METALLICA bassist Robert Trujillo spoke to So What!, the magazine of The Metallica Club (usually known as Metclub), the official METALLICA fan club, about the progress of the recording sessions for the band's long-awaited follow-up to 2008's "Death Magnetic" album. He said: "I can say James [Hetfield, METALLICA guitarist/vocalist] and I had a blast doing back-up vocals last week, it was probably the most fun I've had during this album cycle; I wouldn't even call that work. It was just super fun blasting out those choruses. He had a big smile on his face and so did I, so that's something that I'll always remember, because I don't think I've ever done it on that level. I mean, we've done a couple things here and there, but that was a first for me, to be in the vocal booth with him. It was pretty cool. So I feel great. The bass sounds are crushing. I would say they're the best bass sounds that I've had with this band, for sure, and already for me that's a plus. I'm very proud of what Greg [Fidelman, producer] has done with the sound of my instruments, and I'm also proud of the way I played. We've had fun."

Trujillo also talked about his role in METALLICA and whether Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich appreciate his work ethic and positive attitude. "I think so," he said. "I know it's important to James. I think there is a level of respect from him in knowing I'm staying on my game, so to speak, and that I'm happy. I think that's important to him that Robert Trujillo from METALLICA is happy with what he's doing as a musician, and that he's happy with what he's doing as a musician in METALLICA. But he also respects where I come from and what I did, and he likes the INFECTIOUS GROOVES music. He likes my style with that band. Not to say that that style specifically with the INFECTIOUS GROOVES is the style that's supposed to exist in METALLICA. No. It's not about that, he's more interested in celebrating what was good about SUICIDAL or INFECTIOUS in the same way Lars is. I think one of his favorite top ten albums quite possibly might be 'The Art Of Rebellion' by SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, you know? He turned me back on to that album, okay? I forgot about that record. And he was talking about the record, about this one song, and I didn't know what one he was talking about because it had been so long. And then he had Kent [Matcke, METALLICA engineer] put it on the PA system in the studio, and then I'm listening to it going, 'Oh, shit. Yeah, that is good.' All of a sudden, it's coming back to me. And then what's funny is, I'm driving home from the studio about an hour later and then I realize that I wrote the song. I didn't realize that it was actually a song that I'd written."

Trujillo also spoke about the level of care and attention to detail with which METALLICA approaches every project. "The thing about METALLICA is everything is top notch," he said. "There's always gonna be a focus on detail, and whether it's stage production or preparing a song, even a cover song. I mean, look at the nurturing process that happens with a cover song in the METALLICA universe. When we did the Ronnie James Dio 'Ronnie Rising' medley, you know? That composition to me encompasses the energy and the focus in developing and creatively collaborating jumping into what would be essentially a cover song, or a batch of cover songs. There's a lot of focus that goes into that, and I think that quality separates METALLICA from a lot of other bands."

He continued: "There's just a lot of… how do you say it… a lot of pride that goes into every note that is played, even on a cover song let alone an original. The other thing that I've learned with METALLICA too is, the band is not afraid to take chances. The Lou Reed album ['Lulu'] is a fine example. A lot of METALLICA fans didn't like that record. For us, it was a great learning experience, and there were a few magic moments in there. I mean, in my career as a musician for as long as I've been doing this, there were a couple of magic moments that I would never really be able to explain to a person who doesn't understand what happens when you're connected, and when musically there's a certain energy. And I always value that, I keep that close to my heart because there was magic. So the point is, whether it's playing with an orchestra or Lou Reed or whatever, the band takes chances and tries different things."

METALLICA's new album is currently being mixed for a tentative fall release.

ROSE TATTOO singer Angry Anderson says that he would have considered fronting AC/DC if he had been asked to step in for Brian Johnson on the Australian band's recent tour.

AC/DC postponed the last ten dates of its recent North American trek after Johnson was advised to stop playing live or "risk total hearing loss." The band has since completed the European leg of its tour with GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose as a "guest vocalist," with Johnson apparently not returning to the group.

Prior to Axl being announced as the new touring singer for AC/DC, many people felt that Angry Anderson, who has been fronting ROSE TATTOO since 1976, was a better choice to replace Johnson.

Asked by The Rockpit for his thoughts on the fact that he wasn't asked to step in for Brian, Anderson said: "I knew I wouldn't [be]. I thought it was obvious it would be Axl. The other singer I thought it may be would be Sammy Hagar."

Pressed on whether he would have "been on that plane" if he had gotten the call to sing for AC/DC, Anderson said: "Depends on what they were offering. Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian recently told Brazil's R7 that he thought the ROSE TATTOO singer would have been the best man for the AC/DC job. "I wish they would get Angry Anderson," he said. "I don't know if Angry Anderson is still even singing anymore. But I always thought, in 1980, he was the guy. I didn't know who Brian Johnson was yet, but I knew Angry Anderson in 1980, and when Bon died, I was hoping Angry Anderson was gonna join AC/DC, 'cause he was from Australia and he sounded like a guy who should be in AC/DC. But then Brian came and Brian was great. So who knows?"

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

Rose will next join AC/DC for the ten North American shows that need to be made up starting in late August.

Fan-filmed video footage of BLACK SABBATH's June 25 performance at the Copenhell festival in Copenhagen, Denmark can be seen below.

BLACK SABBATH has announced that it will play its last show ever in the U.S. on November 12 at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The gig will take place nearly five years to the day that the legendary act announced their reunion.

San Antonio is also home of the Alamo which is a significant place in Ozzy Osbourne's legend since he was arrested for public urination and intoxication at the landmark in February 1982. He revisited it and apologized, again, for his upcoming series on History.

The group has also added two more headlining shows to its North American trek, on November 8 at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma and November 10 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

These dates and the previously announced headlining slot at at the Ozzfest Meets Knotfest weekend event on Saturday, September 24 in San Bernardino, California come at the end of the band's North American tour, which kicks off on August 17 in Wantagh, New York.

SABBATH is currently on tour in Europe for a mix of summer headlining and festival performances. They will make their final visits to Mexico and South America at the end of the year as they wind down their farewell tour.

Bassist Geezer Butler told The Pulse Of Radio that it's a melancholy feeling visiting some countries for the last time. "It's sad, especially when we're in Australia or New Zealand, I was just thinking, 'I'm never gonna come to these places ever again,'" he said. "It's too far to go on holiday. But yeah, it is sad. It's like, you enjoy it."

SABBATH will bring its storied career to a close in the band's native England, with seven shows booked there in January and February. The last two, on February 2 and February 4, will take place in SABBATH's hometown of Birmingham and will likely be their final shows.

The original lineup of SABBATH came together in 1969 with Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, Tony Iommi on guitar, Butler on bass and Bill Ward on drums. That lineup recorded and toured through 1978, and periodically reformed through the '90s and 2000s for live work.

They regrouped again in late 2011 for a new album and tour, although Ward dropped out after just a few months. The remaining trio issued the "13" album in 2013 and backed it with a successful world tour — despite Iommi being treated for lymphoma since 2012.

