The official lyric video for the song "Make The Move" from U.D.O., the German metal band led by former ACCEPT frontman Udo Dirkschneider, can be seen below. The song is taken from U.D.O.'s upcoming album, "Steelfactory", which will be released on August 31 via AFM.


According to a press release, "Steelfactory" sees "U.D.O. return to their core competence, clearly influenced by their past shows with DIRKSCHNEIDER, the songs in their rousingly simple straightness have a hymn character, as it is only known from the past."

The press release continues: "'Steelfactory' has become a timeless metal album and thus the impressive statement of a master of his craft. With its earthy, punchy and handmade sound — with the participation of the Danish producer Jacob Hansen (among others, VOLBEAT) — 'Steelfactory' meets the nerve of the time, which may be triggered again since the successful DIRKSCHNEIDER tour worldwide."

Asked whether the DIRKSCHNEIDER tour, during which he performed nothing but ACCEPT songs, influenced the musical direction of "Steelfactory", Udo told United Rock Nations: "I would say, and I'll be honest, I think yes. I mean, if you are on tour, let's say, for maybe three years doing nearly three hundred shows and play only ACCEPT songs, of course, it's definitely an influence and also a feeling if you start songwriting. But I don't have a problem with this. [Laughs]"

"Steelfactory" track listing:

01. Tongue Reaper

02. Make The Move

03. Keeper Of My Soul

04. In The Heat Of The Night

05. Raise The Game

06. Blood On Fire

07. Rising High

08. The Devil Is An Angel (digipack bonus track)

09. Hungry And Angry

10. One Heart One Soul

11. Pictures In My Dreams (digipack bonus track)

12. A Bite Of Evil

13. Eraser

14. Rose In The Desert

15. The Way


Dirkschneider has spent the last two years touring under the DIRKSCHNEIDER banner, performing classic ACCEPT songs for the last time. The trek, which was originally supposed to conclude with the band's North American run in January/February 2017, has now been extended through the fall of 2018.

Guitarist Stefan Kaufmann recently rejoined U.D.O. for the group's summer festival appearances.

Kaufmann left U.D.O. in September 2012 for health reasons.

He was the drummer for ACCEPT on nine albums but was forced to give up drumming towards the end of the band's initial run after sustaining a serious injury to his back.

Stefan joined U.D.O. as a guitar player in 1996, following ACCEPT's second breakup, and recorded nine albums with them, including his most recent release with the group, 2011's "Rev-Raptor".


In addition to Udo and his son Sven (drums), the DIRKSCHNEIDER and U.D.O. bands include bassist Fitty Wienhold and guitarist Andrey Smirnov.

Irish thrashers GAMA BOMB have released a face-melting animated lyric video for new single "666teen". The blistering track is the first single from the band's sixth album, "Speed Between The Lines", due out October 12 via AFM Records.

"Speed Between The Lines" was produced by longtime GAMA BOMB collaborator Scott Atkins (CRADLE OF FILTH, SYLOSIS). The album's retro cover art is by New York-based artist Jarred Hageman a.k.a. Chrome And Lightning and Rory McGuigan (Villagers), and the video also features scenes from 1950s public information movies.

Singer Philly Byrne stated about "666teen": "The title just popped into my head one night. I'd been listening to a lot of '50s rock and doo-wop, songs like 'Sixteen Candles' and 'Sweet Little Sixteen', and it just kinda morphed into this idea: what if somebody wrote a Satanic teen rebellion song?"

Bassist Joe McGuigan on "Speed Between The Lines": "Our aim with this record was keep refining the GAMA BOMB thrash formula. It's got faster and more punky riffing, battling axes and catchy, memorable choruses from Philly, who's back with the Halford / Belladona notes after injuring his voice a few years back."

The digital single's cover is inspired by vintage paperback novels, featuring art from James Blish's horror classic "Black Easter".

"Speed Between The Lines" is the sixth studio album from GAMA BOMB in 16 years. The album will be available as CD, clear yellow gatefold vinyl (limited to 250 units), turquoise gatefold vinyl (limited to 250 units), clear/red gatefold and vinyl red/black splatter (limited to 100 units) which is exclusively available in the AFM webshop.

"Speed Between The Lines" track listing:

01. Give Me Leather

02. A Hanging

03. 666teen

04. Bring Out The Monster

05. R.I.P. U

06. Motorgeist

07. Alt-Reich

08. Stay Rotten

09. We R Going 2 Eat U

10. Kurt Russell

11. World Gone To Hell

12. Faceblaster

GAMA BOMB is:

Philly Byrne - Vocals

Domo Dixon - Lead Guitar

John Roche - Lead Guitar

Joe McGuigan - Bass, Vocals

Paul Caffrey - Drums

UK hard rock band Ace Mafia have announced the release of their new self-titled EP on September 15th. The EP features Richie Faulkner on lead and rhythm guitars before leaving Ace Mafia to join Judas Priest. The video for the single “Snakes ‘Nʼ Ladders” can be seen below.

The EP was mixed and mastered by Phil Kinman, all music recorded and written by Ace Mafia, Bruna Agra (former drummer), Richie Faulkner (former lead guitarist), Sam Gharbaoui (K. Ghibli’s brother). The EP will be officially launched on September 29th at the Big Red, one of Londonʼs premier hard rock venues.

Tracklisting:

"Snakes 'N' Ladders"
"Face To Face"
"Stop Loss"
"Breathlessness"

"Snakes 'N' Ladders" video:

Ace Mafia is:

Ben Lundy - lead guitar
K. Ghibli - rhythm guitar, vocals
Jerry Sadowski - drums
Geos - bass, backing vocals

Former lead guitarist:

Richie Faulkner - lead and rhythm guitars

Northern German metal band Mob Rules have released a new digital single and lyric video for the song "Children's Crusade", taken from their forthcoming studio album Beast Reborn.

Singer Klaus Dirks explains: "'Children’s Crusade' tells of an enigmatic movement of children, in the beginning of 13th century in Germany and France. The violent crusades to liberate Jerusalem led to no success. They pushed the people in poverty and famine. One night an angel appeared to a boy with a fateful message: Only a crowd of pure and innocent children could free the Holy Land. The sea behind Italy’s Shores would part for them, to give way to Jerusalem. Called to lead this crusade, the boy gathered more than ten thousand young people around him. The arduous route took its toll, over one-third of the children died by starving or freezing on their way through the Alps. When the sea in Italy would not part, the sullen group of pilgrims broke up. Some settled in Italy, some returned home in shame. Only a few tried to continue their way on ships, to fulfill their holy mission. Foundered, captured or enslaved not a single child arrived jerusalem in the end."

You can watch the video below:

Beast Reborn will be released on August 24th via SPV/Steamhammer on CD digipak, 2LP gatefold (incl. 1 bonus track), limited boxset (incl. CD, 2LP, towel, hand-signed photo card, 2 track bonus CD, patch, sticker etc.), download and stream. Pre-order here.

"Beast Reborn is a great album filled with catchy tunes that will stick with you. Fans of melodic metal should definitely check this one out!" - Jens Bogren (Fascination Street Studios)

Energetic, massive, focussed - that’s how Mob Rules appear on their new album. The success of their previous album Tales From Beyond was the impetus being used by the six rockers  to bundle their energies and produce this new and very straightforward album. With dense sound, straightforward songs and the familiar big melodies, Mob Rules go directly to the listener’s ears. Rough and fast-paced they move across the roots of metal, to haunting, modern compositions, which makes their sound more fresh and up-to-date than ever.

