DEF LEPPARD and LAST IN LINE guitarist Vivian Campbell joined RICKY WARWICK & THE FIGHTING HEARTS on stage on November 26 at the WinterStorm festival in Troon, Scotland, United Kingdom to perform THIN LIZZY's classic song "Jailbreak". Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

Vivian has credited his stint as the touring guitarist for THIN LIZZY five years ago for inspiring him to launch LAST IN LINE, whose initial intent was to celebrate Ronnie James Dio's early work by reuniting the members of the original DIO lineup. After playing shows that featured a setlist composed exclusively of material from the first three DIO albums, the band decided to move forward and create new music in a similar vein.

Vivian told Rock Cellar Magazine: "In early 2011, I was a stunt guitar player for THIN LIZZY for a few months. DEF LEPPARD took all of 2010 and by the middle of 2011, Scott Gorham called me and asked if he could borrow me for a while to do a European tour with THIN LIZZY, and I jumped at the chance.

"THIN LIZZY were a favorite band of mine in my formative years. When I was a teenager and really honing my craft and finding my style as a player, THIN LIZZY's music was probably what I disseminated more than anything else and the guitar players in THIN LIZZY were hugely influential to me; Scott Gorham himself, Brian Robertson, and in particular through my love of THIN LIZZY, I discovered Gary Moore for the first time. Gary was probably my ultimate guitar hero. So being onstage for a few months with Scott Gorham and Brian Downey and playing the songs and riffs of my youth, it really reconnected me with my instrument."

A member of BLACK STAR RIDERS and THIN LIZZY, Warwick released two solo albums in February. "When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)" and the acoustic "Hearts On Trees" were made available as a double CD via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

THE FIGHTING HEARTS features Ricky alongside his old bandmate Gary Sullivan from one of his post-ALMIGHTY bands (SIC) on drums, BLACK STAR RIDERS bandmate bassist Robbie Crane, and guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite (THE MISSION, Peter Murphy).

Former Eclipse Eternal frontman Voldamares has checked in with the following update:

"The cold winds are blowing, the leaves on the trees have turned to fiery shades of red, yellow and orange and are falling to the ground to cover the earth in their wilting beauty. It is the time when the age of the year is showing. Its wizened face creased and cracking. It is in this time that we look back and contemplate and reflect on what has come before and what the future holds. It is in this time of beauty and decay that we in Hexenklad feel most alive. The cold wakens us, the fiery colors invigorate us and the decay gives us hope for rebirth. In this spirit we have decided it is time for us to step into the light and announce our presence. In the following weeks we will be posting many updates to bring you up to date with what we have been doing and let you know what our future holds.

To start, for those who do not yet know us, let me introduce the band. I am Timothy Johnston aka Voldamares. I was previously the vocalist for Eclipse Eternal. I am now the vocalist for Hexenklad. On guitars, we have Michael Grund, formerly of folk/death/power metal band Battlesoul and session musician for pagan/folk/black metal band SIG:AR:TYR. Also on guitars, we have John Chalmers aka The Ancient One, formerly of the black metal band Pagan Ritual. At the moment, this is the current permanent lineup of Hexenklad."

Go to this location for information and updates on Hexenklad.

Back in May 2014, Toronto epic black metal band Eclipse Eternal called it quits. Vocalist/founder Voldamares posted the following statement:

“Almost fifteen years ago I pulled from the void a child. I named it Eclipse Eternal. Today I dig its grave.

The years have not been kind yet we expected no less. It is not an easy thing to be in an active band for this long a time. From the start I knew this would require sacrifice, both from myself and all those who joined. Eclipse Eternal was never meant to be polished or popular; it was never meant to make us rich or famous. It was born to be black metal. It was born to be an extension of our ugliness, our vileness, our pain and our hate. And that is exactly what it became. And it grew darker and more intense with each new passing year, every new album or EP, every new era and stage of Eclipse Eternal’s existence.

Through these long, arduous years, more than twenty individuals came and went. Yet, battered and bruised, Eclipse just kept growing, and with each new addition it became stronger, more powerful, more whole.

For nearly eight years now we have had one lineup: Voldamares (vocals), Lord Abaddon (guitar), Wulfgar (drums), Carver (keys), and Orcus (bass). Through ups and downs, we have grown with this band; we have grown together. We have sacrificed our blood, our time, our money, our friends and our families for it. It has been our everything. Our reason.

In 2003 we released Reign of the Unholy Blackened Empire; in 2005 we released

Übermensch: Evolution Beyond The Species; and in 2008 we released The Essence Of Hopelessness. All financed 100% by us.

In that time we also did two videos (with the help of Dark Frame Productions and Ax Media), both fully self-financed.

We have also performed our live rituals over 150 times for those who would bear witness. All across North America we carried the Eclipse Eternal banner.

But time has taken its toll and the fire that once consumed all has become coals and ashes. It is time to lay down our banner.

We would like to thank all of you who supported us over the years, all the promoters who’ve made our live rituals possible, the killer bands who we’ve had the honor of sharing the stage with, all the media who have tried to bring our word to larger audiences, and to those members who, while no longer being active members, have helped shape this band into what it is today.

So, in closing, we thank you for walking this dark path with us; you have honored us with your presence."

Hexenklad photo by Victoria J. Polsoni

Welcome aboard to international thrash/heavy tinged melodic death metal act Dark Rites, recently signed by Sliptrick Records for the worldwide release of their self-titled album Dark Rites is an international act founded by Randy (USA) and Wojtek (UK) in early 2016. Despite its members living in different continents, technology has enabled them to overcome all possible geographical obstacles. After playing in several local bands in the late ‘90s and late 2000’s, Randy and Wojtek soon teamed up with Oskar (ex-Disrupted, Sweden), thus completing the line-up.

Dark Rites wear their multiple influences on their sleeve. Their upcoming, self-titled full-length delivers a fresh yet deadly combination of death metal, melodic lines and powerful riffs, combined with fierce thrash metal tempos, heavy metal solos and powerful vocals.

All of Dark Rites’ songs are strongly autobiographical, with lyrics inspired by the band’s beliefs, views and fascinations. Their common passion for metal music – in all of its different facets and sub-genres – really shines throughout the entire length of the record.

Call it death metal, metalcore or even alternative metal – The common denominator stays the same: a unique metal experience.

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions have signed blackened death/thrash beasts Dead War and are set to release their debut EP entitled The Triumph Of Death December 23rd on CD and Digital formats. Below is the official description:

“Horror Pain Gore Death Productions welcome Dead War to the roster with the debut EP entitled The Triumph Of Death. Hailing from the unholy mountains of Santa Cruz California, Dead War bludgeon listeners with a punishing mixture of blackened death/thrash metal. Incorporating elements of classical music and actual samples of war atrocities, The Triumph Of Death is purely old school in every aspect of the term. Morbid melodies are highlighted by aggressive tremolo riffs, sick blast beats and fierce guitar solos complimented by powerful production.”

Tracklisting:

“Leptospira”
“Debellation”
“Ashes Caste Into Darkness”
“Elegy Nocturne”
“A Sinister Process”
“The Triumph Of Death”

“Debellation”:

Preorder the CD at Horror Pain Gore Death or preorder the digital version on Bandcamp.

Budapest, Hungary-based black metallers, Bornholm, have released a lyric video for "Bloodstorm", a track off their new album, Primaeval Pantheons, released today via Massacre Records. The new clip can be found below.

The Primaeval Pantheons cover art, created by Peter Sallai, can be seen below along with the album tracklisting:

Tracklisting:

“Eye Of Knowledge”
“Atavism”
“Runes Of Power”
“Old”
“March Of Saturn”
“Iron Crown”
“Seventh Reign”
“Bloodstorm”
vImperium (Divus Rex)”

"Bloodstorm" lyric video:

“Runes Of Power” lyric video:

Album teaser:

Together since 2000, Bornholm has already released three full-length albums as well as several EPs. In live news, they've shared the stage with Skyforger, Thyrfing and Skogen. After a few lineup changes, Bornholm now features: vocalist / guitarist Sahsnot, guitarist Attila, drummer D and bassist Carrion (ex-Tormentor).

Swedish atmospheric black metallers Wormwood have inked a deal with the Dutch label Non Serviam Records.

The debut single, entitled “Ghostlands - Wounds From A Bleeding Earth”, will be released early next as a physical release and through all digital platforms.

The album was recorded and mastered by Sverker Widgren, a renowned veteran of sound engineering on the Scandinavian extreme metal scene (October Tide, Demonical, IXXI, Diabolical) with cover art created by the wildly talented photographer and designer: Mario Polzin of Moornebheym Design

The album is part of Wormwood’s concept that revolves around the endless cycle of death and rebirth of the world. For each phase when man is rendered null, specters roam aimlessly around the earth and in endless wailing they chant about how the world once were and the state it is now.

Comment by Wormwood:

“To become a part of the Non Serviam Records family is an honor for us. They have the burning passion for music just like we have so the partnership is perfect. We know that our album is unique and interesting, so to be able to spread the word out with Non Serviam Records is something we’re looking forward to”

Added by Non Serviam Records CEO Ricardo Gelok:

“By hearing the first tones of Wormwood, I knew that this is a band that I would have to sign. Wormwood is an asset for the label, and it’s a real pleasure to work with this great, and hard-working band!”

Aeternitas has posted a video with the acoustic version of the title track of their latest album House Of Usher, released in October by Massacre Records.

The band comments: "As gift for the beginning Christmas season we have released this acoustic version of the title track from our current album House Of Usher. Enjoy the big emotions and intimate performance of the acoustic version of this song!"

House Of Usher is a concept album based on the famous short story, The Fall Of The House Of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe. It was produced, recorded and mixed by Alexander Hunzinger at Serpina Studio, and mastered by Götz Kretschmann at Wonderlandstudio. Henning Basse produced the vocals at Vocalbase. The artwork was created by Kurt Wörsdorfer (aka Headcrime Artwork).

“Madeline” lyric video:

KINGS OF CHAOS, the part-time all-star rock 'n' roll collective that includes former and current members of GUNS N' ROSES, SLIPKNOT, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and LINKIN PARK, performed at the House Of Blues in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 1, December 2 and December 3.

KINGS OF CHAOS's lineup for the Vegas shows consisted of former GUNS N' ROSES drummer Matt Sorum alongside bassist Robert DeLeo (STONE TEMPLE PILOTS), vocalist Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR), vocalist Chester Bennington (LINKIN PARK), guitarist Billy Duffy (THE CULT) and guitarist Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL).

Fan-filmed video footage of the entire December 1 concert can be seen below.

Featured songs:

01:05 Vasoline04:02 White Wedding08:18 Fire Woman14:05 Sex Type Thing17:48 Slither22:22 Wild Flower26:40 Waitin' For The Bus 29:40 Sharp Dressed Man34:55 Tush38:55 Through Glass44:00 Steve Stevens Solo 49:20 Edie (Ciao Baby)51:36 Interstate Love Song55:45 Jesus Just Left Chicago1:01:06 Ace Of Spades1:04:28 She Sells Sanctuary1:10:15 Rebel Yell1:15:54 Love Removal Machine1:20:50 Tube Snake Boogie1:25:00 La Grange1:32:08 Going Down (with Franky Perez)1:36:55 Beer Drinkers & Hellraisers

Asked how he manages to manage all the big personalities involved with KINGS OF CHAOS, Sorum told the Windsor Star: "You know what? It's really a fun, easy gig. There's really no agenda behind it except to play a cool show… I've played with all these guys before. It's super easy-going. Everyone gets on the airplane, drives out to the gig, sets up the gear, and rocks. There's really no drama around it at all."

Regarding how important ego management is in keeping a band together, Sorum said: "From my experience, I mean… It's been a bit of a wild ride. Hence the name KINGS OF CHAOS. [Laughs] But at the same time, I don't know if I would've wanted it any other way. You know, I see bands with lead singers who are really nice. Squeaky clean. And I really don't feel I'm getting that wild, rock 'n' roll sensibility that I want."

He continued: "I love Dave Grohl [FOO FIGHTERS frontman], don't get me wrong. But he's a drummer who got out front with a guitar. Is there any danger in it? Not really. If you go to a FOO FIGHTERS show, you're gonna see a band play their set, and everything is gonna go down nice, and he'll thank the crowd, and everyone's gonna go home and go, 'Wow, that was a really nice rock 'n' roll show.'

"Not everything went perfect in any of the bands I've been in, but I know one thing: People on their way home were going, Holy shit, what was that?'"

Regarding the future of KINGS OF CHAOS, Sorum told Robin Leach: "We'll see where KINGS OF CHAOS takes us. It could turn into a band, it could be an album, we don't know yet. I'm thinking about making some original music with it. Seeing if a singer will want to come in and be a permanent member.

"Right now I just want to have fun. I just want to keep it loose, very spontaneous, go out and play for people and have them enjoy the music. I haven't thought too far down the road yet, except maybe to record original music.

"People ask, 'Why would you want to record original music; nobody is buying records anymore?' I go, 'Well, that's not a very good attitude.' The only thing you can do is make music for yourself, and you hope that people gravitate toward it. However, they are going to gravitate toward it. You are playing music because you love it, not because people are going to buy it. I made a solo record last year, and I think it sold five copies. I didn't (care). I love doing it."

If there's one band that can make claims about having an established awareness in their home country before coming to the United States and actually back it up with heaps of evidence, Evenline is that band. In addition to performing and touring overseas with the likes of Alter Bridge and Seether, the hard rocking four-piece's albums have been lauded by reputable European publications and HAVE seen rotation on major French radio stations Oui FM and RTL2.

With this prior success pushing them forward, Evenline is setting their signs on America with the international release of their upcoming full-length album of adrenaline-pumping anthems, In Tenebris. The album will drop in North America on January 13th via Dooweet Agency USA, with international distribution from Sony Music France beginning January 20th. Pre-orders are available now via iTunes. The band’s music video for their single "Straitjacket" can be found below.

In Tenebris was produced by Jean-Francois Di Rienzo at The Office/The Artist studio in Paris, France, and calls upon a darker side of the band's personality. The album hits hard with catchy choruses, earworm riffs and driving rhythms that will have listeners headbanging and chanting along in no time.

