STRYPER guitarist Oz Fox has been hospitalized after reportedly "falling down" during his guest appearance at SIN CITY SINNERS concert Saturday night (August 11) at Harrah's in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The news of Oz's illness was broken by SIN CITY SINNERS' Jason Green, who wrote on his Facebook page: "If you believe in a higher power or even if you don't, please send Oz Fox some positive vibes and prayers tonight. At the end of tonight's SIN CITY SINNERS show, Oz fell down due to a medical condition. Scotty went with him to the hospital and Oz's wife is there with him now. I'm told Oz is responsive and has good vitals. I will leave any other announcements or updates to Oz and his family, but I have been receiving several messages asking what happened. I performed with Oz earlier in the night, but was not there at the time of the incident. Oz is one of the kindest people and dearest friends anyone could ask for."

Oz's wife, Annie Lobért, confirmed that the guitarist has been hospitalized, writing on Facebook late last night: "Major emergency prayer request! If you are up, please agree with me in prayer for healing for my husband. Oz Fox hospital emergency! Jesus, please help us!"

A few hours later, STRYPER checked in with a Facebook post, writing: "We received news this morning that Oz fell while on stage in Las Vegas last night. We're still getting information on what happened and why so we appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we wait to receive more information. We will keep you all posted. Thank you."

Fox and Lobért, a former prostitute and the founder of nonprofit organization Hookers For Jesus, made headlines in 2009 when they were married in a Las Vegas, Nevada ceremony broadcast live via the web.

Fox, who is also a devout Christian, told the Las Vegas Sun that STRYPER faced a lot of difficulties back in the '80s when the group was first formed. "Being in a Christian heavy metal band, you have the opposition from both sides — the Christian and the mainstream," he said. "It's hard to please certain people when they think you can't mix Christianity and heavy metal together — or the image. Back in the day, it was spandex pants and Aquanet and face-makeup that made you look perfect. To a lot of Christians that was an abomination to God. On the other hand, on the mainstream side, they heard that we were Christian and they'd look at us and say, 'These guys can't be any good."

35 years after its inception in Orange County, California, STRYPER has spent the last several months touring behind a new album, "God Damn Evil".

The band is scheduled to kick off a short tour of Australia later this month, to be followed by two shows in Japan.

Major emergency prayer request! If you are up please agree with me in prayer for healing for my husband. Oz Fox Hospital emergency! Jesus please help us!Posted by Annie Lobert on Sunday, August 12, 2018

Hello everyone,

We received news this morning that Oz fell while on stage in Las Vegas last night. We’re still getting...Posted by Stryper on Sunday, August 12, 2018

Fan-filmed video footage of EXIT EDEN's August 2 performance at the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany can be seen below.

Amanda Somerville was unable to join her EXIT EDEN bandmates at Wacken because she was looking after her recently born twins.

She wrote after the gig: "So proud of my EXIT EDEN ladies making things even hotter at Wacken Open Air! Sorry I couldn't be there with everyone on stage, but my heart still beats along!"

EXIT EDEN is the all-female four-piece ensemble featuring Somerville, Clémentine Delauney, Marina La Torraca and Anna Brunner.

EXIT EDEN's debut album, "Rhapsodies In Black", was released in August 2017 via Napalm Records (worldwide excluding Germany, Switzerland and Austria, where it was made available via Starwatch). The disc was described in a press release as "a colorful mix of international super hits from Rihanna to Madonna, from DEPECHE MODE to Adele."

Who the musicians are:


Amanda Somerville: Amanda is a rock-solid authority of the music scene, both as a solo artist and sharing success and the stage with bands like AVANTASIA, EPICA and KAMELOT. Though her American roots are based in pop and rock, she fell in love with the metal scene and made it her home. She has toured with Alice Cooper, Ian Gillan and many more legends with her commanding voice and fronts the projects TRILLIUM and KISKE SOMERVILLE (with HELLOWEEN icon Michael Kiske). All of this, combined with her wide range of experience, grants her a unique edge and a permanent address in the metal world.


Anna Brunner: A natural talent, Anna began singing at a very young age. As a daughter of a German father and an American mother, she grew up bilingual and founded her first rock band as a teenager. Due to a music study that lead her through different parts of the world, she garnered a multitude of experience and it became crystal clear to her: music has to rock — and vocals need to be emotional — just like a passionate scream.


Marina La Torraca: Hailing from Brazil, Marina was born with rhythm in her blood. As the auspicious frontwoman of several metal bands since the age of 15, her path led her to Europe, where she got to perform with AVANTASIA and to found her up-and-coming band PHANTOM ELITE. Since having studied musical theater in New York, the versatile singer and actress can also be seen internationally in musical productions, including the German tour of the Broadway hit "Rent". For her, being close to the crowd is what counts — no problem for her and her natural convincing character.


Clémentine Delauney: Clémentine was born near Paris. She has been a multi talent since her childhood days — no matter if she was dancing, playing the piano or singing, she enchanted her audience. At the age of 16, she joined her first metal band. She is currently fronting symphonic metal outfit VISIONS OF ATLANTIS and also worked with SERENITY and MELTED SPACE. Another one of her career highlights is her participation on Kai Hansen's (HELLOWEEN, GAMMA RAY) first solo album, released in 2016. Thus, Clémentine has carved her way into being one of the great performers of the scene.

The official lyric video for "Missin' Yo' Kissin'" from ZZ TOP legend Billy F Gibbons can be seen below. The song is taken from his second-ever solo effort, "The Big Bad Blues", which will be released on September 21 via Concord Records. This is the follow-up to his acclaimed 2015 Afro-Cuban-flavored solo album "Perfectamundo".

"The Big Bad Blues", as the title suggests, focuses on Gibbons's lifelong love of the blues and rock and roll, showcasing the blues-influenced vocals and guitar licks that have together served as the foundation for his numerous hits over the past five decades. The album features 11 tracks balancing some classic covers like "Rollin' And Tumblin'" and "Standing Around Crying", along with some of Billy's signature new blues originals.

"We successfully made our way through those uncharted waters with the Cubano flavor of 'Perfectamundo' and completed the journey," says Gibbons in distinguishing "The Big Bad Blues" from its predecessor. "The shift back to the blues is a natural. It's something which our followers can enjoy with the satisfaction of experiencing the roots tradition and, at the same time, feeling the richness of stretching the art form."

Gibbons, of course, has long been one of the most important and influential artists to emerge from the blues traditions, carrying it forward in a career honored by his 2004 induction, with ZZ TOP, into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. As he notes, he was blues-influenced "right from the beginning — and it's never let up."

"There's something very primordial within the art form," he says. "Nobody gets away from the infectious allure of those straight-ahead licks!"

He notes it would take many hours just to scratch the surface surrounding this enduring love affair: "I suspect Jimmy Reed did me in early on. The inventiveness of that high and lonesome sound remains solid and stridently strong to this day. We could go on to mention the lineup of usual suspects, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy, all three Kings [B.B., Albert and Freddie]. The lengthy list of champions are forever carved in stone."

After the success of "Perfectamundo", Concord Records president John Burk expressed his intent on following up with another artistic offering with a more familiar, bluesy kind of content. "Billy has an incredibly deep knowledge of the great blues tradition and has carried that tradition forward in his music throughout his incredible career. Therefore, it seemed natural to do a project that centered on his musical roots, and the music that so inspired him from the very beginning."

Gibbons remarked, "We were delighted to follow suit: It's steeped in the tradition of 'BFG meets blues giants' with an adventurous expression to keep it fresh."