New band member Sönke Janssen also has a hand in this: Being the new second guitarist he expands and completes Mob Rules’ sound spectrum. Not only within the band things are moving, they also get input from outside: Jens Bogren took over mastering. He works with great artists like Kreator and Amorphis at his Fascination Street Studios in Sweden. Bogren is a real guarantor for a punchy sound. Sebastian “Seeb” Levermann (Orden Ogan) is responsible for most of the choirs and yet again accountable for the mix of the album is Markus Teske.

Mob Rules take full advantage of their potential and show their strength precise and focussed. With Beast Reborn, Mob Rules draw the logical consequence of their progress
and at the same time dare to experiment with new things.

Tracklisting:

"Beast Reborn"
"Ghost Of A Chance"
"Shores Ahead"
"Sinister Light"
"Traveller In Time"
"Children's Crusade"
"War Of Currents"
"The Explorer"
"Revenant Of The Sea"
"Way Back Home"
"My Sobriety Mind (For Those Who Left)"

"Sinister Light" lyric video:

"Ghost Of A Chance" video:

Album release shows:

August
24 - Weiher, Germany - Live Music Hall
25 - Oberhausen, Germany - Helvete Pub

September
8 - Wilhelmshaven, Germany - Pumpwerk

Watch the teaser for the shows below:

Toronto heavy-hitters My Hollow are premiering their new sound in their lyric video for “And Now We Fall” via BraveWords. This single is laying the foundation for their new style going forward, since their full-length On Borrowed Time (2015). It gives fans a sense of their songwriting, lyrics, and anticipated heaviness for the band in their thematic video by Gabe B. at P.S. Studios. The standalone track will “leave you hollow, and wanting more,” comments guitarist Greg Gallagher.

Gallagher adds:

“Our new single ‘And Now We Fall’ has a lot a catchy riffs, heavy breakdowns and a more mature feel to the music than previous releases. We’ve been gearing more towards songwriting that is more evolved (than our back catalog) and really focusing on taking the listener to new places, without losing our initial passion and signature sound."

Since their conception My Hollow have managed to score opening slots with The Agonist, Cryptopsy, Threat Signal, Beneath The Massacre, in addition to earning a position at the 2013 Wacken Metal Battle Canada finals. The five piece will be wrapping up recording and preparing for a future album release as a follow up to their previous full-length in 2015.

Stream their 2015 album On Borrowed Time on Bandcamp.

The official music video for the song "Zombie Dance" from veteran German metallers GRAVE DIGGER can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's new album, "The Living Dead", which will be released on September 14 via Napalm Records.

After listening to "Zombie Dance", we know for sure that polka and metal fit perfectly together. This collaboration with GRAVE DIGGER's labelmates RUSSKAJA will make you dance, especially when it's played live on the latter group's upcoming "Tour Of The Living Dead".

GRAVE DIGGER vocalist Chris Boltendahl commented: "Polka and metal — is that fitting? With 'Zombie Dance', we are opening the gate to hell for every incarnate, true metalhead and GRAVE DIGGER fan. But, to be honest... the symbiosis between metal and polka turns out to be perfect and calls on everyone to dance and headbang.

You wanted PARTY — you've got it!! With 'Zombie Dance' and its video, we give you a late summer hit in 2018. Whoever stands still or remains seated while this song is played is already dead or not born yet!"


"The Living Dead" track listing:

01. Fear Of The Living Dead

02. Blade Of The Immortal

03. When Death Passes By

04. Shadow Of The Warrior

05. The Power Of Metal

06. Hymn Of The Damned

07. What War Left Behind

08. Fist In Your Face

09. Insane Pain

10. Zombie Dance

11. Glory Or Grave (bonus track)

The cover artwork can be seen below.

A headlining tour, dubbed "Tour Of The Living Dead", will launch in Hannover, Germany on January 11, 2019 and finish in Tel Aviv, Israel on February 9, 2019. Support on the trek will come from BURNING WITCHES.

GRAVE DIGGER's last album, "Healed By Metal", was released in January 2017 via Napalm Records.

GRAVE DIGGER is:

Chris Boltendahl - Vocals

Axel Ritt - Guitar

Jens Becker - Bass

Stefan Arnold - Drums

Marcus Kniep - Keyboards

German metal queen Doro Pesch has released the official music video for the song "It Cuts So Deep". The track is taken from Doro's new album, "Forever Warriors, Forever United", which is being released today (Friday, August 17) via Nuclear Blast.

Sauys Doro: "I wrote this together with David Bryant because I love doing ballads with a keyboardist and pianos. And he is renowned! It's a very sensitive song and I think it's one of my finest ballads.

"We have toured very intensively over the past few years, gathering so many impressions along the way and meeting so many great people. That really inspired me. The songs and ideas literally flooded our minds and this also didn't stop in the studio. From over 50 song ideas, we quickly had 14 songs for an album, then suddenly 20 and in the end it was 24."

"Forever United" takes a more sentimental turn, with lyrical topics covering friendship, love and companionship. Highlights include Doro's tribute to the late and great Lemmy.

With "Forever Warriors, Forever United", Doro presents two new records, featuring 19 regular tracks and six bonus songs.

This unique songwriting marathon was based on "Living Life To The Fullest" back in January 2016. Says Doro: "I was flying to Lemmy's funeral when the track's melody and lyrics suddenly came to mind. Lemmy was always very important to me. Everything went quickly from this point. As soon as a song was constructed, I headed to the studio — between all those shows and tours — to capture the freshness and live energy of the new tracks."

The album cover artwork was once again created by Doro's favorite artist, Geoffrey Gillespie. It portrays Doro in the middle of a swarm of wild metal heads exuding attitude, power and positive vibes.

"The cover and the title form a perfect unit," Doro explains, "Just as it should be. It all fits perfectly in line with the songs, which also deal with some political themes."

The long-awaited follow-up to 2012's "Raise Your Fist" is the German singer's first release since 2016's "Love's Gone To Hell" single.

Last year, Pesch celebrated the 30th anniversary of WARLOCK's "Triumph And Agony" album by performing the LP in its entirety at select shows around the globe.

The official music video for "Who I Am", a new song from GIOELI - CASTRONOVO, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's debut album, "Set The World On Fire", which was released on July 13 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Johnny Gioeli and Deen Castronovo first played together on the debut HARDLINE album, "Double Eclipse", which was released in 1992. 25 years later, the two were reunited in Italy to commence work on "Set The World On Fire".

"It was so great to work with Johnny again," says Castronovo. "I've always loved his voice and it was a pleasure to be a part of this collaboration. It was like we'd never left each other."

"It was like the first day he tried to hold my hand and kiss me in 1992," says Gioeli. "Ha Ha!!! KIDDING! Seriously, I never left Deen. Deen never left me, so reuniting was easy. Counting our blessings were plentiful. Singing together was magical."

Both men have continued on their musical paths since they last saw one another, with Gioeli continuing to lead HARDLINE, while Castronovo spent time with Ozzy Osbourne and had an extended tour of duty with the legendary JOURNEY. Castronovo is currently active with THE DEAD DAISIES and REVOLUTION SAINTS in addition to GIOELI-CASTRONOVO.

Gioeli's vocal talents combined with Deen's superb drumming abilities (and whom is also a fine vocalist in his own right) has made for a stunning album that is driving a driving hard rock record, while also chock full of uplifting melodies and poignant lyrical messages.

