German gothic death pioneers ATROCITY will release their new album, "Okkult II", on July 6 via Massacre Records. The production was once again handled by ATROCITY mainman Alex Krull (Mastersound Studio), who made sure that the songs are as heavy as possible, while the atmosphere and energy of the songs let the listener immediately dive into the occult lyrical concept. The fantastic artwork was created by Stefan Heilemann of Heilemania (LINDEMANN, PAIN, KAMELOT, EPICA).

"Okkult II" features guest vocals from L.G. Petrov of ENTOMBED A.D. and Marc Grewe, formerly of MORGOTH. The effort will also be made available as a limited-edition vinyl LP as well as a limited-edition mediabook with a different artwork as well as a bonus CD that includes all songs as an instrumental version.

"Okkult II" track listing:

01. Masters Of Darkness

02. Shadowtaker

03. Bloodshed And Triumph

04. Spell Of Blood

05. Menschenschlachthaus

06. Gates To Oblivion (feat. Marc Grewe)

07. Infernal Sabbath

08. All Men Must Die

09. Phantom Ghost

10. Devil's Covenant (feat. L.G. Petrov)

11. The Golden Dawn

A very special record release show is set to take place at the Sunstorm Open Air in Nordheim, Germany, on July 6.

Part one of ATROCITY's album trilogy, "Okkult", was released in May 2013 via Napalm Records.

JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford and guitarist Richie Faulkner were recently interviewed by the U.K.'s "The Sound Lab" radio show. You can now listen to the chat using the SoundCloud widget below (note: the interview begins around the 25-minute mark). A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On why "Firepower" was chosen as the title of PRIEST's new album:

Rob: "Whenever we make a record, it's important to try and get some kind of suggestion of the content of the whole experience, and in this case, when we were looking through the titles that we had, we felt that this word 'firepower' was gonna be the best representation of the 'Firepower' experience."

On how long it took to write the "Firepower" album:

Richie: "I think the writing sessions for this record took around three months — to come up with the demos. So we had however many tracks it was. So it was three months writing, three months recording. And, to be honest, we were refining those songs right up until we pressed 'record.' But the main writing sessions were three months with me, Rob and Glenn [Tipton, guitar]."

On whether they find writing music easier or harder these days, considering they have such a vast back catalogue of music:

Rob: "'Firepower' is the 18th full-length studio album for JUDAS PRIEST, so that's a lot of metal songs over the decades. And the writing process is always the same, really. I think the wisdom that you gain through all of the years of writing songs has to have some bearing on the outcome at the end. So, as far as it being any easier or any tougher, I think it really is in how you perceive it yourself. But for me, personally, the music for 'Firepower' just seemed to flow out of the writing sessions that we had together — Glenn and Richie and myself — daily in the studio: five days a week, weekends off, for the three-month period. There was an enormous amount of information, material, pouring through every day. So, to be honest, in some respects, it was a little bit easier this time."

On whether they had an inkling, 50 years ago, that JUDAS PRIEST would be so successful and still around so many decades later:

Rob: "When you're starting any band, I don't think you have any idea as to how long your particular journey is gonna last; you really don't have a clue. I think when you come together as musicians, that's the furthest thing from your mind. You're working as a band to put your original material together with the hopes of connecting to a fanbase and then, if things are going well, to make a connection to a record company. And from that point on, it's very much in the lap of the gods. I've always felt that, as far as where PRIEST has been able to get to, it's been down to our discipline, our real love and commitment to making the best music that we can make and never forgetting our fanbase. And a lot of other things combined have made this incredible journey that is now gearing up to 50 years in 2019."

"Firepower" was released on March 9 via Epic.

JUDAS PRIEST kicked off the "Firepower" world tour on March 13 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

The North American leg of the "Firepower" tour will wrap on May 1 in San Antonio, Texas.

TWISTED SISTER guitarist Jay Jay French took part in a question-and-answer session at this month's Spooky Empire convention in Orlando, Florida. You can now watch the discussion below.

Speaking about bands which have continued performing well past their prime, French said: "[JUDAS] PRIEST is 65 years, 70 years old, SAXON's 80 fucking years old. THE ROLLING STONES are 90 years old. Watching Keith [Richards] and [Ronnie Wood] trying to play guitar is like being driven in a tour bus by José Feliciano and Ray Charles without GPS — it's a terrifying fucking experience. If THE STONES were smart, they'd hire two 25-year-old guys from Nashville who know how to play their song parts and let these two cadavers walk around on stage and fucking act like Johnny Depp in fucking 'Pirates Of The Caribbean'. They can't fucking play. And it bothers me they charge eight hundred dollars [for a ticket]. At least when you go to see THE EAGLES, there's 45 guys on stage, 'cause you want the [band] to sound like THE EAGLES. And when you see go see Roger Waters, there's 45 guys on stage, 'cause you wanna hear what 'The Wall' sounds like. But THE STONES insist that you watch them decompose in front of your eyes for a high ticket price. And they suck so bad.

"I get annoyed only because we work so hard to be perfect every night," he continued. "And I watched them. I've been a STONES fan, by the way, all my life and saw them at the peak of their fucking life — in '69, '70, '71, '72. They were arguably the greatest rock band on the planet earth. And there's a DVD, 'Ladies And Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones', which you can watch. Why are they happy sounding so bad when you've got this?

"Now, PRIEST. Look what you've got with PRIEST. K.K.'s [Downing, guitar] gone — he went to golf. And now Glenn's [Tipton, guitar] left. And it's wonderful. And now it's a cover band, essentially."

After an audible reaction from the crowd, Jay Jay attempted to clarify his comment. "No, no, no… Wait, wait, wait… Hold on… I don't say this… I come from a world of cover bands," he said. "When TWISTED SISTER started in the bars, the cover bands that played the bars were better than the bands they covered. The reason why we were so big, the reason why RAT RACE CHOIR and the STANTON ANDERSON [BAND] — these are the bands that existed as bar bands back when we were playing in the bars — the reason why they were so good was 'cause they were better than the bands they were copying.

"You guys don't even know that [LED] ZEPPELIN was deteriorating so badly that by 1975, you couldn't go to a ZEP concert without throwing up," he said. "They were so bad! You couldn't give tickets away to ZEP concerts, but if you came to see ZEBRA playing ZEPPELIN on Long Island, you heard perfect ZEPPELIN — perfect LED ZEPPELIN. If you saw RAT RACE CHOIR, you saw perfect PINK FLOYD, you saw perfect EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER. It really mattered. I get that. I do understand it. It's a cover band. And that's what a lot of these bands are. FOREIGNER is a complete cover band; there's nobody left in FOREIGNER."

According to Jay Jay, TWISTED SISTER called it quits in 2016 because the members of the band wanted to go out while they could still deliver the kind of performances that earned them the reputation as one of the strongest live acts around.


"TWISTED SISTER has a credibility thing," he said. "It's called we like to play with a band called TWISTED SISTER with the guys from TWISTED SISTER playing TWISTED SISTER music for TWISTED SISTER fans. And if we can't do that, we're not gonna do it. That's a personal choice that we made. And if we do it again, it'll be because we all decided we wanted to do it. That's a credibility issue that we have.

"TWISTED SISTER is a perfectionist band," he continued. "We've played thousands of shows. Every show is perfect. Every show is the last show of our life. Every show is done with the sincerity and the heartfelt desire to make sure you walk out thinking that's the best thing you're ever gonna see. We may not be the best band in the world, but damn it, when you see us live, playing with [IRON] MAIDEN or any of these other bands, you're gonna walk out thinking we're the best band in the world, because that's what we do. And we all say this to every band we play with: 'Blow us away. Take us out. Knock us on our ass. Because if you do that, you've made the fans happy. You've made the fans really happy, giving them their money's worth.' Nobody ever does — ever comes even close."

TWISTED SISTER retired from the road less than two years ago after completing a farewell 40th-anniversary tour. The band's last-ever concert took place in November 2016 — 20 months after the passing of TWISTED's longtime drummer A.J. Pero.

TWISTED SISTER frontman Dee Snider recently said that he had no regrets about putting the group to rest, explaining that he wanted to "step away gracefully" before it was too late.

"Honestly, I can't do today what I did at the last TWISTED SISTER show — physically," he said. "I'm not getting any younger, and stuff is deteriorating, things are deteriorating, and there's things that I knew… I was thrashing like a lunatic, throwing my body on the ground, and I said, 'I can't go much longer.'

"Nobody gets to beat gravity," Snider continued. "When somebody defeats gravity, when somebody beats gravity, let me know. Because eventually it takes everybody out and we're all pulled into the ground. So I said, 'I've got to draw a line somewhere so that I can at least step away gracefully in some way.' It's what I had to do. And I love the [other] guys [in TWISTED SISTER] — I just couldn't continue on like that."

