French metallers ETHS will reunite with their original lead singer, Candice Clot, for two final shows before calling it quits.

Clot left ETHS for personal reasons in 2012 and was replaced by Rachel Aspe. Rachel's vitriolic vocals fit perfectly the pounding riff barrage of the band's modern metal style, which was demonstrated on the 2014 EP "Ex Umbra In Solem" and this year's "Ankaa" full-length.

ETHS commented: "These last few years, a number of ordeals slowly pushed us towards different musical yearnings while dulling the fun that we have had playing as a band.

"ETHS has always been about honesty and fun, but we have to face the fact that our hearts are not in there anymore. Therefore, we made the joint decision to call it quits —- in order to fully focus on our separate musical endeavors and to find our joy in music again.

"From the bottom of our hearts, we want to extend our deepest thanks to all the fans, old and new, who supported the band through thick and thin. Thank you also to all musicians, road crews, bookers, radio DJs, directors, graphic designers, photographers, producers, journalists, and all other professionals of the music business, who helped us out in one way or another along the way. We have experienced unforgettable moments thanks to all of you and we will cherish those times forever.

"We are excited to announce that we will reunite in our original lineup for last two remaining gigs, which will be dedicated to the memory of our two friends Mika Bleu and Ju Isilion, who passed away far too early. We will close our ETHS adventure in style!"

The exact details of ETHS' final two performances will be revealed soon.

ETHS was founded in Marseilles and rapidly managed to conquer the covers of French music magazines following the wildfire success of their EPs "Autopsie" (2000) and "Samantha" (2002). Debut album "Soma" (2004) saw the band open for CHILDREN OF BODOM and CRADLE OF FILTH in France. With the follow-up, "Tératologie" (2008), ETHS demonstrated its experience and maturity grown out of playing hundreds of shows. When time came to release third opus, "III", the band took the challenge abroad by releasing four English versions of the original French songs on an international edition.

Rachel played her last show with ETHS on December 3 at Le Chabada in Angers, France.

ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist Jerry Cantrell and former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach are among the musicians who joined ROYAL MACHINES on stage Friday night (December 16) at The Roxy in West Hollywood, California to perform classic songs from THIN LIZZY, ALICE IN CHAINS, JANE'S ADDICTION and GUNS N' ROSES. Fan-filmed video footage of their appearance can be seen below (courtesy of Ted Weitzman and Sebastian Bach).

ROYAL MACHINES is the "all-star covers fun-times band" featuring former CAMP FREDDY members Dave Navarro (JANE'S ADDICTION, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS), Billy Morrison (ex-THE CULT bassist, current CIRCUS DIABLO vocalist), Donovan Leitch (son of legendary folk singer Donovan), and Chris Chaney (JANE'S ADDICTION, ALANIS MORRISETTE), alongside frequent CAMP FREDDY collaborator, singer Mark McGrath (SUGAR RAY), and acclaimed drummer Josh Freese (THE VANDALS, DEVO, A PERFECT CIRCLE).

Morrison, the MACHINES' musical director, told LA Weekly last year about how the band chooses its setlist: "'Paradise City' from GUNS N' ROSES will always get a venue to go crazy. We're also not encumbered by genre. It just has to have guitars in it, you know?"

Grammy Award-winning band, Bon Jovi, have released a new music video for “Roller Coaster”, a track from their new studio album, This House Is Not For Sale. Watch below:

On the heels of Bon Jovi’s worldwide #1 album debut, a live version entitled This House Is Not For Sale - Live From The London Palladium is released today (December 16th). Recorded at the London Palladium last October, the album is available for via Walmart (physical CD), and iTunes.

The album is a triumphant statement of integrity from one of rock’s biggest bands. Around the world, critics have applauded the album that has something to say and nothing to prove. Led by the hit title track, “This House Is Not For Sale”, the band’s 14th studio album became their sixth career release to debut at #1 in the US, Australia, and Japan and in the Top 5 in 54 other countries while iTunes charts place the release at #1 in 25 countries.

This House Is Not For Sale - Live from The London Palladium tracklisting:

“This House Is Not For Sale”
“Living With The Ghost”
“Knockout”
“Labor Of Love”
“Born Again Tomorrow”
“Roller Coaster”
“New Years Day”
“Devil’s In The Temple”
“Scars On This Guitar”
“God Bless This Mess”
“Reunion”
“Real Love”
“All Hail The King”
“We Don’t Run”
“Come On Up To Our House”

“Scars On This Guitar” video:

“The Devil’s In The Temple” video:

This House Is Not for Sale tour dates are listed below.

This House Is Not for Sale tour dates:

February
8 - Greenville, SC - Bon Secours Wellness Arena
10 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena
12 - Sunrise, FL - BB&T Center
14 - Tampa, FL - Amalie Arena
16 - Birmingham, AL - BJCC
18 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena
19 - St. Louis, MO - Scottrade Center
21 - Oklahoma City, OK - Chesapeake Energy Center
23 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
25 - Las Vegas, NV - T-Mobile Arena
28 - Sacramento, CA - Golden 1 Center

March
1 - San Jose, CA - SAP Center
4 - Phoenix, AZ - Talking Stick Resort Arena
5 - San Diego, CA - Viejas Arena
8 - Los Angeles, CA - The Forum
14 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center
16 - Memphis, TN - FedExForum
18 - Columbus, OH - Nationwide Arena
19 - Cleveland, OH - Quicken Loans Arena
22 - Indianapolis, IN - Bankers Life Fieldhouse
26 - Chicago, IL - United Center
27 - St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center
29 - Detroit, MI - Joe Louis Arena
31 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center

April
1 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
5 - Pittsburgh, PA - PPG Paints Arena
7 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
8 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
10 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre

** Dates, cities and venues subject to change.

Visit bonjovi.com for updated tour and ticketing information.

After the successful release of their new full-length album, Atoma, legendary Gothenburg melodic death metal pioneers, Dark Tranquillity, are now nominated for the Swedish Grammis Awards.

Frontman Mikael Stanne comments, “We are honoured that in a year of amazing Swedish albums our own Atoma has been nominated for the Swedish Grammis awards. We are indeed in good company among the nominees and we cannot wait for the awards ceremony and the inevitable party afterwards!”

Dark Tranquillity have announced a European tour with Amon Amarth and Omnium Gatherum, as well as some headline shows supporting Atoma.

Amon Amarth comment, “We are having so much fun on our current European tour we decided we needed to come back and to do it again! We are definitely looking forward to playing some new places. This time we will continue the fun and lay waste to the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Austria, France & Spain with Dark Tranquillity and Omnium Gatherum. The shows will be fantastic, beer soaked nights of heavy metal. We look forward to seeing our crazy berserker fans, and we warn you to get ready to fight, pillage and RAISE YOUR HORNS!"

Dark Tranquillity follows up, "We're thrilled to announce that we'll bring Atoma to the European stages early next year. We have the honour of being the main support to our countrymen in Amon Amarth on their upcoming trek. Horns up!”

Tour dates:

March
23 - Utrecht, Netherlands - Tivoli
24 - Erfurt, Germany - Thüringenhalle
25 - Cologne, Germany - Palladium
26 - Ravensburg, Germany - Oberschwabenclub
27 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
28 - Italy tbc.*
29 - Bologna, Italy - Estragon
30 - Innsbruck, Austria - Music Hall
31 - Vienna, Austria - Szene Wien*
31 - Nassfeld, Austria - Full Metal Mountain Festival, **only Amon Amarth

April
1 - Linz, Austria - Posthof
2 - Graz, Austria – Orpheum
3 - Nürnberg, Germany – Hirsch*
4 - Saarbrücken, Germany - Saarlandhalle
5 - Besançon, France - La Rodia
6 - Marseille, France - Le Cabaret Aléatoire
7 - Bordeaux, France - Le Rocher de Palmer
8 - Toulouse, France - Le Bikini
9 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz 2*
10 - Malaga, Spain - Paris 15
11 - Burgos, Spain - Hangar
12 - Zaragoza, Spain - Teatro de las Esquinas
14 - Caen, France - Le Cargo
15 - Nancy, France - L’Autre Canal
16 - Vosselaar, Belgium – Biebob*

* - Dark Tranquillity headline show without Amon Amarth
 
Dark Tranquillity’s complete live itinerary can be found here.

Swedish heavy metal quintet, Lancer, will release their new album, Mastery, on January 13th via Nuclear Blast. The album track, “Future Millennia”, is available for streaming below.

The cover artwork was created by Dimitar Nikolov (Ross The Boss, Majesty). The final layout was done by Marcelo Vasco (Slayer, Machine Head).

Tracklisting:
    
“Dead Raising Towers”
“Future Millennia”
“Mastery”
“Victims Of The Nile”
“Iscariot”
“Follow Azrael”
“Freedom Eaters”
“World Unknown”
“Widowmaker”
“Envy Of The Gods”
“The Wolf And The Kraken”

“Future Millennia”:

“Mastery” video:

“Iscariot” lyric video:

Trailer #1:

Trailer #2:

Trailer #3:

Trailer #4:

Trailer #5:

(Photo - Lancer Facebook)

Nuclear Blast will release Black Star Riders’ third studio album, Heavy Fire, on February 3rd. A third official album trailer has been released. Find three trailers below:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

2016 saw Black Star Riders return to the studio with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, The Foo Fighters, Mastodon), 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”, 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 BSR’s 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.” – Ricky Warwick (vocals)

"Not many new bands get to record three albums these days. 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." – Scott Gorham (guitars)

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 n’ 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.

Formats: Limited Edition Digibook CD (including bonus track), CD, Vinyl, Vinyl Picture Disc, Digital Album
Mail order: Limited Orange & Clear Vinyl (Pre-order)

Tracklisting:

“Heavy Fire
“When The Night Comes In”
“Dancing With The Wrong Girl”
“Who Rides The Tiger”
“Cold War Love”
“Testify Or Say Goodbye”
“Thinking About You Could Get Me Killed”
“True Blue Kid”
“Ticket To Rise”
“Letting Go Of Me”

The Limited Edition Digibook CD will include the above tracklisting plus the bonus track “Fade”.

“When The Night Comes In” lyric video:

SOEN, the progressive heavy rock group featuring world-renowned drummer Martin Lopez (formerly of AMON AMARTH and OPETH) and the dynamic voice of Joel Ekelöf (WILLOWTREE), will release its new full-length opus, "Lykaia", on February 3, 2017 via UDR Music.

After several weeks of anticipation since the original announcement of the disc's release, the band has made available the first single from the album, titled "Sectarian". A charging, insightful metal anthem, "Sectarian" grooves amid classic progressive rock and turn-of-the-century alt-metal influences, all the while experimenting with further inspiration to create a solid track that is simply damn good. Check it out below. "Lykaia" is a journey into earthier places — SOEN's most cohesive, powerful and congruent creative quest yet. For those who have followed SOEN's career thus far, the new album's concepts of journey and exploration are not new. 2012's "Cognitive" beat a firmly heavy, progressive metal path. 2014's "Tellurian" — with its PINK FLOYD explorative spirit and OPETH-like forceful power — saw SOEN start to stride freely into their own control and unique visions. The new album sees SOEN remain fascinated with the shadows and the darker edges of our world, with a particular focus on the various thoughts and concepts behind religion and ritualistic, belief-based behaviour in society. Following that theme, drummer Martin Lopez comments about "Sectarian" in particular: "At the time I wrote the song, there was a lot going on in the world with all this religious nonsense that we lately are getting used to, I was truly pissed off with the circumstances like everyone else and with that anger in commanding me started writing about it. It's simply my view on the matter and this need that people have to follow a leader and a God that I see suffocating them and telling them how to live. I just don't understand it; some of us have a religious background a forced one, like it usually is but I've never bought into it. The way some people make this insane ideologies their call and how they can remove the human condition of feeling empathy towards others to please a figure, a ghost they've never seen or touched. It's just something I cannot understand and just the fact that so many have died either defending or just being makes me lose all hope in humanity... Are we really this weak? How can this happen? The lyrics are just that a pissed off guy telling his view on things. "I had a few heavy parts that I thought would fit this theme and just went on to write the song, Joel came up with a great melody and I added some rhythmical ideas to it. Later on we put the song together with the rest of the band and everyone had the chance to add their personality to the music while recording their instruments."

"Lykaia" pre-orders are now available in three formats — digitally, audio CD in digisleeve, and gatefold vinyl. Order now and receive "Sectarian" as an instant grat. Recorded at Ghost Ward, StudioGröndal and Deep Well in Stockholm, Sweden, with production duties handled by guitarist Marcus Jidell and the mix made by Stefan Boman, SOEN kept things as far away from the digital age as possible on "Lykaia", embracing warmth and organic recordings as the drive behind the technical working process. If the first two albums were harder, more technical, angular and perhaps cerebral pieces which demanded sharp focus, "Lykaia" presents a warmer, rounder, flesh and blood on the bones approach that allows listeners a dual entry to the eight tracks presented. The journey is no less dynamic, continuing the underscore of complex melodies with crushing power and no fear of walking proudly into more ambient spaces to explore the temperature. With "Lykaia", however, it is clear that SOEN have never felt more congruent or sure of themselves. "Lykaia" track listing:

01. Sectarian 02. Orison 03. Lucidity 04. Opal 05. Jinn 06. Sister 07. Stray 08. Paragon SOEN is:

Joel Ekelöf - VocalsMartin Lopez - Drums, PercussionStefan Stenberg - BassLars Åhlund - Organ, RhodesMarcus Jidell - Guitar

METALLICA played a special intimate show last night (Thursday, December 15) at the Fonda Theater in Hollywood, California.

Tickets were first sold to fan club members for $25 each through a lottery system, and then to the public for $100 each. All proceeds were pledged to benefit the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Fans were also encouraged to bring canned foods and non-perishable items to the show for donation as well. METALLICA last month played a similar show in Toronto, with proceeds also going to a food bank in that city.

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.

Metallica Set List for Fonda Theater. pic.twitter.com/PlwgLRdy9N

— Heavy Metal Hill (@HeavyMetalHill) December 16, 2016

Former Misfits guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein has signed a label and distribution deal with EMP Label Group, who will not only release As We Die, the upcoming sophomore LP from the legendary guitarist’s eponymous project Doyle, but distribute all releases for the guitarist’s label Monsterman Records.

EMP, the label vessel of Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, with operations headed up by former Corporate Punishment President/A&R/Marketing exec Thom Hazaert, home to artists including A Killer’s Confession, Motograter, Heaven Below (featuring Patrick Kennison of Lita Ford/Union Underground), Broken Teeth, Doll Skin, Helstar, Cage9, Green Death, Arise in Chaos, former Faith No More vocalist Chuck Mosley, and many more, started out with deep ties into the Doyle camp, according to EMP’s Hazaert.

“I worked really closely with Bruce (Miyaki – Doyle’s Manager) and Monsterman on (Doyle’s 2013 release) Abominator, and I was actually the marketing director out of the gate on that release. Over the years, I’ve stayed involved, and we’re all good friends, and with David (Ellefson), who also had a great relationship with Doyle, eventually as EMP came to fruition the conversation inevitably came up about seeing if there was a fit there. With everything else going on in all of our Worlds, it took a bit of a detour to finally get here, but I can’t express how excited we are to finally be able to put this all together. The legacy of someone like Doyle, who is such a legendary talent, is always such an amazing gift when it comes to putting out records, especially for a label like EMP, where we are all HUGE, genuine music fans. And there’s really not many out there who can hold a candle to Doyle, in terms of talent OR legacy.”

