Generation Kill, featuring former Exodus and vocalist Rob Dukes, are currently in the studio recording the follow-up to We’re All Gonna Die, which will be released in early 2018.

Rob Dukes (Exodus) and Jason Velez return with new members Max Velez on bass and Craig Cefola (Wheelhouse Junction) on drums. The new lineup can be heard on the cover of the Agent Orange track “Bloodstains”, available for streaming below:

Generation Kill lineup:

Rob Dukes (Vocals)
Jason Velez (Guitar)
Max Velez (Bass)
Craig Cefola (Drums)

Raintimes, the new melodic rock project featuring Italian musicians Pierpaolo “Zorro” Monti (Charming Grace, Shining Line) and Davide Barbieri (Wheels Of Fire, Charming Grace) together with singer Michael Shotton (Von Groove), will release their debut album on December 1st.

The lineup on the album is completed by Sven Larsson, Andrea Gipponi, and Ivan Gonzalez. A lyric video for the track “Forever Gone” can be found below.

Pierpaolo “Zorro” Monti states: “’Forever Gone’ is a very special song that I begun writing during the sessions of my Shining Line debut. I continued writing the song with the idea of making an album in the style of The Storm, so I asked Dave to add a few parts to complete its structure, and recorded the first demo the same day. We were very excited with the final result! Raintimes is the album that I really wanted to use as a sort of tribute to my love and admiration for The Storm. I have played to death their two albums (especially Eye Of The Storm). Their tempos, steeped in pure melodic class, are the perfect crossroad between AOR and melodic rock. The choice of Shotton as frontman was based not only on my love for his talents, but because I wanted to give a strong personality to the album and make the music more personal and original.”

Pre-order the new album here.

Tracklisting:

“Forever Gone”
“Make My Day”
“Don’t Ever Give Up”
“Swan”
“I Need Tonight”
“Raintimes”
“Just A Little Bit More”
“Empty Days”
“Together As Friends”
“Missing Piece”
“I See The Light”

“Forever Gone” lyric video:

Band lineup:

Michael Shotton - Lead & Backing Vocals
Iván González - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Sven Larsson - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Davide Barbieri - Keyboards & Backing Vocals
Andrea Gipponi - Bass & Fretless Bass
Pierpaolo Monti - Drums & Percussion

Special guests:

Niclas Olsson - Keyboards on “I Need Tonight”
Philip Lindstrand - Backing Vocals on “I Need Tonight”
Alessandro Del Vecchio: Keyboards & Backing Vocals on “Just A Little Bit More”
Erica Trovato: Backing Vocals on “Together As Friends”
Jesús Espín: Backing Vocals on “Missing Piece”
Daniel Flores: Percussion on “I See The Light”
Michele Luppi: Keyboards on “I See The Light”

U.K. industrial metal pioneers GODFLESH will release their new album, "Post Self", on November 17 via Shellshock.

Over two years in the making, "Post Self" explores the less "metal" side of GODFLESH, taking in the formative influences and spitting out something more informed by late '70s early '80s post-punk and industrial than it is anything metal-related. Lyrically, the album deals with anxiety and depression, fear, mortality and paternal and maternal relationships. "Post Self" track listing:

01. Post Self02. Parasite 03. No Body 04. Mirror Of Finite Light 05. Be God 06. The Cyclic End 07. Pre Self 08. Mortality Sorrow 09. In Your Shadow 10. The Infinite End

GODFLESH's last album, "A World Lit Only By Fire", was released in October 2014 via frontman Justin K. Broadrick's Avalanche Recordings.

The official visualizer video for "Crown Of Electrodes", a brand new song from the cult U.K. doom/sludge outfit IRON MONKEY, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's first new full-length in almost two decades, "9-13", which will be released on October 20 via Relapse Records.

After disbanding in 1999 due to the death of their original singer J.P. Morrow, the group has reformed for phase two of their mission.

Recorded in IRON MONKEY's hometown of Nottingham in spring 2017 with producer Johnny A. Carter, "9-13" is nine songs and forty-eight minutes of total nihilism. Now older, more cynical and more isolationist, the band is back to usurp the scene, then crush its skull.

Without question IRON MONKEY's most focused, aggressive and direct material to date, "9-13" is an all-out assault of violent hatred and nightmarish negativity — recommended listening for fans of pain, suffering, and misanthropy.

"9-13" track listing:

01. Crown Of Electrodes02. OmegaMangler03. 9-1304. Toadcrucifier - R.I.P.P.E.R.05. Destroyer06. Mortarhex07. The Rope08. Doomsday Impulse Multiplier09. Moreland St. Hammervortex

Heavily influenced by the nihilistic sound of groups like EYEHATEGOD, BUZZOV*EN, FLOOR and GRIEF, IRON MONKEY originally formed in Nottingham, England in 1994 and released two full-lengths (1997's self-titled debut and 1998's "Our Problem"), a live album and a split with CHURCH OF MISERY before splitting in 1999. Now, almost two decades later, the band has decided to reform as a trio with co-founding members S. Watson on bass and J. Rushby on guitar/vocals. They're rounded out by new member S. Briggs (CHAOS U.K.,) who also played with original IRON MONKEY vocalist J.P. Morrow in the short-lived sludge supergroup MY WAR.

Morrow died of a heart attack in June 2002.

Photo credit: Ralph Barklam

German hard rock icons Scorpions have cancelled their remaining North American tour dates due to “severe laryngitis.” A band statement reads as follows:

“The Scorpions regretfully announce that due to severe laryngitis, the remainder of the U.S. 2017 tour will be cancelled. Klaus Meine has been advised by top throat specialist in Los Angeles to rest his voice. If he continues the tour, he could risk permanent vocal damage.”

The band added: “We truly hate to disappoint our fans, and hope to come back to America soon, but this time we have no choice but to cancel.”

Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, who were on the bill as direct support for the duration of the tour, has issued the following statement:

"On behalf of Megadeth, I want to express our deepest gratitude to the Scorpions for this amazing opportunity to tour with our heroes. To the fans, old and new, who came out to see these amazing shows, we thank you profusely and hope you dug it as much as we did. Of course to the Scorpions, and their legendary singer Klaus Meine’s, whose health and well being is a ‘top priority’ to all of us, we wish him and his bandmates the very best. If there’s ever a chance to share the stage again with the Scorpions again, we’ll be there!"

Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase.

Italian symphonic death metal titans FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE have parted ways with vocalist/guitarist Tommaso Riccardi. Taking his place is the band's original frontman, drummer Francesco Paoli. David Folchitto (STORMLORD, PROPHILAX) will be taking over on drums, while Fabio Bartoletti (DECEPTIONIST) is stepping in to handle lead guitar duties.

Commented the band: "About a couple of months ago, our singer Tommaso left the band for personal reasons. Our separation wasn't painless, but everybody thought this was the best solution. Therefore, we sat down and tried to figure out all possible scenarios for a band that suddenly loses its frontman.

"The will to go on and continue this journey was stronger than everything else. Since the message of FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE goes beyond music itself, we couldn't let someone who wasn't there since the beginning be its spokesman. So the only way to go on was to take a look back at our roots: We decided that Francesco Paoli, our drummer, songwriter, founder and first frontman of the band, was the natural choice for this delicate and also challenging position. Our mastermind has finally taken back his originary role as lead vocalist and guitarist.

"From now on, besides our precious soprano singer Veronica Bordacchini, we'll have the honor to share the stage with the Italian metal legend David Folchitto on drums together with the phenomenal Fabio Bartoletti on lead guitar.

"FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE are more focused and determined than ever. Expect new epic live experiences and, most likely, the darkest and heaviest FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE album that we've ever written.

"We can't wait to start this new, exciting chapter of our career. Our friends in South America will be the first ones to witness the new course of the band, with Francesco as our frontman.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE will kick off a South American tour with SEPTICFLESH later this week.

FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE's latest album, "King", was released in February 2016 via Nuclear Blast. The CD was tracked at Kick Recording and 16th Cellar studios in Rome, and was mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren (AMON AMARTH, AT THE GATES, ARCH ENEMY) at Fascination Street studio in Sweden.

In a brand new interview with Australia's Loud, FOZZY frontman Chris Jericho spoke about the success of the band's latest single and title track of the group's forthcoming album, "Judas". Asked why he thinks the song has resonated so strongly with audiences, Jericho said: "Well, we've had successful songs in our past, but I think there's a couple of factors. I think it's the right song at the right place at the right time. I think people have been hearing about FOZZY for years, and there's a lot of people that have heard of us, but never actually listened to us. And when they finally give us a shot and check us out, they like it. So I think that has a lot to do with it, and I think a very cool video really spiked it and took it to the next level. And also the song itself — it's a song that everybody can relate to. The lyrics, that feeling of betraying yourself, knowing that you're making the wrong decision… Even though you know it's the wrong decision; drinking that last shot before you go to bed, or cheating on your girlfriend or whatever it may be. I think it's a combination of the lyrics, the hook, the situation, the band."

He continued: "We weren't ready for this a couple of years ago, and now we are. Whatever the reasons, you can really see that things have really changed for us in the past few months, in a good way."

Jericho also talked about the evolution of the FOZZY songwriting process over the course of the last several albums. "Well, it changed quite a bit on this record because we decided to use an outside producer, which we've never had before," he explained. "We always had, between Rich [Ward, guitar] and I, we produced the record and kind of had the final say. But we decided to bring in Johnny Andrews, who we had worked with on the 'Do You Wanna Start A War' record on the song 'Lights Go Out'. We said, 'Listen, we're gonna do this with Johnny at the helm. Johnny's gonna be the boss, he's gonna call the shots,' and he had a lot to do with the songwriting. He was very adamant about some songs; maybe they didn't have a guitar solo because it doesn't need it. It's about making it a better song. It doesn't have a high scream on it, [but] it doesn't need it to make it a better song. We really focused in on the actual songwriting, focused in on the hooks, the melodies and the choruses, and making this record ten or eleven singles, much like 'Appetite For Destruction', 'Hysteria' or 'Kick' by INXS, whereas it's just one song after another after another. And that's what we kind of focused in on; we wanted eleven singles, and I think we've got that. It's also very diverse, which we've never had a problem with as well. So I think what you have is a very exciting record and the best of FOZZY's career. We've finally figured out what our sound is after all these records, and we nailed it on 'Judas'."

"Judas" is scheduled for release on October 13 via Century Media.

FOZZY will embark on "Fozzy Across America" later this month. The event will consist of three live performances in three separate cities and three different timezones in just one day — a feat that has never been attempted before by any other group.

PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS (formerly PHIL CAMPBELL'S ALL STARR BAND), the band featuring MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Phil Campbell alongside his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla, plus vocalist Neil Starr, has completed recording its debut full-length album with producer Romesh Dodangoda. An early 2018 release via Nuclear Blast is expected.

Speaking to The Rockpit, Campbell stated about the upcoming disc: "We did the first three mixes yesterday and its sounding brilliant, so we've just got to finish the mixes now and then it's done."

Phil was full of praise for Dodangoda, saying: "He's a local guy from Cardiff. He's done loads of records in the past. He did my guitars for MOTÖRHEAD on [2010's] 'The Wörld Is Yours' album, as when my dad got sick, I had to fly home from L.A., so I finished my guitars with Romesh. He's pretty talented, an amazing lad."

According to Campbell, he wanted to record the PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS album locally because he "didn't want to go travelling because I've got a lot on my plate at the moment with a few different things, so I didn't want to go too far," he said. "So we went to the famous Rockfield Studios in Monmouth in Wales and that's only about an hour away. We went there for three or four days to do the drums and then a couple of weeks ago we were back to the studio in Cardiff. So it's all Welsh produce!"

Asked if the upcoming PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS full-length effort will be musically similar to the last year's self-titled debut five-track EP, Phil said: "Because of all the touring involvement, I think it's gonna be a bigger sound, I think. Everything will be bigger, but it's still classic rock with elements of punk in it. But it's fantastic — the best album you'll hear in the next ten years! Honest to god, it's huge, the sound!"

PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS' last release was a digital-only live EP, "Live At Solothurn", which came out in June.

Richie Sambora says that he would be willing to reunite with BON JOVI for a one-off performance, should the band finally get enough votes to get into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. BON JOVI is nominated for induction for the first time since 2011.

The 58-year-old guitarist, who joined in 1983 and co-wrote most of the group's iconic hits over the following three decades, told the "Trunk Nation" show on SiriusXM channel Volume about BON JOVI's nomination: "It's a big honor, but to be honest with you, I feel like I'm already in the Hall Of Fame, because I've been playing with my peers and these guys that are in the Hall Of Fame, whether it's Bob Dylan or Jimmy Page and all these guys, for a long time. Anytime you walk onstage with Buddy Guy or B.B. King or something like that, I felt like I was already in Hall Of Fame. But it's still good to be recognized, obviously, and all that. It's a thrill."

Sambora hasn't played with BON JOVI since he left the group in 2013, but he says he is open to performing with his former bandmates again on April 14, 2018 in Cleveland if BON JOVI finally gets the nod.

"Of course. Of course, man," he said. "Hey, look, at the end of the day, the great thing is that we made a lot of people happy, we put a lot of asses in the seats, we sold a lot of records and wrote some great songs that made a lot of people happy. So I guess if I do get in, I'll feel like it's maybe deserved or something like that. That's the way I look at it. We were out there playing for thirty-some-odd years and made a lot of people happy, so maybe that's a deserved thing."

Sambora told Billboard that he already knows which songs he would like to play at the induction ceremony.

"'Livin' On A Prayer' would have to be one," he said. "'Prayer' is a song that has lived through the ages. It's one of those songs that means more today than when we wrote it. When you're a songwriter and you hit that note when everybody relates to it, and it becomes a part of humanity, for God's sake. And you know, 'Wanted Dead Or Alive', obviously."

Asked by Billboard if the door is open to his permanent return to BON JOVI, Sambora said: "You never know. It depends on a lot of stuff. Not like we're talking about it. This thing just happened. Obviously, I think we'd do well. You know what I mean?"

BON JOVI's frontman and namesake told People last year that Sambora abruptly left the group during 2013's "Because We Can" tour.

"There was no fight or money issues, like the reports say," Bon Jovi said. "Nobody expected Richie to quit in the middle of the night for no reason. He wasn't fired; he just didn't come to work."

All of the Rock Hall nominees had to have released their first recording no later than 1992 to be eligible.

The induction ceremony will take place at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland. It will be televised later on HBO.

Frontiers Music Srl will release PINK CREAM 69's new album, "Headstrong", on November 10.

Another track from the disc, "Man Of Sorrow", can be streamed below.

"Headstrong" marks the thirtieth anniversary of the German/British hard rockers PINK CREAM 69. And what better way to celebrate than by adding yet another gem to their already spectacular discography. Produced by bassist (and renowned producer) Dennis Ward, "Headstrong" sees the same line-up from 2013's well-received "Ceremonial" album return to deliver fans another hard-rocking set of quality songs and is their twelfth studio album overall. As a special treat, the new release includes a bonus live album featuring songs from across the band's catalogue. Ward says: "When we released our first album in 1989, we were proud to be a 'guitar band' that yielded powerful guitar riffs and soaring vocal melodies.

"Since the release of 'Ceremonial', it became evident to us that we had to take a step back to be able to make two steps forward, so we made a 'master plan': to resurrect our earliest form of songwriting incorporating these riffs and melodies, reducing the amount of keyboards and keeping the production to a minimum of sonic layers in order to be as true as possible to our sound — the sound of fat and crunchy guitars.

"I feel that the new 'Headstrong' album is a high-energy recording that redeems us as the powerful rock 'n' roll band we used to be.

"After weeks of cross checking the production, listening to the CD in my car, I take great pride in saying 'mission accomplished.' We look so very forward to presenting our new 'baby.'" PINK CREAM 69 was founded in 1987 by singer Andi Deris, guitarist Alfred Koffler, drummer Kosta Zafiriou, who were later joined by bassist Dennis Ward. Deris left the band in 1994 and after auditioning various singers was replaced by Englishman David Readman. "Headstrong" track listing: 01. We Bow To None02. Walls Come Down03. Unite And Divide04. No More Fear05. Man Of Sorrow06. Path Of Destiny07. Vagrant Of The Night08. Bloodsucker09. Whistleblower10. The Other Man Bonus live album (Recorded in 2013 in Ludwigsburg, Germany):

01. Special02. Talk To The Moon03. Break The Silence04. Do You Like It Like That05. The Spirit06. Livin’ My Life For You07. Wasted Years08. Welcome The Night09. Shame

PINK CREAM 69 is: David Readman - vocalsAlfred Koffler - guitarUwe Reitenauer - guitarDennis Ward - bassChris Schmidt - drums

AC/DC's Angus Young attended THE ROLLING STONES' concert in Germany on Monday (October 9).

His longtime friend, THE ROLLING STONES guitarist Keith Richards, posted on Facebook that it was a "great surprise to see Angus in Düsseldorf."

Angus lives in Aalten, a Dutch city situated just over 90 kilometers from Düsseldorf.

THE ROLLING STONES are on the road in Europe as part of the six-week "No Filter" tour.

AC/DC's future remains in doubt after the band completed its world tour in support of 2014's "Rock Or Bust", a cycle that saw a massive turnover in the group's personnel. Angus has not yet indicated whether the group will continue recording and touring.

In March 2016, AC/DC's singer of thirty-five years, Brian Johnson, had to leave the band's North American tour after doctors told him he might lose his hearing, while forty-year bassist Cliff Williams announced his retirement at the rescheduled trek's conclusion.

The lineup that completed the tour consisted of Williams, Young, GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose, Chris Slade on drums and Angus's nephew Stevie Young on guitar.




Great surprise to see Angus in Düsseldorf!

Posted by Keith Richards on Monday, October 9, 2017

In a brand new interview with May The Rock Be With You, former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach spoke about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the long-awaited follow-up to his 2014 solo album, "Give 'Em Hell". "We are currently in the demo material, songwriting, gathering [ideas as] part of making a record," he said. "My manager, Rick Sales, has said, 'Sebastian, now is the time,' and he has many different record labels that he is speaking to, so that's what I'm doing."

Bach added that he is "not in a hurry or in a rush" to release a new studio record. "I feel that I've put out a lot of good albums in my solo career and I think they're all heavy metal records, it's safe to say: 'Angel Down', 'Kicking & Screaming', 'Give 'Em Hell', not to mention 'ABachalypse Now' and 'Bring 'Em Bach Alive'," he said. "I've released a lot, so my next record is gonna be a different direction, more vocal-oriented. I want to make a California record, like THE DOORS did and VAN HALEN did, and THE EAGLES did and MÖTLEY CRÜE; they're all L.A. bands, I want to make a Sebastian L.A. record; that's what I'm trying to do."

Bach said in a 2015 interview that he was "really dying to make a record that sounds like the records of the '70s that I always listened to." He told the "Iron City Rocks" podcast: "What I mean [by that] is recording it in a way that… Like, when I listen to 'Women And Children First' by VAN HALEN, the guitar's all the way on the left, and the vocals are in the middle, with the drums who knows where, and it's just very different sounding, recording-wise, than the way albums are made today. So I think the next time I make an album, that's really what I'm gonna be going for."

He continued: "BLACK SABBATH's '13' sounds like a '70s BLACK SABBATH album, as much as it could in 2014. So whatever the fuck they were doing, I just would love to have an album of mine that sounds like that.

"I love 'Give 'Em Hell'… 'Give 'Em Hell' is like 'Star Wars'; it's, like, 'Holy shit!' I mean, it's a very modern-sounding record. And when it really got that sound was when it went to mastering with Tom Baker; he made it sound so fucking 'spacey,' and I totally love it. But my taste, as a fan, a rock fan, the next one I do, I'm gonna be going for, like… If I could have a BLACK SABBATH '13' kind of production, that's what I'll be looking for."

Sebastian Bach's autobiography, "18 And Life On Skid Row", came out last December via Dey Street Books (formerly It Books), an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Marilyn Manson's NSFW music video for the song "SAY10" can be seen below. The clip features an appearance by the shock rocker's close friend, actor and fellow musician Johnny Depp.

Manson stated about the video: "After the the balloons have all shriveled up and are swallowed in the puddles of puke and idealism, don't look to Me for sympathy. I am here to be all that I am accused of not being. And to be blamed for what you made Me.

"The shots you will hear are from a mouth disguised as a gun. Don't call this art. This is a hard cock in a room full of vampires and the music, man. The music is My foul blood on your faces."

"SAY10" is taken from Manson's latest album, "Heaven Upside Down", which was released on October 6. On the disc, he reunites with producer and film composer Tyler Bates following an epic collaboration on Manson's critically acclaimed 2015 release, "The Pale Emperor".

Marilyn Manson canceled nine shows of his "Heaven Upside Down" tour following an incident on September 30 when he was injured after a stage prop fell on him while he was playing in New York City.

Manson's next performance is expected to take place on October 15 at Grand Prairie, Texas's Freaker's Ball.

The accident happened about forty-five minutes into Manson's set at Hammerstein Ballroom as tried to climb the prop — consisting of two enormous fake pistols — which was almost double his height. The huge prop toppled and knocked Manson to the stage.

Samael vocalist / guitarist Vorph and keyboardist Xy recently visited the Napalm Records offices where they filmed an unboxing video for the limited edition version of their new album, Hegemony.

Due out October 13th, the Deluxe Box is limited to 500 units including the four-page digipak CD, flag, 10cm x 10cm logo patch and logo pendant; order yours now at this location.

Swiss black metal pioneers, Samael, have released a 3D static video for “Hegemony”, the title track of their new album, out on October 13th via Napalm Records.

The band comments: "This is our grand overture... We choose to open the album with this song because we thought it sets the tone; square rhythm, martial beat, massive guitar riffs, intricate keyboards arrangements, powerful orchestration all that meshed with aggressive and relentless vocal lines... This is our Hegemony... enjoy!"

Hegemony is not only an exceptional addition to the Samael discography alongside albums such as Passage and Eternal the album will also mark the band's 30th anniversary.

The band states: "The creative process that leads to the completion of Hegemony took over four years. Throughout that time we lived with and saw each song growing into what they finally became. Hegemony is an album that acknowledges the world we're living in, and emphasized on the effort to take control of that world. It's all about change and evolution. It's a strong statement, a testament of our time and a call for revolution."

Founded in 1987 as an old school black metal act that was influenced by the likes of Bathory, fellow countrymen Celtic Frost, and Venom, the brothers Vorph and Xy later developed the band's style further, leaning toward a more industrial dark metal sound.

Hegemony tracklisting:

“Hegemony”
“Samael”
“Angel Of Wrath”
“Rite Of Renewal”
“Red Planet”
“Black Supremacy”
“Murder Or Suicide”
“This World”
“Against All Enemies”
“Land Of The Living”
“Dictate Of Transparency”
“Helter Skelter”
“Storm Of Fire” (Bonus Track)

“Black Supremacy” performance video:

“Red Planet” lyric video:

“Angel Of Wrath” video:

Hegemony will be available as Digipak, Digital Download and Vinyl and in the following formats:

- 4-page Digipack
- 2LP Gatefold black
- 2LP Gatefold gold (via Napalm Records Online Store only)
- 2LP Gatefold red (via Napalm Records Online Store only)
- Deluxe Box incl. 1CD 4-page Digipack, Flag, 10x10cm Logo Patch and Pendant

Grab your pre-order of Hegemony here.

Live dates:

October
14 - California Deathfest - Oakland, CA

November
3 - Les Docks - Lausanne, Switzerland
10 - Metal Hammer Paradise Festival - Lübeck, Germany
15 - Festival Del Diablo - Bogata, Colombia

Junkyard's third full length studio album, High Water (released April 21, 2017) made huge waves upon release, selling out of initial pressings and cracking Billboard's Top 25 Hard Rock Album Sales Chart. Fans and critics agree the album, the band's first full length in 26 years, is among the strongest rock records released this year.

Now, Junkyard has issued a video for "Cut From The Same Cloth". The clip, which can be seen below, was filmed in various locations in both The US and The UK.

In live news, Junkyard has just confirmed a new batch of tour dates, details are as listed:

November
24 - Santa Ana, CA - Diegos
25 - Las Vegas, NV - Adrenaline Sports Bar & Grill

December
29 - Seattle, WA - Venue TBA
30 - Portland, OR - Venue TBA

February
11 to 16 - Miami, FL to Jamaica - Monsters Of Rock Cruise
16 - Cocoa Beach, FL - 80's In The Park Festival
17 - Atlanta, GA - 37 Main

 

The Scandinavian crown princes of thrash metal, Hatesphere, have posted a live video for the song "Your Sad Existence" which was shot at the Copenhell festival, where the band played in late June.

"This video has been recorded during our performance at this year's Copenhell Festival and as you'll see, it's been a hell of a fun show again. Since all of this wouldn't be possible without the support of all of you great people out there, we want to say 'thank you' with this video!"

Hatesphere are also going to return to Japan next year. The band will join Serenity In Murder on 3 dates of the RedruM Fest 2018, along with Mors Principium Est.

The band comments:

"It's been 11 years since we played Japan the last time, and now - thanks to Freddy and Serenity In Murder - we're soon on our way over there again. No need to say that we can't wait to be back and no need to say that we will do our best to make all you Japanese fans go crazy wanting more! In the meantime, we will write a new album for you - and who knows, maybe you guys and girls from Japan will be the first to hear a song or two from that album played live! See you in February - we simply can't wait!"

Dates:

February
22 – Osaka – The Live House Soma
24 – Tokyo – Cyclone
25 – Tokyo – Clubasia

Madame Mayhem has released her new video for “All Around The World” to help kick off the release campaign for her forthcoming new album and European tour this fall with Fozzy.

Madame Mayhem comments on the song and video: “‘All Around The World’ is really about feeling like it's you against the world, and racing against time. 

“It's about the pressures to succeed in such a short amount of time, people thinking they know best, and are lost in their own worlds, only concerned about themselves. In this rat race we all live in today, it's getting harder and harder to break through, even if you work your ass off. The song is upbeat, kind of a more pop punk ish vibe. 

“The music video was done by Industrialism Films, whom I have worked on other music videos with (Monster, Left For Dead). 

“It's a really cool concept about the monitored world today and how we as people forget how to function or get out of our own heads because of it.

“People are constantly being monitored by someone all around the world. However each person seems to live in their own technologically created world inside their head. People no longer interact. It doesn't matter where on the planet you live, everyone is really being the same. Someone's always watching us, yet we're living within ourselves, not paying attention to anything but our own lives.”

Madame Mayhem is a true rocker with an eclectic style in every aspect of life - merging theatricality with hard-hitting, rocking tunes. And on October 20th, she will be unveiling a brand new album, Ready For Me (via Metalville label in the UK and Europe, and HeadBall Records in the US). The just-completed album features a powerhouse team of rock talent, including producer Corey Lowery (Saint Asonia), Clint Lowery (Sevendust), Troy McLawhorn (Evanescence), and both Bevan Davies and Ryan Bennett (Madame Mayhem) on drums. 

“All the songs on this album are super personal to me,” explains Mayhem. “About my frustrations, trying to get through the rough times, my anxieties and insecurities, some messed up stuff that has happened to me along the way, relationship devastation, you name it. I noticed it only afterwards that audiences are really getting 'the dirt' on me through this album. I was super honest, vulnerable, and didn't hold back during the writing process of these songs. Corey Lowery and I are a great team because he makes me feel comfortable to spill my guts during writing sessions, and during recordings, to re live these situations I am writing about so whoever is listening gets all of what we wanted to give.

Other album standouts include "War You Started" (“Hard hitting high energy - first track off the album to get listeners pumped up definitely one of my favorites!!! Also one of our favorites to kick off our sets with!”) Also, “So Wrong (Lay You To Rest)”, “It’s about some really dark messed up stuff I went through and the rage that was building inside me because of it - about laying to rest the stress I was having over the situation. This song is also hard hitting and the vibes from the verse-pre chorus-chorus, even the breakdown and solo take you through the different stages of the feelings one can go through when dealing with traumatic experiences; and the relief you have when you finally tell a loved one or anyone that thing that you tried to bury inside you that you didn’t know was holding you back.”). Plus, the album-closing title track. “’Ready For Me’ is the name of the album and the 13th/final track on the record. I thought it would be a strong album title because it's basically - Are you ready for me? I don't think you're ready for me; ready for me or not, here I am.”).

Physical CD pre-order for North America here. Digital preorders coming soon for North America.

With hard rock roots and melodies that show off her vocal range, Madame Mayhem is excited to bring these new, unreleased songs to the masses this fall, as she will be hitting the road with Austin John Winkler (formerly the voice of Hinder) and Smile Empty Soul this fall on the Love Sick Radio Tour (presented by M7 Agency) in the US, before heading over to Europe and the UK for dates with Fozzy and Hardcore Superstar.

“I am so excited to play this new music live! Really looking forward to touring Europe and The UK in October and November 2017!”

The singer has performed across the United States to packed rooms, including B.B.King Blues Club, The Roxy, The Viper Room, Bowery Ballroom, Knitting Factory, a residency at The Cutting Room, the Bluebird Café during Grammy nomination week, Shiprocked Cruise 2017, Sunfest 2017, Sturgis Buffalo Chip 2017, and has performed on national tours with renowned and respected artists such as Doro and Mushroomhead.

With Ready For Me and tour dates on the horizon, Madame Mayhem is setting the stage for what promises to be a big 2018 with this string of worldwide tour dates in 2017.

Ready For Me tracklisting:

“War You Started”
“Wake Up (Enemy)”
“Hurt Me”
“Innocent”
“All Around The World”
“Number One”
“Stand Up”
“Say Go”
“Before You Burn”
“Original”
“Slow It Down”
“So Wrong (Lay You To Rest)”
“Ready For Me”

"All Around The World" video:

Trailer:

Tour dates:

      

October           
11 - Poseidon Rooftop Bar - Hilton Head Island, SC              
12 - Carolina Nightlight - Darlington, SC                  
13 - Hogtails - Pendleton, SC              
14 - Johnny and Junes - Winston-Salem, NC              
15 - Open Chord - Knoxville, TN

October     
27 - O2 Academy 2 - Birmingham, United Kingdom             
28 - Tivoli - Dublin, Ireland             
29 - Limelight 2 - Belfast, United Kingdom             
31 - Live Rooms - Chester-Le-Street, United Kingdom         

November
1 - Waterfront - Manchester, United Kingdom             
2 - Islington Academy - London, United Kingdom         
3 - Corporation - Sheffield, United Kingdom             
4 - The Garage - Glasgow, United Kingdom             
5 - Riverside - Newcastle, United Kingdom             
7 - Q Factory - Amsterdam, Netherlands    
8 - Colas Saal - Aschaffenburg, Germany             
9 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland              
10 - Live Club - Trezzo     Sull'adda, Italy             
11 - New Age Club - Roncade, Italy             
12 - Kimera Rock - Rome, Italy             
14 - Flex - Wien, Austria         
15 - Technikum - Munich, Germany             
16 - Turock - Essen, Germany         
17 - Grunespan - Hamburg, Germany             
18 - CPG - Genk, Belgium

Sweden's avant-garde Diablo Swing Orchestra have checked in with the following update:

"We've heard that patience is a virtue... but finally ladies and gentlemen we're getting there! We'd like to thank you guys for sticking with us during these 5 years of waiting! The label is finishing up the press release and we will be able to share the release schedule with you next week. There will be singles, pre-orders, swing, doom-country, choirs, three goats, lounge music featuring a slappin' bass, lovely strings and horns and the whole kalamazoo!"

The tracklist for the new album, which is due to be released via Spinefarm Universal, is available below.

For information on D:S:O go to this location.

Veteran metal singer Tim Aymar (Control Denied, Pharaoh) is the new singer for Persian metallers Angband!

A band statement reads: ”We are so proud to announce that legendary vocalist Tim Aymar (Control Denied, Pharaoh) is the new Angband singer! Tim is now singing our new album that we will release in 2018 via Pure Steel Recodes. We also have the virtuoso Ney player Pasha Hanjani (Dastan) as the guest musician. That’s right we have more elements from Persian traditional music in our new album which makes it a power metal/ progressive metal/ Persian folk album! We promise to surprise you with that. Stay metal!"

The Pyre is the name of the brand-new band featuring Matt Thompson (King Diamond) on drums, Ben Kuzay (ex-Monstrosity, ex-Wykked Wytch) on bass guitar, Shaun Schwanke on guitar, Erik O'Reilly on keyboard, and Alec Harrah on vocals.  They are currently recording their debut album for a 2018 release, and have just published their self-titled debut single. The song was recorded and mixed by Shaun Schwanke at Auditory Bliss Studio in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, except drums which were recorded by Matt Thompson at Whakatane Studio in Denton, Texas.

Watch Kuzay's official website here for updates.

Long-running French melodic death/thrash metal band, No Return, will release their new album, The Curse Within, on November 17th via Mighty Music. The band has just launched the first official video from the album called "Memories Turn To Ashes" below:

The Curse Within will be available on vinyl, CD and digital featuring the following tracklisting:

“Despise Your Heroes"
“Inhale"
“Just Passing Through"
“Memories Turns To Ashes"
“My Last Words"
“Serpent's Curse"
“Stare At My Reflection"
“The Crimson Rider"
“The Will To Stand Up"
“To The Dark Side Of The Sun"

Check out a lyric video for “The Crimson Rider” below, and stay tuned for more album details.

Tour dates:

October
27 - Circus Club - Scandicci, Italy (with Angelus Apatrida)
29 - Le dB - Narbonne, France (with Angelus Apatrida)
30 - The Black Sheep - Montpellier, France (with Angelus Apatrida)
31 - La Scène Michelet - Nates, France (with Angelus Apatrida)

November
1 - Hipster Cafe - Rouen, France (with Angelus Apatrida)
3 - Chez Paulette Salle de concert - Pagney-Derrière Barine, France (with Angelus Apatrida)
4 - De Spiraal - Geraardsbergen, Belgium (Black-Out Bash V)
11 - Les Fusaux - Saint-Dizier, France (Lezard'os Metalfest 2017)

Lineup:

Alain Clément - Former and Lead Guitars
David Barbosa - Bass
Joël Barbosa - Drums
Geoffroy Lebon - Guitars
Mick Caesare - Vocals

(Photo - Peetlight Peetoff)

Swedish rock/metal band, Chronus, have released a music video for “Baron”, the song is taken from their self-titled debut album, due out on October 27th in Europe on Ellefson Music Productions, aka EMP Label Group, the label of legendary Megadeth bassist David Ellefson.

After a well-received performance at this year’s Sabaton Open Air, the band are currently preparing for a Scandinavian tour supporting Soilwork and The Unguided.

Hailing from Helsingborg, Sweden, Chronus is an exalted quartet formed in 2015 and led by the Baron. Young, fresh and visionary, they carry the metal torch with astonishing maturity. Delivering a majestic performance filled with striking melodies and hard-hitting riffs, Chronus have been compared to the likes of Mastodon and Gojira. Vocalist/guitarist the Baron, dressed in white, embodies a voice reminiscent of Ozzy Osbourne, complementing the work of his three black-clad associates.

Tracklisting:

“White Mountains”
“Baron”
“Setting Sun”
“Avarice”
“Falling From Apogee”
“Rapture”
“City Of Light”
“Hold Me (Set Me Free)”

“Baron” video:

Axl Rose has criticized Mike Pence for his trip to Indianapolis to watch — and then abruptly leave — a football game Sunday between the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers, calling it a "PR stunt."

The GUNS N' ROSES frontman took to his Twitter for the first time in five months to slam the vice president for leaving the game after some players knelt during the national anthem. Pence later said that while the players, who are protesting racial injustice, are "entitled to their own opinions," he didn't think it was "too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem."

Rose joined a chorus of Pence critics who argued the act was a costly stunt orchestrated by President Donald Trump, who tweeted that he had directed Pence and the second lady to leave the game if protests occurred.

Reporters who were with Pence's group on Sunday were told before the event that there might be an early departure from the game, suggesting the vice president's national anthem exit was planned.

Axl tweeted: "Thanks WH 4 the $200k Colts game PR stunt."

Trump recently said that NFL players who kneel for the national anthem should be fired, and called on NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to tell them to stand.

The controversy started simmering over a year ago when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was the first to kneel during the national anthem.

Last December, Rose invited fans at a GUNS N' ROSES concert in Mexico City to beat the crap out of a large piñata designed to look like then-president-elect Donald Trump.

"Make Them Bleed", the full-length debut from TERROR UNIVERSAL, the "horror metal" band featuring ILL NIÑO drummer Dave Chavarri (who also previously played with SOULFLY), has had its release date pushed back to January 19, 2018 from the previously announced October 2017 (via Minus Head Records). The disc will feature guest appearances by bassists John Moyer (DISTURBED, ART OF ANARCHY, ex-ADRENALINE MOB) and Tony Campos (FEAR FACTORY, MINISTRY, SOULFLY, STATIC-X). Campos appears on the track "Dead On Arrival", and Moyer can be heard on "Spines". Moyer says: "My thanks to TERROR UNIVERSAL for allowing me to play bass on their stellar song 'Spines'. Great song from a great band!" Campos adds: "Had a blast playing on the track 'Dead On Arrival'. Really cool tune. Heavy, grooving riffs. Great hook. Looking forward to what else TERROR UNIVERSAL does." Chavarri states: "I am beyond fucking excited to be releasing our debut full-length, 'Make Them Bleed', to all you sick fucks! This album is full of metal crushing grooves!" You can pre-order "Make Them Bleed" right now via Bandcamp or via the band's brand new PledgeMusic campaign. PledgeMusic pre-order incentives include digital download cards, signed CDs, limited-edition posters, t-shirts, stickers, limited edition blood-splatter vinyl, signed gear (including a guitar, drumhead and drum sticks), one-on-one music lessons, and more.

"Make Them Bleed" track listing:

01. Passage Of Pain02. Welcome To Hell03. Spines (feat. John Moyer)04. Make Them Bleed05. Through The Mirrors06. Dig You A Hole07. Dead On Arrival (feat. Tony Campos)08. Into Darkness09. Your Time Has Come10. Piece By Piece

Guitarist Ahrue Luster (ILL NIÑO; formerly of MACHINE HEAD), who was involved with TERROR UNIVERSAL in the early stages of the band, has not been involved with the group for over a year. TERROR UNIVERSAL is:

Vocals: PlagueDrums: MassacreGuitars: ThraxBass: Diabolus

Audio samples of all the songs that are set to appear on "Darkness Of Eternity", the eighth album from Finnish symphonic metallers AMBERIAN DAWN, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The disc will be released on November 10 via Napalm Records.

"Darkness Of Eternity" track listing:

01. I'm The One02. Sky Is Falling03. Dragonflies04. Maybe05. Golden Coins06. Luna My Darling07. Abyss08. Ghostwoman09. Breathe Again10. Symphony Nr. 1, Part 2 - Darkness Of Eternity11. Anyone (bonus track)

The official lyric video for the album's first single, "Maybe", can be seen below.

Commented AMBERIAN DAWN keyboardist and mastermind Tuomas Seppälä: "This song represents the poppier side of the album.

"Most songs on this album are heavier and I'm glad that there was still room for a couple of softer songs too.

"So far I haven't put a side project band together for these different kinds of songs. Instead of that, I've wanted to make all those experiments with AMBERIAN DAWN.

"I was happy to produce this song as a tribute to ABBA's Benny Andersson. Most of the keyboards on this song was recorded at his studio in Stockholm and with his legendary keyboard 'Great White Elephant,' a Yamaha GX-1 which is often heard on ABBA songs in late '70's and early '80s.

"Lead vocal melody is actually based on a keyboard riff I composed at the age of 15 or something. That melody came back to me from somewhere and it became eventually the cornerstone of the whole song! After I got the main melody working in its final form, rest of the song kind of wrote itself.

"Those 16-beats with hi-hats which run through the whole song were there from the very first demo of mine and our drummer Joonas and bassist Jukka insisted keeping that style in the final version too."

Seppälä says: "'Darkness Of Eternity' is one of the most emotional AMBERIAN DAWN albums so far. It's got some really bombastic songs in mood of dark and symphonic melodic metal and in contrast to that also some really poppy songs too.

"For me, it's really hard to stick in one genre only and I constantly want to compose different kinds of songs!"

Tuomas adds: "The song 'Symphony Nr.1, Part 1 - The Witchcraft' told the story on the last record, 'Innuendo', before the time of 'Magic Forest'. The little girl is a healer and village elders buried her alive in a coffin. The track 'Symphony Nr.1, Part 2 - Darkness Of Eternity' on our upcoming record 'Darkness Of Eternity' tells the story of the girl lying in the coffin trying to get out. Darkness is asking her to dance the waltz of eternity. The story will continue in Part 3 and we will tell you how she became the Magic Forest's evil witch!" Regarding the "Darkness Of Eternity" recording process, Tuomas says: "We did a lot of production at legendary Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland: drum recordings, mixing by Mikko Karmila and mastering by Mika Jussila. We also used a live string section on orchestral parts and that added nice color on the sound.

"It's easy for me to say that this album is without any doubt the best sounding AMBERIAN DAWN album ever! It's a kind of monument for me and it introduces the many sides of me as composer.

"I still feel very lucky that I've got Capri [Päivi Virkkunen] on this band because she's probably the only singer capable singing all of those different styles with superior sound and feeling."

AMBERIAN DAWN released a compilation album of songs that originally appeared on their first four albums — "Circus Black" (2012), "End Of Eden" (2010), "The Clouds Of Northland Thunder" (2009) and "River Of Tuoni" (2008) — to showcase Virkkunen after the departure of Heidi Parviainen. "Re-Evolution" was made available on June 14, 2013 in Finland, distributed by Suomen Musiikki.

AMBERIAN DAWN parted ways with vocalist Heidi Parviainen in November 2012. Her final appearance with the band was at the Metal Female Voices Fest at the end of October 2012 in Belgium. AMBERIAN DAWN is:

Tuomas Seppälä – Keyboards, GuitarPäivi "Capri" Virkkunen - VocalsEmil Pohjalainen - GuitarJukka Hoffren - BassJoonas Pykälä-aho - Drums

Dey Street Books (formerly It Books), an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, will publish IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson's autobiography, "What Does This Button Do?", in the U.S. on October 31.

A one-minute promotional video for the audiobook version of "What Does This Button Do?" can be seen below.

Heavy metal pioneers since their formation in 1975, IRON MAIDEN have sold over ninety million albums and played over two thousand shows in sixty-three countries, making them one of the most successful and globally influential bands of all time. One of the world's most storied musicians, Dickinson has been the band's internationally acclaimed lead singer for more than thirty years, and quite aside from the decades spent delivering high-octane performances with his larger-than-life persona, Bruce has lived an extraordinary off-stage existence too. A true polymath, Bruce is, or has been, an airline pilot and captain, an aviation entrepreneur, a beer brewer, motivational speaker, film scriptwriter, twice-published novelist, radio presenter, TV actor and a world-class fencer.

Over the last couple of years, and throughout MAIDEN's "The Book Of Souls" world tour, which has covered thirty-nine countries and one hundred and seventeen shows since February 2016, Bruce has turned his unbridled creativity to writing his memoirs, longhand (in seven A4 notebooks no less).

In "What Does This Button Do?", Bruce (a man who famously never gives interviews about his personal life) shares, for the first time, the most fascinating recollections, including his thirty years with MAIDEN, the early days, his childhood within the eccentric British school system, going solo, realising his dream of flying jumbo jets and his recent battle with tongue cancer. Dickinson is so much more than the frontman of one of the biggest bands on the planet. A rock icon, a true renaissance man, Bruce has been, and remains, a man of legend.

Bold, honest, intelligent and very entertaining, "What Does This Button Do?" is the long-awaited window into the life, heart and mind of one of our most adventurous and multifaceted sons. The global publication on October 19 will be accompanied with a commensurate international book tour. More details to come soon.

Bruce said: "It was flattering to be approached to write a book about my experiences and it seems an appropriate time to do this."

Publishing director Jack Fogg negotiated world rights with Adrian Sington at Kruger Cowne, Dave Daniel at Celebrity Speakers and MAIDEN's management, Phantom Music Management, and will publish in conjunction with Denise Oswald, senior editor at Dey Street in HarperCollins U.S.

Fogg said: "There's no one like Bruce. Which other rock musician can fly a 747, or fence at an international level? He's a total one-off; engaging, funny, warm, self-deprecating — a British eccentric in its very best form. His book will be outstanding and I am so delighted we get to publish it and work with him."

Oswald said: "Bruce Dickinson might quite literally be the world's most interesting man. He's a true Renaissance man, and being one of the greatest rock singers of all time is merely the beginning. His memoir, like his voice, is sure to set a new gold standard and we're thrilled to be working with him on it."

Anette Ekström, MD HarperCollins Nordic, said: "We are so very pleased to be the publishing house for this exciting book! The Nordic countries have a steady fan base for heavy metal, and IRON MAIDEN in particular. Our aim is to publish the memoir in all four Nordic languages, as close to the English release as possible as we understand the fans will be anxious for it."

An excerpt from the book, in which we pick up the story at the tail end of Bruce's time in SAMSON, heading into a rather important meeting at Reading festival, can be found at IronMaiden.com.

Dickinson will read from "What Does This Button Do?", talk about the experience of writing it and answer questions from the audience at half a dozen U.S. appearances in late October and early November:

Oct. 30 - Huntington, NY @ Book Revue at 7 p.m.Oct. 31 - New York City, NY @ Hudson Union Society at 12 p.m.Oct. 31 - Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus Bar (hosted by Word bookstore) at 7:30 p.m.Nov. 01 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent Theater (hosted by Book Soup) at 7 p.m.Nov. 02 - Menlo Park, CA @ Kepler's Books at 7:30 p.m.Nov. 03 - New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre (hosted by the Strand bookstore) at 6 p.m.Nov. 04 - Ridgewood, NJ @ Bookends bookstore at 1 p.m.

Chris Annunziata of the 90.3 WMSC-FM radio station recently conducted an interview with guitarist/vocalist Joseph Duplantier of French progressive metallers GOJIRA. You can now listen to the chat using the SoundCloud widget below.

Asked if there are still plans for GOJIRA to release the long-in-the-works "Sea Shepherd" EP, Joseph said: "The goal of that whole [project] was to put the spotlight on Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Which I think is important, as an artist, to put the spotlights on something more important than just being a band and promoting our band always; there's other things to promote. And Sea Shepherd Conservation Society are doing an amazing job at protecting the oceans. They're trying their best to save the few whales left alive. And there's a few tunas, I think, they're still alive in the ocean."

He continued: "So we like to talk about them, and somehow, mission accomplished, because we brought a lot of people to their cause and we brought more attention to them. And they told us that too. [They said] 'We noticed that we have more metalheads now subscribing and sending money.' 'Cause they work only with individual donations; they don't work with any corporations or anything like that. So we like also the way they do things and their ethics."

Joseph added: "We recorded four songs. One was released — with Devin Townsend and Fredrik Thordendal from MESHUGGAH. The song is called 'Of Blood And Salt', and it was released in 2011. There's three other songs that were on a hard drive that crashed at the time, and it was a huge pain in the butt to retrack all of this. But it was done, like, three years later. But we were such on a roll with the band and we were doing an album and going on tour that it was difficult to go back to that. But right now, as we speak, I have an engineer in my studio putting all of this back together and we're trying to make this happen finally. But I don't wanna make a statement, 'Oh, this is the release date,' 'cause I learned my lesson. I'll talk about it when it's ready, but I'm still working on it."

Duplantier was also asked if GOJIRA will commemorate the tenth anniversary of the band's "The Way Of All Flesh" album next year by performing the LP live in its entirety. He said: "No. We're not into that whole anniversary thing. Maybe we'll release something, you know, like a special edition [of the record], but I don't think we'll play a gig where we play the whole album or something like that. I like when bands do that, but I don't feel like we're capable of doing that. There's always that one song [on] the record that we'll never play, 'cause it's just too challenging. [Laughs]

Pressed about which song on "The Way Of All Flesh" would be difficult for GOJIRA to reproduce live, Joseph said: "'Esoteric Surgery'. There's these few seconds that are super challenging. As a guitar player, I can play the whole song easily. As a singer, I can sing the whole song. But doing both together is a bit challenging. I could do it, but I'm just super lazy. Sorry."

Last year, GOJIRA's "Magma" staked its claim amongst the best albums of 2016, earning Metal Hammer's coveted "Album Of The Year" title while also landing on Rolling Stone's "Top 20 Metal Albums of 2016," Consequence Of Sound's "Top 50 Albums of 2016" / "Top 10 Metal Albums of 2016" lists, and Pop Matters's "Best Metal of 2016" recap. Additionally, "Stranded", the lead single off "Magma", was named one of Stereogum's "100 Favorite Songs Of 2016." "Magma" also earned GOJIRA their first-ever Grammy nominations for "Best Metal Performance" and "Best Rock Album." GOJIRA's crushing track "Silvera" received a nomination for "Best Metal Performance", while "Magma" was nominated for "Best Rock Album" at the awards. "Magma" took the #1 spot on Billboard's Hard Rock Albums chart upon debut, making GOJIRA the first French band to hold the #1 spot on the chart in its nine-year existence. The release of "Magma" marked the highest chart debuts of GOJIRA's career, landing them at #4 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums chart, #6 on Billboard's Tastemaker Albums chart and Top 25 on the Billboard 200. Furthermore, GOJIRA earned career-high chart positions around the globe, including Top 10s in France, Canada, Switzerland, Austria, Finland and Norway, with Top 15 debuts in Australia and Germany.

Los Angeles metal titans WINDS OF PLAGUE have debuted an all-new music video today for their brand new track "Kings Of Carnage". This is the second bit of music we're hearing from the band's upcoming LP, "Blood Of My Enemy", which will be released on October 27 via Entertainment One Music (eOne) / Good Fight Music.

"Blood Of My Enemy" is the follow-up to the "Resistance" LP, which was released in 2013.

"Never Alone" and "Kings Of Carnage" are available as iTunes instant-gratification tracks. Fans who pre-order the LP on iTunes will get the tracks as instant downloads. "Never Alone" and "Kings Of Carnage" also available on all streaming platforms.

Vocalist Johnny Plague states: "Over a year ago, I started making weekly trips up to a small apartment in North Hollywood on my days off to work on music for WINDS OF PLAGUE with Noah Sebastian from BAD OMENS. It was strange at first since past WINDS OF PLAGUE records were worked on in larger recording studios or rehearsal spaces and now here I am sitting on the floor of this bedroom working on record number six."

He continues: "Although it was different and humbling, it proved to be the unedited creative environment we needed for this record. We had no time limits, no 'suits' giving their input. It was just a few friends sitting in a room together, having a good time creating music. Something I haven't been able to experience in a very long time.

"Sometimes to move forward you have to take a few steps back.

"I can confidently say this is the most satisfied I have been with a WINDS OF PLAGUE record. I feel producers Noah Sebastian and Joakim Karlsson have helped us to further develop our unique approach to symphonic deathcore with distinct epic orchestral-backed choruses walking the fine line of brutal and melodic."

WINDS OF PLAGUE teamed up with artist Pär Olofsson to create the stunning cover art seen below.

Says Johnny: "'Blood Of My Enemy" takes us back to the iconic samurai theme. The imagery is inspired by a lyric from the title track, "I will give my life on the battlefield, drowning in the blood of my enemy," which represents to me a 'I will fight to the end' state of mind. Pär Olofsson brilliantly portrays the aftermath of an epic war showing an almost celestial spark of life amongst the carnage."

WINDS OF PLAGUE will support SUICIDE SILENCE on the "10 Year Anniversary of The Cleansing" tour for a handful of dates in December.

"Blood Of My Enemy" track listing: 01. A New Day02. Nameless Walker03. Kings Of Carnage04. Soul Eater05. From Failure, Comes Clarity06. Blood Of My Enemy07. Snakeskin08. Never Alone09. 515010. Either Way You Lose11. A Walk Among The Dead12. Dark Waters

On September 11, 2017, Virgil Howe — the youngest son of YES guitarist Steve Howe — passed away unexpectedly at the age of 41. As a result, YES announced the immediate cancellation of the remaining dates of its "Yestival" tour.

Steve and Virgil's collaborative album, "Nexus", was completed before the tour started and was due out this year. Steve has decided to continue with these plans.

"Virgil and I had only recently completed recording 'Nexus', which contains eleven of his tunes to which I added a guitar to suit each one," Steve said. "We delivered it to InsideOut Music in August for release on 17th November.

"We started to work together in 2016 by selecting about nine tunes from his 'stockpile' of piano-based music that he'd periodically sent Jan and I each time he'd written and recorded a new idea. I began adding guitars to them, then I'd play them to Virgil. He'd then surprise me by bringing up other channels of instrumentation which I'd never heard. The tunes went from straightforward 'duets' to something bigger and better, more of a complete picture than a mere shape. 'Free Fall' and 'Nick's Star' were added from earlier sessions, the latter being his tribute to the passing of his best friend Nick Hirsch. "'Nexus' explores a completely different side of Virgil's ability, as a writer and keyboard player — 'in his own right.' His talents were multi-diverse, so sitting at a keyboard and computer or in the middle of his drum kit, at all his regular DJ-ing gigs or on the radio, he always gave his best.

"We hope that the music just completed will stand as a fitting tribute to his life and legacy."

Thomas Waber, label manager/A&R international, and Stefan Franke, product manager at InsideOut Music, said in a statement: "The sudden passing of Virgil Howe deeply shocked the entire InsideOut Music team as it happened just a few hours after he had approved the first press release about 'Nexus'. It was supposed to be a new beginning for an exciting musical collaboration, but now it has become one of the saddest albums we have ever worked on.

"We left the decision over the release of 'Nexus' up to Steve and respect his wish to continue as originally discussed. Being fathers too, we can only guess how hard it must be to deal with such a loss and we sincerely hope you will all enjoy 'Nexus' despite the circumstances under which it is coming out. Our thoughts are with the Howe family during this difficult time." From first hitting the keys of his father's Moog synthesizer at the age of four to playing in front of two hundred thousand people behind the drum kit for FUTURE SOUND OF LONDON's AMORPHOUS ANDROGYNOUS, Virgil leaves behind a prolific output that covered a wide range of genres from electronica to psychedelic sounds, from rock to synth and beyond. With his band LITTLE BARRIE he also was part of the score for the AMC TV series "Better Call Saul".

On "Nexus", Steve handled acoustic, electric and steel guitars whereas Virgil took care of bass, drums and all keys. The results are beautiful, diverse compositions varying between neoclassical elements, dreamy jazz, straightforward grooves and cinematic, spacey themes. "Nexus" is an instrumental album that impresses with its feeling and moods and unites two musician's individual biographies and styles as a fascinating whole.

"Nexus" will be released on November 17 as a special edition CD digipak (international version), jewelcase CD (USA, Canada, Mexico), black 180-gram LP plus CD and digital download. The artwork was created by Virgil's five-year old daughter Zuni.

"Nexus" track listing:

01. Nexus (04:57)02. Hidden Planet (03:27)03. Leaving Aurura (03:40)04. Nick's Star (03:41)05. Night Hawk (03:35)06. Moon Rising (03:31)07. Passing Titan (04:06)08. Dawn Mission (05:07)09. Astral Plane (03:37)10. Infinite Space (02:08)11. Freefall (02:09)

Fan-filmed video footage of GUNS N' ROSES' October 8 concert at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania can be seen below.

The 2017 North American leg of GUNS N' ROSES' "Not In This Lifetime" tour kicked off July 27 in St. Louis, Missouri.

The trek features classic GUNS members Slash on guitar, Duff McKagan on bass and Axl Rose on vocals, backed by drummer Frank Ferrer, guitarist Richard Fortus, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and second keyboardist Melissa Reese.

According to ticket sales data reported to Billboard Boxscore, box-office grosses from fifteen shows during the summer 2017 North American leg of the "Not In This Lifetime" tour added $53 million in sold ticket revenue to the trek's overall gross that is now believed to have passed the $300 million mark since its April 2016 launch.

Pollstar reported earlier in the year that "Not In This Lifetime" tour was the most popular and highest-grossing global tour of 2017.

About seventy people travel with the show in addition to the truck drivers; that number goes upwards of fie hundred, including the local workers, by show date once catering, security, etc. are factored in, according to the tour's production manager, Dale "Opie" Skjerseth.

GUNS kicked off its long-rumored and long-awaited reunion trek in a year and a half ago with a club show in Hollywood and appearances in Las Vegas and at California's Coachella festival.

The 2016 North American leg, which featured twenty-five stadium shows in twenty-one cities, grossed a whopping $116.8 million with over one million tickets sold.