Rock 'N' Load conducted an interview with guitarists Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel of California metallers ATREYU at this year's edition of the Download festival, which was held June 10-12 at Donington Park in Leicestershire, United Kingdom. You can now watch the chat below.

Speaking about what the members of ATREYU were doing during the band's three-year hiatus prior to the making of 2015's "Long Live" album, Travis said: "We all just kind of did our own thing. Some of it involved music, some of it was just more personal-life, family stuff. 'Cause we toured for so long that a lot of us had homes that we never lived in yet, because we were out [on the road] so much. So, yeah, it was mostly just to stop and take a breather — smell the roses, if you will. But it definitely did us a lot of good, for sure."

Asked if ATREYU has come back a stronger band after taking several years off, Dan said: "I think so, yeah. Absolutely. We've learned a lot. I feel everything that we've done — from the producers we've worked with, from the tours we've done, to the albums we've put out, to even the hiatus — the collective effort of everything, we needed all of that to truly know who we are, not just as a band, but as invididuals outside of the band. So I think we all feel complete now to where we know exactly what we need to be doing, what we're good at, what we're not good at. We're just a lot more focused now because of it."

Dan and Travis also talked about how ATREYU has managed to retain its fanbase while also attacting new followers with the release of "Long Live". "You have a lot of the same old people that were coming out forever, [and they] have been, like, 'Oh, I've been watching you for the past fifteen years,'" Dan said. "We have some people that got into us right before we took a hiatus and never got a chance to see us.

"We were doing some shows with BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, and we had people come up to us after the show, and they were, like, 'I came here to see BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE. I've never even heard of your band before. You guys were amazing. That was incredible. I didn't even know you guys were playing. I can't wait 'till you guys come back.' And it's interesting, because we're the same genre as them. We've been around longer than BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, so it's just interesting seeing these young faces. They get so excited about the style of music that we've been doing so long.

"I feel, to an extent, we've kind of perfected the art of this style. We're one of the bands that first started doing it. And we just have it down. I mean, we go around watching other bands and kind of seeing where the bar's being held at. [And we think], 'All right. That's what that band's doing. They're only gonna do that? All right. All right. Well, we know what to do.'"

Regarding ATREYU's plans for the coming months, Travis said: "When we get back from this [European] run, we have a couple of weeks off and then we head out on the Warped Tour in the U.S. for about two weeks. And then we go to Australia in October. I think we might do some touring after that; it's kind of up in the air. But hopefully sometime after the New Year, or maybe before, [we'll] start writing again."

ATREYU's sixth album, "Long Live", was released in September 2015 through the Search And Destroy imprint as part of the joint venture between Raw Power Management and Spinefarm.

“Pledge”, a track from Wolverine's upcoming album Machina Viva, is streaming below. The album will see worldwide release on July 8th via Sensory Records.

Recorded and produced by Wolverine in various locations throughout Sweden during the fall and winter months of late 2015 and early 2016, Machina Viva was mixed at Spacelab Studio in Germany by Christian "Moschus" Moos (Everon, Haken, Delain, Cloverseeds), and mastered by Grammy Award winning audio engineer Bob Katz.

A natural progression from the band's previous album, Communication Lost, released in 2011 via Candlelight Records, Machina Viva invites the listener into the harmonious yet portentous and sullen musical dimensions of Wolverine with perhaps their most dynamic album to date. From the fourteen-minute epic and powerful "The Bedlam Overture" and the dark electronic landscapes of "Machina," to the naked and organic nature of "Pile Of Ash" and "Sheds," Machina Viva is the next step in Wolverine's explorations in the progressive field. The layout features microbiological photos by Arturo Agostino and cover art by drummer Marcus Losbjer. Additionally, the CD edition will bear an additional bonus cello version of "Pile Of Ash”.

Tracklisting:

“The Bedlam Overture”
“Machina”
“Pile Of Ash” (ES335 version)
“Our Last Goodbye”
“Pledge”
“When The Night Comes”
“Nemesis”
“Sheds”
“Pile Of Ash” (cello version) *

* bonus track

“Pledge”:

“Our Last Goodbye” video:

"Machina" video:

Trailer:

(Photo - Mattias Wigforss)

Swiss folk metallers Eluveitie recently checked in with some sad news, revealing the band has splintered following the firing of drummer Merlin Sutter. They have posted an official statement explaining the situation, which can be found here. In the aftermath, Anna Murphy (vocals, hurdy gurdy), Merlin Sutter (drums) and Ivo Henzi (guitars) have launched a new band, Cellar Darling.

The trio has toured the world for over a decade as members of Eluveitie and are taking the summer to write new music, returning to the stage before year's end: 

"We are excited to share with you that we are already hard at work on music with our new band, Cellar Darling - and that we have already confirmed a show at the end of this year! We feel incredibly inspired and will be taking the summer to write and create.

What will it sound like, you ask? We can’t yet say. All we know is that we will let creativity flow wherever it wants to go, without any limitations or concerns. You will get Ivo’s epic riffs, so it will be heavy. You will get Merlin’s drums, so it will be loud. And you will get Anna’s unique voice, so it will be both powerful and fragile. Oh, and of course we won’t neglect the hurdy gurdy!"

Follow the band voa Facebook here.

Cellar Darling will make their live debut supporting Anneke Van Giersbergen's The Gentle Storm on December 17th at Melkweg in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Go to this location for show details.

GEMINI SYNDROME will release its new album, "Memento Mori", on August 19 via Another Century. The alternative hard rock outfit continues to push the envelope both musically and thematically on the record, which is the follow-up to their 2013 debut, "Lux". "Memento Mori", which was produced by the legendary father/son duo of Kane and Kevin Churko, is a direct successor to "Lux" in a three-part trilogy; with the latter being a representation of birth, and the former acting a reminder of life.

Brian Medina (drums) comments on the meaning of the album title and artwork (which can be found below): "The title of the new album, 'Memento Mori', essentially means 'Remember, We Die.'

"The artwork is designed to show the different layers of our physical and spiritual form going through the phases of disintegration, ending in the release of the soul."

Last week the band also announced that Daniel Sahagún (guitar) and Charles Lee Salvaggio (guitar) had joined the group. In addition to both men joining the band's touring lineup, they are also featured on the new record.

"Memento Mori" track listing:

01. Anonymous02. Remember We Die03. Zealot04. Gravedigger05. On Point06. La Devastante Veritá07. Sorry Not Sorry08. Eternity09. Alive Inside10. Inception11. Lucido Somnium12. Say Goodnight13. Awaken14. Ordo ab Chao 15. Brought To Light Medina also talked about the writing process for "Memento Mori" in comparison to "Lux". He said: "With 'Lux', we were a new band. It was our first raw expression of us as a group. Now we've gone through things like switching record labels and replacing band members, and the whole experience has strengthened us as a unit. We have a new sense of determination and feel that 'Memento Mori' shows us delivering on a higher level in every aspect."

