VAN HALEN frontman David Lee Roth performed at the Brent Shapiro Foundation's Summer Spectacular on Friday (September 7) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The invite-only gala — which also featured a performance by CLETO AND THE CLETONES (house band from "Jimmy Kimmel Live!") — celebrated the 13th year of the foundation, which has raised over $3 million for drug awareness and prevention, focused on high-risk communities.

Video footage of Roth's appearance can be seen below. Photos are available at GettyImages.com.

Hosted by Mario Lopez ("Extra"), this year's gala bestowed the foundation's Spirit Of Sobriety Award upon Emmy-winning actor, producer and director Joe Manganiello. The award is given to an individual who is open about their own recovery or that of a friend or family member. Foundation creators Robert and Linell Shapiro also presented college scholarships to two members of its educational outreach program Brent's Club for successfully completing high school without failing a drug test.

Prominent entertainment industry leaders and celebrities gathered to recognize advances in the fight against addiction and rally around the growing movement to end the disease.

VAN HALEN has been inactive since it completed its U.S. tour in October 2015 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California.

The trek was VAN HALEN's first since an aborted North American run three years earlier in support of its then-new studio album, "A Different Kind Of Truth".

Released in 2015 was "Tokyo Dome In Concert", VAN HALEN's first-ever live collection featuring Roth, despite numerous pro-shot concerts from the band's original heyday being heavily booted for years.

Behind-the-scenes footage from EVANESCENCE's current North American co-headlining tour with violin virtuoso Lindsey Stirling can be seen below. The trek, produced by Live Nation, kicked off July 6 in Kansas City, Missouri at the Starlight Theatre and is making stops in 31 North American cities. The trek will wrap September 8 in Ridgefield, Washington at the Sunlight Supply Amphitheater.

Both artists' shows are accompanied by a full orchestra, highlighting both acts' musicality and incredible performance abilities. The orchestrated performances also perfectly accent the astounding amphitheater venues across the U.S. and Canada that the two are performing in, making for a magical summer evening.

Stirling made a guest appearance on EVANESCENCE's recently released single, "Hi-Lo". The track is one of two new songs that are included on EVANESCENCE's latest album, "Synthesis". The set is a reimagining of some of EVANESCENCE's best-loved tracks is the band's first full-length effort since its 2011 self-titled release.

EVANESCENCE singer Amy Lee is joined on the road this summer by her husband, Josh Hartzler, and their 4-year-old son, Jack.

"I feel really grateful that I'm able to do both and not have to stop making music and being who I am to be a mom," Lee told People.

"I think when I was a lot younger, I always thought it was one or the other: You are either fully focused working your butt off on your art, or you're a mom and you don't have time for that anymore," she said. "And actually, now that I'm in it, I realize that it’s super important that I keep being who I am."

THE HEARD, the new Swedish rock band featuring former CRUCIFIED BARBARA guitarist Klara "Force" Rönnqvist Fors, bassist Ida "Evileye" Stenbacka and drummer Nikki Wicked (a.k.a. Jannicke Lindström) alongside DEATHSTARS bassist Jonas "Skinny Disco" Kangur (on lead guitar) and burlesque performer, model and singer Pepper Potemkin, has released a new single, "Tower Of Silence". The song is taken from the band's upcoming debut album, "The Island", which is due on November 2 via Despotz Records.

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

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

THE HEARD is:

* Klara Force (CRUCIFIED BARBARA) - Guitar

* Ida Evileye (CRUCIFIED BARBARA) - Bass

* Nikki Wicked (CRUCIFIED BARBARA) - Drums

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

* Pepper Potemkin - Vocals

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

Bon Jovi have released another official live video, shot in Philadelphia, PA on the 2018 This House Is Not For Sale tour. Watch the band perform "Bad Medicine" below:

More footage from the Philadelphia show can be seen below:

A series of videos recapping the North American tour leg of Bon Jovi's This House Is Not For Sale can be seen below:

Episode #1:

Episode #2:

Episode #3:

Episode #4:

Episode #5:

Cruz Del Sur Music has shared the first track stream from Beyond Celestial Echoes, the forthcoming new album from Greek speedsters Sacral Rage, scheduled for release on October 19th. Listen to "Necropia" via the audio player below:

Beyond Celestial Echoes by Sacral Rage

The band had this to say about choosing "Necropia" as an introduction to the new album: "We chose to start with 'Necropia', a song you might already know if you have had the opportunity to see Sacral Rage live in the past few months. We think it's a perfect bridge between the material on Illusions In Infinite Void and the new album. Beyond Celestial Echoes will indeed transport the band into new territories, maintaining their identity but also pushing their creativity to a next level."

Tracklisting:

“Progenitor”
“Eternal Solstice”
“Vaguely Decoded”
“Suspended Privilege”
“Samsara (L.C.E.)”
“Necropia”
“Onward To Nucleus”
“The Glass”

CD and limited edition vinyl pre-orders are now available at this location.

 

Heavy metal frontrunners Incite - lead by frontman Richie Cavalera - have announced select details about their upcoming fifth full-length burner, Built To Destroy, scheduled to drop in early 2019 via Minus Head Records. Produced by Steve Evetts (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Suicide Silence) and mastered by Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed), Built to Destroy is a visceral, urgent, voracious distillation of modern metal with reverence for the past.

Nearly 15 years into a career in which everything they've accomplished was earned and nothing was taken for granted, Incite bridges the gap between various metal sub-genres, but one thing is for certain - you will be banging your head in no time. This is a band who will open for Gorgoroth one night and Cancer Bats the next, converting true-believers out of everyone who crosses their path.

Today, Incite dropped a new static video for their new single "Ruthless Ways".

Vocalist Richie Cavalera says, "Our new song 'Ruthless Ways' is about being a piece of sh*t and it finally catching up with you. It's the exact vibe we wanted to explode out the gate with. The song is brutal, catchy, and hella groovy. It's a good feel for what to expect on this new album. Huge riffs, massive drums, bass for days, and a new vocal feel that to me is pure evil and nasty. We kept it real heavy - get your headbang on."

The track can also be downloaded/streamed via iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and Bandcamp.

As renegade disciples of trailblazing metal architects like Pantera, Slayer, Sepultura, and Machine Head, Incite raise the torch for trend-killing and hipster-smashing metal. Incite is as much a part of the fabric of the style championed by Lamb of God as the surge of newer bands like Power Trip. Incite perfected their signature brand of extreme sounds by playing shows with DevilDriver, Crowbar, Brujeria, Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy, and Six Feet Under.

