SYMFONIA, the new melodic metal project featuring former members of HELLOWEEN, STRATOVARIUS, ANGRA and SONATA ARCTICA, entered Studiomega in Varberg, Sweden on November 25, 2010 to begin recording 12 songs for its debut album, which is tentatively scheduled for a March 25, 2011 release.

In a posting on the band's official blog, SYMFONIA guitarist Timo Tolkki writes, "Me and André [Matos, vocals] have been here in the middle of a Swedish forest for a week recording vocals.

"We rented a cabin which is at a top of a hill with an amazing view.

"If the drumming studio was in the middle of nowhere, then this one is in the middle of that nowhere.

"Things are going smooth; we got a great vocal sound.

"Had to put some blankets on the wall to treat the place acoustically a bit.

"The cabin is slightly haunted; the owner told us that a man named Hans died here 80 years ago and can sometimes be seen around. So far we haven't seen him.

"Things got off to a bit difficult start because André has been singing with a certain piece of art right next to him since he left ANGRA. It is a famous painting by Salvador Dali called 'Madonna of Port Lligat'. So we had to FedEx that from Sao Paulo [Brazil] for him and that took some time.

"André is a massive Dali fan, so I understand this completely. Also he wants two cactuses and two other any kind of plants on the floor next to him where he is singing.

"Days are filled with writing and rewriting lyrics and recording vocals in a very nice atmosphere. Listening to Beethoven and analyzing it. We both are big fans.

"The album is taking shape in a very nice way."

Check out photos from the studio at this location.

SYMFONIA has signed a four-album deal with the biggest Japanese metal and rock label Marquee Avalon for the territory of the entire Asian region, including China. Negotiations for the other territories are still in progress.

A press release reads as follows: "They are all legends among the melodic metal community. By sheer coincidence, they all found themselves living on the same continent, in Scandinavia. They decided to join forces and express their talents in the form of a new melodic metal project: SYMFONIA.

"Honoring the heritage of their previous bands STRATOVARIUS, HELLOWEEN, ANGRA and SONATA ARCTICA, SYMFONIA continues their superb melodic metal tradition with an incredible musicianship that is a match made in heaven. This is a force that no serious melodic metal fan will be able to ignore."

SYMFONIA is:

* Timo Tolkki (STRATOVARIUS, REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE) - Guitar
* André Matos (ANGRA, SHAAMAN, VIPER) - Vocals
* Jari Kainulainen (STRATOVARIUS, EVERGREY) - Bass
* Mikko Härkin (SONATA ARCTICA, KOTIPELTO) - Keyboards
* Uli Kusch (MASTERPLAN, HELLOWEEN) - Drums

SYMFONIA will make its live debut on February 18, 2011 at the Finnish Metal Expo (part of the Helsinki Metal Meeting) in Helsinki, Finland.

Vocalist Jeff Keith and guitarist Frank Hannon of California rockers TESLA have been working in the studio recording some tracks for the "acoustic"-style album that the band has been planning to release for the 20th anniversary of its multi-platinum "Five Man Acoustic Jam" LP. There is no tentative title for the new release yet, but expect to hear some never-before-released versions of TESLA classics such as "Changes", "Paradise", as well as some recordings of studio versions from the 2004 acoustic tour. Also featured will be a brand new song called "2nd Street", and the infamous "Better Off Without You" recorded acoustically.

During a recent appearance on VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show", Hannon accused GUNS N' ROSES of ripping off the early TESLA track "Better Off Without You" for the GN'R classic "Patience". He said, "Let me tell you something: 'Patience'... We were labelmates with GUNS N' ROSES on Geffen. There's a demo of a song that we wrote called 'Better Off Without You'. It is 'Patience' note for note . . . I don't know if they ripped us off or Tom Zutaut or Geffen or somebody passed them the tape."

In response, former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash wrote on his Facebook page, "I heard that one of the guys from TESLA claimed GN'R stole 'Patience' from them. I'm assuming he's smoking super crack. Or dreaming out loud . . . I didn't hear the actual interview so I won't jump to conclusions based on hearsay. I'll just make emotiphants!"

In the meantime, Hannon took to TESLA's official forum to clarify the comments he made on "That Metal Show", explaining, "The demo of 'Better Off Without You' I was talking about is an acoustic guitar version we did live at the Oasis Ballroom in 1985 that Geffen Records had on a 'live' cassette tape of a show we played. They did make some copies of it with labels on them and handed them out to people before we made our first album. If anyone can find one, that would be awesome. I was not talking about the piano version that's floating around on a bootleg.

"Also, for the record: 'Better Off Without You' is a song in 'D' and it does the 'D/F#-to-G' chord change in it. This is also the same type of change that GN'R used at the end of 'Patience' and also the same change that John Lennon uses in 'Imagine'...

"I do not seriously feel that we wrote 'Patience' in ANY WAY.

"The song 'Patience' is a great song that they [GUNS N' ROSES] wrote themselves, and it is only the end part that has any similar part to the guitar chords we used.

"I apologize for any controversy or disrespect I may have projected in my joking around with Eddie Trunk ['That Metal Show' co-host] about this."

NIGHTWISH frontwoman Anette Olzon has posted the following message on her official blog:

"One year ago I wrote this blog post about a big loss for the world, for Niclas (from Anette's pre-NIGHTWISH band ALYSON AVENUE), me and lots of friends of a girl name Hanna Ekstrand [who committed suicide]. She was born on the exact same date and year as me, 21 of June 1971 and her daughter and Nemo [Anette's five-month-old son with boyfriend, bassist Johan Husgafvel of the Swedish metal band PAIN] has the same birthday, which has always made me feel 'closer' to her destiny. Her life ended far too soon last year, January 7, and tomorrow it's been one year since that dark day.

"Niclas has made a song for her called 'Angel' where I recorded the vocals. We made this song for Hanna and her children, and Thomas Löyskä (ALYSON AVENUE) has made a special memorial site for Hanna where you can listen to Niclas song and read the lyrics.

"Click here to go to the site.

"Hanna, just like me, would have turned 40 this year. I have seen her since we were teenagers, I know her daughter.

"Hanna was such a beautiful person and soul and I will always remember her for that happy, shiny person she was in our younger years. Glowing at every party and making heads turn;=)

"Hanna — you have touched so many and we miss you. We know you are looking down from heaven as an angel and I hope you like the song that are made just for you.

"Rest in peace."

"Overnight Angels", the new video from DOWN 'N OUTZ — a project fronted by DEF LEPPARD's Joe Elliott, backed by THE QUIREBOYS and playing rare tracks connected only by MOTT THE HOOPLE — can be viewed below. The clip was directed by Lee Ford.

"Overnight Angels" is the second radio single from DOWN 'N OUTZ's debut album, "My ReGeneration". The CD includes covers of songs by Mott, Ian Hunter and BRITISH LIONS, the music DOWN N' OUTZ performed as the support act for MOTT THE HOOPLE at one of the legendary band's 2009 reunion shows. Fans who bought the disc might have noticed that this CD is marked "Volume 1." That implies there is more to come and Joe told VH1 Radio Networks' Dave Basner what to expect from the band in the future.

"This is 'Volume 1,' as it says so on the artwork," he explained. "'Volume 2' will feature some MOTT THE HOOPLE songs as well as more BRITISH LIONS, MOTT and IAN HUNTER stuff. The third album we'll probably just do genuine classic '70s stuff of bands other than MOTT and we've promised by the fourth album, which may be five years away for all we know, if it even happens, would be original music. So it's kind of a long-term side project that we're just going to do if and when we have the chance."

"My ReGeneration" was produced by Joe Elliott, with co-production by Ronan McHugh, and was recorded at Elliott's own studio Joe's Garage and Moor Hall studio in Bedfordshire.

"My ReGeneration" track listing (with original recording artist listed in parenthesis):

01. Golden Opportunity (Ian Hunter)
02. Storm (Mott)
03. Overnight Angels (Ian Hunter)
04. Career (No Such Thing As Rock 'n' Roll) (Mott)
05. England Rocks (Ian Hunter)
06. Shouting And Pointing (Mott)
07. By Tonight (Mott)
08. Who Do You Love (Ian Hunter)
09. One More Chance To Run (BRITISH LIONS)
10. Good Times (Mott, originally recorded by THE EASYBEATS)

DOWN 'N OUTZ recently parted ways with bass player Ronnie Garrity. Elliott stated: "Of course we wish Ronnie all the best in his future endeavors. We will announce a new bass player shortly, but I can say now that it won't be [DEF LEPPARD bassist Rick Savage]!"

DOWN 'N OUTZ will support Paul Rodgers (BAD COMPANY, FREE, QUEEN) on his U.K. tour in April 2011

Commented Elliott: "I'm very happy about this! I was personally invited by Paul to do this tour, and I can't wait for it. Obviously the Sheffield show will be very special for me, but I'm also looking forward to play at the legendary Royal Albert Hall very much!"

In addition to Joe Elliott (vocals, guitar, keyboards), DOWN 'N OUTZ features THE QUIREBOYS' Paul Guerin (guitar), Guy Griffin (guitar), Keith Weir (keyboards) and Phil Martini (drums).

Bassist Gareth McGrillen of the U.K./Australian drum-and-bass band PENDULUM recently spoke to AOL's Noisecreep about the group's collaboration with vocalist Anders Fridén and guitarist Björn Gelotte of Swedish metallers IN FLAMES on the latest PENDULUM album, "Immersion".

"Our favorite band growing up was IN FLAMES," McGrillen told Noisecreep. "That was incredible to work with them, since they have been an influence for so long. They are our favorite metal band, so we thought, 'Let's do a track with them.' When we supported IRON MAIDEN on tour in Europe, Anders came out and did the song ('Self Vs. Self') with us onstage and there were 80,000 metal fans in the U.K. appreciating it."

McGrillen also said he is up for remixing an In Flames song in the future as well. As for Pendulum's remixing career, they actually turned down METALLICA. They probably aren't used to hearing "no," but Pendulum nixed a remix with good reason. "We remix what we shouldn't, which would piss people off. We did LED ZEPPELIN, but we only incorporated it into our DJ set. We also did 'Master Of Puppets' for Metallica," McGrillen recalled. "The band was specific about wanting us to mix a different song, but we wanted to do 'Master Of Puppets'. So we basically didn't do it since we didn't want to do the song they wanted us to do." So Pendulum actually turned Metallica down!

Swedish power metallers DRAGONLAND have issued the following update from guitarist Olof Mörck:

"10 years have passed since we completed our debut album (The Battle Of The Ivory Plains) back in January 2001, and to properly commemorate this you can now find the whole album online on our MySpace!

It is the first chapter of a gargantuan saga that will continue into the new album to be released first half of this year, so to those unfamiliar with the Dragonland storyline, here's the place to start!

Writing of the album was begun in the summer of '99, and recorded in December - January at Los Angered with Andy LaRoque as producer. It was released in June 2001 by Black Lotus, who also released the sophomore album, Holy War.

An album recorded before the onset of Pro-Tools, the album has quite a natural and atmospheric sound, and though the production is somewhat aged, it is charming in its own right!

Enjoy this journey back in time where it all began... and keep your eyes out for the continuation of this epic saga in 2011! Hail!"

'Morning Glory Clouds (In Manus Tuas Domine)', a brand new track from the Portuguese dark-rock/metal outfit HEAVENWOOD, is available for exclusive streaming on the band's MySpace page. The song comes off the band's new album, Abyss Masterpiece, which will be released on February 28th via Listenable Records. The follow-up to 2008's Redemption was produced by Ricardo Dias and Heavenwood and was mixed and mastered by Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner at Kohlekeller Studios, Germany.

Meanwhile, Heavenwood have announced the addition to their lineup of Paulo Chanoca (DEMON DAGGER/ DECREPIDEMIC) as new session bass player.

Commented Heavenwood’s manager, Filipe Marta: "'Morning Glory Clouds' is an amazing song that will grab the listener's attention from it’s very beginning thanks to very addictive melodies/chorus and catchy riffs. I think this one is the perfect first single of this new album and I’m certain that will become a smash hit on every rock club dance floor and radio stations around the world and people must check it and spread it everywhere. 'Morning Glory Clouds' is a chilling song that no one will forget. Concerning the new session bassist, I think Paulo is a natural born talented bass player. A true war bomber aircraft that will transmit a lot of power and groove to Heavenwood. He’s got a vast experience and knowledge in extreme music that will enable him to make a very good contribution to the band."

Songs set to appear on the Abyss Masterpiece CD include:

'The Arcadia Order'
'Fading Sun'
'Like Yesterday'
'Winter Slave'
'September Blood'
'Sudden Scars'
'A Poem For Matilde'
'Leonor'
'Once A Burden'
'Goddess Presiding Over Solitude'
'Morning Glory Clouds'
'Her Lament'

Norway's Indie Recordings has announced the signing of two "extraordinarily talented and promising acts," OBLITERATION and INSENSE.

OBLITERATION is a young death metal band from Kolbotn, Norway — a small place just outside Oslo known to produce great metal bands such as DARKTHRONE, AURA NOIR and LAMENTED SOULS.

Despite being in their early twenties, the OBLITERATION bandmembers are already celebrating their 10-year anniversary, having left a trail of destruction behind them with hellblazing gigs and rock-solid releases. A stunning rehearsal demo from 2006 led to OBLITERATION signing a deal with cult label Tyrant Syndicate, a sub-label of Peaceville Records run by Nocturno Culto of DARKTHRONE and SARKE. The band's debut album, "Perpetual Decay", came out in May 2007 and was followed by 2009's "Nekrospalms". The group spread its dark message by touring the USA and the U.K., including festival appearances at Maryland Deathfest, Hole In The Sky, Øya Festivalen and Live Evil.

OBLITERATION is hard at work on its third opus, which is set for a fall 2011 release.

Having released three "impressive" albums an "of original hybrid of technically brutal riffs and aggressive melodies," INSENSE has established a devoted fan base both in Norway and abroad. They have been called a combination of the "time signatures in the noise tech vein of the new THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, with the subtlety of NEUROSIS coupled with the extreme controlled aggression of SLIPKNOT." Others cited "SEPULTURA's raw heaviness, MESHUGGAH's technical prowess, and STRAPPING YOUNG LAD's ornate song structuring."

The spring of 2011 will see the release of INSENSE's fourth album.

INSENSE, OBLITERATION and EINHERJER will perform at Indie Recordings' label night at this year's edition of the Inferno festival on April 20, 2011 in Oslo, Norway.

"Aftermath", the new video from the Swedish melodic power metal band AXENSTAR, can be viewed below. The song comes off the group's fifth studio album, "Aftermath", which will be released on January 7 via IceWarrior Records/Rock It Up Records. The cover artwork (see below) was created by Felipe Machado Franco, who has previously worked with RHAPSODY, AXEL RUDI PELL, BLIND GUARDIAN, GAMMA RAY, BLAZE BAYLEY and ICED EARTH.

AXENSTAR's fourth LP, "The Final Requiem", came out in 2006 via Massacre Records.

The band's current lineup includes the group's latest additions, drummer Adam Lindberg (INTRIVE) and guitarist Jens Klovegård (LIQUID SUICIDE).

AXENSTAR is:

Jens Klovegård - Guitar
Joakim Jonsson - Guitar
Magnus Winterwild - Vocals and Bass
Adam Lindberg - Drums

CD will be completely done mixed and mastered tomorrow. Look for a mid to late feb hard copy release and maybe a late feb early mar Free web download complete with layout and high quality audio files. Thanx to Mark and Jay for their great performances on the cd. Anyone interested in pre orders of the hard copy just email me at aurora4dth@aol.com you guys know by now my releases will come out 100% and your pre orders are safe hahah. Anyone wanting the download just hang in there and i will provide the link in the next month or so after the pressing is back from the plant. i will post some short previews or something in the next few days.

