Multi-platinum-selling rock band ALICE IN CHAINS has debuted the video for new hit single "Lesson Learned" on Yahoo! Music. Conceived and directed by Paul Matthaeus, known for his groundbreaking main titles on the award-winning HBO series "Six Feet Under" and "True Blood", and produced with Bobby Hougham and Sevrin Daniels of Blank Design, the video is comprised of over 6,000 still pictures stitched together to create a visually stunning stop-frame animated clip.
Using physical lacerations as a metaphor for lessons learned, the video sees a young man and woman plummet through a derelict industrial building. Tattered clothes dissolve off, revealing wounds that symbolize emotional learning. The video was shot entirely as a stop–frame animation, but with live actors on set. The clip can be seen below.

A preview of a new track from "Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa", the forthcoming album by British extreme metallers CRADLE OF FILTH, is now streaming on the album's mini-site. The track, titled "The Cult Of Venus Aversa", is also playing on the band's new iPhone app, which launched this week. The free app contains audio samples, videos, pics and allows you to keep up with all the latest news from the band. The app also has a top users function which awards users points every time they use the app (i.e. write on the fan wall, post photo, share items to Facebook and Twitter, listen to tracks) and then ranks these users.

NPR Music is now streaming a show from LED ZEPPELIN legend Robert Plant's BAND OF JOY which took place on September 12th in New York City at the Bowery Ballroom:

"This was a show full of surprises. First off, Band of Joy wasn't just backing Robert Plant. It's a band that happens to have Plant as a member. Sometimes multi-instrumentalist Darrell Scott sung lead while Plant played harmonica. At other times, singer-songwriter Patty Griffin or country artist Buddy Miller took center stage. Sure, Plant was the main reason fans turned out at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City. But this was a remarkable band giving a stunning performance.

Another surprise was Plant's demeanor. He never cut loose. Even on a song like the Led Zeppelin track 'Gallows' Pole', there was no crazy wailing. In fact, all of the Zeppelin tunes were beautifully restrained.

That led to another surprise: I never missed Plant's Zeppelin histrionics. His restraint was exactly what this setting called for. The show was still a memorable treat: Amazing players applying their craft to great American blues and old timey tunes, along with some good old rock 'n' roll.

The final surprise was that I liked the covers as much as the Led Zeppelin songs. It's safe to say that everyone smiled a little more when Band of Joy launched into 'Misty Mountain Hop', 'Houses of the Holy', 'Gallows Pole' and 'Rock and Rol'l. But truth be told, traditional songs and cover tunes such as the Los Lobos cut 'Angel Dance', a gospel medley that included '12 Gates to the City' and Richard Thompson's 'House of Cards', are what ultimately made this night a perfect delight."

(By Bob Boilen)

The setlist on the night was as follows:

'Monkey'
'House Of Cards'
'Please Read The Letter'
'Misty Mountain Hop'
'Move Up'
'Satan'
'Angel Dance'
'Houses Of The Holy'
'Down To The Sea'
'Gallows Pole'

Check out the concert stream here.

U.S. rockers TAKARA will play their first show in many years on October 30 at Paladino's in Tarzana, California. A posting on the band's MySpace page reads, "Attendees of this performance can expect to hear a set of music from TAKARA that spans their entire music career catalogue, from their first album, 'Eternal Faith', all the way to their latest release, 'Invitation To Forever'.

"The band is extremely pleased to be finally be performing all these songs from the bands entire catalogue.

"More TAKARA shows will be announced for Southern California in the coming weeks."

TAKARA's new lineup is as follows:

Jaimie Kelli - Vocals
Gene McEwen - Drums
Surge Black - Bass
Neal Grusky - Guitar

Finnish modern thrash/death-influenced metal band DEAD SHAPE FIGURE will release its second full-length, "The Disease Of St. Vitus", in October via Dynamic Arts Records. A single, "Face On The Nails", preceded the full-length effort on August 25. The physical single was released only in Finland, but the song was made available in digital format to the entire globe.