Incite is currently out on their North American Burn & Shred headline tour. The band plans to perform the new tracks "Ruthless Ways" and "Built to Destroy" on the road. See below for all tour dates.
 
Leg One (with Aethere)

September
7 - Cave In Rock, IL - Full Terror Assault *
8 - Omaha, NE - Lookout Lounge
*no Aethere

Leg Two (with Lody Kong)

September
14 - San Diego, CA - Space Bar
16 - Oakland, CA - Elbo Room Jack London
17 - Sacramento, CA - Blue Lamp
19 - Portland, OR - High Water Mark
20 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon (Funhouse)
22 - Boise, ID - The Shredder
25 - Denver, CO - Streets of London
27 - Las Vegas, NV - Beauty Bar
28 - Phoenix, AZ - Club Red

(Photo - Jeremy Saffer)

"We can’t believe we’ve just smashed through week three," says The Dead Daisies. "Every day is a wild ride on this Burn It Down Tour and it’s all thanks to our TDD family!"

"Thank you all for coming to watch our acoustic DaisyLand shows at Guitar Center over this past week, hanging out with us and sharing your rockin’ stories, it’s the reason we do what we do! Make sure you invite your friends along, everyone is welcome at DaisyLand. Keep sending through your artwork and stories, we love reading them and sharing them with all The Dead Daisies family!"

"This week has seen us travel across the states of New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio with shows in New York, Warrendale, Cincinnati, Lancaster and Albany! And wow, The Dead Daisies family sure know how to rock’n’roll!"

"We’re back on the road and ready to bring the rock to more cities across the US. While we travel, check out this awesome video from the third week of our Burn It Down Tour."

The Dead Daisies are currently touring North America, in support of their new album Burn It Down, alongside special guests Dizzy Reed's Hookers & Blow. Remaining dates are as listed:

September
6 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar
7 - Dallas, TX - Trees
8 - Austin, TX - Come and Take It Live
12 - Las Vegas, NV - Fremont Country Club
13 - San Diego, CA - Brick by Brick
14 - Pomona, CA - The Glass House
15 - Phoenix, AZ - The Marquee
16 - Los Angeles, CA - Roxy Theatre

 

Matthias Jabs says that SCORPIONS "had to make" the decision to fire James Kottak, explaining that he and his bandmates gave the drummer "all the chances" to get better.

In September 2016, Kottak was dismissed from the legendary German hard rock band during his well-publicized battle with alcoholism and was replaced by former MOTÖRHEAD drummer Mikkey Dee.

Jabs spoke about the lineup change during an appearance on a recent episode of "Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon". The guitarist said: "James was a real good friend — and he still is — but we couldn't continue with him. We gave him all the chances, and 10 more. And it was something that developed over the years — the drinking habit. It came in waves — sometimes it was good for four weeks, and then [there] was drama, and if you know him, you know what that's like. Then if it affects the show, you have to go, 'Hmmm…' Because our drum riser goes up 21 feet, or 24 feet sometimes, if the venue allows it, and the production manager, or stage manager, goes, 'I can't have him go up there. It's too risky.' If you can't really walk down the stairs с, you can't have that. So that affects your intro of the show, and that's not good — it's not professional."

He continued: "We were helping him — we were sending him to [the island of] Antigua [to Eric Clapton's Crossroads drug and alcohol treatment center], and we paid for it, and we did everything we could, because we are extremely loyal. It's always hard if you work with somebody for almost 20 years to say, 'Okay, you've gotta go.' We'd rather do the opposite and try to keep him and help him. But we reached the point — or he reached the point — where it was just not worth it. After three months or four months even — they gave him an extra month in Antigua, the rehab — he'd come home, we'd start again, and you can't even talk to him. So we had to make that decision. We had Mikkey on the road, so [James] didn't notice. So I rehearsed with [Mikkey] and Paweł [Mąciwoda, bass] in the afternoon, just a backup; that was the original plan. But then there was no way we could continue with James, so we started with Mikkey."

Kottak, who joined the SCORPIONS in 1996 and played with the band for 20 years, called his exit an "amicable departure" during a recent interview with IndiePower.com. "I have had my problems with alcoholism — I will not deny that," he said. "I've been in recovery for about two years. I'm not perfect; I've struggled. I've been up, I've been down, I've been in and out. But the thing is that I'm working my program, and I'm working hard, and I don't preach it — I'm not going, 'Don't drink.' Eff that, man. This is my personal situation. I've had my problems with alcoholism. Thank God I was never a pill addict — that was never my cup of tea. And it is what it is. And I acknowledge that, and I'm working on it. And it's a thing. And I have the gene — I'm an alcoholic. But the thing is I'm working on it…"

Last fall, Kottak told the "Talking Metal" podcast that he had "no regrets" about his exit from the SCORPIONS. "To be perfectly honest, I've been pretty burnt out for the last four or five years, but I'm still grateful and so thankful to be in the SCORPIONS for 21 years," he said.

Kottak also spoke about the circumstances that led to his departure from the SCORPIONS, a series of events that began more than two years ago.

"In April of 2016, we were in Germany, and, unfortunately, Klaus [Meine, SCORPIONS singer] had some problems with his voice, and we had to cancel the last eight shows in Europe," he explained. "And that left a gap of about two and a half months. At that point, I was kind of struggling a little bit [with my personal issues], so I decided to go down to Antigua. I was gonna go down there just for a month and kind of check myself and get a tune-up. And it's a wonderful, wonderful place.

"So I went down there while we still had some time, and then I go, 'You know, I'm gonna stay an extra two weeks.' And then I was gonna go back. And the guys were going, like, 'Man, take advantage of this.' So I ended up staying 92 days. In the meantime, there were a few [SCORPIONS] gigs [lined up], and, of course, they had to move on, and I gave them my blessing. They go, 'Well, we're gonna get Mikkey to fill in for you.' I'm, like, 'Cool, man.'

"So I came back and then there was some time off," he continued. "I came home about the end of July, and the next batch of gigs were gonna be in South America in September. And at that point, all the gear's getting shipped and all that stuff, and it was only about a handful of dates — seven dates. And to swap the gear out is really expensive. To send Mikkey's stuff home and get my stuff out there was, like, twenty-five, thirty thousand dollars. So I go, 'You know what? I don't wanna be down there anyway.' And then after that, there was just another six or eight gigs left for the year. So it was kind of, like… We were going, 'Let Mikkey finish it out. I could use the time home.' And I got a tune-up and everything was cool. But then we talked, I think it was the end of October-ish, something like that, we were kind of talking and we kind of mutually agreed that it just didn't make sense [for me to continue playing with the band]."

