Fan-filmed video footage of the new lineup of STUCK MOJO performing live on August 13 at the Brutal Assault festival in Josefov, Czech Republic can be seen below.

STUCK MOJO's new album, "Here Come The Infidels", was released on June 24. The CD was once again produced by Andy Sneap, who has previously worked with MEGADETH, EXODUS, TESTAMENT, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and ACCEPT, among others.

In addition to STUCK MOJO guitarist and main songwriter Rich Ward and longtime drummer Frank Fontsere, "Here Come The Infidels" features STUCK MOJO's latest additions, vocalist Robby J and bassist Len Sonnier.

Ward stated about STUCK MOJO's new singer: "Robby J is a fucking ninja, the total package vocalist/frontman. Mark my words, this guy is going to set a new standard for what a band with a rapper looks like."

Hailing from the Texas-Louisiana border, Len is a veteran bass player, best known for his time spent as the touring bassist in KING'S X frontman Doug Pinnick's POUNDHOUND project.

Speaking about why a planned reunion of STUCK MOJO's classic lineup — featuring vocalist Bonz and bassist Corey Lowery — fell apart less than a year after playing a well-received show in the band's hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, Ward said: "The goal was to do a reunion record. And after doing three reunion shows, we just realized it wasn't gonna work — for the same reasons it didn't work the first time. But we'd already started the process into making this new album."

Regarding the "Here Come The Infidels" album title, Ward told EonMusic: "Being one of the first bands who did the whole rock/rap thing in the late eighties and early nineties, it was a badge of honor to be doing something that was so outside the mainstream at that time. In the States, the whole hair metal thing was king, and we were shunned as this multi-racial hybrid, and it proved difficult to get a foot in the door of the industry because we were so different. Then, as luck would have it, the trend caught up to us, which was great! But very quickly it became such a trend that we had fallen out of favor and we were once again on the outside of the 'most admired' list. It was a cool time with the likes of LIMP BIZKIT and PAPA ROACH having huge success, but when the backlash for those bands started, we got kind of thrown in with those guys."

If you watched the Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys game on ESPN Saturday night, you saw a spot featuring past and present NFL players, fans, coaches and more members of the sports community ringing in the return of football season by singing along to and air-guitaring MÖTLEY CRÜE's classic ballad "Home Sweet Home". The ad, which was first released Thursday via the NFL's YouTube channel, was uploaded with the message: "It's finally time to come home to football."

Among those appearing in the spot are Von Miller (Denver Broncos), Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers), Michael Strahan (formerly of the New York Giants), Charles Woodson (formerly of the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers) and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

During a 2012 episode of "Sixx Sense", the national radio program hosted by MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx, Nikki revealed the "secret origin" behind "Home Sweet Home".

Said Nikki: "Our record company back in the day, Elektra Records, we turned in [the 1983 CRÜE album] 'Shout At The Devil' and they rejected the album. They said they didn't like it, it didn't sound like [1981's] 'Too Fast For Love', we changed the logo, we changed our look. And so we said, 'Fine. Then we'll go to another record company.' So [Elektra] put it out [after all], and it sold four million copies. Elektra was about to go bankrupt at the time, and that saved their ass. And then when our next record [1985's 'Theatre Of Pain'] got turned in, with 'Home Sweet Home' on it, they rejected that album. They said, 'This is horrible, and you have to take that song off the record. You guys aren't a ballad band.' So we did the same thing.

"We were always at war with that record company; they never really believed in us.

"And so we came out with 'Smokin' In The Boys Room' [as the first single from 'Theatre'], and that album blew up. And then we wanted to release 'Home Sweet Home' [as the next single and video], and [the record company] said, 'No way. No way.' So we funded it, we shot the video ourselves, went on MTV and the rest is history.

"But that song ['Home Sweet Home'] was never a hit single. They never worked it at radio, they never promoted the song, and if it wasn't for MTV back when they used to play videos, that song wouldn't be the song it is today. But that song's kind of like our 'Dream On' [AEROSMITH] or our 'Stairway To Heaven' [LED ZEPPELIN], right?! … 'Dream On' was not a hit single [either].

"It's interesting how a song resonates with an audience, but that definitely doesn't always resonate with business people. They look at things like AEROSMITH, and they go, 'Oh, this is your first record. You don't wanna have a ballad on it.' But that was the song — that was the jewel of that first AEROSMITH record. 'Home Sweet Home' is such a jewel in our career, just as 'Stairway To Heaven' is [for LED ZEPPELIN]. And a lot of bands have that kind of song that really connects with people, other than what they usually do, which is, maybe in our case, we're a rock band and that something was a little bit left of center."

"Home Sweet Home" charted at No. 89 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song ranked No. 12 on VH1's chart of the greatest power ballads of all time.

"I remember like it was yesterday," said MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil about writing the song, "sitting in the recording studio when Tommy [Lee, MÖTLEY's drummer] came up with the piano chords and I almost immediately started humming."

"American Idol" star Carrie Underwood performed her version of "Home Sweet Home" on the 2009 season of the popular television talent show.

Metal Wani writer Dawn "Mama Love" Brown conducted an interview with drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz of Florida death metallers CANNIBAL CORPSE at a recent stop on the "Summer Slaughter" tour. You can now watch the chat below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On whether it ever becomes difficult for CANNIBAL CORPSE to come up with new ideas:

Paul: "I don't think so. Otherwise, we wouldn't have thirteen albums out in a matter of almost thirty years. If we did, yeah, we'd be stuck on three albums, because we have no ideas. We're very creative people; when we have to create, we create. You don't wanna say it comes easy, but, obviously, when we put our minds to it, we're ready to do that. And then when we come up with material, there we go; we've got a record. And we have to do it in a confined time like that exactly, because if we were to wait… We're not METALLICA, we're not some band that can just take liberties and go, 'Yeah, we're multi-millionaires. We'll get to it when we get to it.' No. This is our job and our livelihood, and we have to keep this machine rolling to be consistent that way as well, so there's gonna be timeframes. I mean, right now, we don't have a set timeframe for the new record, but I can tell you, we're ending our cycle pretty much on this tour, and we're not gonna sitting around for a couple of years doing nothing. Of course, we're gonna start writing, getting some material together, and before you know it, we'll be recording. And that's the way we've always done it. But, yeah, aside of that, creatively, and just being an artist and all that, and not thinking of any of those things, we've got it in us. If we had an issue, like I was saying, we wouldn't have these albums out in a timely fashion the way we do… We're very fortunate that we have that creative energy flowing almost constantly, because it would really stink if we're done with this and we get there and we're all sitting around and going, 'Man, we've got nothing. None of us have anything.' Well, I guess that's when you know it's time to hang it up. But, luckily, that's never been the case."

On whether CANNIBAL CORPSE already has new material in the works:

Paul: "Eventually. Once we're done with this tour, it's pretty much the end of the cycle. We've got one more show at the end of October, but then, yeah, it's gonna [be time to start] getting material together for the next release. Hopefully sometime in 2017 we'll record it. But that's all to be determined probably within the next few months."

CANNIBAL CORPSE's latest album, "A Skeletal Domain", sold 8,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 32 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Torture", opened with 9,600 units to land at No. 38. This figure was in line with the first-week performance of 2009's "Evisceration Plague", which entered the chart at No. 66. CANNIBAL CORPSE's 2006 CD, "Kill", debuted at No. 170 after shifting more than 6,000 copies.

Former METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted spoke to Billboard.com about his decision to shelf NEWSTED, the heavy metal project he operated between 2012 and 2014.

"I was trying to take on too much stuff at once," he said. "You can only do so much and make it work right. I won't call it over 'cause I did write a whole 'nother record, but it just hasn't been put together. It hasn't been recorded all the way. It's not ready for the people. That's something that's just on the backburner right now."

In addition to Jason, NEWSTED's lineup included Mike Mushok (STAIND) on guitar, Jesus Mendez Jr. (THE NAPOLEON BLOWNAPARTS) on drums and Jessie Farnsworth on guitar.