BFG and Burk met in an underground parking garage of a favorite Hollywood bistro from the comforts of JB's top-down ride, playing some tracks, LOUD, with the music bouncing off the walls beneath a couple floors of raw concrete."… Gibbons got the nod. He and his "greasy" gang of unbridled players were delivering the goods.

"From deep in the heart of Texas, our Hammond organ specialist, Mr. Mike Flanigin, stepped forward and accepted the invitation to step from the B3 bench to take on the task of pounding the ivory 88s," says Gibbons, adding, "Great piano stuff from Mike 'The Drifter' Flanigin.

"Master of the Fender Bass-guitar, Joe Hardy lent his low-down sound with his fearless funkiness, SO fine!

"Also, in the mash-up mix, the man-with-the-backbeat-plan, Greg Morrow. G keeps the skins alive and kickin'. And while we're on that backbeat thang…

"Matt Sorum steps forward with his super-syncopation, thrashing the skins like no buddies business.

"Alabama–come-California soulster Austin Hanks, roughs up the riffs with his left-handed six-string electric. Have mercy!"

Gibbons himself shares the harmonica chops with James Harman who has appeared over the years doin' that Mississippi-sounding thing. "James is the fastidiously fierce follower of the real deal when it comes to blowing' the harp.

"As for the album content, check it out… Hey now!

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue," he says. "It's no secret there are several favorites from the way-back starting with not one, but two, from the Bo Diddley catalog ['Bring It To Jerome' and 'Crackin' Up']. We dusted off an old Gretsch Duo-Jet guitar which put it squarely with that infamous Bo Diddley sound. Once covered, we made way into another side — a much earlier number from Muddy Waters, 'Standing Around Crying'. The ragged edges with the meanness of James's bad self on harp seemed to fit the bill to enter the lineup."

As for favorites, Gibbons notes, "'Missin' Yo' Kissin' is a gift from Miz Gibbons. She knows what girls want and laid it out cold. And 'Second Line' is a definite throwback to many good days and nights down New Orleans way.

"Other tracks on 'The Big Bad Blues' are easy pickin', sayin' it all. It's a street affair."

Track listing (all songs by Billy F Gibbons except where noted):

01. Missin' Yo' Kissin' (Gilly Stillwater)

02. My Baby She Rocks

03. Second Line

04. Standing Around Crying (Muddy Waters)

05. Let The Left Hand Know…

06. Bring It To Jerome (Jerome Green)

07. That's What She Said

08. Mo' Slower Blues

09. Hollywood 151

10. Rollin' And Tumblin' (Muddy Waters)

11. Crackin' Up (Bo Diddley)

DEF LEPPARD singer Joe Elliott joined Billy Joel on stage last night (Friday, August 10) at Boston's Fenway Park to perform his band's classic song "Pour Some Sugar On Me". Fan-filmed video footage of Joe's appearance can be seen below.

DEF LEPPARD and JOURNEY will play Fenway Park tonight as part of their massive North American tour. The trek, which kicked off in May in Hartford, will run through October 6, when it wraps up at the Forum in Los Angeles.

In a 2015 interview with SPIN, Elliott spoke about DEF LEPPARD's influence on contemporary pop music. He said: "I notice when it's pointed out to me, because I honestly don't listen to much pop radio. But when I am made aware of it, or just happen to be listening to whatever radio station my friend is tuned to in their car, it's, like, 'Whoa, that sounds a bit like we could've done it.' I started becoming aware of our influence in pop music about 15 years ago when Pink did a radio show with us, and she was standing on the side of the stage singing every word. I was like, well okay, she's a fan. [Laughs] We have people like Jewel or John Mayer or the guys in MAROON 5, all of whom are huge fans. It wasn't just RATT and POISON we were a part of…. [now] all of a sudden you've got Lady Gaga coming out and saying, 'I fucking love DEF LEPPARD,' and we had Taylor Swift wanting to work with us six or seven years ago when she was first kicking off."

He continued: "You are aware of it, and it's flattering, but I think it's down to the fact that we've always been more pop than metal, much to the annoyance of the metal press and metal fans. We were never DIO or ANTHRAX or JUDAS PRIEST… We've always been about [blending] that kind of quirkiness that QUEEN had with the power of AC/DC. It's something we've always felt was kind of our blueprint. So I absolutely hear it in pop because that's essentially who we were. DEF LEPPARD became popular not through being a rock band like [LED] ZEPPELIN or [BLACK] SABBATH. We became popular because our singles were on 'American Bandstand' between KOOL & THE GANG and Michael Jackson. We were the white rock band from the U.K. that people were like, 'What? How did they infiltrate the Top Ten?' And it was because we had these infectious melodies. We weren't afraid of singing about relationships or love, which is something that metal would never do. We were never [singing about] dungeons and dragons. We never will be."



Joe stopped by for a surprise visit at @billyjoel's show last night in Boston! pic.twitter.com/5dq6Rv2HT3— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) August 11, 2018

Former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Howard Jones made a surprise appearance during the band's concert earlier tonight (Friday, August 10) at the O2 Arena in London, England, dueting with current KILLSWITCH frontman Jesse Leach on the group's classic song "The End Of Heartache". Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

After the show, Leach wrote in an Instagram post: "Nothing but respect for my dude Howard. It was rad to share the stage with him tonight and hear him belt out 'End Of Heartache'! What a voice! (Update: I convinced him to come back tomorrow and do it AGAIN!) If you haven't already, you need to check out his killer band @lightthetorchband huge sing along and heavy riffs with those soaring melodies from my man Howard! Really happy to finally become good friends and keep in touch with him after all of these years."

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE is currently touring Europe as the support act for IRON MAIDEN.

Leach appeared on KILLSWITCH's self-titled debut and sophomore album, "Alive Or Just Breathing", before exiting the band. Jones took over on vocals for "The End of Heartache", "As Daylight Dies" and the 2009 self-titled set before being dismissed from the group six years ago.


Jones is currently the frontman of LIGHT THE TORCH, which recently released its debut album, "Revival", after issuing two efforts under its previous name, DEVIL YOU KNOW.

Howard recently recorded a guest appearance on a new KILLSWITCH track, to be included on the band's next album. Leach revealed that he wrote the lyrics to the track several months ago "with Howard in mind and our connection through our similar mental illnesses." He explained: "I mean, now that I've hung with this guy a few times, it's 'crazy' (pun intended) how similar we are. We are brothers in metal, anxiety, hardcore music, love of medicinal marijuana and fighting depression.

"We may be very different-sounding voices, but, in truth, we are similar in many ways in our minds," he added.

Jesse went on to say that the song's lyrics are "about keeping hope in dark times and helping out those in need."

Leach, who has previously blamed his exit from KILLSWITCH in 2002 on his battle with depression, said that he planned "on using this song to help continue to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Both Howard and I have a very strong outspoken stance on the subject and I will use this to help with the cause," he said.

Fan-filmed video footage of JASTA, the solo band of HATEBREED frontman Jamey Jasta, performing a cover version of FEAR FACTORY's "Replica" on August 9 at the Brutal Assault festival in Jaromer, Czech Republic can be seen below.

Jasta's solo band for the current European tour includes FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares, former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and current LIGHT THE TORCH singer Howard Jones and CROWBAR frontman Kirk Windstein.

Prior to the trek's launch, Dino said in a statement: "It's a honor that Jamey Jasta asked me to be a part of the JASTA AND FRIENDS 'European Vacation' tour as well as performing at Jasta's birthday show on August 7th in Wallingford, Connecticut. Playing alongside Howard Jones, Kirk Windstein and Jasta will be honor and fun as hell. Hope to see you all out there."

This past May, Jasta released a new solo song titled "13 Appears". The track featured guest appearances by PRONG mainman Tommy Victor and guitarist Joey Concepcion, who has previously played with SANCTUARY, THE ABSENCE and ARMAGEDDON.

"13 Appears" was the first new solo Jasta song to be released since "Chasing Demons", which was made available last year. That track featured guest vocals from Jones.

Back in 2016, FEAR FACTORY completed a U.S. headlining tour during which it performed its classic second album, "Demanufacture", in its entirety.

FEAR FACTORY's latest album, "Genexus", was released in August 2015 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

Strapping Young Lad founder Devin Townsend recently decided to "take a break" from the Devin Townsend Project. Following his announcement that he had put the Devin Townsend Project on indefinite hiatus, two members of DTP teamed up with a couple of members of Townsend's former group, Strapping Young Lad, to form a new band, Imonolith. Joining drummer Ryan Van Poederooyen and guitarist Brian "Beav" Waddell (who played bass in DTP) are bassist Byron Stroud, second guitarist Jed Simon and vocalist Jon Howard.

The band has checked in with the following update:

"Sorry for the lack of posts, we've been busy guys. Here is some various outtake footage of Imonolith singer, Jon Howard, recording vocals for the song, 'The Reign'.

Jon's singing throughout the Imonolith material is very versatile, as you will all soon here. There is actually a tonne of melody in Imonolith's music. 'The Reign' is one of the heaviest tracks on the upcoming album. When it comes to vocals in Imonolith, you can expect a lot of melody, clean singing, screaming and everything in between. Jon definitely gets to showcase his wide range of vocal talent in Imonolith.

For this particular video clip, we're keeping it heavy... stay posted for more Imonolith music and news soon!"

A message from the band:

"'The Reign' is about how society can negatively influence the mass majority. Life is all about living it your own way and not trying to be someone you're not. Be yourself. This may be an aggressive and heavy sounding song, but it has a positive underlying message.

This is just ONE side to Imonolith's overall sound. 'The Reign' represents part of the heavier side of our music. On the flip side, you can expect a lot of melody (vocally and instrumentally), with vocal hooks, memorable guitar riffs and creative, plotting rhythms throughout our music. Imonolith was based and built off of being versatile. Stay posted for more music to come soon!

Thanks as always for your awesome support!"

Band lineup:

Jon Howard (Threat Signal) - vocals
Jed Simon (Vimic, Strapping Young Lad, Scar The Martyr) - guitar
Brian "Beav" Waddell (Devin Townsend Project) - guitar
Byron Stroud (Strapping Young Lad) - bass
Ryan Van Poederooyen (Devin Townsend Project) - drums

Just before the official release of Voluptuous Worship Of Rapture And Response; enjoy one last mouthful of bludgeoning, blackened Rebel Wizard. Get “Drunk on the wizdom of unicorn semen” below.

“Shot within the Wizards home of Sherbrooke Forest. We catch a rare glimpse of the Wizard drunk of his astrals on Unicorn semen during one of his daily rambles. Filmed by high priest video alchemist DLA-ALM. Watch the wretched negative metal Shaman waste his time off his chops on thy unicorns majestical mayonnaise because what the fuck else you going to do? Praise be to the Mountain Ash!” states NKSV on the making of the official music video. 

On the meaning and making of this magically brutal concoction; NKSV shares “The knowledge of all things is found after drinking 75 liters of unicorn semen. Then you will know everything. Everything. But what of it? Then what? You would most probably be an annoying buffoon. I most certainly will find you repulsive. Everyone will. Those who find you interesting should be melted. It's a great song for high kicks and really should be played whilst rolling skating or segwaying off a unicorn. Large epic thighs around your head. It's the theme song for life right now.”

On the forthcoming new album titled Voluptuous Worship Of Rapture And Response, Rebel Wizard masterfully captures fantasy and ferocity, spanning the gamut of artfully selected metal influence while simultaneously bulldozing limits with mind bending guitar virtuosity and adrenalized melodies. Each song is a unique state-altering experience, equal parts terrifying and utterly mesmerizing.

Descend into the underworld of extreme metal sorcery with the first album track, “The prophecy came and it was soaked with the common fools forboding”, streaming below.

Voluptuous Worship Of Rapture And Response will be released on August 17th via Prosthetic Records and will be available on all Digital Platforms, Compact Disc and Limited Unicorn Semen Edition LP. Pre-order here.

Voluptuous Worship Of Rapture And Response tracklisting:

"Persisting as it does"
"The prophecy came and it was soaked with the common fools forboding"
"High mastery of the woeful arts"
"Drunk on the wizdom of unicorn semen"
"The poor and ridiculous alchemy of Christ and Lucifer and us all"
"Mother Nature, oh my sweet mistress, showed me the other worlds and it was just fallacy"
"Majestic mystical burdens"
"Healing the chakras with heavy negative wizard metal"
"Voluptuous Worship Of Rapture And Response"
"Exhaustive glory"

"Drunk on the wisdom of unicorn semen":

“The poor and ridiculous alchemy of Christ and Lucifer and us all”:

"The prophecy came and it was soaked with the common fools forboding":

Germany-based neo-classical power metallers Eternity’s End featuring members of Necrophagist, Symphony X, Obscura, Hibria, First Fragment and Alkaloid are back to record their second album.

Unyielding will be the follow up to the internationally acclaimed 2016 debut, The Fire Within. This album features several line-up changes for the band, most notably Brazilian vocalist Iuri Sanson (ex-Hibria) and the addition of second guitarist and songwriter Phil Tougas (First Fragment), as well as bassist Mike LePond (Symphony X). Still on board are original guitarist Christian Muenzner, keyboardist Jimmy Pitts and drummer Hannes Grossmann. The album will feature 10 songs of technical, speedy and catchy power metal with a strong emphasis on intense riffing, huge choruses, over the top solo duels and harmony leads and the neoclassicisms found on the debut album. 

The album is set to be mixed and mastered in September at Powerhouse Studios in Hamburg by Piet Sielck (Iron Savior). A crowdfunding campaign to help finance the production has been launched. Perks include guest solos offered, digital tabs for both albums, skype guitar lessons and CD bundles.

Band founder Christian Muenzner comments: “I’m extremely happy about the new line up and how the new material turned out. As opposed to the debut album, I’m not the sole composer of the new material anymore, but wrote this album together with our new guitarist Phil Tougas. The songs for Eternity’s End have always been written for a two guitarist situation, so the addition of a second guitarist was the next logical step for this band. Phil and me share many of the same influences, besides our shared background in extreme metal we are both influenced by neoclassical guitar players like Tony MacAlpine, Vinnie Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, Bruce Bouillet, Joey Tafolla, Jason Becker, Tony Fredianelli, Michael Romeo and James Byrd among many others. We also share the love for '80s US power metal and mid to late '90s German power/speed metal, which will all be evident in the new material. 

The writing process for the new album felt very natural, in many occasions one of us had the basis for a song and the other guy would come up with the exact riff or section that was the missing link to complete the piece. Our first collaboration had been on the debut album, Dasein, of Phil’s neo-classical tech death band First Fragment, on which I guested on one of the songs, and we did intense solo trade offs and harmony leads. This worked so well that many people went 'You guys have to do more of this', so here we are. There will be many harmonized solos in the vein of Racer X and Cacophony on this album, as well as triple harmonies and three part solo trade offs with our keyboard player Jimmy Pitts, so all the guitar nerds and shred freaks should watch out for this release.

Phil and me have been fans of Iuri Sanson’s vocals since we first heard the Hibria debut album Defying The Rules many years ago, to us he is the best metal vocalist currently around. The new material is a lot more aggressive, technical and in your face than the songs of our debut album, and Iuri’s voice fits the new material just perfectly.