Once he got word that he was no longer a member of the SCORPIONS, "it was actually a relief, to tell you the truth, that it came to that," Kottak said. "They called, and I thought everything was gonna kind of cruise on, but it just worked out that way. And things happen. And, like I said, 21 years with one band is incredible, and the guys are just so wonderful; I love 'em to death. But it is what it is. Life has its twists and turns, and this is one of 'em."

Kottak will tour this fall with a revamped version of KINGDOM COME, also featuring guitarists Danny Stag and Rick Steier, and bassist Johnny B. Frank, along with singer Keith St. John (formerly of MONTROSE and LYNCH MOB). Original frontman Lenny Wolf declined to participate in the trek, which will kick off on September 27 in Seattle, Washington.

On September 1, Glenn Hughes played at Chameleon Club in Lancaster, Pennsylvania as part of his "Glenn Hughes Performs Classic Deep Purple Live" tour. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

Hughes's "Glenn Hughes Performs Classic Deep Purple Live" tour finds him performing various hits and deep cuts from the DEEP PURPLE catalog, including "Burn", "Stormbringer", "Sail Away" and "Smoke On The Water", among others. Asked if he handles all the vocal parts in the classic PURPLE songs, including those that were originally sung by David Coverdale, Hughes told the "Iron City Rocks": "I do sing it all. It's not like I want somebody in the band to sound like David. I enjoy singing his parts as well as my own parts. I have a very — as you know — bluesy, soulful voice, and I feel kind of comfortable singing some of David's stuff. I've been singing 'Burn' now as a lead vocalist for 45 years, pretty much, and I don't think anybody really has ever gone home going, 'Woah, that wasn't Coverdale.' I just think I'm doing it because it feels like I can do it; let's just say I feel free doing it. It's not a chore for me to do; it's something I actually enjoy. I wouldn't sing something I didn't wanna sing."

The U.S. leg of "Glenn Hughes Performs Classic Deep Purple Live" will travel around the Northeast before wrapping up in Tarrytown, New York on September 22.

Once the U.S. run wraps at the end of September, Hughes will return to Europe to continue to bring his interpretation of the legendary music of DEEP PURPLE to the fans worldwide.

During the "Glenn Hughes Performs Classic Deep Purple Live" tour, Glenn focuses on arrangements from the live albums — not studio recordings — for the classic PURPLE songs, "giving fans even more insight as to what it was like seeing a DEEP PURPLE show during the 1970s," according to a press release for the tour.

On October 26th, Vancouver BC fuzz rock band We Hunt Buffalo will release their second studio album, Head Smashed In, on New Damage Records (Canada) and Fuzzorama Records (rest of the world). Returning to Jesse Gander’s infamous Rain City Recorders (the same studio and producer who captured Living Ghosts), the final result is dynamic and a clear step forward for the trio. Pre-orders can be placed here.

“Lyrically we still have our apocalyptic theme carrying forward from the last record,” explains vocalist / guitarist Ryan Forsythe. With delicious grooves and psychedelic overtones, your ears will thank you when you hear the first single ’Heavy Low’. This song, in particular, saw the band experimenting with new drop turnings. Their newly streamlined, bombastic sound is the direct result of years of perfecting their sound both live and in recorded form.   

Tracklisting:

"Heavy Low"
"Angler Must Die"
"Prophecy Wins"
"Get In The Van"
"Industry Woes"
"The Giant’s Causeway"
"Keep It Refreshing"
"Anxious Children"
"God Games"

For further details, visit We Hunt Buffalo on Facebook.

Original Human Music, the debut album by Ultraphonix, the new creation of Corey Glover (Living Colour) and George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), alongside the great rhythm section formed by drummer Chris Moore and Pancho Tomaselli on bass, is out now via earMUSIC. The album track "Take A Stand" is available for streaming below.

Original Human Music was co-produced by Bob Daspit (Sammy Hagar) and it displays the magic match between Corey Glover's iconic voice and George Lynch's unique style on the guitar.

The core and value of Ultraphonix lies in the songwriting and the quality of the songs. Original Human Music is an album where Glover's profound and thoughtful lyrics sound loud - together with the warm and heavy wall of sound created by George Lynch. It's all sustained by a rhythm section that can go anywhere musically.

To quote Lynch, "The album sounds like a fusion of early Chili Peppers meets King Crimson meets Judas Priest! It's a super fun band."

Drawing on (very heavy) rock, funk, and jazz influences, the band paints a picture of a band still believing that social consciousness could be celebrated through great rock songs.

Order here.

Tracklisting:

"Baptism"
"Another Day"
"Walk Run Crawl"
"Counter Culture"
"Heart Full Of Rain"
"Free"
"Wasteland"
"Take A Stand"
"Ain't Too Late"
"Soul Control"
"What You Say"
"Power Trip"

"Take A Stand":

"Wasteland":

"Heart Full Of Rain":

"Counter Culture":

"Baptism":

"Another Day" video:

"Free" lyric video:

"Walk Run Crawl" video:

"Ode To Despair", the new video from U.S. dark melodic metal masters WITHERFALL, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's sophomore album, "A Prelude To Sorrow", which will be released on November 2.

Says WITHERFALL: "'Ode To Despair' was the first composition that was completed for 'A Prelude To Sorrow', so it only seems fitting to start off with this track. Its origin traces back to around 2016 when we were figuring out what to do with [late WITHERFALL drummer Adam] Sagan being sick and unable to perform. Fueled by red wine and only a glimmer of the sorrow that was to come, 'Ode' took only one writing session to complete. The video was shot over the two-month span that we were in the studio tracking 'A Prelude To Sorrow' and watching the video brings you into the world we inhabited for what seems like an eternity... Special thanks to Don Adams and his masochistic tendencies and keen editor's eye."


Songwriters Joseph Michael (vocals, SANCTUARY) and Jake Dreyer (guitar, ICED EARTH) succeeded in perfectly combining the group's technical proficiency with an appropriate eerie and somber atmosphere, manifesting also in Kristian Wåhlin's majestic cover painting. For mix and mastering, WITHERFALL again worked with Chris "Zeuss" Harris (SANCTUARY, QUEENSRŸCHE, ICED EARTH).

