Fan-filmed video footage of LAMB OF GOD's July 31 concert at The Pavilion at Montage Mountain in Scranton, Pennsylvania can be seen below.

LAMB OF GOD made its live debut with drummer Art Cruz (PRONG, WINDS OF PLAGUE) on July 26 at Gilford, New Hampshire's Bank Of New Hampshire Pavilion.

Cruz is filling in for LAMB OF GOD's regular drummer, Chris Adler, who is sitting out the band's tour with SLAYER "due to unforeseen circumstances."

The North American trek, which also features ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT and NAPALM DEATH, is scheduled to run through August 26 in San Jose, California.

LAMB OF GOD said in a statement that Art was recruited for the gig "at the recommendation of Chris." The band added that it expects "to see Chris returning in the very near future."

In addition to LAMB OF GOD, Adler has played drums with a number of metal artists, including MEGADETH, NITRO, BLOTTED SCIENCE and PROTEST THE HERO.

LAMB OF GOD is touring in support of its covers album, "Legion: XX", which was released under the BURN THE PRIEST banner on May 18 via Nuclear Blast in Europe and Epic Records in the U.S.

METAL ALLEGIANCE — with its four core members: David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT), Mike Portnoy (THE WINERY DOGS, ex-DREAM THEATER) and Mark Menghi — began as a celebration of heavy metal, powered by the almost tribal bond shared between the extreme music community's most revered trailblazers, armed with a list of contributors onstage (and off) that read like a Wikipedia entry on the genre itself.

The band will release its sophomore album, "Volume II - Power Drunk Majesty", on September 7 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The thrash-worshiping disc merges old-school legends with the modern metallers of the scene to produce groove-driven, adrenaline-soaked anthems while tackling the frustrating state of the world.

Last week, the band released its second single, "Voodoo Of The Godsend", featuring Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, SEPULTURA, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY). A new trailer for the disc in which Cavalera discusses his involvement with the project can be seen below.

Menghi comments: "'Voodoo' turned out to be a tribal crusher ala some other influential tribal metal band that we all know and love whom once featured Max.

"We live in a world of way too much bullshit and hate these days… and, as our drummer would say, it's nice to have a step towards world peace."

Skolnick comments: "One of the most distinct tracks on our new album (and indeed, in the entire METAL ALLEGIANCE catalogue), 'Voodoo' has a hypnotic feel with indigenous percussion, bringing to mind a ritual in the rainforest.

"We're grateful to have the ultimate voice for this track, with a sound that'll ll never be mistaken for anyone else: Max Cavalera."

Other guest musicians on "Volume II - Power Drunk Majesty" include Trevor Strnad (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER), John Bush (ARMORED SAINT), Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (OVERKILL), Mark Tornillo (ACCEPT), Floor Jansen (NIGHTWISH) and Johan Hegg (AMON). The album also marks the return of Mark Oseguesda (DEATH ANGEL) and Troy Sanders (MASTODON).

The official video for the first single from the disc, "Mother Of Sin", featuring Ellsworth, can also be seen below.

"Volume II - Power Drunk Majesty" was produced by Menghi and Skolnick while Mark Lewis of MRL Studios handled the mixing and mastering. The cover artwork was created by renowned artist Marcelo Vasco (SLAYER, MACHINE HEAD, SOULFLY, HATEBREED) and Rafael Tavares.

"Volume II - Power Drunk Majesty" track listing:

01. The Accuser (feat. Trevor Strnad)

02. Bound By Silence (feat. John Bush)

03. Mother Of Sin (feat. Bobby Blitz)

04. Terminal Illusion (feat. Mark Tornillo)

05. King With A Paper Crown (feat. Johan Hegg)

06. Voodoo Of The Godsend (feat. Max Cavalera)

07. Liars & Thieves (feat. Troy Sanders)

08. Impulse Control (feat. Mark Osegueda)

09. Power Drunk Majesty (Part I) (feat. Mark Osegueda)

10. Power Drunk Majesty (Part II) (feat. Floor Jansen)

"The Ritual", the new video from Germany's PRIMAL FEAR, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's new album, "Apocalypse", which will be released on August 10 via Frontiers Music Srl.


"Apocalypse" will be available in the following formats:

* CD

* CD/DVD

* Box set (includes CD/DVD + T-shirt) [T-shirt size L in EU/UK edition, size XL in N.A. and AU edition]

* LP

* LP red-colored vinyl (exclusive to U.S. indie retail stores. Fans can visit www.recordstoreday.com to find their local store or an indie store they can order album online from.)

* LP blue-colored vinyl (exclusive to Frontiers' EU webstore. Fans can visit www.frontiers.shop to order.)


Pre-order here.


"Apocalypse" is PRIMAL FEAR's 12th studio album and another milestone release in keeping with the consistent growth the band has shown through their career. PRIMAL FEAR, through years of hard work and a steady stream of increasingly powerful albums, have become one of the most beloved and respected heavy metal bands around the globe, a true metal institution. Their last two studio albums, "Delivering The Black" and "Rulebreaker", saw them climbing the charts in several territories and receiving even more critical praise than previous releases. Truly, especially in recent years, the band has continued to raise the bar in terms of quality and musicianship with each release, constantly pushing themselves to find new ways to best themselves.


Production of the record started at the end of 2017 and was wrapped by spring 2018 at Hansen Studios is Denmark with producer Mat Sinner and engineer/mixer Jacob Hansen.

"My personal highlight of recording the album was the fantastic teamwork. Peaceful, focused and really creative," says Mat Sinner. "No big discussion, no heated arguments. Everybody did a fantastic job and the performances were top notch. This was the key to improve every little detail of the songs, from old school to epic, from modern to symphonic, from fast to slow — you will hear it all on 'Apocalypse'."


The guitars on the album are truly outstanding. Each of the three guitar players of the band — Magnus Karlsson, Tom Naumann and Alex Beyrodt — shine in their own respective right. Thanks to the fantastic mix provided by Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, DELAIN, PRETTY MAIDS, AMARANTHE), each player is highlighted.


And finally, what to say about the performance of Ralf Scheepers, one of the truest and most outstanding vocal metal heroes of our times? "Ralf is more motivated and ambitious than ever before," relays Sinner. "The band vibe is extremely peaceful and creative these days and this really elevates Ralf. He had the opportunity to try different things on the songs and even some extreme ideas, which are always welcomed. Ralf sounds good in every pitch from a very deep sonor voice, to a mid-range power vocal to extreme high-pitched screams, so we could fool around with all different scales and scenarios. For example, I think the vocal performance on the song 'Supernova' speaks for itself. The result on 'Apocalypse' is utter satisfaction paired with maximum enthusiasm and we're really happy about the final result — I hope the fans will enjoy the record as much as we do!"

"Apocalypse" track listing:


CD

01. Apocalypse

02. New Rise

03. The Ritual

04. King Of Madness

05. Blood, Sweat, & Fear

06. Supernova

07. Hail To The Fear

08. Hounds Of Justice

09. The Beast

10. Eye Of The Storm

11. Cannonball

12. Fight Against Evil (Bonus Track - Deluxe Version)

13. Into The Fire (Bonus Track - Deluxe Version)

14. My War Is Over (Bonus Track - Deluxe Version)


Bonus DVD (deluxe edition & limited-edition box set only)

+ King Of Madness (video)

+ The Ritual (video)

+ Making of Apocalypse Mini-Documentary


PRIMAL FEAR lineup:

Ralf Scheepers - Lead Vocals

Tom Naumann - Guitars

Alex Beyrodt - Guitars

Magnus Karlsson - Guitars & Keyboards

Francesco Jovino - Drums

Mat Sinner - Bass & Vocals

The official music video for the song "Another Day" from 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, can be seen below. The track is taken from ULTRAPHONIX's debut album, "Original Human Music", which will be released on August 3 via earMUSIC.


