Vocalist Till Lindemann of German industrial metallers RAMMSTEIN joined PAIN, the band led by Swedish producer and multi-instrumentalist Peter Tägtgren, on stage on November 9 at Klubsen in Hamburg, Germany to perform the song "Praise Abort" from their LINDEMANN collaborative project. Fan-filmed video footage of Till's appearance can be seen below.

LINDEMANN's debut album, "Skills In Pills", was released in June 2015 to mostly positive reviews, with Till describing the project's sound as "a baby between RAMMSTEIN and PAIN — at least, it's a mix of RAMMSTEIN vocals and PAIN music."

In a recent interview with Metal Wani, Peter said that there are still plans for LINDEMANN to play live shows in support of "Skills In Pills". "We think so," he said. "We just need to respect when RAMMSTEIN is back working now, and we have to wait for the next break, I think, if we can do something. We have ideas for a lot of songs laying around."

Asked if there will be more music coming from LINDEMANN in the future, Peter said: "Yes. For sure."

Tägtgren told Kaaos TV about the response to "Skills In Pills": "It's been really good. I mean, some people are, 'Ah, the lyrics are so immature.' [But] I think it's funny lyrics. me and Till are immature people. So, you know, we're just having fun with… He's discovering the English words; he's always been writing in German [with RAMMSTEIN]. And now, his crazy ideas and all the English stuff, it's like plucking the tree, he always tells me, from fruit, because the German tree is already empty for him, he said. So it's really refreshing for him to do all these things in English. Some [reviews] are more, like, 'Yeah, immature guys going crazy.' But, hey, it's a party album. It's like, you know, Billy Idol in 2015 on… I don't know… speed. It's a party album. We want people to get a good feeling when we do it. It's great party music, I think. It's an album that you can get in a mood before you go to a festival, or before you go out to the bar or something, to get a good feeling."

PAIN's latest album, "Coming Home", wasreleased on September 9 through Nuclear Blast.

9.11 Lindemann Praise Abort Live! #lindemann #tilllindemann #band #live #rammstein #song #praiseabort #pain #petertägtgren pic.twitter.com/7RvhnV15SO

— Lindemann Germany (@LindemannGerman) November 14, 2016

Finnish bashers Wintersun are currently looking for a second guitarist.  They have issued the following call to arms:

"We are looking for a second guitarist for the band. From now on Jari will concentrate solely on the vocals live (please see our previous update with all the details) and Teemu will be handling most of the guitar parts previously played by Jari (solos etc.). We are looking for a tight guitarist who can also handle challenging lead guitar parts.

We're mainly looking for a Finnish player over the age of 21 and the closer you are located to Helsinki the better, but we are not ruling out the nearby countries. Besides having professional-level playing and performance skills, we’re looking for a cool and relaxed guy to add to the Wintersun family.

How To Apply:

Send us a video of your best, tightest and most in-tune playing of these parts:

- Sons Of Winter And Stars “Behold The Rain Of Stars" riff (1:19-1:39) 
- Sons Of Winter And Stars "Killer Riff" (4:30-4:58) 
- Battle Against Time intro riff (0:00-0:19)
- Battle Against Time verse riff (2:06-2:32)
- Starchild “Meshuggah” riff (1:08-1:18)
- Death And The Healing sweep section (your interpretation with just one guitar) (5:10-5:31)
- Additional sample of your best rhythm/solo playing (anything you want), maximum length 1 min

Record ONE GUITAR TRACK ONLY with NO BACKING TRACKS. Metronome is recommended (and can be heard in the video).

If you can, record the guitar with DIRECT IN or MIKED sound with no effects (bit of effects is ok for solos). Direct In or miked sound is a big plus as guitar sound recorded with a camera mic is very forgiving and we won’t be a able evaluate your playing properly.

Also, tell us a little about yourself: where you live, what’s your musical background, what you usually do daily etc. Do you have any other skills that could benefit the band?

Upload the video to youtube/vimeo/dropbox (or other similar service) and send us a private (or public) LINK to the video. Please no video files attached to the email!

Send your application to: wintersunaudition@gmail.com

The deadline for applications is the 1st of December 2016.

We’re looking forward to seeing your amazing guitar videos! Have fun!"

- Jari, Jukka, Kai, Teemu

Following is the post announcing frontman Jari Mäenpää's decision to give up playing guitar on tour and focus on being a full-time vocalist: 

Jari - "After thinking about it for a long time I have made the decision to drop the live guitar, which means that I will solely become 100% live vocalist. This must be a shock to many, but this is something that I need to do. I want everyone to know that I will not stop playing guitar (ever!) or recording guitar on the Wintersun albums. On the contrary this decision will give me more time to play the guitar and learn new stuff in the "studio side of things". I can focus the playing on writing and recording new Wintersun material. Here's my reasons in a nutshell and I'm sure if you read them you will understand why this decision is actually a good thing:

- The main reason is that I've always loved to play the guitar and I've always loved to sing, but I've never truly enjoyed doing them both at the same time. It was just something that I started doing when I was young and kinda was 'branded' by it early on, but actually I enjoy singing and playing the guitar much more separately.

- Some of the future Wintersun material is too complicated for me to sing and play the guitar at the same time. During the past writing processes I've always had the thought in the back of my mind that 'How am I gonna do this live?' or 'I can't make a verse part from this riff, because it's too difficult to play and sing live at the same time.' I don't like that, I want more freedom when I'm writing and performing. Don't get me wrong, there is probably nothing I couldn't play and sing at the same time, if I would put a lot of time to practise the parts. But I have come to the realisation that time is very limited and I already have so much unreleased Wintersun material, that I won't be even able to release it all before I die. So I need to spend the time now wisely to write, record and perform the future Wintersun albums live! Hopefully this decision will at least help to release most of the Wintersun material for you guys! Of course depending also on whether we'll get funding for the albums.

- I'm constantly writing new music, so I need to focus my brains on the new material. If I have to always keep the old material fresh and remember all of it, it "locks" and limits my creativity. There's a limit on my brains' "hard drive", I need to create some free space in there.

- I'm already wearing too many hats in Wintersun. I do all the music and lyric writing. I produce, record, mix and master the albums. I've been already playing and singing live for over twenty years, not just doing the rhythm guitar, but doing all the pretty difficult solos too, not to mention the variety and difficulty of the Wintersun vocals. It is essentially a two man job and that has caught up on me! Lately I've been also doing lots of photography and video work for the band too. Although we hope that in the future we can afford to hire other people to do that work, so I can focus on the music. The point is, something has got to give. There's a limit for everyone and I have reached mine.

- As some of you may know, I had a lung operation when I was in my early twenties and I lost 1/4 of my lungs. So touring has been hard for me. Dropping the guitar will make performing easier for me, which means we can do more touring and that's what we want to do.

- I've always hated that my guitar playing and singing both have been a compromise live, because they 'eat each other.' So this will enable me to focus 100% on my singing live.

- The Wintersun vocal parts are pretty challenging already without the guitar... mixing growling, clean, raspy and high screaming vocals, not to mention there's quite a lot of remembering to do with the lyrics as well.

- Normally I like to sing with hand held mics, because I like to move my body quite a lot when I sing. Having the guitar hanging on my body and singing to a mic with a mic stand is quite hard for me, because I can't move and I have to stand stiff in one position. This gives me back&neck problems. For me it's a bad work position. I need to be able to move freely when I sing.

So these are the main reasons for this decision, but the biggest reason is using the time more efficiently and getting the Wintersun albums out there for you guys! This means Teemu will take the solo guitarist role. Will he be able to to survive the 'Winter Madness' solo? We shall see! If not, Jukka will play it with the bass!

Thanks for listening! I hope you understand my decision, because it is absolutely necessary in order to get the Wintersun albums out there and to play more live shows! I'm sure you agree!"

Stitched Up Heart have released a video for “Catch Me When I Fall”, a track from their debut album, Never Alone, available via Another Century. The new clip can be found below.

Never Alone tracklisting:

“Finally Free”
“Monster”
“Catch Me When I Fall”
“Event Horizon”
“It's So Easy”
“Never Alone”
“Now That You're Gone”
“Turn You On”
“Bleeding Out”
“City of Angels”
“I Can't Breathe”

“Catch Me When I Fall” video:

“Monster” video:

Dayshell released their Spinefarm debut, Nexus, in October. The band is now premiering the video for "Low Light”, which can be seen below.

"This song is not the norm for Dayshell," said frontman Shayley Bourget. "'Low Light' takes a different approach with the meaning. Basically, it's a fantasy between a guy and a girl. The guy always had a thing for this particular girl, but knew she was a wild cat. But when they both finally let their guards down, things get serious in the bedroom and basically... Well, just read the lyrics for yourself. As far as the music video concept goes? We just wanted a classic performance video. No cheesy story plot. Just us Dayshell boys rocking out in style."

The band are set to embark on a late fall tour with Spoken and 3 Pill Morning, which kicks off November 26th and runs through December 18th.

Tour dates:

November
26 - Trenton, NJ - Backstage at Championships
27 - Clifton, NJ - Dingbatz
28 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
30 - Westland, MI - The Token Lounge

December
1 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Theatre
2 - Ft. Wayne, IN - The Hub
3 - Braidwood, IL - Top Fuel Saloon
5 - St. Louis, MO - Fubar
6 - Merriam, KS - Aftershock
9 - St. Paul, MN - Amsterdam Bar & Hall
10 - Iowa City, IA - Gabes
11 - Omaha, NE - The Lookout Lounge
12 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theater
14 - Tempe, AZ - Club Red - Mesa
15 - Tucson, AZ - The Rock
18 - Clarksville, TN - The Warehouse

Black Hole Generator's new album, A Requiem For Terra, is set to hit the streets this Friday, November 18th and is now available to pre-order here in CD and vinyl formats, as well as at this location, where the album is also available digitally. The album track “Moloch” can be heard below.

Black Hole Generator's creator Bjornar E. Nilsen had this to say about the track: “’Moloch’ was one of the first tracks that was finalized for the album. It is one of my personal favourites from A Requiem For Terra and it acts as the centrepiece for the album. It embodies the album's bleak atmosphere which spans most of its dynamic range. Starting off as a mesmerizing hymn to the deity Moloch, it is broken up by frantic, furious parts tearing everyone from their mantric slumbers. On this track I was lucky to get Gjermund from Taake and Orkan on board on lead guitars, and his contribution really shines on this one!"

It's been ten years since the appearance of Black Hole Generator’s debut release, the Black Karma MCD, and given Nilsen's standing not only as Vulture Industries’ frontman, well known for his idiosyncratic vocals and eccentric stage performances, but also as one of Norway's most successful producers, working with bands such as Taake and Helheim, as well as one of the people behind the Dark Essence Records and Karisma Records labels, the delay is hardly surprising.

A Requiem For Terra,will delight many guitar fans with guitarist Arve Isdal (Enslaved, Audrey Horne) being joined on the album by the previously-mentioned Gjermund Fredheim, who guests on three of the tracks, and Dag Terje Andersen, who provides additional guitars.

Artwork for A Requiem For Terra is by the Romanian artist and designer Costin Chioreanu.

Tracklisting:

“A Requiem For Terra”
“Titan”
“Moloch”
“Beneath A Chemical Sky”
“Emerging Pantheon”
“Earth Eater”
“Spiritual Blight”

“Moloch”:

DEEP PURPLE's "California Jam 1974" will be released by earMUSIC on December 2 on DVD and Blu-ray formats. This release, never before available on Blu-ray, has been newly restored, features a brand new edit and comes with new artwork and liner notes. In April 1974, DEEP PURPLE's Mk III lineup consisting of David Coverdale (vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Glenn Hughes (bass and vocals), Jon Lord (organ) and Ian Paice (drums) had just released the album "Burn" when they climbed the stage of the soon to become legendary festival California Jam. The phenomenon now known as "arena rock" was born there — and DEEP PURPLE were at its epicenter. In many ways, the California Jam was the equivalent of the Woodstock festival to a burgeoning generation of hard rock and heavy metal fans. The Jam took place at the Ontario Motor Speedway in Ontario, California on a hot and sunny spring day on April 6, 1974. The event attracted an enormous crowd of a quarter-million people and represented a baptism of fire — in more ways than one — for PURPLE's "new boys," frontman David Coverdale and bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes, who in '73 had replaced Ian Gillan and Roger Glover, respectively, to usher in the band's so-called Mk III lineup. DEEP PURPLE were literally on fire during that time: due to some behind the scenes "feud" with the promoter, DEEP PURPLE's performance was full of fire and fury – no wonder their opening song was "Burn". At the climax of the show, a still-furious Blackmore trashed several of his guitars and chucked his amplifiers off the edge of the stage. Blackmore also struck one of the cameras with his guitar. The chaos continued when a massive onstage detonation created an out-of-control fireball — pun most definitely intended. In the midst of all this mayhem there was also some awesome music being created, PURPLE's set focused strongly on their then-current "Burn" album, the first by the Mk III line-up and only included a handful of songs from the previous Mk II era. Even in 2016, Glenn Hughes has very vivid memories of DEEP PURPLE's tempestuous California Jam performance. "It was a moment in time for us all," he said. "It was a great statement of what rock was all about in that pre-MTV era. It's also a great testament to the Mk III line-up. It's big, it's grandiose, it's funky, it's rock... it's Mk III in all its glory."

"California Jam 1974" track listing:

01. Burn02. Might Just Take Your Life03. Lay Down, Stay Down04. Mistreated05. Smoke on the Water06. You Fool No One / The Mule07. Space Truckin'

Swedish sleaze/punk-influenced metal outfit SISTER will release its new album, "Stand Up, Forward, March!", on November 25 via Metal Blade. The LP was recorded in Upplands Vaasby, Sweden by SISTER and producer Jona Tee of H.E.A.T., mixed by Tobias Lindell (AVATAR, CRASHDÏET, MUSTASCH, EUROPE, HARDCORE SUPERSTAR) and mastered by Christian Schneider at Scandinavian Mastering.

The song "Unbeliever" can be streamed below.

SISTER comments: "The second single, 'Unbeliever', was written by Cari Crow, Tim Tweak and producer Jona Tee. 'Unbeliever' really is an 'in-your-face' kinda song which we felt that the album really needed. Raw vocals, killer melodies and a great drive all through the song!"

"Stand Up, Forward, March!" track listing:

01. Destination Dust02. Carved In Stone03. Lost In Line04. Trail Of Destruction05. Carry On06. Unbeliever07. Let It Bleed08. Liberation Song09. Dead Man's Dirt10. Endangered Species11. Piece Of Shame

SISTER's Cari Crow comments: "Our intention with this release was not only to record an album, but the best album so far. The SISTER vibe with the aggressive music and raw sound is all there together with a bigger sound and choruses that will blow you away.

"This is by far the best SISTER album so far and there is no doubt that this one will take the band to new heights!

"The first single, 'Carved In Stone', was written by Tim Tweak and Cari Crow, together with producer Jona Tee. This was one of the last songs that were written for the album but we all understood right away that this might be the leading track."

After "Stand Up, Forward, March!"'s release, SISTER will head out on a European tour with NOISE POLLUTION as direct support.

SISTER is:

Jamie Anderson - vocalsTim Tweak - guitarsMartin Sweet - bassCari Crow - drums

In Flames were asked to name their favourite albums, movies, games and events of 2016. Check out this new video interview segment to find out what they had to say:

In Flames’ twelfth full-length studio album, Battles, is out now via Eleven Seven Music in North America and Nuclear Blast globally, excluding North America.

Recorded in Los Angeles, the 15-track album sees the band taking a new approach while staying true to their vision and encompassing their unique, signature sound. In Flames brought in Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson (Papa Roach, My Chemical Romance, The Used) as a collaborator on Battles, creating an album that speaks to all In Flames fans alike. Listen to the new song, “Through My Eyes”, streaming below.

“I think being in California really affected this album in the sense that we had a studio in the house that we were staying at and the vibe was really relaxed which lent itself to productivity,” says vocalist Anders Fridén. “It really helped having a producer who could make us focus on what we needed to accomplish and keep us on track,” he adds. “This was a very new approach for us because we’ve never let anyone else in the way we did with Howard,” says guitarist Björn Gelotte.

Tracklisting:

“Drained”
“The End”
“Like Sand”
“The Truth”
“In My Room”
“Before I Fall”
“Through My Eyes”
“Battles”
“Here Until Forever”
“Underneath My Skin”
“Wallflower”
“Save Me”
“Greatest Greed”
“Us Against The World”

“Save Me”:

“Through My Eyes”:

“The Truth” video:

“The Truth” lyric video:

“The End” video

“The End” lyric video:

In Flames and Hellyeah’s 2016 co-headline Forged In Fire Tour of North America, kicked off on November 12th in Orlando, FL. Spanning 28 cities across the US and Canada, the heavy metal tour of the fall will be supported by new bands From Ashes To New and Source on all shows.

Forged In Fire tour dates:

November
15 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE
16 - New York, NY - PlayStation Theater
18 - Binghamton, NY - Magic City Music Hall
19 - New Haven, CT - College Street Music Hall
20 - Boston, MA - House of Blues
22 - Montreal, QC - Metropolis
23 - Toronto, ON - Danforth Music Hall
25 - Detroit, MI - The Crofoot
26 - Fort Wayne, IN - The Hub
27 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Theater
29 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogarts
30 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues

December
1 - Kalamazoo, MI - State Theater
3 - Saint Paul, MN - Myth Live Event Center
4 - Green Bay, WI - The Sandlot
6 - Lincoln, NE - Bourbon Theatre
7 - Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall
9 - Los Angeles, CA - Belasco Theater
11 - San Francisco, CA - The Regency Ballroom
13 - Seattle, WA - Showbox Sodo
14 - Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom
16 - Edmonton, AB - Union Hall
17 - Calgary, AB - MacEwan Hall
18 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory Concert House
19 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater

In Flames will be performing a string of dates in the UK alongside Avenged Sevenfold and Disturbed.

Tour dates:

January (with Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed)
10 - Glasgow, UK - The SSE Hydro
12 - Newcastle, UK - Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
13 - Birmingham, UK - Birmingham Genting Arena
15 - Sheffield, UK - Sheffield Arena
16 - Manchester, UK - Manchester Arena
18 - Nottingham, UK - Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
19 - Cardiff, Wales, UK - Motorpoint Arena Cardiff
21 - London, UK - Peninsula Square O2 Arena

Canadian melodic death metal band, Decadawn, have releassed an official video for the song “Take You There”, featured on their 2014 album, Solitary Confinement. The new clip can be found below.

Decadawn is a “newer” band giving a go at the traditional Gothenburg sound. They possess many trademarks of the popular ’90s melodeath sound reminiscent of At The Gates and early-era In Flames with a touch of Children Of Bodom (minus the keyboards). However, the thing that separates Decadawn from the rest of the melodeath pack is the cleaner, melodic, power metal vocals they incorporate throughout each of the ten tracks on Solitary Confinement.

After releasing a demo in 2001, it took 13 years to finally release the band’s full-length debut, Solitary Confinement. The album was mixed at Studio Fredman (Dark Tranquillity, Arch Enemy), and At The Gates singer Tomas Lindberg makes a guest appearance on the track “Solitary Confinement”.

Solitary Confinement tracklisting:

“Disappear”
“It All Ends Today”
“Take You There”
“Everblack”
“Solitary Confinement”
“Falling Down”
“Even The Devil Hates You”
“Until Dawn”
“Hypochrist”
“The Running Man”

“Take You There” video:

“Solitary Confinement” featuring Tomas Lindberg:

Raw Cut Media has directed the video for the song "Halothane Glow" from Montreal extreme metallers CRYPTOPSY. Check it out below. The song is taken from the band's latest EP, "The Book Of Suffering Tome 1", which was released in October 2015.

"The Book Of Suffering Tome 1" was produced by Chris Donaldson at The Grid studio in Montreal, mixed by Jason Suecof at Audiohammer Studio and mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music.

It had been three years since CRYPTOPSY's last release and many fans had expressed their eagerness to hear new material.  This time, rather than a full album, CRYPTOPSY chose to release a series of EPs titled "The Book Of Suffering". This new approach allows CRYPTOPSY to put out new music more often while remaining true to their standards of quality.

"The Book Of Suffering Tome 1" track listing:

01. Detritus (The One They Kept) 02. The Knife, The Head And What Remains 03. Halothane Glow 04. Framed By Blood

CRYPTOPSY stated: "We are extremely proud of the new material; it is some of the most brutal, dark and technical music we have ever created."

A remixed version of "Sam I Am" from the upcoming album "This Is Sammy Hagar: When The Party Started, Volume 1", can be streamed below. The album will be released this Friday (November 18) via RedRocker.com.

"Sam I Am" is a total remix by Bob Daspit from scratch and started simply as a test mix for a new category of effect plugins for console and tape simulations.

Says Bob: "When I finished and listened back, I realized it was vastly superior — the drums, the guitar, everything just sounded better and the groove felt deeper. It was really happening so I sent it to Sammy with a note that this is how I wish we could have done it the first time."

Sammy stated about "This Is Sammy Hagar: When The Party Started, Volume 1": "This CD is a collection of what I feel are the best songs I wrote post-VAN HALEN that mostly didn't get a lot of mainstream attention.

"When I left VAN HALEN, I formed the WABOS as an alternative to the superstar big-time, high-maintenance commercial world I had been living in since I joined MONTROSE in 1972. "With the WABOS — Jesse Harms, David Lauser, Vic Johnson, Mona and myself — we locked ourselves in my basement studio. We rehearsed and recorded anything and everything I wrote. Along with Bob Daspit, and a few other engineer-friendly people, we produced and engineered ourselves on a new technical recording device called Pro Tools. "I was not interested in the big recording industry machine, well-known producers, or major label A&R people telling me what to do. In fact, when I finished some songs, I ran them by my friends at major labels, they would all say, 'This is not what we want from Sammy Hagar.' And I would say, 'But this is Sammy Hagar, this is who Sammy Hagar is today!' I was obviously changing into more of a lifestyle artist — some got it, some didn't. "This is when the party started. I played hundreds, maybe thousands, of shows anywhere and everywhere without a setlist and built a hardcore following of 'Redheads.' They were really into what we were doing. The birthday bash in Cabo got to the point where thousands of people were sleeping on the streets to hang out with us, and live the life we were living. "These are some of the special songs, and some of the special times in my musical life that I want to share with you in this special collection. "There's a lot of people I need to thank for these times. Musicians and crewmembers, business associates, Cabo Wabo staff, etc. There are way too many names to mention. So rather than take the chance of leaving someone out I just want to say thank you to all of you. You know who you are, and how you contributed to this very special time in my life. "It's now that time again to see what's up around the bend. Always at your service."

"This Is Sammy Hagar: When The Party Started, Volume 1" track listing:

01. Stand Up (5:58)02. Serious Juju (3:50)03. Little Bit More (3:37)04. Ten 13 (4:35)05. The Real Deal (3:12)06. Tropic Of Capricorn (4:34)07. Maui Wowie (2:11)08. Shag (Outtake Mix) (3:54) (+)09. Halfway To Memphis (4:29)10. Sam I Am (3:30) (+)11. Livin' On A Coastline (4:20)12. One Sip (2:18)13. No Worries (3:36) (*)14. Never Said Goodbye (3:09) (*)

* New track+ Alternate mix

Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD will release a new EP called "The Duke" on November 18 via Epic. The EP's title track, which was recorded during the sessions for the band's last album, "VII: Sturm Und Drang", was inspired by the plight of a LAMB OF GOD fan named Wayne Ford, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010 and died five years later at the age of 33. The EP includes another previously unreleased track that dates back to LAMB OF GOD's "Wrath" LP, the thrashy, heavy "Culling", which the band finished up especially for this EP, along with live recordings of three "VII: Sturm Und Drang" tracks.

"The Duke" EP will be released as a vinyl version the following week, on November 25.

"The Duke" track listing:

01. The Duke02. Culling03. Still Echoes (live at Rock Am Ring)04. 512 (live at Bonnaroo)05. Engage The Fear Machine (live at Bonnaroo)

You can now check out a sample of "Culling" in the tweet below.

LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe, who befriended Ford in 2012 after first learning of his cancer battle, has penned a lengthy note on the band's web site in which he discusses his interaction with the fan and the inspiration for "The Duke"'s lyrics, which were written "in [Wayne's] honor."

Blythe wrote in part: "While I was in the studio [recording 'VII: Sturm Und Drang'], I had asked Wayne if there was anything he wanted to say to the world, any particular words he wanted to be remembered by. My idea was to record him saying them over the phone and then layer them into the record, or perhaps I could take the words and work them into a song's lyrics. 'That's really cool. Let me think about it, man,' he said, but he never got back to me about it. I don't know if he hadn't made up his mind, or if he just didn't feel like it. Regardless, I wanted to honor him in some way. I wanted this level, collected man who had become my friend, all the while staring down his own death, to be remembered through the music of the band he loved. Seeing how calm he remained was (for lack of a better word) inspirational.

"Those of us who think about how we will die all hope that we will do so with dignity, but no one knows how they will handle death until it comes for them. Wayne provided me with a living example of how to leave this world with grace. So I decided to write the lyrics to 'The Duke' from my feeble understanding of his perspective, and in his honor.

"Some of the lyrics for 'The Duke' arose from things Wayne had said to me, others from a conversation I had with his wife, and some just from my own head. I had originally named the song 'Immortalis', but after a conversation with Wayne's father Frank, I decided to keep the original working title that my bandmates had come up with, long before I had ever talked to Wayne.

"When I told Frank about the working title, he laughed and told me that he was a big John Wayne fan. He had named Wayne after the actor, who also happens to be known as… The Duke. Synchronicity at work.

"For various reasons, my band decided to not release 'The Duke' as an album track. I was fine with that — I thought the song and the story behind it would get more attention if it was released on its own later. And I do want the song to get attention, for more reason than one. Besides honoring this man I was friends with for such a brief amount of time, I want the story of 'The Duke' to raise some awareness about leukemia, especially the need for blood marrow donors.

"There are not nearly enough registered donors to fill the need. Bone marrow matches are very specific, much more so than blood, and people die from leukemia and other blood related diseases each year because a suitable donor can't be found. It's easy, painless, and free to register — just go to www.bethematch.org. You may save someone's life. Another great organization to support is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society — they fund research and provide information and resources for patients with leukemia and lymphoma. Check out www.lls.org to find out how you can get involved. 100% of the funds generated from the charity auction I set up to coincide with this release will go to the LLS.

"I know from talking to Wayne while he was alive (and to his wife and family after his death) that he was a pretty private dude, a quiet and humble man. He wasn't a big attention seeker, but in his final days he opened up and talked about his disease more; he knew how much his dying could bring awareness to leukemia, the need for bone marrow donors, and funding for research to try and find a cure for this terrible disease. If he were alive, he would undoubtably be annoyed by the attention I am trying to draw to him now — it would harsh his mellow. But his wife Courtney reassured me recently that he would understand why I am dong this — to try and help people — and that 'he would be so honored to have not died in vain.'"

The Duke EP - Track 02: Culling Pre-order here: https://t.co/3FshJjXjNC pic.twitter.com/spFz8QCdQl

— Lamb Of God (@lambofgod) November 15, 2016

Progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER have announced details of a monumental European headline tour. The trek, which gets underway January 30 at Rome, Italy's Auditorium Parco Della Musica, will see the pioneering group celebrating the 25th anniversary of their milestone RIAA-gold-certified album "Images And Words". Each performance will see the iconic progressive rock band delivering an unparalleled live set of "Images And Words" in its entirety along with fan favorites from their renowned catalogue. Tickets for select dates go on sale this week. Additional dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

Images, Words & Beyond" tour dates:

Jan. 30 - Rome, Ialy - Auditorium Parco Della MusicaFeb. 01 - Padova, Italy - Gran Teatro GeoxFeb. 03 - Zurich, Switzerlan - Samsung HallFeb. 04 - Milan, ITaly - Mediolanum ForumFeb. 06 - Prague, Czech Republic - Forum KarlinFeb. 08 - Tilburg, Netherlands - 013Feb. 10 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - MHP ArenaFeb. 11 - Dusseldorf, Germany - Mitsubishi Electric HalleFeb. 12 - Paris, France - ZenithFeb. 14 - Hamburg, Germany - MehrFeb. 16 - Malmo, Sweden - Malmo ArenaFeb. 17 - Partille, Sweden - Partille ArenaFeb. 18 - Stockholm, Sweden - Fryshuset Arenan

Asked if he had any idea — prior to the "Images And Words" release — of the success the album would eventually become, DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci told Metal Insider: "Not at all. The whole situation was very uncertain. We had put out our first album, 'When Day And Dream Unite', and we didn't do any touring or anything for that. We did some press. People seemed to like it but it just ended. We decided to switch lead singers, and we went on this very long singer hunt for like a year and a half. We weren't really crazy about the label, so we were singerless, labelless, and holding jobs down teaching guitar and doing other things. We started to wonder if we would have an opportunity to do this again as a band. When Derek Oliver from Atco expressed interest, the very first thing they did was more of a development deal. We recorded a few songs from 'Images And Words' as a demo. By the time we went to actually do the album and got James [LaBrie] as a singer, we were just ecstatic to be able to do it again. We didn't even think it was going to amount to anything, we were just incredibly grateful to be back in the studio."

Regarding how DREAM THEATER approached "Images And Words" as opposed to "When Day And Dream Unite", Petrucci said: "With 'When Day And Dream Unite', we were really young and we had just got signed, we had a very short period of time to record it. We went as a band to live together in Pennsylvania and then we would go in and record. We really didn't have any experience. 'Images' was a bit later and we had more experience, some more gear, and some more ideas about what we wanted to do. The studio we were in was beautiful. It felt like we had more time to do it. Things like that. It was still a situation where we had a producer (David Prater) who was directing the whole ship, but yeah. The experience was very wide-eyed and exciting, and it was like a whirlwind. 'Images' was more of a conscious experience when we had more time and were a little bit more grounded at that point."

Petrucci also talked about DREAM THEATER's biggest hit to date, "Pull Me Under", which was included on "Images And Words". Asked if he ever thought the song would get played on the radio or that it would have MTV success, Petrucci said: "No, we didn't think that way at all. We were into writing progressive metal. We were all big fans of YES and RUSH, but we also liked METALLICA and other bands. We came out with this stuff that didn't have the normal pop structure, the songs were long. 'Pull Me Under' was at least eight minutes. Originally, 'A Change Of Seasons' was supposed to be on 'Images', but the label voted against that. The whole nature of the album wasn't really geared towards commercial standards. After we went on tour, that song started to gain legs from requests. We had no idea what was happening. We had to quickly film a video on tour at a club because we didn't have a video and it just grew from there. It was unintentional."

DREAM THEATER are currently on the second leg of their extensive North American headline tour which finds the group performing its widely acclaimed double concept album "The Astonishing" in immersive and interactive settings for a unique and unmatched live experience.

"Trust No One", the new video from California metallers DEVILDRIVER, can be seen below. The clip was filmed during the band's appearance at Ozzfest Meets Knotfest in Devore, California at the end of September.

"DEVILDRIVER is a California band and we were honored to be part of the return of Ozzfest in California, where it all began," said DEVILDRIVER frontman Dez Fafara. "I'm thankful to Sharon and Ozzy and everyone in the Osbourne camp that DEVILDRIVER was allowed to shoot a live video that day! The sun was blazing hot on a clear afternoon and the crowd went insane as soon as we took the stage. The pit was giant for us and it was killer to see such a massive crowd participating in the madness! Thanks to all who shared the memory and came out to support. Keep it heavy!"

"Trust No One" is the title track of DEVILDRIVER's seventh studio album, which was released on May 13 via Napalm Records. The follow-up to 2013's "Winter Kills" was once again produced by Mark Lewis (ARSIS, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, WHITECHAPEL, DEVILDRIVER, DEICIDE, SIX FEET UNDER) with assistance from Jason Suecof (AUGUST BURNS RED, DEICIDE, DEATH ANGEL). The new CD marks the group's first release since the departures of guitarist Jeff Kendrick and drummer John Boecklin and addition of axeman Neal Tiemann and former CHIMAIRA sticksman Austin D'Amond.

"Trust No One" entered The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 43 with first-week sales of just over 12,000 units — nearly all from pure album sales. The set follows the No. 32-peaking "Winter Kills", which was released in August 2013 and opened with 11,000 copies.

Fafara recently told Full Metal Jackie about the "Trust No One" album title: "I raised my children with a huge sticker on the refrigerator for a long time saying 'Question Authority.' And 'Trust No One' is basically along [those] lines. I don't think that 'Question Authority' would have worked for a title. But you've gotta really watch people, and you've gotta watch 'em before you bring 'em into your circle, and after you do bring them into your circle, then you've gotta watch 'em even closer. And as they exit, you'll realize that a lot of the times you bring in people, and as they exit, they are not, or were not, what they said they were the whole time they were in your life."

He continued: "I'm a very private person and my circle is very small. I have had some monumental fallouts over the years with some people, both personal and in business. And, basically, because you come to a realization where positivity is more important than anything in your life. And if someone is bringing you negativity, bringing you down, not having a good time with you or around whatever you are doing, you know, it's time to vacate the situation. 'Cause I am a glass-half-full guy; I'm always pretty positive, and I'm always willing to have a really good time. So, in the last couple years, that's been what's going on with me. I've been, 'Look, are you positive in my life? Okay, cool. Come around more. If you are not, I may lose your phone number.'"

Celebrating the launch of the band's 35th anniversary, more than 17 million albums sold worldwide, over 3000 live shows performed, NIGHT RANGER continues to rock with the release of "35 Years And A Night In Chicago". This amazing performance will be available December 2 via Frontiers Music Srl on 2CD/DVD, Blu-ray, and MP3 (audio only). Frontiers will also release a new studio album from the iconic band in the first half of 2017.

A performance clip of the song "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" from "35 Years And A Night In Chicago" can be seen below.

"After 35 years of recording and touring, we thought it was about time to rock out a live album for all the fans that have been coming to see us. And for those who have yet to experience a live NIGHT RANGER show.... enjoy the ride!" says Jack Blades of the new release.

Kelly Keagy adds: "For the past 35-plus years, this band has been knocking out audiences across the globe and continues to do so. All of it building to this one night in Chicago that sums up what NIGHT RANGER has always been about. Great high-energy rock 'n' roll. To the fans, we salute you!"

NIGHT RANGER has both epitomized and transcended the arena rock sound and style of that era and beyond, with songs that have significantly impacted popular culture and continue expanding their ever-growing fan-base. NIGHT RANGER is proof that powerful songs, plus accomplished musicians is the perfect formula for continued success. NIGHT RANGER has earned widespread acclaim multi-platinum and gold album status while leaving their indelible mark on the music charts with a string of best-selling albums ("Dawn Patrol", "Midnight Madness", "7 Wishes", "Big Life" and "Man In Motion"), its popularity fueled by an impressive string of instantly recognizable hit singles and signature album tracks. Producing legendary hits such as "Sister Christian", "Don't Tell Me You Love Me", "When You Close Your Eyes" the anthemic "(You Can Still) Rock In America", along with "Sentimental Street", "Goodbye", "Sing Me Away", "Four In The Morning" and more, the band was also one the first big "video" bands, with over ten number one videos on MTV. Over the years, the band's music has made notable contributions to and has been featured in many different areas of media and popular culture. NIGHT RANGER's songs can be heard in TV shows "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", "American Dad", "Glee", "Grey's Anatomy", "Parks & Recreation"; video games Rock Band, Guitar Hero and Grand Theft Auto; "Rock Of Ages" hit Broadway musical and feature film; the Oscar-nominated film "Boogie Nights", "Friday The 13th", "Teachers", "Sixteen Candles", "The Secret Of My Success"; JBL's "Hear The Truth" brand campaign; and many more!

NIGHT RANGER is Jack Blades (bass, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead and rhythm guitars), Eric Levy (keyboards) and Keri Kelli (lead and rhythm guitars). "35 Years And A Night In Chicago" track listing:

01. Intro02. Touch Of Madness03. Sing Me Away04. Four In The Morning05. Growing Up In California06. Rumors In The Air07. Secret Of My Success08. Sentimental Street09. High Road10. Eddie's Comin' Out Tonight11. Goodbye12. Day & Night13. Night Ranger14. When You Close Your Eyes15. Don't Tell Me You Love Me16. Penny17. Sister Christian18. (You Can Still) Rock In America19. 7 Wishes 2 CD + DVD digipak: CD 1:

01. Intro02. Touch Of Madness03. Sing Me Away04. Four In The Morning05. Growing Up In California06. Rumors In The Air07. Secret Of My Success08. Sentimental Street09. High Road10. Eddie's Comin' Out Tonight CD 2:

01. Goodbye02. Day & Night03. Night Ranger04. When You Close Your Eyes05. Don't Tell Me You Love Me06. Penny07. Sister Christian08. (You Can Still) Rock In America09. 7 Wishes DVD

01. Intro02. Touch Of Madness03. Sing Me Away04. Four In The Morning05. Growing Up In California06. Rumors In The Air07. Secret Of My Success08. Sentimental Street09. High Road10. Eddie's Comin' Out Tonight11. Goodbye12. Day & Night13. Night Ranger14. When You Close Your Eyes15. Don't Tell Me You Love Me16. Penny17. Sister Christian18. (You Can Still) Rock In America19. 7 Wishes

Video footage of ANTHRAX singer Joey Belladonna's classic-rock covers band called CHIEF BIG WAY performing the BON JOVI hit "Livin' On A Prayer" on July 29 at Lakesiders Sports Bar & Grill in Rochester, New York can be seen below.

The upstate New York-based group, which features Belladonna on drums and vocals, is rounded out by Dave Mickelson on bass, Joe Precourt on guitar and John Goodwin on keyboards.

In a 2011 interview with Attention Deficit Delirium, Belladonna stated about CHIEF BIG WAY: "It's a three-piece, sometimes a four-piece with keyboards. We play TRIUMPH, DEEP PURPLE, RUSH, VAN HALEN, LED ZEPPELIN, THE WHO, PINK FLOYD, HENDRIX, CREAM, all classic stuff. We also do PRIEST, SABBATH and DIO. It's all older, straight-up-hits-type stuff. I'm on the drums with the [vocal] headset. There are no props and no gimmicks. I sing the whole night."

Asked if it's difficult to sing and play drums at the same time, Belladonna said: "It's not an easy thing. I never thought that I would sing and play 'Tom Sawyer' [RUSH] at the same time. Something that you think is easy to play is often not. 'Heartbreaker' by LED ZEPPELIN has so many different [drum] accents that have nothing to do with the song vocally. It's a good challenge."

Regarding whether singing different styles of music in his side projects is good for him, almost acting like "exercises" to keep his vocals in shape, Belladonna told Tricia Weight: "Yeah, it [is]. I mean, now I've got more projects than I've ever had. Even at home I sing to records, that's how I learned to do it anyhow, I used to pull out the coolest records and sing to 'em all day long, before I went out [on stage]. And I do it now, even [on the way] to the gig. If we've got an hour drive tonight — I'm rocking the stuff on the iPod all the way there!"

