JUDAS PRIEST's forthcoming "A Touch of Evil: Live" live album is available for streaming in its entirety at MetalSucks.

JUDAS PRIEST has chosen 10 songs not previously released in live album form for "A Touch of Evil: Live", which is due out July 14, in the midst of the band's U.S. summer tour.

"A Touch of Evil" includes live renderings of longtime fan favorites such as "Painkiller", "Dissident Aggressor", "Riding on the Wind", "Between the Hammer & the Anvil" and "Eat Me Alive", as well as "Hellrider" from "Angel of Retribution", the group's 2004 reunion album with frontman Rob Halford, and two tracks — "Death" and "Prophecy" — from last year's rock opera "Nostradamus".

"I love those songs," Halford told Billboard.com. "All of those songs just crush. Because they've never been recorded live in this way, it's just something fresh to put out. And when you listen to it and think this band has been around for three decades, with a combined age of 250-something years...I mean, how cool is that? It's a very fierce record and just captures the band's attitude and feeling in a very strong, determined way."

Recorded by Martin Walker and Brian Thorene during JUDAS PRIEST's mammoth 2005 and 2008 world tours, "A Touch Of Evil: Live" marks the first PRIEST album that producer Tom Allom has worked on since 1988 (co-producing along with the band). It was such Allom-produced albums as the aforementioned "Unleashed In The East", as well as "British Steel" and "Screaming For Vengeance" (among others) that made PRIEST not only one of the premier metal acts, but one of the leading global rock acts.

"A Touch Of Evil: Live" track listing:

01. Judas Rising
02. Hellrider
03. Between The Hammer & The Anvil
04. Riding On The Wind
05. Death
06. Beyond The Realms Of Death
07. Dissident Aggressor
08. A Touch Of Evil
09. Eat Me Alive
10. Prophecy
11. Painkiller

Finnish goth metallers THE 69 EYES will release their new album, "Back In Blood", in Europe (excluding Finland) on August 28 via Nuclear Blast Records (September 15 in the U.S. through The End Records). The CD, which was tracked with the Grammy-winning producer Matt Hyde (SLAYER, MONSTER MAGNET, FU MANCHU), features a guest appearance by MONSTER MAGNET's Ed Mundell. The recording process took place both in Helsinki and Los Angeles.

A promotional video for the album can be viewed here.

The first single from the album, "Dead Girls Are Easy", is described in a press release as "a nasty power anthem for sleazy pin-ups complete with a sing-a-long chorus aimed at those online chicks with the looks that kill!" The video for the song was directed by MTV superstar and close friend Bam Margera and the artwork was designed by Estevan Oriol, whose work has graced countless covers from such artists as CYPRESS HILL, THE TRANSPLANTS and SNOOP DOGG.

"Back In Blood" track listing:

01. Back In Blood
02. We Own The Night
03. Dead N' Gone
04. The Good, The Bad & The Undead
05. Kiss Me Undead
06. Lips Of Blood
07. Dead Girls Are Easy
08. Night Watch
09. Some Kind Of Magick
10. Hunger
11. Suspiria Snow White
12. Eternal

MEGADETH's brand new track entitled "Headcrusher" is available for free download at the Roadrunner Records web site (free e-mail sign-up required).

"Headcrusher" comes off MEGADETH's twelfth studio album, "Endgame", which is due on September 15 through Roadrunner Records. The CD was recorded at the band's brand new, self-built studio in San Marcos, California — Vic's Garage — which was named after the legendary and iconic Vic Rattlehead character.

"Endgame" track listing:

01. Dialectic Chaos
02. This Day We Fight!
03. 44 Minutes
04. 1,320'
05. Bite The Hand That Feeds
06. Bodies Left Behind
07. Endgame
08. The Hardest Part Of Letting Go... Sealed With A Kiss
09. Headcrusher
10. How the Story Ends
11. Nothing Left To Lose

"Endgame" was helmed by Mustaine and acclaimed British producer Andy Sneap (EXODUS, NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY, MACHINE HEAD). Sneap also manned the boards for 2007's "United Abominations".

According to a press release, "Endgame" "boasts the technicality, ferocity and snarl that's synonymous with MEGADETH and Mustaine. It's a violent masterwork that represents Mustaine's best work in nearly two decades. In a musical world dominated by bands that make generic, blanket statements, 'Endgame' finds Mustaine, once again, making informed and substantial lyrical declarations about the state of the world we live in."

Commented Mustaine: "Thematically, I've never been known to be a silent bystander in a world that needs our participation. As more is revealed about our former President's legacy, a little-known yet staggeringly frightening document which was signed into law, named 'Endgame', has been uncovered. The album 'Endgame' is the most energetic music offering I have penned in over a decade and is far more believable than knowing someone signed 'Endgame' — the document — into law. The album is also the perfect 'ass-kicking' music to listen to once you are done reading the aforementioned document!"

He added, "This new album is my proudest moment since the famous (or infamous) 'Rust in Peace' album. With this album, I am also very excited to be introducing my new lead guitarist, Chris Broderick, to the world. I have always felt lucky to have had top shredders in that position, but after touring with Chris in support of my last album, I couldn't wait to get into the studio and see what he could do."

