Maryland rockers CLUTCH have released the official music video for "Hot Bottom Feeder", the third single from their upcoming album, "Book Of Bad Decisions". The clip, which shows frontman Neil Fallon whipping up a batch of tasty crab cakes for his bandmates, can be seen below.

"Book Of Bad Decisions", will be released on September 7 via the group's own Weathermaker Music label. The disc was completed at Sputnik Sound studio in Nashville, Tennessee with producer Vance Powell. The album cover was designed by renowned photographer Dan Winters.

Fallon previously explained that the "Book Of Bad Decisions" title came "from a song on the album, which, to me, it's a pretty dark song. I was trying to write lyrics that were kind of like a Cormac McCarthy novel in about three and a half minutes," he said. "But anyone in their life does bad decisions, and you can look back and see the repercussions of that spread out like a pebble thrown into a pool. We've made bad decisions; we've also made really good ones. Thankfully, all of us are surrounded by good people that ride our wheelhouse when we get a little tipsy."

The album cover was designed by renowned photographer Dan Winters and can be seen below.

Speaking to "The Liquid Conversations" host Shawn SixX, Fallon stated about working with Powell: "He comes from the live background; he's a touring engineer, front-of-house… he's one of us. And so he came out on the road with us for three or four days, and his philosophy was just to put microphones in front of the cabinets, record the band all together in one room. It's a very simple thing that's kind of gotten lost in translation. And the album, listening to it now, I know it's gonna be a really honest and accurate portrayal of how [the songs] are gonna sound on stage."

Asked how "Book Of Bad Decisions" compares to 2015's "Psychic Warfare", Fallon said: "I think it's more stripped down in some regards. There's more of a wider range of tempos. There's more songs; there's 15 of 'em on there. At this point, I was so close to it for so long, I kind of can't see the forest for the trees; I have to take a step back to understand what this record is, if that makes any sense."

CLUTCH has announced a fall 2018 "Book Of Bad Decisions Tour" with support from SEVENDUST and TYLER BRYANT & THE SHAKEDOWN.

Wargaming — the company behind free-to-play titles World Of Tanks (2010), World Of Warplanes (2013) and World Of Warships (2015) — recently announced that IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson is hosting 10 online educational warplanes diaries. This free-to-view series is being released weekly on the World Of Warplanes official portal and YouTube channel across June, July and August, alongside an exclusive World Of Warplanes video tribute to the classic IRON MAIDEN song "Aces High".

As an avid enthusiast of military aviation, pilot, and supporter of World Of Warplanes' dedication to historical accuracy, Bruce has recorded "The Bruce Dickinson Warplanes Diaries" about the classic WW2 fighter and bomber aircraft such as the Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane and Messerschmitt Bf 109. As an extra treat for MAIDEN and Warplanes fans, World Of Warplanes have created, with many of the graphics from their in-game engine and some classic archive footage, a tribute video clip to the epic "Aces High" music video. Featuring many of the Battle Of Britain planes that Bruce profiles in the series, viewers can see the machines really brought to life.

"We are all delighted that Bruce has brought his enthusiasm and expertise to World Of Warplanes with these informative videos which he has delivered in his own inimitable style," commented Wargaming's global marketing director, Al King. "As well as the diaries and the 'Aces High' tribute, we are also introducing a renovated hangar subtly branded with iconic IRON MAIDEN imagery. It's unlike anything the game’s ever had before and we hope MAIDEN fans will have fun spotting the various Easter eggs hidden throughout!"

Dickinson's seventh video sees him talking about the Junkers Ju 87 or Stuka (from Sturzkampfflugzeug, "dive bomber"), a German dive bomber and ground-attack aircraft.

Ian Gillan has reunited with his pre-DEEP PURPLE band THE JAVELINS to record the group's debut album. "Ian Gillan And The Javelins" will be released August 31 as a CD digipak, a vinyl LP and a digital download. The 16-track collection features covers of American blues, rock 'n' roll, soul and country tunes, including renditions of rock classics like THE CONTOURS' "Do You Love Me", Roy Orbison's "Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)" , Chuck Berry's "Memphis, Tennessee" and "Rock And Roll Music", Jerry Lee Lewis's "High School Confidential", Buddy Holly's "It's So Easy", Howlin' Wolf's "Smokestack Lightnin'" and Ray Charles's "What I'd Say".

The THE JAVELINS' cover of "It's So Easy" can be heard below.

Every DEEP PURPLE true lover knows how much their magic and powerful style is the result of many different influences brought in by the single members, all merging into the powerful sound loved by millions of rock fans. Ian Gillan's love for American soul and R&B as well as skiffle and early rock and roll has been well documented in many articles and interviews.

Founded in the early 60s, THE JAVELINS were influenced by pop, soul, country, jazz and blues artists from America. They soaked up the music of their heroes, added their own stamp and went from town to town to perform their favourite songs in front of a small but ever growing audience — becoming local heroes themselves.

This was the time when Ian Gillan discovered himself, broke the chains and "found his voice."


THE JAVELINS paved the way for the Ian Gillan who, only a few years later, wrote music history with DEEP PURPLE, becoming one of the most iconic frontmen of all time and, together with very few others, shaped rock music the way we know it today.

"These contemporary recordings (2018) by THE JAVELINS are drawn from our set lists, circa 1963, when I was 18 years old. Now, a few years later, I have the privilege and joy of working with my old mates from the original group; Gordon Fairminer (lead guitar); Tony Tacon (rhythm guitar); Tony Whitfield (bass guitar); Keith Roach (drums), as we make a long-overdue LP."

Ian Gillan has defined this new studio album as "a collection of catchy rhythms and feel-good melodies". This understating definition shows Gillan's ability to still look at those songs and his whole career with the same eyes of the 18-year-old boy who sang them many years ago.

But there is a lot more to this recordings…

By paying tribute to music legends such as Chuck Berry, THE DRIFTERS, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly and Bo Diddley, IAN GILLAN & THE JAVELINS have not only managed to do that.

Avoiding the use of any modern technology, the band has managed to find the spontaneity and true sense of freedom of pop and rock and roll music of 50 years ago, probably without completely realizing it themselves.

One world superstar and four friends who have taken very different directions in life (none decided to "turn pro" as they would say it) but still able to capture the essence of what being a performing band is about.

This album is what happened during four days of recordings in a studio in Hamburg, Germany, where instruments, microphones, lyrics sheets and memories were the only tools allowed.

This album is not an act of nostalgia, or a celebration of the purity of the old days versus modernity. This is simply what the Javelins were in 1963… and this is what they are now, if they happen to meet in the studio, embracing their guitars and look at each other with a big smile on their face.

This is where it all started.

