STONE SOUR has entered Sphere Studios in North Hollywood, California to begin recording its new album for a tentative summer 2017 release date via Roadrunner Records.

STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor recently told Matt Pinfield that the band had written and demoed eighteen songs for its sixth studio effort.

"I am so stoked," Corey said. "It'll be the first album that we're doing with [Johny] Chow, our bass player, and Christian Martucci, our new guitar player. And it is fantasticIt is some of the best material we've ever written. It is so good, and it is such a great amalgam of all of these different styles that we just absolutely love. It's got a little bit of the heavy, like we like to do, but it's also way more hard rock — way more rock 'n' roll and hard rock than heavy. I mean, there's even a little bit of punk in there. And there's an energy there that is gonna decimate and blow away a lot of stuff that comes out next year. That's how excited I am."

Regarding the recording sessions for the next STONE SOUR album, Corey said: "We're gonna record it the old-fashioned way. We're gonna get us all in the room. We're gonna record it together; we're gonna have that energy bouncing off of each other. It's gonna be a modern throwback, let's put it that way, and it's gonna destroy people."

He continued: "We're gonna co-produce ourselves with a good friends of ours named Jay Ruston, who has done a lot of work with a lot of different people. He has produced and mixed STEEL PANTHER, ANTHRAX [and] a bunch of different other people. He also mixed the two 'House Of Gold And Bones' albums that we put out, and he mixed the two covers EPs that STONE SOUR put out as well. So we have a great relationship with him, and he's somebody we really trust and we absolutely love to work with. So we're really looking forward to going in with him and really making a kick-ass rock 'n' roll album."

Corey added: "We're really excited, man. Just the demos alone are so good that it's just, like, 'Dude, this is gonna destroy!'"

STONE SOUR, has released two EPs of cover songs — "Meanwhile In Burbank…" and "Straight Out Of Burbank" — and was slated to issue a third, titled "No Sleep 'Till Burbank", but those plans now appear to have been scrapped.

STONE SOUR in 2015 named Christian Martucci as the permanent replacement for Jim Root, who was dismissed from the band in late 2013 after he decided to sit out the group's last tour in order to begin working on the new SLIPKNOT album. Martucci was recruited to play on that tour and was confirmed as a permanent member in March 2015 in a Facebook post.

Root did not speak kindly of STONE SOUR in interviews after he was fired, saying, "Some of the guys in STONE SOUR, I think they just want to be a radio band and write strictly for radio and try to be more of a poppy rock band. And that's not really what I'm into. There's at least one guy in the band that's only concerned about money. I really have no desire to associate with people like that anymore."

Root played on all five STONE SOUR studio records to date, including 2010's "Audio Secrecy" and the band's last collection of original music, "House Of Gold And Bones", a double concept album which was released in two parts in 2012 and 2013.

A PERFECT CIRCLE will trek across North America this spring in the outfit's first tour since 2011, with the month long outing kicking off at The Pearl in Las Vegas (April 7 and 8).

The band previously announced a May 7 performance at the Hollywood Bowl as well as a trio of festival dates: Welcome To Rockville (April 29), Fort Rock (April 30) and Carolina Rebellion (May 5).

The tour news arrives as the band begins work on their first new album since 2004's "eMOTIVe". "Getting back to writing music with A PERFECT CIRCLE is a great way to start the new year," APC co-founder and guitar player Billy Howerdel said.

Tour dates:

April 7-8 - Las Vegas, NV @ The PearlApril 10 - Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica TheatreApril 11 - San Diego, CA @ Open Air TheatreApril 13 - San Francisco @ Bill Graham CivicApril 14 - Reno, NV @ Reno Event CenterApril 15 - Salt Lake City @ Maverik CenterApril 17 - Denver, CO @ 1st Bank CenterApril 19 - Kansas City, MO @ Starlight AmphitheatreApril 20 - St. Louis, MO @ Chafietz ArenaApril 22 - Tulsa, OK @ BOK CenterApril 23 - Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon TheatreApril 25 - Austin, TX @ HEB Center at Cedar ParkApril 26 - San Antonio, TX @ Freeman ColiseumApril 27 - Houston, TX @ Smart Financial CenterApril 29 - Jacksonville, FL @ Welcome to RockvilleApril 30 - Ft. Myers, FL @ Fort Rock FestivalMay 02 - Atlanta, GA @ Verizon Wireless AmphitheatreMay 03 - Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone ArenaMay 05 - Charlotte, NC @ Carolina RebellionMay 07 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl

A PERFECT CIRCLE's current line-up is Maynard James Keenan (TOOL, PUSCIFER), Billy Howerdel (ASHES DIVIDE), James Iha (TINTED WINDOWS, ex-SMASHING PUMPKINS), Jeff Friedl (PUSCIFER, THE BETA MACHINE) and Matt McJunkins (EAGLES OF DEATH METAL, THE BETA MACHINE).

Tickets for all non-festival shows are on-sale this Friday, January 13 at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets for the Hollywood Bowl show are on sale now.

The band re-launched their website and webstore over the weekend, which can be viewed at aperfectcircle.com.

DEF LEPPARD singer Joe Elliott was one of the guest performers at last night's (Sunday, January 8) David Bowie tribute concert at the O2 Academy Brixton in London, England.

Elliott sang a version of the Bowie-penned MOTT THE HOOPLE track "All The Young Dudes" with The London Community Gospel Choir and an interpretation of "Suffragette City" at the "Celebrating David Bowie With Gary Oldman And Friends" event, which was held on what would have been the late British singer, songwriter, actor and fashion icon's 70th birthday. "This is a religious experience. Let's take these people to church," Elliott said while introducing "All The Young Dudes".

The concert featured Bowie's close friend and actor Gary Oldman, and included performances by what was being billed as "Bowie people performing Bowie music Bowie style." Oldman previously gave a heartfelt speech about the pop legend at last year's Brit Awards.

The London event was the first in a planned series of global concerts to honor Bowie's legacy in aid of local charities.

Also appearing at "Celebrating David Bowie With Gary Oldman And Friends" were some of the past touring members of Bowie's band, including guitarist Earl Slick, guitarist Adrian Belew, pianist Mark Garson and bassist Gail Ann Dorsey. Dorsey sang lead on a number of tracks, including "Space Oddity" and "Young Americans".

All proceeds from the 5,000-capacity, sold-out show will go to the Children & The Arts charity.

Other Bowie tribute events in the series will take place in New York, Los Angeles, Sydney and Tokyo, and will raise money for youth arts education.

The annual Spellemann nominations have been announced. Referred to as the Norwegian Grammy Awards in English, the Spellemannprisen is a Norwegian music award presented to Norwegian musicians. This year’s nominees include:

Metal Category:
Abbath - Abbath
Nag - Nag
Okkultokrati - Raspberry Dawn
Sarke - Bogefod

Kvelertak’s Nattesferd has been nominated in the Rock Category.

Spellemannprisen 2016 will be held Saturday, January 28th at the Sentrum Scene in Oslo, Norway.

Jim Carrey, star of comedy hits like "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and "Dumb and Dumber", as well as dramas such as "The Truman Show" and "Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind", idonned his Alice Cooper makeup to jam with the legendary shock rocker at Shep Gordon's eighth annual Maui Food Bank and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center benefit on December 31, 2016. They performed "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and "School's Out". Alice's backing band for the performance consisted on Nita Strauss on guitar, Damon Johnson on guitar, Chuck Garric on bass and Glen Sobel on drums.

Also joining Cooper and his manager at the New Year's Eve fundraiser were AEROSMITH's Steven Tyler, the DOOBIE BROTHERS, "Weird Al" Yankovic and Bob Seger.

Cooper and his manager have been staging fundraisers in Hawaii on New Year's Eve since 2008.

Event organizers said that through the generosity of those attending this special night, the New Year's benefit helped provide the one millionth meal to the Maui Food Bank and a portion of the proceeds will also assist the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in creating millions of memories in the new year.

Tickets for the event were $600 per person, plus tax and 12% gratuity.

Seven Kingdoms' new lyric video for "Stargazer", the opening track on their forthcoming album Decennium, can be viewed below. The band has also posted the following message:

"Decennium will be released at the end of the month, and the Official Crowdfunding Campaign for the new album has less than one week left until it's over! Grab your copy of the new album on CD and vinyl along with a bunch of other sweet items! Thank you again to those that have supported so far!
More dates will be announced soon for our tour with Evergrey, Need and Ascendia!"

Seven Kingdoms recently released the video for "Neverending" from Decennium. This 10-year anniversary album follows up the successfully crowdfunded In The Walls EP, and will feature the two new songs from the EP along with eight brand new tracks. The crowdfunding campaign for Decennium started on December 9th and runs until the middle of January. Decennium is to be released at the end of January 2017.

The CD pressing will be limited to 1,000 copies with the double vinyl LP limited to 250. Each album and vinyl will be hand numbered, signed and feature the Edition 1 labeling on the back, and a holographic Edition 1 for 'Total Package' and  '+' backers. There will be no digital downloads available for this album until later in 2017.

Dusan Markovic created the amazing artwork for Decennium. The vinyl edition will be a triple gatefold with an included poster of the full cover and extra art inside. Fans will be able to order their copies of the album, vinyl, and other supporting merchandise via Decennium's Kickstarter Campaign when it launches on December 9th. Perks start shipping in late January / February 2017.

Decennium tracklisting:

“Stargazer”
“Undying”
“In The Walls”
“The Tale Of Deathface Ginny”
“Castles In The Snow”
“Kingslayer”
“The Faceless Hero”
“Neverending”
“Hollow”
“Awakened From Nothing”

"Neverending" video:

Decennium was recorded with Jim Morris (Iced Earth, Savatage, Death) and Phil Pluskota (Abiotic, King Conquer) at North Avenue Studios and Morrisound Recording. Seven Kingdoms mixed the album at Morrisound Recording and was mastered by Jacob Hansen (Avantasia, Evergrey, Volbeat).

Commented Seven Kingdoms guitarist Camden Cruz: "We are finally here! We are very excited to get this Campaign started and to begin getting the whole thing out for everyone all over the world to enjoy! We are very, very happy with the album. This is undeniably the best product the band has put fourth yet. If you liked the In The Walls EP, you will only be even happier with Decennium. We will have a slew of new stuff available on the Crowdfunding Campaign and hope that all of you will join us in celebrating the 10-Year-Anniversary of the band in 2017!"

Seven Kingdoms will embark on full length North American tour with Evergrey, Need and Ascendia in May and June 2017 to support the new album. More shows are being added; catch them live at the following confirmed shows.

May
6 - The Haven - Orlando, FL
7 - The Orpheum - Tampa, FL
9 - Scout Bar - Houston, TX
10 - Gas Monkey - Dallas, TX
11 - The Rock Box - San Antonio, TX
13 - Joe's Grotto - Phoenix, AZ
14 - Brick By Brick - San Diego, CA
15 - LVCS - Las Vegas, NV
20 - Studio Seven - Seattle, WA
21 - The Rickshaw Theater - Vancouver, BC
22 - Dickens Pub - Calgary, AB
23 - Exchange - Regina, SK
25 - The Cabooze - Minneapolis, MN
26 - Reggie's - Chicago, IL
30 - L'Anti Quebec city

More dates to be announced.

A teaser for the new Swedish hard rock project Gathering Of King's upcoming single, "Forever And A Day", is available below. The single will be released soon. The song was written by Victor Olsson and is taken from the yet untitled debut album, which will be released in 2017.

The album is being helmed by producer Thomas "Plec" Johansson, who has previously worked with Watain, Onslaught, Scar Symmetry, The Night Flight Orchestra, among others. Plec has managed to fill his studio walls with multiple platinum and gold record awards as well as taking home three Swedish Grammy awards. The cover artwork was created by hugely talented Lizette Lönnhammar.

Line-up on "Forever And A Day":

Björn Strid - lead vocals (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra)
Victor Olsson - lead guitar (Saffire, Apollo)
Erik Mårtensson - rhythm guitar, background vocals (Eclipse, Nordic Union, W.E.T, Ammunition)
Nalle Påhlsson - bass (Therion, Treat)
Richard Larsson - keyboards (The Night Flight Orchestra)
Robban Bäck - drums (Mustasch, Eclipse, Sabaton, W .E.T, Ammunition)

The full-length album will also include following artists:

Rick Altzi - vocals (Masterplan, At Vance, Herman Frank)
Apollo Papathanasio - vocals (Spiritual Beggars, Apollo, Firewind)
Tobias Jansson - vocals (Saffire)
Niclas Engelin - guitar (In Flames, Engel)
Stefan Helleblad - guitar (Within Temptation, Jono)
Martin Sweet - guitar (Crashdiet, Sister)
Chris Laney - keyboards, Guitar (Pretty Maids, Randy Piper's Animal)
Jonas Källsbäck - drums (The Night Flight Orchestra, Mean Streak)

For information and updates on Gathering Of Kings go to this location.
 

In the Capital Chaos TV clip below, watch Black Sabbath / Ozzy Osbourne tribute band Sweeet Leaf featuring guitarist Steve Smyth (One Machine, ex-Nevermore, ex-Forbidden) perform the Ozzy classic "Bark At The Moon" at On The Y in Sacramento, California. The clip was shot on January 7th.

In the new video below, Steve Smyth plays "Armchair Warriors" live on EMGtv. This long time EMG artist and One Machine lead guitarist is using the EMG 57-7 and 66-7 pickups. Steve shows the range of metal tones achieved with this dynamic two pickup combo. Check out this live performance and others every week on EMGtv.

One Machine recently released a lyric video for "New Motive Power", the last single release from their album The Final Cull, released in September 2015 via Scarlet Records.

Says Steve Smyth: “We are very proud to release this excellent lyric video for 'New Motive Power', our last single release from The Final Cull, which we have been touring in support of since the release of the album! It’s a fan favorite, and we decided it must be seen as well as heard! Tommy Antonini did a great job capturing the essence of the song with plenty of underlying visuals to bring this beast to life!"

Chris Hawkins states: “'New Motive Power' is a reflection on our insatiable thirst for progress and the reduction of people to mere cogs in a much larger machine. This psychotic obsession with being better, faster stronger is fueled by the sacrifice of human life, figuratively and literally, and is best represented in modern times with our ravenous consumption and production of technology. Ultimately, following this path blindly  leads to our destruction or self-engineered obsolescence. Leading the way, we have those who benefit from this the most, and have the most to lose from it's failure. This song is written from the perspective of one of these authority figures, with a brief interjection from 'The Workers', but you can substitute the character with politicians, your boss, or perhaps the darker parts of your own pysche.”

