Finnish melancholy death-doom metal masters SWALLOW THE SUN will release their new album, "When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light", on January 25, 2019 through Century Media Records. Only one month earlier, on December 21, they will release a standalone 14-minute epic single track called "Lumina Aurea", both digitally and as a 12-inch EP vinyl version.

Fueled by personal loss (the album title has its origins in TREES OF ETERNITY's "Broken Mirror") and powered by the will to continue, "When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light" showcases the group's ability to maintain its signature sound while expanding upon horizons and diving deeper into the crevasse of doom-death metal. Even though the single and the album are conceptually connected, they are musically completely different. While "Lumina Aurea" — featuring WARDRUNA's Einar Selvik and THE FORESHADOWING's Marco I. Benevento — marks the band's darkest and most sinister piece of music the band has ever released, "When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light" follows a more positive approach and continues in the vein of previous albums — first-rate death-doom in the typical style of SWALLOW THE SUN.


"When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light" track listing:

01. When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light

02. The Crimson Crown

03. Firelights

04. Upon The Water

05. Stone Wings

06. Clouds On Your Side

07. Here On The Black Earth

08. Never Left

b>"Lumina Aurea" track listing:

01. Lumina Aurea

02. Lumina Aurea (instrumental version)

For the last 30 years, Rob "The Witch" and NECRONOMICON have been conspiring to bring essential death metal to Canada and the world, with none surviving the pure devilish onslaught that these pioneers embody. Playing over 1,000 intense gigs since their conception in 1988 around the world, including the longest continuous Canadian tour on record (27 dates), they have firmly planted their boots in metal history.

NECRONOMICON is one of the most well-known names in the death metal scene, with an exclusive death metal sound complemented with angelic voices, narration and, of course, destructive guitar riffs and unforgiving drumming that fuel the violent mosh pits that converge without fail at the feet of this formidable act.

The uncomfortable silence that has been echoing from the NECRONOMICON camp now comes to a halt as the eternal trio emerges to once again slaughter death metal fans in the form of the first hometown ritual in two years in Montreal and a yet-to-be-titled new album in the works for 2019.

For those in the Montreal area, descend into the bestial pit of chaos with NECRONOMICON at Foufounes Électriques alongside AUGURY, DÉMENCE and HIDDEN PRIDE on Friday, November 16.

b>NECRONOMICON's latest album, "Advent Of The Human God", was released in March 2016 via Season Of Mist.

Hells Headbangers has set a December 21 release date for a special mini-album from cult American thrashers BLOOD FEAST, fittingly titled "Chopped, Sliced And Diced". The mini-album will be available on four formats: regular 12-inch vinyl, shaped picture disc, shaped CD with bonus tracks, and cassette tape with the same bonus tracks.

Beloved cult favorites from the '80s, BLOOD FEAST had a couple restarts before finally coalescing into the lean, mean killing machine found on comeback album "The Future State Of Wicked", released in 2017 to rabid critical acclaim. Keeping that fast 'n' furious momentum going is "Chopped, Sliced And Diced". The four-song firestorm (six songs on the CD and tape version) brings the past into the present with modern re-recordings of classic BLOOD FEAST tracks from their original incarnation. But don't be mistaken by the word "modern," for "Chopped, Sliced And Diced" retains all the rabid, adrenaline-overdosed fury of the band's late '80s heyday.

As founding guitarist Adam Tranquilli explains: "I felt early on that we should keep the pattern that was set back in the day — an album, followed by an EP with a brand-new track. However, unlike the 'Face Fate' EP, this time, we went with re-recordings rather than remixes for the other tracks. These new studio versions of classic songs from the first two albums mark the recording debut of Adam Kieffer behind the kit, and are ferocious beyond words. Plus, having a warts-and-all live track helps convey our live energy, while honoring our fans and friends in Osaka."

Mastering for "Chopped, Sliced And Diced" has been handled by TOXIC HOLOCAUST's Joel Grind. A more-than-satisfying stopgap this is, sure to stoke longtime fans and new ones alike, with Tranquilli revealing: "In the meantime, we are deep into the writing for album #4. It shouldn't be long before we're back in the studio crafting more carnage."

b>"Chopped, Sliced And Diced" track listing:

01. Concubine

02. Hunted, Stalked And Slain

03. Darkside

04. Chopping Block Blues

05. Chemically Imbalanced (CD and cassette bonus track)

06. By The Slice (live) (CD and cassette bonus track)

BLOOD FEAST 2018 is:

Adam Tranquilli - guitar

Chris Natalini - vocals

Tom Lorenzo - bass guitar

Adam Kieffer - drums

CJ Scioscia - guitar

Los Angeles based post-metal group DAWN FADES will release its self-titled debut album on February 8, 2019 via Metal Assault Records.

Metal Assault has worked with DAWN FADES for a couple of its events in the L.A. area this year, and the band's live performance was mesmerizing and magnetic every single time, striking an unimaginable and often unattainable balance between ferocity and finesse, and always exhibiting a wide spectrum of musical expressions within the finite 30-minute duration typically allotted to it as a support act.

"Dawn Fades" will be made available on limited-edition vinyl (black and gold color variations) and all digital platforms.

Track listing:

1. Lean (5:06)

02. Conceal (6:10)

03. Ashes (5:36)

04. -(pause)- (0:40)

05. Shackle (5:25)

06. See (4:07)

07. Freeze (6:56)

Following the album's release, DAWN FADES plans to set out on tour. In the meanwhile, they will continue to hypnotize audiences with their hometown live rituals.

DAWN FADES is:

Sam Sherwood (vocals)

Adam El-Gerbi (guitar)

Markus Erren Pardiñas (bass)

Scott Quist (drums)

Nate Hertweck (guitar)

Photo credit: Elizabeth Gore / Lone Wolf Productions

Upstart traditional heavy metal quintet, Blade Killer, will release their debut album, High Risk, on November 23rd via M-Theory Audio. The album track "Midnight Sinner" is available for streaming below.

Featuring a strong NWOBHM (and particularly, Di'Anno-era Iron Maiden) influence, High Risk is an eight-track, 29-minute ripper sure to please fans of pure heavy metal. The album was recorded by Allen Falcon at L.A.'s Birdcage Studios and mixed and mastered by Enforcer vocalist Olaf Wikstrand (Tribulation, Cauldron). The cover art, seen below, was designed by noted tattoo artist Alex Matus.

High Risk is available for pre-order on CD, cassette and limited-edition black-and-white “split” vinyl. Digital pre-orders, which will include an instant download of the title track, are underway now on Bandcamp and M-Theory Audio’s online store.

Tracklisting:

"Lost Angels"
"Let Go"
"High Risk"
"In The Arms Of The Devil"
"Midnight Sinner"
"Rush of Thunder"
"Endangered Dreams"
"Tomb of Thoughts"

"Midnight Sinner":

"High Risk" lyric video:

Stone Horses, the new band from ex-Charm City Devils singer John Allen and drummer Jason Heiser, released a new single, “End Of The World”, back in July on all digital platforms via Broken World Records/Digitally Sound/Kobalt. Now they’re releasing the official video (story/concept by John Allen, directed by Zach Ruszala and Mutty Gates).

