IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson was recently interviewed for a special episode of the "Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon" podcast. You can now listen to the chat below.

Asked why he agreed to perform some of the Blaze Bayley-era IRON MAIDEN material upon his return to the band in 1999, Dickinson said: "Well, you know, life's too short to go around chucking your ego around like that — it's childish, it's stupid. And, actually, some of those songs kind of worked [with my voice], some of them didn't, but you know what? They were all songs which a lot of IRON MAIDEN fans bought, and some of them, in particular 'The Clansman' and 'Sign Of The Cross', I think we really nailed those songs and I thought it was great material. Blaze's voice, obviously, was quite different than mine — it was a slightly lower register — and, actually, I wasn't complaining, 'cause I could use this kind of lower baritone tone and get quite kind of robust on it all. And I really enjoyed singing those songs."

Dickinson went on to say that he "had the utmost respect for Blaze, because he stepped into a situation that was extremely difficult for him. Because, manifestly, his voice was so different to mine and yet he had to try and sing some of those [older IRON MAIDEN] songs. He was in a difficult place. And he was a very, very nice guy, and still is a very nice guy, and I have a huge amount of respect for him."

Dickinson recently told the "Do You Know Jack?" radio show that he "was surprised" Blaze was chosen to replace him in IRON MAIDEN. "I was delighted for Blaze, but there was a whole bunch of other really good singers out there," he said. "I thought 'Wow, they could have picked somebody with a voice that could do what my voice did.' But they picked Blaze. Obviously, they picked somebody different, but that came with its own set of challenges. I just wondered whether anybody in the management was really giving anybody any serious words of truth on how hard this could be. "

Last fall, Bruce's autobiography, "What Does This Button Do?", landed at No. 10 on the New York Times "Hardcover Nonfiction" best sellers list. It was released in the U.S. on October 31 via Dey Street Books (formerly It Books), an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

CANDLEMASS bassist and songwriter Leif Edling is selling a few remaining copies of the box-set version of the self-titled debut album from his THE DOOMSDAY KINGDOM solo project. The disc, which originally came out last April via Nuclear Blast, contains eight epic doom tracks with a pinch of NWOBHM and haunting catchy melodies. Joining Edling on the effort are WOLF singer Niklas Stålvind, guitarist Marcus Jidell (AVATARIUM, SOEN, ex-EVERGREY), drummer Andreas "Habo" Johansson (NARNIA), as well as several guest artists.

Only 100 hand-numbered copies of THE DOOMSDAY KINGDOM "mega box set" exist, containing the following:

* Trifold album with red obi, inclusing a poster and photo/lyric sheet
* 7-inch single (one-sided): Billion Dollar Doom!
* Slipmat: purple with white logo
* Card: will give you access to a meet-and-greet with the band
* Artprint: handmade by Leif
* Lyric sheet: handwritten lyric signed by Leif
* Photo: signed by Leif (with dedication, if you want)
* CD (featuring all the THE DOOMSDAY KINGDOM album songs as demos)
* Badge
* Sticker
* Plektrum

The price of the box is €100 + international shipping €30 (including tracking number). Price for shipping within Sweden is €10.

Send a message to [email protected], including your name and e-mail address, and a box will be reserved for you and you will be given payment instructions.

Edling told the PowerOfMetal.dk web site about THE DOOMSDAY KINGDOM's debut: "I think there are a bunch of pretty cool songs on the record and the production is great. The members play like demons and the style is in the vein of early metal, which I find very attractive — the kind of metal that I grew up with, that I love. I'm very proud of the end result."

According to Edling, Stålvind came into the picture "right in the middle of" the recording process for THE DOOMSDAY KINGDOM's album. "I wrote songs for almost a year and all the songs were almost all written when he joined," he said. "The guitars were there, the bass was there, and I think there were some drums on a few tracks. He started to do his vocal overdubs pretty much in the middle of the recording process. He did a great job, I think. He sings like a motherfucker throughout the album and I have admired his voice in WOLF for many years."

In a separate interview with Wall Of Sound, Edling spoke about the health issues that have kept him largely off the road for the past few years. "I guess it was just me being a total workaholic that brought me forward to everything that happened," he said. "I was working around the clock seven days a week and no breaks or vacation. I worked from the second I woke up and till I slept. And this was a roller coaster for so many years. It was my way of living; it was all I knew. After a while, I started to feel a lot of stress and burn-out. Sweden is the new Tokyo and we are working too much; it is not good. I hit the roof and my heart was speeding like crazy and I went to the doctors and I have been on medicine. I was collapsing and not coping with anything. I actually was thinking around this project at this time. It has been a long process and I have been totally burnt out for three years and this has taken me years to make this record and now it is a band."

Former METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted and his THE CHOPHOUSE BAND performed yesterday (Friday, January 12) at the Cultural Council in Lake Worth, Florida. You can watch video footage of their rendition of the Neil Young classic "Rockin' In The Free World" below. Named after Jason's four recording studio facilities around the U.S. and featuring a fluid roster of players, the group began in 1992 when Newsted founded The Chophouse Records Studio in San Francisco.

Following the success of METALLICA's 1991 Black Album, The Chophouse Records Studio was conceived by Newsted to assemble friends and comrades from other established acts and groups, to have a special place to enjoy chasing ideas and sounds, having fun playing pure and wild music on breaks and downtime, mixing up wicked musical soup away from rigorous touring schedules and agendas.

THE CHOPHOUSE BAND's repertoire includes folk cover songs from legendary acts of the likes of Johnny Cash, George Jones, Tom Waits, Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Jason Isbell.

"The primal nature of these songs that we play [with THE CHOPHOUSE BAND] is what makes it all so attractive to me," Newsted told InJupiter. "After being in these loud, earth-shifting bands to stripping back from all the hundreds of thousands of watts of amplifiers and effects, I realized that there's ways to get to the purity of the music quicker. I went to the other end of the spectrum to rediscover myself and learned a new style of playing with the acoustic guitar, and it just feels right to play these songs live. It's a fun, joyful vehicle to get our ya-ya's out."

THE CHOPHOUSE BAND is led by Newsted, playing acoustic guitars and performing lead vocal, accompanied by
close friends/musicians of all walks and styles, sharing some great American songs from familiar and unfamiliar heroes.

The members of THE CHOPHOUSE BAND reside from coast to coast, including Chris Barnett, Mike Hughes, Tom Jordan, Joe Ledesma, David Lopez, Jesus Mendez, G.E. Perez, Mike Ramos, Brian Sagrafena, Angeline Saris, Chris Scianni, Amir Tal and Rob Tucker.

According to InJupiter, Newsted has begun writing his own original songs to not only add to the set list of THE CHOPHOUSE BAND, but to possibly record an album in the near future.

