Guitarist/vocalist Robb Flynn of San Francisco Bay Area metallers MACHINE HEAD has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

"Today, [Tuesday] September 7th, between the hours of 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. [PST] while I was picking my son up from school, my house [which is located in the Martinez/Virginia Hills area of California] was broken into and many priceless items were stolen. Items include my wife's jewelry, laptops, wakeboards, cash, and most importantly four of my guitars, including the guitar that I recorded [MACHINE HEAD's] first album, 'Burn My Eyes', with. Also stolen was a guitar that is priceless to me that was a gift from [late PANTERA guitarist] Dimebag Darrell [see pictures below]. The cocksuckers even stole my son Zander's mini Flying V I got him for Christmas.

"I am offering a $1,000 reward for the return of the black Ibanez Strat along with many stickers, a 'Designated Drinker' sticker. Additionally I am also offering a $2,000 reward for the safe return of the blue Washburn Dimebolt prototype.

"An APB has been put out to every Guitar Center in Northern California and the police were able to get several fingerprints off of the two acoustics that the thieves handled, yet bizarrely left behind. Sightings of two suspicious vehicles have been reported, one a green/teal U.S.-make pickup truck, the other a white pull-side work van.

"If anyone sees or hears of anything on Craigslist, eBay, at their guitar shop... anything, anywhere! Please contact us at mike@machinehead1.com immediately."

Guitarist Lord Ahriman of Swedish black metallers DARK FUNERAL has issued the following update:

"Recently, you could read about Nils 'Dominator' Fjellström's departure from AEON due to personal/private reasons. Today we can confirm that he'll no longer be part of DARK FUNERAL either. And just like AEON, we won't comment on this subject any further.

"With that being said, I/we see no reason to waste any time here. Besides a new vocalist, we are currently looking for a new drummer, too.

"If you do believe that you have what it takes for the job, please send us a brief introduction and some audio/video files/links of your performance to: vocalist@darkfuneral.se.

"With the recent departures from the band I/we understand if this may cause some worries and/or confusion amongst you all, but you can be rest assured that everything is under total control! It's not like anyone have left the band on bad terms, but unfortunately, sometimes things like this is inventible, and needs to happen to secure the survival of a band. And there is absolutely no doubt in my/our mind that once the new lineup is complete. We will be a stronger and better band than ever.

"Musically, we will continue in the same paths. I'm still main responsible for all the songwritings, including the drums. So you have nothing to worry about there. However, a new lineup will naturally color the sound in some ways, but I'm totally confident that it will only be for the better.

"I've recently started writing and demoing new stuff in my home studio. And just like I (and Chaq Mol) did when I/we worked on the pre-production for 'Angelus Exuro pro Eternus', I'm not only nailing down the guitar parts, I'm also programming the drums. So far it sounds totally fucking killer (of course!). However, at this point it's obviously still too early to say in what direction we'll be heading with the new material/album. We'll keep everything wide open until the new lineup is complete. And once complete, we'll continue to work on the new album as a full band. And this time I hope that everyone will be able to contribute with some killer material to make this to the best and strongest DARK FUNERAL album to date!"

American/Norwegian melodic metallers KAMELOT have released the following statement:

"As many of you know, [KAMELOT vocalist] Roy [Khan; full name: Roy Sætre Khantatat] has fallen ill and could not make the North American tour.

"We have been rehearsing like madmen here in Tampa — the band is tighter than ever and [previously announced replacement vocalist] Michael [Eriksen] from CIRCUS MAXIMUS is truly an amazing singer; if there is one male vocalist in this world who is on par with Roy, it is Michael! However, after today's rehearsal, we all decided that we do not feel right about doing the North American tour as anything less than a 100% KAMELOT experience.

"We appreciate that many fans have waited more than two years for new material and to see us perform together.

"Our new album, 'Poetry for the Poisoned', represents a labor of love from us, and to present it at anything less than full strength seems a disservice to all involved.

"Though we will suffer financial losses on this late-hour cancellation, we still feel it's the right decision for us as a band to make.

"We regret disappointing all those who worked so hard to shape this tour, and especially those fans who were still so willing to come through and support us despite Roy's absence. We are humbled by that type of support, and we sincerely hope that our return in full-form KAMELOT strength will be more reward for your unwavering loyalty!

"We will reschedule all shows in the near future, once Roy is able to return.

"Refunds can be obtained at the point of purchase.

"To thank Michael for his effort, the band will still appear at the sold-out ProgPower [USA] festival, as a one-off show with him and many special guest singers from the festival.

"Again, we want to thank all of you for your amazing support!!"

The Calgary Herald conducted an interview with AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry ahead of the band's September 10, 2010 appearance at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

On when fans will have a chance to see the Boston hard rock band in action again:

"Technically speaking, after the gig in Vancouver (on Sept. 16), I don't have a job with AEROSMITH. We know these are the last shows for awhile. And I really do mean awhile. I don't know when we'll be out there again, the five of us, so we'll be playing with everything we've got."

On learning through the media that singer Steven Tyler was up for a second job as a judge on the reality TV singing competition "American Idol":

"(The whole group) sat down not too long ago, when we decided to do this tour, and we basically laid out plans for the next two years. And when you're sitting there talking about that and one of the band members knows full well he's signed a contract that's taking him out of the music business for up to seven months of the year — that kind of throws a wrench into things . . . It's all very well to say, 'I'm going to go off and do this and it won't interfere with the band . . .' but there's only so many weeks in the month and so many months in the year."

On what Perry and the rest of AEROSMITH plans to do while Tyler gets busy on the side with a variety of projects, including "American Idol" and his long-awaited autobiography:

"I'm not going to sit around for two years waiting for him to come back to AEROSMITH. (You've got) four guys that are great together, and if you find the right singer, there's no reason you can't go and entertain people."

On the incident at AEROSMITH's Toronto show at Air Canada Centre where Tyler hip-checked Perry and Perry responded with a bump of his own, causing Tyler to lose his balance, falling from the stage:

"He's got this thing in his head that it's cool when the guys in the band bump into each other. Nobody else in the band feels that way. . . . Leave me alone when I'm playing."

On his thoughts on "American Idol":

"It's a reality show designed to get people to watch that station and sell advertising. It's one step above ('Teenage Mutant') 'Ninja Turtles'.

"I'll tell you one thing, when we put this band together, this is not something that (Steven Tyler) would do.

"It's his business, but I don't want AEROSMITH's name involved with it. We have nothing to do with it."

Austrian metallers THE SORROW will release their third, self-titled album in Europe on October 29 via Drakkar Records and in North America on December 7 through Artoffact Records. The follow-up to 2009's "Origin Of The Storm" was recorded at Principal Studios (DIE TOTEN HOSEN, IN EXTREMO) in Senden, Germany with producer Toni Meloni and was mixed by Sky van Hoff. Mastering duties were handled by Jens Dreesen.

"The Sorrow" track listing:

01. Afflictions (05:01)
02. Crossing Jordan (04:57)
03. The Weight Of The World (04:06)
04. Suffering Quotes (04:22)
05. Heart Of A Lion (04:03)
06. Farewells (05:41)
07. You Are My Nemesis (04:18)
08. Paragon In Charity (05:07)
09. Draped In Misery (05:07)
10. Grief Machine (03:55)
11. Engraved In Our Hearts (05:03)
12. Facing The End (04:06)
13. Reach For The Skies (05:17)

Frontiers Records has announced the signing of VEGA, the new U.K.-based melodic rock band featuring former KICK vocalist Nick Workman alongside the successful and respected songwriting partnership of Tom and James Martin (HOUSE OF LORDS, TED POLEY, KHYMERA, SUNSTORM) and drummer Dan Chantrey.

According to a press release, "VEGA are set to bring back the reputation of British melodic rock music with a strongly original sound approach that while obviously influenced by the genre’s greatest names (from BON JOVI to DEF LEPPARD and JOURNEY) adds a strong personal element that will definitely bring the band to the attention of a very wide audience."

VEGA's debut album, "Kiss Of Life", was recorded with producer John Greatwood (engineer for Tom Lord-Alge of QUEEN fame), with the band selecting a total of 12 songs out of a total of 25 that were written for the effort. Dennis Ward (PINK CREAM 69) stepped up to the plate to put the finishing touches on the album, having mastered it at his studio in Germany. The band also recently finished filming a video for the CD's title track, which will be launched as first single in the fall.

Commented Workman: "We are pleased and excited to be signed to Frontiers Records. We are very proud of this album and believe that it brings new vibe to the rock scene whilst maintaining the roots of all of the bands that have inspired us over the years!"

