BraveWords has received the following update:

"It's been eight years since Dofka has released a full length album. We couldn't wait any longer to announce our vocalist! Please give a warm welcome to vocalist Chet Miller.

The band has been working on the new record for about a year. In the '90s, guitarist Jim Dofka and vocalist Chet Miller worked together in the band Screamer and Dofka (the band) though they never released a full length CD together. There's always been a feeling of unfinished business. As fate would have it, two decades later, Jim and Chet got together and wrote nine new songs and recorded a new Dofka CD. The band will be mixing next month. We hope the metal world will give us a listen and support ole skool true metal."

Footage from the studio is available below.

Chester Bennington's widow has told CNN that there were warning signs in the days before the LINKIN PARK singer took his own life last July.

"I am now more educated about those signs, but they were definitely there: the hopelessness, the change of behavior, isolation," Talinda Bennington said during an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper as part of the CNN Town Hall, "Finding Hope: Battling America's Suicide Crisis" (see video below).

"That was all part of our daily life," she said. "Sometimes, some signs were there more than others. Sometimes, they weren't there at all."

According to Talinda, Chester "was [at] his best" the night before he committed suicide at the couple's at his home in Palo Verdes Estates, California.

"We were on a family vacation, and he decided to go back home to do a television commercial," she recalled. "This was not a time where we or any of our family suspected this to happen, which is terrifying... We thought everything was okay."

Bennington's friends told Rolling Stone that he fell off the wagon for three days in August 2016 and drank until he blacked out, adding that he had been consuming alcohol again as recently as October 2016. Bennington's longtime friend Ryan Shuck, who played with the singer in DEAD BY SUNRISE, thought Bennington may have had "a couple of drinks" before hanging himself on July 20, 2017.

Chester was found dead on what would have been the 53rd birthday of his late friend and fellow rocker, SOUNDGARDEN frontman Chris Cornell.

After Cornell died in May 2017 as a result of suicide by hanging himself inside his Detroit hotel room, Chester wrote a letter thanking him for inspiring him and hoping he would find peace in "the next life."

Bennington had been open with the press and public about his struggles with drugs and alcohol, which landed him in rehab twice around 2006.

Investigators found no illegal drugs or prescription drugs while searching Bennington's home following his passing, although a partially consumed bottle of alcohol was found in the bedroom where the 41-year-old singer’s body was discovered.

LINKIN PARK paid tribute to Bennington in October with an emotional three-hour show that featured numerous guests joining the band onstage in Los Angeles.

LINKIN PARK released a concert album titled "One More Light Live" in December.

California metallers IMPENDING DOOM have released the official music video for the song called "Paved With Bones". The video was directed by J.D. Butler and shot at the band's recent sold-out album release show at Chain Reaction in Anaheim, California.

The band comments: "We wanted to have an event in our hometown where fans could come to the show early, hear our entire new record before the rest of the world does, and shoot a music video. Chain Reaction was the perfect place — it's where we all grew up playing and makes for an intense show with being all crammed into a somewhat small space and getting rowdy with our fans!"

"Paved With Bones" is taken from IMPENDING DOOM's new LP, "The Sin And Doom Vol. II", which was released on June 22 via Entertainment One.

IMPENDING DOOM commissioned artist Colin Marks (FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, WHITECHAPEL) to create the cover art for the latest release. Marks also handled the artwork for "The Serpent Servant" (2009).

Having worked with top-tier genre producers in the past, including Chris "Zeuss" Harris (ROB ZOMBIE, HATEBREED, QUEENSRŸCHE) and Will Putney (EVERY TIME I DIE, THE AMITY AFFLICTION, THY ART IS MURDER), but for album number six, they've returned to the grassroots and hands-on way they engineered and produced their earliest recordings, cloaking it in grimy sonic mysteries anew. Christopher Eck, who produced their first album, oversaw the proceedings once again.

"The Sin And Doom Vol. II" track listing:

01. The Wretched and Godless

02. Burn

03. War Music

04. EVIL

05. Paved With Bones

06. The Serpents Tongue

07. Unbroken

08. Devils Den

09. Everything's Fake

10. Run For Your Life (She Calls)

"The Sin And Doom Vol. II" is the follow-up to 2013's "Death Will Reign", which sold 4,300 copies its first week of release and debuted at No. 116 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Photo credit: Joe Butler

A previously unreleased "piano" version of the classic GUNS N' ROSES song "November Rain", taken from the upcoming reissue of the band's classic 1987 debut album, "Appetite For Destruction", can be streamed below.

"Appetite For Destruction" will be re-released on June 29 in a "Locked N' Loaded" box via Universal Music Group.

The "Appetite For Destruction: Locked N' Loaded" box is the one true GN'R Holy Grail. The box includes the Super Deluxe Edition with four CDs featuring the album newly remastered for the first time ever; "B-sides N' EPs" newly remastered; the previously unreleased 1986 Sound City Session N' More recordings; a Blu-ray Audio disc with the album, bonus tracks and music videos in brand new 5.1 surround sound along with the unearthed music video for "It's So Easy" originally shot in 1989 but never finished; and a 96-page hardcover book showcasing unseen photos from Axl Rose's personal archive and a wealth of memorabilia.

Among the rare and previously unreleased material are two songs GUNS N' ROSES recorded with producer Mike Clink, "Shadow Of Your Love" — laid down during a trial session that resulted in Clink getting the production job — and an acoustic version of "Move To The City", which was recorded during the "GN'R Lies" sessions. Additional highlights of the unreleased audio include the first two work-in-progress recording attempts of the 1991 epic masterpiece "November Rain" which was originally penned as the ballad for "Appetite", covers of songs like Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel", AEROSMITH's "Mama Kin", two distinctly different recordings of THE ROLLING STONES' "Jumpin' Jack Flash" (one electric, one acoustic) and two never-finished tracks/jams, "The Plague" and "New Work Tune".

On the vinyl front, the original "Appetite For Destruction" album has been broadened to 2LPs for the first time, including expanded gatefold jacket art and a limited-edition foil printed plastic slipcase. The music itself is being presented on three sides only for maximum audio fidelity, with the fourth side featuring a vinyl Hologroove Hologram of the band's iconic logo. Seven seven-inch singles are also included: the five original singles from the album, plus one for "Patience" and a new song, the aforementioned "Shadow Of Your Love". All of the bonus tracks appearing on 12-inch vinyl will only be available in the "Locked N' Loaded" box, including a reissue of the band's first EP, "Live ?!*@ Like A Suicide".

"Appetite For Destruction: Locked N' Loaded" track listing:

Disc One - Appetite For Destruction

01. Welcome To The Jungle

02. It's So Easy

03. Nightrain

04. Out Ta Get Me

05. Mr. Brownstone

06. Paradise City

07. My Michelle

08. Think About You

09. Sweet Child O' Mine

10. You're Crazy

11. Anything Goes

12. Rocket Queen

Disc Two - B-sides N' EPs

01. Reckless Life

02. Nice Boys

03. Move To The City (Live)

04. Mama Kin

05. Shadow Of Your Love (Live)

06. You're Crazy (Acoustic Version)

07. Patience

08. Used To Love Her

09. You're Crazy

10. It's So Easy (Live)

11. Knockin' On Heaven's Door (Live)

12. Whole Lotta Rosie (Live)

Disc Three - 1986 Sound City Session

01. Welcome To The Jungle (1986 Sound City Session)

02. Nightrain (1986 Sound City Session)

03. Out Ta Get Me (1986 Sound City Session)

04. Paradise City (1986 Sound City Session)

05. My Michelle (1986 Sound City Session)

06. Think About You (1986 Sound City Session)

07. You're Crazy (1986 Sound City Session)

08. Anything Goes (1986 Sound City Session)

09. Rocket Queen (1986 Sound City Session)

10. Shadow Of Your Love (1986 Sound City Session)

11. Heartbreak Hotel (1986 Sound City Session)

12. Jumpin' Jack Flash (1986 Sound City Session)

Disc Four - 1986 Sound City Session N' More

01. Shadow Of Your Love

02. Move To The City (1986 Sound City Session)

03. Ain't Goin' Down No More (Instrumental Version - 1986 Sound City Session)

04. The Plague (1986 Sound City Session)

05. Nice Boys (1986 Sound City Session)

06. Back Off Bitch (1986 Sound City Session)

07. Reckless Life (1986 Sound City Session)

08. Mama Kin (1986 Sound City Session)

09. New Work Tune (1986 Sound City Session)

10. November Rain (Piano Version - 1986 Sound City Session)

11. Move To The City (Acoustic Version - 1986 Sound City Session)

12. You're Crazy (Acoustic Version - 1986 Sound City Session)

13. November Rain (Acoustic Version - 1986 Sound City Session)

14. Jumpin' Jack Flash (Acoustic Version- 1986 Sound City Session)

15. Move To The City (1988 Acoustic Version)

Blu-Ray Audio

01. Welcome To The Jungle

02. It's So Easy

03. Nightrain

04. Out Ta Get Me

05. Mr. Brownstone

06. Paradise City

07. My Michelle

08. Think About You

09. Sweet Child O' Mine

10. You're Crazy

11. Anything Goes

12. Rocket Queen

Bonus Tracks

01. Shadow Of Your Love

02. Patience

03. Used To Love Her

04. You're Crazy

05. Move To The City (1988 Acoustic Version)

Music Videos

01. Welcome To The Jungle

02. Sweet Child O' Mine

03. Paradise City

04. Patience

05. It's So Easy (Brand New Video From 1989)

Robert Plant has just released the latest video from his recent album, "Carry Fire". The "New World" clip features images by Shepard Fairey and fellow artist Ernesto Yerena inspired by photographs by Aaron Huey.

Plant posted a statement about the clip on his record label's site, Nonesuch.com, writing: "Every day our senses are assaulted by the ridiculous. It's not so long ago that today's plots and wrangles between nation governments would seem too far-fetched to inspire a Hollywood blockbuster. The perversions and struggles leave a shadow over the spirit of the people and the land. It's not an original sin. Every era bears the burden of chaos and warmongering. Time immemorial. 'New World' is a comment on a recent history of conquest and submission. How fitting that Shepard Fairey, Aaron Huey, and Ernesto Yerena complemented our music in such a way. They are artists of great conscience and sensitivity. I'm most grateful. I'm also pleased to add my support to Honor the Earth."

Robert Plant maintains that the only way to stay relevant to himself, let alone an audience, is to constantly be moving and growing artistically. "I like to dig deep with the people I'm around," he said. "Wherever I might in whatever circumstances; and that's not just based on being a singer — that's based on living a life. I mean, I'm pretty much of a, kind of a, a kind of strange firework, all the way though my life. I'm whizzing around and I don't know which way I'm going to spring next. It really was quite a sobering revelation, really, to find that everything that I left behind was what I really cherish."

Released in February on DVD and digital video was ROBERT PLANT & THE SENSATIONAL SPACE SHIFTERS "Live At David Lynch's Festival Of Disruption". The eight-song performance was captured on October 8, 2016 at L.A.'s Ace Hotel Theatre as part of David Lynch's inaugural Festival Of Disruption, which raised money for The David Lynch Foundation.

Fueled by a passion to bring horrific and grotesque sounds to their fans, Ottawa's A Scar For The Wicked offer a full stream of their third EP, The Unholy, out tomorrow, June 29th. Listen below, pre-order the EP here.

Full of face-melting heaviness and a dark and evil atmosphere that offers more sickening death metal to the unsuspecting world, The Unholy follows their 2012 Machiavellian hymn to the dead Scars, and 2014's brutal assault The Necrobutcher.

The band comments: "The Unholy is a step-up from our previous EP The Necrobutcher. It’s heavier, more technical, faster, more melodic and flows very well from front to back. Silverwing Studios did an excellent production. The vocals often alternate from low to high in range and is accompanied by powerful backing-vocals. Every track is hard hitting and overall the EP and lyrical content have a very dark feel to them."

Since 2010, Ottawa's A Scar For The Wicked has been clawing their way through the Eastern Canadian metal scene playing fast, evil and energetic songs inspired by horror shows and films. Their favorite themes encompass zombies, demons and other evil creatures and for them, each song is executed as a short horror story accompanied by heavy music. Like most horror stories this is not for the faint of heart. There is a fair amount of gore, death and of course a very evil atmosphere, which is reflected in the band name as well.  

Guitarist Joe Lyko explains: “A Scar For The Wicked was really a twist on people marking the houses of where witches live, a mark on them so people knew to stay away; a scar as we like to look at it. I always liked the idea of thinking every time we play we leave a mark on the crowd, something to remind them of us.”

A Scar For The Wicked will be hosting an EP release show in their hometown of Ottawa on June 29th at Mavericks with a lineup of the city's most deathly metal bands. To pre-order the EP, click here.

Tracklisting:

"Born From The Grave"
"A Place Where Death Resides"
"The Abyss"
"Darkness Approaches"
"The Unholy"
"Malformed"
"Evil Within"

EP stream:

"The Unholy" video:

"Born From The Grave" lyric video:

BraveWords is premiering a lyric video for "Zephon", the debut single from the forthcoming Immortal Guardian album Age Of Revolution, out on September 28th via M-Theory Audio. The single is available now on all digital streaming and download platforms.

Says vocalist Carlos Zema: "“We chose 'Zephon' to be the first single off our new album because sonically it represents the new heavier direction of the band, and lyrically, addresses worldwide issues regarding the domination by the powers that be. The song explains, in a figurative way, the legacy of rebels throughout history and suggests the role we must now play. With the title and chorus being centered around the reference of a great equalizer figure in John Milton’s Paradise Lost, the message is conveyed that we must become the Zephon character. It is now our responsibility to “Bring down the inhumane”. The cover art that I designed compliments the song as it goes together with the issues we discuss in the lyrics. Touching on the concept of entering an Age of Revolution and a total awakening of the mind.”

The Texas-based “super metal” quartet Immortal Guardian - whose founding member Gabriel Guardian has earned extensive notoriety for his ability to shred on guitar and keyboard simultaneously - recently signed with M-Theory Audio.

Hailing from the same state as guitar greats Dimebag Darrell and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Immortal Guardian proudly fly the flag of musical innovation and virtuosity for the Lone Star State. Over the past few years, the group has released two acclaimed EPs, Revolution Part I (produced by Roy Z of Halford/Bruce Dickinson fame) and Super Metal: Edition Z, that showcased a full-frontal metal assault of anthemic melodies, technical rhythms, furious shred and high-flying vocals by Brazilian singer Carlos Zema (Outworld).

