Marius Danielsen’s all-star metal opera has signed with the label Crime Records, run by Martin Steene of Iron Fire.

Marius Danielsen's Legend Of Valley Doom is a Norwegian all-star metal opera project created by Marius Danielsen of the band Darkest Sins. With great help from brother Peter Danielsen they have created a unique fantasy concept which is brought to life through the many high profiled musicians involved.

Legend Of Valley Doom has been 10 years in the making, and ended up on a bigger production scale than most would dream of. This project features one of the most impressive lineups in the world of power metal, with guest appearances by artists such as Tim “Ripper Owens” (ex-Judas Priest), Timo Tolkki (ex-Stratovarius), Edu Falaschi (ex-Angra), Mark Boals (Dokken), Chris Caffery (Savatage), Ross the Boss (ex-Manowar), Mike LePond (Symphony X), Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody of Fire) and many, many more!

The album is mixed and mastered by Piet Sielck of Iron Fire. Release date and pre-orders coming soon.

Complete lineup for Marius Danielsen's Legend Of Valley Doom Part 1:

Vocalists:
Marius Danielsen (Darkest Sins)
Edu Falaschi (ex-Angra, Almah)
Tim Ripper Owens (ex-Judas Priest, ex-Iced Earth, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen)
Mark Boals (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, Iron Mask, Royal Hunt)
Jonas Heidgert (Dragonland)
Elisa C. Martin (Hamka, ex-Dark Moor, ex-Fairyland)
Alessio Garavello (ex-Power Quest, A New Tomorrow)
Kai Somby (Intrigue)
Artur Almeida (Attick Demons)
George Tsalikis (Zandelle)
John Yelland (Disforia, Judicator)
Simon Byron (ex-Crystal Empire, Sunset)
Mikael Holst (Timeless Miracle)

Guitarists:
Timo Tolkki (ex-Stratovarius, Avalon)
Chris Caffery (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
Ross the Boss (ex-Manowar, DeathDealer)
Robb Weir (Tygers of Pan Tang)
Tobi Kersting (Orden Ogan)
Jimmy Hedlund (Falconer)
Marco Wriedt (Axxis, 21Octayne)
Olivier Lapauze (Heavenly)
Felipe (Twilight Force)
Alex TheKing Mele (Kaledon)
Esa Ahonen (Cryonic Temple)
Kristian Tjelle (ex-Nocturnal Illusion)
Gard Austrheim (My Decending Ark, ex-Fatty Sunroad)
Marius Danielsen (Darkest Sins)
Sigurd Kårstad (Darkest Sins)

Synth:
Peter Danielsen (Eunomia, Darkest Sins)
Alessio Lucatti (Vision Divine, Etherna)

Bassists:
Barend Courbois (Blind Guardian)
Mike LePond (Symphony X)
Anniken Rasmussen (Darkest Sins)
Ignacio Lopez (Skiltron)
Giorgio Novarino (ex-Crystal Empire, ex-Bejelit)
Marius Danielsen (Darkest Sins)

Drummers:
Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody of Fire)
Ludvig Pedersen (Darkest Sins)

Choirs:
Marius Danielsen (Darkest Sins)
Peter Danielsen (Darkest Sins)
Piet Sielck (Iron Savior)
Simon Byron (Sunset)
Matthäus Krais (ShadowStrike)
 

 

(Photo by Jon Artamendi)

 

California metallers Saviours will drop the molten fruits of their new full-length this October 30th via a new partnership with France's Listenable Records. Titled Palace Of Vision, their first full-length in four years was captured at Type Foundry in Portland, Oregon with the inimitable Billy Anderson (Neurosis, Brothers Of The Sonic Cloth, Eyehategod, Taurus, Ommadon etc.) and boasts nine tracks of Saviours' signature brand of towering riffs, colossal rhythms, infectious guitar harmonies and an obsession with the end of times, the occult, psychedelics and the arcane.

"It's a natural and logical continuation of where we left off with [2011's] Death's Procession," said drummer Scott Batiste of the offering. "There are some doomy crushers and faster ragers."

As an added bonus, the record comes sheathed in the fittingly dark, intricately transfixing cover renderings of Derrick Snodgrass (Obliterations, Lecherous Gaze). The track "Burning Shrine" is streaming below.

Palace Of Vision tracklisting:

“The Mountain”
“Flesh Of Fire”
“Devil's Crown”
“Palace Of Vision”
“Burning Shrine”
“Hell's Floor”
“The Beast Remains”
“Cursed Night”
“The Seeker”

“Burning Shrine”:

In related news, Saviours will bring their riffs to the stage with a pair of east coast/west coast fest performances with additional live incursions to be announced in the coming weeks.
 
September
5 - Cosmic Sonic Rendezvous Festival - The Wick - Brooklyn, NY

November
1 - Day Of The Shred Festival - The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA
 
Still building upon the foundation that Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy and Motörhead laid, Saviours enters their second decade in a new partnership with French label Listenable Records. Rooted in hardcore punk but preferring to cruise in outer space, the lysergic of Saviours hessians have always brought a ton of swing and swagger to their forward-charging heavy metal. The band melds sounds from the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, progressive rock, and proto-doom, and delivers it all with a snarling West Coast hardcore edge. The result is an absolute beast of a sound that is all Saviours' own.
 
Since the 2005 release of Saviours' debut EP, Warship, the band has worked relentlessly, touring North America, Europe, and Japan with the likes of Mastodon, Corrosion Of Conformity, The Sword, High On Fire, Saint Vitus and Clutch. In a few short years, Saviours have risen to become stalwarts of the world's metal scene, ambassadors of an aggressive-yet-stoned West Coast vibe, inspired by the '70s but totally real and relevant in 2015.
 
Saviours:

Austin Barber - guitar, vocals
Sonny Reinhardt - guitar, vocals
Scott Batiste - drums
Andy Anderson - bass

The Plot in You are back with their brand new album, Happiness In Self Destruction. The album will be released on October 16th through Stay Sick Recordings, the newly-launched label operated by Attila frontman Fronz.

The album is available for pre-order today via iTunes. The songs "Take Me Away" (streaming below and "My Old Ways" are available as an instant grat downloads for fans who pre-order. Additional pre-order bundles, including limited vinyl and other merch, are here.

"The wait for our new record is almost over," vocalist Landon Tewers said. "I'd like to share what is one of the most meaningful songs on the record to me. This song is called 'Take Me Away' and it's a tribute to my grandfather who passed away a few years ago. Enjoy."

Want to know what Happiness in Self Destruction feels and sounds like? Listen to "Take Me Away" here.

Tracklisting:

"Hole In The Wall"
"Dear Old Friend"
"Take Me Away"
"Runaway"
"Pillhead"
"Better Vibes"
"My Old Ways"
"Die Like Your Brothers"
"Mind Controlled"
"Time Changes Everything"
"Living Your Dream"
"A Song About Myself"
"Forgive Me"
"Washed Up"
"Happiness In Self Destruction"

"Take Me Away”:

 

Hard rock group Trapt have released their new single and music video “Human (Like The Rest Of Us)”, which touches upon the theme that all of us are human, imperfect, and often make mistakes. Watch the new music video for “Human” (a Rind-Raja Picture Company production, produced by Roth Rind and directed by Jay K. Raja) below.
 
