Sweden's GMR Music are now offering Crucified Barbara's first 4 singles on limited edition 7" vinyl. Only 300 copies of each have been pressed: 

#1 - "Losing The Game" / "Killed By Death"
#2 - "Rock 'N' Roll Bachelor" / "Shout It Out Loud"
#3 - "Play Me Hard" / "My Heart Is Black" (acoustic version)
#4 - "Jennyfer" / "Fire"

Go to this location to order.

Crucified Barbara announced the band’s demise in 2016 with the following statement:

“Hey everyone! Today we are sad to say that a long journey has come to an end. Crucified Barbara were our dream and you all, made it come true! The times we've had together as a band and shared on (and off) stage with you guys, leaves memories that no time can kill.

Our lives have parted and we need to move on. The last years have taken its toll on all of us and the joy of playing together got lost somewhere along the way. But we are musicians at heart and the last chord is not taken for any of us, so we will probably see each other again, under different circumstances and in other variations.

Thanks to everyone we worked with during the years who believed in us when no one else did. But without you, our fans, we wouldn't have seen the beauty and the strength of what rock music can do. Thank you again for making our dream come true!

All the best and biggest respect!”

(Photo - Crucified Barbara Facebook)

DeFox Records and Invincible Records have announced the debut album of death metal band from Iraq, Dark Phantom.

The album titled Nation Of Dogs contains ten songs in vein of melodic death metal. The digital release is now available on every worldwide webstores like iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Deezer, Google Music, and more.

Dark Phantom’s idea began in Kirkuk, Iraq late in 2007. The impression was to reach their dreams in western music and to express the inferior circumstances in the city, and explain it to the universe. 

In 2008, the band was able to start up again and started rehearsal, despite all the dangers. Death was a consequence of being caught playing this music in an Al Qaeda controlled situation. It was a volatile situation.

Dark Phantom could then hardly compose their first song, before there was a decline in the band's musical direction. They turned to cover songs, and, at the same time, worked on original music.

In 2011, the band played their first concert in the city of Kirkuk. It was unforeseen, that under the same circumstances (volatile aggression, anti-metal music “laws”, etc.) a crowd came to see them and news of the event rocked the small city.

After the band reputation was spread in the area, exactly in 2013 they started getting invitations to perform live concerts in different cities and indeed they responded, making three successful concerts in three different cities.

In 2016 finally the band began a negotiation with an international label (DeFox Records) which has led to the launch of Nation Of Dogs in the world and spread Dark Phantom to Western metallers and in the music market.

Tracklisting:

“Dark Ages”
“New Gospel”
“Nation Of Dogs”
“Judgment Call”
“Unholy Alliance”
“O! Holocaust”
“Atomosphere”
“Confess”
“On The Brink Of Terror”
“State Of War”

“Nation Of Dogs” video:

Somewhere in the dark depths of death and thrash metal, lies the inspiration for Hate Unbound's new album Plague. Those influences remained constant throughout Hate Unbound's writing and arranging process which is a collaborative effort between all members of the band.  

Plague was recorded, mixed and mastered during the spring and summer of 2016 at Elaire Studios which is located in the shadow of the decaying city of Detroit, Michigan.

Hate Unbound's Plague is a tribute to, as well as a continuation of, all things heavy. And a salute to all headbangers everywhere. Plague is released February 17th via Inverse Records. Listen to the tack “Baptized In Lies” via the Bandcamp player below.

Tracklisting:

“Baptized In Lies”
“Cut”
“Suffering”
“Burn Your Idols”
“Soiled”
“Puncture”
“Plague”
“I, Martyr”
“Grey Skies”
“The Fallen”

“Baptized In Lies”:

Baptised in Lies by Hate Unbound

Spread The Plague Tour dates:

April
13 – New Haven, IL
14 – Chicago, IL
15 – Milwaukee, IL
16 – Des Moines, IA
17 – Peoria, IL
18 – St. Louis, MO
19 – Nashville, TN
20 – Louisville, KY
21 – Pittsburgh, PA
22 – Cleveland, OH
23 – Toledo, OH

Dan Reed Network has released a new video for the track “Champion”, featured on the new album, Fight Another Day, out now. Watch below.

Fight Another Day marks the return of one of the most infectious and gifted bands to come out in the melodic rock world in the second part of the 80's. The new album was recorded primarily in the home town of members of DRN, Portland, Oregon, while most of the writing process took place in Dan Reed's private studio in Prague in the Czech Republic, where Reed currently resides with his family. Demos were sent back and forth between Derek Shulman (A&R for Frontiers), Brion James, Melvin Brannon Jr. and Rob Daiker, making notes and refining the songs over great distances via the internet. This process was not unlike with DRN composed songs back in the late 80's and early 90's as Dan Reed used to demo out songs on his Akai 12 track machine and bring the songs into rehearsals where the band members would then arrange and flesh out the band's classic 'funk rock' sound.

After the tracking was completed, band's keyboardist Rob Daiker went to work editing and mixing each track alongside Shulman and Reed, sending mixes back and forth, making notes and shaping and moulding the album to best represent what DRN sounds like currently, while paying respect to what brought the band to the world's attention back in the late 80's.

