HALESTORM's third covers EP, "ReAniMate 3.0: The CoVeRs eP", can now be streamed in its entirety below. Released on January 6 via Atlantic, the effort was produced by Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, ALICE IN CHAINS, KORN).

"We are so excited to finally unleash our latest cover EP, 'ReAniMate 3'," said Lzzy Hale of HALESTORM. "On this EP we were inspired to push the limits and challenge the ears of our fans. There are some surprises that you may not have expected from us, and there are also things that you've always wanted to hear from us. We were so incredibly honored to work alongside producer Nick Raskulinecz. He truly helped us bring these songs to life and find a way to make them HALESTORM's."

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Still Of The Night (WHITESNAKE cover)02. Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover (SOPHIE B. HAWKINS cover)03. I Hate Myself For Loving You (JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS cover)04. Heathens (TWENTY ONE PILOTS cover)05. Fell On Black Days (SOUNDGARDEN cover)06. Ride The Lightning (METALLICA cover)

"ReAniMate 3.0: The CoVeRs eP" follows HALESTORM's previous covers EPs, 2011's "ReAniMate" and 2013's "ReAniMate 2.0".

Speaking about how HALESTORM goes about picking which songs to record for series of covers EPs, bassist Josh Smith told RingRocker.com: "We start out with basically everyone… Our team… Oh my God! My dad finds out that we're doing a cover album, all I get is texts: 'Oh, you should do this.' But anyone… anyone who finds out we're doing a covers album, all of a sudden you're just getting this crazy list. So it literally starts out with e-mails of lists and lists, and somehow, over months, we kind of whittle down our list until we get to a short list of maybe ten songs or less. And then we record 'em and see what works and see what we like."

He continued: "Now, after the first one, we sort of followed a similar formula with the second one in that it's very generational — we have a song from '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, a contemporary pop song… So that was a nice way to pick our songs. Really, that has been the template."

According to Josh, there is at least one added benefit to covering other people's songs when it comes to HALESTORM working on original material. He explained: "What's really cool is that when we do pick these songs, they really do influence us, because it's Songwriting and Performing 101. Where you have to deconstruct a song — a legendary song, essentially — you deconstruct it, and then rebuild it to how it works for us. And it really influences us in a lot of ways. For example, that album certainly influenced a lot of songs and ideas and gears on our newest album."

Added drummer Arejay Hale: "When we did 'Slave To The Grind' [from SKID ROW], we were, like, 'Oh, man! We need a song like this.' And then we wrote 'Love Bites', which is pretty much just off the feel of 'Slave To The Grind'. It's cool, 'cause we used to do that. We used to do three- or four-hour shows with covers and originals. And you're right — it is like training. And I always recommend that for newer artists, younger artists that wanna learn how to play drums or guitar. I always say the best way to really get good and learn how to develop your own style is to learn the styles of other people and learn other songs that you like or that challenge you. And it kind of makes you think differently. It's, like, 'Oh, this guy did these chords,' or, 'This guy played this kind of groove.' 'I bet I can do that in an original song.' So, yeah, it's kind of like training."

Lzzy Hale recently told Swedish outlet RockSverige that HALESTORM is continuing to write material for its next album, tentatively due next year. Hale revealed: "You have no idea the weird songs I've been writing, subject matter and musically. Musically, it's kinda been a long journey to the beginning, so we're kinda going back to our total roots. We're gonna do a rock record this time. It's like total balls to the wall, but lyrically, it's been a little weird and that's my fault."

The new record will follow up 2015's "Into The Wild Life", which was criticized by some fans for veering too far into pop music territory.

"Timeless Numbers", a brand new song from Washington, D.C. metalcore pioneers DARKEST HOUR, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's ninth full-length album, "Godless Prophets & The Migrant Flora", which will be released on March 10 via Southern Lord Recordings. The 12-song effort was part of a crowdfunding campaign that the band launched earlier this year, with the ultimate tally netting the band well over 100% of the initial goal and allowing them to also create an album beyond their initial expectations. The band chose producer Kurt Ballou (HIGH ON FIRE, NAILS, CONVERGE) for "his obvious genius" (as guitar player Mike Schleibaum said) and recorded the release at Ballou's Godcity Studio. Artist Shaun Beaudry was commissioned to create a custom painting, giving the album a unique visual identity.

DARKEST HOUR has partnered with Southern Lord Recordings, which Schleibaum discussed, saying: "The band has a long history of working with Greg and Southern Lord, who originally released the vinyl version of 'The Mark Of Judas'. While working with Kurt, we became reacquainted with Greg. We've always respected Greg's work ethic, creative prowess and steadfast dedication to quality."

"Southern Lord is beyond stoked to be working with longtime favorites DARKEST HOUR on their upcoming album! Their tasteful, seamless fusion of hardcore and metal as well as never ending dedication to underground music is both admirable and praiseworthy," said Southern Lord founder Greg Anderson.

"Godless Prophets & The Migrant Flora" track listing:

01. Knife In The Safe Room02. This Is The Truth03. Timeless Numbers04. None Of This Is The Truth05. The Flesh & The Flowers Of Death06. Those Who Survived07. Another Headless Ruler Of The Used08. Widowed09. Enter Oblivion10. The Last Of The Monuments11. In The Name Of Us All12. Beneath It Sleeps

DARKEST HOUR is John Henry (vocals), Mike Schleibaum (guitar), Mike Carrigan (guitar), Travis Orbin (drums) and Aaron Deal (bass).

New York death metallers IMMOLATION will release their new album, "Atonement", on February 24 via Nuclear Blast.

The second trailer for "Atonement", in which Ross Dolan discusses how he became the singer and bass player of the band, can be seen below.

"Atonement" was recorded at Millbrook Sound Studios in Millbrook, New York with longtime producer Paul Orofino, and mixed and mastered once again by Zack Ohren (ALL SHALL PERISH, DECREPIT BIRTH, SUFFOCATION). Cover art was created by renowned artist Pär Olofsson (IMMORTAL, THE FACELESS, EXODUS, ABYSMAL DAWN), along with additional artwork by the very talented Zbigniew Bielak (GHOST, ENSLAVED, PARADISE LOST, WATAIN).

A 360-degree visualizer video for the first single from the effort, "Destructive Currents", can be seen below.

Comments Dolan: "We are excited that everyone will finally get a preview of what the new record has to offer.

"'Atonement' is a very dark and haunting album, both musically and lyrically, commenting on the darker side of humanity and the world today. Each song on this album is unique in its own way, offering the listener a wide range of dark and sinister passages that I think really hone in on all the elements that make this band what it is.

"The sound of this record is exactly what we were hoping for, and we feel the production really gives these songs that massive sound and dark sinister feel they needed. Zack and Paul really nailed it with this one and made our tenth album our best-sounding record to date. We are all very proud of what we have created here, and we hope everyone else will enjoy these eleven songs as much as we think they will.

"The song 'Atonement' is about that blind fury and destructivnes of religious extremism regardless of where it comes from and under what religious banner it flies. The cover piece was inspired by a passage of lyrics from this song, and Pär managed to create a visual for those four lines that just blew us away. So needless to say, we are very pleased with the overall look and feel of the album, which also includes four amazing pieces of artwork done by the extremely talented Zbigniew Bielak.

"We chose the song 'Destructive Currents' as the first song to leak to the fans because it's a fast and aggressive song that gets right down to business. It's just dark and powerful, and I think it gives everyone a sense of whats in store for them with this release. Lyrically, the song deals with the herd/mob mentality and how it gets fed, manipulated and exploited by outside forces. These are the currents of deception, misinformation and destruction, which are designed to mislead people. So that's really the idea behind the song lyrically."

Pre-order a physical copy of "Atonement" by itself or in various bundles from the Nuclear Blast webshop.

"Destructive Currents" is now available as an instant download when you pre-order "Atonement" from iTunes and Amazon.

"Atonement" track listing:

01. The Distorting Light 02. When The Jackals Come 03. Fostering The Divide 04. Rise The Heretics 05. Thrown To The Fire 06. Destructive Currents 07. Lower08. Atonement09. Above All10. The Power Of Gods 11. Epiphany

Bonus track (CD only):

12. Immolation (re-recorded)

IMMOLATION is:

Ross Dolan - bass/vocalsRobert Vigna - guitarSteve Shalaty - DrumsAlex Bouks - guitar

IMMOLATION will support Max and Igor Cavalera on the second leg of the "Return To Roots" tour in February/March.

