Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, SEPULTURA) was interviewed for the "The Year In Metal" special edition of MTV2's "Headbangers Ball". A clip from the episode can be viewed below.

When asked about the persistent rumors of a reunion of SEPULTURA's classic lineup (featuring Max on guitar/lead vocals and his brother, Igor Cavalera, on drums), Max said, "I'd like to do it; everybody knows that. When the classic four was together, it was really powerful. And I tried my best — I convinced Igor to go back; I said, 'Would you come if I was involved?' And I talked to Andreas [Kisser, SEPULTURA guitarist]. And Andreas seemed interested at first and then after that it got weird; lawyers started getting involved and shit like that. So I don't know. And I read somewhere that the one that doesn't wanna do it is Paulo [Xisto Pinto Jr.; bass]. [Laughs] Which is, like... I don't know what his gig is; I don't know what his problem is. I would just like to [reunite the classic SEPULTURA lineup] — just for my fans. Show them what this band was all about."

The current lineup of SEPULTURA released a video message earlier this week in which it urged fans not to "listen to fucking rumors anymore." The group added, "We are tired of listening to this fucking bullshit that Max is saying all over the world, that there's gonna be a reunion [of SEPULTURA's classic lineup] and this and that. We're here to say there's no communication, there's no talks about any type of reunion or any show with the Cavaleras. Igor is doing his job, Max is supposed to do his job, and we are doing our job. We are SEPULTURA for 26 years and we celebrating this with a new album, a new deal and a new world tour. And [we] hope this is the end of fucking rumors and fucking lies, OK?!"

SEPULTURA will return to North America for a massive headlining tour next April/May in support of their upcoming Nuclear Blast Records debut. Joining them will be a veritable united nations on metal in the form of Austria's BELPHEGOR, Norway's KEEP OF KALESSIN, Poland's HATE, Canada's NEURAXIS, and California's BONDED BY BLOOD. Starting May 23, Seattle's own NEVERMORE will replace BELPHEGOR to finish out the tour.

SEPULTURA debuted a brand new song from its upcoming album during its October 17 appearance at the Fúria Festival at HSBC Brasil in São Paulo, Brazil.

Portuguese dark-rock/metal band HEAVENWOOD will release its fourth album, entitled "Abyss Masterpiece", on February 28, 2011 via Listenable Records. The CD was mixed and mastered by producer Kristian "Kohle" Kohlmannslehner (CREMATORY, AGATHODAIMON, BENIGHTED) at Kohlekeller Studios in Germany.

The "Abyss Masterpiece" artwork was created by Matthew Vickerstaff of Darkwave Art, who has previously worked with CRADLE OF FILTH, MY DYING BRIDE, GODFLESH, CARCASS, MENDEED, CATHEDRAL, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, THE HAUNTED, SOIL and DEICIDE. HEAVENWOOD guitarist Bruno Silva states, "The band is very delighted with the work done by Matthew Vickerstaff. He managed to illustrate in the perfection the essence and feeling contained on 'Abyss Masterpiece'. Matthew experience was a great plus for the whole graphic production and for everybody truly into HEAVENWOOD's world."

Northern California-based crossover veterans CONDEMNED? will release their brand new album, "Condemned 2 Death", on February 11, 2011 in Europe and March 8, 2011 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Prairie Sun Recording Studios with producer Billy Anderson (NEUROSIS, MR. BUNGLE, CATTLE DECAPITATION, CATHEDRAL, EYEHATEGOD). As an added bonus, the effort will contain a second disc of rarities, including the band's long-out-of-print Nuclear Blast release "Humanoid or Biomechanoid?".

