The brand new studio album from the the Polish female-fronted heavy metal squad CRYSTAL VIPER, titled "Metal Nation", will be released on February 1 through Karthago Records (CD version) and High Roller Records (limited vinyl version). The CD was recorded at the brand new MP Studio in Poland with engineer Mariusz Pietka and producer Bart Gabriel.

"Metal Nation" was mixed at the Sonic Train Studios (HAMMERFALL, KING DIAMOND, EVERGREY, FALCONER etc.) in Varberg, Sweden by the Grammy-nominated KING DIAMOND guitarist Andy La Rocque. The CD features three very special guests: Manni Schmidt of GRAVE DIGGER, Frank Knight of X-WILD and Lars Ramcke of STORMWARRIOR. According to a press release, fans can expect to hear "a true heavy metal masterpiece with outstanding vocals (the album includes cover version of the AGENT STEEL classic 'Agents Of Steel', recorded faster, heavier and... higher!), and great cover artwork, painted by the world-famous artist Chris Moyen (TRIVIUM, BEHERIT, BLASPHEMY, INCANTATION etc.).

"Metal Nation" track listing:

01. Breaking The Curse
02. Metal Nation
03. Bringer Of The Light
04. 1428 *
05. The Anvil Of Hate
06. Zombie Lust (Flesh Eaters)
07. Her Crimson Tears **
08. Legions Of Truth ***
09. Gladiator, Die By The Blade
10. Agents Of Steel (AGENT STEEL cover song)

* feat. Manni Schmidt of GRAVE DIGGER
** feat. Frank Knight of X-WILD
*** feat. Lars Ramcke of STORMWARRIOR

"Metal Nation", "Her Crimson Tears", "Legions Of Truth" and "Gladiator, Die By The Blade" are available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

Swedish black/death metal band GRIEF OF EMERALD has posted a new demo song called "Devils Deep" on the group's MySpace page. The track is expected to appear on GRIEF OF EMERALD's forthcoming album — the group's first release since 2002's "Christian Termination" — which is tentatively due later in the year. Some of the material recorded during the recent sessions may also end up on a proposed split EP with Italian black metallers NEFARIUM.

Commented drummer Carl Karlsson: "We are more focused and more prepared then ever. GRIEF OF EMERALD is more brutal and loaded ready to explode. We are just now searching for a new record label. We hadn't the opportunity to tour for 'Christian Termination' album, so our first move is to tour and find a suitable label for our upcoming release. We are very satisfied with our new song; it's a killer song."

The official Roadrunner Records web site has been updated with top-album picks for 2008 from a number of artists that are signed to the label, including members of MACHINE HEAD, MEGADETH, DEVILDRIVER, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and TRIVIUM. A few of the selections follow below. The entire list can be found at this location.

Shawn Drover (MEGADETH)

01. CYNIC - Traced in Air
02. TESTAMENT - The Information Damnation
03. MESHUGGAH - Obzen
04. CHILDREN OF BODOM - Blooddrunk
05. OPETH - Watershed
06. EVERGREY - Torn
07. BLOTTED SCIENCE - The Machinations of Dementia
08. AIRBOURNE - Runnin' Wild
09. INTO ETERNITY - The Incurable Tragedy
10. BRAIN DRILL - Apocalyptic Feasting

Frédéric Leclercq (DRAGONFORCE)

01. GUNS N' ROSES - Chinese Democracy
02. DISTURBED - Indestructible
03. SLIPKNOT - All Hope Is Gone
04. CYNIC - Traced in Air
05. CRADLE OF FILTH - Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder
06. ULTRA VOMIT - Objectif Thunes
07. SEBASTIEN TELLIER - Sexuality
08. ALICE COOPER - Along Came a Spider
09. MOTLEY CRUE - Saints of Los Angeles
10. METALLICA - Death Magnetic

Matt Heafy (TRIVIUM)

01. COLDPLAY - Viva La Vida
02. COLDPLAY - Prospekt's March
03. MAXIMUM THE HORMONE - Tsume Tsume Tsume
04. LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - Mozart's Requiem
05. GOJIRA - The Way Of All Flesh
06. AMON AMARTH - Twilight of the Thunder God
07. SLIPKNOT - All Hope Is Gone
08. OPETH - Watershed
09. METALLICA - Death Magnetic
10. TRIVIUM - Shogun

Robb Flynn (MACHINE HEAD)

01. ALL SHALL PERISH - Awaken The Dreamers
02. METALLICA - Death Magnetic
03. TRIVIUM - Shogun
04. WINDS OF PLAGUE - Decimate The Weak
05. LIL WAYNE - The Carter III
06. LA COKA NOSTRA - A Brand You Can Trust
07. SLIPKNOT - All Hope Is Gone
08. WHITECHAPEL - This Is Exile
09. MESHUGGAH - Bleed
10. BLEEDING THROUGH - Sister Charlatan

