Video footage of the Dutch all-female death/black metal band SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION performing on July 30 at the Stonehenge festival in Steenwijk, The Netherlands can be seen below.

Founded in 2014 in Eidhoven, SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION managed very quickly to establish an amazing live reputation and got lots of invitations from venues and smaller festivals. This was noticed by Eindhoven Metal Meeting, who gave them a chance to present themselves for a bigger audience.

It has always been a dream of vocalist Els Prins to start an all-female death metal band, but she didn't seem to be able find the right group of girls to make this dream reality — that is, until she met guitarist Simone van Straten. Sharing a love for extreme music, they recruited drummer Amber de Buijzer and bass player Marjolein van den Nieuwenhuizen and started rehearsing. They released their first single, "Boundaries", in July 2014 and played their first show one month later. In May 2015, Marjolein exited the band and was replaced by Puck Wildschut.

Earlier this year, SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION finally went into the studio in Antwerp to record "Brutal Queen", and the first pressing is already sold out. Hammerheart Records will reissue this EP on digi-CD (September) and on LP (November), with slightly different artwork. The band is scheduled to perform as a support act for LEGION OF THE DAMNED this autumn. Meanwhile, SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION will begin work on their debut album, which is scheduled for release in the second half of 2017.

SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION is:

Vocals - Els PrinsGuitar - Simone van StratenDrums - Amber de BuijzerBass - Puck Wildschut

Fan-filmed video footage of MEGADETH's August 23 performance at Estadio Luna Park in Buenos Aires, Argentina can be seen below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Hangar 1802. The Threat Is Real03. Rattlehead04. Poisonous Shadows05. Wake Up Dead06. In My Darkest Hour07. Conquer Or Die!08. Fatal Illusion09. Tornado Of Souls10. She-Wolf11. Dawn Patrol12. Poison Was The Cure13. Sweating Bullets14. A Tout Le Monde15. Trust16. Post American World17. Dystopia18. Symphony Of Destruction19. Peace Sells

Encore:

20. Holy Wars... The Punishment Due

MEGADETH recently announced the addition of Dirk Verbeuren as the band's new drummer. Verbeuren, formerly of Swedish metal band SOILWORK, has been performing with the band for months; his first show was Rock On The Range festival in May, to a crowd of 40,000 concertgoers. Prior to Dirk joining MEGADETH, LAMB OF GOD drummer Chris Adler had performed all the drums on the band's latest album, "Dystopia", and had toured with MEGADETH when not otherwise busy with his band.

Asked if he sees MEGADETH's new lineup as a "new beginning" for the band, MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine told Chile's Radio Futuro: "Kind of. But I think people make too big of a deal about lineup changes. IRON MAIDEN had a bunch of lineup changes. They've had more than one singer; they've had three singers. We've only had one. SLAYER's had lineup changes, METALLICA's had lineup changes, so I don't really put too much importance on lineup changes. If somebody doesn't wanna be here, then fuck 'em! You know what I mean? But I look at it like this: Kiko Loureiro [guitar] has been a breath of fresh air, and Dirk Verbeuren was recommended by Chris Adler, who played on the 'Dystopia' record and is a great friend of mine and the band. And the record is very exciting. I think that it's really given us a breath of fresh air, going back to what we wanted to do: playing thrash music. After 'Risk', I said something to Marty Friedman. I said, 'We've gotta go back to our roots,' and he quit. So it kind of shows you where he was going — to Japan. And, for me, slowly but surely, we changed the band and got the direction back to where we're at with [MEGADETH's latest album] 'Dystopia'. And I'm excited to see what the next record's gonna be like."

The fall 2016 North American leg of MEGADETH's "Dystopia" world tour kicks off in Casper, Wyoming on September 20 and will take them across the U.S., visiting 16 states with special guests AMON AMARTH, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and METAL CHURCH.

ANTHRAX has released the official video for "Monster At The End", a song from the band's latest album, "For All Kings".

The original concept was to have four still photographers placed strategically on a Florida set while the five members of ANTHRAX performed song "Monster At The End" live. Each photographer would hold down his camera's shutter button continuously for the near-four minute-long song, capturing a steady stream of hundreds of still images.

"Hey, it might have been a great idea," laughed video director Jack Bennett, "but holding down the shutter button on a still camera for that long a time? All we would have ended up with were four jammed cameras!"

Shooting the entire video with Super Sharp HD video still cameras, Bennett wanted an animated, staccato-feel to the flow of the individual images. "Video shutter speeds are faster and more reliable than anything we could have done manually, and we wanted as big a pool of still images to choose from as we could get."

In post-production, Bennett went through the footage frame by frame and hand-picked the still images he wanted to animate — hundreds of them. Rather than print the video at 24 frames per second, he animated movement of the band members using the still images, creating a jagged, crude motion. "We didn't want fluidity, we wanted the video to have more of a comic book feel to it, like flipbook animation."

This also allowed Bennett to hang on the band members' individual movements to accentuate the power of their playing, such as the strength in Charlie Benante's drum hits, or Scott Ian's strumming or Frank Bello's rhythm.

And then the real fun began.

Bennett and his crew went one step further, taking a cue from the legendary Walt Disney animators of the 1920s and 1930s, who used the technique of rotoscoping, the art of painstakingly hand-painting individual cels to embellish a primary image.

Employing the fundamentals of rotoscope, Bennett has peppered the video with monsters, tattoos that come alive, explosions, popping eyeballs, speech bubbles, morphed images, and nods to the influence of "Creepshow". There's even a frame or two of The Skull King, the evil character from ANTHRAX's "Blood Eagle Wings" music video that Bennett also directed. Actor Justin Michael Terry, who played The Skull King, is The Runner in "Monster At The End".

"We used a lot of stop-motion effects as well as other special and visual effects in the same way as was done in the original 'Exorcist' film," Bennett added. "We even added a little bit of grain, some dust and some scratches just to give it that analog feel."

As the music video unfolds, the frame rate increases, giving the band members more and more fluid movements until the final chorus when the video is full-on 24-frames per second. "You could watch this video one frame at a time," Bennett added, "and probably not find everything we did."

"The 'Monster At The End' video takes us back to our love of comics and horror," said Benante. "We've always loved the 'Creepshow' movies and wanted something like that for this video. Jack is easy to work with, all we did was perform the song, he did the real work with the editing and achieving the look that we wanted."

Bennett wraps the video with one more surprise, an unexpected ending that goes to show that in the end, there's a little bit of the monster in all of us.

The "Monster At The End" vinyl single, which came out last month, is backed by the track "Vice Of The People", which was previously released as a bonus song on the Japanese version of "For All Kings". The single is available in four different colors: Lilac, silver, black and gold (Nuclear Blast mailorder exclusive).

"For All Kings" sold 34,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 9 on The Billboard 200 chart.

ANTHRAX will join forces with SLAYER and DEATH ANGEL this fall for a seven-week North American tour. The dates start in Cleveland on September 9 and will hit both major and secondary markets across the continent.

Finnish melodic metal quintet SONATA ARCTICA will release its ninth album, titled "The Ninth Hour", on October 7 via Nuclear Blast. Once again, the CD was produced by SONATA ARCTICA themselves and mixed by Pasi Kauppinen to create a typical yet refreshing sound that defines the spirit of the band in the year 2016.

The second trailer for "The Ninth Hour" is available below.

"The Ninth Hour" track listing:

01. Closer To An Animal02. Life03. Fairytale04. We Are What We Are05. Till Death's Done Us Apart06. Among The Shooting Stars07. Rise A Night08. Fly, Navigate, Communicate09. Candle Lawns10. White Pearl, Black Oceans Part II – "By The Grace Of The Ocean"11. On The Faultline (Closure To An Animal)

The lyric video for the album's first single, "Closer To An Animal", can be seen below.

"'Closer To An Animal' was a song that our vocalist Tony [Kakko] sent to the studio somewhere around the middle of the sessions with the words: 'This will be the album opener,'" keyboardist Henkka Klingenberg recalls. "After checking out the demo, we all just had to agree.

"I would say that musically this is a 'metal-meets-'80s type of song.

"We wanted this as the first single, since it gives quite a clear picture of what you can expect on the upcoming album, or at least some of it.

"I'm really looking forward to opening the shows on the next world tour with this track!"

After a North American tour with their friends from NIGHTWISH plus many headline shows around the globe, the band was once again able to take a look at the entire world as it is at the moment — on the edge of a possible armageddon. This spirit is reflected in the artwork of "The Ninth Hour". "The artwork of our ninth studio album, 'The Ninth Hour', depicts a future utopian landscape on the background," Tony said. "Nature and human technologies are in balance. In the middle we have an hour glass contraption with a knob for us to meddle with. The right-hand side cup represents the nature side with no humans left, on the left we have the human dystopia after we have destroyed Nature. The idea I had was, that turning the knob will tilt the hour glass in one direction or another, and the other cup will slowly empty and that future will be erased. Biblically we are expected to repent and sacrifice on 'The Ninth Hour'… to dive right back to a more mundane reality, it's a fact that we are currently living in critical, historical times. Our decisions will define the future. Not only ours as a race, but the future of this entire planet. We need to make sacrifices and in many cases we will repent our already made choices."

Right after the summer festival season and the release of "The Ninth Hour", the band will embark on a European tour together with their labelmates TWILIGHT FORCE to present the new songs to their fans.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star, the company which creates "beautiful lullaby versions of your favorite artists," has just released "Lullaby Versions Of Killswitch Engage" via Roma Music Group.

"Lullaby Versions Of Killswitch Engage " track listing:

01. The End Of Heartache02. Hate By Design03. My Curse04. This Fire05. A Bid Farewell06. Strength Of The Mind07. In Due Time

The song "My Curse" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

Check out audio samples at this location.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star was born for the parent that wants to pass along their biggest passion to their child, music. Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star transforms popular music into instrumental lullabies perfect for babies, yoga or just relaxation. Now, parents can enjoy the music from LADY GAGA to METALLICA in soothing lullaby style. With over 135 titles to choose from, Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star is the largest line of pop, rock, metal and jamband music lullabies in the world. These aren't novelty recordings. They are cute, they are soft but these are serious recordings. Roma Music Group, which releases Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star, is run by two music industry veterans who put the fidelity of these recording at the top of the priority list. Let's face it, much like the brand name clothes you buy for your infant, this music is really for you. Whether you are raising a metal baby, rocker or hippie baby, Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star has your music transformed from arena anthems into nursery classics.

The godfathers of American doom SAINT VITUS will release a new live album, "Live Vol. 2", on September 23 via Season Of Mist.

Another track from the effort, "The Bleeding Ground" can now be streamed below.

"Live Vol. 2" track listing:

01. War Is Our Destiny02. Look Behind You03. Let Them Fall04. The Bleeding Ground05. Patra (Petra)06. The Troll07. The Waste Of Time08. White Stallions09. Thirsty And Miserable10. Dying Inside11. Born Too Late

You can pre-order "Live Vol. 2" at this location.

From the very first guitar chords, that unmistakable frying, sizzling, and wailing signature sound of Dave Chandler as well as the trademark deeply resonant vocals of Scott "Wino" Weinrich, any adherent of classic doom metal will immediately know: this is SAINT VITUS.

Despite having been around for more than 35 years, the American heavy legends are only now getting ready to release their second official live album after the 1990 seminal "Live" record.

SAINT VITUS taped "Live Vol. 2" during the tour for their acclaimed comeback album, "Lillie: F-65" (2012), on March 19, 2013 at the Kulturfabrik in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg. The album and tour marked the return of Weinrich. Out of respect for their vintage heritage, SAINT VITUS chose to preserve the raw and pure live sound without cleaning up and patching with overdubs. As a result, "Live Vol. 2" is a true live document.

Formed in 1979, SAINT VITUS were largely influenced by BLACK SABBATH, whose song "Saint Vitus Dance" obviously inspired the moniker. Since their debut album, "Saint Vitus", came out in 1984, the Americans have released seven more full-lengths and two EPs that are summarily considered to be classics of their genre.

"Live Vol. 2" will also be released as a special digipak edition containing a digisleeve as well as a triple gatefold vinyl, which are both strictly limited and will contain "Marbles In The Moshpit". This live recording from Ontario, Canada in December 1984 was previously available as a bootleg and on limited vinyl, and features the lineup Dave Chandler, Mark Adams, original singer Scott Reagers, and late drummer Armando Acosta, who sadly passed away in 2000.

"Live Vol. 2" recording lineup:

Dave Chandler: guitarScott "Wino" Weinrich: vocalsMark Adams: bassHenry Vasquez: drums

Witchcraft main man Magnus Pelander's solo project, Pelander, has revealed the title and tracklisting for his upcoming debut album, coming soon from Nuclear Blast Records.

Time will contain seven tracks with an approximate running time of 44 minutes.

Ttracklisting:

“Umbrella”
“Family Song”
“The Irony Of Man”
“True Colour”
“Precious Swan”
“Time”
“Rebecka” (Bonus Track)

After his latest journey with Witchcraft, Nucleus, multi instrumentalist and lyricist extraordinaire, Magnus Pelander, returns to his solo career which without a doubt can be recognized as being tied to the cult doom/rock band, still exploring other paths and going full on acoustic.

Magnus Pelander comments: "At last my first solo album is done and soon to be released. I cannot believe this is true."

Commented Nuclear Blast A&R representative Markus Jakob: "We're thrilled to not only work with a gifted artist as Magnus on his main band but now also on his solo career. Both Witchcraft and Pelander have always stood for variety, artistic freedom and development which we're more than happy to support. Prepare yourself for another deep and intense look into the mind and musical vision of a genius!"

More details on the upcoming Time album will be revealed soon.

Relapse Records will release Arizona's death metal newcomers Gatecreeper’s debut full-length, Sonoran Depravation, on October 7th on CD/LP/digital formats. The album was recorded at Homewrecker Studios in Tucson, Arizona by Ryan Bram and mixed by Kurt Ballou at Godcity Studios. A video for the album track “Desperation” is streaming below.

"We chose a robbery-gone-wrong scenario, focusing on the bloody aftermath and suspenseful get-away rather than the initial violenc," elaborates the band of the clip, "The performance footage was filmed with a single camera in hopes of capturing the energy and intensity of our live shows to match the main character's desperation as he tries to escape the horror he has created. In the end, the worlds collide leaving the viewer questioning what was real and what was a hallucination."

Formed in mid-2013 based on their mutual love for bands like Dismember, Entombed, Bolt Thrower and Obituary, Gatecreeper play monstrous, low-end, old-school death metal for a new generation.

Gatecreeper commented on signing with Replase and their new album: "We are very excited to be working with Relapse, a label that we have all been following for many years. It is a dream come true to release our first full-length on such a legendary and trustworthy label."

Tracklisting:

“Craving Flesh”
“Sterilized”
“Desperation”
“Rotting As One”
“Stronghold”
“Patriarchal Grip”
“Lost Forever”
“Flamethrower”
“Grotesque Operations”

“Craving Flesh”:

Gatecreeper lineup:

Sean Mears - Bass
Metal Matt - Drums
Eric Wagner - Guitars
Chase H. Mason - Vocals

MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson spoke to Argentina's Rock & Pop radio station about the band's acoustic performance on Tuesday, August 23 outside the Four Seasons hotel in Buenos Aires.

Regarding how the session came about, Ellefson said: "Dave [Mustaine, MEGADETH leader] sent me a message, a text [Tuesday] morning, and said, 'Do you wanna join me and Kiko [Loureiro, MEGADETH guitarist] in thirty minutes do some acoustic on the lawn?' And I didn't have a bass, and Dirk [Verbeuren, MEGADETH drummer], of course, didn't have drums, so it was very fun, very spur of the moment, very impromptu."

Asked if the members of MEGADETH enjoy taking part in these unusual fan interactions, Ellefson said: "It's better than an autograph [laughs] and better than a photo, 'cause the songs are what brings us all together, and to be able to sit there close and personal like that, and to get some sunshine on us after being in the dark. So it's fun, it's very spur of the moment. So it's not something that's planned, and I think that's what certainly the people of Argentina love these spontaneous moments from us."

MEGADETH fall 2016 North American leg of the "Dystopia" world tour will kick off in Casper, Wyoming on September 20 and take them across the U.S., visiting 16 states with special guests AMON AMARTH, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and METAL CHURCH.

MEGADETH recently announced the addition of Verbeuren as the band's new drummer. Verbeuren, formerly of Swedish metal band SOILWORK, has been performing with the band for months; his first show was Rock On The Range festival in May, to a crowd of 40,000 concertgoers. Most recently, LAMB OF GOD drummer Chris Adler had performed all the drums on the band's latest album, "Dystopia", and had toured with MEGADETH when not otherwise busy with his band.

"Metallica: Back To The Front", the definitive story of METALLICA's classic 1986 album "Master Of Puppets" and the tour that followed its release, hits bookstores and online sellers on September 13. A very special Collector's Edition of the book will be available two weeks earlier on August 30 through Metallica.com and MoonriseMedia.net.

A new two-minute clip in which the members of METALLICA discuss what the album meant to their careers and to reflect on their original bassist, Cliff Burton, who died while on tour promoting the LP, can be seen below (courtesy of Rolling Stone).

"Metallica: Back To The Front" includes an extensive interview with Ray Burton, father of late METALLICA bassist Cliff Burton, who tragically died in a September 1986 bus accident during the European leg of the "Damage Inc." trek.

A one-minute video clip in which Ray Burton can be seen flipping through his copy of "Metallica: Back To The Front" can be seen below.

Says METALLICA: "Two years in the making, we're beyond excited to finally share it with you.

"To refresh your memories, we teamed up with acclaimed award-winning author Matt Taylor ('Jaws: Memories From Martha's Vineyard') and you all jumped in to assist us in putting the pieces together by sending your photos, videos, stories and mementos. We hit the storage lockers, attics and basements to fill the book with hundreds of never-before-seen images pulled from our personal archives and have been involved every step of the way to bring you the complete story.

"The deluxe edition comes in a sleek case that includes a hardcover, clothbound, limited edition copy of the 276-page book and a portfolio containing a 1.25" x 1.25" piece of an original roadcase used to ship the band's equipment to Denmark for the recording of the album and on the tour that followed its release.

"Matt sat with us for exclusive, intensive interviews and we dug deep in our memory banks for stories, anecdotes, tidbits and tales from the studio, the road and beyond.

"A huge thanks to the people who were a part of our history at that time who sat with Matt, including record producer Flemming Rasmussen and the man who mixed it, Michael Wagener. Matt also tracked down the entire 'Master Of Puppets' road crew, including John Marshall and members of the bands who toured with us, ANTHRAX and ARMORED SAINT. Our booking agent, tour promoters and managers, Cliff Burnstein and Peter Mensch, all were overly generous with their time and recollections. FAITH NO MORE guitarist Jim Martin and drummer Mike Bordin and DIAMOND HEAD's Brian Tatler spoke with Matt about their memories of those crazy times. Of course, you, the fans who were at those shows gave us an amazing view of your memories and experiences. Finally, we're honored that Cliff Burton's dad Ray sat down for an extensive interview.

"As we continue to celebrate 30 years of 'Master Of Puppets', in honor of the release of the book we've teamed up with ESP Guitars to give Fifth Members [members of the METALLICA fan club] a chance to win a very limited-edition 'Master Of Puppets' guitar. Now you can customize Metallica.com with the new 'Master Of Puppets' skin.

"If you're in the mood to hear some live music all eleven shows from the 2006 summer tour (those of you counting note that was the 20th anniversary of the release of the album!) featuring live performances of the entire album are now available on CD in the Met Store.

"Keep watching [Metallica.com] and on social media for sneak peeks of the book, videos with us chatting about the making of and other fun and games as we'll be celebrating all throughout August.

"Oh, one more thing. We're pretty sure that some of you will wonder about the remastered versions of 'Master Of Puppets' we told you were in the works. They still are! As we keep digging in the vaults, we're finding more and more music and video so that we can bring you an even bigger, more comprehensive, no stone-unturned version of the album. As always, [Metallica.com] is the place for more info as we have it!"

"Master Of Puppets" was released on February 24, 1986 and was the first album METALLICA recorded after signing a major label deal with Elektra Records.

The set only reached No. 29 on the Billboard album chart but has sold over six million copies in the U.S. since.

It is the last record to feature bassist Cliff Burton, who was killed later that year in a tour bus crash.

Several songs from the album are still staples of METALLICA's live set, including "Battery", "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" and the title track.

Many fans consider it METALLICA's finest album, a fact that the band acknowledged by playing it in its entirety on a European tour in 2006.

Legendary Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider will officially release his new solo album, We Are The Ones, on October 28th on Red River Records (distributed by BFD/RED).

Speaking to Billboard about his upcoming “contemporary rock record”, Dee states: “We created an album that is think part Foo Fighters, part Imagine Dragons, part Thirty Seconds To Mars, forget anything from the past. Most of my heavy metal fans are gonna hate it; I’ve abandoned my past to move forward.”

Read more at Billboard.com.

Not wanting to waste any time in getting his legions of fans excited about We Are The Ones, Dee has launched a PledgeMusic campaign that offers a wide selection of exclusive items, as well as a discounted digital download of the full album upon the release date, including signed drumheads, lyric sheets, guitars, guitar pedals, a signed microphone, and even signed and numbered Dee Snider Legos.

Also, a very special dinner with Snider and producer Damon Ranger that includes an early listen of the new album, and having Snider record a fan’s choice of an outgoing voicemail message, “Happy Birthday” or other personalized message as a MP4 digital file. The grand incentive is a full band private performance anywhere in the US.

All pre-orders come with the AccessPass, which will give fans exclusive artist updates and a behind-the scenes look at the making of the record. To pre-order the record, visit this location.

Produced by Grammy, Emmy and Oscar winning songwriter, Damon Ranger, We Are The Ones crackles with modern energy, from the call-to-arms manifesto of “Rule The World”, to the anthemic bonding of “So What” (complete with, yes, a string section) to the intensely synth driven “Close To You”, to the thematically soaring “Superhero” (a song tailor-made for running over the end credits of the next Marvel or DC movie blockbuster if ever there was one). Another significant highlight of the album is a newly re-recorded acoustic version of “We’re Not Gonna Take It” which has also been tapped the official anthem for The Recording Academy’s advocacy efforts, including the Fair Play Fair Pay act. Recently performed in Washington D.C. at the annual Grammys On The Hill event, a video of the song can be viewed below:

Also featured on We Are The Ones is an explosive cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Head Like A Hole”. “I always thought it was a great song, a powerful song,” Snider explains, “I can’t wait to do that one live. Like “We’re Not Gonna Take It” is iconic, “Head Like a Hole” is iconic for that era.”

Dee is currently working on a fall tour, which will be announced in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates.

LED ZEPPELIN will release an expanded version of its 1997 "BBC Sessions" on September 16. The updated set, retitled "The Complete BBC Sessions", was produced by Jimmy Page and features eight previously unreleased tracks — including "I Can't Quit You Baby", "You Shook Me" and the only recorded performance of "Sunshine Woman".