"The Disease Of St. Vitus" track lissting:

01. Suicide Continental
02. Seraphim
03. Face On The Nails
04. Felix Culpa
05. Amberstar
06. Madonna Of Seven Sorrows
07. Idiopolis
08. Shrouds
09. Cities Of The Plain

A free compilation album from Canadian melodic thrash metal pioneers ANNIHILATOR, called "Total Annihilation", is now available to download from Earache Records in conjunction with Metal Hammer.

Earache Records is releasing six classic albums from ANNIHILATOR's back-catalogue as part of the "Total Annihilation" campaign, and to celebrate, the label is offering a completely free download-only compilation album featuring fourteen killer tracks.

Get your hands on the "Total Annihilation" compilation album for free at this location.

"Total Annihilation" features the following tracks:

01. The Trend
02. Ambush
03. Battered
04. Carnival Diablos
05. Back To The Palace
06. Nothing Left
07. Ultra-Motion
08. Ritual
09. King Of The Kill
10. Second To None
11. Ultraparanoia
12. Refresh The Demon
13. Tricks And Traps
14. Never Forget

Revered as one of the greatest hard rock/metal singers of all time, Ronnie James Dio brought a stylized, sophisticated, and powerful nature to heavy music, both as a frontman for BLACK SABBATH and RAINBOW, and his own band DIO. Eagle Rock will commemorate his legacy with the high-definition release of "Holy Diver Live" — on Blu-ray October 12. [MSRP $19.98]

Ronnie and his band whipped the crowd into a frenzy at London's Astoria Theatre on October 22, 2005. Treating the audience to a blazing presentation tog the classic "Holy Diver" album in its entirely, this concert, originally released on standard DVD in 2006, is the first ever live recording of this album. Sprinkled with SABBATH and RAINBOW tracks "Heaven and Hell", "Tarot Woman" and "Long Live Rock 'N' Roll", this Blu-ray is a shining statement of Dio's commanding, compassionate, and behemoth performances. An interview with the band is included as a bonus feature.

"Holy Diver Live" is considered to be one of the most memorable performances of Ronnie James Dio's career. This Blu-ray is a pristine and fitting tribute to one of rock's most beloved icons. His is a voice and presence that will be cherished and missed for generations to come.

"Holy Diver Live" track listing:

01. Tarot Woman
02. The Sign Of The Southern Cross
03. One Night In The City
04. Stand Up And Shout
05. Holy Diver
06. Gypsy
07. Caught In The Middle
08. Don't Talk To Strangers
09. Straight Through The Heart
10. Invisible
11. Rainbow In The Dark
12. Shame On The Night
13. Gates Of Babylon
14. Heaven And Hell
15. Man On The Silver Mountain
16. Long Live Rock And Roll
17. We Rock

Bassist extraordinaire Marco Mendoza has unveiled his second solo album, "Casa Mendoza", on Mascot Records.

"Casa Mendoza" is a Latin-flavored melodic rock record with a commercial edge that is sure to appeal to fans of any of Mendoza's work.

"Being of Latin-American descent, I have always heard music with the Latin influence in it," Mendoza said. "This album gave me the opportunity to experiment and to see how far I could take it. I hope that fans out there are open to the fact that music is comes from a lot of places, and that it shouldn't be put in a box. If it's good, it's good, regardless of genre."

Top-notch musicianship shines through on Mendoza's originals, as well as the covers he has selected for "Casa Mendoza". "From the production process to the playing, everybody involved had a big influence on the record and I give them a lot of credit," said Mendoza.

Mendoza is most famous for his work with rock and hard rock acts like THIN LIZZY, BLUE MURDER, WHITESNAKE, TED NUGENT, LYNCH MOB, and Neal Schon and SOUL SIRKUS, but his vast repertoire of work goes beyond the rock genre. Mendoza has most recently been working on a project with Dolores O'Riordan from pop giants THE CRANBERRIES. When he's not touring or otherwise working, Mendoza can often be found playing local Los Angeles jazz clubs with Joey Heredia and Renato Neto. The highly-sought-after monster bassist has rejoined THIN LIZZY once more and will be touring in 2011.