Longtime SAMAEL guitarist Marco "Makro" Rivao has decided to leave the group "to do something different." From now on, bassist Thomas "Drop" Betrisey will take over the guitar duties in the Swiss industrial black metal band and a new bass player will be announced shortly.

Rivao said in a statement: "As some of you might know, I've spent the last 16 years playing guitar for SAMAEL. During those years, I had the chance to meet lots of lovely people/fans, which in some cases turned into friendships, and so this statement goes to all of you.

"I've always been a fan of 'Passage', 'Rebellion', 'Ceremony Of Opposites' and when I received a phone call in 2002 from SAMAEL asking me if I'd like to join the band, it felt like an honor and also a chance to make a living out of music.

"All together, we've shared a great amount of good times and I'd like to thank everyone of you for making these moments real.

"SAMAEL is Vorph and Xy's story and I've been mostly a live interpreter for their music, and I'd like to thank them too for offering me this opportunity.

"Now it is time for me to do something different and so I am leaving SAMAEL.

"Vorph, Xy, Drop and all of the outstanding crew members I've worked with during those years are like family to me and so it shall remain.

"Thanks again to all of you for making these past years such an awesome journey with SAMAEL!"

SAMAEL's latest album, "Hegemony", was released last October via Napalm Records.

Legendary Greek black metallers Varathron are streaming their new studio album Patriarchs Of Evil ahead of it's official release tomorrow, April 27th via Agonia Records. Listen below, and pre-order the album at Agonia Records.

Co-founded in 1988 by Stefan Necroabyssious, the band's vocalist and sole original member, Varathron has been on a steady release schedule since 2004's Crowreign. The latter album introduced Haris (drums) and Achilleas C. (guitars) to the band, who were later joined by Sotiris (guitars) and Stratos (bass), and who together established a new, well-bonded line-up of an already established Hellenic black metal act, considered as one of the forefathers of the genre, next to Rotting Christ and Necromantia.  

Having previously described Patriarchs Of Evil as "heavy, dark and full of melodies that will revive past memories", Varathron elaborates on the successor to Untrodden Corridors Of Hades (2014), now that the recordings have come to an end:

"The time has come to deliver our new opus Patriarchs of Evil. A sinful sip of this unholy communion will lure you into an astral journey of absurd dimensions - with an awakening smell of the old era. This album is one of the finest pieces Varathron has ever unleashed. We promise a true heavy, blasphemous and unique masterpiece with Necroabyssious delivering his best performance ever. With glorious riffs, profound melodies and a solid rhythm section, this dark testament is to delve into. The time of the rejuvenation has come!! WE ARE FOREVER IMMORTAL!!

"Varathron are proudly spreading the Mediterranean plague since 1988! 30 years have passed and we continue to worship darkness and preach the unholy word! Patriarchs of Evil is not just a new album, it is a celebration and one of our greatest creations. Behold the 8 hymns!".

Patriarchs Of Evil was recorded, mixed and mastered over the course of 2017 by Achilleas Kalantzis  (aka Achilleas C.) at Crown Audio Conspiracies, except for drums which were recorded at Infinite Loop Music Studio. Both studios are based in Varathron's hometown of Ioannina, Greece. The album's artwork and layout were designed by Juanjo Castellano. New band photos were taken by Evi Savva.

Album formats:
- Digipack CD with slipcase and 16 pages booklet.
- Black gatefold LP.
- Picture disc gatefold LP (with insert, patch and poster) limited to 200 hand-numbered copies.
- Yellow with black splatter gatefold LP (with insert, patch and poster) limited to 125 handnumbered copies.
- "30 years" zipper hoodie.
- T-shirt.

Tracklisting:

“Tenebrous”
“Into The Absurd”
“Luciferian Mystical Awakening”
“Saturnian Sect”
“Remnants Of The Dark Testament”
“Hellwitch (Witches Gathering)”
“Orgasmic Nightmares Of The Arch Desecrator”
“Ourobors Dweller (The Dweller Of Barathrum)”

Album stream:

“Into The Absurd” video:

 

Trailer:

LickLibrary’s Classic Albums - Led Zeppelin I is now available. A video trailer can be found below.

Released on January 12th, 1969, Led Zeppelin is the eponymous debut studio album by music icons Led Zeppelin. One of the all-time great introductions, Led Zeppelin marked a significant turning point in the evolution of hard rock and heavy metal while also launching the band to instant stardom.

Learn to play the following:

"Good Times Bad Times"
"Babe I’m Gonna Leave You"
"You Shook Me"
"Dazed And Confused"
"Your Time Is Gonna Come"
"Black Mountain Side"
"Communication Breakdown"
"I Can't Quit You Baby"
"How Many More Times"

In this course, LickLibrary veteran, Danny Gill walks you through the many highlights of each song from the British rock giants one phrase at a time, including Jimmy Page’s legendary guitar riffs from the tracks “Dazed And Confused” and “Good Times Bad Times”, to the acoustic mastery of “Babe I'm Gonna Leave You”.

Veteran New Jersey thrashers OVERKILL will enter the studio in the next few weeks to begin recording the follow-up to 2017's "The Grinding Wheel" album. The disc will mark the band's recording debut with drummer Jason Bittner (SHADOWS FALL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM), who joined OVERKILL last year.

Asked in a brand new interview with The Metal Voice what fans can expect to hear OVERKILL's next record, singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth said (hear audio below): "I think we caught a wave on the last four records. Part of that wave was Ron Lipnicki behind the drums, and Ron is now gone, so I don't know what to expect. But the beauty of it is that when you're inside the writing team, that's what becomes motivational.

"Now, obviously, it's gonna be a heavy metal record; we don't deviate so much from our formula," he continued. "But what is that record gonna sound like? At this point, it sounds like a metal record to me. I think Jason Bittner's addition to the band is gonna make it bombastic in some cases; he's the state of the art when it comes to hitting the skins. So I really think that we have an opportunity here to make something that is great. Who knows? It could be a new chapter, and somewhere in that realm of unknown is what excites me now."

According to Ellsworth, OVERKILL has not yet nailed down a producer for the upcoming effort. "We're in between right now," he said. "Things have changed. We already had somebody locked down, but we're not a hundred percent sure he can do it, so I'd really rather not say. We're just talking to three or four other cats. I'll tell you this: we wanted to use Andy Sneap; we thought he did a fantastic job on 'The Grinding Wheel'. But he has other commitments right now. He's filling in [for guitarist Glenn Tipton] on the [JUDAS] PRIEST tour."

As for when OVERKILL's next album will arrive, Ellsworth said: "February [2019] is what we penciled in for the release. So that'll give us tours starting March 1st, I suppose. So February is what we're looking for. That means that we'll start [recording] drums in the next month."

Ellsworth went on to reveal that 10 songs "have been written" for OVERKILL's new album, "but they're all up for change. The way we kind of write is it evolves from a riff and then it becomes a song and then it becomes arranged," he said. "But [the songs] change as I start tearing into it. So I'm gonna say that 90 percent of the music, or the writing, for this is done, but we're gonna fuck around in each song 10 percent or so to adjust things, to make it better, to have it fit better. And when it comes to lyrics, I don't necessarily write lyrics [in the beginning]; I use phonetics, I use nonsense, I take paragraphs out of books and I start fitting them in where I'm more concerned with the vocal line. So they're topic-less when I start. They're just something I use as a template to see how it fits, to see how syllables work within the beat, to see how I fall within the groove or go on top of the groove. So I'm not lyrically complete, but I'm gonna say, at this point, 50 percent of the songs have solid ideas to continue on with."

OVERKILL will release the "Live In Overhausen" DVD and Blu-Ray on May 18 via Nuclear Blast. The set was recorded two years ago in Oberhausen, Germany, where OVERKILL celebrated the 25th anniversary of "Horrorscope" and 30th anniversary of "Feel The Fire" by performing both albums in their entirety.

"The Grinding Wheel" was released in February 2017 via Nuclear Blast. The disc was produced by OVERKILL and mixed by Sneap, who has previously worked with JUDAS PRIEST, MEGADETH, EXODUS and ACCEPT, among others. The artwork was created again by Travis Smith (NEVERMORE, OPETH, SOILWORK, DEATH).

Photo credit: Stephanie Cabral

L.A. GUNS singer Phil Lewis says that he hopes AC/DC will make a new studio album with Axl Rose on vocals.

Ever since AC/DC completed the tour cycle for its 2014 album "Rock Or Bust" nearly two years ago — a turbulent trek that weathered the forced retirement and eventual death of co-founder Malcolm Young, plus the departures of longtime singer Brian Johnson, drummer Phil Rudd and bassist Cliff Williams — fans have wondered whether sole founding member Angus Young would keep the band going or decide it was time for AC/DC to pack it in.

