Marilyn Manson has spoken out about the controversial clip that was released under his name featuring a staged rape of singer Lana Del Rey, explaining that "it was not meant to be a Marilyn Manson video."

The clip, which appeared online last month to widespread condemnation, depicted a series of dark scenes, including those of a bloodied woman dunking her head in water, a birthday party stocked with misfits, a debauched dinner party, and a scene in which Del Rey is sexually assaulted.

Speaking to NME.com, Manson said that although he was present at various points during the filming of the video, the rape scene was never intended to be part of the clip.

Manson explained: "It wasn't a Marilyn Manson video. The editor of the company that put it out was somebody who's edited my videos, that video was something that was done with a camera that Eli [Roth, director], who's my friend, and I both wanted to test out, so I let him test it out… What they filmed was put in context seemingly as if it were a Marilyn Manson video, and that was in no way the intention."

Manson admitted that he was interested in making a video with Lana Del Rey but ultimately abandoned the idea. "Eli and I wanted to do a music video with her but she was being such a problem," he said. "Although I still respect her, I'm friends with her. I just left, I was tired, I was not willing to make that part of the video. Eli and I originally had intentions of making a video with her, but that is not the intention that is represented in that film clip because that is not what I filmed, not for my video."

Kathryn Frazier, a spokesperson for Manson, previously issued a statement saying the singer had nothing to do with the video that was posted online. "Manson did not direct this, shoot it, nor was it for a Marilyn Manson video or outtake footage made by him or to be used by him with his music," she said. "It must be a fan video splicing up old Manson video footage with someone else's Lana Del Rey footage."

Manson told NME.com: "The people put it together with my other clips. And it really strongly stands out of place, it doesn't really make sense."

He added: "I would not make a video of that nature, nor would Eli. I don't think either of us were ever intending for that to be seen, it was more of a camera test. I'm a person that would beat somebody's ass if they raped somebody that I know."

Marilyn Manson will release his new album, "The Pale Emperor", on January 19, 2015 via the shock rocker's own label — Hell, etc. — in a joint venture with Cooking Vinyl.

SERIOUS BLACK, the new band featuring Roland Grapow (MASTERPLAN, ex-HELLOWEEN), Thomen Stauch (ex-BLIND GUARDIAN), Mario Lochert (ex-VISIONS OF ATLANTIS), Dominik Sebastian (EDENBRIDGE), Jan Vacik (ex-DREAMSCAPE) and vocalist Urban Breed (ex-TAD MOROSE), will release its debut album, "As Daylight Breaks", on January 20, 2015 via AFM Records. The group will hit the road on a European tour with HAMMERFALL in January/February 2015.

The SERIOUS BLACK song "Sealing My Fate" can be streamed below.

SERIOUS BLACK is different to many of the so-called "all-star" projects, because in fact, they are a real band. "As Daylight Breaks" is a real teamwork effort, a melodic metal jewel displaying conviction, amazing musicianship and outstanding songwriting.

It all started on a sunny August 23, 2013 in Spain, when Roland Grapow and Mario Lochert had a conversation backstage over a cool beverage, talking music business — you know, what musicians usually do. For quite a while, Mario had had the idea of bringing together six musical masterminds to form a band floating around his head. After a few initial concerns about igniting various conflicts when getting together in that configuration, eventually Mario was able to convince Roland of his intentions.

Back in Munich, Mario immediately contacted his friend of many years, Thomen Stauch, telling him about his idea. Thomen was sold and joined the bunch right away. After that, Jan Vacik and Dominik Sebastian were quick to agree to a collaboration, too. With that, a new band was born, consisting of five highly motivated musicians. Initially, it turned out to be quite a task to bring these full-time musical workaholics together in one studio at the same time. However, against all odds, they got together on short notice in January 2014.

Needless to say, when they arrived at the Dreamsound Studios in Munich, none of the blokes had any idea yet where exactly their musical venture would take them.

After a long night, accompanied with numerous anecdotes from the world of music and a solid amount of beers (which, of course, were just "meant to keep the vocal cords smoothly"), the band started the songwriting phase.

The chemistry was perfect right away, as if they had been working together in this configuration for decades. The fact that they were able to collectively write songs, without any pressure and in an awesome environment, gave another motivation boost to these five maniacal musicians and the flow was there to create something outstanding. Everyone was bubbling with ideas and just seven days later, they had written eight roughly structured songs, building a foundation for a powerful and melodic power metal record. But even the best songs are nothing if there is no great voice to carry them, right? After a few considerations as to a fitting singer for SERIOUS BLACK, the newly formed group contacted U.S.-based Swedish expat Urban Breed. After exchanging just a few emails and samples, the answer was loud and clear: "Okay, I'm in, if you really want it!" After a short wait, he submitted his first song ideas which fit in with the existing songs seamlessly.

Crazy Lixx have released a music video for "Call To Action", a track from their self-titled, fourth studio album (out now). The video was directed by Tobias Olsson and can be seen below.

 

 

Crazy Lixx tracklisting:

"Hell Raising Women"
"Sound Of The Loud Minority"
"Outlaw"
"Girls Of The 80’s"
"I Missed The Mark"
"All Looks, No Hooks"
"Ain’t No Rest In Rock N’ Roll"
"Call To Action"
"Heroes Are Forever"
"Psycho City"
"Wrecking Ball Crew"

"Call To Action" video:

"Hell Raising Women" video:

Samples from the new album can be heard below:

EPK (Electronic Press Kit):

Crazy Lixx are:

Danny Rexon - Vocals
Joel Cirera - Drums
Andy Zata - Guitar & Background Vocals
Jens Sjoholm - Bass
Edd Liam - Guitar & Background Vocals

Devin Townsend Project's Z² is out now worldwide and the band are currently on tour in the US with Animals As Leaders and Periphery. Now Devin reveal a brand new lyric video for the track “March Of The Poozers” taken from the Dark Matters side of the album.