"It has been a long journey through this business through the ups and downs," Mendoza said. "Always having that spiritual connection, that sanctuary you can go to, and having all these experiences of working with some of the best musicians in the biz are what drive me to keep creating music.

The track listing for "Casa Mendoza" is:

01. Living for the City
02. Trouble
03. Suzy Q
04. You
05. Circle of Life
06. Kingdom of Paradise
07. Are you There
08. Betty Joe
09. Faith
10. Crying Out
11. Get Ready
12. You Got a Friend
13. Tu (bonus track)

South African metallers CHROMIUM will enter Sonic Precision studios later in the year with producer/guitarist Jared Gunston (KNAVE, WAKE TO WONDER, VAN DIENS AF) to begin recording their third album for an early 2011 release.

"After a turbulent but highly successful year, CHROMIUM have gone through what would destroy most bands but due to an undying work ethic and extraordinary perseverance, the band have reemerged with a new brand new look, sound and line up," reads a press release. "Joining the band from the early days of CORPORATE WAR is Justin Du Preez on vocals and guitar and Adrian Basson on bass. The new attitude and personnel has brought a new energy to the already recognizable sound and blistering live performances.

"After a terrific U.K. tour which spanned three weeks and 3000 miles across the country, CHROMIUM learnt what it takes to compete internationally and what the next step in total world domination of the metal genre is. Having realized that opportunities are limited in their home country, CHROMIUM have been adamant on breaking the mould and showcasing their music to the rest of the world. Being seen in the U.K. has led to a confirmed European tour in 2011 and keen interest from big booking agents in USA."

CHROMIUM is:

Jared Gunston - Vocals, Guitar
Justin Du Preez - Vocals, Guitar
Adrian Basson - Bass
Hannes Matthysen - Drums

Massachusetts metallers UNEARTH have released the following statement:

"Yesterday we lost our long time friend and original bass player Chris 'Rover' Rybicki. He lost his life from injuries sustained three weeks ago at the hands of an alleged drunk driver. The article from that accident can be found here.

"Rover hadn't been in the band since 2001, but he remained a good friend to us all throughout the years and this tragedy has hit us hard.

"Not only was Rover a talented musician, but he was also one of the funniest dudes you would ever know. His wit, dark humor and don't-give-a-fuck attitude made him a unique person that we all loved having in our lives. His memory will live on amongst his family and friends with the countless stories of Rover being Rover. He will be sorely and forever missed.

"Rover played on our our EP 'Above The Fall Of Man', our debut full length, 'The Stings of Conscience', and also on two tracks off our 2002 EP, 'Endless'.

"We would like to take a second to urge people to not drink and drive. Please be responsible so these tragedies stop happening."

Portuguese dark/goth metallers HEAVENWOOD have set "Abyss Masterpiece" as the title of their fourth album, tentatively due in early 2011 via an as-yet-undetermined record label. The CD was recorded at Ultrasound Studios in Braga, Portugal during August and September 2010 under the guidance of Daniel Cardoso, Pedro Mendes and Ricardo Dias (HEAVENWOOD). Mixing and mastering will take in Germany with a soon-to-be-announced producer.


Commented HEAVENWOOD guitarist Ricardo Dias: "'Abyss Masterpiece' perfectly symbolizes all the feelings that flow on each one of the songs included in this album — an album that will be dark, deep, melancholic, and above all with a very intense sound on which each song have their own soul. We consider 'Abyss Masterpiece' another step forward in HEAVENWOOD's career."

Songtitles set to appear on "Abyss Masterpiece":

* The Arcadia Order
* Fading Sun
* Sudden Scars
* Leonor
* Poem For Mathilde
* Her Lament
* September Blood
* Morning Glory
* Like Yesterday
* Burden
* Winter Slave

New York hardcore legends MADBALL have parted ways with drummer Jay Weinberg, the 20-year-old son of Max Weinberg (BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND).

