LIV SIN, the new band led by former SISTER SIN vocalist Liv "Sin" Jagrell, has released its cover version of the DANZIG song "Devil's Plaything". The track will appear on LIV SIN's upcoming EP, "Inverted", which will be issued on May 25. The vinyl-only release, which was produced by Martin Sandvik of HARDCORE SUPERSTAR at Studio Österlyckan, also includes reworked versions of the songs "Black Souls" and "Killing Ourselves To Live" from LIV SIN's debut album, 2017's "Follow Me", as well as a bonus track called "Murphy's Law" that was originally recorded for "Follow Me".

"Inverted" track listing:

01. Devil's Plaything

02. Black Souls

03. Killing Ourselves To Live

04. Murphy's Law

Liv stated about "Devil's Plaything": "[The] next [LIV SIN] album will not sound like this, but it will not sound like 'Follow Me' either."

From the gutters of south Sweden, Jagrell emerged as a major force as the vocalist for hard rockers SISTER SIN. Throughout the band's 13-year career, SISTER SIN sold thousands of albums and toured the world with high-profile tours supporting the likes of SLAYER and KING DIAMOND on the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, as well as being a part of the Revolver magazine "Hottest Chicks In Metal" tour. SISTER SIN toured relentlessly for over a decade across Europe and North America garnering an intensely loyal following of rockers that craved the band's aggressive and melodic brand of hard rock.

When SISTER SIN called it quits at the end of 2015, Liv knew that she had much more to give to her fans. From this, LIV SIN was born. Liv's new music shows the power, sexiness, and attitude that she is known for.

LIV SIN offers a modernized hard rock sound to take Liv into her next phase, a sound that is destined to please both new fans and her longtime fans of SISTER SIN.

The official lyric video for the song "Your Tongue's Got The Cat" from Finnish heavy metal monsters LORDI can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's ninth studio album, "Sexorcism", which will be released on May 25 via AFM. The disc is described in a press release as "a full-on and uncensored shot of LORDI brand hard rock and roll" and "possibly [the band's] most controversial record to date."

"Sexorcism" was recorded and mixed at Finnvox studios by Mikko Karmila.

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Sexorcism

02. Your Tongue's Got The Cat

03. Romeo Ate Juliet

04. Naked In My Cellar

05. The Beast Is Yet To Cum

06. Polterchrist

07. SCG9: The Documented Phenomenon

08. Slashion Model Girls

09. Rimskin Assassin

10. Hell Has Room

11. Hot & Satanned

12. Sodomesticated Animal

13. Haunting Season

LORDI's most recent album, "Monstereophonic: Theaterror Vs. Demonarchy", was released in September 2016 via AFM. The first half of the follow-up to 2014's "Scare Force One" contained classic LORDI standalone songs while the second half was said to be "a mini-concept album."

LORDI is:

Mr. Lordi (vocals)

Mr. Amen (guitars)

Mr. Ox (bass)

Mr. Mana (drums)

Ms. Hella (keyboards)

We Sell The Dead, featuring Niclas Engelin (In Flames, Engel), Drömriket’s Jonas Slättung, Gas Lipstick (ex-HIM) and the voice of Apollo Papathanasio (Spiritual Beggars, Firewind), are streaming "The Body Market", the opening track of the band's debut album, Heaven Doesn’t Want You And Hell Is Full, out now via earMUSIC. Listen below.

Heaven Doesn’t Want You And Hell Is Full is available on CD, LP and Digital formats. Order links below:

- CD
- LP
- Digital

Heaven Doesn't Want You And Hell Is Full tracklisting:

"The Body Market"
"Echoes Of An Ugly Past"
"Leave Me Alone"
"Imagine"
"Turn It Over"
"Too Cold To Touch"
"Trust"
"Pale And Perfect"
"Silent Scream"

"The Body Market":

"Trust" video:

"Silent Scream" video:

"Pale And Perfect" video:

"Turn It Over" video:

"Echoes Of An Ugly Past" video:

Track samples:

(Photo - wesellthedead.com)

"Southern Fried Friday Night", a brand new song from Kentucky rockers BLACK STONE CHERRY, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Family Tree", which will be released on April 20 via Mascot Records/Mascot Label Group.

"Family Tree" is the much-anticipated follow up to 2016's "Kentucky". As was the case on "Kentucky", the BLACK STONE CHERRY members opted to produce and track the new disc at David Barrick's Barrick Recording in Glasgow, Kentucky, the same studio where the four-piece recorded its eponymous debut. BLACK STONE CHERRY also chose to not over-rehearse upfront of the album sessions, instead preferring the immediacy and spontaneity of in-the-moment takes. The band also entrusted frontman Chris Robertson to mix the songs, which perfectly fit the loose, creative process that birthed "Family Tree".

"Family Tree" boasts BLACK STONE CHERRY's tried-and-true lucky number with its 13 songs, and like all BLACK STONE CHERRY releases, features songwriting contributions from each member.

Drummer John Fred Young says: "'Family Tree' showcases all of our collective musical influences and how we have taken those to create something that is truly our own unique Southern American rock 'n' roll sound."

Two special guests appear, one bringing the concept of family full circle. Chris's five-year-old son contributes backup vocals on the swaggering "You Got The Blues", while the other, revered jam-band musician Warren Haynes (GOV'T MULE) offers a guitar cameo and vocals on the delta stomp of "Dancing In The Rain". The band first met Warren 17 years ago as freshly signed youngsters on their first visit to New York City.

The concept of family looms large in the world of BLACK STONE CHERRY's four band members. Young's father Richard and his uncle Fred are founding members of the Grammy Award-winning country rock 'n' roots band THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS.

BLACK STONE CHERRY's four high school-aged friends — Young, plus frontman/guitarist Chris Robertson, guitarist Ben Wells and bassist Jon Lawhon — grew up honing their craft in the HEADHUNTERS' Practice House, an abandoned property on the Young family's farmland. John Fred says: "We grew up in THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS' rehearsal space, looking up at posters of CREAM, LED ZEPPELIN, URIAH HEEP, THE [ROLLING] STONES MONTROSE, and THE FACES. We were like kids someone took in a time capsule and put in the woods."

"Family Tree" track listing:

01. Bad Habit

02. Burnin'

03. New Kinda Feelin

04. Carry Me On Down The Road

05. My Last Breath

06. Southern Fried Friday Night

07. Dancin' In The Rain (feat. Warren Haynes)

08. Ain't Nobody

09. James Brown

10. You Got The Blues

11. I Need A Woman

12. Get Me Over You

13. Family Tree

The official video for the song "Immortal" from German metallers CREMATORY, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's new album, "Oblivion", which is being released today (Friday, April 13).

Like all great rock bands, CREMATORY has based its success on the creativity of a well-rehearsed songwriting team. With Germany's leading gothic metal act, it's drummer Markus Jüllich in collaboration with the producer of each individual album that's kept the group's compositions on course for more than 25 years. At the same time, Markus Jüllich has enough experience to know that the band's evolvement depends on fresh ideas and new influences. So, by enlisting guitarists Tosse Basler and Rolf Munkes and, soon after, bassist Jason Mathias he has ensured that the band has remained contemporary and diverse ever since their 2016 release "Monument", reaping the fruits his efforts on "Oblivion".

"In particular, the sound and the selection of songs reflect the impact our three new band members have had," comments Markus Jüllich. "Tosse is a fantastic rhythm guitarist who adds even more diversity to the material with his clean vocals, and our lead guitarist Rolf enhances the record with his solos. Jason has added lots of drive to the deep frequencies, which is why we've consciously opted for a loud mix of the bass parts."

Along with Markus's wife Katrin (keyboards and samples) and vocalist Felix Stass, the three new additions are important factors that ensure that CREMATORY find themselves in a contemporary and forward-looking position in 2018.

