PORCUPINE TREE's Steven Wilson revealed to Chordstruck Magazine that he has begun work on material for his much-anticipated collaboration with Mikael Åkerfeldt from OPETH and Mike Portnoy from DREAM THEATER. "I started writing with Mikael last month, finally," he said. "It's still in the very early days.

"We wrote about 15 minutes of music last month in my studio near London and we're very excited about it.

"I think people are going to be very surprised by the direction.

"If they're expecting some kind of death-metal-progressive rock, they're going to be surprised [because] it's not like that."

He continued, "If you put the two of us together, the last thing we're going to do is something similar to what people already know from our most high-profile project.

"It's very arty, very ambitious; it's going to be epic.

"We're still writing.

"[It's going to be] very dark, very twisted, very experimental.

"It's still rock music, but we're trying to do something really, really special and really different with this."

Swedish death/black metallers APOSTASY have announced the addition of drummer Thomas Olsson (THE PROJECT HATE, KAMTJATKA) to the group's ranks. The band states " Thomas really likes our work and we're really thrilled that he joined to bring APOSTASY to yet another level.

"Thomas use to play in THE PROJECT HATE, KAMTJATKA and has co-written albums/songs with PRIMAL FEAR, SINNER, SAINT DEAMON, Michael Kiske/PLACE VENDOME and Fergie Fredriksen (ex-TOTO) for a solo album release 2010. He has been on tour in Europe and play everything from symphonic art to death metal."

In other news, APOSTASY has been confirmed for this year's edition of the Rockweekend festival, set to take place July 8-10 in Kilafors (two hours north of Stockholm), Sweden.
Several new songs from APOSTASY are available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The tracks will appear on the group's forthcoming third full-length album, "Nuclear Messiah", which will be released later in the year.

"Nuclear Messiah" was recorded in part at Ballerina studios in Umeå, Sweden.

Vocalist Fredric Edin previously stated about the upcoming CD, "It's been a rocky road for us when we lost [guitarist] Henrik [Johansson], but now we are stronger than ever and can guarantee you folks that this will surely be the most brutal and most technical we have ever made, so what I want to say is: We don't slow down like everybody else does, we just accelerate and make it more brutal. It is worth waiting for!"

APOSTASY made national headlines in Sweden in 2006 when the group's guitarist Henrik Johansson was stabbed to death by his girlfriend. At 3:55 a.m. on March 9, 2006, the 19-year-old girlfriend dialed 112 (the Swedish equivalent of 911 in the U.S. or 999 in the U.K.) and said that her boyfriend was lying bleeding on the floor in the couple's apartment in Kramfors, Sweden. When the paramedics and police arrived, Henrik Johansson was already dead.

Tasmania's technical death metallers PSYCROPTIC are hard at work on material for the follow-up to their Nuclear Blast Records debut, "Ob(Servant)". The band continue the songwriting process right up until it embarks on a U.S. tour in October with Egyptian-themed deathers NILE, the ancient Roman-themed arsenal EX DEO, Norwegian extreme metallers KEEP OF KALESSIN, and brutal death grinders PATHOLOGY.

Commented PSYCROPTIC guitarist Joe Haley: "We're halfway through the writing process for the new PSYCROPTIC album, and everything is going great. The songs are coming together really naturally — nothing sounds forced, and we're really excited to start recording this one. The material is the strongest and most memorable we have written. I know every band says this, but if it wasn't true, there wouldn't be a point in us recording it!

"The demoing process will begin in the next few weeks.

"We hope to have everything finished up before we head out on the last touring for 'Ob(Servant)'.

"Which brings us to the other news we have — we'll be supporting NILE through the U.S. later this year. We're really happy to be have been extended the invitation to tour with NILE once again — they are an amazing band, and are a pleasure to tour with."

Former GUNS N' ROSES and current VELVET REVOLVER drummer Matt Sorum has joined forces with guitarist Tracii Guns (L.A. GUNS), bassist Phil Soussan (OZZY OSBORNE, BILLY IDOL, VINCE NEIL) and vocalist Franky Perez (SCARS ON BROADWAY, CAMP FREDDY) in a brand new "ultimate all-star party band" called CARNIVAL OF DOGS. The group made its live debut at the "Giving 2010" benefit event on May 3, 2010 at The Troubadour in Hollywood, California and had so much [fun that we] are going to do some gigs," says Sorum, who calls Perez "the most amazing rock singer." Matt adds, "I am loving playin', man, and these guys play the stuff I grew up with — [LED] ZEPPELIN, [JIMI] HENDRIX, CREAM, FREE, BAD COMPANY, [BLACK] SABBATH, etc. So look out for us."