The contact to bassist Mike LePond from Symphony X came through our keyboard player Jimmy Pitts. We are all big fans of Symphony X and Mike plays the exact style we were looking for on the new songs, going over the top and matching the shredding skills of the guitars where needed in places and providing a solid, locked in heavy metal groove with the drums in others.

The drums will be provided once more by my long time partner in crime Hannes Grossmann with whom I have been making music since more than 15 years now. I can’t think of a more perfect match for my songs.

We faced a little bit of bad luck with the situation with our old label Power Prog for The Fire Within, but we hope to get some better promotion and distribution the second time around.”

Guitarist Phil Tougas comments: "Becoming a part of this band and helping write the album has been a surreal experience. Not just because the members all played in bands I've been worshiping for many years, but I'd say it's also mainly because of how it all came together. The moment Christian asked me to join, we simply churned out riffs non-stop, day and night, as if our lives depended on it. It was so productive that we already have song ideas for another album. Our writing styles mashed together instantly, and being given the chance to contribute full songs to the band was very fulfilling. Sure, we do share the same influences and taste and all that, but it's this drive that we all have in common as well as this unquenchable thirst to write truly empowering and epic hymns that made us into the cohesive unit that we are now. I don't see Eternity's End as a side project. There is too much passion in these riffs for this band to just be something like that. I look forward to releasing this album and playing this material live."

Check out the Crowdfunding campaign here. The Eternity's End Facebook page can be found here.

Greyhaze Records has announced the August 24th reissue of Sarcófago's The Worst on vinyl and cassette formats. The reintroduction of this classic album for the first time on vinyl and tape, complementing the already-existing CD version, comes with massive audio and visual improvements. The album's audio went through a high-quality remastering process, including audio sourced from original master tapes. The Worst's reissue also comes with an expanded visual package including previously unavailable photos from the album's photo session. The full album is streaming via the Bandcamp player below:

The Worst by Sarcofago

Originally released in 1996, Sarcófago's The Worst was to be the band's last full-length album. Despite criticism on its use of a drum machine, the album serves as a manifest of metal's elemental counter-culture stance. It was a spit in the face of the then emergent rise of canned, subpar versions of heavy music such as grunge and nu metal.

Sarcófago's The Worst is so much more than the cheap criticism it has received over the years. It is one of the most cherished offerings by the band and a clear symbol that despite attacks on its very essence, true Metal cannot be tamed or boxed into a palatable package. True metal should be wild, non-conforming, bizarre satanic noise.

Tracklisting:

“The End (Intro)”
“The Worst”
“Army Of The Damned (The Prozac’s Generation)”
“God Bless The Whores”
“Plunged In Blood”
“Satanic Lust”
“The Necrophiliac”
“Shave Your Heads”
“Purification Process”

“God Bless The Whores”:

The Magpie Salute release their debut studio album High Water I today via Eagle Rock Entertainment (US), Mascot Label Group (Europe/Australia/New Zealand) and Sony (Japan). Fans can order the album via the band’s online store here.

The band performed stripped back versions of the album cuts "Send Me An Omen", "High Water", and "Can You See" at Planet Rock. Watch the videos below:

Produced by Rich Robinson and recorded at Dark Horse Studios in Nashville, TN, the 12-song High Water I represents a musical union of swaggering rock ‘n’ roll, psychedelic blues, and campfire-worthy storytelling that first took flight in 2016 when Robinson assembled the band for a now seminal Woodstock gig. The group went on to sell out four consecutive nights at The Gramercy in New York City in January 2017 chronicled with a historic Guitar Player cover featuring the two six-stringers. By the top of 2018, the band delivered a total of 77 seismic sets worldwide comprised of a 170-song repertoire of covers, Black Crowes’ tunes, and solo material. A second new studio album High Water II will be released in 2019. Details to come on that at a later date.

High Water I tracklisting:

“Mary The Gypsy”
“High Water”
“Send Me An Omen”
“For The Wind”
“Sister Moon”
“Color Blind”
“Take It All”
“Walk On Water”
“Hand In Hand”
“You Found Me”
“Can You See”
“Open Up”

“Sister Moon”:

The Magpie Salute are: Rich Robinson, Marc Ford, John Hogg, Sven Pipien, Matt Slocum and Joe Magistro.

(Photo - David McLister)

Four albums into their career, Swedish melodic metallers AMARANTHE have racked up north of 118 million YouTube views and half a billion song streams, have landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart three times, and possess a panoply of gold and platinum discs for albums and singles alike.


With its electrifying fifth album "Helix" due out October 19 through Spinefarm Records and armed with new singer Nils Molin, AMARANTHE takes another leap forward in its sonic evolution.


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


Watch the "365" video below.


"And so the time is finally NOW! We have been itching to release this monster of a track — '365' represents the AMARANTHE sound in every conceivable way," commented guitarist Olof Mörck. "The foundation is the heaviest and most down-tuned soundscape we have produced to date, from the bone-crunching guitars and drums, all the way to the juggernaut keyboards kicking off the song. The '365' video was shot with Patric Ulleaus to perfectly counterpoint the take-no-prisoners approach of the song, undeniably demonstrating the unity and chemistry of the AMARANTHE lineup."


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


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


"Helix" track listing:

01. The Score

02. 365

03. Inferno

04. Countdown

05. Helix

06. Dream

07. GG6

08. Breakthrough Stardust

09. My Haven

10. Iconic

11. Unified

12. Momentum

In support of the new album, AMARANTHE will embark on a European tour with POWERWOLF in October and November.


AMARANTHE is:

Elize Ryd - Vocals

Henrik Englund Wilhelmsson - Screams

Nils Molin - Vocals

Olof Mörck - Guitar, Keys

Johan Andreassen - Bass

Morten Løve Sørensen - Drums

New York death metal veterans INTERNAL BLEEDING will release their sixth full-length album, "Corrupting Influence", on October 19 via Unique Leader Records. The nine-track effort was produced by the band alongside Joe Cincotta at Full Force Studios (SUFFOCATION, DEHUMANIZED) in Ronkonkoma, New York, engineered by Cincotta, and features artwork by guitarist Chris Pervelis. Every song on "Corrupting Influence" shows the bands absolute dedication to their craft and demonstrates exactly why the band have found themselves at the top of the death metal underground for more than two decades.

Featuring all of the raw, crushing, groove heavy aggression that fans have come to expect from the group, the disc sees INTERNAL BLEEDING continuing to push themselves and the sound that they help create in new and unexpected ways.

Founding guitarist Chris Pervelis commented: "'Corrupting Influence' is filled with all of the gut twisting heaviness and groove you'd expect from us, but there's also plenty of unexpected twists that take a listener to places we've never gone before. Additionally, the production is right where it should be — heavy as fuck, organic and live sounding."

Guitarist Chris McCarthy added: "I grew up as a fan of INTERNAL BLEEDING, so I put everything in my ability to make this the sickest INTERNAL BLEEDING album ever."

"Corrupting Influence" track listing:

01. Compelled To Consume

02. Corrupting Influence

03. Fatal Dependency

04. Focus

05. Surrounded From The Inside

06. Unreality

07. Litany Of Insincerity

08. Final Justice

09. The Supreme Sacrifice

To coincide with the release of "Corrupting Influence", INTERNAL BLEEDING will take part in the "Bloodletting North America Tour XII" alongside DECREPIT BIRTH, ARSIS, PYREXIA, ANGELMAKER and WITHIN DESTRUCTION.

Greek classic heavy metal thrashers Sense Of Fear have released a video for "Black Hole", featured on their debut album As The Ages Passing By…, out now via Rockshots Records. Order the album here, and watch the new clip below.

As The Ages Passing By… was recorded at Valve Studio in Thessaloniki, Greece by Stratos "Strutter" Karagiannidis (Gus G , Wardrum) with mixing and mastering done at Music Factory and Prophecy Studios in Kempten-ALLGÄU, Germany by R.D. Liapakis (Mystic Prophecy, Devil's Train) & C. Schmid. Album artwork designed and edited by Colin Marks (Nevermore, Exodus, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Kataklysm, Jeff Loomis, Xerath, Sylosis).

Tracklisting:

“Molten Core”
“Slaughter Of Innocence”
“Black Hole”
“Angel Of Steel”
“The Song Of A Nightingale”
“Torture Of Mind”
“Lord Of The World”
“Unbreached Walls”
“Sense Of Fear”
“As The Ages Passing By, Time Still Runs Against Us”

“Black Hole” video:

"Torture Of Mind" lyric video:

“Unbreached Walls” lyric video:

"Molten Core" lyric video:

“Sense Of Fear” lyric video:

Leipzig, Germany's Walking Dead On Broadway will release their third studio album, Dead Era, on September 28th via Long Branch Records. Dead Era is about twitching skeletons in the closet of history, which ultimately never were dead. Dead Era is a synonym for their musical evolution because of the deathcore roots of the band. This chapter will be closed with this album.

Pre-order Dead Era here, and watch a video for the album track "Gospel Of The Kingdom" below.

Tracklisting:

"Dead Era"
"Red Alert"
"Hostage To The Empire"
"Our Labour, Our Idol, Our Pride"
"Punish The Poor"
"Gospel Of The Kingdom"
"Song Of Courage"
"The Fire Never Lies"
"Anti-Partisan"
"Standstill"
"Dead End Utopia"
"Your God Is A Tyrant"
"Benevolent Warfare"

"Gospel Of The Kingdom" video:

"Hostage To The Empire" video:

Before the album release Walking Dead On Broadway can be seen live in Germany. The band also announced the dates of their first Japan tour, supporting Annisokay. Find the band's tour itinerary here.

Lineup:

Nils Richber - Vocals
Michael Kalusche - Guitars
Maximilian Kette - Guitars
Kevin Klemm - Bass
Stephan Hoffmann - Drums

(Photo - Michael Bomke)

Pink Floyd's "Not Now John" was released in 1983 and was the only single released from the album The Final Cut. "Not Now John" is the only song on the album with David Gilmour as the lead vocalist singing the verses and Roger Waters singing the refrains and interludes. Watch this rare video:

"One of These Days" is the opening track from Pink Floyd's 1971 album Meddle. The song is instrumental and only has one spoken/sung sentence by drummer Nick Mason, "One of these days I'm going to cut you into little pieces." This video was created the British artist and filmmaker Ian Emes who became widely known for his creative animations and for being the original animator for Pink Floyd.

Pink Floyd released "Point Me At The Sky" as their fifth UK single in 1968. The song has become one of the rarest official recordings of Pink Floyd and was not successful at the time, with it's B-side "Careful With That Axe, Eugene" becoming more popular.

Pink Floyd's "Paintbox'', written and sung by keyboardist Richard Wright, was first released in 1967 as the B-side to the single "Apples And Oranges". The promotional film was shot for a Belgian television programme. In the video, the band is miming to the song on a bridge in Brussels. This is David Gilmour's first appearance on film with Pink Floyd.

"Apples And Oranges" is the third UK single by Pink Floyd, released in 1967. It was the final song written by Syd Barrett with the group. After David Gilmour replaced Syd Barrett, the band recorded a promotional video in Belgium in a fruit market with Roger Waters lip-synching to the song.

All of the above tracks are included in The Early Years 1965–1972. Get it here.

On September 28th, Pink Floyd Records will release, for the first time on vinyl,  A Foot In The Door - The Best Of Pink Floyd, a collection of classic Pink Floyd tracks, chosen by members of the band.

Originally released in 2011 on CD only, the artwork for this compilation is the last work of long-term Floyd designer, the late Storm Thorgerson. This is the perfect Pink Floyd album for both devoted fans and those discovering their music for the very first time.

The career-spanning compilation features some of the best-known album tracks from 1967 - 1994, including the band’s first UK Top 10 single "See Emily Play", and the iconic "Wish You Were Here", "Comfortably Numb", "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and "High Hopes".

The tracks have been newly mastered for vinyl by longstanding Pink Floyd associate James Guthrie, with Joel Plante, and with lacquers cut by Bernie Grundman of Grundman Mastering in Los Angeles, California. The 2-LP version features the reinstated version of "Time", with the ringing alarm clocks at the start of the track restored, after being omitted on the CD release.

The original sleeve design, has been amended by Pink Floyd Creative Director Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis and Peter Curzon, to include alternate versions of the photographs used in the original CD version. The album package comes in a gatefold outer sleeve, with two separate printed inner bags, and is pressed on heavyweight 180-gram vinyl.  

Tracklisting:

LP1 Side A
"Hey You"
"See Emily Play"
"The Happiest Days Of Our Lives"
"Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2"
"Have A Cigar"

LP1 Side B
"Wish You Were Here"
"Time" / "Breathe" (Reprise)
"The Great Gig In The Sky"
"Money"

LP2 Side A
"Comfortably Numb"
"High Hopes"
"Learning To Fly"

LP2 Side B
"The Fletcher Memorial Home"
"Shine On You Crazy Diamond"
"Brain Damage"
"Eclipse"

MONSTER TRUCK's official lyric video for the song "Thundertruck" can be seen below.. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "True Rockers", which will be released on September 14 via Mascot Records/Mascot Label Group.

It's been two years since the mighty "Sittin' Heavy" came out and in the 18 months that followed its release, MONSTER TRUCK played over 150 shows, which included arena tours with NICKELBACK, BILLY TALENT and a European DEEP PURPLE tour. They also played with BLACK STONE CHERRY, VOLBEAT, THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT, JANE'S ADDICTION, ROB ZOMBIE and ALTER BRIDGE.


During the time on the road, the band took a recording rig on tour and songs came together for what was to become "True Rockers" and they began to send material back and forth to producer Dan Weller (SIKTH, YOUNG GUNS, ENTER SHIKARI).

"When the inspiration strikes, use it, if you're not gonna use it, you're wasting it," said singer/bassist Jon "Marv" Harvey. "As soon as you think of something could be a good song, work on it, immediately. Inspiration is so valuable." They then returned to Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, North Carolina in July 2017 to record the album.


"True Rockers" is the sound of a band letting lose and having fun. Harvey affirmed: "We want people to listen to it and have fun, have as much fun as possible." "Yeah, that's what I was gonna say too," added guitarist Jeremy Widerman. "I mean, right off the beginning of the album, you hear me scream at Marv. That just kicks off the entire vibe of the album. Us in a room, having fun, joking and yelling at each other."


The album had been put to bed but the band were still bouncing around ideas and they had the opportunity to work with award-winning producers Gavin Brown and Maia Davies on songs "Evolution", "Young City Hearts" and "Hurricane".

"We had a chance to work with some hitmakers, so we took the chance, and what came out is different than anything we have done," explained Harvey. "Gavin and Maia were fantastic to work with. It added a lot of color to the record and allowed us the opportunity to take a risk and branch out a little."


Elaborating further, Widerman added: "It almost wouldn't be a MONSTER TRUCK record if we didn't reach the supposed end of the process and then double-back to track a few extra songs in order to strengthen what was already a strong record to us."


Harvey has become a father since the last record was released and this life-changing moment had a real effect on the songwriting. Whereas "Sittin' Heavy" was a more "serious" record, "True Rockers" is the sound of a band letting loose and having fun. Harvey affirmed: "We want people to listen to it and have fun, have as much fun as possible."