Newsted's art exhibition, "Rawk - The Art of Jason Newsted", is underway at the Cultural Council in Lake Worth, Florida. It will be on display at the Cultural Council galleries through February 3.

Jason left METALLICA back in 2001, but was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, along with drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield, guitarist Kirk Hammett, and the man who replaced him, bassist Robert Trujillo, in 2009.

According to the Birmingham Mail, Ozzy Osbourne fans will have to cough up over £1700 (approximately $2,345.00 US, which includes the festival weekend ticket) for the backstage package to meet him at Download Festival 2018 at Donington Park, UK. This includes a personal photograph, dressing room access and a Q&A with Osbourne himself.

A Meet & Greet package is also available for £545 ($751 US).

The three day Download Festival takes place June 8th to 10th, 2018 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets are on sale now at this location.

Ozzy Osbourne has set up a virtual donor drive to help find suitable bone marrow donors to fight against blood cancer, reports Indiana University's The Penn Online.

The 69-year-old rocker has launched a drive on the website DKMS.org, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending blood cancer and blood disorders, by raising awareness and recruiting life-saving bone marrow donors who will help give someone a chance of surviving their illness.

Ozzy's page has been set up through his work with charity Love Hope Strength, which was founded by The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, who is himself a two-time cancer survivor.

A short statement from Ozzy on his virtual donor drive reads: "Please do me a favor and see if you are eligible to register with Love Hope Strength to be a life saving marrow donor for a potential patient in need of a bone marrow match!"

Read more at thepenn.org, and visit Ozzy's virtual donor drive page here.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, former BLACK LABEL SOCIETY guitarist Nicholas Catanese pleaded guilty Tuesday (January 16) to sending sexually explicit messages to a 14-year-old female.

The 46-year-old musician, who was known as "The Evil Twin" because of his amazing shredding skills (a nickname that Zakk Wylde himself bestowed on the guitarist years ago), also solicited sex acts from the teenager, according to the criminal complaint.

Catanese pleaded guilty to unlawful contact, corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children.

He was ordered by Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Donna Jo McDaniel to serve five years of probation, register for 25 years as a Megan's Law offender, avoid contact with minors and have no access to Internet-capable computers.

Catanese was an instructor at the School Of Rock in Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania when he began messaging the teenager via Instagram. The student told police that Catanese sent her pictures of his genitals and asked her for nude images in return.

Police said that Catanese also requested sex acts with the girl, and described what he wanted to do.

Catanese admitted to the messages and videos when interviewed by police. He was arrested on June 15, court records show.

The police were alerted to the allegations by the music school's owner, David Blackrick.

Catanese left BLACK LABEL SOCIETY in December 2013 after playing with the group for 17 years. He told Epiphone in a December 2014 interview that he exited the band because he wanted "to do my own thing. That was Zakk's baby — BLACK LABEL SOCIETY — he did all the writing, the recording," he said. "I was the live guy, so I got to tour, I got to see the world, I got to meet everybody and it put me where I am now. So there is no 'bad' about it. Now, I can write my own stuff. I can play for me. I was there for 17 years. You put 17 years into anything and then come and talk to me. [Laughs] I mean, it's a long time to be in any band and I had a great time. But I was ready for a change."

Catanese also spoke about his work with School Of Rock, saying: "I love the kids there. They got spark, they got spirit. They actually gave me my spark back, seeing these kids who love the same music I do. This one kid who's 11 came in with a big guitar case with a KISS Army sticker on it. I was shocked. And then his friend came in who plays drums and said his influence was John Bonham. These kids — they have a whole worldview of music. They're fun — and hysterical. Just seeing these kids play 'Godzilla'. There was one class what was playing DEEP PURPLE's 'Burn'. They're 12-year-olds! That's so cool to me. They brought a lot out of me. How can you not be inspired by that?"

Photo courtesy of Allegheny County Jail

Greg Hall has announced his departure from SACRED REICH. The drummer revealed his split with the veteran Arizona thrashers in a post on his personal Facebook page. He wrote: "So... I want you all to hear this directly from me. I am no longer the drummer for SACRED REICH. I was (rather abruptly and by phone I might add) fired.

"I won't go into details at this time; you will hear my story when the time is right. I just want everyone to know how much it has meant to me to play for you! Those moments on stage were some of the greatest times of my life. To be able to see and do the things I have has been an incredible odyssey.

"I don't know what the future holds for me — none of us do — but I do know you can kick me out but you will not keep me down."

SACRED REICH frontman Phil Rind confirmed the band's split with Hall, telling BLABBERMOUTH.NET in a statement: "It's true. We wish Greg the best."

One of the founding members of SACRED REICH, Hall was in the band from its formation in 1985 until his initial exit in 1991. He was replaced by drummer Dave McClain for the last two SACRED REICH studio albums, 1993's "Independent" and 1996's "Heal", before rejoining the band for 1997's live album "Still Ignorant".

SACRED REICH is part of the second wave of thrash, along with TESTAMENT, DEATH ANGEL, DESTRUCTION and DARK ANGEL. Over the years, SACRED REICH has produced a catalog of politically charged aggressive songs that have stood the test of time.

SACRED REICH broke up in 2000 and remained inactive until 2006 when they received offers to perform at European festivals. The have been playing sporadic shows ever since.

During an appearance on an episode of "The Official Danko Jones Podcast", Rind said that the band has reconsidered its previous stance on recording new material.

Jeff Young has shared a letter he claims he received from Dave Mustaine less than two months ago in which the MEGADETH leader purportedly apologized to his former bandmate for "disclosing [their] secrets" and invited him to take part in the group's hypothetical Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction.

The guitarist, whose entire career with MEGADETH was spent recording and touring in support of the band's 1988 platinum-selling album "So Far, So Good...So What!", revealed the contents of the letter during the latest episode of his "Music Without Boundaries" Internet radio show.

Claiming that the letter was forwarded to him on November 27, 2017 via MEGADETH's longtime webmaster Dave McRobb, Jeff read out its contents to his listeners (hear audio below), occasionally peppering it with small personal asides.

According to Jeff, Mustaine's letter read as follows:

"I know our relationship has been good and bad, and good and bad again, and I want to say I'm sorry and I'd like to make things right. I have something else very serious to bring up now too, okay? We are being considered for the induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in the next year or two and I really, really want you to be there with me when we do.

"I understand if you cannot forgive me, and that is something else I wanted to discuss with you. I'd rather do it in person. In the event I can't see you soon and the induction happens before, we can meet. I need to apologize to you for disclosing our secrets after we broke up.

"Jeff, I know you know I was hurt, and honestly, I know us breaking up hurt you too, although I'm sure it was a relief in some ways for you too. I was afraid we couldn't find someone as talented as you. I honestly missed our good times. I was also very intimidated by your incredible guitar skills.