"Original Human Music" was co-produced by Bob Daspit (SAMMY HAGAR) and it displays the magic match between Glover's iconic voice and 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 Lynch. It's all sustained by a rhythm section that can go anywhere musically.


Lynch says: "The album sounds like a fusion of early [RED HOT] 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.


"Original Human Music" track listing:

01. Baptism

02. Another Day

03. Walk Run Crawl

04. Counter Culture

05. Heart Full Of Rain

06. Free

07. Wasteland

08. Take A Stand

09. Ain't Too Late

10. Soul Control

11. What You Say

12. Power Trip

"Choosing Mental Illness", the new video from PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS, the project led by the former PANTERA and current DOWN/SUPERJOINT frontman, can be seen below. The clip was inspired by the classic 1975 film "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest", which won five Academy Awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director."

"Choosing Mental Illness" is taken from PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS' sophomore album, "Choosing Mental Illness As A Virtue", which was released in January via Anselmo's Housecore Records in the U.S. and Season Of Mist in other parts of the world. The disc is the follow-up to PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS' debut, "Walk Through Exits Only", which came out in 2013 to mostly positive reviews.

"This video is based on one of my favorite films about the harshness of mental illness," Anselmo said in a statement. 'Being up close and personal with the struggle, I often feel like R.P. McMurphy, who I play in the clip.

"I've had a lot of questions about the LP title, 'Choosing Mental Illness As A Virtue', and songtitle, 'Choosing Mental Illness'," he continued, "but make no mistake, I take mental illness very seriously, especially because it often goes untreated. We've taken some extra steps at the end of the video with information that you, or someone close to you, might need.

"On a lighter note, it's always a blast to do creative things like the video with my band, crew, and family," Anselmo added. "Bringing Michael St. Michaels into the fold was like having your favorite wacky uncle over for the holidays! He did a great job as our version of Nurse Ratched and he's an absolutely lovable and talented guy."

As previously reported, PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS will unite with Housecore labelmates KING PARROT this fall for a U.S. live takeover. The trek, previously scheduled for the spring but postponed following Anselmo's recent back surgery, will commence September 6 in New Orleans, Louisiana and includes a stop at this year's edition of Berserker Fest on September 28 in Pontiac, Michigan.

Photo by Jody Dorignac

Hammerheart Records has entered into an agreement with former DEICIDE members Eric and Brian Hoffman to work together on AMON and the classic DEICIDE catalog.

AMON was the band that changed its name to DEICIDE in 1989. When Eric and Brian left DEICIDE, they resurrected AMON and released an album called "Liar In Wait" in 2012. Hammerheart will release a new AMON album, will reissue "Liar In Wait" and also the legendary AMON demos from 1987 and 1989.

Says Hammerheart: "We heard new songs, and they have the classic AMON/DEICIDE crunch/vibe. They are catchy yet brutal, they are quality death metal par excellence."

Hammerheart will also reissue all the DEICIDE albums that were released between 1990 and 2001. All albums will get a deluxe treatment, remastering, 2-CD editions, bonus tracks (tons of never-released recordings), LP editions (first time for some), digital, MC, merchandise. This is a huge undertaking, and the whole project will keep Hammerheart busy for for the next couple of years.

After releasing its second full-length album, AMON will tour worldwide and play a full set of only old-school songs, taken from the first four DEICIDE albums. This will happen in 2019.

AMON recorded two demos — 1987's "Feasting The Beast" and 1989's "Sacrifical" — before signing with Roadrunner Records and changing its name to DEICIDE. After producing two extremely successful albums as DEICIDE, the band chose to make the AMON demos available on CD in 1993 under the title "Amon: Feasting The Beast".

The Hoffman brothers parted ways with DEICIDE in 2004 after becoming embroiled in a bitter dispute with DEICIDE bassist/vocalist Glen Benton over royalties and publishing issues.

Pure Steel Records will release the 2014 debut from Weapon UK, Rising From The Ashes, on vinyl on September 28th. The album will release in a limited edition of 300 black copies with two bonus tracks and insert. Rising From The Ashes is also available as CD and Download.  

Although they deliver the songs with a modern sound, the songs are still full of classical heavy metal, with a slight rock ‘n’ roll edge. Included on the album is a re-recording of a 1980's demo “Killer Instinct” written by vocalist Danny Hynes. This track features the original ‘80s lineup of Hynes/Summers/Downes/Bisland.

Tracklisting:

“Prelude – The Awakening”
“Ride The Mariah!”
“Fountain Of Paradise”
“Warrior”
“Ready 4 You”
“Burning Skies”
“Alamein”
“Wonderland”
“Bloodsoaked Rock”
“Bad Reputation”
“Celebration Time”
“Killer Instinct” (Bonus Track)
“The Rocker” (new track)

"Burning Skies":

Swedish black metallers Blood Of Serpents have revealed the first single from their upcoming album Sulphur Sovereign, out September 25th on Non Serviam Records. "Devil's Tongue" is streaming below.

The band has taken a decided step into an extreme black metal direction, going at full speed with forceful vocals that rip and roar with equal measure. Mixed with dark melodic guitar work, and crushing riffs, Sulphur Sovereign is slated to be a standout black metal release of 2018. 

Sulphur Sovereign is produced by Lars Broddesson (ex-Marduk) and mixed and mastered by Magnus “Devo” Andersson (Marduk). Cover art by Khaos Diktator Designs.

Tracklisting:

“Mater Tenebris”
“In Darkness, Brotherhood”
“Devil’s Tongue”
“Evictor Of Christ”
“As The Temple Burns”
“Canticle”
“As Nocturnal Dimensions Beckon”
“Upon Waters Dark”
“Prophet Of A False Faith”
“A Void Between Worlds”

"Devil's Tongue":

Announcement trailer:

Following last year’s success of Crimson Throne’s self-titled demo EP, the atmospheric UK black metal outfit is now set to release their debut album ‘Of Void & Solitude’ on October 19th  via Apocalyptic Witchcraft.

The album was recorded & mixed by Misha Hering at Holy Mountain Studios and mastered at Audiosiege by Brad Boatright (Beastmilk, Corrosion Of Conformity, Nails, Obituary, Yob).

Whilst the EP delved into subjects such as examples of human history akin to the Hegelian view of history as a slaughter bench, this album focuses on human suffering, pain & oppression, spanning across the ages of various cultures and their people.

 
The band will be joining label mates From The Bogs Of Aughishka on their UK tour in August.

Crimson Throne lineup:
TH - Bass / Vocals
AM - Guitar / Vocals
DT - Guitar / Noise
DM - Drums / Percussion

Crossover metallers Rise Of The Northstar has joined SharpTone Records. The newly minted deal comes ahead of the band’s sophomore album, The Legacy Of Shi, which is due out October 19th. Pre-order the album here.

