Frontiers Music Srl has announced the signing of American metal quartet, Seven Spires, for a multi-album deal.

Seven Spires is an American metal band from Boston, specializing in melancholic tales and tenebrous grandeur. Part bittersweet melodic metal anthems, part apocalyptic melodic death and black metal, and part romantic classical poets, they are storytellers who draw from across the traditional spectrum of metal and beyond to weave tragedies of demons, death, love, and the peculiarities of the human condition.

Following a highly successful crowdfunding campaign and the release of their debut album, Solveig, Seven Spires performed live extensively in the US, Canada, and at festivals such as MetalDays, 70,000 Tons Of Metal, and ProgPower USA. They are in the final production stages of their second full length record, which will once again be mixed and mastered by Sascha Paeth (Avantasia, Kamelot, Epica, etc), and will be released later in 2019.

Singer Adrienne Cowan says, "We've been searching for a label partner who not only believed honestly in our vision, but could also support us in the ways that we needed. Frontiers is exactly that, and we are thrilled to be on board with them! They have been nothing but helpful and respectful regarding our moves for our next album, and you can expect a release that is highly emotional, dark, and theatrical. The future is shining emerald green, and we elatedly anticipate the next chapter in our voyage. Lastly, we extend our endless thanks to our Seventh Brigade and everyone who has supported us in our endeavours since our creation in '13. We could not have made it here without you."

In related news, Adrienne was recently chosen by Sascha Paeth to front his new band, Masters Of Ceremony and she was handpicked by none other than Tobias Sammet to perform with Avantasia on their upcoming tour, which starts this March.

The band also kicks off a US tour next week. See all dates below.

Seven Spires continue the Frontiers' tradition of identifying and signing the most promising talents to ensure that the future of hard rock and metal music is in good hands. #NewBreed #RockAintDead

Live dates:

January
17 - Herman's Hideaway - Denver, CO
18 - The Loading Dock - Salt Lake City, UT
20 - Substation - Seattle, WA
21 - Old Nicks - Eugene, OR
22 - Shea's Tavern - Reno, NV
24 - Viper Room - Los Angeles, CA
27 - Bancroft - San Diego, CA
28 - The Rogue Bar - Scottsdale, AZ
29 - The Rockhouse - El Paso, TX
30 - The Deadhorse - San Angelo, TX
31 - Acadia - Houston, TX

February
1 - Fitzgerald's - San Antonio, TX
2 - Doublewide - Dallas, TX

Lineup:

Adrienne Cowan - Vocals + Orchestrations
Jack Kosto - Guitar
Peter Albert de Reyna - Bass
Chris Dovas - Drums

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame guitarist Carlos Santana has announced he will hit the road with his band across North America this summer for the "Supernatural Now" tour. The three-month, 29-date celebration will commemorate two of the most important milestones in the iconic guitarist's career: the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking, multiple Grammy-winning album "Supernatural" and the 50th anniversary of his momentous performance at Woodstock.

Produced by Live Nation, the "Supernatural Now" tour begins on June 22 at the Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix, Arizona, and will make stops in Dallas, Chicago, Toronto, and more before it concludes on August 25 at the Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning January 25 at LiveNation.com.

Critically acclaimed rock band THE DOOBIE BROTHERS, who have sold more than 48 million albums and won four Grammy Awards, will appear on all dates. The band is known for their roots-based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven rock and roll set.

Reflecting on the cosmic significance of both anniversaries occurring in the same year, Santana says: "Both were monumental moments in my life. Woodstock and 'Supernatural' took me to places I never dreamed were possible. I embraced those incredible moments in my life with all my heart. Both were supreme lessons in maintaining focus, heart and integrity in every step every day and to strive to better oneself with a high standard on and off the stage. I cannot think of these two moments without thinking about Mr. Bill Graham and Mr. Clive Davis. They are two of many angels in my life that helped shape my career."

The 1999 album "Supernatural" was an unparalleled success and a watershed event in Santana's career. Containing the back-to-back No. 1 singles "Smooth" and "Maria Maria", the album sold over 30 million copies worldwide, topped the charts in over a dozen countries and swept the 2000 Grammy Awards, winning a record-tying nine Grammys, including "Album Of The Year," as well as three Latin Grammys, including "Record Of The Year."

"With 'Supernatural', I felt I had a masterpiece of joy in my heart," says Santana. "While we were creating the album, I knew we were touching upon something inspiring and that we were creating music that was timeless, like Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' or Bob Marley's 'Exodus'. But no one was prepared for the 'Supernatural' spiritual virus that moved across the world. The album touched little kids and grandparents and all points in between. I am very grateful to Clive Davis for helping me craft this seminal album that is still as relevant and infectious as the day it was released."

"We are honored and humbled to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of the most successful albums of all time," says Michael Vrionis, president of Universal Tone Management. "Carlos's music is as vibrant and as relevant as it was when 'Supernatural' debuted. Our concerts will showcase the melodies, grooves and brilliance of one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Carlos Santana."

Thirty years before "Supernatural", Santana mesmerized the then record-breaking audience at Woodstock — the band's performance of "Soul Sacrifice" is regarded as one of the high points of the classic concert documentary. "I'll never forget the way the music sounded, bouncing up against a field of bodies," says Santana. "It's well documented that I was tripping during our performance. At one point, the guitar turned into an electric snake, twisting and turning. I kept willing the snake not to move and praying that it stayed in tune. By the time we played 'Soul Sacrifice', I was able to breathe and focus, and the band crystalized as one. The magic of Woodstock would not have been possible without Bill Graham. No one had heard of us yet, but he made sure we were on the bill. He is always in my heart."

While Santana will highlight songs from both his "Supernatural" and Woodstock eras on the "Supernatural Now" tour, the guitarist says that the setlist won't be a dedicated nostalgia trip. The band (which also features Santana's wife, Cindy Blackman Santana, on drums) will perform new tracks from Santana's soon-to-be released EP, "In Search Of Mona Lisa" (due out January 25), as well as a much-anticipated, upcoming full-length produced by maverick hitmaker Rick Rubin. Carlos Santana recently signed with Concord Records, which will release both discs.

"We're always moving forward, and we have incredible new songs and melodies that will inspire you," says Santana. "I feel like a 20-year-old on stage playing with this band, and they deliver on every song. When we hit the stage, we know we will touch your heart and make you dance, sing, cry, laugh and leave your baggage behind. The shows will be well balanced between the hits of yesterday, today and tomorrow…with energy!"

The 2019 dates for the "Supernatural Now" tour will focus on North America, but Santana is looking to bring his dual-anniversary extravaganza to Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealand next year.

The original Woodstock festival took place between August 15-19, 1969. Santana reflects: "It is an honor to celebrate the anniversary of this historic event and return to that sacred ground once again in August. I have a lot of ideas about the anniversary and how to honor those who are no longer with us to celebrate. It is going to be an inspiring summer and we invite you to join us and celebrate life!"

To reward Santana's loyal fans for years of support and in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the award-winning album "Supernatural", Carlos would like to share his latest masterpiece, a new full-length album of highly energetic and hypnotic songs, rhythms, melodies and grooves from Santana. Each pair of tickets purchased for this historic tour will receive this wonderful collection of new music as a special bonus.

Santana's "Supernatural Now" North American tour dates:

Jun. 22 - Phoenix, AZ - Ak-Chin Pavilion

Jun. 23 - San Diego, CA - North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

Jun. 24 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl

Jun. 26 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre

Jun. 27 - Wheatland, CA - Toyota Amphitheatre

Jun. 29 - Seattle, WA - White River Amphitheatre

Jun. 30 - Portland, OR - Sunlight Supply Amphitheater

Jul. 02 - Salt Lake City, UT - USANA Amphitheatre

Jul. 03 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center

Jul. 06 - Dallas, TX - Dos Equis Pavilion

Jul. 09 - Austin, TX - Austin360 Amphitheater

Jul. 11 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center

Jul. 12 - St. Louis, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

Aug. 03 – St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center

Aug. 04 - Chicago, IL - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

Aug. 06 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage

Aug. 07 - Cleveland, OH - Blossom Music Center

Aug. 09 - Indianapolis, IN - Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center

Aug. 10 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center

Aug. 11 - Detroit, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre

Aug. 13 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion

Aug. 14 - Washington, DC - Jiffy Lube Live

Aug. 16 - Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake Amphitheater

Aug. 18 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center

Aug. 20 - Boston, MA - Xfinity Center

Aug. 21 - Hartford, CT - XFINITY Theatre

Aug. 23 - Saratoga, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Aug. 24 - Camden, NJ - BB&T Pavilion

Aug. 25 - Wantagh, NY - Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Female vocalist Pamela Moore, who is best known for her performance as Sister Mary on QUEENSRŸCHE's 1988 epic release "Operation: Mindcrime" and 2006's sequel "Operation: Mindcrime II", has released a performance video for the song "Rise". The track is taken from Moore's latest album, "Behind The Veil", which came out last year.