2011 is the 25th Anniversary of the original RIGOR MORTIS lineup. The Texas thrashers are preparing to celebrate this year with several anniversary Shows.

Confirmed dates so far are as follows:

February
11 - Clicks Live - Tyler,TX
12 - The Rail Club - Ft. Worth, TX
13 - Headhunters - Austin, TX

Possible dates in San Antonio,TX; Houston,TX; Oklahoma City, OK; New Orleans, LA; etc, for March and April to be announced soon.

The band is also recording two new songs in February. These will be the first songs this lineup has recorded together since their 1988 self-titled debut album. The band plans to write and record enough songs in the upcoming months for a future full-length release.

For the 25th anniversary shows RIGOR MORTIS will be playing all of the songs off their self-titled debut album, except for one song. Plus classic tracks from their other two releases, Freaks and Rigor Mortis Vs The Earth.

RIGOR MORTIS line-up:
Mike Scaccia - guitar
Casey Orr - bass/vocals
Harden Harrison - drums
Bruce Corbitt - vocals

SHEAR, the new Helsinki, Finland-based six-piece metal act featuring former/current members of AMORAL, OMNIUM GATHERUM, IMPERANON, ELENIUM and CRYSTAL BLAZE, will enter the studio in March to begin recording its debut album for a late 2011 release.

Commented the band: "In the last couple of months we've been writing a lot of new songs, and we're really pleased with the outcome. The songs are really diverse, ranging from very melodic songs to heavier riff-oriented songs.

"We're still in the process of laying down the finishing touches to the songs and about to start arranging the songs.

"We will keep you updated through the whole album making process by posting news and videos. Expect more frequent updates when we hit the studio."

Italian gothic metallers MACBETH check in with the following update:

"Well, not a good way to end the year 2010, but on New Year's Eve Macbeth announced that they are parting ways with their vocalist Olli. The band stated that it was difficult within the last two years to work together and that it was even not possible in the end.

Since this had negative effects on them working on the new album, they decided to part ways.

Don't be afraid the decision won't change the music and style of Macbeth, because Olli didn't compose or write the songs.

The band is now searching for a new vocalist. If you think you are able to fit in the band, feel free to contact the guys at post@macbeth-music.de.

German power metallers PARAGON have revealed more details about their forthcoming, yet-untitled new album. Since early November, the band have been busy with songwriting and rehearsing. They previously revealed that Piet Sielck will produce the new album.

Bassist Jan Bünning issued the following update: "We already worked with him on four of our previous albums (Steelbound, Law Of The Blade, The Dark Legacy and Revenge) and it will for sure be like a coming home for us. Piet worked with bands like SAXON and BLIND GUARDIAN and knows best what we have to sound like."

The artwork for the new album will once again be handled by Dirk Illing, who already created the artwork for Paragon's previous albums Law Of The Blade, The Dark Legacy and Forgotten Prophecies.

The new band photos will be shot by Stefan Malzkorn. The band are currently recording demos.

Stay tuned for further updates. Go to this location for information on Paragon.

UNVEIL THE STRENGTH, the new Orange County, California-based quintet featuring former SILENT CIVILIAN guitarist Dave Delacruz, will digitally release its debut EP, "The Awakening", in early March. The effort was engineered by Mark Haggblad and was mixed by Mike "Mawi" Rashmawi (engineer for SILENT CIVILIAN's "Ghost Stories").

UNVEIL THE STRENGTH consists of Mark Haggblad (vocals), Dave Delacruz (guitar), Nita Strauss (guitar), Sam Hutchinson (bass), and Mark Matas (drums). The band entered its studio in Costa Mesa in September 2010 with intentions of creating music that strays away from the modern-day heavy metal genre. Though shredding leads, blistering drums and brutal screams, UNVEIL THE STRENGTH wants to offer more to the listener by bringing in the melody, singing, and soul to the mix.

