Drummer Peter Stjärnvind has left the long-running Swedish metallers ENTOMBED in order to concentrate on his membership in the Swedish cult act NIFELHEIM.

NIFELHEIM guitarist Sebastian Ramstedt (a.k.a. Vengeance from Beyond; also in NECROPHOBIC) has confirmed to BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "No bad breakup or anything personal between him/us and the guys in ENTOMBED, but heavy touring didn't fit his situation right now," Ramstedt said. ENTOMBED are currently utilizing the services of session drummer Olle Dahlstedt (ALPHA SAFARI, ex-MISERY LOVES CO.) for all of their upcoming European gigs. Stjärnvind and his wife recently welcomed their first child, a daughter.

ENTOMBED will release a new EP, "When in Sodom", on June 6 via Threeman Recordings. A full-length album, "Serpent Saints", will follow on September 18.

ENTOMBED's new album was recorded at Soundland studio in Upplands Väsby, Sweden. The CD will be the group's first without the contributions of guitarist Uffe Cederlund, who left the band in September 2005.

A rare NAILBOMB music video for the track "Wasting Away" has been posted online at this location.

NAILBOMB was the short-lived side project of then-SEPULTURA frontman Max Cavalera and FUDGE TUNNEL's Alex Newport, formed between the recording of SEPULTURA's "Chaos A.D." and "Roots" albums. This video includes extremely rare footage that was nearly burnt in a fire that nearly killed Max Cavalera's family friend.

Max Cavalera's current main band, SOULFLY, are continuing to tour in support of their latest album, "Dark Ages", available now on Roadrunner Records. The follow-up to 2004's "Prophecy" was produced by Max and was mixed by Terry Date, who has previously worked with PANTERA and DEFTONES, among others.

Following on from the chart success of their latest single "Our Truth", LACUNA COIL are now set to unleash their second single to be taken from the critically acclaimed album "Karmacode". "Enjoy The Silence" is due to be released in the U.K. on Monday, June 26.

LACUNA COIL have created an intense and mesmerizing reworking of the classic DEPECHE MODE track and made it their own, with Marco Coti Zelati, the band's bassist, adding new arrangements and vocal parts to make it the perfect LACUNA COIL song.

"Enjoy The Silence" will be available in the following formats:

"Enjoy The Silence – Vol. I" (CD Single Digipack + Poster)

01. Enjoy The Silence
02. To The Edge (live)
03. Fragile (live)
04. Enhanced video interview

"Enjoy The Silence – Vol. II" (CD Single)

01. Enjoy The Silence
02. Virtual Environment (non-album bonus track)

"Enjoy The Silence - Vol II" (7 Blue Coloured Vinyl)

01. Enjoy The Silence
02. Silence

Season of Mist and THE OLD DEAD TREE are sad to announce that guitarist Nicolas Chevrollier is to leave the band soon. A founding member of the band, Nicolas has decided to focus on his family duties, as he will soon become a father. He went through a hard time making this decision, due to the strong friendship binding the members of the band. Here are Nicolas' words:

"My long term adventures with THE OLD DEAD TREE are coming to an end. I have made the hardest decision in leaving the band, since my family life is about to change with the soon birth of my son Adrien, due next July. This great event thus induced me in making that choice, after having made up those last nearly ten years in THE OLD DEAD TREE, my other family.There were so many changes since February 1997, when Manuel and I made the decision to create the band and act for our passion, building up our dream. We went through really hard times, especially with the demise of Frederic, whom I'm thinking about now, but we also shared many moments of joy, happiness and emotion. I'm also very proud to have contributed to make THE OLD DEAD TREE be recognized and respected for all those years, and to have led it where it is now. The band is now ready for its international big break, and I sincerely hope it will make it, because it deserves it.

I also wanted to thank all our fans, old and new, all of those who follow and support us. Our music touching you is, for us musicians, the most beautiful reward. Thanks also to those who have been part of the band's life and history - you know who you are! And, of course, my last thoughts go to my three brothers in arms, music and riffs: my Manu, my Vincent and my Foued. This unique human adventure will be part of my life forever. Nicolas Chevrollier"

Nicolas will play on gigs scheduled until late June. A session guitarist will then replace him until his successor has been found.

Guitar shredder Ron Thal of the New York City-based alternative metal project BUMBLEFOOT has joined GUNS N' ROSES as the replacement for Buckethead.

GUNS N' ROSES played their first show in more than three years Friday night/Saturday morning (May 12-13) at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. The two-hour, 15-minute set kicked off at roughly 11:00 p.m. with the opening 1-2-3 punch of "Welcome to the Jungle", "It's So Easy" and "Mr. Brownstone", and featured a guest appearance by former SKID ROW frontman Sebastian Bach, who traded off lead vocals with Axl Rose in "My Michelle". The much-rumored appearance by ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Izzy Stradlin never materialized.

GUNS N' ROSES setlist – Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City - May 12, 2006:

01. Welcome to the Jungle
02. It's So Easy
03. Mr. Brownstone
04. Better
05. Live and Let Die
06. Sweet Child O' Mine
07. Knockin' On Heaven's Door
08. Madagascar
09. You Could Be Mine
10. Dizzy Solo
11. The Blues
12. Out Ta Get Me
13. Bumblefoot Solo
14. November Rain
15. My Michelle (with Sebastian Bach)
16. Chinese Democracy
17. T.W.A.T. (There was a Time)
18. Patience
19. I.R.S.
20. Nightrain
21. Robin Finck Solo
22. Paradise City

OPETH have posted the following message at their official website:

"After several months away from his drumming duties in Opeth, Martin Lopez has permanently decided to leave the group. After being plagued by illness and anxiety attacks Lopez decided he wanted to concentrate fully on his own project, currently unnamed. His replacement will be Martin "Axe" Axenrot (WITCHERY, BLOODBATH) who's been filling in for the last five tours and who also recorded with the band during the recent BBC sessions.

Frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt comments: "However sad I and the rest of the band feel in light of Lopez departure, I want to thank him for his incredible work with Opeth and immense dedication to the band. We recorded some classic stuff together and he obviously had an enormous impact on our sound. I now feel very excited to hear the material of his own band. In the meantime Opeth fans can rest assured that we'll continue jamming it out with Axe and we all have high expectations about our coming musical ventures."

NIGHTINGALE, the Swedish progressive-metal band headed by Dan Swanö, will enter the studio on June 12 to begin recording their new album, "White Darkness", tentatively due later in the year. About 75 percent of the material for the forthcoming CD was composed by Dan Swanö's brother Dag (a.k.a. Tom Nouga). The record will reportedly be very 1970s-inspired.

In other news, NIGHTINGALE have launched a new homepage with much audio and video material, including a three-hour recording of Dan Swanö hosting a radio show, and the original version of "Game Over" by Dag Swanö (a.k.a. Tom Nouga), which was later re-written for the album "I". Still available from Tom Nouga's homepage are two songs from their recent concert in Moscow, "Deep Inside Of Nowhere" and "Into the Light".

NIGHTINGALE's collection of re-recorded songs from the group's first three releases, entitled "Nightfall Overture", was made available last year.

Finnish melodic death metallers OMNIUM GATHERUM have parted ways with vocalist Antti Filppu.

"This is very unfortunate, but everyone considers this as the only way if OMNIUM GATHERUM is going to continue as a band," the group write on their web site. "Other members of OMNIUM GATHERUM thank Antti for all these years and great times. We hope that Antti will continue to do his 'thing' and wish him the best possible luck! The name of the new vocalist will be announced later. The ball continues rolling immediately, that's for sure!"