Jason in February 2014 canceled an appearance at Australia's Soundwave festival with NEWSTED, citing "private and personal circumstances." The cancelation followed more than a year of intense touring and promotional activity surrounding the release of NEWSTED's "Metal" EP and follow-up album, "Heavy Metal Music", both of which were positively received by the critics and fans alike.

After staying mostly out of the public eye for the past couple of years, Newsted rejoined Canadian metal innovators VOIVOD on stage during their June 8 concert at Slim's in San Francisco, California. He has since announced the formation of a couple of new acoustic projects, with five West Coast dates booked for September and plans for more around the country.

Jason left METALLICA back in 2001 but was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, along with guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Kirk Hammett, and the man who replaced him, bassist Robert Trujillo, in 2009.

SLAYER has just released a brand new video clip in which bassist/vocalist Tom Araya and guitarist Kerry King talk about the band's upcoming fall tour of North America with support from ANTHRAX and DEATH ANGEL.

Said Kerry about SLAYER's live performance: "The whole reason I come overseas and play domestically, or wherever it is, is for that ninety minutes onstage.

"It's not a drug to me. It's still my job, but I like my job."

Added Tom: "Everything that has to do with touring sucks. And the time that we're onstage, it's, like, I forgive everything. I don't forget — I forgive."

Kerry also talked about the SLAYER fans, who in 2008 were called by The Guardian "the most dedicated, least rational" in rock.

"It's amazing," he said. "We played Milan [Italy] the other day, and Milan's notorious for singing guitar intros along with the intro, and even parts of songs and lyrics and chorus. And the intro tape, 'Delusions Of Saviour', came on and they started singing it. It's the first time I had heard people sing it. I knew they were going to. The riff kicks in, and there's two or three thousand, however many people, there, they're singing along with it, and it's very haunting sounding. It's like an old BLACK SABBATH record where they have the operatic, religious background singers. That's what it sounds like. It would make your hair stand up on arms, 'cause it's such a rush. It's fun. And then you go into the 'Repentless' opening, which is as good as an opener as we've ever had. There's nothing I can compare it to."

SLAYER's seven-week North American tour with ANTHRAX and DEATH ANGEL will kick off in Cleveland on September 9 and will hit both major and secondary markets across the continent.

SLAYER's latest album, "Repentless", debuted at No. 4 on The Billboard 200, having shifted 50,000 equivalent album units in the week ending September 17, 2015.

Impact Ventures, the parent company of TNA Wrestling and Impact Wrestling, today announced the appointment of Billy Corgan as its new president. Current president Dixie Carter becomes chairman and chief strategy officer of Impact.

As president, Billy Corgan will be responsible for leading day-to-day operations for Impact and its affiliated brands. As chairman, Carter will focus on long-term planning, strategic partnerships and global growth. "Billy is a visionary, an iconic artist and savvy businessman with an incredibly gifted creative mind. He has built a decades-long successful global brand, and also has a deep passion and understanding for professional wrestling," said Carter. "In working with Billy over the last 16 months, he has impressed me to the point that I've been in discussions with him to take an elevated strategic leadership role within the company. The more we discussed our vision for the organization, the clearer it became that position needed to match his commitment. "We are entering an exciting new era for Impact and will be working to continue to define our brand, develop global strategies for success, and structure for future investment and growth," added Carter. "These moves, effective immediately, signify the team's determination to work together to effectively cover more ground and capitalize on TNA's current momentum that has seen ratings rise in recent months." Corgan, 49, is an American musician, songwriter, producer, TV writer and poet, best known as the lead singer, guitarist, and sole permanent member of THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, who have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and won multiple Grammy Awards. Corgan joined Impact in May 2015 as a senior producer. "I believe in this company, its passionate fans, the talented roster and the dedicated staff and crew," said Corgan. "I am committed to this great opportunity and will use all of my resources and connections to drive the success of this company. This year we have made significant strides in establishing a strong foundation for our future and will be aggressive in continuing to evolve and grow the Impact brands." Impact's flagship broadcast "Impact Wrestling" airs Thursdays at 8/7c on Pop, and in more than 120 countries around the world.

In an interview with Dave Ling of Classic Rock, Frank DiMino was misquoted as having confirmed "that plans are afoot to reunite his former group ANGEL for a handful of farewell concerts." The interview also suggested that DiMino "broke the news on July 31 via his Facebook page with the declaration: "Special Announcement Coming Soon. Hint: It's 'ANGEL related,"' when, in fact, the veiled reference was to ANGEL guitarist Punky Meadows making an appearance in DiMino's new video for "Never Again". Peter Kalish from Kalish Management states: "Frank never said ANGEL was planning reunion shows, simply because there are no plans. What one wants to see happen versus what is reality are two very different things. We had requested a copy of the interview recording but were unable to obtain it." This isn't to say that an ANGEL reunion show (or shows) is entirely off the table, but it would have to be a situation that would make sense for all involved.

DiMino agreed with a statement Meadows had made to Classic Rock previously, in which he stated: "We couldn't go on tour and be ANGEL again; that's in the past. But doing two final shows to cap it all off, that's something I'd never say never about." DiMino says: "I would like to thank TeamRock for doing the latest interview with me and premiering my new video for 'Never Again'. However, I would like to address a misunderstanding between myself and Dave Ling, whom I did the interview with. I never at anytime meant to mislead Dave into thinking that I was confirming an ANGEL reunion. If there was an ANGEL reunion in the works, I would know about it. There simply is no reunion at this time. Punky and myself are working on our solo projects and all our energy is pointed in that direction. In my interview with Dave and TeamRock, it was not my intention to be misleading in any way. We appreciate the loyal and ongoing support of all of our fans." DiMino's video for "Never Again", featuring Meadows, can be seen below.

Former members of ANGEL appeared at the 2016 Vegas Rocks! Hair Metal Awards on May 15 at the at the Eastside Cannery Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The group received the "Glam Rock Legends" award in honor of their contributions and influence in music. Accepting the award were Meadows, DiMino, Gregg Giuffria, Barry Brandt, and Felix Robinson. This marked the first time all surviving ANGEL bandmembers — bassist Mickie Jones passed away from cancer in 2009 — have been on stage together since 1980.

Fan-filmed video footage of original AC/DC singer Dave Evans performing several of the band's classic songs on July 1 at On The Rocks in Helsinki, Finland can be seen below.

Evans recently said that he would have returned to the band if he had been asked to step in for Brian Johnson on the Australian group's European tour.

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

Asked by Finland's Kaaos TV if he would have done the recent European shows with AC/DC if he had been asked to rejoin the group, Evans said: "Well, it depends how much they wanna pay me? [Laughs] You know, I'm busy. But, yeah, it depends on money, mate. If they wanted to pay me enough money, of course I'd do it. You'd do it too, if they asked you. But, yeah, of course."

Earlier in the year, Evans had kind words for Johnson, who admitted in a 2014 interview that his hearing loss wasn't due to playing loud rock music every night for a living but was the result of Johnson's other obsession: auto racing.

"A lot of people make jokes about going deaf from listening to loud music," Evans told The Sydney Morning Herald back in March. "It's never been a problem for me.

"I just thought it was sad news. It's your lifeblood as a singer, live performances are so personal, without the crowd and the adrenaline, it's going to be hard for him. Performances are the big highs in our lives."

Evans added that his return to AC/DC would probably never happen. But, he said, "it would be nice to do one guest performance. [Former members] were all part of the band no matters what era they were from."

Evans also said that he thought AC/DC could continue, even without Johnson. "So long as Angus [Young, guitar] is there in his uniform... it's a branding thing now, the name AC/DC is almost bigger than the [members of the] band itself. It's a massive thing all over the world."

Evans recorded AC/DC's first two singles, "Can I Sit Next To You Girl" and "Baby Please Don't Go", before leaving to join Newcastle glam rockers RABBIT.

Evans was replaced later in 1974 by Bon Scott, who sang on AC/DC's first six studio albums and became a legend himself after his death in 1980.

