On August 12th, 2018 Nightwish performed at Bloodstock Festival 2018 at Catton Hall Park in Walton upon Trent, England. Pro-shot video of the band's entire show is available below.
 

The setlist on the night was as follows:

"End of All Hope"
"Wish I Had An Angel"
"10th Man Down"
"Come Cover Me"
"Gethsemane"
"Élan"
"Sacrament of Wilderness"
"Amaranth"
"I Want My Tears Back"
"Devil & the Deep Dark Ocean"
"Nemo"
"Slaying the Dreamer"
"The Greatest Show On Earth"
"Ghost Love Score"

Duke TV caught up with Nightwish vocalist Floor Jansen in Paris, France on November 10th, 2018. In the video below, she talks with Marianna Morgante about a number of topics, including writing songs with Nightwish and her Northward project.

K.K. Downing has revealed that he is tentatively ready to start making music again. In a brand new interview with eonmusic, the former Judas Priest icon said everything was "ready to go", for a return to music.

Downing, who was a member of Judas Priest from their formation until 2011, has remained largely inactive, musically since parting ways with the Midlands' metal legends. In the interview however, he revealed that he's had more than one approach, with the word 'super group' being touted.

Said K.K.: "There’s been quite a lot of [offers], and I’m still talking to some people. A lot of people out there are thinking; 'Oh yeah, this would be great; I’m from this band, my good mate is from that really well known band, if we get KK'… We’re talking about the formation of a super group, which doesn’t really work these days."

Clarifying why he isn't interested in the idea of the super group, the guitarist said; "You get four or five guys from different bands; what songs are you going to play? What is the image of the band? There’s no real credentials; you’ve got a bit from this band, that band and the other band, but collectively, it doesn’t really have substance."

Without revealing names, Downing said that approaches were still ongoing about his involvement in such a project. "I’m still talking to some people", he said, before admitting; "I’ve kind of dismissed it, and that’s kind of where people are going with it. It’s so difficult. I’ve been doing this a long time with one band, and I’m far too seasoned now to; 1) want to start over again, and; 2) to be in a hybrid band".

He continued; "It doesn’t really work for me, so I’m having to tread very carefully. Some of these guys think we could make a great sound together - and I’m sure that we would - but you have to think; a lot of the people, they’re in different countries. When me, Ian and Rob got together, everybody was from the local area. Even Glenn was from Halesowen, which is about seven miles from where I was born, and Glenn was the furthest one away! That’s the way it was in those days. Now one’s in Nashville, one’s in Germany, so how this all works is quite difficult, really!"

However he admitted that he is thinking about music again, saying; "I have recently set up my music room and everything is poised, ready to go."

Finally, regarding his reluctance up until now, added; "I’m a bit fussy. If I played with another guitar player, I’d like to play with someone who’s really quite well-schooled, musically."

Read the entire interview here.

ALL THAT REMAINS frontman Phil Labonte says that it's "definitely weird" playing shows without guitarist Oliver "Oli" Herbert who passed away in October. "There's never been an ALL THAT REMAINS show that Oli didn't play," the singer told Antihero Magazine.

Labonte went on to say that the first concert without Herbert was was especially "tough" to get through. "It's definitely an adjustment," he admitted. "But Oli lived and breathed metal. He loved everything about being in a band and touring and everything. He definitely would have wanted us to keep going and keep carrying on his legacy and stuff."

Asked if it's been "therapeutic" playing shows after such a heavy loss, Labonte said: "It's a little too early to ask that or to answer that… I don't know that there's a right thing to do.

"My dad passed away in 2000," he continued. "Me and my mom had a couple conversations about what it was going to be like. One of the things that we agreed on and decided on is there's not really a right way to handle a loss like that. It's difficult to say that there's a right or a wrong way. Sure, you don't want to do something that's going to hurt anyone else or whatever. But if you're not hurting someone else, the person that's passed is passed. So, you really need to do what's right for the people that have survived, the people that are still surviving. I don't think there is a right or a wrong way."

Oliver was found dead at the edge of a pond on his property in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Connecticut police are are treating his death as suspicious.

In November, Oliver's wife, Elizabeth Herbert, released a since-deleted statement via his official Facebook page in which she revealed that Oli drowned after apparently ingesting antidepressant medication and sleeping pills.

Herbert began playing guitar at 14. He co-founded ALL THAT REMAINS with Labonte in 1998.

ALL THAT REMAINS has released nine studio albums, a live CD/DVD, and has sold more than one million records worldwide.

The surviving members of ALL THAT REMAINS — Labonte, Mike Martin (guitar), Jason Costa (drums) and Aaron Patrick (bass, backing vocals) — recently completed a European tour with SEVENDUST. Guitar virtuoso and YouTube personality Jason Richardson (ALL SHALL PERISH, CHELSEA GRIN, BORN OF OSIRIS) filled in on the trek.

LAMB OF GOD guitarist Mark Morton spoke to Kerrang! magazine about his collaboration with LINKIN PARK singer Chester Bennington on a song for his upcoming solo album, "Anesthetic", which will be released on March 1 via WPP Records and Spinefarm Records.

"I didn't even know if I was on his radar at all, but through the channels, I reached out, and it turns out he was very respectful of my work with LAMB and that kind of thing," Mark said (see video below). "And, obviously, everyone in the world knows how good Chester is."

According to Morton, Chester "loved" the song "Cross Off" in its initial form and "we kind of went back and forth about doing it. And then we got in the same room and did it," he explained. "But the great part of the experience — a lot of it was great, but one of the great parts of the experience — is that the template, the outline I had for the song when I presented it to Chester is different than what it became, because we really sat together over a table and just really hashed stuff out and kind of tore it apart and built it back up together. And that was, to me, one of the more memorable parts of that experience."

The guitarist added that collaborating with Bennington was a smooth process.

"We very quickly got into kind of a creative mode and very quickly were just two guys working on a song that we both really dug," he said. "So that felt very natural. In terms of what he was excited… I think he just genuinely really liked the song — I think that's why he was there, 'cause he really liked that song. And I happen to know he was very, very excited about the idea of screaming and doing something heavier than what he's been doing lately. That meant a lot to him — he was very vocal about being excited about that."

Mark said that he was impressed by Chester's vocal skills as they worked on the song, which was written by Morton, Bennington, Jake Oni and producer Josh Wilbur, and features Paolo Gregoletto and Alex Bent of TRIVIUM on bass and drums, respectively.

"Chester's ability was undeniable," he said. "Just sitting in the control room and watching him do takes… I'm not gonna say it was effortless, 'cause I'm sure it's not, but it seemed that way. And you could just ask him to do something — change a little pitch thing or something like that — and he'd just drill it every time. It was pretty remarkable to watch."

Mark also talked about the lyrical inspiration for "Cross Off", which was released digitally earlier this week. The track was recorded in April 2017, just three months before the LINKIN PARK frontman's untimely death at the age of 41.

"The lyrics to 'Cross Off' are very personal to me," he said. "I didn't write all of them. As I said, when I brought it in, I had an outline for the song, and then Chester and I kind of went through it. It's sort of about codependency. Parts of it reference directly a relationship ending in my life, but parts of it are about self-destruction and codependency and just the ways we beat ourselves up. And regret, I guess, is a theme in there too."