Says John Allen: “The video is a concept regarding my own thoughts of suicide and my own personal struggles with depression. Maybe it’s a public service announcement, maybe it’s a statement, maybe it’s a cry for help. Recently I have sought my biological parents and I found out that my uncle killed himself with a firearm. It’s horrific. I wish I could have known him. The ending, hopefully, leaves the viewer with a glimmer of hope. I know it made me get quite emotional. It was something Zach Ruszala did that I didn’t expect. There’s always a reason to move forward, to keep soldiering on.”

Stone Horses is a rock band from the mid-Atlantic region of the US. With members living in Baltimore, DC suburbs and Philadelphia, Stone Horses is a band of old souls.

20 year old guitarist Teddy Merrill knows his rock origins and history. From Bluesmen Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters to Hendrix, Page and Slash T.M. sites them all as influences.

Singer John Allen draws on everything from the early blues pioneers to Steve Marriott and Chris Cornell. "We just want to make music that is timeless" states the singer. “Writing songs about the human condition is what I like to do - love, hate, struggle and triumph are themes I want to convey."

Along Teddy and John, the band is rounded out by rhythm section consisting of an old friend Jason Heiser on drums and an Australian bassist by way of Texas (now living in Philly), Rick Reynolds.

The band has already shared stages with Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators, Greta Van Fleet, Rival Sons, and Glorious Sons. The band gives nods to heavy blues but at the same time is looking to take rock music into the future.

(Photo - Rock N Roll Socialite)

Relapse Records announces the signing of cult Austin, TX noise rock trio, Cherubs. Formed in 1992, Cherubs emerged on the Austin LSD punk scene with a jackhammer of nightmarish, rhythm-driven song structures and plenty of Butthole Surfers whimsy and terror to keep things more than interesting. They released three highly-acclaimed albums in the 1990’s including Icing, Heroin Man and Short of Popular. Fast forward 25+ years later and the band has recently reformed with more energy and songwriting acumen than ever before.

Cherubs released their comeback album 2 Ynfynyty in 2015 with Brutal Panda Records followed by an EP entitled Fist In The Air and their first live performances in over 20 years. Now, the band has teamed up with Relapse to release their fifth full-length album in 2019. The trio will begin recording soon with Erik Wofford (Explosions In The Sky, Black Angels) at Cacophony Recorders in Austin.

Cherubs commented on the signing and new material: “We are very excited to be working with Relapse. They are curious about our hillbilly ways and are letting us prance clumsily around the enclosure. This will be our second longplay in the modern world and will surely be an improvement on previous efforts. Some working titles include: 'Coke Adds Life', 'Hiding A Body', 'Breath U Can C', 'Tourista', and 'Crying Real Wolves' - themes include yearning, regret and revolution. Thank you, Relapse, for the opportunity - xoxo.

"We'll be recording with Erik Wofford at Cacophony Recorders in Austin. His place is beautiful. His dog barks. His amps bite. He has worked with Cani Sciorri, Grupo Fantasma, Bill Callahan, Black Angels, Explosions In The Sky, Holy Wave, Golden Dawn Arkestra... and more! We just want to be on the list.”

Additionally, Cherubs announce two exclusive Texas tour dates in March 2019 with Mudhoney. More tour dates to be announced in the near future.

Dates:

March
22 - Houston, TX - White Oak Upstairs Stage
23 - Austin, TX - Antone’s Nightclub

Malamorte - the side project of Alex Nunziati (Lord Vampyr, Cain, Nailed God, Shadowsreign, Sepolcrum, ex VII Arcano, ex Theatres des Vampires) - ferocious, evil metal hailing from Italy brings you a third full length offering, telling tales of the occult, mysticism and the antichrist, set against multi dimensional music echoing influences from heavy, power and black metal.

Hell For All was written as a cohesive album, each song being composed in a complementary fashion to the rest of the tracks on the album. Compared to the album in 2016, this new record brings more thrash and power elements as the band deviates from their black metal origins.

Keeping the listener in mind, Malamorte desires to formulate a trip, one that “alternates hard times to more reflective or lighter moments” and can be played on repeat which each new listen creating a new perspective. Quality and energy are the primary focuses for these Italians, who allow their fans to escape into an alternate reality and cite influences from a broad range of musical greats including Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Iron Maiden and Slayer.

Hell For All will be released on Rockshots Records on January 25th (Europe) and February 8th (North America). Album pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Advent"
"Antichrist"
"Warriors Of Hell"
"Holy Or Unholy"
"Mother"
"Hell For All"
"Son"
"The Worshipers Of Evil"
"Satan's Slave"
"God Is Nothing"

Space Elevator have released a video for “Don't Believe A Word”, a Thin Lizzy cover taken from their debut album, Space Elevator.

Says guitarist David Young: "Space Elevator recorded their version of Thin Lizzy’s 'Don’t Believe A Word' in 2016 to mark thirty years since the passing of legendary Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott. The band grew up learning to play to Lizzy’s Live And Dangerous album and Space Elevator singer The Duchess calls Lynott’s 'Solo In Soho'  one of her all time favourites. This amazing  recording is now released on CD for the first time by SPV as a bonus track on Space Elevator’s debut album, which also features Gary Moore’s slower version of the song as an introduction."

The album Space Elevator was released in June 2018 through SPV/Steamhammer as a CD version and digital.

Wolcensmen’s debut album from 2016, Songs From The Fyrgen, will be reissued by Indie Recordings on November 30th.

Founded upon a passion for dark acoustic music and folklore, Wolcensmen began life in 2013. Dan Capp, a guitarist from England (who went on to join black metal band Winterfylleth) undertook the work of resurrecting old acoustic ideas he'd written since the late '90s, inspired largely by Scandinavian bands who had pioneered the inclusion of folk and neo-classical elements within their sound. Wolcensmen became the vehicle for expressing spiritual philosophies and a specific musical atmosphere.

A self-produced demo captured the imagination of underground music fans, and Dungeon Synth label Deivlforst Records assisted in making the demo available again after its limited initial run. In 2015 work began on the debut album, which was released in November of the following year by the name Songs From The Fyrgen. The CD pressing sold out within six months and the album received widespread acclaim, with some quickly considering it a classic of the genre.

In 2017, Wolcensmen was brought to the attention of Norwegian label Indie Recordings who saw the need for a reissue of Songs From The Fyrgen; remixed and remastered, and with proper marketing and distribution. The album will be re-released on November 30th with a bonus disc of brand new songs, including a rendition of the Bathory classic, "Man Of Iron".

Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

Songs From The Fyrgen:
"Withershins"
"The Fyre-Bough"
"Sunne"
"Hoofes Upon the Shymmeringe Path"
"'Neath a Wreath of Firs"
"The Mon o' Micht"
"Snowfall"
"The Bekens are Aliht"
"Yerninge"

Songs From The Mere EP bonus disc:
"The Ferryman"
"Lady of the Depe"
"The Greene Wall"
"Beholdinge, He..."
"Man of Iron" (Bathory cover)

Wolcensmen is part of the revival of interest in old European spirituality; a sincere expression of mysticism and superstition, and an approach to songwriting which aims to bring near-forgotten things back from the mists of time.

Punk rock legends BAD RELIGION have released another new song titled "My Sanity". The track follows recent single-cut releases "The Kids Are Alt-Right" and "The Profane Rights Of Man"

This past summer, BAD RELIGION guitarist Brett Gurewitz told LA Weekly that the band was preparing "an album's worth of 'Fuck Trump' songs" for the follow-up to 2013's "True North". He added: "It's exactly what we need."

BAD RELIGION's forthcoming 17th album will mark the band's first full-length studio effort with guitarist Mike Dimkich of THE CULT, and drummer Jamie Miller of …AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD. They joined BAD RELIGION as replacements for guitarist Greg Hetson and drummer Brooks Wackerman, who left the band in April 2013 and October 2015, respectively.

BAD RELIGION released the EP "Christmas Songs" in 2013.

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Set for release on November 22nd via Sliptrick Records, The Loss And The Rapture is the debut full length album from Kill All The Gentlemen.

The album was recorded at Skyhammer Studio in Cheshire, UK engineered and produced by Chris Fielding (Conan) and mastered by James Plotkin. This is a journey through eight tracks starting with the full frontal assault of "I Welcome The Horror", to the harrowing, electrifying listen of "The Loss And The Rapture", and taking no prisoners in the final throws of "Once A Slave".

Although brutally heavy, The Loss And The Rapture has lashings of hooks and melody with twin guitar work and neck breaking beat downs that will get every head banging. It is a tale of dark and light, action and consequence, loss and rapture. To sacrifice your soul and others around you for man’s desire of wealth and power. To cleanse and and strip yourself of the evils of the flesh.

Welcome Kill All The Gentlemen into your soul and maybe you too will see the light; “I tell you this; you are not alone at this time of loss. I leave you a gift. You will learn of the boundaries of life and death.”

Tracklisting:

"I Welcome The Horror"
"Sing For Me Sinner"
"Where Here Is I Know Not"
"These Are Godless Times"
"Death’s Very Emissary"
"The Loss And The Rapture"
"Damnation Be My Guide"
"Once A Slave"

In live news, Kill All The Gentlemen will be main support to Cradle Of Filth for three shows in December. Complete details can be found in the official tour poster below:

Kill All The Gentlemen is:

Adam Martin – vocals / guitar
Ben Andrew – bass / backing vocals
Christian Axsel – guitar
Thomas Arne Rørstad – drums

Additional guitars recorded by Andrew Pike; drums on the album recorded by Olan Parkinson.

For further details, visit Kill All The Gentlemen on Facebook.

Century Media Records has announced the signing of Fort Lauderdale natives Ether. Born from the ashes of vocalist / guitarist Peter Kowlasky's former (and occasionally still active) band, Remembering Never, Ether marry the dissonant sounds of Neurosis and Swans, the sumptuous gloom of Type O Negative and the riffing of their home state's death metal heritage.

Helmed by a creative core of Kowalsky and Devin Estep (vocals, guitar), Ether have spent the past three years touring clubs and DIY venues across the Eastern seaboard and Canada, performing alongside the likes of The Body, Eyehategod, Cro-Mags and Torche.

Ether was brought to the label's attention by longtime A&R vet, Michael Alago, whose credits include signing Metallica and White Zombie and whose career was recently profiled in the documentary film, Who The Fuck Is That Guy?. "Ether are both brutal and majestic in the presentation of their music," says Alago.  "There is also a beauty that is totally arresting in all its heaviness."

While Ether is presently writing a new album slated for release in 2019 via Century Media, the label will be re-releasing the band's previous full-length LP, There Is Nothing Left For Me Here, which is slated for an early 2019 release. The album, initially self-released by the band on Dead Truth Recordings, has been remastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege Studios in Portland, OR.

"There's a rare sort of musical and emotional depth to Ether that you don't often come across - particularly in music this heavy," says Century Media / Red Music VP of A&R, Mike Gitter. "You literally discover something about them with every listen."

"We have pushed our band about as far as we can on our own and Century Media is a legacy label that has released some monumental records over the last few decades, many of which helped shape our music," states Kowalsky about the band's signing to Century Media. With a new album largely written and extensive U.S. and European touring planned for the coming months, Ether is prepared to make a striking sonic statement.

Catch Ether live in concert:

November
17 - Margate, FL - O'Malleys
23 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Beer Punx
24 - Nashville, TN - The End
26 - Louisville, KY- Highlands Taproom
27 - Detroit, MI - The Sanctuary
28 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Workshop
29 - Moline, IL - Bier Stube
30 - St Louis, MO - The Sinkhole

December
1 - Little Rock, AK - Vino's
3 - Austin, TX - Come and Take It Live
4 - San Antonio, TX - The Guilotine
5 - New Orleans, LA - Santos Bar
7 - Jacksonville, FL - Nighthawks/Wvrmfest
8 - Charleston, SC - The Big Gun
9 - Columbia, SC - New Brookland Tavern
10 - VA Beach, VA - The Hookup
11 - Baltimore, MD - Sidebar
12 - Philly, PA - The Pharmacy
13 - Clifton, NJ - Clash Bar
14 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Bizarre
15 - Amityville, NY - TBA
16 - Wallingford, CT - Cherry Street Station
17 - Allston, MA - O'Brien's Pub
20 - Greencastle, PA - Community Grace
21 - Greensboro, NC - New York Pizza
22 - Valdosta, GA - House Show

For further details, visit Ether on Facebook.

 

 

Italian thrash/death killing machine, Methedras, have released a video for "A Deal With The Devil". The track is featured on the band's new album, The Ventriloquist, out on December 7th via Massacre Records. Watch the clip below.

The Ventriloquist was mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio. Artwork by Maurizio Piccinelli.

Tracklisting:

"A Deal With The Devil"
"Sham Knockout"
"Blind"
"Dead Silence"
"Fire Within"
"Stab Me Again"
"Alive Or Convict"
"Sleepwalking"
"Into The Maze"
"Watch Me Fall"

"A Deal With The Devil" video:

THE RAVEN AGE, the U.K.-based band led by IRON MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris's son George Harris, has shared the incendiary video for its brand new single, "Betrayal Of The Mind".


Fueled by an explosive band performance laden with fire, the video explores the darkness and emotion that can affect someone as a result of issues such as mental health. It reflects the lyrical content of the track, which was written about the band's individual experiences and desire to spread awareness and the feeling of community through their music.


George Harris reveals: "With the 'Betrayal' video, the idea coincides with the narrative. The actress represents someone who is stuck inside her own mind, it's eating her up as she loses the ability to simply get through the day without her dark thoughts taking over. The performance concept, however, was pretty straightforward. We wanted a big space with lots of fire! The plan was to use it in certain sections, but when we saw how cool it looked, we were, like, 'Nah, just go nuts!!' I'm pretty sure Jai had no hair left at the end of the shoot, but it was worth it!"


Vocalist Matt James adds: "The 'Betrayal' video not only had to look visually appealing but had to be true to the message of the song. It's hard sometimes to get the balance of simplicity but also portraying a narrative. I think the directors Richard and Adam did a great job with that. It's a step up in production from the last video, and hope people will relate to the message. The track itself is a big heavy/groove-orientated track which we love playing live as it gets the crowd headbanging. It's been going down a blast on the amazing shows we're playing with TREMONTI and we can't wait to be playing it, along with loads of other new material next year when we get the chance to tour with IRON MAIDEN. That's a dream come true!"


b>"Betrayal Of The Mind" is the second THE RAVEN AGE track with Matt James as vocalist, following the previously released "Surrogate", and the next dose of what to expect from the band's soon-to-be-announced album coming in 2019. Their acclaimed 2017 debut LP, "Darkness Will Rise", saw them championed by the likes of Metal Hammer, Kerrang! and Planet Rock, and now with the new lineup the band have shifted up the gears musically, creating material which will see them continue stamping their mark within modern metal.


Following a relentless touring schedule over the past year, THE RAVEN AGE is currently on the road in Europe with American rockers TREMONTI, which includes five U.K. dates in Nottingham, Manchester, Bristol, London and Edinburgh in December. The band will be touring extensively throughout 2019, and has just been announced as the support act for IRON MAIDEN as the metal legends continue their "Legacy Of The Beast" world tour throughout North and South America.


All proceeds generated from the first month of sales of "Betrayal Of The Mind" have been donated to The Blurt Foundation, an amazing charity that works tirelessly to make a difference to anyone affected by depression.

WHITESNAKE has announced its first shows of the 2019 "Flesh & Blood" world tour. The trek will see the David Coverdale-fronted band perform select songs from its 13th studio album, "Flesh & Blood", to be released in May 2019 via Frontiers Music Srl. The first single and video from the disc, titled "Shut Up & Kiss Me", will be released in early 2019 prior to the "Flesh & Blood" trek.

Says Coverdale: "We are truly excited and looking forward to playing across the globe in 2019 on what will be a continued celebration of the 40th anniversary of WHITESNAKE.

"I am so honored and grateful to have toured this incredible world we share, for over 40 years, celebrating and enjoying unforgettable moments with millions of people, all of whom have joined me on this amazing journey. I truly love the shared experience and simply love my job and always will… Over four decades of reptilian fun! Thank YOU!"

Coverdale told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation" that "Flesh & Blood" will "be the best WHITESNAKE album. I know that's clichéd stuff, but I know what I'm talking about. I should do after almost 50 years," he explained.

ccording to Coverdale, the new disc "has all the necessary WHITESNAKE elements that I need to call it WHITESNAKE, but with a vibrant, fresh coat of paint." The record will mark the first time he has written with WHITESNAKE guitarists Reb Beach and Joel Hoekstra. "The longest-standing member of WHITESNAKE, Reb Beach, [he and I had] never written together until this project," he said. "So it's a family affair. It really is cool. I'm very excited for people to hear it."

Coverdale revealed that recording sessions for the new WHITESNAKE album were halted while he recovered from an illness last year. "I got that horrible H3 flu, which took me out for, I think, about six weeks before I started to feel like myself again," he said. "It was horrifying. It was that strain of flu that the anti-flu vaccination didn't cover. It was just an evil, evil, evil strain of flu."

WHITESNAKE filmed a music video for a "Shut Up & Kiss Me" on March 10. "It's a kick-ass song; you're gonna love it," Coverdale told "Trunk Nation". "But there's gonna some real fun elements paying respect and nod to WHITESNAKE's past, but certainly not as dark and as gritty as [WHITESNAKE's] 'Burn' video [from 'The Purple Album']."

WHITESNAKE spent the summer on the road as part of the "Juke Box Heroes Tour" with FOREIGNER and Jason Bonham.

The band's latest studio disc, 2015's "The Purple Album", was billed as "a re-imagination of classic songs from Coverdale's time as the lead singer for DEEP PURPLE's Mark III and Mark IV studio albums." Coverdale was DEEP PURPLE's frontman from late 1973 to early 1976 and sang on the albums "Burn", "Stormbringer" and "Come Taste The Band".

Tour dates:

Apr. 12 - Newkirk, OK

Apr. 13 - Durant, OK

Apr. 15 - Dallas, TX

Apr. 17 - San Antonio, TX

Apr. 19 - Biloxi, MS

Apr. 20 - Atlanta, GA

Apr. 22 - Orlando, FL

Apr. 23 - Clearwater, FL

Apr. 25 - Hollywood, FL

Apr. 26 - Melbourne, FL

Apr. 28 - Charlotte, NC

Apr. 29 - Huber Heights, OH

May 01 - Richmond, VA

May 02 - Bensalem, PA

May 05 - Jim Thorpe, PA

May 07 - Sayreville, NJ

May 08 - Huntington, NY

May 10 - Hampton Beach, NH

May 11 - Lincoln, RI

May 14 - Greensburg, PA

May 15 - Cleveland, OH

May 17 - Niagara Falls, NY

May 18 - Verona, NY

Jun. 14 - Donington Park, UK

Jun. 17 - Prague, Czech Republic

Jun. 19 - Milan, Italy

Jun. 20 - Zurich, Switzerland

Jun. 23 - Dessel, Belgium

Jun. 25 - Budapest, Hungary

Jun. 29 - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Jul. 05 - Sered, Slovakia

California glam favorites STEEL PANTHER will enter the studio on Tuesday, November 13 to begin laying down drums for their fifth album. Drummer Stix Zadinia tweeted on Sunday: "Holy shit. We are doin it again!!! These songs are gonna fuuuuck your face up. In the cool way."

STEEL PANTHER's latest album, "Lower The Bar", was released in March 2017 via Kobalt Music Recordings. The disc was co-produced with regular collaborator Jay Ruston, and included eleven songs recorded at studios in North Hollywood and Sherman Oaks, California, with an additional two tracks on a Best Buy deluxe edition.

Earlier this year, STEEL PANTHER guitarist Satchel said in an interview that he didn't know if the band would ever consider releasing a full-length album of covers. "I think, for me personally, I love to write songs and we've got songs ready to go for our fifth studio album already," he said.

"I think the next album that we do is gonna be another killer STEEL PANTHER record and it's gonna be like all the others: there will be people that hate it first, but it will grow on everybody and it will be another classic album full of originals," he continued.

I don't know how many more covers I wanna do. I like doing original stuff, and I feel like STEEL PANTHER is… We're a band that has a lot to offer in so many areas. Our live shows is great, we're natural-born entertainers, we love to have sex with women on stage — that's all very entertaining as well — but we release records that are really fun to listen to with really hooky songs. And I feel like, unlike a lot of bands, we pay special attention to writing the hookiest songs we can. I don't feel like there's ever a dud; I feel like there's a lot of great songs on all of our records, and that's why people keep coming back — 'cause they like to listen to those songs."

Update: Tuesday we begin tracking drums for a new @Steel_Panther record. Holy shit. We are doin it again!!! These songs are gonna fuuuuck your face up. In the cool way.— Stix Zadinia (@Stixzadinia) November 12, 2018

Former HANOI ROCKS singer Michael Monroe will release his new solo album, "One Man Gang", in the spring. The follow-up to 2015's "Blackout States", which is currently being mastered, features guest appearances by ex-HANOI ROCKS guitarist Nasty Suicide and THE DAMNED legend Captain Sensible.

Monroe told Heavy TV he named his new solo record after the album's opening track, which includes a "killer solo" by the aforementioned Captain Sensible. "It's one of the songs [on the LP], and we decided that since the band is called MICHAEL MONROE — the name of the band is MICHAEL MONROE; the name of a person — so 'One Man Gang'; it's a whole gang of me," he said.

Monroe was also full of praise for his current solo band, which includes Steve Conte and Rich Jones on guitars, Sam Yaffa on bass and Karl Rockfist on drums.

"If I had a choice of playing with anybody — alive or dead — in the world, I would choose these guys; that's how important they are to me," he said. "Everybody is allowed to write. Steve Conte [brought] exceptional, totally outstanding material. And Rich Jones now came through amazingly on this record. I swear, I had, like, five or six songs of my own, and I was, like, 'Okay, that's out. I'm taking Rich's, because his are better. Forget about my songs.'"

e continued: "See, the best songs make the album; it doesn't matter who writes. Everybody has the freedom to write, and we choose the best songs for the album; it doesn't matter who writes them, as long as they're the best ones. The whole album, as an entirety, has to be as strong as possible. All killers, no fillers. I never let it go out if it's not perfectly… There can't be one weak track on the record. I'd rather wait and have it be perfect. Actually, we recorded 18 songs, so there's a couple of great ones that we left out too. They'll be on the next album. They're too good for bonus tracks; we'll save 'em for the next album. There's a few obvious bonus tracks — three or four, or whatever."

In June 2017, Monroe released "The Best", the first official collection of his (ongoing) solo musical exploits, featuring prime tracks from 1987 right up to 2017.

Monroe's latest studio album, "Blackout States", was released in October 2015 via Spinefarm Records.

Even though HANOI ROCKS was formed in Finland, their trashy, hedonistic, decadent hard rock/pop-metal boogie influenced many Los Angeles acts, including GUNS N' ROSES and MÖTLEY CRÜE.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, FOO FIGHTERS frontman Dave Grohl visited the firefighters at Fire Station 68 in Calabasas, California on Monday night (November 12), where he cooked barbecue for the crew. The station's Instagram page stated: "It was awesome to get a visit tonight from Dave Grohl of the @foofighters. He also treated us to some of his own @backbeatbbq. Thanks Dave! It was excellent!"

The station is one of many that have been fighting the deadly fires in the Calabasas, Thousand Oaks and Malibu areas of southern California, which have destroyed hundreds of homes and structures while taking a handful of lives.

Grohl has been working recently as a cook at the Beached Pig, a barbecue joint in the Studio City area of Los Angeles. The newly opened eatery is part of the Valley Urban Market, an outdoor food court co-founded by Grohl's wife Jordyn.

He also recently launched a new Instagram page for his own Backbeat BBQ, although it's unclear whether Grohl intends to market his own brand of meats or open up a restaurant himself.

GUNS N' ROSES frontman Axl Rose, MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee and ex-SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach have slammed President Donald Trump over his tweets about the California wildfires, which have forced tens of thousands of people to quickly evacuate their homes, including several high-profile celebrities.

In his tweet early Saturday, Trump blamed the "costly" fires on "gross mismanagement of the forests," adding "Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!"

Rose took to Twitter the same day to post his own reaction, calling Trump a "demented" and "truly pathetic individual."

Axl wrote: "Um...actually...it's a lack of federal funding that's at the 'root' of the purported forest mismanagement. Only a demented n' truly pathetic individual would twist that around n' use a tragedy to once again misrepresent facts for attempted public/political gain at other's expense"

he GUNS N' ROSES singer wasn't the only rocker to call out Trump on his reaction to the fire. Lee also tweeted out his own thoughts. He wrote: "Can you be anymore insensitive you fucking moron"

Later on Saturday, Trump posted a new, kinder and gentler tweet about the California wildfires, voicing his appreciation for the firefighters battling the blazes. "More than 4,000 are fighting the Camp and Woolsey Fires in California that have burned over 170,000 acres," he wrote. "Our hearts are with those fighting the fires, the 52,000 who have evacuated, and the families of the 11 who have died. The destruction is catastrophic. God Bless them all."

Early on Sunday, however, the president seemed to return to his earlier theme. "With proper Forest Management, we can stop the devastation constantly going on in California," he tweeted. "Get Smart!"

Trump's criticism prompted a response from Bach, who tweeted: "God Bless Them All? You are the most USELESS human being to ever walk the Planet Earth. Except the useless idiots who actually vote for you" Bach concluded his tweet by adding several middle-finger hand-signal emojis.

The Woolsey fire broke out late Thursday evening, affecting the Thousand Oaks, Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura and Hidden Hills areas of Southern California. It has since doubled in size to 83,275 acres acres, destroying at least 177 homes and forcing the evacuation of more than 265,000 people.

The fire remained at five percent containment as of Saturday night. At least 2,000 firefighters had been dispatched to battle the blaze.

California officials and fire experts, including the head of the state's largest firefighters association, blasted Trump's comments as simplistic and ill-informed, noting that the federal government itself owns more than half of California's forest land.

The Pasadena Firefighters Association declared the president "wrong."

"The fires in So. Cal are urban interface fires and have NOTHING to do with forest management," the association tweeted.

Brian Rice, president of the California Professional Firefighters union, agreed.

"The firefighters and the communities in this state deserve an apology," he said.

"Malibu is not a logged area. It's rolling hills and chaparral."

What's more, he said, most of the state's forests are managed by the federal government.

"The president of the United States is ignorant of the process of forest management and wildfires," he said.

There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor. Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2018



Um...actually...it’s a lack of federal funding that’s at the “root” of the purported forest mismanagement. Only a demented n’ truly pathetic individual would twist that around n’ use a tragedy to once again misrepresent facts for attempted public/political gain at other’s expense— Axl Rose (@axlrose) November 11, 2018



Can you be anymore insensitive you fucking moron— T❍mmy L33 (@MrTommyLand) November 10, 2018



More than 4,000 are fighting the Camp and Woolsey Fires in California that have burned over 170,000 acres. Our hearts are with those fighting the fires, the 52,000 who have evacuated, and the families of the 11 who have died. The destruction is catastrophic. God Bless them all.— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2018



These California fires are expanding very, very quickly (in some cases 80-100 acres a minute). If people don’t evacuate quickly, they risk being overtaken by the fire. Please listen to evacuation orders from State and local officials!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2018



With proper Forest Management, we can stop the devastation constantly going on in California. Get Smart!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2018



God Bless Them All?
You are the most USELESS human being to ever walk the Planet Earth.
Except the useless idiots who actually vote for you ??????????? https://t.co/IVuIKmtDUg— Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) November 11, 2018

Original KISS drummer Peter Criss made an appearance at this year's "DW Day" on November 10 at Bentley's Drum Shop in Fresno, California. During the event, he took a few minutes to give a very young fan — dressed in a KISS t-shirt and sporting "Catman" makeup — some pointers and techniques to help him improve his time keeping. Check out video footage below.

Criss first left KISS in 1980. Since then he's worked with other bands and released solo albums. He teamed up with KISS again for a reunion tour in the 1990s and most recently in 2004. He was replaced by Eric Singer.

The four original members of KISS were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April 2014 by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello.

KISS did not perform — the Hall Of Fame wanted the original quartet only to play, while Simmons and Paul Stanley insisted on the current lineup — which also includes guitarist Tommy Thayer — performing as well. In the end nobody won that battle.

b>Criss, who was known as "Catman," released his last solo CD, titled "One for All", in 2007. Peter produced the album himself for the first time, and was joined by guest musicians that included keyboardist Paul Shaffer and bassist Will Lee of "Late Night with David Letterman". The album featured a range of styles, from rock and jazz to blues and Broadway, and included covers of "What a Difference a Day Makes" and "Send in the Clowns".

Last month, SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS called out to fans to help create their new live music video at the band's electrifying two-hour show on the final date of their sold-out fall U.S. headlining tour at the Palladium in Hollywood, California. Fans shot live footage of the concert via the Cinebody app which was assembled by director and editor Clifton Collins to create the final "Mind Your Manners" clip.


"It was great to involve the fans to make this video," says Slash. "They did an awesome job! Having Clifton shoot as well as edit it all together was just perfect."

"Mind Your Manners" is taken from SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS' latest album, "Living The Dream", which was released in September via Slash's own label Snakepit Records, in partnership with Roadrunner Records.

Regarding the "Mind Your Manners" track, Slash says: "I wrote this song on the spot to help the band get up and running once we got back in the studio this past January. It's just a go-for-it type of song. Pretty straightforward rock and fun to play."

b>Kennedy adds: "'Mind Your Manners' was something I didn't hear until the guys had started jamming together. It's a cool, up-tempo sort of thing and I knew immediately it would have its own place on this record. Lyrically, it's about how when things are going well there always tends to be someone who tries to rain on your parade and knock you down. You have to keep people like that in check and not let them get to you."

"Living The Dream" is Slash's fourth solo album, and third with Slash and his bandmates Myles Kennedy (vocals), Brent Fitz (drums), Todd Kerns (bass and vocals) and Frank Sidoris (guitar and vocals). The artwork was created by renowned visual artist Ron English.


"It's a natural progression from 'World On Fire', for sure," Slash said of the new album. "I think it has a little more diversity — some of the ideas are not really what I would consider to be predictable." At the same time, he adds, "The record is also a bit more structured, with songs that are shorter and more to the point than last time." Kennedy concurred. "I don't know that there are as many of those sort of 'epic sonic journeys' that we took on the last record," he said. "Although there are songs that take you on a trip, like 'Lost Inside The Girl'. But overall, a lot of these songs — things like 'My Antidote', 'Read Between The Lines', 'Slow Grind' — they're pretty precise statements, and they definitely fall in line with the type of sound we're known for. There's a certain type of sonic calling card that we've developed over the years, and you can hear it front and center on this record."

"It's just a snapshot of where we're at," Slash continued, summing up "Living The Dream". "Which is what we're going for with each new album — to be present in what we're doing and come up with something that is representative of and reflects this moment in time."

Photo credit: Steve Rose

Paul Stanley says that a live album and/or DVD/Blu-ray recorded during KISS's "End Of The Road" tour would be the "logical" way to document the band's final run of shows.

A month ago, KISS announced its "End Of The Road" farewell tour on NBC's "America's Got Talent", and last week, the band revealed the first set of dates and cities in North America, produced by Live Nation. International markets were announced simultaneously.

Asked by a fan during a question-and-answer session on this year's "Kiss Kruise" if there are any plans for KISS to release a live album of the group's farewell tour, Stanley responded (see video below): "I haven't really give it any thought, but it seems appropriate. It seems appropriate that we'll want to document, whether it's video or document with an audio of this. It's a great way to wrap things up. So although it hasn't been planned or thought out, it seems logical."

The North American leg of "End Of The Road" will launch January 31 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at Rogers Arena and will hit an additional 43 cities. The tour is expected to last two to three years and extend around the world.

hen KISS announced its final tour, the quartet vowed to bring a full production on the road for an "explosive" set of shows. "This is going to be our last tour," the band said in a statement. "It will be the most explosive, biggest show we've ever done. People who love us, come to see us. If you've never seen us, this is the time. This will be the show."

KISS's current lineup features Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer.

Stanley has hinted that former members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss could make appearances, but KISS hasn't promised anything beyond a longer set and newly designed band costumes.

"How pathetic and sad would it be to see the band, and you've seen lots of them, [where] you remember their glory days and they're out there a little bit too long," Simmons told CBC.

"We have too much pride and self-respect in us, and too much love for our fans, to not live up to our self-imposed mandate," he added.

In the brand new issue of Metal Hammer magazine, AVENGED SEVENFOLD singer M. Shadows was asked if it "really annoys" him when certain music web sites types "blow things out of proportion." He responded: "It annoys me when something cool or relevant happens and it doesn't get written about. Then, other times, they will take one line from some random interview and blow everything out of proportion. Blind follow the blind. If one web site picks it up, then they all have to. Why not write your own articles? I wish press and fans cared more about the songs than other bullshit that comes along with it. A lot of records and bands are successful or fail based off initial sentiment. For instance, you see one article with a strong opinion all over the place and it dominates the narrative. I wish people would think for themselves. There's not a lot of that going on these days."

Back in November 2016, M. Shadows hit out at "web sites that depend on clicks for revenue" over their coverage of the No. 4 debut of the band's latest album, "The Stage", on The Billboard 200 album chart. The surprise release of the disc, which was announced the night it went on sale, earned the lowest sales of an AVENGED SEVENFOLD album in eleven years. It sold 76,000 copies in its first week, 73,000 of which were physical.

He wrote at the time: "One thing I have noticed in the last couple of years is that websites that depend on clicks for revenue tend to love weaving narratives that benefit their bottom line. You see it largely in politics and now you see it in metal. I admit that I think these websites are entertaining and don't hate or even dislike the people that run them or their visitors. None of this is to be taken too seriously but when I am sent the same articles over and over that are meant to sell their false narrative about A7X, then I think it's time for the band to speak up."

"The Stage", AVENGED's debut for Capitol Records, sold less than half as many copies in its first week as the group's two previous efforts, 2010's "Nightmare" and 2013's "Hail To The King".

he group made the album available at midnight on October 27, 2016 with almost no promotion beforehand, save for the arrival of a new song one week earlier.

"The Stage" was re-released as a "deluxe edition" in December 2017.

It was the album that launched such iconic '90s power anthems as "Far Behind", "You" and "Cover Me", and turned CANDLEBOX into a four-time-platinum-selling band in mere months. Now, just over 25 years later, CANDLEBOX is honoring what it meant to its legion of fans by performing their debut, self-titled album in its entirety during select dates in 2019.

Kicking off February 10 at the Pageant in St. Louis, the band will perform several shows throughout spring and summer, hitting major U.S. markets along the way including Detroit at The Fillmore (February 16) and back-to-back performances in New York at The Paramount Theatre (April 26) and Irving Plaza (April 27). Tickets for the shows go on sale Friday, November 16 at CandleBoxRocks.com.

"We can't wait to get out there and bring our fans on this journey back in time with us," said Kevin Martin, lead singer for CANDLEBOX. "We love that our music still connects with audiences and affects them so many years later."

CANDLEBOX's debut album was released in July 1993 and went on to sell more than four million copies. It was certified four times platinum and landed in the No. 7 spot on the Billboard chart. "Far Behind" from the release entered Billboard's Top 20 in July of 1993 and didn't drop off the charts until January of 1994. The videos for "Far Behind" and "You" were in perpetual rotation on MTV and became two of the most requested videos of 1993. The album itself is still revered as one of the quintessential '90s rock albums.

n addition to Martin, CANDLEBOX members include Adam Kury on bass, Brian Quinn on lead guitar, Island Styles on guitar and Dave Krusen on drums.

Tour dates:

Feb. 10 - The Pageant - St. Louis, MO

Feb. 11 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL

Feb. 14 - The Clyde - Ft. Wayne, IN

Feb. 15 - 20 Monroe - Grand Rapids, MI*

Feb. 16 - Fillmore - Detroit, MI*

Feb. 17 - Hard Rock Live - Cleveland, OH

Mar. 13 - Plaza Live - Orlando, FL

Mar. 14 - Jannus Live - St. Petersburg, FL

Mar. 15 - The Culture Room - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Apr. 17 - Wilbur Theatre - Boston, MA*

Apr. 18 - The Warehouse - Fairfield, CT

Apr. 19 - The Wellmont - Montclair, NJ*

Apr. 20 - Sherman Theater - Stroudsburg, PA

Apr. 24 - Tupelo Music Hall - Derry, NH

Apr. 25 - The Egg - Albany, NY

Apr. 26 - Paramount Theatre - Huntington, NY*

Apr. 27 - Irving Plaza - New York, NY*

Jul. 20 - Hard Rock Casino - Biloxi, MS

* Denotes shows that will feature the entire debut album.

During a November 6 appearance on KTLA, former FOREIGNER singer Lou Gramm spoke about his participation in the band's "Double Vision: Then And Now" concerts, which kicked off this past Friday (November 9) at Los Angeles's Microsoft Theater.

The shows — which are also being held in Rancho Mirage, California; Atlantic City, New Jersey; and Uncasville, Connecticut — feature current and original members of FOREIGNER, including guitarist Mick Jones, drummer Dennis Elliott, keyboardist Al Greenwood, bassist Rick Wills and guitarist/saxophonist Ian McDonald.

Speaking about what it's been like to perform with FOREIGNER's current incarnation, Gramm said: "That is today's FOREIGNER, and they're a great bunch of guys, great musicians. So it's been a ton of fun having the original band do some songs, the current FOREIGNER do some songs, and then we do some things together. It's unbelievable."

Asked how he feels about the fact that FOREIGNER's present-day lineup is carrying on without his involvement, Gramm said: "I could be critical of it if I wanted to be. But I take it in the spirit that it's meant to be, and it's the continued legacy of the band. And for them to be doing that — and they're touring like crazy — and the original band to come up and do half a dozen numbers to show the audience where it all came from, it's a very unique idea and it goes down like a storm."

b>FOREIGNER's first-ever ticketed reunion concert featuring all original members took place in August at The Sturgis Buffalo Chip in Sturgis, South Dakota.

Gramm and Jones's June 2013 performance of "I Want To Know What Love Is" and "Juke Box Hero" at the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in New York City marked the first time the pair performed together in a decade after Gramm left FOREIGNER for a second time. Hansen has fronted the group since 2005. Jones is the sole remaining founding member in FOREIGNER's current lineup.

Mike Portnoy has commented on the popular theory that "rock is dead," or that it will never be what it once was.

The former DREAM THEATER and current SONS OF APOLLO drummer was asked to weigh in on the topic during an interview for the upcoming film "Rock Is Dead?"

He said (see video below): "I guess there's two ways of looking at it. Are we talking about the music or the business? Because if you're talking about the music, I couldn't disagree more. I think rock, as an art form, just keeps growing and growing and blossoming and blossoming, and you have all these subgenres that just keep growing. And you have all the great music from 50 years ago and all the great music being made today. So, musically, I couldn't disagree more. But if you're talking about as a business, it's harder and harder in modern times for not only musicians to make a living, but even the people that are not the musicians — record companies or instrument-selling companies or retailers, whether it be music stores that sell instruments or record stores that sell CDs and records. Rock as a business is going through the toughest times it's ever been through."

He added: "When I was coming around, you had thousands of bands selling millions of records. Now you have millions of bands selling thousands of records. Artists and musicians have to think of new ways to make a living."

sked if he believes this is the Internet's fault, Portnoy said: "Yeah, it is. It is. Obviously, when Napster came around in the late '90s or early 2000s, there was a big stink about it, and Lars Ulrich [METALLICA] went in there fighting for musicians and ended up getting torn to shreds. But here we are almost 20 years later, and I think Lars was spot-on correct, actually.

"A band like METALLICA can survive, but if you're a new, young band and you're trying to sell units or sell concert tickets, it's gotta be impossible," he said.

Despite the fact that streaming music platforms have actually lowered piracy, Portnoy believes everyone who has downloaded music illegally has contributed to the presumed demise of the music industry.

"People that actually literally just take the music for free, that's what's killed the industry," he said. "Like I said, when I was coming out with DREAM THEATER 30 years ago in the mid-'80s, you'd sell a million records then. Nowadays a brand new band will come out and sell five hundred units. It's impossible for bands to make a living. They can get their music out there."

Portnoy went on to say that the Internet hasn't been all bad for musicians. "It depends on what your goal is," he explained. "If your goal is to sell units and make money, it's impossible. If your goal is just to get your music heard, well, then you have greater outlets than ever before. So in that respect, the Internet's been a great thing. When I was coming up in the '80s, you couldn't get your music heard unless you had a record deal, you signed a seven-album deal and you had to be in Rolling Stone magazine or be on MTV; there was no other way to get your music heard. That's the good side of it — these days you can do that without having to sign your life away. So that's the only plus side that the Internet has afforded a lot of musicians today."

Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER more than 30 years ago, abruptly quit the band in September 2010 while on tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD. He has since been replaced by Mike Mangini (ANNIHILATOR, EXTREME, JAMES LABRIE, STEVE VAI).

The second single from Marius Danielsen's highly anticipated album, Legend of Valley Doom: Part 2, has been released. "Tower of Knowledge" is available on all major streaming platforms and via Crime Records. A lyric video for the song can be found below.

"Tower of Knowledge" features:

Vocals - Mathias Blad (Falconer)
Guitar Solo - Tom Naumann (Primal Fear)
Bass - Giorgio Novarino (ex-Bejelit)
Rhythm guitar - Marius Danielsen (Darkest Sins)
Orchestration - Peter Danielsen (Darkest Sins)
Drums - Stian Kristoffersen (Pagan's Mind)
Choir - Marius Danielsen (Darkest Sins), Peter Danielsen (Darkest Sins), and Alessio Perardi (Airborn)

The wait is finally over. On November 30th, Crime Records will release Legend Of Valley Doom: Part 2 by Marius Danielsen.

Part 1 was highly praised by the power metal fans around the globe. If you enjoyed Part 1, you’re definitely in for a positive surprise. Where Part 1 took 10 years in the making and consists of a variety of free-standing masterpieces, Part 2 took Marius only 3 years and will take you to the next level of this epic metal opera trilogy. Breathtaking songwriting performed by some of the best metal musicians of our time and guided by a fantastic storyline. It doesn’t get much better than this.

The story: “The next chapter in the Legend of Valley Doom will continue where Part 1 left us. The Dark Lord defeated Valley Doom, and King Thorgan fell in battle. The Valley Doomians are forced to flee to their allies in the west - The Kingdom of Eunomia. It is
up to the Warrior King to lead the people of Valley Doom to safety. Together with King Eunotrian and Arigo the Wise they need to find a way to defeat the Dark Lord. What went wrong with the prophecy? The answers lie in the Crystal Mountains.”

Lineup on Legend Of Valley Doom Part 2:

Vocals:

Michael Kiske (Helloween, Avantasia, Unisonic)
Tim Ripper Owens (ex-Judas Priest)
Blaze Bayley (ex-Iron Maiden, Wolvesbane)
Olaf Hayer (ex-Luca Turilli, Symphonity)
Michele Luppi (Whitesnake, ex-Vision Divine)
Daniel Heiman (ex-Lost Horizon, Harmony)
Mark Boals (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen)
Alessio Garavello (ex-Power Quest, A New Tomorrow)
Mathias Blad (Falconer)
Jan Thore Grefstad (Highland Glory, Saint Deamon)
Diego Valdez (Helker, Iron Mask)
Raphael Mendes (Urizen)
Per Johansson (Ureas)
Kai Somby (Intrigue)
Simon Byron (Sunset)
Anniken Rasmussen (Darkest Sins)
Peter Danielsen (Darkest Sins)
Marius Danielsen (Darkest Sins)

Bass:

Jari Kainulainen (ex-Stratovarius, Masterplan)
Magnus Rosén (ex-HammerFall)
Barend Courbois (Blind Guardian)
Jonas Kuhlberg (Cain's Offering)
Giorgio Novarino (ex-Bejelit)
Rick Martin (Beecake)

Guitars:

Bruce Kulick (ex-KISS)
Matias Kupiainen (Stratovarius)
Jennifer Batten (ex-Michael Jackson)
Tom Naumann (Primal Fear)
Tracy G (ex-Dio)
Jens Ludwig (Edguy)
Jimmy Hedlund (Falconer)
Timo Somers (Delain)
Olivier Lapauze (Heavenly)
Luca Princiotta (Doro)
Andy Midgley (Neonfly)
Mike Campese
Billy Johnston (Beecake)
Sigurd Kårstad (Darkest Sins)
Marius Danielsen (Darkest Sins)

Keyboards:

Peter Danielsen (Darkest Sins)
Steve Williams (Power Quest)

Drums:

Stian Kristoffersen (Pagan's Mind)
Vinny Appice (ex-Dio, ex-Black Sabbath) - On bonus tracks

Choirs:

Marius Danielsen (Darkest Sins)
Peter Danielsen (Darkest Sins)
Jan Thore Grefstad (Highland Glory, Saint Deamon)
Anniken Rasmussen (Darkest Sins)
Alessio Perardi (Airborn)

Tracklisting:

“King Thorgan’s Hymn”
“Rise Of The Dark Empire”
“Gates Of Eunomia”
“Tower Of Knowledge”
“Visions Of The Night”
“Crystal Mountains”
“By The Dragon’s Breath”
“Under The Silver Moon”
“Angel Of Light”
“Princess Of Lariana’s Forest”
“Temple Of The Ancient God”
“We Stand Together”
“Tower Of Knowledge” (Bonus Track)
“Crystal Mountains” (Bonus Track)

"Temple Of The Ancient God" lyric video:

Trailer:

LACUNA COIL frontwoman Cristina Scabbia spoke to Metal Wani about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's follow-up to 2016's "Delirium" album. "We are starting to work on a new record, even though, I have to say, there are no songs ready at all," she said (hear audio below). "Because our head right now is in tour mode, and to work on the book and the DVD, it required so much time that we honestly didn't focus properly on the songwriting. So as soon as we'll be back home after the Euro tour that we are approaching, we will focus on the songwriting, and then the thing will be real. But so far, we didn't really have a lot of time and, most of all, the right mindset to compose new music. And we want to do it in a very serious way and in a way that we know that we can produce good stuff. But soon. We're planning a new record for next year. Hopefully we'll make it."

Scabbia also said that she isn't worried about LACUNA COIL's ability to survive while digital music sales continue to fall as the music business inches closer to an access-over-ownership model. "I'm not concerned, because I think it's an evolution," she explained. "I think it will be constantly transforming, but I don't see it disappearing. Because when I think about the last 20 years, for example, we started with cassettes —we started with a promo cassette that, of course, is not existing anymore. And I remember when CDs came out, everybody was, like, 'Oh, that will never work. Oh my God! Oh my God! How are we gonna do without cassettes?' Then CDs took over. Then, when the CD wasn't working anymore that well and everybody was talking about streaming, everybody was shaming streaming and MP3s, because, 'Oh my God! What's gonna happen?'"

She continued: "Things are changing. We just have to hold hands with the future, because it's happening — it doesn't really matter. Music will be present, because people need music — people need to listen to music — so it will not be something that will die. Maybe it will only change the way it's presented, the way it's broadcasted, the way it's produced. But I don't see music going anywhere."

LACUNA COIL will release its first-ever book, titled "Nothing Stands In Our Way", on November 28 via Rocket 88. The book contains rare and candid photographs, memorabilia and personal artefacts from the collections of founding members Scabbia, Andrea Ferro and Marco Coti Zelati. Among the wealth of photographs in the book are baby pics, 1990s skater poses, pre-LACUNA COIL performance shots, and tons of backstage scenes from the past two decades.

new LACUNA COIL live CD/DVD set, "The 119 Show - Live In London", will arrive on November 9 through Century Media. The set consists of a January 19, 2018 performance at the 02 Forum Kentish Town in London, England.