"Set The World On Fire" track listing:

01. Set The World On Fire

02. Through

03. Who I Am

04. Fall Like An Angel

05. It's All About You

06. Need You Now

07. Ride Of Your Life

08. Mother

09. Walk With Me

10. Run For Your Life

11. Remember Me

12. Let Me Out

Produced by: Alessandro Del Vecchio

Studio: Ivorytears Music Works Studios, Somma Lombardo, VA, Italy

Recorded by: Alessandro Del Vecchio

Mixed by: Alessandro Del Vecchio

Mastered by: Alessandro Del Vecchio

Recording lineup:

Johnny Gioeli: vocals

Deen Castronovo: vocals, drums

Alessandro Del Vecchio: keyboards, backing vocals

Mario Percudani: guitar

Nik Mazzucconi: bass

MURDERDOLLS frontman Wednesday 13 reunited with onetime MURDERDOLLS members Eric Griffin and Acey Slade on stage for the first time in over a decade last night (Thursday, August 16) at Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood. The event, which celebrated the life of former MURDERDOLLS drummer Ben Graves, saw the trio performing some of the group's classic songs.

Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below (courtesy of Natalia Britt).

Graves, who also worked with PRETTY BOY FLOYD and DOPE, passed away on May 9 after a year-long battle with cancer. He was only 45 years old.

Concerns about Graves's health were first raised when he collapsed during a PRETTY BOY FLOYD gig in Denver last year, according to LA Weekly.

Graves was a member of the MURDERDOLLS from 2002 until 2004. He later told Metalliville in an interview that the experience changed his life. "It took a world that I had always fantasized about and made it my reality, which was the whole reason I moved to Los Angeles in the first place," he said. "So joining that band was definitely a good starting point for me."

According to Ben, the chemistry between the MURDERDOLLS members was unlike anything he had been involved with. "The original MURDERDOLLS lineup was one of those rare and unique situations where the right people are in the right place at the right time of their lives, and all of those ingredients come together in a way that's not at all premeditated," he said. "I think that happens every once in a while, whether it be in music or art, where something is created that people really respond and connect with."

In the same interview, Graves said that he "always wanted to be a drummer. When I first got started, there was really never a question as to what instrument I would play," he said. "When all my friends went out and bought guitars, which seemed to be the instrument that everybody wanted to play, it never crossed my mind to follow — not once. I always just felt very attracted to the drums for some reason. I related to them a lot more naturally than any other instrument. Whenever I would go to a concert, my attention would always be focused on the drummer. Or even when we would hang out after school and watch music videos, I always wished that they showed more shots of the drummer. It just looked incredibly fucking fun to me, and I remember sitting there thinking, or probably even saying out loud, 'I wanna do that!' I think another reason I felt drawn to the drums is because they were 50 percent physical, 50 percent mental. Before I got into drums, I was completely obsessed with martial arts for that same reason. Even before I started playing drums, I always felt very connected to rhythm in general, so it was a natural choice. There's something about drumming that is very primal, and that aspect has always appealed to me."

Former SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison recently said that he was open to to the possibility of a reunion of the MURDERDOLLS.

MURDERDOLLS has been inactive since completing the touring cycle in support of its sophomore album, "Women And Children Last", which came out in August 2010 via Roadrunner Records.

Jordison, who played guitar for MURDERDOLLS, told CrypticRock.com last year that he "would love to do another record" with MURDERDOLLS. He explained: "I have this punk rock and pop side of me that I don't really get to get out in other areas in my life. When we did that band, it was just pretty much to express fun, have a great time, and kind of throw a monkeywrench into what was going on in rock and metal at the time, and it worked."

New Wave Of British Heavy Metal veterans TYGERS OF PAN TANG have released a music video for "The Devil You Know", a song from their latest, self-titled album.

"Tygers Of Pan Tang" was released in October 2016 on LP, limited picture LP, CD and through all digital services.

Much has been written about the role the TYGERS played in the establishment of the movement and about the comings and goings within the band, but it is safe to say that the current lineup brings a creative stability and a shared camaraderie that will keep them together, playing live and making records for some time to come.

2016 began the signing of a new record deal with Scandinavia's premier rock and metal label Mighty Music, giving the band the opportunity to record the material they had written and honed in a burst of activity in late 2015. While the band were happy to produce themselves at The Blast Studio in Newcastle, they knew that the mix needed a fresh pair of ears.

Mighty Music CEO Michael H. Andersen recommended Søren Andersen of Medley Studio for the mix of the album. Having heard and been impressed by material recorded and mixed by Søren Andersen (Glenn Hughes, Mike Tramp), the TYGERS sought out his services. Søren was only too happy to work with a band whose credentials were so firmly established. For the mastering, Harry Hess of HAREM SCAREM fame was the perfect man for the job.

TYGERS OF PAN TANG founder/guitarist Robb Weir told Decibel Geek about "Tygers Of Pan Tang": "We recorded the album in January [2016] in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, our hometown, We set aside three weeks for the album and used the first two to do the proper recording and the last week for mixing the album. I started out mixing the album and putting it all together, but at a certain point, it all came to a halt. Our Danish record company suggested we should try Søren Andersen. He basically did a tremendous job putting 57 channels together and made it sound great."

"Take Me To The Church", the new video from legendary German guitarist Michael Schenker's MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST project, can be seen below. The clip was shot during a recent trip to St. Petersburg, Russia.

Schenker comments: "Today we are releasing the new video for 'Take Me To The Church', released from MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST's debut album, 'Resurrection'. We filmed the video in an old church in St Petersburg, Russia as well as at our live show there that same evening. The process was an interesting experience. The fans in Russia were great for the video, too."

Singer Doogie White adds: "'Take Me To The Church' was the obvious choice, given the terrific response in the live arena and from fans and reviewers alike, so we decided to bite the bullet and shoot a video. This was the first of three songs Michael and I wrote for the 'Resurrection' album, continuing the partnership we started with 'Temple Of Rock'.

"It is always fascinating to see how others interpret lyrics and bring them to life visually. We also knew that fans would want to see live footage of the lineup; we added some of that too. So once you have watched the video and learned your lines, you can sing along when we come to a town or city near you. ALRIGHT..."

After conquering Japan at the end of this month, MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST will be touring Europe in October/November. Joining Schenker will be three legendary MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP vocalists Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley plus Michael Schenker's TEMPLE OF ROCK vocalist Doogie White. Chris Glen will be appearing on bass, with Ted McKenna on drums and Steve Mann on guitar/keys.

Released on March 2 via Nuclear Blast, "Resurrection", which was produced by Michael Voss-Schön, was recorded in four different locations over a five-month period and features guest appearances by METALLICA's Kirk Hammett, Wayne Findlay and Michael Voss-Schön along with contributions from Barden, Bonnet and McAuley — plus White. Also appearing on the album are musicians Mann, McKenna and Glen.

"Mind Your Manners", a new song from SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's new album, "Living The Dream", which will be released on September 21 via Slash's own label Snakepit Records, in partnership with Roadrunner Records.

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

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

"Living The Dream" is Slash's fourth solo album, and third with Slash and his bandmates Myles Kennedy (vocals), Brent Fitz (drums), Todd Kerns (bass and vocals) and Frank Sidoris (guitar and vocals). The band has launched a physical pre-order for "Living The Dream" including: a limited-edition deluxe premium 2LP yellow vinyl within a premium "Living The Dream" vinyl-size 20 page hardback book, an exclusive one-sided seven-inch single of "Driving Rain" featuring an etching on the B-side with a special set of Slash guitar picks, standard digital and physical CD album, poster as well as a limited-edition t-shirt and hoodie are available.

The band has also unveiled the album cover art and tracklisting for "Living The Dream". The artwork was created by renowned visual artist Ron English.


"Living The Dream" track listing:


01. The Call Of The Wild

02. Serve You Right

03. My Antidote

04. Mind Your Manners

05. Lost Inside The Girl

06. Read Between The Lines

07. Slow Grind

08. The One You Loved Is Gone

09. Driving Rain

10. Sugar Cane

11. The Great Pretender

12. Boulevard Of Broken Hearts

From the barnstorming, high-octane riffery of opener "Call Of The Wild" to the wah-drenched funk rock of "Read Between The Lines", the haunting majesty of "Lost Inside The Girl" to the swaggering deep-in-the-pocket seventies grooves of "Serve You Right", the stately, quasi-classical melodic themes of "The Great Pretender" to the massive hooks and anthemic, singalong choruses of first single "Driving Rain", "Living The Dream" packs a compendium of sounds and styles into 12 tightly arranged and sharply executed tracks, all of it shot through with Slash's trademark electrifying and dynamic riffing and high-wire, lyrical solos.

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

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

For Slash and the band, this moment in time has been unlike any in their past. The seeds of what would become "Living The Dream" were first planted back on the "World On Fire" tour, when Slash began bringing in material for the band to work on at soundchecks.

"Historically, the way we write is we'll be on the road and I'll have my guitar with me, coming up with ideas sitting in the hotel room or in the dressing room or even sometimes on the bus," Slash explains. "When I have something, I'll bring it to soundcheck and I'll start jamming it out with Frank and Todd and Brent. Then Myles will start humming ideas into the recording apparatus on his telephone, and that's how the nucleus of these songs will start."

"I can tell you that's the way it happened for some of the early songs, like 'Lost Inside The Girl' and 'Serve You Right'," Kennedy says. "We were touring Europe in 2015, and at soundchecks Slash would start playing one of those riffs and everybody would jump in. I remember grabbing my phone and singing some ideas into it right then and there, just being really excited about those two tracks. And at that point there were pieces of a few others, like 'The Great Pretender' and 'The One You Loved Is Gone'. So we were definitely embarking on the songwriting process for a new album."

The plan, according to Slash, "was that we would finish up the 'World On Fire' tour, take a little break and then go right into preproduction and get started on a new record." Which, of course, was not quite what happened. Instead, the GUNS N' ROSES reunion was announced, and Slash went directly into rehearsals with that band. As GN'R hit the road, Kennedy reconvened with his other group, ALTER BRIDGE, for an album and tour, and eventually began writing and recording his solo debut ("Year Of The Tiger"). Any work on a new CONSPIRATORS record was put on indefinite hold.

It wasn't until December of 2017, in fact, that Slash, with GN'R on a break, returned to L.A. and resumed writing in earnest for THE CONSPIRATORS. In addition to the songs that had already been worked up, he used his time at home to write a few new ones, among them the slinky rocker "Slow Grind" and the track that would become the album closer, "Boulevard Of Broken Hearts". Then, in January of this year, Slash and THE CONSPIRATORS finally came back together in a rehearsal space in L.A. to pick up where they had left off years earlier. "I wouldn't even call what we did rehearsals," Slash says. "It was really about just getting back into shape after being apart for so long." But even as the band was finding its groove again, the new songs kept coming. The barnstorming "Mind Your Manners", powered by a turbocharged Slash riff and a double-time rhythm, was written on the very first day of rehearsal. "I just sort of came up with it on the spot to give us something to warm up with," Slash says. "It was the very first thing we jammed on. And from there we fell back into revisiting the old songs, polishing them up and getting the arrangements together. Then we rehearsed everything and jumped into the studio and started recording."

The "Living The Dream" sessions, which commenced in late March, saw the band reunite with producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette, who also helmed "World On Fire". But while the producer stayed the same, the studio this time changed, with Slash opting to move operations to his newly active recording facility, Snakepit Studios. "At some point a couple years ago, I bought a small residential property in L.A. and put together a rehearsal space and studio," he explains. "It has a 16-track digital board, and we did pretty much everything there except the drums. It's just a very homey and cool and cozy spot."

"The environment there is definitely 'Slash,'" says Kennedy of Snakepit Studios. "It's got a lot of the things that over the years I've come to equate with him — dinosaurs, pinball machines, photos of guitar players like Rory Gallagher and Keith Richards on the walls, stuff like that. It's a vibey hang. It was good for the creative process."

To demonstrate just how good for the creative process it was, Kennedy points to the lyrics to one new song, "Serve You Right", which he says were partly inspired by a painting hanging on the bathroom wall at the Snakepit — "a picture of this kind of devilish nun," he says. "That's the only way I can describe it." "It's actually a masturbating nun," Slash clarifies, then laughs. "I've never talked to Myles about it, but the lyrics he came up with for that song, which are insanely suggestive for him, I knew they were influenced by that picture."

Dinosaurs and devilish nuns aside, the sessions at the Snakepit went quick. Recording was completed by early May, at which point the album was mixed and mastered… and then held, as Slash headed back on the road with GN'R for a European tour. "That was definitely a weird feeling," Slash says. "I've never done a record where I've had to wait four or five months for it to come out after we recorded it." He laughs. "Now I understand what actors feel like after they finish shooting a movie…"

As it stands, that pause will be the last extended break for THE CONSPIRATORS for the foreseeable future. The band will be heading out on the road in September for what will be the beginning of a lot of touring across a lot of the world. "We're going to do the U.S. this fall, and then I'll be out with GUNS N' ROSES in in November and December," Slash says. "Then we'll get together and do Europe, and after that it'll be South America, Australia… we'll try to hit as many places as we can. Because as much as I enjoy the writing and recording process, when I'm creating music it's always with the intent that it should be played in front of an audience. For me, that's always the endgame — to get out there with the band and perform the music live. That's what I love the most."

You could say, then, that Slash is, in fact, living the dream. But he'll only laugh in response. "Well, you know, the album title is actually meant to be a sarcastic statement about the world we're living in at the moment," he explains. "I never wax political on records, but it was just something that came to mind — this tongue-in-cheek thing directed at social political events across the globe."

That said, Slash continues, "If you do take it in the literal sense, then, yeah, making records and touring and getting up onstage every day and playing music with these guys, that is the essence of living the dream. And that's why I was always dead-set on getting back together with this band and continuing to do this. And I always knew it would happen. Because THE CONSPIRATORS story is not over yet."

The group's North American headlining tour begins September 13 in Los Angeles, visiting 20 major cities including New York, Denver, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, DC, Chicago, Austin, Houston, and more before ending October 14 in Sacramento.

DEVOUR THE DAY has released a new single and accompanying music video for "The Censor", taken from the band's upcoming studio album, "Signals", due on October 26 via Razor & Tie.

Says DEVOUR THE DAY: "There is a quote by Elizabeth Gilbert that goes like this: 'Art is a crushing chore and a wonderful privilege. The work wants to be made, and it wants to be made through you.' We are honored to be the channels and to have received these signals. We cannot take ownership for our place, it is through this process that we find our own purpose. We are indebted to our community for the gift of this responsibility."

"Signals" track listing:

01. One Shot

02. Faithless

03. Into The Night

04. Red Flower

05. Headspill

06. The Censor

07. Give It Up

08. Cliffhanger

09. Loudmouth

10. Nothing Is Enough

11. Wonderful Creatures

12. Under The Overpass

DEVOUR THE DAY is also creating a six-part documentary series telling the story of its #soundtracktoYOURstory tour, and all the amazing people the band has met along the way, which will be launched in the weeks leading up to the release of "Signals". To craft the series, DEVOUR THE DAY teamed up with Vers Creative, a global branding agency that specializes in authentic storytelling, as well as the award-winning team at Neighborhood Film Company, who have created Oscar-qualifying short films and worked with global brands like Nike, Coke, Reebok and Universal. In the spirit of community, this campaign will also be bolstered by a host of industry-leading sponsors all committed to this groundbreaking, grassroots campaign.

Photo credit: Grizzlee Martin

Swedish progressive metal veterans OPETH will release "Garden Of The Titans: Live At Red Rocks Amphitheater" on November 2 via Moderbolaget Records/Nuclear Blast Entertainment. This historic event was captured for the DVD, Blu-ray and vinyl formats during the band's May 11, 2017 performance at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, Colorado. Both the DVD and Blu-ray formats include CDs containing the audio as well.

Listen to the first single, "Sorceress", below.

Video footage for "Garden Of The Titans" was overseen by The Deka Brothers (CARPENTER BRUT, THE PRODIGY) and audio was mixed by David Castillo (KATATONIA, BLOODBATH). All versions feature the masterful artwork of revered artist Travis Smith (NEVERMORE, KATATONIA, TESTAMENT).

"Garden Of The Titans: Live At Red Rocks Amphitheater" track listing:

01. Sorceress (live)

02. Ghost Of Perdition (live)

03. Demon Of The Fall (live)

04. The Wilde Flowers (live)

05. In My Time Of Need (live)

06. The Devil's Orchard (live)

07. Cusp Of Eternity (live)

08. Heir Apparent (live)

09. Era (live)

10. Deliverance (live)

OPETH guitarist Fredrik Åkesson recently told FaceCulture that the band has commenced the songwriting process for the follow-up to 2016's "Sorceress" album. "We're very much into the demoing," he said. "I've recorded a lot of solos so far. And Mikael [Åkerfeldt, guitar/vocals] has almost already written 12 songs for the new album, so we have more material than enough for an album. But I think we will at least try to finish 15 songs. So hopefully we'll work on song ideas very soon."

According to Åkesson, OPETH is hoping to release its 13th studio album in the first quarter of 2019. "I'm not sure if it's gonna happen, but we're working towards that, and the songwriting goes very well," he said. "Mikael has been very productive these last… since January, basically. We did the last touring for 'Sorceress' in November."

Regarding the musical direction of the new OPETH material, Fredrik said: "Compared to the last three albums, I would say, if I can reveal anything, this album is more complex, more energetic, and I think it's gonna be something."

Åkesson went on to say that OPETH always tries to explore new ground with every album and it isn't overly concerned with how its music will be received by its fans. "The first filter is the guys in the band, I would say," he said. "If we enjoy it, we can only hope that people that enjoy listening to OPETH will enjoy it; that would be nice. But if we're happy with it, we will release it; it's quite simple. I think this is kind of a Mikael question in a way, since he's the creative director for the band, so I know, speaking for him a little bit here, that he always tries to push everything into something new. And I think people will enjoy this new album."

"Sorceress" was released in September 2016. For the band's first effort for Nuclear Blast via OPETH's imprint label Moderbolaget Records, the group returned to Rockfield Studios in Wales, also home to pivotal releases from QUEEN, RUSH and JUDAS PRIEST, where the Swedes had tracked "Pale Communion" in 2014 with Tom Dalgety

On September 8, rock supergroup MOTOR SISTER — featuring Jim Wilson (MOTHER SUPERIOR), Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Pearl Aday (Scott's wife and daughter of actor/musician Meat Loaf), Joey Vera (ARMORED SAINT, FATES WARNING) and John Tempesta (THE CULT) — will appear at Molly Malone's in Los Angeles for a special show. Following the event, MOTOR SISTER will start to write material for a new album, due out 2019 via Metal Blade Records.

Since the release of MOTOR SISTER's debut, "Ride", in 2015, the group has been more than busy with its other commitments: Ian has been touring non-stop with ANTHRAX; Tempesta has been on tour with THE CULT; Vera has been performing "Symbol Of Salvation" in its entirety with ARMORED SAINT; Aday released a solo album, "Heartbreak And Canyon Revelry", and just completed a run of dates opening for Cody Jinks; Wilson released his latest album with drummer Phil Jones in June.

MOTOR SISTER was originally assembled to jam for Ian's 50th birthday party. Thanks to Aday, all it took was a quick phone call, and the stage was literally set for Scott's dream gig. "I wanted to cherry-pick a set list of my favorite MOTHER SUPERIOR songs and get these guys together and have the concert at my house," Scott says of the event that eventually led to an album — "Ride", comprised of MOTHER SUPERIOR covers — and the formation of MOTOR SISTER.

For its sophomore release, MOTOR SISTER will be writing all-new, original songs.

"The simple goal for the second MOTOR SISTER album is to make the most kick-ass, high-energy rock and roll record ever," Wilson comments.

Photo credit: Stephanie Cabral

Former JOURNEY singer Steve Perry paid tribute to Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul," who died Thursday after it was reported earlier this week that she was "gravely ill" in Detroit. Her family said that the cause of death was advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type.

During an appearance on the "Volume Remembers Aretha Franklin" show on SiriusXM's Volume channel, Perry said about Franklin: "When I was younger, her music was so important to me. And when I saw the documentaty about Rick Hall and Muscle Shoals, it was obvious to me that her voice, when it connected to the swampers in Muscle Shoals, became this incredible marriage between their love for R&B and her voice. Because they used to cut a lot of tracks here in New York, but it didn't click until she went down there. And so it became this magical thing, and some of her most amazing hits came out of that. And she is in the documentary about Muscle Shoals, where she talks about that. I'm really sad about that, because she is iconic and one of my favorites of all time."

Franklin was 76 years old at the time of her death.

In 1987, Franklin became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and was later named the "Greatest Singer of All Time" by Rolling Stone.

Perry's new solo album, "Traces", will be released on October 5 via Fantasy Records (a division of Concord Records/UMG). The disc marks his first solo album since 1994's "For The Love Of Strange Medicine", which was certified gold in the U.S. for sales in excess of half a million copies.

Doctors who have been treating STRYPER guitarist Oz Fox since his onstage collapse last weekend have found two masses in his head — one by his ear and the other in the back of his brain.

Oz's wife, Annie Lobért, wrote in a Facebook post that doctors told Fox the tumor behind the ear isn't as worrisome as the tumor on his brain. They told him, she said, that they could operate and do a biopsy or wait to see if the growth on his brain grows.

According to Annie, Oz has decided to be operated on because he "wants his quality of life back, and wants to find out what it is."

She asked fans to keep praying "serious, strategic prayer.

"Please pray for this mass to NOT be cancerous, and that he will recover quickly!" Lobért wrote.

She also asked for prayer for the doctor to have wisdom and for her "hands to be steady & her mind to be sharp.

"We don't want to be in fear... we believe that God has a plan for this even though this is a serious & life altering trial!" she added.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help pay Fox's medical bills. Annie explained that, "at this time, the procedures that need to be done will not be covered on insurance." Lobért went on to say that she and her husband are attempting to get the procedures covered but in the meantime the bills are piling up "at an enormous rate." She wrote: "We don't know how much the brain biopsies will cost, nor what will happen when we get the results back — whether he will need more surgery to remove any tumors or treatment plans for healing."

According to Annie, "Oz cannot drive, fly or work for three months because of the potential seizures." Furthermore, STRYPER has had to cancel its Japanese shows because Oz cannot perform due to his medical condition.

STRYPER's Australian tour, which is scheduled to kick off on Friday, August 17, will go ahead without Fox.

The band's frontman, Michael Sweet, said in a Facebook post that he's been friends with Oz since he was "almost 13 years old. We've been a 'duo' for almost our entire lives and I love him," he wrote. "He's family and a brother to me... We're all waiting to hear good news and we're all praying deeply for that.

"The important thing right now is Oz's health and well being," Sweet added. "Please continue to pray for him at this time. Pray for Annie and his family as well."

Formed 35 years ago, STRYPER is the first overtly Christian metal band to go mainstream. The group's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

STRYPER's albums include "To Hell With The Devil", "Second Coming", "No More Hell To Pay", "Fallen" and the band's latest effort, "God Damn Evil".

Oz update!

This just happened: Nuerosurgon came in & talked to Oz about his medical history. Nothing shocking to...Posted by Annie Lobert on Wednesday, August 15, 2018

BAD WOLVES have officially achieved platinum status for their intergenerational, global smash debut single, "Zombie". The RIAA certification marks a major milestone for BAD WOLVES, making them the sole rock band to obtain a platinum certification for a 2018 release. The platinum plaque was presented to BAD WOLVES by their co-manager, Zoltan Bathory of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, Eleven Seven Label Group CEO Allen Kovac, and promoters Larry and Fred Frank of Frank Productions/Live Nation prior to their set at the BB&T Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey (August 15). Another presentation took place during the concert (see video below).


BAD WOLVES vocalist Tommy Vext states: "We are deeply humbled and overwhelmed by the continued success of our rendition of 'Zombie'. For many artists, reaching platinum status in and of itself is a dream come true. But the greater story here is YOU. All the fans on every single continent — without your passion and enthusiasm, none of this would be possible."


Vext continues: "This year, the global rock community came together to support our efforts to turn a tragic loss into something hopeful. This resounding effect with music fans around the world for the better part of a year now is a strong testament of Dolores's timeless songwriting and the message of the song being as relevant today as it's ever been. We are truly grateful.”


Bathory says: "Without getting too far into tree-hugger territory, I believe there is a pattern to the universe and a pattern to success. When I put on my 'manager hat' — that's what I'm looking for, and that's what I saw in BAD WOLVES. You have to have the right personas, the right songs, the right sound, the right work ethic and endless determination."


"'Zombie' is a timeless song that has now had global success twice. From a tragedy, a wonderful outcome. Thank you, Dolores O'Riordan," says Eleven Seven Label Group CEO Allen Kovac, who managed THE CRANBERRIES during the original release of "Zombie".


BAD WOLVES released "Zombie" earlier this year as a tribute to Dolores O'Riordan, the late frontwoman for THE CRANBERRIES, who was set to record and reprise her iconic vocals on the track the day she tragically passed away. On June 19, the band presented her kids with a $250,000 check, donating their proceeds from the massively successful and incredibly resonant track.


"Zombie" is not only a definitive moment for BAD WOLVES, but it has also proven to be the breakout rock song (and story) of 2018. The single also previously reached platinum status in Canada and gold in Australia. To date, BAD WOLVES' official music video for "Zombie" has racked up over 165 million views via Facebook and YouTube. The track hit No. 1 on Spotify's viral chart in over 40 countries, went to No. 1 on the iTunes overall songs chart and iTunes rock and metal charts, and reigned atop the U.S. rock radio chart for three straight weeks. The unprecedented success of "Zombie" lead to BAD WOLVES' debut album, "Disobey", achieving the No. 22 spot on the Billboard Top 200, No. 2 on the Hard Rock chart, No. 4 on Rock and No. 8 on the Top Current Albums Chart.


BAD WOLVES are currently on the road with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, BREAKING BENJAMIN and NOTHING MORE as part of the biggest, most successful U.S. summer outdoor amphitheater tour of 2018. The band will continue to tour extensively throughout the end of the year, including a trek across Europe with THREE DAYS GRACE, then rejoining FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, BREAKING BENJAMIN and FROM ASHES TO NEW as their U.S. tour expands to arenas in the fall, as well as an additional arena tour through Canada in winter with THREE DAYS GRACE and NOTHING MORE.

HALESTORM frontwoman Lzzy Hale has called for improved awareness around mental health following the tragic death of Jill Janus.

Janus, who was the singer for the California heavy metal band HUNTRESS, passed away on Tuesday, August 14. A longtime sufferer of mental illness, she took her own life outside of Portland, Oregon.

Earlier today, Hale took to her Instagram page to write: "It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to one of our peers. Jill Janus, has died today.

"Jill was very open about her struggles with mental health and addiction. Now, more than ever, spanning across every age group, the suicide rate is extremely high.

"I'd like to take a moment to state again how important it is to talk about mental health, and remind all of you out there battling demons that you are not alone. I have to navigate my own dark labyrinth and I turn to music and writing for my lifeline. I want to encourage you to keep searching for your lifeline, something that makes you happy. It doesn't matter if no one gets it but you... that's okay!

"We need to stop trying to live up to expectations that society places in front of us to make us feel unworthy of love, beauty and success. We need to stop comparing ourselves to others. We need to stop trying to be 'normal.' And we need to stop being quiet about our mental well-being.

"Asking for help doesn't mean you're broken. And if you don't know how to ask for help, that's okay too. Those of us who have a shoulder will let you lean on it! We are all in this life together. For those of you with the ability to lend a hand or and ear, DO IT! We have a responsibility to help each other, 'cuz everything we say, do and touch affects the whole race. We are all connected.

"And I'd also like to address how careful We need to be with prescription medications that doctors and people that we trust give us to try to fix us. Some side effects of these meds rewire your brain, to where even if you wouldn't normally have suicidal thoughts, your brain actually starts thinking that it is logical... all due to meds. Please be careful, my loves!

"To Jill, my sister of scream, I hope wherever you are, you have found the peace that you couldn't here.

"My deepest sympathies go out to Jill's family and her band HUNTRESS during this time."

Formed in 2009 in Los Angeles, HUNTRESS released three albums, 2012's "Spell Eater", 2013's "Starbound Beast" and 2015's "Static", and took part in the 2016 edition of Ozzfest.

HUNTRESS guitarist Blake Meahl has paid tribute to his girlfriend and bandmate Jill Janus, saying that knowing he will never see her again is "the most gutting emotion" he has ever experienced.

Janus, who was also the vocalist for female metal/hard rock cover bands THE STARBREAKERS and CHELSEA GIRLS, passed away on Tuesday, August 14. A longtime sufferer of mental illness, she took her own life outside of Portland, Oregon.

Earlier today, Blake took to his Facebook page to write: "I dont do much posting of things, and to post on something so personal and painful is extra strange but it feels necessary.

"Jill Janus and I spent nine years together creating a home, having a family and building our passion project HUNTRESS. The devastation of knowing I will never see her again is the most gutting emotion I have ever experienced.

"Baby, I hope you have found the peace that you couldn't find on this planet. I miss you so much and will always carry a piece of you in my heart. See you on Aldebaran."

Formed in 2009 in Los Angeles, HUNTRESS released three albums, 2012's "Spell Eater", 2013's "Starbound Beast" and 2015's "Static", and took part in the 2016 edition of Ozzfest.

I dont do much posting of things, and to post on something so personal and painful is extra strange but it feels...Posted by Blake Meahl on Thursday, August 16, 2018

Nita Strauss, the Los Angeles-based guitar shredder for the ALICE COOPER band, has paid tribute to her THE STARBREAKERS bandmate Jill Janus, calling the singer "passionate, generous" and "supportive to a fault."

Janus, who was also the frontwoman for the California heavy metal band HUNTRESS, passed away on Tuesday, August 14. A longtime sufferer of mental illness, she took her own life outside of Portland, Oregon.

Earlier today, Nita took to her Facebook page to write: "The first time I met Jill Janus was in 2009. HUNTRESS had just released their first record. On the first day of the tour, Jill bounced into every dressing room in the building, wearing an undecipherable black metal logo shirt and chirping, 'Hi! I'm Jill from HUNTRESS. This is our dog, Party Time' while thrusting this tiny chihuaua with a spiked collar in everyone's face. I remember thinking... this girl is WAY different from any musician I've ever met. I didn't realize then HOW different, or that I would share the stage with Jill so many times. From belting out [IRON] MAIDEN songs at my birthday party to our cover band, THE STARBREAKERS, Jill brought that same level of enthusiasm to everything she did.

"Jill got sober shortly after I did. I remember when she finally got sober, the next time I saw her at rehearsal, she brought me an amethyst pendant she had made herself with the AA symbol attached. 'This will keep you safe, and strong,' she told me. 'Just keep it near you.' It HAS kept me strong, more so than she probably knew. I told her not too long ago about the many times I had escaped to bathrooms at events or bars and taken her little charm out of my purse to hold it and remind myself not to drink. She loved it. She made me take the pendant out of my purse to show her. I still have it with me now.

"Jill struggled with depression and mental illness for most of her life. I wouldn't have known it unless she spoke about it so publicly. As a friend, she was kind, passionate, and generous, supportive to a fault, and ALWAYS willing to go the extra mile. Her vocal range was like no one I ever heard (she covered five octaves during our shows) and her dynamic performance style made everyone who saw her an instant convert.

"Thinking of my friend alone somewhere in a dark enough place to take her own life is more than I can fathom.

"Sending all the strength and love in the world to her HUNTRESS band mates and loving boyfriend Blake... it was an honor to know your girl.

"Miss you, love you, and hope you have found the peace you needed."

Members of THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, EXTOL and SEA + AIR have joined creative forces as AZUSA and will sonically shock listeners with one of most experimental and mesmerizing releases of the year.

AZUSA's debut album, "Heavy Yoke", will be released on November 16 via Solid State Records in the U.S.

Watch the record's first single and music video for "Interstellar Islands" below.

With the song, AZUSA takes you into an exploration of dissonant, eerie musical universes; it's a trip to inner and outer space and a multi-sensory experience.

"'Interstellar Islands' was one of our first creations and it is the perfect example of what AZUSA is all about musically," the band said. "It's the obvious introduction to the AZUSA universe."

AZUSA's music is a carnival of contrast — it's captivating with unconventional nerve. Uniting the complementary skills of its members, AZUSA's sound is a thrash-fusion tour de force. Can you imagine Kate Bush fronting SLAYER? DEATH collaborating with Annette Peacock? These allegedly incongruent influences dissolve seamlessly in an alluring sonic alchemy.

Uncompromisingly experimental, AZUSA's curated approach showcases each member's unique strengths as a reaction to previous endeavors, more so than an extension of them. Reflecting on life's existential mysteries, AZUSA's lyrics seek to explore cognitive dissonances at the crossroads of upbringing, mysticism, belief and betrayal. Defying expectations by embracing contradiction, AZUSA finds strength in vulnerability, harmony in dissonance, and melody in discord.


The band commented on its debut, saying: "This album is special for all of us and we're currently feeling the same excited feelings we got before we debuted any of our previous efforts. We are really fortunate to have been able to create these songs together and to be able to share them with fans of our former and current bands, as well as new fans."

AZUSA finished by stating: "It has been such a relief crafting music without having any outside expectations placed on us. Turning to creative playfulness with a more relaxed and intuitive approach to songwriting, we feel that this collection of songs will hold a unique space in the atmosphere of heavy music."


"Heavy Yoke" track listing:

01. Interstellar Islands

02. Heart of Stone

03. Heavy Yoke

04. Fine Lines

05. Lost In the Ether

06. Spellbinder

07. Programmed to Distress

08. Eternal Echo

09. Iniquitous Spiritual Praxis

10. Succumb to Sorrow

11. Distant Call


AZUSA is:

Eleni Zafiriadou (SEA + AIR) - Voice

Liam Wilson (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN) - Bass

Christer Espevoll (EXTOL) - Guitar

David Husvik (EXTOL) - Drums

Bordeaux, France based masters of technical death metal Exocrine are streaming their new album Molten Giant in full. The album will be released this Friday on Unique Leader.

Physical preorder bundles for Molten Giant are available here. Digital preorder bundles are available here.

Molten Giant was tracked by Mathieu Pascal at Bud Studio, Sylvain Octor Perez at Tricerapod Studio, and sees Exocrine pushing their jaw dropping technical abilities and song writing maturity to their absolute limit.

Tracklisting:

“Scorched Human Society”
“Hayato”
“Backdraft”
“Molten Giant”
“Flamewalkers”
“Lavaburst”
“Behind The Wall”
“The Shape Of New World”

Full album stream:

"Backdraft" video:

Swedish blackened death metal band Night Crowned will release their debut EP Humanity in CD and digital formats on November 30th. A new teaser is streaming below.

In the frozen vasts of Europe's northernmost realms, a new slithering seed is festering at the heart of the Swedish scene - Night Crowned. A spawn formed from an unholy communion between current and previous members of the underground elite such as The Crown, Dark Funeral, Nightrage and Cipher system, this infestation is set to grow from a rumoured disease into a full-scale pandemic.

Night Crowned's musical vision is as clear as it is putrid; a reawakening of sounds dormant from the most influential acts and masterpieces of the Scandinavian 90's, although with all the advantages of a cutting edge, surgically precise production.

With a combined catalogue of over 20 full-length albums, this degenerate infant is procreated from seasoned and battle-hardened veterans, although with all the hunger that only such a gluttonous monster can possess. There will be no warning. No anti dote, and no remedy. At first you will feel nauseous, then your body will be covered in black boils, and finally both your mind and and matter will have been thoroughly infected by the blight that is - Night Crowned.

Teaser:

"No Room For Hope" lyric video:

Bill Hudson says that he left Udo Dirkschneider's DIRKSCHNEIDER of his own accord and wasn't pushed out of the band, despite the singer's suggestion to the contrary.