"I'm sorry if I remember things differently. I truly thought what I said was correct and maybe Dave [Ellefson, MEGADETH bassist] and Chuck [Behler, former MEGADETH drummer] could help remind us of what happened.

"I never meant to hurt you or your career, and I have tried to make up for it with positive comments, since I upset [sic].

"I know it doesn't matter as much as my apology does in making amends for whatever I've done that I'm not aware of.

"I also have a radio show. I've been playing a lot of 'So Far, So Good… So What!' and I wondered if you had any stuff you'd like played.

"As soon as we know [about the Rock Hall induction], we're willing to confirm with the alumni and I'll make sure you get in and out quickly and safely back to Florida.

"Jeff, I was healed from METALLICA with loads of therapy. When they went into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and didn't let me be a part, everyone knew Lars [Ulrich, METALLICA drummer] was behind that. I promised myself after that happened to make amends to my guys and for us to be together on that glorious day.

"Sound good?"

Young, who pointed out on his show that he hasn't lived in Florida for the past eight years, seemed unimpressed by Mustaine's gesture, saying that while "it's cool" that Dave wrote the letter, there was "so much that's been said" by Mustaine "about all the [former MEGADETH] members, not just me." Jeff then added that he doesn't "give a shit" about "the petty stuff," insisting that he has "moved on" from MEGADETH.

Jeff made headlines in December 2009 for accusing Mustaine of, among other things, "dissing, exaggerating and just plain lying on some level about nearly every talented musician that has passed through his dysfunctional little ensemble." He also also disputed Mustaine's claim in an interview that Young's drug problem led to MEGADETH's 1988 Australian tour being called off and the group being "banned" from performing in the country.

In a February 2010 interview with Ultimate-Guitar.com, Young stated about his time with MEGADETH: "I try to look back on it with positivity. I try to only remember and think about the good stuff, and all the good that came from it… Even though I have a bad feeling about Mustaine as a person... I can totally appreciate the good songs that he's written, and so can his fans. The unfortunate thing is that it's hard for me to appreciate and look back on my time fondly, and it's hard for the fans to enjoy the music, when he won't shut his fucking mouth… I think he's done enough that he can be proud of without taking credit for other people's contributions to his band. He was in METALLICA, and he's in MEGADETH. He's written all these songs, has played all his own solos, sang all his own vocal melody lines, produced albums, and toured the world. He's got enough, but he's like the kid in the sandbox that has to have all the toys in his corner, and he doesn't wanna share any credit or anything. Just like the three-way partnership with me, just like with Junior [MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson] with the money; he thinks that it's all his, and he doesn't wanna share any credit. I don't understand that kind of narcissism."

Mustaine was not inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame with METALLICA during the April 2009 ceremony at Cleveland, Ohio's Public Auditorium. Ulrich later explained to The Plain Dealer that Mustaine "never played on any METALLICA records. No disrespect to him. But there [were] half a dozen other people that were in the lineup in the early days. We thought... the fair thing to do would be to include anybody that played on a METALLICA record." He added: "Dave Mustaine was in the band for eleven months, predominantly in 1982... I'm not trying to play it down. I have nothing but respect and admiration for his accomplishments since."


Listen to "1/15/18: Truth Sells... But Who's Buying? I Got "A Letter..."" on Spreaker.

Continuing its ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating timeless recordings, the Recording Academy has announced the newest inductions to its distinctive Grammy Hall Of Fame. The latest additions recognize a diverse range of both singles and album recordings at least 25 years old that exhibit qualitative or historical significance. Each year recordings are reviewed by a special member committee comprised of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts, with final approval by the Recording Academy's National Board of Trustees. With 25 new titles, the Hall, now in its 45th year, currently totals 1,063 recordings and is on display at Grammy Museum L.A. Live.

"The Grammy Hall Of Fame strives to embody the changing climate of music throughout these past decades, always acknowledging the diversity of musical expression for which the Academy has become known," said Neil Portnow, president/CEO of the Recording Academy. "Iconic and inspiring, these recordings are an integral part of our musical, social, and cultural history, and we are proud to have added them to our growing catalog."

Representing myriad tracks and albums, the 2018 Grammy Hall Of Fame inductees range from David Bowie's "Space Oddity" to Jimi Hendrix's "Band Of Gypsys". The highly reputed list also features NIRVANA's "Nevermind", GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS' "I Heard It Through The Grapevine", PUBLIC ENEMY's "Fight The Power", Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You", QUEEN's "A Night At The Opera", Linda Ronstadt's "Heart Like A Wheel" and Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me". Other inductees include recordings by AEROSMITH, LOUIS ARMSTRONG & HIS HOT FIVE, Johnny Cash, Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, Dr. Dre, Thomas Alva Edison, FOUR TOPS, Billie Holiday, the KING COLE TRIO, Hugh Masekela, Mike Oldfield, PARLIAMENT, Billy Paul, THE ROLLING STONES, Leon Russell and Andy Williams.

For a full list of recordings inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame, go to this location.

Howard Stern will induct BON JOVI into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame this April in Ohio.

Stern revealed he would deliver the induction speech for the New Jersey band when frontman Jon Bon Jovi visited "The Howard Stern Show" Wednesday morning (January 17).

"I am so honored that you asked me. I am thrilled to do it," Stern told Bon Jovi.

Bon Jovi explained his decision to ask Stern to deliver the speech, telling the shock jock: "You've only ever been my first choice. Our careers have paralleled in a lot of ways. Whether ups or downs, we've come through everything together and we do this at this point because we love the people we work with… Nobody knows not only me, but the members of the band as well as Howard."

Jon also spoke about the Rock Hall induction during an appearance Tuesday night (January 16) on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert". He said: "It truly does mean a lot. We had been looked over a couple times, and it's really an honor to consider you being in the same building as the greatest of the greats, whether it's Elvis [Presley] or THE BEATLES or THE [ROLLING] STONES. Just the idea that the music that you made has been known to generations of people makes you feel good."

In addition to BON JOVI, the 33rd annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame class will induct the MOODY BLUES, THE CARS, DIRE STRAITS, Nina Simone and early influence gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

The event will take place on April 14 at Cleveland's Public Auditorium with an edited version of the events airing at a later date on HBO.

New Jersey's Spider Rockets are set to release their fifth full-length album, Along Came A Spider, on January 26th via P-Dog Records. Today, the artwork and tracklisting have been revealed. Check out the lyric video for the first single, "Sick", below. The album will be available for pre-order next week.

"We have always done things our way and Along Came A Spider continues that tradition. It's our own brand of rock that evolves, twists and turns regardless of what the current trend is generating," says lead singer, Helena Cos.

Spider Rockets hit the studio for their fifth full-length release, this time with producer Dan Malsch (Framing Hanley, Tantric, and Doro). Along Came A Spider takes the group's songwriting philosophy one step further with lush production coupled with the group's distinct brand of unapologetic in-your-face sound and attitude.

Along Came A Spider tracklisting:

"Rip Your Heart Out"
"Love it When You're Wrong"
"Adore"
"Drama Gore"
"Hey Hey"
"Burn"
"At Odds"
"Heartbreaker"
"Come to Me"
"Losing It"
"Sick"

"Sick" lyric video:

Craig Goldy says that performing with a hologram of Ronnie James Dio is a "very surreal" and "heart-wrenching" experience.

Goldy joined DIO during the "Sacred Heart" tour in 1986 after original guitarist Vivian Campbell was fired from the band following a contentious business disagreement with the singer and Ronnie's management.

For the past several years, Goldy has played sporadic shows with DIO DISCIPLES, which is made up of former members of DIO, along with a rotating lineup of singers, including former JUDAS PRIEST frontman Tim "Ripper" Owens.

Billed as a "celebration of the music and legacy of the greatest singer in the world, Ronnie James Dio," DIO DISCIPLES has just completed the first European leg of a world tour during which it is fronted by Ronnie's hologram for select songs.

Speaking to Classic Rock Revisited, Craig stated that playing shows with the Dio hologram is "very surreal," explaining that he finds it "both heart-wrenching and at home performing to the sound of his voice. The hologram is really more of a grand gesture on the part of [Ronnie's wife and manager] Wendy Dio to the fans and the new generation that is getting to know him for the very first time," he said. "Watching those young faces see, basically, in their minds and in their eyes, PlayStation 4 come alive, and to hear it with a live rock band, they are just mesmerized. And that can often be rewarding at times."

When asked if he thinks hologram performances are the future of classic rock and classic metal, Craig said: "I'm hoping that the future of classic rock and classic metal will be what I'm trying to do with the album I'm working on now" — apparently referring to his recently announced DREAM CHILD project — "and that holograms will be for those who are missed so badly by those fans around the globe… that a hologram is the future for that particular scenario."

Craig also addressed the "cash-grab" accusations leveled at the "Dio Returns" organizers and musicians, with some fans thinking the performance didn't live up to the real thing or saying that it was just plain creepy. "Quite frankly, I have done so much of [defending the hologram], and it's literally all over the Internet," he said. "I am done trying to convince people where the heart of this is. If they don't know my stance and the true heart behind this by now, they never will. I would only be repeating myself if I fall for this again."

Owens said in a recent interview that Wendy Dio, who is also a member of the Eyellusion team, "spent a fortune" creating the Ronnie James Dio hologram and ultimately just "wants to please the fans." Goldy also disputed the assertion that he was doing the "Dio Returns" tour as a way of "cashing in," explaining that he is "always out of pocket on these things."

In 2018, "Dio Returns: The World Tour" will make stops throughout Scandinavia, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, United States, Venezuela and other countries, with many more dates to be announced.

In addition to Goldy, DREAM CHILD features Wayne Findlay (MSG) on guitar and keyboards, Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO, OPERATION: MINDCRIME) on drums, Rudy Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE, DIO) on bass and Diego Valdez (HELKER) on vocals. The band's debut album is tentatively due later in the year via Frontiers Music Srl.

Irish pagan metallers PRIMORDIAL will release their new album, "Exile Amongst The Ruins", on March 30 through Metal Blade Records. The band teamed with producer Ola Ersfjord, who worked on PRIMORDIAL's 2016 live album, "Gods To The Godless". The record was tracked at Dublin's Camelot Studios, located adjacent to PRIMORDIAL's rehearsal room.

Check out the video for the first single, "Stolen Years", below.

Once again building upon their signature sound, the follow-up to 2014's "Where Greater Men Have Fallen" is a more raw, "old-school sounding" record than its predecessor. Hitting home with what vocalist Alan "Nemtheanga" Averill describes as "a direct energy" and wielding an urgency that is undeniable, the Irish quintet once again effortlessly blend elements of tragedy and might like no one else. Likewise, the evolution in their sound continues to be organic and unforced, ensuring that "Exile Amongst The Ruins" is essential listening for both their long term faithful and those only now drawn into their world.

Commenting on the album's first single, "Stolen Years", Averill said: "'Stolen Years' may seem like a strange choice as our lead single, and on the face of it, I guess it is. It's not a blood-and-thunder epic about tragedy and might and the ruin of nations, nor is it a nine-minute epistle of doom. Have no fear, the album does contain those also, but to open this time, we chose something different.

"This album has some surprises and this is one of them — a short and painfully simple song which almost didn't make the final cut, if you can believe so. The video, cut by Costin Chioreanu, is about the journey involved in finally getting to that moment where you walk on stage. The song itself about that last night on earth that comes to us all. Sometimes we never know when that might be. Hold your loved ones tight tonight; this could be it…"

"Exile Amongst The Ruins" track listing:

01. Nail Their Tongues
02. To Hell or the Hangman
03. Where Lie the Gods
04. Exile Amongst the Ruins
05. Upon Our Spiritual Deathbed
06. Stolen Years
07. Sunken Lungs
08. Last Call

To coincide with the album release, the Irishmen have just announced two special and rather intimate album-release shows in Germany as well as their appearance on the "Heathen Crusade" European tour with Finland's MOONSORROW as co-headliners and Germany's DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT as support act.

PRIMORDIAL is:

Alan "Nemtheanga" Averill - Vocals
Ciarán MacUilliam - Guitar
Michael O'Floinn - Guitar
Pól MacAmlaigh - Bass
Simon O'Laoghaire - Drums

Rhythm-driven heavy rock band SAULT — featuring members of internationally acclaimed power metal group KAMELOT and groove metal outfit ARCANIUM, and guest appearances by members of KING DIAMOND, ONE EYED DOLL and more — will release its debut full-length album, "Seeds Of Power", on March 2. Pre-orders are now available via www.saultband.com/shop.

The official playthrough video for the song "Guilt" can be seen below. The clip, which was shot at Tampa's LaLa Studio a few weeks ago with Angel Vivaldi, features guest drummer Casey Grillo, Curtis Jay on guitar and Sean Tibbetts on bass.

SAULT originally formed in 2014 as a solo project of acclaimed bassist Sean Tibbetts, who sought to write hookier metallic rock music while not in the studio or touring with his full-time band KAMELOT. After deciding to branch the project out to a full band, Tibbetts joined forces with solo guitarist/tattooist Curtis Jay, and — after an introduction via ONE EYED DOLL and SAULT guest vocalist Kimberly Freeman — linked up with singer Benjamin Riggs of groove metal group ARCANIUM. "Seeds Of Power" features the talents of two rotating drummers — Matt Thompson (KING DIAMOND) and Casey Grillo (KAMELOT).