The official video for the first offering from "Memento Mori", the hard-hitting track "Anonymous", can be seen below. The song is a direct response to the war on mental freedom being waged by divisive elements, from the media to politics, with the goal being to protect the sovereignty of our mind and spirit. The virtual reality 360° clip directed by Brian Cox offers a unique and immersive viewing experience. Fans watching the video using their smartphones or any other device with VR capabilities will be able manipulate the camera angle, allowing them to view it from multiple perspectives.

In support of the release of "Memento Mori", GEMINI SYNDROME has announced the first leg of its upcoming U.S. headlining tour, which is slated to start on July 13 in Salt Lake City. Joining the band are fellow Los Angeles-based rock groups and Another Century labelmates STITCHED UP HEART and 9ELECTRIC.

Former SEPULTURA members Max Cavalera (guitar, vocals) and Igor Cavalera (drums) celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the band's classic album, "Roots", by performing the LP in its entirety at this year's edition of the Amnesia Rockfest on Friday, June 24. They were joined on the Jägermeister stage — complete with the original backdrop from SEPULTURA's 1996 Roots" tour — by their CAVALERA CONSPIRACY bandmates Marc Rizzo (guitar) and Johny Chow (bass).

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

Interestingly enough, the current lineup of SEPULTURA — which includes the other two members of the band that played on "Roots", guitarist Andreas Kisser and bassist Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr. — is also scheduled to appear at the two-day event, which is taking place June 24-25 in Montebello, Quebec, Canada. SEPULTURA will perform today (Saturday, June 25) at 3:45 p.m. on the Budweiser stage.

Max spoke to Holland's FaceCulture about how he looks back on the "Roots" album twenty years later. He said: "Yeah, [the personal stuff around the band] was chaotic, but musically, it was good. I think 'Roots' is an excellent record. It's a very brave record. It's a very fearless record in terms of saying, 'We're gonna do this. No matter what people say, we're gonna do it.' And we did it. And it was a huge risk. Not many bands take that risk. And we stuck to our guns and put the album out. And I think it was a very interesting record, because I think it was the beginning of my experiences in world music, which I really love, and bringing metal… making metal different. You can combine indigenous sounds and stuff with metal and make something cool with it. So I think 'Roots' was the blueprint for all that; it was like the first one that was like that. We went to the Xavantes tribe and recorded with them. It was killer. It was an amazing experience."

Asked in a December 2013 interview with DeadRhetoric.com if he was a proponent of the down-tuned guitar approach, like Max was, around the time when bands like KORN and the DEFTONES were just beginning to take off in terms of popularity, SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser said: "At the beginning, not much. I was skeptical of the low tuning because bands like KORN or the DEFTONES, they don't have the fast pace of SEPULTURA's music. I was concerned to lose that kind of fast ability and the picking, the heavy picking on sloppy, low strings. But there are so many possibilities of using heavier-gauge strings, which give that kind of tension, and you don't lose that ability to play fast. 'Trauma Of War', the song that opens the [new SEPULTURA] album ['The Mediator Between Head And Hands Must Be The Heart'], it's in low tuning, but it's a very fast song, but we don't lose that kind of ability. I learned how to do deal with that, and you open a lot of worlds in music, but yeah, at the beginning I was a little skeptical."

Speaking to Live-Metal.net in 2009, Max admitted that he drew inspiration from some of the so-called early "nu metal" bands during the songwriting process for "Roots". He explained: "SEPULTURA did [take] a little bit of an influence from KORN and DEFTONES in some areas. And the funny thing is that we influenced those bands from when they started out. I talked to the KORN guys and they said they listened to 'Chaos A.D.' religiously when they started — it was like one of their favorite records. So it's kind of a 360 degrees kind of influence — back and forth."

"Roots", along with 1993's "Chaos A.D.", is considered SEPULTURA's most commercially successful release, having been certified gold in 2005 by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for U.S. shipments in excess of 500,000 copies.

In 1996, Max exited SEPULTURA after the rest of the band fired Max's wife Gloria as their manager.

Igor left SEPULTURA in June 2006 due to "artistic differences." His departure from the band came five months after he announced that he was taking a break from SEPULTURA's touring activities to spend time with his second wife and their new son (who was born in January 2006).

Fan-filmed video footage of KING DIAMOND's June 21 performance at O2 Forum Kentish Town in London, United Kingdom can be seen below.

KING DIAMOND's November 25, 2015 and November 28, 2015 live shows in Philadelphia and Detroit, respectively, were flmed for the band's forthcoming DVD. The set is being helmed by director Denise Korycki (CANNIBAL CORPSE, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE), and will include additional footage from multiple shows throughout the band's most recent North American trek.

KING DIAMOND performed its classic second album, 1987's concept effort "Abigail", in its entirety on the band's latest U.S. tour.

"Dreams Of Horror", a 2xCD collection of KING DIAMOND songs, newly enhanced into ultimate editions by King Diamond and Andy La Rocque themselves, sold around 1,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release.

Released in November 2014, "Dreams Of Horror" is the only "best-of" album covering the band's entire career. King Diamond and Andy La Rocque meticulously mastered and enhanced these 23 songs into the ultimate editions, chosen by the band from both the Roadrunner and Metal Blade catalogs.

Swedish bassist Pontus Egberg (THE POODLES, LION'S SHARE, ZAN CLAN) joined KING DIAMOND following the departure of Hal Patino.

King, 59, whose real name is Kim Bendix Petersen, underwent open-heart triple-bypass surgery in November 2010. He has since completed his cardiac rehabilitation program and has stopped smoking entirely, changed his diet and is getting regular exercise.

All Else Fails, the loud, heavy, lyrically conscious Canadian metal band who's 2013 Fucktropolis EP garnered them award wins at the 2014 Western Canadian Music Awards and Edmonton Music Awards, close the chapter on the release with their final music video, their latest political message “AntiMartyr”.

Vocalist/guitarist Barrett Klesko comments: "It's been a long road since we released Fucktropolis almost 4 years ago, and since then we have been in almost constant member changeover hell. Some of it was good, like bringing back original drummer Ryan Biggs, but some, like losing our long time bassist Seedy Mitchell was much harder.

“We have a new bass player, the new album written and in pre production and it is sounding fresh and awesome, but it was important to us to release “AntiMartyr” as a full single first. With that, it wouldn't have felt right with Mitch's voice coming out of the new guy’s mouth in the video, so we talked him into coming back for one last project, and I'm really happy with the turnout, it seems like a great way to send off an album that treated us so well, and move on to the next grand adventure. Hopefully one that won't take us another 4 years to follow up."

Multinational hard rock/melodic metal band, Eden’s Curse, have announced the participation of Liv Kristine (ex- Leaves' Eyes, Theater Of Tragedy) on their forthcoming new studio album.

It seems their collaboration was 'meant to be', as bassist Paul Logue explains: "In a meeting with our label, AFM Records we discussed the possibility of them reaching out to Liv to enquire if she would be willing to guest on a track on our album. They agreed and it was left at that. Fast forward three days later and I'm attending a party for a friend, at a pub in Glasgow, and who walks in the door - Liv! Initially, I didn't "twig" that it was her, until her Tour Manager, whom I knew, walked in a few minutes later wearing a Leaves' Eyes shirt. We shared a quick hello and he told me that Leave's Eyes were playing in the venue next door and then the penny dropped. I shared the back story of my label discussions and he made the introduction. Liv and I had a wonderful chat and we agreed to hook up via email to see if she liked the song and take it from there - thankfully she did and the rest is history. It must have been fate!"

Norwegian born Liv, a pioneer of the "beauty and beast" vocal approach adopted by so many of today's acts, has been at the forefront of the symphonic metal scene for well over a decade. Her trademark vocals have become synonymous with the genre through fronting one it's most iconic acts, to her own successful solo career. Yet, her collaboration with Eden's Curse, on the track “Unconditional”, will see her adopt a slightly different vocal approach.

"It's not a ballad, per se, as it rocks out in places, but it's a song very much in the same vein as “Unbreakable” with it's pop sensibilities, style and melodies. It could arguably be the most commercial sounding track we've ever written! The contrast between Liv and Nikola's voices works so well and adds a real personal touch to what is essentially a love song. I normally don't DO love songs, but sometimes you cannot help be influenced by the special people that surround your life - whether it's your spouse, partner, friend, family or even children - your love for them is unconditional,” remarks Paul.

Liv adds: "It was such a pleasure and honour working with Eden's Curse on “Unconditional”. I love this track - it's like the freshness of a sunny, really early Saturday morning. It's powerful, highly interesting and passionate. Nikola's voice is outstanding and gripping - a superb duet partner! I met Paul during one of my tours last year and we had such a pleasant talk. I hope we get the chance to perform “Unconditional” live some day.”

"Hear, hear! It would be an absolute pleasure to share the stage with Liv and perform this live,” says Paul. "Liv was a real joy to work with. She's a truly kind soul who embraced our song from the very outset and delivered a real classy performance with her instantly recognisable vocals,” he adds.

“Unconditional” will appear on the forthcoming new studio album by Eden's Curse, which is set for release on AFM Records this coming fall. More details to follow soon.

Eden's Curse have also announced that they will return to the UK for a full headline tour in support of their forthcoming fifth studio album, in November.

November
21 - The Cathouse - Glasgow, UK
22 - Academy 3 - Manchester, UK
23 - Corporation - Sheffield, UK
24 - The Asylum - Birmingham, UK
25 - The Scene - Swansea, UK
26 - Waterfront Studio - Norwich, UK
27 - The Underworld - London, UK

Tickets are on sale now at edenscurse.com. Special guests on the tour are Sheffield's C.O.P. UK and Swiss prog metal band Evolve.

“Battlefield”, the track from Ten’s new double CD collection, Battlefield - The Rocktopia Records Collection, is streaming below.

Signed to Rocktopia Records in 2014 and following a similar fashion to their one-two release of their debut album X and the follow-up Name Of The Rose in a 6 month period back in 1996, Ten released Albion and Isla De Muerta in November 2014 and May 2015 respectively. Both albums gained positive reviews with Gaetano Di Falco’s wonderful art making striking covers.

2015 also saw the release of the first EP for the band in 16 years (after 1999’s Fear The Force), entitled The Dragon And Saint George, which contained three exclusive bonus tracks.

With Albion now completely sold out, it seemed a great idea to collect all the Ten songs from their Rocktopia Records period – including all the Japanese bonus tracks and exclusive EP tracks - onto one Limited Edition double CD release (500 copies only), which would sell for the price of a single CD.
 
This new collection, Battlefield - The Rocktopia Records Collection, once again features exclusive cover art by Gaetano Di Falco. The collection is out now via Rocktopia Records. Order here.

Tracklisting:

CD1 – Albion
“Alone In The Dark Tonight”
“Battlefield”
“It’s Alive”
“Albion Born”
“Sometimes Love Takes The Long Way Home”
“A Smuggler’s Tale”
“It Ends This Day”
“Die For Me”
“Gioco D’Amore”
“Wild Horses”
“Good God In Heaven What Hell Is This” (Japanese bonus track)
“The Prodigal Saviour” (Exclusive EP track)
“Is There Anyone With Sense” (Exclusive EP track)

CD2 – Isla De Muerta
“Buccaneers/Dead Men Tell No Tales”
“Tell Me What To Do”
“Acquiesce”
“This Love”
“The Dragon And Saint George”
“Intensify”
“Karnak/Valley Of The Kings”
“Revolution”
“Musketeers – Soldiers Of The King” (Exclusive EP track)
“Angel Of Darkness”
“The Last Pretender”
“We Can Be As One”
“Assault And Battery” (Japanese bonus track)

“Battlefield”:

Spanish melodic progressive metal masters LORDS OF BLACK — who feature in their ranks new RAINBOW singer Ronnie Romero — recorded a cover version of the RAINBOW classic "Lady Of The Lake" during the sessions for their second album, "II". The track, which was released as a bonus cut with the new disc, can be streamed below.

"II" was released on March 18 via Frontiers Music Srl.

LORDS OF BLACK is the band formed by Romero, renowned guitarist Tony Hernando and monster drummer Andy C. Their vision was to form a metal band with a modern approach blended with catchy, melodic and progressive elements.

After months of intense and hard work on the songs, LORDS OF BLACK independently released its acclaimed self-titled debut which was co-produced by Roland Grapow (MASTERPLAN, ex-HELLOWEEN). Metal Hammer Spain deemed it "the best metal album released in Spain this year."

LORDS OF BLACK supported the release with a series of very successful live shows, some of them as "very special guest" for high-profile international acts. Then the news of Ronnie Romero joining the new incarnation of RAINBOW broke out. This brought the band to the attention of the international media, with RAINBOW legend Ritchie Blackmore describing Romero's voice as "a cross between Ronnie James Dio and Freddie Mercury."

However, now LORDS OF BLACK are ready to conquer the world with "II", an album which will blow the minds of fans of modern melodic metal. Once again co-produced, mixed and mastered by Roland Grapow, the disc is not only the follow-up to LORDS OF BLACK's outstanding and acclaimed debut album, but is an album with superbly crafted songs that will instantly become absolute metal classics.

"The new album, being the follow-up to a first record that was so greatly received, had to get to a higher place," says Tony Hernando. "After an intense year of writing and producing, along with the live performances, we came up with songs that are still deep and complicated in some arrangements, but have been written with the live performance in mind… The quest was to come up with something that artistically was meaningful for us as musicians and at the same time could catch the attention of the listeners. We really hope you enjoy this new album and come with us for a great ride!"

Tracks like "Merciless", "Everything You're Not", "Insane", "New World's Coming" and "Shadows Of War" showcase the heavy and complex yet very melodic style of the band. The song "The Art of Illusions Part III: The Wasteland" is the conclusion to the trilogy that commenced on the debut album, while the song "Cry No More" is inspired and dedicated to the late, great, Phil Lynott.

Regarding how he landed the RAINBOW gig, the Chilean-born Romero told Rafabasa.com: "I don't know from how long they had me on their list, but they contacted me some months ago, at the beginning of summer, to tell me about a chance to an audition . I deeply remember that 'day one' and that first 'hi,' been doing your daily activities and receive an email from Ritchie Blackmore himself is quite hard to assimilate, after a few days days, even weeks."