Singer Angry Anderson of the veteran Australian act ROSE TATTOO said in a recent interview with The Rockpit that Angus told him he is at work on new AC/DC music and intends to have GUNS N' ROSES frontman Axl Rose — who took Johnson's place on the road in 2016 — sing on the LP.

Asked by Sticks For Stones if Angus should record a new AC/DC album with Axl, Lewis said (hear audio below): "Yeah, if they can come up with some songs, and it sounds good… Because, clearly, Angus isn't ready to retire, and it's highly unlikely that Axl's gonna do another GUNS N' ROSES record. So, yeah, why not? Fuck it — it might be interesting to see what those two come up with. I hope they do it."

He continued: "Axl sure can nail… he nails Brian's parts really well. He can hit the notes, but he just doesn't have the gravel; it's a little clean when he does it. And that's a tiny, tiny criticism, because he does it so well. But Brian Johnson's just got that grit. But, yeah, it'll be interesting to see what happens."

Johnson was forced to leave AC/DC mid-tour due to a dangerous level of hearing loss, while Rudd was dismissed following a drug arrest and Williams decided to retire at the end of the cycle.

Malcolm Young was diagnosed with dementia several years ago and bowed out before the sessions for "Rock Or Bust" began. He died this past November.

Angus has not said publicly what he has planned for the future of AC/DC. Axl is still touring with GUNS N' ROSES but has indicated a willingness to work with AC/DC again. It is also unknown whether Angus will keep the other members of the last touring lineup — including guitarist Stevie Young and drummer Chris Slade — or revamp the roster again.

Gene Simmons says that KISS will eventually embark on a farewell tour because he and his bandmates "can't keep doing this forever."

Rumors of KISS's final run of live shows gained strength a couple of months ago following the news that the band was attempting to trademark the phrase "The End Of The Road." An application from KISS was filed on February 8 to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which — should it be accepted — means that the band could use it in connection with "live performances by a musical band." As it stands now, no official farewell tour has been announced.

As most fans remember, back in 2000 and 2001, KISS already performed a "Farewell Tour". The trek, which was the last to feature drummer Peter Criss, played 142 shows over five legs, covering North America, Japan, and Australia.

In a brand new interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Simmons acknowledged that KISS's final tour with the current lineup is likely to happen in the not-too-distant future. "There will be one at some point," he said. "We can't keep doing this forever. We are the hardest-working band in show business. If [Mick] Jagger stepped into my dragon boots, he couldn't last a half hour." More importantly, Simmons says, the band "doesn't want to stay on stage a day longer than when we feel valid… Remember, we introduced ourselves as, 'You wanted the best, you got the best, the hottest band in the world.' Not we 'used to be' the best."

Simmons recently that he "had nothing to do" with KISS's attempt to trademark "The End Of The Road." "I really don't know who stuck it on there, and I don't know if it's a fan or somebody in the band," he said. "I would tell you the truth. I literally don't know anything about it."

Gene's KISS bandmate Paul Stanley confirmed that he was behind "The End Of The Road" trademark application, telling journalist Michael Cavacini: "It's not the first trademark that's been filed. I thought it was a terrific name, and I was surprised nobody had used it before. I wanted to make sure that when we used it, and there will be a time that we do, I imagine — I wanted to be sure that we own it and it's ours. When we wanted to go out and do the 'Hottest Show On Earth' tour, Ringling Bros. came to us and said, 'You can't do that.' It set off a light and bell for me. We've always had slogans or sayings that are synonymous with us, and this was another. Everything does end, in one form or another. When it's my time, I want to go out in style, and I want to go out guns blazing. So, when I came up with this idea, I thought let's make sure we tie this up."

Stanley previously said that the band's tumultuous "Farewell Tour" in 2000 was nothing more than an attempt by the group to "put KISS out of its misery" after years of ego clashes and disagreements over songwriting credits between the band's original members.

Stanley has repeatedly said that the band could one day continue without him and Simmons, explaining in an interview: "Once the original [KISS lineup] was no more, it just became clear to us that, in some ways, we're much more a sports team. We don't fall into the limitations of other bands, because we're not other bands. So, yeah, at some point, I'd love to see somebody in the band in my place, and it's because I love the band."

Back in January, Stanley said that he wasn't sure "about the idea of KISS coming to an end. We've built something that's so iconic, and I think it transcends any of the members so I can certainly see me not being there, seriously." He also spoke about his reasons for wanting to spend less time on the road. "I don't want to go leave home," he said. "I have a family and I have children and, honestly, I think my primary responsibility is to be a dad, and I don't want to miss out on that. And certainly, as we got older, we know that life is finite and I pick and choose what I want to do at this point."

HATEBREED frontman Jamey Jasta has released a new solo song titled "13 Appears". The track, which can be streamed below, features guest appearances by PRONG mainman Tommy Victor and guitarist Joey Concepcion, who has previously played with SANCTUARY, THE ABSENCE and ARMAGEDDON.

"13 Appears" is the first new solo Jasta song to be released since "Chasing Demons", which was made available last year. That track featured guest vocals from former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and current LIGHT THE TORCH singer Howard Jones.

Released in 2011, Jamey's debut solo album, "Jasta", sold around 4,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 133 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at position No. 1 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

Asked what the musical separation is between JASTA and HATEBREED, Jamey told Metal Insider in a 2016 interview: "With JASTA, I can take a song I wrote for another band 10 years ago that's been sitting on a flash drive, and even though it's something I would have never done, like 'The Fearless Must Endure'… Originally, I wanted to give that song to Sebastian Bach, and one of the riffs I ended up using on the song, and I got Zakk Wylde to play on that song — and it actually charted on radio. I played it [at my solo shows] and the whole place was singing it and had their hands in the air, and I was so happy I kept it. Some HATEBREED fans scoffed at it, others liked it, but I liked it. It doesn't have to be for just HATEBREED fans, and that's the difference."

13 Appears (feat. Tommy Victor & Joey Concepcion) by Jasta

GUNS N' ROSES will release a new version of its classic 1987 debut album, "Appetite For Destruction", on June 29 via Universal Music Group. An unboxing video of the remastered and expanded "Locked N' Loaded" reissue has revealed that it will include 73 songs (49 of which are previously unreleased) spread out across four CDs and seven 12-inch 180-gram LPs. In addition to a remastered version of the original album (presented across two LPs), there will be the band's 1986 "Live ?!*@ Like A Suicide" EP, a second EP containing B-sides from the era, 25 previously unreleased recordings from the band's 1986 sessions at Sound City studios, and two previously unreleased tracks from GN'R's sessions with producer Mike Clink. The super deluxe version will also include a 96-page handbound book with unreleased photos from Axl Rose's personal archive, 12 new illustration lithos visualizing each song from "Appetite For Destruction", and replica memorabilia.

"Appetite For Destruction" was certified in September 2008 by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for U.S. sales in excess of 18 million copies. The LP has reportedly accumulated worldwide sales in excess of 28 million since its 1987 release.

The album's original cover, based on the Robert Williams painting "Appetite for Destruction", depicted a robot rapist about to be punished by a metal avenger. After several music retailers refused to stock the album, they compromised and put the controversial cover art inside, replacing it with a cover depicting a cross and skulls of the five band members (designed by Billy White Jr., originally as a tattoo), each skull representing one member of the band: Izzy Stradlin, top skull; Steven Adler, left skull; Axl Rose, center skull; Duff McKagan, right skull; and Slash, bottom skull. The photographs used for the back of the album and liner notes were taken by Robert John.

Neither Adler nor Stradlin have been part of the GUNS N' ROSES reunion tour that started in April 2016 and is continuing later this year with singer Axl Rose, guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan.

Adler did rejoin GUNS at several shows on the tour, including three stops on the U.S. leg and one gig in Buenos Aires, Argentina, playing drums on two songs. Stradlin reportedly turned down a five-figure fee to participate, writing that the band didn't want to "split the loot equally."

GUNS N' ROSES will return in June for a seven-week European jaunt, but the band's plans beyond that remain unknown for now.

