German technical/progressive death metal luminaries, Obscura, have just shared a new playthrough video, which features fretless bass virtuoso Linus Klausenitzer shredding his way through the title-track of the band's latest release, Akroasis. Watch below.

"When I thought to record another playthrough video, I decided for the title track of our new album Akroasis," said Linus Klausenitzer. "As it is a very atmospheric song, the bass lines are probably the easiest one to play on the whole album. This way I hope to motivate people to try playing the song themselves and to pay more attention to phrasing on bass. In this video I play my fretless Ibanez BZB7 that people ask me about very often. I recorded 90% of the album with this bass."

Produced by the band and V. Santura (Triptykon, Pestilence), Akróasis (released this past February via Relapse) is eight songs diverse enough to serve as a near-comprehensive introduction to all of extreme metal. Packed to the gills with virtuosic musicianship, compelling themes, and airtight songwriting, Akróasis has breathed new life into death metal, progressive metal and beyond. Akróasis is out now worldwide via Relapse Records on CD, 2xLP and Digital.

The Akroasis bass and guitar tab books are available via the band’s official website here. Watch the recently released guitar playthrough video for "Ten Sepiroth”:

Florida based power-groove metal band, Dark Matter, has finally released their long-awaited second album, Encipher, which will be officially presented on December 7th with an exclusive release party event at the State Theatre in St. Petersburg. The band will perform an exclusive and not to be missed show with some very special guests such as War Of Thrones, Avenging Benji, Dolt and The Dood. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.

Born in 2012, Dark Matter is a supergroup featuring Jeff Lords (bass guitar), founding member of the iconic prog metal band Crimson Glory, Paul Beach (vocals), Terry Schambers (guitar) and Jesse Rojas (drums).

 Jeff Lords has often expressed, "Trees that don't bend with the wind will snap."

"It's become our desire to layer vastly different styles of metal together. Keeping elements of prog, but getting into themes that are emotionally heavy and go way deeper than something written to be purely abstract” says Lords“abstract is cool, but writing songs that people can relate to is more challenging, which makes it more satisfying when people like it. Musically you can hear our past, present, and future in the title track Encipher ... we feel like we've only begun."

Encipher also features Todd La Torre (Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory) as a very special guest vocalist on four tracks 1,3,4 and 7.

Tracklisting:

“Silence Is Rage” (featuring Todd La Torre)
“I.C.B.”
“Bones” (featuring Todd La Torre)
“Kaordic World” (featuring Todd La Torre)
“Encipher”
“Greater Than The Pain”
“Nemesis” (featuring Todd La Torre)

“Encipher” video:

Get your copy now via iTunes or Amazon (widget below).

“Hell yeah. This kills!” - Todd LaTorre upon hearing "Silence iI Rage"

"... great bass sound and great guitar chops!" - Carlo Heefer (Cirrha Niva)

"Cool stuff. I really love the title track!" - Dana Burnell (Crimson Glory/Persuasive Reason)

"It is really good material and correct, its not like CG." - Dustin Hardman (Massacre Records)

 

 

(Photo - Lisa Larkin)

Hardline have released an official EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for their new album, Human Nature (out now). Watch below.

Tracklisting:

“Where Will We Go From Here”
“Nobody’s Fool”
“Human Nature”
“Trapped In Muddy Waters”
“Running On Empty”
“The World Is Falling Down”
“Take You Home”
“Where The North Wind Blows”
“In The Dead Of The Night”
“United We Stand”
“Fighting The Battle”

EPK:

“Take You Home” video:

“In The Dead Of The Night”:

“Nobody’s Fool”:

“Where Will We Go From Here” video:

Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody are streaming “Il Cigno Nero” [Reloaded], the live track from the upcoming Prometheus, The Dolby Atmos Experience + Cinematic And Live release. Listen below:

Prometheus, Symphonia Ignis Divinus was chosen to be the first studio album in music history to be remixed in Dolby Atmos. Renowned producer/mixing engineer Chris Heil (Scorpions, David Bowi) mixed the entire masterpiece in Dolby Atmos - the mindblowing result will be submitted for the 2017 Grammy nominations. Prometheus, The Dolby Atmos Experience + Cinematic And Live will be released December 9th via Nuclear Blast.

Watch two trailers below:

Trailer #1:

Trailer #2:

Luca Turilli, responsible for composition and orchestra- and choir-arrangements states: "The new Dolby Atmos sound fits perfectly with Luca Turilli's Rhapsody music just as the Rhapsody music - emotional, visionary and cinematic in its nature - is perfect to showcase the potential of an amazing technology destined to revolutionize the field of immersive audio's experience. From a composer's point of view, Dolby Atmos is like the advent of a canvas with colors in three dimensional space. It enables me to place the band, orchestra and choir around me like I would in a real life situation, granting to the listener an emotional and breathtaking journey in a parallel dimension. Every instrument can finally breathe and live in three dimensions, turning the Dolby Atmos version of Rhapsody's music into a divine, musical experience of transcendence. No limits for creativity anymore. This new Dolby technology allows my heart and soul to finally express themselves with complete freedom and exciting force!"

But what actually is Dolby Atmos?

Cinemas discovered this new format and integrated loud speakers in their ceilings to place the listener into an 'acoustic honeycomb’.

"This novelty has now reached the home technology and we at Yamaha wanted to support the project of Luca Turilli's Rhapsody with an audio blu-ray-disc in Dolby Atmos“, Michael Geise from Yamaha explains. "It's a very thrilling challenge and makes this release a vivid and new experience. And since we are always looking for new contents, the cooperation with Luca Turilli was a great idea for us. Dolby Atmos is already included in our receivers and the customer can immediately use it - but so far only few releases support this new format and usually it is only available for films, not for music blu-rays. But now it is and we created a medium that could easily bring instruments to life, without any artificial effects. We had the know-how to turn this performance into a real live experience with our loudspeakers, receivers and the new sound bar that brings the musicians almost right into everyone's living room!"

Producer and mixer Chris Heil found Luca Turilli's Rhapsody almost by accident: "I heard excerpts from Prometheus, Symphonia Ignis Divinus in the studio right next to me and knew immediately that this was the material I wanted to use to showcase the potential of Dolby Atmos to the world. This kind of music is made for this format with its combination of band,orchestra and choir arrangements. I called Luca Turilli immediately to ask his permission to use the material and he immediately agreed.

The result of their two months long cooperation is a vivid combination of metal, filmscore and a wide variety of ethnic elements. "It is incredibly entertaining and inspiring to listen to the result. It's the first album in my 36-year career where I had to leave longer pauses between the tracks because you really need time to digest that bombastic sound. It's mindblowing," states Chris Heil. And Luca Turilli agrees: "Dolby Atmos will bring a revolution to the world of films and music and allows you to enjoy every release even more!"

Prometheus - The Dolby Atmos Experience (Audio Blu-ray) tracklisting:

“Nova Genesis (Ad Splendorem Angeli Triumphantis)”
“Il Cigno Nero”
“Rosenkreuz (The Rose And The Cross)”
“Anahata”
“Il Tempo Degli Dei”
“One Ring To Rule Them All”
“Notturno”
“Prometheus”
“King Solomon And The 72 Names Of God”
“Yggdrasil”
“Of Michael The Archangel And Lucifer's Fall Part II: Codex Nemesis”

“Rosenkreuz (The Rose And The Cross)”:

This unique package will be completed by two brand-new live CDs, which were produced by Luca Turilli and Alex Landenburg, mixed by Christian "Moschus" Moos at Spacelab Studio (Grefrath, Germany) and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio (San Marino).