Romero also talked about Ritchie's recent description of his vocal style as "a cross between Ronnie James Dio and Freddie Mercury." He said: "I just think about how lucky I feel, not just to get the gig, but how the hell they found me. Having so many good singers worldwide. From the first contact, I just tried to give my best to get it. I always believed in myself, and with the support of my family and close friends, even more. About his words, I just can be thankful, he put the bar quite high with his description. [Laughs] But I'm also glad with his confidence on me to this huge task."

Deep Purple were recently forced to cancel two shows in Sweden. The band were scheduled to perform on June 14th at Gröna Lund in Stockholm, and on June 15th at Liseberg in Gothenburg. The cancellations were blamed on “health issues” and drummer Ian Paice then spoke up via Facebook:

"To all the people who were expecting to see Deep Purple in Sweden and Denmark this week, I would like to let you know the reason the shows were not possible,and also to stop all the speculation and rumours.

“On the morning of the 14th of June, I woke up to find that the right side of my body was feeling numb and I could not control my right hand and fingers. So I had myself admitted to hospital where I was diagnosed with having suffered a 'mini-stroke' or TIA. The hospital staff in Stockholm were amazing and started my treatment straight away.

“After both CT and MIR scans, there was found to be no serious or permanent damage. As of this moment, all I am suffering is a slightly numb right side of the face a tingling sensation in my right hand. My dexterity in the hand is coming back quickly and I fully expect to recommence touring next month. So now I have a set of tablets which have to be taken every day to ensure it doesn't happen again!.

So sorry for not being able to play for you. And I'm sorry for myself! These are the first shows I have missed with Deep Purple since its formation in 1968.

Thanks to all the people who have shown concern and sent their best wishes."

The Swedish dates have now been rescheduled, and are listed below:

July
1 - Liseberg - Gothenburg, Sweden
2 - Gröna Lund - Stockholm, Sweden

Meanwhile, a new Deep Purple video find from April 1973, with the band live in Belgium. Check it out below:

(Photo - Jim Rakete)

AEROSMITH frontman Steven Tyler performed several songs — including the title track of his debut solo album, the country-tinged "We're All Somebody From Somewhere" — earlier today (Friday, June 24) in New York City as part of the "Today" show's concert series. Video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

Tyler's performance came just a week before he kicks off his summer tour, which begins July 2 and will run through September.

"We're All Somebody From Somewhere" will arive on July 15 via Big Machine Label Group's Dot Records.

The AEROSMITH frontman appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and spoke about the album, explaining: "I headed down to Nashville last spring to start working on this project, wrote some kick-ass songs with some of Music City's finest songwriters and now we get to share them with the world on July 15th."

He added: "Country music is the new rock 'n' roll. It's not just about porches, dogs and kicking your boots up. It's a whole lot more. It's about being real."

Tyler's latest single, and the album's title track, will be released on June 24. Tyler co-produced "We're All Somebody From Somewhere" with such heavyweights as T Bone Burnett, Dan Huff, Marti Fredriksen and Jaren Johnston.

Tyler spoke about the strength of the new material, telling Rolling Stone: "I believe y'all are gonna listen to this stuff and you're gonna agree with me that it fell from a star. I had nothing to do with this shit, it's just Nashville. There's something so magical about this town and me writing with all these people."

Following six successful studio albums, Powerwolf will finally release their first DVD, The Metal Mass - Live, on July 29th. It contains almost seven hours of material and features plenty of songs, old and new.  

Now the Wolves decided that they want to hear YOU play YOUR favourite Powerwolf track of all time! Grab your instrument (or microphone) and upload your cover version to YouTube. Submit your entry by posting the video publicly on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, using the hashtag #PowerwolfCoverContest and tagging both the band and Napalm Records.

The band will check out ALL submissions and hand-pick the winner. The best entry will be shared by both the band and Napalm Records on their socials, added to a Powerwolf “The Metal Mass” Playlist on the Napalm Channel and also get a surprise pack by the band, including signed items.

Videos can be submitted until July 7th.

Powerwolf's history of success truly is a metal fairytale: Thanks to lifeblood, passion and talent the band has gathered an enormous amount of followers with until now six albums and uncountable captivating live gigs. Two albums in the Top 3 of the German album charts, sold-out headliner shows, frenetically celebrated festival gigs all over Europe – there is just one thing missing… a DVD / Blu-Ray which brings the glorious metal mass on your TV. Now the band unveil the first details and announce the release of their first DVD / Blu-Ray titled The Metal Mass Live, coming out July 29th via Napalm Records. A first video teaser can be found below.

Powerwolf do it again in style and have assembled a truly opulent package for their loyal fans. The Metal Mass Live contains three complete live shows with which you can enjoy the irresistible hook lines and great metal hymns of Powerwolf with live recordings from the Masters Of Rock, the Summer Breeze and the Oberhausen gig from the Wolfsnächte tour.

Apart from that all the previous videoclips and two documentaries are included – fans will surely appreciate to witness the hilariously maverick sense of humour of the band members.

The Metal Mass Live will be presented in a beautiful valuable packaging that will make collectors' hearts beat faster: With about 7 hours material, the first DVD / Blu-Ray release of one of the most successful German metal bands will be coming out on Mediabook with 2-DVD / Blu-ray + Live-CD, Earbook with 2-DVD and 2 Live-CDs, a live CD and as Gatefold-Double-Vinyl.

It's about time to finally enjoy the inimitable live feeling of a Powerwolf gig on your couch. Pre-order The Metal Mass Live here.

Teaser #1:

Powerwolf  and Dutch symphonic metal stars Epica are teaming up for an European tour in early 2017. This impressive co-headline tour comes in support of the highly awaited new Epica album Holographic Principle, which is scheduled for a September 30th release and Powerwolfs The Metal Mass Live.

Comments Matthew Greywolf of Powerwolf: “In early 2017 we will embark on a special tour, sharing stages throughout Europe with the amazing Epica. Those shows will become Powerwolf’s biggest indoor metal masses to date. Be prepared for an amazing stage set and crazy nights full of metal madness!”

“Woohoow, this fall we're releasing our seventh studio album and the band has exciting times coming up! A new album means a new Epica chapter and obviously a new world tour. Early 2017 we'll join forces with our German friends in Powerwolf and together we'll storm stages allover Europe. If you want to hear our brand new songs come to live, if you want to see our brand new visuals and if you simply want to have a good time with us, we expect you on our biggest tour to date! I really can't wait to be back on the road again and to see the music, the energy and our lovely fans become one. Until then!,” commented Epica frontwoman Simone Simons.