"Condemned 2 Death" track listing:

Disc 1

01. Big Time Game Hunting
02. Aggressive System
03. Thoughts Of Equality
04. Practicing For War
05. Crutch
06. Anti-social
07. Cavern In Mind
08. Cleansing Pool
09. Emotional Blurr
10. Crucified
11. Ocean
12. Save Thy Brother
13. D-Day
14. When Worlds Collide

Disc 2

01. Intro

"Condemned To Death" (1983-84)

02. Gartland's Pit
03. Pain Of Mind
04. Media Control
05. Dismember Me
06. Blood River (Scotty of VERBAL ABUSE/HOLLYWOOD HATE's first vocal appearance)
07. The Assassin (Scotty)
08. Bang Your Maidenhead
09. Wired

"Death Sentence" (1985)

10. Condemned 2 Death Sentence

"Humanoid Or Biomechanoid?" (1986)

11. Big Time Game Hunting
12. Emotional Blurr
13. Crutch
14. A Cavern In Time
15. Icy Minds
16. When Worlds Collide
17. Satan's Sandals
18. Tidal Wave
19. Face Yourself
20. Humanoid Or Biomechanoid?

"Condemned/Attitude" (1987)

21. Homeless Crew
22. No Boundaries
23. 3rd World Child

Live "Senseless Death" compilation

24. No Blind Power
25. D-Day
26. Deadly Euphoria
27. Big Time

"Something Scaley" (1989-93)

28. River Of Life
29. Movement
30. Fool's Fable
30. Outro

NEW YORK DOLLS will release their fifth full-length album, "Dancing Backward in High Heels", in North America on March 15 via 429 Records and in Europe on March 11 through Global Music. The follow-up to 2009's "Cause I Sez So" was created at Blast Recording Studios in Newcastle, England with producer Jason Hill (LOUIS XIV, THE KILLERS) and features original members David Johansen (vocals) and Sylvain Sylvain (guitar) alongside Brian Delaney (drums), Jason Hill (bass) and Frank Infante (guitar).

"Dancing Backward in High Heels" track listing:

01. Fool For You Baby
02. Streetcake
03. I'm So Fabulous
04. Talk to Me Baby
05. Kids Like You
06. Round And Round She Goes
07. You Don't Have To Cry
08. I Sold My Heart To The Junkman
09. Baby Tell Me What I'm On
10. Funky But Chic
11. End Of The Summer

The CD will be packaged with a bonus DVD filmed during the recording of the album, incorporating previous unseen footage from the bands three sold-out performances at The Cluny venue in Newcastle, and four live audio tracks from the same show.

Greece's Rockpages Web Magazine conducted an exclusive interview with BONFIRE frontman Claus Lessmann about a number of topics. Lessmann revealed that the band's new album will be released early next year and he also shared with us a few song titles. Here's the excerpt:

Rockpages.gr: You are about to release a brand new record. What can you tell us about it?

Lessmann: "As we speak, we are in the middle of the mixing process and if all goes as planned; the album will be released early next year…around January or February. I really like the new stuff…the new songs are somewhere in between Fireworks, Point Blank and Double X."

Rockpages.gr: Any titles…?

Lessmann: Let’s see…'Do Or Die', 'Save Me', 'Just Follow The Rainbow'…it will be a great album.

Rockpages.gr: Do you miss the days when you were all over MTV with 'Hard On Me' and 'Sword And Stone'?

Lessmann: "(laughs) Yes!!! Short Answer! I really miss that time but nevertheless we all have to carry on and fight against all the people who try to stop good rock music. I really hope that one day this music will return to TV because there are lots of people out there who miss it and wait for its return."

SOULS ON 11, featuring ex-MEGADETH guitarist Jeff Young and female singer Twinkle Yochim have issued the following update:

"We are looking forward to the world premier of our first music video, 'Seasons Of Wither' (written by AEROSMITH's Steven Tyler). The video is directed and edited by, Evan Nesbitt (X-Men, Blade, Three Kings, Spiderman, Godzilla, The Perfect Storm, The Event, Gulliver's Travels in 3D) and was performed and filmed live in Los Angeles, CA. Stay tuned for the January 2011 date, time and place(s) to view the premier. The video will also be available for sale on iTunes first quarter 2011.

We'll be playing at the 2011 NAMM show at Anaheim Convention Center - check our site for locations, dates and times. We also, look forward to entering the studio during the third week of January to record four new songs.

2010, it's been real... next year, we crank it, 'one louder!'"

It’s time for us to reveal the first song off of “The Unforgiving”: “Where Is The Edge”.

The first single of “The Unforgiving” will be released in January 2011, but we wanted to give you a preview of our new album. We have just launched “Where Is The Edge” with a video featuring exclusive preview scenes of the upcoming movie “Me & Mr Jones”.