The former ACCEPT frontman recently gave an interview to United Rock Nations in which he stated about Bill's departure: "We had a problem with a session guitar player for the second time. Bill Hudson was not the right guy for us. He was not a team player. He was not interested in songwriting and recording the [new U.D.O.] album. It was a little bit strange situation. And then, after the American tour, we said, 'Okay. Sorry, guy, but this doesn't work with us.'"

Earlier today, Hudson, who has previously played with TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, CIRCLE II CIRCLE and JON OLIVA'S PAIN, released a statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET in which he disputed Udo's account of the guitarist's exit from DIRKSCHNEIDER, explaining that he "resigned" from the group once he arrived at the conclusion "that the project/band was not a good fit" for him.

Hudson said: "I was very surprised to become aware of a comment Udo Dirkschneider was quoted as saying about me and his project, DIRKSCHNEIDER.

"Every part of [Udo's above-mentioned quote] is not only false but also, not an accurate representation of why I am no longer a part of DIRKSCHNEIDER.

"I resigned from DIRKSCHNEIDER prior to the start of their American tour. I did, though, remain with the band for that tour as a favor to the band's manager, who asked me to stay on for the tour. Furthermore, upon the completion of their American tour, I was asked to perform with the band in Europe a month after the American tour was completed on the 'Full Metal Cruise'. These actions validate that Udo Dirkschneider's quoted comments surrounding my departure from the project/band are false. No one at any time, including Udo Dirkschneider, ever said to me, 'Sorry, guy, but this doesn't work with us.' I resigned from the project/band, stayed on for the American tour and the cruise as requested by management, and then fully departed.

"While I am grateful for the opportunity to have performed with DIRKSCHNEIDER, I acknowledge there were musical differences I experienced with the project/band during the European tour in late 2017 which, resulted in the conclusion that the project/band was not a good fit for me. Additionally, my resignation from the project/band was influenced by previously confirmed show dates with I AM MORBID that conflicted with newly scheduled show dates for DIRKSCHNEIDER, as well as my desire to focus more on my own band, NORTHTALE."

Udo recently recruited his former bandmate in ACCEPT and U.D.O., Stefan Kaufmann, as Hudson's temporary replacement in DIRKSCHNEIDER.

Dirkschneider has spent the last two years touring under the DIRKSCHNEIDER banner, performing classic ACCEPT songs for the last time. The trek, which was originally supposed to conclude with the band's North American run in January/February 2017, has now been extended through the fall of 2018.

Hudson is joined in NORTHTALE by vocalist Christian Eriksson, bassist Mikael T. Planefeldt, drummer Patrick Johansson and keyboardist Jimmy Pitts.

Photo credit: Ann Kermans

Alice Cooper spoke to Ultimate Classic Rock about the upcoming second HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES studio album. The effort will be drastically different from the band's 2015 debut, which was comprised mostly of covers.

"The funny thing is, I'm not doing any writing on it," Cooper said. "Johnny Depp, Joe Perry [and] Tommy Henriksen have written almost 90 percent of it. I come in and do a little surgery on the lyrics. But it's interesting for me to be singing about Johnny's angst. But I wanted it that way. It stretches me a little bit, because I have to listen to the lyrics and go, 'Oh, okay, I see what he's saying here.' For once, I'm not really doing all of my songs. I'm doing somebody else's songs."

Cooper added that he welcomes the opportunity to change up the formula, explaining: "We get stuck sometimes in our style of writing. So when every once in a while you have to do something else that makes you uncomfortable. That's a good thing. It stretches you into this place and it makes you think, 'Okay, now how do I interpret this song? Because I didn't write this. So how am I going to do this?' Normally, that would be easy to do. This makes it a little harder and that's a good thing in art. Art should always stretch you."

During the 1970s in the upstairs bar of the Rainbow Bar & Grill on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, the "Hollywood Vampires" were born. It was a gathering place where celebrated artists such as John Lennon, Keith Moon, Jim Morrison, Alice Cooper, Harry Nilsson and countless others would meet and drink into the early morning hours, and the club became legendary.

Back in 2012, Cooper and Depp decided the time was right to revive the camaraderie and spirit that defined Hollywood Vampires" (minus the drinking), creating an environment for great artists to hang, laugh and play together. Cooper and Depp were joined by Perry, along with producer Bob Ezrin, and soon the recording began. The band's debut album, "Hollywood Vampires", was released in September 2015.

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions are set to release the new EP from Japan's Retortion Terror entitled Retortion Terror September 14th on CD and Digital formats. Preorders can be found on Bandcamp.

Legendary Grindcore guitarist Takafumi Matsubara (Gridlink, Mortalized Grindcore) returns to Horror Pain Gore Death Productions with the crushing new self-titled EP. Following up on the punishing split with Invidiosus on HPGD, Retortion Terror are back and more intense than ever before. Vicious, raw, sick blistering Grindcore from Kyoto, Japan featuring vocalist Kiyo from World End Man.

Tracklisting:

“Choke Pear”
“Hito Wo Norowaba”
“Quagmire”
“Grind The Leeches”
“Hunt The Blind”
“I Wanna Live”

“Choke Pear”:

United Rock Nations recently conducted an interview with former ACCEPT and current U.D.O. and DIRKSCHNEIDER frontman Udo Dirkschneider. You can now listen to the chat using the SoundCloud widget below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On whether the DIRKSCHNEIDER tour, during which he performed nothing but ACCEPT songs, influenced the musical direction of the new U.D.O. album, "Steelfactory":

Udo: "I would say, and I'll be honest, I think yes. I mean, if you are on tour, let's say, for maybe three years doing nearly three hundred shows and play only ACCEPT songs, of course, it's definitely an influence and also a feeling if you start songwriting. But I don't have a problem with this. [Laughs]"

On the recent departure of guitarist Bill Hudson and temporary return of Stefan Kaufmann:

Udo: "We had a problem with a session guitar player for the second time. Bill Hudson was not the right guy for us. He was not a team player. He was not interested in songwriting and recording the album. It was a little bit strange situation. And then, after the American tour, we said, 'Okay. Sorry, guy, but this doesn't work with us.' And then I don't wanna have another — how do you say this? — quick looking for a guitar player. And then I was calling Stefan Kaufmann. I mean, we never had any bad things going on, a bad relationship, and I asked Stefan if it was maybe possible to help us out on the festivals. And he said, 'Yes. No problem. But I don't wanna join the band anymore. I'll just help you out until the festivals are over with DIRKSCHNEIDER.' And now we have time enough to look for a new guitar player, and I think the end of August, beginning of September, we can announce a new guitar player. We are still doing auditions. There are, let's say, four guitar players left, and then we will have to make our decision who will be the next guitar player."

"Steelfactory" will be released on August 31 via AFM.

Kaufmann originally left U.D.O. in September 2012 for health reasons.

He was the drummer for ACCEPT on nine albums but was forced to give up drumming towards the end of the band's initial run after sustaining a serious injury to his back.

Stefan joined U.D.O. as a guitar player in 1996, following ACCEPT's second breakup, and recorded nine albums with them, including his most recent release with the group, 2011's "Rev-Raptor".


In addition to Udo and his son Sven (drums), the DIRKSCHNEIDER and U.D.O. bands include bassist Fitty Wienhold and guitarist Andrey Smirnov.

Dirkschneider has spent the last two years touring under the DIRKSCHNEIDER banner, performing classic ACCEPT songs for the last time. The trek, which was originally supposed to conclude with the band's North American run in January/February 2017, has now been extended through the fall of 2018.