"Kiss Of Life" will be released before the end of the year.

EBC ROXX — the "musical racing project" featuring German singer Ela; American rock and blues singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music producer Tony Carey (RAINBOW, OVER THE RAINBOW); and Jürgen "J.R." Blackmore (guitar), son of former DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW guitar legend Ritchie Blackmore — will release its debut album, "Winners", on September 17. According to a press release, "the songs [on] 'Winners' not only talk about Formula 1 ('Silver Arrow' and 'Big Livin''), but generally about living in the fast lane on two or four wheels. 'Winners' is about the bright side, [and] 'Your Last Dance' [is about] the dark side of motor racing. The two 'drivin' songs' as well as the opener 'Rolling' depict the intoxication caused by speed. 'Fly' is dedicated to the legendary speed weeks of the Bonneville salt flats (USA). 'Red Dirt Devils' is about the thunderous motocross bikers."

Tony Carey produced a couple of Ela's songs for her latest solo record, "Make My Day", in 2008. He and J.R. Blackmore toured in early 2009 in with OVER THE RAINBOW, also featuring fellow ex-RAINBOW members Joe Lynn Turner on vocals and Bobby Rondinelli on drums.

The cover artwork for "Omega Wave", the much-anticipated new album from reactivated San Francisco Bay Area thrashers FORBIDDEN, can be viewed below.

FORBIDDEN guitarist/songwriter Craig Locicero had the following to say about his collaborative process with artist Kent Mathieu, the visual elements that can be found in the album's artwork, and his concern for the future of the human race:

"As soon as FORBIDDEN committed to writing a new record, I wondered where [early FORBIDDEN artist] Kent Mathieu was.

"I'd always felt like 'Forbidden Evil' and 'Twisted Into Form' were pretty iconic album covers… when things like that actually seemed to matter.

"Then the good people at Nuclear Blast actually located Kent! I got pretty excited and reached out to him immediately. He was equally excited to hear from us, too.

"The only real direction I gave Kent was to somehow tie the past into the future. Find a way to make the two skulls [from 'Forbidden Evil''s artwork] vital again.

"He had worked up about 12 sketches all kinds of variously cool stuff. Out of all of the pictures he sent me, I liked the way one of them was laid out because of its simplicity.

"After thinking about it for a long while, I had a concept for Kent to work with. The Omega Wave concept.

"The title wasn't decided until I had a good idea for the cover.

"I don't want to over-explain the actual picture because there is enough symbolism for everyone to interpret everything differently. That is always a plus in my book. What I can tell you is that the skull in the center is based upon the crystal skull of Belize. This skull was found at some of the pyramid ruins in two perfect pieces, jawbone and upper cranium. It was always quite a mystery, but some years later Hewlett Packard scientists did extensive tests on the skull and found many anomalies. One of them was that there is no way, even with our most modern technology, that we could cut into the crystal the way this skull was formed. It would shatter with any instrument we have available, even today. Another thing was the fact that no matter what temperature the skull was placed in, the skull's temperature would stay almost exactly the same. Scientists even believe the skull holds information that they could not tap into, like a giant computer chip with an impenetrable code.

"So I got to thinking: Does this skull — and the other ones found throughout the most ancient places on Earth — hold something that we would need to know to possibly save ourselves?

"This is not an entirely new concept, but it hit me pretty hard. What could we learn about ourselves that may save us at this all-important juncture for the human race?

"It seems as if we've reached our Omega stage as a civilization. Meaning, we as people seem to be in a hurry to reach some sort of ending… possibly all self-manifested by accepting some sort of pre-determined fate. Or possibly just pawns in a game that was played out before and will be repeated again and again in other times and dimensions. So Omega Wave is part science fact and part from my imagination.

"Kent Mathieu is an artistic genius who created something that respects this concept, as well as FORBIDDEN's past, present and future! All of this with one very strong hand-painted picture. That's right, no computer manipulation whatsoever. Something else we can all be proud of!

"We hope you approve."

"Omega Wave" will be released in Europe on October 22 and in North America on October 26 via Nuclear Blast Records. It was recorded at Sonic Room/Audio Voyage Studios in Livermore, California, produced by FORBIDDEN guitarist/songwriter Craig Locicero with Tim Narducci, and mixed by Sean Beavan (SLAYER, MARILYN MANSON, NINE INCH NAILS).

