NAPALM DEATH singer Mark "Barney" Greenway has dismissed Brexit as "a completely pointless exercise," arguing that "people need to be careful what they wish for."

A public vote — called a referendum — was held in June 2016 when voters were asked just one question: whether the U.K. should leave or remain in the EU, a group of 28 countries which trade with each other and allow anyone to easily move between the countries to live and work. The "Leave" side won (by nearly 52% to 48%) but the exit didn't happen straight away — it is slated to take place in March 2019.

The Brexit vote has thrown the U.K. into a period of uncertainty, with some economists warning that it may lead to a downturn in the British economy while other people have claimed that it will help the U.K. negotiate better terms with the EU. A poll showed that many voters opted for Brexit because they "wanted the U.K. to regain control over EU immigration."

Asked by KISW's "Metal Shop" what his opinion is of Brexit, Greenway said (hear audio below): "I think it's actually a completely pointless exercise. Here's the thing: I'm not always a big fan of the European mechanism from a financial point of view. Where I do love the European thing is that it brings people together. And we've managed to, by and large, not have major wars on the European continent since Nazi Germany and Italy and whatever. So, from that perspective, if it makes people come together and it's a socialized thing where they help people in countries that are struggling, I'm all for that. The financial side of things, not so much… Making countries pay a debt back when clearly the people are suffering, that's not right — you shouldn't do that. So, I am for it in many ways, but then not in others."

The frontman, who has long been outspoken on politics, religion and social issues, continued: "We already have in Europe traces of the sort of things that happened when [Adolf] Hitler came to power. In Southern and Eastern Europe, we have kind of neo-fascist movements operating in plain view. So people need to be careful what they wish for, because it could all escalate again, and I'm sure nobody wants that.

"People should start to try and understand what being a human being is and how to treat other human beings," Greenway added. "Once that is established, the politics goes out of the window; politics is meaningless. Human beings, first and foremost, that's what matters — above and beyond anything else. Human rights, people are very cynical about it, but that is the basis of living together in a world — everybody's got rights, and it has to be maintained… Wherever you are, whatever your place is, then everybody has to be given equality and dignity."

Just this past Tuesday, British Prime Minister Theresa May was defeated in a landslide vote in Parliament, where lawmakers rejected her Brexit deal by a vote of 432 to 202 — leaving Britain's future relationship with the European Union unclear.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith has told SiriusXM's Volume West that the writing sessions for the band's new album were cut short late last year due to the Woolsey Fire. The blaze that broke out in November destroyed more than 1,500 Californian homes and other buildings from Ventura County to Malibu and killed four people.

Smith said (hear audio below): "We started to work on [the follow-up to 2016's 'The Getaway'], which, for us, is just getting in a room and making some noise and putting some notes together. And then the fires came, and the house we were working in, there was no damage, it didn't burn down, but we couldn't get back in there. So that halted our [progress]."

To help raise funds for the Woolsey Fire victims, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS performed this past Sunday (January 13) at the Los Angeles benefit event dubbed "Malibu Love Sesh" at the Hollywood Palladium.

"It was cool," Smith said. "It was fun. It was a good vibe, and we really appreciate all the people that came down and paid a lot of money — it wasn't a cheap ticket. But all the proceeds are going to the people that suffered from the fires and the families and everything that is involved in that.

"Myself and Anthony [Kiedis, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS singer] both live in Point Dume. Seventy houses in our neighborhood burned down. Ours was spared, luckly. So it was close to our hearts, and we wanted to do something. And it worked out. And it was fun."

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS bassist Flea wrote on Instagram prior to this past weekend's concert: "The destructive effects of climate change are ongoing and will be difficult for us human beings to deal with. Love is the only thing that can help us. Love each other, love the earth, let’s be there for each other."

Earlier this month, Kiedis co-authored a Rolling Stone opinion piece in which he listed the human, financial and environmental cost of global climate conditions.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' most recent album, "The Getaway", was released by Warner Bros. Records in June 2016.

RUSH frontman Geddy Lee — who recently released a book called "Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book Of Bass" — has told CTV's "Your Morning" that he hasn't ruled out making a new solo album. "Well, that's certainly possible," he said (see video below). "I've sort of been ensconced in this thing [working on the book] for the last two and a half years. And now that that's done, after I finish my shameless promotion of it, I'll start putting my mind to writing some music."

To date, Lee has only released one solo album, 2000's "My Favourite Headache". The disc was recorded during a time when RUSH's future was uncertain. The band was in the midst of what would be a five-year break from the road following the tragic deaths of drummer Neil Peart's daughter and wife in 1997 and 1998, respectively.

"Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass" documents the evolution of the bass guitar since the 1950s and shows how those evolutions changed the sound of popular music as we know it. The book includes photos of Lee's massive bass collection, as well as interviews with fellow bass players like John Paul Jones of LED ZEPPELIN, Bill Wyman of THE ROLLING STONES and U2's Adam Clayton.

RUSH has been completely inactive since completing its "R40 Live" tour four years ago. Peart was battling enormous physical pain through much of the trek, including a foot infection that made it agonizing for him to even walk.

A few years ago, RUSH guitarist Alex Lifeson told Rolling Stone that he receives injections for psoriatic arthritis. He was previously hospitalized for anemia from bleeding ulcers and suffered breathing problems.

Lifeson and Lee have repeatedly said that RUSH will never do a show unless all three musicians agree to take part. They haven't performed as RUSH without Peart since he joined the band in 1974.

Swedish epic heavy doom metal warlords SORCERER have announced the addition of bassist Justin Biggs to the group's ranks.

Says the band: "This may come as a surprise to some, maybe not to others. Justin is the handsome fellow on stage left that has been filling in for Johnny Hagel on all our gigs this past year, doing a splendid job, we hasten to add, and we're very happy to announce that he is now a full-time member.

"Coming from a heavier direction than some of us other guys, we're really excited to see what he will bring to the table in terms of songwriting. He's already played us some of his ideas for the album and they are heavy as shit so we are very much looking forward to bringing his musical personality into the SORCERER sound.

"But what about Johnny, you ask? Well, we are also very happy to say that he will stay on as a member but not playing live with the band. He will take part in some of the decision-making and the creative direction of the band but most importantly he will still be every bit as involved in the songwriting as before, and we wouldn't have it any other way so all you Hagel fans, stay cool. He's still with us.

"Also, as we stated a couple of days ago, we've started doing some serious work on the third album. There's a ton of new music floating around, and although it's still early days in the writing process, we can promise you that this album will be an absolute beast. We plan to write at least until early summer, do a few exclusive festivals (as of now we're playing Bang Your Head!!! and ProgPower USA) and then head into the studio early fall to record the album for an early/mid-2020 release. Shit can always happen, but this is the game plan."

SORCERER released its latest album, "The Crowning Of The Fire King", in October 2017 via Metal Blade Records.

SORCERER emerged out of Sweden in the late 80s and was one of the very early bands to champion what is now known as "epic doom metal." Besides genre pioneers CANDLEMASS, groups like SOLITUDE AETURNUS, WHILE HEAVEN WEPT and SORCERER were among the few groups around representing this style of metal.

During its existence, SORCERER produced two self-financed cassette releases, both of which quickly became underground cult classics regularly hailed by metalheads as some of the finest of the era. After a few personnel changes, the group disintegrated in 1992 and since then some of the bandmembers went on to find some success with other groups. Bassist Johnny Hagel achieved greater success in TIAMAT and later SUNDOWN. Vocalist Anders Engberg has also made a name for himself with several other bands he has fronted, such as LION'S SHARE, TWILIGHT and SECTION A.

In the fall of 2010, members of SORCERER were coaxed into reforming to play a one-off gig at the Hammer Of Doom festival in Germany and, a year later, the Up The Hammers festival in Athens, Greece. Both shows were received extremely well and the thoughts of putting together a new album started to take form.

In March 2015, SORCERER released the critically acclaimed "In The Shadow Of The Inverted Cross". SORCERER played several festivals in support of the album — Sabaton Open Air and Rock Hard Festival, among others, with the latter especially being a huge success for the band, selling out their entire merch supply even before finishing their set.

2015 also saw the release of the EP "Black", which consisted of three songs left over from the "In The Shadow Of The Inverted Cross" sessions, as well as an acoustic version of the track "Prayers For A King".

In the end of 2015, the band started to write material for a follow-up album to "In The Shadow Of The Inverted Cross". Progress went pretty fast and ten new tracks emerged out of the royal epic doom chest. The songwriting carried on throughout 2016, and in early 2017, they went into the studio to record.

