"The Burden Of Being Wonderful", the new performance video from Los Angeles glam-metal jokesters STEEL PANTHER, can be seen below. The track is taken from "Live From Lexxi's Mom's Garage", the band's first full-length film featuring a live ten-song acoustic concert interspersed with comedic vignettes showcasing the band's unmatched shenanigans and debauchery. The album and film will be released on CD and CD/DVD by STEEL PANTHER's label Open E Records via Kobalt Label Services, on February 26 but pre-orders are available now at store.steelpantherrocks.com.

For the uninitiated, STEEL PANTHER was formed in 2000 and is Michael Starr (lead singer), Satchel (guitarist), Lexxi Foxx (bass) and Stix Zadinia (drums). "Live From Lexxi's Mom's Garage" was taped in Los Angeles last October in front of a live audience of scantily clad woman (and one old creepy fat guy who somehow got a ticket) inside the uncharacteristically large and professionally lit garage of Ms. Foxx (Bobbie Brown), who coincidentally also happens to be the mother of Lexxi Foxx. The musical portions of the film feature the band performing acoustic versions of their most popular songs such as "Party Like Tomorrow Is The End Of The World" and "Community Property" as well as one new song titled "Then You Came In". Several female violin players who are "very easy on the eyes," says Stix, are featured and lay through the various hits with the band. Between songs, the film follows the mischievousness of STEEL PANTHER as they figure out who they can and cannot sleep with; and as they navigate the world as the biggest glam rock band that never was from 1985, in 2016. "It was so much fun playing our songs on these new wooden guitars in my mom's garage!" said Lexxi Fox. "Satchel says that he might be my new dad, but I'm not really sure what that means!" he added. STEEL PANTHER recently wrapped its "Well Hungover" North American headlining tour and started a new residency at the famed Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on January 7 and House of Blues Las Vegas. Last year, the band sold out headlining tours in the U.K. and South America.

"Live From Lexxi's Mom's Garage" track listing:

01. Show Intro/Say Yeah!02. Party Like Tomorrow Is The End Of The World03. Fat Girl (Thar She Blows) 04. If You Really, Really Love Me 05. Gloryhole 06. Bukkake Tears 07. The Burden Of Being Wonderful 08. Weenie Ride 09. That's When You Came In10. Michael Don't Know11. Community Property 12. Grindy And Sexy 13. Death To All But Metal

STEEL PANTHER's third album, "All You Can Eat", sold around 13,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 24 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD arrived in stores on April 1, 2014 via Open E/KLS.

Greek thrashers SUICIDAL ANGELS will release their new album, "Division Of Blood", on May 27 via NoiseArt Records. The follow-up 2014's "Divide And Conquer" features cover artwork by acclaimed artist Ed Repka (MEGADETH, DEATH, MUNICIPAL WASTE).

SUICIDAL ANGELS states: "Against the odds of the times (that we live), against gods, masters and slaves, the 'Division Of Blood' marches on and kills! Another incredible piece of art from Mr. Repka, follows our official sixth studio album. The banners of the Moshing Crew raise high and the legions are ready to unleash all the passion and the flame. Join the forces to clear the path, one is the way, no side loss just wrath!"

"Divide And Conquer" entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 82. The effort was made available in January 2014 via NoiseArt Records as a limited digipak, vinyl LP in different colors and as a digital download.

French metallers ETHS will release a new album, "Ankaa", on April 22 via Season Of Mist.

A trailer for the CD featuring footage from their recording studio can be seen below.

ETHS in 2014 released an EP, "Ex Umbra In Solem", with their 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.

The official video for "Sudden Death", a brand new song from the Los Angeles-based shred quintet HOLY GRAIL, can be streaseenmed below. The track is taken from the band's new album, "Times Of Pride And Peril", which is being released on February 12 via Prosthetic.

Recorded with Grammy Award-winning producer John Spiker (TENACIOUS D, FILTER), "Times Of Pride And Peril" encompasses the rise and fall of an empire over ten grueling tracks of classic heavy metal.

HOLY GRAIL, which recently was seen alongside the likes of KING DIAMOND, DEATH ANGEL and FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, is continuing to pulverize pavement across the U.S. with guitar hero Marty Friedman before meeting up with BLACK TUSK for a lengthy North American run throughout early April.

Featuring a blistering dual lead guitar attack and powerful vocals by James Paul Luna (praised by Decibel as "the finest metal singer of his generation"), HOLY GRAIL burst onto the scene in 2009 with its debut EP, "Improper Burial", which led Metal Hammer to call the group "one of the most promising traditionally-inclined metal bands to emerge from the U.S. in the past decade." It was quickly followed by "Crisis In Utopia", which Revolver called "a nearly flawless full-length debut that ecstatically revives undiluted, straight-up metal in all its gauntlet-clad glory" and named one of the 20 best albums of 2010.

Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, five piece metal band Blackwork are purveyors of some of the finest metal this side of the Atlantic. The band began work on their debut five-track Impasse EP in August 2015, and have today announced it will be released on March 25th.

Musically, Blackwork combine a modern metal sound with layered vocals, elements of groove, prog and more extreme metal, with the aim to be as heavy as possible without compromising memorable songwriting. You can get your first taste of Impasse in the form of “Filthist”, streaming below.

Impasse EP tracklisting:

“Alias”
“Filthist”
“Unguided”
“Rust”
“Impasse”

“Filthist”:

Formed in Summer 2014, Blackwork wasted no time, and released a three-track demo within months. Since then the band (made up of Josh Graham, Greig Cunningham, Tony Dunn, Chris Dunn and Chris Vezza) have gigged consistently, sharing the stages with artists such as Xerath, Bloodshot Dawn and Exist Immortal among others.

Blackwork are:

Josh Graham - Vocals
Greig Cunningham - Guitars
Chris Dunn - Guitars/vocals
Tony Dunn - Bass/vocals
Chris Vezza - Drums

 



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Portland-based classic heavy metallists, Spellcaster, have finished recording material for their debut release on Prosthetic Records. Due out later this year, the as-yet-untitled effort was recorded at Sharkbite Studios with Zack Ohren (Exmortus, Fallujah, Decrepit Birth).

Spellcaster bassist Gabe Franco says, "We've wrapped up the recording process for our third album and it turned out better than anyone in the band could have imagined. To say we are excited would be an understatement. These are by far the most professional and well-developed songs Spellcaster has had the pleasure of writing and tracking. We also have to give a huge thanks to Zack Ohren and Gabe Johnston, who were instrumental in helping us bring our vision to life. I am being honest when I say the completion of this album has knit the band into one unit, with high spirits and strong determination. 2016 will surely be an exciting year for Spellcaster."