 

 Devin checks in with this: "Hey all, Dev here...closing out the North American tour and a heck of a year.  I released 4 albums this year, if you count the bonus disc of Casualties, went through the crazy Pledge process (still going through it) and it was generally a hectic time. I feel like I'm at the end of a creative cycle... The Z2 project beat me up in a way I wasn't expecting, but when all was said and done, I'm very proud of it. It's an accurate description of a really stressful period, but I didn't sell out, and I saw it through. Thanks to all of you who continue to support. My mind is full of music again, as it always is, but I'm trying to absorb some of the lessons that came with the over scheduling and chaos of this last period, and I look forward to getting my process back on track. Again, I'm constantly shocked by the fact I get to do this for a living. Thank you. Here's another track from Z2, called 'March of the Poozers'. To be honest, my main motivation to make this album was so I could make those crazy puppet shows that are now online, but musically, it's kind of typical random music that I've been interested in for the past few years. This song was directly influenced by the band 'Samael' whom I have great affection for as people, and I'm happy to present it with a lyric video that Stefan at Media Logistics went above and beyond for. What's next for me I think will be a short break before the European tour and the Royal Albert Hall show, but then, I have ideas for a destructive bass driven apocalypse record, a meditative record, a symphony, more Casualties, more DTP and a kind of big band thing, none of these ideas are confirmed, but I'm finding myself getting fired up to create in ways I haven't been able to for a few years because of my schedule. I need to regroup and then I'll see you soon. I love music. Thank you for the inspiration, lessons and support."

 

 

For all things DTP including upcoming tour dates visit Hevydevy.com.
 

"Statement", a brand new lyric video from Danish metallers Chainfist, can be viewed below. The track is taken from the band’s new album, Scarred, which was released on October 6th via Mighty Music/Target Group.

The Scarred album contains 11 tracks, produced by Michael Hansen at Phon Studio and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen (Primal Fear, Volbeat, Anubis Gate, Pretty Maids) at Hansen Studios.

Undoubtedly “The Big Four” has been a great inspiration for Chainfist, but at the same time the band is incorporating new school heavy metal elements and gripping vocal melodies to make their unique touch on the genre, with bands like Mercenary, Volbeat and Disturbed as references. Jacob Hansen sought a dirty sound, but yet with a mainstream appeal, which was fitting for the old-school riffing’s, powerful leads and melodic vocals that was pivotal for this recording.

 

 

Scarred tracklisting:

"Scars Of Time"
"1000 Ways To Bleed"
"Black Rebel Noise"
"Another Day In Hell"
" Poison Moon"
"10.000"
"Know You Hate"
"Seven Minutes Of Pain"
"Statement"
"Mass Frustration"
"Black Rebel Noise" (Acoustic)

“1000 Ways To Bleed“ lyric video:

Album teaser:

Chainfist are:

Jackie Petersen - Vocals
Michael Kopietz - Guitars
Thomas Hvisel - Guitars
Braca Pedersen - Bass
Jesper Heidelbach - Drums

 

 

 

British punk legends THE EXPLOITED are working on a new studio album for a summer 2015 release via Nuclear Blast. It will mark the band's first CD since singer Wattie Buchan suffered a heart attack on stage during THE EXPLOITED's concert on February 13 in Lisbon, Portugal during the "Tour Of Chaos" with HATEBREED and NAPALM DEATH.

Comments THE EXPLOITED: "It was very important for us that Wattie cures completely. Now he's recovered and we can go on working with new power.

"We're totally hooked to enter the studio to record new songs, and, of course, we're thrilled to play the upcoming live shows.

"Watch out / get ready, THE EXPLOITED is back — better than ever!" Founded in 1980 in East Kilbride, Scottland by Wattie Buchan, THE EXPLOITED's last studio album, "Fuck The System", came out in 2003.

German power metallers BLIND GUARDIAN will release their tenth studio album, "Beyond The Red Mirror", in Europe on January 30, 2015 and in North America on February 3, 2015 via Nuclear Blast.

The second trailer for the album is available below.

Four and a half years in the making, the follow-up to 2010's "At The Edge Of Time" was recorded at Twilight Hall Studio in Grefrath, Germany and produced by Charlie Bauerfeind (SAXON, HAMMERFALL, HELLOWEEN). The CD showcases BLIND GUARDIAN's collaborative work with three different classical choirs: one from the Czech Republic (Prague), one from Hungary (Budapest), and one from the United States (Boston). Two grand orchestras — each featuring 90 musicians — also lend their brilliant talents to the new recordings with absolutely spellbinding results. Transporting listeners via a mysteriously powerful red mirror into an otherworldly dimension that includes tyrants, gods, and the Holy Grail, the ten songs comprising "Beyond The Red Mirror"'s story lines revolve around the young protagonist we first met twenty years ago in the 1995 tracks "Bright Eyes" and "And The Story Ends". "A story between science fiction and fantasy," explains Kürsch. "The story begins with our 1995 album, 'Imaginations From The Other Side'. The two worlds described therein have changed dramatically for the worse since then. While there used to be several passages between the worlds, there is only one gate left now: The Red Mirror. It has to be found at any cost." Asked to describe the band's guiding principles for the creation of this new release, BLIND GUARDIAN guitarist André Olbrich shares: “We want to surprise and impress with our music. Nowadays, music tends to be arbitrary and predictable. But we want to keep developing our music.” Opening with a tidal wave of surging emotion courtesy of a spine-tingling choir "Beyond The Red Mirror" unleashes its first gem, "Ninth Wave", a consciousness-expanding palette of landscapes and moods bearing the message of an urgent mission still seeking resolution. Closing with an explosion of heroic harmonies and choral glories with a nine-and-a-half minute, self-contained saga, "Grand Parade" (called "the best song we have ever written" by Olbrich), the grandiose, uplifting, and ingenious storytelling in "Beyond The Red Mirror" is guaranteed to leave you breathless. Come 2015, you will soon experience why BLIND GUARDIAN are so influential in their genre and without equal in the pantheon of heavy metal music. Featuring artwork by longtime collaborator Felipe Machado, "Beyond The Red Mirror" will be available in the following formats: * Jewel Case (10 songs)* Limited Edition Digibook (11 songs)* Double LP gatefold vinyl (11 songs)* Earbook (12 songs plus illustrations, photos, and liner notes)* NB-Mailorder-Earbook (12 songs plus illustrations, photos, liner notes + bonus 10") "Beyond The Red Mirror" is as follows: 01. Ninth Wave02. Twilight Of The Gods03. Prophecies04. At The Edge Of Time05. Ashes Of Eternity06. Distant Memories (bonus track on limited editions + vinyl)07. Holy Grail08. The Throne09. Sacred Mind10. Miracle Machine11. Grand Parade