SAULT is kicking things off with the release of a music video for the catchy heavy rock track "Adonai". The clip was filmed by Bad Trip Films and produced by Roy Warner in Detroit, Michigan.

SAULT draws influence from the heyday of '90s alternative and grunge rock — ebbing and flowing with inspiration from bands like TOOL, LIVING COLOUR, SEVENDUST, SOUNDGARDEN and beyond — and accented by a further heavy metal impact. The sound is catchy and hard-hitting that will appeal to diehard rock fans and metal headbangers alike.

"Seeds Of Power" track listing:

01. Balance *
02. Guilt ^
03. Adonai ^
04. Entropy (feat. guest vocals by Kimberly Freeman of One Eyed Doll) *
05. Fragile ^
06. Peaceful Moment ^
07. Save Myself ^
08. Last Man Standing *
09. Null Space *

* feat. guest drummer Matt Thompson (KING DIAMOND)
^ feat. guest drummer Casey Grillo (KAMELOT)

"Seeds Of Power" was recorded using the power of the Internet, with different members recording their parts in Florida, Kentucky, Colorado and Texas. The album was then produced, mixed and mastered by Oliver Palotai (KAMELOT, ULI JON ROTH, DORO) in Stuttgart, Germany. Vocal tracking is credited to Adam Stewart of ARCANIUM and additional vocal edits were made by Jason Sewell of ONE EYED DOLL. Contributing writers on the album include Kole Kruger, Vic DeLeon and Jeff Garner.

Swedish melodic death metal pioneers AT THE GATES have set "To Drink From The Night Itself" as the title of their just-completed new studio album, due on May 18 via Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2014's acclaimed comeback effort "At War With Reality" was recorded with producer Russ Russell (NAPALM DEATH, THE HAUNTED, DIMMU BORGIR) at Parlour Studios in the UK.

Commented AT THE GATES vocalist Tomas Lindberg: "We have wrapped up the recordings of the new record, and we are super psyched! It has been a smooth process, and very creatively fullfilling. All people that we have worked with on this project have stepped up to our vision of the final product, and we are very excited about the result.

"As you might have seen, we have worked with Russ Russell on this one, and he is really a master of getting the most intense takes out of us, and also has an ear for the rawness that we were after for this one. The vocals were recorded with Per Stålberg here in Gothenburg, and he always makes me deliver to a 100 percent. Right now we are getting the mastering done, and every new song that is bounced to us produces huge grins on our faces. This album sounds hungry and mean.

"The title of our new record will be 'To Drink From The Night Itself' and it is again a conceptual record. More details about the concept will be revealed once the album is more on its way. But it connects with the deep roots of the band, and has connections with some of the themes on 'The Red In The Sky Is Ours'."

Lindberg recently spoke to Decibel magazine about how the departure of longtime AT THE GATES guitarist and primary songwriter Anders Björler has affected the band's sound. "It is true that there is a big shift in the lineup," he said. "What you have to take into consideration is that Jonas Björler [bass] wrote 40 percent of both 'Slaughter Of The Soul' and 'At War With Reality'. Some people seem to forget this. They just assume that the lead guitarist is the sole songwriter. Jonas had to take a lot more responsibility this time around, but me and him have had a really great and creative time writing this album. There is a slight change of direction, maybe, but AT THE GATES fans shouldn't be worried — it is still an AT THE GATES record. If anything, it is heavier and more death metal than the last one."

Lindberg said that new AT THE GATES guitarist Jonas Stålhammar came into the band too late to be involved in the composing process for the new disc. "This one is basically Jonas [Björler] and me when it comes to the writing. All the guys have contributed in some way, but the main writing comes from Jonas and me. Most of the songs were already in the finishing stages when Jonas Stålhammar joined, so there wasn't much time for him to contribute, but we look forward to having him more involved next time around. Saying that, his solos will, of course, be written by himself."

AT THE GATES 2018 is (left to right in photo):

Adrian Erlandsson - Drums
Jonas Björler - Bass
Tomas Lindberg - Vocals
Jonas Stålhammar - Guitar
Martin Larsson - Guitar

SILVERSTEIN has released a music video for the song "Whiplash". Taken from the band's eighth studio album, "Dead Reflection", the track is darker and angrier than ever before. The clip contrasts a cinematic driving scene with a soul-bearing performance from the group, adding up to a more experimental vibe than it has ever released to fans in the past.

Signed to Rise Records, the Ontario post-hardcore quintet has released seven other hit studio albums since 2003, including "Discovering The Waterfront" and "A Shipwreck In The Sand". "Whiplash" follows previously released singles and videos for "Retrograde" and "Ghost".

SILVERSTEIN has released an album every odd year since its 2003 debut, "When Broken Is Easily Fixed", and that drive is paramount to why the band remains one of post-hardcore's most relevant and influential acts. This consistency shows an uncommonly clear path of growth from album to album as the band honed the aggressive-to-melodic contrast that became their signature sound. "Dead Reflection" marks a sharp jump in that evolution: the band pushed themselves harder than ever before, resulting in an album the takes all of SILVERSTEIN's strengths — pummeling riffs, explosive dynamic shifts, and huge, anthemic choruses — and ramps up the intensity. Guitarist Paul Marc Rousseau co-produced "Dead Reflection" with Derek Hoffman, leading to a level of collaboration with which band had never experimented before. After years of creating and touring, the members of SILVERSTEIN have each become accomplished musicians in their own right while still summoning the same unbridled ferocity that marked the band's early days, and it's this fusion that makes "Dead Reflection" feel so vital.

Photo credit: Wyatt Clough

"Galactic Brain", a new song from Chicago experimental metallers THE ATLAS MOTH, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's fourth album, "Coma Noir", which will be released on February 9 via Prosthetic Records.

THE ATLAS MOTH guitarist/vocalis, David stated about "Galactic Brain": "This song is very much a call to action for anyone out there that feels like deep down there is a bigger reason that we are all here together, in this moment. You may think that the world as it stands is chaotic and full of randomness, but I would argue if you listen closely to the silence and accept Timothy Leary's and Terrence McKenna's life experience as in the realm of possibility, you will find that there is an organized, rhythmic, mathematical song that is always playing in the background. Well, at least it is for me. I try to tap in to that song and 'turn on' whenever possible and 'Galactic Brain' is our version of that universal song. The message is clear. And it's not new. Be kind. Hurt no one. Open your eye."