"Ian Gillan & The Javelins" has been recorded at the Chameleon Studios during a five-day recording session in Hamburg, March 2018, Germany. It features Don Airey (DEEP PURPLE) as special guest on piano. It will be released on August 31 on earMUSIC as CD digipak, 1LP gatefold (180g, black) and digital.

Gillan told Kaaos TV about THE JAVELINS: "The guys in the band, most of them tickled along at the occasional gig and they practiced, but most of them haven't really played in any progressive way for 50 years or more — 55, 56 years now.

"I prepared all the material with Steve Morris, my old partner from Liverpool — not Steve Morse; Steve Morris. And we sent the tapes, 16 songs, to each of the guys, and said, 'Okay, practice like crazy for six weeks.' And so we all met in the studio in Hamburg and we recorded 10 songs on the first day. And the whole 16 were recorded in two days, and then the solos and extra bits and pieces, a few mistakes, were repaired on a Wednesday, and then we did a video, and that was it. It was unbelievable."

He continued: "I was listening to the rough mixes, before we put on the vocal backings, the girls, and the brass section, because a lot of those old songs, like THE COASTERS and Ray Charles, had brass sections on them, so we're doing it authentically, augmenting the band. But, you know, because they hadn't played professionally for 50 years, they didn't evolve at all — they kept playing in the style which was in 1962, and consequently, when I'm listening to it, I think, 'My God! This is so authentic. It sounds just exactly as it did in those days.' It's not musicians from today trying to do a retro version of those songs, which I've heard plenty of, and they're always high production — there's no breathing space; no nothing. It sounds, to me, just as I remember it.

"Of course, we're all in our 70s, and we're like a bunch of school boys in the studio," he added. "We had a reunion a couple of years ago — at Christmas, we all went on a boat up the river Thames and had a fantastic night. And it was great — the old banter was still there, the jokes and the sense of humor. And it was wonderful — just truly wonderful. A great experience for these guys who have not been in a studio like that before. We did try another project a few years ago and made another set. So I think there were some nerves and some apprehension prior to the session, but by God, they went through it great. After every day's work, we sat down, we had a meal and drank some beers together and just talked about things. It was great. It was certainly a fantastic experience."

METAL ALLEGIANCE — with its four core members: David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT), Mike Portnoy (THE WINERY DOGS, ex-DREAM THEATER) and Mark Menghi — began as a celebration of heavy metal, powered by the almost tribal bond shared between the extreme music community's most revered trailblazers, armed with a list of contributors onstage (and off) that read like a Wikipedia entry on the genre itself.

The band will release its sophomore album, "Volume II - Power Drunk Majesty", on September 7 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The thrash-worshiping disc merges old-school legends with the modern metallers of the scene to produce groove-driven, adrenaline-soaked anthems while tackling the frustrating state of the world.

Today, the band releases its second single, "Voodoo Of The Godsend", featuring Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, SEPULTURA, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY). Watch the music video below.

Menghi comments: "'Voodoo' turned out to be a tribal crusher ala some other influential tribal metal band that we all know and love whom once featured Max.

"We live in a world of way too much bullshit and hate these days… and, as our drummer would say, it's nice to have a step towards world peace."

Skolnick comments: "One of the most distinct tracks on our new album (and indeed, in the entire METAL ALLEGIANCE catalogue), 'Voodoo' has a hypnotic feel with indigenous percussion, bringing to mind a ritual in the rainforest.

"We're grateful to have the ultimate voice for this track, with a sound that'll ll never be mistaken for anyone else: Max Cavalera."

Other guest musicians on "Volume II - Power Drunk Majesty" include Trevor Strnad (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER), John Bush (ARMORED SAINT), Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (OVERKILL), Mark Tornillo (ACCEPT), Floor Jansen (NIGHTWISH) and Johan Hegg (AMON). The album also marks the return of Mark Oseguesda (DEATH ANGEL) and Troy Sanders (MASTODON).

The official video for the first single from the disc, "Mother Of Sin", featuring Ellsworth, can also be seen below.

"Volume II - Power Drunk Majesty" was produced by Menghi and Skolnick while Mark Lewis of MRL Studios handled the mixing and mastering. The cover artwork was created by renowned artist Marcelo Vasco (SLAYER, MACHINE HEAD, SOULFLY, HATEBREED) and Rafael Tavares.

"Volume II - Power Drunk Majesty" track listing:

01. The Accuser (feat. Trevor Strnad)

02. Bound By Silence (feat. John Bush)

03. Mother Of Sin (feat. Bobby Blitz)

04. Terminal Illusion (feat. Mark Tornillo)

05. King With A Paper Crown (feat. Johan Hegg)

06. Voodoo Of The Godsend (feat. Max Cavalera)

07. Liars & Thieves (feat. Troy Sanders)

08. Impulse Control (feat. Mark Osegueda)

09. Power Drunk Majesty (Part I) (feat. Mark Osegueda)

10. Power Drunk Majesty (Part II) (feat. Floor Jansen)

German metal queen Doro Pesch has released the official music video for the new single "If I Can't Have You - Nobody Will". The track is a duet that combines passion and melody with brutal harshness. Passion is provided by the blonde rock goddess herself — while the harshness comes from none other than AMON AMARTH singer Johan Hegg.

Doro says: "The work with Johan, who also contributed to the lyrics, was stunning. We got to know each other during the recording of the AMON AMARTH album 'Jomsviking' and it is wonderful that this great collaboration could be continued on my album."

She continues: "The video for the song perfectly reflects this obsessive song. We filmed in various ruins with our great director David Havlena. It has become very special, almost like a little movie.

"I cannot wait to introduce the song on August 3rd at Wacken Open Air where the song will celebrate its live premiere with special guest Johan Hegg!"

"If I Can't Have You - Nobody Will" is taken from Doro's new album, "Forever Warriors, Forever United", which will be released on August 17 via Nuclear Blast.

The first single from the epic collection of tracks, "All For Metal", features an assortment of metal heroes, who can also be seen in the official music video: Mille Petrozza (KREATOR), Johan Hegg (AMON AMARTH), Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT), Warrel Dane (NEVERMORE, SANCTUARY), Jeff Waters (ANNIHILATOR), SABATON, Ross The Boss (MANOWAR), Rock 'N' Rolf (RUNNING WILD), DETRAKTOR, Tommy Bolan (ex-WARLOCK), Andy Brings and The Ultimate Doro Clan.

"Forever United" takes a more sentimental turn, with lyrical topics covering friendship, love and companionship. Highlights include Doro's tribute to the late and great Lemmy.

"We've been touring a lot during the last years. We collected a lot of impressions and got to meet many amazing people. That inspired me enormously," explains Doro. "The songs and ideas simply bubble out of me. That process didn't even end while being in the studio. We had 50 song ideas in the beginning which turned into 14 concrete album tracks. Suddenly we had 20 songs, and, in the end, it was even 24. I also wanted to record 'Caruso' in the last recording week."

With "Forever Warriors, Forever United", Doro presents two new records, featuring 19 regular tracks and six bonus songs.

This unique songwriting marathon was based on "Living Life To The Fullest" back in January 2016. Says Doro: "I was flying to Lemmy's funeral when the track's melody and lyrics suddenly came to mind. Lemmy was always very important to me. Everything went quickly from this point. As soon as a song was constructed, I headed to the studio — between all those shows and tours — to capture the freshness and live energy of the new tracks."

The album cover artwork was once again created by Doro's favorite artist, Geoffrey Gillespie. It portrays Doro in the middle of a swarm of wild metal heads exuding attitude, power and positive vibes.

"The cover and the title form a perfect unit," Doro explains, "Just as it should be. It all fits perfectly in line with the songs, which also deal with some political themes."

The long-awaited follow-up to 2012's "Raise Your Fist" will be the German singer's first release since 2016's "Love's Gone To Hell" single.

Last year, Pesch celebrated the 30th anniversary of WARLOCK's "Triumph And Agony" album by performing the LP in its entirety at select shows around the globe.

Doro was joined on the "Triumph And Agony" 30th-anniversary tour by Bolan alongside bassist Nick Douglas, drummer Johnny Dee, guitarist Bas Maas and guitarist/keyboardist Luca Princiotta.

Polish black / death metal overlords Behemoth recently stirred their fans into a frenzy by issuing a brand new image, created by artist Sylwia Makris, of frontman Nergal crucified on the cross. The picture, which can be seen below, is titled "GOD=DOG". Could this be the new album title? Perhaps the name of the next single / video? Time wil tell.

This October/November, Polish black/death overlords Behemoth will hit the road across North America to headline the Ecclesia Diabolica America 2018 e.v. tour. Featuring special guests At the Gates and Wolves in the Throne Room, this is one show not to be missed.

Behemoth singer, guitarist and main-man Nergal comments: "I hereby announce Behemoth's triumphant return to the North American shores this Fall. We will be in the noble company of At The Gates and Wolves In The Throne Room, who will be supporting us on our 11th opus. Even though it's only been a few moments since we played for you, our American legions, we cannot wait for this tour to start! It's gonna be the first headlining run supporting new music and we are bringing all the artillery, which means the biggest production thus far! 'Ecclesia Diabolica America 2018 e.v.' arrives soon and we WANT you to celebrate this sonic pandemonium with us!"

At The Gates front-man Tomas Lindberg adds: "At The Gates have not done a support tour since 1996. When we got invited to this tour, we immediately saw the logic to the package. This is three bands with their own unique sound, three bands totally dedicated to finding the core of their art. Three important bands. It all made sense to us, and we are flattered to be part of this. I truly believe that this is THE ONE tour not to miss this year. Get ready to drink from the night itself together with us."

Tour dates:

October
20 - Phoenix, AZ - Van Buren
22 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
23 - San Antonio, TX - The Aztec Theatre
24 - Houston, TX - House of Blues
26 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
27 - Tampa, FL - Jannus Landing
29 - Charlotte, NC - The Underground
30 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore

November
1 - Boston, MA - House of Blues
2 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore
3 - New York, NY - Playstation Theater
4 - Montreal, QC - M-Telus
6 - Toronto, ON - The Danforth Music Hall
7 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall
9 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
10 - Minneapolis, MN - Cabooze
11 - Kansas City, MO - The Truman
13 - Denver, CO - The Ogden Theatre
14 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot
16 - Calgary, AB - MacEwan Ballroom
17 - Edmonton, AB - Union Hall
19 - Vancouver, BC - The Commodore Ballroom
20 - Seattle, WA - Showbox Market
21 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom
23 - San Francisco, CA - The Regency Ballroom
24 - Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern Theatre

Behemoth recently completed work on their 11th full-length album, which will see a worldwide release via Metal Blade Records (North America) / Nuclear Blast (Europe) this fall. Stay tuned for more details coming soon.

 

SINSAENUM, the extreme death metal project featuring DRAGONFORCE bassist Frédéric Leclercq and former SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison, has released the official music video for the song "Nuit Noire" (French for "black night"). The track is taken from the band's forthcoming album, "Repulsion For Humanity", due out August 10 via earMUSIC.

With the help of Francis Caste on mixing duties, SINSAENUM sharpened their own sonic identity, far from the typical death or modern metal sound.


The cover artwork, created by none other than Travis Smith, matches the radical, violent and angry approach of the album.


This autumn, SINSAENUM will be touring Europe for the first time since its formation. U.S. tour plans remain to be determined.


Last November, SINSAENUM released the EP "Ashes", with Metal Hammer Germany declaring it to be a "rad sign of life" and Metal Hammer U.K. taking it one step further, saying, "Take that form into the studio for the second full-length and we could have a classic on our hands."

"Echoes Of The Tortured", SINSAENUM's first album, was nominated as "Best Debut" by Metal Hammer Germany and was praised worldwide as one of the freshest and finest approaches to death metal.


With these impressive credentials, it is hard not to label SINSAENUM a supergroup, since it embodies the joint venture of Leclercq and Jordison. The rest of the band is of no less importance and credibility — Sean Zatorsky (DÅÅTH, vocals), Stephane Buriez (LOUDBLAST, guitar), Heimoth (SETH, bass) and Attila Csihar (MAYHEM, vocals) – all of which are well respected in their fields – complete the ensemble, making SINSAENUM the epitome of premium-level heavy metal.

The official Cléver Cardoso-created video for the song "Devouring Faith" from Brazilian death metallers KRISIUN, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's eleventh studio opus, "Scourge Of The Enthroned", which will be released on September 7 via Century Media Records. The disc was recorded at Stage One Studio (BELPHEGOR, LEGION OF THE DAMNED) in Germany with producer Andy Classen, who previously worked with the band on "Conquerors Of Armageddon", "Southern Storm" and "The Great Execution" releases. The cover artwork was created by Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, HATE ETERNAL, INCANTATION).

The band comments: "We would like to invite you all to check out our new video for 'Devouring Faith', taken from our upcoming album 'Scourge Of The Enthroned'! The video came out as brutal as the song itself! The whole atmosphere is very dark and intense, pretty much based on old horror movies. Expect a relentless mix of carnage and terror, perfectly fitting the vicious thrashing vibe of 'Devouring Faith'! If you are into horror and death metal, don't miss it!"

"Scourge Of The Enthroned" track listing:

01. Scourge Of The Enthroned

02. Demonic III

03. Devouring Faith

04. Slay The Prophet

05. A Thousand Graves

06. Electricide

07. Abysmal Misery (Foretold Destiny)

08. Whirlwind Of Immortality

KRISIUN is currently wrapping up touring plans in support of "Scourge Of The Enthroned" and has just announced a special release show in Essen, Germany with SULPHUR AEON on September 7.

Active since 1990, KRISIUN is one of the most ferocious death metal bands in history and belong to the most successful metal acts to have ever emerged from Brazil.

Emerging young Michigan rockers GRETA VAN FLEET performed their new single, "When The Curtain Falls", on the Thursday, July 26 episode of "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon". Check out video footage of their appearance below.

GRETA VAN FLEET's first full-length album is tentatively due later this year. "We're reshaping it and then get into mastering and hopefully release it soon. It's looking like late summer," lead singer Josh Kiszka recently told MLive.

The band played in Michigan clubs for six years before rocketing to the top of the rock radio charts last year with "Highway Tune". The track is taken from the "Black Smoke Rising" EP.

GRETA VAN FLEET drummer Danny Wagner recently told Musik Universe that his band doesn't mind being regularly compared to LED ZEPPELIN by fans and music critics alike. "We get it a lot, but you know what? In the end, it's such a high honor — it really is," he said. "Being compared to anyone of a generation that's nowhere of any relevance to yours is humbling alone, and the fact that these guys, to us, are prodigies — these guys are the real deal. These are the ones that we've never gotten to live to see, because we're so young. And the fact that we're being compared to them and it's garnering so much attention, it's honestly just a high honor to us at this point. We take it very humbly."

Asked if he thinks the ZEPPELIN comparisons will help GRETA VAN FLEET in the long run, Wagner said: "I hope so. But as every band goes, we've been working on our debut album, and we're really starting to hone in on a sound that has been developing over the last couple of years, and we're really trying to form this GRETA VAN FLEET kind of universe as we're doing so."

Last month, GRETA VAN FLEET guitarist Jake Kiszka told FaceCulture that LED ZEPPELIN was not a major influence on the group despite close similarities between the two bands' styles. He explained: "I think that we've become more conscious of it, because I don't think before we ever really realized, in a lot of senses, the similarities or the commonalities that we share with that group."

He added: "I think it's one of the greatest compliments that could ever be given to a young band like ourselves. They're arguably one of the greatest rock bands of all time, so that is humbling and inspiring and honorable, in that sense… Even if it exactly wasn't an overwhelming influence of ours, it still was influential and we can certainly see it. But overall, it doesn't really affect the writing of our music."

IGN has released an unboxing video for premium IRON MAIDEN pinball machines from, Stern Pinball, Inc., the world's oldest and largest producer of arcade-quality pinball machines. Check it out below.

Formed in 1975, IRON MAIDEN led the wave of British heavy metal music and became a global institution. Over the course of 40 years, the band has come to embody a spirit of fearless creative independence, ferocious dedication to fans, and a cheerful indifference to critics. IRON MAIDEN has built a following that reaches every culture, generation, and time zone. With over 90 million album sales, more than 2,000 live performances in 63 countries, tens of millions of fans and 16 studio albums of unerring quality, IRON MAIDEN has more than earned its proudly-held status as one of the most influential and revered bands of all time.

The IRON MAIDEN pinball machines aim to reflect the same excitement, energy, and experience of a live IRON MAIDEN concert. Players will immerse themselves in an interactive IRON MAIDEN universe transforming into various forms of Eddie, the band's legendary mascot. Players, as Eddie, will embark on a quest to defeat the Beast and his minions across the "Legacy Of The Beast" mobile game and comic book world. IRON MAIDEN pinball entertains with an amazing array of modern and classic features, making it suitable for all skill levels.

All models include twelve IRON MAIDEN songs with players going to battle as Eddie with the help of four flippers, two spinners, a set of 3-bank drop targets, metal and wireform ramps, a captive ball mechanism, a dual up-post lock mechanism, and a center bullseye target.

"IRON MAIDEN is one of the most iconic bands of all time and we're excited to have Eddie join the ranks of Stern Pinball's rock and roll lineup," said Gary Stern, chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.

The Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models feature stunning and distinctive hand-drawn art by renowned illustrator and IRON MAIDEN fan Jeremy Packer, a.k.a. Zombie Yeti.

IRON MAIDEN pinball is available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world.

LIGHT THE TORCH (formerly DEVIL YOU KNOW), the band fronted by former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Howard Jones, played its first show ever on July 9 at Saint Vitus in Brooklyn, New York. Video footage of "The Bitter End" performance from the gig can be seen below.


LIGHT THE TORCH will serve as the opening act on the upcoming TRIVIUM and AVATAR North American tour, which runs from October 3 through November 3.


LIGHT THE TORCH members are eager to return to the touring circuit. "We are excited and ready return to the road," Jones said. "We can't think of a better way to support our new album, 'Revival', than with TRIVIUM and AVATAR in the fall. Come join us for good times and singalongs."


"It's been too long since we have performed, and with our new album, we are going to make up for lost time," said guitarist Francesco Artusato. "Come hang with us when we come through your town with TRIVIUM and AVATAR in the fall. We can't wait to see you all!"


LIGHT THE TORCH's debut album, "Revival", was released in March via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.


In addition to Jones and Artusato, LIGHT THE TORCH features bassist Ryan Wombacher (BLEEDING THROUGH). For "Revival", they were joined by EXTINCTION A.D. drummer Mike "Scuzz" Sciulara.

DEVIL YOU KNOW's name change was prompted by a dispute with the band's former drummer, John Sankey, who left the group in June 2016.

DEVIL YOU KNOW released two albums through Nuclear Blast Entertainment: 2014's "The Beauty Of Destruction" and 2015's "They Bleed Red".

In addition to playing songs from its debut, LIGHT THE TORCH is performing DEVIL YOU KNOW songs at its live shows.

Rob Zombie performed an extended set Thursday night (July 26) at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto, Ontario, Canada after touring mate Marilyn Manson was forced to cancel his appearance "due to an unforeseen illness."

Zombie's set included a cover of "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)", a song originally written and performed by EURYTHMICS, and reinterpreted by Manson in 1995 on the "Smells Like Children" EP.

Fan-filmed video footage of Zombie's version of "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" can be seen below.

Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson kicked off their "Twins Of Evil: The Second Coming" tour on July 11 at Detroit's DTE Energy Music Theatre.

Rob, who is also a successful filmmaker, has just signed a worldwide deal with Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to his 2016 studio album, "The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser", and 2018's "Astro-Creep: 2000 Live" is due in 2019.

