Prior to EMPEROR's performance at the recent French festival Hellfest, vocalist Ihsahn spoke with Jorge Fretes of Spain's GoetiaMedia.com. The full conversation can be streamed below. A few excerpts follow (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On whether, given the fact that the group hasn't recorded an album since 2001, he considers EMPEROR to be "nostalgic":

Ihsahn: "I would argue that so many of the headliners you see on festivals these days, it's basically nostalgia music. A huge percentage. I think that it's really a phenomenon of the times we live in. We are a band [who] came through before Facebook and all the stuff where things happen so quickly. There was still time for people to invest and attach to and collect with an artist. Now, I see my kids — they don't listen to albums or follow artists. They have playlists. It's like, 'This week it's that. This week's it's that.' It's really, really hard, I think, for younger artists to build that kind of sustainable connection. That's why you see that the bigger festivals and the big headliners, like KISS or JUDAS PRIEST, are from a time where people actually developed a real relationship to the songs."

On whether he thinks people will tire of EMPEROR if they don't release new music:

Ihsahn: "I guess both yes and no. Not by any comparison, but when I see IRON MAIDEN, I don't get tired of hearing [the classics]. They even joke about it from [the] stage — 'Okay, I'm sorry, we're going to play some new songs, but we'll play some old songs later.' It's not necessarily the quality of the music — it's just that if people have a similar relationship to some of the songs that we did early on that I have to some of my favorite bands, if you see them live every second year and get to hear those songs loud, would it be boring? It is what it is. This is kind of the powers of the market, if you will. The way I see it now, I have my solo career — I've been releasing seven solo albums now, so I've been doing that for far more than I've done EMPEROR, and I've played this festival and so many other festivals as a solo artist. Sometimes, I'm up [high] on the bill, and sometimes on the middle of the bill with my solo stuff. In the beginning, I was thinking, 'I'm doing all this new stuff. Why [are] people so nostalgic about all this old stuff?' Now, [I realize] I'm from Norway. I play extreme music. I get to do both. I'll just shut up and count my blessings. I've traveled around the world playing my music — my new music, my old music — and I see for some reason, people have developed a relationship in a similar that I have to [my favorite artists]. It's humbling. If people are bored with it, don't see the show. It's a rock show. It's not a big deal."

On whether he considers black metal to be stale:

Ihsahn: "I'm not doing music that people now associate to be black metal, because now, it's kind of a formula. It's even a very strong formula. I would say rather early on in the whole black metal scene, it became like the fashion police of black metal and what you were 'supposed' to do. To me, that has always been the antithesis of black metal. If I would make albums or music to a formula that other people dictate, how is the spirit of black metal ever going to enter that? Isn't black metal all this, 'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law' — isn't that the whole fucking point of it? For me, when I express the type of vocals that I do, and there are distorted guitars, and there's often dark subjects, in my mind or in the creative space I draw inspiration from, the core element of why I've been doing this for 30 years, it's still the same. For me, I'm still doing black metal. It comes from the same source, but I'm not trying to copy someone else's idea of what it's supposed to sound like. For me, black metal is an attitude, an atmosphere... it's a certain state of mind, a certain emotional connection [and] energy... For me, the whole 'What do you think of think of the current state of the black metal scene?', I don't know. I don't care. It's a very selfish and probably very arrogant thing, but I just love doing what I do. I don't care what other people do."

On BEHEMOTH:

Ihsahn: "We played here in 2014, and we played right after BEHEMOTH, who basically put on a show that was everything we could have dreamed of in '93. They put on an amazing show. It's so dark, and it's so... the essence of black metal. The makeup, the costumes, everything. As an interesting observation, it was kind of cool to go onstage and perform the entire 'In The Nightside Eclipse' in jeans and t-shirt and still conjure up the energy. One thing doesn't exclude the other."

EMPEROR's next live performance will take place in August at the Czech Republic's Brutal Assault festival.

Airbourne have released an official music video for their new album’s title track, "Boneshaker"; shot during both the band’s mainstage performance at this year’s Wacken Festival in Germany, and headline set at Skogsrojet Festival in Sweden, the video for "Boneshaker", which was both filmed and edited by Tom Russell, perfectly captures the adrenaline-inducing Airbourne live show experience. 

"We didn’t wanna fuck around with storylines or any of that shit,” says Airbourne frontman, Joel O’Keeffe, “plus we fuckin’ love Wacken. This year was our fourth time playing there and it marked their 30th anniversary. We debuted our new single ‘Boneshaker’ in front of 90,000 people… here it is on film, crank it up and rock out to the max!” 

Airbourne will release their fifth studio album, Boneshaker, on October 25th via Spinefarm Records. Pre-order your copy now at this location.

With Boneshaker, all-action Aussie rockers Airbourne decided to take the bolder path: to align with Nashville's Number One producer - Dave Cobb, whose credits include both Chris Stapleton and the A Star Is Born soundtrack. It was their way of staking out new turf away from comfort zones and safe havens...

“It's a live gig in the studio. This is always something we wanted to do - find a way to bring the soul and power of an Airbourne live show into an album. Cobb caught our lightning and put it in a bottle," states bandleader Joel O’Keeffe.

Relocating to historic Studio A on Nashville’s Music Row, six-time Grammy Award-winning producer Cobb's natural home and one of Music City's most prized creative hubs, the four musicians set themselves a challenge: to make a record cut from the same frayed cloth as those classic late-'70s recordings from Australia's legendary Albert's house of 'Oz Rock' that inspired the band so much.

The band also shared the cover artwork for Boneshaker, which was a collaboration between Matt Read of Combustion Ltd, and Sean Tidy of Design House Studio Ltd. Guitarist Matthew Harrison states, "The whole sentiment we were after was about rock 'n' roll for life. We wanted to create something tattoo-worthy, and that the artwork was classic and stood the test of time."

There are no weird tangents here, no un-called for asides, no messin' about. This is straight-down-the-line pure rock 'n' roll drama, smelling of burnt rubber, spilt gasoline, and valves glowing red hot. No ballads, no acoustic guitars, no keyboards. It's 10 tracks and 30 minutes of music. Everything lean 'n' lethal, stripped to the bone, to those essential elements that rock 'n' roll requires to properly do its work: raging guitars, pounding bass 'n' bass, vocals packed full of real personality. This is the kind of passion that only comes from willfully pursuing a life on the line.

This is Boneshaker.
This is Airbourne.
Rock 'n' Roll For Life.

Boneshaker tracklisting:

"Boneshaker"
"Burnout The Nitro"
"This Is Our City"
"Sex To Go"
"Backseat Boogie"
"Blood In The Water"
"She Gives Me Hell"
"Switchblade Angel"
"Weapon Of War"
"Rock 'N' Roll For Life"

Airbourne's next show is September 24th in Poland. To view their complete tour schedule, click here.

 




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Austin, Texas based rock band Black Heart Saints has released the official music video for "Lines", off of their newest EP, Misery.

"The video for 'Lines' represents a lot of what the band is about - a little humor mixed in with rock 'n roll. It's loosely based on real events that have happened to us on tour. We're excited to share this first of a four part anthology with our fans," says Black Heart Saints.

The new EP follows the band's 2017 LP, Alive. Misery contains three original songs and one cover - “Addicted To Love” by Robert Palmer.

In concert news, catch Black Heart Saints opening for L.A. Guns on September 14th in Live Oak, Texas at Quartermain's Pub. Their complete tour schedule can be found at this location.

For further details, visit Black Heart Saints on Facebook.

 




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Swedish metallers, Enforcer, released their new studio album, Zenith, on April 26 via Nuclear Blast. After playing a string of European clubs shows and festivals, the quartet have just finished a 4-date Mexican tour with US-based thrash metal outfit Warbringer. But that's just the beginning as both bands are kicking off a 54-date North American tour at Brick By Brick in San Diego, CA today.