This is the essence that is pumping through "True Rockers", a band that formed only for fun back in 2009 have toured the world because they connect with their fans who want that from them.

Upon the release of "True Rockers", they will be three albums in and are steamrolling through the world picking up people along the way that want that wild ride and its feels like they are only just getting started.


Widerman added: "Looking back to the beginning, I think, in a way, I knew it, I really did. Within the first couple of rehearsals we ever did. I always think back to how I knew this was something different to anything else I'd ever done. It was weird because I had to manage how excited I was. We all agreed that this wasn't gonna be a band that signs a record deal and goes on tour. I was, like, 'Holy shit! This is better than anything I've ever done before. How am I going to convince these guys to go with it?'"

"True Rockers" track listing:

01. True Rocker (feat. Dee Snider)

02. Thundertruck

03. Evolution

04. Devil Don't Care

05. Being Cool Is Over

06. Young City Hearts

07. Undone

08. In My Own World

09. Denim Danger

10. Hurricane

11. The Howlin'

Mirrors For Psychic Warfare, the industrial collaboration between Neurosis' Scott Kelly and Buried At Sea's Sanford Parker, will unleash their second chapter of sonic anxiety this fall via Neurot Recordings. Titled I See What I Became, the follow-up to the duo's 2016's critically-lauded, self-titled debut was produced by Seward Fairbury (Corrections House) and Negative Soldier, mastered by Collin Jordan (Eyehategod, Indian, Wovenhand, Voivod) with decibel manipulation by Dave French (Brothers Of The Sonic Cloth, The Anunnaki), and comes swathed in the cover art of Thomas Hooper (Neurosis, Harvestman, Boris, Tombs, Doomriders). Preorders available at this location.

As a precursor to the album's release, Mirrors For Psychic Warfare will play two very special shows later this month supporting industrial titans Godflesh in Chicago and New York City respectively with future Mirrors For Psychic Warfare live abrasions, including a European tour this fall, to be announced in the weeks to come.

Tracklisting:

“Animal Coffins”
“Tomb Puncher”
“Body Ash”
“Flat Rats In The Alley”
“Thing Of Knives”
“Crooked Teeth”
“Death Cart”
“Coward Heat”

Trailer:

With their new thrilling lyric video for the song “Morpheus“ the progressive metal all-star band Tomorrow’s Eve, consisting of members from bands such as Symphony X, Labyrinth, Yngwie Malmsteen or Mekong Delta, is upping the ante today. The third video after “Bread And Circuses“ and “Dream Within A Dream“ takes the viewer now into a gloomy, nightmarish dream world with dark corridors and monsters under the bed, nestled by the great epic music of the extraordinary and successful album Mirror Of Creation III – Project Ikaros.

Tomorrow’s Eve are, thanks to their brand new album Mirror Of Creation III – Project Ikaros, which has been released this spring through their own label BAZE Records in cooperation with Dr. Music Records, back in full force in the current day’s events. Their comeback, which could not be more majestic, varied and bombastic, shows the band on the peak of its creativity so far, as seen in their both previous clips for “Bread And Circuses” and “Dream Within A Dream”. Musically, a driving rhythm section, sensitive piano passages, acoustic guitars and extensive soundscapes merge. With the eleven varied new songs on Mirror Of Creation III – Project Ikaros, which were produced together with Markus Teske (Saga, Vanden Plas, U.D.O.) Tomorrow’s Eve succeed once again to strengthen their reputation and to convince the worldwide music media. The Mirror Of Creation provides complex song structures that demand the listener, but alternate recursively with catchy choruses and shallow sounds. An album not only for fans of powerful driven forward progressive metal, but also for fans of orchestral epics, which are refined by chaotic aggressive keyboards, but never neglect the melodies.

A true spectacle to be witnessed, Lords Of The Trident is a daring adventure metal quintet that has been delighting their audiences and fans all over the world for ten years. To continue on their epic quest of bringing spectacular and entertaining metal to global fans these power metal warriors will be unleashing their 7th album Shadows From The Past on August 24th. In celebration of this new beast from their discography, Lords Of The Trident are premiering via BraveWords their third single and new music video "Reaper's Hourglass". 

Vocalist Fang VonWrathenstein comments:

"‘Reaper's Hourglass’ is one of the most technically challenging songs on the new album, so we thought this would be a perfect candidate for a full-band playthrough video. Of course, since it's a Lords Of The Trident playthrough, we had to make it interesting..."

Shadows From The Past was supported by a Kickstarter campaign that went live on June 1st and ending on June 29th. During that month, the band's fans helped them surpass their goals to raise over $11,000 for the release. The band offered multiple packages and rewards that included merch, lessons from band members, festival tickets, private concerts and a copy of the video game Coffee Crisis that the band has partnered with to feature one of their songs for one of the levels along with band members as NPCs (non-playable characters).

Lords Of The Trident are offering fans a FREE track download of their first single "Death Dealer", a song influenced by the game Diablo and lyrics written based on the storyline of Diablo 1 and 2. Download the song at this location and stream the song below.

Fang VonWrathenstein: “This album is our most ambitious musical work to date, and the first album with our new members Baron Helleshaar and Master Herc. Fans who have been with us for a while will notice that our new songs are a bit more complex, and our songwriting continues to mature. The new songs are definitely still Lords songs, but explore some new musical themes. I believe the new album will be our strongest offering yet, and contain some songs that are sure to be fan favourites going forward.”

North American tracklisting:

"Death Dealer"
"Zero Hour"
"Tormentor"
"Burn It Down (With Fire)" Feat. Brittney Slayes (Unleash The Archers)
"Figaro"
"The Party Has Arrived"
"Brothers Of Cain"
"Reaper's Hourglass"
"Chasing Shadows"
"The Nameless Tomb"
"The Gatekeeper"

Japanese bonus tracks:

"Cross The Line"
"Desolation (Haze Of The Battlefield Pt. 2)"

"Death Dealer":

(Photo - Mary Sweeney)

Backstage and behind-the-scenes footage from SEPULTURA's ongoing summer 2018 European tour can be seen below.

SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser confirmed to TotalRock Radio that the band has commenced the songwriting process for the follow-up to 2017's "Machine Messiah" album. "Already, me, Eloy [Casagrande, drums], Derrick [Green, vocals] and Paulo [Xisto Pinto Jr., bass], we have a few ideas, so we have where to start from — a few songs in demo version," he said at the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany. "And we still have to develop [them] and stuff. We don't still have a kind of a direction or a theme or something, but it's getting there. We still like to enjoy a lot the road, and we don't write that much on the road as a band. Yeah, it's going, but it's still early."

Kisser also talked about SEPULTURA's relationship with Nuclear Blast Records, with whom the band has been for nearly a decade. "It's amazing, man," he said. "They are a metal label, and there are people that are on the scene since the beginning, the early days. It's a label that never sold out. Many other labels sold out to bigger companies and bigger labels, you change personnel, you think more on the business side. I think Nuclear Blast has a perfect balance between believing in music — in metal and hardcore and punk — and having the business able to sustain everything… And you see how many artists now are with the label, which is great. It's a great place to be. We have total freedom and support to do our stuff and to work with the producers we want and the artists for the cover — everything. They're very supportive, and they believe in the band, which is everything we need. It's great."

"Machine Messiah" was released in January 2017. The disc was recorded at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden with Swedish producer Jens Bogren. The CD's cover artwork was created by Filipino artist Camille Della Rosa.

SEPULTURA's official documentary, "Sepultura Endurance", will tentatively be released on DVD and Blu-ray this fall.

Earlier this year, Global Music Award-winning nomadic folk metal group Tengger Cavalry turned heads with the release of their sixth album, Cian Bi, via Napalm Records. Now, the band announce their upcoming return to Carnegie Hall's stunning Weill Recital Hall in New York City (154 W 57th St.) for a special performance on Thursday, September 20th.

The performance will begin at 8 PM and tickets start at $30. The performance will feature traditional nomadic musical techniques and instruments such as throat singing, Mongolian long song, and Morin Khuur. Head here for more information.

In celebration of this performance announcement, Tengger Cavalry have revealed a brand new music video for their track "Redefine", cut from Cian Bi. The video acts as an artistic interpretation of the message that Tengger Cavalry's music often represents - raising awareness for the preservation of Mongolian culture in the face of modernization and overall culture conflict. Watch the video below.

Frontman Nature G explains in description of the video, "As core members of Tengger Cavalry and traditionally trained Mongolian folk musicians, both Wulijimuren and I immigrated from China to New York City several years ago. Being stripped away from the Nomadic Grassland and stepping into the very industrial and multi-cultural world of the Big Apple, we've both faced challenges of progressing and preserving the traditional Nomadic culture in our lives and in modern day.

"Unlike Viking trends, Nomadic culture still exists upon the Grasslands and horse riding landscapes in Northern China and is facing great danger in the face of modernization and industrialization from the South. This video represents the mixed challenge we, as Tengger Cavalry, are facing every day. It's a video about cultural conflict, homeland, modern culture, progression and inner strength."

The Pineapple Thief have released a video for "Try As I Might", a track from their forthcoming new studio album Dissolution, out on August 31st. Watch below.

The follow-up to 2015's Your Wilderness is the band's second album to feature King Crimson and Porcupine Tree virtuoso drummer Gavin Harrison.

Vocalist/guitarist Bruce Soord reveals details about the themes within Dissolution: “Broadly speaking the title reflects the disintegration of relationships and the undoing of our social fabric. We're living in a time when supposedly we are more connected than ever before, but, I personally am at my happiest when I unplug that connection.”

Soord elaborates on the writing and recording process: “We've once again been joined by Gavin Harrison. It's been a real collaborative journey between the 4 of us writing and recording this record, with the songs taking on a life of their own. When everyone pulls in the same direction, amazing things can happen. The Pineapple Thief is a different proposition with Gavin. This time he was with me from the inception of 'Dissolution' and together we took the songs into territory I wouldn't have found on my own. We found ourselves pushing each other so much further, both technically and artistically. There were times in the depths of the writing and recording process, which took 6 months, that I felt so exhilarated but at the same time exhausted and overwhelmed, that I couldn't imagine us ever finishing the record. Every day we found ourselves finding that extra something we didn't know we had. None of us would let anyone or anything get in the way of what we felt the album should become. I look back on the process with immense pride.”

Gavin Harrison states: “It's been fantastic to collaborate with these guys again - especially as this time I've been involved from the ground up. It's been a most inspiring effort and I think it will prove to be the best yet.”

Dissolution was recorded across the UK at the band member's various studios, Bruce explains, “The drums were recorded and mixed by Gavin at his studio, Bourne Place in London. He has the best sounding live room I have heard and gets an incredible drum mix. Gavin would send me a stereo drum mix that he would constantly tweak as the songs progressed. Jon records his bass at his studio north of Leicester. Steve records his keyboards at his mastering studio in Exeter and I record and mix the rest here in my studio (Soord Studios) in Yeovil, Somerset. It may seem odd that we were able to create something as 'a band' when we are so far apart. But we talked almost daily. Technology means ideas can be shared instantly. We were effectively jamming a lot of the time. Just a bit further apart.”

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 will be released in the following formats, all available for pre-order here:

- CD
- Black LP - pressed to audiophile 180g vinyl
- Limited Edition Crystal Clear LP edition - pressed to audiophile 180g vinyl
- Blu-ray - features a 16-page booklet, the album plus bonus music in a 24/96 DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround sound mix and 24/96 hi-res stereo audio
- Deluxe 4 disc edition - features 52 pages containing exclusive additional artwork, the original album on CD plus a second CD of bonus music, and is topped off with a DVD and Blu-ray featuring the album and bonus material in a 24/96 DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround sound mix and 24/96 hi-res stereo audio.
- All digital & streaming platforms

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"

"Try As I Might" video:

"Far Below":

The Pineapple Thief will be taking Dissolution on the road starting in September, with new dates added for March 2019. This tour includes their biggest show to date at London's prestigious O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

September
15 - Paris, France - La Maroquinerie
16 - Brussels, Belgium -  La Madeleine
17 - Bremen, Germany - Schlachthof
18 -  Hanover, Germany - Musikzentrum
19 - Berlin, Germany - Lido
21 - Warsaw, Poland - Stodola
22 - Olomucany, Czech Republic - S-Club
23 - Prague, Czech Republic - Rock Cafè
25 - Wien, Austria - Szene
26 - Munich, Germany - Backstage Werk
27 - Aschaffenburg, Germany -  Colos-Saal
28 - Cologne, Germany - Live Music Hall
29 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Melkweg

October
4 - Edinburgh, Scotland - Liquid Rooms
5 - Sheffield, England - Leadmill
6 - London, England - O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

February
22 - Roma, Italy - Largo Venue
23 - Milano, Italy - Santeria Social Club

March
3 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega
5 - Stockholm, Sweden - venue tba
6 - Oslo, Norway - John Dee

The Pineapple Thief are:

Bruce Soord - vocalist, guitarist, composer
Gavin Harrison - drums
Jon Sykes - bass
Steve Kitch - keyboards

(Photo - James Cumptsy)

FOUR SECONDS AGO, the electro-ambient outfit featuring PERIPHERY members Jake Bowen and Misha Mansoor, has unveiled the otherworldly video for "Galaxy", a track from the duo's forthcoming debut album, "The Vacancy", which is due to be released on September 28.

"Galaxy" was directed by graphic abstractionist Scott Pagano, with design and animation created by Neither-Field. Pagano has collaborated with several electronic musicians, including BT, KRONOS QUARTET and Speedy J, as well as being involved in video-based underground art.

"Misha and I enjoy electronic music, and we were messing around with various programs and initially FOUR SECONDS AGO became a way for us to experiment outside of metal," said Bowen during a recent episode of "The MetalSucks Podcast".

Not only does "The Vacancy" serve as the debut album from FOUR SECONDS AGO, it's also the inaugural release for 3DOT Recordings, a label formed by the members of PERIPHERY as a home for their collective and individual outings. "This also gives us the opportunity to curate and nurture outside musical projects and bands that we truly love," said Mansoor upon news of the label's formation.

FOUR SECONDS AGO previously shared the track "Fadeaway", which can be streamed below. Both "Fadeaway" and "Galaxy" are now available as instant downloads with "The Vacancy" digital pre-orders.

California-based pagan metal group HELSOTT will release its second full-length album, "Slaves And Gods", on October 12. The follow-up to the band's M-Theory Audio debut, the acclaimed 2017 EP "The Healer", sees the act continue to mix folk metal, death metal, symphonic metal, classical and rock to stirring effect, but this time around, they've recruited some notable allies to help fight the good fight. Guests on the new album include Masha Scream (ARKONA), Lazar (ARKONA), Dr. Leif Kjonnsfleis (TROLLFEST), Trollmannen (TROLLFEST), Damna (ELVENKING), Lethien (ELVENKING), Dom Crey (EQUILIBRIUM) and Kevin Storm, who join vocalist Eric Dow, drummer Cooper Dustman and returning guitarist Mark Dow on 10 tracks of rollicking battle cries. A lyric video for the title track, designed by Rafael Ortega of Ecliptic Visions, can be seen below. The song can also be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music and other providers.


The cover art for "Slaves And Gods" (seen below) was designed by Felipe Machado Franco (ICED EARTH, BLIND GUARDIAN, RHAPSODY OF FIRE), who also contributed the cover for "The Healer". The album was mixed and mastered by Jean-François Dagenais (KATAKLYSM, MISERY INDEX, DESPISED ICON). Physical copies on CD and limited-edition blue/clear haze vinyl can be pre-ordered via the M-Theory Audio webshop, while digital pre-orders — which include an instant download of the title track — are now underway via Bandcamp, iTunes and Amazon.


Says Dow: "We are proud to present the first video and single for the self titled track off of our new album, 'Slaves And Gods'. The hard work that we put in on this record is immeasurable, and we feel like this track represents everything that we have worked for in the past eight-plus years. This song features Dr. Leif from TROLLFEST on guitar and is an absolute crusher! Raf with Ecliptic Visions took Felipe Machado Franco's art and our song and created a very entertaining experience. Crank it up!"

"Slaves And Gods" track listing:

01. Slaves And Gods (feat. Dr. Leif Kjonnsfleis and Bjorn Friedrichsen)

02. The Coward's Curse (feat. Kevin Storm and Bjorn Friedrichsen)

03. Winter Smells Like Death (feat. Masha Scream, Lazar and Bjorn Friedrichsen)

04. Whiskey Breath (feat. Bjorn Friedrichsen)

05. Eye Of The Past (feat. Damna, Dom Crey, Kevin Storm and Bjorn Friedrichsen)

06. Trollskald (feat. Trollmannen, Kevin Storm and Bjorn Friedrichsen)

07. Zep Tepi

08. Return Hyperborea

09. Honour Thy Valkyrie

10. Runnin' Down A Dream (Tom Petty cover feat. Lethien)


HELSOTT plans to perform "Slaves And Gods" live during its summer tour, which kicks off this weekend in Dallas, Texas. The group will be supported by labelmates SICOCIS, as well as MALPHAS and DARK VISIONS OF TERROR on select dates.


Since forming eight years ago, HELSOTT — whose name means "fatal illness" in Old Norse —– has paid homage to pagan cultures and mythologies while keeping true to their American influences. The group first caught the attention of audiences on a large scale during the 2013 "Paganfest" North American tour, where they performed with ENSIFERUM, TÝR and TROLLFEST. They built further momentum the following year via their debut full-length, "Woven", behind which they toured alongside ARKONA and HEIDEVOLK, and on subsequent tours with the likes of I AM MORBID, NECROPHAGIA and TENGGER CAVALRY.

The official lyric video for the song "No Hero" from the German-Italian melodic metal act THE UNITY can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's sophomore album, "Rise", which will be released on September 14 via SPV/Steamhammer. The recording features 13 brand-new songs and was cut by drummer Michael Ehré (GAMMA RAY) at the B Castle Studio. "Rise" was produced by the bandmembers themselves and, like its predecessor, mixed and mastered by Spanish sound engineer Miquel A. Riutort at the Psychosomatic Recording Studio.

Comments Ehré: "Full of pride and joy we present our brand new single, 'No Hero', the first sign of life of our new album, 'Rise'. Now that we finished the production of our second record, we can't wait for the reactions to this first release, which will be supported by a lyric video."

Aside from Ehré, THE UNITY continues to consist of guitarists Henjo Richter (GAMMA RAY) and Stef, vocalist Gianbattista Manenti, bassist Jogi Sweers and keyboardist Sascha Onnen.

"The new songs reflect the amazing energy and extremely enthusiastic responses at our shows, but also the very positive media reactions," Ehré sums up the material on "Rise".

With its debut album, THE UNITY was unanimously voted "Newcomer Of The Year" category by the two leading German metal magazines, Metal Hammer and Rock Hard. Subsequently, the six-piece enthralled their fans at tours with EDGUY and SINNER and performed at festivals such as Bang Your Head!!!, Metalfest and Winter Masters Of Rock.

Soon after its release, "Rise" will also be presented to THE UNITY's rapidly growing fan base as part of an extensive tour: from mid-October 2018, THE UNITY will accompany AXEL RUDI PELL and his band, and the date of the big release show at Ehré's hometown of Nordenham has already been announced. So the second round of THE UNITY's triumphal march is about to kick off!

"Rise" track listing:

01. Revenge

02. Last Betrayal

03. You Got Me Wrong

04. The Storm

05. Road To Nowhere

06. Welcome Home

07. All That Is Real

08. No Hero

09. The Willow Tree

10. Above Everything

11. Children Of The Light

12. Better Day

13. L.I.F.E.

British metal band ASKING ALEXANDRIA has teamed up with American DJ and electronic dance music producer Crankdat (a.k.a. Christian Smith) and American DJ duo Slander (consisting of Derek Andersen and Scott Land) on a new heavy-hitting track titled "Kneel Before Me".

ASKING ALEXANDRIA announced the collaboration in a tweet, writing: "We've teamed up with @SlanderOfficial and @crankdat to take trance/EDM and metal/rock genres to a whole new level. This is heavy, ballsy and unapologetically in your fucking face! These two worlds have just collided like never before. Enjoy! #KNEELBEFOREME".

Slander told EDM.com about the track: "In high school, indie rock and hardcore music were some of the first sounds we ever dove into as teenagers. Bands like AVENGED SEVENFOLD, UNDEROATH, TAKING BACK SUNDAY and ASKING ALEXANDRIA could be heard blaring from our car speakers in our respective high school parking lots. This kind of music is in our core and is where a lot of our other tastes developed from, so if you can imagine we where thrilled when ASKING ALEXANDRIA agreed to be a part of our new song with Crankdat!

"Our goal with this song was to make our own rendition of hardcore music with dubstep at its core, essentially bringing our musical roots into 2018! Hope you guys dig it!"

ASKING ALEXANDRIA is continuing to tour in support of its latest, self-titled album, which was released last December via Sumerian. The disc marks the group's first full-length effort with singer Danny Worsnop since he rejoined ASKING ALEXANDRIA in the fall of 2016.

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

"365" is the first single from AMARANTHE's fifth album, which will be released later in the year. The disc was recorded at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark with producer Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, EPICA, DELAIN). The follow-up to 2016's "Maximalism" marks the band's first release with DYNAZTY's Nils Molin, who officially joined AMARANTHE in July 2017 as the replacement for Jake E.

Commented guitarist Olof Mörck: "With a newborn album, it is easy for an artist to fall into hyperbole and rants of how it is the best thing you have ever done — but for the first time, I can confidently say that this album very certainly the best and strongest of our entire career."

Added vocalist Elize Ryd: "I have loved every second to write, create and making this album. I can't wait to reveal the name of our fifth baby, let it loose into the world to live its own life and spread the message all by itself. It feels to me already like the most strong and confident child of ours. The support has been important, and I'm so grateful to everyone involved."

The full details of AMARANTHE's fifth album will be unveiled tomorrow (Friday, August 10).

Having previously used Chris Adam Hedman Sörbye from the band SMASH INTO PIECES as a stand-in for Jake on some of the shows in 2016 and in early 2017, AMARANTHE recruited Molin for three Swedish concerts in March 2017 and he has been part of the group's live appearances ever since.

Jake E announced his departure from AMARANTHE in February 2017, explaining at the time that he began to feel that "my place both on the albums and live was reduced; I felt like I was superfluous… I started to feel more like a backing singer." He has since launched a new band called CYHRA with former IN FLAMES guitarist Jesper Strömblad and LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY drummer Alex Landenburg.