Already boasting a solid and consistent touring itinerary - including past appearances alongside the likes of Night Demon, Exmortus, Gypsyhawk, Skull FIst, Sanctuary, Anvil, Satan, Hirax, Cauldron, Warbringer and Holy Grail, among others - Spellcaster will next embark on a spring tour alongside the Canadian metal act Striker. The group will also appear this October at the Frost and Fire II Festival in Ventura, CA., where they will perform alongside Cirith Ungol, Midnight, Omen and more. A full listing of the band's upcoming appearances can be found below.

Tour dates:

April
29 - Victoria, BC - Logans Pub *

May
4 - Winnipeg, MB - Windsor Hotel
5 - Minneapolis, MN - The Hexagon
6 - Hortonville, WI - Standard Projects
7 - Chicago, IL - Ragnarokkr Festival
13 - Portland, OR - Bossanova Ballroom #
14 - Boise, ID - The Shredder #
15 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Metro *
16 - Reno, NV - PB & J’s #
17 - Fullerton, CA - Slidebar #
18 - Scottsdale, AZ  - The Rogue Bar #
19 - El Paso, TX - Mesa Music Hall #
20 - San Antonio, TX - The Korova #
21 - Houston, TX - Satellite Bar #
23 - Orlando, FL - Bombshell Tavern #
24 - Atlanta, GA - 529 *
25 - Covington, KY - Backstage Cafe #
27 - Chicago, IL - Reggie’s Live #
29 - Des Moines, IA - Vaudeville Mews #
30 - Dubuque, IA - The Venue #
31 - Omaha, NE - Lookout Lounge #

June
1 - Colorado Springs, CO - Sunshine Studio Live #
2 - North Platte, NE - Sculley’s Shooters #
3 - Scottsbluff, NE - Elks Lodge #
4 - Billings, MT - The Railyard #

October
8 - Ventura, CA - Frost & Fire II

* with Striker
# with Striker, Weresquatch, Thrashole 



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BLACK STAR RIDERS frontman Ricky Warwick will release two new solo albums this month. "When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)" and the beautifully acoustic "Hearts On Trees" will be released as a double CD on February 26 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

Ricky has released the official video for the next single from the electric album: the catchy anthem "Celebrating Sinking". Check it out below.

Ricky commented on the track: "Andy Cairns from THERAPY? has been one of my closest friends for many years and we have shared some great adventures. We are also both Belfast lads. We had been planning to write a song together for years and this album was the catalyst for that. Andy sent me the title and the chorus and I built the rest of the song around. 'Celebrating Sinking' is about keeping your feet on the ground and not forgetting your roots!"

Ricky has revealed the artwork for the release, with one album — "When Patsy Cline Was Crazy…" — showcasing his electric rock and roll side. The other disc — "Hearts On Trees" — veers towards the more tender stripped-back songwriting, influenced by both Americana and, more importantly, his Northern Irish roots.

Ricky comments: "'Hearts On Trees' and 'When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)' were written by myself and my good friend Sam Robinson. Both albums depict our experiences of growing up and coming from the Greater East Belfast area, not only experiences that have happened to us but historical references and stories that have been told to us by friends and family... in saying that both albums translate those experiences on to a global scale that hopefully anyone geographically can relate to." The release boasts an array of acclaimed musicians with guests such as Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD), Damon Johnson (THIN LIZZY, BLACK STAR RIDERS), Andy Cairns (THERAPY?), Billy Morrison (BILLY IDOL), Nathan Connolly (SNOW PATROL), Ginger Wildheart, Jake Burns (STIFF LITTLE FINGERS), Richard Fortus (GUNS 'N' ROSES, THE DEAD DAISIES).

Double CD track listing:

CD1 "When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)"

01. The Road To Damascus Street02. Celebrating Sinking03. When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)04. Toffee Town05. That's Where The Story Ends06. Johnny Ringo's Last Ride07. Gold Along The Cariboo08. The Son Of The Wind09. If Your Not Gonna Leave Me (I'll Find Someone Who Will)10. Yesteryear

Bonus tracks:

11. Ghost Town Road12. The Whiskey Song13. Tank McCullough Saturdays (Electric Version)

CD2 "Hearts On Trees" 01. Presbyterian Homesick Blues02. Tank McCullough Saturdays03. Psycho04. Hearts On Trees05. Said Samson To Goliath06. Way Too Cool For Snow07. Schwaben Redoubt08. The Year of Living Dangerously09. Disasters10. 82

Bonus tracks:

11. Love Owes12. I Can See My Life (From Here)13. The Ugly Truth14. Hell Or Highwater15. Eight Bells (Demo)

Vinyl track listing:

Side A

01. The Road To Damascus Street02. Celebrating Sinking03. When Patsy Cline Was Crazy04. Toffee Town05. That's Where The Story Ends06. Johnny Ringo's Last Ride

Side B

01. Gold Along The Cariboo02. Son Of The Wind03. If You're Not Going To Leave Me…04. Yesteryear

Bonus tracks

05. Love Owes06. Eight Bells (Demo)

Side C

01. Presbyterian Homesick Blues02. Tank McCullough Saturdays03. Psycho04. Hearts On Trees05. Said Samson To Goliath06. Way Too Cold For Snow

Side D

01. Schwaben Redoubt02. The Year Of Living Dangerously03. Disasters04. 82

Bonus tracks

05. The Whiskey Song06. Tank McCullough Saturdays (Electric Version)

When the conversation changed to possibly doing some touring to support this release, Ricky was on board. But he wanted to have a full band to bring these great songs to fruition on the stage. So, he contacted some of the amazing musicians he has befriended over the years and virtually overnight THE FIGHTING HEARTS were born. Tapping his old bandmate Gary Sullivan from one of his post-ALMIGHTY bands (SIC) to play the drums was a no-brainer. Gary had recorded all the drums on the "Patsy Cline" record and is an extremely talented musician. Next up was a call to his BLACK STAR RIDERS bandmate bassist Robbie Crane. Robbie was thrilled to be a part of it. Guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite completed the lineup. Having previously played for such luminaries as THE MISSION and Peter Murphy, Mark added that special something that made the whole band gel.

To kick things off, RICKY WARWICK & THE FIGHTING HEARTS will be supporting Belfast's own favourite sons STIFF LITTLE FINGERS on their U.K. tour in February/March.

Ricky comments: "To be going on tour with STIFF LITTLE FINGERS is a dream come true for me, 'cause they're my childhood heroes, so I just can't wait to get out there."

Austrian folk metal band, Drescher, has signed a deal with Napalm Records.

Drescher are already widely known for creating something really extraordinary. A new kind of music, a new style, a new experience: Folk music in its most original way, real and honest. In-your-face lyrics recounting real life's tales with good old metal chords from the 90s. Yes, it works and it fits so well that it becomes one at this slightly prophetic and programmatic band Drescher.  Their debut album Erntezeit was the start for the huge success of this remarkable Austrian band and they now join forces with Napalm Records.

The band on the signing with Napalm: "We're super proud to have joined forces with Napalm Records. A strong partner on our side, who totally understands and supports us in every way!"
 
Drescher’s music is as natural and certain as their lyrics. Ordered by the sound of their hearts it's been that way as long as they've been boosting their sounds through amplifiers. Regardless of whom- or whatever - it finally had to be said. But where does the name come from? Crossover-metal spiked with Austrian dialect - simply: FOLKMETAL. Thrash metal from the hub of Austria - simply: DRESCH-METAL. This is Drescher.

A brand new music video for the track "Rock Me Amadeus" will be released next week. Watch a trailer below:



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Wormfood, the avantgarde and decadent metal band from Paris, France, have unveiled the cover artwork for their long-awaited new album. This brilliant piece of art is born from the collaboration of the photographer Andy Julia and the digital artist Hicham Haddaji.

L'Envers will be released on May 20th via Apathia Records, on A5 deluxe digipack CD and digital. A teaser video for the new album, created by Simon Ravet, can be seen below:

This is the first new album with the new lineup:

Emmanuel Lévy (Erdh, ex-Carnival In Coal live) - vocals, guitars, lyrics
Renaud Fauconnier (Abstrusa Unde) - guitars
Pierre Le Pape (Melted Space) - keyboards
Vincent Liard - bass
Thomas Jacquelin (Öxxö Xööx, Régiment) - drums

Paul Bento (ex-Type O Negative, ex-Carnivore, Wrench) and Axel Wusthorn (ex-Carnival In Coal, The Lovotics) make guests appearances on the record, which will also celebrate the 15th anniversary of Wormfood.

Mix and master duties for L'Envers were handled by Axel Wursthorn, at the Walnut Groove Studio.

 



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Swedish grindcore stalwarts Gadget will release The Great Destroyer, the band's first full-length in a decade, worldwide this March 4th via Relapse Records. The album track, “I Don't Need You - Dead And Gone”, can be heard below:

Though the band has largely flown under the radar in the general metal consciousness, Gavle, Sweden's Gadget has roots that trace back to 1997. The band has always included influences from every other extreme genre that they've been fond of, like doom, sludge, hardcore punk, death metal, black metal and more, never letting genre boundaries stand in the way of their path of destruction. At the time of the band's formation, Gadget existed as the grinding alter-ego of a metalcore band whose members, including founder William Blackmon, simply switched instruments. Rikard Olsson and William teamed up in the winter of 1999/2000, and wrote the first Gadget demo as a duo. The band then joined forces with Emil Englund to record a second demo, which was strong enough to grab the attention of Relapse Records, who signed the band for the release of their debut full-length Remote (2004), now featuring Fredrik Nygren. Remote was extensively well-received, as was its 2006 follow-up The Funeral March. After touring Europe twice and performing at dozens of festivals worldwide, including at Maryland Deathfest and Auditory Assault in the US, Gadget has proven itself to be a relentless grindcore force live as well as on record.

A blistering high-speed assault of relentless grind, Gadget's new album The Great Destroyer is a cohesive exercise in extremity that blends hints of doom, sludge and death metal with unadulterated, old-school grindcore. The result is an album that is as memorable and infectious as it is pummeling and explosive. With The Great Destroyer, Gadget has released their most accomplished material to date.

The Great Destroyer will see release on CD, LP and Digital formats. Physical pre-orders are available now via Relapse here; digital pre-orders can be found at Gadget's Bandcamp page here.

The Great Destroyer tracklisting:

“Enemies Of Reason”
“Känslan”
“Pillars Of Filth”
“Choice Of A Lost Generation”
“From Graduation To Devastation”
“Dedication”
“Violent Hours (For A Veiled Awakening)”
“The 02666 Heritage”
“The Great Destroyer”
“Down And Out”
“In The Name Of Suffering”
“Lost On A Straight Path”
“Forsaken”
“Collapse”
“Lack Of Humanity”
“Svart Hål”
“I Don't Need You - Dead And Gone”
 
“The Great Destroyer”:

“Violent Hours (For A Veiled Awakening)”:

Gadget lineup:

William Blackmon - Guitar, Drums, Vocals
Rikard Olsson - Guitar
Emil Englund - Vocals
Fredrik Nygren - Bass

(Photo - Erik Larsson)

 



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German thrash metal veterans DESTRUCTION will release their new album, "Under Attack", on May 13 via Nuclear Blast. The cover artwork for the CD was created by acclaimed artist Gyula from Hungary, who has previously worked with ANNIHLATOR, GRAVE DIGGER, STRATOVARIUS and TANKARD, among others.

Comments DESTRUCTION frontman Schmier: "I had the vision of the exploding earth with the DESTRUCTION skull as continents before we even had the title.

"Never has the earth and every individual been so under attack: whether it’s environmental issues, wars or politics and media madness, we just destroy everything that we love!

"The cover brings together the classical concepts of the band’s history and fits in well with the discography… but, unfortunately, it also represents the current state of the world today!"

DESTRUCTION started recording "Under Attack" after the summer festivals last year and has been tracking segments in various studios between September 2015 and January 2016. So far they have completed the drum recordings with Martin Buchwalter at Gernhart Studios in Germany, and have done some other basic recordings, mixing and mastering with VO Pulver at Little Creek Studios in Switzerland.

Schmier stated about the making of "Under Attack": "We really took our time for this album. After the summer festivals, we went into the studio every couple of weeks to record brand new songs and ideas in between all the touring activities. We took several studio sessions instead of one long one, to keep the ideas fresh and have time later before the mix to change bits and pieces that we did not like. Maybe this was the most effective writing we did in the last years! Due the fact we had more time in between the albums, there was a lot of musical output and creativity, but also less pressure. From my point of view, you can definitely hear the crispiness in the songwriting and the kick-ass attitude we brought from the shows into the studio. The 'on tour into the studio on tour mode' was so effective that I wanna keep this method for the future!"

He adds: "How does the new record sound? For sure not like a band that is in its 33 years of existence: Efficient aggression: FAST — CATCHY — ORIGINAL!" DESTRUCTION's 30th-anniversary album, "Spiritual Genocide", was released on November 23, 2012 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Lifeforce Records announce the signing London-based progressive metal/hardcore act, When Our Time Comes, to the label’s roster. Their self-titled debut album is set to be released on April 15th in Europe and May 6th in North America

“Impending” is the first single taken from the new album. A video for the song can be seen below:

When it comes to music, catchiness and claim are not mutually exclusive. First you take notice of the beautiful, accessible dimension. Then you discover the given substance of the songwriting, and the discerning approach of the songs. What sounds nice and playful, has more to offer than it seems initially. Welcome to the debut album of When Our Time Comes.

More When Our Time Comes album details to follow.

 



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NoiseArt Records has announced the signing of the German epic death metal newcomers, Kambrium. With only two releases, Shadowpath (2011) and Dark Reveries (2013), Kambrium have already become one of the most talked about bands in the underground. Their unique blend of melodic death metal with a symphonic elements have quickly made them a favorite with fans and critics alike.

The band states: "We are happy to announce that we will be now working with NoiseArt Records and we are positive that this cooperation will be prosperous! As a band we feel that it is important for us to have contact to representatives of our label and with NoiseArts Records we have people who are there for us around the clock. New possibilities will open up thanks to our new contract and as a result we believe that we can offer our fans a greater experience with Kambrium."

The third Kambrium studio album is entitled The Elders' Realm, and is planned for a late summer release via NoiseArt Records. The atmospheric artwork for The Elders' Realm was created by Colombian artist Felipe Machado, who is already known for his work with great bands such as Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire, Xandria.

Stay tuned for more information.



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Swedish adventure metallers TWILIGHT FORCE have inked a deal with Nuclear Blast.

The foundation for what is now TWILIGHT FORCE was laid out in 2011, with a quest to bring back the golden age of epic symphonic power metal. By combining strong melodies with orchestral arrangements and fast tempos, TWILIGHT FORCE wanted to create an intense and memorable listening experience; immersing the audience in a magic universe filled with wonder, heroic tales and mesmerizing mythical worlds. Using their vast experience from previous musical endeavors, their classical training and technical proficiency, they started working intensely and meticulously in their studio in the heart of Sweden, the Twilight Forge. The music took shape and grew from the depths of their hearts, and the basis of the songs swiftly came into existence. Hence, the first ever adventure metal album — "Tales Of Ancient Prophecies" — saw the light of day in 2014. In the wake of their successful first release, and two glorious tours across Europe with SONATA ARCTICA and GLORYHAMMER, TWILIGHT FORCE have returned to the Forge to craft their second opus. The conquest has merely begun...

The band commented: "Sound the Horns of Triumph! It is with great exuberance that we can finally reveal that a legendary Scroll of Allegiance has been sealed. TWILIGHT FORCE have entered into a pact with Nuclear Blast, and will henceforth stand proudly alongside venerable acts such as NIGHTWISH, SONATA ARCTICA, SABATON and BLIND GUARDIAN. This wondrous covenant will unlock magic portals to kingdoms unknown, and help us guide humans and kindred spirits alike into our mystical glorious realm. So, now is the time to rejoice! The Knights of Twilight's Might shall rise!"

The band continued: "We are currently working fervently and meticulously in the studio, the Twilight Forge, to complete the second opus of TWILIGHT FORCE. We aim to create something that will take power metal to new heights — it will be a milestone for us and hopefully for the genre, and far exceed our debut album in both length and sound quality. Expect a fast-paced adventurous and bright listening experience, both through tonality, storytelling and even sound design. It will be a sparkling magical adventure filled with lore, virtuosity, memorable melodies and majestic soundscapes previously unheard of in the genre. We are working to transcend our own sound from the first album, and develop it into something new and fresh, but still keep the essence of power metal intact. The currently untitled adventure metal album is scheduled for a September 2016 release on Nuclear Blast Records."

Nuclear Blast's Head of Promotion and A&R Markus Wosgien commented on the signing: "It was love at first sight. Their debut album rotated endlessly and after I had the chance to convince myself from their live qualities on tour, the mission was sealed. Their symphonic, like an arrow and hyper-melodic power metal may polarize, but TWILIGHT FORCE make matters satisfying, honestly and with loads of lifeblood. Everyone who likes the early RHAPSODY records, who appreciates STRATOVARIUS's classics and who counts DRAGONFORCE as one of his favorites, will be enthusiastic about TWILIGHT FORCE for sure. The point, that the band consist of really smart guys in addition, made it very easy for all of us to find common ground and to develop a clear vision. We're looking forward to a fertile cooperation and their upcoming album, its demos suggest something big."

Finnish melodic metallers SONATA ARCTICA have commenced work on the follow-up to their "Pariah's Child" album. Like its predecessor, the as-yet-untitled ninth studio effort will be recorded at Studio 57 for a late 2016 release via Nuclear Blast.

Regarding the musical direction of the new album, SONATA ARCTICA keyboard player Henrik "Henkka" Klingenberg said: "It's really too early to say how it will turn out. Having said that, I expect the usual SONATA ARCTICA trademarks to be found on it. We will, however, get this album done in time for a fall release and we'll tell you all more as things progress..."

He added: "At the moment we're taking a break from the recording of our ninth studio album and heading out with NIGHTWISH for a couple of months in North America. When we get back, we're more or less going straight into the studio to continue working on the album."

SONATA ARCTICA's U.S. tour with NIGHTWISH will kick off on February 19 in Sayreville, New Jersey and end in New York City on April 3.

To promote the upcoming album, SONATA ARCTICA will hit the road again in October, supported by Swedish metallers TWILIGHT FORCE.

Says SONATA ARCTICA: "We're all really looking forward to finishing our new studio album and taking the songs on the road. This time we'll start in Europe before heading on to the rest of the world. As always, you can expect an energetic show with new stuff as well as some old favorites."

As high as The Answer have soared in their decade together, the band is reflecting on their roots with a special 10th anniversary release of their debut, Rise, scheduled for release in June. Rise: 10th Anniversary Edition comes on 2-CD hardback digipak or 180g vinyl along with a special 12" hardback book marking this milestone in The Answer’s career. The album features never before heard 2004 demos, rare acoustic versions and exclusive mixes of tracks that never made the original album, all presented alongside revised artwork, brand new merchandise, and special bundles that you can check out at their PledgeMusic store.

Lead singer and frontman Cormac Neeson said, “This album will forever hold a special place in our hearts. As with most of the music we release, we approached the 10th Anniversary of Rise from a music fans perspective. We spent weeks sifting through our old demos and photos from that period in our lives and found some stuff I’d forgotten even existed! We also went back into the studio to freshen up a new version of 'Under The Sky' and of course there’s a never before released vinyl format of this record which I’m personally looking forward to annoying the neighbours with when I get back home to Belfast!”

The release also includes an exclusive Rise poster, t-shirt and personally signed band autographed copies of all formats. The artwork has been revised by original designer Paul Chessell and developed to include lots of old photos, liner notes and period memories penned by each member of the band. The tracklisting includes the original album re-mastered, ten demos from 2004, three exclusive mixes of tracks from 200, five rare acoustic versions plus a brand new mix of "Under The Sky".

Rise gave the band, who hail from Northern Ireland, a hit not only in The UK but in other key international territories, notably Japan. The 2006 album set them on their way to not only performing shows with the likes of AC/DC, Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Rolling Stones and Paul Rodgers but also headlining shows across the world. Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, who has attended several concerts, also gave them his seal of approval.



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Detroit-based musical misfits, Child Bite, will unveil their brand new full-length, Negative Noise, on April 1st via Phil Anselmo's label Housecore Records.

Having released three full-lengths, as well as a gaggle of EPs and singles since their formation in late 2005, the prolific collective is now well into their second phase of bandhood. What began as a thoughtful-yet-spazzy art rock band in a Detroit suburb has now fully mutated into an aggressive, dissonant blend of all things punk, hardcore, sludge, surf, prog rock, noise rock and metal; a truly unique voice in a sea of copycats.

Negative Noise is a 47-minute throbbing ball of energy filled with furious jabs and paranoia-fueled explosions. Produced by Philip H. Anselmo and featuring artwork by vocalist Shawn Knight, Negative Noise is a fully-realized vision, inside and out. Child Bite have succeeded in creating a singular expression, therefore carving out their own place in the current musical landscape. They are perfectly comfortable not fitting in... and are beginning to realize that they never had a choice. Negative Noise is where the Venn diagram of Black Flag, Voivod and The Jesus Lizard truly overlaps.

Tracklisting:
"Death Before Dementia"                                               
"Paralytic Phantasm"                                               
"Euphoria Saturation Point"                                               
"Born A Hog"                                               
"Video Blood"                                               
"Apex Of Anxiety"                                               
"Vermin Mentality"                                               
"Beyond The Dirt"                                               
"The Great Ego Flood"                                               
"Into The Disease"                                               
"Feed Me Septic Dreams"                                               
"Heretic Generation"

In related Child Bite news, the band will take to the streets again for another round of onstage pandemonium. The live chaos will commence tonight, February 11th in Saginaw, Michigan and trample through eleven cities, the trek coming to a close on February 21st again in their home state in Grand Rapids. The band will be joined by Against The Grain for the first three dates before uniting with hardcore punk legends, Poison Idea, for the remaining run. Additionally, Child Bite will appear at the third annual Berserker Music Fest in Detroit this March. Check out the Berserker sampler, which includes the track "Vermin Mentality" from Child Bite's Negative Noise at this location.

Child Bite live:

February
11 - Counter Culture - Saginaw, MI
12 - Buzzbin Art & Music - Canton, OH
13 - The Smiling Moose - Pittsburgh, PA
14 - Acheron - Brooklyn, NY
15 - Amityville Music Hall - Amityville, NY
16 - Cherry Street Station - Wallingford, CT
17 - Once - Somerville, MA
18 - Fuzebo - Albany, NY
19 - Bar Le Ritz PDB - Montreal, QC
20 - Hard Luck - Toronto, ON
21 - Pyramid Scheme - Grand Rapids, MI

 



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UK-based black metal heathens Cradle Of Filth are currently on the road in North America in support of their latest album, Hammer Of The Witches. Keyboardist / backing vocalist Lindsay Schoolcraft has checked in with the following update

"Hello Schoolcraftians. Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I have fallen ill the past while, but am on the way to recovery. It's never a fun thing to have happen on the road, but I'm a survivor.

The shows in America have been so welcoming and fulfilling. Thank you to everyone who has made it out to our first handful of performances. Very memorable and such a pleasure to share the stage with our friends in Ne Obliviscaris and Butcher Babies. 

More updates coming soon."

Check out fan-filmed video of the band's complete Orlando show on February 2nd below.

You can still catch Cradle Of Filth  live at the dates posted below:

February
12 - San Antonio, TX - The Aztec Theater
14 - Eaglewood, CO - Gothic Theater
15 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex
17 - Los Angeles, CA - Avalon
18 - San Diego, CA - House Of Blues
20 - Sacramento, CA - Ace Of Spades
21 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
23 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox
29 - Ringle, WI - Q and Z Expo Center

March
1 - Chicago, IL - House Of Blues
2 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogart’s
3 - Cleveland, OH - House Of Blues
5 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrew’s Hall
6 - Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theater
7 - Montreal, QC - Corona Theater
8 - New York, NY - Webster Hall

Tour trailer:

Cradle Of Filth have released a music video for the track "Blackest Magick In Practice" (streaming below). The clip was directed by Sam Scott-Hunter and the song is taken from the groups latest tome of horror and romance, Hammer Of The Witches.

Comments the director: "There’s dark madness in this video. “Blackest Magick In Practice” is a deeply tragic tale of lost love. It’s the grief stricken insanity of trying to bring back that loved one from the dead; desperately trying to hold onto that person who’s gone, even if that leads down a dark and gruesome path. I don’t want to give it all away, but I will say that the hardest part of the production was getting hold of a human ear.

"I wanted to convey the power of the band too, in amongst the romance, madness and magick. Behind the imagery of the lyrics is a great and powerful metal band of amazing musicians, and I hope people can feel the intensity of the band when they watch this. It is intense viewing. There should be a bit of madness in the video, because there’s madness in this song."

Cradle Of Filth's latest album, Hammer Of The Witches, was brought to fruition in Britain's Witch County, in darkest rural Suffolk at the reputedly haunted Grindstone Studios. The album's title is named after the Malleus Maleficarum, a medieval document of guidelines regarding the persecution and torture of witches - but Cradle Of Filth’s title version is more retributory: It's the Hammer Of The Witches; the hammer is in the witches' hands and it's payback time.

Unquestionably one of the greatest and most influential British metal bands of all time, Cradle Of Filth have cast a commanding and macabre shadow across the metal scene for nearly a quarter of a century. Armed with their trademark, cross-pollinated assault that taps into myriad strands of sonic extremity and morbid opulence they have steadily conquered the entire world, unleashing a malevolent slew of classic albums along the way. From the raw and rambunctious savagery of their 1994 debut The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh to the wickedly monstrous, technicolor bombast of 2012's The Manticore & Other Horrors, the Cradle ethos and aesthetic has had a huge impact on the evolution of metal, the band's insatiable appetite for performing live and frontman Dani Filth's unerring charisma and sense of occasion ensuring that they have established a powerful and enduring connection with Hell-bound acolytes everywhere.



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Florida-based death metallers CANNIBAL CORPSE are going back in time to commemorate some classic titles: "Butchered At Birth", "Eaten Back To Life", "The Bleeding", "Vile" and "Tomb Of The Mutilated". As part of the Metal Blade Classics series, these albums are now available on vinyl in limited quantities at: metalblade.com/cannibalcorpse. An exclusive poster is also included with each LP.

Starting tomorrow, CANNIBAL CORPSE will pillage its way through North America with fellow Floridian death metal progenitors OBITUARY as direct support. The over month-long trek, presented by The Noise, will run from February 12 through March 20. Additional support will be provided by CRYPTOPSY and ABYSMAL DAWN.

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

Polish prog masters Riverside have released a lyric video for “Time Travellers” (see below), from their new studio album, Love, Fear And The Time Machine. The band's sixth studio album is now available via InsideOut Music.

The new album features cover artwork by longtime design-partner Travis Smith / Seempieces (Katatonia, Opeth) and contains the following tracklisting.

Love, Fear And The Time Machine tracklisting:

“Lost (Why Should I Be Frightened By A Hat?)”
“Under The Pillow”
“#Addicted”
“Caterpillar And The Barbed Wire”
“Saturate Me”
“Afloat”
“Discard Your Fear”
“Towards The Blue Horizon”
“Time Travellers”
“Found (The Unexpected Flaw Of Searching)”

“Time Travellers” lyric video:

“Found (The Unexpected Flaw Of Searching)” video:

“Discard Your Fear” lyric video:

 



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Edged Circle Productions has set April 22nd as the international release date for Magick Touch's debut album, Electrick Sorcery.

Like the best things in life (and especially music), everything's in the name: Magick Touch ignite the intrinsic, elemental fire of classic hard rock with an elan that's almost bewitching and is most certainly not of this world. Across the none-more aptly titled Eletrick Sorcery, Magick Touch explore the mystery and magic of the hard rock riff, a cosmic entity that has amused and frightened mankind for ages.

By utilizing the unholy trinity of electric guitar, thunderous bass, and explosive drums, the band seeks to evoke and further enhance the elements that human kind in a casual manner refers to as hard rock. Whereas paying great respect to the groundbreaking and inspirational work of ancient sorcerers like Lynott, The Youngs & Scott, Blackmore, Coverdale, Stanley, Frehley, Simmons, and young master Hudson, Magick Touch do not shy away from adding contemporary (magic) touches to the traditions of the Elders.

Proud to be in the service of the greater universal powers, there is still hard rock to be revealed – believe the true wonders to come, but behold Electrick Sorcery in all its majesty. "Trouble & Luck" from the album is streaming below.

Electrick Sorcery tracklisting:

“Love Rocket”
“Underwater Prison”
“Trouble & Luck”
“Joker vs Ace”
“Wildfire”
“Reprise”
“Dead Man In Chicago”
“Out Of Reality”
“Swansong”
“Loose Cannon”

“Trouble & Luck”:

 



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Quorthon is dead, but the spirit of early Bathory still lives in the heart of Hades, the only member of Brazilian black metal one-man band, Goat Worship, who have recently inked a deal with Xtreem Music for the release of his debut album.

With only one EP entitled Doomsday released in spring 2015, Goat Worship has already acquired a notorious status within the black metal scene showing that he’s one of the strongest heirs to the legacy of Bathory with his raw, primitive and savage style that perfectly transmits the feeling of the early works of Quorthon. From a one-man band to another one-man band, the circle is closed and Goat Worship is here to keep the 13 candles burning to praise the return of darkness and evil.

Hades is currently working on new songs for Goat Worship's debut album, tentatively entitled Blood And Steel, and planned for a recording during summer 2016. The band uses session members for its live performances, but still Hades remains as the only steady member.

We'll keep you informed as soon as we have something to offer regarding this debut album later this year. In the meantime you can listen to the entire Doomsday EP below:

GOAT WORSHIP "Doomsday" by ANTI-POSER 001

 



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Tomorrow, February 12th, Spinefarm Records/UMG will be releasing newly remastered versions of Monster Magnet's classic A&M albums Superjudge, Dopes To Infinity, Powertrip and God Says No, with loads of bonus audio and new liner notes written in conjunction with Dave Wyndorf.

Each album will be released on 2LP and 2CD – with at least one LP side of bonus material, and the second CD of each set containing only bonus content. Check out a new video trailer below:

Monster Magnet will return to the UK in March for an exclusive one-off show in London for a live celebration of their decade on A&M records. Their only UK show of 2016 will take place at the O2 Forum Kentish Town on Saturday, March 19th.
 
Home to hugely successful acts such as Soundgarden, Extreme, The Police, Bryan Adams, Sheryl Crow and many many more, A&M released four albums from Monster Magnet between 1993 – 2003, including their commercial breakthrough Powertrip, which was at the time album of the year in several metal magazines.

 
Dave Wyndorf and his band of Spacelord Mofos will treat Monster Magnet fans to a plethora of hits such as “Twin Earth” from the Superjudge album, “Negasonic Teenage Warhead” and “Dopes To Infinity” from the album of the same name, “Space Lord”, “Crop Circle” and the title track from Powertrip, and “Melt” and “Heads Explode” from God Says No to name a few.

Says Wyndorf: "Hey hey! We're happy to be touring the A&M albums and hope to get into some deep cuts as well as the more obvious crowd pleasers. A lot of these songs have never been performed live and that makes it exciting for us and hopefully you too! Rock on!”

Raging Speedhorn are set to appear on a split EP with Monster Magnet as part of the bands’ appearance at the British Desertfest. The Desertfest sponsored 7” split will be released by H42 Records on April 29th, the first date of the festival, with a limited vinyl pressing of 300.

Tracklisting:

Side A:
Raging Speedhorn - “Halfway To Hell”

Side A:
Monster Magnet - “Hallucination Bomb”



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On February 26th, Napalm Records will release the new Greenleaf album, Rise Above The Meadow. A full album audio preview can be found below.

"We feel real good about the album, it's a mix of the best stuff Greenleaf have to offer," says the label. "Imagine an epic bulldozer crushing through a beautiful field of daisies. That's kind of how it sounds."

Greenleaf are known for interweaving playfully progressive parts that melt into thunderous riffing, while taking their classic stoner foundation onto weird and wonderful new journeys. Rise Above The Meadow pre-orders can be placed here; check out the cover art and tracklisting.

 

 

"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:



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Milan, Italy-based rock/metal band, Mellowtoy, has released the music video for their track "Dead Colours”, from their album Lies, which is available on iTunes now. The animated video was written and directed by The Jack Stupid and features a silent creature attempting to bend the laws of nature to feel less lonely.

 

 

"Dead Colours" starts from Alan Moore's world and, in particular, from the Watchmen character Dr. Manhattan, an immortal creature that lives in a world that's still subordinated to cruel natural laws. The protagonist knows that sooner or later, everyone and everything he loves will fade away just in front of his eyes. His fear of lonliness and all his pain for abandon make him interact with world's natural cycle. He slows down the time flowing to have more time to share with his beloved.

At the beginning this could seem a good solution but the plan reveals a huge fail and forces the creature to restore the natural cycle without a possibility to escape from his pain. Considerations above pain, fear and loneliness seem to be the first and more expected reading of this video, there is also a biographical reference to Mellowtoy's story and the latest leaving of Matt Massa, the historic singer of the band.

This video represents a deep reflection on changes and the future. It talks about the difficulty and the responsibility to make choices on which depend other people's life. It's not a coincidence the fact that the two main character of Dead Colours has a father/son relationship where father's behaviour reflects on son's way. Furthermore this video talks about the fear to compromise humans reletionship with wrong behaviour. The video itself stops on a non-concluded attempt to repair all these mistake, keeping an open final view and giving the audience the possibility to choose its own end to this story.



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Legendary producer Rick Rubin spoke to Rolling Stone magazine about his work on METALLICA's last studio album, 2008's "Death Magnetic", considered by many a return to the band's thrash metal roots. Rubin said: "They had made that movie, 'Some Kind Of Monster', which I thought was really bold of them to make, because it showed them lost.

"The main goal of our work together was to get them to re-embrace being METALLICA, feeling okay to be a heavy metal band. In some ways, they had already done that, but before that, they had tried to reinvent themselves in different ways.

"I tried to get them to re-engage with everything everybody fell in love with, with METALLICA, in the first place. I got them to listen to the music that they were listening to at the time that they made 'Master Of Puppets', those influences. I asked them to live with those influences and spend more time playing together as a band.'

He continued: "They'd fallen into a trap of using the studio more as an instrument and punching in parts to get the perfection they were looking for than they were getting through raw performance power. It was about getting them to not try ideas by editing them together with a machine, but to try playing them in different orders to see what they felt like. And they really ended up getting back to being a band.

"Anytime Lars [Ulrich, METALLICA drummer] would want to sit at the computer and try and write, I would insist that he and the band would all play together. [Laughs] Some of it was just a habit for them. It's easy to try a lot of ideas if you don't have to play them. But if you're playing one part and it's going to go into the next part, you might play the first part or the second part slightly differently, and the way that they bleed into each other or oppose each other can happen in a way that's musical. You can hear that here. That doesn't happen when you randomly click pieces together."

Rubin went on to say: "The other writing experiment I challenged them with was, 'Imagine there was no such band as METALLICA. Imagine you guys are in the band that you are in, this band, and you're going to play in a 'Battle Of The Bands.' You want to blow people away. What does that sound like? Without the baggage of thinking it needs to be any certain thing, what is the thing that you feel like will tear the heads off of the audience?" It really worked out good. I love that whole 'Death Magnetic' album.

"Death Magnetic" was officially certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on June 28, 2010 for shipments in the United States in excess of two million copies.

Ulrich told The Pulse of Radio in an October 2008 interview that he didn't understand the controversy that had broken out over the audio quality of "Death Magnetic" shortly after the LP's release. Some fans and publications had accused the group and Rick Rubin of mixing the album at such a loud volume that the music is distorted and difficult to listen to. But Ulrich said that he's more than happy with the way it turned out. "I listen to this record, and I listen to it every couple of days," he said. "And when I hear it, it puts a smile on my face and it blows me away, and I don't understand what people are talking about. Somebody told me the other day that there were 12,000 people that had signed a petition to remix the record. We've sold two and a half million copies [worldwide] of 'Death Magnetic'. You do the math yourself."

A number of fans said online that they prefer the versions of the CD's tracks prepared for the Guitar Hero video game, which are mixed differently.

Ted Jensen, the engineer who mastered the album at Sterling Sound in New York, responded to fan complaints that the CD is too loud and the audio is pushed to distortion levels by writing, "I'm certainly sympathetic to your reaction, I get to slam my head against that brick wall every day. In this case the mixes were already brick-walled before they arrived at my place. Suffice to say I would never be pushed to overdrive things as far as they are here. Believe me, I'm not proud to be associated with this one, and we can only hope that some good will come from this in some form of backlash against volume above all else."

Mastering is the process of preparing and transferring recorded audio from a source containing the final mix to a data storage device, the "master," from which all copies will be produced.

Blame for the sound quality has been laid at the feet of the band itself, Rick Rubin and his recording engineer, Greg Fidelman.

Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley will release "Origins Vol. 1", a collection of twelve newly recorded classics from Ace's formative years featuring some of the biggest names in rock and roll, on April 15. Most notably, KISS frontman Paul Stanley joins Ace on FREE's hit "Fire And Water". This collaboration marks the first time that Ace and Paul appear on the same studio recording since KISS's 1998 reunion album "Psycho Circus".

Ace spoke with Rolling Stone about the new record, his guest players and recording with Paul after all these years. Regarding his reunion with Stanley, Frehley shrugged off any residual tension between the two of them. "We've always been friends," he told Rolling Stone. "The press seems to amplify negativity. I guess it makes good copy."

Frehley also commented on Stanley's appearance on "Fire And Water". "I thought Paul did a fabulous vocal on it," he said. "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, you 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 who's heard it just thinks it's the shit."

Today Rolling Stone debuts "White Room", the classic hit originally performed by CREAM. Other guests are none other than Slash trading leads on THIN LIZZY's classic "Emerald", Lita Ford singing and playing lead on THE TROGGS staple "Wild Thing", ROB ZOMBIE guitarist John 5 playing guitar alongside Ace as he sings his classic KISS composition "Parasite" for the very first time, as well as Jimi Hendrix's "Spanish Castle Magic", and PEARL JAM's Mike McCready also plays guitar with Ace as he finally sings his KISS "Alive!" mainstay "Cold Gin". "White Room" is also an iTunes instant gratification track, meaning fans who pre order the LP on iTunes will receive the CREAM cover song instantly.

Ace will be as active as ever on the road in 2016, having just announced three weeks' worth of tour dates in the U.S., including two nights at the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City. Ace will be joined on the road by Richie Scarlet (rhythm, guitar and vocal duties), Chris Wyse (THE CULT) on bass and vocals, Scott Coogan (BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION) on drums.

"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)

After weeks of bad-mouthing each other in the press, the four original members of KISS were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April 2014 by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello, with all four — Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss — delivering warm, nostalgic and even sweet-natured speeches that put aside the simmering tensions for at least 12 minutes.

KISS did not perform — the Hall Of Fame wanted the original quartet only to play, while Simmons and Stanley insisted on the current lineup — which also includes guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer — performing as well. In the end nobody won that battle.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS bassist Robert DeLeo and guitarist Dean DeLeo defended their use of the band's name during an interview on Tuesday (February 9) with St. Louis radio station KPNT. Responding to a fan who called in and suggested that the band should change its name in the wake of Scott Weiland's death, Robert said: "There were three-quarters of us that were responsible with Scott, making STONE TEMPLE PILOTS. For instance, you have a company like Coca Cola, and you have someone running Coca Cola. If they're not there anymore, do you change the name of Coca Cola?"

Robert added: "It's easy for someone to say that, and get on their computer, and write that in, but if you're in that position in life, that's the last thing I want to do right now." He explained that it might be easier to change the name if the band were in their 20s and it was relatively early in their career, but that he now "can't afford to do it."

Dean DeLeo weighed in, saying: "It's interesting, because there's people that say, 'That was Scott's band.' Well I'm going to tell you something, if this was Scott's band, it would have been run into the ground by 1998. It would have been over."

Another caller told them they have the right to keep the name, since it's three of the four original members still performing STONE TEMPLE PILOTS songs.

Weiland was actually dismissed from STP in 2013 after reuniting with the group in 2010. At the time, he was replaced by LINKIN PARK's Chester Bennington, although some fans called for the name to be changed then.

Robert DeLeo told The Pulse Of Radio not long ago that keeping STP going after changing singers was never in question. "From the beginning, it wasn't 'Hey, let's together and write a song' or 'Hey, let's get together and do this show,'" he said. "It was 'Hey, let's get together and continue STONE TEMPLE PILOTS with a lot of integrity.' That's really what the intent was. It's something that Eric [Kretz, drummer] and Dean and myself have worked at for a long time, and we've been trying to hold up the whole integrity of this band for a long time."

Photo credit: Ryan Williams

ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian has commented further on last month's incident when ex-PANTERA singer Philip Anselmo said "white power" and made the Nazi salute on stage. Anselmo later claimed he was referring to drinking white wine as part of an "inside joke" but has since released a video message, saying that he "deserves completely" the "heat" that he has been getting over his actions and claiming to be "a thousand percent apologetic to anyone that took offense to what [he] said."

In a message posted to Ian's personal web site in the days following the incident, the guitarist suggested Anselmo show how sincere he is by making a donation to Jewish human rights organization the Simon Wiesenthal Center. He also wrote: "Philip's actions were vile and that should be the focus here; anything else is just noise."

Asked by Australia's Sticks For Stones in a brand new interview if he thinks Anselmo should be forgiven for his actions, Ian responded (hear audio below): "Yeah. If he proves that he deserves to be, yeah. Just asking to be forgiven doesn't mean you should be forgiven. And I've had a running dialogue with Phil since this happened. It's not like I just posted something online without actually speaking to my friend. I've been having a dialogue back and forth with him. 'Cause if I didn't care, I wouldn't have contacted him at all. But I cared. Phil, I've known the dude almost thirty years. He's like a brother; he's family. And when someone in your family has a problem, you discuss it and you try and find a solution."

He continued: "My attitude towards the whole thing was, to me, silence is complicity. If you don't say something about something like this, then you're condoning it, and I can't condone that in any way, shape or form. It's not okay in any world, let alone the metal world, to do these kind of things in any type of context, because words are too powerful, especially Phil Anselmo's words, because there's too many impressionable people out there who listen to every fucking thing that dude says. So, you know, bottom line is he needs to prove that he should be forgiven, and the only thing that will prove that is his actions. And I am, of course, willing to give him the opportunity to prove that, because, like I said, he's like my brother. So I didn't write him off. I talked to him about it, and I have every hope inside of my heart that he will prove to the world that he is not this person."

Ian went on to reiterate the fact that he wants to see Anselmo learn from the incident and realize the error of his ways.

"The fact is he made his mistake in front of the world," Scott said. "You just need to be smarter than that — bottom line, you know. I mean, words have power, and that's what people need to understand. Not everybody understands your context. Not everybody sees everything you're gonna say about it. Some people will only see what you did and think that's okay. And that's the truth, because in the aftermath of the whole thing, and after I posted what I posted, I couldn't believe some of the ignorance coming back my way. Possibly the stupidest thing that I saw was someone saying to me, 'Well, why would you want him to donate money to the Simon Wiesenthal Center? That's a Jewish thing.' Sorry, to quote, 'That's a Jew thing, and 'white power' has nothing to do with Jews.' So that just shows you the ignorance out there. So, you know, people need to be educated. That's the bottom line here. People just really need to fucking learn a little bit, and I hope good will come out of this in some way, shape or form. Because it can't be accepted anywhere — not just the metal community, but anywhere in the world, it's unacceptable."

The Simon Wiesenthal Center operates Museums of Tolerance across the world and, according to its mission statement, "confronts anti-Semitism, hate and terrorism, promotes human rights and dignity, stands with Israel, defends the safety of Jews worldwide, and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust for future generations."

Several other notable musicians have come out and criticized Anselmo for his actions, including MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn, who uploaded an eleven-minute video response to the incident in which he called Anselmo a "big bully" and described Philip's behavior as "fucking wrong."

Italian heavy rockers LACUNA COIL will tentatively release their new album, "Delirium", in May via Century Media. The CD was recorded in part at BRX Studio in Milan. The effort is being produced by LACUNA COIL bassist and main songwriter Marco "Maki" Coti-Zelati, with engineering by Marco Barusso and additional assistance from Dario Valentini.

Speaking to Revolver magazine, LACUNA COIL vocalist Cristina 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."

Scabbia is featured on the cover of Revolver magazine's "Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock" issue, which is on stands everywhere now. This marks a record third time she has graced the cover of rock's loudest magazine.

Said Cristina: "The photoshoot for the new Revolver cover was one of the coolest I've ever done, not only because it was inspired by 'Suspiria' (an Italian horror movie directed by the horror master Dario Argento), but also because the whole working team were been simply incredible. From Jimmy Hubbard (the photographer), who built up a panel that resembles the colored glass windows you see in the movie itself (and made me feel so comfortable during the whole working day) to the beautiful make-up artist and the stylists."

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

As previously reported, LACUNA COIL has 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 this past weekend's 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise.

Said Scabbia: "[Daniel] came on the cruise to play with us, but he is not the new member of LACUNA COIL (still part of the family, though!)."

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.