Morton, who found out about Chester's passing via a text before a LAMB OF GOD concert in Charlotte, North Carolina, said that he will remember Bennington as "just a really genuine, honest, fun guy. [He was] really passionate about music, a really devoted father and husband," he said. "And a good listener too. He had a lot of questions for me about the lyrics and about where I was coming from, and that kind of spurned conversations that we had about just real-life stuff. He was just a good dude. I was happy to get to know him a little bit."

Other singers on the album include Randy Blythe (LAMB OF GOD), Jacoby Shaddix (PAPA ROACH), Myles Kennedy (SLASH, ALTER BRIDGE), Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY), Mark Lanegan, Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT), Jake Oni, Josh Todd (BUCKCHERRY), Mark Morales, and Naeemah Maddox. Musically, Morton performs all guitars, with Roy Mayorga (STONE SOUR), David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Ray Luzier (KORN), Paolo Gregoletto (TRIVIUM) and Alex Bent (TRIVIUM), Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS), Jean-Paul Gaster (CLUTCH), Steve Gorman and Marc Paul rounding out the band.

"Anesthetic" track listing:

01. Cross Off (feat. Chester Bennington)

02. Sworn Apart (feat. Jacoby Shaddix)

03. Axis (feat. Mark Lanegan)

04. The Never (feat. Chuck Billy + Jake Oni)

05. Save Defiance (feat. Myles Kennedy)

06. Blur (feat. Mark Morales)

07. Back From The Dead (feat. Josh Todd)

08. Reveal (feat. Naeemah Maddox)

09. Imaginary Days

10. Truth Is Dead (feat. Randy Blythe + Alissa White-Gluz)

Statement, one of the hardest working bands in Denmark, will release their third opus, Force Of Life, on March 1st via Mighty Music. The record was produced and mixed by Soren Andersen (Mike Tramp, Glenn Hughes) and features 10 songs of melodic rock/metal for fans of Disturbed, Metallica and Pretty Maids. Artwork was done by Jobert Mello/Sledge Hammer (Sabaton, Primal Fear).

The Copenhagen based hard rock band Statement is a living proof that raw talent, ambition and honesty can still prevail in an ailing music industry. The backbone of their work? Old school Hard Rock songs with a new twist.

Statement recently returned home after a European tour with British metal legends Diamond Head. “This tour was the first real tour for us and we met new friends and had a good spirit between all four bands. Diamond Head was the headliner act, and Gin Annie, Statement, and Blinding Sparks were the three support bands the tour. We have been playing a lot of shows in these last 5 years but never so many in a row, but we are sure that this tour was just the beginning and one out of many more. Tour life is focus on only one thing, and that’s your performance and that is what we are there for”, says Niels Alex (lead guitars, vocals).

The first two albums were recorded and mixed by Tue Madsen/ Antfarm Studios (Sick Of It All, Moonspell, etc.) The new album, Force Of Life, has been produced and recorded by Soren Andersen at Medley Studio (Glenn Hughes/Mike Tramp/Artillery). Force Of Life was recorded in Medley Studio in two sessions. The first session was tough and a “feel kinda thing” to see if we should continue the new work with Soren Andersen behind the desk. We quickly found out that our minds melted into one, and it totally changed the sound of Statement to something we never expected”, adds vocalist Jannick Brochdorf.

Niels Alex concludes: “On the Diamond Head tour we found ourselves some very good friends in Gin Annie from the UK. They have an album recorded and are doing a release tour in the UK and Statement is invited to play all the shows together with them. We are looking forward to play in UK – it’ll be the first time for us! We’ll be playing 10 shows and we are looking forward to meeting the British audience”.

A music video for "I Wonder Why", to be included on Force Of Life, can be seen below"

Pennsylvania's traditional heavy metal gladiators Corners Of Sanctuary (COS) are heading back into the studio later this month to begin work on their sixth full-length studio album. After an exciting ride in 2018, which had the band performing east and west coast US dates as well as in Europe, the guys are looking forward to the serene settings of a recording studio.

"We are definitely looking forward to getting back into the studio," says COS guitarist Mick Michaels. "Hordes was recorded in late 2016 and early 2017...so for us, getting back to recording new material has been a long time coming. We have a lot of stuff written and hope to capture some lightening in a bottle again," he added.

With the international critical acclaim and success of last year’s The Galloping Hordes, COS looks to make this new album with the same intensity, focusing on well-built arrangements and honing the punch and power of their signature sound and writing style.

When asked if the next album will follow a similar format as The Galloping Hordes, the band was in complete agreement with the new album's direction and writing approach.

"The writing on Hordes was without a doubt more mature and polished then with previous albums... simply because everyone got involved in the process," said Michaels. "This was the key ingredient that, in our opinion, made all the difference. We plan to continue this new tradition and see where it takes us," Michaels added.

COS looks to take as much time as needed to record the new album, setting aside several months to properly complete the project. At present, no additional events, including show dates, have been added to the schedule.

"We want to be on top of our game for this next album," says COS bassist James Pera. "It's a matter of doing what we do and not having any distractions," Pera continued.

No definitive title has yet been given to the new album and the band is remaining tight lipped regarding any considerable possibilities.

"There are some working titles being tossed around, but nothing concrete," says COS drummer Mad T. "That's Mick's department...so whatever it winds up being, I'm sure it will be fitting."

Corners of Sanctuary is also making available a free MP3 download of their new song “Ready For Battle” for fans.

Slash, Corey Taylor, PAPA ROACH's Jacoby Shaddix and others were among the rock artists asked by Metal Hammer if they remembered what song was playing when they lost their virginity.

SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor recalled: "It was a DEPECHE MODE live album. It was right after it had come out and I was dating a girl who was really into them. I was into them but that album — or it could have been the sex — really made me turn the corner with them."

Jacoby Shaddix of PAPA ROACH said he was listening to "Kick" by INXS, but added: "It was a horrible experience. I was, like, 16. My mom walked in so the chick jumped off me... I didn't even get to finish up — my mom made me take her to the door. Does she know me now? Oh yeah, she knows."

Slash explained: "I nearly first had sex to AEROSMITH's 'Rocks'. I'd been courting this girl for months, finally got in her apartment while her mom was away and she put it on. I played it over and over until she said, 'You might as well go!' Usually, it's the girl's music that you end up having sex to. So it was probably something like [FLEETWOOD MAC's] 'Rumours' which was very popular with the girls back then!"

Nikki Sixx of MÖTLEY CRÜE shared his story, saying: "It was SEALS & CROFTS ['Summer Breeze'], unfortunately, ha ha! I can remember the song but not the girl. I remember her mom's cookies. And that's why it happened because we were waiting for her mom's cookies and I'm so fast that it just worked out perfectly."

Duff McKagan of GUNS N' ROSES recalled: "The girl was older than me: I was just a punk rock kid. She fuckin' loved the song 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick' by Ian Dury — yes, I know that the title is totally appropriate. I didn't really know what I was doing, but she did, because she was 18 and I was 14, ha ha! I was like, 'Whoa, I'm in another league now!' It was kinda weird."

