Metallica will reissue their first two albums, 1983's Kill 'Em All and 1984's Ride The Lightning, on April 15th. Both albums have been remastered for the most advanced sound quality and will be available in three formats - CD, vinyl, and deluxe box set. Both deluxe box sets include original source material from the band's personal collection with many never before heard or seen recordings, along with a book including rare photos and essays from those who were there.

In support of the upcoming releases, Metallica have posted this live video for “Whiplash”, filmed at The Metro in Chicago, IL on August 12th, 1983:

In the video below, Lars Ulrich cracks open the Deluxe Edition of Ride The Lightning for the first time.

Metallica are streaming "Creeping Death" from the remastered edition of Ride The Lightning. The track was remastered by Howie Weinberg At Howie Weinberg Mastering in Los Angeles, CA.

Fans can pre-order both Deluxe Box sets at the Met Store.

Ride The Lightning tracklisting:

CD/Vinyl
“Fight Fire With Fire”
“Ride The Lightning”
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
“Fade To Black”
“Trapped Under Ice”
“Escape”
“Creeping Death”
“The Call Of Ktulu”

Vinyl – Live At The Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA – March 10th, 1985 (2LP) – Previously Unreleased
“The Ecstasy Of Gold”
“Fight Fire With Fire”
“Ride The Lightning”
“Phantom Lord”
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
“No Remorse”
“Fade To Black”
“Seek & Destroy”
“Creeping Death”
“Am I Evil?”
“Motorbreath”

Vinyl – Creeping Death (Picture Disc)
“Creeping Death”
“Am I Evil?”
“Blitzkrieg”

CD – Metallica Interviews
Metal Forces Interview with Lars, November 1984
WUSC Cleveland Radio Interview with Cliff and Kirk – February 1985
Metal Madness Interview with Lars, March 1985

CD – Demos And Rough Mixes From Lars’ Vault – Previously Unreleased
“Ride The Lightning” (Studio Demo)
“When Hell Freezes Over (The Call Of Ktulu)” (Studio Demo)
“Creeping Death” (Studio Demo)
“Fight Fire With Fire” (Studio Demo)
“Ride The Lightning” (Garage Demo)
“When Hell Freezes Over (The Call Of Ktulu)” (Garage Demo)
“Fight Fire With Fire” (Garage Demo)
“Ride The Lightning” (Boom Box Demo)
“Blitzkrieg” (Rhythm Track Rough Mix)
“Am I Evil?” (Rhythm Track Rough Mix)

“Ride The Lightning” (Garage Demo):

CD – Live At Kabuki Theatre, San Francisco, CA – March 15th, 1985 – Previously Unreleased
“Fight Fire With Fire”
“Ride The Lightning”
“Phantom Lord”
“The Four Horsemen”
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”)
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
“No Remorse”
“Fade To Black”
“Creeping Death”
Guitar Solo
“Am I Evil?”
“Motorbreath”

CD – Live At The Lyceum Theatre, London, UK – December 20th, 1984
“Phantom Lord”
“The Four Horsemen”
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
“No Remorse”
“The Call Of Ktulu”
“Seek & Destroy”
“Whiplash”
“Creeping Death”
Guitar Solo
“Metal Militia”

CD – Live At Castle Donington, UK – August 17th, 1985 – Previously Unreleased
“Creeping Death”
“Ride The Lightning”
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
“The Four Horsemen”
“Fade To Black”
“Seek & Destroy”
“Whiplash”
“Motorbreath”

DVD – Live At The Metal Hammer Festival In St. Goarshausen, Germany – September 14th, 1985
“Creeping Death”
“Ride The Lightning”
“Disposable Heroes”
“No Remorse”
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
“The Four Horsemen”
“Fade To Black”
“Seek & Destroy”
“Whiplash”
“Fight Fire With Fire”
Guitar Solo
“Am I Evil?”
“Motorbreath”

Live At MTV’s Day On The Green At Oakland Stadium, Oakland, CA – August 31st, 1985
“Creeping Death”
“Ride The Lightning”
“For Whom The Bell Tolls”
MTV Day On The Green Interview with Lars and James

Danish TV – Previously Unreleased
Lars Ulrich When He Was Young (Lars’ first television interview)
SPOT – Lars Ulrich

In the video below, James Hetfield cracks open the Deluxe Edition of Kill 'Em All for the first time.

Listen to “The Four Horsemen” from the Kill 'Em All reissue, streaming below:

The deluxe numbered box set of Kill 'Em All includes four vinyl records, five CDs, one DVD, a deluxe book including rare photos and a patch while the deluxe numbered box set of Ride the Lightning includes four vinyl records, six CDs, one DVD, a deluxe book including more of those unseen photos, a mini-book of lyrics handwritten by James Hetfield and a set of three posters. The Deluxe Box sets are limited edition collectors' items.

Fans can pre-order both Deluxe Box sets at the Met Store.

Kill ‘Em All tracklisting:

CD/Vinyl
“Hit The Lights”
“The Four Horsemen”
“Motorbreath”
“Jump In The Fire”
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”
“Whiplash”
“Phantom Lord”
“No Remorse”
“Seek & Destroy”
“Metal Militia”

Vinyl – Live At Espace Balard, Paris, France – February 9th, 1984 (2LP) – Previously Unreleased
“The Ecstasy Of Gold”
“Hit The Lights”
“The Four Horsemen”
“Jump In The Fire”
“Phantom Lord”
“No Remorse”
“Ride The Lightning”
“Motorbreath”
“(Anaesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”
“Whiplash”
“Seek & Destroy”
“Metal Militia”

“Phantom Lord”:

Vinyl – Jump In The Fire (Picture Disc)
“Jump In The Fire”
“Seek & Destroy” (“Live” at The Automatt)
“Phantom Lord” (“Live” at The Automatt)

CD – Interview & Radio IDs
Metal Forces Interview with Lars, January 1984
Radio IDs with Lars, James, and Cliff from 1984

CD – Rough Mixes From Lars’ Vault, Bootleg Tracks and Whiplash Remix EP
“Motorbreath” (Rough Mix)
“Hit The Lights” (Rough Mix)
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth” (Rough Mix)
“Seek & Destroy” (Rough Mix)
“Whiplash” (Rough Mix)
“The Four Horsemen” (Rough Mix)
“Seek & Destroy” (NOT Live from The Automatt)
“Phantom Lord” (NOT Live from The Automatt)
“Jump In The Fire”
“Whiplash” (Special Neckbrace Remix)
“Seek & Destroy” (“Live” at The Automatt)
“Phantom Lord” (“Live” at The Automatt)

CD – Live At J Bees Rock III, Middletown, NY – January 20th, 1984 – Previously Unreleased
“The Four Horsemen”
“Jump In The Fire”
“Fight Fire With Fire”
“Ride The Lightning”
“Phantom Lord”
“Seek & Destroy”
“Whiplash”

CD – Live At The Keystone, Palo Alto, CA – October 31st, 1983 – Previously Unreleased
“Hit The Lights”
“The Four Horsemen”
“Jump In The Fire”
“Fight Fire With Fire”
“Ride The Lightning”
“Phantom Lord”
“When Hell Freezes Over (The Call Of Ktulu)”
“Seek & Destroy”
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”
“Whiplash”
“Creeping Death”
Guitar Solo
“Metal Militia”

DVD – Metallica Live At The Metro In Chicago On August 12th, 1983 – Previously Unreleased Except “No Remorse” and “Metal Milita”
“Hit The Lights” (Video Only/No Audio)
“The Four Horsemen” (Video Only/No Audio)
“Jump In The Fire” (Video Only/Partial Audio)
“Phantom Lord”
“No Remorse”
“(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth”
“Whiplash”
“Seek & Destroy”
Guitar Solo
“Metal Militia”

 

Belgium's gore-mongers ABORTED will release their ninth full-length album, "Retrogore", on April 22 via Century Media. The CD's highly detailed artwork was masterfully crafted by Christopher Lovell.

