SABATON drummer Hannes Van Dahl will sit out a few shows on the band's European tour while he awaits his first child with his partner of the last few years, NIGHTWISH singer Floor Jansen. Fillling in for him will be Daniel Sjögren (TWILIGHT FORCE, BLOODBOUND).

Says Hannes: "Time has come for me to travel homewards for a short while to be with and for my family, home in the north.

"My family on the road will have the miles pass underneath the busses and trucks as usual and the show will go on!

"So, I hereby introduce you to a dear friend of ours: Daniel Sjögren! He is the sweetest of dudes and an excellent drummer! He was kind enough to help us out and will sit on my drum throne for a few shows until I’m back with my road family, brothers and sisters all over the world again!

"Daniel has been rehearsing with Hannes and the band for the last four weeks.

"I'm a bit jealous of all you guys who [are] going to see him kill it every night.

"Please give him your awesome warm 'SABATON Battalion' support, have fun and I'm looking forward to seeing you all very soon again!"

Asked by Spain's Metal Journal whether his family situation will have an impact on his ability to tour with SABATON, Hannes said: "Well, you know, as far as I'm concerned, nothing will really change, 'cause this is what I do, an this is… this is what I do to make a living. People have had kids before in this business. So, to stop any worries — 'cause I know a lot of people are worried [about me] quitting the band — I will stay in the band. And as far as I can say, when it's time, I need to go and be there with my family. But when I've done that, I'm going back to touring. So I won't leave. I will be there."

Jansen herself has spoken about the challenges of raising a child while being in a touring band like NIGHTWISH. She told Finland's Radio Rock last fall: "Of course, it's a very challenging combination, and I was very happy that the way [NIGHTWISH is] today — or, actually, have always been — it's a very open group; we can talk about things. And the guys, actually, were curious. A few months ago, we started talking about it, like, 'So, 2017… How about kids? Yeah?' So it's great to think about things together: how can we combine it? Also 'cause my partner is in a successful band, touring a lot. Yeah, then you need the cooperation of the people that you are family with also. So I am not afraid that won't work. It will be a challenge, for sure, but, yeah, a little SABATON or NIGHTWISH daycare program sounds lovely, doesn't it? [Laughs]"

Jansen also dismissed rumors that she will leave the band after welcoming her first child. She told Mariskal Rock TV: "No, I won't [quit NIGHTWISH]. I love this way too much; don't worry. You don't even have negative speculations one way or another. Things are great, and let's keep on doing this forever."

SABATON's eighth album, "The Last Stand", was released last August via Nuclear Blast.

Van Dahl joined SABATON in November 2013 after previously playing with another Swedish band, EVERGREY.

SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor believes that METALLICA was "disrespected" at this year's Grammy Awards.

METALLICA's collaboration with pop superstar Lady Gaga at the 59th annual event in Los Angeles on February 12 turned into something of a disaster when the Grammy sound crew did not turn frontman James Hetfield's mic on, forcing him to share the mic with Gaga after the first verse and chorus.

As a further humiliation, presenter Laverne Cox did not even introduce METALLICA by name. At the end of the song, a visibly angry Hetfield hurled his guitar at a road crew member while kicking over his mic stand.

During an interview on the "ETC Show", Taylor offered his opinion of METALLICA's appearance on the Grammys, saying: "I feel bad for METALLICA. Honestly, because at this point in their career they shouldn't have been disrespected like that. The fact that… They shut [Hetfield's microphone] off. METALLICA doesn't have control of that."

He continued: "The thing that people have to remember... I'm gonna give you a little background. All of METALLICA's people are not allowed to work on live performances on television. None of us are. They have a sound producer and a whole crew of people who work on those shows, and then your people work right behind them, all right? But you're not allowed to touch anything, which is horseshit, because stuff like this then happens. The fact that then they weren't introduced? It was just, 'Oh, here's Lady Gaga…' Oh, by the way, she's fucking with METALLICA, you dick."

Taylor added: "I have a lot of very strong opinions about the Grammys anyway, [but] that really cemented it for me. We don't need your respect. We don't need you to make us feel like we accomplished something, 'cause all you do is open our mouths and shit in it, and I'm tired of tastin' it. So, fuck you, dude. And by the way, I've won one, so it's not a big deal. They don't even really listen to this shit. They go, 'Oh, I recognize that name. There you go.'"

Taylor's latest comments echo those he made a year ago when he said that he didn't "have time" for the Grammy Awards, explaining that the annual show was nothing but "a popularity contest" among aging music industry insiders, many of whom have had a long history of ignoring hard rock and heavy metal. He said: "To me, the real reflection of where you're at is [performing live], and that's all it is. Walking on that stage and seeing a massive audience lose their minds — that's what it's all about. You can take those statuettes all day long; I don't care. It's cool to win, but I'm not gonna fucking die if we don't win a Grammy, you know."

Although SLIPKNOT has been nominated for more than ten Grammy Awards, it has won only one — picking up the "Best Metal Performance" gong in 2006 with the single "Before I Forget".

During a 2014 appearance on the Nerdist podcast, Taylor took issue with the Grammys and their voting process, saying: "Old people vote [on those awards]. I'm convinced that's the reason we won, is because an old person went, 'SLIPKNOT! I read a magazine article about them. They've been around. Here you go. Take it. The kids are gonna be real happy.' 'Cause you look at it, and you're, like, fuckin' JUDAS PRIEST won one for a live version of a song they released 40 years ago, and the live version was released 20 years before that. And they only re-released it because of a box set. And they gave it to them? I'm, like, 'Fucking what?'"

He went on to say: "It doesn't mean anything. I mean, that's like trying to hit a fucking needle with another needle. You have one metal category, you have one basic rock category, and you've got bands like FUN winning it. And I'm, like, 'Really? Show me on the doll where FUN is a rock band.'"

To date, Taylor's other band, STONE SOUR, has received three Grammy Award nominations for "Best Metal Performance" for the singles "Get Inside", "Inhale" and "30/30-150".

METALLICA was up for a Grammy this year for "Best Rock Song" for the track "Hardwired" from its new album, "Hardwired... To Self-Destruct", but lost to the late David Bowie's "Blackstar".

Season Of Mist has announced the signing of 1349. The Norwegian black metal stalwarts have already been signed to this label in the U.S. and now extend the deal to a worldwide representation.

Regarding their signing, 1349 comment: "We are currently in the early creative stages of our new art offering and we are exited to confirm that we have extended our agreement with partners Season Of Mist — this time handling the release worldwide."