FOZZY frontman Chris Jericho had a quick anecdote of his own, saying: "SAIGON KICK! It wasn't a ballad, it was a song called 'Feel The Same Way'. I probably haven't listened to it since, but that was the tune that I had my first 12-second sexual experience to."

GODSMACK has released a high-energy video for the title track of its latest album, "When Legends Rise", which has been the No. 1 song at rock radio for four straight weeks. The clip, which is being released in advance of this weekend's NFL playoffs, mixes an electrifying live performance of the Boston quartet — Sully Erna (vocals, guitar), Tony Rombola (guitar), Robbie Merrill (bass) and Shannon Larkin (drums) — interspersed with thrilling highlights of pivotal moments in recent football history, concluding with a shot of the New England Patriots Super Bowl trophy.

"When Legends Rise" is the second No. 1 from the album. It follows last year's No. 1 "Bulletproof", which was just nominated for "Rock Song of the Year" at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards and was also the most-played song at rock radio in 2018. The band was also nominated for a second award for "Rock Artist Of The Year."

Asked what inspired the songs on "When Legends Rise", frontman Sully Erna explained: "It was just about evolving as a songwriter. I wanted to stretch my wings out even further to use all the experiences I've had with writing different types of music over the years and applying that to find a way to introduce a newer, fresher, more mature sound, but still maintaining the power of GODSMACK."

Erna said that the title of the album refers to "the band and our journey," adding, "It's been an amazing road we have traveled through all the ups and downs. But being able to conquer those challenging times with alcohol and egos and everything else that can tear a band apart is what we are the most proud of."

"When Legends Rise" was recorded at GODSMACK's headquarters (GSHQ) in Derry, New Hampshire and produced by Erik Ron and Erna.

Next month, GODSMACK will return to the road, first with 20 shows in Europe, to be followed by a North American headlining tour with VOLBEAT. The European swing gets underway February 27 in London with LIKE A STORM confirmed as direct support. GODSMACK will then return to the U.S. where they'll headline a run of shows with special guests VOLBEAT, along with some co-headlining shows in Canada. Tickets for all the shows are on sale now.

Photo credit: Troy Smith

WALLS OF BLOOD, the new project led by Canadian guitarist Glen Drover, will release its debut album, "Imperium", on February 22 via Metalville. The disc will contain 10 songs of "high-class power metal," with guest appearances by some of the genre's most acclaimed vocalists, including Tim Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH), Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT), Todd La Torre (QUEENSRŸCHE) and Henning Basse (METALLIUM, FIREWIND).

Drover handled all guitars and keyboards on the album, while the drums were tracked by Scott Barrymore and bass by Chris Myles (except the songs "Discordia" and "Tarnished Dream", which feature bass by Joe DiBiase). All music was recorded, produced and engineered by Drover at Eclipse Recording in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

"Imperium" track listing:

01. Leave This World Behind (feat. Nils K. Rue)

02. Discordia (feat. Todd La Torre)

03. Waiting To Die (feat. Chuck Billy)

04. Blood Sacrifice Ritual (feat. Henning Nasse)

05. Tarnished Dream (feat. Tim Owens)

06. Walls Of Blood (feat. Matt Cuthbertson)

07. The Fault Of Man (feat. Henning Basse)

08. Dark Lords Of Sleep (feat. Dan Cleary)

09. Junkhead (ALICE IN CHAINS cover) (feat. Lance Harvill)

10. Seven Spirits (feat. Henning Basse)

The "Imperium" cover artwork was created by Mario Lopez and can be seen below.

In a 2017 interview with the "American Made Guitar Show", Drover said that "Imperium" would feature "just a bunch of really good singers, be it both buddies of mine that I met through my travels with the bands that I was in and became friends with or just singers that I really looked up to and really wanted to work with and hadn't worked with in the past."

Glen said that he is "really proud" of his rendition of the ALICE IN CHAINS classic "Junkhead", which features his brother Shawn Drover (ex-MEGADETH) on drums and Lance Harvill on vocals.

Drover left MEGADETH at the end of 2007 and was replaced by Chris Broderick, who previously played with NEVERMORE and JAG PANZER.

Glen's debut solo album, "Metalusion", was released in April 2011 via Magna Carta Records.

Drover said in a 2015 interview that he quit MEGADETH due to "personal stuff… I wasn't really happy at the time there, in the situation. I wasn't happy in the band at that time, and I just felt like I was away from my family too much, which I was. You know, my son was very young. It's personal, but it's true. That's what happened. He was very young, and I was missing out on a lot of his youth. And being that I wasn't happy in the band at that point, it was magnifying that. And that's pretty much what it is."

German thrashers Dust Bolt have a released a teaser of their forthcoming video “Another Day In Hell”. The video will premiere on January 14th. Their new album, Trapped In Chaos, will be out January 18th via Napalm Records.

Dust Bolt emerged in 2006 to encrust Germany and the rest of the world in hefty, Bay Area-influenced thrash metal featuring crossover influences and killer melodies. The four piece elevates its trademark sound to perfection on fourth album Trapped in Chaos: profound lyrics, dark melodies and pure hostility are the ultimate recipe for a thrashfest between retro and modern.

Trapped In Chaos can be pre-ordered here and will be available in the following formats:

-CD Jewelcase
-LP Gatefold Black
-LP Gatefold Blue (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
-Digital

Tracklisting:

“The Fourth Strike”
“Dead Inside”
“The Bad Ad”
“Bloody Rain”
“Rhythm To My Madness”
“Shed My Skin”
“Killing Time”
“Trapped In Chaos”
“Another Day In Hell”

"Bloody Rain" lyric video:

"Dead Inside" video:

Album announcement:

(Photo by: Niklas Niessner)

A Pale Horse Named Death will release their third studio album, When The World Becomes Undone, on January 18th via Long Branch Records; an imprint of SPV. The title track can be heard below.

Beauty often blossoms at the root of darkness. A Pale Horse Named Death siphon strangely blissful melodies from apocalyptic heavy metal awash in swells of cavernous gothic keys and grunge song-craft. The band continue to excavate vulnerability from venom on their anxiously awaited third full-length album, When The World Becomes Undone. A delicate dichotomy drives the avowed and acclaimed "Brooklyn Lords of Doom."

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

The new album was mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Meat Loaf, Yes, Sepultura, Halford) at Maor Appelbaum Mastering while the artwork was once again created by Sam Shearon (Rob Zombie, Fear Factory, Cradle Of Filth).

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

Available album formats:

- Box-Set
- Limited and serially numbered (550 copies worldwide) incl. exclusive green-black marbled 2LP Version, CD Digipak, Beanie, Patch, Guitar pick, Sticker)
- Long Branch Records Shop Bundle
- EMP Bundle
- 2LP Edition incl. 180g black vinyl, printed inner sleeves and download code
- CD Digipak
- Download
- Stream

Tracklisting:

"As It Begins"
"When The World Becomes Undone"
"Love The Ones You Hate"
"Fell In My Hole"
"Succumbing To The Event Horizon"
"Vultures"
"End Of Days"
"The Woods"
"We All Break Down"
"Lay With The Wicked"
"Splinters"
"Dreams Of The End"
"Closure"

"Vultures":

"Love The Ones You Hate":

(Photo - Sandi Ryan Golightly Photos)

After releasing the remixed and remastered versions of their first seven studio records, Blind Guardian now start the pre-order for their next and final three reissues, The Forgotten Tales, Tokyo Tales and Live, on 2CD digipack and 2LP / 3LP gatefold vinyl format, in a variety of limited edition colors. The three reissues will be out on April 12th.

Pre-order your copies here.

The Forgotten Tales

CD1 (remastered 2012)
"Mister Sandman"
"Surfin’ USA"
"Bright Eyes"
"Lord Of The Rings"
"The Wizard"
"Spread Your Wings"
"Mordred’s Song"
"Black Chamber"
"The Bard’s Song - In The Forest"
"Barbara Ann"
"A Past And Future Secret"
"To France"
"Theatre Of Pain"
"All The King’s Horses"
"Dream A Little Dream Of Me"
"Don’t Talk To Strangers"
"Beyond The Realms Of Death"
"Hallelujah"
"In A Gadda Da Vida"
"You’re The Voice"

CD2 (original)
"Mister Sandman"
"Surfin’ USA"
"Bright Eyes"
"Lord Of The Rings"
"The Wizard"
"Spread Your Wings"
"Mordred’s Song"
"Black Chamber"
"The Bard’s Song - In The Forest"
"Barbara Ann"
"A Past And Future Secret"
"To France"
"Theatre Of Pain"

2LP (33 RPM)

Side A
"Mister Sandman"
"Surfin’ USA"
"Bright Eyes"
"Lord Of The Rings"
"The Wizard"
"Spread Your Wings"

Side B
"Mordred’s Song"
"Black Chamber"
"The Bard’s Song - In The Forest"
"Barbara Ann"
"A Past And Future Secret"
"To France"

Side C
"Theatre Of Pain"
"All The King’s Horses"
"Dream A Little Dream Of Me"
"Don’t Talk To Strangers"

Side D
"Beyond The Realms Of Death"
"Hallelujah"
"In A Gadda Da Vida"
"You’re The Voice"

Tokyo Tales

CD1 (remastered 2012)
"Inquisition"
"Banish From Sanctuary"
"Journey Through The Dark"
"Traveler In Time"
"The Quest For Tanelorn"
"Goodbye My Friend"
"Time What Is Time"
"Majesty"
"Valhalla"
"Welcome To Dying"
"Lord Of The Rings"
"Lost In The Twilight Hall"
"Barbara Ann"
 
CD2 (original)
"Inquisition"
"Banish From Sanctuary"
"Journey Through The Dark"
"Traveler In Time"
"The Quest For Tanelorn"
"Goodbye My Friend"
"Time What Is Time"
"Majesty"
"Valhalla"
"Welcome To Dying"
"Lost In The Twilight Hall"
"Barbara Ann"

2LP (33 RPM)

Side A
"Inquisition"
"Banish From Sanctuary"
"Journey Through The Dark"
"Traveler In Time"

Side B
"The Quest For Tanelorn"
"Goodbye My Friend"
"Time What Is Time"

Side C
"Majesty"
"Valhalla"
"Welcome To Dying"

Side D
"Lord Of The Rings"
"Lost In The Twilight Hall"
"Barbara Ann"

Live

CD1 (remastered 2012)
"War Of Wrath"
"Into The Storm"
"Welcome To Dying"
"Nightfall"
"The Script For My Requiem"
"Harvest Of Sorrow"
"The Soulforged"
"Valhalla"
"Majesty"
"Mordred’s Song"
"Born In A Mourning Hall"
 
CD2 (remastered 2012)
"Under The Ice"
"Bright Eyes"
"Punishment Divine"
"The Bard’s Song - In The Forest"
"Imaginations From The Other Side"
"Lost In The Twilight Hall"
"A Past And Future Secret"
"Time Stands Still (At The Iron Hill)"
"Journey Through The Dark"
"Lord Of The Rings"
"Mirror Mirror"

3LP (33 RPM)

Side A
"War Of Wrath"
"Into The Storm"
"Welcome To Dying"
"Nightfall"

Side B
"The Script For My Requiem"
"Harvest Of Sorrow"
"The Soulforged"
"Valhalla"

Side C
"Majesty"
"Mordred’s Song"
"Born In A Mourning Hall"

Side D
"Under The Ice"
"Bright Eyes"
"Punishment Divine"
"The Bard’s Song - In The Forest"

Side E
"Imaginations From The Other Side"
"Lost In The Twilight Hall"
"A Past And Future Secret"

Side F
"Time Stands Still (At The Iron Hill)"
"Journey Through The Dark"
"Lord Of The Rings"
"Mirror Mirror"

Swedish metal veterans Axe Witch have joined Skol Records. Saying that Sweden has a great tradition when it comes to heavy metal, is as obvious as saying that the sky is blue. Axe Witch maybe weren't as known as let's say Candlemass, Heavy Load or Europe, but managed to leave a great legacy, and all four albums they released back in the day, have these days legendary status. 

In 1982, shortly after doing first demo tape, the band debuted with a 4-track EP entitled Pray For Metal. While they were never hiding the fact that they were inspired by British acts such as Judas Priest, their very first recordings already presented their very own and unique sound. Skol Records will present CD reissues of the entire back catalogue of this premier Swedish act. The first one in the series, Pray For Metal, will hit the streets on March 15th, and will include 12 bonus tracks.

The new video below highlights some of Queen’s most epic moments of the 80s as they move onto playing stadium shows and their sound adapts to match. Including the legendary Wembley concerts and Rock In Rio, where they performed to the largest paying crowd in concert history. Also included are official videos for "Don’t Stop Me Now" and "Under Pressure", among many other gems.

Select cinemas across the globe are now offering sing-along showings of Queen biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody.

Click here to book tickets and get more info. Watch a trailer below:

Celebrate the iconic and heart-pounding music of Queen and Freddie Mercury when Bohemian Rhapsody comes to Digital and Movies Anywhere January 22nd and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD February 12th. Fans can experience the story behind the band and the making of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, the #1 streamed song of the 20th century and other favorites like “We Will Rock You”, “Somebody To Love”, “We Are The Champions” and more, for a musical adventure that will make you laugh, sing, dance, and cry.

The cast of Bohemian Rhapsody recreated the 1985 Live Aid performance with precision. Watch this side-by-side video:

Bohemian Rhapsody is an enthralling celebration of Queen, their music, and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury (Malek), who defied stereotypes and convention to become one of history’s most beloved entertainers. Following Queen’s meteoric rise, their revolutionary sound and Freddie’s solo career, the film also chronicles the band’s reunion and one of the greatest performances in rock history.

For the first time, fans can experience a true one-of-a-kind music movie event with the complete Live Aid Movie Performance featuring two never-before-seen songs (“Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and “We Will Rock You”) packed into a 22-minute collective experience recreating the original event. In addition, on Blu-ray & Digital, fans will get a look behind the making of the film including interviews with Queen, the cast and creative team.

