Raleigh, NC-based traditional metal band, Widow, are streaming the song “And We Are One”, featured on the band’s new album, Carved In Stone, out now via Pure Steel Records. Listen to the song below.

The album offers their strongest material to date, yet more diverse than ever before. The follow up to 2011’s Life’s Blood, also on Pure Steel, shows the band taking their true metal sound in a much catchier, song oriented direction. Carved In Stone is a strong, rocking affair that will appeal to traditional metal fans young and old.  

Tracklisting:

“Burning Star”
“Carved In Stone”
“Another Time And Place”
“Wisdom”
“Time On Your Side”
“Borrowed Time”
“And We Are One”
“Anomaly”
“Live By The Flame”
“Of The Blood, We Bind”
“Nighttime Turn”
“Let It Burn”

“And We Are One”:

“Wisdom”:

The 2017 European and Canadian legs of GUNS N' ROSES' already hugely successful "Not In This Lifetime" tour went on sale on December 9 and more than a million tickets have been sold in 24 hours. Tickets for the 2017 U.S. dates go on sale tomorrow, December 10. The "Not in This Lifetime" tour has now sold more than three million tickets in 2016, making it the year's most successful rock tour.

As previously reported, GUNS N' ROSES is coming back to North America next summer for at least another 15 stadium dates, as the band continues its reunion tour. Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan, along with guitarist Richard Fortus, drummer Frank Ferrer and keyboardists Dizzy Reed and Melissa Reese will kick off the new North American run on July 27 in St. Louis, ending on September 8 in San Antonio.

The group has also mapped out a European jaunt that will begin on May 27 in Dublin, Ireland, ending on July 12 in the Netherlands. A July 15 show in Tel Aviv, Israel will also precede the North American leg.

GUNS N' ROSES also has shows booked in Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Thailand and United Arab Emirates between January and early March.

The band kicked off its reunion trek last April with a club show in Hollywood and appearances in Las Vegas and at California's Coachella festival.

The first North American leg of the tour kicked off in late June and included 25 concerts, grossing a staggering $117 million.

Keyboardist Mark Stanway has quit British rock icons MAGNUM after a 36-year stint with the band.

Stanway, who joined MAGNUM in 1982 prior to the recording of the group's third album, "Chase The Dragon", said in a statement: "Due to irrevocable circumstances, I am deeply saddened to announce that I have made one of the most difficult decisions in my life — I have officially left MAGNUM.

"I apologize to anyone who was maybe hoping to see me personally over the next few days, but sadly I will not be there. However, I should like it known, that, I am and will remain extremely proud to have been a small part of it all for the past 36 years or so and wish the band and organization all the best for the future.

"I will, of course, firmly remain in music and hope to see many of you a little further down the road."

The remaining members of MAGNUM have not yet commented on Stanway's departure, but bassist Al Barrow assured fans in an online post that the last three dates of the band's current tour — in Dublin, Wolverhampton and Edinburgh — will go ahead as planned.

In a 2009 interview with Let It Rock, Stanway was asked what he thought was his greatest contribution to MAGNUM had been up to that point. He responded: "Tony Clarkin does all the writing for MAGNUM — but here is some information that has, until now, not been generally known… My wife Mo actually wrote the original piece of piano music that I later adapted and used for 'Sacred Hour', although her writing credits were refused! One of my personal inputs that I am still pleased about is a track called 'The Last Dance': this was originally an uptempo track that was supposed to be like when someone puts the last coin in the jukebox for the last dance of an evening. I wrote a much slower piano part and suggested we made it into a ballad, and when I played it to everyone there was a unanimous decision to record it this way. It's on the 'On A Storyteller's Night' album."




Due to irrevocable circumstances, I am deeply saddened to announce that I have made one of the most difficult decisions...

Posted by Mark Stanway on Thursday, December 8, 2016

The official lyric video for the song "Garden Of Death" from THIS ENDING, the Swedish death metal band featuring former AMON AMARTH drummer Fredrik Andersson, can be seen below. The clip was made by Hard Media (SABATON, RUNNING WILD, PAIN).

"Garden Of Death" is the title track of THIS ENDING's third album, which was released on April 22 via Apostasy Records. The CD was produced by guitarist Linus Nirbrant at his Audiogrind studio. The cover artwork was created by Björn Gooßes of Killustrations (THE CROWN, NERVECELL, DEW-SCENTED). The limited first edition of "Garden Of Death" also included the tracks from the "Systematic Worship" EP, which was recorded during late 2011 and released the following year.

THIS ENDING recently recruited Peter Nagy as its new guitar player. Peter is known from such acts as MÖRK GRYNING, ETERNAL OATH and HYPOCRITE, and has been a vital part of the Swedish death metal scene since the '90s. THIS ENDING is:

Mårten Hansen - VocalsLinus Nirbrant - GuitarPeter Nagy - GuitarLinus Pettersson - BassFredrik Andersson - Drums

Fan-filmed video footage of QUEENSRŸCHE's December 6 performance at Irving Plaza in New York City can be seen below.

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

QUEENSRŸCHE'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.

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 an interview with the "Moshpit" show, singer Todd 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."

La Torre told the Phoenix New Times in a separate interview that QUEENSRŸCHE's split with the band's original frontman Geoff Tate is no longer considered relevant by most people that come to see the group perform. "Everything that happened with the former singer is old news with us," he said. "It's over. It's been three and a half plus years already. You know, people just lie to gossip, and everyone has an opinion. And with the days of the Internet, people feel like they have to express that. It's rare to see positive stuff compared to the negative crap people like to talk about. But people who come to the shows and people in the industry who are our peers — they all get it. When people like that tell you they feel things have improved, you value that feedback."

Former PANTERA and DOWN bassist Rex Brown will tentatively release his debut solo album in May 2017. The effort, which he previously described as a "monster," will see him singing and playing guitar and bass on tracks inspired by his love of 1970s music.

Regarding how his solo disc came together, Rex told Eddie Trunk's SiriusXM show "Trunk Nation" earlier this week: "I went to [the] NAMM [convention in Anaheim, California] last year, and I have a really good friend, this songwriter, Lance Harvill — a great songwriter and just killer guitar player. And we started putting together songs. And it's just one of those things, I feel free again."

He added: "Man, I'm a musician number one, and doing this thing on my own and being an artist is what I've wanted to do for a long time. So I'm just letting the wind blow, buddy. That's all you can do. And the material on this is as good as anything I've ever done."

Brown worked on the solo album with ACCEPT drummer Christopher Williams — whom Rex calls "incredible" — and producer Caleb Sherman, a "New York transplant" who moved his studio to Nashville, Tennessee in 2009.

On the topic of why he decided to make his solo album at Sherman's Cygnus Sound studio, Brown said: "Nashville has become this hotbed of super-cool people. You go to L.A. and you ask somebody to play on your record and they go, 'How much?' without playing a note. Fuck you! Nashville, there's just this community that welcomed me in. I lived at [Caleb's] place; he's got a huge spread."

According to Rex, there will be a number of live performances in support of his solo album, but "it's not gonna be extensive touring," he said. "We're going to Europe, doing a bunch of festivals, and then we'll see where we go from there."

Brown previously described his solo album as "a rock and roll record. It's not your standard fare or typical metal thing," he told Metal Hammer magazine. "I was always a big [LED] ZEPPELIN fan and even though it has its little fringes of it... It's a new journey that sounds like anywhere from FOGHAT to old Tom Waits. I'm a child of the 70s and I love those kind of songs."

After leaving DOWN in 2011, Rex went on play with KILL DEVIL HILL, which has released two albums so far: "Kill Devil Hill" (2012) and "Revolution Rise" (2013).

Asked if there are any plans for KILL DEVIL HILL to do anything in the coming months, Brown told "Trunk Nation": "That's something we're gonna figure out here before the holidays. The options are open on that one. But I've got to do this [solo project] right now."

Brown's memoir, "Official Truth, 101 Proof: The Inside Story Of Pantera", was released in March 2013 via Da Capo Press.




Insane, amazing week producing the new Rex Brown (#pantera). My studio shook and rumbled like never before, and this guys songs and vocals are off the meters. You gonna love it!

Posted by Caleb Kbc Sherman on Friday, October 9, 2015

Former WHITE LION singer Mike Tramp will release his tenth solo album, "Maybe Tomorrow", on February 24, 2017 via Mighty Music/Target Group. The LP is without doubt one of the Danish singer/songwriter's finest efforts so far, and the nature of the music is deeply personal.

"Maybe Tomorrow" was recorded at Medley Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark, once again with Tramp's trusted partner Søren Andersen behind the knobs and on guitar. Mike was backed by the same band in the studio: Morten Hellborn on drums, Jesper Haugaard on bass and Morten Buchholtz on Hammond and piano.

Tramp states about the follow-up to 2015's "Nomad": "When people ask me, why I have made a new album and what it's about, I find myself dumbfounded or even lost for words. To me, what I do is who I am.

"It might have taken me quite a while to reach this place where I feel so at home, and also where I belong. A place where my music is simply an extension of who I am. It might not sound that interesting or mysterious! But in what other way can I express that my songwriting and music is the truthful life of Mike Tramp? I don't want to be anything else or try anything new. I am a torchbearer of my heroes and an offspring of my inspirations. I have not only moved away from the past, but I have grown and I have made my stand.

"When I listen to 'Maybe Tomorrow', I don't just see myself, I now also see my faithful audience that have grown with me, and that is the best feeling of them all." Tramp recently finished another one of his massive U.S. tours, and will be touring Europe extensively to support "Maybe Tomorrow". "Maybe Tomorrow" will be released worldwide on limited-edition blue-color LP (500 copies), black LP, CD and as a digital download.

According to TMZ, former SUICIDAL TENDENCIES bassist Louiche Mayorga has sued Lisa Fancher — founder of Frontier Records — for not regularly paying him his royalties for ST's self-titled album featuring the band's classic song "Institutionalized".

Mayorga claims that he has to repeatedly ask Fancher for his money until she finally sends him a check for an "arbitrary amount." He says these checks never come with an earnings statement, so he has no way to check if he's getting his rightful cut.

According to the suit, Mayorga hasn't received any payments since June when he received an e-mail from Fancher telling him sales were low and he was not a top priority.

In a 2013 interview with Metal Riot, Mayorga said that his tenure in SUICIDAL TENDENCIES was "some of the funnest times in my life." He added that he was "proud" of the band's first album, especially "Institutionalized", which "put us way beyond our expectations." He explained: "[I] can't believe how far it's gone. I'm super proud and sometimes can't believe it, especially with all the other huge bands like METALLICA, ANTHRAX, NOFX, THE OFFSPRING that recognized the first SUICIDAL album."

Another former SUICIDAL TENDENCIES bassist, Robert Trujillo — currently a member of METALLICA — credited Mayorga in a 2014 interview for co-writing "all" of the songs on "Suicidal Tendencies" and "most of the music" for SUICIDAL TENDENCIES' second album, 1987's "Join The Army".

THE PRETTY RECKLESS played an exclusive and intimate show this past Wednesday, December 7 at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles. Professionally filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

THE PRETTY RECKLESS recently broke a record set by 3 DOORS DOWN and has seen its first four mainstream singles hit No. 1 on Billboard's rock chart. The band's new song, "Take Me Down", topped the chart, following in the footsteps of "Heaven Knows", "Messed Up World" and "Follow Me Down" from 2014's "Going To Hell" album. That broke the group's tie with 3 DOORS DOWN and put them in a position to tie or break the next record, five No. 1 singles, which is owned for now by Canada's THREE DAYS GRACE.

THE PRETTY RECKLESS also now have the most No. 1 singles by a female-fronted rock act.

"Take Me Down" is from the band's third studio set, "Who You Selling For", which arrived on October 21.

THE PRETTY RECKLESS singer Taylor Momsen told Yahoo! Music about the musical direction of the band's new album: "It wasn't intentional to go all over the place with this record, but when [guitarist] Ben Phillips and I were writing, we tried really hard not to limit ourselves. As soon as you put any limitations on yourself as a writer, you're immediately stunting yourself. So nothing was off the table. The reason we love rock 'n' roll so much is it represents freedom and it really does encompass everything. Rock 'n' roll is everything — it's the blues, it's jazz, it's funk, it's country, it's pop. It's all those things, so you can go in so many different directions and it's still rock 'n' roll."

Asked what the greatest challenge was that THE PRETTY RECKLESS faced making "Who You Selling For", Taylor said: "Challenges come up along the way. It starts from the beginning. The writing process is always the most torturous, but it's also the most rewarding. It takes the longest and it's the hardest because these songs are coming from your own head and you never know when an idea is going to come. But when we finish a good song, there is no better feeling. The next challenge is taking it to the band and figuring out where the song is going to take us when we're playing as a full band and where the recording is going to go. It's all torture and then complete and utter bliss. But it's all cathartic as well. The ups and downs are necessary to create good art."

Guitarist/vocalist Matt Tuck of Welsh metallers BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE was recently asked several "would you" questions by Impericon. You can check out his responses below.

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE last month released a video for the new song "Don't Need You". The clip was filmed in a church by director Ville Juurikkala, who has previously worked with NIGHTWISH, AMORPHIS, HIM, APOCALYPTICA and MICHAEL MONROE, among others.

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE earlier in the year signed a worldwide deal with Search And Destroy/Spinefarm Records.

The band's last studio album, "Venom", was released in August 2015 via RCA. The CD marked BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE 's first release since the departure of longtime bassist Jason James and addition of Mathias (formerly of REVOKER).

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE drummer Michael "Moose" Thomas took a temporary leave of absence from the band earlier this year to spend time with his wife, as they awaited the birth of his first child. He has since been replaced on the road by Jason Bowld (PITCHSHIFTER, AXEWOUND).

ENEMY REMAINS, the band featuring former FATES WARNING drummer Steve Zimmerman, will release its brand new album, "No Faith In Humanity", on January 20, 2017. The disc was mastered by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (ROB ZOMBIE, QUEENSRŸCHE, HATEBREED).

You can get a taste of the new album by checking out their latest music video for the title track, "No Faith In Humanity", below. The song features Joey Conception (ARMAGEDDON, DEAD BY WEDNESDAY) on guitar and Jeff Curtis (OBSESSION, STIKPIN) on bass.

ENEMY REMAINS was formed in 2005 by Zimmerman and guitarist Tommy Blardo. By 2014 — after releasing their first full-length album, "Two Faces Two Minds", sharing the stage with rock luminaries such as ALICE COOPER, QUEENSRŸCHE and HEAVEN & HELL, being the first local artist invited to perform at Hartford, Connecticut's new 20,000-capacity stadium XL Center, and having their song "Live For Today" featured on Rock Band for Xbox — the band had solidified themselves as a talent to be reckoned with in the northeastern U.S. After a brief hiatus last year — allowing Zimmerman to rejoin the original FATES WARNING lineup reunion celebrating the 30th anniversary of "Awaken The Guardian", and for Blardo to develop his nationally recognized digital radio station Metal Fortress Radio — ENEMY REMAINS is back with the addition of new vocalist Frank Morin and guitarist Scott Kadish, formerly of END TIME ILLUSION. "No Faith In Humanity" sees ENEMY REMAINS experimenting with a more aggressive and melodic style than ever before. Blardo states: "I think our fans are going to be very surprised with the new direction of the band. On this album, we're very focused on vocal melodies and driving songwriting, while still finding room for those anthem-like choruses. Don't worry though, being driven by Steve, we're definitely keeping the progressive sound we've always been known for. We worked really hard on the new album and we're excited to share it with our fans." "No Faith In Humanity" track listing:

01. Colony02. Trust In No One03. Divided By Hate (feat. Nick Bellmore)04. Civilization05. No Faith In Humanity (feat. Joey Conception and Jeff Curtis)06. Breathe Again07. Empty Inside In anticipation of the upcoming album release, ENEMY REMAINS will perform their first local event of 2017 on January 13 at Toad's Place in New Haven, Connecticut. The band will perform as part of a two-day fest, also featuring ALCOHOLICA (classic METALLICA tribute from Connecticut with all-original lineup featuring Kai Blackwood, Ross Ragusa, Ron Celentano and Opus Lawrence), SWORN ENEMY, DEAD BY WEDNESDAY, REVENGE AGAINST GOD, THE SHAPE and DEVIL INSIDE.

ENEMY REMAINS is:

Steve Zimmerman - DrumsTommy Blardo "The Beast" - Guitar/VocalsFrank Morin - VocalsJeff Curtis - BassScott Kadish - Guitar

"Up In Arms", the new lyric video from the hardcore punk unit BLOODCLOT, can be seen below. The song is the title track of the band's new album, which will be released in the spring via Metal Blade Records.

BLOODCLOT is a project featuring true hardcore pioneers: John Joseph of the CRO-MAGS, plus former members of QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE (Joey Castillo, drums; Nick Oliveri, bass), and DANZIG (Todd Youth, guitar).

Says Joseph: "'Up in Arms' is a call to arms for the people of America and across the globe who are sick of the lies, death and destruction of innocent people being caused by the military industrial complex who run governments and propagate unjust wars in order to fill the bank accounts of corrupt businessmen."

Adds Youth: "If you take a look at what is going on right now in the world, corrupt politicians, war, famine, destruction of the planet by the animal agriculture industry — things have got to change before it's too late. Musically I wanted to write something that gave me the feeling I had the first time that I heard DISCHARGE, MOTÖRHEAD or the BAD BRAINS — a relentless wall of sound that makes you think!!"

In addition to being the leader of one of the most influential hardcore bands of all time — the CRO-MAGS — Joseph is an author, an outspoken advocate of plant-based nutrition, and a competitive Ironman tri-athlete. Youth — who played in AGNOSTIC FRONT at the age of 12 — has played guitar with a myriad of artists, including DANZIG, Glen Campbell, MOTÖRHEAD, Ace Frehley, and many more. Additionally, Nick Oliveri has played bass in QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, alongside one of the most sought-after drummers in the scene, Joey Castillo — who has also sat behind the kit for DANZIG and EAGLES OF DEATH METAL.

These four renowned musicians came together when CRO-MAGS guitarist AJ Novello was unable to play a show, and John Joseph called Todd Youth to fill in for him. The two rekindled their friendship and enjoyed playing together so much that a decision was made to reform BLOODCLOT (whose origins date back to a 1981 BAD BRAINS tour). Todd began the songwriting process, and soon after, Joey Castillo and Nick Oliveri were recruited to join the band. With the new lineup in place, and songs to record, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel offered BLOODCLOT a worldwide deal.

In regards to the signing, Slagel comments: "Super excited to be working with these legends! The material is fresh and what you would expect from such an amazing group! Thanks to Tal Ronnen of Crossroads Kitchen for his help on this too!"

Michael Alago — a former record label A&R executive and talent scout for over 24 years — also helped facilitate this new partnership, as BLOODCLOT's manager. Having earned the respect of the industry for his expertise in a wide variety of musical genres, Alago was responsible for signing METALLICA, WHITE ZOMBIE, Alan Vega, Johnny Rotten (with his band PUBLIC IMAGE, LTD.), Cyndi Lauper, Nina Simone (for whom he also acted as executive producer on the acclaimed album "A Single Woman"), among many other artists.

BLOODCLOT is:

John Joseph (CRO-MAGS) - Vocals Todd Youth (ex-DANZIG) - GuitarsNick Oliveri (ex-QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE) - BassJoey Castillo (ex-QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, ex-DANZIG) - Drums

Photo credit: Wass Photography, Dustin Jack Photography, Lloyd Nickell, Tony Virgadamo

DEMON HUNTER has released "Cold Winter Sun", the first new song from the band's forthcoming studio album, "Outlive". The official lyric video for the track, which is now available digitally, can be seen below. "After the longest wait between DEMON HUNTER albums ever, we are so proud to share the first full song from our brand new album" says frontman Ryan Clark. "It feels amazing to finally unleash a piece of this album to the world."

DEMON HUNTER has entered into a new partnership with Solid State Records for the retail, online, and radio release of "Outlive", renewing a bond that began with the release of the band's self-titled debut album in 2002 and has persisted through seven full-length releases, a live album, and an extensive documentary film release. "Extremist", the band's most recent album, enjoyed a Top 20 debut on The Billboard 200 in 2014. "The Last One Alive", "Artificial Light" and "I Will Fail You" received an amount of airplay unprecedented in the band's storied career, a legacy that has seen the group sell over 600,000 albums in North America. Like the album before it, "Outlive" was produced and engineered by DEMON HUNTER guitarist Jeremiah Scott (LIVING SACRIFICE, THE SHOWDOWN) with additional production by the group's longtime collaborator Aaron Sprinkle (ANBERLIN, NEW FOUND GLORY). "Outlive" was mixed by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (ROB ZOMBIE, HATEBREED, QUEENSRŸCHE). "'Cold Winter Sun' is a perfect example of where we're at today, maintaining an element of classic DEMON HUNTER, but not so much as to be resting on our laurels," Clark explains. "It's always been my desire to pull a healthy amount of inspiration from our past, but to also incorporate enough forward progression to keep things interesting." DEMON HUNTER formed in Seattle in 2001. The lineup features Clark alongside cofounder Jonathan Dunn (bass), drummer Tim "Yogi" Watts (drums, since 2004), lead guitarist Patrick Judge (since 2008) and guitarist Scott (since 2011). Clark remains the primary songwriter, with increasing contributions from Judge. "Patrick's contributions to 'Outlive' unveil an exciting new path for the future of the band," promises the frontman. "He wrote the music for 'Cold Winter Sun' and it's absolutely one of my favorites from the record." DEMON HUNTER's dedicated supporters wear the group's symbol and lyrics on their shirts, vests, backpacks, and in many cases, on their skin. Based in both Seattle and Nashville, the group embraces brazenly transcendent melodies, without apology, while maintaining a defiant heaviness reminiscent of the most timeless of metal. A regular attraction at festivals, in theaters, and clubs, DEMON HUNTER has visited Europe, Australia, and South America, while touring North America several times. They were a headlining act on "Scream The Prayer", co-headlined with the band RED, played as direct support to IN FLAMES and introduced their fans to bands like AUGUST BURNS RED and HASTE THE DAY, who they took on tour with them early in their career. Put simply, DEMON HUNTER is an American metal institution. "Outlive" is expected in March 2017.

THE UNGUIDED — the Swedish band featuring former SONIC SYNDICATE members Richard Sjunnesson (vocals) and Roger Sjunnesson (guitar; Richard's brother) — has parted ways with guitarist/singer Roland Johannsson (also ex-SONIC SYNDICATE) and has replaced him with Jonathan Thorpenberg. Thorpenberg previously performed with THE UNGUIDED on the band's last tour.

To mark a new chapter and to introduce Jonathan as well as honor everyone who had been part of the band over the past few years, THE UNGUIDED has decided to release a digital two-track EP titled "Brotherhood". The effort will be made available on December 23.

Commented THE UNUGIDED: "The 'Brotherhood' EP initiates a complete new chapter in THE UNGUIDED universe and paves way for the upcoming trilogy of albums. Not only is it a new beginning of the band with the addition of the very gifted vocalist/guitarists Jonathan Thorpenberg, who will take over the heavy and crucial crown of Roland Johansson, but it also continues the story that's been the pivot of which the lyrics and illustrations have orbited around since formation of the band. The two brand new compositions, 'Nighttaker' and 'Daybreaker', were the first songwriting initiative after the reformation and we'll always try our best to honor our past legacy whilst keeping our minds wide open in regards to all the excellent musicianship that exist within the boundaries of this band.

"We love all our seven brothers that have ever been involved in this band, and everything they brought to the table. It all made THE UNGUIDED as great as it is today. 'Brotherhood' is a huge homage to their hard work which will never be forgotten! You'll always be one of us."

Adds Jonathan: "First of all, I would like to thank the band for allowing me — a person who has never been involved with a major band, been on tours, or recorded in flashy studios — to be a part of this band's new lineup.

"The task of filling Roland's part in THE UNGUIDED will not be an easy one. Not only because I have the utmost respect for him as a musician, and a human being, but also because his style of singing and playing has become a defining factor in the band's overall sound. However, I will do my absolute best to do the old songs justice while, inevitably, bringing my own expression into them.

"I have known the guys in the band for almost two years now and we have developed a sort of musical chemistry that allows us to write songs that we are very proud to present to you all.

"This is an exciting new chapter for me, the band, and hopefully for all of you. I can't wait to see what the future has in store!"

THE UNGUIDED has already unveiled the cover art, track listing of "Brotherhood" and first music video, "Nighttaker". Check it out below:

"Brotherhood" track listing: 01. Nighttaker 02. Daybreaker

A new album from THE UNGUIDED with Jonathan is in the works and is scheduled for a 2017 release.

Brazilian/American metallers SEPULTURA will release their new studio album, "Machine Messiah", on January 13 through Nuclear Blast. The band has just made available the official lyric video for the CD's first digital single, "I Am The Enemy". Fans who pre-order the album digitally will receive track immediately.

SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser states: "The song 'I Am The Enemy' was one of the last songs we worked on before going to Sweden to record the album. It's really simple and straightforward, with a strong influence of the hardcore scene of the '90s. The lyrics talk about ourselves as human beings, with concepts and pre-concepts implanted in our heads through education, religion, the environment and all of our own experiences. We are the problem and the solution. Do not blame anything or anyone else but yourself; you are your own enemy. Face yourself, rethink your life and then you'll have a chance to make a better world for yourself."

He adds: "We are playing the song live already and the reaction is being amazing. Now you all have the chance to listen to the album version. Play it loud!"

Inspired by the robotization of our society, "Machine Messiah" was produced by the band and Jens Bogren (SOILWORK, OPETH, KATATONIA, AMON AMARTH) of Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden. The CD's stunning cover artwork was created by Filipino artist Camille Della Rosa.

Kisser stated: "I found the work of Camille Della Rosa during some research I was doing to look for alternative artists to work on the cover of our new album. I had the concept in my mind and the name of the album, 'Machine Messiah', but that didn't matter much since I was looking for different styles and ideas, different artists. When I saw her paintings, I was really impressed by her style, full of colours and meaning, very unique and alive! She comes from the Philippines, a place where we performed some years ago and we could feel the intensity of their culture, very powerful! She has that power in her paintings and drawings!"

He continued: "The main inspiration around 'Machine Messiah' is the robotisation of our society nowadays. The concept of a God Machine who created humanity and now it seems that this cycle is closing itself, returning to the starting point. We came from machines and we are going back to where we came from. The messiah, when he returns, will be a robot, or an humanoid, our bio-mechanical savior.

"The painting 'Deus Ex-Machina' is a masterpiece! I was really shocked to see how her concept of the painting was a perfect fit to our concept! The cover was done six years ago for our new album and she didn't know it! Neither did I, but I'm glad we crossed each others paths.

"Camille's work is intense and in your face. We are lucky to have such a great artist working with us; she's kind and very talented. She brings something new and exciting to a career of 32 years during which amazing artists have created memorable and iconic album covers."

Kisser added: ""I'm very happy with everything about 'Machine Messiah'. It is a SEPULTURA album but with a new direction and intensity, a new musical challenge, a step forward! Can't wait to show the world our music for the new Messiah coming."

"Machine Messiah" track listing:

01. Machine Messiah02. I Am The Enemy03. Phantom Self04. Alethea05. Iceberg Dances06. Sworn Oath07. Resistant Parasites08. Silent Violence09. Vandals Nest10. Cyber God

Regarding how SEPULTURA ended up working with Jens Bogren on the new CD, Kisser told SVT.se: "We did like a small research on different producers that we didn't work [with] before; we wanted to work with somebody new. And the Swedish music and scene and the bands like MESHUGGAH, OPETH and many others inspired us to come here and to work with him. He also worked with KREATOR, a band from Germany, and ANGRA, another band from Brazil, friends of ours, and I was really impressed with the way he worked [with] both bands."

According to SEPULTURA singer Derrick Green, "Machine Messiah" sees him and his bandmates continuing to take their sound in new, previously unexplored directions, something that has become somewhat of a SEPULTURA trademark.

"This album, it's exciting, because I think a lot of fans don't have any idea what to expect, but they know that a SEPULTURA album is always different from the last," Derrick said. "I think that makes us better musicians, and I think that's what our fans expect."

Photo credit: D.O. Blackley

Polish heavy metallers CRYSTAL VIPER have released a video for the first single from their new album, titled "Queen Of The Witches". "The Witch Is Back" clip was produced by the Grupa 13 production house, which previously worked with KREATOR, BEHEMOTH and AMON AMARTH. "The Witch Is Back" single is available as an online stream on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services, while the digital download is available on iTunes and Amazon. Fans that preorder the digital version of "Queen Of The Witches" will be able to immediately download "The Witch Is Back" for free. After a four-year absence, CRYSTAL VIPER's new concept album, "Queen Of The Witches", will be released on February 17, 2017, via AFM Records. The disc was produced by Bart Gabriel (CIRITH UNGOL, MYTHRA, SACRED STEEL), and engineered and mixed by Mariusz Pietka (JACK STARR'S BURNING STARR, LONEWOLF, MORTICIAN). The album's cover artwork was created by German artist Andreas Marschall (RUNNING WILD, BLIND GUARDIAN, OBITUARY). "Queen Of The Witches" also features three special guests: MANOWAR co-founder and guitarist Ross The Boss, and Jeff Dunn (a.k.a. Mantas) of VENOM and VENOM INC. will appear with guitar solos in two of the songs. In addition, one of the songs is a duet between CRYSTAL VIPER frontwoman Marta Gabriel and Steve Bettney, vocalist of the NWOBHM cult heroes SARACEN. "Queen Of The Witches" will be available as limited-edition vinyl LP (first pressing: 500 copies on white vinyl, gatefold cover), CD, and digital download. The LP and CD versions will include different bonus tracks.

During an appearance on Eddie Trunk's SiriusXM show "Trunk Nation" earlier this week, Sebastian Bach was asked if there have been any updates on his long-rumored reunion with other members of the classic lineup of SKID ROW. He responded: "All I can say is that [my manager] Rick [Sales] is talking to [SKID ROW's early manager] Doc [McGhee]. That's all I can say. That is what is happening, and I don't have anything else to tell you. All I can tell you is we're not getting any younger, folks. [Laughs] Let's put the hair band back together while we've got hair. [Laughs]"

SKID ROW has played a number of shows in recent months with the South African-born, British-based singer ZP Theart (DRAGONFORCE, TANK, I AM I), but he has not been officially named the band's new frontman. Theart stepped into the group following the departure of Tony Harnell, the TNT vocalist who joined SKID ROW in April 2015 as the replacement for Johnny Solinger, the band's singer for fifteen years.

Despite the fact that fans have been clamoring for a reunion of SKID ROW's most popular lineup for nearly twenty years, guitarist Dave "Snake" Sabo told The Aquarian Weekly a few months ago that the band had no intention of reconnecting with Bach. "Happiness, to me, is my spirit and my soul is more important to me than having dollars in my wallet," he explained. "People may [not] believe that and that's okay. Anybody who knows me knows that to be true. I don't think you can place a price on happiness. We've been hit repeatedly over the years with, 'Why don't you do a reunion tour?' And you know what? I understand the question and I get it. I really do, and if I were on the outside, I'd be asking the same question, but no one feels comfortable with that idea."

Bach has consistently expressed his desire to reunite with his former bandmates, telling Loudwire earlier in the year: "I don't have any reason why not to do that. I have no animosity towards anybody in SKID ROW, and the fact that we're all, five of us, still alive in this world is a pretty amazing feat. So I would someday definitely like to hear the five guys who made those records play live together again. Yes, I would. 'Cause I'm a fan too." He added: "I'm up for it, if they are."

After touring for a year and a half throughout almost every corner of the world and leaving fans of all nationalities breathless, the time has come for NIGHTWISH to immortalize their "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" tour on DVD. Therefore, the symphonic metal visionaries are set to release their new live milestone, "Vehicle Of Spirit", in Europe on December 16 (U.S. release to follow on January 6), featuring not only two full concerts, but also plenty of bonus material.

The third trailer for "Vehicle Of Spirit" is available below.

"The title 'Vehicle Of Spirit' came from a friend of Troy's [Donockley, multi-instrumentalist], who after seeing our show a few years ago defined NIGHTWISH as 'a vehicle of spirit that defies category.' That beautiful description has followed us ever since, and felt like a perfect match as the DVD title," states NIGHTWISH keyboardist and songwriter Tuomas Holopainen.

"Vehicle Of Spirit" will be made available in the following formats:* 2BluRay-Digibook (feat. Live @ Wembley Arena London & Live @ Ratina Stadion Tampere + extras)* 3DVD-Digibook (feat. Live @ Wembley Arena London & Live @ Ratina Stadion Tampere + extras)* 2BD+3DVD+2CD-Earbook (limited edition, content as above + 2CDs (feat. The Wembley Show)* Exclusive NB Mailorder BOX (Earbook + 3LP vinyl (black, white, red vinyl) + 12” poster + 12” photo card)

DVD1 (The Wembley Show)

01. Shudder Before The Beautiful02. Yours Is An Empty Hope03. Ever Dream04. Storytime05. My Walden06. While Your Lips Are Still Red07. Élan08. Weak Fantasy09. 7 Days To The Wolves10. Alpenglow11. The Poet And The Pendulum12. Nemo13. I Want My Tears Back14. Stargazers15. Ghost Love Score16. Last Ride Of The Day17. The Greatest Show On Earth DVD2 (The Tampere Show)

01. Shudder Before The Beautiful02. Yours Is An Empty Hope03. Amaranth04. She Is My Sin05. Dark Chest Of Wonders06. My Walden07. The Islander08. Élan09. Weak Fantasy10. Storytime11. Endless Forms Most Beautiful12. Alpenglow13. Stargazers14. Sleeping Sun15. Ghost Love Score16. Last Ride Of The Day17. The Greatest Show On Earth DVD3 (Extras)

01. Weak Fantasy (Vancouver)02. Nemo (Buenos Aires)03. The Poet And The Pendulum (Mexico City)04. Yours Is An Empty Hope (Joensuu)05. 7 Days To The Wolves (Espoo, Barona Arena)06. Sleeping Sun (Masters Of Rock)07. Sahara (Tampa Bay)08. Edemah Ruh acoustic (Nightwish Cruise)09. Last Ride Of The Day (Rock In Rio feat. Tony Kakko)10. Élan (Sydney)11. Richard Dawkins Interview From Wembley

Sold-out arenas and spectacular shows with never before seen pyro effects, wind machines, video screens and of course NIGHTWISH's incomparable melodies are the elements that made their latest tour so unique. Special highlights for the band have been two particular shows though: The one in London, where they not only played their hymns such as "Élan" and the majestic "The Greatest Show On Earth" to more than 12,000 fans, but also welcomed the world famous scientist Richard Dawkins live on stage with them. Richard Dawkins's works had a massive impact on the thematical orientation of their latest studio album ”Endless Forms Most Beautiful". Finland's Tampere show however was a home run for the band and never before NIGHTWISH had such an immense stage production with them:

"I would say the main part of the DVD are those two shows, both Wembley and Tampere," says Tuomas. "Wembley is mentioned first due to its recognizability and legendary status. I remember the show being very special, both a goal achieved, and a starting point. The crowd was heartwarming. The presence of Richard Dawkins on stage was just mind-blowing. The overall experience was a once-in-a-lifetime thrill ride! The show in Ratina Stadion, Tampere, was a home crowd specialty (for four-sixths of the band) with the biggest stage production we've ever had. A lovely atmosphere throughout the concert, with many same faces in the front row as there were 15 years ago. Heartfelt."

When it comes to the fine artwork of the DVD, NIGHTWISH decided to walk different paths this time and come up with a little alternative idea, as Tuomas explains. "We didn't want to include a traditional band shot for the cover, as on the previous DVD release 'Showtime, Storytime'," he says. "So we started brainstorming on different options and the idea of a classic silent movie era Hollywood visuals quickly came up. With those classic slogans the cover has a little tongue-in-cheek-touch to it, but it's still classy and eye catching in its simplicity and originality."

German thrash titans KREATOR have released the first video trailer for their upcoming album, "Gods Of Violence". Watch KREATOR mainman Mille Petrozza talk about the album's title, its creation and the band's musical evolution since the 2012's "Phantom Antichrist".

"Gods Of Violence" will be released on January 27, 2017 via Nuclear Blast Records. The cover artwork for the disc 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

The video for the "Gods Of Violence" title track can be seen below. The clip was filmed with renowned video production company Grupa13, which has previously worked with AMON AMARTH, BEHEMOTH and ELUVEITIE.

Mille commented: "We have prepared an amazing video trilogy with Grupa13 for our new album. We believe that they are among the most creative artists when it comes to surreal video art. The storyline is linked to our album concept and the first clip visualizes the birth of the KREATOR demon."

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):

Ahead of their performance at this year's Revolver Music Awards on December 13, Italian heavy rockers LACUNA COIL have an early and very special Christmas gift for their fans — a new song called "Naughty Christmas". You can buy and/or stream "Naughty Christmas" on all digital platforms. The front cover and font were all created by bassist Marco "Maki" Coti-Zelati. LACUNA COIL just wrapped up a successful European tour, which was sold out in various cities, including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Southampton and Tilburg. The band is set to do another run of dates in 2017.

LACUNA COIL's latest album, "Delirium", entered The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 33 with first-week sales of just over 13,000 units — nearly all from pure album sales. The set follows the No. 27-peaking "Broken Crown Halo", which also opened with around 13,000 copies back in 2014.

"Delirium" was released on May 27 through Century Media. The CD was recorded at BRX Studio in Milan between December 2015 and February 2016. The effort was produced by LACUNA COIL bassist and main songwriter Marco "Maki" Coti-Zelati, with engineering by Marco Barusso and additional assistance from Dario Valentini. Coti-Zelati also created the artwork for "Delirium", which is based on an atmospheric session captured by Italian photographer Alessandro Olgiati.

LACUNA COIL has recruited Diego Cavallotti as a fill-in guitarist for the band following the recent departure of Marco "Maus" Biazzi.

Biazzi left LACUNA COIL in January, explaining in a statement: "I felt I couldn't add more in this project any longer so I decided to leave my second family, LACUNA COIL, to take a different path for a new challenge in my life.

German/American metallers ACCEPT will release a new live set titled "Restless And Live" on January 13, 2017 via Nuclear Blast. This package will include the entire show ACCEPT played at 2015's Bang Your Head!!! festival in Balingen, Germany on Blu-ray/DVD plus two CDs.

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

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

"Restless And Live" track listing:

Blu-ray / DVD:

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

CD1:

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

CD2:

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

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

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

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

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

RED DRAGON CARTEL, the band led by former OZZY OSBOURNE and BADLANDS guitarist Jake E. Lee, has begun writing material for its second album, tentatively due next year.

Back in September 2015, RED DRAGON CARTEL was rejoined by singer Darren James Smith after a period of several months during which the band played shows with a number of other vocalists, including former JONES STREET frontman Shawn Crosby, Canadian singer Paul D'Eath (CITIZENS UNITE, MUSHROOM TRAIL), Chas West (Jason Bonham, LYNCH MOB, 3 LEGGED DOGG) and Michael Beck.

RED DRAGON CARTEL in March 2015 announced the departure of bassist Greg Chaisson, who exited the group because he could "no longer take any more time away from [his] regular job."

RED DRAGON CARTEL's debut CD sold around 5,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 69 on The Billboard 200 chart.

RED DRAGON CARTEL's setlist includes original material like the singles "Feeder" and "Deceived", as well as major hits from Jake E. Lee's glorious past: "Bark At The Moon", "The Ultimate Sin" and "Rock 'N' Roll Rebel" (all originally recorded by OZZY OSBOURNE), as well as "Shine On" and "High Wire" (BADLANDS).




We're back in the studio working on our next album.

Posted by Red Dragon Cartel on Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Professional rock photographer Chad Lee has uploaded previously unseen video footage of DAMAGEPLAN rehearsing the PANTERA classic "Becoming" on October 23, 2004. Check out the clip below.

Vinnie Paul Abbott recently said that DAMAGEPLAN would have been in it for the long haul had the band's guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott not been murdered exactly twelve years ago today.

Dimebag was co-founder and lead guitarist for PANTERA. When PANTERA broke up in 2003, Dimebag and his brother Vinnie Paul formed DAMAGEPLAN. On December 8, 2004, while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by Nathan Gale. He was 38 years old.

During an appearance on "Trunk Nation", Eddie Trunk's new show on SiriusXM channel Volume (106), Vinnie Paul was asked if he thought DAMAGEPLAN would have been around for years to come if Dimebag's life hadn't been cut short. He responded: "I do. We were hurt. We didn't know what happened with PANTERA. It wasn't an official breakup; there wasn't anything where we said, 'Well, that's it. We're done.' It's just…. They [vocalist Philip Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown] just quit taking phone calls and [were] off doing their own thing, and so we felt like it was time for us to move on and do our thing."

He continued: "The first [DAMAGEPLAN] record, I think, was pretty diverse. We wanted to do something that didn't sound exactly like PANTERA, and with [the material that was written for] the second record, it was really focused, man. I've got the demos and some day they'll come out. But I really feel like we had turned a corner. We'd been out, the fans had seen us, and they'd accepted the fact that this was our new thing at this point."

According to Vinnie, touring with DAMAGEPLAN was a humbling experience after spending several years playing in mostly arenas with PANTERA.

"You don't get anything easy when you come from a big band and you go and start another one," he said. "You learn real fast that, 'Wow! I went from the top of the mountain to all the way back to the bottom, and I've gotta start over.'"

Since his brother's murder, Vinnie Paul has released several Dimebag-related items through his Big Vin Records label, including DVDs and the paperback book "He Came to Rock". Vinnie later said that the Dimebag-related releases weren't an attempt to cash in on his brother's tragic end but rather a way to keep Dimebag's legacy alive and well.

"It's sad to say, but you just get larger than life when you're gone," Vinnie told "Trunk Nation". "It's just really weird. I really appreciate it, man. The fans have kept his legacy and everything he's done intact and alive, and it's just constantly growing, man. His legend's huge."

DAMAGEPLAN — whose lineup was completed by singer Patrick Lachman and bassist Bob Zilla — released its debut album, "New Found Power", in February of 2004. The group was touring in support of the record at the time of the shootings.

"Mindfight", a brand new song from LOCK UP — the international grindcore "supergroup" featuring Kevin Sharp (BRUTAL TRUTH, PRIMATE, VENOMOUS CONCEPT), Anton Reisenegger (PENTAGRAM, CRIMINAL), Shane Embury (NAPALM DEATH, BRUJERIA, VENOMOUS CONCEPT) and Nick Barker (CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR) — can be streamed below. The track is taken from LOCK UP's forthcoming album, "Demonization", which will be released in March 2017 via Listenable. The disc was recorded at Parlour Recording Studios in Kettering, U.K. with longtime friend and acclaimed producer Russ Russell (THE EXPLOITED, NAPALM DEATH, EVILE, THE BERZERKER, DIMMU BORGIR).

"Demonization" is the first LOCK UP album to feature "vokillist" Kevin Sharp, who replaced Tomas Lindberg (AT THE GATES) in 2014.

Kevin made his live debut with LOCK UP at Manizales Grita Rock festival in Colombia in October 2014.

Said Sharp: "Barker is an absolute pleasure to follow — hits like an asshole on fire. Anton's tones and riffage are simply metallic and classic. And Shane and myself — well, we've done VENOMOUS CONCEPT for over 10 years now — I know how the man is wired.

"I'm super stoked to see the variables put together… This is gonna be ridiculously heavy."

Russ previously stated about his renewed collaboration with LOCK UP: "I'm absolutely chuffed sick to be back in the studio with my old mates LOCK UP.

"It's been 13 years since we last dipped our toes in the lake of fire. This time we're diving in head first screaming for Satan."

Germany's Lunar Shadow are set to release their debut album, Far From Light, via Cruz Del Sur Music on February 24th in Europe and March 10th in North America. The new song, "Hadrian Carrying Stones”, is streaming below.

Far From Light delivers eight brand new songs with a playing time of over 60 minutes. Epic, melodic, thoughtful, and proudly regressive.

Led by guitarist Max "Savage" Birbaum, Lunar Shadow have worked their way to the debut LP with patience and extreme dedication. After the release of their first EP Triumphator in 2015, the band played a number of select live shows, including the Harder Than Steel Festival and gigs with Atlantean Kodex, Dark Forest, and Argus.

One year later and there are tales of strange sounds in the hills. Chariots are being prepared for war. The women and children are fearful. Lunar Shadow have returned.

In 2015, former Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth and his band once again brought a fascinating guitar performance to the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany, this time with the focus on the Scorpions history. Video of the full performance can now be seen below:

Uli Jon Roth will release a very special live performance from the Nakano Sun Plaza Hall in Tokyo, Japan on December 16th via UDR Music, entitled Tokyo Tapes Revisited - Live In Japan. The performance is a celebration of Roth's classic work with the Scorpions, and was recorded on February 20th, 2015 at the same venue as the band's classic 1978 live album, Tokyo Tapes.

Roth was a founding member of the Scorpions in 1973 before leaving to pursue a solo career in 1978 with his own Electric Sun. As the recognized creative heartbeat of the Scorpions, Roth achieved worldwide fame for his unique guitar and song-writing talents, in turn causing him to influence a plethora of modern guitar giants such as Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins and Steve Vai.

Watch a Tokyo Tapes Revisited - Live In Japan clip of Roth and his band performing "Virgin Killer" below:

Tokyo Tapes Revisited - Live In Japan will be released in four different formats:

1. Video & audio recording of Roth's Tokyo concert in a BluRay digipak containing one BluRay video disc and two audio CDs.

2. The same as Product 1 only in a DVD digipak.

3. A digital audio copy of the Tokyo concert.

4. A super-deluxe boxset, limited to 800 copies. It will be a proper, lid-off shell box containing 4 heavyweight vinyl LPs of Roth's 2015 Scorpions Revisited release which has never been released on vinyl. There will also be an 80-page, gatefold, hardcover 12" book which will house 8 discs - 1 BluRay concert main-feature, 1 bonus BluRay disc (which will contain the original footage from the first Japanese Scorpions Tour 1978, shot personally by Roth on his Super 8 Camera), 2 audio CDs of the main Tokyo concert and 4 bonus audio CDs of Roth's Osaka and Nagoya dates on the same Japanese tour. The set will also include an ULI JON ROTH replica guitar key-ring, a t-shirt, and a signed certificate of authenticity, numbered and signed by Roth himself.

Pre-orders for Tokyo Tapes Revisited - Live In Japan CD/DVD and CD/BluRay versions are available via Amazon (widgets below), and digital is available via iTunes with “Virgin Killer” instant grat.

See below for an image of everything included in the super-deluxe box set, which is available exclusively via UDR Music's web store here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In January, New York City's Black Anvil returns with As Was, the staggering fifty-minute follow-up to 2014's Hail Death. The new album’s title track is now available for streaming below.

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

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

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

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

As Was tracklisting:

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

“As Was”:

“May Her Wrath Be Just”:

Black Anvil will tour North America throughout January and February 2017 in support of their new album with black metal legends Mayhem and Inquisition. A full list of dates can be seen below.
 
January
20 - Club Solda - Montreal, QC
21 - Phoenix Theater - Toronto, ON
22 - Agora Ballroom - Cleveland, OH
23 - Agora Ballroom - Chicago, IL
24 - Turner Hall Ballroom - Milwaukee, WI
25 - Mill City Nights - Minneapolis, MN        
27 - Gothic Theater - Denver, CO
28 - The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT
30 - Marquee - Calgary, AB
31 - Starlite Room - Edmonton, AB

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

(Photo - Lani Lee)

Hillbilly metal band, Fearless, is now signed by Rehn Music Group, and their new single, ”Blood Sweat & Shine”, will be released early-2017, followed up by their first album. Rehn Music Group is a label/management company founded by Tommy Rehn, former member of Moahni Moahna, Angtoria, and Corroded.

Fearless, from Vagnhärad, Sweden, was founded by the brothers Andy Forssander (drums) and Tobias Forssander (guitar) in 2012. The band also features Michel Kolic (vocals) and Martin Åberg (bass).

After spending some time with the brothers relatives in the deep south of Louisiana bayou, and taught how to make moonshine, fix old rusty cars, fishing and of course playing some music with the locals, they went back home to deliver a heavy mix of hard rock, metal, hardcore and a twist of blues, or as they say “Hillbilly metal”.

Their debut single, “Hillbilly For Life”, was self-released in 2015, produced by Kristoffer Folin at Purple Skull Media in Stockholm, followed by a music video (streaming below). Since then they have been touring around Sweden and played at some of the biggest rock festivals such at Sweden Rock and Skogsröjet. They also did a US tour in 2015, travelling from east to west and through, of course, the south.

(Photo - Åsa Edling)

From the ashes of the old rises the spirit of the new, Ryder, a 4-piece hard rock/metal band based out of Queens, NY.

June 26th, 2016 was the day that it all started for Ryder. If you enjoy the sounds of Twisted Sister, Dokken or Black Sabbath Ryder might just be what you're looking for. It took no time at all for them to be asked to perform at the world-renowned Whisky A Go Go and the Chance Theater. They have been asked to open for Ted Poley, Ross The Boss, Dope, Motorgrator, One Eyed Doll, Wednesday 13, LA Guns, Faster Pussycat, Tracii Guns, Flotsam And Jetsam and Joe Lynn Turner, just to name a few.

Ryder delivers a powerful style of music that is still appreciated by the masses and can really get the crowd going. The group consists of James Ryder (vocals/guitar), Andrew Bloch (guitar), Dennis Torrent (bass guitar), and Matt Hass (drums). Together they deliver a pulse pounding, adrenaline-fuelled performance that will leave you wanting more.

Ryder has announced the release of their IV EP on January 1st. The EP was engineered and produced by Anthony Esposito (founding member of Lynch Mob, former Ace Frehley bassist, and current bassist for Jake E. Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel). The EP features four songs drawing influence from the likes of Thin Lizzy, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, but still producing their own sound.

Pre-order the EP at this location.

Occult doom supergroup, Dead Witches, have unveiled the artwork and release date for their debut, Ouija, due out in the winter of 2017 via Heavy Psych Sounds.

Drummer Mark Greening (former Electric Wizard, also of Ramesses and With The Dead) and vocalist Virginia Monti (Psychedelic Witchcraft) joined forces to found the heaviest occult psych superbeast to see the light this year: Dead Witches. Coming as a nice surprise for fans of the aforementioned bands and more generally, of crushing psychotropic doom, the formation of this supergroup led to the high anticipation of their debut album, which details were just revealed today.

Ouija will be issued on February 10th through Heavy Psych Sounds. The album will be available on black vinyl, limited purple vinyl, CD and digital. A video for "Mind Funeral" can be found below.

Tracklisting:

“Intro”
“Dead”
“Drowning Down The Moon”
“Ouija”
“Mind Funeral”
“Sometimes Dead Is Better”

“Mind Funeral” video:

Dead Witches lineup:

Virginia Monti - Vocals
Mark Greening - Drums
Carl Geary - Bass
Greg Elk - Guitar

(Photo - Viki Crandon)