Standard Artwork



Earbook/Digibook Artwork

Impact metal channel conducted an interview with powerhouse American singer Tim "Ripper" Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) before his September 26 concert in Dublin, Ireland. You can now listen to the chat below. A few excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On whether he is still in touch with the guys from JUDAS PRIEST:

Tim: "I am in touch with the guys, but not… I mean, we're really good friends, including Rob [Halford], but we really don't stay in touch as much as I'd like, as probably all of us… But we're all so busy doing other stuff, you know, so you really don't stay in touch that much. But I'll call 'em every now and then, or they'll call me, or drop an e-mail, and [we're] still good friends."

On whether he liked the latest JUDAS PRIEST album, "Redeemer Of Souls":

Tim: "I do like it, yeah. I think it's a good record."

On the 2001 Warner Bros. movie "Rock Star", starring Mark Wahlberg as a salesman-turned-rock star styled after Owens, who fronted a JUDAS PRIEST cover band before being tapped to become the new lead singer of the actual group:

Tim: "Well, I'm actually honored. But the things is, it's loosely based [on my story], and originally we were really gonna be a part of it, but [the filmmakers] just weren't making it accurate, so we pulled away. But I think a true movie about my life would have been much more interesting, just because of the things that happened. At that time, metal wasn't thriving — in the mid-'90s; '96 when I made PRIEST — so it's just what they portrayed; they always portrayed the sex, drugs and rock and roll. Just some of the things they did… But, to be honest, it's a pretty big honor to have them make a movie."

On Rob Halford's solo albums and Rob's other projects, like TWO:

Tim: "I loved his solo records, and I loved FIGHT. When the first FIGHT record [1993's 'War Of Words'] came out, it was just perfect for what I like; that first FIGHT record was just absolutely perfect for what I like, to tell the truth. And I like his solo records. I didn't really to the TWO as much, so I can't say too much. It really wasn't my cup of tea that much, and I think it was more because, not the music and that he experimented and did different stuff, I think it was just I didn't hear the Rob Halford soaring vocals when I heard it. But I can't say much about it, 'cause I never really listened to it that much."

On PROJECT ROCK (formerly ROCKSTAR), the band featuring Owens alongside Keri Kelli (SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, ALICE COOPER, RATT) on guitar, James Kottak (SCORPIONS, KINGDOM COME) on drums, Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO) on bass and Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis (GUNS N' ROSES) on keyboards:

Tim: "It's going good. We have an album written and recorded and ready to go. We were gonna release it on a label, but we weren't happy with the contract. But it's good. 'Cause it just started off as an all-star cover band doing all of our stuff. And I think Keri Kelli is a very great driving force and he is very talented, so he said, 'Let's write some songs.' And we wrote a record. So it's really good. 'Cause it's a little bit different for me. Every song.. almost every song, but maybe three, you can hear on the radio somehow, but not in a commercial way, in a metal way. It's a little more straightforward and hold-your-beer-up-and-sing-along kind of stuff. It's really cool. I really like it a lot."

On the upcoming third album from CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED, the project led by acclaimed metal drummer Richard Christy (ICED EARTH, DEATH, LEASH LAW, CONTROL DENIED, BURNING INSIDE):

Tim: "Yeah, we're gonna be maybe recording it this year. If not, it'll be early next year. I just talked to Richard the other day. So he's getting all the stuff together and we're gonna be heading into the studio soon, probably, with that. I mean, there's so much going on. Everybody's always, like, 'Why don't you do your own music?' to me. I'm, like, I do my own music a lot. I mean, think about it: two CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED records, a solo record, BEYOND FEAR, PROJECT ROCK now. I'm working with a band called TRED that has Michael Orlando [ADRENALINE MOB] on guitar, Rudy Sarzo [QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE, DIO] on bass and A.J. Pero [TWISTED SISTER, ADRENALINE MOB] on drums. We have about six demo songs written. A new BEYOND FEAR record is gonna be ready to go. And even when I tour, I'm doing a setlist [where] the majority are my songs. Even if it's JUDAS PRIEST, it's 'Jugulator' and 'Demolition'. So I stay busy and I'm looking forward to doing the new CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED."

Owens recorded two studio albums with JUDAS PRIEST — 1997's "Jugulator" and 2001's "Demolition" — before the band reunited with Rob Halford in 2003.

American psychedelic rock band IRON BUTTERFLY, best known for the 1968 hit "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida", has reformed and is in the process of making a new studio album.

Guitarist Mike Pinera, who joined IRON BUTTERFLY in 1969 — six months after "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" was published — revealed the news of the band's comeback in a recent interview with blogger Jeff Cramer.

Pinera said: "I'll let you in on a little scoop. We just reformed IRON BUTTERFLY with some original members. A lot of the guys died. Ron Bushy, the original drummer and founder of the band, and myself, and Doug Ingle, Jr. [son of original IRON BUTTERFLY vocalist Doug Ingle]. [Doug Ingle, Jr.] sounds just like Doug and looks just like Doug."

Asked if Doug Ingle, Jr. is playing keyboards and singing like his father, Pinera said: "Yeah. We've got a new bass player. We've got some shows that we're going to do… We plan to tour a lot as IRON BUTTERFLY and we're making a new album."

IRON BUTTERFLY has been inactive since the passing of bassist Lee Dorman, who died on December 21, 2012 at the age of 70.

