Legendary New Jersey thrashers OVERKILL will release their new studio album, titled "The Grinding Wheel", on February 19, 2017 via Nuclear Blast. The disc was produced by OVERKILL and mixed by Andy Sneap (TESTAMENT, EXODUS, ACCEPT). The artwork was created again by Travis Smith (NEVERMORE, OPETH, SOILWORK, DEATH).

"The Grinding Wheel" track listing:

01. Mean Green Killing Machine02. Goddamn Trouble03. Our Finest Hour04. Shine On05. The Long Road06. Let's All Go To Hades07. Come Heavy08. Red White And Blue09. The Wheel10. The Grinding Wheel

The first trailer for "The Grinding Wheel", in which the members of OVERKILL talk about the album's title and artwork, is available below.

OVERKILL frontman Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth recently told the Croatian metal portal NoiseEyes.com about the delay in getting "The Grinding Wheel" released: "It was simplicity. It was a matter of internal mix-ups. We thought we had the entire month of August to mix, when we really had none of the month of August to mix. When Nuclear Blast [OVERKILL's record label] called us, and said, 'Where's the music?' We said, 'Fifteen more days.' We were really close with the mix, but this was our first time working with [producer/mixer] Andy Sneap and he told us, 'Hey, man, it's close, it's 90 percent, but let's do another twelve days when I get back from a business trip. D.D. [Verni, bass], Dave [Linsk, guitars] and I discussed it, and asked: Do you take the great product? Or do you take the money? That's the way we thought about it. We took the dignity over the money with regard to pushing the release back. I always think of every record as your best opportunity to prove yourselves. If you go out pushing that record out, thinking it's 90 percent, then it fucking is 90 percent. It was a real simple mix-up with regard to time. We blame ourselves for 50 percent and Nuclear for the other 50 percent. No, 51 percent for them, 49 percent for us. [Laughs]"

Regarding the musical direction of the new album, Bobby said: "First and foremost, production. Andy has done some great work with different bands in the genre from ACCEPT to ARCH ENEMY. He's really the metal go-to guy. But we wanted to use his abilities, but we wanted to use them with regard to how we saw the record being. One of the things we saw in modern metal is a guitar tone that doesn't have a cohesive relationship with the drums. We wanted more organic drums to start with, and we wanted a guitar tone that came somewhere out of the high technology of the '90s. So it's really kind of a throwback with regard to our thinking, so if you're thinking a drum sounding like a drum and the guitars sounding more in the vein of 'Horrorscope' for us, where it wasn't just top end, but top end and low end with a little bit of mids carved out of them. I think that's the thing I noticed the most about it. "

He continued: "With regard to songwriting, we had done three records, 'Ironbound', 'The Electric Age' and 'White Devil Armory', that were for us, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. [Laughs] Or sisters! There's something about them where there was a formula that we were, I think in our opinion, neglecting some of the other tools that we've accumulated over the years. 'The Grinding Wheel' is much more diverse. There's an epic feel to some of the songs. There's a sludgy, slower feel. There is 'Our Finest Hour', which has been released, which could fit on one of those other three records but everything else doesn't seem like it would fit on these records. I think it's a wider OVERKILL, but press play when you get it. I think that's the best way for people to decide. Everybody has got to be a critic. That's the idea of being a music fan. I'm a music fan, but I'm also a critic. I love or I hate, or it's okay. It'd rather be loved or hated, not 'Ah, it's okay, whatever.'"

OVERKILL and NILE will join forces for a U.S. tour in February/March 2017.

"Divided… Conquer Them", the new video from the Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based metal act NONPOINT, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's latest album, "The Poison Red", which was released on July 8 via Spinefarm Records. The CD was recorded at Uptown Recording Studio in Chicago with producer Rob Ruccia.

Commented NONPOINT frontman Elias Soriano: "This video is part one of a story we are looking to bring our fans into throughout out next few releases. I don't know how far or deep this project will allow us to go with it, but I'm excited to see reactions to each step of this story. This one is all about setting the pace." "Divided... Conquer Them" is currently at radio and is additionally featured on both Spotify's Rock Hard Playlist and Apple Music's A List Rock.

"The Poison Red" is the first NONPOINT album to feature lead guitarist BC Kochmit, whom Soriano has described as "Eddie Van Halen's illegitimate child."

"The Poison Red" track listing:

01. Generation Idiot02. Foaming At the Mouth03. Bottled Up Killer Bees04. Rabbit Hole05. Chasing White Rabbits06. Standing In the Flesh07. Divided... Conquer Them08. Radio Chorus09. Spanish Radio Hour10. El Diablo11. No Running Allowed12. Promises13. Be Enough14. My Last Dying Breath

Soriano added about their new disc: "This record tells a lot of stories: going from guts to glory; chasing impossible dreams down the rabbit hole; harsh and honest words with consequences attached; uncovered rules for the weak, made by the wicked and heartless; recalling fight or flight moments with a deep breath. And it all starts with a warning to all the world's generations past, present and future to look up, look forward and live their lives loose from social media shackles, online bullying, the devaluation of art and music, and to not be absorbed by the dramatic, megalomaniacal side of politics. Life is right outside of your phone and newsfeed. Go live it and play this record while you do. It'll all start to make sense."

NONPOINT will kick off 2017 in expected fashion — on the road and touring with ALTER BRIDGE. The dates begin on January 24 and run through February 22.

On October 25th, Halestorm performed at the Kalamazoo State Theatre in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Pro-shot footage of the entire show, courtesy of Live Nation, is available below.

The setlist on the night was as follows:

"Love Bites (So Do I)"
"Mz. Hyde"
"Apocalyptic" 
"It's Not You" 
"I Get Off"
"Freak Like Me" 
"Amen" 
"Rock Show"
"Unapologetic" 
"Dear Daughter" 
"I Like It Heavy" 
- drum solo-
"I Am the Fire" 
"Here's to Us"
"Still Of The Night" (Whitesnake cover) 
"I Miss The Misery"

Halestorm are streaming their cover of AC/DC's "Mistress For Christmas" (listen below).

Says the band: “Hey Freaks, is it too early to be saying "Happy Holidays"? Regardless if it is or not, we're jumping into the holiday spirit TODAY with the release of a cover of the always excellent AC/DC! Check out our version of "Mistress For Christmas" and start spreading the holiday cheer to your friends and family!

“And yes, we DO have a new covers EP in the works (this song will NOT be on it), details of which we will release very soon!”

"Mistress For Christmas" is available for download via iTunes, Spotify, Amazon (widget below), Apple Music,  and Google Play.

Metalizer Records artist Corners Of Sanctuary have released an all new, original holiday single just in time for the season. The song, “That Feeling We Know,’ is being made available as a free download exclusively on the band’s website.

“We love this time of year and what better way to express that sentiment than through music,” said Mick Michaels, COS founder and guitarist.