When 1349 rose from the ashes of ALVHEIM in 1997, the band was driven by a deep desire to keep the black metal flame burning in all its rebellious glory. The Norwegians set out with the declared aim to remain true to the original spirit of their scene, which they saw heading into all the wrong directions.

Conceived around the founding members, which consisted of vocalist and first drummer Ravn, guitarist Tjalve and Seidemann on bass, 1349 completed their lineup with the addition of guitarist Archaon in 1999 and SATYRICON drum legend Frost, after the latter recorded a demo and the debut album with the band in 2001.

When their debut, "Liberation", was finally unleashed in 2003, 1349 took the world by storm with their intense blend of old-school black metal soundscapes and ultra-fast aggression. Further assaults followed in rapid succession. "Beyond The Apocalypse" (2004) and "Hellfire" (2005) cemented the Norwegians' reputation as one of the strongest acts in the already peaked scene, where they managed to carve out a claim for their own.

Founding member Tjalve decided to focus on his band PANTHEON I and 1349 have since continued as a four-piece — occasionally adding renowned guest guitarists. Extensive touring aided the growth of a massive following, which started to seriously reach across the Atlantic, when 1349 opened for reunited metal legends CELTIC FROST in North America in 2006.

In an impressive demonstration that dedication to the origins and early principles of black metal does not have to mean nostalgia and stagnation, 1349 considerably widened their sonic palette with the next full-length, "Revelations Of The Black Flame" (2009), which was co-mixed by CELTIC FROST mastermind Tom Gabriel "Warrior" Fischer.

Their newly found darker and more ambient side, was further explored and interwoven with the earlier sonic approach, which 1349 dub "aural hellfire" on the following "Demonoir" (2010). Extensive touring and performances at prestigious festivals around the globe filled the period from 2010 to 2012.

"Massive Cauldron Of Chaos" (2013) was the next milestone in the Norwegian's merciless advance, scoring excellent reviews and sparking more festival shows as well as extended touring, which also brought 1349 for the first time to Australia and New Zealand. Now the band is preparing to unleash more "aural hellfire" onto the expecting world via Season Of Mist.

1349 is:

Seidemann: bass
Ravn: vocals
Archaon: guitars
Frost: drums

1349 band photo by Jorn Veberg

Metal Blade Records has announced the signing of Finnish cinemascopic metallers CRIMFALL.

CRIMFALL comments: "We are beyond excited for this opportunity to work with the legendary Metal Blade. It makes all these years we wrestled with the third album worthwhile as we can finally share the fruits of our labor through the most dedicated and respected label. CRIMFALL never does anything half-assed so be sure we go all in with this album as we see this as a massive opportunity to raise the stakes to the sky-high level."

CRIMFALL took its shape in 2007 from the mind of Jakke Viitala. He gathered talented musicians to drive forth his lifelong vision of music that would respect no boundaries. CRIMFALL has released two albums since then, 2009's "As The Path Unfolds..." and 2011's "The Writ Of Sword".

Wearing many a mask, CRIMFALL's movie metal eludes easy descriptions. The influence of ancient grim-frost North and its traditional roots meet echoes of black metal, but it is all iced with massive orchestration and epic movie soundtrack atmosphere. The melodies convey atmospheres of majesty, adventure and times long forgotten, as the interplay of Mikko's demonic screams and Helena's heavenly vocals bring forth the raw, natural feelings and underline the cycle of seasons and the contrast of ascending lights and falling shadows.

With their third album, "Amain", CRIMFALL has combined the best of the first two albums with new elements. Set to be released in summer 2017, a first teaser for "Amain" can be viewed below.

CRIMFALL is:

Mikko Hakkinen - Vocals
Helena Haaparanta - Vocals
Jakke Viitala - Guitars
Miska Sipilainen - Bass
Janne Jukarainen - Drums

George Pogacich has produced a high-quality, multi-camera video clip of former QUEENSRŸCHE and current OPERATION: MINDCRIME frontman Geoff Tate performing the QUEENSRŸCHE classic "Take Hold Of The Flame" on February 23 at The Token Lounge in Westland, Michigan. Check it out below.

Tate's current "The Whole Story 'Rÿche' Acoustic Tour" sees him performing songs from all 17 albums he has done throughout his illustrious 35-year career. Geoff is backed during the show by a seven-piece acoustic band of musicians from the United States and Ireland and features three guitar players, mandolin, cello, saxophone, violin and multiple percussion instruments to produce high-energy acoustic versions of some of the Tate's former band's most recognized songs, including "Silent Lucidity", "Jet City Woman", "Empire", "I Don't Believe In Love" and "Eyes Of A Stranger".

Tate told Centre Daily Times about his acoustic tour: "I've done acoustic tours before, but nothing quite like this. This is a storytelling tour and I've got 35 years of music, touring and stories to accompany all of that. I thought that it would be kind of interesting to tell stories about the songs and what was going on at the time when they came out, either with me personally, with the band or what was going on in the news at the time and how they influenced the albums."

According to Tate, stripping down songs involves so much more than just replacing the electric guitar with an acoustic.

"An acoustic presentation goes back to the roots of the song," he explained. "Every song I've ever written has either started on an acoustic guitar or a piano and with this tour, I am just reverse engineering the song back to where it started. I think that a song is a song, and you can take just about any song and reformat it with different instrumentation. As long as you have a vocalist, it's going to be identifiable to the audience.

"It's been really fun reworking the music to fit acoustically," he continued. "You have to approach it differently and figure out what the song's strength is. Is it the melody? The rhythm? And then, how do you showcase those things? It really is a different way of thinking and presenting the music."

"Resurrection", the second album from OPERATION: MINDCRIME, was released last September via Frontiers Music Srl. The album is the second part of Tate's musical trilogy.

Andreas Kisser says that he doesn't care what Max Cavalera says about SEPULTURA, explaining that his former bandmate is entitled to his opinion.

Max recently slammed the current lineup of SEPULTURA, implying in an interview that the band hasn't written any high-quality material since his exit from the group more than two decades ago. "Tell me one great song they have written since I left," he told Metal Rules. "Name one great album they have put out after that. I haven't seen anything. I don't know one name of one song as popular as 'Roots Bloody Roots'. So, it just tells me like whatever they are doing, I don't know how they keep on going. I don't think it's working at all. But somehow they keep on going, somehow. It's crazy to me."

Asked to comment on Max's statement, the SEPULTURA guitarist told Adam Drygalski before the band's February 15 concert in Warsaw, Poland (see video below): "I just don't care, man. It's his opinion. Who cares? I mean, so what if he thinks that? Many people think the same. So what?"

Kisser also defended SEPULTURA's decision to keep going for more than thirty years, despite the fact the band's current lineup doesn't include either of the Cavalera brothers (Max and drummer Igor Cavalera) who co-founded the group.

"I'm very proud of what we achieved with SEPULTURA," he said. "That's why we celebrated thirty years of the band and not only twenty or fifteen years or something. We take SEPULTURA as a whole career. On our set, we play songs from every album, regardless of the formation or the label that we were [on]."

He continued: "We lost members during different times. I joined the band in '87, Derrick [Green, current SEPULTURA vocalist] is twenty years in the band. Why would it be a curse? It's something very fantastic that we achieved together.

"I think members have different choices — they left the band to do something different — and we kept going on, especially me and Paulo [Xisto Pinto Jr., bass], and Igor, after Max left the band, for ten years. Igor left in 2006, and we got Jean Dolabella [former SEPULTURA drummer], and now we have Eloy Casagrande for five years already. It's a process of growing up as people, as persons, as musicians, as professionals in the music business.

"We are, I think, in our best times now. I think it's the best formation. We have a great label, we have great managers working with us, we have amazing fans that kept the band together. And we're very happy, believe it or not. [Laughs] We enjoy our life, we enjoy our band, and it's a privilege to be a part of a band like SEPULTURA. We play seventy-six countries in thirty-three years, and regardless of the formation, here are are doing stuff, [with] a great new album that has been [met with a] very positive reaction. We have a movie talking about the SEPULTURA history coming out this year as well. We have many products in Brazil, like beer, wine, hot sauce and all types of different products with the brand SEPULTURA name. You know, I cannot complain. All the difficult times and the difficult tasks that we achieved or we had in our lives were great learning experiences. We are better people and better musicians because of that. Without all the trouble, all the problems we had, we wouldn't be here today. So we embrace everything that happened with SEPULTURA, good and bad. The same with fans — we love how diverse the SEPULTURA fans are. They don't think the same, they don't have the same opinion. We love the haters. They are a great part of our history, and we are all a part of a great family, like it or not."

Kisser added: "In the end, the word that describes SEPULTURA is 'respect' for everything that happened to this band and still is happening to the band. The past is a great thing for us. It really inspired us to do what we do today all the time."

In 1996, Max left SEPULTURA after the rest of the band fired his wife Gloria as their manager.

The current SEPULTURA lineup released its latest album, "Machine Messiah", on January 13 via Nuclear Blast.

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES frontman Mike Muir has paid tribute to actor Bill Paxton, who died on Saturday at the age of 61. The "Titanic" and "Apollo 13" star had complications following a heart surgery.

Muir wrote on the band's official Facebook page: "I'm extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Paxton, someone I was lucky enough to know and call a real friend. I met him when I was 16 as we both worked delivering the [Los Angeles] Times in the morning. We were the only 'young ones' there as most of the people were at least 40.

"Bill had moved out to Santa Monica to be an 'actor.' I told him I was gonna start a band.

"He was just an incredibly cool, friendly, optimistic guy that never got discouraged when he couldn't get even an audition for the smallest roles.
But every morning at 2 a.m., he came into work with a smile. He loved music too, so we'd sometimes go to punk rock shows and then go straight from the Starwood or Whisky to delivering the morning paper to Northside SM.

"So many great stories and times I will never forget.

"I'm so sad for his family and their loss.

"It always hurts when someone passes away, especially when it's too soon and without warning. And the older you get the more often it happens. And each time it does, people think of the good things to say and remember them by.

"The special thing about Bill is I have never heard anyone that knew him, from before his success or during it, that ever had anything but great things to say about him. Truly an amazing person, who literally followed his dream and never gave up.

"Lastly, someone just sent me this photo [see below]. That's the way I remember Bill, not 'cause he's wearing [a SUICIDAL TENDENCIES] shirt, but that smile. And, of course, he was an amazing actor and director...but more importantly he was as good a person as they come!

"Rest in peace. You will be missed but never forgotten. So proud of you and thankful that I knew you."

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES is continuing to tour in support of its latest album, "World Gone Mad", which came out at the end of September.

Bonfire have released a video for “Praying 4 A Miracle”, featured on their new album, Byte The Bullet, out on March 24th. Find the new video.

In 2016, Hans Ziller made a pledge to make Bonfire great again. He recruited a new face to the line-up, German vocalist Alexx Stahl. With Bonfire veterans guitarist Hans Ziller, guitarist Frank Pane and bassist Ronnie Parkes, in the addition to Alexx Stahl and drummer Tim Breideband, Bonfire now have the fire and energy they were so well known, a force to be reckoned with once again.

Bonfire recorded Byte The Bullet at Flatliners Studios in their hometown of Ingolstadt, Germany.

Tracklisting:

“Power Train”
“Stand Up 4 Rock”
“Praying 4 A Miracle”
“Some Kinda Evil”
“Lonely Nights”
“Byte The Bullet”
“Locomotive Breath”
“Reach For The Sky”
“Sweet Surrender”
“Friedensreich”
“InstruMetal”
“Too Far From Heaven”
“Without You”
“Sweet Obsession”

“Praying 4 A Miracle” video:

“Locomotive Breath” video:

“Locomotive Breath” making of:

On September 17th 2016, In This Moment played Tokyo, Japan. The band has uploaded live footage of the songs "Black Widow", "Blood", and "Sick Like Me" from that evening's set.

In This Moment be hitting the road with Motionless In White, Avatar, and Gemini Syndrome as support this April and May.

Tour dates:

April
7 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave / Eagles Club
8 - Green Bay, WI - The Sandlot Entertainment Complex
9 - Maplewood, MN - Myth Nightclub 16+
11 - Omaha, NE - Sokol Auditorium and Underground
12 - Kansas City, MI - Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland
14 - Indianapolis, IN - The Egyptian Room
15 - Columbus, OH - Express LIVE
16 - Toronto, ON - The Danforth Music Hall
18 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
19 - Albany, NY - The Palace Theatre
21 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live
22 - Stroudsburg, PA - Sherman Theatre
23 - Worcester, MA - Worcester Palladium
25 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE
26 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore Detroit
28 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade

May
2 - Birmingham, AL - Iron City Bham
3 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogart's
5 - Nashville, TN - War Memorial Auditorium

Operose are a new symphonic progressive metal band from the United Kingdom, comprising of rising opera sensation Jennifer Coleman, and neo-classical guitar virtuoso Joe McGurk (Opposing Motion). The forthcoming debut album, Footprints In The Hourglass, also features Opposing Motion drummer Kevin Deplanche and is mixed and mastered by heavy metal legend Dennis Ward, showcasing the unique collaboration across eight varied tracks.

Jennifer Coleman is a Theo Max van der Beugel Scholar studying on the 2nd year of the Masters at the Royal College of Music in London under the tutelage of Janis Kelly. Jennifer has won numerous awards including an RCM Award supported by a Big Give Award, the Mavis Bennett Award for Grand Opera and the John Lightfoot Award for Musical Theatre at Maidenhead Music Festival. Most recently, Jennifer won a Musical Odessey Prize while taking part in masterclasses with the acclaimed British soprano Susan Bullock in Nafplio, Greece. She was awarded commended in the 2016 RCM Lieder competition, and a finalist in the RCM English Song Competition.

Joe McGurk is the guitarist and co-founder of progressive metal band Opposing Motion, along with drummer Kevin Deplanche. The band had a well received debut album in 2013 released through iconic label Lion Music, after a successful debut EP. Joe McGurk has also released solo work, most notably the instrumental album Elements, which received a host of great reviews when released through Lion Music in 2015, as well as composing tracks for film and television.

Operose is a unique blend of soaring vocals and guitars over a symphonic, classical backdrop telling the tale of the tragic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice through the eyes of Eurydice.

Footprints In The Hourglass tracklisting:

“Empty Mirrors (Death Of Eurydice)”
“Footprints”
“River Of Memories”
“The Long Grass (Seconds Apart)”
“Remember Me”
“Moments”
“The Faded Portrait Of Affection”
“Stand Among Angels”

“Footprints” lyric video:

Rock Antenne recently conducted an interview with drummer Ian Paice and bassist Roger Glover of British rock legends DEEP PURPLE. You can watch the full chat below. A few excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On the band's forthcoming "The Long Goodbye" world tour:

Ian: "There's going to be a day in the not-so-far future when it is going to be 'the last.' That's an emotional strain that I don't think any one of us are brave enough to say 'This is the date.' But we are thinking… not thinking, we are realizing that time is creeping up every day that goes on, those numbers mount up. It's inevitable. I know we feel differently about this, but this will be the last big major world tour. Not that it's physically demanding; we tour very easily, but it could take two or three years. In two or three years, who knows what the state of the world or us are going to be in. We just have to accept the reality that the decision will have to be made some time in the future, and if we can play everywhere that wants to see us and make sure we covered as many territories as we can. That could take two-and-a-half and three years. That could be the long goodbye."

On whether Roger or Ian could live without each other:

Ian: "Well, you can, but because it's been such a major part of our lives, it's incredibly valuable to us emotionally. It's a scary thought to think that you maybe sometime in the near future won't be doing it again. But, at the end of the day, we are musicians. He [Roger] is a songwriter, even if PURPLE decides that's the time, am I going to stop playing drums? No. Is he going to stop writing songs? No. George Harrison made a wonderful album called 'All Things Must Pass'. And the word is 'must.' You don't want them to, but that's the reality of the world we live in."

Roger: "Personally, this is the start of the goodbye, I guess. We don't know what's going to happen. I personally think we could do another album."

Ian: "I think so too."

Roger: "But, we'll see. We usually take two or three years between albums, if not more at times. If I'm 71 now, I'll be 75 doing an album again, maybe, 74…I don't know. That's the point, is that we don't know. 'InFinite' and 'The Long Goodbye' tour are there for you to interpret any way you will, but we're not saying definitively we're going to end now."

Ian: "The music is infinite. The music is immortal. It's a document in the same way you could go to a museum and see something that was done 300 years ago. It's there forever, that's infinite. There are many levels you can think about the word and debate what it means, but unfortunately, human beings are not infinite."

On whether Ian and Roger are scared of aging:

Ian: "No, we are scared of the end of DEEP PURPLE."

Roger: "It's a family. It's not just a family. It's a destiny. We've shared this part of our lives for a long time. I can't imagine what life would be like without DEEP PURPLE. It gives us not only a living, but it gives two lives. It gives life on the road, and a life at home with family.

Ian: "Both are necessary. If you've grown up with this, to you lose half of your conscious being, because being at home is great. It's lovely, but we also know there's something else we do in our lives. When we do the other side of being on the road, we've had enough of that, we know we can go home again. There's two sides of the coin. If one side is taken away, it's a bit daunting."

Roger: "We get to travel a lot. We're very lucky that we have an audience worldwide. There's not many countries we haven't been to. That's our good fortune. In a way, you almost get blasé about 'Where were you last night?' 'I was in Paris last night, but we're going to have dinner in Tokyo tonight.' You don't even think about it because it's part of our lives. That will disappear. I will miss that. One of the great boons of being in a famous rock band is that we get to see the world many times over. That's a rare privilege. Not many people get to do that."

On whether any former members of DEEP PURPLE asked to take part in the "The Long Goodbye" tour:

Ian: "No. It doesn't work like that. It hasn't worked like that so far. This incarnation of PURPLE has been together the longest time. This is it. It's been this way for years since Don [Airey, keyboards] joined the band. Whatever was in the past, was glorious. Sometimes very hard to deal with, but it is in the past. We can't undo the things that have been done. We can't un-say the things that have been said. We have to shut the door on that. It's gone. People, obviously, still like what we do. We're having a ball. We're having a great deal of fun. Granted, it would be really nice if we even didn't have to even contemplate that word 'last.' Nobody wants to. We're going to make this tour go on as long as we can. But I would hate to do the clichéd thing of saying 'This is the last tour.' Then a year later, we come and do another tour. As Roger said, that's very undignified. It's a little bit naughty.'

Roger: "It stinks of 'We've run out of money. Let's go back and make a bit more.'"

Ian: "That's where it's at the moment anyway. In our heads, we're still thinking two or three years down the road anyway. It's not happening tomorrow."

Roger: "Another thing that comes from these conversations we've been having is that a lot of people want to talk about the past and they want to know bits and pieces about the past. The reality is within the band is that we don't think about the past. It's there like a shadow with us. We're always thinking of now, what's important now, not what was important then. That's fixed. We live in the now, and what's the next album, what's the next song, what's the next gig."

DEEP PURPLE will release "InFinite", the highly anticipated follow-up to their worldwide chart-topping effort "Now What?!", on April 7 via earMUSIC.

"InFinite" was tracked in February 2016 at a studio in Nashville, Tennessee and was once again helmed by Bob Ezrin, who has previously worked with KISS, PINK FLOYD, PETER GABRIEL, ALICE COOPER and KANSAS, among others.

Spain's Metal Journal recently conducted an interview with HELLOWEEN guitarist Michael Weikath about the reunion of the band's classic lineup. Dubbed "Pumpkins United", the group's upcoming tour will feature seven musicians — including former members Michael Kiske (vocals) and Kai Hansen (guitar), alongside current singer Andi Deris and guitarist Sascha Gerstner — performing material spanning HELLOWEEN's entire three-decade-plus history. A few excerpts from the chat follow below (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On the possibility of the "Pumpkins United" lineup of HELLOWEEN recording new music:

Weikath: "There's an idea for doing at least one track — at least. Personally, I think we should do more; we should do something like an EP or so. But first of all, we have lots of stuff to run and to check out and to try in order to get the schedule until [the fall] when the first show is going to take place in Mexico City. And to crank all that, if we wanted to come up with one new track as the 'Pumpkins United', I think there's going to be lots of work to do. And so what's in the planning is, for now, just one track."

On how such a track would be released:

Weikath: "I have no idea. I think you can still release it as a vinyl, as an earbook in Nuclear Blast format or whatever. Then you have it on vinyl, and you also have it in CD-single format or whatever. Or you put it on the iTunes or you put it on the webpage or the Facebook as a digital download. I don't know."

On whether the "Pumpkins United" lineup of HELLOWEEN has already written the song that will be recorded:

Weikath: "No, no, no. There's different levels of readiness for that. And I'm also looking into eventually recording something that I have ideas for what it could be and having a real collaboration on the songwriting for something like that. I think it's a far way out. From what I know, Michael Kiske is also on the verge of releasing some solo work as something, and so whatever is going to happen, I have no idea how. But surely we are looking for ideas and brainstorming. Maybe if Kai Hansen comes up with a track, maybe that Deris comes up with a track and I come up with a track or that [bassist] Markus [Grosskopf comes up with one], or someone writes something, and in which way that can be combined, or just one track is being chosen that everybody says, 'Okay, this track is so fucking cool, this is so strong, we take this one.' I have no idea. I don't know."

On whether he would close the door on the possibility of making a full album with "Pumpkins United":

Weikath: "I wouldn't, but that would be a huge undertaking. I have nothing against it, but that would be a huge undertaking. And then, given the laziness of the original HELLOWEEN members — the three ones who are the laziest, and that would be Kai Hansen, Michael Weikath and Michael Kiske. We are extremely lazy. Nobody else is lazy; it's just the three people I told you. Deris claims to be very lazy, but he isn't."

On who was the first to suggest the idea of a tour like "Pumpkins United":

Weikath: "That was always Kai Hansen who said so — always. And usually then Markus and me, we would reject the idea before, because we had different managements, we had different schedules. And also the whole thing needed to be talked about and trust needed to be created. And so it took that process of blah blah blah and whatever, and then to cut things short, a few years later, after we had the 'Hellish Rock' tour, with GAMMA RAY and Kai Hansen, one got a little bit closer and found where the things in common are. And then I had that talk with Michael Kiske at a metal [festival] in France a few years ago. As I keep telling in interviews, I had one whisky in the other hand and I was pouring myself another whisky and I had a cigarette in the hand and I had another cigarette in the mouth when I talked to him, because I was kind of excited to meet that guy again after all this time. I always thought I should call him on the phone, but I never did it, because I thought maybe he feels disturbed or maybe he doesn't have the time. Only because Weiki feels he could call Kiske on the phone, going, 'Hey, how are you?' 'Yeah, right now I'm kind of busy.' And so that's actually why I never, never, never, never called him. And then there was that opportunity, and I said to him, basically, 'You shouldn't be too angry. You just must understand me. Back at that time, I saw myself as the one to put things into the right direction in HELLOWEEN, and the fact was nobody wanted to record another record with you, so I had to find a solution, or an opinion, and I had to state it to you, and this is how things came about back then. And I hope you can maybe forgive me about that, if I tell you this. Just try to understand me, what was going on back then.' And he said, 'Maybe I've already forgiven you. I don't know. But it's better if we talk when you are more sober and not so drunk.' I wasn't really that drunk; I was just really excited. Ever since, we just had meetings with the whole band and Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen about how to do things, because what Kai Hansen had been proposing was only picked up by the management, and they were going, 'Yeah, we think that's a very cool idea, and we should do this.' And then everybody was asking, 'How do we do it?'"

On how long he went without talking to Michael Kiske before they reconnected at the aforementioned French festival:

Weikath: "Ever since [he left the band], after [1993's] 'Chameleon' [album]. 'Cause we didn't know how to touch that subject and whatever, and you could see from the press and his comments that there was understandable discrepancy in our relationship. It was always, like, 'Kai Hansen has said this about you, Weiki, and Michael Kiske has said this about you, Weiki. And what do you say?' And so I was always firing back. And that's not necessary anymore if we have these talks going nad everything. And, basically, there's a time to be a little bit adult and grown up about things. Because so much time passed, there can't possibly be much more trouble, because everyone involved has more or less proven what he is capable of on his own and what he would be. Michael Kiske has been doing the solo records as they are, he's been involved in projects as they are and as they were, we've been doing the HELLOWEEN thing, and Kai Hansen has been doing his stuff. So everybody presented to the public what everyone was capable of. And so that's the history, that's all behind that whole thing. And what is there to quarrel or worry or fight about? There's nothing."



Posted by Helloween on Monday, January 2, 2017


Posted by Helloween on Monday, January 2, 2017
(Thanks: Pedro Alonso / Metal Journal)

Asia's new live album, Symfonia - Live In Bulgaria 2013, is out now. An official live video for “Heat Of The Moment” can be found below.

While certainly not the intention when it was originally scheduled, in light of John Wetton's recent passing, this release serves as a tribute to the late, great, legendary bassist and frontman, who passed away this January following a battle with cancer.

Available on 2CD/DVD, Blu-Ray, and MP3 (audio only) the album was recorded during a special show on September 21st, 2013 during the Sounds Of The Ages Festival at the magnificent Second Century Roman Theater in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. On some of the songs during the band's set, Asia was joined by The Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Levon Manukian.

The show was then aired on Bulgarian National TV the following December 30th, 2013 and it is now presented in its entirety to the fans as a powerful witness of the line-up featuring original members John Wetton, Carl Palmer, Geoff Downes along with Sam Coulson on guitar.

Says John Wetton: "The show in the glorious Roman Theater of Plovdiv, with orchestra, along with the massive Sweden Rock Festival and the shows in the UK and the show European tour thereafter, were the first dates of the new chapter of Asia-and in my opinion, the band has never sounded better."

The album tracklisting includes:

CD1:
“Sole Survivor”
“Time Again”
“Face On The Bridge”
“My Own Time”
“Holy War”
“Extraordinary Life”
“Days Like These”
“Open Your Eyes”

CD2:
“Only Time Will Tell”*
“Don't Cry”*
“Heroine”*
“The Smile Has Left Your Eyes”*
“Wildest Dreams”*
“Heat Of The Moment”*

*Performed with the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra

DVD / Blu-Ray:
“Sole Survivor”
“Time Again”
“Face On The Bridge”
“My Own Time”
“Holy War”
“An Extraordinary Life”
“Days Like These”
“Open Your Eyes”
“Only Time Will Tell”*
“Don't Cry”*
“Heroine”*
“The Smile Has Left Your Eyes”*
“Wildest Dreams”*
“Heat Of The Moment”*
Interview Segment

*Performed with the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra

“Heat Of The Moment” video:

“Extraordinary Life” video:

“Only Time Will Tell” video:

 

 

On May 10, 1996 Finnish rockers APOCALYPTICA released their epic debut, "Plays Metallica By Four Cellos". The instrumental cello-driven rock opus changed the landscape of heavy music for years to come. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the album, the group re-released a remastered version with three bonus tracks on July 22, 2016. Containing never-before-released instrumental recordings of "Battery", "Nothing Else Matters" and "Seek & Destroy", the updated version gave fans a chance to revisit the novel take on this classic metal band. Upon its release, "Plays Metallica By Four Cellos" was a new approach to the hits of the biggest metal band the world has seen. Even more, APOCALYPTICA created their very own genre and laid the foundation to a career that has lasted for 20 years so far with millions of records sold and sold out shows around the world. But the beauty and mastery of APOCALYPTICA undoubtedly lies within the live arena, where the furious thrashing of four cellists skillfully recreating metal masterpieces offers a truly unique concert experience. After ending 2016 with shows in USA, Europe, Australia and Latin America, in 2017 the band has returned with special anniversary shows to celebrate the 20th anniversary of "Plays Metallica By Four Cellos", including a February 9 appearance at Vienna, Austria's Konzerthaus, fan-filmed video footage of which can be seen in the YouTube playlist below. APOCALYPTICA joined METALLICA on stage at the Fillmore in San Francisco as part of the week-long celebration of the latter band's 30th anniversary in December 2011. APOCALYPTICA's Perttu Kivilaakso told Austria's Mulatschag about the experience: "Of course we felt very privileged being included amongst all those amazing artists. And after the thing, what we have done during our career, it has been pleasant to realize and notice that, actually, the METALLICA guys, who are the reason for us to start to do something like this, that they do respect us at least that much that they wanted us to be a part of this big celebration of their career. Of course, it was crazy. I remember that when we started to play 'One', I'm starting this song and James Hetfield is just next to me, and I'm thinking, when I was 13 years old, he was my biggest idol and now we are playing together. So it's absurd, but just natural and logical in other terms."

Added APOCALYPTICA's Paavo Lötjönen: "You know, the connection to METALLICA has been really super great all these years. We played first time as a support to them already in '96. It was actually our fifth show for a proper rock and roll audience, and we were supporting METALLICA, so it was quite crazy. And since that, we have played many times with them at same festivals and… Let me say that the connection with METALLICA is really cool and really nice."

Continued Perttu: "We just were [on tour last] spring [in the U.S.] and Lars [Ulrich, METALLICA drummer] came to watch our show in San Francisco. And yeah, usually we try to hang out whenever it's possible."

APOCALYPTICA's latest album, "Shadowmaker", was released in April 2015 via Eleven Seven Music Group's Better Noise imprint. The Finnish musicians — accompanied by their American lead singer Franky Perez — recorded the CD with Grammy Award-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, DEFTONES, MASTODON).

Fan-filmed video footage of QUIET RIOT's February 18 performance at the Quaker Steak & Lube in Clearwater, Florida as part of the Florida Motorcycle Expo & Bike Builder Invitational can be seen below.

QUIET RIOT's new studio album, titled "Road Rage", will be released on April 21 via Frontiers Music Srl. Famously known as the first heavy metal band to top the pop charts, the Los Angeles quartet became a global sensation thanks to their monstrous smash hit 1983 album, "Metal Health". The band now continues its historic journey in 2017 with founding member and drummer Frankie Banali who, on this new release, is joined by veteran bassist Chuck Wright (who has been in and out of QUIET RIOT since 1982) and guitarist Alex Grossi (who has been handling his duties since 2004,) together with new vocalist Seann Nicols (a.k.a. Sheldon Tarsha; formerly of ADLER'S APPETITE). "I'm very excited about the release of 'Road Rage' on Frontiers Music Srl which is the first official QUIET RIOT release in eleven years," Banali said. "It contains all newly written and recorded original songs. We stayed true to the great tradition and sound of QUIET RIOT while at the same time always moving musically forward." Banali's history with QUIET RIOT spans over 34 years and he has the distinction of being the only member of QUIET RIOT to have recorded on every single QUIET RIOT release from 1983's "Metal Health" through 2017's "Road Rage". After nearly ten years since the loss of his friend and co-founding member and bandmate Kevin DuBrow, and with careful consideration, soul searching and with the blessings and support of DuBrow's family, Frankie has moved forward with the band to bring the fans "Road Rage". Musically, "Road Rage" offers exactly what you would expect from QUIET RIOT: arena-ready hard rock with strong hooks and infectious riffs, along with maturity in the songwriting that only a band with such a history and pedigree can offer.

Vocalist Jizzy Pearl (LOVE/HATE, L.A. GUNS, ADLER'S APPETITE, RATT) left QUIET RIOT at the end of 2016 to concentrate full time on his solo career.

Banali revived QUIET RIOT in 2010, three years after DuBrow's death, along with Wright and Grossi. The group went through two vocalists — Mark Huff and Scott Vokoun — before settling on Pearl in 2013.

The Pearl-fronted QUIET RIOT recorded six new songs for an album called "10", which was released digitally on iTunes and Amazon.com in June 2014, but Banali pulled the songs from both download stores shortly after putting the effort on sale and hasn't made them available again. He later explained that his decision to remove "10" from iTunes and Amazon.com was motivated in part by the fact that he couldn't find a record label that would properly promote the album. In addition, he said that the system that brought us classic rock music has been forever altered by the times and the promotional and marketing engine that is broken, no longer effectively exposing music from the labels through radio and to the masses.

For their brand-new song "Rebels Of Our Time”, Majesty present the first short film in heavy metal history. The movie tells an exciting story which is set in a post-apocalyptic future and which leads into a cool music video.

Singer Tarek comments on the extraordinary project: "We all are big cinema fans and we had in mind for quite a long time to shoot a short film which exactly shows what the band stands for. Our new album Rebels is a big step forward for us in any way and therefor we simply didn’t want to simply make a boringly normal music video. We are extremely proud of the result but that is not only due to us but because of the whole film team and the actors. All of them supported the project with enormous dedication and with much blood, sweat and tears. We made lots of new friends during the shooting!"

For the short film, Majesty collaborated with the ambitious young film makers Dennis Keller, Oliver Allweyer und Daniel Roschy who passionately and professionally implemented the script written by Tarek.

Dennis Keller states: "44 hours of shooting in 3 days, average temperature of -5°C and a brilliant team. From the make-up across the catering to our actors everything was right - and I think you also see that in the result!"

The “Making-Of” can be seen below:

Majesty will release their new album, Rebels, on March 3rd. In the video below, vocalist Tarek unboxes the limited boxset edition of the album:

More intense, more powerful and more epic - Majesty have reached the next stage of evolution and sound the horn of their new album Rebels to conquer the heavy metal throne. Recorded in the band's own studio and refined by the mixing and mastering of Frederik Nordsträm in the Studio Fredman, Rebels is the fundament for "Majesty 2.0".

Pre-order Rebels at this location or via the Amazon widget below and receive “Die Like Kings” as an instant grat track.

Tracklisting:

“Path To Freedom”
“Die Like Kings”
“Rebels Of Our Time”
“Yolo Hm”
“The Final War”
“Across The Lightning”
“Not Available”
“Iron Hill”
“Heroes In The Night”
“Running For Salvation”
“Fighting Till The End”

“Die Like Kings” lyric video:

Finland’s Battle Beast will launch their Bringer Of Pain Over Europe 2017 tour on March 2nd in Mannheim, Germany. Support on the dates comes from Majesty and Gyze. A video trailer promoting the trek can be found below.

Bringer Of Pain Over Europe 2017 dates:

March
2 - Mannheim, Germany - 7er Club
3 - Essen, Germany - Turock
4 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser
5 - Wroclaw, Poland - Liverpool Club
6 - Vienna, Austria - Chelsea
8 - Brescia, Italy - Circolo Colony
9 - Puget-Sur-Argent, France - Le Rat's
10 - Barcelona, Spain - Bikini
11 - Madrid, Spain - Penelope
12 - Lisbon, Portugal - RCA Club
13 - Porto, Portugal - Hard Club
14 - Pamplona, Spain - Totem
16 - Nantes, France - Ferrailleur
17 - Strasbourg, France - La Laiterie
18 - Marsberg, Germany - Metal Diver Festival (Schützenhalle)
19 - Vosselaar, Belgium - Biebob
20 - Tilburg, Netherlands - Little Devil
22 - Wolverhampton, UK - Slade Rooms
23 - Manchester, UK - Ruby Lounge
24 - London, UK - Underworld
25 - Paris, France - Petit Bain
26 - Saarbrücken, Germany - Garage
27 - Berlin, Germany - Bi Nuu
28 - Hamburg, Germany - Logo
29 - Würzburg, Germany - Posthalle
30 - Siegburg, Germany - Kubana
31 - Stuttgart, Germany - Im Wizemann

April
1 - Wetzikon, Switzerland - Hall Of Fame
2 - Regensburg (Obertraubling), Germany - Eventhall Airport
5 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
6 - Bratislava, Slovakia - Randal Club
7 - Lindau, Germany - Vaudeville
8 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
9 - Münster, Germany - Sputnikhalle

Trailer:

The official Ministry Facebook and Twitter pages have been updated with photos of mastermind Al Jourgensen back in the studio working on new material....

"Working on some new stuff with John Bechdel..."

pic.twitter.com/R8oAhfiHw9
— Ministry (@WeAreMinistry) 22 February 2017

Los Angeles, California-based metal project 3 Headed Snake, spearheaded by Ministry guitarist Sin Quirin, have released a demo version of the track ‘Wisdom Screams’ through SoundCloud, which can be heard below. A debut EP is slated for issue later in 2017. 3 Headed Snake’s lineup is as follows; Sin Quirin - guitars, bass, keyboards, and drum programming (Ministry), Johnny Ray - vocals (Aionios, Pyaxis).

For further details, visit 3 Headed Snake on Facebook.

ANTHRAX is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its classic album "Among The Living" by performing the LP in its entirety on a European tour.

Fan-filmed video footage of the band's February 25 performance at Backstage in Munich, Germany can be seen below.

ANTHRAX's February 15 concert at the Barrowland in Glasgow, United Kingdom was filmed for a DVD, to be released later this year via Megaforce. Seventeen cameras, including five GoPros and a full-size camera crane, captured more than two hours of ANTHRAX favorites that were voted onto the evening's set list by fans and included "Madhouse", "Be All, End All", "Breathing Lightning" and "A.I.R.", followed by ANTHRAX's classic 1987 album "Among The Living" performed start to finish. In addition to the live footage, the DVD will include "fly-on-the-wall" interviews and other B-roll shot on the band's tour bus, backstage, in hotels and elsewhere. The DVD is being produced and directed by Paul Green of the Manchester, U.K.-based Paul Green Productions who has filmed concerts for OPETH, THE DAMNED, Gary Numan, THE LEVELLERS and many others. Last year's celebration of ANTHRAX's 35th anniversary saw the band getting some of the best live reviews of its career, but the reception from British fans on this tour has been far more than anyone anticipated. "I don't know why it took us so long to come back to the U.K. and headline our own tour," said ANTHRAX singer Joey Belladonna, "but I'm sure glad we did. These shows have been some of the best we've ever done, and that's really due to the interaction with the fans; they've just been crazy. And that's what we wanted to capture for this DVD." The "Among The Kings" show is divided into two parts — one, "Among The Living" performed live start to finish, and then the other half will be a special set that ANTHRAX is inviting its fans to help create. Fans should go to anthrax.com/setlist-vote where the band has posted the titles of 44 of their songs from throughout their career. You can vote for up to 10 songs, and the songs that receive the most votes will make up that portion of the live show. The band plans to keep an eye on the votes over the course of the European dates so as the most voted for songs may change, the band will alter their set lists appropriately.

French metal outfit Born Again is streaming their cover of Motörhead’s “No Class”, featured on their new album, Strike With Power, out now via Massacre Records. Listen to “No Class” below.

Strike With Power was mixed and mastered by Pierre-Emmanuel Pélisson at Studio PE. Stan W Decker is responsible for the cover artwork.

 

 

Tracklisting:

"New Generation"
"Strike With Power"
"Preachers Of The Night"
"Betrayal"
"We Feed The Fire"
"Angel In Black"
"Deal With The Devil"
"Wings Of Hate"
"No Class"
"Dawn Of The Gods"

"No Class”:

"New Generation" video:

"Betrayal" lyric video:

Visit the official Born Again Facebook page for more on the band.

Rage Of Light is a Swiss musical project born from the desire of its creator, Jonathan, to combine two music styles that he has liked for a long time : metal and trance. The idea grew in 2007 when a first song entitled "Chasing A Reflection" was created. Mixing electronic sounds with metal rythms, this track laid the foundation of what will become later Rage Of Light. Playing the keyboard and doing vocals in two bands, Dysrider (ex-Trophallaxy) and Nodafreth, Jonathan put aside his hybrid project for several years.

Between 2011 and 2015, he nevertheless composed four new songs of what could be called trance metal. Inspired by the Swiss trance scene of the early 2000s, and by melodic death metal bands, he finally decided to realize his project, integrating a cover song in an EP named in memory of the first title written. For that purpose, he called on two talented musicians who bring a new energy to the project:

Melissa, singer of the band Evenmore, who will surprise more than one person thanks to the versatility of her beautiful voice, and Noé, a gifted guitarist who plays with Jonathan in Nodafreth.

Rage Of Light have released their cover of the Amon Amarth classic "Twilight Of The Thunder God", complete with an official video. Check it our below.

 

South Florida-based rock/metal band, Daybreak Embrace, has released the official music video for their newest single, "The Moment”. Utilizing footage from their performance at Woodstock Poland 2016, "The Moment" was self-filmed and includes live stage shots as well as behind the scenes moments.

““The Moment” is a tribute to the fans and family gained on a cross-continent journey full of love, life and loud music.” - Kenny Figueroa - Guitar

“We realize that we are living dreams right now because of your love and support.” - Ryan “Fry” Dorries - Bass

Buy "The Moment" on iTunes.

Maryland based rock band, Calisus, have released their newest single, "Six Feet Of Lies". The track was produced, mixed, & mastered by the band's own Patrick Koch.

Says lead singer Zach Constable: “”Six Feet Of Lies” can have a very different meaning to a lot of different people. It all comes down to what the person is going through in their life. The main relation to the song is getting away from and ridding of whatever you're going through, burying it deep down six feet under to move on. I feel the anthem style of the chorus is what makes it so easy for people to catch on and sing along to. By the end, they know every word and are singing them out. Every musician knows that feeling when the crowd sings along to your songs. It makes me that much more amped up for each and every show, to get out there and share your message.” - Zach Constable (Lead Vocalist)

Buy "Six Feet Of Lies online here. Listen to the song below:

Everlasting Spew Records has announced the signing of Canadian sci-fi technical death metallers, Fractal Generator, for the release of their debut album Apotheosynthesis on May 19th. The album will be available on CD and digitally.

Fractal Generator is a 3-piece ensemble from Canada devoted to sci-fi and to the darkest side of the technical death metal realm. Apotheosynthesis is their debut album.

Line-up:

040118180514 - Bass, Vocals
040114090512 - Drums
102119200914 - Guitar, Vocals

More on the band at this location.

Hells Headbangers will release Scumripper’s self-titled EP on 7" vinyl on March 31st. Self-released digitally late last year, Scumripper is the nasty, sewage-drenched debut offering from this trio of vocalist/guitarist Rat Pitt, drummer Son Stalker, and bassist Cliff Hunger.

With an MO like that, it's no surprise that Scumripper charge forward with a short 'n' swift attack of grinding metal/punk rooted in the likes of Repulsion, The Mentors, Abscess, and Autopsy's punkest moments. It's violent and vile, but also immediately memorable and mandatorily headbanging.

Order now at this location. Listen to the EP in full below.

Tracklisting:

“Shit Needle Crown”
“Burning Of The Midnight Tramp”
“Scumripper”
“Cum Killa”
“Run To The Pills”
“Gutter Heights”

Scumripper by SCUMRIPPER

Melbourne, Australia-based thrash metal band, Desecrator, will release their debut studio album, To The Gallows on March 24th. A lyric video for the title track is available for streaming below.

Limited digipack and vinyl bundles can be pre-ordered here. iTunes, Google and Spotify pre-orders are also available.

The outstanding hand painted cover art was created by Melbourne ink wizard Jason Spud Sposito.

Tracklisting:

“To The Gallows”
“Desert For Days”
“Red Steel Nation”
“As I Die”
“Serpents Return”
“Hellhound”
“Thrash Is A Verb”
“Down To Hell”
“Brainscan”
“Balancing On A Blade”

“To The Gallows” lyric video:

"Red Steel Nation" video:

"Balancing On A Blade" video:

Desecrator have announced the first dates for their Australian tour, kicking off on March 31st in Hobart.

Tour dates:

March
31 - Hobart, Australia - Republic Bar

April
1 - Launceston, Australia - Gunners Arms
13 - Adelaide, Australia - Enigma Bar
16 - Alice Springs, Australia - Blacken the Globe
26 - Warrnambool, Australia - The Loft
27 - Balarat, Australia - The Eastern
28 - Geelong, Australia - Barwon Club
29 - Melbourne, Australia - Bendigo Hotel

May
5 - Canberra, Australia - The Basement
6 - Woy Woy, Australia - Leagues Club
7 - Sydney, Australia - Frankies Pizza
12 - Perth, Australia - Amplifier Bar
13 - Bunbury, Australia - Eliot Street Bar

(Photo - LD Photography Inc.)