The "Rise" clip was filmed at the "Behind The Veil" CD-release party in Seattle, Washington.

A team of masterful musicians helped bring this masterpiece to life: Rudy Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE) on bass, Casey Grillo (KAMELOT, QUEENSRŸCHE) on drums, Michael Posch on guitar and orchestration and newcomer Craig Church on guitar and orchestration. The record also features special guest appearances by Ralf Scheepers (PRIMAL FEAR), Randy Piper (W.A.S.P.) and Elliot Anders.

"I am very grateful and deeply honored to have such amazingly talented friends who agreed to join me on this album," Pamela said.

"'Behind The Veil' is by far my most personal work yet. The sudden loss of my mother really hit home and left me asking some very difficult questions. It was a reality check of sorts and that's what I would say 'Behind The Veil' has become... a reality check.

"Life is short. Don't waste it. Run for your life and always be grateful that you still can run!"

Moore is a proven musical powerhouse and veteran entertainer. A native of Seattle, Washington, Pamela moved to New York City in the late nineties to become the singer for RADAR, recording the band's 2000 release, 'R.P.M." When RADAR dissolved in 2001, Pamela returned to the Pacific Northwest. Pamela continued following her passion, making guest appearances on various albums in the next decade. Pamela also toured with QUEENSRŸCHE between 2003 and 2008 as a featured vocalist and stage actress. That tour reignited Pamela's desire to record her own album, and she began writing songs with former RORSCHACH TEST guitarist Benjamin Anderson. The two found instant chemistry as Pamela's lyrics and melodies brought Anderson's musical ideas to life. "Stories From A Blue Room", released in 2006 under Planet Sweet Records, was the compelling result. The eleven-track album featured guest vocals from Terri Nunn (BERLIN) and contributions from guitarists Michael Wilton (QUEENSRŸCHE) and Jeff Loomis (NEVERMORE).

After touring extensively with QUEENSRŸCHE, Pamela took her time finding the perfect collaborators for her next album, "Resurrect Me". Chicago-based guitarist Michael Posch (RADAKKA) provided potent, addictive metal grooves and soundscapes. Combined with Pamela's stylistic, emotive power vocals and inquisitive lyrics, they created pure metal magic. "Resurrect Me" was released in 2013, with very happy fans across the globe.

"Behind The Veil" track listing:

01. Rise

02. Sickness

03. Beneath The Voodoo Marsh

04. My Eternal

05. Slow Burn

06. WiFi Zombie

07. These Scars

08. Just Breathe

09. Undertow

10. Run

Louisiana-based progressive death metal project A Novelist recently announced the upcoming February 8th, 2019 release of their sophomore full-length, Folie. The band once again enlisted the talents of renowned sound engineer Jamie King (Between The Buried And Me, Wretched, etc.) to ensure the best possible production for their new album.

 A Novelist is the creative partnership of drummer Alex Babineaux and vocalist, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist Ben Nugent. Started in 2009 between friends in Lafayette, Louisiana, they began with the simple goal of writing and playing death metal. Over time their goals as a band grew larger, driven by a bold desire to expand the idea of what death metal can be through free and uncompromised expression.

New single, “Apparitions” is streaming below.

Tracklisting:

“Folie Noire”
“Exteriors”
“Tombeau”
“Apparitions”
“His Kingdom Is Vast”
“Strangers In The House Of Auto-da-Fe”
“Acacia Crown”
“Caveat Lector”
“Stockholm Blues”
“Crestfallen”
“Learning Paralysis”
“Interiors”

"Apparitions":

“Learning Paralysis”:

666-Pack is the impending new full-length from Austrian crossover thrashers Insanity Alert. In advance of its release, today the band has unveiled the official lyric video for "The Body Of The Christ Is The Parasite."

Forged in Innsbruck in 2011 and influenced by the likes of SOD, DRI, Suicidal Tendencies, Nuclear Assault, Bones Brigade, Municipal Waste, and Toxic Holocaust, Insanity Alert are the kind of people who know what to bring to a party: a big dose of humor with a dash of darkness, party tunes, and a six pack. It's these ingredients that make up the basis of the band's third full-length. A relentless, twenty-one-track ripper, 666-Pack brings the classic spirit of speed metal's salad days back with savage metal precision. Ultra-catchy riffs, vicious vocals, and empowering gang vocals are packed into short, sharp rapid-fire attacks delivering everything great about thrash in spades.

666-Pack was produced and mixed by Toni "Meloni" Loitsch (Die Toten Hosen, Silbermond, H-Blockx) at Nautilus Sounds Studio, mastered by Dan Randall  (Municipal Waste, Toxic Holocaust, Ghoul, Cannabis Corpse) at Mammoth Sound Mastering and comes wrapped in the gruesome cover creation of Mark Riddick (Rotting Christ, Horrendous, Revocation, etc.).

Insanity Alert's 666-Pack will be released on January 25th on CD, LP, and digital formats via Season Of Mist. Find preorder options at this location.

Solo metal band Autumns Eyes emerges from the woods of New England to share a behind-the-scenes look into a new batch of heavy haunted material set to release later this year. The video showcases a few sights and sounds from the bands sole creator, Daniel Mitchell, who discusses how old logs, dark sounds, and creepy crunchy guitars will help shape the follow up to the 2017 release, Ending Life Slowly.

Check out the official Autums Eyes website here and go to the official Instagram page for additional updates.

Immortal Bird, fronted by Thrawsunblat drummer Rae Amitay, have checked in with the following update:

"Yesterday we drove 1,000 miles and today we start the recording process on our third album with Dave Otero at Flatline Audio.

We had to turn the sound off because this is an unrecorded song but maybe you can use your imagination. Tomorrow some srs tracking begins on Album 3 so we're taking advantage of every opportunity to practice. Follow us on IG for more frequent and hopefully not terribly mundane updates!"

 

 

Check out Immortal Bird's official Instagram page here.

The heralds of northern darkness, Belzebubs, have confirmed April 26th, 2019 as the release date for Pantheon Of The Nightside Gods, their long-awaited Century Media studio album. Consisting of nine tracks and a running time of 53 minutes, the upcoming album features a well-matured band that is not afraid to explore hitherto unknown depths.

”We are immensely satisfied with this record”, comments band’s vocalist/guitarist Sløth.  ”It’s by far our most versatile work yet. I mean, our trademark death & black metal elements are there, of course—it’s not reggae, for Gaahl’s sake!—but we’ve certainly reached out to new territories here. We’ve always felt a need to focus on our own vision and break genre boundaries, and Pantheon does just that. There are lush synthscapes, orchestral elements, prog stuff, and some Hendrix and Dimebag vibes in the solos… it’s like skinny dipping in a pool of unspeakable mythic creations, bending time and space!”

Recorded at Hellhole Studios during autumn 2018, Pantheon Of The Nightside Gods also features a fierce roster of guest talent, including the likes of Desibelius, ICS Vortex and Skvllcraft and more. The album was mixed and mastered by the legendary Dan Swanö, who's also responsible for the sound of Dark Funeral's The Secrets Of The Black Arts, Dissection's The Somberlain, and many others.

Swanö checked in during the recording sessions:

Belzebubs comment: "Damn, this is very humbling to hear from the legendary Dan Swanö himself! (And we totally agree). There’s a lot of heart put into this album and we’re happy to see it translates like this. The tracks are coming along nicely, and we can’t wait for you to hear them."

Check back with Belzebubs and follow their production diary via their social media accounts and follow this link to get a 360-degree view from inside the studio here .

"Blackened Call" is available on all streaming and download platforms both as a digital single and a strictly limited 7" vinyl (500 copies worldwide), available at cmdistro.de and BackstageRockShop.com.

BraveWords stumbled upon the cult hit online comic Belzebubs a few weeks prior to the video release thanks to Linsday Schoolcraft from Cradle Of Filth. Author JP Ahonen checked in with the following update:

"I promised you some behind-the-scenes material of how 'Blackened Call' came into being, so let's begin.

P.S. The vinyl leaped straight to third place on the Finnish album charts last week, which is pretty #€%& EPIC! We can't thank you enough for your amazing support! You made this happen!"

Penguin Random House will be releasing the first hardcover edition of the Belzebubs comic in February 2019. Following is the official press release:

Juggling work and family can be… hell. Calvin & Hobbes meets Call of Cthulhu as the sensationally popular heavy metal webcomic Belzebubs comes to print in a grim, goofy, and gorgeous hardcover.

Belzebubs is a “trve kvlt mockumentary” focusing on the everyday challenges of family life: raising kids, running a small business, and making time for worship. Except the kids are named Lilith and Leviathan, the business is a black-metal band, and the worship… isn’t exactly aimed upstairs.

In a few short years, what started out as improvised social-media doodles has now become a wildly successful webcomic with hundreds of thousands of fans. The irresistible cartooning of JP Ahonen (Sing No Evil) combines relatable slice-of-life humor with over-the-top occult antics and references from metal music to Lovecraftian horror, making Belzebubs a devil of a good time.

Pre-order the book at this location. Check out the series from the beginning here.

For updates go to the official Belzebubs Facebook page here.

Wymer Publishing has announced the release of the new book Status Quo - Over And Done, on April 11th. The hardback book comes in a block foil denim blue presentation box with a set of five prints.

Over And Done is a lavish, coffee table style book that is a celebration of the classic Quo lineup of Rossi, Parfitt, Lancaster and Coghlan and is built around a huge selection of mainly, unpublished on and offstage photos from the seventies, alongside images from the 2013/14 reunion.

Words come from long-standing, devoted Quo fan Alan Stutz who has seen the band in excess of one hundred times since 1976, including every London show from thereon that the classic lineup played in the seventies plus the very last show performed in Dublin in 2014.

This hardback book is presented in a denim blue, block foil, custom made, presentation box and includes a set of prints suitable for framing.

Limited to just 500 copies worldwide this unique book encapsulates the excitement of the ultimate Quo lineup in all its glory and is topped off with a foreword by John Coghlan.

With the sad passing of Rick Parfitt in 2016, the 2013/14 reunion proved to be the last chance to witness the legendary Frantic Four on stage.

Over And Done book will help bring back some of the excitement and memories that every Quo fan who witnessed the classic band will have. This is a beautiful memento of moments in Quo history that sadly are now truly over and done.

Customers who pre-order by March 25th March will have their name printed in the book.

Join Jason Becker's email list and get a free download of "Ripping Song". This was a nice way for Jason to practice his fast playing when he was 16.

Jason Becker’s story is one of brilliance, talent, determination, adversity, and, ultimately, triumph. A child prodigy on guitar, Jason rose to prominence as a teenager when he was one half of the legendary rock guitar duo Cacophony (with his great friend Marty Friedman). After wowing audiences all over the word with his amazing guitar chops and deep compositions, Jason auditioned for - and got - the gig with David Lee Roth, following in the huge footsteps of Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. He wrote and recorded the DLR album A Little Ain’t Enough and was poised to take over the rock guitar world when a nagging pain in his leg was diagnosed as ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a debilitating and fatal condition with a life expectancy of maybe five years. Maybe.

That was 29 years ago.

Jason did indeed lose the ability to play guitar, walk, talk, and breathe on his own. But he never lost his will to live or his desire to create music. Communicating through a series of eye movements with a system developed by his father, Jason spells out words as well as musical notes and chords. He imparts his musical vision to his team who then can input the notes into a computer, edit the parts to his exacting standards, and then generate charts for session musicians. It is through this amazing process that Jason composes his profoundly beautiful music, rich in melody and counterpoint, brimming with emotion. His inspiring music and life story have been the subject of countless news articles, magazine cover stories, and an award-winning documentary, Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet.

Not only is Jason not dead yet, he’s busier and more prolific than ever, as evidenced by his latest release, Triumphant Hearts. The album’s 14 tracks showcase Jason’s gift for melody and his deep knowledge of classical composition and orchestral arrangement. Many of the guitar parts are performed by a who’s-who of 6-string gods including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, and many others. And, in what will absolutely delight his fans, Jason’s amazing guitar playing - recorded in the ’80s and ’90s - graces several tunes.

Becker’s new album, Triumphant Hearts, was released back in December. Order the album here.

Tracklisting:

"Triumphant Heart" (feat. Marty Friedman, Glauco Bertagnin, Hiyori Okuda)
"Hold On To Love" (feat. Codany Holiday)
"Fantasy Weaver" (feat. Jake Shimabukuro)
"Once Upon A Melody"
"We Are One" (feat. Steve Knight)
"Magic Woman" (feat. Uli Jon Roth & Chris Broderick)
"Blowin' In The Wind" (feat. Gary Rosenberg)
"River Of Longing" (feat. Joe Satriani, Aleks Sever, Guthrie Govan, Steve Morse)
"Valley Of Fire" (feat. Michael Lee Firkins, Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Paul Gilbert, Neal Schon, Mattias IA Eklundh, Marty Friedman, Greg Howe, Jeff Loomis, Richie Kotzen, Gus G., Steve Hunter, Ben Woods)
"River Of Longing" (feat. Trevor Rabin)
"Taking Me Back"
"Tell Me No Lies"
"Hold On To Love" (feat. Codany Holiday) [Chuck Zwicky Remix]
"You Do It"

Trailer:

"Hold On To Love" video:

"Valley Of Fire" video:

Reformed '90s Madison, Wisconsin alternative hard rockers LAST CRACK have signed to EMP Label Group, the U.S.-based label of MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson. The band's long-awaited third full-length album, "The Up Rising", will be released on May 31. Recorded during 2017-2019 at Megatone Studios in Madison, the LP will be the band's first studio release since 1991's critically acclaimed "Burning Time".

Formed in 1987, LAST CRACK recorded its first five-song demo and was brought to the attention of legendary Roadrunner A&R man Monte Conner, who signed the band and sent them off to Prince's Paisley Park to begin work on their 1989 Roadrunner debut, "Sinister Funkhouse #17".

The album, aptly named after their practice/storage unit they rented outside of Madison. Dedicating hours of playing in a hot, sweaty garage with vocalist Buddo scribbling lyrics on the walls, the original lineup of Buddo, Don Bakken and Paul Schluter on guitars, Todd Winger on bass, and Phil Buerstatte on drums, LAST CRACK was more than ready to unleash its heavy/quirky sound and visions to the world

With the release of "Funkhouse", LAST CRACK got the attention of the major metal magazines, and quickly developed a loyal fan base.

Their sophomore effort, "Burning Time", was recorded at Eldorado Studios in Hollywood with Dave Jerden, famed for recording iconic albums with JANE'S ADDICTION and ALICE IN CHAINS. The LP was met with critical acclaim and the band embarked on a tour of the U.S. and Europe.

EMP's Thom Hazaert commented: "Growing up in Wisconsin, LAST CRACK coming out of Madison was such a huge deal. I remember 'Burning Time' coming out, and it was like dynamite. They were really doing something that no one else was doing at the time. All the 'cool' kids loved them. They were always a band that was so ahead of their time, and it's a huge honor to release the follow-up to 'Burning Time', all these years later. Hopefully the world finally caught up."

Fueled by conflicts and industry pressures the band broke up just months after the "Burning Time" tour had begun, leaving all wondering what happened. Buerstatte would go on to play drums for WHITE ZOMBIE, while Buddo, Paul, Don and Todd all continued performing in several popular regional bands in Wisconsin.

In 2002, the band reunited with the original members, except for Buerstatte, who was replaced by Chris Havey. After releasing a live album with songs from both studio albums, LAST CRACK toured Iceland and the Netherlands, enjoying firsthand that they still had fans around the world. All five original band members were brought back together in November of 2009 for one date in Wisconsin. This would be the last time, as Buerstatte passed away in 2013.

The official lyric video for the song "Knocking At My Door" from British classic rock icons URIAH HEEP can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's 25th studio album, "Living The Dream", which was released last September via Frontiers Music Srl.

For this album, the band teamed up with famed Canadian engineer Jay Ruston.