The Legacy of Shi was recorded with Gojira's Joe Duplantier in his Brooklyn, NY-based Silver Cord Studios.

Over the course of the past four years, the band has become a household name for crossing 90’s metal, rap, hardcore and Japanese culture as well as brutal and intense live shows. After the release of their globally praised debut album, Welcame (2014), the band embarked on countless tours, leaving dropped jaws everywhere. With their new, crushing album in store, the Northstar will rise to unknown heights.

The Legacy Of Shi tracklisting:

"The Awakening"
"Here Comes The Boom"
"Nekketsu"
"Kozo"
"Teenage Rage"
"Step By Step"
"This Is Crossover"
"Cold Truth"
"All For One"
"Furyo’s Day"
"The Legacy Of Shi"

"Here Comes The Boom" video:

(Photo - Berzerker)

Los Angeles-based Fate Destroyed is a commanding new metal force that was formed and fronted by the talented and alluring Franccesca De Struct. In mid-June, the band released their striking single, "Break Free", which has since garnered over 250,000 streams/video views via YouTube, Facebook and Spotify combined.

Today, Fate Destroyed is pleased to reveal the lyric video for their menacing, metallic second single, "We Fall", cut from their upcoming self-titled EP. Check out the lyric video below:

"We Fall" can also be streamed via Spotify now and is currently featured on the New Metal Tracks playlist. Other "We Fall" streaming platforms, including iTunes and Google Play, can be accessed here.
 
Fate Destroyed frontwoman Franccesca De Struct says, "'We Fall' is a warning to those who spend time consumed by regret. It is a song about looking back at the people, places, and choices that we have made and realizing that while we obsess over things we cannot change, the world continues to turn and pass us by."
 
Fate Destroyed's upcoming self-titled EP is co-produced by the band and Carlton Bost (Orgy, Deadsy, The Dreaming). More information regarding the release of the EP will be revealed soon.

Lineup:

Jonni Law - Guitars
Art Diharce - Guitars
Franccesca De Struct - Vocals
Ben Levi - Drums
Nathan Youngblood - Bass

Progressive rock instrumentalists Gösta Berlings Saga from Stockholm, Sweden are not only glad to announce a newly signed worldwide deal with InsideOutMusic, but also the coming of their newest, fifth studio album entitled Et Ex with a release date of October 12th.
 
GBS commented: “We are pleased and proud to announce that we have signed to InsideOutMusic. We're really excited to be part of this long-running label, for several reasons. Not only will we be able to spread our music even further and reach new listeners but we also see this as a great opportunity and a perfect starting point, allowing us to focus even more on what we love - creating, recording and performing progressive music.

"Our first release on InsideOutMusic will be our fifth album, titled “ET EX”, on which we have developed our eclectic instrumental rock even further with more of everything we love. More experimentalism, more contrast, and with more sonic variety than ever. Stay tuned for more details on album information as well as further show announcements.”

The music of Gösta Berlings Saga is an incredibly dynamic Nordic instrumental adventure, tilting from melodic, starkly beautiful lines shimmering like an aurora borealis over the desolate Arctic tundra, to powerful and aggressive riffs reminiscent of glacier calves crashing into rugged Scandinavian fjords. Over the years the band’s music has been compared to King Crimson, Goblin and Radiohead, mixed into their very own and peculiar sonic universe.

Gösta Berlings Saga was formed in 2000 in the Stockholm suburb of Vällingby, taking its bandname from one of the most famous works in Swedish literature, the debut novel of Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf, which was published in 1891. To date GBS have released four albums as follows: Tid Är Ljud (translated “Time Is Sound”) in 2006, Detta Har Hänt (translated “This Has Happened”) in 2009, Glue Works in 2011 and most recently Sersophane in late 2016.

While the latest release came out through the band’s own label Icosahedron Music, GBS are now teaming up with InsideOutMusic as new worldwide label partner to launch their upcoming, fifth studio album entitled Et Ex on October 12th. Further details and first sound samples will be revealed soon.

Lineup:

Alexander Skepp - Drums & Percussion
David Lundberg - Fender Rhodes, Mellotron & Synthesizers
Gabriel Tapper - Bass Guitar & Moog Taurus
Rasmus Booberg - Guitars & Synthesizers

(Photo - Mai Nestor)

Interstellar duo Neorhythm announce the release of a new digital single, a cover of Gojira's "Flying Whales".

The band had this to say about the motivation behind the recording: "The story of the album From Mars To Sirius is very similar to our personal history of traveling to Earth, so we could not fail to pay tribute to our brothers in the mind."  

"Flying Whales" is available on Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp, Google Play, YouTube, Deezer, Tidal, and Amazon, all of which can be accessed here.

Neorhythm offer what can only be described as metal from space on debut album Zetetic. Creative in concept and aggressive in approach, Zetetic is an interstellar journey that is impossible to forget. The album was produced and mixed by Vladimir Lehtinen (Second To Sun).

Zetetic is out now and streaming in its entirety. Stream and/or purchase the album here.

"Pictures Of Future" lyric video:

"Matrix Sleep" video:

On August 10th, German metal a-cappella masters Van Canto will release their seventh studio album, Trust In Rust. An unboxing video for the album can be found below.

Now made up of seven members, Trust In Rust covers a wide stylistic range from melodic to bombastic, showcasing their own takes on ballads, hard rock ballbreakers and speed metal anthems. Covers from Helloween’s “Ride The Sky” (feat. Kai Hansen) and AC/DC's "Hell’s Bells" allow a completely fresh glimpse at the vocal crew. With several albums in the European Top 20, worldwide touring from Europe to Australia and festivals like Wacken and Masters of Rock under their belt, Van Canto surely gained some patina (in the most positive sense) over the years. The sound of Trust In Rust reflects these experiences from the road and the time passed with unbroken power and dedication to the human voice in heavy metal: “We will not kneel before stainless steel - for patina we lust - Trust In Rust!”

Trust In Rust is available in the following formats:

- 2 CD Digipack
- 1 CD Jewel Case
- Deluxe Bundle (Cardboard Box, DP, Pendant, Flag, Sticker, Photocard)
- Digital Album
- Deluxe Digital Album

Pre-order here.

Trust In Rust tracklisting:

"Back In The Lead"
"Javelin"
"Trust In Rust"
"Ride The Sky" (feat. Kai Hansen)
"Melody"
"Neverland"
"Desert Snake"
"Darkest Days"
"Infinity"
"Hells Bells"
"Heading Home"

CD 2: Best Of - Orchestral Versions (available in the Digipack):

"The Mission" (Orchestral Version)
"Rain" (Orchestral Version)
"Hero" (Orchestral Version)
"Take To The Sky" (Orchestral Version)
"Water Fire Heaven Earth" (Orchestral Version)
"My Voice" (Orchestral Version)
"If I Die In Battle" (Orchestral Version)
"The Higher Flight" (Orchestral Version)
"Unholy" (Orchestral Version)
"The Other Ones" (Orchestral Version)

Unboxing video:

Track-by-track video:

"Melody" video:

"Back In The Lead" lyric video:

Lineup:

Hagen Hirschmann: Lead Vocals
Inga Scharf: Lead Vocals
Ross Thomspon: Higher Rakkatakka Vocals
Stefan Schmidt: Lower Rakkatakka Vocals
Jan Moritz: Pad and Bass Vocals
Ingo Sterzinger: Bass and Backing Vocals
Bastian Emig: Drums and Backing Vocals

(Photo - Tim Tronckoe)

Classical guitar virtuoso Thomas Zwijsen will release his seventh solo album, Nylon Metal, on September 3rd. The double CD contains 26 acoustic arrangements of metal and rock songs by Iron Maiden, KISS, Metallica, Deep Purple, Helloween, Led Zeppelin, Dream Theater, and many more. A new preview video featuring the song ""Definitely Doable" can be found below.

