Guitarist Doug Aldrich (DIO, WHITESNAKE) has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"I'm going to miss him so much.

"We lost a giant [on Sunday]...

"Just broken today.

"I was blessed to share some music with him, but mostly, I am thankful his friendship.

"Ronnie was a good-hearted, caring man. He brought so much happiness through his music.

"Thank you, Ronnie, for the gifts you shared with us.

"Ronnie made magic and Ronnie was and will always be golden.

"Goodbye, Ronnie. Love you forever."

Guitarist Jeff Waters of Canadian thrash metal veterans ANNIHILATOR has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"[Ronnie] was a super-nice person, uniquely talented and has left us all with great music. In a way, it will strange to live and work in a world and business where Ronnie James Dio is no longer on tour, at the festivals, putting out his music.

"You will never be forgotten and will live on in the music of so many others.

"Stand up and shout."

Debbie Abono, a well-respected and much-loved manager and promotional machine behind some of San Francisco Bay Area's strongest metal bands (POSSESSED, FORBIDDEN, EXODUS, VIO-LENCE, SKINLAB), passed away yesterday (Sunday, May 16) at approximately 9:59 a.m. PST after a battle with cancer. She was 80 years old.

Commented EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt: "I have to say what a heartbreaking moment it is for me to have learned that Debbie is no longer with us. She was extremely instrumental to EXODUS, both in our early years and again during our reunion with [late EXODUS vocalist] Paul [Baloff] in '97. We could not have done a lot of the things we did without her help and generosity. The tour with VENOM and SLAYER would not have been possible, as well as our first U.S. tour without her help. She is, and always will be, a true Bay Area metal legend, and no one has done more for that young upstart thrash scene than she. She will be greatly missed — by EXODUS, as well as so many, many other bands she had worked tirelessly for. Words don't really do justice to what she has meant to us.

"All the love and support to her family at their time of need from us and the entire Bay Area metal scene. We all love you, Debbie."

Stated FORBIDDEN guitarist Craig Locicero: "[Sunday was] a very, very sad day for all of FORBIDDEN past and present. We lost our first manager, mentor and mother to us all in Debbie Abono.

"I have many stories to share once I gather myself off of the floor. Most of them are pretty funny, too.

"We had great times together and she showed FORBIDDEN the ropes.

"I was lucky enough to get a message to her in her last days. She knew how much she meant to FORBIDDEN and to me. I did get many chances to visit her over the last few years, too. I am very grateful for that.

"We are forever indebted to Debbie for all she did and most importantly the love and wisdom she instilled in us.

"FORBIDDEN is dedicating our new record to Debbie in her honor. So from all of us, this one is for you!

"Rest in Peace, Debbie. You beautiful soul!"

Maria Ferrero (pictured below with Debbie) of Adrenaline P.R. told BLABBERMOUTH.NET: "[Debbie] lived an incredible, brave, courageous, beautiful, giving life right to the end. She touched more people than we can count and more people that even know her. We also gave her an immeasurable amount of pleasure and happiness.

"I feel none of us would be here if it weren't for Deb — from METALLICA to GREEN DAY to POSSESSED to VIO-LENCE, OBITUARY, FORBIDDEN, MACHINE HEAD, etc. She believed in us when no one else did and when Debbie Abono told me, 'Maria, you're amazing' after about the 50th time, I started to believe, 'Maybe I am amazing, I better now BE amazing!'

"I know I'm not alone."

According to David Konow, author of the "Bang Your Head: The Rise And Fall Of Heavy Metal", Debbie Abono was in her mid-fifties when she began to manage a band named POSSESSED. Abono started taking her daughters to MOTÖRHEAD shows, where the members of POSSESSED first asked her to manage the band. "There's nothing to it," they told her. "All you gotta do is get us shows." Abono agreed and even allowed them to practice at her house.

POSSESSED's association with Debbie Abono would be a "first" for both sides: Abono would be the band's first manager, and POSSESSED were Abono's first managed band. Abono had no previous connection to heavy metal music other than as a concert designated driver for her daughters, one of whom was a girlfriend of guitarist Larry LaLonde. Due to generation gap, Abono also had limited awareness of the sometimes blasphemous themes of heavy metal, and was allegedly offended upon reading the lyric sheet of "Seven Churches". Nevertheless, she agreed to manage and represent POSSESSED as long as bassist/vocalist Jeff Becerra and LaLonde finished high school commitments. Although the group's relationship amongst themselves and their first manager would reach points of discord and eventual termination, Abono would go on to manage additional bands in the Bay Area metal scene like EXODUS, VIO-LENCE and FORBIDDEN EVIL (pre-FORBIDDEN), as well as death metal bands like Chicago's BROKEN HOPE and Florida's CYNIC and OBITUARY.

Ozzy Osbourne has expressed his sadness over the death of Ronnie James Dio, the man that replaced him in BLACK SABBATH in 1980.

On Monday (May 17), Osbourne released the following statement:

"I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. Metal has truly lost one of its greatest voices. My heart goes out to his family and to his many fans."

He added: "Love and respect."

Dio died of stomach cancer on the morning of Sunday, May 16, at the age of 67.

The singer, who was recording and touring with SABBATH offshoot HEAVEN & HELL prior to his illness, was diagnosed with stomach cancer late last year. He underwent chemotherapy and made what is now his final public appearance last month at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles.

HEAVEN & HELL recently canceled summer tour plans because Dio was not going to be well enough to tour.

The band released a new studio album in 2009, titled "The Devil You Know".

He replaced Ozzy Osbourne in BLACK SABBATH in 1980, recording the "Heaven & Hell" and "Mob Rules" albums, plus "Live Evil", before leaving in 1982. He rejoined the group 10 years later for an album called "Dehumanizer", and again teamed with the group under the HEAVEN & HELL banner in 2006.

Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister of MOTÖRHEAD has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"I'm truly upset, especially since he seemed to be rallying at the [Revolver] Golden Gods show [on April 8, 2010 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California].

"Bon Voyage, Ronnie. Rest in peace.

"I'm devastated"

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich has penned the following open letter to legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"Dear Ronnie,

"I just got off stage in Zagreb. I was met with the news that you've passed on. I'm kind of in shock, but I wanted you to know that you were one of the main reasons I made it onto that stage to begin with.

"When I first saw you in ELF, opening for DEEP PURPLE in 1975, I was completely blown away by the power in your voice, your presence on stage, your confidence, and the ease with which you seemed to connect to 6,000 Danish people and one starry-eyed 11-year-old, most of whom were not familiar with ELF's music. The following year, I was so psyched when I heard the results of you joining forces with my favorite guitar player. You guys sounded so right for each other and I instantly became RAINBOW's #1 fan in Denmark.

"In the fall of 1976, when you played your first show in Copenhagen, I was literally in the front row and the couple of times we made eye contact you made me feel like the most important person in the world. The news that you guys were staying in town on your day off somehow embedded itself in my brain and I made the pilgrimage to the Plaza Hotel to see if I could somehow grab a picture, an autograph, a moment, anything. A few hours later you came out and were so kind and caring... pictures, autographs and a couple minutes of casual banter. I was on top of the world, inspired and ready for anything. RAINBOW came to Copenhagen a couple more times over the next few years and each time you guys blew my mind, and for a good three years were my absolute favorite band on this planet.

"Over the years I've been fortunate enough to run into you a half dozen times or so and each time you were as kind, caring and gracious as you were in 1976 outside the hotel.

"When we finally got a chance to play together in Austria in 2007, even though I may not have let on, I was literally transformed back to that little snot-nosed kid who you met and inspired 31 years earlier and it was such a fucking honor and a dream come true to share a stage with you and the rest of the legends in HEAVEN & HELL.

"A couple of weeks ago when I heard that you were not going to be able to make it to the Sonisphere shows that we would be sharing this June, I wanted to call you and let you know that I was thinking of you and wish you well, but I kind of pussied out, thinking the last thing you needed in your recovery was feeling obligated to take a phone call from a Danish drummer/fan boy. I wish I'd made that call.

"We will miss you immensely on the dates, and we will be thinking of you with great admiration and affection during that run. It seemed so right to have you out on tour with the so-called 'Big Four' since you obviously were one of the main reasons that the four bands even exist.

"Your ears will definitely be burning during those two weeks because all of us will be talking, reminiscing and sharing stories about how knowing you has made our lives that much better.

"Ronnie, your voice impacted and empowered me, your music inspired and influenced me, and your kindness touched and moved me. Thank you.

"Much love."

German thrashers DEW-SCENTED will release their new album, "Invocation", on May 24 in Europe via Metal Blade Records and May 25 in North America through Prosthetic Records.

The entire CD is available for streaming at this location for a full week up until the U.K. release date of May 24.

The album artwork was created by Björn Goosses of Killustrations and can be viewed below.

Commented vocalist Leif Jensen: "We were lucky to work with Björn again and he did an amazing job on this one, nailing down an apocalyptic artwork that fits perfectly to our style as well as the concept/vibe of 'Invocation'. Total thrash!

"We have been working with Killustrations non-stop for all our albums and merchandising matters since 2003's release, 'Impact', and are once more very proud of the final results!"

"Invocation" was recorded and mixed at Soundlodge Studio in Northern Germany with producer Jörg Uken (GOD DETHRONED, SINISTER).

"Invocation" track listing:

01. Downfall (Instrumental)
02. Arise From Decay
03. The Invocation
04. Have No Mercy On Us
05. Artificial Life
06. Condemnation
07. Totem (Instrumental)
08. Torn To Shreds
09. Revel In Contempt
10. A Critical Mass
11. Global Hysteria
12. Slaves Of Consent

"Invocation" will contain two bonus tracks for the limited first pressing digipak version via Metal Blade Records in Europe.

DEW-SCENTED will play a very special "Invocation" album-release show on June 4 at the Tower club in Bremen, Germany. Also scheduled to appear are GOD DETHRONED from The Netherlands and local Northern German death metal friends DESPONDENCY.

Formed in 1992, DEW-SCENTED has released seven previous full-lengths on labels such as Nuclear Blast, Grind Syndicate and Steamhammer/SPV. The band has toured with a who's who of extreme music, including CANNIBAL CORPSE, NAPALM DEATH, BEHEMOTH, KREATOR, SODOM and OVERKILL.

DEW-SCENTED is:

Leif Jensen - Vocals
Michael Borchers - Lead Guitars
Alexander Pahl - Bass
Martin Walczak - Rhythm Guitars
Marc-Andree Dieken – Drums

American brutal death metal masters PATHOLOGY will release their new album, "Legacy Of The Ancients", on July 6 via Victory Records. The CD was engineered by Jeff Forest (AS I LAY DYING, BLEEDING THROUGH) at Doubletime Studios in the band's home base of San Diego, California and was mixed and mastered by Erik Rutan (CANNIBAL CORPSE, MALEVOLENT CREATION) at Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida. "We feel the recording came out extremely heavy and exactly how we wanted," stated drummer Dave Astor. "The drums are explosive, the guitars are thick and very tight, and the vocals are brutally crushing."

A song from the CD, entitled "Code Injection", is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

The organizers of the annual Download festival — which returns for an eighth year to Donington Park, United Kingdom from Friday, June 11 to Sunday, June 13 — have issued the following update:

"The rock world was in a state of shock [yesterday, May 16] when it was announced that Ronnie James Dio, one of the finest vocalists ever to walk the earth sadly passed away.

"The legendary singer, who fronted bands including BLACK SABBATH and DIO, had been battling with stomach cancer since the end of 2009.

"As our tribute to the great man, we've revealed that the second stage at this year's Download will official be called the Ronnie James Dio Stage."

Writing on his Twitter profile, festival organizer Andy Copping said, "The second stage at Download this year is to be renamed the Ronnie James Dio stage as a tribute to the great man with the incredible voice."

Vocalist/guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt of Swedish progressive metallers OPETH has posted the following message on the band's web site regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"I saw the news last night and I hated them.

"Ronnie James Dio is gone…. I love him almost like a family member, and I feel empty and lonely knowing he's not around anymore. He sits on my wall as he has since my family moved in here. Can't bring myself to hear him sing right now, even though I think it might be comforting if I did.

"I was fortunate enough to meet him and share a few drinks with him once, and it's a memory I will treasure to the end of my days. He blew my mind, quite honestly.

"Thank you, Ronnie James Dio, for everything!

"Our collective condolences goes out to his families and friends and the musicians that were fortunate enough to work with him.

"I was thinking about this for quite some time, and I think we can say for sure that even if he was taken from us too soon (100 years from now would've been to soon), I'm sure he felt happy with his life and what he had achieved. But it hurts, though, it really fucking hurts…. I can't stop thinking about it.

"There is a massive hole in my heart.

"Love you, Ronnie. Rest in peace.

"Your fan, Mikael Åkerfeldt"

Powerhouse vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, ex-JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"A sad day, just a very sad day!!!

"We have lost a great human being and the best singer of rock in the world.

"Ronnie was my hero and my friend, I will miss him and his kind words. He taught me so much on stage and off stage.

"I also would like so say that my heart is heavy for Wendy Dio [Ronnie's wife/manager], and we should all keep her in our thoughts and prayers.

"I do not think of Wendy without Ronnie and I don't think of Ronnie without Wendy.

"We all love you, Wendy... and we all will miss you, Ronnie, and we love you for everything you have given us!"

British heavy metal veterans IRON MAIDEN have released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"It is with huge sadness we hear that Ronnie has lost his battle against stomach cancer, and our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Wendy and family at this terrible time.

"From his earlier years in ELF, BLACK SABBATH and DIO, right through to his most recent days fronting HEAVEN & HELL, Ronnie, time and again, proved his genius as a frontman, always giving his all to his fans and his music.

"Ronnie was not only an incredibly gifted singer but also a wonderfully warm, intelligent and generous person and this shone through both on and off stage leaving a positive mark on everyone he came into contact with. A longstanding friend of MAIDEN, we played many shows together over the years and we will all miss him greatly.

"The world has lost an irreplaceable talent and, first and foremost, one of the finest human beings you could ever wish to meet."

German power metallers BLIND GUARDIAN will release their new album, "At The Edge Of Time", late summer via Nuclear Blast Records. A single, "A Voice In The Dark", will precede the full-length CD on June 25.

"At The Edge Of Time" track listing:

01. Sacred Worlds (9:17)
02. Tanelorn (5:58)
03. Road Of No Release (6:30)
04. Ride Into Obsession (4:46)
05. Curse My Name (5:52)
06. Valkyries (6:38)
07. Control The Divine (5:26)
08. War Of The Thrones (4:55)
09. A Voice In The Dark (5:41)
10. Wheel Of Time (8:55)

Danish heavy metal vocalist King Diamond (KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE) has issued the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"It's with a heavy heart that I pay my respects to Ronnie James Dio.

"What an amazing singer and entertainer.

"Throughout my career, he has always been in my top 10 list of vocalists. The mystery and emotion in his vocal style always lured me in for more.

"Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure to meet him in person, but, fortunately, I did have the extreme pleasure of experiencing his uncanny frontmanship in concert so many times I can't even count it. I saw him with ELF, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, and almost had one of my wishes fulfilled when HEAVEN & HELL asked KING DIAMOND to go on tour with them in the USA last year. Unfortunately, my back problems prevented that dream from coming true.

"I always had the highest respect for him and he will forever have his music playing in my home.

"My deepest sympathy goes out to Ronnie's family.

"I wish you a safe journey to the other side."

Swedish/German extreme metallers ARCH ENEMY have released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"Today is an immensely sad day for the heavy metal / hard rock community as we mourn the loss of one of the most amazing talents in the genre. Ever.

"A master of his craft and a true gentleman. Funny, smart and witty. He will be much missed by the ARCH ENEMY camp.

"Dio's voice will echo in eternity!"

Vocalist John Tardy of Florida death metallers OBITUARY has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"OBITUARY would just like to say what a huge influence Dio was to this band and to the face of metal! He was one of the good guys in music and will be greatly missed!

"We had the opportunity, only once, to actually talk with Dio. He came up to us and I was amazed that he even knew who OBITUARY were! In that one, short conversation, it was clear what a kind person he was.

"We no longer have Dio here with us, but we will have his music forever in our souls!"

"Revolution, Baby", the new video from Swedish/British modern metallers SONIC SYNDICATE, can be viewed below. The song comes off SONIC SYNDICATE's new album, "We Rule The Night", which will be released in Europe on August 27 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Bohus Sound studios in Kungälv, Sweden and was mixed at Paramount Studios in North Hollywood, California by producer Toby Wright, who has previously worked with KORN, SLAYER, MÖTLEY CRÜE, KISS, FEAR FACTORY, IN FLAMES, STONE SOUR and OZZY OSBOURNE, among others.

Commented the band: "'We Rule the Night' is a result of everything that SONIC SYNDICATE has been and has become.

"When [British singer] Nathan [James Biggs; formerly of THE HOLLOW EARTH THEORY] joined the band in 2009, a fire ignited and everything just felt truly natural for the first time in many ways.

"We're having more fun than ever, the music started flowing like water, and 'We Rule the Night' is the most exciting album we've recorded to date!"

OVER THE RAINBOW members Greg Smith (formerly of RAINBOW; 1994-1997), Joe Lynn Turner (formerly of RAINBOW; 1980-1984), and Bobby Rondinelli (formerly of RAINBOW; 1980-1983) have issued separate statements regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

Greg Smith: "I have lost someone who I looked up to as a teenager and that person became my good friend. I shared many laughs, stories, drinks and good times with him on and off the road.

"Ronnie, I will miss you terribly and always think fondly of the times we spent together and of your tremendous talent.

"Till we meet again, my friend!"

Joe Lynn Turner: "Today we not only lost a legend but we lost a friend.

"Ronnie was a true gentleman of rock... always kind and giving. I was proud to know him... everyone he touched was raised higher. His energy and legacy will live on... and I — as a fellow member of RAINBOW — will continue to sing his praises and his songs.

"May God hold him in his hands... RIP."

Bobby Rondinelli: "I was very sad to hear of Ronnie's passing. He was one of the best singers and writers ever, and every time I saw him he was a total gentleman. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten."

Vocalist Graham Bonnet (RAINBOW, MSG, IMPELLITTERI, ALCATRAZZ) has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"It was a horrible day yesterday.

"I want to thank him for being a good friend, and drawing the map for me, when I was in doubt of the role I would play in RAINBOW.

"My musical background was so different from his but I listened and learned the way to be a replacement, as such and followed the master of hard rock singing, and the name he used to call me — 'Gray'... the only American that abbreviated my name that way. It was funny to hear...

"Thanks, Ron!! And Wendy, I know, will keep him in her heart forever.

"My love goes out to him and his family...

"Only one Ronnie!"

Swedish death metallers AEON will release their third album, "Path Of Fire", on May 25 (one day earlier internationally) via Metal Blade Records. The CD was recorded in September 2009 at Empire Studio in Östersund, Sweden and was mixed the following month at Mana Recording Studios in St, Petersburg, Florida by Erik Rutan (HATE ETERNAL, MORBID ANGEL, CANNIBAL CORPSE). The mastering was handled by Alan Douches at West West Side Music (CONVERGE, HATEBREED, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN) in New Windsor, New York. All artwork and layout was made by Daniel Dlimi.

"Path Of Fire" track listing:

01. Forgiveness Denied
02. Kill Them All
03. Inheritance
04. Abomination To God
05. Total Kristus Inversus
06. Of Fire
07. I Will Burn
08. Suffer The Soul
09. The Sacrament
10. Liar In The Name Of God
11. God Of War

The song "Suffer The Soul" is now available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

"Terra Firma", a brand new track from Madison, Alabama's MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE, is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The song comes off the band's new album, "Lost Boy", which is scheduled for release on June 8 via Solid State Records. The follow-up to 2008's critically acclaimed "Unbreakable" was recorded at Glow In The Dark Studio in Atlanta, Georgia by producer Matt Goldman (UNDEROATH, COPELAND, THE CHARIOT).

"Lost Boy" track listing:

01. Terra Firma
02. Hooligans
03. King of the Hopeless
04. Crimson Grim
05. Lost Boys
06. Dark Passenger
07. Gatekeeper
08. Digital Rebirth
09. Redeemer
10. Nuclear
11. Lungs Full of Water