Commented MADBALL frontman Freddy Cricien: "I'm letting Jay go [mid-tour] in Canada because I just feel he doesn't represent this band well on a character level. It would go against my own code of ethics to keep him around. Not saying he's a bad drummer. I won't take that away from him. But the reality is — he has a lot to learn about paying dues, and about life in general. Granted, he is a kid, but I'm not sure that he'll ever be built for this particular lifestyle. I wish him the best of luck, but the MADBALL machine rolls on!"

MADBALL will finish out the tour with a soon-to-be-announced replacement drummer. All future band plans, including their upcoming European tour with SICK OF IT ALL, and most importantly, the release of the group's new album, "Empire", on October 12, remain unaffected and on schedule.

FINNTROLL frontman Mathias "Vreth" Lillmåns has issued the following update:

"Here's some new and fresh stuff from my new project carrying the name THE INIQUITY DESCENT. Uploaded three samples from the upcoming release here. These versions are still almost untouched, the real mixingsessions will start in late October.

The first release will contain four songs, although eleven songs have been recorded already. Check out this page for more info about the process and everything else concerning The Iniquity Descent."

Following a successful first run in 2010, The Finnish Metal Tour will once again unleash itself on North America in early 2011.

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA — the dynamic Mexican duo which became an international world-music phenomenon with its self-titled album of aggressive acoustic guitars and irresistible Latin rhythms — makes a guest appearance on the track "Claws In So Deep" from the new DEATH ANGEL album, "Relentless Retribution".

Natives of Mexico City, Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero began their careers as members of TIERRA ACIDA, a heavy metal band which played on the city's underground gig circuit for seven years.

"Like a lot of Mexican youth, we were heavily influenced by American metal bands — METALLICA, MEGADETH, PANTERA, and also SEPULTURA," Gabriela explained. "It was a full band, very loud, and for vocals, Rodrigo would just scream. We played this way for seven years."

Regarding the new DEATH ANGEL CD, Gabriela said, "The album is fantastic. It brings back the magic that metal used to have back in the days.

"Most bands lost it along the way and the new bands can't find that magic at all, but DEATH ANGEL has that magic! Also great musicianship and their individual playing is first-class! Viva el metal!"

Added Rodrigo: "It's siiiiiiiccccccckkkkk. DEATH ANGEL have brought back the proper metal memories! Great melodies, sound, solos, vocals, and drumming! What can I say? We feel so proud to be part of it!"

Vocalist Dani "Filth" Davey of British extreme metallers CRADLE OF FILTH has issued the following update:

"We are currently working like rabid dogs on the extra-special fan edition of the [new CRADLE OF FILTH] album ['Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa']. The final details of what exactly will be in this super deluxe set are being finalised as we look at all possible options to make this the best CRADLE OF FILTH release that we have ever created, the ultimate version of our ultimate album. For you, our loyal mortal appreciators. This lavish set shall include two CDs (replete with bonus tracks), a DVD, a hard-back 64-page book (band photos, musings and artwork), exclusive photo prints, a lenticular 3D version of the album cover art ready for framing, plus a few more unearthly treasures which we are currently in the midst of concocting.

"This special set will only be available from Peaceville.com/CradleOfFilth and will cost a maximum of £50. This set shall be strictly limited edition and once they sell out shall never be re-pressed, save only in Hell.

"If you want the chance to order this monumental fan edition, then sign up to this mailing list to receive a special pre-order notification, which will give you the chance to order the set 24 hours before the final product is officially announced and offered for sale."

The deluxe edition of Slash's (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES) self-titled solo album will be released on September 28. The three-disc set will include two CDs and a 52-minute DVD featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the album, performance footage from Australia and Los Angeles, video clips and more.