Commented Delacruz: "This is something that I have been working on with my best friends for quite some time and now we are officially taking it from the studio to the stage!

"In regards to SILENT CIVILIAN, I personally made the decision to leave the band because I did not agree with how things were being ran by individuals involved. I wish them the best of luck and success on all of their endeavors but that band wasn't for me anymore.

"Creating music has always been a passion of mine and now I am able to create music with best friends the right way where there is no room for ego.

"We are currently booking southern California shows but are looking to target the major U.S. cities by summer 2011!"

Former SINAMORE guitarist Tommi Muhli has launched a new female-fronted band called FRIENDS WITH ENEMIES. The Hamina, Finland-based group recently completed work on its self-titled debut EP for a June release via Roundtown Records.

"Friends With Enemies" EP track listing:

01. Juveniles
02. Burning Bridges
03. Hold Me Still
04. Down Your Guns

FRIENDS WITH ENEMIES is described in the band's official bio as "a collective of six friends with different backgrounds in making and playing music. Whether the background being in metal, pop or rock each of the members bring their own flavor to the mix that is theatrical and dramatic pop/rock music."

"The name of the band kinda reflects what the whole band is about," says Muhli. "After playing in heavy metal bands for over a decade, I felt the urge to step into some completely new field. While writing the first song after this decision I felt like I was selling my soul; like I was literally making friends with the enemy. We ended up building our whole sound based on this feeling. Fear no evil."

FRIENDS WITH ENEMIES is:

Sanette Sevón - Vocals
Tommi Muhli (ex-SINAMORE) - Guitar
Mikko Kiri - Guitar
Jarno Uski (SINAMORE) - Bass
Vili Itäpelto - Keyboards
Miika Hostikka (SINAMORE) - Drums

February 2011 will see NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) legends PRAYING MANTIS release a special limited-edition EP to celebrate 30 years since the release of their critically acclaimed album "Time Tells No Lies". Entitled "Metalmorphosis", the effort will include five songs, some of which are from the original album re-recorded by the current MANTIS lineup.

The songs the band has chosen are as follows:

01. Children of The Earth
02. Praying Mantis
03. Lovers to the Grave
04. Panic in the Streets
05. Captured City

According to The Pulse Of Radio, Alice Cooper has revealed in a new interview with ClashMusic.com how he would like to spend his last day on Earth, saying he would start the day on Hawaii before hitting the legendary golf courses at Augusta and Pine Valley. He explained, "I'd wake up in Maui. That's the best place to wake up in the world anyway, because that's sort of like halfway between Earth and Heaven. It's the halfway point. It gives you a little taste of Heaven . . . And then you're immediately on the first tee at Augusta, and then you're immediately on the first tee at Pine Valley."

Cooper added that if the record on each course is a score of 64, "two 59s would be great!"

The shock-rocker told The Pulse Of Radio not long ago that people are always surprised that his game is very strong. "Three handicap, and I play five times a week, and I play really good," he laughed. "Yeah, that's the one thing I can really do, other than Alice Cooper. That surprises people, I think. They just can't believe that Alice Cooper could be a three handicap, but I am."

Cooper added that his last day would be completed by a dinner with people like Mike Myers, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Sylvester Stallone, Rob Zombie, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney — with the vegan McCartney eating a "big thick steak" in Cooper's honor.

Finally, after a jam session with his guests, Cooper said, "I think you just go to sleep. I can't imagine a long death."

As for his epitaph, Cooper suggested, "Here lies Alice. Since when he was teething, he never stopped talking 'til he stopped breathing."

Cooper is among the 2011 inductees into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, along with Neil Diamond, Dr. John, Darlene Love and Tom Waits. The ceremony will be held on March 14 at New York City's Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, SMASHING PUMPKINS frontman and sole original member Billy Corgan blasts the major labels in a new interview with Spinner.com, saying, "Something about the need for the major label system to corner the market has squeezed the excitement out of music. It's almost like the restaurant where the prices are too high — you can't enjoy your food. You feel like you're getting ripped off, but you don't know why. Fans overall have rebelled."

Corgan has been out of the system since 2008, when the PUMPKINS became free agents following the disappointing response to the PUMPKINS' 2007 comeback album, "Zeitgeist".

The PUMPKINS have been recording and posting songs online for free on a regular basis since last year, with a total of 44 tracks scheduled to be completed and collected in a massive set called "Teargarden by Kaleidyscope".

Corgan says that posting the tracks online has brought back freedom and a sense of community to the listening experience, explaining, "I grew up in the '70s and listening to the radio was important. We all listened and we all had a common experience . . . We've kind of lost that."

Corgan adds that the music industry continually refuses to catch up to the times: "Now we have a system of middle-of-the-road non-risk-takers that seem to be risk-takers but aren't really. It's systemically rewarding the wrong end of the art world."

New Jersey thrashers WHIPLASH have once again parted ways with the group's original drummer, Tony Scaglione, and have replaced him with Dan Foord of the U.K.-based metal band SIKTH.

Commented WHIPLASH guitarist/vocalist Tony Portaro: "Tony [Scaglione] and I were really looking forward to working together once again, but unfortunately there are personal issues in his life that arose which take priority. Fortunately, I was able to contact Dan Foord with the help of Ben Ward of ORANGE GOBLIN and Nathan Perrier of ALABASTER SUNS, LABRAT and CAPRICORNS.

"Dan is well-schooled and plays with exceptional technique.

"Dank [DeLong, bass] and I are working together feverishly and are very much looking forward to performing live with him in the near future. We are expecting the crowds to share the adrenaline rush as we eagerly anticipate this year's live shows."

Israeli metallers BETZEFER will release their new album, "Freedom To The Slave Makers", on February 18 via Germany's AFM Records. The CD was recorded with acclaimed producer Warren Riker (DOWN, CYNIC, LAURYN HILL, SANTANA) and features the following track listing:

01. Best Seller
02. Backstage Blues
03. Feels So Right
04. Diamond Director
05. Nothing But Opinions
06. Doomsday
07. Empty Magazine
08. Perfect Lie
09. Song For The Alcoholic
10. Heavensent

"Black Rivers Flow", a brand new track from Midwest thrashers LAZARUS A.D., can be streamed in below (courtesy of AOL's Noisecreep). The song is the title track of the band's second full-length album, "Black Rivers Flow", which is scheduled for release on February 1, 2011 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was recorded in July and August 2010 at Belle City Sound with Chris Wisco and was mixed and mastered by James Murphy at Safehouse Production.

"Black Rivers Flow" track listing:

01. American Dreams
02. The Ultimate Sacrifice
03. The Strong Prevail
04. Black Rivers Flow
05. Casting Forward
06. Light A City (Up In Smoke)
07. Through Your Eyes
08. Beneath the Waves of Hatred
09. Eternal Vengeance

Pittsburgh-based CROWN THE LOST have posted the song 'Separate Blood From Waste' for streaming on their official Facebook page. Check it out here.

The song comes from the group’s upcoming third album, Cold Pestilent Hope, which will be released in 2011 through an as-yet determined label. The album will be the first to feature new singer Leon Mallah, bassist Timothy Boyle, and drummer Argel Marchelletta, and was produced/engineered by Dave Watson (MANTIC RITUAL, ICARUS WITCH) at Soundscape Studios in East McKeesport, PA.

Cold Pestilent Hope tracklisting:

'Pray For Death'
'Separate Blood From Waste'
'Breathe Into Emptiness'
'In Defiance of Sanctity'
'Solitude and Failure'
'Eyes Without Sight'
'Bloodsoaked Serenity'
'Consumed'
'Cold Pestilent Hope'
'Forgotten and Damned'
'Inexorable'