Joel Stroetzel (KILLSWITCH ENGAGE)

01. KINGS OF LEON - Only by the Night
02. RYAN ADAMS AND THE CARDINALS - Cardinology
03. RADIOHEAD - In Rainbows
04. TOMMY EMMANUEL - Center Stage
05. ALL THAT REMAINS - Overcome
06. NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS - Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!
07. Augustana - Can't Love (Can't Hurt
08. IN FLAMES - A Sense of Purpose
09. NADA SURF - Lucky
10. RAY LAMONTAGNE - Gossip in the Grain

Paolo Gregoletto (TRIVIUM)

01. METALLICA - Death Magnetic
02. MACHINE HEAD - The Blackening Special Edition
03. COLDPLAY - Viva La Vida
04. GOJIRA - The Way of All Flesh
05. SLIPKNOT - All Hope Is Gone
06. AMON AMARTH - Twilight of the Thunder God
07. PROTEST THE HERO - Fortress
08. AC/DC - Black Ice
09. OPETH - Watershed
10. TRIVIUM - Shogun

Max Cavalera (SOULFLY; CAVALERA CONSPIRACY; SEPULTURA)

01. BAD BRAINS - Build a Nation
02. DISFEAR - Live the Storm
03. GOJIRA - The Way of All Flesh
04. GOGOL BORDELLO - Gypsy Punks
05. TURBO TRIO - Turbo Trio
06. INCITE - Divided We Fail
07. AGNOSTIC FRONT - Warriors
08. AMON AMARTH - Twilight of the Thunder God
09. AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED - Insect Warfare
10. HIRAX - The New Age of Terror

Justin Foley (KILLSWITCH ENGAGE)

01. CYNIC - Traced in Air
02. MESHUGGAH - Obzen
03. CULT OF LUNA - Eternal Kingdom
04. SIGUR ROS - Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust
05. GOJIRA - The Way Of All Flesh
06. MOGWAI - The Hawk Is Howling
07. NINE INCH NAILS - The Slip
08. UNDEROATH - Lost In The Sound Of Separation

Michael Spretizer (DEVILDRIVER)

01. THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE - Walking With Strangers
02. AMON AMARTH - Twilight of the Thunder God
03. MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE - If
04. ALL THAT REMAINS - Overcome
05. GOJIRA - The Way of All Flesh
06. IN FLAMES - A Sense of Purpose
07. CHILDREN OF BODOM - Blood Drunk
08. OPETH - Watershed
09. RAUNCHY - Wasteland Discotheque
10. TESTAMENT - The Formation of Damnation

Jonathan Miller (DEVILDRIVER)

01. IN THIS MOMENT - Dream
02. GUNS N' ROSES - Chinese Democracy
03. SLIPKNOT - All Hope Is Gone
04. SHINY TOY GUNS - Seasons of Poison
05. ENYA - ...And Winter Came
06. ALL THAT REMAINS - Overcome
07. METALLICA - Death Magnetic
08. ALL SHALL PERISH - Awaken The Dreamers
09. MUDVAYNE - The New Game
10. TRIVIUM - Shogun

Resurrected late '80s/early '90s death metal outfit PESTILENCE has uploaded a new song, "Horror Detox", on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's new album, "Resurrection Macabre", which is scheduled for release on March 13 in Europe (April 14 in the U.S.) via Holland's Mascot Records. The band recorded a total of 14 songs during the session at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark — 11 new tracks and three classic PESTILENCE cuts (as chosen by the fans) to be included on the limited-edition first pressing: "Out Of The Body", "Chemo Therapy" and "Lost Souls". Joining guitarist/vocalist Patrick Mameli in PESTILENCE's current recording lineup are Tony Choy (ATHEIST, CYNIC) on bass and Peter Wildoer (DARKANE, NON-HUMAN LEVEL) on drums. Patrick has previously described the band's new material as a modern fusion of "Testimony of the Ancients" (1991) and "Spheres" (1993), but even more technical and brutal. Other songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Hangman (Into The Mind Of An Executioner)", "Synthetic Grotesque (Trying To Create Through Cloning)", "Fiend (Drugaddiction)", "Resurrection Macabre (The Return Of The Pestilence)" and "Hate Suicide (Last Hours Of A Suicide-Bomber)".

Footage of drummer Peter Wildoer laying down tracks for "Resurrection Macabre" can be viewed below.