According to TokyoHive, Sebastian Bach (ex-SKID ROW), Eric Martin (MR. BIG), John Corabi (ex-MÖTLEY CRÜE), Mike Vescera (ex-LOUDNESS, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) and George Lynch (LYNCH MOB, ex-DOKKEN) are among the artists who are featured in a tribute album to one of the most popular Japanese rock groups, SIAM SHADE, who disbanded in 2002. The tribute album, called "Siam Shade Tribute", was produced by Marti Frederiksen (OZZY OSBOURNE, AEROSMITH, DEF LEPPARD) is due out on October 27. As a special bonus, Japanese rock band ACID BLACK CHERRY has added its cover of "1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou" to the CD.

"Siam Shade Tribute" track listing:

01. Don't Tell Lies - Sebastian Bach (ex-SKID ROW)
02. Get Out - Nik Frost (THE BANGKOK FIVE)
03. 1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou - Jani Lane(ex-WARRANT)
04. Setsunasa Yori mo Tokuhe(Alternate Version) - Richie Kotzen (ex-MR.BIG, ex-POISON)
05. Love - Eric Martin (MR.BIG)
06. Life (Alternate Version) - John Corabi (ex-MÖTLEY CRÜE)
07. Get A Life - Mike Vescera (ex-LOUDNESS, ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN)
08. Kumori Nochi Hare - Mark Slaughter (SLAUGHTER)
09. Dreams - Mike Ruocco (CINDER ROAD)
10. Triptych (Alternate Version) - George Lynch (ex-DOKKEN)

Martin Söderqvist, guitarist of Swedish metallers HOSTILE CELL, has checked in with the following update:

"Just wanted to write a few lines about the events that have taken place in the last couple of weeks. I almost joined another band, but in the last minute I pulled out of the whole situation. Not feeling motivated enough, I realized that I can't give what it takes to play in this band. It doesn't matter if they have good support from their label, my heart belongs to metal and heavy rock. And of course with my family. So officially: I am not joining HIDE THE KNIVES, but we are good friends and I helped them out with some of the songwriting for their next album. Check them out at Myspace.com/HideTheKnives if you're into alternative rock with strong melodies. These guys are gonna make it big if they find a new guitarist =)

Right now I am rehearsing with my number one priority DEBBIE RAY. We're playing the Stockholm Rock Out on September 11th. After that we will schedule a gig at Sticky Fingers in Gothenburg before starting to record a video for the song 'Addicted' off our debut album Artificial Misery. The album is available through iTunes in Europe and via Demon Doll Records in the US. After the video is done we will start the song writing process for our next album, my first album with Debbie Ray as their new permanent bassist. Check us out at DebbieRay.com.

The special edition of STAR ONE's Victims Of The Modern Age includes a second CD featuring guest singers who are not part of the Star One lineup. In his latest video update, Arjen introduces two of them. But there is a third singer Arjen DOESN'T mention by name - in this first contest your task is to guess the identity of this mystery singer.

Here's how to participate:

Watch the video below, where (after some yakkin' by Arjen) you can hear the mystery singer.

When you are ready to guess, go to Arjen's Message board and post your guess in the official Contest 1 thread here. Don't forget to post your contact info so we can reach you if you win.

You do not need a user account to participate. During the contest guest users can to post in the contest thread without creating an account.

The first person to guess the identity of the mystery singer correctly wins a free copy of Victims Of The Modern Age.

For those who can't watch the video, the two singers Arjen introduces are Rodney Blaze and Mike Andersson, who each sing one of the five extra tracks that appear on CD2 of the special edition version of the album.

HORTUS ANIMAE vocalist Martyr Lucifer has commenced work on his debut solo album, tentatitively titled "Farewell To Graveland". an

"Farewell To Graveland" recording lineup (more guests to be announced later):

* Martyr Lucifer - Vocals, Synth, Programming
* Arke (OPPOSITE SIDES) - Guitar
* Evgeniy "Vrolok" Antonenko (NOKTURNAL MORTUM) - Bass
* Bless (HORTUS ANIMAE) - Piano, Keyboards
* Adrian Erlandsson (PARADISE LOST, CRADLE OF FILTH, AT THE GATES) - Drums
* Grom (HORTUS ANIMAE, ANCIENT, DOOMSWORD) - Drums