The official 360-degree video for the song "Doris" from California deathcore masters SUICIDE SILENCE can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's new, self-titled album, which will be releaed on February 24 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The CD was produced by Ross Robinson, who has previously worked with KORN, SLIPKNOT, LIMP BIZKIT and SEPULTURA, among others, and was mixed by Joe Barresi (KYUSS, MELVINS, TOOL, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE).

The "Doris" video was filmed during the band's Knotfest 2016 performance and features Jose Mangin (SiriusXM's Liquid Metal) on guest vocals.

The track listing for the disc is as follows:

01. Doris02. Silence03. Listen04. Dying In A Red Room05. Hold Me Up, Hold Me Down06. Run07. The Zero08. Conformity09. Don't Be Careful, You Might Hurt Yourself

Speaking about the recording process for SUICIDE SILENCE's new CD, vocalist Hernan "Eddie" Hermida told Revolver magazine: "Well, working with Ross was a delight. As many people like to talk on the Internet that he's not a delight, I will tell you firsthand, a coffee in the morning and a little bit of soul searching in the afternoon is never a bad cup of tea."

Added guitarist Mark Heylmun: "But, on the other end, Dan Kenny, our bass player, was just talking about recording with Ross with Dino [Cazares] from FEAR FACTORY, who… they've been around together forever. And Dan was, like, 'I'm not gonna lie. If we record another record with Ross, I'm scared, because I know what he'll get out of me.' 'Cause he'll get everything… Whatever it is that is inside you he'll get out, and it's always for the better. And the best pieces of art and the best creations come from pain and from honest things that you need to fucking get out. But it was fucking amazing… [And] Joe Barresi mixed it, so that's fucking awesome. [He was] sick to work with. [he] fucking dealt with us while were on tour, sending us mixes, and we were listening to all of it."

On the topic of the musical direction of SUICIDE SILENCE's new album, Heylmun said: "It's going to completely change everything you probably ever will think, and have thought, or ever will fucking feel about SUICIDE SILENCE."

Added Hermida: "The best way I've described it is, take a bullet train — one of those Japanese bullet trains — that goes, like, three hundred miles an hour, and then turn the steering wheel as fast you can, and there we are. And whatever comes up is whatever comes up; we're not worried about it. We're just here to have you guys listen to what we believe is good music for ourselves, for our lives, for our souls."

Heylmun previously told Wall Of Sound that SUICIDE SILENCE's intention was "to try everything" while making the new album. He explained: "If there is an idea, try it. Don't be afraid, you know? Don't let the fear of trying something different stop you from opening up a can that might be the… exact soup you wanna taste, I don't know. [Laughs]"

He continued: "There's lots of food metaphors when it comes to music: we're making a sandwich and one person has to show up with the vegetables and another person has to show up with the meat, but some people don't eat meat, so you gotta show up with the right cheese. And some people don't like cheese… [Laughs] I don't know.

"We always want to work together to encourage everyone to be the best that they can be. So that's especially where we're at, having gone through a lot, and having a new member come in and having to rebuild that whole camaraderie of being creative. We're all just trying to give to the music, and give to each other and give, give, give, give, give. Because we gotta get shit out and give this fucking music, this fiery piece of nothing, this magical thing that doesn't even exist until we create it. Just throw down and give it all you can and encourage each other to give all you can and encourage each other to give it everything you possibly can. So that's what the new record is going to be like."

"You Can't Stop Me", SUICIDE SILENCE's first album to feature Hermida, was released in July 2014 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

Nuclear Blast will release BLACK STAR RIDERS' third studio album, "Heavy Fire", on February 3. The official video for the disc's second single, "Testify Or Say Goodbye", can now be seen below.

BLACK STAR RIDERS frontman Ricky Warwick comments on the track: "Power, glory, rock n roll with a whole lotta soul. You gotta testify or say goodbye. Tell me no secrets, tell me no lies. Get up on the stand look me straight in the eye. You gotta testify or say goodbye... Kinda says it all, really!"

BLACK STAR RIDERS' previous album, "The Killer Instinct", was released in 2015 to widespread critical acclaim and went on to score multiple radio playlists. A solid year of worldwide touring culminated in December 2015 in an U.K. arena tour alongside DEF LEPPARD and WHITESNAKE. 2016 saw BLACK STAR RIDERS — Ricky Warwick, Scott Gorham, Damon Johnson, Robert Crane and Jimmy DeGrasso — return to the studio with "The Killer Instinct" producer Nick Raskulinecz (RUSH, FOO FIGHTERS, KORN), at his studio just outside Nashville. The resultant album is BLACK STAR RIDERS' most accomplished work to date. From the immediate riffs of album opener "Heavy Fire" to the instant hooks of first single "When The Night Comes In" (see lyric video below), from the dirty bass groove of "Thinking About You Could Get Me Killed" to the familiar and trademark dual guitars of Gorham and Johnson on "Testify Or Say Goodbye", this is an album that will further cement BLACK STAR RIDERS' reputation as one of the world premiere rock acts. "Angst, passion, power, glory, love, truth, lies, loyalty, questions that begged to be answered. There's a guitar army coming…and it's bringing the 'Heavy Fire'!" says Warwick. "Not many new bands get to record three albums these days," adds Gorham. "Without doubt, this is BSR's best album so far. We had a great time recording it and can't wait to play the new songs live on tour in March." Following on from their critically acclaimed albums "All Hell Breaks Loose" and "The Killer Instinct", which have paved the way for BLACK STAR RIDERS to be recognized as a power force in the modern day of rock and roll, "Heavy Fire" will be once again released by Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The band have also brought in PledgeMusic, one of the most innovative and successful platforms of the modern music world, to give fans extra special product and experiences to go along with the album's release. CD

01. Heavy Fire02. When The Night Comes In03. Dancing With The Wrong Girl04. Who Rides The Tiger05. Cold War Love06. Testify Or Say Goodbye07. Thinking About You Could Get Me Killed08. True Blue Kid09. Ticket To Rise10. Letting Go Of Me The limited-edition digibook CD will have above track listing plus the bonus track "Fade" Limited-edition gatefold vinyl and limited-edition picture disc

Side One

01. Heavy Fire02. When The Night Comes In03. Dancing With The Wrong Girl04. Who Rides The Tiger05. Cold War Love

Side Two

01. Testify Or Say Goodbye02. Thinking About You Could Get Me Killed03. True Blue Kid04. Ticket To Rise05. Letting Go Of Me After a full year off the road, BLACK STAR RIDERS are back with a 16-date U.K. and Ireland run, joined on the first five dates by Scottish rockers GUN and THE AMORETTES and then Sweden's own BACKYARD BABIES with GUN on the remaining 11 shows.

Photo credit: Robert John

"Rider", the new video from the GRAHAM BONNET BAND, can be seen below. The track is taken from the group's latest album, "The Book", which was released on November 4 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Graham Bonnet is a rock legend. With a pedigree that includes RAINBOW, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ALCATRAZZ and IMPELLITTERI, he is one of the finest vocalists of his generation. His is a recognizable and unique voice on a number of classic hard rock albums, including RAINBOW's "Down To Earth" (1979), MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP's "Assault Attack" (1982), ALCATRAZZ's "No Parole For Rock 'n' Roll" (1983) and "Disturbing The Peace" (1985) and IMPELLITTERI's "Stand In Line" (1988). The recently formed GRAHAM BONNET BAND features Bonnet on lead vocals, Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass, South American sensation Conrado Pesinato on lead guitar, ex-ALCATRAZZ man Jimmy Waldo on keyboards, and Mark Zonder (known for his acclaimed work with WARLORD and FATES WARNING) on drums. "The Book" offers 11 new songs where Bonnet lays down his legendary vocals over a selection of hard rock tunes that are chock full of great hooks and melodies.

"The songs on the album are very similar to what I have done in the past with RAINBOW, ALCATRAZZ and MSG," says Graham. "I think this is what people want to hear from me and won't be disappointed." Graham Bonnet is in fine form and the album is easily his best in decades: eleven new tracks that will blow hard rock fans away! The album also includes a bonus disc featuring re-recorded versions of some of the most well-known classics he has sung in his solo career and with RAINBOW, ALCATRAZZ, MSG and IMPELLITTERI. The GRAHAM BONNET BAND has spent twelve months touring solidly around the world, with performances at several major European festivals including an acclaimed set at Sweden Rock Festival.

"The Book" track listing: CD 2 (new songs)

01. Into The Night02. Welcome To My Home03. Earth's Child (I Am Your Son)04. Rider05. Dead Man Walking06. Strangest Day07. The Dance08. Where Were You?09. The Book10. Everybody Wants To Go There11. California Air (Better Here Than There) CD 2 (Re-recorded classics)

01. Eyes Of The World02. All Night Long03. Lost In Hollywood04. Since You Been Gone05. Night Games06. S.O.S.07. Assault Attack08. Dancer09. Desert Song10. Island In The Sun11. Hiroshima Mon Amour12. God Blessed Video13. Will You Be Home Tonight14. Witchwood15. Stand In Line16. Here Comes The Night (Down Without A Fight) GRAHAM BONNET BAND is:

Graham Bonnet - lead vocalsConrado Pesinato - guitarJimmy Waldo - keyboardsBeth-Ami Heavenstone - bassMark Zonder - drums Angelo Vafeiadis - keyboards on CD2 (bonus disc)

BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi has successfully undergone an operation to remove a noncancerous lump from his throat.

Back in December, Tony revealed in an interview that doctors discovered new activity in his throat and they were unsure whether the lump was cancerous until he went under the knife.

Speaking to Wyatt of the U.K. rock radio Planet Rock to promote the choral arrangement he has penned for Birmingham Cathedral, Tony said he received the ultimate gift when he was told on Christmas Day that the lump wasn't cancerous.

"Well, I had the treatment when I got back from [touring] South America [with BLACK SABBATH]," Iommi said (hear audio below). "I went in for the throat [operation]. They found a lump at the back of my sinus, in the throat, and we had to have it checked in case it may have been cancerous. But it turns out it wasn't, which I found out Christmas Day, which is brilliant. So far [I'm all good]. I daren't say that. I'll probably fall down the stairs now. [Laughs]"

Iommi told The Irish Times last month that his late 2011 early-stage lymphoma diagnosis changed his perspective on life. "I was knocked for six when the doctors told me that it was stage III cancer," he said. "It really did change my life as far as what I have to do now. I have to live what life I've got because I have been on the road nearly fifty years. I need to be at home more and I need to pay more attention to my friends and family."

Iommi went on to say that "the lowest moment" for him was being diagnosed. He explained: "You automatically wind yourself up saying, 'That's it then,' but that is not always the case. When they tell you, you think, 'Oh God.' That was a low time. I have had a few low times in my life like everybody has, but that was one that stuck in the head.

BLACK SABBATH will bring its storied career to a close in its native England, with seven shows booked there in January and February. The last two, on February 2 and February 4, will take place in SABBATH's hometown of Birmingham and will likely be their final shows.

Pressed on where there is a possibility of a new album, Iommi said: "We haven't talked about it. This is my view thinking it would be nice. At the moment, I think there is a call for a bit of time off, really. I think anything is possible. It is down to how everyone feels and if people want to do it."

Iommi recently told Ultimate Classic Rock that he plans to stay busy with music even after SABBATH plays its final shows. He said, "I'm not going to leave the music business. I still want to write and play and I'll be doing some TV for something over here in England called 'Guitar Star'. But I love the playing, I love gigs, I just can't travel anymore."

SABBATH played the last U.S. shows of its career two months ago, on November 8 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, November 10 in Houston, Texas and November 12 in San Antonio.

It was the early '90s — seemingly out of nowhere, a little grunge band called NIRVANA began outselling massive commercial artists like Michael Jackson. This immediately caught the attention of the giant record companies. These small underground bands branded as "alternative" or "post-punk" went from being inconsequential to being potential behemoths in record sales — and the hunt began. Hungrily sweeping for the next NIRVANA, a buying frenzy ensued as small indie labels were bought out by the commercial labels on a never-before-seen scale. A&R execs would see random alt-rock bands perform in a bar and appear after their set offering unheard of financial offers and immediate global exposure. It seemed these band members were set for life — so what happened? Verity is revealed in "Underground Inc.: The Unsung Story Of Alternative Rock", an upcoming documentary destined to be the ultimate look at the alternative punk and metal scene in the '90s, and a must-see for serious music lovers. Told by the artists who pioneered a sonic subculture, this feature-length documentary tells the real story of the '90s — exposing viewers to an amazing catalog of the era's rarities and buried treasures, while re-living the struggles, triumphs and tragedies, as well as the debauchery. "Underground Inc." will dig beneath the manufactured truth to explore what really happened, exploring a time unlike any other in the music industry. "Underground Inc." features interviews with members of seminal '90s rock, punk and metal groups such as WHITE ZOMBIE, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, PRIMUS, BAD RELIGION, STONE SOUR, CLUTCH, RED FANG, FAILURE, MINISTRY, QUICKSAND, HELMET, Steve Albini, SEPULTURA and dozens more. Viewers are getting an in-depth, raw look at the scene from musicians who were at the forefront. Watch the official documentary trailer below. "Underground Inc."'s original music is composed by Peter Mengede (HELMET), Grammy-nominated record producer Alex Newport (THE MARS VOLTA, BLOC PARTY, DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE) and Mark Bradridge. In order to get this documentary out of the creation stages and into the homes of music lovers, the creators of "Underground Inc." have launched a link textKickstarter campaign. The Kickstarter campaign will run for 32 days, and the project goal is $40,000.

On August 19, 2015, SLIPKNOT invited fans to film the band performing the song "Before I Forget" from their point of view at the Red Rocks show in Morrison, Colorado. The footage has finally been compiled and has been edited for the clip below.

SLIPKNOT percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan recently confirmed to Metal Insider that he and guitarist Jim Root will get together in early February to begin writing new music, but will not book any studio time just yet to start recording the follow-up to 2014's ".5: The Gray Chapter". That disc ended a six-year drought between SLIPKNOT albums during which founding bassist Paul Gray passed away in 2010 and drummer Joey Jordison was dismissed in 2013.

With SLIPKNOT closing out the touring cycle for ".5: The Gray Chapter", singer Corey Taylor will be regrouping with his other band, STONE SOUR, to record a new set in early 2017.

Crahan, meanwhile, is pursuing a career as a feature film director. His first effort, "Officer Downe", arrived in theaters and on-demand platforms in November.

German Celtic metal act, SuidAkrA, checked in with the following update on New Year's Day:

"Running out of time and money in the studio, we've hired the first official SuidAkrA cover band called The Evil Cockroaches to shoot an official video for us. We were shocked when we saw the finished clip of 'Undaunted'. Almost one year later we think it's time to share this piece of art with our SuidAkrA family. Enjoy this clip and have an awesome 2017."

With their second album, The Longed-For Reckoning, Fall Of Carthage prove their intentions are serious. After numerous live shows within the last few months, it’s clear this is not just a side-project of Arkadius Antonik (SuidAkrA, Realms of Odoric) and Martin Buchwalter (Perzonal War), who pulled Sascha Aßbach in front of the mic after a long absence from the music scene.

Sixteen songs represent a genre-defying creativity and joy for experimentation, as well as, their love for detail and natural sounds. Those who expect programmed blast-beats and  typical thrash or metalcore structures will be in for a surprise. What you get is much more. Their sound can be described somewhere between groove metal, hardcore and rap without having the feeling of simply throwing sounds together. The versatility of Sascha’s vocals is convincing in its full spectrum. Thanks to the solid and elaborate songwriting that all band members were involved in from the beginning, the new tracks are catchy without getting boring.

Fall Of Carthage have grown together musically, and so The Longed-For Reckoning will surely be a highlight for 2017.  Like the debut, Behold, this album was produced at Gernhart Studio in Troisdorf, and promises a fat-ass sound with superb mixing. Be on the lookout for The Longed-For Reckoning on January 27th, 2017 via MDD Records.

SuidAkrA recently released a video for “Braving The End”, a track from their newest album, Realms Of Odoric, released back in May 2016. The new video can be found below.

Realms Of Odoric is presented with extensive epic artwork by artist Kris Verwimp.

Tracklisting:

“Into The Realm”
“The Serpent Within”
“The Hunter's Horde”
“Creeping Blood”
“Undaunted”
“Lion Of Darcania”
“Pictish Pride”
“On Roads To Ruin”
“Dark Revelations”
“Braving The End”
“One Against The Tide”
“Cimbric Requiem”

Bonus track (Digipak version)
“Remembrance”

“Braving The End” video:

“Pictish Pride” video:

“The Hunter's Horde” lyric video:

Following the release of their acclaimed debut album 1917 and last year's successful Pledge Music campaign, this coming March sees the release of Courtesans new 5-song EP, Better Safe Than Sober. Check out the first release from the EP, "Mesmerise", below.

Hailing from London, England, Courtesans are reminiscent of Aegis-era Theatre Of Tragedy according to BraveWords scribe Carl Begai. 

Better Safe Than Sober will be released on March 31st. More details will be revealed soon.

Courtesans current tour schedule for the UK include: 

February
18 - London, UK - Electrowerkz
22 - Leeds, UK - Lending Room
23 - Edinburgh, UK - Bannermans
24 - Glasgow, UK - Ivory Blacks
25 - Newcastle, UK - Think Tank

March
17 - Southampton, UK - Talking Heads
25 - Cardiff, UK - The Full Moon

April
1 - Manchester, UK - Ruby Lounge
28 - Brighton, UK - Green Door Store

2017 will see a box set of unreleased tunes by late Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott, including an unreleased version of Phil rocking up the Ewan MacColl classic "Dirty Old Town", made famous by the late Luke Kelly of The Dubliners.

Alan Byrne, author of Phil Lynott, Renegade Of Thin Lizzy told the Irish Sun: “Everybody knows Phil loved trad music from Thin Lizzy recording 'Whiskey In The Jar'. But towards the end of his life, he hoped to do the same with 'Dirty Old Town' and got some traditional musicians to record 'Dirty Old Town' for his second solo album in Windmill Lane.”

Pogues musician Terry Woods and Thin Lizzy drummer Brian Downey also feature on Philo’s "Dirty Old Town". However the cover failed to make Phil’s second solo album in 1982, but will be included in a remastered version of the same record due out this year.

The find of new Thin Lizzy and Phil Lynott material comes from a pal of Phil’s whom he gave over 150 tapes to look after shortly before his death in 1986. Alan added: “Phil Lynott was a songwriting genius. Thin Lizzy released 12 studio albums in 13 years, along with two live albums and two solo albums. It’s easy to see why there might be an avalanche of unheard takes, live material and unreleased songs.”

More unheard material from Phil, who passed away in 1986 aged just 35 from heart failure and pneumonia, could also one day see the light of day. Alan said: “Phil had about 40 songs demoed for his third album in late 1985, just before he died. He would have released them the following year with a tour.”

Read more at this location.

 

On January 20th, for the first time in over 20 years, Get What You Deserve, the sixth studio album from German thrash legends Sodom appears on vinyl again. This time around - in double LP format - the album has been fully remastered, with four bonus studio tracks from the Aber bit mit Sahn EP added. Also, for the first time ever, the album includes the original cover photo that was deemed too explicit to use on the original 1994 vinyl release! 

Pre-orders can be placed via Amazon now, with exclusive coloured vinyl available at WaxManiax beginning January 12th. 

Tracklisting:

Side A
"Get What You Deserve"
"Jabba The Hutt"
"Jesus Screamer"
"Delight In Slaying"
"Die Stumme Ursel"

Side B
"Freaks Of Nature"
"Eat Me"
"Unbury The Hatchet"
"Into Perdition"
"Sodomized"

Side C
"Fellows In Misery"
"Tribute To Moby Dick" (Instrumental)
"Silence Is Consent"
"Erwachet"
"Gomorrah"

Side D
"Angel Dust" (Venom cover)
"Aber bit mit Sahne" (3:14) *bonus track
"Sodomized" (EP version) (2:37) *bonus track
"Abuse" (1:43) *bonus track
"Skinned Alive '93" (2:30) *bonus track

 

New York City's Black Anvil have premiered the closing track off of the forthcoming As Was full-length. Listen to “Ultra” below.

Atmospheric and melodic without relenting on any of the ferocity Black Anvil has always been known for, As Was seamlessly weaves through eight monumental passages of extreme metal art. More diverse, complex, and thought-provoking than anything they've released previously, As Was is a stellar representation of modern black metal, and of Black Anvil's continuous progression and songcraft.

As Was was recorded at Menegroth by Colin Marston (Krallice, Gorguts, Panopticon) with mixing and mastering done by Tore Stjerna at Necromorbus Studio (Tribulation, Funeral Mist, Watain), and features cover art by Metastazis (Behemoth, Watain, Morbid Angel).

January 13th marks the worldwide release of As Was via Relapse Records on CD, 2xLP, and digital formats. Physical pre-orders and bundles are available via Relapse.com here and digital downloads can be preordered via Bandcamp at this location.

Stream the band's new song "May Her Wrath Be Just" below.

As Was tracklisting:

“On Forgotten Ways”
“May Her Wrath Be Just”
“As Was”
“Nothing”
“As An Elder Learned Anew”
“Two Keys-Heres The Lock”
“The Way Of All Flesh”
“Ultra”

“Ultra”:

“As Was”:

“May Her Wrath Be Just”:

Black Anvil will tour North America throughout January and February 2017 in support of their new album with black metal legends Mayhem and Inquisition. A full list of dates can be seen below.

January
20 - Club Solda - Montreal, QC
21 - Phoenix Theater - Toronto, ON
22 - Agora Ballroom - Cleveland, OH
23 - Agora Ballroom - Chicago, IL
24 - Turner Hall Ballroom - Milwaukee, WI
25 - Mill City Nights - Minneapolis, MN        
27 - Gothic Theater - Denver, CO
28 - The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT
30 - Marquee - Calgary, AB
31 - Starlite Room - Edmonton, AB

February
2 - El Corazon - Seattle, WA
3 - Rickshaw Theatre - Vancouver, BC
4 - Hawthorne Theater - Portland, OR
6 - Social Hall SF - San Francisco, CA
7 - The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA
8 - Club Red - Phoenix, AZ
10 - Alamo Music Hall - San Antonio, TX
11 - Trees - Dallas, TX
13 - Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
14 - Throne Theater - Wilmington, NC
15 - The Howard Theater - Washington, DC
16 - Theatre Of The Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA
17 - The Chance - Poughkeepsie, NY
18 - Royale - Boston, MA
19 - Gramercy Theatre - New York, NY

(Photos - Lani Lee)

 

Canadian horror inspired symphonic power metallers Malacoda (named after a demon from Dante’s Divine Comedy) unleashed their new 6-track EP, Ritualis Aeterna, this past December. The EP is the follow-up to their 2014 self-titled debut album. Packed with dark atmosphere, originality and innovation, this is gothic power metal for the 21st century with intelligence and intensity to rival that of their infernal inspirations.

A new video for the track, “There Will Always Be One”, which captures their behind the scenes time in studio recording Ritualis Aeterna, can be seen below.

Ritualis Aterna is available digitally on iTunes and on CD at MalacodaMetal.com. A full stream can be found here.

Tracklisting:

“Penny Dreadful”
“I Got A Letter”
“Pandemonium”
“The Wild Hunt”
“Linger Here”
“There Will Always Be One”

“There Will Always Be One” video:

“Penny Dreadful” video:

(Photo - Gary Kuiper of The Laundry Design Works)

Norwegian Viking metallers Helheim are launching the year by giving fans the first taste of their upcoming ninth full-length album, landawarijaR, which is scheduled release via Dark Essence Records on January 20th.

The band has revealed the first of two videos by Guilherme Henriques, which illustrate tracks from the album. The first video is for the track "Baklengs mot intet", and this will be followed by "Ymr", which will be revealed at a later date.

The video for "Baklengs mot intet" stars Helheim, Fernando Leiras, Pedro Roquette and Marina Oliveira, and was directed by Guilherme Henriques. First Assistant on the project was Catarina Rocha and lights by Kirsti Rosseland. Makeup by Joana da Silva and Florisa Nogueira.

Talking about the ideas behind the two videos, Helheim had this to say: "The videos, "Baklengs mot intet" and "Ymr", give the best illustration of the concept behind the new Helheim project, landawarijaR. Whilst the theme of "Ymr" is about defining yourself through Norse arts and works - making the metaphorical climb of Yggdrasil in other words, the theme of "Baklengs mot Intet" describes the inner battle, the bottomless despair and endless futility experienced by a Walker of the Way. "Ymr", therefore, describes the ascent and the letting go from the top, whilst "Baklengs mot intet" describes the fall and its possible implications.

"Through these songs Helheim are continuing their exploration and modern interpretation of the darker aspects of the North-European pre-Christian culture, capturing the spirit of the Norse heritage in ways that have eluded both researchers and archaeologists".

"Baklengs mot intet" itself is also available as a digi single on iTunes, on Tidal, and on Spotify. The track is available for immediate download for anyone pre-ordering either the CD or LP version of landawarijaR from Bandcamp.

LandawarijaR will contain seven tracks, all of which bear the hallmarks of Helheim's traditional Norse heritage. A heritage of which they are rightly proud and to which they have remained true, eschewing the temptation to turn themselves into the Viking parodies that so many bands have espoused. With landawarijaR, Helheim use their lyrics to express the need to include the Norse Heritage into modern life by emphasizing the importance, mystery and never-changing wonder of the Runes.

Just as Helheim's raunijaR followed in the same vein as its predecessor Asgards Fall, landawarijaR continues where Heidindomr ended. All four albums incorporate the use of timpani and horns, and the new album also has a number of artists performing guest vocals including William Hut, Morten Egeland (Narrowhead), Pehr Skjoldhammer (Alfahanne), Bjornar E Nilsen (Vulture Industries, Black Hole Generator) and Ottorpedo.

With music by by H'grimnir and V'gandr, lyrics by V'gandr and artwork by H'grimnir, landawarijaR was recorded at the Conclave and Earshot Studios in Bergen, and produced by Bjornar E. Nilsen (Vulture Industries, Black Hole Generator) and mastered by Herbrand Larsen (Enslaved).

Tracklisting for landawarijaR is as follows:

"Ymr"
"Baklengs mot intet"
"Rista blodørn"
"landawarijaR"
"Ouroboros"
"Synir af heidindomr"
"Enda-dagr"

landwarijaR will be available on CD, vinyl and digital formats, and is now available to pre-order, along with related merchandise, at Dark Essence Records, Bandcamp, and at the US webstore, here.

On April 28th, British heavy metal veterans, Mythra, will release a brand new studio album, entitled Still Burning. The album will be available as a vinyl LP, CD and digital download, and will be released via High Roller Records.

"It's the first time the band has gone into the studio and recorded a complete album all in one go. We flew out to Poland in October 2016 to work with Bart Gabriel as producer. It was a superb experience and we all had a great time working with him. We were totally blown away when High Roller Records signed us to record the album and cannot thank them enough. Their support has been incredible!" says Mythra vocalist, Vince High.

"We intended to stay true to our NWoBHM roots and achieved our goal. The eleven tracks have tons of power and energy, twin lead guitar breaks, driving bass, thunderous drums and big choruses. Everything fans would expect from a Mythra album", he adds.

The album's cover artwork was painted by Roberto Toderico, Italian artist known for his previous collaboration with Mythra, as well as with other notable NWoBHM acts such as Tygers Of Pan Tang and Quartz.

Last year Mythra released the Warriors Of Time: The Anthology album, which featured a collection of classic tracks recorded between 1979 and 1982 along with five songs written and recorded in 2015 following the band’s reunion performances at Brofest UK and the Keep It True festival in Germany, both of which attracted fans from across Europe, the US and South America.

Mythra's reunion was a major event for many NWoBHM fans around the globe. Their legendary first recording from 1979, entitled The Death And Destiny EP, has cult status and stands alongside Iron Maiden’s The Soundhouse Tapes, released in the same year. The band have a great legacy, which has inspired and continues to inspire metal bands across the world. It is no big secret that members of Metallica have cited Mythra as one of the influences on their early recordings. The new album, Still Burning, is the latest episode in the band's onward musical journey. It shows that Mythra's flame continues to burn brightly into 2017.

"Is it really three weeks ago that The Dead Daisies rocked and rolled through Europe?," asks the band rhetorically. "Here's a cool look back on those last shows, a little vid we put together during the Xmas break. Looks like we all had fun, huh? Good thing there's a lot of touring on the horizon... stay tuned. Oh, and those gigs were recorded, too. Can you say live album? Until then, again thanks to everybody who came out! See you in 2017, the year we go #LiveAndLouder!"

In the video below, Daisies founder David Lowy offers best wishes for a live and louder 2017 - straight from the cockpit. Yes, he's a pilot too!

The Dead Daisies have already lined up several summer festival appearances, confirmed shows are as listed:

June
9 - Sweden Rock - Sölvesborg, Sweden    
11 - Download Festival - Wisbech, United Kingdom    
17 - Hellfest - Clisson, France    
18 - Graspop Metal Meeting - Dessel, Belgium   
 
July
1 - Freigericht Rockt Open Air - Altenmittlau, Germany

Global Music Award-winning Nomadic Mongolian folk metal group, Tengger Cavalry, have released a cover of the Arch Enemy classic, "Nemesis". Check out the official video for the track below.

Tengger Cavalry recently released a brand new EP, entitled kAAn. Today, the band showcases the EP's socially-conscious themes by revealing the new music video for the title track, "kAAn", which puts oppression of nomadic cultures under the spotlight.

Much like our country's own Native American community, who are suffering from governmental and corporate oppression (i.e. Standing Rock), nomadic Mongolians have found their culture threatened by surrounding forces for generations. As brothers in nomadic culture, Tengger Cavalry penned "kAAn" as a beacon of support.

Watch the "kAAn" music video below, and read additional commentary from Tengger Cavalry frontman Nature Ganganbaigal regarding the band's cultural background and details behind the track and video at Huffington Post.

Ganganbaigal comments, "This century is the century of machine and industry. Nomadic culture is falling apart everywhere around the world. Grasslands and plains are being exploited and it is becoming more acceptable to step into the sacred land of others and get what we need in the moment. We all saw what happened at Standing Rock. As distantly related brothers of Native Americans (proven genetically), Tengger Cavalry, an international alliance of Mongols, Central Asians and Northern Asians, felt the need to give our public support to them. This video is about the brotherhood of nomadic people. It doesn't matter what ethnicity you are - if you have a nomadic heart and you love nature and sky, you are one of us, and we will support you!"

You can order the kAAn EP here.

Code Orange are streaming “Bleeding In The Blur”, a track from from their upcoming third album, Forever. Listen to the track below.

Forever, the follow-up album to 2014’s breakthrough I Am King, will be released via Roadrunner Records on January 13th. The album is available for pre-order at all DSP’s (Flyt.it/forever) with exclusive pre-order bundles - consisting of limited edition red vinyl in special gatefold packaging and an exclusive long sleeve T-shirt design - available at CodeOrangeTOTH.com. All orders will receive an instant grat download of lead track “Forever”, which is also available to stream on Spotify.

Recorded with producers Will Yip at Studio 4 in Conshohocken, PA and Kurt Ballou at GodCity Studios in Salem, MA, Forever is a jarring and experimental body of work, pushing the envelope with songs like; “Bleeding In The Blur”, “Kill The Creator” and “Spy”.

Comprised of Jami Morgan (Drums / Vocals), Eric Balderose (Guitar / Vocals), Reba Meyers (Guitar / Vocals) and Joe Goldman (Bass), Code Orange has gripped listeners and press around the globe with their visionary compositions and aggressive power. In September of 2014 with Code Orange approaching their 20’s, the band officially dropped “Kids” from their name to release their landmark second LP, I Am King. Crashing through the confines of genre limitations, Code Orange proved that their power lies in their fearlessness and audacity which has placed them at the front of the pack.

Forever tracklisting:

“Forever”
“Kill The Creator”
“Real”
“Bleeding In The Blur”
“The Mud”
“The New Reality”
“Spy”
“Ugly”
“No One Is Untouchable”
“Hurt Goes On”
“dream2”

“Bleeding In The Blur”:

“Kill The Creator” visualizer:

“Forever” video:

Next week, Code Orange will kick-off a US headline tour which will see the Pittsburgh, PA band performing a hometown record release show on January 13th at Pittsburgh’s Rex Theater with support from Incendiary, Wisdom In Chains, Eternal Sleep, Enemy Mind, and Drawing Last Breath.

Code Orange will then traverse the US on a headline run, which will see the band joined by Youth Code on all dates along with support from Lifeless (1/17-1/25), Disgrace (1/27-1/28), Gatecreeper (1/29-2/1), and Nicole Dollanganger (2/3-2/10). Furthermore, Code Orange will be presenting a unique tour experience in which original compositions, created by Code Orange’s Eric “Shade” Balderose and collaborator Drumcorps (Aaron Spectre), will be played in between sets creating a soundtrack for each show. The body of work which is titled, It’s Almost Forever, will be available as a tour exclusive tape only release. Tickets for all dates are on sale now.  

Tour dates:
 
January
13 - Pittsburgh, PA - Rex Theater (Record Release Show)
17 - Detroit, MI - El Club
18 - Chicago, IL - Subterranean
20 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theatre
21 - Salt lake City, UT - Kilby Court
24 - Seattle, WA - The Vera Project
25 - Portland, OR - Analog Café & Theater
27 - San Francisco, CA - Thee Parkside
28 - Los Angeles, CA - Union
29 - Mesa, AZ - The Underground
30 - Austin, TX - Barracuda

February
1 - Houston, TX - Eastdown Warehouse
3 - Orlando, FL - Backbooth
4 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade – Purgatory
5 - Raleigh, NC - Kings
6 - Richmond, VA - The Broadberry
7 - Baltimore, MD - Ottobar
8 - New York, NY - Marlin Room at Webster Hall
10 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium

After releasing their successful melodic death metal debut album in May 2016; The Hypothesis is now making some line changes. The drummer Waltteri Väyrynen will focus on his main band Paradise Lost and The Hypothesis has added a new drummer, Rolf Pilve from Stratovarius.  

There is no drama involved with the line change. The Hypothesis frontman Juuso Turkki comments:

"Waltteri is and always will be a friend of ours and we will share the stage again someday!" 

The new drummer Rolf Pilve comments:

"I am so glad to be a part of The Hypothesis! Juuso is an old friend of mine and the collaboration with him and the guys of The Hypothesis has always been fantastic!" 

The band has already set their foot into the studio to record new material.

KXM, the project featuring drummer Ray Luzier (KORN), bassist/vocalist Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) and guitarist George Lynch (LYNCH MOB, DOKKEN), will release its sophomore album, "Scatterbrain", on March 17 via Rat Pak Records.

The follow-up to KXM's 2014 self-titled debut is currently available for pre-order via the Rat Pak web site in various bundles, including signed CDs and t-shirts.

All fans who pre-order the album through the Rat Pak web site will be entered to win a one-of-a-kind custom guitar as well as other prizes.

"Scatterbrain" was recorded at the Steakhouse studio in North Hollywood, California. The 13-track effort was helmed by Chris "The Wizard" Collier (FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, PRONG, LAST IN LINE), who also produced KXM's debut. From the infectious riff of the album opener "Scatterbrain" to the outro of "Angel", KXM has created something truly special and musically diverse. Songs like "Breakout", "Calypso" and "True Deceivers" are sonically different from each other, taking the listener on a musical journey.

"Scatterbrain" is thematically a darker record than the debut. The album builds upon the developed KXM rock sound but this time includes some different dynamics drawing inspiration from prog, ska, punk and metal. Through it all, it remains undeniably KXM. Recorded over the span of ten days, every song on "Scatterbrain" was the result of a musical jam from all three members playing together in the same room. Luzier explains: "We wanted to use the same formula as the first KXM record: book studio time, come in fresh every day with a new idea and run with it and not overthink anything." Lynch describes the sessions as record-topia: "We showed up in the studio, camped out with a bunch of gear and let the tape roll! Just like the first album — no pre-production, no rehearsal, no pre-written songs." Pinnick adds: "The vibe was like a bunch of old friends having fun creating music like the previous record — nothing but fun!" "Scatterbrain" track listing: 01. Scatterbrain02. Breakout03. Big Sky Country04. Calypso05. Not A Single Word06. Obsession07. Noises In The Sky08. Panic Attack09. It's Never Enough10. True Deceivers11. Stand12. Together13. Angel KXM takes its name from the combination of the members' other projects: K from KORN, X from KING'S X and M from LYNCH MOB.

In an interview with Revolver magazine, Luzier, Lynch and Pinnick spoke about how KXM came together.

"I had a birthday party for my son and invited a bunch of friends and musicians," Ray said. "Doug and George ended up in my home studio picking up my guitars and jamming around a bit. George said, 'We should all do a record together sometime,' and I said, 'That would be a dream come true!'

"I've been a huge KING'S X fan for decades and have been following George and had respected his playing for decades. We just tried to figure out everyone's schedules to make it happen. I give it up for George for being so persistent in getting this going. KORN tours all year, every year, and with Doug and George's crazy schedules, it's just awesome that we made it happen. I'm very pleased with the result."

Pinnick added: "George was the instigator. Ray and I have known each other for quite a while and always talked about doing something together, but George brought it up at Ray's party and we agreed. George got after it and Ray did the same! Before I knew it, we were in a studio in the mountains, got a record deal, a video and a CD. As they say in Texas, 'You gotta get after it!' George has an incredible amount of energy and humor, and he gets things done. I've learned a lot from him. He's a true genius with the heart of a saint — and he comes up with some crazy guitar parts."

Lynch said: "When you're working as a pro musician in L.A., you're frequently running into other players who you know and respect. A lot of times, the 'dream band' conversation comes up. It's fun to talk about. A lot of times, it's the alcohol talking. But the reality for most of us is that we're locked into other commitments and obligations that in the cold light of day don't really afford us the time or flexibility to pull off these projects that look great on paper.

"I'm not trying to take credit here, but I gotta honestly say I was determined to follow through and at least push hard enough to see if we could get any momentum going. Ray jumped right in and was obviously really excited about making it happen, despite his insanely busy schedule with KORN. I think for Doug, it was sort of like, 'Well, yeah, sure, I'll invest some time and energy into this,' but I don't think he realized how profound and potentially musically rewarding and even important KXM could become. But as the writing and recording started to happen and evolve, he became like a little kid in a candy store!"

Swiss folk metallers ELUVEITIE have announced their new lineup (pictured from left to right):

* Jonas Wolf (guitar)* Matteo Sisti (whistles, bagpipes, mandola)* Nicole Ansperger (fiddle)* Alain Ackermann (drums)* Chrigel Glanzmann (vocals, whistles, mandola, bagpipes, bodhran)* Fabienne Erni (vocals, celtic harp, mandola)* Kay Brem (bass)* Michalina Malisz (hurdy gurdy)* Rafael Salzmann (guitar)

The new lineup of ELUVEITIE will make its live debut at the Eluveitie & Friends festival, set to take place January 6-7 at Z7 in Pratteln, Switzerland.

The band states: "Above all we're super happy and thankful that we're complete again (even more than complete, actually) and given the chance to have such gifted musicians on board!

"What could be a better start into a new year? 2017 is our year!

"We cannot wait to enter the studios soon and finish 'Evocation II'. And right afterwards we'll be back with full force to rock the summer festival stages."

"Evocation II" is the long-awaited second part of ELUVEITIE's acoustic concept effort "Evocation".

ELUVEITIE in May 2016 announced the departure of drummer Merlin Sutter, vocalist Anna Murphy and guitarist Ivo Henzi.

The band's latest album, "Origins", was released in August 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records. The effort was once again recorded at New Sound Studio in Pfäffikon, a municipality in the canton of Zurich in Switzerland, with producer Tommy Vetterli (a.k.a. Tommy T. Baron; CORONER/ex-KREATOR guitarist).

Photo credit: Manuel Vargas

Rock icon Tony Iommi has written a special piece of music for Birmingham Cathedral after he wanted to "give something back" to his home city. The BLACK SABBATH lead guitarist, widely credited with creating the heavy metal music genre, worked with his friend the Dean of Birmingham, the Very Reverend Catherine Ogle, on the five-minute-long arrangement, which features lyrics performed by Birmingham Cathedral Choir. Called "How Good It Is", the song features the BLACK SABBATH star on acoustic guitar, with lyrics inspired by Psalm 133.

Sixty-eight-year-old Tony, who gave birth to the heavy metal music genre in the 1960s, is currently on "The End" world tour with BLACK SABBATH, and will be performing two last-ever gigs at Birmingham's Genting Arena on February 2 and February 4.

He described writing the music for the Cathedral as "a nice thing to do" for his hometown.

"It's great to be involved with the Cathedral and doing something for it," he said. "When Catherine mentioned it, it felt like a nice thing to do, to be able to give something to the city."

BLACK SABBATH rose to fame in the late 1960s with an entirely new sound shaped by industrial Birmingham and the city's factories and steel works.

"How Good It Is" will be seen by fans as a considerable departure from the raw, uncompromising music that made the band global icons.

"It's just a little bit different to SABBATH!" joked Tony.

"We've done instrumental work before with orchestras and it's something I enjoy doing. It's completely different from any of the heavier stuff.

"This is a completely new piece of music and I'm really pleased with it."

Dean Ogle will soon be leaving Birmingham to become Dean at Winchester Cathedral. She played a pivotal role during the Cathedral's recent 300th anniversary celebrations with community, art and heritage projects to tell the story of "the church that became a cathedral in the town that became a city."

"Tony and I were introduced by a mutual friend and we discussed a possible music collaboration sometime in the future," said Dean Ogle.

"Then, when Tony was unwell, we got to know one another better when I began to pray for him and kept in touch with Tony and his wife about his health.

"This is a most wonderful gift Tony offered to the Cathedral.

"Tony has a huge fan base in the city. The Cathedral is here to serve everyone so we want to connect with them too.

"The words come from scripture and are really positive about people living together in peace and harmony. This is what Birmingham is all about.

"Birmingham is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how such a diverse group of people can live together in peace. That's what we all want.

"Working with Tony and bringing together such different musical styles is a really good illustration of that.

"It's wonderful when a son of this city, who has had tremendous success, wants to give something back.

"That he wanted to do that through the Cathedral is very touching."

Celebrated musician Tony takes enormous pride in his Birmingham roots and the recognition he receives in the city.

"So much has changed," he said.

"The city is hard to recognise these days. There's so much building work going on, it's really great that the city is expanding and offering people more to do here. It's different from my day.

"It's great to know after all these years we've been recognised in our city. It's something we're really proud of.

"Fifty years ago we never would have thought that one day we would be honoured with things like the Broad Street stars and Ozzy's Metro tram, it's really great and makes us proud."

Tony described the misunderstanding surrounding BLACK SABBATH's early days and links to Satanism.

"People used to think we were Satanists but we weren't. The songs were the opposite and all about the dangers of Black Magic and Satanism," said Tony.

"The closest we came was Black Magic chocolates!"

"How Good It Is" is available on iTunes.

"Love Don't Live Here", a brand new song from JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE — which features ex-GREAT WHITE singer Jack Russell alongside former GREAT WHITE bassist-turned-guitarist Tony Montana (as a guitar player and keyboardist), Dan McNay (MONTROSE) on bass, Robby Lochner (FIGHT) on guitar and Dicki Fliszar (BRUCE DICKINSON) on drums — can be streamed below. The track is taken from JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE's debut album, "He Saw it Comin'" (originally titled "The Gauntlet"), which will be released on January 27 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Rather than look backwards and merely attempt to relive the multi-platinum hard rock entity's storied origins, Jack Russell set his sights on the future. In December 2011, JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE first bared its teeth. Robby Lochner has been with Jack since JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE's inception, and they soon welcomed longtime bassist and friend Tony Montana — this time as a guitar player and keyboardist. They then added drummer Dicki Fliszar, then bassist Dan McNay. This group has a sharp, soaring, eclectic, hook-laden new album ready, boasting the bluesy hard rock stomp that made Russell and Montana icons in the first place.

"It's a powerful band," Russell proclaims. "The music is dynamic and I've gone where I've never gone before. Lochner was a catalyst for moving forward. I wasn't sure how the writing would go at first but soon realized the chemistry is beyond words. He's my co-pilot and one of my best friends."

This past year the musicians hit the studio to cut their official full-length debut. It taps into the bluesy bombast and heavy energy of Russell's celebrated material, but it's a distinctly modern metallic monster.

"We want the new material to blow people's ears back," Russell goes on. "It has the elements of the best of GREAT WHITE, but there's diversity, vibe and an edge to it. It draws from our '60s and '70s roots in a more modern way."

Montana agrees. "It's got the classic sound," he says. "The first element is Jack's voice. No other band sounds like this one, ever did or does now. When I was 17 years old, I remember walking around the UCLA campus listening to the band's first EP. I was a fan before I ever joined the band. We're going to maintain that integrity moving forward."

"He Saw it Comin'" track listing:

01. Sign Of The Times02. She Moves Me03. Crazy04. Love Don't Live Here05. My Addiction06. Anything For You07. He Saw It Comin'08. Don't Let Me Go09. Spy Vs Spy10. Blame It On The Night11. Godspeed

"For me this is so much more than a collection of songs, it is the culmination of a lifetime of living," said Jack. "It is about addictions, love, pain and many facets of the human condition. I tend to write autobiographically and on this album I dealt with topics I've never explored."

Russell recently told disc jockey Eddie Winters about the songwriting process for "He Saw It Coming": "There wasn't any songs that were really a struggle to write. I write the music on some and I had the melody lines and some lyrics, and I showed it to Robby, and I don't play [guitar], so I've kind of gotta [hum the riffs or chord progressions], or whatever, and he's gotta figure out a chord from one note. So he just picked up on that right away, and it was amazing. 'Cause you write with somebody for thirty-some years and all of a sudden you write with somebody else, and you're, like, 'Okay. How's this gonna be? Is he gonna have a bunch of dumb ideas that I don't like? Or is he gonna think my ideas are crappy? Or are we just gonna hit it off. And I was really surprised when it was just… boom! We were thinking along the same lines. But Robby added a flavor to what I was doing guitar-wise and melody-wise. He's one of those music-theory guys, so we have a lot of moving harmonies and stuff we never had before."

About the song "Blame It On The Night", Russell said: "Most of the material I have written in my life has been autobiographical, [but] this song is one of the exceptions. The song was written for and about my wife's childhood. Because of the subject and the feelings I have for my wife, this was a very difficult song to sing. But I believe that the topic is an important one to bring into the light and out of the shadows."

JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE is not to be confused with the current touring and recording version of GREAT WHITE, which features Mark Kendall, Scott Snyder (bass), Audie Desbrow (drums), Michael Lardie (guitar, keyboards) and Terry Ilous (lead vocals).

Southern California metal veterans LEATHERWOLF have announced the addition of guitar virtuoso Joey Tafolla of JAG PANZER fame to the lineup. Tafolla replaces Greg Erba, whose last show with the band was last summer at Germany's Bang Your Head!!! festival. Tafolla joins original members Michael Olivieri and Dean Roberts, longtime bassist Patrick Guyton, and lead guitarist Rob Math (LIGHTNING STRIKES, PLAYER). States vocalist/guitarist Michael Olivieri on his Facebook page: "Ladies and gentlemen! Please welcome the amazing Joey Tafolla as the new guitarist for LEATHERWOLF!! Joey is a great guy and great player! We're excited to have him a part of the Triple Axe Attack! We thank Greg Erba for his dedication to the band for the last number of years. A fantastic guitarist and an awesome dude!" In other news, LEATHERWOLF has been confirmed for this year's '80s metal extravanganza Hair Metal Heaven, which is set to take place August 25-27 at O'Riley's in Hull, England. Other bands on the bill include D-A-D, SPREAD EAGLE, SMASHED GLADYS and PRINCESS PANG.

"We are extremely excited to make our return to the U.K. after almost three decades," says Olivieri. "The last time we played Britain was opening up for VOW WOW back in 1989 in support of 'Street Ready'. Great memories! We can't wait to finally rock for our British fans again who've been asking about gigs for years. See you in August!" A recently released pro-shot video of "Spiter" from the 2015 Keep It True festival apperance can viewed below.

German/American metallers ACCEPT will release a new live set titled "Restless And Live" on January 13 via Nuclear Blast. This package will include the entire show ACCEPT played at 2015's Bang Your Head!!! festival in Balingen, Germany on Blu-ray/DVD plus two CDs.

A performance clip of the song "Fast As A Shark" — taken from "Restless And Live" — is available below.

ACCEPT guitarist Wolf Hoffmann explains: "It was actually never really planned; it sort of just happened. At Bang Your Head!!!, they always record their shows, so we just thought, 'Yeah, let them film it!'" After Andy praises their stage show as being crucial for the great atmosphere, Wolf continues: "Yes, as well as the crowd. We've been there before so it felt familiar to film it and see what happens. Then we got the footage and we thought, 'Wow, it's pretty good!'"