Tour dates:

January
12 - Wiesbaden, Germany - Schlachthof
13 - Cologne, Germany - Palladium
14 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - MHP Arena
16. - Geneve, Switzerland - Salle des Fetes de Thonex
17 - Zurich, Switzerland - Volkshaus
20 - Munich, Germany - Tonhalle
21 - Vienna, Austria - Gasometer
24 - Warsaw, Poland - Progresja
25 - Berlin, Germany - Huxleys
27 - Oberhausen, Germany - Turbinenhalle
28 - Prague, Czech Republic - Forum Karlin

February
3 - London, England - Shepherds Bush Empire
4 - Paris, France - Zenith

Further dates of this tour to be announced at a later date. Tickets for all shows can be purchased on the bands’ websites: Powerwolf, Epica.

The first "Metal Meltdown" concert series event kicked off at The Joint at the world famous Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas on May 30, 2015. Legendary, selling rockers TWISTED SISTER performed an explosive 90-minute concert of their biggest hits spanning their 40-year career. The show was dedicated to the honor of TWISTED SISTER's iconic drummer A.J. Pero, whose tragic, sudden death just two months prior to the filming of this event shocked the music world. The band announced that not only were all the remaining concerts being performed in 2015 dedicated to the memory of A.J. Pero, but that 2016 would mark the 40th and final year of the band's legendary live performances. They recruited renowned drummer and friend of A.J. Pero, Mike Portnoy (THE WINERY DOGS, DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD) to take the reins, and his very first TWISTED SISTER appearance was captured by the "Metal Meltdown" camera crew. TWISTED SISTER fans will now get to witness that special concert produced by the award-winning production company Rock Fuel Media in association with Loud & Proud Records. Directed by Brian Lockwood (BON JOVI, METALLICA, MÖTLEY CRÜE), "Metal Meltdown - Featuring Twisted Sister Live At The Hard Rock Casino - Las Vegas" features that complete concert, as well as "Rockshow", a bonus documentary that takes fans through the band's 40-year ride from local club outcasts to world domination with exclusive interviews, archive footage from the '80s, photo gallery. It was mixed in 5.1 Surround Sound. Set for release July 22, the retail package includes both Blu-ray and DVD formats as well as an audio CD.

A performance clip of the song "You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll", taken from "Metal Meltdown - Featuring Twisted Sister Live At The Hard Rock Casino - Las Vegas" can be seen below. As TWISTED SISTER guitarist Jay Jay French explains: "The decision to continue performing all the summer shows in 2015, not to mention the concert that this performance celebrates, was in jeopardy over the days immediately following A.J.'s sudden death. We needed time to re-group and re-focus. Everyone was great. All the promoters of the huge European summer festivals that we were set to headline and Barry, the producer of this concert, said, 'We understand. You all (meaning the band) have to do what makes you comfortable. Whatever the band decides has to be honored and respected.' "In the end, I believe we did what A.J. would have wanted us to do and Mike Portnoy was a very big part of that decision in both an emotional and artistic way. This performance captured herein just two months after A.J.'s death really was about our way to help memorialize the great A.J. Pero. The front four (Dee, Eddie, Mark and I) have had no one but A.J. behind us since 1982. This concert has A.J.'s influence permeating through our bloodstream in ways that I will never forget and when we cut to A.J.'s drum solo on the rear projection screen, We were all emotionally overwhelmed. Not since our reunion for New York Steel in 2001 (to honor and raise money for the families of the NYC police and fire department who died on 9/11) have I been moved to tears." Award-winning producer Barry Summers of Rock Fuel Media commented: "TWISTED SISTER was the first live club band I ever saw in 1979 at Emmett's Inn in New Jersey, and they literally blew my mind. We actually revisited Emmett's and filmed a scene for the 'Rockshow' documentary. It has been a real dream come true to produce this amazing concert film for such an iconic and influential band. The tribute to A.J. Pero makes this film that much more special. We're excited to give the fans the highest quality concert film and live recordings ever released in the year of TWISTED SISTER's final farewell.” Other bands filmed in Las Vegas as part of the "Metal Meltdown" include EXTREME, SKID ROW and GREAT WHITE. Stay tuned for details on those releases. "Metal Meltdown - Featuring Twisted Sister Live At The Hard Rock Casino - Las Vegas" track listing: 01. What You Don't Know02. The Kids Are Back03. Stay Hungry04. The Beast05. Shoot ‘Em Down06. You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll07. I Believe In Rock ‘N' Roll08. Under The Blade09. I Am (I'm Me)10. We're Not Gonna Take It11. The Fire Still Burns12. The Price13. Burn In Hell14. A.J. Pero Tribute15. I Wanna Rock16. Come Out and Play17. S.M.F.

Def Leppard have released a video for their new single, “Dangerous”, a track from last year's self-titled studio album. Watch the new clip, directed by Frank Gryner, below:

The band recently released another video, this one for “Man Enough”. Watch below:

Def Leppard's US Summer Tour is underway, storming across all parts of the US and Canada (tour routing below). A new tour trailer video can be seen below:

Def Leppard - Joe Elliott (vocals), Vivian Campbell (guitar), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick "Sav" Savage (bass) and Rick Allen (drums) - continues to be one of the most important forces in rock music. With 100 million records sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards to their credit, the group's spectacular concerts, filled with powerful melodic rock anthems, continue to sell out venues worldwide. For the past thirty years the band's epic live shows and arsenal of hits have become synonymous with their name, leading Def Leppard to be heralded as an institution in both the music and touring industry.

Def Leppard's influential career includes numerous hit singles and ground-breaking multi-platinum release's-including two of the best-selling albums of all time, Pyromania and Hysteria. The band's 2015 US tour was one of the year's highest grossing, hitting 70+ cities nationwide. In addition to the tour, Def Leppard debuted their self titled new album in October 2015. The album secured the #1 slot on Billboard's Top Rock Albums chart. It features the #1 Classic Rock chart single "Let's Go" and their new single "Dangerous" out now.

Tour dates:

June
24 - Bangor, ME - Darling's Waterfront
25 - Quebec City, QC - Videotron Centre
27 - Syracuse, NY - Lakeview Amp
29 - Hershey, PA - Hershey Park Stadium

July
1 - Indianapolis, IN - Klipsch Music Center
2 - Chicago, IL - Hollywood Casino
5 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center
6 - Milwaukee, WI - Summerfest
8 - Pittsburgh, PA - First Niagara Pavillion
9 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
11 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon at Jones Beach
13 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
15 - Detroit, MI - DTE Music Theatre
16 - Toronto, ON - Molson Canadian Amphitheater

August
6 - Madison, WI - Alliant Energy Center
8 - Evansille, IN - Ford Center
10 - Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube Center
12 - Atlanta, GA - Aaron's Amphitheater
13 - Raleigh, NC - Walnut Creek Amphitheater
15 - Tampa, FL - MidFlorida Credit Amphitheater
17 - Birmingham, AL - Oak Mountain Amphitheater
19 - Austin, TX - Austin 360
20 - New Orleans, LA - Smoothie King Center
22 - Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Pavilion
24 - Dallas, TX - Gexa Energy Pavilion
26 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center
27 - ST. Louis, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
29 - Cleveland, OH - Blossom Music Center
31 - Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake PAC

September
14 - Billings, MT - Metra Park
16 - Salk Lake City, UT - USANA Ampitheater
17 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center
19 - Albuquerque, NM - Isleta Amphitheater
20 - Phoenix, AZ - Ak-Chin Pavilion
22 - Irvine, CA - Irvine Meadows Amphitheater
24 - Sacramento, CA - Toyota Amphitheater (no Tesla)
25 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheater
28 - Boise, ID - Taco Bell Arena
30 - Eugene, OR - Matthew Knight Arena

October
1 - Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Dome
4 - Omaha,NE - CenturyLink Center
5 - Minneapolis, MN - Xcel Center
7 - La Crosse, WI - La Crosse Center Arena
8 - Toledo, OH - Huntington Center
10 - Cedar Rapids, IA - U.S. Cellular Center

Swedish adventure metallers, Twilight Force, recently signed a record deal with German metal powerhouse Nuclear Blast. Now, after several months of work in the band's studio, the Twilight Forge, the band is set to release their sophomore album and label debut , Heroes Of Mighty Magic, on August 26th. A video trailer can be found below.

"Hear ye! We can finally unveil the first mystical details of our next opus. Your thirst will be quenched even earlier than anticipated, for the album will be unleashed upon the world by Nuclear Blast on August 26th. The title of this monumental creation will be Heroes Of Mighty Magic. All the absolutely exquisite original artwork made for this album is conceived and forged by the mighty Kerem Beyit. Here is the glorious cover artwork."

Heroes Of Mighty Magic tracklisting:

“Battle Of Arcane Might”
“Powerwind”
“Guardian Of The Seas”
“Flight Of The Sapphire Dragon”
“There And Back Again”
“Riders Of The Dawn”
“Keepers Of Fate”
“Rise Of A Hero”
“To The Stars”
“Heroes Of Mighty Magic”
“Epilogue”
“Knights Of Twilight's Might”

Trailer:

"This next opus of Twilight Force will be a journey unlike any you have ever experienced. While we are still staying true to the essence of power metal, the songs, sounds and magic adventures have all evolved from the once drake hatchling into a colossal arcane arch-dragon. The time, effort and primordial wisdom that we have invested into this album is truly immeasurable, and we profoundly hope that this will shine through upon our venerated audience."

(Photo - Twilight Force Facebook)

A piece of black metal history has been lying dormant for over two decades, deep in the shadowy abyss of dust-ridden, musty vaults. The authors of this forbidden rite decided the world was not quite ready for its offering in 1995, and thus locked it away from the light. But the years passed, and gradually it's power grew too strong.

Freed from its vault by genre-defining creators Cradle Of Filth and the recently resurrected extreme music label Cacophonous, the two have joined forces to finally unshackle the unreleased sophomore album Dusk… And Her Embrace: The Original Sin as a CD and digital album on July 8th. A vinyl LP version will be available later this year.

Watch a new trailer below:

“The wait is over. The original Dusk… And Her Embrace is dragged kicking and screaming into the world, and people can finally hear for themselves what a true masterpiece it is.” – Neil Harding, Cacophonous Label Head.

Tracklisting:

“Macabre, This Banquet”
“Nocturnal Supremacy”
“Heaven Torn Asunder”
“Dusk And Her Embrace”
“A Gothic Romance”
“The Graveyard By Moonlight”
“Funeral In Carpathia”
“Beauty Slept In Sodom”
“The Haunted Shores Of Avalon”
“Carmilla’s Masque”
“A Gothic Romance” (Bonus Demo Track)
“Nocturnal Supremacy” (Bonus Demo Track)

Cradle Of Filth signed to Cacophonous in 1994, releasing their debut album, The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh on an unsuspecting world, consequently landmarking themselves at the forefront of the extreme music movement. With their writing becoming more fluid, more confident, Dusk… And Her Embrace: The Original Sin is the precursor to the band’s sound as it is today, and a must-have for any extreme music fans.

Witherscape, the progressive death metal outfit consisting of Swedish singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Dan Swanö (ex-Edge Of Sanity/Bloodbath, Nightingale, etc.) as well as fellow Swedish multi-instrumentalist Ragnar Widerberg, will release their new album, The Northern Sanctuary, on July 22nd via Century Media Records (July 29th in Italy).

Next to the standard jewel case version, The Northern Sanctuary will also be available as limited edition Mediabook 2CD including the album as “full dynamic mix” and ROM part with instrumentals as its bonus disc. The LP version will come as Gatefold 180gr vinyl release in its “full dynamic mix” and include a poster and the full standard album on CD as bonus. The LP format will be available in the following vinyl options:

Black (unlimited)
Transparent Red (limited to 100x copies, EU webshop)
Clear (limited to 200x copies, EU webshop / CM Distro EU)
Neon Orange (limited to 200x copies, CM Distro USA)

Pre-order various formats at this location.

Check out the track “In The Eyes Of Idols” via a lyric video designed by Cloud Music Typography below.

Dan Swanö on the song and the album’s lyrical storyline: “There is a 50 year jump in the conceptual time line since The Inheritance. The Northern Sanctuary picks up where we left off with the The New Tomorrow EP. The main character "Mannen i vitt" (The man in white) has now restored the house where all the horror initially happened and "Fristaden i Norr" (The Northern Sanctuary) is open for business! He rents out rooms to people from the big cities, who are aiming for some peaceful northern Swedish silence. But the entity still haunts the house and "Mannen i vitt" is possessed by it, so consequently he/it does terrible things to the "patients". Since the house is built on one of the gates to hell, there's a ritual taking place, opening the hellish dimension from where the evil entity once came, so it can go back there…”

Lyricist Paul Kuhr (Novembers Doom) fleshed out the story invented by the band and here are his complimentary own words on the lyrics for "In The Eyes Of Idols": "Daily life in the Sanctuary begins. Breakfast, social interaction, Aqua Therapy. The man in white struggles with his faith and prayer against the conventional methods he uses to cure the sick. Extreme procedures uncover oddities in behavior with the most severely mentally ill. Pushing the patients to their limits uncover “Gifts” within the strong. Unexplainable, and beautiful, powers that Science Fiction is based on. Praying for the answers, the man in white is met with other thoughts…"

Following up on the refreshing impact of 2013’s debut album The Inheritance and 2014’s The New Tomorrow EP, The Northern Sanctuary is yet another mesmerizingly dense conceptual album, enhanced by breathtakingly powerful artwork courtesy of Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák (Nightingale, Destruction, Tyr, etc.), which can be seen below.

Tracklisting:

“Wake Of Infinity”
“In The Eyes Of Idols”
“Rapture Ballet”
“The Examiner”
“Marionette”
“Divinity”
“God Of Ruin”
“The Northern Sanctuary”
“Vila I Frid”

"Wake Of Infinity”:

Once more lyrically supported by Paul Kuhr (Novembers Doom), Witherscape continue the storyline launched with the debut album, as Swanö explains: “The theme picks up where we left off with the The New Tomorrow EP. There is a 50 year jump in the time line from the 1st album and the main character Mannen i vitt (The man in white) has purchased the house where all the horror initially happened. He's restored it and rents out rooms to people from the big cities, who are aiming for some peaceful northern Swedish silence. But the entity still haunts the house and Mannen i vitt is possessed by it, so consequently he/it does terrible things to the "patients". Since the house is built on one of the gates to hell, there's a ritual taking place, opening the hellish dimension from where the evil entity once came, so it can go back there…”

Musically, The Northern Sanctuary manages to seamlessly blend the best elements of the band’s 70’s/80’s prog/hard rock and even AOR roots with contemporary, yet always atmospheric and subtle extreme metal. Its infectious catchiness will doubtlessly appeal to the passionate followers of Swanö’s diverse artistic catalogue, but also to fans of bands like Opeth, Amorphis or Symphony X.

German epic metal band, Equilibrium, have released a lyric video for the new song, “Prey”, from their upcoming Armageddon album, out on August 12th via Nuclear Blast. The clip can be found below.

Armageddon tracklisting:

“Sehnsucht”
“Erwachen”
“Katharsis”
“Heimat”
“Born To Be Epic”
“Zum Horizont”
“Rise Again”
“Prey”
“Helden”
“Koyaaniskatsi”
“Eternal Destination”

“Prey” lyric video:

The limited Digipak Edition includes a bonus CD with the instrumental versions of the entire album.

Album pre-orders at this location.

Blues Pills will release their second album, Lady In Gold, on August 5th. In the third official trailer, the band are asked what has changed since the release of their debut album. Watch three trailers below:

Trailer #1:

Trailer #2:

Trailer #3:

The band recently released a music video for “Lady In Gold”. The video was directed by Johan Bååth (Avatarium, Dregen) who is best known for his work with cult director Jonas Åkerlund, and shot by well known Backyard Babies drummer Peder Carlsson.

"We shot the video for “Lady In Gold” in Stockholms skärgård (what is like an old castle) with the amazing team around Johan Bååth," commented singer Elin Larsson. "The idea behind the video is to visualize the “Lady In Gold” in all the different ways she can come. She can be that beautiful young woman or a scary old witch. It was a lot of fun and super exciting to jump into these different roles and characters. The whole team did a great job and it was a pleasure to work with all these talented people. Clothes and design was made by Anna Bonnevier and make up and hair by Cecilia Lidén. We all hope you will enjoy the video."

The Lady In Gold album will contain 10 brand new tracks (see full tracklisting below).

Bassist, founding member and main songwriter Zach Anderson comments: "The design comes from the dutch artist Marijke Koger-Dunham who already worked with us for the first album cover. We are super proud to have the opportunity to work with such a legendary artist who has even worked with The Beatles, Cream and many more. The original design was made by her 50 years ago. We worked together to adapt the colors to fit the mood of the album. Hopefully our fans will like it as much as we do."

Commented singer Elin Larsson on the choice of the album's title: "Lady Gold is a character who symbolizes death. We wanted a twist on the typical stereotype of death being the grim reaper. So instead we made her a lady in gold."

Tracklisting:

“Lady In Gold”
“Little Boy Preacher”
“Burned Out”
“I Felt A Change”
“Gone So Long”
“Bad Talkers”
“You Gotta Try”
“Won’t Go Back”
“Rejection”
“Elements And Things”

Just as its successful predecessor Lady In Gold was once again produced by Don Alsterberg (Graveyard, Division Of Laura Lee, José González, Jerry Williams). More info to be revealed soon.

(Photo by: John McMurtie)

43 years after his contribution to one of the most successful records of all time and 40 years after the release of The Alan Parsons Project’s debut album in 1976, Alan Parsons returns with all his greatest hits in a superb symphonic show.

On the evening of August 31st, 2013, a large crowd gathered at Parque Pies Descalzos in Medellín, Colombia. When Alan Parsons appeared on stage, along with the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra and his band the audience went wild. This is an audio visual document of that incredible evening.

The Alan Parsons Symphonic Project - Live In Colombia was released on May 27th on earMUSIC as a DVD, Blu-ray, 2-CD digipak, 3xVinyl, and download. Watch “Sirius” from the release below:

Alan Parsons was 19 years old when he landed a job at the world famous Abbey Road Studios, an important first step on his journey to becoming a world class engineer, producer and artist. Following his beginnings with George Martin and The Beatles, his contribution to Pink Floyd’s classic The Dark Side Of The Moon earned him worldwide attention. As a producer he had many hits with Pilot, John Miles, Ambrosia and Al Stewart. Together with his manager and creative partner at the time, Eric Woolfson, he developed the Alan Parsons Project.

Following their debut album Tales Of Mystery And Imagination (1976), they released a series of hit albums; namely I Robot (1977), Pyramid (1978), The Turn Of A Friendly Card (1980), Eye In The Sky (1982), Ammonia Avenue (1984), Vulture Culture (1985), Stereotomy (1986) and Gaudi (1987).

Then Parsons and Woolfson called it a day, but Parsons had ambitions to perform the amazing music live. Now to the great delight of his fans, for the first time on a live video and audio recording, The Alan Parsons Symphonic Project combines the talents of his amazing band with the lush sound of a 70-piece symphony orchestra, creating a very special show with unmatched quality. Together, they revitalize hits such as “Eye In The Sky“, “Don’t Answer Me“ and “Sirius“.

The lineup consists of Alan Parsons on acoustic guitar, keys, and vocals, P.J. Olsson (lead vocals), Alastair Greene (guitar, vocals), Guy Erez (bass, vocals), Danny Thompson (drums, vocals), Tom Brooks (keyboards, vocals) und Todd Cooper (saxophone, guitar, percussion, vocals). Alejandro Posada conducts the Medellin Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tracklisting:

“I Robot”
“Damned If I Do”
“Don’t Answer Me”
“Breakdown”
“The Raven”
“Time”
“I Wouldn’t Want To Be Like You”
“La Sagrada Familia”
“The Turn Of A Friendly Card (Part One)”
“Snake Eyes”
“The Ace Of Swords”
“Nothing Left To Lose”
“The Turn Of A Friendly Card (Part Two)”
“What Goes Up”
“Luciferama”
“Silence And I”
“Prime Time”
“Sirius”
“Eye In The Sky”
“Old And Wise”
“Games People Play”

Trailer:

“Don’t Answer Me”:

“Eye In The Sky”:

 

 

 

 

Swiss heavy metal band, Headless Crown, are offering a full stream of their debut album, Time For Revolution, out now via Massacre Records.

Time For Revolution offers a nice blend of classic heavy metal in the vein of Accept, Iron Maiden, Saxon and Judas Priest. It’s full of powerful music and melodic vocals, but with modern flavors and an up-to-date sound. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Serge Morattel at REC Studio and comes with an artwork designed by the band's guitarist Manu Froelicher.

Tracklisting:

“The World Screams”
“Here Comes The Night”
“Edge Of Sanity”
“Stranded”
“Reach Out For The Light”
“Hellhounds”
“Searching For My Soul”
“Lonely Eagle”
“Be Seeing You”
“Evil Rising”
“Men Or Machines”

Album stream:

“Here Comes The Night” video:

“Edge Of Sanity” video: