Los Angeles thrashers Mindwars (featuring former Holy Terror guitarist Mike Alvord) have released a lyric video (see below) for “Twisted”, a track from their new studio effort, Sworn To Secrecy, which was mixed and mastered in LA by the legendary metal producer Bill Metoyer. The album is slated to hit the streets on April 29th through Punishment 18 Records.

The album can be pre-ordered at a special discounted price at this location. The offer ends on April 29th.

Tracklisting:

“Sworn To Secrecy”
“Cradle To Grave”
“Lies”
“Twisted”
“Helpless”
“Scalp Bounty”
“Rest Now (For Tomorrow Comes)”
“No Voice”
“Prophecy”
“Release Me”
“Transporting”

“Twisted” lyric video:

Trailer:

Sworn To Secrecy studio vlogs:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

(Photo - Robert Orsa Photography)

 

Killswitch Engage are streaming the song "Define Love”, an unreleased track from the Incarnate sessions. The limited edition 7" is being released as a Record Store Day exclusive on Saturday, April 16th.

The 7" includes "Define Love" on Side A, while Side B is silkscreened with "Define Love" artwork created by KsE bassist Mike D. The 7" also includes a Killswitch Engage stencil.

About the song, signer Jesse Leach said, "“Define Love” was written as my critique on our attempts as humans to limit love or restrict love. Whether it be political or religious agendas, love seems to be used as a way to manipulate people to think or act a certain way. Love is deeper than simple emotion or desire. It is an unexplainable spirit that defies our attempts to harness and understand it. True love, in my mind, is far greater than our feeble comprehension of it. We need not try to set any limitations on what defines love."

 
To celebrate Record Store Day, the band will be doing a signing at Newbury Comics in Leominster, Mass. at 2 PM, ET on April 16th. The signing takes place before their headlining set at the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival that night.

Details on the signing can be found here.

Following the success of the release of the picture disc of their current album High Country for the fall Record Store Day celebration, The Sword come back for this Saturday’s Record Store Day with a 7” vinyl single of the legendary blues classic, “John The Revelator”.

The song was originally recorded in 1930 by Blind Willie Johnson and received bigger acclaim when recorded in an a capella version in 1965 by blues man Son House. The song later found usage in the hit TV series Sons of Anarchy. The Sword’s version was recorded in Austin, TX as part of the recording sessions for High Country.  

In other news, music lesson website PlayThisRiff.com has uploaded a new video guitar lesson from The Sword. In this lesson, Kyle Shutt shows the first riff and the verse riff in the song "Buzzards”. He explains the importance of bending the last note in the riff and how the riff changes between the intro and verse.

“Check out the outtake we kept in the beginning! Pretty funny.”

Watch the new video

Anti-Flag are participating in Record Store Day this Saturday, April 16th, with a limited edition vinyl pressing for A-F diehards. The band is issuing Live At 11th Street Records, which consists of an acoustic performance that was recorded at the famed Las Vegas record store during Punk Rock Bowling in 2015, on clear vinyl.

It marks the first time the release is available physically and includes a mix of classic songs and tracks from last year's American Spring.

"The songs on American Spring pushed us into territory uncharted," said Chris No. 2. "I felt immense struggle for personal self-worth and self-identity writing these songs, making the moment of its release something incredibly scary and nerve-wracking. This show at 11th Street Records was not only us unveiling the record for the first time, but us playing these songs for people other than ourselves for the first time."

"The importance of independent record stores like 11th Street can not be understated. A forum where ideas can be shared, where outsiders of the status quo can find solace and for the dissemination of information outside of pop culture. To partner with this shop in Las Vegas and to have attendees of Punk Rock Bowling from all over the globe made this one of the coolest and powerful moments in our bands life. This collection of songs is a document of that moment."

Tracklisting:

Side A:
"Fabled World"
"This Is the End"
"Broken Bones"
"Brandenburg Gate"
"1915"

Side B:
"One Trillion Dollars"
"Without End"
"Turncoat"
 "Die for the Government"

For a list of stores selling Live At 11th Street Records on Record Store Day go to this location.

Tracy Heck of AXS conducted an interview with singer Floor Jansen of Finland-based symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH on February 26 at Royal Oak Music Theatre in Royal Oak, Michigan. You can now watch the chat below.

Speaking about NIGHTWISH's plans for the coming months, Floor said: "Well, the first thing that's gonna happen after this world tour is that we're gonna take a whole year off, which is something that in the twenty years of NIGHTWISH never happened."

She added: "Even though we will have this year off, it doesn't have anything to do with how things are in the band. I've seen some people starting to gossip online of why we [would] take a year off. We'll take a year off because we can and because we want to. That's all there is to it. It has nothing to do with how things are in the band. And it also doesn't mean that we haven't been thinking about what's coming next; we have a lot of cool stuff coming up. So we hope that, after this break, people will still be equally excited to come out and see whatever we've got cooking up in our kitchen for them."

Asked if NIGHTWISH's decision to take a year off is related to the fact that the band's tours might have been getting longer in recent years, Floor responded: "No, not really, 'cause the world tours are not longer or anything more than on previous runs. But if you think about it, twenty years without a break, that has way more to do with it than anyting else. And also 'cause, you know, we're a bunch of very creative people. As you can see, everybody in the band has been having side projects. So it's nice to take the time for that, or to take the time away. To keep things fresh, you sometimes need to take distance. I think it's very healthy — more healthy than bands that would just go, go, go, go, go and wear themselves out. But I only can see this in a very positive way. Neverheless, this [current] world tour will last for a fair amount of months. We have a lot of places that we're going to that we're looking forward to a lot. So it's not there yet. But until that time, we will rock your socks off. [Laughs]"

NIGHTWISH recently released a strictly limited (no reprints!) special tour edition of its current album, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful". The tour edition comes with a bonus DVD of live performances, documentary footage and promo videos as well as a huge photo gallery.

NIGHTWISH's 26-date headlining tour of North America launched on February 19 in Sayreville, New Jersey and closed out in Tampa, Florida on March 23. Support on the tour came from Dutch symphonic metallers DELAIN and Finnish melodic metallers SONATA ARCTICA.

Metal Wani's Fernando Bonenfant recently conducted an interview with Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro of Italian heavy rockers LACUNA COIL. You can now listen to the chat in the YouTube clip below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On the lineup changes in LACUNA COIL that took place prior to the recording of the band's new album, "Delirium":

Cristina: "Two of the members [guitarist Cris 'Pizza' Migliore and drummer Cristiano 'Criz' Mozzati] left two years ago… They just left, because they just wanted [their] life and settle and they were tired of touring. And then we continued for a while with Maus [Marco Biazzi, guitar]. And then Maus decided to resign when we were entering the studio, pretty much, because he felt that he couldn't express himself completely anymore, or whatever reason he decided to leave for. But the songwriters of LACUNA COIL are still in the band, because it was always Marco ['Maki' Coti-Zelati, bass], the writer of the music and the internal producer of the band, and it was always Andrea and I writing the lyrics. And Ryan [Blake Folden, drums] came in and added so much with his incredible drumming and his persona. So, honestly, it didn't really change the balance. Of course, it's always sad when a person that you shared so much time with decides to take a different path, but it's not that he died or he just left in a bad term or there was drama going on. So, I mean, it's a natural evolution. I think it's normal in a family; I think it's normal in your relationship. It can happen. Actually, Maus's departure [resulted in] a new energy within the band. It's, like, this is not even the next chaper; it's the new book of LACUNA COIL. A new lineup, a lot of guests in the record. Marco playing guitars. First album self-produced by us, and [we were in] total control. Everything is new, and we're excited like kids, like it's the first album we've ever done."

On how LACUNA COIL went about enlisting guest guitarists — including Myles Kennedy (ALTER BRIDGE) and Mark Vollelunga (NOTHING MORE) — to play on "Delirium":

Cristina: "Myles, he's a friend of ours. I had the chance to collaborate with ALTER BRIDGE years ago, so since then we've been in touch; we've been writing each other. When Maus decided to resign, we thought that it would be cool to invite some friends to contribute to the record… speaking about the guitar parts. And we had some slots open for solo parts, and we started to think about friends that werer playing guitars. And Myles Kennedy is really known as an amazing vocalist, amazing singer, but not a lot of people know that he's a great guitar player as well. So I think it's cool that he contributed, but not singing, as everybody would expect, but with his guitar. So we let him free to do whatever he wanted to do. We didn't hear the solo up until he sent it to us, because we recorded [the album] in Italy. And the same was with Mark Vollelunga of NOTHING MORE. He's a friend of ours, because we toured together with NOTHING MORE in the past, and they put on an amazing show; they're great musicians."

Andrea: "[NOTHING MORE] did their first national tour in America opening for us; so that's how we met them. And then we've been in touch all the time. When they played Milan, we went out for beers and drinks and food, and then it was just natural to ask him. He has such a unique style of playing that he did something very great on the song, I think."

Cristina: "And then Marco Barusso is also the sound engineer of the record, and he's a good guitar player too. And the same for Diego Cavallotti and Alessandro La Porta; they are friends of ours that came in, and that made the album even more dynamic and intense, so we could have different things in it."

"Delirium" will be released on May 27 through Century Media. The CD was recorded at BRX Studio in Milan between December 2015 and February 2016. The effort was produced by LACUNA COIL bassist and main songwriter Marco "Maki" Coti-Zelati, with engineering by Marco Barusso and additional assistance from Dario Valentini. Coti-Zelati also created the artwork for "Delirium", which is based on an atmospheric session captured by Italian photographer Alessandro Olgiati.

Photo credit: Alessandro Olgiati

Seminal guitarist Punky Meadows (ex-ANGEL) is set to release his first-ever solo album, "Fallen Angel", on May 20 via Main Man Records. The offering will be the first new music from the guitarist in years and features the soaring guitars and arena-sized rock sounds for which Meadows and ANGEL came to be known.

Meadows commented: "It feels great to be back and I can't wait for all my fans to hear my new album. It's badass, rocks and every song will have you rockin' and singing along. This album is diversified and has something for everyone while still keeping true to form. Everyone who played on this record had amazing performances and made this album killer! We run the streets! This is the album you will be playing in your house, in your car, when you work out and anywhere else your ears will take you. Long live rock n' roll!"

"Fallen Angel" will be available in two formats. The standard CD will include a 16-page booklet which features previously unreleased images of Punky Meadows throughout the years. A very special limited edition will also be available which is autographed by Punky and includes two bonus tracks, one with ANGEL lead singer Frank Dimino, as well as an exclusive Meadows guitar pick. Both formats are available for sale at MainManRecords.com. Punky Meadows is best known as lead guitarist of the '70s band ANGEL (Casablanca Records). ANGEL, like labelmates KISS, were a highly successful theatrical band that headlined throughout the world, but was particularly successful in Japan. Punky was a huge influence to many musicians for not only his great feel, tone and unique style of guitar playing, but also his image that many have tried to emulate over the years. ANGEL released six albums on Casablanca before disbanding in 1981 due to the demise of the label. During his career, Punky had been sought after and asked to join such bands as KISS, AEROSMITH, NEW YORK DOLLS and Michael Bolton. Upon the disbanding of ANGEL, he occupied himself with successful business ventures while continuing to play guitar and write songs.

Through social media, fans have let him know that they want to hear from him and with his newfound passion in music and inspiration from close friend Danny Farrow Anniello, together they have written 15 new songs for "Fallen Angel".

In addition to Punky and Farrow, the band includes Felix Robinson (bass), Chandler Mogel (lead vocals), Bob Pantella (drums) and Charlie Cav (keyboards). Felix and Punky last worked together in ANGEL.

"Fallen Angel" track listing:

01. Descent02. The Price You Pay03. Straight Shooter04. Breathless And Jaded05. Loaded Gun06. Lost And Lonely07. Home Wrecker08. I Wanna Be Your Drug09. Leavin' Tonight10. Searchin'11. Something Strange12. Shadow Man13. Shake Shake14. Summertime Love15. Fallen Angel

Best known as a founding member and bassist of Blue Öyster Cult for sixteen years, who also played piano, keyboards and guitar, Joe Bouchard has nine gold and two platinum records to his credit. As a songwriter, he wrote many BOC songs including the very popular "Astronomy", which was covered by Metallica, and the band's second single, "Hot Rails To Hell". Bouchard retired from the legendary band in 1986 and since then, the multi-instrumentalist has become a composer, producer, engineer, teacher, and author, and has released three solo records. Following the release of 2014's New Solid Black, Bouchard has announced his new offering, The Power Of Music, on April 29th. The record will be available on disc and vinyl, and the CD version has a 3D cover with personally designed 3D glasses available with each autographed disc through Bouchard's website.
 
In addition to his own recordings, the lauded musician has recorded sessions and created song arrangements with different artists over the past two decades. Most recently he recorded guitar on a cover of Alice Cooper's legendary "I Love The Dead" for the critically acclaimed Mick Jagger/Martin Scorsese HBO production Vinyl.  The track, produced by punk icon Don Fleming, was recorded at the famed Electric Lady Studios and also featured Dennis Dunaway, who played bass on the original recording, and Bouchard's brother Albert on drums.

Bouchard began working on The Power Of Music in August 2015, and the album features seven new songs and two covers. One of the covers is the BOC classic, "Career Of Evil", written by Joe's brother Albert and poet Patti Smith.  "Career Of Evil" is also the title of the best-selling book by author J.K. Rowling (written under the pen name Robert Galbraith), which includes many references to the band in every chapter and will be a HBO series later this year.

Other notable tracks on The Power Of Music include the record's opener, "Walk With The Devil". With hard hitting riffs, guitar solos, delicate 12 string guitars, stomp grooves, strumming acoustics and mandolins, and a wailing vocal, the song is a retelling of the classic Robert Johnson story where he gets the secret power of the blues from the Devil at the crossroads. Says Bouchard, "The inspiration for this lyric I found in a quote where 'the old bluesmen call the electric amplifier the Devil's Box.'"

“Walk With The Devil”:

Bouchard was inspired to write the track "Is He the Wolfman" when he was on the Lynyrd Skynyrd cruise in 2012.  "It was near Halloween and I was looking for material that celebrated that classic werewolf theme.  I finally put the song together in 2015 with the spooky ‘50s Theremin riffs and a rocking tom-tom part.  In true Twilight Zone fashion the Wolfman ends being a spam caller who gets your number and won't give up.  Scary music with a dance beat works for me."

Although he has released three solo records - 2009's Jukebox In My Head; 2012's Tales From The Island; and New Solid Black in 2014, Bouchard has always considered himself "a band guy".  He's been in bands since he was 10 years old, played in more bands when he was at music college in Ithaca, NY, and joined the Stalk-Forrest Group in 1970, which one year later became Blue Öyster Cult. 

Presently he performs with several bands including The X Brothers (his band for over twenty years), and most recently the all-star group called The Greatest Hits on Earth-Live!   
His latest group, Blue Coupe, is a superstar combo which features his brother Albert, who is also a founding member of BOC, and Dennis Dunaway, a founder of the Alice Cooper Group and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Blue Coupe has released two studio albums.  The first recording, Tornado On The Tracks, features Doors' guitarist Robby Krieger on several songs, and their last disc, 2013's Million Miles More, includes guitar solos by Buck Dharma of Blue Oyster Cult, and a stunning vocal by Alice Cooper, plus many other guest artists.  

On April 15th Purple Pyramid records will be releasing an out of this world collection of extraordinary performances by legendary YES keyboardist Rick Wakeman. For more than four decades Rick Wakeman has established himself as a visionary showman without peer, the creator of some of the most extravagant performances, breathtaking soloing and imaginative passages ever preserved on record, or executed on stage.

Aptly titled Starship Trooper, this amazing collection contains two previously unreleased tracks including a powerful rendition of Tool's “Sober” plus several more brilliant cover songs of The Who, Pink Floyd, and The Doors including five never before heard versions. The compilation also includes performances by Gong’s Steve Hillage, YES’s Billy Sherwood, Steve Howe and Tony Kaye, William Shatner, Colin Moulding, Jerry Goodman, Nik Turner, Carmine Appice and more.

“Over the last few years I have performed on many tracks as a 'guest' but never before has anybody put some of the best of those I played on into a compilation. It's always challenging to be involved in tracks of other people's music and other people's arrangements as it often makes you think and play differently and certainly on many of these tracks I play in quite an unexpected way, but there again, much of my life has been pretty unexpected anyway!” - Rick Wakeman

The liner notes were written by modern rock scholar Dave Thompson, who says of Rick Wakeman, “This most personable of superstars has made inroads into the worlds of journalism, broadcasting and acting - professions which his eye for spectacle, story telling and stylishness might well have made inevitable all along. But he also happens to be among the most gifted, visionary and brilliant performers his chosen instruments have seen.”

Tracklisting:

“Sober”
“Are We To Believe”
“Random Acts (Revisited)”
“Dynamics Of Delirium”
“Love Reign O'er Me”
“Crime Of The Century”
“The Great Gig In The Sky”
“I'm Not in Love”
“Starship Trooper”
“Check Point Karma”
“Change”
“Nobody Home”
“Light My Fire”

Buy the CD here. Download the digital version here.

Canadian multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer Devin Townsend has collaborated with the London, U.K.-based publisher Rocket 88 on his autobiography titled "Only Half There". Due in August, the book is available in two editions, both produced to the highest standard. The Classic comes with a CD of newly recorded music titled "Iceland" and includes previously unseen photos from Devin's scrapbooks. The Signature version is the same book but signed by Devin, wrapped in a different jacket material and nestling in a numbered, limited-edition box. Also in the box are a signed cassette tape of previously unreleased demo recordings titled "Ancient" and four unique, small prints of cartoons drawn by Devin.

Said Devin: "I thought writing a book was going to be easy. It wasn't. Writing about growing up, music, the creative process and connection between personal development and 'career' made me think about a lot of other stuff, too. Like the positive and negative experiences of making different albums, and how each one affected me mentally, physically and emotionally. It's all here, though, from my childhood to working with Steve Vai, forming STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and the DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT to CASUALTIES OF COOL and finding myself only half there."

Steve Vai on Devin: "I started working with Devin on my 'Sex And Religion' record and tour when he was still in his teens. I sensed he was more than just a great singer but I did not realize the depth of his brilliance until he started making his own music. I believe he's an inspired musical genius. I can only say that about 2 people I've ever worked with."

Mike Portnoy (THE WINERY DOGS, DREAM THEATER) on Devin: "Devin is one of the most intense performers I have ever witnessed on stage. When he's in front of an audience, he becomes absolutely possessed! (But don't let it fool ya, he's actually a nice guy…) I also admire his incredible work ethic and dedication to his fans. He's surely a one-of-a-kind artist."

Ihsahn (EMPEROR) on Devin: "Devin's talents as a guitar player, vocalist, songwriter and producer are undeniable, but mostly I admire how he approaches all his different projects with such passion and honesty. I've had the privilege to work with him on a few occasions and hope this book will capture his energetic and positive personality. He's had a long and exciting career so far, so this should be a good read."

Anneke Van Giersbergen (THE GATHERING) on Devin: "Obviously a book about Devin Townsend will be a very interesting read. He is one of the most colourful and eclectic musicians out there. His life and his music inspires me very much and I'm proud to call him my friend. I definitely want to have this book on my coffee table!"

For more information, visit DevinTownsendBook.com.

TOOL frontman Maynard James Keenan's biography, "A Perfect Union Of Contrary Things" will be published on November 8 via Backbeat Books. The book was written by Sarah Jensen and is authorized by Keenan, who has collaborated with Jensen on the book.

Official book description: "Here is the authorized biography of the one and only Maynard James Keenan. The book traces Keenan's journey from his Midwest childhood to his years in the Army to his time in art school, from his stint at a Boston pet shop to his place in the international spotlight and his influence on contemporary music and regional winemaking. A comprehensive portrayal of a versatile and dedicated artist, 'A Perfect Union of Contrary Things' pays homage to the people and places that shaped the man and his art. Until now, Maynard's fans have had access to only an abridged version of his story. 'A Perfect Union of Contrary Things' presents the outtakes, the scenes of disappointment and triumph, and the events that led him to take one step after the next, to change direction, to explore sometimes surprising opportunities. Included are sidebars in his own words, often humorous anecdotes that illuminate the narrative, as well as commentary by his family members, friends, instructors, and industry colleagues. The book also features a foreword by Alex Grey, an American visionary artist and longtime friend of Keenan, who has designed TOOL's album and stage art. Accompanying the text are photos of Keenan from childhood to the present, as well as reproductions of his early drawings and writings. Maynard's story is a metaphor for the reader's own evolution and an encouragement to follow one's dreams, hold fast to individual integrity, and work ceaselessly to fulfill our creative potential."

Speaking to RollingStone.com about how the idea for his biography came about, Keenan said: "One of my best friends in high school, we're still close, his sister's a writer, she's 10 years older than we are; she's kind of been around for a while, of course, seeing everything that went on pre–high school, high school, etc. So I approached her, because she's a writer, to see if she was interested in helping me work on a semi-autobiography. Because I didn't really want to write it as an autobiography, first-person — I'd rather have it be more in story form, like you're kind of along for the journey, with sidebars by me throughout, in my voice, kind of expanding on particular instances or anecdotes. But for the most part, it's just she and I on the phone a couple times a week, just going over timelines, going over stories, etc."

Asked if he is giving Jensen license to incorporate all the information as she sees fit, Keenan said: "She'll write section-by-section; we'll go back and edit and fix and tweak, section-by-section, chapter-by-chapter. We have conversations twice a week to just go over... She'll send me the chapters, and I'll read them through, and then she'll have questions or clarifications, contradictions. You talk to somebody else; they didn't remember it the same way, so you had to rack your brain and go, 'Okay, was I drunk? Did I sleep through that?' A lot of just editing, fact-checking."

Keenan's other band, PUSCIFER, released its third studio album, "Money Shot", last October.

TOOL guitarist Adam Jones revealed in March 2015 that the band had finally settled a complicated lawsuit that had dragged on for eight years, setting back the band's recording plans. The group is now reportedly working at a faster pace on music for its first new studio set since 2006.

"Mechanisms Of Omniscience", the new video from the Massachusetts-based extreme metal outfit ABNORMALITY, can be seen below. The clip was directed and produced by Jim Foster of Red13media.com.

"Mechanisms Of Omniscience" is the title track of ABNORMALITY's sophomore album, which will be released on April 29 via Metal Blade.