Over the past several years, the band has released a number of holiday tracks to celebrate the season. “I don’t know if we will do it every year, but it felt like the thing to do this year. Besides, we always have a great time doing it, so that counts for something,” added Michaels.

In conjunction with the single’s release, Corners Of Sanctuary has partnered with the master craft brewers at Tuned Up Brewing Company in their home state of Pennsylvania to create a signature line of flavored beers. The line kicks off with a limited time seasonal blend called “Merry Metal Holiday Cheer.” “Tuned Up is very excited to be working with Corners of Sanctuary in creating a line of special signature flavored craft beers,” said the company’s co-owner Jeremy Burke. “We are sure their fans will not be disappointed!” Burke added.

The line continues in 2017 with “Wild Card,” a dark-wheat, light-bodied brew named after the band’s 2012 song. “Surely this blend will make everyone ante up,” joked lead singer Frankie Cross.

“We are extremely proud to partner with a local micro brewing company that represents our culture and of course our taste in beer. This holiday brew is coming down on you. Have a very Merry Holiday and a Hoppy New Year as well,” said bassist James Pera.

This signature COS line of craft beers are available exclusively through the brewing company. All inquiries and ordering can be made directly by contacting Tuned Up Brewing or by visiting the company’s Facebook page.

Corners Of Sanctuary finish up the year with their remaining shows and will be returning to the studio to continue work on their new album, The Galloping Hordes, set to release sometime in 2017.

Upcoming shows:

December
2 – Akron, OH – The Empire Concert Club
3 – Erie, PA – Bobby’s Place
9 – Scranton, PA – Irish Wolf Pub

Doom band Season Of Arrows have left Static Tension Recordings. The band were slated to release their forthcoming album Give It To The Mountain this Friday, but will now release the album via Italian label Argonauta Records this spring.

 The band commented about the signing "We’re very excited to announce today that we have signed with Argonauta Records (Genova, Italy). They are true pioneers in working with awesome underground heavy doom/sludge bands. Our blood, sweat, and tears went into making this record, and it’s always great to see when that effort is rewarded."

Tracklisting:

“Farewell To The Horseman”
“Deep Graves”
“Evening Lord”
“Autumn Wings”
“The Bridge”
“New Sorcery”
“Bellow”
“From The Wilderness We Return”

“From The Wilderness We Return”:

Orders are available on Bandcamp.

German power metallers, Thunder And Lightning will release their new album, The Ages Will Turn, on December 9th. An artwork reveal video can be found below. Album preorders can be placed here.

Tracklisting:

“The Ravaging Overture”
“Welcome To The Darkside”
“Silent Watcher”
“Black Eyed Child”
“Eternally Awake”
“Columbia”
“One Blood”
“The Ages Will Turn”
“Hysteria”
“Mary Celeste”
“The Ravaging Overture” (Extended Orchestral Version) (Pre-order bonus track download)

"One Blood" video:

Album art trailer:

“Eternally Awake”:

“The Ages Will Turn”:

For more on Thunder And Lightning, visit the band’s website, here.

"Blame It On The Night", a brand new song from JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE — which features ex-GREAT WHITE singer Jack Russell alongside former GREAT WHITE bassist-turned-guitarist Tony Montana (as a guitar player and keyboardist), Dan McNay (MONTROSE) on bass, Robby Lochner (FIGHT) on guitar and Dicki Fliszar (BRUCE DICKINSON) on drums — can be streamed below. The track is taken from JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE's debut album, "He Saw it Comin'" (originally titled "The Gauntlet"), which will be released on January 27, 2017 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Commented Russell: "Most of the material I have written in my life has been autobiographical, [but] this song is one of the exceptions. The song was written for and about my wife's childhood. Because of the subject and the feelings I have for my wife, this was a very difficult song to sing. But I believe that the topic is an important one to bring into the light and out of the shadows."

Rather than look backwards and merely attempt to relive the multi-platinum hard rock entity's storied origins, Jack Russell set his sights on the future. In December 2011, JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE first bared its teeth. Robby Lochner has been with Jack since JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE's inception, and they soon welcomed longtime bassist and friend Tony Montana — this time as a guitar player and keyboardist. They then added drummer Dicki Fliszar, then bassist Dan McNay. This group has a sharp, soaring, eclectic, hook-laden new album ready, boasting the bluesy hard rock stomp that made Russell and Montana icons in the first place.

"It's a powerful band," Russell proclaims. "The music is dynamic and I've gone where I've never gone before. Lochner was a catalyst for moving forward. I wasn't sure how the writing would go at first but soon realized the chemistry is beyond words. He's my co-pilot and one of my best friends."

This past year the musicians hit the studio to cut their official full-length debut. It taps into the bluesy bombast and heavy energy of Russell's celebrated material, but it's a distinctly modern metallic monster.

"We want the new material to blow people's ears back," Russell goes on. "It has the elements of the best of GREAT WHITE, but there's diversity, vibe and an edge to it. It draws from our '60s and '70s roots in a more modern way."

Montana agrees. "It's got the classic sound," he says. "The first element is Jack's voice. No other band sounds like this one, ever did or does now. When I was 17 years old, I remember walking around the UCLA campus listening to the band's first EP. I was a fan before I ever joined the band. We're going to maintain that integrity moving forward."

"He Saw it Comin'" track listing:

01. Sign Of The Times02. She Moves Me03. Crazy04. Love Don't Live Here05. My Addiction06. Anything For You07. He Saw It Comin'08. Don't Let Me Go09. Spy Vs Spy10. Blame It On The Night11. Godspeed

"For me this is so much more than a collection of songs, it is the culmination of a lifetime of living," said Jack. "It is about addictions, love, pain and many facets of the human condition. I tend to write autobiographically and on this album I dealt with topics I've never explored."

Russell recently told disc jockey Eddie Winters about the songwriting process for "He Saw It Coming": "There wasn't any songs that were really a struggle to write. I write the music on some and I had the melody lines and some lyrics, and I showed it to Robby, and I don't play [guitar], so I've kind of gotta [hum the riffs or chord progressions], or whatever, and he's gotta figure out a chord from one note. So he just picked up on that right away, and it was amazing. 'Cause you write with somebody for thirty-some years and all of a sudden you write with somebody else, and you're, like, 'Okay. How's this gonna be? Is he gonna have a bunch of dumb ideas that I don't like? Or is he gonna think my ideas are crappy? Or are we just gonna hit it off. And I was really surprised when it was just… boom! We were thinking along the same lines. But Robby added a flavor to what I was doing guitar-wise and melody-wise. He's one of those music-theory guys, so we have a lot of moving harmonies and stuff we never had before."

JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE is not to be confused with the current touring and recording version of GREAT WHITE, which features Mark Kendall, Scott Snyder (bass), Audie Desbrow (drums), Michael Lardie (guitar, keyboards) and Terry Ilous (lead vocals).