Following this run, Enforcer will return to European stages in November/December as part of the recently announced European Winter Tour 2019 alongside their label mates Municipal Waster. The tour package is completed by Toxic Holocaust and Skeletal Remains. Find the band's complete tour itinerary here.

In anticipation and celebration of the aforementioned live activities, Enforcer have released a music video for the track "Sail On," which was directed, filmed and edited by Christoffer Sandler.

Guitarist/vocalist Olof Wikstrand states, "Super excited to release this fourth music video off of Zenith. Takes you back to the recording sessions of the album. Also we are super excited to kick off the North American tour this week. See you out there!"

Zenith can be ordered at this location.

Tracklisting:

“Die For The Devil”
“Zenith Of The Black Sun”
“Searching For You”
“Regrets”
“The End Of A Universe”
“Sail On”
“One Thousand Years Of Darkness”
“Thunder And Hell”
“Forever We Worship The Dark”
“Ode To Death”
“To Another World” (Digipak bonus track)

“Regrets” video:

"Searching For You" lyric video:

"Die For The Devil" video:

Enforcer is:

Olof Wikstrand - vocals, guitars
Jonas Wikstrand - drums, piano & keyboards
Tobias Lindqvist - bass
Jonathan Nordwall - guitars

(Photo - Cintia Regueiro)




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Pattern-Seeking Animals, the group featuring the talents of current & former Spock's Beard members Ted Leonard, Jimmy Keegan & Dave Meros as well as long-time contributing songwriter-producer John Boegehold, have released a lyric video for "Stars Along The Way", a track from their self-titled debut album, out now via InsideOut Music. Watch below, and order the album here.

Tracklisting:

“No Burden Left To Carry“
“The Same Mistakes Again“
“Orphans Of The Universe“
“No One Ever Died And Made Me King“
“Fall Away“
“These Are My Things“
“We Write The Ghost Stories“
“No Land's Man“
“Stars Along The Way“

"Stars Along The Way" lyric video:

Unboxing video:

“No One Ever Died And Made Me King” playthrough video:




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For over two decades, Ragnarok have been giving fans their uncompromising take on Norwegian black metal, both in the studio and on stage, and now, the seasoned veterans, along with their label Agonia Records, are ready to reveal details of the band's ninth full-length studio album. Titled Non Debellicata, the ten-track album will be released on November 15. Pre-order here.

The band gives us an insight into what went into the making of Non Debellicata, an album in which Ragnarok's entire lineup of founder and frontman Jontho, guitarist Bolverk, bassist Rammr and drummer Malignant, had a significant input: "Our new album, Non Debellicata, is the result of an extensive process in which all the members of the band participated creatively, both musically and lyrically.  We put a lot of work into this album to make it as extreme and violent as we possibly could, pushing the borders of our musicianship and song writing skills. Originally we started out with 20 songs, out of which we rehearsed 16 and whittled it down to 13 for recording. We eventually chose 10 for inclusion on the album, because we wanted to ensure highest possible quality of every song."

As for the title itself: “Non Debellicata, refers to a phrase used as the motto for our home town Saropsborg in the olden days. It is taken from letter Jarl Alv Erlingsson sent to the Scottish Government in 1286. Aside from being a nobleman and the Jarl (Earl) of Sarpsborg, Alv was also an infamous pirate who was in the habit of robbing Danish and German merchant ships.

"The Scottish government had confiscated a number of Norwegian ships and Jarl Alv wrote them a letter, in which he said that maybe they were under the impression that Norway was weak after being at war for several years. But assured them that they would learn that the Norwegian people were not weakened by the war and would never be defeated.

"Non Debellicata. The people of Norway would never give up - and neither will Ragnarok!"

"Non Debellicata" was recorded in Sweden's Endarker Studio, with Marduk's Devo at the helm, and with artwork by Nestor Avalos and photos by Arash Taheri.

Tracklisting:

"Non Debellicata"
"Chapel Of Shadows"
"Sanctimoneous"
"Bestial Emptiness"
"Nemesis"
"The Great Destroyer"
"Gerasene Demoniac"
"The Gospel Of Judas Iscariot"
"Jonestown Lullaby"
"Asphyxiation"

Formats:

- jewelcase CD
- limited slipcase digipack CD (with bonus tracks)
- black LP
- red LP
- t-shirt

Lineup:

Jontho - vocals
Bolverk - guitars
Rammr - bass  
Malignant - drums




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Guitar legend Steve Vai has checked in with the following:

"This clip was taken while performing with the Evolution Orchestra in Bucharest. In the middle of the show, the sky opened up and just started pouring down on everyone and everything. It’s a rare occasion when this happens, but I’ve been caught in various torrential rain storms in the middle of a show and the only thing that works is to surrender to the rain. The piece being performed here is 'I’m Becoming'. You can see the entire 3.5 hour movie on disc 2 of the new Blu-Ray release of Stillness In Motion that will be available September 13. Pre-order here."

Steve Vai has announced the release of Stillness In Motion on September 13 via his personal record label Light Without Heat, distributed by The Orchard.

Originally, a DVD capturing Vai’s performance at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on October 12, 2012 was issued by Sony but it was not available on the Blu-Ray format. This deluxe package will be available on 2-Blu-Ray discs, with two CDs that contain the live music release from the performance.

The pre-order goes live today, here. The Blu-Ray is priced at $39.98, while a limited-edition bundle containing the Blu-Ray, a bottle of “Stillness In Motion” hot sauce, a “Stillness In Motion” t-shirt, and commemorative Stillness guitar pick is priced at $59.98. Following the pre-order, both the t-shirt and hot sauce will be available for individual purchase.

One of the Blu-Ray disks contain the bonus material titled The Space Between The Notes (Tour Mischief). It’s an intimate and at times hysterically edited video diary comprised of more than three and a half hours of footage filmed around the world on-stage, off-stage, and behind-the-scenes during the world tour. This specific concert captured was the 49th show of the aforementioned global excursion that consisted of 253 engagements in over 52 countries.

In reflecting on this period of his life, and his global travels circa Stillness In Motion, Steve Vai offers, “Making records, performing and touring live is what I love to do most in this life. This Blu-Ray performance and tour bonus footage was culled from the Story of Light tour in support of that CD release. The tour was comprehensive and perhaps my favorite tour as of yet. To be with that band and those fans traveling to all those exotic locations represents a period of my life where I feel I was peaking both on a performance level and pure tour exhilaration. The Space Between The Notes has over 3.5 hours of on-and-offstage ‘B-roll’ footage that has every stop along the way represented somehow. The compiling, editing and result of The Space Between The Notes is a career highlight for me. It’s interesting, funny, entertaining and informative. You get to see what touring the world with a rock band is really like in all its visceral and intimate expressions.”

Tracklisting:

Disc 1 - DVD or Blu-Ray
Intro/"Racing The World"
"Velorum"
Band Intros
"Building The Church"
"Tender Surrender"
"Gravity Storm"
"The Trillium’s Launch"
"Weeping China Doll"
"John The Revelator"
"The Moon And I"
"The Animal"
"Whispering A Prayer"
"The Audience Is Listening"
"Where Are We"
"Rescue Me Or Bury Me"
"Sisters"
"Treasure Island"
"Beastly Rap"
"Salamanders In The Sun"
"Pusa Road"
"Earthquake Sky", Drum Solo
"I’m Tired"
"The Ultra Zone"
"Frank"
"Build Me A Song L.A."
"For The Love Of God"
"Taurus Bulba"

Disc 2 - DVD or Blu-Ray - Story of Light Tour: The Space Between The Notes (Tour Mischief)
1. Leg 1 (Rehearsals/USA)
2. Leg 2 (Europe/Eastern Europe)
3. Leg 3 (Vegas/Netherlands/Russia/Ukraine/Europe)
4. Leg 4 (Australia/NZ/Indonesia/China/S. Korea/Japan/Taiwan/Thailand)
5. Leg 5 (Europe... again)
6. Leg 6 (USA... again)
7. Leg 7 (Mexico/South America/China)
8. Leg 8 (Vegas/Singapore/Malaysia/Israel/Europe/Russia/Ukraine)
9. Leg 9 (USA/St. Barths/Japan/France/Poland)

Audio CDs:

Disc 1
Intro/"Racing The World"
"Velorum"
Band Intros
"Building The Church"
"Tender Surrender
"Gravity Storm"
"Weeping China Doll"
"John The Revelator"
"The Moon And I"
"The Animal"
"Whispering A Prayer"

Disc 2
"The Audience Is Listening"
"Rescue Me Or Bury Me"
"Sisters"
"Treasure Island"
"Salamanders In The Sun"
"Pusa Road"
"Frank"
"The Ultra Zone" (CD Version)
"Build Me A Song L.A."
"For The Love Of God"
"Taurus Bulba"




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Danish hard rock veterans PRETTY MAIDS will release their new album, "Undress Your Madness", on November 8 via Frontiers Music Srl.