"Coma Noir" marks a few firsts for THE ATLAS MOTH; it's the first release for L.A. metal indie Prosthetic Records, it's the first to feature Mike Miczek (BROKEN HOPE) on drums, and it's the first time the band worked with an outside producer. On previous releases, the band's guitarist/vocalist Andrew Ragin handled production duties. This time around, longtime friend Sanford Parker (EYEHATEGOD, VOIVOD) stepped in to steer the "Coma Noir" ship. An outside voice, one that the band was comfortable with, was key to channeling all the different elements the band brings to the table and keeping everything cohesive and concise.

As the title suggests, the writing process was influenced by film noir, mixed with a love for the story telling found in graphic novels. Although it stops short of being a concept album, the threads of the initially planned narrative weave throughout the album's nine songs, a vehicle for real life experiences and emotions. Lyrically and thematically, it stays loose, but clues are littered throughout; is the private detective hot on the heels of an evil cult anything more than a shadow or a figment of our imaginations? "Coma Noir" is the only way to unravel it all.

"Coma Noir" track listing:

01. Coma Noir
02. Last Transmission From The Late, Great Planet Earth
03. Galactic Brain
04. The Streets of Bombay
05. Actual Human Blood
06. Smiling Knife
07. Furious Gold
08. The Frozen Crown
09. Chloroform

The band will kick off its 2018 plans with a North American tour with ROYAL THUNDER and MIRRORS OF PSYCHIC WARFARE. Further tour dates, including European shows, are expected in due course.

Greek multi-instrumentalist, producer, video director and composer Bob Katsionis (FIREWIND) returns with his fifth solo album called "Prognosis & Synopsis". Both a "synopsis" (summary) of his solo career so far and a "prognosis" (prediction) of where he is going to move musically in the future, the new album consists of 10 songs that were composed/recorded in a period of 15 days during August 2017.

"It was a blast of inspiration," Katsionis says. "Last August,and after finishing my duty with German power metallers SERIOUS BLACK, I was suddendly found with one month free in my hands after four or five years where I was constantly working in my studio, touring and recording other projects. So I had some wonderful vacation time in Greece and then I was sitting all day home playing games and watching movies. And suddendly... my mind cleared. I decided to start my own record label Symmetric Records and finally work on the Icon-Disc project that's been on my mind since the birth of smartphones. And, of course, play some music for my own. So every day I was just sitting on my Korg Kronos jamming, then take a break to play some virtual reality games to help me travel to different worlds, get some inspiration and give time to my music to grow inside of me and then back on my studio to record.

"I feel like this album is the most sincere, compact and mature work so far and represents me and my art at a 100 percent while leaving a bright promise for the future."

"Prognosis & Synopsis" was recorded at Sound Symmetry Studio by Katsionis, who played all the instruments except drums, which were handled by Vangelis Moraitis. The disc was produced and mixed by Katsionis and mastered by Nasos Nomikos at VU Productions in Piraeus, Greece. The artwork was once again created by French artist Aurelien Police who was also responsible for the "Rest In Keys" album cover.

"Prognosis & Synopsis" will not be available for streaming through iTunes and Spotify until further notice.

Bob has also announces a brand new format: the Icon-Disc. "The Icon-Disc is what its name simply states: a music 'disc' in the form of an icon on your phone or tablet," he says. "For decades, artists and bands were releasing their music in the form of an album: a compilation of music expression and inspiration representing a certain period of the composer's or performer's life. Even the radio was playing the singles to make people buy the album in the form of a cassette, vinyl, CD. With the recent arrival of the broadband internet, services like YouTube, iTunes, Spotify etc, feed us with tons of isolated songs, videoclips, playlists, random compilations and other cool stuff like this, BUT people are not concentrating on the album anymore. And for me the 'magic' of diving into the world of an album, surrounded by the full artwork, pictures, photos, credits, info is what turns the listeners to 'fans'. And it's the fans who are buying the albums, merchandise, special editions etc and help a band survive at this difficult period we all live and make music. And even more important, through the album, the artist himself has the chance of showcasing his full potential, present his work on a full scale and take the listener by the hand on a wonderful trip through his music.

"The idea/concept of the Icon-Disc is not something new; great artists like Bjork, Paul McCartney, Sting, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z and many more have released 'albums-as-app' but the format was never established on the market for various reasons:

* There wasn't a name for it. Putting the word 'app' next to some music it takes away all the 'music album' character and makes it something hi-tech and common like the app to order a taxi, food or an app that does something else.

* There was no actual 'format.' In order to pioneer, every app works differently: one wants you to travel through space to listen to the song, the other one is a game and another one wants you to take photos of the sun, upload them and receive your music. Something like releasing a CD in a different shape every time: one like a star and another one heart-shaped! Cool but confusing.

* Pricing. Developing a complex and original app costs a lot. And then you have your 'regular' formats on the market for sale. What will the big record stores say when they sell your CD for $15 and you sell your beautiful and shining 'app' for just $2.99?

"That's why I designed the Icon-Dis in a way that it's both user friendly and fully customizable at the same time, while our company app The Irons keeps the developing costs low enough that even a newcomer independent artist can afford."

Katsionis released his 2012 solo album "Rest In Keys" with remixed/remastered sound plus a brand new bonus track for all of you to get to know this new format and give him your feedback. In this release, you can experience some of the benefits of the Icon-Disc:

* Fully customized artwork
* Different artwork for each song
* Part-by-part analysis from Katsionis
* Update your album (more songs, different mix, different art, bandmembers, everything!)


Prognosis & Synopsis by Bob Katsionis

Pagan metallers Asenblut will release their new EP, Legenden, on February 16th via AFM Records. A video for "Asenblut" from the upcoming release can be found below.

The EP takes a look at the early days of Aufbruch while taking a huge step forward at the same time: four songs from the band’s early days, re-recorded and refined in the most perfect way, again by Mr. Sebastian “Seeb” Leevermann (Orden Ogan) in his Greenman Studios.

As a very special treat, the EP also includes a cover version of Manowar’s “God Or Man”.

Tracklisting:

“Die Legende” (2018)
“Heldenbürde” (2018)
“Asenblut” (2018)
“God Or Man” (Manowar cover)
“Von Des Verräters Untergang” (2018)

“Asenblut” (2018) video:

French gore-grinders, Benighted, have released a video for “Leatherface”, a track from their Necrobreed album, released last February via Season Of Mist.

Says the band: "We are very proud to unleash this new creepy episode of the Necrobreed story through the music video for the track 'Leatherface'! Kick Your Eyes Productions made a great job again and deliver this second piece of insanity starring the gorgeous Cecylia Suicide!"

Order the album in various formats at this location.

Benighted are among the acts set to perform on the highly anticipated eighth edition of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise, sailing from Miami / Fort Lauderdale, FL to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands and back from February 1st - 5th.

Visit the official 70000 Tons Of Metal website at this location, and be sure to check out their official Facebook page.

Italian symphonic power metal veterans, Dark Horizon, are streaming the new song "Ace Of Hearts" featuring Mob Rules singer Klaus Dirks, the second single taken from their fifth album, Aenigma. Listen below.

After the success of the Metalhead EP, the band has composed 10 new tracks of melodic power with symphonic arrangements and prog influences. This full length also features a special guest appearance from Nocturnal Rites singer Jonny Lindqvist on the track “Future World”.

The album is produced by Daniele Mandelli (Forgotten Tomb, Tragodia, Adramelch) and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Kamelot, Epica, Amaranthe) and it will be available next month under Underground Symphony Records / Tanzan Music in digital download, digipak and 150 copies of a limited edition boxset with a DH symbol pendant.

 

Tracklisting:

"Hell’s Fire Wheels"
"Another Lie"
"Future World"
"It’s Time To Be A King"
"Time Is A Healer"
"Ace Of Hearts"
"Never Again"
"The Avenger"
"Sea Sirens Voices"
"Back To The Real"

"Ace Of Hearts":

"Future World" lyric video:

 

Swedish metal band Sparzanza have released a lyric video for "The Trigger", a track from their new album, Announcing The End, out now via Despotz Records. Watch below.

Announcing The End tracklisting:

“Announcing The End”
“Damnation”
“One Last Breath”
“Whatever May Come May Be”
“Vindication”
“The Dark Appeal”
“Breathe In The Fire”
“The Trigger”
“To The One”
“We Are Forever”
“Truth Is A Lie”

"The Trigger" lyric video:

“Vindication” video:

“Announcing The End” video:

(Photo - Eric Hansen)

Leaves' Eyes have posted video of vocalist Elina Siirala unpacking the limited box set edition of the band's new album, Sign Of The Dragonhead. Check it out below.

Leaves' Eyes have released an official lyric video for the song "Jomsborg", featured on their new album, Sign Of The Dragonhead, out tomorrow, Friday, January 12th via AFM Records. Watch the new clip below.

Produced by Alexander Krull at Mastersound Studio, the Sign Of The Dragonhead album features cover artwork by Stefan Heilemann (Lindemann, Epica, Kamelot). A video for the title track can be found below.

The hearts of symphonic metal fans will beat faster: Epic metal hymns, cracking rock songs, great choirs, powerful classical music, a top notch production and magic melodies - on top of it all Elina's outstanding voice. The energy of the latest shows and tours were taken directly into the music and studio recordings. The biggest Leaves’ Eyes record to date.

The London Voices choirs of Lord of The Rings and Stars Wars are back again, as well as the classical ensemble of Victor Smolski from Belarus and various folk, classical and percussion musicians. Once more Leaves' Eyes take the listener into the world of Norse mythology and Viking sagas. The dragon ship sets sail to new horizons. Full speed ahead!

Pre-order the new album here.

Tracklisting:

“Sign Of The Dragonhead”
“Across The Sea”
“Like A Mountain”
“Jomsborg”
“Völva”
“Riders On The Wind”
“Fairer Than The Sun”
“Shadows In The Night”
“Rulers Of Wind And Waves”
“Fires In The North”
“Waves Of Euphoria”

“Jomsborg” lyric video:

"Across The Sea" video:

“Sign Of The Dragonhead” video:

Leaves' Eyes are:

Elina Siirala - vocals
Alexander Krull - vocals
Thorsten Bauer - guitars
Pete Streit - guitars
Joris Nijenhuis - drums

UK death metal powerhouse Dyscarnate have released a Niklas Sundin (Dark Tranquility) directed animated music video for the song "Nothing Seems Right". The track, which the band describes as "...a voyage into the depths of utter, cosmic nothingness..." is off of their critically acclaimed full length With All Their Might that came out last year.  

"With All Their Might is the sound of us nailing our colors to the mast in no uncertain terms," says the band of their latest release. "We've always worked on each new album as its own entity, and feel the whole thing needs to flow as one cohesive piece. Every song has its place on the record, but the lyrics and feel of each one reflects a signature theme. We feel that while this record is the most complete thing we've ever done, it's also the most varied, dynamic, and evolved we have ever been. We have written this album for only ourselves, and as a result feel we have something our fans will really connect to."

Dyscarnate will be touring on With All Their Might relentlessly throughout 2018 with UK tour dates to be announced very soon.

Richmond’s Inter Arma share the live video for “An Archer in the Emptiness” on a new episode of Overcoast Music’s Sessions series. Filmed and recorded live on-location inside Richmond’s beautifully haunting Byrd Park Pumphouse, the performance serves a powerful testament to the city’s creative, innovative, and artistic heartbeat as well as its connection with a deep and rich cultural history. The episode of Overcoast Sessions is in support of the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s “Virginia Is For Lovers” campaign.

Additionally, Inter Arma has announced two exclusive East Coast headlining shows. The band will perform in Charlottesville, VA on March 9th and Brooklyn, NY on March 10th. Stay tuned for more 2018 tour news in the near future.

Paradise Gallows is out now on CD/2LP/Digital via Relapse Records.

(Photo by: Tony Lynch)

Salt Lake City's traditional metal champions, Visigoth, will release their sophomore album, Conqueror's Oath, on February 9th via Metal Blade Records. New single, "Outlive Them All", is streaming below.

The new album is available for pre-order in the following formats:

- CD
- 180g black vinyl
- silver vinyl (limited to 400 copies - USA exclusive)
- clear with white/blue smokey swirl vinyl (limited to 300 copies - USA exclusive)
- opaque blue vinyl (limited to 300 copies - USA exclusive)
- cool grey marble vinyl (limited to 300 copies - EU exclusive)
- white/blue splattered vinyl (limited to 200 copies - EU exclusive)
- sky-blue marble vinyl (limited to 200 copies - EU exclusive)
- purple red marble vinyl (limited to 100 copies - EU exclusive)
* exclusive bundles with a shirt, plus digital options are also available!

Standing in staunch opposition to any presumptuous notion of "reinventing the wheel" or "redefining the genre", Visigoth instead dedicates themselves to worshipping at the ageless altars of heavy metal with a singular focus on writing music inspired by their favorite records. Whether whipped into a frenzy ignited by classic USPM or NWOBHM anthems, or pensively meditating on traditional epic heavy metal or weighty doom-inspired moments, these Salt City hessians wear their influences proudly on their sleeves.

With their new 2017 long-player Conqueror's Oath, Visigoth stays true to the title and conquers the sophomore slump blues with 8 iron-forged anthems of pure metal magick guaranteed to satiate the hunger of the rock'n'roll hordes! Returning to the depths of the Boar's Nest in their hometown of Salt Lake City to record once again with engineer extraordinaire Andy Patterson (Subrosa, Deathblow, Dreadnought, et al), Conqueror's Oath was hammerforged in a whirlwind month of mayhem and mastered by Dave Otero of Flatline Audio (Satan's Host, Nightbringer, Khemmis, et al).