During the recording, the band and drummer Robert Iversen parted ways because of musical differences, and Lars Sköld (TIAMAT, AVATARIUM) filled the role as session drummer on the album.

In the early summer of 2017, the album was ready to be mixed by the very talented Ronnie Björnström (AEON, CUT UP, 220 VOLT), who also turned the knobs on their last album. The mastering this time was expertly handled by Mr. Thomas "Plec" Johansson (SOILWORK, WATAIN).

SiriusXM announced today that legendary rock band KISS will perform an intimate invitation-only show for SiriusXM subscribers and VIPs on Monday, February 11 at Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. The exclusive performance will air on KISS's exclusive SiriusXM channel, KISS Army Radio.

The special concert for SiriusXM will feature KISS performing songs from the band's 45-year career. This marks the first time KISS has played a club in over twenty years and will be their first performance at the world-famous Whisky a Go Go, the venerable rock club on the Sunset Strip that has played host to rock 'n' roll's most important bands and artists, from THE DOORS, to Janis Joplin, to LED ZEPPELIN, as well as today’s emerging new artists.

KISS's performance at Whisky a Go Go will launch SiriusXM's "The Party Continues", a new live series that will feature music's top artists performing in an intimate venue for SiriusXM subscribers following music's biggest night at the Grammy Awards. KISS, in the midst of its "End Of The Road" world tour, kicks off the series at the historic Whisky a Go Go. "The Party Continues" joins a series of concerts established by SiriusXM at special and iconic venues across the country, including at the Apollo Theater in New York City, The Stephen Talkhouse in the Hamptons, the Faena Theater in Miami Beach and more.

The performance will air on Tuesday, February 12 at 5:00 p.m. ET on KISS Army Radio, channel 30, and through the SiriusXM app on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at siriusxm.com. The concert will air on Howard Stern's Howard 101 channel on Friday, February 15 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

KISS Army Radio, the band's exclusive limited-run SiriusXM channel, will showcase music from KISS's 45-year career, including stadium anthems, rarities and live tracks. The band's channel will also feature exclusive stories and insights from Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. Additionally, listeners will hear music from other artists who opened for KISS throughout their career, including AC/DC, GUNS N' ROSES, ALICE IN CHAINS, CHEAP TRICK and more.

KISS Army Radio will launch on Monday, February 4 at 5:00 p.m. ET via satellite on channel 30 and will run through Sunday, February 17.

Dutch death thrash ragers IZEGRIM have released a video for the song "Retraumatized", which is taken from their latest EP, titled "Beheaded By Trust". The clip follows the band throughout its performance at the sold-out Eindhoven Metal Meeting festival, which took place on December 14. The video was directed by Sebastiaan Spijker of Ik Wil Ook Een Videoclip.

IZEGRIM's Marloes comments: "From preparations, to soundcheck, to the gig at the prestigious sold-out Eindhoven Metal Meeting: it's all packed into Izegrim's latest videoclip. No expensive props, no bluescreens, no storyline or silly choreography. This is 100% IZEGRIM at its best!"

"Beheaded By Trust" was recorded, mixed and mastered at Kohlekeller Studio (ABORTED, BENIGHTED) in December 2017. The cover artwork came courtesy of Kirill Semenov.

"Beheaded By Trust" is the follow-up to 2016's "The Ferryman's End", which drew a positively roaring press response worldwide and saw the band touring and sharing stages with the likes of FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, KREATOR, ANNIHILATOR, ONSLAUGHT and more.

Janet Gardner has announced her departure from VIXEN.

The singer, who released her debut self-titled solo album in 2017, broke the news of her exit from the group earlier today.

"After much soul searching and many sleepless nights, I have decided that it's time for me to step aside and let [drummer] Roxy [Petrucci] and [bassist] Share [Ross] pursue their vision for the future of VIXEN," she wrote.

"VIXEN will always have a very special place in my heart and I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of it," she continued.

"I would like to thank everyone for the amazing support over the years, and as Roxy and Share continue to keep the heart and soul of VIXEN alive and well and I continue on my path, your continued support to all would be greatly appreciated."

Gardner, Petrucci and Ross are considered to be part of VIXEN's classic lineup, along with founding guitarist Jan Kuehnemund, who died of cancer in October 2013.

Gardner contributed lead vocals to VIXEN's most commercially successful studio albums — "Vixen" (1988), "Rev It Up" (1990) and "Tangerine" (1998) — as well as the group's latest release, last year's live album "Live Fire".

A year ago, Gardner underwent surgery to remove blood clots in her brain, a condition known as a subdural hematoma. At the time, she was touring in support of her solo album, which came out in August 2017 via Pavement Entertainment. The disc was a collaboration between the singer, who works days as a part-time dental hygienist, and her husband, guitarist/producer Justin James, who has previously worked with STAIND, COLLECTIVE SOUL and TYKETTO.

While Gardner was recovering from her surgery, VIXEN played a show in Durant, Oklahoma in March 2018 with a fill-in singer, Lorraine Lewis of FEMME FATALE. Fan-filmed video footage of that concert can be seen below.

VIXEN's next live appearance is scheduled for the Monsters Of Rock cruise, which will set sail at the end of February.


After much soul searching and many sleepless nights, I have decided that it’s time for me to step aside and let Roxy and...Posted by Janet Gardner on Wednesday, January 16, 2019

THE RAVEN AGE, the U.K.-based band led by IRON MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris's son George Harris, has shared the official lyric video for its new song, "Fleur De Lis". It is the third THE RAVEN AGE track with Matt James as vocalist, following the previously released "Surrogate" and "Betrayal Of The Mind", and the next dose of what to expect from the band's second album, "Conspiracy", which is due on March 8 via the group's own label Corvid Records.

The "Fleur De Lis" clip creatively features stunning, fantasy animations representing the tale of French heroine Joan Of Arc. The track and visuals fall in line with the historical myths and legends that form the entire album and are the core influence of THE RAVEN AGE's lyrics and themes.


THE RAVEN AGE released its critically acclaimed debut album, "Darkness Will Rise", in 2016. It saw them championed by the likes of Metal Hammer and Planet Rock, who crowned them "Best New Band 2017" at their awards, and earned them slots at festivals such as Bloodstock, Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Rock Am Ring/Rock Im Park and Download.


The band has continued to spread its wings, honing its craft, perfecting its sound and identity, and with the recent addition of vocalist Matt James (a.k.a. MJ) and guitarist Tony Maue bringing a new dimension and diversity to the band's songwriting and sound, they've created the new era of THE RAVEN AGE which is evident throughout the entirety of "Conspiracy".


George Harris explains: "We're so proud of it. It's definitely keeping within the spirit of the band but we've really expanded what we can do and delved into new topics and sounds. A lot of that is to do with what MJ has brought to the band. With him on board we've grown enormously from the first album."


Drawing inspiration from their interest in historical myths and conspiracies, lyrically the tracks tell stories of desperation and inhumanity throughout different periods of time, delving into the lives and experiences of people from years ago.


The album is the second part to their story, where clues are left in everything from the artwork to the lyrics which point to what may later come to pass, and interlock with what THE RAVEN AGE is all about. They've created something more than just a record, but instead an artistic, conceptual identity as they set to write their own legacy.


"I've always been fascinated by the legend of the ravens of the Tower of London," continues George. "The fact that the collective noun for ravens is a Conspiracy really inspired the album, the title and the artwork around it. In this fantasy world the ravens are actually being held captive at the Tower, they aren't there of their own accord. Their wings have been clipped and they're prisoners of the Tower to keep Britain from falling. This record develops the story with all sorts of twists and tangents."


The album opens with a harmonious instrumental, equipped with delicate guitar lines and an accompaniment of euphoric synths and strings before yielding into recent single "Betrayal Of The Mind", which was written as a result of mental health issues, spreading awareness through the lyrics of how it affects so many people in different ways.


It then leads into the raging metal riff of the aforementioned "Fleur De Lis" and "The Day The World Stood Still", which enters with a melodious dynamic, creating space between the album's brutal moments, soaring into a momentous chorus showcasing James's vocal capabilities.


Elsewhere the racing Christian mysticism inspired "Stigmata" is filled with thunderous drum patterns from Jai Patel and heavy bass parts from Matt Cox, while the haunting intro of "Seventh Heaven" explodes into a colossal outbreak of commanding riffs expertly executed by guitarists George Harris and Tony Maue before dropping to a stripped-back section with James's exposed vocals taking center stage.