Antti Filppu has sent the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET regarding his departure from the group:

"Nothing dramatic, just wanted to correct an error concerning my departure from OMNIUM GATHERUM. I did not leave the band. They wanted to continue without me, and there were no negotiations about it. Nobody asked me, they simply told me I'm out. Even though this is perfectly fine, I saw no crisis with the OMNIUM GATHERUM future like the other members saw, I would have been very glad to be a part of it."

In other news, "OMNIUM GATHERUM is composing and demoing new stuff at the moment and it´s sure that the new album will definitely be the best one yet! The new album have been planned to record this year, but OMNIUM GATHERUM is seeking a new label home at the moment, as the band parted ways also with their former label Nuclear Blast while ago... So, interested labels feel free to take contact!"

The cover artwork for the new DEICIDE album, "The Stench of Redemption", has been posted online at this location. The follow-up to 2004's "Scars of the Crucifix" was recorded at Morrisound in Tampa, Florida and marks the first recording with the new DEICIDE lineup following the departure of the Hoffman brothers. Joining frontman Glen Benton and drummer Steve Asheim in the new formation are guitarists Jack Owen (ex-CANNIBAL CORPSE) and Ralph Santolla (ex-ICED EARTH, DEATH).

As previously reported, DEICIDE have confirmed an all-ages CD release show commemorating 06/06/06 (June 6) and the release of "The Stench of Redemption". The concert will take place at the Iliff Park Saloon in Aurora, Colorado, near Denver. The will also be embarking on a full U.S. tour beginning around September 20 and running through October 31. Plans also exis for DEICIDE to head over to Japan before the end of the year.

Progressive metallers SYMPHONY X have been forced to cancel their previously announced European festival appearances in June (Lorca Rock in Spain and Sweden Rock) due to "severe illness."

Commented SYMPHONY X bassist Michael LePond: "I have been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease (an inflammatory bowel disorder). This has caused an obstruction in my small intestine, making it impossible to digest solid foods. Currently, I am hospitalized where they can feed me through an I.V. unit supplemented with a liquid diet.

"But, there is some good news. The doctors tell me that with a surgical procedure, they will have me back to 100 percent in about six weeks, and although it is a chronic disease, this procedure will make it much easier to control its effects in the future.

"I want to thank the band, the crew, the fans and everyone else involved for your understanding and support during this tough time. You will all make my healing process much easier and I'll be back on the bass in no time."

All "get well" wishes for Mike can be sent to getwellmike@symphonyx.com. The messages will be printed out and sent to him until he's able to access the mailbox himself.

SYMPHONY X are currently working on the follow-up to 2002's "The Odyssey", tentatively due this fall. The band expect to return to the road shortly after the release of the new CD.

U.K. doom metallers MY DYING BRIDE have posted the following message on their official web site:

"[MY DYING BRIDE] have been locked up in the studio since the beginning of April and are busy recording their new album. According to the band, at least five songs have already been recorded with more in the pipeline. No details on song or album titles are available, yet. John [Bennett], the drummer from THE PROPHECY, with whom the band have played live in the past year, is also behind the kit in the studio, filling in for regular MY DYING BRIDE drummer Shaun Taylor-Steels (who is still having problems with his ankle after injuring it badly last year)."

MY DYING BRIDE's eighth studio album, "Songs of Darkness, Words of Light", was released in February 2004 through Peaceville Records. The follow-up to 2001's "The Dreadful Hours" was recorded and mixed at Academy Studio in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire with producer Mags.

German gothic metallers CREMATORY have released more information about their upcoming album, "Klagebilder", due on August 4 via Massacre Records.

According to a press release, "Back in 1996, CREMATORY established themselves as genrepioneers, as the release of 'Crematory – Das Deutsche Album' was not only praised but criticized. Nevertheless, the band consequently proceeded its way onwards and a German song has been presented on nearly every album since. It was clear that after 15 years of CREMATORY there has to be a special present for the fans and so the band decided to give the fans what they've been yelling for the last 10 years: A new German album!

"As the lyrics of the new album deal with very personal topics and experiences of daily human life, 'Klagebilder' features musical progress in perfection. A massive, uncomparable sound-wall combined with spheric and modern keyboardsounds. The production was taken care of CREMATORY themselves with the assistance of producer Christian 'Kohle' Kohlmannslehner while keeping a more precise focus on a distinguishable guitarwork.

"'Klagebilder' is an album with the expected amount of smashers with eardrilling refrains and clubhits to dance to, demonstrating that the hitfactory CREMATORY is without doubt powered by high voltage."

"Klagebilder" (view artwork here) track listing:

01. Klagebilder
02. Die Abrechnung
03. Hoffnungen
04. Kein Liebeslied
05. Kaltes Feuer
06. Der Morgen Danach
07. Warum
08. Höllenbrand
09. Nie Wieder
10. Ein Leben Lang
11. Der Nächste
12. Das Letzte Mal
13. Spiegel Meiner Seele

The LP will be available as a limited digipak, jewel-case CD and big-sized box set including a bonus CD.

French gothic metal band PENUMBRA have announced the addition of new female singer Asphodel (MySpace) to the group's ranks.

"Asphodel's beautiful voice perfectly suits the new musical direction PENUMBRA has taken since their last album, 'Seclusion' [2003]," the band write on their web site. "Jarlaath [vocals/oboe] also declared that she conquered PENUMBRA with both her great vocal talent but also with her personality. Asphodel already started touring with PENUMBRA and recently debuted live in Belgium and in the Netherlands in April 2006. She proved to be able to adapt the older songs as her own and her voice completely blended with PENUMBRA's atmosphere."

Check out pictures of the new PENUMBRA lineup performing live at The Basement (Nighttown) in Rotterdam, Holland on March 30, 2006 at Stratovana.nl.

PENUMBRA's "Seclusion" CD was released through the Season of Mist label.

ICED EARTH mainman Jon Schaffer has posted the follwing message on the band's official web site:

"I'm completely consumed in the writing process of what will be by far the most ambitious album(s) IE has ever done. Some of you probably know that the next two releases will comprise the full concept album of the 'Something Wicked' storyline, Part 1 & Part 2. I know it's taken quite some time to get this beast on its way to fruition, but it IS finally happening, and I really feel the time is right. The goal is to make this our most epic, dynamic, most melodic and heaviest CD ever. Because of the depth and detail of the story it would be impossible to do it on one CD, there simply is not enough time, so I'm writing both parts at one time so that the continuity is there. If I were to wait a year or two to start writing part 2 I would be in a completely different frame of mind and it wouldn't work nearly as well, so the best thing is to do all the writing at once. We'll get Part 1 recorded, mixed and released and then finish part 2 which will come out about 6 months later. That's at least the preliminary plan. We are still pretty early in the process but things are starting to move along nicely.

"I know it's been some time since the release of 'The Glorious Burden' and I ask you to please be patient because what's coming next is going to blow you away. This is the album that IE fans have been waiting for.

"I want to apologize to the European fans for not making it over there for a headline tour on the last album. My back problems got too intense to be on the road and that really screwed things up for everyone, myself, the rest of the guys in the band, our crew, the promoters etc. We would have toured a lot more than we did had I not had these problems. The great thing is that the last surgical procedure I had in October of 2004 seems to have worked to make the pain much more tolerable. I did very extensive therapy for many months and am committed to being in the best shape of my life by the time we tour again. It's good to be enjoying life for the first time in a very long time.

"2005 was a very special year for me. My daughter was born and it's been by far the greatest thing that's ever happened to me. After so many years of ass-breaking work to keep this band alive and successful, it was time for me to take care of #1. So I devoted my time to my health and my family and it was great. My batteries definitely needed recharging. Things are in perspective like never before and I feel more determined and more focused than ever. I can say in full confidence that this is coming through in the music.

"Contrary to some rumors, IE is still very much alive and will be coming back with a vengeance, stronger and more driven than ever to spread our brand of metal. Tim, Bobby [Jarzombek, drums] and I are very much looking forward to getting these CDs in the can and getting back out to see you all again."

Legendary Swedish death metallers GRAVE have completed work on their new album, "As Rapture Comes", for a July 25 release via Century Media Records (one day earlier internationally).

Commented vocalist/guitarist Ola Lindgren: "The new album is finally completed. Nine tracks which can only be described as the most aggressive, evil and brutal stuff we have ever created both sound and song-wise. The album was recorded by ourselves at Studio Soulless and the final mix was made in the Abyss Studio with Peter Tägtgren. This one takes GRAVE into a new dimension while still staying true to our legacy of brutal, heavy death metal."

The artwork for "As Rapture Comes" was designed by the Polish artist Jacek Wisnieswki, who has previously worked with GRAVE on their "Back From The Grave" and "Fiendish Regression" albums, in addition to designing artwork for such acts as KRISIUN, VADER and DECAPITATED, among others.

"As Rapture Comes" track listing:

01. Intro - Day Of Reckoning (0:49)
02. Burn (6:24)
03. Through Eternity (3:45)
04. By Demons Bred (4:16)
05. Living The Dead Behind (6:26)
06. Unholy Terror (3:44)
07. Battle Of Eden (3:38)
08. Epic Obliteration (4:02)
09. Them Bones (2:32) (ALICE IN CHAINS cover)
10. As Rapture Comes (5:34)

In other news, GRAVE have confirmed a string of shows with ENTOMBED in Scandinavia for June, as well as a North American tour with DISMEMBER and VITAL REMAINS in the fall.

German thrashers DESTRUCTION have posted the following message on their official web site:

"After the return from their successful Latin America tour (sadly interrupted with some promoter problems as reported) the band is now preparing for their next release. After the North America tour starting May 26th the guys will hit the studio to record a 'best of the early years' album!

"As it's really difficult to get the old records those days and to avoid a 'best of album" with only old recordings in rather poor quality, we've have chosen the solution to re-record many of the '80s classix, including one or two tunes of the 'Crack Brained' album (where Schmier wasn't singing!!!). It's great fun to pick and rehearse the old songs at the moment. With a powerful sound and the brutal energy that the band delivers nowadays, there is no doubt that this will fuckin' shred!"

DESTRUCTION are continuing to tour in support of their latest CD, "Inventor of Evil", which is available in Europe on AFM Records and in North America on Candlelight Records.

A huge blow for fans of Masterplan's first two (sensational) albums. This from the band's record label AFM Records:
"Sometimes ways can separate from each other: due to musical differences singer Jorn Lande has left Masterplan last week. During working on the new album the band had to experience that both sides were having different ideas and wishes for the songwriting. While Jorn would have loved to push the style of the band more into the melodic direction, the rest of the band wanted to go back to the metal-roots of the debut album. So the decision was made to go separate ways in the future.
Drummer Uli Kusch about it: "We are not really happy about Jorn `s decision, but on the other side it doesn `t make sense to continue if the ideas are that different. The music would suffer from it and the music is why we are doing it. We wish Jorn a successful future and want to thank him for everything he did for us. It was a great and interesting time!"
The band is currently searching for a new singer. "There are already some possibilities that might be interesting for us, but nothing is decided yet", Uli explains. "We hope that we can already present the new singer on the gigs we are playing this year. And for sure there won `t be any changes in the musical style of Masterplan. We are currently working on the songs."

Drummer Robin Engström of the Swedish "heavy doom progressive" metallers MORGANA LEFAY has officially left the band. Robin's statement on the matter reads as follows:

"I made the hard decision to leave MORGANA LEFAY due to personal differences. I know this might come as a surprise to many, but I have thought about this for quite some time and I'm sorry for any inconveniences. I'll try to make this statement as short as possible...

"I'd like to thank Charles [Rytkönen, vocals] and Tony [Eriksson, guitar] for bringing me in back in '98 and I owe them both a great deal of gratitude for giving me the chance to experience so much, I can't ever repay You guys for that, nor can I thank you enough, thanx for all the fun times though!!! Even more thanx to Peter [Grehn, guitar] for putting up with me for about 17 years totally, heh... damn, how time flies, huh? I will also miss playing with Fredrik [Lundberg, bass], definitely one of the nicest guys around and I wish all you guys all the best in the future!

"To all the MORGANA LEFAY fans and friends out there, I can't even start to explain what you have given me through the years and I hope that in some way I get to see you all somewhere, sometime again. I will not quit playing drums, that's a promise (or threat, haha). If you want updates on what's going on, check: www.myspace.com/korkil.

"As far as I know, MORGANA LEFAY will play the booked shows with a replacement drummer. For more info on that, I suggest You keep an eye on www.morganalefay.se.

"Thanx for one helluva ride!"

DOKKEN frontman Don Dokken has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

"As you see, we've been busy boys. We just got back from Mexico and it was a blast! The fans were awesome and they sang every song with us. Now I need to learn Spanish for them. The only bummer was I didn't get to see Pancho Villa's house but now I have an excuse to go back soon. The food there was awesome! Now we're off to Greece for three shows and a little vacation. We filmed Mexico and will also film Greece for a bonus DVD with our next CD, 'Lightning Strikes Again'. We had a great time last year in Greece so this time should be no exception. So Mexico and Greece in one week — now that's being rock dogs; we'll go anywhere to play for DOKKEN fans. I hope to see you all on tour this fall. Barry [Sparks, bass] and Mick [Brown, drums] will be out with uncle Ted [Nugent] until August as Jon [Levin, guitar] and I finish up our four — that's right, four — new projects: a new studio CD, a live CD, greatest hits CD and my solo CD. Other than that, we're just hanging out."

DOKKEN's latest CD, "Hell to Pay", was released in July 2004 via Sanctuary.

For the third time in 10 years, vocalist Jacques Belanger has left the Canadian thrash metal pioneers EXCITER. "Due to 'differences of opinion' on many issues between Jacques and the rest of the band, he felt he could no longer continue as vocalist for EXCITER," reads a statement from the group.

"We are currently exploring our options but, we have, regretably, had to cancel shows in Europe, the USA and Canada that we had scheduled or been working on for this summer [including the Minneapolis Mayhem 3 festival in August].

"The writing for the new CD is complete and we have 10 new songs to record, but we'll have to find the voice to sing on these ripping new tracks first. EXCITER would like to thank all the die-hard fans, throughout the globe, who have supported us for many years."

EXCITER's latest CD is "New Testament - Coven of Re-Recorded Classics", a collection of reworked early songs which was released in June 2004 through France's Osmose Productions.

German metallers MAJESTY have announced the addition of former NECROPHAGIST/DEFEATED SANITY guitarist Christian Münzner to the group's ranks. "[Christian] already impressively proved himself at his first show in Berlin (Germany) on May 6," the band write in a statement.

Münzner joins MAJESTY as the replacement for Rolf Munkes (EMPIRE, RAZORBACK, ex-VANIZE), who left the band in April.

MAJESTY's third album, "Hellforces", entered the official German album chart at position No. 100. The follow-up to 2003's "Reign in Glory" was once again produced by Stefan Kaufmann (former ACCEPT drummer, current U.D.O. guitarist) at Roxx studios in Pulheim, Germany.

WINTERSUN, the band led by former ENSIFERUM singer Jari Mäenpää, have posted the following message on their official web site:

"We entered the studios [on May 2]. The day went setting up the drums, changing the drumheads, miking the drums, making the basic drumsound and Kai playing too fast all day long (and driving Nino crazy). Jiiiihhaaaaa! [On May 3] we [started] the actual recordings.

"In this studio session we will be recording only the drums, rhythm guitars and bass. I [Jari] will continue recording the vocals, solos and synths/samples at my home 'studio'/rehearsal place during the summer. The melody/acoustic guitars I will be recording with Teemu. The mixing will take place in autumn and the release is scheduled for the end of this year.

"The album will be called 'Time' and the track titles are:

01. Sons of Winter and Stars
02. Land of Snow and Sorrow
03. Time
04. Fire
05. One with the Shadows
06. Storm
07. Silver Leaves

"Seven epic songs and quite long ones, over 65 minutes of material. It's a theme album. The music has some new dimensions, but has also the recognizable 'WINTERSUN style.' So hopefully you will stay patient, the wait will be worth it!"

NAPALM DEATH bassist Shane Embury has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

"What have we been up to???? Well, what's been happening in the NAPALM DEATH camp lately, I hear you ask. Well, we recently recorded a SICK OF IT ALL track for a 20th anniversary tribute album that will be released later this through Century Media Records. The track we recorded was called 'Who Sets the Rules' and I guess it turned out pretty good. Tomorrow [May 6] we will rehearse our 17th and final track for our new album, then practice like crazed lunatics before heading into the studio on the 13th of May to start recording our 12th full-length album...so I guess we have been busy!!!"

NAPALM DEATH's follow-up to last year's critically acclaimed album, "The Code Is Red… Long Live The Code", tentatively titled "Smear Campaign", is scheduled for release this fall via Century Media. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Persona Nongrata", "Smear Campaign" and "Call That an Option?"

More information has been revealed about keyboardist Derek Sherinian's (DREAM THEATER, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) upcoming fifth solo album, "Blood of the Snake", which will be released by InsideOut Music in Europe on July 27, in North America on August 1 and via Marquee/Avalon in Japan on August 23.

Sherinian was blessed to gain two top-notch guest musicians for the CD: Billy Idol and GUNS N' ROSES icon Slash. Sherinian already supported Idol on his previous tour and recorded MUNGO JERRY's classic song "In the Summertime", featuring guest appearances by both Idol and Slash. "That was my favorite song when I was three," Sherinian admits. "Billy sang this song when we were rehearsing in the studio and we immediately started jamming to it. All of a sudden we thought that this could be a good cover song. To me, Slash was simply perfect for it." Other tracks on this album were sung by Zakk Wylde, with additional guest appearances by Yngwie Malmsteen, John Petrucci (DREAM THEATER), Simon Phillips (TOTO), Tony Franklin (THE FIRM, BLUE MURDER) and Brian Tichy (BILLY IDOL, OZZY OSBOURNE).

MANOWAR vocalist Eric Adams and Chester Moore — esteemed zoologist, outdoorsman, and wildlife journalist — have joined forces to create a unique and exciting look into the adventurous world of outdoor life on the "Wild Life and Wild Times" DVD, due in North America on June 27, 2006 through MANOWAR's Magic Circle Music (one day earlier internationally).

During the course of this visual excursion, Eric and Chester pursue such varied and exotic prey as emus, American bison, king salmon, elk, wild boar, and many more. They also investigate the unique phenomenon of rattlesnake roundups and venture into the night with television host Nathan Jones for a rousing bowfishing trip — which involves a unique bow and arrow rigged with a line and reel. "In the process, we used 33 arrows, 39 shotgun shells, 16 tree stands, four skinning knives, three sets of binoculars, four video cameras, 48 digital video tapes, flew more than 50,000 miles, drove 3,000 miles and gave 100 percent of ourselves every minute in the field and in the editing studio," they said in a press release. All of this — combined with a heart-pumping instrumental soundtrack composed and performed by Eric Adams — results in an outdoor adventure experience unlike any other.