Fight Another Day tracklisting:

“Divided”
“The Brave”
“Infected”
“Champion”
“Ignition”
“Give It Love”
“B There With U”
“Save The World”
“Eye Of The Storm”
“Reunite”
“Heaven”
“Sharp Turn”
“Stand Tall”

“Champion” video:

“The Brave” video:

“Divided” video:

Dan Reed Network is:

Dan Reed - Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitars, Piano, Synth Programming, Moog Bass
Brion James - Vocals, Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Synth Guitars, Synth Programming, Drum Programming
Dan Pred - Drums, Percussion, Videographer
Melvin Brannon II - Vocals, Bass, Acoustic Bass, Electric Contra Bass, Synth Bass
Rob Daiker - Vocals, Keyboards, Synth Programming, Drum Programming

Norwegian black metal heavyweights Emperor have announced a handful of European Summer festival appearances - during each of these shows they will be performing the Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk album live - details are as listed:

June
16 - Hellfest - Clisson, France
17 - Graspop - Desssel, Belgium
23 - Tons Of Rock - Halden, Norway

July
1 - Rockfest - Barcelona, Spain

August
3 to 5 - Wacken Open Air - Wacken, Germany (exact date and stage tba)
9 to 12 - Brutal Assault - Jaromer, Czech Republic (exact date and stage tba)

Ignitor, the Austin, Texas-based true metal titans featuring iconic vocalist Jason McMaster, have released the limited edition Years Of War Collection box set, which includes five CDs spanning 10 years.

The box set consists of their legendary debut Take To The Sky, Road Of Bones, The Spider Queen, Year Of The Metal Tiger and for the first time ever, a CD version of their classic covers album, Mixtape 85. Also included for a limited time, a live bonus DVD of Ignitor's performance from the 2005 Keep It True Festival in Germany, as well as a limited edition back patch.

Ignitor vocalist Jason McMaster has checked in with the following comment: "Finally, you can get the history of Ignitor's first five music releases, all in one kick ass box set. It is really cool to have all the band's chronological releases in one place including our never before released on cd old school classic covers album Mixtape 85. It was a ton of fun organizing this set with all worldwide true metal fans in mind.

Years Of War Collection includes the following titles (with band comments).

Take To The Sky (2004) - “Ignitor's first record. It was recorded at the end of 2003 and released through CD Baby. This is where it all began and is an example of a band doing what they love. When Germany’s Rock Hard magazine named it "Demo of the Month," we figured we were on to something.”

Tracklisting:

“Demon Slayer”
“Execution”
“The Grey Ghost”
“Take To The Sky”
“The Last King Tiger”
“Lean Mean Leather Machine”

Road Of Bones (2007) - “This is Ignitor's second record, the last to feature Erika on vocals and the only to feature Annah Moore on guitar. It was recorded in the summer of 2006 and released in 2007. This is a great record that never got the chance to be properly promoted. Unfortunately, Erika left the band the week it was released, leaving Ignitor unable to play until a new singer was found.”

Tracklisting:

“Intro
“Road Of Bones”
“Scarlet Enigma”
“March To The Guillotine”
“Wings Of The Blackheart”
“Hymn Of Erin”
“Phoenix”
“Broken Glass”
“Castle In The Clouds”
“God Of Vengance”
“Reinheitsgebot”

The Spider Queen (2009) - “This is Ignitor's third record and the first to feature Jason McMaster on vocals and the return of Beverly Barrington. It was recorded and released in 2009. The Spider Queen is a concept album following the traditional "boy meets girl, girl turns out to be a giant spider that's also his mother, boy's grandmother kills girl, boy kills grandmother" format. We still don't know why some people didn't "get" the story. This album diverged a little from the true metal ideal as Batlord was inspired by long form rock 'n roll works including The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Flash Gordon."

Tracklisting:

“Magnum Opus”
“Evil Calling”
“I Never Knew”
“The Games Begin”
“Angels Descend”
“The Spider Queen”
“Rune Of Power”
“What Love Denies”
“Construct of Destruction”
“My Heart Turns To Dust”
“Dynasty Of Darkness”

Year Of The Metal Tiger (2012) - “This is Ignitor's fourth record. It was recorded in 2011 and released in the spring of 2012. We really got back to basics on this one: no ballads, a guitar solo in every song, no over-arching conceptual storyline to confuse the instant gratification addicted. Just classic metal by metalheads for metalheads.”

Tracklisting:

“Heavy Metal Holocaust”
“Beast In Black”
“Raiders Of The Void”
“Shadow Of The Needle”
“Island Of The Damned”
“The Kaiser”
“We Are Ignitor”

Mixtape 85 (2013) - “This is Ignitor's last recorded output released in 2012. It is a compilation of Ignitor playing our favorite classic metal tunes. Super fun and a must have for all metalheads, it embodies the excitement of the old school 80's metal experience.”

Tracklisting:

“Deathrider” (Anthrax cover)
“Fast As A Shark” (Accept cover)
“Violence And Force” (Exciter cover)
“Into The Coven” (Mercyful Fate cover)
“Witching Hour” (Venom)
“Hell Bent For Leather” (Judas Priest cover)
“A Lesson In Violence” (Exodus cover)
“Highway Star” (Deep Purple cover)

Order the box set at this location.

Spanish death metallers, Christ Denied, have announced that their new drummer is Fabio Ramírez (ex-Internal Suffering).

Christ Denied is currently working on new songs for their third full length album, to be titled Christopsy, for which six songs are already written and a few more will be finished during the next months. Recordings are planned for this summer featuring Fabio, which will mean the very first recording of the band with a human drummer in its 23-year history!

The band is also preparing songs for their next live appearance at the 4th edition of the Frankfurt Deathfest on April 8th, together with bands like Avulsed, Dead Infection, Mercyless, Aborted Fetus, Mass Infection, Savage Annihilation and many more. This will be a free-entrance festival. Details at this location.

Check out this playthrough video that Fabio recorded, playing the song “Putrid Christian Blood”.

“Practising together is actually impossible since Roger B. lives in Lithuania, Roger P. in Barcelona and the other two (Dave Rotten and Fabio) in Madrid, but at least you can see how Fabio blasts like a true motherfucker!!”

Rock legends Deep Purple will release their new album, inFinite, the highly anticipated follow-up to their worldwide chart topping album NOW What?!, on April 7th via earMUSIC. According to Darker Than Blue, inFinite will be available in the following formats:

* CD
* CD + DVD
* Double Vinyl + DVD
* Small Fan Box
* Large Fan Box

The Large Fan Box is expected to include the 2LP, CD, DVD, plus three 10″ singles and a t-shirt.

Also, the first single, “Time For Bedlam” will include the following tracklisting:

“Time For Bedlam”
“Paradise Bar”
“Uncommon Man” (instrumental)
“Hip Boots” (Ian Paice rehearsal version)

The track “Time For Bedlam” (lyric video below) is available as instant grat as part of the digital album pre-order, as well as on all streaming platforms. A limited edition EP for “Time For Bedlam”, with non-album songs and unreleased recordings will hit the shops on February 3rd.

“Time For Bedlam” lyric video:

A documentary movie, witnessing the songwriting process and the recording of the album with producer Bob Ezrin, has been produced, allowing for the first time for the fans to be part of the private band member interactions in the studio. The movie will be included in some editions of the album and it will be presented before release in various fan events worldwide.

Deep Purple recently announced their Long Goodbye Tour, which will bring the legendary live show once again all over the world. The band have not yet answered, in fact, the many questions received by fans from all over the world who are speculating about the meaning of the title inFinite and "Long Goodbye".

Singer Ian Gillan has in fact declared: “If you take it literally you may, quite reasonably, think the ‘Finite’ part of the word describes the life of Deep Purple, with a clear beginning and a nebulous end; but what of the ‘in’ bit? The word infinite is a three-dimensional double edged sword. It describes something that goes on forever in all directions; not unlike its temporal equivalent ‘Eternal’ What’s that all about?

“Stephen Hawking declared (in A brief History Of Time) that, before the Big Bang there was nothing. That would put the kybosh on the idea of our universe being Infinite, as he provides a starting point, which is not acceptable to the concept. So, Hawking’s universe in ‘Finite’; by definition; whether he agrees or not.

“Ironically, he is quite wrong (scientists always are eventually), therefore the Universe is infinite, which means it will never end, and also means that it never started, and the corollary to that of course is that we don’t exist.

“There is a metaphysical solution to all this, but it will have to wait until the tour is over because (thanks heavens) there are only 24 hours in a day (for the time being) or 10 hours in a metric day. More on that later…”

inFinite trailer clips:

Tour dates:

May
17 - Wien, Austria - Stadthalle Halle D
19 - München, Germany - Olympiahalle
23 - Lodz, Poland - Atlas Arena
24 - Katowice, Poland - Spodek
30 - Hamburg, Germany - Barclaycard-Arena

June
1 - Lille, France - Zenith Arena
2 - Amsterdam, Holland - Ziggodome
3 - Paris, France - Accorhotels Arena
6 - Köln, Germany - Lanxess Arena
7 - Dortmund, Germany - Westfalenhalle
9 - Leipzig, Germany - Arena Leipzig
10 - Frankfurt/Main, Germany - Festhalle
13 - Berlin, Germany - Mercedes-Benz-Arena
14 - Stuttgart, Germany - Schleyer-Halle
16-18 - Clisson, France - HellFest (exact date TBC)

July
1 - Barcelona, Spain - Rock Fest

November (with Europe)
17 - Birmingham, England - Birmingham Arena
18 - Manchester, England - Manchester Arena
20 - Cardiff, Wales - Cardiff Arena
22 - Glasgow, Scotland - SSE Hydro
23 - London, England - 02 Arena

Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick presents “The Monday Blues” saying, “Since the Holidays are sadly over, enjoy my riffs and here's to a fabulous 2017!”

In other recent news, Bruce Kulick performed the American national anthem at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA on December 23rd when the Los Angeles Clippers played the Dallas Mavericks. Video from the performance is available below.