Formed in 2005, ABNORMALITY drew its members from the ranks of units such as TERATISM, FORCED ASPHYXIATION, GORATORY and SEXCREMENT, and they have worked patiently and persistently to build up a grassroots following, maintaining their integrity while steadily expanding beyond their local scene. In 2010, they dropped their debut EP, "The Collective Calm In Mortal Oblivion", which immediately drew attention in the underground, followed by the crushing and critically acclaimed full-length, "Contaminating The Hive Mind" (2012), cementing their status as one of the heaviest and most dynamic bands in the genre. Now, with their upcoming sophomore effort, "Mechanisms Of Omniscience" — produced once again by Peter Rutcho, and featuring artwork by vocalist Mallika Sundaramurthy — the quintet have never been more serious about getting their message out there, as well as ensuring legions of the moshing masses incur whiplash.

"Mechanisms Of Omniscience" track listing:

01. Swarm02. Synthetic Pathogenesis03. Mechanisms Of Omniscience04. Catalyst of Metamorphosis05. Vigilant Ignorance06. Irreversible07. Hopeless Masses08. Assimilation09. Cymatic Hallucinations10. Consuming Infinity

ABNORMALITY will join SOULFLY, SUFFOCATION, BATTLECROSS and LODY KONG on a USA trek that kicks off April 22 in San Antonio, Texas.

The official lyric video for "Making My Amends", the first single from INVIDIA, the new band featuring former and current members of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, IN THIS MOMENT and SKINLAB, can be seen below. The song is taken from INVIDIA's forthcoming debut album, which was recently recorded at a studio in Las Vegas with producer Logan Mader, who has previously worked with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, DEVILDRIVER, GOJIRA and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, among others.

INVIDIA vocalist Travis Johnson stated about "Making My Amends": "Basically, I was an addict for a very, very, very long time. And I hit a point where I had to, basically, take responsibility for that person that, and make the changes that need to be made to not be that person anymore. And in that process, you have to make your amends to the people that you hurt to truly move on with a clear head and a clear conscience. And that's basically what this is.

"I didn't wanna dance around the subject and make you wonder what it's about: 'It could be this, or it could be that.' I wanted it to be a straight-up apology, because that's exactly what is.

"To anybody that's sick out there, I can tell you that you can do it. You find that inner strength and you fucking fight forward, and the payoff is undeniable; it's amazing. Getting to the other side, feeling free, it's like breaking out of prison. I mean, it's an amazing feeling.

"That's basically the concept. This is a big, 'Sorry I fucked up. Sorry I was down. But I'm on the other side now, and I'm better and stronger than ever."

Added INVIDIA bassist Matt Snell: "I think the hardest part was trying to choose which song to use. I mean, with every song on the record being so diverse, it was tricky to say 'here is INVIDIA' with just one track. We were so successful in writing a record with so many different styles that having to choose only one song was actually a great problem to have."

INVIDIA guitarist Brian Jackson offered: "I also suffered from years of addiction myself. And I felt the lyrics and content of this song was a great way for us to connect with the people for our first track off the debut record. It was a very hard choice to choose because I'm very happy with the outcome of all the songs, but I feel that most people can relate to the lyrics and content of 'Making My Amends'."

"Making My Amends" is now available on iTunes, Spotify and other streaming and digital music services.

INVIDIA is:

Travis Johnson (IN THIS MOMENT) - Vocals Brian Jackson (SKINLAB) - Guitar Matt Snell (FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH) - Bass

In a recent interview with Rich Inzinna and Paula Noto from "The S.I.R.E.N." radio show on iRadioUSA.com, Travis stated about how INVIDIA was formed: "This all came together super fast and super flawless. I guess stars kind of aligned, really. I put something up online and Brian hit me up. He said, 'Dude, I'd be totally down t do some work together,' and that kind of thing. And I was, like, 'You know what? I totally miss singing. And I'm totally down for that.'"

He continued: "The funny thing is, everybody that's involved in this project as of now has worked together at different times except for me and Brian. So it's almost funny. It was like this circle that was just missing a piece for it all to connect. So once me and Brian got together, the whole circle came together, and within six weeks, this whole record's done, completely recorded, everybody's in place. And it's almost super ironic the way it all came together."

Travis, who still plays bass in IN THIS MOMENT, added: "We're all super excited about this project. I'm stoked to be singing again. I love playing bass, obviously, but I've been a singer for a long fucking time. I just took a huge break, so it's good to be able to kind of get back into it and kind of have my cake and eat it too, and be on both sides."

Regarding INVIDIA's musical direction, Travis said: "The heavy stuff is kind of ingrained from my upbringing with metal [and listening] to PANTERA and SLAYER and all that stuff. But, you know, [as I have been] branching out and getting older and enjoying good choruses, good songs and strong song structures and whatnot, I've kind of come to appreciate melody and that kind of thing as well. And as far as LIMP BIZKIT and stuff, I've always loved the rap-rock genre and just the tongue-in-cheek kind of 'fun-ness' of it. So we kind of took everything that we were influenced by and kind of put it in this project, and just not really pigeonholing it to any specific thing, doing what feels right. And we're all super happy with it. I mean, there's elements across the board that, I think, everybody's gonna dig and we definitely dig."

Added Brian: "I think there's gonna be a lot of people pretty surprised, honestly. There's so many different elements that are involved with this record, with all the different people, especially with Logan being involved; it's been amazing to work with him, having him help to co-write a lot of stuff, and he's bringing a lot of ideas to the table. It just all seems to be working."

British guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite, MGT for short, has signed with Hanover record imprint SPV and is scheduled to release his first solo album, "Volumes", at the end of June. The lead single, "Knowing Me Knowing You", a cover version of the ABBA classic featuring guest vocalist Ville Valo of HIM, will be available from April 15, mixed by Tim Palmer and mastered by Maor Appelbaum.

The official video for "Knowing Me Knowing You" can be seen below.

Speaking about the cover, Mark Thwaite said: "The single sleeve and their video had a wintery feel to it, so when we decided to shoot a video for our version, both myself and Ville Valo agreed we should try and capture some of the feel of the ABBA version and have a winter vibe to our video as well.

"We shot my footage up in the snow covered mountains and Ville's close-ups in front of a fire place that is secret place in Helsinki. We're pleased with it and director Ville Jurrikkala did a fantastic job!"

Valo is not the only guest musician on "Volumes", which has turned into a veritable all-star recording. Other appearances include Wayne Hussey of Mark's previous band THE MISSION, Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls of THE WONDER STUFF, Ricky Warwick (BLACK STAR RIDERS, THIN LIZZY), Raymond Watts (PIG, KMFDM), Saffron (REPUBLICA), Julianne Regan (ALL ABOUT EVE), Ashton Nyte (THE AWAKENING), Carlo Van Putten (DEAD GUITARS) and goth legend Andi Sex Gang.

Originally from Birmingham, England, MGT appeared on over 20 albums. He worked with THE MISSION, Peter Murphy (BAUHAUS), Tricky, Gary Numan, Ricky Warwick, Al Jourgensen (MINISTRY), P.J. Harvey, Roger Daltrey (THE WHO), members of the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, Alanis Morissette, WARRIOR SOUL as well as Tommy Victor and PRONG, to name a few.

On the occasion of his joint concert with Ricky Warwick at London's Kentish Town Forum, Mark Gemini Thwaite, Silke Yli-Sirniö (Tough Enough Promotion) and Gero Herrde (A&R, SPV) met to sign the contracts. They later voiced their evident joy about the recently sealed collaboration.

Mark Gemini Thwaite: "Having been a member of THE MISSION for many years, I have a longstanding relationship with Gero Herrde and SPV, a great independent label who have released several of our albums and live DVDs over the years. Now that I am finally releasing a solo album, I feel at home releasing the record through my friends at SPV!"

Silke Yli-Sirniö, management Tough Enough Promotion: "When Mark first sent me the tracks last autumn, I was immediately enchanted! No doubt that I wanted to be part of this project after being asked so kindly. A big THANK YOU actually goes to Ville Valo of HIM who first brought my attention to MGT. I am happy that at least some people are still making music like this in 2016 — and that people like Gero Herrde of SPV still believe in this kind of music!"

Gero Herrde, A&R at SPV: "Mark and I have known each other for many years; we never really lost sight of each other since our work with THE MISSION. With such a brilliant musician, it was only a question of time before he started working on his own solo album, recruiting the crème de la crème of independent rock vocalists for his project. Now the album is here at last and I'm proud to have the opportunity to release it on SPV!"

Paul Stanley has joined forces with Ace Frehley for a new track on Frehley's upcoming solo covers set. The new album, "Origins Vol. 1", will be released on April 26, and marks the first time the KISS co-founders have appeared on an original album together since the band's 1998 set, "Psycho Circus". Stanley takes the lead on Frehley's cover of FREE's classic 1970 track "Fire And Water", which can now be streamed below.

During an appearance on KBAD 94.5's "Morning Crash" radio show, Stanley stated about his new collaboration with Frehley: "Ace was doing an album of covers, songs that influenced him and that he loved, and called me. And it's always very funny, because with caller ID, I look, and the phone's ringing, and I see Ace's name come up. So, of course…

"Look, for all the bickering and stuff that we may say about each other, we go back to a very magical time. We started this together. So in spite of whatever we may say from time to time or things that get blown up, we are a family, and a dysfunctional one, but nonetheless a family.

"So Ace said, 'Would you do something on the album?' I said, 'Sure. Of course.'"

He continued: "If [Ace] succeeds, it only makes me happy. I don't wanna see anybody fail, especially somebody who I'm close to. Even if I don't speak to him weekly, even monthly, we are connected in a way that will go to the end.

"There's a great song by FREE called 'Fire And Water', which was on the album with 'All Right Now'. Paul Rodgers, besides being a friend of mine, is one of the consummate vocalists. So to get a chance to sing something that's a little different than what I do in KISS was something I didn't take lightly, because Paul Rodgers is a hell of a vocalist. So it was great, and it was a lot of fun, and it was terrific. And I only wish Ace well with it."

Ace spoke to Rolling Stone about his teamup with Stanley. Frehley said: "I thought Paul did a fabulous vocal on it. He jumped at the chance to do this because it's something that's outside of KISS and his character in KISS, and it gave him a chance to, y'know, sing. With Paul, you usually think of him singing in a slightly higher register and on 'Fire And Water', he's singing deep from his diaphragm, and it's a real cool vocal. Everyone's who heard it was just thinks it's the shit."

Other high-profile artists guesting with Ace on the new album are Slash, Lita Ford, Mike McCready, and John 5. In addition to the FREE track, Ace and his guests tackle key classic rock touchstones by CREAM, STEPPENWOLF, LED ZEPPELIN, THIN LIZZY, THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE, THE ROLLING STONES, THE KINKS — and even KISS.

"Origins Vol. 1" track listing:

01. White Room (CREAM)02. Street Fighting Man (ROLLING STONES)03. Spanish Castle Magic (JIMI HENDRIX) (feat. John 5)04. Fire And Water (FREE) (feat. Paul Stanley)05. Emerald (THIN LIZZY) (feat. Slash)06. Bring It On Home (LED ZEPPELIN)07. Wild Thing (THE TROGGS) (feat. Lita Ford)08. Parasite (KISS) (feat. John 5)09. Magic Carpet Ride (STEPPENWOLF) 10. Cold Gin (KISS) (feat. Mike McCready)11. Till The End Of The Day (THE KINKS)12. Rock And Roll Hell (KISS)

FOUR BY FATE, the band featuring John Regan, Tod Howarth, Rob Affuso and Patrick James Gasperini, will release its debut album, "Relentless", on June 3 via Amazing Record Co. in Europe and The End Records in America.

The seeds for the group's formation were planted in 1986 when Regan and Howarth were on tour together; Regan playing bass with John Waite and Howarth singing and playing keyboards with CHEAP TRICK. The tour brought the pair together as friends and musicians and many months later Regan asked Howarth to join him in FREHLEY'S COMET, a band fronted by Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee, the legendary KISS guitarist/singer Ace Frehley.

In 2014, Regan and Howarth joined forces again on a new project — FOUR BY FATE. Enter Gasperini, a New York guitarist/singer and prolific songwriter. With a solid East Coast resume, he adds ripping guitar hero presence and big tunes. Shortly after, the band invited powerhouse percussionist Rob Affuso (SKID ROW) to complete the final foursome.

Adding further rock pedigree, other contributors to the FOUR BY FATE story include Stet Howland (drummer for W.A.S.P.), Sean Kelly (guitarist for HELIX and Nelly Furtado) and AJ Pero (drummer from TWISTED SISTER), who recorded six tracks on the album before he tragically passed away in early 2015 (this is thought to be his last recording).

Former ACCEPT and current U.D.O. singer Udo Dirkschneider in February embarked on a special tour during which he is performing ACCEPT songs one last time before he closes the chapter for good.

Fan-filmed video footage of Dirkschneider's April 13 concert at the Manchester Academy in Manchester, England can be seen below.

Asked about his decision to perform classic songs from ACCEPT for the last time in 2016 under the DIRKSCHNEIDER banner, Udo told rock journalist Mitch Lafon: "A lot of people ask me, 'Why do you do this?' And I said… Always people are asking, 'Oh, can you play this ACCEPT song and this ACCEPT song and this ACCEPT song?' I mean, I have fifteen U.D.O. albums out, and, for me now, U.D.O. is U.D.O. Of course, I know that the people like to hear ACCEPT songs with my voice, but I wanna close something — I wanna close, like a book, and say, 'Okay, that's it. I read it.' Sometimes you have to come to an end with something. I wanna close up everything with ACCEPT. And this will be the last time. And I said, okay, I'll do one more tour. It will be a world tour. Hopefully we can do this also for America, around maybe a couple of shows. And yeah, that will be the last time that you… When we are on tour with U.D.O., we'll never play any ACCEPT songs again."

He continued: "I also wanna stop to be compared with… Now ACCEPT is still on tour, and they have a new singer, and they are doing also 'Balls To The Wall' and they are doing also 'Metal Heart', they do 'Princess Of The Dawn'. And I don't wanna be always compared and have to say, 'What do you think about this and this and this?' This is also another reason. I wanna close the ACCEPT chapter. I mean, it was a great… I mean, in a way, I was creating this band, you know. Sometimes you have to say, 'Okay, that's it.' I have enough U.D.O. songs, so I can play more U.D.O. songs and be U.D.O. I can say without being arrogant, U.D.O. has its own fan base now. Sometimes you have to say, 'Okay, that's it.'"

To those fans that still want to experience the classic ACCEPT songs performed live, Udo has this message: "There is a band called ACCEPT. And please, if you wanna hear these songs, please go then to [see] ACCEPT. [Laughs] So that's the only thing I can say. Now you'll have the chance [this] year to hear it with the original voice, but Mark [Tornillo, current ACCEPT singer] is doing a — I would say — really good job on it, so please go there and listen then to ACCEPT and U.D.O. is then U.D.O."

Regarding what makes the classic ACCEPT songs so special, Udo said: "I don't know what is special. You never can tell it, really. Like [DEEP PURPLE's] 'Smoke On The Water', in a way, something like this. Sometimes there's a song that, in a way, that stays forever."

The April 2 DIRKSCHNEIDER concert at Kaminwerk in Memmingen, Germany was professionally filmed and recorded for a DVD and CD release later this year.

Frontiers Music Srl has announced the signing of BULLETBOYS. The band's new album will be released in late 2016. BULLETBOYS formed in 1988 at the very peak of the Los Angeles hard rock movement. With record companies constantly searching for new talent, they possessed a pedigree that most bands would kill for. Unlike the other rockers of the day, the BULLETBOYS were more hard rock and blues fusion than pure hair metal. Using their credentials, they were able to quickly capture the attention of music fans around the world while frontman Marq Torien emerged as one of the most underrated vocalists of the era. Thanks to comparisons to the likes of AEROSMITH and especially VAN HALEN, talent scouts came running and the band quickly received their first major label contract. With a debut album, produced by none other than Ted Templeman (VAN HALEN, MONTROSE) which sported the the smash hit single "Smooth Up in Ya", BULLETBOYS officially established themselves as the leaders of the then-L.A. rock scene. Constant tours and the support of MTV soon brought the album to platinum status. Two more albums soon followed, "Freakshow" and "Za-Za". The band continued to tour and release albums surviving throughout the grunge era and outlasting the nu-metal craze. With eight more studio albums under their belt, BULLETBOYS are ready to start again with a new label, feeling stronger than ever! "We could not be more ecstatic about signing with Frontiers," says Marq Torien. "Thank you to the executives at the label and Artists Worldwide for believing in our music. We have worked diligently over the past years musically, touring, writing and performing. We are excited to embark on this new venture with Frontiers as our support and really looking forward to releasing our new music with your amazing label. Our new joint is going into a completely new direction musically that has not been heard from us ever. We promise not to disappoint!” BULLETBOYS are:

Marq Torien - Vocals/Lead GuitarNick Rozz - Rhythm, Lead GuitarChad Macdonald - BassShawn Duncan - Drums, Percussion

According to Billboard.com, BLACK SABBATH's sold-out February 11 concert at The Forum in Inglewood, California was seen by 14,013 fans, generating $1.2 million in box office revenue and placing the date at No. 1 on the weekly "Hot Tours" list of top-grossing tours. The show was one of only four SABBATH concerts staged on the West Coast during the first leg of the band's "The End" tour.

SABBATH will play dates in Australia and New Zealand later this month, with European festival shows taking place during the summer. The band will then return to North America for its final stint. One of the last dates will be a return trip to L.A. for a performance at the Hollywood Bowl on September 19.

Multi-camera video footage of BLACK SABBATH's February 11 concert at The Forum in Inglewood can be seen below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Black Sabbath02. Fairies Wear Boots03. After Forever04. Into The Void05. Snowblind06. War Pigs07. Behind The Wall Of Sleep08. N.I.B. 09. Hand Of Doom10. Rat Salad (with drum solo)11. Iron Man12. Dirty Women13. Children Of The Grave

Encore:

14. Paranoid

BLACK SABBATH recently revealed that it is selling a new limited-edition CD titled "The End" at the shows on its farewell tour. The disc features four previously unheard studio tracks left off the band's 2013 reunion album, "13", as well as live versions of four songs from the world tour the band did in support of that disc.

The four studio cuts are "Season Of The Dead", "Cry All Night", "Take Me Home" and "Isolated Man". They feature drums by Brad Wilk.

The live tracks, with drumming from Tommy Clufetos, are "God Is Dead?", "Under The Sun", "End Of The Beginning" and "Age Of Reason". The live cuts were recorded in Sydney, Australia, Auckland, New Zealand and Hamilton, Ontario.

Wilk and Clufetos had to get involved after founding SABBATH drummer Bill Ward withdrew from the reunion after initially agreeing to participate in it.

"13", the first SABBATH full-length studio album in 35 years to feature original members Geezer Butler (bass), Tony Iommi (guitar) and Osbourne, also became SABBATH's first No. 1 album in the U.S. when it was released in June 2013. The band abandoned plans for a follow-up after deciding that the current trek would be its last.

The official lyric video for the song "Charles Bronson" from STUCK MOJO can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Here Come The Infidels", which will be 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 the band's latest additions, vocalist Robby J and bassist Len Sonnier.

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. And I knew that I wanted to work with Andy, because the best records in my career were done partnering with Andy. And Andy is not a producer in the sense that he sits in the back of the room with a cigar and says, 'Do that again.' So Andy then takes up part of that responsibility of being another member of the band to bounce ideas off of, help me creatively."

Containing eleven tracks of unmistakeable Ward riffing, "Here Come The Infidels" is available for pre-orders through Pledge Music. To say thank you, everyone who pre-orders the album will immediately receive a digital download of the track "Verbal Combat", the lyric video for which can be seen below.

Said Ward: "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.

German death metallers DAWN OF DISEASE will release their third album, "Worship The Grave", on June 24 via Napalm Records.

A track from the CD, titled "Through Nameless Ages", can be streamed below.

Commented DAWN OF DISEASE: "We are very happy and proud to become part of the Napalm family. It feels good to sign with one of the worldwide well-established metal labels.

"Four years have passed since we released 'Crypts Of The Unrotten'. With Napalm Records, we have the perfect partner to take the next step into the right direction and we are looking very forward to the collaboration, the release of our new album and the upcoming shows during the festival season." Added Napalm Records A&R representative Sebastian Muench: "We are absolutely excited and honored to welcome DAWN OF DISEASE to the Napalm family!

"DAWN OF DISEASE has released two brilliant and timeless death metal albums with 'Legends Of Brutality' and 'Crypts Of The Unrotten' and I can ensure you the new album is a true death metal masterpiece!" A press release reads: "Instead of cheaply rehashing the typical Sunlight sound, the guys in DAWN OF DISEASE opted for a modern and pumping production, courtesy of Woodshed Studios. This puts the spotlight on blasting beats, grinding grooves and insidious melodies. The Northern Germans have also infused their third assault with unbound guitar solos and more dynamic vocals than ever before. The result might be the most intense death metal release of the year!" "Worship The Grave" track listing:

01. Worship The Grave02. The Saviour's Tomb03. Ashes04. On Trails Of Death05. Prayer For The Dawn06. Cult Of The Fading Light07. Through Nameless Ages08. Outsourcing The Brain09. Enwrapped In Guts10. The Sky Is Empty

"Ankaa", the new album from French modern metallers ETHS, can be streamed in its entirety using the SoundCloud widget below. The CD will be released on April 22 via Season Of Mist.

The album can be pre-ordered at this location.

"Ankaa" manages to keep the essence of ETHS, guided by mastermind and guitarist Staif Bihl, who also produced the album. Yet with new frontwoman Rachel Aspe and other changes in the lineup, there are new elements in the sound of the French act. The new album sounds more diverse and generally a touch darker. Electronic patterns find as easily a fitting place as a beautiful Arabic chant by guest vocalist Sarah Layssac (ARKAN). For this recording, SOILWORK drummer extraordinaire Dirk Verbeuren stepped in and delivered a massive yet intricate pounding.

"Ankaa" track listing:

01. Nefas02. Nihil Sine Causa03. Amaterasu04. Seditio05. Nixi Dii06. Vae Victis07. HAR108. Sekhet Aaru09. Kumari Kandam10. Alnitak11. Alnilam12. Mintaka

ETHS in 2014 released an EP, "Ex Umbra In Solem", with its new vocalist, Rachel Aspe. The EP's title track was a new song recorded, produced and mixed by ETHS guitarist Staif Bihl. It was backed by three classic ETHS tracks, recorded live on October 24, 2013 at the Divan du Monde in Paris, mixed by Nikhertz at Studio Phantom. Last but not least, the EP included three songs from the "III" album, re-recorded with Rachel's vocals.

ETHS in 2012 recruited Virginie Goncalves (KELLS) and Nelly Wood-Hasselhoff to handle lead vocals at the group's shows following the departure of Candice Clot.

Aspe made headlines in France in November 2012 when she performed the SYBREED song "Emma-0" on an episode of "La France À Un Incroyable Talent", the French reality television series which is part of the global British "Got Talent" franchise. Her death metal vocal styling stunned the judges and crowd before going viral and being seen by millions of people.

"It has always been my goal to be part of a band," Aspe told Rock Overdose. "One of the reasons I went to this TV show was to find one. [The show] was [taped] three months before I met ETHS, and [it originally aired shortly] after Candice left the band. So things came very fast for me. I had a job and it was hard to work on my vocals so quickly. I didn’t expect this success for the video; many bands contacted me, I did some [guest appearances] since that. People are continuing to share and comment on it."

Clot played her final show as a member of ETHS on October 13, 2012 at L'Arcade in Notre-Dame-de-Gravenchon, France.

ETHS is:

Staif Bihl: guitarRachel Aspe: vocalsDamien Rivoal: bassR.U.L.: drums (live)Dirk Verbeuren: drums (album)

WESTFIELD MASSACRE, the Los Angeles-based band featuring former DIVINE HERESY and SNOT singer Tommy Vext, has announced the addition of guitarist Ira Black (METAL CHURCH, LIZZY BORDEN, HEATHEN) to the group's ranks.

WESTFIELD MASSACRE's self-titled debut album is due on April 29 via Urban Yeti Records. The CD was recorded at Echelon Studios with producer Joseph McQueen.

WESTFIELD MASSACRE's "Build Your Thrones" video can be seen below. The clip was directed by the Stephen Steelman of Brigantine Films and perfectly captures the band's live performance ferocity mixed with an eye-popping storyline that will quickly suck you in.

Said Vext: "We aspired to make this [WESTFIELD MASSACRE] something theatrical and brought in very talented people to work on the album, the artwork and the music videos, which will be a short film trilogy."

He continued: "I just wanted to take the music and make something bigger than just another metal band."

Regarding WESTFIELD MASSACRE's musical direction, Vext said: "There's definitely a traditional American metal vibe, but we blend power metal, melodic death metal, metalcore all together to get an original flavor to our sound."

Commenting on his choice of joining forces with an independent label like Urban Yeti, Vext said: "Signing with Urban Yeti has been an exciting experience. I try to go by a few rules in life. One of which is to go where the love is. I shared my vision with them and they were excited about it."

He added: "Urban Yeti has really amazing ideas and approaches to getting our music out to an audience that will understand and support it. They are thinking outside the box. I want to be a part of that kind of thinking."

WESTFIELD MASSACRE in 2014 released a video for the song "Darkness Divides". At the time, the band's lineup included former DIVINE HERESY and MORBID ANGEL drummer Tim Yeung alongside guitarists Bill Hudson and Rick Di Marco.

Regarding how WESTFIELD MASSACRE came up with its name, Vext told Metal Injection: "The WESTFIELD MASSACRE is a name I had come up with for a graphic novel idea. Coincidentally it turned out to also be the name of an episode of 'American Horror Story'. In their episode, Westfield High is the stage for a school shooting."

Catch WESTFIELD MASSACRE at the Whisky A Go Go on April 14, at "Ultimate Jam Night" on April 19 and on tour this spring starting April 26 nationwide as the support act for SEVENDUST and TRIVIUM at select venues and festivals.

WESTFIELD MASSACRE's current lineup:

Stephen Brewer - GuitarIra Black - GuitarDio Britto - DrumsTommy Vext - VocalsErik Tisinger - Bass

The Godfathers of Finnish metal, Sarcofagus, are just about to release their final album with the original line-up entitled Back From The Valley Of The Kings. The album will be available to buy in-store at The Vinyl Frontier in Eastbourne, UK on Record Store Day before it goes on sale anywhere else

Head honcho, songwriter/guitarist Kimmo Kuusniemi will be available in-store at The Vinyl Frontier throughout Record Store Day for metal chat and signing.

Sarcofagus were founded an eye-rotatingly 38 years ago, way back in 1978. The band originally broke up in 1980 after three albums (Cycle Of Life - 1980, Envoy Of Death - also 1980, and Moottorilinnut - 1981). In 2010, the original line-up reconvened for a reunion tour of Finland and this unique album was the result. 

The tracklist for Back From The Valley Of The Kings is as follows:

"Subconsious Penetrating"
"Astral Flyer"
"Here I Am"
"Eternal Silence"
"Stolen Salvation"
"Insane Rebels"
"Wheels Of Destruction"
"Back To Black"
"2nd Coming"
"Talo"
"Metallinen Sateenkaari"
"1000 Megawatin Totuus"
"Go To Hell"
"Envoy Of Death"
"Deadly Game"
"Die To Win"

Go to the official sarcofagus Facebook page here for updates.

For information on The Vinyl Frontier's Record Store Day specials go to this location.

The official video for "Fun Done", the first new recording in two decades from Welsh "ragga metal" cult favorites DUB WAR, can be seen below. The song, which was produced by former NOVOCAINE member and AUTOMATIC producer Richard Jackson, is being released as a double A-side seven-inch single for Record Store Day and is limited to just 500 copies.

"It's been amazing to write with my old mates in DUB WAR again," said DUB WAR's 48-year-old singer Benji Webbe. "I have missed the punk rock cheap sweetie fun element! It feels like I'm cheating on my wife [SKINDRED] wth my old girlfriend [DUB WAR] and it's fun. Shhhh, don't tell 'em!"

"Fun Done", the first in a series of twelve planned recordings from DUB WAR, is being released on the newly created Saint Ringland Records and is backed by "Fun Dubby Dozy".

"We're not going to release an album — we are going to release twelve singles," Benji told Wales Online. "We are going to take as long it takes to get the twelve done. We'll be recording over the next two or three years. And every time we do a show, which will be not that often, we will get a single pressed up. Then after twelve shows, we'll have an album's worth and we will put it on a CD."

"Fun Done" can be ordered from the DUB WAR webstore.

US black metal underground act Wormreich have announced a split album Infirmos Vocat Deus Fidei with Vesterian, Gravespawn and Diabolus Amator, set to be released on June 2nd via Black Plague Records. 

Wormreich Frontman Vulk adds:

"On our end, you can also expect split vinyl with Kult Ov Azazel and Hod in the coming months, all while work continues on the next full-length!"

Wormreich was formed in 2009 by guitarist/vocalist Vulk and joined by current and former members of Blood Stained Dusk, Ancient (Nor), and Hallows Eve, and despite tragedy and death, Wormreich has returned to unleash Satan’s will upon the Earth. Wormreich is an established touring band, currently signed to Moribund Records, and they have a reputation for putting on air-tight and intense live performances, gaining them great respect and admiration within the extreme metal underground. Currently Wormreich are working on their next full-length album, to be titled Vril: Elixir Of Death And The Void.

About Wormreich’s upcoming albums, Vulk reveals: “As of now, we are currently in the process of writing and recording our next full-length album, to be titled Vril: Elixir Of Death And The Void. We will also be putting out three split releases through various labels this year: a split 12” LP with Florida’s legendary Kult Ov Azazel, a split 7” with Texas black/death titans Hod, and a split CD with North Carolina’s Vesterian and two other artists yet to be announced. More details will be released in due time. We also wish to announce that our first full-length album, 2011’s Edictvm DCLXVI, will be reissued sometime this year through Black Plague Records.”

Wormreich live:

May (with Kult Ov Azazel)
4 – Nashville, TN – The East Room
6 – Sanford, FL – West End Trading
7 – Deerfield Beach, FL – American Rock Bar
8 – Tampa, FL – The Brass Mug

To celebrate the release of Tombs’ new EP All Empires Fall, guitarist/vocalist Michael Hill's Savage Gold Coffee has announced the limited "Dark Deceiver" blend for serious connoisseurs of the blackest of coffees.

The "Dark Deceiver" blend combines high elevation African beans blended with Indonesian and Central American beans to form a deliciously dark smoky flavor with traces of berry and cocoa.

Savage Gold Coffee and Holy Mountain Printing have also teamed up to offer exclusive coffee and t-shirt combo packages (available for a limited time only). Visit savagegoldcoffee.com to pick up a bag of "Dark Deceiver" now, and visit Holy Mountain Printing here to pick up coffee/shirt combo packages.

Tombs’ first studio release with their new lineup, entitled All Empires Fall, clocks in at 24 minutes. The five track EP was recorded at Applehead Studios in New York and brought to life by renowned producer Sanford Parker (Minsk, Twilight, YOB).

All Empires Fall is a commanding, crushingly heavy release, one that invokes the kind of grandeur and magnitude its title suggests, and affirms Tombs as one of the leading lights of American - and international - black metal.

All Empires Fall tracklisting:

“The World Is Made Of Fire”
“Obsidian”
“Last Days Of Sunlight”
“Deceiver”
“V”

“V” video:

“Deceiver”:

Tombs have announced the following tour dates:

May
13 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie
14 - Pittsburgh, PA - Roboto Project
15 - Detroit, MI - El Club
16 - Chicago, IL - Chop Shop
18 - Baltimore, MD - Metro Gallery

Tombs are:

Mike Hill - Guitar and Vocals
Benjamin Brand - Bass
Charlie Schmid - Drums
Evan Schaefer - Guitar
Fade Kainer - Synthesizer, Electronics and Vocals

Stray From The Path have penned a new song, "Talking Tragedy" (available exclusively via their Bandcamp page), to benefit The Ghost Inside (pictured above) as the members recover from their horrific November 2015 bus accident.

From Stray From The Path’s guitar player Tom Williams:
 
“We have been touring for the better part of our career. Our first national tour was with The Warriors, Elysia and The Ghost Inside (tour was sick). It was one of The Ghost Inside's first national tours as well, with bands that were big names to us, and we did it together. This was back in 2008, and we've remained best friends ever since. We've toured the world together, we've shared a bus together on Warped Tour, Vigil sang on two of our records, we did a lot. When they crashed, we were in Europe and we were about to go on stage. We couldn't care less about playing, because we weren't sure if the people that were very close to us were alive or not. Right before our set, I got a call from Zach's phone and it was Jim. He grabbed a random phone on his way to the ambulance, and told us to spread the word that right now they were alive, but people have been airlifted to the hospital and that’s all he knew.
 
“By now, everyone knows this story. What makes this story special is the fact that all of these people came together and got their backs. Bands that were friends with TGI, bands that have never met them before and complete strangers who held that band so dear to their hearts were giving their hard earned money to support The Ghost Inside. It’s that sense of community that makes our music scene so special, and I’m glad it lived up to our expectations.
 
“We wrote this song for The Ghost Inside. Some of our best friends we've met while being in this band. This song is about what it was like to go through this as another fellow touring band, and how amazing it was that everyone pulled together for the band and their crew. It is only available on Bandcamp and every dollar will go to The Ghost Inside. Thank you to Will Putney, Josean Orta and Sumerian Records for the assist in getting this going.”

Talking Tragedy by Stray From The Path

In his 2014 book "I'm The Man: The Story Of That Guy From Anthrax", ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian wrote this about former METALLICA guitarist and current MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine: "The guy is arguably the godfather of thrash metal. He wrote a lot of the riffs on [METALLICA's] 'Kill 'Em All' [album] and even some of 'Ride The Lightning'. Without Dave Mustaine, maybe thrash metal never would have happened. At least in the beginning, he was the driving force, artistically."

Asked if he is truly "the godfather of thrash metal" and whether Ian's comment about thrash metal possibly not having happened had Mustaine not been involved, Dave told Loudwire (see video below): "I think there's a good chance it might not have… The guitar player that we hired in METALLICA before James [Hetfield] actually started playing [guitar] was… he wasn't metal. And if he would have been the guy that we chose over me, who knows what would have happened? And I think that if you really look at the mathematics of METALLICA in the beginning, me being the only guitar player, if I wasn't there, there probably wouldn't have been a METALLICA. But let's not kid ourselves: James is a great guitar player; he really is. And I'm sure that at some point they would have realized that he needed to play guitar and sing, and they would found a guitar player as good as I am. I just know that about those guys; they're excellent musicians and they know what they want. Now, if James would have been playing guitar at the time when I joined? I don't know… I don't know that that would have held the same kind of merit. You know what I mean? But since I was the only guy there, I think it's probably pretty accurate."

Mustaine, who was a member of METALLICA for less than two years, from 1981 to 1983, before being dismissed and replaced by Kirk Hammett, was not inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band during the April 2009 ceremony at Cleveland, Ohio's Public Auditorium.

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich later explained to The Plain Dealer that Mustaine was not included because "you've got to kind of cap it somewhere. Dave Mustaine never played on any METALLICA records. No disrespect to him. But there [were] half a dozen other people that were in the lineup in the early days. We thought . . . the fair thing to do would be to include anybody that played on a METALLICA record."

He added: "Dave Mustaine was in the band for 11 months, predominantly in 1982. . . . I'm not trying to play it down. I have nothing but respect and admiration for his accomplishments since."

Joe Perry says that AEROSMITH is only "considering" doing a farewell tour as an option, despite the fact that Steven Tyler recently said that the band was "probably" going to embark on its final trek next year. "A farewell tour is something we've talked about doing for years, let's say roughly in the last five years," Perry tells Rolling Stone. "It's just something the band's talked about at various times. At this point, the five of us have never sat down and said, 'It's time to do it.' So 'considering' is an appropriate word for that statement. A farewell tour is definitely not confirmed."

AEROSMITH is currently on break after a tour last summer. The band hasn't put out a record since 2012's "Music From Another Dimension!" In the interim, Tyler and Perry have swiped at each other in public, most notably about Tyler's solo work.

Said Perry: "He's got a fucking rhinestone cowboy hat going, 'Yippee ki yay.' I don't know what else to say about that."

In this latest interview, Tyler claimed there were no hard feelings. "I've read what Joe has said," he said. "But then I really, really, couldn't be here doing what I'm doing now if if wasn't for Joe Perry. It's a strange catch-22, but if you slow down enough you get to see it. It's as obvious as balls on a tall dog. I wouldn't be anywhere without those guys, so I'm as grateful as I can be."

Tyler's full-length country debut is tentatively due later in the year. The effort will be released via Dot Records, the legendary label that Scott Borchetta and his Big Machine Label Group revived in 2014.

AEROSMITH guitarist Brad Whitford said last year that he was less than thrilled with Tyler's plans to devote most of 2016 to his country-tinged debut solo album. He said: "I guess he seems to think his solo career is going to go great guns and he doesn't seem to realize — in my opinion — that his fans around the globe want to see him in the context of AEROSMITH and don't really care for whatever he thinks he's going to do. I don't know if he gets that, but, hey — that's what he wants to do. I can't put a gun to his head."