"Slash" deluxe edition track listing:

CD 1:

01. Ghost (feat. Ian Astbury)
02. Crucify The Dead (feat. Ozzy Osbourne)
03. Beautiful Dangerous (feat. Fergie)
04. Back From Cali (feat. Myles Kennedy)
05. Promise (feat. Chris Cornell)
06. By The Sword (feat. Andrew Stockdale)
07. Gotten (feat. Adam Levine)
08. Doctor Alibi (feat. Lemmy Kilmister)
09. Watch This (feat. Dave Grohl & Duff McKagan)
10. I Hold On (feat. Kid Rock)
11. Nothing To Say (feat. M. Shadows)
12. Starlight (feat. Myles Kennedy)
13. Saint Is A Sinner Too (feat. Rocco DeLuca)
14. We're All Gonna Die (feat. Iggy Pop)

CD 2:

01. Sahara (feat. Koshi Inaba)
02. Paradise City (feat. Fergie & Cypress Hill)
03. Mother Maria (feat. Beth Hart)
04. Baby Can't Drive (feat. Alice Cooper & Nicole Scherzinger)
05. Sahara (feat. Koshi Inaba)
06. Beautiful Dangerous (feat. Fergie)
07. Demo #4
08. Demo #16
09. Back From Cali (feat. Myles Kennedy)
10. Fall To Pieces (feat. Myles Kennedy)
11. Sweet Child O' Mine (feat. Myles Kennedy)
12. Watch This (feat. Myles Kennedy)
13. Nightrain (feat. Myles Kennedy)

DVD:

01. Making Of The Album Documentary
02. Back From Cali (feat. Myles Kennedy)
03. By The Sword (feat. Andrew Stockdale)
04. By The Sword - Behind the Scenes
05. Starlight (feat. Myles Kennedy)
06. Mean Bone (feat. Myles Kennedy)
07. Track-By-Track Interview with Slash

Metal Mind Productions reports:

Metal Mind Productions presents NOCTE OBDUCTA - a true metal phenomenon and one of the most influential black metal groups in Germany. Their music is often referred to as ‘avant-garde black metal’ due to their uncanny ability to combine brutal, demonic metal with psychedelic and even progressive styles.

Their fourth full-length album, Galgendämmerung - Von Nebel, Blut und Totgeburten was originally released in 2002. This exclusive reissue brings back this devilish masterpiece in all its forbidden glory.

Nocte Obducta remains one of the most remarkable black metal projects ever to emerge on the metal scene. With lyrics sang only in German, it is truly a significant group among other blasphemous acts. Galgendämmerung - Von Nebel, Blut und Totgeburten is an amazing example of devilish and unholy avant-garde. The new digipak edition of the album is limited to 2,000 copies. Remastered using tube technology, digitally edited on a golden disc.

Metal Mind Productions set the release date for October 11th in Europe and December 7th in North America (via MVD).

The tracklisting:

'Fruchtige Fäulnis'
'Der Durst In Meinen Augen'
'Eins Mit Der Essenz Der Nacht'
'Nebel Über Den Urnenfeldern'
'Totgeburt'
'Der Sand Des Späten Winters'
'Galgendämmerung'
'Spiele Mir Ein Frühlingslied Am Friedhofstor'
'Wenn Nur Im Tod Noch Frieden Liegt - Teil I & II'

After nearly two years of intense touring behind their seventh studio album, "New World Orphans", the self-proclaimed Leaders of the Truth Movement (HED)P.E. have set an October 26 release date (via Suburban Noize) for their follow-up effort, "Truth Rising". The CD is currently available for pre-order with an exclusive five-song "Skull & Bonus" CD, which also contains a 30-minute interview with Jahred discussing The Truth Movement.

"When I titled the album 'Truth Rising', I immediately had the image of a phoenix rising from like a war torn city for the cover art," commented Jahred. "I think it perfectly symbolizes the message of this album which is the pursuit of true knowledge, not just condemning the government. When people start to learn the truth about self empowerment and the power of love and fear, then we as a civilization can rise above the war, poverty and hate that has been ruling this planet for centuries."