Continuing their running theme of historic references, the calmer "The Face That Launched A Thousand Ships" draws inspiration from the legend of Helen of Troy, whose incomparable beauty resulted in a fleet of a thousand ships setting sail to rescue her leading to the Battle Of Troy. Similarly, "Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier" is named after the U.S. monument which stands in tribute to those exhumed and unidentified from battles over the years.


Also included is "Surrogate", the album's debut track from earlier in 2018, and the sharp and fierce "Scimitar" before the epically sullen, grand finale "Grave Of The Fireflies", which resumes the dynamic rise and fall that resonates throughout the whole of Conspiracy.


"Conspiracy" track listing:

01. Bloom Of The Poison Seed

02. Betrayal Of The Mind

03. Fleur De Lis

04. The Day The World Stood Still

05. Stigmata

06. Surrogate

07. Seventh Heaven

08. Forgotten World

09. The Face That Launched A Thousand Ships

10. Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier

11. Scimitar

12. Grave Of The Fireflies


THE RAVEN AGE will head off on its biggest European headline tour in March and April before joining IRON MAIDEN for a huge leg across North and South America.

Video footage of LAST IN LINE rehearsing for its upcoming tour can be seen below. The trek is scheduled to kick off tonight (Thursday, January 17) in San Jose, California.

LAST IN LINE's sophomore album, "II", will be released on February 22 via Frontiers Music Srl. As with 2016's "Heavy Crown", the new disc was produced by DOKKEN and FOREIGNER bassist Jeff Pilson.

LAST IN LINE was formed in 2012, when Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain and Vivian Campbell — Ronnie James Dio's co-conspirators and co-writers on the "Holy Diver", "Last In Line" and "Sacred Heart" albums — teamed up with esteemed vocalist Andrew Freeman. The debut album "Heavy Crown" was released in February 2016, landing at No. 1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart. Initially, the release had been preceded by tragedy when bassist Jimmy Bain unexpectedly passed away at the age of 68 on January 23, 2016. LAST IN LINE, honoring what they knew would be Bain's wish to keep the band moving, brought in renowned bassist Phil Soussan (ex-OZZY OSBOURNE) and committed to sustained touring in support of the album, hitting festivals, headlining clubs, and sharing the stage with metal luminaries such as SAXON and MEGADETH.


"The musical style of 'II' is different from 'Heavy Crown', but it wasn't something that we planned to do," explains Campbell. "Phil is a more intricate player than Jimmy was and that, together with the natural growth and development of the band led us to the songs on the album. As always, we simply started to jam on ideas and see where they led us. But it's fair to say that the songs on this album sound more developed, with more parts and more experimentation than the songs on 'Heavy Crown'. The first album set a tone, but on 'II' we developed that idea and took it to the next logical stage."


Appice, on the sound of the new record and songwriting process, says: "I always sound like me. Viv and I have been playing together for years and have the same feel and pulse and attitude. Now with Phil on bass, he allows a more melodic approach on the bass parts making the songs even more interesting. He fits in perfectly being from the same musical family and time as me and Viv. Mr. Freeman sings from his soul and completes the band's sound with his melodies and amazing range."


He continues: "The songwriting process was the same as DIO's 'Holy Diver'. First, we have fun writing together. We get in a room and jam on riffs and chords until we hit on something good, then continue to build it into a song. Andy puts his magic on it and it all works out very well."

Icelandic wrecking crew, Une Misère, have signed to Nuclear Blast Records.

Une Misère comment, "As a band we are more than excited to be signing with a label that has hosted many bands that we have listened to and loved since we started listening to heavy music. This signing will serve as a jump start to what we aim to achieve - We are nothing but humble for the opportunity and excited for what the future holds. This signing marks the beginning of a cooperation that everyone will know of. We aim for the world, and Nuclear Blast is going to help us get it."

In celebration of the signing, the band offer a music video for their song, "Damages". The song was recorded by Leifur Örn Kaldal Eiríksson at Lightweight Studios and was mixed by Sky Van Hoff and mastered by Svante Forsbäck. The video was directed by Amy Haslehurst. Watch the video below.

The band commented about the song, "'Damages' is about being at your breaking point. It is about being at the very edge and falling over. 'Damages' is about facing the fact that mental diseases may never be cured; although the person can get better, one may never be fully rid of it. Depression, anxiety, addiction and so forth - they will always be there. The shadows - they will always be there. They will follow you - into the grave."

Une Misère formed in April 2016 by a collective of six artists who came together to play really heavy music. Each of the members were involved with various hardcore bands until they joined forces to write music inspired by Iceland's darkest and most bleak aspects. With only a year under their belt, the band took 2017 by storm playing several shows including winning a Wacken Metal Battle in their hometown which later turned into a performance at the re-known festival. It also marked the release of their first mix-tape, entitled 010717, which was also served as the release date. They continued to make waves landing a slot at Iceland's own Eistnaflug. Throughout the festival they played three separate performances. Most notable was when they played at an abandoned pizza parlor where their live performance cemented their name in Iceland's underground hardcore metal scene. Fast forward to 2018 where the band continue making their rounds, performing their memorable live shows at Roadburn Festival, and Bloodshed Fest as well as a tour in Europe.

Une Misère are going full steam into 2019 with performances at Summer Breeze, Metal Days as well as several festivals that have yet to be announced. The explosive collective is ready to show the world how their sound pushes sonic boundaries.

Catch Une Misère live:

January
16 - Eurosonic Noorderslag - Groningen, Netherlands
18 - Ozzy - Apeldoorn, Netherlands
19 - Jagersonic - Groningen, Netherlands

July
21-27 - Metal Days - Tolmin, Slovenia

August
14-17 - Summer Breeze - Dinkelsbuhl, Germany

Une Misère are:

Jón Már Ásbjörnsson - Vocals
Finnbogi Örn Einarsson - Guitar and vocals
Fannar Már Oddsson - Guitar and vocals
Gunnar Ingi Jones - Guitar
Benjamín Bent Árnason - Drums
Þorsteinn Gunnar Friðriksson - Bass

(Photo - Amy Haslehurst)

Jorn has released a lyric video for "Make Your Engine Scream", featured on the new anniversary box set, 50 Years On Earth, released last month via Frontiers Music Srl. Watch below:

"I am extremely proud and happy to announce the release of the brand new anniversary box set, 50 Years On Earth," stated Jorn leader, Jorn Lande. "The box set is out worldwide on Frontiers Music srl and consists of an essential part of the entire Jorn catalogue. In addition it includes 3 bonus CDs of both original material and live outtakes as well as selected covers. All albums are remastered and some songs have been upgraded and remixed. I hope you'll like it!"

Jorn Lande was born on May 31st, 1968 in the heart of Norway, between massive mountains in a little town called Rjukan. The little blond Viking grew up roaming the forests and mountains and rocking out to Elvis Presley and bands like Sweet, Slade, Jethro Tull, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Free, and Black Sabbath. Eventually, he would become one of the world’s most renowned voices in rock and metal.

Fifty years later, a celebratory box set - a limited edition release - celebrating the artistic production of the fine Norwegian singer is prepared with the intent of closing a major chapter of Jorn’s artistic career and opening up the “second phase” of his musical journey.

A definitive overview, 50 Years On Earth is comprised of 12 CDs including all Jorn albums from Worldchanger (2001) to Life On Death Road (2017). The CD artwork has been recreated in a stunningly visual vinyl replica format.

In addition to the studio albums, an exclusive collection of Jorn's best live tracks taken from his albums Live In The USA and Live In Black and of his best cover songs are included. Finally, there is a disc which includes 16 rare and bonus tracks, which are going to whet the appetites of the Jorn completists.

This attractive package also includes a beautiful booklet with handwritten notes from Jorn Lande.

In Jorn Lande’s words, “I'm proud to have made it this far and to still be around and relevant. This is first of all a thanks to all the music lovers around the world who keep believing. Thanks for all your support! I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with so many great and talented people. This rollercoaster of a rock and roll journey still has it's wheels on the tracks and I'm truly excited about the future and what's to come... bring it on!”

Tracklisting:

CD 1 - Worldchanger
"Tungur Knivur"
"Sunset Station"
"Glow In The Dark"
"House Of Cards"
"Bless The Child"
"Captured"
"Worldchanger"
"Christine"
"Bridges Will Burn"

CD 2 - Out To Every Nation
"Young Forever"
"Out To Every Nation"
"Something Real"
"Living With Wolves"
"Vision Eyes"
"One Day We Will Put Out the Sun"
"Behind The Clown"
"Rock Spirit"
"Through Day And Night"
"When Angel Wings Were White"

CD 3 - The Duke
"We Brought The Angels Down"
"Blacksong"
"Stormcrow"
"End Of Time"
"Duke Of Love"
"Burning Chains"
"After The Dying"
"Midnight Madness"
"Are You Ready"
"Starfire"

CD 4 - Lonely Are The Brave
"Lonely Are The Brave"
"Night City"
"War Of The World"
"Shadow People"
"Soul Of The Wind"
"Man Of The Dark"
"Promises"
"The Inner Road"
"Hellfire"

CD 5 - Spirit Black
"Spirit Black"
"Below"
"Road Of The Cross"
"The Last Revolution"
"City In Between"
"Rock And Roll Angel"
"Burn Your Flame"
"World Gone Mad"
"I Walk Alone"
"The Sun Goes Down" (original bonus track Europe)

CD 6 - Song For Ronnie James
"Song For Ronnie James"
"Invisible"
"Shame On The Night"
"Push"
"Stand Up And Shout"
"Don't Talk To Strangers"
"Lord Of The Last Day"
"Night People"
"Sacred Heart"
"Sunset Superman"
"Lonely Is The Word - Letters From Earth"
"Kill The King"
"Straight Through The Heart" (live)

CD 7 - Bring Heavy Rock To The Land
"My Road"
"Bring Heavy Rock To The Land"
"A Thousand Cuts"
"Ride Like The Wind"
"Chains Around You"
"The World I See"
"Time To Be King"
"Ride To The Guns"
"Black Morning"
"I Came To Rock"

CD 8 - Traveller
"Overload"
"Cancer Demon"
"Traveller"
"Window Maker"
"Make Your Engine Scream"
"Legend Man"
"Carry The Black"
"Rev On"
"Monsoon"
"The Man Who Was King"
"Arctic Night" (Bonus Track)( Instrumental)

CD 9 - Life On Death Road
"Life On Death Road"
"Hammered To The Cross (The Business)"
"Love Is The Remedy"
"Dreamwalker"
"Fire To The Sun"
"Insoluble Maze (Dreams In The Blindness)"
"I Walked Away"
"The Slippery Slope (Hangman's Rope)"
"Devil You Can Drive"
"The Optimist"
"Man Of The 80's"
"Blackbirds"
"The Optimist" (Acoustic Version) (Bonus Track)

CD 10 - Original Bonus Songs (Studio Versions)
"Out To Every Nation"
"Burn Your Flame"
"Something Real"
"Young Forever"
"Walking on Water"
"One Day We Will Put Out The Sun"
"Starfire"
"I Came To Rock"
"Like Stone In Water"
"Gate Of Tears"
"End Comes Easy"
"Gonna Find The Sun"
"Noose"
"Showdown"
"Abyss Of Evil"
"Where The Winds Blow"

CD 11 - Bonus Live CD
"Road Of The Cross"
"Shadow People"
"Soul Of The Wind"
"War Of The World"
"Below"
"The Inner Road"
"Rock And Roll Angel"
"We Brought The Angels Down"
"Blacksong"
"Godless And Wicked"
"Soulburn"
"Are You Ready"
"The Whitesnake Medley"

CD 12 - The Covers (Studio Versions)
"Naked City"
"Hotel California"
"I Know There's Something Going On"
"Fool For Your Loving"
"You're The Voice"
"The Final Frontier"
"Don't Stop Believing"
"Cold Sweat"
"Perfect Strangers"
"Live To Win"
"Running Up That Hill"
"Die Young"
"The Day The Earth Caught Fire"
"Run To You"
"Egypt (The Chains Are On)"

Beast In Black will release their sophomore album, From Hell With Love, on February 8th via Nuclear Blast Records. A third video trailer, in which the band discusses the album title and artwork, can be found below.

Pre-order the album here.

From Hell With Love tracklisting:

"Cry Out For A Hero"
"From Hell With Love"
"Sweet True Lies"
"Repentless"
"Die By The Blade"
"Oceandeep"
"Unlimited Sin"
"True Believer"
"This Is War"
"Heart Of Steel"
"No Surrender"

Bonus Tracks (Digipak and 2LP only)
"Killed By Death" (Motörhead cover)
"No Easy Way Out" (Robert Tepper cover)

"Die By The Blade" lyric video:

"Sweet True Lies" video:

Trailer #1:

Trailer #2:

Trailer #3:

(Photo - Jarmo Katila / Toni Kilpinen)

Professionally-filmed video of Gojira's entire August 2nd performance at Pol'and'Rock Festival 2018 can be seen below. The footage was cut/coloured by Bryce Hall, and mxed by Raphaël Bovey at MyRoom Studio.

Says Gojira: "Special thanks to the festival organizers, WOSP, Jurek Owsiak, and everyone who helped make this show so memorable."

Gojira have announced a string of US dates leading up to their performance at the 2019 Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival, which takes place June 13th - 16th at Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee. Special guests for the new dates is Deafheaven, with All Them Witches performing at the shows in Charlotte and Raleigh.

Dates:

June
11 - Raleigh, NC - The Ritz
12 - Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore
13 - Asheville, NC - Orange Peel

Tickets on sale this Friday, January 18th.

Heart have revealed another song from their upcoming live album, Live In Atlantic City. Video of the band performing "Crazy On You", with special guest Dave Navarro on guitar, can be found below. Get the single here.

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees Ann and Nancy Wilson first showed the world that women can rock when their band, Heart, stormed the charts in the ‘70s with hits like “Crazy On You”, “Magic Man”, “Barracuda”, “Straight On”, and so many more.  

A night no one would ever forget was the night Heart performed on VH1’s Decades Rock Live back in 2006. It was an evening that brought together various stars around the two brightest shining stars of Heart. This show has been living on in the memory of music fans ever since and will now finally see its release on LP/CD/DVD/Blu-ray. Live In Atlantic City pays tribute to and celebrates the band’s legacy with the help of an incredible range of artists and friends, to keep this magical night of celebrating music and friendship alive for all eternity.

And what a night it was! The guest list of performers formed a Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for itself, including country music star Carrie Underwood, Jane’s Addiction founding member and former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Dave Navarro, country singer-songwriter Gretchen Wilson and Canadian-American singer-songwriter and composer Rufus Wainwright. An exceptional highlight of the show furthermore entails the return of renowned grunge rockers Alice In Chains with Duff McKagan joining his friends on stage!

Each guest artist had the chance to perform up to three songs together with the band. The track list includes gems like Heart’s “Crazy On You”, performed together with Dave Navarro or Alice In Chain’s “Rooster“. A joined performance featuring all of the guest artists of “Barracuda” rounded up this monumental show, which will now finally be released on audio as well as visual formats for the world to enjoy.

Live In Atlantic City is going to be released as CD+Blu-ray Digipak, 2LP Gatefold+download, DVD, Blu-ray and Digital on January 25th via earMUSIC. Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Bébé Le Strange" (with Dave Navarro)
"Straight On" (with Dave Navarro)
"Crazy On You" (with Dave Navarro)
"Lost Angel"
"Even It Up" (with Gretchen Wilson)
"Rock ’N Roll" (with Gretchen Wilson)
"Dog & Butterfly" (with Rufus Wainwright)
"Would?" (with Alice In Chains & Duff McKagan) *
"Rooster" (with Alice In Chains & Duff McKagan)
"Alone" (with Carrie Underwood)
"Magic Man"
"Misty Mountain Hop" (with Dave Navarro)
"Dreamboat Annie"
"Barracuda"

* CD and LP exclusive

Note: DVD and Blu-ray also include bonus footage in the form of Heart Confidential

"Bébé Le Strange" video:

"Lost Angel" video:

Trailers:

Serious Black have checked in with the following update:

"Recording some demo ideas for Serious Black's upcoming album 2019 - tries and failures during recording some song ideas or the new album... and, as always, no shampoo, no make-up, no overdubs, no split screen... and so on."

Serious Black released their 2017 album, Magic, via AFM Records. Check out a lyric video for the album track “The Witch Of Caldwell Town” below.