KISS drummer Eric Singer has issued the following update via the band's official web site:

"You wanted the best?

"Well, the wait is almost over...

"I have been hearing KISS fans say for a longtime that 'All's we want is NEW KISS music'... Well, sometimes wishes do come true!

"Last December, Paul [Stanley, guitar/vocals] called me up saying he wanted to make a new KISS record. He seemed very keen and was very specific about the approach to our latest endeavors. He basically said he wanted us to make a KISS record and music in the purest sense. Meaning no outside writers, the BAND plays on everything, and we use vintage equipment.

"Guess what? The end result is everything I could have hoped for.

"I have to say this has been the most fun and pleasure making a record I have ever been involved in. The chemistry and overall vibe really made for such a great atmosphere and the playing, sounds and songs just really capture what KISS is all about. Classic rock & roll.

"As we were working up song ideas, everyone was very in tune and conscious of our goals at all times. Gene [Simmons, bass/vocals] and Paul would retrace their steps from the past and focused on paying tribute to their roots of the early styles of classic KISS by paying close attention to the way they sang and the sounds of the instruments.

"The camaraderie between everyone and especially Gene and Paul really made it easy for all to bring the best out of each other.

"Paul took the reigns and headed up the project like the leader that he has been for over 35 years but, this time with a renewed, inspired and very patient style (he is a great dad after all). He really knew what he wanted from each of us individually and collectively.

"We did the 11 new songs in small batches by getting into a rehearsal studio first to work up ideas. We then would move to the recording studio. The recordings would entail all of us playing 'live' together in the room. As we captured each performance, we would then add extra guitar parts and usually put a guide vocal on the track so we could live with it for a few days and make sure the tempos and vibe was right.

"By the way, we used NO click tracks on this record I am proud to say. We really went for capturing the live feel and essence of each song. And, Paul, Gene, Tommy [Thayer, guitar] and myself are the only musicians playing these songs. A true band effort and performance!

"As for the songs? Well, no ballads, no slow songs, no filler... The band really has come full circle. Just pure straight-ahead rock and roll that has all the elements that made you love KISS from day one. Everyone sings lead on a song (Tommy and myself) and even trade off vocal lines and parts throughout the record.

"Believe me, the wait IS over and well worth it!

"I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it...

After the brilliant EP 'Criminal Intents', the complete new studio album from the digital warriors is now finally released. And unlike the implication of the album title, DOPE STARS INC. aren¹t slaves of the technological world. They¹re loud, warlike, angry and political. They use the medium of cybertech but combine it with the fury of punk. They combine flimmering sequencers with aggressive guitars; distorted vocals with persistently infectious melodies. And they arise out of the sordid darknessof modern cities to live on the edge of the abyss. Shimmering outlaws of the virtual reality who fight the system by using its own methods.For a long time now, their music has not only been influenced by the elements of cyberpunk, new metal, electro, industrial and rock.

DOPE STARS INC. are above all the musically realised version of William Gibson¹s 'Neuromancer¹, Neal Stephenson¹s 'Snow Crash¹ and in terms of their sound,the further development of films such as 'Bladerunner¹. They show us the world how it is. Dirty, shimmering, full of neon glare and beautiful light. But between all the superficialities are concealed feeling, but above all furious, rebels who tear down the boundaries and defy all categorisation: and all the while still damn young, loud and sexy. The album also shouldn't be without a few sensitive love songs. And just as SIGUE SIGUE SPUTNIK once celebrated '21st Century Boy', DOPE STARS INC. really have become symbols of the new era.

This is the sound of the new millennium.The first edition of' '21st Century Slave'; is released as a lavish 6-panelled digipak with an extensive booklet full of sombre illustrations which perfectly sets the visual scene for the story and which can be described without over-exaggeration as a work of art. A collectors¹ piece which no fan of DOPE STARS INC. should be without!

The expectations were high for this new album of Rome . Flowers from Exile is a personal album in which a wide scale of melancholic and depressed emotions are packaged into excellent compositions from the hand of Jerome Reuter and Patrick Damiani. The tracklist is divided into four sections, each with a distinct theme. This is a conceptual approach that regarding the lyrics of Jerome Reuter makes one contemplative. Some songs even reflect loss and mourning. A highlight is the song ‘The Secret Sons of Europe’ which contains beautiful flamenco guitar playing and has a great emotional layer. ‘The Hollow Self’ is a darker ambient track which serves as introduction to the second part of the album. ‘A Legacy of Unrest’ is next and starts with sharp guitar and pounding drums. There is hope reflected in the sounds and a-cappella vocals in this track. ‘To Die Among Strangers’ was already known from the preceding EP and in all its melancholy it reminds of the work of Leonard Cohen and this also goes for the splendid title track ‘Flowers from Exile’. Next up are another two highly impressive songs with ‘Who Fell in Love with the Sea’ in which Jerome almost whispers and the acoustic guitars perfectly suits this ballad and next is ‘Swords to Rust – Hearts to Dust’ from which speaks much passion and longing. I have to say that musically there are hardly any surprises with Rome . This new album doesn’t present any musically new approaches but instead demonstrates a ripened and fully grown series of songs and very thoughtful and poetic lyrics. Flowers from Exile is a beautiful album Rome can be proud of.

AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry has told Billboard.com that he's just finishing mixing the follow-up to his 2005 Grammy Award-nominated solo album, "Joe Perry", and expects it to be mastered next week. He plans to release a single in late July or early August, with the album coming out this fall.

"It's a lot different than the last one," Perry told Billboard.com. "The last one was a straight-ahead rocker. This one's got some different things on it." The album was recorded in about seven weeks at Perry's home studio, The Boneyard; he shares lead vocal duties with a German singer his wife, Billie, discovered on the Internet, and there's one instrumental track. David Hull from the JOE PERRY PROJECT and Ben Tileston, who plays with two of Perry's sons in TAB THE BAND, were also involved.

SUBSIGNAL, the new German band featuring former SIEGES EVEN members Arno Menses (vocals) and Markus Steffen (guitar), has finished recording its debut album, entitled "Beautiful & Monstrous", for a late September release via GoldenCore Records/ZYX Music. The CD was helmed by co-producer Kristian Kohlmannslehner, who worked on SIEGES EVEN's 2007 release, "Paramount". The special edition of the album, which will have an approximate running time of 60 minutes, will come with a stylish digipack cover and one bonus track. The LP will also be released as a normal jewelcase version with rounded corners, and it will be made available on double vinyl.

"Beautiful & Monstrous" (cover) track listing:

01. Where Angels Fear To Tread
02. Paradigm
03. The Sea
04. The Trick Is To Keep Breathing
05. Walking With Ghosts
06. I Go With The Wind
07. To Hope The Road Is Long
08. Beautiful & Monstrous
09. The Last Light Of Summer
10. Rain Is The Most Beautiful Color (bonus track on special edition)

SUBSIGNAL, the new German band featuring former SIEGES EVEN members Arno Menses (vocals) and Markus Steffen (guitar), is currently recording its debut album, entitled "Beautiful & Monstrous", for a late September release via GoldenCore Records/ZYX Music. The CD is being helmed by co-producer Kristian Kohlmannslehner, who worked on SIEGES EVEN's 2007 release, "Paramount". The first edition of the album, which will have an approximate running time of 60 minutes, will come with a stylish digipack cover and one bonus track.

Commented Arno: "Drums sound amazing, booming and yet crystal clear... Markus' guitars, as always tear-jerkingly beautiful... yet monstrous! David's keyboards, just super. My backing vocals... well... crap, but who cares haha... Markus will finish up his work this week, then Ralf will unleash his thunder… The week after that I will start my lead vocals."

SUBSIGNAL describes its music as "progressive, melancholic, cutting edge, emotional, blended with a good portion of melodic heaviness."

The band will perform at the Night of the Prog festival on July 11 in Loreley, Germany. A full tour is planned for autumn/winter 2009/10.

SUBSIGNAL is:

Markus Steffen (guitar)
Arno Menses (vocals)
Ralf Schwager (bass)
David Bertok (keyboards)
Roel van Helden (drums)

MAYHEM's Hellhammer (a.k.a. Jan Axel Blomberg) has reportedly agreed to lay down the drums on "ANTI-human", the debut album from German extreme metallers DEATH OF DESIRE. The CD and the accompanying "Into the Void" video will be released in late 2009 or early 2010.

"ANTI-human" track listing:

01. Tainted With Death (intro)
02. Into The Void
03. Kingdom
04. Progenies Of Doom
05. Insane Profetic Slaves (interlude)
06. Frozen
07. Tones Of Death
08. Severed Soul (passage)
09. Black Flame
10. Inner Sanctum
11. Rest My Ashes In Hell (outro)
12. A-S1 (instrumental) (bonus track)

DEATH OF DESIRE is:

Dawn Desiree (Vocals)
Lord Azmodeus (Guitar)
Hellhammer (Drums)
Lord Priapos (Bass)
Darktreth Lethe (Guitar)

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/deathofdesireband.

The Pulse of Radio reports that SLIPKNOT is slated to reissue its 1999 self-titled major label debut on September 9 to celebrate the record's 10th anniversary and the band's decade as recording artists, according to a label spokesperson. SLIPKNOT has been commemorating the upcoming anniversary for much of the past year since issuing its latest record last August, "All Hope Is Gone". Singer Corey Taylor told The Pulse of Radio that things couldn't be going better for the group at this point. "Everything that we've always wanted, and that we've always pictured for this band is kind of coming true in this last year and a half," he said. "You know, this is kind of the culmination of 10 years of just barreling through the mud, you know, sweating through the dark times, and this is really the payoff. And the great thing is, is that we're old enough to appreciate it."

No other details on the release, including whether it will include any bonus or previously unavailable content, have been announced yet.

The latest single from "All Hope Is Gone" is called "Sulfur". The album has sold 795,000 copies since coming out 11 months ago.

The band will begin a short North American run of dates on August 22 in Seattle.

While some German sceney journalists are already predicting the creative death of the Harsh Electro genre, top dogs Agonoize are reacting in the best way possible: with a big grin on their faces and the massive, electronic aggro-stomper “Bis das Blut gefriert” on their hands, they are effectively showing all the moaners and groaners the finger and proving all points of criticism utterly wrong by delivering a superb smasher of a track. In 2009, the Berlin Bad Boys are full of sparkling energy and sport more versatile compositions than ever before. Catchy melodies, hard beats, aggressive power and lashing shouts blend with complex arrangements, presented in Agonoize’s trademark, butt-kicking bulldozer-sound. The b-side “Seelenbrecher” is also destined to breathe life onto any dance floor with a solid electronic noise-fest. One alternative version of “Seelenbrecher” plus three club-compatible remixes are topping off this little gem of a CD-single. “Bis das Blut gefriert” is a real collector’s item, strictly limited to 1000 copies and hand numbered – an absolute must-have for fans and Harsh-Electro-aficionados! We would advise to try to grab it quickly, though, as the band’s previous limited singles were sold out fast as lightning and are now going for ridiculous prices on e-Bay and Co. So, please don’t tell us that you haven’t been warned! So, who goes to say that Harsh Electro is running through a creative low? Anyone still making that assumption after listening to this single must be seriously deaf. A hellishly delicious appetizer for the new album which is due in autumn!


Out 17.07.09 on Out of Line !

ALICE IN CHAINS' video for the new track "A Looking In View" is available for viewing at the band's official web site. (Note: You must be 18 years of age to view.)

ALICE IN CHAINS' first collection of all-new studio material in 14 years, "Black Gives Way To Blue", is set for release on September 29 through EMI Music's Virgin Records label. The disc will feature the recording debut with the group of singer William DuVall, who first got behind the mic for the band's 2006 reunion tour after original vocalist Layne Staley died in 2002.

The album title first appeared on Amazon.com without any prior announcement from the band, who made their signing with Virgin official a couple of weeks ago through a press release that did not reveal a title or release date.

An official radio single called "Check My Brain" will head to rock stations in mid-August.

Reactivated New Jersey thrashers WHIPLASH will release their new album, "Unborn Again", later in the year via Pulverised Records. The CD was recorded at Mozart Studio with world-renowned engineer/producer Harris Johns (SODOM, KREATOR, HELLOWEEN, SEPULTURA). The band mixed and mastered the CD at Spiderhouse Studio.

"Unborn Again" track listing:.

01. Swallow The Slaughter
02. Snuff
03. Firewater
04. Float Face Down
05. Fight Or Flight
06. Pitbulls In The Playground
07. Parade Of Two Legs
08. Hook In Mouth
09. I've Got The Fire
10. Feeding Frenzy

The cover artwork was created by Ed Repka (DEATH, ATHEIST, MEGADETH, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, POSSESSED, etc) and can be viewed below. The LP will be made available in digipack CD + DVD format, which documents the making of "Unborn Again".

"Deatholution", the new video from German death metal lunatics HACKNEYED, can be viewed below. The track comes off the group's new album, "Burn After Reaping", which is scheduled for release on August 14 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Weltraumstudios in Munich with producer Corni Bartels (DIE ÄRZTE, KILLERPILZE, END OF GREEN, MEGAHERZ etc.).

Commented drummer Tim Cox: "After long and hard work, we just finished the studio work for 'Burn After Reaping' and I can assure you that the songs will kick major ass!! It will be louder and more brutal than anything you’ve heard before! Our producer, Corni Bartels, pushed us to the limit and made the album what it is right now — a fucking killer! We have done a lot of crazy things and tried a lot to pimp the album. 'Burn After Reaping' will differ from 'Death Prevails' if it comes to songwriting and sound, but of course all known HACKNEYED trademarks have been kept. Björn Goosses of Killustrations (DEW-SCENTED, ABORTED) created the artwork [see below] which matches our expectations perfectly. It fits the album like every single song!"

"Burn After Reaping" track listing:

01. Burn...
02. Weed Flavoured Meat
03. Deatholution
04. Kingdom Of Thoughts
05. March Of The Worms
06. Bloodshed
07. Redying
08. Finger On The Trigger
09. Home Meat Home
10. Putrid
11. Last Man On Earth
12. ...After Reaping

Varg Vikernes (a.k.a. Count Grishnackh), the BURZUM mastermind who was convicted of murdering MAYHEM guitarist Oystein Aarseth (a.k.a. Euronymous) in August 1993 and setting fire to three churches, has finished writing nine songs for BURZUM's new album, which he hopes to release next year. He tells Norway's Dagbladet that several record labels are interested in issuing the band's first LP in eleven years. "I want take my time [with the album], so that I can get it the way I like it," Vikernes says. "It will be metal, and the fans can expect to hear some real BURZUM."

Dagbladet has posted several exclusive excerpts from Varg Vikernes' as-yet-unpublished book which he wrote during his nearly-16-year prison stay. The book contains Varg's personal account of of what transpired in the years from the Norwegian black metal community's inception in 1991 until he was convicted for murder and church fires three years later.

"I am not the 'Count' that has been portrayed in the media," Vikernes tells Dagbladet. "That is just sad. Those who have known me a long time know that what was written about me was not the complete truth. But I am partly to blame for how things were presented in the press. That's why I wrote this book, which I hope to release via a publisher. I will lay this issue to rest and put what happened behind me. I will begin a new phase in life."

Dagbladet: Do you regret the fact that you killed another human being?

Vikernes: "I cannot regret the fact that I took the life of someone who wanted to kill me. I felt threatened by his plans, but it was never my intention to kill."

Dagbladet: Do you think that you can kill again?

Vikernes: "Everyone is capable of killing. But there is less chance that I will kill again, because I've been in that situation before, and so I know better how to deal with it. It is not possible to know how to behave in threatening situations before you even end up in such a situation. Had I been in the same situation today, I would have contacted the police first."

Although his parole application was denied four times — most recently in September 2008 — Vikernes received word in February that he would be released after serving almost 16 years in prison. He was finally allowed to leave this past spring, according to Dagbladet.

Vikernes currently resides in Bø, a municipality in the county of Telemark, Norway. Varg purchased the farm sometime last year and lives on the property with his French wife (whom he met while he was incarcerated) and son.

"It was completely random that we ended up buying a home here," Vikernes tells Dagbladet. "We wanted a quiet and peaceful place with beautiful scenery outside the city. It is so beautiful up here. Here we can be by ourselves. But there is a lot of work that is required to maintain the house, lawn and garden."

Photo is displayed from Dagbladet.

Danish extreme metallers ILLDISPOSED will release their new album, "To Those Who Walk Behind Us", on August 28 via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded at AB Studio in Aarhus, Denmark and was mixed at Fredman Studio in Sweden with Fredrik Nordström. 11 tracks will appear on the new ILLDISPOSED LP (out of a total of 16 that were completed during the songwriting sessions), which will be available as a jewel case CD, limited digipack with bonus material and strictly limited box set with exclusive t-shirt. The group says, "We guarantee you won't be disappointed!"

"To Those Who Walk Behind Us" track listing:

01. Blood On Your Parade
02. For The Record
03. Just Come And Get Me
04. Seeking Truth - Telling Lies
05. Sale At The Misery Factory
06. To Those Who Walk Behind Me
07. If All The World...
08. My Number Is Expired
09. Johnny
10. This Unscheduled Moment
11. Nu Gik Det Lige Så Godt

The limited digipack edition will include two bonus tracks.

LAVETT, the new Swedish five-piece consisting of musicians who have spent the last ten years making albums and touring with such acts as DARK TRANQUILLITY, LOST HORIZON, BESEECH, TWDSO (THOSE WE DON'T SPEAK OF) and SUNDOWN/CEMETARY, has entered Studiomega in Varberg, Sweden to begin recording its debut album.

LAVETT made its live debut at Sticky Fingers in Gothenburg, Sweden on January 30. Check out photos at www.lavett.net.

According to a press release, LAVETT's sound is "a perfect blend of their musical ideals. Taking the listener from beautiful landscapes of melodies to a raw, unpolished and powerful rock nirvana. Even though you may know the LAVETT members from before. You'll have had no way to prepare yourself for what they're bringing to your speakers this time around."

LAVETT is:

Daniel Heiman (LOST HORIZON, HEED) - Vocals
Michael Niklasson (DARK TRANQULLITY) - Bass
Robert Vintervind (BESEECH) - Gutar
Manne Engtröm (BESEECH, FATAL EMBRACE) - Guitar
Christian Silver (SUNDOWN, CEMETARY) - Drums

GENERATION KILL, the new crossover outfit featuring EXODUS frontman Rob Dukes, has released its first demo track, "Hate", via the band's official MySpace page.

***UPDATE: The MySpace page appears to have been taken down.***

According to a press release, GENERATION KILL — whose lineup also includes Rob Moschetti (ex-PRO-PAIN, M.O.D.) on bass and Sam Inzerra (MORTICIAN) on drums — is currently in the studio working on more material and preparing to do a small East Coast tour later in the year.

Commented Moschetti: "I think this is the best shit I have ever done. If you like the studio recording, prepare to be blown away by our live show."

GENERATION KILL is:

Rob Dukes - Vocals
Rob Moschetti - Bass/Backing Vocals
Lou Lehman - Lead Guitar
Jason Trenczer - Lead Guitar
Sam Inzerra - Drums

According to GENERATION KILL's official bio, "The original concept of the band was to break away from the current formula. By embracing their roots and incorporating them into the project, GENERATION KILL is a true crossover band. Each song has its own identity, and mood, which gives the band its original sound without abandoning their influences.

"By adding two lead guitarist/song writers to the band, a whole new dimension has been introduced to GENERATION KILL. While Jason Trenczer adds technical guitar work, Lou Lehman adds catchy riffs and solos.

"The final ingredient to the band is veteran drummer Sam Inzerra. Sam has a death metal background which adds speed and power to the project. Each member of the band takes part in the writing process. While each member has established himself in legendary and underground bands, let it be known that this is no side project."

"Pray For Villains", the fourth full-length album from Santa Barbara, California's DEVILDRIVER, is available for streaming in its entirety on the web site of the German branch of Roadrunner Records.

"Pray For Villains" is scheduled for release on July 14 via Roadrunner Records. The effort — which will also be made available as a special-edition CD/DVD package featuring three bonus tracks, a behind-the-scenes DVD and expanded artwork — was recorded at Edge of the Earth studios in Los Angeles with producer Logan Mader (FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, GOJIRA, DIVINE HERESY).