Regarding the follow-up to 2017's "Nocturnes And Requiems", WITHERFALL said: "'A Prelude To Sorrow' is a concept record, though not in the sense that most people have come to know the form. Ours is not a story where each song acts as a chapter. The inspiration lays in the supremely dark reality that was the passing of our drummer and one of our best friends, Adam Sagan.

"These songs are raw emotional reflections, composed in the witching hours under the influence of wine and sorrow, while watching and helping our friend fight and ultimately lose his battle with lymphoma. 'Nocturnes And Requiems' was dedicated to Adam after the fact. 'A Prelude To Sorrow' is written specifically about his and our personal tragedy.

"Like 'Nocturnes and Requiems', the songs have been arranged to still have the peaks and valleys that any great record should. With 'Prelude', these peaks just might be a little steeper and the valleys might be a little deeper, alternating between violence and beauty.

"The titles initials are an acronym for 'Adam Paul Sagan.' He came up with 'Nocturnes And Requiems' so we suppose it is kind of fitting that he also inspired this title. Hope he doesn't come knocking on our door for royalties.

"We hope that this will be a fitting requiem for our friend and talented musician."


"A Prelude To Sorrow" track listing:


01. A Prelude To Sorrow

02. We Are Nothing

03. Moment Of Silence

04. Communion Of The Wicked

05. Maridian's Visitation

06. Shadows

07. Ode To Despair

08. The Call

09. Vintage

10. Epilogue


The album will be released as limited-edition digipak, jewelcase CD (U.S. only), gatefold 2LP plus poster and etching on Side D as well as digital album.


WITHERFALL is:

Jake Dreyer - Guitar

Joseph Michael - Vocals/Keyboards

Anthony Crawford - Bass

Fili Bibiano - Guitar

Steve Bolognese - Drums

Dutch symphonic metallers EPICA have announced their unique collaboration with the Metropole Orkest. The Metropole Orkest is a world-renowned Dutch orchestra which has performed and/or recorded with the world biggest superstars such as Sting, Bono and Brian Eno.


In the summer of 2017, with the help from its massive fan base, EPICA won a high-profiled competition organized by the Metropole Orkest. First prize was a recording of a song of their choice with the orchestra. In between EPICA's heavy touring schedule, the band was able to conjure up a unique, never-before-seen "big band meets symphonic metal" rendition of "Beyond The Matrix". As a bonus to all voters, runner-up in the competition and friend of the band, Arjen Lucassen (AYREON) contributed a beautiful guest solo to the song.


Keyboard player Coen Janssen commented on writing process: "We came up with 'the battle' to fully display the strengths of both worlds — our heaviness and their jazziness, but how to combine it in one piece… In comes Tom Trapp, arranger extraordinaire. He fully understood the way we wanted to build up the piece and he translated it into this amazing arrangement for the Metropole Orkest. From ambient soundscapes to heavy symphonic to over-the-top big band parts... this song has it all!! Expect the unexpected!!! It was an absolute pleasure and honor to see such professionals work from up close and I learned a lot every step of the way. The way the conductor, arranger and orchestra communicate and play is something I've rarely seen before. A unique experience that resulted in a unique version of 'Beyond The Matrix'."


EPICA VS METROPOLE ORKEST "Beyond The Matrix - The Battle" will be released as a limited-edition vinyl and digital download on October 26 through Nuclear Blast.

EPICA's "Attack On Titan" EP was made available outside of Japan on July 20 via Nuclear Blast Records. The release features metal versions of the theme songs from the highly successful manga-series-turned-worldwide-aired anime "Attack On Titan".

METALLICA commemorates the 30th anniversary of the release of its breakthrough fourth album "…And Justice For All" with the announcement of its definitive reissue to be released on November 2 via the band's own Blackened Recordings.


The re-release of "…And Justice For All" has been remastered for the most advanced sound quality overseen by Greg Fidelman, and will be available in multiple digital and physical configurations. Pre-orders begin today at Metallica.com where fans can see the full package details and track listing.


Pre-orders of all configurations will receive an instant download of "Dyers Eve (Remastered)" , while pre-orders of the expanded and deluxe editions will receive an additional instant download of "Eye Of The Beholder (Live At Hammersmith Odeon, London, England On October 10th 1988)" .


The "…And Justice For All" reissue will be available physically as a Standard Double 180 gram LP, Standard CD, 3 CD Expanded Edition, Cassette, Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set and digitally as a Standard album (available to stream and download), an Expanded Edition (available for download only), and a Digital Deluxe Box Set (available for streaming and download).


The Expanded Edition will include previously unreleased demos, rough mixes, previously unreleased live tracks, and an expanded booklet of never-before-seen Ross Halfin photos. The one-pressing-only Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set will include the remastered double 180g LP, a "One" picture disc, 3 LPs featuring their iconic performance from Seattle in 1989 remixed by Greg Fidelman, 11 CDs, 4 DVDs, a set of four patches, a Pushead print, a tour laminate, lyric sheets, a download card for all material in the set, and a deluxe 120-page book with never-before-seen photos and never-before-told stories from the people who were there.


Watch METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett unbox the reissue below.

"…And Justice For All" was originally released — despite what the Internet might tell you — on September 7, 1988, on Elektra Records.

While "...And Justice For All" is considered one of METALLICA's classics, it has been criticized almost since the day it was released in 1988 for the lack of any bass guitar on the record. Jason Newsted's playing is virtually buried in the mix — and many fans feel that drummer Lars Ulrich, who had very specific ideas for how he wanted his drums to sound, is to blame.

"...And Justice For All" was Jason Newsted's first full-length album with METALLICA after he replaced late bassist Cliff Burton in 1986.

The album was the first by the band to sell more than a million copies and featured their first radio hit, "One", which was also the basis of the group's first music video.

The record was nominated for the first-ever Grammy for "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance", but infamously lost to JETHRO TULL's "Crest Of A Knave".

In a 2015 interview with Ultimate-Guitar.com, one of the "...And Justice For All" album mixers, Steve Thompson, revealed that Ulrich was the culprit for the lack of any bass guitar on the record. Ulrich apparently wanted his drums to sound a certain way — even if it meant cutting out the bass.

