Blacklight Media/Metal Blade Records has announced the signing of Boston's rock/metal outfit GOZU to a worldwide deal. Formed in 2010, the four-piece has released one EP and three full-lengths to-date, and is currently writing their fourth studio album, set for a 2017 release.

GOZU comments: "We are extremely excited to be signed to Blacklight Media/Metal Blade Records, started by celebrity chef Chris Santos and partnered with legendary Metal Blade founder and CEO Brian Slagel. The four members of GOZU couldn't be happier. This is why we plug in every night."

Santos adds: "I caught GOZU at Brooklyn's Metal Bar Lucky 13 Saloon and they blew me away. By the second song in their set, I began sending Brian real-time video of the show. GOZU represents the bands that I look for for Blacklight Media; it's hard to articulate, but you know it when it grabs you by the throat."

GOZU heaves the rock yet embodies the soul on its past releases. Comprised of Marc Gaffney on vocals and guitar, Doug Sherman on guitar, Joe Grotto on bass, and Mike Hubbard on drums, the band's sound is tailor-made for blasting out the car speakers via international radio airwaves. Having already been aired on national television (USA) via MTV ('Road Rules', 'Dudesons', 'Real World'), NBC and NASCAR, GOZU aims to take their critical and commercial success to new heights on their upcoming debut for Blacklight Media/Metal Blade, with worldwide touring to follow. Previously, the group shared the stage with the likes of ST. VITUS, PALLBEARER, LO PAN, STORM OF LIGHT, HELMET, ELDER, MOS GENERATOR and FU MANCHU in the States, as well as YOB, CHURCH OF MISERY and KVELERTAK in Europe at Roadburn (Netherlands) and DesertFest Berlin (Germany). 2017 will surely see GOZU back on the road again.

Photo credit: Tim Bugbee

HALESTORM's cover version of AC/DC's "Mistress For Christmas" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

The band says: "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."

The single can be downloaded via iTunes, Google Play and Amazon and is also available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music.

HALESTORM has also confirmed that it has recorded a third covers EP to follow 2011's "ReAniMate" and 2013's "ReAniMate 2.0".

The band says: "And yes, we do have a new covers EP in the works, details of which we will release very soon. This song will not be on it."

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

The new record will follow up 2015's "Into The Wild Life", which was criticized by some fans for veering too far into pop music territory. As for the subject matter, Hale hinted: "I feel like this next record is gonna be the extreme on both ends where you're gonna see an extreme debaucherous side of me, which I have been very much embracing the past couple of years, and then you're gonna see an extreme hangover, vulnerable side of me."

According to Billboard, MÖTLEY CRÜE frontman Vince Neil will perform at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration in January. The singer, who will appear with his solo band, said he was asked to play at the Washington D.C. event "months ago."

"The promoters asked if I was available, and I said yes," Neil revealed. "So we sent all of the band’s passports to the Secret Service so everybody can get in, and all of the crew people, not knowing who was winning. But we were already scheduled to play."

The singer added that he wasn't sure what he will be playing at the ceremony. "I don't know how long I have to play," he said. "I don't know if the Republican Party says which [songs] to play and what not to do. It's a little ways out. I'll have more information as time goes on."

Neil will appear on the next season of "The Celebrity Apprentice", NBC's long-running business reality show previously hosted by Trump. The president-elect has since been replaced by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former California governor and a world-famous movie star, known for films like the "Terminator" series.

Neil last month struck a deal to avoid jail time in connection with a misdemeanor battery charge related to an incident where he allegedly assaulted an autograph seeker.

MÖTLEY CRÜE will release a box set, "Mötley Crüe: The End", on November 25 via Eleven Seven Music. The box set will chronicle the band's 35-year career with the inclusion of six LPs and CDs, packaged within a hardcover photo book, of "Too Fast For Love" (1981), "Shout At The Devil" (1983), "Theatre Of Pain" (1985), "Girls, Girls, Girls" (1987), "Dr. Feelgood" (1989), "Saints Of Los Angeles" (2008), and conclude with a live audio CD and DVD of the band's final performance to a sold-out Los Angeles Staples Center arena on December 31, 2015. Also included are four exclusive, autographed lithograph photo prints of the band, four exclusive Mick Mars guitar picks and a commemorative "Final Tour" VIP laminate pass.

The End Records and BMG have teamed up to release Simon Kirke's new studio album, "All Because Of You", on February 10, 2017 in North America.

Kirke recorded "All Because Of You" with EMPTY POCKETS over the course of four studio sessions at Chicago, Illinois's Empty Pockets Studios. With Kirke on lead vocals, drums, guitar, keyboards, and ukulele, his cohesion with EMPTY POCKETS (Josh Solomon, Erika Brett, Nate Bellon, Danny Rosenthal) would make you think they've been recording together for years. Kirke says: "I finally got a chance to record some of my best songs with a superb band — the EMPTY POCKETS. This CD has become one of the highlights of my career."

Fans of BAD COMPANY will be excited to learn that Track 3 on "All Because Of You" is a ukulele version of the 1975 BAD COMPANY classic "Feel Like Making Love", written by Simon Kirke (and named the 78th Best Hard Rock Song Of All Time by VH1!). The album also features guitarist Warren Haynes (ex-ALLMAN BROTHERS, GOV'T MULE), who guest stars on Track 10, "Trouble Road".

Regarding how the ukulele version of "Feel Like Making Love" came about, Kirke explains: "I was noodling on my ukulele playing 'Feel Like Making Love' just for fun and my fiancée Maria said, 'You should do that on stage...' I told her it was an iconic song of BAD COMPANY's, and she said, 'So? Do your own version... It's fun...' I played it to the EMPTY POCKETS and they loved it... so here it is." "All Because Of You" track listing:

01. All Because Of You **02. Warm Gulf Water03. Feel Like Making Love04. Melting On Madison06. Maria07. Wind And The Rain08. Into The Light09. Friends In The Woods10. Lie With You11. Trouble Road12. Stay With Me

** Available for instant download with the full album iTunes pre-order

Born and raised in London, THE BEATLES perked a teenage Simon's interest in rock music, and he picked up the drums — leading to a gig with a local band called THE MANIACS, on which Simon supplied drums and lead vocals (something quite uncommon at the time). Simon worked out a deal with his parents after graduating high school, that if he couldn't "make it" as a drummer in a band within a two-year period, that he would begin a college career. Just a few months before the deadline, Simon landed a gig with a group called THE BLACK CAT BONES. The drummer befriended the group's talented guitarist, Paul Kossoff, who in turn convinced Simon to leave the group with him and begin a new outfit with singer Paul Rodgers. Soon ex-JOHN MAYALL'S BLUESBREAKERS bassist Andy Fraser signed on and FREE was officially formed in 1968. Mixing blues with hard rock, the group would prove to be quite influential, especially on the strength of their classic 1970 release "Fire And Water", and its strutting, anthemic hit single "All Right Now". When the band broke up, it didn't take Simon long to find another gig, joining Paul Rodgers in a new band, BAD COMPANY, which was quite similar stylistically to FREE. Joined by ex-KING CRIMSON bassist Boz Burrell and ex-MOTT THE HOOPLE guitarist Mick Ralphs, BAD COMPANY was the first group signed to LED ZEPPELIN's record label, Swan Song. Their debut album, 1974's "Bad Company", would go on to become one of hard rock's all-time classics, as it birthed such long-standing rock radio standards as "Can't Get Enough", "Ready For Love" and the title track, written by Paul and Simon himself. The group hails as one of the all-time top rock outfits. Simon Kirke is the only member of BAD COMPANY who's been in every lineup of the band.

BLACK SABBATH's second album, "Paranoid", was reissued on November 11 by Rhino as a four-disc set that includes the original 1970 LP, a rare quad mix of the record folded down to stereo and two live shows from 1970, one from Montreux and one from Brussels.

The song "Iron Man", recorded live in Montreaux and featuring alternate lyrics, can now be streaming using the SoundCloud widget below.

JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford penned the liner notes for the release. He wrote: "'Paranoid' is important because it's the blueprint for metal. It led the world into a new sound and scene."

"Paranoid: Super Deluxe Edition" includes a hardbound book with new interviews with all band members, photos, a poster and a replica of the book sold during the group's tour in support of the album.

The quad mix included on the set's second disc comes from vinyl and 8-track pressings made in 1974. They've been long out of print. The concerts were recorded around the time of the album's release; in fact, the Montreux show was performed before the album even came out.