Zombie's next movie, "3 From Hell", was shot in California a few months ago and is tentatively due in early 2019.

Marilyn Manson has canceled his performance Thursday night (July 26). at Budweiser Stage Toronto in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The show was part of the shock rocker's "Twins Of Evil: The Second Coming" tour with Rob Zombie, which kicked off earlier in the month.

The cancelation was confirmed in a message on Manson's official Twitter account. It read: "Due to unforeseen illness, Marilyn Manson will not be performing tonight in Toronto, ON.

"If you were in attendance specifically to see Marilyn Manson, your tickets will be available for refund at point of purchase.

"Rob Zombie will perform as scheduled."

Marilyn is on the road supporting his latest album, "Heaven Upside Down", which was released last October.

The singer injured his lower leg in a freak accident on stage during a concert last fall in New York City, resulting in the postponement of nine tour dates.

A short time later, longtime Manson bassist Twiggy Ramirez (real name Jeordie White) was fired from the group following allegations of sexual assault.

Manson returned to touring last November.

Due to unforeseen illness, Marilyn Manson will not be performing tonight in Toronto, ON.
If you were in attendance specifically to see Marilyn Manson, your tickets will be available for refund at point of purchase.

Rob Zombie will perform as scheduled.— Marilyn Manson (@marilynmanson) July 27, 2018

French metal veterans VULCAIN have released the title track of their forthcoming album, "Vinyle", due on September 28 via Season Of Mist.


VULCAIN comments: "We were born in the age of vinyl, and luckily the format is still here after almost losing it forever. By choosing 'Vinyle' as the title for the album and this title track, we want to pay tribute to the format that made us headbang, feel alive and dream. In this era of streaming and digital downloads, VULCAIN wants to show respect to the real rock fans put there!"

"Vinyle" track listing:

01. Vinyle (2:43)

02. Héros (3:15)

03. Backline Music (3:46)

04. L'Arnaque (3:48)

05. Darling (3:41)

06. Décibels (4:46)

07. Dans Les Livres (2:39)

08. L'Oseille (3:13)

09. Borderline (3:31)

10. Contrôle (3:19)

11. Motör (3:42)

Total playing time: 38:23


VULCAIN is one of the longest-running and most revered names on the French heavy metal and hard rock scene. The band was formed in 1981 by vocalist and guitar player Daniel Puzio and his brother Vincent Puzio (bass). The first demo, "Privat", was released in 1982 and was quickly followed by debut album "Rock 'N' Roll Secours" in 1984. Drummer Marc Varez joined the group shortly after, and from that moment on, they were quite rightly dubbed the "French MOTÖRHEAD" — a nickname that still applies to this day, even though VULCAIN's music encompasses many more influences.


After several lineup changes, VULCAIN continued its journey as a trio and released multiple full-lengths, EPs, and live albums. "Stoppe La Machine" (1998) marked VULCAIN's last release for more than a decade, as the band called it quits right after its release.


At the end of 2009, the band felt their hard rock roots still itching inside, and the power trio got back together. After touring the globe, performing at several European festivals like Hellfest, Headbangers Open Air and even supporting MOTÖRHEAD on a number of shows back in 2010, VULCAIN entered the studio once again. In 2013, by popular demand and some 15 years after the band's previous studio release, new album "V8" hit the stores.


After 30 years of rock n' roll and 13 albums so far, VULCAIN is feeling more energetic than ever.

VULCAIN is:

Daniel Puzio: guitar, vocals

Vincent Puzio: bass, backing vocals

Marc Varez: drums, backing vocals

Pure Steel Records will reissue Artizan’s debut album Curse Of The Artizan on August 17th. Album track "The Man In Black" is streaming below.

In 2011 the first complete album Curse Of The Artizan was released, which consistently continued the class of the progressive, pathos-dripping and extremely melodic US metal sound. It caused some euphoric reactions from the press and fans, because the band has a completely independent sound up to this day. With "Ancestral Energy" and "The Furthest Reaches" two more masterpieces have been released in the meantime and in this year’s August the guys around drummer Ty Tammeus are going to unleash their next strike Demon Rider.

Since the debut is completely out of print, it's time for a reissue, for the first time also officially in the US.

Tracklisting:

“Trade The World”
“Rise”
“The Man In Black”
“Fire”
“Fading Story”
“Game Within A Game”
“Torment”
“Curse Of The Artizan”

“The Man In Black”:

AC/DC singer Brian Johnson, along with his wife Brenda, made an appearance at the premiere of the documentary Spitfire on July 9th at The Curzon Mayfair in London, England. Photos are available via Getty Images here.

Red Carpet News TV has posted this video from the premier:

In 2016, Johnson was forced to step down as AC/DC’s frontman after doctors told him to quit or go deaf. Speaking with The Sunday Times, Brian revealed: “On stage it was getting harder and harder to hear the guitars, even hear the keys, and I was basically going on muscle memory. And I’m not the kind of guy who likes to cheat. The way I look at it, I had a great run.”

During a recent appearance on Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show, TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy said that the band is hoping to release the follow-up to 2016's "Brotherhood Of The Snake" album in early 2019. "The plan is to get a lot of riffs and stuff going out here on [the second leg of TESTAMENT's] tour [with SLAYER], 'cause we do have a lot of time on our hands," he said (hear audio below). "So by the time we finish this, we'll go home and me and Eric [Peterson, guitar] will really get together and really try to chop out a bunch of music, 'cause the goal is to get in the studio hopefully by January and have a record out hopefully by April. That's the goal."

Billy went on to say that he wishes TESTAMENT could make a new album every year. "We talk about that, 'cause in our early years, when we first came out, we did five records in a row, year after year," he said. "And I think about it — back [then], we wrote a record and toured, [went] right back in the studio, wrote a record, toured; there was no time off. But you had a lot of momentum going. So, you've gotta think of that — you don't want to lose the momentum when you've got something going. So, it's a tough balance. But if you're prepared, we go for it."

Asked what lyrical themes he might cover on TESTAMENT's next album, Chuck said: "Well, we don't know yet, but I know on 'Brotherhood', I definitely ventured out and kind of went to secret societies and alien creating mankind. And it was really cool — a lot of that stuff I researched. So, I don't know. I still maybe might lean a little towards that. I'm still intrigued with that; it still fascinates me. When it comes time to write, I really write off whatever Eric gives me; the vibe of the song has a feel of the title and the whole thing for me has to come together in that."

Chuck went on to say that the overwhelmingly positive response to the last two TESTAMENT albums, 2012's "Dark Roots Of Earth" and the aforementioned "Brotherhood Of The Snake", puts more pressure on him and his bandmates to once again deliver the goods. But, he said, "I think the pressure is good. Since [1999's] 'The Gathering', I think we've been kind of picking up momentum and honing in our technique and what TESTAMENT is, and especially trying to sound more current than established back in the '80s or whatever. I think now it's definitely different."

"Brotherhood Of The Snake" was recorded under the watchful eyes of producer Juan Urteaga (EXODUS, HEATHEN, MACHINE HEAD), Peterson and Billy and was mixed and mastered by British metal producer Andy Sneap (ACCEPT, ARCH ENEMY, CRADLE OF FILTH, KREATOR, MACHINE HEAD, MEGADETH).

Italy's Misthaven will release their debut album, Aces, on October 12th. Fully recorded in Campobasso, and self-produced by the band along with Valerio Amedei, the 10-track album contains a cover of Alter Bridge's "Watch Over You", along with a remake of the already known "Won't Look Back".

Tracklisting:

"The Bless"
"House Of Ades"
"The Chance"
"Sunwarmth"
"Won't Look Back"
"Melted Past"
"In Time"
"On Springs And Hopes"
"Watch Over You" (Alter Bridge cover)
"Here Comes War"

Lamb Of God have announced that drummer Chris Adler will miss the band's upcoming North American dates with Slayer. The tour, also featuring Anthrax, Testament, and Napalm Death, launches tonight (July 26th) in Gilford, New Hampshire.

Says the band: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we regret to inform you that Chris Adler will not be performing on our upcoming North American tour with Slayer. In his absence, we would like to welcome Art Cruz, who will be filling in at the recommendation of Chris. We expect to see Chris returning in the very near future. We will see you all on the road soon."

(Photo - Travis Shinn)

Unleashing their Downfall EP this past May, whiplash tyrants Fallen Legion have premiered a lyric video for the track "New Skin" featuring guest vocals from Cradle Of Filth's Lindsay Schoolcraft. Watch below:

Downfall features six energetic, unorthodox, progressive, spirited and memorable tracks plus guest vocals and keyboard from Cradle Of Filth's Lindsay Schoolcraft on "New Skin". The EP follows Fallen Legion's two well-received demo EPs Screams From The Dungeon (2012) and Infinite Archive (2015). Consisting of Nick Sauter on guitars, Jon Kal on bass, Josh Masterson on vocals and Dylan Waybrant on drums, the band presents an eclectic metal brigade of influences from Gojira, Korn, Iron Maiden, Dethlok and Antonio Vivaldi.

The band comments: “This EP is about dealing with stress- mortal blows, drugs, thoughts of suicide, the inner struggle, and the wrath of it all. The EP represents the outcome of painful experiences. Songs like ‘Escapegoat’ deal with not being able to handle the consequences of one’s actions and pushing them onto those weaker than yourself, and ‘Monster Reborn’-about letting the guilt build up inside, trapping one within their own mental anguish.”

San Francisco heavy metal doomsters Castle have signed a worldwide record deal with California independent record label Ripple Music. The Bay Area band's fifth LP, Deal Thy Fate, will be released on October 19th. Check out a teaser video below:

Castle features vocalist/bassist Elizabeth Blackwell and guitarist/vocalist Mat Davis. The duo's impending Deal Thy Fate follows 2016’s Welcome To The Graveyard, which was recorded by Billy Anderson (Sleep, Neurosis). Deal Thy Fate - Castle's Ripple debut - will land on vinyl, limited edition vinyl, CD and via all digital services. More details about the upcoming album, including new music, will be released soon.

"We're ecstatic to forge forces with Ripple Music to bring you the release of our fifth record, Deal Thy Fate," comments Blackwell. "We can't wait to unleash this no compromise, fist banging companion to our fans, present and future. Get ready to Deal Thy Fate!!"

Castle has announced a run of live shows with The Skull and also upcoming European festival appearances to coincide with the new album’s release. These gigs include Desertfest Belgium, Malta Doom Metal Fest, Doom Over Vienna and Dutch Doom Days . Expect a full Castle European tour along with North American dates to be announced soon.

Tour dates:

October
14 - Antwerp, Belgium - Desertfest Belgium (with Enslaved, YOB, Crowbar)
15 - Frankfurt, Germany - dasBett (with The Skull)
16 - Munich, Germany - Backstage (with The Skull)
17 - Freiburg, Germany - Slow Club (with The Skull)
18 - Cologne, Germany - Sonic Ballroom (with The Skull)
19 - Siggiewi, Malta - Malta Doom Fest

November
10 - Vienna, Austria - Doom Over Vienna Fest
24 - Rotterdam, Netherlands - Dutch Doom Days

Relations between David Lee Roth and Van Halen became super tense during the grueling seven-month tour in support of 1984, reports Dangerous Minds. Roth wanted to do things - like acting - without VH but hoped Eddie Van Halen would do the soundtrack for upcoming film he was planning. At some point, Roth pointedly asked Eddie to do the score, a request Eddie declined. Roth responded by saying he couldn’t “work” with the band for a while, adding that once he was done with his movie, they would “get back together”. In August of 1985, Eddie Van Halen told Rolling Stone “the band (Van Halen) as you know it is over.”

The concept for Roth’s film was inspired by the material he was writing and recording at the time for a 1985 EP and the 1986 album Eat ‘em And Smile. In his 1997 autobiography Crazy For The Heat, Dave dished the details on the film and also shared part of the 90-page script. In essence, Roth’s screenplay (rumoured to be in part a musical) was based on a rock star named Dave who travels to the mysterious Dongo Island where he gets into all kinds of kooky capers with his manager Bernie, while surrounded by bikini-clad women.

According to Dave as it relates to his movie deal with CBS, storyboards and costumes were complete, and a full cast assembled. Unfortunately, things were changing at CBS, and they decided to pull the plug on Roth’s film debut, and eight other films. Roth sued CBS and walked away with a hefty fee in hand.

Read more and find a link to most of the screenplay at Dangerous Minds.

Texas Metal Underground (TMU) Records has announced the upcoming release of Texas Metal Outlaws, an all-star project that keeps one foot in the past while making a huge leap into the future of killer Texas metal.

Four years in the making, Texas Metal Outlaws features a stable of musicians instantly familiar to any true fan of the classic Texas scene. Masterminded by Ignitor / Witches Mark guitarist Robert Williams, the full-length LP features performances by Jason McMaster (WatchTower, Dangerous Toys, Broken Teeth), Mike Soliz (Militia, Assalant), Stuart Laurence (Ignitor, Agony Column), Donnie Van Stavern (S.A. Slayer, Riot), James Rivera (Helstar), Larry Barragan (Helstar), Al Berlanga (Syrus), Mark Zamarron (Las Cruces), Felix Griffin (D.R.I.), and a host of other surprises. Presented on translucent ‘Orange Crush’ vinyl and highly limited splatter vinyl, look for the album to be released in early fall 2018.