Thompson explained: "We had to get the drum sound up the way he had it. I wasn't a fan of it. So now he goes, 'See the bass guitar?' and I said, 'Yeah, great part, man. [Newsted] killed it.' He said, 'I want you to bring down the bass where you can barely, audibly hear it in the mix.' I said, 'You're kidding. Right?' He said, 'No. Bring it down.' I bring it down to that level and he says, 'Now drop it down another 5 dB.' I turned around and looked at [guitarist/vocalist James] Hetfield and said, 'He's serious?' It just blew me away."

Thompson added that a terrific performance by Newsted was wasted due to Ulrich's meddling, saying: "My only regret is that we didn't have enough time to at least mix it the way we heard it… It was all there but I think they were looking for more garagey-type sound without bass. And the bass was great; it was perfect."

Thompson said that he spoke out because he was tired of being blamed for the lack of bass. He remarked: "They flew us out [to METALLICA's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction in 2009] and I'm sitting with Lars. He goes, 'Hey, what happened to the bass in 'Justice'?' He actually asked me that. I wanted to cold cock him right there. It was a shame because I'm the one getting the shit for the lack of bass."

Ulrich told The Pulse Of Radio a while back that fans were extremely vocal about the sound of the album at the time of its release. "I mean, it was unbelievable, you know, '...And Justice For All', " he said. "People were saying, 'That's the worst-sounding record, where's the bass, and it sounds like it was recorded in a garage, and...' But, you know, listen, you do the best you can in the moment and then you move on."

Photo credit: Ross Halfin

Former CANDLEMASS singer Mats Levén has shared a short audio snippet of some of the new solo music he is working on. The song in question, which can be heard in the video below, features Martin "Axe" Axenrot (BLOODBATH, OPETH, WITCHERY) on drums and Nalley Påhlsson (TREAT, THERION) on bass. "And the rest is me, basically," Mats says.

According to Levén, he didn't want to work on his solo material while he in CANDLEMASS because he "didn't wanna kind of interfere."

Some of the other tracks Mats has been working on will feature drumming by Snowy Shaw (ex-KING DIAMOND) and Petter Karlsson (ex-THERION, DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA).

CANDLEMASS announced earlier this week that it had parted ways with Levén and reteamed with Johan Längqvist.

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

Mats, who was in CANDLEMASS for six years, began his professional musical life with SWEDISH EROTICA from Gothenburg, Sweden in 1989. In 1990, Mats got an offer from TREAT and moved to Stockholm where he still lives with his wife and two kids.

After recording albums with ABSTRAKT ALGEBRA and AB/CD, Mats as approached by Yngwie Malmsteen to join the guitarist's band in 1997-98 and to lay down his vocal tracks on the "Facing The Animal" LP.

Over the past couple of decades, Levén has been involved with a number of different bands and projects, including SOUTHPAW, DOGFACE, ESSENCE OF SORROW, AT VANCE and KRUX.

In 2004, Mats supplied lead vocals for THERION's two albums "Sirius B" and "Lemuria". This led to some 150 shows with the band over the course of the next four years. THERION's 2007 album "Gothic Kabbalah" saw Mats co-writing six of the tracks, including the epic "Son Of The Staves Of Time". In 2010-2011, Mats toured with ADAGIO and FIREWIND before joining CANDLEMASS as the replacement for Robert Lowe.

Since 2016, Mats has been touring with rock theater sensation TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, whose 20th-anniversary trek is set to begin on November 14 and visit 65 cities across North America, for 100-plus performances, before concluding on December 30.

Fan-filmed video footage of PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS, the project led by the former PANTERA and current DOWN/SUPERJOINT frontman, performing a medley of classic PANTERA songs on September 7 at The Rock Box in San Antonio, Texas can be seen below. The medley consisted of the tracks "Death Rattle", "Domination" and "Hollow".

PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS' current U.S. tour marks the band's first run of dates since a video message from the Anselmo was played at the public memorial for ex-PANTERA drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott. It was the first time the singer had publicly commented on his former bandmate's death.

The event, which was held on July 1 at Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas, included emotional tributes from a number of Abbott's fellow musicians, some of whom appeared in person while others sent short video speeches expressing their affection for the fallen PANTERA and HELLYEAH drummer.

Anselmo's tribute was a few seconds long and saw him speaking in his trademark deep voice. "Vince, always have love in my heart for you, man," he said. "Rest in peace."

Vinnie Paul and his brother "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott co-founded PANTERA. When PANTERA broke up in 2003, they formed DAMAGEPLAN. On December 8, 2004, while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by a troubled schizophrenic who believed that the members of PANTERA were stealing his thoughts.

Up until his death, Vinnie remained on non-speaking terms with Anselmo.

Vinnie and Anselmo's relationship got more acrimonious when Vinnie indirectly blamed Philip for Dimebag's death, suggesting that some remarks the vocalist had made about Dimebag in print just weeks earlier might have incited Dimebag's killer.

Back in October 2016, Vinnie Paul said in an interview that it was "sad" to see Anselmo doing "a lot of things" that have tarnished PANTERA's image in the decade and a half since the band's split.

Vinnie passed away on June 22 at his home in Las Vegas at the age of 54.

The PANTERA and HELLYEAH drummer was buried on June 30 next to his brother and their mother, Carolyn, at Moore Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, Texas.

Prog metal veterans Redemption returned to Atlanta this weekend to play ProgPower this year, wher they filmed the show for a new DVD. Fan-filmed video is below, including the band's performance of Megadeth's "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying" with former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland.

Redemption recently released their seventh full-length album, Long Night's Journey Into Day. The band has released this behind the scenes footage from the shoot for their music video for "Someone Else's Problem":

Find the full music video below.

Long Night's Journey Into Day tracklisting:

"Eyes You Dare Not Meet In Dreams"
"Someone Else's Problem"
"The Echo Chamber"
"Impermanent"
"Indulge In Color"
"Little Men"
"And Yet"
"The Last Of Me"
"New Year's Day"
"Long Night's Journey Into Day"

"New Year's Day":

"Someone Else's Problem" video:

"Little Men":

"Indulge In Color" playthrough video:

Redemption guitarist Nik van Dyk recently issued the following update: "For those of you in Los Angeles who have been curious about my band, I'm pleased to announce we are playing the world famous Whiskey on the Sunset Strip on September 19th. Make me proud and let's sell out!"

For ticket information go to this location.

As previously announced, Redemption will appear at ProgPower USA 2018 on September 8th in Atlanta, GA, with more US dates coming soon.