Evans said he "never had a problem with Bon," adding, "He had an opportunity to take my place and become the singer for AC/DC. I would have done the same thing. Bon was a rock and roller and as hard as me... He was quite a few years older than me but we grew up tough and did the hard knocks."

Evans told Wales Online that his former bandmates have not acknowledged his role in AC/DC's early history, saying, "They like to pretend in interviews that Bon Scott was there from the very beginning. The truth of the matter is that a lot went on before Bon became involved — in fact, the band had already got through two bass players, three drummers and a handful of managers by that point . . . all the stuff [Bon would] later do onstage with AC/DC, like taking off his shirt and carrying Angus around on his shoulders, was nicked off me."

According to Antiques Trade Gazette, a collection of BLACK SABBATH-related memorabilia unearthed in London will be on sale in a Sheffield auction on September 30. Dating from the period 1968-1973, the collection includes a number of postcards from SABBATH singer Ozzy Osbourne to his mother in Birmingham written while on tour. Also in the collection on offer from Sheffield Auction Gallery, are publicity posters, flyers, handwritten song lyrics and photographs from EARTH, BLACK SABBATH's original name.

Stephen Flintoft, specialist music valuer and auctioneer at the Sheffield auction house, says: "Perhaps the most interesting item, among so many, is the handwritten lyrics headed by EARTH to the song 'Changing Phases', a title later changed to 'Solitude', which featured on the 1971 double platinum BLACK SABBATH album 'Master Of Reality'."

EARTH (shortened from EARTH BLUES COMPANY) was formed in 1968 after Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward got their start in such psychedelic outfits as the RARE BREED and MYTHOLOGY.

Everything changed when Butler came to the band with an idea for a song inspired by a disturbing apparition. A fan of horror films and the black magic-themed novels of Dennis Wheatley, he flirted briefly with the black arts. But when he saw what he believed to be a figure from the dark side at the foot of his bed one night, he ceased his dabblings in the goth world. With lyrics by Osbourne, the group composed a song about the visitation, titling it "Black Sabbath" (after the 1963 Boris Karloff film). It provoked a reaction in audiences unlike anything else in their repertoire, and they knew they'd stumbled onto something powerful and unique. Forced to change their name because there was already another band named EARTH, they made an obvious choice: BLACK SABBATH.

"That's when it all started to happen," Iommi told writer Mick Wall. "The name sounded mysterious, it gave people something to think about, and it gave us a direction to follow."

For more information, visit SheffieldAuctionGallery.com.




Early and Pre Black Sabbath Rock Memorabilia

A unique collection of early and pre Black Sabbath rock memorabilia...

Posted by Sheffield Auction Gallery on Thursday, August 4, 2016

Atlanta, Georgia's NORMA JEAN has released its explosive new single, "Forever Hurtling Towards Andromeda". The track is taken from the band's upcoming seventh full-length, "Polar Similar", due out September 9 via Solid State Records.

"Forever Hurtling Towards Andromeda" features guest vocals from Sean Ingram of metalcore pioneers COALESCE, with a performance that perfectly complements the pummeling track. The song is one of the album's more chaotic tracks, a concise blast that still finds time for a haunting vocal passage amongst the massive riffs, and closes with Ingram's hostile appearance.

First and foremost, "Polar Similar" is a reminder that NORMA JEAN is anything but rudimentary. "Sonically, we hoped to open minds to something different," explains lead singer Cory Brandan. "It seems like the world has found the cookie cutter, microwaved form of everything, and we pushed ourselves really hard to be something else." Decisions like recording at Pachyderm Studio (the same studio where NIRVANA recorded their boundary-pushing classic "In Utero") in Minnesota proves it. Each morning the band walked from the cabin to the backyard studio, turned on "The Shining", Stanley Kubrick's isolation-themed thriller, and used the space's legendary acoustics to record audio that would end up so powerfully raw, it would need no added effects.

Using the haunting chill of winter woods, the eerie acoustics from an indoor pool, and the unrelenting drive to capture natural, the band stayed put until their record — a vulnerable, haunting accomplishment — was complete. The finished product stacks itself atop an already impressive catalog of releases that yells just as powerfully, just as distinctly, and just as as profoundly as the ones preceding it. "Polar Similar"'s lyrical themes, however, set it apart.

Much of "Polar Similar" centers around abuse. Inspired by a tumultuous relationship Brandan experienced many years ago, this album is his most unguarded. "As a man, it wasn't easy to face the reality of that abuse. Decades out of that relationship, I think it's important to reach out to listeners who feel like I did then, who feel alone or different — like this has only happened to them — because the facts are one in three women and one in four men will find themselves in abusive relationships in their lives," he explains. "It's not just physical abuse either — physical abuse is the product of an already abusive relationship. The record deals with all this in emotional detail."

From the track "Everyone Talking Over Everyone Else", an anthem about clawing yourself out of the cave of abusive relationships, to the song "A Thousand Years A Minute", which looks inside self-harm, to "Reaction", a song dealing with the struggle to reach victims, "Polar Similar" exposes — honestly and powerfully — the varied perspectives of relational abuse.

Although each of NORMA JEAN's albums are fastened together by unyielding talent and ingenuity, their seventh release does stand out in motive. "I hope fans can be reached through this," notes Brandan. "It's hard to know when you're in an abusive situation; the most important thing is to know what the signs of abuse are and to take action."

The making of "Polar Similar" in a secluded studio in the woods, however haunting, became a sanctuary for a twenty year legacy — one with the ability to build such mammoth sound as to reach the ears of those who need to hear it most. Inspired by their isolated setting, NORMA JEAN made a powerful record to remind listeners that they aren't alone. "Polar Similar" track listing: 01. I. The Planet02. Everyone Talking Over Everyone Else03. Forever Hurtling Towards Andromeda04. 1,000,000 Watts05. II. The People06. Death Is A Living Partner07. Synthetic Sun08. Reaction09. III. The Nebula10. The Close And Discontent11. An Ocean Of War12. A Thousand Years A Minute13. IV. The Nexus

Photo credit: David Jackson

Former UFO and WAYSTED bassist Pete Way has suffered a heart attack and is currently in hospital being treated by cardiologists.

His wife, Jenny Way, said in a statement: "My husband Pete Way has collapsed after a short business trip to Germany and is currently in hospital. He has had a heart attack and a blood clot has been found on his lung. Needless to say, I am in bits, but Pete is fighting like he always does. We are NOT going to lose another one. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers."

In 2014, Way was given the all-clear after a battle with prostate cancer with which he was diagnosed the previous year.

Way was diagnosed during a routine check on his liver, which had been damaged over the years through hepatitis. The abdominal scan picked up the tumor on his prostate.

"I thought the blood in my pee must have been linked to the drugs I had taken down the years," he said in 2014. "When they said I had cancer, I thought I was going to die. Then when they told me it was gone, it was a strange anticlimax — now I can't use the cancer as an excuse for having a sore head."

Pete's new solo album, "Walking On The Edge", is tentatively due later in the year. It was mixed by producer/engineer Mike Clink, who has previously worked with GUNS N' ROSES and METALLICA.

In a 2014 interview with Myglobalmind, Way spoke about his well-publicized struggle with addiction and how it affected the making of his new CD. He said: "Put it like this: I wouldn't be thinking about sticking a needle in my arm at the moment, or later or when ever. That's something that has been and gone. When you have gone that far, you get to the point where you know there is no return.

"I decided that I wanted to be a musician and I wanted to go back to my roots. I still continue to write, but, unfortunately, there came a time where just when we were about to finish it off when, bang, you get told that you can't really work for about nine months. We have been making up for it by being in the studios as much as possible."

Way co-founded UFO in London in 1969, but left in 1982, after which he played bass with OZZY OSBOURNE. Way rejoined UFO in 1988 and remained with the band through 2008.