An unboxing video for the "Paranoid: Super Deluxe Edition" can be seen below.

"Paranoid: Super Deluxe Edition" track listing:

Disc One: Original Album, 2012 Remaster

01. War Pigs / Luke's Wall02. Paranoid03. Planet Caravan04. Iron Man05. Electric Funeral06. Hand Of Doom07. Rat Salad08. Jack The Stripper / Fairies Wear Boots

Disc Two: 1974 Quad Mix fold-down to stereo

Disc Three: Live in Montreux 1970

01. Intro02. Paranoid03. N.I.B.04. Behind The Wall Of Sleep05. Iron Man06. War Pigs07. Fairies Wear Boots08. Hand Of Doom

Disc Four: Live in Brussels 1970

01. Paranoid02. Hand Of Doom03. Rat Salad04. Iron Man05. Black Sabbath06. N.I.B.07. Behind The Wall Of Sleep08. War Pigs09. Fairies Wear Boots

Released in the autumn of 1970, "Paranoid" is regarded by many as the finest heavy metal releases of all time, is hugely influential and has come to define the genre.

The album was produced by Rodger Bain and was recorded at Regent Sound Studios and Island Studios in London, England.

Asked if he realize how special "Paranoid" was while creating it, original SABBATH drummer Bill Ward told Goldmine: "There were several things that I felt back then but I knew that we were into something different. I mean, I think we all did. We knew that we were tapping into something we enjoyed very much. But we knew that it was different. And we knew that it was fragile as well, in the sense that this might not last more than five minutes, you know. Because there were so many opponents in, for lack of better words, higher places that were out to get that album and not give it any time at all."

He added: "When we played these songs originally, like I said earlier, we didn't know if it was going to last or not. It was actually quite fragile in many ways. But then SABBATH became generational. I guess that happens, where other bands become almost cultish. The life of SABBATH has been dependent upon others who have been influenced by SABBATH's music, just by granddad telling grandson: 'Hey, check this band out.' That's been amazing that part. We started to notice that when the guys showing up now are 50, 60 years old, and the kids there as well are, like, 10 years old. It's really neat, actually. It's very nice to see all that. I'm quite pleased how it's turned out to be influential with other musicians, too. To me, those are the things that are like silent gifts that you get when you get old. I hope that I received them with a modicum of humility and not big-headed about it."

Pressed to elaborate more on his use of the word "fragile," Ward said: "Back then, when we were making 'Paranoid' — and when we made our first album — we were still very much a band and we were very tight. There was the band, then the road managers and then the other people who would drive us around and take care of us, you know. There was probably ten of us, ten people together, and in a lot of ways there was a lot of internalizing. You know, we took care of each other's back and we looked after each other. We were really like one. I often referred to it as the Four Musketeers. It felt like that because there was so much coming from the outside. Between the media and TV and all the new audiences that we were reaching, all the new countries that we were traveling in. There was still very much this newness to everything. And I guess a sense of mistrust. We come from a really really hard, tough area in Birmingham so we learned to grow up with one eye always open, so to speak, we weren't stupid, in that sense we were pretty street smart."

He continued: "Keeping that in mind, as we were passing through record companies or talking to lawyers or anything like that, we were much very private. We huddled down and discussed everything and what was going on. We had just come from a huge two-year of touring in Europe where we would share our food. We were quite penniless so when we were playing the Star club and going through the Reeperbahn and doing all the things in Denmark and Sweden and so on and so forth, when we were doing those gigs prior to 1970, we had to learn how to survive because we were basically living for food and playing for food and things like that. So that really does breed a tough veneer, if you like. So we had that for some time. That traveled with us into the new world and the new changes that we were going through, or were about to go through. And that's what I meant by 'fragile.'"

SABBATH originally started out as a blues-rock act called EARTH, and singer Ozzy Osbourne told The Pulse Of Radio that some of that influence made its way into their first album. "We were originally a six-piece blues band," he said. "We had a saxophone player, bottleneck guitar player but they left, they fell to the way, and then we just started writing our own stuff and it came off blues. And so I suppose when we went and we did the first album, we still had that blues flavor with us, you know."

AC/DC singer Brian Johnson makes a guest appearance on the song "Old Friends Don't Come Easy" from THE GREG BILLINGS BAND. The track, which is taken from "Boom! Boom! All Night!", the latest album from the THE GREG BILLINGS BAND, can be streamed below. Also featured on the record is CHEAP TRICK's Robin Zander.

Billings, who fronted the band STRANGER in the 80s and early '90s, said about Johnson and Zander in a 2011 interview: "These guys are really good friends who actually can come over to my house and I feel comfortable getting creative with."

AC/DC postponed the last ten dates of its North American tour earlier in the year after doctors told Johnson he faced a total loss of hearing if he did not stop touring immediately. AC/DC has since completed its tour, with GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose as a "guest vocalist" and Johnson apparently not returning to the group.

Johnson said in an open letter to fans that he intends to solve his hearing problem and continue recording and touring, although he pointedly did not say whether he would be rejoining AC/DC.

The vocalist wrote: "My entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing. I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic."

Johnson had been AC/DC's frontman for 36 years, ever since replacing the late Bon Scott in 1980 and making his debut on the classic "Back In Black" album.

British rock outfit AS LIONS will release is debut full-length album, "Selfish Age", on January 20 via Better Noise Records. The pre-order for the album begins today on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play, and exclusive album pre-order merchandise bundles are available for order at the band's online store. Fans who pre-order the album will instantly receive "Aftermath", "White Flags", "Deathless" and "World On Fire". "Selfish Age" is the follow-up to AS LIONS' debut EP, "Aftermath", released earlier this year. Helmed by award-winning producer David Bendeth (OF MICE & MEN, PARAMORE, BRING ME THE HORIZON) and Kane Churko (FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, DISTURBED, IN THIS MOMENT), "Selfish Age" is an illustration of the band's mission to create "the biggest, baddest hard rock we could, and on an almost cinematic scale." The album's 11 dynamic tracks are a study in contrasts, with the epic and evocative "Aftermath", the crushing "Deathless", which targets the Internet culture's obsession with image, "Bury My Dead", a hard-hitting personal statement complemented by stately piano tinklings, and the electro-tinged title track, "Selfish Age".

Comprised of vocalist Austin Dickinson (son of IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson), guitarist and keyboardist Conor O'Keefe, guitarist Will Homer, bassist Stefan Whiting and drummer Dave Fee, AS LIONS are the evolution of British rock. Having already played sold-out shows in the U.K., AS LIONS is now leaving its imprint on the States during their U.S. arena tour with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, SHINEDOWN and SIXX:A.M.

"Selfish Age" track listing:

01. Aftermath02. The Suffering03. Bury My Dead04. Deathless 05. Selfish Age06. White Flags07. Pieces08. World On Fire09. One By One10. The Fall11. The Great Escape

AS LIONS was formed after the breakup of Austin's previous band, RISE TO REMAIN, which released one album, "City Of Vultures", in 2011.

"Oath Breaker", a brand new song from Linköping, Sweden-based blackened metallers WITCHERY, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's long-awaited sixth studio album, "In His Infernal Majesty's Service", which will be released on November 25 via Century Media Records.

Commented WITCHERY guitarist Patrik Jensen: "This might be my favorite song of the whole album. Totally relentless in its thrashy-ness, yet beautiful and epic during the choruses. I can't wait to get to play this song live! Lyrical topic: A fictional story about a secret society that protects is vows of secrecy."

"In His Infernal Majesty's Service" track listing:

01. Lavey-athan02. Zoroast03. Netherworld Emperor04. Nosferatu05. The Burning Of Salem06. Gilded Fang07. Empty Tombs08. In Warm Blood09. Escape From Dunwich Valley10. Feed The Gun11. Oath Breaker

WITCHERY played a score of festivals in support of their latest release, 2010's "Witchkrieg", did a tour of Japan together with VADER and WATAIN, but, unfortunately, the band's lineup rotation continued. While former DARK FUNERAL vocalist Emperor Magus Caligula assumed live session duties for a while (replacing ex-MARDUK/DEVIAN frontman Legion), it was only recently that guitarist and band leader Patrik Jensen managed to gather the right new members for the recordings of "In His Infernal Majesty's Service", as he explains. "We've sadly had to part ways with two members prior to this album; longtime band member Martin Axenrot and live member (and recording member-to-be) Emperor Magus Caligula. Martin's departure is purely down to him being too busy with his other musical endeavors and Caligula had to leave the band over an unfortunate medical condition involving his hearing. These are both serious losses for the band and we wish them all the best in the future. We have, however, been able to find more than able replacements for our two lost brethren: Chris Barkensjö on the drums and Angus Norder on vocals. They both bring fresh blood and fresh ideas to the band and you can clearly hear that they both have made it necessary for us 'old members' to step up our game a notch or two!” Celebrating the 20th year of the group's existence, "In His Infernal Majesty's Service" showcases an illustrious and revamped lineup consisting of original members Patrik Jensen (guitar; THE HAUNTED), Rikard Rimfält (guitar; SEANCE) and Sharlee D'Angelo (bass, ARCH ENEMY), alongside new additions to this nocturnal guild Angus Norder (vocals; NEKROKRAFT) and Chris Barkensjö (drums, LIK). Self-evidently, WITCHERY stays the stylistic course and continues their infamous tradition of combining the best elements of old school thrash, speed, death, black and ultimately pure heavy metal with dead-on songwriting precision for maximum listening pleasure. In regards to the musical approach and the recording procedure goals with the new album, which was produced and mixed by Daniel Bergstrand at Dug Out Studio (BEHEMOTH, IN FLAMES, MESHUGGAH).

Jensen adds: "Musically, I wanted to make this album more raw than the previous ones. Perhaps as raw as the first album even. I really didn't want to over-work things, as I myself enjoy music that comes more from feeling and enthusiasm than music that has been contemplated and construed.

"This album is recorded by Daniel Bergstrand at his Dug Out Studio in Uppsala, Sweden. Even though Daniel has been a high-profile name for ages within the metal community, I've never had the opportunity to work with him before.

"I have to say that Daniel is really easy to work with. All around a great guy and he immediately understood what I was looking for production-wise when I spoke to him about the album.

"My main request was that I wanted a raw and unpolished production. I really dislike productions where you can hear that the band has had ages to complete just one song. Where there might be a month's worth of coffee breaks between the guitar takes etc. I wanted it to sound like a real band that is playing together. My second request was that I wanted the drums to sound like on VAN HALEN's '1984' album. I seriously love that aggressive middy drum sound.

"I think Daniel did an amazing job and I know that he rates this production very highly on his own personal list of albums he's worked on…” WITCHERY's "In His Infernal Majesty's Service" comes packaged in classy artwork by Andreas Diaz Pettersson. Jensen says: "Longtime friend of the band — and designer of many things associated with WITCHERY — Andreas Diaz Pettersson was once again called upon to create the artwork for our new album. He has a great ability to create artwork that really stands out within the scene, without compromising on quality or with the essence of the band. We are very pleased with what he has created for us, and we think the artwork is a great addition to the overall massive quality and appeal we truly believe this album to have. Stoked!"

METALLICA's tenth studio album, "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct", is available for streaming in its entirety in the YouTube playlist below. Due out November 18, it consists of two discs, containing a dozen songs and nearly 80 minutes of music.

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich has said what the band and producer Greg Fidelman wanted to capture this time out. "One of the battle cries was to try to again capture something we always strive for — a little looser and a little less precision-based and kind of more about capturing a vibe and a feeling rather than perfection and precision and all that stuff," he said. "So I think Greg was sort of really looking out for that for most of the process and trying to make sure that it still had kind of a nice, loose feel around the edges, you know."

METALLICA frontman James Hetfield stated about the "Hardwired... To Self-Destruct" album title: "'Hardwired... To Self-Destruct', to me… I guess what it means to be is that… A friend of mine told me that… Sometimes he and I would get in trouble a lot, and is it just that we are hardwired that way. I need my friends to tell me some better decisions sometimes, and sometimes I don't. And just wondering if man in general is wired one way or another. But also, I think, a lot of these songs deal with man on the planet. Who do we think we are? In the history of the universe, we have been around a millisecond, and we think we can control the world and global warming and everything. Do we really have that kind of control, or is it [that] our time is finished? I don't know. So, a little bit of a cynical approach to mankind."

Hetfield added in a seprate interview that METALLICA stays away from topics like politics or religion in their music. Asked about the lyrical themes on "Hardwired... To Self-Destruct", he explained, "It's dealing with fame — and for everyone that's their goal: 'I want to be famous!' And there's also the topic of, 'Man, are we really doing this right?' In the timeline of history, man has been around for a nanosecond and (I'm asking): 'Are we done now? Have we had our time?'"

Hetfield added: "We stay away from politics (and) from religion. That just seems to polarize people even more. We all have our own beliefs, but at the end of the day, we're trying to connect with people and it seems like political views don't do that as much as music does."

The singer/guitarist continued: "There's a lot of polarization going on in the States, and I see it other places as well. But it just seems like you have to get more extreme to balance out the other extreme. We've got to find some balance in the middle here somewhere."

Ulrich told BBC 6 that the album is "the leanest we've been for a while. Maybe even the leanest we're capable of," adding that the songs "got tighter and leaner and a little more concise."

METALLICA plans extensive touring in 2017 behind the new album.

"Hardwired...To Self-Destruct" track listing:

Deluxe Edition (Digital Download & CD)

Disc One

01. Hardwired02. Atlas, Rise!03. Now That We're Dead04. Moth Into Flame05. Dream No More06. Halo On Fire

Disc Two

01. Confusion02. ManUNkind03. Here Comes Revenge04. Am I Savage? 05. Murder One06. Spit Out the Bone

Disc Three (Bonus)

01. Lords of Summer02. Ronnie Rising Medley03. When a Blind Man Cries04. Remember Tomorrow05. Helpless (Live at Rasputin Music)06. Hit the Lights (Live at Rasputin Music)07. The Four Horsemen (Live at Rasputin Music)08. Ride the Lightning (Live at Rasputin Music)09. Fade to Black (Live at Rasputin Music)10. Jump in the Fire (Live at Rasputin Music)11. For Whom the Bell Tolls (Live at Rasputin Music)12. Creeping Death (Live at Rasputin Music)13. Metal Militia (Live at Rasputin Music)14. Hardwired (Live in Minneapolis)

Deluxe Box Set (3LP + 1CD)

Disc One Side A

01. Hardwired02. Atlas, Rise!03. Now That We're Dead

Disc One Side B

01. Moth Into Flame02. Am I Savage?03. Halo On Fire

Disc Two Side C

01. Confusion02. Dream No More03. ManUNkind

Disc Two Side D

01. Here Comes Revenge02. Murder One03. Spit Out the Bone

Disc Three Side E (Bonus)

01. Lords of Summer

Disc Three Side F (Bonus)

01. Hardwired (Live in Minneapolis)

Bonus CD

01. Ronnie Rising Medley02. When a Blind Man Cries03. Remember Tomorrow04. Helpless (Live at Rasputin Music)05. Hit the Lights (Live at Rasputin Music)06. The Four Horsemen (Live at Rasputin Music)07. Ride the Lightning (Live at Rasputin Music)08. Fade to Black (Live at Rasputin Music)09. Jump in the Fire (Live at Rasputin Music)10. For Whom the Bell Tolls (Live at Rasputin Music)11. Creeping Death (Live at Rasputin Music)12. Metal Militia (Live at Rasputin Music)

With over 130 million albums sold, an extensive catalog of hit anthems, and nearly 3,000 concerts performed in 50 countries for over 35 million fans, Bon Jovi is simply one of the world’s most successful bands, ever. As their new album, This House Is Not For Sale, debuts at #1 in the US, Australia and Japan and in the Top 5 in 54 other countries, Island/UMe announces that a comprehensive vinyl box set of 25-LPs, entitled Bon Jovi: The Albums, will be released in February 2017. It will include all Bon Jovi albums and additional titles (as outlined below) for premium collectors. The box set release will coincide with the kick-off of the band’s This House Is Not For Sale Tour in North America. Check out the contents of the career-spanning box set in the unboxing trailer below and pre-order now at this location.

Alternately, Island/UMe has made every Bon Jovi album from the past thirty-two years available for individual purchase on high-quality vinyl now. Fans can purchase individual albums now at this location.

Every vinyl album preserves the original look and sound of the originals - all LP jackets are exact replicas of the original album cover and songs have been mastered to the band's specifications to ensure exceptional audio quality. There are also plenty of “firsts” – this will be the first time Bon Jovi’s albums from the 2000’s have been pressed in any territory before, others will receive their first-ever US vinyl releases, while many are being pressed for the first time in decades.

Bon Jovi has created some of the most recognizable songs ever. From ubiquitous hits like “Livin’ On A Prayer,” “You Give Love A Band Name,” “Bad Medicine,” “Always” and “It’s My Life” to back-to-back-to-back-to-back #1 albums – Lost Highway, The Circle, What About Now, and This House Is Not For Sale –  their music, filled with indelible melodies and infectious hooks has created an enduring, ongoing legacy.

The band’s 14th album, This House Is Not For Sale, is available now on Island/UMG, and reunites Bon Jovi with Grammy Award-winning producer John Shanks, who began working with the band in 2005, on the RIAA platinum Have A Nice Day, which entered the charts at #1 in 15 countries worldwide. This is Bon Jovi’s first major release since 2013’s What About Now, which was the band’s third consecutive multi-platinum album to enter Soundscan at #1 (following Lost Highway in 2007 and The Circle in 2009).

Albums available on vinyl now:

Bon Jovi (1984)
7800° Fahrenheit (1985)
Slippery When Wet (1986)
New Jersey (1988) *available as a double LP for best possible audio quality
Keep The Faith (1992) *first-ever vinyl pressing in the U.S.
These Days (1995) *first-ever vinyl pressing in the U.S. with two bonus tracks previously unavailable here
Crush (2000) *never before on vinyl
Bounce (2002) *never before on vinyl
Have A Nice Day (2005) *never before on vinyl
Lost Highway (2007) *never before on vinyl
The Circle (2009) *never before on vinyl
What About Now (2013) *never before on vinyl
This House Is Not For Sale (2016) *120-gram vinyl pressing

In February, the career-spanning 25-LP box set will include the above, plus five additional albums:

Blaze Of Glory (Jon Bon Jovi) (1990)
Destination Anywhere (Jon Bon Jovi) (1997) *never before on vinyl
Burning Bridges (2015) *never before on vinyl
This House Is Not For Sale (2016) *Bon Jovi’s 14th studio album, available as a 180-gram pressing
Extras – a new compilation created exclusively for the box set featuring “Always” and international rarities

(Photo - Norman Jean Roy)

Candiria have released the video for "The Whole World Will Burn", which is taken from the band's new record, While They Were Sleeping (out now via Metal Blade Records). While They Were Sleeping is a concept album conceived by the band's lead vocalist Carley Coma that tells the tale of a failed musician who rises up against a monarchy in New York City. The clip, comprised of black and white, slice-of-life footage culled from the band's NYC Five-Borough "World Tour," which took place during release week in early October, can be seen below.

Candiria's Michael MacIvor (bass) comments: "The Candiria Five-Borough Tour was an idea conceived by our team many months before our record came out. We wanted to give a little payback to all of our fans located in the boroughs. They have been traveling to see us for years. So we wanted to go to them this time. And we had an amazing time doing it. The people in these under-served markets were so happy and grateful for us coming to them. That it really was an experience the band will cherish forever. We think that the video for 'The Whole World Will Burn' truly captured the vibe of a band from NYC. And how we interact with our people. Frank Godla did a great job. He is from NYC and a fan of the band. So he was able to capture everything we wanted. Frank is someone that we love working with, because first and foremost, he is a friend. He gets the band. He gets our vibe. And he knows what we want without us having to explain things in depth."

Catch Candiria live in concert:

November
17 - Hartford, CT - Webster Under
19 - Philadelphia, PA - Voltage Lounge

L.A. thrashers Anger As Art have released an official video for "Unknowing, Undead", a song from their latest album Ad Mortem Festinamus.

Ad Mortem Festinamus was released March 11th on Old School Metal Records. On the follow-up to 2013 barnstormer Hubris, Inc. the quartet has done the improbable by creating a roaring thrash metal beast that doesn't just raise the bar; it crushes it into dust. Order Ad Mortem Festinamus at this location.

Recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered by Ronald Sandoval at Rev Studios, Chino CA, Ad Mortem Festinamus (Latin translation: We Hurry Into Death) is everything you've come to expect from Anger As Art... and more! Speeding recklessness, lacerating solos, and a shrapnel storm of riffs combine to create an incredibly fierce foray into thrash metal armageddon.

Synth wizard Steve Moore, of Zombi fame, is streaming a new track from the The Mind's Eye score in the form of "Zack's Back" (listen below).

The Mind's Eye is due out this December 2nd on CD/2xLP/Digital via Relapse Records. Physical and digital pre-orders are available now via Relapse.com here.

The Mind's Eye tracklisting:

“Intro”
“Police Station”
“Interrogation”
“Titles”
“Zack Attack”
“The Shot”
“Good Girl”
“Zack's Out The Bag”
“The Escape Pt. 1”
“The Escape Pt. 2”
“Stitches”
“Father And Son”
“I Trust Her So Much”
“It's Complicated”
“What Are You Waiting For”
“Injections”
“Kurt And Travis Arrive”
“You're Making A Big Mistake”
“Mike vs Kurt”
“Confrontation”
“Rayne In Blood”
“Goodbye”
“Armstrong Splits”
“On The Phone”
“Zack's Back”
“Zack vs Travis: The Rematch”
“Get Ready”
“Psychic War”
“Slovak Escapes”
“My Brain Does Not Tire”
“This Ends Now”
“The End”
“End Credits”

“Zack’s Back”:

“The Escape Pt. 1”:

“Intro”:

Irish pagan metallers Primordial will release their first live album, Gods To The Godless: Live At Bang Your Head Festival Germany 2015, on November 25th via Metal Blade Records. Listen to the track “Wield Lightning To Split The Sun” below, and pre-order the album in various formats here.

Primordial's A.A. Nemtheanga comments: "It might seem like an unusual move, a double live album. Especially within the scene we are from, but the live album was once a staple of most bands' careers and something we all grew up with in our collection. Pouring over tour dates, gear information and killer live pics. Ok so it's not Live After Death but you can see the attraction and taste the romance involved, right? Fact is though we hadn't planned it, it was basically a happy coincidence, the good people at Bang Your head who took such a risk booking us the first time on a more traditional old school rock festival had us back for the fourth time, gave us a proper headlining set length and happened to mention afterwards that they had a mobile recording device rigged up and ready to go. When we listened back to the tapes we found something we could work with and the idea took shape. If you love the band, you will know what to expect: blood, guts and passion - and believe us, the double vinyl will look beautiful! If we've been in your orbit, but you've never trained your sights on us properly, this might be a good place to start as the sound is massive, the old songs have some added muscle and the planets aligned to make 'Gods to the Godless' perhaps a great introduction to the band. From our side, it felt like something important to do, like taking advantage of an opportunity to make not only a standalone album in its own right, but also add something rich to the heritage and tapestry of metal that once hinged on the live album. The tradition reaches back into the 70s and 80s and we are proud to have our own small place in that pantheon! And for the record...not one single over dub. This is truly Live and Dangerous..."

Gods To The Godless: Live at Bang Your Head Festival Germany 2015 tracklisting:

“Gods to the Godless”
“Babels Tower”
“Where Greater Men Have Fallen”
“No Grave Deep Enough”
“As Rome Burns”
“The Alchemists Head”
“Bloodied Yet Unbowed”
“The Coffin Ships”
“Heathen Tribes”
“Wield Lightning To Split The Sun”
“Empire Falls”

“Wield Lightning To Split The Sun”:

“Gods To The Godless”:

Check out the rare video below for “Dark Reflections”, from the Candlemass Live album, released in 1990.

Live tracklisting:

“The Well Of Souls”
“Dark Are The Veils Of Death”
“Bewitched”
“Solitude”
“Dark Reflections”
“Under The Oak”
“Demons Gate”
“Through The Infinitive Halls Of Death”
“Samarithan”
“Mirror Mirror”
“At The Gallows End”
“A Sorcerer’s Pledge”

“Dark Reflections” video:

 

 

Norwegian prog metallers Leprous have debuted another sample off the band's very first live DVD/CD/LP package, titled Live At Rockefeller Music Hall, which will come out worldwide on November 25th via InsideOut Music. Watch “Third Law” below.

Recorded live at a hometown show in Oslo on June 4th of this year, Live At Rockefeller Music Hall will arrive on various formats, including a limited DVD+2CD Digipak, standalone DVD, 2CD Jewelcase, Gatefold 3LP + 2CD & as Digital Download audio.

Leprous checked in with the following comment about the upcoming release: "After a year of intense preparations with the production of our upcoming live release, we're very proud to share a first clip with the world! Leprous has always been a very active live band, and the live sound is a very important part of the band's identity. The concert at Rockefeller in Oslo was a milestone for us and it perfectly shows what Leprous 2016 is all about."

The full tracklisting of the concert part is as follows:
 
Live At Rockefeller Music Hall:

“The Flood”
“Foe”
“Third Law”
“Rewind”
“The Cloak”
“Acquired Taste”
“Red”
“Slave”
“The Price”
“Moon”
“Down”
“The Valley”
“Forced Entry”
“Contaminate Me”

Additionally, the DVD contains the following bonus materials:

Behind The Scenes
“Slave” (Lyric Video)
“Restless” (Video)
“The Cloak” (Video)
“The Price” (Video)
Leprous At Rockefeller 13 Years Earlier

“Third Law” video:

“Slave” video:

In other news, Leprous have announced a long overdue vinyl 2LP re-release of their groundbreaking 2011 album, Bilateral, which will be out on January 27th via InsideOutMusic, in good timing for their commencing tour campaign across Europe/UK. Look out for more details and pre-sale info soon.

European dates with Devin Townsend Project and Between The Buried And Me:

January
28 - Antwerpen, Belgium - Trix * No BTBAM
30 - Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg - Rockhal
31 - Paris, France - Bataclan

February
1 - Bordeaux, France - Rockschool Barbey
3 - Madrid, Spain - La Reviera
4 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz 2
5 - Marseille, France - Le Moulin
7 - Milan, Italy - Live Club
8 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
9 - Stuttgart, Germany - LKA Longhorn
10 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
12 - Zagreb, Croatia - Tvornica Club
13 - Budapest, Hungary - A38
14 - Vienna, Austria - Arena
16 - Prague, Czech Republic - The Roxy
17 - Leipzig, Germany - Täubchenthal
18 - Kraków, Poland - Kwadrat
19 - Warsaw, Poland - Stodola
21 - Hamburg, Germany - Grünspan
22 - Aarhus, Denmark - Voxhall
23 - Göteborg, Sweden - Pustervik
25 - Bergen, Norway - Blastfest
26 - Oslo, Norway - Sentrum Scene
28 - Helsinki, Finland - The Circus

March
1 - Seinajoki, Finland - Rytmikorjaamo
3 - Stockholm, Sweden - Berns
4 - Malmö, Sweden - KB
5 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Amager Bio
7 - Berlin, Germany - Columbia Theater
8 - Dortmund, Germany - FZW
9 - Tilburg, The Netherlands - 013
10 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands - De Melkweg

One of rock n' roll's most venerated guitar gods, Uli Jon Roth will release a very special live performance from the Nakano Sun Plaza Hall in Tokyo, Japan on December 16, 2016 via UDR Music. Titled "Tokyo Tapes Revisited - Live In Japan", the performance is a celebration of Roth's classic work with the SCORPIONS, and was recorded on February 20, 2015 at the same venue as the band's classic 1978 live album "Tokyo Tapes". Roth was a founding member of the SCORPIONS in 1973 before leaving to pursue a solo career in 1978 with his own ELECTRIC SUN. As the recognized creative heartbeat of the SCORPIONS, Roth achieved worldwide fame for his unique guitar and songwriting talents, in turn causing him to influence a plethora of modern guitar giants such as Kirk Hammett of METALLICA, Billy Corgan of SMASHING PUMPKINS and Steve Vai. Watch a "Tokyo Tapes Revisited - Live In Japan" clip of Roth and his band performing "Virgin Killer" below.

"Tokyo Tapes Revisited - Live In Japan" will be released in four different formats: 1 - Video and audio recording of Roth's Tokyo concert in a Blu-ray digipak containing one Blu-ray video disc and two audio CDs. 2 - The same as Product 1 only in a DVD digipak. 3 - A digital audio copy of the Tokyo concert. 4 - A super-deluxe boxset, limited to 800 copies. It will be a proper, lid-off shell box containing four heavyweight vinyl LPs of Roth's 2015 "Scorpions Revisited" release which has never been released on vinyl. There will also be an 80-page, gatefold, hardcover 12-inch book which will house 8 discs — one Blu-ray concert main-feature, one bonus BluRay disc (which will contain the original footage from the first Japanese SCORPIONS tour 1978, shot personally by Roth on his Super 8 camera), two audio CDs of the main Tokyo concert and four bonus audio CDs of Roth's Osaka and Nagoya dates on the same Japanese tour. The set will also include an Uli Jon Roth replica guitar key ring, a t-shirt, and a signed certificate of authenticity, numbered and signed by Roth himself. Pre-orders for "Tokyo Tapes Revisited - Live In Japan" CD/DVD and CD/Blu-ray versions are available via Amazon, and digital is available via iTunes with "Virgin Killer" instant grat.

As a member of the SCORPIONS from 1973 through 1978, Uli Jon Roth helped pioneer the neo-classical style that has influenced countless guitarists to this day. His extraordinary playing can be heard on four classic SCORPIONS records, "Fly To The Rainbow" (1974), "In Trance" (1975), "Virgin Killer" (1976) and "Taken By Force". This lineup also recorded what many still consider to be one of the greatest live albums ever recorded, "Tokyo Tapes".

"At first I didn't realize the impact it had on the rock music scene," Roth told JamMagazine.com about the live album. "When I left the band in 1978, I disconnected myself from the past and was only interested in my new band, ELECTRIC SUN. I didn't follow the success of 'Tokyo Tapes'. Over time, I began to realize that musicians and fans kept referring to that album like it was something extra special. Gradually I understood why. Now I actually see the recording in a different light than what I thought back then."

Released in March 2015, "Scorpions Revisited" was a double-disc CD recorded in Hanover, Germany which saw the maestro re-harness all the collective power and poise of those original SCORPIONS classics, and re-imagine them as he feels today.

The band which performed with Roth for these shows was Nathan James (vocals), Jamie Little (drums), Ule W. Ritgen (bass), Niklas Turmann (guitar, vocals), Corvin Bahn (keyboards, vocals) and David Klosinski (guitar).

FOREIGNER turns 40 in 2017! To get the celebration started early, the band — Mick Jones (lead guitar), Kelly Hansen (lead vocals), Jeff Pilson (bass, vocals), Tom Gimbel (rhythm guitar, sax, vocals), Michael Bluestein (keyboards), Bruce Watson (guitar) and Chris Frazier (drums) — has some exciting plans for their fans during the remainder of 2016. On Record Store Day's Black Friday event on November 25 — the same month the band entered Atlantic Records studio to record their first album in 1976 — FOREIGNER will release a 10-inch vinyl EP, "The Flame Still Burns" via Rhino Records. The highly collectible EP features a brand new recording of the title track, a song Mick Jones wrote for the film "Still Crazy". "The Flame Still Burns" was performed by a fictional band in the film and went on to win the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for songwriting. However, this electric version has never been officially recorded by FOREIGNER until now. The EP also contains a live version of "Juke Box Hero" and the original 1977 recordings of "Feels Like The First Time" and "Long, Long Way From Home".

A new video for "The Flame Still Burns" will premiere online on November 21 as part of iHeartRadio ICONS Featuring Foreigner Presented by Citi MasterPass at the iHeartRadio Theater in New York. The exclusive 60-minute live event featured an intimate question-and-answer session and live performance, hosted by Jim Kerr of Q104.3's "Jim Kerr Rock & Roll Morning Show" which will stream on iHeartRadio.com and broadcast on iHeartRadio Classic Rock stations at 8 p.m. local time. FOREIGNER has been universally hailed as one of the world's most popular rock acts with 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits that continue to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 75 million. Also on October 26, they embarked on a brand new journey into the literary world with "A Foreigner's Tale", Mick Jones' first-ever official biography that will be made available in various formats, including a limited edition. Produced in conjunction with Rocket 88 Books, "A Foreigner's Tale" tells the story of FOREIGNER in the words of founder, guitarist and producer Mick Jones and is sumptuously illustrated throughout. It will only be sold via ForeignerBook.com where fans can register their interest in the book and be sure of getting a copy when it is published in 2017. Registration is not a commitment to buy, but will ensure fans get the information on the book first, a pre-order discount and the chance to have their name printed in the book. "The Flame Still Burns" EP track listing: 01. The Flame Still Burns02. Feels Like The First Time03. Long, Long Way From Home04. Juke Box Hero (live)

"Vol. 2, Prayers For The Blessed", the new album from SIXX:A.M. — the band featuring MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx alongside guitarist DJ Ashba and vocalist James Michael — can be streamed in its entirety below. Due on November 18 via Eleven Seven Music, the disc was written and recorded at the same time as "Vol. 1, Prayers For The Damned", released earlier this year, and it acts as a companion piece to the first chapter while simultaneously elevating the band's sound in every area.

From "We Will Not Go Quietly" to the operatic show stopper "Maybe It's Time" and groove-driven, radio-ready rocker "That's Gonna Leave A Scar", "Prayers For The Blessed" displays the many sides of SIXX:A.M.'s sound, something that the band was able to develop by ramping up the amount of time they spent out on the road.

"We really found ourselves onstage and it's influencing the way we write," says Sixx. "We started focusing on our music not only as songwriters and lyricists but also stayed conscious of what would transfer over live to the audience."

Regarding the decision to split the "Prayers" project into two separate albums, James told The Aquarian Weekly: "When we set out to make two records, it was very intentional. We didn't want this to fall into that category that a lot of albums do, where it actually sounds like you went into the studio to one record, you have a few extra songs, you figured you'd polish them up and then you have a double album. We've all fallen victims to those albums before. This was a very different beast. It was very intentional. We thought of this as one big record, but then in a lot ways, we knew that we were going to be releasing them separately, so we did treat them separately, so they would stand alone. But we put so much effort and thought and care into every single note of both records and we wrote them both at the same time, and then figured out where each song made sense, so I think 'Vol. 2' is absolutely as strong, if not stronger than 'Vol. 1'. There are some songs on there that are really career songs. So, in a way, while we're so excited about 'Vol. 1' and the response that we're getting, we're also chomping at the bit for people to sink their teeth into 'Vol. 2' as well."

In a separate interview with Lehigh Valley Music, James stated about the decision to release "Vol. 2" so soon after "Vol. 1": "We didn't want to wait too long in between because they’re definitely connected. Both volumes certainly stand alone and are very satisfying bodies of work, but when they are experienced together, another layer of SIXX:A.M. and another of the messaging will be revealed. So it was important that we didn’t release them too far apart because they are connected, but we didn't want to release them at the same time 'cause that's an awful lot of music to absorb. And as you know, SIXX:A.M. music is — it's pretty heavy and it's pretty complex and deals with very, sometimes, difficult subject matter. So we wanted people to have time to absorb the messaging and absorb the songs before we then dropped a whole other album on them. But the reason we decided to do two records is we wanted to provide a lot of new music for people. We also kind of felt like we were playing catch-up in a way. 'Cause for the last ten years, we haven't been able to tour very much at all, and so we felt like, in a way, we were making up for lost time." "Vol. 2, Prayers For The Blessed" track listing:

01. Barbarians (Prayers For The Blessed)02. We Will Not Go Quietly03. Wolf At Your Door04. Maybe It's Time05. The Devil's Coming06. Catacombs07. That's Gonna Leave a Scar08. Without You09. Suffocate10. Riot In My Head11. Helicopters

SOUNDGARDEN guitarist Kim Thayil says that the band is hoping to release the long-awaited follow-up to 2012's comeback album, "King Animal", at the end of next year. The group started work on a new record in 2015, but took a break while frontman Chris Cornell toured last fall and earlier this year in support of his latest solo effort, "Higher Truth".

Speaking to Meltdown of the WRIF radio station in Detroit, Michigan, Thayil said about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the next SOUNDGARDEN record (hear audio below): "We're shooting [to release it in] late 2017. We've already done some writing. We have some more writing to do, and then there's the whole studio process."

He continued: "Some people whip out albums in a few weeks or a few months, and SOUNDGARDEN, given our different schedules, it takes a matter of months. We do something for a few weeks and then come back a few months later, or a month later, and revisit it."

Thayil added: "We're fairly attentive to what we do, so we wanna make sure that it has precision where it needs precision, it has chaos and looseness where you want the song to be wild and it has color where you want it to really shine. And we really roll the thing over. And that's our process. It's probably because you have four different, strong opinions and four different songwriters without the addition of the producer. So it's definitely a fun and dynamic process."

Thayil recently told "Whiplash", the KLOS radio show hosted by Full Metal Jackie, that SOUNDGARDEN has had" a number of songwriting and jam sessions" over the past year and has "some rough demos of a dozen or so songs."

Thayil also talked about how SOUNDGARDEN's creative process for making a new album has changed from when the band first achieved success. "The most exciting thing was having the new material be as fresh, and to add to the new material with the individual musical experiences we've acquired over the past decade or so," he said. "That kept everything with the same songwriting and personnel dynamic, that's augmented that personal dynamic with these new ideas and new music and new experiences that we've acquired over the past decade or so."

He continued: "With any relationship — with family or loved ones or boyfriend and girlfriend — sometimes after a period of time, you grow apart; you grow apart when you're together, you grow apart when you're away. But after this long period of time, we're still sort of where we're at with each other, and that's been a very positive thing. Probably because over those years when the band was not together, we were all still in touch and all still sharing similar social circles and the same friends, so we were always constantly doing things together and running into each other. It was just a matter of getting the four of us all on the same page and willing to put our nose to the grindstone and do the work that was required to keep the SOUNDGARDEN machine going the way it was when we split in the late '90s. I think the added maturity and growth is probably a bonus as well."

SOUNDGARDEN reunited in 2010 after a 13-year layoff, touring and then eventually writing new material that became the basis for "King Animal", its first new studio album in 16 years.

In addition to "King Animal", SOUNDGARDEN has issued a live CD, a greatest hits compilation and a two-disc collection of B-sides, outtakes and rarities.

Interview (audio):

The official lyric video for the song "In Spite Of Hindrances" from PRONG can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's latest album, "X - No Absolutes", which was released on February 5 through SPV/Steamhammer as a digipak (including bonus track+poster), 2LP gatefold version (colored vinyl, CD in paper sleeve) and as a digital download.

Comments PRONG frontman Tommy Victor: "PRONG is excited to announce a new single and lyric video for the song 'In Spite Of Hindrances', from our 'X - No Absolutes' album. You can follow and absorb the strong words, which celebrate overcoming obstacles, taking initiative and personal responsibility. Watch it first thing in the morning and throughout the day and night!"

PRONG spent the better part of October and November trekking through Europe with OBITUARY, EXODUS and KING PARROT as part of the "Battle Of The Bays" tour. They will finish off the run with some select shows with EXODUS and KING PARROT, a headline show in Karlsruhe and the Bang Your Head!!! festival in Luxembourg.

In a recent interview with AXS, Victor stated about the songwriting process for "X - No Absolutes": "I take a middle-of-the-road approach during the process and afterwards afterwards. Most importantly, we got it done on time. Without killing ourselves, we worked hard and got it done. It was a fairly enjoyable process — nothing to overwhelmingly exciting. There weren't any deep lows like in the past either. We had some problems here and there but we took a breath and fixed them, It's a strong release. I believe it was mission accomplished."

He continued: "This one was [made] about as fast as [the previous album] 'Ruining Lives'. But we were more confident that we could get it done quickly and efficiently since we had accomplished that with 'Ruining Lives'. It was produced in a similar fashion. The songwriting process was similar but that always changes a bit. My main objective is searching for lyrical ideas and riffs that I think are decent and can be formed into songs. And then if there is a completed song that has been demonstrated, I take a look and see if it will work in the format of a new record. We don't spend endless time haggling over issues that much anymore. Again, I like to make deadlines more these days."

Photo credit: Neil Zlozower

German/Dutch symphonic metallers XANDRIA will release their new album, "Theater Of Dimensions", on January 27, 2017 via Napalm Records.

Commented the band: "After the release of 'Sacrificium', we embarked on our longest tour so far. Over 150 shows that took us around the globe. Through so many different countries and diverse cultures. Through so many different, yet inspiring dimensions. We brought back plenty of memories, sometimes just bits and pieces, but those stuck to our heads. And it made us see who we are and where we wanted to take our music. Made us fearless. Made us push our boundaries once more. Made us cross some so-called genre defining borders. Made us bundle all our trademarks and take them to the next level. All this makes the most colorful XANDRIA album so far. It contains our most heavy and most emotional moments. Again, producer Joost Van Den Broek did a phenomenal job capturing the atmosphere down to every detail. 'A Theater of musical Dimensions.' Can't wait to share the songs with you..."

"Theater Of Dimensions" is described in a press release as "a hyper-emotional affair — and a very heavy one too, naturally. High-class guest vocals can be heard by mighty Henning Basse (FIREWIND), Zaher Zorgati (MYRATH), Björn Strid (SOILWORK) and Ross Thompson (VAN CANTO). There is a soundtrack-like, orchestral finesse inherent to the compositions, echoed by pounding groove and sophisticated shredding. Folklore and ballad chime in ('Forsaken Love'), heavy thrash rears its ugly head ('We Are Murderers (We All)'), and overall there is no doubt: XANDRIA are not only fearless, they are at their most entertaining and thrilling!"

"Theater Of Dimensions" track listing:

01. Where The Heart Is Home02. Death To The Holy03. Forsaken Love04. Call Of Destiny05. We Are Murderers (We All)06. Dark Night Of The Soul07. When The Walls Came Down (Heartache Was Born)08. Ship Of Doom09. Ceilí10. Song For Sorrow And Woe11. Burn Me12. Queen Of Hearts Reborn13. A Theater Of Dimensions XANDRIA is:

Vocals: Dianne van GiersbergenGuitar: Marco HeubaumGuitar: Philip RestemeierBass: Steven WussowDrums: Gerit Lamm

XANDRIA released a new EP, "Fire & Ashes", in July 2015. The effort contained three brand new songs — "Voyage Of The Fallen", "Unembraced" and "In Remembrance" — as well as re-recordings of two all-time favorites of the band's fans, "Ravenheart" (originally recorded for the album "Ravenheart" in 2004) and "Now & Forever" ("India", 2005). Cover versions of SONATA ARCTICA's "Don't Say A Word" and Meat Loaf's "I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)" were also be included on the EP.

XANDRIA's sixth album, "Sacrificium", was released in May 2014 via Napalm Records.

XANDRIA in 2013 parted ways with their singer of three years, Manuela Kraller, and replaced her with Dutch vocalist Dianne Van Giersbergen, who also fronts the progressive metal outfit EX LIBRIS.

Dianne Van Giersbergen made her live debut with XANDRIA at the end of November 2013 on a Spanish tour.

"II", the second studio album from the Latin American metal group DE LA TIERRA, can be streamed in its entirety below. The CD is being released on November 18 via Sony Music Latin.

DE LA TIERRA is comprised of some of Latin America's most talented metal musicians, including Brazilian guitarist Andreas Kisser (SEPULTURA), Argentine singer/guitarist Andres Gimenez (A.N.I.M.A.L.), Argentine bassist Sr. Flavio (LOS FABULOSOS CADILLACS) and Cuban/Mexican drummer Alex Gonzalez (MANÁ). "II" follows the band's 2014 self-titled debut which received rave reviews and support from critics and fans. DE LA TIERRA found massive success following the release of their debut album in 2014. The record allowed the band to tour and share the stage with bands like METALLICA and SLIPKNOT and perform at festivals such as Rock In Rio, Santiago Gets Louder and Vive Latino as well as gain a strong following of fans throughout North and South America. For their follow-up record, DE LA TIERRA worked with renowned producer Ross Robinson (SLIPKNOT, KORN, DEFTONES, THE CURE, SEPULTURA) who helped the band craft a furious set of songs for one of the year's most dynamic, heavy rock/metal albums. "Our first album was self-produced," says drummer Alex Gonzalez. "This second album we had the awesome opportunity, honor and privilege to work with Ross Robinson. He produced and really captured and brought out the best of all of us. It was very positive and challenging, but at the same time he made us work hard and give 100% all the time. He really helped us to find our sound and voice." "II" was recorded in Los Angeles, where DE LA TIERRA laid down the music live to analog tape machines. Each of the band's members has a unique, individual style that Robinson helped blend and balance with their influential roots for a rich music experience that transcends language barriers. "All four of us listen to so much music and different styles that all of that information brings a lot to the table once we start writing music," Gonzalez adds. "It's so awesome that a band like DE LA TIERRA, that is a heavy/metal band, can bring so many different styles and sounds of heavy metal to our music, but at the same time we include rhythms, melodies and lyrics from Latin America."

"Valley Of Tears", the new video from veteran British metallers TANK, can be seen below. The clip was filmed in the desert hills just outside the town of Mojacar in Southern Spain and the production was handled by MGV Productions.

TANK guitarist Cliff Evans comments: "We didn't want to make the usual low-budget, derelict warehouse-style video that so many bands seem to go for these days, so in order to do the song justice, we decided to find a more interesting location. We contacted Dale Webb at MGV, and he found the ideal backdrop that provided the essential vibe that goes so well with the song. Unusually for this part of Spain, the weather was stormy and overcast but that added a great atmosphere to the performance. The video really captures the raw energy but also the laid-back side of the band. We like nothing better than playing our own brand of rock 'n' roll and drinking beer together!"

Adds TANK guitarist Mick Tucker: "We're so pleased with the amazing response that we've had for our 'Valley Of Tears' album which was released at the end of last year. We wanted to portray the songs visually, so we decided to invest in making a couple of top-quality videos for our fans to enjoy and share the experience of what we're doing. We only had one day to film everything we needed, so it was hard work but we had plenty of cold Estrella beer close to hand to keep us going." Joining Tucker and Evans on "Valley Of Tears" are former DRAGONFORCE and current SKID ROW frontman ZP Theart, who has been a member of TANK's touring lineup for the past three years. Also featured are new recruits Bobby Schottkowski, formerly of SODOM, on drums, and current BLIND GUARDIAN member Barend Courbois on bass.

Regarding the recording process, Evans stated: "Bobby recorded the drum tracks in Germany with his producer, Waldemar Sorychta, whose previous work includes albums for LACUNA COIL, TIAMAT and SODOM, to name but a few. The drums are the backbone of the album and they seriously kick ass! Barend laid down the bass guitar in Holland a couple of days before heading out on a sold-out world tour with German metal legends BLIND GUARDIAN. The guitars were recorded in London under the guidance of producer Phil Kinman who is the master at capturing the sound of a Les Paul through a Marshall amp. No frills. Just awesome power! The album was mastered by Ade Emsley, who undertook the task of remastering the entire IRON MAIDEN catalogue for 24-bit iTunes release."

He added: "The title comes from the famous tank battle during the 1973 Yom Kippur War where one side was massively outnumbered but fought on regardless and against all odds secured a heroic victory.

"We feel that our style of metal is slowly disappearing and now we must also fight against the odds to keep it alive.

"We hope 'Valley Of Tears' will inspire other bands and fans alike to never forget what real metal is all about."

BLACK SABBATH's second album, "Paranoid", was reissued on November 11 by Rhino as a four-disc set that includes the original 1970 LP, a rare quad mix of the record folded down to stereo and two live shows from 1970, one from Montreux and one from Brussels.

JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford penned the liner notes for the release. He wrote: "'Paranoid' is important because it's the blueprint for metal. It led the world into a new sound and scene."

"Paranoid: Super Deluxe Edition" includes a hardbound book with new interviews with all band members, photos, a poster and a replica of the book sold during the group's tour in support of the album.

The quad mix included on the set's second disc comes from vinyl and 8-track pressings made in 1974. They've been long out of print. The concerts were recorded around the time of the album's release; in fact, the Montreux show was performed before the album even came out.

An unboxing video for the "Paranoid: Super Deluxe Edition" can be seen below.

"Paranoid: Super Deluxe Edition" track listing:

Disc One: Original Album, 2012 Remaster

01. War Pigs / Luke's Wall02. Paranoid03. Planet Caravan04. Iron Man05. Electric Funeral06. Hand Of Doom07. Rat Salad08. Jack The Stripper / Fairies Wear Boots

Disc Two: 1974 Quad Mix fold-down to stereo

Disc Three: Live in Montreux 1970

01. Intro02. Paranoid03. N.I.B.04. Behind The Wall Of Sleep05. Iron Man06. War Pigs07. Fairies Wear Boots08. Hand Of Doom

Disc Four: Live in Brussels 1970

01. Paranoid02. Hand Of Doom03. Rat Salad04. Iron Man05. Black Sabbath06. N.I.B.07. Behind The Wall Of Sleep08. War Pigs09. Fairies Wear Boots

Released in the autumn of 1970, "Paranoid" is regarded by many as the finest heavy metal releases of all time, is hugely influential and has come to define the genre.

The album was produced by Rodger Bain and was recorded at Regent Sound Studios and Island Studios in London, England.

Asked if he realize how special "Paranoid" was while creating it, original SABBATH drummer Bill Ward told Goldmine: "There were several things that I felt back then but I knew that we were into something different. I mean, I think we all did. We knew that we were tapping into something we enjoyed very much. But we knew that it was different. And we knew that it was fragile as well, in the sense that this might not last more than five minutes, you know. Because there were so many opponents in, for lack of better words, higher places that were out to get that album and not give it any time at all."

He added: "When we played these songs originally, like I said earlier, we didn't know if it was going to last or not. It was actually quite fragile in many ways. But then SABBATH became generational. I guess that happens, where other bands become almost cultish. The life of SABBATH has been dependent upon others who have been influenced by SABBATH's music, just by granddad telling grandson: 'Hey, check this band out.' That's been amazing that part. We started to notice that when the guys showing up now are 50, 60 years old, and the kids there as well are, like, 10 years old. It's really neat, actually. It's very nice to see all that. I'm quite pleased how it's turned out to be influential with other musicians, too. To me, those are the things that are like silent gifts that you get when you get old. I hope that I received them with a modicum of humility and not big-headed about it."

Pressed to elaborate more on his use of the word "fragile," Ward said: "Back then, when we were making 'Paranoid' — and when we made our first album — we were still very much a band and we were very tight. There was the band, then the road managers and then the other people who would drive us around and take care of us, you know. There was probably ten of us, ten people together, and in a lot of ways there was a lot of internalizing. You know, we took care of each other's back and we looked after each other. We were really like one. I often referred to it as the Four Musketeers. It felt like that because there was so much coming from the outside. Between the media and TV and all the new audiences that we were reaching, all the new countries that we were traveling in. There was still very much this newness to everything. And I guess a sense of mistrust. We come from a really really hard, tough area in Birmingham so we learned to grow up with one eye always open, so to speak, we weren't stupid, in that sense we were pretty street smart."

He continued: "Keeping that in mind, as we were passing through record companies or talking to lawyers or anything like that, we were much very private. We huddled down and discussed everything and what was going on. We had just come from a huge two-year of touring in Europe where we would share our food. We were quite penniless so when we were playing the Star club and going through the Reeperbahn and doing all the things in Denmark and Sweden and so on and so forth, when we were doing those gigs prior to 1970, we had to learn how to survive because we were basically living for food and playing for food and things like that. So that really does breed a tough veneer, if you like. So we had that for some time. That traveled with us into the new world and the new changes that we were going through, or were about to go through. And that's what I meant by 'fragile.'"

SABBATH originally started out as a blues-rock act called EARTH, and singer Ozzy Osbourne told The Pulse Of Radio that some of that influence made its way into their first album. "We were originally a six-piece blues band," he said. "We had a saxophone player, bottleneck guitar player but they left, they fell to the way, and then we just started writing our own stuff and it came off blues. And so I suppose when we went and we did the first album, we still had that blues flavor with us, you know."

After celebrating over 40 years together with the same trio line-up, UMe continues the celebration of the RUSH catalog with the release of three 40th-anniversary expanded editions of the band's classic 1976 album "2112".

On December 16, 2016, "2112 - 40th" will be released in three distinct variations. The 2CD/DVD edition will include a newly remastered CD of the original "2112" album by Abbey Road Studios, and an additional CD of rare, live and previously unreleased material, including newly recorded tracks from "2112" featuring Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of FOO FIGHTERS along with Nick Raskulinecz, BILLY TALENT, Steven Wilson from PORCUPINE TREE, Jacob Moon and ALICE IN CHAINS. The set's third disc is a DVD featuring a newly restored vintage 1976 RUSH concert recorded at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey, plus bonus videos of the Grohl/Hawkins/Raskulinecz track and BILLY TALENT track, and a new 25-plus-minute interview featuring RUSH guitarist Alex Lifeson and longtime producer and engineer Terry Brown. The new "2112" remaster originally appeared on the much-acclaimed 2015 hologram vinyl edition of the album; this marks the Abbey Road Studios master first time on CD.

UMe is also releasing a three-LP 200-gram vinyl edition incorporating all of the aforementioned audio material, plus a special laser-etched LP side, the 2015 hologram on "2112"'s side B and a unique turntable mat featuring the band's iconic Starman character. Fans will also have the option of purchasing a Super Deluxe edition of "2112", incorporating both CDs, the DVD, all three LPs plus its bonus items, and several exclusive collectable items including two 12-inch x 12-inch lithos, one featuring Hugh Syme's original Starman pencil sketching, the second showcasing a 1976 Massey Hall ticket stub; a reprint of the 1976 Massey Hall handbill and three buttons featuring each band member, all housed in a box lined with velvet flocking. For the first 1,000 Super Deluxe pre-order purchases at Rush.com, us.udiscovermusic.com and udiscovermusic.com, the purchaser will receive a limited-edition seven-inch pressing of the album's first single, "The Twilight Zone" (b/w "Lessons") and a custom red star 45 large hole adapter ring, both newly designed by Hugh Syme.

All three versions of "2112 - 40th" feature extensive liner notes by renowned rock historian Rob Bowman, and newly designed artwork by longtime RUSH art director Hugh Syme. The set's rare recordings include "Solar Federation", spotlighting the isolated Neil Peart vocals that close the song "2112" in "Grand Finale", two outtakes from the 1976 Massey Hall concerts, including "Something For Nothing" and a nearly complete 15-plus-minute performance of "2112", as well as a recently rediscovered live version of the album track "The Twilight Zone", which has only been performed twice in the band's long history.

An unboxing video of the Super Deluxe edition of "2112 - 40th" can be seen below.

The epic "2112" album which guitarist Alex Lifeson described as "the first record where we sounded like RUSH," is widely regarded as a crucial landmark in RUSH's body of work. Although it was the band's fourth album, it's generally considered to be the one on which the band's epic sound and ambitious conceptual approach blossomed. Resisting record-company pressure to focus on shorter, more radio-friendly songs, the band stuck to its guns and constructed the album's seminal seven-part, 20-minute title piece, a conceptual suite set in a dystopian future.

In addition to its status as a creative landmark, "2112" was also RUSH's commercial breakthrough, becoming the band's first album to reach the Billboard LP chart and the first RUSH album to achieve gold sales status in the U.S. (it was subsequently certified platinum). "2112" was also RUSH's first platinum album in Canada, spawning a now-legendary Canadian tour that culminated in a three-night stand at Massey Hall in Toronto, which was recorded for RUSH's first live album, "All The World's A Stage".

"2112" is one of two RUSH albums listed in the book "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die", and it ranked second on Rolling Stone's 2012 readers' poll of “Your Favorite Prog Rock Albums of All Time.” In 2006, the non-profit Audio-Visual Preservation Trust Of Canada chose "2112" as a culturally significant example of Canada's audio-visual heritage.

For more information, including the complete track listing for "2112 - 40th", visit Rush.com.

Despite a report from Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday that claimed STONE TEMPLE PILOTS have selected one-time "The X Factor" contestant Jeff Gutt as their new vocalist, a band representative says no final decision has been made.

"The band has been rehearsing with several singers over the past few weeks," the STONE TEMPLE PILOTS rep tells Entertainment Weekly in a statement. "They haven't made a decision yet."

Entertainment Tonight reported that Gutt, who was a runner-up in season three and now goes by his full name of Jeffrey Adam Gutt, has been writing and recording new material in Redondo Beach, California with bandmembers Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz for the past few months.

A source told the site that Gutt and the bandmembers have officially begun rehearsals in Hollywood this week, and are expected to tour next year.

Gutt appeared on "The X Factor" in 2013, where he was mentored by Kelly Rowland and impressed the other judges with his covers of songs like "Creep", "Dream On" and "Hallelujah".

Dean DeLeo told The Pulse Of Radio not long ago that the band would know quickly when it found the right singer. "You know that feeling you get when someone opens their mouth to sing, you know," he said. "They could sing three words and you know. You're either in or you're out, and I think we'll know that."

For several months, it's been rumored that STP had recruited Filipino musician John Borja to follow in the footsteps of the late Scott Weiland and LINKIN PARK's Chester Bennington as their third lead vocalist.

Borja himself had hinted on Facebook that he had spent time in Los Angeles with the members of STP, although he stopped short of saying he had the job.

STP began looking for a new frontman with open auditions last February. The band started its quest following the death last year of Weiland, who had been estranged from the group since 2013, and the end of a short-lived collaboration with Bennington.