In support of their EPs, the group has made jaws drop on stages in not only their home state - where they've performed alongside some of the biggest names in metal, including Judas Priest, Dragonforce, Kamelot, Symphony X, Sonata Arctica, Slayer, Metal Church, Soilwork and Steve Vai - but also abroad in countries such as Brazil and Russia, and during high-profile performances at ESPN's X Games, South By Southwest and the Fun Fun Fun Fest.

In addition, Gabriel Guardian has developed an extensive following on YouTube, where his unique dual-instrument covers of classics by the likes of Iron Maiden, Pantera and Guns N' Roses have garnered hundreds of thousands of views. His virtuosity was also recently showcased on the MTV program Amazingness. This summer, Gabriel will tour North America extensively as a guest member of video game metal icons PowerGlove. The tour includes a stop at Austin's Come and Take It Live in August, where Immortal Guardian will also perform.

“At NAMM a couple years back, I met Gabriel and his manager Brett through the Exmortus and Havok guys. I was immediately caught off-guard by someone who could shred on two instruments at once and have eyed Immortal Guardian ever since,” explains label founder Marco Barbieri. “With M-Theory Audio in place and the band finalizing a new record the time is now and I’m pleased to make the announcement and work with such gifted musicians and join their creative team to spread the word.”

“I’m very happy to announce Immortal Guardian's signing with M-Theory Audio and the start of our next epic chapter,” Gabriel says. “Marco Barbieri and his team have been accumulating a serious roster, and with a track record like his, we are definitely honored to be joining the family. Looking forward to all the good times ahead!”

Immortal Guardian is:

Carlos Zema - Vocals
Gabriel Guardian - Guitar/Keyboards
Cody Gilliand - Drums
Thad Stevens - Bass

Former SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo joined BODY COUNT on stage Friday (June 29) at the Tuska festival in Helsinki, Finland to perform the final section of the SLAYER medley "Raining Blood"/"Postmortem". Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

Lombardo performed at Tuska earlier on Friday with DEAD CROSS, in which he is joined by Mike Patton (FAITH NO MORE), Justin Pearson (THE LOCUST, RETOX, HEAD WOUND CITY) and Michael Crain (RETOX, FESTIVAL OF DEAD DEER).

BODY COUNT's version of "Raining Blood"/"Postmortem" is featured on the band's latest album, "Bloodlust", which was released in March 2017. The follow-up to 2014's "Manslaughter" includes contributions from MEGADETH's Dave Mustaine, SOULFLY and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY's Max Cavalera and LAMB OF GOD's Randy Blythe.

BODY COUNT bassist Vincent Price spoke about how he approached recording "Raining Blood" in the studio. He said: "I got this phone call from Ice-T at the same time he told me about trying to find people to be on this record. He goes, 'Vince, I want to cover 'Raining Blood'. I'm thinking, 'Wait a minute, 'Raining Blood' starts with the end of 'Postmortem'. I was, like, 'You know what? Let's put a twist on it — start our 'Raining Blood' and then end with 'Postmortem', which I do vocals on."

Lombardo was effectively fired from SLAYER after sitting out the group's Australian tour in February/March 2013 due to a contract dispute with the other members of SLAYER. He has since been replaced by Paul Bostaph, who was previously SLAYER's drummer from 1992 until 2001 and recorded four albums with the band.

Thanks: Timo Isoaho / Soundi.fi

In our set we cover a Slayer song we had long time friend @davelombardo sit in today that was great!!! #bodycount #slayer #davelombardo A post shared by Ernie C (@ernie4321) on Jun 29, 2018 at 4:08pm PDT

The song "Become The Storm" from TWISTED SISTER frontman Dee Snider can be streamed below. The track is taken from Snider's upcoming solo album, titled "For The Love Of Metal", which will be released on July 27 via Napalm Records. The disc, which was produced by HATEBREED vocalist Jamey Jasta, will feature contributions from Howard Jones (ex-KILLSWITCH ENGAGE), Mark Morton (LAMB OF GOD), Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY), Joel Grind and Nick Bellmore (TOXIC HOLOCAUST), and Charlie Bellmore (KINGDOM OF SORROW).

"For The Love Of Metal" track listing:

01. Lies Are A Business

02. Tomorrow's No Concern

03. I Am The Hurricane

04. American Made

05. Roll Over You

06. I'm Ready

07. Running Mazes

08. Mask

09. Become The Storm

10. The Hardest Way

11. Dead Hearts (Love Thy Enemy)

12. For The Love of Metal

The first track to be released from the album, "Tomorrow's No Concern", is also available below.

Snider comments: "'Tomorrow's No Concern' is the perfect first single off of my new album, 'For The Love Of Metal'. Lyrically, it's about me living for today, not in the past. So many people waste their lives away remembering the 'glory days.' While I am proud of all that I've done, I'm more interested and excited about what is happening now. In the song, I urge the listener to do the same; live in the moment and don't let the past — good, bad or indifferent — or what might or might not happen in the future ever slow you down!"

Speaking to Chris Annunziata of the New Jersey radio station 90.3 WMSC-FM, Snider stated about "For The Love Of Metal": "This is a really exciting album I did not expect to make, especially at this point in my life. I was doing Jamey Jasta's podcast, and he challenged me to make a contemporary rock record. And I was, like, 'Who's producing?' He said, 'I am.' And so we went in the studio [with] no record deal, and people started flocking [to appear on the LP]. It just amazed me, the enthusiasm and excitement that these younger musicians — younger than me, at least — had for working with Dee Snider and being a part of this project."

Dee went on to say that "the album turned out phenomenal," so much so that "we had a bidding war from all the major metal labels," he said. "As Jamey would say, it is hard. It harkens back to my earliest work with TWISTED SISTER, but it's very contemporary sounding with my voice. And people are astounded, actually, that I still have a very strong, very powerful, and as Jamey says, an important, iconic rock voice. So I'm very excited about this album."


Jasta previously described the LP as a "full-on metal album," adding that "people are gonna lose their minds when they hear this." He also called Dee "one of the best vocalists of our time" whose "voice is up there with Ozzy [Osbourne], [Ronnie James] Dio, [Bruce] Dickinson and [Rob] Halford to me. "And it's as powerful as ever!" he said.

"Although this album will be very heavy, the songs are anthemic and will fit well in his solo set with 'We're Not Gonna Take It', 'I Wanna Rock', 'Burn In Hell', 'We Are The Ones', 'So What' and others," Jamey promised.

Snider's last solo album, "We Are The Ones", was released in October 2016 via Red River Records. Produced by Damon Ranger, the disc was described by Dee as "an album that is think part FOO FIGHTERS, part IMAGINE DRAGONS, part THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS."

TWISTED SISTER called it quits in 2016 after completing a farewell 40th-anniversary tour.

Photo by Tim Tronckoe

Decibel Geek TV has uploaded video footage of QUIET RIOT's June 23 performance at the Freedom Fest in Littleton, Colorado. Check it out below.

QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie Banali recently said that James Durbin "has proved to be the best singer" the band has had since it was resurrected eight years ago.

Durbin, who became known as the "metal guy" on 2011's season of "American Idol" after performing "Living After Midnight" and "Breaking The Law" with JUDAS PRIEST, hooked up with QUIET RIOT after the dismissal of Seann Nicols (a.k.a. Sheldon Tarsha; formerly of ADLER'S APPETITE). Nicols was with QUIET RIOT for just a few months, but long enough to record the vocals for an early version of the band's latest album, 2017's "Road Rage".

In an interview with The Tribune-Democrat, Banali praised QUIET RIOT's latest addition, saying: "When I decided to restart QUIET RIOT in 2010, I knew it was going to be very difficult — both professionally and personally — because Kevin [DuBrow, original QUIET RIOT singer] and I were best friends for 27 years.

"There was never a thought to replace the late, great Kevin DuBrow. That is impossible. Kevin was an amazing singer with a vocal range second to none. And as a performer, no one comes even close.

"My thought was to try to preserve the music and sound of QUIET RIOT as best I could. We went through four different singers over roughly a six-year period.

"In 2017, we brought on James Durbin, who — without a doubt — has proved to be the best singer we've had since revving up the engines in 2010. He's a really great vocalist, performer and — equally as important — a very nice person.

"I'm used to change in QUIET RIOT, not just the trials and tribulations with singers since Kevin's passing, but during the entire 35-plus year history. I'm very happy to have James involved with us as long as he wants to be with QUIET RIOT."

Banali also offered an update on QUIET RIOT's upcoming live album and DVD, which was filmed this past April appearance at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, Italy.

"I just finished approving the final audio mixes as well as the live footage and I'm really happy with the final results," he said. "I'm waiting for the label, Frontiers Music, to advise when they think will be a good release date.

"I opted not to do any fixes, overdubs or studio trickery that prevails in many so-called 'live' music CDs and videos. What you get is a very honest representation of a night with QUIET RIOT live.

"I put together a set that covers the majority of the 'Metal Health' songs, a number from our second release, 'Condition Critical', as well as representing songs from 'QR III'. We also went deep in the QR catalog with a song from 1993's 'Terrified' record and the 1995 'Down To The Bone' record. Of course, we also performed two songs from the 2017 'Road Rage' record."

"Road Rage" was released last August via Frontiers Music Srl.

In addition to Banali and Durbin, QUIET RIOT's current lineup included bassist Chuck Wright (who has been in and out of the group since 1982) and guitarist Alex Grossi.

Banali revived QUIET RIOT in 2010, three years after DuBrow's death, along with Grossi and Wright. The group went through two vocalists — Mark Huff and Scott Vokoun — before settling on Jizzy Pearl in 2013. Pearl announced his exit from QUIET RIOT in October 2016.

Maryland rockers CLUTCH have released the official music video for "How To Shake Hands", the second single from their upcoming album, "Book Of Bad Decisions".


A very limited seven-inch picture disc in a transparent PVC pocket has been made available. "How To Shake Hands" is on the blue side and "Gimme The Keys" on the reverse, green side.


"How To Shake Hands" traces its lineage back to Ry Cooder and John Lee Hooker via the song "John Lee Hooker For President". In that song, Ry Cooder impersonates JLH giving a stump speech on what will happen when he becomes president. CLUTCH's original idea of covering the Ry Cooder song was soon abandoned as vocalist Neil Fallon said he couldn't do the song justice. Instead, Neil put his own lyrics in the style of Ry Cooder/JLH to a new CLUTCH song which ended up becoming the fast-paced "How to Shake Hands".


Each of the single releases from "Book Of Bad Decisions" is accompanied by a Spotify playlist put together by one of the bandmembers. In this instance, guitarist Tim Sult is responsible for surrounding "How To Shake Hands" with other songs to his liking.

"Since Neil mentioned Jimi Hendrix and Bill Hicks in 'How To Shake Hands', I decided to make a playlist including both," said Sult. "Classic guitar playing meets classic comedy. What could go wrong?"

"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.

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

The first photos of Vinnie Paul Abbott's final resting place can be seen below.

The PANTERA and HELLYEAH drummer was buried on Saturday (June 30) next to his brother, PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, and their mother, Carolyn, at Moore Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, Texas. He was laid to rest in a custom "Kiss Kasket" provided by KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. The casket was offered as a gift at Vinnie's family's request. Vinnie was also buried in some of his trademark clothes, including his hat, shoes and flannel.

Speakers at the service included former GRIM REAPER guitarist Nick Bowcott and SiriusXM DJ Jose Mangin. Also appearing at the event were original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, DISTURBED's David Draiman, NICKELBACK's Chad Kroeger, ANTHRAX's Charlie Benante, FOZZY's Chris Jericho and ROUGH CUTT's Paul Shortino.

Vinnie's brother was buried in the original Kiss Kasket prototype in 2004 after his untimely death. The coffin featured the faces of the four founding members of KISS, the KISS logo and the words "Kiss Forever." Both Abbotts were huge fans, especially Darrell, who was shot dead by a gunman in December 2004.

A public memorial for Vinnie Paul will be held later today (Sunday, July 1) at Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas. Fans interested in attending "Vinnie Paul: A Public Celebration Of Life" must receive a wristband to enter the Bomb Factory. The line for wristbands began at noon outside the venue prior to the 3:33 p.m. memorial.

PANTERA fans will know 3:33 p.m. as "Dime Time," in honor of Dimebag.

Vinnie Paul explained in a 2006 interview: "[Dimebag's] number was three, you know. And every day, 3:33 will appear on the clock, and I don't even mean to look at it, and it just reminds me of him every day. It doesn't matter if it's at night or during the day. I'll be doing something. I'll be right in the middle of something, busy, busy, busy, and I'll look over, and by gosh it's 3:33."

Vinnie passed away on June 22 at his home in Las Vegas at the age of 54. The drummer's death "did not appear suspicious," according to the official report of the event recorded by Metropolitan Police officers. Sources close to Vinnie told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he suffered a "major heart attack," but that information has not been corroborated yet by an official source.

Vinnie had reportedly finished laying down drum tracks for the next HELLYEAH album, although there is no word yet on when that LP will see the light of day.

MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil headlined the second day of the 2018 Dundalk Heritage Fair on June 30 in Dundalk, Maryland. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below (courtesy of Rock N Roll Experience).

MÖTLEY CRÜE called it quits in December 2015 following an eighteen-month tour that saw the group performing to packed houses all over the world.

A tour film about CRÜE's final shows, "The End", came out last fall, and a film adaptation of the band's 2001 autobiography "The Dirt" is in the works.

Speaking to "Trunk Nation", Eddie Trunk's show on SiriusXM channel Volume (106), Vince acknowledged that he is currently the only member of MÖTLEY CRÜE who is waving the flag for the band's music by performing CRÜE songs as a solo artist.

"It's a cool thing, because I love MÖTLEY CRÜE, I love MÖTLEY CRÜE's music, and I love singing, and I love the fans' reactions when they hear the songs," he said. "Whether we're playing in front of a thousand people or twenty thousand people, I can only see the front row anyway. So I'm happy for me and for the fans to be able to still hear that music after MÖTLEY CRÜE is finished."

Neil reiterated the fact that he doesn't mind performing in much smaller places with his solo band than he was accustomed to playing with MÖTLEY CRÜE. "I always look at it like the best of both worlds," he explained. "You know, we had the big, giant MÖTLEY stuff and everything, and then you've got… I like going out and playing… We do fifteen-hundred, two-thousand, three-thousand seaters and some festival stuff, and it's fun to go out there and just let the music do the talking, as the song goes. And I don't miss it. I like just going out there and just raw."

Even though Neil's solo set consists exclusively of MÖTLEY CRÜE material, he says that he tries to keep things fresh by occasionally throwing in "deeper" album cuts that many fans wouldn't expect to hear in a live situation.

"Like [the] songs 'Red Hot' and 'Piece Of Your Action', we didn't have [them] in the set for a long time, and then I was, like, 'Yeah, let's just go ahead and let's do this,'" he said. "Then we added 'Red Hot' and we stopped doing it for a while, and then we just added it again."

He continued: "The old songs are… MÖTLEY didn't play all these old songs, and I enjoy singing these old songs, so it's fun for me and it's fun for the band and it's fun for the crowd."

Neil's solo band includes Dana Strum and Jeff Blando from SLAUGHTER, along with drummer Zoltan Chaney.

After almost four years since the release of their Arche album, Japan's avant-garde metal phenomenon Dir En Grey return on September 26th with a new album, The Insulated World. It will be available for pre-order at CD shops all around Japan (including online shops) starting from June 30th. Limited Deluxe Version and First Press Limited Version are printed in limited numbers. More details will be revealed soon.

Watch this page and the official Dir En Grey Facebook page here for updates.

In addition, Dir En Grey have announced a string of European tour dates for October 2018. They are available below.

New Jersey-based progressive metal quartet Etherius was formed by guitarist Jay Tarantino in 2017. After gaining experience as a touring rhythm guitarist for guitar virtuoso Angel Vivaldi, Tarantino decided to branch out on his own with the goal of making music unlike the djent/electronic stylings of the current instrumental guitar scene. The result is Etherius - a fresh new take on progressive metal/neoclassical shred incorporating the stylings of classic thrash bands such as Megadeth, Testament, and Iced Earth.

Etherius are set to release their debut EP, entitled Thread Of Life, on August 24th. The impressive new five track offering is available for pre-order via Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play. You can also stream select tracks now via Spotify.

Watch Etherius deftly shred through their new single, "The Inevitable End", in an action-packed new music video directed by Eric DiCarlo at SquareUp Studios, below.

Tarantino says, "'The Inevitable End' was one of the first songs written for Thread Of Life. The fast, triplet-based riff in the middle was something I had written years ago, but never found a use for. The idea was to compose a song in which the riffing is relentless but the lead guitars are catchy and melodic. The song really came together once Zaki added his rhythmic ideas with the drum parts."

In addition to Jay Tarantino, Etherius features drummer/producer Zaki Ali, bassist Chris Targia, and second guitarist John Kiernan.

The concept of Thread Of Life and the album's artwork was inspired by ancient Greek mythology. "The Greeks believed that many aspects of a person's life were determined by the three fates, or Moirai (moy-ray) as they were called," says Tarantino. "The Moirai were three sister goddesses who "spun out" a child's destiny at birth. The sisters determined when life began, when it ended, and the events that occurred throughout one's life. The first sister, Clotho, or spinner, spun the thread, which was a person's life. The second sister, Lachesis, or unbending, measured the thread, which was the length of that life. The third sister, Atropos, meaning inevitable, chose the manner in which life ended, thus cutting the "Thread Of Life". The reason they are depicted as having no eyes on the album cover is because the ancient Greeks described the sisters as "cold" and "unmerciful."

Thread Of Life tracklisting:

"Thread Of Life"
"The Soothsayer"
"March And Defy"
"The Inevitable End"
"Lament"

"The Inevitable End" video:

Thread Of Life was produced and engineered by Jay Tarantino and Zaki Ali with Angel Vivaldi acting as co-producer, was recorded at Backroom Studios in Rockaway, New Jersey (owned by Dillinger Escape Plan guitarist Kevin Antreassin), and was mixed/mastered by Mutiny Within vocalist Chris Clancy at Audioworks Productions. Additional tracking was completed with Angel Vivaldi at his home studio.

Tarantino says about the band's writing and recording process, "Whereas a lot of modern bands compose music in pieces, swapping ideas back and forth through email/Dropbox and using modern recording technology to cut and paste it, we write music together in our rehearsal space and arrange the parts as a band. This gives the music a more organic quality that doesn't sound as mechanical or sterile as it does with the former approach. We try to rely on technology as little as possible when composing songs."

With one listen to Thread Of Life it's clear that combined, the four extremely talented musicians of Etherius produce a clean, awe-inspiring sound merging powerful progressive elements that will appeal to not only the most discerning and critical metal fans, but to the heavy music-loving masses as well.

Pittsburgh, PA-based slamming deathcore group Signs Of The Swarm have parted ways with their original vocalist CJ McCreery and will be replacing him with Dave Simonich.

The group issued in a collective statement, "CJ Mccreery and Signs Of The Swarm have decided to part ways. The split between the band and CJ was mutual and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. With that being said, anyone who has seen us on the Ingested run and Devastation on the Nation may have noticed that we had our good friend Dave Simonich filling in on vocals. We are pleased to announce that Dave will be joining Signs Of The Swarm as our new permanent vocalist. This change has given us opportunities that could not have been possible before, and with that we are beyond excited for the future of the band and what we have to come."

Watch new vocalist Dave Simonich display his otherworldy chops with this cover of "Cowards Deathbed" below. The track is from the band's 2017 Unique Leader debut The Disfigurement Of Existence.

Midwest death metal titans JUNGLE ROT are revolting and speaking out against the current U.S. administration with "A Burning Cinder", the second track from their self-titled album, due out July 20 via Victory Records. Fearlessly honest vocalist Dave Matrise warns of mass planetary strife in this soundtrack for political overthrow. "The U.S. administration, taking a cue from the president, have exposed themselves as the blind leading the blind. I needed to write something demonstrating that there will be retaliation and revolt, ultimately ending up with mass global war and the earth charring into a burning cinder."

As the album hits shelves, JUNGLE ROT will hammer audiences as it returns to the road with HAVOK and EXTINCTION AD starting July 23 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

"Jungle Rot" track listing:

01. Send Forth Oblivion

02. Delusional Denial

03. A Burning Cinder

04. Triggered

05. Fearmonger (feat. Schmier)

06. Stay Dead

07. Glory For The Fallen

08. Pumped Full Of Lead

09. Twisted Mind

10. Terrible Certainty (KREATOR cover)

"Fearmonger" features DESTRUCTION vocalist/bassist Schmier lending his shrieking throat as JUNGLE ROT vocalist/guitarist Dave Matrise lays down a counter-guttural growl lower than Dante's gates of hell.

Matrise explains the song's origin: "We covered the DESTRUCTION classic 'Invincible Force' some years ago and Schmier told me ours is his favorite DESTRUCTION cover he has ever heard from any band. Years later, we toured together and right away, Schmier approached me to start singing the song with him in concert. His trademark style and my vocals worked so well together that when I began writing this new record, the idea immediately came up to have him as a guest vocalist. He loved it and was honored to be a part of it. That's how we created 'Fearmonger'."

In January 2018, JUNGLE ROT entered Belle City Sound with engineer Chris Djuricic behind the board. Mixing and mastering was done by the legendary Dan Swanö (DARK FUNERAL, MARDUK).

"Jungle Rot" blasts off with "Send Forth Oblivion", an audible equivalent to stainless steel medical devices in your eardrum. Another track, "Glory For The Fallen", shows Genenz pounding away at his woofer as he explains the track was written for his close friend Jeff, who was murdered in 2017.

"I definitely needed to put something on the album for my fallen brother, and another track directed at the cowardly scumbag who took his young life, which is 'Pumped Full Of Lead'," he said. "I've had a lot of pain to write with, so that is my message — life is pain."

"Jungle Rot" closes with a crushing cover of KREATOR's 1987 classic "Terrible Certainty".

"I love this song and it's one I've always wanted to cover. I remember seeing them for the first time, saying to myself I want to start a band," Matrise confesses.

As the hype surrounding JUNGLE ROT points that this is their most dynamic and diverse release to date, Matrise states the band has never measured their success by tailgating other acts.

"We are JUNGLE ROT," he says. "This is JUNGLE ROT. Bands may want to call it a day, hang up their axes and go to bed, that is their call, but that is of no consequence to us or our plotted course. By the early 1990s, the death metal revolution was ready to overthrow the stagnant metal scene, and 20-plus years later, our job has not changed.”

The cover art for "Jungle Rot" was again helmed by the masterful and brutal mind of artist Gyula Havancsak.

"Jungle Rot" pre-orders are available now and feature all new t-shirts, long-sleeve, baseball tee, 46" x 46" flag, zip-up hoodie, limited-edition colored vinyl, CD and a gore-proof cassette tape limited to only 75 copies. All pre-orders include an instant download of "Fearmonger".

With less than a month to wait until the release of the newest album from Germany's Black Space Riders, the band has released the album track "Ch Ch Ch Ch Pt. II (Living In My Dream)". The second single off the forthcoming album, "Ch Ch Ch Ch Pt. II (Living In My Dream)" is an infectious and riff-driven masterpiece. Listen below.

Although the dust has barely settled from the January 2018 release of Amoretum Vol. 1, the band are set to return with its follow-up, Amoretum Vol. 2. Hard, fast heavy rockers morph into new wave indie sounds and even postpunk loses its "post." Psychedelic triphop meets dub reggae roots and then ends in a loud rush of psychedelic riffs.This wild 14-track ride is scheduled to be released on July 27th.

"Lovelovelovelovelovelovelovelove Love (Break the Pattern Of Fear)" video:

Germany's progressive death metal masters Obscura complete their long-running, four-album conceptual circle with the release of Diluvium (defined as a great oceanic flood), their most evocative, diverse and vibrant release to date. Diluvium is due out July 13th on CD/LP/Digital via Relapse Records. A guitar playthrough video for the title track is available for streaming below.

Obscura have announced a North American headlining tour, set to take place from mid-September through early October. The band will be joined by Beyond Creation, Archspire, Inferi & Exist for what is sure to be the most talked about progressive death metal tour of the year. The full list of tour dates will be announced shortly.

Vocalist / Guitarist Steffen Kummerer commented on the run: "Obscura finally return to North America with an extended headlining tour supporting our brand new record Diluvium, which marks the end of a ten year, four album cycle. With Beyond Creation,Archspire,Inferi and Exist we return to the United States and Canada with the most extreme tour of the year. We can't wait to hit the road again and present you songs off all four records Cosmogenesis, Omnivium, Akroasis and Diluvium.

Diluvium physical packages are available via Relapse.com here, and digital downloads / streaming services here.

Recorded with longtime producer V. Santura (Triptykon, Pestilence) at Woodshed Studios in Landshut, Germany, Diluvium is a stunning achievement for the illustrious quartet and a landmark release for progressive metal as a whole. Complete with all the band's signature elements plus groundbreaking polyrhythms, dramatic songwriting, and jaw-dropping virtuosity, Obscura raise the bar once again with an album that will go down in the annals of metal history as one of the most astonishing performances the genre has to offer.  

Album art by Orion Landau.

Diluvium tracklisting:

"Clandestine Stars"
"Emergent Evolution"
"Diluvium"
"Mortification Of The Vulgar Sun"
"Ethereal Skies"
"Convergence"
"Ekpyrosis"
"The Seventh Aeon"
"The Conjuration"
"An Epilogue To Infinity"
"A Last Farewell" (Bonus Track)

"Diluvium" guitar playthrough video:

"Emergent Evolution":

 
"Diluvium" video:

"Making of" episodes:

Stormwitch have released their new album Bound To The Witch via Massacre Records. A new teaser video is available for streaming below.

The album is available as a jewel case CD as well as strictly limited vinyl LP with 11 songs each, as a limited edition CD Digipak with exclusive bonus tracks with a total of 14 songs and as digital download and stream. The cover artwork was created by Michael Vetter, Marc Ayerle took care of the album's mix and mastering at the klangMAnufaktur.

Tracklisting:

“Songs Of Steel”
“Odins Ravens”
“The Choir Of The Dead”
“Bound To The Witch”
“Arya”
“Stormwitch”
“Life Is Not A Dream”
“King George”
“Ancient Times”
“The Ghost Of Mansfield Park”
“Nightingale”
“Stronger Than Heaven” (Digipak only)
“Rats In The Attic” (Digipak only)
“Priest Of Evil” (Digipak only)

Teaser:

“Odins Ravens”:

“Songs Of Steel” lyric video:

Atmospheric black metal masters Shylmagoghnar have released their new album Transience. The album track "No Child Of Man Could Follow" is available for streaming below.

Says the band: "Our album Transience is out now! We wish to thank everyone involved in its creation from the bottom of our hearts. You have made the journey endurable. About the song: this is one of the oldest surviving songs of the project and it has seen many iterations over the years. It is a tale of a mysterious messenger who shares with the protagonist a series of visions, revealing a terrifying conflux of conflicting paths."

The album will is available in the following formats:

- Regular Jewel Case
- 2 LP Gatefold & Bonus Track
- Regular Jewel Case & Shirt Bundle
- Digital Full-Length Album

Order here.

Tracklisting:

"Transience"
"The Dawn Of Motion"
"As All Must Come To Pass"
"This Shadow Of The Heart"
"The Chosen Path"
"No Child Of Man Could Follow"
"Journey Through The Fog"
"Life"

"As All Must Come To Pass" video:

"Transience" video:

Lineup:

Nimblkorg: Guitars, Bass, Drums, Keyboards, Vocals
Skirge: Vocals, Lyrics

(Photo - S.E. Dantchev)

Monstrous black/doom/punk chimera Mantar have released a video for the new track "Age Of The Absurd", to feature on the band's upcoming third studio album The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze. The album will include 12 songs and is set to be unleashed on August 24th via Nuclear Blast.

Northern Germany’s feral two piece Mantar have achieved more in five years than most bands twice their age and size. The product of a twenty year friendship between guitarist/vocalist Hanno Klaenhardt and drummer Erinc Sakarya, theirs is a success story born entirely of one thing: hard work, with three albums, an EP and a live release already to their name. Releasing their 2014 Svart Records debut Death By Burning, an uncompromising clash of stripped-back punk attitude and metal intensity to instant critical acclaim, the band toured relentlessly, gracing stages the world over, including the hallowed likes of Roadburn, Wacken Open Air and Maryland Deathfest. They used 2016’s Ode To The Flame, their Nuclear Blast Records debut, to further build upon their incendiary live reputation, conquering not only Europe and the US, but Russia, Japan and South Africa.

Now, following a brief period of repose which saw Hanno move to Florida, Mantar return with The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze, a short, sharp shock that hones the hungry riffs and breath-taking pace of their previous records. “We skipped the bullshit,” explains Hanno. “I wanted 3 or 4 minute songs; bam, bam, bam. Every song different, catchy - that’s what rock and roll is about.”

Mantar's metallic genesis is unique in that neither member classes themself as a metalhead. Hanno’s a punk kid that developed a love for black metal later in life. Erinc’s tastes are even further removed, preferring the svelte sadness of the likes of The Sisters OF Mercy. “But we have a metal audience and we are a metal band, I guess!” states Hanno proudly, “I take that as a gift.” He’s never listened to more classic metal records than when writing »The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze«, and it shows in the album’s ceaseless, hook-laden riffs and caustically blackened, nihilistic atmosphere. “Riffs, riffs, riffs are the only hard currency for Mantar - simple as fuck - that’s what I like,” says Hanno. “The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze is way more metal than the previous two records; on the other hand I think the songs speak for themselves, without the need for genre classification.”

The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze is a title in-keeping with Hanno’s symbolic obsession with fire on albums previous; this time disavowing mankind’s tendency to blindly follow those that would lead us into oblivion. This isn’t necessarily a political statement; more a morbid fascination with current smouldering tensions that threaten to set the minds of the masses on fire. The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze is the spark that will ignite the flame - especially onstage. “I’m addicted to those moments up there,” impresses Hanno, “being loud, raw and aggressive - setting the stage ablaze, causing violence; that’s what I live for.”

The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze is a title in-keeping with Mantar's symbolic obsession with fire on albums previous; this time disavowing mankind's tendency to blindly follow those that would lead us into oblivion. This isn't necessarily a political statement; but rather a morbid fascination with current smouldering tensions that threaten to set the minds of the masses on fire.

Mantar is currently on the road, playing select club shows as well as Europe's biggest festivals. See dates below.

June        
29 - Tuska Open Air - Helsinki, Finland

July
1 - Fusion Festival - Lärz, Germany
11 - Eistnaflug - Neskaupstaður, Iceland
13 - Eulenglück - Braunschweig, Germany
14 - Dong Open Air - Neukirchen-Vluyn, Germany
27 - Metaldays - Tolmin, Slovenia

August
3 - Wacken Open Air - Wacken, Germany
5 - Sylak Open Air - Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans, France
10 - Sonic Blast Moledo - Moledo, Portugal
12 - Bloodstock - Derbyshire, England
24 - Kulturkombinat Bunker - Rostock, Germany
25 - Reload Festival - Sulingen, Germany

Belgium-based death metal/grindcore act Leng Tch’e have released a video for "Redundant", a track from their latest album, Razorgrind, released last year via Season Of Mist. Order the album at this location, and watch the video below.

Named after their self-styled take on grindcore, the album deploys all the classic genre hallmarks; light-speed drumming, rabid vocal barking, and a swarming guitar attack packed into ferocious bursts of aggression. This is easily some of the finest work by the band, and nothing short of a ripping rush of sonic violence.

Razorgrind tracklisting:

“Gundog Allegiance”
“Indomitable”
“Cibus”
“Spore”
“AnarChristic”
“Stentor Of Doom”
“Redundant”
“Commitment Fail”
“The Red Pill”
“Species. Path. Extinction.”
“Guinea Swine”
“Cirrhosis”
“I Am The Vulture”
“Magellanic Shrine”

“Redundant” video:

“Stentor Of Doom” video:

Icelandic classic rock trio The Vintage Caravan are back! Featuring 10 new stirring tracks, their fourth studio album Gateways will be released on August 31st through Nuclear Blast. Today, the band can finally present a first taster of their upcoming record in the form of the first single, "Reflections". Check out the song below.

Guitarist/vocalist Óskar Logi comments, "We are so pleased to finally give you guys the first taste of Gateways. The track is a powerful one, heavy and melodic. The song came quickly together in the songwriting process but we spent a lot of time during the mixing and mastering to get the song (and the entire album) sounding as good as possible. We are super proud and we hope you'll enjoy 'Reflections'!"

Gateways can now be pre-ordered in various formats here.

Gateways will be available in the following formats:

- Digi
- 2LP (black, white)
- Digital

Gateways tracklisting:

"Set Your Sights"
"The Way"
"Reflections"
"On The Run"
"All This Time"
"Hidden Streams"
"Reset"
"Nebula"
"Farewell"
"Tune Out"

Bonus Track (Digi and 2LP only)
"The Chain" (Fleetwood Mac cover)

The band commented on their upcoming record, "We are very proud to present our new album, Gateways! Recorded in the legendary Sundlaugin Studios in Iceland (owned by Sigur Rós). Produced by Ian Davenport. Overall we think this album feels more mature than the previous ones. We really pushed ourselves to make this album sound as great as possible. I won't name any names but some people have been heard saying this is the greatest thing since sliced bread. We can't wait for you all to hear it/taste it."

Paradise Lost have release da remixed and remastered version of their eighth full-length album Believe In Nothing. Initially released back in 2000, the artwork and production of the album never lived up to the expectations of the band. The quintet now present a freshly reworked version of the album with more appropriate, gloomy artwork.

In this fifth and final album trailer, singer Nick Holmes and guitarist Greg Mackintosh discuss working with producer John Fryer, who was known for his work with Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, etc, and was a bit older than the guys at the time. Watch as Nick and Greg explain working with John, and how kids in band tees now make them feel old:

Believe In Nothing - Remixed & Remastered is available in the following formats:

- Digipack CD
- Bi-coloured LP
- White LP
- Standard Black LP
+ T-Shirt Bundles

Order via the following links:

- Official Omerch Store
- Nuclear Blast Mailorder
- Digital

New artwork by Branca Studio.

Tracklisting:

"I Am Nothing"
"Mouth"
"Fader"
"Look At Me Now"
"Illumination"
"Something Real"
"Divided"
"Sell It To The World"
"Never Again"
"Control"
"No Reason"
"World Pretending"

Bonus tracks:
"Gone"
"Leave This Alone"

"Mouth" lyric video:

Paradise Lost will support Danzig on their only UK dates this year, on August 6th and 7th, in Glasgow, Scotland and London, England respectively. Tickets are available here.

Dates:

August
6 - Glasgow, Scotland - Barrowlands
7 - London, England - Brixton Academy

Classical guitar virtuoso Thomas Zwijsen will release his seventh solo album, Nylon Metal, on September 3rd. The double CD contains 26 acoustic arrangements of metal and rock songs by Iron Maiden, KISS, Metallica, Deep Purple, Helloween, Led Zeppelin, Dream Theater, and many more.

Zwijsen states: “My mission is to bring heavy metal to the classical guitar world and vice versa, combining the greatness of heavy metal compositions with the beautiful tone of the classical guitar. I can’t wait to present this album to guitar fans around the world.”

Guest musicians on the album are (ex)members of KISS and Iron Maiden, respectively Bruce Kulick and Blaze Bayley.

Tracklisting:

CD 1:
"The Good, The Bad, The Ugly" (Ennio Moricone)
"Future World" (Helloween)
"2 Minutes To Midnight" (Iron Maiden)
"Forever" (KISS) ft. Bruce Kulick
"Eye Of The Tiger" (Survivor)
"Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son" (Iron Maiden)
"Hollow Years" (Dream Theater)
"Renegade" (Hammerfall)
"The Unforgiven II" (Metallica)
"Four Lanes Of Chaos" (Original)
"Twisted Mind" (Avantasia)
"Soldier Of Fortune" (Deep Purple)
"The Final Countdown" (Europe)

CD 2:
"Where Eagles Dare" (Iron Maiden)
"Temple Of The King" (Rainbow)
"Lightning Strikes Twice" (Iron Maiden) ft.Blaze Bayley
"Enter Sandman" (Metallica)
"The Wickerman" (Iron Maiden)
"All My Love" (Led Zeppelin)
"Want You Bad" (The Offspring)
"Space Oddity" (David Bowie)
"Living After Midnight" (Judas Priest)
"Definitely Doable" (Original)
"Smoke On The Water" (Deep Purple)
"Eagle Fly Free" (Helloween)
"Detroit Rock City" (KISS)

All songs are arranged by Thomas Zwijsen in his characteristic style, playing all essential melodies simultaneously on his Ortega signature guitar.

With his arrangements Zwijsen obtained over 20 million YouTube views and is now close to reaching 100,000 subscribers. He has played over 500 concerts in Europe, South America, Asia and the Middle East.

The release of the Nylon Metal album will be followed by a European tour in September with Anne Bakker, a European tour in November with Blaze Bayley, and three shows in Israel in 2019 followed by an extensive South American solo tour.

The Book Of Tabs - Together with the album, Zwijsen will release his second tab book, The Book Of Tabs. The book includes tabs & standard notation of 11 Iron Maiden songs and includes online video lessons for each song.

Table of contents:

"If Eternity Should Fail"
"The Wickerman"
"Afraid To Shoot Strangers"
"2 Minutes To Midnight"
"Iron Maiden"
"Lightning Strikes Twice"
"Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son"
"Hallowed Be Thy Name"
"Children Of The Damned"
"Where Eagles Dare"
"Alexander The Great"

More info and pre-ordering at here.

Helix frontman Brian Vollmer has checked in with the following update:

"Yesterday, the vinyl for the brand new Helix Icon album arrived here at Planet Helix. A couple of years ago Universal bought out Capitol / EMI; the Icon Series are a string of releases from those bands that Universal acquired. Ironically, even though Helix was born in the Age of Vinyl, we NEVER had a Best Of album on vinyl. This will be the first. There are also two songs that are on some of our newer CDs: 'Even Jesus (Wasn't Loved In His Home Town)' from Bastard Of The Blues, and '(Gene Simmons Says) Rock Is Dead', a single release from last year. It's a nice package and can be purchased through the website in either CD or vinyl.

Speaking of vinyl, Bastard Of The Blues will be coming out shortly on Roxx Records, soon to be followed by the Helix Christmas Album. Expect many of the CDs I own in the Helix catalogue to eventually be released on vinyl."

The Icon Series Best Of album will be out by July 10th. If you'd like to order an advance copy, the vinyl is $25 plus shipping, the CD is $15 plus shipping. You can order it here.

Check out the artwork and tracklist below.

Catch Helix live in concert at the following shows:

July
29 - Parc Jean-Drapeau - Montreal, Quebec

August
11 - Rock The Plaza - Windsor, Ontario
17 - Rockin' The Rock - Little Current, Ontario

Brisbane Australia’s award-winning metal band A Breach Of Silence have revealed a brand new music video to celebrate 150,000 Spotify plays of their metal cover version of "Shameless" by The Weeknd. The video, which can be seen below, was directed by Matt Donaldson. 

This is the fourth music video from their latest full-length album Secrets, which was produced by Fredrik Nordstrom and Henrik Udd (Bring Me The Horizon, Arch Enemy, In Flames).

“Most of us in the band follow The Weeknd and we’re huge fans of his music,” says bassist Blair Layt. “We wanted to do something off the cuff and really different for the Secrets album, so Shameless was an easy choice for us.” Guitarist Mat Cosgrove continues, “We just wanted to try and make this song a bit more energetic by breathing some heavy rock and metal into it... and I think we achieved that!”

 

Singer/guitarist Zach Slaughter (frontman for Skull Fist) has released the debut album for his new project, Freedumb. The musical style includes punk, acoustic, doom and traditional metal all combined with a cheeky sense of humour. The debut album Skate N Die was released on May 18th via Boonsdale Records and is available at this location.

Check out the song "Finding Emo" below, which Slaughter has dubbed "the worst song on this album."

Freedumb’s debut release unleashes nine tracks of high energy punk/metal in the vein of Candlemass, Bad Religion, Dead Kennedys, Skull Fist, trademarked with Zach’s unique vocal style along with metal elements and virtuoso guitar solos, plus the lyrical humour of NOFX / Frank Zappa. Skate N Die offers an alternate approach to mainstream music that can give attention to the counter culture of today’s social circles.

Tracklisting:

"Punch Patrol"
"S.O.S."
"Shark Attack"
"Grand Canyon"
"Jerkathon"
"Skate N Die"
"Anarchy Will Prevail"
"Street Surfing Man"
"Finding Emo"

"S.O.S."

"Punch Patrol"

The song "Mighty Ravendark" from Norwegian black metallers IMMORTAL — now consisting of lyricist/guitarist Demonaz (real name Harald Nævdal) and drummer Horgh (real name Reidar Horghagen) — can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Northern Chaos Gods", which will be released on July 6 via Nuclear Blast. The disc features eight new tracks consisting of 45 minutes of merciless speed and icy darkness, all massive songs in the true IMMORTAL way.

"Northern Chaos Gods" was produced by Peter Tägtgren (Abyss Studio), who also helmed IMMORTAL's "At The Heart Of Winter", "Damned In Black", "Sons Of Northern Darkness" and "All Shall Fall" LPs.

"Northern Chaos Gods" track listing:

01. Northern Chaos Gods (4:25)

02. Into Battle Ride (3:50)

03. Gates To Blashyrkh (4:38)

04. Grim And Dark (5:27)

05. Called To Ice (5:06)

06. Where Mountains Rise (5:51)

07. Blacker Of Worlds (3:43)

08. Mighty Ravendark (9:14)

"We are eternally dedicated to IMMORTAL and our own musical past," Demonaz and Horgh said in a statement. "The album is conceptual, and the first step in the reclaiming of our past grimness and attitude. Loyalty to the fans and our own musical history is very significant in this. Our new album will soon be available, with songs from the very gates of Blashyrkh — the realm of all darkness and cold."

The band has once again been focusing on making its music without much outside influence.

"We have put a massive amount of energy into this, and wanted to deliver our absolutely best," Demonaz and Horgh said. "It has been a pleasure to finish the studio process and most of all being stoked about the final result. Peter Tägtgren has done an outstanding job in producing and mixing it. We now look forward to have it released, and are excited to share our ninth full-length with you all."

Demonaz is now also handling the vocals for IMMORTAL following the 2014 split with frontman Olve Eikemo (a.k.a. Abbath).

In addition to Demonaz (vocals, guitar) and Horgh (drums), IMMORTAL's new disc features Tägtgren on session bass.

IMMORTAL in 2016 said that the delay in getting the new music out to the fans was largely a result of the split with Abbath. "From 2010 until 2014, IMMORTAL wrote all the songs for the successor to 'All Shall Fall', but when ex- member Abbath left the band in 2014, he changed the lyrics, songtitles and recorded these songs for his so-called 'solo album,'" Demonaz and Horgh explained. "We had to focus on making a new album nearly from scratch, which is the main reason why things have taken this much time."

IMMORTAL's core trio consisting of Abbath, Demonaz and Horgh had been together since 1996 and was responsible for crafting the band's last five albums: "Blizzard Beasts" (1997), "At The Heart Of Winter" (1999), "Damned In Black" (2000), "Sons Of Northern Darkness" (2002) and the 2009 reunion album "All Shall Fall".