According to the UK and German editions of Metal Hammer magazine, the first dates for AC/DC's upcoming European tour have been revealed. They are as follows:

May 05 - Arnhem, NETH @ Gelredome May 08 - Nürnberg, GER @ Zeppelinfeld May 10 - Dresden, GER @ Rinne DresdenMay 16 - Hockenheim, GER @ HockenheimringMay 19 - München, GER @ Olympiastadion Jun. 19 - Köln, GER @ JahnwiesenJun. 21 - Hannover, GER @ MesseJun. 25 - Berlin, GER @ Olympiastadion Jun 28 – Glasgow, UK @ Hampden ParkJul. 01 - Dublin, IRE @ Aviva StadiumJul 04 - London, UK @ Wembley StadiumJul. 12 - Gelsenkirchen, GER @ Veltins ArenaJul. 22 - Hämeenlinna, FIN @ Kantolan tapahtumapuisto

AC/DC's 16th studio album, "Rock Or Bust", sold around 172,000 copies in its first week of release to debut at No. 3 on The Billboard 200 album chart. This marks a huge drop from the opening number of 2008's "Black Ice", which topped sales charts in 29 countries, including the U.S. for the first time ever. It sold an incredible 784,288 copies in its first week in this country alone.

"Black Ice" was sold exclusively through Walmart, Sam's Club and ACDC.com in the U.S., hitting over one million copies by its second week. The band and its record label, Columbia, did not have the same exclusive deal this time.

"Rock Or Bust" was released on December 2 and is AC/DC's first album without guitarist Malcolm Young, who is suffering from dementia. He has been replaced by nephew Stevie Young.

Guitarist Angus Young told The Pulse Of Radio that AC/DC's distinctive guitar sound has been a trademark of the band since its early days. "My older brother George, he produced a lot of what we had done in the beginning, and he always said, 'You're just a guitar band. The guitars are so dominant in what you do,'" he said. "And he always thought it was a big plus factor, 'cause the guitars were just so strong."

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd. who does play on the disc, put his own future with the band in doubt by showing up late for the recording sessions, missing a video and photo shoot entirely, and finally being arrested on charges of murder-for-hire, threatening to kill and drug possession.

Rudd showed up for a court hearing last month but his status with the band remains unclear.

From northern Alabama comes a new band unlike any other from that area before it. Not to say that there have not been female fronted bands from that area, but none as heavy and grooving as Angel's Revenge. Made up of Holly Hines on Vocals, Jacob Freed on bass, Justen Flannagan on drums and rounded out by Sam Demastus and John Homes on guitars is an aggressive but very melodic outfit with something to prove. 

Their debut album is due out in February worldwide and was recorded in Kentucky with producer Jeff Westlake (Hydrogyn) at his Ridgeline Production studio's. 

Just recently signing a deal with Rapid Fire Global Music Entertainment the band is gearing up for the release of Blood, Sweet And Fears. The lead song off of the release is "Crazy" which the band just finished shooting a video for at Prototype Multimedia studios in Huntsville and will be released first part of January of 2015. Music Buy Mail will be carrying the album in Europe.

For more on the band go to AngelsRevenge.com.

"Decadent", the video for the title track of the new studio album from U.D.O., the German metal band led by former ACCEPT frontman Udo Dirkschneider, can be seen below. The CD will be released in Europe on January 26 via AFM.

With recordings having taken place in Udo's current home, Spanish island Ibiza, and also at Redhead Audio Productions in Wilhelmshaven, this new album looks set to be yet another great statement of intent from a rock idol whose place in rock history is already well cemented.

"Decadent" track listing:

01. Speeder02. Decadent03. House Of Fake04. Mystery05. Pain06. Secrets In Paradise07. Meaning Of Life08. Breathless09. Under Your Skin10. Untouchable11. Rebels Of The Night12. Words In Flames "Decadent" will be made available in the following formats: digipak, standard CD, black vinyl, colored vinyl, and as a limited-edition fanbox. U.D.O.'s most recent studio CD, "Steelhammer", was released on May 24, 2013 via AFM Records. The effort was produced by Dirkschneider and Fitty Wienhold.

U.D.O.'s latest concert DVD, "Steelhammer - Live From Moscow", came out in May. The first live release of U.D.O.'s new lineup (with a Russian bandmember) was filmed on September 28, 2013 at the Arena Hall in Moscow to highlight the "Steelhammer" tour.

The band put together an exceptional setlist, including many classics that haven't been played for a long time, fan favorites and tracks from "Steelhammer".

"Steelhammer - Live From Moscow" was made available as DVD/2-CD, Bluray/2-CD and triple-vinyl in Russian national colors (tricolor).

U.D.O. in 2012 announced the addition of guitarist Andrey Smirnov to the group's ranks. He replaced Stefan Kaufmann, who left the group for health reasons.

Ex-KORN drummer David Silveria tells Rolling Stone magazine that it is "wrong" for his former bandmates to play the group's self-titled debut album without him on KORN's upcoming tour, explaining that he was "just as much of a creative input as any of [the other] guys while writing and making [the] record."

KORN plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its debut CD by performing the disc from start to finish at selected shows on its upcoming tour itinerary.

Silveria told Rolling Stone: "I feel like it was wrong to go play this record without me, because I was just as much of a creative input as any of these guys while writing and making this record. So I think it was wrong to do it without me, but it's not really weird. They've been playing and touring years without me. I just think they should've asked me to come play the tour.

Silveria was the second member of KORN's original lineup to depart, leaving in late 2006. Guitarist Brian "Head" Welch exited the group in 2005 and continued working as a solo artist until rejoining KORN last year. Silveria retired to Huntington Beach, California and opened a restaurant.

Singer Jonathan Davis told The Pulse Of Radio a while back that he believed Silveria lost his passion for music. "David was there to write beats but he wasn't really there," he said. "He really didn't like playing drums. The first two albums, I think, he really enjoyed playing drums and then after that he just lost his love for playing drums. It happens. Okay, good for him, he wanted to move on and do something else."

The actual 20th anniversary of KORN's first album was October 11.

KORN has just completed a run as special guests of SLIPKNOT on the latter's Prepare For Hell Tour", which kicked off on October 29 in El Paso, Texas and wrapped up on December 7 in Boston.

"Madness", the new video from Finnish female-fronted metallers BATTLE BEAST, can be seen below. The clip was directed by Ville Lipiäinen, who has previously worked with NIGHTWISH and HYPOCRISY, among others.

"Madness" is taken from BATTLE BEAST's third studio album, "Unholy Savior", which will be released on January 9, 2015 in Europe and January 13, 2015 in the U.S. via Nuclear Blast.

"Unholy Savior" track listing:

01. Lionheart02. Unholy Savior03. I Want The World….And Everything In It04. Madness05. Sea Of Dreams06. Speed And Danger07. Touch In The Night08. The Black Swordsman09. Hero's Quest10. Far Far Away11. Angel Cry

"I thirst to go further as a human being and the music on this album represents a part of the ongoing spiritual journey — that's what I tend to I call it — which is my road onward," says BATTLE BEAST guitarist and vocalist Anton Kabanen. "Music-wise, the songs have been expanded to a wider area as an effort to call out emotions close to those I myself had during the times of birth of these songs."

He adds: "Like always, I wrote songs about the series 'Berserk', as well, and the reason behind writing songs about that particular series is that I can strongly relate to that, especially to certain characters and to their way of thinking and feeling."

Regarding the song "Touch In The Night", for which a lyric video can be seen below, BATTLE BEAST bassist Eero Sipilä said: "'Touch In The Night' is probably the farthest away from typical BATTLE BEAST sound we've ever went. It really sums it up, that in the pre-production phrase went under the nickname 'Alphaville.' If JUDAS PRIEST covered 'Big In Japan', I believe this is where they would end up."

He added: "True metal fans hold on to your hats — there'll be more blast beats for you later!"

BATTLE BEAST will embark on a European tour with Swedish metallers SABATON in January.

BATTLE BEAST's self-titled sophomore album entered the official chart in the band's home country of Finland at position No. 5.

BATTLE BEAST in 2012 parted ways with lead singer Nitte Vänskä and replaced her with Noora Louhimo.

Bassist Terry Butler and vocalist Ed Webb have announced their departures from the Florida death metal band MASSACRE. As a result, MASSACRE has officially disbanded and will not take part in DEATH TO ALL's "Symbolic" 20th-anniversary European tour in February/March 2015. MASSACRE was also forced to cut short its participation in the "Swamp Leper Stomp '14" tour with DEATH TO ALL, OBITUARY and RIVERS OF NIHIL by one show.

Said Butler: "It's with a heavy heart that I am announcing my departure from MASSACRE. I wish Ed, [drummer] Mikey [Mazzonetto] and [guitarist] Rick [Rozz] the best of luck with their future endeavors.

"I would like to thank the awesome fans for their support and loyalty and to those who labored to help bring the band back from beyond. Thank you as well."

Added Webb: "After much thought and consideration, it is with deep regret that I announce my departure from MASSACRE. This was not an easy decision to make but a necessary one.

"The last four years have had its share of both unbelievable times as well as some times I wish to forget.

"I want to thank all of the MASSACRE fans, those who accepted me as the new vocalist as well as those who didn't. You guys gave me the desire to work harder than I ever had in the past. I also had the privilege to play some of the most incredible shows, do some killer tours and meet a lot of great people along the way.

"At this point, I am going to just concentrate on my two main projects [GENERICHRIST and DESTINED TO RUIN] as well as a few other projects I am working on.

"I want to endlessly thank Terry, Rick and Mikey for the opportunity to record an absolutely crushing CD and get to tour around the world with them. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

"I hope to see everyone in the future and thanks for letting me do what I live to do!"

MASSACRE's long-awaited comeback album, "Back From Beyond", was released on March 24 in Europe and April 1 in North America via Century Media Records. The CD was recorded and mixed by Tim Vazquez of CGM Studios in Altamonte Springs, Florida. The cover artwork was created by Toshihiro Egawa (CRYPTOPSY, KRISIUN, DEVOURMENT).

Apophys has signed to Metal Blade Records and plans to release their debut album, Prime Incursion, in 2015. The band boasts members of renowned Dutch bands including: God Dethroned, Prostitute Disfigurement, Detonation and Toxocara. Apophys formed in 2012 and have since been surgically carving their path in the modern death metal scene. Apophys prioritizes song structure above technicality, and strives to become part of the new standard in death metal. Response from fans to the 2013 demo material was overwhelmingly positive and the album promises to be one of the best technical death metal debuts of 2015.

Apophys [ah/po/fihs]
"A word derived from Apophis, the near-Earth asteroid that caused a brief period of concern because initial observations indicated a probability that it would hit Earth on April 13th, 2029. A collision of immeasurable proportions.

"The thought of our planet floating through a galactic minefield makes me think about how frail our existence really is. And where some might consider this to be a negative and demotivating thought; I used this realization to create something truly apocalyptic. A full self-sufficient death metal machine in which I as a person am frail, but as part of this more powerful than ever. This is Apophys. We are coming." -Kevin Quilligan

Apophys are currently working on booking tour dates for 2015.

Apophys live:

January
3 – Zwolle, Netherlands - Hedon

Apophys is:
Kevin Quilligan - vocals
Sanne van Dijk - guitars
Koen Romeijn - guitars
Michiel van der Plicht - drums
Mickeal Schuurman - bass

Italian symphonic power metal band, Reasons Behind is streaming a new track, “Under The Surface”, from their debut full-length album The Alpha Memory, which was released worldwide on December 1st through Maple Metal Records.

The Alpha Memory is a concept album, and was produced by Olaf Thörsen (Vision Divine, Labyrinth) earlier this year.  The album was mixed and mastered by Stefano Morabito at 16th Cellar Studio, Rome, Italy. (Fleshgod Apocalypse, Hour Of Penance, Subhuman). The album artwork was designed by Gustavo Sazes (Angra, Kamelot, Arch Enemy, Amaranthe).

 

 

The Alpha Memory tracklisting:

“A Broken Melody”
“Under The Surface”
“The Chemical Theater”
“With Your Light”
“Starlight In The Shades”
“On Butterfly Wings”
“The Ghost Under My Skin”
“1000 Fading Lives”
“The Alpha Memory”
“In The End?”

"The Chemical Theater":

"With Your Light" video:

Teaser:

Reasons Behind have shared the stage with Secret Sphere, White Skull, Ancient Bards,  Tystnaden, Evenoire, and many more in their native homeland.  They will be touring in 2015 in support of the new album The Alpha Memory.

London-based shapeshifters, Code, will release their bold new album, entitled MUT, on February 27th in Europe and March 10th in North America via Agonia Records. Tearing down the barriers of extreme metal limitations, Code have taken a daring plunge into the unknown following their urge for further unhampered expression, and have delivered a dynamic progressive post-rock album that is sure to cause a stir. The premiere song off the release, entitled "dialogue", is now available for listening below.

On the new album, the band commented: "MUT is the sound of us as a band freeing ourselves not just from the confines of what Code is, but from genre conventions of any description. The time for conforming has past and we have created an album that is the purest distillation of our creative ambition. This is the first time in the history of the band that we have created music with no reference points and as a result, this is our most stark, intimate and emotional album."

MUT was recorded in the famed Brighton Electric Studios (The Cure, Foals, Nick Cave, Royal Blood) with engineer and producer Paul 'Win' Winstanley. Cover artwork and layout have been created by the Austrian designer Thomas Neulinger.

 

 

The band's fourth album, the follow-up to 2013 effort Augur Nox, will be available in: slipcase CD, limited grey vinyl, hand-numbered transparent vinyl and digital formats. Pre-orders are available here.

 

 

MUT tracklisting:

"on blinding larks"
"undertone"
"dialogue"
"affliction"
"contours"
"inland sea"
"cocoon"
"numb, an author"
"the bloom in the blast"

"dialogue":

Code are:

Aort - Guitars
Andras - Guitars
LORDt - Drums
Syhr - Bass
Wacian - Vocals

Gaborone, Botswana-based metallers, Skinflint, will release their new album, Nyemba, on January 16th via Pure Steel Records. The pre-order phase will start on January 2nd .

With pure passion and enthusiasm guitarist/singer Giuseppe Sbrana and his two sidekicks prove, that also on the poorest planet on earth heavy metal has conquered the souls of many people. The folkloristic elements of the eight tracks also give that exotic flair to Nyemba, which meanwhile has got an original trademark of the band. Also the basic, solid production has been put down on the actual output.

 

 

Tracklisting:

"Veya"
"The Pits Of Wydah"
"Okove"
"Abiku"
"The Wizard And His Hound"
"Sinkinda"
"Muti"
"The Witches Dance"

Skinflint lineup:

Giuseppe "Juice" - vocals, guitars
Kebonye "Raskebo"- bass
Sandra "Hurricane Sandy" Sbrana  - drums

SLIPKNOT percussionist Shawn Crahan has revealed to Rolling Stone magazine that one of the first things he did with the band's new drummer — rumored to be Jay Weinberg, the son of Bruce Springsteen drummer Max Weinberg — was take him to the Des Moines, Iowa cemetery where late SLIPKNOT bassist Paul Gray's body is buried. "I made him pay his respects and say hello," Crahan told the magazine. "I told him what we're gonna do, and we got on a fucking plane and flew to fucking L.A." to begin recording the new SLIPKNOT album, ".5: The Gray Chapter".

SLIPKNOT guitarist Mick Thomson said that the drummer who replaced founding member Joey Jordison "grew up with" the band's music and "knew all the material" before stepping in and joining the group during the songwriting sessions for ".5: The Gray Chapter".

"We kinda knew who we wanted [to play drums on the new CD] from the start, and we got him," Thomson told Guitar World magazine. "We knew from the get-go that there wasn't going to be any issues with him. We did get lucky, I guess. He knew all the [old] material anyway. He'd grown up with the band. That made things easier."

SLIPKNOT also has a replacement for late bassist Paul Gray, all but confirmed to be Alessandro "Vman" Venturella, but has not revealed his name either. Both new members are wearing the same generic mask onstage.

Weinberg was previously in the punk band AGAINST ME! and left under less-than-friendly circumstances. AGAINST ME! singer Laura Jane Grace tweeted last month, "Dear SLIPKNOT, good luck with that. #shitbag."

SLIPKNOT guitarist Jim Root recently said that the band may never reveal the identity of the drummer who replaced Jordison. Speaking with Guitar World, Root explained, "We're not saying who the new drummer is. Even if people find out beyond a shadow of a doubt who the new drummer is, I think we're always going to deny who it is. He might not last. He might tour with us a year and figure out we're all insane and he can't handle being around us. Or we might shut him out." Root added, "For SLIPKNOT, I'd say drumming is only 50 or 60 percent of the job. The rest of it is who you are and what your personality is. Will you clash with guys like me, Mick, Clown, Corey, Craig and Chris? We all have these strong alpha-male personalities."

Root and SLIPKNOT guitarist Mick Thomson handled most of the bass duties on the band's new album, ".5: The Gray Chapter", with some help from former touring bassist Donnie Steele.

The first all-new SLIPKNOT disc since 2008 will arrive on October 21, followed by the two-day Knotfest in California and a North American tour.

Brazil's Wikimetal podcast recently conducted an interview with keyboardist Jordan Rudess of progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER. You can now listen to the chat using the SoundCloud widget below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On drummer Mike Mangini's addition to DREAM THEATER following founding member Mike Portnoy's departure in 2010:

Jordan: "One of the things we really wanted was someone who would be this really kind person who is from the heart and that we just have a really good feeling with. Because, you know, after losing somebody and having it be so traumatic, we wanted to just feel comfortable. And Mike [Mangini], he's not only a great drummer, he's such a nice guy, and he makes us laugh; he's just a lot of energy all around. So there's a lot of joy when we're with him."