"Restless And Live" track listing:

Blu-ray / DVD:

01. Stampede02. Stalingrad03. London Leatherboys04. Restless And Wild05. Dying Breed06. Final Journey07. Shadow Soldiers08. Losers And Winners09. 200 Years10. Midnight Mover11. No Shelter12. Princess Of The Dawn13. Dark Side Of My Heart14. Pandemic15. Fast As A Shark16. Metal Heart17. Teutonic Terror18. Balls To The Wall

CD1:

01. Stampede02. Stalingrad03. Hellfire04. London Leatherboys05. Living For Tonite06. 200 Years07. Demon's Night08. Dying Breed09. Final Journey10. From The Ashes We Rise11. Losers And Winners12. No Shelter13. Shadow Soldiers14. Midnight Mover

CD2:

01. Starlight02. Restless And Wild03. Son Of A Bitch04. Pandemic05. Dark Side Of My Heart06. The Curse07. Flash Rockin' Man08. Bulletproof09. Fall Of The Empire10. Fast As A Shark11. Metal Heart12. Teutonic Terror13. Balls To The Wall

Commented Hoffmann: "We didn't know exactly what would happen back in 2010, what happens if... But this was six years ago and we've released three records since then. With 'Blind Rage', we had our first No. 1 chart record! There can be nothing nicer!"

The package's title, chosen by the band couldn't be more suitable: "'Restless And Live' simply fits what we experienced at Bang Your Head!!! and for what we stand for until today!" Wolf says. "It goes on and on and on! We're already working on a new production. The thought of being on the road again soon gets our blood flowing: And it is possible to overcome everything that happened before."

Asked why it's so important for ACCEPT to still make new music after all this time, Wolf recently told Canadian rock journalist Mitch Lafon: "For us, it was very important, especially since we got [singer] Mark [Tornillo], and when we had our reunion with Mark, the new singer, we really wanted to show to the fans and to us that we still can write relevant new songs, and so that's why we really did three albums in five or six years — really banged them out, one after the other. And those three albums are, in a lot of fans' views, as strong as most of the stuff we've done in the eighties, if not stronger. So I think it's very important for us to come up with new songs, 'cause, you know, once you stop trying, or you're just living on the past, I think that's no good. We're trying to stay relevant, and the fans really appreciate that."

Regarding what Mark Tornillo has added to ACCEPT's sound, Wolf said: "He very much inspired us to write songs, because all of a sudden, he can pretty much sing anything we want him to do. With Udo [Dirkschneider, former ACCEPT singer], it was much more limited, what worked and what didn't work. And Mark, man, anything Peter [Baltes, bass] and I come up with, he can perform, and so that opened a lot of doors, musically, for us, and that inspired us totally. But, like I said before, we always try to stay close to what ACCEPT fans are wanting to hear from us, 'cause we could write a bunch of stuff that was left and right, genre-wise, but I'm not sure if fans would really appreciate it that much. And that's also where [producer] Andy Sneap came in, especially during the 'Blood Of The Nations' [2010] recording. He really, sort of, forced us more to stay true to the course. 'Cause he grew up being an ACCEPT fan and listening to the old albums, and he came in with an expectation, 'All right, we're gonna make a great new ACCEPT album, but it'd better sound like I want it to sound as an ACCEPT fan.'"

A seven-minute video recap of METALLICA's promotional tour in Southern California can be seen below. The clip was filmed between December 12 and December 16, 2016 as the band crisscrossed Los Angeles, appearing on radio, a few podcasts and playing gigs on both "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and at The Fonda Theatre.

METALLICA's latest studio album, "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct", debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 album chart, selling 291,000 copies in its first week of release.

METALLICA frontman James Hetfield recently said that the reaction to "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct" has been so positive, it has inspired him and his bandmates to release the next record sooner.

Speaking to Italy's Linea Rock about METALLICA's plans for the foreseeable future, Hetfield said: "I think we plan… At least for now, we've booked out two years [of touring]… at least. So I can't predict the future, but we start there and hopefully there's more than that. And I would like to make some new music sooner than eight years, for sure. [You get] such a pleasure and a joy of hearing your new music and having other people hear it. So we don't wanna wait that long."

"Hardwired… To Self-Destruct" consists of two discs, containing a dozen songs and nearly 80 minutes of music.

Electric Guitars, one of the most popular hard rock bands from Scandinavia, recently finished the recordings of their third album Rock'n'Roll Radio at Medley Studio, Copenhagen (Mike Tramp, Glenn Hughes, Artillery). This time around fans will be offered quite a different album from Electric Guitars. Jacob "Cobber" Binzer, guitar player from D-A-D, has produced the album and his brother and D-A-D frontman Jesper Binzer is screaming his guts out on the first single "Headless Chicken”. Check out the official video for the track below.

"We have made our most complete album so far and this is 100% due to the fact we have opened the door for someone outside to produce us this time. We agreed to let Jacob ‘Cobber’ Binzer have the final say under the whole process and this has made a major different for Electric Guitars,” Soren Andersen says.

Mike Vandborg adds "We decided to name the album Rock’n’Roll Radio, simply because we miss rock music in the radio. It could might as well have been titled More Riffs To The People!"

Rock'n'Roll Radio will be released internationally on  Mighty Music/Target Group Friday, February 10th, 2017 on LP, CD and digital.  The "Headless Chicken" single is due on January 1st 2017.

Tracklisting:

“Rock’n’Roll Radio”
“False Flag Operation”
“Headless Chicken”
“Swagman”
“Splinter”
“Bambi On Ice”
“Lucy Glow”
“Homewrecking Woman”
“Stay Under The Radar”
“Back To You”  

Nuclear Blast Entertainment has announced the signing of ruminant Arkansas progressive doom quartet PALLBEARER for the territories of Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The band's third record, titled "Heartless", will be released on March 24, 2017. The effort will be made available via Nuclear Blast Entertainment in Europe, Australia and New Zealand and via Profound Lore in North America.

Initially formed in 2008, PALLBEARER grew from the fertile underground metal scene of Little Rock — releasing their debut full-length, "Sorrow And Extinction", in early 2012. The record made an immediate and immense impact on die-hard doom fans and metal critics alike, also forming the four-piece fans outside of the metal scene. Their formidable sophomore record, 2014's "Foundations Of Burden", featured on countless critics' end-of-year lists and cemented their reputation as an unstoppable and emotive force — driving doom beyond its imagined limits, carving themselves an entirely original path through the realm of heavy music.

"Heartless" track listing:

01. I Saw The End02. Thorns03. Lie Of Survival04. Dancing In Madness05. Cruel Road06. Heartless07. A Plea For Understanding

PALLBEARER commented on "Heartless": "This album finds us exploring new territories; instead of staring into to the void — both above and within — 'Heartless' concentrates its power on a grim reality. Our lives, our homes and our world are all plumbing the depths of utter darkness, as we seek to find any shred of hope we can."

Regarding the ruminative album artwork, created by hugely talented Indiana based oil painter Michael Lierly, PALLBEARER said: "Michael Lierly's indelibly expressive work perfectly captures the feelings of fear and heartbreak we hoped to convey as our world crumbles around us."

The album layout was handled by Chimere Noire.

"Heartless" was recorded entirely to analog tape at Fellowship Hall Sound, Little Rock, Arkansas between June and August 2016. The record was produced by PALLBEARER, and mixed by acclaimed producer Joe Barresi (TOOL, MELVINS, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, FU MANCHU). Engineering was handled by Jason Weinheimer and Zach Reeves, and mastered by Grammy-winning mastering engineer Dave Collins (BLACK SABBATH, ALICE COOPER, SOUNDGARDEN, STING).

PALLBEARER commented on the Nuclear Blast signing: "We are very excited to be working with Nuclear Blast on this record, as so many of the bands that have helped to shape our own artistic pathways have before us."

Monte Conner, Nuclear Blast Entertainment president, added: "PALLBEARER continue to evolve and scale new creative and sonic heights with 'Heartless'. I am very honored to be working hand-in-hand with the band, Profound Lore and Oblique Artist Management, and look forward to Nuclear Blast playing a key role in exposing new fans to this incredible band."

PALLBEARER is:

* Brett Campbell - Lead Vocals, Electric And Acoustic Guitars, Synthesizers* Devin Holt - Electric And Acoustic Guitars, Vocals* Joseph D. Rowland - Electric Bass, Vocals, Synthesizers* Mark Lierly - Percussion

Photo credit: Diana Lee Zadlo