Smyth continues: “'New Motive Power' was one of those songs on the album that was written in the studio, not just played live in the studio as all of the record was. I had quite a bit of the song already written, but working with the guys in the studio, we were able to breathe even more life into this song by playing together, and make it even heavier than I could have imagined! We hope you’ll enjoy the visual ride along with the song as much as we do!”

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

The album art was illustrated by Gustavo Sazes (Gus G. Morbid Angel, Arch Enemy).

Tracklisting is as follows:

Digital Release:

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

Fan-filmed video footage of RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' entire January 7 performance at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas can be seen below.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS kicked off their 2017 North American tour last Thursday (January 5) in San Antonio, Texas, launching their first proper trek on this continent in several years. The band is out in support of its eleventh studio album, "The Getaway", which arrived last June, and the opening night set featured all three singles from the disc — "Sick Love", "Dark Necessities" and "Go Robot" — along with "Goodbye Angels" and the title track.

The rest of the 17-song show was mostly filled out by CHILI PEPPERS standards such as "Can't Stop", "Dani California", "Otherside", "Breaking The Girl" and perennial evening closer "Give It Away".

Among the opening acts joining the CHILI PEPPERS on the tour are TROMBONE SHORTY, former drummer Jack Irons and Japanese teen trio BABYMETAL. CHILI PEPPERS bassist Flea told The Pulse Of Radio a while back that the band has a simple rule for choosing its opening acts. "We just want the best act we can get, you know," he said. "We never have a fear of being, you know, blown off the stage or anything, 'cause that's not gonna happen. That's just not gonna happen, you know."

AVENGED SEVENFOLD debuted its new stage production last night (Saturday, January 7) in Dublin, Ireland at the opening concert of the band's European tour with DISTURBED and IN FLAMES. Check out fan-filmed video footage of the performance below.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD worked with the producers of Cirque Du Soleil on the current show. Singer M. Shadows told Metal Hammer last month: "The production that's being built is different for us, different for anyone I've ever seen, the people we've hired don't do tours, they do Cirque Du Soleil." Shadows added that the production may require a different schedule, explaining: "This is gonna be drawn out into different types of touring. We're not going on tour for six months, it'll be two weeks on, two weeks off."

Shadows told The Pulse Of Radio that hiring Cirque Du Soleil is part of AVENGED SEVENFOLD's quest to create an entirely new kind of live show. "What we want to do is bring a new element to our stage production," he said. "We don't want to do all the same things that we've been doing. We're looking at a lot of digital image mapping, we're looking at inflatables, we're looking at a show that will be a brand new experience, definitely for rock and metal."

Cirque Du Soleil is currently the world's biggest theatrical producer, bringing its unique modern take on the circus concept to more than 90 million people in 271 cities around the world. This will mark the first time that the company collaborates with a touring rock band.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD will be touring behind its seventh studio album, "The Stage", which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 album chart in November.

The group made the album available at midnight on October 27 with almost no promotion beforehand, save for the arrival of a new song one week earlier. The quintet unveiled the disc with a live-streamed performance from the rooftop of Capitol Records in Hollywood, California.

Cirque Du Soleil was founded in Baie-Saint-Paul in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix.

The company's productions are marked by their theatrical, character-driven approach and the absence of performing animals.

Each show is a synthesis of circus styles from around the world, with its own central theme and storyline.

G.P. Putnam's Sons has set an April 25 release date for "There Is No F*cking Secret: Letters From a Badass Bitch", the new memoir from Ozzy Osbourne's daughter Kelly.

In the book, the 32-year-old TV personality shares stories through a series of letters detailing everything from her mom Sharon's cancer to "The View" racism scandal.

"The book isn't just a memoir," Kelly told The Wrap. "They're letters to the people, places, situations, circumstances, things I've been through, to make me who I am, so people stop asking me what my secret is, and hopefully with me going through what I went through in my life and sharing what I've learned can help other people. It's okay to be different."

Kelly also talked about the racist comment she made about the Latino community on "The View" in 2015 when she was trying to make a point about then-presidential hopeful Donald Trump and she asked: "If you kick every Latino out of this country, then who is going to be cleaning your toilet, Donald Trump?"

"I'm a little bit scared about what people are going to say," Kelly told EW. "And I do address the whole 'View' issue, and how that has affected my life forever. I still hate myself for it, because if it was me, watching someone else say it on television, I'd hate them. But the fact is, I got cut off. No matter what I was going to say, people are not going to believe it anyway. I know my true intentions behind it, but like I say in my book, the mistake I made was to fall back on witty sarcasm, and you can't do that when you're talking about race, especially in this country. In my way of trying to defend a community of people that I do truly love, I managed to insult an entire race of people in this country. The fact that if you type in 'Kelly Osbourne' [into Google], the first thing that comes up is 'racist' just kills me."

Official "There Is No F*cking Secret: Letters From a Badass Bitch" book description: "Kelly Osbourne may not always have been a typical role model, but no one can say that her perspective isn't hard won after spending three decades in the spotlight: from growing up completely exposed to the heavy metal scene — replete with crazy antics most readers have only begun to hear about — to spending her teenage years as the wild middle child of an even wilder Ozzy Osbourne, to the family's popular stint on their wacky eponymous reality show. Since then, Osbourne has forged her own path as a style icon and powerful woman in the media who isn't afraid to tell it like it is and be honest with her fans. But being the daughter of a music legend hasn't always been glamorous; growing up Osbourne is an experience that Kelly wouldn't trade, but there are battle scars, and she is finally now ready to embrace and reveal their origins. "Told as a series of letters to various people and places in her life, 'There Is No F*cking Secret' gives readers an intimate look at the stories and influences that have shaped Osbourne's highly speculated-about life, for better or for worse. The stories will make readers' jaws drop, but ultimately, they will come away empowered to forge their own path to confidence, no matter how deranged and out of control it may be, and to learn the ultimate lesson: that there just is no f*cking secret."

Kreator have released a third trailer for Gods Of Violence, their upcoming 14th album, to be released on January 27th worldwide via Nuclear Blast Records. Watch all three trailers below.

The exclusive North American cover for Gods Of Violence was created by renowned artist Marcelo Vasco (Slayer, Machine Head, Soulfly, Hatebreed).

Gods Of Violence was recorded under the watchful eyes of producer Jens Bogren (Opeth, Amon Amarth, Katatonia) who also mixed the record at renowned Fascination Street Studios. Mastering was also completed at Fascination Street Studios by Tony Lindgren. Gods Of Violence will contain 11 tracks with a total running time of approx. 52 minutes.

The standard cover for Gods Of Violence, created by Jan Meininghaus, can be seen below.

Tracklisting:

“Apocalypticon”
“World War Now”
“Satan Is Real”
“Totalitarian Terror”
“Gods Of Violence”
“Army Of Storms”
“Hail To The Hordes”
“Lion With Eagle Wings”
“Fallen Brother”
“Side By Side”
“Death Becomes My Light”

Trailer #1:

Trailer #2:

Trailer #3:

“Satan Is Real” video:

“Gods Of Violence” video:

Kreator’s Mille Petrozza will be available for an exclusive Facebook live Q&A today, Friday, January 6th, at 11 AM, PST/ 2 PM, EST/ 8 PM, CET. Makes sure to tune in here.