"Working with Jay was amazing," says Mick Box. "He totally understood what we were going for on this album and he delivered big time. We wanted a HEEP album that the band and the fans would be proud of, and with Jay at the helm, we have delivered that."


Track listing:

01. Grazed By Heaven

02. Living The Dream

03. Take Away My Soul

04. Knocking At My Door

05. Rocks In The Road

06. Waters Flowin'

07. It's All Been Said

08. Goodbye To Innocence

09. Falling Under Your Spell

10. Dreams Of Yesteryear

11. Take Away My Soul (alternate version) (bonus track; CD/DVD deluxe edition)


Bonus DVD track listing:

* "Grazed By Heaven" music video

* "Take Away My Soul" music video

* "Making The Dream" documentary

Box is the original guitarist and sole remaining founding member of URIAH HEEP. He, vocalist Bernie Shaw and keyboardist/vocalist Phil Lanzon have formed the nucleus of the band for more than 32 years and released 17 albums together.

URIAH HEEP debuted in 1970 with the release of one of hard rock's milestones, "Very 'Eavy, Very 'Umble", and has since sold in excess of 40 million albums worldwide. They constantly tour the world, playing up to 125 shows a year to more than 500,000 fans. The band's live set features the classic tracks from the '70s and is a musical journey from the band's beginnings to the present day.

URIAH HEEP is:

Mick Box - Lead Guitar/Vocals

Phil Lanzon - Keyboards/Vocals

Bernie Shaw - Lead Vocals

Dave Rimmer - Bass Guitar/Vocals

Russell Gilbrook - Drums, Percussion

ALTITUDES & ATTITUDE, the collaboration between ANTHRAX's Frank Bello and MEGADETH's David Ellefson — two virtuosic bass players who've anchored some of the fiercest thrash records of all time — has released another new song "Part Of Me". The track, which features a guest appearance by ALICE COOPER guitarist Nita Strauss, is taken from ALTITUDES & ATTITUDE's debut album, "Get It Out", which will be released on January 18 via Megaforce. The follow-up to ALTITUDES & ATTITUDE's 2014 self-titled EP was once again produced by Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STEEL PANTHER, STONE SOUR), with Jeff Friedl (A PERFECT CIRCLE, ASHES DIVIDE) returning behind the kit.

Ellefson says about the song: "The heavier stuff is usually the stuff that I bring in, which I think gives the album nice color… It was originally a guitar idea that I had, but then we had an eight-string bass in the studio, and I plugged it into a Kemper [amp], and I started writing a lot of bits and parts for 'Part Of Me'… Frank helped me finish up the lyric idea… and it became that song."

Bello adds: "David came up with a great musical piece for 'Part Of Me'… The lyrics [are about] being in a place where you want to express yourself, whatever that may be in your life. If you always wanted to do something, don't be held down by anything … I certainly have an inner anger, a part of me that I don't want to let out, but if you keep pushing me, it's going to come out … I think everybody's got that in them, but they try to keep it in, until they're pushed to the point where they can't help but get it out."

A kind of rock 'n' roll primal-scream therapy, "Get It Out" is the result of nearly four years of writing and recording sessions — and decades of touring, searching, striving and living. "I've learned that writing songs is very cathartic," says Bello, who has long made songwriting a daily practice. When ANTHRAX is off the road, he tries out new material at open mics around New York City. "A lot of these lyrics are about the inner struggles of my life, and about the rage that has built up from my life experiences — my brother's murder; my father abandoning my family when we were young, leaving us with no funds to pay the bills," he says. "The ups and downs of life in general. I've always had an anger inside that music really helps me deal with."


"The album has the perfect title," Ellefson adds. "This is music that has been living inside of us for so long. There's a big musical part of each of us that doesn't get heard anywhere else."


Boasting a deep bench of guest stars, including Ace Frehley (ex-KISS; the track "Late"), Gus G. (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIREWIND), Nita Strauss (ALICE COOPER), Christian Martucci (STONE SOUR) and Satchel (STEEL PANTHER), the record also represents the fulfillment of a lifelong but little-known ambition for two uniquely gifted artists. As Bello puts it, "All I ever wanted to do was write good songs. I've always been a melody guy. I love hooks; I love catchy songs with a good riff."


The ALTITUDES & ATTITUDE story begins in 2010, when Bello and Ellefson started touring together to lead bass clinics for the amp manufacturer Hartke. In need of backing tracks to support their demonstrations, they embarked upon some writing sessions and discovered their chemistry.


Bello and Ellefson debuted ALTITUDES & ATTITUDE in early 2014, with a self-titled three-song EP that earned the duo airplay on SiriusXM and an appearance on VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show". Those tracks — "Booze and Cigarettes", "Tell the World", "Here Again" — are included on "Get It Out" as bonus cuts, in remixed and remastered form.


Ellefson explains that "ALTITUDES & ATTITUDE could have only happened at this moment in time" — when the titans of thrash metal's "Big Four" are older, wiser, kinder and more open creatively. "When you're still climbing up the hill," he says, "there's no room for friendly competition. But once you've been to the top of the hill and you've seen the view — which all of the 'Big Four' have — it's okay to break bread, hang out, have a drink." Or, in the case of ALTITUDES & ATTITUDE, delve into hard-rock songwriting in a profound way. "To hear other sides of us as artists — not just as musicians and performers, but as artists."

Photo credit: Jason Shaltz

DEVILMENT — the British band led by frontman Dani Filth of CRADLE OF FILTH — has released an official live music video for the track "Hell At My Back". Check it out below.

The band states: "The live video for 'Hell At My Back' was taken from DEVILMENT's performance at Bloodstock 2017, which was an awesome show played at an awesome festival. We had quite a riot at Bloodstock that year, with some truly unforgettable moments courtesy of meeting bands and friends amid many alcoholic beverages. This was actually the last show for both Lauren and Nick, who left the band amicably not long after the show for commitments in the real world.

"'Hell At My Back" is a precursor to our forthcoming appearance at this year's HRH Metal III. Lyrically, the protagonist of the song is constantly haunted by his past, hunted by the horrors he has confronted since time immemorial. Awful things he has done in the name of love. But it is again another song of defiance, of staying the inevitable, of the eternal struggle of 'being.' Of evading the clutching powers of Hell."

"Hell At My Back" is taken from DEVILMENT's latest album, "II: The Mephisto Waltzes", which was released in November 2016 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

"It's All In Vain", the first video from DIEKLUTE, the new industrial project featuring DIE KRUPPS frontman Jürgen Engler, FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares and Danish musician Claus Larsen of LEÆTHER STRIP, can be seen below. The song is taken from DIEKLUTE's debut album, "Planet Fear", which will be released on February 1 via Cleopatra Records.

The "It's All In Vain" video was filmed last July with director Vincente Cordero of Industrialism Films. The video features clips of the upcoming indie film "The Relic", which was produced and written by William Shatner, who also stars in the movie. "It's All In Vain" will be featured in the film, which was directed by Jared Cohen and is due later in the year.

"I'm honored to collaborate with two industrial giants Claus Larson and Jürgen Engler," said Cazares. "I'm really looking forward to unleashing this futuristic industrial metal onslaught to the world, Get ready for 'Planet Fear'. In order to create you must first destroy all boundaries."

"It has been a pleasure dealing with Claus and Dino," added Engler. "Claus I have known for a long time and we have worked together, as remixers and in live situations. We are old buddies, so it was an easy accomplishment. Dino I have met on several occasions when DIE KRUPPS and FEAR FACTORY have played together in the past, last time at Cold Waves Festival in Chicago 2014. We had never discussed working together, but as the result of our fruitious collaboration proves that it was just meant to be. Our personal styles seamlessly fit together, no compromises were necessary. I'm proud and happy with the outcome, and cannot wait to get feedback from the many fans we have around the globe! DIEKLUTE is here to stay, you better believe it!!!"

Larsen said: Creating this band from scratch and composing our debut album has been a very creative and a big learning experience for me. I do most of my music on my own here at Strip Farm Studio, so having these two legends as production partners has been amazing and very different from what I've been used to. I hope we will be able to take this album to stages around the world. We each bring our own thing to the songs and I really feel that we've created something very special here."

"Planet Fear" includes 10 original songs plus a supercharged version of PUBLIC ENEMY's 1988 classic "She Watch Channel Zero?!"

According to a press release, the disc "combines the efforts of all three musicians who prove that they are hard to beat at what they do best. Aggressive electronic beats, sequencers and guitars, that feel like you are getting punched in the face. Lyrics that critically address the current political situations, spat out with conviction and anger."

"Planet Fear" track listing:

01. If I Die

02. Out Of Control

03. The Hangman

04. Rich Kid Loser

05. For Nothing

06. Human Error

07. It's All In Vain

08. Born For A Cause

09. Infectious

10. Push The Limit

11. She Watch Channel Zero?!

Reactivated Norwegian progressive metallers CONCEPTION, who feature in their ranks former KAMELOT singer Roy Khan, will play their first live shows in well over a decade on April 26 and April 27 in their hometown of Gjøvik. The band has made a variety of experiences available for those interested in attending the gigs or coming to meet the members at soundcheck or the after-party.

Since these will be the only club gigs this season, and this is a small club, tickets are expected to sell out quickly.

Comments bassist Ingar Amlien: "I think it's fantastic to start our live season in Gjøvik since this still is my hometown, and in this small club setting, the atmosphere will be magic!"

CONCEPTION will play songs from its new EP, "My Dark Symphony", as well as its classic albums. Released last November, the EP features six tracks, including two from the previously released three-song single called "Re:Conception".

Since releasing the album "Flow" in 1997, the CONCEPTION members — Roy Khan, Tore Østby, Ingar Amlien and Arve Heimdal — have been working on separate projects, but fans never gave up hope of seeing them together as a band again. There have been rumors and speculations for some time about a possible reunion, and earlier last year, they confirmed that they had quietly been working for some time on this new material.

After his departure from KAMELOT seven years ago, Khan (full name: Roy Sætre Khantatat), who is a devout Christian, joined a church in the coastal town of Moss, Norway. As an employee of Moss Frikirke, Khan worked with the youth, mainly with the choir and the skaters of the village. Roy stopped working at the church in September 2016, but is reportedly still living and working in Moss.

Asked by Italy's "Heavy Demons" radio show if his spirituality will have an effect on CONCEPTION's lyrics, Roy said: "CONCEPTION is never going to be a religious band by any standards and there are some lyrics that I would think now that I would think differently about, but that doesn't mean we can't play the songs or anything. I look upon myself as an artist and let's say you act in a theater play and 'Faust', for example, somebody has the play the part of Mephistopheles. It doesn't mean that person is evil or bad in any sense. I think it's important to be able to portray the tragic and darkest side of life without being suspected of being a bad person yourself. That being said, there will, of course, be some songs that will touch in on the themes. Anything else would be awkward. It's not going to be a religious album, obviously."

After releasing their 1991 "The Last Sunset" debut on its own CSF Records ("Conception Self-Financed Records"), CONCEPTION was signed by Germany's Noise Records when label head Karl-Ulrich Walterbach was given a demo tape of the band. Walterbach, who by then had largely soured on melodic and power metal, was impressed by CONCEPTION's progressive angle and thought-provoking lyrics and saw them as an alternative to the more fantasy-driven melodic metal bands on the label.

The band's 1993 "Parallel Minds" and 1995 "In Your Multitude" full-lengths were well-received by fans and critics alike, earning CONCEPTION opening slots with the likes of GAMMA RAY and SKYCLAD. CONCEPTION's last studio album, 1997's "Flow" was more experimental in nature, prompting them to fall out of favor with Noise, leading to the dissolution of the band in 1998. Shortly thereafter, Khan was contacted by KAMELOT leader Thomas Youngblood, who invited the Norwegian vocalist to join the band.

Khan announced his exit from KAMELOT in April 2011 after taking several months off to recover from a "burnout." He explained in a statement at the time: "I told the guys in the band already last fall (well after my burnout) that I was leaving the band. Naturally enough, they were shocked (as was the label and everyone else working with KAMELOT). In addition to risk of dropping ticket sales, they wanted to give me time to think things over, and so I did. My decision still stands; it is finished."

KAMELOT officially announced Tommy Karevik as its new lead singer in June 2012. The Florida-based band has recorded three albums so far with the Swedish vocalist: 2012's "Silverthorn", 2015's "Haven" and 2018's "The Shadow Theory".

Even in the highly adrenaline-fuelled music business, it's rare to find a bundle of energy on par with Suzi Quatro. The American rock vocalist has successfully worked as a musician for more than fifty years, delivering with unbridled energy her greatest hits such as "Can The Can", "48 Crash", "Devil Gate Drive", "If You Can't Give Me Love", "She's In Love With You" and "Stumblin' In" which made her an icon in the 1970s, and wowing her fans again and again with her new material. So it comes as no surprise that she's not thinking of retiring. "I'll retire when I go onstage, shake my ass, and there is silence," she says, fully aware of the fact that that moment is still a long way off.

Suzi Quatro presents eleven new songs (plus two bonus tracks) on "No Control". The majority of the material consists of collaborations with her son from her first marriage, Richard Tuckey. Suzi explains: "This was our first attempt at writing and recording something together. The creative progress began with 'Don't Do Me Wrong'. And through this unusually beautiful English summer of 2018, we sat outside, acoustic bass, acoustic guitar, iPad recording app, and lots of paper, throwing ideas back and forth." With amazing results, as the new album proves — to Suzi herself not only on a musical but also on a personal level.

For example, on "No Soul/No Control", the first single to be released which features the message "Don't let go of yourself for anyone." Suzi: "This is my personal mantra. All you have in this world is you." Remembering the conception of the number, she says: "We were busy as hell, buried in the songs. Richard had a new idea and showed me. It was very unusual and I liked it. A very basic guitar and drum track was put down for me to work on the melody and lyric. I went into the living area of the studio and about 15 minutes later, it was done. It flew out of its own accord, as the best songs do."

The same applies to numbers such as "Macho Man" (Suzi: "It's a no-brainer that this is an opening live song. You cannot help headbanging to it, it just grabs you"), "I Can Teach You To Fly" ("a definite throwback to the sixties"), "Easy Pickings" ("I've been playing this riff on acoustic guitar forever, at least the last ten years. Then, all of a sudden, it became a song") and "Love Isn't Fair" ("Got this idea sitting in our Hamburg home. I wanted to create a BLONDIE-meets-MAVERICKS song, and I think I accomplished that").

Perhaps the most unusual track on the album is called "Strings" and has developed into a true little masterpiece during the studio recordings. Suzi: "This is all about the strings that tie our lives together. Great riff. I drove everyone mad singing nonstop in this weird voice 'Strings'. I couldn't get it out of my head, and — hallelujah — it came out in the recording exactly as I'd imagined."

You can tell how proud Suzi Quatro is of "No Control". Pride and delight at a career which has lasted for five decades and has maintained the creativity of the American rock icon to the present day. Says Quatro: "I've never stopped releasing through the years. 'Back To The Drive' in 2006, 'In The Spotlight' in 2011, 'Quatro, Scott & Powell' in 2016. These albums were thought about and planned out in great detail. I am proud of all three releases, very proud. But my new album 'No Control' is its own animal."

"No Control" will be released through SPV/Steamhammer on March 29 2019 as CD digipak, 2LP gatefold, download and stream.

Track listing:

01. No Soul/No Control

02. Going Home

03. Strings

04. Love Isn't Fair

05. Macho Man

06. Easy Pickings

07. Bass Line

08. Don't Do Me Wrong

09. Heavy Duty

10. I Can Teach You To Fly

11. Going Down Blues

The long-running feud between warring neighbours Jimmy Page and Robbie Williams seems have been reignited, according to claims by a local resident.

The pair have been at loggerheads since 2015 over Williams’ plans to build a swimming pool in the basement of his west London home. Page has long argued that if that went ahead, it could have “catastrophic consequences” for the integrity of his home – a Grade 1 listed building which is situated just 13 meters away.

The situation appeared to have reached a conclusion just last month when Kensington and Chelsea Council gave Williams the green light to proceed, with chairman councillor Quentin Marshall also urging the pair to put their differences aside and talk.

At the time, a spokesman for Page said that the guitarist would be happy to meet Williams – but new claims by a local resident, known only as Johnny, make it clear that an amicable resolution could be some way off.

According to The Telegraph, Johnny sent a letter to the council alleging that Williams has been up to several bizarre antics, including playing loud rock music on outside speakers whenever he sees Page.

According to the website, the letter says: “The committee may not have been aware that Robbie Williams has been playing loud 70s rock music on outside speakers when he views Jimmy Page outside his home.

