ICED EARTH mastermind Jon Schaffer has teamed up with his old pals in PURGATORY, the band that he originally founded in 1985, then later became ICED EARTH, to record five tracks that were written between 1985 and 1987, now to be released as the "Purgatory" EP on December 21 through Century Media. All five tracks featured on the EP offer real U.S. metal and perfectly capture the spirit of the mid 1980s with a powerful production, rounded up by liner notes or comments of Schaffer, Gene Adam, Greg Seymour and Bill Owen and fitting cover artwork by David Newman Stump and Roy Young, known from their excellent work on ICED EARTH's latest album, "Incorruptible". The greatest surprise might be Gene Adam, ICED EARTH's original singer who sang on the band's self-titled debut album from 1990, who delivers his best vocal performance ever.

The official lyric video for the song "In Your Dreams", taken from the "Purgatory" EP, can be seen below.

"Purgatory" is dedicated to Richard Bateman, the band's original bass player, who passed away right before the EP went into production.

The "Purgatory" EP can be pre-ordered here.

b>"Purgatory" track listing:

01. In Your Dreams (4:55)

02. Dracula (6:08)

03. In Jason's Mind (5:03)

04. Jack (4:00)

05. Burning Oasis (5:38)

Jon Schaffer's PURGATORY is:

Jon Schaffer - Rhythm And Lead Guitars, Vocals

Gene Adam - Lead Vocals

Bill Owen - Lead Guitar

Guest appearances by:

Jim Morris - Lead Guitar

Ruben Drake - Bass Guitar

Mark Prator - Drums

In a recent interview with Rockpages, Schaffer defended the prospect of re-recording ICED EARTH's early albums, saying: "It's a lot of work to do. It would be completely different than [the previous re-release of] 'Days Of Purgatory', because the only thing that was was re-recorded vocals. This, we're talking about a ground-up production so that we have it for a set of masters that we actually own and can exploit in our way in the future, and that this band will be able to benefit from financially going forward, because our contracts were terrible back in the old days, so there's very little income from all the years of work. Plus, with my knowledge of production now compared to the very beginning, we can make those records sound amazing. I'm certain of that. But it's not to try to beat them — it's just to create something that we can actually control and have some financial benefit from, instead of a big corporation like Sony. People go, 'Well, you should just focus on new music.' We will do that too. I have my own studio, and we're not in a hurry to do a new record — we just put one out — so if we can take a year and just take the time to spend time in the studio doing re-records, and then work on a new album, and then do more re-records or whatever, we can do whatever the fuck we want. I don't really care if somebody lost their virginity listening to 'I'd Die For You'. It's my fucking song; I'll re-record if it I want to re-record it. That's the way it is."

Orange County, California rockers ATREYU have teamed up local brewery Noble Ale Works to create "Atreyu Superhero DIPA With Orange Zest".


Led by Citra and El Dorado, this hazy DIPA gives soft notes of lychee, tropical fruit, and butterfly kisses, while bright California navel oranges keep the party going.


On December 16, at noon EST, there will be a special can release party at Noble Ale Works Brewery.


Fans will have the chance to sample the "Atreyu Superhero DIPA With Orange Zest" and hang out with the band in person.

our packs of the beer will be available for sale. You won't want to miss this limited release. Cans will be exclusively available for sale at Noble Ale Works tasting room, located at 1621 S. Sinclair St in Anaheim, California.

ATREYU's seventh full-length album, "In Our Wake", was released on October 12 through Spinefarm.

Following a hiatus post-"Congregation Of The Damned" in 2009, Alex Varkatzas (vocals), Brandon Saller (drums, vocals), "Big" Dan Jacobs (guitar), Travis Miguel (guitar) and Porter McKnight (bass) returned firing on all cylinders with "Long Live" during 2015. It crashed the Top 30 of the Billboard Top 200 and earned widespread acclaim. Along the way, the boys sold out countless headline shows in addition to sharing the stage with everyone from SLIPKNOT and LINKIN PARK to Chris Cornell and AVENGED SEVENFOLD.

The band recorded in two chunks bookended by Brandon's touring obligations for HELL OR HIGHWATER. Working out of Feldmann's Los Angeles studio, they embraced this new approach as the producer still made them"wonderfully uncomfortable and willing to push harder," according to Alex.

Groove, power and fire — these are all qualities that Brazilian/American thrash metal veterans SEPULTURA have been adding to their music since they first started out. Gourmets already know that these are elements that a good wine needs as well. As pioneers of the scene, the members of SEPULTURA have been active for over three decades, but now they're also putting their skills and knowledge into two great wines. Together with MusiConsult, the business management of the band, Portuguese wine producers Roquevale and Dutch importers Drankgigant, they have created a full-bodied, powerful red wine and a pleasant and playful white wine, which are going to dance on the tongues of every wine enthusiast. But whoever thinks that this is just another gimmick by a legend... they couldn't be more wrong!

SEPULTURA not only emphasises quality in its music and the finer details, but has also ensured the best grapes for their wine. They've been aged in the Region Alentejo, a Portuguese vineyard that is well-known for its hot temperatures and low settlement. Also, in terms of production, they don't do things by half — handcraft is the key. The wine isn't only an eye-catcher, but also a must-taste and completely unique. And of course, only organic ingredients have been used and no chemicals!

The first very first gourmets had the chance to experience the wines at Rock In Rio Lisbon as both were available for a debut tasting. Now you will also have the chance to do so: on December 20, an official release party will take place at Amsterdam's BR20, the bar of SEPULTURA bassist Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr.

SEPULTURA is continuing to tour in support of its latest album, "Machine Messiah", which was released in January 2017 via Nuclear Blast.

Greek/Swedish extreme metal stalwarts NIGHTRAGE have released the official music video for their new single, "By Darkness Drawn". The song is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Wolf To Man", which will arrive on March 29, 2019 via Despotz Records.

Says the band: "With 'By Darkness Drawn', we wanted to combine our trademark NIGHTRAGE guitar melodies with a straightforward thrash metal drive clashing straight into groovy-yet-hooking chorus. A straightforward NIGHTRAGE song, so to say. And that is what we think 'By Darkness Drawn' is! A kick-ass thrasher!

"The lyrics for this song pretty much sum up the concept and theme of the album and it handles the fact we are all doomed and we know it. Unable to learn from our mistakes, we are all now standing at the edge of our abyss, paralyzed by fear of our inevitable leap towards our own extinction.

"The lyrics on the previous album was all about our journey towards our end. This song is about being there right now, and just having to accept that as a fact."

b>NIGHTRAGE's latest, seventh album, "The Venomous", was released in March 2017 via Despotz Records.

NIGHTRAGE is:

Marios Iliopoulos - Guitar

Ronnie Nyman - Vocals

Magnus Söderman - Guitar

Dino George Stamoglou - Drums

Francisco Escalona - Bass

The official video for "Slaves Of The Southern Cross", a new song from the Dutch thrash/death/black metal outfit LEGION OF THE DAMNED, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming comeback album, "Slaves Of The Shadow Realm", which will be released on January 4, 2019 via Napalm Records. The follow-up to 2014's "Ravenous Plague" was produced by Andy Classen and merges the unadulterated fury of the early LEGION OF THE DAMNED years with the sophistication of a veteran band.

Vocalist Maurice Swinkels comments on the track: "Next to 'Dark Coronation', 'Palace Of Sin' and 'Warhounds Of Hades', this is one of my favorite tracks on the album. 'Slaves Of The Southern Cross' is heavy as hell and sometimes reminds me of INFERNAL MAJESTY. It has a great atmosphere and I cannot wait for the fans to sheer with me 'Slaves Of The Southern Cross'. For the video, we rented the big hall of the Turbinenhalle in Oberhausen and kept it relative 'simple'. Spend the entire day in fire blasters and filmed the band that captures the essence of LEGION OF THE DAMNED: aggressive and heavy!"

"Slaves Of The Shadow Realm" track listing:

01. The Widow's Breed

02. Nocturnal Commando

03. Charnel Confession

04. Slaves Of The Southern Cross

05. Warhounds Of Hades

06. Black Banners In Flames

07. Shadow Realm Of The Demonic Mind

08. Palace Of Sin

09. Priest Hunt

10. Azazels Crown

11. Dark Coronation

b>Swinkels says: "With our seventh opus, entitled 'Slaves Of The Shadow Realm', we tried to take it a little further as where 'Ravenous Plague' ended in terms of melody, but we definitely maintain the heavy songwriting and rawness that LEGION OF THE DAMNED is known for.

"Simplicity is the key with LEGION OF THE DAMNED and less is more. With 'Slaves Of The Shadow Realm', we go full speed ahead with heaviness, but we took it a bit farther by bringing in melody and atmosphere.

"I think this is LEGION's best album to date: It crushes, it is fast, it has atmosphere and it is raw! In terms of lyrics, this is our darkest album, written by Tony 'Skullcrusher' Manero, who was also responsible for the lyrics and concepts of the albums 'Malevolent Rapture', 'Cult Of The Dead', 'Feel The Blade', 'Ravenous Plague', 'Sons Of The Jackal' and 'Descent into Chaos'.

"We are really excited to be back after four years and hope that the true LEGION fan digs this album — I am 100% certain that they will love it!

"This is LEGION OF THE DAMNED — without the bells and whistles. The wait is over and we are back!"


LEGION OF THE DAMNED is:

Maurice Swinkels: Vocals

Twan van Geel: Guitar

Harold Gielen: Bass

Erik Fleuren: Drums

"Edge Of Time", the new video from GHOST SHIP OCTAVIUS, the U.S. progressive metal sensation featuring former NEVERMORE and GOD FORBID members, can be seen below. The song is taken from GHOST SHIP OCTAVIUS's sophomore LP, titled "Delirium", which will be released on February 22, 2019 via Mighty Music.


Formed in 2012 by guitarist Matthew Wicklund (GOD FORBID, HIMSA), drummer Van Williams (NEVERMORE) and vocalist/guitarist Adōn Fanion, GHOST SHIP OCTAVIUS began writing what would become their critically acclaimed 2015 self-titled debut release. With foundations in progressive metal, GHOST SHIP OCTAVIUS is forging a fresh pathway in the metal genre by exploring emotional and melodic writing firmly founded in technical playing and memorable hooks with a common theme of darkness, hope and ghostly imagery with chilling, arctic elements throughout. "Delirium" sees GHOST SHIP OCTAVIUS raising the bar in both technical ability and emotional depth and color and marks the beginning of a new record label partnership with Mighty Music.

"We are beyond pleased to announce joining forces with Mighty Music, bringing forth a new and exciting chapter for GSO worldwide," said GHOST SHIP OCTAVIUS.

Added Michael H. Andersen, Mighty Music CEO: "GHOST SHIP OCTAVIUS is one of the most promising and professional artists I ever signed to Mighty Music. Their 'Delerium' album is a 10/10 in my personal fanzine."

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The Guilherme Henriques-created video for "Decimated", a brand new song from Florida death metal veterans MALEVOLENT CREATION, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "The 13th Beast", which will be released on January 18, 2019 via Century Media.

"The 13th Beast" introduces a new lineup consisting of Phil Cincilla (drums), Josh Gibbs (bass), Phil Fasciana (guitar) and vocalist/guitarist Lee Wollenschlaeger (THRONE OF NAILS, IMPERIAL EMPIRE).

Wollenschlaeger states: "'Decimated' encapsulates the feeling of 'The 13th Beast' in the best way possible: fast, aggressive and relentless. We hope everyone enjoys it as much as we do. See you on the road soon!"

"No one can destroy this MALEVOLENT CREATION" is a legendary line by the late, great Bret Hoffmann, who passed away on July 7, 2018. Renowned and revered for his vicious vocal style and unique onstage presence, Hoffmann is impossible to replace, but co-founder Phil Fasciana decided to face the challenge and affirm the truth behind this lyric from the group's 1991 debut "The Ten Commandments".

This is the biggest honor I could ever be given," says Lee. "The opportunity to front one of my all-time favorite bands, and an even bigger pleasure of jamming with such great people.

"We have created one of the most relentless albums of MALEVOLENT CREATION's history. As a fan, I know we are going to shock a lot of people at how intense this new album is. Done in a way only MALEVOLENT CREATION can.

"I can't wait to see all you guys on the road in 2019 and beyond, playing songs from all the albums, including our new album, 'The 13th Beast'!"

"Lee was the missing link when I was searching for a new vocalist and guitarist," adds Fasciana. "Each new member is a solid musician and songwriter sharing the same passion for extreme music MALEVOLENT CREATION has been striving for since 1987.

"I'm very proud of this album and look forward to present it live as well as songs from our massive back catalog, including stuff that hasn't been played live in a long time or ever."

Musically, "The 13th Beast" expands upon 2014's "Dead Man's Path" yet also incorporates a brutality known from albums such as "The Will To Kill" and "Eternal", which is further accentuated by Wollenschlaeger's understandable-yet-deeper vocal tone and songwriting contributions. Just like "Dead Man's Path", the record offers artwork by German Latorres, and was mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound.

"The 13th Beast" will be released as black and limited colored LP plus four-page LP booklet, CD, and digital album.

Track listing:

01. End The Torture

02. Mandatory Butchery

03. Agony For The Chosen

04. Canvas Of Flesh

05. Born Of Pain

06. The Beast Awakened

07. Decimated

08. Bleed Us Free

09. Knife At Hand

10. Trapped Inside

11. Release The Soul

MALEVOLENT CREATION is (from left to right in photo):

Lee Wollenschlaeger - vocals / guitars

Phil Fasciana - guitars

Phil Cincilla - drums

Josh Gibbs - bass

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has released an official music video for its cover of "Blue On Black", a blues rock song originally recorded by the KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND in 1998. The clip was was directed by Dale "Rage" Resteghini from a treatment written by FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Zoltan Bathory.

Asked how FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH goes about choosing which songs to cover, Zoltan told "Whiplash", the KLOS radio show hosted by Full Metal Jackie: "First and foremost, it has to be fun. Everything you cover has to be something that is fun to redo, fun to interpret in your own style, your own voice. And that, actually, is not that easy, because everybody has to agree, so the whole band has to agree that we actually like that song.

"Ivan [Moody, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH singer] is a very emotional kind of guy who re-lives all his lyrics when he's singing, so if he's lyrically not connected to a song, he's not gonna sing it — he just simply won't," Zoltan continued. "So it has to make sense to him. If all those criteria are there, then it's a go. "

As for FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's decision to tackle "Blue On Black", Zoltan said: "In this particular case, actually, the [other] guys [in the band] wanted to do this song. I was the one who was, like, 'Ahhh… I don't hear this song. It has a blues-ish, southern vibe to it, and I can't really imagine that DEATH PUNCH could remake this song.' And then we did it — we made the song in the studio, we recorded it — and when Ivan was recording the vocals, it started to really come together when I was, like, 'Wow!' And in retrospect, I'm glad we did it, because it completely fits the record — it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. We made it our own, and I think it sounds amazing.

As I said, I just didn't see this one — I just didn't see that this would work — and it came out great, in my opinion," he added. "And it's another flavor that we've never really done before. So I think it actually adds to the album another dimension, another kind of flavor that we wouldn't have otherwise."

"And Justice For None" debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart back in May. The set launched with 71,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending May 24, according to Nielsen Music. Of that sum, 60,000 were in traditional album sales.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH previously landed in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart with "Got Your Six" (No. 2, 2015), "The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell: Volume 2" (No. 2, 2013), "The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell: Volume 1" (No. 2, 2013), "American Capitalist" (No. 3, 2011) and "War Is the Answer" (No. 7, 2009). According to Billboard, the group's only studio album to miss the top 10 was its debut effort, "The Way Of The Fist", which topped out at No. 107 in 2008.

Swedish metallers IN FLAMES have released two new songs, "(This Is Our) House" and "I Am Above". The tracks are taken from the band's upcoming album, "I, The Mask", which will be released on March 1, 2019 through Eleven Seven Music.

IN FLAMES recruited American drummer Tanner Wayne, best known for his work with UNDERMINDED, SCARY KIDS SCARING KIDS and CHIODOS, to sit behind the kit for the band for its 2018 live appearances.

Wayne stepped into IN FLAMES following the apparent recent departure of Joe Rickard, who played on the band's 2016 studio album, "Battles".


Tanner made his live debut with IN FLAMES in July in Brno, Czech Republic.

ongtime IN FLAMES drummer Daniel Svensson announced in 2015 that he was leaving the band to focus on his family life.

IN FLAMES' current lineup features American bassist Bryce Paul, who has been playing most of the shows with the group since longtime bassist Peter Iwers's November 2016 exit.

In a recent interview with Mexico's Etic's Live, IN FLAMES vocalist Anders Fridén stated about the band's current plans: "We released an album called 'Battles' and that was released two years ago, I think. We are working on something, and people who know what we sound like today will definitely recognize it, but there are elements there that will feel a little bit new here and there. With IN FLAMES, we don't want to change it too much, but we want to change a little from album to album. It's still important for us to have the melody, that's the first thing. We grew up on melody and melody is everything for us. Then you can do a lot of things, of course. It's very melodic and heavy at the same time."

Regarding IN FLAMES' knack for integrating different styles into the band's music, Anders said: "I see it as a natural evolution. You can only do so many riffs on the guitar. It's all about notes in a different order and a lot of things has been done, but you're taking influences from here and there and you mix it up and make it your own. That's how the music develops. I really think that we all fit within this. Then, it's obviously up to the audience if they're open-minded enough. Can you mix classic with more than the heavier, can you do this and that? In my opinion, good music is good music. You can do that. I like bands that try to take something and move it forward and mix and match from different outlets. That's progress. In my world, there are no different genres, just good music and bad music."

"Elevate", a brand new song from the California alternative-rock quartet PAPA ROACH, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's 10th studio album, "Who Do You Trust?", which will be released on January 18, 2019 through Eleven Seven Music. The 12-song disc features the band's signature heavy rhythmic guitars and catchy hooks on "Who Do You Trust" and "Renegade Music", with "Not The Only One" supplying melody and emotionally charged lyrics. The album is produced by Nick "RAS" Furlong and Colin Cunningham except for "Top Of The World", which is produced by Jason Evigan.


Said bassist Tobin Esperance: "Our goal for our 10th album was to push ourselves even further into genres that inspire us most. We have reached the place where we always wanted to be, creating new and exciting music."

"Who Do You Trust?" track listing:

01. The Ending

02. Renegade Music

03. Not The Only One

04. Who Do You Trust?

05. Elevate

06. Come Around

07. Feel Like Home

08. Problems

09. Top Of The World

10. I Suffer Well

11. Maniac

12. Better Than Life

sked why PAPA ROACH decided to work on new music so soon after the release of 2017's "Crooked Teeth", guitarist Jerry Horton told the Milwaukee radio station 102.9 The Hog: "Normally, we give it a couple of years to two and a half years, just because the touring cycles usually take a pretty long time. And then six months we'll do [in the studio] for the record. This time it was, like, a year on tour and maybe three months [in the studio]. We got in with the same guys [producers Nicholas 'RAS' Furlong and Colin Brittain] that we did 'Crooked Teeth' with, and we have this flow together, and it just went really quick."

He continued: "We've been doing this for so long that we kind of know if we get to a certain point with a song that it's not happening naturally, then we just kind of set it aside and move on to something else and then maybe come back to it later. But we don't try and sit there and force it for days on end like we used to."

According to Jerry, the new PAPA ROACH album will include some material that was left on the cutting-room floor during the "Crooked Teeth" sessions. "Yeah, there's a couple of songs that didn't make it on the last record, mostly because they didn't get finished," he explained. "We took a fresh ear to a couple of the jams and came out with songs. Some bands would look at some of these things and say, 'Oh, well, it didn't happen right away. It must not be good.' Sometimes it just takes a little time for it to kind of click in our heads. But we don't necessarily throw anything away — we're kind of hoarders that way. You never know — something could be sitting in there that's great; we just weren't in that headspace at the time."

Horton previously told Morgan Richards Interviews that PAPA ROACH's new material sees him and his bandmates "really trying to explore more dynamics and not just be a wall of guitars all the time."

Frontman Jacoby Shaddix described the musical direction of the new PAPA ROACH songs to the Lazer 103.3 radio station as "a pretty bold evolution," saying that the tracks that have been laid down so far are "so inspiring and just unique and different and rocking and anthemic and passionate."

PAPA ROACH has announced a special run of five shows in its home state of California to celebrate the "Who Do You Trust?" release. The group will close out this run with three very special shows at the landmark West Hollywood venue The Roxy, presented by SiriusXM.

PAPA ROACH will join SHINEDOWN and ASKING ALEXANDRIA on the 2019 North American leg of the "Attention! Attention!" world tour.

"Vultures", a new song from A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, titled "When The World Becomes Undone", which will be released on January 18, 2019 via Long Branch Records/SPV.

Led by founding TYPE O NEGATIVE and LIFE OF AGONY member Sal Abruscato, A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH released its debut, "And Hell Will Follow Me", in 2011 and firmly implanted its roots in the metal scene with the sophomore album, "Lay My Soul To Waste", in 2013. Both records were selected as part of Revolver magazine "Top 20 Albums Of The Year" lists in the years they were issued.

Besides Abruscato on guitars and lead vocals, A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH's lineup includes Joe Taylor and Eddie Heedles on guitars and Eric Morgan on bass. Johnny Kelly (TYPE O NEGATIVE) is also back in the band on drums.

"When The World Becomes Undone" will be made available via SPV's Long Branch Records imprint. The first single, "Love The Ones You Hate", will be released on November 16.

It's our signature combination of seemingly depressing and dark musical tones with unexpectedly pretty melodies," says Abruscato. "There's a hypnotic phenomenon that happens when you take super heavy riffs and add a harmonic sensibility. It allows you to drift off and zone out."

"When The World Becomes Undone" was mastered by Maor Appelbaum (FAITH NO MORE, MEAT LOAF, YES, SEPULTURA, HALFORD) at Maor Appelbaum Mastering while the artwork was once again created by Sam Shearon (ROB ZOMBIE, FEAR FACTORY, CRADLE OF FILTH).

"When The World Becomes Undone" track listing:

01. As It Begins

02. When The World Becomes Undone

03. Love The Ones You Hate

04. Fell In My Hole

05. Succumbing To The Event Horizon

06. Vultures

07. End Of Days

08. The Woods

09. We All Break Down

10. Lay With The Wicked

11. Splinters

12. Dreams Of The End

13. Closure

"The phrase 'When The World Becomes Undone' came to me in 2014," Abruscato explains. "You could see what was beginning to happen in the world at large. Just turn on the news or look around. At the same time, there were a lot of crazy things happening in my personal life. Those struggles all became fuel for the music. It was like I had this partial sketch a while ago, and we finally filled it out this year. It evolved into what we have here."

"When The World Becomes Undone" is available for pre-order here.

A five-year gap preceded "When The World Becomes Undone" as Sal rejoined LIFE OF AGONY, which he co-founded, for a triumphant comeback tour and contributed musical arrangements to the 2017 album "A Place Where There's No More Pain".

BREAKING BENJAMIN has released an official music video for the song "Tourniquet". The clip completes the visual trilogy of videos released to date from the band's sixth studio album, "Ember". "Ember" debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart and has spawned off two No. 1 rock radio hits with recent singles "Red Cold River" and "Torn In Two", marking the band's eighth and ninth No. 1 singles to date.

In a recent interview with the Rock 100.5 The KATT radio station, BREAKING BENJAMIN frontman Benjamin Burnley said that "Ember" could very well be the group's heaviest release so far. "There's things that we have on all BREAKING BENJAMIN albums that are heavy, and I think we just a little bit more of that side of it on this album," he explained. "And there's really light things too — there's a song called 'The Dark Of You' that's really, really mellow and chill. But I think that it's just whatever the song calls for."

He continued: "These guys that I have [in the band] now, when I did 'Dark Before Dawn' [2015], which is the last album, I had that about 95 percent written when I got them onboard; I wrote that mostly on my hiatus — when I took that hiatus. And so when they came into the band, it was kind of already done. There was a few things that they contributed on, but for the most part, it was done. And 'Ember' is the first album that they were there from the very start — when there was no material — so they all contributed a lot more to it. There were songs that I don't even know how to play, 'cause I didn't write the music; I just wrote the vocals and the lyrics, and they helped with the lyrics too, and some of the melodies and all that. So I was really able to kind of just take a step back — gladfully, because I had done most of the work, if not all of the work, on all of the BREAKING BENJAMIN albums before. And I'm ready — I always was; I just didn't really have anybody that I was playing with that was like-minded writers."

Benjamin added: "I mean, I've always played with some really, really amazing musicians, but a musician and a writer are two totally different things, and we just didn't really mesh too well. These guys will send me an entire song that's done, with no vocals — and sometimes with vocals — but the whole thing is done, from the start to the finish, and all I have to do is either put my own lyrics or vocals on it, or whatever. And it's really awesome to just have that; I've never had that before — I've never heard a whole song. I've only heard, like, 'Here's this riff.' And all I would do is, I would have a song already, and the riff would be in the same… it would fit in there, if I just took mine out and put that in there, so that's what I used to do. I don't really consider that writing together; I just consider it taking a piece out and putting another piece in. So this time around, I think it's a little heavier, because that's where that music that they came up with sort of took me."

b>"Ember" was released in April via Hollywood Records.

Joining Burnley on the effort are guitarist Jasen Rauch (formerly of RED), guitarist/vocalist Keith Wallen (formerly of ADELITAS WAY), bassist/vocalist Aaron Bruch and drummer Shaun Foist.

BREAKING BENJAMIN will kick off 2019 with a North American headline arena tour next spring, starting on March 15 in Saginaw, Michigan. The tour will include support from SKILLET, ASKING ALEXANDRIA, UNDEROATH, FIGHT THE FURY and DIAMANTE on select dates.

Christian metal band DEMON HUNTER will release two new albums, "War" and "Peace", on March 1, 2019. The song "On My Side", taken from "War", and the "Peace" title track can both be streamed below.

"War" track listing:

01. Cut To Live

02. On My Side

03. Close Enough

04. Unbound

05. Grey Matter

06. The Negative

07. Ash

08. No Place For You Here

09. Leave Me Alone

10. Lesser Gods

"Peace" track listing:

1. More Than Bones

02. I Don't Believe You

03. Loneliness

04. Peace

05. When The Devil Come

06. Time Only Takes

07. Two Ways

08. Rescue Myself

09. Bet My Life

10. Fear Is Not My Guide

DEMON HUNTER formed in Seattle in 2001. The lineup features singer Ryan Clark alongside co-founder Jonathan Dunn (bass), drummer Tim "Yogi" Watts (drums, since 2004), lead guitarist Patrick Judge (since 2008) and guitarist Jeremiah Scott (since 2011). Clark remains the primary songwriter, with increasing contributions from Judge.

DEMON HUNTER's dedicated supporters wear the group's symbol and lyrics on their shirts, vests, backpacks, and in many cases, on their skin. Based in both Seattle and Nashville, the group embraces brazenly transcendent melodies, without apology, while maintaining a defiant heaviness reminiscent of the most timeless of metal.

A regular attraction at festivals, in theaters, and clubs, DEMON HUNTER has visited Europe, Australia, and South America, while touring North America several times. They were a headlining act on "Scream The Prayer", co-headlined with the band RED, played as direct support to IN FLAMES and introduced their fans to bands like AUGUST BURNS RED and HASTE THE DAY, whom they took on tour with them early in their career.

In a recent interview with Rocker.sk, NIGHTWISH singer Floor Jansen was asked if the band would ever consider playing a one-off show, or doing an entire tour, backed by an orchestra. She responded: "I've seen indeed that a lot of [other] bands have been doing it, and that would almost be a reason to not do it; there's nothing special anymore. I've also how immensely difficult it is to actually get a proper sound live. So there are so many compromises that, for us, it's never been that interesting to do. And surely a tour, imagine a whole orchestra, the amount of people… I've been on tours like that — it's very, very, very, very complex. It doesn't mean it's not possible, but for us, it's so far has never been something that we really envision we can… Plus, to emphasize the orchestral part is not really necessary in what we already bring live, with the six people we have on stage at the moment doing all kinds of stuff. You'll see the visuals later on at the show," referring to the concert that took place later that night in Bratislava, Slovakia. "There's so much happening. That's enough."

NIGHTWISH keyboardist and main songwriter Tuomas Holopainen recently said that "all the songs" for the follow-up to 2015's "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" album have been completed musically. "I'm still working on some lyrics," he said. "And, of course, the arrangement process, the rehearsals are gonna take months — it's gonna take all of next year, actually, But all the songs that are gonna be included on the album, with the titles, with the album title, everything's now there. So from now on, it's just the arranging and the polishing the corners."

NIGHTWISH's next album will mark the band's second full-length release with Jansen, who has been touring with the group since 2012.

NIGHTWISH has spent the last few months on the road in support of its recently released "Decades" compilation.

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The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame has officially announced next year's inductees: DEF LEPPARD, RADIOHEAD, Janet Jackson, Stevie Nicks, THE CURE, ROXY MUSIC and THE ZOMBIES will all join the class of 2019. This was the first time that DEF LEPPARD appeared on the ballot.

DEF LEPPARD singer Joe Elliott said: "First of all, a massive thanks to all our fans and past inductees who voted for us. Congratulations to all our fellow inductees. We stand alongside some amazing artists, past and present. What an absolute honor."

Guitarist Phil Collen stated: "We started 2018 off at the Royal Albert Hall and to now cap it all off with a nod into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is brilliant."

Added bassist Rick Savage: "Being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame puts DEF LEPPARD in a class of peers that we've always appreciated and admired. We're looking forward to the ceremony."

ommented guitarist Vivian Campbell: "Coming into DEF LEPPARD after stints with other bands, it was immediately apparent to me that LEPPARD had ambition far beyond most. As a fan from the early years, I'd heard that ambitionin the music, blending genres to craft the unique LEPPARD sound. After 26 years as the new guy, I can assure you that the work ethic and the collective focus of this band is just as strong to this day."

Said drummer Rick Allen: "What an honor for DEF LEPPARD to be included in this year's induction with so many other talented and deserving artists."

Elliott told Rolling Stone that he was pleased to learn that original guitarist Pete Willis, who was fired after the band's second album, was included in the list of members who will be inducted into the Rock Hall next year. "Pete is invited," he said. "Absolutely. Whether he comes or not is up to him. We might have to drag him there by his hair. But he deserves to be inducted since he was involved in the first three albums. A lot of people aren't aware that he did play until halfway through 'Pyromania'. He contributed as much as anybody on the first two albums. Of course he deserves to get in. I haven't seen Pete in 14 years. I don't know if he's aware yet. We're going to reach out to him over the next day or two now that the dust has settled and we'll see if he wants to come.

Asked if DEF LEPPARD will perform with Willis that night, Elliott said: "I haven't thought about that, but I don't think we'll be playing anything from that far back. But being there is part of the thing. Pete has kind of moved away from this kind of stuff, so he might just be a little reluctant to come along. The truth is that it's obviously right that he gets in and he gets his statute, or however it works, but the success of the band was mostly to do with everyone else. I think that anybody would rightly say that the reason we got nominated is more likely to be because of the work we did after Pete left. He helped us lay the groundwork for what was to come, but the success of the band was more with Phil [Collen] and Steve [Clark] and then with Vivian [Campbell]. It's like a rocket that goes to the moon. The bit that gets ejected two minutes into the flight is still an important part when it sets off. It's just not that important when it gets into orbit. Pete is kind of that guy, I suppose. He was an integral part of the band when we started off, but we went our different ways. It became clear that we couldn't go any further with him in 1982. We had four years together, but we've been together for 40. There are 36 other years in this band that he had nothing to do with. Playing with him might be a bit weird, but I don't see why he couldn't come if he wants to. He's totally welcome."

In addition to Willis, the current lineup of DEF LEPPARD is listed for Rock Hall induction along with the late Steve Clark.

Willis was an integral member of DEF LEPPARD who co-wrote many songs on "On Through The Night" (1980), "High 'N' Dry" (1981) and several on the band's 1983 breakthrough album, "Pyromania" ("Photograph", "Too Late For Love", "Comin' Under Fire" and "Billy's Got A Gun").

The 34th annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony will be held March 29 at Brooklyn, New York's Barclays Center. HBO will broadcast a truncated version of the ceremony later in the year.

Ballots were sent to a voting group of more than 1,000 artists, historians and music-industry professionals.

The public was invited to participate again this year in the fan vote. The top five artists made up a fan's ballot, which counted as a single vote.

Rock Hall rules state that artists become eligible 25 years after their first records were released, but the Hall also claims that other "criteria include the influence and significance of the artists' contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock 'n' roll," which is, of course, open to interpretation.

One of the top-selling rock acts of of all time, DEF LEPPARD has been eligible for the Rock Hall since 2004.

The 2019 nominees had to release their first recording no later than 1993.

Despite being eligible for induction since 1999 — 25 years after the release of its first disc — KISS didn't get its first nomination until 2009, and was finally inducted in 2014.

DEEP PURPLE was eligible for the Rock Hall since 1993 but didn't get inducted until 2016.

Former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing's 1967 Flying V that was his main instrument on several of classic PRIEST albums — from "Sad Wings Of Destiny" to "Point Of Entry" — has sold for a whopping £150,000 (approximately $189,000). The original estimate was £15,000-18,000 ($19,000-$23,000).

International auction house Bonhams sold 11 of Downing's guitars on Tuesday (December 11) as part of the Entertainment Memorabilia auction. Other items for sale at Bonhams's New Bond Street premises in Central London included K.K. 's 1971 Gibson Flying V Medallion guitar, which sold for £81,250 (approximately $102,000). The original estimate was £12,000-14,000. Also sold were Marshall amp heads, guitar FX and a pair of leather jackets from the "Turbo" and "Screaming For Vengeance" tours.

Earlier this year, Downing sold his share of the royalty rights to 136 of JUDAS PRIEST's tracks, including classic songs "Breaking The Law", "Living After Midnight" and "Painkiller", to Round Hill Music. The deal was made following the collapse of his luxury golf course venture.

The rights, which consist of Downing's publishing and writer's share, and his artist royalties from the master recordings, were put up for sale after a number of his U.K. leisure businesses were placed into administration (similar to Chapter 11 insolvency in the U.S.).

ccording to administrators FRP Advisory LLP, who handled the rights sale, Downing's catalog share generates between $340,000 and $400,000 per year in royalties.

K.K. announced his retirement from PRIEST in April 2011. 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.

Downing's autobiography, "Heavy Duty: Days And Nights In Judas Priest", was released in September via Hachette Audio as a digital download, and in print and ebook from Da Capo Press. The book was co-written by the Scottish author and journalist Mark Eglinton, whose previous collaborations include "Official Truth, 101 Proof" with Rex Brown of PANTERA and "Confessions Of A Heretic" with BEHEMOTH's Adam "Nergal" Darski.

David Lee Roth has hinted that VAN HALEN will perform in New York City at some point in 2019.

In a brand new interview with Vulture, in which the singer primarily discussed his just-launched line of skin-care products, Roth said that "next time my rock band will be playing the same place that the Yankees play."

When the interviewer asked Roth if he meant that VAN HALEN will perform at Yankee Stadium next summer, Roth replied: "I can't … If I say something on tape here and everybody goes, 'Oh, this leaked…' But, the band will be — I can't say."

Pressed for more information, Roth said: "I don't know how far this privacy actually goes. But the band is solvent. And I can say that I contacted colleagues about being part of the show — METALLICA, GUNS N' ROSES, Jason Aldean, the FOO FIGHTERS, Church, and Stapleton. And they all said that, if everything happens, they would certainly be involved."

sked if that means that this would be a festival-type event, Roth responded: "No, all I talked about was a phone call."

VAN HALEN has been inactive since it completed its U.S. tour in October 2015 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California. The amphitheater trek ran for 41 shows and saw the band bringing out many Roth-era rarities like "Light Up The Sky", "Feel Your Love Tonight" and "In A Simple Rhyme" that hadn't been touched in decades.

The tour was VAN HALEN's first since an aborted North American run three years earlier in support of its then-new studio album, "A Different Kind Of Truth".

Released in 2015 was "Tokyo Dome In Concert", VAN HALEN's first-ever live collection featuring Roth, despite numerous pro-shot concerts from the band's original heyday being heavily booted for years.

Roth told Vogue that he has spent the last three years building two companies: Ink The Original, a skin-care line designed to preserve, protect and highlight tattoos, and an outdoor lifestyle company called Laugh To Win.

Bon Jovi have released another official live video, shot in Philadelphia, PA on the 2018 This House Is Not For Sale tour. Watch the band perform "Born To Be My Baby" below:

More footage from the Philadelphia show can be seen below:

Jon Bon Jovi, will curate two special fan cruise experiences titled Runaway To Paradise, offering 2,200 of his most passionate fans the vacation of a lifetime in two idyllic settings.

The Caribbean trip will set sail April 12th - 16th, 2019 from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, on Norwegian Jade while the Mediterranean excursion follows August 26th - 30th, 2019, from Barcelona to Palma, Majorca, on Norwegian Pearl.

“Ever since we started Runaway Tours, it’s given me such joy to entertain and tell stories of where my songs came from. What I’ve realized after all these years is that my fans have found that these are not only my stories, but their own,” says Jon Bon Jovi. “Hundreds of people have gotten together every time we take off for a destination, and long lasting friendships are born. We want to continue that tradition in Runaway’s fully-immersive vacation trips. Get ready, we’ll see you out there!”

Co-produced by Runaway Tours, creators of world-class intimate artist experiences, and Sixthman, the industry leader in music festival vacations, the Runaway To Paradise immersive fan experience will feature Jon Bon Jovi joining guests on board the ship at each destination port. Guests will be treated to a full rock show on the pool deck starring Jon Bon Jovi and the 11-piece Kings of Suburbia band, a second acoustic storyteller set where cruisers can ask Jon all of their burning questions, multiple shows from support artists (to be announced), and panels with key figures from Bon Jovi’s storied history, all the while sipping Jon and Jesse Bongiovi’s new wine, Hampton Water rosé and enjoying the stunning amenities of Norwegian Cruise Line Jewel class ships.

The action on Runaway To Paradise goes far beyond the music. Guests will get up close with historic memorabilia in the Jon Bon Jovi Gallery, shop for new looks in the Hart N Dagger pop up shop, and even enjoy a meal while giving back to those in need at The JBJ Soul Kitchen that will be brought to life on board. All guests will take home an autographed event lithograph, and fans who book in the first 400 staterooms on each cruise will get an opportunity to take a picture with Jon Bon Jovi.                                       

Watch the invite video from Jon Bon Jovi below:

Double occupancy staterooms on Runaway To Paradise begin at $1,895 (USD) per person for the Caribbean sailing, and $2,221 (USD) per person for the Mediterranean sailing, plus taxes and fees. Prices for the four-night music festivals at sea include access to all shows and activities, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, customized Jon Bon Jovi Runaway to Paradise gift, commemorative event program, custom event lanyard and laminate. Low deposits and flexible payment plans are available. For the best selection of staterooms, fans are encouraged to register for the cruise pre-sale at runawaytoparadise.com.

Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Pearl are destinations of their own, each offering guests Norwegian Cruise Line’s signature freedom and flexibility, which allows guests to design their ideal cruise vacation on their schedule with no set dining times, a variety of world-class entertainment options and no formal dress codes. The ships also features fourteen onboard bars and lounges, 15 unique dining experiences, a casino, two outdoor pools, five hot tubs, and a full menu of  treatments at the onboard Mandara Spa.

“We are beyond excited to host Runaway To Paradise aboard Norwegian Jade and Pearl,” said Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Hosting an international rock and roll sensation like Jon Bon Jovi is a testament of our commitment to offering world-class entertainment for all who board our ships. We have been working with Sixthman to host musical experiences at sea for the past six years and believe that our guests are in for the vacation of a lifetime.”

A fundraising campaign for CANNIBAL CORPSE guitarist Pat O'Brien has been launched by Deana Mazurkiewicz, the wife of the band's drummer, Paul Mazurkiewicz.

O'Brien was arrested Monday (December 10) on charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and burglary of an occupied dwelling with assault. Deputies say he burglarized a house and charged at a deputy with a knife.

Less than half a mile from where he was arrested, a fire broke out at O'Brien's home, sending flames billowing into the night sky from the roof. The exact cause of the blaze is unknown, but ammunition and "military-style flamethrowers" reportedly exploded inside the home during the fire.

In a message on the Mightycause nonprofit fundraising platform, Deana Mazurkiewicz called O'Brien "a standup guy" who is "true to his friends, family and his band," and urged fans "not to jump to conclusions until the full details of what occurred come out."

he wrote: "As most of you are aware on December 10, 2018, Pat O'Brien's house burned down. He lost everything he owns.

"Pat is a standup guy, true to his friends, family and his band. Also Pat does not have insurance, and lost everything that he owns. These funds will help him get back on his feet with the regular much-needed necessities like clothing, a roof over his head, and other daily life necessities that are needed.

"Understanding that money is tight for everybody, especially around the holidays but every amount does help. If it's $1, $5 dollars, $20 or more. Every penny from this campaign will go directly to Pat.

"If you're a metal fan and you've had the honor of meeting Pat at a show, or elsewhere when he's out and about then you know how friendly he is, and approachable. He would never start a campaign for himself, but I know he would be absolutely humbled by the support shown.

"I asked that people not jump to conclusions until the full details of what occurred come out, and that you show Pat nothing but love and support and let him know that you're there for him. Although the last 48 hours have been shocking to most people, they've been devastating to him.

"Please feel free to share your pictures, your words and show your support. The changing of your profile pictures on Facebook has been very inspirational. The metal community is a tight one whether you know somebody personally or not ans your support is so much appreciated."

The owner of the home where O'Brien was arrested wouldn't go on camera but told ABC Action News he thought the guitarist was hallucinating when he spoke to him about the "rapture" and claimed, "someone was after him." The homeowner added O'Brien seemed scared and at one point even hid in his closet.

At a first appearance hearing Tuesday morning, a Hillsborough County judge told the 53-year-old musician, clad in an anti-suicide vest with his hands and ankles chained together, that he must first pass a drug test before he will be allowed to post $50,000 bail and leave jail.

CANNIBAL CORPSE announced Monday that it would be part of the next North American leg of SLAYER's farewell tour.

On January 25th, King Diamond will release a new DVD/Blu-ray, Songs For The Dead Live, 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 - feature 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.

For a new preview of Songs For The Dead Live, a video for "Come To The Sabbath" (Live At Graspop) can be found below.

Pre-order the release in the following formats here:

- 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 (US retail exclusive - limited to 600 copies)
- opaque red with black splatter vinyl (US webstore exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- opaque white with black splatter vinyl (US 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 tracklisting:

"Out From The Asylum"
"Welcome Home"
"Sleepless Nights"
"Halloween"
"Eye Of The Witch"
"Melissa"
"Come To The Sabbath"
"Them"
"Funeral"
"Arrival"
"A Mansion In Darkness"
"The Family Ghost"
"The 7th Day Of July 1777"
"Omens"
"The Possession"
"Abigail"
"Black Horsemen"
"Insanity"

"Come To The Sabbath" (Live At Graspop):

The Fillmore tracklisting:

"Out From The Asylum"
"Welcome Home"
"Sleepless Nights"
"Eye Of The Witch"
"Halloween"
"Melissa"
"Come To The Sabbath"
"Them"
"Funeral"
"Arrival"
"A Mansion In Darkness"
"The Family Ghost"
"The 7th Day Of July 1777"
"Omens"
"The Possession"
"Abigail"
"Black Horsemen"
"Insanity"

"Sleepless Nights" (Live At The Fillmore) video:

Metallica performed at  Golden 1 Center in sacramento, CA on December 7th. Pro-shot video of "The Shortest Straw" from the band's ...And Justice For All album can be viewed below.

Metallica performed the Kill 'Em All album track "No Remorse" during their December 5th concert at Moda Center in Portland, OR. Professionally-filmed video can be seen below:

Below you can watch Metallica perform "Fight Fire With Fire" at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, UT on November 30th, and "Seek & Destroy" at Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA on December 2nd:

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.

Legend Of The Bone Carver, the second album from Pyramaze will be reissued on CD, digital and for the first time on vinyl on February 15th in Europe and North America via Inner Wound Recordings.

The reissue includes an extended 16 page booklet that features album history written by Pyramaze guitarist and founder Michael Kammeyer. The CD and digital editions also includes the bonus track "Flame And Retribution" that was originally only included on the Japanese edition of the album.

Michael Kammeyer comments:

"Dear fans of Pyramaze and all things metal: our highly praised concept album Legend of the Bone Carver is up for a re-issue. Originally released back in 2006 to great acclaim, the album was dubbed by genre fans as one of the best concept albums in fantasy metal. Now almost 13 years later our album has found a new home with Inner Wound Recordings of Sweden. This release also means that ALL Pyramaze albums, both old and new, are finally under one roof with the very passionate crew at Inner Wound. The re-issue features a re-worked booklet, insightful album history and a bonus track. This should be a real treat for any Pyramaze fan. While I myself am no longer an active member of Pyramaze, I still follow the guys closely as a friend and fan of the new releases. I'm also still handling the business decisions regarding the three first albums, and this release has been in the making between myself, Pyramaze and Inner Wound Recordings for quite some time. Finally it's a reality and on behalf of all of us, I hereby announce that Legend of the Bone Carver 2.0 will be out in Europe and North America (digital worldwide) on February 15th, 2019. Metal greetings and Merry Christmas (God Jul)."

Legend Of The Bone Carver album synopsis:

Close your eyes and picture an epic novel-like tale from start to finish. An original story centering on the classic tale of good vs. evil – of unspeakable horror consuming all that is good in a realm of Tolkien-like proportions, and a prayer that brings a mystical young hope of unknown origin to the world. Will this young innocent soul be able to help against the massive upheaval and chaos? You'll have to hear the album in its entirety to know the whole story and find out what the LEGEND OF THE BONE CARVER is all about! 

Legend Of The Bone Carver was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe, Evergrey).

Tracklisting:

“Era Of Chaos”
“The Birth”
“What Lies Beyond”
“Ancient Words Within”
“Souls In Pain”
“She Who Summoned Me”
“The Bone Carver”
“Bring Back Life”
“Blood Red Skies”
“Tears Of Hate”
“Flame And Retribution” (bonus track)

Legend Of The Bone Carver lineup:
Lance King - Vocals
Michael Kammeyer - Guitars
Toke Skjønnemand - Guitars
Morten Gade Sørensen - Drums
Jonah Weingarten - Keyboards
Niels Kvist - Bass

Spokane, WA-based metal band, Enterprise Earth, have released a video for the new track called “He Exists”.

"The evil we perceive in this world is a mere reflection of our inner darkness," says vocalist Dan Watson. "We are the architects of evil as it is projected upon the landscape of our reality. The Devil exists. He exists in us all."

Enterprise Earth will release Luciferous, their third LP, on April 5th via Entertainment One (eOne) / Good Fight Music. The band completed work on Luciferous this summer with producer Jason Suecof (The Black Dahlia Murder, White Chapel, Job For A Cowboy, Carnifex) and are eager to get music into the hands of their fans.

Watson continues, "After following our natural progressions as musicians and as people 'Luciferous' came to life. It’s our strongest, most mature release to date and signifies a rebirth while retaining all of the elements of our past. We’re extremely proud of this release and can’t wait to unleash it upon the world."

Pre-order the new album here.

Tracklisting:

"Behold, Malevolence"
"Sleep Is For The Dead"
"He Exists"
"Scars Of The Past"
"Ashamed To Be Human"
"Requiem"
"The Failsafe Fallacy"
"Infernal Suffering"
"Luciferous"
"Nightfallen"
"We Are Immortal"
"There Is No Tomorrow"

Enterprise Earth was founded in 2014 by ex-Infant Annihilator vocalist Dan Watson and ex-Takeover guitarist BJ Sampson. Taking their name from a confluence of Illuminati and other conspiracy theories, the band released their a debut EP titled XXIII and a full length, Patient Ø, in 2015. Patient Ø featured Oceano vocalist Adam Warren and debuted at number five on Billboard's Heatseekers/Top New Artist Chart. Last year the band released Embodiment, their second LP and have since shared the stage with Chelsea Grin, Whitechapel, and Winds of Plague with a highlighted appearance on the 2016 Summer Slaughter Tour.

Tarja Turunen (ex-Nightwish) has released an unboxing video for the limited box set edition of her album, From Spirits And Ghosts. Watch below.

The limited box set includes: CD Digipak, Graphic Novel, 3 x Christmas Ornaments, 5 x Postcards.

One year after its initial release, it now comes in a carefully assembled box set - including Christmas ornaments and additional goodies. The album contains eleven traditional Christmas songs that through Tarja’s classically-trained vocals and dark Gothic influences are brought on an entirely new level.

Order a copy here.

Italian metallers, Elvenking, have signed a new multi-album record deal with AFM Records, which is good news for both the artist and the label. The band has had a relationship with AFM Records dating back to 2000. Now, after such a long period, the artist renewed the contract for a successive third time, joining artists including Evergrey, Danko Jones, Gus G., Brothers Of Metal, U.D.O. and Danzig on AFM's roster.

While celebrating this event with a special award for more than 80,000 albums sold, the band is already in rehearsal sessions for a follow-up album to their 2017 output, Secrets Of The Magick Grimoire.

Aydan and Damna state: "We are very happy to celebrate our 18th year at AFM Records with a brand new multi-album contract! We had different options and offers on the table, but when AFM came up with their new deal and the will to work with us and yet give us an even greater support, we couldn't ask for more. A dedicated and trustful team that is with us since we were kids - that helped us start and create what is the band nowadays - couldn't be more entitled in this new important phase of our career. We are now more focused than ever and we, together with AFM, are ready to unleash the best and strongest version of Elvenking. We are working on a new album which will be part of a wider idea we are currently developing day by day. We have previously never done something like this and we are damn sure the new songs will excite you as they are exciting us. Cheers to another 18 years of METAL!!!"

Progressive power metallers, Blind Guardian, have re-released three more classic titles from their back catalogue. The remixed and remastered versions of Imaginations From The Other Side, Nightfall In Middle-Earth and A Night At The Opera are out now on 2CD digipack and 2LP gatefold vinyl format, in a variety of limited edition colours.

Singer Hansi Kürsch comments: "So great that Imaginations From The Other Side, Nightfall In Middle-Earth and A Night At The Opera will finally be re-released on vinyl and as limited-edition CDs. I really love the bonus material for each album. Always great to re-visit these albums. Have fun."

The band recently launched the official documentary series, A Night At The Opera Revisited, with Part 2 now available. Watch two segments below:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Order the reissues here.

Imaginations From The Other Side (1995), remixed 2011/2012,  remastered 2012

- 2 CD-DIGI (remixed/remastered CD+original CD)
- LP in gatefold

Tracklisting:

"Imaginations From The Other Side"
"I’m Alive"
"A Past And Future Secret"
"The Script For My Requiem"
"Mordred’s Song"
"Born In A Mourning Hall"
"Bright Eyes"
"Another Holy War"
"And The Story Ends"

Bonus:
"The Wizard"
"System’s Failing"

Imaginations Revisited Documentary, Part 1:

Imaginations Revisited Documentary, Part 2:

Nightfall In Middle-Earth (1998), remixed 2011/2012,  remastered 2012

- 2 CD-DIGI (remixed/remastered CD + original CD)
- LP in gatefold

Tracklisting:

"War Of Wrath"
"Into The Storm"
"Lammoth"
"Nightfall"
"The Minstrel"
"The Curse Of Feanor"
"Captured"
"Blood Tears"
"Mirror Mirror"
"Face The Truth"
"Noldor (Dead Winter Reigns)"
"Battle Of Sudden Flames"
"Time Stands Still (At The Iron Hill)"
"The Dark Elf"
"Thorn"
"The Eldar"
"Nom The Wise"
"When Sorrow Sang"
"Out On The Water"
"The Steadfast"
"A Dark Passage"
"Final Chapter (Thus Ends…)"

Bonus:
"Doom"
"The Tides Of War"

Nightfall In Middle-Earth Revisited Documentary, Part 1:

Nightfall In Middle-Earth Revisited Documentary, Part 2:

A Night At The Opera (2002), remixed 2011/2012,  remastered 2012

- 2CD-DIGI (remixed/remastered CD+original CD)
- LP in gatefold

Tracklisting:

"Precious Jerusalem"
"Battlefield"
"Under The Ice"
"Sadly Sings Destiny"
"The Maiden And The Minstrel Knight"
"Wait For An Answer"
"The Soulforged"
"Age Of False Innocence"
"Punishment Divine"
"And Then There Was Silence"

Bonus:
"Age Of False Innocence" (demo)
"Under The Ice" (demo)

"Recently we re-released a 10th Anniversary edition CD of the classic, Homewreckers & Heartbreakers, as well as performing the whole show at the 02 Kentish Forum to a sold out crowd," states a message from The Quireboys.

"The CD sold out in record time and is now Gold Dust to get a hold of, however we have been inundated with people asking us to release it on vinyl with the original artwork cover. Well, it's Xmas and we've given in to everyone's demands, so as its the 10th anniversary of this amazing piece of music, we will be doing a limited run of 500 only, which can only be booked via Off Yer Rocka Recordings or on the road with the band.

"This will be a classic cut of 180 gram quality vinyl with deep groove to guarantee the classic vinyl rumble sound, white poly inners and 10th anniversary edition artwork. As we mentioned there will be 500 only, a one off run. If you want one, I would jump on it fast as they will be collectors items the minute we put them on sale."

Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

Side A
"Love This Dirty Town"
"Mona Lisa Smiled"
"Louder"
"Hello"
"Blackwater"

Side B
"Fear Within The Lie"
"One For The Road"
"Late Night Saturday Call"
"Hall Of Shame"
"Take A Look At Yourself"
"Josephine"

The Quireboys will release their new album, Amazing Disgrace, on February 8th. Grab a pre-order, along with some exclusive items, via the just launched PledgeMusic campaign.

Catch The Quireboys at the following shows:

December
13 - Waterfront - Unplugged Sessions - Norwich, United Kingdom
14 - Duffy's Bar - Unplugged Sessions - Leicester, United Kingdom
15 - The Craufurd Arms - Unplugged Sessions - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
16 - The Live Rooms - Unplugged Sessions - Wrexham, United Kingdom
20 - Fibbers - Unplugged Sessions - York, United Kingdom
21 - Joiners - Unplugged Sessions - Southampton, United Kingdom
22 - Corporation - Sheffield, United Kingdom
23 - The Fleece - Unplugged Sessions - Bristol, United Kingdom

German metal band, Metal Inquisitor, will release their new album, Panopticon, on January 18th via Massacre Records. Listen to the single, "Beyond Nightmares", below.

The album will be available as limited edition CD digipak as well as limited vinyl LP. It was mixed at Gates Of Dawn Studio, and mastered at HOFA-Studios. Dimitar Nikolov created the cover artwork, which is available below along with the tracklisting.

On their new album, Metal Inquisitor keep on doing it the traditional way, without ignoring the zeitgeist. A first digital single from the new album will be released in mid-December.

Tracklisting:

"Free Fire Zone"
"Change Of Front"
"Beyond Nightmares"
"Trial By Combat"
"Shock Tactics"
"Re-Sworn The Oath"
"Scent Of Fear"
"War Of The Priests"
"Discipline And Punish"

"Beyond Nightmares":

(Photo - Maily Fernandez)

Tomorrow, Friday, December 14th, Mercyful Fate will release LP reissues of the classic albums 9, Dead Again, and Into The Unknown via Metal Blade Records. Listen to 9 in its entirety below.

Available as 180g picture discs, these exclusive editions can be purchased here.

"You can spiral yourself into darkness with these classic Mercyful Fate albums, or you can exhibit them on your wall like I will. Either way, enjoy." - King Diamond

9 tracklisting:

Side A
"Last Rites"
"Church Of Saint Anne"
"Sold My Soul"
"House On The Hill"
"Burn In Hell"

Side B
"The Grave"
"Insane"
"Kiss The Demon"
"Buried Alive"
"9"

Dead Again tracklisting:

Side A
"Torture (1629)"
"The Night"
"Since Forever"

Side B
"The Lady Who Cries"
"Banshee"
"Mandrake"

Side C
"Sucking Your Blood"
"Dead Again"

Side D
"Fear"
"Crossroads"

Into The Unknown tracklisting:

Side A
"Lucifer"
"The Uninvited Guest"
"The Ghost Of Change"
"Listen To The Bell"
"Fifteen Men (And A Bottle Of Rum)"

Side B
"Into The Unknown"
"Under The Spell"
"Deadtime"
"Holy Water"
"Kutulu (The Mad Arab Part Two)"