TMU Records has provided the following statement: "Since 2008, TMU Records has been unearthing lost and unheard musical gems from the fertile underground Texas metal scene of the mid 1980’s through the early 1990’s.

"The primary mission and goal of TMU Records is to preserve and resurrect lost and unheard classic metal gems from the 1980’s underground Texas metal revolution on vinyl, CD and cassette. The label aims to inform the world of some of the great bands who wrote original songs, played a few gigs, maybe recorded a demo, and disappeared without a trace. Bands that may have slipped through the cracks of popularity and notoriety, but who nevertheless deserve a place in the tomes of Texas metal history.

"Regardless of format, all TMU Records releases are given lavish treatment with custom packaging, unseen photos, show flyers, interviews, informative booklets, rare bonus tracks and extras for the denim and leather die-hards."

The song "Ballad Of Dwight Fry", taken from Alice Cooper's upcoming release "A Paranormal Evening At The Olympia Paris", can be streamed below.

Following the release of the 2017 studio album "Paranormal", which was the best chart-performing album by Alice Cooper in decades, the American rock legend took his exciting live show all over the world, accompanied by "the best band he has ever had."


After an entire year spent on the road, the "Paranormal" tour ended in Paris on December 7, 2017 at the world-renowned Olympia, a theatre that is iconic in the truest sense of the word.

The Olympia, since opening in 1888, has witnessed changes in entertainment and pop culture for 130 years from the can-can through Édith Piaf to Johnny Hallyday and the Beatles and now... Alice Cooper!

This 90-minute rock show is a journey through Alice Cooper's timeless creations: classics like "Poison", "School's Out" and "No More Mr. Nice Guy" are alternated with hand-picked gems for the joy of true Cooper connoisseurs like "Pain", "Woman Of Mass Destruction" and "Paranoiac Personality", the first single from the album "Paranormal".


The album captures a rock 'n' roll show at its peak and is one of the best live releases by Alice Cooper, featuring his longtime band guitarists Nita Strauss, Tommy Henriksen and Ryan Roxie, bassist Chuck Garric, and drummer Glen Sobel in front of an excited audience.

The album will be released on August 31 on earMUSIC as 2CD digipak, 2LP gatefold (white and red LP), and digitally.

In July 2017, the artist released "Paranormal", his first studio album in six years. Produced by Bob Ezrin, it was immediately saluted as a classic Alice Cooper album, featuring collaborations with iconic guests such as ZZ TOP's Billy Gibbons, U2's Larry Mullen, Jr. and DEEP PURPLE's Roger Glover, as well Neal Smith, Dennis Dunaway and Michael Bruce — the three original Alice Cooper band members.

The album charted at #4 in the German and Australian official album charts, #6 in the U.K. and in Sweden and overall, it reached the highest chart positions for Alice in several decades.


"A Paranormal Evening At The Olympia Paris" track listing:

CD1:

01. Brutal Planet

02. No More Mr. Nice Guy

03. Under My Wheels

04. Department Of Youth

05. Pain

06. Billion Dollar Babies

07. The World Needs Guts

08. Woman Of Mass Distraction

09. Poison

10. Halo Of Flies


CD2:

01. Feed My Frankenstein

02. Cold Ethyl

03. Only Women Bleed

04. Paranoiac Personality

05. Ballad Of Dwight Fry

06. Killer/I Love The Dead Themes

07. I'm Eighteen

08. School's Out


2LP Colored:

Side A:

01. Brutal Planet

02. No More Mr. Nice Guy

03. Under My Wheels

04. Department Of Youth

05. Pain

06. Billion Dollar Babies


Side B:

01. The World Needs Guts

02. Woman Of Mass Distraction

03. Poison

04. Halo Of Flies


Side C:

01. Feed My Frankenstein

02. Cold Ethyl

03. Only Women Bleed

04. Paranoiac Personality


Side D:

01. Ballad Of Dwight Fry

02. Killer/I Love The Dead Themes

03. I'm Eighteen

04. School's Out

NEW YEARS DAY's video for the song "Disgust Me" can be seen below. The track is the sole new original piece of music on the band's latest EP, "Diary Of A Creep", which was released in January via RED/Century Media.

"Diary Of A Creep", which follows the tradition of landmark releases like "Garage Days" by METALLICA, sees NEW YEARS DAY paying tribute to the artists who shaped the band, even as they continually redefine their music with each successive bold stage of their evolution.

NEW YEARS DAY singer Ash Costello told Consequence Of Sound: "The song 'Disgust Me' is about seeing the side of someone that they tend to hide. Whether it be because they have deemed it undesirable or unattractive for whatever reason or out of fear of being judged as less than because of the dark sides they possess. 'Disgust Me' is asking the listener to not be afraid to show these parts because it just may bring you relief instead of sorrow."

She added: "For the video, I wanted to show that visually. I am asked a lot why I decided to dye my hair half red and half black, so I saw the 'Disgust Me' music video as an opportunity to give that a story of its own. The all-black-haired girl calling upon the dark spirits to show themselves, and the all-red-haired girl who’s been lost alone in the wilderness, coming together to make one whole person. To me it felt symbolic, like the two sides of me can both shine, the light and the dark."

"Diary Of A Creep" includes "Only Happy When it Rains" — featuring Lzzy Hale of HALESTORM — a somber alt-rock anthem originally written and recorded by GARBAGE, the Shirley Manson-fronted band which includes songwriter and performer Butch Vig (who produced landmark albums by NIRVANA, SMASHING PUMPKINS, GREEN DAY and FOO FIGHTERS). There's NEW YEARS DAY's version of the LINKIN PARK mega-hit "Crawling", with Costello putting her own spin on the fierce vocal delivery of the late Chester Bennington. There's "Don't Speak", the smash ballad from NO DOUBT's diamond-selling album "Tragic Kingdom". Dark new wave finds its way into the EP via NEW ORDER's "Bizarre Love Triangle". On the other end of the NEW YEARS DAY spectrum, there's PANTERA classic "Fucking Hostile", now a staple of NEW YEARS DAY's live show.

Fan-filmed video footage of DELAIN's July 25 performance at Hungary's Fezen festival can be seen below.

DELAIN will issue a new EP in the fall via Napalm Records. The Dutch symphonic metal band will promote the EP's release by playing two intimate headlining shows on in October.

As previously reported, DELAIN is working on material for the follow-up to 2016's "Moonbathers" album. "We're writing," keyboardist Martijn Westerholt told Heavy New York. "It's a little bit quiet on purpose, because we wanna focus on writing. And the plan is to release [the new album] next year, so let's hope it works out."

Last year, Westerholt told music journalist Joel Gausten that DELAIN would spend most of 2018 away from the road as the band works on its next disc. He also confirmed that DELAIN's next album will mark the first time guitarist Merel Bechtold will be involved with one of the band's full-length recordings from the start of the creative process. "That's true, but in our case, it's never a big issue," he said. "To be frank, [singer] Charlotte [Wessels], [studio collaborator] Guus [Eikens] and I already do everything, and we do try — and are very open — to welcome band members to participate on it. But this train is rolling with or without them — preferably with them. But for us, it's not a big issue. We do like to have them involved and stimulate that. For example, Timo [Somers, guitar] did a lot of guitar arrangement on our previous album. I don't think people will hear a big difference. With all due respect to Merel — because she's great — it's not the way DELAIN works, so to say. But I do hope that she will contribute, and she surely has the talent for it. She's very creative, so let's see what happens."

DELAIN spent much of 2016 and 2017 celebrating its tenth anniversary — from the release of "Moonbathers" and an anniversary edition of its debut disc, "Lucidity", to extensive headline tours across Europe and North America to gracing some of the world's biggest festival stages — and capped it off with the release of its first-ever live DVD/Blu-ray package.

Last fall, DELAIN completed the "Danse Macabre" tour, featuring special guest and frequent collaborator Marco Hietala from NIGHTWISH on all dates.

"Feels Like I'm Dying", the new video from THE AMITY AFFLICTION, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's new album, "Misery", which will be released on Friday, August 24 via Roadrunner Records.

"Feels Like I'm Dying" marks the second chapter of a three-part short film chronicling a dark tale of three friends and their quest for vengeance. The first chapter, "Ivy (Doomsday)", arrived last month and was accompanied by a cinematic official music video, written and co-directed by the band's own Joel Birch.

Recorded earlier this year in Baltimore, Maryland with producer Matt Squire (PANIC! AT THE DISCO, ARIANA GRANDE, UNDEROATH), "Misery" is the long-awaited follow-up to THE AMITY AFFLICTION's acclaimed fifth studio album, "This Could Be Heartbreak". That LP made a spectacular chart debut upon its 2016 arrival, entering among the top 30 on the Billboard 200 while also charting at #1 in their native Australia — THE AMITY AFFLICTION's third consecutive time topping the ARIA album chart.

THE AMITY AFFLICTION is Joel Birch (vocals), Ahren Stringer (bass, vocals) and Dan Brown (guitar).

"Misery" track listing:

01. Ivy (Doomsday)

02. Feels Like I'm Dying

03. Holier Than Heaven

04. Misery

05. Kick Rocks

06. Black Cloud

07. D.I.E.

08. Drag The Lake

09. Beltsville Blues

10. Burn Alive

11. Nothing Left

12. The Gifthorse

THE AMITY AFFLICTION is celebrating "Misery" with an epic tour schedule, beginning with a North American run as part of the milestone final Vans Warped Tour 2018. From there, THE AMITY AFFLICTION will head to Europe for a headline tour slated for stops in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium. Support on select dates will come from DREAM STATE, THE PLOT IN YOU, ENDLESS HEIGHTS, and others.

Classic '80s rock veterans VIXEN have released a video for the song "You Ought To Know By Now". The track is featured on the band's new live album, "Live Fire", which was released earlier this month via Rat Pak Records. The clip was filmed live on June 17 at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California and was produced and directed by Shane Stanley.

VIXEN drummer Roxy Petrucci told I'm Music Magazine about "You Ought to Know By Now": "It's a tune that we played back in the day when Jan [Kuehnemund, late VIXEN guitarist] was in the band. I don't know why we never recorded it, but we did it live and it's actually on YouTube and Jan is in it. It's such a great tune and I thought that we should record it. We did and I think that's how we attracted Rat Pak Records. They're VIXEN fans too and they wanted to get behind us."

Mixed by Michael Wagener, "Live Fire" features 12 live tracks and was recorded at Chicago's legendary Arcada Theater during the group's successful 2017 tour. In addition to the classic VIXEN songs, the effort also includes the aforementioned studio version of "You Ought To Know By Now", an all-new studio acoustic version of the hit song "Edge Of A Broken Heart" and a live version of a previously unreleased track called "Big Brother".

VIXEN's current lineup features three of the members that recorded the band's 1988 self-titled debut and its follow-up, 1990's "Rev It Up".

"I think Jan would want us to carry on the name because every show that we play, people think of her," singer Janet Gardner told the Chicago Tribune. "It keeps her alive in people's memories. It feels really great in that way. Plus, we're just having a great time out there doing it still."

More than four years after announcing its reunion, VIXEN has yet to begin tracking its comeback studio album. Bassist Share Pedersen told Finland's Kaaos TV about the band's plans for a new studio disc: "It's gone back and forth and in and out and around a few times, because when we initially got together, we were getting together and waiting for Jan, our original guitar player, and then she died of cancer. And so we carried on with Gina [Stile], and so then we started writing with that, and then band things change and stuff happens, and we decided to wish her the best and now we're moving forward with Britt [Brittany Denaro a.k.a. Britt Lightning]. So, rather than waiting to write another album, we decided to [release a] live [record] first for right now. And now we'll start putting ideas around together. We had to kind of get used to Britt as well, and she's phenomenal and she plays great and everything. So now we're gonna start putting our heads together and riffs and thoughts and lyrics."

According to Share, there are "no concrete plans" for VIXEN to return to the studio. "There's nothing on the schedule or anything like that, but we are talking about it, for sure," she explained. Gardner added: "There's no record company or anybody telling us what kind of record to make or when it has to be done or anything. We're just gonna take our time and try to make a great record."

VIXEN is:

Janet Gardner (vocals)

Roxy Petrucci (drums)

Share Ross (bass)

Britt Lightning (guitars)

Photo credit: Mark Weiss

Vixen "You Ought To Know By Now" Official Video[NEW!] Vixen "You Ought To Know By Now" Official Video - from the album "Live Fire" out now!

Vinyl & Bundles: www.ratpakrecords.com/vixen

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/livefireamazon

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/livefireitunes

GooglePlay: http://smarturl.it/livefiregoogleplay

Spotify http://smarturl.it/livefirespotify

Produced and Directed by Shane Stanley

Camera: Shawn Frederick, John Salami and David Crawford

Editor: Nathan Dethlefsen

DIT and Grip: Nicholas Dethlefsen

Filmed live at The Whiskey A Go-Go June, 17, 2018Posted by Vixen on Thursday, July 26, 2018