PESTILENCE 2009 touring lineup (pictured below):

Patrick Mameli – Guitar, Vocals
Patrick Uterwijk - Guitar
Tony Choy - Bass
Peter Wildoer - Drums

The surviving members of THE STOOGES — Iggy Pop, drummer (and guitarist Ron Asheton's brother) Scott Asheton, saxophonist Steve Mackay, bassist Mike Watt — have issued the following statement regarding the death of the band's guitarist Ron Asheton who was found dead in his Ann Arbor, Michigan home early Tuesday morning (January 6):

"We are shocked and shaken by the news of Ron's death. He was a great friend, brother, musician, trooper. Irreplaceable. He will be missed. For all that knew him behind the facade of Mr Cool & Quirky, he was a kind-hearted, genuine, warm person who always believed that people meant well even if they did not. As a musician, Ron was The Guitar God, idol to follow and inspire others. That is how he will be remembered by people who had a great pleasure to work with him, learn from him and share good and bad times with him."

Frontman Iggy Pop added: "I am in shock. He was my best friend."

Ron Asheton was 60 years old.

Detectives told MLive.com that the cause of death is undetermined, but that investigators do not suspect foul play. Autopsy and toxicology results are pending.

Guitarist Bill Steer recently hinted in the press that a new CARCASS album was a possibility. Revolver magazine contacted vocalist/bassist Jeff Walker for the scoop. I'm waiting for Bill to confirm it, just like you!" he said. "It's gone from 'No' to 'Maybe' to 'Never say never' — just spit it out, God damn it! We never wanted to be one of those bands that reformed, played again, and then [went on to be] totally lackluster and uninspired."

Jeffrey Easton of Metal Exiles last fall conducted an interview with CARCASS guitarist Bill Steer. An excerpt from the chat follows below.

Metal Exiles: What is going to happen after the tour. Will the reunion continue with a new album?

Bill: It is a possibility. We will not say certainly because we will be out for awhile but we are open for the possibility. We do not want to get people hyped up then disappointed but we will see what happens. I would be up for it because it was a good atmosphere and I think we are playing better than ever.

Metal Exiles: What direction would you guys go in?

Bill: Just off the top of my head it would continue from where we were with 'Heartwork'. There is no point in trying to get back to that place because we are much older and everything is different now.

Metal Exiles: If there is not another CARCASS album after this is over what will you be doing?

Bill: FIREBIRD is still out doing stuff. We will be doing shows later on this year but right now I feel musically satisfied. Playing this stuff with CARCASS takes me back to something I am comfortable with and I like being harmonious with my past because for years I was away from it.

Swedish "art rockers" CULT OF LUNA have set "Fire Was Born" as the title of their upcoming DVD, tentatively due this spring. Along with an epic live show recorded last year at Scala in London, England, the disc — which was mixed, edited and designed by the band — will feature a brand new interview with the group.

CULT OF LUNA says: "We're planning on printing a booklet for the live DVD with photos from the show. If you have professional pictures from London, Scala on July 1, 2008, we would love to publish them. Please send a link with high-resolution files along with your credits to info@cultofluna.com. Subject: SCALA PHOTO. The deadline is soon — Saturday, January 10."

Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD have finalized the track listing for their fifth album, "Wrath", due in North America via Epic on February 24. The CD will be issued in other territories through Roadrunner Records.

"Wrath" was produced by Josh Wilbur and was recorded in studios in New York, Virginia, and New Hampshire.

"Wrath" track listing:

01. The Passing
02. In Your Words
03. Set To Fail
04. Contractor
05. Fake Messiah
06. Grace
07. Broken Hands
08. Dead Seeds
09. Everything To Nothing
10. Choke Sermon
11. Reclamation

According to legendary heavy metal guitarist Tony Iommi, the upcoming album from HEAVEN AND HELL — the band featuring BLACK SABBATH members Iommi, Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums) — is tentatively scheduled for release in March/April via Rhino. The group's first LP since SABBATH's "Dehumanizer" (1992) is being recorded at Rockfield studios in Wales, U.K. (where "Dehumanizer" was also tracked). "It's all going very well, I'm pleased to say," Iommi said in a January 5, 2009 online posting.

Ronnie James Dio, who co-wrote the self-produced album with Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler during sessions in Los Angeles and England, told Revolver magazine that the CD "sounds great. It's a real cross-section of everything we've done, from 'Heaven and Hell' through 'Mob Rules' and 'Dehumanizer'. I think there's a lot of 'Dehumanizer' in it, but a lot of other things, too, a real good blend of what this band has represented."

According to Denmark's TV 2 VIP, King Diamond has told BT.dk that there is a good chance that a new studio album from his classic heavy metal act MERCYFUL FATE will surface at some point in the not-too-distant future.