Heartache - Audio teaser from Pete Way's forthcoming new album
I know playing unfinished mixes is tantamount to a crime - but I thought you may like to listen to one of the ballads on the forthcoming album. Having played a snippet of the Slash 'Narcotics' track I thought it would be interesting to know your thoughts on 'Heartache'. Don't worry guys - there is plenty of rock 'n' roll on the album.Love Pete xxx

Posted by Pete Way Official on Saturday, March 19, 2016

Former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen played two shows at this year's edition of the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany — one on the Black Stage at the main event, and the other one as a special and intimate acoustic set inside "Wacken Metal Church."

In addition to stripped down versions of her original songs, Tarja's acoustic set included surprise cover versions of SLIPKNOT's "Vermilion, Pt. 2" and RAMMSTEIN's "Ohne Dich".

Professionally filmed video footage of both covers can be seen below.

In a 2012 interview with PlanetMosh, Turunen stated about her passion for performing reworked versions of other artists' songs: "I am just having a great time with my fans playing covers in the shows. They give totally different mood to the setlist and I love doing them."

Tarja's new heavy rock album, "The Shadow Self", was released on August 5 via earMUSIC.

Turunen also issued the new album's prequel, "The Brightest Void", containing over 50 minutes of new music.

"Vermilion, Pt. 2" (SLIPKNOT cover):


"Ohne Dich" (RAMMSTEIN cover):

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine will has invited his fans to attend a special birthday party where he will launch an exclusive MEGADETH beer in partnership with the world-class craft brewery Unibroue.

In a video message, Mustaine says (see below): "Hey, I'm Dave Mustaine. You may know me from Twitter. This year, I'm turning 55, and you know me, I like an excuse to have a party and to celebrate with my fans with my own beer. I guess you can say I've done my fair share of drinking in my life, so believe me when I say this beer is the real deal.

"My friends at Unibroue helped me craft something special that will appear to everyone, or À Tout Le Monde, as the French people say, and now I'm inviting you to the biggest birthday party ever — mine. It's gonna be one for the ages. We'll get to hang out, and you'll be the first to taste my brand new beer. And, of course, there's gonna be loud music — very loud music.

"So take the day off. Actually, take a day off after the party too. Mark your calendar, and come meet me on my birthday. The countdown to extinction has begun."

Unibroue is among the most highly awarded breweries in North America. Its beers have earned over 296 international medals to date.

Get ready for À Tout Le Monde, a Belgian-style saison ale made in Quebec, Canada and coming soon to a location near you.

Be the first to learn more about this brand new adventure launching in the coming weeks by subscribing at MegadethBeer.com.

À Tout Le Monde is not Mustaine's first foray into the business of alcoholic beverages. Back in 2014, the MEGADETH leader teamed up with Fallbrook Winery winemaker Vernon Kindred to create the Mustaine Vineyards Cabernet.

Mustaine, who was raised as a Jehovah's Witness and is now a born-again Christian, spoke to the Reno Gazette-Journal in 2013 about his own struggles with addiction and how his spirituality aided in his recovery.

"It's really weird," he said. "I was forced to go to AA [Alcoholics Anonymous]. And I hated it. But I had come to a point where I knew that the jig was up. The thing was, God had entered my life and he sent me to AA. Then after I got sober at AA, he sent me back to him. Now I have this real simple, easy-Dave-and-the-Big-Guy relationship. There's no middle man. No funky stuff. No having to pay dues or membership or anything. And I don't push my beliefs on anyone. It's about attraction, not promotion."

Dave admitted in a 2007 interview with Decibel magazine that he is "not a sober person," adding that "I'll have a glass of wine once in a while."

CYBERSTAR, the new band featuring vocalist Jasen Moreno (DROWNING POOL), guitarist Billy Grey (FOZZY) and drummer Dusty Winterrowd (ALLELE), has released a tribute video for its single "Never Die". The song is taken from the band's upcoming debut EP.

Said CYBERSTAR in a statement: "We wanted to release not just a lyric video, but also a tribute video dedicated to some of the artists who helped influence our lives and the world. What better way to do it, our song 'Never Die' is perfect."

CYBERSTAR was spawned when Moreno and Grey met while on tour together in Europe and decided to get together to write some songs. With the addition of Winterrowd, great chemistry came together and the writing process began.

CYBERSTAR has previously released the songs "Eye For An Eye" and "Floods".

Asked how CYBERSTAR came up with its name, Grey told I'm Music Magazine: "I threw names out there, and since this is pretty much a cyber project, I just threw the word 'star' behind 'cyber' and it sounded pretty cool and there you have it. [Laughs] Honestly and truly, I thought about Jasen; he's a freaking badass rock star and that kind of inspired that to come about too. He's an all-around awesome vocalist and great in the studio as well."

Grey also talked about the CYBERSTAR songwriting and recording process. He said: "Jasen, myself and Dusty hash out riffs together. Once we like what we've got, Jasen will throw the lyrics together for it and that's how we’ve been doing it so far. [As far as recording goes], we'll do it all separately; we'll get a final of the drums first and everybody will okay that. Then, I'll throw the guitars and the bass down and everybody will okay that. Then Jasen will lay down his ideas in his studio and we'll get it all mixed by a guy in A1A Studio in Jacksonville, Florida by the name of Paul Lapinsky and put it out there."

DISTURBED singer David Draiman joined BREAKING BENJAMIN on stage last night (Friday, August 12) at the Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, Texas to perform a cover version of the PANTERA classic "Walk". Video footage of the collaboration can be seen below.

Draiman has often praised late PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott for his hospitality, friendship and partying spirit, recalling a few years ago: "During our second Ozzfest, we were holed up in Dallas for about two or three days … hanging out at Dime's place — it was an eclectic house. There's all kinds of PANTERA memorabilia and Dimebag memorabilia all over the place. But you could never make the mistake of falling asleep at Dime's. He'd wake you up the way he always did: with firecrackers. He'd always set off an entire chain of firecrackers not two inches from my head. One time … Dime took us to a strip club where we all judged a bikini contest. There was never a wrong time in the day for Dime to hit a strip club. … Dime was just this character who was very easy to love. He didn't have a bad bone in his body, and was ready to give you the shirt off his back at all times. It was his mission in life to make sure every single moment you spent with him was the best moment of your life. He was selfless."

DISTURBED and BREAKING BENJAMIN kicked off their tour at the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, New York on July 9. The trek — which also features ALTER BRIDGE and SAINT ASONIA as support — includes stops in more than twenty cities across North America.



David Joined Breaking Benjamin for "Walk" in Dallas
David joined Breaking Benjamin for Pantera's "Walk" last night in Dallas! #disturbedtour2016 #breakingbenjamin

Posted by Disturbed on Saturday, August 13, 2016

"Scream For Me Sarajevo", a documentary telling the story of a 1994 concert given by IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson during the siege, will receive its world premiere at the at 22nd edition of the Sarajevo Film Festival, which runs from August 12 until August 20 in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Over 200 films are being screened at the event, which was created as an "act of resistance" during the 1992-1995 siege of Sarajevo.

"Scream For Me Sarajevo" was written by Jasenko Pasic, directed by Tarik Hodzic and produced by Prime Time Productions.

Said Pasic: "I got the idea for the film one night when I was reading the story of Chris Dale about the concert of Bruce Dickinson that was held in 1994 in Sarajevo. Then started the search for the people who were at the BKC that night and that story resulted in the film. Tatjana Bonny, Alex Elena, Tarik Hodzic and Adnan Cuhara are the people who created this film with me, which will show all the cruelty and the horror of the siege of Sarajevo, and that the people lived normally in those circumstances. 'Scream For Me Sarajevo' is a film about life."

The first time Dickinson was in Sarajevo, the city was cut off from the world, its citizens brutally terrorized by shooting, bombing and starvation with electricity and water supply being nothing short of a luxury. Bruce and his then-solo band drove through the frontlines and ultimately played a show for the people trapped in the city. What this gig meant to the people and how it changed Bruce and his band is told in "Scream For Me Sarajevo".

In a December 2015 interview with the Radio Sarajevo show "The Aebyss", Bruce spoke about what security concerns he might have in an age of terrorism when it comes to deciding which countries to travel to in order to play for the people there. He said: "Personally, yeah, I'll play no matter what. Your concern has to be, actually, for people who don't have a choice in the matter. I mean, it was my choice [in 1994] — actually our choice, collectively, 'cause we all, collectively, said, 'Yeah, we're all crazy enough to try and do this thing and drive into Sarajevo in the middle of a war and see if we can do and do a gig. And [laughs] we're not quite sure when we're gonna come back.' But those poor people that went for that [EAGLES OF DEATH METAL] concert at the Bataclan [in Paris, France] had no choice; they were completely, completely innocent in every possible way. And, of course, nobody knew that the place was gonna get targeted. So, unfortunately, there's a judgment call that people have gotta make, and you have to make it on the best information available — as to whether or not you're suddenly gonna get… If somebody says, 'We're gonna massacre everybody at a rock concert,' you say, 'Well, is it some lunatic, or is it genuinely credible that this might happen?'"

He continued: "You can't take the responsibility for what might be some lunacy, massacring people, just because you wanna be kind of 'macho man' and stand up and say, 'Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah, we did this and people threatened us, but we were like macho men.' And that's great until one day it turns out that somebody does go and do [something like that] and then you have lots and lots of dead women and children, and you go, 'Maybe we shouldn't have done the show, because there was a credible threat.' So, unfortunately, you've gotta be grown up about it. But, at the same time, you still need to be able to offer people that hope and send that message out there. They can't stop… Real life just carries on. I mean, when the Irish Republican Army, years and years ago… when I was a kid, things were getting blown up left, right and center in the U.K., and one lot was blowing things up and horrendous things happened, and nothing stopped — people just got on with it and carried on. You don't stop. You don't back down from living your life. And that was the message in Sarajevo — that in all the craziness, this little bastion of rock and roll and kind of normality happened, for five minutes, in the middle of it. You know, yeah, you know what? There is light at the end of the tunnel there. So all those kinds of things are acts of defiance, but not involving guns or bombs or bullets and things like that."

Bobby Blotzer's RATT has recruited former L.A. GUNS and current ANGELS IN VEIN guitarist Stacey Blades and bassist Todd Kerns of SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS to replace the recently departed Nicholas "Blaze" Baum and Robbie Crane, respectively.

Blades and Kerns made their live debut with RATT last night (Thursday, August 11) at at the Buffalo Chip Campground in Sturgis, South Dakota. Video footage of the concert can be seen below.

Kerns previously made a guest appearance with RATT on August 6 at Chene Park in Detroit, Michigan.

Crane announced his exit from RATT on Wednesday, explaining in a Facebook post that it was "time for [him to] move on and focus on the positive things in [his] life."

Blotzer earlier in the month hinted at trouble in the RATT camp, telling ClassX Radio: "We are a great band, that's all I can say. I'm so proud of us, you know. But I also wanna see people having their act together on every level. That includes me, too. Nobody's immune from the… from what we've gotta do out there.

"I'm doing all the work behind the scenes, and these cats, all they've gotta do is show up and do their part," he added.

"They'd better grow up real quick here, because there's a lot of sailors out there that would give their leg to go out on this ship."

Blotzer also defended his decision to go out on tour as RATT without any other original members of the band, explaining that fans just want to hear the music performed the way it was recorded on the group's albums.

"No matter what, this band plays so good and does such great integrity to the music of RATT," he told ClassX Radio. "That's why everybody's been hired. The singer just blows Stephen Pearcy out of the water at this day and age. And frankly, [he sounds better than Stephen did] even when we started out."

Blotzer's revamped RATT also includes vocalist Josh Alan (ex-SIN CITY SINNERS) and guitarist Doc Ellis (Jizzy Pearl's LOVE/HATE).

Ginger-haired mid-'80s crooner Rick Astley performed a cover version of the AC/DC classic "Highway To Hell" during his Thursday night (August 11) concert at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California. The soul-rock rendition, which has been a staple of Astley's sets over the years, saw the British pop singer handling lead vocals as well as playing the drums, his original instrument, when he was starting out in punk bands. Rick also performed covers of Mark Ronson's "Uptown Funk", THE TEMPTATIONS' "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" and Nat King Cole's "When I Fall In Love".

Before launching into "Highway To Hell", Astley — who inspired one of the most memorable Internet memes of all time — asked the audience: "Do you wanna rock?… Hearing me say that probably sounds a bit weird. But in an alternate universe, this is what might have been."

Astley's eighth studio effort, "50", just became his first No. 1 album in the U.K. since his 1987 debut.

"50", which was entirely written and produced by Astley and features him playing every instrument, comes out in North America on October 7, four months after bowing overseas.

A worldwide sensation, Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" video has been viewed more than 230 million times on YouTube since it was first uploaded in 2009.

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 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!"

"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)

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.

David Lee Roth's version of the '70s hit "Baker Street" can be heard in the latest installment of his online series "The Roth Show". Check it out below.

"Baker Street" was originally recorded by Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty. Released as a single in 1978, it was written by Gerry around his experiences as a struggling busker in the London Underground.

In a 2013 interview, the VAN HALEN frontman explained that "The Roth Show" started off as an experiment. "You can prop something up with your famous name for a day or two," he said. "But does it really hold water? Let's see if a new idea really has a chance. Inside a matter of weeks, it really caught fire."

The final show of VAN HALEN's U.S. tour took place on October 4, 2015 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California.

The trek was VAN HALEN's first since an aborted North American run three years earlier in support of its then-new studio album, "A Different Kind Of Truth".

Released in 2015 was "Tokyo Dome In Concert", VAN HALEN's first-ever live collection featuring Roth, despite numerous pro-shot concerts from the band's original heyday being heavily booted for years.

"Fire With Fire", a brand new song from Dutch symphonic metallers DELAIN, can be streamed using the widget below. The track is taken from the band's fifth studio album, "Moonbathers", which will be released on August 26 via Napalm Records.

Comments DELAIN: "We have never had so many milestone events in one year. The release of our EP, 'Lunar Prelude', our fifth studio album, 'Moonbathers', our upcoming 10-year anniversary celebrations and live registration, and there is still more to come. All of this while playing our most heavy touring year ever. We are on a roll, and our new album, 'Moonbathers', is here to embody that. We hope you will enjoy this new effort and join us on our endeavors making 2016 the biggest year for DELAIN ever!"

"Moonbathers", mastered by Grammy Award winner Ted Jensen, will satiate your hunger for the symphonic greatness, catchy hooks and a solid dose of metal that the band is known for. It showcases DELAIN from both their most extravagant and sensitive sides as they explore all things nocturnal through an especially varied set of tracks, including a surprising cover of classic rock legends QUEEN as well as a reappearance of Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY) as a special guest on opening track "Hands Of Gold".

The visual counterpart comes courtesy of longtime collaborator and neo-Victorian romantic Glenn Arthur.

DELAIN singer Charlotte Wessels told Xpress Radio about the songwriting process for "Moonbathers": "For this new album, we cut up… Normally, you would like to take a few months to go into writing mode, to go into recording mode, and then go and put it all together. But we never really had the time for that this year. We kind of did a few writing blocks and a few recording blocks and a few production blocks. I really like the way that has allowed us to keep touring and to not take a break on anything else we were doing. On the other hand, I do also like the feeling of really immersing yourself in that creative process, and for my taste, we've been having to move on very soon. It's not really saying that one is better than the other, but everything comes with a price. And last time we were really, really busy touring, and I wouldn't have done anything else, but you do notice that for everything that you want to do, there's something else that you cannot do. So now we solved that challenge by kind of cutting up that whole production of the new album in different blocks. And I think it was a creative solution that worked."

Regarding the musical direction of the new DELAIN material, Charlotte said: "Listening to the album now, I think that in the style of the songs, it really goes in… It's more varied than our… Like, the production is a lot like our last album, because we really like the mix and we really like the master, so we chose to handle some of those the same, with the same people. But at the same time, if you listen to the songs… For example, on the last album, there wasn't like a real 'ballad ballad,' and there is on this record, but also it has probably some of the loudest tracks. Amd then there is like a really uptempo rock kind of track. There's really a lot of different stuff there, but the overall feel is really dramatic, and I like that. There's not one particular thing that I can pinpoint as being different, but I think in a way that the album is kind of going from one end of the style spectrum to another on this record, I think that's pretty interesting."

"Moonbathers" track listing:

01. Hands Of Gold (feat. Alissa White-Gluz)02. The Glory And The Scum03. Suckerpunch04. The Hurricane05. Chrysalis - The Last Breath06. Fire With Fire07. Pendulum08. Danse Macabre09. Scandal10. Turn the Lights Out11. The Monarch Bonus CD

12. Suckerpunch (live in The Netherlands)13. Turn The Lights Out (live in The Netherlands)14. The Glory And The Scum (live in The Netherlands)15. Don't Let Go (live in The Netherlands)16. The Glory And The Scum (orchestra)17. Hands Of Gold (orchestra)

As previously reported, DELAIN will celebrate its tenth anniversary with a special show in Amsterdam on December 10 that will also be recorded and filmed for a release on CD, DVD and Blu-ray.

DELAIN released a new EP, "Lunar Prelude", on February 19 via Napalm Records. Mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Ted Jensen, the set offered two brand new songs in the shape of the catchy "Suckerpunch" and the melancholic "Turn The Lights Out". "Don't Let Go" (taken from 2014's "The Human Contradiction") came in a brand new version, while the EP also contained four live cuts, as well as an orchestral reprise of "Suckerpunch".

DELAIN recently announced the addition of guitarist Merel Bechtold to the group's ranks.


Listen to DELAIN – Fire With Fire byNapalmRecords on hearthis.at 
 

TRINITY FALLEN, the new band featuring former TESTAMENT bassist Greg Christian alongside members of SCORCHED-EARTH POLICY and NUCLEAR RABBIT, will release a three-song EP in the coming weeks. The effort was recorded with producer Juan Urteaga (TESTAMENT, MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS) at Trident Studios in Martinez, California.

Says Greg: "At first, it'll just be available online (iTunes, Pandora, Amazon, etc.) with no 'physical product,' so we can get it out quick. Not sure exactly how long it all takes, but my guitarist, Jason, is familiar with the process and will get it started next week so it shouldn't take very long."

He adds: "[Juan] did a kick-ass job on it and I think it needs to be heard."

EP track listing:

01. 21st Century (5:52)02. Apache Skies (5:42)03. Ashes (5:16)

TRINITY FALLEN made its live debut this past August 5 at Slim's in San Francisco, California.

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

TRINITY FALLEN is:

Judd Mason (SCORCHED-EARTH POLICY) - VocalsJason Branyan (NUCLEAR RABBIT) - GuitarGreg Christian (TESTAMENT) - BassTimothy Bailey (NUCLEAR RABBIT) - Drums

Christian recently stated about his acrimonious January 2014 exit from TESTAMENT: "It was all wrong. I lost control and spouted off like an idiot, which I regret, but the plain truth about the way I was treated by my bros and partners, after spending decades helping to build something — twice — is: it truly was cruel and unusual, there was never any reason for it, and no possible way to justify it. Period. The end. (And if anyone disagrees — I don't care.) It happened. It's done. I can't really say it's 'over,' because the imbalance hasn't been corrected, but it is behind me. I let it go."

He added: "Forgiveness can be tough for us human animals, but it is our only hope at ever finding inner peace. Right?? Despite everything — I really do wish them well."

Christian also said about his new band: "[I am] a little disappointed my new bandmates' histories have mostly been ignored [by the press] and every mention of TRINITY FALLEN seems to only focus on me.

"It wasn't my cup of tea, but NUCLEAR RABBIT has serious high-level (bad-ass) musicianship. (If you doubt that — listen to 'Intestinal Fortitude' and tell me how easy those songs would be to play, hahaha)

"TRINITY FALLEN is 'a band,' not 'my project,' and though all the songs (so far) started off as my arrangements, they've evolved past anything I could've came up with on my own. Tim, Jason and Judd have made huge contributions to all of it, and together we've crafted a sound that, in my opinion, is unique. Especially in this day and age.

"We're not a thrash band, more like a heavy metal / hard rock band.

"There are no stylistic 'rules' or preconceptions. We never sat down and said, 'Let's write 'this kind' of song.' We wrote what came out.

"And since this isn't straight thrash, I know I'll get some haters, but I think a lot lot more folks will be pleasantly surprised by the variety and depth of the TRINITY FALLEN material. It's all about the songs.

"And don't misunderstand, some of it is brutally heavy but some is really melodic, and it pretty much all grooves and bounces — and is full of hooks. More like a modern-day version of old BLACK SABBATH or LED ZEPPELIN than any contemporary bands I can think of.

"To me, a lot of today's heavy music (at least on recording) is cut, pasted, quantized and sound replaced into sterility. TRINITY FALLEN isn't that. It's modern-day / old-school rock 'n' roll."

He added: "TRINITY FALLEN isn't TESTAMENT. It's its own thing. It's complex and varied and I can see elements of it turning some folks off at first, but with only hearing a short sample, it's kinda like the old story of five blind men went to 'see' an elephant .. (presents a misleading picture) but whatever… Not everyone's gonna get it at first. No way. The rabbit hole's way too deep."

PANTERA's "The Great Southern Trendkill: 20th Anniversary Edition" will be released on October 21. This two-disc set includes the original album remastered, plus a dozen previously unreleased mixes, instrumentals, and live recordings. Also being released on October 21 is a single LP titled "The Great Southern Outtakes" featuring ten of the unreleased tracks.

More details on previously unreleased material: The companion disc that accompanies the original album features an unreleased version of every album track, including two versions of "Suicide Note Pt. 1" — a rough mix of the track, along with a separate version of the introduction, which spotlights "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott on 12-string acoustic guitar. The second disc also features a newly remixed version of the title track, rough mixes for "Drag The Waters" and "The Underground In America", as well as instrumental takes for "13 Steps To Nowhere" and "Living Through Me (Hell's Wrath)" . In addition to the studio recordings, the anniversary collection features three live tracks recorded at the Dynamo festival in Holland in 1998: "War Nerve", "Suicide Note Pt. II" and "Sandblasted Skin".

Disc 1

01. The Great Southern Trendkill02. War Nerve03. Drag The Waters04. 10 s05. 13 Steps To Nowhere06. Suicide Note Pt. I07. Suicide Note Pt. II08. Living Through Me (Hell's Wrath)09. Floods10. The Underground In America11. (Reprise) Sandblasted Skin

Disc 2

01. The Great Southern Trendkill (2016 Mix)02. War Nerve (Live 98)03. Drag The Waters (Early Mix)04. 10 s (Early Mix)05. 13 Steps To Nowhere (Instrumental Version)06. Suicide Note Pt. I (Intro) *07. Suicide Note Pt. I (Early Mix) *08. Suicide Note Pt. II (Live 98)09. Living Through Me (Hell's Wrath) (Instrumental Version)10. Floods (Early Mix)11. The Underground In America (Early Mix)12. Sandblasted Skin (Live 98)

In the June 1996 issue of Guitar World magazine, Dimebag stated about how "The Great Southern Trendkill" compared to PANTERA's previous efforts: "It's almost like a 'best of,' man. Some of the riffs on it date back to our 'Cowboys From Hell' and 'Vulgar Display Of Power' periods. Hell, a couple of ideas even go back to before we got signed. For example, when we were still playing small clubs, I used to play a 20-minute solo that consisted of everything from Eddie's [Van Halen] 'Eruption' to Randy's [Rhoads] '(Revelation) Mother Earth' — plus whatever else I felt like throwing in. A regular part of my solo featured a long-assed, 'sing-along' type lead section, which has ended up in a song called 'Floods'."

Dimebag also talked about his lead-guitar-playing approach on "The Great Southern Trendkill". He said: "There's definitely quite a few solos on this motherfucker! But beyond quantity, I think that I'm developing more of my own identity, lead-wise. My solos are more focused. Some of 'em even have a melodic, theme-like vibe in places — like the one in 'Floods'. Also, I've gotten into doubling my leads, like Randy Rhoads used to do. I'm not panning them right and left in the mix: it's two right on top of each other. To a lot of people's ears it might sound like I'm using a chorus or a similar type of effect, but it's just me doubling my parts."

He continued: "Yeah, there's definitely some guitar playing on this bitch, and once again, man, there's a real live vibe in my rhythm work. If anybody wants to learn how to play these songs right, you can't just learn the main riffs and then merely repeat 'em, you've gotta listen real close to catch all the little techniques, slurs and bends that I put in there. I think it's the subtleties that really add to the depth of our material, much more so than having some outrageous lead guitar jack-off in every damned song!"

In a 2010 interview with ARTISTdirect, singer Philip Anselmo stated about his lyrical inspiration for "The Great Southern Trendkill": "I was very aware of what was going on around us at the time. We were a heavy metal band that had created our own heavy metal niche and that was PANTERA. I saw everyone jumping on a bandwagon that was destined to die and, sure enough, it did—like anything else. As a matter of fact, make that like three or four little movements in music there that were fleeting. That happened. That's history. Follow the leader for a little while until it gets burned out then bingo, right back to the basics. I called out all of the little fucking trendy things, and I bashed them and lambasted them. That's where my head was at the time."

"The Moment", the new video from Montreal, Quebec, Canada-based melodic death metallers THE AGONIST, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Five", which will be released on September 30 via and Napalm Records. The CD was recorded with producer Mike Plotnikoff, who has previously worked with BUCKCHERRY, OTEP, HALESTORM, DROWNING POOL, THEORY OF A DEADMAN, 3 DOORS DOWN, FEAR FACTORY, FLYLEAF and SKILLET, among others.

THE AGONIST vocalist Vicky Psarakis commented: "'The Moment' was probably the most exciting and demanding video I had to shoot so far. Chris (bassist / FTB Visuals director) came up to me with the idea to create a 'storyline' with a close up of just my face singing the lyrics underwater. And we achieved it by building a box with a plexiglass panel that fit my head, while the rest of my body was standing and perfectly dry. I guess you could say it was scary and awkward to have just your head submerged underwater and a bit dangerous to have to perform the entire song in that position, but honestly, I wouldn't mind doing the whole thing all over again!"

"Five" track listing:

01. The Moment02. The Chain03. The Anchor and The Sail04. The Game05. The Ocean06. The Hunt07. The Raven Eyes08. The Wake09. The Resurrection10. The Villain11. The Pursuit of Emptiness12. The Man Who Fell to Earth13. The Trial14. Take Me to Church (HOZIER cover) (bonus edition only)

Said THE AGONIST guitarist Danny Marino: "We are so anxious to release this record to our fans and the rest of the world!

"This album represents another shift in the evolution of THE AGONIST!

"Vicky and I went even deeper into what makes a song really connect.

"I'm very proud of everyone's hard work making this the most diverse and interesting record for us to date!

"It was a great learning experience working with Mike Plotnikoff and fully immersing ourselves in the recording process 24/7.

"Just as much as we are excited to release this album, we are psyched to get back out on the road and connect directly with our fans! Europe gets the first taste before we unleash on North America this November with EPICA." Psarkis added: "Being in THE AGONIST for over two years now and after releasing my debut album with the band and numerous tours, I can say that 'Five' is the record where I believe that we finally found our sound!

"There's a certain confidence that comes with experience and there's something about being fully comfortable that can take your approach towards songwriting to a whole other level.

"Working on the lyrics and vocals on this album was an incredibly natural process.

"Halfway into the pre-production, we realized that a lot of our songs seemed to be telling a story and hearing the album in its entirety is like escaping into our world."

The official lyric video for the song "The Chain" can be seen below.

New Jersey thrash metal veterans OVERKILL have set "Grinding Wheel" as the title of their new album, due this fall via Nuclear Blast.

OVERKILL frontman Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth revealed the name of the band's new CD during an interview with Alternative Nation. He said about the follow-up to 2014's "White Devil Armory": "I was just adjusting the lyrics for our upcoming album. We are inches from completion at this point. Just a few more guitar leads need to be done and a few more backing vocals need to be done. The majority of the tracks are finished. We are looking for a first-week-of-November release."

Asked how the new OVERKILL album will compare to the previous ones, Blitz said: "At the end of the day, OVERKILL is OVERKILL. Our trademark is that we are always recognizable on every release. For the three decades we have been around, we were always OVERKILL. So, sure, it is a metal record, and like always, it will have sort of a thrash vibe to it with some melody in it."

He continued: "It's always best to try to make it better, or at least think in your mind that it is going to be better. That becomes the challenge. I think that is what keeps the band rolling.

"A lot of bands are known for what they have done, but I feel being known for where you are and what you are doing is where true value lies. I feel we accomplished that on the last few albums."

OVERKILL will embark on a European headlining tour in November. Support on the trek will come from U.S. sludge metal kings CROWBAR, Israel-based metallers SHREDHEAD and Aussie thrashers DESECRATOR.

OVERKILL played a special anniversary show on April 16 at Turbinenhalle 2 in Oberhausen, Germany. The evening saw the group perform their classic records "Horrorscope" (which is celebrating its 25th anniversary) and "Feel The Fire" (30th anniversary) in their entirety. And if that wasn't enough, the show was professionally filmed and recorded for an upcoming DVD and CD.

OVERKILL utilized a stand-in drummer — their soundman Eddy Garcia, who is also a member of the El Paso, Texas band PISSING RAZORS — for their recent European tour because the band's regular drummer, Ron Lipnicki, was forced to stay home due to undisclosed family issues.

WHITESNAKE was rejoined on stage by former guitarist Adrian Vandenberg during the band's headlining appearance yesterday (Thursday, August 11) at 013 in Tilburg, The Netherlands. Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

Asked in 2014 interview if he could ever see himself working with WHITESNAKE mainman David Coverdale again in some capacity, Adrian told FaceCulture: "David and I always talked about it. Sooner or later, we're always gonna do something together because we just really enjoy it — whether it's something acoustic or a blues album or whatever. That's definitely something, sooner or later, we're gonna dive into when the time is right, of course, because he's got WHITESNAKE and I've got VANDENBERG'S MOONKINGS. And sooner or later, there's gonna be, like, a gap somewhere where we think, 'We're gonna drink some great wine and write some good songs together and do something with it.'"

VANDENBERG'S MOONKINGS' self-titled debut album was released in February 2014 via Mascot Label Group. The CD includes a newly recorded version of WHITESNAKE's classic "Sailing Ships", featuring a guest appearance by Coverdale.

Regarding how Coverdale's guest appearance on "Vandenberg's Moonkings" came about, Adrian told Myglobalmind: "Well, David has been pushing me a lot over the last ten years to record a record. Finally, when I told him that I was working on one, David said that 'it would be an honor for me if I could sing a song on your album.' I replied that the honor would be completely mutual. David was then on the road for the whole year, so we didn't have the time to write a new song.

"I always wanted to do another version of [WHITESNAKE's] 'Sailing Ships', because I wrote the song and the music for it actually for my mom. She was always saying for me to write another acoustic song for the album. I originally intended it to be a little more understated than it ended up on the 'Slip Of The Tongue' album. I really thought that I could add something to it by making it a little bit more melancholic and more reflective. Bringing in real violins, which I had always pictured with it, so I made it a little slower. I thought it would be great to do a different version and also what I like about how it ends up on the album is that it is like a symbolic nod to my years with WHITESNAKE. I thought that it worked great, because if I had put like a new track somewhere in the middle of the album, it would have been strange."

German thrash metal veterans SODOM will release their new album, "Decision Day", on August 26 via SPV/Steamhammer.

The official lyric video for the song "Caligula", taken from "Decision Day", can be seen below.

Bassist/vocalist Thomas "Angelripper" Such says about the song: "'Caligula' is one of my favorite songs on 'Decision Day'. It's about the most notorious and relentless tyrant who ever ruled the imperium. One of his famous quotes reads as follows: 'Let them hate me, so long as they fear me.'"

Such, guitarist Bernd "Bernemann" Kost and drummer Markus "Makka" Freiwald spent four months in the studio honing the new SODOM material. The result is a hard-as-nails, diverse thrash metal offering on the subject of D-Day, the day in June 1944 when the troops of the Western Allied forces landed in Normandy to liberate mainland Europe from the scourge of Nazi Germany. Songs such as "Belligerence", "Decision Day" and "Strange Lost World" present the SODOM frontman once more as a historically well-versed contemporary witness and critical observer of current international events.

"Decision Day" was produced by Cornelius "Corny" Rambadt, sound engineer and drummer with Angelripper's side project ONKEL TOM.

The new release is bound to cause a stir, not least thanks to its impressive artwork courtesy of none other than Joe Petagno. As well as having worked for PINK FLOYD and LED ZEPPELIN, Petagno is also MOTÖRHEAD's favored graphic designer and has created legendary album covers such as "Overkill", "Orgasmatron" and "Another Perfect Day". Angelripper states: "I was surprised and proud to learn how familiar Joe is with SODOM, immediately bringing up associations of our [gas-masked mascot] Knarrenheinz when we talked about the artwork. For a MOTÖRHEAD fan like myself, this cover is an absolute dream come true."

Adds Petagno: "After having spoken with Tom about the current state of world affairs and heard some brilliant tracks from the album, I wanted to visualize the history of man from the dawn of creation to the mess we have today. Firstly and rather obviously, it's World War 3. However on psychological and symbolic level, it's considerably more. I used Knarrenheinz as a symbol for the countless numbers who have soldiered on through the centuries in one guise or another just to get us here anno 2016 where we seem to be on the brink of another possible eruption."

"Decision Day" track listing

01. In Retribution (06:14)02. Rolling Thunder (04:22)03. Decision Day (04:03)04. Caligula (04:01)05. Who Is God? (04:35)06. Strange Lost World (04:59)07. Vaginal Born Evil (05:15)08. Belligerence (04:00)09. Blood Lions (03:17)10. Sacred Warpath (05:34)11. Refused To Die (04:27)12. Predatory Instinct (04:44) (bonus track for vinyl and iTunes edition)

Configurations:

* Digipack including doublesided poster* Double gatefold LP with printed innersleevs, 180-gram, red vinyl, CD in cardboard sleeve and bonus track* Boxset limited to 1,000 units: digipack, 2LP, poster, handsigned photocard, sticker, button, patch and a flag* iTunes exclusive version including a bonus track* Digital download

The official lyric video for the song "Shiroyama" from Swedish metallers SABATON can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's eighth studio album, "The Last Stand", which will be released on August 19 via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to 2014's "Heroes" was once again produced by Peter Tägtgren (PAIN, LINDEMANN, HYPOCRISY) and it "marks a brand new chapter in SABATON history," according to a press release.

The story behind the "Shiroyama" lyrics: It's the nature of time and history that the old ways must give in to the new ways and the modern age. The battle of Shiroyama in 1877 marks the end of an era and is the last stand of the legendary Samurai. Led by Saigo Takamori, the Samurai was down to 500 warriors at the end of the rebellion when they made their last stand on Mount Shiroyama. At the end of the battle, there were only 40 samurai left. They drew their swords and plunged downhill toward the enemy positions until the last of them was mowed down.

SABATON bassist Pär Sundström previously stated about "The Last Stand": "We once again worked with Peter Tägtgren in his newly upgraded and top-class Abyss studio in Sweden to record, produce and mix the album. The mastering [was] done by Jonas Kjellgren who also works in the same building in nice Pärlby on the countryside of Sweden. Both 'Carolus Rex' and 'Heroes' were done in the same way and we [felt] very comfortable to return to the same place and people again. Fans will recognize the sound of the album as SABATON, but we really feel we took it a step forward this time."

The artwork for "The Last Stand" was created by Peter Sallaí, who has worked with SABATON since "Carolus Rex". Sundström explained: "We had the idea to make an image reflecting soldiers of different times representing the different historical battles we sing about on the new album. This only reveals a small part of the album topics though."

Stated SABATON vocalist Joakim Brodén: "The concept of a last stand has always fascinated me, and both me and Pär were 'all in excited' about the subject so it was an easy choice to make."

Added Sundström: "We have always several ideas for albums to work with. Since there are countless different views and angles of war, we will, unfortunately, never run out of ideas. We kinda felt that the last stand was something perfect for SABATON. Something we really wanted to do. 'Heroes' was a perfect theme and 'The Last Stand' is right down our alley too. It was exciting to do the research."

"The Last Stand" will be available in the following editions:

- CD+DVD-Digi (including a concert DVD)- CD- Box (including earbook, 2LP Pic, 12" photo card, 12" poster, three plectra)- 2LP (black, clear, gold, yellow/blue)- Special edition (SABATON tank + box)- Digital

"The Last Stand" track listing:

CD+DVD-Digi

CD

01. Sparta02. Last Dying Breath03. Blood Of Bannockburn04. Diary Of An Unknown Soldier05. The Lost Battalion06. Rorke's Drift07. The Last Stand08. Hill 323409. Shiroyama10. Winged Hussars11. The Last Battle

Bonus:

12. Camouflage13. All Guns Blazing

DVD - Live @ Stereolux, Nantes (France)

01. Intro (The March To War)02. Ghost Division03. Far From The Fame04. Uprising05. Midway06. Gott Mit Uns07. Resist And Bite08. Wolfpack09. Dominium Maris Baltici10. Carolus Rex11. Swedish Pagans12. Soldier Of 3 Armies13. Attero Dominatus14. The Art Of War15. Wind Of Change16. To Hell And Back17. Night Witches18. Primo Victoria19. Metal Crüe

CD

01. Sparta02. Last Dying Breath03. Blood Of Bannockburn04. Diary Of An Unknown Soldier05. The Lost Battalion06. Rorke's Drift07. The Last Stand08. Hill 323409. Shiroyama10. Winged Hussars11. The Last Battle

Earbook

CD:

01. Sparta02. Last Dying Breath03. Blood Of Bannockburn04. Diary Of An Unknown Soldier05. The Lost Battalion06. Rorke's Drift07. The Last Stand08. Hill 323409. Shiroyama10. Winged Hussars11. The Last Battle

Bonus:

12. Camouflage13. All Guns Blazing14. Afraid To Shoot Strangers

DVD - Live @ Stereolux, Nantes (France):

01. Intro (The March To War)02. Ghost Division03. Far From The Fame04. Uprising05. Midway06. Gott Mit Uns07. Resist And Bite08. Wolfpack09. Dominium Maris Baltici10. Carolus Rex11. Swedish Pagans12. Soldier Of 3 Armies13. Attero Dominatus14. The Art Of War15. Wind Of Change16. To Hell And Back17. Night Witches18. Primo Victoria19. Metal Crüe

Live CD - Live @ Stereolux, Nantes (France)

01. Intro (The March To War)02. Ghost Division03. Far From The Fame04. Uprising05. Midway06. Gott Mit Uns07. Resist And Bite08. Wolfpack09. Dominium Maris Baltici10. Carolus Rex11. Swedish Pagans12. Soldier Of 3 Armies13. Attero Dominatus14. The Art Of War15. Wind Of Change16. To Hell And Back17. Night Witches18. Primo Victoria19. Metal Crüe

2LP - 45 RPM

Side A:

01. Sparta02. Last Dying Breath03. Blood Of Bannockburn04. Diary Of An Unknown Soldier05. The Lost Battalion

Side B:

01. Rorke's Drift02. The Last Stand03. Hill 323404. Shiroyama

Side C:

01. Winged Hussars02. The Last Battle

Side D (Bonus):

01. Camouflage02. All Guns Blazing