Together with this brand new song we’re starting a very cool item on our Facebook page. Through a Facebook plug-in, you can share the video of “Where Is The Edge” on your Facebook profile and we register your name to be included in the packaging of the special edition of “The Unforgiving”!

Starting today, the plug-in will be available under the title of “Unforgiving” on this page.
The duration of this campaign will depend on the response of the Facebook fans, so make sure to use this plug-in as soon as possible.

Obviously you need to ‘like’ our Facebook fan page before you have access to this plug-in!

RECKLESS LOVE, the Finnish rockers who burst spectacularly onto the U.K. scene in 2010, have confirmed the December 19 release of a new expanded version of their debut self-titled album through the U.K. branch of Spinefarm Records.

Given the quartet's recent success both at home and abroad, including two appearances at this year's Download festival (where they were cited as "2010's surprise package" by Kerrang! magazine), a full headline tour of the U.K., plus stellar reviews for their album, the time was right for the record in question to be re-released in upgraded form; this new 16-track version — dubbed the "Cool Edition" — features revised artwork plus a number of bonus tracks, including electric, acoustic and remix material.

The five additional tracks are as follows:

01. Get Electric (full-band studio recording)
02. Sex (acoustic)
03. Hysteria (acoustic; DEF LEPPARD cover)
04. Back To Paradise (acoustic)
05. Back To Paradise (remix by Eppu Kosonen)

A new RECKLESS LOVE studio album is expected in the spring, supported by further live activity.

RECKLESS LOVE singer Olli Herman (a.k.a. H. Olliver Twisted) joined CRASHDIET in 2006 as the replacement for David Hellman (a.k.a. Dave Lepard), who committed suicide in January 2006.

The self-titled debut album from RECKLESS LOVE entered the official chart in the band's home country of Finland at position No. 13.

"Reckless Love" was released on February 24 in Finland and Baltic countries through Universal Music (March 22 in the U.K. via Spinefarm).

RECKLESS LOVE plays exceptionally good rock n' roll. With its rousing and joyful attitude, the band offers a true alternative for today's rock scene where everything seems too dull, dark and serious. RECKLESS LOVE's formula is simple; big hard rock just for the fun of it!

The band was founded in 2001 and started to gradually gain underground reputation as an energetic live act. Eight years of small scale touring, two lineup changes and four demos later the band finally took its current form and found its own recognizable sound.

It's Geoff Thorpe's story of power and pain. The quest to change peoples lives with the power of metal music and the fascination of his band in 2011. The guitarist and main songwriter of American power metal act VICIOUS RUMORS says: "The older we get, the more wicked VICIOUS RUMORS sound. We've definitely not slowed down — quite the opposite — we have even more drive. Our fans won't see a single VICIOUS RUMORS show where we don't go to our limits and beyond." Anybody who has been to one of the group's gigs during the past two years knows just what he means. Thorpe's comment not only describes his band's concerts, but also without reservation VICIOUS RUMOURS' latest album, "Razorback Killers" (due out via SPV/Steamhammer in Europe on March 28, 2011 — except in Germany, where it will arrive three days earlier — and in the U.S. on April 5, 2011) and featuring ten breathtaking new songs which transport the traditional VICIOUS RUMORS sound perfectly into the present. To cut a long story short: this band has never sounded more dynamic than on "Razorback Killers".

The reasons for VICIOUS RUMORS' high-powered performance? Thorpe has a plausible explanation: "The metal is in our blood!!!! Plus we always have an awesome line-up. Larry Howe on drums and vocals, our bassist Stephen Goodwin and guitarist Kiyoshi Morgan, and in Brian Allen we've found the best vocalist you could possibly get for these kind of songs." Brian Allen joined the VICIOUS RUMORS fold one and a half years ago at the recommendation of Matt McCourt (WILD DOGS), a longtime friend whom Thorpe met up with at the Headbangers Open Air. "Matt had praised Brian, and I thought that he'd be perfect for VICIOUS RUMORS," Thorpe said. His assessment soon proved true: from the beginning, Allen showed his great potential during intense rehearsals. "We immediately noticed this raw, pure quality in him," Thorpe said. "Like a snowball, something very big developed very quickly out of small beginnings. During our five-week European tour, Brian got nothing but positive reactions from our fans."