And Kulick played 10 KISS songs on December 6th at Ultimate Jam Night's tribute to KISS at the world famous Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California. Live video footage shot by Johnny Angel of “I Still Love You“ with Bruce Kulick, Debby Holiday, Matt Starr, Jorgan Carlsson and Alex Kane can be seen below, along with more footage from the night.

Kulick, also known for his membership in Grand Funk Railroad, was a member of KISS from 1984 – 1996 during its so-called “no makeup” era. His performance of 10 KISS songs at Ultimate Jam Night was the most played in one show since his inclusion in the band.

Over 50 artists including Ace Frehley bassist Chris Wyse, L.A. Guns guitarist Michael Grant, Gov’t Mule bassist Jorgen Carlsson, Autograph vocalist Simon Daniels, drummer Jason Sutter of Marilyn Manson, guitarist Nikki Stringfield of the Iron Maidens and Ira Black of Westfield Massacre performed tunes from KISS’ entire career.

Divebomb Records has reissued I Hate Therefore I Am, the debut album from classic thrash metal act, Cyclone Temple. The reissue features a separate companion CD of unreleased demos/live tracks entitled Land Of The Greed, Home Of The Depraved.

The special deluxe 2CD set is limited to 500 units worldwide and available only via Divebomb Records store, CDBaby and limited DIY partners.

Additionally, 500 copies of I Hate Therefore I Am (album only CD) will be available via Amazon (widget below), Best Buy and other big box retailers beginning January 13th.

I Hate Therefore I Am tracklisting:

“Why”
“Sister (Until Will Meet Again)”
“Words Are Just Words”
“Public Enemy”
“In God We Trust”
“I Hate Therefore I Am”
“March For Me – Die For Me”
“Born To Lose”
“Silence So Loud”

I Hate Therefore I Am by CYCLONE TEMPLE

Bonus CD tracklisting:

Land Of The Greed, Home Of The Depraved (Demo - 1989)
“Sister (Until We Meet Again)”
“In God We Trust”
“March For Me - Die For Me”
“Public Enemy”
“Why”
“Drug Of The Masses”
“Born To Lose”
“Silence So Loud”

Building Errors In The Machine (Demo - 1991)
“Drug Of The Masses”
“Down The Drain”
“Me, Myself & I”

Live Hatred (Captured at Alrosa Villa - Columbus, OH)
“I Hate Therefore I Am”
“Words Are Just Words”
 
Land Of The Greed, Home Of The Depraved by CYCLONE TEMPLE

 

 

 

Florida death metal veterans, Killing Addiction, have returned with a new four-song EP, titled Shores Of Oblivion. The EP was recently released via Xtreem Music and can be streamed in its entirety below. Order the CD here.

On Shores Of Oblivion, Killing Addiction exemplifies a style that spans death metal (Death, Morbid Angel), grindcore (Napalm Death, Carcass), and thrash (Slayer, Kreator). Equally heavy is a lyrical approach that deals in themes both political and philosophical.

After its 1989 formation, right in the thick of the influential Florida death metal scene, Killing Addiction released a demo and EP prior to the release of its 1993 full-length debut, Omega Factor. After another EP and a split release, the band called it quits in 1998, then reformed in 2006, eventually releasing sophomore full-length Fall Of The Archetypes on Xtreem Music in 2010 (also released as a limited-edition, six-song EP). The When Death Becomes an Art 7" EP followed in 2015 (Inverse Dogma Records).

Momentum gained and all cylinders firing, Killing Addiction wasted no time in releasing Shores Of Oblivion last fall, but the season was a bittersweet one for the band, as founding member Chad Bailey passed away in September. The band is slowly moving forward in an effort to continue the work and vision he helped create.

Tracklisting:

“Engine Of Ruin”
“Cult Of Decay”
“Extinction Agenda”
“Into Shadow”

Shores of Oblivion by KILLING ADDICTION

"Engine Of Ruin" promo video:

Lavadome Productions have announced another outburst of massive death metal destruction in the form of Execration Diatribes, the debut album from Portuguese trio, Pestifer.

The album contains nine raging compositions of the finest death metal havoc and will be released on February 14th. The new song, "Mars Exult”, is available for streaming below. Pre-order the album here.

Tracklisting:

“March Of The Dead Orchestra”
“Mars Exult”
“Brutal Eruption Of Chaos”
“Dark Dimensions”
“Enslavement Of God”
“Awaken By Death”
“Nothing Remains”
“Riding The Storms Of Hate MMXVI”
“Confront Death”

“Mars Exult”:

Pestifer is:

Pedro Silva - Guitars and Vocals
Jorge Marinho - Bass
Diogo Pereira - Drums

(Photo - João Fitas)

A Killer’s Confession, the new project of former Mushroomhead vocalist Waylon Reavis, has announced dates for their first US tour, dubbed The Year Of The Killers, and featuring EMP labelmates Dead By Wednesday, plus Kissing Candice, and Erasing Never. Dates are listed below.

January
27 - Jacksonville, NC - Hooligans
28 - Clarksville, TN - The Warehouse
31 - Orlando, FL - The Haven

February
1 - Spartanburg, SC - Ground Zero
2 - Reading, PA - Reverb
3 - Queens, NY - Blackthorn 51
4 - Providence, RI - Fete Music Hall
8 - Toronto, ON - The Coalition
9 - Rochester, NY - Pineapple Jack's
10 - Akron, OH - The Empire
11 - Fort Wayne, IN - The Hub
12 - Covington, KY - Madison Live
13 - Johnson City, TN - The Hideaway
15 - Cudahy, WI - The Metal Grill
16 - Mansfield, OH - Whiskey Warehouse
17 - Chicago, IL - Portage Theater
18 - Detroit, MI - The Token Lounge

AKC has also revealed the cover art for their debut full-length LP, Unbroken, being released in March via EMP Label Group/Amped. The intense album was rendered by legendary comic/horror artist “Mister Sam” Shearon, responsible for artwork for Rob Zombie, Fear Factory, Rammstein, Iron Maiden, Arise In Chaos, Clive Barker (Books of Blood, Hellraiser), IDW Publishing (KISS, The X-Files) and more. The album is available in several pre-order configurations now from empmerch.com.

The debut single, “A Killer’s Confession”, featuring Brian “Head” Welch from Korn, was released to metal radio in November. A lyric video can be seen below:

DISTURBED's video for the title track of the band's 2015 comeback album, "Immortalized", can be seen below. The clip was filmed in several venues across North America, Australia, and New Zealand in late 2016.

DISTURBED was the most played act of 2016 at the Active Rock radio format, according to industry metrics released by Mediabase, which monitors and analyzes airplay in over 180 U.S. and Canadian markets on both terrestrial and satellite radio. The band's success was bolstered by several chart-topping singles from "Immortalized", including its massive hit cover of SIMON & GARFUNKEL's classic "The Sound Of Silence".

The other No. 1 singles from Immortalized included "The Vengeful One", "The Light" and "Open Your Eyes".

In addition to being the most played artist, DISTURBED also had the second most played track at Active Rock with "The Sound Of Silence".

DISTURBED singer David Draiman told The Pulse Of Radio that he still hasn't gotten his head around the success the cover has had. "It doesn't stop being surreal," he said. "Every single step of the way, it's another incredible surprise, it's incredibly gratifying, and it's succeeded way above and beyond our expectations."

"The Sound Of Silence" was certified platinum last June for sales or downloads of more than one million copies, while "Immortalized", DISTURBED's fifth No. 1 album in a row, hit gold in September for 500,000 copies sold.

AT THE GATES members Tomas Lindberg (vocals) and Adrian Erlandsson (drums) have joined forces with Jonas Stålhammar (guitar; THE CROWN), Fredrik Wallenberg (guitar; SKITSYSTEM) and Andreas Axelsson (bass; DISFEAR, TORMENTED, EDGE OF SANITY) in a brand new band called THE LURKING FEAR.

According to the new group's official mission statement, "THE LURKING FEAR is bringing sheer, natural weirdness and horror back to the scene, as we want our death metal ugly, twisted and possessed.

"Riffs should stir up real feelings of repulsion, and disgust deep down in your soul, and vocals should sounds like hounds of hell howling at the moon."

THE LURKING FEAR is:

* Tomas Lindberg (AT THE GATES) - Vocals* Jonas Stålhammar (THE CROWN) - Guitar* Fredrik Wallenberg (SKITSYSTEM) - Guitar* Andreas Axelsson (DISFEAR, TORMENTED, EDGE OF SANITY) – Bass* Adrian Erlandsson (AT THE GATES, THE HAUNTED) - Drums

Art by Branca Studios

Former Iced Earth frontman Matt Barlow has checked in with the following update:

"Brothers and sisters! I wanted to give all of you guys a first look at the press release for my new project I am working on with Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze). I am really excited about this project and the song writing for the record is nearly complete. 2017 is looking up!"

From the visionary minds of legendary metal vocalist Matt Barlow (Ashes of Ares, Iced Earth, Pyramaze) and composer, keyboardist and pianist Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze, Structure of Inhumanity, solo artist) comes Sentinels. Combining sweeping motion picture style orchestral arrangements, modern classical piano, thunderous percussions, and the dynamic and powerful vocals of Barlow, Sentinels has set out to create something truly unique and groundbreaking. With musical and thematic elements inspired by the great drama, sci-fi, and fantasy films of the last 30 years — combined with duo's obvious enthusiasm for all things heavy metal — Sentinels works to embody the very essence of the word "epic." The full length debut album is set to be mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Amaranthe, Volbeat, Pyramaze) Winter of 2017.

Sentinels is:
Matt Barlow: Vocals - Lyrics - Choirs
Jonah Weingarten: Keyboards - Piano - Percussion - Orchestration

Check out the official Sentinels website at WeAreSentinels.com.

Greek bashers The Silent Wedding are gearing up for the release of their new album, Enigma Eternal. They have released an official lyric video for the song "A Dream of Choices" featuring Evergrey vocalist Tom Englund, which can be viewed below. 

The cover artwork for Enigma Eternal was created by Travis Smith. A release date for the album will be announced soon.

The tracklist is as follows:

"A Living Experiment"
"Shadows And Dust"
"What Lies Beyond"
"Insanity"
"The Endless Journey"
"A Dream Of Choices" 
"Loneliness"
"Under The Veil Of Grey"
"Catharsis"
"Closer To The End"
"Silence"
"Hands Of Fate"

Evergrey recently released a video for “In Orbit” featuring Nightwish singer Floor Jansen, a track from their new album, The Storm Within, released back in September via AFM Records. The new clip, directed by Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, can be seen below.

The Storm Within album details follow…

The Storm Within tracklisting:

“Distance”
“Passing Trough”
“Someday”
“Astray”
“The Impossible”
“My Allied Ocean”
“In Orbit” (Featuring Floor Jansen)
“The Lonely Monarch”
“The Paradox Of The Flame” (Featuring Carina Englund)
“Disconnect”
“The Storm Within”

“In Orbit” video (featuring Floor Jansen):

“Passing Through” lyric video:

TAU CROSS, the veteran punk / metal collective revolving around AMEBIX bassist / frontman Rob "The Baron" Miller, VOIVOD drummer Michel "Away" Langevin, and members of MISERY and WAR//PLAGUE, has completed recording its sophomore full-length album, tentatively titled "A Pillar Of Fire". A summer 2017 release via Relapse Records is expected.

The new disc was recorded across many different locations in the same manner as the band's eponymous debut. The drums were tracked Montreal, guitars in Minneapolis, bass in Seattle and Minneapolis, and vocals on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.

Miller commented: "This approach can be challenging given the location of the band members, but it is a necessity that we have tried to turn into a strength. Video conferencing and messenger services have been helpful in guiding the process to completion.

"The album was mixed at Smiddy studios on the isle of Skye by James Adams, who has also taken on duties as our keyboard player. We have had contributions from Themis for some of the ambient sounds on the album, a hurdy-gurdy from Tanner Anderson and even bagpipes from 16-year-old Scottish virtuoso Brighde Chaimbeul, so there are some interesting textures, with an emphasis on the lyrical content. As usual, we have constructed a few intriguing landscapes for the listener to engage with."

"A Pillar Of Fire" unearths some of the preoccupations of both The Baron and Away: mythological motifs, ultra-terrestrial hypotheses, surreal social political landscapes and the endless search for meaning in a controlled universe.

TAU CROSS refuses to be pigeonholed, affirming the respective legacies of its members hurdy-gurdy the band delves into the realms of gothic rock, industrial, early doom, post-punk, and prog rock alongside its crust and thrash roots. The band’s self-titled debut was recorded in 2014 and released in May 2015.

California deathcore masters SUICIDE SILENCE will release their new, self-titled album 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).

A short teaser clip for "Suicide Silence" is available below.

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.

#FBF When you’re in that moment, it feels like it’ll last forever... pic.twitter.com/uUfLrPjmtX

— Suicide Silence (@suicidesilence) December 30, 2016

The video for the song "Coming Home" from PAIN, the Swedish metal band led by multi-instrumentalist and producer Peter Tägtgren, can be seen below. The song is the title track of the band's new album, which was released on September 9 through Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to 2011's "You Only Live Twice" features cover artwork by Stefan Heilemann.

"Coming Home" track listing:

01. Designed To Piss You Off02. Call Me03. A Wannabe04. Pain in the Ass05. Black Knight Satellite06. Coming Home07. Absinthe Phoenix Rising08. Final Crusade09. Natural Born Idiot10. Starseed

Since the beginning of his career in the early '90s, the Swedish allrounder has enjoyed diving into the extreme and has grown to be an untameable force. But this is exactly what makes him so fascinating. Taboos, creative stagnation, or genre boundaries have never existed in the world of the forty-six-year-old mastermind. And, of course, Peter Tägtgren wandered the same unexplored paths when the time came to forge "Coming Home", the eighth studio release of the industrial institution PAIN. However, the path was long and winding and therefore, the writing process for the follow-up of "You Only Live Twice" wasn't all fun and games, but Peter Tägtgren is well prepared for the fight:

"Sometimes you pull your hair out and lay sleepless all night long, because you can't figure out this one chorus or don't know how to finish a certain song," admits the singer and guitarist."That's just me: When I dive into it, there's no ending in sight. It's a self-destructive mechanism. But I want perfection — or I don't want it at all."

Therefore, it is no wonder, that PAIN delivers a revolutionary mix of styles on this new release — bizarre alternative metal meets electronic melodies — and, in addition, the band weave some spectacular orchestral arrangements into the tracks on "Coming Home", without risking any cheesy moments or overloading the songs. The result is ten highly addictive hymns with massive depth and experimentation. With the orchestrated portions, PAIN entered a new era and seeked assistance from CARACH ANGREN's Clemens "Ardek" Wijers, who added some magical final touches to Tägtgren's bombastic songwriting. But the album also has time to breathe with beautiful acoustic guitar intros appearing hand in hand with stormy moments, showing the band at the zenith of their creativity.