Redemption lineup:

Tom Englund - vocals
Nick van Dyk - guitars
Sean Andrews - bass
Chris Quirarte - drums
Vikram Shankar - keyboards

Des Moines metallers Green Death will release their third full-length album Hallowmass on October 19th on Combat Records. The new album follows their sophomore release Manufacturing Evil, and finds the band further expanding their musical horizons. Green Death are redefining thrash, incorporating doom, melodic death and classic metal, the Iowa natives are taking the genre back to hallowed ground, and creating the mold for future speed freaks. A new video for "I Am Eternal" is streaming below.

Hallowmass was recorded in Des Moines, Iowa at The Establishment Recording with engineer Griffin Landa (The Acacia Strain), mastered by Zeuss at Planet Z, and produced by Green Death and Executive Producer David Ellefson.

Hallowmass once again features iconic artwork by the incredible Eliran Kantor (Testament, Iced Earth, Sodom). Head to this location for LP preorders.

Tracklisting:

“Lycanthropy”
“Bullet Of Silver”
“I Am Eternal”
“Lament”
“Curse The Heavens”
“The Betrayed”
“Bad Omens”
“Sacrament”
“Messis Diaboli”
“The Harvest”
“She Couldn’t Live”
“Pure Torture” (feat. David Ellefson)
“Hallowmass”
“Sickle & Scythe” (feat. Clayton Cagle of Hatchet)

"I Am Eternal" video:

Teaser:

Rockpalast has posted pro-shot video of Sodom's complete performance at this year's edition of Germany's Rock Hard Festival, on May 18th. Watch below.

Setlist:

"My Atonement" / "The Conqueror"
"Sodomy And Lust"
"Nuclear Winter"
"Outbreak Of Evil"
"Christ Passion"
"The Saw Is The Law"
"City Of God"
"Blasphemer"
"One Step Over The Line"
"Agent Orange"
"Strange Lost World"
"Tired And Red"
"Lifeline"
"Remember The Fallen"
"Silence Is Consent"
"Ausgebombt"
"Bomenhagel"

After the success of the concept-tour last year, it returns again this year: MTV Headbanger’s Ball on tour. This year the concert-reincarnation of the 80s cult-TV-show managed to get Sodom, Death Angel and Suicidal Angels into the tour bus.

The new structured Ruhr-area thrash heroes among Tom Angelripper, shortly named Sodom, recently achieved to set the Rock Hard Festival on fire! The first time with two guitarists on stage, you can expect a highly entertaining show, with a special setlist.

American metal act Death Angel will come along, to present their tight thrash metal, which they've been playing since the 80s and will - as always - take no prisoners.

The youngest band in the lineup will be the Greek underground champions Suicidal Angels, who were lately celebrated as the opening act for the mighty Satyricon. The next headliner will be announced soon. Stay tuned.

Dates:

November
30 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser

December
1 - Zlin, Czech Republic - Hala Euronics
2 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
3 - Wroclaw, Poland - A2
4 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
5 - Tilburg, Netherlands - O13
6 - London, England  - The Electric Ballroom
7 - Oberhausen, Germany - Ruhrpott Metal Meeting
8 - Geiselwind, Germany - Christmas Bash
9 - Vienna, Austria - Arena
10 - Ravensburg, Germany - Oberschwabenhalle
11 - Wiesbaden, Germany - Schlachthof
12 - Saarbrücken, Germany - Garage
13 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - Rockfabrik
15 - Lausanne, Switzerland - Les Docks
16 - Munich, Germany - Backstage

Tickets here.

ALICE IN CHAINS honored Burt Reynolds by superimposing him on the cover of the band's landmark album "Dirt" during the band's September 7 concert at the Revention Music Center in Houston, Texas.

In an Instagram post, bassist Mike Inez wrote: "We put this up in the video screens pre show tonite. Rest In Peace Burt."

One of the biggest movie stars of the 1970s, Reynolds died last Thursday at the age of 82. He passed away of cardiac arrest in Florida, his agent, Todd Eisner, told NBC News.

The actor starred in a number of successful films, including 1974's "The Longest Yard", 1977's "Smokey And The Bandit", 1996's "Striptease" and 1997's "Boogie Nights", the latter of which earned him an Oscar nomination.

ALICE IN CHAINS is touring in support of its latest album, "Rainier Fog", which arrived last month.

MASTODON and GOJIRA have paid tribute to their manager, who died this past weekend.

Nick John of The Rick Sales Entertainment Group passed away in his sleep on Saturday morning (September 8)) after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

In its first statement, MASTODON called Nick "a kind and gentle soul and an overall amazing human who touched countless lives." The Atlanta progressive metallers later posted a picture of them with John where they also thanked him for his "unconditional love and friendship."

They wrote: "Thank you for your guidance, your wisdom, your never-ending hard work and dedication to MASTODON — always pushing and reaching, turning over every stone to make sure we were always protected and always had every opportunity any of us could dream of.

"Thank you for making yourself available morning, noon and night to handle every crisis or situation that ever came up. Thank you for being so passionate and believing in us with such enthusiasm that we considered you part of the band.

"Thank you for your calm demeanour, your level head and your sharp sense of humor. Thank you for showing all of us how to work our phones and computers with incredible patience via NJ solutions.

"Thank you for your smile and your infectious laugh — but most of all, thank you for your unconditional love and friendship. We love you very much and are going to miss you more than we know. We love you Nick John. RIP."

GOJIRA also paid tribute to John, who began managing the French progressive metal band in 2012.

They wrote: "We lost an exceptional human being this morning. Our manager and dear friend Nick John. We carry him in our hearts. Our thoughts go to Colleen John, his wife and to all who loved him."

John, who began his record business career in the early '90s as a valued intern at Rick Rubin's Def American Recordings, is survived by his wife, mother and sister.

MASTODON's longtime manager has died.

Nick John of The Rick Sales Entertainment Group passed away earlier today after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

MASTODON vocalist/guitarist Brent Hinds broke the news of John's death, writing on Instagram "R.I.P. Nick John" and adding a broken heart emoji.

Acclaimed rock photographer Andrew Stuart also weighed in on Nick's passing, writing on Facebook: "Still not computing that this day is actually real.

"Rest easy, Nick John. I'm honored to have spent over 15 years working with you, learning from you and becoming your friend. You'll always live on as family. I love you, dude.

"Fuck fuck fuck cancer.

"Hug all your people. Hug all animals. Love music.