"Undress Your Madness" is PRETTY MAIDS' highly anticipated follow-up to 2016's critically and commercially successful release "Kingmaker", a record that continued the "revitalized" path that the band set out upon with the now stone cold classic albums "Pandemonium" and "Motherland". It's always difficult to follow a successful and inspired record, but "Undress Your Madness" shows PRETTY MAIDS are still in the freshest and most vital phase of their career since the early 90's.

"I think the new album is a kind of continuation of what we've done the past ten years," says singer Ronnie Atkins. "I'm really happy about the way it turned out 'cause there's a lot of good songs on it in my humble opinion and it's probably even more melodic than our previous efforts."

The production, as always, is absolutely stellar thanks to Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, AMARANTHE, KOBRA AND THE LOTUS), who has given the band a sound that not only reinvigorates them, but also incorporates the beloved soundscapes of the past. Modern and classic at the same time, if you will. "It's just a match made in heaven, I think. There's a great chemistry between us, we share the same humor and thoughts about what a good song is, so there's a lot in common," continues Ronnie. "Quite simply the most gentle and easy-going guy I've ever worked with."

What can then be said about Ronnie Atkins and Ken Hammer? One of the best songwriting teams in the genre, hands down. Atkins's voice just gets better and better as the years go by. Menacing and vicious one minute, melodic and soothing the next. Likewise, Hammer is on fire here and lays down some of his heaviest riffs in recent memory. Rene Shades's bass playing is as thunderous as ever, propelling the incredible rhythms of the songs along with the superb drumming of Allan Sørensen, who's playing matches perfectly with what each song calls for. Chris Laney's keyboards add a wonderful texture and nuance to these brilliant compositions, tying everything together in the perfect package.

Every track on this beauty is worthy of your attention, whether it is an in-your-face barn burner such as the storming opener "Serpentine", the title track, and "Black Thunder" or timeless melodic metal anthems such as "Firesoul Fly" and "Will You Still Kiss Me (If I See You In Heaven)", or even a superb power ballad like "Shadowlands".

"The album was written in a very short period of time," says Atkins. "Basically, it was written in January, just prior to recording it in February this year. So everything was very fresh when we entered the studio, in fact, so fresh that some of the songs were hardly finished when we started, but it all fell into place as we preceded with the recordings."

"Undress Your Madness" track listing:

01. Intro

02. Serpentine

03. Firesoul Fly

04. Undress Your Madness

05. Will You Still Kiss Me (If I See You In Heaven)

06. Runaway World

07. If You Want Peace (Prepare For War)

08. Slavedriver

09. Shadowlands

10. Black Thunder

11. Strength Of A Rose

Lineup:

Ronnie Atkins - Vocals

Ken Hammer - Guitars

Rene Shades - Bass

Chris Laney - Keyboards

Allan Sørensen – Drums

"How It Feels To Be Lost", the new music video from SLEEPING WITH SIRENS, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's fifth full-length album, "How It Feels To Be Lost", which is being released today (Friday, September 6) via Sumerian Records. The follow-up to 2017's "Gossip" was recorded at MDDN Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Zakk Cervini (YUNGBLUD, GOOD CHARLOTTE) and Matt Good (ASKING ALEXANDRIA).

SLEEPING WITH SIRENS singer Kellin Quinn told Alternative Press last year that the band's new LP was "all about depression and anxiety. It's something that I think needs to be talked about, and it's something that I struggle with and deal with all the time," he said. "I wanted to make a record that was just purely honest about it, and I think that it's for those people that need that record."

Since emerging in 2010, SLEEPING WITH SIRENS has tested the boundaries of rock by walking a tightrope between pop, punk, metal, hardcore, electronic, acoustic, and even a little R&B. This high-wire balancing act attracted a faithful fan base known as "Strays," generated global album sales in excess of 1.5 million, ignited over half-a-billion streams, and achieved a trio of gold-selling singles: "If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn", "If You Can't Hang" and "Scene Two-Roger Rabbit". They launched two albums — "Feel" and "Madness" — into the Top 15 of the Billboard 200. Additionally, they collaborated with MGK on "Alone" and PIERCE THE VEIL on the gold-certified "King For A Day". Beyond selling out shows worldwide and receiving acclaim from The New York Times, Alternative Press crowned them "Artist Of The Year" at the Alternative Press Music Awards, proclaimed "Kick Me" the 2015 "Song Of The Year", and featured them as cover stars a whopping seven times.

"How It Feels To Be Lost" track listing:

01. Leave It All Behind

02. Never Enough

03. How It Feels To Be Lost

04. Agree To Disagree

05. Ghost

06. Blood Lines

07. Break Me Down

08. Another Nightmare

09. PS Missing You

10. Medicine

11. Dying To Believe

Photo credit: Joshua Halling

"Nowhere To Run", the new video from FOZZY — the band featuring former WWE wrestling superstar Chris Jericho alongside members of STUCK MOJO — can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's forthcoming follow-up to 2017's "Judas" album, tentatively due in the spring of 2020 via RED Music.

Jericho recently said that FOZZY would have a new single out in time for the band's September 14 concert in Los Angeles with IRON MAIDEN and a new full-length record in January or February of 2020.

According to Chris, FOZZY will take the time it needs to make a worthy follow-up to "Judas", whose title track has 31 million YouTube views, was No. 1 on iTunes charts in eight different countries and spent nine weeks in the top ten on the Active Rock Charts in the USA.

"The thing is you can't rush something like this, because 'Judas' had three Top 10 singles on it," he explained. "So it was a huge breakthrough for us — it really took us to the next level. Your next record has to be better — not as good; it has to be better. And so there's no reason to rush it. I find in this biz, 'Here today, gone later today,' if you make the wrong decisions, is very easy, and also, 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.' So while people are waiting, as long as we know we've got some of this, like, 'Wow, this is very, very good, and we're gonna really continue this build that we've got,' then we'll be ready. Until then, we're gonna take the time it takes to get it right."

There is no danger, however, that FOZZY fans will undergo the same struggles experienced by followers of GUNS N' ROSES, who spent more than a decade waiting for the arrival of "Chinese Democracy" before it was finally released in 2008.

"I guarantee it won't take 14 years to put out the next FOZZY record," Chris said. "And I think you see that with [other] bands — METALLICA [taking] eight years between records. I don't think there's any reason for that — especially not for us. We wanna get it done, but we don't wanna rush it. But we also know there's a black hole, like a window that you have to go through. If you wait too long, people forget about you. So I think it's been… It'll be two years in October [since the release of 'Judas']. Probably another six to eight months after that's the perfect time frame."

FOZZY recently signed a major deal with Sony Music and Jericho told Loudwire in a recent interview that he is open to releasing music in any way that the label suggests. He said: "Maybe we just do nine singles and don't do a full album. We're excited to do a record if they want us to, or if they want us to release singles like they do in the Top 40 world, that's fine too. All that matters is that people hear your music and get a chance to see you live."

DEF LEPPARD is filming its shows this weekend during the band's second Las Vegas residency at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino for an upcoming DVD. No further details have yet been made available.