Kreator will be hitting the road soon with Sepultura, Soilwork and Aborted. Find out what fans can expect from the shows in the video below. Kreator’s complete live itinerary can be found at this location.

(Photo - Robert Eikelpoth)

Sliptrick Records have announced the signing of UK metal five-piece Bleed Again along with releasing their new video for "Through My Eyes", which was filmed during their performance at Mammothfest 2016. Bleed Again have also announced that they will release their debut album Momentum through Sliptrick Records on May 1st.

The Worthing five-piece are one of the freshest modern metal bands to come from the South of the United Kingdom in years. Boasting a style that blends metalcore with New Wave Of American Heavy Metal, Bleed Again have drawn comparisons to the likes of genre heavyweights Killswitch Engage in terms of sound and live energy.

In the last few years, Bleed Again have completed two successful UK tours plus countless other shows including support slots with the likes of Soil, Darkest Hour and Devil Sold His Soul. As well as featuring at Mammothfest regularly, the quintet even delivered one of the best and most memorable performances of the entire festival in 2016, making the video a nice momentum to take away from the event.

The video combines visuals from their recent live performance at Mammothfest 2016, a little sprinkling of video trickery and the furious, scorching music that epitomize the band. "Through My Eyes" is the first taster taken from the upcoming album Momentum.

The new album will showcase some of the finest new metal on the UK scene. However, just like legends Killswitch Engage, Hatebreed and Trivium, the best way to witness Bleed Again is at any one of their ferocious live shows.

Experimental New York death metal band Pyrrhon have partnered up with Willowtip Records (North America) and Throatruiner (Europe) to release new material. 

"We're absolutely thrilled to be working with these two fantastic labels, as clichéd as that might be. Willowtip has been the foremost name in weirdo death metal mutations since we were all in middle school, and Throatruiner has become one of the world's best purveyors of unclassifiable heaviness in recent years. Both have released work by many past and current band favorites, and we look forward to delivering our strongest work yet (another cliché, but true!) amid such excellent company”, comments vocalist Doug Moore. 

The band is set to enter Thousand Caves studio in Queens, NY with engineer Colin Marston (Gorguts, Krallice, Dysrhythmia) to begin tracking their third full-length album which is slated for a late 2017 release. 

Pyrrhon's music fuses the technical intensity of contemporary death metal and grindcore with unsettling ideas from noise rock and free improvisation. They have five official releases to their name so far: 2009's Fever Kingdoms EP, 2011's An Excellent Servant But A Terrible Master, 2014's The Mother Of Virtues, 2015's Growth Without End EP, and 2016's Running Out Of Skin EP. They have toured extensively in North America and Europe, and worked with a variety of labels that includes Relapse Records and Selfmadegod Records.

The Magpie Salute have released a performance video for the song "Comin' Home”, that begins with a tribute to the late keyboardist Eddie Harsch, who passed away November 4th, 2016. Eddie was set to perform with the band during their upcoming four night, sold-out engagement later this month at the Gramercy in New York (January 19th - 22nd). The video was filmed in Woodstock, NY in August 2016 and features Eddie talking, rehearsing and subsequently performing the classic "Comin' Home" - popularized by Delaney and Bonnie with Eric Clapton in the '70s - with The Magpie Salute. Watch the video below.

"This recording came from the last time I got to play with Eddie Harsch," says Rich Robinson. "He was my friend and musical teacher. His mastery and subtlety will forever be an inspiration. RIP Eddie."

The Magpie Salute is an exciting new band that brings together three key members of The Black Crowes - guitarist/vocalist Rich Robinson, guitarist Marc Ford and bassist Sven Pipien - as well as members of his own band, drummer Joe Magistro, keyboardist Matt Slocum, and guitarist Nico Bereciartua. In addition, Rich has pulled together a fine cast of vocalists, including lead singer John Hogg (Hookah Brown, Moke), former Crowes singer Charity White and two additional background singers, Adrien Reju and Katrine Ottosen. From the start (October 2016), the band was embraced by music fans when they instantly sold out their first-ever show in NYC (January 19th, 2017 at the Gramercy Theatre). When three more shows (January 20st, 21st, 22nd) were instantly added due to popular demand, they immediately sold out as well.

"It's been a better welcome than we could've ever hoped for," says Rich Robinson when asked about the instant thumbs-up from fans. "We are humbled by the outpouring of support. It feels powerfully real." He adds: "So far we've heard such excited and truly positive thoughts from everyone. We are grateful for the response." Marc Ford says the fans "seem to be very excited. I'm excited. I'm just starting to see how much this music means to people."

The Magpie Salute's four sold-out shows will draw from The Black Crowes catalog and solo material from Rich and Marc, plus more. Explains Rich: "Yes, we will continue in the long line of digging deep into my old Crowes catalog, some great covers - some we've done before, and some we've never played - and some of Marc's songs off of his new record. We look forward to the shows and what may come."

At the Gramercy, the band's set lists will vary from show to show, keeping the music fresh for the musicians and the audience. Says Marc: "I don't think I would do very well in a situation where there's no danger. It has to stay interesting to us. If we weren't in to it, how could the listener be? I think we'll mix it up."

 

 

Washington State quintet, The Drip, have premiered a new music video for "Black Ram”, the opening track off of The Haunting Fear Of Inevitability as release day approaches, the album to hit via Relapse Records next Friday. Additionally, another new song from the album, "Dead Inside," has been issued simultaneously. Watch the video and hear the new song below.

Fusing together the rawest elements of crust, powerviolence, d-beat, and grind, The Drip rips and ravages through thirteen frenzied tracks, full of slaughterhouse riffage, lightning fast blastbeats, and pulverizing breakdowns. Produced by Joel Grind of Toxic Holocaust and mastered by Brad Boatright (Skeletonwitch, Gatecreeper, Weekend Nachos), The Haunting Fear Of Inevitability is a new declaration of intensity that is sure to set the underground ablaze.

The band commented on the impending release, "The Haunting Fear Of Inevitability represents our progression, and continues to blur genre lines, and define our sound. Laying down the ground work for our future material to come."

January 13th, will see the worldwide release of The Haunting Fear Of Inevitability via Relapse Records on CD/LP/Digital formats. Physical and digital pre-orders and bundles are available via Relapse.com here and digital also via iTunes, Amazon (widget below), Google Play, and others.

The Haunting Fear Of Inevitability tracklisting:

“Blackest Evocation”
“Anathema”
“Gruesome Poetics”
“Dead Inside”
“Covered In Red”
“Terror War Industry”
“Painted Ram”
“Wretches”
“In Atrophy”
“The Answer”
“Exile”
“Consigned To Fate”
“Bone Chapel”

“Blackest Evocation” video:

“Dead Inside”:

"Anathema":

“Painted Ram”:

The Drip has scheduled a record release show for The Haunting Fear Of Inevitability, to take place in Spokane, WA at The Observatory on the same day the record hits stores, Friday, January 13th. Additional tour dates are to be expected in support of the album.
 
The Drip lineup:

Shane Brown - drums
Brandon Caldwell - vocals
Bobby Mansfield - guitar
Talon Yager - bass
Blake Wolf - guitar

(Photo - Orion Landau)
 

 

Indian metal veterans DEMONIC RESURRECTION have announced the release of their fourth full-length album titled The Demon King. The album is due for release worldwide on Candlelight Records and on Universal Music in India.Release dates:India: July 13thUK and Europe: July 14thUSA: July 15th"We have always played around with unnamed forces of darkness in the past," says Mephisto (Keyboards) explaining the album title. "With this release, we felt the need for an evil overlord to take the reigns and bring in the apocalypse. A savage and unstoppable force such as this had to be a definitive and commanding figure, which is why we came up with The Demon King."Demonstealer further commented: "This album has been 4 years in the making and we're more than excited to release it. We're also extremely happy to renew our deal with Candlelight Records who will put out the album worldwide and also our new relationship with Universal Music who will release the album in India."The band's last album The Return To Darkness was released in 2010 on Candlelight Records worldwide and Demonstealer Records in India.

Since 2002 and in a 2-year cycle, Marillion welcome their fans to a very special event: the Marillion Weekend. On three nights their fans dive even deeper into the Marillion world by meeting the band face-to-face and enjoying three different shows with different setlists consisting of full records played from start to finish, fan favourites and rarities.

In March 2015 the Marillion Weekend took place at Center Parcs, Port Zélande, The Netherlands. Thousands of fans from all across the world came together to be part of this incredible event. Marillion devoted their Saturday evening show to their brilliant album Marbles and performed all songs and a fine selection of encore tracks.

For the first time ever this impressive live show containing stunning projections and laser effects as well as the superb high definition sound will be available on 2CD, DVD and Blu-ray. Marbles In The Park will be released on January 20th. “Fantastic Place” from the upcoming release is streaming below.

Marillion’s music always aims at the greatest possible effect, with a huge sound expenditure they evoke fervour and passion. To hear Marbles in this live garment is a listening experience par excellence.

“Fantastic Place”:

“You’re Gone”:

Pre-order via the following links, or with the Amazon widget below:

* CD
* DVD
* Blu-Ray

 

 

Vicious metal-edged hardcore band, First Blood, have officially joined Pure Noise Records and will release a new album, Rules, on February 10th. Fans can now pre-order the record at this location. A lyric video for the new song “Rules of Life” can be found below.

First Blood’s union with Pure Noise Records marks a new chapter for the band as they join the label’s eclectic roster, which includes fellow hardcore acts like Terror, Knocked Loose, Senses Fail and more.

"Not only has Jake (Round) at Pure Noise been there and seen us during our earlier days back in the San Francisco Bay Area, but he has worked hard and created a tremendous record label that continues to make a huge impact in the underground music scene worldwide,” says vocalist Carl Schwartz. “We are proud to join the Pure Noise roster, excited to share our newest album with the world, and thankful for the new life. FIRST BLOOD RULES 2017."

On their first album in seven years, First Blood has come out swinging with a savage third full-length record, Rules. Produced by recording mastermind Will Putney at Graphic Nature Studios (formerly known as The Machine Shop) in Belleville, NJ, Rules features 12 tracks of the band's hardest, yet most inward-looking material to date. Elaborating on the album title, Schwartz adds, "Rules are everywhere. Explicit rules. Unwritten rules. Unspoken rules. The rule of law. Some rules we accept. Others we hate or choose to ignore. Frequently, those who set the rules are found guilty of breaking those rules. Many have become victims of the rules they live by, either by conquest or consent. I hope that, after listening to this album and reading the lyrics, we can revisit and remind ourselves of the very essence of the underground music scene: Living our own lives by our own rules."

That rebellious sentiment can be felt throughout the band’s torrential new song “Rules of Life,” which pushes back against society’s norms and puts a fist in the air for individuality and freedom of thought.

“We are often the product of the rules we are taught to live by,” Schwartz adds. “Growing up, someone I looked-up to once told me, "You wake up everyday. You go to a job you hate. You come home miserable. Then you go to bed. And then you do it again. And again. And again. And then you die. That's life." For a while, I believed this was true. Now that I am older and have a son of my own, I wish for him to see things differently--to live differently. To him, I say "Have courage to stand on your own. Follow what you believe even when you're alone. Be strong. Be proud. Be brave. Be a fucking rebel instead of a slave. See the world and follow your dreams. Wolfgang, this is for you. That's life."

First Blood will tour Europe with Deez Nuts and Comeback Kid in February and are expected to return to the US later this year.

Rules tracklisting:

“Fuck The Rules”
“These Are The Rules”
“Rules Meant To Be Broken”
“Rules Of Life”
“Rules Of Conviction”
“Rules Of Engagement”
“Rules Of Justice”
“Rules Of Survival”
“Rules Of Freedom”
“Rules Of Sacrifice”
“Rules Of Government”
“Rules Of Crisis”

“Rules Of Life” lyric video:

Australian metal destroyers, Aversions Crown, will release their sophomore album, Xenocide, on January 20th via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. Today, the band has released their third video trailer for the record, in which they discuss the album cover artwork. Find all trailers below.

Xenocide was tracked by Adam Merker at Studio Anders Debeerz in Brisbane and mixed and mastered by Mark Lewis (Whitechapel, Devildriver) from Audio Hammer.

Fans can now pre-order the album with or without the limited Erebus / Parasites 7" from the Nuclear Blast web shop. Xenocide can also be pre-ordered digitally from iTunes, Amazon (widgets below) and Google Play. Pre-order the album digitally via iTunes or Amazon and receive the songs "Ophiophagy" and "Erebus" instantly.

Xenocide tracklisting:

“Void”
“Prismatic Abyss”
“The Soulless Acolyte”
“Hybridization”
“Erebus”
“Ophiophagy”
“The Oracles Of Existence”
“Cynical Entity”
“Stillborn Existence”
“Cycles Of Haruspex”
“Misery”
“Odium”

“The Soulless Acolyte” drum playthrough:

“The Soulless Acolyte” track video:

“Ophiophagy” lyric video:

“Erebus”:

Trailers:

 

 

 

 

(Photo - Harley Folbigg)

January 27th is confirmed as the release date for Stephen Pearcy's fourth original solo album, Smash. The album track “Rain” is available for streaming below.

Pre-order Smash via the Amazon widget at the bottom of this page, or through iTunes, Google Play or Spotify. Digital pre-orders include an instant download of “I Can't Take It”. A video for the track can be found below.

"It took long enough to finish the new record Smash and it is well worth the patience taken, giving every song as much attention as the next. Erik Ferentinos (lead guitars & co-writer), Greg D' Angelo (drums) and Matt Thorne (bass, keyboards) and myself didn't settle on any first, second or third takes. We let some songs grow if needed, then go back and complete it. We're very happy with the outcome, that we were able to experiment and grow with the new songs," says Pearcy of the new album.

With over 15 million records and gold and platinum long form videos sold in the US alone with Ratt, touring the world with over 20 albums to his credit with other ventures, solo projects, compilations, best of records, and other bands he created, there is no slowing Pearcy down.

Pearcy is an accomplished songwriter with credits on all of Ratt’s records through the years (including Out Of The Cellar, Invasion Of Your Privacy, Dancing Undercover and more). More recently, Ratt’s last studio album, Infestation, was released a few years ago to rave reviews around the world. Stephen is also a producer, composer, television program creator, art director, marketing director, and owner/product creator of Mic Knuckle (hands free mic holder) and has also been involved in music for ESPN2 NHRA Drag Racing. Additionally, he has been involved in sponsoring several top fuel dragsters and funny cars since the mid 80's-90's thru the 00's.

Smash tracklisting:

“I Know I'm Crazy”
“Ten Miles Wide”
“Lollipop; Dead Rose's”
“Shut Down Baby”
“Hit Me With A Bullet”
“Want Too Much”
“What Do Ya Think”
“Jamie”
“Rain”
“Can't Take It” (Album Version)
“Summer's End”
“Passion Infinity”

“Rain”:

“Want Too Much”:

“Jamie”:

“I Can’t Take It” video:

Credits:

Stephen E. Pearcy - Lead Vocals, Back-up Vocals

Musicians:

Erik Ferentinos - Rhythm & Lead Guitars, Back-up vocals
Greg D' Angelo - Drums, Percussion
Matt Thorne - Bass Guitar
Chris Hager - Guitars, Lead Guitars on Track #3

 

 

German rockers The New Black will celebrate their 10th anniversary on January 7th with the Blackfest at Schweinfurt’s Stattbahnhof. The show will feature a special set in five parts and exclusive merchandise. Motorjesus and Serpent Smile are on the bill as support. Check out acoustic set rehearsal footage below. 

Go to the event page here for updates and details.

The New Black released their new album A Monster's Life on February 26th, 2016 via AFM Records.

Tracklist:

"Long Time Coming"
"Blockbuster Life"
"With A Grin"
"Send In The Clowns"
"Dead In The Water"
"Buddha Belly"
"The Beer Of No Return"
"A Pill Named Ting"
"Better"
"That’s Your Poison, Not Mine"

"Send In The Clowns" lyric video:

"With A Grin" video:

"Long Time Coming" video:

"Buddha Belly" lyric video:

For information and updates on The New Black go to this location.

HALESTORM's third covers EP, "ReAniMate 3.0: The CoVeRs eP", can now be streamed in its entirety below. Released on January 6 via Atlantic, the effort was produced by Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, ALICE IN CHAINS, KORN).

"We are so excited to finally unleash our latest cover EP, 'ReAniMate 3'," said Lzzy Hale of HALESTORM. "On this EP we were inspired to push the limits and challenge the ears of our fans. There are some surprises that you may not have expected from us, and there are also things that you've always wanted to hear from us. We were so incredibly honored to work alongside producer Nick Raskulinecz. He truly helped us bring these songs to life and find a way to make them HALESTORM's."

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Still Of The Night (WHITESNAKE cover)02. Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover (SOPHIE B. HAWKINS cover)03. I Hate Myself For Loving You (JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS cover)04. Heathens (TWENTY ONE PILOTS cover)05. Fell On Black Days (SOUNDGARDEN cover)06. Ride The Lightning (METALLICA cover)

"ReAniMate 3.0: The CoVeRs eP" follows HALESTORM's previous covers EPs, 2011's "ReAniMate" and 2013's "ReAniMate 2.0".

Speaking about how HALESTORM goes about picking which songs to record for series of covers EPs, bassist Josh Smith told RingRocker.com: "We start out with basically everyone… Our team… Oh my God! My dad finds out that we're doing a cover album, all I get is texts: 'Oh, you should do this.' But anyone… anyone who finds out we're doing a covers album, all of a sudden you're just getting this crazy list. So it literally starts out with e-mails of lists and lists, and somehow, over months, we kind of whittle down our list until we get to a short list of maybe ten songs or less. And then we record 'em and see what works and see what we like."

He continued: "Now, after the first one, we sort of followed a similar formula with the second one in that it's very generational — we have a song from '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, a contemporary pop song… So that was a nice way to pick our songs. Really, that has been the template."

According to Josh, there is at least one added benefit to covering other people's songs when it comes to HALESTORM working on original material. He explained: "What's really cool is that when we do pick these songs, they really do influence us, because it's Songwriting and Performing 101. Where you have to deconstruct a song — a legendary song, essentially — you deconstruct it, and then rebuild it to how it works for us. And it really influences us in a lot of ways. For example, that album certainly influenced a lot of songs and ideas and gears on our newest album."

Added drummer Arejay Hale: "When we did 'Slave To The Grind' [from SKID ROW], we were, like, 'Oh, man! We need a song like this.' And then we wrote 'Love Bites', which is pretty much just off the feel of 'Slave To The Grind'. It's cool, 'cause we used to do that. We used to do three- or four-hour shows with covers and originals. And you're right — it is like training. And I always recommend that for newer artists, younger artists that wanna learn how to play drums or guitar. I always say the best way to really get good and learn how to develop your own style is to learn the styles of other people and learn other songs that you like or that challenge you. And it kind of makes you think differently. It's, like, 'Oh, this guy did these chords,' or, 'This guy played this kind of groove.' 'I bet I can do that in an original song.' So, yeah, it's kind of like training."

Lzzy Hale recently told Swedish outlet RockSverige that HALESTORM is continuing to write material for its next album, tentatively due next year. Hale revealed: "You have no idea the weird songs I've been writing, subject matter and musically. Musically, it's kinda been a long journey to the beginning, so we're kinda going back to our total roots. We're gonna do a rock record this time. It's like total balls to the wall, but lyrically, it's been a little weird and that's my fault."

The new record will follow up 2015's "Into The Wild Life", which was criticized by some fans for veering too far into pop music territory.

"Timeless Numbers", a brand new song from Washington, D.C. metalcore pioneers DARKEST HOUR, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's ninth full-length album, "Godless Prophets & The Migrant Flora", which will be released on March 10 via Southern Lord Recordings. The 12-song effort was part of a crowdfunding campaign that the band launched earlier this year, with the ultimate tally netting the band well over 100% of the initial goal and allowing them to also create an album beyond their initial expectations. The band chose producer Kurt Ballou (HIGH ON FIRE, NAILS, CONVERGE) for "his obvious genius" (as guitar player Mike Schleibaum said) and recorded the release at Ballou's Godcity Studio. Artist Shaun Beaudry was commissioned to create a custom painting, giving the album a unique visual identity.

DARKEST HOUR has partnered with Southern Lord Recordings, which Schleibaum discussed, saying: "The band has a long history of working with Greg and Southern Lord, who originally released the vinyl version of 'The Mark Of Judas'. While working with Kurt, we became reacquainted with Greg. We've always respected Greg's work ethic, creative prowess and steadfast dedication to quality."

"Southern Lord is beyond stoked to be working with longtime favorites DARKEST HOUR on their upcoming album! Their tasteful, seamless fusion of hardcore and metal as well as never ending dedication to underground music is both admirable and praiseworthy," said Southern Lord founder Greg Anderson.

"Godless Prophets & The Migrant Flora" track listing:

01. Knife In The Safe Room02. This Is The Truth03. Timeless Numbers04. None Of This Is The Truth05. The Flesh & The Flowers Of Death06. Those Who Survived07. Another Headless Ruler Of The Used08. Widowed09. Enter Oblivion10. The Last Of The Monuments11. In The Name Of Us All12. Beneath It Sleeps

DARKEST HOUR is John Henry (vocals), Mike Schleibaum (guitar), Mike Carrigan (guitar), Travis Orbin (drums) and Aaron Deal (bass).

New York death metallers IMMOLATION will release their new album, "Atonement", on February 24 via Nuclear Blast.

The second trailer for "Atonement", in which Ross Dolan discusses how he became the singer and bass player of the band, can be seen below.

"Atonement" was recorded at Millbrook Sound Studios in Millbrook, New York with longtime producer Paul Orofino, and mixed and mastered once again by Zack Ohren (ALL SHALL PERISH, DECREPIT BIRTH, SUFFOCATION). Cover art was created by renowned artist Pär Olofsson (IMMORTAL, THE FACELESS, EXODUS, ABYSMAL DAWN), along with additional artwork by the very talented Zbigniew Bielak (GHOST, ENSLAVED, PARADISE LOST, WATAIN).

A 360-degree visualizer video for the first single from the effort, "Destructive Currents", can be seen below.

Comments Dolan: "We are excited that everyone will finally get a preview of what the new record has to offer.

"'Atonement' is a very dark and haunting album, both musically and lyrically, commenting on the darker side of humanity and the world today. Each song on this album is unique in its own way, offering the listener a wide range of dark and sinister passages that I think really hone in on all the elements that make this band what it is.

"The sound of this record is exactly what we were hoping for, and we feel the production really gives these songs that massive sound and dark sinister feel they needed. Zack and Paul really nailed it with this one and made our tenth album our best-sounding record to date. We are all very proud of what we have created here, and we hope everyone else will enjoy these eleven songs as much as we think they will.

"The song 'Atonement' is about that blind fury and destructivnes of religious extremism regardless of where it comes from and under what religious banner it flies. The cover piece was inspired by a passage of lyrics from this song, and Pär managed to create a visual for those four lines that just blew us away. So needless to say, we are very pleased with the overall look and feel of the album, which also includes four amazing pieces of artwork done by the extremely talented Zbigniew Bielak.

"We chose the song 'Destructive Currents' as the first song to leak to the fans because it's a fast and aggressive song that gets right down to business. It's just dark and powerful, and I think it gives everyone a sense of whats in store for them with this release. Lyrically, the song deals with the herd/mob mentality and how it gets fed, manipulated and exploited by outside forces. These are the currents of deception, misinformation and destruction, which are designed to mislead people. So that's really the idea behind the song lyrically."

Pre-order a physical copy of "Atonement" by itself or in various bundles from the Nuclear Blast webshop.

"Destructive Currents" is now available as an instant download when you pre-order "Atonement" from iTunes and Amazon.

"Atonement" track listing:

01. The Distorting Light 02. When The Jackals Come 03. Fostering The Divide 04. Rise The Heretics 05. Thrown To The Fire 06. Destructive Currents 07. Lower08. Atonement09. Above All10. The Power Of Gods 11. Epiphany

Bonus track (CD only):

12. Immolation (re-recorded)

IMMOLATION is:

Ross Dolan - bass/vocalsRobert Vigna - guitarSteve Shalaty - DrumsAlex Bouks - guitar

IMMOLATION will support Max and Igor Cavalera on the second leg of the "Return To Roots" tour in February/March.

The official 360-degree video for the song "Doris" from California deathcore masters SUICIDE SILENCE can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's new, self-titled album, which will be releaed on February 24 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The CD was produced by Ross Robinson, who has previously worked with KORN, SLIPKNOT, LIMP BIZKIT and SEPULTURA, among others, and was mixed by Joe Barresi (KYUSS, MELVINS, TOOL, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE).

The "Doris" video was filmed during the band's Knotfest 2016 performance and features Jose Mangin (SiriusXM's Liquid Metal) on guest vocals.

The track listing for the disc is as follows:

01. Doris02. Silence03. Listen04. Dying In A Red Room05. Hold Me Up, Hold Me Down06. Run07. The Zero08. Conformity09. Don't Be Careful, You Might Hurt Yourself

Speaking about the recording process for SUICIDE SILENCE's new CD, vocalist Hernan "Eddie" Hermida told Revolver magazine: "Well, working with Ross was a delight. As many people like to talk on the Internet that he's not a delight, I will tell you firsthand, a coffee in the morning and a little bit of soul searching in the afternoon is never a bad cup of tea."

Added guitarist Mark Heylmun: "But, on the other end, Dan Kenny, our bass player, was just talking about recording with Ross with Dino [Cazares] from FEAR FACTORY, who… they've been around together forever. And Dan was, like, 'I'm not gonna lie. If we record another record with Ross, I'm scared, because I know what he'll get out of me.' 'Cause he'll get everything… Whatever it is that is inside you he'll get out, and it's always for the better. And the best pieces of art and the best creations come from pain and from honest things that you need to fucking get out. But it was fucking amazing… [And] Joe Barresi mixed it, so that's fucking awesome. [He was] sick to work with. [he] fucking dealt with us while were on tour, sending us mixes, and we were listening to all of it."

On the topic of the musical direction of SUICIDE SILENCE's new album, Heylmun said: "It's going to completely change everything you probably ever will think, and have thought, or ever will fucking feel about SUICIDE SILENCE."

Added Hermida: "The best way I've described it is, take a bullet train — one of those Japanese bullet trains — that goes, like, three hundred miles an hour, and then turn the steering wheel as fast you can, and there we are. And whatever comes up is whatever comes up; we're not worried about it. We're just here to have you guys listen to what we believe is good music for ourselves, for our lives, for our souls."

Heylmun previously told Wall Of Sound that SUICIDE SILENCE's intention was "to try everything" while making the new album. He explained: "If there is an idea, try it. Don't be afraid, you know? Don't let the fear of trying something different stop you from opening up a can that might be the… exact soup you wanna taste, I don't know. [Laughs]"

He continued: "There's lots of food metaphors when it comes to music: we're making a sandwich and one person has to show up with the vegetables and another person has to show up with the meat, but some people don't eat meat, so you gotta show up with the right cheese. And some people don't like cheese… [Laughs] I don't know.

"We always want to work together to encourage everyone to be the best that they can be. So that's especially where we're at, having gone through a lot, and having a new member come in and having to rebuild that whole camaraderie of being creative. We're all just trying to give to the music, and give to each other and give, give, give, give, give. Because we gotta get shit out and give this fucking music, this fiery piece of nothing, this magical thing that doesn't even exist until we create it. Just throw down and give it all you can and encourage each other to give all you can and encourage each other to give it everything you possibly can. So that's what the new record is going to be like."

"You Can't Stop Me", SUICIDE SILENCE's first album to feature Hermida, was released in July 2014 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

Nuclear Blast will release BLACK STAR RIDERS' third studio album, "Heavy Fire", on February 3. The official video for the disc's second single, "Testify Or Say Goodbye", can now be seen below.

BLACK STAR RIDERS frontman Ricky Warwick comments on the track: "Power, glory, rock n roll with a whole lotta soul. You gotta testify or say goodbye. Tell me no secrets, tell me no lies. Get up on the stand look me straight in the eye. You gotta testify or say goodbye... Kinda says it all, really!"

BLACK STAR RIDERS' previous album, "The Killer Instinct", was released in 2015 to widespread critical acclaim and went on to score multiple radio playlists. A solid year of worldwide touring culminated in December 2015 in an U.K. arena tour alongside DEF LEPPARD and WHITESNAKE. 2016 saw BLACK STAR RIDERS — Ricky Warwick, Scott Gorham, Damon Johnson, Robert Crane and Jimmy DeGrasso — return to the studio with "The Killer Instinct" producer Nick Raskulinecz (RUSH, FOO FIGHTERS, KORN), at his studio just outside Nashville. The resultant album is BLACK STAR RIDERS' most accomplished work to date. From the immediate riffs of album opener "Heavy Fire" to the instant hooks of first single "When The Night Comes In" (see lyric video below), from the dirty bass groove of "Thinking About You Could Get Me Killed" to the familiar and trademark dual guitars of Gorham and Johnson on "Testify Or Say Goodbye", this is an album that will further cement BLACK STAR RIDERS' reputation as one of the world premiere rock acts. "Angst, passion, power, glory, love, truth, lies, loyalty, questions that begged to be answered. There's a guitar army coming…and it's bringing the 'Heavy Fire'!" says Warwick. "Not many new bands get to record three albums these days," adds Gorham. "Without doubt, this is BSR's best album so far. We had a great time recording it and can't wait to play the new songs live on tour in March." Following on from their critically acclaimed albums "All Hell Breaks Loose" and "The Killer Instinct", which have paved the way for BLACK STAR RIDERS to be recognized as a power force in the modern day of rock and roll, "Heavy Fire" will be once again released by Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The band have also brought in PledgeMusic, one of the most innovative and successful platforms of the modern music world, to give fans extra special product and experiences to go along with the album's release. CD

01. Heavy Fire02. When The Night Comes In03. Dancing With The Wrong Girl04. Who Rides The Tiger05. Cold War Love06. Testify Or Say Goodbye07. Thinking About You Could Get Me Killed08. True Blue Kid09. Ticket To Rise10. Letting Go Of Me The limited-edition digibook CD will have above track listing plus the bonus track "Fade" Limited-edition gatefold vinyl and limited-edition picture disc

Side One

01. Heavy Fire02. When The Night Comes In03. Dancing With The Wrong Girl04. Who Rides The Tiger05. Cold War Love

Side Two

01. Testify Or Say Goodbye02. Thinking About You Could Get Me Killed03. True Blue Kid04. Ticket To Rise05. Letting Go Of Me After a full year off the road, BLACK STAR RIDERS are back with a 16-date U.K. and Ireland run, joined on the first five dates by Scottish rockers GUN and THE AMORETTES and then Sweden's own BACKYARD BABIES with GUN on the remaining 11 shows.

Photo credit: Robert John

"Rider", the new video from the GRAHAM BONNET BAND, can be seen below. The track is taken from the group's latest album, "The Book", which was released on November 4 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Graham Bonnet is a rock legend. With a pedigree that includes RAINBOW, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ALCATRAZZ and IMPELLITTERI, he is one of the finest vocalists of his generation. His is a recognizable and unique voice on a number of classic hard rock albums, including RAINBOW's "Down To Earth" (1979), MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP's "Assault Attack" (1982), ALCATRAZZ's "No Parole For Rock 'n' Roll" (1983) and "Disturbing The Peace" (1985) and IMPELLITTERI's "Stand In Line" (1988). The recently formed GRAHAM BONNET BAND features Bonnet on lead vocals, Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass, South American sensation Conrado Pesinato on lead guitar, ex-ALCATRAZZ man Jimmy Waldo on keyboards, and Mark Zonder (known for his acclaimed work with WARLORD and FATES WARNING) on drums. "The Book" offers 11 new songs where Bonnet lays down his legendary vocals over a selection of hard rock tunes that are chock full of great hooks and melodies.

"The songs on the album are very similar to what I have done in the past with RAINBOW, ALCATRAZZ and MSG," says Graham. "I think this is what people want to hear from me and won't be disappointed." Graham Bonnet is in fine form and the album is easily his best in decades: eleven new tracks that will blow hard rock fans away! The album also includes a bonus disc featuring re-recorded versions of some of the most well-known classics he has sung in his solo career and with RAINBOW, ALCATRAZZ, MSG and IMPELLITTERI. The GRAHAM BONNET BAND has spent twelve months touring solidly around the world, with performances at several major European festivals including an acclaimed set at Sweden Rock Festival.

"The Book" track listing: CD 2 (new songs)

01. Into The Night02. Welcome To My Home03. Earth's Child (I Am Your Son)04. Rider05. Dead Man Walking06. Strangest Day07. The Dance08. Where Were You?09. The Book10. Everybody Wants To Go There11. California Air (Better Here Than There) CD 2 (Re-recorded classics)

01. Eyes Of The World02. All Night Long03. Lost In Hollywood04. Since You Been Gone05. Night Games06. S.O.S.07. Assault Attack08. Dancer09. Desert Song10. Island In The Sun11. Hiroshima Mon Amour12. God Blessed Video13. Will You Be Home Tonight14. Witchwood15. Stand In Line16. Here Comes The Night (Down Without A Fight) GRAHAM BONNET BAND is:

Graham Bonnet - lead vocalsConrado Pesinato - guitarJimmy Waldo - keyboardsBeth-Ami Heavenstone - bassMark Zonder - drums Angelo Vafeiadis - keyboards on CD2 (bonus disc)

BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi has successfully undergone an operation to remove a noncancerous lump from his throat.

Back in December, Tony revealed in an interview that doctors discovered new activity in his throat and they were unsure whether the lump was cancerous until he went under the knife.

Speaking to Wyatt of the U.K. rock radio Planet Rock to promote the choral arrangement he has penned for Birmingham Cathedral, Tony said he received the ultimate gift when he was told on Christmas Day that the lump wasn't cancerous.

"Well, I had the treatment when I got back from [touring] South America [with BLACK SABBATH]," Iommi said (hear audio below). "I went in for the throat [operation]. They found a lump at the back of my sinus, in the throat, and we had to have it checked in case it may have been cancerous. But it turns out it wasn't, which I found out Christmas Day, which is brilliant. So far [I'm all good]. I daren't say that. I'll probably fall down the stairs now. [Laughs]"

Iommi told The Irish Times last month that his late 2011 early-stage lymphoma diagnosis changed his perspective on life. "I was knocked for six when the doctors told me that it was stage III cancer," he said. "It really did change my life as far as what I have to do now. I have to live what life I've got because I have been on the road nearly fifty years. I need to be at home more and I need to pay more attention to my friends and family."

Iommi went on to say that "the lowest moment" for him was being diagnosed. He explained: "You automatically wind yourself up saying, 'That's it then,' but that is not always the case. When they tell you, you think, 'Oh God.' That was a low time. I have had a few low times in my life like everybody has, but that was one that stuck in the head.

BLACK SABBATH will bring its storied career to a close in its native England, with seven shows booked there in January and February. The last two, on February 2 and February 4, will take place in SABBATH's hometown of Birmingham and will likely be their final shows.

Pressed on where there is a possibility of a new album, Iommi said: "We haven't talked about it. This is my view thinking it would be nice. At the moment, I think there is a call for a bit of time off, really. I think anything is possible. It is down to how everyone feels and if people want to do it."

Iommi recently told Ultimate Classic Rock that he plans to stay busy with music even after SABBATH plays its final shows. He said, "I'm not going to leave the music business. I still want to write and play and I'll be doing some TV for something over here in England called 'Guitar Star'. But I love the playing, I love gigs, I just can't travel anymore."

SABBATH played the last U.S. shows of its career two months ago, on November 8 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, November 10 in Houston, Texas and November 12 in San Antonio.