"What's been most annoying is that Mr Williams has played rock arch rival bands Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd and Deep Purple. He obviously knows this upsets Mr Jimmy Page.

"There have also been some reports that Robbie Williams has dressed up to imitate iconic Led Zeppelin frontman and lead singer Robert Plant.”

The Independent say that involved “wearing a long wig and stuffing a pillow up his shirt.”

A spokesperson for Williams has told The Telegraph that the allegations were “a complete fabrication and nonsense.”

Although the pop star was given permission to have the pool built, he can’t begin until the council receives assurances about ground movement and vibration levels, with a further meeting set to discuss asking Williams for a bond which could be forfeited if any damage occurs to Page’s property.

MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine spoke to Metal Wani's Jessie David about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's 16th studio album, tentatively due before the end of the year.

"What we're writing right now is really exciting," Dave said (hear audio below). "Kiko [Loureiro, guitar] and Dirk [Verbeuren, drums] have already come out here [to my home studio in Nashville] to play a little bit, and the stuff that they've done so far, I'm super excited. I can't wait for you to hear it."

Mustaine said that the writing process for MEGADETH's next album is not much different to how the band approached the making of 2016's "Dystopia".

"I've been collecting all the stuff that I've written over my entire career, whether it was written on paper or recorded on anything going as far back as a ghetto blaster," he said. "So we've been carrying all this stuff around forever — ideas — and we just, yesterday, got the very last thing that we've had that I've saved for years and years and years and years, we finished that. And that's kind of how 'Dystopia' was made. We had all these riffs and I just kind of shopped through it and picked out the ones I liked and then wrote stuff to match with it to make everything connect."

Asked how many tracks are going to appear on the upcoming MEGADETH disc, Mustaine said: "Therein lies the rub, because this is our last record for Universal. And the label, the contract with them is for eight songs. The publishing company, the contract with them is for 11 songs. So if I honor the publishing contract, I give them 11 songs. However, the record label, now, because of all of the P2P file transfers and streaming, and blah blah blah blah, they want CDs to contain way more than that. So, the last I heard, the guy [from the record company] wanted, I think it was almost 16 songs. And it's, like, I don't know, man. That's a lot. We gave you 15 on the last record, and it felt to me kind of like a few of those songs just were wasted, 'cause I thought they were really great songs."

According to Mustaine, the response to the new MEGADETH material from those who have heard it has been overwhelmingly positive.

"If it's any indication, our VP from our management was here last week and he heard two working tracks and he said, 'I'm blown away,'" Mustaine said. "So I'm really excited."

The early sessions for the new disc are being co-produced by Chris Rakestraw, who previously worked on "Dystopia", which was described by Record Collector's Joel McIver as a return to form for MEGADETH, and a big improvement over the previous two records.

"When you write a record, it's really interesting," Mustaine said. "It's kind of like making a dish, and if you remember how you did it, you can do it again. If you don't pay attention, you run the risk of not being able to do it again. The last record, I was so focused on what I wanted to do. So, I have a feeling that this is gonna be easily a follow-up to 'Dystopia', and probably a lot heavier."

MEGADETH's upcoming effort will mark the group's first release to feature Verbeuren, who officially joined the band almost three years ago.

Dave told "Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon" back in June that some of the new MEGADETH music is turning out to be more extreme than anything the band has done in the past. "The stuff that Dirk's been playing along to it is scary," he said. "We've never had any of those blast-beat kind of things on our music before, and some of the drumming on this is so mind-blowing. It's making me a better guitar player again, which I love. But I never thought we were gonna be playing this fast or this aggressive again."

"Dystopia" was MEGADETH's first album with Loureiro, who was previously best known for his work with the Brazilian metal band ANGRA.

As previously reported, MEGADETH will release a greatest-hits album, "Warheads On Foreheads", on March 22. The disc will feature 35 remastered tracks selected by Mustaine.

Prior to the arrival of "Warheads On Foreheads", MEGADETH will reissue two of its iconic records, 2001's "The World Needs A Hero" and 2004's "The System Has Failed", through BMG on February 15.

On the touring front, MEGADETH will support OZZY OSBOURNE on the next North American leg of the BLACK SABBATH singer's "No More Tours 2" in May, June and July. This will be followed by MEGADETH first-ever Megacruise aboard the Norwegian Jewel, which will set sail on October 13 from Los Angeles, California and hit ports of San Diego, California and Ensenada, Mexico before returning on October 18.

Stryper frontman Michael Sweet has checked in with the following update:

"It’s hard to believe that I’m recording my 10th studio solo album! Time flies when you’re having fun. I’m beyond excited to be able to release yet another solo album. Stay tuned as I track, prep and produce what will certainly be my best."

Sweet previously gave an overview of what fans can expect of his next solo record:

"Writing songs has always been part of my DNA. Once I get into that mode the floodgates open. I spent the past few days working on some ideas and so far I have 11 that I like. Now I need to weed through them and arrange them and program drum grooves to make em’ feel right. Joel Hoekstra and I are co-writing 2 songs together so I’m waiting to hear what he comes up with and that will make 13 tracks total (12 for US, one bonus track for overseas).

So far there are old school, straight ahead metal ideas à la Priest and Dio, as well as a few up tempo riffs à la Maiden. There’s also a few ballads with a bit of a Zeppelin vibe. I’m sure there will be a few other ideas to come over the next few weeks as well.

Between now and the first week of January I’ll arrange and fine tune everything as well as compose the lyrics. So far I’m really excited about the musical direction and I’m sure you will be too. I’m bringing back a few of those classic hooks and melodies that some of you have asked for. Ask and you shall receive.

It’s going to be a killer album, friends! We start tracking on 1/14 and it should be turned in by mid April at the latest (it would be sooner but Stryper is going to Japan in early February and rehearsing so I’ll be taking a few weeks off from recording).

The album will of course be released in 2019 via RatPak Records. Thank you all for believing in me and for your undying support. I couldn’t do this without you and I’m blessed to be able to encourage and inspire all of you through music.

God Bless and stay tuned."

A 10-minute documentary about the making of Enter Night Pilsner, the new beer collaboration bweteen METALLICA and Escondido, California-based brewer Stone Brewing Co., can be seen below.

Launching in the U.S. now, and internationally this spring, Enter Night Pilsner is a unique expression of the shared values that have helped define METALLICA and Stone Brewing: fiercely independent, transcending genres, shattering preconceptions and challenging convention.

Enter Night Pilsner is the outcome of a genuine creative spark between two entities that grew to become international forces of nature in their respective worlds, yet came from the fringes. An intensity of vision combined with a shared middle finger to the status quo makes Enter Night Pilsner a chorus of collaboration worth celebrating. The members of METALLICA and the leadership of Stone participated at every step alongside their talented brewing team. From METALLICA's Bay Area HQ and the brewery HQ in San Diego, to many beers backstage at shows, the spirit of collaboration was powerful. METALLICA's Lars Ulrich and Stone co-founder Greg Koch even enjoyed multiple occasions at Lars's home "discussing" (industry speak for "drinking") beers. After all, there was only one chance to get this right, and anything less than an incredible result was not an option.

"The amount of ideals and outlooks that METALLICA and Stone Brewing share are endless," says Lars. "I'm always blown away about how similar our paths forward have been. Our view of the worlds that we each inhabit, of creativity and process, and sense of place in relation to our peers and 'The Man' are almost identical. This collaboration is beyond effortless and pure, and we can't wait to share this incredible beverage with everyone out there."

"I remember seeing METALLICA on the cover of a magazine just after the Black Album was released," recalls Greg. "On the cover was a quote that resonated with me to this day: 'METALLICA didn't go to number one, number one came to them.' I loved what that meant. Do it your way and never compromise your art. If you're great at what you do, people will come. I view that simple quote as one of the founding philosophical elements of Stone Brewing."

Aside from its intense drinkability, craft enthusiasts will note Enter Night's remarkable flavor and aroma which artfully combine the beauty of a traditional Northern German Pilsner with Arrogant Consortia's (a Stone Brewing imprint) modern overtones of aggression. The resulting genre-defying pilsner is hop forward with sound bitterness on the finish. It first appeared for the most worthy few in exclusive releases at METALLICA's shows this past fall. The beer will gain full U.S. distribution in the first quarter 2019, and its global domination will roll out this spring covering Europe, Australia, China and beyond.