In fact, the band went one step further on "Oblivion": while Markus Jüllich and producer Kristian Bonifer were busy working on the basics of their new recording at the Kohlekellerstudio, Stefan Glass, Dirk Riegner and Walter Stobbe were asked to contribute additional input to the creative process.

"Dirk comes from the indie genre and helped to add an important new nuance to the characteristic CREMATORY approach," Markus Jüllich explains. "Stefan Glass is a specialist for orchestral arrangements and Walter Stobbe is a real riff virtuoso on the guitar." The result is thoroughly compelling as well as ingenious. CREMATORY's unmistakable style manifests itself on programmatic numbers such as "Ghost Of The Past" and "Revenge Is Mine", but also on the anthemnic "Wrong Side" and the melancholy title track. The Stefan Glass-inspired orchestral arrangements can be heard on the dark opener "Salvation" as well as on "Until The Dawn", "Blessed" and "For All Of Us". Walter Stobbe's penchant for heavy metal features on "Cemetary Stillness" and on the album's impressive finale, "Demon Inside".

CREMATORY has rarely sounded as multi-faceted and timeless as on "Oblivion". The group's classic trademarks, such as Felix Stass's deep growls, are still present, at the same time new influences emphasise their great commercial potential. Markus Jüllich says: "So far we've had a special motto to set the direction of each of our albums, but 'Oblivion' simply combines all our strengths and experience. Over the years we've learned to blend different styles into the typical CREMATORY sound without ever losing sight of the importance of playing in a way that benefits our music. The motto 'less is more' applies to our compositions 100 percent. CREMATORY songs never lose themselves in exaggerated effects but always go the whole hog. That's partly due to the fact that we've remained very much down to earth."

Which is exactly what CREMATORY's countless fans will be able to witness when the band embarks on its 15-show tour of Germany at the end of April. As Markus Jüllich aptly puts it: "Even if we know exactly what matters when you tour, we want to learn something new with every new concert."

"Oblivion" track listing:

01. Expectation (1:27)

02. Salvation (4:36)

03. Ghost Of The Past (3:59)

04. Until The Dawn (4:36)

05. Revenge Is Mine (4:50)

06. Wrong Side (4:12)

07. Stay With Me (4:13)

08. For All Of Us (4:06)

09. Immortal (3:32)

10. Oblivion (4:52)

11. Cemetary Stillness (4:50)

12. Blessed (4:02)

13. Demon Inside (4:06)

CREMATORY lineup:

Felix Stass - vocals

Rolf Munkes - guitar

Tosse Basler - guitar

Jason Mathias - bass

Markus Jüllich - drums

Katrin Jüllich - keyboards

Swedish black metallers MARDUK will release their new album, "Viktoria", on June 22 via Century Media Records. The effort will be made available in the following versions:

* Limited CD box set (with CD, woven patch, metal pin, three stickers)

* LP (with inlay and 180-gram vinyl)

* Standard CD Jewelcase

* Digital

"Viktoria" track listing:

01. Werwolf

02. June 44

03. Equestrian Bloodlust

04. Tiger I

05. Narva

06. The Last Fallen

07. Viktoria

08. The Devil's Song

09. Silent Night

The disc's first single will be released in the coming days.

MARDUK's latest album, "Frontschwein", was released in 2015 through Century Media.

"Frontschwein" is German Army slang for "front pig" — a soldier serving long at the front, often used as an ironic accolade for a soldier with the will to fight.

Guitarist Morgan Steinmeyer Håkansson is the sole remaining member of MARDUK who played on the band's debut album, 1992's "Dark Endless".

MARDUK's 13th studio album, "Frontschwein" was the band's first solely war-themed release since 1999's "Panzer Division Marduk".

"High For An Eye", a new song from LOVE/HATE singer Jizzy Pearl, can be streamed below. The track is taken from his will upcoming solo album, "All You Need Is Soul", which will be released on May 11 via Frontiers Music Srl.

"In my opinion, this is the best record I've done since 'Blackout In The Red Room'," says Jizzy. "It captures all the energy and power of that album with great songs, high-energy vocals, big drums courtesy of Dave Moreno (PUDDLE OF MUDD) and amazing guitars from LOVE/HATE guitarist Darren Housholder."

From the opening vocals of blistering first song "You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone" to the effortlessly cool album closer "Mr Jimmy", Jizzy's new record is brimming with fresh new music that's easily recognizable whilst contemporary in its delivery. Listen closer and you'll discover the hard-rocking groove of "High For An Eye", the funk rock of album title track "All You Need Is Soul" and many more new favorites. Make no mistake, Jizzy Pearl has returned and he's better than ever.

Jizzy Pearl and LOVE/HATE burst on to the scene in 1990 with the debut album "Blackout In The Red Room" and proceeded to take the U.K. by storm with "Best Album Of The Year" from Kerrang! and Metal Hammer magazines. Playing sold-out shows and opening for SKID ROW, AC/DC and DIO put LOVE/HATE on the map. MTV hits "Why Do You Think They Call It Dope", "She's An Angel" and the band's follow-up album, "Wasted In America", have ensured a loyal following to this day.

"All You Need Is Soul" track listing:

01. You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone

02. Comin' Home To The Bone

03. High For An Eye

04. All You Need Is Soul

05. House Of Sin

06. Mortified

07. Frustrated

08. When The Devil Comes

09. You Don't Know What It's Like

10. It Doesn't Matter

11. Little Treasures

12. Mr Jimmy

Following Jizzy's U.K. tour in support of his new album this May, the vocalist will reunite with original LOVE/HATE drummer Joey Gold, along with guitarist Darren Housholder, for a special homecoming show at the world-famous Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California on June 22.

Detroit noise rock collective CHILD BITE will release "Burnt Offerings" this spring via Housecore Records. A 2-CD set, "Burnt Offerings" is a compilation of CHILD BITE rarities culled from the last eight years of audio bedlam. The record boasts a menacing twenty-eight tracks including several unreleased tunes as well as cover songs featuring Housecore owner and former PANTERA frontman Philip Anselmo.


"Here we have all of our loose ends," elaborates frontman Shawn Knight. "Lots of great stuff that's either out-of-print or never came out for one reason or another. This serves as a mass grave for all of our musical orphans..."


"This whole project came to mind when both our guitarist and drummer left the band last summer," he continues. "We had put out so many random bits and pieces over the years, not to mention a full album's worth of unreleased songs, that it really felt like a good time to take stock and officially wrap up that chapter of the band. The first six tracks [from disc 1] are from vinyl-only split EPs we've put out. We've found that our strongest writing comes in small batches. These songs were written and recorded as pairs, and are some of our best tunes, not to mention some of the best sounding recordings we've ever had. Tracks seven through ten were meant for what became 'Negative Noise', but soon after we recorded these demos we got a new drummer and we started moving in a different direction. These quick studio recordings have been collecting dust now for nearly five years... Tracks eleven through thirteen were recorded down at Anselmo's place on our way south for a big tour with VOIVOD and KING PARROT. A couple members felt that the songs weren't ready for prime time so we held off from using them until now. I wouldn't be surprised if we revisited one or two of these in the future."


"Burnt Offerings" will be available on May 11 as a 2-CD digipak with a fold-out poster.


"Burnt Offerings" track listing:

Disc 1:

01. The Will To Disappear

02. Stag Thrall

03. Gang Omega

04. Sick & Subhuman

05. Prowl

06. Modern Torment

07. Abstract Interior Putrefaction

08. Feeding Tube Blues

09. Stroke the Negative

10. Carrion Tabernacle

11. Throb Forever

12. Corrosive Devotion

13. As I Approach The Void

14. Jerk Off Your Life


Disc 2:

01. My War

02. Police Truck

03. Earth A.D. / We Bite

04. I Against I / Jam

05. Guilty of Being White / It Follows

06. Hey!

07. Don't

08. Unbridled

09. Siege*

10. Morrisey*

11. Chump Change*

12. Radio Hit*

13. Song #5*

14. The Usurper*

* featuring Philip Anselmo

Three songs from "Burnt Offerings", including covers of CELTIC FROST's "The Usurper" and ANAL C**T's "Chump Change" — both featuring Anselmo — can be streamed below.

CHILD BITE is an American noise rock/hardcore punk/heavy metal band formed in 2005 in Detroit, Michigan. The band's core members are founding vocalist Shawn Knight and long-time bassist Sean Clancy. CHILD BITE has released four full-length albums and ten EPs over the past twelve years, all featuring artwork by Shawn Knight.

Former MARILYN MANSON and current ROB ZOMBIE guitarist John 5 was joined by Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW) and Stephen Pearcy (RATT) during his concert Wednesday night (April 11) at Discovery Ventura in Ventura, California.

Bach stepped out on stage for covers of KISS's "Parasite" and MÖTLEY CRÜE's "Shout At The Devil", while Pearcy came on to sing the VAN HALEN classic "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love".

Check out fan-filmed video footage below.

Less than a week earlier, John 5 welcomed Ace Frehley (KISS), Nikki Sixx (MÖTLEY CRÜE), Scott Ian (ANTHRAX) and Scott's wife Pearl Aday (daughter of actor/musician Meat Loaf) at his concert at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California.

John 5 is touring in support of his concert album, "It's Alive!", which came out on January 25. The first live album released by John 5 and THE CREATURES — which includes Ian Ross on bass and Logan Miles Nix on drums — is also the first LP released by John 5 to be made available on vinyl.





TONIGHT VENTURA CALIFORNIA @ The Discovery we are LIVE with @john5official & The Creatures! Show starts @ 8 cya there!

...Posted by Sebastian Bach on Wednesday, April 11, 2018

IRON MAIDEN's Bruce Dickinson celebrated the release of the award-winning film "Scream For Me Sarajevo" last night at Vue Cinema West End in London, England, and treated fans at the preview screening to an in-depth live interview following the film.

"Scream For Me Sarajevo" is a documentary telling the story of a 1994 concert given by Dickinson while the Bosnian War was raging and Sarajevo itself was under siege.

The first time Dickinson was in Sarajevo, the city was cut off from the world, its citizens brutally terrorized by shooting, bombing and starvation with electricity and water supply being nothing short of a luxury. Bruce and his then-solo band drove through the frontlines and ultimately played a show for the people trapped in the city. What this gig meant to the people and how it changed Bruce and his band is told in "Scream For Me Sarajevo".

Featuring footage from the historic gig, the film also meets those that made it to the show and made the show happen; determined to keep living their lives despite the atrocities going on around them. Interviews with the band, crew and security bring home the reality of the situation that was not only dangerous, it was barbaric.

"We weren't protected, there was no plan and the bullets were real, but fuck it, we went anyway," said Bruce in his autobiography "What Does This Button Do?" "The gig was immense, intense and probably the biggest show in the world at that moment for the audience and for us. That the world didn't really know didn't matter. It changed the way I viewed life, death and other human beings."

"Scream For Me Sarajevo" will be released beginning May 10 in select theaters across the U.S. and Canada, it was announced today by CineLife Entertainment, the event cinema division of Spotlight Cinema Networks, and Eagle Rock Entertainment, a producer and distributor of music films.

In addition to the feature film, a specially recorded interview with Dickinson will be included as exclusive theatrical-only content in participating theaters.

"We are excited to be working with Eagle Rock Entertainment to bring this special film to moviegoers, and Bruce Dickinson and IRON MAIDEN fans in the U.S." said Mark Rupp, managing director, CineLife Entertainment.

In a December 2015 interview with the Radio Sarajevo show "The Aebyss", Bruce spoke about the security concerns he has in an age of terrorism when it comes to deciding which countries to travel to in order to play for the people there. He said: "Personally, yeah, I'll play no matter what. Your concern has to be, actually, for people who don't have a choice in the matter. I mean, it was my choice [in 1994] — actually our choice, collectively, 'cause we all, collectively, said, 'Yeah, we're all crazy enough to try and do this thing and drive into Sarajevo in the middle of a war and see if we can do and do a gig. And [laughs] we're not quite sure when we're gonna come back.' But those poor people that went for that [EAGLES OF DEATH METAL] concert at the Bataclan [in Paris, France] had no choice; they were completely, completely innocent in every possible way. And, of course, nobody knew that the place was gonna get targeted. So, unfortunately, there's a judgment call that people have gotta make, and you have to make it on the best information available — as to whether or not you're suddenly gonna get… If somebody says, 'We're gonna massacre everybody at a rock concert,' you say, 'Well, is it some lunatic, or is it genuinely credible that this might happen?'"

He continued: "You can't take the responsibility for what might be some lunacy, massacring people, just because you wanna be kind of 'macho man' and stand up and say, 'Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah, we did this and people threatened us, but we were like macho men.' And that's great until one day it turns out that somebody does go and do [something like that] and then you have lots and lots of dead women and children, and you go, 'Maybe we shouldn't have done the show, because there was a credible threat.' So, unfortunately, you've gotta be grown up about it. But, at the same time, you still need to be able to offer people that hope and send that message out there. They can't stop… Real life just carries on. I mean, when the Irish Republican Army, years and years ago… when I was a kid, things were getting blown up left, right and center in the U.K., and one lot was blowing things up and horrendous things happened, and nothing stopped — people just got on with it and carried on. You don't stop. You don't back down from living your life. And that was the message in Sarajevo — that in all the craziness, this little bastion of rock and roll and kind of normality happened, for five minutes, in the middle of it. You know, yeah, you know what? There is light at the end of the tunnel there. So all those kinds of things are acts of defiance, but not involving guns or bombs or bullets and things like that."

"Scream For Me Sarajevo" will be screened in select U.K. cinemas from April 17.

The second trailer for "Live In Overhausen" from legendary New Jersey thrashers OVERKILL can be seen below. The set will be released on May 18 via Nuclear Blast.

Celebrating the band's history, "Live In Overhausen" captured not one but two album anniversaries. Fans assembled on April 16, 2016 at Turbinenhalle 2 in Oberhausen, Germany for the 25th anniversary of "Horrorscope" and 30th anniversary of where it all began, "Feel The Fire".

OVERKILL singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth comments: "From the stage to your eyes and ears! 'Live in Overhausen', celebrating 'Feel The Fire' and 'Horrorscope' in one filmed/recorded concert in Germany, from 2016. A rare two-hour look at what has transpired over three decades in one of the world's hotbeds of metal. Hang on to your hats, kids, it's going to be a 'thrashy-ride'!"

"Live In Overhausen" will be available in different formats:

* 2 CD + Blu-ray Digipak

* 2 CD + DVD Digipak

* LP (Limited edition Splatter, Green, Black)

* Feel The Fire (Live in Overhausen)

* Horrorscope (Live in Overhausen)

* Mail-Order Edition

"Live In Overhausen" track listing:

01. Coma

02. Infectious

03. Blood Money

04. Thanx For Nothin'

05. Bare Bones

06. Horrorscope

07. New Machine

08. Frankenstein

09. Live Young Die Free

10. Nice Day - for a Funeral

11. Soulitude

12. Raise The Dead

13. Rotten To The Core

14. There's No Tomorrow

15. Second Son

16. Hammerhead

17. Feel The Fire

18. Blood And Iron

19. Kill at Command

20. Overkill

21. Fuck You

OVERKILL utilized a stand-in drummer — the band's soundman Eddy Garcia, who is also a member of the El Paso, Texas act PISSING RAZORS — for the Oberhausen show because the group's then-drummer, Ron Lipnicki, was forced to stay home due to undisclosed family issues.