Zwijsen states: “My mission is to bring heavy metal to the classical guitar world and vice versa, combining the greatness of heavy metal compositions with the beautiful tone of the classical guitar. I can’t wait to present this album to guitar fans around the world.”

Guest musicians on the album are (ex)members of KISS and Iron Maiden, respectively Bruce Kulick and Blaze Bayley.

Tracklisting:

CD 1:
"The Good, The Bad, The Ugly" (Ennio Moricone)
"Future World" (Helloween)
"2 Minutes To Midnight" (Iron Maiden)
"Forever" (KISS) ft. Bruce Kulick
"Eye Of The Tiger" (Survivor)
"Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son" (Iron Maiden)
"Hollow Years" (Dream Theater)
"Renegade" (Hammerfall)
"The Unforgiven II" (Metallica)
"Four Lanes Of Chaos" (Original)
"Twisted Mind" (Avantasia)
"Soldier Of Fortune" (Deep Purple)
"The Final Countdown" (Europe)

CD 2:
"Where Eagles Dare" (Iron Maiden)
"Temple Of The King" (Rainbow)
"Lightning Strikes Twice" (Iron Maiden) ft.Blaze Bayley
"Enter Sandman" (Metallica)
"The Wickerman" (Iron Maiden)
"All My Love" (Led Zeppelin)
"Want You Bad" (The Offspring)
"Space Oddity" (David Bowie)
"Living After Midnight" (Judas Priest)
"Definitely Doable" (Original)
"Smoke On The Water" (Deep Purple)
"Eagle Fly Free" (Helloween)
"Detroit Rock City" (KISS)

All songs are arranged by Thomas Zwijsen in his characteristic style, playing all essential melodies simultaneously on his Ortega signature guitar.

With his arrangements Zwijsen obtained over 20 million YouTube views and is now close to reaching 100,000 subscribers. He has played over 500 concerts in Europe, South America, Asia and the Middle East.

The release of the Nylon Metal album will be followed by a European tour in September with Anne Bakker, a European tour in November with Blaze Bayley, and three shows in Israel in 2019 followed by an extensive South American solo tour.

The Book Of Tabs - Together with the album, Zwijsen will release his second tab book, The Book Of Tabs. The book includes tabs & standard notation of 11 Iron Maiden songs and includes online video lessons for each song.

Table of contents:

"If Eternity Should Fail"
"The Wickerman"
"Afraid To Shoot Strangers"
"2 Minutes To Midnight"
"Iron Maiden"
"Lightning Strikes Twice"
"Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son"
"Hallowed Be Thy Name"
"Children Of The Damned"
"Where Eagles Dare"
"Alexander The Great"

More info and pre-ordering at here.

Preview:

Trailer:

Savatage / Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Chris Caffery has released his new solo album, The Jester's Court. He has released an official lyric video for the song "Inside My Heart". Check it out below.

The tracklist for The Jester's Court is as follows:

"Upon The Knee"
"1989"
"Lost Tonite"
"Magic Man"
"Protect My Soul"
"Inside My Heart"
"Luna Major"
"Watch"
"The Feeling Of A White Lie"
"Checkmate"
"The Jester's Court"
"Baby You And I"

LIGHT THE TORCH (formerly DEVIL YOU KNOW), the band fronted by former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Howard Jones, played its first show ever on July 9 at Saint Vitus in Brooklyn, New York. Video footage of "Calm Before The Storm" performance from the gig can be seen below.


LIGHT THE TORCH will serve as the opening act on the upcoming TRIVIUM and AVATAR North American tour, which runs from October 3 through November 3.


LIGHT THE TORCH members are eager to start performing live. "We are excited and ready return to the road," Jones said. "We can't think of a better way to support our new album, 'Revival', than with TRIVIUM and AVATAR in the fall. Come join us for good times and singalongs."


"It's been too long since we have performed, and with our new album, we are going to make up for lost time," said guitarist Francesco Artusato. "Come hang with us when we come through your town with TRIVIUM and AVATAR in the fall. We can't wait to see you all!"


LIGHT THE TORCH's debut album, "Revival", was released in March via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.


In addition to Jones and Artusato, LIGHT THE TORCH features bassist Ryan Wombacher (BLEEDING THROUGH). For "Revival", they were joined by EXTINCTION A.D. drummer Mike "Scuzz" Sciulara.

DEVIL YOU KNOW's name change was prompted by a dispute with the band's former drummer, John Sankey, who left the group in June 2016.

DEVIL YOU KNOW released two albums through Nuclear Blast Entertainment: 2014's "The Beauty Of Destruction" and 2015's "They Bleed Red".

In addition to playing songs from its debut, LIGHT THE TORCH is performing DEVIL YOU KNOW songs at its live shows.

Nearly five years after the release of "We Ain't Leavin' Till You're Bleedin'", Massachusetts old-school hardcore band DEATH RAY VISION — which features in its ranks KILLSWITCH ENGAGE bassist Mike D'Antonio — has finalized the songwriting process for its sophomore effort, "Negative Mental Attitude". Recording will begin in September at Mad Oak Studio, where the band previously recorded its first five-song EP, "Get Lost Or Get Dead", once again with producer Benny Grotto at the helm. A late 2018 release via Bullet Tooth is expected.

"It's a playful jab at the hardcore scene, in a way," D'Antonio states about the album title. "There's a lot of people who preach a 'positive mental attitude' and they practice anything but that." The title also succinctly represents the band's current direction which deviates from their previous "go old-school or go home" approach. "We don't really have a lot of good moods on this one," guitarist Pete Cortese adds. "It's a little more morose, melodic, and to say that it will be 'our finest work to date' would be a little too positive for the angle we're going for".

DEATH RAY VISION underwent lineup changes since its last release, with vocalist Brian Fair (SHADOWS FALL) and guitarist Zack Wells making their exit due to family and relocation across the country. "It makes more sense for the guys to have someone local and available at all times," states Fair. "Now that I live in St. Louis doing the 'Married With Children' thing, it became increasingly tougher to make things work out logistically." With the departure of Fair comes new vocalist Jeff Gard, formerly of Boston-based CHUGGERNAUT. Gard offers a tremendous vocal range which provoked a shift in style. The transition happened quickly, as D'Antonio explains. "I was forwarded a song that Jeff sang on, and I immediately wanted him to audition," he says. "After two practices, it was an easy choice to make."

Amidst broadening their musical horizons, DEATH RAY VISION commits to keeping an old-school baseline at its core. Drummer Colin Conway adds: "There will always be speed and aggression in our formula, but instead of presenting a 'tough guy' demeanor, we break through that shell and expose the 'tragic hero' within."

Photo by Jason Zucco

Richmond, Virginia's psychedelic heavyweights WINDHAND have unveiled "Grey Garden", the Jordan Vance-directed video and lead single off their forthcoming album, "Eternal Return".

Due on October 5 via Relapse Records, "Eternal Return" is a complete life-to-death journey. As unplanned things go, it's an observation of as well as a reflection on life's ups and downs, joys and sorrows, beginnings and ends.

Between the band's 2015 "Grief's Infernal Flower" album and "Eternal Return", WINDHAND welcomed new life, survived lineup changes, and mourned unexpected death. The songs and song ordering are the direct result of those experiences. Where "Halcyon" is assured in its opening, the closing track "Feather" is its funeral march.

WINDHAND wrote "Eternal Return" all throughout the winter. Out of the sessions, "Halcyon", "Grey Garden", "Red Cloud" and the monstrous "Eyeshine" emerged as the heaviest tracks, while "Pilgrim's Rest", "Diablerie" and "Feather" embodied the more reflective side of WINDHAND. The juxtaposition of heavy, psychedelic and pensive is less like BLACK SABBATH or SLEEP and more like SOUNDGARDEN or VERUCA SALT. But the name drops aren't absolute so much as signals of WINDHAND's ability to stretch beyond genre confines.

"Eternal Return" represents a new era for the group, a chrysalis moment that takes them to new and unforeseen heights. Boosted by Garrett Morris's consistently cool riffs-forged at the crossroads of Tony Iommi's otherworldly import and Kurt Cobain's spontaneous precocity powered by Ryan Wolfe and Parker Chandler's groove-laden rhythms, and propelled by Dorthia Cottrell's smoky-yet-wistful vocals, WINDHAND's new album is a two-step jump for Richmond's finest purveyors of the psycho-actively heavy. Adorned by Arik Roper's (SLEEP, HIGH ON FIRE) impressive cover art, "Eternal Return" not only looks the part of WINDHAND's artistic growth but sounds the part.

WINDHAND brought Jack Endino back into the fold. Together, they spent two weeks recording at Soundhouse Recording in Seattle. Described as "smooth" and "intense," the sessions with the famed producer were just what WINDHAND wanted. Endino also understood the group's artistic progression, chiefly the admiration of and blending in late '80s/early '90s grunge. Out of it all, WINDHAND continued to refactor and refine their vision of heavy.

"Eternal Return" track listing:

01. Halcyon

02. Grey Garden

03. Pilgrim's Rest

04. First To Die

05. Light Into Dark

06. Red Cloud

07. Eyeshine

08. Diablerie

09. Feather

Photo credit: Joey Wharton

Ian Gillan has reunited with his pre-DEEP PURPLE band THE JAVELINS to record the group's debut album. "Ian Gillan And The Javelins" will be released August 31 as a CD digipak, a vinyl LP and a digital download. The 16-track collection features covers of American blues, rock 'n' roll, soul and country tunes, including renditions of rock classics like THE CONTOURS' "Do You Love Me", Roy Orbison's "Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)" , Chuck Berry's "Memphis, Tennessee" and "Rock And Roll Music", Jerry Lee Lewis's "High School Confidential", Buddy Holly's "It's So Easy", Howlin' Wolf's "Smokestack Lightnin'" and Ray Charles's "What I'd Say".

In the video below, the members of THE JAVELINS explain how the group came together.

Every DEEP PURPLE true lover knows how much their magic and powerful style is the result of many different influences brought in by the single members, all merging into the powerful sound loved by millions of rock fans. Ian Gillan's love for American soul and R&B as well as skiffle and early rock and roll has been well documented in many articles and interviews.

Founded in the early 60s, THE JAVELINS were influenced by pop, soul, country, jazz and blues artists from America. They soaked up the music of their heroes, added their own stamp and went from town to town to perform their favourite songs in front of a small but ever growing audience — becoming local heroes themselves.

This was the time when Ian Gillan discovered himself, broke the chains and "found his voice."


THE JAVELINS paved the way for the Ian Gillan who, only a few years later, wrote music history with DEEP PURPLE, becoming one of the most iconic frontmen of all time and, together with very few others, shaped rock music the way we know it today.

"These contemporary recordings (2018) by THE JAVELINS are drawn from our set lists, circa 1963, when I was 18 years old. Now, a few years later, I have the privilege and joy of working with my old mates from the original group; Gordon Fairminer (lead guitar); Tony Tacon (rhythm guitar); Tony Whitfield (bass guitar); Keith Roach (drums), as we make a long-overdue LP."

Ian Gillan has defined this new studio album as "a collection of catchy rhythms and feel-good melodies". This understating definition shows Gillan's ability to still look at those songs and his whole career with the same eyes of the 18-year-old boy who sang them many years ago.

But there is a lot more to this recordings…

By paying tribute to music legends such as Chuck Berry, THE DRIFTERS, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly and Bo Diddley, IAN GILLAN & THE JAVELINS have not only managed to do that.

Avoiding the use of any modern technology, the band has managed to find the spontaneity and true sense of freedom of pop and rock and roll music of 50 years ago, probably without completely realizing it themselves.

One world superstar and four friends who have taken very different directions in life (none decided to "turn pro" as they would say it) but still able to capture the essence of what being a performing band is about.

This album is what happened during four days of recordings in a studio in Hamburg, Germany, where instruments, microphones, lyrics sheets and memories were the only tools allowed.

This album is not an act of nostalgia, or a celebration of the purity of the old days versus modernity. This is simply what the Javelins were in 1963… and this is what they are now, if they happen to meet in the studio, embracing their guitars and look at each other with a big smile on their face.

This is where it all started.

"Ian Gillan & The Javelins" has been recorded at the Chameleon Studios during a five-day recording session in Hamburg, March 2018, Germany. It features Don Airey (DEEP PURPLE) as special guest on piano. It will be released on August 31 on earMUSIC as CD digipak, 1LP gatefold (180g, black) and digital.

Gillan told Kaaos TV about THE JAVELINS: "The guys in the band, most of them tickled along at the occasional gig and they practiced, but most of them haven't really played in any progressive way for 50 years or more — 55, 56 years now.

"I prepared all the material with Steve Morris, my old partner from Liverpool — not Steve Morse; Steve Morris. And we sent the tapes, 16 songs, to each of the guys, and said, 'Okay, practice like crazy for six weeks.' And so we all met in the studio in Hamburg and we recorded 10 songs on the first day. And the whole 16 were recorded in two days, and then the solos and extra bits and pieces, a few mistakes, were repaired on a Wednesday, and then we did a video, and that was it. It was unbelievable."

He continued: "I was listening to the rough mixes, before we put on the vocal backings, the girls, and the brass section, because a lot of those old songs, like THE COASTERS and Ray Charles, had brass sections on them, so we're doing it authentically, augmenting the band. But, you know, because they hadn't played professionally for 50 years, they didn't evolve at all — they kept playing in the style which was in 1962, and consequently, when I'm listening to it, I think, 'My God! This is so authentic. It sounds just exactly as it did in those days.' It's not musicians from today trying to do a retro version of those songs, which I've heard plenty of, and they're always high production — there's no breathing space; no nothing. It sounds, to me, just as I remember it.