Arrogant Consortia is a wholly owned imprint of Stone Brewing. Its often aggressive and always self-righteous lineup of beers includes Arrogant Bastard Ale and Bourbon Barrel-Aged Arrogant Bastard Ale, among others. The world-renowned brewery is well-known for waving the proud flag of independent craft brewing, while rallying against the bland, boring nature of industrialized, commoditized "fizzy yellow beer." Enter Night Pilsner is brewed to be enjoyed fresh and is best enjoyed with your friends… be it in bars, backyards, or tailgates… with your favorite music.

Swedish death metallers AMON AMARTH have completed work on their new album at Sphere Studios in North Hollywood, California with producer Jay Ruston, who has previously worked with ANTHRAX, STEEL PANTHER, URIAH HEEP and STONE SOUR. The as-yet-untitled disc is tentatively due this spring via Metal Blade Records.

AMON AMARTH vocalist Johan Hegg told Revolver magazine about the lyrical inspiration for the follow-up to 2016's "Jomsviking": "With the last record, I wrote a complete fucking movie script and we turned it into an album. This time around, I didn't have any of those ideas but we also didn't want to do a concept thing, either. 'Jomsviking' turned out so well, so if you then start working on another concept album and try to top that, it would almost be impossible — unless you have a really great story lined up that you can do that with. But I didn't, so it didn't make sense. I was a bit lazy on this one — I waited for the music to be done so I could see where it would take me."

According to Hegg, the only lyrical idea he had before the music was done was a song called "Berserker At Stamford Bridge".

"A friend of mine told me about the story and said I should write lyrics about it, which I thought was a great idea because it's such an awesome story," he said. " Basically, it's at the end of the Viking era. The Vikings are in England, and they've been very successful in beating the English, because what the Vikings did better than the English is that they moved fast and they moved during the night. But at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, the English used the Vikings' tactics against them, so they caught the Vikings by surprise. The Vikings were too far away from their supply ships, so they had to retreat. The Vikings were about 3000 men, and the English were 15,000. So they retreated over Stamford Bridge, but in order to halt the English army, they sent one guy with an ax out on the bridge."

Asked if there are any other songs based on specific events, Hegg said: "Not specific events, though 'The Shield Wall' is based on a real Viking battle tactic — but it's also about sticking together in the face of adversity. Then there's more introverted stuff, as well — songs that kind of relate to my private life, and I got the ideas for those songs from my wife. I got a lot of ideas from other people on this album, actually. I like working in metaphors, though. Mikael Stanne from DARK TRANQUILLITY told me that when he writes lyrics, he keeps them intentionally vague so that people can interpret the lyrics in a way that benefits them most. I like that, and I realized it's something I've done as well."

"Jomsviking" debuted at No. 19 on The Billboard 200 chart in March 2016. The disc was released via Metal Blade in North America and Sony Music internationally. The first concept record in AMON AMARTH's career was produced and mixed by Andy Sneap (JUDAS PRIEST, MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, ACCEPT).

AMON AMARTH enlisted a session drummer, Tobias Gustafsson (VOMITORY, CUT UP), during the recording sessions for "Jomsviking", following the departure of longtime drummer Fredrik Andersson. The band tapped OCTOBER TIDE drummer Jocke Wallgren as Andersson's permanent replacement three years ago.

Pictures below are the five musicians from AMON AMARTH at Sphere Studios with producer Jay Ruston and various members of the Metal Blade staff

A performance clip of "Black Horsemen (Live at The Fillmore)", taken from the forthcoming KING DIAMOND DVD/Blu-ray, "Songs For The Dead Live", can be viewed below. The set will be released on January 25 via Metal Blade Records.

There is only one King Diamond, and for more than thirty years the great Dane has been dropping classic albums and putting on shows fans remember for the rest of their lives. Perhaps the only downside to having such a formidable catalogue is that there are just too many great songs to fit into a single set. However, you would be hard-pressed to find a fan who wouldn't want to hear 1987's seminal "Abigail" in its entirety, and "Songs For The Dead Live" captures this, twice, and in very different locales. Boasting eighteen songs per set, each of the two shows — Belgium's Graspop Metal Meeting in June 2016 and Philadelphia's Fillmore in November 2015 — features a brace of classic KING DIAMOND and MERCYFUL FATE tracks, including "Welcome Home", "Halloween" and "Eye Of The Witch" before launching into "Abigail". The performances of the all-star lineup of musicians, comprising of guitarists Andy LaRocque and Mike Wead, bassist Pontus Egberg and drummer Matt Thompson, are absolutely ferocious, hammering home every single moment.

"Songs For The Dead Live" can be pre-ordered in the following formats:

* 2DVD/CD 6-Panel Digipak

* Blu-ray (includes audio digital download of Philadelphia Show)

* special edition box set with 5 discs (2DVD, 2CD, 1 Blu-ray) plus poster, flier, laminate, setlist, ticket, sticker, and guitar pick (limited to 3000 copies)

* opaque blue with white splatter vinyl (U.S. retail exclusive - limited to 600 copies)

* opaque red with black splatter vinyl (U.S. webstore exclusive - limited to 200 copies)

* opaque white with black splatter vinyl (U.S. webstore exclusive - limited to 200 copies)

* 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)

* transparent amber marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 700 copies)

* clear ghost white vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 500 copies)

* orange-brown/black marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 300 copies)

* black/purple melt vinyl (Nuclear Blast exclusive - limited to 200 copies)

* orange/red marbled vinyl (Napalm exclusive - limited to 300 copies)

* clear lavender marbled vinyl (EMP exclusive - limited to 200 copies)

* clear ash grey marbled vinyl (Bengan exclusive - limited to 200 copies)

* pink blue marbled vinyl (Ebay exclusive - limited to 200 copies)

Captured on film by director Denise Korycki for Wild Wind Studios, she worked closely with King on every aspect of filming, and throughout the viewer finds themselves front and center as the shows unfold. This includes some inventive camera placement, such as riding in on the back of the wheelchair as it is wheeled out to "Out From The Asylum" at the start of the show, or looking up from the coffin at the commencement of "Abigail" opener "Funeral", which adds an extra dimension to proceedings. Naturally, the theatricality that has become synonymous with KING DIAMOND is there in full force, making for an even more immersive experience. The gothic stage set and the participation of actors playing out certain scenes tying into the songs definitely increases the drama and the sense of complete disconnect from the trappings of reality, ensuring that the shows remain riveting from start to finish.

While the setlists are virtually identical, the drastic difference in the two venues make for distinctly different atmospheres. The sweeping, epic scale of Graspop and the virtual sea of baying metalheads makes for a particularly thrilling spectacle, King holding them all in the palm of his hand. The Fillmore show is immediately more intimate, and rather than a mixed bag of metal lovers drunk on a weekend of the heavy stuff, the audience is comprised entirely of the KING DIAMOND devout, screaming back every word, their love for their hero bleeding from every frame. "Songs For The Dead Live" gives those who missed out on seeing these shows in the flesh a chance to vividly experience them, offering so much deeper an experience than your run of the mill live DVD.

Graspop Metal Meeting track listing

01. Out From The Asylum

02. Welcome Home

03. Sleepless Nights

04. Halloween

05. Eye Of The Witch

06. Melissa

07. Come To The Sabbath

08. Them

09. Funeral

10. Arrival

11. A Mansion In Darkness

12. The Family Ghost

13. The 7th Day Of July 1777

14. Omens

15. The Possession

16. Abigail

17. Black Horsemen

18. Insanity

The Fillmore track listing

01. Out From The Asylum

02. Welcome Home

03. Sleepless Nights

04. Eye Of The Witch

05. Halloween

06. Melissa

07. Come To The Sabbath

08. Them

09. Funeral

10. Arrival

11. A Mansion In Darkness

12. The Family Ghost

13. The 7th Day Of July 1777

14. Omens

15. The Possession

16. Abigail

17. Black Horsemen

18. Insanity

Dez Fafara has begun laying down vocals for the upcoming DEVILDRIVER album with producer Steve Evetts (EVERY TIME I DIE, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN). The disc is tentatively due later in the year via Napalm Records.

Even though DEVILDRIVER has spent most of the last couple of years recording its recent full-length collection of outlaw country-gone-metal anthems, "Outlaws 'Til The End", it has also been working on material for the follow-up to 2016's "Trust No One".