Vocalist Chris Taylor Brown states, “We are all bound by the emotions that we as Humans are capable of feeling. When we numb ourselves, because the pain is too great, we are no longer Human. To be imperfect, to be emotional is Human. Your emotions guide you. Listen to them. They will allow you to feel empathy towards others and others to feel you, but only if you allow it. Open up and FEEL! Do not be afraid. The only way we can come together as one HUMAN RACE is through understanding each other. The only way to understand is to FEEL, even when it hurts the most. When you are hurting the most, others will feel it too. They will help you, as you do them. #Humanaboveall”

While certain recent social media conversations of Brown’s have not been completely random and without planning, he does recognize his imperfect humanity and that some of his recent comments have been made relatively off-the-cuff and potentially received as insensitive by some. Read an official statement from Chris Taylor Brown regarding his recent social media comments regarding racial topics below:

“First off, I want to say that I am imperfect, but that is what makes me who I am and what I think is part of being Human. This brings me to the recent spat of verbal barbs I threw around a few weeks ago that at times sounded mean and much like bullying. It should be easy to shrug off insults that have nothing to do with the subject you are talking about and are only meant to get a rise out of you, but I did not shrug it off and the way I went about defending myself is definitely not the way one should go about spreading a message and I apologize to anyone I may have offended. The message gets lost when you engage in this way.

“I read all of these words about one group of people having certain privileges over another based solely on the color of their skin and it doesn't sit right with me. I don't mean to poke fun at the whole thing, but, I did, and I take full responsibility for anyone who may have been hurt by me making fun of the white privilege concept. I have my views and want to express unity through music. I believe that we are all bound by the ability to feel the same emotions and that love and understanding can and do bring people of all races together. Anyone who wishes to segregate themselves can do so, while the rest of us move forward, as we have been for decades. I also believe that there are original sins and acknowledging them through the many advances that this country has made in regard to civil rights, go very far in showing how a country can come together for the greater good. We just made it possible for any human being to marry any other human being, how is that for progress?

“I admit that I can come across as harsh when my passion precedes me. If anything I have ever said comes across as racist, that was not my intention. If saying that "white privilege is the sole reason for one human being having more privilege over another" is not true, makes someone feel as though, I or the band that I front is racist, then let me tell you now that this could not be further from the truth. Growing up in a mixed race household and having a side of the family whose roots start in Mexico versus a side of the family with roots in The United Kingdom, I have seen how people can be mistrusting of others based upon what they do not understand about them. Once they understand each other and get to know more about each other those walls are broken down. Understanding comes through clear messages and those that feel they need to be heard, should do all they can to be heard. I hate having to read how some people think that this can all be dumbed down to "the complexion of one's skin." I have a problem with one group of people being singled out on the basis of their skin color.

“Again, the moral of the story is how you spread your message and what you want to say. Passion can trip you up. It tripped me up and I allowed the narrative to take turns that did not help spread the message I want to spread. I came across as racist to some, because I chose not to give merit to the idea that only skin complexion grants privilege. I want to tell anyone who is listening now that I believe every man and woman on this planet can rise together, but only through understanding each other’s struggles.”

Polish prog masters Riverside have released the third and final video trailer for their upcoming studio album (see below). Entitled Love, Fear And The Time Machine, the band's sixth studio album will be released via InsideOut Music on September 4th. It features cover artwork by longtime design-partner Travis Smith / Seempieces (Katatonia, Opeth) and contains the following tracklisting.

Love, Fear And The Time Machine tracklisting:

“Lost (Why Should I Be Frightened By A Hat?)”
“Under The Pillow”
“#Addicted”
“Caterpillar And The Barbed Wire”
“Saturate Me”
“Afloat”
“Discard Your Fear”
“Towards The Blue Horizon”
“Time Travellers”
“Found (The Unexpected Flaw Of Searching)”

Trailer #1:

Trailer #2:

Trailer #3:

“Discard Your Fear” lyric video:

Riverside’s Mariusz Duda checked in about "Discard Your Fear" as follows: "On the new album I wanted to combine the 70's and the 80's. The 80's were a decade of musical growing up for me. I remember being enchanted by music deep with bass, chorus and all kinds of reverb. 'Discard Your Fear' is a good example of this flow. The lyrics are about the most popular kind of fear that touches most of us - the fear of the unknown."

Duda previously checked in with the following comment about Love, Fear And The Time Machine: "On the new album I wanted to combine the 70s and the 80s. The 80s were a decade of musical growing up for me. On the new album we don't sound as retro and 70s as before, we moved forward, we sort of demolished the previous foundations and build new ones. Despite the huge dose of melancholy and nostalgia, there is a new space, the songs are arranged with more flow and at the same time they have never been so concise and to the point before. The lyrics on Love, Fear And The Time Machine talk about a transformation. About making an important, perhaps life changing, decision everyone has to make at some point in their lives. What happens to us when we have to make it? On the one hand we're excited by the change, we feel free, liberated, and on the other we fear the unknown, we are afraid of what might happen to us. We go back in time and we go forward in time in our heads. And all that happens when we have to decide something important. The first of the songs on the album is called 'Lost', the last one, 'Found'. If we sometimes get lost in life, it is to go through something and be found again on the other side, to be reborn as someone better and more valuable. I would like this album to be one of those that one day simply becomes your best friend."

Riverside tour dates with special guests The Sixxis:
 
September
12 - Atlanta, GA - ProgPower USA Center stage
13 - Richmond, VA - The Canal Club
15 - Philadelphia, PA - Bull Shooters Saloon
16 - New Brunswick, NJ - NJ Proghouse at The Crossroads Theatre
17 - Pittsburgh, PA - Hard Rock Cafe
19 - Montreal, QC - Theatre La Tulipe
20 - Quebec City, QC - L'Imperial
22 - Toronto, ON - Mod Club
23 - Detroit, MI - Token Lounge
24 - Chicago, IL - Reggies
25 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Ballroom
27 - Whittier, CA - The Center Theater

 

Swedish death metal tyrants Vampire have launched pre-orders for their upcoming 4-track mini LP, entitled Cimmerian Shade. Also, the track “Pyre Of The Harvest Queen” is now streaming below.

Out September 25th, Cimmerian Shade will be released digitally as well as on 10" vinyl via Century Media Records. Offering ghoulish, horror-ridden Nordic death metal, Vampire gets sinister with South American thrash metal parts and an omnipresent eldritch atmosphere. Cimmerian Shade also reveals their departure into unconquered shores by adding an epic touch to the music, a new facet in the essential Vampire sound.

Pre-orders for Cimmerian Shade begin August 28th, and limited edition silver and gold vinyl versions will also be available. Both are limited to 100 copies only and available at CM Distro Europe (golden vinyl) and CM Distro US (silver vinyl) exclusively.

The beautifully detailed cover artwork was done by the very talented Dilek Baykara.

Cimmerian Shade tracklisting:

Side A
“Pyre Of The Harvest Queen” *
“Sleeper In The Deep” (instrumental)

Side B
“Night Hunter”
“Hexahedron”

*from the Whispers Through The Black Veil LP-only compilation (Wyrd War, 2014)

“Pyre Of The Harvest Queen:

Vampire lineup:

Hand of Doom: Vocals
Black String: Guitars
Command: Electric Bass
Sepulchral Condor: Guitars
Abysmal Condor: Battery

Almost four years since their sophomore album Zone Of Alienation was released, Swedish metal band Steelwing are ready to return to the scene. Though still rooted in the traditional heavy metal their fans have come to expect, their coming new release has more than a few surprises in store.

"With two well-received albums behind us we could have gone the easy way and kept doing the same thing.” says vocalist Riley. "However, after the hit-oriented Zone Of Alienation we felt that we wanted to challenge ourselves to create something darker and much more ambitious. So instead we worked really hard for more than three years to redefine our sound and really perfect the new material. We have introduced a wide range of influences to the sound, anything from death metal and technical thrash to punk and hardcore, where previously we wouldn't allow ourselves to stray too far from the classic heavy metal matrix."