"Pray For Villains" track listing:

01. Pray For Villains
02. Pure Sincerity
03. Fate Stepped In
04. Back With A Vengeance
05. I've Been Sober
06. Resurrection Blvd.
07. Forgiveness Is A Six Gun
08. Waiting For November
09. It's In The Cards
10. Another Night In London
11. Bitter Pill
12. Teach Me To Whisper
13. I See Belief

Bonus tracks (special edition):

14. Self-Affliction
15. Dust Be The Destiny
16. Damning The Heavens
17. Wasted Years

Disc Two - DVD (special edition):

01. "Making-Of" Documentary
02. Interviews

"Pray For Villains", the new video from DEVILDRIVER, was shot on April 9 with director Nathan Cox (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, MARILYN MANSON, LINKIN PARK).

DEVILDRIVER recently re-signed with Roadrunner Records after previously issuing three full-length albums through the label. In addition, the band has secured a new management company in the shape of Davis Entertainment Group.

Swedish melodic death metallers DARK TRANQUILLITY have issued the following update:

"Time to let you in on the plans for our upcoming ninth (or tenth, depending on how you count) full-length album. The as-yet-untitled beast will be recorded in September and October and released in early 2010 through Century Media Records.

"We'll keep the recording setup completely in-house this time. Drums will be tracked in Daniel Antonsson's [bass] studio, while the remaining instruments will be immortalized in Martin Brändström's [electronics] newly renovated Rogue music facilities. The mixing duties will once again be handled by Tue Madsen in his Antfarm studio in Denmark.

"As for the music itself, it's a bit too early to delve into details, but the material feels diverse and fresh and covers all the facets of the DARK TRANQUILLITY sound. Those who are familiar with our songwriting process know that we always keep re-arranging and experimenting with the material until the recording starts, and while we currently have the basic foundations for around 10 songs, many things are still open. The final result is likely to surprise ourselves as well as you people.

"Some tentative song titles are 'I Am The Void', 'Zero Distance', 'The Burden Of Love Alive', 'Archangelsk' and 'Memories In Reverse', though these are subject to change as usual."

DARK TRANQUILLITY's "Projector", "Haven" and "Damage Done" albums were re-released in a luxurious slipcase packaging with bonus material as well as the rarities compilation "Yesterworlds" on May 25, 2009 in Europe via Century Media Records. All releases are available at a fan-friendly price and also feature extensive liner notes as well as new layouts and designs by guitarist Niklas Sundin. As a very exclusive bonus, the three album reissues also contain one song each from the band's upcoming DVD, "Where Death Is Most Alive", due later this year. In addition, DARK TRANQUILLITY will release a limited-edition album entitled "Yesterworlds", featuring the "Trail Of Life Decayed" demo (1991) and the "A Moonclad Reflection" 7" EP (1992).

The new lineup of GORGOROTH has completed work on the band's ninth album, "Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt", due on October 21 in Europe and November 11 in the U.S. via Regain Records. The CD was recorded at Tomas Asklund's Monolith Studio and features Infernus on guitar, Frank Watkins (OBITUARY) on bass, Pest on vocals and Tomas Asklund on drums.

Since Infernus wrote all the music for the album and extensive rehearsals and a pre-production recording had also been completed before second guitarist Tormentor rejoined the band last year, it was decided that it would be more convenient for Infernus to record all the guitars on the LP.

"Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt" was produced by Infernus and co-produced/engineered by Tomas Asklund. It will be mastered at the Cutting Room in Stockholm later this month.

"Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt" tentative track listing:

01. Introibo ad Alatare Satanas
02. Aneuthanasia
03. Building a Man
04. Prayer
05. Rebirth
06. Cleansing Fire
07. New Breed
08. Human Sacrifice
09. Satan-Prometheus

LEAVES' EYES — the German/Norwegian band formed by ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY singer Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull and members of ATROCITY — will release its new full-length album, "Njord", on August 28 via Napalm.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Njord
02. My Destiny
03. Emerald Island
04. Take The Devil In Me
05. Scarborough Fair (Acoustic Version)
06. Through Our Veins
07. Irish Rain
08. Northbound
09. Ragnarok
10. Morgenland
11. The Holy Bond
12. Forya's Theme
13. Landscape Of The Dead (limited-edition bonus track)
14. Les Champs De Lavande (limited-edition bonus track)

A new EP, "My Destiny", will precede the full-length CD on July 24 via Napalm Records.

The track listing for the EP is as follows:

01. My Destiny
02. The Battle of Maldon (non-album track)
03. Scarborough Fair (acoustic version; non-album track)
04. Northbound
05. Nine Wave Maidens (non-album track)
06. My Destiny (remix; non-album track)

According to a posting on the Napalm web site, "The sweeping title track begins with an emotive and mystic interlude that soon turns into sonorous ear candy — a true delicacy for all fans of symphonic rock music. The opulently produced orchestral and choir-filled compositions resonate with a fresh, powerful, and energy laden force. As always the case with LEAVES' EYES, expect the ensuing tempest with its impressive musical variety and dynamics to emphasize the band's world-class status, including 'The Battle of Maldon' and 'Northbound', two smashing tracks to be found on the EP. With the acoustic version of 'Scarborough Fair', familiar to some fans from past unplugged shows, and the atmospheric 'Nine Wave Maidens' the tone takes a more subdued turn. Liv Kristine once again bewitches the listener with her one-of-a-kind vocals and the package is completed with a remix of the title track."

Cover artwork courtesy of HeavyLaw.com

NEVERDICE, a unique Finnish band combining industrial beats, metal guitars and folk accordion, has released the ' target=_blank>video for the song "Praying In The Name Of" from the group's upcoming album, due later this year. The clip was shot by Janne Tamminen in Los Angeles and features Victoria De Mare, who has been acknowledged as "Hollywood's hottest scream queen" in the American media. One of her upcoming movies "Horrorween" includes cameo roles by legends like William Shatner, Jenna Jameson and Alice Cooper.

NEVERDICE has been touring successfully in its home country, warming up for industrial legends COMBICHRIST and other big names, and also around Europe. In 2008 they headlined "The Children Of The Night 5" festival in Kiev, Ukraine, which is the biggest East European gothic/industrial festival.

U.D.O., the German metal band fronted by former ACCEPT frontman Udo Dirkschneider, will release the follow-up to 2007's "Mastercutor", titled "Dominator", on August 21 via AFM Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. The Bogeyman
02. Dominator
03. Black And White
04. Infected
05. Heavy Metal Heaven
06. Doom Ride
07. Stillness Of Time
08. Devil's Rendezvous
09. Bleeding Heart (Japanese bonus)
10. Pleasure In The Darkroom (digipack bonus)
11. Speed Demon
12. Whispers In The Dark

Check out the cover artwork below.

The cover artwork for "Here Waits Thy Doom", the new album from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada's 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, can be viewed here. Due on September 8 via Century Media Records (August 31 in Europe). The CD was recorded at Seattle's London Bridge Studios with renowned producer Jack Endino (HIGH ON FIRE).

"Here Waits Thy Doom" track listing:

01. Battles and Brotherhood
02. Rock In Hell
03. Silent Killer
04. Fierce Defender
05. Preachers Daughter
06. Call of the Hammer
07. Snake Fighter
08. At the Foot of the Great Glacier
09. All of them Witches
10. 12:34
11. Execution Tank

Covers (to be released as b-sides and/or bonus tracks):

12. Not Fragile (BACHMAN-TURNER OVERDRIVE)
13. Cities on Flame (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT)
14. Daytona (ZEKE)

Commented vocalist Cam Pipes: "We decided to cover 'Not Fragile' by BACHMAN-TURNER OVERDRIVE because they're a Canadian band and we wanted to represent our Canadian musical roots. BTO had many hits, but we wanted to do a deeper cut from their catalog plus 'Not Fragile' has a heavy driving riff at the core of the song which we felt translated well with our style.

"BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's 'Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll' is a song that our guitarist Justin had played the main riff to at soundcheck for a few years now and I guess it just got stuck in our heads, so we decided to learn it and record it. We've also been friends with ZEKE for many years and 'Daytona' has always been a favorite ZEKE song of ours. It's another one we've loosely jammed out in the rehearsal space and soundchecks before. It's a rare, slow ZEKE song, which is good because we'd probably butcher one of their fast songs."

Added guitarist Shane Clark: "Our new album is finished and we've named it 'Here Waits Thy Doom'. Much like our last record it is a step beyond the album that precedes it. We've again taken what we do a step further and not made 'Fire up the Blades Part 2', we've stuck to our formula — no formula. We are true metal fans and we've made an unapologetic metal record. I think this our most focused record to date, from writing all the way to mixing there was no unnecessary drama or too many cooks in the kitchen. This is 3 INCHES OF BLOOD at its most punishing, epic and mighty."

Regarding 3 INCHES OF BLOOD's new deal with Century Media, Pipes recently said, "Ever since our departure from our previous label [Roadrunner], Century Media has been in the forefront trying to get us to sign with them. No other label showed as much enthusiasm and belief in our band as they did. Right from the start we all got a great feeling from the whole Century Media team. We feel comfortable with the vision they have for us and are confident they have the necessary tools and motivation to help us in the ways our previous label didn't. We can't wait to unleash this new material upon the masses."

Raleigh, North Carolina-based progressive metalcore quintet BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME has set "The Great Misdirect" as the title of its new album, due on October 27 via Victory Records.

The track listing is as follows:

01. Mirrors
02. Obfuscation
03. Disease, Injury, Madness
04. Fossil Genera - A Feed from Cloud Mountain
05. Desert of Song
06. Swim to the Moon

Commented the band: "We have finished tracking our new record and we are spending this week mixing/mastering and all that fun stuff. It's hard to believe we've been recording for five weeks already. Everything went really smooth and we are very confident in the fact that this is some of the best material we've ever created. Can't wait for all of you to hear it! We have lots of footage from the studio that will hopefully be part of a special-edition DVD that will come with the new record... we will also be posting some studio videos in the next few months. Our touring plans are starting to come together and we'll be putting up dates tomorrow."

"Ebenbild", the new video from German folk metallers SALTATIO MORTIS, can be viewed here. The song comes off the band's new album, "Wer Wind Sät", which is scheduled for release on August 28 via Napalm Records.

A press release states: "Not unlike the medieval players' previous album 'Aus der Asche' [2007], which managed to reach the upper echelons of the German charts, SALTATIO MORTIS' latest effort promises to storm the charts just the same. 'Wer Wind Sät' goes beyond the band's signature enthusiasm, catchy melodies, and passionate lyrics. It combines the best of contemporary and medieval elements to deliver premium medieval rock. By skillfully merging modern rock sounds with genuine traditional instruments, such as the bagpipe or hurdy-gurdy, SALTATIO MORTIS develop an exquisite dance connection that is crowned by the vocals of the charismatic frontman Alea. As a special highlight, legendary metal queen Doro joins Alea on 'Salome', lending a mysterious and exotic touch to this track. Further songs like 'Ebenbild', 'Kaltes Herz', or 'Manus Manum Lavat' also work well to create an upbeat and celebratory atmosphere, whether within the confines of your home or at one of the myriad SALTATIO MORTIS concerts to come. This is how to rock the ages-the Middle Ages, that is!"

"Wer Wind Sät" (cover) track listing:

01. Ebenbild
02. Salome
03. La Jument De Michao
04. Letzte Worte
05. Kaltes Herz
06. Rastlos
07. Miststück
08. Tief In Mir
09. Aus Träumen gebaut
10. Manus Manum Lavat
11. Vergessene Götter
12. Wir Säen Den Wind
13. Freiheit (bonus track)
14. In Unseren Worten (bonus track)

Bonus DVD (limited edition):

* Live at M'era Luna 2008
* Videoclip "Ebenbild"
* Making of "Ebenbild"
* Making of "Wer Wind Sät" Album

Finnish metal band INSOMNIUM will release its fourth album, "Across The Dark" (cover), on September 7 via Candlelight Records. The CD was recorded at Fantom studio (where the group recorded its 2006 LP, "Above the Weeping World") and it features guest clean vocals by Jules Näveri (PROFANE OMEN, ENEMY OF THE SUN).

An e-card for "Across The Dark", which contains audio samples of three new songs — "Equivalence", "Down With The Sun" and "Where The Last Wave Broke" — is available at this location.

Guitarist Ville Friman previously described the new songs as follows: "One is really epic one with clock ticking almost over 10 minutes. Great song with vibe of last two AMORPHIS albums with more heavier edge and INSOMNIUM style of lead work. The second new song turned out to be quite long one as well but in my opinion this one holds more 'hit' potential in it, mainly because of simple arrangement and catchy melodies. Could be maybe described as being somewhere between 'Bereavement' and 'Last Statement'?!? Or what the hell I know; sounds good though. Third song sounds bit like a tribute to SENTENCED because the melodies bear similarity to the melancholy heard in 'Amok' or 'Down' albums. Otherwise the song is pretty slow, depressing and quite doomy. Just the way we like it. Fourth song ready is bit faster and riff-orientated. Composed partly in the last North American tour. Potentially a good live song. We'll see."

Acclaimed guitarist-turned-producer James Murphy (TESTAMENT, DEATH, OBITUARY) recently laid down two guest solos on the debut album STRUCTURE OF INHUMANITY, the band featuring PYRAMAZE keyboardist Jonah Weingarten. Entitled "Completion Integration", the CD is being produced by Murphy and SOILWORK guitarist Peter Wichers, who also makes a guest appearance on the record.

In addition to Weingarten, STRUCTURE OF INHUMANITY's lineup includes Clay Barton (SUSPYRE) and Eugene Smith (LEGION OF CARCAROTH). The band features "a dual vocal assault as well as blistering and insanely melodic melodies and solos" provided by Weingarten and axe-shredder Mike Iuzzolino, according to a press release.

According to the band's official bio, "The basic groundwork that became the foundation of the STRUCTURE OF INHUMANITY sound was melodic, epic, occasionally progressive, and over-the-top heavy metal, strongly rooted in the Swedish and Finnish sound, with a touch of American-style riffing. Influences ranging from SOILWORK, ICED EARTH, EDGE OF SANITY, ARCH ENEMY, CHILDREN OF BODOM, and, of course, PYRAMAZE can be heard."

STRUCTURE OF INHUMANITY is:

Jonah Weingarten: Keyboards
Michael Iuzzolino: Guitar
Clay Barton: Vocals
Brian Harris: Drums
Eugene Smith: Vocals
Noah Martin: Bass
Blaine Bowden: Guitar

New Orleans' EYEHATEGOD have spent the last two decades at odds with a corrupt music industry, using their music as a proverbial middle finger aimed at everything from government officials to sanctimonious shitheads hiding behind organized religion. They have defied all odds and continue to exist and persist despite personal and professional setbacks, from drug addiction to natural disasters. In the midst of all this turmoil, EYEHATEGOD have become the high water mark when it comes to "sludge metal," having birthed rock's unholy bastard feasting on the teat that BLACK SABBATH and BLACK FLAG built. They became the cornerstone for countless of sonic acolytes following in their fetid footsteps and continue to inspire bands around the world.

"Confederacy of Ruined Lives" is their fourth and latest studio LP, released in late 2000. I'm Better Than Everyone Records will finally give this a vinyl release, the way it was intended to be heard, without compromises nor excuses: A beautiful fuck you to all the non-believers.

"Confederacy of Ruined Lives" is slated for an August release.