Vocalist Arnaud Gueziec states, "Over time, we wanted to unveil another musical and artistic approach. Darker and deeper than our first album, In Tenebris contains lyrics that reflect that darkness, dealing with affective aspects of daily relationships and our own imaginary world we've developed with each album. "Straitjacket" is our first music video from this album and the track perfectly creates a bridge between our previous album and In Tenebris. This particular song talks about people's duality and choices they have to do day after day, and how each choice can change your whole life."

Gueziec continues to explain that the filming of "Straitjacket" wasn't too easy, "The video was shot in a psychiatric hospital, and we had very little time to make it happen because we had no authorization to shoot there! At first, we wanted to shoot scenes during the day and night for contrast, but we had to escape from the police in the middle of the afternoon!"

In Tenebris tracklisting:

“All Against Me”
“Straitjacket”
“Silene Capensis”
“Echoes Of Silence”
“Sometimes We Die”
“Broken Promises”
“Never There”
“Deeper Underground”
“From The Ashes”
“Wasted Years”

“Straitjacket” video:

 
Studio video:

Dave Mustaine says that he has "tremendous respect for Kirk Hammett," claiming that the METALLICA guitarist was "almost 100% accurate" in his recent assessment of the MEGADETH mainman's relationship with his former band.

Mustaine, who was the original lead guitarist of METALLICA, was dismissed from the band by drummer Lars Ulrich in 1983. He was replaced by Hammett and went on to form MEGADETH and achieve worldwide success on his own.

Mustaine feuded with the members of METALLICA for more than two decades before finally patching things up over the last few years. He has jammed with his ex-bandmates on several occasions during "Big Four" shows and at METALLICA's 30th-anniversary concerts in 2011.

During an appearance on the "Word Of Wheeler" podcast, Hammett spoke about his current relationship with Mustaine, saying that "I've always seen Dave as someone who was just really, really sad, really angry, really frustrated about his situation with METALLICA, and he never could let that go. And, you know, I've always shown a lot of empathy for him, understanding that he was just pissed off. It's the equivalent of the woman of your life leaving you. I mean, really. When your band kicks you out… I've never been kicked out, but I can imagine it's a horrible experience, especially if it's a band that you feel really passionately about. So I can understand Dave's plight over all these years. But I will also say that when we did these 30th-anniversary shows at the Fillmore [in San Francisco], and we invited Dave to play on all those 'Kill 'Em All' songs, man, it felt so good to have him playing on stage. It felt perfectly fine for me to, while Dave was playing the guitar solos, for me to go over to James [Hetfield, METALLICA frontman] and play the rhythm parts with James, and it wasn't a big deal at all. And I could see from the look on Dave's face and just from his whole attitude that it was super-cathartic for him. And I could see how it was helping him. And so I just took it all in stride. And it's interesting, because since then, I think, Dave's relationship with us is a little bit better now. I'd like to think that that whole thing just kind of healed some scars that needed to be healed."

After Hammett's comments about Mustaine were first reported by BLABBERMOUTH.NET on Saturday and picked up by other music sites the following day, Mustaine took to his Twitter to respond. He wrote: "I have tremendous respect for @KirkHammett and I appreciate his take on this. he is almost 100% accurate...almost. I wish him the best."

Mustaine, who was a member of METALLICA for less than two years, from 1981 to 1983, was not inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band during the April 2009 ceremony at Cleveland, Ohio's Public Auditorium.

Ulrich later explained to The Plain Dealer that Mustaine was not included because "you've got to kind of cap it somewhere. Dave Mustaine never played on any METALLICA records. No disrespect to him. But there [were] half a dozen other people that were in the lineup in the early days. We thought . . . the fair thing to do would be to include anybody that played on a METALLICA record." He added: "Dave Mustaine was in the band for 11 months, predominantly in 1982... I'm not trying to play it down. I have nothing but respect and admiration for his accomplishments since."

I have tremendous respect for @KirkHammett and I appreciate his take on this. he is almost 100% accurate...almost. I wish him the best. https://t.co/qXld8u1bSQ

— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) December 4, 2016
(Thanks: Chris Marti)

Frontiers Music Srl has confirmed that Phil Lewis's new project with Tracii Guns is unaffected by the singer's announcement that he was quitting the most recent version of L.A. GUNS.

Lewis and Guns have been playing shows in recent months and were supposed to release an album through the Italian record label in 2017, also under the name L.A. GUNS.

After Phil's surprise revelation on Thursday that he was leaving L.A. GUNS, the guitarist posted several short messages on Facebook to confirm that Lewis's departure only refers to the version of the band that includes drummer Steve Riley. The axeman also revealed that the recording of the new L.A. GUNS album featuring Lewis and Guns is going well.

The following message was later posted on the Frontiers Music Srl Facebook page: "For you diehard L.A. GUNS fans out there, you might have seen or read about Philip Lewis's announcement on Facebook yesterday that he was leaving THAT version of L.A. GUNS. To clear up any confusion, Philip and Tracii Guns are currently hard at work on their brand new studio album. The lineup is rounded out by Shane Fitzgibbon on drums and Johnny Martin on bass with Michael Grant on guitar as a touring member. Their album will be released in 2017!"

Earlier today, Grant released a separate personal statement commenting on Lewis's announcement. He wrote: "Although I'm saddened by the end of one chapter, I'm excited for the start of the next.

"I wish no one would have to get burned through all of this, but, unfortunately, we don't live in that kind of perfect world.

"Phil has a right to feel the way he feels. You gotta respect how he came from the heart with all of that. Takes courage. I can actually relate to his feelings in regards to my own music MICHAEL GRANT & THE ASSASSINS.

"I'm fortunate enough to be joining Phil Lewis, Tracii Guns, Johnny Martin and Shane Fitzgibbon in the new lineup of L.A. GUNS and we have a lot of tour dates already booked all around the world. So this isn't the end but the beginning of something really cool."

The last time Lewis and Guns joined forces was back in 2000 with legendary producer Andy Johns for the making of what would become "Waking The Dead". Regarding the decision to use the L.A. GUNS moniker for the new album, Guns told LA Weekly: "When you put Phil and I together, that's the sound of L.A. GUNS. There's no way around that. As much as I love certain other [former] members of the band, it's hard to say what their contribution to the overall sound of the band was — but Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns, the band's gotta be L.A. GUNS. It can't be anything else."

On the subject of the musical direction of the next L.A. GUNS album, Tracii told radio personality Eddie Trunk: "We are nostalgia. The fact that we're making a record is killer, and I know that L.A. GUNS fans and people that like our kind of heavier music are gonna love it."

Guns also reiterated his desire to make the strongest L.A. GUNS album possible, explaining: "L.A. GUNS I never looked at as a hobby, so I'm certainly not going to now. If I'm gonna write music with Phil Lewis with the L.A. GUNS name on it, it's gonna be taken very seriously by me personally, and I will strive to make those shows and this record and whatever the future is, you know, what I feel is the best thing for the band and the audience. And this is really the only band I've ever felt that way about — that I've gotta take care of it; I've gotta do what I think is right for it. Especially at this point, because if this is the last record that Phil and I ever do, well, that would be pretty damn good, because it would suck to leave it on a mediocre note."