Didn't you always dream of saving the world with the help of your guitar, giving some badass guitar gods the low-down and fighting fierce riff battles alongside your brothers and sisters in metal? Well, Metal Tales: Fury Of The Guitar Gods is everything you've ever asked for… a game by metalheads for metalheads! Metal Tales: Fury Of The Guitar Gods mixes metal with pure adrenaline, to deliver the ultimate 3D rogue-like shooter. Fight against the curse that affects your metal mates and free them from an ancient evil. The latest project by Spanish game developers Nuberu Games in cooperation with Kiss Ltd. will be available worldwide on November 18 via Steam. Metal Tales: Fury Of The Guitar Gods contains original music from Diego Teksuo, DESPITE, PERSEFONE, A BREACH OF SILENCE, STRIKER, HYPERION, HYDE ABBEY, LEGACY OF BRUTALITY and NAMELESS DAY RITUAL. It's Friday night, you are hanging around in your favorite bar, just to fuddle by the usual sounds of heavy metal that always smooth the way in your weekend. But something is strange — an unknown darkness taints the air and disturbs your salutary ritual. You are confronted by pure aggression that forces you to self-defend while your guitar transforms into a mystic rapid-fire-weapon. Enough — grab your six-string and defy the evil! Face the obsessed metal gods and deliver them from their sinister curse! Each of the level bosses has its own unique metal style including the black metal boss, math metal boss, nordic metal boss, power metal boss, to mention but a few. Plan your path through the multilayered environments — you decide where to go. Collect all the in-game items to unleash hidden powers, or shoot through as fast as you can to destroy the final boss. As levels are randomly generated, no two plays of the game will ever be the same, so beware: You never know what lies behind the next door! Key features:

* A completely original soundtrack plus licensed tracks from international metal bands such as STRIKER, DESPITE, PERSEFONE, A BREACH OF SILENCE, and more!* Tons of collectible items including guitars, strings, pedals, amps, summons and more!* 8 different Guitar Gods in the vein of your favorite metal genres!* Share a beer and your couch with your brothers and sisters in metal and team up in the Local CO-OP!* Procedurally generated levels to ensure a new and challenging adventure every time you play!* 3 completely different environments — Metal Den, Metal Festival... and Hell!* Summon your bandmates when you are in serious trouble!* Different playable characters!* Missions system to unlock upgrades and more items -become a metal warrior! For more information about Metal Tales: The Fury Of The Guitar Gods, visit www.metaltales.com or connect with Nuberu Games via Facebook or Twitter.

Rob Zombie's video for the song "Get Your Boots On! That's The End Of Rock And Roll!" can be seen below. The track is taken from his latest album, "The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser", which debuted at No. 6 on The Billboard 200, having shifted 41,000 equivalent album units in the week ending May 5. It's the sixth solo Top 10 album for Zombie.

"The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser" was released on April 29 via UMe/T-Boy Records.

Regarding his decision to keep the new album and songs short, Rob told Rolling Stone magazine: "Whenever I go through records that I love and I listen to over and over and over, I go, 'Man, this record's short. That's why I loved it so much.' It's, like, thirty minutes, so I've listened to it nine thousand times, whereas you have other records where you go, 'Yeah, I know that record's great, but it's, like, seventy-five minutes long, or the tracks are, like, six minutes long.' Like, I'd go back and look at BEATLES records and go, like, 'These songs are like a minute-and-a-half long. They don't feel a minute-and-a-half long.' Even when… Later, on 'Magical Mystery Tour', I used to think, 'Oh, well, these songs are much longer.' But they're not really; they're still short songs, but they seem epic. I love long songs, but if you're gonna write a song that long, it's better be 'Freebird' or 'Stairway To Heaven' or something. It'd better be worth my time."

"The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser" was produced by Chris "Zeuss" Harris and features Zombie alongside guitarist John 5, bassist Piggy D and drummer Ginger Fish.

"Electric Sky", a brand video from New York's VISION OF DISORDER, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's latest album, "Razed To The Ground", which wasreleased in November 2015 via Candlelight Records. Produced by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, DEMON HUNTER, ROB ZOMBIE), it is the band's second recording for Candlelight.

"This song musically stood out to me when we started writing the record," said VISION OF DISORDER vocalist Tim Williams. "It's got this chaotic, red-lined, Imprint feel right from the jump off. Hearing it come to life in the studio with the vocals was inspiring. Then seeing it become the top pick for a video was just incredible."

Recorded during July and August 2015, "Razed To The Ground" contains ten hearty and provocative new songs from the hardcore luminaries. Williams notes: "We are very excited for our fans to hear this record. We believe it offers everything VOD does well. I am especially excited about the growth of the songs; the brutality, the melody, and the overall sound of the record." Bassist Mike Fleischmann adds: "As a band, VISION OF DISORDER strives to evolve musically with each album. Having Zeuss as producer really allowed us to achieve that goal. 'Razed To The Ground' contains some of this band's finest moments and we are extremely grateful to Candlelight that we have been given the opportunity to demonstrate that we are still at the top of our game." Questioned about the album's first single, "Hours In Chaos", Williams stated, "Upon hearing the first riffs of the song, I knew it was gonna be a monster and needed strong vocals and lyrics to bring it where it needed to be. It is a song to awaken people to what is going on around them; the unrest, the guns, the utter disregard for human life. The world has become a dangerous place. I feel I have illustrated the feelings of anxiety and insecurity that is so prevalent today." Guitarist Mike Kennedy asserted: "This song embodies everything that is VOD. Politically relevant and musically explosive, 'Hours In Chaos' is one of the most raw and powerful tracks VOD has ever written. Lyrically, it is a stark reflection of the state of the world today. The frenetic pace of the song mirrors the chaos we see on the streets. The vilification of the police by media and citizens alike is simply the status quo today. 'Hours' shines a harsh spotlight on these events and the tragedies surrounding them." "Razed To The Ground" came three years after the release of "The Cursed Remain Cursed", the first newly recorded material by the band in over ten years.

"Razed To The Ground" track listing:

01. Heart Of Darkness02. Hours In Chaos03. Electric Sky04. Razed To The Ground05. The Craving06. Cut My Teeth07. Red On The Walls08. Nightcrawler09. Severed Wing10. Amurdica: A Culture Of Violence VISION OF DISORDER is guitarist Mike Kennedy, drummer Brendon Cohen, vocalist Tim Williams and bassist Mike Fleischmann.

STITCHED UP HEART's powerful, new music video for "Catch Me When I Fall" can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's debut full-length offering, "Never Alone", which came out on June 17 via Another Century.

STITCHED UP HEART singer Mixi states: "This video was so much fun! I got to be a princess for a day in a castle. I think every girl dreams of that. Plus, we had a demon that the boys tried to save me from.

"It was interesting watching how all the different scenes come together. For the falling in a crystal ball part, it was shot on green screen while crew members moved my dress with light sabers and blew wind in my face.

"It was challenging for all of us to act our parts, but we had an amazing director and crew. Everyone worked so well together and overall it was a great learning experience for us.

"The story is that I'm mesmerized by a light which is actually my inner demons. I blindly follow it as it tries to trap me and when I finally realize what it is, it's too late. The guys all are searching for me because they see that I'm in trouble. I'm falling into my demon's trap and they're trying to save me, to catch me when I fall. The message of the song is the same, it's a call for help. Knowing that sometimes you need those who care about you to help you through tough times in life. It's really kind of a breakthrough song.

"With 'Finally Free', we had a heavy anthem which grabs your attention right away. 'Monster' was a little more experimental and a bit heavier. 'Catch Me' has a little more mainstream feel to it. We think it will help us reach a larger audience and help us spread the overall message of hope. That when life gets you down, you can get back up whether through sheer will power or with the help of loved ones."

STITCHED UP HEART is described in a press release as "a band built around the strength that comes from realizing we are the only ones that control our lives, and focused on the hope that reminds us there is always light at the end of the darkest tunnel. It's something heavy and powerful, jarring the album's epic closing track 'I Can't Breathe' from a piano-paced ballad that would do Lady Gaga proud, to a metallic onslaught of drop-tuned guitars that is sure to see the band sharing a stage with the hardest of their hard rock peers. And it is something undeniable, Mixi's voice taking flight amidst anthems of self-awareness that bridge the unrelenting confidence of IN THIS MOMENT's Maria Brink and the soulful transcendence of Adele."

STITCHED UP HEART will perform at The Epiphone Revolver Music Awards, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 13 at Webster Hall in New York City.

Quality video footage of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY's October 21 performance at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh can be seen below (video by Randy Ada).

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY is currently working on material for its upcoming studio album, tentatively due in 2017 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The effort will mark the band's studio reunion with guitarist/vocalist Pepper Keenan and the Pepper-fronted version of C.O.C.'s first full-length record since 2005.

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY's new album is being helmed by longtime producer John Custer, who has recorded such C.O.C. classics as "Deliverance", "Wiseblood", "America's Volume Dealer" and "In The Arms Of God".

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY bassist Mike Dean told TeamRock back in August: "We're currently writing it and we have a whole lot of material that we are just trying to narrow down. We're trying to get 25 rough ideas down to between 12 and 15 songs that we'll record and release next year. Four or five of them are pretty much whole formed songs."

Part of the reason for the delay in the new album's completion has been the fact that CORROSION OF CONFORMITY has been deluged with tour offers since Pepper's return to the band in 2014.

"We keep saying yes to tours!" Dean said. "We've always been in demand, but with Pepper back, it's even more so."

Pepper told FreqsTV last year that it was "such a pleasure" to play CORROSION OF CONFORMITY songs again. "I'm sure all of us would agree we're not really the kind of guys to go backwards, but it's been fun to do, and it's kind of enlightened me in a bunch of different ways of guitar playing, singing and whatnot," he said. "But it still just boils down to plugging in and playing — keeping your head in the right spot where you're not losing focus, and dropping the hammer as good as you can."

Keenan added: "To be honest with you, I can't complain. I wasn't sure quite what to expect, but people are showing up, it's fucking packed, and I think it's a good catalyst for us to go from here, if we want to, to see if we can still do it. It's not a novelty act, we're not going totally backwards, but the songs still stand this day as good as they did then, if not better. I think we're actually playing 'em better than we did back then."

Fan-filmed video footage of the reunited original lineup of ROCK GODDESS — the female power trio from the days of NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) featuring sisters Jody and Julie Turner along with bassist Tracey Lamb — performing a new song called "Back Off" on October 29 at the Festival De Vouziers in Vouziers, France can be seen below.

ROCK GODDESS's forthcoming comeback album is tentatively due next year.

Lamb previously said that the new material was "sounding mega and awesome" and added that playing the band's classic songs felt "weird but wonderful."

ROCK GODDESS was formed in 1977 in Wandsworth South London by Jody Turner (guitar and vocals) and Julie Turner (drums) when they were thirteen and nine years old, respectively. They recruited school friend Tracey Lamb on bass guitar.

ROCK GODDESS first rose to the nation's awareness when they were first featured in Kerrang! No. 5 in 1981 in the "Armed And Ready" section as one of the bands to watch out for. After recording a four-track demo tape and an appearance at the Reading Festival in 1982, sharing a bill with IRON MAIDEN, plus regular shows at the Marquee club, the band landed a contract with the A&M label. They recorded their eponymous debut album with producer Vic Maile in 1983 and hit the lower end of the charts. A follow-up album, "Hell Hath No Fury", arrived a year later, by which time Lamb had left the band to form SHE and later to join GIRLSCHOOL.

After their contract with A&M expired in 1987, ROCK GODDESS' already recorded (in 1985) third album, titled "Young And Free", was released only in France. The effort saw the band taking on a more commercial sound.

ROCK GODDESS' career was cut short by financial and contractual problems, which forced them to disband shortly thereafter.

ROCK GODDESS did briefly reform in 2009 and was due to play Hard Rock Hell festival in Prestatyn, and was also booked to perform at the Headbangers Open Air festival in Germany the following summer, but split before they had a chance to appear at either event.

In March 2013, it was announced that the original ROCK GODDESS lineup had reunited and would start recording a new album.

X Japan founder/drummer Yoshiki performed at the Classic Rock Awards held at Ryogoku Kokugikan this past Friday, November 11th. He opened the prestigious annual award show -- hosted by the UK-based magazine Classic Rock -- with a striking classical piano performance. Later that night, Yoshiki made history by becoming the first-ever artist to be honored with the Asian Icon Award. 

Based at the venerable Roundhouse venue in London, the Classic Rock Awards are widely recognized by the world's rock stars as the "annual must-attend event," bringing together artists from rock's global Hall of Fame. The show was held in Japan this year for the first time ever, and with this memorable timing Yoshiki became the first Asian artist to accomplish this great achievement. Rock royalty including Jeff Beck, ELO, Jimmy Page, Joe Perry, Def Leppard, Richie Sambora, Cheap Trick attended the event and gave Yoshiki rave reviews for his performance featuring classical renditions of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" and X Japan's masterpiece "Art Of Life."

Yoshiki: "So many artists in Asia are going overseas and Asian rock is growing worldwide. X Japan is proud to be one of them and if there's a wall between East and West, the wall is getting lower and thinner. I'm going to break this wall. It's an honor to receive this award. I would like to dedicate this award to the members of X Japan, especially Hide and Taiji. Thank you very much." 

Yoshiki recently spoke to South China Morning Post about the band's forthcoming English language - their first - and the award winning We Are X documentary. Following is an excerpt from the story:

Though X Japan have been performing around the world since reuniting in 2007, Hayashi admits they are not widely recognised outside of Asia. That may change now, as the new album will be sung in English – breaking down the language barrier that critics believe has stopped the band reaching a wider audience.

“There are still a lot of challenges ahead. I don’t know how many people in the West are ready for artists such as us, coming from the East. There are still walls between the East and the West, a culture barrier. Being an artist from Asia, to go overseas and to perform in Western countries, it’s not easy.”

He reckons X Japan is helping pave the way for the next generation of Asian artists.

“We want to break that wall for new artists so they can become popular anywhere in the world.”

Go to this location for the complete report.

Drafthouse Films has announced today that they will release Stephen Kijak's We Are X in New York and Los Angeles on October 21st, followed by nationwide expansion. Since its premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival--where it was awarded the Special Jury Prize for editing--the film has continued to garner critical acclaim due to its remarkably candid portrayal of its enigmatic subject, Yoshiki, leader of the Japanese band X Japan.

Since then, We Are X  has played to sold-out audiences on the festival circuit, including at the 2016 SXSW Film Festival and was the most tweeted about topic during the week of SXSW only after the festival's keynote speaker, President Barack Obama. Audiences at both the Sundance and SXSW screenings were treated to exclusive performances by Yoshiki, and similar eventized concert presentations of the film are planned for its theatrical release.

"You will not believe the trials and tribulations that the arena-filling, mega-band X Japan have faced in their 30 year career," says Drafthouse Films founder Tim League. "This documentary will leave you equally breathless and uplifted.  It is the best music doc of the year, and we are honored to bring it to American audiences."

"After spending two years making this film, we are really delighted that the uniquely experienced Tim League, Tom Quinn and Drafthouse Films will be masterminding its theatrical life in the U.S.," says John Battsek of Passion Pictures. "Their passion and commitment to the film mirror ours and we are excited to work with them through the film's release."

From the production team behind the Oscar-winning Searching for Sugar Man comes We Are X, a transcendent rock & roll story about X Japan, the world's biggest and most successful band you've never heard of...yet.

Under the enigmatic direction of drummer, pianist, composer and producer Yoshiki, X Japan has sold over 30 million singles and albums combined--captivating such a wide range of admirers as Sir George Martin, KISS, Stan Lee, and even the Japanese Emperor--and pioneered a spectacle-driven style of visual rock, creating a one-of-a-kind cultural phenomenon.

Chronicling the band's exhilarating, tumultuous and unimaginable history over the past three decades--persevering through personal, physical and spiritual heartache--the film culminates with preparations for their breathtaking reunion concert at New York's legendary Madison Square Garden. Directed by acclaimed documentarian Stephen Kijak (Stones in Exile, Scott Walker: 30 Century Man), We Are X is an astonishingly intimate portrait of a deeply haunted--but truly unstoppable--virtuoso and the music that has enthralled legions of the world's most devoted fans.

The film was produced by John Battsek of Passion Pictures, producer of two Academy Award winning documentaries (Searching For Sugar Man, One Day in September).

Torche has issued a video for the song "Annihilation Affair" from their Restarter album, available now via Relapse Records; get your copy at this location.

Catch Torche on tour, opening for Red Fang:

November
18 - Slim's - San Francisco, CA
19 - The Glass House - Pomona, CA
20 - The Teragram Ballroom - Los Angeles, CA
22 - The Casbah - San Diego, CA
23 - The Rebel Lounge - Phoenix, AZ
26 - Three Links - Dallas, TX
27 - The Studio at Warehouse Live - Houston, TX
28 - Zydeco - Birmingham, AL
29 - Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
30 - Motorco Music Hall - Durham, NC
 
December 
1 - Rock & Roll Hotel - Washington, DC
2 - Underground Arts - Philadelphia, PA
3 - Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY
4 - The Sinclair - Cambridge, MA
5 - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY
7 - Spirit - Pittsburgh, PA
8 - The Beachland Ballroom and Tavern - Cleveland, OH
9 - El Club - Detroit, MI
10 - Metro - Chicago, IL
11 - The Castle Theatre - Bloomington, IL
13 - Bluebird Theater - Denver, CO
14 - Urban Lounge - Salt Lake City, UT
15 - Neurolux Lounge - Boise, ID
16 - Showbox - Seattle, WA
17 - Wonder Ballroom - Portland, OR

 

Phoenix, Arizona's There Is No Us have revealed details of their forthcoming sophomore EP, Generation Of Failure, tentatively scheduled for release in Spring 2017. Combating a range of current trending topics from celebrity-turned-president elect Donald Trump, the current economic inequality and political corruption sweeping the nation to keyboard warriors and online bullying, Generation Of Failure shows a more focused and enraged There Is No Us than ever before. 

There Is No Us have enlisted legendary producer / mixer Terry Date (Pantera, Deftones, Slayer) and are currently mixing the new EP at his studio in Seattle, WA. Date commented, "With the current events in America, the message in their music is as important and relevant as ever, and that's exciting". 

Vocalist Jim Louvau revealed, "When Andy (guitarist) and I very first started working together, we were writing songs with Terry Date in mind, so it felt like the perfect match when he decided he wanted to be a part of the project." Further explaining their creative goals, Louvau adds,"Terry's back catalogue of records are some of the most important metal releases of all time, but what really struck us was newer records he's produced like Bring Me The Horizon's Sempiternal."

Formed in early 2015 as part of an experimental jam session between Louvau and bassist Andy Gerold (Marilyn Manson, Ashes Divide), There Is No Us is a social movement to expose the failure of the human race. Inspired by the powerful aggression they formed lyrically and musically, the duo added bassist Amy Abramite and guitarist Jared Bakin to the fold and released their debut EP, Farewell To Humanity in September of 2015. Audiences and influencers immediately took notice and the band made their debut performance opening for LetLive in Las Vegas. The band has since appeared on stages with acts ranging from mathcore outfit The Dillinger Escape Plan to hard rock group Tremonti across the West Coast. As a strong underground following began, peers in their genre praised the group, including Filter vocalist Richard Patrick lauding Louvau as "one of the greatest voices in the scene". 

"In Violence We Trust" music video:

 

 

Detroit rock band Wilson has just released their cover of Rage Against The Machine’s “Sleep Now In The Fire”. The relatable track was released in light of the recent Presidential election and current political tone. Listen to the explosive cover via the YouTube clip below. 

Frontman Chad Nicefield explains, “Rage was a pivotal musical influence of ours as we were growing up. The ferocity their music created in us carries on well into our adulthood. Today they are just as relevant as they were years ago. America needs a wake-up call, once again. We as a culture of humans on this planet need a heavy dose of humanity. In these trying times it is important to us not only as a band but as humans that we find light in this darkness. Together as one. Wake up and rage with us!" 

Also released was Wilson's cover of Nazareth’s “Hair Of The Dog”, which many of their fans have enjoyed as part of their live set.

Catch Wilson on tour, opening for Steel Panther:

November
29 – Toronto, ON – Sound Academy
30 – Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues

December
2 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
3 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
4 – Chicago, IL – House Of Blues
6 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
8 – Maplewood, MN – Myth
9 – Madison, WI – Orpheum Theater
10 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts
11 – St. Louis, MO – The Pagent

 

Weapons Of Anew, the new band featuring members of HavocHate and Spread Eagle, follow last Friday’s digital release of the track "Killshot" (OK!Good Records) with a brand new video, available today.

Filmed at Hammer Hands Gym and directed by Ron Geffen, the hard-hitting clip follows a contentious boxing match between actors/boxers Amber Skyes and Julian Rodriguez, illustrating the song's theme of the struggle between love and hate, interspersed with band in live action, also inside the ring.

The video is based on a treatment written by frontman Ray West, who also penned the lyrics for the song. "Ray had written a treatment with a girl beating the breaks off a guy," said bassist Stefan 'Reno' Cutrupi. "Once we met Ron and discussed the concept, all of the pieces kind of just fell into place."

The video was a departure for director Geffen, though, who focuses more of his work on pop and EDM artists. "It was a fun time," he said. "I believe the video depicts the emotions and feelings of the band, and how they are able to put those emotions into words."

"Ron is a hard worker that really hustles, so he and I definitely bonded quickly," guitarist Freddy Ordine said. "Amber is actually Ron's girlfriend and she has a hell of a right hook! She was actually punching Julian in the face with the first punch. Ron now knows not to piss her off!"

The shoot was the first time in a ring for the members of Weapons Of Anew, even if they didn't throw any punches themselves. "It actually felt very small," Reno said. I give boxers even more respect than I already did. That feeling of no getting away from your opponent really hit home."

Added West: "It was very comfortable. I love to perform and to be on sets. I even love the endless takes. My fave is singing in double time. It's very humbling."

"Killshot" is available for purchase via iTunes, and Bandcamp.

After whetting fans' appetites with "Killshot”, Weapons Of Anew will soon announce more information on their upcoming debut full-length album.

(Photo - Frank White)

"Since it appears that 2016 is full of change, Reverence would like to introduce you to our newly elected rhythm section," states the Detroit-based power metal band. 

"First up we have, Mr. Russell Pzutto, with years under his belt in the NYC music scene, Russ brings us his stellar bass skills and professionalism plus he’s a total bad-ass. Russ has been the bass tech for Mark ‘The Animal’ Mendoza of Twisted Sister for the past several years and in 2013 Russ filled in for Mark and played the Grasspop festival with Twisted Sister."

"Next we elected to bring into the fold our new guest / touring drummer Mr.Tony Rossi. Some of you may remember that Tony showed his masterful chops on some songs from our first release When Darkness Calls. Tony will be filling in for Doc ‘Killdrums’ Wacholz when he is not able to play out. It goes without saying that only a hard hitting, metal loving, madman could fill the spot, Tony is the man! He has also played and recorded with former Metal Church singer Ronnie Monroe’s band. We can’t wait to get these madmen out on the road with us."

Enjoy "Revolution Rising":

 

Frontiers Music Srl has announced the signing of a promising melodic rock band from Finland, The Nights.

The Nights was formed in the summer of 2015 by Sami Hyde (vocals) and Ilkka Wirtanen (guitar). Both Sami and Ilkka have successful careers in music, in Finland and abroad.

Sami has been a singer for many acts and projects, including the Tony Mills Band (Shy, TNT) in 2008 which also included Geoff Nichols (Black Sabbath) on keyboards and Neil Hibbs (Shy) on guitar. He has also written songs for many artists, including The Magnificent ("If It Takes All Night", "Lost", and "Drive").

Ilkka Wirtanen is best known for his work as a producer with international acts like glam metal band Reckless Love, for whom he has produced four albums and co-written many of their popular songs, including "Hot" and "Night On Fire". He has also produced several other rock bands (Baton Rogue Morgue, Hellcity Punks) and worked as a mixer for international acts (S.E.X. Department).

The Nights was formed because Sami and Ilkka felt a common need to write songs that “make you feel good and also give tribute to our everlasting heroes in music, for example TNT and Yngwie Malmsteen.” Frontiers interest was piqued by their songs featuring a superb mixture of classic pop melodies and modern melodic rock/metal production and the band was signed.

German melodic progressive death metal band, Words Of Farewell, will release their third album, A Quiet World, on November 18th through AFM Records. A video for the album track “Gaia Demise” can be found below.

Tracklisting:

“My Share of Loneliness”
“Gaia Demise”
“Gallows Frame”
“Limit Cycle”
“Zero Temperance”
“Momentary Life”
“Oversoul”
“The Farthest Reach”
“This Shadow My Likeness”

“Gaia Demise” video:

“Gallows Frame” lyric video:

    

“My Share of Loneliness”: