toward making music, so that's what we are doing all day long."

Regarding a possible release date for the new AEROSMITH album, Whitford said, "A lot will depend on how much we get done this week and when we can get back together again to sort of finalize it. Hopefully, we will be listening to it sometime this year."

On the topic of singer Steven Tyler's appearance on "American Idol" as a judge for the show's tenth season and how it's going to affect AEROSMITH, Whitford said, "I think he's a great choice (for 'Idol'). I always told him he should be a stand-up comedian because he's one of the funniest guys I've ever known in my life. I think people will see that as they get to know him better. He and J. Lo will bring a lot of authenticity to what they're doing. And it's going to expand our audience, for sure. People who would never think about seeing AEROSMITH might change their minds after seeing him on TV."

Tyler and his bandmates — guitarist Brad Whitford, bassist Tom Hamilton and drummer Joey Kramer — will continue working through February 2, when Tyler begins his live appearances as an "American Idol" judge.

Although a recent New York Post article indicated that AEROSMITH was "unable to work" due to Tyler's "American Idol" gig, Tyler's attorney Dina LaPolt responded, "Mr. Tyler's 'American Idol' contract was specifically negotiated to work around his AEROSMITH touring and recording schedule."

According to a press release from concert promoter Live Nation, the March 19 "European Carnage" SLAYER / MEGADETH event that was scheduled to take place at Arenan/Fryshuset in Stockholm, Sweden has been canceled "due to other commitments." Both bands promise to be back soon. No further details are currently available.

(Note: There is speculation that SLAYER and MEGADETH will play Sweden later in the year as part of the Swedish edition of the Sonisphere festival, featuring the so-called "Big Four" of 1980s thrash metal — METALLICA, ANTHRAX, SLAYER and MEGADETH. This, however, should be treated as a rumor only at this point.)

Canadian rockers SAGA have been rejoined by the band's original singer, Michael Sadler. The group is in the process of recording a new CD, to be released later this year through Edel AG.

Commented Sadler: "Let me begin by saying how touched I am by your overwhelmingly positive reaction to the news of my return to SAGA. It's always good to feel support from one's friends and family (fans fall under both categories!), especially at a time when you're making any kind of life change or decision, and believe me, this was a big one!

"Although the facts about 'how it all went down' will surely be elaborated upon through the course of the inevitable interviews that will follow, this came about simply because Jim and I stayed in contact after my departure in 2007. After all, after 30 years of musical and emotional investment, it's next to impossible not to be at least a little curious about the ripple effect, positive or negative, you may or may not have caused as a direct result of a decision you've made.

"During the course of a conversation we had some months ago about a few things, musical and otherwise, the topic of SAGA came up, and we briefly touched on the notion of what it would be like, hypothetically speaking, if I were to rejoin the band. Nothing serious, just two friends sharing some memories and speculating just for fun. One thing that we agreed on was that, if and when I ever were to return, it would have to feel like it was exactly the right thing to do and exactly the right time to do it!

"While I can't say for certain that my return, in whatever capacity, was inevitable, what I can say is, that on more than one occasion, I have thought of what it would feel like, to once again record and perform with SAGA. Consequently, during a more recent conversation, Jim said he felt that perhaps the time was right, and after quite a bit of thought… I agreed.

"One thing I would like to make clear, considering the implications and impact that my decision would have on my family, I naturally discussed this extensively with my wife, Gwen. Ultimately we agreed…this is who I am...and this is what I do! But make no mistake, without her support and belief, I know that this decision would not have been made. So, although I am very optimistic about SAGA's future and very happy about my decision to come back, my family is, and will remain, my number one priority.

"So there you have it. The 'if' has become 'yes' and the 'when' has become 'now.'

"I would like to thank you all again for making me feel so welcome. It's nice to be back!"