"The Complete BBC Sessions" will be available in multiple formats from Atlantic/Swan Song on September 16: * Deluxe Edition (3CD) – Remastered original album plus a third disc of unreleased audio.* Deluxe Edition Vinyl (5LP) – Remastered original album, plus a fifth LP of unreleased audio, on 180-gram vinyl* Digital Download – Remastered album and unreleased audio will both be available.* Super Deluxe Boxed Set (3CD/5LP)– This collection includes: * Remastered album. 2 CDs, each in a replica sleeve.* Unreleased audio on CD in a separate card sleeve.* Remastered album on 180-gram vinyl.* Unreleased audio on 180-gram vinyl.* High-def audio download card of all content at 96kHz/24 bit.* 48-page book filled with photos of the band, the recording locations, BBC memorabilia, and session information.* High-quality print of the original album cover, the first 20,000 of which will be individually numbered.

"BBC Sessions" was originally released in 1997 and has been certified double platinum by the RIAA. "The Complete BBC Sessions" builds on that collection with a third disc that boasts eight unreleased performances. In addition, the set includes extensive session-by-session liner notes written by Dave Lewis. For the first time ever, it provides accurate details and notes about all of the band's BBC sessions. Musical highlights on this new collection include the debut of a long-lost radio session that has achieved near-mythic status among fans. Originally broadcast in April 1969, the session included three songs: "I Can't Quit You Baby", "You Shook Me" and the only recorded performance of "Sunshine Woman", which can be streamed below. Also included are two unreleased versions of both "Communication Breakdown" and "What Is And What Should Never Be". Separated by two years, the performances vividly demonstrate the young band's rapid evolution over a short period of time. Jimmy Page spoke about the band's growth in an interview with Guitar World. "The 'BBC Sessions' show in graphic detail just how organic the group was," he said. "LED ZEPPELIN was a band that would change things around substantially each time it played…We were becoming tighter and tighter, to the point of telepathy." Speaking with Wall Of Sound, John Paul Jones added: "We'd been on the road a lot by the time those sessions were recorded. The albums were always the starting point of the music, and then we'd take it out and expand it on the road. Then we'd come straight off the road into those BBC studios." Recalling the BBC experience in an interview with Mojo, Robert Plant said: "The whole thing was very quaint: the politeness of the audience, the technicians fumbling about, proper hallowed low-key introductions. Like there was some sort of holy moment about to occur." "The Complete BBC Sessions" CD track listing Disc One

01. You Shook Me02. I Can't Quit You Baby03. Communication Breakdown04. Dazed And Confused05. The Girl I Love She Got Long Black Wavy Hair06. What Is And What Should Never Be07. Communication Breakdown08. Travelling Riverside Blues09. Whole Lotta Love10. Somethin' Else11. Communication Breakdown12. I Can't Quit You Baby13. You Shook Me14. How Many More Times Disc Two

01. Immigrant Song02. Heartbreaker03. Since I've Been Loving You04. Black Dog05. Dazed And Confused06. Stairway To Heaven07. Going To California08. That's The Way09. Whole Lotta Love (Medley: Boogie Chillun/Fixin' To Die/That's Alright Mama/A Mess of Blues)10. Thank You Disc Three

01. Communication Breakdown *02. What Is And What Should Never Be *03. Dazed And Confused *04. White Summer05. What Is And What Should Never Be *06. Communication Breakdown *07. I Can't Quit You Baby *08. You Shook Me *09. Sunshine Woman * * Previously Unreleased

PROPHETS OF RAGE, the supergroup featuring members of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, PUBLIC ENEMY's Chuck D and CYPRESS HILL's B-Real, will release its debut EP, "The Party's Over", on August 26. The five-song effort will include the previously released, eponymous single "Prophets Of Rage" — re-imagination of the PUBLIC ENEMY track of the same name — as well as live versions of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's "Killing In The Name" and PUBLIC ENEMY's "Shut 'Em Down", a Republican National Convention-inspired interpretation of BEASTIE BOYS' "No Sleep 'Till Brooklyn" called "No Sleep 'Till Cleveland", and the new original "The Party's Over". "The Party's Over" debuted on Apple Music's Beats 1 and can now be streamed below.

"The Party's Over" track listing:

01. Prophets Of Rage02. The Party's Over03. Killing In The Name (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE cover) (live)04. Shut 'Em Down (PUBLIC ENEMY cover) (live)05. No Sleep 'Till Cleveland (interpretation of BEASTIE BOYS' "No Sleep 'Till Brooklyn") (live)

Even though PROPHETS OF RAGE does not feature RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE frontman Zack de la Rocha, the group plays classics like "Bulls On Parade" along with tunes by PUBLIC ENEMY and CYPRESS HILL.

"I think the music of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE is more relevant today than it was when it was written," Morello told Cleveland.com. "And we give a lot of credit and honor to Zack at every show because his lyrics are brilliant."

Last month, PROPHETS OF RAGE released the "Prophets Of Rage" single through digital download and streaming services. Featuring new music and a new original verse from B-Real, the single was recorded with legendary producer Brendan O'Brien who has done notable work with RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE and AUDIOSLAVE.

PROPHETS OF RAGE made their live debut in May in Los Angeles.

The official video for "Prayers For The Damned", the title track of the new double album from SIXX:A.M., can be seen below.

The first volume of "Prayers For The Damned" was released on April 29 via Eleven Seven Music.

SIXX:A.M. is the band featuring MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx alongside ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist DJ Ashba and vocalist James Michael.

The "Prayers For The Damned" song showcases the trio's ability to create a melodic anthem, while masterfully incorporating their rock spirit and musicianship that all three members are known for.

The second leg of the SIXX:A.M. world tour will kick off with an extensive Canadian run this September followed by a stop in Japan, and ending the year with a massive U.S. tour with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and SHINEDOWN, starting in October.

In a recent interview with The Aquarian Weekly, James stated about the SIXX:A.M. songwriting process: "Interestingly enough, even though the band had evolved significantly over the years, both as far as musicianship and sound and dynamic, the songwriting process itself has stayed pretty much the same. It's the three of us getting together in a room picking up instruments and talking. We talk a lot before we even start writing, discussing subject matters, and working through melody ideas, working through riff ideas and we all bring in ideas. Sometimes DJ will bring in a really killer riff and that will inspire something else, but we've always maintained that chemistry between the three of us. So, the three of us are equal songwriters. That's what we do. We've all built careers writing songs on our own, so when we bring it together, we just complement one another, and the interesting thing about that, that I've noticed as a producer, because I've produced a lot of bands… I've produced a lot of bands at the beginning of their career, and I produced a handful of bands towards the end of their career, and to watch that transition of what happens is very interesting."

He continued: "What happens is a young band, they form, they swear their undying love to each other, they're going to be brothers forever, they write a record, hopefully they get a record deal, and then they put a record out, and lo and behold, they get a hit song and one of the worst things happens. The checks start rolling in. And what happens when people start opening up their checks, and one guy looks at his, and his eyes open up and he has this great big smile on his face, and the other guy opens his and he kind of starts frowning and looking at the other guy wondering what's the difference here. That's when they realize that songwriting is where it's at, and what happens then, after the next record, then the record after that, it becomes a competition, but the exact opposite happens with SIXX:A.M. We become less precious about our own ideas and are more excited about welcoming the other ideas. So, it's partially because we've all been able to build successful careers outside of SIXX:A.M., so we're not doing SIXX:A.M. for the money, we're doing it for the art. And I think that plays a big part in it. So when we get together, we're actually more excited about the idea that the other guy is going to bring in. I think that just really makes for an incredibly inspiring and creative and supportive process."

Swedish metallers IN FLAMES will release their twelfth studio album, "Battles", on November 11 via via Nuclear Blast in all territories excluding North America and Scandinavia and Eleven Seven Music Group in the U.S. The CD was recorded in Los Angeles with Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson, who has previously worked with MOTÖRHEAD, BODY COUNT and SEPULTURA, among others.

A song from the album, "The End", can be streamed below.

IN FLAMES guitarist Björn Gelotte described "The End" to Decibel magazine as "a fairly straightforward IN FLAMES song. Having said that, it's a really positive vibe [to] the song. It's not a slash-your-wrists kind of vibe; it makes you realize to just make sure you appreciate that moment."

Gelotte also talked about how the recording process for "Battles" compared to that of its predecessor, 2014's "Siren Charms".

"'Siren Charms' had a very dark vibe to it," he explained. "We recorded it at a cold, damp and dark time during the year in Berlin so it gave it a certain melancholy to the record. Now recording in L.A. with the sunshine, it's a different energy. The writing process was different this time, too — that I would like for us to continue to explore. Also, working with Howard and his team was great. I got stressed taking a break for even five minutes because they were always ready to go for the next take and kept my energy up."

"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," added 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."

"This was a very new approach for us because we've never let anyone else in the way we did with Howard," said Gelotte.

"Battles" sees the band making the hooks sharper, the riffs tighter and honing the overall attack in a way that parallels their legendary live shows in an unparalleled fashion.

"When people hear this album I think they're going to instantly know that it's the new IN FLAMES without us repeating the same song over and over, and that's something I'm incredibly proud of," Fridén said. He went on to downplay the changes in the band's sound, calling "Battles" "guitar driven, melodic… it's like they know what to expect. It's not like we're coming out with something completely different, but at the same time it's still new. If they already like IN FLAMES, they will like it — and if they don't like IN FLAMES already, they still might like it."

IN FLAMES will release its new concert DVD, "Sounds From The Heart Of Gothenburg", on September 23 via Nuclear Blast. The set was recorded on November 7, 2014 at Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden. IN FLAMES last year inked a new management deal with Tenth Street Entertainment, which also looks after MÖTLEY CRÜE and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, among others.

The band's last disc, "Siren Charms", sold around 9,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 26 on The Billboard 200 chart.

IN FLAMES drummer Daniel Svensson announced last fall that he was leaving the band to focus on his family life. He said in a statement: "It's hard to leave what have become my second family, but now it's time for me to take care and spend more time with the most important people in my life — my wife and my three daughters."

IN FLAMES has not yet named a replacement for Svensson.

IN FLAMES is:

Anders Fridén - VocalsBjörn Gelotte - GuitarPeter Iwers - BassNiclas Engelin - Guitar

The official lyric video for the song "The Sacred Vow" from Swedish melodic metallers HAMMERFALL can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's tenth studio album, "Built To Last", which will be released on November 4 via Austria's Napalm Records.

Says the band: "Choosing a track for this was not easy, as we had several suitable songs. But 'The Sacred Vow' is a pretty classic HAMMERFALL tune and very representative of the album as a whole: speed, power, energy and with a catchy chorus that oozes of heavy metal spirit."

"Built To Last" track listing:

01. Bring It!02. Hammer High03. The Sacred Vow04. Dethrone And Defy05. Twilight Princess06. Stormbreaker07. Built To Last08. The Star Of Home09. New Breed10. Second To None

Check out the cover artwork below.

In a December 2015 interview with Spark TV, HAMMERFALL guitarist Oscar Dronjak spoke about whether it's "easier" for the band to write new music after 2014's "(r)Evolution" album. He said: "No, it's not easier. '(r)Evolution' was quite easy, because it's been a while, so we had a lot of inspiration that was dying to come out, Whereas now, I find it hard… For me, I always want to be removed from the live situation when I write songs, and it's very difficult when you know that in three weeks you're gonna go out on tour again."

He continued: "I don't think I would be able to do it if I was like I was when I was younger, but now I plan ahead much more. I have to. It's what Joacim [Cans, vocals] has always done, but I've never really cared about it because I didn't have to. But now I have a family and everything I have to take care of, so I think about things like that."

"(r)Evolution" sold around 1,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release.

HAMMERFALL will embark on a European tour in early 2017. The trek, dubbed "Built To Tour", will kick off on January 12 in Bremen, Germany.

"It's been a hectic time juggling the remaining shows of the tour with songwriting and, ultimately, recording, so the name of this venture feels very fitting," said Dronjak. "The 'World Wide (r)Evolution' was a resounding success on every level with half of the shows sold out, and we can't wait to get back on stage again to have a gigantic heavy metal party every night with all our Templar friends!"

Photo credit: Tallee Savage

Past – present – future: this triad is omnipresent on Hanging Garden’s new EP Hereafter. The fourth album of the Finns - Blackout/Whiteout – was released a year ago. Since then, the band engaged in reflecting its own musical progression in order to find new approaches for further development. In doing so, Hanging Garden are well-supported by prominent vocalists such as Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow The Sun), Alexander Högbom (October Tide, Centinex, Volturyon), and Victor Wegeborn (The Moth Gatherer).

With changing the context and adding guest singers, the atmospheric sound of the Finns further gains in importance and emotional impression. Dark and light moments – it is both in there. Hereafter runs through Hanging Garden's career, but also gives an idea of what the future of this open-minded and adventurous band will sound like.

Teaser:

Hereafter will be available on CD digipak and digital on October 7th via Lifeforce Records.

Northern Irish rockers THE ANSWER will release their new album, "Solas", on October 28 via Napalm. The CD was produced by Andy Bradfield and Avril Mackintosh, who previously worked with THE ANSWER on their 2006 album "Rise". "Solas", which is the Gaelic (Irish language) word for "light," is also the title of the lead track on the new album.

The song "Beautiful World", taken from "Solas", can be streamed below. Co-written with former MASSIVE ATTACK producer/composer Neil Davidge, the track is bathed in a dark, cinematic eeriness, juxtaposing with its optimistic title, before evolving into an explosive, retro rock stomper. A decade into the band's career, "Solas" marks a significant turning point for THE ANSWER and, in particular, lead singer Cormac Neeson. After their 2015 U.S. "Raise A Little Hell" tour, the band returned to a scene of utter emotional and financial chaos with matters escalating further for Neeson, when his newly born son, Dabhog, arrived into the world three months premature with multiple health issues. After four months of fighting for his life in a nightmarish world of ventilators, blood transfusions and an enveloping fear of the unknown, it was time for THE ANSWER to return yielding a newfound strength. For this they turned inwards to their culture, and their deep-rooted sense of "Irishness."

"I look back at that time of my life as a darkness I didn't know existed," Neeson says. "It felt like all the lights in the world had been dimmed and weren't ever coming back up again. I emerged from that whole experience a different man. The world was never going to look the same again but at least I could start to think about stuff I hadn't thought about in a while. 'Solas' arrived at just the right time for me because I felt strongly that I had a lot to say and to get off my chest."

A testament to personal resolve and dogged determination, the band bunkered down in their home rehearsal room converting it into a self-contained recording set up and shut themselves away from the world to create "Solas". Guitarist Paul Mahon became the default engineer, arranger and guiding light that would help navigate the evolving creativity and newfound freedom, delivering updates and files from the bunker over to London-based producers Andy Bradfield and Avril Mackintosh.

"We initially sat there looking blankly at each other. It became apparent that we would have to approach writing in a completely different way. It was certainly disconcerting to move away from our traditional approach but we had to embrace a new process," Paul recalls. "We didn't want to limit ourselves and as well as exploring our Celtic roots wanted to explore roots music in a broader sense. There may have been some conscious resistance at first but it felt we were being guided down a much more atmospheric, surreal and cinematic path and I think that is reflected in the final album."

"Solas" is a varied body of work encompassing elements of their Celtic heritage as well as their renowned trademark guitar attack. Rooted in bassist Micky Waters' love of Irish harmony, the combination of mandolins and Celtic choral arrangements suspend time on the harmonious "Thief Of Light" while "In This Land" summons an epic resolve and demonstrates an atmospheric turning point in the band's sound.

Not turning their back on their blues-filled rock anthems, "Demon Driven Man" is perfect rock'n'roll fare, grounded as ever by drummer James Heatley's remorseless beat, but it is the epic "Battle Cry (Seo An La Mo Laoch Mo Ghra)", a six-minute call to arms featuring elements of Celtic music, a Gaelic vocal chant, windswept rock and even thunderous Samba rhythms, which best epitomizes the old and new of THE ANSWER.

Having gone back to their roots and rediscovered their inner selves, "Solas" is an honest and brave album that panders to no label, to no media framework and to no rules. It is dark, occasionally menacing and at certain moments, joyous and uplifting. It is a record that bears the scars and soul of four talented men from Northern Ireland; sometimes troubled but seeking creative liberation.

The symbol that sits on the front cover, the ancient Celtic sign for "illumination," bears witness to this 2016 musical evolution. THE ANSWER are firmly embarked upon a new journey having been through the darkest period in their relatively brief rock history.

THE ANSWER consists of Cormac Neeson (vocals), Paul Mahon (guitar), Michael Waters (bass) and James Heatley (drums).

Dutch doom death metal pioneers ASPHYX will release their new studio album, "Incoming Death", on September 30 via Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2012's "Deathhammer" was recorded at several different studios throughout 2016 and was once more mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö, who previously worked with the band on the "Deathhammer", "Death…The Brutal Way" and "Live Death Doom" releases.

The "Incoming Death" title track can be streamed below. The clip enhancing the song was edited by Carl Assault and features live footage from the band's performance at Czech Republic's Brutal Assault festival in 2015.

Commented ASPHYX frontman Martin Van Drunen: "'Incoming Death' was music-wise composed in perhaps ten minutes when Husky and Paul were checking the sound in the Perle am Rhein studio for the flexi recordings. When we all freaked out on it, we knew we had the title track for the album. It's so typical our ASPHYX death metal style. Straight-forward, no-nonsense, three-riff, in-your-face death metal. Not that we were looking for a title track that would be in the tradition of 'Death The Brutal Way' or 'Deathhammer'. It just came out like this. It's a damn neckbreaker to raise hell to when playing live and that's why the choice for the track was only natural. Stanza, chorus, repeat, bridge, stanza, chorus, end. That's how it's done. On Instinct. Lyric-wise, three times death and gore by plague, aliens and zombies. And some metal beasts are even shorter than two minutes! So grab a beer, bang that head and scream along. This is fucken ASPHYX and we always deliver the goods!"

"Incoming Death" track listing:

01. Candiru02. Division Brandenburg03. Wardroid04. The Feeder05. It Came From The Skies06. The Grand Denial07. Incoming Death08. Forerunners Of The Apocalypse09. Subterra Incognita10. Wildland Fire11. Death: The Only Immortal Martin Van Drunen previously stated about ASPHYX's new album: "'Incoming Death', the third ASPHYX album after our resurrection in 2007, contains 11 furious songs in the traditional death/doom style which we are known for so well. Only more unmerciful than ever! Lyrical themes include gore humor, death, doom, war, sci-fi, the varying trustworthy ASPHYX subjects, each fusing perfectly with the metal of the tracks. "The album title already existed two or three years ago, being a phrase that doesn't really exist but refers to what entrenched soldiers cry out when under severe artillery fire. Thus 'Incoming Death' implies another relentless bombardment of monstrous ASPHYX death/doom metal!" The "Incoming Death" artwork was once again created by longtime cover artist Axel Hermann (SODOM, GRAVE, MORGOTH), who commented: "'Incoming Death' is my tenth collaboration with ASPHYX. Instead of visualizing the obvious, which would have been a reaper just collecting the soul of a dying man on his deathbed, I tried a maybe more sinister approach, simply by giving the concept a slightly different twist. A demon-infested living cemetery filled with decaying souls, forever being tortured with their own consciousness...or worse!" Martin added: "Of course, no ASPHYX release without the magnificent cover art of Axel Hermann, whose interpretation of the title fits superb with the atmosphere of the recordings. His demons are ours and soon they will be yours too!" "Deathhammer" entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 67. The CD was released in February 2012 via Century Media Records. ASPHYX is:

Paul Baayens - GuitarAlwin Zuur - BassMartin Van Drunen - VocalsStefan "Husky" Hüskens - Drums

The official video for "Radio", a brand new song from STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet, can be seen below. The track is taken from Sweet's seventh solo album, "One Sided War", which will be released on August 26 via Rat Pak Records. Backing Michael on the record are WHITESNAKE guitarist Joel Hoekstra, EVANESCENCE drummer Will Hunt, bassist John O'Boyle and East Coast shred-master Ethan Brosh.

Said Sweet: "I wrote the song 'Radio' based on my history in country music and on what seems to be a surge of rock stars trying to become country stars.

"I'm a metalhead at heart and always will be, but I've had the opportunity to write with some of the best writers in Nashville (Blair Daly, Bruce Wallace, Luke Laird) and I've learned how talented these guys are and how serious they take their job.

"Just as metal is a lifestyle, country is as well and you have to live it, not just wake up one morning and decide you're gonna be a country star and have the respect of the country world.

"I grew up with country music, played on my dad's country songs (he co-wrote a #1 country song in 1976 called 'I Don't Want To Have To Marry You') and I know and respect the country music world.

"This song and video is having a little fun with all the guys that think they can just throw on a cowboy hat, some cowboy boots, move to Nashville and become country stars. It's just not that simple and that's just not reality. The same would apply to country stars trying to become metalheads. Kind of funny when you think about it.

"Country music, just like rock, is a lifestyle rich with history and authenticity and each genre should be treated with great respect. You can’t fake it. You can try, but the fans will see right through it."

"One Sided War" showcases a full plate of hard rock and classic metal riffs that Michael Sweet has come to be known for throughout his illustrious musical career.

The album, which was recorded at Spirithouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts, is available for pre-order at this location.

"Musically, it's my heaviest solo album," Sweet said. "It's not thrash metal but there are definitely some songs on there that will pop out at you. There are some songs that have a bit of the IRON MAIDEN / DIO feel to them, as well as some songs that have a little bit of a VAN HALEN influence to them. It's a very guitar-oriented, hard rock/metal album with lots of melodies and hooks." The fast and furious opener "Bizarre" ignites the album's pace with its lightning fast riffage, soaring vocals and blazing guitar solos. Tracks like "Can't Take This Life", "One Sided War", "Golden Age", "I Am" and "Comfort Zone" keep the metal fires ablaze, while songs like "Radio", "One Way" and "You Make Me Wanna" bring the hard rock vibe to the forefront.

"One Sided War" features only one ballad, "Who Am I?", a heartfelt, passionate song that reminds us of the softer side of Michael's talents. Closing out the disc is a bonus track; it's a different version of the song "Can't Take This Life", a duet between Michael and 16-year-old up-and-coming female vocalist Moriah Formica.

An EPK that talks about the CD and contains samples of "Bizarre" and "Radio" is available below.

"One Sided War" track listing:

01. Bizarre02. One Sided War03. Can't Take This Life04. Radio05. Golden Age06. Only You07. I Am08. Who Am I09. You Make Me Wanna10. Comfort Zone11. One Way Up12. Can't Take This Life (bonus track; feat; Moriah Formica)

Sweet is best known as the singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer for Christian rock pioneers STRYPER, who have sold over ten million albums worldwide. In addition to STRYPER, Sweet has had a successful solo career, and he served as the guitarist and co-vocalist for the legendary classic rock band BOSTON from 2007 to2011. The future remains bright for a man who has endured heartbreaking tribulations throughout his life and career, including the 2009 passing of his wife of more than 22 years, Kyle. In 2010, Sweet remarried to Lisa Champagne-Sweet, a woman he describes as "a Godsend and the one who fits perfectly by my side." Sweet continues to record and tour with STRYPER, as well as touring and recording as a solo artist.

The official lyric video for "Born In Dissonance", a brand new song from Swedish extreme tech-metal pioneers MESHUGGAH, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "The Violent Sleep Of Reason", which will be released on October 7 via Nuclear Blast. The CD was inspired by a Goya painting called "The Sleep Of Reason Produces Monsters".

MEHUGGAH drummer Tomas Haake told Rolling Stone about the song: "It ties in with the Biblical Apocalypse, the idea of a deity coming back to undo it all and taking to heaven the ones who are righteous. It's about a monster that's coming for us, or maybe an asteroid hurtling towards the earth. It's always been a weird conundrum for me how some people, even devout people, fear the Apocalypse whilst others welcome it. I've never understood that."

"The Violent Sleep Of Reason" was produced by the band and was engineered by Tue Madsen of Puk Studios in Kaerby, Denmark.

For "The Violent Sleep Of Reason" cover, MESHUGGAH once again enlisted Keerych Luminokaya who created the artwork for "Koloss" and "The Ophidian Trek" as well as the new images for each of the seven albums and three EPs featured in the "25 Years Of Musical Deviance" box set.

"Basically, the whole idea of why we chose the title is it kinda connects with the lyrical content of the album," Haake said. "Which is, to a fair degree, about current events and what you see is going on as far as terrorism today, extremist views on ideals, and religious dogma and the violent implications that you get from being asleep, so to speak, and not acting/reacting to what is going on in the proper way."

"The Violent Sleep Of Reason" track listing:

01. Clockworks02. Born In Dissonance03. MonstroCity04. By The Ton05. Violent Sleep Of Reason06. Ivory Tower07. Stifled08. Nostrum09. Our Rage Won't Die10. Into Decay

Haake told Metal Hammer that MESHUGGAH recorded "The Violent Sleep Of Reason" live in the studio — marking the first time they have done that "in 20-25 years." He said: "It was time limitations that stopped us doing it before. And it's been interesting.

"If you put it all together using computers, then you often have to fix problems after the fact. I've gone back to records where I've not known every drum part. And once you do that, you can start with drums and then just add layers of guitars and then bass and it all sounds perfect.

"'Obzen' and 'Koloss' are great albums, but, to me, they are a little too perfect. It didn't really capture what we sounded like honestly. But where we recorded live, you get to hear the push and pull, one person might be a little ahead and the other might be a little behind. If you kill that, you can kill the energy."

He added: "So for us it was just about going back to those albums that inspired us when we were growing up, that were important to us in our formative years, and all of those bands had that energy. The albums in the '80s and early '90s had the rawness that I'm talking about — that's what we wanted to recapture."

Celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2015, the SCORPIONS are one of the most successful rock bands to come out of Continental Europe. On September 30, their never-before-released, jaw dropping and emotional final concert of the "Sting In The Tale" world tour will be released as the concert film "Live In Munich 2012" via Eagle Rock Entertainment. With over 100 million records sold, SCORPIONS are one of the first rock bands to blast through the barriers and play all over the world, especially in the Far East, Eastern Europe and Russia. They initially struggled to reach a wider audience in their home country of Germany, despite huge success in many other parts of the world. This is what makes this concert film "Live In Munich 2012" — a homecoming event at the Olympiahalle in Munich on December 17, 2012 — so emotional and meaningful. SCORPIONS rock like no other, and this live DVD shows just how. "Live In Munich 2012" is a high-octane performance, captured before a wildly enthusiastic crowd, and serves as further proof of the power and electricity the SCORPIONS bring to the stage! Showcased in this concert event, the band deliver fiery renditions of their classic anthems: "Wind Of Change", "Rock You Like A Hurricane", "Send Me An Angel", "Still Loving You", "The Zoo", "Big City Nights", "Is There Anybody There?", "No One Like You", "Sting In The Tail", and many more — all captured in High Definition. "Live In Munich 2012" is a fascinating look at one of rock music's most engaging, potent and successful acts, which makes this an essential purchase for any SCORPIONS fan! Track listing:

01. Sting In The Tail 02. Make It Real 03. Is There Anybody There?04. The Zoo 05. Coast To Coast 06. Loving You Sunday Morning 07. We'll Burn The Sky 08. The Best Is Yet To Come 09. Send Me An Angel 10. Holiday 11. Raised On Rock 12. Tease Me Please Me 13. Hit Between The Eyes 14. Kottak Attack 15. Blackout 16. Big City Nights 17. Still Loving You 18. Wind Of Change 19. No One Like You 20. Rock You Like A Hurricane 21. When The Smoke Is Going Down

Bass Player returns for its eighteenth year with the premier live bass event, Bass Player LIVE! 2016, in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23. SIR Studios, at 6465 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood will once again be the location for two days of exhibits by top gear manufacturers and clinics by world-class bassists. An all-star concert featuring this year's award recipients will be held on the evening of October 22, at Musicians Institute, 6752 Hollywood Blvd. Highlights of this much-anticipated bass bash include:

* A Bass Player Lifetime Achievement Award presented to METERS bass legend and funk founder George Porter, Jr. Porter will accept his award from bassist/"American Idol" superstar Randy Jackson and then perform with his trio plus special guests at the all-star concert on Oct. 22, as well as host a clinic at SIR on Oct. 23

* A Bass Player Lifetime Achievement Award presented to bass virtuoso and rock and roll icon Billy Sheehan. Sheehan will accept his award and then perform with his band plus special guests at the all-star concert on Oct. 22, as well as host a clinic at SIR on Oct. 23

* A Prince tribute panel clinic headed by Andrew Gouche.

* A rock panel clinic headed by Doug Pinnick, Rex Brown and Glenn Hughes

* A panel on producing headed by Mike Elizondo

* A performance clinic by Oskar Cartaya debuting music from his much-anticipated upcoming solo album

* A funk throwdown clinic by Cincinnati-based Bootsy protégé Freekbass

* Additional clinics by Rickey Minor, Chuck Rainey, Steve Bailey and Hadrien Feraud

Also slated to appear this year are Tal Wilkenfeld, Chris Chaney, Hagar Ben Ari, Bobby Vega, Janek Gwizdala, Bob Glaub, Alphonso Johnson, Alex Al, Jimmy Earl, Jerry Jemmott, Sekou Bunch, Brian Bromberg, Phil Chen, Mike Merritt, John B. Williams, Norm Stockton, Jerry Watts, and many more.

Tickets are on sale now at www.bassplayerlive.com. Both single day and weekend packages for the Bass Player LIVE! clinics, exhibits and all-star concert are available and priced as follows:

• SIR Studios day pass for Saturday OR Sunday - $37.50 plus fees

• SIR Studios Saturday & Sunday pass + concert - $57.50 plus fees

Note: Each day pass purchase includes a complimentary subscription to Bass Player magazine.

The Bass Player LIVE! clinics and exhibits at SIR Studios in Hollywood will be held Saturday, October 22 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 23 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Concert and award ceremony for the evening of October 22 will be held at Musicans Institute, 6752 Hollywood Blvd. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and music begins at 8:00 p.m. Bass players and musicians of all ages, levels and styles are invited to attend.

On August 26, California rockers TESLA will release "Mechanical Resonance Live!", a live recording of their classic album, celebrating the original multi-platinum record's 30th birthday in style. With a few surprises up their sleeve, including the single "Save That Goodness" written and produced by Phil Collen of DEF LEPPARD, the effort will be made available via Tesla Electric Company Recordings/Mailboat. The record is being released in conjunction with TESLA's summer tour opening up for DEF LEPPARD, where they will perform in front of over half a million fans.

You can now watch the video for "Save That Goodness" below. Said TESLA guitarist Frank Hannon: "Our new video for 'Save That Goodness' captures the essence of the song. It's a feel-good message with a hint of spirituality.

"TESLA the band is having a great time with our new friend and vocalist Debbi Blackwell, while performing with our old friend Phil Collen. The location glues it all together in a turn of the century classic chapel that conveys an old time feeling of gospel, while the band has fun playing new rock and roll and blending the two."

Over the course of their thirty-year career, which started in 1986, the iconic Sacramento melodic hard rock quintet — Frank Hannon [guitar], Brian Wheat [bass], Jeff Keith [lead vocals], Troy Luccketta [drums], and Dave Rude [guitar] — has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide and played to sold-out crowds across the globe. The 21st century has become something of a renaissance for TESLA. Most recently, 2014's "Simplicity" bowed at #14 on The Billboard 200. The group ignited ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in addition to scorching stages at festivals such as Rocklahoma, Graspop Metal Meeting and Sweden Rock Festival as well as the cruise Monsters Of Rock. As they prepare to cut their ninth full-length album with Phil Collen in the producer's chair, TESLA takes another monumental leap forward as they glance back on "Mechanical Resonance Live!" "Mechanical Resonance Live!" track listing:

01. Rock Me to the Top (live)02. Ez Come Ez Go (live)03. Gettin' Better (live)04. Comin' Atcha Live (live)05. Changes (live)06. Before My Eyes (live)07. 2 Late 4 Love (live)08. We're No Good Together (live)09. Love Me (live)10. Cover Queen (live)11. Lil' Suzie (live)12. Modern Day Cowboy (live)13. Save That Goodness (bonus studio track) (written/produced by Phil Collen)

Frontiers Music Srl will release SECRET SPHERE's first live album, titled "One Night In Tokyo", on October 14.

The song "X", taken from "One Night In Tokyo", can be streamed below. SECRET SPHERE are without a doubt one of the most well-known metal bands in Japan, with a solid fan base there since their inception in 1997. All their albums have been released in Japan and in fact, it is the only country where you can find SECRET SPHERE's very rare, original debut demo tape, officially released as a special edition item there. That says a lot about the respect and affection that the fans in the Land Of The Rising Sun have for Aldo LoNobile's band. During the band's last Japanese tour, in support of the special anniversary edition of the band's "A Time Never Come" album, SECRET SPHERE had the chance to record their show in Tokyo in its entirety, which included all the band's major hits: "Legend", "Under The Flag Of Mary Read", plus the melodic metal gems taken from the latest album "Portrait Of A Dying Heart". Featuring vocalist extraordinaire Michele Luppi (now also keyboard player with WHITESNAKE), the show was one for the ages. The result is a genuine performance in a very warm atmosphere, a night to remember, where the band played all their classic songs with true passion. The same passion that you can expect from the band's next release, currently in the writing stages. Aldo Lonobile says: "Since I started the band, the idea of recording our first live album in Japan, was the ultimate goal! All my musical heroes described their experiences in Japan with a happiness and a warmth that you could almost feel. That was the truth, among the most loyal fans in the world, and I am 100% happy that Frontiers liked the idea to release our first live album!" To enhance the celebration, the band agreed to the label's suggestion to release a brand new version of "Lie To Me", featuring an outstanding duet between Michele Luppi and former NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon. Released originally on "Portrait of A Dying Heart", the video reached almost one million views and this new version shows a depth and a reach that makes it even better compared to the original!

"One Night In Tokyo" track listing:

CD1

01. Intro: A Journey Through Time02. X03. Healing04. Union05. The Fall06. Lie To Me07. Wish And Steadiness08. Legend09. Under The Flag Of Mary Read10. The Scars That You Can't See11. Eternity

CD2

01. Mr. Sin02. Leonardo Da Vinci03. Lady Of Silence04. Dance With The Devil05. Lie To Me (studio bonus track; duet with Anette Olzon)DVD:

01. Intro: A Journey Through Time02. X03. Healing04. Union05. The Fall06. Lie To Me07. Wish And Steadiness08. Legend09. Under The Flag Of Mary Read10. The Scars That You Can't See11. Eternity12. Mr. Sin13. Leonardo Da Vinci14. Lady Of Silence15. Dance With The Devil SECRET SPHERE is:

Michele Luppi: VocalsAldo Lonobile: All Lead and Rhythm GuitarsAndrea Buratto: BassMarco Pastorino: Rhythm Guitars and Backing VocalsGabriele Ciaccia: Keyboards & PianoMarco Lazzarini: Drums

Canadian rockers Art Of Dying will have brand new music in tow on their 40+ date US headlining tour. The Nevermore CD will be available at their shows and at www.artofdyingmusic.com and drops September 2nd on iTunes, Spotify, and digital/streaming outlets everywhere.

Pre-order Nevermore on iTunes starting today for 2.99 and instantly get the song "Cages”. Special price ends September 2nd. Check out a lyric video for the track “Torn Down” below:

"Torn Down is about believing in yourself, plain and simple. Sometimes it's hard to dig deep and find your pilot light in the darkness, but it's there", says Art Of Dying singer Jonny Hetherington. "I came across Amanda and Jonah's (Amanda Todd and Jonah Mowrey) stories on YouTube and they really affected me. In a way, they both inspired this song. Unfortunately we lost Amanda. I hope “Torn Down” can be a beacon to those who find themselves at the end of their rope.”

Art Of Dying tour dates:

August
31 - The Fish Head Cantina - Halthorpe MD

September
1 - Hooligan's - Jacksonville, NC
2 - The Drunk Horse Pub - Fayetteville NC
3 - The Wizard Saloon - Hickory, NC
4 - The Warehouse - Clarksville, TN
6 - Dirty Dog Bar - Austin, TX
7 - Scout Bar - Houston, TX
8 - Trees - Dallas, TX
9 - Fitzgerald's - San Antonio TX
10 - Click's - Tyler, TX
11 - Jake's Backroom - Lubbock TX
13 - Club Red - Mesa, AZ
14 - The Irenic - San Diego, CA
15 - Vamp'd - Las Vegas, NV
16 - Above DNA Lounge - San Francisco, CA
17 - Malone's - Santa Ana, CA
18 - The Whiskey - W.Hollywood, CA
20 - Studio Seven - Seattle WA
21 - Hawthorne Theatre Lounge - Portland, OR
22 - The Pin! - Spokane, WA
24 - Diamondz Event Center - Jerome, ID
25 - Knitting Factory - Boise, ID
27 - Mesa Theater - Grand Junction, CO
28 - City Hall - Denver, CO
29 - TBA - Colorado Spring, CO
30 - Aftershock - Merriam, KS

October
1 - Lookout Lounge - Omaha, NE
2 - Gabe's Oasis - Iowa City, IA
5 - The Cabooze - Minneapolis, MN
6 - Wicked Moose - Rochester, MN
7 - The Garage Bar - Moorehead, MN
8 - Big's Bar - Sioux Falls, SD
14 - Q&V Expo Center - Ringle, WI
15 - The Back Bar - Janesville, WI
16 - Realm - Toledo, OH
18 - The Outpost - Kent, OH
19 - Al Rosa Villa - Columbus, OH
20 - Cheers Pub - South Bend, IN
21 - The Machine Shop - Flint, MI
22 - Battle Creek - Battle Creek, MI

Puerto Rico-based thrashers, Calamity, will enter the studio in the upcoming weeks to record their new single, "End Of The Road". The track will be produced by Ramon Ortiz (Puya/Ankla/ Ortiz) and engineered by Francisco Barreras who previously worked on the band's first studio album, Imminent Disaster.

"I'm happy to announce I will be entering Mystic Red studios very soon with the boys from Calamity to produce their new single,” says Ramon Ortiz. "Ever since Cardinal Sin I had not heard such an exciting and dynamic thrash metal from my hometown Puerto Rico. The idea with this is to come out with a totally devastating track and production to position Calamity as a force to be reckoned with in the global metal market. They have what it takes and I'll be honoured to help them in this part of their journey towards world domination."

Details about the release date and format will be revealed soon.

Calamity also announces their first participation on the NYDM 2017 Milwaukee Spring Bash next April, they will share stage with acts like Attacker, Omen, Solstice Impaler and Satan's Host among others. Check out a flyer below:

More US dates for Calamity are to be announced in the upcoming months. Stay tuned.

(Photo - Jessica Berrios Photography)