Fafara told Metal Wani in a 2018 interview that DEVILDRIVER had written 48 songs for what was planned to be a staggered-release double album. He went on to say that the next DEVILDRIVER LP would be "the record of our career. This will be record that other artists judge us, as well as themselves, on once they hear this," he claimed.

Fafara also promised that DEVILDRIVER fans would "get a record a year" from his band. "You're gonna get a record in 2019, and you're gonna get a record in 2020," he said. "And that's the way art should be… We're not gonna rely on this three-to-four-year-plan that bands are doing. It used to be where you had to go away for a year in order to let the fans catch up to you and this and that, and it is not that way anymore — you need to get art out and you need to be out in everyone's face and you need to be touring, and we're getting ready to kick that up in a big way."

Asked if there is a lot of pressure on him and his bandmates to deliver on their self-imposed goal of releasing a new album every year, Dez said: "I don't think so. The pressure is not there. When the songs are there, when the band is firing off, and when it's just coming together, there's really no pressure. And this is why we're doing a double album with a staggered release. I've always wanted to do a double record with kind of a concept feel. And a staggered release makes sense, 'cause people, every 12 to 17 months, can get a record from you. And that's where I'm at, that's where the music business is at, that's par for the course what every other artist is doing."

"Outlaws 'Til The End" was released last July via Napalm Records. The disc was described in a press release as "both a startling curveball and a ferocious statement of individuality from a band who have been a constant and effective force in the heavy metal world for the best part of two decades now."

E.V. Martel will be the guitarist on MANOWAR's upcoming "Final Battle" world tour 2019.

A musician since the age of 8 and devoted MANOWAR fan, E.V. lives the life of true metal and the music of MANOWAR. He has performed for years in the only official MANOWAR tribute band in the world. E.V. is proud to know every MANOWAR song ever recorded, and his style is a mix of all previous MANOWAR guitarists combined with his own metallic burning.

"I can think of no one more deserving to play with MANOWAR than a fan themselves; one who has dedicated their entire life to our fans and our music and who he has proven to be a true Manowarrior!" said MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio.

"I am honored beyond words to play for the greatest fans in the world!" said E.V. "I live by MANOWAR's message every day of my life: Believe in yourself and even your wildest dreams can come true!"

MANOWAR's "Final Battle" world tour 2019 will kick off on February 25 in Tel Aviv, Israel and will span over 28 cities; from Russia to Germany, Scandinavia and Birmingham, England to the far west of France.

A limited number of Ultimate Fan Experience Upgrades, for the most personal fan experience ever, are available on this tour.

Ultimate Fan Experience Upgrades are upgrades to the general admission tickets. This means owners of an Ultimate Fan Experience Upgrade must also hold a general admission ticket (sold separately).

Upgrades are available exclusively on The Kingdom Of Steel (Europe).

MANOWAR announced in October that its longtime guitarist Karl Logan will not be touring with the group after being arrested on charges of possessing child pornography.

Karl joined MANOWAR in 1994 as the replacement for David Shankle.

Photo courtesy of MANOWAR's Facebook page


Guitarist E.V. Martel Will Join MANOWAR On The Final Battle World Tour 2019

E.V. Martel will be the guitarist on...Posted by MANOWAR on Tuesday, January 1, 2019

MetallicaTV has uploaded this professionally-filmed footage of Metallica performing the Master Of Puppets album track, "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)", at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California on December 9th, 2018:

Metallica performs next on January 16th at the I Am the Highway: A Tribute To Chris Cornell event at The Forum in Los Angeles, CA. The band's complete tour schedule, which stretches into August 2019, can be found at this location.

"It’s certainly been no secret, but we are beyond excited to make the official announcement and introduction to Enter Night Pilsner, our collaboration with Arrogant Consortia, a Stone Brewing imprint," states a message from Metallica. "If you’ve been to one of our recent arena shows, you may have sipped from the black and red cans or even picked up a few in the surrounding neighbourhoods. Now we’re expanding nationwide, and come spring, taking it international covering Europe, Australia, China and beyond!

"Stone Brewing is the perfect partner for us with endless commonalities in our ideals, outlooks, and paths forward. Our views of the worlds that we each inhabit, of creativity and process, and of sense of place in relation to our peers and “The Man” are almost identical. This collaboration is beyond effortless and pure, and we can’t wait to share this incredible beverage with everyone out there. In conjunction with the leadership of Stone, we have participated throughout every step alongside their talented brewing team. From our HQ outside of San Francisco to Stone’s brewery and HQ in San Diego to many beers backstage at shows, the spirit of collaboration was powerful.

"Keep watching for Enter Night Pilsner at our shows as we fire up the tour again later this week and check out the Arrogant Consortia beer finder to locate Enter Night near you.

"Don’t see it in your neighborhood yet? Check back… our friends at Stone are putting those Enter Night cans and kegs in new locations all the time!"

 

DIEKLUTE, the new industrial project featuring DIE KRUPPS frontman Jürgen Engler, FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares and Danish musician Claus Larsen of LEÆTHER STRIP, will release its debut album, "Planet Fear", on February 1 via Cleopatra Records.

According to a press release, the disc "combines the efforts of all three musicians who prove that they are hard to beat at what they do best. Aggressive electronic beats, sequencers and guitars, that feel like you are getting punched in the face. Lyrics that critically address the current political situations, spat out with conviction and anger."

"Planet Fear" includes 10 original songs plus a supercharged version of PUBLIC ENEMY's 1988 classic "She Watch Channel Zero?!"

The video for the first single, "It's All In Vain", was filmed last July with director Vincente Cordero of Industrialism Films and will be released this week. The video features clips of the upcoming indie film "The Relic", which was produced and written by William Shatner, who also stars in the movie. "All In Vain" will be featured in the film, which was directed by Jared Cohen and is due later in the year.

"Planet Fear" track listing:

01. If I Die

02. Out Of Control

03. The Hangman

04. Rich Kid Loser

05. For Nothing

06. Human Error

07. It's All In Vain

08. Born For A Cause

09. Infectious

10. Push The Limit

11. She Watch Channel Zero?!

"Over a year ago, we got together with some of our friends and shot a video for our song 'Prodigal'," says Blacktop Mojo. "We're very proud to finally be able to put it out in the world. Thank you to all of our friends that helped us bring this song to life. No matter where you go, you always take a little piece of where you come from with you."

"Prodigal" is from Blacktop Mojo's 2017 studio album, Burn The Ships.

"We had fun making the video with some of our good friends from our hometown acting out the main parts," says Blacktop Mojo vocalist Matt James. "We felt like the father-son dynamic in the video really reflected the song's theme. The song is sort of autobiographical. It's about the experience of growing up in a small town and always talking about 'getting out' one day. No matter where or how far you go, though, you always have a little bit of where you came from that you take with you."

Blacktop Mojo will release their third studio album, Under The Sun, later this year. Pre-orders can be placed now via PledgeMusic.

In live news, Blacktop Mojo will open for Monster Truck on January 24th at Warehouse Live in Houston, Texas. 

 

The Pineapple Thief have released a video for "Threatening War", featured on the band's new studio album, Dissolution, released last year. Watch below.

Dissolution features cover art artwork from iconic design agency Stylorouge, who have produced artwork for the likes of Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Blur and the British film Trainspotting.

Dissolution tracklisting:

"Not Naming Any Names"
"Try As I Might"
"Threatening War"
"Uncovering Your Tracks"
"All That You've Got"
"Far Below"
"Pillar of Salt"
"White Mist"
"Shed A Light"

"Threatening War" video:

"Uncovering Your Tracks" (edit):

"Try As I Might" video:

"Far Below":

The undisputed king of Japanese noise, Merzbow, returns as the landmark album Venereology celebrates 25 tinnitus-inducing years with its inaugural vinyl pressing.

Due for release on March 1st, physical vinyl pre-orders and remastered digital downloads / streaming are available via Relapse.com here. Listen to the remastered version of “Slave New Desart” below.

Remastered by James Plotkin (Isis, Electric Wizard, Full Of Hell, etc.) and featuring reworked art, this is the most extreme recording of harsh electronic sickness you will ever own. Venereology features a second LP with more than 20 minutes of unreleased bonus material.

Tracklisting:

"Ananga-Ranga Part 1"
"Ananga-Ranga Part 2"
"Klo Ken Phantasie"
"Last Splash"
"Slave New Desart"
"TD3"
"Outtrack 1"
"Outtrack 2"

"Slave New Desart":