Kirk Hammett says that reconnecting with Dave Mustaine at METALLICA's 30th-anniversary shows helped the MEGADETH frontman let go of some of his sadness, anger and frustration over being fired from METALLICA.

Mustaine, who was the original lead guitarist of METALLICA, was dismissed from the band by drummer Lars Ulrich in 1983. He was replaced by Hammett and went on to form MEGADETH and achieve worldwide success on his own.

Mustaine feuded with the members of METALLICA for more than two decades before finally patching things up over the last few years. He has jammed with his ex-bandmates on several occasions during "Big Four" shows and at METALLICA's 30th-anniversary concerts in 2011.

During an appearance on the "Word Of Wheeler" podcast, Hammett spoke about his current relationship with Mustaine. He said (hear audio below): "Well, you know, the whole thing with Dave is I've never, ever, ever had a problem with Dave. I've always seen Dave as someone who was just really, really sad, really angry, really frustrated about his situation with METALLICA, and he never could let that go. And, you know, I've always shown a lot of empathy for him, understanding that he was just pissed off. It's the equivalent of the woman of your life leaving you. I mean, really. When your band kicks you out… I've never been kicked out, but I can imagine it's a horrible experience, especially if it's a band that you feel really passionately about. So I can understand Dave's plight over all these years. But I will also say that when we did these 30th-anniversary shows at the Fillmore [in San Francisco], and we invited Dave to play on all those 'Kill 'Em All' songs, man, it felt so good to have him playing on stage. It felt perfectly fine for me to, while Dave was playing the guitar solos, for me to go over to James [Hetfield, METALLICA frontman] and play the rhythm parts with James, and it wasn't a big deal at all. And I could see from the look on Dave's face and just from his whole attitude that it was super-cathartic for him. And I could see how it was helping him. And so I just took it all in stride. And it's interesting, because since then, I think, Dave's relationship with us is a little bit better now. I'd like to think that that whole thing just kind of healed some scars that needed to be healed."

Mustaine joined his former METALLICA bandmates on stage on December 10, 2011 for the fourth and final intimate show in San Francisco as part of the group's week-long celebration of its 30th anniversary as a band for fan club members only. He later told the Chicago Sun-Times about the experience: "I played four or five songs with them [at the Fillmore show] — just me, James, Lars, Robert [Trujillo] and Kirk was over on the side. Kirk didn't look too happy about it, but I think he was a good sport.

"I think you can see from the way the guys lit up that it was mutually beneficial for everybody. We all expected something magical to happen, and it did. We were playing stuff off the first record that I'd written in my teenage years. It was a blast."

In a separate interview with Loaded Radio, Mustaine said that he thought it was "awesome" that he was invited to play with METALLICA at the Fillmore. He recalled: "I had asked them, 'Do you want me to just play rhythm?' Because, you know, Kirk's in the band. And Lars said, 'No. Play your stuff.' And I went, 'All right. Now we're talking.' So I went up there and I did my thing. And it was great. I imagine it must have been really awkward for Kirk watching me play the songs the way that they were supposed to be played in the beginning, but that's open for his artistic interpretation. If he doesn't wanna play it the way that I played it, hey, that's cool."

Five months after the Fillmore show, Mustaine apologized to Hetfield for publicly discussing the fact that Dave wanted to assemble a "supergroup" combining Mustaine and MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson with Hetfield and Ulrich.

Mustaine's apology came after Hetfield laughed off talk of a possible collaboration between members of METALLICA and members of MEGADETH, calling it "crazy" talk on the part of Mustaine.

Hetfield told So What!, METALLICA's fan club magazine, "I see [Mustaine] healthier now. I see him as less of a bitter guy. But I do see a lot of stuff in the press with him talking about jamming with us and making an album. All this other crazy stuff. I read it and say to myself, 'Hold on. This is the Dave that we kind of wanted to forget about. You know, the big-mouth that wants to just go-go-go. But there is an authenticity about him when he speaks. He doesn't think too much before he does. He just goes off the cuff. Plus, when he says stuff like that, it's well-intended."

Former DIO and current DIO DISCIPLES guitarist Craig Goldy says that Vivian Campbell "seems determined to hold on to a grudge" three decades after the current DEF LEPPARD axeman was fired from DIO.

Cambell, along with drummer Vinny Appice and bassist Jimmy Bain, was part of the original DIO lineup, which reunited in 2012 alongside singer Andrew Freeman to form LAST IN LINE.

When LAST IN LINE formed, the intent was to celebrate Ronnie James Dio's early work by reuniting the members of the original DIO lineup. After playing shows that featured a setlist composed exclusively of material from the first three DIO albums, the band decided to move forward and create new music in a similar vein.

Asked by Eric Blair of "The Blairing Out With Eric Blair Show" at last month's Bowl 4 Ronnie bowling party in Studio City, California why he thinks Vivian seems to still be so bitter over his exit from DIO three decades ago, Craig said (see video below): "Well, first of all, [Cambell, Appice and Bain] were the original lineup, so I understand that they feel that they have every right to [play DIO songs with LAST IN LINE]; I understand that too. I loved what Vivian and those guys created: 'Holy Diver', 'Last In Line', 'Sacred Heart'. That's why a lot of the times when we're doing 'Rainbow In The Dark' or 'Don't Talk To Strangers' or 'Last In Line', I play his solos note for note, but with just a little bit of a flavor of my own. Because I honestly love what they gave and what they did."

He continued: "I hate the fact that there's so much bitterness — still. I wish that it would just be… It's a family. You know, just let it go. Just let it go.

"Could you imagine if everyone who's ever been in this band got together for a 'We're Stars' [Hear 'n Aid collaboration of various individual hard rock and heavy metal artists to raise money for famine relief in Africa] type of thing? Everybody? You know, we lost our opportunity with Jimmy [who passed away unexpectedly in January 2016]. What are we gonna do? Is [Vivian] gonna wait until he dies before he says, 'Okay, I'm sorry. Ronnie was great.'? What is he hanging on to, and why?"

As a longtime friend and bandmate of Ronnie James Dio, Goldy says that he cannot comprehend why Campbell would remain angry for so long at a man that many have lived well into a realm of kindness, consideration and gallantry most people don't expect from the most luminous of rock stars.

"I know Ronnie, and I can't imagine him being so… I don't know what happened between those two, but I can't imagine that it was that vile for him to hang on to that," Craig said. "I mean, some people just hold a grudge. And I love Vivian Campbell's music. And I don't know… For all I know, Vivian Campbell might be a wonderful human being who just happens to be one of those guys who holds on to a grudge. That's all it seems like — he just seems determined to hold on to a grudge."

Vivian recently slammed DIO DISCIPLES — which is made up of former members of DIO, along with a rotating lineup of singers, including former JUDAS PRIEST frontman Tim "Ripper" Owens — saying that DIO DISCIPLES have "zero credibility" as a Ronnie James Dio tribute project despite the fact that the band is fully supported by Ronnie's widow/manager, Wendy.

In addition to Goldy, Owens, Oni Logan (LYNCH MOB) and Joe Retta (SWEET, HEAVEN & EARTH) on vocals, DIO DISCIPLES features former DIO members Simon Wright on drums and Scott Warren on keyboards. They are joined by Bjorn Englen (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) on bass.

DIO DISCIPLES is billed as a "celebration of the music and legacy of the greatest singer in the world, Ronnie James Dio." The band also notes that "we could NEVER replace Ronnie and that is NOT our intention. There will only ever be one Ronnie James Dio!"

Campbell was fired from DIO in 1986 after a contentious business disagreement with Ronnie James Dio and band management.

As a perfect black metal soundtrack for this winter; Tarnkappe's new album Winterwaker. Cold, grim and frozen... but it has all the trademarks of a classic to be, reminding how good early '90s black metal, but still sounding like it is 2016.

This will freeze your veins and is a mandatory check if you like: Darkthrone, Kjeld, MGLA, Burzum. The band is streaming the album in full below:

With a crushing and intense sound Tarnkappe’s second album, also titled Winterwaker will be released this month on CD, MC, LP and digital. Winterwaker translates as Winter Guardian, he who watches/guards over winter... winter never felt this cold.

"Winterwaker" video:

Preorders available at Hammerheart Records.

Drummer Bobby Blotzer's version of RATT performed last night (Saturday, December 3) at the Star Theatre at Spokane Arena in Spokane, Washington as the support act for POISON singer Bret Michaels. The concert marked Blotzer's first appearance with his version of RATT since he was expelled from the partnership which owns the RATT name and brand.

Fan-filmed video footage of the show can be seen below.

Less than a month ago, a judge ruled against Blotzer with respect to whether bassist Juan Croucier had committed trademark infringement by using the RATT name and logo to advertise his band RATT'S JUAN CROUCIER back in the fall 2015. The judge furthermore decided that the corporation WBS, Inc., of which Blotzer and guitarist Warren DeMartini were thought to be the sole shareholders, and which Blotzer has claimed owns the RATT name and brand, did not have ownership interest in the RATT marks and that the name and brand was still owned by the members who were part of the original RATT partnership agreement: Croucier, DeMartini, Blotzer and singer Stephen Pearcy.

According to Pearcy, DeMartini and Croucier, Blotzer has no further interest in the RATT name and may now only refer to himself as a "former member of RATT," as per their partnership agreement.

On November 12, Blotzer defended his decision to carry on with his version of RATT, telling Metal Gods TV: "In my heart, I'll always love RATT — I call it the Class Of '84 — but I've been in this band thirty-five years come next March, and I did a lot of begging and pleading for everybody [from the classic lineup] to come work and nobody wanted to do it. Now they've seen how big that we've gotten out here with the new generation, as I like to call it, still RATT. We've been playing in front of tens and tens of thousands of people — and I'm not even going overboard on that. We did one show with Miranda Lambert in Sturgis — forty thousand people; that was unbelievable. So these guys are getting a kick out of it. Our singer is so good — Josh Alan. I mean, he replicates Pearcy's voice and sound of the lead singing of RATT, which is key. And that's why other bands that continue on with other members [and without the ones] that don't wanna tour, they're able to do it — you have to make it sound... in building block number one, I think, with the lead singer. And we didn't do that before when Stephen was out and we had Jizzy Pearl. God bless him, but you need to have it sound like just… In my opinion… I've watched so many bands do it, and they sound just like the record, so that's what we strive to do. And we have fun; we have so much fun."

Blotzer also reiterated his belief that RATT fans don't want to hear the band's classic songs performed differently from the original recorded versions. "I remember going down to see DEEP PURPLE, and I remember going to see JOURNEY, and I remember going to see VAN HALEN… I mean, the list is so long. We actually made a list, and there was, like, fifty-three bands that have one or two [original] members [left]… three… whatever. I don't like it, but I would rather see something than nothing," he said. "And that's what I convey… 'Cause I come out and say hello to everybody from my drum set. I come out front and kind of just say, 'Hey, what's up? Everybody, remember me?' And they're real nice about it. I just say, 'Hey, there's some new faces up here, but I just want you guys to know: it's for the love of RATT music. I wanna play it. Personally, I love RATT music, just like you guys do. Do you love this band?' And they go crazy. 'Cause they do love the band. I'm just stoked to keep doing it, and I wanna keep doing it."

QUEENSRŸCHE frontman Todd La Torre confronted a man who was flipping him off during the band's show in Florida by returning the gesture and scolding the concertgoer.

While in the middle of performing "Screaming In Digital" with his bandmates on December 1 at The Cuban Club in Tampa, Todd noticed the unruly fan in the crowd and became visibly irate. He then acknowledged the culprit with a raised middle finger salute of his own without missing a note.

At the end of the song, the singer — who was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida — called out the man by saying: "I don't tell you to fuck off at your house, [so] don't tell me to fuck off at mine!"

The incident is shown at the 2:20 and 3:45 marks in first YouTube clip below.

During the same show, La Torre stressed the importance of lifting people up and urged the crowd to not "be a fucking hater" while dedicating the song "Take Hold Of The Flame" to his friend, drummer Shawn Lowery, who is battling Stage 4 thyroid cancer.

La Torre last year pleaded with QUEENSRŸCHE's fans to "exercise a little more altruism and compassion" when it comes to criticizing the current version of the group and QUEENSRŸCHE's former frontman Geoff Tate, explaining that "we're all just people at the end of the day."

La Torre, who joined QUEENSRŸCHE in June 2012 as the replacement for Tate, has recorded two albums with the band: 2013's "Queensrÿche" and 2015's "Condition Hüman". His addition to the group has sharply divided QUEENSRŸCHE fans, with some longtime followers of the Seattle band feeling that QUEENSRŸCHE cannot exist without its iconic original lead singer.

During an appearance on the SiriusXM satellite radio show "Eddie Trunk Live", La Torre said: "Some of these fans, they almost take it more seriously than anybody in the band. They're so passionate about it, and it's such a personal thing. And we love 'em for it, but it can be an asset and a detriment… I mean, there's a difference between constructive criticism and unwavering, relentless bashing. I'm a human being, he's a human being… We're all just people at the end of the day, and we do have feelings. And I wish people would just exercise a little more altruism and compassion. Because people just say things with no filter and no regard, without thinking of the recipient on the other side. And at the end of the day, we just wanna write great music for people, and so does he. And, look, if the QUEENSRŸCHE fan base feels they have double the pleasure of music to listen to, then stop bitching and enjoy everybody's music."

QUEENSRŸCHE is in the middle of a month-long headlining tour of the United States. Support on the trek is coming from ARMORED SAINT and MIDNIGHT ETERNAL.

"Condition Hüman" debuted at No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart, having shifted 14,000 equivalent album units in the week ending October 8, 2015.

IRON MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris was interviewed by Planet Rock's Paul Anthony when Harris's solo/side project BRITISH LION headlined the Planet Rockstock festival on Saturday, December 3 at Trecco Bay, South Wales, United Kingdom. You can now watch the chat below.

Speaking about BRITISH LION's upcoming live album, Harris said: "It'll be out hopefully… Well, it'll be out at some point next year. And then we'll do a second studio album as well. And so, with MAIDEN and everything else, it's gonna be a pretty busy year for me. But, you know, I just love every minute of it, really."

Harris also talked about BRITISH LION's musical direction, Steve said: "I think it's gotten more powerful as we've gone on. It's just evolving in a natural way, so that seems to be the way it's going. It's got loads of melody, obviously, but I don't think there's too many bands out there at the moment playing with loads of melody — heavy, but loads of melody, kind of [more on the] rock [side] but heavier. I don't know, really. Maybe I'm wrong. I'm not keeping up with what's going on, perhaps. But that's what I think."

According to Harris, BRITISH LION has written "about eight" songs so far for the band's sophomore album, including "Spitfire" and "Bible Black", which the group first performed live last year. "And then there's two or three [other tracks] that we've gotta sort of finish off bits on them, and then we're pretty well there," Harris explained. "So, yeah, there's not too much [left] to do."

BRITISH LION's debut album sold around 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 3 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"British Lion" was released in the U.S. on September 25, 2012 via Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). Mixed by Kevin Shirley — whose credits include IRON MAIDEN as well as Led ZEPPELIN, JOURNEY and RUSH, among many others — the CD features Harris alongside singer Richard Taylor, guitarists Graham Leslie and David Hawkins and drummer Simon Dawson.

Melbourne, Australia’s Naberus has unveiled a new music video for the song “Torch the Sky”. The song depicts the struggle of standing up for one’s beliefs and never giving up, even under the direst circumstances. “Torch The Sky” is the third single off the band’s new album The Lost Reveries which comes out worldwide via Eclipse Records today, December 2nd.

The Lost Reveries contains five brand new songs, in addition to re-mastered versions of nine songs from Naberus' previous independent releases. The tracklisting is as follows:

"Drones"
"Unmasked"
"Close Your Eyes"
"Embers"
"Torch The Sky"
"Vultures"
"Voices"
"The Fallen"
"Darkest Day"
"Gallows"
"Dirge For Sanity"
"Walk The Streets"
"Cohesion"
"Reveries"

"Torch The Sky" video:

"Cohesion" video:

 

Nuclear Blast will release Black Star Riders’ third studio album, Heavy Fire, on February 3rd. A second official album trailer has been released. Find two trailers below:

Part 1:

Part 2:

2016 saw Black Star Riders return to the studio with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, The Foo Fighters, Mastodon), 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”, 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 BSR’s 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.” – Ricky Warwick (vocals)

"Not many new bands get to record three albums these days. 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." – Scott Gorham (guitars)

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 n’ 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.

Formats: Limited Edition Digibook CD (including bonus track), CD, Vinyl, Vinyl Picture Disc, Digital Album
Mail order: Limited Orange & Clear Vinyl (Pre-order)

Tracklisting:

“Heavy Fire
“When The Night Comes In”
“Dancing With The Wrong Girl”
“Who Rides The Tiger”
“Cold War Love”
“Testify Or Say Goodbye”
“Thinking About You Could Get Me Killed”
“True Blue Kid”
“Ticket To Rise”
“Letting Go Of Me”

The Limited Edition Digibook CD will include the above tracklisting plus the bonus track “Fade”.

“When The Night Comes In” lyric video:

Frost*, the brainchild of keyboard player and songwriter Jem Godfrey, released their new album, Falling Satellites, back in May, and followed it with a run of live dates in June and July. The band have launched a brand new video for the track “Signs”, filmed during those live dates. Watch below:

Frost* will take part in Cruise To The Edge 2017 between February 7th and 11th, and have also announced further tour dates in the UK and Europe which you can find below:

March
4 - Prog Dreams at Boerderij - Zoetermeer, Netherlands

April
6 - The Brook - Southampton, UK
8 - The Liquid Room - Edinburgh, UK
9 - The Citadel - St Helens, UK

September
1-3 - 2Days Prog + 1 Festival - Veruno, Italy

Joined by guitarist and vocalist John Mitchell (Lonely Robot, It Bites), drummer Craig Blundell (Steven Wilson) and bassist Nathan King (Level 42), Falling Satellites is the band's first album in 8 years and the follow-up to Experiments In Mass Appeal.

Comprising 11 songs, the final six forming a 32-minute long suite, this album also sees a guest appearance from Grammy-nominated guitar legend Joe Satriani, who Godfrey played with on the G3 tour in 2012.

Tracklisting:

“First Day”
“Numbers”
“Towerblock”
“Signs”
“Lights Out”
“Heartstrings”
“Closer To The Sun”
“The Raging Against The Dying Of The Light Blues”
“Nice Day For It...”
“Hypoventilate”
“Last Day”
“Lantern” (bonus track)
“British Wintertim”e (bonus track)

“Numbers” video:

“Heartstrings” lyric video:

Director Rocio Romero has released "Live To Win", a documentary about the the August 24 unveiling of a statute of Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister in front of the late MOTÖRHEAD frontman's favorite haunt, the legendary Rainbow Bar & Grill on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, California. The six-minute clip features interviews with development directors Katon De Pena and Anne De Pena, concept artist Travis Moore and Mikey Maglieri of the Rainbow Bar & Grill. Check it out below.

Moore was selected to create a realistic depiction of Lemmy for the life-size cast bronze statue, which stands at just over six feet tall and is permanently housed in a special shrine that was constructed in the patio bar area at the Rainbow.

Travis initially sculpted the likeness as an 18-inch maquette that was then transferred to a life-size sculpture, which was molded in wax and ultimately poured and cast in bronze.

A native of Texas, Travis did his part for free, but there were considerable costs associated with the actual process that ultimately made the statute a reality. A funding campaign was launched by Katon De Pena from classic underground thrash-metal band HIRAX, who raised about $23,000 to support the building of the statue.

Moore told Loudwire that he and the team behind the campaign tried to find an image that typified Lemmy to base the statue on.

"I know they were searching for that hat-coat combo," he said. "Photographer Robert John had taken so many good pictures of him and I think that was about the time that they were at the Grammys and 'Ace Of Spades' was re-charting. There was really a resurgence for him and you can see that it was a happy time and he looks healthy and good.

"We just wanted to stay away from portraying him in a way that wouldn't be proper, and he needed to be rocking, a tough-looking dude with a full face and that was the idea.

"There was initially some debate about would he be with a guitar? Would he be sitting at the bar? Would he have a bottle of booze? There were a lot of different options, and coincidentally, even the photo that Robert took, he's standing there smoking a cigarette. We took that out, more of a liability reason, because someone could break that joker off or get caught on that.

"We don't need lawsuits or anyone injured or definitely have the statue damaged on top of anything else. But there was a lot of consideration that went into this thing and everyone involved, their number one focus was honoring Lemmy."

Moore told Sky News about twenty people worked on the statue and it took around five months to build.

"I think it looks a lot like him. It's a compelling image," he said.

"I think it will offer some closure. I think Lemmy is finally home."

MOTÖRHEAD manager Todd Singerman told LA Weekly that he never interfered in Moore's design process. "This is for the fans. Nothing corporate," he said. "Not the label, nothing. This is a fan thing and we tried to stay out of the way." Singerman also said he's working on a major Lemmy tribute concert and a MOTÖRHEAD museum that will house some of Lemmy's musical and military memorabilia.

Rainbow Bar & Grill last month dedicated its patio to Lemmy and re-named it "Lemmy's Lounge." It is a fitting gesture from the Rainbow, as when Lemmy wasn't touring or recording, the majority of his waking hours were spent on said patio.

Lemmy, who celebrated his 70th birthday last Christmas Eve (December 24, 2015), learned two days later that he was afflicted with an aggressive form of cancer. He died two days later, on December 28, 2015, at his home in Los Angeles.

The MOTÖRHEAD frontman had dealt with several health issues over the past few years, including heart trouble, forcing him to cut back on his famous smoking and Jack Daniels habits.

The band canceled a number of shows last year, although they did manage to complete one final European tour on December 11, 2015.

In a 2015 interview with Kerrang! magazine, Lemmy was asked how it makes him feel when people call him a legend. He responded: "As long as they don't believe it, that's alright." He continued: "Who wouldn’t want a hero somewhere in their lives? And it might as well be me, 'cause I don't take the piss out of them for it, and I don't laugh at them because of it." But he added, "I'm not a legend. I never thought of myself as being special in particular. Maybe I make brilliant music, but that's about it."

Def Leppard have released an official music video for “We Belong”. The video will be featured on the bands upcoming live DVD+CD, And There Will Be A Next Time - Live From Detroit, as a bonus.

Def Leppard excited and thrilled fans nationwide with their massive 55+ city summer 2016 North American tour. Def Leppard will now share their masterful performance on DVD and Blu-ray. On February 10th, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release their epic concert film, And There Will Be A Next Time - Live From Detroit, on DVD+2CD, Blu-ray+2CD, and Digital Video.

With two prestigious Diamond Awards to their credit, Def Leppard continues to stand tall in the music industry and deliver some of the most iconic rock melodies and memorable anthems of all time. Most recently, their 2015 self-titled album featured singles “Dangerous” and “Let’s Go” which hit #1 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums Chart.

Filmed at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, MI, And There Will Be A Next Time - Live From Detroit is an incredible showcase that captures the electrifying energy and power of Def Leppard live today. As the sun began to set over a frenzied Detroit crowd, Def Leppard’s legendary hooks and anthemic rock served up an audiovisual feast second to none. The audience were served hit after hit with fan favourites from across their iconic career.

Said front man Joe Elliott: “I had this idea that we should film one of the shows from the 2016 tour because apart from the ‘Viva Hysteria’ shows, we hadn’t actually had a live performance filmed since 1988. With a new album out that was being so well received, it was just a case of where to do it. From the second the house lights went down, we could see the sun setting from the stage, and the energy from the crowd just seemed to intensify. It was a good choice and a great way to document Def Leppard in 2016.”

As a bonus, the DVD set will include the official music videos for “Let’s Go”, “Dangerous”, and “Man Enough”, and the lyric video for “Let’s Go”.

In anticipation of the DVD release, Def Leppard and Eagle Rock Entertainment recently launched a special PledgeMusic pre-order. Fans who participate will gain early access to a few select tracks, including “Dangerous” and “Rock On” as well as exclusive merchandise from PledgeMusic.

Tracklisting:

Disc 1:
“Let’s Go”
“Animal”
“Let It Go”
“Dangerous”
“Foolin’”
“Love Bites”
“Armaggeddon It”
“Rock On”
“Man Enough”

Disc 2:
“Rocket”
“Bringin’ On The Heartbreak”
“Switch 625”
Medley: “Hysteria” / “Heroes”
“Let’s Get Rocked
“Pour Some Sugar On Me”
“Rock Of Ages”
“Photograph”

“Let’s Go”:

Swedish heavy metal quintet, Lancer, will release their new album, Mastery, on January 13th via Nuclear Blast. A fifth video trailer for the album is now available. Check out all five trailers below.

The cover artwork was created by Dimitar Nikolov (Ross The Boss, Majesty). The final layout was done by Marcelo Vasco (Slayer, Machine Head).

Tracklisting:
    
“Dead Raising Towers”
“Future Millennia”
“Mastery”
“Victims Of The Nile”
“Iscariot”
“Follow Azrael”
“Freedom Eaters”
“World Unknown”
“Widowmaker”
“Envy Of The Gods”
“The Wolf And The Kraken”

“Mastery” video:

“Iscariot” lyric video:

Trailer #1:

Trailer #2:

Trailer #3:

Trailer #4:

Trailer #5:

(Photo - Lancer Facebook)

According to Soundi, HIM frontman Ville Valo makes a guest appearance on "Xmas Song", the new Christmas single from former HANOI ROCKS guitarist Andy McCoy. The official Pete Veijalainen-directed video for the track can now be seen below.

"Xmas Song" will be released in Finland on December 7 via Ainoa Productions Oy. The song was recorded by Sammy Aaltonen at Eastsound Studios and features the following musicians:

Guitar and vocals: Andy McCoyBacking vocals: Ville ValoBacking vocals: Roxsy SurowiakSaxophone: Jone TakamäkiBass: Matthew JanaitisDrums: Gustaf StandertskjöldKeyboards: Pate Kivinen

Formed in Helsinki in 1979, HANOI ROCKS's style was a big influence on a number of better-known bands such as GUNS N' ROSES, POISON, SKID ROW and ALICE IN CHAINS.

Although HANOI ROCKS reunited for a second eight-year run in 2001, the band's former singer Michael Monroe recently said another reunion is out of the question, explaining that HANOI "ran its course and stopped having a good time."

HIM is currently working on its long-awaited follow-up to 2013's "Tears On Tape" album for a tentative 2017 release. The disc will mark the group's first release with drummer Jukka "Kosmo" Kröger (formerly of HERRA YLPPÖ & IHMISET), who replaced Mika Kristian Karppinen (a.k.a. Gas Lipstick) in 2015.

ALL THAT REMAINS frontman Phil Labonte played his second show with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH last night (Friday, December 2) at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Labonte is filling in for regular FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH singer Ivan Moody who "has fallen ill" and is currently receiving treatment.

Fan-filmed video footage of the Hershey concert can be seen below.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has six shows to go on its current U.S. co-headlining arena tour with SHINEDOWN.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Zoltan Bathory explained the band's decision to finish out the trek with a replacement singer: "Ivan is our brother and we fully and wholeheartedly support him taking care of himself so he can get well as soon as possible. We discussed possibly canceling the remaining shows but the responses from the other bands on the tour were so overwhelmingly supportive that we decided to move forward and deliver the great night to the fans that they expect."

Labonte, a former Marine and close friend of Moody, once before saved the day for KILLSWITCH ENGAGE in 2010 when their singer at the time, Howard Jones, left the band mid-tour. Phil said: "I got their six and stepped up right away. I'm honored to be able to help FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH to finish their tour and give Ivan a chance to take care of himself. I did the same for KILLSWITCH ENGAGE years ago. I was humbled to get the call and get a chance to play in front of such a great audience."

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH was forced to cut a show in Worcester, Massachusetts on November 28 short because Moody was unable to perform. Although it was reported that Moody was overcome with grief over the illness and possible death of someone close to him — not his mother as initially reported — a number of audience members reported that he appeared to be intoxicated and disoriented.

Moody previously had an onstage meltdown during a May 2015 show in Memphis. The incident was blamed on his abuse of alcohol and drugs. He entered rehab after that.

Bathory told The Pulse Of Radio a while back in happier times that Moody was a true rock 'n' roll spirit. "He's very much the 'last pirate,' the middle finger of this generation, you know what I mean?" he said. "He's really the guy who jumps in a car anywhere in the world and says, 'Yeah, let's go' — no passport, no papers, nothing, just goes anywhere. He's really the last free spirit, he pretty much just lives for the now, you know, does what he feels like doing. So there's something admirable, for me at least — I'm looking at, like, I wish I could do that."

Fan-filmed video footage of BLACK SABBATH's November 30 performance at Pedreira Paulo Leminski in Curitiba, Brazil can be seen below.

BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi revealed in a recent interview with Ultimate Classic Rock that he plans to stay busy with music even after the band plays its final shows in February. Iommi 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."

Iommi also indicated that SABBATH itself may still have a future, just not as a live act. He explained: "As I said, I'll be doing some writing. Maybe I'll be doing something with the guys, maybe in the studio, but no touring."

Iommi told The Pulse Of Radio a while back that he intends to keep playing music as long as he can. "I've always believed in what I do and I always... The music, for me, has been a major part of my life. It's lovely just to be able to keep on doing it just to upset people. As long as I can do it, I'll do it — and as long as I enjoy it. You've got to keep fit to do it at my age, so I'll have a go [at it]."

The legendary guitarist was diagnosed with lymphoma in early 2012, shortly after SABBATH revealed plans to reunite for a new album and tour.

He soldiered on, undergoing treatment even as the band recorded its 2013 album "13" and toured extensively to promote it. His cancer is now officially in remission.

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

The band will close out its live career for good in early February with two shows in its hometown of Birmingham, England, where SABBATH first came together in 1968.

Metalville Records has released a Lemmy Kilmister (MOTÖRHEAD) tribute album called "Snaggletooth: A Tribute To Lemmy".

This is not just a classic tribute record — bands like OVERKILL, DESTRUCTION, MONSTER MAGNET, UGLY KID JOE, MONSTER MAGNET and ONSLAUGHT are playing their favorite songs. The master himself, Lemmy, is on this record with three tracks — a fine version of one of the greatest QUEEN songs, "Tie Your Mother Down"; "Love Me Forever", a duet with Doro Pesch; and a great rare track, "Rock City Night", that he did with Richard Kruspe from RAMMSTEIN. The tribute also includes exclusive new songs, "Killed By Death" by German rockers KÄRBHOLZ, and "Burner", performed by German thrash heroes PERZONAL WAR. BLACK EXPLOSION from Sweden closes out this extraordinary compilation with "Location 9", inspired by early HAWKWIND days.

"Snaggletooth: A Tribute To Lemmy" track listing:

01. OVERKILL - "Overkill"02. ONSLAUGHT - Bomber03. Lemmy Kilmister and Doro Pesch - "Love Me Forever04. UGLY KID JOE feat. Phil Campbell - "Ace Of Spades05. Lemmy Kilmister - "Tie Your Mother Down06. KÄRBHOLZ - "Killed By Death07. Lemmy Kilmister and Richard Kruspe - "Rock City Night 08. DESTRUCTION - "We are the Roadcrew09. PERZONAL WAR - "Burner10. KORPIKLAANI - "Iron Fist11. MONSTER MAGNET - "Brainstorm 12. BLACK EXPLOSION - "Location 9

Lemmy, who celebrated his 70th birthday last Christmas Eve (December 24), learned two days later that he was afflicted with an aggressive form of cancer. He died two days later, on December 28, at his home in Los Angeles.

The MOTÖRHEAD frontman had dealt with several health issues over the past few years, including heart trouble, forcing him to cut back on his famous smoking and Jack Daniels habits.

The band canceled a number of shows last year, although they did manage to complete one final European tour on December 11, 2015.

In a 2015 interview with Kerrang! magazine, Lemmy was asked how it makes him feel when people call him a legend. He responded: "As long as they don't believe it, that's alright." He continued: "Who wouldn’t want a hero somewhere in their lives? And it might as well be me, 'cause I don't take the piss out of them for it, and I don't laugh at them because of it." But he added, "I'm not a legend. I never thought of myself as being special in particular. Maybe I make brilliant music, but that's about it."

According to TMZ, AVENGED SEVENFOLD is attempting to stop its former label Warner Music from releasing a two-CD AVENGED SEVENFOLD collection called "The Best Of 2005-2013". The band sent a letter to the Warner's CFO claiming the company prepared the album without notifying them, letting them select the songs or prepare the artwork — a clear violation of their recording agreement.

Warner Music announced an AVENGED greatest-hits package just days before the surprise unveiling of the band's new album, "The Stage", scheduling it for a December 2 release after initial rumors hinted at a December 9 arrival for the group's Capitol Records debut.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD singer M. Shadows told 101.1 WJRR: "We're not promoting [the greatest-hits album] at all. That has nothing to do with us. They, basically, saw the [rumored release date] and, from what we understand, they are trying to undercut our new record, so they were trying to put it out the week before. And as childish as things can be behind the scenes with lawyers and stuff, as I'm sure you can imagine, this is childish on a whole new level."

Shadows added: "You're gonna try to put this record out right before our new record just to undercut us and try to confuse the casual fan, like, 'Is this the new record? Or is that the new record?' It's a record label basically digging themselves into a deeper hole, as far as I'm concerned, 'cause it doesn't look good to other bands who are potentially gonna sign there, and it doesn't look good to fans."

Warner Music sued AVENGED SEVENFOLD earlier this year for breach of contract. The suit seeks compensatory damages because the band is refusing to fulfill its agreement with the company. AVENGED SEVENFOLD released four studio albums through the label but sought to exit its contract, while Warner Music contended that the group owed the company a live CD/DVD.

At the end of 2015, AVENGED SEVENFOLD notified Warner Music that they would not render services to the label, citing Section 2855 of the California Labor Code, which limits the duration of personal-services agreements to seven years — the so-called seven-year statute.

To recover damages, Warner Music will have to show how much it would have earned had it released the band's latest album.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD released its seventh studio album, titled "The Stage", via Capitol Records on October 28, becoming the first-ever rock band to issue an unannounced album in both digital and physical form. The quintet revealed that their album was out during their live-streamed performance from the rooftop of the Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood, California on October 27. The band give a 3D/360-degree live-streamed virtual reality performance, enabling fans around the globe to view the show.

The marketing plan and launch of the album was months in the making, starting with the projection of the band's logo, the Deathbat, on buildings in cities around the world.

The campaign even included some misdirection, as the group had its friend Chris Jericho "accidentally" leak a fake album title and release date.

"The Stage" debuted at No. 4 on The Billboard 200 album chart, selling 76,000 physical and/or digital copies in its first week of release. While the sales were decent for the current music business, they represent the lowest first-week total for any AVENGED SEVENFOLD album since "City Of Evil" in 2005. "The Stage" sold less than half as many copies in its first week as the group's two previous efforts, 2010's "Nightmare" and 2013's "Hail To The King".