At the opening concert of the residency on August 14, the band's 23-song set included two tracks which had never been performed before — "Let Me Be" from "X" and "We Belong" from "Def Leppard" — along with rarely played cuts "Die Hard The Hunter" (aired for the first time since 1992), "Slang" (first time since 2013), "Billy's Got A Gun" (first time since 2002), "Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad" (first time since 2005) and "Now" (first time since 2003). There was also a mini-acoustic set in the middle, consisting of four tracks.

The band will play two more "Def Leppard Hits Vegas: The Sin City Residency" shows: September 6 and 7.

DEF LEPPARD played its first Las Vegas residency six years ago at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, a pioneering effort for a rock band.

Zappos Theater has previously hosted residencies from Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Lionel Richie and has announced residencies from Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera.

Tickets for "Def Leppard Hits Vegas: The Sin City Residency" went on sale in February.

DEF LEPPARD's latest greatest-hits collection titled "The Story So Far - The Best Of", was released in November.

The band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in March. The honor came after the British rockers got the most votes in the Rock Hall's online fan poll.

Without question, Rob Halford is one of heavy metal's all-time great vocalists — as heard through his highly influential and groundbreaking work with JUDAS PRIEST. But over his career, he has also proven able to master a variety of other styles vocally — including holiday-themed music. And in time for this holiday season, Halford will be releasing an all-new album, titled "Celestial", on October 18 via Legacy Recordings. A day later, he will be signing CD or LP purchases of the album at FYE Arizona Mills at 2:00 p.m in Tempe, Arizona. Details to follow closer to the event.

The album will also be available for pre-order on Rob's artist store — with exclusive merchandise and a limited, autographed metallic-gold color version of the vinyl.

Credited to ROB HALFORD WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS, the album mixes holiday classics with all-new compositions, and will appeal to lovers of traditional holiday music and headbangers alike.

"The great thing about heavy metal is it's got these kinds of multiple dimensions," explains the man also known as the Metal God. "I think when you look at it from an outside point of view — if you're not really familiar with the metal scene — it can look pretty intimidating. And it is a very strong, powerful experience. But it comes at different levels. I think the music that we've made on 'Celestial', for example, gives a display of that. Metal maniacs — as we call ourselves — are just as ready for the holidays as everybody else. And what we've tried to do with this music is to reach out to as many of those metal dimensions as we possibly can."

And judging from the ROB HALFORD WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS banner, "Celestial" sees Halford joined by a supporting cast of those very close to him — his brother (Nigel) on drums, his nephew on bass (Alex, son of PRIEST bassist Ian Hill), has sister (Sue) on bells, and twin guitar tandem of Robert Jones and Jon Blakey.

Once all the contributors were in place, Halford "went away and listened to a lot holiday music and Christmas carols. Traditional stuff. 12 tracks — including original tracks that I'm particularly excited about. And in that way, because of the dimensions of each song and the messages of each song, I think we cover a really broad platform. To me, more than anything, I wanted it to have its own characteristics and be a little bit more different than the regular rock 'n' roll Christmas album."

Halford has certainly accomplished this goal, as evidenced by such standout originals as the album-opening title track, "Donner And Blitzen", and "Protected By The Light", as well as reworkings of such holiday standards as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "Joy To The World" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", among other standouts. "'Donner And Blitzen' gets the snowball rolling for 'Celestial' — a song full of excitement, love and hope," says Rob. "You can hear and feel the power of Christmas time — energy roarin' with rockin' reindeers haulin'!

"I think the holidays for any family are a mixture of fun and excitement and apprehension of the whole event," he continues. "The magic of it more than anything else. It's just a beautiful time of year — which a lot of us wish would be for every day of the year. It's a beautiful thing as far as bringing families together. So, what better way to celebrate it than with your family, friends...and music. You must have music at Christmas time."

"Celestial" track listing:

01. Celestial [new song]

02. Donner And Blitzen [new song]

03. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

04. Away In A Manger

05. Morning Star [new song]

06. Deck The Halls

07. Joy To The World

08. O Little Town Of Bethlehem

09. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

10. The First Noel

11. Good King Wenceslas

12. Protected By The Light [new song]

The official music video for "Donner And Blitzen" can be seen below.

HALFORD's first holiday CD, "Halford III - Winter Songs", came out in 2009. The disc was a collection of new Halford-penned tracks plus traditional holiday favorites presented with original arrangements by HALFORD (Rob Halford on vocals, Roy Z. on guitar, Metal Mike Chlasciak on guitar, Mike Davis on bass and Bobby Jarzombek on drums).

In a 2009 interview with Exclaim.ca, Rob stated about his decision to record a Christmas album with the HALFORD band: "Just by association, I think that when everybody heard that the Metal God was doing a Christmas album, they had a sharp taking [in] of breath. But that's to be expected. The fact of the matter is that I've the luxury of a solo career that lets me do the unexpected. Having said that, like everybody else, I just love the Christmas holidays. I do the same things that everyone else does. In my mind, it's not that much of a stretch.

"I did this for a few reasons but the main genesis was a moment for me personally to express myself in a way that I've never done before," he continued. "I just want to do what's important to me. As a musician, that's the way it should be. You stand by your choices. It just took a while to get to the point where we all wanted to do it. Once that decision was made, we ran with it.

"When you're covering such great composers, it's inspiring to have the opportunity to cover work that's already established and given various kinds of treatments," he said. "And for you to enjoy the challenge of putting your distinctive approach on the arrangements. That was important for us when we put this together: to make sure we could give it the HALFORD band stamp."

Regarding the band's ability to pen some thematically similar yet equally epic and raucous originals for the Christmas record, Rob said: "When we first agreed to do this type of record, there wasn't any inclination to go into self-composing mode because there's so much great material already out there. But the ideas started to flow forth and we were all so excited and inspired by the music we were covering that it was natural to be motivated and noodle around with ideas that came. You feed off each other's creativity. It was unexpected but it was great. It was a treat to show that as a band, we can also step forward in the spirit of the season and make music that fits with everything else we've done."

Maiden United, the acoustic Iron Maiden tribute project, have announced the release of their new album, The Barrel House Tapes, on December 9. The first single, "Alexander The Great" will be available on September 13.

Cast:

Doogie White (Michael Schenker/Rainbow/Yngwie Malmsteen)
Dennis Stratton (Iron Maiden)
Frank Beck (Gamma Ray/Red Raven)
Joey Bruers (Up The Irons)
Leon den Engelsen (Sevdaliza)
Bart Hennephof (Textures)
Eric Vloeimans
Jeroen Voogd (Silent Chambers)
Daan Janzing (My Favorite Scar)
Jos Severens (Up The Irons)
Martijn Balsters (Silent Chambers)
Polle van Genechten (Nowa)
Dirk Bruinenberg (7 Miles to Pittsburgh/Elegy)
Tom Heijnen (Up The Irons)
Ezster Anna Baumann (Ann My Guard)

Produced by Joey Bruers and Daan Janzing @ In The Room, Kaatsheuvel.

For pre-order links, head to MaidenUnited.com/.




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UK extreme metallers The Bleeding are set to return with Morbid Prophecy, their follow-up to 2018's debut album, Rites Of Absolution. Morbid Prophecy is set for release October 18th on World War Now Records.

The band has unleashed the official lyric video for album track "Demonic Oath." Vocalist Germ says about the track:

"Demonic Oath is a pulling back of the curtain on society's unseen manipulators. Wherever power is wielded on such a scale, occult forces lurk. How far are you prepared to go to manifest your own sinister desires?"

Lead guitarist Tasos had this to say about the new album "Morbid Prophecy is an aural descent into hell that encapsulates the saga of the fall of man. The themes of desperation, destruction and death echo through the album in a cacophony of damnation. Man enters the abyss and surrenders to the scale of horror he witnesses. With a ravaged mind he returns to deliver pain and suffering to the unbelievers.