OVERKILL last year announced the addition of drummer Jason Bittner (SHADOWS FALL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) to the group's ranks.

OVERKILL recently returned to the studio to resume work on demos for its upcoming album. According to a post on the band's Facebook page, at least four new songs are in varying stages of completion at this point, with more to come.

Ellsworth told Australia's 3D Radio about the band's songwriting and recording process: "Well, for us, coming from the old school, to some degree, it has to be physical. And what I mean by that is standing in a room with the others, splitting a pizza, splitting a beer, sweating, coming up with some good ideas, occasionally, or even more than occasionally, going, 'Oh my God! That sucked.' And then moving from there into what the modern era offers us, and that's the Pro Tools and trading files back and forth over the Internet, because instantaneous ideas can be traded from home now. So we use kind of a combination of the old 'let's sweat it out and tune the guitars up' to the modern day of 'let's get down with the computers and exchange our ideas.' So it works both ways for us. So it's a combination of the old and the new."

Ellsworth went on to say that OVERKILL has "adapted" to the new writing and recording techniques. "But," he added, "we've never abandoned the studio rehearsal space. That, to us, is necessary. I think it gives us a link to how we started. And I think there's something very humbling about saying, 'Sure, this was still worth it back then.' And to some degree, when you think of this type of music — metal in general, aggressive — I think it needs to be presented as a group, or understood as a group, as opposed to invididuals just coming up with ideas. So the combination really works for us. And I think this keeps us grounded."

OVERKILL's latest album, "The Grinding Wheel", was released in February 2017 via Nuclear Blast. The disc was produced by OVERKILL and mixed by Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, EXODUS, ACCEPT). The artwork was created again by Travis Smith (NEVERMORE, OPETH, SOILWORK, DEATH).

ALICE IN CHAINS is putting the finishing touches on the much-anticipated follow-up to 2013's critically acclaimed album "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here". Due out later this year, the new disc was recorded in part at Henson Studios in Los Angeles with Nick Raskulinecz, who produced both "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" and its predecessor, 2009's "Black Gives Way To Blue", and is currently being mixed by Joe Barresi (TOOL, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE).

Guitarist and co-vocalist Jerry Cantrell told Guitar World about the upcoming LP: "It's not that we were keeping it a secret — we just didn't want to say a whole lot about it until we had something to say. And we certainly have something to say with this one. It's a fucking strong record."

The basic tracks for the new ALICE IN CHAINS album were laid down at Studio X in Seattle, marking the first time the band had recorded in the city in more than 20 years, since tracking its 1995 self-titled album at the same facility back when it was known as Bad Animals. "It was cool to be back, because the studio is a part of our history," Cantrell told Guitar World.

As for the musical direction of the new ALICE IN CHAINS material, Cantrell said: "It's a record we haven't done yet, I can tell you that. But it's also a record that has all the elements of anything you would expect from us. It's got our fingerprint. And we're really proud of the material that we wrote and the performances we captured. There's some really heavy shit, some really ugly stuff, some real beautiful stuff, some weirdo trippy shit… it's good!"

Cantrell also addressed the fact that it has been five years since the release of ALICE IN CHAINS' last album. "It's a lot of work doing a record," he said, "and I think it gets harder the older we get. But we just wait until we're ready and until we have enough material that's up to the ALICE IN CHAINS standard, and then we do what we do. This is just the racket that we make when we get together."

"The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" was the band's second disc with singer William Duvall, who joined in 2006 following the death of Layne Staley.

"The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" sold 62,000 copies in its first week of release. It followed up 2009's "Black Gives Way To Blue".

The first two singles from "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here", "Hollow" and "Stone", both hit No. 1 on the rock radio airplay charts, while the album itself debuted on the Billboard album chart at No. 2.

Canadian hard rockers Thunderbird are releasing their anticipated self-titled third album on Delinquent Records on April 25th. Thunderbird was recorded in Vancouver BC, produced by Marc LaFrance and Kelly Stodola and mixed by famed engineer Mike Fraser.

Says lead singer & producer Marc LaFrance, “The album is like a collection of short stories. I am singing the songs as different characters, or telling their tales. A gallery of rogues from the dark side!”

Musically, the songs are inspired by classic hard rock. Heavy guitars, blistering solos, driving rhythms.

The songs were written during 2016, after the band finished their last album Heavyweight. Recording began for a third album late 2016 at Vancouver's Armoury Studios with famed engineer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Van Halen). Sessions continued through the first half of 2017 at several Vancouver studios with other veteran engineers including Ken Burke, Kris Siegers and Mick Dalla-Vee. The finished album was mixed by Mike Fraser at The Armoury and mastered by Adam Ayan (Def Leppard, Foo Fighters, Queen) at Gateway Mastering.

The band's former guitarist Rod 'Doc' Coogan was unable to take part this time due to other commitments, and rising young talent Brice Tabish joins Thunderbird on guitar. Rod still makes a welcome appearance with the guitar solo on opening track “Liar (Fool's Gold)”. Guest musicians on the new album include jazz pianist Chris Gestrin, and a string section on closing track “Vampire” arranged and conducted by film composer Peter Allen.

Tracklisting:

“Liar (Fool’s Gold)”
“Little Jenny”
“Star”
“Rain”
“Into The Sun”
“Painted Lady”
“Revolution”
“Man Of Clay”
“I’m With You”
“On The Brink”
“King Rat”
“Vampire”

Century Media Records has announced the signing of heavy rockers LUCIFER. The band's second studio album, "Lucifer II", will be released on July 6.

Apart from a new label home, the follow-up to 2015's "Lucifer I" also marks the first studio release of the new LUCIFER incarnation now consisting of vocalist Johanna Sadonis, guitarist Robin Tidebrink, and multi-instrumentalist Nicke Andersson, who plays drums and also took over bass and guitar when recording "Lucifer II". The band's live lineup also features Martin Nordin (DEAD LORD) on guitar and bass player Alexander Mayr.


"Lucifer II" was recorded at the Honk Palace in Stockholm. It was mixed by Ola Ersfjord (DEAD LORD, TRIBULATION, PRIMORDIAL) at Cuervo Recording Service in Madrid.


Sadonis comments: "We are beyond thrilled to roll our heavy rock tank to the monster fortress of Century Media. What better place to kick off the new chapter! This should go together like Buck Dharma and his mustache. Here's to an unholy union!"


Jens Prüter, head of A&R at Century Media in Europe, adds: "We are very proud to support LUCIFER's next chapters. I met Johanna a couple of times and was always impressed about her strong vision for LUCIFER. The addition of Nicke Andersson makes it even more interesting, because he always contributed the highest level of rock 'n' roll to every band he has been involved in. Looking forward to see LUCIFER rising!"


Originally, LUCIFER formed in Berlin back in 2014 consisting of Sadonis and members of CATHEDRAL, ANGEL WITCH and LADYTRON. The first seven-inch single, "Anubis", and debut album, "Lucifer I", were released by British label Rise Above Records, quickly establishing the group as a promising new act offering excellent 1970s hard rock with a good dose of proto metal and doom added to the mix. Citing BLACK SABBATH, DEEP PURPLE, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, LUCIFER'S FRIEND, STEPPENWOLF, 70's HEART and FLEETWOOD MAC as inspiration, LUCIFER corrupted the souls of many and achieved international recognition on tours through Europe, USA, Canada and Japan.


With a shift of constellation within the band in 2016 and Sadonis moving from Berlin to Stockholm, LUCIFER is now ready for an exciting new chapter in its career. With Nicke Andersson, Sadonis found a congenial new songwriting partner, and "Lucifer II" turns out to be a strong sonic statement.


As a first glimpse at what is to come, the doomy single "Faux Pharaoh" was released in December 2017 and can be heard below.

Next up is the launch of the album's opening track and first video, "California Son". The song will be released as a seven-inch via U.S. label Electric Assault and digital single via Century Media Records on May 4.

LUCIFER is already booked for a number of international festivals and concerts, like Psycho Las Vegas, Hellfest, Desertfest and Germany's cult TV show "Rockpalast".

Despite a run of legendary hit singles in the 1970s, BLACK SABBATH and the seven-inch single format didn't always sit well together. After the release of their debut single, "Evil Woman", in 1970, followed by their ultimate explosive chart success with "Paranoid", the band was not comfortable with the confines of the mainstream pop format and the audience it brought to the group, leading to their now-legendary self-imposed ban on releasing singles in the early '70s.

"We didn't intend to make a single in the first place," said Tony Iommi to the Disc And Music Echo in 1971. "But after we'd completed the album, the 'Paranoid' track was sufficiently short to be a 'trailer' for the LP. We really didn't expect it to do anything at all. We don't go into the studio to make singles. We make LPs only. But if there is anything suitable as a result of the recordings, it would be considered, of course."

BLACK SABBATH's music was vast, expansive and heavy; not the kind of vision that can be easily shackled to the three-minute pop format. Record Mirror ran a story in November of 1970 stating that "SABBATH have decided to place a 'ban' on singles in the future. Their hit, 'Paranoid', as far as they are concerned is their first and last single. They will also oppose any attempt to draw singles material from future albums."

BLACK SABBATH's 'ban' on singles in their own country lasted for more than two years, and good to their word, no singles were issued from 1971's "Master Of Reality", but in 1972, as a harbinger from fourth LP, "Vol 4", "Tomorrow's Dream" was issued as a 45 and from then on a steady run of singles followed that showed that, despite SABBATH's initial dislike, many of their songs did lend themselves well to the format.

"Supersonic Years - The Seventies Singles Box Set", released June 8 through BMG, documents the band's run of hit singles as never before and features an array of unique content.

* This limited-edition box set includes five rare single edits: Iron Man / Sabbath Bloody Sabbath / Am I Going Insane (Radio) / Hard Road / Symptom Of The Universe.

* 10 unique color picture sleeves from around the world, either ultra-rare or exclusive to this box set.

* Remastered by renowned engineer Andy Pearce.

* New liner notes booklet detailing the rarities contained within the box set, along with the story behind the birth and evolution of the most culturally important genre of all time.

The box set features the following singles:

Disc 1: Evil Woman (Don't Play Your Games With Me) / Wicked World - 1970

Disc 2: Paranoid / The Wizard - 1970

Disc 3: Iron Man (Single Edit) / Electric Funeral - 1970

Disc 4: Tomorrow's Dream / Laguna Sunrise - 1972

Disc 5: Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Edited Version) / Changes - 1973

Disc 6: Am I Going Insane (Radio) (Single Edit) / Hole In The Sky - 1975

Disc 7: Gypsy / She's Gone - 1976

Disc 8: It's Alright / Rock 'N' Roll Doctor - 1976

Disc 9: Never Say Die / She's Gone - 1978

Disc 10: Hard Road (Single Edit) / Symptom Of The Universe (German Single Edit) - 1978

Pre-order "Supersonic Years - The Seventies Singles Box Set" here.

Robert Trujillo and Kirk Hammett performed a cover of CELTIC FROST's "Procreation Of The Wicked" during METALLICA's concert earlier tonight (Wednesday, April 11) in Geneva, Switzerland. Fan-filmed video footage of their rendition can be seen below.

Former CELTIC FROST bassist Martin Eric Ain died last October after suffering a heart attack at the age of 50.

METALLICA has played 16 shows in Europe since early February and has another eight 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.

The official video for "Under Fire" from MISS MAY I can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's latest album, "Shadows Inside", which was released last June via SharpTone Records. The disc was co-produced by Drew Fulk (MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, EMMURE, CROWN THE EMPIRE) and Nick Sampson (ASKING ALEXANDRIA, BORN OF OSIRIS). Andrew Wade (A DAY TO REMEMBER, THE WORD ALIVE, NECK DEEP) handled all mixing duties.

MISS MAY I vocalist Levi Benton stated: "Traveling to South East Asia honestly changed my life. The culture, the people, the religions and the atmosphere really made me see the world in a whole new way.

"I can't believe this chaotic tour with 21 flights in 20 days made such a badass video.

"Some of these shows were the biggest MISS MAY I headlining shows in our career.

"We have always wanted to do a music video showing fans the behind-the-scenes part of our lives and who we are not on stage.

"I am so thankful we get to travel to so many exotic new places and share our journey with the world! We can't wait to go back."

According to a press release, "Shadows Inside" "doubles as monster riff-fest and forcefully vocal driven statement shaped by changes both within and without. Make no mistake, this isn't an about-face album full of contrived sentiment or glossy emptiness. It's a record where the band challenged each other to work from outside of their comfort zone, to really hone in on what makes MISS MAY I vital, and deliver something fully authentic and raw."

MISS MAY I is:

Levi Benton - Vocals

BJ Stead - Guitar

Justin Aufdemkampe - Guitar

Ryan Neff - Bass

Jerod Boys - Drums

TRILLIUM, the metal project launched by American-born, Dutch-based singer/songwriter Amanda Somerville, will release its sophomore album, "Tectonic", on June 8 via Frontiers Music Srl.

The official video for the disc's first single, "Time To Shine", can be seen below.

Amanda's husband and musical collaborator Sander Gommans (AFTER FOREVER, HDK) stated about "Tectonic": "Writing, producing and mixing this album together with Amanda Somerville was an intense (three kids were born in between) but very fulfilling experience. Having AFTER FOREVER's André Borgman back on drums was a huge bonus for me!

"'Time To Shine' gives you a good idea of what the new album is about: energetic metal songs with lots of melodies, riffs, solos and, of course, Amanda on vocals."

Added Amanda: "Where [TRILLIUM debut album] 'Alloy' was rather dark and moody and restless, 'Tectonic' is on the whole more uplifting and full of strength and character, though it's just as full of emotion.

"My life was shaken up by figurative earthquakes through several elements shifting in recent years and that's what this album represents. It's a challenge to make an album that's musically heavy without being dragged down by melancholy, but that's what Sander and I set out to do from the beginning and it worked out beautifully!"

Amanda continued: "The core and essence of 'Tectonic' is very personal and comes, basically, from the hearts and minds of a singer and a guitar player and I think that's very apparent when you listen to the songs. Sander and I didn't want to overthink things and over-complicate the songs. There's definitely some bombast in there because we both have a love of keyboard arrangements, but they don't rule the roost here. Also, the only guest performances are by good friends from my hometown in Flint, Michigan who also played live with me solo and with TRILLIUM, and also some great mates and colleagues of Sander's, so it's really a 'family' kind of album. We tried to keep things simple, and yet I think it's anything but low-key!"

Somerville is well known for her collaborations with various high-profile European metal bands like AVANTASIA, EPICA, KAMELOT and AFTER FOREVER, to name a few. And let's not forget her musical partnership with HELLOWEEN vocalist Michael Kiske under the KISKE/SOMERVILLE banner. With a vocal range from tenor to soprano and a stylistically diverse singing ability, Somerville's voice is well suited for multiple styles, but TRILLIUM is firmly in the metal genre.

"Tectonic" track listing:

01. Time To Shine

02. Stand Up

03. Full Speed Ahead

04. Hit Me

05. Fighting Fate

06. Nocturna

07. Fatal Mistake

08. Shards

09. Cliché Freak Show

10. Eternal Spring

Recording lineup:

All vocals by Amanda Somerville

All guitars and bass by Sander Gommans, except:

Track 3: bass by Mark Burnash, second guitar solo by Paul Owsinski

Track 11: Guitars by Paul Owsinski, keyboards by Erik van Ittersum, drums by André Borgman

TRILLIUM released its debut album, "Alloy", in November 2011 via Frontiers. The CD was described in a press release as "a collection of songs that's charged with emotion and exploration and a very personal statement from Amanda."

"The Purple Sky", the new video from MIDNATTSOL, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's upcoming album, "The Aftermath", which will be released on May 25 via Napalm Records. The band's current lineup includes former LEAVES' EYES and THEATRE OF TRAGEDY frontwoman Liv Kristine Espenæs alongside Liv's younger sister, Carmen Elise Espenaes.

"The Aftermath" relies much more heavily on folk influences lending atmospheric density to the melancholic symphonic metal compositions. It is a sumptuous and sensual affair and a shimmering highlight in the discography of this German/Norwegian team.


"The Aftermath" track listing:

01. The Purple Sky

02. Syns Sang

03. Vem Kan Segla

04. Ikje Glem Meg

05. Herr Mannelig

06. The Aftermath

07. The Unveiled Truth

08. Evaluation Of Time

09. Forsaken

10. Eitrdropar (bonus track)

MIDNATTSOL released its promising debut album, "Where Twilight Dwells", back in 2005. The band quickly gained fans around the gothic, metal and rock scenes and played numerous shows and summer festivals like Summer Breeze, Wave-Gotik-Treffen, Mera Luna, as well as opening for IN EXTREMO. Their second studio album, "Nordlys", was released in 2008, followed up by "The Metamorphosis Melody" in 2011. After that, the band decided to take a creative break.

MIDNATTSOL announced Liv's addition to the band last December. The group said in a statement: "Some time ago, we discussed with Liv that she would support us on our upcoming album as a special guest. Working together, we found out that not only the result is awesome — we also have a lot of fun together. The logical consequence was that we pick up Liv as a permanent member of the band. So she is now the official second singer in MIDNATTSOL.

"As Liv is now a permanent band member, we plan to play upcoming concerts together with her. We are very happy and it means a lot to us to have such an amazing singer and fantastic person in our MIDNATTSOL family."

More recently, Carmen was involved in a project called SAVN, also featuring two members of THE SINS OF THY BELOVED.

Liv was fired from LEAVES' EYES in early 2016 and was replaced by Elina Siirala. Liv was previously married to LEAVES' EYES' co-vocalist Alexander Krull.

MIDNATTSOL 2018 is:


Carmen Elise Espenæs - Vocals

Liv Kristine Espenæs - Vocals

Alex Kautz - Guitar

Daniel Fischer - Keyboard

Stephan Adolph - Guitar

The second 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 disc's opening song, "The Bee", can be streamed below.

Guitarist Esa Holopainen states about the new track: "This song is a very powerful opener and gives a nice picture of what the whole album is all about. You can already hear some new elements like choirs and orchestral arrangements in it."

Adds vocalist Tomi Joutsen: "Of course, the lyrical inspiration is a bee, also in a metaphoric way. The tiniest thing can sometimes be the most important thing. A bee can bring life or if we destroy all the bees, life will stop here. It's a very beautiful animal, that's why you can find it on the album cover too. The track itself is a kind of progressive and I'm sure that it will surprise some fans in a positive way. We love it!"

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."

Robert Trujillo and Kirk Hammett played a cover of Peter Schilling's "Major Tom" during METALLICA's April 9 concert at Schleyerhalle in Stuttgart, Germany. Professionally filmed video footage of their performance can be seen below.

METALLICA played 15 shows in Europe since early February and has another nine 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.

GHOST played a short acoustic set at a private event in Chicago Friday night (April 6) premiering the band's upcoming album. The three-song performance included the debut airing of the disc's first single, "Rats", which opens the album and is expected to be made available later this month. It was also the first time GHOST performed with its new frontman, who is named Cardinal Copia and apparently isn't a part of the Papa Emeritus bloodline.

A brief video clip of the "Cirice"performance from last night's event can be seen below.

The last Papa, Papa Emeritus III, was forcibly taken from the stage during the final show of the band's "Meliora" tour cycle last fall, with Papa Zero arriving to announce the beginning of "the Middle Ages." Of course, all the Papas — except the elder Zero — and Cardinal Copia are the same man, GHOST founder and vocalist Tobias Forge.

Forge's new alter ego will make his official live debut on May 5 as the Swedish band kicks off a run of North American dates in Riverside, California.

The "Rats On The Road" trek, as it's called, will be in support of the group's fourth studio LP, which is tentatively due in June via Loma Vista Recordings. The disc was recorded last year at Artery studios in Stockholm with producer Tom Dalgety (OPETH, ROYAL BLOOD) and was mixed in January at Westlake Studios in West Hollywood, California with Andy Wallace (NIRVANA, SLAYER). Other songtitles set to appear on the LP include "Life Eternal", "Faith" and "Dance Macabre".

Forge told Revolver about the upcoming album: "It is loosely themed around the concept of death and doom. It's a themed album around medieval times, but it's definitely clinging onto a lot of very current things. The Black Death [plague] is a great example of a turning point for a whole civilization. Complete villages were annihilated. Most people knew very little, so all of it was God or the Devil — and about their faith being questioned: Why are we being stricken down by this great scourge? It must be because of our not fearing God enough and all this superstitious bullshit.

"There's a lot that you would recognize today in online mannerisms," he continued. "In many ways, we've gone back a few steps because now it's closer to how it was back in the old days when people were standing at the square and all of a sudden, it's like in Monty Python's 'Life Of Brian': 'Stone him! Ra! Ra! Ra!' Public trials are very unsupervised and extremely swift and speak to the most primordial parts of us."

In a separate interview with Metal Hammer, Forge talked about the musical direction of GHOST's new album, saying: "It's a very bright-sounding record. And it's a very heavy record, I'd say, but not from a Metal Hammer point of view, meaning all metal through and through. But it's a heavy record with a heavy theme. I think the overall ambience is very serious.

"Technically, a GHOST song could just be piano and vocals but it could also be full pounding, heavy-thrashing hard rock," he added. "I'm not in any way comparing us to them but I guess our modus operandi is a little like what QUEEN did — just decide to play really good songs and not focus too much on sticking to a recipe."

Forge last year revealed his identity while responding to a lawsuit filed by four former members of GHOST, who accused him of cheating them out of their rightful share of the profits from the group's album releases and world tours.



Cardinal Copia made his debut tonight at a special acoustic show in Chicago. Along with a couple of Nameless Ghouls ? ・・・ Picture taken by @timothysonoftimothy ・・・ #Ghost #GhostBC #TheBandGhost #GhostTheBand #GhostBand #PapaEmeritus #PapaEmeritusII #PapaEmeritusIII #PapaNil #CardinalCopia #Cardinal #NamelessGhouls #NamelessGhoul #OpusEponymous #Infestissumam #IfYouHaveGhost #Meliora #Popestar #CeremonyAndDevotion #LomaVista #LomaVistaRecordings #ReaktorRecordings #SpinefarmRecords #ChildrenofGhost #ChildrenofGhostDotCom #CoG A post shared by Children of Ghost (@childrenofghost) on Apr 6, 2018 at 11:04pm PDT

GONE IS GONE, the project featuring MASTODON's Troy Sanders, AT THE DRIVE-IN's Tony Hajjar, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE's Troy Van Leeuwen and guitarist-keyboardist Mike Zarin, has released the video for "Phantom Limb". It's a visual feat, like a watercolor painting come to life and set to the beautiful, dirge-like music. It was directed and edited by Bryan Bankovich and produced by Meredith Kooi.

"'Phantom Limb' is a tale of seek and find," says Sanders. "The song explores a cause of sensation and is inspired by one's ability to overcome what was once there."

He continues: "We shot this in one beatiful day amongst the ruins of Fort Dade on the isolated island of Egmont Key in the Gulf of Mexico. It was filmed with our good friends at Newmerica, which was once again a most pleasurable experience."

GONE IS GONE released "Phantom Limb" last November as part of a seven-inch red vinyl single for Record Store Day's Black Friday.


GONE IS GONE's debut album, "Echolocation", entered Billboard's Heatseekers Chart at No. 3.


Hailed by Clash as "a crisp, compact document, one laced with energy and sweeping songwriting," "Echolocation" was produced by the band and mixed by Ken Andrews (BECK, A PERFECT CIRCLE).


GONE IS GONE was formed by multi-instrumentalist Mike Zarin and Hajjar, who previously collaborated on various film trailer projects for Sencit, Zarin's music production, licensing and supervision company. Together they've put together a wildly diverse sound production resume that includes trailers for the Internet-breaking television series "Stranger Things", Christopher Nolan's 2010 sci-fi thriller "Inception", multi-Emmy-winning television series "Game Of Thrones" and the Marvel Comics blockbuster film "X-Men Apocalypse", to name but a few. They brought in Troy Van Leeuwen, known for his work with QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, FAILURE, A PERFECT CIRCLE, EAGLES OF DEATH METAL and SWEETHEAD, who, in turn, brought in Troy Sanders from multi-Grammy nominees MASTODON.

The second trailer for "Eonian", the new album from Norwegian symphonic black metallers DIMMU BORGIR, can be seen below. In the clip, singer Shagrath and guitarist Silenoz discuss why it took them a little longer to forge the monumental vision they had for the disc into reality.

The songwriting core of DIMMU BORGIR still consists of Shagrath and guitarists Silenoz and Galder. They are joined in the band's current lineup by drummer Daray and keyboardist Gerlioz.

Due on May 4 via Nuclear Blast, "Eonian" contains 10 new tracks, produced by the band itself and engineered by Jens Bogren. Emerging from the dark minds of the three songwriters, "Eonian" follows a philosophical concept, dealing with the illusion of time.

Silenoz told Metal Shock Finland about DIMMU BORGIR's long-awaited follow-up to 2010's "Abrahadabra": "We feel that we're sitting on the best album that we could possibly do at this time, and personally, I think it's definitely our best album to date. Obviously, that's something that everybody says, but if I didn't believe that we would do our best album, there wouldn't really be any point doing a new one. So, yeah, I'm really excited about it, and I know that quite a few fans will probably be positively surprised."

As for the musical direction of DIMMU BORGIR's new effort, Silenoz, said: "I think it's safe to say that [the parts that are] more epic and majestic are more epic and majestic, and the same goes for the brutal sound of DIMMU and also the primitive and more black metal sound of DIMMU is more black metal this time around. So you will have the more extremes of each part that we are known for."

"Eonian" track listing:

01. The Unveiling

02. Interdimensional Summit

03. Ætheric

04. Council Of Wolves And Snakes

05. The Empyrean Phoenix

06. Lightbringer

07. I Am Sovereign

08. Archaic Correspondence

09. Alpha Aeon Omega

10. Rite Of Passage

POP EVIL recently stopped by the 99.7 The Blitz radio station in Columbus, Ohio to play a short acoustic set. Check out video footage below.

The song "Waking Lions" is taken from POP EVIL's fifth, self-titled album, which was released on February 16 via Entertainment One. "Pop Evil" marks the recording debut with the band of British drummer Hayley Cramer, who joined POP EVIL in 2016 following the departure of Josh "Chachi" Marunde. The disc was helmed by veteran producer Kato Khandwala.

"As soon as we saw [Hayley's audition] video, we were, like, 'Oh my goodness. She's the one,'" singer Leigh Kakaty says. "Her first tour with us was in packed arenas opening for ROB ZOMBIE and DISTURBED. It was crazy, but when things work, they work. She's been like the big sister we never knew we wanted but we're so glad we have. And she's so passionate about the music. Songs that we'd been playing for years suddenly came to life in a different way and then she came in and killed it on this record. It was a rejuvenation for us. She's nothing short of a blessing."

Lyrically, songs like "Colors Bleed" cover new ground for POP EVIL. Instead of being about dysfunctional relationships, self-empowerment or mortality, Kakaty digs into today's headlines and addresses what he feels about capitalism, hypocrisy and violent confrontation.

"It was important for me to document things that we're going through right now, such as what happened in Charlottesville, what's going on with North Korea and where the government is at," he says. "As a lyricist, I need to address all sorts of subjects and emotions and politics is a part of that. I felt I needed to write about the things I'm feeling as a mixed American — someone whose mom and dad came to this culture with big dreams, hopes, and aspirations because this is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Anyone who comes to America is a native of this country, so it's so important that we all come together. When we join together, everyone wins.

"With a band name like POP EVIL, we felt like the 'evil' has always been de-emphasized just because of the situations we were in," Kakaty continues. "It always seemed like the people around us wanted to focus more on radio play or writing more mainstream, melodic stuff. That's definitely a part of what we like to do, but this time we made a rock album for rock fans. And, in general, rock fans are real Middle American, middle or lower-middle class people who get forgotten about. Secular music has pretty much told the world that rock and roll and metal music don't matter anymore. Having lived that life and thrived as a rock band, it's hard not to take offense to that, but it's important to try to be a part of the solution rather than the problem. And we're doing that by turning up the amps and saying, "Look, we can make heavy songs that really rock and we can also write catchy songs that someone who likes PEARL JAM or LED ZEPPELIN can get into."

In February, POP EVIL embarked on the "Music Over Words" tour, which served as the official kick-off for the new LP.

UK rockers City Of Thieves will release their new album, Beast Reality, on October 12th. Pre-order the album here, and check out a music video for the first single "Buzzed Up City" below.

The buzz has been spreading about City Of Thieves - no frills, no messin' around, no gimmicks - it is heavy rock in it's purest form and will send you running straight to the front of the stage with no-nonsense sledgehammer riffs, hooks and melodies.

Working with acclaimed artist and producer Toby Jepson (Little Angels, The Answer, Wayward Sons), City Of Thieves frontman/bassist Jamie Lailey knew at an early stage the band wanted to take rock by the scruff of it's neck and give it a good shake. "We knew what we wanted to do, we'd been devouring the songwriting and if we were inclined, we could have released a ton of material out of the gate. Toby took what we had and refined it. I'm glad we sat back and digested things with him, it was a major turning point for the band."

With producer Toby Jepson at the helm, Mike Fraser on mixing duties and mastering by Simon Francis (Kodaline, Kaiser Chiefs, Primal Scream) the presentation of this new material was in the best of hands.

When asked what he thought about City Of Thieves, Mike Fraser simply replied, "Killer band... killer songs". This is not a throwaway comment, this is from a true craftsman who has worked on albums for Metallica, AC/DC, Slipknot, Aerosmith, and more.

So what about the songs? "The new material has bags of groove, different speeds and attitude. We mix it up but keep it genuine and made sure everything flows. Why play something that's monotonous, I'm not saying we're reinventing the wheel but if you think your own music is boring, why inflict that on your audience?" says Will Richards (drums). "We can't wait to unleash the other tunes and get on the road to play live," chips in Lailey.

Tracklisting:

"Reality Bites"
"Fuel And Alcohol"
"Buzzed Up City"
"Lay Me To Waste"
"Control"
"Incinerator"
"Animal"
"Right To Silence"
"Born To Be Great"
"Damage"
"Give It Away"
"Something Of Nothing"

"Buzzed Up City" video:

Lineup:

Jamie Lailey - Bass/Vocals
Ben Austwick - Guitar
Will Richards - Drums

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS' new song "Starlighter (Echo, Utah)" can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Bad Frequencies", which is due out April 27 via Pure Noise Records.

"Bad Frequencies" was produced by HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS along with Nick Ingram, and mixed by Cameron Webb (NOFX, SOCIAL DISTORTION). The band previously worked with Ingram on the "Hurt" EP as well as Webb for "Push Me Away" which was released last summer ahead of their full run on the Vans Warped Tour.

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS frontman JT Woodruff told Rock Sound about "Starlighter (Echo, Utah)": "I wrote the lyrics to 'Starlighter' after the worst drive of my life, in the mountains of Utah. There was snow pouring everywhere, the van I was driving didn't have heat or defrost, and the passenger was wiping the window frantically with the sock he was wearing, so I could see the road. It was 14 miles till the next exit, and our lives kept flashing before our eyes. When we eventually made it safely to an exit, we left the van in the middle of the parking lot, checked in to a room, and when I stopped trembling, I wrote lyrics about summer. I needed to get my head out of the snow and think about how this situation would be different if it was in June. So while my mind was racing, I crafted a story about a group of friends whose entire lives are ahead of them, and they just want to have one last weekend blow out. There are laughs, arguments, adventure, and everything that makes a summer weekend great. But the overlying theme is that I thought I was going to die that night, with my friends, just so I could sing and play guitar. Pretty crucial. [Laughs]"

Woodruff added that "Bad Frequencies" "represents some of the best times of our lives set to music. I wanted to capture the emotion of your favorite summer growing up, when you just had the best time of your life, but now it's all over," he said. "I wanted to capture the sadness that comes after extreme happiness. The beauty and isolation that comes with the end of excitement is something that is truly special. We spend our lives mired in the highs and lows, but we should really focus on the the in between. We have always just continued to move forward in HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS, and I think that this proves that. We don't let the bad times get us down, and we don't let the party last too long. We try to convey that message to our fans at all times."

"Bad Frequencies" track listing:

01. In Gloom

02. Pink Hearts

03. Crimson Sand

04. The Perfect Way To Fall Apart

05. Just Another Ghost

06. Bad Frequencies

07. Skylark

08. Edge Of Town

09. Starlighter (Echo, Utah)

10. Push Me Away

11. The Suicide Mile

12. Straight Down The Line

13. Pills

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS is composed of JT Woodruff (vocals, guitar), Mark McMillon (guitar, backing vocals), Matt Ridenour (bass, backing vocals), Chris Popadak (drums).

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS will be hitting the road for a 50-city USA headlining tour this month. With support from LISTENER, HOTEL BOOKS, SIENNA SKIES and HEAVY THINGS, the "Bad Frequencies" tour will kick off in Albany, New York on April 18 and travel to cities like San Antonio, Columbus, San Diego, Boise, Seattle and Honolulu before wrapping up in Fairbanks, Alaska on June 30.

Metal Mind Productions will re-release B.A.C.K., the fourth studio album by Danish thrash metal legend Artillery, in a new digipack edition with four bonus tracks.

Denmark’s Artillery is one of Europe’s earliest exponents of thrash metal and the band’s contribution to the burgeoning genre is difficult to ignore. Due to Artillery’s demos being well distributed, the band gained worldwide recognition even before the release of their first official album; and the band’s first three studio albums, Fear Of Tomorrow, Terror Squad and By Inheritance, all assumed the status of classics in the thrash genre.

B.A.C.K. is their fourth studio album from 1999. The material was produced by Bo Lund and Artillery, and mixed by Andy Sneap. It was their first full-length album since By Inheritance, which came out nine years earlier. After the release of B.A.C.K., Artillery would break up again, but eventually reformed for a second time in 2007.

Expanded edition of B.A.C.K. is scheduled for worldwide release on June 8th.

Tracklisting:
 
"Cybermind"
"How Do You Feel"
"Out Of The Trash"
"Final Show"
"Www"
"Violent Breed"
"Theatrical Exposure"
"B.A.C.K."
"The Cure"
"Paparazzi"
 
Bonus tracks:
"Fly"
"Jester"
"Cybermind" (Rough Mix)
"Cybermind" (Live In Copenhagen 2008)

Anneke van Giersbergen's VUUR have released a guitar playthrough for "Freedom - Rio", a track from the band’s debut album, In This Moment We Are Free - Cities, out worldwide via InsideOutMusic. The footage was recorded at VanderMeij Gutiars, Amsterdam.

Each track on the new album is named after a city that made an impression on Anneke while touring the world. Order the album at this location.

Tracklisting:

“My Champion - Berlin”
“Time - Rotterdam”
“The Martyr And The Saint - Beirut”
“The Fire - San Francisco”
“Freedom - Rio”
“Days Go By - London”
“Sail Away - Santiago”
“Valley Of Diamonds - Mexico City”
“Your Glorious Light Will Shine - Helsinki”
“Save Me - Istanbul”
“Reunite! - Paris”

In May, Residentie Orkest The Hague will host an encounter with Anneke van Giersbergen. Both nights will feature a career-spanning concert with orchestral arrangements. The song selection will even include material from her yet to be released VUUR album.

Anneke comments: "It's such an honor to be backed by these grand classical musicians with strings and brass interpreting my music. The material will be an interesting cross-section of my career. Some reworks will be a contrast from the original and some, for instance like the song 'Travel', will be given a treatment that is a logical extension of the The Gathering's original album arrangement."

May
18 - 013 - Tilburg, Netherlands
19 - Paard - The Hague, Netherlands

The first trailer for "Meditations", the new album from Montréal, Quebec, Canada-based melodic death metallers KATAKLYSM, can be seen below. Due on June 1 via Nuclear Blast, the 10-song disc was produced by the band's guitarist Jean-François Dagenais and drummer Oli Beaudoin, and was mixed by Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STONE SOUR). Mastering duties were handled by Paul Logus (PANTERA).

The "Meditations" cover artwork was created for Ocvlta Designs by Surtsey, who also crafted the artwork for KATAKLYSM's previous record, "Of Ghosts And Gods".

Singer Maurizio Iacono said: "This is a very personal album to me with old wounds being revisited — I felt a big urge to pour my soul into this release. The boys and I were isolated under the same roof during the writing process, just like we did in the early days... with no worries except having fun, being honest and delivering a serious album that represents us today but respects our past. Our new story is coming and we are eager to share it with you!"

"Meditations" track listing:

01. Guillotine

02. Outsider

03. The Last Breath I'll Take Is Yours

04. Narcissist

05. Born To Kill And Destined To Die

06. In Limbic Resonance

07. And Then I Saw Blood

08. What Doesn't Break Doesn't Heal

09. Bend The Arc, Cut The Cord

10. Achilles Heel

Dagenais told That Drummer Guy about KATAKLYSM's decision to work with Ruston: "It was kind of a gamble for us because you never know because our music is so extreme and needs a certain type of process to it, to be able to be delivered right and we weren't sure if going with a guy like Jay Ruston, who is more of a traditional heavy metal/rock producer, that it could work. We all knew that, 'Okay, if this works, it's going to be really awesome. If it doesn't, it could be such a mistake.' No, it wasn't. We got our mixes and we were, like, 'Fuck yeah!' All of us together. We made the right call there and it was perfect. But, we worked really hard on the tracking, me and Oli. We spent months on recording the drums and guitars and the bass tracks and making sure Maurizio delivers the right energy with the vocals. We really polished the thing and we sent it to Jay Ruston and he totally brought it up to another level. So, that's really exciting."