"Extra love to Nick's wife Colleen, The RSE camp especially my sister/wife Kristen, MASTODON, GOJIRA and every artist whose life and career was touched by Nick."

Late last month, the Atlanta progressive metal band canceled its tour with DINOSAUR JR. "due to a critical situation of a member of the MASTODON family," according to a statement released by the group.

Hinds previously called John "the most kind and beautiful being" and credited the band's manager with being "responsible for MASTODON's success." Drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor also praised John, writing: "I don't know where MASTODON would be without him. He is absolutely integral to the success we have achieved as a band, not to mention one of the best people you'd ever hope to meet. We all deeply love and care for him."

MASTODON's tour with DINOSAUR JR. was scheduled to kick off on September 1 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Swedish metal band Denied have released an official video for the title track from this years juggernaut of an album, Freedom Of Speech. A rifftastic tune of angry, petulant guitars going full-tilt into oblivion. The track also features female backing vocals contributed by special guest Madde Svärd.

Freedom Of Speech was co-produced, mixed and mastered by Fredrik Folkare at Chrome Studio Stockholm, Sweden. Lead vocals on all tracks by Johan Fahlberg (Jaded Heart) except "Don't You Know Me", "The Ferryman" and "Freedom Of Speech". Keyboards and effects by Fredrik Folkare. Very special guests on the album include Chris Laney (Pretty Maids), Fredrik Folkare (Unleashed, Firespawn), Andreas Larsson, and Madde Svärd.

The cover artwork for the disc was created by Alexander Lifbom.

Columbus, OH rock band Beartooth recently announced the release of their third studio album Disease will come out September 28th worldwide. New track “Manipulation” is streaming below.

‘Manipulation is about that person in everybody’s life that takes advantage of your kindness,’ notes frontman Caleb Shomo. ‘It’s about standing up for what you’ve done and not letting people destroy your accomplishments.”

In celebration of the new track, Beartooth will be opening for Fall Out Boy this weekend in their hometown at the Nationwide Arena. The show is on September 9th and includes support artist Machine Gun Kelly.  

Disease is a painstaking, riff-driven examination of the unshakeable throes of depression. While there are moments of positivity, this isn’t the sound of triumph. This is music about survival.

“The album is a whirlwind of emotion,” Shomo explains. “Crazy highs, crazy lows, and lots of intensity. This record isn't about winning anything. It's about trying to even begin to learn how to deal with things. It’s hard to process just how dark you can get, what you can really put yourself through with expectations. It's like starting from the beginning all over again. At the end of the day, it is a very dark album.”

Even as Shomo and his bandmates played to sold-out crowds across Europe, the battle against mental illness and childhood issues returned, and the seed for Disease was planted. The title track was the first song written for it, setting the overall tone.

As always, Shomo recorded vocals, guitars, bass, and drums, and mixed the album himself with assistance from an engineer, now with executive producer (and Grammy winner) Nick Raskulinecz, who has worked with Foo Fighters and Rush.

Disease will be released globally on September 28th but today fans can preorder the album and receive instant downloads of album tracks “Bad Listener” and “Disease.” Preorder at BeartoothBand.com for limited and exclusive Disease vinyl and merch bundles.

Beartooth just wrapped up a headline run in Europe and after a short break will hop back over the pond for a full US headline tour starting September 14th and wrapping up November 17th.

San Diego based rock trio Earthless will release From The West on September 28th via Silver Current Records (vinyl and cassette) and October 19th via Nuclear Blast (CD, cassette and digital). From The West was recorded live at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, CA on March 1st, 2018. Today, the band has released the first single in the form of a live rendition of "Electric Flame". Preorder the album in various physical and digital formats at Nuclear Blast and preorder digitally to receive “Electric Flame (live)” instantly.

Commented drummer Mario Rubalcaba:

"Really excited to share this recent recording that includes some of the newer material off Black Heaven (and the CD version also has the only time that we have ever played ‘Acid Crusher’ live).  This recording blasts into the skull and chokes the ears dry!"

Tracklisting:

Vinyl
“Black Heaven”
“Electric Flame”
“Gifted By The Wind”
“Uluru Rock”
“Volt Rush”
“Communication Breakdown”

CD
“Black Heaven”
“Electric Flame”
“Gifted By The Wind”
“Uluru Rock”
“Volt Rush”
“Communication Breakdown”
“Acid Crusher”

Digital
“Black Heaven”
“Electric Flame”
“Gifted By The Wind”
“Uluru Rock”
“Volt Rush”
“Communication Breakdown”
“Violence Of The Red Sea”
“Acid Crusher”

"Electric Flame":

 Earthless will headline a series of dates across North America this fall in support of the latest album, Black Heaven. Confirmed dates are listed below.

Tour dates:

September
25 - Eugene, OR - Old Nick’s Pub
26 - Seattle, WA - Chop Suey
27 - Portland, OR - Dante's
28 - Boise, ID - Neurolux
29 - Salt Lake City, UT - Crucial Fest
30 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theatre

October
2 - Minneapolis, MN - Lee's Liquor Lounge
3 - Winnipeg, MB - Park Theatre
5 - Saskatoon, SK - Amigos Cantina
6 - Edmonton, AB - Up & Dowtown Music Festival
7 - Calgary, AB - Dickens Pub
9 - Victoria, BC - The Copper Owl
18 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre
12 - Oakland, CA - Starline Social Club
13 - Long Beach, CA - Alex’s Bar
14 - Desert Daze - Desert Daze

(Photo - Atiba Jefferson)

Tank’s (Algy Ward) new album Sturmpanzer will be released on October 12th via Dissonance Productions. In 2007, both Algy Ward (vocalist, bassist) and Mick Tucker (guitarist) and Cliff Evans (guitarist) went their separate ways with the original "Tank" band, but decided to keep making music under the "Tank" name.

This is Ward’s second Tank album and the follow-up to 2013’s Breath Of The Pit.

Tracklisting:

“Two Thousand Miles”
“March”
“No More War”
“First They Killer Her Father”
“Sturmpanzer (Parts 1 & 2)”
“Lianne’s Crying”
“Living In Fear Of God”
“Für Reich und Fatherland”
“The Last Soldier”
“Which Part Of Fuck Off Don’t You Understand?”
“Little Darling” (Thin Lizzy cover)
“Revenge Of The Filth Hounds (Parts 1 & 2)”

Venice, California crossover thrash/hardcore punk legends SUICIDAL TENDENCIES celebrated the 35th anniversary of their self-titled debut album by performing the LP in its entirety this past Saturday, September 8 at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

Four years ago, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES frontman Mike Muir stated about the band's three-decade-plus-long existence: "My dad always says, 'People who live in the past have no future.'

"I thnk there's a point where a lot of times in life people define things in such ways that it really limits them.

"Change is something that's necessary, and I think there's a difference between progress and just motion and stuff," he continued. "And for us, I think one of the things is… Certain bands, you hear the records, and they kind of keep mimicking the same thing, and that's all they know how to do, and that's their comfort zone. And we've always said, a record should be like a chapter in a book; it should always go somewhere. Something you read in a book, it's, like, 'Cool,' and somewhere else, you're, like, 'This is different.' At the end, it all comes together, and then it's, like, 'Woah! This is great!' And I think in a situation like this, we're playing a festival and we're playing songs. This song is 30 years old, this one's a year old, but nobody sits there and goes, 'Wow! That's old. This and that.' And I think that's when you do something for the right reason — when you don't try to fit into trends and things like that. Then you're gonna have longevity."

In the early '80s when the legendary SUICIDAL TENDENCIES formed, punk rock was not very welcoming to "new ideas" — especially from a new crew that were obviously not worried about fitting in. But SUICIDAL TENDENCIES weren't there to be "accepted," and not only played their own "STyle of Cyco Punk," but reinvented the DIY attitude to a level never seen before with their distinctive look and sound. For 35 years, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES haven't worried about what other bands or people were or weren't doing. They didn't ask for permission, nor did they care who it offended. They did what they wanted, but most importantly for the right reason, because it's what they felt, not because they wanted to be liked.

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES' latest release is "STill Cyco Punk After All These Years", which came out September 7. It is a re-recording and re-imagining of a Cyco Miko (Mike Muir) solo album recorded in 1995, "Lost My Brain! (Once Again)". The album is an auditory time capsule — a full-on Cyco Punk record taken to a whole new level — featuring legendary drummer Dave Lombardo brutally beating the songs and sound that is made to get your slam on!

A veil of doom lay over Germany's Wacken Open Air Festival when Triptykon played their tunes in August of 2016. Professionally filmed video of the band performing the songs "Obscured" (Celtic Frost), "Boleskine House", and "Circle Of The Tyrants" (Celtic Frost) can be seen below:

Join a gathering of craft brewings most morbid ales on Saturday and Sunday, December 1st and 2nd as the heaviest and hoppiest craft beer festival in the world comes to the historic Wiltern Theatre for the first-ever Decibel Metal & Beer Fest: Los Angeles.

Headliners include thrash legends Testament, who will play a special set of both their classic The New Order and The Gathering records in full, along with the Tom Gabriel Fischer-led Triptykon performing a special all-Celtic Frost set. Grind heroes Pig Destroyer, revered doom trio YOB, new thrash gods Power Trip, death metal upstarts Skeletal Remains, Bay Area bruisers Necrot and heavy metal new jacks Haunt round out the first wave of bands on the bill with the next round of high-profile acts to be announced mid-July.

"I'm sure we'll see fans travel from all corners of the planet to witness this heavily overdue set!" exclaims Testament guitarist Eric Peterson. "Get your tickets quick! You won't wanna miss this event. A gathering of the new order is upon us!"

Not to be outdone, the country's most metal breweries will converge in a maelstrom of malt madness! Flagship breweries Three Floyds (IN), TRVE (CO), Weyerbacher (PA), Brash (TX), Adroit Theory (VA), Burial (NC), Hoof Hearted (OH), Societe (CA), Left Hand Brewing (CO), Phantom Carriage (CA), Hydra Brewing (SD), Mikkeller (CA) and Wayfinder (OR) will return while Wake (IL) and Black Sands (CA) will make their first Decibel Metal & Beer Fest pours. And just like when the musicians in the night's best bands hang out before and after their sets, the metalheads that make these skull-crushing high-gravity beers will be headbanging along during the festivities, ready to toast exclusive samples and, of course, talk metal and beer.

"We are super excited to be working with our friends from Decibel on this year's Metal & Beer Fest," says Brian Slagel, CEO of Metal Blade Records, the festival's presenting sponsor. "It will be a great time and we are honored to again be working with everyone at Decibel magazine."

Video footage of Swedish doom metal legends CANDLEMASS performing earlier tonight (Saturday, September 8) at the Southern Discomfort festival in Kristiansand, Norway can be seen below.

CANDLEMASS announced earlier this week that it had parted ways with singer Mats Levén and reteamed with Johan Längqvist.

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

Commented CANDLEMASS: "We wanted to find our way back to the roots of CANDLEMASS, back to the soul and essence of the band. Johan Längqvist is back and we hope this will give us some new energy and kickstart the heart of doom again. We don't know if it will last 10 more years or even five, but if it will give us just another year of having fun and playing the music that we love so much, it will be a blast! The circle is closed, Johan is back!"

CANDLEMASS is currently recording a new studio album for a tentative 2019 release.

A new CANDLEMASS track, "House Of Doom", was released on May 25 as an EP with three bonus cuts via Napalm Records. The song is the soundtrack of the game with the same name, which was co-designed by the legendary Swedish doom metal band.

The "House Of Doom" soundtrack was written by CANDLEMASS bassist Leif Edling, produced by Marcus Jidell, mixed by David Castillo and mastered by Maor Appelbaum.

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

Internationally acclaimed rock band Stone Sour has posted an acoustic version of "The Witness Trees", which is featured on the band’s recently released Hydrograd Deluxe Edition. Check it out below.

Available now at all DSPs and www.stonesour.com, Hydrograd Deluxe Edition collects unreleased covers, b-sides, live recordings and alternate versions of songs from Stone Sour’s acclaimed 2017 LP, Hydrograd.

The deluxe edition is highlighted by “Burn One Turn One,” a previously unreleased b-side from Hydrograd, as well 13 rare or unreleased songs including an acoustic version of the #1 rock song “Song #3,” as well as covers of hits from Rage Against The Machine, Soundgarden and Van Halen.

Stone Sour are currently on a massive US tour supporting Ozzy Osbourne as special guests on his No More Tours 2 headline run. The cross-country trek is set to run through October 13th where it will wrap-up with a performance at Las Vegas, Nevada’s MGM Grand. For complete details and ticket availability, head here.