“Musically Morbid Prophecy has set new standards for us in speed, execution and brutality. The songwriting process has been long and relentless as we pushed ourselves to create a blistering album that builds on the ferocity of our previous release 'Rites of Absolution'. We feel that we have accomplished that as the recording has fully materialized our vision."

Tracklisting:

“Demonic Oath”
“Maelstrom”
“Entering The Pandemonium”
“Morbid Prophecy”
“Storm Of The Hellspawn”
“Sadistic Saviour”
“Repentance”
“Hammer Of Penance”

"Demonic Oath" lyric video:




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Norwegian avant-garde metallers BORKNAGAR will release their eleventh studio album, "True North", on September 27. The official music video for the disc's second single, "Up North", created by Costin Chioreanu of Twilight13Media, can be seen below.

Øystein G. Brun comments: "'Up North' being the brainchild of I.C.S. Vortex, we gave his longtime friend Costin Chioreanu the full artistic freedom to make a video for the song. The only requirement from the band's side was that we wanted visual representation and empowerment of the lyrics. Over seasonal changes, the lyrics deal with the circle of life, to constancy of energy in the universe and the fact that we are all stardust that momentary comes together to be you, me and everybody else on this vast and wondrous planet.

"We are truly impressed by Costin's work! The way the visuals play around with the lyrical themes is a stroke of genius. This is art in the true sense of the word, where hard work, passion, heart and soul has made this a glorious piece of captivatinge eye-candy. We love it!"

Chioreanu adds: "'Up North' stole my heart from the very first listen. It's probably the best song I ever worked with, both in terms of music and lyrics. It was so strange, when I started to read the lyrics, it seemed like were written by somebody studying my latest life experiences. Not only that — many years ago a native American shaman recommended me to follow the North Star. I guess, with 'Up North' I got even closer!"

The follow-up to 2016's "Winter Thrice", "True North" was once again mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden.

BORKNAGAR is (from left to right in photo):

Øystein G. Brun - Clean and Electric Guitar

Lars A. Nedland - Keys and Vocals

ICS Vortex - Bass and Vocals

Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow - Drums

Jostein Thomassen - Lead Guitar

The official music video for the song "Who Failed The Most" from Finnish melodic metal titans SONATA ARCTICA can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's tenth studio album, "Talviyö" (English-language translation: "Winter Night"), which is being released today (Friday, September 6) via Nuclear Blast.

"We were talking about having an album cover made from a photo and luckily managed to find this award-winning photographer Onni Wiljami who actually hails from a village not too far from our hometown and his pictures were just perfect for this album," explains keyboardist Henrik "Henkka" Klingenberg.

"The idea was to create an album that is musically in line with at least the previous two albums," says vocalist Tony Kakko and adds: "I am very happy with the songs and the general mood of the album. Some career highlights there, I feel."

"We recorded a bunch of kick-ass songs and tried some new stuff as well. I'm really proud of how we managed to record the band sounding more live, playing together instead of just tracking everything one by one", states Klingenberg.

"Talviyö" was recorded between September 2018 and May 2019, produced by Mikko Tegelman and SONATA ARCTICA in Studio57. Additional recordings took place in various other places. The mixing was done by Mikko Tegelman and Pasi Kauppinen and the mastering was handled by Svante Forsbäck for Chartmakers.

"Mikko produced the album and he really managed to push us to do our best, even with the more experimental stuff," says Klingenberg. "Working with an outside producer was the biggest new thing we tried this time."

"Helix", the new video from Swedish melodic metallers AMARANTHE, can be seen below. The clip was once again directed by Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES and KAMELOT, among others.

"Helix" is the title track of AMARANTHE's fifth album, which was released last October through Spinefarm Records. The disc was recorded at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark with producer Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, EPICA, DELAIN). The follow-up to 2016's "Maximalism" marks the band's first release with DYNAZTY's Nils Molin, who officially joined AMARANTHE in July 2017 as the replacement for Jake E.

Four albums into its career, AMARANTHE has racked up north of 118 million YouTube views and half a billion song streams, has landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart three times, and possesses a panoply of gold and platinum discs for albums and singles alike. With "Helix", AMARANTHE takes another leap forward in its sonic evolution.

"Helix" proves the band has refined its melodic sensibilities ever further while retaining a cutting-edge metal assault. The band is as massively aggressive as ever and the first single "365" is the perfect example of such — its seductively velvety mix of contemporary pop and modern metal will take up residence in your brain for days.

Guitarist Olof Mörck comments: "The 'Helix' album itself is a statement, a declaration and an assertion that we are here to stay, and that the songwriting and musicianship has been honed and maximized to the highest level yet on an AMARANTHE record. The process of composing this album with Elize [Ryd] was as inspiring as it was smooth, and from a composer's and arranger's perspective, a dream collaboration. The time is nigh, the die is cast, and all the stars are right: the 'Helix' will steamroll across the globe, and in its wake, the touring machine that is AMARANTHE will conquer all!"

Vocalist and composer Elize Ryd offered her take, saying: "'Helix' describes the concept of how the past forms us and how life makes us become. No excuses, no regrets. We express the challenges and the uplifting moments in time, and all that in between with the sounds that we love. We want to dedicate this album to all the fighters and friends out there."

"Helix" track listing:

01. The Score

02. 365

03. Inferno

04. Countdown

05. Helix

06. Dream

07. GG6

08. Breakthrough Stardust

09. My Haven

10. Iconic

11. Unified

12. Momentum

Ryd told Radio Q that "Helix" was completed in under five months. "I know we're crazy, but that's what we like," she said. "We like people to be crazy. Just go there, do your shit — do things you wouldn't expect yourself to be able to do. When the [record] label asked, 'Are you guys sure you can have enough time to write a new album?' And we do not like to say 'no,' so we said, 'Of course. Yes.' And we did it."

Added Mörck: "And we figured it was also a good thing for us, to actually push ourselves a little bit. If we sit down to write music — me and Elize together have been writing this whole album — it's never happened even once that we haven't composed something. So when the label asked, I was, at first, like, 'Okay, this could really be pushing it.' So in the back of my head, I was thinking initially that, 'Okay, if this goes south somehow, then maybe we'll have to push [back] the recording — worst-, worst-case scenario.' But it just turned out the other way around. Because it was only two months, and we were constantly in the zone — day and night, every single day, composing all the time — so you never lost the focus of it. And I think it really, really helped the album, because it's a very focused album… So we just took a break from touring for two months to write it. and then another two and a half [months] to record it, and, poof, there was an album. Which is, at least in our opinion, the best album that we've ever composed."

AMARANTHE is:

Elize Ryd - Vocals

Henrik Englund Wilhelmsson - Screams

Nils Molin - Vocals

Olof Mörck - Guitar, Keys

Johan Andreassen - Bass

Morten Løve Sørensen - Drums

LIFE OF AGONY has released the official music video for the song "Lay Down" from the band's forthcoming concept record, "The Sound Of Scars", due on October 11 via Napalm. Lead vocalist Mina Caputo's intense delivery of the chorus lyrics "I won't lay down and die," gives a voice for anyone who has ever been stepped on, used up, and tossed aside.

"It's an anthem for survivors," says bassist Alan Robert. "We've all been through situations in our lives where everything seems completely hopeless. 'Lay Down' is about believing in yourself when no one else will. Times when you really have to dig down deep to find that that last ounce of strength to keep on going."

This powerful message ties to themes found on "The Sound Of Scars", which acts as "chapter two" to LIFE OF AGONY's groundbreaking 1993 debut, "River Runs Red".

While searching for a place to film the "Lay Down" music video, the band was invited to do the shoot inside an actual haunted mansion. "You could absolutely feel the spirits in those rooms," Alan continues. "Especially in the basement where we heard that a murder took place."

White Hill Mansion, located in Fieldsboro, New Jersey, was built over two hundred and fifty years ago on top of a Native American settlement. The historic location stood intact throughout the Revolutionary War and has been investigated countless times by paranormal researchers over the years. The mansion was even featured on the popular television series "Paranormal Lockdown". The "Lay Down" music video was filmed by Leigh Brooks of Firebelly Films.