With the release of "Truth Rising", (HED)P.E. has its sights firmly set on the New World Order and is using its brand of hardcore to bring it down. While early (HED)P.E. albums found the band mixed up in the rock n' roll lifestyle, the group has been reborn to become the voice for a movement that empowers the youth and uncovers the seedy underbelly of current political affairs.

The track listing for "Truth Rising" is as follows:

01. Silence is Betrayal
02. Truth Rising
03. It's All Over
04. The Capitalist Conspiracy
05. No Rest For The Wicked
06. This Fire
07. Takeover
08. Stand Up
09. Beijo Na Boca
10. Menina
11. Universal Peace
12. Forward Go!
13. Bad News
14. Deepthroat
15. Murder
16. The Hed Honcho
17. Children of the Fall
18. Enough Secrecy
19. No More Secrets
20. Whitehouse
21. We Are the Ones
22. It's Alright!

US metallers WHILE HEAVEN WEPT have been working on the forthcoming release of their new live album, Triumph:Tragedy:Transcendence - Live At The Hammer Of Doom Festival, set for a November release date.




Tom Phillips (guitar, keyboards, vocals) checks in with the following update:

"I am extremely pleased to inform you that Chris Salamone and I have just completed the mastering of Triumph:Tragedy:Transcendence - Live At The Hammer Of Doom Festival this week, and the results are incredible all things considered. But don't take my word for it... today I'm adding the first audio sample to all of our websites, including this MySpace Page, so I encourage you to have a listen yourselves!

Currently, our good friends at Streetclip TV are editing the DVD program, and based upon the rough draft version I've seen, it's going to turn out absolutely amazing considering the number of cameras involved as well as the very musically-inclined filming.

The performance features an equal balance of material from all of our albums, and features a good amount of improvisation ala RAINBOW circa 1976, making this a very special release indeed.

I wanted to also take this opportunity to reveal the details pertaining to both formats "T:T:T" will be released in:

- A CD/DVD 2 disc set will be released via Cruz Del Sur Music on November 8th, 2010 in a quantity of 3,000 copies. The DVD program will be region free, so it can be played anywhere without incident. This set will contain the following material:

CD:
'Vast Oceans Lachrymose'
'The Furthest Shore' (Parts 1-3)
'Soulsadness'
'The Drowning Years'
'Of Empires Forlorn'
'Vessel'
'Thus With A Kiss I Die'

DVD:
'Vast Oceans Lachrymose'
'The Furthest Shore' (Parts 1-3)
'Soulsadness'
'The Drowning Years'
'Of Empires Forlorn'
'Vessel'
'Thus With A Kiss I Die'
'To Wander The Void' (encore)

DVD Bonus Features:
- 20 Minute Interview with Streetclip TV
- Backstage Rehearsal Clip 1
- Backstage Rehearsal Clip 2
- 'The Furthest Shore' (Parts 1-3) - Pittsburgh 1/8/10
- 'Soulsadness' - Pittsburg 1/8/10
- 'Thus With A Kiss I Die' - Pittsburgh 1/8/10

In addition to the CD/DVD set, there will be a limited edition 2LP set released through a joint collaboration between Cruz Del Sure Music, High Roller Records, and Iron Kodex Records in a quantity of 1,000 copies.

This 2LP set will be pressed on heavy vinyl (either 140g or 180g), and will be housed in an equally heavy, gorgeous gatefold sleeve filled to the brim with photos from our weekend in Germany, including some never-before-seen shots by Hans-Martin Issler. A stunning poster and full color insert will also be included in the package. 250 copies will be on colored vinyl, and you can expect this to be released on October 23rd, 2010 at the Hammer Of Doom 4 festival in Wuerzburg, Germany... which I will be attending personally to celebrate the release with all of my mates in the great bands that are performing.

The tracklisting for the LP edition is as follows:

'Vast Oceans Lachrymose'
'The Furthest Shore' (Parts 1-3)
'Soulsadness'
'The Drowning Years'
'Of Empires Forlorn'
'Vessel'
'Thus With A Kiss I Die'

Pre-order information will surface on each labels' respective website very soon, and we'll keep you posted.