O grande mistério que envolvia um anuncio do Guns N’ Roses relacionado ao álbum Appetite for Destruction foi revelado: a banda lançará no dia 29 de junho um box comemorativo do Appetite, chamado “Locked N’ Loaded”, recheado de materiais inéditos que irão surpreender os fãs. Confira (passe para o lado para continuar assistindo ao vídeo) #gunsnroses #appetitefordestruction #destructioniscoming #lockednloaded A post shared by Axl Rose - Fã Clube (@axlrosefaclube) on May 2, 2018 at 10:11pm PDT

Guns N' Roses - Locked N' Loaded. @gunsnroses @slash @DuffMcKagan @StevenAdlerSite @IzzyStradlin999 #gunsnroses #appetitefordestruction #slash #duffmckagan #axlrose #stevenadler #izzystradlin pic.twitter.com/mfkYVWGM6N— All About Slash (@All_about_SLASH) May 3, 2018



Guns N' Roses Locked N' Loaded:
.Caja de cuero en relieve
.4 CDs - 73 tracks - 46 temas inéditos
-Libro de 96 páginas con fotos inéditas
.Cruz 3D hecha a mano
.1 Disco Blu-Ray de audio
.Disco original extendido en dos LPs
.Album remasterizado desde cintas análogas pic.twitter.com/Pv7SukFgcW— Slash Argentina (@Slash_Army_Arg) May 3, 2018

Robert Trujillo and Kirk Hammett played a cover version of A-HA's "Take On Me" during METALLICA's May 2 concert " at Telenor Arena in Oslo, Norway. Professionally filmed video footage of their performance can be seen below.

METALLICA has played 21 shows in Europe since early February and has another four dates booked between now and mid-May.

METALLICA recently announced the details of the 2018-2019 North American leg of of its "WorldWired" tour in support of the band's latest album, "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct".

The 34-date trek kicks off September 2 in Madison, Wisconsin and runs through March 13 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Each ticket purchase will be accompanied by a physical or digital copy of "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct".

METALLICA's "WorldWired" trek was the fifth-highest grossing tour of 2017, with 1.5 million tickets sold and $153 million earned. The band was also the top-selling rock act of the year and had the third best-selling rock album.

EDGUY frontman Tobias Sammet's AVANTASIA project will release a new studio album, "Moonglow", in January 2019. A world tour in support of the disc will launch at the end of March in Germany.

AVANTASIA in 1999 and celebrated its live premiere in 2008. With over 3.5 million records sold, he is one of the most successful musicians of Germany and has worked with Alice Cooper, Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker (SCORPIONS), Bruce Kulick and Eric Singer (KISS), Eric Martin (MR. BIG) as well as many other stars from the international music business. For a long time, Tobias Sammet's AVANTASIA has been considered an insider tip. But after countless headline performances at some of the world's largest rock festivals (Sweden Rock Festival, Quebec Music Festival, Barcelona Rock, etc.), gold awards and several top 10 positions in the world charts, the upcoming "Moonglow" world tour can only be considered one of the biggest rock events of the year.

Sammet states: "I've been trying to calm things down for the last 18 months, but apparently my best way of relaxing is to be creative! During this phase, tons of ideas have been coming to my mind, that literally demanded to be realized in AVANTASIA's epic style. I was so convinced of the songs that I realized very quickly: if ever there is to be a new chapter of AVANTASIA, then it has to happen with this material — past all the trends and rules of the music industry, hand-made and personal, with epic 10-minute pieces alongside catchy rock songs! Everything was created for only one reason: to write great music without any businessmen shaping it into bite-sized pieces for the modern entertainment landscape.

"'Moonglow' will be the most lavish album of my career, the biggest, most colorful thing and the best and most unreasonable luxury, I have ever created in my life.

"I can't wait to release the album in January and then take the 'Moonglow' world tour on a journey around the globe, where you will witness the biggest show AVANTASIA has ever put on stage!"

"Moonglow" world tour 2019:

Mar. 30 - GER - Kaufbeuren, All Karthalle

Mar. 31 - IT - Mailand, Alcatraz

Apr. 02 - CZ - Prague, Forum Karlin

Apr. 03 - GER - Berlin, Huxley´s

Apr. 05 - GER - Ludwigsburg, Arena

Apr. 06 - GER - Bamberg, Brose Arena

Apr. 08 - GER - Fulda, Esperanto Halle

Apr. 09 - GER - Saarbrücken, Saarlandhalle

Apr. 10 - FR - Paris, Olympia

Apr. 12 - GER - Osnabrück, Stadthalle

Apr. 13 - GER - Hamburg, Mehr! Theater

Apr. 14 - GER - Oberhausen, Koenig Pilsener Arena

Apr. 16 - UK - London, The Forum

Apr. 18 - GER - Offenbach, Stadthalle

Apr. 19 - CH - Pratteln, Z7

Apr. 20 - CH - Pratteln, Z7

Apr. 24 - ES - Bilbao, Santana 27

Apr. 26 - ES - Barcelona, Razzmatazz 1

Apr. 27 - ES - Madrid, Palacio Vistalegre

More dates will be announced soon.

Fan-filmed video footage of STEVE GRIMMETT'S GRIM REAPER, the revamped version of the cult '80s British metal act GRIM REAPER, peforming on April 27 at the Keep It True XXI festival at Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany can be seen below.

STEVE GRIMMETT'S GRIM REAPER lead singer Steve Grimmett had his right leg partially amputated in Janaury 2017 after an infected wound on his foot spread to the bones in his leg part way through the group's five-week tour of South America.


The life-saving surgery was carried out in Ecuador and the 58-year-old singer was in hospital for just over a month while fans raised $14,000 to bring him home after his insurance company refused to pay because of the type of work he was doing.

"It was tough but throughout it all I have kept a positive attitude," Steve told the Swindon Advertiser.

"Throughout the two operations, for which I was given epidurals, I was thinking of the soldiers who come back from war far worse than me.

"I am a big war bird buff and I thought of Sir Douglas Bader and what he achieved without either of his legs.

"While I was in hospital, I felt a bit down because I missed [my wife] Millie and my family, but not because I had lost a leg.

"At times, it could be amusing: fans were coming in to see me and I could tell when the medical workers were using the Internet to check me out because I'd hear them playing my songs."

Grimmett told the Swindon Advertiser: "What's happened has been very humbling, especially when I consider the number of people who have helped me. I now look on life a bit differently. What's happened has taught me not to be impatient and to make the most out of life."

Grimmett reformed GRIM REAPER in 2006 as STEVE GRIMMETT'S GRIM REAPER following an amicable decision between the singer and original GRIM REAPER guitarist Nick Bowcott, who both agreed that using the original name minus the other members of the classic lineup wouldn't be a proper reunion.

Dutch symphonic metallers EPICA have released a brand new music video for the song "Universal Love Squad". The clip was filmed at the band's recent sold-out 1000th-show-anniversary concert at 013 in Tilburg, Netherlands in front of 3,000 ecstatic fans.

"Universal Love Squad" shows a different and more intimate side to the band, as it is the acoustic version of another EPICA track, titled "Universal Death Squad", released in 2016 on the album "The Holographic Principle".

In celebration of its 1000th-show anniversary, EPICA performed this track for the very first time live, which resulted in in this astonishing music video.

EPICA's Mark Jansen, band founder and guitarist, comments: "At the 1000th show, we performed for the first time ever the acoustic version of 'Universal Death Squad', which became 'Universal Love Squad'.

"As many fans kept asking us to play something acoustic live, we couldn't resist any longer. We want to thank our fans from all over the world for all these fantastic shows and hopefully there will be a 1000 more to come!"

After two years of non-stop touring worldwide, EPICA will perform the last batch of festivals of its current touring cycle this summer.

EPICA's latest release was "The Solace System" EP, featuring six songs which were created during the sessions for "The Holographic Principle".

Asked in an interview with Metal Wani if there are any plans for EPICA to commence the songwriting process for the group's next full-length album, Mark said: "We're gonna keep touring till September and then we're gonna take a little time off. We have been touring for 16 years constantly — recording and touring — and now we feel like it's time to do a little break — not too long — a little break to recharge the batteries, and then during the break, we will probably already start composing for the next album. But that little break will give us some opportunities for the side projects — like, Simone [Simons, vocals] wants to do something, I have MAYAN, Rob [Van Der Loo, bass] has some side project, Ariën [Van Weesenbeek], the drummer, is also in MAYAN. So everybody will fill in that little break in a different way. But I'm already feeling like wanting to write new music. So it won't take long."

Former IN FLAMES bassist Peter Iwers has announced his departure from CYHRA, the band featuring vocalist Jake E (ex-AMARANTHE), guitarist Jesper Strömblad (ex-IN FLAMES), guitarist Euge Valovirta (ex-SHINING), and drummer Alex Landenburg (LUCA TURILLI'S RHAPSODY).

CYHRA will continue as a four-piece but Peter's bass lines will still be heard at the band's upcoming shows. Instead of being on stage, his tracks will be reproduced by a computer, "Mr. ASUS."

"It's sad to part ways with Peter as a member, but we are still very good friends and will always be," CYHRA said in a statement. "He has our full support in this decision and we wish him nothing else than the best in the future."

In other news, CYHRA has released the official music video for "Here To Save You", taken from the band's debut album, "Letters To Myself", released last October via Spinefarm Records. The clip was filmed during CYHRA's successful North American tour opening for SABATON and KREATOR this past spring.

Jake E said: "Releasing 'Here To Save You' as a live video was something that we thought of already after finishing up the song in the demo studio. And as we got the possibility to open up for SABATON and KREATOR a couple of months back it was a no-brainer to just make sure to put it on film.

"I love how we were able to capture all the positive response, both within the band but also all the love we got for our newfound fans in the U.S. and Canada. Every time I watch it, I just want to go back out on the road! I hope you will like it as much as we do!"

Strömblad said: "With this video we show that CYHRA is here to stay. I am so proud to show what a blast we have on stage and that CYHRA is an amazing live act. I have never felt this good on stage in my whole career and I can't wait to get back on the road soon!"

"Letters To Myself" was recorded at Top Floor Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden.

CYHRA made its live debut in October at Nosturi in Helsinki, Finland.

MR. BIG has released a new live video for the song "Alive And Kickin'", taken from the band's upcoming release, "Live From Milan".


"Live From Milan" will be released July 13 via Frontiers Music Srl on 2CD+Blu-ray combo pack, 3xLP, and MP3 (audio only).

Following the release of their 2017 album, "Defying Gravity", MR. BIG set out on a trek that took them all over the world to promote the new release in a live setting. Anyone who has ever had the distinct pleasure of seeing the band live knows that the virtuoso musicianship and incredible vocals are on full display in this setting. By this time, drummer Pat Torpey's battle with Parkinson's Disease had been made public, but Pat toured with the band regardless and sat behind the drum kit for select songs, while also providing background vocals and percussion on other tracks when Matt Starr was taking his turn on the kit. Captured at a stop in Milan, Italy, "Live From Milan" has a track listing that will surely satisfy long-time and newer fans of the band, and of course contains bass and guitar solos from the always entertaining and awe-inspiring Billy Sheehan and Paul Gilbert, respectively.


Sadly, this would be one of Torpey's last performances with the band as he passed away from complications due to Parkinson's in early 2018.


The set captures a special moment in time for the band and also serves as a "greatest hits" of sorts as they hit on all their classic songs from the early albums as well as revered material from newer releases.


Singer Eric Martin says: "The gig was packed, really no room to breathe and it was steaming hot in there, but the energy and vibe that I was feeling from the guys in the band was that we were going to lean into it... Ha! I know that sounds cliché coming from me, but it was true; there was no holding back. I've seen the video of this concert dozens of times now and it's us... hard and heavy and still kicking out the jams."


MR. BIG, formed in 1988, have produced numerous hit songs that ranged across a wide array of rock genres — be it ballads, heavy metal, or blues rock. Their hits include, but are not limited to, "Alive And Kickin'", "Just Take My Heart" and the chart-topping ballad "To Be With You".


Track listing:


Disc 1:

01. Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy

02. American Beauty

03. Undertow

04. Alive And Kickin'

05. Temperamental

06. Just Take My Heart

07. Take Cover

08. Green-Tinted Sixties Mind

09. Everybody Needs A Little Trouble

10. Price You Gotta Pay

11. Paul's Solo

12. Open Your Eyes

13. Wild World

14. Damn I'm In Love Again


Disc 2:

01. Rock And Roll Over

02. Around The World

03. Billy's Solo

04. Addicted To That Rush

05. To Be With You

06. 1992

07. Colorado Bulldog

08. Defying Gravity


Blu-ray

01. Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy

02. American Beauty

03. Undertow

04. Alive And Kickin'

05. Temperamental

06. Just Take My Heart

07. Take Cover

08. Green-Tinted Sixties Mind

09. Everybody Needs A Little Trouble

10. Price You Gotta Pay

11. Paul's Solo

12. Open Your Eyes

13. Wild World

14. Damn I'm In Love Again

15. Rock And Roll Over

16. Around The World

17. Billy's Solo

18. Addicted To That Rush

19. To Be With You

20. 1992

21. Colorado Bulldog

22. Defying Gravity


Recorded by: Alessandro Del Vecchio, Andrea Seveso and Michel Assalini

Mixed by: Jay Ruston

Assistant engineer: John Douglass

Mastered by: Alessandro Del Vecchio


Band members:

Eric Martin: Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar

Paul Gilbert: Guitar, Vocals

Billy Sheehan: Bass, Vocals

Pat Torpey: Drums, Percussion, Vocals

Matt Starr: Drums, Vocals

JUDAS PRIEST performed its classic song "Tyrant" live for the first time since 1983 this past Tuesday, May 1 in San Antonio, Texas. The concert marked the final show of the band's spring 2018 "Firepower" North American tour.

Notably, only singer Rob Halford and bassist Ian Hill remain in PRIEST's current touring incarnation from the lineup that recorded the studio version of "Tyrant" back in late 1975. The track is featured on PRIEST's classic second album, "Sad Wings Of Destiny", which is considered the LP on which the band consolidated its sound and image. It is the only PRIEST album to feature drummer Alan Moore.

The "Firepower" trek is PRIEST's first since guitarist Glenn Tipton announced that he was retiring from the road due to his battle with Parkinson's disease. He is being replaced on tour by "Firepower" album producer Andy Sneap, also known for his work as the guitar player in NWOBHM revivalists HELL and cult thrash outfit SABBAT.

Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease four years ago — after being stricken by the degenerative condition at least half a decade earlier — but only recently announced he was going to sit out touring activities in support of "Firepower". The guitarist, who is now 70 and has performed on every PRIEST album since the band's 1974 debut set, "Rocka Rolla", is not quitting the band, but simply cannot handle the rigorous challenges of performing live.

Asked how JUDAS PRIEST came to choose Sneap to step in for Tipton on the band's tour in support of "Firepower", Hill told veteran Japanese rock journalist Masa Itoh: "It probably came from during the recording of the album. Andy is a very good guitarist, an excellent guitarist in his own right, and I think Glenn got to know Andy and got to trust Andy, which is very important. We wanted someone who we knew as well, if at all possible. The last thing you want is somebody coming in with their own baggage, if you know what I mean. And we can trust Andy to do a good job, and I think he'll do justice to the songs. And that was the main thing — I think it was the familiarity with Andy. We had great respect for him — before we met him, we had great respect for him. But with the work he did on the album — I mean, it sounds phenomenal; he did a tremendous job with that. We're doing songs off the new album, which he is totally familiar with, and he knows a lot of the parts anyway from that. And he's also a PRIEST fan — he's been listening to us for years — and he fits the slot perfectly. I think he'll fit in and I think he'll do a tremendous job."

"Firepower" was released on March 9 via Epic. The follow-up to 2014's "Redeemer Of Souls" was recorded by Sneap, the band's longtime collaborator Tom Allom and engineer Mike Exeter (BLACK SABBATH). The cover artwork for "Firepower" was created by the Chilean/Italian artist Claudio Bergamin.

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Century Media Records has announced the signing of ULTHA.


Hailing from Cologne, Germany, the five-piece black metal band has built up an excellent reputation in the worldwide extreme metal underground scene. ULTHA's debut album, "Pain Cleanses Every Doubt", and especially the 2016 successor, "Converging Sins", have had a massive impact not only in the worldwide black metal scene, but also on many fans of many different genres interested in extreme music beyond the usual patterns. ULTHA's intense live shows, their visual approach and lyrical concept, their rampant sound cascades, mesmerizing riffs and bleak atmosphere separate them from the common black metal sounds.


ULTHA's Ralph Schmidt comments on the signing: "We're excited to collaborate with such a prolific and important label that has been dedicated to pushing boundaries of the extreme metal underground for such a long time. We, both as fans of their work and as musicians in a band, feel this is a perfect fit for this next step of our journey."


ULTHA is about to enter the studio to record its third, yet-untitled studio album, which is planned for release in October 2018. The band's European headline tour in support of the new album is currently being booked by Doomstar Bookings. Tour dates will be announced soon.

The third trailer for "Queen Of Time", the upcoming studio album from Finnish melancholic progressive metallers AMORPHIS, can be seen below. Due on May 18 via Nuclear Blast, the follow-up to 2015's "Under The Red Cloud" will include the use of real strings, flutes, orchestral arrangements and even choirs. In addition, this will be the first time that people will be able to hear their lyricist Pekka Kainulainen on the album as he contributes a speech in Finnish.

"Queen Of Time" was once again produced by Jens Bogren (OPETH, AMON AMARTH, KREATOR), who is well known for challenging and motivating artists during the recording process. He isn't afraid to push them to their limits.