"Coming Home" includes drummer Sebastian Tägtgren, Peter's seventeen-year-old son who delivers an impressive guest appearance on the title track as well as SABATON's Joakim Brodén who joins the team for some typically raw warrior vocals on "Call Me".

But a PAIN release wouldn't be a typical masterpiece without some thought-provoking topics and tales: On the callboy-singalong "Call Me" and "Final Crusade", the band crawls through the deepest corners of society and the human mind, while "Absinthe-Phoenix Rising" is based upon an incident in Leipzig during PAIN's tour with NIGHTWISH, where the band was attacked and beat up after leaving an Absinthe bar. And of course, lovers of mystery and conspiracy theories also get their money's worth with "Black Knight Satellite". "Nikola Tesla, who invented the lightbulb, electricity, and other stuff, thought that he heard beeping sounds from space," Tägtgren elaborates of the track's inspiration, "It was around the year 1899 and it seemed like a message to him, a hidden code. He was the first one to discover it, but in the 1950s, when humans started to go into space, they heard the same noises and found out: There is some signal from a satellite out there… but it isn't ours. And as they started their research, they found out, that people had been talking about this phenomenon for around thirteen-thousand years. The story of this so-called 'Black Knight Satellite' is very fascinating to me. Whether it's true or not, I don't know. But it definitely inspired me to write these lyrics."

Guitar shred lord Joe Stump has posted video of himself playing the track "Neo-Classical Shredfest Number IV" from his latest solo record, The Dark Lord Rises. Check it out below.

Prior to the 2015 release of The Dark Lord Rises, Stump spoke with BraveWords scribe Carl Begai about the album:

"It's a killer with some very heavy stuff; thrash, speed, power, and even a black metal-tinged track, along with of course the badass Blackmore rocking shit and Yngwie induced neo-classical  fret frying. Also, a beautiful ballad dedicated and inspired by Gary Moore that's one of the best things I`ve ever recorded as far as that emotional side of my playing goes."

The cover art for The Dark Lord Rises can be viewed below.

The tracklist is as follows:

"Hostile Takeover"
"Stratomaster"
"Out For Blood"
"The Black Knight Returns"
"Tortured Soul"
"The Dark Lord's Allegro"
"Staring Into The Abyss"
"Concerto No. 2 In B-Minor"
"Neo Classical Shredfest Number IV"
"Battle Tested"
"Brothers In Shred" (bonus)

Former Eclipse Eternal frontman Voldamares recently announced the formation of his new band, Hexeklad. He has checked in with the following update:

"Currently we are in the process of mixing/mastering for our album, Spirit Of The Stone, and we hope to have it completed in early 2017. Once we are satisfied that it is as perfect an album as what we think it is then we will begin looking for a label that will be able to give it the exposure that we think it deserves. Also, we are currently in the midst of gathering forces, bringing in like-minded individuals to form a live lineup. Yes, we are coming for you. What was once heading towards a recording only project has evolved and is branching out, spreading its limbs towards the skies that all may see and bear witness. We have not been idle. We hope to have a sample for you to listen to next week. Till then, keep the fires lit and the mead flowing."

A previous update reads:

"Our main accomplishment this year is that we have completed the recording of our debut album, Spirit Of The Stone. A dark folk/black metal album that is the amalgamation of all the best of all the bands we’ve worked with before along with our current main influences which range from Dissection to Moonsorrow, from Primordial to Hypocrisy to Insomnium. Thrashy at times, folky at times, black metal throughout, the songs are dark yet empowering, melodic yet deep and full of meaning. This album is our crowning achievement this year.

Aside from including all previously mentioned main members, this album also includes drums by former member Sterling Dale, bass by Alex Snape (Unbowed), keyboards by Carver (Eclipse Eternal) and on several tracks, cello by Raphael Weinroth-Browne (The Visit, Musk Ox).

This album has been many years in the making so we are extremely proud of having completed it. We hope to have a sample for you to listen to next week when we will also give you an update on what our future plans are. Till then, keep the fires lit and the Mead flowing."

Hexenklad is:

Timothy Johnston (Voldamares) - vocals
Michael Grund - guitars
John Chalmers (The Ancient One) - guitars

Go to this location for information and updates on Hexenklad.

Photo by Victoria J. Polsoni

Italian hard rock band, Concrete Jellÿ, will release their new album, Getting Noticed, via Sliptrick Records on February 7th.

Concrete Jellÿ were founded in 2014 in Trieste. The forthcoming album, Getting Noticed, was recorded live in the summer of 2016 and the inspiration for the story-line came from the many good (and bad) things experienced during their relentless live activity both offstage and on.

The sound of the album is the result of the different influences within the band members, ranging from the spaciness of 70’s rock to prog rock and everything good in between. Getting Noticed will be available in all the usual formats. More details to follow.

Swedish symphonic black/death metallers, Katharos, have signed with Sliptrick Records. The band’s debut album, Exuvian Heraldry, will be released on March 1st.