Immortalized by breathtaking cover art created by none other than underground album art legend Kris Verwimp (whose work has graced records by Absu, Bewitched, Desaster, Horna, Moonsorrow, Skullview, Arkona, and many, many more) in proper swords-and-sorcery fashion, Conqueror's Oath stands tall on the field of battle, serving as a gauntleted fist in the face of non-believers. Prepare for the onslaught of Salt City Steel!

Conqueror's Oath tracklisting:

"Steel And Silver"
"Warrior Queen"
"Outlive Them All"
"Hammerforged"
"Traitor's Gate"
"Salt City"
"Blades In The Night"
"The Conqueror's Oath"

"Outlive Them All":

"Warrior Queen" video:

Tour dates:

February
17 - Würzburg, Germany - Metal Assault Festival
18 - Oldenburg, Germany - MTS Records Store
19 - Berlin, Germany - Cortina
20 - Leipzig, Germany - Four Rooms
21 - Wien, Austria - Escape Metal Corner
22 - Innsbruck, Austria - Livestage
23 - Dornbirn, Austria - Schlachthaus
24 - Lünen, Germany - Swordbrothers Festival
25 - Genk, Belgium - Flashback
27 - Barcelona, Spain - Rocksound
28 - Zaragoza, Spain - Sala Lopez

March
1 - Madrid, Spain - Sala Live
2 - Ljungby, Sweden - Turbofest
3 - Niederjossa, Germany - Full Metal Fest
6 - Göppingen, Germany - Zille
7 - Leiden, Netherlands - De Noble
8 - Marburg, Germany - Szenario
9 - Weiher, Germany - Live Music Hall
10 - Hamburg, Germany - Hell Over Hammaburg Festival

Indian/American progressive metal band Skyharbor have signed a worldwide album deal with Entertainment One / Good Fight Music with plans to release an all-new LP later this year.

The band is currently in the studio with producer Forrester Savell (Karnivool, Twelve Foot Ninja, Dead Letter Circus) working on their upcoming full-length. Sunshine Dust.  The new LP will be the follow-up to Guiding Lights released in 2014. Guiding Lights featured the single “Evolution” which went on to be one of the band's biggest hits.

"It goes without saying that we’re stoked as all hell to have found our new home with Entertainment One and Good Fight Music," says guitarist Keshav Dhar. "They have been key in bringing to life our vision for where we want this band to go, and we’re delighted to be able to bring our new record out to the world through them."

SVP of Metal, eOne Music Scott Givens adds, "Entertainment One is committed to developing and breaking new rock/metal music talent. Skyharbor has already laid the foundation for an amazing future with us and we are all excited to get to work."

Skyharbor will support their new label-mates The Contortionist on their upcoming North American run aptly named CLAIRVOYANT NORTH AMERICA 2018. Dhar continues, “Our first ever North American tour was with The Contortionist in 2015, and we became great friends on that run. We’ve been gunning for a chance to tour with them again ever since, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s going to be a truly memorable experience.”

Tour dates here.

(Photo - Argon Photography)

Vocalist Andy B. Frank is parting ways with Almanac, the symphonic metallers led by ex-Rage guitarist Victor Smolski.

Says Andy: "After nothing less than three exciting and very interesting years in Almanac, playing several tours and festivals in Europe, I decided to leave Almanac. The project started with much promise and pleasure, but due to remaining private time-schedule problems I think it’s time for me to move on, not to stand in their way. So I’d like to thank all the bandmates very much for a great time and wish’em nothing but joy, health and success for all their upcoming plans in the future!

"Now I will be extremely focused on the new Brainstorm album which will be released in the fall later this year. Together with my friends in Brainstorm we will try everything possible to make it the best, most intense and heaviest Brainstorm album by far. Also followed by a big tour and many, many festival appearances!

"Anything else? Nothings confirmed so far, we’ll see...

"To those who became friends of mine and supported me over the years and to all metalheads around the planet, THANK YOU so much: you’re amazing… YOU ARE THE BEST! See you soon, stay wild and metal up your ass! Cheers."

(Photo - Stephan König)

Joe Perry — legendary guitarist, co-founding member, principal songwriter and co-producer of AEROSMITH — assembled an all-star band to perform alongside him at the sold-out record-release show last night (Tuesday, January 16) at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California. The show came three days before the release of his "Sweetzerland Manifesto" album.

"Sweetzerland Manifesto" collaborators Robin Zander (CHEAP TRICK), David Johansen (THE NEW YORK DOLLS) and Terry Reid (solo artist/vocals) are among the artists who performed at the Roxy show with special guests Slash (GUNS N' ROSES), actor and Perry's HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES bandmate Johnny Depp, and THE BLACK CROWES frontman Chris Robinson. They were joined by Gary Cherone (EXTREME, VAN HALEN), Dean and Robert DeLeo (STONE TEMPLE PILOTS), Buck Johnson (keyboards, vocals; AEROSMITH) and David Goodstein (drums).

The setlist was as follows:

01. Let The Music Do The Talking (guest: Gary Charone)
02. Toys In The Attic (Gary Charone)
03. Pandora's Box (Gary Charone)
04. Shakin' My Cage (Gary Charone)
05. I'll Do Happiness (Terry Reid )
06. Sick & Tired (Terry Reid )
07. Won't Let Me Go (Terry Reid)
08. Fortunate One (Chris Robinson )
09. Spanish Sushi
10. Eve Of Destruction (Johnny Depp)
11. I Wanna Roll (David Johanson & Johnny Depp)
12. I'm Goin' Crazy (David Johanson)
13. Countryside Blvd. (Robin Zander)
14. Aye, Aye, Aye (Robin Zander)
15. Quake
16. Rockin' Train (Gary Charone)
17. Come Together (all guests)
18. Train Kept A-Rollin' (all guests, including Slash)

Set for release on his own Roman Records imprint (distributed worldwide by AMPED Distribution), "Sweetzerland Manifesto" — which is available for pre-order via iTunes and Amazon — marks Joe's sixth solo album and is comprised of 10 new tracks. They were all written or co-written by Joe (many with the album's guest vocalists), except for a cover of "Eve Of Destruction", with Joe on lead vocals and Johnny Depp on drums. The album features guest appearances from a long list of Joe's friends, colleagues and rock and roll icons. Highlights include "Aye, Aye, Aye", which Joe co-wrote with the track's vocalist Robin Zander, and three collaborations with David Johansen, who sings "I Wanna Roll", "Haberdasher Blues" and "I'm Going Crazy", plus as many co-writes with Terry Reid whose lead vocals light up "I'll Do Happiness" (with Zak Starkey on drums), "Sick & Tired" and "Won't Let Me Go".