The "Queen Of Time" cover artwork, which was created once again by French artist Jean "Valnoir" Simoulin from Metastazis, captures the feeling of the lyrics and the music. With Pekka Kainulainen's (lyricist) words, the lyrical theme is universal: "Cultures rise, flourish, and are destroyed. The story of man is the story of searching, finding, and forgetting. A single spark can set the world afire, a single idea can give birth to a new culture. The greatest can stagnate into insignificance, the smallest can hold the power for change. The lyrics on this album are distant echoes of ancient forest peoples, from a time when meaning was proportioned by the cosmic forces that govern birth and death. If the connection was lost, they sought for a strand of knowledge, found a new direction, and a new age began."

"Queen Of Time" will be also the first AMORPHIS album to feature the band's old/new bass player Olli-Pekka "Oppu" Laine following the departure of Niclas Etelävuori in 2017. Oppu was one of the founding members of AMORPHIS in 1990 and recorded the first seven records with the band before he exited the group in spring 2000.

"To be honest, 'Oppu' was the only guy we could imagine being in AMORPHIS," says Esa. "It was funny — when we started to play our first shows together again last summer, it all felt so familiar. He was involved with arranging songs and he also even brought some new songs to the table… really good ones, too!" Oppu adds: "Even though the last year with AMORPHIS has been exciting, nostalgic and fun, it's also been truly comfortable to be with the guys again. As a clichéd expression, it's been like returning home from a lengthy odyssey. After 18 years, it feels like we are picking up where we left off from the good ol' days! I'm really looking forward for the upcoming tour. The new album itself is a really strong package, the only hard thing will be picking which songs to play live! It's safe to say we are set to pull off some killer shows over the next few years. After that, I'm predicting a long and fruitful career for the band in its current form..."

"Queen Of Time" track listing:

01. The Bee

02. Message In The Amber

03. Daughter Of Hate

04. The Golden Elk

05. Wrong Direction

06. Heart Of The Giant

07. We Accursed

08. Grain Of Sand

09. Amongst Stars

10. Pyres On The Coast

Bonus tracks (digi, 2LP, and mail-order edition only)

11. As Mountains Crumble

12. Brother And Sister

Holopainen comments: "I guess 'Queen Of Time' turned out as a massive surprise to all of us. During the rehearsing and pre-production, we didn't have any idea that Jens had this huge picture inside of his head about the landscape of the album. It's a very natural continuation to 'Under The Red Cloud' but with steroids. The songs are more aggressive but there's more dynamics, harmonies and orchestral arrangements present. The result is AMORPHIS as something you've never heard before! Essentially, working with Jens worked really well. As a person, he is very similar to us — we share the same kind of weird humor and we all like to work hard."

Myles Kennedy has completed recording his parts for the forthcoming third album from SLASH FT. MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS. The follow-up to 2014's "World On Fire" was once again tracked with producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette, who has previously worked with ALTER BRIDGE, IGGY POP and INCUBUS, among many others.

During a brand new interview with Meltdown of Detroit, Michigan's WRIF 101.1 FM radio station, Myles stated about SLASH FT. MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS: "We just finished a record. Actually, I just finished my vocals for that last week, so there's another record in the can. And it'll probably come out later this year."

In addition to Kennendy and Slash, SLASH FT. MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS features Brent Fitz (drums), Todd Kerns (bass, vocals) and Frank Sidoris (guitar, vocals).

Back in March, Slash said that he was "excited" about the material that was written for the upcoming SLASH FT. MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS album. "It's got some cool songs and it's got a great live feel," he said.

"I've been working with Myles, Brent and Todd for about eight years now. It's been an amazing ride so far; as a band we continue to get better which is great. With the addition of Frank since the 'World On Fire' tour, I feel we have hit a great, creative stride which I definitely think shows on this next record."

SLASH FT. MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS will embark on a full North American tour in the fall.

After Slash and the CONSPIRATORS toured "World On Fire", rumors about the long-awaited GUNS N' ROSES reunion tour began to circulate and were confirmed in early 2016.

The current GUNS trek — which features Slash and fellow original members Axl Rose and Duff McKagan — launched in April 2016 and has since grossed more than $400 million, with more European dates coming this summer.

GUNS N' ROSES has been off the road since November when it completed the North American stadium and arena run leg of the "Not In This Lifetime" reunion tour with three shows in Los Angeles.

Despite the success of the tour, there has been no indication that GUNS intends to record a new album anytime soon. The last GUNS studio album, "Chinese Democracy", came out in 2008 and featured only Axl Rose from the band's classic lineup. The last album on which Rose, McKagan and Slash appeared together was 1993's covers set "The Spaghetti Incident?"

Kennedy's debut solo album, "Year Of The Tiger", was released on March 9 via Napalm Records.

On May 1, GHOST played a three-song acoustic set inside the 200-capacity Clive Davis Theater at Los Angeles's Grammy Museum. Pictures from the performance (credit: Rebecca Sapp) appear below.

The group's setlist was as follows:

01. Rats

02. Cirice

03. Jigolo Har Megiddo

Although no cameras or cell phones were allowed inside the venue, brief snippets of each song can be seen below.

During the performance, frontman Tobias Forge — dressed as his newest incarnation, Cardinal Copia — was backed by three Nameless Ghouls on acoustic guitar. He encouraged crowd participation during the chorus of current single "Rats", playfully boasted about "Cirice" earning the group a Grammy Award and said that "Jigolo Har Megiddo" — the ending of which saw one Nameless Ghoul break a string — was written about "getting down."

GHOST will release its new album, "Prequelle", on June 1 via Loma Vista Recordings. The record was tracked last year at Artery studios in Stockholm with producer Tom Dalgety (OPETH, ROYAL BLOOD) and mixed in January at Westlake Studios in West Hollywood, California with Andy Wallace (NIRVANA, SLAYER).

GHOST kicks off its first tour in support of "Prequelle" on May 5 in Riverside, California.

Photo credit: Rebecca Sapp for BB Gun Press

The official lyric video for "Devil's Day", a brand new song from former MANOWAR guitarist Ross "The Boss" Friedman, can be seen below.

Friedman's stature in the history of hard rock and heavy metal has been well-solidified for decades by this point — with a resume including some of the most influential and hardest-hitting bands of all-time, particularly both THE DICTATORS and MANOWAR. And he continues to rock — as a member of the group DEATH DEALER, and also as the leader of his own solo outfit, which has issued such stellar releases as "Hailstorm", "New Metal Leader" and his latest offering, "By Blood Sworn".

Joined by Marc Lopes on vocals and keys, Mike LePond on bass, and Lance Barnewold on drums for the sessions (Steve Bolognese will beat the skins on the album's tour), "By Blood Sworn" was produced by Dean Rispler and was released on April 20 via AFM Records.

"The main thing is that my band all live nearby me instead of in Germany," explains Ross. "So, we were able to really work the tunes up. Mike LePond and I started going through riffs and tunes in July, worked up the tunes, and started forming them. It was a very satisfying process."

And as evidenced by such standout tracks as title track, "Among The Bones", "Devil's Day" and a reworked version of MANOWAR's "Hail And Kill", "By Blood Sworn" is certainly as hard-hitting and heavy as Ross's previous classics. "Actually, I know what direction the songwriting should go, and we go," he says. "As for my guitar playing, whatever the song needs, the songs get! The record is more old school, but with a fresh attack — the songs are not repetitive, and this record is also not a 'drum-machine recording' like most these days." Also featured is extremely eye-catching album cover artwork. "Marc and I had this concept for the cover art by Stan W. Decker. It was a knight kneeling after battle — holding his mighty sword and my eagle behind him."

"By Blood Sworn" track listing:

01. By Blood Sworn

02. Among The Bones

03. This Is Vengeance

04. We Are The Night

05. Faith Of The Fallen

06. Devil's Day

07. Lilith

08. Play Among The Godz

09. Circle Of Damnation

10. Fistful Of Hate

Ross was one of the pioneers of both punk rock and heavy metal. First crashing on the scene with THE DICTATORS and with such classic albums as 1975's "Go Girl Crazy!", 1977's "Manifest Destiny" and 1978's "Bloodbrothers", Ross helped trailblaze punk rock (just to put it all in perspective, "Go Girl Crazy!" arrived a full year before the RAMONES' debut, and two years before THE CLASH's and SEX PISTOLS' debuts). After exiting the band, Ross then co-formed one of heavy metal's all-time great bands, MANOWAR, which showcased exceptional six-string work on such classic albums as 1982's "Battle Hymns", 1983's "Into Glory Ride" and 1984's "Hail To England", among countless other titles.

By the end of the '80s, Ross had reconnected with his DICTATORS bandmates in MANITOBA'S WILD KINGDOM, which served as a bridge between his love of punk and metal, as heard on the group's popular 1990 debut, "…And You?" Throughout the remainder of the decade, Ross also played with such groups as THE HELLACOPTERS and THE SPINATRAS, before THE DICTATORS reunited, which resulted in several new releases starting from the late '90s all the way through the early 21st century. Also around this time, Ross joined forces with former of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT drummer Albert Bouchard in the band BRAIN SURGEONS.

With Ross's main focus turning to metal music at this time, two additional projects were launched — DEATH DEALER and his solo outfit, ROSS THE BOSS. Thus far, DEATH DEALER (which is comprised of vocalist Sean Peck, guitarists Stu Marshall, bassist Mike Davis and drummer Steve Bolognese, in addition to Ross) has issued a pair of releases, "Warmaster" and "Hallowed Ground".

A performance clip of the song "Urgent" from FOREIGNER's "Foreigner With The 21st Century Symphony Orchestra & Chorus" DVD can be seen below.

In May 2017, FOREIGNER performed two sold-out shows in Lucerne, Switzerland, together with the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, conducted by Ernst Van Tiel. "Foreigner With The 21st Century Symphony Orchestra & Chorus" represents this year-long collaboration between FOREIGNER founding member and lead guitarist Mick Jones and Grammy-nominated composing/arranging team Dave Eggar and Chuck Palmer, exploring the deep symphonic potential of these classic and iconic songs. Eggar, Juilliard protégé and cellist/pianist/composer, and Palmer, producer/writer/percussionist, have toured, performed and recorded with artists such as Paul Simon, James Taylor, Patti Smith, COLDPLAY and many more.

Says Mick Jones: "I could never have imagined when I set out to create FOREIGNER 40 years ago, that we'd still be touring around the world and performing the music we love all these years later. Dave Eggar and Chuck Palmer's orchestral arrangements have shown us a new symphonic dimension of our music, which I hope our fans will enjoy."

"Foreigner With The 21st Century Symphony Orchestra & Chorus" CD track listing:

01. Overture

02. Blue Morning, Blue Day

03. Cold As Ice

04. Waiting For A Girl Like You

05. Say You Will

06. When It Comes To Love

07. That Was Yesterday

08. Feels Like The First Time

09. Starrider

10. Double Vision

11. Fool For You Anyway

12. Urgent

13. Juke Box Hero

14. I Want To Know What Love Is

"Foreigner With The 21st Century Symphony Orchestra & Chorus" DVD track listing:

01. Overture

02. Blue Morning, Blue Day

03. Cold As Ice

04. Waiting For A Girl Like You

05. Head Games

06. When It Comes To Love

07. Say You Will

08. The Flame Still Burns

09. That Was Yesterday

10. Juke Box Hero

11. Starrider

12. Double Vision

13. Fool For You Anyway

14. Hot Blooded

15. Urgent

16. Feels Like The First Time

17. I Want To Know What Love Is

Photo credit: Karsten Staiger

DEAD CROSS, the Southern California hardcore outfit featuring Dave Lombardo (SLAYER, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, MISFITS), Mike Patton (FAITH NO MORE, TOMAHAWK), Justin Pearson (THE LOCUST, RETOX) and Michael Crain (RETOX, FESTIVAL OF DEAD DEER), has released a self-titled, four-track EP via Ipecac Recordings.

"I think part of DEAD CROSS's motives are to bridge gaps between useless genres and definitions," explained Pearson. "Part also might be to just burn that shit down. It's in our collective DNA. Either way, as long as people love it or hate it, we succeed."

News of the EP arrives as the band premieres a video for "My Perfect Prisoner". The clip was produced by Eric Livingston, who also created the cover art for both the band’s full-length debut and this EP.


"Dead Cross", which is also the title of the band's 2017 full-length debut, is available digitally, with a limited 10-inch black/green swirl vinyl version set for a June 29 release.

"Dead Cross" track listing:

01. Skin Of A Redneck

02. My Perfect Prisoner

03. Shillelagh (Panicker Remix)

04. Church Of The Motherfuckers (Planet B Remix)

DEAD CROSS embarks on its debut European tour on June 2, kicking off the six-week trek at Barcelona's Primavera Sound festival and making stops at several other festivals, including Download, Novarock, Graspop Metal Meeting, Roskilde and Dour.

The self-titled debut album from DEAD CROSS was released in August via Ipecac Recordings. The effort was helmed by producer Ross Robinson, who has previously worked with KORN, DEFTONES, SEPULTURA and LIMP BIZKIT, among others, and was mastered at Golden Mastering in Ventura, California.

Patton told Rolling Stone that he got involved with DEAD CROSS after reaching out to Lombardo to see if he could release the band's album on Ipecac. After getting a text from the drummer asking him to join the group, "my jaw dropped," the singer said. "I was like, 'Who, me? Hmm …' And I think it took like all of 30 seconds, but in a sarcastic way, I'm like, 'Yeah, of course. I can do this. Are you sure you want me?' So I kind of second-guessed him a little bit. And he said, 'Man, you'd be our dream vocalist.' And then it was just a matter of logistics. I decided to record it here in my basement, which is fitting. It shouldn't sound too polished."

Regarding DEAD CROSS's musical direction, Patton said: "To me, it is a traditional hardcore record. It is very pointed, direct and visceral. Like, I wasn't going to play keyboards, add samples or any kind of orchestration. It was like, 'Yo, just go for it.' In some ways, it reminded me of stuff that we had collectively all grown up with and loved when we were like teenagers — bands like the ACCÜSED, DEEP WOUND or SIEGE, stuff that was just brutal, uncompromising and right to the point. I was listening to all those bands again before this came to be, so it was already back infused in my blood. And now I got a chance to do a pencil-in-your-eye record."

Photo credit: Adam DeGross

THE HEARD, the new Swedish rock band featuring former CRUCIFIED BARBARA guitarist Klara "Force" Rönnqvist Fors, bassist Ida "Evileye" Stenbacka and drummer Nikki Wicked (a.k.a. Jannicke Lindström) alongside DEATHSTARS bassist Jonas "Skinny Disco" Kangur (on lead guitar) and burlesque performer, model and singer Pepper Potemkin, has released the official lyric video for its new single, "Sirens". The song is available on iTunes, Spotify and other digital platforms.

THE HEARD made its live debut at the Where's The Music festival in Norrköping, Sweden on February 10.

THE HEARD's Facebook page describes the group as being about "heavy riffs, misty songs, dark waters and a death supreme."

THE HEARD is:

* Klara Force (CRUCIFIED BARBARA) - Guitar

* Ida Evileye (CRUCIFIED BARBARA) - Bass

* Nikki Wicked (CRUCIFIED BARBARA) - Drums

* Jonas "Skinny Disco" Kangur (DEATHSTARS) - Lead Guitar

* Pepper Potemkin - Vocals

CRUCIFIED BARBARA announced its breakup in June 2016, two years after the release of the band's fourth album, "In The Red". The group explained at the time that "our lives have parted and we need to move on. The last years have taken its toll on all of us and the joy of playing together got lost somewhere along the way."

The official lyric video for "Old Fashioned", a new song from New York hardcore veterans MADBALL, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "For The Cause", which will be released on June 15 via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to 2014's "Hardcore Lives" was co-produced by Tim Armstrong (RANCID), who is also featured on one song on the album. It was mixed and mastered by renowned producer Tue Madsen (MESHUGGAH, THE HAUNTED, SICK OF IT ALL) at Antfarm Studios in Denmark. Former MADBALL guitarist Matt Henderson laid down the guitar tracks in the studio, but will not join the group on tour.

MADBALL recently revealed that legendary rapper, actor and frontman Ice-T (BODY COUNT) guests on one track on "For The Cause".

Commented Ice-T: "It's an honor to record with the legendary MADBALL. BODY COUNT draws its closest similarities to New York hardcore. This is a natural."

Added singer Freddy Cricien: "It's truly an honor to have Ice-T on our record! I grew up on his music from his early hip-hop stuff till now. He's an iconic figure but also a 'class act'; you don't always get both at once. Ice has a great respect for New York hardcore and MADBALL, means the world. This was meant to happen.... real recognizes real."

Last October, MADBALL parted ways with longtime guitarist Brian "Mitts" Daniels. The New York outfit called the split "a very hard and heartbreaking decision for all involved."

"For The Cause" track listing:

01. Smile Now Pay Later

02. Rev Up (feat. Sick Jacken)

03. Freight Train

04. Tempest

05. Old Fashioned

06. Evil Ways (feat. Ice-T)

07. Lone Wolf

08. Damaged Goods

09. The Fog (feat. Tim Timebomb & Steve Whale)

10. Es Tu Vida

11. For You

12. For The Cause

13. Confessions (bonus track; CD and LP only)

The original version of the "For The Cause" title track was released last September via the "Family Biz" split seven-inch single, which saw the Cricien-fronted outfit joining forces with Pennsylvania's blue-collar-core heroes WISDOM IN CHAINS.

Video footage of WOLFPACK BLACK, the new band featuring former ANTHRAX singer Dan Nelson, performing the song "Low" on April 21 at the United Ink No Limits Tattoo Expo in New York City can be seen below.

Joining Nelson in WOLFPACK BLACK's current lineup are bassist Pat Foote (STEEL REIGN) and drummer Dan Mintzer (PULL, BREAKAGE RISING). The group's sound is described as "metal through and through" with songs that are "both brutal and catchy."

Nelson in 2012 settled a lawsuit he filed against ANTHRAX over the fallout from his departure from the veteran metal group. Details of the settlement were not made public.

The singer filed a lawsuit in November 2011 claiming that Charlie Benante (drums), Frank Bello (bass) and Scott Ian (guitar) falsely stated in "numerous interviews" that he had "abruptly resigned" after getting sick, forcing a cancelation of a tour. The $2.65-million suit also alleged that Benante told BLABBERMOUTH.NET that Nelson "was a bully."

The Long Island native said his ex-bandmates' "intentional defamation" caused him a loss of income and damaged his reputation.

Before reaching the deal, ANTHRAX attorney Brian Caplan told the judge that Nelson had been offered a "fairly small dollar amount" and co-authorship of eleven ANTHRAX songs that the band recorded for "Worship Music", according to the New York Daily News.

Dan told "The Jim Chinnici Show" that he isn't disappointed by the fact that his stint with ANTHRAX didn't last longer. "Hey, listen, I look at it like this: everything that's happened to me, good or bad, led me to where I am now," he explained. "I've got these guys" — referring to his bandmates in WOLFPACK BLACK — "which is the best thing that could have happened to me musically and friendship-wise. I've got the best little boy in the world as a son — my son Benjamin — and you couldn't ask for a more killer wife than my wife. So everything is all good."

In advance of Led Zeppelin’s 50th Anniversary celebration, slated to commence this September, the band issued their first ever release for Record Store Day, back on April 21st. And now, Led Zeppelin are back on top of the UK Vinyl Singles chart with the release. The single bested releases from David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Def Leppard, Motörhead and others to land at #1 on the official chart.

The limited edition 7" single, produced by Jimmy Page and pressed on yellow vinyl, features two previously unheard studio mixes, handpicked by Page to appear on the release: the “Sunset Sound Mix” of “Rock And Roll” b/w the “Olympic Studios Mix” of “Friends”.

The previously unreleased version of “Rock And Roll” provides an additional peak into the fabled “Sunset Sound Mixes” of Led Zeppelin IV. Only two previous “Sunset Sound Mixes” have been released, the first being the well-known version of “When The Levee Breaks” on the original album and the second the “Stairway To Heaven” mix that debuted on 2014 companion disc in the deluxe edition. The previously unheard “Olympic Studios Mix” of “Friends” is a stripped-down version, without the orchestration of the final mix.

DEVILDRIVER's long-awaited full-length album of outlaw country-gone-metal anthems, "Outlaws 'Til The End", will be released on July 6 via Napalm Records. The disc is described in a press release as "both a startling curveball and a ferocious statement of individuality from a band who have been a constant and effective force in the heavy metal world for the best part of two decades now."


DEVILDRIVER's haunting rendition of Hank3's "Country Heroes", featuring Hank3 himself on vocals, can be streamed below. The track kicks in with an ominous classic outlaw/country western intro, instantly careening into a heavy assault accented by Hank3's Ozzy Osbourne-influenced vocal approach. Quickly veering towards full heavy metal with a grooving double bass foundation, the track travels into heavy-hitting signature DEVILDRIVER territory, wrapping up with a hair-raising, whiskey-soaked solo by guitarist Neal Tiemann.


"This record would not have meant as much to me without having Hank3 on board," says DEVILDRIVER vocalist Dez Fafara. "He is one of the most authentic and real outlaw country artists out there right now. I chose to record 'Country Heroes' because the lyrics are extremely well-written, and using the names of all the outlaws within the song really does the song justice. 'I'm drinking some George Jones and little bit a Coe...' etc., that is genius writing from Hank3 and should be recognized as such.


"I've heard this song as 'heavy' in my head for a very long time, so to re-track it and have Hank3 appear only to sing almost Ozzy-ish is just an over-the-top treat to the ears! Enjoy," adds Dez.

"Outlaws 'Til The End" was produced, mixed and recorded with Steve Evetts (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, EVERY TIME I DIE, SEPULTURA, THE CURE), with DEVILDRIVER guitarist Mike Sprietzer also lending recording talents. The album was mastered by renowned engineer Alan Douches.

Completing this unprecedented project is a host of metal and country luminaries providing unforgettable cameos: horror metal icon Wednesday 13 lends his incensed rasp to George Jones's "If Drinking Don't Kill Me", 36 CRAZYFISTS frontman Brock Lindow brings fire and soul to Steve Earle's "Copperhead Road", and FEAR FACTORY's Burton C. Bell helps to turn Richard Thompson's anti-war classic "Dad's Gonna Kill Me" into a brooding gothic metal extravaganza. Meanwhile, LAMB OF GOD members Randy Blythe and Mark Morton contribute to an exhilarating decimation of Willie Nelson's "Whiskey River" before Randy makes a second appearance on DEVILDRIVER's version of cowboy standard "Ghost Riders In The Sky"; the latter featuring the son of Johnny Cash himself.

"I knew right away that I wanted to have guests on this record, and the first guest I wanted was John Carter Cash," Fafara recalls. "I didn't want this thing to exist without John, without Hank 3 or without Randy. Basically, there were a certain amount of guests that I definitely wanted on it, but as I kept asking people, everyone kept saying yes!

"Randy and Mark are both from the country and they were immediately on board. With John, we wound up talking for two hours when we first met, all about his love of heavy metal and my love of outlaw country and my love of his dad's music. All he wanted to do was talk about metal and all I wanted to do was talk about outlaw country. It was the craziest thing."

Not only just content with a collaboration with John Carter Cash, the album also features the iconic voice of FEAR, U.S. punk rock legend Lee Ving. "Lee has a country band called RANGE WAR and when he first started in music, his mother gave him her mandolin to play, so he played country music before he ever did punk rock," Fafara notes. "I've been fortunate enough in my career to do songs with Ozzy [Osbourne] and some of the greats, but doing a song with Lee Ving? What can I say… he's my ultimate hero in life. I had a FEAR shirt on the first time I ran away from home, you know?"

"Outlaws 'Til The End" track listing:

01. "Country Heroes"

Written by Hank Williams III

Performed by Hank3 & Dez Fafara

02. "Whiskey River"

Written by Johnny Bush and Paul Stroud; recorded by Willie Nelson

Performed by Randy Blythe, Mark Morton of LAMB OF GOD & Dez Fafara

03. "Outlaw Man"

Written by David Blue; recorded by the Eagles

Performed by Dez Fafara & Neal Tiemann of DEVILDRIVER

04. "Ghost Riders In The Sky"

Written by Stan Jones

Performed by John Carter Cash, Ana Cristina Cash, Randy Blythe & Dez Fafara

05. "I'm the Only Hell (Mama Ever Raised)"

Written by Bobby Bobby Borchers, Wayne Kemp, Mack Vickery; recorded by Johnny Paycheck

Performed by Dez Fafara & DEVILDRIVER

06. "If Drinking Don't Kill Me (Her Memory Will)"

Written by Harlan Sanders, Rick Beresford; recorded by George Jones

Performed by Wednesday 13 & Dez Fafara

07. "The Man Comes Around"

Written by Johnny Cash

Performed by Lee Ving of FEAR & Dez Fafara

08. "A Thousand Miles From Nowhere"

Written by Dwight Yoakam

Performed by Dez Fafara & Neal Tiemann of DEVILDRIVER

09. "Copperhead Road"

Written by Steve Earle

Performed by Brock Lindow of 36 CRAZYFISTS & Dez Fafara

10. "Dad's Gonna Kill Me"

Written by Richard Thompson

Performed by Burton C. Bell of FEAR FACTORY & Dez Fafara

11. "A Country Boy Can Survive"

Written by Hank Williams Jr.

Performed by Dez Fafara & DEVILDRIVER

12. "The Ride"

Written by J.B. Detterline Jr., Gary Gentry; recorded by David Allan Coe

Performed by Lee Ving of Fear & Dez Fafara

DEVILDRIVER is:

Dez Fafara - Vocals

Mike Spreitzer - Guitar

Neal Tiemann - Guitar

Diego Ibarra - Bass

Austin D'Amond - Drums