The album, aptly titled Reset, Reboot, Redeem is due for release on November 20th. It was recorded, mixed and co-produced by Swedish death metal legend Fred Estby (Necronaut, The Dagger, ex-Dismember) at Gutterview Recorders, with additional parts recorded by Nicko DiMarino in Deep Blue Studios where the band's early sound was once formed.

"We envisioned a gritty attitude and more organic drum sound for these songs, so naturally we turned to Fred who is known for delivering just that. Since we have grown up listening to Dismember, it was truly an honor to work with him. I knew the new material would be very demanding to sing, so we decided to record the vocals with Nicko, an old friend of the band who has been with us from day one. We know we can always trust his ears and skill when the going gets tough."

Conceptually Steelwing continue to develop on the post-apocalyptic themes of the previous two albums. Where Lord Of The Wasteland focused on Mad Max-esque highway marauders and Zone Of Alienation described mutant-infested havens in outer space, Reset, Reboot, Redeem takes on a more serious misanthropic note: the current flawed state of mankind must be sacrificed to pave way for a trans-humanistic new breed - or all life on Earth will face extinction. One of many firsts for this album is a song in the band’s native tongue: “Och världen gav vika” (translation: “And the World Collapsed”).

The first song from Reset, Reboot, Redeem released on YouTube is the title-track - an intense speed metal onslaught that will leave listeners gasping for air in its wake.

"This song sums up everything this album is about. Our fans will recognize the trademark Steelwing speed and energy, but we're also introducing the darker vibes, technical breaks and diverse influences - it’s an undeniable evolution from anything we’ve done in the past.”

Check it out below and stay tuned for more information.

"Reset, Reboot, Redeem”:

 

Influenced by legends such as AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top and Creedence Clearwater Revival, 42 Decibel have unveiled the first video from their upcoming album, Rolling In Town, which will be released by Steamhammer/SPV as CD, vinyl and download on September 18th (North America on October 2nd).

Check out “Midnight Teaser (Evil Woman)” below:

A press release reads: dry-as-a bone sound, the straightforward direction of the songs with blues-rock roots shining through, frontman Junior Figueroa’s rasping voice reminiscent of Bon Scott, and his backyard- and pub-credible lyrics – all this makes the band a compelling natural spectacle that demands a resilient vegetative nervous system on the part of the listener.

Tracklisting:

“Cant Keep Control”
“Short Fused”
“Rude And Fast ”
“Drop Of Booze”
“Burning Down The Road”
“Eye Of The Hawk”
“Down The Hatch”
“Midnight Teaser (Evil Woman)”
“Cold Steel Rider”
“Smooth Talker”

LP Tracklisting:

Side A:
“Cant Keep Control”
“Short Fused”
“Midnight Teaser (Evil Woman)”
“Burning Down The Road”
‘Down The Hatch”
 
Side B: 
“Cold Steel Rider”
“Rude And Fast”
“Eye Of The Hawk”
‘Drop Of Booze”
“Smooth Talker”

Band lineup:

Junior Figueroa (Vocals, Guitar)
Nicko Cambiasso (Drums)
Billy Bob Riley (Rhythm & Slide Guitar)
Matt Fraga (Bass)

 

MONSTRANCE, the new band featuring former CARCASS guitarist Carlo Regadas and vocalist Tony Glover (ex-DEVOID), has parted ways with drummer Ian Treacy (ex-BENEDICTION, MEATHOOK SEED, ABSOLUTE POWER) and has replaced him with Nicholas Barker (BENEDICTION, CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR, TESTAMENT).

Says Carlo: "I am absolutely chuffed to have the opportunity to work with Nick. I'm a longtime admirer of his work. His drumming is flawless and will propel this band to the next level. [I am] seriously looking forward to making some earth-shattering metal with Nick."

MONSTRANCE is the brainchild of Regadas, former lead guitar player with grind gods CARCASS, post-CARCASS outfit BLACKSTAR and DEVOID. Following his tenures with CARCASS and BLACKSTAR, Carlo continued to write and record music, mainly for his own enjoyment.

In 2013, after a stint living in the Canary Islands, Carlo returned to the U.K. and met up with old friend and former DEVOID bandmate Tony Glover. Tony had recently unearthed some never-released material of Carlo's, some of which was penned during his tenure with CARCASS. Upon hearing this material again and realizing the strength of the songs, Carlo sent the material to some trusted, musically minded friends for their opinion, and the response was nothing short of astounding!

On the back of this enthusiasm, although reluctant at first, Carlo was urged to send the material to several established record labels, who also responded extremely positively and were very keen to hear more.

Carlo decided to approach some old friends and fellow musicians from the original death metal scene and decided to put together a full lineup, although at first, the intention was just to record an album as a studio project. Such was the friendship, camaraderie and enthusiasm for the project, the decision was quickly made to become a full-time band.Carlo's focus in recruiting band members was not to look for big-name musicians from the genre with previous credentials but rather to source like-minded individuals who were also very accomplished musicians.

The vocal position was immediately filled by Tony, building on their long-standing friendship, previous experience with DEVOID and long-held ambition to do a further project together. Tony has honed his vocal delivery since the DEVOID era, now projecting a unique blend of power, clear diction and articulation. Such is the power of Tony's delivery, the mic level during the vocal demo sessions had to be backed off by -20db!

Belgrade-born Aleksandar Kokai, from Liverpool band CRUSH DEPTH EXPERIMENT, was recruited on bass. A supremely talented and technically gifted bass player who will provide energy and heaviness to a rhythm section of dynamism and power.

The lineup is bolstered further with the addition of yet another old friend, and former ORNAMENT guitar player, Steven Hargraves, who completes the band's live lineup on second guitar. Carlo and Steven have worked closely together to forge a tight, melodic and crushing guitar duo, guaranteed to turn heads in the live setting.

Music-wise, MONSTRANCE cannot be easily pigeon-holed. As far as the band is concerned, it's just metal, albeit with downtuned guitars and extreme vocals. The music is as crushingly heavy as it is melodic and catchy. Carlo's original demos have now finally been completed with the addition of Tony's savage vocal attack, perfectly showcasing the quality and originality of the material.

MONSTRANCE is:

Tony Glover - VocalsNicholas Barker - DrumsAleksandar Kokai - BassCarlo Regadas- Lead, Rhythm GuitarSteven Hargraves - Rhythm Guitar

For more information on MONSTRANCE, click here.

Former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach joined the Los Angeles-based all-gay tribute band GAYC/DC on stage last night (Thursday, August 27) at The Viper Room in West Hollywood, California to perform the AC/DC classic "T.N.T." Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

Bach was involved in an infamous 1989 controversy when he donned a T-shirt which read, "AIDS kills fags dead." He told Metal Hammer magazine in a 2006 interview: "I never usually talk about this but I read so much misinformation about it that I'm gonna set the record straight. I never wore no fucking anti-gay t-shirt to an MTV press conference. It's not true. I wore that shirt once in my life. I came off stage in Irvine Meadows in California after PANTERA had opened up for us. When we finished, I was totally hot and sweaty. The guys from L.A. GUNS were all backstage, so I said, 'Gimme a fucking shirt to put on.' Gerri Miller from Metal Edge magazine is there asking for a picture of all of us, so I just pick up this hideous fuckin' shirt that some fan had thrown up onto stage and put it on. We all knew it was the worst shirt of all time. It wasn't some campaign that I went on."

Asked how the media reacted, Sebastian said: "Kurt Loder from MTV, who's gay (and I don't think I'm outing him) got hold of the picture and put in on MTV as a news piece with all the other guys cut out: 'In the land of homophobia, if Axl Rose owns the restaurant and PUBLIC ENEMY are the diners, we have a new bus boy.' It was like I was the anti-Christ. Then Revolver magazine in the States said, 'The most appaling moments in rock: even though Axl Rose got more press, generally Sebastian Bach behaved worse.' Then they said I wore this shirt at a press conference on TV. That's way different to being backstage with L.A. GUNS all drunk and shit and sticking this hideous shirt on. It's complete bullshit."