Bohemian Rhapsody Digital, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray special features:

- The Complete Live Aid Movie Performance Not Seen in Theatres (featured in 4K Ultra HD HDR on the 4K Ultra HD Disc)

- Rami Malek: Becoming Freddie

- The Look and Sound of Queen

- Recreating Live Aid

Bohemian Rhapsody DVD features:

- The Complete Live Aid Movie Performance Not Seen in Theatres

Bohemian Rhapsody was awarded with the "Best Motion Picture - Drama" award on Sunday (January 6th) at the 76th Golden Globe Awards. Rami Malek, who portrays late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in the film, took home the award for "Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture".

"I think it's the biggest surprise of our career, really," said Queen guitarist Brian May in reaction to the award. "Unbelievable, completely unexpected, and completely joyous. How extraordinary."

"We're kind of lost for words," said drummer Roger Taylor. "Rami really deserved to win. This is just so much icing on the cake, and I'm not even in the movie!"

Asked how it felt accepting his award, Rami Maklek revealed, "I honesty don't remember one thing I said up there. It was a euphoric feeling. I thought that the height of this adrenaline and euphoria was on that Live Aid stage. If anything can match that, it was being up there right now, accepting this award."

He continued, "To share this with Queen, it's an out of body experience."

UK thrash metal band, Omicida featuring a Benediction member and former White Wizzard members, have released a new lyric video for “Dead Eyes See No Evil”, the track is taken of their debut album Defrauded Reign, due out on March 15th.

The album was mixed and mastered by Ralph Patlan (Megadeth, White Wizzard) at Stealth Sound Studios in Phoeniz AZ.

Omicida's main influences have always been Slayer, Testament, Kreator, Overkill, Coroner, Exodus, just to name a few.

Omicida is a new modern-day thrash metal band, as they wear their influences on the sleeves while adding their own unique flare with their extreme precision and break-neck, dual-guitar shredding. The band does not try and re-invent the wheel, they just add some new dynamics to it. Formed in Los Angeles (2014), the band was founded by ex-White Wizzard, Monument member Giovanni Durst (drums). Originally Omicida was joined by ex-White Wizzard member Erik Kluiber (guitar), along with ex-Devil You Know member Roy LaVari (guitar), Roman Kovalik (bass) and Giovanni Barbieri (vocals) replacing former singer Joseph Michael. The band released their first 7 song EP “Certain Death” in 2015 and continuing to release two more singles “State of Terror”, “Protect and Serve” in 2016, 2017. 

Due to logistics issues Giovanni Durst (drums) had to relocate to Europe. The band’s future though was far from being over. Instead, Omicida relocated to London in 2018 as band’s new HQ. Giovanni Barbieri kept his place behind the mic in the new formation, adding new guitarists Will Wallner (ex-White Wizzard), Dan Baune (Monumnent) and bassist Dan Bate (ex-Monument).

Tracklisting:

“Hostage In The Pit”
“Violent Resolution”
“Omicida”
“Protect And Serve”
“Divine Uncertainty”
“State Of Terror”
“Burn The Cross”
“Sentenced”
“The Supremacist”
“Unborn”
“Dead Eyes See No Evil”

"Dead Eyes See No Evil" video:

Omicida is:

Giovanni Barbieri - Vocals
Will Wallner - Guitar (ex-White Wizzard)
Dan Baune - Guitar (Monument)
Daniel Bate - Bass (Benediction, ex-Monument)
Giovanni Durst - Drums (Monument, ex-White Wizzard)

DEF LEPPARD has released a video recap of the 2018 leg of the band's "Hysteria & More" tour of U.K. and Ireland, celebrating 31 years since the release of its seminal "Hysteria" album, which was played in its entirety in track order. The clip, which was created by Lee Ford and Ben McFarlane, can be seen below.

Essential listening for fans across the board, "Hysteria" indisputably ranks as one of the most decorated and revered rock albums of all time. As the group's second consecutive RIAA Diamond-certified record (ten million sales in the U.S.), it would go on to sell over thirty million copies worldwide and twelve million in the U.S. Moreover, the record staked a spot in the U.S. Top 40 for ninety-six weeks matched only by "Born In The U.S.A." Rolling Stone touted it on the prestigious "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list, and a poll in Q placed it among the "100 Greatest Albums of All Time". Dominating multiple charts, it captured No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and U.K. album charts, bolstered by immortal Top-5 anthems such as "Pour Some Sugar On Me", "Animal", "Love Bites", "Hysteria", "Rocket" and "Armageddon It".


"Hysteria" left an indelible mark on rock 'n' roll. Powered by stadium-filling drums, rapturous guitars, and unshakable choruses, the record saw DEF LEPPARD rightfully claim their place among rock's divinities forever. As a result, its influence now reverberates through three generations of artists to follow. It also historically marked their third straight collaboration with producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange.

In a 2017 interview with Forbes, DEF LEPPARD singer Joe Elliott stated about "Hysteria": "Having an album like 'Hysteria' is kind of like having a tattoo — you make that decision and we lived this album pretty much every day of our lives since then. There are twelve songs on the album. Off the top of my head, three, four, maybe five of them we played every show since because they're just so important in the live environment. We don't buy into this school of, 'I'm not playing the hits.' Some of the songs off the A list are mostly off 'Hysteria' 'cause it's an important statement by the band at this time and luckily for us it remains one. That's the great thing about it — it's not one of these records that sold really well, then fell off the planet. It stayed alive, the way 'Hotel California' or 'Rumours' or 'Led Zeppelin 4' did. It's still, I wouldn't say an active record, but actively part of our audience's life as much as ours. They buy the shirts for it. It's the go-to record for both of us."

An official second trailer for Megalife: The Autobiography Of Nick Menza by J. Marshall Craig featuring unreleased drum-cam footage of Menza during the 1991 Clash Of The Titans Tour is available below. The book was released on December 11th via Post Hill Press.

Limited to 125, the premium bundle includes: Limited edition Nick Menza remembrance t-shirt / transparent vinyl, sticker decal and the 240-page paperback of the uncensored story of one of rock’s greatest drummers who died doing what he loved best.

An official book synopsis reads: With Nick Menza behind the kit, Megadeth transitioned from celebrated cult band to international superstars. Rust in Peace, the first album to feature Menza and Marty Friedman, was instantly considered a classic, sold over a million copies, got nominated for a Grammy Award, and established what many consider to be the definitive Megadeth lineup. It was the beginning of a remarkable run in which the band would release three career-defining albums and tour the world many times over.

Success was a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows: sobriety and addiction, peace and tension, laughter and anger. Until one day it all came crashing down. Despite his contributions to the band’s most iconic and enduring work, when Menza was forced to seek treatment for a debilitating tumor in his knee, he awoke from surgery to learn he was being fired from the band by the man he considered a brother and mentor, the ever-enigmatic Dave Mustaine. The devastating news sent him into a spiral of anger and frustration, followed by a dark period of self-medication that nearly killed him.

Megalife: The Autobiography Of Nick Menza is an unflinching look at life inside of one of metal’s most successful bands, from the back of the stage to the bunks on the bus, as well as a blow-by-blow account of the tumultuous, complicated relationship between Menza and Mustaine. It is also the singular story of a self-taught musician who achieved his dreams through sheer will and determination, watched it all disintegrate, and then rebuilt himself from scratch.

J. Marshall Craig previously stated: “I spent a year living with late, great, heavy metal drummer Nick Menza at his home in Studio City, California, trying to get the enormously private and proud man to open up and let me write his story. A story of the heights of rock and roll stardom, dreams come true and dreams shattered. We spent a lot of time talking, listening to music, playing music, and even began filming a drum-clinic video that comprises the final chapter of his book.

“On May 23rd of 2016, Nick was preparing to visit me here at my Cape Cod home and publishing offices for the final round of interviews on a project that was nearly four years in the making. Tragically, Nick didn’t make it. He died two days before, almost instantly from a massive heart attack, while on stage at the Baked Potato with Chris Poland and Robert Pagliari in their band Ohm.”

)rder the standard edition of the book at Amazon.

German heavy metal band, Bloody Times, have released a lyric video for "Die In A Hole", taken from their new album, On A Mission, out now. The album features guests Ross The Boss (ex-Manowar), and former Iced Earth members John Greely and Raphael Saini. Check out the video below.

The album was mixed and mastered by OGrego (Winter’s Dawn, Necrorgasm, Emerald). Album artwork by Stan-W Decker (Ross The Boss, Primal Fear, Masterplan). Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Alliance"
"Fort Sumter"
"Die In A Hole"
"Curse Of Genevieve" (reworked)
"Future Secret"
"Operation Focus"
"The Warning (Until Blood Boils Pt.1)"
"The Revenge (Until Blood Boils Pt.2)"
"Day Of Collapse"

"Fort Sumter" lyric video:

"Alliance" trailer:

Lineup:

Ross Friedman - Rhythm and solo guitar (Ex-Manowar, Ross The Boss Band)
John Greely - Lead and backing Vocals (Ex-Iced Earth, Seventh Servant)
Raphael Saini - Drums (Ex-Iced Earth)
Marco Cossu - Rhythm and solo guitar (Inexhibit)
Rainer Pfundstein - Rhythm and solo guitar (Big Mama)
Balasz Fleischhauer - Rhythm and solo guitar
Simon Pfundstein - Bass and backing vocals

In 2014 the name “Bloody Times” was first used for a collection of recorded riffs and demos by bassist Simon Pfundstein, who is therefore known as the founder of Bloody Times. Unlike a classic band formation, Bloody Times slowly evolved out of a solo project. What was created as a hobby led to the production of the first album two years later. The Fire Of Immortality was released as debut album in November 2016. On this album, Simon was supported by former Iced Earth drummer Raphael Saini. All other instruments were recorded by Simon.

In the following year, two of the existing songs were re-recorded with John Greely (Seventh Servant). Since the release he has been the main singer of Bloody Times. John is known for his performance on the album Night Of The Stormrider, which he recorded together with Iced Earth.

Work on a second album began in late 2017 with John on vocals and Simon on bass. While Raphael is also on drums in this production, different guests were on guitar. Five different guitarists contributed their skills and were also partly involved in the songwriting process, which was otherwise mainly done by bassist Simon. The passion for music and metal unites all the members and guests of the project.

A special guest and supporter of the resulting album On A Mission is Ross Friedman (Ross The Boss), who founded the heavy metal band Manowar together with Joey DeMaio in 1980. Since his retirement from Manowar, Ross has been working on his own albums and projects, but his fans adore him most of all for his contribution to the “immortal” albums from Battle Hymns to Kings Of Metal.

Inspired by the mentioned metal giants and other heavy metal classics, a fantastic album has been created. It strongly reminds of “old school metal” and makes you want to hear more impressive songs, which Bloody Times will surely also release in the future.

Death metal masters, Deserted Fear, will release their new album, Drowned By Humanity, on February 8th via Century Media Records. A music video for the new single, "The Final Chapter", can be seen below.

Says the band: "Cold Weather? You’ll need some fire then! We’re thrilled to present you the second single 'The Final Chapter' off our upcoming album Drowned By Humanity today! This song is especially important to us. Not only does it refer to our last record, but also the topic, riffs and emotional melodies are a blast, like no other Deserted Fear song. Enjoy!”

Pre-order Drowned By Humanity here.

Available formats:

- Tranparent blue vinyl – limited to 100 copies worldwide, only available at CMDistro EU
- Clear vinyl – limited to 200 copies worldwide
- Transparent red – limited to 300 hand-numbered copies worldwide, only available at the band’s store and on tour
- Transparent green – limited to 100 hand-numbered copies worldwide, only available at the band’s store and on tour
- Black vinyl - unlimited
- Digital album
- Ltd. CD Digipak

The Ltd. CD Digipak includes the brand new track “Die In Vain” and a re-recorded version of “Tear Of My Throne” as bonus tracks.

In just a decade, Deserted Fear have grown out of death metal's underground in a rapid tempo. Today they vividly teach the meaning of fear to their international fellows. Not only that their last work, Dead Shores Rising, climbed into the Top 50 of Germany's album charts, they even played their distinct groove into the hearts and ears of thousands with a steady and overwhelming live presence in Europe and on countless festivals. Not to forget the impressive list of club shows: Wherever they made trouble, they always came off as winners of the night.

On February 8th, their fourth studio album, Drowned By Humanity, will hit the streets. For the first time Deserted Fear hoist the sails off to emotions, establishing a forcing contrast to their gigantic groove grenades. Deserted Fear create spaces that make your mind exploring itself. And that's also the lyrical content of Drowned By Humanity: Question society. Environment, downfall and departure. In a forthright storm of blasphemy Deserted Fear remind nature protection and exhort the carelessness of people. The young and wild latitude is still on fire, while their grown-up earnestness alter the course.

This time none other than the Swedish producer Henrik Udd took them by the hand. He paid his dues in world famous Studio Fredman that stands out for inventing the Swedish death metal sound with bands like In Flames, At The Gates, Soilwork and Arch Enemy.

Feeling the power and endless energy to glide into new worlds that evolve out of fascinating creativity. Drowned By Humanity is such a bloodcurdling refreshment.

Drowned By Humanity tracklisting:

"Intro"
"All Will Fall"
"An Everlasting Dawn"                   
"The Final Chapter"
"Reflect The Storm"
"Across The Open Sea"
"Welcome To Reality"
"Stench Of Misery"
"A Breathing Soul"
"Sins From The Past"
"Scars Of Wisdom"
"Die In Vain" (bonus track)
"Tear Of My Throne" (re-recorded)

"Welcome To Reality" video:

Deserted Fear have announced a string of spring tour dates in support of their upcoming Drowned By Humanity album. Dates are listed below.

March
14 - Hamburg, Germany - Knust
15 - Berlin, Germany - Musik & Frieden
16 - Dresden, Germany - Beatpol
19 - Hannover, Germany - Lux
21 - Köln, Germany - Club Volta
22 - Wiesbaden, Germany - Kesselhaus
23 - München, Germany - Backstage
26 - Luzern, Switzerland - Schür EG
28 - Leipzig, Germany - Naumanns
30 - Wien, Austria - Arena

In addition, Deserted Fear will play two shows on the release weekend to celebrate Drowned By Humanity:

February
8 - Essen, Germany - Turock
9 - Jena, Germany - F-Haus

Lineup:

Manuel Glatter - guitar, vocals
Fabian Hildebrandt - guitar, bass
Simon Mengs - drums

Ghost Iris have released a lyric video for "Final Tale", a track from the third studio album, Apple Of Discord, which will be released on February 22nd via Long Branch Records. Watch below.

Not only is Ghost Iris one of the leading progressive metalcore bands out of Denmark, but also serves as a perfect example for the modern days musical market. Having started as a DIY internet phenomenon in 2015 the band not only managed to build a strong team behind them, but also made their mark in the main metal community in a rather short space of time.

In 2016 the band achieved having the most streamed Danish metal album on Spotify at 1,6 million streams, and at the time of writing their general streams are in excess of 5 million.

Their two first albums, Anecdotes Of Science & Soul and Blind World, have both received grand praise for their playful, yet catchy approach to technical metal. Technically enhanced, yet melodic guitars; fast-driven, yet groovy drums and an extraordinary wide vocal range from diverse angry growls to striking clean vocals are the bands signature. With the aim to provide the listener an experience that is as catchy and varied as it is hard-hitting, Ghost Iris manages to explore diverse moods and atmospheres.

The album will reflect the fundamental transformation the band has made since their founding only a few years ago. A transformation based on relentless motivation and optimism, personal and musical progress & growth and numerous touring experiences.

The album contains 10 songs of intensity, wrath and of course: the antidote. With Apple Of Discord, Ghost Iris is aiming to step up their touring game even more and will be heading out on multiple national and international tours throughout 2019 and onwards.

The new album was mastered by Buster Odeholm (Humanity's Last Breath, Oceano, Enterprise Earth, Currents) at Impact Studios while the artwork was created by Dixon Jong (Intuitive Designs).

Apple Of Discord is available for pre-order in the following formats:

- Long Branch Records Shop Bundle
- Bandcamp Bundle
- LP Edition (140g purple vinyl + Bandcamp download code)
- CD 8-panel-Digipak
- Download
- Stream

Tracklisting:

"Apple Of Discord"
"The Devil's Plaything"
"Final Tale"
"After The Sun Sets Pt. II"
"Beauty In Expiration" (feat. Don Vedda)
"The Rat & The Snake" (feat. Tyler Shelton of Traitors)
"Heaven Was Pure Hell"
"Cowardly Pride"
"Magenta Moon" (feat. Chad Ruhlig of For The Fallen Dreams)
"Virus"

"Final Tale" lyric video:

"Cowardly Pride" video:

Tour dates (supporting Soen):

March
12 - Oslo, Norway - John Dee
13 - Copenhagen, Denmark - tbc
14 - Hamburg, Germany - Logo
15 - Berlin, Germany - Roadrunner
16 - Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colos Saal
17 - Stuttgart, Germany - ClubCANN
18 - Munich, Germany - Backstage Werk
20 - Hagen, Germany - Kultopia
21 - Cologne, Germany - Helios
25 - London, England - O2 Academy Islington
28 - Barcelona, Spain - Salamandra
29 - Madrid, Spain - Caracol
30 - Porto, Portugal - Hard Club
31 - Lisbon, Portugal - RCA

April
2 - Paris, France - Backstage
3 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
4 - Milano, Italy - Legend Club
5 - Rome, Italy - Orion Ciampino
6 - Fabricia, Italy - Sonic Room

(Photo - OD Visuals)

Hailing from the ashes of Charlotte, North Carolina, comes the blackened death trio, Oculum Dei. Mixing different elements and influences of black metal, the band is set to bring forth a horde of darkness and engage listeners into a realm of deep, chaotic experiences.

First forming as a studio project in 2016 by Tenebris (bass / drum and keys programming), Camalus (guitar) and Zebulv (vocals / guitar), the band has taken their influences of Emperor, Behemoth and Dark Funeral to push an eclectic unholy blasphemy as far as it will go in the Southern USA's Bible Belt.

Not content to remain as a studio project, the trio has begun performing locally and have shared the stage with Carach Angren, Wolfheart, and Mors Principum Est. Clad in corpse paint with an elaborate and continuously evolving stage show, Oculum Dei has heavily invested into their extreme visionary madness.

A team effort behind all their songwriting, Oculum Dei has been working on their first album for almost three years and now the dark demonic war chants of their debut, Dreams Of Desire And Torment will be unleashed on February 22nd.

The band comments: "The album as a whole is an eclectic mix of slow dark black metal jumping into extreme black riffs sometimes slowed down with a death metal riff and into acoustic guitars. There is no set template for this one, just a groove and feel that each of us has brought to the table."

The first single off the debut, "Blinded By Gods", is a tribute to old school black metal with riffs and slings lyrics towards Christianity being a fake while saying only God exists in us. Watch the lyric video for "Blinded By Gods":

Dreams Of Desire And Torment artwork and tracklisting:

"Involuntary Pandemic"
"Ghost In The Corridors"
"Kingdom Of Hell"
"Dreams Of Desire And Torment"
"A Cold Winters Plight"
"Blinded By Gods"
"A Mist Of Heaven Inside Of Hell"

For further details, visit Oculum Dei on Facebook.

 

"Astorolus - The Great Octopus", a brand new song from Swedish doom metal legends CANDLEMASS, can be streamed below. The track, which features a guest guitar solo by none other than BLACK SABBATH's Tony Iommi, is taken from the band's 12th album, "The Door To Doom", due on February 22, 2019 via Napalm Records. The disc unsurprisingly follows the plotline mastermind, songwriter and bass player Leif Edling established in the past years: epic world-class doom metal that relies on slow mammoth riffing.

Commented Iommi: "CANDLEMASS are a major force in Scandinavian heavy rock and have always acknowledged the influence we had on their music. They asked if I'd contribute to a track which sounded pretty good so I thought, 'Why not?'"

Added Edling: "We feel very honored that Tony Iommi said yes to play the solo on 'Astorolus'. The song was sent to the management and amazingly enough, the master agreed to let his mighty SG sing on the track! For me personally, this is a dream come true. Tony Iommi has always been my hero and guiding light when it comes to heavy music, so to hear that he likes the song and also would like to play on it gave me chills down the spine! I'm still in shock! But kudos to him to be so cool to even listen to it. Hats off! Tony Iommi is and will always be God!"

"The Door To Doom" marks the recording comeback of newly returned singer Johan Längqvist, who recently replaced CANDLEMASS's frontman of the past six years, Mats Levén.