EMP President David Ellefson agrees. “I’ve always loved Doyle and we’ve had a great relationship that goes back a long time. We’d started some talk last year when Doyle and Alissa (White-Gluz) came out to do some stuff with Metal Allegiance, and it just became an ongoing conversation over the past year. Now that it’s official, we’re extremely excited to be able to not only push out this new Doyle record, which is amazing, but all the killer Monsterman titles via EMP.”

Says Doyle: “When Dave came to me with an offer for our new CD As We Die it was a no brainer. He has been a good friend of mine for 20 + years, and has never done me wrong, and in this business that’s unheard of. We didn’t want to release it ourselves on Monster Man, we wanted a bigger push and EMP has a lot of exciting things happening in 2017 that will do that for us.”

Doyle, the current project of Von Frankenstein, with Cancerslug vocalist Alex “Wolfman” Story, and a current lineup rounded out by bassist Brandon Strate and drummer Brandon Pertzborn, continues the lineage of Doyle’s former projects, pairing crushing metal riffs with ferocious Punk Rock swagger and the theatrical intensity one would expect from one of the reigning kings, and erstwhile creators, of Horror-Core.

In addition to the upcoming sophomore release from Doyle, EMP/Monsterman will release several limited edition vinyl configurations, as well as a CD reissue of Doyle’s critically-acclaimed Abominator, the upcoming LP from LA industrial metal mainstays Dead Girls Corp., and several additional 2017 releases TBA.

Check out Doyle's tour schedule below.

On December 2nd, Saigon Kick performed at Reggie's in Chicago, IL. The setlist included rarely played tracks from the band's first two albums, and unexpected live favourite "My Life" complete with kazoo parts performed by the fans. Check out the fan-filmed video below.

Saigon Kick recently confirmed a live date for New York City at The Studio at Webster Hall on April 6th, 2017. It will be the band's first show in NYC in four years. Go to this location for event details.

Matt Kramer (vocals): "April showers bring spring trouble makers to the fine city of New York. Can't wait to tear it up!"

Jason Bieler (guitars): "All I am saying is Carnegie Delicatessen & Restaurant better still be open. My playing tends to suffer if I do not down a Woody Allen prior to show time."

Hungarian female-fronted metallers Ann My Guard have released a lyric video for "Hekate", taken from their forthcoming album Ourania, due out on January 13th, 2017 via Rock'N'Growl Records. The video was made by Mihaszna film.

Eszter Anna Baumann comments on Ourania: "I wanted to make a record that fully represents what Ann My Guard is: I really like mixing the ethereal feminine vocals with heavy guitar riffs and dark melodies. I like contrasts. Moreover, I love to use mythical metaphors: while on the debut record, Innocence Descent I used the Moon representing the maturing of a woman, by Ourania I expressed more universal themes. As the lyrics of Asteria say: I just want to elevate you, underneath my starlit sky, I'll be set free... The aim of rock music for me is to elevate the listeners into another dimensions, not to pull them down. I think that's what we all need from music nowadays, right?"

Ourania was produced by Gabor Vari at Black Hole Sound Studio.

Tracklisting:

“Novae”
“Asteria”
“Callisto”
“Io”
“Breathe The Sun”
“Obsidian Tears”
“Serpent”
“Hekate”
“The Secret”

"Hekate" lyric video:

"Callisto":

Ann My Guard is:

Eszter Anna Baumann (vocals, bass)
Krisztián Varga (guitars)
Benjamin Bárkányi (guitars)
Norbert Tobola (drums)

Chateaux, the UK NWOBHM three piece, for the first time have their back catalogue available for download. Platforms such as iTunes , Amazon and others now have the releases which consist of their only 7" single, Young Blood/ Fight To The Last (1982), and the band's three albums . All from the now legendary NWOBHM label, Ebony Records from Hull and now made available by Metal Nation Records ran by original Tygers Of Pan Tang vocalist and ex-Neat Records owner, Jess Cox.

Titles available are the bands 1983 debut Chained And Desperate which featured Grim Reaper's Steve Grimmet on vocals. The other two titles are Firepower (1984) and Highly Strung (1985) and all feature main man Tim Broughton on guitar

The catalogue has also simultaneously been released on CD by No Remorse Records in Greece and Classic Metal Records in Brazil.

   

   

   

New York City sludge/doom/drone trio, Unearthly Trance, re-emerge from the shadows with Stalking The Ghost, their six full-length recording and first album in over seven years.

An esoteric ritual of seismic doom, Stalking The Ghost taps into the darkest realms of the occult over the course of seven tracks that reek of utter despair. Forming a balance between slow-churning maelstrom and spine-chilling harmony, wrapped beneath a blackened cloud of rumbling feedback, Unearthly Trance sound more powerful and exploratory than ever before.

Recorded at Menegroth/The Thousand Caves Studios by Colin Marston (Krallice, Gorguts, Panopticon) and featuring cover art by Orion Landau (YOB, Red Fang, Graves At Sea), Stalking The Ghost restores misery to a gentrifying city.

The album will be released on February 24th via Relapse Records.

Tracklisting:

“Into The Spiral”
“Dream State Arsenal”
“Scythe”
“Famine”
“Lion Strength”
“Invisible Butchery”
“The Great Cauldron”
“In The Forest's Keep” (Digital Only Bonus Track)

“Dream State Arsenal”:

"The Venomous", the new single from Greek/Swedish melodic death metallers NIGHTRAGE, has just been released via Despotz Records. The song, which can be heard using the SoundCloud widget below, is available on all major streaming services.

"The Venomous" is the title track of NIGHTRAGE's seventh album, which will be released in early 2017. The disc was recorded at Zero Gravity Studios in Athens with producer Terry Nikas.

Says the band: "The NIGHTRAGE sound is evolving and we are ready to take it to new exciting and creative heights. We cannot wait to unleash this out into the world!"

NIGHTRAGE recently announced the addition of Magnus Söderman on guitar and Lawrence Dinamarca on drums.

NIGHTRAGE's sixth studio album, "The Puritan", was released in April 2015 via Despotz Records.The CD marked vocalist Ronnie Nyman's recorded debut with NIGHTRAGE after he performed with the band on its Japanese and Russian tours.

NIGHTRAGE was founded in 2000 in Greece by Marios Iliopoulos and his close friend, Gus G., who departed after the band's second album, "Descent Into Chaos". During the band's 16-year career, NIGHTRAGE has released six studio albums and toured across Europe, the U.S., Canada and Asia while employing various musicians from AT THE GATES, EVERGREY, DARK TRANQUILLITY, AMARANTHE and FIREWIND.

NIGHTRAGE is: Marios Iliopoulos - GuitarRonnie Nyman - VocalsAnders Hammer - BassMagnus Söderman - GuitarLawrence Dinamarca - Drums

Photo credit: Soile Siirtola

Drummer David Wallin has left Swedish melodic metallers HAMMERFALL in order to focus on his family life. The remaining members of the band state: "It is very unfortunate, and we wish him all the best with his future career and life. But we have found a perfect replacement, and we're sure you will embrace him as quickly and warmly as you did David.

"Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, here is the new drummer of HAMMERFALL: Johan Koleberg [pictured], formerly of THERION and Randy Piper's ANIMAL. Please welcome him with open arms, as he is a fantastic drummer and an all-around great guy.

"We can't wait to get out on the road and show you what this lineup of HAMMERFALL is capable of. We're very excited! So see you at the concerts; it will be a blast!"

HAMMERFALL's tenth studio album, "Built To Last", was released on November 4 via Napalm Records.

HAMMERFALL will embark on a European tour in early 2017. The trek, dubbed "Built To Tour", will kick off on January 12 in Bremen, Germany.

"It's been a hectic time juggling the remaining shows of the tour with songwriting and, ultimately, recording, so the name of this venture feels very fitting," said guitarist Oscar Dronjak. "The 'World Wide (r)Evolution' was a resounding success on every level with half of the shows sold out, and we can't wait to get back on stage again to have a gigantic heavy metal party every night with all our Templar friends!"

NINE INCH NAILS will release a new five-song EP, "Not The Actual Events", on December 23. The effort finds NINE INCH NAILS mainman Trent Reznor and now-official bandmate Atticus Ross taking an unexpected left turn from 2013's "Hesitation Marks" and sounding unrecognizable from their current film work.

"It's an unfriendly, fairly impenetrable record that we needed to make," Reznor said in a statement. "It's an EP because that ended up being the proper length to tell that story."

The new material will be available digitally, on one-sided vinyl and as a "physical component."

NINE INCH NAILS also announced the release of the quadruple-vinyl set "The Fragile: Deviations 1". The band's web site says it is a "unique version of NINE INCH NAILS' record ... created by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross," the latter of whom was not associated with the original release. It contains 37 instrumental, alternate and unreleased songs, many of which reportedly have never been released elsewhere. The set will not be available on digital services and is due out in the spring of 2017.

"'The Fragile' occupies a very interesting and intimate place in my heart," Reznor said in a statement. "I was going through a turbulent time in my life when making it and revisiting it has become a form of therapy for me. As an experiment, I removed all the vocals from the record and found it became a truly changed experience that worked on a different yet compelling level. 'The Fragile: Deviations 1' represents Atticus and I embellishing the original record with a number of tracks from those sessions we didn't use before. The result paints a complimentary but different picture we wanted to share."

Reznor has also announced that he and art director John Crawdord are embarking on a reissue project, creating "definitive editions of all the major NIN releases on vinyl." "Broken", "The Downward Spiral" and "The Fragile" are now available to pre-order.

Of the reissue series, Reznor said: "We want to present the catalog as it was intended to be, with no compromises. That means a careful remastering of the audio from the original sources, a painstaking recreation of the artwork, pristine materials, some surprises and an insane attention to detail that you probably won't notice… but it matters to us. No extra bullshit and gimmicks — the 'real' records in their truest form."

"Knife In The Safe Room", 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.

Schleibaum stated about "Knife In The Safe Room": "This song sets the tone for the album both lyrically and sonically.

"While this may be the most fierce album we have ever released, its depth and sonic richness are sure to be discovered as the listener dives in.

"Thematically this song has a dual purpose. On the surface, it is a classic DARKEST HOUR song, ripe with the reflection of today's bleak modern age but as you peel back the lyrics and ideas contained within the album story unfolds, one that is all too common in human history. This is the beginning; it is part bitter reflection of the way things are and part anthem for those who struggle to survive as the world encircles them.

"To quote Nina Simone: 'An artist's duty is to reflect the times.' With that, we hold a mirror to the face of all things truly horrific and give you 'Knife In The Safe Room'."

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).

ANTHRAX has released an open letter to veteran manager Irving Azoff, whose Global Music Rights and the Radio Music Licensing Committee have filed dueling lawsuits over radio rates for songwriters.

Azoff formed Global Music Rights three years ago to compete with the established licensing companies, ASCAP and BMI, which together control approximately 95% of music copyrights. ASCAP and BMI have longstanding agreements with radio stations, which are represented by the trade group Radio Music Licensing Committee, that set rates for airplay.

According to Variety, Azoff's firm holds the rights for 71 clients, including songwriters behind hits by John Lennon, Drake, Justin Bieber and others. GMR has sought to collect rights that are essential to radio stations, and then license those rights for substantially more than the songwriters could get through ASCAP or BMI.

ASCAP and BMI are both not-for-profit performance rights organizations.

Global Music Rights claims that radio stations currently pay only about 4% of their revenue to songwriters and music publishers.

The lawsuit involves only traditional radio stations, excluding companies like SiriusXM or Pandora that are part of a different rate-setting process (and one that Azoff praises as more reasonable for songwriters).

ANTHRAX's open letter to Azoff is the band's attempt to distance itself from the dispute between Global Music Rights and the Radio Music Licensing Committee by clarifying why the group was included on GMR's list of artists it represents. It reads as follows:

"Dear Mr. Azoff:

"As artists and songwriters, we certainly appreciate anyone's efforts to see that we are paid a fair wage for the use of our music, 'fair pay for fair play,' as your lawsuit against the Radio Music License Committee states. As a result of your suit, our understanding is that as of January 1, 2017, more than 10,000 U.S.-based radio stations could be fined if they program songs written by a songwriter represented by your company, Global Music Rights, without first obtaining the proper license. We certainly understand and respect that.

"However, you've included ANTHRAX on your 'What Songs are in the Global Music Rights repertoire' and that mere inclusion presents a skewed and unjust misrepresentation of the complete facts. This could be very damaging to us and to our fellow performers who may find themselves in a similar situation.

"With no disrespect, none of the members of ANTHRAX are affiliated with GMR so the songs we've written would not be included or affected; however, way back in 1999, ANTHRAX did record a cover of the METALLICA song 'Phantom Lord' that was released on a limited-edition ANTHRAX EP. The credited composers for 'Phantom Lord' are our good friends James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and then-METALLICA member Dave Mustaine. As you included METALLICA and MEGADETH on your GMR Rights list, we believe our having recorded that one song some 17 years ago may be the only reason we are included on your list.

"Mr. Azoff, you and the songwriters you represent have every right to fight for fair compensation, and we would completely understand if you were to inform the more than 10,000 U.S.-based radio stations that as of January 1, 2017, they cannot program the ANTHRAX cover of 'Phantom Lord' unless they agree to the GMR licensing terms. But you don't provide that information, you've merely listed 'ANTHRAX' which does nothing other than create a dark chasm of mystery for radio programmers. Without offering responsible specificity for the programmers, such as the actual title of the song that we recorded, written by the particular GMR client, you've created a precarious situation.

"ANTHRAX has recorded and released more than 150 songs over our 35-year career and we don't want radio programmers to think that they cannot play any of those other songs. With the release of our most recent album, ANTHRAX has had two Top 40 tracks at rock radio and our label will be working another song at this format in early 2017. We would ask that you recognize the fact that radio stations are short staffed so likely would not have the time necessary to use your search tool to locate the ANTHRAX song — and there is JUST ONE — that was written by one of your GMR artists.

"Please do the right thing, not just for ANTHRAX, but for all of the artists you've listed on your GMR site — provide specific information to radio about what songs are affected and cannot be programmed without the required GMR license."

"The Soulless Acolyte", a brand new song from Australian metallers AVERSIONS CROWN, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's sophomore album, titled "Xenocide", which will be released on January 20 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

"'The Soulless Acoloyte' is one of my favorite tracks off the album, and another big piece of the 'Xenocide' puzzle to decipher," comments vocalist Mark Poida. "The dudes ripped it on this song; the drums shred and it totally slams!"

"Xenocide" was recorded by Adam Merker at Studio Anders Debeerz in Brisbane and mixed and mastered by Mark Lewis (WHITECHAPEL, DEVILDRIVER, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER) from Audiohammer.

Fans can now pre-order the album with or without the limited "Erebus / Parasites" seven-inch single from the Nuclear Blast web shop. "Xenocide" can also be pre-ordered digitally from iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. Pre-order the album digitally via iTunes or Amazon and receive the songs "Ophiophagy" and "Erebus" instantly.

"Xenocide" track listing:

01. Void02. Prismatic Abyss03. The Soulless Acolyte04. Hybridization05. Erebus06. Ophiophagy07. The Oracles Of Existence08. Cynical Entity09. Stillborn Existence10. Cycles of Haruspex11. Misery12. Odium

The "Erebus / Parasites" seven-inch single was limited to 1,000 copies and split into four different colors: 250 each of gray, blue, clear and magenta.

Seattle-based heavy metal icons QUEENSRŸCHE have released a music video for their song "Bulletproof". The track is taken from the band's latest album, "Condition Hüman", which debuted at No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart, having shifted 14,000 equivalent album units in the week ending October 8, 2015.

Speaking about the influence and subject matter for the clip, QUEENSRŸCHE vocalist Todd La Torre said: "'Bulletproof' is a journey through a relationship gone bad. However painful the relationship is, you still find a way to persevere.

"We elected to present the song in a live setting as a sharp contrast to the videos we've done for the 'Condition Hüman' album to help bring this chapter to a close and start the next journey."

The band plans to enter the studio in January to write and record the follow-up to "Condition Hüman" for a late 2017 release.

In a recent interview with the "Moshpit" show, La Torre stated about what it has been like writing and recording with QUEENSRŸCHE since he took over as lead vocalist in 2012: "It's been a wonderful experience. We're touring constantly throughout the year, and so we're like a family. We're great friends. The writing experience happens on the road, it happens when we go home…we all have our unique writing experiences with each other. I'll write something with just Parker [Lundgren, guitar] or I'll write something with just Michael [Wilton, guitar], or Michael and Eddie [Jackson, bass] will work on something, or Scott [Rockenfield, drums] will work on something on his own and throw it over to me. There's a lot of different configurations in how the writing goes, but it's a lot of fun. It's a great experience."

QUEENSRŸCHE recently embarked on a month-long headlining tour of the United States. Support on the trek came from ARMORED SAINT and MIDNIGHT ETERNAL.

EX DEO, the reactivated Ancient Roman-themed arsenal fronted by KATAKLYSM singer Maurizio Iacono, will release its third album, "The Immortal Wars", on February 24, 2017 via Napalm Records. The cover artwork was created by renowned artist Eliran Kantor, who has previously worked with TESTAMENT, HATEBREED, SOULFLY and KATAKLYSM.

The song "The Rise Of Hannibal", taken from "The Immortal Wars", can be streamed below.

The CD's main concept deals with Punic Wars, a series of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage from 264 B.C. to 146 B.C. The epic legendary wars come to life and bring the showdown between two of the greatest generals that ever walked the earth, Hannibal and Scipio Africanus, both of whom rewrote the rules of war and strategies. The album also features other unexplored subjects on Ancient Rome surely to raise the epic level to the maximum. "The Immortal Wars" track listing:

01. The Rise Of Hannibal02. Hispania (The Siege Of Saguntum)03. Crossing Of The Alps 04. Suavetaurilia (Intermezzo)05. Cato Major: Carthago Delenda Est! 06. Ad Victoriam (The Battle Of Zama) 07. The Spoils Of War 08. The Roman KATAKLYSM guitarist Jean-François Dagenais once again took care of production duties, while Jens Bogren fine-tuned the whole affair at his mixing desk in Sweden.

Says EX DEO: "The new EX DEO album, 'The Immortal Wars', is complete, it's a massive wall of sound and it will make our rivals in 'Roman-hating' bands sound like schoolgirls. The artwork is complete and the word 'epic' and 'dramatic' cannot be expressed more. The music will bring your urge to got to war on behalf of Rome to a level 10. People of the eternal city, feel the might, the album you have waiting for so long is here .. ready, strong and WILL destroy everything in it's path. Ave Roma!"

EX DEO's sophomore album, "Caligvla", was released in August 2012 via Napalm.

Unsung heroes in the world of heavy metal, Omen are for sure beholders of the flame until this very day. Around for more than 30 years, still playing live and releasing albums, their debut album Battle Cry is one of the best pure heavy metal albums in the history of music! 

The two follow-up albums Warning Of Danger and The Curse are fan-favorites as well, all released on Metal Blade Records between 1984 and 1986.

It's about time for some proper reissues, for the first time ever all three albums will be manufactured as Digi-CDs. Battle Cry and Warning Of Danger will feature bonus tracks, while The Curse will have the entire Nightmares EP (originally released in 1987) as a bonus. All three Digi-CDs will be available on Mid-Price and include 18-page poster booklets.

The vinyl are part of the Metal Blade Originals series that started in early 2016 with the reissues of the Slayer titles Show No Mercy, Hell Awaits, Haunting The Chapel and Live Undead.

All three Omen albums will be released with 400g heavy cardboard spine sleeves (inside out print), 60x60cm two-sided artwork posters and 250g inserts.

Preorder now at EMP or at the Metal Blade eBay store.

USA versions:

Battle Cry "Originals-Series" LP reissue
-Transparent-orange-red vinyl edition (limited to 500 copies worldwide)

Warning Of Danger "Originals-Series" LP reissue
-Transparent-metallic-blue vinyl edition (limited to 500 copies worldwide)

The Curse "Originals-Series" LP reissue
-Blood-red vinyl edition (limited to 500 copies worldwide)

European versions:

Battle Cry "Originals-Series" LP reissue
-180g black vinyl edition
-Transparent-orange-red vinyl edition (limited to 500 copies worldwide)
-Deep violet marbled vinyl edition (limited to 300 copies)
-Opaque red/purple splatter vinyl edition (limited to 200 copies - exclusive to eBay)

Warning Of Danger "Originals-Series" LP reissue
-180g black vinyl edition
-Transparent-metallic-blue vinyl edition (limited to 500 copies worldwide)
-Brown orange marbled vinyl edition (limited to 300 copies)
-Blue/white splatter vinyl edition (limited to 200 copies - exclusive to eBay)

The Curse "Originals-Series" LP reissue
-180g black vinyl edition
-Blood-red vinyl edition (limited to 500 copies worldwide)
-Clear wolf grey marbled vinyl edition (limited to 300 copies)
-Blue/white splatter vinyl edition (limited to 200 copies - exclusive to eBay)

Global Music Award-winning Nomadic Mongolian folk metal group, Tengger Cavalry, just 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.

Make sure to catch Tengger Cavalry at one of their only local shows this winter at Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn, NY this Friday, December 16th at 8 PM. The band will be joined by Tungsten, Entropy and Goblin Hovel.

Italian stoner rockers, Rhino, have revealed the cover artwork and tracklisting for their new album, The Law Of Purity. The album’s title track is streaming below.

Rhino blend elements of 70’s and 80’s hard rock, filtered by a fascination for 90’s desert stoner rock and the sulphurous influence of Etna volcano. The Law Of Purity is a monolithic fuzzy machine blended with psychedelic atmosphere, for a journey into lunar landscape, black ash bursts and extended mirages.

The Law Of Purity will be released in CD/DD via Argonauta Records on February 13th.

Tracklisting:

“Intro”
“The Law Of Purity”
“Bursting Out”
“Grey”
“Nuclear Space”
“Eat My Dust”
“Nine Months”
“A.&B. Brown”
“Cock Of Dog”
“I See The Monsters”

“The Law Of Purity”:

The official video for the song "Satan Is Real" from German thrash titans KREATOR can be seen below. The clip was once again filmed with renowned video production company Grupa13, which has previously worked with AMON AMARTH, BEHEMOTH and ELUVEITIE. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Gods Of Violence", which will be released on January 27, 2017 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Commented KREATOR frontman Mille Petrozza: "Hordes! Here is the second video of the demon trilogy we have come up with with the great people from Grupa13. Enjoy our new single 'Satan Is Real'!"

The cover artwork for "Gods Of Violence" was created by renowned artist Jan Meininghaus, who also made the limited-edition artwork for KREATOR's last album, 2012's "Phantom Antichrist", and has lent his talents to bands like BOLT THROWER, ACCEPT and OVERKILL in the past.

The exclusive North American cover was created by renowned artist Marcelo Vasco, who has previously worked with SLAYER, MACHINE HEAD, SOULFLY and HATEBREED.

The track listing is as follows: 01. Apocalypticon02. World War Now03. Satan Is Real04. Totalitarian Terror05. Gods Of Violence06. Army Of Storms07. Hail To The Hordes08. Lion With Eagle Wings09. Fallen Brother10. Side By Side11. Death Becomes My Light

Regarding the "Gods Of Violence" title track, Petrozza said: "'Gods Of Violence' was the first song I wrote for this album and it stuck to me as the title track. It contains everything KREATOR is known for and it will blow your minds. Promise!" He added about the album artwork: "The cover of is a perfect reflection of my lyrical vision. I think this is Jan Meininghaus's best work so far."

KREATOR will tour Europe in support of the new CD beginning in early February. Petrozza and his crew will be accompanied by a varied as well as iconic billing. Brazilian-American extreme metal pioneers SEPULTURA are direct support to the headliners, followed by visionary Swedish melodic death metallers SOILWORK and Belgium's finest death/grind outfit ABORTED.

Speaking about the five-year gap between 2012's "Phantom Antichrist" album and the upcoming "Gods Of Violence", Mille told Metal Wani: "It didn't seem that long, to be honest, because we have been touring so much. And I think in order to come up with something relevant and something exciting, it's definitely important to take some time off, and hat's what we did. After the extensive touring cycle for 'Phantom Antichrist', we just took almost… not two years off — we played a couple of festivals — but, basically, we didn't do much in '15 and until now [in] '16; those two years were free of any long touring. And so, yeah, being able to do this was a luxury, but was also necessary in order to come up with something great."

Mille also talked about the songwriting process for "Gods Of Violence", explaining: "We just wanted to write new songs that are just, 'Wow!' I think that's basically what we had in mind. One thing that we were all conscious about was that we needed to come up with an album that blows everyone away. So whatever it takes, we do. That's the only conscious decision that we made — to come up with something exciting; that's the key."

Regarding KREATOR's decision to return to Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden to record "Gods Of Violence" with producer Jens Bogren (OPETH, AMON AMARTH, KATATONIA), Mille said: "It was fantastic. We had a great time. We knew the location, we knew the studio, and it was really cool. And it was summertime this time, so it was a lot easier, really. It was nice."

KREATOR will headline next year's edition of the annual Decibel Magazine Tour. Support on the trek will come from Florida death metal legends OBITUARY, old-school Ohio brutalizers MIDNIGHT and celebrated progressive death prodigies HORRENDOUS (with regional openers in select markets to be announced next year).




North American cover (by Marcelo Vasco):



International cover (by Jan Meininghaus):

According to Rolling Stone, METALLICA treated patrons at a Hollywood supermarket on Thursday (December 15) to the band's hit song "Enter Sandman". TMZ posted a short clip of James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo surrounding a Gelson's deli meat counter flanked by a speaker inside a shopping cart blaring "Sandman". As they smile and headbang along with others in the gathering crowd, the band gives props to the beaming deli man behind the counter who happily takes the vocal lead with METALLICA's encouragement.

METALLICA played a special intimate show last night at the Fonda Theater in Hollywood, California.

All proceeds from the sale of tickets to this show will be donated to Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Fans were also encouraged to bring canned foods and non-perishable items to the show for donation as well. METALLICA last month played a similar show in Toronto, with proceeds also going to a food bank in that city.

METALLICA's latest album, "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct", debuted as expected at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 album chart on November 27, selling 291,000 copies in its first week of release.