"Cinematic And Live is the first live product to be released by my Luca Turilli's Rhapsody band and represents the live album I always dreamed of. It was recorded in Italy, France, Germany and Spain in 2012 and 2016 and it almost includes all the songs played by Luca Turilli's Rhapsody until now. We recently played our show number 100 and this important release represents the perfect celebration for these last years of live activity around the world. Cinematic And Live features songs from both the Ascending To Infinity and the Prometheus cinematic tours and it includes over 120 minutes of Rhapsody music: the newest songs, the old classics and some titles from my solo discography, too. The mix of Christian "Moschus" Moos and the mastering of Simone Mularoni were the cherry on the cake for this live album sounding really powerful, soulful and emotional like no others, with the important live atmosphere adding a new and exciting dimension to Luca Turilli's Rhapsody's cinematic music!"

Cinematic And Live tracklisting:

CD1
“Nova Genesis”
“Il Cigno Nero” [Reloaded]
“Rosenkreuz (The Rose And The Cross)”
“Land Of Immortals”
“Aenigma”
“War Of The Universe”
“Of Michael The Archangel And Lucifer's Fall” [Extract]
“Excalibur”
“The Ancient Forest Of Elves”
“Son Of Pain”
“Prometheus”
Drum Solo
“Knightrider Of Doom”
“Warrior's Pride”

CD2
“The Astral Convergence”
“The Pride Of The Tyrant”
“Tormento E Passione”
“Demonheart”
Bass Solo
“Warrior Of Ice”
“Of Michael The Archangel And Lucifer's Fall Part II - Of Psyche And Archetypes”
“Dark Fate Of Atlantis”
“Dawn Of Victory”
“Quantum X”
“Ascending To Infinity”
“Emerald Sword”
“Finale”

Prometheus, Symphonia Ignis Divinus was composed and produced once again by Luca Turilli, responsible as always of all the orchestral and choral arrangements. It was recorded and mixed at the Backyard Studios of Sebastian Roeder (Bonfire a.o.) and mastered by Christoph Stickel (Michael Schenker’s Temple Of Rock a.o.) at MSM studios.

Seven months of composition, three months of production, over 50 days of mix, two choirs, several special guests, including Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Dan Lucas (Karo) and David Readman (Pink Cream 69). Including 70 minutes of epic music, sounding cinematic, bombastic and dramatic as never before, the new Rhapsody masterwork will lead the listener to an emotional and memorable journey between quantum gates, parallel dimensions, myths and legends hiding cosmic truths, ancestral secrets and spiritual revelations.

On February 17th, SPV/Steamhammer will re-release Virgin Steele's Visions Of Eden as a 2CD digipak. The first disc will contain a remixed version of the entire album and the second disc will contain a remastered presentation of the original version. The package will also include a huge booklet with new liner notes and unseen photos by David DeFeis.

The music from this album first appeared on the Theatrical Stage in what was already the third metal opera delivered by David DeFeis to the Landestheatre Scwaben of Memmingen Germany, the first being Klytaimnestra Oder Der Fluch Der Atriden (based on the two Virgin Steele albums The House Of Atreus - Act I, & The House Of Atreus Act II). Due to the success of the first opera, that work was quickly followed by Die Rebellen, an epic based on The Marriage Of Heaven & Hell and Invictus albums. Both of the first two operas, Klytaimnestra Oder Der Fluch Der Atriden, and Die Rebellen premiered to huge success in Germany, and were extravagantly staged and taken on tour. In 2003 the Visions Of Eden Work premiered on the theatrical stage as Lilith again to great success, with over 50 performances to its credit. While many groups have presented metal operas on record, Virgin Steele is the only group that I know of that has managed to present not just one, but three metal operas on the theatrical stage. The band even managed to get noticed by the “straight press”, such as Der Speigel and Opera News. In the truest sense Virgin Steele combine classical music and subject matter with true power metal in their own inimitable fashion.

In the Work Visions Of Eden - The Lilith Project - A Barbaric Romantic Movie Of The Mind…contrary to what the title implies, this album promises no fulfillment of the utopian dream even though the orchestration again shows lavish full-metallic creativity and the band re-demonstrates its compositional strength throughout.

Its composer David DeFeis, explains: “Visions Of Eden is most definitely not about happiness, peace, contentment or eternal tranquility… it is in fact the complete opposite. It is about disorder, strife, struggle, dominance, the annihilation of a culture, the annihilation of a way of life, and the violation and annihilation of a human being. I have based this work around the history of the destruction of Paganism, Gnosticism and the desecration and eradication of the Goddess Principle that once dwelt so freely within Divinity. A massive blow was struck against these early beliefs, by first, the rise of the "Father-God" principle, and second by the development of "organized" religions. The Visions Of Eden album concerns Lilith, first wife of Adam, (he of Biblical fame, as in Adam & Eve and the apple, the snake and all that fig leaf and rib propaganda), plus Ancient Sumerian Myths concerning Lilith’s relationship with Adam, Eve and God. However, that being said, in actuality, it is really about today…modern times and how we might have arrived here at this strange place we now currently inhabit.”

Visions Of Eden tracklisting:

CD1: Remixed Version

“Immortal I Stand (The Birth Of Adam)”
“Adorned With The Rising Cobra”
“The Ineffable Name”
“Black Light On Black”
“Bonedust”
“Angel Of Death”
“God Above God”
“The Hidden God”
“Childslayer”
“When Dusk Fell”
“Visions Of Eden”

CD2: Remastered

“Immortal I Stand (The Birth Of Adam)”
“Adorned With The Rising Cobra”
“The Ineffable Name”
“Black Light On Black”
“Bonedust”
“Angel Of Death”
“God Above God”
“The Hidden God”
“Childslayer”
“When Dusk Fell”
“Visions Of Eden”

Acclaimed metal drummer Adam Sagan, who has played with CIRCLE II CIRCLE, WHITE EMPRESS, INTO ETERNITY and WITHERFALL and who has written for Drumhead magazine, has died after battling T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, a blood cancer. He was only 36 years old.

Sagan's brother Nate confirmed Adam's passing in a Facebook post, writing: "I want to thank everyone who helped support Adam Sagan and our family during his battle with cancer. Today his epic and relentless fight is coming to an end. Nobody has ever touched more people than my brother and he will be missed, but certainly not forgotten. Thank you all for the love and support. Stay strong, Adam would have wanted it that way."

WITHERFALL bandmate Joseph Michael wrote about his friend: "Adam and I had been communicating on a daily basis as we were preparing to release the WITHERFALL record. I hadn't heard from him in a few days, so I contacted a mutual friend.

"I feel like I have been hit by a truck. All he wanted was to beat this scourge and get back to doing what he loved: playing music.

"It fills me with dread to know he will not live to see this record released."

Former NEVERMORE and TESTAMENT guitarist Steve Smyth also posted a heartfelt tribute to Sagan on Facebook, writing: "First time I met you was when I was out with NEVERMORE on the 'Enemies Of Reality' tour back in 2003 (though I'm convinced it was earlier than that!). Great dude you were then, and always will I remember you as! Two years later, we toured together on 'This Godless Tour', and got to hang a bit more on that one. Always a kind word, always a positive attitude, ready to help if you could.

"The world has lost a good soul, I lost a good friend, and music has lost an awesome talent.

"Rest in peace, until we meet again. My deepest condolences to your family and friends."

CIRCLE II CIRCLE bassist/keyboardist Mitch Stewart wrote: "I sit here typing this with tears streaming down my face... My brother and bandmate Adam Sagan has lost his battle with cancer.

"I met Adam a few years ago when he came into CIRCLE II CIRCLE. We hit it off right away. He was my roommate. He was my smoking buddy. My brother in rhythm. And one of the greatest people I have ever known.

"I still cannot believe I am talking about him now in the past.

"Adam Sagan, my brother and true friend, I will miss you dearly. We will all miss you.

"This leaves a huge HUGE hole in my heart, brother. I hope you took it to heart when I told you I love you. I do and always will, man. May you rest in peace, and I'll see you on the other side."

CIRCLE II CIRCLE guitarist Bill Hudson said: "I can't believe I'm typing this... but I just lost another close friend. I heard it earlier but refused to believe it until his brothers posted it: Adam Sagan has just lost his battle with cancer. I swear I talked to him two weeks ago he was okay! He was almost done with chemo...

"We started playing together in 2008 and in 2012 he was hired as the drummer for CIRCLE II CIRCLE and we toured the entire world together, from Dubai to all of Europe to Sao Paulo and the U.S. There's more memories than I care to try and process right now...

"What the fuck. WE LIVED together for a few months in 2009...

"Last we talked, he was ready to start playing again...

"I can't believe this is happening.

"I'll leave you with one of my favorite memories: Him speaking Portuguese to the audience at our show in my hometown of Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2013. (See video below)

"I'm gonna miss this guy..."

INTO ETERNITY wrote: "With heavy hearts, we say farewell to our longtime friend and bandmate Adam Sagan. We have lost another brother to the scourge of cancer.

"Adam was far too young but brave beyond his years.

"We will miss you, Adam, and we will never forget the countless stages we shared and miles we traveled. Our hearts go out to your brothers and to your family. May you finally have found peace."

Adam's family is welcoming donations to help defray his final expenses at GoFundMe.com.

Photo credit: Caroline Traitler

Seattle-based heavy metal icons QUEENSRŸCHE have released a music video for their song "Hellfire", which spotlights the Malaysian passenger flight crisis in 2014.

Speaking about the influence and subject matter for the clip, QUEENSRŸCHE vocalist Todd La Torre said: "'Hellfire' is a depiction primarily based on the tragic events surrounding the Malaysian airline flight MH17. Despite the storyline's foundation, the lyrical and visual narrative transcends into other pertinent, global subject matters. Civil unrest, guerrilla warfare, media propaganda, and social inequalities are just some examples of the multifaceted issues marbled throughout 'Hellfire'. A poignant illustration of an unfortunate yet timeless reality."

"Hellfire" is taken from 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 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 is coming from ARMORED SAINT and MIDNIGHT ETERNAL.

METALLICA frontman James Hetfield recently spoke to The Canadian Press about his decision to abandon his Instagram profile more than three years ago after posting regularly on the photo-sharing social media site for close to twelve months.

"I got sucked into the social media around… I was trying to be hip, trying to be cool," Hetfield explained (see video below). "You know, my kids are on Instagram [so I thought], 'I wanna try this thing.' I just wanted to look like the cool dad to my kids. And I ended up being just… It was this huge time sucker, and that's all I was thinking about. 'Oh, hey, I'm here. I can take a picture and put it on Instagram and get some hits,' or whatever, and trying to get many followers… But there is a good part to that — you know, there's actually people you can meet and converse with and get to know, and then when you get to their town, you're [like], 'Wow, hey, you're here.' And you make a friend. But most of the time, it was just sucking my time, and I just started to neglect regular life. It was living in the cyber world, and it was not for me."

METALLICA's latest album, "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct", debuted as expected at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 album chart last month, selling 291,000 copies in its first week of release. Both of the band's previous outings, 2008's "Death Magnetic" and 2003's "St. Anger", sold more copies in shortened sales weeks. "Death Magnetic" moved 490,000 copies in a three-day window, while "St. Anger" shifted 418,000 copies in a similar frame.

Asked why it took METALLICA eight years to record and release the follow-up to "Death Magnetic", Hetfield told BBC News: "Well, anything worthwhile takes work. You know, a marriage is tough enough but being married to three other guys in a band for 30-odd years? We're guys and we all have our own agenda — and we can be cynical about each other's agendas. We're creative, too, so we make up tons of stuff in our heads if we don't communicate. So communication is pretty huge."

He added: "We love each other and we hate each other and sometimes it's really easy, sometimes it's really hard, but it's always worth it."

The Canadian police officer who warned drivers that they would be subjected to listening to NICKELBACK in police squad cars if they were arrested for being drunk behind the wheel has apologized to the band.

According to CBC News, it all started when Kensington Police Service shared a photo on Facebook of NICKELBACK's "Silver Side Up" album with a message encouraging people to use a designated driver or cabs when going out during the holiday season, adding that police will be out "looking for those dumb enough to feel they can drink and drive."

The post continued: "On top of a hefty fine, a criminal charge and a year's driving suspension we will also provide you with a bonus gift of playing the office's copy of NICKELBACK in the cruiser on the way to jail. So please, let's not ruin a perfectly good unopened copy of NICKELBACK. You don't drink and drive and we won't make you listen to it."

Although TMZ reported that the band contacted the cops and asked for the post to be removed, the officer who wrote the post, Constable Robb Hartlen, now says that the decision to delete the message was taken after he made contact with the band to apologize and that he discovered they share strong feelings about drinking and driving.

In a new Facebook post, Hartlen wrote: "So what do you do when you use a joke to carry a message, but the message turns into the joke?

"The other day I created a post in the hopes of bringing awareness to drinking and driving and in doing so I suggested that I would be playing NICKELBACK in the back of my cruiser for those that made the ill-advised decision to drink and drive and had been apprehended for the same. At the time I thought this was a great idea, all pure intentions, get the message out… Type type type .. click... and post. There. All done.

"Well, as we have seen, our little post became an international story. And somewhere in the noise, the message of 'don't drink and drive' was overshadowed by negativity towards the band I said I would play if you did.

"At first, I admit, I was fine with the way I worded the post. I was sure a hugely successful band would be fine with a little good will shade thrown their way, after all it's for a good cause. But the more successful the post became, the less the 'don't drink and drive' message was mentioned and the fact we love or love to hate NICKELBACK took centre stage. And that prompted me to think less about NICKELBACK as the 'entity' and more about the four guys, four human beings from Alberta who were dragged into this international story. And the more I thought about that, the less funny the humor seemed.

"I was accused of making light of drinking and driving. I was stunned by that. I, as a police officer, and as EVERY police officer before me, know too well the catastrophic devastation drinking behind the wheel can create. Police officers, as well as my brother and sisters in the fire and paramedic world will attest to, having to attend the scenes of these events. The destruction to not only vehicles, but to families, bodies, entire lives, we see this destruction. We smell the pain mixed with booze covered in motor oil and blood. We take these images and sensations home with us. At no point will any of us make light of drinking and driving.

"I'm a police officer. I love being a police officer. I love the interaction with the town, I love being able to be a symbol of what is right and just with our world. And because of that fact, how could I, later this week, walk into an elementary school classroom in uniform and try to teach the kids that bullying is wrong when I was guilty of the exact thing? How would I tell my son he was wrong for picking on a kid in the playground when I was doing the same thing, but I was doing it not on the local playground, no, I was doing it on a global scale to a global audience. The message being heard was no longer 'don't drink and drive,' and in its wake was a group of guys and their families left wondering why they were the global butt of a joke that they had not deserved. And for that I am sorry.

