Originally formed in 2011, the Calgary thrashers formerly known as Hellborn Death Engines are beginning their resurgence under the new moniker Illyrian with the recent additions of bassist / vocalist Jeff Perry (Sikarra, ex-Animus Labyrinth) plus British drum sensation Darren May (ex-Deacon Birch) who have brought new and progressive musical mindsets into the band to join original and founding members Scott Onofrychuk (guitars/vocals) and Brandon McNeil (guitar/vocals).

Evolving into a highly technical group playing thrash metal with their erratic and precise on-stage delivery, rapier wit, along with nostalgic charm, Illyrian have removed the constraints of conventional metal sub-genre formula to replace their sound with a melting pot of technical thrash riffs, blistering solos, prog-influenced rhythms along with the band's signature tri-vocal attack all showcased on ten new thrashing tracks on their new album Round 2: Fight!. The album is set to be unleashed on October 7th and was co-produced by the band with Casey Lewis at Echo Base Studios plus mastered by Sacha Laskow (Every Hour Kills, ex-Divinity) at Perfect Fifth Studios.

Tracklisting:

“Walking In Sunshine”
“Round 2: Fight!”
“Opulent & Imperial”
“Chaotic Neutral”
“Zeta Reticulan”
“Mindbender”
“Five By Five (The Dark Slayer Comes)”
“Wings Of Freedom”
“Technodrone”
“Sound Of The Serpent Siren”

“Round 2: Fight!” lyric video:

(Photo by: Brad Scott)

Ripple Music has announced that this October will see the official release of the self-titled debut album from LA-based rock trio Salem’s Bend.

Running an aural gamut of ’70s sounding classic rock alongside the influence of melodic heavy-hitters from the contemporary realms of desert, doom metal, psych and stoner rock, the band coalesced in the summer of 2014 with the intention of turning heavy riffs into the catchiest of tunes. With seven songs eventually making the cut on what would become their self-titled debut, the trio earnestly self-released the album via Bandcamp in December of last year and in doing so caught the ear of Ripple Music.
 
This October, thanks to the good folk and fellow Californians at Ripple, the album in question – Salem’s Bend by Salem’s Bend – will receive an official worldwide release on October 7th.

Tracklisting:

“Balshazzar”
“Queen Of The Desert”
“Silverstruck”
“Losing Sleep”
“Sun And Mist”
“Mammoth Caravan”
“A Tip Of Salem”

“Balshazzar”:

The ruinous blood of Vimur returns once more to poison the source of creation with their new one sided 12” EP, Exegesis. 

Following the band's first release, 2014's Traversing The Ethereal Current, this release is a synoptic examination of the band's conceptual framework from their origins, present, and beyond. 

Set for a September 15th release on Atlanta-based Boris Records, Exegesis contains two new tracks and one previously released track. This is the first studio recording of Vimur to feature the full live line up. The result is a more concentrated and severe attack on the senses.

Vimur will play select dates of the Ashes Of The Ascended tour with black metal nihilists Hellgoat.

Dates:

September
9 – San Diego, CA – TBA
10 – Los Angeles, CA – Five Star Bar
11 – Oakland, CA – The Golden Bull
13 – Eugene, OR – Hifi Lounge
14 – Portland, OR – Ash St. Saloon
15 – Seattle, WA – Substation
16 – Everett, WA – Tony V’s

Fake Idols have released the video for “Mad Fall”, the first single taken from their new album Witness, set to be released on September 16th on Scarlet Records. The video features Motörhead's legend Phil Campbell.

Witness has been described as an adrenaline bomb charged up with great rock/metal tunes and plenty of attitude. The album also features a very special guest appearance by Damna (Elvenking, Hell In The Club).

Witness tracklisting:

“Out Of Gear”
“Mad Fall” (feat. Phil Campbell)
“So Now...”
“Sail”
“The City’s Burning” (feat. Damna)
“Silence”
“I’m A Fake”
“Go” (Chemical Brothers cover)
“Could You Bid Me Farewell”
“Prayers On Fire”
“Witness”

The band will offer a taste of new music very soon.

Fake Idols lineup:

Claudio Coassin, vocals
Ivan Odorico, guitars
Cristian Tavano, guitars
Ivo Boscariol, bass
Enrico Fabris, drums

(Photo - Michele Salotto)

An audio snippet of the song "Happy Never After" from Venice, California crossover thrash/hardcore punk legends SUICIDAL TENDENCIES can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's new album, "World Gone Mad", which will be released on September 30. The follow-up to 2013's "13" disc will be the band's first to feature former SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo and guitarist Jeff Pogan, who replaced Nico Santora in May.

"World Gone Mad" track listing:

01. Clap Like Ozzy02. The New Degeneration03. Living For Life04. Get Your Fight On!05. World Gone Mad06. Happy Never After07. One Finger Salute08. Damage Control09. The Struggle Is Real10. Still Dying To Live11. This World

Lombardo recently told Metal Wani about ST's forthcoming CD: "I think it's very typical and very traditional SUICIDAL TENDENCIES. It's that style. It's [SUICIDAL TENDENCIES frontman] Mike Muir and he was a very special style in which he writes his music and his lyrics and his structures. And I love it; I love it. It takes me back to how it all started, which was that punk attitude. I'm very happy to be a part of his organization. I feel very welcomed. I feel very much appreciated, and there's a lot of respect amongst the musicians, and camaraderie. We have a really good time together. We hang out as a band, which is important; I feel it's very important."

In an interview with Jump Metal, Muir stated about Lombardo's musical contribution to the upcoming SUICIDAL TENDENCIES album: "It's interesting, because a lot of people, obviously, associate [Dave] with the SLAYER sound. On some of the SUICIDAL songs, it's different musically, and you can see how really a tremendously diverse drummer that he is. I think some of the songs, obviously, people that love his drumming, they're gonna hear it and they're gonna really, really, I think, enjoy it. He's really excited about it. He's getting to play some different kind of things, and it just brings a whole different intensity and rhythmic feel to the band. And he's definitely got the Cuban thing going on, that Latin flavor, where he gets to do a little bit more in SUICIDAL than he did in SLAYER. I think you hear it and you definitely know it's Dave, but it definitely takes us to another level."

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES' last album, "13", came out in March 2013. The band's first studio CD in 13 years sold around 3,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 187 on The Billboard 200 chart.

In a brand new interview with the Cleveland Scene, SLAYER guitarist Kerry King spoke about his songwriting approach on "Repentless", the band's first album following the death of SLAYER's co-founding axeman Jeff Hanneman. He said: "[My goal] basically, [was] just having something that sounded relevant and songs that sounded different to each other.

"With one dude writing 90 percent of it, it's easy for the songs to all sound the same. I wanted to avoid that, though I wanted it to still sound like SLAYER. I wanted to come together as a good album.

"Recording with [new SLAYER guitarist] Gary [Holt], it wasn't a lot different. He contributed some leads, so when we would play live, he could contribute something.

"SLAYER has always been a two-guitar band, so that's always in my mind."

He continued: "As far as writing the music goes, maybe I overthought it, but I thought SLAYER fans might not be ready for a new SLAYER writer.

"We used one of Jeff's leftover songs. I think the lyrics are pretty typical. I always try to keep it really street.

"If we do demonic songs, of course, that's just fictional thoughts I made up in my head. The political ones like 'Take Control', I write in such a generic form that anyone can get something out of it. I'm not just bitching about my government. Everybody wants to take control, because the government sucks. Look at our scenario. People are thinking about voting for Donald Trump. What kind of farce is that? The two parties are so polarizing but they provide ammo for songs until the end of time."

King also talked about the fan reaction to "Repentless", which he says has been overwhelmingly positive.

"I'm proud that people came out and supported this record the way they did," he said. "It was worldwide No. 2, which is unheard of for a band like us, and it's unheard of for a band with a deceased guitar player and a carousel for drummers. The fans supported it, and we made a record they wanted us. The planets have aligned. That's on us. I just feel that if I'm not doing my job, and I don't bring it, don't pay me."

SLAYER's seven-week North American tour with ANTHRAX and DEATH ANGEL will kick off in Cleveland on September 9 and will hit both major and secondary markets across the continent.

"Repentless" debuted at No. 4 on The Billboard 200, having shifted 50,000 equivalent album units in the week ending September 17, 2015.

Thomann conducted an interview with FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares on August 18 at the Summer Breeze festival in Dinkelsbuhl, Germany. You can now watch the chat below.

Speaking about iconic guitarists that have inspired him, Dino said: "There's a lot of iconic musicians that I look up to. I mean, to name a few… When I first started out, it was Angus Young from AC/DC. He was the reason why I wanted to play guitar in the first place. The minute I'd seen him play live on stage on television, I was, like, 'Wow! I wanna be like that guy.' So, to me, those are iconic musicians that, if I ever saw him, I wouldn't even know the first thing to ask him, I would be so nervous. Of course, Eddie Van Halen. I had the pleasure of meeting him, and he was a cool guy. [He's another] iconic guy. That's one of the guys I modeled my tone after, because way back he was using the JCM 800s on the first [VAN HALEN] record, and when I got my head modified for the first time back in 1984, I told the guy who was modifying my head: 'I want my head to sound exactly like that first VAN HALEN record.' So, to me, those guys are the guys that helped shape who I am as a musician. So, to me, those are the two iconic guys that… I don't know… I would just freak out."

FEAR FACTORY's latest album, "Genexus", was released on August 7, 2015 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The follow-up to 2012's "The Industrialist" was co-produced by longtime collaborator Rhys Fulber, along with Cazares and vocalist Burton C. Bell and mixed by Andy Sneap (ARCH ENEMY, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, MACHINE HEAD). Artwork was once again handled by Anthony Clarkson. Drums on "Genexus" were performed by Mike Heller (MALIGNANCY).

FEAR FACTORY recently completed a U.S. headlining tour on which it performed its classic second album, "Demanufacture", in its entirety.

Singer Simone Simons of Dutch symphonic metallers EPICA spoke to Metal-Rules.com about the band's upcoming album, "The Holographic Principle", which will be released on September 30 via Nuclear Blast. Asked about the lyrical themes covered on the disc, she said: "It isn't a concept CD as the story is not in a chronological order of events from beginning to the end. Some songs deviate from the idea.

"'The Holographic Principle' is, basically, that we are living in a hologram. With the new technology and virtual reality glasses we realize reality is generated so perfectly that you can no longer tell the difference, so can reality also be a hologram?"

Simone also talked about the production on "The Holographic Principle" and how important it is get the right sound when it comes to symphonic metal. She said: "I think the sonics would be equally important to any band, not just a symphonic metal band like us. Every band wants to songs to sound the best they possibly can on the CD. That is why you have to record parts a million times in order for them to come as perfect as possible.

"When it came time for recording my vocals, our producer said that he doesn't want to overdo it as we don't want to lose the emotion in my vocals. That is something you cannot fix in editing.

"Overall, production-wise, we went bigger, because we recorded with more instruments as we had a good budget to finance it. We were in the studio for about five months recording. The writing took about a year; we had 27 songs to choose from when we were done. Then we had to narrow it down to 18 songs, which we recorded and mixed. Twelve went to the CD and the remaining six are in the corner waiting patiently to be released."

"The Holographic Principle" track listing:

01. Eidola02. Edge Of The Blade03. A Phantasmic Parade04. Universal Death Squad05. Divide And Conquer06. Beyond The Matrix07. Once Upon A Nightmare08. The Cosmic Algorithm09. Ascension - Dream State Armageddon10. Dancing In A Hurricane11. Tear Down Your Walls12. The Holographic Principle - A Profound Understanding Of Reality

In a brand new interview with Rolling Stone, Ozzy Osbourne was asked if he would ever consider making a country album, like other rockers — including AEROSMITH's Steven Tyler and STAIND's Aaron Lewis — have done. He said: "Not me, thank you. Personally, I think you should stick to what you know best. If Steven's having a good time with it, who am I to complain? But it would be absurd for me to do that. I don't mind country, but the 'Prince Of Darkness' with a cowboy hat? I'm a rock and roller, not a fucking country bumpkin."

Ozzy recently told Metro that his plans following the end of BLACK SABBATH's current farewell tour include getting to work on a new solo album.

Ozzy and his wife/manager Sharon have both said that Ozzy will carry on with his solo career after SABBATH plays its final shows in February 2017, although Sharon has hinted that the 67-year-old Ozzy may retire completely by the age of 70.

Asked by Rolling Stone if he wants to hang up his microphone for good, Ozzy said: "I'm going to continue solo. I don't know if I want to tour extensively much more, but I will still keep my fingers in the pie. As for singing 'Crazy Train' at 75, we'll see."

Ozzy has not released an all-new solo album since 2010's "Scream", having spent the last few years touring with SABBATH and recording that band's "13" album.

Ozzy and SABBATH are currently on the final North American leg of their "The End" tour, which stops in Clarkston, Michigan on Wednesday (August 31). The band's final shows will take place in its hometown of Birmingham, England early next February.

KORN played a brand new song called "Rotting In Vain" live for the first time during their concert on July 16 at the Chicago Open Air festival at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois.

Professionally filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

KORN frontman Jonathan Davis told Rolling Stone about the track: "'Rotting In Vain' was written about being in that black place, being in situations that I don't like in life — be it relationships, or feeling when you're stuck and you're just being abused or you don't like where you're at, and you just sit there and rot. It takes you years and years to figure out how to claw your way out. That's where 'Rotting In Vain' came from. I'm just sitting there, fucking dying and letting it happen for years and years and not helping myself to get out of that place. That's the vibe that inspired the song."

"Rotting In Vain" is taken from KORN's upcoming album, "The Serenity Of Suffering", which 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 Serenity Of Suffering" track listing:

01. Insane02. Rotting In Vain03. Black Is The Soul04. The Hating05. A Different World (feat. Corey Taylor)06. Take Me07. Everything Falls Apart08. Die Yet Another Night09. When You're Not There10. Next In Line11. Please Come For Me

The cover art for "The Serenity Of Suffering" was created by acclaimed artist Ron English. It depicts a teenage KORN fan at a dystopian acid-nightmare funfair who is clutching a disembowelled and skeletal version of the doll who adorned 1999's "Issues". "The Serenity Of Suffering" marks the second KORN album since the return of guitarist Brian "Head" Welch, who said, "This is a record to me that the intensity of KORN is back, and the live energy. Raw energy is there."

KORN's co-headlining tour with ROB ZOMBIE, "Return Of The Dreads", kicked off on July 19 in Englewood, Colorado. That trek winds down on September 3 in Bristow, Virginia.

KORN will also hit the road this fall with co-headliners BREAKING BENJAMIN for the "Nocturnal Underground Tour", which will kick off on September 24 in Fargo, North Dakota and run through late October.

Ex-METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted has praised the group's new song and has hinted at reconnecting with his former bandmates on a future project.

METALLICA earlier in the month released the track "Hardwired", the first single from the group's upcoming tenth studio album, "Hardwired...To Self-Destruct", which will be made available on November 18 via Blackened Recordings.

Asked during an appearance on the August 29 edition of the SiriusXM satellite radio show "Eddie Trunk Live" if he has heard "Hardwired", Newsted said: "I can't believe how wicked it is. I heard it a couple of times. Somebody played it for me in a car, and I brought it home and listened to it a little bit. I like its nature. I like its teeth, man. It's great."

Newsted also confirmed that he is still in regular contact with the members of METALLICA. He said: "I've got a call with Lars [Ulrich, METALLICA drummer] coming up on Thursday here. I've been talking to him every couple of weeks. As they're coming out with their new record, there's a lot of stuff going on within the underpinnings of it all, or whatever you wanna call it, so we always are in touch. And now we've actually been doing voice-to-voice, which is nice, and I'm hoping to be able to get person-to-person before long. But they do have quite a bit to do here with this new record. So I'm excited for 'em, man. I'm proud of 'em."

Asked if he is still in touch with METALLICA simply as friends or if it's related to "business stuff" or if they are talking about possibly doing something together again, Newsted responded: "All those three." Jason, however, would not elaborate on the exact form a possible new collaboration with METALLICA would take.

Jason left METALLICA back in 2001 but was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, along with Ulrich, guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield, guitarist Kirk Hammett, and the man who replaced him, bassist Robert Trujillo, in 2009.

Newsted's latest endeavor is a pair of acoustic groups, including the CHOPHOUSE BAND (named after his four recording studio facilities around the U.S. and featuring a fluid roster of players), which has several shows scheduled in early September.

During an interview with Kaaos TV conducted on July 2 at Provinssi in Seinäjoki, Finland, RAMMSTEIN keyboardist Christian "Flake" Lorenz spoke about the new song "Ramm 4", which opened the band's recent shows and which contains lyrics that seem to be a combination of various titles of previous RAMMSTEIN songs. Regarding why RAMMSTEIN chose to debut the track on the latest tour, he explained: "We wanted to show the world that we are still together and that we are playing and making new music."

Lorenz was also asked about the progress of the songwriting sessions for RAMMSTEIN's next album. He said: "We have started to compile ideas for songs and develop them as a band. It is difficult to say how far along we are, because a lot of the time everything seems to be going well, and then there are days when we just want to start the whole process all over again. That is why there is no objective view about how far [into the making of the new album] we are."

RAMMSTEIN last year released a 21st-anniversary box set, a numbered, career-wide collection titled "XXI". The set included the band's six studio albums, produced by Jacob Hellner and remastered onto 180-gram heavyweight double vinyl by Svante Forsbäck, as well as a separate rarities double LP, "Raritäten", including a previously unreleased version of the track "Los".

RAMMSTEIN hasn't made a new CD since 2009's "Liebe Ist Für Alle Da".

The band's frontman Till Lindemann last year released a debut album with his side project LINDEMANN.

RAMMSTEIN guitarist Richard Z. Kruspe's EMIGRATE project issued its sophomore album, "Silent So Long", in November 2014 via Spinefarm.

METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett was interviewed by Woody of the 93X radio station just hours before the band's headlining concert Saturday night (August 20) at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can now watch the chat below.

Speaking about the reaction to METALLICA's new single, "Hardwired", Hammett said: "I kind of feel the excitement. I can kind of feel the energy in the air. I mean, we all kind of are picking up on it. I'm getting a tremendous amount of texts from friends, saying, 'Great song. Wonderful song.' But as soon as I go on to my computer and turn it on, and think to myself, 'Should I read what other people are saying?' or 'Should I read some comments [on whatever web site]?' I instantly say to myself, 'Don't go there,' because I'll just get, first, angry, then frustrated, then confused, and then wanna just write it all off as just fucking useless bullshit, and why did I even waste my time. So, having said that, I know there's a great buzz out there, and I'm totally, totally thankful that the song is so well received."

Hammett also talked about METALLICA's mindset as it prepares to hit the road in support of the band's long-awaited new album, "Hardwired…To Self-Destruct", due on November 18. He said: "You have to understand, we have been together for 33 years. The last time we put out an album, we had been together for 25 years. Whenever we accomplish a goal… you know, we actually set out to do something and when we actually accomplish it — like making an album, making a movie, making a video, making a tour or whatever — once we get to the point where we've done the lion's share of things and we're ready to just cruise, it's always a really, really great feeling."

He continued: "The album's mostly finished — 99 percent finished — and it's a good time, because now we can go to the next step, which is playing the songs, performing them for the public, talking about them, making sure as many people as physically possible can hear these tunes and just working it like we always do.

"For us, going out and playing shows, it's really, really fun for us, really, really great, but over time, the mileage we have on ourselves, on our personal odometers, they're way up there. [Laughs] So, having said that, we have to take care of ourselves, and we have to make sure that going into this next little phase that we do it correctly and we do it in a healthy way that ensures much more longevity. And, yeah, it really feels like we've climbed the summit and we've reached the peak and now we can just cruise for a while."

"Hardwired...To Self-Destruct" was produced by Greg Fidelman with frontman James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich. The band recorded the disc at its own studio.

"Hardwired...To Self-Destruct" will be issued on double CD, vinyl and digital download. A deluxe version will feature a bonus disc containing the riffs that formed the origins of the album along with "The Lords Of Summer", which the band debuted on tour a couple of years ago.

Swedish metallers IN FLAMES will release their twelfth studio album, "Battles", on November 11 via Nuclear Blast in all territories excluding North America and Scandinavia and Eleven Seven Music Group in the U.S. The CD was recorded in Los Angeles with Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson, who has previously worked with MOTÖRHEAD, BODY COUNT and SEPULTURA, among others.

The second "Battles" making-of webisode can be seen below. Also available are the album's first two singles, "The End" and "The Truth".

IN FLAMES guitarist Björn Gelotte described "The End" as "a fairly straightforward IN FLAMES song. Having said that, it's a really positive vibe [to] the song. It's not a slash-your-wrists kind of vibe; it makes you realize to just make sure you appreciate that moment."

Gelotte also talked about how the recording process for "Battles" compared to that of its predecessor, 2014's "Siren Charms".

"'Siren Charms' had a very dark vibe to it," he explained. "We recorded it at a cold, damp and dark time during the year in Berlin so it gave it a certain melancholy to the record. Now recording in L.A. with the sunshine, it's a different energy. The writing process was different this time, too — that I would like for us to continue to explore. Also, working with Howard and his team was great. I got stressed taking a break for even five minutes because they were always ready to go for the next take and kept my energy up."

"I think being in California really affected this album in the sense that we had a studio in the house that we were staying at and the vibe was really relaxed which lent itself to productivity," added vocalist Anders Fridén. "It really helped having a producer who could make us focus on what we needed to accomplish and keep us on track."

"This was a very new approach for us because we've never let anyone else in the way we did with Howard," said Gelotte.

"Battles" sees the band making the hooks sharper, the riffs tighter and honing the overall attack in a way that parallels their legendary live shows in an unparalleled fashion.

"When people hear this album I think they're going to instantly know that it's the new IN FLAMES without us repeating the same song over and over, and that's something I'm incredibly proud of," Fridén said. He went on to downplay the changes in the band's sound, calling "Battles" "guitar driven, melodic… it's like they know what to expect. It's not like we're coming out with something completely different, but at the same time it's still new. If they already like IN FLAMES, they will like it — and if they don't like IN FLAMES already, they still might like it."

IN FLAMES will release its new concert DVD, "Sounds From The Heart Of Gothenburg", on September 23 via Nuclear Blast. The set was recorded on November 7, 2014 at Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden. IN FLAMES last year inked a new management deal with Tenth Street Entertainment, which also looks after MÖTLEY CRÜE and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, among others.

The band's last disc, "Siren Charms", sold around 9,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 26 on The Billboard 200 chart.

IN FLAMES drummer Daniel Svensson announced last fall that he was leaving the band to focus on his family life. He said in a statement: "It's hard to leave what have become my second family, but now it's time for me to take care and spend more time with the most important people in my life — my wife and my three daughters."

IN FLAMES has not yet named a replacement for Svensson.

IN FLAMES is:

Anders Fridén - VocalsBjörn Gelotte - GuitarPeter Iwers - BassNiclas Engelin - Guitar

Finnish metallers Re-Armed will release The Era of Precarity will be released internationally via Finland's Saarni Records. The physical core of the album is packed into a stylish digipak, which is made from ecological materials. The band has pledged to donate 50 cents from the sale of every copy to Karma Ry (organization), which supports elder people and young adults in band's hometown area with their activities to prevent disenfranchisement.

The band has released the following statement about the new album:

"The Era Of Precarity is fully conceptual album where each track dives into a dystopian-world that you would never want to live in. The album reflects decadent elements of our society and challenges the listener to think what kind of world we want to live in now and in the future. All the major conflicts of the 21st century are still solved with warfare and the interesting question is; 'Do we really want to leave this perishing world as a legacy to our descendants?' Therefore the message is current and very serious. While you're listening to the record we recommend you to leave larping clothes, drinking horns and mythological characters into the depths of your imagination. The world is here and right now."

Tracklisting:

“Novus Ordo Seclorum”
“Lullaby Of Obedience”
“Through The Barricades”
“Riot Act”
“Ivory Towers”
“Years Of Decay”
“Three Headed Beast”
“Evolve Cycle”
“The Aftermath”
“Cursed Beyond Belief”
“Purification”
“The Hunt Is On!”

Teaser:

The band's previous release, Total Lack of Communication (EP), was released in 2015, and followed with tours of  China and Baltic countries.

You can try to put Destrage in a box but you will never succeed. Words such as "progressive", "cinematic", "mathcore", "technical" and "groove-laden", could be thrown at them, but really the only one you need is Destrage, for they are in a category of their own making. This has never been truer than on A Means To No End, the fourth full-length from the Milan, Italy-based 5-piece, due out October 21st via Metal Blade Records. Riveting from start to finish, it leads the listener through an emotionally-charged labyrinth of complex yet catchy melody and muscle, following nobody's rules, and it stands out as one of the truly unique releases of 2016. For a first preview of A Means To No End, a lyric video directed by The Jack Stupid, “Symphony Of The Ego” can be seen below. Preorders are available at Metal Blade.

Destrage recorded A Means To No End at RecLab Studios in Milan, reuniting with their longtime collaborator Larsen Premoli, and his assistant Alex D'Errico. While tracking, at the suggestion of drummer Federico Paulovich, they brought percussionist Alessandro "Pacho" Rossi into the fold. Having entered into the writing process with no plans beyond simply wanting to write good music, the finished product - which is mixed by Steve Evetts and mastered by Alan Douches - is somewhat revelatory, and will certainly grab the attention of anyone exposed to it. Known for their powerful live shows, these tracks are sure to sound incredible when blasted from titanic speakers as the band take them to the masses.

Tracklisting:

“A Means To No End”
“Don’t Stare  At The Edge”
“Symphony Of The Ego”
“Silent Consent”
“The Flight”
“Dreamers”
“Ending To A Means”
“Peacefully Lost”
“Not Everything Is Said”
“To Be Tolerated”
“Blah Blah”
“A Promise, A Debt”
“Abandon To Random”

“Symphony Of The Ego” lyric video:

Lineup:

Paolo Colavolpe - vocals
Matteo Di Gioia - guitar
Federico Paulovich - drums
Ralph Guido Salati - guitar
Gabriel Pignata - bass

Following their wildly successful debut EP, Breaking Out, UK trio Raveneye are set to release their full length debut album, NOVA, worldwide on September 23rd. The album track “Walls” is available for streaming below:

Since forming in 2014, UK-based rock band Raveneye has toured globally, supporting bands such as The Darkness, Slash, Deep Purple, Halestorm and Blues Pills. The band has headlined their own tours through Europe and America and have performed at major international rock festivals such as Download Festival​ (UK), Hellfest Open Air Festival​ (France), Azkena Rock Festival ARF​ (Spain), Rock For People (Czech Republic), Louder Than Life​ (US), and Aftershock Festival​ (US), and will also perform at this year’s Maximus Festival​ in Brazil and Argentina this September. Their incendiary live shows have captivated crowds and put them on the map as a ‘must see live’ band.  

Warren Riker (Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson, Down, Anders Osborne), who engineered the debut EP, took over as producer to capture the band’s true sonic identity on NOVA. Together, Oli Brown, Aussie bassist Aaron Spiers and renowned drummer Gunnar Olsen worked at Water Music in Hoboken, New Jersey for 25 days and created an eleven-track album that pushed the band beyond its boundaries and into new ground. From the hard hitting riffs of “Inside”, “Madeline” and “Hero” to the raw sounds of “Wanna Feel You” and “Oh My Love’ to the stark reality of life and death in “Eternity”, NOVA takes you on a journey of defiance, pain, hate, death and, yes, love.

With songs filled with deep, bluesy grooves and infectious hooks that invoke giants such as Led Zeppelin and Soundgarden, Raveneye (who formed just two years ago) continue to win fans over around the world with their huge sound and killer live shows. The extensive touring in 2015 laid the ground work for a hungry fan-base and, this past April, one year after the release of their debut EP, Breaking Out, the band debuted on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart.

NOVA tracklisting:

“Wanna Feel You”
“Come With Me”
“Inside”
“Hero”
“Supernova”
“Walls”
“Oh My Love”
“Madeline”
“Hate”
“Out Of The Rain”
“Eternity”

“Inside” lyric video:

“Hero” video:

Skeletonwitch’s new EP, The Apothic Gloom, has debuted in the Billboard music charts at #7 for Hard Music, while landing in the Top 20 for Top Independent Albums and Top 100 for Top Current Albums.

To further the celebration of it's success, the band have teamed up with Indiana based craft brewery 3 Floyds Brewing Co. to debut the Red Death Sour ale.

Guitarist Scott Hedrick announced, "It's no secret that Skeletonwitch have an affinity for beer. It only makes sense that we partnered with one of the most "metal" and consistently top-notch breweries out there. The Red Death awaits you. Fall into the depths."

At 8.5%, the "Red Death Sour" is a thirst-quenchimg tart ale with juicy hints of tropical fruit-pineapple, mellow funky cheese and a slight barnyard dry finish topped with cherry, raspberry, pear and plum aromas.

3 Floyds Head Brewer, Chris Boggess adds, "Red Death is the product of an unholy blend of a sour grand cru fermented and aged in a foeder for 18 months and a Cherry Imperial Berliner Weisse.”

The beer will be available on tap and bottled at 3 Floyds Brewery in Munster, Indiana and throughout their distribution area (Chicagoland, Indiana and select cities in OH, KY and WI) on Labor Day. Due to the year long fermenting process of the sour, the first batch was limited to only 100 barrels, make sure to check www.3floyds.com to find out where you can pick one up before they are gone.

The Apothic Gloom EP stream:

Skeletonwitch are excited to bring new material from their forthcoming release, The Apothic Gloom, back to fans across the US this fall. Featuring direct support from Iron Reagan, Oathbreaker, Gatecreeper (9/29-18) and Homewrecker (19-30), the tour will span just over four weeks starting in Asheville, NC and ending in Richmond, VA. A complete listing of dates can be found below.

Guitarist Scott Hedrick: “Stoked to finally announce this! We've got new tunes to play and a killer group of bands to shred with. Love this lineup from top to bottom. See you all soon."

Tour dates:

September
28 - Asheville, NC - Mothlight #
29 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl ^
30 - Savannah, GA - The Jinx ^

October
1 - Tampa, FL - Crowbar ^
2 - Gainesville, FL - The Atlantic ^
4 - New Orleans, LA - Siberia ^
5 - Houston, TX - White Oak ^
6 - Dallas, TX - RBC ^
7 - Austin, TX - Barracuda ^
9 - Phoenix, AZ - Rebel Lounge ^
10 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick ^
11 - Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy ^
12 - San Francisco, CA - DNA Lounge ^
14 - Portland, OR - Panic Room ^
15 - Seattle, WA - Highline ^
17 - Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Bar ^  
18 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theater ^
19 - Kansas City, MO - Riot Room &
20 - Des Moines, IA - Vaudeville Mews &
21 - Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock &
22 - Chicago, IL - Subterranean &
23 - Indianapolis, IN - 5th Quarter &
25 - Pittsburgh, PA - Cattivo &
26 - Philadelphia, PA - Underground Arts &
28 - Brooklyn, NY - Saint Vitus &
26 - Baltimore, MD - Metro Gallery &
30 - Richmond, VA - Hardywood Brewery &

# with Iron Reagan & Oathbreaker & All Hell
^ with Iron Reagan & Oathbreaker & Gatecreeper
& with Iron Reagan & Oathbreaker & Homewrecker

Finland’s Shiraz Lane have released a video for “Momma's Boy”, a track from the band’s debut album, For Crying Out Loud, released back in April. Watch the new clip below.

For Crying Out Loud tracklisting:

“Wake Up”
“Momma's Boy”
“House Of Cards”
“Begging For Mercy”
“Same Ol' Blues”
“Mental Slavery”
“Behind The 8-Ball”
“For Crying Out Loud”
“Bleeding”
“M.L.N.W. - Kill Me (With Your Love)” (Bonus track digital version)

“Momma's Boy” video:

“For Crying Out Loud” video:

“House Of Cards”:

“Same Ol’ Blues”:

“Wake Up” video:

"Mental Slavery” video:

EPK (Electronic Press Kit):

Shiraz Lane is:

Hannes Kett - vocals
Jani Laine - solo guitar
Miki Kalske - rhythm guitar
Joel Alex - bass
Ana Willman - drums

Texas metallers Darkness Divided have released a playthrough video for “Misery”, a track from their self-titled sophomore album, out now via Victory Records. The new video can be found below.

Tracklisting:

“The Point Of No Return”
“Back Breaker”
“A Life That Binds”
“ Wake Of The Dead”
“Misery”
“Deceiver”
“From Dust To Stone”
“The Answer”
“Deliverance”
“Mirror Of Death”
“The End Of It All”

“Misery” playthrough:

"Back Breaker" video:

"Back Breaker" behind-the-scenes:

“The End Of It All”:

“Misery” video:

Tour dates here.

On September 23rd, melodic death metal outfit Allegaeon will be releasing their fourth full-length, Proponent For Sentience, via Metal Blade Records. Today, the band has launched a performance video for the new album track, "All Hail Science", which was shot at Black Sky Brewery in Denver, Colorado during the recording of Proponent For Sentience earlier this year.

Greg Burgess (guitar) comments: "We had the great pleasure of being allowed to shoot “All Hail Science” at Black Sky Brewery here in Denver. We have a great selection of metal bars here and Black Sky is by far my favorite. It has such a friendly atmosphere and the staff and owners are so supportive of our local scene. Basically Black Sky let us throw a free show/party for anyone who wanted to show up. It's pretty apparent from the video, but we had a blast that day. Huge thanks to Black Sky for their hospitality, SSS Productions for running sound and lights, Vince Edwards from Metal Blade for filming us being dumb, and the fans who showed up to party!"

Produced by Dave Otero (Cattle Decapitation), Proponent For Sentience is a musically complex, intelligent, and absorbing concept record that can rightfully sit alongside the true greats of the medium. With a lyrical arc rooted in science-fiction yet uncomfortably encroaching upon the reality of the present, it captures the Fort Collins, Colorado natives at their most ambitious and accomplished, pushing the boundaries even further than on their three previous critically acclaimed full-lengths.

Proponent For Sentience can be pre-ordered now at this location. Another playthrough video for the new track, "Proponent For Sentience III - The Extermination", featuring guest appearances by Soilwork's Bjorn "Speed" Strid (vocals) and Scar Symmetry/ex-Bloodshot Dawn's Benjamin Ellis (guitar) can be found below.

Proponent For Sentience tracklisting:

“Proponent For Sentience I - The Conception”
“All Hail Science”
“From Nothing”
“Gray Matter Mechanics - Apassionata Ex Machinea”
“Of Mind And Matrix”
“Proponent For Sentience II - The Algorithm”
“Demons Of An Intricate Design”
“Terrathaw And The Quake”
“Cognitive Computations”
“The Arbiters”
“Proponent For Sentience III - The Extermination”
“Subdivisions”

“Subdivisions” playthrough video:

“Proponent For Sentience III - The Extermination” playthrough video:

"Gray Matter Mechanics - Appassionata Ex Machinea” can be heard via the widget below:

Proponent for Sentience by Allegaeon

"Appassionata Ex Machinea" acoustic:

Format details:

- CD
- 180g Black 2LP
- Marbled Violet 2LP (limited)

* Exclusive t-shirts, plus a special collector's bundle (8-string Legator guitar + CD + 2LP + t-shirt + t-shirt) are also available now

In support of Proponent For Sentience, Allegaeon will join Max & Iggor Cavalera Return To Roots, The Black Dahlia Murder, Combichrist, All Hail The Yeti, and Oni for a North American tour this September/October.

Tour dates:

September
12 - Las Vegas, NV - LVCS
13 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater
15 - Nashville, TN - Exit / In
16 - Louisville, KY - Diamond Concert Hall
17 - Rochester, NY - Montage Music Hall
19 - Knoxville, TN - The Concourse
20 - Athens, GA - Georgia Theater
22 - Oklahoma City, OK - Diamond Ballroom
24 - San Bernardino, CA - Ozzfest Meets Knotfest *

October
10 - Ottawa, ON - Mavericks #
11 - Toronto, ON - Opera House #
12 - Montreal, QC - Les Foufounes #

* - Allegaeon only
# - Max & Iggor Cavalera Return To Roots, The Black Dahlia Murder, Allegaeon only

Allegaeon lineup:

Riley McShane - vocals
Greg Burgess - guitar
Michael Stancel - guitar
Corey Archuleta - bass
Brandon Park - drums

Progressive death metal masters Fallujah have released a guitar playthrough video for “Amber Gaze” a track from their new album, Dreamless.

A previously posted drum playthrough video for “Amber Gaze”, from Sick Drummer Magazine, follows:

Dreamless was released on April 29th via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The album was recorded at SharkbiteStudios with producer Zack Ohren (Animosity, Suffocation), and was mixed and mastered by Mark Lewis (Devildriver, Cannibal Corpse) in Orlando, FL at Audiohammer. Cover art was created by Peter Mohrbacher.

“Abandon” video:

“The Void Alone” lyric video:

Streaming below is “I’ll Play The Blues For You”, as well as a new trailer video for Joe Bonamassa's new live album, Live At The Greek Theatre, which was recorded live on August 29th, 2015 and will be released on CD, Blu-ray and DVD on September 23rd.

Pre-order Live At The Greek Theater here, and get a free poster.

The Grammy Foundation and Grammy Museum are partnering on September 1st to celebrate the life and legacy of B.B. King, 15-time Grammy-winning rhythm & blues singer.

Titled Icon: The Life And Legacy Of B.B. King, the live tribute will include performances by multi-Grammy winners Keb' Mo', Derek Trucks, and Jimmie Vaughan; Grammy winners Slash and Susan Tedeschi; Grammy nominees Joe Bonamassa and Kenny Wayne Shepherd; and artist Joe Lewis Walker. The show will be musically directed by the Conan show's own musical director and house band Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Band.

In addition to a live tribute performance and storytelling by artists influenced by King's work, there will be a pre-event VIP reception, for VIP ticket buyers. A handful of auction items signed by participating artists will be available exclusively to attendees for silent bidding.

More details at this location.

Sweden’s Meshuggah will release their eighth album, The Violent Sleep Of Reason, on October 7th via Nuclear Blast Records. The album is inspired by a Goya painting called "The Sleep Of Reason Produces Monsters". Today, the second video trailer is released, in which Tomas Haake discusses the lyrical inspiration of the band’s eighth album.

The album was produced by the band and was engineered by Tue Madsen of Puk Studios in Kaerby, Denmark. For the cover, the band once again enlisted Keerych Luminokaya who created the artwork for Koloss and The Ophidian Trek as well as the new images for each of the seven albums and three EP's featured in the recently released 25 Years Of Musical Deviance box set.

Tracklisting:

“Clockworks”
“Born In Dissonance”
“MonstroCity”
“By The Ton”
“Violent Sleep Of Reason”
“Ivory Tower”
“Stifled”
“Nostrum”
“Our Rage Won’t Die”
“Into Decay”

“Born In Dissonance” lyric video:

The Violent Sleep Of Reason will be available in the following formats:

- CD Digipak
- Black Double LP
- Blue/Brown Splatter Double LP
- T-shirt Bundle (Includes digipak & poster; available in sizes: S-XXL) *
- Mail-Order Exclusive Box Set*
* Limited to 1,000 worldwide
* Includes: Latex face mask, (2) stickers, (2) 1.25” buttons, poster flag, certificate of authenticity

Pre-order your copy of The Violent Sleep Of Reason here. Digital copies here.

Meshuggah recently announced their epic North American Fall 2016 tour. The trek will kick-off at the House Of Blues in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on October 10th, visit two Canadian cities as well as Knotfest Mexico before concluding in Maryland at The Fillmore on November 6th. Joining the band as special guests is none other than US metallers High On Fire (pictured below).

Watch a tour teaser video below. Tickets are on sale now.

Tour dates:

October
10 - House Of Blues - Lake Buena Vista, FL*
11 - Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA
12 - The Pageant - St. Louis, MO
13 - Marathon Music Works - Nashville, TN
15 - Knottiest Mexico - Toluca, Mexico*
16 - House Of Blues - Houston, TX
17 - House Of Blues - Dallas, TX
19 - The Novo - Los Angeles, CA
20 - Brooklyn Bowl - Las Vegas, NV*
22 - Aftershock Festival - Elverta, CA*
24 - Ogden Theatre - Denver, CO
25 - Liberty Hall - Lawrence, KS
26 - Mill City Nights - Minneapolis, MN
28 - House Of Blues - Chicago, IL
29 - The Majestic - Detroit, MI
30 - Phoenix Concert Theatre - Toronto, ON
31 - Metropolis - Montreal, QC

November
2 - House Of Blues - Boston, MA
3 - Playstation Theater - New York, NY
4 - The Trocadero Theatre - Philadelphia, PA
5 - Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ
6 - The Fillmore - Silver Spring, MD

* Meshuggah only

(High On Fire photo - J. Hubbard)

Finnish melancholic melodic death metal band, Shadecrown, have set a release date for their debut album. Entitled Agonia, the album will be released on October 21st via Inverse Records.

Shadecrown was founded in 2012 by songwriter/keyboardist Saku Tammelin and they have previously released one demo and EP. The band's music consists of many different elements and it's influenced by many metal genres such as thrash and melodic doom metal. In other words Shadecrown's music combines beautiful melancholic melodies and aggressive guitar riffs.

Tracklisting:

“Eremophobia”
“Led Astray”
“Ghostlike Existence”
“Far Off Innocence”
“Walk Through Hell”
“Longing For Sleep”
“The Ruins Of Me”
“Tear-Stained Heart”
“Silent Hours”
“Drown”

“Led Astray” video:

Lineup:

Saku Tammelin - Keyboards
Jari Hokka - Vocals
Janne Salmelin - Bass & Clean Vocals
Kalle Varonen - Drums
Joonas Vesamäki - Guitars
Riku Niemonen - Guitars

Cry Of Dawn, a new melodic rock/AOR project featuring Göran Edman on all lead vocals, will release their self-titled debut album on September 23rd. A stream of the track “Tell It To My Heart” can be found below.

Over the years, Göran Edman’s unique vocal style has been showcased in numerous genres including neoclassic metal, progressive rock, and AOR, just to name a few. His vocal stylings can be found on records by John Norum, Yngwie Malmsteen, Brazen Abbot, and Glory, among others.

Cry Of Dawn is Goran Edman’s latest musical adventure: a straight ahead AOR / melodic rock album which highlights his amazing vocal abilities on superb songs written especially for him by the likes of Michael Palace (Palace, First Signal, Kryptonite), Steve Newman, Alessandro Del Vecchio, Sören Kronkvist, Daniel Palmqvist and Robert Säll among others.

“It’s been a privilege to work with all  these  good songwriters within the genre of classic  AOR,” tells Goran. “The conformity of the production has a good red line with a straight forward melodic flow as you would expect. Its been a true pleasure performing it. The recording of the album took place in Daniel Flores’ studio for the instrumental part while I did the vocals in my own studio. Personally I am grateful to be a part of this project and look forward to the fans listening to the album”.

The result is a true feast for the ears of all lovers of this music. Picture hints of the likes of Night Ranger, Journey, Bad English and Starship and you'll get a sense of what is in store for you! Hear for yourself with an album sampler, streaming below.

Tracklisting:

“Chance”
“Listen To Me”
“When Right Is Wrong”
“Tell It To My Heart”
“Light A Light”
“Can't Go On”
“Building Towers”
“Hands Around My Heart”
“Life After Love”
“Yearn”
“Tell Me”

“Tell It To My Heart”:

“Chance”:

“Listen To Me” lyric video:

Album sampler:

Cry Of Dawn lineup:

Göran Edman - Lead and backing vocals
Michael Palace - Guitars and bass
Sören Kronqvist - Keyboards
Daniel Flores - Drums and keyboards

 

Legendary rocker Alice Cooper has paid tribute to actor Gene Wilder, who starred in such comedy films as "The Producers", "Blazing Saddles", "Young Frankenstein" and "Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory". Wilder died Monday (August 29) at his home in Stamford, Connecticut. His nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman said he died of complications from Alzheimer's disease. He was 83.

Cooper posted the following message on his Facebook page: "I count working with Gene Wilder on his TV sitcom 'Something Wilder' to be one of the most precious memories of my entire career. Doing 'one-on-one' comedy with Gene was like jamming with THE BEATLES. It doesn't get any better. Gene Wilder is IRREPLACEABLE and will always be an American treasure."

STEVE GRIMMETT'S GRIM REAPER, the revamped version of the cult '80s British metal act GRIM REAPER led by singer Steve Grimmett, will release its new album, "Walking In The Shadows", on September 23 via Dissonance Productions.

The CD's title track can now be streamed below.

"Walking In The Shadows" track listing:

01. Wings Of Angels02. Walking In The Shadows03. Reach Out04. I'm Coming For You05. From Hell06. Call Me In The Morning07. Rock Will Never Die08. Temptation09. Thunder10. Now You See Me11. Blue Murder12. Come Hell Or High Water

"Walking In The Shadows" is GRIM REAPER's first new recording since 1987's "Rock You To Hell". Grimmett stated about the effort: "I am tremendously proud of the album. It has taken a long time because it has been fraught with problems, but we have ended up with the best thing I have done in decades. We're all looking forward to bring it to the fans and excited to be doing a world tour, starting straight after its release, and carrying on until 2017." Surrounding himself with an all-new band, Grimmett recently completed a 22-date North American tour. The trek included stops in New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Austin. Due to its success, the band recently announced a planned return in the autumn to support the new album after release. Original GRIM REAPER guitarist Nick Bowcott joined STEVE GRIMMETT'S GRIM REAPER on stage on March 25 at 4 D's Bar & Grill in Fort Wayne, Indiana to perform several of the band's classic songs.

Bowcott previously played with STEVE GRIMMETT'S GRIM REAPER in 2014, marking the first time Steve and Nick appeared on stage together in more than 25 years.

STEVE GRIMMETT'S GRIM REAPER is:

Steve Grimmett - VocalsIn Nash - GuitarChaz Grimaldi - BassPaul White - Drums

GRIM REAPER's debut album, "See You In Hell", was released in 1984 and was distributed worldwide through RCA. A successful world tour in support of the album included an appearance at Texxas Jam in front of over 20,000 people. The band's 1985 follow-up, "Fear No Evil", showed improvement on the production front and also enjoyed moderate success in both the United States and Europe.

Ebony Records delayed the release of the band's third album, "Rock You to Hell", by almost two years. The LP eventually arrived directly through RCA in 1987.

The back catalog from GRIM REAPER was reissued in Japan in October 2008 via RCA/BMG.

Legendary German guitarist Michael Schenker completed a Japanese tour, Michael Schenker Fest, earlier this month. The concerts featured appearances by three MSG singers: Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley. They were joined by Ted McKenna on drums, Chris Glen on bass and Steve Mann on guitar/keyboards.

Combined, these men are responsible for such albums as "Michael Schenker Group" (1980), "Assault Attack" (1982) and "Save Yourself" (1989).

Fan-filmed video footage of the August 23 Michael Schenker Fest event in Osaka, Japan can be seen below.

In a recent interview with Roppongi Rocks, Michael stated about how the idea for the Michael Schenker Fest came about: "With all the other musicians in the past, I never really fired anybody. Every time it's time for a new record, I have to look around if the old members are still available. Sometimes they join other bands because they have to earn money. So I somehow ended up with different musicians all the time. But I guess that is also part of my life design.

"Today, I have a chance now to enjoy all my past. I can embrace everything — Graham Bonnet, Gary Barden, Robin McAuley, and all the musicians. I have a really big world all of a sudden and it is a lot of fun. I can take off in any direction. I can go out with Graham Bonnet if I choose to, I can go out with Gary… The advantages of all these different formations, it's not all the same. Then there's TEMPLE OF ROCK, where Doogie [White] is basically singing my past and my current. That is a completely different concept again."

He added: "It's a great opportunity to come out all the time. I'm very energetic, more than ever. I can go out and always come out with freshness, fresh surroundings."

Schenker also talked about his current mindset as he prepares to take Michael Schenker Fest to other parts of the world. He said: "You know what? I live in the now. I only have good memories of everything. I'm a positive person.

"Japan has been a fantastic audience for me over the years. They always understood what I was doing, more than people in Germany did in the beginning, but they are catching up. And the rest of the world is catching up.

"Fifty years of AC/DC and… I think people are ready to hear a bit deeper music than that.

"I think that in my middle years, I was able to withdraw and let bands like SCORPIONS and so on use what I created and made it in a more simplified way for their wider audience, in a nice packaging, for people to understand.

"I think my assignment was to create something like this and then other people's assignment was to use it and present it in a commercial way. I think now it's time to come out and take everything I started in my first part of my life — taking it to the next level. That's what I'm excited about and that's what I am looking forward to do."