Canadian thrash/heavy metal veterans ANNIHILATOR have lacerated many senses over the years with their supreme, aggressive metal mastery, and on January 27, 2017, their legion of loyal fans can look forward to a series of fresh sensory experiences as ANNIHILATOR proudly presents "Triple Threat", a three-disc collection of ANNIHILATOR's music in a trio of very different scenarios.

A trailer for "Triple Threat" is available below.

The main disc comprises a set of ANNIHILATOR's classics performed acoustically, with band leader/guitarist/ songwriter and vocalist Jeff Waters bringing together band members Aaron Homma and Richard Hinks, Vancouver drummer and friend Marc LeFrance plus Ottawa session player Pat Robillard. Recorded and mixed by Waters (with Marty Sobb), this quintet laid everything down live, off the floor and in single takes at Watersound Studios in Dunrobin, Canada during late May and early June, 2016, giving Waters one of the most challenging, satisfying and perhaps "electric" creative moments in his career.

The second disc will feature ANNIHILATOR's vicious set from the 2016 Bang Your Head!!! festival, a set which illustrates the very best of what ANNIHILATOR is known for — tight, sharp, technically excellent and melodic thrash metal music. It will also contain some exclusive inside-ANNIHILATOR off-stage perspective, courtesy of Jeff Waters's own camera, which captures further elements, flavors and detail of the band which fans will flip over.

"This was one of the coolest things I have done in my long career," says Jeff. "Having five people in a room, from all different backgrounds and talents, coming together to play songs from the past and to try to sound like we are one but totally live and with feel.

"This was one of the biggest challenges that ANNIHILATOR has faced, musically, but what impressed me the most was how you can hear all the individual styles each player has and how we were able to glue the playing and feel together. Done all in one take and with all the musical blemishes and imperfections that I would never normally let slide!

"This set covers some of the melodic songs, one even from 1984 (when a few of these guys were not even born!) and I just had to do this once in my life… to challenge myself and maybe show some others that it's not always just about the metal and the thrash! Rock 'n' roll and ballads are found everywhere in heavy metal.

"ANNIHILATOR are made up of a helluva lot of styles, mixed into one. That's exactly what kind of musicians I put together for this set… a mixed bag of rockers and metalheads and they made our legacy proud!

"Enjoy… we sure love this one."

"Triple Threat" will be available in several formats, including DVD/2CDs, Blu-ray/2CDs, a 2CD audio-only and digital download.

"Triple Threat" track listing:

Unplugged: The Watersound Studios Sessions

01. Sounds Good To Me02. Bad Child03. Innnocent Eyes04. Snake In The Grass05. Fantastic Things06. Holding On07. Stonewall08. In The Blood09. Crystal Ann10. Phoenix Rising

Live At The Bang Your Head!!! Festival

01. King Of The Kill02. No Way Out03. Creepin’ Again04. Set The World On Fire05. W.T.Y.D. (Welcome To Your Death)06. Never, Neverland07. Bliss08. Second To None09. Refresh The Demon10. Alison Hell11. Phantasmagoria12. Crystal Ann13. Phoenix Rising

PRO-PAIN has released a video for the title track of its latest album, "Voice Of Rebellion".

PRO-PAIN frontman Gary Meskil says: "To further commemorate the 25-year anniversary of PRO-PAIN, we bring to you (our fans) this video clip for 'Voice Of Rebellion'. The clip was shot and directed by Kirk Farrington on our home turf of Long Island, New York at Revolution nightclub in the summer of 2016. We hope you enjoy it, and we will see you all on tour!"

"Voice Of Rebellion" was released in June 2015 through SPV/Steamhammer.

Asked what the main thing was that he hoped fans of the band would come away with after listening to these songs, Meskil told AXS.com: "We always want to deliver an album which we can all be proud of. Our fans are not scenesters, and they have discerning taste when it come to music. If we can inspire them with our music and or message in a positive way, that's more than we could ask for. As for 'Voice Of Rebellion', I think we delivered on all counts, and we hope the fans take away with them the same 'pride in ownership' as we have."

Meskil also talked about the "Voice Of Rebellion" recording process, explaining: "I co-produced the new album with Corey Williams (Sound Lounge in Venice, Florida), so I had quite a lot to do with the outcome in terms of its production. I think I have a solid handle on what a good PRO-PAIN album should sound like. During the session, we had our share of setbacks in terms of technical problems, but they were overcome via experience. These days, good tones aren't too difficult to achieve, provided you know what you're looking for. My vision was for the production to lean more in a 'state-of-the-art' direction, but not to go overboard and have it sound too polished. So, we kept the performances as live as possible. I'm satisfied with the end result."

After four years since the release of the album Mad(e) In Italy, the death metal band No More Fear is coming out with a brand-new recording. The new album, which will be out on December 2nd, is titled Malamente, a further proof of their dedication and well defined extreme style which will celebrate a career long 20 years. Malamente is streaming in full below.

Recorded last June at the ACME Recording studio by Davide Rosati, it will be available in digital and physical CD via Memorial Records. Pre-orders available here.

About the new album the band says: “An attack to the stagecoach behind the wheel of very Italian car (Alfetta). The tarantella continues… MALAMENTE (Badly)!”

Tracklisting:

“Morte e Orazione”
“Mare Mortum”
“The Boss Letter”
“A Sinister Murder Case”
“Lady 'ndrangheta”
“Tre Cavalieri”
“Conferimento della Santa”

Album stream:

A few months ago, Memoriam revealed that they had signed a record deal with Germany-based metal giant Nuclear Blast. But before their label debut entitled For The Fallen is released, a brand-new EP will shorten the wait for all death metal fans. The EP called The Hellfire Demos II, out on January 20th, will contain two demo versions of new tracks from this old school death metal machine and taking the same line as Bolt Thrower and Benediction. “Drone Strike” will exclusively appear on this EP.

Tracklisting:

Side A
“Drone Strike”

Side B
“Surrounded (By Death)”

The EP will be available in the following formats:

7" white
7" white + black splatter
7" green
7" clear

Preorders are available at Nuclear Blast

Memoriam was primarily developed to fill the void that was left following the tragic death of Martin "Kiddie" Kearns, the drummer from Bolt Thrower, back in September 2015. Bolt Thrower subsequently placed all activity on hold for the foreseeable future which gave Karl Willetts an opportunity to develop a new project with friends that had expressed interest in forming a band for some time. Memoriam are an old-school death metal band, maintaining the high standards set by their previous bands, focusing on the themes of death, loss and war. Initially the band members got together to play covers of songs that had influenced them throughout their careers within the death metal scene, however it soon became apparent that the new songs that they created were of a superior standard. The band has a full album of material scheduled for recording during the spring of 2017, titled For The Fallen.

Memoriam lineup:

Karl Willetts - Bolt Thrower (vocals)
Frank Healy - Benediction, Sacrilege (bass)
Andy Whale - ex-Bolt Thrower (drums)
Scott Fairfax - ex-Life Denied, Benediction (guitars)

(Photo by: Timm Sonnenschein)

Amon Amarth has a long history with Metal Blade Records, that goes back to 1998 when they released their debut album, Once Sent From The Golden Hall. After almost 20 years later, it's now time for a vinyl reissue of this album, as well as 1999's The Avenger, as part of the Metal Blade Originals-Series! Both albums will be released with 400g heavy cardboard spine sleeves (inside out print), 60x60cm two-sided artwork posters and 250g inserts.

Preorder now at Metal Blade (USA) or EMP (Europe).

USA versions:

Once Sent From The Golden Hall Originals-Series LP reissue (USA)
--180 g black vinyl
--Orange vinyl (limited to 200 copies - Metal Blade USA exclusive) 
--Transparent vinyl (limited to 200 copies - retail/mailorder exclusive) 
--"Fire"-splattered vinyl (limited to 300 copies - Euro ebay and Metal Blade USA exclusive) 

The Avenger "Originals-Series" LP re-issue (USA)
--180 g black vinyl
--Red vinyl (limited to 200 copies - Metal Blade USA exclusive) 
--Transparent vinyl (limited to 200 copies - retail/mailorder exclusive) 
--"Fire"-splattered vinyl (limited to 300 copies - Euro ebay and Metal Blade USA exclusive) 

European versions:

Once Sent From The Golden Hall Originals-Series LP re-issue (EU)
--180 g black vinyl
--Opague-orange-marbled vinyl (limited to 500 copies) 
--Khaki-marbled vinyl (limited to 300 copies - EMP exclusive) 
--"Fire"-splattered vinyl (limited to 300 copies - Euro ebay and Metal Blade USA exclusive) 

The Avenger "Originals-Series" LP re-issue (EU)
--180 g black vinyl
--Opaque-bloodred-marbled vinyl (limited to 500 copies) 
--Steel-grey-marbled vinyl (limited to 300 copies - EMP exclusive) 
--"Fire"-splattered vinyl (limited to 300 copies - Euro ebay and Metal Blade USA exclusive) 

Metal Blade Records will re-issue all Amon Amarth albums chronologically in the near future. For fans planning to collect all of the releases, a limited, specially designed slipcase-box is available (exclusively at EMP) that fits the complete Amon Amarth back catalog! Get it while supplies last.

Montreal, QC's Teramobil comprised of bass master Dominic 'Forest' Lapointe (Augury, ex-Beyond Creation, BARF), Mathieu Bérubé (Unhuman) on guitar and Alexandre Dupras (Unhuman, The Plasmarifle) on drums create an uncompromising amalgamation that heralds the best of technical death metal, progressive rock, jazz fusion and psychedelic grooves. Unleashing their debut EP Multispectral Supercontinuum in 2013, these technical titans return with their sophomore release Magnitude Of Thoughts out now digitally and available on digipak on December 9th via Newcore Music. 

The seven song earth shattering opus features guest appearances from Luc Lemay of Gorguts on guitar for “Thanatonaut” plus Antoine Baril (Augury, Symbolic, Contemplator) performing organ on the album's title track. The album was mixed and mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy, Beyond Creation, The Agonist) at The Grid with recordings of drums done at Emery Street Studio with Seb Black, bass at Humanoise Studio by Mathieu Marcotte (Augury) and guitars at Gorguts' Luc Lemay's Windy Hills Studio. Cover and layout art was done by Filip Ivanović.

Tracklisting:

“Terahertz”
“Magnitude Of Thoughts”
“Thanatonaut”
“Deconstruct Metabolism”
“Synchrotron”
“Exoteric”
“The Armada”

“Magnitude Of Thoughts” video:

Stream the album on Bandcamp.

(Photo by: Renaud Sake)

Three members of RATT's classic lineup — singer Stephen Pearcy, bassist Juan Croucier and guitarist Warren DeMartini — have taken control of the band's name after a judge ruled against drummer Bobby Blotzer with respect to whether 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 (WBS, Inc. v. Juan Croucier et al., Case No. 2:15-cv-07251-DDP) that the corporation WBS, Inc., of which Blotzer and 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: Pearcy, Croucier, DeMartini and Blotzer.

Under a 1985 written Ratt Partnership Agreement, the name/trademarks are the property of the partnership and can only be transferred with the unanimous approval of all partners. Thus, in 1997 when Blotzer, DeMartini and Pearcy purported to transfer the trademarks to WBS, that transfer was invalid since Croucier, who was still a partner, was never advised of, and therefore did not consent to, the transfer. Thus, the partnership still owns the RATT name.

Pearcy, DeMartini and Croucier have now expelled Blotzer from the partnership, according to a press release issued by the trio. Blotzer thus has no further interest in the RATT name and may now only refer to himself as a "former member of RATT," as per the partnership agreement. DeMartini, Pearcy and Croucier look forward to continuing to tour as RATT and thank their fans for all the ongoing support.

Pearcy, Croucier and DeMartini performed as the "surprise band" on October 1 on the Monsters Of Rock Cruise West, also known as Monsterwood. Joining them on stage at the event were former QUIET RIOT guitarist Carlos Cavazo, who played on RATT's last studio album, 2010's "Infestation", and drummer Jimmy DeGrasso, who previously played with Y&T, WHITE LION and MEGADETH, among others.

Blotzer has been touring the U.S. for the last year with his own version of RATT, featuring a rotating cast of musicians, including vocalist Josh Alan (ex-SIN CITY SINNERS).

DeMartini filed a lawsuit against Blotzer last year, claiming that the drummer was falsely advertising his "tribute band" as the real thing.

Speculation about Pearcy, Croucier and DeMartini forming their own version of RATT to rival Blotzer's gained traction in August after they were photographed hanging out together at a Los Angeles birthday party. Bobby later dismissed the idea, telling radio personality Eddie Trunk in an interview: "Well, it's absurd. It ain't gonna happen. Warren can't do that. If Warren was to join up in that thing, he would be in competition with his own band and corporation — RATT, WBS… RATT. He would be kicked out on his rear end so quick… They'd have to call it something else; they couldn't call it anything but something else."

This past summer, Pearcy told Canadian rock journalist Mitch Lafon that he was still friends with DeMartini and Croucier, adding that "Warren and I actually got together and wrote a song a while back, which is phenomenal… Who knows what will happen soon enough? We're just waiting for some dust to settle. I really can't say anything right now, but if the public has any positive message, it's being heard."

They have no name officially yet, but I'm sure open to suggestions... pic.twitter.com/agtn1dqrro

— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) October 2, 2016

Illinois-based symphonic melodeath group, Starkill, have released a video for “Erase Me”, a track from their third album, Shadow Sleep,  out now via Prosthetic Records worldwide. The new clip can be found below.

Recorded and mixed at Electrowerks Studio with Chuck Macak (Fall Of Troy, Oceano Letlive) while being sent for mastering by Troy Glessner (August Burns Red, Devin Townsend, Death Cab For Cutie), Shadow Sleep presents 13 tracks of melodic, majestic death metal reinforced by Jameson’s over-the-top shredding paired with one of the tightest rhythm sections in the scene.

"This album was the culmination of many tours, new experiences and knowledge, and in our opinion, marks the starting point of where the true Starkill sound begins" exclaimed ead guitarist and vocalist, Parker Jameson. "We've finally found ourselves, our musical style and finally have access to all the musical tools we've ever wanted: two screamers, two male singers, and newly featured on this record, the addition of a female vocalist. This album marks a critical turning point for Starkill, and we are excited to be with Prosthetic Records for this new chapter."

Shadow Sleep tracklisting:

“Walk Through Fire”
“Burn Your World”
“Through The Darkness”
“Shadow Sleep”
“Cloudless”
“Piece Of Paradise”
“Ruin”
“Into The Grey”
“Razors Edge”
“No Savior”
“Erase Me”
“Farewell”
“Captive Of The Night”

“Erase Me” video:

“Through The Darkness” lyric video:

“Shadow Sleep” lyric video:

“Burn Your World” video:

Starkill is:

Parker Jameson - lead guitar, vocals, keyboards
Spencer Weidner - drums
Tony Keathley - guitar, backing vocals
Shaun Andruchuk - bass guitar

Florida power metal act, Seven Kingdoms, have unveiled the tracklisting and cover art for their forthcoming full length album, Decennium. This 10-year anniversary album follows up the successfully crowdfunded In The Walls EP, and will feature the two new songs from the EP along with eight brand new tracks. The crowdfunding campaign for Decennium will start on December 9th and run until the middle of January. Decennium is to be released at the end of January 2017.

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

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

Decennium tracklisting:

“Stargazer”
“Undying”
“In The Walls”
“The Tale Of Deathface Ginny”
“Castles In The Snow”
“Kingslayer”
“The Faceless Hero”
“Neverending”
“Hollow”
“Awakened From Nothing”
 
Decennium was recorded with Jim Morris (Iced Earth, Savatage, Death) and Phil Pluskota (Abiotic, King Conquer) at North Avenue Studios and Morrisound Recording. Seven Kingdoms mixed the album at Morrisound Recording and was mastered by Jacob Hansen (Avantasia, Evergrey, Volbeat).
 
Commented Seven Kingdoms guitarist Camden Cruz: "We are finally here! We are very excited to get this Campaign started and to begin getting the whole thing out for everyone all over the world to enjoy! We are very, very happy with the album. This is undeniably the best product the band has put fourth yet. If you liked the In The Walls EP, you will only be even happier with Decennium. We will have a slew of new stuff available on the Crowdfunding Campaign and hope that all of you will join us in celebrating the 10-Year-Anniversary of the band in 2017!"
 
Seven Kingdoms will embark on full length North American tour with Evergrey, Need and Ascendia in May and June 2017 to support the new album. More shows are being added; catch them live at the following confirmed shows.
 
May
6 - The Haven - Orlando, FL
7 - The Orpheum - Tampa, FL
9 - Scout Bar - Houston, TX
10 - Gas Monkey - Dallas, TX
11 - The Rock Box - San Antonio, TX
13 - Joe's Grotto - Phoenix, AZ
14 - Brick By Brick - San Diego, CA
15 - LVCS - Las Vegas, NV
20 - Studio Seven - Seattle, WA
21 - The Rickshaw Theater - Vancouver, BC
22 - Dickens Pub - Calgary, AB
23 - Exchange - Regina, SK
25 - The Cabooze - Minneapolis, MN
26 - Reggie's - Chicago, IL
30 - L'Anti Quebec city

More dates to be announced.

Australia’s My Dynamite will see their new album, Otherside, released via Listenable Records on January 27th. This band of brothers from Melbourne has been serving up the finest brand of good-time boogie and funky blues grooves for many a year.

Since releasing their debut self-titled album in 2012, touring Europe in the spring of 2013, and snatching one of two lucrative Lynyrd Skynyrd supports in February 2014, many have asked the question – what next? And when?

The time has now come. The boys have knuckled down to produce something to leave a footprint. Now meet the nine shiny new offerings on Otherside, spanning country picking and sweet soul through to guitar-driven rock’n’roll belters. Step up, tune in, drop out, and party on to the sonic constellation of My Dynamite.

Tracklisting:

“Round The Bend”
“Witch Hat”
“So Familiar”
“State We're In”
“Can't Tell Lies”
“Love Revolution”
“Motortalkin'”
“Otherside”
“Don't Steal The Light”

Darkyra, the five-piece symphonic hard rock band based in Perth, Western Australia have inked a deal with Sliptrick Records. The band have issued the following statement:

"It's always hard to take that first step of signing with a label, uncertain at times if you're making the right decision but at some point you have to stop saying no and take a risk. So here we go. We've just signed with Sliptrick Records. They'll be re-releasing Fool and we'll see how we go with them from there."

After the successful release and rave reviews of two high production studio albums (a solo project of Gina Bafile under the name Darkyra Black), Darkyra Black was thrown into the spotlight as a strong emerging artist within the world of female fronted metal  and rock, fueling the desire of talented singer Gina to take the music on the road.

In 2015 the focus was to project the brand as a complete band which led to the recent name adjustment from Darkyra Black to Darkyra, and with the new found Australian members the transition from solo artist to a working band was complete.

Keeping within the traditional Darkyra Black style, the relatively young band begin their creative journey together. With a new album concept on the horizon, their very first collaboration is now taking shape.

Check out Darkyra's official Facebook page here for updates, listen to the band on Spotify here.

Pride Of Lions will release their fifth studio album, Fearless, on January 27th. The album track, “The Tell”, is streaming below.

When Frontiers released Pride Of Lions’ groundbreaking first album in 2003, many people asked, “Is this one of those project bands that do one or two albums and then disappear - or a real band with staying power?” Now, in the year 2017 the answer to that question will be very clear as the band release their new studio album, Fearless. Additionally, their best selling Live In Belgium album and video proves to the world that Jim Peterik and Toby Hitchcock and the powerful Pride Of Lions band is not just a studio concoction, but a live force to be reckoned with, headlining shows in America and Europe.

“We are always trying to top ourselves,” states singer/ songwriter/ guitarist Jim Peterik. “This time I went back and listened closely to all the previous albums to hear the strongest assets of each record: what was working and what could be improved. I went into writing the Fearless material keeping that in mind. I feel it sticks closer to the template we set with our first release, yet goes to new places musically as well like using a Kansas- style fiddle- played by Andrew Ohlrich- on the video/single “All I See is You”."

The songs and performances on Fearless are... well... truly fearless. The title track blazes from the speakers gaining steam with every chorus. “Take the highest ground- stand and fight- you gotta be harder- you gotta be tougher- you gotta be- fearless!” This could be the new battle cry for Rocky Balboa or any common man needing to make a difference in the world.

“When I got together with Jim in Chicago to record, things just caught fire,” enthuses Toby. “I sang 12 vocals in two days! That’s how inspired I was with the new material.”

“Toby hit new heights on this one,” raves Jim. “I was sitting behind the recording console with Larry Millas just one big goose bump as Toby glided from hard rockers like “Rising Up”, classic melodic rock like “All I See Is You” to a heartfelt ode to timeless love - “Everlasting Love”.”

Future classics include “The Tell”, where the main character is giving off signals she may not even realize to the mesmerizing magic of “Silent Music” (“I can’t help it if I talk funny- I can’t express the way I feel in spoken words- hold on”) to the mysterious “Freedom Of The Night”. That last one was written with former Jimi Jamison keyboardist Hal Butler and the lyric, chord changes and melody seem to channel what Jimi might now be singing if his life had not been tragically cut short.

“The last track is one of my faves,” states Toby Hitchcock. “I think we all can relate to the often painful process of figuring out just who we are and how we fit on this planet. “Unmasking The Mystery” is not something that happens all at once - it happens over time and on our last day we still won’t have all the answers.”

The album will be supported by live dates in the States and abroad with the first show on January 28th as a part of Jim Peterik’s World Stage at Wentz Hall in Naperville, Illinois.

In early 2017, expect the premiere of the music video for “All I See Is You” directed by Greg Bizzarro. Greg has directed every POL video thus far, as well as the popular “Cold Blooded” video by Peterik / Scherer which starred Leann Marie of “I Can’t Hold Back” video fame.

Fearless tracklisting:

“All I See Is You!”
“The Tell”
“In Caricature”
“Silent Music”
“Fearless”
“Everlasting Love”
“Freedom Of The Night”
“The Light In Your Eyes”
“Rising Up”
“The Silence Says It All”
“Faster Than A Prayer”
“Unmasking The Mystery”

“The Tell”:

Pride Of Lions lineup:

Jim Peterik: Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
Toby Hitchcock: Vocals
Ed Breckenfeld - drums
Klem Hayes - bass
Mike Aquino - guitar

Bebe Contepomi of the Argentinian show "La Viola" recently conducted an interview with METALLICA frontman James Hetfield. You can now watch the chat below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On whether METALLICA ever goes through previously unused ideas when writing a new album:

James: "It's never old songs. Once an album is finished, the box of riffs is thrown away. We use the best. There's no reason to save it if it's not good, 'cause we will write new stuff. I'm very interested in keeping moving forward. And even it was difficult, 'cause having eight hundred riffs on my phone or my computer or something, and alls I wanted to do was, 'Let's write a new one now. Let's just do it.' There's something magical that happens when Lars [Ulrich, drums] and I get together and I plug into a loud, crunchy guitar sound. It moves me and I can create riffs. It's great."

On his relationship with Lars Ulrich:

James: "Well, you're married, right? That's it. It is like that. Oh, of course it is. It's harder than marriage, 'cause we're both male, and we both want what we want. [Laughs] Well, you know, we're brothers. We love each other, we hate each other and everything in between. We've done so much life together. That's the longest relationship, besides my family, that I've had with anyone, and it's difficult — I tell you, it is. It takes a lot of work, and you have to be honest with each other all the time and you have to communicate, or else. 'Cause we're creative, and in my head, I start making things up about, 'What is he doing? Ahh…'"

On METALLICA's new album, "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct":

James: "'Death Magnetic', I really liked. It was a little more harsh to the ear. This one sounds a little easier to listen to, but heavy still. I wanted to combine 'Kill 'Em All' and The Black Album, somehow, with some layers, harmonies and simplicity."

On other bands who have been around for as long as METALLICA has who are not able to produce quality new music like METALLICA is:

James: "I think that's a compliment. We're very competitive, [and] we're very competitive within the band too. No one wants to disappoint each other, so we keep our chops up, we keep our throats in good shape. And the older we get, the harder it is, but we're doing what we can. We're giving a hundred and ten percent of whatever our mind, body and spirit can do. I think there are bands… I mean, not to disagree, but there are a few — SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX — they are still going strong out there, and it's impressive. That's all we're trying to do — we're trying to do better than the last record. The next record will be better. The next record, I'll sing better, have a better guitar sound. There's a hunger for that for us."

On still being a fan of new rock music:

James: "Every time I think that I'm tired of new music, I'm tired of listening… 'There's no good new music'… And then something happens, I hear something and, 'Wow! There is hope!' I mean, for me, and my wife will tell you, if she was here, I'm a boy trapped in a man's body, and she treats me like a child a lot. [Laughs] I'm just one of the kids. 'Go to your room.' I don't know… It's just how I am. Yes, I'm maturing. And in rock and roll, you're not supposed to mature; you're supposed to stay young and all this. But I'm not doing it for them."

According to Billboard, METALLICA will likely top The Billboard 200 albums chart for a sixth time next week, as "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct" is expected to debut at No. 1. The set, which was released on November 18 through the band's own Blackened Recordings, is projected to move 300,000 equivalent album units in the week ending November 24, with traditional album sales accounting for 280,000 of those units.

The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week based on multi-metric consumption, which includes traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA).

Next week's The Billboard 200 chart is scheduled to be revealed on Sunday, November 27.

"Hardwired… To Self-Destruct" consists of two discs, containing a dozen songs and nearly 80 minutes of music.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. and THE SMASHING PUMPKINS leader William "Billy" Corgan announced that they have completed an agreement to resolve Corgan's litigation against Impact Ventures, parent company of TNA Impact Wrestling. Anthem has acquired Corgan's loan to Impact Ventures on undisclosed terms, and Corgan has dismissed his proceedings against Impact Ventures and TNA Impact Wrestling.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. is a global sports media company that operates Fight Network, Impact Wrestling's exclusive broadcaster in Canada, as well as the exclusive worldwide digital streaming partner for all TNA programming. It is also an equity stakeholder of Impact Ventures.

Anthem executive vice president Ed Nordholm stated: "We are pleased to conclude these arrangements with Mr. Corgan. The events leading to litigation were unfortunate but also reflected all parties' desire in good faith to support the company. The arrangements we have made with Mr. Corgan respect all parties' gratitude for his contributions to Impact Wrestling, both creatively and financially. We can now close this chapter and look forward to making Impact Wrestling a leader in the professional wrestling world."

"I'm pleased that an agreement is now in place that allows wrestling operations to continue," said Corgan, Impact's former president, "for my interest from the start was to provide support, be it material or creative, to such a great roster and crew. And as I plan on continuing in the business side of pro wrestling, I look forward to seeing where Anthem's leadership takes the company in 2017, and wish them the best."

Corgan, 49, is an American musician, songwriter, producer, TV writer and poet, best known as the lead singer, guitarist, and sole permanent member of THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, who have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and won multiple Grammy Awards. Corgan joined Impact in May 2015 as a senior producer.

In a brand new interview with Myglobalmind, EXTREME frontman Gary Cherone spoke about how performing the band's "Pornograffitti" in its entirety in 2015 to celebrate the LP's 25th anniversary influenced the songwriting process for EXTREME's next effort. He said: "I think it had an effect with Nuno [Bettencourt, guitar] on some of the new material. We aren't rediscovering our roots or anything like that. It's just that with the past couple of years touring that record, all of those elements are there in the new material. It's driven by guitar riffs with the harmonies and the big choruses. So it has influenced the new material."

Asked if he had a title or release date for EXTREME's next album that he could share, Gary said: "No, we haven't had those fights yet. [Laughs] Usually, the title will come during the process of writing the songs. So nothing is there yet. I would like to give you dates, I just don't know dates. There will be new music by the time we go out again, as we are just concentrating on new material before we do go out on the road next year."

Cherone recently told Metalholic about the musical direction of the new EXTREME material: "There will be, like all EXTREME records, familiar elements, but also stuff… Over the years, when Nuno and I write, we're affected by our environment and music changes throughout the years, so those elements… There will still be some new elements to the band as well. Hopefully that always happens; you always wanna grow and evolve and move on. But the guitars will be there, the harmonies will be there, the songs, the hooks, the lyrics… There'll still be elements of the past, but certainly new elements [as well]."

EXTREME's first studio album in thirteen years, "Saudades de Rock" (pronounced "sow-dodge") was released in August 2008 on Open E Records and distributed by Fontana. The European version of the CD included a bonus track, the "Americocaine" demo from 1985, the very first studio recording of EXTREME.

To mark the 25th anniversary of "Pornograffitti", "Pornograffitti Live 25 / Metal Meltdown" was released on October 14 by Rock Fuel Media in association with Loud & Proud Records as part of their four-part "Metal Meltdown" DVD series. The concert film captures the Boston band performing "Pornograffitti" in its entirety.

EXTREME released a live CD and DVD, "Take Us Alive", in May 2010 in the U.S. via Frontiers.

Holland's FaceCulture recently conducted an interview with drummer Ian Haugland of Swedish hard rockers EUROPE. You can now watch the chat in three parts below.

Speaking about the EUROPE songwriting process, Haugland said: "What we try with every new album is to actually not repeat [ourselves], but to look at the back catalog and [go], 'Okay, we did on that album, so maybe we'll go crazy about something else.' So that's good. And it's like having an art gallery with different pictures you can look at, and you get different feelings from different pictures. So I think the next EUROPE album is gonna be probably a bit different from [2015's] 'War Of Kings', I guess."

Asked what he has noticed about the direction of the material EUROPE has written for the follow-up to "War Of Kings", Haugland said: "I haven't noticed anything, because I haven't heard anything. [Laughs] the thing is, I know that for Joey [Tempest, EUROPE singer], for instance, he creates a lot of music in his mind before it ends up on tape so you can hear it. So I'm sure he has a lot of song ideas in his mind. I also know that John Levén [EUROPE bassist], he has a couple of really cool riffs; he played it to me. And the same with Mic Michaeli [EUROPE keyboardist]; he's got a lot of song ideas. Actually, after Christmas, we're gonna start rehearsing the songs and go into the studio on February 1st."

Regarding a possible release date for EUROPE's next album, Haugland said: "It's gonna be released sometime after next summer. So it's gonna be an autumn release — probably in September, I would say."

"War Of Kings" was released in March 2015 via UDR Music.

Publisher Heel Verlag Gmbh has set a December 20 release date for the new MOTÖRHEAD hardcover book "Röadkill: Victory Or Die" by Pep Bonet.

The book's official description reads: "Celebrating Lemmy Kilmister's 70th birthday along with the 40th anniversary of his band MOTÖRHEAD, the lavishly illustrated volume presents exciting and intimate behind-the-stage pictures by much-acclaimed Spanish photographer Pep Bonet, who accompanied the band between 2008 and 2011.

"Rock'n'roll celebrities like Slash from GUNS N' ROSES and Brian May from QUEEN provided their contributions to this fascinating documentary. And, last but not least, MOTÖRHEAD's brand new 22nd studio album is included with the book — enthusiasts cannot afford to miss this package! Text in English and German."

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."

**UPDATE**: Sweet has released the following statement regarding Bach's latest comments:

"Well, since it's been turned into a public bash, here's my side: A while back I was asked by the label (Frontiers) to produce a [Sebastian Bach] album. I spoke to Sebastian's manager and we were discussing possibilities. After a few emails back and forth, Sebastian decided to do something else. I was then asked about this in an interview with Eddie Trunk and I shared (respectfully) what had transpired. Later that evening, Sebastian tweeted and emailed me and said 'shut your mouth or I'll shut it for you.' He also said not to 'ever let his name come out of my mouth again' in an email. I emailed him to make amends and explain yet to no avail. I'd be a liar if I said it didn't bother me. It did. I've got nothing against Sebastian. I don't even know him and he doesn't know me.

"Fast forward to Moriah Formica opening for STRYPER and blowing everyone's minds with her talent and voice on a cover of 'I'll Remember You'. I posted it and took a little grief for saying 'she smokes the original singer.' I must admit that that comment was made based on my opinion as well as my experience with Sebastian. I then commented on a post and referred to Sebastian as a 'tool' based on what had transpired between us a few months back. I suppose I shouldn't have said that. I'll admit to my mistakes and apologize if need be.

"He sent me an email again basically stating to 'be prepared next time we meet face to face' along with a few other nice gestures. I sent him an email basically saying 'let's get along and move on.' I have yet to hear from Sebastian.

"Anyone who knows me knows that I express my opinion and I'm more than willing to back it up. I do my best to be honest yet not to be mean-spirited or destructive. I'm also no pussy. Obviously, Sebastian doesn't know me, because if he did, he'd know that as fact.

"Since we're both adults, should we not take the higher road here? In a perfect world, that would be the right thing to do.

"Unfortunately, I think because I'm a Christian, some people think that I'm supposed to 'turn the other cheek' and let people say and do whatever they want. I guess the 'pussy' in me won't let me do that.

"Thanks for listening and my sincere apologies if I've offended anyone and please know that was not my intention. I'll try a little harder next time."

The original article follows below.

Sebastian Bach has accused Michael Sweet of having "a big fucking mouth" after the STRYPER frontman said a teenage female singer "smoked" Bach with her version of a classic SKID ROW song.

The latest war of words began when Sweet shared a video on Facebook of 16-year-old emerging artist Moriah Formica perfoming the SKID ROW track "I Remember You", along with the caption: "Moriah Formica kills this and in my humble opinion, smokes the original singer."

After a Twitter user posted a screenshot of Sweet's post and included the message, "Michael Sweet posts video to FB of 15 yo girl singing 'I Remember You' Calls @sebastianbach a 'tool' in the process," the former SKID ROW vocalist fired back, writing in a tweet: "Michael Sweet has a big fucking mouth. Behind a keyboard that is. Can't wait to see this pussy in person again someday."

Bach and Sweet previously traded barbs nearly two years ago when Sweet claimed he was asked to produce a Bach solo album, only for those plans to be squashed because Sebastian couldn't make up his mind. Sweet said: "I was approached to do a Sebastian album… to produce it and to co-write with him and basically try to kind of go back to those powerful songs from the past. Not make a dated record, but just that style, the anthemy SKID ROW stuff that everybody loves. And that was the plan." He continued: "Management got involved, and Sebastian and I e-mailed each other back and forth. It was going down the track a little ways and all of a sudden it came to a screeching halt. He decided he wanted to do an acoustic album, or wanted to do this, or wanted to do that. And I was just, like, 'Guys, let me know what's going on, if it's going on.' And I never really heard any more about it, so I guess it's not happening. But it would have been cool."

Michael also offered a theory as to why so few of Bach's 800,000 Facebook followers purchased the former SKID ROW singer's latest solo album, "Give 'Em Hell", when it was first released. Sweet told Trunk: "This isn't a bash against Sebastian at all; it's just my opinion. I think people wanna hear Sebastian of old. They wanna hear the SKID ROW Sebastian. They wanna hear the hits. And he's giving them modern rock. It's ['Give 'Em Hell'] a good album, it's a good-sounding album, but it's not the glory days."

After a fan wrote on Twitter that "the points M. Sweet made about fans wanting 'old school' Bach sounds - are ACCURATE. Not rude or mean. Just true," Bach responded: "ACCURATE? FACT: No member of STRYPER was EVER asked to produce ANY album by Sebastian Bach! EVER. Who do U think asks that?? Omg!"

Sweet later took to his own Twitter to clarify his proposed role in the making of Bach's solo album. Michael wrote: "I was asked by the LABEL to produce Sebastian Bach. I never said by Sebastian."

Formica is featured on Sweet's latest solo album "One Sided War", singing a duet with Michael on a different version of the song "Can't Take This Life".

The idea is simple. Use creativity and collaboration to create change, to do good… and to raise money for a worthy cause.

Longtime admirers of each other's work, the members of Grammy-Award-winning rock band LINKIN PARK and fashion designer and artist Blaine Halvorson of MadeWorn have come together to collaborate on a special project to benefit Music For Relief — the non-profit charity organization LINKIN PARK founded in 2005 to aid survivors of natural disasters and environmental conservation around the world.

From the ineffable MadeWorn studio in Los Angeles, Joe Hahn and Mike Shinoda of LINKIN PARK and Halvorson came together to spray-paint, stencil, and draw by hand — a design that combined both of their unique aesthetics.

Using the iconic street soldier from the album art of LINKIN PARK's multi-platinum debut, "Hybrid Theory", as their starting point, the band members and Halvorson created an original design that reflected both MadeWorn's renowned hand-detailing and the band's own personal narrative.

"The 'Hybrid Theory' street soldier was a team effort between me, Joe and Frank Maddocks," says LINKIN PARK co-lead vocalist Mike Shinoda. "We were working on images for the cover of our first album, and we made it to represent the duality of the band's sound — the intersection of contrasting elements, and the hard-versus-soft tension in our band's music. It's an image that's synonymous with the band's name at this point, and one that has become a cornerstone of our group's visual language over the years."

The result is an exclusive line of shirts available only for a limited time. $10 from the sale of each white t-shirt and hoodie, and $100 from each sale of the special edition black t-shirt in the collection will go to Music For Relief.

"MadeWorn is about the process, about craft," explains Halvorson about the project, "and this collaboration with LINKIN PARK was the perfect way to express that. It's about putting that kind of intense attention to detail into every piece, integrating artistry and the touch of the human hand."

To view the collection and donate, go to charity.madeworn.com.

Metal Wani editor in chief Owais "Vitek" Nabi recently conducted an interview with guitarist/vocalist Mille Petrozza of German thrash metal veterans KREATOR. You can now listen to the chat below.

Speaking about the five-year gap between 2012's "Phantom Antichrist" album and the upcoming "Gods Of Violence", Mille said: "It didn't seem that long, to be honest, because we have been touring so much. And I think in order to come up with something relevant and something exciting, it's definitely important to take some time off, and hat's what we did. After the extensive touring cycle for 'Phantom Antichrist', we just took almost… not two years off — we played a couple of festivals — but, basically, we didn't do much in '15 and until now [in] '16; those two years were free of any long touring. And so, yeah, being able to do this was a luxury, but was also necessary in order to come up with something great."

Mille also talked about the songwriting process for "Gods Of Violence", explaining: "We just wanted to write new songs that are just, 'Wow!' I think that's basically what we had in mind. One thing that we were all conscious about was that we needed to come up with an album that blows everyone away. So whatever it takes, we do. That's the only conscious decision that we made — to come up with something exciting; that's the key."

Regarding KREATOR's decision to return to Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden to record "Gods Of Violence" with producer Jens Bogren (OPETH, AMON AMARTH, KATATONIA), Mille said: "It was fantastic. We had a great time. We knew the location, we knew the studio, and it was really cool. And it was summertime this time, so it was a lot easier, really. It was nice."

"Gods Of Violence" will be released on January 27, 2017 via Nuclear Blast Records. The cover artwork for the disc was created by renowned artist Jan Meininghaus, who also made the limited-edition artwork for KREATOR's last album, 2012's "Phantom Antichrist", and has lent his talents to bands like BOLT THROWER, ACCEPT and OVERKILL in the past.

The exclusive North American cover was created by renowned artist Marcelo Vasco, who has previously worked with SLAYER, MACHINE HEAD, SOULFLY and HATEBREED.

The track listing is as follows: 01. Apocalypticon02. World War Now03. Satan Is Real04. Totalitarian Terror05. Gods Of Violence06. Army Of Storms07. Hail To The Hordes08. Lion With Eagle Wings09. Fallen Brother10. Side By Side11. Death Becomes My Light

The video for the "Gods Of Violence" title track can be seen below. The clip was filmed with renowned video production company Grupa13, which has previously worked with AMON AMARTH, BEHEMOTH and ELUVEITIE.

Mille commented: "We have prepared an amazing video trilogy with Grupa13 for our new album. We believe that they are among the most creative artists when it comes to surreal video art. The storyline is linked to our album concept and the first clip visualizes the birth of the KREATOR demon."

Regarding the "Gods Of Violence" title track, Petrozza said: "'Gods Of Violence' was the first song I wrote for this album and it stuck to me as the title track. It contains everything KREATOR is known for and it will blow your minds. Promise!" He added about the album artwork: "The cover of is a perfect reflection of my lyrical vision. I think this is Jan Meininghaus's best work so far."

KREATOR will tour Europe in support of the new CD beginning in early February. Petrozza and his crew will be accompanied by a varied as well as iconic billing. Brazilian-American extreme metal pioneers SEPULTURA are direct support to the headliners, followed by visionary Swedish melodic death metallers SOILWORK and Belgium's finest death/grind outfit ABORTED.



North American cover (by Marcelo Vasco):



International cover (by Jan Meininghaus):