On the response to DREAM THEATER's latest album, last year's "Dream Theater":

Jordan: "It's interesting when DREAM THEATER sets out to do an album, because we usually have a very firm conceptual base for the album, and this one was totally the same. When we went in, we wanted to make songs that were to the point, more concise in a lot of ways, maybe a little bit shorter, and there are definitely songs on the album that are shorter, but at the same time not sacrificing anything that we love about DREAM THEATER. A lot of what happened over the last two albums since Portnoy left is that we had a chance to re-evaluate, or revisit, what DREAM THEATER is all about, and who we are as people, who we are as musicians, what we wanna do, and come up with what we feel is a very honest kind of offering from us, musically and personally. So this last album was very much within that kind of framework. And we had Mike Mangini as a real part of it from the beginning, which was great, because, although he played great on 'A Dramatic Turn Of Events', he wasn't really there for the writing process. So with this album, we got to kind of have his energy in there from the beginning, so we felt really good about putting it out. And then, when we put it out, the reception around the world was amazing; it was so great, it did so well around the world, and we were very, very pleased."

"Dream Theater" sold around 34,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 7 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD arrived in stores on September 24, 2013 via Roadrunner.

On Sunday, December 7, fans attending the Planet Rockstock festival at Park Dean Holiday Park, Porthcawl, Wales, United Kingdom had an opportunity to sample Metal For Men and Metal Pour Femme, the new exciting fragrances former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing developed alongside The Astbury Fragrance Co.. Video footage of the fans' reactions to being sprayed by the fragrances can be seen below.

Asked how he came up with the idea for Metal For Men and Metal Pour Femme, Downing told Planet Rock: "I think I just woke up one morning and thought of the word 'metal' and I thought 'metal for men' and I thought, straight away, I thought, 'What could that relate to?' And I don't know why I thought about it, but I thought there's nothing out there on the market that's associated with rock and metal fans in respect to fragrances and stuff. And I guess that, combined with my mum asking me continually what I want for Christmas and stuff, and it just came about. And it just so happens I had a friend who had associations with fragrances before, and it came about very, very quickly."

The Astbury Fragrance Co. has made available a number of special-edition versions of both Metal For Men and Metal Pour Femme which are personally signed by K.K.

Downing said: "These fragrances both look and smell fantastic and I think that they are the ideal gift for all rock and metal fans this Christmas!"

"Metal" fragrances are now available to pre-order as limited editions, are all individually signed by K.K. and are available from the Planet Rock shop as a 100ml Eau de Toilette for men and a 50ml Eau de Parfum for women, with the gift set for men also containing the Eau de Toilette and a luxury shower gel.

Akron, Ohio's If These Trees Could Talk has signed with Metal Blade Records. The post-rock outfit was properly formed in 2005 and has grown tremendously since their humble origins in Zack Kelly's basement as an instrumental project in college. They have since released two full length albums and an EP. Both albums, plus the EP, are available now digitally, but the albums have been out of print on CD. Both Red Forest (2012) and Above The Earth, Below The Sky (2009) are being repressed on CD by Metal Blade Records and will be available worldwide on January 27th, 2015. Music and CD preorders are available now at MetalBlade.com. And, of course, the band is fast at work on their third full-length album and Metal Blade debut. Producer/drummer Zack Kelly, along with guitarists Michael Socrates, Cody Kelly, Jeff Kalal, and bassist Tom Fihe will be tracking the record throughout the 2014/15 winter. The instrumental five piece promises to release one of the finest pieces of post-rock/metal of 2015.

If These Trees Could Talk comments on the signing: "We couldn't be more excited to join forces with Metal Blade. We have been inspired by many of the bands on their long and illustrious roster, so to be a part of that is a dream come true. Metal Blade has already shown us how much they believe in our vision, so we feel this will only do great things for the future of the band and the music that we make. By signing with Metal Blade, we will have the opportunity to grow and extend our reach worldwide by increasing accessibility to our music and all things Trees related through Metal Blade's vast distribution channels."

In the middle of 2014, while the band was already working on their third album, they were approached by Metal Blade Records. Their independent and entirely self-motivated approach to their music and art will not change, however. Recording for the album will take place at their studio in Ohio. Drummer Zack Kelly will produce - he has produced each of the band's previous albums, with engineering and mixing assistance by Rick Fuller, who also assisted during the recording of Red Forest.

If These Trees Could Talk dates with Mr. Gnome:

December
11 – Lexington, KY – The Green Lantern
12 – Dayton, OH – Blind Bob’s
13 – Chicago, IL – Beat Kitchen
19 – Columbus, OH – The Basement
20 – Cleveland, OH – The Beachland Ballroom and Tavern

“They Speak With Knives”:

If These Trees Could Talk is:
Zack Kelly - drums
Tom Fihe - bass
Jeff Kalal - guitar
Cody Kelly - guitar
Michael Socrates - guitar

São Paulo, Brazil-based brutal thrash metal band, Skinlepsy, have released a music video for the track "Pride And Rancour", featured on the band's new album, Condemning The Empty Souls.

 

 

The "Pride And Rancour" video was was directed by Rafael Costa and produced by Studio 44, and can be found below.

 

 

Condemning The Empty Souls tracklisting:

"Crucial Words"  
"Condemning The Empty Souls"
"Crawling As A Worm"
"Alienation"  
"Pervesions Of Racial Hatred"
"Pride And Rancour"
"Regressing From The End"
"Global Desolation"
"Dominium"

Buy the album at this location, and check out the "Pride And Rancour" video below:

Seminal NYC hardcore veterans Agnostic Front are currently in the studio recording their 11th studio album at Buzzbomb Sound Labs. The band has uploaded a photo gallery with pictures from the session so far on their Facebook page.

"We are very excited on this release,” commented vocalist Roger Miret. “Myself and the band has never felt so confident and passionate about a release! It's full of anger, rage and honesty; all the makings of a classic!!! The session has been really intense and the results show it all!"

The session for The American Dream Died is being handled by Paul Miner (Terror, H2O, Atreyu, Death By Stereo), who is engineering, mixing and mastering the release. Artwork and layout will be handled by artist Todd Huber, who also works with vocalist Roger Miret’s clothing-line American Made Kustom.

Upcoming Agnostic Front tour dates:

December
17 - Simons - Providence, RI
18 - Church - Boston, MA
19 - Stanhope House - Stanhope, NJ
20 - Revolution - Amityville, NY
21 - The Brighton Bar - Long Branch, NJ

March
18 - The Phoenix Taproom - Jacksonville, FL
19 - Churchill’s - Miami, FL
20 - Orpheum - Tampa, FL
22 - Back Booth - Orlando, FL

Australian extreme metallists, Psycroptic, have released a music video for their new single, "Echoes To Come", to be featured on the band's upcoming self-titled album, due in spring 2015 via Prosthetic Records. Watch the clip below:

You can purchase a digital download of "Echoes To Dust" on iTunes or Amazon MP3, proceeds of which will be donated to the Devilark Foundation to help save Tasmanian Devils from extinction.
 

 

The band recently commented, "We're very happy to finally announce the signing to Prosthetic and release new music we've been working on for the past two years. "Echoes To Come" is taken from our upcoming self-titled album, which will see the light of day in early 2015."

Psycroptic will embark on a national tour this weekend alongside fellow Aussies, Thy Art Is Murder. Also joining the two bands on the first show this Friday in Adelaide will be Boston thrash/death metallists Revocation. See the full routing below:

December
12 - Adelaide, Australia - Fowlers Live # (also with Revocation)
13 - Melbourne Vic, Australia - HiFi Bar #
14 - Melbourne, Australia - Ringwood OLP #
17 - Perth, Australia - YMCA HQ #
18 - Perth, Australia - Capitol #
19 - Sydney, Australia - Manning Bar #
20 - Brisbane, Australia - Crowbar #
21 - Brisbane, Australia - Crowbar #

# with Thy Art is Murder

 

 

 

Just in time for the upcoming Christmas season, The Unguided present a very nice Christmas present for your grandparents, neighbors or dear colleagues. Fallen Angels is the brand new EP by the Swedish melodic metallers, bundled with a nice shirt, poster or vinyl, available starting December 22nd.

 

 

Tracklisting:

"Judgment"
"Mercy"

EP teaser:

Pre-orders at the following links:

 

 

Green

 

 

Red

 

 

Blue

 

Symphonic metal band, Sleeping Romance, have released a brand new digital single, "Fire & Ice". The digital single also includes two additional tracks: a "cinematic version" of "Fire & Ice", as well as a re-recorded version of the track "December Flower" from their debut album Enlighten. The digital single is available at iTunes, Spotify and Bandcamp.

 

 

"Fire & Ice" tracklisting:

"Fire & Ice"
"December Flower" (Chamber music version)
"Fire & Ice" (Cinematic version)

Fire & Ice by Sleeping Romance

 

Portugal's We Are The Damed have released a video for "Rain Of Spikes" (see below), a track featured on the band's Lifeforce Records debut, Doomvirate, out now.

 

 

Doomvirate tracklisting:

"Ghastly Humans"
"Dreams Under Surveillance"
"Revealing Morality"
"Rain Of Spikes"
"Soul Entropy"
"Imposter"
"The Threshold"
"Macabre Expediton"
"Angelsick"
"Flight Of The Phoenix"

"Rain Of Spikes" video:

'Dreams Under Surveillance':

Formed in 2007, We Are The Damned are all about brutal and honest extreme music played with an authentic DIY philosophy. With their third album Doomvirate the band continues to deliver hard-hitting attacks and vivid eruptions. The underlying concept is based upon questions and thoughts regarding human and social rights as well as political corruption. We Are The Damned are angry and don’t hold back!

 

 

 

German heavy metal act, Alpha Tiger, have released the first trailer for their upcoming new studio album, iDENTITY.

iDENTITY will be available in three formats: as a Digipak including DVD featuring recordings from Alpha Tiger’s performance at the Bang Your Head festival in June 2013, as a jewel case and as a gatefold vinyl LP. Release dates in 2015 are: Scandinavia January 14th, Germany January 16th, Europe January 19th and North America January 20th.

Following the advance release of "Lady Liberty" in early summer 2014, Alpha Tiger have shot a video to support their new single "We Won’t Take It Anymore". The band are also planning a number of spectacular release shows to follow the album launch entitled Alpha Tiger & Friends, which are scheduled to feature a number of the group’s pals.

 

 

So everything is ready: the new album iDENTITY presents the musicians Peter Langforth, Stephan Dietrich, Alexander Backasch (guitar), Dirk Frei (bass) and David Schleif (drums) as a mature and independent metal act who are guaranteed to win lots of new fans with their upcoming live shows.

 

 

 

 

Tracklisting:

CD+DVD Digi Version

CD
"Intro"
"Lady Liberty"
"Scripted Reality"
"Long Way Of Redemption"
"Identity"
"We Won`t Take It Anymore"
"Revolution In Progress"
"Closer Than Yesterday"
"Shut Up & Think"
"This World Will Burn"

DVD - Live at Bang Your Head
"The Alliance"
"From Outer Space"
"Against The Time"
"Beneath The Surface"
"Waiting For A Sign"
"Along The Rising Sun"
"Karma"
"Black Star Pariah"

CD Version
"Intro"
"Lady Liberty"
"Scripted Reality"
"Long Way Of Redemption"
"Identity"
"We Won`t Take It Anymore"
"Revolution In Progress"
"Closer Than Yesterday"
"Shut Up & Think"
"This World Will Burn"

 

 

2LP Version (cover artwork above)

Side 1
"Intro"
"Lady Liberty"
"Scripted Reality"

Side 2
"Long Way Of Redemption"
"Identity"
"We Won`t Take It Anymore"

Side 3
"Revolution In Progress"
"Closer Than Yesterday"
"Shut Up & Think"

Side 4
"This World Will Burn"

"Lady Liberty" video:

Live dates:

January
23 - Berlin, Germany - Cassiopeia
24 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser

February
6 - Lindau, Germany - Club Vaudeville
7 - Cham, Germany - LA
13 - Essen, Germany - Turock
14 - Kortrijk, Belgium - Metal `til Midnight Festival

June
4-6 - Geiselwind, Germany - Out & Loud Festival