So Brian Allen and Kiyoshi Morgan are — along with Thorpe, bassist Stephen Goodwin and drummer Larry Howe, of course — two of the elemental parameters which make "Razorback Killers" such a dynamic powerhouse of an album. Three other musicians deserve to be mentioned: the guest guitarists Mark McGee, Eric Peterson and Brad Gillis. "Isn't it fantastic that Mark returned and contributed those amazing solos on two songs?" Thorpe asked. McGee was a band member between 1986 and 1995 and has launched veritable guitar solos on "Blood Stained Sunday" and "Pearl Of Wisdom". "Mark and I trading solos just like the old days," enthused Thorpe, who also can't hold back his delight at Eric Peterson's impassioned solo passages on "Murderball". "Eric has been a friend for many years and is the driving force in TESTAMENT," Thorpe said. "His solo in 'Murderball' is a perfect combination of the whole energy of VICIOUS RUMORS and TESTAMENT, merged into one song." And last but not least: Brad Gillis, who otherwise makes his living as one of the band leaders in NIGHT RANGER, is one of Geoff Thorpe's close friends and already delivered a number of great solos on VICIOUS RUMORS previous album, "Warball". This time around, Gillis contributed a matchless — as Thorpe calls it — "classic tremolo guitar solo" in "Deal With The Devil". "I remember well when he replaced the late Randy Rhoads in Ozzy Osbourne's band. Brad has my utmost respect as a friend and colleague," Thorpe said.

So the furious "Razorback Killers" marks the next chapter in the career of VICIOUS RUMORS, whose history is paved with countless highlights: the band took the legendary Dynamo Festival in Eindhoven, Netherlands, by storm with their amazing shows in the summers of 1990 and 1994, floored the 2002 Wacken Open Air, rocked the metal fans at the 2007 Bang Your Head!!! festival and are celebrated frenetically all over the world for their passionate live performances. VICIOUS RUMORS have released ten excellent power metal albums to date, travelled the world over a dozen times — with METALLICA, MÖTLEY CRÜE, JUDAS PRIEST, AEROSMITH and many others — and are now ready to present their latest recording to their fans. "We'll be co- headlining the Keep It True festival in April 2011, one month after the album is released," Thorpe promised. "We'll be touring for the rest of the year in the USA, Europe and Japan, hopefully also visiting countries such as South America or Australia, where we've never been before."

"Razorback Killers" was recorded at Trident Studios in Pacheco, California with producers Juan Urteaga and Geoff Thorpe.

The track listing is as follows:

01. Murderball
02. Black
03. Razorback Blade
04. Blood Stained Sunday
05. Pearl Of Wisdom
06. All I Want Is You
07. Axe To Grind
08. Let The Garden Burn
09. Rite Of Devastation
10. Deal With The Devil

VICIOUS RUMORS 2010 is:

Larry Howe - Drums
Brian Allen (LAST EMPIRE, MALICE, WILD DOGS) - Vocals
Kiyoshi Morgan - Guitar
Stephen Goodwin - Bass
Geoff Thorpe - Guitar

It is not the success of the early days which Lenny Wolf associates KINGDOM COME with, nor earlier hits from his long-standing career. What he really cares about is the present. Is this a contradiction in view of his new album, "Rendered Waters" (due on March 25, 2011 in Germany; March 28, 2011 in the rest of Europe; and April 5, 2011 in the U.S. via SPV/Steamhammer), which features eight old and three newly recorded songs? Certainly not. All eleven tracks were cut at Lenny's Two Square Noise Factory studio in Hamburg, Germany. In particular, the new recordings of old material show KINGDOM COME's vision of living in the here and now.

"I purposely chose tracks from the very early days to show how we play, hear and feel the songs nowadays," says Wolf. "Listening habits have changed dramatically, especially among the younger audience, which made it exciting for me to breathe new life into numbers which have not been heard for a while."

For example, "Should I" is this time played more slowly, giving it a heavier appeal. The drums are more open and the guitars, according to Lenny, feature a more tube-oriented sound and warmer, more driving tone: "Just to give it an overall 2011 vibe," he says. "Of course, you can only change songs to a certain extent if you don't want to lose the character and central theme of the original version." The same goes for "I've Been Trying", "Pushing Hard" and "Living Out Of Touch". None of them has been reinvented, but all three certainly have a noticeably new approach to them. On the other hand, Lenny changed the verse of "I've Been Trying" completely, giving it a different arrangement, just like he transported the song "Seventeen" into the year 2011.

"'Seventeen' has always been kind of a key song for KINGDOM COME, yet it has never received much attention since it has a very non-commercial approach and is either loved or hated, but with the new version it will hopefully get the recognition it deserves," he says.

Another argument against suggestions that Lenny just wanted to warm up old material is that he purposely didn't choose to re-record former hits like "Get It On", "What Love Can Be", "Do You Like It" and "Twilight Cruiser" which put KINGDOM COME on the map on a global level. He even selected a song such as "Break Down The Wall" from his pre-KINGDOM COME days back in 1985 when he played with L.A.-based band STONE FURY, which just goes to show how timeless the material is.

"It was very interesting to add new styles and to carry them into the year 2011," he says. "There are a number of songs from the Seventies. Their charm lives off the old recording technology which can't be beaten these days and therefore should remain untouched, but re-recording Eighties songs isn't such a sacrilege."

Let's not forget the three brand new songs, which feature that typical KINGDOM COME structure of strong guitar hook lines and Wolf's charismatic vocals. "Blue Trees", "Is It Fair Enough" and "Don't Remember" once again see Lenny prove his unwillingness to pander to expectations. Like it or not, he certainly follows his very own route. Although Lenny again recorded most of the instruments himself, Eric Förster, who contributed those ruthlessly driven guitar solos, and American-born Berlin resident Hanan Rubinstein, who mastered the CD, both certainly need to be mentioned for their great contribution.

To sum it up, here are a number of facts for history buffs: KINGDOM COME were formed in 1987 in Los Angeles, USA. Besides Lenny, the only German in the group, there was also James Kottak, now playing drums with the SCORPIONS. The sensational debut, "Kingdom Come", reached number 12 in the U.S. chart and went gold, and its successor, "In Your Face", made high chart positions all over the globe, too.

There is no end in sight. In Lenny's words: "KINGDOM COME is my calling. I either fall or rise with it. Apart from a few bad decisions, I've done alright. Thankful and still fully loaded, back to the future."

"Rendered Waters" track listing:

01. Can't Deny (newly recorded version)
02. The Wind (newly recorded version)
03. Blue Trees (brand new song)
04. Should I (newly recorded version)
05. I've Been Trying (newly recorded version)
06. Pushing Hard (newly recorded version)
07. Seventeen (newly recorded version)
08. Is It Fair Enough (brand new song)
09. Living Out Of Touch (newly recorded version)
10. Don't Remember (brand new song)
11. Break Down The Wall (newly recorded version)

Reunited progressive rock/metal band CYNIC has released the following statement:

"We're announcing a change in the band's lineup this winter.

"After much soul-searching and discussion, CYNIC will say goodbye to bassist Robin Zielhorst and guitarist Tymon Kruidenier. This decision was reached mutually, with great respect for each other as people and the work that we've done over the past 2-3 years.

"The logistical challenges of maintaining a band that is half based in The Netherlands and the other half in the United States (drummer Sean Reinert and guitarist Paul Masvidal live in California) has become unworkable.

"The pre-production stages for CYNIC's next release have just begun and it seemed like an appropriate time to define the next chapter of the band.

"The new CYNIC release is coming in summer 2011 on the Season of Mist label."

Stated CYNIC guitarist/vocalist Paul Masvidal: "Tymon and Robin are great guys whose hard work made it possible for CYNIC to get back out on the road and tour the world with 'Traced In Air'. I'm really grateful for their contribution and presence, and look forward to seeing where their talents and music will take them next."

Commented Zielhorst: "It has been an honor to play and perform in CYNIC.

"Tymon and I would like to thank Paul and Sean for the opportunity and to especially thank the fans for their support and for warmly welcoming us into the CYNIC family. We look forward to seeing you all on the road soon."

CYNIC's immediate plan is to continue writing and do pre-production for their new record. They are also working towards a remixed re-release of their classic recording, "Focus".

Legendary rock band WHITESNAKE has scheduled the following tour dates for 2011:

June 02 - Moscow, Russia - Megasport Arena
June 04 - St. Petersburg, Russia - Icearena
June 13 - Newcastle, UK - City Hall
June 14 - Glasgow, UK - Clyde Auditorium
June 16 - Wolverhampton, UK - Civic
June 17 - Manchester, UK - Apollo
June 19 - Bournemouth, UK - BIC
June 20 - London, UK - Hammersmith Apollo
June 22 - Milano, Italy - Gods of Metal
June 25 - Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
June 28 - Prague, Czech Republic - Saska Arena
June 29 - Vienna, Austria - Stadthalle

"All Fours", the new video from the Finnish rock/metal act KINETIK CONTROL, can be viewed below. The song comes off the band's sophomore album, "Only Truth Remains", which entered the Finnish chart at position No. 47 upon its release late last month. The CD features a guest appearance by former HANOI ROCKS frontman Michael Monroe.

According to KINETIK CONTROL's official bio, "Only Truth Remains" sees the band pursuing a "more guitar-driven and more rock" direction than that on the group's debut album, 2008's "Lack Of Divine Inspiration".

KINETIK CONTROL is:

Miro S. Kontio - Guitar
Jake Luukkonen - Drums
Pasi Nopanen - Bass
Toni Raehalme - Keyboards
Andy Velin - Guitar
Sauli Vuoti - Vocals, guitars

Inakustik/MVD has set an January 11, 2011 release date for "Rock 'N' Roll My Soul", the brand new solo album from the English singer and songwriter Gary Barden (MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP).

Along with Michael Schenker, Barden has penned several of the greatest songs made since the '80s, with Schenker composing the music and Barden providing the lyrics. "Rock 'N' Roll My Soul" shows a very different side of Gary Barden as it reflects the emotions and impressions which the singer soaked up in his youth.

Commented Barden: "My love for these songs will never die.

"Enjoy these songs from a long bygone, but truly wonderful, time. You will hear how broad my musical influences are. There are a few surprises in store."

"Rock 'N' Roll My Soul" track listing:

01. Oh Well
02. I'm Just a Singer
03. Never Before
04. When A Blind Man Cries
05. Let's Work Together
06. Why Did You Do It
07. I'm a Man
08. Stay With Me
09. Travellin' Band
10. The Long and Winding Road
11. Zeit Macht Nur Vor Dem Teufel Halt
12. Rock 'n' Roll My Soul

Check out audio samples at Amazon.com.

According to Classic Rock magazine, former DIO guitarist Craig Goldy has formed a new band with vocalist Chas West (BONHAM), bassist Sean McNabb (QUIET RIOT, GREAT WHITE) and drummer Gary Holland (GREAT WHITE).

"The idea is to put the rock star back into everyone's lives," explained Goldy, who is currently playing with BUDGIE. "So you've got four people who look great, are amazing at their craft and the music pierces your soul. And they're all good people. I think people miss that sort of thing."

Although the new project is currently unnamed, it is toying with the idea of calling itself 13TH FLOOR "because nobody ever likes to admit there is a 13th floor in a building!" said Goldy.

MORTIIS will return to the touring circuit this winter with a two-month, full European tour supporting evil-electro outfit COMBICHRIST.

"In some fundamental ways, COMBICHRIST and MORTIIS are very different, but in other fundamental ways, we are very much the same," explained vocalist and namesake Mortiis. "At the end of the day, both bands have this 'fuck-you' attitude. It's expressed somewhat differently musically, but energy and attitude-wise we're carrying the same torch, so to speak. I think fans of both bands will pick up on that."

MORTIIS took a break from touring while preparing their latest releases, the soon-to-emerge next album "The Great Deceiver" and "Perfectly Defect", a totally free digital download. Unveiled October 10, "Perfectly Defect" is a full-length, downloadable album available at www.mortiis.com. "Perfectly Defect" is the quintessential prelude to the world of "The Great Deceiver" — while the latter is heavier and darker, the former is varied, experimental, and largely instrumental. The bottom line is that "Perfectly Defect" leads into "The Great Deceiver" acting as a crucial stage in the evolution of MORTIIS' music.

The group is anxious to get back on stage and is ready to unleash months of pent-up aggression during its live show. Fans can expect to hear tracks from "Perfectly Defect" and "The Great Deceiver", as well as some older songs with a different twist.

"We've seriously pimped up a selection of older songs that we'll be performing," Mortiis said. "So, across the board, it will be a new, and for lack of a better expression, very 'pimped up' bunch of songs!"

A tour with COMBICHRIST was a long time coming. Aside from MORTIIS being acquainted with COMBICHRIST's founder and Norwegian-native Andy LaPlegua, COMBICHRIST drummer Joe Letz is an extended member of the MORTIIS family. After connecting with Letz during MORTIIS' U.S. tour with the GENITORTURERS — Letz's former band — the drummer got involved with MORTIIS on some of the recording of "The Great Deceiver".

"It was just a question of time until we'd go out on tour together again," Mortiis said. "Joe is still a part of this band, the way we all see it. We always have a great time when we're together and I think this is something everyone's been wanting to happen for a while now. So when the opportunity came about, we pretty much did what had to be done to make it happen."

COMBICHRIST and MORTIIS tour dates:

Jan. 20 - Sao Mamede, Guimarães, Portugal
Jan. 21 - Caracol, Madrid, Spain
Jan. 22 - Salamandra 1, Barcelona, Spain
Jan. 23 - Totem, Pamplona, Spain
Jan. 25 - Ninkasi Kao, Lyon, France
Jan. 26 - X-Tra Limmathaus, Zürich, Switzerland
Jan. 27 - Tunnels, Milan, Italy
Jan. 28 - Alpheus, Rome, Italy
Jan. 29 - Velvet, Rimini, Italy
Feb. 01 - Le Ferrailleur, Nantes, France
Feb. 02 - Le Divan du Monde, Paris, France
Feb. 03 - Trix, Antwerp, Belgium
Feb. 04 - Tivoli, Utrecht, Netherlands
Feb. 05 - Essigfabrik-PLUSWELT-Festival, Köln (Cologne), Germany
Feb. 06 - Tivoli, Bremen, Germany
Feb. 08 - Posten, Odense, Denmark
Feb. 09 - Forbrændingen, Albertslund (Kopenhagen), Denmark
Feb. 11 - Sticky Fingers, Göteborg, Sweden
Feb. 12 - Chateau Neuf, Oslo, Norway
Feb. 13 - Kägelbanan, Stockholm, Sweden
Feb. 15 - Yo-Talo, Tampere, Finland
Feb. 16 - On the Rocks, Helsinki, Finland
Feb. 18 - Kosmonaut, St. Petersburg, Russia
Feb. 19 - Tochka, Moscow, Russia
Feb. 20 - Tele Club, Ekaterinburg, Russia
Feb. 22 - Riga Melna Piektdina, Riga, Latvia
Feb. 24 - Ucho, Gdynia (Gdansk), Poland
Feb. 25 - Berlin Columbia Club, Berlin, Germany
Feb. 26 - Bunker/Strasse E, Dresden, Germany
Mar. 01 - Silver Church Club, Bukarest, Romania
Mar. 02 - RBF, Sofia, Bulgaria
Mar. 03 - Mylos Club, Salonica (Thessaloniki), Greece
Mar. 04 - SKC, Belgrade, Serbia
Mar. 05 - Boogaloo, Zagreb, Croatia
Mar. 06 - Szene Wien, Wien/Vienna, Austria
Mar. 07 - A 38, Budapest, Hungary
Mar. 09 - Backstage, München, Germany
Mar. 10 - Batschkapp, Frankfurt, Germany
Mar. 11 - Meier Music Hall-Festival of Darkness, Braunschweig, Germany
Mar. 12 - Universal dog-Dark Dance Treffen, Lahr, Germany