"By far, this is the best LIFE OF AGONY record you've heard in years," explains guitarist Joey Z. "We really went back to our roots on this one and tapped into the mindset we had when we first started the band."

LIFE OF AGONY will embark on the "The Sound Of Scars" world tour, beginning in England this October with DOYLE (of the MISFITS fame) and EVOLUTION EMPIRE supporting.

Photo credit: Gino DePinto

"Gods Of Pussy", a new song from California glam metal jokesters STEEL PANTHER, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's fifth studio album, "Heavy Metal Rules", which will be released on September 27. The disc, which is described in a press release as a "heavy metal version of a self-help manual and ultimate party album combined," was once again produced by Jay Ruston, who collaborated with the band on all of its previous recordings, including its latest LP, 2017's "Lower The Bar".

Lyrically, "Gods Of Pussy" is a life manifesto as only vocalist Michael Starr, guitarist Satchel, bassist Lexxi Foxx and drummer Stix Zadinia can unleash upon the world.

STEEL PANTHER explains: "KISS wrote 'God Of Thunder', DEF LEPPARD wrote 'Gods Of War' and we wanted to get in to the 'God' business too. This is an autobiographical description of a day in the life of STEEL PANTHER. So, when you're feeling a little unsexy and you need to get your mojo flowing and turn up the heat, play this song at 10 and you too can become a God of Pussy."

From the opening track "Zebraman" (which is audio taken from the classic film "Heavy Metal Parking Lot") to the emotional album closer "I Ain't Buying What You’re Selling", STEEL PANTHER has created 36 minutes of audio eargasms. Songs like "Let's Get High Tonight", "Fuck Everybody" and "Gods Of Pussy" are destined to become natural additions to the band's setlist. "I'm Not Your Bitch" is an anthem for all acknowledged genders and sexual orientations worldwide.

"Heavy Metal Rules" track listing:

01. Zebraman

02. All I Wanna Do Is Fuck (Myself Tonight)

03. Let's Get High Tonight

04. Always Gonna Be A Ho

05. I'm Not Your Bitch

06. Fuck Everybody

07. Heavy Metal Rules

08. Sneaky Little Bitch

09. Gods Of Pussy

10. I Ain't Buying What You're Selling

STEEL PANTHER will celebrate the release of "Heavy Metal Rules" with a concert at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California on September 26.

Starr recently stated about STEEL PANTHER's new LP: "You are gonna love this new group of songs. We have worked extremely hard and it's paid off. Be prepared to have your nuts fucking rocked off. Ladies, get a towel, 'cause your tits are gonna explode and it's gonna get messy. The future is bright!"

Zadinia said that he was more excited about STEEL PANTHER's upcoming album than he has ever been about any of the group's previous releases. "The riffs are fucking gnarly, dude — gnarly," he said.

STEEL PANTHER specializes in imitating and exaggerating the less flattering aspects of 1980s hair metal, with unrepentantly crude, non-PC sexual content as a favorite lyrical theme.

The group's music has been described as "VAN HALEN meets MÖTLEY CRÜE meets RATT meets 'Wayne's World', complete with operatic shrieks, misogyny, shredding guitar solos and libidinal overdrive."

Eleven years ago, STEEL PANTHER changed its name from METAL SKOOL to its current moniker and shifted the focus of its act from '80s metal covers to originals.

Photo by David Jackson

"As One We Survive", the new video from Montreal, Quebec, Canada's extreme metallers THE AGONIST, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Orphans", which will be released on September 20 via Rodeostar Records.

"The first lyrics for 'As One We Survive' were written at a very trying time for the band," THE AGONIST explains. "We had been on the road a long time and we were flying and playing every day, and it was one of those tours where everything that could go wrong would go wrong, as many bands know about. Also, the lack of food and sleep was much worse than even your usual tour. On top of this, the band had recently got some very bad news. We didn't break, we didn't give up. We stuck together, picked each other up and overcame all the obstacles on the tour and off. The chaos and brutality of the instrumental seemed a perfect fit for these lyrics. We couldn't be happier with the response so far for 'Orphans' and hope you enjoy the next chapter — 'As One We Survive'!"

On its sixth studio album, "Orphans", THE AGONIST has unleashed a true monster feeding on melodic death metal and almost rocking moments. In between beautifully anthemic metal sound walls, pounding grooves and fierce riffs, charismatic vocalist Vicky Psarakis showcases her impressive range that covers everything from rock diva all the way to sick death metal growls. The result is a flickering, iridescent and varied masterpiece nestled in between sheer brutality and melodic frailty.

Says Psarakis: "When I heard the first instrumentals for 'Orphans' I was a bit shocked and confused. The music was really dark and heavier than anything we've done in previous albums and I wasn't quite sure how I'd be able to match that emotion. But then, you know, all it took was writing one full song to get the ball rolling and 2-3 months later, everything was done.

"With every new album, we love to experiment and dip our toes into new territory, but there's also a lot of elements here that are reminiscent of the earlier days. You can expect a lot of hard hitting, fast-paced madness and many many blast beats! Vocally, there's a wide range of styles, some of which I tried out for the first time, and the lyrics are mostly inspired from horror stories and real-life tragedies. Events that I felt a lot of people can relate to.

"'Orphans' is my third album with THE AGONIST and I can't wait to show the world what we created!"

"Orphans" track listing:

01. In Vertigo

02. As One We Survive

03. The Gift of Silence

04. Blood as My Guide

05. Mr. Cold

06. Dust to Dust

07. A Devil Made Me Do It

08. The Killing I

09. Orphans

10. Burn it All Down

Technical death metal veterans NILE will release their ninth studio album, "Vile Nilotic Rites", on November 1 via Nuclear Blast. The official lyric video for the disc's first single, "Long Shadows Of Dread", can be seen below.

Karl Sanders commented: "I am thankful the day has finally arrived that we can share with fans the first single from 'Vile Nilotic Rites'. It's the opening track on the new disc, and a song we will be thoroughly enjoying playing live on our upcoming EU and USA tours.

"'Long Shadows' was chosen as the first song we want people to hear from this upcoming album as this crushing track should leave NO DOUBT in anyone's mind concerning the uncompromising, brutal, destructive intent evident throughout the entirety of the 'Vile Nilotic Rites' album. I would also like to thank our fans who have been patiently waiting while we worked tirelessly to make this record undeniably the best NILE record in many years."

George Kollias added: "I'm super excited for the release of our new album and very happy our fans will finally get their first taste! It's a special album for all of us since each member contributed on this a lot. I feel it represents the teamwork spirit NILE has right now and that shows on stage as well. I look forward to touring and playing these songs live for all the NILE fans!"

"Vile Nilotic Rites" was recorded and produced by Karl Sanders at Serpent Headed Studios in Greenville, South Carolina, with the exception of the drums which were recorded at Esoteron Music Studios in Athens, Greece with engineering handled by Jim Touras and George Dovolos. The album was mixed and mastered by Mark Lewis at MRL Studios. For the album artwork, the band returned to artist Michal "Xaay" Loranc who has worked with the band for over 10 years.

"Vile Nilotic Rites" track listing:

01. Long Shadows Of Dread

02. Oxford Handbook Of Savage Genocidal Warfare

03. Vile Nilotic Rites

04. Seven Horns Of War

05. That Which Is Forbidden

06. Snake Pit Mating Frenzy

07. Revel In Their Suffering

08. Thus Sayeth The Parasites Of The Mind

09. Where Is The Wrathful Sky

10. The Imperishable Stars Are Sickened

11. We Are Cursed

NILE recently announced a tour that's due to hit Europe this month and continue into October. They will be accompanied by American death metallers HATE ETERNAL, VITRIOL and Swiss band OMOPHAGIA.

Promising to be one of the most ambitious projects in metal's history, BLIND GUARDIAN's upcoming release will be well worth the wait. The idea to record an orchestral album originally formed in the minds of the two leading lights of the BLIND GUARDIAN universe — guitarist André Olbrich and singer Hansi Kürsch — during the 1990s when BLIND GUARDIAN started to use orchestral elements to enhance their opulent sound.

The monumental project started to take shape over recent years, and mirroring its epic sound cascades, the lyrical concept was developed. To create the concept, André and Hansi worked alongside German bestselling author Markus Heitz, whose latest novel "Die Dunklen Lande" was released on March 1. The book is set in 1629 and contains the prequel to BLIND GUARDIAN TWILIGHT ORCHESTRA's opus "Legacy Of The Dark Lands", which will be out on November 8.

To give their fans a first taster of the upcoming record, the band presents the first single, "Point Of No Return", in the form of a lyric video. Watch it below.

Hansi states: "Finally, after ages of talking about it, it is time to unleash the beast. We have heard your pleas and here it is, a first glimpse of what 'Legacy Of The Dark Lands' is about. We have reached the 'Point Of No Return' and there for sure will be no taking back. 'Legacy Of The Dark Lands' will be released on November 8, 2019. Enjoy listening to the first single of this wonderful album. 'Point Of No Return' is a very vivid song and already gives you a very good insight of what to expect from the upcoming release. The song has it all, it is intense, very melodious and epic at the same time. Don't forget to check out the lyric video for 'Point Of No Return'. But now enjoy this first short trip to the 'Dark Lands'. Still, this is just the beginning."

The two protagonists have actively cultivated their creative exchange over the last five years.

"Markus is a great story teller; with 'Die Dunklen Lande', he created the perfect setting and with the mysterious Nicolas the perfect character for our complex works," Kürsch says. "His inventiveness seems to be almost infinite. Absolutely impressive and very inspiring."

Both sides tell in their own way the story of the mercenary Nicolas and his involvement in the Thirty Years' War. Heitz starts the story off in his book and BLIND GUARDIAN follows suit with "Legacy Of The Dark Lands".

What is the secret surrounding Nicolas? Will he be able to cast off the chains of war and how will his loved ones fare? On "Legacy Of The Dark Lands" via BLIND GUARDIAN'S TWILIGHT ORCHESTRA, Olbrich and Kürsch fulfill their longtime wish of emphasizing imposing choral singing and classical orchestral arrangements. It promises to be an opus unlike any other that the German quartet has ever released, or rather an opus as has never been heard ever before.

"It's incredible that after 20 years we can actually finish this really exciting project," states Kürsch. "I am so happy and more than satisfied with it. Every single track unveils spectacular worlds and tells its very own story. With this album, our biggest creative dream finally becomes reality."

Canadian deathcore pioneers, Despised Icon, are back to reveal their sixth full length album, Purgatory, which will be released on November 15 via Nuclear Blast.

Today, the band releases the first single and title track for the album, "Purgatory". Directed and produced by Jessy Fuchs, of Les Films 37 Superkick, the video can be seen below.

Despised Icon comments, "At long last, we finally have new music for you! This is the most time we've ever spent writing and recording. We could go on and on about how this is our heaviest, fastest and most diverse album yet but we'll let the music do the talking. We've been a band for 17 years and are thankful to have such a loyal and supportive fan base. Prepare for Purgatory."

Purgatory was produced by Yannick St-Amand, Eric Jarrin and Alex Erian. The music was recorded by Despised Icon's former guitar player, now current front of house engineer Yannick St-Amand while the vocals were recorded by close friend Antoine Lussier of Ion Dissonance. Mixing and mastering were completed by Cryptopsy's very own Christian Donaldson at The Grid in Montreal. For the album artwork, the band selected Eliran Kantor to create a piece that echoed the themes and concepts of Purgatory.

Without a doubt their most dynamic venture to date, Despised Icon have a fresh and energy filled arrangement just waiting to see the light of day in the form of Purgatory. For many years, they have laid the foundation of Deathcore and spearheaded different sounds and movements within the genre.

Purgatory will be available in the following formats:

- CD Jewel
- Vinyl
- Grey with Black Splatter Vinyl

Pre-order Purgatory in the format of your choice here.

Purgatory tracklisting:

"Dernier Souffle"
"Purgatory"
"Light Speed"
"Slow Burning"
"Snake In The Grass"
"Vies D'Anges"
"Moving On"
"Unbreakable"
"Apex Predator"
"Legacy"
"Dead Weight"

"Purgatory" video:

Despised Icon will kick-off their North American Tour on September 20 in Saskatoon. The 22-date trek which will include the band playing new material from the upcoming album will include stops in Vancouver, Anaheim, and Philadelphia before concluding in Toronto on October 13th at The Opera House. Tour dates here.

Lineup:

Alex Erian | Vocals
Steve Marois | Vocals
Eric Jarrin | Guitar
Ben Landreville | Guitar
Sébastien Piché| Bass
Alex "Grind" Pelletier | Drums

(Photo - Eric Sanchez)




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Italian death metal force, Hideous Divinity, will release their fourth full-length album, Simulacrum, on November 8 via Century Media Records.

Today marks the release of the first single, "The Embalmer", coming with an outstanding video clip, created by contemporary performance artist, Olivier De Sagazan.

Enrico Schettino comments: "Perhaps more than any other song on Simulacrum, 'The Embalmer' represents the new path in front of Hideous Divinity. We knew it was time for 'not just a videoclip'. Something more was needed. When Olivier accepted our proposal and came out with the script, the whole thing hit us like a train wreck. We found the Embalmer. With his art, he created a nightmare and invited us into it: half covered in clay, standing like powerless statues, soon we understood to be in the hands of a maniac. Olivier De Sagazan came and embalmed reality in a distorted image, creating a destabilizing simulacrum. You can see us, blind observers, watching the grotesque repetition as he replaces Stephanie on the surgical field. 'Rise!', he cried."

Olivier de Sagazan is a visionary and one of the most relevant contemporary performers around. The concept of Simulacrum is vast, but could also be described with anamorphosis, transfiguration and distorsion. The band couldn't think of another more fitting artist to bring all of this to life. In the video, the band witnesses a mad surgeon's desperate attempt of discovering the true self of humans and flesh through a sequence of a grotesque experiment.

The new album, Simulacrum, will feature ten original songs delivered with jaw-dropping technical finesse, as well as two covers, Machine Head’s “Blood Of The Zodiac” and Mayhem’s classic “Cursed In Eternity”, as bonus tracks on the digipack CD (which will also be included in the LP edition). Pre-order here.

The artwork was again created by Vladimir Chebakov, who also did the cover for Hideous Divinity’’s last album, Adveniens.

"Deleuzean Centuries"
"The Embalmer"
"Condense"
"Anamorphia Atto III"
"The Deaden Room"
"Actaeon"
"Bent Until Fracture"
"Seed Of Future Horror"
"Prey To A Vision"
"Implemini Exitio"

Bonus tracks:
"Blood Of The Zodiac" (Machine Head cover)
"Cursed In Eternity" (Mayhem cover)

Lineup:

Enrico "H." Di Lorenzo (vocals)
Enrico Schettino (guitars)
Riccardo Benedini (guitars)
Stefano Franceschini (bass)
Giulio Galati (drums)




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Black Star Riders have released their new single, “Tonight The Moonlight Let Me Down”, which is accompanied by a lyric video available to watch below.

The arrival of “Tonight The Moonlight Let Me Down” coincides with the release of Black Star Riders' fourth studio album, Another State Of Grace. It's the perfect song to celebrate the band’s new record: an upbeat catchy rock driven number that displays the band's distinctive sonic trademark. The single further enhances the band’s reputation as one of the most essential acts within today’s rock music scene, also showcasing their broad songwriting ability, which draws inspiration from every corner of the genre. The stunning saxophone solo played by legendary Hanoi Rocks' Michael Monroe is a prime example of Black Star Riders’ craft.

The band’s frontman Ricky Warwick comments: “A wonderful Scott Gorham guitar riff, a killer saxophone solo from Michael Monroe and a lyric about that first heartbreak and sense of loss but the memories are always there to keep you warm, all signed, sealed and delivered with a big sloppy kiss from Black Star Riders.”

Guitar legend Scott Gorham adds: “It was such a fun album to make and to pick a favourite song is tough. But Tonight the Moonlight...is definitely in my top 9!”

Another State Of Grace is available now via Nuclear Blast. The album sees the band deliver another stunning collection of songs. The bands new members Chad Szeliga (drums) and Christian Martucci (lead guitar) further developing the band’s burgeoning reputation as one of the most essential contemporary rock acts. Recorded at Sphere Studios in Burbank, California in February 2017, Another State Of Grace was produced & mixed by Jay Ruston (Stone Sour, Anthrax, Uriah Heep).

The album is available on CD, vinyl and vinyl picture disc, limited edition boxset and limited edition light green vinyl. Order here.

CD:

"Tonight The Moonlight Let Me Down"
"Another State Of Grace"
"Ain’t The End Of The World"
"Underneath The Afterglow"
"Soldier In The Ghetto"
"Why Do You Love Your Guns?"
"Standing In The Line Of Fire"
"What Will It Take?"
"In The Shadow Of The War Machine"
"Poisoned Heart"

Vinyl and Vinyl Pic Disc:

Side A:
"Tonight The Moonlight Let Me Down"
"Another State Of Grace"
"Ain’t The End Of The World"
"Underneath The Afterglow"
"Soldier In The Ghetto"

Side B:
"Why Do You Love Your Guns?"
"Standing In The Line Of Fire"
"What Will It Take?"
"In The Shadow Of The War Machine"
"Poisoned Heart"

Limited Digipack CD

"Tonight The Moonlight Let Me Down"
"Another State Of Grace"
"Ain’t The End Of The World"
"Underneath The Afterglow"
"Soldier In The Ghetto"
"Why Do You Love Your Guns?"
"Standing In The Line Of Fire"
"What Will It Take?"
"In The Shadow Of The War Machine"
"Poisoned Heart"
"Candidate For Heartbreak" (bonus track)

"Ain’t The End Of The World" video:

"Another State Of Grace" video:

"Ain't The End Of The World" acoustic




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Germany's veteran rockers, Sinner, have released a video for the new song, "Death Letter", featuring Mat Sinnner's Primal Fear bandmate Magnus Karlsson. The track featured on the band's new album, Santa Muerte, out September 13 via AFM Records and available for pre-order here. Watch the clip below.

After having delivered a top-notch album with Tequila Suicide in 2017 (reaching #49 in the German charts), the band around mastermind Mat Sinner (Primal Fear, Voodoo Circle, Rock meets Classic, and more) has created another all-killer-no-filler album. Featuring guests like Ronnie Romero (Rainbow) and Ricky Warwick (Black Star Riders), Santa Muerte comes with an additional surprise for all the listeners: Sinner introduce Giorgia Colleluori - a permanent new member to the band, sharing vocal duties with Mat Sinner.

The album was produced by Mat Sinner and Dennis Ward (Amon Amarth, Helloween, Van Canto and more).

Tracklisting:

"Shine On"
"Fiesta Y Copas" (feat. Ronnie Romero)
"Santa Muerte"
"Last Exit Hell"
"What Went Wrong" (feat. Ricky Warwick)
"Lucky 13"
"Death Letter" (feat. Magnus Karlsson)
"Craving"
"The Wolf"
"Misty Mountain"
"The Ballad Of Jack"
"Stormy Night"
"Sorry" (Bonus Track)

"Death Letter" (feat. Magnus Karlsson) video:

"Last Exit Hell" lyric video:

"Fiesta Y Copas" video:




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A new KORN song called "Can You Hear Me" can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "The Nothing", which will be released on September 13 via Roadrunner/Elektra. The follow-up to 2016's "The Serenity Of Suffering" was once again produced by Nick Raskulinecz.

"The Nothing" track listing:

01. The End Begins

02. Cold

03. You'll Never Find Me

04. The Darkness Is Revealing

05. Idiosyncrasy

06. The Seduction Of Indulgence

07. Finally Free

08. Can You Hear Me

09. The Ringmaster

10. Gravity Of Discomfort

11. [email protected]

12. This Loss

13. Surrender To Failure

KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch told The Pulse Of Radio about the band's 13th studio LP: "I would say that it's like a continuation of our last record. It's really guitar-heavy and energetic — there's a lot of energy. We came back to the root of what KORN is, in our sound, in the lyrics and in the feel of the songs. And so what KORN started out to be, I feel like we're doing that right now."

KORN frontman Jonathan Davis told Kerrang! magazine that he is "really, really, really proud" of "The Nothing". "I worked really hard on it," he said. "The rest of the members worked hard and really did a great job. It's a very dark record."

Davis, whose estranged wife Deven died last August, said that the album reflected events in his life, explaining: "It's basically me dealing with all the stuff that happened to me last year. Very emotional for me, but it is what it is. I can't wait for people to hear it. I really spent a long time on doing what I wanted to do this time."

While he shied away from calling "The Nothing" a concept album, Davis did say making the album was both difficult and therapeutic. He remarked: "It sucked. I'm not gonna say it didn't. It was just really hard. But that's how I've always dealt with all my problems — just throwing my heart and soul into my art."

KORN and ALICE IN CHAINS recently completed a North American co-headlining amphitheater tour.

A new song from GRETA VAN FLEET, "Always There", can be streamed below. The track was originally recorded for inclusion on the band's debut album, last year's "Anthem Of The Peaceful Army", but it was ultimately decided it didn't fit the tone of the album. It appeared serendipitous when the makers of "A Million Little Pieces" requested it in the film's soundtrack.

According to Film Music Reporter, the "A Million Little Pieces" soundtrack is being released digitally today via Republic Records. The album features the songs from the movie, including tracks by R.E.M., THE VELVET UNDERGROUND, Tom Waits, Loretta Lynn and others. Also included is a suite from the movie's original score composed by Atticus Ross ("The Social Network", "Gone Girl", "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"), Leopold Ross and Claudia Sarne ("The Book of Eli", "Triple 9").

"A Million Little Pieces" is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson ("Fifty Shades of Grey", "Nowhere Boy") and stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Giovanni Ribisi, Juliette Lewis, Odessa Young, Dash Mihok and David Dastmalchian. The movie is based on James Frey's 2003 best-selling book of the same tile and revolves around an alcoholic crack addict who finds solace in the company of a past crime lord and a former sex worker, revealing a pathway to renewal and redemption. The drama premiered at last year's Toronto Film Festival and was released in British theaters last weekend.

NME is reporting on a rumour that has surfaced on the Australian Guns N' Roses fan page, Guns Over Oz. The post brought to light by NME can be viewed below.

Guns N' Roses is, of course, known for having "You Could Be Mine" featured in the 1991 smash hit movie, Terminator 2: Judgement Day. Keep in mind that the above information is only rumour at this point, with NO confirmation as yet.




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Danish melodic death metal outfit, Kurgan, will release their debut album, Yggdrasil Burns, on September 20th via Massacre Records. The album was mixed and mastered by Tue Madsen. Dragan Paunović created the cover art. New single, "Over The Lands, Into The Sea..." is streaming below.

Yggdrasil Burns is a melting pot of various metal genres. To boil it all down: listeners can look forward to ten hard-hitting melodic death metal tracks - with a twist of old-school heavy metal and Viking metal.

Tracklisting:

"Hellstorm"
"The Fall Of Asgard"
"Yggdrasil Burns"
"Send Me A Raven"
"Kill The Enemy"
"Rise"
"Für Lise"
"Evil Dead"
"Regicide (The King Has Fallen)"
"Over The Lands, Into The Sea..."

"Over The Lands, Into The Sea..." video:

Catch Kurgan live on September 14th at Korsør Kulturhus in Korsør, Denmark.

(Photo - Martin Guttorm Svendsen)




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