Tracklisting:

“With A Tip Of The Hat”
“Binary Magic”
“Burn! Witches Burn!”
“Line Gunman Rule”
“Now You’ll Never Know”
“I Can Do Magic”
“Serious Black Magic”
“Skeletons On Parade”
“Mr. Nightmist”
“The Witch Of Caldwell Town”
“True Love Is Blind”
“Just Kill Me”
“Newfound Freedom”
“One Final Song”

“The Witch Of Caldwell Town” lyric video:

Album walk through video:

Australian atmospheric death/doom metal masters return after releasing a brilliant self-titled debut that was lauded the world over for its sincerity and purity of expression. Leaden Light carries on where they last left, drenched in wistful melancholy and stirring up faded albeit rich memories. The sound is purer, more refined and clearer in expression than before, and lingers for long in your thoughts. With three artworks made for the CD, LP and box set editions exclusively, this is an ambitious release from the band that features some of the best music in the style without overdoing any aspect of it. 

Leaden Light will see the light of day on March 20th via Transcending Obscurity Records.

Tracklisting:

“Armed He Brings The Dawn”
“Soil She Bears”
“Horses Pale And Four”
“Leaden Light Her Coils”
“2.12.14”

“Soil She Bears”:

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions has welcomed Pennsylvania's intense black/death/doom/thrash act In The Fire to the roster with the new album Volatile Beings.

In The Fire consists of members of Rumpelstiltskin Grinder, Total Fucking Destruction, and Azure Emote. Volatile Beings is the pummeling debut release from this powerful act, featuring eight tracks of pure intensity. Blending thrashing death and blackened doom, In The Fire mix cellar-dwelling screams from the incinerator with pulverizing riffage, affixing speed and groove with crucifying conviction.

Volatile Beings features album artwork courtesy of Mike Hrubovcak (Mortician, Pathology, Mortal Decay, Six Feet Under, Monstrosity) of Visual Darkness. Find preorders on Bandcamp.

Tracklisting:

“Feral”
“The Devil In The Mirror”
“Into Battle”
“Channel”
“In The Fire”
“Techno-Sociopathic De-Evolution”
“Inside Out”
“The Poisoned Rye”

“The Devil In The Mirror”:

Wyoming-based rock/metal band, Righteous Vendetta, have released a lyric video for their new single, "Deathwish", featured on the band's self-released 2018 album, Reignite: The Fire Inside. Watch below.

Tracklisting:

"Defiance"
"This Pain"
"What You've Done"
"With Love"
"The Fire Inside"
"So Long"
"Inside My Eyes"
"Fight Back"
"Far Away"
"Back To Life"
"Losing Control"
"Deathwish"
"Bite The Bullet"
"The Way It Goes"
"Listen To Me"

"Deathwish" lyric video:

(Photo - Kassidy K Photography)

Tim "Ripper" Owens has praised Rob Halford, saying that the legendary JUDAS PRIEST frontman is "singing better now than he has in a long time."

Owens joined PRIEST in 1996 and recorded two studio albums with the band, 1997's "Jugulator" and 2001's "Demolition", before PRIEST reunited with Halford in 2003.

During a January 10 appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation", Owens said that he has been impressed with Halford's performances on last year's "Firepower" tour.

"I think Rob's probably singing better now than he has in a long, long time," Tim said. "He sounds absolutely phenomenal. And it's great to hear some of these classic songs that he's singing on stage. That's a great thing… Like I said, Rob is singing so good now — he really is. And he looks good, and I think he feels good."

Owens also talked about guitarist Glenn Tipton's decision to retire from the road due to his battle with Parkinson's disease. Tipton has since been replaced on tour by "Firepower" album producer Andy Sneap, also known for his work as the guitar player in NWOBHM revivalists HELL and cult thrash outfit SABBAT.

"It's unfortunate with Glenn, because he was the life of the party," Tim said. "I imagine he still is; I don't think that's gonna change. And he's an amazing guy.

"If Glenn said 'no more JUDAS PRIEST,' there would be no more JUDAS PRIEST — that's my thinking on it. But he wants to carry on. He can get up there every now and then [and play a few songs with the band]. There's nothing more that he would wanna do than get on stage. "

Tim lamented the fact that original PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing is no longer involved with the band, having left the group eight years ago due to behind-the-scenes turbulence, including his strained relationship with Tipton and his gripes with certain managerial decisions. He has since been replaced by Richie Faulkner, who was once the guitarist in the backing group for Lauren Harris, daughter of IRON MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris.

"Richie is a great guy, a fantastic player," Owens said. "In a perfect world, it would be awesome to see K.K. and Richie up there at the same time, 'cause Richie is more of a Glenn-style player anyways. Obviously, that's not gonna happen now since [K.K.'s] book [came out], probably.

"Listen, it is what it is," Tim continued. "They're doing some great concerts, probably having some of the biggest crowds now than they have had in a long time. The new record was great. And they can continue to play… I think it's great. And the great thing about it is the blessing from Glenn to go, 'Hey, let's get someone else to play and let's continue on.'"

Owens currently tours the world as a solo artist and performs as the lead singer of several bands, including SPIRITS OF FIRE, CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED, A NEW REVENGE, DIO DISCIPLES and THE THREE TREMORS. Additionally, the movie "Rock Star" (Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Aniston) was loosely based on Owens's time in JUDAS PRIEST.

According to the Hartford Courant, a will signed by ALL THAT REMAINS guitarist Oliver "Oli" Herbert a week before his passing has been examined by police investigating his drowning death.

Oli signed a will on October 9 at at a Hartford, Connecticut car dealership. The will was notarized by a person who was a friend of the guitarist and his wife, Elizabeth Herbert, and who works at the dealership.

The Connecticut State Police Eastern District Crime Squad is investigating Herbert's death, which is being treated as suspicious. They are looking at the 11-page will as well as a life insurance policy mentioned in the will.

The will names Elizabeth Herbert as executor and sole benefactor. It says that Oliver Herber's sister, Cynthia Herbert, should not become executor or receive anything from his estate. The will also states that Elizabeth Herbert should get all "property as well as any current or future earnings."

One of the witnesses who signed the will, Alexander Mandel, also works at the dealership.

"I didn't even know who they were," Mandel told the Hartford Courant. "I was told, I think, he was a rock star or something.

Mandel said that Oliver Herbert was wearing a black T-shirt when he signed the will. "He didn't really say anything," Mandel said of Oliver.

Oli was found dead on October 16 at the edge of the pond on his Stafford Springs, Connecticut property. He was reported missing by his wife about 3 p.m., and his body was found by police face down at the edge of the pond where the water was only a few inches deep.

The guitarist and his wife purchased the home in 2013 for $135,000.

The Freedom Mortgage Corporation filed a foreclosure notice in June alleging that the musician hadn't paid the loan for the home. Herbert never contested the foreclosure and a judge issued a default motion against him for failing to appear in September, in effect granting the bank's foreclosure.

Last month, Freedom Mortgage Corporation asked a judge to grant a strict foreclosure on the property and allow it to immediately take possession of it.

Herbert began playing guitar at 14. He co-founded ALL THAT REMAINS with singer Phil Labonte in 1998.

ALL THAT REMAINS has released nine studio albums, a live CD/DVD, and has sold more than one million records worldwide.

The surviving members of ALL THAT REMAINS — Labonte, Mike Martin (guitar), Jason Costa (drums) and Aaron Patrick (bass, backing vocals) — recently completed a European tour with SEVENDUST. Guitar virtuoso and YouTube personality Jason Richardson (ALL SHALL PERISH, CHELSEA GRIN, BORN OF OSIRIS) filled in on the trek.

The USO brought heavy metal band DISTURBED to Creech Air Force Base, Nevada to meet the airmen behind the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) mission and perform the base's first-ever concert on October 23.

"The music is meant to empower," said DISTURBED singer David Draiman. "It's meant to strengthen people; it's meant to strip away fear and to give you the gumption you need to triumph over adversity."

Each band member also had the opportunity to fly training missions with the 432nd Operations Support Squadron's MQ-9 Reaper flight simulator, both as sensor operators and pilots. With simulator experience in the books, DISTURBED met with airmen for lunch and a meet-and-greet event where airmen took photos with the band and brought in personal items for signing.

"It was amazing! DISTURBED was actually one of the first bands I listened to when I was six and I was hooked ever since," said Senior Airman Tanner, a 12th Air Force Persistent Attack and Reconnaissance Center weather forecaster. "It feels great that a big band like DISTURBED took notice of what we do here at Creech and they think it's important to show support."

Later, DISTURBED performed a concert in a maintenance hangar and the band dove into its performance with classics and songs from its brand new album, "Evolution".

Approximately 700 airmen, veterans, family and members of team Creech attended.

The next day, the band visited nearby Nellis Air Force Base, participating in a military working dog demonstration and getting an up-close look at military aircraft on base. After visiting various units, DISTURBED performed a second show for airmen and their families.

"I think that this is an incredibly important part of our Armed Forces," Draiman said. "What you guys do is an amazing thing, it keeps our troops on the ground safe and is a very integral part of the machine."

Check out a video report below.

"Evolution" came out last October.

A North American headlining tour in support of the disc kicked off January 9 in San Diego, California.

The trek will make stops in cities like Denver, Houston, Nashville, New York, Pittsburgh, and Toronto before wrapping up in Rosemont, Illinois on March 8. Support on the 27-city jaunt is coming from Canada's THREE DAYS GRACE.

Following the U.S. leg of the tour, DISTURBED will travel overseas to play in Spain, Czech Republic, Italy, and more countries throughout Europe. Their last slated show, as of right now, is on July 2 in Israel.

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons has once again admitted that he was "completely wrong" about marijuana's benefits in the past.

The KISS bassist/vocalist, who has always promoted clean living and scoffed at peers who snort drugs and get high, made headlines in March 2018 when he landed an odd new gig as "chief evangelist officer" at Canadian cannabis and fertilizer company Invictus.

For those confused about this new relationship given the fact that Simmons has been on the record about never trying cannabis in his whole life, Gene explained his stance during an interview with SmallCapPower at the 2018 New Green Frontier cannabis investor conference, which was held on November 19 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

"Historically, I have to say I was completely wrong about the entire space," he said (see video below). "I thought cannabis was for stoners and losers and all that, and slowly but surely, over the years, the amount of research that I saw just blew me away. Seeing little girls who suffer from epilepsy rubbing a salve, not on the inside but outside of their body and seemingly miraculously getting cured made me take stock.

"Big Pharma [the global pharmaceutical industry] is not fond of this space, because cannabis, in its various forms, is actually gonna help people," he continued. "That's what researchers are telling me. And I'm telling everybody else there are a lot of new companies, especially in Canada, and good for them. Some of them are solid, some of them are garbage, and it's up to you to find out what it's all about. I happen to believe in Invictus, and all I urge anybody to do is to go to Invictus-MD.com and do your own research.

"When you go into a restaurant, you get a menu," Simmons added. "Think what looks good for you. It's all there. Some of it's good, some of it's fresh, some of it's rotten and been there a long time. But, generally, the cannabis space, I think, is gonna be good for humanity. Certainly much better than cigarettes, which might give you cancer. This other thing, even as a recreational item, might give you the munchies [the desire for salty, sweet or fatty carbohydrate-rich foods]. Let me see: I get the munchies or I might get cancer."

Simmons, who serves as Invictus's media spokesperson among other duties, disclosed that he has "10 million in stock" in the company and said that he was "glad to do it."

Dan Kriznic, CEO and chairman of Invictus, credited Gene's business acumen for the appointment. According to Kriznic, Simmons "created one of the most iconic bands of all time, but has spent decades building successful brands internationally in various industries."

As part of his deal with Invictus, Simmons has agreed to appear at least 50 investor and industry presentations for the company over a five-year period.

Gene told the Vancouver Sun that he has been drawn into many of his diverse ventures, more often than not, because he established a personal connection, adding that he "liked" Kriznic the first time he met him.

"I may drive a truck, but open the hood and I call the mechanic because he can fix it," Simmons explained. "The most important view is the one from 30,000 feet because that is where you can take in the big picture. Whether it's religion, rock stars or politicians, you need to be able to tell the story and convince people that they need stuff they don't need. With what we're doing with Invictus MD … is something that I'm very bullish on because it's real."

STONE SOUR bassist Johny Chow has confirmed to Meltdown of Detroit, Michigan's WRIF 101.1 FM radio station that the band has commenced the songwriting process for the follow-up to 2017's "Hydrograd" album.

"We're always writing, we're always riffing and we're always jamming," he said (hear audio below). "When we're on the road, there's a bass in the dressing room all the time. And same with [guitarists] Tucc [Christian Martucci] and Josh [Rand] — there's always guitars in there, and Roy's [Mayorga, drums] got his setup. Roy and I jam every night before we play for at least an hour beforehand. There's long days. You get in there at 10 o'clock in the morning and you're just kind of backstage or on the bus, and you don't have soundcheck till, like, three o'clock, let's say. It's one of those things where you have some time on your hands. You're sitting there playing, riffing. All of a sudden, 'Ooh, this is cool.' Or, 'Tucc, what are you doing there, man? That's awesome. Hold on. Keep playing that. Let me do something. Check this out.' And then I play something with him. 'Okay, we've gotta record this.' And we'll pull out our phones and record these ideas.

"I know Tucc's got a shit-ton of ideas; I've already got a ton of ideas myself," he continued. "Josh has ideas. Roy is always coming up with crazy, zany stuff with his keys and synths and stuff like that, and crazy beats."

Chow also praised the musical chemistry between him and his bandmates, saying that it's something he hasn't experienced with many other players.

"It's pretty cool when you can get that magic together with other musicians," he said. "That's what it's about. It's one thing when you play in a band with other musicians and you're just kind of going through the motions. But when you can hook up with other musicians when there's that magic that happens, where it's just, like, 'Oh my God!', where the hair stands up on your arms, like, 'Oh my God! This is gonna be awesome. Holy cow!' That's a rarity, man.

"Over the years, I've been doing the paid-gig thing, from CAVALERA [CONSPIRACY] to George Lynch and various bands like that," he continued. "And it's an incredible and an amazing feeling to be in a band where I'm presenting fully written songs or riffs and ideas. Tucc has a whole song written, and I'll write the bass lines to it. Nobody's writing for anybody else here. We're all writing our own parts, we're all writing together, because we all vibe off each other. And I think a big part of that with Tucc and Roy and I is the fact that we're all East Coasters, we all lived in New York City for a while, all at the same time, we all come from that punk rock and hardcore background. And it's really easy to work with these guys. Roy and I, as the rhythm section, it's incredible when you can have a connection like that, as a bass player or adrummer, with the other bass player or drummer… It's like a machine. I know where Roy's going, he knows where I'm going, and we just kind of go there together. And it translates."

STONE SOUR singer Corey Taylor told Australia's Heavy magazine last fall that he and his bandmates started writing new music "pretty much as soon as we got on the road" in support of "Hydrograd". "We just can't be stopped; we're just gluttons for punishment at this point," he said. "But the cool thing is that knowing that we've got all this great material, we can kind of enjoy the rest as much as we can because we know that when it's time to really start kind of ramping up the demo machine, we're gonna have all this cool stuff to listen to. There's no pressure for us to just run right in."

Taylor, who will step away from STONE SOUR in 2019 to focus on SLIPKNOT, said that the former band's absence from the touring circuit "will allow the audience to miss [STONE SOUR], which is the best thing in the world you can have — that built-in need for a band to come back. Just when you think you can't wait any longer, here comes this band and they're, like, 'Oh, goddamn, they're so good right now.' So we're pretty stoked, man. We're definitely looking forward to trying to see if we can top 'Hydrograd'."

"Hydrograd" was released as a deluxe edition in August. The two-disc set, "Hydrograd Deluxe Edition", collects unreleased covers, b-sides, live recordings and alternate versions of songs from "Hydrograd". The deluxe edition is highlighted by "Burn One Turn One", a previously unreleased b-side from "Hydrograd". "Hydrograd Deluxe Edition" features 13 rare or unreleased songs including an acoustic version of the No. 1 rock song "Song #3", as well as covers of hits from RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, SOUNDGARDEN and VAN HALEN.

In a brand new interview with Metal Wani, WATAIN frontman Erik Danielsson was asked if he is worried about the way that the upcoming "Lords Of Chaos" film, which is based on true events in the Norwegian black metal music scene in the early 1990s, might paint black metal to a broader audience. "No, I'm not," Erik responded (hear audio below). "I've seen the film, and it's not a gateway into black metal knowledge at all. It's a movie about juveniles that do a lot of really extreme things, and I don't think that people are gonna walk away from that movie thinking that they know a lot about black metal. I don't think that they're gonna feel educated on the history of [the pioneering Norwegian black metal band] MAYHEM and what went down. I think they're gonna walk away thinking that they've seen a pretty intense fucking movie. So, no, I'm not worried in the slightest. I mean, that damage, as far as I'm concerned, with black metal getting too much attention from mainstream media, that happened 15 years ago already. So, to me, that's a lost battle, if you wanna call it that. I'm not too concerned myself. Black metal will always live on in the spirit of those that keep on performing it with dignity and with reverence, and I'm proud to call myself one of them."

Asked why he thinks black metal continues to court controversy to this day, Erik said: "Freedom is the key word here. Freedom can easily be seen as something very destructive, because in order to attain the freedom that we're talking about, you need to break a lot of boundaries, you need to break a lot of rules, and you need to challenge the things that are established as norms. And that's usually what people that adhere to those norms would call destructive behavior and controversial behavior, for that matter. And I just think it's a very natural outcome of doing this — to be seen in the light of controversy and have your word considered taboo and so on and so on. I mean, it should be, it must be to a certain extent, because otherwise you're not in touch with the things that you're singing about. You've gotta practice what you preach, and if you do that, well, your band is going to enjoy or suffer from a lot of rumors, a lot of controversy, a lot of random, preconceived notions that people spit out because they don't know any better. And it's just the way it is. To me, it's just a part of the game, and it's nothing that you are consciously for; it's just a result of doing something that you love very deeply and that's a bit problematic to — I don't know — normal people."

"Lords Of Chaos" will open in theaters February 8 and on demand on February 22.

Swedish director Jonas Åkerlund (METALLICA, RAMMSTEIN) directed the film, which is being released by Gunpowder and Sky, and is co-produced by VICE Studios, 20th Century Fox, Scott Free Productions and Insurgent Media.

"Lords Of Chaos" is described as "the terrifying story based on real events about a dream-turned-nightmare for a group of teenagers who spiral out of control." The movie follows the life of Øystein "Euronymous" Aarseth, the founding member of MAYHEM who was murdered in 1993 by Kristian "Varg" Vikernes (BURZUM). In the movie, Euronymous "becomes fixated on creating true 'Norwegian black metal' music with his band MAYHEM, and creates a phenomenon by using shocking stunts to put the band's name on the map. But as the lines between publicity and reality start to blur, acts of arson, violence and a vicious murder shock the nation."

The movie stars Rory Culkin ("Scream 4") as Euronymous, Emory Cohen ("The Place Beyond The Pines") as Varg, Anthony De La Torre ("Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales") as Hellhammer, Sky Ferreira ("The Green Inferno") as Ann-Marit, Jack Kilmer (Val Kilmer's son) as Per Yngve "Dead" Ohlin, and Valter Skarsgard (Stellan Skarsgard's son) as Faust. That cast is joined by Sam Coleman as Metalion, Jonathan Barnwell as Necrobutcher, Wilson Gonzalez Ochsenknecht as Blackthorn, Lucian Charles Collier as Occultus, Andrew Lavelle as Fenriz, and James Edwin as Manheim. Culkin and Ferreira were visible in METALLICA's "ManUNkind" video, which was helmed by Åkerlund and which contains scenes from the movie.

Åkerlund is the original drummer of BATHORY, one of the first black metal bands, who made his mark directing music videos for artists from Madonna and THE ROLLING STONES to MAROON 5 and Beyoncé. These have won him a host of awards, including several Grammys, an MTV VMA, MVPA Hall Of Fame award and more. Åkerlund has also directed a number of feature films, including cult favorite "Spun" starring Jason Schwartzman, Mickey Rourke, Brittany Murphy and John Leguizamo.

The "Lords Of Chaos" movie is based on the "Lords Of Chaos: The Bloody Rise Of The Satanic Metal Underground" book, which was originally published in 1998 by Feral House U.S. A second edition followed in 2003, documenting black metal activities since 1997.

The film premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and currently holds a 92% fresh rating over on Rotten Tomatoes.

Canadian heavy music artist Devin Townsend will release his new album, "Empath", on March 29 via InsideOut Music.


In the lead-up to the album's release, Devin will walk fans through how "Empath" came together with a series of documentary episodes recorded as phone conversations during the course of the albums recording. Watch him explain more in the video below.


Devin comments: "Hello everybody, this is Devin Townsend and I would like to formally announce that after almost a year and a half of working, I have finished 'Empath'. Now, this record has taken me down a lot of very interesting psychological and technical avenues and the process was documented from the very get-go by a series of documentary videos that I have done that outline everything from the gestation of the idea to the actualisation of it, through all the existential ups and downs that went on. As such, this record is different to any record that I have released thus far, and trying to get people on board for what it is versus what it isn't, I think needs to be dealt with in a different way.

"Stay tuned for the making of 'Empath' — the video series."


Over the past few years, the success that Devin has slowly worked for has fortunately come with the power to control his own creative destiny. The recent successes with the DVD from a sold-out Royal Albert hall, or his 2012 "Retinal Circus", or last year's "Ocean Machine" live DVD with the Orchestra And Choir Of State Opera Plovdiv has put him in a position where with the new album "Empath", he will once and for all define himself as a musical force outside of any particular genre classification.


On this album, Devin has decided to see what would happen if all the styles that make up his current interests were finally represented in one place. To finally shake the fear of expectation, and just do what it is he was meant to do creatively, "Empath", true to the name, is about allowing the audience a feeling for a variety of musical emotions. The musical dynamics represented on this single album are broad, challenging, and immense. To approach this sort of work with a long history of what makes heavy music "heavy," allows this to be done with a type of power rarely heard.


Joining Devin on this album is Frank Zappa alumni Mike Keneally as music director, as well as Morgan Ågren (MATS AND MORGAN, FRANK ZAPPA, FREDRIK THORDENDAL), Anup Sastry (MONUMENTS, PERIPHERY), Samus Paulicelli (DECREPIT BIRTH, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS), Nathan Navarro, Elliot Desagnes, Steve Vai, Chad Kroeger, Anneke Van Giersbergen, Ché Aimee Dorval, Ryan Dhale and the Elektra Women's Choir.


A bold statement with massive production values and dynamic, uncompromised musicality. This is a statement about not only pursuing creative freedom in a conservative scene, but also trying to show that heavy music is truly a valid musical tool.

"Empath" will be released on limited 2 CD digipak (including an entire disc of bonus material), standard CD jewelcase, gatefold 180-gram 2LP vinyl + CD + LP-booklet and as digital album.

The full track listing is as follows:


01. Castaway

02. Genesis

03. Spirits Will Collide

04. Evermore

05. Sprite

06. Hear Me

07. Why

08. Borderlands

09. Requiem

10. Singularity Part 1 - Adrift

11. Singularity Part 2 - I Am I

12. Singularity Part 3 - There Be Monsters

13. Singularity Part 4 - Curious Gods

14. Singularity Part 5 - Silicon Scientists

15. Singularity Part 6 - Here Comes The Sun

Madame Mayhem will release her new single "Broken" on January 11th, 2019. The single was co-written with Keith Wallen of Breaking Benjamin and features Ray Luzier of Korn on drums, as well as Billy Sheehan of David Lee Roth, Mr. Big and others on bass.

Those who yearn for the electric catharsis of loud guitars, driving rhythms, hypnotic hooks, and the strength of shared experience have a new muse in Madame Mayhem.

The Manhattan born singer/songwriter and burgeoning rock icon-in-the-making has weaponized the darkness, turning it into a rallying cry for all who were ever cast aside. Songs like “Broken,” “War You Started,” and “So Wrong” are equal parts timeless sentiment, bareknuckle fury, and energized urgency. Madame Mayhem’s songs rival the best of Modern Rock, early ‘90s emotive-grunge, and nü-metal angst.

As her name suggests, Madame Mayhem takes charge of her own anxiety, hurt, and alienation, crushing it with sheer force of will, then channeling the remaining ether into pulse-pounding anthems, instantly connecting with anyone who has struggled.

METALLICA will release a limited-edition vinyl of "Helping Hands… Live & Acoustic At The Masonic" next month. The double album, mixed by Greg Fidelman and newly mastered for vinyl by Reuben Cohen at Bernie Grundman Mastering, documents the inaugural "Helping Hands" benefit concert held in San Francisco on November 3, 2018.