CARNIVAL OF DOGS is described as a "'70s rock cover band" that "will have you swinging from the rafters and singing along to every song."

CARNIVAL OF DOGS is:

* Franky Perez (SCARS ON BROADWAY, CAMP FREDDY) – Vocals, Guitar
* Tracii Guns (L.A. GUNS) - Guitar
* Phil Soussan (OZZY OSBORNE, BILLY IDOL, VINCE NEIL) - Bass
* Matt Sorum (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER, THE CULT) - Drums

German hard rock veterans SCORPIONS have released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"The passing of Ronnie James Dio is a huge loss to the world of rock and roll.

"He will be missed by millions of fans around the world.

"He was an amazing artist, lovely human being, and a dear friend.

"We will miss you, Ronnie."

Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"I'm deeply saddened by the devastating news.

"Ronnie was a dear friend and without a doubt the most brilliant of all rock sirens. He lives forever in our hearts and will never be a equaled.

"Long live Ronnie James Dio."

Powerhouse Norwegian vocalist Jorn Lande (MASTERPLAN, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ARK, THE SNAKES) will honor the musical legacy of Ronnie James Dio with his new album, aptly entitled "Dio", to be released on July 2 in Europe and July 27 in the U.S. via Frontiers Records.

Handpicking some lesser known tunes of the Dio era, along with some of the true classics, Jorn offers a fine collection of songs that present the music of the man and the artist, with a unique twist.

Commented Lande: "Throughout the years I have had the privilege of both meeting and working with many of the musicians that have inspired me on my musical journey. Ronnie James Dio has inspired me through decades, and this man's influence continues to add colour to my creative spirit. Ever since the first time I heard his royal roar back in the '70s, I have been fascinated by this extremely talented man's creative force and dedication to music. His career has been going on for so long and includes so many great songs that it was a challenge to decide which songs and what era to focus on. I ended up focusing on the Dio era."

"Dio" will also include an original song for which a video, shot by Thomas Tjader (PRETTY MAIDS, IN FLAMES), was produced. Jorn says, "I wrote 'Song for Ronnie James' as a tribute and a personal thanks to the man who has been my mentor for more than 35 years. This great man has affected my life and career in such a way that without his presence, I would not have become the artist I am today."

The "Song for Ronnie James" video can be viewed below.

"Dio" was mixed by Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios and it features the following tracks:

01. Song For Ronnie James
02. Invisible
03. Shame on the Night
04. Push
05. Stand Up And Shout
06. Don't Talk to Strangers
07. Lord Of The Last Day
08. Night People
09. Sacred Heart
10. Sunset Superman
11. Lonely Is The Word / Letters From Earth (2010 version)
12. Kill The King
13. Straight Through The Heart (live)
14. Song For Ronnie James (video)

Former IRON MAIDEN/WOLFSBANE singer Blaze Bayley, who currently fronts his own band, has issued the following update:

"As you all probably know, Anna [Di Laurenzio; manager] and Larry [Paterson; drums] have decided to leave the [BLAZE BAYLEY] band. This is for reasons we will not go into to respect their privacy. We wish them well in the future.

"First of all, our apologies for not coming out with this news first, but we are on road and didn't have the opportunity to do so.

"This will only be a short statement as we are facing a 12-hour drive today to Moscow.

"We would like to reassure you that this will not change anything for the band. We are going on with finishing the gigs that are booked and new bookings are still coming through. All recording plans for the next album stay on as well as all other plans for the future.

"We have found a good, talented replacement drummer in Claudio [Tirincanti], so hope that the fans will support him as well.

"So far we have had incredible reactions on this tour and hope that you will keep on supporting us as you have done in the past."

BRUTAL GODZ, the new Germany-based project featuring former/current members of BLIND GUARDIAN, RHAPSODY OF FIRE and REBELLION, has parted ways with former METAL CHURCH singer Ronny Munroe and has replaced him with Ian Breeg, a young Russian musician from Moscow.

Commented bassist Oliver Holzwarth (who also plays with BLIND GUARDIAN and TARJA TURUNEN, among others): "Out of thin air things literally happened when Iceland's volcano ashes made it impossible for Ronny to fly in which raised severe schedule problems for the band. As we therefore would have had to postpone all vocal recordings to next year.