The official video for the "Retrogore" song "Divine Impediment" can be seen below.

After delivering two seriously drenched and critically acclaimed albums in the form of "Global Flatline" (2012) and "The Necrotic Manifesto" (2014), ABORTED have returned to not only deliver another album jam-packed with ferociously ripping brutal death metal but also surpass all expectations with what could be considered their most mature and diverse album to date.

Don't fear though, the berserker drums of Ken, the virtuoso guitar skills of Mendel and his new partner Ian, JB's jackhammer bass as well as the possessed growls, shrieks and squeals of commander-in-chief Caluwé are all still prevalent, but this time, ABORTED have added a good portion of epically-crushing atmosphere throughout the twelve tracks found within "Retrogore".

ABORTED recently released a five-track EP titled "Termination Redux" to celebrate the bands 20th year of existence as well as to offer fans a foretaste of what to expect on "Retrogore". ABORTED is:

Sven De Caluwé: GurglorothMendel Bij De Leij: Flesh Upon The Razor WireJB van der Wal: Nocturnal PulseKen Bedene: Hymen Blaster

"Dolce Vita", the new video from Finnish gothic metallers THE 69 EYES, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's eleventh album, "Universal Monsters", whicih will be released on April 22 via Nuclear Blast. The CD was recorded with producer Johnny Lee Michaels at his Helsinki-based Bat Cave Studios.

Commented THE 69 EYES vocalist Jyrki: "I've already had a short review of the album from a journalist who said it sounds exactly like it was recorded after our latest album together with producer Johnny Lee Michaels, which was 'Paris Kills' (2002). But those years between cannot be heard. We sound as fresh as ever, and the music takes itself and us into undiscovered paths and soundscapes. How the album grew into what it has become has surprised us and you can really hear the creativity blooming there. And still it sounds like nobody else but THE 69 EYES. And like always, the best backing vocalists can be found from the closest bars in Helsinki! This time the local latest hard rock heroes SANTA CRUZ were recruited for the backing vocal sessions."

"Universal Monsters" track listing:

01. Dolce Vita02. Jet Fighter Plane03. Blackbird Pie04. Lady Darkness05. Stiv & Johnny06. Never07. Miss Pastis08. Jerusalem09. Shallow Graves10. Rock 'N' Roll Junkie11. Blue

The video for the first single from "Universal Monsters", a song called "Jet Fighter Plane", was directed by Ville Juurikkala, who has previously worked with NIGHTWISH, AMORPHIS and MICHAEL MONROE. Juurikkala also created the "Universal Monsters" cover artwork, which portrays THE 69 EYES members in movie monster lighting, showing them as classic and timeless creatures.

Said Jyrki: "As I first heard the instrumental demo of the song, it immediately sounded for me like a song from the early '80s new wave/post punk days. You know, like when the music was heavily inspired by David Bowie's dark visions, the Cold War, the threat of nuclear war and '1984' kind of the future. So I wrote such lyrics from the past — and all of a sudden, the history started to repeat itself and the Cold War winds started to blow again! It was very strange — all of a sudden THE 69 EYES have a song which is very 'today' and even political, longing back the days of peace. We also wanted the video to be artistic and visually capturing the vibe and theme of the song. There is hope but also darkness, violence and innocence. And it’s only goth 'n' roll."

The official lyric video for "The House Of Shame", a brand new song from Italian heavy rockers LACUNA COIL, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's new album, "Delirium", which is set for a May 27 release 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.

"Delirium" track listing:

01. The House Of Shame02. Broken Things03. Delirium04. Blood, Tears, Dust05. Downfall06. Take Me Home07. You Love Me 'Cause I Hate You08. Ghost In The Mist09. My Demons10. Claustrophobia11. Ultima Ratio

"Delirium" is LACUNA COIL's first album to featuring American drummer Ryan Blake Folden, who has been touring with the band since 2012.

LACUNA COIL will make its much-anticipated return to North America as part of the "Delirium" tour, starting in San Francisco on May 7. The first leg of the tour will feature BUTCHER BABIES as direct support, with 9ELECTRIC and PAINTED WIVES rounding out the stellar package. The second leg will be announced in the coming weeks and will have a different band as direct support, while the rest of the touring package remains intact.

LACUNA COIL's female vocalist Cristina Scabbia states: "Everything feels different this time in the LACUNA COIL camp. It's something I can hear it and something I can breathe. A new wave of confidence, a renewed essence and pure drops of energy sweating out of our pores. I can't wait to show it to all my friends and welcome you all once again in our family. Trust me, this is a 'Delirium' you will feel the NEED to be part of."

Adds male vocalist Andrea Ferro (male vocals): "'Delirium' is not the beginning of a new chapter in LACUNA COIL's life; it is the beginning of a new book! We're really excited about starting this touring cycle with such a fresh vibe, meeting old and new friends around the U.S. and get such great touring companions. We're just writing the first page of this book and it is already a crazy one."

Says bassist Marco Coti-Zelati: "We're all super excited to finally be coming back to the U.S. and we're ready to kick some asses with the greatest album that we've ever made! New lineup, new sound, a new vibe and new emotions. I can't wait to see the reactions from the audiences when they hear the 'Delirium' songs played for the first time. Fresh, dark and powerful emotions all at the same time. The strength and heavy approach of thrash metal from the '90s — in a modern style. To me, this is the album that I think will be exciting to both of our older AND newer fans. I'm excited, and ready to have some fun on stage, while we spread the 'Delirium' to the people."

States drummer Ryan Blake Folden: "For me, I am truly excited to get on the road and play some new material. This is the first record I got to be a part of with the band and I can't wait to finally see people reactions to songs that I have been really excited about for over a year now. Not to mention I'll finally be expressing myself on stage in a way that I haven't been able to do in some time, having up until this point performed music that predated my arrival to the band. With the manifestation of the theme, costumes and artwork, along with the music, the band creatively and passionately poured itself into making this something special."

Speaking to Revolver magazine, Scabbia stated about the lyrical themes covered on "Delirium": "There's a lot to say about it, and there's a lot of things that we still need to decide, and a lot of things that can change during the process. But overall, it's an album that will be centered on insanity — that was the main inspiration for this album. From simple types of insanity, like being in the same bed with your partner and not talking to each other but having your phone in your hand, or something more serious and specific, like Stockholm Syndrome, where a person loves another person in a crazy way, even if it's the wrong one. We even imagined that the entire record takes place in sort of a hospital or asylum, where different patients are telling us their stories."

Asked if "Delirium" will be a similar kind of record to 2014's "Broken Crown Halo", which had a "cinematic vibe" to it, Scabbia said: "Even more! And we're already discussing stage clothes and stage setup for the tour. I've always liked the theatrical side of the show. I've never agreed with the bands that don't even consider their look onstage, just because only music counts. Of course music counts — but if you go to a show, you want to see a band acting like they're doing a show. So I think costumes are important. It's like going to the theater and seeing the actors without their proper clothes — it's not the same! And honestly, it's more fun for the band — putting on the costumes before you go onstage, it's sort of a ritual, and it puts you into the show even more. It's still you, but it's a different side of yourself."

As previously reported, LACUNA COIL recruited Los Angeles-based musician Daniel Sahagún (BLACK LODGE) as a fill-in guitarist for the band following the recent departure of Marco "Maus" Biazzi.

Sahagún previously played bass for LACUNA COIL in 2014 when the band's bassist and main songwriter Marco "Maki" Coti-Zelati was sick and unable to tour with the group.

Daniel made his live debut as LACUNA COIL's guitarist during tis year's 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise.

Biazzi left LACUNA COIL in January, explaining in a statement: "I felt I couldn't add more in this project any longer so I decided to leave my second family, LACUNA COIL, to take a different path for a new challenge in my life.

LACUNA COIL in February 2014 parted ways with guitarist Cris "Pizza" Migliore and drummer Cristiano "Criz" Mozzati.

LACUNA COIL with BUTCHER BABIES, 9ELECTRIC, PAINTED WIVES:

May 07 - San Francisco CA - Social Hall * May 08 - Los Angeles LA - The RoxyMay 09 - Phoenix AZ - The MarqueeMay 10 - El Paso TX - Tricky FallsMay 12 - Dallas TX - TreesMay 14 - Cherokee NC - Cherokee Event Center (direct support to HALESTORM; LACUNA COIL only)May 15 - Richmond VA - The National (direct support to HALESTORM; LACUNA COIL only)May 17 - Davenport IA - Adler Theater (direct support to HALESTORM; LACUNA COIL only)May 18 - Madison WI - Majestic Theatre * May 20 - Traverse City, MI - Ground Zero * May 21 - Flint MI - The Machine ShopMay 25 - Brooklyn NY - Saint Vitus ^^ May 26 - Uncasville CT - Mohegan Sun Wolf Den ^^

* No BUTCHER BABIES^^ No support

Photo credit: Alessandro Olgiati

MINISTRY mainman Al Jourgensen's new project, SURGICAL METH MACHINE, will release its self-titled debut album on April 15 via Nuclear Blast. The CD was recorded primarily at Jourgensen's home studio in Burbank, California with his longtime engineer Sam D'Ambruoso.

The official lyric video for the song "I Don't Wanna" — which features guest vocals from features vocals from Jello Biafra, the political activist and former DEAD KENNEDYS front man who has been friends with Jourgensen for more than three decades — can be seen below.

"Surgical Meth Machine" track listing:

01. I'm Sensitive02. Tragic Alert03. I Want More04. Rich People Problems05. I Don't Wanna06. Smash And Grab07. Unlistenable08. Gates Of Steel09. Spudnik10. Just Go Home11. Just Keep Going12. I'm Invisible

"Surgical Meth Machine" LP track listing:

Side A

01. I'm Sensitive02. Tragic Alert03. I Want More04. Rich People Problems05. I Don't Wanna06. Smash And Grab

Side B

01. Unlistenable02. Gates Of Steel03. Spudnik04. Just Go Home05. Just Keep Going06. I'm Invisible

In an October 2015 interview with In The Loop magazine, Jourgensen stated about how the idea for SURGICAL METH MACHINE came about: "You know, [guitarist] Mikey [Scaccia] died a couple of years ago, from MINISTRY, and I just figured, like, nah, it's time to quit. I don't want to have John Bonham's kid playing drums for us and having replacement parts forever; that's just not my scene. So I just figured, 'All right, let's stop this. Let's do some other stuff.' And not only that. I found that it was really unburdensome to not have the MINISTRY moniker or expectations and just do something like whatever the fuck we want. I mean, the band's name is SURGICAL METH MACHINE. It's not like we're gonna be on Top 40 radio and on 'The Voice' and 'American Idol'. [Laughs]"

He continued: "I understand it's not a real commercial project for us, it's not gonna put bank in my wallet, but it was a lot of fun to do, in that sense — of just not having the constraints of the expectations of what you've done for twenty years. So this is… It's kind of new stuff. It's pretty cool. It sounds like kind of MINISTRY, but it's a different level. It's like I literally just put my foot on the gas pedal for this record."

According to Jourgensen, the sound of SURGICAL METH MACHINE's debut release leans heavily on the aggressive side, but fans can also expect to hear a few surprises. "There's a couple of real poppy things on there, which brings me full circle, because, literally, I don't give a fuck anymore," he said. "So I'm actually almost acknowledging that first horrible pop record I did in 1983. I'm crooning on some songs, I've got some pop songs on there, and then there's just brutal assault for the rest of it. It's a very dichotomous record, but it's me, and I'm acknowledging everything that's been me through, like, the last 35 years. Let's just throw my balls on the table and hope somebody doesn't have a meat cleaver running."

As far as the future of MINISTRY, Jourgensen has said in recent interviews that there will be no more MINISTRY albums, making 2013's "From Beer To Eternity" the band's swan song following Scaccia's death.

"Mikey died during the recording," Al told the Illinois Entertainer. "He just got finished with his last parts, went back to Dallas to play a show with RIGOR MORTIS and I got the call two days later that he was dead. I had to mix the record with his death still fresh in my mind, so the final playback on that one was extra special, and that album to me is very special."

BARONESS, the Savannah, Georgia metal band which kicks off a five-week North American tour later this month, has released a video for the song "Shock Me".

Filmed in rural Pennsylvania, the clip — which was directed by Don Tyler and John Baizley, with art direction by Karen Jerzyk — brings to life a number of elements from the incredible artwork BARONESS albums are known for. BARONESS has also named the openers for the highly anticipated tour with YOUTH CODE on all non-festival U.S. dates, MUTOID MAN opening shows in Eastern Canada and HEIRESS handling dates in Western Canada.

The tour, which includes stops at the Sasquatch, Project Pabst and Shaky Knees festivals, kicks off on April 29 at the Royale in Boston before wrapping up at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on June 3. The band has also been confirmed for Psycho Las Vegas on August 28.

BARONESS recently wrapped up an extensive European tour, which was hailed as "defiant, dominant and full of heart" (Prog) and a "devilishly complex take on power rock 'n' roll" (London In Stereo).

BARONESS is continuing to tour in support of its fourth album, "Purple", which was released in December through Abraxan Hymns.

Photo credit: Jimmy Hubbard

Finnish folk metal band Korpiklaani have released a new music video for the track “A Man With A Plan”, featured on their Noita album, released via Nuclear Blast last year.

The Royal Melbourne Institute Of Technology in Australia spent 13 weeks working on this video clip with producers Aaron McLoughlin and Simon Norton - and the result is a hilarious fully animated video.

Korpiklaani launch a co-headline European tour with Moonsorrow tonight. The two powerhouses of Finnish folk metal join forces once again, with both bands playing extended sets.

April
8 - Durbuy Rock Festival - Bomal-sur-Ourthe, Belgium     
9 - Tanzmatten - Sélestat, France
10 - Melkweg - Amsterdam, Netherlands (with Heidevolk)
11 - La Trabendo - Paris, France  
12 - TBA, France
13 - Arena - Madrid, Spain
14 - Razzmatazz2 - Barcelona, Spain
15 - CC John Lennon - Limoges, France
16 - Carène - Brest, France
17 - Antipode - Rennes, France
18 - CCO Villeurbanne - Lyon, France
19 - BAM - Metz, France
20 - Islington Academy - London, UK
21 - Club Academy - Manchester, UK
22 - Button Factory - Dublin, Ireland       
23 - Limelight 2 - Belfast, Ireland
24 - Classic Grand - Glasgow, Scotland      
25 - Stylus - Leeds, UK
26 - Academy 2 - Birmingham, UK    
27 - The Fleece - Bristol, UK
28 - 1865 - Southampton, UK
29 - Matrix - Bochum, Germany

Swedish death metallers AMON AMARTH kicked off their North American tour last night (Thursday, April 7) at House Of Blues in San Diego, California. Video footage of the concert can be seen below.

AMON AMARTH's tenth studio album, "Jomsviking", debuted at No. 19 on The Billboard 200, having shifted 21,000 equivalent album units in the week ending March 31.

The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week based on multi-metric consumption, which includes traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA).

In terms of pure album sales, "Jomsviking" opened with 20,000 copies.

"Jomsviking" was released on March 25 via Metal Blade in North America and Sony Music internationally.

AMON AMARTH's previous album, "Deceiver Of The Gods", sold around 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 19 on The Billboard 200 chart.

AMON AMARTH's 2011 CD, "Surtur Rising", opened with around 15,000 units to debut at No. 34. The band's 2008 album, "Twilight Of The Thunder God", registered a first-week tally of more than 11,000 copies to enter the chart at No. 48.

"Jomsviking" — the first concept record in AMON AMARTH's storied career — tells a tragic tale of love and revenge, backed by the Swedes' trademark melodic, anthemic metal, which was produced and mixed once again by Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, ACCEPT) and also features special guest session drummer Tobias Gustafsson (VOMITORY). The epic original story is set in the world of the Jomsvikings, the legendary order of mercenary Vikings.

AMON AMARTH frontman Johan Hegg explains: "The Jomsvikings were a shadowy and legendary sect of Viking mercenaries, as shrouded in myth now as they were when they fought across Europe and the Middle East. Ruthless and deadly warriors who fought for the highest bidder, their code was simple: Show no fear. Never retreat. Defend your brothers, and when called upon, avenge their deaths."

He continues: "I felt we were finally ready to use their story as the jumping off point for an AMON AMARTH album. The Jomsvikings and their world is the background for the story of a young man that is in love with a girl but unfortunately she's being married off. He accidentally kills a man when this happens and he has to flee — but he swears to have revenge and win her back. He can't let go of the past. He feels that he's been wronged and his life has been destroyed. The way the story evolves is not a happy story."

AMON AMARTH's North American tour features support from fellow Swedes ENTOMBED A.D. and young USA metal upstarts EXMORTUS.

Veteran Arizona metallers FLOTSAM AND JETSAM will release their new, self-titled album on May 20 via AFM Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Seventh Seal02. Life Is A Mess03. Taser04. Iron Maiden05. Verge Of Tragedy06. Creeper07. L.O.T.D.08. The Incantation09. Monkey Wrench10. Time To Go11. Smoking Gun12. Forbidden Territories

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

Comments AFM Records A&R representative Timo Hoffmann: "We're honored that FLOTSAM AND JETSAM have decided to join our roster. Of course we've followed their career for many years and always valued the band's qualities.

"This new, self-titled album is a blast! We've been convinced right from the very first demos sent.

"It was obvious to us why the album is titled as it is: 'Flotsam And Jetsam' holds the essence of what defines the band. This album is a statement, something to be proud of. And we are proud to start working with the band with such a special release."

Adds FLOTSAM AND JETSAM: "FLOTSAM AND JETSAM really appreciated the fact that AFM laid out a legitimate business plan for us when they made their offer to sign us. We believe they are as committed to us as a band, as we are to providing them with quality metal to get behind and promote.

"Along with signing to a new label, all the forward movement for the band in the last two years has also allowed us to partner with new team members, like Chris Collier of CMC21 Productions, who just completed the mixing and mastering of the album, and Andy Pilkington of Very Metal Art out of the U.K., for the album cover and stage production art, who are both doing a phenomenal job for us.

"We're looking forward to playing the music on this album live, which hasn't been a luxury for the band on past releases, as well as debuting our new stage look."

Knutson told From Hero To Zero last summer about the band's forthcoming follow-up to 2012's "Ugly Noise": "The new record has songs that sound like they came from the '80s, some songs that sound like they came from the middle of our career, and some songs that sound like they're brand new, and they're all on one record together."

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM in 2014 parted ways with guitarist Edward Carlson and bassist Jason Ward and replaced them with Steve Conley and Michael Spencer, respectively. The band also recruited SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner after Kelly Smith left the group in November 2014 to focus on caring for his family.

Spencer stated about the new FLOTSAM AND JETSAM material: "There's a great, old-school thrash vibe going on with the direction of the songs and what originally influenced the band, mixed with a little of what we like about today's sound, in metal."

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM is:

Eric "A.K." Knutson - VocalsSteve Conley - GuitarMichael Gilbert - GuitarMichael Spencer - BassJason Bittner - Drums

Norwegian rockers KVELERTAK will release their third album, "Nattesferd", on May 13 via Roadrunner. The follow-up to 2013's "Meir" was recorded live at Amper Tone Studio in Oslo, Norway (KVELERTAK's first effort to be recorded in the group's homeland) and was produced by the band and mixed/engineered by Nick Terry (LINDSTR��M, TURBONEGRO, THE LIBERTINES).

The official video for the CD's first single, "1985" can be seen below. The clip was directed, written and edited by Fredrik S. Hana and was produced by Gunhild Oddsen of GOfilm.

Hana commented on the video, stating: "In my third collaboration with KVELERTAK, I wanted to make a music video where the story and characters took the center stage. The video revolves around a micro-community, a four-man cult, where a deep and twisted friendship lies beneath it all. They don't see themselves as a part of the normal society and decide to honor their differences in a unique fellowship. We follow the character's growing addiction to push limits, and in the end, their incompetence to see any real consequences with their actions. I wanted to get across the fantastic feeling of being a part of something, but also the dangers of not daring to take a stand, to just swim along with the current."

Commented KVELERTAK frontman Erlend Hjelvik: "We are finally getting ready to release our third album, 'Nattesferd', on the world, and however cliché it may sound, I'm not afraid to say that this is our best one yet. It's an exquisite smorgasbord of riffs infused with everything between the best of classic rock and heavy metal. I'm certain it will blow the minds of both old and new fans."

KVELERTAK will embark on a North American tour this month with special guests TORCHE and WILD THRONE. MUTOID MAN will also appear on select dates. The trek kicks off April 12 at Portland, Maine's Port City Music Hall and will see KVELERTAK traversing west through early May.

KVELERTAK's forthcoming third LP has garnered "Most Anticipated" accolades from the press, with Rolling Stone featuring it in the magazine's "25 Most Anticipated Metal Albums Of 2016" round-up. Additionally, Stereogum placed the new LP at #36 on their "101 Most Anticipated Albums Of 2016" while Consequence Of Sound included it in their "20 Most Anticipated Metal Albums Of 2016" preview.

"Meir" topped the official chart in Norway. The CD, which sold 1,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release, was issued on March 26, 2013 via Roadrunner Records. It was produced by CONVERGE's Kurt Ballou and features cover artwork by John Dyer Baizley.

KVELERTAK is Erlend Hjelvik (vocals), Vidar Landa (guitar), Bjarte Lund Rolland (guitar), Maciek Ofstad (guitars), Marvin Nygaard (bass) and Kjetil Gjermundrød (drums).

Connecticut-based hardcore/metal masters HATEBREED will release their new album, "The Concrete Confessional", on May 13 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The follow-up to 2013's "The Divinity Of Purpose" was produced by longtime collaborator Chris "Zeuss" Harris (ROB ZOMBIE, SUICIDE SILENCE, WHITECHAPEL) and mixed by Josh Wilbur (LAMB OF GOD, MEGADETH). The artwork was created by Marcelo Vasco (SLAYER).

A number of tracks provide a pragmatic look at issues that have become front-and-center in today's New Normal, and the track "A.D." is a case in point. Reflecting what is today a challenging time, it's a song that fuses together frustration with torrential thrashed-out guitars, double bass drums, and Jamey Jasta's immortal growl.

"'A.D.' was a way that I could voice my frustration about the loss of opportunities available to the average guy," said Jasta. "With the government and big business drowning in corruption and greed, the average person is being squeezed, so achieving the American Dream is becoming less and less real.

"We all need to pay closer attention to what our elected leaders are doing," Jasta added. "Start locally, in your own community, make your representatives accountable."

"A.D." is now available as an instant-grat track when "The Concrete Confessional" is pre-ordered on iTunes.

Regarding the "The Concrete Confessional" artwork, Jasta said: "I think da Vinci said it best when he said painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen. Marcelo was able to capture a feeling that will accompany our musical and lyrical vision and he put together a striking piece that speaks volumes."

"The Concrete Confessional" track listing:

01. A.D.02. Looking Down The Barrel Of Today03. Seven Enemies04. In The Walls05. From Grace We've Fallen06. Us Against Us07. Something's Off08. Remember When09. Slaughtered In Their Dreams10. The Apex Within11. Walking The Knife12. Dissonance13. Serve Your Masters

In support of "The Concrete Confessional", HATEBREED will embark on a North American headlining tour. Joining them on the trek are modern metal stalwarts DEVILDRIVER, Nuclear Blast labelmates DEVIL YOU KNOW and Metal Blade recording artists ACT OF DEFIANCE (featuring former MEGADETH members Chris Broderick and Shawn Drover).

HATEBREED's last album, "The Divinity Of Purpose", sold 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 20 on The Billboard 200 chart.

GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose has broken a bone in his foot, requiring a surgical procedure to insert a plate and screws. Rose revealed the injury via Twitter, saying "This is what can happen when you do something you haven't done in nearly over 23 years," apparently referring to GN'R's surprise concert last Friday featuring three members of the band's classic lineup: Rose, guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan. He also posted a video interview with his orthopedic surgeon in which the foot specialist revealed that Rose is currently in a cast and cannot put any weight on his foot. She pinpointed the break at Rose's fifth metatarsal.

According to TMZ, the injury happened when Axl slipped onstage while singing "Mr. Brownstone" during last week's show.

Tonight's (Friday, April 8) GN'R gig in Las Vegas will go on as planned, according to a statement issued by the band's publicist. Rose will wear a cast, and will apparently have a special stage setup that will allow him to perform. "He's having a set, I think, designed for the stage," the foot specialist said, "so he can perform for everyone still." She also confirmed that Rose will have to limit the amount of weight he puts on the front part of his foot "for about four weeks — and then we will let him gradually progress from there."

GUNS N' ROSES will play two shows in Vegas this weekend. The band will also play two gigs in Mexico City in addition to two Coachella festival dates, before launching a stadium trek this summer.

Several hours after announcing the tour on April 1, GUNS N' ROSES played a gig at the Troubadour, one of the Los Angeles clubs where the band first performed before the release of its debut album, 1987's "Appetite For Destruction".

The concert was advertised as "Not In This Lifetime" by the venue, quoting what Rose said in 2012 about a possible classic GUNS N' ROSES lineup reunion. The same phrase has since been announced as the name of the band's upcoming tour.

According to the ABC affiliate KAAL-TV, two GUNS N' ROSES fans on their way to see the band perform in Las Vegas face drug charges after being busted with meth, marijuana, prescription pills and LSD.

An Olmsted County sheriff's deputy deputy spotted a vehicle in the 300 block of Fifth Street SW in Eyota, Minnesota just before 2 a.m. on April 7. When the deputy approached the vehicle, it smelled like marijuana, authorities say. Inside were two men who said they were on their way to Nevada from Wisconsin.

The deputy conducted a search through the vehicle and found a small amount of meth, 20 grams of marijuana, at least 50 prescription pills and some LSD.

Dane Johnson and Vikram Gill, both of whom are 24 years old, were arrested and are still behind bars. Each faces a felony drug charge.

Booking photos courtesy of Olmsted County Adult Detention Center

GUNS N' ROSES has released an official video recap of the band's "surprise" April 1 concert in California. Check it out below.

Kate Hudson, Bradley Cooper, Emily Ratajkowksi, Lenny Kravitz, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris Brown, Jim Carrey and Nicolas Cage are among the A-list stars who joined a crowd of more than 250 that snagged tickets to see the reunited group perform at the Troubadour in West Hollywood.

Cooper reportedly brought his mom, Gloria Campano, to watch the show and was seen alongside Ratajkowski, Kravitz, Brown, Carrey, Cage and Rodriguez in the VIP balcony overlooking the stage.

The gig was advertised as "Not In This Lifetime" by the venue, quoting what singer Axl Rose said in 2012 about a possible classic GUNS N' ROSES lineup reunion. The same phrase has since been announced as the name of the band's upcoming summer tour.

Only Rose, guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan from GN'R's "Appetite For Destruction"-era lineup took part in the Troubadour gig. They were joined by keyboardist Dizzy Reed, guitarist Richard Fortus and drummer Frank Ferrer. Also appearing with them was second keyboardist Melissa Reese.

GUNS N’ ROSES' reunion tour will officially kick off tonight (Friday, April 8) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The band is also scheduled to headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival later this month.



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Not In This Lifetime, Huh? One Week Ago… http://livemu.sc/GNRtix #GnFnR

Posted by Guns N' Roses on Friday, April 8, 2016

In a brand new interview with Icon Vs. Icon, DEF LEPPARD and LAST IN LINE guitarist Vivian Campbell revealed that he is "getting together" with some of the musicians in "another band that [he] used to be in many, many years ago" next week to "start writing for a new record." He added: "I can't mention who it is yet, but it is one of my past projects, and we are kind of getting back together, and we have been offered a record deal."

One of the bands that Vivian used to play in was RIVERDOGS, which he he ended up joining after being tapped to produce their first demo. As an official member of the group, he would contribute to their eponymous debut album in 1990.

Though fans and critics gave the LP a warm reception, lack of support from their record label eventually led the band to go independent, with Campbell departing the lineup. Releasing another two albums in Europe, the group continued to pick up fans before eventually disbanding.

RIVERDOGS drummer Marc Danzeisen revealed in a February 25, 2016 post on the band's Facebook page that all members of the group — including, apparently, Vivian — have "been in close contact lately trying to make some DOGS magic happen very soon."

RIVERDOGS gathered in 2003 to record new material and play a few reunion shows. Those new songs were recorded as demos, but never completed.

In 2010, MelodicRock Records approached band manager Paul Liszewski about a possible release of these songs. The band liked the idea so much an agreement was reached and over the course of a few week-long get-togethers, the lineup of Rob Lamothe (vocals), Campbell, Nick Brophy (bass) and Danzeisen recorded final versions of the 2003 tracks as well as writing a couple of brand new songs. Added to the new "World Gone Mad" album was one live cut from the band's 2004 reunion shows, a cover of the BADFINGER classic "No Matter What".

Campbell, along with bassist Jimmy Bain and drummer Vinny Appice, was part of the original DIO lineup, which reunited in 2012 alongside singer Andrew Freeman to form LAST IN LINE.

LAST IN LINE's debut album, "Heavy Crown", was released on February 19 via Frontiers Music Srl.



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Hey everyone! Just an update. Everyone is doing fine. Rob and Nick are working away. Writing. Recording. Mixing. Loving...

Posted by Riverdogs on Thursday, February 25, 2016

Guitarist/vocalist Dave Meniketti of veteran San Francisco Bay Area rockers Y&T has released the following statement:

"We're extremely disappointed that we've been put in this position, but Brad Lang [bass; pictured] is currently on indefinite hiatus as he resolves some personal issues. In order to respect Brad's privacy, we will not be going into any detail at this time. We thank you all for understanding the private nature of this situation. Meanwhile, with Brad's blessing, Aaron Leigh [FRANK HANNON BAND bassist and TESLA tech] has stepped in to cover the role of bass guitarist.

"The above is our official statement, but I couldn't let this go without mentioning personally how sorry I am to be delivering this shocking news to everyone today. Know that we're doing what we can to make this the least painful for all involved."

Brad Lang joined Y&T in 2011 as the replacement for Phil Kennemore, who passed away from cancer.

Y&T, rounded out by guitarist John Nymann and drummer Mike Vanderhule, is currently putting the finishing touches on an as-yet-untitled documentary.

Y&T's live album, "Live At The Mystic", was released in November 2012 via Frontiers Records.

The band's first studio album in 13 years, "Facemelter", came out in Europe on May 21, 2010 via Frontiers.

(Thanks: Deep-Purple.it)

Cheap Trick drummer and 2016 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee Bun E. Carlos announces the release of his new solo album, Greetings From Bunezuela!, out on June 24th via Entertainment One Music (eOne Music). The collection features 13 rock songs, 10 of which are covers, including “Armenia In The Sky” (The Who), “Idea” (The Bee Gees), plus other soon to be former obscurities.

The album features Robert Pollard (Guided By Voices), Xeno (original Cheap Trick vocalist), Hanson, Alejandro Escovedo, Dave Pirner (Soul Asylum), John Stirratt (Wilco), Nicholas Tremulis, Alex Dezen (Damnwells), Rick Rizzo (Eleventh Dream Day), and members of Candy Golde and the Monday Night Band.

The first single, “Do Something Real,” features Robert Pollard on vocals, and is a remake of a solo Pollard song that was released in 1999. Listen to the track at this location.

Carlos is the drummer for the legendary rock band Cheap Trick, drumming on countless hits like “I Want You To Want Me”, “Surrender”, “Dream Police” and “If You Want My Love”.

In 2009, Bun E. Carlos joined Tinted Windows with Hanson singer Taylor Hanson, former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, and Fountains Of Wayne bassist Adam Schlesinger. The critically acclaimed power-pop band released an eponymous record and played several shows.

In 2011, Bun E. Carlos joined Candy Golde with Nicholas Tremulis, John Stirratt (Wilco), Rick Rizzo, (Eleventh Dream Day), and Mark Greenburg (The Coctails). Candy Golde released a 5-song EP, 10” record, debuted at SxSW, and still record and perform, though sporadically.

Greetings From Bunezuela! tracklisting (order subject to change):

“Do Something Real” - Robert Pollard Lead Vocal (Robert Pollard solo)
“Him Or Me” - featuring Hanson (Paul Revere & The Raiders)
“Armenia In The Sky” - John Stirratt Lead Vocal (The Who)
“I Love You No More” - Alex Dezen Lead Vocal (The Blackstones)
“Tell Me” - Alejandro Escovido Lead Vocal (The Rolling Stones)
“It Takes A Lot To Laugh, A Train To Cry” - Dave Pirner Lead Vocal (Bob Dylan)
“Let The Mystery Be” - Xeno Lead Vocal (Iris DeMent)
“Idea” - Robert Pollard Lead Vocal (The Bee Gees)
“Le Cactus” - Nicholas Tremulis Lead Vocal (Jacque DuTronc)
“I Can Only Give You Everything” - Rick Rizzo Lead Vocal (Them)
“Slow Down” - Alejandro Escovido Lead Vocal (Alejandro Escovedo)
“Count On Me” - Xeno Lead Vocal (Fra Lippo Lippi)
“I Don’t Mind” - Alex Dezen Lead Vocal (Alex Dezen)

 

Currently on the road with AUGUST BURNS RED and GOOD TIGER, North Carolina-based progressive rock/cutting-edge metal band BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME has released a new performance video from this tour — "The Ectopic Stroll", filmed at the Roxy Theater in West Hollywood, California. The track is taken from BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME's recently released album "Coma Ecliptic".

Following their current co-headlining run with AUGUST BURNS RED, BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME will appear at premier festivals across the country, including Carolina Rebellion and Rock On The Range.

"Coma Ecliptic" was, once again, an ambitious concept album for BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME. This time, the story followed the wanderings of an unidentified man, stuck in a coma, as he journeys through his past lives. Each song was its own episode in a modern day, sort of "The Twilight Zone"-esque fashion. The unidentified man enters each world and is offered a choice: stay, or move on to the next in search of something better, something more "perfect."

As they kick off a five week-long tour tonight, San Antonio metal heavyweights Darkness Divided have released “Back Breaker,” the second video from their self-titled sophomore album, to be released April 22nd via Victory Records. Pre-orders here.

“��Back Breaker’ is the most challenging song to play on the new album,” confesses bassist Joe Mora. “It showcases several of our sounds in that it is fast and high energy, but also melodic and powerful.” Guitarist Sebastian Elizondo claims the track is “Influenced by bands and guitar players that inspired me to pick up my instrument. This song feels like a throwback as well as something new to take in.”
 
“It really showcases all of us with the guitar solos, bass solos, technical drumming and some of my favorite vocals,” promises vocalist Gerard Mora. “I really feel like this song stands out from anything we've written.”

Tracklisting:

“The Point Of No Return”
“Back Breaker”
“A Life That Binds”
“ Wake Of The Dead”
“Misery”
“Deceiver”
“From Dust To Stone”
“The Answer”
“Deliverance”
“Mirror Of Death”
“The End Of It All”

"Back Breaker" video:

Track-by-track Part 1:

Track-by-track Part 2:

“The End Of It All”:

“Misery” video:

Tour dates here.

Montreal's Phobocosm has debuted new song "Ordeal" from forthcoming Dark Descent Records release Bringer Of Drought.

The band has returned from the abyss with another offering of oppressive and ambient death metal. Bringer Of Drought is an exploration into uncharted darkness. A deeper and more intense experience than its 2014 predecessor, the album features 35 minutes of soul-reaping, doom-infused death. This four track beast was mixed and mastered by Colin Marston.  

Bringer Of Drought will be unleashed May 13th on Dark Descent Records. Preorder the album on Dark Descent Records.

“Ordeal”:

Massachusetts-based extreme metal outfit Abnormality will be releasing their upcoming sophomore full-length, Mechanisms Of Omniscience, on April 29th worldwide via Metal Blade Records. Marrying the ceaseless brutality coming out of New York and New England to the hyper-blasting intensity endemic to Quebecois death metal, Mechanisms Of Omniscience is as unrelenting as it is passionate, and the album tackles real world issues with intelligence and raw emotion. The new single “Cymatic Hallucinations” is streaming below. 

Based in Massachusetts (US), Abnormality formed in 2005 and now features seasoned members Mallika Sundaramurthy (vocals), Jay Blaisdell (drums), Josh Staples (bass), Sam Kirsch (guitars), and Jeremy Henry (guitars), all hailing from various underground acts such as Goratory, Sexcrement, Parasitic Extirpation, Forced Asphyxiation, and Iranach.

Tracklisting:

“Swarm”
“Synthetic Pathogenesis”
“Mechanisms Of Omniscience”
“Catalyst Of Metamorphosis”
“Vigilant Ignorance”
“Irreversible”
“Hopeless Masses”
“Assimilation”
“Cymatic Hallucinations”
“Consuming Infinity”

"Cymatic Hallucinations":

“Swarm”:

“Mechanisms Of Omniscience”:

Pre-order the album and find out more about Abnormality at this location.

Abnormality lineup:

Mallika Sundaramurthy - vocals
Jay Blaisdell - drums
Josh Staples - bass
Sam Kirsch - guitars
Jeremy Henry - guitars

Brazilian death metal machine Rebaelliun will release their new album, The Hell’s Decrees, on May 13th via Hammerheart Records. Full of diversity, brutality, technicality, insane speed, and killer solos, each memorable song is a highlight. Preorders are available at Hammerheart Records. The album is streaming in full below:

The album cover, which can be seen below, was created by Brazilian artist Marcelo Vasco, known for working with: Slayer, Dimmu Borgir, Vader, Machine Head and more.

Tracklisting:

“Affronting The Gods”
“Legion”
“The Path Of The Wolf”
“Fire And Brimstone”
“Dawn Of Mayhem”
“Rebaelliun”
“Chush The Cross”
“Anarchy (The Hell’s Decrees Manifesto)”

"Legion" lyric video:

 

All Hail The Yeti will release their new full-length concept album, Screams From A Black Wilderness, tomorrow, April 8th, via Minus Head Records. The concept, based on classic campfire-circle horror stories, presents a different story with each track. A full album stream can be found below.

Screams From A Black Wilderness, is produced by Matt Hyde, known for his prior work with renowned groups such as Deftones, Slayer, and Soulfly, and features a guest vocal appearance from Brock Lindow of 36 Crazyfists.

Vocalist Connor Garrity clarifies that the Screams From A Black Wilderness writing process, both sonically and conceptually, came easily once the new line-up for the band had been solidified. "When our guitarist Alan Stokes joined the band, the writing process finally felt natural. While we knew we wanted to connect it to the self-titled album, Screams From A Black Wilderness was truly conceptualized as it came together in the studio. We knew we wanted to do something different while still keeping our integral sound - this album, to us, is a more developed version of the style you hear on the self-titled release. Working with Matt Hyde was instrumental; he understood what we were doing musically and used that to pull the best out of us."

Screams From A Black Wilderness features a heavier, grimier and considerably more advanced version of the All Hail The Yeti fans have come to know since their inception.

Tracklisting:

“Before The Flames”
“Plague Dance”
“Let The Night Roar”
“Mr. Murder” (feat. Brock Lindow)
“Lady Of The Night”
“Witch Is Dead”
“Daughter Of The Morning”
“Sun Will Never Set”
“Fall Of Core”
“Breaking On The Wheel”
“Nemesis Queen”
“Angels Envy”

Album stream:

Behold the power of the riff in all shapes and sizes: It would be a serious understatement, even borderline ignorance to simply lump Earth Ship in with the rest of the sludge rock genre – a horribly abused and undefined tag.

Berlin based Earth Ship was born in 2010 and present an intriguing mix of heavy metal, fuzzy stoner rock and some of the finest sludge to date. The band has already released three full-length albums and toured all across Europe and the UK. Now it’s time to take the next step together with their new home at Napalm Records.

This four-piece has announced the details of their upcoming album, entitled Hollowed, including the album artwork, tracklisting and release date.

Hollowed tracklisting:

“Reduced To Ashes”
“Hollowed”
“Valley Of Thorns”
“Conjured”
“Monolith”
“In Fire's Light”
“In The Arms Of Medusa”
“Castle Of Sorrow”
“Safeguard Of Death”
“Red Leaves”
“The Edge Of Time”
“Blood Candy” (Bonus Track)
“The Edge Of Time” - Acoustic (Bonus Track)

On Hollowed, the band once more gracefully tackle the soft yet stronger dynamic of bands like Kylesa and Crowbar, celebrating and crowning the whole thing with morbid melodies Alice In Chains would be proud of. Saturated with monolithic doom and hauntingly good!

Earth Ship states: "Musically and lyrically, hollowed is a dark and baleful journey through oceans of sludge and vast whisky-flooded valleys to the edge of time."

Hollowed is set to be released on June 24th via Napalm Records. Pre-orders will be available shortly.

Hollowed will be available as:

Limited 4-page digipack CD (+2 bonus tracks)
LP gatefold edition

Upcoming tour dates will be announced soon. Stay tuned.

Mindshift (Stockholm, Sweden) have unleashed the music video for the title track off their upcoming album entitled “Horizon”. The video was filmed, produced, and edited by the band themselves.

Mindshift vocalist Mao explains, “Horizon is about the senseless tragedy of things that happen in the world around us. The Charlie Hebdo attack, the brutal massacre at the Bataclan Concert Hall, the senseless wars in the Middle East, etc… One day I just asked myself, what can I do to make this world survive, prevent it from tearing itself apart?”

In an effort to further promote the album, Mindshift has also teamed up with Eclipse Records to give away a free download of the title track to fans, in exchange for their email address.

Horizon is jam-packed with fifteen amazing tracks of mind-blowing melodic metal that’s guaranteed to offer something new, and showcase some of the best new music coming out of the Swedish metal scene today. The title track, “Horizon”, is a stellar composition mixing vocal melodies and brutal guitars in the perfect proportions.

Pre-orders for Horizon are currently available from iTunes and Amazon, which come with the songs “Horizon”, “My Revenge”, “Absolution”, and “A Thousand Scars” as instant grat tracks! More options to buy and/or stream the album are forthcoming at this location.

Whether they’re weaving a soundscape of technically-progressive metal, or layers of sonic textures to mesmerize the listener, Mindshift are always pushing the boundaries of modern music to the next level. The voice of their souls translates into the honesty of their music, and after all... isn’t that what we all want to hear?

"Horizon" video:

Mindshift is:

Marcus ‘Mao’ Uggla (vocals)
Johan Lund (guitar)
Fabien ‘Fabz’ Perreau (drums)

The Unguided have released a music video for “Heartseeker”, a track from their new full-length album, Lust And Loathing, out now via Napalm Records.

Sweden is set to invade Europe once again with two of its most promising metal acts. The Unguided and Eyes Wide Open are joining forces to create chaos and pandemonium throughout Europe. Dates can be seen on the tour flyer below:

Once you get past the harsh melodic death metal exterior, epic clean vocals and catchy keyboard tones await. Dynamic and strong songwriting with that special Scandinavian massive production and delicate guitar solos turn Lust And Loathing into the best gem the band’s discography has yet to offer.

Richard Sjunnesson on the new album: "Sitting on the new songs, for what felt like a life-time, and finally get to shed some light on what’s to come from camp; The Unguided, is a sensation on its own. This is the last part of an album trilogy, that’s been in the making for 6 years, and what a climax it is indeed. Expect the unexpected! We poured everything and more into this one."

Lust And Loathing tracklisting:

“Enraged”
“The Worst Day” (Revisited)
“King Of Clubs”
“Heartseeker”
“Photobs Grip”
“Black Eyed Angel”
“Operation: E.A.E.”
“Boneyard”
“Hate (And Other Triumphs)”
“Mercy” (Bonus Track)
“Judgment” (Bonus Track)
“Betrayer Of The Code” (Live)

“Operation: E.A.E.” video:

Preview:

“Enraged” video:

“The Worst Day” (Revisited) lyric video:

Greenleaf have released a video for “Golden Throne”, a track from their new album, Rise Above The Meadow, released back in February via Napalm Records.

Rise Above The Meadow album details follow…

 

 

"A Million Fireflies"
"Funeral Pyre"
"Howl"
"Golden Throne"
"Carry Out The Ribbons"
"Levitate And Bow (Pt. 1 & 2)"
"You´re Gonna Be My Ruin"
"Tyrants Tongue"
"Pilgrims"
"High And Low" (bonus track)

Album preview:

"Howl" lyric video:

"A Million Fireflies" video:

Virginia’s Inter Arma will release their new album, Paradise Gallows, on July 8th via Relapse. The first single, "Transfiguration”, is streaming below.

Paradise Gallows tracklisting:

“Nomini”
“An Archer In The Emptiness”
“Transfiguration”
“Primordial Wound”
“The Summer Drones”
“Potomac”
“The Paradise Gallows”
“Violent Constellations”
“Where The Earth Meets The Sky”

“Transfiguration”:

Tour dates:

April
7 - Johnson City, TN - The Hideaway
8 - Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506
9 - Athens, GA - Caledonia Lounge
10 - Nashville, TN - The East Room
11 - Knoxville, TN - Pilot Light
12 - Bloomington, IN - The Bishop
13 - Lexington, KY - Best Friend Bar
14 - Fort Wayne, IN - TBA
15 - Cincinnati, OH - MOTR Pub
16 - Pittsburgh, PA - The Smiling Moose
17 - Rochester, NY - Bug Jar
18 - Burlington, VT - Nectar’s
19 - Kingston, NY - BSP Kingston
20 - New Haven, CT - BAR
21 - Baltimore, MD - Metro Gallery

A founding member of the Grammy award winning rock band Toto, Steve Porcaro. will release his first ever solo album, Someday / Somehow, on June 10th. Porcaro’s first album has actually been in the making since 1983. With “Back To You” first being worked on by Toto in 83’ and “More Than I Can Take” being the most recent track he finished.

“I’ve always been writing and recording over the years, hoping to find homes for these songs with other artists,” Porcaro remarked. “Lately, I've been reminded repeatedly how short life is, and I think it’s finally sinking in and with the encouragement of my band, family and fans, I decided it was time to remove my excuses, throw down, let go and finish these songs the way I hear them.”

The album features Porcaro on lead vocals for seven tracks and Michael McDonald on “Swing Street”, and “Night Of Our Own”, Jamie Kimmett on “She’s So Sky”, and “Face Of A Girl”, Michael Sherwood on “Make Up” and Mabvuto Carpenter on “Painting By Numbers”. Longtime collaborator Marc Bonilla along with fellow current Toto colleagues Steve Lukather, Lenny Castro and Shannon Forrest make appearances on the album as well.

The thirteen track album, features material Porcaro has been tinkering with for quite some time. “Back To You” was originally recorded with Toto back in 1983, however Porcaro never got around to finishing it himself until last year. It’s the song he wrote for his then girlfriend Rosanna Arquette. The track features both of Steve’s departed brothers: Jeff and Mike.

The first single from the album, “Ready Or Not” is quite personal to Porcaro. ““Ready Or Not” was written for my kids,” Porcaro adds. “The first verse describes the day my oldest, Heather was born, but the song's a love letter to all my kids, and to anyone who travels with kids at home.”

An American keyboardist, songwriter and composer Porcaro written or co-authored music on each of Toto's first six albums, with the exception of Isolation and most recently, performed on the band's highly acclaimed 2015 album Toto XIV, also co-writing and singing lead on “The Little Things” and “Bend” which is featured on the Japan edition of that release. Porcaro continues to perform in Toto continues to play to sold-out audiences in Europe, US and Japan.

Also known for his prolific session work, Steve co-wrote “Human Nature” on Michael Jackson’s Grammy-winning album Thriller, solidifying his individual mark on the music industry. A sought-after session musician, Steve has worked extensively with music producer icons Quincy Jones and David Foster and many of music’s most successful artists including Don Henley, YES, Elton John, Boz Scaggs and many others. Highly respected for his film and television scores, Steve composed the music for the award-winning FX show Justified, starring Timothy Olyphant.

Steve Porcaro’s touring career began at the age of 17 with Gary Wright, in support of Wright’s hit album, The Dream Weaver and then with Boz Scaggs along with the other original members of Toto, prior to that band’s 1977 inception. Steve’s older brothers, Mike Porcaro (bassist) and Jeff Porcaro (drummer), also members of Toto were highly respected session musicians and their father Joe Porcaro is regarded was one of the world’s most influential session percussionists and educators. In 2010, Steve toured with Toto when the decision was made to reform the band in support of his brother Mike, during Mike’s lengthy battle with ALS.

Along with his work on “Human Nature”, Steve Porcaro performed other Thriller tracks including “Beat It” and “The Girl Is Mine” and composed the song “For All Time”, which was included on the Thriller “25th Anniversary” Edition. A testament to his compositional influence, “Human Nature” has been covered and/or sampled by many artists including Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, SWV, Nas, and Chris Brown.

Someday / Somehow Tracklisting:

“Ready Or Not”
“Loved By A Fool”
“Someday / Somehow”
“Swing Street”
“She’s So Shy”
“Back To You”
“Face Of A Girl”
“To No One”
“Makeup”
“She’s The One”
“Night Of Our Own”
“Painting By Numbers”
“More Than I Can Take”

You can pre-order the album and other Steve Porcaro items here.