"Of course, we're all in our 70s, and we're like a bunch of school boys in the studio," he added. "We had a reunion a couple of years ago — at Christmas, we all went on a boat up the river Thames and had a fantastic night. And it was great — the old banter was still there, the jokes and the sense of humor. And it was wonderful — just truly wonderful. A great experience for these guys who have not been in a studio like that before. We did try another project a few years ago and made another set. So I think there were some nerves and some apprehension prior to the session, but by God, they went through it great. After every day's work, we sat down, we had a meal and drank some beers together and just talked about things. It was great. It was certainly a fantastic experience."

Judas Priest will be Inducted into The Hall Of Heavy Metal History in 2018. The ceremony will take place August 2nd at Germany's Wacken Open Air festival. The induction will take place just before the band performs one of the biggest shows of their current Firepower world tour.

"We have made sure that Judas Priest finally gets the Induction and respect they truly deserve," says Pat Gesualdo, Founder/CEO of The Hall of Heavy Metal History. "We thank them for the decades of hard work and dedication to Heavy Metal, an art form they helped establish."

An official statement from the band reads: "Judas Priest are thrilled and honoured to accept induction into the Hall Of Heavy Metal History and be amongst so many of our friends. This also sends a great message of inclusion for the metal community around the world, and keeps us defending the metal faith together."

Judas Priest’s latest studio album Firepower was released March 9th via Epic Records. Co-produced by Tom Allom and Andy Sneap, the 14-track album has become one of the most successful of the band’s entire career - landing in the Top 5 in 17 countries (including their highest chart placement ever in the US), and scoring their highest charting commercial rock radio single in decades with “Lightning Strike”. The band’s new music video, “No Surrender”, can be seen below.

“’No Surrender’ captures the true metal fighting spirit and metalheads around the world find a united voice within the message of this song,” says the band. “When you honestly believe in yourself and live your life the way you have the right to with no surrender, then nothing will ever stop you from living your dream.”

Judas Priest North American tour dates:

August
21 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center
22 - Chicago, IL - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
24 - Detroit, MI - Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
25 - Mt. Pleasant, MI - Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort
27 - Hamilton, ON - FirstOntario Centre
29 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre
30 - Quebec City, QC - Centre Videotron

September
1 - Wantagh, NY - Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
2 - Bethel Woods, NY - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
5 - Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake Amphitheater
6 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
8 - Virginia Beach, VA - Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
9 - Camden, NJ - BB&T Pavilion
11 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion
12 - Jacksonville, FL - Daily's Place
14 - Atlanta, GA - Verizon Amphitheatre
16 - Biloxi, MS - Mississippi Coast Coliseum
18 - Kansas City, MO - Starlight Theatre
20 - Welch, MN - Treasure Island Casino
21 - Council Bluffs, IA - Harrah's Council Bluffs
23 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center
26 - San Diego, CA - Mattress Firm Amphitheatre
27 - Irvine, CA - FivePoint Amphitheatre
29 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre
30 - Wheatland, CA - Toyota Amphitheatre

Chris Peters of Australia's Heavy magazine recently conducted an interview with former NIGHTWISH frontwoman Tarja Turunen. You can listen to the entire chat via the Spreaker widget below. A few excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On her new live album, "Act II":

Tarja: "I'm very happy. Actually, the work for the live album, even though it's a live album and you might think that artists in general end up working not so much for their live albums, I'm working a lot. It me took many, many months to finish the product, but I'm super-happy with it because it's kind of an important album for me to be able to show where I'm at the moment as an artist. I'm very happy with the final results. You know, it's always a pain in the butt to check yourself on screen and work on the video edits and all that because I'm very critical when it comes to my own performance. I have to bear myself for a long time. [Laughs] It was a fun process anyway."

On the differences in releasing a live album versus a conventional studio album:

Tarja: "Actually, the whole thing of being a solo artist has been such a learning process for me. Since I departed from my previous band, NIGHTWISH, it was the whole beginning of my career, there was stuff in the air. I had to learn so much. After all these years, being alone, creating your art and finding your way, finding the path I wanted to take, writing the songs, being more comfortable and confident in what I do, it's been actually an incredible joyride. Actually, the whole freedom that is around me nowadays, I wouldn't change that at all. It's a really, really beautiful thing."

On whether she planned in advance to release a second live album titled "Act II":

Tarja: "Well, when I was working on 'Act I', certainly, or naturally, I thought that hopefully after a couple of more studio albums, I could come up with 'Act II'. Now that I have released 'Act II', hopefully there will be a chance for 'Act III' one day, obviously. The first, 'Act I', is representing the first two studio albums of mine and 'Act II' is representing the last three studio records, so, in that sense, well, hopefully, one day there is a chance for me to come up with another live album. I enjoy doing these kind of things. I have a great band with me. I have great people working with me. We have good times, we have fun on the road. I'm still enjoying a lot of the touring aspects. I think that I will become very miserable if I wouldn't be able to tour. I love my audience and the performances, so it's important."

On the idea and concept behind the live performances captured on "Act II":

Tarja: "The 'Shadow Shows', the tour that I made for almost two years, it's really representing the latest record of mine, 'The Shadow Self' record. It is an album that is actually, I would say, it's very natural, the whole learning and all that I've been doing as a solo artist. It really represents me. It represents my passion in music. Also, it's kind of a self-discovery that I went through writing the music for the album. It's kind of talking about the two sides in us, the darkness and the light that is in all of us, naturally. You see me performing, I'm very happy in performing, but there is a certain amount of darkness in me that without the darkness, I don't think I could deliver music or I could create music. I find that darkness very beautiful. Don't get me wrong — it's not like I love writing the songs in the dark in the night or something like that. No! I could write songs on the beach, but the interior darkness, we have it all. We have it. For me, it's the power that I have to create, so I'm celebrating of having embraced that darkness in me, how silly it sounds, but it's really like that. This tour has been like that. The celebration of that life of mine. I feel so goddamn good at the moment. That's what you can hopefully see in 'Act II' in the live DVD."

On whether she's happy to have become a solo artist after being fired from NIGHTWISH in 2005:

Tarja: "The past is the past. I got to share the stage with Marco [Hietala], the bass player/singer of NIGHTWISH last year. I met him since I haven't seen him in 12 years or something, so we shared the stage in Finland, there was a tour called 'Raskasta Joulua', which is a heavy metal Christmas tour. I went there after one of the soloists and I sang some songs with him. It was actually a really good meeting. We felt really good embracing each other on the stage and people were crying; the audience was crying. It was a good thing for us. They have their own life, I have my own life, everything is fine. Time heals. Also, the thing is that you're an adult. You need to think and live your life. You only live once. That's how it is."

"Act II" was released on July 27 on earMUSIC as 2CD digipak, 3LP gatefold (180g, black), DVD, Blu-ray, limited mediabook 2CD+2BD (including two full live shows filmed at Hellfest in France and Woodstock Festival in Poland as bonus) and digital.

Listen to "TARJA Acts Up" on Spreaker.

The Canadian extreme progressive metal quintet INTO ETERNITY recently unveiled a new song, "Fringes Of Psychosis", which marked the first official taste of the band's long-awaited sixth album, "The Sirens". Today, M-Theory Audio has announced the group's signing, and that the record will be released on October 26. Physical pre-orders are available now at this location, while a digital pre-order (which includes an instant download of "Fringes of Psychosis") is underway on Bandcamp.

Originally, INTO ETERNITY intended to independently release "The Sirens" after a planned release through a European label fell through, but the group recently reconnected with M-Theory Audio president Marco Barbieri, who served as president of Century Media Records when the band released such acclaimed albums as "Buried In Oblivion" (2004) and "The Scattering Of Ashes" (2006).

"The Sirens" — which features guest appearances by former vocalist Stu Block (now in ICED EARTH), Cam Dixon (ex-ANNIHILATOR) and Glen Drover (ex-MEGADETH) — sees INTO ETERNITY firing on all cylinders, with Amanda Kiernan's fierce vocals and Tim Roth's trademark guitar heroics and vocal harmonies backed by longtime bassist Troy Bleich and newer recruits Bryan James Newbury (drums) and Matt Cuthberston (guitars, also of UNTIMELY DEMISE). The album was co-produced, mixed and mastered by former guitarist Justin Bender, while longtime artist Mattias Noren (EVERGREY, EPICA, KAMELOT) designed the cover and layout.

Says founding guitarist Tim Roth: "First of all, INTO ETERNITY would like to thank all of our fans for the support regarding this new album we're about to release. The original plan was to release it independently ourselves, but the plan has changed. We are pumped to announce that we are now releasing 'The Sirens' worldwide through M-Theory Audio! Thanks go out to Marco for reaching out to us and providing us a new deal that we simply could not refuse.

"INTO ETERNITY worked for years and years with Marco when he was president of Century Media, so for us this is a perfect fit for our band. Unfortunately, this does mean that we will be pushing back our release date until October, as our new label is going to need some time to manufacture and properly promote the release.

"Thanks, again, to everyone for the longtime support, and you'll all be hearing 'The Sirens' in the coming months!"

From 2005 to 2008, there wasn't a harder-working metal band on the planet than INTO ETERNITY, whose extreme progressive metal built on the pioneering work of such forward-thinking acts as DEATH, CYNIC and OPETH. The group toured seemingly nonstop with the likes of DREAM THEATER, SYMPHONY X, DARK TRANQUILLITY, THE HAUNTED, KATAKLYSM and HATE ETERNAL, and also joined the epic lineup of MEGADETH, LAMB OF GOD, OPETH, ARCH ENEMY and OVERKILL on the 2006 edition of Gigantour.

In 2008, the group released its fifth record, the concept album "The Incurable Tragedy", and prepared for another busy touring cycle, which began with a vengeance on that year's Summer Slaughter Canada (where the band played alongside NECROPHAGIST, DYING FETUS, VEIL OF MAYA, WHITECHAPEL and others). From there, the group hit the road in support of ICED EARTH, after which they planned to take a short break to recover from four years of road work.

Soon after Roth returned home to Regina, Saskatchewan, however, he became a first-time father, and it became clear that touring as aggressively wouldn't be possible. The group still performed periodically in subsequent months, even traveling to Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan in the spring of 2009, but as the band considered their next moves after the end of "The Incurable Tragedy" touring cycle, vocalist Stu Block was asked to join ICED EARTH. At first, he planned to perform double duty, and in 2011, INTO ETERNITY recorded two digital singles featuring Block. It quickly became apparent, though, that ICED EARTH's touring commitments would keep Block on the road indefinitely, so in 2012, Roth recruited the Edmonton-based singer Amanda Kiernan (also of THE ORDER OF CHAOS) to become INTO ETERNITY's new vocalist. The group subsequently began demoing material for a new album, which they would record gradually over the next few years.

On August 5, INTO ETERNITY will join FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY and ARCHSPIRE as co-headliners of the Loud As Hell festival in Drumheller, Alberta. Additional tour dates are in the works.

"The Sirens" track listing:

01. The Sirens (7:54)

02. Fringes Of Psychosis (6:58)

03. Sandstorm (3:46)

04. This Frozen Hell (7:01)

05. Nowhere Near (7:17)

06. Devoured By Sarcopenia (7:17)

07. Fukushima (5:56)

08. The Scattering Of Ashes (3:47)

INTO ETERNITY is:

Tim Roth - Lead Guitar/Vocals

Amanda Keirnan - Vocals

Troy Bleich - Bass/Backing Vocals

Bryan Newbury - Drums, Justin Bender – Guitar

Matt Cuthberson - Guitar

Swedish vintage rock band BLACK INK RIVER, featuring members of WOLF, GRANDEXIT, MONACO BLUES BAND and UNCLE DOGHOUSE, will release its debut album, "Headstrong", later this year via GMR Music Group.

According to The Midlands Rocks, Dano Wahlström (vocals) and Anders Modd (bass) both play in metal bands (GRANDEXIT and WOLF) but they are both big fans of rock acts from the seventies. Bosse Karlsson (guitar) and Roger Johannessen (drums) both come from a more traditional rock and blues background, having played in various bands through the years. These two worlds merged and formed this heavy and groovy thing that is BLACK INK RIVER.

BLACK INK RIVER started out as a studio project but ended up as something much more ambitious than just recording songs.

After writing and recording for two years, "Headstrong" was finally completed and the first gig was booked at a club in the band's hometown.

BLACK INK RIVER is:

Dano Wahlström - Vocals/Percussion

Bosse Karlsson - Guitar

Anders Modd - Bass

Roger Johannessen - Drums

Infectious pop hooks, exhilarating vocals, hair-raising riffs, and unforgettable melodies are only a fraction of what listeners should expect to hear on A Light Divided's upcoming full-length release, Choose Your Own Adventure, releasing to the masses on October 5th. Chock full of catchy, memorable anthems that poise A Light Divided to be the next big pop/metal crossover, Choose Your Own Adventure is an essential listen. Preorders available here.

Get your very first taste of Choose Your Own Adventure with the hooky, high-energy new single and electrifying music video for "Fear of Heights", directed and filmed by Justin Reich of Antimatter Studios.

"As someone who constantly battles with anxiety and self-image concerns, ‘Fear Of Heights’ deals with being afraid to get out of your own way when it comes to relationships," says vocalist Jaycee Clark. "It's scary being vulnerable enough to let someone into your inner crazy because what if they don't like what they find? But for the right person, you realize you have to open up and face those fears or you risk losing everything."

As made evident on "Fear of Heights", A Light Divided's undeniable songwriting prowess is accented by Choose Your Own Adventure's lyrical content. The band explores personal, relevant topics - ranging from relationships to mental health - inspired by their own lives and losses. At the age that important decisions they make now could impact the development of the rest of their lives, all five members of A Light Divided put their own experiences to paper on Choose Your Own Adventure, creating a relatable experience for listeners.

"We underwent a lot of major changes since our last record so, it was really important for Choose Your Own Adventure to reflect all of that growth," says Jaycee. "We constantly pushed ourselves to step further and further outside our comfort zone and ultimately created a record I couldn't be more proud of. Lyrically, Choose Your Own Adventure deals with topics like frustration, mental health, loss, betrayal, relationships, hope and continuing to fight for what you love despite those challenges. I think everyone has had those experiences at some point and I hope these songs can help someone to see the light in those dark times."

Choose Your Own Adventure was produced by Kile Odell (Motionless In White, Cane Hill) and Joshua Landry (Letters From The Fire, Motionless In White).

Tracklisting:

“Make Your Luck”
“Fear Of Heights”
“Remedy”
“Another Bar Fight In Brooklyn”
“Life Lessons”
“The War We Watched”
“Scars Of You”
“Finding Center”
“Sink Into Nothing”
“Plastic Crowns”
“Counting To Sober”
“Armor And War Paint”

“Fear Of Heights” video:

(Photo by: Rei Haycraft)

German thrash metal veterans DARKNESS will release their new album, "First Class Violence", on October 12 via Massacre Records. The disc was recorded and mixed by Rambado Recordings studio and mastered by Dennis Köhne. Timon Kokott was recruited to take care of the album artwork.

Jürgen "Ventor" Reil (KREATOR) and Thomas "Angelripper" Such (SODOM) have contributed guest vocals to a song that's featured on the album.

According to a press release, "First Class Violence" "is another missing piece in the puzzle that helps you to see the world through the angry and desperate eyes of DARKNESS!"

"First Class Violence" track listing:

01. Prelude In E (intro)

02. Low Velocity Blood Spatter

03. Neoprimitive

04. Hate Is My Engine

05. See You On The Bodyfarm

06. Zeutan

07. The Autocrazy (Autocracy) Club

08. Born Dead

09. First Class Violence

10. I Betray

Formed in 1984, DARKNESS has released a number of demos and albums so far.

Fan-filmed video footage of SLAYER's July 31 concert at The Pavilion at Montage Mountain in Scranton, Pennsylvania can be seen below.

SLAYER kicked off its farewell tour on May 10 at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California.

This past January, SLAYER announced that it would do one last concert tour around the globe to thank their fans for all of their support over the years, for making the last three and a half decades so packed with good times and unforgettable experiences, and then move on.

SLAYER bassist/vocalist Tom Araya talked about his possible retirement in a 2016 interview with Loudwire. He said: "At 35 years, it's time to collect my pension. [Laughs] This is a career move." He continued: "I'm grateful that we've been around for 35 years; that's a really long time. So, yeah, to me, it is. Because when we started off, everything was great, because you're young and invincible. And then there came a time where I became a family man, and I had a tough time flying back and forth. And now, at this stage, at the level we're at now, I can do that; I can fly home when I want to, on days off, and spend some time with my family, which is something I wasn't able to do when [my kids] were growing up. Now they're both older and mature. So now I take advantage of that." Araya added: "Yeah, it just gets harder and harder to come back out on the road. 35 years is a long time."

Tom also revealed another reason for his diminished enjoyment of the touring life. He said: "There's things that have gone on in my life that have made me change how I play as a bass player. I had neck surgery, so I can't headbang anymore. And that was a big part of what I enjoyed doing what I do — singing and headbanging. I liked knowing that I was one of the fucking badass headbangers. That played a big part. Now I just groove with the music, which is cool, because I'm grooving with the music and the feel of the songs, so that's changed a little for me."

SLAYER has been touring in support of its latest album, "Repentless", which was released in September 2015 via Nuclear Blast. That effort marked the band's first release since the death of SLAYER's co-founding guitarist Jeff Hanneman.

Hanneman contracted necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease, in January 2011 from a spider bite in his backyard. The infection ravaged the flesh and tissues of Hanneman's arm, leading to numerous surgeries, skin grafts and intense periods of rehab that forced him into semi-retirement and left him near death at several points.

Hanneman eventually died in May 2013 from alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver. He is credited for writing many of SLAYER's classic songs, including "Angel Of Death" and "South Of Heaven".

Original SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo was effectively fired from the band after sitting out the group's Australian tour in February/March 2013 due to a contract dispute with the other members of SLAYER. He has since been replaced by Paul Bostaph, who was previously SLAYER's drummer from 1992 until 2001 and recorded four albums with the band.

SLAYER has U.S. dates booked through August 26 at San Jose, California's SAP Center. The band will embark on the European leg of its "farewell" tour in the fall. Support on that trek will come from LAMB OF GOD, ANTHRAX and OBITUARY.

Italian metal band Handful Of Dust has announced their new album called Cosmopolis. The new album was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen and featured 11 tracks from death metal till progressive and alternative metal. Two tracks are streaming below.

Tracklisting:

“Mind Charade”
“Silent Heart”
“Volcano”
“Dying Sun”
“Settembre”
“No American Dream”
“Cosmopolis”
“Winter Song”
“Ghost Brigade”
“Black Storm”
“Missing Pieces”

“Silent Heart”:

“Cosmopolis”:

On September 14th, Rivers Of Nihil will release their second full-length, Monarchy, for the first time ever on vinyl via Metal Blade Records.

Monarchy versions:
-opaque bone vinyl (US exclusive - limited to 500 copies)
-electric blue / mustard splattered vinyl (US exclusive - limited to 250 copies)
-sea blue inside beer vinyl (US exclusive - limited to 250 copies)
-aqua blue / bone splattered vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
-bone / bronze hazed vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 100 copies)

Tracklisting:

Side A
“Heirless”
“Perpetual Growth Machine”
“Reign Of Dreams”
“Sand Baptism”
“Ancestral, I”
“Dehydrate”

Side B
“Monarchy”
“Terrestria II: Thrive”
“Circles In The Sky”
“Suntold”

New Jersey-based progressive metal quartet Etherius recently announced the release of their new instrumental progressive metal EP, entitled Thread Of Life, out August 24th. The new five track offering is available for pre-order via Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play. You can also stream select tracks now via Spotify.

Etherius has revealed a brand new drum playthrough video for the massive track "The Inevitable End", featuring stunning aerial views in the natural environment of High Tor State Park, NY. The video was filmed/directed/edited by Michael J Adams of Blackline Studios.

The concept of Thread Of Life and the album's artwork was inspired by ancient Greek mythology. "The Greeks believed that many aspects of a person's life were determined by the three fates, or Moirai (moy-ray) as they were called," says Tarantino. "The Moirai were three sister goddesses who "spun out" a child's destiny at birth. The sisters determined when life began, when it ended, and the events that occurred throughout one's life. The first sister, Clotho, or spinner, spun the thread, which was a person's life. The second sister, Lachesis, or unbending, measured the thread, which was the length of that life. The third sister, Atropos, meaning inevitable, chose the manner in which life ended, thus cutting the "Thread Of Life". The reason they are depicted as having no eyes on the album cover is because the ancient Greeks described the sisters as "cold" and "unmerciful."

Thread Of Life tracklisting:

"Thread Of Life"
"The Soothsayer"
"March And Defy"
"The Inevitable End"
"Lament"

"The Inevitable End" video:

Thread Of Life was produced and engineered by Jay Tarantino and Zaki Ali with Angel Vivaldi acting as co-producer, was recorded at Backroom Studios in Rockaway, New Jersey (owned by Dillinger Escape Plan guitarist Kevin Antreassin), and was mixed/mastered by Mutiny Within vocalist Chris Clancy at Audioworks Productions. Additional tracking was completed with Angel Vivaldi at his home studio.

Tarantino says about the band's writing and recording process, "Whereas a lot of modern bands compose music in pieces, swapping ideas back and forth through email/Dropbox and using modern recording technology to cut and paste it, we write music together in our rehearsal space and arrange the parts as a band. This gives the music a more organic quality that doesn't sound as mechanical or sterile as it does with the former approach. We try to rely on technology as little as possible when composing songs."

With one listen to Thread Of Life it's clear that combined, the four extremely talented musicians of Etherius produce a clean, awe-inspiring sound merging powerful progressive elements that will appeal to not only the most discerning and critical metal fans, but to the heavy music-loving masses as well.