"Helping Hands… Live & Acoustic At The Masonic" features rare acoustic renditions of hits and deep cuts spanning the METALLICA catalog (as well as covers of DEEP PURPLE, NAZARETH, BOB SEGER and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT classics), captured on 140-gram colored vinyl with proceeds donated to the band's All Within My Hands Foundation. "Helping Hands… Live & Acoustic At The Masonic" continues AWMH's mission to fight hunger and to assist in creating sustainable communities through workforce education.

Professionally filmed video footage of METALLICA performing the song "The Four Horsemen" at "All Within My Hands Foundation Helping Hands Concert And Auction" can be seen below.

The album will be available February 1 at independent and digital retail around the world, all streaming services that feature METALLICA's music, and can be pre-ordered in the METALLICA store. All copies will include a download card.


In addition to the vinyl pre-order, METALLICA's offerings will include a limited-edition etched glass featuring the iconic Pushead artwork for "One", with all net proceeds donated to AWMH.


The first-ever "All Within My Hands Helping Hands Concert And Auction" raised more than $1.3 million. Those resources will fund AWMH's efforts with partners at Feeding America and the American Association of Community Colleges.


The METALLICA family and the All Within My Hands Foundation board members are committed to running an organization of the highest integrity where expenses are kept to a minimum and are paid for entirely by the band, the board, and friends who have worked with the band over many years. As such, 100% of all donations from fans and third parties go to the organizations AWMH supports.


For more info and/or to make a donation, visit allwithinmyhands.org.


The track listing for "Helping Hands…Live & Acoustic At The Masonic":


Disc One / Side A

01. Disposable Heroes

02. When A Blind Man Cries (DEEP PURPLE cover)

03. The Unforgiven


Disc One / Side B

01. Please Don't Judas Me (NAZARETH cover)

02. Turn the Page (Bob Seger cover)


Disc Two / Side C

01. Bleeding Me

02. Veteran of the Psychic Wars (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT cover)

03. Nothing Else Matters


Disc Two / Side D

01. All Within My Hands

02. Enter Sandman

03. The Four Horsemen

04. Hardwired

Bandmembers James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo and Lars Ulrich were joined by a quartet of backing musicians who provided additional percussion, keyboards, strings and vocal harmony.

After performing a number of shows together throughout 2018 for the first time in over 35 years, Punky Meadows and Frank DiMino from the legendary '70s rock band ANGEL have decided to resurrect the group under the banner ANGEL FEATURING PUNKY MEADOWS AND FRANK DIMINO. Joining them in the revamped ANGEL will be the four musicians that backed the duo on tour last year: Danny Farrow on rhythm guitar, Charlie Calv on keyboards, Steve Ojane on bass and Billy Orrico on drums.

DiMino broke the news of ANGEL's reactivation in a Facebook post earlier today. He wrote: "Having our own solo projects and performing on each other’s records led to a natural progression to assemble the side project, PUNKY MEADOWS & FRANK DIMINO OF ANGEL. This led to a very successful 2018 tour. The great chemistry we experienced has led us to our next journey of writing and performing together and to enter the New Year as ANGEL FEATURING PUNKY MEADOWS AND FRANK DIMINO.

"The band consisting of Punky, Frank, Danny, Charlie, Billy and Steve will return wearing white and performing a full ANGEL set.

"We will be recording a brand new album and begin touring April 2019. We are very excited to announce that STARZ will be joining us for many shows!!!

"Looking forward to rocking with all of you in 2019!"

ANGEL was discovered in a nightclub by none other than Gene Simmons of KISS, a man who had (and still has) a knack for finding and nurturing talent. ANGEL was also known for their androgynous look and dressing all in white, a pure yin-yang contrast to KISS's own all-black clothing and elaborate stage outfits. In 1975, the glam-rockers were signed to the home label for KISS, Casablanca Records, ultimately releasing six albums (five studio, one live) uninterrupted between 1975-80 that mixed the best elements of glam, hard rock, and pure unadulterated fist-pumping melodic singalongs.

While ANGEL never quite achieved success as their labelmates KISS did, they left their mark on in-the-know rock fans of the era with tracks like the hard-driving "Rock & Rollers", "Tower", the perennial holiday favorite "The Winter Song", and their key contribution to the soundtrack of the Jodie Foster-starring 1980 teen drama "Foxes", "20th Century Foxes". The lineup for their self-titled 1975 debut, "Angel", consisted of guitarist Punky Meadows, bassist Mickie Jones, vocalist Frank DiMino, keyboardist Gregg Giuffria, and drummer Barry Brandt. This lineup recorded two more albums, 1976's "Helluva Band" and 1977's "On Earth As It Is In Heaven", after which Jones would be replaced on bass by Felix Robinson. Two more solid studio efforts, 1978's "White Hot" and 1979's "Sinful", ensued before the release of a stellar live set, 1980's "Live Without A Net".

ANGEL started to fall apart in the early 1980s after Casablanca pulled the plug on the group due in part to disappointing album sales. In 1981, Robinson and DiMino left to pursue other projects. Meadows and Giuffria tried to keep ANGEL going and came close to landing a record deal with CBS. But it didn't pan out, and ANGEL finally disbanded.

This past August, Caroline/UMe saluted the core output of ANGEL with "Angel: The Casablanca Years". This ascendant, band-approved seven-CD box set featured the Washington, D.C.-bred glam/rock outfit's six albums that were released on Neil Bogart's legendary Casablanca Records label, in addition to a seventh disc that contains mono mixes, single edits, soundtrack contributions, and other rarities. ANGEL expert Dave Reynolds contributed insightful liner notes to the box set's included 28-page booklet, which also featured rare photos and other memorabilia.

Photo courtey of Danny at Main Man Records


Announcement from

Punky Meadows and Frank DiMino

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We have some Exciting news to share...

Having our...Posted by Frank DiMino on Tuesday, January 1, 2019

San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal legends, Vio-Lence, have announced a one-off reunion concert, on Saturday, April 13th at the Oakland Metro in Oakland, CA. Vio-lence will perform their debut album, Eternal Nightmare, in its entirety.

The lineup for the show is as follows:

Sean Killian - Vocals
Phil Demmel - Guitar
Ray Vegas - Guitar
Deen Dell - Bass
Perry Strickland -Drums

Tickets are available here.

RIGOR MORTIS and WARBEAST vocalist Bruce Corbitt is receiving hospice care after his esophageal cancer has spread throughout his body.

Hospice care is a special way of caring for people who are terminally ill. It does not focus on a cure but rather on lessening the burdens associated with a terminal illness.

The singer offered an update on his condition earlier today (Friday, January 11) in a 10-minute Facebook Live video.

"Here I am, man — still fighting, fighting, fighting, fighting," he said. "I'm never gonna stop fighting. You all know that about me. It's just tough to even use those words: hospice. I never thought I would get to that point."

Corbitt began his fight against esophageal cancer in May 2017. He went through extreme radiation and chemotherapy treatment before they could attempt surgery. Just when everyone thought Bruce would surely be out of the woods, his first doctor's visit in 2018 brought him the horrible news that the cancer was still there and that it was at Stage 4. He was given two months to two years to live but was told that he would be lucky to make it a year. Due to issues with insurance companies not wanting to approve a second opinion at MD Anderson in Houston, Bruce was forced to use a second opinion in Dallas. His hopes were raised when he was told there was a trial that he could be part of and that there were great results from this trial. A week after signing all the paperwork for the trial treatment, Bruce received a phone call advising him that, unfortunately, his cancer was one that was not treatable with the trial treatment. Bruce was upset, but he didn't let that stop him from fighting.

Bruce's wife, Jeanna Corbitt, said last March: "I can't even imagine my world without my husband in it. We both feel so cheated out of our future together at this point. We try to make the best of every moment we have together, even when he feels terrible. He's such a brave and tough man... MY Superhero!"

The 56-year-old thrash Corbitt, who has survived a stabbing and a heart attack, told Billboard last August that he had "a 2.8 percent chance of living five years. So what am I going to do, sit around and cry about it or be that 2.8 percent?" he asked rhetorically.

Bruce's medical bills from 2017 alone totaled over $1 million in charges.

All three of WARBEAST's albums were released through Philip Anselmo's label, Housecore Records. The PANTERA frontman was even the best man at Corbitt's wedding when he and Jeanna were married in 2012. "I've seen his world crash down around him when he was young. I've always felt there is no fucking way I could let him down as a friend and business partner," Anselmo told Billboard. "Bruce is my big brother, and that's how we roll. His family is my family, and vice versa, yet again."


Live from Hospice....Posted by Bruce Corbitt on Friday, January 11, 2019