"Square Hammer", a brand new song from Swedish occult rockers GHOST, was premiered this morning on SiriusXM and can now be streamed at SiriusXM.com. The track, which can also be heard using the audio player below, will appear on the band's new EP, "Popestar", to be released this Friday, September 16. The effort, which consists primarily of covers, was helmed by English producer Tom Dalgety, who has previously worked with ROYAL BLOOD and KILLING JOKE, among others.

GHOST will perform "Square Hammer" on its upcoming North American tour. One of the Nameless Ghouls told SiriusXM: "We're very proud of it. We're obviously thrilled to be able to play something new. This is a short, to-the-point little gem right at the jugular."

"Popestar" track listing:

01. Square Hammer02. Nocturnal Me03. I Believe04. Missionary Man05. Bible

The EP cover artwork can be seen below.

A Nameless Ghoul told myROCK about GHOST's upcoming EP: "The EP will sort of connect with 'Meliora', so it's not [going to feature] a new Papa [Editor's note: In a parody of the Catholic Church's tradition of papal succession, GHOST singer Papa Emeritus is purportedly replaced by a new Papa for each GHOST album.], it's not a new album; it's gonna be like an extension of 'Meliora'. That is gonna prolong the tour. So we're gonna do an American tour in the fall, and then we're gonna come back to Europe in the beginning of next year and do a bigger, sort of final 'Meliora' show. And in between now and then, we will work on the new album, and after the European tour in the beginning of [2017], we're gonna go into the studio and record a new album."

GHOST won the Grammy for "Best Metal Performance" during the pre-telecast ceremony at the 58th annual Grammy Awards. GHOST was nominated for the song "Cirice" from "Meliora".

"Cirice" recently reached the Top 10 at rock radio, the first song from the band to get significant airplay in the U.S.

Listen to "Square Hammer" (audio):

The official music video for "A Thousand Years", a song from British heavy metal vocalist Blaze Bayley (IRON MAIDEN, WOLFSBANE), can be seen below. The track is taken from Blaze's eighth solo album, "Infinite Entanglement", which was released on March 1.

In an interview with Jimmy Kay and Alan Dixon from Canada's The Metal Voice, Blaze stated about his new album: "I had this idea to write my own book. I had a story that… kind of coming from the character from 'Tenth Dimension' [Blaze's 2002 album] that I really wanted to do. And we started work on it, and we had too many songs for one album. And I thought, you know what? When I did 'Tenth Dimension', I had to keep that down to a certain amount of time because I was working with a record company; I had deadlines to meet. I thought this time… I think this is a really big story. And so, I started thinking about it like 'Dune' and 'The Lord Of The Rings' and something like that. I thought if I was gonna do exactly what I wanted to do, then I would do it in three albums. Well, I am my record company, so I can do what I want to do. So I'm doing it in three albums. And this is my first studio album — full metal studio album — for four years, and it's part one of a trilogy. And the story is told across the three albums. And so far, it's turned out really, really well. And the first few people now have got their pre-orders delivered, and they're really enjoying it. The feedback I've had is great."

Blaze also spoke in more detail about the story that is covered on the trilogy. He said: "It's about a man who does not know if he is human. It's his personal journey, and he is on a mission to discover one of the new Kepler planets. You know, Kepler discovered all these new planets. It's set a hundred years in the future, and he's on a spaceship and it's how he deals with the fact that he will be one of the first people ever to live for a thousand years because of advances in technology, and how he deals with that. And the question is: is he human or not? And that's it in a nutshell. And the story expands from there. And we discover a lot of different things — first, his emotions and how he feels, but also why he's there and how he is reacting to the circumstances. And everything is not what it seems. He's been chosen for the mission, and we find out why. And that's part of the overall story. So it's a kind of mystery horror, in a way, set in space, and this is part one of it. So I'm hoping that you'll like the rest as well."

According to Blaze, he intentionally made "Infinite Entanglement" so that fans of his music can listen to the album and enjoy it without having to be familiar with the entire story. He said: "That is how I started with the whole idea. I had to do something that I would enjoy. So I really wanted to do something more in the 'War Of The Worlds' style and in the 'Operation: Mindcrime'. I wanted it so, as a listener, you can enjoy each song without knowing the story. But if you want to look at the sleeve notes, if you want to get deeper in it, then you'll see the connections. You don't have to listen to all the songs to know the connections. And the order of the songs isn't in a way that you have to play it from start to finish either. And you won't really know where all of the songs fit until that third album comes out and it explains to you the whole story and all of the details."

Asked if he already has a timetable in mind for the release of the second and third albums in the trilogy, Blaze said: "We have half of album two, we have half of the songs ready for that, and we have some of the music and one of the songs for album three. So we kind of have the ending and a bit of the middle. So, as we're going along on tour, and I'm writing the rest of the story, then we'll come up with the rest of the songs."

He continued: "What I've enjoyed with this one is having the liberation of not having to connect everything to reality or directly to me, to be able to use somebody else's emotions and somebody else's thoughts, and have more than one set of eyes to look at the world through. That's been really liberating, and I've enjoyed it very much."

The 53-year-old Bayley, who was born in Birmingham, was the original frontman in WOLFSBANE, but left in 1994 to join MAIDEN, with whom he recorded two studio albums — 1995's "The X Factor" 1998's and "Virtual XI" — before Bruce Dickinson returned to the group.

Bayley released a career-spanning double-disc collection, "Soundtracks Of My Life", on October 31, 2013.

Fan-filmed video footage of Lita Ford's August 14 performance at the Alcatraz Festival in Kortrijk, Belgium can be seen below.

Lita Ford released a new album, "Time Capsule", on April 15 via SPV/Steamhammer. The very special and unusual recording turns back the clock to a time when honest, down-to-earth rock music was still handmade and recorded without digital tricks and contraptions.

"Time Capsule" is a "throwback" record that boasts identifiable voices and brilliant players jamming without any planning or pressure. Some of the album's highlights: Billy Sheehan (bass), Rodger Carter (drums), Dave Navarro (mandolin), Jeff Scott Soto (vocals), Rick Nielsen and Robin Zander (backing vocals) and Gene Simmons (bass).

Speaking to Guitar World magazine, Lita stated about how the idea for "Time Capsule" came about: "There were 15 analog tapes I had in the Caribbean house [where Lita lived while she was married to former NITRO singer Jim Gillette] that I had to go back and get during my divorce. I drug them though the Caribbean dirt and on to a boat and took them back to L.A. I remember we had to bake them because they were so old and had been in that air for so long. I was afraid to put them on the reel because I thought they would flake and fall apart. So we baked them and transferred them over to digital — and it worked!"

Asked what made "Time Capsule" so special, Lita said: "It has such a magical vibe to it. We didn't change one note on anything on this album. All we did was remix. It was so fun and when we originally recorded it, all of the musicians were in their prime: Billy Sheehan; Gene Simmons and Bruce Kulick; Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen of CHEAP TRICK; Dave Navarro is on mandolin; Rodger Carter's on drums. Even Jeff Scott Soto and I sing a duet together that's just awesome. The album is also a gift to the fans, because I know they miss the eighties. There are people who are too young and didn't get to live through the eighties, and then there are other people who really miss it. So there's a little piece of the eighties in this time capsule, and I'm bringing it back!"

"Time Capsule" contains ten songs plus an intro and is available as a digipak as well as an LP version and download. It's Ford's gift to fans who love the '80s, when thrilling vocal performances, raunchy riffs, and loud, growling guitars were as essential as oxygen. "Lita Ford - Living Like A Runaway: A Memoir" came out on February 23 via Dey Street Books (formerly It Books), an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. In this 272-page hardcover book, which was originally expected in 2014, the former lead guitarist of THE RUNAWAYS opens up about the '70s and '80s music scene, and her extraordinary life and career.

Leonard Haze, original drummer for legendary Bay Area rock band Y&T, passed away Sunday evening, September 11 at his home in Hayward, California. He was 61 years old.

Haze had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for several years, making breathing difficult. Even so, he had fought to keep playing drums, performing regularly with his band, HAZEXPERIENCE, and joining Y&T on stage at the Fillmore in San Francisco in both 2015 and 2016. HAZEXPERIENCE was scheduled to open for Y&T at the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma November 18 and November 19, and had been in the midst of recording an EP of new material.

Said Y&T frontman Dave Meniketti: "It is with shock and sadness that I type this. Leonard Haze, the legendary drummer, and a guy I spent decades with creating great music together, has passed away at 61. This, just a few days after his birthday. I just woke up to this news, as I'm in Germany, and immediately called his wife, Kelly. She confirmed that Leonard had passed away in his sleep, a few hours ago, sometime between noon and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 11.

"Leonard has been struggling with COPD for years, but Kelly said that although his health had recently declined, they felt he had a few years left, so this is unexpected.

"My deepest condolences to Leonard's family and friends. His impact on the rock scene was well documented.

"Rest in peace, my friend."

Added HAZEXPERIENCE guitarist Jim Bradley: "Leonard was not only a bandmate but a close friend, sharing not just a passion for music but also our appreciation for fast cars and cool RC planes. Leonard was taken from us way too soon."

"Leonard was a good friend, a great drummer, and a true ambassador for the world of rock 'n' roll," said Jeffrey Winslow, lead singer for HAZEXPERIENCE. "I'm shocked that he's gone, but thankful I got to know him while he was here."

Haze was a founding member and one of the principal songwriters for the Bay Area hard rock band YESTERDAY & TODAY, later known as Y&T. He co-wrote some of their biggest hits, including "Hurricane", "Black Tiger", "Mean Streak", "Rescue Me", "Dirty Girl", "Forever" and MTV staple "Summertime Girls".

It was Haze's bass drum prowess that made his powerful drumming style legendary and, thanks to it, Y&T quickly developed the reputation as a must-see live band and musical powerhouse, headlining shows with opening acts such as VAN HALEN, MÖTLEY CRÜE, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and many others. Y&T's hard-driving style helped them land worldwide tours alongside such acts as AC/DC, AEROSMITH, Ozzy Osbourne, and RUSH, which resulted in the development of a strong following throughout Europe.

In the early '90s, Haze played drums on DEEP PURPLE vocalist Ian Gillan's solo album "Toolbox". Gillan subsequently asked him to join the band, and Haze was part of one of the first rock bands ever to not only perform, but tour, behind the "Iron Curtain," traversing the Soviet Union during the cold war. After that tour, Haze became a permanent member of the Ian Gillan band, continuing with a two-year world tour and performing in 71 countries.

In 2002, Haze reunited with Y&T and went back on tour with them throughout the United States until they parted ways in 2006.

Haze's final performance took place August 20 with HAZEXPERIENCE at the Quarter Note in Sunnyvale.

The year is 2024... for several billion years the universe has been governed by forces of equal strength and gravity, and equal parts good and evil. But times are about to change with the discovery of a previously unknown massive black hole in our solar system that threatens to devour everything that ever was and ever will be.

As the spiral of dark matter and darkness continues to rotate and close in on the fate of existence; hope is not lost with the unveiling of The Ashen Bridge; a gateway to salvation created in the dreams of the young; the innocent children of the world that know no selfishness, only love.

When they cry out for help at the brink of destruction; somebody actually listens; her name is Anuviel.

Saecred Spirit is a musical adventure from one of Sweden’s best kept secrets. It is an exciting journey that tells the story of Anuviel - a female emissary of light from a parallel world very close to ours that has been made aware that humanity is on the verge of destruction. The truth is even more disturbing; she soon finds out. The world has been dying for a very long time, burdened by the cacophony of tormented souls and the dissonance of species longing for a home of love and warmth.

Anuviel is a harbinger of life; a guardian of the very essence of time and space, and as such, a being that is eternal; keeper of the secret key made of sound that opens the gates that lead from The Ashen Bridge to any place in the universe. With such power, comes great responsibility and great danger; so she has to hide her inner light - veil her eyes, from forces that want nothing else than darkness to reign.

Faster than any light or thought, Anuviel - is a messenger of hope and strength. Her own sacred steed is a unicorn with the ability to sing and enlighten the world that unity of spirit brings the gift of music. It is time to listen and build strength for what is about to come…

Saecred Spirit is:
Anuviel -  vocals, keyboards
Lars Chriss - guitars, drums (Lion’s Share, Seven)
Andy Loos - bass (Glory, Lion’s Share, Seven)
Jeff Paris - backing vocals (Mr. Big, Vixen, Y&T)

Photo by Tallee Savage
Video filmed and edited by Mats Vassfjord
Album, single artwork and graphics by C.A. Beckston (Blekkmark Design Studio)

 

New Jersey bashers Attacker have checked in with the following update:

"Attacker have just announced the addition of new guitarist Jon Hasselbrink. Hasselbrink takes over from Pat Marinelli, who informed the band at the start of recording for the upcoming album that he would be leaving due to personal reasons. 

Drummer Mike Sabatini comments: "Pat has been with us from the very beginning, we've had some great experiences and fun times together, we all wish him the best in his future endeavors. Jon has stepped in and stepped up handling everything thrown at him, he's doing a fantastic job and we are glad to have him aboard."

Hasselbrink was brought to the band's attention by vocalist Bobby Lucas, who had previously played with Jon in Morbid Sin.

Attacker will be releasing their new album entitled Sins Of The World this coming fall through Metal On Metal Records. The band are also lining up dates for 2017 which include the Pounding Metal Fest on May 5th and 6th in Madrid, Spain.

Attacker recently released a video sampler for Sins Of The World album. Check it out below.

Back in May, Attacker hit Nuthouse Recording in Hoboken, NJ with producer engineer Tom Beaujour to begin the next chapter in Attacker music.

Sabatini comments: "To say we are all excited is an understatement since it's been just over three years since Giants Of Canaan was released. We had already worked with Tom at Nuthouse when we laid down the tracks for the Riot song 'Fire Down Under' that was featured on the Harder Than Steel CD, paying tribute to the bands that have graced the Keep It True Festival stage and the Thunder And Steel Down Under Riot Tribute album, both released on Skol Records. It's about time we get the fire lit, get the album out and get back to the live stage with some new material for the fans of the band."

Sins Of The World will be the first to feature new bassist Brian Smith.

Watch the official Attacker Facebook page here for updates.

On September 30th, Earache Records will issue new best of compilations, priced at only £5.99 each, for Entombed and Morbid Angel. Complete details can be found below.

This carefully curated compilation spans the entire career of the band that defined the Swedish death metal sound.  Formed in the late '80s, Entombed were originally called Nihilist and had a huge reputation on the underground death metal scene.This album is a must have for any die-hard fan and also a great introduction to the band. Includes classics such as "Left Hand Path", "Hollowman" and "Wolverine Blues". Pre-order at this location.

Tracklisting:

"Left Hand Path"
"Wolverine Blues"
"Stranger Aeons"
"Out Of Hand"
"Supposed To Rot"
"Sinners Bleed"
"Hollowman"
"Bitter Loss"
"Full Of Hell"
"God Of Thunder"
"Crawl"
"Night Of The Vampire"

 

Boasting 12 of the best tracks from one of death metal’s biggest and most influential bands. Morbid Angel are widely renowned as the kings of the death ,etal genre with their revolutionary and unapologetic sound. This album serves as an essential collectable for die-hard fans and also as a great introduction to the band. Pre-order at this location.

Tracklisting:

"Dominate"
"Maze Of Torment"
"Fall From Grace"
"Pain Divine"
"Enshrined By Grace"
"Chapel Of Ghouls"
"Bil Ur-Sag"
"Where The Slime Live"
"Angel Of Disease"
"Opening Of The Gates"
"Abominations"
"Immortal Rites"

 

On September 30th, Earache Records will issue new best of compilations, priced at only £5.99 each, for Entombed and Morbid Angel. Complete details can be found below.

This carefully curated compilation spans the entire career of the band that defined the Swedish death metal sound. Formed in the late '80s, Entombed were originally called Nihilist and had a huge reputation on the underground death metal scene.This album is a must have for any die-hard fan and also a great introduction to the band. Includes classics such as "Left Hand Path", "Hollowman" and "Wolverine Blues". Pre-order at this location.

Tracklisting:

"Left Hand Path"
"Wolverine Blues"
"Stranger Aeons"
"Out Of Hand"
"Supposed To Rot"
"Sinners Bleed"
"Hollowman"
"Bitter Loss"
"Full Of Hell"
"God Of Thunder"
"Crawl"
"Night Of The Vampire"



Boasting 12 of the best tracks from one of death metal’s biggest and most influential bands. Morbid Angel are widely renowned as the kings of the death ,etal genre with their revolutionary and unapologetic sound. This album serves as an essential collectable for die-hard fans and also as a great introduction to the band. Pre-order at this location.

Tracklisting:

"Dominate"
"Maze Of Torment"
"Fall From Grace"
"Pain Divine"
"Enshrined By Grace"
"Chapel Of Ghouls"
"Bil Ur-Sag"
"Where The Slime Live"
"Angel Of Disease"
"Opening Of The Gates"
"Abominations"
"Immortal Rites"

"Man, I am really starting to get excited about my book," says Sebastian Bach. "Sorry for the radio silence, it's just been years of trying to get it totally perfect, and it's finally looking like we are nailing it in every way! Watch this space for imminent updates on 18 And Life On Skid Row, coming your way, December 6th from Harper Collins."

“My favourite photos in the book are the day that I went to see KISS in 1979 at Maple Leaf Gardens,” Bach told Billboard recently. “I tell the story that my parents had divorced in Peterborough when I was 10 and then I didn’t see my dad for a long time with my mom. I would go back and forth. And then when KISS came on August 4 of ‘79, he came back to my family and reunited with my mom and took me and my sister to the KISS concert. It’s almost hard to even talk about. But he had pictures from that day, our outing, they capture 1970s rock and roll fandom. Nobody’s ever seen these shots, pictures of KISS too, of Gene because we’re in the front row. Nobody’s ever seen these. And me, he captured my excitement, at 11. And those are in the book. Then the pictures captured the time, like big time. It’s not like a bunch of Polaroids of little kids. It’s artistic, unbelievable photos just in and of themselves, as art, and nobody has ever seen these, nobody in the world because I couldn’t look at ‘em [laughs]. They’re too heavy. It’s too powerful. But then there’s the task of doing a book. So I have all those archives. I went through them all and there’s just so much in this book because this is the very, very first-ever Skid Row book. I know in the future there will be more books on the band Skid Row, but when I go to Barnes & Noble, there’s zero. There’s none. And every other band has a hundred books, Motley Crue, Cinderella, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith; every band has 10, 15 books. There’s none on Skid Row. So this is the first one, so I’m going to pack it full of as much info as I can because you only get one chance to make a first impression [laughs].”

About 18 And Life On Skid Row Bach says. "Pushing the book gives us the opportunity to really finish it properly. The publishers asked me for 30 pictures. I gave them 150. There are easy ways to do memoirs, simple ways to do biographies. What separates these books is the archival content. 18 And Life On Skid Row could also be called the Skid Row Archives. I am giving you my personal collection, photos, & documents none of you have ever seen. A lot of them. I look forward to the book release and the book tour following the book release. If I am going to go on a tour of book stores, I have to really be into the book. June 28th release date gives us an extra month to pay attention to detail. In a project of this scope there are many details."

In his memoir, Bach recounts lurid tales of excess and debauchery as he toured the world with Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, Soundgarden, Pantera, Nine Inch Nails and Guns N' Roses. Filled with never before seen photos from his own personal collection, 18 And Life On Skid Rowis the story of hitting it big at a young age, and of creatively reeling from a band that broke up in its prime.

From a man who achieved his wildest dreams, only to lose his family, and then his home, this is a tale of perseverance, of wine, women and song, and of a man who has made his life on the road. 18 And Life On Skid Row is not your ordinary rock memoir, because Sebastian Bach is not your ordinary rock star.

ProgPower USA 2017 will take place in Atlanta, GA on September 8th and 9th. Drum legend Mike Portnoy (The Winery Dogs, Flying Colors, ex-Dream Theater will headline the event under the moniker Mike Portnoy's Shattered Fortress, playing his "12 Step Suite". The music documents the musician's battle with alcoholism, and is an ensemble of five songs recorded by Dream Theater from 2002 to 2009, with titles that reflect his struggles: "The Glass Prison”, "This Dying Soul”, "The Root Of All Evil”, “Repentance" and "The Shattered Fortress”.

The ProgPower 2017 line-up is as follows:

Friday, September 8th, 2017
Sunburst (Greece)
Distorted Harmony (Israel)
Lords Of Black (Spain) 
Angel Dust (Germany) **US Exclusive**
Myrath (Tunisia)
Mike Portnoy's Shattered Fortress (USA)

Saturday, September 9th, 2017
Teramaze (Australia)
Dynazty (Sweden)
Snowy Shaw (Sweden)
Pain (Sweden)
Amaranthe (Sweden)
Katatonia (Sweden)

Tickets go on sale Saturday, October 1st at 10:00am EST.

Prog-rock fans are in for a treat on this February's Cruise To The Edge music vacation: iconic drummer and former member of Dream Theater, Mike Portnoy will - for the first time ever - perform the band's "12 Step Suite" in its entirety on the cruise.

Portnoy, who is also celebrating his 50th birthday on Cruise To The Edge with an all-star career retrospective concert, says: "When I came up with the idea of writing a multi-part suite that spanned 5 DT albums, (which ended up taking 8 years to complete), it was always part of my master plan to perform it in its entirely, live on stage. Unfortunately, after completing the final piece of my conceptual puzzle, I was never able to perform this creation with Dream Theater. Now I've decided that I owe it to the fans to finally bring my “12 Step Suite” to life on stage as I always had dreamed. Cruise To The Edge passengers will be the first to ever see this performed live! Joining me for this very special performance will be some great friends and amazing musicians, (yes, it's a surprise,) that I know will kick ass in helping me with my unfinished business of bringing this piece of music to life on stage!"

Sailing out of Tampa, FL February 7th, 2017, Cruise To The Edge hits Cozumel, Mexico with a who's-who of prog-rock prodigies. Headliners YES, Kansas, Steve Hackett and John Wetton join Portnoy on the deluxe music vacation package. Over a dozen other bands are slated to perform.

Other esteemed performers confirmed include: Patrick Moraz, Bad Dreams, Neal Morse Band, IO Earth, Spock's Beard, Alex Machacek, Änglagrd, Stick Men, Haken, Pain of Salvation, Curved Air, Electric Asturias, District 97, Scott Henderson and Focus, with more bands to be announced. In addition, famous YES album design artist Roger Dean will be aboard to talk about the back story of his unique designs and the cruise will be hosted by UK journalist and preeminent YES expert, Jon Kirkman. Watch the 2017 CTTE lineup reveal video below:

Beyond the once-in-a-lifetime intimate music experiences with iconic artists, the guests will get to partake in a wide array of activities. Beyond the sun, fun and exquisite dining, there will be Artist/Cruiser Photo Experience, Q&A Sessions, Late-Night Surprise Performances and more. This year will also feature the unprecedented CTTE Late Night Live, where fans can sign up to showcase their own musical talents in four different performance scenarios: Late Night Live Pro Jam, where you could be invited to play with a with a headline act; Artist's Choice, featuring fans and Prog legends performing together; The Main Event, where it's your choice to shine with fellow Late Night Live musicians and Overtime Jam, where a song of your choosing could be featured in a late-night jam.

Cabins are still available aboard the full-charter cruise starting at $999 per person (double occupancy). Children 11 and under at the time of sailing are free when sharing a cabin with 2 full fare paying adults. Government fees, taxes, and gratuities are mandatory for all passengers regardless of age. For booking and more info, visit CruiseToTheEdge.com.

Reunited cult New York thrash metal act DEMOLITION HAMMER played its first-ever show in Italy last night (Saturday, September 10) at the Metalitalia.com Festival at the Live Music Club in Trezzo Sull’Adda (Milan).

Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below (courtesy of Italy's Soundsblog.it).

DEMOLITION HAMMER's 2016 lineup consists of original members Steve Reynolds (vocals, bass) and James Reilly (guitar) alongside longtime guitarist Derek Sykes and the group's latest addition, drummer Angel Cotte (EYES LIKE CYANIDE).

Sykes told BLABBERMOUTH.NET about DEMOLITION HAMMER's future plans: "We'll do some limited touring and festivals. We haven't discussed new music yet, but we'll see where all this goes."

DEMOLITION HAMMER was active between 1986 and 1994 and released three full-length albums — "Tortured Existence" (1990), "Epidemic Of Violence" (1992) and "Time Bomb" (1994) — all through Century Media.

A DEMOLITION HAMMER compilation, "Necrology: A Complete Anthology", was issued in 2008, also through Century Media. The set contained the band's entire three-album discography across two discs.

Shortly before the compilation's release, Sykes released a statement taking issue with "the allegations" included in the liner notes which suggested that the band "didn't have time to contribute" to the anthology. He explained: "In fact, DEMOLITION HAMMER was quite involved in the initial realization of the project. But ultimately, due to qualitative differences, we decided to let our past work with Century Media speak for itself."

In March 2015, Century Media reissued "Tortured Existence" and "Epidemic Of Violence" on vinyl.

ROCK WOLVES, the new all-star trio featuring Herman Rarebell, Michael Voss and Stephan "Gudze" Hinz, will release its self-titled debut album, on October 28 via Steamhammer/SPV in all territories except Japan. The video for the band's first single, "Rock For The Nations", was shot near Hanover in mid-June and can now be seen below. Rarebell describes ROCK WOLVES' material as "classic rock music, powerful but not too heavy."

This diversity of ideas and the band’s almost boundless musical enthusiasm is reflected in every one of the eleven songs on their debut release. Straight rock numbers like the first single, "Rock For The Nations", the shuffle groove-driven "Surrounded By Fools", the fast-paced "Out Of Time", and "The Lion Is Loose" with its haunting live qualities, but also "I Need Your Love", which brings to mind the likes of AC/DC and BAD COMPANY, are thoroughbred rock tracks that go directly to the listener's gut and legs, as well as — like all ambitioned rock music should — touching on painful subjects.

"Instead of delivering tanks and arms all over the world, Germany should concentrate on exporting good rock music," Rarebell explains the message of "Rock For The Nations". The lyrics on "Surrounded By Fools" with their warning of unscrupulous politicians are no less critical. Rarebell says: "Let's not be dazzled by their colorful election campaigns. Those politicians can easily end up bringing war to their countries."

Naturally, no diverse rock album would be complete without two or three more quiet numbers with less controversial subjects. In "Nothing's Gonna Bring Me Down", ROCK WOLVES have succeeded in recording a strikingly contemporary ballad which could have been penned in the same or a similar manner by Lenny Kravitz. Talking of which: the original version of the deeply melodic "What About Love" was written by Jim Vallance, but celebrated its greatest success in 1985 with HEART, who topped the Billboard chart for an impressive 18 weeks with the song.

"Our new version has been given the blessing by Jim Vallance himself. His only comment was: 'Your version is even better than my original, so go for it,'" remembers Rarebell.

"Rock Wolves" track listing:

01. Rock For The Nations (3:46)02. Surround By Fools (4:03)03. Out Of Time (3:31)04. What About Love (3:28)05. The Blame Game (3:19)06. Riding Shotgun (3:26)07. Nothings Gonna Bring Me Down (3:05)08. The Lion Is Loose (3.33)09. I Need Your Love (3:33)10. Lay With Me (3:30)11. Inside Out (3:09) (iTunes exclusive bonus track)

As the former SCORPIONS drummer, Rarebell was instrumental in recording classics such as "Lovedrive", "Blackout" and "Crazy World" between 1977 and 1996, and looks back at a successful stint as the manager of his own recording company Monaco Records. At the moment, he is a member of guitar legend Michael Schenker's group TEMPLE OF ROCK, where Rarebell met Voss. Since the 1980s, Voss has caused a stir with acts such as MAD MAX and CASANOVA, has worked with Michael Schenker and is also involved in TEMPLE OF ROCK as a vocalist, songwriter and producer. The third ROCK WOLVES member is Hinz, founder member and bassist of H-BLOCKX and hence a representative of the 1990s rock generation. So here we have three illustrious names, three decades, and three artistic careers with similar but by no means congruent influences. The material of the upcoming ROCK WOLVES album was produced by Voss at Münster's Kidroom Studio and at the Principal Studios in Senden.

A brand new song and lyric video from KANSAS can now be streamed below. "Visibility Zero" is the second single released from the band's intensely anticipated new studio album, "The Prelude Implicit", which will be released on September 23. In a joint statement about "Visibility Zero", the band says: "'Visibility Zero' is a great KANSAS song written by band members Zak Rizvi and Ronnie Platt. It features a blistering violin solo from David Ragsdale. This song rocks hard while still having the prog elements that makes KANSAS... KANSAS!" "The Prelude Implicit" is the first new album release in 16 years for the band that has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, and is famous for classic hits such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust In the Wind" to progressive epics like "Song For America" and "Miracles Out Of Nowhere". The album will be available on CD, double 180-gram vinyl and digitally on iTunes and Google Play. "The Prelude Implicit" features 10 all new tracks written by the band and co-produced by Zak Rizvi, Phil Ehart and Richard Williams. KANSAS's signature sound is evident throughout the album. It showcases Ronnie Platt's soaring lead vocals, David Ragsdale's blistering violin, Williams and Rizvi's rocking guitar riffs, the unmistakable sound of David Manion's B3 organ and keyboards, Ehart's thundering drums, and Billy Greer's driving bass and vocals. KANSAS returned to the studio in January 2016 after signing with InsideOut Music. InsideOut founder and president Thomas Waber said: "KANSAS is the biggest and most important prog band to come out of the United States. I grew up listening to them, and their music is part of my DNA. 'The Prelude Implicit' undoubtedly adds to their already impressive musical legacy. I can't stop listening to it, and we are proud to be releasing the album." The result of the time in the studio was even more than the band imagined. "This is definitely a KANSAS album," remarks original guitarist Richard Williams. "Whether it is the trademark prog epic like 'The Voyage Of Eight Eighteen', biting rocker such as 'Rhythm In The Spirit' or mindful ballad like 'The Unsung Heroes', there is something on this album for every kind of KANSAS fan. After years of pent-up creativity, the entire band is very proud of 'The Prelude Implicit'." Lead vocalist Ronnie Platt adds: "Recording 'The Prelude Implicit' was an incredible experience, and I couldn't be happier with the results. It is my hope that, knowing the intense listeners that KANSAS fans are, the continuity yet diversity of this album will be pleasing to them." The album title, "The Prelude Implicit" means, "Without a doubt, this is a new musical beginning," explains Ehart. Tattoo artist Denise de la Cerda did the oil painting of the front and back cover. It shows a Phoenix flying from the past into the future. "The Prelude Implicit" track listing:

01. With This Heart02. Visibility Zero03. The Unsung Heroes04. Rhythm In The Spirit05. Refugee06. The Voyage Of Eight Eighteen07. Camouflage08. Summer09. Crowded Isolation10. Section 60 KANSAS will be debuting songs off "The Prelude Implicit" this fall, live in concert, as part of the "Leftoverture 40th-Anniversary Tour".

New Wave Of British Heavy Metal veterans TYGERS OF PAN TANG will release their new, self-titled album on October 21 on LP, limited picture LP, CD and through all digital services.

The video for the album's first single, "Only The Brave", can be seen below. The track was released as a seven-inch vinyl EP with the exclusive B-side song "What You Say" (only be available on this EP). The vinyl is limited to 500 copies.

Much has been written about the role the TYGERS played in the establishment of the movement and about the comings and goings within the band, but it is safe to say that the current lineup brings a creative stability and a shared camaraderie that will keep them together, playing live and making records for some time to come.

The year began the signing of a new record deal with Scandinavia's premier rock and metal label Mighty Music, giving the band the opportunity to record the material they had written and honed in a burst of activity in late 2015. While the band were happy to produce themselves at The Blast Studio in Newcastle, they knew that the mix needed a fresh pair of ears.

Mighty Music CEO Michael H. Andersen recommended Søren Andersen of Medley Studio for the mix of the album. Having heard and been impressed by material recorded and mixed by Søren Andersen (Glenn Hughes, Mike Tramp), the TYGERS sought out his services. Søren was only too happy to work with a band whose credentials were so firmly established. For the mastering, Harry Hess of HAREM SCAREM fame was the perfect man for the job.

Leaving the music in his capable hands, next stop for the band was South America. Having no idea what reception they would receive they were overwhelmed by the fierce dedication of the fans in Brazil and Columbia, who, in many cases, had waited years for an opportunity to witness the live show. From South America to Europe without a breath and then on to North America where they headlined Chicago's Ragnarokkr Metal Apocalypse.

Said Robb Weir, founder and guitarist of TYGERS OF PAN TANG: "Once in a while in a band's career comes a special time, a period where you feel it's all finally coming together and that time I'm proud to say is now! The new TYGERS album is finished, done and dusted and ready to unleash our 'Tygertastic,' audience. You're gonna love this one, it's a monster."

"Tygers Of Pan Tang" track listing:

01. Only The Brave02. Dust03. Glad Rags04. The Reason Why05. Never Give In06. Do It Again07. I Got The Music In Me08. Praying For A Miracle09. Blood Red Sky10. Angel In Disguise11. The Devil You Know TYGERS OF PAN TANG is:

Robb Weir - guitarJacopo Meille - vocalsMicky Crystal - guitarGav Gray - bassCraig Ellis - drums, percussion

Pagan metallers Heidevolk check in with the following lineup news:

“We are pleased to inform you that after touring with us as live members for more then a year both Kevin (Storm) and Jacco (De Wijs) have joined the ranks of Heidevolk as permanent members. Check out the video to find out what these two will be up to in Heidevolk!

“On top of that we have rerecorded the song “Drankgelag (Velua)” with Jacco on vocals. Check it out on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services. We hope to see you somewhere on tour soon!”

Tour dates:

September
22 - Nürnberg, Germany - Hirsch
23 - Hamburg, Germany - Metal Days
24 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser
25 - Prague, Czech Republic - Nova Chmelnice
26 - Wien, Austria - Szene
27 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra Track
28 - Cracov, Poland - Kwadrat
29 - Warsaw, Poland - Progresja
30 - Berlin, Germany - Bi Nuu

October
1 - Bochum, Germany - Matrix
2 - Eindhoven, Netherlands - Dynamo
3 - London, England - Underworld
5 - Paris, France - Divan Du Monde
6 - Rennes, France - Antipode
7 - Toulouse, France - Metronum
8 - Madrid, Spain - Arena
9 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz 2
10 - Lyon, France - CCO Vileurbanne
11 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
12 - Vosselaar, Belgium - Biebob
13 - Colmar, France - Grillen
14 - Karlsruhe, Germany - Substage
15 - München, Germany - Backstage
16 - Dornbirn - Conrad Sohm

The official lyric video for the song "Age Of Apocalypse" from THE END, the new old-school Florida death metal trio featuring ex-DEATH/MASSACRE guitarist Rick Rozz, ex-MASSACRE drummer Mike Mazzonetto and vocalist/bassist Michael Grim, can be seen below. The track is the title cut of THE END's debut EP, which will be released on September 23 via FDA Rekotz.

Formed in 2015 in Altamonte Springs, THE END "combines the classic Floridian death metal, well known from the early '90s, bloodsoaked heaviness and modern influences with catchy-as-fuck hooklines," according to a press release.

"Age Of Apocalypse" was recorded at CGM Studios in Altamonte Springs, Florida with producer/engineer Tim Vazquez.

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Age Of Apocalypse02. Crawling Back To Life03. Silent Screams Of Death04. Inhale The Plague

The cover art was created by Misanthropic Art and can be seen below.

Fan-filmed video footage of Bobby Blotzer's RATT performing on September 4 at Goodyear Theater in Akron, Ohio can be seen below.

Blotzer's RATT recently announced the addition of Mitch Perry (TALAS, HEAVEN, STEELER, MSG, LITA FORD) and Stacey Blades (L.A. GUNS) on guitar and Brad Lang (Y&T) on bass. They joined the band as the replacements for Nicholas "Blaze" Baum, Michael "Doc" Ellis (Jizzy Pearl's LOVE/HATE) and Robbie Crane, who left Blotzer in early August.

Asked why his version of RATT has already undergone so many lineup changes in the past year, Bobby told the SiriusXM satellite radio show "Eddie Trunk Live": "[It's] hard to say. I think it started way back when we first came from [Las] Vegas with those guys, and we had this very unsavory guy that kind of corralled them, in my opinion… Some of these guys are really young; the lead guitarist was really young and impressionable. And there was colluding going on, a lot of colluding, and there was a lot of politicking. And I don't wanna name any names, but there was things of that nature going on."

He continued: "We've never had a fight in this band, we never have ever had an argument; we don't even disagree. So for me to find out, while we had a four-show run that started out in Louisville, then Cincinnati, then Wabash, Indiana, and then finishing the week in Detroit, I find out after the Cincinnati show that the lead guitar player is quitting; he's joining a country band and he's just out. And I'm, like, 'Ooookay.' And in the next week coming up, obviously, there [were] some giant shows…. I had to scramble, with a two-day notice, to either get somebody — which I didn't know who it was gonna be… I was pretty freaked out that out of the blue this guy is just quitting without telling me. And we finished the shows and subsequently got Stacey. He learned the set, an eighteen-song set, in two days, and came out in front of 35,000 and ripped it up. And we had Todd Kerns, who was filling in for Robbie Crane. And we knew that Todd was only out there for those specific shows.

"One of the guys in the band said from the get-go he doesn't wanna be on the road, even though he was having a great time. Even though I have texts from these guys saying, 'Thank you for bringing me aboard here,' and these are recent texts. And I respect a couple of these guys at this point. And when they're thanking me, I'm, like, 'Thank you for playing up there. You have helped build this thing, like we're building it right now. You're doing your job.' But the lead player split after Detroit. Stacey came in and did the gigs, like I said, and right now… I had so much e-mails and phone calls from guitar players and singers and bass players, it was insane. I'm, like, 'Fuck! How am I gonna get through all this?' So I just started thinking about personal friends. Mitch Perry and I go way back. Him and Sean McNabb and I had a band with Ralph from STEEL PANTHER back around '90, '92, something like that. So I called Mitch — great guitarist — and I said, 'Here's the deal.' And he's, like, 'Great! I'm in.' And then we were thinking, 'Okay. Bass player. Who? This person, that person.' And he came up with Brad Lang, who's a friend of his, and I had jammed with Brad at New Year's Eve in San Francisco for Phil Kennemore's memorial show that they did up there. And he's a great player and a great guy, he's got stage presence. And you know what? These guys are seasoned pros. I'll miss one of the guys that were in this band, but, you know, the knives that were just thrown into my back, dude, I'm just never gonna get over; they're never gonna stop bleeding."

Blotzer defended his decision to go out on tour as RATT without any other original members of the band, explaining that fans just want to hear the music performed the way it was recorded on the group's albums.

"No matter what, this band plays so good and does such great integrity to the music of RATT," he told ClassX Radio. "That's why everybody's been hired. The singer [Josh Alan] just blows Stephen Pearcy out of the water at this day and age. And frankly, [he sounds better than Stephen did] even when we started out."

Blotzer is involved in a legal battle with Warren DeMartini over the rights to the RATT name, with the guitarist filing a lawsuit last fall claiming that the drummer was falsely advertising his "tribute band" as the real thing. That dispute is still pending in California state court.

Iberian extreme metal act Noctem have released a video for “The Submission Discipline”, a track from their new album Haeresis, due out September 30th via Prosthetic Records in North America, The UK and Europe, and through Art Gates Records in Spain.

Haeresis consists of ten brutally punishing tracks which conceptually delve into the dark history of Noctem's home country of Spain. Complimenting cover artwork, as seen below, was completed by Seth Siro Anton (Septicflesh, Moonspell, Behemoth) and depicts an epic and grotesque display of obscene torture extracted from the Spanish inquisition (1.500 A.C.).

 

 

Haeresis tracklisting:

"Through The Black Temples Of Disaster"
"Auto-Da-Fé"
"The Submission Discipline"
"Blind Devotion"
"The Dark One"
"Haeresis"
"Whispers Of The Ancient Gods"
"Conjuring Degradation And Morbidity"
"The Paths Of The Lustful Abandon"
"Pactum With The Indomitable Darkness"

"Through The Black Temples Of Disaster”:

Noctem, consisting of Beleth (vocals), Exo (lead guitars), Ethell (rhythm guitars), Varu (bass) and Voor (drums), self-recorded and produced Haerisis earlier this year at Firework Studios in Valencia before sending it to Sweden's Necromorbus Studio for mixing and mastering by Tore Stjerna (Watain, Valkyrja).

The band collectively proclaimed; "This record is proof that a band like us can keep evolving with time. It looks, sounds, smells and tastes different from anything we've ever done while keeping our original essence in every track. We're sure that any fan of extreme metal will be satisfied with this new opus."

Catch Noctem live:

October
27 - Salamanca, Spain - Nave Bunker (with Negura Bunget, Antagonist Zero)
28 - Madrid, Spain - Sala Silikona (with Negura Bunget, Antagonist Zero)
29 - Zaragoza, Spain - CC Vadefierro (with Negura Bunget, Antagonist Zero)
30 - Barcelona, Spain - Sala Monasterio (with Negura Bunget, Antagonist Zero)

"The Revelation", the long-awaited fourth studio album from REV THEORY, can be streamed in its entirety using the SoundCloud widget below. The CD is being released today (Friday, September 9).

REV THEORY vocalist Rich Luzzi states: "It's been an amazing experience recording these songs that were written and inspired from within.

"Julien and Matty did an incredible job producing this album and I am proud to have been able to lend my voice to it.

"This record takes me back to our very first release when we made music out of sheer love and passion.” Bassist Matty McCloskey adds: "This is the first time in our careers that we have been able to create freely.

"Finally given the chance to fully produce an album ourselves, we were able to capture the true vision that we imagined for REV THEORY since the very beginning.

"By incorporating our favorite elements from the past three records, we believe we have created the quintessential REV album.” REV THEORY previously released three studio albums — "Truth Is Currency" (2005), "Light It Up" (2008) and "Justice" (2011) — as well as two EPs: "Acoustic Live From The Gibson Lounge" (2009) and "Take 'Em Out" (2012). The song "Voices" is currently being used by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar Randy Orton. Another track, "Hell Yeah", was the opening theme song for the popular Spike show "Blue Mountain State", and the song "We Own The Night" was the main theme song for the WWE network reality series "Breaking Ground".

The official lyric video for the song "Seventh Seal" from veteran Arizona metallers FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's new, self-titled album, which was released on May 20 via AFM Records.

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM in 2014 parted ways with guitarist Edward Carlson and bassist Jason Ward and replaced them with Steve Conley and Michael Spencer, respectively. The band also recruited SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner after Kelly Smith left the group in November 2014 to focus on caring for his family.

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM singer Eric "A.K." Knutson recently told Metalholic about "Flotsam And Jetsam": "There's a couple of songs on there that Spencer wrote for 'No Place [For Disgrace]' back in the '80s that never made it to the record that we kid of revamped and put on this new one. The remaining songs were half Steve Conley and half Mike Gilbert so they put a lot of input into this new record. Bittner's drumming just brought everything up to the next life level from where it was when we wrote everything. He's really been a huge addition."

Regarding the band's decision to make the new FLOTSAM AND JETSAM album a self-titled affair, Spencer told Metal Invader: "When we started talking through songtitles to see if there was a lyric theme, we felt there really wasn't anything that tied the songs together when it came to a theme. But the one thing that did tie the songs together was the new entity of FLOTSAM that we now are, with Steve Conley, myself, and Jason Bittner now in the band. We were all wanting to get back to more of the old-school FLOTSAM thrash sound, since that's where the band was when I left them in 1987. We looked at the self-titled aspect as being the start of the incarnation of the band that was always looking back on the history of the band's sound."

Spencer also talked about FLOTSAM AND JETSAM's current lineup. He said: "Steve and I have been in the band for three years now, and Jason about one and a half years. So we've became a tight unit on and off stage in that time. Steve is a great fit as a player and songwriter, has the same musical influence as the rest of us, and Jason has been a fan of the band since he was 16-17 years old, playing to 'Doomsday' and 'No Place' in his bedroom. So he understands the legacy of the band and he's allowed to still put his personality into the songs to still be himself, while keeping it as FLOTSAM as he feels it needs to be. The current lineup is also what drove the self title for the album, because we're really starting off new as a band putting out their first album."

The track listing for "Flotsam And Jetsam" is as follows:

01. Seventh Seal02. Life Is A Mess03. Taser04. Iron Maiden05. Verge Of Tragedy06. Creeper07. L.O.T.D.08. The Incantation09. Monkey Wrench10. Time To Go11. Smoking Gun12. Forbidden Territories

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM is:

Eric "A.K." Knutson - VocalsSteve Conley - GuitarMichael Gilbert - GuitarMichael Spencer - BassJason Bittner - Drums

KORN, ASKING ALEXANDRIA, Devin Townsend, SABATON and KATATONIA are among the artists featured on "Decades Of Destruction", a compilation of covers which will be included with the 30th-anniversary issue of U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine.

Set to hit U.K. newsstands on September 13, "Decades Of Destruction" will feature the following songs:

* KORN - "We Care A Lot" (FAITH NO MORE cover)* ASKING ALEXANDRIA - "Duality" (SLIPKNOT cover)* DEVIN TOWNSEND - "Fast As A Shark" (ACCEPT cover) (feat. Wolf Hoffmann of ACCEPT and Fredrik Thordendal of MESHUGGAH)* NEW YEARS DAY - "mOBSCENE" (MARILYN MANSON cover)* SABATON - "Kingdom Come" (MANOWAR)* KATATONIA - "Night Comes Down" (JUDAS PRIEST cover)* CANE HILL - "We Die Young" (ALICE IN CHAINS cover)* HACKTIVIST - "Break Stuff" (LIMP BIZKIT cover)* WILSON - "Sleep Now In The Fire" (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE cover)* THE QEMISTS - "Blind" (KORN cover)* EMPLOYED - "Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste" (NORMA JEAN cover)* COUNTING DAYS - "Disciple" (SLAYER cover)* STONEGHOST - "I Disappear" (METALLICA cover)* MAMMOTH WEED WIZARD BASTARD - "Scum" (NAPALM DEATH cover)* NO CONSEQUENCE - "The Pot" (TOOL cover)

Check out audio samples of the entire CD below.

KORN's version of FAITH NO MORE's "We Care A Lot" was originally planned to be included on a full album of covers, which was said to be in the works more than a decade ago. Other tracks the band reportedly recorded included NINE INCH NAILS' "Head Like A Hole", PSYCHEDELIC FURS' "Love My Way", PUBLIC ENEMY's "Fight The Power" and CAMEO's "Word Up".

KORN's new album, "The Serenity Of Suffering", will be released on October 21. The follow-up to 2013's "The Paradigm Shift" was helmed by Grammy Award-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz, who has previously worked with FOO FIGHTERS, DEFTONES, MASTODON and RUSH, among others. The CD features a guest appearance by SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor on the song "A Different World".

"The Serenity Of Suffering" marks the band's return to Roadrunner, which previously released 2010's "Korn III - Remember Who You Are" and 2011's "The Path Of Totality".

The journey of Neal Morse has seen three decades of musical accomplishments, the latest being the inception of The Neal Morse Band. Morse has forged many relationships over the years with his other bands, Spock’s Beard, Flying Colors, and Transatlantic. However, the most compelling and fruitful efforts have been those with drummer Mike Portnoy (The Winery Dogs, Twisted Sister, ex-Dream Theater).

Now the current lineup of The Neal Morse Band - Morse, Portnoy, bassist Randy George, keyboardist Bill Hubauer and guitarist Eric Gillette - brings forth The Similitude Of A Dream, a concept album to be released November 11th on Radiant Records via Metal Blade Records/SONY. Pre-orders for The Similitude Of A Dream are live at Radiant Records’ website.

This will be the eighth studio album with Morse, Portnoy and George, and the second as a true collaboration with this current lineup. A lyric video for the song, “Overture” is streaming below.

Clocking in at over 100 minutes, this amazing piece of prog storytelling will leave you breathless, exhilarated, amused and fulfilled in a way that only inspired music can. It will be available in various formats: a two CD package, a Special Edition with the two CDs and The Making Of A Dream DVD, or as three vinyl records along with two CDs.

Together, Morse and Portnoy have launched four bands, but the one that has endured the longest and thus with the most musical output has been The Neal Morse Band. Over the years, Morse, along with Portnoy and George, always assembled musicians as needed to support Neal’s solo music. In 2012, they held auditions to find the musicians needed to fill out the band as a permanent lineup that would write music collectively. Hubauer and Gillette joined the band after three days of auditions. The fivesome went on to release The Grand Experiment in 2014 followed by the Alive Again live DVD/2 CD package in 2015.

As Neal Morse explains, “The Similitude Of A Dream is loosely and sometimes directly based on the book, Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. The book’s original title was The Pilgrim’s Progress from this world to the that which is to come, delivered under The Similitude Of A Dream, and it was originally published in 1678. The book chronicles the spiritual journey of a man from the City of Destruction to the place of Deliverance. Someone had suggested to me that I do a concept album based on this book, but I kind of forgot about it. Then when I began writing new songs last December, the suggestion came to my mind. I had never read the book, so I Googled the SparkNotes story outline and began to write some little song bits and instrumentals based on what I had read. Those bits combined with the ideas that the other guys brought to the table then miraculously exploded into this double concept album. Funny thing is, this album only really covers about the first 75 or 80 pages. Maybe we should've made a five disc collection! Well, we'll save that for later. Ha.”

He continues, “At the conclusion of the grueling recording sessions, I remember Mike saying rather prophetically, ‘Boys, I think we just made the album of our careers.’”

"I honestly think this is THE album of my career,” declares Portnoy. “Neal and I have now made 18 studio albums together, and I consider The Similitude Of A Dream the absolute creative pinnacle of our collaborations together. I've always had a soft spot for double concept albums such as Pink Floyd's The Wall and The Who's Tommy, and I can bravely say that I think we've created an album here that can sit side by side with those masterpieces. Bold words, I know, but after a career of almost 50 albums, I honestly consider this to be one of the defining works of my career.”

“We weren’t sure we had enough music to make a double CD, and yet it seemed as though the concept and the music wanted to go there,” bassist Randy George continues. “Ultimately, we created so much great music in the sessions that it just had to be a double album! To cap that off, we worked with a pre-imminent classic album cover artist to create painted illustrations of our concept which will grace the booklet!”

The Neal Morse Band tours worldwide almost yearly and continues to grow in popularity, attracting new listeners everywhere they go. The band has toured in North America, Central America, Europe, Israel, Mexico and India. The shows are filled with excited and extremely loyal fans, some which have regularly traveled very long distances to see the band. The band has an extensive catalog of live shows on Blu-Ray and DVD as well.

Their latest round of worldwide tour dates start January 15th in Morse’s current hometown of Nashville, TN. More dates will be announced in the coming weeks on the band’s official website.

Tracklisting:

Disc 1
“Long Day”     
“Overture”     
“The Dream”   
“City Of Destruction”     
“We Have Got To Go”     
“Makes No Sense”    
“Draw The Line”     
“The Slough”     
“Back To The City”    
“The Ways Of A Fool”     
“So Far Gone”
“Breath Of Angels”               

Disc 2
“Slave To Your Mind”              
“Shortcut To Salvation”           
“The Man In The Iron Cage”          
“The Road Called Home”               
“Sloth”                                             
“Freedom Song”                             
“I'm Running”                                  
“The Mask”                                      
“Confrontation”                                 
“The Battle”                                      
“Broken Sky/Long Day Reprise”      

“Long Day” / “Overture” lyric video:

Tour dates:

January
15 - Nashville, TN – venue tba
17 - Seattle, WA – Triple Door
18 - San Francisco, CA – Regency Ballroom
21 - Whittier, CA - Center Theater www.calprog.com
22 - Phoenix, AZ – Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse Theater
24 - Denver, CO – Oriental Theater
25 - Dallas, TX – Curtain Club
27 - St Charles, IL – Arcada Theater
28 - Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
29 - Toronto, ON – Mod Room
31 - Montreal, QC – Club Soda

February
1 - Quebec City, QC - Salle Jean Paul Tardif
2 - New York, NY – Highline Ballroom
3 - Washington DC – State Theater

March
22 - Barcelona, Spain - Apoloa
23 - Milan, Italy – venue tba
24 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
25 - Aschaffenburg, Germany – Colo-Saal
26 - Berlin, Germany – Lido
28 - Warsaw, Poland - Progresja Music Zone
29 - Hamburg, Germany – Markthalle
30 - Verviers, Belgium – Spirit of 66
31 - Cologne, Germany – Stollwerck

April
1 - Malmo, Sweden – KB
2 - Tilburg, Holland – O13
4 - Luxembourg – Rockhal
5 - Paris, France – Divan Du Monde
6 - Birmingham, England – O2 Academy 2
7 - Glasgow, Scotland - O2 Ritz
8 - Manchester, England - O2 ABC 1
9 - London, England - O2 Islington Academy
12 - Tel Aviv, Israel - Havana Club

May
6 - Gettysburg PA - RosFest

(Photo - John Zocco)

Witchcraft main man Magnus Pelander's solo project, Pelander, has released a lyric video for “Umbrella”, the lead track from the upcoming debut album, which is scheduled to be released on October 21st via Nuclear Blast. Time is now available for pre-order in various formats (CD digipak, black vinyl, clear vinyl) here, as well as digitally here.

Time will contain seven tracks with an approximate running time of 44 minutes.

Tracklisting:

“Umbrella”
“Family Song”
“The Irony Of Man”
“True Colour”
“Precious Swan”
“Time”
“Rebecka” (Bonus Track)

“Umbrella” lyric video:

After his latest journey with Witchcraft, Nucleus, multi instrumentalist and lyricist extraordinaire, Magnus Pelander, returns to his solo career which without a doubt can be recognized as being tied to the cult doom/rock band, still exploring other paths and going full on acoustic.

Magnus Pelander comments: "At last my first solo album is done and soon to be released. I cannot believe this is true."

Commented Nuclear Blast A&R representative Markus Jakob: "We're thrilled to not only work with a gifted artist as Magnus on his main band but now also on his solo career. Both Witchcraft and Pelander have always stood for variety, artistic freedom and development which we're more than happy to support. Prepare yourself for another deep and intense look into the mind and musical vision of a genius!"

Swedish adventure metallers, Twilight Force, have released a new video, entitled The Lore Of Born, in support of their new studio album, Heroes Of Mighty Magic, out now via Nuclear Blast. Learn more about bassist Born below.

Heroes Of Mighty Magic tracklisting:

“Battle Of Arcane Might”
“Powerwind”
“Guardian Of The Seas”
“Flight Of The Sapphire Dragon”
“There And Back Again”
“Riders Of The Dawn”
“Keepers Of Fate”
“Rise Of A Hero”
“To The Stars”
“Heroes Of Mighty Magic”
“Epilogue”
“Knights Of Twilight's Might”

The Lore Of Born character video:

The Lore Of Aerendir character video:

The Lore Of Lynd character video:

The Lore Of Chrileon character video:

“Powerwind” video;

"To The Stars" lyric video:

“Battle Of Arcane Might” lyric video:

"TriggerPulse", a new song from Canadian hard rockers KOBRA AND THE LOTUS, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's fourth album, "Prevail I + II", will be released as two separate volumes via Napalm Records. The first part will be made available in February 2017, with the second part to follow in October 2017. Stated KOBRA AND THE LOTUS frontwoman Kobra Paige: "We are ecstatic to finally be releasing a new track from KOBRA AND THE LOTUS! After two years, it's time to unleash something new and tasty, so here we go..." KOBRA AND THE LOTUS will take to the road this fall in Europe alongside labelmates DELAIN. Fans can expect to hear a mix of KOBRA AND THE LOTUS classics and new songs from "Prevail I + II".

KOBRA AND THE LOTUS last year released an EP featuring cover songs by great Canadian artists like RUSH, TRIUMPH and APRIL WINE. "Words Of The Prophets" was produced by the Grammy-nominated Johnny K (MEGADETH, DISTURBED, THREE DOORS DOWN).

Fan-filmed video footage of AC/DC's September 4 performance at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio can be seen below.

The rescheduled dates of AC/DC's North American tour — which are the band's first concerts here with GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose on lead vocals — kicked off on August 27 at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.

AC/DC guitarist and sole founding member Angus Young recently said that he has not made a decision yet regarding the band's future once the current "Rock Or Bust" tour cycle ends. Following the 2014 retirement of his brother and co-founder Malcolm Young due to dementia, Angus also dealt with the exit of drummer Phil Rudd later that year because of legal problems, and more recently the departure of singer Brian Johnson because of hearing loss and bassist Cliff Williams's decision to retire after the tour ends.

Angus was asked by Rolling Stone whether he had given any thought to his or the band's future, replying, "At this point, I don't know. We were committed to finishing the tour. Who knows what I'll feel after? When you sign on and say, 'I'm gonna do this and that,' it's always good to say at the end of it, 'I've done all I said I would do.'"

Asked if he thought Williams's decision was brought about by Johnson's departure, Angus said, "Cliff made it known before we'd even started touring — this would be his last. Besides myself, Cliff has been there the longest, since 1977. Cliff and Brian are in the same age bracket. They like to go out, hit the pubs. They had the bond."

Williams made his decision to retire public earlier this year, telling Gulfshore Life, "It's been what I've known for the past forty years, but losing Malcolm, the thing with Phil and now with Brian, it's a changed animal. I feel in my gut it's the right thing."

Williams told The Pulse Of Radio he never imagined back in his early days with the group that their career would last 40 years. "Didn't really think about it," he said. "Not that longterm thought process went into it. It was just doing it at the time and we were just on the road all the time and doing it and doing it and doing it, and it was just like, not really thinking that far ahead."

Assuming neither Rudd nor Johnson return, Williams's exit means that Angus will be the only member remaining from the lineups that recorded classic albums like 1979's "Highway To Hell", 1980's "Back In Black" and 1981's "For Those About To Rock...We Salute You".

Prosthetic Records will release legendary progressive metallers WATCHTOWER's recent digital-only tracks on LP and CD. The four tracks will be combined with one brand new song, creating the MCD "Concepts Of Math: Book One", and will be released on limited edition vinyl and CD on October 7.

A video trailer for "Concepts Of Math: Book One" is available below.

Comments WATCHTOWER vocalist Alan Tecchio: "I am so stoked to be a part of this legendary jazz-metal-prog group once again! Right now we are close to finishing the tracking for the additional ten-minute song that we are adding to the other four tunes. This will complete the EP that Prosthetic plans to release later this year. I can tell you that the new song is especially super cool and has that classic WATCHTOWER sound. I think the fans, both new and old, will have a deep appreciation for what is going to be available from us later this year." WATCHTOWER guitarist Ron Jarzombek remarked on the partnership: "I'm psyched to be on the same label as my old friend Marty Friedman! Prosthetic has also been home to great bands like GOJIRA, ANIMALS AS LEADERS, ALL THAT REMAINS, as well as my fellow Texans SCALE THE SUMMIT. It's nice to know we are in good company on this label. The music we'll release later this year picks up right where we left off with 'Control And Resistance'." WATCHTOWER was formed in 1982 in Austin, Texas and has been hailed as the first jazz inspired progressive metal band. They have released two full length albums to date: "Energetic Disassembly" in 1985 and 1989's "Control and Resistance", which is often hailed as the benchmark for progressive metal and has influenced a countless number of heavy, technical bands. "Control and Resistance" was inducted into Decibel magazine's Hall Of Fame in 2010.

Over the years the group has gone through lineup changes, break-ups and hiatuses, though the individual members have always kept themselves in the public eye. Jarzombek, through his SPASTIC INK and BLOTTED SCIENCE projects, has established himself as one of the most respected guitar players in the scene. Tecchio has fronted HADES and NON-FICTION, and sang for SEVEN WITCHES throughout the years. His vocal range and style is unrivaled. Drummer Rick Colaluca has been name checked consistently by the likes of Gene Hoglan and Mike Portnoy, among many other drummers. Bass player Doug Keyser has an impressive list of bands who've asked him to audition for them (METALLICA, being one) while still being cited as a major influence from a younger generation of four-string players. "Concepts Of Math: Book One" features 2010's digital single, "The Size of Matter", along with three additional tracks the band surprised fans by releasing across digital platforms late last year. An epic new track, "Mathematica Calculis", rounds out the EP. "Concepts Of Math: Book One" track listing:

01. M-Theory Overture02. Arguments Against Design03. Technology Inaction04. The Size Of Matter05. Mathematica Calculis

A new version of the DREAM THEATER song "Our New World", featuring a guest appearance by HALESTORM frontwoman Lzzy Hale, can be streamed below.

"Our New World" is taken from DREAM THEATER's latest album, "The Astonishing", which was released on January 29 via Roadrunner. The CD was made available in a wide range of distinctive versions, including standard 2-CD set, 4-LP vinyl box set and a limited-edition deluxe box set.

Recorded at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove, New York, with guitarist John Petrucci producing, studio luminary Richard Chycki (AEROSMITH, RUSH) engineering/mixing and legendary arranger, composer and conductor David Campbell orchestrating, "The Astonishing" paints a tale of a retro-futurist post-apocalyptic dystopia ruled by medieval style feudalism. It's a place aching for a Chosen One to rise above the noise and defeat an Empire defined by the endless drone of noise machines and the illusion of safety in bland conformity.

DREAM THEATER keyboardist Jordan Rudess told La Grosse Radio about "The Astonishing": "Well, the story is really about hope and it's about the power of music for healing and bringing good energy and good spirit to people. It was a story that was written by John Petrucci. He originally thought of it, the seed of the idea, about two and a half years ago. And a little over a year ago, he presented it to the band as an idea to do our concept album, and we were all very excited about it; it seemed really great. So after he presented it to us, then we started to work on all the music for it."

Regarding the inspiration for "The Astonishing" story, Rudess said: "Well, I think the inspiration comes from things like 'Star Wars' and 'The Lord Of The Rings' and 'Game Of Thrones' and all these kind of fantasy, sci-fi stories. And it's something that certainly John, who wrote the story, is into and all of us could really relate to. Especially from a musical point of view, to create the music for it, for me it was like doing a score for a film. So I was very comfortable with all the different genres of music that had to be composed, 'cause it was everything from electronic sounds and music — not so much, but there's definitely electronics throughout the album — and also some more classical type of musical ideas to our usual prog kind of metal mixture."

Asked whether making "The Astonishing" forced the members of DREAM THEATER to step outside their comfort zone, Rudess said: "I think it definitely challenged everybody. It was interesting especially because, stylistically speaking, yeah, it has the prog and it has the metal — the usual components of a DREAM THEATER album — but it also has more than that. We also had to bring in electronic sounds, so I had to have some fun and search for cool sounds and get into that mode, and also there [are] some classical elements, so I was very much in my classical headspace. So it kind of brought more styles out of me that I am used to doing, for the most part, but more than I usually get to do with DREAM THEATER. And then there were some things that I hadn't done that we were learning, some stylistic things that we were learning. There's a section that's almost like a military band section — I had to try to score that — and there's a little tango section, and we were learning a little bit about that. It was an education for us to do this album as well."