"Hank [Shermann, guitar] has written songs [for the proposed MERCYFUL FATE CD]. And he is ready for our new masterpiece," King Diamond is quoted as saying.

MERCYFUL FATE's last studio album, "9", was released in 1999.

A new two-DVD set of archival MERCYFUL FATE footage is tentatively due this spring.

Polish extreme metal veterans BEHEMOTH are in the final stages of the songwriting process for their upcoming, as-yet-untitled album. The record is tentatively expected sometime in the fall via Metal Blade (USA) and Nuclear Blast (Europe). BEHEMOTH mainman Adam "Nergal" Darski and his bandmates are planning to enter the studio in the middle of February.

Commented Nergal: "As I write this, we have seven songs that are completely written and arranged though there's still leads missing in some of them. It all sounds tight as fuck and very fresh! There are two more songs under working so after New Year break, we should start working on it. I want this album to be very consistent, intense and catchy at the same time. Judging by what what's been composed so far, that's exactly where we are with this new material."

He continued: "Last year was a very productive year for all of us… We've toured U.S., Australia and New Zealand, covered most of prestigious festivals in Europe and invaded virgin markets in Asia: Japan, China, Taiwan, Indonesia and Thailand. It was also the first time since ages that I managed to take two months off from any band activity. I travelled a lot, recharged my batteries and decompressed myself. I've been collecting ideas, riffs and pieces of lyrics throughout the whole 2008 but it was in October where I seriously kicked my ass and started full on work on the album. It went pretty rough in the very first stages but the more stuff was written the smoother it went.

"I must confess that I'm way more excited about this record than I was for 'The Apostasy'. It's probably the whole label situation that we had to deal back then, Inferno's injury that caused crazy deadlines that completely drained the energy out of my system… I even started treating that album as unwanted child. Weird, because from time perspective, it's a great one. This time though everything was planned much in advanced. I found time to live my life, get some energy back, get inspired and so on… When we met in October it was obvious that all of us were really hungry for making new music. It's definitely 100% BEHEMOTH. I would risk saying that we do have our own style but it's still improving, evolving in different directions every time we approach new project. Most of the songs are the really fast, technical and intense, at the same time there's a lot of diversity. There's even a very slow, massive song that's probably the most epic tracks in BEHEMOTH's history. Everything sounds more serious and…dangerous (I love that word, ha ha). There's probably more sinister vibe in our music this time too. I'm completely stoked and I just can't wait until we enter the studio!'

THE PROJECT HATE, the Swedish band featuring vocalist Jörgen Sandström (ex-ENTOMBED, GRAVE), guitarist Lord K. Philipson (GOD AMONG INSECTS, ex-LEUKEMIA), bassist Michael Håkansson (ENGEL, ex-EVERGREY), singer Jo Enckell (IGNORANCE BLISS) and guitarist Anders Bertilsson (RUIN, COLDWORKER) has parted ways with drummer Daniel "Mojjo" Moilanen (RELEVANT FEW, DRACENA, RUNEMAGICK, LORD BELIAL, ENGEL). "Conflicting schedules led us to this and we didn't wanna postpone this recording [of the new THE PROJECT HATE album] more than necessary so we let him go and there's no bad blood whatsoever involved," explains Philipson.

Mojjo's replacement in THE PROJECT HATE is Thomas Ohlsson (pictured below), who has previously played with KAMTJATKA, AXENSTAR, SEVEN WISHES and CELLOUT. Philipson says, "[Thomas is] a fantastic guy who stepped in on very short notice (three weeks), determined to learn all the songs and put them down for this coming blasphemous assault. . . [He] is a terrific guy full of piss and vinegar, giving a 110% to THE HATE and will now hopefully get some recognition for his thunderous work on the coming album. We are extremely happy to have him onboard."

In other news, bassist Michael Håkansson has been forced to sit out the recording sessions for THE PROJECT HATE's new album "due to some personal stuff."

Commented Michael: "Due to an unfortunate situation, I have decided to leave the bass duties on this album to Mr. K himself. A combination of time-consuming studies and a current lack of decent facility to rebuild Royal Death Studios got me to a point where I realized that I wouldn't be able to focus and create this upcoming monster to satisfaction. I'm not happy at all to have made this decision but quality oversees everything, and as we all know, K will pound the living hell out of the lower strings as he used to do before I arrived at the camp. However, I will be back on the next album… rest assured."

THE PROJECT HATE recently inked a deal with Vic Records for the release of the group's new album.

Steve Williams, keyboardist for U.K. melodic power metal band POWER QUEST, has issued the following update:

"The reason for this message is I'm considering some new things for 2009.

"Firstly, I'm considering returning to the teaching arena to offer keyboard lessons, theory lessons, composition lessons to anyone who may be interested. Pricing and technical requirements will come a bit later once I have got some idea of interest levels. At this stage the idea is to be able to offer 'face-to-face' lessons in the traditional manner and also to be able to offer 'online' lessons for those who may prefer that or for those who that may be the only option.

"Secondly, I'm thinking about setting up a small 'Online Keyboard Academy.' I'm thinking that this could also incorporate other elements such as assistance for bands starting out... i.e. advice/help with planning demo recordings, putting together U.K. tours on a budget and much more. The idea is that some general information would be available for everyone and then there would be a members section which, for a one-off fee, would enable students to get access to midi files/sequences, video lessons amongst other things.

"As I mentioned, at this stage I'm just trying to get an idea of interest levels. Lessons would be the first thing to instigate, with the 'Academy' following later, as this will take a lot of work to get up and running.

"If anyone is interested, or knows of someone who may be interested or just has some questions to ask me, please drop me an email at Stevekeys@power-quest.co.uk."

POWER QUEST's latest album, "Master of Illusion", was released lasy spring via Napalm Records/Avalon Marquee (Japan). Guest musicians on the CD include keyboardist Richard West from the UK progressive metal band THRESHOLD, Jorn Viggo Lofstad from the Norwegian power metal act PAGAN'S MIND and FOURWAYKILL singer Chris Neighbour.

"Set The World On Fire" (1993), the third studio album from Canadian thrash metal veterans ANNIHILATOR, will be reissued on January 19 in Europe via Metal Mind Productions and March 10 in the USA through MVD. The new edition of the album includes two bonus tracks plus an additional CD with the promotional video for "Set The World On Fire", video material featuring Jeff Waters speaking about the process of writing and recording "Set The World On Fire", touring, making of the "Set The World On Fire" video and more. The bonus CD also includes additional video and audio material: live clips, interviews, home video recordings and some live ANNIHILATOR videos from 1989. The digipack title (limited to 2,000 copies) will be made available on golden disc, digitally remastered using 24-bit technology.

"Set The World On Fire" reissue track listing:

CD1:

01. Set The World On Fire
02. No Zone
03. Bats In The Belfry
04. Snake In The Grass
05. Phoenix Rising
06. Knight Jumps Queen
07. Sound Good To Me
08. The Edge
09. Don't Bother Me
10. Brain Dance

Bonus tracks:

11. Hell Bent For Leather
12. Phoenix Rising (acoustic)

CD2:

01. Set The World On Fire (promotional video)
02. Jeff Waters Speaks
03. Bonus Video Footage

Norwegian extreme metallers IN VAIN have issued the following update:

"After much work during Christmas, we are 98% done [with the sophomore IN VAIN CD] and only small corrections remain. Our new album will be entitled 'Mantra' and it will feature seven songs with a playing time of more or less an hour. As prevously mentioned, we will also include a video of the recording and other stuff. More news on artwork, mastering and last but not least, music will hopefully be available in not too long. We have worked quite a lot on this album and hope you will enjoy it."

"Mantra" tentative track listing:

01. Captivating Solitude
02. Mannefall
03. Ain't No Lovin'
04. On The Banks Of The Mississippi
05. Circle Of Agony
06. Wayakin (The Guardian Spirit Of The Nez Perce)
07. Dark Prophets, Black Hearts
08. Sombre Fall, Burdened Winter

IN VAIN released its full-length debut, "The Latter Rain", in 2007 via Indie Recordings. The CD was recorded at DUB Studio (GREEN CARNATION, BLOOD RED THRONE, CHAIN COLLECTOR) in the summer/fall of 2006 and involved close to 20 guest musicians and several guest vocalists, such as Jan K. Transeth (IN THE WOODS...) and Kjetil Nordhus (GREEN CARNATION, TRAIL OF TEARS).

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada-based female-fronted power metal band FORGOTTEN TALES is currently writing material for its third album, tentatively due before the end of the year.

Formed in 1999 as a cover band, FORGOTTEN TALES recorded its debut effort, "The Promise", in April 2001 at Victor studios in Montreal. The album was released across Canada in October 2001 to enthusiastic reviews. In 2003, the band entered Menzo studios in Quebec City to record the material that would become its second LP, "All the Sinners". Released in August 2004, the CD expanded on FORGOTTEN TALES' style showcased on "The Promise", and guitarist Martin Desharnais continued to emerge as a skilled songwriter.

A new SAMAEL track, "Illumination", is currently being streamed on the Swiss metal veterans' MySpace page. The song comes off the band's new album, "Above", which is scheduled for release in Europe on March 6 via Nuclear Blast Records.

"Above" track listing:

01. Under One Flag
02. Virtual War
03. Polygames
04. Earth Country
05. Illumination
06. Black Hole
07. In There
08. Dark Side
09. God's Snake
10. On The Top Of It All

Check out the cover artwork below.

"The Path To Decay", the new video from the Norwegian/Spanish female-fronted gothic metal band SIRENIA, can be viewed below. The clip was shot in Gothenburg, Sweden with director Patric Ullaeus (DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL) of Revolver Film Company. Guitarist Morten Veland said, "We are very satisfied with the end result and [are excited] to share the video with all of you."

A couple of photos from the video shoot can be viewed below.

"The Path To Decay" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

SIRENIA released the "The Path To Decay" download-only single on December 26.

The track listing for the single is as follows:

01. The Path To Decay (radio mix)
02. The Path To Decay (album version)
03. Winterborn 77 (instrumental)

The cover artwork can be viewed below.

"The 13th Floor", the new album from SIRENIA, will be released on January 23, 2009 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was tracked at Sound Suite Studios in France and Stargoth Studios in Norway while the mixing and mastering sessions took place at the Antfarm Studios in Denmark with Tue Madsen. The group says, "Expect a melodic and powerful album in the typical SIRENIA vein. The album features guest appearances by Jan Kenneth Barkved (who also did some guest appearances on our debut, 'At Sixes and Sevens'), French violin player Stephanie Valentin adds to the sound along with the Sirenian choir that has been an important part of our sound since the very beginning."

"The 13th Floor" track listing:

01. The Path To Decay
02. Lost In Life
03. The Mind Maelstrom
04. The Seventh Summer
05. Beyond Life's Scenery
06. The Lucid Door
07. Led Astray
08. Winterborn 77
09. Sirens Of The Seven Seas

Canadian metal pioneers VOIVOD have issued the following update:

"We are putting finishing touches on the yet-to-be-named new [VOIVOD] record, due this spring. Jason Newsted [a.k.a. Jasonic; ex-METALLICA, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM] ended up playing on all the bass tracks and plans to have Eric [Forrest; former VOIVOD bassist/vocalist] and Blacky [real name: Jean-Yves Theriault; original VOIVOD bassist] also play on it were put aside for another project down the road. This album will mark the end of the VOIVOD songs Piggy [late VOIVOD guitarist Denis 'Piggy' D'Amour, who died in August 2005 from colon cancer] wrote and performed. There are other songs from Piggy yet to be released, that he wrote for himself and other projects.

"We will release a DVD of our first-ever performance in Japan, featuring all early VOIVOD material with Blacky on bass and Dan Mongrain [MARTYR] on guitar.

"We would like to extend our condolences to the family of Adrian Bromley, who was up until recently VOIVOD's publicist at The End Records for the past four years. His enthusiasm and knowledge of music and all things metal will be sorely missed.

"More news and artwork to be posted soon."

Professionally filmed video footage of VOIVOD performing the song "Voivod" on September 20, 2008 at Club Citta in Kawasaki, Japan can be viewed below. The band was in Japan taking part in the two-night Thrash Domination 2008 event alongside TESTAMENT and FORBIDDEN.

VOIVOD made its trimphant return to the stage on June 22, 2008 in front of 22,500 fans as part of the Heavy MTL festival at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The group was joined by original bass player Jean-Yves Theriault ("Blacky") for the first time in 17 years. Dan Mongrain from the Quebec band MARTYR, a good friend of the band, played guitar. Songs from the early catalogue were the focus for the Heavy MTL set, including VOIVOD's cover of the PINK FLOYD classic "Astronomy Domine", which closed the show before the band took a bow center stage and shared a group hug.

Frontman Thomas "The Bloodbeast" Gurrath of German death metallers DEBAUCHERY has issued the following update:

"We are back from our 'Blood God Rising In The East World Tour 2008', which brought us to 16 countries and even to the People's Republic of China. Thanks to all of you crazy guys and girls who checked out our shows.

"2008 was very successful for DEBAUCHERY. We toured all over the world, spawned the 'Continue To Kill' record and are still alive.

"But what to expect of 2009:

"The new record, 'Rockers & War', will come in April. The first part, the War part, contains six songs of violence and death. Some even sound a little bit like SLAYER with keyboards or DIMMU BORGIR black metal. I don't know. Cool stuff, fast, melodic but brutal as hell. All the speed freaks will love the 'Savage Mortician' with its 280 bpm. The titles are: 'There Is Only War', 'Primordial Annihilator', 'Savage Mortician', 'Honour And Courage', 'Killing Ground' and 'Wolves Of The North'.

"The second part, the rockers part, contains another five songs. Pure hard rock, and some surprises. Music for headbangers, party stuff and songs for all the Hell Bunnies out there. Even another DEBAUCHERY ballad. The titles are: 'New Rock', '3 Riff Hit', 'Demon Lady', 'Hammer Of the Blood God' and 'I'm A Rocker'.

"The new CD is more than just death metal. It's definitely the best I ever created. A journey through metal, with groove and brutality. But still 100% DEBAUCHERY. There will also be a bonus DVD for the new record and even a new hardcore lesbian porno video for the song 'Death Metal Warmachine'. You will love it!"

DEBAUCHERY's last album, "Continue To Kill", was released on April 4, 2008 via AFM Records.

This past week, VH1 paid tribute to the ultimate rock gods by counting down the "100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs". The five-part compilation, hosted by POISON singer Bret Michaels, featured the most awesome guitar-driven, head-banging jams in rock history — from AC/DC to LED ZEPPELIN and everything in between. VH1 took viewers behind-the-scenes of the greatest hard rock hits with special rarely-seen footage and brand new exclusive interviews with rock's most famous faces. METALLICA, MÖTLEY CRÜE, NIRVANA, THE WHO, VAN HALEN, and LED ZEPPELIN are just some of the legendary artists that were profiled.

Each new hour-long episode of VH1's "100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs" premiered on Monday, December 29 - Friday, January 2 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The series gave viewers the chance to rock out to the 100 best and most influential hard rock songs of all time. Along with the revelation of each anthem's back-story, the five-night event also featured updates on where various rock idols are today. The countdown allowed viewers to reminisce about the glory days of guitar smashing and party crashing, roadies and groupies, and everything else hard rock stands for.

VH1's "100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs":

01. GUNS N' ROSES - "Welcome To The Jungle"
02. AC/DC - "Back In Black"
03. LED ZEPPELIN - "Whole Lotta Love"
04. BLACK SABBATH - "Paranoid"
05. METALLICA - "Enter Sandman"
06. THE WHO - "Won't Get Fooled Again"
07. NIRVANA - "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
08. AEROSMITH - "Walk This Way"
09. VAN HALEN - "Running With The Devil"
10. MOTÖRHEAD - "Ace Of Spades"
11. DEEP PURPLE - "Smoke On The Water"
12. JUDAS PRIEST - "Breaking The Law"
13. DEF LEPPARD - "Photograph"
14. IRON MAIDEN - "Run To The Hills"
15. MÖTLEY CRÜE - "Dr. Feelgood"
16. KISS - "Rock And Roll All Nite"
17. TWISTED SISTER - "I Wanna Rock"
18. SCORPIONS - "Rock You Like A Hurricane"
19. RUSH - "Tom Sawyer"
20. BON JOVI - "You Give Love A Bad Name"
21. LED ZEPPELIN - "Kashmir"
22. THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE - "Hey Joe"
23. OZZY OSBOURNE - "Crazy Train"
24. IRON BUTTERFLY - "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
25. THE RAMONES - "Blitzkrieg Bop"
26. LYNYRD SKYNYRD - "Freebird"
27. WHITESNAKE - "Still Of The Night"
28. FOO FIGHTERS - "Everlong"
29. JOAN JETT - "Bad Reputation"
30. PEARL JAM - "Evenflow"
31. AC/DC - "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"
32. TED NUGENT - "Cat Scratch Fever"
33. GREEN DAY - "Basket Case"
34. HEART - "Barracuda"
35. ALICE COOPER - "School's Out"
36. VAN HALEN - "Hot For Teacher"
37. THE WHO - "My Generation"
38. QUEEN - "Stone Cold Crazy"
39. BOSTON - "More Than A Feeling"
40. POISON - "Talk Dirty To Me"
41. QUIET RIOT - "Cum On Feel The Noise"
42. THE CLASH - "Should I Stay Or Should I Go"
43. DIO - "Holy Diver"
44. CREAM - "Sunshine Of Your Love"
45. FOGHAT - "Slow Ride"
46. ANTHRAX - "Madhouse"
47. KID ROCK - "Bawitdaba"
48. KORN - "Freak On A Leash"
49. IGGY POP AND THE STOOGES - "Search And Destroy"
50. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS - "Give It Away"
51. MEGADETH - "Peace Sells"
52. THE RUNAWAYS - "Cherry Bomb"
53. STEPPENWOLF - "Born To Be Wild"
54. FAITH NO MORE - "Epic"
55. BLUE ÖYSTER CULT - "Don't Fear The Reaper"
56. WARRANT - "Cherry Pie"
57. THE KINKS - "You Really Got Me"
58. STONE TEMPLE PILOTS - "Interstate Love Song"
59. BILLY SQUIER - "The Stroke"
60. SKID ROW - "18 And Life"
61. RATT - "Round And Round"
62. DOKKEN - "Breaking The Chains"
63. SURVIVOR - "Eye Of The Tiger"
64. ROLLINS BAND - "Liar"
65. MC5 - "Kick Out The Jams"
66. EUROPE - "The Final Countdown"
67. ZZ TOP - "Tush"
68. WHITE ZOMBIE - "More Human Than Human"
69. LIVING COLOUR - "Cult Of Personality"
70. FOREIGNER - "Hot Blooded"
71. JANE'S ADDICTION - "Mountain Song"
72. PAT BENETAR - "Heartbreaker"
73. THIN LIZZY - "Jailbreak"
74. THE CULT - "Love Removal Machine"
75. WHITE STRIPES - "Seven Nation Army"
76. LITA FORD - "Kiss Me Deadly"
77. SOUNDGARDEN - "Black Hole Sun"
78. BAD COMPANY - "Feel Like Making Love"
79. BILLY IDOL - "Rebel Yell"
80. JOURNEY - "Any Way You Want It"
81. BLACK SABBATH - "Heaven And Hell"
82. RAINBOW - "Since You've Been Gone"
83. EVANESCENCE - "Bring Me To Life"
84. W.A.S.P. - "I Wanna Be Somebody"
85. VELVET REVOLVER - "Slither"
86. MARILYN MANSON - "The Beautiful People"
87. WINGER - "Seventeen"
88. ALICE IN CHAINS - "Would?"
89. ANDREW W.K. - "Party Hard"
90. JETHRO TULL - "Aqualung"
91. SMASHING PUMPKINS - "Bullet With Butterfly Wings"
92. NIGHT RANGER - "Don't Tell Me You Love Me"
93. AUTOGRAPH - "Turn Up The Radio"
94. THE DARKNESS - "I Believe In A Thing Called Love"
95. CREED - "Higher"
96. KANSAS - "Carry On Wayward Son"
97. EDGAR WINTER'S GROUP - "Frankenstein"
98. BUCKCHERRY - "Lit Up"
99. GRAND FUNK RAILROAD - "We're An American Band"
100. SAMMY HAGAR - "I Can't Drive 55