"We wish Ronny all the best for his future endeavours.

"Welcome aboard, Ian!

"We are absolutely thrilled to introduce such a high-calibre musician to the group's ranks. His high screams will scare you to death sounding like a mixture of young Halford (JUDAS PRIEST) and Midnight (CRIMSON GLORY). A diamond yet uncut."

Added Ian Breeg: "I could hardly believe it when guitar player Uwe Lulis invited me to start working on their songs, write lyrics and do all the vocal arrangements. I need more time to realize what just happened.

"Dude, I am so happy about this!"

Classic Swedish heavy metal veterans OVERDRIVE have finished recording the drums for 19 new songs at Studio Sound Palace with Johan Blomström (BLINDED COLONY, SPICE & THE RJ BAND, KAPTAIN SUN), who also mixed the band's previous album, "Let The Metal Do The Talking" (Lion Music). About 12 of the tracks will end up on the new OVERDRIVE CD and some on the vinyl edition.

Songtitles set to appear on the album include:

* Cold Blood Chaser
* Call The Priest
* Wavebreaker
* Signs All Over
* Mother Earth
* Hold On
* Angelmaker
* Brand New Sinner
* It's Not As Easy As It Seems

German pagan/folk veterans EQUILIBRIUM just posted another brand new track called 'Verbrannte Erde' off their upcoming album Rekreatur to the bands official MySpace page.

Commented mainman, guitarist and songwriter René Berthiaume: “We decided to release 'Verbrannte Erde' to show you guys how diverse Rekreatur turned out to be! Each song on the album has its own story and sounds totally different. 'Verbrannte Erde' is about the deployment of an army before the first wave of attack, about the unbroken will to win and determination to be victorious despite several previous setbacks. It’s one of my current favourite Equilibrium songs!”

Israeli progressive folk metal masters ORPHANED LAND are currently touring all over Europe in support of their fourth album, "The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR". Last week they stopped by the European Century Media headquarters in Germany and played a very unconventional and natural unplugged session at the company's warehouse. Sticks and drums were replaced by spoons, garbage cans and cereal boxes, and with no amplification you can witness ORPHANED LAND as pure and improvised as possible in front of shelves filled with thousands of CD boxes, resulting in a very special atmosphere.

"The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR" sold around 600 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at No. 80 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR" was released in Europe on January 25. Mixed by Steven Wilson (PORCUPINE TREE, OPETH), who is also responsible for several keyboard parts on the new CD, the effort — which was made available in the U.S. on February 9 via Century Media Records — is a sophisticated concept album which takes ORPHANED LAND's unique brand of exotic, heavy music to soaring new heights in terms of complexity and catchiness.

Germany's NIGHT IN GALES has entered Studio 141 with producer Roger Grüninger to begin recording its fifth full-length album for a tentative late 2010 release. According to guitarist Jens Basten, "Adriano [Ricci] finished already the complete drum takes during three days between May 7 and May 9. The forthcoming recording steps (guitars, bass and vocals) will be finished [before the end of] August at different studios."

NIGHT IN GALES' new CD will be mixed and mastered by Dan Swäno at Unisound Studios in Örebro, Sweden. According to Basten, the album "won't disappoint anyone who's still into the early NIGHT IN GALES shit and supports melodic death metal the old vein."

NIGHT IN GALES' most recent full-length album, "Necrodynamic", was released in 2001 via Massacre Records. Prior to signing with Massacre, the band released three albums through Nuclear Blast Records (1997's "Toward the Twilight", 1998's "Thunderbeast", and 2000's "Nailwork").

Earlier this week, Tim's TV conducted an interview with KORN guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer. During the chat, Munky spoke about the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW) on May 16 after a six-month battle with stomach cancer.

Commented Munky: "Jonathan [Davis, KORN singer] and I were so bummed. He came to me in the bus the other day, and he was almost in tears. And I'm like, 'Dude, what's wrong?' And he was like, 'I've gotta tell you something. Ronnie James Dio died.' And I was like, 'What? Are you fucking kidding me? Wow.'

"What a tragic loss for the metal world.

"I think that he was actually my second concert that I [ever] saw in Bakersfield.

"We wouldn't have this [flashing devil's horns] without him.

"But the music that he left the world with, he'll always be alive in those recordings.

"I actually did have a chance to meet him once — [he was] a really humble, sweet guy."

U.K. modern thrashers SYLOSIS have parted ways with vocalist Jamie Graham. The band states, "We've felt we've been growing apart and pulling in different directions for a while now. It was a tough conclusion to come to but we felt it was best. Being so close to releasing our second album and moving in a slightly new direction, we felt it would be best to make a fresh start before we go full steam ahead into touring. The band is both thankful and proud of the success shared during Jamie's time in the band and it won't be forgotten. We wish him the best of luck with his all future endeavors and his label Siege Of Amida."

SYLOSIS's "After Lifeless Years" video can be viewed below. The song comes off the band's 2008 debut, "Conclusion Of An Age", which was released via Nuclear Blast Records.

SYLOSIS entered the studio on November 13, 2009 to begin recording its second album for an early 2010 release via Nuclear Blast . The CD is being produced by Scott Atkins, who previously worked with the band on their debut.

The iTunes version of "Conclusion Of An Age" included the exclusive bonus track "The Fate Of Vultures".

An e-card for the for "Conclusion Of An Age" is available at this location.

SYLOSIS' musical style was described in a previous press release as "brutal, technical and deceptively melodic modern metal that favours invention over cliché and never shies away from nimble shifts in style, tempo or mood. The quintet manage to bring an epic, technical and melodic feel to the old-school thrash sound, combining incredible guitar solos and bloodlust vocals. The outcome, a sound that is both devastatingly feral and blisteringly precise."

German melodic death/thrash metallers BURDEN OF GRIEF will release their new album, "Follow The Flames", on July 2 in Europe via Massacre Records. The follow-up to 2007's "Death End Road" will contain 10 new songs. The limited-edition version of the CD will include a bonus disc featuring cover versions of eight metal classics. The album was mixed and mastered by Swedish producer/multi-instrumentalist Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, OPETH, DISSECTION, BLOODBATH). The cover artwork was created by Gustavo Sazes (ARCH ENEMY, SONIC SYNDICATE, GOD FORBID).

"Follow The Flames" track listing:

01. Ignition (intro)
02. Follow The Flames
03. Born In Fire
04. The Arms Of Death
05. Disruption Of A Confused Mind
06. Doomed To Fail
07. No Way Out
08. Mirror Of Truth
09. Burning Red Eyes
10. Fallen
11. Rise Like A Phoenix

Bonus CD:

01. Aces High (IRON MAIDEN)
02. The Four Horsemen (METALLICA)
03. Break On Through (THE DOORS) (feat. Dan Swanö)
04. Mouth For War (PANTERA)
05. Fool For Your Loving (WHITESNAKE)
06. Refuse/ Resist (SEPULTURA) (feat. Sabina Classen)
07. Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be (AC/DC)
08. Valhalla (BLIND GUARDIAN) (feat. Gerre)

In July 2009, BURDEN OF GRIEF's debut album, "Haunting Requiems", was re-released by the Polish label Metal Mind Productions. This remastered re-release comes in a limited, hand-numbered digipack with a new 16-page booklet and four previously unreleased bonus tracks from the band's 1996 demo tape, "My Blood".

BURDEN OF GRIEF released its fourth full-length album, "Death End Road", in March 2007 via Remedy Records. The follow-up to 2004's "Fields of Salvation" was recorded at Krachgarten Tonstudio in Kassel, Germany and was mixed at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark with producer Tommy Hansen (HELLOWEEN, PRETTY MAIDS, HATESPHERE).

DEEP PURPLE vocalist Ian Gillan has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"My dear friend Ronnie,

"Departed but not gone. Resting peacefully (for a while) but never forgotten.

"I've had a sackful of mail since your passing; a sharing of grief and sorrow.

"We all remember your huge voice, of course — my ears are still ringing: Your wicked humour and sense of decency: The utter professionalism and personality that inspired so much respect from your friends in music.

"The list goes on but the quality that stands out above all others is your enduring generosity. The one thing that we all treasure, the gift you gave us was your kindness.

"We all agree you were the kindest man we ever knew.

"Catch up later, mate."

Ronnie James Dio was one of the featured guests on Gillan's all-star retrospective disc, "Gillan's Inn", which came out in 2006. The CD saw Gillan revisiting a number of songs from throughout his career, which included his long tenure in DEEP PURPLE, his solo work, and a short-lived membership in BLACK SABBATH.

Vocalist Chuck Billy of San Francisco Bay Area thrashers TESTAMENT has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"Got word [Sunday] night coming off stage [in Holland] that Ronnie Dio passed and it's a great loss to the world.

"I love Ronnie a lot.

"From day one when I met Ronnie, he was so genuine; humble and the sweetest person in the world. Since day one until two weeks ago when I saw him. Genuine Ronnie first and foremost: 'How's the children? How's the family? How's the health?'

"That's one thing about Ronnie — it's never about the music, never about the business, just being a person, a human being. Just truly concerned with how the family was and our health.

"I am truly going to miss you, Ronnie. I love you.

"Rest in peace."

According to Amazon.com, a new RUSH single, "Caravan", will be made available for digital download on June 1. Also listed on the site is the b-side cut entitled "BU2B". The songs can be purchased together (with a digital PDF booklet included) or separately. It's not clear if/when a CD single version will be released for purchase, although a CD version will be included with the RUSH VIP pre-sale ticket packages being sold for the band's upcoming "Time Machine" tour, reports the RUSH fan site RushIsABand.com.

RUSH is currently working on its 20th studio album with producer Nick Raskulinecz (co-producer of RUSH's 2007 CD, "Snakes & Arrows") in Nashville.

RUSH has announced the details of the "Time Machine Tour", which will kick off on June 29 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and finish on October 2 in West Palm Beach, Florida, hitting a total of 37 cities. The centerpiece of the trek will be the band's first-ever performance of its classic 1981 album "Moving Pictures" in its entirety. The group will also play other beloved tracks from its catalog as well as new songs that the band has been working on.

This will be RUSH's first road trip since touring extensively behind its 2007 studio album, "Snakes & Arrows".

"Moving Pictures", RUSH's eighth studio album, is their most successful release, with four million copies sold in the U.S. It features the hits "Tom Sawyer" and "Limelight", as well as live favorites like "YYZ" and "Red Barchetta".

Danish black metallers HORNED ALMIGHTY have finished recording their fourth album, "Necro Spirituals", for a late 2010 release via Candlelight Records. The effort will once again be mixed and mastered by Jacob Bredahl (LAST MILE, ex-HATESPHERE), who previously worked with the band on last year's "Contaminating The Divine" CD.

Songtitles set to appear on the new album include:

* Fountain Of A Thousand Plagues
* Necro Spirituals
* Blasphemous Burden
* Blessing The World With Pestilence
* Sworn Divine Vengeance

"Contaminating The Divine" was released last year via Obscure Abhorrence Productions and Art of Propaganda. The CD was recorded with Bredahl at Smart'n'Hard Studios.

Check out audio samples on the band's MySpace page.

QUEEN guitarist Brian May has posted the following message on his web site regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"It's a shock to hear that Ronnie has gone. Even though we had all known he was battling with cancer for some time, he was such a wiry fighter, and of such an amazingly optimistic nature, I think I assumed he would go on forever.

"Well, he fought to the very end... was gearing up to go back out on tour.

"I know this will be a very hard blow for my friend Tony Iommi.

"When I last saw Ronnie in Los Angeles, he was as full of life and positivity as anybody I've ever known .. and sang up a storm with HEAVEN & HELL in the Universal Amphitheatre.

"In my opinion, Ronnie was one of the creators of the genre of heavy metal. I'm not an expert on his work — there are many people much more knowledgeable than me... but our paths crossed many times over the years, and I had clear glimpses of his unique spirit and personality. He was in many ways the antithesis of the current mould of TV-bred singers. He had no apparent desire for fame, in the sense that so many 'X-Factor' contestants seem to. He was not a TV face, a 'celebrity.' He just loved doing what he did. So, to his millions of fans, there was an unquestionable feeling of reality to his persona, his songwriting, and his performances. His lyric-writing was very distinctive, and set a style in heavy metal which has influenced many bands over the years. To me, it was as if his mind operated in layers — on the surface, a hard-working honest singer, with a great humanity and strong sense of humour — and underneath, in the world of his songs, his subconscious seemed to be populated by hobgoblins of all kinds, and palpable evil forever on the march. His lyrics, dark and mysterious, in tune with the metal ethos, always represented the sword of goodness in triumph over evil.

"I don't know if he invented the devil-horn salute, but he was certainly the man who, more than ever, made it a universal symbol, a worldwide salute of metal.

"He was universally loved in the community of rock music, and will be sorely missed."