"The Door To Doom" track listing:

01. Splendor Demon Majesty

02. Under The Ocean

03. Astorolus - The Great Octopus (feat. Tony Iommi)

04. Bridge Of The Blind

05. Death's Wheel

06. Black Trinity

07. House Of Doom

08. The Omega Circle

Längqvist sang on CANDLEMASS's debut album, 1986's "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus", before exiting the group and being replaced by Messiah Marcolin.

CANDLEMASS's most recent full-length album, "Psalms For The Dead", came out in 2012 via Napalm Records. It was the last CANDLEMASS album recorded with singer Robert Lowe, who left the band just days before its release.

CANDLEMASS is:

Leif Edling: Bass

Mats "Mappe" Björkman: Guitars

Jan Lindh: Drums

Lars "Lasse" Johansson: Guitars

Johan Längqvist: Vocals

Photo by Anders Pålsson

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

The cover artwork for the effort can be seen below.

MEGADETH recently released a 25-second video teaser for "Warheads On Foreheads" featuring a snippet of the band's classic track "Take No Prisoners".

This is not the first time MEGADETH has released a greatest-hits collection. Back in 2005, the band issued "Greatest Hits: Back to the Start", the track listing for which was selected by fans in a poll at the band's official web site. That effort packed 17 top hits and favorites on a 78-minute single disc, including "Peace Sells", "Symphony Of Destruction", "In My Darkest Hour", "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" and "Sweating Bullets".

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

The band is also working on the follow-up to 2016's "Dystopia" album for a tentative summer/fall release. The LP will be MEGADETH's first to feature drummer Dirk Verbeuren (ex-SOILWORK), who joined the group nearly three years ago.

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

The official music video for the song "Weightless" from acclaimed Swedish dark melodic metal masters EVERGREY can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming studio album, titled "The Atlantic", which will be released on January 25 via AFM Records.

EVERGREY again teamed up with Jacob Hansen, who — just like with the band's previous releases 2016's "The Storm Within" and 2014's "Hymns For The Broken" — took care of mixing and mastering.

"The Atlantic" sees the five EVERGREY members — frontman/songwriter Tom S. Englund, guitarist Henrik Danhage, bassist Johan Niemann, drummer Jonas Ekdahl and keyboardist Rikard Zander — manifest their excellent reputation as one of the most unusual and innovative progressive metal acts worldwide, presenting the third part of their "Hymns For The Broken" trilogy about the adventure of life, part one having been launched in 2014.

"As on 'Hymns For The Broken' and its 2016 successor 'The Storm Within', the new album is about events and experiences in our lives," Englund explains. "It's about relationships, beauty and darkness, about fortune and grief, about love, hate, despair, joy and everything connected with it. Life is like a journey across the ocean, on the way to distant shores."

In line with the programmatic album title and its expressive cover artwork (designed by Greek artist Giannis Nakos, renowned for his work for OCEANS OF SLUMBER and HADES RISING, among others), EVERGREY takes its fans on a tempestuous expedition across the rough (prog metal) seas. The album kicks off with "A Silent Arc", one of the probably fiercest and toughest numbers that EVERGREY have ever recorded. "I love this song," confesses Englund. "It's really brutal in a certain kind of EVERGREY way, with guitars that you might expect from a band like BEHEMOTH, but certainly not from us. We've never sounded as dark or as raw before."

The first two singles, "Weightless" and the anthemnic "All I Have", are both diverse highlights of a thoroughly haunting LP.

"As with every album, we've given this one our all to come up with the optimum result," enthuses Englund, who produced "The Atlantic" together with drummer Jonas Ekdahl, about the driving sound. The 10 songs on the album all stand out with their amazing power, but also with their depth and exciting detail. "Departure", for example, embeds its vocals mainly in bass, drums, piano and acoustic guitar. "That kind of songwriting is something we've enjoyed doing on every album of this trilogy," Englund explains proudly, adding: "This number sounds like an expedition instead of being arranged like your typical three-and-a-half minute hit."

Which applies to "The Atlantic" in general. Englund says: "It's probably our most complex and progressive release so far and includes all the elements that our fans love."

"The Atlantic" track listing:

01. A Silent Arc

02. Weightless

03. All I Have

04. A Secret Atlantis

05. The Tidal

06. End Of Silence

07. Currents

08. Departure

09. The Beacon

10. This Ocean

The official video for the song "Rain Of Fury" from Italian symphonic power metal kings RHAPSODY OF FIRE can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "The Eighth Mountain", which will be released on February 22 via AFM Records. The disc will be the band's first collection of brand new material to feature vocalist Giacomo Voli and drummer Manu Lotter, who joined RHAPSODY OF FIRE in 2016.

The track listing for the disc is as follows:

01. Abyss Of Pain

02. Seven Heroic Deeds

03. Master Of Peace

04. Rain Of Fury

05. White Wizard

06. Warrior Heart

07. The Courage To Forgive

08. March Against The Tyrant

09. Clash Of Times

10. The Legend Goes On

11. The Wind, The Rain And The Moon

12. Tales Of A Hero's Fate

RHAPSODY OF FIRE will perform in more than 17 cities all around Europe in February and March.

The band's latest release was 2017's "Legendary Years", a compilation album featuring re-recorded versions of songs from "The Emerald Sword Saga", a five-concept-album-long story started on RHAPSODY's first album "Legendary Tales" in 1997 and concluded on "Power Of The Dragonflame" in 2002.

Asked how he chose Giacomo Voli to be the replacement for RHAPSODY OF FIRE's longtime singer Fabio Lione, keyboardist Alessandro "Alex" Staropoli said: "I saw Giacomo performing on TV. I felt he was surely a person I wanted to meet. I contacted him to sing and to gather singers for the epic choir recordings for our latest studio album, 'Into The Legend'. So I finally had the pleasure to meet and work with him for the first time back then. He is one of the sweetest guys I've ever meet. I feel truly blessed. After Fabio left, I immediately thought about Giacomo and called him up. I am very satisfied. As a producer, I tend to push people to their limits and I have to say Giacomo reacted quite well, very professional and dedicated. I am the main composer of RHAPSODY OF FIRE, but lately I have worked with my brother Manuel Staropoli as well, and, of course, also with Roby De Micheli, both for the electric guitar side and for some songwriting. Roby has a lot of talent for guitar riffs especially and I really like to enrich our music with heavy riffs. Said that, I always leave the door open to someone's ideas. So, if Giacomo comes with an idea that literally shocks and excites me, well, that would be great, of course. I'm doing this music genre for more than two decades, so I can openly say that I exactly know what I am doing; I can recognize a great idea that would perfectly fit for this band when I hear it."

Regarding how he writes RHAPSODY OF FIRE songs, Staropoli said: "When I write for RHAPSODY OF FIRE, I often imagine movie landscapes, or natural scenarios. I was born in Trieste, Italy, a beautiful town where mother nature was really generous. We have the sea, the mountains, lakes, rivers, lots of caves and by driving just a few hours we can reach the alps. Trieste is a dream town and all those natural elements are always with me everywhere I go. So my sources of inspiration are strongly radicated in me. I have to sit in my studio, alone, and play my piano keys. Usually I never play randomly, I prefer to sit down with a specific idea and a goal to reach, then the notes come smoothly and fluent. I just do it."