VH1's "100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs" is a production of VH1 with Chris Martin serving as senior producer, Hilary Spiegelman serving as series producer, and Jeff Olde, Shelly Tatro, Rick Hankey and Bernie Kaminski serving as executive producers for VH1.

German metal queen Doro Pesch will release her new album, "Fear No Evil", on January 30, 2009 via AFM Records. The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Night Of The Warlock
02. Running From The Devil
03. Celebrate
04. Caught In A Battle
05. Herzblut
06. On The Run
07. Walking With The Angels
08. I Lay My Head
09. It Kills Me
10. Long Lost For Love
11. 25 Years

Bonus tracks (limited-edition digipack):

12. Wildfire
13. You Won My Love
14. Herzblut (CD-ROM Video)

Check out the cover artwork below.

Pesch released a new single, "Herzblut", on December 12 via AFM. It features four versions of the title track, each recorded in a different language.

"Herzblut" track listing:

01. Herzblut (Single Version)
02. Herzblut (Album Version)
03. A Fond Le Coeur - Herzblut (French)
04. Te Doy Mi Corazon - Herzblut (Spanish)
05. Eu Dou-Te O Meu Coração - Herzblut (Portuguese)
06. Share My Fate

Finnish dark metal band THROES OF DAWN has issued the following update:

"The recordings of the fifth [THROES OF DAWN] album have been finished on most parts and the sound engineer will start the mixing process at the very beginning of January.

"As you can guess, the recording of this album has not been an easy task. It has required the patience of a dead animal to pull this thing through. But I can guarantee you it has been well worth all the time and trouble. This album is going to be the ultimate THROES OF DAWN album, our magnum opus.

"We are well behind the schedules and plans, and I'm not going to give you any release date because it will probably not hold anyway, but the most important thing is that we are actually making progress and all the work will be over very soon."

THROES OF DAWN's fourth album, "Quicksilver Clouds", was released in the U.S. in January 2005 via Cleopatra Records. The U.S. version of the album featured a completely different cover to the European edition, which was issued in 2004 through Avantgarde/Wounded Love Records. The follow-up to 2000's "Binding of the Spirit" was recorded and mixed in three separate sessions between August and November 2003 at Sonic Pump studios in Helsinki.