Katharos present symphonic black/death metal from Sweden in the vein of Emperor, Dimmu Borgir and Death. Katharos’ debut album Exuvian Heraldry, brings together the Scandinavian black/death-sound with epic symphonic arrangements and a complexity that rewards multiple listens. Heavy guitar riffs are accompanied with battle drums and carried along by majestic choirs and synths with lyrical themes bridging philosophy and religion.

Exuvian Heraldry will be available in an exclusive vinyl version and for digital download (no CD).

Tracklisting:

“Abadonnas Intåg”
“Thy Fortress Of Regrets”
“Svaneti”
“De Cinere”
“Schaktet”
“Damnatio Memoriae”
“Awakening Of The Converted”

Fan-filmed video footage of VIMIC's December 30 performance at the Aztec Theater in San Antonio, Texas as the support act for HELLYEAH can be seen below.

VIMIC is the new band featuring former SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison alongside singer Kalen Chase Musmecci, who has toured with KORN as a backing vocalist and percussionist, and Joey's former SCAR THE MARTYR bandmates Jed Simon (guitar), Kyle Konkiel (bass) and Matthew Tarach (keyboards). VIMIC has also welcomed new guitarist Steve Marshall to the band.

VIMIC has signed a management deal with Nashville powerhouse CTK Management, where Jordison has reunited with former member of SLIPKNOT's original management team Danny Nozell, and is represented by United Talent Agency's Neil Warnock internationally and Tim Borror in North America. Additionally, the band is readying the release of a new album for 2017, "Open Your Omen", which will be released on Jordison's joint venture record label, with the first video and single to be released later this month.

Often referred to as one the best drummers in the world by fans, musicians and media thanks to his unique style, sound and lightning fast technicality, Joey Jordison has, in addition to co-founding SLIPKNOT, worked with some of the biggest selling acts in hard rock and heavy metal, including METALLICA, KORN, ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON and many more. Before his departure from SLIPKNOT in late 2013, Jordison had been quietly struggling with the career-threatening neurological condion acute transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord which damages nerve fibers, which ultimately led to Jordison losing the use of his legs. Never one to quit or back down from a fight, Joey overcame the impossible through months and months of rehabilitation, regaining the strength to walk again. He is feeling stronger than ever and is eager to show the world what is possible.

"The riffs, lyrics, and drums of 'Open Your Omen' will tell you a lot," Jordison says. "I did this record when I was coming out of the acute transverse myelitis condition. It's literally what saved me and helped me get back to where I'm healthier than ever. These guys and this album pushed me to not only relearn how to walk, but how to play the drums again. 'Open Your Omen' is the rebirth of the rest of my life."

Jordison and VIMIC's first priority is getting in front of the fans, who have been sending letters, approaching Joey on the street and posting on social media asking when they will be able to see the iconic drummer live.

Former MARILYN MANSON and current ROB ZOMBIE guitarist John 5 will release a new album, "Season Of The Witch", on March 3, 2017.

The disc — the first to be billed as a JOHN 5 AND THE CREATURES album — will coincide with the brand new CREATURES tour starting on March 3 in Seattle.

A teaser clip for "Season Of The Witch", directed by Josh Hasty — who, as Rob Zombie and John 5 fans are aware, directed the recent "In Hell Everybody Loves Popcorn" behind-the-scenes making-of documentary for Zombie's movie "31" — is available below.

John 5 recently told Reverb about his solo performances: "It's completely instrumental, and it's really fun. We play all different styles of music: Western swing, Spanish-style flamenco, heavy stuff. So it's cool because you never know what style is going to come next."

John 5's solo band THE CREATURES includes Ian Ross on bass and Rodger Carter on drums.

John has had an illustrious career collaborating with chart-topping artists such as LYNYRD SKYNYRD, Ricky Martin, and Rod Stewart. John has performed on critically acclaimed world tours with Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie. Later, John ventured into the world of film score composing for Rob Zombie's "The Lords Of Salem". In 2004 he branched out into a successful solo career and has since released eight studio albums.

Teaming up with Australian director Gareth McGilvray, Elm Street have released their new single "Face The Reaper" taken from the album Knock 'Em Out...With A Metal Fist.

With a minute long ambient intro, the band tears into a heavy metal frenzy proving their energetic brand of traditional metal, and showcasing the newest addition to the band, Nick Ivkovic on bass guitar.

Face The Reaper will paint the path for the band's 2017 world tour, kicking off in Australia during February; the dates will be announced soon.

To read BraveWords.com scribe Mark Gromen's review of Knock 'Em Out...With A Metal Fist, click here.

 

 

Norwegian horror thrashers, Critical Solution, released a teaser for their upcoming third conceptual album. Listen below.

The band also confirms they will shoot their first music video in mid-February for a late February-early March release. As previously reported the video for the song "Barbara The Witch" will be a horror filled introduction to the brutal concept of the album.

The new album was recorded and mixed at SonicTrain Studios with long-time producer Andy LaRocque at the helm. The as yet untitled album will include very special guest appearances by Arthur Brown “The God Of Hellfire”, and Snowy Shaw.