NWOBHM legends JAGUAR have announced the addition of Swedish vocalist L-G Persson to the group's ranks.

In September 2014, JAGUAR parted company with their previous vocalist Jamie Manton following their appearance at Sweden Rock Festival in June the same year. Since then, the band has been searching for the perfect vocalist both in the U.K. and Scandinavia, as the band founder Garry Pepperd planned to move to Sweden to settle down with his Swedish-born fiancée. In November the same year, the band released its long-awaited album "Metal X" on GoldenCore Records/ZYX Music, mixed by Mike Exeter (JUDAS PRIEST, BLACK SABBATH).

In April 2015, Garry Pepperd moved to north Sweden with his fiancée, and in August, the band finally found the perfect fit in vocalist L-G Persson from the Swedish heavy metal/power metal band THE STORYTELLER from Gävle, with L-G regarded by many as one of the best heavy metal vocalists in Sweden today.

L-G is a very experienced vocalist who brings with him a wide range of different vocal registers and styles. Although he is best known as the frontman of THE STORYTELLER, he has also appeared on many other Swedish heavy metal projects.

JAGUAR is now planning a new beginning to put the band into a higher gear with L-G on board.

JAGUAR says: "We are looking forward to meeting our fans in Europe and we will do our best to visit other parts of the world too. We know our fans will love L-G as much as we do as he totally blew us away! See you all very soon!"

METALLICA's Lars Ulrich shared some words about JAGUAR in the "Metal X" sleeve notes, stating that he has always been a huge fan of the band. The CD also featured a special bonus track which METALLICA fans are familiar with.

British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN have released an 8-bit video game based on the promotional clip for their new single, "Speed Of Light". Fans can play the role of MAIDEN's mascot Eddie in the "Speed Of Light" browser-based video game, available at the band's web site.

The "Speed Of Light" video was produced and directed by Llexi Leon with animation and visual effects by The Brewery Production Company. This is the first music video for Llexi Leon, who is said to be a huge IRON MAIDEN fan. Creator of the cult comic book series Eternal Descent — an IP that digitally animated a cast list of metal and hard rock luminaries — Leon has further expanded into the video gaming industry. He chose to collaborate with The Brewery whoss previous film credits include 2010's punk-rock inspired "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" with Andy Serkis, 2012's music festival-themed "Spike Island" with Emilia Clarke, and more recently were providing VFX for the Sky Atlantic biopic on Ian Fleming. The video is a "homage" to four decades of video gaming juxta-posed alongside IRON MAIDEN's 40 years of incredible visual canon centering on their talisman Eddie as he travels through space and time to complete his Herculean task.

Leon told Metal Hammer: "It seemed a perfect fit — 40 years of metal explored alongside four decades of video games.

"I pitched this idea to [IRON MAIDEN manager] Rod Smallwood and the guys in the band. They loved the concept and asked if I could pull it off. I figured it was IRON MAIDEN, so I had to pull it off — and it had to be the best thing I've ever done."

He continued: "The video is littered with nods to IRON MAIDEN artwork — whether it's the poses of the characters at certain key moments, or imagery woven into the background art. There's a lot to look out for in the video."

Due on September 4, through BMG in the U.S.A. (Parlophone Records in the rest of world), IRON MAIDEN's new album, "The Book Of Souls", was recorded in Paris, France with producer Kevin "Caveman" Shirley in late 2014, with the finishing touches added earlier this year. However, the band decided to delay its release so that singer Bruce Dickinson, who was recently given the all-clear from the tumor, would have time to recuperate sufficiently to join in the preparations for the album's launch.

BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward has spoken in more detail about why he terminated his involvement with HEAVEN & HELL — the band featuring fellow SABBATH members Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Ronnie James Dio (vocals) — in November 2006 while the group was recording three new tracks to be included on the BLACK SABBATH collection "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years".

During an appearance on the latest episode of VH1 Classic "That Metal Show" co-host Eddie Trunk's podcast, Ward was asked why he didn't appear at a scheduled interview in 2006 to promote what eventually turned out to be the "Dio Years" project. He explained: "I was working on drum sounds, and I had chosen to prioritize the tracks. There wasn't a lot of time — the kind of time that I needed at least — to initiate what I would consider to be good drum tracks. So I needed to utilize the time that was given to try to get the best tracks that I possibly could. And so I was working on that. But what showed up was a bad contract. The bad contract showed up, and the track that I was laying down, which actually turned out to be just fine… But at the time, when I was laying the track down, there was some controversy between myself and another member of that band. And I've gotta be very careful here how I'm saying that. But there was definitely a rub — to the point where I came in and laid the tracks down, and I don't think I met the kind of criteria that one of the members wanted. And when I eventually listened to the tracks being played, I listened to it and went, 'My God…' 'Cause Vinny [Appice] came in and played the tracks. And I listened to it and I went, 'My God! That's exactly what I was fucking playing.' …But the dispute was already over and done with. I had a huge argument about something, and I felt like I had been led down a slippery slope. And already being led down some slippery slopes, I'm very guarded. So I just went, you know… And, basically, they called it, and I was out. And I didn't feel comfortable with it at all. So that's what happened."

Ward's latest comments echo remarks he made about HEAVEN & HELL in a 2010 interview with U.K.'s Rock Radio. He stated at the time about "The Dio Years" sessions: "There was a track that I was uncomfortable with. And I was trying to accomodate the wishes of a couple of the bandmembers, and I'm not very good when I have to do that. I guess I'm just not that kind of a drummer; I have to play the way that I feel it. The way that a couple of the guys wanted the drumming to be, I was unable to accomodate it; I didn't see it that way at all. So it was a problem musically."

He continued: "All the way through that particular project, everybody had an open mind — I had an open mind; I didn't know if it was gonna work or not work. I went in there and tried to lay some track in the best way I could, and it was one of those musical things that didn't work out, as far as I was concerned.

"I can't remember initially... At the time, I think, there were some things that were said about me having other schedules to meet and so on and so forth, and that wasn't the case at all. It was definitely a misunderstanding."

Ward added: "I was uncomfortable with some of the things surrounding that particular project. So, that was it. And I moved out. I thought Vinny would be a much better choice [for HEAVEN & HELL], because Vinny is able to do those kinds of things... he's able to accomodate the kinds of things the kind of things that were being asked, and I'm not. I react. I'm a reactionary drummer, and Vinny plays drums; there's a big difference between us."

Iommi also talked about Ward's non-involvement with HEAVEN & HELL during a separate interview with Rock Radio. He said: "Bill Ward is not a part of this mainly because of his choice."

He continued: "Originally, when we put the three [new] tracks together for 'The Dio Years' [compilation], I asked Bill if he wanted to be involved with it and he said, 'Yeah.' And I said, 'Well, you're gonna have to come to England from California and I'll run through the songs with you, what we're gonna do.' So he did. And he couldn't quite grasp it that quick, and we needed to... The record company was asking for the songs fairly quick — they wanted to get them out. And Bill wanted to take more time doing it, and it was getting longer and longer, and we thought, 'Well, it's probably best we don't do them with Bill,' because Bill was feeling uncomfortable. And it felt even more uncomfortable when we [spoke] to him about touring for a year. He sort had a fit, because Bill hasn't done that extensive touring for a long time. And we were planning on doing a lot of touring. So Bill said, 'I don't think I'm gonna be up for touring to that extent.' And we thought it's probably best that we bring Vinny into this situation, because Vinny has done more [BLACK SABBATH] albums with Ronnie [on vocals] than Bill has — Bill has only played on the one album, which is 'Heaven And Hell', and Vinny has played on 'Mob Rules' and 'Dehumanizer', and, of course, all the live sets, so it seemed the obvious thing to have Vinny back."

HEAVEN & HELL released one album, "The Devil You Know", to critical and commercial acclaim before Dio died of stomach cancer in 2010.

Ward was on board for the original BLACK SABBATH reunion when it was first announced in November 2011, but backed out soon after. He later claimed that he sat out the recording and touring sessions because of unfair contractual terms, although the members of SABBATH have hinted in other interviews that he wasn't physically up to the task.

SABBATH has used Ozzy's regular touring drummer Tommy Clufetos since then for live work. RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's Brad Wilk laid down the drum tracks on SABBATH's "13" album, which came out in June 2013.

Renowned guitarist, producer and engineer Masaki Murashita has announced the upcoming release of Inescapable Damnation, the debut EP from his solo project Murashita. 

Inescapable Damnation, which features the talents of David Ellefson (Megadeth), Kevin Talley (Suffocation, Six Feet Under, Chimaira), Kelly Conlon (Death, Monstrosity) and Rodney McGlothlin (Voice of Dissent), is set for an October 16 release.

Tracklisting:

“Retribution”
“Inescapable Damnation”
“Death Or Glory”
“Conquer The Foe”
“The Show Must Go On”

“Retribution” lyric video:

In September, Murashita will travel to Japan for a series of shows in support of Inescapable Damnation.

September

4 – Nagoya – Imaike Club 3Star
5 – Tokyo – Meguro Rokumeikan
11 – Tokyo – Shinjuku WildSide Tokyo
13 – Osaka – Namba Rockets

One Machine, the brainchild of acclaimed guitarist/songwriter Steve Smyth (Testament, Nevermore, Forbidden, Dragonlord, Vicious Rumors), recently announced The Final Cull as the title of their second album, due out on September 18th worldwide via Scarlet Records. A new track, "Forewarning", is streaming below:

The band recently launched part one of a three part “Making Of The Final Cull” crowdfunding video series. Watch below.
 
This series includes snippets of new music, in addition to discussing new The Final Cull songwriting, recording and subjects in connection with One Machine’s IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign and pre-order to help offset the costs incurred during the recording. The campaign also serves as the official album pre-order, which will be available in Digital Download, CD, Digipak, and special edition vinyl formats. In addition, the campaign itself offers many great donation perks. For more information, please visit this location.

Steve Smyth states: “In this first video, you’ll learn about our plan for using the money received, as well as the reasons behind why we chose to record live in the studio, as opposed to what has been the standard way for so long. Please head on over to our campaign and check it out, you’ll hear a bit of the new stuff as well!”

The band recently released the new album art, illustrated by Gustavo Sazes (Gus G. Morbid Angel, Arch Enemy).

“We are very happy to present our new album cover for The Final Cull, designed by the very talented Gustavo Sazes,” states Steve Smyth. “The cover concept behind The Final Cull is a bit of fantasy, a bit of reality crossed in between, as we present the idea of humanity being wiped out by the advancement of technology, at the hands of a small set of powerful human beings bent on power and control over all, even at the cost of the general population. The only useful and lasting valuable assets of humanity is the human soul, this last piece behind taken daily via technology, mind control, and psychological warfare. The scene of the cover is set in the near future, where human beings are rounded up and placed into tubes, which take the soul, to be placed in the “new” human beings, complete A.I. human replicas, and here is where the album begins… we hope you will join us down the dark path that is The Final Cull!”

Tracklistings for the two editions are as follows:

Digital Release:

“Forewarning”
“The Final Cull”
“Summoning Of The Soul”
“Screaming For Light”
“The Grand Design”
“New Motive Power”
“Ashes In The Sky”
“Born From This Hate”
“Welcome To The World”

CD Digipak and Limited Edition Vinyl:

“Forewarning”
“The Final Cull”
“Summoning Of The Soul”
“Screaming For Light”
“The Grand Design”
“New Motive Power”
“Ashes In The Sky”
“Born From This Hate”
“Welcome To The World”
“Computer God” (Black Sabbath)

"The Final Cull" lyric video:

The Final Cull was tracked at Death Island Studios, with Marco Angioni and Tue Madsen helming. Recording lasted for nine days solid, as the band put in 15-18 hour days on this record.

One Machine is:

Steve Smyth (guitar)
Jamie Hunt (guitar)
Chris Hawkins (vocals)
Stefano Selvatico (bass)

 

Californian progressive death metal outfit, Arkaik, is set to unleash their third full-length via Unique Leader Records this fall. 

Entitled Lucid Dawn, the ten-track magnum opus was engineered, mixed and mastered by Zack Ohren (Suffocation, Fallujah, Wrvth, All Shall Perish) at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California, and takes Arkaik's multifaceted sound to an entirely new dimension, showcasing each musician's creative potential and upping the proverbial ante of the brutality and technicality of their back catalog. With the addition of guitarists Miguel Esparza (ex-Hatriot) and Greg Paulson as additional composers, Lucid Dawn delivers a fresh approach to the band's sound and the entire progressive death metal genre. As an added bonus, the album features guest appearances from death metal heavy weights, Trevor Strnad and Ryan Knight of The Black Dahlia Murder, as well as Bay Area live string quartet, Amaranth.
 
Lucid Dawn is the second installment in a series of concept albums revolving around Cyrix, a disillusioned character in a dystopian society. In Cyrix's world, dreaming is systematically controlled by a tyrannical ruler named Khaal-Li-Phar and his army of dark shamans, where people are forced to build monuments to the tyrant to stifle their imaginations and inhibit their ability to achieve a multi-dimensional existence. Lucid Dawn is a death metal take on American mythologist, writer and lecturer, Joseph Campbell's monomythic, and the beginning of Cyrix's Hero's Journey. Musically and conceptually, Lucid Dawn carries the listener on a visceral exhibition through the depths of evil and beyond the threshold of mundane reality.

Lucid Dawn tracklisting:

“Intro”
“From The Void”
“Digital Shroud”
“That Which Lies Hidden”
“Awaken The I”
“Fleshwalkers”
“Fusion Of Epochs”
“Lucid Dawn”
“Conjuring”
“Temple Aflame”

In conjunction with the release of Lucid Dawn, Arkaik will embark upon a near month-long headlining tour from October 16 through November 8. The Lucid Revolution Tour will terrorize twenty four cities in eleven states with support from Bermuda and Enfold Darkness.

Lucid Dawn will be released on October 30 worldwide via Unique Leader Records. Preorders and audio lacerations to be disclosed in the coming weeks.

Denver’s Call Of The Void have announced a 2+ week US tour this fall with support from Syracuse, NY's Bleak. Kicking off on October 1st in Omaha, NE, the tour will run through October 18th and will include a stop at Southwest Terror Fest alongside Dropdead, Xibalba and more in Tucson, AZ.  A complete listing of dates is available below.  
 
Additionally, the band recently recorded a brand new EP with Dave Otero at Flatline Audio in Denver for an upcoming release called Are You Fucking Kidding Me. Details will be made available shortly.

Tour dates (with Bleak):

October
1 - Omaha, NE - The West Wing *
2 - Minneapolis, MN - TBA *
3 - Chicago, IL - Underground Lounge *
4 - Pittsburgh, PA - Roboto Project
5 - Long Island, NY - Amityville Music Hall
6 - Brooklyn, NY - TBA
7 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie
8 - Richmond, VA - Strange Matter
9 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
10 - Lafayette, LA - Bisbanos
11 - Houston, TX - Black Barbie
12 - Austin, TX - Mohawk
13 - San Antonio, TX - TBA
14 - Las Cruces, TX - Haphazard Hall
16 - Tucson, AZ - Southwest Terror Fest (with Dropdead, Xibalba, Bleak and Landmine Marathon)
17 - Santa Fe, NM - The Dave Cave

* no Bleak

 

About 100 miles south of Atlanta, next to a field just outside the town of Byron, there stands a plaque erected by the Georgia Historical Society marking the location of the Second Atlanta International Pop Festival, where from July 3-5, 1970, "Over thirty musical acts performed, including rock icon Jimi Hendrix playing to the largest American audience of this career." Despite the overwhelming attendance (estimated to be 300,000-400,000), the festival and Hendrix's performance in particular, has not received its due in terms of historic importance and impact until now.

Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church, a new documentary film about the music legend's Atlanta Pop set and the circumstances surrounding it, will debut on SHOWTIME on September 4th at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Experience Hendrix L.L.C. and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, is releasing the DVD and Blu-ray version on October 30th, which will feature bonus content not included in the broadcast version. The film documents the massive festival hailed then as the 'Southern Woodstock' and recognized now as the last great US Rock Festival. The film presents the story of how rock music's burgeoning festival culture descended en masse to the tiny rural village of Byron, Georgia and witnessed Hendrix's unforgettable performance. Listen to “Voodoo Child” from the Atlanta Pop Festival below:

The film details the efforts by Atlanta promoter Alex Cooley to create the definitive music festival.  Cooley secured such talent as Bob Seger, BB King and the Allman Brothers, but Hendrix was the critical component he needed to elevate the three day festival to a major cultural event. Electric Church features interviews with Hendrix's Experience band mates Billy Cox and the late Mitch Mitchell as well as Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, Rich Robinson, Kirk Hammett, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, festival organizer Alex Cooley and many others. The film contains breathtaking, color 16mm footage of Jimi Hendrix's Independence Day appearance, a mere ten weeks before his untimely passing.  Standout performances include such Hendrix classics as "Hey Joe," "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," "Purple Haze," as well as confident, compelling versions of songs such as "Room Full Of Mirrors," "Freedom," and "Straight Ahead" that had not yet been issued by Jimi on an Experience album, but were intended to be part of the album he was working on that summer. "The Star Spangled Banner," played against a backdrop of exploding fireworks, is another highlight, which Cooley recalls as having "knocked peoples' socks off."

The audio release Freedom: Jimi Hendrix Experience Atlanta Pop Festival, which Experience Hendrix L.L.C. and Legacy Recordings will put out on August 28, includes six performances not seen in the Showtime documentary. This will be available as a 2CD set and also as a 200-gram 2LP vinyl set. The first 5,000 vinyl units will be individually numbered.

By the beginning of the 1970s, Jimi Hendrix was unquestionably one of the most exciting rock musicians of his generation, having captivated the world with his highly stylized approach to blues guitar. In Electric Church, Paul McCartney freely admits to worshipping him, adding, "We all played guitar. We all knew a bit. But he seemed to know more than us."

Jimi Hendrix put the rock festival concept on the map with his blistering performance at California's Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, headlining 1968's inaugural Miami Pop Festival, and providing the soundtrack for the counterculture with a dazzling set at Woodstock in 1969.

His performance at the Second Atlanta International Pop Festival was not only significant on a musical level, but also in terms of socio-political dynamics. The organizers were keen to push back against the cultural divide that was very much in evidence in the Deep South. It was assumed that rural audiences would not take kindly to "long-hair" bands, and that black and white artists could not comfortably exist on the same bill; Atlanta Pop set out to challenge those beliefs. Hendrix's music and message of universal love made him the ideal artist to represent that pushback, and, appropriately, was the first act booked for the festival.

In the sweltering Georgia heat, amongst intimidating bikers who were hired as security, hundreds of thousands of mostly young music fans descended upon the festival grounds, eventually knocking over fences and leaving the organizers with no choice but to declare it a free event. Law enforcement, not equipped to handle such crowds, adopted a hands-off policy with regards to crowd control, drug use and nudity. Against incredible odds, the event proved to be largely peaceful. By the time the Jimi Hendrix Experience took the stage on the evening of July 4, the audience swelled to more than 300,000.

Massive, anarchic music fests in the U.S., unencumbered by high ticket prices and corporate sponsors were soon to be extinct, and the Atlanta Pop Festival was the last of this dying breed. Glenn Phillips (Hampton Grease Band) says, "This was, certainly in retrospect, sort of the end of an era, and a great end to an era. It was a powerful moment."

The Atlanta festival footage in Electric Church was shot by Steve Rash, later known for directing such Hollywood films as The Buddy Holly Story and Can't Buy Me Love. Rash intended for the footage he and his team were filming to be used for a documentary in the vein of Woodstock. When a deal couldn't be secured, virtually all of the film lay undeveloped inside Rash's barn for over three decades. The full-color film stock held up remarkably well, and makes for a transcendent viewing experience.

Bill Mankin, who worked on the construction and stage crews for the festival, provides liner notes for the Freedom package, describing his first-hand account. He explains, "At the center of the vortex was the master magician on guitar: the personification of a life lived fully and wildly, with no boundaries, no limitations, and aiming for the stars at light speed."

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Freedom: Atlanta Pop Festival 2CD/2LP vinyl (release date: August 28)

Disc 1
“Fire”
“Lover Man”
“Spanish Castle Magic”
“Red House”
“Room Full Of Mirrors”
“Hear My Train A Comin’”
“Message To Love”

Disc 2
“All Along The Watchtower”
“Freedom”
“Foxey Lady”
“Purple Haze”
“Hey Joe”
“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”
“Stone Free”
“Star Spangled Banner”
“Straight Ahead”

"Purple Haze" video:

"Stone Free":

 

 

Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church DVD/Blu-ray (release date: October 30th) contains performances of three additional songs not included in the broadcast version of the film, and other never before released Hendrix bonus content.

Melding the forthright intensity of rock with the skill and inventiveness of progressive metal, Brisbane, Australia’s Caligula's Horse have announced the release of their third record, Bloom, through InsideOutMusic on October 16th in Europe, and October 30th in North America.

The band have posted a special video message, telling you a little bit about the album and introducing the band:

Now the band can reveal that the album will arrive on Limited Edition Digipak CD, Vinyl LP with CD included & digital download (incl. one exclusive bonus track).

Tracklisting:
 
“Bloom”
“Marigold”
“Firelight”
“Dragonfly”
“Rust”
“Turntail”
“Daughter Of The Mountain”
“Undergrowth ”

Trailer:

 
Bloom follows 2011's debut Moments From Ephemeral City, and 2013's dark narrative concept album The Tide, The Thief & River's End.

"Bloom is very special to all of us - it's an album full of colour and life, vibrancy and energy, but one that breathes in and out with a natural ebb and flow," says lead vocalist Jim Grey. "It's exactly what we hoped to achieve with Caligula's Horse. To us, this album has a life of its own."
 

 

BARONESS returns with its first new music in three years, as the band releases their fourth album, "Purple", on December 18 via its recently formed label, Abraxan Hymns. The first song from the ten-track album, "Chlorine & Wine", is available now, with an animated clip featuring "Chlorine & Wine" artwork.

"After releasing a lengthy and investigative record like 'Yellow & Green', we all felt that we needed to make something much more direct and immediate," explains band founder and singer John Baizley of the approach behind "Purple". The album was produced by Dave Fridmann (THE FLAMING LIPS, MGMT) at Tarbox Road Studios in the secluded town of Cassadaga, New York. "We wanted to write with our normal focus on artistry, balanced against an increased level of energy and focus," Baizley says. "It was important for us to write our new songs with the type of enthusiasm and expressiveness that could act as a counterpoint to the album's dark themes. As a result, the music came out in an intense, heavy and sonically captivating in a new way, which was important, loathe, as we are to fall into any kind of complacency pitfall or formulaic songwriting routine. 'Purple' is the most fully realized representation of our intention as a band; considering the amount of physical and mental energy spent writing it, we have accomplished something which would have seemed impossible to us a couple of years ago."

In late July, BARONESS shared news that the release would come via their own label, dubbed Abraxan Hymns. Baizley discusses the band's move towards independence: "We have been incredibly fortunate to work with a series of amazing labels, producers, management, crew members, etc., all of whom we not only consider a critical part of our development as musicians and performers but also our personal friends. After working for so long as a recording and touring band, it seemed like a no-brainer when the opportunity arose to start our own label."

Pre-order packages for "Purple", which feature an instant download of "Chlorine & Wine" as well as a limited-edition colored vinyl version of the new album, two picture discs, t-shirts and other unique items, are available now via this link. iTunes, Amazon and Google Play are also offering pre-orders as of today.

"Purple" track listing:

01. Morningstar02. Shock Me03. Try to Disappear04. Kerosene05. Fugue06. Chlorine & Wine07. The Iron Bell08. Desperation Burns09. If I Have to Wake Up (Would You Stop the Rain)10. Crossroads of Infinity

The band performs tomorrow at the Reading festival and at the Leeds festival on Sunday. North American tour dates will be announced soon.

BARONESS is John Baizley (guitar, vocals), Pete Adams (guitar, vocals), Nick Jost (bass, keyboards) and Sebastian Thomson (drums).

Photo credit: Jimmy Hubbard

Ashmedi of Mesopotamian black/thrash pioneers MELECHESH joined SOULFLY on stage on August 5 at the Brutal Assault festival in the Czech Republic to perform the SEPULTURA classic "Territory". Video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

Former SEPULTURA and current SOULFLY frontman Max Cavalera makes a guest appearance on MELECHESH's latest album, "Enki", which came out in March via Nuclear Blast.

SOULFLY's tenth studio album, "Archangel", was released on August 14 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The CD was produced by Matt Hyde, who has previously worked with SLAYER and CHILDREN OF BODOM. The cover artwork was created by artist Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, ICED EARTH, SODOM).

In 1996, Max exited SEPULTURA after the rest of the band fired Cavalera's wife Gloria as their manager.

Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD were the musical guests on last night's (Thursday, August 27) episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" The band performed several songs on the show's outdoor stage in front of a standing-room-only crowd.

Video footage of LAMB OF GOD playing the tracks "512" and "Still Echoes" on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" can be seen below.

LAMB OF GOD's seventh full-length album, "VII: Sturm Und Drang", was released on July 24 via Epic in the U.S. and Nuclear Blast Entertainment in all territories outside of North America. The CD was once again produced and mixed by Josh Wilbur with engineering by Wilbur, Nick Rowe and Kyle McAulay, and was recorded at NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California and Suburban Soul Studios in Torrance, California.

Regarding the "VII: Sturm Und Drang" album title, LAMB OF GOD guitarist Mark Morton told the Swiss TV show "Living Room": "When Randy [Blythe, vocals] and I were putting the lyrics together for this album, we were discussing what the themes were. And we were trying to find a phrase that best encompassed the common threads that ran through the lyrics of all the songs. And it just happened to be that 'Sturm Und Drang' represented that inner conflict and the pressure and the turmoil and the chaos and how one responds to those things. If it had been a French phrase, we would have probably named it that. But it just happened to be German."

The album's first single, "Still Echoes", was made available on May 18 via all digital retailers and streaming services.

Kaotoxin Records has announced the signing of a multi-album deal with French blackened death metal band Azziard. The band is fronted by A.S.A., vocalist for The Negation who released their newest album, Momento Mori, in July under the Kaotoxin banner. Azziard's lineup also features former and current members of Moonreich, Whispering Tears and Bran Barr.

Born in 2001, Azziard have released a pair of war-themed full-length albums, both with a conceptual focus on World War I. Where some bands become more polished over time, each release sees Azziard taking a darker and more primal approach to an already scathing brand of brand of blackened death metal. 

Azziard is currently putting the finishing touches to its third full-length at Vamacara Studio. Kaotoxin Records is planning an early-2016 release for the as-of-yet untitled album. For a taste of what's to come, the band has made a pre-production cut of album track "Unus Mundus" available for streaming and free download. This version will also be included on Weapons Of Self-Destruction: Volume 2, the free Kaotoxin Records Sampler, which is set to be released on September 14.

Finland’s Hooded Menace has returned with Darkness Drips Forth, their fourth full-length and most gruesome work to date. Recorded and mixed by Chris Fielding (Electric Wizard, Primordial) and the band´s usual sound engineer Mikko Saastamoinen, and graced by decrepit artwork from Justin Bartlett, the band employ a new approach on their latest effort, expanding their writing across four cataclysmically dense tracks, nearly all of which exceed ten minutes apiece. Cavernous vocals preside over mastermind Lasse Pyykko's rumbling riffs; while the rest of the band’s unshakable rhythmic core provides a grim backbone for the record.

A press release states: “The hint of melody Hooded Menace sought back in their earliest days has fully blossomed into an essential element of the band’s music; Darkness Drips Forth is as melodic as it is devastating and as emotionally disquieting as it is thematically stirring. Funereal, deliberate, and methodical, Darkness Drips Forth is sure to be an essential acquisition for fans of winter's crushing doom, the old-school death metal of Bolt Thrower and Asphyx, and the cruel, apocalyptic atmospheres of Dead Congregation and Coffins alike. Just in time for Halloween, Hooded Menace delivers a gruesome treat to chill your bones and crack open your coffin.”

The record is slated for an October 30 release via Relapse Records, and will be available on digital, CD, and vinyl formats. Preorder the album on CD or special edition vinyl at Relapse Records.

Darkness Drips Forth tracklisting:

“The Burning Oath / Dungeons Of The Disembodied”
“Elysium Of Dripping Death”
“Ashen With Solemn Decay”
“Beyond Deserted Flesh”

Album trailer:

The new album from classic rockers The Lizards, featuring members of Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Cactus and Riot, will be released in September on Hyperspace Records in partnership with drumming legend Carmine Appice’s Rocker Records. Titled Reptilicus Maximus, the band's 7th album features guest appearances by Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Frank Marino (Mahogany Rush) and Vinnie Moore (UFO). Once again the breathtaking cover artwork was created by longtime Lizards artist Rick Klemann.

The Lizards are drummer Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow/Black Sabbath/BOC), vocalist/keyboardist Mike DiMeo (Riot/Masterplan), bassist Randy Pratt (who also plays harp with Cactus) and guitarist Patrick Klein (who recorded and mixed the album), and have released seven albums and three live DVDs in the past 13 years.

“Loved hearing The Lizards when they opened for UFO. Cool riffs, grooves and musicality with Mike DiMeo's killer vocals on top. Awesome new record and I am glad to be a part of it.” - Vinnie Moore, UFO

Says bassist and band leader Randy Pratt, “On our 7th CD, Reptilicus Maximus, we brought in a few of our touring buddies. David Lanik, of Sharks kicks ass on 'Ton On The One', the opening track on the CD. Frank Marino, of Mahogany Rush, was the headliner on our first tour and dazzles on 'Evil Eyes', the second track. Vinnie Moore and UFO were the headliners on our LAST tour (so far). Vinnie shreds beautifully on 'Crash', a song I wrote the lyrics to in the hospital after my brutal car crash that sidelined us for a while. We did a 2 month tour with Glenn Hughes and he came to New York to record four songs on our 6th CD, Against All Odds. 'Miracle Man' is a song that he wrote specifically for The Lizards, and I believe we slay it. He and Mike DiMeo do another one of their over the top duets on the closing number on the record. We added Scott 'The Doctor' Treibitz on keys for this CD, adding some new textures, from dark and brooding synths and majestic pipe organ to honky tonk piano and funky Hammond organ.”

“Having toured with The Lizards and getting to know the band personally, I was delighted when Randy asked me to play on a track with them.  And even if I hadn't gotten to know what a great bunch of guys they are, I still would have accepted the invitation gladly, because I just loved the track and the music they make.  With me it's always been about heart, and these cats bring it... straight from the heart. ” - Frank Marino, Mahogany Rush

Says Randy, “The music runs from progressive rock to swampy blues, lyrics ranging from the sacred to the profane…all in the name of rock. Bobby Rondinelli told us that we got some of the best playing of his career on this record. Since he played with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult, you can believe the drums are world class throughout!”

ANATHEMA, one of the U.K.'s most cherished and critically acclaimed rock bands, will release a live Blu-ray/audio collection titled "A Sort Of Homecoming" on October 30 via Kscope. Directed by Lasse Hoile (Steven Wilson, KATATONIA, OPETH), "A Sort Of Homecoming" is a stunning concert film of ANATHEMA's homecoming show on March 7, 2015 in the spectacular setting of the Liverpool Cathedral. The concert was described by Prog magazine as "a once-in-a-lifetime experience that words can barely do justice."

"I'm really happy that this night in particular has been preserved," commented ANATHEMA guitarist/vocalist Vincent Cavanagh. "As anyone from Liverpool will tell you, to be given the chance to play the Anglican Cathedral is monumental and a huge honor. The place is absolutely huge. Just look at the cover, it was like doing a gig in Erebor!"

Having previously worked with ANATHEMA on the acclaimed "Universal" concert film, Lasse Hoile captured the 100-minute acoustic set in high definition against the sensational backdrop of Liverpool Cathedral. Featuring 15 songs selected from the albums "Distant Satellites", "Weather Systems", "We're Here Because We're Here", "A Natural Disaster" and "Alternative 4", the "Anathema Acoustic" trio of Daniel Cavanagh, Vincent Cavanagh and Lee Douglas were joined by rhythm section John Douglas and Jamie Cavanagh, alongside their very talented close friend David Wesling on cello who also played on "Hindsight" (2009) and "A Moment In Time" (2006). For this exclusive performance, the band was also joined by the renowned violinist Anna Phoebe on a haunting rendition of "Anathema". The audio has been produced and mixed by Christer-André Cederberg who worked on "Distant Satellites", "Universal" and "Weather Systems", with the cover and booklet artwork featuring the stunning photography from the show and behind the scenes by longtime collaborator Caroline Traitler. This is the first ANATHEMA live release to feature a 5.1 audio mix, engineered by Bruce Soord.

Watch the concert trailer below.

Kscope will release "A Sort of Homecoming" as:

* Four-disc box set: 2-CD concert audio (100 mins), DVD with full concert plus an additional behind-the-scenes film "A Temporary Peace" and concert on Blu-ray disc. In a deluxe rigid media book with 36-page booklet, presented in a slipcase - 2CD + DVD-V: The set features the full 100-minute audio and DVD-V of the concert with 5.1 audio mixed by THE PINEAPPLE THIEF's Bruce Soord - Blu-ray disc: The full 100-minute concert plus an additional behind-the-scenes film "A Temporary Peace" with 5.1 audio mixed by THE PINEAPPLE THIEF's Bruce Soord LP: A gatefold triple 180g black vinyl LP including MP3 download code Digital: Concert audio only All formats, excluding digital download, are available to pre-order via the Kscope webstore at www.kscopemusic.com/store.

"A Sort of Homecoming" track listing:

01. The Lost Song Part 202. Untouchable Part 103. Untouchable Part 204. Thin Air05. Dreaming Light06. Anathema07. Ariel08. Electricity09. Temporary Peace10. The Beginning And The End11. Distant Satellites12. Take Shelter13. Internal Landscapes14. A Natural Disaster15. Fragile Dreams

MOTÖRHEAD was forced to cancel its concert in Salt Lake City earlier tonight (Thursday, August 27) after playing only three or four songs due to the fact that the band's frontman, Lemmy Kilmister, was not feeling well. Various reports indicate that he complained to the crowd that he couldn't breathe and/or was experiencing severe back pain prior to stopping the show and leaving the stage.

A statement on the official MOTÖRHEAD Facebook page gave the following explanation for why the Salt Lake City concert was cut short: "The people are great, but the air is just too thin. The high altitude makes it difficult for breathing, and that's what happened with Lemmy tonight in Salt Lake City. He feels very bad to have cut the show short, but being that high up, he had some trouble breathing well. Lemmy appreciates everyone's concern. The fans always rally round!"

Lemmy, who turned 69 years old in December, in 2013 suffered a haematoma (where blood collects outside of a blood vessel), causing the cancelation of a number of the band's European festival shows. The band has since scrapped a couple of tours and, during last year's Wacken Open Air festival in Germany, abandoned its set midway through so Lemmy could be taken to the hospital.

"I've had some health scares," Lemmy told Kerrang! for last week's issue of the U.K. magazine, "and I've had to really cut back on smoking and drinking and whatever. But it is what it is. I've had a good life, a good run. I do what I do still. I'm sure I'll die on the road, one way or another."

Asked if he is afraid of death, Lemmy said, "No."

The rocker told Classic Rock he didn't expect to still be here at 30,

"I don't do regrets," he said. "Regrets are pointless. It's too late for regrets. You've already done it, haven't you? You've lived your life. No point wishing you could change it.

"There are a couple of things I might have done differently, but nothing major; nothing that would have made that much of a difference.

"I'm pretty happy with the way things have turned out. I like to think I've brought a lot of joy to a lot of people all over the world. I'm true to myself and I'm straight with people."

Asked if his illness in 2013 has made him more aware of his own mortality, Lemmy said: "Death is an inevitability, isn't it? You become more aware of that when you get to my age. I don't worry about it. I'm ready for it. When I go, I want to go doing what I do best. If I died tomorrow, I couldn't complain. It's been good."

Founded in 2011 in Modena, Italy and fronted by emotional vocalist Federica Lanna, symphonic metallers Sleeping Romance have joined forces with legendary metal and hard rock label, Napalm Records and signed a worldwide record deal.

Napalm Records on the brand new signing: “We are proud to announce the worldwide signing with Sleeping Romance! Here’s a young band that mystifies listeners with atmospheric melodies over darkened dynamics, creating an undeniably epic wall of sound. We are sure you will be just as impressed when you hear the upcoming album! Welcome to the Napalm Family.”

Federico Truzzi (guitars) states: "We are really excited about this new co-operation and adventure with Napalm Records, without a doubt one of the best labels in the industry. We all consider it a great opportunity in our professional lives and an amazing step forward for the band. We are so thankful for this new agreement and we will do our best to grow as musicians and as a band.”

Sleeping Romance is currently working on the pre-production for their second album that will continue the evolution of the band’s sound without moving away from the original concept and vision of Sleeping Romance.

“We are really excited about it! There is a lot of work ahead but we are sure it will be a killer album. Il metallo!!”

Sleeping Romance lineup:

Federico Truzzi- Guitar/Orchestra
Federica Lanna - Vocals
Lorenzo Costi - Bass
Francesco Zanarelli - Drums
Fabrizio Incao – Guitar