"I am sorry to Chad, Ryan, Mike and Daniel. Not as just members of NICKELBACK, but more importantly as fellow Canadians. I'm sorry guys because I didn't take a moment to think of you AS just guys. Having to watch as media around the world takes a pot shot at you and having no way to defend yourself. I didn't take a moment to think of your families as news agency after news agency used their loved ones as a punchline. I didn't take a moment to think that you guys were the ones that stepped up first to the plate when other Canadians in Fort Mac needed help. I didn't take a moment to think that you were the ones that give not only money to hundreds of charities but you routinely give that all important currency, time. You guys share so much with so many and I truly feel bad for using that the way I did. It was not my intention, It was not my desire but it was the outcome and I have to own that. So for that I am sorry. We are better than that. As a police officer, we are better than that. We don't succeed off the backs of others. We are called to lift up those that are down. Be supportive in a time of need. We are better than that. As Canadians, we are better than that. We don't embrace being a bully and being cruel and belittling of the work others have done. We strive for acceptance, for equality and fairness. We are better than that.

"So instead of just walking away from my misstep, I have reached out to NICKELBACK. To Chad, Ryan, Mike and Daniel. I have reached out to their families and offered my apologies but I still have a strong belief in the original message of not drinking and driving. And as we spoke, I found out some wonderful news. They feel just as strong about it as I do. So we decided it was best to take down the original post.

"Now moving forward, instead of anyone being the butt of a joke, Kensington Police Service will be launching a new 'anti-drinking and driving' message. One that embraces all Canadians and with a united voice we will shout back against drinking and driving. We will work to help many, not shun a few.

"So stay tuned, readers... There are great things on the way..."

NICKELBACK is currently at work on its ninth studio album, tentatively due in early 2017 via Republic Records.

So what do you do when you use a joke to carry a message, but the message turns into the joke? The other day I created...

Posted by Kensington Police Service on Friday, December 2, 2016

On November 10, BackstageAxxess conducted an interview with singer Klaus Meine of German hard rock veterans SCORPIONS. You can now listen to the chat in the YouTube clip below.

Speaking about the departure of longtime drummer James Kottak — who was dismissed from the band during his well-publicized his battle with alcoholism — and addition of former MOTÖRHEAD member Mikkey Dee, Klaus said: "With Mikkey, it's fantastic. It really gives the band a fresh shot of energy. Mikkey, [he] joined this band where we just played the big encore. And at the end of this year, we all need a break. And Mikkey is, like, 'C'mon, guys. We've gotta keep going. This is so fantastic. We have such a good time. The fans are amazing around the world. And let's keep going.' And we say, 'Okay.' But at this point, we've played everywhere. We've been everywhere — we've played all continents, and even in Australia. So at the end of this tour, we all need a break. But, of course, we will pick it up at some point, because it really feels great with Mikkey."

He continued: "James [had] been with us for twenty years; it's such a long run. And we're still in touch, and it's great to hear from him. He's feeling much better now and he's getting back on track. We said to him, 'James, it's so important… You're a healthy guy. You're the guy we all love so much — the band, your family, the fans — so you've gotta really take care of yourself and really think of you first and your health situation. So he went into a long rehab and was really taking it serious and really taking care about himself. And we gave him all the support we can give him. And it looks like he's really in a good way, and his health at the end of this year is so much better than it's been ever before. So that's really good."

Klaus added: "But what can I say? There came a point in the spring when we had to make this decision and really what's great is that Mikkey came in and joined the band. He's a great drummer, a great musician, a very powerful drummer and very well respected after more than twenty years with MOTÖRHEAD. It's all about attitude, and he's a great guy. The chemistry between us worked right away. We had a great time between when we played the Carolina Rebellion in early May until now. We had a lot of fun, and the SCORPIONS fans welcomed Mikkey. And at the same time, they're sending their thoughts and prayers to James, which is a wonderful thing."

Kottak rejoined the SCORPIONS on the road in November 2014, eight months after he spent a month in a Dubai, United Arab Emirates jail in April for insulting Islam.

Kottak released a statement in June 2014 in which he said "this entire incident caused me to realize that it is time to stop drinking once and for all so that I can become the father, musician, and friend that I know I can be."

Legendary musicians and music industry executives will join together to be inducted into the annual Hall Of Heavy Metal History on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the Anaheim Expo Center, Anaheim California. Television and radio personality Eddie Trunk will host the event.

Proceeds from the event are being donated to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund.

The 2017 Hall Of Heavy Metal History inductees include: * Ronnie James Dio (RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, DIO) (With Wendy Dio accepting the induction)* Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE)* Frankie Banali (QUIET RIOT) (along with a special 33rd-anniversary induction of QUIET RIOT as the first band to achieve the #1 heavy metal album status).* Lemmy Kilmister (MOTÖRHEAD) (with a special guest accepting the induction)* Ross "The Boss" Friedman (MANOWAR)* Vinny Appice (BLACK SABBATH, DIO)* Don Airey (DEEP PURPLE)* Andy Zildjian (president/CEO of Sabian cymbals)* Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne) (with the Rhoads family members accepting the induction) Additional artists and music industry executives to be announced.

"The Hall Of Heavy Metal History is dedicated to preserving the legacy of those Legendary metal musicians who are often forgotten," says Hall Of Heavy Metal History president/CEO Pat Gesualdo. "This event is something the fans have been wanting for a long, long, time. As a non-profit organization, we are also dedicated to working with Wendy Dio and the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund."

A press conference and general admission entrance will commence at 6:30 p.m. and will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The induction ceremony will take place from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A VIP meet-and-greet with the celebrity inductees will take place after the induction ceremony. Live bands will perform throughout the night.

Music fans can be a part of the most important night in heavy metal!! Tickets are $25.00 for general admission, and $75.00 for the meet-and-greeet with the celebrity inductees. A general admission ticket is required to attend the meet-and-greet event, which includes pictures and autographs with the celebrity inductees, and gift bag with an official VIP Pass, a limited-edition autographed poster, an official event t-shirt, an official event program, and additional sponsor items.

Tickets are available at www.thehallofheavymetalhistory.org/store.

Hall Of Heavy Metal History is a non-profit organization dedicated to enshrining forever, those legendary musicians, music industry executives, DJs, journalists, and producers who are often overlooked, but responsible for making heavy metal music what it is today. Their contribution to the genre is invaluable, and they keep inspiring heavy metal fans throughout the world, from generation to generation.

Hall Of Heavy Metal History is a division of the non-profit organization D.A.D. (Drums And Disabilities). With over 45 million + major media impressions, top celebrities, sports stars, law enforcement agencies, major corporations, child protective agencies, school systems, United States Congressmen and senators, doctors, teachers, and the United States Department of State have joined with D.A.D. to help bring therapy programs and services to disabled children and their families in over 15 countries.

MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Phil Campbell and vocalist Neil Starr of PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS (formerly PHIL CAMPBELL'S ALL STARR BAND) were interviewed by Planet Rock's Paul Anthony at the Planet Rockstock festival on Friday, December 2 at Trecco Bay, South Wales, United Kingdom. You can now watch the chat below.

PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS released its self-titled debut five-track EP on November 18 via Motörhead Music. The effort marks Phil's first release since iconic MOTÖRHEAD frontman Lemmy Kilmister's untimely death last December.

However, Campbell told Planet Rock that Lemmy is always with him. "He's in my mind all the time," he said. "Like. I can't get to sleep some nights because he's fucking asking me for cigarettes. We left a great legacy."

Commenting on THE BASTARD SONS' decision to include some MOTÖRHEAD classics — such as "Ace Of Spades" — in its live set, Phil said: "It's great that Neil is not trying to clone Lem when he's singing some of our songs. People love Neil's voice and everything."

Phil added: "Since Lem has sadly passed away and MOTÖRHEAD is no more, we've changed the [band] name [from PHIL CAMPBELL'S ALL STARR BAND] and had more time to do stuff. We just thought we'd do an EP to start with, and Neil's come up with amazing vocals and melodies and lyrics, so it's a been a really interesting year for us."

Asked when a PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS full-length album might see the light of day, Phil responded: "I'm still in the middle of [making] my [debut] solo record. Apart from having a bunch of offers for shows next year, I'm going to try and get a lot done on my solo record and also try and get on with the BASTARD SONS full-length."

He continued: "We're not going to rush anything; it's got to be good. What's the point in putting out crap?"

"Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons" EP track listing:

01. Big Mouth02. Spiders03. Take Aim04. No Turning Back05. Life In Space

Legendary rockers DEEP PURPLE have released a 30-second trailer for their upcoming studio album, "inFinite", due in early 2017 via earMUSIC. The album's first single will be made available on January 20.

The follow-up to 2013's "Now What?!", "inFinite" was tracked in February at a studio in Nashville, Tennessee and was once again helmed by Bob Ezrin, who has previously worked with KISS, PINK FLOYD, PETER GABRIEL, ALICE COOPER and KANSAS, among others.

DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan recently told Antihero magazine about the PURPLE songwriting process: "DEEP PURPLE was different than any other kind of writing I do with other people. DEEP PURPLE is primarily an instrumental band, and the routine is we book [time] in a studio somewhere, and the [other] guys [in the band] come in at noon. They start jamming and they work 'till six o'clock, take a break at three for a cup of tea and then do that every day. Roger [Glover, bass] and I listen to the music and clock out the occasional bit and think that might be okay for a tune on the album or something. Then we start refocusing on making arrangements and how to develop the song. Then when it is all tucked away, I start thinking about the lyrics and the tunes. There is no point before they get literally torn up every day because everything changes every day. There's no shortage of things to write about lyrically. There is no point trying to create a tune on something that's going to change in a couple of hours. That's how it worked with PURPLE. This is primarily an instrumental band. I just climb on board and write it along."

DEEP PURPLE recently announced the "The Long Goodbye Tour", set to take place at the end of 2017.

The tour name fuels speculation that DEEP PURPLE is planning to retire from the road after travelling the globe countless times over the course of a nearly five-decade career.

PURPLE drummer Ian Paice suffered a minor stroke last year, forcing him to miss the band's shows in Sweden and Denmark — the first time his medical condition prevented him from performing with the group.

Support on the trek will come from Swedish hard rockers EUROPE. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 9 at 9 a.m. from www.aeglive.co.uk.

DEEP PURPLE — which has been eligible for induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for two decades now — finally entered the Rock Hall as part of the class of 2016. The band's first three lineups were inducted, including drummer Ian Paice, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, late keyboardist Jon Lord, and various singers and bassists — Rod Evans; Ian Gillan and Roger Glover; and David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes.

STONE SOUR will celebrate the tenth anniversary of its classic second album, "Come What(ever) May", with an extraordinary new deluxe edition. "Come What(ever) May: Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition" will be available Friday, December 16 via digital download, streaming services, and 2LP black and gold mixed vinyl — the RIAA-gold-certified, Grammy Award-nominated collection's first ever vinyl release. Pre-orders for "Come What(ever) May: Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition" are available now at STONE SOUR's official webstore, including a number of exclusive limited-edition bundles. "Come What(ever) May: Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition" is heralded by previously unreleased acoustic version of "Zzyzx Rd.", the official video for which can now be seen below. "Come What(ever) May: Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition" has been remastered and appended by an array of bonus material (see track listing below). The album is now joined by an array of rare tracks, B-sides, and more, including never-before-heard versions of "Through Glass", "Zzyzx Rd." and "Cardiff", as well as an electrifying acoustic cover of THE ROLLING STONES' "Wild Horses". STONE SOUR unleashed their eponymous debut album in 2002 and was immediately confirmed as one of the most popular and significant hard rock outfits of the 21st century. "Stone Sour" earned RIAA gold certification while singles "Get Inside" and "Inhale" each received Grammy Award nominations for "Best Metal Performance." "Come What(ever) May" followed in 2006 and proved an even greater accomplishment with a top 5 debut on The Billboard 200 and a #1 entry onto Billboard's "Rock Albums" chart. The acclaimed album spawned still another Grammy-nominated single in "30/30-150" on its own way to RIAA gold certification. STONE SOUR's best selling album to date, "Come What(ever) May" unleashed a series of rock radio classics, including "Sillyworld", "Made of Scars", the #1 hit, "Through Glass", which spent seven weeks atop Billboard's "Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks" while also reaching #2 on Alternative Songs and the Top 40 on the overall Hot 100. The song's companion video was also a favorite, now with over 44 million individual views at YouTube alone. "Come What(ever) May: Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition" track listing:

LP 1

Side A

01. 30/30-15002. Come What(ever) May03. Hell & Consequences04. Sillyworld05. Made Of Scars06. Reborn Side B

01. Your God02. Through Glass03. Socio04. 1st Person05. Cardiff06. Zzyzx Rd. LP 2

Side A

01. Though Glass (Live Acoustic) *02. Wicked Game (Live Acoustic) *03. Wild Horses (Live Acoustic) *04. Cardiff (Acoustic) *05. Zzyxx Rd. (Acoustic) * Side B

01. Suffer02. Fruitcake03. Freeze Dry Seal04. The Day I Let Go05. The Frozen

* Previously Unreleased

STONE SOUR has written and demoed eighteen songs for its sixth studio album, with plans to hit the studio in January for a likely mid-2017 release.

Massachusetts metallers KILLSWITCH ENGAGE have released the "Beyond The Flames: Home Video Part II" two-disc, Blu-ray and CD package.

"Beyond The Flames: Home Video Part II" is a treasure trove of gripping content containing over three and a half hours of footage that is sure to delight KILLSWITCH ENGAGE fans. At the heart of this release is a 75-minute documentary that chronicles the return of original vocalist Jesse Leach, after nearly a decade of being apart, to the band he helped form back in 1999. The piece also takes a close look at the KILLSWITCH ENGAGE early years that eventually led to Leach's initial departure. Produced and directed by KILLSWITCH ENGAGE storyteller Denise Korycki, this documentary picks up right where their 2005 "(Set This) World Ablaze" release left off, revealing the untold rest of the KILLSWITCH ENGAGE story.

A clip from the documentary can be seen below. "We are pleased to show people the journey we have been on as a band," said Leach. "From the first show to even the last one we played recently, I know I have much more to learn and to offer as a musician and a lyricist. I am proud of all we have done since my first day returning to this band. However, I am certain we have just started to gain momentum and find our groove together. We are honored to be in and are dedicated to this band and wherever the future takes us. I hope people can see us for who we really are. We are just five guys who love to make music and love our fans." For those KILLSWITCH ENGAGE fans craving more live footage, "Beyond The Flames: Home Video Part II" definitely doesn't disappoint. 17 live performances have been captured from around the globe, including Leach's first show back in the band, Download festival, Knotfest, Loud Park in Japan, and some surprises along the way. See KILLSWITCH ENGAGE alive, raw and reunited, doing what they do best. Additional bonus material includes music videos, unique individual band member profiles, outtakes, and a bonus audio disc of six, previously unreleased live tracks from the band's now-legendary 2014 "Monster Mosh" show in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The track listing for the live CD is below. 01. No End In Sight02. Life To Lifeless03. Always04. In Due Time05. My Curse06. The End Of Heartache KILLSWITCH ENGAGE previously released a limited-edition even-inch single as part of the spring version of Record Store Day on April 16 of this year. The RSD-exclusive featured "Define Love", an unreleased track from the "Incarnate" sessions. 2016 saw KILLSWITCH ENGAGE appearing on a "Stars Wars"-themed Revolver cover, staging an unforgettable and intimate, five-club New York City takeover for album release week, and embarking on an impressive "Incarnate" world tour.

With further plans for Europe, Australia, North America, South America and Asia in the works (to name a few), 2017 is sure to be an equally busy year for KILLSWITCH ENGAGE.

GUNS N' ROSES has extended its "Not in This Lifetime" tour well into 2017 with 35 new stadium dates in Europe and North America.

The European trek kicks off May 27 in Dublin, Ireland and concludes July 12 in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. After playing in Tel Aviv, Israel on July 15, the group will return to North America for sixteen shows beginning July 27 in St. Louis and ending September 8 in San Antonio.

Newly announced "Not in This Lifetime" tour dates:

Europe

May 27 - Dublin, Ireland, Slane CastleMay 30 - Bilbao, Spain, San Mames StadiumJun. 02 - Lisbon, Portugal, Passeio Martimo De AlgesJun. 04 - Madrid, Spain, Vincente Calderon StadiumJun. 07 - Zurich, Switzerland, LetzigrundJun. 10 - Imola, Italy, GreenfieldJun. 13 - Munich, Germany, OlympiastadionJun. 16 - London, United Kingdom, London StadiumJun. 20 - Gdansk, Poland, Stadion Energy GdanskJun. 22 - Hannover, Germany, MesseJun. 24 - Werchter, Belgium, ClassicJun. 27 - Copenhagen, Denmark, Telia ParkenJun. 29 - Stockholm, Sweden, Friends ArenaJul. 01 - Hämeenlinna, Finland, Kantolan tapahtumapuistoJul. 04 - Prague, Czech Republic, Letnany AirportJul. 07 - Paris, France, Stade de FranceJul. 10 - Vienna, Austria, Ernst Happel StadionJul. 12 - Nijmegen, The Netherlands, Goffert ParkJul. 15 - Tel Aviv, Israel, Hayarkon Park

North America

Jul. 27 - St. Louis, MO, The Dome At America's CenterJul. 30 - Minneapolis, MN, U.S. Bank StadiumAug. 02 - Denver, CO, Sports Authority Field at Mile HighAug. 08 - Miami, FL, Miami Marlins StadiumAug. 11 - Winston-Salem, NC, BB&T Field at Wake Forest UniversityAug. 13 - Hershey, PA, Hersheypark StadiumAug. 16 - Buffalo, NY, New Era FieldAug. 19 - Montreal, QC, Parc Jean DrapeauAug. 21 - Ottawa, ON, TD Place StadiumAug. 24 - Winnipeg, MB, Investors Group FieldAug. 27 - Regina, SK, New Mosaic Stadium at Evraz PlaceAug. 30 - Edmonton, AB, Commonwealth StadiumSep. 01 - Vancouver, BC, BC Place StadiumSep. 03 - George, WA, The GorgeSep. 06 - El Paso, TX, Sun Bowl StadiumSep. 08 - San Antonio, TX, Alamodome

Tickets go on sale in Canada and Europe on December 9, and on December 10 in the U.S.

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

The "Not In This Lifetime" tour features classic GUNS N' ROSES lineup members Slash (guitar), Duff McKagan (bass) and Axl Rose (vocals) backed by drummer Frank Ferrer, guitarist Richard Fortus, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and new second keyboardist Melissa Reese.

According to Billboard, the North American leg of the "Not In This Lifetime" summer stadium tour grossed a whopping $116.8 million with over one million tickets sold, a staggering amount for a rock band in 2016.

The trek kicked off on June 23 and included 25 concerts in 21 stadiums, wrapping on August 22.

Out of the stadiums that hosted the band for two performances, the New York City market produced the top box office counts with ticket sales reaching $11.6 million at MetLife Stadium from 100,177 fans at two concerts. Meanwhile, Chicago's Soldier Field, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts and L.A.'s Dodger Stadium each topped the $8 million mark in revenue from their two-show stints.

Frontiers Music Srl will release the new album from reunited Norwegian/American hard rockers TNT in the spring of 2017. Earlier in 2016, singer Tony Harnell and guitarist Ronni Le Tekrø started writing new TNT material together for the first time in over ten years. According to a press release, "The music is truly exciting and the new record promises to be a landmark release for the band." Ronni says: "We have made our best album to date, and are excited to work with Frontiers to get it out to our fans!"

Tony adds: "We are looking forward to tour worldwide in 2017/18 and to play in as many places as we can." TNT's current lineup is completed by drummer Diesel Dahl, bassist Ove Husemoen and keyboardist Roger Gilton. TNT has already booked a few shows to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its classic album "Tell No Tales", with more planned after the new disc's release. Confirmed dates:

Jan. 12 - Gjøvik Studenthus, Gjøvik, NorwayJan. 13 - Rockfeller, Oslo, NorwayJan. 14 - Union Scene, Drammen, NorwayJan. 20 - Royal Garden, Trondheim, NorwayJan. 21 - Hurtigrutas Hus, Stockmarknes, NorwayJan. 28 - Kongesalen, Bergen, NorwayFeb. 2-7 - Monsters Of Rock Cruise, USA Harnell rejoined TNT in May, less than a year and a half after his most recent departure from the group.

Harnell last quit TNT in January 2015 after a fifteen-month stint with the band, explaining that he "had really high hopes that it would last this time and that we would continue for years to come, but it is a very volatile little machine." He later told "The Classic Metal Show" that he "never actually got grooved back in with the band" and that he and his bandmates hadn't come to an agreement about how to "operate as a band." He explained: "We had no plan in place. Was I gonna be a hired gun in my own band? Was I gonna come back into the company? I mean, there were a lot of questions to be answered."

He continued: "I wanted to stay in the band for the rest of my music career; that was my goal. I said, 'Okay, this is it. We can make this work.' People wanted the band. There were people all over the world that wanted to book the band and that were excited we were back together… We were all in it for the long haul, and I tried to make it work for that. But when September [2014] came and the touring ended, nobody wanted to talk to me anymore, and my calls were not being returned, and my e-mails were not being returned by the most important people in the band that had the most influence. And the manager that came in to quote 'save the day' actually sunk the ship."

Back in November 2014, Le Tekrø told Metal Express Radio that the next TNT album would be recorded with the entire band playing together in the studio and not by sending each other files via the Internet. "I refuse to do that," he said. "I've never done that. The producer's gotta be there and the musicians, in the same room. Otherwise, I wouldn't call it an album. Then it's a project. There's no spirit in those albums. Maybe in electronic music you can do it. If you're working with rock and roll, the people have gotta be there, and rehearse and play."

British singer Tony Mills appeared on three studio albums from TNT: 2007's "The New Territory", 2008's"Atlantis" and 2010's "A Farewell To Arms".

After leaving TNT in January 2015, Harnell joined SKID ROW three months later, only to exit that band last December.

DEF LEPPARD and LAST IN LINE guitarist Vivian Campbell joined RICKY WARWICK & THE FIGHTING HEARTS on stage on November 26 at the WinterStorm festival in Troon, Scotland, United Kingdom to perform THIN LIZZY's classic song "Jailbreak". Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

Vivian has credited his stint as the touring guitarist for THIN LIZZY five years ago for inspiring him to launch LAST IN LINE, whose initial intent was to celebrate Ronnie James Dio's early work by reuniting the members of the original DIO lineup. After playing shows that featured a setlist composed exclusively of material from the first three DIO albums, the band decided to move forward and create new music in a similar vein.

Vivian told Rock Cellar Magazine: "In early 2011, I was a stunt guitar player for THIN LIZZY for a few months. DEF LEPPARD took all of 2010 and by the middle of 2011, Scott Gorham called me and asked if he could borrow me for a while to do a European tour with THIN LIZZY, and I jumped at the chance.

"THIN LIZZY were a favorite band of mine in my formative years. When I was a teenager and really honing my craft and finding my style as a player, THIN LIZZY's music was probably what I disseminated more than anything else and the guitar players in THIN LIZZY were hugely influential to me; Scott Gorham himself, Brian Robertson, and in particular through my love of THIN LIZZY, I discovered Gary Moore for the first time. Gary was probably my ultimate guitar hero. So being onstage for a few months with Scott Gorham and Brian Downey and playing the songs and riffs of my youth, it really reconnected me with my instrument."

A member of BLACK STAR RIDERS and THIN LIZZY, Warwick released two solo albums in February. "When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)" and the acoustic "Hearts On Trees" were made available as a double CD via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

THE FIGHTING HEARTS features Ricky alongside his old bandmate Gary Sullivan from one of his post-ALMIGHTY bands (SIC) on drums, BLACK STAR RIDERS bandmate bassist Robbie Crane, and guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite (THE MISSION, Peter Murphy).

Former Eclipse Eternal frontman Voldamares has checked in with the following update:

"The cold winds are blowing, the leaves on the trees have turned to fiery shades of red, yellow and orange and are falling to the ground to cover the earth in their wilting beauty. It is the time when the age of the year is showing. Its wizened face creased and cracking. It is in this time that we look back and contemplate and reflect on what has come before and what the future holds. It is in this time of beauty and decay that we in Hexenklad feel most alive. The cold wakens us, the fiery colors invigorate us and the decay gives us hope for rebirth. In this spirit we have decided it is time for us to step into the light and announce our presence. In the following weeks we will be posting many updates to bring you up to date with what we have been doing and let you know what our future holds.

To start, for those who do not yet know us, let me introduce the band. I am Timothy Johnston aka Voldamares. I was previously the vocalist for Eclipse Eternal. I am now the vocalist for Hexenklad. On guitars, we have Michael Grund, formerly of folk/death/power metal band Battlesoul and session musician for pagan/folk/black metal band SIG:AR:TYR. Also on guitars, we have John Chalmers aka The Ancient One, formerly of the black metal band Pagan Ritual. At the moment, this is the current permanent lineup of Hexenklad."

Go to this location for information and updates on Hexenklad.

Back in May 2014, Toronto epic black metal band Eclipse Eternal called it quits. Vocalist/founder Voldamares posted the following statement:

“Almost fifteen years ago I pulled from the void a child. I named it Eclipse Eternal. Today I dig its grave.

The years have not been kind yet we expected no less. It is not an easy thing to be in an active band for this long a time. From the start I knew this would require sacrifice, both from myself and all those who joined. Eclipse Eternal was never meant to be polished or popular; it was never meant to make us rich or famous. It was born to be black metal. It was born to be an extension of our ugliness, our vileness, our pain and our hate. And that is exactly what it became. And it grew darker and more intense with each new passing year, every new album or EP, every new era and stage of Eclipse Eternal’s existence.

Through these long, arduous years, more than twenty individuals came and went. Yet, battered and bruised, Eclipse just kept growing, and with each new addition it became stronger, more powerful, more whole.

For nearly eight years now we have had one lineup: Voldamares (vocals), Lord Abaddon (guitar), Wulfgar (drums), Carver (keys), and Orcus (bass). Through ups and downs, we have grown with this band; we have grown together. We have sacrificed our blood, our time, our money, our friends and our families for it. It has been our everything. Our reason.

In 2003 we released Reign of the Unholy Blackened Empire; in 2005 we released

Übermensch: Evolution Beyond The Species; and in 2008 we released The Essence Of Hopelessness. All financed 100% by us.

In that time we also did two videos (with the help of Dark Frame Productions and Ax Media), both fully self-financed.

We have also performed our live rituals over 150 times for those who would bear witness. All across North America we carried the Eclipse Eternal banner.

But time has taken its toll and the fire that once consumed all has become coals and ashes. It is time to lay down our banner.

We would like to thank all of you who supported us over the years, all the promoters who’ve made our live rituals possible, the killer bands who we’ve had the honor of sharing the stage with, all the media who have tried to bring our word to larger audiences, and to those members who, while no longer being active members, have helped shape this band into what it is today.

So, in closing, we thank you for walking this dark path with us; you have honored us with your presence."

Hexenklad photo by Victoria J. Polsoni

Welcome aboard to international thrash/heavy tinged melodic death metal act Dark Rites, recently signed by Sliptrick Records for the worldwide release of their self-titled album Dark Rites is an international act founded by Randy (USA) and Wojtek (UK) in early 2016. Despite its members living in different continents, technology has enabled them to overcome all possible geographical obstacles. After playing in several local bands in the late ‘90s and late 2000’s, Randy and Wojtek soon teamed up with Oskar (ex-Disrupted, Sweden), thus completing the line-up.

Dark Rites wear their multiple influences on their sleeve. Their upcoming, self-titled full-length delivers a fresh yet deadly combination of death metal, melodic lines and powerful riffs, combined with fierce thrash metal tempos, heavy metal solos and powerful vocals.

All of Dark Rites’ songs are strongly autobiographical, with lyrics inspired by the band’s beliefs, views and fascinations. Their common passion for metal music – in all of its different facets and sub-genres – really shines throughout the entire length of the record.

Call it death metal, metalcore or even alternative metal – The common denominator stays the same: a unique metal experience.

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions have signed blackened death/thrash beasts Dead War and are set to release their debut EP entitled The Triumph Of Death December 23rd on CD and Digital formats. Below is the official description:

“Horror Pain Gore Death Productions welcome Dead War to the roster with the debut EP entitled The Triumph Of Death. Hailing from the unholy mountains of Santa Cruz California, Dead War bludgeon listeners with a punishing mixture of blackened death/thrash metal. Incorporating elements of classical music and actual samples of war atrocities, The Triumph Of Death is purely old school in every aspect of the term. Morbid melodies are highlighted by aggressive tremolo riffs, sick blast beats and fierce guitar solos complimented by powerful production.”

Tracklisting:

“Leptospira”
“Debellation”
“Ashes Caste Into Darkness”
“Elegy Nocturne”
“A Sinister Process”
“The Triumph Of Death”

“Debellation”:

Preorder the CD at Horror Pain Gore Death or preorder the digital version on Bandcamp.

Budapest, Hungary-based black metallers, Bornholm, have released a lyric video for "Bloodstorm", a track off their new album, Primaeval Pantheons, released today via Massacre Records. The new clip can be found below.

The Primaeval Pantheons cover art, created by Peter Sallai, can be seen below along with the album tracklisting:

Tracklisting:

“Eye Of Knowledge”
“Atavism”
“Runes Of Power”
“Old”
“March Of Saturn”
“Iron Crown”
“Seventh Reign”
“Bloodstorm”
vImperium (Divus Rex)”

"Bloodstorm" lyric video:

“Runes Of Power” lyric video:

Album teaser:

Together since 2000, Bornholm has already released three full-length albums as well as several EPs. In live news, they've shared the stage with Skyforger, Thyrfing and Skogen. After a few lineup changes, Bornholm now features: vocalist / guitarist Sahsnot, guitarist Attila, drummer D and bassist Carrion (ex-Tormentor).

Swedish atmospheric black metallers Wormwood have inked a deal with the Dutch label Non Serviam Records.

The debut single, entitled “Ghostlands - Wounds From A Bleeding Earth”, will be released early next as a physical release and through all digital platforms.

The album was recorded and mastered by Sverker Widgren, a renowned veteran of sound engineering on the Scandinavian extreme metal scene (October Tide, Demonical, IXXI, Diabolical) with cover art created by the wildly talented photographer and designer: Mario Polzin of Moornebheym Design

The album is part of Wormwood’s concept that revolves around the endless cycle of death and rebirth of the world. For each phase when man is rendered null, specters roam aimlessly around the earth and in endless wailing they chant about how the world once were and the state it is now.

Comment by Wormwood:

“To become a part of the Non Serviam Records family is an honor for us. They have the burning passion for music just like we have so the partnership is perfect. We know that our album is unique and interesting, so to be able to spread the word out with Non Serviam Records is something we’re looking forward to”

Added by Non Serviam Records CEO Ricardo Gelok:

“By hearing the first tones of Wormwood, I knew that this is a band that I would have to sign. Wormwood is an asset for the label, and it’s a real pleasure to work with this great, and hard-working band!”

Aeternitas has posted a video with the acoustic version of the title track of their latest album House Of Usher, released in October by Massacre Records.

The band comments: "As gift for the beginning Christmas season we have released this acoustic version of the title track from our current album House Of Usher. Enjoy the big emotions and intimate performance of the acoustic version of this song!"

House Of Usher is a concept album based on the famous short story, The Fall Of The House Of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe. It was produced, recorded and mixed by Alexander Hunzinger at Serpina Studio, and mastered by Götz Kretschmann at Wonderlandstudio. Henning Basse produced the vocals at Vocalbase. The artwork was created by Kurt Wörsdorfer (aka Headcrime Artwork).

“Madeline” lyric video:

KINGS OF CHAOS, the part-time all-star rock 'n' roll collective that includes former and current members of GUNS N' ROSES, SLIPKNOT, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and LINKIN PARK, performed at the House Of Blues in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 1, December 2 and December 3.

KINGS OF CHAOS's lineup for the Vegas shows consisted of former GUNS N' ROSES drummer Matt Sorum alongside bassist Robert DeLeo (STONE TEMPLE PILOTS), vocalist Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR), vocalist Chester Bennington (LINKIN PARK), guitarist Billy Duffy (THE CULT) and guitarist Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL).

Fan-filmed video footage of the entire December 1 concert can be seen below.

Featured songs:

01:05 Vasoline04:02 White Wedding08:18 Fire Woman14:05 Sex Type Thing17:48 Slither22:22 Wild Flower26:40 Waitin' For The Bus 29:40 Sharp Dressed Man34:55 Tush38:55 Through Glass44:00 Steve Stevens Solo 49:20 Edie (Ciao Baby)51:36 Interstate Love Song55:45 Jesus Just Left Chicago1:01:06 Ace Of Spades1:04:28 She Sells Sanctuary1:10:15 Rebel Yell1:15:54 Love Removal Machine1:20:50 Tube Snake Boogie1:25:00 La Grange1:32:08 Going Down (with Franky Perez)1:36:55 Beer Drinkers & Hellraisers

Asked how he manages to manage all the big personalities involved with KINGS OF CHAOS, Sorum told the Windsor Star: "You know what? It's really a fun, easy gig. There's really no agenda behind it except to play a cool show… I've played with all these guys before. It's super easy-going. Everyone gets on the airplane, drives out to the gig, sets up the gear, and rocks. There's really no drama around it at all."

Regarding how important ego management is in keeping a band together, Sorum said: "From my experience, I mean… It's been a bit of a wild ride. Hence the name KINGS OF CHAOS. [Laughs] But at the same time, I don't know if I would've wanted it any other way. You know, I see bands with lead singers who are really nice. Squeaky clean. And I really don't feel I'm getting that wild, rock 'n' roll sensibility that I want."

He continued: "I love Dave Grohl [FOO FIGHTERS frontman], don't get me wrong. But he's a drummer who got out front with a guitar. Is there any danger in it? Not really. If you go to a FOO FIGHTERS show, you're gonna see a band play their set, and everything is gonna go down nice, and he'll thank the crowd, and everyone's gonna go home and go, 'Wow, that was a really nice rock 'n' roll show.'

"Not everything went perfect in any of the bands I've been in, but I know one thing: People on their way home were going, Holy shit, what was that?'"

Regarding the future of KINGS OF CHAOS, Sorum told Robin Leach: "We'll see where KINGS OF CHAOS takes us. It could turn into a band, it could be an album, we don't know yet. I'm thinking about making some original music with it. Seeing if a singer will want to come in and be a permanent member.

"Right now I just want to have fun. I just want to keep it loose, very spontaneous, go out and play for people and have them enjoy the music. I haven't thought too far down the road yet, except maybe to record original music.

"People ask, 'Why would you want to record original music; nobody is buying records anymore?' I go, 'Well, that's not a very good attitude.' The only thing you can do is make music for yourself, and you hope that people gravitate toward it. However, they are going to gravitate toward it. You are playing music because you love it, not because people are going to buy it. I made a solo record last year, and I think it sold five copies. I didn't (care). I love doing it."

If there's one band that can make claims about having an established awareness in their home country before coming to the United States and actually back it up with heaps of evidence, Evenline is that band. In addition to performing and touring overseas with the likes of Alter Bridge and Seether, the hard rocking four-piece's albums have been lauded by reputable European publications and HAVE seen rotation on major French radio stations Oui FM and RTL2.

With this prior success pushing them forward, Evenline is setting their signs on America with the international release of their upcoming full-length album of adrenaline-pumping anthems, In Tenebris. The album will drop in North America on January 13th via Dooweet Agency USA, with international distribution from Sony Music France beginning January 20th. Pre-orders are available now via iTunes. The band’s music video for their single "Straitjacket" can be found below.

In Tenebris was produced by Jean-Francois Di Rienzo at The Office/The Artist studio in Paris, France, and calls upon a darker side of the band's personality. The album hits hard with catchy choruses, earworm riffs and driving rhythms that will have listeners headbanging and chanting along in no time.

Vocalist Arnaud Gueziec states, "Over time, we wanted to unveil another musical and artistic approach. Darker and deeper than our first album, In Tenebris contains lyrics that reflect that darkness, dealing with affective aspects of daily relationships and our own imaginary world we've developed with each album. "Straitjacket" is our first music video from this album and the track perfectly creates a bridge between our previous album and In Tenebris. This particular song talks about people's duality and choices they have to do day after day, and how each choice can change your whole life."

Gueziec continues to explain that the filming of "Straitjacket" wasn't too easy, "The video was shot in a psychiatric hospital, and we had very little time to make it happen because we had no authorization to shoot there! At first, we wanted to shoot scenes during the day and night for contrast, but we had to escape from the police in the middle of the afternoon!"

In Tenebris tracklisting:

“All Against Me”
“Straitjacket”
“Silene Capensis”
“Echoes Of Silence”
“Sometimes We Die”
“Broken Promises”
“Never There”
“Deeper Underground”
“From The Ashes”
“Wasted Years”

“Straitjacket” video:

 
Studio video: